☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #49 of 108 (Thondai Nadu)
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Nilathingal Thundathan (Chandrasooda Perumal)

Thirunilaathingal Thundam (Inside Ekambareswarar Temple) — Divya Desam #49

Divya Desam #49 • Thondai Nadu (Kanchipuram Cluster)
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Situated inside the Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar Shiva temple where Lord Vishnu cooled Goddess Parvati with moonlight during her penance.

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #49 (Thirunilaathingal Thundam (Inside Ekambareswarar Temple)) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Thondai Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Nilathingal Thundathan (Chandrasooda Perumal), graces devotees in Ninra (Standing) posture facing West beneath the sacred Purushasuktha Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Ner Oruvar Illa Valli. Holy dips or prostrations near the Chandra 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: Thirumangai Azhwar (1 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Azhwar
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 1 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Thirumangai Azhwar praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Nilathingal Thundathan (Chandrasooda Perumal) and Ner Oruvar Illa Valli at Thirunilaathingal Thundam (Inside Ekambareswarar Temple). 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 Nilathingal Thundathan (Chandrasooda Perumal) and Goddess Ner Oruvar Illa Valli.
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
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• Travel Hub / Base Town: Kanchipuram Cluster (Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Kanchipuram and nearby pilgrimage towns in Kanchipuram Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Kanchipuram / Kanchipuram Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Kanchipuram - 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.