| Description: This
Divyadesam is located at a distance of about 8km from Lalgudi; across the river Kollidam
is Koyiladi. The Pancharanga Kshetrams along the course of the Kaveri are
Srirangapatnam (Karnataka), Srirangam,
Koyiladi (Anbil) and Kumbhakonam and Indalur
(Mayiladuturai). Anbil is also known by the names Tirumaalayanturai, Mandookapuri,
Bhrahmapuri. This Divyadesam is referred to by a paasuram of Tirumazhisai Alwar where he
addresses seven shrines featuring Vishnu in a reclining position - Tirukkudandai, Tiruvegkaa,
Tiruvallur, Tiruvarangam,
Tiruppernagar, Anbil
and Tirupparkadal.
Also in Anbil, is located the Anbilalanturai
Shivastalam enshrining Satyavaageeswarar and Soundaranayaki.
The temple: covering an area of about an acre has a three tiered
Rajagopuram and an east facing sanctum with one prakaram.
Deities: The moolavar here is Vadivazagiya Nambi in a reclining
posture facing East, while the Utsavar is Sundararajan. Taayaar is known by the name
Azhagiyavalli.
Legend has it that Bhrama and Valmiki worshipped Vishnu here. A
similar legend holds at the Anbilalanturai Shivastalam. Legend also has it that
Mandookamuni in his state of intense underwater penance failed to pay his respects to the
arriving Durvasa muni who cursed him to take up the form of a toad. Upon worshipping
Vishnu at this shrine, the sage was relieved of his curse, and hence the name Mandooka
pushkarini.
History: It is learned from temple inscriptions that Sundara Cholan -
the Imperial Chola monarch offered worship at this shrine, by placing his sword in front
of the sanctum, prior to his venturing out on battles. Inscriptions here reveal
information on the grants made by this emperor to the temple. |
