Overview
Thingalur Chandra Temple, also called Kailasanathar Temple, in Thingalur near Thanjavur, is the Chandra (Moon) Navagraha Sthalam, one of the nine temples of the Navagraha Sthalams circuit in Tamil Nadu. While the temple's main presiding deity is Shiva as Kailasanathar, a separate image of Chandra, carved in black granite and traditionally clad in white cloth, is enshrined in the temple's first precinct.
History
The temple carries historical associations with the devotee Appoothi Adikal and the Saivite saint-poet Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), connecting it to the wider tradition of the Tevaram-era Nayanmar saints.
Spiritual Significance
During the Tamil months of Puratasi (September-October) and Panguni (March-April), the moon's rays are said to fall directly onto the temple's presiding deity, a natural phenomenon devotees regard as a distinctive marker of the site's connection to Chandra. The temple is particularly associated with Chandra Dosha Pariharam, devotional remedies sought by pilgrims for emotional imbalance, stress, and mental clarity, reflecting Chandra's traditional astrological association with the mind.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
Thingalur's connection to Appar and its role within the wider Navagraha Sthalams tradition are documented in Tamil Saiva devotional literature. Specific verse-level citation requires expert verification before publication.
Prayers at Thingalur Chandra Temple (Navagraha: Chandra Sthalam)
जय-जय चंदा! श्री चन्द्रमा, जय-जय अमृत-अंशु-उजागर। जयति शशांक! कला-निधि, तुम हो नित्य सुधा-सागर॥
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजंगतुंगमालिकाम्।
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्मवेदस्वरूपम्।
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम्।
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: November to February offers the most comfortable weather; visiting during Puratasi or Panguni offers the chance to observe the moonlight phenomenon associated with the temple.
Getting there: Thingalur is on the Kumbakonam-Thiruvaiyaru road, roughly 16 km from Thanjavur.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy road access.
Accommodation
Thanjavur and Kumbakonam both offer a range of pilgrim accommodation.
Local Services
Reasonable local services are available via nearby Thanjavur or Kumbakonam.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Consider timing a visit during Puratasi or Panguni to observe the moonlight phenomenon associated with the temple.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't overlook the temple's primary Shiva (Kailasanathar) identity when focusing on its Chandra Navagraha significance.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Suryanar Kovil
The anchor Surya Navagraha Sthalam of the same circuit.
- Vaitheeswaran Koil
The Angaraka (Mars) Navagraha Sthalam, part of the same circuit.
- Navagraha Sthalams of Tamil Nadu (overview)
This platform's overview of the full nine-temple Navagraha circuit.
Preservation
Specific current conservation programme details were not found in the sources consulted for this page.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own official HR&CE-administered donation channels.
Sources
About this page
Researched and written by YatraBeyond from published sources, and not yet confirmed by the temple. Facts here are cross-checked against at least two independent sources, never written from memory, and every source is listed above.
Last reviewed by us: 2026-07-11. Timings, entry rules and access can change without notice; treat anything time-sensitive as a starting point and confirm before you travel.
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