Thirukkavalampadi (Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple)

Thirukkavalampadi (Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple)- Thirunangur

Thirukkavalampadi Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located in Thirunangur, near Sirkazi town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. The Lord is worshipped here as Sri Gopalakrishna and hence, this temple is also known as Sri Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple. Azhwars, the Vaishnava saints have sung hymns in praise of this Lord, and this temple is counted among the Divyadesams, the chosen abodes of Vishnu.

Lord Gopalakrishna presides over this shrine and is present there along with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. As Krishna is enshrined with both his chief consorts, this temple is regarded equivalent to Dwaraka, in its holiness.

Here, Lord Gopalakrishna can be worshipped in the sanctum in a standing posture along with his spouses, Rukmini and Satyabhama, facing East. True to the name ‘Go Pala Krishna,’ the Krishna, who tends to the cow, the Lord is also seen holding a cow tied to a rope in his left hand. His consort Sengamala Nachiyar or Madavaragal Mangai, is in a separate shrine. The festival deity is called Rajagopalan. The roof above the main shrine is Swayambhu Vimana, and the temple tank is Tadamalarpoigai.

As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground,there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place.
On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides.

Kavalam is a classical Tamil word that denotes an elephant. Thirumangai Azhwar has described how the Lord saved an elephant here, and this is said to be the reason for this place getting the name ‘Thiru Kavalam Padi.’ It is also said that Krishna and his wife Satyabhama chose this place to set up their garden, as it resembled the palace of Indra, the Lord of the heavens. And they did so by bringing and planting some exotic flowers here.

It is believed that the Lord can fulfill the wishes of devotees in respect to their studies, careers, marriage, suitable life partners, and progeny. People experiencing marital discords and family feuds also worship in this temple, to find a sense of peace and joy.