Thiruthetriyambalam Sri Palli Konda Perumal Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Thiruthetriyambalam Sri Palli Konda Perumal Temple, Nangur,Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu 609106,Phone: 094439 89668

Diety

Palli Konda Perumal, Senkanmal(Vishnu) Amman: Sengamalavalli (Lakshmi)

Introduction

Thiruthetriyambalam or Palli Konda Perumal Temple is located in Thirunangur, a village in the outskirts of Sirkazhi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Palli Konda Perumal. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. It is also the only temple in the Nangur divyadesams to have revered by an azhwar other than Thirumangai Alvar. As per Hindu legend, the temple tank for dug by Arjuna from the age of Mahabaratha. Krishna appeared as Parthasarathy to Arjuna here and initiated his education, leading to the name of the temple. Tower: Veda

Puranic Significance

The legend of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground, there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Tirunangur.

Beliefs

It is strongly believed that devotees are elevated by the grace of Perumal to royal levels and prayers for such positions are immediately responded by the Lord. Devotees perform archanas to Perumal with Tulsi leaves offering sweet pudding – Sarkarai Pongal – as nivedhana.

Special Features

Arrival of Srirangam Ranganathar on request of Shiva: It is believed that the presiding deity of Srirangam arrived here on the request of Shiva. It is referred as Ambalam, which in Malayalam means temple. Vishnu slaying Hiranyakshan by taking Varaha Avatharam: Demon Hiranyakshan took the earth and hid in the Padala Loka – the world below the earth. All the sages and Devas reached Lord Vishnu for protection and restoration of the world at its original place. Lord Agreed to take the Varaha incarnation – a colossal swine form with a horn at the nose. Mother Mahalakshmi said that what she could do if he leaves her. So asked Adisesha the divine serpent serving Lord as bed, umbrella etc. Perumal advised them to go to Palasavanam and meditate upon him. He said that Lord Shiva also would join them and promised that he would be back after destroying the demon. Lord Perumal also said that this place would be called Tiruthetri Ambalam in Kaliyuga-the present period. Adding, Perumal said that staunch devotee Sri Bashyakarar would bring 108 scholars initiated to Vaishnavism to this place and that he would take care and protect all beings. Lord left for Padala Loka, destroyed the demon, rescued earth and placed it in its own place. Lord came to Palasavanam as promised to Mother Mahalakshmi and Lord Shiva and granted his darshan. He also relaxed here after the war with the demon half closing his handsome red eyes. Hence, Perumal is praised as Senganmal Ranganathar – Lord with red eyes.