Appakudathaan Ranganathar Temple - Koviladi Thanjavur
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🛕 Temple Info
Nestled on the sacred banks of the River Cauvery, the Appala Ranganathar Temple (Appakudathaan Perumal Temple) in Koviladi is a spiritual haven radiating divine tranquility. As one of the 108 Divya Desams and a revered Pancharanga Kshetram, this ancient temple is where Lord Vishnu reclines in Bhujanga Sayanam (serpentine posture), facing west, with a blissful smile.
The temple stands on an elevated structure, accessed by 21 steps, symbolizing the ascent towards spiritual awakening. The presiding deity, Appala Ranganathar (Appakudathaan), holds a sacred pot of sweet neyyappam (ghee-laden appam)—His divine offering to devotees. Alongside Him reside Sri Devi, Bhoomadevi, and Kamalavalli Thayar, whose sanctum is uniquely positioned to His right.
The atmosphere is serene, untouched by crowds, allowing devotees to immerse in uninterrupted darshan and absorb the temple’s sacred vibrations.
💫 Importance
- Divya Desam: One of the 108 holy abodes of Vishnu, revered by the Alwars in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
- Pancharanga Kshetram: Among the five sacred temples on the Cauvery (alongside Srirangam, Srirangapatna, Kumbakonam, and Mayiladuthurai).
- Unique Offering: The only Divya Desam where appam (sweet rice cake) is offered nightly as prasadam, continuing a 2000-year-old tradition.
- Spiritual Significance: It is believed that Nammalvar attained moksha here after his final hymns. Childless couples pray to Santhana Gopalan for progeny.
📜History
The temple’s origins trace back over 2000 years, with contributions from Chola kings. According to legend:
- King Upamanyu, cursed by Sage Durvasa, was instructed to feed 1 lakh devotees here.
- Lord Vishnu, disguised as an old Brahmin, consumed all the food and requested a pot of appam. Upon receiving it, He blessed the king, freeing him from the curse—thus earning the name Appakudathaan (The Lord Who Received the Appam Pot).
- The temple predates Srirangam, signifying its ancient sanctity.
🪔 Pooja Timings
- Morning: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Special Neivedhyam: Appam is offered daily at 6:00 PM.
🚌 Transfort Options
- By Road: 16 km from Trichy (Thiruchirapalli), 7 km from Grand Anicut (Kallanai).
- By Rail: Nearest stations – Srirangam / Trichy.
- By Air: Trichy International Airport (40 km).
- Bus Services: Regular buses from Trichy, Thanjavur, Tiruvaiyaru, and Kumbakonam.
🏙️Near By Cities
Thiruchirapalli
Trichy
Srirangam
Thanjavur
Kumbakonam
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