Nachiyar Kovil / Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Nachiyar Kovil Temple

At a distance of 9 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the village of Thirunaraiyur on the outskirts of Kumbakonam. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and her consort Lakshmi. The name 'Nachiyar' signifies the divine consort of the Lord, as the mother Goddess receives more attention and preference compared to the Lord at this temple. It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, celebrated by the Azhwar saints in their revered hymns, and among the must-include places in Kumbakonam packages.

This temple is part of the Pancha Kshethram, where Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have appeared as a young girl named Vanjulavalli, the daughter of Maharishi Medhavi. The other four Pancha Kshethrams include Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam, Oppiliappan Temple, Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Salem, and Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala.

History of Nachiyar Kovil Temple

The temple is believed to have been built by Kochengat Cholan of the late 3rd century CE. He is believed to have built 70 temples dedicated to Shiva and only Vishnu temple at Thirunaraiyur. The later contributions to the temple were made by Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagar kings. This temple is the place where Lord Vishnu is believed to have initiated Pancha Samskara (religious initiation) to Thirumangai Azhwar. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Nachiyar Kovil Temple

According to the legend, sage Medhavi desired for the Goddess to be born as his daughter and performed penance along the banks of the Manimuthar River. Satisfied with his devotion, Goddess Lakshmi manifested before him as a child beneath the Vanjula tree. The sage named her Vanjulavalli, and brought her up in his hermitage. Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu, in search of his consort, arrived on his mount Garuda, who discovered her presence in that location. Vishnu then approached the sage to seek his daughter's hand in marriage. Delighted by the proposal, Medhavi prayed to the Lord and consented to the union, stipulating that his daughter should have the final say in all matters. In response to the sage's request, the Lord is said to have remained there with his consort. Garuda, who played a significant role in bringing the divine couple together, is also honored in this temple. Additionally, it is believed that Medhavi discovered an idol featuring Chakrathazhwar on one side and Yoga Narasimha on the other, which he subsequently installed at the site.

Architecture of Nachiyar Kovil Temple

The temple is designed in the Dravidian architectural style and features a five-tiered rajagopuram on its eastern side, which reaches a height of 75 feet. A granite wall encircles the temple, encompassing all its shrines. The temple is elevated and can be accessed via a flight of 21 steps. In contrast to other Vishnu temples that typically emphasize Vishnu, this temple highlights Nachiyar (Thayar) as the central figure.

Notably, even in a standing position, the Goddess appears slightly ahead of the Lord, symbolizing her prominence in this setting. The sanctum also contains images of Brahma, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, Sankarshana, and a group of deities depicted as attending a wedding. The festive idols of Srinivasa, Vanjulavalli (Lakshmi), and Bhudevi are located within the same shrine.

A significant highlight of the temple is Kal Garuda. According to local legend, the sculptor who created the idol of Garuda became frustrated when the bird flew away each time a new statue was made. In his exasperation, he threw a stone at Garuda, injuring it, which led the bird to remain in the temple as Kal Garuda. This image, crafted from saligrama, is situated in a shrine outside the main sanctum. Additionally, there are separate shrines dedicated to Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman, Chakrathazhwar, Yoga Narasimha, and the Utsava deities.

Festivals of Nachiyar Kovil Temple

The Garuda Sevai festival stands out as the most important celebration at Nachiyar Kovil, also known as Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple, taking place during the month of Panguni (March/April). On this occasion, the processional deities are paraded on the Kal Garudan in grand processions. Additionally, the temple hosts several other major festivals, including the 10-day Brahmotsavam in Margazhi (December/January) and the Kalyana Utsavam, which commemorates the divine couple's marriage in Aavani (August/September). These events are celebrated annually with great enthusiasm and splendor.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Nachiyar Kovil Temple

When planning a visit to the Nachiyar Kovil Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Nachiyar Kovil Temple Timings

Monday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM

Nachiyar Kovil Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Nachiyar Kovil Temple

The best period to visit Nachiyar Kovil Temple is in the winter months, specifically from October to March, when the climate is enjoyable and temperatures are milder. The temple comes alive during the Garuda Sevai festival, held in March or April, and the 10-day Brahmotsavam in Margazhi (December or January). It is recommended to steer clear of the hot summer months from April to June, as temperatures can soar to 40°C, rendering outdoor activities uncomfortable. Additionally, the monsoon season, spanning from July to September, brings significant rainfall that could interfere with travel arrangements.

How to Reach Nachiyar Kovil Temple

Trichy Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station offers extensive train services to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services are available, linking Kumbakonam to all regions of Tamil Nadu. Adequate buses are available from Kumbakonam to Nachiyar Koil which is at a distance of 9 Km on the Thiruvarur road.