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Location: Tirukkannapuram
near Nannilam (Tiruvarur)
(Chola Naadu)
Vishnu: Neelameghapperumaal,Sowriraja
Perumaal,
Taayaar: Kannapura
Nayaki
Theertham:Nitya Pushkarini
Paasuram :Periyalwar, Andal, Kulasekharalwar,
Tirumangaialwar, Nammalwar
Vimaanam:Utpalavataka Vimanam
Travel Base:Thanjavur
Description: This celebrated Divya Desam
is located at Tirukkannamangai, near Tiruppugalur, 6
km from Nannilam. Tirukkannapuram is known as Sreematashtaakshara
Mahaa Mantrasidhdhi Kshetram and is considered to be the eastern gateway
to Srirangam. Tirumangai Alwar is said to have been initiated
here. Also located nearby is the Ramanadeeswaram Shivastalam
sung by the Tevaram hymns of Tirugnanasambandar where Rama is believed
to have worshipped Shiva.
Deities:
The Moolavar here is Neelamegapperumaal in a standing posture facing east,
while the Utsavar is Sowrirajan. Taayaar here is Kannapura Nayaki (Sree
Devi, Bhu Devi, Andal, Padmini) enshrined in a separate sanctum.
The temple:
The sanctum enshrines Neelamegapperumaal with his consorts. Andal's
image is seen to the left of Perumal, while Padmavati Taayar (a local
princess born of a fisherman) is located to his right; Vishnu's marriage
with Padmavati is represented here. This temple occupies an area of about
an acrea nd a half and it has a 100 feet high Rajagopuram.
Legend
has it that the image of Vishnu in the sanctum miraculously showed a growth
of hair, in order to protect the words of a devout priest Rangabhattar,
hence the name Sowrirajan. Legend also has it that Vishnu blessed Vibhishana
here, on a new moon day. Vishnu is believed to have vanquished the demon
Veekatakshan with his discus; the image in the sanctum shows him bearing
the 'prayoga' chakram. Offerings of Pongal are considered to be of great
significance here. Legend has it that a devotee by name Muniyadaraiyaar,
who came here with an offering of Pongal, unable to enter a locked temple
(after the nightly worship service) was blessed with the miraculous sound
of bell chimes from within the temple; this miracle is recounted with
the offering of 'Muniyodaram Pongal' during the nightly worship service.
Festivals:
Six worship services are offered each day. The Bhramotsavam is celebrated
in the month of Vaikasi, and the Mahotsavam in the month of Maasi, where
the festival image of Sowrirajan is taken to the seashore, where fishermen
join the celebration. The adhyayana utsavam is celebrated in the month
of Margazhi.
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