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== Structure ==

== Structure ==

Thirupernagar is one of the outstanding constructions of the early Chola kings. Although the idols are more than thousands of years old, they still retain their original beauty in stone. The intricate workmanship is marvelous. The Lord's expression has a serene grace.

Prof. S. Narayanan in his book 108 Temples of Azhvars says, <blockquote>''"Thirupernagar is one of the outstanding constructions of the early Chola kings. Although the idols are more than thousands of years old, they still retain their original beauty in stone. The intricate workmanship is marvelous."''</blockquote>The temple of Thiru Pernagar is typical of Dravidian architecture. It has a three tier gopura with a steep flight of steps along with the customary Dvaja Stambha, Bali Peeta, Garuda shrine, etc at the entrance. The gopura is small in size and a little elevated towards the east. This ancient temple unlike many of its counterparts in Tamil Nadu has a single prahara and a small doorway.

 

The small sized gopura on an elevation towards the east is a sublime haven for Vishnu upasakas. The temple is typical of Dravidian architecture enshrining the only image of its kind. The temple has a three tier gopura with a steep flight of steps. the temple has at its entrance the customary Dwaja Sthamba, Bali Peeta, Garuda shrine, etc. This ancient shrine unlike many of its counterparts in Tamil Nadu has a single prahara and a small doorway. The temple is truly magnificent projection to be seen not merely a monument but a living vibrant shrine full of vitality where festivals are celebrated with traditional pomp and pageantry.

== Legends ==

== Legends ==

Colloquially known as Koviladi this Divya Kshetra renowned both in legend and history is the ancient seat of Lord Adiranga. The temple has adorned several pages of legends and puranic works.  

This Divya Kshetra is renowned as the ancient seat of Sri Adiranga and finds mention in many Puranic legends. Some of the legends associated with this temple are as follows.  

 

* It is said that Mahalakshmi stayed on this sacred hillock for a long time doing penance because of which this temple came to be known as Thiruper. The story goes thus. 

It is said that Mahalakshmi stayed on this sacred hillock for a long time doing penance. Therefore this temple is known as Thiruper.  

Once Narada wanted to know who among Bhumidevi and Mahalakshmi (the two consorts of Mahavishnu) was superior. To decide this, Mahavishnu made them sit on the two sides of a scale. In the experiment, Bhumi Devi proved to be mightier. It is said that, pained by this result, Mahalakshmi left Vaikunta and came to this kshetra to offer severe penance. In due course of time, Mahavishnu being pleased with her prayers granted her a permanent fixture on his chest.  

 

* According to another legend, Uparisaravasu, a Pandya Raja was once on a hunting expedition chasing an elephant. This elephant rushed into Gautama Maharishi's ashrama and eventually into the temple pushkarini. In that tirtha, a Brahmana by the name of Susharma was engaged in deep penance standing in waist deep water. The Raja on his chase, let loose sharp arrows at the elephant and the elephant fell dead. However, along with the elephant, the Brahmana was also crushed to death. The Raja became extremely sad at turn of events and became inconsolable as he realised that he had committed Brahma hatya. In repentence, he immediately renounced his kingdom in search of peace and gave in to the path of discovering the Self. In the process, he undertook yatra to many tirthas to atone the papa that had taken place through him. In due course of time, he reached the Indra kshetra, the present Thiruppernagar and with complete belief and trust in his heart he went into deep penance at this kshetra.  

Legend has that once Narada wanted to know who between the precious pair namely Bhoomidevi and Mahalakshmi was superior. The Lord who is peerless at all times made them sit on the two sides of a scale to adjudge their merit. Bhoomi Devi proved to be the mightier. Annoyed and pained, Mahalakshmi left Vaikunta for this shrine to offer severe penance. In course of time the Lord pleased with her prayers convinced her of her superiority as she is a permanent fixture on his chest.  

* In this context, it is elaborated elsewhere that Sri Narayana in the disguise of an old man, approached Raja Uparisaravasu for food and help. The Raja, though full of concern for the old man, asked the old ascetic to wait for a while until the Brahmanas who were expected for food would return. However, Vishnu insisted that he be served immediately as he himself represented several Brahmanas. Miraculously, the Raja also saw thousands of Brahmanas in place of the old ascetic. Convinced of what he saw, the Raja immediately gave food to the old man out of love and concern. The ascetic consumed the entire food kept for the Brahmanas and insisted on having more. The Raja then with great devotion in his heart and tears in his eyes gave appam (a sweet dish) as prasada to the old ascetic and prayed to Sri Narayana for help. It was then that the old Brahmana moved by the steadfast devotion of the Raja, revealed his true form granting his grace. This is the legend behind the practice of taking bath at Indra pushkarini and offering appam as prasada to Mahavishnu in this kshetra. And such a sankalpa is said to yield fulfillment of one's wishes.

 

Uparisaravasu, a Pandya king was on a hunting expedition chasing an elephant. The elephant rushed into Gautama Maharaishi's ashram and then the temple pushkarni. In the teertha, a Brahmin by the name of Susarma was in deep penance in waist deep water. The king on his chase, let loose sharp arrows at the elephant. As could be expected, the elephant fell dead. Along with the elephant the Brahmin was crushed to death. The king was very sad at this turn of events. He was inconsolable even as he realised that he had committed a Brahma hatya.  

 

He immediately renounced his kingdom in search of peace and self. He undertook a yatra to many teerthas to atone for his sins. In due course, he reached the Indra kshetra, the present Thiruppernagar. With prayer on his lips and faith in his heart he went into deep penance at this kshetra.

 

In a related incident, Lord Narayana in the guise of an old man, approached the king for food and aid. The king full of concern for the old man asked the old ascetic to wait for a while for the Brahmins to return but the Lord insisted that he be served immediately as he represented several Brahmins. As a miracle the king saw thousands of Brahmins in place of the old ascetic. Convinced of what he saw a little while ago the king out of love and concern for the old man gave food. The ascetic consumed the entire food kept for the Brahmins and insisted on having more. The king with devotion in his heart and tears in his eyes gave appam prasada to the old ascetic. Then out of sheer helplessness the king prayed to Lord Narayana for help. At this juncture the old Brahmin moved with the king's steadfast devotion revealed his true form granting immediate grace. Thus it is a practice to take bath at Indra pushkarni and offer appam and annadhana to the Lord on fulfillment of one's wishes.