The Divya Kshetram- TIRUVINNAGAR –
Uppiliappan koil is located near Kumbakonam.
The name Oppiliappan refers to the
presiding deity who is considered comparable to none. Nammaazhwar refers to Him
as Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muthappan, Ennappan, and Tiruvinnagarappan.
The presiding deity, Oppiliappan
or Uppiliappan is in the standing posture resembling Venkatachalapathi of
Tirupati. The Goddess is Bhumi Devi, enshrined in the same sanctum. The sacred water is Ahoratra Pushkarini, and the sanctum sanctorum is Vishnu Vimanam.
The legend has it that Bhudevi was
reborn as the daughter of Markandeya Maharshi. One day, Lord Vishnu, disguised as an old man, sought her hand in marriage. To ward off the
marriage, the Maharshi informed the old man that his daughter was not well-versed in household duties and might even forget to season food with salt.
The old man then revealed Himself
as Lord Vishnu and took Bhudevi as His wife. As per the wishes of the Lord, the
prasadam is prepared without salt and offered to the presiding deity to date.
Thus, the deity is also called Uppiliappan
(Uppillatha Appan). It is believed that those who take salt or salted food
inside the temple will go to hell.
During the festival, Perumal is
always accompanied by Thayar when He is taken in procession outside the
temple.
The annual Brahmotsavam is being
celebrated during the months of Panguni and Puratasi. The Vasanthotsavam is
being celebrated in Vaigasi, and Tirukalyana Utsavam in Aippasi.
Sravana nakshatram, in each month,
is an important day in this temple.
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