Kazheesirama Vinnagaram Temple, Sirkazhi

Introduction

Kazheesirama Vinnagaram is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also known as Trivikrama Perumal temple or Tadalan temple, this is located in the Sirkazhi town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu state. It is a sacred Divyadesam, the holy abode of Lord Vishnu, about whose deity the Azhwar saints have sung hymns. Vishnu is worshipped here as Tiruvikrama Narayana Perumal, and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, as Loga Nayagi Thaayar, while the processional deity is known as Tadalan. 'Thal' means earth, and 'Aalan' is the ruler, and the Lord who measured the universe came to be referred to as 'Tadalan.' He is also praised here as 'Man Alantha Thadalan,' which translates to 'the one who measured the land.' It is believed that sage Vishvamitra performed a Yagya in this shrine and got the name Sidhasrama. Only the left foot of Lord Trivikrama, who is measuring the worlds, is visible here, and his right foot is displayed for public view, only on the day of Vaikunta Ekadesi.

Temple Legends

The place where the temple stands at present has been mentioned in the sacred text Brahmanda Purana as Patalika Vanam and Uttama Kshetram. As per a legend, once Brahma became very proud of his longevity, which extended across many Yugas, the eons. With a view of keeping Brahma's pride under check, sage Romas performed severe penance here, towards the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Lord, pleased with his devotion, appeared before him and also assumed the gigantic form of Trivikrama, who measured the three worlds with his three steps. He also blessed the sage with a longer life than that of Brahma and declared further that every time a hair of his falls down, Brahma will lose a year from his life.

According to another story, once this temple fell into disuse, but an old lady protected the Tadalan idol by keeping it in a pot of husk and praying to him. When Thirumangai Azhwar came here with his disciples, she handed over the idol to him. And then he renovated the temple, installed the idol, and restored the temple to its former greatness. It is also said that with the grace of Lord Tadalan, he also composed verses in praise of Vishnu and overcame saint Thirugnana Sambandar in a debate. Sambandar is also said to have rewarded him with his Vel, the lance, and an anklet.

Lord Tadalan is sometimes referred to as 'Thavittu Paanai Tadalan,' as the husk means 'thavidu' in Tamil and pot is 'paanai.'

The Architecture of Kazheesirama Vinnagaram Temple, Sirkazhi

The temple is built in the ancient Chola architectural style and was later patronized by the Nayak Kings. The temple tower or the Rajagopuram is three-tiered. Lord Tiruvikrama Narayana Perumal resides in the sanctum sanctorum, with his five weapons and his left leg lifted above his head. The tower above the sanctum sanctorum is called as Pushkala Vimana. Vamana is also portrayed with an umbrella and can be worshipped in the front hall. Saint Tirumangai Azhwar is also enshrined here with the Vel and anklet, while there are separate shrines for Lord Rama and Anjaneya. Sangu Pushkarni and Chakara Theertam are two sacred water bodies of the temple.

Temple Festivals

The temple Brahmotsavam is celebrated every year in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), while other important festive occasions like the Tamil New Year Deepavali, Navaratri, Pongal, Sri Rama Navami, etc. are observed with piety.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Kazheesirama Vinnagaram Temple

This temple is held auspicious for performing Vastu Pooja for land or building. People would place the sand from their lands at the Lord's feet, pray to him, and then perform Vastu Pooja in their properties. This, it is believed, can act as a remedy against the Vastu defects in their properties. People also worship in this temple for longevity. Even married couples seeking unity, or wives longing for their husbands' love, pray to the Lord. This temple is also held auspicious for the boon of progeny, as childless couples can hope for the fulfillment of their wishes.

There is also a belief that the Lord will grant promotion in jobs and success in endeavors.