Thirukoodalur Sri Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirukoodalur Sri Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple, Thirukoodalur, Thanjavur district- 614 202, Phone no 93443 03803

Diety

Jakath Rakshaka Perumal, Amman: Pushapavalli

Introduction

Jagad Rakshaka Perumal Temple or Thirukoodalur (locally called Aduthurai Perumal Temple) in Vadakurangaduthurai, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam 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 Jakath Rakshaka and his consort Lakshmi as Pushpavalli. The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. A brick wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and bodies of water. Thala Virutcham : Jack tree Theertham : Chackara Theertham Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasam

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. Demon Hiranyaksha fought with Mother Earth and hid her under the world below-Padala Loka. Lord rescued her back to her place with His Varaha Avatara. He split the earth for the purpose and brought back her at Sri Mushnam. Remembering this event, Saint Tirumangai Azhwar praises this place as Pugunthan Oor (Lord entered into earth). As Lord protected the world (Vaiyam) from the demon, He is praised as Vaiyam Katha Perumal.

Beliefs

While Vishnu sent his discus to chase the sage Durvasa, the other symbol of him, the conch, got prominence. The conch is believed to have appeared in the jack fruit tree behind the sanctum. Devotees worship the conch in the tree in the temple and during festive occasions, perform special rituals.

Special Features

The temple is located four miles away from Ayyampet and is located on Kumbakonam – Tiruvayyaru Road. The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. A brick wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and bodies of water. The central shrine has the image of Jakath Rakshaka Perumal in standing posture. The shrine of the Pushpavalli faces South. The temple has a 3-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower). There are separate shrines for Ramanuja, Azhwars, Andal and Garuda. The vimana, the tower above the sanctum, is called Suddha Satwa Vimana. A chariot called Ambarisha Ratha, renovated by Rani Mangammal, was in use till the 1940s, after which it was not used. There is a statue of the queen in the temple

Festivals

The Brahmotsavam festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June) and Vaikunta Ekadasicelebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) are the major festivals celebrated in the temple. Srisukta Homam, a religious practice, is performed in the temple with 108 lotus leaves on full moon days.