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๐ Lord Vishnu | ๐ Thiruchirupuliyur, Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu
Thiruchirupuliyur Sri Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple (also known as Kripasamudra Perumal Temple or Sthalasayana Perumal Temple) is a sacred Hindu shrine and one of the 108 Divya Desams praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Azhwar. The temple is located near Kollumangudi in the Tiruvarur district of the Cauvery delta region. A unique theological and architectural aspect of this temple is that it is one of only two Divya Desams where Lord Vishnu is enshrined in a reclining posture (Bhujanga Sayanam) facing south, the other prominent one being Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. The presiding deity, Lord Arulmaakadal Amudhan, rests on the multi-hooded divine serpent Adisesha, but unlike the gigantic reclining murti in Srirangam, He reclines here in a distinctly diminutive form celebrated as 'Bala Sayanam' (child-like reclining posture). According to temple tradition, the sage Vyaghrapada (the sage blessed with tiger claws and paws) and sage Patanjali were directed by Lord Shiva to proceed to Srirangam to seek moksha from Lord Vishnu. Because of extreme old age and failing eyesight, the sages mistakenly traveled southward and arrived at this sacred spot. Moved by their sincere penance, Lord Vishnu appeared before them. When the frail sages were unable to fully perceive His massive cosmic form, the Lord compassionately condensed His divine manifestation into a compact, youthful reclining form. The name Thiruchirupuliyur derives from 'Thiru' (holy), 'Chiru' (small, referring to the compact Bala Sayanam), and 'Puli' (tiger, referring to Sage Vyaghrapada). Another unique tradition records a cosmic dispute between Garuda and Adisesha regarding superiority in divine service; when Lord Vishnu favored Adisesha's humble devotion and gave him shelter beneath His reclining form, Garuda accepted defeat and vowed not to fly above this holy precinct. Consequently, this temple is venerated as a powerful parihara sthalam for Naga Dosha and Kala Sarpa Dosha.
The history of Thiruchirupuliyur Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple combines centuries-old devotional literature with distinct architectural phases of Tamil Nadu. The earliest direct historical and literary evidence of the temple is found in the Tamil Vaishnavite canon, Nalayira Divya Prabandham, composed between the 7th and 9th centuries CE. Thirumangai Azhwar visited the shrine and dedicated ten pasurams (hymns) in his Periya Thirumozhi celebrating the ocean-like mercy of Lord Arulmaakadal. Azhwar literature traditionally records that upon witnessing the small size of the Lord compared to other grand shrines, Thirumangai Azhwar was momentarily surprised, whereupon the Lord pacified him and guided him onward to nearby Thirukannapuram to witness His majestic standing form. Architecturally, the temple was constructed and patronized under the Medieval Chola dynasty, who established stone sanctums across the Thanjavur and Cauvery delta realms between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. Subsequent structural additions, pillared halls (ardhamandapam and snapana mandapam), and the outer perimeter wall (madil) were renovated and sustained during the Vijayanagara Empire and Thanjavur Nayaka rule. The temple compound features a granite boundary wall, an east-facing four-tiered Rajagopuram, the sacred Manasa Pushkarini (Anantha Theertham), and the sanctum vimanam titled Nandhavardhana Vimanam. Within the garbhagriha, stone carvings representing Sage Vyaghrapada and Sage Kanva are placed reverently at the feet of the reclining Lord. In modern times, the temple has undergone several periodic consecrations (Maha Samprokshanam) and is administered and maintained under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
According to devout belief, since Lord Vishnu personally provided asylum to Adisesha at this shrine, praying to the Lord and Adisesha here removes sarpa doshas and planetary afflictions caused by Rahu and Ketu.
Devotees traditionally worship the child-like reclining form of Bala Sayana Perumal and the sacred Manasa Pushkarini to pray for progeny and the well-being of newborn children.
Traditional puranic lore emphasizes that pride was conquered here when Garuda yielded to humble devotion, symbolizing spiritual grace for those seeking to overcome ego and relationship disharmony.
Devotional belief holds that just as Lord Vishnu accommodated the aged sages who suffered from failing eyesight, He relieves devotees suffering from physical ailments and visual afflictions.
Revered as an 'ocean of compassion' (Kripasamudra / Arulmaakadal), the Lord is believed to bestow liberation from past karmic burdens and grant ultimate spiritual peace to sincere seekers.
Special propitiatory worship and milk abhishekam performed at the sub-shrine of Adisesha (Ananthalwar) for relief from serpent curses and planetary afflictions.
Sacred ablution conducted for Sri Kripasamudra Perumal and Sri Dayanayaki Thayar on auspicious occasions such as Ekadasi, Shravanam, and monthly birth stars.
Chanting of the thousand divine names of Lord Vishnu with tulasi leaves offered at the lotus feet of the presiding deity for health and family prosperity.
No festivals available.
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Stays near Thiruchirupuliyur Arulmakadal Perumal Temple
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