Sirupuliyur Kripa Samudra Perumal Temple

Sirupuliyur is a village located near Mayiladuthurai town in the Tamil Nadu state of India. This village is home to a significant Vishnu temple known as the Kripa Samudra Perumal Temple, which boasts a beautifully meaningful name. It is revered as the 24th Divya Desam in the Chola region. Let's delve into the details of this temple in this article.

Highlights:

• Tirumangai Alwar has composed verses about this sacred site.
• It is considered as the 24th Divya Desam temple. It is located in the Chola region.
• Along with Vishnu, Kanva Rishi and Vyagrapada are found in the main shrine.
• The smallest icon of Vishnu in the reclining posture is found in this temple.
• The temple is named after the Utsava deity instead of the presiding stone image.
• God - Sthalasayana Perumal; Utsava deity - Kripa Samudra Perumal or Arul Maak Kadal Perumal
• Goddess - Tirumaa Magal; Utsava deity - Dayanayaki
• Teerth (holy water) - Manasa Pushkarani 
• Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Vilva
• Vimana - Nandiyavardhana Vimana

Legend:

According to the legend, a bitter rivalry existed between Garuda and Adi Sesha. They engaged in a heated argument, each claiming to be superior to the other. To resolve this dispute, they sought Vishnu's judgment at this sacred site. Vishnu, discerning Adi Sesha as more humble and deserving, sided with him, deeming Garuda to be excessively proud. Concerned about potential attacks from Garuda, Adi Sesha, following Vishnu's counsel, coiled himself and allowed Vishnu to recline upon him. Garuda, displeased with the outcome, made a solemn vow to never soar above this site again.

Vyagra Pada, a devoted worshiper of Lord Shiva, received a unique blessing from Shiva himself in the form of tiger's legs. This extraordinary gift earned him the name "Vyagra Pada," meaning "tiger feet." With a profound desire for spiritual salvation, Vyagra Pada sought Shiva's guidance, and Shiva, in Chidambaram, directed him to visit Sri Rangam and seek salvation through worship of Vishnu.

However, Vyagra Pada's journey was not straightforward, and he inadvertently arrived in Sirupuliyur due to his impaired eyesight. Struggling to obtain a clear and complete view of Lord Vishnu, he faced a significant obstacle. In response, Vishnu performed a divine miracle, diminishing his own form to become the smallest image, ensuring that Vyagra Pada could behold him in his entirety.

This compassionate act led to Vyagra Pada's spiritual liberation, and the village was subsequently named Puliyur in his honor. In Tamil, "Puli" signifies tiger, and the Sanskrit term "Vyagra" also means tiger.

It is believed that Tirumangai Alwar, initially disappointed by the small image of Vishnu, later composed ten hymns in praise of this deity.

History:

The temple was initially constructed by the Cholas.

Temple Layout:

The temple, facing south, features a five-tiered Raja Gopuram adorned with colorful stucco images depicting various scenes from the epics and Vaishnaivite Puranas.

Within the temple complex, another tower is present.

The sanctum, also facing south, houses the small icon of Vishnu known as Sthalasayana Perumal, reclining on Adi Sesha. Brahma emerges from his navel and is found with folded hands. Vishnu is accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, with sages Kanvar and Vyagra Pada located near his feet.

The Utsav images of Kripa Samudra Perumal, along with Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, and Andal, are also placed in the sanctum.

A tall flag staff, bali peetha and Garuda shrine are situated facing towards the sanctum.

In the Maha Mandapa, a sub-shrine contains several Utsav images, including Vishnu with his consorts, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and many Alwars.

In the prakara, the Goddess of the temple, Tirumaa Magal is found in a separate east facing shrine. There is a sub-shrine for Alwars found in the prakara.

Near the flag staff, the sub-shrines of Andal and Hanuman are situated.

A separate shrine for Adi Sesha is present, depicting him in human form with four arms. His upper arms hold a conch and discus, while his lower arms are folded. Above his head, his serpent form is also depicted.

Finally, Manavala Mamunigal has a separate shrine located outside the Raja Gopuram.

Happy travelling.