Located about 8kms West of Nagapattinam, off the Nagapattinam- Thiruvarur Highway, is Damodara Narayanan Divya Desam in Thiru Kannangudi, which is also part of the Pancha Krishna Kshetram. This is the final point of Krishnaranya Kshetram, which begins at Naachiyar Koil in Thiru Naraiyur and passes through Thiru Cherai, Kannamangai and Kannapuram.
Sage Vashishta and Lord Krishna
The story goes that, Lord Krishna, pleased with Vashishta’s penance, appeared before the sage in the form of a kid. While the Sage was immersed in thoughts of the Lord, Kannan picked up the butter, swallowed it in one go and gave Vashishta the run.
With Vashishta giving him a chase, young Kannan runs through the Krishnaranya Kshetram until he came upon the rishis, who were undergoing penance here. Thrilled to see Kannan come their way, the rishis blocked him.
Explaining his hurry, Kannan wanted them to ask for one wish. By this time, Vashishta too had caught up with the Lord and he fell at his feet. The rishis wanted the Lord to provide darshan to other devotees in this same standing posture at this place. Hence this place came to be called Kannankudi.
4 Interesting stories relating to ThiruMangai’s experience at Thiru Kannangudi
1. Thirumangai’s praise of the Tamarind tree
Thirumangai Azhvaar who was to build the huge walls of Srirangam temple came to Nagai to pick up the golden statue of Buddha. On his way back, a tired Thirumangai wanted rest and lay under a Tamarind tree at Thiru Kannankudi. Placing the gold in the pit there, Thirumangai asked the tree to wake him up if someone came there. The next morning when the owner of the plot arrived to resume work, the tamarind tree dropped its leaves on Thirumangai to wake up the Azhvaar.
2. Pending cases at Kannangudi
Thirumangai and the owner of the plot argued about its ownership. Thirumangai defended himself saying his papers were in Srirangam and that he would come back in a day or two with the papers. Thirumangai never came back and the case is said to have remained pending. Disputes in ThiruKannangudi don’t see a quick decision.
3. Dry Wells at Thiru Kannangudi
A thirsty Thirumangai is said to have walked up to the ladies near the well and asked for water. Having heard about his arguments regarding the ownership of the plot, they were worried that he would fight with them on the ownership of the well and hence refused him a pot of water. An angry Thiru Mangai Azhvaar pronounced a curse stating that the water would not fill up in the well. To this day, wells in Thiru Kannankudi are seen dried up. Even when it fills up, it tastes salty.
4. Lord quenches Thirumangai’s thirst
The Lord of Thiru Kannankudi is said to have come and presented a tired and thirsty Thiru Mangai with food and water. With Thiru Mangai finishing his food, the Lord is said to have disappeared.
Left wondering, Thirumangai, on his way back, met a man who seemed like one with conch and chakra but disappeared almost immediately. It is believed that Thirumangai had earlier answered the Lord’s enquiry about his background saying he was a vagabond. Hence, the Lord is believed to have given him just one quick glimpse of his full vision and then disappeared.
Pancha Krishna Kshetram
Garuda’s Posture at ThiruKannangudi
Unlike in other Divya Desams where Garuda is seen with folded hands, he is seen here with his hands around his body.
Another unique feature at this temple is the similarity of the Moolavar and Utsavar idols of Goddess, not seen in any other Divya Desam.
Moolavar : Loganathan East facing standing posture
Goddess : Loganayaki
Utsavar : Damodara Narayanan
Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (10 paasurams)
Temple Time : 6am-12noon and 5pm –8pm
Priest : Prabhu Bhattar@ 99431 38591
How to reach ThiruKannangudi
One can take the Nagai-Thiruvarur bus (buses every 5-10 minutes) and get down at Aazhiyur, about 6 kms from Nagai. From there, one can take a mini bus to Kannangudi (South - about 5mts drive). An auto from Nagapattinam to Kannangudi and back would cost about Rs. 200/-. One can also reach Thiru Kannangudi from ThiruKannapuram (about 25 kms) by car.
Direct night train from Madras to Nagapattinam.
When here, also visit Thiru Nagai and Thiru Kannapuram
28 comments:
Hey Prabhu,
I am just back from Thirukannangudi and there has been a few changes in the temple timings.
