Thiruthetriyambalam (Palli Konda Perumal Temple)

Introduction

Thiruthetriyambalam is a Vishnu temple. The Lord here is Palli Konda Perumal, the one who is stretching himself or sleeping. Hence this shrine is also known as the Palli Konda Perumal Temple. This is situated in the Thirunangur village near Sirkazhi town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. The Goddess is Sengamalavalli Thayar. This temple is counted among the Divya Desams, those special abodes of Vishnu that have received praise in the hymns of the Azhwar saints. Besides, this is a Thirunangur Tirupathi, too, and remains one among the 11 such Vishnu temples of this Thirunangur belt. All these temples are connected with saint Thirumangai Azhwar, who also hails from this area. The word ‘Ambalam’ is a Malayalam word that denotes a temple, and incidentally, Thiruthetriyambalam is the only Divya Deasm referred to as an Ambalam. Sages Agastya, Bharathwaja, and Gautama and the rain God Varuna were said to have performed penance here.

Temple Legends

The legend, common for all the 11 Thirunangur Tirupathi temples, links the temple with Shiva and his consort Sati. Unable to bear the insult done to her husband, Shiva, in the great sacrifice performed by her father, Daksha, Sati jumped into the fire and immolated herself. The loss of his dear wife turned Shiva inconsolable and furious, and he started venting out his anger by breaking into a wild dance, in this place. The intensity of his dance was such that every time the locks of his hair touched the earth, 11 new Shiva manifestations came out of it. Shiva was the God of destruction, and more his manifestations mean more the destruction of the earthly beings. The celestials realized the danger this meant and immediately pleaded with Vishnu to stop the impending catastrophe. Vishnu manifested himself before Shiva, and his very presence was enough to calm Shiva down. Then Shiva is said to have requested that Vishnu, too, should similarly appear in 11 forms here. Vishnu did likewise, and only the abodes of these forms have emerged as the 11 Thirunangur Tirupathi Vishnu temples.

It is also believed that Lord Ranganatha, the presiding deity of the famous Srirangam temple, too, came here on Shiva’s request.

The Architecture of Thiruthetriyambalam Temple, Thirunangur

This temple is small in size and has a single Prakaram, the precinct. Palli Konda Perumal is reclining on the serpent Adisesha couch in the sanctum sanctorum. He is in Bhujanga Sayanam, has 4 hands, and is facing East, while his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi are found near his head and foot. He is also known in other names such as Senganmal, Ranganatha, and Sreelakshmiranga and is said to be similar in appearance to the principal deity of Srirangam. Goddess Sengamalavalli is in a separate shrine.

Temple Festivals

Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is the most important festival as much for this temple, as for all the 11 temples of Thirunangur Tirupathi. On the occasion, the festival deities of these temples assemble at Thirunangur in Garuda Sevai, that is, riding on their Garuda mounts, while saint Thirumangai Azhwar joins them, riding a palanquin. Devotees recite the sacred hymns that the Azhwar has composed on all these deities with piety. Devotees in their thousands come to witness and worship the Gods in this festival, celebrated during the Tamil month Thai (January-February). The annual Brahmotsavam is the other festival of importance here.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Thiruthetriyambalam Temple

It is believed that worshipping the Lord can earn his divine grace for the devotees. This can help them to overcome various challenges concerning finance, health, and career, and lead a happy and peaceful life.