Kailasanathar Temple
Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Chandra (Moon), located in Thingalur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. On the Navagraha circuit it is the shrine of Chandra (Moon), one of the classic nine-planet pilgrimage circuit in the Kaveri delta around Kumbakonam.
Thingalur is the Moon (Chandra) shrine of the Navagraha circuit, tied to the legend of the child-saint Appothi Adigal. Full-moon evenings here are especially auspicious.
About Kailasanathar Temple
The Chandiranaar Temple (also called Kailasanathar temple or Thingalur temple) is a Hindu temple in the village of Thingalur, 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Thanjavur and 33 kilometres (21 mi) from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Thiruvaiyaru road in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Soma (moon). However, the main idol in the temple is that of Kailasanathar or Shiva. The temple is considered one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu.
Legend
Legend has it that there lived a merchant Appoodi Adikal, a nayanar in the village of Thingalur who was a devotee of Shiva. Appoodi Adikal held Thirunavukkarasar in high regard. He had many establishments in the village named after Thirunavukkarasar. One day, Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) arrived at Thingalur and was surprised to see many establishments in his name. Apoodi Adigal was very ecstatic to meet the beloved saint in person and launched a grand feast. He sent his son to pick plantain leaves who was killed by a venomous snake bite while the saint was being hosted.
Architecture and layout
The temple is located in the village of Thingalur, 33 kilometres (21 mi) from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Thiruvayyar road and 18 km (11 mi) away from Thanjavur. The temple has a recently built three-tiered rajagopuram surrounded by single prakaram, closed precincts of the temple. The place is revered by the verses of Appar, but since there is no mention of the deity, it is not classified as Padal petra stalam. The image of Chandra is located in the first precinct and houses the image made of black granite and usually clad with a white cloth. The temple tank is named Chandrapushkarani.
Festivals and worship
The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Surya, Usha and Chhaya.
Why it matters
The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Moon (called Thingal locally). The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets is believed to move from one star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers.
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.
Plan your visit
How to reach
Kailasanathar Temple is roughly 274 km from Chennai, about 7 h by road. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), about 47 km away. Most visitors base themselves in Kumbakonam, which has the rail links and hotels, and make this a day trip. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.
Today at a glance
Chennai time (IST), from our own panchangam. Nalla Neram is the good window; avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam for starting a journey or a ritual.
Festival days to plan around
- The graha's own weekday — weekly
- Amavasya and Pournami — monthly
Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.
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Quick facts
| Deity | Chandra (Moon) |
| Town | Thingalur |
| District | Thanjavur district |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Sacred lists | Navagraha Temples |
Visiting
Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.
Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.
Temples near Thingalur
More Navagraha temples
Frequently asked
How far is Kailasanathar Temple from Chennai?
About 274 km, or about 7 h by road. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), roughly 47 km from the temple.
What are the timings at Kailasanathar Temple?
Most Tamil Nadu temples open around 6 am, close from about noon to 4 pm, and reopen until 8–9 pm. Festival days follow a different schedule, so confirm locally before you travel.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is left outside at the stands provided. Some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone.
When is the best time to visit Kailasanathar Temple?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: The graha's own weekday, Amavasya and Pournami. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.