Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoilur

Introduction

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is a well-celebrated Vishnu shrine. Also known as Trivikrama temple, it lies in the Thirukkovilur town, in the Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu. This is also a highly revered Divya Desam, a particularly holy abode of Vishnu that has been glorified by the Azhwar saints, in their Divyaprabhandham compositions. The Lord here is worshipped as Ulagalantha Perumal or Trivikrama, and his consort, Poongothai Nachiyar. This is also taken as one of the Krishnaranya or Panchakanna Kshetrams, the 5 shrines dedicated to Krishna, the famous incarnation of Vishnu. Also known as Thirukkovilur Divya Desam, this temple is associated with the Vamana-Trivikrama incarnation of Vishnu. And it is also acclaimed as the sacred place where the 3 great Vaishnava Saints Poigaiazhwar, Bhoothathazhwar, and Peyazhwar attained salvation.

Temple Legends

Bhagavatha Purana narrates the legend in great detail. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada, the great Vishnu devotee. Though a demon by birth, he was generous and had many virtues in him. And by performing severe penances, he acquired tremendous power, subdued the heavens, and brought the celestial world under his control. In the process, he became quite arrogant, too. It was left to Lord Vishnu, the universal protector, to check Mahabali’s power and restore balance to the world. With this purpose in view, Vishnu took Avatar as Vamana, a dwarf or a young boy, and walked carrying a wooden umbrella, to the place where Mahabali was conducting a grand sacrifice. Well-received by Mahabali, the bright youngster, requested the Asura-king for 3 paces of land as measured by his little foot. Mahabali was surprised by his request but readily agreed to give, what Vamana wanted, even overruling his Guru Sukracharya’s warning. And lo and behold! Vishnu began growing in size and assumed the gigantic form of Trivikrama. With one step, he measured the heaven and with the other, the earth. With nothing to offer for the third step that he promised, Mahabali offered his own head to the Lord, on which the Lord placed his foot and pushed him down to the netherworld. Thus Vishnu restored the heavens to its rightful owners, the celestials. But he also blessed the benevolent and honest Mahabali and made him both immortal and the ruler of the netherworld.

The 3 early Azhwars, Poigai, Bhootham, and Pey, known as Muthal Azhwargal, were said to have met at this place on one stormy night. The Lord, too, joined them then, bestowed them with his divine darshan, and ultimately gave them salvation.

According to another account, this temple was originally a Krishna shrine, where the deity was known as Gopalan.

The History and Architecture of Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thirukkovilur

This is quite a large temple located on the banks of the South Pennar river and is spread across an area on 5 acres. It is believed that the temple structure belonged originally to the medieval Cholas, and that was expanded and improved by the Vijayanagara and Nayak kings, later. Its 11-tiered Rajagopuram, the temple tower, is 192 feet tall and remains the third tallest in Tamil Nadu. Ulagalantha Perumal stands tall in the sanctum sanctorum, with his right leg raised. His imposing image is made of a special Tharu wood. And unusually, he holds Shanka, the conch in his right hand, and Chakra, the discus in the left. His consort Mahalakshmi, demon Mahabali, devotee Prahlada, Guru Sukracharya, sage Mrikandu, and the 3 Azhwar saints, are all there in the sanctum, too. The processional deity Kovalan is also housed there. Separate shrines are also there for his consort Poongothai Nachiyar, and deities like Lakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopala, Rama, Veera Anjaneya, Andal, Chakrathazhwar, etc. Krishna idol, made of the sacred Saligrama stone, can also be worshipped in this temple. Also, as a unique feature, Goddess Durga, who is normally found only in Shiva temples, is housed here near the sanctum. Chakra Theertham is the most prominent of the many water bodies of this temple. Its contents are believed to be the water that Brahma used to wash to feet of Lord Trivikrama.

Temple Festivals

Many festivals are celebrated in this temple almost throughout the year dedicated to various deities, and also to the Azhwar saints and Acharyas, the Vaishnava preceptors. Panguni Brahmotsavam is a grand celebration observed with much devotion and enthusiasm during March-April when the chariot festival is also conducted.

Benefits of worshipping Thirukkovilur Ulagalantha Perumal

It is believed that worshipping the Lord can grant happy married life, progeny blessing, and relief from enmities. The grace of the Lord can also bestow good positions and career progressions. It is also a belief that Chakrathazhwar, the mighty disc weapon of the Lord, can destroy the adverse effects of evil spells, witchcraft, etc.