Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple

Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple
Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple

Kadhamba Maharshi was performing penance here on Lord Perumal. He had a boon that there should be no disturbance in the place of his penance. So this place-Tirukoshtiyur was chosen for discussion. Lord said that He would take Narsimha Avatar to destroy Hiranya. Pleased with the decision, Devas and sages begged the Lord to grant them the darshan of his forthcoming Avatar. Lord was too merciful to grant them the darshan even before it took place. Yet, not contended with this darshan, Devas and sages begged the Lord to grant them darshan of His other forms too. Lord granted His reclining, sitting, standing and walking forms. As the Tirukkai (harships) of Devas and Rishis were solved in this place, it came to be known as Tirukkottiyur. Being one among the celebrated 108 Divya Desas of Lord Vishnu, the temple has the famous Astanga Vimana above the presiding Perumal. Just a couple of Vishnu temples have this Vimana. This is also a historical place from where great Vaishnavite Acharya the author of Visishtadvaita philosophy and social reformer Sri Ramanuja preached the holy Narayana Mantra to every one irrespective of caste discrimination sitting on this Vimana. This is one of the temples where devotees seek relief from delays in marriage proposals. They also pray for prosperity in family.