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Abodes of Vishnu

42. Arulmigu Pushpavalli Thayar sameda Thiruvikramar Koil - Thirukovalur

Mulavar   Thiruvikraman
Utsavar   Aayan, Aayanar, Kovalan (Gopalan). Thayar - Gajalakshmi
Thayar   Poongoval Nachiyaar, Pushpavalli Thayar
Kshethram   Trivikrama Kshethram,Pancha Krishna Kshethram
Pose & Direction   Standing pose  facing East
Theertham   Pennai River, Krishna Theertham, Sukra Theertham
Vimanam   Sura Vimanam
Sthala Vruksham    
Paadiyavar   Poigai Alwar, Pei Alwar, Boodhath Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar
Travel Base   Cuddalore
Nearest Railway Station   Thirukovalur

Location

Thirukovilur is about 36 KM from Thiruvannamalai and 48 KM from Villupuram on Villuparam - Thiruvannamalai Road via Asasur. The temple is about 500 meters from bus stop.

History

As per Bhagavata Purana, Mahabali ( Grand son of Pragalath) took the forcible control of Indraloka. To give back to Indira Vishnu took the avathar of Vamana ( Dwarf Brahmin ), and asked him three feet of Land. Mahabali agreed to give, in-spite of Guru Shukracharya's warning not to give. The Vishnu – the Vamana took the Vishwaroop and measured Land and sky in two steps. When Vishnu asked for the third place, Mahabali showed his head. Vishnu kept his foot on Mahabali’s head and blessed him with immortality. In another legend, It was a dark night and was raining out side. Poigai Alwar first find a place for hide out and laid down. After some time there comes Bhoothathalvar. Both Sit together. Then came Peyalwar. He too was accommodated and all the three stands. In the Lighting the three Alwars, sensed that there is a 4th person also standing along with them. Poigai Alwar wished to see Perumal continuously, composed a song in which he mentions earth be big pot of lamp burning with ghee, which gives light as sun. Vishnu gave darshan to all the three Alwars. It was believed that all the three Alwars attained mukti in this place.Another legend is associated with Mrugandu Rishi. When Vishnu came to their Ashram, at Thirukovilur in the form of a hungry Brahmin. When Mrugandu Rishi asked his wife to arrange food. Since she couldn’t arrange, prayed to Vishnu, the vessel was filled with food. When they came out to offer to the Brahmin, Vishnu appeared before them with Conch and Chakra. Mrugandu Rishi requested Vishnu to show him the Vamana avathara and stay at Thirukovilur.

Architecture

This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana Avathara – as Thiruvikrama at Thirukovilur, on the Southern bank of Thenpennai river.This is one of the three Divyadesams, where Ulagalantha Perumal as a Presiding deity.This is also one of the Pancha-krishna Kshetrams. The temple is facing east with a 11 tier 192 feet tall Rajagopuram, one of the tallest Rajagopuram next to Srivilliputhur and Srirangam Ranganathar Temple. Thiruvikrama Perumal holds Conch on the right hand and Chakra on the left hand and the right leg is raised, ready to keep the step on the third place posture. It is believed that the moolavar Ulagalantha Perumal is made of “Tharu wood”.

Timings:6.30 am to 12.00 pm, 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm