Veda Narayana
Perumal Temple, Thottiyam – The Temple
This
temple is located on the northern banks of the River Cauvery. This is a very
ancient temple with additions constructed during the Nayakar period in the 15th
century. This temple has two prakaram and two main shrines for Perumal and
Thayar. Presiding Deity is Vedanarayana Perumal and is facing east. A most
distinct and unique feature at the Veda Narayanan temple is that Lord Vishnu is
seen in a sleeping posture resting on and using the Four Vedas as his pillow.
Lord
Narayanan is said to have initiated Vedic Education to Brahmma and hence is
referred to here as ‘Veda’ Narayanan. Lord Vishnu also promised a place for
Prahalad near his feet - another unique feature seen at this temple is a
3-year-old boy Prahaladha in a standing posture at the feet of the sleeping
Lord. Goddess Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are seen at the feet of Lord Veda
Narayanan offering their prayers.
Adisesha
the snake with his wife is bearing the Lord. Adisesha with ten heads above the
Lord and his wife at his feet grace darshan to the devotees. The Lord reclines
on a 10-headed Adhiseshan as his bed. Five of these heads belong to Adisesha,
while the names of the rest are Vasuki, Dakshaka, Kuliga, Karkotaka and
Kalinga. This is a very rare form in Perumal temples. The Vimana – roof tower above
the Lord is known as Veda Vimana.
Mother
is called as Vedanayaki Thaayar and housed in a separate Shrine. She appears
with four arms, the lower ones in Abhaya and Vardana positions. There is a
light post in front of the temple graced by Sri Anjaneya. He is called
Kambatthadi Anjaneya – Anjaneya under the post. People of the place gather here
to solve disputes among them through dialogue. Anybody speaking lies or cheat
others are demanded to prove their innocence by swearing before Anjaneya. The
tradition continues even today.
There is
also a separate shrine for Goddess Saraswathi. The Utsava idol is Lord
Ranganatha, who is in Abhayahastha pose. The Ranganathar Paadhams (feet of Lord
Ranganatha) are housed separately. There are shrines for Andal, Ramanuja
Acharya, Nammalwar, Tirumangai Alwar, Pillai Lokacharyar, and Manavala
Mamunigal in the prakara-corridor. There is a shrine for Pillai Tirunaraiyur
Arayar in the prakara. Those ambitious of liberation from the cycle of births
and deaths and protection from any catastrophe pray to Arayar.
Theerthams
associated with this temple are Vedha Pushkarini and River Cauvery. Sthala
Vriksham is Vilva Tree. The blessed feet of the Perumal are under the Vilva
tree which is revered by Lord Shiva. Nearby, the Andal Nachiyar blesses the devotees
in a separate Sannidhi.