Apparently the previous Bhattar was arrested for embezzlement and the new Bhattar comes from the Vamana Perumal sannidhi inside the Sikkil Murugan temple.
That priest finishes up his work there by around 10 and comes to Thirkannangudi only around 10-1030 AM and finishes the Uchchikala Poojai and leaves and returns only after 5.30 in the evening and stays till 7.30-8. On Saturdays and Sundays (and I am guessing most holidays) he comes only after 1130 AM.
Unfortunately we had to go to Thirukannapuram and Thalanchangadu after this, so had to give it a miss. I thought you should know this so that you can update it on your website.
Cheers,
Srini
Srinivasan Sir,
Thanks a lot for the updated information. It is very useful.
Regards,
Padhma
Dear Prabhu,
I have visited Thirukannangudi on Sunday, 1st Aug '10. As commented by Srinivasan the Bhattar has to come from Sikkal and he will come as per his wish. We went at 6:15 p.m. and waited for one hour for the Bhattar to come. Finaly the Bhattar arrived and he is very non-cooperative. We are unable to get his mobile no. Eventhough the mei-kavalar knows his number he also denied giving bhattar's no. I have taken the mobile no. of the cook. His name is Rangarajan Mobile: 9442861719. One can contact him before going to this place. Auto charged me Rs.80 for to and fro from Azhiyur to Thirukannankudi.
Hello Prabhu & Aravind,
With the grace of Lord Damodara Narayanan and help from the both of you I was able visit Thirukannangudi. The cook's phone number was especially useful.
Cheers,
Srini
Good to hear.
Thank You for your kind words
Prabhu
Hello friends,
I am vaidyanathan, a native of Tirukannangudi for four generations. On November 28th, 2010, I had been to my native place and visited the temple too. Yes, it is sad that once a temple with full of festivals during Vaikunta Ekadashi, Brahmotsavam in summer, today, the temple is like an orphan. This temple needs good marketing among the devotees and well wishers. The bhattar as mentioned came only at 11am. When the old Bhattar Late Sri. Santhanam Bhatter was alive, he used to describe the lord beautifully while doing aarthi and it used to be full of bhakthi and seva. To-day, it is missing. The only silver lining is the news that from December 5th, 2010, a new bhattar is joining and also given housing near the temple. May Lord Damodhara narayanan bless us all. You may also contact me for any assistance. i am in Mumbai. 9930889900. Thanks for visiting my native place. Vaidyanathan
Dear Sir,
I am just curious to know why a separate Bhattar can’t be appointed. Is it shortage of money or Bhattar or some other politics?
Thirukannangudi is my native but my grandfather and his entire family has migrated to Chennai by 1945. After that for some reason (only known to god) no one from my family has visited Thirukannangudi. Luckily I am joining a team for Chola Nadu deviya desam trip and I am very eager to visit my native.
Regards
Srivatsan
Dear Sir,
I am just curious to know why a separate Bhattar can’t be appointed. Is it shortage of money or Bhattar or some other politics?
Thirukannangudi is my native but my grandfather and his entire family has migrated to Chennai by 1945. After that for some reason (only known to god) no one from my family has visited Thirukannangudi. Luckily I am joining a team for Chola Nadu deviya desam trip and I am very eager to visit my native.
Regards
Srivatsan
Dear Mr. Srivatsan,
It is very heartening to learn that you are also from TK Gudi. May be your parents or elders in your family will know about us. We are known as Nagapatnathu Aiyer family Sri V.Krishnamurthy Iyer, Post master living in North madavilaigam just opposite to Swargha Vasal door.
I learnt that a permanant Bhattar is in place from 5th December 2010 with a house to him in south madavilagam near the temple tank. Hope he continues. To me it appears that not money or politics are the reason but the sheer absence of any traditional brahmin family in the village now. Besides, there is no developmental infrastructure to the village even today. The generation that you and I have grown up with are all gone for better prospects to many cities and abroad. The only known Iyer family in TK Gudi is now is that one of Late sri Venkataram Iyer's son Balu. He may also leave in about 4 - 5 months.
