Thirukoshtiyur Sowmiya Narayana Perumal Temple

4 September'2011: Thirukoshtiyur Sowmiya Narayana Perumal Temple is an ancient shrine located about 10 km from Thiruppathur in Sivagangai District TamilNadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu,revered by the Tamil hymns of Alwars. Since, all the Rishis and Devas along with Sriman Narayanan and Lord Brahma met at this place and discussed the killing of the demon Hirayanyan, this Place is called as "Goshtiyoor". The temple enshrines Sowmiya Narayana Perumal as the presiding deity along with his divine consort Thirumagal Nachiyar. The temple has a Santhana Krishnan idol in the main sanctum sanctorum. Thirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple is considered as the southern Badrinath. The Vimana in this temple is Ashtanga and it rises to a height of 96 ft. Most noteworthy feature of the shrine is that the deity can be found in all three postures -standing, sitting and sleeping. In Ground floor as Krishna in dancing posture – depicting Bhoolagam. Next level he is Sayana Thirukolam a posture resting on Adhisesha – depicting Devalogam. Directly above this the Lord is in Iruntha Kolam - depicting Indrakola. And top most level in standing posture as Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal – depicting Vaikundam. There exist an important relationship between Sri Ramanuja and Thirukoshtiyur. Saint Ramanuja was advised by Thirukachi Nambigal to visit Thirukoshtiyur and learn the ' sacred 8 letter hymn ', Astachara manthra from Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal (i.e. thirukoshtiyur sage). Accordingly Ramanunja travelled 18 times all the way from Srirangam to Thirukoshtiyur. 17 times Ramanuja tried to meet the Nambigal refused to see him. 18th time when Ramanuja arived and knocked the doors of Nambigal ashram saying "Adiyen Sri Ramanujan vanthurukiran..!" ( which means "beloved student Sri Ramanuja here!!") on which he was allowed to enter. Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal blessed Ramanuja with the 'sacred 8 letter hymn' Astachara manthram ("Ohm Namo Narayanaya!!") and warned not to preach to anyone if so u will reside to hell!!. Ramanuja rushed to the top of temple, summoned the whole village and delivered the Ashtachara Manthram. This act angered nambigal and he questioned Ramanuja who replied - "Its my great fortune in showing the path and guiding people to heaven, I'm glad in going to hell for the act.." these words affected Nambigal to extent he just prostrated towards Ramanuja. It is said the event happened in front of Sri Lakshmi Narasimar Swami Sannathi, towards the Sowmya Narayana Perumal sannathi, third stage. We can climb through stairs of temple shrine and reach the top most layer from which Ramanuja preached the sacred words. We can have a full view of whole of Thirukoshtiyur. Ashtanga Vimanam:This kind of Vimanam is very rare - Ashta means Eight and 8 Vimanams are found on 4 sides (2 each) of the temple. For pics log onto: http://www.thirukoshtiyur.ramanujartemples.net/pg.htm