- Special FeaturesFoundation YearTemple has a contribution from medieval CholasSthala TreePurasa TreeTheerthamIndira PushkariniRathamArchitectureOther Speciality(Divya Desam)
- Sthala Puran
Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple or Thirupper Nagar, is a Hindu temple located in Koviladi, a village 10 miles (16 km) from Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is one of the Divya Desams—the 108 temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 poet saints or Alwars. This temple is located along the banks of the Cauvery River and is one of the five Pancharanga Kshetrams located on the banks of the Cauvery River.
King Upamanyu lost his powers due to the curse of Sage Durvasa. When begged for pardon and relief, the sage said that the king should feed one lakh people in this place, then known as Palasavanam and he would be relieved of the curse.
The king built a palace nearby and commenced the feeding. One day, Lord Narayanan came there in the guise of an aged Brahmin. He was served food. To test the determination of the king, Lord consumed the entire quantity of food prepared for the day.
The King politely asked the Brahmin if He wanted anything more. The Brahmin replied He wanted one pot of Appam. As soon as He received Appam pot from the king, the king was relieved of his curse.
Appam is a sweet preparation offered to Gods as nivedhana. Perumal got the name Appakudathan as He received the pot of Appam from king Upamanyu.
Perumal in reclining posture appears embracing the pot with one hand.
Perumal destroyed the pride of Indira, saved Sage Markandeya from fear of death and relieved king Upari Siravasu from sins and curses in this ancient place.
It is also said that this temple (Kovil) came into being even before the Srirangam temple that followed next. Adi in Tamil means foundation or forerunner. Hence, the place is named Koviladi.
Koviladi is also known as Thiruper.
- Architecture
The Lord, in His Bhujanga Sayana-reclining posture, is facing west. The Mother and Lord are facing each other.
Koviladi-Appala Rangam is one among the Pancha Ranga sthala and occupies the second place. Other four are Adhirangam in Sriranga Pattinam in Mysore, Madhya Rangam in Sri Rangam, Chaturtha Rangam in Kumbakonam and Pancha Rangam in Indalur-Mayiladuthurai.
ord Vazhikatti Vinayaka (Guiding Vinayaka) blesses the devotees.
The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity, with contributions at different times from the Medieval Cholas. The temple is built on an elevated structure and is approached through a flight of 21 steps.
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Those seeking Child boon, freedom from fear of Death, relief from planetary aspects and facing endless problems, pray to Perumal for Solutions
Offerings to DeityStotras and Mantras
- Festivals13-day Panguni BrahmotsavamKaisika Dwadasi in KarthigaiNovember - DecemberTeertha Vari at the River CauveryMaasi Magam (February - March)Nammazhwar MokshamDuring Era Pathu in Margazhi (December - February).
- Sodasha Upcharas
- PrasadhasThis is the only Divya Desam where Neyyappam is offered to the Lord every night as neivedhyam.
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
- Tags