Divya Desam 008 Sri Appakudathan Temple, Koviladi (Pancharanga Kshetram) — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple, also called as Thirupper Nagar, is located on the banks of the Kaveri River, 3 miles (4.8 km) away from Kollidam. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and also one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams. The main deity in the sanctum is Lord Ranganatha, in a reclining pose and considered adi, meaning fore runner, to the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Srirangam. The temple tower is in the shape of Indira's Vimana (aircraft). Also seen in the precincts of the temple is the shrine of Lord Vazhikatti Vinanayaka (Guiding Vinayaka) or Lord Ganesh. According to the legend of the place, King Upamanyu and Parasara Rishi saw the Lord Appakudathan here, and King Upamanyu is stated to have offered appam (pancake) as a food offering to the god, and hence the lord got his name as Appakudathan. Indra's pride was destroyed by this god and also removed the fear of death from the mind of Markandeya Rishi and also King Upari Siravasu was blessed free of sins and curses. Saint Periyalvar sang the Mangalashasanam, a hymn in praise of the Lord, in front of the god before he attained moksha or salvation.

Sthala Puranam: The Emperuman here in this sthalam says that he will not go out from the hearts of his devotees and as well as from this sthalam. ("Peyarthal means getting out"). So this sthalam is called as "Thirupper Nagar". Lord Shiva gave Thirupparkadal as the milk, when Rishi Ubamanyu was in his childhood crying due to hunger. This is explained in "Siva Puranam". Thirupparkadal is the place that belongs to SriVishnu. But, When Lord Shiva is giving dharshan to his devotee, Rishi Ubamanyu, Sri Vishnu is helping him out to give the Complete fulfilment of dharshan of Lord Shiva. To explain more about this, position of Shri Vishnu in this temple clearly explains how he helped out Lord Shiva. He is giving seva as Ranganathan (In sleeping position) and his right hand is in a position as giving to Rishi Ubamanyu as "Aranga Varadhan" in Kidantha Thirukkolam. Appam, Which is one of the delicious food item done in interior parts of Tamil Nadu. It will be very sweet full if it is taken along with Milk. Sriman Narayanan is giving Appam which is kept inside kudam (A small vessel) which is full fo Milk. He is giving this Appam to Ubamanyu Rishi by hugging him along his right hand. Because of this is called as "Appakkudathan" and "Appala Ranganathan". The Good advice given by Sriman Narayanan in this shetram is "There is only one God". So dont fight for it and avoid Racism.

Since, Lord Emperuman give Appam to ubamanyu, the prasadham here for the lord is Appam and it is fed every night for him. The activity of Sriman Narayanan, who gave the appam was seen in Gnyna dhristi of nammalwar who is thirukkurugoor biran Sadagopan has compared Thirumaliruncholai and Thirupper nagar and sung 11 paasuram in Thiruvaaimozhi. The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Appakkudathaan. He is also called as "Appalaa Ranganathan". Prathyaksham for Ubamannyu and Parasarar (Bhattar). Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam and in bhujanga sayanam facing west.

Thayaar: The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Indira Devi. Also called as "Kamala Valli".

Mangalasasanam: Periyalwar - 2 Paasurams. Thirumangai Alwar - 19 Paasurams Thirumizhisai Alwar - 1 Paasuram. Namaalwar -...

Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple, Koviladi, Budalur Taluk, Tanjore District. 04.06.2023

Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple or Thirupper Nagar, is a Hindu temple located in Koviladi, a village 10 miles (16 km) from Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India.

It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the Divya Desams out of the 108 temples (8th Divya Desams)of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabhandham by the 12 poet saints or Alvars.

Location of the temple:

This temple is located along the banks of the Cauvery River and is one of the five Panchranga Shetrams located on the banks of the Cauvery River.

Deity:

Appakkudathaan Perumal Kamalavalli Thayar

The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity, with contributions at different times from the Mideival Cholas The temple is built on an elevated structure and is approached through a flight of 21 steps. The Rajagopuram  has three tiers and the temple has a precinct around the sanctum.

Ranganathar is believed to have appeared for king Upmananya and sage Parasara.

The temple has four daily rituals; the first begins at 8:30 a.m. and the last at 8 p.m.

There are four annual festivals on the temple's calendar; its chariot festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April) is the most prominent of these.

The Moolavar (presiding deity) of the temple, "Appala Rangan", is seen in Bhujangasayanm (a reclining posture) facing west and is surrounded by Bhoomadevi and Kamalavalli Thayar.

The central deity is depicted in a reclining posture called pujanga sayanam, and he is shown holding the holy pot in his right hand.

How to reach Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple, Koviladi

By Air

Trichy international airport is just about 40 kilometers from the temple. A lot of local transports are available from the airport to the temple.

By Rail

The town of Koviladi has its railway station, which is near the temple premises. The nearby Trichy city is also well connected with various parts of Tamil Nadu and...

Appam is a sweet preparation offered to Gods as nivedhana. Perumal got the name Appakudathan as He received the pot of Appam from king Upamanyu. Perumal appears embracing the pot by one hand. Perumal destroyed the pride of Indira, saved Sage Markandeya from fear of death and relieved king Upari Siravasu from sins and curses in this ancient place. It is also said that this temple (Kovil) came into being even before the Srirangam temple that followed next. Adi in Tamil means foundation or forerunner. Hence, the place is named Koviladi, it is explained by scriptures.

This is the temple from where Saint Periazhwar left for Lord’s Abode after singing his last Mangalasasanam. Hence, the belief is that one worshipping Perumal here is sure to reach Vaikunta. Mother and Lord are facing each other. Tirumangai Azhwar praised Perumal in his hymns. Lord Appakudathan followed Azhwar to Tiruvellarai where too he sang his praise again.

Koviladi-Appala Rangam is one among the Pancha Ranga sthala occupies the second place. Other four are Adhirangam in Sriranga Pattinam in Mysore, Madhya Rangam in Sri Rangam, Chaturtha Rangam in Kumbakonam and Pancha Rangam in Indalur-Mayiladuthurai, It may be noted that Srirangam comes third after Koviladi. King Upamanyu lost his powers due to the curse of Sage Durvasa. When begged for pardon and relief, the sage said that the king should feed one lakh people in this place, then known as Palasavanam and he would be relieved of the curse. The king built a palace nearby and commenced the feeding. One day, Lord Sriman Narayanan-Perumal came there in the guise of an aged Brahmin. He was served food. To test the determination of the king, Lord consumed the entire quantity of food prepared for the day. King politely asked the Brahmin if He wanted anything more. The Brahmin replied He wanted one pot of Appam. Sooner He received Appam pot from the king, his curse vanished, says the...