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One of the 108 Divya Desams in Vaishanavite
tradition, Thirukannamangai is replete with puranic lore which has
been recorded in Padmapuranam.
When the churning of the milky ocean took place,
many celestial beings, including Mahalakshmi, appeared from it. The
Goddess saw Mahavishnu in all his splendour, and admiring his
beauty, she became coy and shy.
 Meditating
on him, Mahalakshmi landed in this holy spot and did tapas in
silence – mouna tapas. Mahavishnu came to know of Mahalakshmi’s
devotion and decided to marry her. His deputy Vishwaksenar met the
Goddess and informed her about the marriage proposal and the date
for the wedding. On the appointed date, Mahavishnu and Mahalakshmi
entered into wedlock at this sacred shrine: A celebration witnessed
by all the Devas.
Since Mahalakshmi did penance in this hallowed
spot it is also called Lakshmi Vanam. It came to be called
Krishnamangala kshetra because the celestial wedding took place
here. Since it possesses the seven lakshanas of a kshetra, it also
called Sapthamrutha kshetra – they are – vimanam, aranyam, mantapam,
kshetra, theertham, nadhi and nagaram.
It is believed that Lord Shiva has taken four
forms and guards all the four directions.
Presiding deity - Bakthavatsala Perumal.
Bakthravi Perumal, facing east.
Thayar - Kannamangai Nayaki, Abishekavalli
Holy water - Dharshana Pushkarani
Vimanam - Udhbala
The temple is situated between Kumbakonam and
Tiruvarur.
There is an interesting tale connected with the
beehive found in the sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess.
(To be continued)
Usha Raja
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