History

The Chandiranaar Temple is a Hindu temple in the village of Thingalur, 33 kilometres from Kumbakonam. The presiding deity is Soma (moon). However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Kailasanathar” or Shiva.
The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). The place is revered by the verses of Appar, but since there is no mention about the deity, it is not classified as Padal petra stalam.
Legend has it that there lived a merchant Appoodi Adikal, a nayanar in the village of Thingalur who was a devotee of lord Shiva. Appoodi Adikal held Appar in high regards and wanted to host him. The day arrived, but his son was killed by a venomous snake bite while the saint was being hosted. Appar, moved by Appoodi Adikal’s devotion is said to have miraculously restored the lad to life. During the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sep – Oct) and Panguni (March – April), moon light falls directly on the image of the presiding deity.
Kailasanathar Swamy temple is one of the nine Navagraha sthalas located in the Cauvery Delta region dedicated to planet Moon, called Thingal in Tamil language. There is a separate shrine for Lord Moon.