Oppiliappan Temple / Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple / Thiruvinnagar / Arulmigu Venkatachalapathy Thirukoil / உப்பிலியப்பன் கோயில், திருநாகேஸ்வரம் / Thirunageswaram, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This Oppiliappan Perumal Temple also called as Thiruvinnagar at Thirunageswaram is 15th Divya Desam of 108 Diva Desams and 13^th Divya Desam of Chozha Nadu. Also this is one of the Pancha kshetras, where Maha Lakshmi was born as Bhargavi. The 5 kshetras are, Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam, Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Salem, Nachiyar Koil, and Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. This place was called as Agasa Nagaram, Vaikunta Nagaram, Thiruvinnagar, Oppiliappan Sannidhi, Uppiliappan Sannidhi during ancient times. Moolavar is also called as Venkatachalapathy, Thiruvinnagarappan, Thanoppiliappan, Uppiliappan and Srinivasan, etc,..

Mangalasasanam was done by Peyalwar ( 2342 & 2343 ), Thirumangai Alwar (1448-77, 1855, 2080, 2673 (72), 2674 (113) and Nammalwar (3365-77 ). Nammazhwar mentions moolavar of this temple as Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muttappan, Ennappan, and Tiruvinnagarappan. 

2342

பண்டெல்லாம் வேங்கடம் பாற்கடல் வைகுந்தம்,

கொண்டங் குறைவார்க்குக் கோயில்போல், - வண்டு

வளங்கிளரும் நீள்சோலை வண்பூங் கடிகை,

 இளங்குமரன் றன்விண் ணகர்.

….. பேயாழ்வார்

1477

தாரார் மலர்க்கமலத் தடஞ்சூழ்ந்த தண்புறவில்,

சீரார் நெடுமறுகில் திருவிண் ணகரானை

காரார் புயல்தடக்கைக் கலிய னொலிமாலை,

ஆரா ரிவைவல்லார் அவர்க்கல்லல் நில்லாவே

…… திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்

3365

நல்குரவும் செல்வும் நரகும் சுவர்க்கமுமாய்,

வெல்பகையும் நட்பும் விடமும் அமுதமுமாய்,

பல்வகையும் பரந்தபெரு மானென்னை யாள்வானை,

செல்வம்மல்கு குடித்திரு விண்ணகர்க் கண்டேனே. 

…… நம்மாழ்வார்

Moolavar  : Sri Oppiliappa Perumal / Sri Uppiliappan

Thayar     : Sri Bhumi Devi / Bhoomidevi Thayar

Utsavar    : Than Oppiliappan

Some of the salient features of this temple are ….

The temple is facing  east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, dwajasthambam and Garudan are after the Rajagopuram under a mandapam. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of maha mandapam.

Moolavar is in standing posture with shankha and chakra in the upper hands and lower right hand is in varada hastam and left hand is in kadi hastam, similar to Tirupati Sri Venkatesa Perumal. Sridevi and Bhudevi are in the sanctum sanctorum. No images are in the kostas.

Desikar is in the ardha mandapam. Maha Vishnu’s various avatars, Alwars, sthala purana and purana are in the form of paintings around the praharam wall.

In praharam, Sri Maniappan Sannidhi, Ennappan Sannidhi, Thulabaram, Ramar with Sita and Lakshmana, Sannidhi, Anjaneyar, Ramanuja, Alwars, Garudan Sannidhi, Krishna, and Ramanuja.

Vahanas Garudan, Hanuman, Kuthirai / Horse Vahana, Hamsa Vahana, Kamala Vahana, Sesha vahana, and Elephant Vahana are in the praharam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a padma bandha adhistanam on a upana. The adhistanam is with padma jagathy, kadaka / Silambu kumudam, pattikai. The Bhitti starts with vedika. The pilasters are of brahma kantha pilasters with square base, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai and puspa pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasi kudus. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from upanam to prastaram. A two tier bricks vimanam is above the prastaram. Maha Vishnu’s various form are on the tala and greeva koshtam. The Sigaram is of vesara style. The Vimanam is called as Sudhdhanandha Vimanam (Vishnu Vimanam.)

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to 08^th Century may be Pallava period and the same was reconstructed during Chozha period. The temple also received contributions from Vijayanagaras, Thanjavur Nayakas and Marathas. Two Chozha period inscriptions are recorded from this temple.

