Uthamarkovil

108 Divya Desams, Tiruchirapalli District

God

Purushothama Perumal, facing east in a reclining posture

Goddess

Poorvadevi (also Poornavalli), facing east

Other Deities

Shiva – Pitchadanar, Brahma, Saraswathi, Dasaratha Lingam

Uthamarkovil is a small east facing temple with a single Prakaram where all three of the Hindu Holy Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are seen with their consorts. The Saptha (seven) Gurus are seen here – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Subramanya, Bhahaspati and Sukracharya. Saraswati here is seen with palm leaf scriptures in her hand and not with the traditional Veena.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kadhamba Pushkarini

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Kadhali – Red Banana (Musa acuminata)

Vimaanam – Udyoga Vimaanam

History

Uthamarkovil temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. Thirumangai Azhwar (8th century CE) has performed Mangalasasanam here at Uthamarkovil.

Legend

Lord Brahma was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Once, to test Brahma, Vishnu left Satyaloka and hid in a Kadamba Tree in this area. Brahma somehow came to know about this and started worshiping the tree itself. Vishnu appeared and blessed Brahma and both continued to stay on in Uthamarkovil. The water that flowed after ablutions by Brahma to Lord Vishnu created a pond. A sage who performed penance to have the vision of the Holy Trinity with their consorts was blessed with his wish near this pond which came to be called Kadamba Pushkarini.

Uthamarkovil also has the story related to the curse on Lord Shiva for having cut off one of Brahma’s heads. The curse is said to have been lifted when Mahalakshmi offered food in the begging bowl of Shiva (who came as Pitchadanar).

Directions

Uthamarkovil is about 6 kilometers from Thiruchirapalli on the Musiri Road. After you cross the Kollidam take a left to Musiri and the temple is just before the railway bridge

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thiruchirapalli and Srirengam.

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