Thiruthevanartthogai DivyaDesam, Thirunangur

Introduction

Thiruthevanartthogai is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity is worshipped here as Deivanayakan, and his consort is Kadalmagal Nachiyar. The processional deity is Madhava Perumal, and this temple is also known in his name as Madhava Perumal temple. Madhava Nayagi is his consort. The Azhwar saints have glorified this Lord and the temple in their Divyaprabhandham hymns, and so, this temple becomes a Divya Desam, an especially sacred abode of Vishnu. This is situated in Keezhchaalai, close to Thirunangur village near Sirkazhi town, in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. This temple is also one among the 11 Vishnu shrines located in and around Thirunangur that are together known as Thirunangur Tirupathi. Saint Thirumangai Azhwar hails from this area and has composed songs in praise of all these deities, and hence, these temples have a strong association with him. It is believed that sage Vasishtha worshipped the Lord in this shrine.

The temple finds mention in works such as 108 Tirupathi Anthathi, written in the 18th-19th centuries CE by Divya Kavi Pillai Perumal Aiyangar.

Temple Legends

Vishnu is the supreme God of protection and sustenance and plays a major role in establishing balance and righteousness in the world. Once Shiva's consort Sati, unable to bear the insult heaped on her husband, killed herself in the great sacrifice performed by her father, Daksha. This made Shiva lose himself in intense grief and anger so much that he began dancing wildly, carrying Sati's body on his shoulders. As his wild dance continued, his disheveled hair began touching the ground, and every time it did so, 11 new Shiva manifestations emerged from the spot. Shiva was the God of destruction, and the many Shiva forms can only spell the decimation of living beings. Foreseeing doom, the Devas and sages pleaded with Vishnu to save the universe. And the supreme protector descended on earth at this place and brought Shiva's fury under check. Vishnu is also said to have assumed 11 forms on the request of Shiva, and these are the Vishnu forms that are said to be enshrined in the 11 Thirunangur Tirupathi temples.

The Architecture of Thiruthevanartthogai Divya Desam, Thirunangur

This is a small, West-facing temple with a three-tier Rajagopuram, the entrance tower. Lord Deivanayaka Perumal, the presiding deity, is in the standing posture in the sanctum, facing East. The roof above the sanctum is Sopana Vimana, and the temple tank is Sopana Theertham. Goddess Kadalmagal Nachiyar and the festival deities Madhava Perumal and his consort can also be worshipped in the temple.

Temple Festivals

Much prominence is given to saint Thirumangai Azhwar in all the Thirunangur Tirupathi temples, including Thiruthevanartthogai. And Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam remains the biggest celebration in these temples. While the presiding deities of all these temples are brought to Thirunangur in their Garuda mounts, that is, Garuda Sevai, the idol of Thirumangai Azhwar also joins them there. The compositions he made on all these Gods are chanted by the devotees with fervor, on the occasion. Besides, the annual Brahmotsavam is also celebrated with enthusiasm here.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Thiruthevanartthogai Divya Desam

Vishnu is a compassionate God, and people worship the Lord of this temple, among other blessings, for child boon, good health, and mental strength.