Thiruvanpurushothamam Temple, Thirunangur

Introduction

Thiruvanpurushothamam is the Vishnu temple, where the presiding deity is called by the name Purushotthaman. This Purushotthama Perumal Temple is known as Thiru Van Purushothamam and is located in Thirunangur village, near Sirkazhi town, in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. Purushotthama Perumal’s consort is Pusushotthama Nayagi. This temple is counted as a Divya Desam, an especially sacred abode of Vishnu; for, it has been glorified in the Divyaprabhandham hymns of the Azhwar saints. This also remains one of the 11 such Divya Desams of Thirunangur belt, which are together known famously as Thirunangur Tirupathi. The term ‘Purusha’ can denote a man or a human being, and ‘Utthaman’ refers to a virtuous and noble person. The Lord can thus be taken as an exemplary person and a great human being. All the Thirunangur Tirupathi temples have a close association with saint Thirumangai Azhwar, who also belongs to this region. It is believed that sage Upamanyu worshipped the Lord here. The temple has also been referred to in the Tamil literature of later times like 108 Thirupathi Anthathi composed by Divya Kani Pillai Perumal Iyengar.

Temple Legends

Mythology links the Thirunangur temples with the Shiva-Sati legend. Shiva’s consort Sati, unable to bear the insult done to her husband in the great Yagya performed by her father, Daksha, immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Besides himself with anger and grief at the terrible loss of her spouse Sati, Shiva broke into a wild dance. While the world trembled from its vibrations, Shiva’s hair began touching the earth, and each time this happened, 11 new Shiva aspects started springing up from the spot. This happening had the potential to cause the destruction of the entire life forms of the universe, and hence, the sages and the celestials pleaded with Lord Vishnu for protection. And Vishnu appeared before Shiva, and this brought down Shiva’s anger and pacified him. Vishnu is also said to have taken 11 different forms on Shiva’s request, and the 11 Thirunangur temples are believed to be the shrines erected for these 11 Vishnu aspects.

The Architecture of Thiruvanpurushothamam Temple, Thirunangur

The temple is surrounded by greenery and lies in the midst of paddy fields. This is a small temple with a single shrine, which remains as the sanctum. Lord Purushotthaman, the presiding deity and his consort Purushotthama Nayagi can be worshipped inside the sanctum sanctorum in standing position. The festival deities are also housed there itself. A tree-tier Vimana forms the roof above the sanctum, while the temple is enclosed within a compound wall.

Temple Festivals

Saint Thirumangai Azhwar has composed hymns in praise of the deities of all the 11 Thirunangur Tirupathi temples, and so a lot of prominence is given to him, here. And Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam remains the biggest festival of all the temples, including Thiruvanpurushothamam. While the festival deities of all these temples come in processions in Garuda Sevai, riding their Garuda mounts, to Thirunangur, Thirumangai Azhwar, too, joins them along with his spouse, in a palanquin. His hymns on all these Gods are chanted with religious fervor by the devotees on the occasion. This festival is celebrated in Thai (January-February) when people in large numbers come here for worship. Besides, Brahmotsavam is also celebrated with enthusiasm here.

Benefits of worshipping Thiruvanpurushothamam Purushotama Perumal

People pray to this Lord for his grace principally, for clearing marriage obstacles and delays, progeny blessings, and educational excellence.