Sowmiya Narayana Perumal Temple, Thirukoshtiyur – Religious
Significance
Sowmya Narayana
Perumal temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabhandam, the 7th – 9th century Vaishnava
canon, by Periazhwar, Thirumalisai Alvar Bhoothathazhwar and Peyazhwar. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in
the book. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the temple finds mention in
several works like 108 Tirupathi Anthathi by Divya Kavi Pillai
Perumal Aiyangar.
The
temple is known as the place where Ramanuja, the expounder of Vaishnavadatta philosophy preached
the holy Ashtakshara "Ohm Namo Narayana" to all people irrespective
of their caste. Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal, the teacher of Ramanuja, taught him
the gospel and instructed him not to reveal it to anyone. Taking the risk of
his life, Ramanuja climbed up the temple and revealed the verse to the whole
world. Nambigal was pleased by the spirit of Ramanuja and named him Emperumanar
(meaning my superior). Following the event, a life size image of Ramanuja was
housed in the Ashtanga Mandap of the temple.