Uthamar Kovil, Tiruchirapalli

Introduction

Uthamar Kovil is a Vishnu temple. This is a unique temple as it houses the holy trinity, that is, all the 3 supreme Gods of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer, in its premises. This is also a Divyadesam that is regarded as a very special abode of Vishnu as it has been glorified in the canons of the Azhwar saints that form part of the sacred Divyaprabhandham compositions. Here Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Purushottamar (Uthamar) and his consort as Poornavalli. Also known as Thirukkarambanoor Divyadesam or Bhikshandanar Kovil, this temple is located on the banks of the Kollidam river on the outskirts of Tiruchirapalli town in Tamil Nadu. The trinity of Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are here along with their consorts, Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati, respectively. As Vishnu is said to have emerged from a Kadamba tree here, the place got the name Kadambanoor, which later became Thiru Karambanoor. The name Uthamar Kovil was derived from the presiding deity Vishnu here, who was referred to as Uthaman in the Azhwar hymns. This temple is also called Bhikshadanar Kovil, as Shiva came here as a mendicant and was cured of his malady by the grace of Vishnu.

Temple Legends

As per the legend, initially, both Shiva and Brahma had 5 heads. This created so much of confusion that even Shiva’s consort Parvati, once, ended up worshiping Brahma instead of Shiva. This infuriated Shiva, who plucked out one of Brahma’s heads. But the head got stuck to Shiva’s hand, and he was forced to roam around like Bhikshadana, a mendicant, trying to cast away the skull. Ultimately, he came to this place and worshipped Lord Vishnu, who advised his consort Lakshmi to provide alms to him. Lakshmi’s alms filled the skull stuck to Shiva’s hands, and it fell out, thus relieving Shiva of his affliction. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi here is called Poornavalli Thayar, the one who could fill the vessel.

As per another story, Vishnu wanted to test Brahma’s devotion, and assumed the form of a Kadamba tree, here. Brahma worshipped Vishnu in the tree-form and gave him a sacred bath. A much-pleased Vishnu blessed Brahma and ensured that he too is enshrined here. The tank filled with the water from the sacred bath is there, called the ‘Kadamba Theertham.’

Thus both Brahma and Shiva are believed to have received Lord Vishnu’s grace here.

The History and Architecture of Uthamar Kovil, Tiruchirapalli

This temple is believed to be a structure of the 8th century CE, erected by the medieval Cholas, with later contributions and additions from the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings. Lord Purushottamar can be worshipped in reclining posture in the sanctum facing East and is housed under the roof, Udhyoga Vimana. His consort Poornavalli is in a separate shrine, while Goddess Lakshmi is in another shrine. The Linga aspect of Shiva as Bhikshadanar can be worshipped in a different shrine, behind the main shrine. His consort is Soundaraya Parvati. The shrines for Brahma and Saraswati are also there separately. The temple complex, with all its shrines, is placed within an enclosure surrounded by granite walls. Kadamba Theertham is the temple tank.

It is said that Sapta Gurus, the seven preceptors are there in this temple. These are Bhikshadana Shiva as Sadasiva Guru, Soundarya Parvati as Shakti Guru, Brahma as Brahma Guru, Brihaspati as Deva Guru, Varadarajaperumal as Vishnu Guru, Muruga as Gnyana Guru, and Shukra as Asura Guru.

Temple Festivals

The Karthigai Brahmotsavam is celebrated during November-December when the festival deities of both Purushothamar and Bhikshadanar are taken in grand processions in the streets around the temple. Panguni Uthiram is also an important festival, whose celebration forms part of that of the famous Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. Float festivals are also celebrated here, for Vishnu in Chittirai (April-May) and Shiva in Vaikasi (May-June). Araiyar Sevai, too, is conducted in the temple, when the Tamil hymns are sung with gestures in praise of the Lord and the Goddess.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Uthamar Kovil

People worship in this temple seeking relief for marriage delays and also praying for suitable life partners. They also pray for progeny blessing and relief from the adverse effects of planets. There is also a belief that worshipping the Lord here can solve marital discords and improve understanding between couples.