Neelamegha Perumal Temple, Hindu temple in Thirukannapuram, India

Neelamegha Perumal Temple is a Hindu shrine with a seven-level granite tower rising roughly 30 meters and housing several dedicated shrines within its grounds. The complex spreads across a generous plot with separate tanks used for ritual ablutions.

This shrine took shape during the Chola dynasty period and was significantly expanded and remodeled under the Thanjavur Nayak rulers. These building phases shaped its current appearance and layout.

This shrine is one of 108 sacred Vishnu temples that Tamil saints called Alvars celebrated through devotional hymns. Believers have journeyed here for generations to worship and take part in temple rituals.

The grounds are open daily and visitors will find several tanks designated for bathing and washing rituals. It helps to familiarize yourself with Tamil culture and temple customs before arriving to better understand what you will see.

The wig legend explains the name Sowriraja Perumal: when a king found a hair in a garland and accused the priest Rangabhatta of lying, Vishnu appeared with a sowri (wig), saving the priest from punishment. The festival image's wig is shown only on new-moon days.