Nilathingal Thundan Temple – Location
It is just off the Chennai- Bengaluru national highway, about a 2-hour drive due west and a little south of Chennai. Rail and bus connectivity is plenty. The nearest airport is Chennai.
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Nilathingalthundan – Sthalapuranam
There was an ancient mango tree at Sri Ekambaranathar temple site. Parvati was said to be praying under the tree for union with Siva. To test her commitment, Siva sent severe heat at Parvati. She prayed and Vishnu responded saying he would protect her like a brother.
He wore the moon so that its cooling rays would fall on Parvati and reduce the effect of heat. Thus, she was protected. The Tamil words Nila thingal thundathan means he who wore a piece of the moon. Since he protected Parvati, He has a shrine in the temple’s northeast corner.
Special Features
The Lord is Nilathingal Thundathan and the Universal Mother is Nilathingal Thunda Nayaki. The theertham is Chandra Pushkarni. The vimana is Purushasukta Vimanam. The Universal Mother sits on the lotus coming from the navel of the Lord which is usually the seat of Lord Brahma.
It is believed that this darshan will change the fortunes of devotees for the better. The temple is one of two temples located inside a temple to Siva. This temple has Saivaite priests. Since the Lord is here to cure, there is no separate shrine for the universal mother. Hence, She is also known as ‘Ner Uru Illa valli’.
The Ekambaranathar temple is considered one of the oldest temples as it dates around 600 CE, mid-Pallava period.
Mangalasasanam
Thirumangai Alwar in Thirunedunthandakam (2059) says the Lord is in water (Neeragam), on the peak of a mountain (Tirumala), in cresent moon (Nilathingalthundathaan), in the prosperous city of Kanchi (in Ooraggam), on the banks of a pond in Vekka, on the southern banks of Kaveri (in Thirupper) and in the steadfast hearts of devotees.
Like a thief, You are hiding everywhere, and I am ever at Your divine feet. Only a small portion of the relevant pasurams are given here.
