108 Divya Desa Temples of Lord Vishnu in Kumbakonam - 108 Vaishnava Divya Desa Temples at Kumbakonam

108 Divya Desa Temples in Kumbakonam

As per Hindu Mythology Lord Vishnu is responsible for upkeeping. So he took lot of avathar to save people and to destroy Asuras or Bad things. His avathars are called as Dasavathar. Lord vishnu has plenty of Temples in Tamil Nadu. 108 Divya Desa Temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here we can see the details of the temples in Kumbakonam which are Divya Desam.

How to reach Kumbakonam
By Air : Nearest Airport is Trichy Airport, which is 73 kms from Kumbakonam
By Train : Kumbakonam has well connected train routes from chennai, tirupathi, Madurai and all cities in Tamil Nadu.
By Bus : Kumbakonam has well maintained Road transport connected with all major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Tirupathi etc.

Sri Kola Valvilli Ramar Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Kola Valvilli Ramar Perumal Temple is located at Thiruvelliyankudi near Kumbakonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and here Lord Vishnu is called as Kola Valvilli Ramar Perumal. Because here Lord Vishnu is in the form of Sri Ramar. The Planet Venus is the next brightest planet to Sun and Moon. Venus is called as Sukra, The god of Asuras. Lord Sukra is also called as Velli. Lord Velli did penance in this place, since this place is called as Thrivelliyankudi. As per legend once there was a sculpture for Deva Logam named Mayan, who is the father of Mandoothari. She is wife of Ravana, Asura God. Mayan constructed lot and lot of beautiful places in Deva logam like Tripura Loga. He wished to have darshana of Lord Ramar. But he asked him to give darshana without Sangu and Chakra. So Lord Sri Ramar gave his Sangu and Chakra to Garudan and gave darshana to Maya as Koal valvilli Ramar. So in this temple Lord Vishnu doesn't have Sangu and Chakra. Garudan in this temple holds Sangu and Chankra in his hands. This is the specialty of this temple. There is a belief that, devotees who come to this temple will get all virtue (Puniyam). Other shrines in this temple are Lord Brahma Sannadi, Lord Indra Sannadi, Mayan Sannadi etc. Goddess of this temple is Maragadha Valli Thaayar. Utsavar of this temple is Sringara Sundaran. Mangalasasanam in this temple has 10 Paasurams, which are written by Thirumangaialwar.

Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple is located in Thiru Aadhanoor near Kumbakonam. Which is 4 kms from kumabakonam. Here Lord Vishnu is called as Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan and Goddess is called as Ranganayaki. In Tamil Aa means Cow and Alakkum means Measuring . When Lord Vishnu took Kurma Avatar, he gave Kamadenu, a cow to Lord Indira (God of Swargam). This Kamadenu will give all good things wealth, health and all. So this place is called as Aathanoor. And In this stalam, Lord Vishnu having Marakaal, a measuring instrument used by our ancient people to measure rice. Since Lord Vishnu is called as Aanudu Alakkum Ayan. In this temple Lord Vishnu is in Kidantha Thirukkolam having Marakaal below to his head and holding Plam leaf and Ezhuthani in his hands. Plam leaf is used as paper and Ezhuthani is used as pen in our ancient days. Lord Vishnu is Praramathama of every human (Jeevathama). Paramathama will calculate all good activities and bad activities of Jeevathma so here lord Vishnu is called as Alakkum Ayan. There is a belief in this temple that, This stalam is an Parihara stalam for Fire Accident and Sevai Thosam.

Devotees who wish to avoid Fire accident in the home, office or any building must come to this Temple. And Devotees who are not getting married for a long time due to Sevai Dhosam in their horoscope can come and do pariharam in this temple will get married soon. Mangalasasanam to this temple has one paasuram which is written by Thirumangaialwar.