The inscriptions recorded in ARE 211 & 218 of 1911 are actually inscribed at Thirunageswaram Shiva Temple and mentions this Maha Vishnu Temple- Thiruvinnagaram. 

The inscription in ARE 211 of 1911 on the northern wall of the Sanctum sanctorum belongs to the Chozha King Parakesarivarman, Rajendra Chozha-I ( 1042 – 44 CE ) records the  gift of gold jewel studded with gems and pearls to the temple.   

The second inscription in ARE 218 of 1911, belongs to Chola king Rajaraja Rajakesari varman- I’s 14^th reign year, on the Sanctum sanctorum’s southern wall. The inscription records a gift of land to the temple.

The tradition in many ancient temples in Tamil Nadu including this one is that the original image of the presiding deity was made of wood and replaced later with stone. Similarly the moolavar was also replaced.

There were a lot of additions like mandapas, built in the temple by Govinda Dikshitar, the minister of successive Nayak rulers, Achuthappa Nayak (1560–1614 ) and Raghunatha Nayak (1600–34).

This Arulmigu Venkatachalapathy Thirukoil also called as Oppiliappan Koil maha samprokshanam was performed on 8^th February 2009 at a cost of Rs.12 Crores ( 12 Crores .. ?).

Kodimara Yanthra prathista was done on 26^th April 2023 and Preparation for Maha samprokshanam  ie. palalayam was conducted on 05^th June 2023 and Maha samprokshanam was performed on 29^th June 2023.

Ref:

Annual report on Epigraphy 1911.

The inscriptions on the wall.

LEGENDS

As per the legend Bhudevi was reborn as the daughter of Markandeya Maharishi. As decided already Maha Vishnu, came to the ashram in the form of an old man and told that he will marry his daughter. Markandeya Maharishi do not wants his daughter to get married to an old man. To reject the old man, Maharishi told   that his daughter is not well versed in house hold duties and also she will even forget to add salt in the food, while preparing. Maha Vishnu revealed Himself and married Bhudevi. Hence the prasadam offered to Moolavar, Maha Vishnu will be without salt. Hence Moolavar is called as Uppiliappan, ie Uppillatha appan – உப்பில்லாத அப்பன்.

As per another legend Garudan, Kaveri, Markandeya Muni, Nammalwar worshipped Sri Oppiliappan of this temple.

During the festival Perumal and Thayar are taken in procession, out side the temple, which is a unique procedure of this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas as per Vaikhanasa agama of vadakalai,  special poojas are conducted on Annual Brahmotsavam with chariot procession in the month Panguni and Puratasi, Dolotsavam, 6 days Vasanthotsavam in the month Vaikasi, 5 days Pavithrotsavam in the month Avani, Nine days Brahmotsavam in the month Purattasi, From Sravana Nakshatra day 12 days Thirukalyana Utsavam in the month Aippasi, Rama navami, Sravana Nakshatra days of every month, Vaikunta ekadasi etc,.

Golden chariot procession

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

http://www.oppiliappan.org/, WWW.oppiliappanswamytemple.org

The temple’s land line number +91 435 2463385 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place Thirunageswaram is about 5 KM from Kumbakonam, 6 KM from Nachiarkoil, 41 KM from Thiruvaiyaru, 51 KM from Thanjavur.

Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Theppam - used during Theppa Thiruvizha

Ennappan Temple

Ennappan

The Visit to this temple was a part of Divya Desam Temples Visit, near Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, organized by CultureCuircuit.  Thanks to Mr Balakumaran.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple / Arulmigu Jagannatha Perumal Koil, Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram / நந்திபுர விண்ணகரம், நாதன் கோயில் / Nathan Kovil, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple also known as Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram at Nathan Kovil is 21^st  Divya Desam of 108 Divya Desams and 16^th Divya Desam of Chozha Nadu. This place is also called as Dakshina Jagannatham. 

Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Azhwar ( 1438-47 ), in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

1438

தீதறுநி லத்தொடெரி காலினொடு நீர்க்கெழுவி சும்பு மவையாய்,

மாசறும னத்தினொடு றக்கமொடி றக்கையவை யாய பெருமான்,

தாய்செறவு ளைந்துதயி ருண்டுகுட மாடுதட மார்வர் தகைசேர்,

நாதனுறை கின்றநகர் நந்திபுர விண்ணகரம் நண்ணு மனமே

1447

நறைசெய் பொழில் மழைதவழும் நந்திபுர விண்ணகரம்நண்ணி யுறையும்,

உறைகொள்புக ராழிசுரி சங்கமவை யங்கையுடை யானை,

ஒளிசேர் கறைவளரும் வேல்வல்ல கலியனொலி மாலையிவை யைந்து மைந்தும்,

முறையிலவை பயிலவல அடியவர்கள் கொடுவினைகள் முழுத கலுமே

….. திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்

Moolavar  : Sri Srinivasan

Utsavar    : Nandhinathar, Sri Jagannatha Perumal,  

                  Sri Vinnagara Perumal, Rakshaka Jaganathan

Thayar     : Sri Shenbagavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are ….

Moolavar is facing west with a 4 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam Dwajasthambam, Garudan are after the Rajagopuram. The second level Rajagopuram is of two tiers. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. Moolavar Jagannatha Perumal is with Sridevi and Bhudevi in sitting posture, holding shankha and Chakra in the upper hands and lower right hand is in abhaya hastam and left hand is in ahvana hastham ( calling his devotees ) and Brahma is also in the sanctum sanctorum. Utsavars are in-front of Moolavar. No murtis are in the kostam. Nandi Devar – a bas relief ( in human form), in worshipping posture is on the right side wall   and Brahma is on the left side wall of the sanctum sanctorum ( inside ).

Thayar Shenbagavalli is in sitting posture in a separate sannidhi facing east, with abhaya varada hastam.

In mandapam Andal, Alwars, Anjaneyar, the Nayaka king Vijayaranga Chokkappa Nayaka with his two wives.   

Nayaka king Vijayaranga Chokkappa Nayaka with his two wives

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a open mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a kapota bandha upanam and Pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, muppattai kumudam and pattika. The Bhitti starts with vedika. Vishnu kantha pilasters are with square base, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai, puspa pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasi kudus. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from adhistanam to prastaram. The Vimanam above the prastaram is built with bricks of single tala. Maha Vishnu’s various forms are in tala and greeva kostams. The sigaram is of Dravida style. The Vimanam is called as Mandaara Vimanam.

The front mandapam was built during Nayaka's period.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to 08^th Century ( 736 – 796 CE ), Pallava King Nandivarman-II’s period and the same was reconstructed during Chozha period and received contributions from Vijayanagaras, Thanjavur Nayakas, Vijayaranga Chokkappa Nayaka and Marathas.

The inscription, records the contributions of Sundara Chozha. The temple is also called as Sundara Chozha Vinnagaram (..? to be verified ). It was told that Aniruddha Brahmarayar (Sundara Chola’s minister) lived in this Village Sundara Chozha Vinnagaram now called as Nathan Kovil

The temple is under the control of Vanamamalai madam.

LEGENDS

As per the legend Nandi performed penance at this place to seek the pardon and blessings of Maha Vishnu for the sin of insulting the Dwarapalakas at Vaikuntam. As advised by Shiva, Nandi did penance of Maha Vishnu in this Shenbagavanam. Satisfied with Nandi’s penance, Maha Vishnu pardoned Nandi and blessed him. Hence Thirumangai Azhwar calls this place as “Nandi paniseida nagar- நந்தி பணி செய்த நகர்”, in 10^th Thirumozhi, of Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

1444: (5-10-7)

தந்தை மனம் உந்து துயர் நந்த இருள் வந்த விறல் நந்தன் மதலை

எந்தை இவன் என்று அமரர் கந்த மலர் கொண்டு தொழ நின்ற நகர் தான்

மந்த முழவு ஓசை மழை ஆக எழு கார்  மயில்கள் ஆடு பொழில் சூழ்  

நந்தி பணி செய்த நகர் நந்திபுர விண்ணகரம் நண்ணு மனமே!

