Trichy Naganathar Temple

Trichy holds a significant position among the cities of Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India. Often, the Rock Fort stands out as the first thought when discussing Trichy, yet the city boasts a handful of other noteworthy temples that may not enjoy the same level of recognition. This article aims to shed light on one such temple known as the Naganathar Temple.

Positioned on Nandi Koil Street in close proximity to the renowned Rock Fort Temple at the heart of Trichy, the Naganathar Temple might not be universally known but holds a strong reputation within the city.

Highlights:

• God - Naganathar or Chevvandi Nathar
• Goddess - Anandavalli
• Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Bilva
• Teerth (Holy water) - Shiva Teerth 

Legend:

The temple's history is steeped in a legend where a group of sages believed they could thrive independently without the divine. To impart a lesson, Lord Shiva engaged with them in a battle. The sages summoned serpents to attack Shiva, but he transformed them into his ornaments. This incident led to his name, Naganathar (Lord of Serpents). Sage Sara Mamuni and the seven Naga Kanyas worshipped Shiva at this site with Chevvandi flowers, followed by a ritual bath in the temple's holy tank. This is why Shiva is also referred to as Chevvandi Nathar.

Temple Layout:

Although the temple's builder and construction date remain uncertain, it likely stands several centuries old but not overly ancient. The temple's recent renovations and mosaic flooring might not exhibit the best condition.

The temple features two entrances and two towers (gopuras). The primary tower faces east, though due to its proximity to a narrow lane, it sees limited use. Another entrance facing north on the bustling Nandi Koil Street serves as the main access point. An arch graces this entrance's tower. The images of Ganesha and Murugan welcome visitors at this entrance.

Naganathar and Anandavalli

The central deity, Naganathar, is a moderately large Shiv Linga located within the east-facing sanctum. Adjacent to it, a north-facing shrine houses Goddess Anandavalli in her familiar standing form with four arms. Both Shiva and Amman have Nandi icons before them. The flag staff and bali peeth face the sanctum. The main shrine entrance is adorned with a sculpture of Sundara Vinayaka.

Koshta Deities

This temple doesn't host the complete set of usual Koshta deities. Only Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, and Durga find their place here. A somewhat unimpressive sub-shrine is dedicated to Dakshinamurti Koshta.

Chandikeshwara maintains a conventional location.

 

Other Deities

The temple's array of deities includes Sara Mamuni, Nalvar, 63 Nayanmars, Sundareshwara (Linga), Meenakshi, Ganesh, Bala Subramanya, Dakshinamurti, Veerabhahu, Veera Mahendra, Ganesha, Shanmukha-Valli-Devasena, Shiva Linga with consort, Ganesha, Vishwanatha (Linga), Vishalakshi, Saraswati, Shiva Linga, Sura Deva, Durga, and Dandayudhapani.

Nataraja's sub-shrine graces the Ardha Mandapa, while Somaskanda has a shrine in the prakara.

Bhairava, Surya, and Chandra are positioned near the entrance, facing the sanctum.

Happy travelling.