108 Divya Desams !! Thirukannapuram Sri Souriraja Perumal Temple !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!



Thirukannapuram is one of 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located in Nannilam, Thiruvarur, and Tamil nadu.  This is one of the oldest temples known as Krishnaranya Kshetram.  There are five Krishnarayana Kshetram located in south and they are Thirukkovalaur  Sri Trivikrama Perumal Temple, Thirukannankudi Thiru Lokanatha Perumal Temple, Thiru Kapisthalam Sri Gajendravarada Perumal Temple , Thirukannamangai  Sri Bakthavalsala Perumal Temple and Thirukannapuram Sri Souriraja Perumal.



Presiding deity – Utsavar – Sri Souriraja Perumal with Goddess Sri Kannapuram Nayaki, Moolavar -Thiru Neelamegha Perumal with his consorts Goddess Sri Sridevi and Boodevi Nachiyar



Mangalasasanam – Thirumangai Alwar, Periyalwar, Kulasekhara Alwar, Sri Andal, Nammalvar



Pushkararni – Nithya Pushkarani



Sannidhis – Sri Andal, Alwars, Vibheeshana Alwar, Lord Sri Rama, Udayavar Sri Ramanujar,



Festivals – Vaikundha Ekadashi, Bahmostavam, Pournami, Masi Makam,



There are several interesting myths associated with this temple. After seeing the fascinating style of Lord Ranganatha in reclining posture, King Vibheeshana requested Lord to reveal his captivating walking style.  Lord Souriraja exposed his attractive style of walking to Vibheeshana in this temple. 



King Upasarivasu had no offspring for quite some time.  He conducted Ashwamedha Yaga in this sacred land and blessed with a beautiful girl child.  They named this stunning girl Padmini.   As years passed by, Padmini grew into a gorgeous young maiden.  She was a passionate devotee of Lord Vishnu, she prayed to Lord to get him as her husband.  Lord Souriraja pleased at the devotion of Padmini and fulfilled her wishes.



Once, the King who was ruled this city arrived to this temple.  As a mark of respect to the ruler, the temple priest honored him with a garland that was adorned to Lord Souriraja.  The King noticed a long strand of hair on the garland and questioned the priest.  The priest answered calmly that it was the hair of Lord Souriraja.  The King was mystified and asked him to prove it right.  King sent his men into sanctum sanctorum to pull hair from the beautiful bunches of hair locks of Lord Souriraja.  When they tried to pluck the hair from the hair locks blood started to ooze from the head of Lord.  The King was distressed and felt ashamed of his arrogant act and prayed to Lord for mercy.



This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 11.AM in the morning and 5.00PM to 8.00PM in the evenings.



Contact Person – Sri Sowriraja Bhattar Swamin – 04366270718,
North Madavalangam,
Nagapattinam District.


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

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