Thiru Pernagar

008 - THIRU PERNAGAR (Koiladi, Appa Kudatthan, Thirupper)

At a glance....

Vishnu Lakshmi Kshetra Viman Pushkarni River Hymns Location

Adi Ranganatha, Appa Kudathan, Appalarangan Indiradevi, Kamalavalli Pancha Ranga kshetra Indira Viman Indira Pushkarni Cauvery Thirty Three 4 kms from Swamimalai

With its singularity the temple Thirupernagar is one of the outstanding monuments of the early Chola kings. Although the idols are more than thousands of years old that they still retain their original beauty in stone is in itself a fitting tribute to those dynasties of the distant past. 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.

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. Located amidst plantain farms and agricultural fields the temple pre-dates the Srirangarn temple and therefore occupies a dominant position amongst the temples of South India.

Fortified and enhanced by divine associations and patronised by the Cholas this Pancha Ranga kshetra is immortalised by Nammalvar, Perialvar, Tirumangaialvar 8v Thirumazhisai Alvar in their hymns.

The age-old temple in ruins traditionally known as Appala Ranganatha Swamy temple is cradled by the Cauvery on one side and the Kollidam on the other. The temple has a three tier gopura with a steep flight of steps. Located at a distance of 23 kms. from Thanjavur 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.

The temple is one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetras which is located on a hillock. The other four being Adirangam (Mysore), Madhyarangam (Srirangam), Chaturtharangam (Kumbakonam) and Paancharangam (Indalur-Mayavaram).

This small but sublime shrine enshrines Vishnu as Adiranganatha. He is also known as Appakudathan. The Lord is seen in sayana blessing Markandeya seated by his side. Lakshmi is revered as Indiradevi and Kamalavalli. The theertha is Indra theertha while the vimana is known as Indira vimana.

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.

Pride of place goes to this temple for several reasons. Peculiar to this temple, the Lord here is fond of a sweet dish, Appam. Therefore it is a practice at this shrine to offer Appam as prasada every day to the Lord. It is to the credit of this kshetra that Nammalwar's last composition was on this Lord.

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.

The temple is much older than Srirangam and is popularly known as Koviladi which literally means a stepping stone to Srirangam. The temple is also known as Indragiri. This Kshetra is 8 kms. from Anbil. It can also be reached from Kumbakonam. It is on the Thiruvaiyaru - Thirukkatuppalli-Kallanai road. From Trichy it is 24 kms.*