The sheen of antiquity

The samprokshanam at Annan Perumal Koil near Sirkazhi was performed earlier this month in a grand manner, with

close to 100 Vedic pundits, archakas and prabhandham

scholars making it from across the State to participate in the celebrations. Their strong presence was particularly

significant for in the Periya Thirumozhi verses,

Thirumangai Azhwar refers to the vibrancy of this

prosperous town emanating from the constant vedic

chanting. He has also sung the praise of this temple. In

each of the verses, he refers to the ‘Thiru Vellakulam,’

describing the sacred tank, where he found blooming

red lotuses and one that he says was surrounded by rich

orchards, fertile fields and gardens. As per the legend,

Swethan, son of King Dhundhu Maran of the Surya dynasty, who was destined to die at the tender age of nine undertook penance here to increase his life span.

Pleased with his prayers, the Lord appeared before

him as Srinivasa at the sacred tank and fulfilled his wishes. Hence this is believed to be a prarthanasthalam for liberation from ‘untimely’ death. Mruthyunjaya homam is a

speciality at this temple. It was also here that

Kumudavalli was born (she later married Thirumangai Azhwar). The tank thus praised, and with a rich legend, has been completely refurbished at a cost of Rs. 22 lakhs. (Also check the link: www.thehindu.com/.../ friday-review/...annankoil.../ article7507386.ece) It has new compound walls on all the four sides and a new 16-pillar mandapa has been built in the middle of the tank. Theppotsavam that will come up in a few months, during Purattasi, will be celebrated in a grand manner this year.

The Madapalli that had been in a dilapidated condition has been reconstructed. The huge walls of the temple have

been renovated with the height slightly raised on all

the four sides. The three-tier Rajagopuram on the

Eastern side has got a fresh coat of paint. The temple

complex now has a modern wiring system.

The vahana mandapa that houses all the vahanas has

also been renovated. All the vahanas that carry the Lord during the Brahmotsavam have been repaired.

Annan Perumal Koil is the only Divya Desam in this region to have the vahana processions both morning and evening

during Brahmotsavam. Annan Perumal Koil is one of the 13 Divya Desams in and around Thiru Nangur and is about 10km

from Sirkazhi off the Nagapattinam Highway near Melasalai.

The temple is open between 8 a.m.-11.30a.m. and 5.30 p.m.- 8.30 p.m.