Palli Konda Perumal Temple or Thiruthetriyambalam is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu and is located in Thirunangur, a village on the outskirts of Sirkazhi in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. The temple, built in the Dravidian style, is mentioned in the Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th to the 9th centuries AD. It is one of 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, known as Palli Konda Perumal. This is a representation of Srirangam Lord Ranganatha in a Sayana Kolam, with the Serpent King Adiseshan on top of him.

It is one of Thirunangur Tirupathis’ eleven Divya Desams and is strongly related to Thirumangai Alvar. This is the only temple named ‘Ambalam’ among the Divya Desam temples. It is 12 kilometres southeast of Purushottamar Koil.

Story/Legend of the Palli Konda Perumal Temple

The legends of Tirunangur’s eleven temples are inextricably linked. According to tradition, the Hindu god Shiva began dancing in rage at this location following the death of his bride Sati as a result of the yajna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Eleven additional incarnations of Shiva appeared whenever his lock of hair hit the ground. The celestial deities were concerned that if the dance continued, entire creations might be decimated. They appealed to Vishnu for assistance, who appeared at this location. Shiva’s rage subsided when he saw Vishnu, and he asked Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like him.

Vishnu came in eleven various avatars at Tirunangur at his request. The eleven spots where Vishnu appeared are thought to be the locations of the eleven temples in Tirunangur. Several sages, including Agastya, Bharadvaja, Gautama, and the deity Varuna, are said to have conducted penance here. The presiding deity of Srirangam is said to have come here at Shiva’s invitation. It is known as Ambalam, which means temple in Malayalam. The external bliss, Anandha, is said to have worshipped the reigning deity. This temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams.

What is Divya Desams– A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples recorded by the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava faith. 105 of the 108 temples are in India, one is in Nepal, and the final two are thought to be in space, in Tirupparkatal and Vaikuntham. They are distributed over the Indian states of Tamil Nadu (84), Kerala (11), Andhra Pradesh (2), Gujarat (1), Uttar Pradesh (4), and Uttarakhand (3). Muktinath, Saligramam is Nepal’s sole Divya Desam. The 12 Alvars respect the Divya Desams in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil hymns.

History of Palli Konda Perumal Temple

The Palli Konda Perumal Temple, built in the Dravidian style, is mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, known as Palli Konda Perumal.

The architecture of Palli Konda Perumal Temple

There is a single prakaram (outside courtyard) and a separate shrine for Thayar, the consort. It is near Tirunangur, a small village 8 kilometres east of Sirkali on the way to Thiruvenkadu. A compound wall surrounds two shrines at the temple. Pallikonda Perumal, the presiding deity, is depicted in Bhujanga sayanam (recumbent position), with four arms facing east. Senganmal, Ranganathar, and Sreelakshmirangar are all titles given to the presiding deity. The consort’s shrine, Bhujangavalli, is located in a shrine next to the sanctum, facing east.

Facts about Palli Konda Perumal Temple

• Thiruthetriyambalam or Palli Konda Perumal Temple is located in Thirunangur, a village on the outskirts of Sirkazhi in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu, and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
• It is one among the eleven Divya Desams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar.
  
• The Palli Konda Perumal Temple is classified as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book.
• Tirumangai Alvar and Poigai Alvar both praise the temple in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th-9th century Sri Vaishnava canon.
• According to Hindu lore, Arjuna dug the temple tank during the Mahabharata period. Krishna came as Parthasarathy to Arjuna here and began his education, giving rise to the temple’s name.
• The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located, and this temple is among the 11 temples.
• It is believed that several sages like Agastya, Bharadwaja, Gautama, and Varuna performed penance at this place.
• According to Hindu lore, Arjuna dug the temple tank during the Mahabharata period. Krishna came as Parthasarathy to Arjuna here and began his education, giving rise to the temple’s name.
• It is widely believed that followers are promoted to royal heights by the grace of Perumal and that petitions for such places are quickly answered by the Lord.
• It is believed that the presiding deity of Srirangam arrived here at the request of Shiva. It is referred to as Ambalam, which in Malayalam means temple.

Famous Festivals In Palli Konda Perumal Temple

• Brahmmotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Chitra Poornima is also a significant occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• The Thirumangai Alvar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February).
  

How to reach Palli Konda Perumal Temple

Palli Konda Perumal Temple is located in Tirunangur, a village on the outskirts of Sirkaḻi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km away from the town.

By Railway: There is a daily express train that connects all important cities to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore. Sirkazhi is the nearest railway station.

By Roadways: The place is 8 km far from Sirkali. Buses are available only at specific hours. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330 km from Chennai by Road.

Also Read – Thirumanikkoodam – Varadaraja Perumal Temple