Tirumanimada Koil - Nandavilakku Peru Temple

This hoary shrine is one among the 108 Divya Desams situated ih Chola desa. Its legends take us back to Kritayuga, when once Lord Maheswar in a fit of anger plucked off the fifth head of Brahma, the Creator, for lying to him. To get rid of the sin of Brahmahatya, he went to Gokarna kshetra and did penance propitiating Lord Mahavishnu. Contented with the austerity, Srimannarayana directed him to go to Nagapuri in Palasavanam and perform Aswamedhayaga. And he would appear there to him tq blessing. Before the commencement of the said yaga, Lord Siva manifested himself in eleven archa forms in Mangoor, another popular version of Nagapuri. So there are eleven temples for Siva in this sacred place. Lord Mahavishnu, appeared and liberated him from the Brahmahatya sin, when his direction was implemented. A temple was built for Mahavishnu and was called Nara Narayana koil. It was Matunga maharshi who guided Maheswar. And as the yaga was performed on the bank of a tank, it was called Rudra Pushkarini.

Later Indra, the Lord of Heavens did penance here and was redeemed of the curse of Durvasa. Along with him, Iravatha too was rid of the curse. So this place is thrice blessed due to relieving Siva, Indra and Iravatham. Moreover, Eakadasa Rudras were graced with the darsan of Mahavishnu. It is said that here is celebrated twelve Garudaseva processions - all at one time, the grandeur and splendour defy description, says the priest. The temple is old, and built in the Dravidian style of architecture. Here is an architectural marvel - the prakara vimanam has three holes, and the Sun's rays passing through them fall on the archamurti s head. It is a daily phenomenon and hence there. is no Uttarayanam or Dakshinayanam here. The architect's craftsmanship deserves all praise. The Moolavar is called Nandavilakkuperumal and the Mother Pundarikavalli. There are inscriptions on the walls and lintels explaining the endowments made to this temple. Chola kings take lion's share in gifting lands etc. Accordingly to sthalapurana Tirumangai Alwar defeated Sambhandar Nayanar and established Vaishnavism here. There are many mini-shrines installed with Trivikrama, Pundarikavalli etc. The temple tanks are called Sankha Pushkarini and Chakra thirtham. It was visited by Tirumangai Alwar and offered a garland of twelve Pasurams in praise of the Lord.

It is 5 km off Sirkazhi, accessible by four wheelers.

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