Thirukkoviloor | Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple | Divya Desams - 042

About the Temple & Location:

This temple is situated in South Arcot district in Tamil Nadu. 2 miles away from Thirukoviloor, which is in between Vizhupuram to Kaatpaadi railway lane. Some other routes are from Pondicherry to Bangalore, Chitoor – Trichy (Via vellore) – Cuddalore, from Tiruvannamalai, Vizhupuram also have plenty of bus facilities. It is situated on the sea shore of Thenpennai river.

Specials:

According to Older tradition, “Ko” means cow in Tamil and Cow is related to Dharma. So, Cow is related Aathma if the people and the God is related to the person who is taking care of all the Cows, Goats etc. Since, Lord Narayana (Vishnu) is saying this message to the world, this place is called as “Tirukoviloor”.

Both Saivam and Vaishnavam should be treated as a single one. This is the primary thing, which is taken care of by the Alwar at this place.

There should be no difference between these two castes. In this way this village is built without any racism.

This is one among the “Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetram”. Other Ksthremas are Thirukkannankudi, Thirukkannapuram, Thirukkannanmangai and Kabisthalam.

The Sthalam is the starting point of the great, Naalaayira Divya Prabhandham explained to the World.

Sthlapuranam :

In this sthalam only, Naalayira Divya Prabandham was explained to the world and it can be said that it is the place of origin of it.

Poigai Alwar was born in Thiruvekka, is considered to be the Hamsam of Thiru Sangu of Sriman Narayanan, Bhoodhatalwar was born in Mahabalipuram, is considered to be the Hamsam of Thiru Ghadhai (Which is found in Lord Hanuman’s hand) and Pei Alwar was born in Aadhikesava Perumal Koil in Thiru Myilai (Mylapore). All these 3 Alwars took their humanity Avathars to explain the specials and greatness of Lord Vishnu. All these 3 Alwars born in Sithirai year, in 7th Century, Iyppasi month.

Poigai Alwar belong to Ashtami and Thiruvona Natchatiram and was born on Tuesday. Bhoodhatalwar in Avittam on Wednesday Navami and Pei alwar in Sathayam on thursday (Dhasami). All these 3 Alwars born at different places but met all at once in Thirukkoviloor and in this sthalam, they got the Paramapadha life.

One day, all these 3 Alwars wanted to worship the Perumal in Thirukkoviloor, Sri Thiruvikraman. One fine day, they started from their respective places to worship the Perumal, separately. First, Poigai Alwar wanted to worship, but since it rained heavily, he went to a Brahmnar’s house and asked for some place to stay for some time, since it was raining heavily. The Brahmnar gave him a small place in the house (can be said as the small hall).

Only one person can stretch his hands and legs and can feel somewhat comfortable with the place. At that time, Bhoodhatalwar, who was drowned completely due to rain, came there and asked the place to stay for sometime to the Brahmnanar. On seeing Bhoodhatalwar, Poigai Alwar who was sleeping in the room, said that one person can sleep and if it is two persons, we can sit comfortably. And then Pei Alwar came there and all of his dress and he himself was drowned in rain asked for some place there. Then, Poigai Alwar said that if it is one person, he can sleep and if it is two persons, they can sit and since it is 3 persons, they can only stand. And it is explained as a slogan by

“Oruvar Padukka – Iruvar Irukka – Moovar Nirkalam”.

Like this way only, all these 3 Alwars got introduced among themselves and showed their affection and love towards each other.

All these 3 Alwars, started to sing Andhadhees (song praise of God) and finally he gave seva to 3 Alwars. Cow is considered to be the sign of Dharma. The specialty and the way it is helpful to the world is one of the story that has to be explained.

Gho – means cow, since, the specialty of cow is very much explained here, this sthalam is called “Koviloor”. Cow is referred to the Dharma and since it helps largely towards the humanity, the name with which this sthalam is called so is acceptable.

Some more news on this Sthalam:

1. When Arjunan came along the Theertha yaatra, he came to this sthalam and took bath in Thenpennai River and worshipped Thiruvikraman. This is explained in Villi Bharatham.

