Purushottamar,
Alarmel Mangai Thaayar, Garuda and Adisesha are all
carved out of a single stone
7 hooded Adisesha seen atop Purushottamar too has a conch and chakra
Located
on the Northern Banks of Tamaraibarani in Ambasamudram is an over 1000years old
one of its kind Vishnu temple dedicated to Lord Purushottamar, with unique
features. Till a couple of centuries ago, the temple was in a prosperous state
with grand festive celebrations being a regular feature round the year.
In
centuries gone by, Rajagopalaswamy of Kulasekara Azhwar Temple in Mannar Koil (about
6kms North West) used to visit Purushottamar Temple every year on the occasion
of Chitra Pournami for Theerthavari festival.
During
the ten day festival culminating on the Chitra Pournami day, the festivities
included daily processions on Garuda Vahana, Vedic and Prabhandham recitals. Floods
in the Tamaraibaranai had the people of Ambasamudram moving North into the
bustling town that exists now leaving the temple in the midst of a lot of greenery
but a little away from the heart of
Ambai town and in a state of neglect. Thirupalli Yezhuchi took place early
morning on all days of Margazhi but that too has been off now.
Unique Feature
The
moolavar idol of Purushottamar is unique and the features seen here are not
found in any other Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu.
Armed
with eight hands, Ashtabhuja Lord Purushottamar is in a sitting posture on the
Padma Peedam with his right leg placed on the right shoulder of Garuda, thus
providing a daily Garuda Sevai to devotees. Lord Purushottamar is seen with a
conch, chakra, bow, arrow, kedayam with Alarmel Mangai Thaayar, who is seen
holding a Lotus flower in her left hand, sitting on his left lap. Interestingly,
the 7 hooded Adisesha seen atop Purushottamar, too has a conch and chakra. Adisesha
too has a conch and chakra
Purushottamar,
Alarmel Mangai Thaayar, Garuda, Adisesha, Padma Peedam and Lotus Flower are all
carved out of a single stone. The style of the necklace carving seen on
Purushottamar’s chest indicates that this temple could be at least 1200years
old.
Another
special feature at the temple is the three-tier Indira Vimana with Dasavathara
carvings on the first, sculptures of Indira, Rudra, Brahmma and Hayagriva on
the second and Kalasam on the third.
Sacred Water
The
story goes that a rishi used to walk a long distance to bring water for the
Lord. One day, with the rishi not being to travel due to ill health, Lord
Purushottamar is believed to have created the Pongi Karai Theertham, South West
of the temple, now seen on the other side of the railway line.
Quick
Facts
Moolavar : Ashtabhuja Purushottamar with
7hooded Adisesha atop him
Goddess : Alarmel Mangai Thaayar seen on Lord’s left
lap
Time : 7am-11am and 5pm-7pm
Contact : Varadan Bhattar @ 94429 64728/ Purushottamar
@ 95786 46287
How
to reach
The
temple is located 2kms South of the Ambasamudram bus stand, 100yards North off the railway line. Auto from Ambai bus
stand will cost Rs. 50. Direct trains to Ambasamudram from Tirunelveli. Buses
ply every 15minutes from Tirunelveli.
