Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple / ஆதனூர் ஆண்டளக்கும் ஐயன் கோயில், Thiruadhanoor / Adhanur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple at Adhanur is  the 12th Divya Desam of 108 Divya Desams and 11^th Divya Desam of Chozha Nadu. This place Adhanur is between Kollidam and River Kaveri. This place Adhanur is also called as Bhargava kshetram, since Maha Lakshmi incarnated as a daughter to Bhargava Maharishi.

Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar in Nalayira Divya Prabandham – 2674 ( 130 ). Even-though Thirumangai Alwar has not sung directly to this temple, but mentions in the Periya Thirumadal as ‘ஆதனூர் ஆண்டளக்கும் ஐயன்’ 

 

முன்னவனை மூழிக் களத்து விளக்கினை,

அன்னவனை ஆதனூர் ஆண்டளக்கும் ஐயனை,

நென்னலை யின்றினை நாலையை, - நீர்நிலைமேல்…  

…. திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் … ( 2674 -130 )

In another place ..

இடரான வாக்கை யிருக்க முயலார்

மடவார் மயக்கின் மயங்கார் - கடவுளர்க்கு

நாதனூ ராதரியார் நானெனதென்னார

மலன் ஆதனூர் எந்தை யடியார்.

…. திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்

Moolavar  : Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal

Utsavar    : Sri Ranganathar / Azhagiya manavalan

Thayar     : Sri Barkavi / Sri Kamalavasini

Utsavar    : Sri Ranganayaki

Some of the salient features of this temple are ….

The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Garudan are after the rajagopuram.  Dwarapalakas are on both sides of antarala. Utsavars and Alwars are in the antarala.

Moolavar is in reclining posture / bhujanga sayana kolam keeping a marakkal / measuring  jar as pillow. Moolavar's face is turned towards east. The lower hands are holding palm leaf and a ezhuthani / a scribbling implement. Sridevi and Bhudevi are at his feet. Brahma is from moolavar’s nabi kamalam. Utsavars Sri Ranganathar and Ranganayaki are in front of moolavar. No images are found on the Kostams.

Shiva, Bhrigu Maharishi, Agni, Kamadhenu with her daughter Nandini, and Thirumangai Alwar with sword are also in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Two Moksha Pillars and Utsava murtis are in the ardha mandapam.

Thayar Sri Ranganayaki is in a separate sannidhi facing east. The Thayar is in sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam. Narasimhar, Ramar Thiruvadi and Sudarsana Anjaneyar are in the praharam. 

Moolavar is in reclining posture / bhujanga sayana kolam and head rests on a marakkal / measuring  jar as pillow. 

 Narasimhar

 Thayar sannidhi Lintel reliefs

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is rectangle in shape to accommodate Maha Vishnu’s reclining posture. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from adhistanam to prastaram. The adhistanam is of prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrutha kumudam and prati vari as madhalam and mahara thundam is at the corners. The Bhitti starts with Vedika. The pilasters are of brahma kantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, plain mandi, palakai and pushpa pothyal. 

The Prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasi kudus. The Vimanam over the sanctum  Sanctorum prastaram is of 1 tala. ( Two talas including adi tala ). The Vimanam over the prastaram was built with bricks as salakara Vimanam. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s various forms are on the tala ( with consorts ) and greeva koshtams. The Vimanam is called as Pranava Vimanam.

Stucco image of Maha Vishnu surrounded by 7 Bhuta ganas on the Vimanam maha nasi is believed that, it is growing year by year

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple was built by the Chozha king Aditha Chozha. The temple received contributions from Vijayanagaras / Thanjavur Nayakas and Maratha Kings.

 

The temple is being maintained by Ahobila mutt and Rajagopuram was constructed by Bombay Tanks and Vessels Ltd, Sri Ramanuja Ayyangar, with the effort of, 44^th pattam Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt. Maha samprokshanam was conducted on 31^st August 1973.   

To Commemorate 45^th Jeer of Ahobila mutt Srimad Azhagiya Singar Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Divya Pathusevaka Sri Vantakopa Sri Narayana Theertha Maha Desika’s sathabhishekam, this temple’s Maha samprokshanam was conducted on 12^th July 2006.

One of the 20^th Century inscription records the endowment of naivedyam  during Ucchikala Pooja by Mani Ammal.

Security  system with Inverter was installed on 30^th December 2007 in connection with the Ahobila mutt 45^th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar’s Sathabhishekam.