2. Malaiyamaan Thirumudikkari, who is one of the 7 vallals, rulled this sthalam. His successor Maladar Komaan, also ruled this Ksthetram. It is explained in Agappaadal.

The temple has an eleven-tiered rajagopuram with a height of 192 ft (59 m), the third tallest temple tower in Tamil Nadu, after the one in Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple and Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple. The temple covers an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2) and houses residential buildings in the precincts around the temple tower. The presiding deity, Ulagalantha Perumal, has an imposing image made of Tharu wood with foot raised. The images of Azhwars are housed in the hall preceding the sanctum. The temple has two gopurams (gateway towers), with the one at the main entrance being the tallest of the two. The image of Vamana is located behind the sanctum. There are separate shrines for Laskhmi Narayana, Lakshmi Narasimha, Varadaraja, Rama, Andal, Chakrathazwar, Vishvaksena, Manavala Mamuni and Ramanuja around the sanctum. The sanctum houses the wooden image of Ulagalantha Perumal. Unlike other Vishnu temples, Perumal is sported with Sankha in his right hand and Chakra on his left. The sanctum also housed the images of Mahalakshmi, Prahalad and Mahabali to the right of presiding deity and the images of Sukracharya, sage Mrikandu and the three mudhal Azhwars (Pey, Bhoothath and Poigai Azhwar) to his left. The festival deities, the metal images of Koovalan and Poongodhai Thayar are housed in the sanctum. Durga, otherwise housed only in Shiva temples, is a rare feature of the temple. The image of Krishna is made of saligrama stone and is housed in a separate shrine. There are separate shrines in the first precinct for Venugopala, Lakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Raghava, Lakshmi Narasimha, Rama, Veera Anjaneya, Andal and Shukracharya, the Guru of Asuras. Vishnudurga is housed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which is one of the unique features of the temple.

There are sixteen temple tanks associated with the temple, with Chakra Theertham located outside the temple being the most prominent. Chakra Theertha is believed to have been from the waters used by Brahma to wash the feet of Vamana. It is believed that the water is source of river Pennar, which flows nearby the temple. Chank Theertha, located in the east, Akasha Ganga, Varava Theertha and Kalava Theertha are the various other temple tanks in the temple.

History

It was originally under the rule of Malayaman Malayarayan chieftains and later switched hands to Miladudaiyar and again went back to Malayaman Malayarayan chieftains. Both Miladudaiyars and Malayaman Malayarayan chieftains had direct relationship with the Medieval Cholas, with their princess Sembian Mahadevi daughter of Malavarayar marrying Gandaraditya and Vanavan Mahadevi marrying Sundara Chola and gave birth to Rajaraja I, the illustrious Chola king.There are multiple inscriptions in the temple from Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara Empire indicating donations to the temple. An inscription from Rajendra Chola II indicates that the temple was called Thiruvidaikazhi Azhwar temple. A chieftain by name Ranakesari Raman reconstructed the whole sanctum with granite as the old structure built of bricks developed cracks. He also built five pinnacles, the veranda and the hall in front of it. Another inscription during the regime of Rajadhiraja Chola in 1171 CE indicates the donation of seven kalanju (a measure used in olden times) by a lady for the conduct of festivals of Vaikasi and Aippasi and also for the recitation of Thiruvaimozhi sung by Nammazhwar in the temple.

The temple was originally made of bricks, but during the period of Virarajendra Chola (1063–70), a granite structure was developed. Narasimha Varma constructed the other shrines also in granite. The temple received benevolent contributions from most of the later Chola rulers like Rajadhiraja Chola (1018–1054), Rajendra Chola II (1051–1063) and other rulers of the region like Vikramapandiya, Koperujinga and Vijayanagara rulers like Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya (1485–1491) and Sadasiva Raya (1542–1570) as seen from the inscriptions in the temple. The temple was expanded during the rule of the Vijayanagar kings and Nayaks. The temple was the fortress to the British during the Carnatic wars. It was also attacked during the days of the period of Hyder Ali.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Thiruvikraman. The Perumal is also called as “Dahaleesan”. Moolavar in Nindra, Nadantha (Ulagalantha) kolam facing East direction and his right leg lifted upwards towards the sky. And the great and a special thing is that the Sangu, which will be usually on the left hand is on the right hand and the Chakkaram which will be on the right hand is on the left hand.

