Tirupper Nagar – Koviladi Appakkudathaan
Divya Desam 6 of 108 | Region: Chozhanadu
Located about 10 km from Lalgudi and easily accessible by road from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tirupper Nagar, also known as Koviladi, is a significant Divya Desam rich in divine grace and ancient history. The temple is situated atop a small hillock named Indragiri and is one of the celebrated Pancharanga Kshetrams, which include Srirangapatna, Srirangam, Kumbakonam, and Mayiladuthurai, all situated along the holy River Kaveri.
Divine Highlights:
- Presiding Deity: Lord Appakkudathaan in a reclining posture, holding an appa kudam (pot)
- Thayar: Indra Devi (also known as Kamalavalli)
- Theertham: Mruthyu Vinasini Theertham (also called Indra Theertham)
- Vimanam: Indra Vimanam
Sacred Legends:
This temple has several captivating legends:
- Markandeya Rishi and Uparisaravasar, a Pandya king, were both blessed by Lord Vishnu here. The king, during a hunting expedition, accidentally killed a Brahmin. Overwhelmed with guilt, he relinquished his throne and wandered in penance until he reached Tirupper Nagar. Lord Shiva advised him to worship Lord Vishnu at this site to be relieved from his Brahmahati dosham (sin of killing a Brahmin).
- The king built a temple and daily served food to Brahmins, including appam and payasam. One day, the Lord Himself came disguised as a hungry Brahmin, consumed all the food, and lay down holding an appa kudam in one hand.
- Markandeya, guided by Lord Shiva, came to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings and bowed 100 times to the resting Brahmin. The Lord then revealed His true form, blessed the sage with longevity, and absolved the king of his sin.
To this day, the moolavar (main deity) remains in the reclining posture with the appa kudam, and appam is offered to Him every night.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:
This Divya Desam has been praised extensively in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham:
- Periyaazhwar – Pasurams 173–205
- Tirumangai Azhwar – Pasurams 1428–1437, 1851, 1857, 2048, 2050, 2059, 2060, 2070, 2673 (70), 2674 (118)
- Tirumazhisai Azhwar – Pasuram 2417
- Nammaazhwar – Pasurams 3744–3754
It is believed that Nammaazhwar attained moksham (liberation) at this sacred site, and his final compositions were dedicated to Lord Appakkudathaan.
Historical Significance:
The temple contains inscriptions highlighting the contributions of the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. It continues to uphold ancient traditions, with “Aaru Kaala Poojai” (six daily rituals) being performed.
Festivals:
- Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with great devotion.
The annual Brahmotsavam is observed during the Tamil month Panguni (March–April).
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