Maha samprokshanam was conducted after thirupani on 15^th November 2021.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, when Thirumangai Alwar was doing thirupani of Srirangam Temple, he was left with the shortage of money to pay the labourers. When he prayed to Maha Vishnu, in the form of asariri, Maha Vishnu asked Thirumangai Alwar to come to the banks of Kollidam to get the money.  Next day, Thirumangai Alwar went to the Kollidam river bank. A merchant with a marakkal / measuring jar came and told that, he was sent by Maha Vishnu. Thirumangai Alwar told the merchant, that he needs money, to pay to the labourers. The merchant measured the sand and gave him and told that, it will appear as Gold to those who are really worked. When Thirumangai Alwar gave the sand to the labourers, most of them complained, that he is giving only the sand and not the Gold. Thirumangai Alwar felt that he was cheated and chased the merchant. The merchant ran, stopped at this place and told to Thirumangai Alwar that he only came as Merchant. The quantity of sand given was inscribed on the Palm leaf and blessed Thirumangai Alwar.

 

Kamadhenu and Agni worshipped Maha Vishnu of this temple. Since Kamadhenu – ஆ..( celestial Cow, which can give what ever the food asked ) was over pride of her power and elder to Maha Lakshmi. Maha Vishnu asked her to measure her wealth through the marakkal. It was not filled. When Mahalakshmi dropped a leaf of Tulasi, the Marakkal filled and overflowed. Kamadhenu felt ashamed and did a penance on Maha Vishnu to forgive her. Satisfied with her penance, Maha Vishnu pardoned her. Hence this place was called as Adhanur. This place is believed to be older than Srirangam, called Adi Rangeswaram, which is mentioned in Brahmanda Purana.

In another legend, Suryan ( aadhavan ) worshipped Sri Saranathan of this temple, hence this place is called as Adhanur.

In another legend, this place is also called as Agni saba vimochana sthalam. Agani was affected by a saba for attending the yagna conducted by Brahma, without his consort Saraswati. Saraswati cursed Brahma and those participated in the yagna. Agni came to this temple and worshipped Sri Saranathan and got relieved from the saba.

There are two pillars called moksha pillars, in front of moolavar. It is believed that, after circumambulation of the pillars and worship face and feet of Moolavar, will get moksha.

This also a Guru parihara sthalam.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas as per pancharatra, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam in the month Vaikasi. Pancha Parvatha Thirumanjanam is being conducted monthly.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs

CONTACT DETAILS

The Mobile number of Adhanur Balu +91 9659238848 and Kannappan Bhattacharya +919944630182 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place Adhanur is very close to Narasingapuram, on the southern side of River Kollidam.

This place Adhanur is about 8 KM from Kabisthalam, 13 KM from Kumbakonam, 38 KM from Thanjavur.

Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Vinayagar in the Kostam as Thumbikai Alwar

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 ---

Saranathan Temple / Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple / திருச்சேறை சாரநாதப்பெருமாள் கோயில் , Thirucherai, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This Sri Saranathan temple at Thirucherai is 17th Divya Desam of Maha Vishnu’s 108 Divya Desams and 15^th Divya Desam of Chozha Nadu. Since the earth of this place was very fertile ( Saram ), hence called as Thirusaram, which has got corrupted to the present name of Thirucherai. This is also a mukthi sthalam of Markandeyar. ( Bhudevi one of Saranathan’s consort was the daughter of Markandeyar ).

Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar, in Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

1578.  

கண் சோர வெம் குருதி வந்தழிய

     வெம் தழல்போல் கூந்தலாளை

மண் சேர முலை உண்ட மா மதலாய் !

     வானவர்தம் கோவே! என்று

விண் சேரும் இளந் திங்கள் அகடுரிஞ்சு

     மணி மாடம் மல்கு  செல்வத்

தண் சேறை எம் பெருமான் தாள் தொழுவார் 

     காண்மின் என் தலைமேலாரே

1579.  

அம் புருவ வரி நெடுங் கண்  அலர்மகளை

     வரை அகலத்து அமர்ந்து மல்லல்

கொம்பு உருவ விளங்கனிமேலிளங் கன்று

     கொண்டு எறிந்த கூத்தர் போலாம்

வம்பு அலரும் தண் சோலை வண் சேறை

     வான் உந்து கோயில் மேய

எம் பெருமான் தாள் தொழுவாரெப்பொழுதும்

     என் மனத்தே இருக்கின்றாரே 

…. திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்

Moolavar  : Sri Saranathan

Thayar     : Sri Saranayaki

Some of the salient features of this temple are ….

The Temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram and 3 tier Rajagopuram is on the second level. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam are after the 7 tier Rajagopuram. Garudan is after the 2^nd level Rajagopuram and in front of mandapam.  Moolavar is in standing posture with 5 Consorts Sri Devi, Bhudevi, Maha Lakshmi ( on the chest ), Saranayaki and Neela Devi. Kaveri and Markandeyar  are also in the sanctum sanctorum. 

In the inner praharam Bala Saranathan,  Narasimhar, Sri Rajagopalan, Sathyabama, Rukmani, Andal, Ramar with Anjaneya, Srinivasa Perumal, Koorathazhwan, Udayavar, Nammalvar and Alwars.

