OPPILIAPPAN KOIL - LAVANAVARJTA VENKATESWARASWAMY

According to legend  the illustrious sage Markandeya brought up Bhudevi here, and when Lord Mahavishnu sought her hand. He was wedded and after that He decided to stay here for blessing the devotees. The image of Bhudevi in sitting posture is seated at the feet of the Lord, along with Sridevi too on the other side. As the story goes, the Sage Markandeya requested;  the Lord before the wedding to accept food without salt. The Lord agreed. Hence the practice of preparing Naivedyam without salt. Naturally the Lord is called Lavana varjita Venkateswara. The temple tank is called Ahoratra pushkarini and supposed to contain Ganga water. And so called Dakshina Ganga. Several festivals in accordance with ibikanasa Agama and 'vadakalai Srivaishnava Sampradaya are celebrated, among them Brahmotsava in Puratasi tops the list. There are a wide variety of sevas akin to the Balaji temple, throughout the year. There is heavy rush for darsan and sevas in all seasons.

Bizarre is the belief and odd is the tradition. When the Lord of cosmos accepts, will inauspiciouness dare raising its head? Sure it hides in dark dungeons for ever.

Location : The temple lies in Oppiliappan town. accessible by four wheelers from Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu.

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