Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple

Introduction

Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple is a Vishnu shrine. This temple is regarded as both a Divya Desam and a Nava Tirupathi. The temple and its Lord have received praise in the hymns sung by the Azhwar saints, and hence, this temple is counted as a Divya Desam, a special abode of Vishnu. This also forms part of the 9 famous Vishnu shrines that lie on the banks of river Thamiraparani, known together as Nava Tirupathi. The temple is located in the Thirupuliyangudi village in the Northern bank of Thamiraparani, along the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route, in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu. The principal deity is known as Kasinivendan Perumal, and the Goddess is Malarmagal Nachiar. This temple is also regarded as one dedicated to Budha, the planet Mercury.

Temple Legends

According to a legend, after he came down to earth, Vishnu spent considerable time with his consort Lakshmi on the banks of this river. This displeased the other consort Bhoomadevi, the mother earth, who felt ignored by the Lord. And she withdrew from the earth and descended to the world below. In the process, the earth turned dark and dry. With a view of restoring the balance on earth, Vishnu, accompanied by Lakshmi, approached Bhoomadevi, pacified her, and brought her back to the earth's surface. Hence he is seen here with both his consorts. Since Lord Vishnu restored light and life to the earth by bringing back Bhoomidevi, the main deity here is also called Bhoomi Balan or Bhoomi Balagar.

As per another story, once, a sage and his spouse were playing with each other in the Himalayas, assuming the forms of deer. But Indra, the Lord of the celestials, without knowing the truth, killed the male deer with his weapon Vajrayutha. This got him the deadly affliction, 'Brahmahaththi Dosha.' It is said that as per the advice of Devaguru, planet Jupiter, Indra came here, took a bath in the holy river, and prayed to Lord Bhoomibalan. And thanks to the Lord's grace, Indra was relieved of his curse.

The Architecture of Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple

In the sanctum, the Lord appears reclining on the serpent couch facing East, and his posture is known as Bujanga Sayanam. He is also using a measuring vessel as his pillow. Goddess Sridevi, that is, Lakshmi and Bhoodevi are on his sides. Lord Brahma is sitting on a lotus flower whose stalk emerges out of the Lord's navel. The roof above the main shrine is Vedasara Vimana, while the temple tank is Varuna Theertham. The temple has 2 precincts.

Temple Festivals

The Garuda Sevai Utsavam is the most important festival, common to all the Nava Tirupathi temples, including the Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple. This festival witnesses 9 Garuda Sevais, when the festival deities of all the 9 temples are carried in processions on their Garuda mounts. The idol of saint Nammazhwar, who also belongs to this belt, is also brought there in a palanquin, and the sacred hymns that he has composed in praise of all these deities are recited with devotion. This grand festival is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi (May-June) when devotees in very large numbers assemble here and take divine blessings.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple

The Lord is said to be compassionate, and people believe that his grace can remove their difficulties and bless them with all-round welfare. Also, each of the 9 Nava Thirupathi temples is dedicated to a planetary Lord, and Thirupuliyangudi temple is regarded as a Budhan Sthalam, the sacred place meant for planet Mercury. The planetary Lord Budha denotes intellect, business acumen, peace of mind, etc. Hence it is believed that worshipping the Perumal here can remove the adverse effects of the planet and bestow people with intelligence, knowledge, skills, and wisdom.