Sri Kripasamudra Perumal Temple , Thiru Sirupuliyoor
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📍 Thiru Sirupuliyur, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu
National SignificanceThe 21st Divya Desam at Thiru Sirupuliyur is one of only two temples where Adisesha has a human visage, and where Lord Kripasamudra reclines in gentle Bala Sayanam facing South to bless tiger-clawed Sage Vyaghrapada.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Arulmaakadal / Kripasamudra Perumal (Bala Sayanam)
Moolavar: Sri Kripasamudra Perumal / Arulmaakadal Amudham (Bala Sayanam / Little reclining child-like posture on Adisesha facing South towards Lanka); Utsavar: Kripasamudran; Thayar: Thirumaamagal (Dayananyaki) Thayar; Vimanam: Nandha Vardhana Vimanam; Theertham: Anantha Pushkarini (Manasa Saras); Pratyaksham: Sage Vyaghrapada (Pulikaal Muni), Sage Kanva.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Arulmaakadal / Kripasamudra Perumal (Bala Sayanam)
Sirupuliyoor, Kollumangudi Post, Nannilam Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu 609403, India
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
Adisesha's hood is positioned lower than usual to prevent frightening Sage Vyaghrapada in his fragile state.
Offering thulasi garlands and praying for relief from chronic joint and leg ailments in honor of Sage Vyaghrapada.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Kripasamudra Perumal Temple , Thiru Sirupuliyoor
Sri Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple (also hailed as Kripasamudra Perumal Temple) in Thiru Sirupuliyur, near Kollumangudi in Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, is the 21st Divya Desam. It was praised by Thirumangai Alvar in 10 verses in the Periya Thirumozhi.
According to the sthala puranam, Sage Vyaghrapada (meaning "one with tiger's paws", blessed with sharp claws to climb thorny trees before dawn to pluck unsmelled flowers for God) traveled to Srirangam in old age. Losing his physical strength, he lamented that he could not behold the vast gigantic reclining form of Lord Ranganatha. Compassionately responding to the sage's devotion, the Lord appeared here at Sirupuliyur in a sweet, compact infant-like reclining posture known as Bala Sayanam (small sleeping form), declaring: "In Srirangam I am Periyaperumal, but here for you I am Siriyaperumal!" Hence, the town is revered as Sirupuliyur (Place of the Tiger Sage).
This is one of only two temples in the world (the other being Thiru Anbil) where the divine serpent Adisesha is depicted with a human face on his hood. Facing South towards Lanka, the Lord is hailed as Arulmaakadal (Ocean of Grace), radiating infinite mercy to devotees suffering from physical exhaustion, nervous ailments, and age-related infirmities.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Architecture (Chola dynasty construction with epigraphical records dating from Kulothunga Chola I)
Three-tier Rajagopuram, Nandhabhavana Vimanam, Ananthasaras theertham, compact stone sanctum.
Stone sculpture of Sage Vyaghrapada kneeling with folded hands near the Lord's feet.
Rituals & Traditions
Three daily worship kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; special Sayana puja at night.
Panguni Brahmotsavam featuring processional outings of the processional bronze (Kripasamudra Perumal).
Tamarind rice, Ven Pongal, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional ethnic wear required: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.
Ground floor village shrine with flat paved pathway; easy accessibility for senior citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Arulmaakadal / Kripasamudra Perumal (Bala Sayanam)
Thirumaamagal (Dayanayaki) Thayar Sannidhi, Sage Vyaghrapada (Pulikaal Muni) Shrine, Adisesha with Human Face (Inside Sanctum), Andal Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Garudazhwar Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Sirupuliyoor, Kollumangudi Post, Nannilam Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu 609403, India
How to Reach
Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) (approx 135 km)
Kollumangudi Railway Station (KLMD) (approx 3 km)
Sirupuliyur Bus Stop (approx 0.2 km)
