Historically, the Indian subcontinent is popular for its civilization. That is why old temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, and other religious structures representing Buddhism and Jainism can be found in the subcontinent. Here, I present a case of an old temple I visited at the end of February 2024. It is pertinent to mention that I visited the Thanjavur and Thiruvarur districts of Tamil Nadu in connection with academic activities. At that time, I had the opportunity to visit Arulmighu Kailasa Natha Swami Temple, Thingalur, Thanjavur District. Since the temple is less known to Indians, I wish to mention a few points. The information was collected from Wikipedia and a leaflet that a member of the Temple Committee gave me. Since I have visited Tamil Nadu on many occasions, I have observed the people are friendly, courteous towards guests, soft-spoken, and hospitable, like Indians of other states. Further, peace prevails everywhere in Tamil Nadu.
The Arulmighu Kailasanatha Swami temple (also called Chandiranaar temple/ Kailasanathar temple/ Thingalur temple) is a temple located at Thingalur village, 33 kilometers from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Thiruvaiyaru road. The presiding deity is Moon/Chandra; however, the main deity is Kailasanatha or Shiva. The temple is considered one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Notably, Thingalur is the birthplace of Appoodi Adikal also known as Apputhi Adigal,, one of the 63 Nayanmars of Bhagawan Shiva, and an ardent devotee of saint Thirunavukkarasar. It is believed that a merchant, Appoodi Adikal, a nayanar of the village of Thingalur, lived and was a devotee of Shiva. He had many establishments in the village named after Appar, also known as Thirunavukkarasar. One day, Thirunavukkarasar arrived at Thingalur and was surprised to see many establishments in his name. Apoodi Adikal was delighted to meet the great saint and decided to organize a grand feast. He sent his son to pick up plantain leaves from the nearby areas, but a poisonous snake bit him, and he died. Appar/ Thirunavukkarasar, moved by Appoodi Adikal's devotion, is said to have miraculously restored his son’s life. Mahasivarathri, Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram, and Thirukartigai are the major festivals celebrated in the temple. It is believed that Cholas built the original complex, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak period in the 16th century. In modern times, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu maintains and administers the temple. The temple is famous for the first feeding of rice to infant children.
During the Tamil months of Purattasi (September-October) and Panguni (March - April), moonlight falls directly on the image of the presiding deity. As per another legend, Chandra (Moon), the handsome-looking deity, married 28 daughters of Dakkan, but he only preferred the last one among them, infuriating others. They all complained to Dakkan, who cursed the Moon/Chandra to lose all his powers. Chandra is believed to have worshipped Kailasanatha at this place and restored all his powers. The temple has a pond named Chandrapushkarani (meaning pond of Chandra). The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu maintains and administers the temple.
When I visited, many tourists/devotees visited. Many tourist buses and cars were on the premises of the huge temple campus. The priest who explained many incidents to my wife and me was knowledgeable and knew English, although I, to a great extent, know Tamil, so I could thoroughly understand the significance of the temple. The priest informed that one ceremony, viz., ‘Latcharchana Vizha, ' would take place in the last part of March 2024, and many devotees from Tamil Nadu and other places are supposed to attend.
Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad
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