Thingalur, near Thiruvaiyaru and Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is the Navagraha temple for the Moon, Chandran, set in the Kailasanathar Shiva temple.
Your darshan is free. You come to pray to the Moon for peace of mind, calm and good relations, and to ease a weak or afflicted Moon in your chart. It is one of the nine planet temples on the Kumbakonam circuit, and Mondays are its special day.
The Moon and peace of mind
In Indian astrology the Moon rules the mind and the emotions, so you come to Thingalur for calm, steady feelings and good bonds with family. The temple carries the story of the sage Kalava, whose leprosy the Moon is said to have cured here, so it is also linked to healing. You can arrange an abhishekam or an archana to the Moon at the temple counter, in the white that the Moon takes. Agree any priest's fee first, because that is a personal service, not the free darshan.
Free darshan and timings
- Your darshan is free and open to all.
- The temple opens in a morning window and again in the late afternoon and evening, with a midday break, so plan around the closed hours.
- Mondays are the Moon's day, so they are busier, and full moon days draw pilgrims.
[Confirm the exact timings and any special pooja on the HR&CE listing and locally. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
How to reach
Thingalur is near Thiruvaiyaru, close to Thanjavur and Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli, and Thanjavur and Kumbakonam have railway stations. You reach it by road on the Navagraha circuit, within an hour of Kumbakonam. Pair it with the other eight planet temples on a one or two day loop.
What to carry
Carry a photo identity and modest dress for the shrine. Carry small cash for a pooja, lamps and the white offerings the Moon takes, even where counters accept digital payment. Carry water and a hat for a day of temple visits. Keep a note of each planet's temple if you do the full circuit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Your biggest mistake would be paying a private site for a "Chandran pooja booking," when your darshan is free and you arrange poojas at the temple counter. Next, do not ignore the midday closing. Do not rush the visit, because the setting and the Shiva shrine are worth your time. Do not miss the other eight planet temples nearby.
Questions people ask
Is Thingalur darshan free?
Yes, your darshan is free. You pay only for a pooja or lamps at the temple.
Which planet is this?
The Moon, Chandran, worshipped in the Kailasanathar Shiva temple at Thingalur.
Why do people come?
To pray for peace of mind and good relations, and to ease a weak Moon in the chart.
When is it busiest?
On Mondays, the Moon's day, and on full moon days.
Is there an official booking site?
No. It is a Tamil Nadu government HR&CE temple with free darshan, so arrange any pooja at the counter.