Thirukkoshtiyur Sri Sowmiya Narayana Perumall Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Thirukkoshtiyur Sri Sowmiya Narayana Perumall Temple, Thiruppatur road, National Highway 226, Sivaganga, Thirukkoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu 630210

Diety

Sowmyanarayana Perumal Amman: Thirumamagal Nachiyar

Introduction

The Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple in Thirukoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple, constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, is renowned for its historical and spiritual importance.

• Thirukoshtiyur is one of the 108 Divyadesam temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• The temple is surrounded by a granite wall and features a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower).

Puranic Significance

• The presiding deity of the temple is Sowmyanarayana Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu who is depicted in a reclining posture on a snake bed, similar to the deity in the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple.
• The temple also houses the images of the goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi.
• There are two life-size images of Lord Narasimha, one of which depicts him holding the demon Hiranyakashipu and the other shows him slaying the demon.

Historical and Spiritual Significance:

• The Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints, who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries AD.
• The temple is famous as the place where Ramanuja, the expounder of Vaishnavism and a prominent philosopher, preached the holy ashtakshra, “Ohm Namo Narayana,” to people of all castes.
• Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared in his Narasimha avatar (half-man, half-lion) to protect the Devas (celestial deities) from the demon Hiranyakashipu.

Legend of the Temple’s Name:

• According to legend, the Devas were tormented by the demon Hiranyakashipu and sought the help of Lord Vishnu.
• The Devas asked for a place where they could worship Lord Vishnu without any disturbances.
• In response, Lord Vishnu chose this shrine, and the temple got its name, “Thirukkotiyur” or “Thirukkoshtiyur,” which means a place where there is no disturbance.
• Lord Vishnu also revealed his various forms to the Devas, including the Narasimha avatar.

Beliefs

It is believed that if the mother lights the lamp and worships the mother to get the maternity leave.

Special Features

The Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple in Thirukoshtiyur is not only an architectural marvel but also a place of deep spiritual and historical significance. Devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and to experience the rich heritage of Vaishnavism and the teachings of Ramanuja. The temple’s unique reclining deity, various forms of Lord Vishnu, and its connection to the Narasimha avatar make it a cherished pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Festivals

Maasi – Theppa Thiruvizha, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Navarathiri.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirukkoshtiyur

Nearest Railway Station

Sivaganga

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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