Anbil Sundara Raja Perumal Temple

Anbil, situated near Lalgudi town in the Tamil Nadu state of India, is a village that lies approximately 8 kilometers away from Lalgudi. Within this village, the locality of Mel Anbil houses a significant temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as the Sundara Raja Perumal Temple. This revered temple marks the 5th Divya Desam within the Chola region.

What distinguishes this village is the coexistence of both a Divya Desam and a Paadal Petra Sthalam. The renowned Shiva temple, Aalanthurai, stands as a Devara Sthalam in close proximity. More information about this temple can be found in the provided link.

Highlights:

• Tirumazhisai Alwar has sung one Pasuram about this site.
• It is considered as the 5th Divya Desam temple. It is located in Chola region.
• God -  Vadivazhagiya Nambi
• Goddess - Azhagiyavalli Nachiar
• Utsav Deity - Sundara Raja Perumal
• Teerth (holy water) - Manduka Pushkarani and Kollidam
• Vimana - Taraka Vimana
• Andal in unique seated posture
• Veera Anjaneya with his left arm raised arm, which is a unique feature

Legend:

The site is believed to have been a location where Brahma and the sage Valmiki engaged in penance, resulting in an appearance by Lord Vishnu to them.

While not documented in available sources, local Vaishnavites hold the belief that Anbil is the birthplace of the sage Valmiki.

Another local belief is that the village's name, Anbil, originates from the Tamil word "Anbu," which means love/affection. This relates to the story of Vishnu subduing Brahma's pride through his affection, leading to the village being named as such.

The legend of Brahma's penance and Vishnu's appearance conveys that Vishnu transformed Brahma, who believed himself to be the most handsome, into a human due to his arrogance. Through penance at this site, Brahma was visited by a remarkably handsome form of Vishnu (denoted by the name of the deity, "Sundara Raja Perumal"). This experience taught Brahma humility and dispelled his curse.

According to another tale, a sage was immersed in underwater penance, rendering him oblivious to the presence of the sage Durvasa, who awaited an audience. Frustrated by this disregard, Durvasa bestowed a curse upon the submerged sage, transforming him into a frog. In the Sanskrit language, a frog is denoted as "Manduka." Consequently, the sage, now in frog form, came to be known as Manduka Rishi.

Persisting in his frog-like state, the sage continued his penance beneath the water's surface. Eventually, he was graced with the divine vision of Vishnu, and through this encounter, he was restored to his original human form. The body of water where this transformative journey occurred came to be named Manduka Teerth, paying homage to the sage's amphibious phase.

History:

Anbil has been known by various names in the past, including Mandookapuri, Brahmapuri, Tirumaalayanthurai, and Premapuri.

The temple is attributed to Sundara Chola (10th century CE), and his renowned minister, Aniruddha Brahmarayar, hailed from this village. The Anbil copper plates, a treasure among historians, serve as a significant historical source for Chola history.

The temple's construction and reconstruction have seen contributions from the Vijayanagaras and Nayakas.

Inscriptions from various rulers such as Kulotunga Chola I, Rajendra Chola III, Hoysala King Veera Ramanatha Deva, and Vijayanagara King Devaraya Maharaja are found within the temple complex. Notably, Chola generals placed their weapons at Vishnu's feet in this temple before embarking on battles.

Temple Layout:

Facing east, the temple features a three-tiered Raja Gopuram. The sanctum's east-facing vimana, named Taraka Vimana, exudes intricate charm.

The presiding deity, Vadivazhagiya Nambi, represents the physically beautiful Lord. Nambi reclines on the serpent Sesha, his right arm supporting his head. His consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, are positioned near his feet, while Brahma emerges from his navel. Vishnu's pose in this incarnation is termed Bhujanka Sayanam.

The utsav deity, Sundara Raja Perumal, lends his name to the temple. He is accompanied by two Devis, with the utsav Murti of Andal in a distinct seated posture. Notably, Andal is commonly depicted standing.

The temple showcases a Bali peetha outside the Raja Gopuram, Garuda facing the sanctum, and additional images of Garuda and north-facing Andal in the Maha Mandapa area.

Within the Ardha Mandapa, one can find small stone images of Ramanuja, Manavala Mamuni, Alwars, Venu Gopala, Yoga Narasimha, Bhakta Anjaneya, and Veera Anjaneya. Venu Gopala, portrayed with four arms playing a flute, and Veera Anjaneya, with his raised left arm, offer unique features.

The temple encompasses a single prakara, housing the shrine of the beautiful Goddess Azagiya Valli Thayar, facing east. She is beautiful as befits her name.

Happy travelling.