Having had a fulfilling darshan at the Polla Pillayar temple my husband Senthil and I headed further down the same road to reach Kaatu Mannar Koil a little town but with great historical and spiritual importance. This is the town where sage Nadhamuni who compiled the 4000 Divya Prabandham was born. Also the birth place of Alavandar his grandson, another important acharya of the vaishnavite tradition known for his gift of reading once and remembering forever. (Eka Santha Grahi)
When was this temple built?
The brick structure of this temple was completed during the reign of Paranthaka Chozhan I in the early 10th century. However, there is enough archaeological evidence to prove that it was in existence even earlier. The present deity was installed by Sadaya Varman Sundara Pandian in the 13th century, after performing extensive renovations.
A little lane led us to the Gopuram. As expected the temple was almost empty, barring a few priests and a Nadaswaram Thavil troupe who were assembled there and were discussing animatedly about some local incident.
The Ponniyin Selvan Connection:
Veera Narayana Perumal temple is an important part of the novel and introduced to the reader within a few pages of reading. The temple was referred to as Vinnagaram. Azhwarkadiyaan and Vandhiya Devan go to this temple and Azwarkadiyaan sings Nammazhwar’s Pasuram, so beautifully that people listening get teary eyed and emotional. Kalki goes on to describe a little boy who is standing there listening, and narrates that this boy will grow up to be Saint Nadhamuni in later years.
Nadhamuni and the 4000 Divya Prabandham:
Legend says that Nadhamuni actually listened to a song of Nammazhwar Aaravamudhe on the Lord of Kumbakonam, sung by devotees from Melkote presently in Karnataka. The song ends with this line Ayirathil Idhu Pathu (10 out of 1000) Nadhamuni wanted to know the rest of the 990 but the devotees had no idea. This incident moved Nadhamuni and made him yearn to find out the rest of the verses of Nammazhwar. He travelled to Kumbakonam and through divine intervention he was directed to Thirukurugur, the birthplace of Nammazhwar. There he learnt Madhura Kavi Azhwar’s 11 pasurams, “Kanninun Siruthambu” but none knew about the 1000 Pasurams of Nammazhwar.
Nadhamuni sat under the tamarind tree (where Nammazhwar stayed speechless from birth till he was about 10) and sang the 11 Pasurams 12,000 times as advised by Parankusa Dasa. Nammazhwar appeared before him and not only gave the 1000 Pasurams which he created but the rest of the Azhwars’ creations as well and that’s how the 4000 Divya Prabandham came into being.
Naadhanukku Naalayiram Uraithan Vaazhiyae. Glory to the one who recited the four thousand hymns.
The Moolavar Veera Narayan Murthy is in a standing posture with Utsavar of Rajagopala Swami with Rukmini and Sathyabhama. An absolute treat for the eyes. There are separate sannidhis/shrines for Nadhamuni as well as Alavandar saints.
How Kaatu Mannar Koil got its name:
Goddess Mahalakshmi came to Earth to be born as the daughter of Jirumbana Raja Maharishi. A Swayamvaram was organised to find a match for the Goddess and Lord Vishnu came to earth in his Garuda Vahan disguised as a King or Mannan. The Goddess was captivated by Lord Vishnu but the other kings assembled were greatly angered and started a battle. It’s no surprise that Lord Vishnu gained victorious by a great display of his Valour or Veeram. Thus the Lord in this place was called Veera Narayan. And since the lord also guided Sage Nadhamuni to retrieve the 4000 Pasurams (In tamil Kaatu means Show) the place was named as Kaatu Mannar Aanaar. Which later turned into Kaatumannar.
The Araiyar Sevai:
Sage Nadhamuni not only retrieved the 4000 Pasurams but also composed musical tunes for the hymns along with dance steps so that devotees can understand their full meaning. The tradition of song and dance of the Divya Prabandham is called the Araiyar Sevai which is followed by many temples even today.
We sat in the deserted Praharam taking in the divine ambience. How this temple would have been in 10th century when devotees came in and sang Nammazhvar’s Pasurams…probably Nadhamuni as a little boy must have listened to these devotional hymns and would have been deeply affected. Sudden strains of the Nadhaswaram and Thavil broke my reverie and I came back to the present day. The troupe had begun performing. The Keerthanai was Vatapi Ganapathim…stood there for a while and appreciated the music wondering whether their next performance would be a Tyagaraja keerthana on Lord Rama, but had to leave as the next stop was Kadambur. A good Samaritan in the temple directed us to Kadambur and our journey began to our next destination passing by little hamlets, green fields and village folk sitting under trees waiting for the next bus. Life seemed so un hurried and placid. A life where there were no deadlines to meet, no upcoming zoom meetings and no presentations to create and present…
Kaatumannar Koil is easy to find and the distance is about 25 kms from Chidambaram.
Contact: Annan Srinivasan Bhattar @ 99522 76110 /
Srinivasa Swami (Hereditary Theerthakar) @ 04144 262257 /96299 79779
*We visited in the year 2021.
Meghu your in-depth knowledge and insight into our ancient scriptures and history still amazes me. The articulate way it’s presented to the readers ,transport them to that time, viewing the happening as a bystander. It’s a gift. In awe of your writing talent
Megu I wonder and no words for appreciation how you write in korvai all the details and looking into all the nuances of the temple and the related incidents. Hats off to u da.
