Perunkulam Maya Koothar Temple

Perunkulam, a quaint village nestled near Tirunelveli city in the Tamil Nadu state of India, originally bore the name Tirukkuzhanthai. This village is graced by the presence of a prominent Vishnu temple known as the Maya Koothan Temple, which holds the distinction of being the 95th Divya Desam located within the Pandya region. Along the picturesque banks of the river Tamraparni, you'll discover a cluster of nine Vishnu temples renowned as the Nava Tirupatis, and this temple stands as the Seventh among these significant Vishnu shrines along the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route. In this article, let's embark on a journey to explore the fascinating facets of this sacred temple.

Highlights:

• Nammalwar has sung Pasuram about this site in his verses.
• It is considered as the 95th Divya Desam temple. It is located in Pandya region.
• It is considered as the Seventh Nava Tirupati temple.
• God -  Srinivasa Perumal
• Goddess - Alarmel Mangai and Kuzhandai Valli
• Utsav - Maya Koothan
• Teerth (holy water) - Perunkulam
• Vimana - Ananda Nilaya Vimana

Legend:

According to a captivating legend, an Asura named Asmacharan once abducted Kumudavalli, the wife of a devoted Vishnu follower named Vedasaran. Vishnu valiantly confronted the Asura, ultimately vanquishing him. As the Asura employed his mystical powers, the battle with Vishnu became known as the Maya Yuddha, signifying a battle of illusions. After triumphing over the Asura and rescuing the devotee's wife, Vishnu performed a joyous dance atop the severed head of the defeated Asura, earning him the name Maya Koothan, meaning "the dancer who conquered the Asura in the Maya Yuddha."

Subsequently, Vedasaran's daughter, Kamalavati, embarked on deep meditation upon Vishnu, yearning to wed the divine lord. Pleased by her unwavering devotion, Vishnu appeared before her and, in this very sacred site, accepted her hand in marriage.

Temple Layout:

The temple, facing eastward, boasts a simple yet elegant architectural layout. An unassuming gopura marks the entrance, accompanied by a front-side mandapa. The temple's tank is situated outside the temple premises.

The sanctum is home to the majestic Srinivasa Perumal, depicted in a standing posture. The consorts of the presiding deity, Alarmel Mangai and Kuzhandai Valli, share the sanctum without a separate shrine.

Of particular note is the strikingly beautiful utsav deity, Maya Koothan, after whom the temple is named. In the sanctum, he stands gracefully alongside his two consorts.

Facing the sanctum, Garuda, the divine Garuda, is present, with the flagstaff and bali peeth apositioned as customary. The temple also houses a sub-shrine dedicated to Manavala Mamuni. As you explore the temple's mandapas, you'll encounter a plethora of captivating sculptures, including numerous Yazhis.

With its rich history, legends, and spiritual significance, Perunkulam invites you to embark on a spiritual journey and immerse yourself in its divine aura. 

Happy travelling.