Vaiyam Kaththa Perumal Temple at Thirukoodalur is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The name Thirukoodalur or Koodalur is not well known now. If you want to ask for directions, ask for Aduthurai Perumal Koil. This Aduthurai is not to be confused with the Aduthurai near Thiruvidaimarudhur. There are a group of Vaishnava temples around Kumbakonam which are considered navagraha Parihara sthalams. This did come as a surprise to me because the Vaishnavites do not believe in navagraha worship. This is the Kethu parihara sthalam. There is a prominent board in this temple that authenticates this. The Moolavar (Main Deity) is known as Vaiyam Kaththa Peruamal and the Utsavar (Deity taken out in procession during festivals) is Jagatrakshakan. His consort here is Padmasanavalli. The sacred tree (Sthala Vruksham) is the Jackfruit tree. The Palamaran (Jack fruit tree) at this temple is very unique. Click here to read more….
