Neelamegha Perumal Temple, Thirukannapuram – The
Temple
The
temple has a 7-tier Rajagopuram about 100 ft. (30 m) and a vast
temple complex measuring 1.5 acres (0.61 ha). The complex measures
316 ft. (96 m) from East to West and 210 ft. (64 m) from
North to South. The second gateway tower, approached from the main
gateway, measures 60 ft. (18 m). The image of the presiding deity,
Neela Meghar, is housed in the sanctum, which is approached through the
gateways and the Mahamandapa. The sanctum also houses the image of Sridevi
and Bhoodevi on either side of Neelameghar, Dandaka Maharishi and Garuda.
The
metal image of the festival deity, Sowriraja Perumal, is also housed in the
sanctum, with four consorts namely Sridevi, Bhudevi, Padmini and Andal. There are also metal images of Santhana Krishnar and Chakrathaazhwar. The temple tank is situated right opposite to the
temple. The hall preceding the sanctum is called Mahamandapa and the northern
part of it is called Thirumanjana Mandapam, where sacred bath is performed to
the festive images during festivals.
The
Palliarai is the sacred chamber where the festive images of Vishnu and his
consort are housed during festivals. There are separate shrines for Senai
Mudaliar (the general of Vishnu's forces), Nardhana Krishna, the twelve Azhwars, Rama, Consort of presiding deity and Thaylapura Nayagi.
There are four temple tanks associated with the temple, with the largest, Nitya
Pushkarani, located opposite the temple measuring 450 ft. (140 m) by
415 ft. (126 m). Ksheerapati Pushkarani, Bhootavadan and Muthakaram
are other three tanks of the temple.
As per a
legend, the original structure extended up to seven compounds and 13 miles
leading to the seashore. The ruling Chola ruler was against Vaishnavism and wanted to destroy the temple. An ardent
devotee pleaded to Vishnu to appear and destruct the ruler. Vishnu was unmoved
and in anger, the devotee threw discuss at the image, creating a scar. It is
believed that the scar is seen in the image even during modern times. The
presiding deity threw a discus to hurl the Chola forces. The image of the presiding
deity is depicted hurling a discus.
The
temple is one of the 108 Divya Desas of Perumal. There is a vibration effect in
the sanctum sanctorum which is said to exist from days of yore. The Navagrahas
the nine planets installed by Indira is on the wall under the tower facing west
with respective zodiac signs. Navagrahas carved in a single stone with relative
zodiac signs are installed on the northern wall at the Rajagopuram
entrance. Lord Sri Rama and Mother Sita are shown as the masters of planets.
There is
no Sorgavasal here as in other Perumal temples opened on the Vaikunda Ekadasi
day only, because this is considered a Sorga-Vaikunda on Earth. It is
also the belief that sages are on the Utpalavadhaga vimana, performing penance
of Lord Vishnu. The Vimana darshan is not possible in this temple as it is
covered by walls on four sides. In modern times, the temple is maintained and
administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.
Moolavar:
The
Moolavar of this kshetram is Sri Neelamegha Perumal. The Moolavar is giving his
Seva in the standing posture facing east. Instead of Abhaya Hastham he has
Varadha Hastham similar to Kanchi Varadharaja perumal. Also, he has the Prayoga
Chakkaram, similar to that of Ranganatha perumal of Srirangam. Prathyaksham had
been given for Kanva Maharishi, Thandaka Maharishi and Garudan.
Thayaar:
The
Thayaar found in this sthalam is Kannapura Naayaki along with Periya Piraati,
Sridevi, Aandal and Padmini Thaayar.
Utsavar:
The
Utsavar of this sthalam is Utsavar Sowriraja perumal is in a pose of seeking
hands for marriage.
Pushkarani:
·
Nithiya
Pushkarani
Vimanam:
·
Utpalaavataka
Vimanam