Sri Oppiliappan Temple, Thirunageswaram: The Lord Without Salt

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• November 25, 2025
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Sthala Puranam: The Vow of Salt-Free Cuisine
The core legend revolves around the marriage of Lord Vishnu to Bhoomidevi (Goddess Earth), the adopted daughter of Markandeya Maharishi.
Markandeya’s Wish and the Old Brahmin

1. Bhoomi Devi’s Birth: Markandeya Maharishi, a great devotee of Shiva and Vishnu, wished for Bhoomidevi to be born as his daughter. His wish was granted when he found a two-year-old girl under a holy Thulasi plant (Thulasivanam) in the forest.
2. The Test: When the daughter grew up, Lord Vishnu appeared disguised as an aged Brahmin and sought her hand in marriage. Markandeya initially refused, explaining that his daughter was too young, both physically and mentally, and “did not even know how to cook food with the proper proportion of salt.”
3. The Revelation: The “Brahmin” refused to be convinced. Markandeya, pleading to the Lord in his heart, broke his trance to find the aged man replaced by Lord Mahavishnu himself, dressed beautifully and seeking Bhoomidevi’s hand.
   The Three Boons and Oppiliappan
   The marriage took place on the Sravana Natchatram day in the Tamil month of Aipasi, graced by Brahma and all celestials. Out of paternal concern, Markandeya asked the Lord for three boons:
4. The Salt Vow: “O Lord, you should take dishes without salt in this place. Yet, the dishes must taste wonderful to you and your devotees.”
5. Eternal Residence: “You must never leave my daughter alone; you have to stay with her forever.”
6. Naming the Place: “This place should be named after me (Markanteya Kshetram).”
   Since that day, the Lord strictly accepts no salt in any food offering, earning him the name Oppiliappan (literally, Uppu-illa-appan or Lord without Salt). This vow emphasizes that love and devotion are paramount over material perfection (like perfectly seasoned food).
   Thulasi Devi’s Significance
   The temple is also known as Thulasivanam (Forest of Thulasi). Thulasi Devi, who emerged during the churning of Thiruparkadal alongside Mahalakshmi, performed penance here to marry Narayana. While Mahalakshmi resides in His heart, Thulasi Devi was granted the unique place as a permanent garland around His neck, signifying her eternal importance
7. 🔱 Temple Deities and Divine Quintet (Pancha Appan)
8. • Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Oppiliappan (or Uppiliappan).
9. o Posture: Standing Position (Nindra Kolam).
10. o Direction: Facing East.
11. o Prathyaksham (Appeared to): Markandeya Maharishi, Lord Garuda, River Kaveri, and the Lord of Dharma.
12. • Thayaar (Consort): Bhoomidevi Naachiyaar (The Goddess who received the salt-free commitment).
13. • Vimanam (Tower): Vishnu Vimaanam (or Sudhanandha Vimaanam).
14. The Pancha Appan (Five Forms of the Lord)
15. Oppiliappan is worshipped in five different forms, symbolizing His pervasive presence:
16. Ponnappan (Golden Lord – Moolavar in Sannadhi)
17. Muthappan (Pearl Lord – Moolavar in Sannadhi)
18. Vinnagarappan (Lord of Heaven – Moolavar in Sannadhi)
19. Ennappan (My Lord – North of Moolavar Sannadhi, opposite Pushkarani)
20. Manniappan (Stable Lord – South of Moolavar Sannadhi, inside the flower garden)
    Glimpse of Moolavar Sannadhi
    The 8-foot-tall Moolavar is flanked by Bhoomidevi (kneeling, facing north) and Markandeya Maharishi (ready to perform Kanyakadhanam). His left hand bears the inscription “Maam Ekam Saranam Vrija,” a diamond-studded verse from the Bhagavad Gita urging complete surrender.
21. Unique Spiritual Values & Specials
22. • Brother of Thirupathi Lord: Oppiliappan is revered as the brother of Lord Srinivasa of Thirumala Thirupathi. Offerings made here are considered equivalent to those made at Thirupathi.
23. • Procession Vow: The Perumal never steps out for procession without Bhoomidevi to honor the vow he made to Markandeya Maharishi.
24. • Ahorathra Pushkarani: This holy tank is named “Ahorathra” (Unusual in Night) because it freed a Brahmin, Devasharma (cursed to be a bird), from his curse during the nighttime, demonstrating its unusual potency.
25. • Merits of Worship: Chanting “Thulasivanam” or performing Archana with a single Thulasi leaf is said to yield the virtue of an Ashwametha Yagna.

Plan Your Pilgrimage to Sri Oppiliappan Temple (Thennaga Thirupathi) – 04352463385 For further information, including pilgrimage arrangements, travel plans, or pricing details, please contact “Rengha Holidays and Tourism.” 9443004141 https://renghaholidays.com/