Appakudathan Temple, Koviladi

Introduction

Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple is the sixth Divyadesam, the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu that is sung about by the Azhwar saints. It is also one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams, the five revered temples of Lord Ranganatha situated on the banks of river Kaveri. This temple is located in Koviladi, a village about 16 kilometers from the Trichy city, in Tamil Nadu state. The word Appam refers to a sweet dish, and since the Lord is said to have asked for a pot ('kudam' in Tamil) of Appam, he is celebrated as 'Appakkudathaan.' It is also believed that sage Markandeya was liberated from death at the clutches of Lord Yama in this temple. This place is known as Koviladi, as it is located in the downstream of the famous Srirangam temple.

The Temple Legends

According to the Legends, King Ubhamanyu was once cursed by sage Durvasar, and as a result, he lost all his physical strength. In order to gain redemption, he was asked to feed one lakh people every day, which he started doing earnestly. One day, Lord Vishnu appeared as an old man and consumed all the food kept for the people. When questioned, the elderly man said that he wants a pot of Neiappam, a sweet, and only then, his hunger would satiate. The king fulfilled his wish and later realized that the one who appeared in the form of the elderly person was none other than Lord himself. Hence the Lord has come to be revered as 'Appakkudathaan,' the one with a pot of Appam dish. It is said that in the olden days, this temple used to be the adobe of Vedic scholars.

The History and Architecture of Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple, Koviladi

This ancient temple erected in the Dravidian architectural style was built during the medieval Chola period, and there are inscriptions about the king Aditya Chola here. The Rajgopuram, the main tower, is of three tiers, and one has to climb twenty-one steps to reach the temple entrance. The presiding deity, also known as 'Appala Rangan,' is in a reclining posture in the sanctum. And true to his name, he is seen holding a pot of Appams in his right hand. His consorts Kamala Valli and Bhooma Devi, are also seen along with, in the sanctum. There is a separate shrine also for Ganesha here.

Temple Festivals

Panguni Brahmotsavam observed during March-April, and Uri Adi or the pot breaking festival are a few of the important festivals celebrated in this temple, while the Panguni Uthiram remains an important occasion. Besides, the Tirthavari during Masi (February-March) and Vaikunta Ekadasi during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) are observed with piety, apart from other festivals like Sri Rama Navami, Navarathri, Deepavali, Pongal, etc.

Benefits of Worshipping Appakkudathaan Perumal

It is believed that saint Periazhwar left his body, and his soul attained the heavenly realm only in this temple. Hence there is a belief among the people that praying to the Lord here can help them attain Vaikundam, his heavenly abode. People also worship in this temple for progeny, relief from planetary afflictions, growth in their career, and cure from ailments.