Very well elucidated Megu and took me on a trip to Kaatu mannar koil and to Veera Narayana Perumal temple! Your efforts at collecting information, compiling them and sharing it with the readers is very much appreciated!
Your research on the Veera Narayana Perumal temple is excellent. Historical facts quoted in the article and reference of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan is interesting.
Hopefully like minded writers like you will save the Pasurams. Wish bigger temples set up research grants and preserve our ancient heritage.
These temples will regain its glory if the footfall and awareness increases.
Super…as usual very well described and information shared…had gone to this to Temple..by Lord Narayanan grace will go again
As usual the writings were so nicely twined creating absolute eagerness know about the historical as well as divine stories. The entire writings were marvelously penned with beautiful language. Awesome indeed.👌👏
You have beautifully intertwined history, spirituality, and literature, creating an immersive journey for readers like me. Your deep insights and vivid storytelling brings the temple’s rich heritage and its connection to Ponniyin Selvan alive. Keep sharing these captivating narratives that preserve and celebrate our cultural treasures! 🙏
Though I know how the Prababdams were revealed to Nadamuni , I had goosebumps reading about him and Nammazhvar. I have gone to Thirurukurugur with my father at least half a dozen times and stood looking at the puliya maram, imagining Nammazhvar sitting there.
1st of Jan 1992, was the last time I saw my father in his puja room. He was not healthy enough to make his usual trip to Tirupathi. Instead , he was reading Thiruvaimozhi. He used to say ” We cannot tell whether we will think of Him when we take our last breath. But He can do something very simple for His devotees like me. He can take me when I am thinking of Him at so many odd moments of the day and night. I have told Him to tweak the rule foe me .’ And he laughed. The next I saw him was in GH on the 3rd, when he left us just as I was holding him.by his shoulders and lowering him to the pillow
So Nammazhvar is special to me .
I do remember the scene from Ponniyin Selvan when Azhvarkadiyan sings the pasuram.
I often think how nice it would be if He were to reveal Himself to me just as He did to Naadamuni. Good to dream, like Kalam said. But I cannot work to achieve it .It has to happen by His grace. I feel emboldened to entertain myself with such dreams is the point .
Blessed to have the opportunity to learn such rich history of our temples through you. Your words take me on this beautiful journey transporting me to a different era. The research you have done and the level of detail and passion you pour into these articles always amazes me and brings me immense joy. Thank you for sharing, Megha. Waiting for many more! 🙏❤️
Another compulsive read from a temple aficionado.
Well done, megu !
Quite nostalgic write up. You brought the initial chapters of the great Ponniyin Selvan to my visual memory. Kalki has woven magic in bringing pleasantly Tamil Bhakti, Traditions, History in his own gentle style. You have done an excellent way of bringing to life of over thousand years to the contemporary generation in an endearing English-format. Heartfelt appreciation for recording your sojourn to places of vibrance. God bless 🙏
Om namo narayana 🙏🏼
I have heard the saying *if one visited Kattumannarkoil then it’s equal to have visited all Divya Desams*
Your writings bring before eyes and makes me feel the narrations.
Wow
Megalai
This is an exclusive master piece
As an amateur I shall have to read this through more than a couple of times to realise the essence of your script
So deep are your research and inputs
To make oneself an historian in today’s time is genuinely a vintage revelation
Your literary style adding grace and charm to the vital religious facts,so remarkably unique
Kalki’s dream and foretell that his writings would pave the way for more research with authentic facts for future readers has been made true with this noble presentation of yours
Thanks dear Megalai for living out the thoughts of legends 🙏♥️
Come to know about Kattumannar koil and the historical places you have visited After kalki your narration of these places are so vivid and interesting continue your journey and waiting to know about Kadambur maaligai!
Super👌👌
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Kattu Mannar Kovil. My Dental friend is from this place. Never knew the significance of this temple. Kadambur also comes in Ponniyan Selvan!😊
I felt I was in the temple with you.
Megha, you are a great storyteller ! Your content is very engaging. Your writing style is unique, captivating and evokes spiritual emotions! I appreciate your effort and interest in traveling to a far away place, in interior Tamil Nadu with few footfalls , learn about the place and share it with us. May your journey to temples be filled with divine blessings and guidance . Thank you so much for sharing. 🙏🙏
Nice one Meghu. Interesting to note the rich history of this temple n its connection to Ponniyin Selvan. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.
Megu, awesome. Wondering how much of references and reading you must have done to narrate this. You actually took me on a spiritual journey to veera narayana temple and kaatu mannar koil. Its historical significance kept me spell bound. And its connect with kalki’s ponniyin selvan. You are an exceptional and excellent writer.kudos Megu.
Perfect writing . Very well articulated. I have been to the temple brought memories to me.
Enjoyed reading about Kattumannarkoil…as usual your narration was superb.
Excellent writing Megha. Enjoyed reading about kattumannarkoil.
^Naadhanukku Naalayiram Uraithan Vaazhiyae^
இதை நமக்கு நன்றே கதையாக
உரைத்த தங்களுக்கு சிரம் தாழ்ந்த
வணக்கங்கள் …
அரிய புதிய புரிய எளிய பதிவு ..நன்றி பல
ஓம் நமோ நாராயணாய
Very detailed narration. I felt like that I was visiting the temple with you as I read your narration. Thank you 🙏