108 Divya-deshams: Thiruchirupuliyur

BY: SUN STAFF

Apr 05, 2024 — CANADA (SUN) — A tour of the 108 Divya-desams, the divine abodes of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple (also called Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple) is a another of the 108 Divya Desham temples, this one located near Kollumangudi, Tamil Nadu. Lord Visnu is worshipped here as Sthalasayana Perumal with His consort Thirumagal Nachiyar (Lakshmi). All pastimes connected with this place are found in the fourth chapter of the Brahmanda Purana.

It is believed that Vishnu originally offered darshana to the sages as Ranganatha, the form worshipped in the Srirangam temple. Because of their old age, however, the sages could not see the big image of Vishnu clearly and hence he appeared in a smaller form known as Bala Sayanam (smaller recline), the sleeping posture of a small child. Being in smaller form, and with the saint worshipped was in the form of a tiger, this place is called Siru ('small') Puli ('tiger') yur ('dwelling place').

The presiding deity, Sri Sthalasayana Perumal

Sthalasayana Perumal is believed to have appeared to sage Vyaghrapada. Shiva ordered Vyaghrapada to perform penance at Srirangam, requesting that Vishnu give him a place in His abode, Vaikunta. Vyaghrapada was joined by sage Patanjali in his journey. Because of poor eyesight, the sages instead went southward, lost their way and reached Krupa Samudram, modern day Tirusirupuliyur (Thiruchirupuliyur). They prayed to Vishnu to come from Srirangam to grant them moksha. Vishnu also appeared for sage Vyasa at this place.

Thiruchirupuliyur Prakaram (outer precincts of the temple)

Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, a granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines. There is a four-tiered rajagopuram. The presiding deity, Sthalasayana Perumal is a small image, depicted in Sayana posture. The murti of Vyaghrapada is found along with that of Kanvar in the sanctum sanctorum. Saint Tirumangai Alvar visited the temple, but was not satisfied with Vishnu's small image as "Balasayanam". He requested the Lord to show His gigantic pose. Vishnu asked the saint to go to Thirukkannamangai to witness his Vishvarupa.

Inner Gopuram

The presiding deity at Thiruchirupuliyur is also named by the saint in his Periya Tirumoli verse. The name of the presiding deity in Sanskrit is Kripasamudra Perumal. He is also known as Saranagatha Rakshaka Perumal, by which name the saints have also addressed the god Aamaruviyappan in Therazhundur. A separate shrine for Adhiseshan is present near to the pushkarani, known as Ananthalwar Temple.

A special feature of Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is that it's one of the only two Divya Desams where the image of Vishnu is depicted in Sayana Kolam (sleeping posture) facing the Southern direction, the other being Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple.

Utsavar, festival deity - Sri Kruba Samudra Perumal

It is believed that Garuda, Lord Vishnu's vahana, does not fly over this place. Once, Garuda and Adishesha argued over who was more powerful and devoted to their Lord. Finding Garuda a little arrogant, Vishnu went in favour of Adisesha. Worried that Garuda might be angered at this, Adishesha sought the protection of Vishnu, upon which Vishnu asked him to roll himself and hide under him. It is said that as a result of this anger, Garuda never flies over this place.

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