Thiruppernagar

108 Divya Desam Temples, Thanjavur District

God

Aappakudathan, facing west in Bhujanga Sayana posture.

Goddess

Kamalavalli, facing east and the Lord

Other Deities

Garuda, Vazhikatti Vinayaka, Aandal, Sage Markandeya

Thiruppernagar is a lovely small temple right on the northern banks of the Cauvery. The 3 tier Rajagopuram is west facing with a small flight of steps to reach the first Prakaram. This Prakaram houses the Goddess and Aandal Shrines. There is one more Prakaram inside with the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Indra Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Purasai (Butea monosperma)

Vimaanam – Indra Vimaanam

History

Mangalasasanam has been rendered by Periyazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar and Nammazhwar (part of the 12 Azhwars, 7-9th Century CE) here at Thiruppernagar. Thiruppernagar temple has inscriptions dating back to the reign of Aditya Chola. The inscriptions in the temple indicate donations given towards building of the main hall. As per Nammazhwar, Thiruppernagar temple was home to the Vedic scholars of the time. Koviladi, as the village is called, was one of the focal points of fighting in the regions surrounding Tiruchirapalli during the Anglo-French war; there are no records on the contributions or damages caused by this war to the Thiruppernagar temple.

Legend

Nammazhwar is said to have breathed his last and attained Moksha here at Thiruppernagar. This was the last Temple he sang at. King Uparisaravasu is believed to have performed Annadhanam here to relieve himself of a curse by Sage Durvasa. The Lord himself appeared as an old man and asked for food. The king realizing he had run out of food requested the lord for something else other than cooked rice. the Lord asked for Appam and the king made it and gave. the Lord revealed his true form and relieved the king of the curse. Thus the name and appearance of the lord with a vessel of Appam. Sage Markandeya was also relieved of his curse by Yama to die at a young age here at Thiruppernagar.

Directions

Thiruppernagar temple is on the way to Thiruvaiyaru from Trichirapalli via and after Kallanai and it is advisable to start in the morning and drive on combining all the temple in the route. See map for details of other temples.

Stay and Food

None locally. Tiruchirapalli would be the ideal place to stay.

108 Divya Desam Temples

Tamilnadu Temples