Thiru Ooragam Temple, Kanchipuram

Introduction

Thiru Ooragam Temple is a Vishnu shrine. This is located in the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple complex in the ancient town of Kanchipuram. This is a Divyadesam, a holy abode of Vishnu that has been glorified by the Azhwar saints in their sacred Divyaprabhandham hymns. The Ulagalantha Perumal temple complex houses as many as 4 Divya Desams. These are Thiru Karagam, Thiru Kaarvaanam, and Thiru Neeragam, apart from Thiru Ooragam. The legends of all these Divya Desams and their presiding deities remain somewhat associated with the main deity, Ulagalantha Perumal, and thus remain interconnected. In Thiru Ooragam, Vishnu is worshipped in the form of a serpent, as Thiru Ooragaththaan. The term 'Ooragam' denotes the snake, and hence the Lord is hailed as Thiru Ooragaththaan.

Temple Legends

The Legend of Vamana and Mahabali is quite popular. Mahabali was a mighty demon and the grandson of the great Vishnu devotee, Prahlada. Though virtuous and generous, Mahabali was very arrogant and wanted to invade the celestial world and bring it under his reign. To stall his move, Vishnu took on the form of Vamana, a dwarf or a young lad, went to the great Yagya, the sacrifice that Mahabali was doing, and asked him for land measurable by just 3 steps of his tiny foot. When the demon king granted his request, the Lord took the gigantic form of Trivikrama, measured the earth and sky with 2 steps of his giant foot, and for the third measure, placed his foot on Mahabali's head, with the demon offering it to him willingly. While the Lord achieved what he wanted, Mahabali, too, got the Lord's blessings. But, with his head firmly held down, Mahabali was unable to see the 'Vishvaroopa,' the mammoth Ulagalantha Perumal form of Vishnu, and he is said to have requested Vishnu to show him the divine manifestation, again. Acceding to his wish, Vishnu assumed the form of a serpent and gave darshan as Ooragaththaan. The temple remains as a testimony for devotion, with the Lord blessing demon Mahabali.

The History and Architecture of Thiru Ooragam Temple, Kanchipuram

This temple is regarded as one of the oldest ones of Kanchipuram. It can be inferred from the many inscriptions found here that this must have been built around the 8th or 9th century CE by the Pallava kings, while the Cholas followed it up with generous contributions. This structure of Dravidian architecture, has a 3-tier Rajagopuram, the entrance tower. Lord Ooragaththaan can be worshipped in the sanctum as a coiled serpent with its hoods, wide open. He is housed next to the imposing idol of Ulagalantha Perumal. The tower above the sanctum is Sara Srikara Vimana, while Vamana and Naga Tirthams are the sacred tanks.

Temple Festivals

The Brahmotsavam of Thai month (January-February) and the Vaikunta Ekadasi of Margazhi (December-January) are important among the festivals celebrated in this temple. The chariot festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm here.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Thiru Ooragaththaan

People perform Thirumanjanam, the ceremonial, sacred bath to the deity and believe that it will solve problems like marital discord, and childlessness, and provide them sound health and a promising career.