I am sure you will not be disappointed this time when you visit. But, please do inform some one in the village about your visit at least a day in advance so that you can have the dharshan well.
God bless
Vaidyanathan K
Dear Vaidyanathan Sir,
Many thanks for your reply and very happy to know that separate bhattar has been appointed.
I am sorry to use this forum for personal discussion. But just mention on our links to thirukanngudi. My Father (Late) Sowmianarayanan spent his early years there and think he studied upto 10 in and around TK. I also heard from my Chitappa that my grandfather T.K. Srinivasan had worked in revenue office as Land Surveyor and his father’s name was Krishnaswamy.
So let me know if you by any chance know about our family. My personal id is Srivatsan.s1@gmail.com
Thanks & Regards,
Srivatsan
9790974545
K Vaidyanathan,
That is terrific news. I hope the temple returns to its glory days as soon as possible. Even though I had the grace of the Lord, I was so sad to see Alankarapriyan Damodaranarayanan with minimal flower garlands. It still rankles me that I didn't buy large poo malais. Also, the utsavar thaayaar being the exact replica of the moolavar was so stunningly beautiful.
If the Lord calls me again to Thirukannangudi I will make sure I take at least 2-3 different types of poo malais for His decoration and I request whomever visiting the temple after reading this blog to do the same.
Does the new Bhattar have a contact number?
Thanks in advance,
Adiyen Ramanuja Dasan,
Srinivasan
Dear Devotees,
Few interesting things happening around Thirukannagudi.
1. A separate Bhattar appointed - Venkataraman. I have his No. will provide you.
2. I heard today from him that, Our CM Jayalalitha has sanctioned 50 lakhs for Samprokshana to be held in 2012. I am not sure about the details of this news, but really excited.
3. New Bhattar interested to perform Thailakapu.
4. It would be great if all the Thirukanngudi devotees and interested people can visit temple on one particular day and try to bring the glory back.
Regards
Thirukannagudi Srivatsan Sowmynarayanan
srivatsan.s1@gmail.com
Mobile - 9790974545
Hi,
I am will be visiting Thirukannangudi coming Sunday (25th Dec). Pls. le me knwo if any know any contact person or any informations.
Regards
Srivatsan
Dear All
It is very heartening to see all these interesting things happening in Thirukannangudi. We are also from the same place for several generations. My great great grandfather Mr.Thyagarajan Iyer and Great Fathers [Mr. Veeraswamy Iyer and Mr. Narayanaswamy Iyer] were popularly known as Kanakupillai. I have been trying to visit the place once a year for the past three years. I feel very blessed when i visit this temple. I am eagerly looking forward to be in touch with Thirukannangudi people who have history there .
Regards
Ranganathan
Hi All,
I have been in regular touch with the Trustee Mr. Sathyanarayanan, who is a very reliable and dedicated devotee at Thirukannangudi. His father and grandfather are to be trustee of this temple.
Recently (May-12) all urchavams went well and as each donors family was allotted with one day urchavam.
I am also happy to share that few devotee's from Chennai has contacted me to provide monthly donation for the basic temple activity like Flowers, oil, Garland and e.t.c.
Hope we sooner open a Trust and create a Bank account in Temple name so that all donations can be made directly. It would be of great help, If anyone can guide me in opening temple trust and formalities.
Adiyan
Srivatsan
Dear all, The Bhattar now available is Sri Prabhu. His contact No is 9943138591.One special thing he has informed me is that archana with VILVA leaves are performed every wednesday. Those who does it for 11 weeks have their wishes fulfilled.
Regards
N.Srinivasaraghavan
Dear All, the present Bhattar is Sri Prabhu
Ph; 9943138591
Dear all, New Bhattar Name is Sri Prabhu
contact No 9943138591
regards
SRinivasaraghavan
Prabhu bhattar is a great guy .the temple really needs help.please do something.....all of us must take up this responsibility.its in the hands of HR and CE.
what help is required?
Prabhu
It would be more appropriate if Prabhu bhattar tells you himself as that would avoid false propaganda.kindly contact him for the details.personally,I think it needs more publicity and visitors..maybe articles in journals,tv channels,magazines....
Dear All,
Thanks everyone for your esteemed interest in the Thirukannagudi Temple.
