The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Trivikrama Temple) in Tirukkoyilur, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built across five acres, the complex features an 11-tiered, 192-foot-tall Rajagopuram—the third-tallest entrance tower in Tamil Nadu after Srirangam and Srivilliputhur. Historically, the sanctum was originally a brick structure that was rebuilt in granite during the 11th century by the Chola chieftain Ranakesari Raman and expanded under Emperor Virarajendra Chola. Over the centuries, additions were sponsored by the Pandyas, Vijayanagara rulers, and Madurai Nayaks. Inscriptions from Rajendra Chola II refer to the shrine as Thiruvidaikazhi Azhwar temple. During the Carnatic Wars and the campaigns of Hyder Ali, the walled complex served as a military fortress.
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| Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukkoyilur K.Kuruch dist en.wikipedia.org |
The presiding deity, Ulagalantha Perumal, is carved out of Tharu wood in a giant Trivikrama form with one foot raised to measure the heavens. Uniquely, the deity holds the Sangu (conch) in his right hand and the Chakra (discus) in his left. Surrounding the central image are Mahalakshmi (Poongothai Thayar), Prahlada, Mahabali, Shukracharya, and Sage Mrikandu. The temple grounds also include sixteen sacred tanks (theerthams), a shrine for Lord Krishna carved from Nepal's Saligrama stone, and an rare idol of Vishnu Durga.
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| Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukkoyilur, TN Facebook.com |
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| Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukkoyilur, twitter.com |
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| Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukkoyilur, twitter.com |
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| Tirukkoyilur,temple TN instagram.com |
Panchakanya Kshetram: It is recognized as one of the five sacred abodes dedicated to Lord Krishna.Major Celebrations: The annual 15-day Panguni Brahmotsavam (March–April), Masi Magam, and Vaikunta Ekadashi draw thousands of devotees. During Masi Magam, the processional idol is carried to the shores of Cuddalore.
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| copper-bronze idol of Ulaganathan Perumal. aanmeegam.org |
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| Ulagalantha Perumal facebook.com |
Other Notable Ulagalantha Perumal Temples
While Tirukkoyilur is famous for its wooden Trivikrama deity, other prominent shrines honor this avatar:
Kanchipuram Ulagalantha Perumal Temple: A Divya Desam featuring a 35-foot-tall stone Trivikrama idol. Uniquely, its precinct houses four separate Divya Desams (Thiru Ooragam, Tirukkaragam, Tirukkarvanam, and Siruneeragam).
Sirkazhi Trivikrama Temple (Kazhicheera Rama Vinnagaram): Another Divya Desam shrine in Nagapattinam district where Vishnu appears as Trivikrama.
Singanallur Ulagalandha Perumal Temple: Located in Coimbatore, housing an 8-armed Panchaloha idol constructed under Chola patronage
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K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
