Moolavar : Jagannathan, Vinnagara Perumal, Nadhanathan
Urchavar : Jagannathan
Amman / Thayar : Shenbagavalli
Thala Virutcham : Shebaga Tree
Theertham : Nandhi Pushkarini
Old year : 1000-2000 years old
Historical Name : Nandhipura Vinnagaram
City : Nathankoil
District : Thanjavur
State : Tamil Nadu
The temple ranks among 108 Divya Desas of Perumal. As an example of unity of Vaishnavism and Saivism, Nandhi the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva and Lord Brahmma are in the sanctum sanctorum worshipping Perumal.
Greatness Of Temple:
Lord Perumal took Mother Lakshmi in His hands who was performing penance then facing east. Hence He is facing west. As Mother performed penance in Shenbagaranya region, She is praised as Shenbagavalli. Lord is Jagannathan. The name of the place has in it the name of Lord.
Sri Nandhideva, bull vehicle of Lord Shiva went to Vaikunta and in his urge to see Perumal He did not respect the Dwarapalakas. They cursed Nandhi that His body would suffer from excessive heat. When Nandhi informed his Lord Shiva, He advised him to go to Shenbagaranya and perform penance where Mother Mahalakshmi also was in penance on Lord. Perumal granted darshan to Nandhi and named the place Nandhipura Vinnagaram in appreciation of his curiosity to have His darshan ignoring the Dwarapalakas.
Lord Jagannathan is holding His weapons sword, bow, discus, dhanda and conch. In early days, Lord was facing east. To accept Mother Mahalakshmi in His Chest and to appreciate emperor Shibi who sacrificed his flesh for the sake of a dove, He turned west then, according to sthala purana. Nandhi and Brahamma are in the sanctum with Perumal promoting Saivism-Vaishnavism unity.
Temple History:
Mother Mahalakshmi had a desire to have Her place in the chest of Lord as She was ever serving the Lord from His feet. To realize Her aim, She came to this place Shenbagaranyam and performed penance. Lord could not bear Her separation. He took Mother on His chest here on a Friday in the full moon fortnight in the month of Aipasi-October-November. Devotees believe that their wishes would be granted with their participation in the abishek to Mother on Aipasi Fridays.