Sri Saarangapani Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Saarangapani Perumal Temple is located at Thirukkudanthai, 3 kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and here he is called as Sri Saarangapani and Goddess is called as Komalavalli Thayar. As per legend, at the time of Pralayam came to decay the world. Lord Brahma, God of creation save the Vedha's Amirtham and all tools which are necessary for creation of things to the earth, in to the Kumbam (pot) and kept it in on the top of Meru Mountain. When the pralayam started, heavy rain and flood came and destroy all the things, and the Pot also moved towards south. On seeing this pot, all deva's wanted to see inside of the pot, as per their wish Lord Shiva broke the pot with arrow, at once all amutham (amirtham) in the pot came out and it form two tanks, which are now called as Maha maga kulam and Potramarai kulam. The remaining Amirtham and broken Kumbam merge together and formed as Lord Kumbeshwarar. Since this place is called as kumbakonam or Kudanthai. Once there was argument between the rishis that "Who is best among Mummuthis". So they decided to know this they went to Brighu Muni. Brighu muni decided to meet all three muthies to find the conclusion to this argument. First he went to Kailayam to meen Lord Shiva and he was not allowed to enter inside and he decided that Lord Shiva is not best. Then he went to Bhramalogam to meet Brahma, there also he was not allowed to enter and he decided that Lord Brahma is not best. Finally he went to Vishnuloga to meet Lord Vishnu, where too he wasn't honored properly. Lord Vishnu was sleeping at that time, so Brighu Muni got angry and kicked him on the heart of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu woke up and he holds the leg of Brighu muni and said sorry for his activity and performed Patha Pooja to brighu Muni, so Brighu muni cool down. But Goddess Mahalakshmi stayed at the heart of Lord Vishnu got angry and scold Muni. So he gave curse to her that, she will born as a human in earth. At once Mahalakshmi gone to earth and Lord Vishnu was not able to live without Mahalakshmi and he searched her in earth. Mahalakshmi born as child of the king Dharma Varman at Kumbakonam. The days passed ". The days passed, The king searched perfect match to Vara Lakshmi and he planned to do "Swayavaram". In that Swayavaram Sriman Narayanan also came, Vara Lakshmi selected Sriman Narayanan and she put garland to him. Shargam is the bow of Sri Ramar, one of the Avathar of Lord Vishnu. Sri Ramar is example for Yekapathi Virathan. In this stalam Lord Vishnu wish to give assurance to his wife Komalavalli he adapted the Shargam and took the form of Raganathar (kidantha Thirukkolam) posture so he is called as Saarangapaani. Mangalasasanam to this temple has 51 Paasurams. In which 1 Paasuram is written by Sri Aandal, 3 Paasurams are written by Periyalwar, 7 Paasurams are written by Thirumizhisai Alwar, 2 Paasurams are written by Boothatalwar,
2 Paasurams are written by Peiyalwar, 11 Paasurams are written by Nammalwar and 25 Paasurams are written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Valvil Ramar Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Valvil Ramar Perumal Temple is located in Thiruppullam Boothankudi, near kumbakonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Ramar, One of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. As per Legend, When Lord Vishnu took the avathar of Sri Ramar, he got married Sita Devi. Due to ruse of kaikegi Sri Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana went to forest for 14 Years, this period is called as vanavasam. Ravana, an asura, kidnapped Sita devi to Sri Lanka. While he moved towards North, Jaadayu (Eagle Bird) tried to save Sita Devi. Ravana cut his wings so he fell down. When Sri ramar searched Sita Devi towards North he met Jaadayu. He said sita Devai was kidnapped by Ravana, and he request Sri Ramar to do his final funeral ceremony. So Sri Ramar did his final funeral ceremony and stayed there for some time. Pull means (Bird Family) Jaadayu is belongs to Pull Family and Sri ramar did Funeral to a Pull so this place is called as Thiru Pullam kudi. And here Lord Vishnu in this temple in the form of Valvil Ramar. Moolavar in this temple in Kidantha Thirukkolam. Mangalasasanam in this temple has 10 Paasurams which are written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple is located in Thirukkavitthalam 17 kms from Kumbakonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and here he is called as Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal and Goddess is called as Ramamani Valli Thayar. Once there was a king named Indrajimnan, he insulted the saint Durvasar, so Durvasar gave curse to him that " Indrajimnan will born as a elephant". At once he became an Elephant in . The king begged Durvasar for his mistake, but Durvasar said , he was not able to taken back his curse but he will get Moksham, if he prayed Lord Vishnu. As per his advice Gajendran, did all poojas to Lord Vishnu. Every day he went to the river and collect flower to Lord Vishnu. One day he went to collect flower his leg was caught by a crocodile. Crocodile is an Asura named Kuhi he was living in that place once he came to take bath in that river he insulted the saint Agasthiya and he got curse from him and became a Crocodile. Agasthiyar cursed Kuhi that, he will become a Crocodile and killed by Lord Vishnu then only he will get Moksham. So when the Crocodile caught the leg of elephant Gajendra, he fought with him but he was not able to release his leg, finally he called Lord Vishnu to save him. On hearing his voice Lord Vishnu come and give darshana to him and give moksham to both Gajendra and Crocodile. So this here Lord Vishnu is called as Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal. . Mangalasasanam in this temple has 1 Paasuram which is written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Jaganatha Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Jaganatha Perumal Temple is located near korkai 6 kms from Kumbakonam. Here Lord Vishnu is called as Nanthanan he gave darshana with sri Devi and Boo Devi. The specialty of this temple is, this stalam is parihara stalam of Charadra Dosham. Nandi is called as Nandikeshwarar vehicle of Lord Shiva. He is pure devotee of Lord Shiva. Once he wanted to meet Lord Vishnu so he went to Vishnu logam, where he was not allowed to meet Lord Vishnu by his guards Dwarabalakars because Lord Vishnu was is deep sleep. But Nandikeshwarar got angry and he fights with Dwarabalakars. As the result he got curse from them. So he went to Lord Shiva and explained all the incidents and asked Lord Shiva to punish both Dwarabalakars. But Lord Shiva make nandikeshwarar to realize his mistake and asked him to perform penance towards Lord Vishnu. Nandikeshwarar did penance at Shenbagaranya Kshetram, which in now called as Nandhipura Vinnagaram. After the long penance Lord Vishnu appeared in front of Nandikeshwarar gave darshana and free him from his curse.

