Thiru Karambanur
Thiru Karambanur, also known as Uttamar kovil is one of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Deshas located at a distance of 2 kms from Srirangam not far away from Tiruchirapalli.[1]
Introduction
Thiru Karambanur Kshetra is known by several names such as Uttamar Koil, Bikshanathar Koil, Neepa Kshetra, Kadamba Vana Kshetra, Thirumurthi Kshetra and Adi Mahapuram. This Kshetra is sanctified by its association to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshvara. Thus, becoming a unique Trimurthi kshetra. This is the most important feature that characterises this temple and sets it apart from the other temples in the region.[1]
Temple at a glance[1]
| Vishnu here is referred to by the name | Purushothama |
| Lakshmi here is referred to by the name | Poorvadevi, Purna Valli |
| Kshetra is known as | Kadambha kshetra, Trimurthi kshetra |
| Vimana is known as | Udyoga Vimana |
| Pushkarini is called | Kadambha Pushkarini |
| Sthala Vrksha is | Kadali vrksha (Plantain) |
| Hymns by Alwars | One |
| Location | 2 kms from Srirangam |
Structure
Thiru Karambanur, unlike its counterparts in South India is small in size though unmatched in antiquity.
"Several puranic accounts bring out the importance of this Kshetra without a Shikhara. The temple is endowed with such rare merits that it has a reason for its prominence and there are several stories enumerating the same", says Prof. S. Narayanan.
At the centre of the temple is the Vishnu sannidhi (shrine)with Lord Purushottama is facing east, to the right is the sannidhi dedicated to Brahma and to the left on the other side is the Shiva sannidhi. There is also a separate shrine for Goddess Lakshmi who resides here as Poorvadevi.[1]
Legends
The lord of Thiru Karambanur is extolled in great detail by the Brahmanda purana and by Thirumangai Alwar in one of his hymns. It is said that the Lord revealed himself in his glorious Bhujanga shayana form to Kadamba Muni and Thirumangai Alwar. That is one of the reasons why the theertha is popular by the name Kadamba theertha. Also, this place was once believed to be full of Kadamba trees (Neepa). Hence, the names Kadamba Vana Kshetra and Neepa kshetra. It is also called kadambanur because the Lord is said to have appeared before Brahma as a Kadamba tree to test his devotion.[1]