Sri Sarangapani Swamy Temple

Lord Uththana Saya Perumal: In the abodes where the Lord resides, He displays various kinds of glories. Here, He is seated on the throne of 'Uththana Saya' (reclining posture). The great Thirumazhisai Azhwar, having come to this abode, worshipped the Lord and offered Mangalasasanam (auspicious praise). At that time, the Lord said, 'You are still asleep while the ages pass!' conveying the meaning. Responding to this, Thirumazhisai Azhwar sang, 'Show the vision accordingly!' The Lord graciously granted this. Thus, he expressed, 'Uththana Saya' meaning reclining in full.Divya Prabandham given by Lord Thirumal: The divine songs rendered as Mangalasasanam (auspicious praise) by eleven Azhwars for Srirangam Ranganathar and ten Azhwars for Thirupathi Venkatachalapathy have been compiled into the 4,000 verses of Divya Prabandham. The primary reason for these songs is indeed the Lord of this abode. Yes! Nathamuni came to worship Sarangapani. Some devotees, upon recognizing the greatness of the Lord, sang, 'Even amidst a thousand others.' Upon hearing this, Nathamuni inquired, 'Are there still a thousand more songs?' Yet, they were unaware. At that moment, the Lord appeared in his dream and directed him to visit the divine city (Navathirupathi - Thoothukudi District) and worship Namazhwar. Likewise, He graciously directed Nathamuni.Mangalasasanam by numerous Azhwars: In the 108 Divya Desams, the maximum number of Mangalasasanam (auspicious praise) has been rendered by numerous Azhwars. Among them, in Sarangapani temple, seven Azhwars - Peyazhwar, Boothathazhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Namazhwar, Periyazhwar, Andal, and Thirumangai Azhwar - have offered Mangalasasanam in this manner.Bhataal Senivasan with Mattu Senivasan: For marriage, the Lord descended to this abode and played beneath the ground. Mother Earth felt anxious for not seeing the Lord. Subsequently, the Lord appeared and married her. The spot where the Lord dwelled came to be known as 'Bhataal Senivasan' (with underground residence). Following the wedding, the Lord now dwells as 'Mattu Senivasa' (with above-ground residence) alongside Mother Earth in a joyful manner. This arrangement illustrates the ethical principle that life is complete only after experiencing stability.Why no North Gateway? In the Divya Desams, most temples have a North Gateway. However, it's absent in this abode due to specific reasons. The Lord Himself directly came here from Vaikunta. Thus, the North Gateway isn't required. Additionally, believers have faith that by visiting the Uthirayan and Dakshinayan Gateways, one attains salvation. If one passes through one of these gateways, they'll reach heaven.Significance of Uppaya Pradana Divyadesam: It's well known that in the Divya Desams, the main deity alone holds importance. All adornments are solely for Him during worship. However, in this temple, special ceremonies are conducted for the presiding deity. Hence, this abode is termed 'Uppaya Pradana Divyadesam' .Lord with the Bow: The Lord primarily displays Himself with the Shanku (Conch) and Chakra (Discus). However, in this abode, He also holds a bow. It's unique that both the presiding deities, Utsava Moorthy and Moolavar, possess bows. Due to this feature, He is called 'Sarngapani'. It's impossible to view Sarnga (the bow) kept at the original shrine. The river goddesses and gods, on their way from Mahamagam to the sanctum sanctorum, also witness this divine sight.Maamanaar's Residence with Mattpillai: This place is considered the birth home of Mother Earth. Lord Thirumal married her and resides here with her as His consort. Thus, Mother Earth receives utmost significance here. After worshipping the Mother Earth, one must worship Lord Perumal. Therefore, whoever worships at the shrine of Mother Earth first, upon reaching the shrine of Lord Perumal, finds arrangements made for them to directly enter the sanctum. During festivals, the Komaatha Pooja performed in the sanctum sanctorum is first conducted at Komalavalli Thaayar shrine. Only after worshipping the Mother is the Lord worshipped in His sanctum sanctorum.

Once, Sage Brugu went to Vaikundam to test the peaceful quality of Lord Thirumal. He placed his foot on Lord Thirumal's chest to provoke Him. But Thirumal didn't react to it.You have stepped on my husband's chest, and without angering Him, you left, said Brugu's humble wife Lakshmi. Understanding her mistake, Brugu apologized to Thirumal. To Lakshmi, he said, Mother! Don't get angry. Deities unanimously approved the humility of the one who could recognize the foot of another man stepping on her chest without reacting.As a result of that test, what I did was just an enactment. I desire to become your father, the protector of the universe's mothers. You must be reborn as my daughter, he said. Lakshmi's heart cooled down, and she blessed Brugu. According to his vow, Brugu resided in Thirumal's chest. He wanted to be reborn as Thirumal's daughter and requested to be calm. So, he performed penance in the sacred land of Kumbakonam. In Hemapushkarini (a lotus pond) there, Lakshmi appeared in the form of a lotus flower. She was named 'Komala Valli' and was given to Thirumal in marriage. Therefore, he was called 'Sarangapani.' They named this place as the incarnation site of the goddess.

Before reaching the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Krishna blesses. It is believed that if one worships him, what is desired will happen; this is traditional.