Thirucherai Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Address

Thirucherai Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple, Thirucherai (Po.), Kumbakonam (Tk.), Thanjavur (Dt), Tamil Nadu 612605

Deity

Saranathar, Amman: Panchalakshmi

Introduction

• Location: Thirucherai, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
• Deity Worshipped: Saranathan (Vishnu) and his consort Saranayaki (Lakshmi)
• Divya Desam: One of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu
• Architecture: The temple is surrounded by a granite wall and features a five-tiered rajagopuram that rises to a height of 120 ft (37 m). The temple complex spans 380 ft (120 m) in length and width.
• Theertham: Sara Pushkarini
• Tower: Sara Vimanam

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is associated with the river goddess Cauvery, who is believed to have performed penance at this place.
• Lord Brahma, during the Pralaya (devastating floods), placed the Vedas in a pot made from the soil of this region for safekeeping.
• Cauvery sought the boon of being granted the status of a holy river like Ganga. Lord Vishnu, pleased with her penance, appeared as a child crawling on her lap.
• Vishnu appeared with five consorts, granting Cauvery a special place beside Him in the temple sanctum, a unique feature of this temple.
• It is believed that a visit to the temple brings the benefits of 100 baths in the holy river Cauvery.

Beliefs:

• Devotees visit the temple seeking relief from the consequences of their sins. Worshipping Saranathan is believed to bestow the benefit of bathing in the Cauvery River 100 times.

Special Features:

• Temple Layout:
  • The temple spans 380 ft (120 m) in both length and width.
  • The temple tank, situated in front of the temple, mirrors these dimensions.
  • The five-tiered gopuram is 120 ft (37 m) tall, towering above the large compound wall.
  • There is a second gopuram that is three-storied and located within the first precinct.
• Presiding Deity:
  • The main deity, Saranathan, has a 12 ft (3.7 m) tall image in a standing posture.
  • Cauvery and sage Markandeya are enshrined in the sanctum.
  • The festival deity is accompanied by Bhudevi, Sridevi, and Neeladevi.
• Saranayaki Thayar Shrine:
  • Located adjacent to the sanctum, the image of Saranayaki is depicted seated along with the festival image.
• Other Shrines:
  • A Kalayana hall contains a shrine for Rajagoplaswamy, with images of Rukmini and Sathyabama.
  • Other shrines include those of Sri Rama, Narashima, Kaliyamardhana, Bala Saranatha, Senai Mudaliar, Ramanuja, Pillai Logachariar, Azhwars, and Manavala Mamunigal.
• Rivers:
  • The Mudikondan River flows to the west, and the Kudamurutti River flows to the south of the temple.
• Other Shrines:
  • Hanuman shrine is located at the western end of the temple tank.
  • Vinayaka shrine is located at the northeastern side.

Festivals:

• Thai Poosam (January–February): Celebrated for 10 days, this is the temple’s most prominent festival, with the Car Festival taking place on the final day.
• Jupiter Transition (every 12 years): The transition of Jupiter from one zodiac sign to another, occurring once every 12 years, is significant at the temple. The day coincides with the Poosam star day in Thai (January–February). Bathing in Sara Pushkarini on this day is believed to be as auspicious as bathing during the Maha Magam festival in Kumbakonam.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirucherai

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakkonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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