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]
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.[1]