Kalinga Narthana Temple Oothukadu

Then Gokulam
Prarthana Sthalam for liberation from Rahu, Kethu and Sarpa Dosham



Located about 12kms South West of Kumbakonam, off the Aavoor-Thirukarugavur –Thittai road, is the Kalinga Narthana temple in Oothukadu, the only temple that is exclusively dedicated to him (Kalinga Narthana). The temple dates back to the Chozha period though specific data/proof is not available.

The Story

The story goes that this place was once a Pushpa Vanam. Residing at the Kailasanatha temple in Aavoor, Nandini and Patti, the children of Kamadhenu, were providing milk to the Lord. Every morning, the two would also graze across to the nearby Oothukadu Village (2kms away) and collect flowers for the Lord from the Pushpa Vanam.

On one such occasion, the two little ones listened to Sage Narada’s narration of the story of Lord Krishna and his Kalinga Narthana. Hearing the story of the five year old (Child) Krishna taking on the poisonous asura snake (Kalinga) and performing the Kalinga Narthana, Nandini and Patti are said to have broken out into tears for the hardship and the onerous task imposed on the little boy Krishna.

Worried about her children, Kamadhenu approached Krishna at Vaikuntam seeking a solution to her children’s shocked state of mind. Responding to her request, Krishna appeared here at the Pushpa Vanam at Oothukadu and performed yet again, with ease, the Kalinga Narthana in front of a delighted Nandini and Patti thus convincing them that this was a child’s play for him.

Wanting all the devotees to enjoy this unique form of Krishna, Narada requested the Lord to be present here at Oothukadu as Kalinga Nardana.

Narada is said to have installed the idol of Krishna as Kalinga Narthana with Nandini and Patti standing on either side of the Lord in front of him and referred to this place as ‘Then Gokulam’.

Unique Posture of the Lord


An interesting feature at this temple is the posture of Kalinga Narthana - his left leg is seen on top of the Asura Snake but not touching the snake. His left thumb alone is holding the tail of the snake with none of his other four fingers in contact with the tail!! His right leg is seen above the ground in a dance posture. On a close look, one can find the scars on his leg below the knee, the result of his fight with Kalinga.

The great Venkata Kavi lived here


The Kalinga Narthana temple at Oothukadu has attached to it a significant connection with the music world. It was living here in Oothukadu that Venkata (Kavi) Subba Iyer composed many of his memorable and to-date unforgettable songs on Krishna including specific ones on Kalinga Narthana of Oothukadu.

Prarthana Sthalam


This temple is believed to be a Prarthana Sthalam for upcoming music and dance artistes. Kalinga Narthana is said to fulfill all their prayers and bring them success in their art.

This is also believed to be a Prarthana Sthalam for the unmarried as well as childless couples.

A visit to the Kalinga Narthana temple will liberate one from Rahu and Kethu doshams and Sarpa Dosham as well.

Festivals

Uriyadi Utsavam on Gokulashtami
Special Alankaram and Abhishekam on Rohini star every month

Quick facts
Moolavar : Veda Narayana Perumal East Facing
Goddess : Mahalakshmi
Utsavar : Kalinga Nardhana flanked by Rukmini and Satyabhama
Temple Time: 930am-12noon and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Jayarama Bhattar@94426 99355 or 04374 268549.

How to reach Oothukadu
Buses every half hour between Kumbakonam and Aavoor. The temple is about 2kms from Aavoor. There are also direct buses to the temple (Oothukadu) from Kumbakonam.

Auto from Kumbakonam Railway Station will cost Rs.125-150.