Uthamar Kovil | Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple

Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple also known as Uthamar Kovil, Thirukkarambanoor or Bhikshandar Kovil in Uthamarkoil, a village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Purshottaman and his consort Lakshmi as Poornavalli.

Purushottaman is believed to have appeared to Hindu gods Brahma and Shiva, to relieve Shiva off his sins committed while cutting one of Brahma’s heads. The temple is one of the few historical temples in India where the images of Hindu trinity, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma are housed in the same premises and are collectively known as Mum murthigal. This stalam is also known as Kadamba (means mixture of things) kshetram. Here, Lord Shiva and Vishnu both are in same temple so this temple is called as Kadamba Kshetram. Lord Shiva is called as Pikshandanar.

This sthalaperumal is Purushothaman (Purushan + Uthaman). Purushan means husband and Uthaman means a person who behaves and likes his wife and doesn’t even think of other women. Sri Rama is the best example for Uthaman and he is said to be “Eaga Pathini Vridhan”. So this sthalam is named as “Uthamar Koil” and Lord Vishnu is called as “Uthaman”.

Legend
Festivals & Puja
How to Reach
Videos

As per Hindu legend, once Vishnu wanted to test the devotion of Brahma. He raised as a Kadhamba tree in the place and Brahma, knowing this, started his worship practise with Thirumanjanam (ablution). The water from the ablution filled a tank nearby, which came to be known as “Kadhamba Theertham”. Vishnu was satisfied with the devotion of Brahma and gave a boon to Brahma to have a shrine in this place. Shiva wanted to get rid off the sin holding the cut head of Brahma and went on a sacred trip. While coming to this place, Vishnu requested his consort Lakshmi to give alms to Shiva. Shiva’s grail was filled by the alms and Lakshmi came to be known as “Poornavalli” (the one who filled the grail).

As per another legend, Brahma and Shiva both had originally five heads. Parvati, the wife of Shiva once got confused and performed patha pooja (ablution of feet, considered an act of respect) to Brahma instead of Shiva. Shiva got enraged and cut off one of the heads of Brahma. The cut head got stuck in his hand of Shiva on account of a curse of Brahma. To get rid off the sin, Shiva worshipped Vishnu at this place as Bhikshadana, where a part of his sin was relieved. He got his curse fully relieved after visiting Vishnu at Thirukandiyur and taking a holy dip in the temple tank, Kamala Pushkarani at Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple. After the incident, the tank came to be known as Kapala Theertham (kapala indicates skull). Shiva was pleased and he built the Hara Sabha Vimochana temple and also built a temple for himself near it.

The Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple remains open in the morning from 6.30 AM to 12.00 PM and in the evening from 4.30 PM to 8.00 PM.

Deity at Uthamar Kovil Temple

The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Purushothaman. He is found in Moolavar in Bujanga seva facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Kadhamba Munivar, Thirumangai Alwar, Ubarusaravasoo, the four persons Sanaga, Sanaathana and Sanathkumarar. The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Poorvadevi. Also called as “Pooranavalli”.

Festivals at Uthamar Kovil Temple

The major festival of the Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple, the Brahmotsavam, is celebrated during the Tamil month of Kartigai (November – December) when festival images of both Purushotamar and Bikshadanar are carried together in the streets surrounding the temple. Kadambha Thiruvizha is a festival celebrated in the temple when the festival image of Ranganthar is brought to the Kadambha tank of the temple for Theerthavari.

The Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple is 14 km from Tiruchirapalli bus station.and 5 to 6 km from Sri Rangam temple. One of the Route to reach this temple: From Tiruchirapalli or Sri Rangam join the Trichy – Chennai Trunk road and drive up to the toll gate. At toll gate left turn to join State Highway #25 which goes to Thuraiyur. Before ascending the fly over road, see to your right i.e. next to the fly over. The temple is on to your right hand.

Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple,Tiruchi,Tamil Nadu