History

Sri Rajagopalaswami Temple

Poundarikapuram

Vaishnava Simham, Vidya Bhushana

V.N. Gopala Desigachariar M.A., MSc., (London),  I.R.T.S(Rtd.,)

Oppiliyappankoil.

TEMPLE POOJAS ARE REGULARLY DONE IN VAIKANASHA  AHGAMAM  

            Poundarikapuram is a small village located near the temple town of Kumbakonam. Nestling among the fertile fields, nurtured by the soothing waters of the river Kaveri, the village, although small in size, is great in name and fame.

            In fact, the village derives its name from Poundarika, a special type of yaga. Ayya Kumara Tata Desika, who was the Rajaguru to the ruler of Thanjavur, performed this special yaga in Vennar Bank near Thanjavur, about three hundred years ago. This village was set up and named Poundarikapura, in commemoration  of this special yaga.

            The small, but beautiful Vishnu temple in this village has been the object of worship for hundreds of years. The presiding deity., Moolavar is Vasudeva, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi.

            Just as in the world famous temple of Mannargudi, where the Moolavar deity is Vasudeva and Utsava murti is Rajagopala, here also the Moolavar is Vasudeva and Utsavar is Rajagopala. Again, as in Mannargudi, here also goddess Lakshmi, located in a separate shrine, is called Sengamalavalli.

            The bewitching Utsavamurti Rajagopala is flanked by Rukmini and Satyabhama on either side. Another speciality in the temple is a beautiful icon of dancing Krishna, with a serpent spreading its hoods overhead.

            The Utsava deity here being Rajagopala, there is no separate Santana Krishna murti, the child in reclining posture, as is generally seen in the garbhagriha in the temples. The Utsava deity Himself is worshipped by the devout women, who want putra bhagya (children).

            The special dancing Krishna with the serpent spreading its hoods overhead, is specially worshipped, toward off naga(serpent) dosha and other evils.

            Sengamalavalli, the Moolavar deity, located in a separate shine is regarded as a  great Varaprasadi (bestower of boons) and is showering Her benign grace on the devout worshippers.,

            The village has got the proud privilege and distinction of being the abhimana sthala of Lord Oppiliappan of Oppiliappan Koil. As is well known, Oppiliappan Koil, the more prominent among the 108 vaishnava Divya Desas, is a famous prarthana sthala too, where thousands of devotees flock every day from all corners.of India.

            Till about 50 years back, Lord Oppiliappan and BhumiDevi used to grace this village, once a year. Every year on the 8^th day of Brahmotsavam festival in the month of Panguni, the Divine couple visited this village and temple and spent a whole day here.

            The villagers accorded a tumultuous reception to the visiting Lord Oppiliappan and his consort; and the whole day was marked with gala festivities in the village.

            The Divine Copule enjoyed a serene stay here, along with a cool and refreshing Tirumanjanam, toward off the summer heat.

            This particular day was appropriately chosen for Oppiliappan’s visit, because , on the day only, He is decorated as a Navamitha Krishna, in a crawling posture; and so the Navanita Krishna visits His brother(!!) Rajagopala in this beautiful, tiny village.

             In the night, the Lord returned to Oppiliappan Koil, mounted on the Horse Vahana.

            Now the villagers are seriously trying to restore this enthralling festival, which has been unfortunately suspended for the last 50 years.

            It is learnt that several erudite scholans and sri Visnavas lived here, adorning the village as crest-jewels. The village reverberated with Vedic chants throughout the day.

            The great scholar-mahan belonging to the 19^th-20^th century, who founded the Poundarikapuram Asramam, was born in this hallowed place. After mastering all sastras, shining as a beacon-light, the mahan shifted to Srirangam and took to sanyasa at the young age.

            The mutt established by this mahan in Srirangam is appropriately called Poundarikapuram Asramam and is flourishing even today, having thousands of disciples and doing great service to Vaishnavism.

            The temple however being located in a remote village, without adequate transport and boarding and lodging facilities , has not gained adequate prominence and fame; and is not very well known to the public at large.

            The public can stay at Kumbakonam(or) Oppiliappan koil and travel by bus or auto or car to this ancient village and drink deep the divine, nectarine beauty of the Lord here.

            The temple archakas are ready to provide all assistance needed by the tourists.