Nachiyar Kovil / Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple

Travel for 9 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station to reach Thirunaraiyur village where the holy temple Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple is located. It is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been constructed during Kochengat Cholan, which was later expanded by Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagar kings. The temple holds the prestige of being one among the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu. The temple shows a great example of the Dravidian style of architecture. It is decorated with 5-tiered raja gopuram, rising high up to 75 feet. The eastern gateway leads to a hall of containing 16 pillars, called Neenila Mutram.

The temple also worships Thirumangai Azhwar, Ramanuja, Koorathazhwar and idols of eleven azhwars. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Naraiyur Nambi and Goddess Lakshmi as Nachiyar Thayar (Vanjulavalli Thayar). Inside the sanctum, one can see the images of Brahma, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, Sankarshana and a set of gods, who are depicted attending the wedding. The main attraction of the temple is an idol of Kal Garuda. The idol of this bird god holds numerous devotional stories. It is made of saligrama and sees its place in the shrine outside the main sanctum. Festivals- The temple commences annual celebration during Brahmotsavam (December-January), Garuda Seva (March-April), Vasanthothsavam (May-June) and Thirukalyana Utsavam (September-October).