| Description: This
Divyadesam is located on the Mayiladuturai
Tiruvarur railroad, accessed easily
from Mayiladuturai. Sirupuliyur is also known as Chalasayanam or Bala Vyagrapuram. Deities:
The moolavar here is Arulmaakadal or Chalasayanapperumaal in a reclining posture facing
south. Taayaar here is Tirumaamagal Naachiyaar. The utsavars are Kripasamudra Perumaal and
Dayaanayaki.
Legend has it that Vyagrapada, a devotee of the Cosmic Dance of Shiva here, worshipped Vishnu
here.
Legend also has it that there was once a fierce rivalry between Aadiseshan and Garudan;
Aadiseshan or Anantha was pursued by Garudan all over the Universe and finally reached
this shrine and meditated towards Vishnu on the shore of the temple tank, after which
Vishnu took up Aadiseshan as his seat or aasanam. The temple tank is hence known as
Anantasaras.
Legends associated with this temple are referenced in the Bhrahmaanda puraanam.
An interesting legend is associated with Tirumangai Alwar. It is said that Tirumangai
Alwar was perturbed by the size of the small image of Vishnu and that Vishnu perceiving
the grievance of the saint directed him to visit Tirukkannamangai, where an imposing image
of Vishnu adorns the sanctum.
It is believed that blemishes such as sarpa dosham are dispelled by worshipping at this
shrine. It is also believed that barren couples beget progeny upon worshipping at this
temple.
The Temple: This is the smallest of the images of Vishnu in a
reclining posture, in all of the Divya Desam shrines. This temple with 2 prakarams has a
75 feet high Rajagopuram and imposing walls. Taayaar's shrine is located in the 2nd
prakaram. The festival images here are of great workmanship. Murals depicting the 10
avatarams of Vishnu adorn the inner prakaram. The vimanam over the sanctum is of great
beauty. The stala vriksham is the vilva tree. There are also shrines to Rajagopala and the
Alwars.
Festivals: The annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of
Vaikasi. The Manavaala Maamuni festival is celebrated in the tamil month of Aippasi; the
Anantaazhwar festival is celebrated on the ekadasi day in the bright half of the tamil
month of Maasi. |
