Trivikrama Perumal, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Trivikrama Perumal	Ambal / Thayar:	Lokanayaki
Deity:	Perumal	Historical name:	Patalikavanam; Tirukazhiseera Vinnagaram
Vriksham:	Pala	Teertham:	Sangu, Chakra Teerthams
Agamam:	Vaikhanasa	Age (years):	500-1000
Timing:	7.30 to 11.30 & 4.30 to 8	Parikaram:	Childbirth
Temple group:	Divya Desam	–
Sung by:		Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Sirkazhi	District:	Nagapattinam
Maps from (click):	Current location	Mayiladuthurai (24 km)	Kumbakonam (61 km)
	Tiruvarur (66 km)	Nagapattinam (68 km)

Location

The temple is located inside the town of Sirkazhi.

Sthala puranam and temple information

This temple’s puranam is referred to in the Brahmanda Puranam. Sage Romaharshana is considered to have been very hirsute, which is what gave him his name (roma=hair). Once, Brahma became very proud of his age and longevity. The sage wanted Brahma to keep his pride in check, and so he worshipped Lord Vishnu – covering the entire world by hopping on one leg. Pleased, Vishnu appeared to him and gave him a boon that for every hair that is shed from Romaharshana’s body, Brahma would lose one year of his remaining life. This struck fear in Brahma, who was then able to control his pride. Devotees believe that worshipping this temple reduces one’s ego.

Vishnu here is seen as Trivikrama Perumal. In the Vamana Avataram, Vamana asked King Mahabali for three steps of land, and then increased his size, thereby covering the heavens with one step and the earth with the second. At this temple, Vishnu is shown with His left leg up – about to conquer the earth – and almost questioning with his left forefinger, as to where to keep His third step. Thayar is seen holding the Lord on her chest so that he does not feel the discomfort of standing on one leg. (In contrast, Trivikrama Perumal at Tirukovilur is seen with His right leg up.)

The Lord here is also called Thalalan (or Thadalan; thal=foot, aal=ruling). According to one legend, at a time when the temple was not being maintained properly, an old lady kept the idol of Thalalan in a pot of husk. Tirumangaiazhvar once had a song debate with Sambandar, the Saivite saint (Sirkazhi is the Nayanmar’s avatara sthalam). In order to have a deity with him during the debate, Tirumangaiazhvar called out to Perumal through a song on the Dasavataram, upon which the Lord came out of the pot and sat next to Azhvar. Azhvar won the debate and sang a pasuram praising the Lord here.

There are six places that are called Vinnagaram, referring to Vishnu Nagaram or the eternal space. These are: Tiruvinnagaram (Oppiliappan Koil), Nandipura Vinnagaram (Nathan Koil), Arimeya Vinnagaram (Kudamadu Koothan temple in Nangur), Vaikunta Vinnagaram (Vaikuntanathar temple in Nangur) Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram).

The old name of the place is Kazhi Seerama Vinnagaram, indicating this is a Vinnagaram (Vaikuntam) of Rama. This is because Rama is said to have come here, and this temple is connected with Siddhashramam, where Rama and Lakshmana fought Tataka in the Ramayanam, to protect the yagam of sage Viswamitra. There is a separate shrine in this temple for Kodandaramar. Siddhashramam is also said to be Vamana’s ashram. In the past, has had various names, including Patalika Vanam, Uttama Kshetram and Chola Simhapuram.