Thiru Aadanoor Andalakkum Aiyan Perumal Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Travel Guide

 

Location

• Place: Aadanoor village, near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

Deities

• Main Deity: Andalakkum Aiyan Perumal (a form of Vishnu).
• Consort: Ranganayaki Thayar (Lakshmi).
• The deity is depicted in a reclining posture, symbolizing Vishnu’s cosmic role.

Temple Significance

• Divya Desam: One of the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest abodes of Vishnu revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Alvar saints.
• Spiritual Importance: Believed to grant liberation and blessings to devotees.
• Legend: The temple is associated with Vishnu’s role as “Andalakkum Aiyan” – the Lord who rules over all wealth and prosperity.
• Pilgrimage Circuit: Often visited along with nearby Divya Desams around Kumbakonam, making it part of a larger Vaishnava pilgrimage route.

History

• Early Origins: The temple dates back to the medieval Chola period (9th–10th century CE).
• Canonical Praise: It is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the Tamil Vaishnava canon composed by Alvar saints between the 6th–9th centuries CE.
• Royal Patronage: Chola kings and later Nayak rulers contributed to its expansion, maintaining its sanctity as part of the Kumbakonam temple cluster.
• Divya Desam Status: Its inclusion among the 108 Divya Desams elevated its importance in Vaishnava pilgrimage traditions.

Legends

• Andalakkum Aiyan: The name means “Lord who rules over wealth”. The legend narrates Vishnu’s role in protecting devotees’ prosperity and dharma.
• Alvar Connection: Saints like Thirumangai Alvar sang hymns here, praising Vishnu’s reclining form as the cosmic protector.
• Local Tradition: It is believed that worship here grants relief from poverty and ensures abundance, aligning with Vishnu’s role as sustainer.
• Sacred Tank: The Surya Pushkarini is said to have been blessed by the Sun God, adding celestial sanctity to the temple.

Architecture

• Style: Constructed in Dravidian architecture, typical of Chola temples.
• Vimana: The sanctum is crowned by the Pranava Vimana, symbolizing the primordial sound “Om”.
• Temple Tank: The Surya Pushkarini serves ritual and spiritual purposes.
• Ornamentation: Carvings and inscriptions reflect Chola craftsmanship, with emphasis on Vaishnava iconography.

Rituals

• Daily Worship:
• Conducted according to Vaishnava Agama traditions.
• Includes alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradhanai (lamp worship).
• Timings:
• Morning and evening pujas are performed, with recitation of Divya Prabandham hymns.
• Special Sevas:
• Devotees offer prayers for prosperity and relief from poverty, aligning with the temple’s belief in Vishnu as the Lord of wealth.

Festivals

• Vaikuntha Ekadasi:
• The most important festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January).
• Devotees pass through the Vaikuntha Dwaram (gateway to salvation), symbolizing entry into Vishnu’s abode.
• Other Observances:
• Annual Brahmotsavam (temple car festival).
• Celebrations during Panguni (March–April) and Purattasi (September–October).
• Ritual bathing in the Surya Pushkarini tank during auspicious days.

Beliefs

• Kamadhenu Legend: The divine cow Kamadhenu is believed to have worshipped Vishnu here, blessing the temple with abundance.
• Agni Worship: The fire god Agni also offered prayers here, adding cosmic sanctity.
• Bhargava Kshetram: The temple is considered a sacred site for sages of the Bhargava lineage.
• Spiritual Benefits:
• Worship here is said to remove poverty and grant prosperity.
• Devotees believe darshan of Andalakkum Aiyan ensures liberation (moksha).
• Divya Desam Faith: As one of the 108 Divya Desams, it holds immense importance for Vaishnavites, with Alvar hymns reinforcing its spiritual power.

Temple Hours

• Morning Hours: 7.00 AM – 12.30 PM
• Evening Hours: 4.30 PM – 8.00 PM
• Rituals are performed in the morning and evening following Vaishnava Agama traditions.
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for peaceful darshan.

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Aadanoor is ~10 km from Kumbakonam, well connected by local buses and taxis.
• Accessible from Thanjavur and Mayiladuthurai as part of the Kumbakonam temple circuit.
• By Rail:
• Nearest major railway station: Kumbakonam Railway Station.
• By Air:
• Closest airport: Trichy International Airport (~90 km).
• Local Access: The temple is in a small village; autos or taxis from Kumbakonam are the most convenient.

Tips

• Combine Visits: Plan along with nearby Divya Desams like Thirukkoodalur, Thiruchcherai, and Thiruvelliyankudi for a circuit.
• Festivals: Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Margazhi) and Brahmotsavam are the most vibrant times to visit.
• Footwear & Dress: Traditional attire is recommended; footwear must be left outside.
• Essentials: Carry water, light snacks, and cash, as facilities are limited in the village.
• Photography: Respect temple rules—photography may be restricted inside sanctum areas.
• Spiritual Tip: Bathing in the Surya Pushkarini tank is considered auspicious before darshan.