Basic information about the temple
| Moolavar: | Brihan Madhavan | Ambal / Thayar: | Sridevi, Bhoodevi |
| Deity: | Perumal | Historical name: | |
| Vriksham: | Teertham: | Tambraparani, Karkotaka Teertham | |
| Agamam: | Age (years): | Timing: | to & to | Parikaram: |
| Temple group: | – | ||
| Sung by: | Temple set: | ||
| Navagraham: | Nakshatram: | ||
| City / town: | Kodaganallur | District: | Tirunelveli |
| Maps from (click): | Current location | Tirunelveli (17 km) | Nagercoil (75 km) |
| Thoothukudi (79 km) | Kanyakumari (84 km) |
Location
Kodaganallur is located 22km from Tirunelveli, close to Cheran Madevi.
Sthala puranam and temple information
Situated on the banks of river Tambraparani, this temple also known as Periapiran temple is dedicated to Vishnu.
One of the stories in the Mahabharatam involves Nala the king, who was in exile in disguise. During a forest fire, Nala saved Karkotaka, the naga. In the process, Karkotaka bit Nala, and was afflicted by various sins for having been such an ingrate – these also prevented him from learning the Brahma Gnanam. Kakotaka performed penance and Vishnu blessed him here. As a result, Agastyar took Karkotaka on as a student and imparted the knowledge to the naga. With his powers back, Karkotaka also gifted Nala a robe, upon wearing which, Nala’s handsomeness returned to him.
Over time, the place took the name Karkotaka Nallur, which corrupted to Kodaganallur. Due to the connection with Karkotaka the naga, this is a sarpa dosha nivritti sthalam.
The temple is popular for the special pooja conducted to Garuda for clearing all ill effects of poisonous snake bites. Lord Garuda is seen here with a pot carrying the nectar.
The temple has several inscriptions, and some of these are dated to the 12th and 13th century Pandya period. These indicate that the place used to be called Kodanur (possibly a variation derived from Karkotakan’s name) and also Chaturvedi Mangalam (indicating this was a residential area allocated for brahmins, in that time). The many contributions of the Pandya kings Kulasekara Pandyan and Maravarman Sundara Pandyan are also mentioned.
Other information for your visit
Very close to this temple is the Kodaganallur Kailasanathar Nava Kailasam temple, as well as the small but beautiful west-facing Abhimukteeswarar temple, both on the banks of the Tambraparani.
Contact
Gallery
TN Temples Project 