Jagatha Rakshaka Perumal Temple, Thirukoodalur

Introduction

Jagath Rakshaka Perumal temple is a Divyadesam, a sacred place of worship dedicated to Lord Vishnu, praised by the Azhwar saints. Located in Vadakurangaduthurai, a village in the outskirts of the Kumbakonam town, it is locally known as the Aduthurai Perumal temple. It is said that many saints and holy men used to gather here to worship Lord Vishnu, and hence the place also came to be called Thirukkoodaloor, the sacred meeting point. The word Jagam or Jagath means the world, and Raksha is protection, and hence, Jagath Rakshaka Perumal remains the protector of this world. Being the savior of the universe, the Lord here is regarded as highly benevolent. He is said to have appeared before sage Nandaka and king Ambarisha and blessed them abundantly.

Temple Legends

As per a legend, king Ambarisha, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, remained too immersed in the Vishnu worship that he failed to strengthen his army, and had to lose his kingdom. Once he was in deep meditation when sage Durvasa visited him, but the king was so totally lost in his devotion that he did not notice the sage. This angered Durvasa, and he cursed the king. Ambarisha took refuge in the Lord, and Vishnu sent his powerful discus to counter the sage and protect the king. The sage understood the greatness of the devotee and sought the king’s pardon. As a form of gratitude, the king is said to have built this beautiful temple for Vishnu.

According to another story, river Cauvery which used to wash away the sins of all other rivers, once wished to cleanse herself. She is said to have worshipped Lord Vishnu here and was cleared of her sins. Also, a parrot is said to have remained highly devoted to Vishnu. Once it was shot by a hunter, but the Lord rescued it and revealed to it, the truth about its previous birth. Thus, true to his name, the Lord here remains as the savior of the world and all forms of life and hence is also known as Vaiyam Katha Perumal, the Tamil equivalent of Jagath Rakshaka Perumal.

The History and Architecture of Jagath Rakshaka Perumal Temple, Thirukkoodaloor

This temple of the Dravidian architectural pattern is believed to have been built by the Cholas kings in the later part of the 8th century CE, and the Vijayanagar and Madurai Nayak kings also contributed to it subsequently. Lord Jagath Rakshaka Perumal is in a standing posture in the sanctum sanctorum, while his consort Pushpavalli can be worshipped in a separate shrine. A brick wall surrounds the temple, which has a three-tiered Rajagopuram, the main tower. The tower above the main shrine is called Suddha Satwa Vimana. The temple chariot Ambarisha Ratha was renovated by Rani Mangammal, and it was in use until some time ago. A statue of this queen can also be seen in this temple.

Temple Festivals

The Brahmotsavam celebrated during Vaikasi (May-June), and Vaikunta Ekadasi observed in Margazhi (December-January) can be called the most important festivals of this temple. Srisukta Homam is a special ritual performed here on Full Moon days, using 108 lotus leaves.

Benefits of worshipping Jagath Rakshaka Perumal

It is believed that the Perumal would protect his devotees, and his Chakra, the discus, can help them to ward off all troubles. The grace of the Lord can enable the devotees to progress in their worldly lives, and also attain spiritual advancement.