Thirukkoshtiyur Sri Arulmigu Sowmiya Narayana Perumall Temple - Hindu temple in Tirukostiyur - Sivaganga, India

Great old temple with lots of history. Dedicated to Lord Soumya Narayanan. Believed to be built by Cholas, the temple is worth a visit if you are a Vishnu devotee or interested in history. Lots of places to park in front, was practically empty when we visited.

Sri Sowmiya Narayana temple in Thirukkoshtiyur, near Thiruppattur is one of the most revered Vaishnava Shetrams, one of 108 Divya Desams. Lord Narayana in three different postures (Sayana, sitting and standing ) blesses the devotees. As per legend the proponent of Vishishtadvaidam, Saint Poet Sri Ramanujar preached the holy ashtakshra "Om Namo Narayana" to all without discrimination, standing on this temple top. The different sannidhis of Lord Narayana are to be reached by climbing steep steps, very narrow in some stages. Lord Vishnu took Narasimha avatar here to slay Hiranyakashipu, the Asura king. The main temple structure is under renovation.

Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple in Thirukoshtiyur, is a popular one among the 108 Divyadesam shrines glorified by the Azhwar saints. This was the birthplace of Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal, the Guru of Saint Sri Ramanuja who taught him the mystic mantra and strongly advised him not to reveal to others.This temple is steeped in the religious history of Vaishnavism because it was here Sri Ramanuja (c. 1017 CE - 1137), the chief proponent of Vishishtadvaita philosophy (non-dualistic) preached the holy ashtakshra "Ohm Namo Narayana" to all people irrespective of their caste.Thus Sri Ramanuja became the greatest social reformer and revered saint more than 1000 years ago giving importance to social justice and this great gesture earned him the title Emberumanar.The main deity Sowmyanarayana Perumal is believed to have appeared as Narasimha avatar to the celestial deities (devas) before taking the final avatar to kill demon king Hiranyakshipu who troubled the saints and celestial deities. This temple that covers a total area of 2 acres with a granite enclosure all around it has a central shrine-sanctum with the image of the presiding deity, Uragamellayan Perumal in reclining posture on a coiled snake bed. The garbagriha has the images of god's consorts - Sridevi and Bhudevi. An interesting feature is there are two life size stone images of Narasimha avatar of Vishnu -one holding the demon Hiranyakshipu and other slaying him. The Ashtanga architecture of the temple is a unique one .It is a rare design.The vimana, the shrine over the sanctum is Ashtanga in architecture which has eight parts: , Adhistana (base), three Padas (struct), Prashthana (limb), Griva (leading struct), Shikara (cylindrical holder) and Stupi (top portion).

A famous one of 108 divya Desam. Beautiful temple. But urchavar and moolavar are in same height in Parivar devas. Moreover it is kept very near moolavar, so we couldn't see moolavar. Many see only main deity Vishnu in one place. But like uthramerur other deities are in side entrance. But only known people are waiting at there and they are send to up by batch of 30. It is main important place unfortunately the worker are very rude and charging Rs.10 per head.

This place is a must visit if you're a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Got a lot of history to it. The temple architecture is absolutely stunning. Couldn't depict my experience with just words. Definitely need to experience the temple on your own.

One of the oldest and biggest emple for Lord Shiva and Thaiyar... Before Srirangam... Visit for its wonderful architecture.. Mind blowing if you look in its details. It has 7 pragharams.

Om namo narayanaya . Ancient temple. One of the Divya Desam among 108 (Praised by Azhwars). One of the famous temple in Sivagangai District/Tamilnadu. Located at very near to Thirukkoshtiyur bus stop. Located at Tirupattur-Sivagangai route. Main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu. Buses available from Tirupattur and Sivagangai bus stand to reach this temple. The place was the birthplace of Thirukkoshtiyur Nambigal. The temple is known as the place where Sri Ramanuja, the expounder of Vaishnavadatta philosophy preached the holy ashtakshara "Om Namo Narayana" to all people.

Good place to visit, you have all 3 Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma here in same temple. Vishnu would be in three stature like sleeping, sitting, and standing under the same some. Ramanujar learned from his Guru here. And it is good to visit the place where he announced the mantra to all. Overall a good temple to visit.