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Tirukkottiyur is one of the Divya Desams located just 10-km
away from Tiruppattur near Madurai.
This temple is known for its association with Ramanujar, who revealed the
significance of the Narayana Mantram for the benefit of the surrounding
humanity from the top of the temple tower here, against the wishes of
Tirukkottiyur Nambi who had initiated him.
The Deities
The main deity here is Uragamellanaiyaan in a reclining posture facing
east, while the Utsavar is Sowmya Narayana Perumaal. Taayaar here is
Tirumaamagal Naachiyaar.
About The Temple
The temple has four levels, in the first level Lord Vishnu is enshrined
in a reclining posture, in response to prayers by Kadamba Maharishi. In
the second level there are four shrines dedicated to Dakshineswara
Narasimhan, Uttareswara Narasimhan, Ksheeraptinathan and Stita Narayanan
where Lord Vishnu is portrayed in five forms standing, sitting, reclining,
walking, and dancing representing the Ninra, which are known in Tamil as
Irunda, Kidanda, Nadanda, and Koottaadiya.
The second and third levels enshrine the standing and sitting postures of
the deity. The name Tirukkoshtiyur stems from The Legend that the
Devas came in a group here. The Ashtanga Vimanam towers (96 feet) above
the Rajagopuram, and is capped with a golden filial. The images depicting
the destruction of Hiranya (the Asuran) by Lord Narasimha (also spelt as
Narusimha) are of great beauty. There is a shrine to Shiva (Sarabeswarar)
in the form of a lingam (also spelt as linga) here; the 'Vimanam' (also
spelt as Vimana) also has several elements related to Shiva.
The festival images of Sowmya Narayana Perumaal and his consorts are of
silver. One can also visit the shrines of Yoga Narasimhar, Andal, Rama,
and Krishna situated nearby.
Services And Festivities
Six worship services are offered each day within the temple premises.
Pongal is offered on Saturdays in the month of Purattasi
(September-October), which are considered as very sacred. The annual
Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chithirai (April-May) and the
Vasantotsavam in Vaikasi (May-June). Other festivals celebrated here are
the Maasi Teppa Utsavam, Aadi Pooram, Pavitrotsavaam, Navaratri, Adhyayana
Utsavam and Vaikuntha Ekadasi.
Tirukkottiyur can be accessed either from Madurai or Karaikudi, both the places are well connected by rail and road.
There are no proper accommodation facilities available, but tourists can stay for a night or two in the choultries at Tirukkottiyur.
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