हिंदीOn this day
Standing

Mayakoothar Temple, Thirukkulandai (Perungulam)

The Lord who danced on an asura’s head to free a devotee’s wife. Perungulam takes its name from its great tank, and the Navagraha reckoning makes the temple Shani’s.

Built: Pandya-era shrine by a large tankWhere: Tamil Nadu (Thoothukudi district)Deity: Mayakoothar (Srinivasa), standing; Thayars Kulandaivalli and Alamelumangai8.64° N, 77.99° E
  1. Alvar period
Photo: Ssriram mt · CC BY-SA 4.0

01The dancer

The temple’s katha tells of Vedasaran and his wife Kumudavalli, devotees of this village. An asura seized Kumudavalli and fought with sorcery. Vishnu overcame him and danced upon his head, and so is Mayakoothar, the wondrous dancer. Another telling says the couple’s daughter Kamaladevi did tapas for the Lord and he took her as his bride; she is Kulandaivalli. Nammalvar named Thirukkulandai in one pasuram, calling the Lord the dancer of Kulandai.

02The temple today

Two precincts within granite walls open through a three-tiered gopuram. The Lord stands facing east with both consorts beside him; the festival image of Mayakoothar is kept in the sanctum. Kulam means tank, and the great tank gives both village and shrine their names. The festival image goes to Alwarthirunagari for the Vaikasi Garuda Sevai with the other eight. Worship follows the Tenkalai tradition.

The life of this place

  1. Alvar periodNammalvar names Thirukkulandai in the Thiruvaimozhi.
Visiting

Perungulam is about 5 km from Alwarthirunagari on the south bank of the Thamirabarani.

Nearby

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Irattai Tirupati, Thirutholaivillimangalam

Two temples side by side counted as one Divya Desam: Devapiran and Aravindalochanar. The name comes from a balance (tula) and a bow (vil) that a sage turned up with his plough.

Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple, Thenthiruperai (Thirupperai)Standing
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Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple, Thenthiruperai (Thirupperai)

The Lord with the long fish-shaped earrings, a gift from Bhudevi who found them in the river. Seventh of the Nava Tirupati, and Shukra’s temple in the Navagraha reckoning.

Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple, ThirukkolurStanding
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Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple, Thirukkolur

The Lord who keeps the treasure: he lies with a grain measure under his head and watches the palm of his hand, guarding Kubera’s wealth. Madhurakavi Alvar, who gave his life to Nammalvar, was born here.

Kaichina Vendhan Temple, ThiruppuliangudiStanding
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Kaichina Vendhan Temple, Thiruppuliangudi

Third of the Nava Tirupati, where Vishnu reclines with a lotus stalk rising from his navel to Brahma. He is Bhoomipalar, protector of the earth, for here he coaxed Bhudevi back from the netherworld. The Navagraha reckoning makes it the temple of Budha.