Nachiyar Kovil (Thirunarayur Nambi Temple)

Nachiyar Kovil, or the Thirunarayur Nambi Temple, stands at Thirunarayur on the outskirts of Kumbakonam. One of the 108 Divya Desams, it honours Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal and Lakshmi as Nachiyar, and is one of the Divya Desams where the goddess takes precedence over the god. Vishnu is believed to have given Thirumangai Alvar his religious initiation here, and to have married Vanjulavalli, daughter of the sage Medhavi, in the presence of Brahma and the gods.

The temple is attributed to Kochengat Chola, with later Medieval Chola and Vijayanagara work, and stands within a granite wall behind a five-tier rajagopuram. Its stone Garuda, used in festival processions, is believed to grow heavier as it leaves each gate, needing 4, then 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 bearers. The main festival is the Brahmotsavam in Margali. The town is also known for its Nachiarkoil brass lamps, made by Kammalar artisans on Kammalar Street.