Thirukkudanthai – Sri Sarangapani Perumal Temple: The Lord of the Rising Posture

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• November 26, 2025
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📜 Sthala Puranam: Creation, Love, and Devotion
The Kumbakonam Pralaya Legend
The town of Kudanthai (Kumbakonam) gets its name from a central creation myth:
• During the Maha Pralaya (great flood), Lord Brahma stored the Vedas, Amirtham (nectar of immortality), and seeds of creation in a Mud Pot (Kumbam).
• The pot floated south and came to rest here. Lord Shiva, by striking the pot with an arrow, caused the Amirtham to flow out, forming two sacred tanks: Maha Maga Kulam and Potramarai Kulam (Hema Pushkarani).
• The remains of the pot and Amirtham coalesced to form the Shiva Linga of the neighboring Kumbeswarar Temple.4
The Lord’s Marriage and Unique Posture
The temple’s primary legend explains the relationship between the Lord and His consort, Komalavalli Thaayar (Mahalakshmi):
• Bhrigu’s Kick: When Bhrigu Maharishi tested the Trinity, he disrespected Lord Vishnu by kicking His chest (the abode of Lakshmi).5 Annoyed, Mahalakshmi left Vaikuntam and resided at Kollapuram.
• Lord’s Search: Lord Narayana searched for her. To soothe her anger (after she learned He married Padmavathi as Srinivasa at Thirupati), He came to Kumbakonam.
• Komalavalli’s Birth: Mahalakshmi was born as a small child in the Potramarai Kulam and was raised by Hema Maharishi (the reborn Bhrigu, seeking atonement).
• The Wedding: Lord Mahavishnu emerged from the Vaideha Vimanam (contained within the Pranava Vimanam of Srirangam) in a magnificent chariot and married Komalavalli.
• Utthanasayi Posture: To soothe Komalavalli, who was still slightly annoyed with the standing Srinivasa form, the Lord adopted a sleeping posture, similar to Ranganatha. However, when Thirumizhisai Alvar requested Him to rise, the Lord lifted His head and started to get up. The Alvar stopped Him, asking Him to remain in this position to bless all devotees. This unique pose is called Udhyoga Sayanam or Utthanasayi (posture of rising).
• The Saranga Bow: He is called Sarangapani because he holds the Saranga Bow (Sri Rama’s bow, a symbol of commitment to one wife) to reassure Komalavalli of His unwavering devotion.
Padi Thanda Pathini: The Goddess Komalavalli Thaayar vowed never to leave her husband after her separation. Hence, even today, she never leaves her chamber during processions, earning the name “Padi Thanda Pathini” (The wife who never crosses the threshold).
The Revival of Divya Prabandham
This temple played a pivotal role in the revival of the 4000 Divya Prabandham (Alvar hymns).6Naadhamunigal, upon hearing the phrase “Aara Amudhey” (O insatiable nectar) here, was inspired to trace the full collection of hymns written by Nammalvar, linking this site, Alwar Thirunagari, and Kaatu Mannar Kovil.

🔱 Temple Deities & Pancha Ranga Glory
• Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Sri Sarangapani (also called Aara Amudhan, Utthanasayi).
o Posture: Udhyoga Sayanam (Posturing as though rising from sleep, head raised).
o Prathyaksham (Appeared to): Hema Maharishi.
• Thayaar (Consort): Sri Komalavalli Thayar (Padi Thanda Pathini).8 She has a separate shrine.
• Vimanam (Temple Tower): Vaidega Vimaanam.
• Pushkarani (Holy Waters): Hema Pushkarani (Potramarai Kulam), Cauvery Nadhi, and Arasalaaru.
Unique Architectural Feature
The main Garbhagriham has two entrances: Uthrayana Vaasal (for the Sun’s northern orbit) and Dakshinayana Vaasal (for the Sun’s southern orbit), reflecting the cosmic significance of the Lord’s presence.

📞 Plan Your Pilgrimage to Thirukkudanthai – Sri Sarangapani Perumal Temple – 91 435 2427274

For further information, including pilgrimage arrangements, travel plans, or pricing details, please contact “Rengha Holidays and Tourism.” 9443004141 https://renghaholidays.com/