Located about 10kms from Kumbakonam off Swami Malai on the Thiru Vaikavur Road are two ancient Divya Desams next to each other – Pullabhoothangudi that dates back to Ramayana – Jatayu Moksham and Adhanur that is said to pre-date Srirangam Ranganatha temple and one that finds a reference in the Brahmanda Purana.
Thirumangai and Lord Ranganatha
The story goes that Thirumangai was short on construction items and funds to complete the construction of the big walls of the Srirangam temple. He was asked to go to Adhanur for help. Once here, he found a business man coming towards him with an empty Marakkal (a measuring bowl) in his hand.
When asked why he was carrying an empty measuring bowl with him, the business man answered that he was a messenger of Lord Ranganatha and that he would get what he wanted if he held the empty bowl in his hand and recited thrice the name of his favourite Lord. Thirumangai agreed and asked for wages for all those working here. The business man laid a condition. For all those who worked sincerely here, the sand would turn to Gold. For those who were lazy and insincere, the sand would remain as is.
To Thirumangai’s shock, a majority of the sand that was measured with the empty bowl remained sand and did not turn to gold. Wondering who this person was, he gave him a chase (as the man had begun to leave). After a long chase, he found in front of him his very Lord providing him darshan with the Marakkal.
Lord Aandalakkum Aiyan is seen in an Anantha Sayanam posture with Marakkal on his right side, a writing pad made of leaf on his left and with a writing pen. Along side him are Brighu Rishi, Agni (Lord of Fire) and Kamadhenu
Brighu Rishi and Athanur Temple
Brighu Rishi, who made a trip to Vaikuntam, was given a flower garland by Goddess Lakshmi. Taking this to the abode of Indra, he handed it to him, who gave this to his elephant Iravathan.
Much to the Rishi’s ire, he found that the elephant crushed the garland under his feet. An angry rishi cursed Indra to lose all his wealth. Repenting for his unreasonable act and seeking liberation from the Rishi’s curse, Indra undertook penance at Aadanur. Indra was liberated from the curse when Goddess Lakshmi, who was born here as Bhargavi, Brighu Rishi’s daughter, married Lord Vishnu and provided darshan to him.
Brighu Rishi is believed to have installed the archa-vigraha.
Another story goes that Shiva, who had Brahmahathi Dosham, looked up to Agni to liberate him from the curse. However, he only managed to pass on this Dosham to Agni too who then undertook penance here and invoked the blessing of Vishnu to get liberated from this.
Kamadhenu’s penance- Special position inside the sanctum
Seeking presence in Vaikuntam, Kamadhenu undertook penance here at Aadhanur. Hence, one finds the archa-vigrahas of Kamadhenu and daughter Nandini at this Divya Desam.
Thirumangai Azhvaar’s Paasuram
Thirumangai Azhvaar’s only Paasuram found in the Periya Thirumadal refers to the Lord of Thiru Moozhikalam along side Aandalukku Aiyan.
Ennai Manamkavarntha Eesanai, Vaanavartham
Munnavanai Moozhikalathu Vilakkinai
Annavanai Aadhanur Aandalukku Aiyanai…
என்னை மனம்கவர்ந்த ஈசனை , வானவர்தம்
முன்னவனை மூழிகளது விளக்கினை
அன்னவனை ஆதனூர் ஆண்டாளுக்கு ஐயனை…
Special Pillars
Adanur is one of the only two divya desams (the other being Srirangam) where one finds the special Thirumana Pillar on either side of the Lord inside the sanctum.
Ahobila Mutt
The temple is under the administration of Ahobila Mutt.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Aandalakkum Aiyan East Facing Anantha Sayanam
Goddess : Kamalasini (Ranganayaki/Bhargavi) Thaayar
Utsavar : Ranganatha (Azhagiya Manavalan)
Azhvaar : Thiru Mangai Azhvaar (1Paasuram)
Temple Time : 730am-1230pm and 530pm-830pm
Priest : Seshadri Bhattachar @ 0435-2441025
Festivals
10 day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi
3 day Pavitrotsavam in Avani
Thiru Aadi Pooram- Andal Perumal Procession
Aadi and Thai Friday- Ranganayaki Thaayar procession
How to reach Adhanur ?
Auto from Sarangapani Koil and back to Kumbakonam is available
Buses available every half-an-hour from Kumbakonam and Swami Malai to Thiruvaikavur
