the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Vishnu

Known as Bagularanyam or the forest of Maghizham trees in times of yore, it was at this place, close to Kiliyaru, that Sage Vipandakar did penance, performing daily pooja to Lord Karunakaran (Rama), according to legend. Lord Rama, when he was exiled to the forest, stayed in the sage's hermitage for a few days and assured him that he would visit the place again along with Sita and Lakshmana during their return to Ayodhya. When the Pushpaka Vimanam carrying the Lord and His entourage passed through the place, it refused to move further and Rama remembering His assurance to the sage got down from the vimanam and gave darshan to him. The place was named Maduranthakam as the sweet (maduram) incident of the Divine couple's visit took place here. This fact is explained in the section on Muktikshetra Paramarsam in the "Brahma Vaivartha Puranam". The Lord's images, which are full of charm and grace, testify to the fact.It was known during the Chola and Pallava rule as Madhurantaka Chathurvedi Mangalam, perhaps named after the Chola king Madurantaka. Apart from Sages Sukar and Vipandakar, the Vaishnavite saint Thirumazhisai Azhwar also performed penance here though he had not sung about the place. In two of his poems, Saint Manavala Mamunigal asks everyone who wants to cast away his past sins to visit the place and worship the Lord at the place where Periya Nambi performed Panchasamskaram to Ramanuja. Sri Nigamanta Mahadesika also performed mangalasasanam to the Lord here.

The Brahmotsavam is celebrated for 10 days in the Tamil month of Aani, the Thirukkalyana Utsavam takes place in Panguni, and Adhyayana Utsavam goes on for 22 days in Margazhi.