Jakath Rakshaka Perumal Temple or Thirukoodalur (locally called Aduthurai Perumal Temple) in Vadakurangaduthurai, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Jakath Rakshaka and his consort Lakshmi as Padmasanavalli. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Location TamilNadu, Thanjavur, Chennai

Legend

According to the legends,  King Ambarisha who immersed himself in the worship of Vishnu, failed to strengthen his army and lost his kingdom to his enemies. One day while doing worship, Ambarisha did not observe the sage Durvasa who went along his way. The sage got irritated by King's behaviour and cursed the king. The king went to Vishnu  to seek help. Vishnu sent his discus to chase the sage. The sage surrendered to Vishnu and begged pardon. The king Ambarishan is believed to have built the temple and hence the presiding deity is also called Ambarisha Varadhar at this place.                                 

According to another legend, all rivers come to river Kaveri for cleansing themselves. Kaveri wanted to cleanse herself and approached God Brahma. She is believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this place and got relieved.

This temple is part of the famous Kumbakonam Divyadesam Yatra.

Architecture

The Aduthurai Perumal Temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture. A brick wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and bodies of water. The central shrine has the image of Jakath Rakshaka Perumal in standing posture. The shrine of the Padmasinivalli faces South. The temple has a 3-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower). The vimana, the tower above the sanctum, is called Suddha Satwa Vimana.

Culture

Kumbakonam is a temple town at 40 km from Thanjavur and base town to visit large number of temples including Navagraha temples. Kumbakonam is one of the few places in India, which has a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. It is where the festival of Mahamaham is celebrated every 12 years at the Mahamaham tank.Kumbakonam and area around are home to many experiential stays that offer guests an experience in Authentic heritage, culture and cuisine.

Thirukoodalur is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu also known as Sangama Kshetram, situated 25km away from Kumbakonam and 11 kms  from Thiruvaiyaru on the way to Kumbakonam, Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Temple opens from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Male devotees have been advised to wear dhoti, shirt, pyjama or pant and shirt while women and girls should wear saris or churidhar or 'pavadai' with half-sari. Devotees wearing lungi, bermudas, jeans and tight-leggings would not be allowed.

Famous Festival

April/May - Chithirai

May/June - Brahmotsavam festival

December/January - Vaikunta Ekadasi

Temple Rituals

The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7.00 AM, Kalasanthi at 8:00 AM, Uchikalam at 12:00 PM, Sayarakshai at 5:00 PM, Irandamkalam at 6:00 PM, and Ardha Jamam at 7:30 PM

Special Rituals

Srisukta Homam, a religious practice, is performed in the temple with 108 lotus leaves on full moon days.

Additional Info

 

Arabian Delights

Sri Ayya Mess

 

 Supermarket : Available