Tirukkoilur - Trivikramaswamy Temple

Among the Vaishnavate shrines built in the down south, Triukkoilur temple occupies a conspicuous place. It is dedicated to Sri Trivikrama Ulagalantha Perumal, the fifth incarnation of Sri Mahavishnu, and as such is very popular and famous for Vaishnavates in particular and theists in general. It is situated on the southern bank of Mshnabhadra in South Arcot district of Tamil Nadu. Pride of place goes to this divya kshetra for reasons more than one. It is the unique place, in which the Lord revealed Himself again in the self-same form of Trivikrama at the instance of Mrikanda Maharshi. It is this place that claims the privilege of having one of the tallest temple towers, measuring 192 feet in height. It is in this sacred place; the reputed Vaishnavate ministrels Poigai, Boodhath and Paey Alwars offered a garland of sweet verses that formed the integral part of the world-renowned Natayira Divya Prabhandam. It is in this holy place, Durga, in the role of custodian of the temple is receiving prayers first. It is here alone, one and the same image is revealing two distinct male forms, the front side is adorned by the form of Chakrathalwar with sixteen hands and the back side by Narasimhavatar. And it is unique as a rare piece of sculpture getting adored by devotees both from fore and rear. It is here Namachu, the pious son of Mahabali is adorning the Lord along with mortals and gods. It is here there are eight icons for eight of the ten incarnations receiving regular puja. A rarity! And an unusual sanctity!! It is here Lord Mahavishnu out of His infinite compassion is emancipating sinners with His presence in several thirthas in and around the temple campus. And bathing in them confers several boons, for material profit and spiritual solace.

The Temple

As many expansion and renovation activities were undertaken by mighty theistic rulers and great philanthropists its size, walls, towers, mandapas etc. are gigantic and impressive in proportions. It has a massively built high compound wall pierced by entrance with high towers on three sides. The tower opposite the Rajagopuram measures 192 feet in height and dominating the landscape, is visible to people, off some 15 kms in distance. The intricate sculptural adornment of the towers speak volumes of the builders' patronage and workers' superior craftsmanship. The image of Trivikramaswamy in the standing posture with right leg raised to measuring the sky feasts the eyes and fills the souls of the visitors. Its size and pose are quite unique. On either side there are many images of illustrious personages - all but in act of praying. The assemblage of such rare divinities in the garbhagriha itself is another notable marvel accountable for the uniqueness of the temple. Surprising it is to hear that the image is made of neither metal, nor stone, but wood. And according to writings and inscriptions it was installed in the dim past, say some scores of centuries before, but is withstanding the ravages of weather and time, and appearing fresh and bright. Is it not then a marvel of marvels? The fact at once wrings veneration and impresses the visitors with the divinity pervading the entire area. As they leave the Karuvarai - sanctum sanctorum, they mutter audibly, "What's impossible to the Lord of Lords, when He sent the mighty Mahabah to the nether world with a single, simple thrust? Yugas may come and go, but the Daru vigraha will stand in its prestine purity, inerasable luminocity and impregnable stability, proclaiming to the world that God's ways are inscrutable and they are to be adored before implementation for the good of mankind".

The Thayar is called Poongavalli, and is installed in a huge shrine, which is a rare specimen of engineering skill and architectural beauty: Srikara Vimana adorns the garbha griha. Another surprising factor that greets the visitors is the Durga shrine. Usually, Durga is worshipped in Saivate temple, but here She is not only worshipped with utmost devotion, but she is receiving special pujas for willingly accepting the role of the custodian of the temple.

It lies 35 km off Tiruvannamalai, one of the very famous temples in Tamil Nadu, accessible by bus from several towns arond. And it is a rail head on Katpadi - Villupuram line.

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