Sri Sowmya Narayana
Perumal Temple – Thirukoshtiyur
Located in Thirukoshtiyur
village, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, the Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal
Temple is one of the 108 Divyadesam temples of Lord Vishnu. Here,
Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Sowmya Narayana Perumal, with Goddess
Lakshmi as Thirumamagal.
Legends &
Significance
- Narasimha Avatar Vision:
When Hiranyakashipu became arrogant with his boons, the devas prayed to
Vishnu. Before taking the Narasimha avatar, Vishnu revealed his form at
Thirukoshtiyur in three postures – standing, sitting, and reclining.
Since the devas received his vision after hardship (Thirukkai), the
place came to be known as Thirukoshtiyur.
- Ramanuja’s Preaching:
The temple is historically significant as Ramanuja preached the sacred
Ashtakshara mantra “Om Namo Narayanaya” to all, regardless of caste or
varna, symbolizing spiritual equality.
Temple Architecture
- Built in Dravidian style,
covering 2 acres.
- Five‑tier Rajagopuram
at the entrance.
- Temple Tank:
Located opposite the temple, outside the main entrance.
- Sanctum:
Presiding deity Uragamellayan Perumal in reclining posture on a
serpent bed, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi.
- Other Shrines:
- Smaller shrines for Lakshmi
Narasimha, Rama, Krishna, and Lakshmi Narayana.
- Shrines for Andal, Narasimha, and
Manavala Mamunigal in the first precinct.
- Shrines for Garuda, Anjaneya,
Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika, and Alvars in the second precinct.
- Though primarily a Vishnu temple, it
also houses images of Shiva Lingam, Vinayaka, and Subramanya.
- Utsava Deity:
Sowmya Narayana Perumal made of panchaloha.
Festivals
- Vaikunta Ekadasi:
Celebrated with grandeur.
- Navratri:
Nine days of devotion to Goddess Durga.
- Float Festival (Masi month –
Jan/Feb): Deity taken on a float in the temple
tank.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening:
3:45 PM – 7:30 PM
Getting Here
- Location:
Thirukoshtiyur, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu.
- By Road:
Accessible from Madurai, Sivaganga, and Karaikudi.
- By Rail:
Nearest station – Sivaganga (~25 km).
- By Air:
Madurai Airport (~45 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit during Vaikunta Ekadasi
or the Float Festival for vibrant celebrations.
- Explore the temple’s three Vishnu
postures – standing, sitting, and reclining.
- Reflect on Ramanuja’s preaching of
equality, a landmark in spiritual history.
- Respect temple traditions and dress
modestly.
Why Visit Sri Sowmya
Narayana Perumal Temple?
- One of the 108 Divyadesam temples.
- Unique legend of Narasimha avatar
vision in three forms.
- Historic site where Ramanuja
spread the Ashtakshara mantra to all.
- Rich Dravidian architecture with
multiple shrines and a five‑tier gopuram.