Koyilnet — Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

KOYILNET

Abodes of Lord Vishnu • Curated by Padmani

12. Arulmigu Komalavalli Thayar sameda Sarangapani Koil

Thirukudandai

Temple Timing: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mulavar Aaravamudhan
Utsavar Saarangapani
Thayar Komalavalli
Kshethram Baskara Kshethram
Pose & Direction Uthaana Sayanam facing East
Theertham Hemavalli Pushkarni, Cauvery, Arasalaaru
Vimanam Vaidhiga Vimanam
Sthala Vruksham
Paadiyavar Poigai Alwar, Pei Alwar, Budhath Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Nammalwar, Thirumezhisai Alwar, Andal
Travel Base Kumbakonam
Nearest Railway Station Kumbakonam

Location & Access

This temple lies in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. It's about 3 kms away from Kumbakonam railway station, which is on the Chennai - Thanjavur main line. Bus facilities and staying facilities are ample.

History

This temple is one of the navarathnam temples representing Amurtharathnam. Once upon a time Thirumazhisai Alwar came to have a darshan of Aaraamudha perumal. He was very much impressed by His beauty and wanted to chat with Him. He prayed to the Lord, and after some time, the Lord wanted to answer his prayer and hence lifted His head from the sleeping posture to get up. Alwar didn't want to disturb His sleep and requested Perumal not to get up and remain in the same posture to bless each devotee visiting Him, treating everyone as Thirumazhisai Alwar. The posture of Aara Amudhan is called Uthra Sayanam, hence He is called Uthanasai.

Once, a great Sri Vishnu devotee named Narayanaswamy lived in Thirukudanthai. He was rich but had no children, so he devoted all his wealth to the Aara Amudhan temple. Neighbours suggested adopting a son for last rites, but Narayanaswamy assured them Lord Aaraamudhan Himself would perform his rites. Upon his death, a young man appeared and performed the last rites. Till today, on a certain day each year, required materials are placed in the sannadhi and the temple is closed so Aaraamudha perumal can perform the rituals.

The magical pot of Brahma, Lord Shiva who broke its neck, and Lord Ranganatha as Aaraamudhan/Saarangapani's marriage with Komalavalli represent the power of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) at a single place. The combination of aspects of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu is named Lord Bhaskara, having two heads and four hands. Two hands pray to Lord Shiva, while the other two hold lotus flowers representing Goddess Mahalakshmi. As the powers of Shiva and Vishnu combine here, this place is called Bhaskara Kshethram, paving a way for the unison of Saivites and Vaishnavites.