Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Tirusirupuliyur

Introduction

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Azhwar saints have glorified this Lord in their hymns that form part the sacred Divyaprabhandham compositions. Hence, this temple is counted among the Divyadesams, the special abodes of Vishnu. Also known as Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple, it is located in Sirupuliyur, near Kollumangudi and Karaikal, in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Vishnu is worshipped here as Sthalasayana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumaamagal Nachiyar. The Lord is reclining here, but not on the usual Adisesha couch, which is a rare phenomenon. In this place, Sthalasayana Perumal is said to have appeared before sage Vyaghrapada, one of the 18 Siddha saints and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Garuda will not fly over this temple.

Temple Legends

Once, Lord Shiva advised his devotee, sage Vyaghrapada, to do severe penance at the holy town of Srirangam for propitiating Lord Vishnu and attaining a permanent place in Vaikuntam, his celestial abode. Joined by sage Patanjali, Vyaghrapada started towards Srirangam, but due to poor eyesight, they lost direction and landed in Tirusirupuliyur. Realizing their mistake, they prayed earnestly to the Lord to come there from Srirangam to grant their wish. And pleased with their devotion, Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them. But he is said to have appeared as Srirangam Ranganatha to them. However, due to advanced age, the sages were unable to see the big image of the deity, and then the Lord obliged them by appearing in a smaller form, known as Bala Sayanam, like a sleeping child. Vyaghrapada was in the form of a tiger, which translates to ‘Puli’ in Tamil; the word ‘Siru’ means small, and ‘Oor’ refers to a place. Thus this village got the name Siru Puli Oor, that is, Sirupuliyur. Vishnu is also said to have appeared to sage Vyasa here.

As per another legend, once, Garuda, the mighty bird mount of Vishnu, and Adisesha, his serpent couch had an argument as to who among them is more powerful. As the Lord found Garuda a bit arrogant, he favored Adisesha. But when Adisesha feared that this might upset Garuda, who may harm him, Vishnu is said to have told Adisesha to roll up and hide beneath him. This is cited as the reason for the Lord not reclining on Adisesha in this temple. And Garuda, too, doesn’t fly over this temple for fear of incurring the Lord’s displeasure.

The Architecture of Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Tirusirupuliyur

This temple of Dravidian architectural style is surrounded by a granite compound wall and has a four-tiered Rajagopuram, the entrance tower. The small idol of Sthalasayana Perumal can be worshipped in the sanctum, in a reclining posture. Sages Vyaghrapada and Kanva are also there with him. Kripasamudra Perumal and Dhaya Naayagi are the Urchavar, the processional deities. There is a separate shrine for Adisesha near the temple tank.

Temple Festivals

Brahmotsavam is held during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June) and is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm. All other festivals are also observed with piety here.

Benefits of worshipping Sthalasayana Perumal

This is where Adishesha received the grace of the Lord, and hence, people pray to this Lord for relief from the afflictions of serpent Gods, and planetary Lords. It is also believed that the Lord can provide relief against mental disorders and chronic illnesses, and grant progeny blessings and longevity.