Samabandar Appar Medu

Address

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 613101

Moolavar

Sambandar, Appar

Introduction

On the Kandiyur Thirukkattupalli highway, after passing Tirupundurthi and Thiruvalampozil, you will come to a place called Mettusalai Nirttam. One and a half kilometres away from there is Sambandharmedu in Vellamperambur. This is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Appar. As the old temple has fallen into ruins, the temple has been beautifully renovated. The old Temple is believed to be more than 1300 years old.

Puranic Significance

Apparswamy, also known as Tirunavukkarasar, established a Thirumadam in Tirupundurthi and used to do plowing work. Thirunavukarasa, who had been asked about the genius and wisdom of Gnanasampanda, began to think about Gnanasampandhar.

Gnanasambandara moved towards Thanjavur. Sambandar, the wise child, was seated in a beautiful pearl dress, and was carried by a crowd of uniformed men. At that time, Thirugnanasambandar felt a desire to visit Tirunavakarasar. So he said, “Be ready to wear clothes.”

Then a servant came running and said, “Lord Boonthurthi, who is associated with the servants, is coming.” On hearing that, Thirunavukarasar’s heart became cold. “Let us go and face before the arrival of the wise child,” he said, calling his followers. In the far distance, seeing the pearls fluttering and the sound of the bells drifting in the air, Lord Shiva was thrilled. Tirugnanasambandar bowed down to the Easan at Vellamprampur and rushed to Poonthurthi.

When he went to the border of Andoor (Sampandharmedu), Apparswami, who was among the servants, came carrying the sivika where Sambandar was sitting. Thirunavukkarasarin’s tiruvullam is full of joy. When he approached Thiruvalampojil, Thirugnanasambandar threw off his cloak and looked out. Then Apparswami’s memory arose, “Where is Appar?” He asked. At that time, Appar, who was carrying a robe, raised his head and said, “I am here, a servant of the Lord, blessed by your feet.” Hearing that, Sambandar immediately jumped down from his seat.

He ran to catch his father’s feet, which had devoted him to serving the Lord throughout his life. But before Tirujnasambandar, he touched his feet, Appar. All those who did not see the scene fell on the ground and bowed to the two great servants. Then both of them performed Eesan in Tiruvalampoz and reached Tirupundurthi. To commemorate this event, even today, ‘Tholkodutha Peruvizha’ is being held at Thirualampozhil Thiruthalam.