Veera Narayana Perumal Temple, Kattumannarkoil – The
Temple
The
Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity
is called as Veera Narayanan. He is housed in the sanctum in standing posture
facing east. He is gracing the devotees with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Utsava idols
are Rajagopalan with Rukmini & Satyabhama, Nithya Utsava Perumal (Kattum
Mannanar / Azhagiya Mannar / Sundara Gopalan) and Prarthana Perumal (Shenbaga Mannanar
with Sridevi and Bhoodevi). Mother is called as Maragatha Valli Thayar. She is
housed in a separate east facing shrine. Utsava idol is Shengamala Valli / Hemabja
Nayaki.
Lord Veera Narayana Shrine is situated in the middle,
Natha Muni Sannidhi (facing South) to his left, Alavanthan Sannidhi (facing
North) to his right (exactly opposite to Nathamuni Sannidhi) and with
Maragathavalli Thayar Sannidhi to his right between the Nathamuni and Alavanthan
Sannidhi In the Nathamuni Sannidhi, one finds his disciples at their Acharya’s
feet ready to serve him. There are 5 wells inside the temple and an expansive
garden, which Nathamunigal maintained for his daily poojas to Sri Veera
Narayana Perumal. There are shrines for Varaha and Narasimha in the Temple
premises.
Inscriptions:
There are several inscriptions relating to Kattu Mannar
Koil and its history that can be found both inside this
temple as well as in other temples in this region. Inscriptions relating to
Chola period refer to this place as Veera Narayanan Vinnagaram, while during
the times of Sundarapandyan this was called Mannanar. Krishna Deva Raya, who
was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, referred to the Lord as Azhagiya Mannanar.
At the Kattu Mannar Koil, one can find inscriptions, on
the temple walls, relating to the time of Kulothunga Chola I. During his rule,
this place was referred to as Veera Narayana Puram. Sadyavarman Sundara Pandiyan
who ruled between 1250 and 1274 is said to have undertaken extensive renovation
of the Kattu Mannar Koil.