Aadhi Tiruvarangam Perumal Temple

Overview

This temple is located about 60 kms to the South West of Villupuram on the banks of the now completely dry South Pennai River. It is an almost unknown and yet, one of the oldest temples for Lord Ranganatha. This temple goes back to the first Yugam (Kretha Yugam) and the first Avathaaram (Matsya Avathaaram). Hence, this Kshetram is referred to as ‘Adhi’ Rangam. This is one of the Big Perumal Temples of Tamilnadu. Perumal of this temple is bigger than Sri Rangam Perumal. Hence, He is praised as ‘Peria Perumal’.

About the Deity

The deity is seen in a reclining posture, stretching from South to North, Lord Ranganatha has his head on the lap of Sri Devi-on his left, while his left leg is stretched towards Bhoo Devi seen at his feet. To his right is Garuda ever ready to be of service to the Lord. There is a separate shrine for Sri Anjaneya in the temple.

Legend and Stories

Reference to this temple is found in Skaantha Puranam Uthara Kaandam - 301-306 athyayam under Uthara Ranga Mahatmiyam. There are three stories that describe the significance of this temple. Legend goes that the Devas, who lost the Vedic scriptures after being defeated by Asura Shomugan, approached Brahma who in turn sought the help of Lord Narayana. Finding out the hide-out of the Asura under the sea, Lord Narayana took the form of Matsya and defeated the Asura and handed back the Vedic scriptures to Brahma. It is believed that the Lord initiated the Vedic lessons to Brahma in this Kshetram. One sees the Lord with his left thumb folded towards his fingers in a posture indicating this. Acceding to the prayers of the Devas, Lord Narayana is said to have directed his sculptor Vishwakarma to create an image of his similar to the one in Thiru Paarkadal. Another legend says that in Tretha Yugam, a king by name Suratha Keerthi lived a prosperous life but he had one unfulfilled wish. He did not have a child. As suggested by Sage Narada, he came, with his wife, to the place where Lord Ranganatha was sleeping under Adhiseshan and undertook penance. Answering his prayers, he was blessed with four children. Chandran, who showed love to only one of his 27 wives, was cursed by his other wives to lose his handsome looks. He came to Uthara Rangam, undertook penance in the temple tank to the South East of the temple and was liberated from his curse. Hence, the pushkarni here is called Chandran Pushkarani.

Festivals

Saturdays of Purarttasi, pournami and Vaikunda Ekadasi.

Thanksgiving

Devotees perform Tirumanjanam with Tulsi archanas.

Rare Facts

Lord Ranganatha is seen in a gigantic east facing sleeping posture and measures over 15 feet, not seen in any Divya Desam.

Significance

Devotees seek good education, knowledge and wisdom boons.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is at Chennai. The nearest railway station is at Villupuram. Chennai- Villupuram- 160kms, Villupuram – Thiru kovilur- 40kms (Frequent buses from 330am from Villupuram new bus stand), Thiru Kovilur- Manalurpet - 15kms (Government and Private bus every half hour), Manalurpet- Adhirangam-5kms (mini buses- local buses ply here every half hour. One can reach the Northern banks of the temple and cross the Pennai River to reach the temple. There are also buses that reach the Southern side of the temple, in which case there will be no need for one to cross the river). One can also take Chennai-Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai- Manalurpet route (about 225kms)

Temple Address

Sri Adhi Tiruvarangam Perumal Temple,
Adhi Tiruvarangam, Villupuram dist.