Prathyaksham for Mahabali Chakravarthy, Mirugandar, Lord Brahma, Sownakar, Kaasyapar, Kaalavar, Indiran, (Kushi – Kusathwajan, Poigai, Bhutham and Pei Alwars, who are considered to be the first 3 Alwars.

Thayaar

The Thaayar of this sthalam is Poongoval Naachiyar.

Utsavar

The Utsavar is Aayanaar, Govalan (Gopalan).

The Utsavars show 3 sevas – Nindra, Kidantha and Veetriruntha (Standing, Sleeping & Ssitting postures).

Utsavar Thaayar name is Pushpa valli Thaayar.

Some more information about this Divyadesam :

The Lord’s one thiruvadi is on the head of Chakravarthy Mahabali and the other thiruvadi is lifted towards the sky, which is done for measuring the earth.

The Lord asked for 3 feets in the Earth. Since, Mahabali could give Him only 2 feets, one finger on the right hand is questioning him for another, the third feet of the Earth. This is how the Moolavar appearing is here in this temple. Periya pirattiyaar, Mahabali, Sukracchariyaar, Mirugandu Munivar, his first wife and three first Alwars are standing around the Moolavar.

Along the right hand, Lord Brahma and along the left hand is son of Mahabali, Namusi are devoting and doing pooja to the God.

Lots of Nayakar Kings and devotees who devoted the Lord small statues are found all over the pragharam.

Festivals and religious practices

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Ulagalantha Perumal and Poongothai. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.

Various festivals are celebrated in the temple, with the 15-day Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March–April with Sri Pushpavalli Thayar Oonjal, being the most prominent one. During the Masi Magam festival celebrated in February–March, the festive deity is carried on the shoulders of devotees to Cuddalore. Other festivals are Purattasi Pavithra Utsavavm, Navarathri, Srirama Navami, Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi, Vasanth Utsavam in April–May, Vaikasi Visaka Garuda Seva, Nammazhwar Sattrumurai in May–June, Aani Periazhwar Sattrumurai in June–July, Aadi Thiruvadipooram, Andal Utsavam in July–August, Avani Sri Jayanthi, Uriyadi utsavam in August–September, Aipasi Mudalazwar Sattrumurai, Sri Manavala Mamunigal utsav in October–November, Karthikai Kaisika Ekadasi, Tirukarthikai in November–December, Margazhi Rapathu, Pagal Pathu and Vaikunta Ekadashi in December–January.

Sannadhis:

Lord Durga

Lakshmi Narayanan

Lakshmi Varaagan

Lakshmi Narasimhan

Lord Ramar

Sri Aandal

Udayavar

Thiru Kacha Nambi and

Sri Manavala Maamunigal.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumangai Alwar – 18 Paasurams.

Poigai Alwar – 2

Boothathalwar – 1

Total 21 Paasurams.

Manavala maamuni has also done Mangalasasanam here. All the controls of this temple are under the Emperumaanar Jeeyar and his follwers. Desikar has written “Dehaleesasthuthi” here.

Vimanam:

Srikara Vimanam. There is Gopuram in front and back of the temple.

Two gopurams are found (ie) one in front and another at the back. Front Gopuram is big gopuram and chariot is found close to it.

On the North side of the temple is found a small gopuram, which is built incompletely. Poigai Alwar wanted a small gopuram to be built with in a day and he himself wanted to build it. But, he could not build it since the daylight came. So, left the temple incompletely.

Inside the temple, the Kodi Maram (Dhwajasthambham) and the Gopura Vaayil (entrance) is found. This is said to be built by Thirumangai Alwar and then a big Mandapam built by King Pandiyan followed is the Moolasthanam (Where Moolavar is found).