Sacred Wonders: Tamraparani and Kodaganallur Periya Piran Temple

What a captivating river! Tamraparani unveils its unmatched beauty at this exquisite location. The surrounding village, preserving its authenticity since the 12th century, emanates fertility and tranquility. The spiritual riverbank, adorned with temples, stirs a deep sense of spirituality within me. The longing to renounce worldly affairs and embrace a life of spiritual solitude grows stronger. The allure of immersing oneself in the sacred waters of Tamraparani and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva becomes irresistible.

Having previously explored two Shiva temples, Sringeri Ashram, and some notable individuals in the picturesque village of Kodaganallur, this article delves into the details of the ancient Vishnu temple known as Periya Piran or Brihan Madhava.

A Mahabharata tale involves Nala, the king in disguise during exile. While saving Karkotaka, the serpent, from a forest fire, Nala gets bitten. Karkotaka, plagued by sins for ingratitude, seeks redemption and knowledge from Nisaka Rishi in the Himalayas. Following the sage's guidance, Karkotaka performs penance on the banks of the Tamraparani River, where Vishnu blesses him. Agastya then becomes Karkotaka's mentor, restoring his powers and blessing him with Brahma Gnana. Karkotaka gifts Nala a transformative robe, restoring his handsomeness.

Historically known as Kodanur and later designated Kulasekhara Chaturvedi Mangalam by royal decree, the village's name is tied to the legend of the great snake Karkotaka receiving a divine vision of Vishnu at this sacred site.

The temple gains renown for a special pooja dedicated to Garuda, believed to alleviate the adverse effects of poisonous snake bites. Garuda, depicted with a pot carrying nectar, is revered in this sacred space.

History

In the 4th year of King Tribhavanachakravartin Kulasekhara Pandya (1165 CE), the priests and Mahasabha of Kodanur's Periapiran temple sought a grant of Devadana Irayili for daily expenses. This was to be provided from the annual paddy yield of the temple land, and the revenue, previously paid in cash, was to be paid in paddy henceforth. In the seventh year (1168 CE), King  Kulasekhara granted further requests to exempt certain levies on the deity's land holdings in Kodanur.

In the 10th year of the same king's reign, a record showed the king seated in Madurai, sanctioning the Srivaishnavas' request to enlarge the tax-free content of the land yield. Two years later (12th reginal year - 1114-75 CE), the Kodanur Sabha played a role in a request from the newly erected 'Kulasekhara Matha' at Kanyakumari temple, securing funds from Kodanur for the welfare of pilgrims.

In the 5th year of Maravarman Sundara Pandya (1221 CE), it is noted that the king waived his royal right to receive the share of the first produce from oil-mongers supplying oil for the lamps of Periapiran temple in Kodanur. In the 13th year of Maravarman Sundara Pandya (1230 CE), the Mahasabha of Kodanur voluntarily contributed towards a new deity in the Nellayappar temple, Tirunelveli.

Another inscription in Sundara Pandya I mentions Kandiyattevan addressing the Kodanur Sabha, emphasizing exemptions from certain levies on the Periapiran temple lands and prohibiting additional levies. This royal reproof likely arose due to excessive demands from revenue officers.

The Periapiran temple holds six inscriptional records, dating from around 1165 CE to approximately 1230 CE. These inscriptions were documented in the Annual Reports of Epigraph of the year 1933, Nos. 203-208.

Temple and Murtis

The principal deity, Brihan Madhava, is a striking green stucco image. In Sri Vaikuntham, Vishnu is referred to as Kallar Piran, and in Alwar Tirunagari, he is known as Adi Piran. However, in this sacred site, he is recognized as Periya Piran. The four-armed standing deity is accompanied by his two consorts, Bhoomi and Neela Devis, depicted in light yellow stucco images. Notably, unlike other temples where Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi accompany him, here Neela Devi takes the place of Sri Devi.

The processional icon, named Ranganatha, is flanked by his two consorts and is housed in the same east-facing sanctum.

Within the Ardha mandapa, there is a sub-shrine dedicated to Desikan. The mandapa also features stone icons of Navaneeta Krishna, Vishvaksena, Periyalvar, and Tirumangai Alwar.

In the Maha mandapa, Garuda is positioned facing Vishnu.

The pillars in the Mani mandapa showcase intricate carvings, featuring not only Vaishnavite icons but also Shaivite icons like Ganesha and Bhikshatana.

The circular vimana above the sanctum is beautiful. The outer wall is adored with hollow Koshtas, showcasing tornas with miniature images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Yoga Narasimha, and Yoga Brahma.

On the north side of the outer entrance, there is a shrine dedicated to Pakshi Raja (Garuda) with a Garuda stambha in front. Additionally, an image of Garuda is prominently displayed atop the temple compound wall.

Happy travelling.