Loganatha Perumal Temple, Thirukannankudi

Introduction

Loganatha Perumal Temple is a Divyadesam, the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu celebrated in the hymns of the Azhwar saints. It is located in Thirukannangudi, in Tiruvarur-Nagappattinam highway, in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. This also remains one among the Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetrams, the five temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, the popular Avatar of Vishnu. The main deity here is Lord Loganatha Perumal, and his consort is Loganayagi. Loganatha Perumal is believed to have appeared before Lord Brahma and sages Gautama, Vashishta, and Brighu here.

Temple Legends

As per the legend, once Sage Vashishta made an idol of Lord Krishna using fresh butter and was worshipping him, but the butter did not melt due to his ardent devotion. While Krishna was pleased with the sage, he anyhow decided to test him before blessing him. The Lord took the form of a child and began eating the butter idol. On seeing this, Vashista grew very angry and started chasing the boy. The boy Krishna ran to a place where some other sages were doing penance under a Magizha tree, with Vashishta in hot pursuit. The sages caught hold of the boy and tied him to the tree when the Lord revealed his true, divine form and blessed them all. This overwhelmed Vashishta and other sages who fell at Krishna’s feet. As per their request, the Lord stayed there itself, and later the Loganatha Perumal Temple came up at that place. Hence this temple came to be called Kannangudi after Lord Krishna, called Kannan in Tamil.

It is important to note that while Lord Rama, another incarnation of Vishnu, remained the disciple of sage Vashishta, Krishna became the Guru of the same sage, here. It is said that the Magizha tree to which the sages tied Krishna, is still alive, in this temple.

The History and Architecture of Loganatha Perumal Temple, Thirukannangudi

The medieval Cholas are believed to have erected this temple in the 8th century CE, while the Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaka rulers contributed to its expansion. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the entrance tower, and has a granite wall running around it. Lord Loganatha Perumal inside the sanctum sanctorum is in the standing position, while Goddess Loganayaki is housed in a separate shrine. Lord Damodara Narayana Perumal and Goddess Aravindavalli are the processional deities, here. Utpala Vimana is the tower above the sanctum. The temple tank Ravana Pushkarni is outside the temple complex.

Temple Festivals

The Panguni Brahmotsavam is celebrated with pomp and piety during March-April when grand processions are organized for the deities. Masi Magam is also a special day when the Lord is believed to bestow his blessings, especially on the fisher folks. Hence, people from the fishing community from the nearby Nagappattinam gather here in large numbers to seek the grace of the Lord.

Benefits of worshipping Thirukannangudi Loganatha Perumal

It is believed that the divine grace of Lord Loganatha Perumal can offer protection to people and provide them with all that is required to lead a good and comfortable life in this world. He can solve their problems and fulfill their honest desires.