Sri Uraga Mellanayaan Perumal Temple , Thirukkotiyoor (Sivaganga)
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📍 Thirukkotiyoor, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 67th Divya Desam at Thirukkotiyoor is the holy site of the Ashtanga Vimanam tower from which Sri Ramanujacharya proclaimed the secret Ashtakshara Mantra to all mankind, defying his guru to grant universal salvation.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Uraga Mellanayaan / Sowmya Narayana Perumal (Ashtanga Three-Tier)
Moolavar: Sri Uraga Mellanayaan / Sowmya Narayanan (Three-tiered Ashtanga Vimanam: Kidantha Kolam on ground tier, Iruntha Kolam on first tier, Nindra Kolam on second tier); Utsavar: Sowmya Narayanan; Thayar: Thirumaamagal (Mahalakshmi) Thayar; Vimanam: Ashtanga Vimanam; Theertham: Deva Pushkarini; Pratyaksham: Devas, Sages, Sage Kadamba.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Uraga Mellanayaan / Sowmya Narayana Perumal (Ashtanga Three-Tier)
Thirukkotiyoor, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
Thiruppatur road, 226, National Highway, Tirukoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu 630210
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
Ramanuja was willing to suffer eternal damnation in hell if broadcasting the sacred mantra from the tower brought salvation to ordinary mortals.
Circumambulating the temple tower where Ramanuja stood, offering ghee lamps on Masi Magam.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Uraga Mellanayaan Perumal Temple , Thirukkotiyoor (Sivaganga)
Sri Uraga Mellanayaan Perumal Temple (canonically Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple) in Thirukkotiyoor, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, is the 67th Divya Desam. Celebrated in 39 pasurams by five Alvars—Periyalvar, Boothathalvar, Peyalvar, Thirumangai Alvar, and Thirumalisai Alvar. The name Thirukkotiyoor signifies "the place where crores of devas gathered" (Thiru + Koti + Oor) to strategize the destruction of the demon Hiranyakashipu.
This temple is eternally consecrated in world religious history as the epicenter of universal compassion. Acharya Sri Ramanujacharya walked from Srirangam to Thirukkotiyoor eighteen times to receive the secret meaning of the supreme Ashtakshara Mantra (Om Namo Narayanaya) from his guru, Thirukkotiyur Nambigal. Upon receiving it under strict oath of secrecy with the warning that revealing it would send him to hell, Ramanuja immediately climbed to the top of the majestic Ashtanga Vimanam, assembled the entire town, and proclaimed the sacred mantra aloud from the tower so that all beings could attain liberation, declaring: "Let me gladly suffer the fires of hell alone, if my fellow human beings can attain the lotus feet of Narayana!"
The sanctum displays a colossal three-tiered Ashtanga Vimanam with Narayana reclining on Adisesha (Uraga Mellanayaan) on the ground floor, seated on the first tier, and standing on the second tier.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Architecture with Three-Tier Ashtanga Vimanam (Early Pandya and Chola periods; renowned historical setting where Ramanuja preached the sacred Ashta)
Ashtanga Vimanam, three-tier vertically stacked sanctums, historic balcony tower of Ramanuja's announcement, Deva Pushkarini.
Bronze image of Sri Ramanuja with outstretched arms atop the temple tower parapet.
Rituals & Traditions
Four daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; special Masi float festival on Deva Pushkarini.
Masi Magam festival with illuminated floating lights (Deepam) set afloat on the temple tank by thousands of devotees.
Tamarind rice, Sweet Pongal, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional ethnic wear: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.
Ground level temple is flat and accessible; climbing to the historic Ramanuja tower tier requires ascending stone steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Uraga Mellanayaan / Sowmya Narayana Perumal (Ashtanga Three-Tier)
Thirumaamagal Thayar Sannidhi, Historic Ashtanga Vimanam Ramanuja Goshti Tower, Thirukkotiyur Nambigal Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Thirukkotiyoor, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
Thiruppatur road, 226, National Highway, Tirukoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu 630210
How to Reach
Madurai Airport (IXM) (approx 75 km)
Karaikkudi Junction (KKDI) (approx 28 km)
Thirukoshtiyur Bus Stop (approx 0.3 km)