Thayar Shenbagavalli also did penance at this Shenbagaranyam, to get a place on the chest of Maha Vishnu. Maha Vishnu gave darshan on Aippasi Month Valarpirai ashtami day / Friday and gave her the place on his Chest. Hence special poojas are on Aippasi month Fridays. Since Maha Vishnu is a Nathan for Maha Lakshmi and Jagam ( universe ), this place is called as Nathan Kovil.   

In another legend, moolavar was originally facing east and turned to west to see Sibi Chakravarthy sacrificing his life to save the life of a pigeon.

It is believed that, the obstacles in marriages will get removed and child boon will be granted, for those worships Thayar of the temple.

This temple is also one of the Chandra dosha parihara sthalam.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas ( Thenkalai ), special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta ekadasi, Pavithrotsavam in the month Aani, and akshaya Tritiya. Special abhishekams will be done to Thayar on Aippasi month Fridays.

Kinnarar

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Land line numbers +91 435 241 7575 and mobile numbers +9198430 95904 & +9194437 71400 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This Place temple is about 4 KM from Patteeswaram, 6.00 KM from Kumbakonam, 9 KM from Nachiarkoil, 12 KM from Papanasam,  and 39 KM from Thanjavur.

Nearest Railway station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

The Visit to this temple was a part of Divya Desam Temples Visit, near Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, organized by Culture Cuircuit.  Thanks to Mr Balakumaran. 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Arulmigu Sri Valvil Ramar Perumal Temple / அருள்மிகு வல்வில்ராமன் திருக்கோயில், Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple / Thiruppullambhootangudi, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This Sri Valvil Ramar Perumal Temple at Thiruppullambhootangudi is the 18th Divya Desam temple of the 108 Divya Desams and 10^th Divya Desam of Chozha Nadu. This place is in between Kollidam and Kaveri Rivers. This place was called as Bhudapuri during ancient times.

Mangalasasanam of this temple was done by Thirumangai Alwar in Nalayira Divya Prabandham ( 1348- 57 ).

1348

அறிவ தரியா னனைத்துலகும் உடையா னென்னை யாளுடையான்

குறிய மாணி யுருவாய கூத்தன் மன்னி யமருமிடம்,

நறிய மலர்மேல் சுரும்பார்க்க எழிலார் மஞ்ஞை நடமாட,

பொறிகொள் சிறைவண் டிசைபாடும் புள்ளம் பூதங் குடிதானே

…. திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்

Moolavar  : Sri Valvil Ramar

Thayar     : Sri Hemambhujavalli, Sri Potramaraiyal

Some of the salient features of this temple are ….

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and the temple tank is on the north side of the temple. Balipeedam, dwajasthambam and Garudan are after the 2^nd level rajagopuram. Moolavar Rama is in the reclining posture / Sayana kolam, called Bhujanga Sayanam. Utsavar Ramar is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Ramar is with 4 hands. The Sankha and Chakra are in the upper hands. Jatayu, Hanuman and Lakshmana are near the feet of Moolavar. One of the deva kosta has the image of Thumbikai Alwar / Vinayagar and the rest are empty.  

Thayar Sri Hemambhujavalli / Sri Potramaraiyal ( Bhoomadevi ), who accompanied with Ramar for performing the last rites to Jatayu is in a separate sannidhi facing East. Thayar is in sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam.

Alwars, Narasimhar are in the maha mandapam. In praharam, Yoga Narasimhar is also called as Uthyoka narasimhar is with 4 hands holding Shankha and Chakra in the upper hands and lower hands are on the knees in yoga mudra and legs are crossed like swastik asana.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is of rectangular in shape to accommodate Moolavar reclining posture. The sanctum sanctorum is ona pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha kumudam and pattikai. The Bhitti starts with vedika. The pilasters are of Vishnu kantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai and pushpa pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasi kudus. The Vimanam above the prastaram is of salakara Vimanam ( eka tala ). The Vimanam is called as Sobana Vimanam.  Maha Vishnu’s various forms are on the tala and greeva kostams.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to 07^th to 9^th Century, Pallava Period and the same was reconstructed during Chozha period and received contributions from Vijayanagaras / Thanjavur Nayakas and Marathas. 13^th to 14^th Century fragment Chozha period inscriptions are found on the side from of entrance  and Temple walls.

