Sirupuliyur – Lord as a small kid – Baala Sayanam
Located about 15 kms South of Mayavaram, KripaSamudran(Arumaakadal) temple in SiruPuliyur has Lord Vishnu as a small kid in sleeping posture (Called Baala Sayanam).
The story goes thus:
Two old rishis, Yagapalar and Kanvar, prayed to Lord Shiva at Chidambaram asking for Moksham. Shiva directed them to go westwards to Srirangam, stating Vishnu was the one equipped with the powers to grant Moksham. Because of their poor eye sight, the Rishis instead went southward, lost their way and reached KripaSamudiram. Here, they prayed to Lord Vishnu saying that they were to come to Srirangam to invoke his blessings but have now lost their way and that he grant them Moksham.
It is believed that that the Lord originally gave darshan to the Rishis as Lord Ranganatha (like in Srirangam) in his full form. Because of their old age, the rishis could not see, clearly, the big image of the Lord and hence the Lord gave darshan in a smaller form known as ‘Bala Sayanam’. The Lord KripaSamudran can be seen as a small kid in sleeping posture. Being the Lord in small form, this place is called Siru(small) Puliyur.
A special feature of this temple is that this is one of the only two Divya Desams where the Lord in sayana kolam (sleeping posture) is facing the Southern direction, the other being Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.
Garuda does not fly over this place- Fight between Garuda and Adhiseshan
Once Garuda(the Vaahanam of the Lord) and Adiseshan(on whom rests the Lord) got into an argument as to who was more powerful and devoted to the Lord. Seeing Garuda a little arrogant, Lord Vishnu went in favour of the Serpant God. Worried that Garuda might be angered at this, Adiseshan seeks Lord’s protection, upon which Lord asks him to roll himself and lie under him. It is said that as a result of this anger, Garuda never flies over this place.
A disappointed Thiru Mangai Azhvaar
When Thiru Mangai Azhvaar visited this place, he is believed to have been quite disappointed as he found the Lord too small and like a kid. The Lord is said to have consoled him saying ‘ Come and see me in my full form at Thiru Kannapuram’.
ThiruKannapuram is about 25kms South West of this temple on the way to Thiruvarur
It is said that one will be relieved of Naaga Dosham if one visits this place. Unmarried people and childless couple can also visit this temple for solution.
One of the features of this temple is the enthusiastic and very passionate & young priests. Their explanation of the temple history and legend is sure to lure every devotee to this temple.
Quick Facts
Deity : KripaSamudran –Arumaakadal
(Bala Vishnu sleeping posture facing south)
Goddess : Daya Nayaki Thaayar
Mangalasaasanam : Thirumangai Azhvaar
Paasurams : 10(1628-37)
Temple timing : 7am –12noon and 5pm-8pm
Bus : Mayavaram- Tiruvarur/Karaikal Bus
Get down at Kollumangudi bus stop
Take an auto from there (2 kms)- will charge Rs. 20/–30/-
One can also reach here from Thiru Vazhandur Divya Desam via Komal, Keezhanur and Kollumangudi by auto/car (about 15kms)
