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Arulmigu Sri Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam – A Unique Temple Where Lord Arulmigu Venkatachalapathy is Accompanied by Goddess Bhoomadevi | One of the 108 Divyadesam Temples with Salt-Free Prasadam – Visit, History, Temple Timings, Contact Number, Travel Guide
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Story & Photography by
Balakumar .M

Balakumar M

Editor of CasualWalker — Balakumar M is an avid traveler and documentary photographer who has authored over 650+ travel and culture photo guides since 2017 and is ranked as one of the top 50 travel blogs in India. He is passionate about discovering, documenting, and sharing unique visual stories that celebrate travel, culture, heritage, spirituality, and the arts. An international award-winning technologist and entrepreneur, he has been honored with the Top 50 Asia Innovation Award from SingTel, Singapore and the Top 100 Startups Award from NASSCOM. With over 19+ years as a multidisciplinary software consultant and architect specializing in UI/UX design and product engineering, he is also a certified yoga instructor and a TEDx Fellow. Read more | ✉ Email


Arulmigu Sri Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam –  A Unique Temple Where Lord Arulmigu Venkatachalapathy is Accompanied by Goddess Bhoomadevi | One of the 108 Divyadesam Temples with Salt-Free Prasadam – Visit, History, Temple Timings, Contact Number, Travel Guide (Updated)

– temple features songs sung by nammalvar, peyalvar, & thirumangai alwar

 

Out of the 108 Divya Desams, Thirunageswaram Uppiliyappan / Oppiliappan Temple Temple near Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur District, known as Poomadevi Sametha Uppiliyappan Perumal Temple, is celebrated as the 13th Divya Desam. Revered as the “South Tirupati,” this temple for Perumal has its own Suprabhatam. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Arulmigu Venkatachalapathy, accompanied by Goddess Bhoomadevi. The deity is considered to be the elder brother of Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala and is revered by various names, including Tiruvinnagarappan, Tannoppaarillappan, Ponnappan, Maniyappan, Ennappan, and Srinivasan. The goddess is also honored with names such as Bhudevi, Bhumi Nachiyar, Dharani Devi, and Vasundhara. The unique Sree Oppiliappan Temple is the only Divya Desam where Naivedyam (offerings) are made without salt. Located just 7 kilometers south of the “City of Temples,” Kumbakonam, this sacred site attracts devotees and pilgrims from all over.

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Also known as Margandeya Kshetram and Tulasi Vanam, the Thiruvainagar Oppiliappan Temple holds significant spiritual importance. The site is also called Thiruvinnakaram, as it is believed Lord Vishnu descended here from the celestial realms. It’s known as Tulasi Vanam due to Bhumi Devi’s incarnation amidst Tulasi plants, and as Markandeyar Kshetram in honor of the sage Markandeya, who, through penance, adopted Bhumi Devi as his daughter.

The wall paintings depicting each Tiruppavai pasuram, the Alwars, and various Vishnu avatars are phenomenal.

At this Divya Desam, the Almighty Perumal is worshipped in His Five Forms—Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muthappan, Vinnagarappan, and Ennappan—making it a truly unique and revered shrine.

Mangalasasanam was performed by Nammazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Poigai Azhwar, and Pey Azhwar here. Perumal is enshrined facing east, while Nachiyar faces north. Markandeya sits facing south, performing a charitable act in the “golam” pose. Among the 108 Divya Desams, this is the only temple where Perumal is offered salt-free Prasadam.

Named Oppiliappan, meaning “Incomparable,” this form of Vishnu resembles Srinivasa (Venkatachalapati). The Charama Shloka, “Maam Ekam Charanam Vraja,” is inscribed with diamonds on the right hand of the deity.

Temple History of Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam

According to legend, the Tulasi plant once prayed to be closer to Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her devotion, Vishnu blessed her, and Bhumi Devi incarnated under a Tulasi tree at the present-day temple site. Years later, Sage Markandeya, through intense devotion, prayed for Bhumi Devi to become his daughter. One day, he found a young girl playing under a Tulasi tree in the Thirunageswaram forest.

