History of the place

Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of Tortoise (Kooma Avatara) to hold the Meru Mount used as the stick (Mathu in Tamil) to churn the milk ocean. Serpent Vasuki which was used as the rope, got exhausted and spilt its venom that fell on the Tortoise (Vishnu) under the milk ocean blackening His skin originally alluring in pale blue. Treatments were of no avail. Lord Bhramma suggested that worshipping Lord Shiva will remove the blackness and restore HIs original shade. Perumal performed penance on Lord Shiva, who granted darshan. The Crecent Moon on Lord Shiva's head spread his rays on Perumal. HE recovered His own alluring blue shining better than before. Due to this incident, Perumal got his name as Nila Thunda Perumal. (crescent moon). The Vasuki felt sorry for its action and stood as umbrella protecting this Perumal.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasaasanam (hymns) by Thirumangai Azhwar.This is the 50th temple among the 108 divya desams.

Speciality of this temple

This lord blesses in standing form under the Purusha Suktha Vimana. As the lord came here for remedy, the Mother is worshipped in a formless manner - Ner Uru Illa Thai (Mother without a form) as she is believed merged with the Lord. As the rays of crescet moon (Nila - Moon , Thundu - part of) was used by Lord Shiva to cure Perumal, he is named "Nila Thundu Perumal" and Chandra Chooda Perumal. This temple is housed inside Ekambareswarar temple and is in the Easanya corner (north east) Here, Mother Mahalakshmi graces from the navel cord of the Perumal (which belongs to Lord Brahmma). As the Mother blesses with the attributes of Lord Brahmma, this darshan is believed to change the adverse destinies of the devotee.

Pariharam

Those suffering from skin and stomach diseases, excessive heat in the body pray to this Perumal and also for child boon. HIS darshan brings affinity between mother and son.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform Thailakappu - an application with perfumed oil, pujas. Some feed the poor. As this temple is within the Ekambareswarar Shiva Temple, worshipping both the Lords will bring affection between brothers and sisters.