Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Mannarkoil – Legends
Kulasekara Azhvaar:
Kulasekara Azhvaar who was born in Thiruvanjikalam
went on to become a Chera King. During his early years, he defeated Chozha and
Pandya kings and was a dominant force. However, his devotion to Lord Vishnu led
him to renounce power and to a path singing praise of the Vaishnavite Lord.
After trips around several Vishnu temples, Kulasekara Azhvaar finally reached
Mannar Koil, where he was taken in by the beauty of Vedanarayana, in whom he
saw the Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Like Srirangam, Mannar Koil too is
surrounded by two rivers on either side -Thamarai Barani on the Southern side
and Karuna River on the Northern side.
Staying here at Mannar Koil for over 30 years,
Kulasekara Azhvaar undertook daily pooja of Lord Rama, who was his abisheka
deity, and finally attained Moksham at this place. To this day, one finds the
idols of this Abisheka moorthy at this temple. In recognition of his efforts
here at Mannar Koil, this temple has come to be known as Kulasekara Perumal
Koil, the only historical Perumal Koil to be directly named as an Azhvaar
Perumal Koil.
His shrine is unusually provided with flag post and Bali
peetam. Surprisingly Pandya country is known for many 'Thiruvarasus' of Azhwars:
Nammazhvar Thiruvarasu at Azhvar Thirunagari (Tamarind Tree), Periazhwar
Thiruvarasu at Alagarkoil; Tirumangaiazhvar Thiruvarasu at Thirukkurungudi
(Malaimel Nambi). Incidentally, Vibheeshana had also been drawn in to Lord Vedanarayana
of Mannar Koil.
Rajendra Vinnagaram:
This place is also referred to as Veda Puri (after
Veda Narayana Perumal) and Rajendra Vinnagaram (the great Chozha king who
built/renovated this temple).
Sacred Shenbaga Flowers:
In his praise
of Lord Vishnu in the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, Kulasekara Azhvaar refers
only to Shenbaga flowers and hence this flower is said to be very sacred.
People worshipped Lord Vishnu here:
The present temple region was once dense with Jack
trees. Sages Bhrigu and Markandeya visited many Perumal temples and came
to this place for penance. Pleased with their penance, Lord Perumal
granted darshan. The sages wished that Perumal should be equally merciful
to all devotees visiting this place and bless them with family happiness and
prosperity. Responding to their wishes Perumal consented to stay here as
Lord Veda Narayana. Later, Chera, Chola and Pandya kings improved the temple. Vibishana
too worshipped Lord Vedanarayana here.
Avathara Sthalam of Azhagiya Manavala Jeer:
Mannarkoil is the birth of Vaadhi Kesari Azhagiya
Manavala Jeer who provided detailed vyakyaanam (explanation/description) of
Divya Prabhandham known as ‘Panniraayira Padi’.