Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple, Thirukkoodaloor
The Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple, also known as Thirukoodaloor, is a Hindu temple located in Vadakurangaduturai, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and its significance as one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred abodes of Vishnu glorified in the early medieval Tamil canon.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Jakath Rakshaka Perumal.
- ›Its consort, Lakshmi, is worshipped as Pushpavalli.
- ›The temple is celebrated in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a Tamil canon by the Alvar saints.
- ›It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams, considered sacred by devotees of Vishnu.
- ›The architecture follows the Dravidian style, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks.
- ›The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Vishnu, Lakshmi
- One of the 108 Divya Desams
- Glorified In Nalayira Divya Prabandham
- Associated With Sage Nandaka and King Ambarisha
- Considered A Sacred Site Where Kaveri River Worshipped Vishnu
Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagara Kings, Madurai Nayaks
Brahmostvam, Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Brick
Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagara Kings, Madurai Nayaks, King Ambarisha
Kaveri River
About Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple, Thirukkoodaloor
The Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple, also known locally as Thirukoodaloor or Aduthurai Perumal Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Vadakurangaduturai, a village near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, South India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is revered here as Jakath Rakshaka Perumal, meaning 'Protector of the World,' and his consort Lakshmi, as Pushpavalli.
Religious Significance
This temple holds significant religious importance as it is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are considered sacred abodes of Vishnu glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil religious canon composed by the Alvar saints. The deity is believed to have appeared to sage Nandaka and King Ambarisha, and legends also suggest that the river Kaveri worshipped Vishnu here to cleanse herself. The temple is also associated with the planet deity Ketu.
History and Architecture
The temple's construction is attributed to the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century CE, with subsequent architectural contributions and patronage from the Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks. The prevailing architectural style is Dravidian. A brick wall encircles the temple complex, encompassing its shrines and water bodies.
Worship and Festivals
Daily rituals are performed six times a day, with special observances for both Jakath Rakshaka Perumal and Pushpavalli. The temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Among the yearly festivals, the Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June), is the most prominent. Vaikuntha Ekadashi, observed in the Tamil month of Margali (December–January), is also a major festival.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the name Jakath Rakshaka Perumal?
The name Jakath Rakshaka Perumal translates to 'Protector of the World.' This name is attributed to Vishnu for his act of protecting the earth and its inhabitants, particularly in the context of the legend involving the asura Hiranyaksha.
What is the legend behind the village name Thirukoodaloor?
The village is called Thirukoodaloor because it is believed that many sages and deities came together ('koodal' in Tamil) to worship Vishnu at this sacred site. This convergence of divine beings underscores the temple's spiritual importance.
What are the main festivals celebrated at the Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple?
The most prominent festival is the Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June). Vaikuntha Ekadashi, observed in the Tamil month of Margali (December–January), is another major festival.
Who is credited with the construction of the temple?
The temple is believed to have been initially built by the Medieval Cholas in the late 8th century CE. Later contributions and renovations were made by the Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks.
What is the architectural style of the Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple?
The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, characteristic of many South Indian temples. It features a 3-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) and a vimana called Suddha Satwa Vimana above the sanctum.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Yathothkari Perumal Temple
The Yathothkari Perumal Temple, also known as Tiruvekkaa Temple, is a historic Hindu temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham and is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams, signifying its importance in Vaishnavism. The temple is notable for its ancient origins, believed to date back to the 8th century CE, with later contributions from various dynasties.
Sundararaja Perumal temple
The Sundararaja Perumal Temple, also known as Thiru Anbil or Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Anbil, Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, it is celebrated in ancient Tamil religious literature and is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams, significant pilgrimage sites for Vishnu devotees.
Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple
The Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple in Thirumayam, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Renowned for its Dravidian architecture and significant presence in early Tamil devotional literature, it is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple complex features a majestic rajagopuram, a temple tank within its premises, and is under the administration of the Archaeological Survey of India.