Thirupper Nagar – Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple, Trichy: The Divine Abode of Appala Ranganathan

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• November 26, 2025
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📜 Sthala Puranam: The Legend of “Appakkudathaan”
The name of the town, Thirupper Nagar, originates from the Lord’s vow: he declared that he would “never move out” (Peyarthal means getting out) from the hearts of his devotees or from this sacred spot.
The Story of Appam and the Rishi
The temple’s distinctive name, Appakkudathaan (Appala Ranganathan), is linked to a beautiful incident involving Rishi Ubamanyu (a devotee of Lord Shiva) and Parasarar.
• The Boon: As mentioned in the Siva Puranam, when the young Rishi Ubamanyu cried out of hunger, Lord Shiva gave him the Ocean of Milk (Thirupparkadal). This temple, however, provides a key Vaishnava perspective on this event.
• Vishnu’s Assistance: To ensure the complete fulfilment of the blessing, Sriman Narayanan (Lord Vishnu) offered his assistance to Lord Shiva.
• The Seva: The presiding deity, Ranganathan, is seen in a reclining posture (Kidantha Thirukkolam), known as Aranga Varadhan.
o His right hand is uniquely positioned as if offering a boon (or a gift, the Appam) to Rishi Ubamanyu.
o He is offering Appam (a sweet, delicious dish) kept inside a Kudam (small vessel) full of milk.
o He is depicted hugging the Rishi with his right hand while making this offering.
• The Name: Due to this act of benevolence—giving Appam in a Kudam—the Lord is eternally hailed as Appakkudathaan and Appala Ranganathan.
A Message of Unity

💖 Alwar Mangalasasanam (Hymns)
The temple’s glory is extensively sung by the Alwars, making it a highly significant Divya Desam.
• Nammalwar: 11 Paasurams in Thiruvaimozhi.
o Nammalwar compared this temple’s Lord to Thirumalai (Thirumaliruncholai) and famously sang, “Aara Vayitrinai Adangap Pidithen” (I have held fast to the one with the insatiable stomach), referring to the Lord’s continuous satisfaction and his reluctance to leave Thirupper Nagar.
o This Sthalam is also believed to be the spot from which Nammalwar began his journey to Vaikuntham (Paramapadham).
• Thirumangai Alwar: 19 Paasurams.
• Periyalwar: 2 Paasurams.
• Thirumizhisai Alwar: 1 Paasuram.
• Total Mangalasasanam: 33 Paasurams

Plan Your Pilgrimage to Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple! – 99524 68956 For further information, including pilgrimage arrangements, travel plans, or pricing details, please contact “Rengha Holidays and Tourism.” 9443004141 https://renghaholidays.com/