Aadhanoor Andalakkum Aiyan Temple

Aadhanoor, a serene village near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, cradles the revered Andalakkum Aiyan Temple, hailed as the 11th Divya Desam in the Chola region. Let's delve into the sacred expanse of this temple, where history, legends, and spirituality converge.

Highlights:

• Tirumangai Alwar has sung about this site in his verses.
• It is considered as the 11th Divya Desam temple. It is located in the Chola region.
• It is also called Bhargava Kshetram
• God - Andalakkum Aiyan; Utsava deity - Ranganatha
• Goddess - Kamalavasini or Bhargavi; Utsava deity - Ranganayaki
• Teerth (holy water) - Surya Teerth
• Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Patali
• Vimana - Pranava Vimana

Legend:

Numerous captivating legends grace the temple's history.

Kamadhenu

The name Aadhanoor stems from the Tamil word 'Aa,' meaning cow, as the divine Kamadhenu performed penance on this sacred site.

Tirumangai Alwar

According to the legend, Tirumangai Alwar, a devoted follower of Vishnu, depleted his entire wealth in the renovation of the Srirangam temple. Faced with the incomplete project and the need for more funds, he turned to Lord Vishnu for guidance. Vishnu directed him to the present site of Aadhanoor. There, Alwar encountered a trader who professed to be sent by Vishnu, carrying a writing instrument, palm leaf, and a measuring jar known as Marakkal.

Alwar sought financial assistance from the trader to pay the workers' wages. However, the trader claimed to have no money. Instead, he proposed a unique solution—he would measure sand with his Marakkal and provide it to the workers. Those who had genuinely contributed to the work would witness the transformation of sand into gold, while for others, it would remain unchanged. Despite the trader's assurances, most workers did not receive gold. In pursuit of answers, Alwar and the workers pursued the trader. As the chase ensued, the trader managed to escape, ultimately reaching the current location of the temple, where he revealed himself as the divine manifestation of Vishnu.

Lord Shiva

In an alternate legend, Lord Shiva removed the fifth head of Brahma, and it became attached to his arm. Despite Shiva's request, Agni was unable to burn the head. Consequently, Shiva incurred the Brahma hatya dosha, a sin associated with the act. Seeking redemption, Shiva turned to prayers to Lord Vishnu at this very site, ultimately finding solace and absolution for the transgression.

Bhrigu Rishi

During a visit to Vaikuntha, Bhrigu Rishi received a flower garland from Goddess Lakshmi. Bhrigu Rishi then presented this garland to Indra. Unfortunately, Indra passed it on to his elephant, Iravata, which carelessly crushed it underfoot. Enraged by this act, Bhrigu Rishi cursed Indra, resulting in the loss of all his wealth.

In an attempt to seek redemption, Indra turned to Aadhanoor and fervently prayed to Vishnu and Lakshmi. In response to these prayers, Lakshmi reincarnated as the daughter of Bhrigu Rishi and wedded Vishnu at this sacred site. She subsequently revealed herself to Indra, allowing him to break free from the curse.

Legend has it that Bhrigu Rishi discovered the child in the temple tank, leading to the name Bhargavi being attributed to Lakshmi at this site.

History:

Built by the Cholas, the temple bears witness to centuries of cultural and spiritual heritage.

Temple Layout:

Nestled between the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, the east-facing temple stands adorned with a majestic three-tiered Raja gopuram. Within its sacred precincts, the east-facing sanctum houses Lord Vishnu, known as Andalukkum Aiyan, in a serene reclining posture upon the serpent Sesha. Sesha bears sculpted conch and discus, while Vishnu rests on a measuring jar, Marakkal, serving as a pillow. In his left arm, Vishnu gracefully holds a palm leaf and the traditional writing instrument, known as Ezhudhkol in Tamil.

The shrine boasts intricately crafted sculptures, featuring Tirumangai Alwar, Bhrigu, Agni, and the divine cow Kamadhenu with its calf Nandini near Vishnu's feet. Brahma emerges from a lotus at Vishnu's navel, and alongside, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi share the sacred space within the same shrine.

Within the main shrine, the utsava images of Ranganatha, Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, and Andal capture the essence of divine reverence. In the Maha mandapa, sub-shrines dedicated to Vishwaksena and Alwars abound, featuring a mix of stone and bronze icons. Additionally, Yoga Narasimha and Hanuman find their abode within this grand hall.

Facing the main shrine, the flag staff, bali peetha, and Garuda contribute to the temple's sacred ambiance. The prakara houses the sub-shrine of Goddess Kamalavasini, with her bronze utsav image residing within. Notably, a small Ganesha icon graces the prakara of this Vishnu temple, adding a unique touch to the spiritual atmosphere.

Believed to precede the famed Srirangam temple, this sacred site, referred to as Aadi Rangeswaram, holds a distinctive significance. Remarkably, it stands as the only other temple, alongside Srirangam, where two holy pillars in the Ardha mandapa are believed to bestow salvation upon devotees. Explore the timeless sanctity of this ancient abode, where history and spirituality converge in a harmonious symphony.

Happy travelling.