Koviladi Appakudathan Renovation

This Pancha Ranga Kshetram is looking for funds for renovation

Utren, Uganthu Pani Seithu Un Paadham Petren 

Eethey Inmai Venduvathu Enthaai

Katraar Maraivaanargal Vaazh Thiruperaarku

Atraar Adiyaar Thamakku Allal Nillaavey

                                                  - Thiruvoimozhi Paasuram on Thirupernagar

It was on the Lord of Thirupernagar that Nam Azhvaar dedicated the last of his Divya Prabhandham verses before attaining the feet of the Lord and hence the credit for ‘NamAzhvaar Moksham’ goes to this Lord.

 

A Pancha Ranga Kshetram, the Appala Ranganatha Divya Desam at Koviladi (Azhvaars in their Paasurams refer to this place as Thirupernagar) is located on a mound right on the banks of Cauvery 25kms from Trichy /Srirangam and 6kms East of Kallanai. One has to climb 21steps to reach the sanctum.

Four of the Azhvaars (Thirumangai, Thirumazhisai, Peri Azhvaar and NamAzhvaar) have showered 33 verses of praise on Appaala Rangan of Thirupernagar. As seen from the above verse of Nam Azhvaar, Thirupernagar was once home to great Vedic scholars and one where there was non-stop Vedic Chanting.

Inscription on the Northern wall of the temple that dates back several centuries indicate that there were donations made towards construction of a Maha Mandapam.

The name Koviladi

Legend has it that Appaala Ranganatha was the one who led the way and measured the steps to Srirangam (Ranganatha) and hence the name ‘Kovil - Adi’ (Srirangam is referred to as the ‘Kovil’ among Divya Desams and Adi means ‘Step’) and hence the belief is that Koviladi dates back to a period prior to the Srirangam temple. 

 

A divya desam with such a rich history has been in bad shape in recent times. Moolavar Appa Kudathan seen in a grand Bhujanga Sayana Posture facing West has been resting amidst broken temple walls, cracked temple tower and almost a collapsing Madapalli (cooking area)!! The good news is that the temple authorities have finally decided to renovate the temple. 

The Story of the Lord eating Appam 

King Uparisiravasu, while on a hunting expedition, accidentally killed a Brahmin, mistaking him for an animal. Cursed by Sage Durvasa, the King lost all his powers. To get himself liberated from the curse, he was asked to feed one lakh Brahmins. While he was undertaking this process, Lord Narayana, disguised as an old hungry Brahmin, visited the king here at Thirupernagar. Taking the opportunity to feed another Brahmin, the king took special care of his guest. But to his dismay, the old Brahmin consumed all the food that had been prepared that day. 

Not satisfied with what he had just consumed, the disguised Lord asked the king to feed him a pot (Kudam) of ‘Appam’ (a sweet rice cake delicacy). The moment he consumed the pot of ‘Appam’, the King was liberated from his curse and regained his lost powers. 

 

Being the one who consumed a pot of this sweet delicacy, the Lord here is called ‘Appa Kudathan’. To this day, one finds the ‘Appam’ ‘Kudam’ to the right of the Sleeping Lord inside the sanctum. This is the only Divya Desam where Appam is offered daily to the Lord. 

Pancha Ranga Kshetram

Another significance of the Appala Rangam Divya Desam is that this is a Pancha ‘Rangam’ Kshetram – said to be the most sacred of Ranganatha temples. The other four of the Pancha Ranga temples are Aathi Rangam (Srirangapatna), Madhya/Kasturi Rangam (Srirangam), Chathurthara / Saarangam (Thiru Kudanthai) and Anthima/Parimala Rangam (Thiru Indhalur).

 

Appala Rangan lures Thirumangai 

Thirumangai Azhvaar was so enticed by the Lord at Thirupernagar that he continued to be reminded of  Appaala Rangan even after he left Koviladi and moved on to Thiruvellarai (a Divya Desam on the Northern side of Coloroon) as can be seen from this verse in Periya Thirumozhi: 

 

“Thulakkamil Sudarai, Avunan Udal Pilakkum Mainthanai

Peril Vanangippoi Alappilaar Amuthai, 

Amararku Arul Vilakkinai Sendru

Vellarai Kaandumey” 

Festivals

The 13 day Brahmotsavam in Panguni, Kaisika Dwadasi in Karthigai, Theertha Vari at the Cauvery on the Maasi Magam and NamAzhvaar Moksham during Era Pathu in Margazhi are special occasions at this temple. 

Those interested in contributing to the renovation of this ancient Divya Desam can contact: 94431 83618 / 97150 37810 / 99524 68956. 

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Appa Kudathan West Facing Bhujanga Sayanam 

Utsavar            : Appaala Rangan

Goddess           : Indira Devi / Kamalavalli

Temple Time   : 730am-1pm and 430pm-8pm

 

How to reach Koviladi: 

 One can reach Koviladi by taking Trichy- Kallanai - Thirukattupalli route. Buses ply every half hour from Trichy Central bus stand and Chathiram Bus Stand. Taxi from Srirangam/Trichy to Koviladi and back will cost Rs.350-400.

Highlights of Koviladi Divya Desam

One of the Sacred Pancha Ranga Kshetram

Nam Azhvaar Moksham is credited to the Thirupernagar Lord

Only Divya Desam where Appam is given to the Lord every day

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/restoring-the-glory-of-a-temple/article791537.ece