Neelamegha Perumal Temple, Thirukannapuram

The Neelamegha Perumal, or Sowriraja Perumal, Temple stands in Thirukannapuram on the outskirts of Nagapattinam and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Vishnu is worshipped as Neelamegha Perumal and Lakshmi as Thirukannapura Nayagi. Legend says a king found a hair in a garland offered by the priest Rangabhatta, who claimed it was the god's own; when the king checked, Vishnu appeared wearing a sowri, or wig, which gave the festival image its name.

Built by the Cholas with later Thanjavur Nayak additions, the complex covers 1.5 acres within a granite wall and is entered through a seven-tier rajagopuram about 100 ft high. The sanctum holds Neela Meghar with Sridevi and Bhudevi, and the bronze Sowriraja Perumal with four consorts. Opposite the temple lies the Nityapushkarani tank, 450 by 415 ft. The chariot festival in Vaikasi (April–May) is the main event.