Divya Desam series: - TIRUVINNAGAR (Uppiliappan Koil)

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TIRUVINNAGAR (Uppiliappan Koil)

 

This Divya Shetram is located near Kumbakonam

 

The name Oppiliappan refers to the presiding deity who is considered comparable to none. Nammaazhwar refers to Him as Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muttappan, Ennappan, and Tiruvinnagarappan.

 

The moolavar Oppiliappan or Uppiliappan is in the standing posture resembling Venkatachalapathi of Tirupati. The Thayar is Bhumi Devi enshrined in the same sanctum. The Theertham is Ahoratra pushkarini and the Vimanam Vishnu Vimanam.

 

The legend has it that Bhudevi was reborn as the daughter of Markandeya Maharshi and one day Lord Vishnu disguised in the form of an old man sought her hand in marriage. To ward off the marriage the Maharshi informed the old man that his daughter is not well versed in house hold duties and she will even forget to season salt in the food she prepares. The old man revealed Himself and took Bhudevi as his wife. As per the wishes of the wife of Markandeya the prasadam is prepared without salt and offered to the presiding deity. Thus the deity is also called Uppiliappan. (Uppillatha appan). It is believed that those who take salt or salted food inside the temple will go to hell. During the festival Perumal is always accompanied with Thayar when He is taken in

procession outside the temple.

Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:

Tirumangai Azhwar – 1448-77, 1855, 2080, 2673, 2768

Peyaaazhwar – 2342, 2343

Nammaazhwar – 3365-3375 (Pasuram numbers as found in the Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam)

The annual Brahmotsavam is being celebrated during the months of Panguni and Puratassi. The Vasanthotsavam is being celebrated in Vaigasi and Tirukalyana Utsavam in Aippisi.

Sravana nakshatram, in each month, is an important day in this temple

Om Namo Narayanaya

Padmashri Sampathkumar