ANBIL KOVIL

• 5^th of 108 divya-deshams
• Has the deity of ‘Sundar Rajan’ (the beautiful Lord), a form similar to Lord Ranganatha (at Shrirangam).
• 16 km from Uttamar Kovil, i.e. around 20-25 km from Shrirangam main temple
• Once Lord Brahma became proud of his creation. To set things right, the supreme Lord showed Lord Brahma 64 different beautiful arts (kalas) and thus crushed his pride.
• Manduka Rsi got released from his curse here (he had been cursed to become a ‘frog’)

Anbil has been in existence from before the Pandavas. Perumaal (Lord) is said to have appeared here in response to prayers of Lord Brahma and Sri Valmiki.

There is an interesting episode involving the pushkarani at this holy place. The Manduka pushkarani is common to both Vishnu and Siva sthalam. Mandukam, in Sanskrit refers to a frog. It is said that, once upon a time, a muni was cursed and he became a frog. He wanted to regain his human form. So he bathed every day in these holy waters, for 48 days he observed a vrata and prayed to Perumaal regularly. Lord appeared before him and redeemed him from the curse. This pushkarani has therefore been named after the rishi who got free from being a Mandukam(frog).

This divya desam is also known as Premapuri and Triveni. It is known as Triveni as the three rivers Kaveri, Savitri and Phalguni rivers are said to have merged into one and flowing near this divya desam. Savitri and Phalguni are said to be flowing underground. Hence this place is also known as Dakshina Gaya. Those who cannot go to Gaya in North India, can perform the shraddha ceremony for their forefathers here with an equal effect.

Other Details

Main Deity (Moolavar): Tiru Vadivazhagiya Nambi, seen in Bhujanga Sayanam (sleep) posture, facing east. Lord’s consort (Thaayaar): Azhagiya Valli Nachiyar

Utsav Deity (Utsavar): Sundararaja Perumal

Tirtham: Manduka Pushkarani, river Kollidam (kaveri)

Vimaanam: Taraka Vimaanam.

Prathyaksham: Brahma, Valmiki muni, Manduka rishi

Sannithis: Perumal/ Thayar Sannithi, Vishvaksenar Sannithi

This temple is considered to be very old (some say it is almost 6000 years old). There are numerous inscriptions at this temple which indicate the political and religious history in those days. There are inscriptions mentioning that this is the appearance place of Sri Valmiki Muni. It is believed that Lord blessed him before he relocated to North India.