Understanding his wish had been fulfilled, Markandeya raised her. When Lord Vishnu appeared disguised and asked for her hand in marriage, Markandeya initially hesitated, noting she was too young to decide on marriage or food preferences. However, upon Vishnu’s revelation of His true form, Markandeya joyfully agreed to the divine union. This legend is the reason why the temple’s Naivedyam remains salt-free to this day.

Known also as Thulasi Vanam, worshiping with a Tulasi leaf here is considered as meritorious as performing an Aswamedha Yagna. Devotees adorn Perumal with Tulasi garlands, honoring His marriage to Bhumi Devi, Markandeya’s daughter, hence the name “Markandeya Kshetram.” Nammazhwar extolled him as “Thannoppaarillaappan,” the one with no equal.

On the temple’s concluding day, the grand Kanagabhishekam and Sree Ramar Pattabhishekam ceremonies are held. Devotees believe that walking to this temple on foot blesses every step with divine grace.

Pushkarani (Sacred Tank) in Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam

The temple’s Ahoratri Pushkarani is exceptionally special. While traditional Shastras forbid bathing in bodies of water at night, this rule is relaxed in the Ahoratri Thirukkulam, where devotees may bathe at any time, day or night, believed to cleanse all forms of doshas.

Shrines and Sanctums in Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple

The Sri Ennappan shrine is located on the south side of the outer prakaram, while the Shree Maniyappan sanctum lies on the north side. The Sri Desikar shrine stands in front of the Arthamandapam, with the Sri Ramanuja shrine in the Mahamandapam. Additionally, shrines for the 12 Azhwars, Anjaneya, Shri Ram, and Shri Garuda are located within the Nadavan Mandapam.

Special Features of Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam

  • This only temple perumal has its Subrabadam.
  • The only temple where salt-free offerings are made to Perumal and his devotees.
  • Mother seated to the right of Perumal

Travel Tips for Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam

Address of Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam:
12, Oppiliyappan koil N St, Thirunageswaram, Tamil Nadu 612204.

Temple Timings of Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam:

Morning Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Evening Hours: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Contact Number: 0435 246 3385

Moolavar: Oppiliyappan (Thiruvinnagarappan)
Utsavar: Ponnappan
Mother: Bhumadevi
Holy Tree: Tulsi
Thirtham: Ahotra Pushkarini

How to reach Oppiliappan Temple / Uppiliyappan Temple in Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam

On Road: Temple is located at the town Kumbakonam, and the town is well connected by road networks. There are regular bus services from many important cities in south India Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Karaikal, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Mayiladudhurai, Pattukkottai, Bangalore, Ernakulam, Ooty, and Mysore.
On Flight: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) which is 100 Km away from the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Kumbakonam railway station ( station code – KMU) at a distance of 2 km.

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203168



Photographed, documented, & posted by

Balakumar .M

Editor of CasualWalker — Balakumar M is an avid traveler and documentary photographer who has authored over 650+ travel and culture photo guides since 2017 and is ranked as one of the top 50 travel blogs in India. He is passionate about discovering, documenting, and sharing unique visual stories that celebrate travel, culture, heritage, spirituality, and the arts. An international award-winning technologist and entrepreneur, he has been honored with the Top 50 Asia Innovation Award from SingTel, Singapore and the Top 100 Startups Award from NASSCOM. With over 19+ years as a multidisciplinary software consultant and architect specializing in UI/UX design and product engineering, he is also a certified yoga instructor and a TEDx Fellow.

Casual Walker journal visually guides readers through thoughtful and unique photography stories and insightful guides on travel, traditions, heritage, culture, arts, Indian temples, museums, events, cuisine, dance, drama, music performances, nature, wildlife, hotels, yoga, vedas, travel gear, and reviews. read more

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