Thirukkoodalur Divyadesam - A Sangama Kshetram
Raja Gopuram was built up with five tiers. Thayar blessing as Padhmasani and Pushpavalli Thayar. Almighty appears as he is always ready to come to rescue all his devotees with His Chakra. Once There was a king named Ambareesan, an adherent devotee of Lord Maha Vishnu. One Ekadasi day day the sage “Dhuruvaasar” came to king’s place, when the king was on his Ekadasi Viradham and meditating the Almighty. He didn’t notice the Rishi. Once the Ekadasi viradham was over, after completing the formalities the king noticed that angered Rishi was waiting for him. He apologized for not noticing him. But the sage refused his apologies and cursed him. Frightened Ambareesan prayed the Almighty to save him from the curse. Lord Maha Vishnu then sent his Chakrayudaham to behead Dhuruvasar. Chakra chased the Rishi. At last the Rishi surrendred to the Almighty and expressed his regrets for his misbehaviors. Finally the Almighty got back His Sudharshanam and relieved the sage here in Thirukkoodalur. Thirumangai Alwar had hymned in praise of the Lord Overjoyed King Ambareesan constructed this temple for the Almighty. Once there was a huge flood from the river Cauvery and damaged the temple, constructed by Ambareesan a lot. Lord Maha Vishnu came to Rani Mangammal’s dream (The Queen of Madurai) and asked her to rebuild the damaged temple again. Rani Mangammal recovered the idols and renovated this temple which had been washed away with the flood water. As a mark for reverence to the great soul, this temple has the images of Rani Mangammal and her prominent ministers carved on the pillars. Devotees praying Perumal here are being protected by Lord Himself directly guiding them in life.
The Sacred Jack Tree behind the Sanctum Sanctorum has a Conch Symbol grown Naturally
Once there was a parrot living in this temple used to pick a blackberry (Naval Fruit) from a tree and worship the Almighty by placing it at the feet of the Lord with chanting Hari Hari. One day, when it was bringing the fruit, a hunter shot it down, the bird fell chanting Hari Hari. Hearing the parrot chanting the name of Lord, the hunter was scared and ran away from the place. Lord Vishnu gave darshan to the parrot and reminded of its past birth. The message is that salvation is open to everyone who are ready to place themselves at the feet of Almighty and chanting His glorious names as much as can. It is noteworthy that the Sacred Jack Tree behind the sanctum sanctorum has a conch symbol which has grown naturally. Worshipping this natural conch and the discus together ensures immense benefit to the devotee. Of the Nine Navagrahas Planets, this place is linked with Kethu Sri Shuktha. Homam is being conducted in the temple with 108 Lotus Leaves on Full Moon Days. During the Varaha Avatar, Perumal went deep into earth. The gap between the two feet of Perumal in the sanctum sanctorum is considered the centre point of the world. Sage Nandhaga Mamuni and Devas worshipped together here and hence the name Thirukkoodalur. Demon Hiranyaksha fought with Mother Earth and hid her under the world below the earth - Paadhaala Logam. Lord rescued her back to her place with His Varaha Avatar. He split the earth for this purpose and brought back her at Sri Mushnam. Remembering this event, Saint Tirumangai Azhwar praises this place as Pugunthan Oor ( Lord entered into earth ). As Lord protected the world - Vaiyagam, from the demon, hence HE is praised as Vaiyagam Katha Perumal. Lord graces the devotees in His Standing Posture. Vimana above the sanctum sanctorum is called Suddha Sadhwa Vimanam. Devotees offer Sugar Candy, Butter as naivedhyam for Prosperity and Marital Harmony. |
