The shrine where moon god Chandra is believed to have been relieved of his curse

Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temple or Tiruindaloor is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Thiruvilandur of Mayiladuthurai district. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 holy temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alwars (the 12 poet saints). This temple is in the banks of river Kaveri and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams and is called as Andya Rangam (Last Arangam). Srirangam is the first Rangam.

It is believed that River Kaveri is given the holy status of Ganga in this Kshethram. She is being taken by God as bed in Srirangam, as mother in Thirusheri and above his head in this Parimala Ranganathar temple, like River Ganga occupies the head of Lord Shiva. Parimala Ranganathar is believed to have appeared for Chandra, the moon god. This is how the place got the name Thiruindaloor (Indu Means Moon). This place is where moon god Chandra is believed to have been relieved of his curse. Chandra worshiped Vishnu who appeared to please the devotee.

According to another legend, the azhwar saint Thirumangai Azhwar visited the temple and the doors were locked at the time. Lord Parimala Rangan Shut the door on Azhwar reasoning that he was late. Upset at this Azhwar argues vehemently with Lord. Still Parimala Ranganathar refused to open the door. Frustrated and dejected by this, Azhwar decided to leave the place saying “வாசி வல்லீர் இந்தளூரீர் வாழ்ந்தே போம்நீரே”, meaning “I am leaving. You live yourself here and enjoy life”. After this heated argument Lord Parimala Rangan praised and persuaded Thirumangai Azhwar to sing. After hearing the beautiful Tamil of Azhwar, Lord opened the door and gave Darshan. 10 Pasurams were sung by Thirumangai Azhwar on Parimala Rangan.

Thayar of this temple is called Parimala Ranganayaki. The temple follows Pancharatra Agama and thenkalai tradition. The major festival celebrated in the Parimala Ranganathar Temple is the Chithrai festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May). The other festivals in the temple include the 10-day Aaandal Aadi festival celebrated during July-August, Thayar Navaratri Utsavam during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September – October). Like many temples in the Kaveri Delta region, Kadaimuka Snanam or Mudavan Muzhukku is also celebrated in this temple during the tamil month Aippasi, when the river Kaveri joins the sea. Thousands of people will gather on that day to take holy bath in the river.