Koviladi Appakudathan

Location:

The town of Koviladi is about 12 kms from Lalgudi in the direction of Anbil. The town of Koviladi can also be accessed from Trichy on the route to Kallanai. Koviladi is about 8 kms from Kallanai. On the drive to the temple in Koviladi, one can see farmlands and banana plantations making the scenery very picturesque. The temple is in Thirupernagar in the town of Koviladi.

Appakudathan Temple:

The main deity of this ancient temple is Appalaranganathar (or Appakudathan) and his consort Kamalavalli Thayar. This temple is said to have been established even before the Srirangam temple and hence called Adirangam. Praises of this deity have been sung by Nammazhwar about 5500 years ago and by Thirumazhisaiazhwar in Dwaparayuga.

The Perumal is in the Kidandhan (lying down) pose on Adiseshan with left hand blessing Lord Indra and Chandra. The right hand blesses Markandeya Maharishi. Bhoomi Devi is seated at the feet of Perumal. Saligramam garland adorns the deity. There is a Kudam (Pot) near the right hand of the deity in which the Neivedyam of Appam (Sweet) is offered every evening around 5 pm. The Perumal is supposed to have protected all the oceans, lands and universe in his stomach during the Pralaya  Kaalam. The Utsava murthy and Santhana Gopala murthy are also in the Garba griham itself.

Five temples are said to constitute "Pancharangam". Appalaranganathar temple is called the Madhyarangam. Panguni Uthram festival is special for this deity as Appakudathan is said to have originated in Uthram star. Similarly, Sri Ranganathar arose in Revathi star, Parimala Ranganathar in Uthram star and Saranganathar in Chitra star.

The temple timings are from 7.30 am - 1 pm and from 4 pm - 8.15 pm. Eating the Appam that was offered as Neivedyam to Appakudathan is said to be beneficial for those seeking to have children.

Appakudathan Temple Entrance