Thiruloki Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thiruloki, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,

Thanjavur District – 609 804

Phone: +91 435 245 6432

Mobile: +91 94425 30392 / 94871 31630

Moolavar

Sayana Narayana Perumal

Amman

Ksheeranayaki

Introduction

Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thiruloki Village in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated on northern banks of Pazhavaru, a branch of River Cauvery. The Temple is situated to south east of Thiruloki Sundareswarar Temple.

Puranic Significance

Emperor Rajaraja Chola 1’s wife is Thirailokkiya Maadevi, the village is named after her. The Village was called as Rajendra Simha Valanaattu Manninattu Emanalluragiya Thirailokkiya Mathevi Chathurvedhimangalam during Emperor Rajendra Chola I Period. The Temple is believed to be built by Karuvur Thevar. The Temple is extensively renovated by Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I. The temple is said to be more than 1500 years old.

Lakshmi performed penance here to get permanent abode in Lord Chest: Once, Lord Vishnu came to earth urgently thinking of his devotees leaving Sri Lakshmi alone. Sri Lakshmi could not be alone without Lord Vishnu even for a second. She felt sad and performed penance in this place for never being left alone at any point of time. It is believed that Lakshmi took bath in this Theertham and performed penance under Vilva Tree to get permanent abode in Lord Chest. Devotees pray here to clear any misunderstanding between the married couples (or) any problems between them.

Sukethu got rid of head ache here:

Sukethu got rid of chronic head ache by taking bath in Lakshmi Theertham.

Beliefs

This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. There is an Anjaneya Shrine facing the Rajagopuram on the banks of the pond. Garudalwar Shrine can be seen right opposite to the Sanctum. He is found in standing posture. He is offered with Kozhukattai as a special neivedhyam. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal.

He is in sleeping posture on 5 headed Adi Sesha with head towards south, feet towards north and face towards east. He is four-armed holding Shanka and Chakra on his hands and the other two hands showing Varada and Abhaya Hastha. Lakshmi can be found near his head and Bhoodevi can be found near his feet. Lord Brahma can be seen emerging from his navel.

His reclining posture is similar to the one he is found in Tirupaarkadal. The idol is a stucco image made of sand, Punugu, Javvadhu, Sambirani and several herbal products. No Thirumanjanam is performed to him, only Thaila Kaappu (special oil) will be applied. Special Thirumanjanam is performed on Vaikunda Ekadasi and Purattasi Saturdays to this Perumal.

Mother is called as Ksheera Nayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her Shrine is situated to western side of southern prakaram. There is a separate shrine for Vishnu Durga found in Maha Mandapam. It is believed that south facing Durga is said to be more powerful. Vishwakasena and Yoga Narasimha can be found after the Vishnu Durga Shrine. Idols of all 12 Azhwars can be found in the southern side of Maha Mandapam.

There is a south facing shrine for Varadaraja Perumal in north side of Maha Mandapam. He is found in standing posture in this shrine. There is another shrine for Abhaya Varadha holding Shanka and Chakra in the temple. During Vaikunda Ekadasi and Purattasi Saturdays, special pooja are performed. There is a shrine for Andal can be seen in the temple.

Theertham associated with this Temple is Lakshmi Theertham. It is found in front of the temple. It is situated behind the Anjaneya Shrine. It is also called as Ksheera Theertham and Parkadal Theertham. Sthalam Vriksham is Vilva tree. Archanais are performed with Vilva leaves. It is unusual to have Vilva tree as Sthala Vriksham to Vishnu Temple as Vilwa tree is closely related with Lord Shiva.