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Tirukkurungudi

At the foot of the Mahendragiri hills on the westernghats and on the banks of the river Nambiyaru lies the sleepyvillage of Tirukkrungudi, the abode of Narayana. In the ``VarahaPurana'' the Lord speaks of His sojourn in this holy village.Thus this place derives its name ``Kurungudi'' the smaller abodeof Narayana. This centre is also called ``Dakshina Badri.'' Whileat Badri in the north, Narayana preached the ``Tirumantram''

through ``Uttara'' a human being for the salvation of theentirecommnity, it was at Tirukkurungudi that Saint Sri Ramanujagave his sermon on ``Tirumantram'' to the Lord Himself.

Temple worship is a way of life in the south andtradition has an important place in the life of its people.Historical evidence shows that the close links between Hindutemples and Tamil literature dated back to several centuries.Tamil life cannot be visualised without the temples. The fanes ofTamil Nadu are unique for their close association with manysaints and their hymns. The tradition of singing hymns in temples

has been an established practice. Sri Ramanuja, the Vaishnaviteacharya, who propagated the ``Visistadvaita'' philosophy codifiedcertain rituals in temple worship and made it obligatory torecite the great hymns of Alwars Divya Prabhandam in templesalong with Sanskrit scriptures.

The temple at Tirukkurungudi is dedicated to Lord Nambi,called Sundara Paripurnam in Sanskrit and Nambi Narayan in Hindi.As the name signifies there is no equal to the beauty andfascination of the deity and He is beauty personified. The majesticmoola vigrahas are in different postures of standing, sitting and lying.

These huge idols are carved of stone with application of natural coloursand decorated with gold leaves as per our agama rituals. Nammazhwarthe foremost amongst the Vaishnavite saints, is considered to be theincarnation of LordNambi. Nammazhwar, Periazhwar, Tirumazhisai Azhwarand TirumangaiAzhwar have chanted hymns in praise of Lord Nambi in the``DivyaPrabhandam.''

A shrine for Lord Siva is installed inside the temple besides the main

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shrine of Lord Nambi, and the deity is called``Pakkam Nindrar'' and thishas been immortalised in his hymns by Tirumangai azwar. Afterworshipping Badri Narayana and LordRanganatha, Tirumangai azwarattained salvation at the feet of Lord Nambi. For upholding andpreaching Vaishnavism Saint Ramanuja founded at Tirukkurungudi ``Sri

Perarula Ramanuja Jeer Swami Mutt'' which governs the temple. KaisikaEkadasi falling during the Tamil month of Karthigai is of importance inthis temple as is Vaikunta Ekadasi at Srirangam, attracts thousands ofpilgrims. The presiding deity is taken round on different vahanams duringthe annual brahmotsavam.

At one time 18 families of Arayars were performing the traditional artof chanting the name of the Lord by gestures, and on one occasion LordNambi himself witnessed the scene appearing as a Srivaishnavite. Pleasedby the devotion the Lord gave salvation to all the members of the Arayarfamilies. In recognition of their services a bell is installed inside the

sanctum. A huge carved bell presented by the Kerala king Aditya Vermain 1468 AD is also found in the temple. On the hills close by stands a smalltemple dedicated to Lord Nambi called ``Malai Nambi,'' with a panoramicview of the village below.

An interesting stone inscription is found on both ends of the southmada street, of an agraharam, having been built by a British officer, Mr.Livings who was then the Collector of Tirunelveli district during 1849 A.D.The early temples were built in the form of mandapam for the sanctum.Later the arthamandapam, mukhamandapamand mahamandapam wereadded to meet the growing need for ritualsand festivals. The temple at

Tirukkurungudi has a collection of intricate carvings with exuberantdetails rich in different styles of the Pandyan and Nayak dynasties.Superb wood carvings are found in the tiers of the temple tower. Largestone carvings at the Rati mandapam and Veerappa Nayak mandapamexhibit intricate details. The masterpiece is the carved Narasimhaperforming the ``Hiranya Vadham.'' The mastery of the artisan is visible onthe walls of the main tower and special mention is of a piece depicting thetrading between India and the Persian gulf.

TAMARAPU SAMPATH KUMARAN