Kudavasal Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Kudavasal Srinivasa Perumal Temple, South Agraharam Street, Kudavasal circle, Thiruvarur district– 612 601

Diety

Srinivasa Perumal Amman: Sridevi and Bhoomadevi

Introduction

Srinivasa Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Kudavasal in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Kudavasal is a small town located in the Thiruvarur district, in between two distributaries of Cauvery River, Kudamurutti and Chola Choodamani. Lord Srinivasa appears with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoomadevi. Kudavasal temple’s specialty is that it has the only north-facing sanctum of Lord Srinivasa in the World. The temple is said to be more than 1000years old. It’s believed that the worship of Lord Sri Srinivasa in this temple would provide merits equivalent to the worship of Lord Balaji at Thirupathi. Friday Thirumanjanam and Thursday Nethra Darshan are performed similar to Tirupathi temple. Srinivasa Perumal, considered to be the younger brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa.

Puranic Significance

Kudavasal used to be a home for many Vedic Pandits and Scholars, who offered their daily prayers to “Lord Srinivasa” and conducted all kinds of Utsavams in a grand manner including “Brahmotsavam” for ages. This holy Temple witnessed several spiritual events including the most venerated “Soma Yagam” performed by great scholars like Shri. U. Ve. Agnihotram Ramanuja Tatachariar and Shri. U. Ve. Siddhanna Sundaram Thathachariar. The temple follows the traditional Vadakalai sect of Iyengars. Lord Vishnu conveyed his presence here through devotee dream: Krishna Devaraya, Vijayanagara Emperor who wished that the religion should be spread across, passed by this Kudavasal. He found this place very beautiful and at once thought it will be great if a temple is raised for the Perumal. He discussed with various Vedic Pundits and as suggested by them first he started to construct a Pushkarani. Before the start day of the construction, Tirupathi – Tirumalai – Sri Srinivasa Perumal came in the dream of a Vaishnava during which he stated that his Divya Mangala Vigraham (Idol) will be found on the Easanya Moolai (a part in the construction land). Lord also added without making any damage to the Vigraham, they have to take it and to make the sand smooth, they can pour milk. He also said the Perumal to be faced towards north direction; and he is considered as the brother (younger) of Tirumalai – Sri Srinivasar and elder brother of Sri Oppiliappan and will be considered as the great Prarthana (fulfilling) Sthalam. The Vaishnava who came out from the dream, informed about this to the king and he at once ordered to start digging the corner as Perumal said. They poured lots and lots of milk on the land to make is soft and finally they got the Divya Mangala Vigraham of Sri Srinivasa Perumal and constructed a temple for him. Kudavasal: Ahead of Pralayam, Brahmma approached Vishnu to help safeguard the Vedas. Mixing Nectar with sand, Vishnu made a sacred pot (Kudam) and asked him to place it Meru Hill in the North. During the Pralayam, the pot slid down the hill, flowed along rivers and opened up and came to a halt here. The resultant river, which one can see 1 km north of this temple is Kudamurutti. Brahmma opened the sacred pot and the first place created after the Pralayam was ‘Kuda’ ‘Vayil’, which in passing of time became Kudavasal. This place is referred to as Kadathvara Pura Kshetram by North Indians (sacred pot = Kada, opening of the sacred pot = Dwara). Kubera’s Penance and Lord in Northern Direction: Kubera, God of Wealth and the ruler of the Northern direction, undertook penance and wanted Lord Srinivasa to provide darshan facing the North. Accepting his prayers, he is said to have appeared here. Hence, sincere prayers at this temple is said to bring prosperity and wealth.

Beliefs

It is said that devotees who seek for good kids can lit Deepam for Sri Garudalvar on Sundays to get a good child.

Special Features

Presiding Deity is Srinivasa Perumal in standing posture facing towards North (Direction of Kuberan). He is found along with Sri Devi and Bhooma Devi. Mother is called as Alarmelmangai Thayar. Theerthams associated with this temple are Kudamurutti and Amrutha Pushkarani. Vimanam is called as Garuda Vimanam. There are shrines for Alwars & Acharyas, Garudalvar, Yoga Narasimhar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Hayagriva and Anjaneya in the prakaram. Lord appears as witness for his devotee: A story goes that Lord Srinivasa appeared at the Thiruvarur Court as a witness in favor of his devotee. During this time, the Sanctum door could not be opened even after it was unlocked. It is believed that the door opened automatically after the verdict in favor of the devotee. Hence it is believed that Lord Srinivasa of Kudavasal answers the prayers of his devotees and fulfils their wishes. Younger brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa: Kudavasal Srinivasa is said to be the younger brother of Tirupathi Lord Srinivasa. All pooja formalities are performed here similar to Tirupathi. Those who are unable to visit Tirupathi can visit this temple and undertake/fulfill their Prarthana. One can visit both Oppiliappan temple (elder brother) and Kudavasal Srinivasa Perumal (younger brother) temple on the same day.

Festivals

Every Friday – Moolavar Thirumanjanam; Every Saturday – Fasting and performing Archanai for Srinivasa Perumal is said to fulfill every wish of the devotees. Kubera, God of Wealth, is believed to bless the devotees and provide them with prosperity; Every Thursday – Srinivasa Perumal adorns the Vadakalai Thiruman and provides Nethra Darshan to devotees. Having darshan on this day is said to eliminate drishti; Every Month on Shravanam day, lighting Ghee lamp is a special event here. Purattasi Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram, Masi Makam, Vaikasi Visakam, Thiru Karthikai, Vaikunda Ekadashi and Sravana Deepam are the festivals celebrated here.