Tirukkovilur

Special Note

The first three of the Āzhwārs — Poigai Āzhwār, Bhūtath Āzhwār, and Pey Āzhwār — came to Thirukkovilur on a rainy night. First to arrive was Poigai Āzhwār, from Kāñchipuram, who sought refuge for the night at the ashram of Mrugandu Rishi. The rishi told him that there was a place for just one person to sleep and that he was welcome to stay for the night.

Bhūtath Āzhwār, from Māmallapuram, followed shortly, and he too requested that he stay at the ashram for the night. PoigaiAzhwar welcomed him, saying there was a place for one to sleep and two to sit, and took him inside.

Pey Āzhwār, from Mylapore, too, reached the ashram. He was told that there was a place for one to sleep, two to sit, and three to stand. It is explained as a slogan by

"Oruvar Padukka – Iruvar Irukka – Moovar Nirkalam".

The three of them stood there through the night, sharing their experiences with each other.

A little later, the three Āzhwārs sensed the presence of a fourth person, and with space only for three to stand, they felt uncomfortable. Through their exceptional vision, the three Āzhwārs realized that the fourth person was none other than Lord Vishṇu himself. Delighted at this, they showered praises on the Lord.

This is the first temple where the first three Āzhwārs sang praises (Pāsurams) of Lord Vishṇu, the compilation of which later came to be known as the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham.

It is believed that this ashram, where the 3 Āzhwārs stayed that rainy night, is the one where one, today, finds the sanctum. The first of the three Āzhwārs also finds a place inside the Sanctum.