Kozhikuthi Vanamutti Perumal Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Kozhikuthi village,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu – 609 001

Phone: +91 – 4364 223395 Mobile: +91 – 9842423395 / 9787213226

Moolavar

Vanamutti Perumal

Amman

Sri Lakshmi Devi

Introduction

The Vanamutti Perumal Temple, also known as Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kozhikuthi Village near Mayiladuthurai town in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India. This ancient temple has a rich history, unique features, and is revered for its divine significance.

Deity: The presiding deity of the temple is Vanamutti Perumal, also known as Sri Srinivasa Perumal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Historical Significance: The temple is more than 1500 years old and holds a deep historical and cultural significance in the region.
Unique Idol: The 18-feet-tall idol of Vanamutti Perumal is carved out of a single Athi (Fig) tree. This unique idol is known for its distinct Ajantha coloration.
Legend of Pippala Maharshi: According to the temple’s history, King Nirmalan, suffering from a skin disease, met a sage named Pippala Maharshi in a forest. The sage taught the king a mantra for healing. Upon reciting the mantra, the king heard the voice of Lord Vishnu, who guided him to go on a pilgrimage along the banks of the Cauvery River. The king was instructed to bathe in holy places and stop where his skin disease was cured. The king followed these instructions and found himself healthy at the site of the temple. He later became the sage Pippala Maharshi.
Kozhikuthi: The place where the temple is located was originally called “Koti Hathi,” signifying the place that frees devotees from crores of doshas (sins). Over time, the name transformed into “Kozhi Kuthi.”
Parihara Sthalam: The temple is considered a Parihara Sthalam and is known for providing remedies for various doshas. It is particularly associated with the alleviation of Sani Graha Dosham (Saturn-related issues) and is believed to be a place of healing for various skin diseases.
Pippalar Maharishi Theertham: The temple features the famous “Pippalar Maharishi Theertham,” where a holy dip is believed to cure skin diseases. The temple also has a Mandapam dedicated to Pippalar Maharishi and the Cauvery River near the temple is known as “Pippala Theertha.”
Other Deities: The temple complex includes shrines for other deities, including Bhaktha Anjaneyar, Sapthaswara Anjaneyar, Sri Ramanujar, Sri Nardhana Krishna, and Sri Viswaksenar.
Seven Wells: The temple has seven wells, each symbolizing one of the seven holy rivers.
Renovation: The temple underwent extensive renovation in 2003, including the construction of walls around the temple and a parikara mandapam. The Kumbabishekam, or consecration, was performed in July 2009.