Sowmiya Narayana Perumal Temple, Thirukoshtiyur – Ramanuja
Connection with this Temple
Ramanuja
& Thirukoshtiyur are inextricably connected in Vaishnava lore. Ramanuja was
advised by Thirukkachi Nambigal to visit Thirukoshtiyur and learn the Sacred 8
letter hymn, Ashtakshara manthra from Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal.
Accordingly, Ramanuja travelled 18 times all the way from Srirangam to Thirukoshtiyur for learning the
"Ashtakshara Manthram" ("Om Namo Narayanaya!!") from the
Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal.
Each
time Ramanuja tried to meet the Nambigal but was ultimately rejected by
Nambigal. This continued for 17 times and at last 18th time when Ramanuja
arrived and knocked the doors of Nambigal ashram saying "Adiyen Ramanujan
vanthurukiren..!" (Means "Beloved student Sri Ramanuja has
arrived!!"). On which he was allowed to enter. The reason why Ramanuja was
denied 17 times and allowed during his 18th time is that, Ramanuja introduced
himself as "Adiyen Ramanujan" (means Beloved student Ramanuja) in
18th time unlike his past visits in which he introduced himself as "I,
Ramanuja have arrived".
The word
“I’m", which indicates his egocentrism, led Thirukachi Nambi to reject
him. When his ego vanished in word and deed during this 18th visit, he was
considered eligible for learning the Ashtakshara manthram. Thirukoshtiyur
Nambigal blessed Ramanuja with the 'Sacred 8 letter hymn' Ashtakshara manthram
("Ohm Namo Narayanaya!!") and told him not to preach to anyone.
Nambigal
also warns that if Ramanuja disobeys the order, Ramanuja will attain hell.
Ramanuja climbing to the top of temple summoned the whole village people and
delivered the Ashtakshara manthram. The act enkindled Nambigal and he started
questioning, for which Ramanuja replied "Because of the manthram many will
attain moksha for which I am glad to go to hell". Nambigal was overwhelmed
with kindness showed by Ramanuja and he bestowed the name
"Emperumanar" on Ramanuja, which is used to this day by those of the Srivaishanva
sect.
It is
said the event happened in front of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Sannidhi, small
shrine present on the way towards the Sowmya Narayana Perumal Sannidhi. Ramanuja
and Nambi have separate Sannidhis at this temple. Outside the Nambi Sannidhi is
a board that contains the list of 18 Thiru Mandhiram. On the third tier, on the
Southern side, there is a beautifully sculpted statue of Ramanuja in a sitting
posture to mark the ‘Thirumandiram’ pronunciation to the world.