Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Tirukannamangai – The
Temple
The
temple has a 5-tier Rajagopuram and a vast temple complex. The
prime deity, Bhaktavatsalar has an imposing image. The temple tank is situated
right opposite to the temple and is considered one of the largest temple tanks
in the state. This shrine is also referred to as Saptamrita Kshetram (seven
celebrated elements of nature), referring to seven of its elements such
as Vimanam, Mandapam, Aaranyam, theertham, kshetram, river and town. The main entrance of the temple faces
the East and at the entrance of the temple, there is a four pillared open hall.
The temple
has a 90 ft. (27 m) tall Rajagopuram (temple tower) and is enclosed by rectangular
walls around it. There is a smaller temple tower on the western side. The walls
of the temple are surrounded by large streets, through which the temple chariot
passes along during festivals. A rare image of Buddha, image of Vaikunta Natha and Vishnu mounted on his
eagle mount Garuda are the major images in the temple. The depiction
of Garuda is colossal in this temple. There is a pillared hall
leading to the shrine of Kannamangai Thayar shrine that has pillars with Nayak
architectural representation.
The main
deity, Moolavar is Bhaktavatsala Perumal, in a standing posture, and
facing towards the East, while the deity brought out of the sanctum sanctorum
for worship, Utsavar is Perum Purakadal. Similarly, the Thayar
or Amman is Kannamangai and the Utsava Thayar is Abhisheka Valli.
The sacred temple pond is known as Darshana Pushkarini and is
exceedingly beautiful. It is said that during Vishnu's Vamana
Avatar, Brahma conducted the Abhishekam to the raised foot
of Vamana with the water from his Kamandala. It was during this Abhishekam,
that one of the drops of water fell at this sacred place, and created the pond,
now known as Darshana Pushkarini.
Later,
during the wedding of Mahalakshmi and Vishnu, the lord offered
the water of this sacred pond for the Abhishekam of Thayar, and therefore,
she is known as Shree Abhisheka Valli. Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is
respected in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a Vaishnava canon, and the hymns were
sang by Tirumazhisai Azhwar. Thirukkannanmangai Aandan, the devotee of saint Nathamunigal,
was said to be attained Moksham (liberation) at this temple. The other deities
of this temple are Goddess Andal, saint Vedanta Desikar, Lord Kothanda Ramar, Hayagrivar,
Sanganidhi, Padmanidhi, Manavala Mamunigal, Thirukannamangai Aandan, Azhwars
and Acharyas.
The
Vimanam (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) of Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is
called Utpalavathga Vimanam. The Pushkarani (temple tank) of Bhaktavatsala
Perumal Temple is called Dharshana Pushkarini and Vishnu Paadha Ganga
Pushkarani. There’s a Vanam named “Bhadhrivanam” and it’s mostly like the one
found in Naimisaranyam and Bhadhrinath. River Cauvery splits up into two brooks
and runs in the North and South side of the temple forming a Garland to the
Lord.
On the
southern side of the praharam, the Swarga vasal is established. The lord comes
through this gateway on Vaikunta Ekadasi day. The lord’s foot impressions are
found on a platform to the east of this gateway. Alongside this gateway, on the northern side we find Desikan Sannadhi, Navaneetha
krishnan Sannadhi, Kothandaramar Sannadhi and the yaga Salai, all facing south.
Small figurines of Lakshmi, Lord Narashimha and a lady with a stringed
instrument are found in a cubicle in the internal wall opposite Desikan Sannadhi.
