Thiruchemponsei Koil is traditionally enumerated as number 33 among the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Sri Maha Vishnu sung by the Alvars.
Thirunangoor is in Sirkazhi taluk of Tanjore District. The place is also known as Hema rangam, Naga Puri, Nangai, Nangai nagaram and Nangoor. The Perumal here has got several names as Hema Rangar, Sem Pon Arangar, Per Arulalan and Damodaran. The Thayar is known as Alli Mamalaral. The vimanam is known as Kanakavalli vimanam and the holy theertham is known as Nithya pushkarini. The God here is seen in a standing posture facing east.
There are several stories connected with this divya desam. It is believed that once upon a time, Lord Siva was very worried as He was suffering from Brahmahatty dosha. Madhava looked at Siva and advised Him to go to a place which is to the north of Kaveri, to the south of Nupura nadhi, to the west of Swetaranyam. It is known as Nagapuri. He advised Siva to go there, manifest himself in 11 forms and to perform the best among the yagas viz. Aswameda yagam s0 as to get release from the Brahmahatty dosha which was afflicting him. Lord Siva accordingly came to Nagapuri. He manifested Himself into 11 archa forms. Thus, the presence of 11 Siva temples in and around Thirunangoor is explained. Lord Siva started the aswameda yaga. Then Lord Madhava along with Bhoodevi and Neeladevi, worshipped by Brahma and other Devas, having the Pranava as his chariot, the vedas as his horses,with Sun and Moon as the two wheels of the chariot, and with Brahma as the Sarathy i.e. the charioteer came to the banks of Indra pushkarini, The Lord then appeared before Siva and gave Him abhaya
pradanam. Lord Siva accepted this abhaya pradanam and requested Mukundhan to show equal kindness and concern towards the other devotees who came to this town. Lord Siva asked for the boon that Perumal should also manifest Himself in the said kshetram in eleven archavatara forms, continue to stay in this great kshetram along with Siva and thus provide easy access to the devotees who may also get rid of many of their sins and attain moksha. This request of Rudra was conceded by Vishnu. Thus, the elevan archa forms of Siva and an equal eleven archa forms of Vishnu which are found in the eleven temples each for Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu in Thirunangoor are explained by this story.
TELUGU · తెలుగు
దివ్యదేశం: తిరుశ్చెంపొన్ శెయ్ కోయిల్. పూర్తి వివరణ త్వరలో.