Kazheesirama Vinnagaram


Kazheesirama Vinnagaram or Tadalan Kovil or Tiruvikrama Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Sirkazhi in Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars. The temple follows thenkalai mode of worship.

Legend

The temple finds mention in Brahmanda Purana as Patalika Vanam and Uttama Kshetram. As per Hindu legend, Brahma boasted about his long life. A sage called Romas wanted to suppress Brahma's thought and he did severe penance at this place. Vishnu was pleased by his devotion, and Vishnu appeared before him. On further request from the sage, Vishnu appeared again as Trivikrama. He gave a boon to the sage that he would get a life longer than that of Brahma and blessed that with each falling hair of the sage, Brahma would lose one year.

Temple History

The temple is located in the holy town of Sirkazhi in Mayiladuthurai district. Thirumangai Azhvar was initiated by Saiva Kuravar Sambandar to praise the Almighty through Pasurams. The God in the temple is praised as Mann alantha Tadalan meaning the one who measured the land. The name Tadalan is in honour of Tiruvikrama form and the moolavar fixed in the central shrine is in this form. The presiding deity, Tiruvikrama, appeared for sage Ashtakoma.

Religious importance

This place is believed to be where sage Vishvamitra conducted his Yagna and came to be known as Sidhasrama. The place was in ruins during a time and an old lady is believed to have placed the idol in a pot of rice. When Thirumangai Alvar came to the place, the lady handed over the idol to him and Thirumangai is believed to have constructed the temple. V. V. S. Aiyar quotes that the 610th Tirukkural mentions about the temple. It is also the place where Thirumangai Azhwar after coming back from North India defeated Thirugnana Sambandar in debate.