Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Mayakoothar Perumal Temple),
Tirukulandhai, Thoothukudi – The Temple
This is
the 6th temple in the Nava Thirupathi temples and comes under Pandiya Naatu
divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity is Srinivasa perumal or
Soranadha perumal in standing posture, Utsavar is known as Mayakoothan and
Thaayars are known as Alamelu Mangai and Kulanthaivalli. The upper two hands of
the Lord have Prayoga chakra and Shanku while the other two are in the posture
of Varadha Hastam and Kadi Hastham. The temple represents the Shani sthalam
among the Nava graha Kshetrams. A unique feature of the temple is the presence
of Garuda along with the Utsavar inside the Sannadhi.
The
place known as ‘Tirukulandhai’ is more identified as Perungulam. The residents
of this village recognize their dwelling as ‘Perungulam Perumal koil’ and thus
associate it with the temple. Though a small village now, inscriptional
evidences show that it must have been a big city, once upon a time. The temple
too remains impressive, without much damage.
Srinivasan,
the Prime Deity, stands majestically facing east under the Ananda Nilayam Vimaanam.
His Spouses have their place near him and do not have separate shrines.
The Utsavar or procession deity is called ‘Mayakoothan’ or Soranathan in
Sanskrit. The interesting feature is that Garuda, who is usually
installed opposite to the Moolavar, dwells as Utsavar in the sanctum sanctorum
itself.
The icon
of the Prime Deity, enfolded on both sides by his Spouses, displays Kamalavalli
or Kulanthaivalli blissfully seated in his chest. Nammalvar has
consecrated this Divya Desam in Tiruvaymoli, 8.2.4. The temple has an image of
Lord Vishnu facing east direction. Kulam refers to
tank in Tamil language. The name of the village is derived from the same.
The temple has two prakarams (closed precincts
of a temple).
Since
Garuda was instrumental in bringing the Lord to this place, he was accorded a
special status at this temple and is seen as an Utsavar.
Moolavar and Thaayar:
The
Moolavar of this temple is Sri Srinivasa Perumal. Moolavar is in Nindra
Thirukkolam facing east direction. Lord gave prathyaksham for Kamalavathi.
Thaayar: The Thaayars of
this temple are Alamelumangai Thaayar and Kulandhai Valli.
Utsavar:
·
The
Utsavar of this temple is Sri Mayakoothan.
Mangalasasanam:
·
Nammalvar
– 1 Pasuram
Sannadhis:
·
Srinivasa
Perumal
·
Alwar
Acharyas
·
Manavalamamunigal
·
Thiruvenkatamudayam
Sannadhi outside the temple
Pushkarani:
·
Perungkulam.
Vimanam:
·
Anandha
Nilaya Vimaanam.