Thingalur Chandran Temple
Nestled in the village of Thingalur within Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, Thingalur Chandran Temple or Kailasanathar Temple is a hallowed Hindu shrine dedicated to Chandra, the Moon God. As one of Tamil Nadu’s Navagraha temples, it stands as a rare and historically significant place of worship devoted to the Moon God.
Image Attribution : @ashwin_abhinav from instagram
Architecture of Thingalur Chandran Temple:
The temple is typically adorned with a five-tiered raja gopuram (entrance tower). Gopurams are a distinctive feature of South Indian temples, and they are intricately carved with depictions of various deities and mythological stories.
The temple complex includes several mandapams, or pillared halls, where devotees can gather for prayers and rituals. These halls are often exquisitely decorated with detailed carvings on the pillars and ceilings.
Yagasala is a sacred place within the temple complex where certain rituals and ceremonies are performed. It’s often marked by a specific architectural layout and features.In the temple courtyard, you may find a Dwajasthambam, a tall flagstaff, usually made of wood and adorned with colorful flags and religious symbols.The temple often features a surrounding granite wall that serves both as a protective boundary and as a canvas for more carvings and inscriptions.
Deities of Thingalur Chandran Temple:
At the heart of Kailasanathar Temple is the primary deity, Lord Shiva, venerated as Kailasanathar, with his divine consort, Periyanayaki. Furthermore, the temple features separate sanctums for the remaining eight planetary deities.
Within its sacred confines, the presiding deity is Lord Chandran, the Moon god of Hindu mythology. Lord Chandran is portrayed with a white complexion, clutching a club in one hand and a lotus in the other. The Moon, a celestial body of great significance, is linked to emotions, fertility, and mental equilibrium.
Religious Significance:
Thingalur Kailasanathar Temple temple is believed to be an important place for worship, particularly for those who seek relief from the malefic influences of a debilitated or afflicted Moon in their astrological charts. Devotees come here to perform special pujas and rituals to gain the blessings of Lord Chandran and balance the emotional and psychological aspects of their lives.
Thingalur Chandran Temple Rituals and Festivals:
Daily pujas and rituals are performed at the temple. Special pujas dedicated to Lord Chandran are conducted on Mondays, which are considered the most auspicious day to seek his blessings. The temple also comes to life during festivals and important lunar events.
Thingalur Chandran Temple Timings:
The temple’s regular visiting hours are from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On important festivals or special occasions, the temple may extend its hours and experience increased crowds, so it’s advisable to plan your visit accordingly.
How to reach Thingalur:
By Train: The nearest railway station to Thingalur is Kumbakonam Railway Station. You can take a train to Kumbakonam and then hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Thingalur, which is approximately 35 kilometers away from Kumbakonam.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Trichy International Airport. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a connecting flight or train to Kumbakonam and proceed by road to Thingalur.
By Road: The temple is located at a distance of 45 km away from kumbakonam. This is the best place to visit for those, who have their private vehicle. The temple is located 1.5 km away from the state highway. The only way to travel here is from SH 22 by taking an auto from there. It is a little bumpy ride from SH22 towards the temple.