Tiruvinnagar – Uppiliappan Temple (Uppiliappan Koil)
Divya Desam 13 of 108 | Region: Chozhanadu
Located near Kumbakonam, Tiruvinnagar, popularly known as Uppiliappan Koil, is a celebrated Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Uppiliappan, meaning “one without equal” (Oppil-il-appan in Tamil). The temple exudes a unique charm, both in spiritual significance and local tradition.
Divine Highlights:
- Presiding Deity: Uppiliappan Perumal (also called Oppiliappan), in standing posture resembling Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati
- Thayar: Bhumi Devi, enshrined in the same sanctum
- Theertham: Ahoratra Pushkarini
- Vimanam: Vishnu Vimanam
Sacred Legends:
As per temple legend, Bhudevi was reborn as the daughter of Markandeya Maharishi. One day, Lord Vishnu came disguised as an old man seeking her hand in marriage. The sage, to avoid the proposal, mentioned that his daughter didn’t even know how to add salt to food. Vishnu then revealed His true form and married her. To this day, food offered as prasadam here is made without salt, and devotees are prohibited from bringing salt or salted food into the temple premises.
Due to this unique tradition, the Lord is known as Uppiliappan or Uppillatha Appan. In all processions and temple festivals, Perumal is always accompanied by Thayar, which signifies their divine union.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:
This Divya Desam is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by:
- Tirumangai Azhwar – Pasurams 1448–1477, 1855, 2080, 2673 (72), 2674 (113)
- Pey Azhwar – Pasurams 2342, 2343
- Nammalwar – Pasurams 3249–3259
Tirumangai Azhwar affectionately refers to the deity with various names including Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muttappan, Ennappan, and Tiruvinnagarappan, highlighting the Lord’s multifaceted glory.
Festivals:
- Brahmotsavam – Celebrated during Panguni and Puratassi
- Vasanthotsavam – Celebrated in Vaigasi
- Tirukalyana Utsavam – In Aippasi
Sravana Nakshatram – Observed every month with special rituals and poojas.
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