Temples of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry #96: Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple, Thirukoshtiyur

சௌமியநாராயண பெருமாள் திருக்கோயில், திருக்கோஷ்டியூர்

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur

This is a very important Perumal temple that is of great significance in the Vaishnavite tradition. It is a Divya Desam temple celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabantham canon of Tamil Vaishnavism.

The temple is associated with the great Vaishnavite philosopher, guru and social reformer of the 11th and 12th centuries, Ramanujar. It was here that Ramanujar realized the true meaning of the Ashtakshara Manthram, "Om Namo Narayanaya", under the guidance of the renowned guru Thirukoshtiyur Nambi or Selva Nambi. Defying the decree of the guru, Ramanujar expounded his new-found knowledge to the masses from this temple irrespective of caste or social status. When confronted by the guru, who cursed him that he would rot in hell, Ramanujar responded that he would gladly rot in hell, if that would bring the Lord's blessings to thousands of people. The guru realizing his mistake, lauded Ramanujar for his act. The event is commemorated here with a statue of Ramanujar sitting on a balcony above the sanctum, gazing at the Mutt of Selvanambi on a street below.

Lord Vishnu is known by many names in this temple. He manifests in three different postures standing (Nindra Kolam), lying (Kidantha or Sayana Kolam) and sitting (Irundha Kolam). There is also a dancing form of Lord Krishna (Adina Kolam). The temple is unique in that there are three forms in three sanctums stacked vertically. Very few temples have all three postures of Lord Vishnu in the same temple. There is also a fourth level and a fifth level which is reached by climbing a narrow and steep set of stone stairs. The topmost level has an idol of Lord Vishnu in standing form. The balcony from where Ramanujar preached and where his sitting statue is installed, is also at this level. There is a small fee to go up the narrow stairway, As only about 20 people are allowed at a time, there is a line up when the temple is busy. The temple also houses a sivalingam which is unusual in a Vishnu temple. The Sivan here is called Sarabeshwarar, the manifestation that Lord Sivan took to to subdue and placate the anger of Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha Avataram.

Legend says that during the time that the demon Hiranyakashipu was wreaking havoc everywhere, the Devas and the Gods congregated here to strategise and meet with Lord Vishnu to deliver them from the terror of Hiranyan. Because they met here as a group or "koshti" the place got the name koshtiyur. There are other legends also to explain the name of this town. It is said that that Lord revealed his Narasimha Avataram here before he went on to destroy Hiranyan.

At around 2 acres, it is a modest sized temple but has been beautifully constructed. It is surrounded by high, granite walls on all four sides forming a rectangle. An intricate 5 tier rajagopuram adorns the entrance. The vimanam is quite tall, partly because of the multi-leveled sanctum and towers above the rajagopuram. It is uncommon for the vimanam to be taller than the rajagopuram. The vimanam is of the Ashtanga type which again is rare and is found in very few temples. The vimanam has eight parts. They are the Adhisthanam or base, Pada or body (3 parts) , Prasthana or limb, Griva or neck, Shikara or head and Stupi or the top. South of the main shrine, there is a separate shrine for the consort Goddess Thirumamagal. There is another shrine for Aandal north of thw main sanctum.

The core of the temple was likely built by the early Pandiyan kings in the 6th to 9th centuries. The temple we see today is the result of a cumulative process of building over many centuries with contributions from Chola, Later Pandiyan, Vijaya Nagar, Nayakkan and later local rulers. The temple is now administered by the HR and CE Department of the Tamil Nadu Government like most temples, but the Sivagangai Devasthanam Trust associated with the royal house of the Sivagangai Samasthanam takes an active role in its management.

The temple is a Divya Desam temple celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. Many of the Alwars have sung Mangalasasanams on this temple. Periyalwar when he visited in the 9th century, saw the temple and town in a festive mode for Krishna Jayanthi. He imagined that this was Ayarpadi, the childhood home of Lord Krishna, He sang thus:

வண்ண மாடங்கள் சூழ்திருக் கோட்டியூர்

கண்ணன் கேசவன் நம்பி பிறந்தினில்

எண்ணெய் சுண்ணம் எதிரெதிர் தூவிட

கண்ணன் முற்றம் கலந்து அளறா யிற்றே

{Surrounded by colourful mansions, in Thirukoshtiyur

On the day when Kannan (Lord Krishna, Kesava, Nambi) was born,

Oil and lime are joyfully sprinkled all around,

And in Kannan’s courtyard, the crowd gathers in endless celebration)

It is interesting that he mentions multi storeyed mansions in 9th century Thirukoshtiyur.

The major festivals here are the Chithirai Brahmotsavam. The Vaikunta Ekadasi and the Masi Theppa Uthsavam or Float Festival. There is a tradition of lighting a Sitti Vilakku or Diya as an offering to the Lord and Goddess to grant devotees' wishes. On special days the temple is resplendent in the evenings with thousands of these little lamps.

The temple is located close to the town of Thirupathur, about 1 hour and 15 minutes or 72 km northeast of Madurai and about 40 minutes or 30 km west of Karaikudi, We visited in June 2025. We were based in Kanadukathan.

Sources: Dinamalar - Temples

Census of India, 1961: Temples of Madras State Volume 6 Madurai-Ramanathapuram page 200 Office of the Registrar General. Manager of Publications.

Credits: Google Maps