Tirukarambanur-Uttamarkovil
Temple Information
- Moolavar
- Purushottaman
- Thayaar
- Pūrṇavalli Nāchiyār
- Vimanam
- Uthiyoga Vimānam
- How to reach
- This kshethram is located 4 km from Sri Raṅgam.
Shrine Location
Sthala Puranam
The name of the kshethram is Tirukarambanur. This is because the Lord showed Himself to Maharshi Kadambha. Additionally, the Lord had taken the form of a Kadambha tree, to which Lord Brahmā used to perform aaradhanam by pouring holy water from his kamandalam. Another story associated with this kshethram is similar to that of Tirukandiyoor. It is said that Lord Brahmā once had five heads. In a rage, Lord Shiva once slapped Lord Brahmā's fifth head, as he also had five heads, and it stuck to his hand as a curse.
The only way the Bramhakapalam falls from one's hand is to beg for alms, and for that to fill up the kapalam. In his search for alms, Lord Shiva reached Karambanur. Here, when he begged Pūrṇavalli thāyār for alms, the kapalam burst, and Lord Shiva was free of the curse. Thus, it is said that people without a means of obtaining food can come here to pray to Pūrṇavalli Thāyār to gain her blessings.
Special Note
This is said to be the only temple where one can see the Trinity with their wives all under the same temple. There are temples where one can see Lord Vishṇu, Lord Brahmā, and Lord Shiva together. However, this is the only temple where you will see Lord Vishṇu with Pūrṇavalli Thāyār (Lakshmī), Lord Brahmā with Sarasvatī, and Lord Shiva with Pārvatī.
Azhwar Pasuram
Tirumangai Āzhwār: 1 pāsuram