Skip to content Sri Sowmiya Narayana Perumal, Tirukostiyur Location
Tirukostiyur is located approximately 70 to 100 km due east and north of Madurai in Tamil Nadu
Sthalapuranam
A large group of sages gathered here to debate on Hiranyakasipu’s torture and prayed to Lord Vishnu along with other ‘devas’ to show the form He would take to kill the ‘asura.’ The Lord showed three such forms of Lord Nrusimha in various stages of killing Hiranyakasipu.
Sri Sowmiya Narayana Perumal temple location on Google Maps.
Special Features
The Lord is known as Ugra Ulagamellayan Perumal or Sowmya Narayana Perumal. The Lord is seen with Prayoga Chakram in His hand. The Universal Mother is known as Thirumamagal or Nilamamagal. The ‘theertham’ is Deva Pushkarani and the ‘vimana’ is Ashtanga Vimana.
An unusual feature of this temple is that the Vimana is taller than the Rajagopuram. There is a ‘swayambu lingam’ of Lord Shiva in front of Ashtanga Vimana. Sri Ramanuja was taught the relevance of Ashtakshara by Sri Tirukostiyur Nambi.
He had to visit this town 18 times before Sri Nambi taught him the meaning. He had to give an undertaking not to reveal it to anyone. Instead, he ran up to the tower of this temple and declared the meaning to everyone. When Sri Nambi asked Sri Ramanujan why he did it Sri Ramanujan responded that knowing the meaning saved many souls.
Only he will be in trouble for breaking his oath. Sri Nambi approved his action and named him ‘Emperumanar.’ This temple is also known as Dwayam Vilainda Tirupati.
Mangalasasanam
In Irandaam Thiruvandhadhi (2227), Bhoothath Alwar says that He has the colour of sapphire and has long hands. He is my Lord! He is there every day at Srirangam, Tirumalirumcholai and Tirukostiyur. He also lives eternally in Thiruvengadam. He lives every day in the park-like settings in Tiruneermalai ennobling this world.
In Mundram Thiruvandhadhi (2343), Pei Alwar declares that Tiruvinnagar, Tiruvekka and Tirumala are outstanding towns in this world with plenty of water-filled streams. Tiruvelukkai has significant streets, Grove-filled Tiruarangam is famous for its honeyed waters and Tirukostiyur are the place where the Lord who received water (of the gifting ritual) in His hand from Mahabali resides in His greatness.
In Naanmugan Thiruvandhadhi (2415), Thirumazhisai Alwar says he wants to sing in praise of the Lord resident in Kottiyur and Venkatam. He wants to feel the joy of praising Him continuously. What other way is there to be free from wrongful occupations of ‘samsaara’ except surrendering at His feet?
In Perialwar Thirumozhi (13), Perialwar visualizes Lord Sri Krishna, who is amongst the gem-studded walls of Thirukoshtiyur, was born secretly in the jail of Madhura and transferred to the auspicious house of Nandagopan. He is the primal cause behind Lord Brahma and Lord Rudra. When He was born, the oil and turmeric that they threw at each other auspiciously mixed and became slush on the middle floor of the house.