I have listed below most of the Upayams that we were able to arrange for the past 6 months with 4 donors from different locations. There are also few other upayams (not listed) been performed by other donors directly to Temple Trustee Sathyanarayanan(Trustee).
1. Daily 5 Thaligai performed and sathumurai done (Pongal, Curdrise, Dosai, Chakarai Pongal and Puliyodharai) – Monthly Upyam by 3 donnars
2. Oil for all Lamps – Monthly upyam by 1 donnar
3. Daily uthsawar malai (pushpam), Mily Morning and Night - kinchithkaram trust
4. Vastaram to all sannidhi perumal thayar (Utsavar and Moolavar) – 1 Donnar
5. Once a month, 4 adhyapaks (veda/prabhanda) temple to do vedaadyayanam -1 Donnar
6. Ghoshti Prabandham during Marghi and thurupavai chanting – 1 donnar
There are so many other basic formalities which were not been performed due to lack of funds and people/devotees. I post the other basic upayam in my next post.
We are also working out all options to form a temple Trust, Website.
Thanks and Regards
Srivatsan
Srivatsan.s1@gmail.com
If we all join hands, it would great opportunity to glorify a Divyadesam temple.
Thanks and Regards
Srivatsan
Srivatsan.s1@gmail.com
Dear all,
i went to temple last week (30.03.2013)and it was a divinely experience. Initially I was not able to catch the bhattar on his phone(9843138591).And around 2.oo pm i was able to get him over phone. After that i came to know that when he was inside the temple there was no tower and when he comes out only he gets tower and he was able to reply.those who wants to contact him can contact him from 2.00pm to 4.00 pm and at 10.00 pm to 12.00 pm so that he could arrange for darshan or other poojas
K.M.Sakthivel,Nathakkadaiyur
Dear friends,
As discussed with a few persons from this blog, with the will of the Lord, I have decided to move from Mumbai to Thirukkannagudi and settle down there. I am looking for a ancient styled house in agraharam and also some agri land (2-3 acres) closeby. After reading all the comments in this blog on the present condition of this great temple, I am interested to take up the renovation and restoration of the greatness of this divine place.
I seek your support in helping me find a suitable house closest to the temple. Request kind hearted persons who belong to this place or have contacts in this holy place to help me find a suitable house asap. I can be reached on kln_1970@yahoo.com or laks320@gmail.com and 0 9819001922.
May the Lord bless us all.
Kind regards,
Dasan,
K Lakshmi Narasimhan
Respected Lakshmi Narasimhan Sir,
It gives immerse pleasure for us to know your decision and plan. Somewhere I could see temple getting the glory…thanks for all your interests. I along with other volunteers assure you full support.
During September last week I am travelling to Temple and look out for all you requests.
Once again, I wish to thank you.
Warm Regards
Dasan
Srivatsan
Respected Lakshmi Narasimhan Sir,
It gives immerse pleasure for us to know your decision and plan. Somewhere I could see temple getting the glory…thanks for all your interests. I along with other volunteers assure you full support.
During September last week I am travelling to Temple and look out for all you requests.
Once again, I wish to thank you.
Warm Regards
Dasan
Srivatsan
Quote from Thirumangai azhwar history, this on the way bringing (?) the golden Buddha doll from Nagai to Srirangam, quote start' On the way, when they reached Thirukannangudi, it was already dawn and hence they had to hide the idol somewhere. They came across a field ready for ploughing and they hid the idol there. Next morning, when the owner farmer came to till the land, Thirumangai who was hiding behind a tree came running and stopped the ploughing stating that it was his land. He told the farmer that it was his land. He told the farmer that the related papers would be shown to him tomorrow and if he is unable to do so he could carrying on with ploughing and that he would not lay any claim, The farmer was perplexed and he went back to his house. Immediately, Thirumangai got the place dug up, took the idol and proceeded as before. He got the idol melted and with the sale proceeds to built the gopura and the wall.' Quote ends..
My grandmother is also from TK gudi. The reason I am replying here is my grandmother Gowriammal was Veeraswamy Iyer’s first daughter. She had a sister called Vedaammal and a brother Ranganathan. Hope this is connected.
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