The Pandya King Maravarman Kulasekaran-II’s 24^th reign year ( 1348 CE )  incomplete inscription records gift deed by sale of land as thiruvidaiyattam by the Villagers ( Uravar ) of Pavitrimangalam in the middle portion  ( naduvoikuru ) of Milalaikkutram to the temple of Valvilaramapperumal at Pullabutankudi in the name of Sri Senapati Alwar ( Vishwaksena ), the deity who is supposed to keep the accounts of Vishnu Temple.

Vijayanagara King Kattarai Saluva Thirumalairaya Maharaja’s reign ( 15^th Century ) damaged inscription on the 1^st praharam ( south side of Rajagopuram ) records the Tax items like Vasaalilvattanai, Sulavari, Irayasavattanai etc, were to be utilized  for the various expenses to be met by the Pullabutankudi temple.

Rajathirajan-II’s 14^th reign year ( 1160 CE) inscription on the 1^st praharam entrance south side entrance column ( Nilaikal ), doesn't seem to belongs to this temple. It provides the information that one Kandiyur Palaciriyan ( Balasraya..? ) Tiruviratta namudaiyan Tiruvakatticuramudaiyan alias Rajasraya Brammadarajan made arrangements for burning one perpetual lamp at Sipirantaka icuram at Silacintamani nallur, hamlet of Chitrantaka (or Chitrankata ) chaturvedi mangalam. It is further informed that he consecrated the image of Aludaiya Pillaiyar (Thirugnanasambandar) in this temple.

Kulothunga Chozha-III’s 35^th reign year ( 1213 CE ) inscription on the 1^st praharam entrance north side column ( Nilaikal ), doesn’t seems to belong to this temple. It records some gift to a Siva temple by name "Tirubhuvana viraiswaram", named after Kulothunga -III.

 

Rajarajan-III’s 13^th reign year ( 1227 CE ) inscription on a separate stone in the 1^st praharam doesn't seems to belong to this temple. This inscription of Kulottunga Cola III, belongs to Agaram Chitrankataccaturvedi mangalam in Tirunaraiyurnadu in Tirubhuvana Kulottunga Chozhavalanadu. It seems to record a decision taken at the meeting of the mahasabhaiyar of the said Caturvedimangalam, convened at the assembly hall called Tiribhuvanaviricuram udiyar tirukkudam. Inscriptions No : 3, 4 and 5 of this village seem to belong to some other temple

Ref:

Papanasam vattakkalvettukkal Volume – I.

As per the inscription on the wall, Moolavar Vigraham was replaced along with maintenance jobs carried out. Maha samprokshanam was conducted on 09^th February 1970 with Devotees fund, by the guidance of Sri Ahobila mutt 44^th pattam Srimath Vedamarkethyathi Bruthalangkirutha Sri Vansadakoba Sri Vedanta Desika Yathindra Maha desikan.

An inverter was installed at a cost of Rs 35000, by Divya Desa Kainkarya Trust, Medavakkam, Chennai and sponsored by K V Narasimhan Subhashini Narasimhan of Nanganallur, Chennai on 30^th December 2007, in connection with Ahobila Mutt 45^th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar’s Sathabhishekam mahotsavam. 

Chozha period inscription

LEGENDS

As per the legend Sri Ramar took rest after giving moksha / performed the last rites to Jadayu, which was killed by Ravana while abducting Sita. In place of Sita, Bhoomadevi accompanied with Rama to carry out the last rites to Jatayu. Since Sita was abducted by Ravana, Sita is not in the sanctum sanctorum.  

It is believed that, when Thirumangai Alwar came to this temple without noticing the actual deity of the temple. Suddenly a bright light was appeared with the image of Ramar with shankha and Chakra. He realized his mistake and has sung hymns in praise of Rama of this temple.

 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are done on Rama Navami, Krishna Jayanthi, Vaikunta Ekadasi and annual Brahmotsavam in the month Panguni.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.30 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile number Gopal Bhattar +919443525365 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This temple is about 1 KM from Adhanur, 10 KM from Kabisthalam, 15 KM from Kumbakonam, 27 KM from Thiruvaiyaru, 35 KM from Thanjavur.

Nearest railway station ( big ) is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

The Visit to this temple was a part of Divya Desam Temples Visit, near Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, organized by Culture Cuircuit.  Thanks to Mr Balakumaran. 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---