This temple is one of the Divyadeshams and comes under Nadu Naadu Divyadeshams.
Chennai- Villupuram- 160kms, Villupuram – Thiru kovilur- 40kms (Frequent buses from 3.30am from Villupuram new bus stand)
Thirukovilur is connected well with all cities near by .
When we went we had to stop the car a km away from the main Gopuram and it was surrounded by vegetables vendors selling vegetables and other stuffs from this Gopuram we had to walk some more distance to the main entrance of the temple.
This temple is one of the Divyadeshams and comes under Nadu Naadu Divyadeshams.
It is a very ancient temple. Originally it is said to be a Lord Krishnan temple . It is one among the Pancha Krishnaaranya Kshetrams.
Peyalwar , Poigaialwar , Boodathalwar,
Thirumangaialwar, Manavaalamaamunigal and Vedhanta Desikan have sung fine verses on the Lord of this temple.
The Moolavar Idol is in a posture of measuring the three worlds with his one foot lifted and pointing to the sky.
It is a must-visit temple for all Vaishnavites since Naalayira DivyaPrabhandam (also known as Dravida Vedham) originated from here only.
Here unlike in Ulagalantha Perumal Kanchipuram the Lord is seen lifting His right leg and the left leg dharshan ” thiruvadi sevai ” is given only on Vaikunda ekadesi .
There is Goddess Durga shrine in the koshtam which is a unique significance of Lord Vishnu temples .Goddess Durga is the one who was in the place of Lord Krishna when Vasudeva took Lord Krishna to Nandagopal . So sister of Lord Krishna has a shrine in this temple.
As per legend, the temple is believed to have been a Krishna temple originally. The temple name, Kovilur, refers to the original deity Gopalan, indicating Krishna . Hence when entering this temple there is a seperate shrine for Lord Krishna.
As sage Mrikandu heard about Vamana avatar of Vishnu and wanted to have a view of it . Lord Brahma directed him to visit the place and perform penance. The sage came to the place along with his wife Mithravathi to start the penance. The pair used to feed Brahmanas in their hermitage. To test their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared as a Brahmana and sought food from the pair. Since all food for the day were given already, Mithravathi was worried and prayed to Vishnu. All the vessels were full with food and she was able to feed the Brahman. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Vishnu reappeared as Vamana – Thrivikrama form.
It is said the three alwars met at Mrikandu Maharishi ashram and it is said the Lord too joined them thus the three alwars has sung and glorified this Lord . It is the main sanctum sanctorum which is said to be Mrikandu Maharishi ashram .
As per legend, Vishnu appeared to the mudhal alwars (first three alwars) at Thirukovilur. It was day time, but it darkened and started raining heavily. The wandering Poigai Azhwar found out a small hide out, which has a space for one person to lie down. Boodathazhwar arrived there looking for a hiding place and Poigai accommodated him, with both sitting together. In the meanwhile, Peyazhwar also came to the same place as all the three preferred to stand because of lack of space. The darkness became dense and inside the small room, they were not able to see each other. In the meanwhile, they felt a fourth person also forced his way among them. The three alwars realised from the light of the lightning that the fourth one had a charming face that was sublime and divine. The trio could immediately realize that it was Vishnu who was huddling among them. Poigai wished to see Vishnu’s face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning. With a view to maintain the continuity of light, he instantly composed hundred songs wishing the earth to be a big pot full of ghee like an ocean where the Sun could be the burning wick .
It us said to be the birth place of Aditya Karikalan brother of Raja Raja Cholan .
Tirukoyilur is a place of historic importance. King Malayaman (Malayaman Dynasty), who is famous for his war and administrative skills ruled from here. “Vallal” Pari (Vallal – patron king, Pari is one of the 7 patron kings who supported “poets” and scholars. They are famous for their charitable activities. Daughters of Paari, Angavai and Sangavai were married to Malayaman’s son Deiveegan and the marriage ceremony took place in a place called “Manam Poondi” (manam – wedding, Poondi – lock/bond; place where the wedlock happened).
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