Thiru Pernagar
Thiru Pernagar also known as Koviladi, Appa Kudatthan or Thirupper is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples. Located on a hillock, it is also one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetras. The other four being Adirangam (Mysore), Madhyarangam (Srirangam), Chaturtharangam (Kumbakonam) and Pancharangam (Indalur-Mayavaram).
Introduction
Thiru Pernagar, traditionally known as Appala Ranganatha Swamy temple is an age-old temple cradled by the Kaveri river on one side and the Kollidam on the other. This temple is considered much older than Srirangam (one of the foremost Vaishnava kshetras). And for this reason, it is popularly known as Koviladi (Srirangam is referred to as Kovil). Located amidst plantain farms and agricultural fields, this temple was patronised by the Cholas and has been immortalised by Nammalvar, Periyalvar, Tirumangaialvar and Thirumazhisai Alvar in their hymns. In fact, Nammalvar's last composition was on the deity of Thiru Pernagar.
This temple enshrines Vishnu as Adiranganatha, also known as Appakudathan. The deity here is seen in shayana tirukkolam (resting posture) blessing Markandeya Rishi seated by his side. Lakshmi is revered as Indiradevi and Kamalavalli. The tirtha is called Indra tirtha while the vimana is known as Indra vimana. It is believed that the sweet dish, Appam is the deity's favourite. It is, therefore, a practice to offer Appam as prasada every day to the deity.
| Vishnu here is referred to as | Adi Ranganatha, Appa Kudathan, Appalarangan |
| Lakshmi here is referred to as | Indiradevi, Kamalavalli |
| Kshetra is called | Pancha Ranga kshetra |
| Vimana is called | Indira Vimana |
| Pushkarini is named | Indira Pushkarni |
| River nearby | Kaveri |
| Hymns by Alwars | Thirty Three |
| Location | 4 kms from Swamimalai |
Location
Located at a distance of 23 kms from Thanjavur, the temple Thiru Pernagar also known as Indragiri is about 8 kms from Anbil. This temple can be reached from Kumbakonam also as it is located on the Thiruvaiyaru - Thirukkatuppalli - Kallanai road. While, from Trichy this kshetra is about 24 kms.
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.
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
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.
It is said that Mahalakshmi stayed on this sacred hillock for a long time doing penance. Therefore this temple is known as Thiruper.
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.
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.