In this temple Lord Vishnu facing west direction because Lord Vishnu wished to see the pure love of the king Sibi Chakravarthi. Sibi Chakravarthi was a beloved king with kindness. To test his kindness Lord Agnideva and Lord Devendran took their form as Pigeon (Agnideva) and Vulture (Devendran). The vulture chased the pigeon to eat, Pigeon went inside of the palace of Sibichakravarthi and asked him to save from the vulture. But the vulture requested him to leave the pigeon because he was so hungry. Sibi Chakravarthi offered alternate food to the vulture to release the pigeon, but he was not convinced. At last Sibi Chakravarthi offered his own flesh to eat. Vulture accepted and he asked equal weight of flesh as pigeon. Sibi Chakravarthi offer his thigh flesh but it is not enough to equalize the weight of pigeon so he himself sat on the balance hence the balance became equal. At once Agnidevar and Devendran were surprised with his kindness and blessed him for long life. To see this incident Lord Vishnu in Sri Jaganatha Perumal Temple, turns his head towards West. This is the stala puram of this temple. Mangalasasanam in this temple has 10 Paasurams which are written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Aaduthurai Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Aaduthurai Perumal Temple is located in Thirukkoodaloor near Swamimalai 20 kms from Kumbakonam and 11 kms from Thiruvaiyaru. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and here Lord Vishnu is called as Sri Vayyam Kaatha perumal and Goddess are called as Padmasini and Pushpavalli Thaayar. All Devas together was given pratyashakam (gained knowledge directly through the sense) of Sriman Narayanan. All Devas get together in this stalam since this stalam is called as ThiruKoodalur. This stalam was completely washed out by a flood in early days. But Lord came in the dream of Rani Mangammal, queen of Madurai and asked her to do reconstruct the temple which was under the earth. As per Lord Vishnu's order Rani Mangammal done all renovation works. Lord Vishnu saves the temple so he is called as Vyyam katha Perumal in this temple. Mangalasasanam in this temple has 10 Paasurams which are written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple is located at Thirunageshwaram 4 miles from kumbakonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here Lord Vishnu is called as Oppiliappan. As per legend, when the great ocean, Thiruparkadal was churned by Devas and Asuras, Goddess Mahalakhmi and Thusali was came out of the ocean. Goddess Mahalakshmi got the place in heart of Lord Vishnu Goddess Thusali also wanted to marry Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu asked her to become a Thulasi plant where Markandeya Maharishi was in penance. He was at the place Thirunageshwaram, kumbakonam. After the long time of penance of Markandeya Maharishi, Lord Vishnu appeared infront of him; Maharishi asked him that, Goddess Bhoomidevi born as his daughter. Lord Vishnu granted his boon and Goddess Bhoomidevi was near Thusali plant as 2 years baby. Days passed out, one day an old Brahmin came to that place and he asked some food from Markandeya Maharishi. Maharishi welcomed him and gave food. Old Brahmin wanted to marry Bhoomidevi, but she was very young. So the maharishi explained him that, she was not in the age to marry, she not even know to cook. But the old man was not ready to accept his explanations and he said without her he will commit suicide. So Maharishi tried to convince her daughter, she said if he marries her, she will commit suicide. So Maharishi prayed Lord Vishnu to solve this problem. When he woke up from the Dyanam, Lord Vishnu appeared infront of her he said he only came to marry Bhoomidevi as an old man. Markandeya Maharishi was so happy and Bhoomidevi too happy. But Markandeya Maharishi worried about her daughter, because she doesn't know to cook. So he asked three boons from Lord Vishnu
1. Lord Vishnu should take food without salt. But the dishes should be taste to him.
2. Lord Vishnu should never leave her daughter
3. The place, where Maharishi leaved should name after him.
Lord Vishnu granted all his boons. That's why Lord Vishnu is called as Oppiliappa Perumal" Oppu" means Salt " illa" means without, since the name came Oppiliappa. As per his third boon this place is called as Markandeya Kshestram. As per his second boon, here Lord Vishnu never leave Boomidevi, even when Lord Vishnu taken for procession at the time of Festival, Goddess Bhoomidevi also taken with Lord Vishnu. Mangalasasanam in this temple has 47 Paasurams, in which 2 paasurams are written by Peyalwar, 11 Paasurams are written by Nammalwar and 34 Paasurams are written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Thirunarayoor Nambi Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Thirunarayoor Nambi Perumal Temple is located at Thirunarayoor 6 miles from Kumbakonam. Once there was a saint named Medavi, who was the devotee of Lord Vishnu. He did penance and he got Goddess Mahalakshmi as his daughter. He found this child under the Vanjula Tree So Goddess is called as Vanjulavalli. Medavi love his daughter very much and he took special care on her. Days passed out, Vanjulavalli came in to the age to marry. One day Lord Narayanan came to Medavi's hut in 5 different forms named Shankarshanan, Prathyumnan, Anirudhan, Purushothaman and vasudevan. Medavi gave warm welcome to all of them and Vanjulavalli prepared delicious food for them. They all took that delicious food and Vanjulavalli helped them to wash their hands. When Vanjulavalli pore water; Vasudevan holds her hand. She shouted for help, at once vasudevan took his original form as Lord Narayana and other are disappeared. On seeing this Medavi got very happy and Lord Narayana married Vanjulavalli. Medavi asked 3 boons from Lord Vishnu
1. Lord Vishnu should live beyond life (No death)
2. Vanjulavalli should be in first place, in all aspects
3. All living beings in Narayur should attain salvation.
Here Goddess Vanjulavalli Nachiyar is in first place in all aspects, since this place is called as Naachiyar Kovil as like as Meenakshmi amman Kovil , where Meenakshi is in first place in all aspects. The specialty of this temple is Garudan Idol, vehicle of Lord Vishnu. During procession Lord Vishnu is taken out on Garudan idol. Until a step out from the sannadi of Garudan the idol can be easily carried by devotees, while they were in prakaram the idol will increase in weight when they were stepped out from the temple this idol would get heavier and heavier. So the devotees will slow down, mean time Goddess in Swan (Anna Vahanam) would go fast. Because Lord Vishnu gave boon to Medavi, Always Lord Vishnu follows Goddess. In Moolavar Sannadi of this temple Lord Vishnu is in Kalyana Thirukkolam and Medavi idol is there. Mangalasasanam of this temple has 110 Paasurams which are written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Saranatha Perumal Temple is located Thiruccherai 7 miles from Kumbakonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu built by the King Azhagiya Manavala Naicker, who ruled Tanjavore. He planned to build a temple for Rajagopala Swamy in Mannarkudi. So he appointed Narasa Boopalan for this job. He was the worshipper of Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple at Kumbakonam, which was built at the same time. So Narasa Boopalan ordered his workers to unload one stone from each Cart. He used these stones to build Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple at Kumbakonam. On hearing this news the King Naicker got anger with Narasa Boopalan and came to the spot, but Boopalan built Sri Saranathan Temple by overnight. He pleased the king and added separate Sannadi for Rajagopalaswamy, The king also agreed to that and he offered his money to complete that temple.

Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple has 120 Feet Rajagopuram and Thirukalyana Mandapam. Other shrines of this temple are Hanuman Sannadi, Lord Raja Gopalas swamy Sannadi, Lord Sri Rama Sannadi- Here Lord Sri Ramar gave darshana along with Sita Devi and Lakshmana, Narashimar Sannadi and alwar Sannadi. Moolavar of this temple in Nindra Kolam along with his wives Sridevi, Boomidevi, Neela devi, Mahalakshmi and Sara Naayagi. . Mangalasasanam of this temple has 13 Paasurams which are written by Thirumangai Alwar.

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is located at Thirukkannamangai 38 kms from Kumbakonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu here Lord Vishnu is called as Bhaktavatsala perumal and Goddess is called as Abishegavalli. This Stalam is also called as Sapthamirtha Kshetram. Saptha means seven this temple has specialty of seven things that are
1. Vimanam
2. Mandapam, Where Goddess Mahalakshmi did penance after taking bath, since Mahalakshmi called as Abishekavalli
3. Pushkarani, Where Lord Chandran (Moon) took bath and he got rid from his curse.
4. River, The Cauvery river splits and it passes through south and north it looks like a Garland to Lord Vishnu
5. The place of the Temple – Thirukkannamangai
6. The Forest – Bhadhrivanam
7. The city – The city has specialty like Thirunindravur because both Temple has lot of unisons that are
a. Both Temple with Moolavar Bhakthavatsala Perumal
b. Vimanam of both temples are Utpala Vimanam
c. Mangalasasanam of both temples are written by Thirumangai Alwar
These are the specialty of this temple. Mangalasasanam of this temple has 14 Paasurams which are written by Thirumangai Alwar.