Sri Soundararaja Perumal Temple

Thirunagai Sri Soundararaja Perumal Temple is a God Vishnu's temple located in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. It one among the 108 Divya Desams of God Vishnu. It is one of the oldest temple to be constructed by Naga Kings and also a significant contributions were made by the Kings of Maratha and Nayaks. The main deity (Moolavar) of the temple is Neelamegha Perumal (another name of God Vishnu) and Utsavar or the festive God is Sri Soundararaja Perumal, residing with his associate Goddess Sri Soundaravalli Thayar. They are Worshipped by – Serpent Gods in Kritha Yuga, Goddess Bhoomi Devi in Thretha Yugam and Sage Markand in Dwaparayugam. Dhruva prayed to the God here, who in turn gave darsan as Sundararaja perumal. In Kritha Yuga the Serpent King has undertaken severe penance to impress God Vishnu. He was fascinated by the commitment of Serpent king Adishesha and made him as his divine vehicle. Since then, God Adisesha started his self-less service to God at all times. Henceforth, this spot was refered to as Nagai. Another legend says that Druva, Son of King Uthanapadha had performed severe penance to get ownership of the whole world under his administration and he pleaded God Vishnu. He took after strict formalities in this holy area. The merciful God showed up before Druva in one of his most excellent form on his heavenly vehicle Garuda. In the wake of seeing the most alluring type of God, Druva totally overlooked his aching need to govern the whole world and asked for God to give Salvation. Adi seshan is bathed in Sara pushkarini and is taken up to perumal as his bed. The deity can be seen blessing his devotees in a standing posture with a Gada. The idol is of a height of more than 5 feet. Along with this, an idol of little krishna is placed in a baby bed for devotees to chant the Mukundashtakam for the achievement of their wishes of getting offsprings. The rare idol of admirable ashta bhuja narasimha with one hand on Prahalada and another demonstrating abhaya hasta is found here. The goddess Soundarya valli is placed in a different shrine along with the principle sanctum complex in the external praharam. There is a different shrine for Goddess Mahalakshmi and a sanctum for Ranganathar where he is found in a resting posture.