Thirukkannapuram – Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple: Sowrirajan and the Eight-Syllable Mantra

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• November 26, 2025
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📜 Sthala Puranam: The Lord of Many Graces
The Sowrirajan Legend (The Lord with the Hair)
The Utsavar here earned the name Sowrirajan (Sowri means hair) through a divine play:
• A priest (Ranga Bhattar) was accused by the King of misuse of temple flowers. To hastily cover his mistake, he offered the Lord a garland from the marketplace.
• When the King inspected and found a strand of human hair in the garland, the priest, in panic, claimed it was the Lord’s hair (Kudumi).
• To save His devotee, Lord Neelamega Perumal miraculously displayed a long, braided plait (Sowri) to the King, proving the priest’s false claim true. Henceforth, He is celebrated as Sowrirajan.
Ashtakshara Maha Mantram
Thirukkannapuram is a profound spiritual center known as “Srimathasthakshara Maha Manthira Siddhi Kshetram.”
• It is here that the Moolavar, Neelamega Perumal, directly performed Upadesam (sacred instruction) of the Tirumandiram, “Om Namo Narayana” (the eight-syllabled mantra) to Thirumangai Alvar. The Lord is believed to reside eternally in each of the eight syllables of this powerful mantra.
Divine Darshans and Offerings
• Vibhishana’s Walk: Since Vibhishana could not see Lord Ranganatha (who was reclining) walk, Neelamega Perumal granted him a special darshan of His beautiful walk on a New Moon day at this temple.
• Kanchi Connection: The Moolavar is shown with Varadha Hastham (boon-giving hand), similar to Kanchi Varadharaja Perumal, and Prayoga Chakaram (Chakram ready for use), similar to Srirangam Ranganathar, after destroying the demon Vikataksham.
• The Fisherfolk Princess: In a symbolic marriage, the Utsavar, Sowrirajan, married Padmavathi, a princess from the local fishing community (Bharathavar), who perform a special annual pooja here. This is reminiscent of the story of Shakunthala and Dushyantha, whose unison was aided by a fisherman (Bharathavar).
• Pongal Offering (Munitharam): In honor of the devotee Munnayatharayar, who mentally offered Pongal to the closed temple doors, a special Pongal named “Munitharam” is

🔱 Temple Deities & Pancha Krishna Glory
• Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Sri Neelamega Perumal (The Lord of the Blue Cloud).
o Posture: Standing Position (Nindra Kolam), facing East.
o Features: Varadha Hastham and Prayoga Chakaram.
o Prathyaksham (Appeared to): Kanva Maharishi, Thandaka Maharishi, and Garudan.
• Utsavar (Processional Deity): Sowriraja Perumal (in a posture seeking a hand for marriage).
• Thayaar (Consort): Kannapura Naayaki.
o Also Present: Periya Piraati, Sridevi, Aandal, and Padmini Thaayar.
• Vimanam (Temple Tower): Utpalaavataka Vimanam.
• Pushkarani (Holy Tank): Nithiya Pushkarani

✍️ Mangalasasanam & Alvar Praise
Thirukkannapuram is highly praised by the Alvars, with a total of 128 Paasurams:
• Thirumangai Alvar: A remarkable 104 Paasurams.
• Kulasekaralwar: 11 Paasurams.
• Nammalwar: 11 Paasurams.
• Periyalwar: 1 Paasuram.
• Aandal: 1 Paasuram.

Thirukkannapuram – Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple: Sowrirajan and the Eight-Syllable Mantra 063803 64997 For further information, including pilgrimage arrangements, travel plans, or pricing details, please contact “Rengha Holidays and Tourism.” 9443004141 https://renghaholidays.com/