Nannilathu Perunkovil

Padal Petra Sthalams

God

Madhuvaneswarar (also Devaranyeswarar, Prakasanadhar), facing east

Goddess

Madhuvaneswari (also Devagandharanayagi, Periyanayagi, Prakasanayagi), facing south

Other Deities

Siddhi Vinayaka, Muruga, Mahadevalingam, Agastheeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Somaskanda, Annamalayar, Brahmmapureeswarar, Bhairava, Saneeswara, Surya, Navagrahas, Nataraja. Sanctum Niches – Narthana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Durga

Nannilathu Perunkovil is a east facing Maadakovil (elevated structure). The entrance is from the road in the south side. The other names of this temple are Madhuvanam, Devaranyam, Sundaravanam and Brigathpuram. As you enter the Goddess shrine is on the right side. Straight ahead are the shrines of Mahadevalingam and Agasteeswaara. In the circumambulatory path on the ground level are the shines of Vinayaka, Subramanya, and Gajalakshmi. A flight of steps lead up to the elevated platform where the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity is there. The main deity is a Swayambu (self occurring). There is a Somaskandar shrine also at this level. The temple pond to the north east of the temple is not great looking and in a neglected state.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Brahma Theertham, Soola Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos), Kongu (Hopea parviflora), Vengai (Pterocarpus marsupium), Madhavi (Hiptage benghalensis), Shenbagam (Michelia champaca)

History

Kotchengat Chola of the early Cholas (pre and post Sangam Period) built this temple. He also built more than 70 other Maadakovils. He is one of the 63 Nayanmars. Sundarar (8th century CE) has rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here.

Legend

The devas were advised by the Lord to change to Bees and take shelter here to avoid the tyranny of Vruddasura. They also built honeycombs and thus the lord’s name is Madhu (Honey) Vaneswarar. Even today bees can be seen here but they are harmless. Kubera in the north, Indra in the east, Yama in the south and Varuna in the west have worsdhiped in this temple.

Directions

Nannilam is about 27 kilometers southeast of Kumbakonam via Nachiyar Kovil. Nannilathu Perunkovil is in the center of the town.

Stay and Food

Tea & snack shops are available locally. Closest is Kumbakonam for stay and food.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples