☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #39 of 108 (Chola Nadu)
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Govindaraja Perumal

Thiruchitrakoodam (Chidambaram Govindaraja) — Divya Desam #39

Divya Desam #39 • Chola Nadu (Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster)
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Located right inside the Chidambaram Nataraja temple complex where Lord Vishnu reclines witnessing the cosmic dance.

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #39 (Thiruchitrakoodam (Chidambaram Govindaraja)) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Chola Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Govindaraja Perumal, graces devotees in Kidandha (Reclining) posture facing East beneath the sacred Satvika Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Pundareegavalli Thayar. Holy dips or prostrations near the Pundareega Pushkarani are believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and Moksha. Throughout the centuries, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and Vijayanagara rulers contributed मंडपम्स (mandapams), gopurams, and stone inscriptions preserving the daily Pancharatra / Vaikhanasa Agama worship.
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🙏 Azhwars: Kulasekhara Azhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar (43 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: Kulasekhara Azhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 43 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Kulasekhara Azhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Govindaraja Perumal and Pundareegavalli Thayar at Thiruchitrakoodam (Chidambaram Govindaraja). Reciting the Pasurams of this Divya Desam inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha) is considered the highest spiritual offering during a pilgrim's Yatra.
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• Annual Brahmotsavam: Celebrated with grand Vahana processions including Garuda Sevai, Hanumantha Vahanam, Surya/Chandra Prabhai, and Rathotsavam (Temple Car festival).
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Margazhi): Special Paramapada Vasal / Rapathu & Pagalpathu Utsavam with recitation of Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
• Panguni Uthiram & Thayar Thirukalyana Utsavam: Celestial wedding festival of Lord Govindaraja Perumal and Goddess Pundareegavalli Thayar.
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
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• Travel Hub / Base Town: Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster (Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Mayiladuthurai and nearby pilgrimage towns in Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Mayiladuthurai / Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Mayiladuthurai - Tamil Nadu region (approx. 1 to 2.5 hours by cab via highway).
• Pilgrim Tip: Verify temple opening hours (6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM) before starting; afternoon closure is typically between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.