What is the sthala katha — the legend — of Vaishnava Nambi Temple (Thirukkurungudi)?

Early medieval · Hindu · India

Vaishnava Nambi Temple (Thirukkurungudi)

வைஷ்ணவ நம்பி மற்றும் திருக்குறுங்குடிவல்லி நாச்சியார் கோவில்

Thirukkurungudi, Tamil Nadu · 8.4363°, 77.5657°

Vaishnava Nambi (Azhagiya Nambi)CholaDravidianDivya Desam

Sacred since

900 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

by 10th c. (Chola inscriptions)

Chola

History & significance

The 'Dakshina Vaikuntam' Divya Desam at the foot of the Western Ghats, recorded in medieval Chola inscriptions from the 10th century onward. It is the home of the Kaisika Natakam temple-theatre tradition and of Arayar Sevai recital worship.

Sthala katha — the legend

The Kaisika legend tells of the singer Nambaduvan, whose devotional song freed a demon of its curse while Nambi himself appeared to honour the humble devotee.

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