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This
saiva kshetra claims- the honour of restoring Mahalakshmi to Vishnu,
who left Vaikunta, after Brighu Maharshi's humiliation of kicking on
the chest of Her Lord. In consequence, Vishnu's plight was too deep
for tears, and when He prayed to this Moolavar ripping open His
heart, He was blessed with the union of Lakshmi here. In this big
temple there are many minishrines, tall gopurams, vast courtyards
and holy thirthas. Lord Yama is installed in a separate grand niche.
It is deemed equal to Kasi in sanctity and also called one of the
Muktidams. Atri Maharshi worshipped here and many more Nayanars
also. The temple tank is called Gupta ganga and is supposed to make
the bathers sin proof and rid them of the fear of Yama. Huge crowds
congregate here for bath during the Karthigai masa.
It
is 17 km off Kumbhakonam and accessible by bus.
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