Thirukoshtiyur: The Sacred Abode Where Ramanuja Shared the Divine Mantra

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• November 27, 2025
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📍 Location and Nearby Attractions
• Location: Situated approximately 10 KM from Thirupathur, near Pudukottai.
• Nearby Temple: The famous Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is a familiar landmark close to this Divyadesam.
🕉️ Key Deities and Temple Facts
This is the birthplace of Thirukostiyur Nambi, Ramanuja’s revered teacher, and holds the distinction of being the second Divyadesam featuring the rare Ashtanga Vimanam (the first being Thirukoodal Divyadesam in Madurai).
Detail Description
Moolavar (Main Deity) Sree Ranganatha Swamy (Sowmya Narayana Perumal)
Posture Reclining (Bhujanga Sayanam) on Adisheshan, facing South (a rare direction for a main deity).
Thayar (Consort) Sree Ranganayagi Thayar
Utsavar (Procession Deity) Namperumal
Vimanam (Tower over Sanctum) Pranavakruthi Vimanam (Also known as the Three-Tiered Ashtanga Vimanam)
Theertham (Holy Tank) Chandra Pushkarini
Vriksham (Holy Tree) Punnai (Punnai Maram)
✨ The Glory of the Three-Tiered Ashtanga Vimanam
The temple’s unique three-tiered Ashtanga Vimanam symbolizes the three components of the Thirumandhiram: Om, Namo, and Narayana. It houses the Lord in three different postures:

1. Ground Level: Sanctum for Lord Shiva.
2. First Tier: Lord Uraga Mellanaiyaan (Sheerabdhi Nathan) in a Sleeping Posture (The form requested by Kadamba Maharishi).
3. Second Tier: Lord Upendra Narayana in a Standing Posture.
4. Third Tier: Lord Paramapadha Nathan in a Sitting Posture.
   This Vimanam is a powerful structure that even brought down Pururavan, the son of Budhan, when he flew over it, compelling him to worship the Lord here.
   🙏 The Story of Ramanuja and the Thirumandhiram
   Thirukostiyur is eternally etched in Vaishnavite history for this profound event:
   • The Vow and the 18 Visits: Ramanuja journeyed from Srirangam 18 times to seek the sacred Thiru Narayana Mandhiram from his Guru, Thirukostiyur Nambi. On the 18th visit, Nambi agreed, but extracted a solemn promise: Ramanuja must never share the mantra with anyone, lest he fall into hell.
   • The Ultimate Sacrifice: Immediately after learning the mantra, Ramanuja ascended to the third tier of the Vimanam, gathered the public, and loudly recited the Thirumandhiram for all to hear.
   • The Guru’s Praise: When questioned by Nambi about breaking the vow, Ramanuja replied that though he alone would go to hell, countless others would attain Moksham (salvation) by hearing the mantra. Deeply moved by Ramanuja’s compassion, Nambi embraced him and declared: “Nee Em Perumaal Aanar” (You Became My Lord). This is how Ramanuja earned the revered name, Emberumaanaar.
   📖 The Legend of Hiranya Vatham (Narasimha’s Victory)
   The Devas, frustrated by the tyranny of the demon Hiranyakashipu (who had an invincible boon from Brahma), searched for a place where Lord Narayana’s name was still chanted. They found it only at Kadamba Rishi’s Ashram here, who was already worshipping the Lord.
   • The Holy Assembly (Ghosti): Lord Vishnu, along with Shiva and Brahma, convened a Ghosti (group/assembly) here to plan the demon’s demise, which is how the place got its name: Koshtiyur (later Thirukostiyur).
   • The Outcome: The Lord asked Sanghu Karnan to be born as Prahalada, Hiranyakashipu’s pious son, leading to the ultimate Hiranya Vatham (killing of the demon) by Lord Narasimha. The Vimanam’s towers depict the powerful scenes of Narasimha catching and slaying Hiranya.
   🌟 Religious Significance and Beliefs
   • Azhwars’ Praise: The Lord here has been praised by five great Azhwars—Periyalwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Peyazhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, and Bhoothath Azhwar—in a total of 40 Pasurams.
   • Periyalwar’s Vision: On a Krishna Jayanthi day, Periyalwar saw the festive atmosphere and the people’s joy and visualized Thirukostiyur as ‘Aayarpadi’ (the village where Krishna grew up).
   • Removal of Sins: The name itself is said to denote the removal of sins: Thiruku (Sin) + Otiyur (Removed).
   • Moksha Equivalent: It is strongly believed that visiting Thirukostiyur bestows the spiritual benefits equivalent to:
   o Visiting the Naimisaranyam Divya Desam.
   o Bathing in the holy River Ganges.
   o A holy visit to the Gurukshetram.
   This temple is a must-visit, not just for its architectural rarity but for the profound message of universal compassion delivered by Ramanuja from its sacred spire.

Thirukoshtiyur: The Sacred Abode Where Ramanuja Shared the Divine Mantra 0435 – 2454421

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