Thayar Saranayagi is in a separate sannidhi facing east. Thayar is in sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam. Utsava murthis are in front of Main deity.

Kaveri, Brahma and Agasthiyar are also in separate sannidhis on the west side banks of Sara Pushkarani.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. A 2 tier brick vesara Vimana is above the adi talam. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s various forms are on the Vimana tala and greeva kostam. The Vimanam is called as Sara Vimanam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to Pallava period 7^th to 8^th century CE and reconstructed during Chozha period and received contributions from Vijayanagaras / Thanjavur Nayaks and Maratas.  As per the 10^th Century Chozha period inscription this temple was called as “Thirumuththirukkoyil – திருமுத்திருக்கோயில்”

The Chozha King Parakesari’s damaged inscription ( 10^th Century CE ) records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Thanjavur Palace servant maid Paluran PoRRamarai. For the same 90 Sheeps are received by the herdsman Idayan Vannakkan.

Rajendra Chozha-I’s 11^th Century, an incomplete inscription records his meikeerthi.

Vijayaraghava bhubalan period inscription records the endowment of Vastharam, Thirumanjanam etc by Govindadasan of Gangadharanallur, for the same a land measuring 3 and 8 ma land was gifted. In addition, a land of ½ ( 10 ma ) was also gifted for the Alwar Shrine. The land was received by Sugundam Appangar and agreed to carryout the endowment.

Parantaka Chozha –I’s 10^th reign year damaged inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by a Kiramangalamudaiyan, a resident of Kiramangalam. For the same sava moova peradu / sheep was gifted to this temple. 

A 16^th -17^th Century granth inscription records as “Renthanayyangar’ thanmam- ரெத்னய்யங்காரின் தன்மம்”

Another 16^th – 17^th century granth inscription records the donor names as Vallal Ayyangar and his wife.

Another 16^th to 17^th Century inscription records as “Nalla Vanan Sathasevai”- may be the person constructed the mukha mandapam.

Another 16^th-17^th Century Nayaka period inscription on the Amman sannidhi records some endowment by Rayasam Narasappayyar’s son in law.

The 13^th Century fragment inscription on the Tank mandapa’s step records some donations to this temple. Similar 8 fragment inscriptions are found in the temple.

 

An 8^th to 9^th Century inscription on the Senai mudalvar Cheppu thirumeni’s peedam records the establishment of this idol and construction of  Circumambulatory / praharam wall, by Narayana Dasan.    

Ref

1.  South Indian Inscriptions volume 26. Inscriptions 653, 654 and 655.

2.  South Indian inscriptions Volume XIX, inscription No 251. 

3.  குடந்தைக் கல்வெட்டுகள் – 118-127

LEGENDS

Devotees believed that, their sins will be relieved after taking bath in the Sara Pushkarani and worshipping Sri Saranathan of this temple. After the wishes are fulfilled the devotees offer thirumanjanam and new vasthram. And further it is believed that, worshipping Sri Saranathan of temple will be equivalent to 100 times taking bath in the river Kaveri.

It is believed that Viyazhan gave darshan to Kaveri, 10^th day of Thaipusam festival ( Chariot procession ). Hence the devotees believed that it will be auspicious to take bath in Sara pushkarani on Thai month Poosam nakshatra day. This will be equivalent to Mahamaham, which occurs once in 12 Years.

In another legend Kaveri did a penance on maha Vishnu for a boon, of equivalent status like Ganga ( since devotees take bath, considering as holy river ), under a  peepal tree on the west banks of Sara Pushkarani. Maha Vishnu appeared as a child on her lap. But Kaveri insisted for the equal status like Ganga. Again Maha Vishnu gave darshan with his 5 consorts on Garudan. Satisfied with the Darshan, Kaveri requested Maha Vishnu to stay in this temple with his 5 consorts. Maha Vishnu as Saranathan is with his 5 consorts in the sanctum sanctorum.  

In another legend the Nayaka King sent stones for the thirupani to Mannargudi Rajagopalan’s temple, through this place. Without the King’s knowledge, Narasaboobalan, the person in-charge for shifting the stones took one stone from each vehicle for this temple. When this was known to the king, the king came to this temple. In the mean time Narasaboobalan surrendered to Sri Saranathan to save him. The king visited the temple and found Moolavar Saranathan gave darshan in the form of Mannargudi Rajagopalan. The King was happy and pardoned Narasaboobalan.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Thai Poosam festival, which is a unique festival in this Maha Vishnu temple.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The land line number +91 435-2468078  and  +91435-2468001 and mobile number +91 9444104374, may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

Tirucherai is on the bus route from Nachiyar koil to Kudavasal.

The temple is about 5 KM from Nachiyar Koil, 11 KM from Thirunageswaram, 13 KM from Kumbakonam and 50 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 ---