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SIVAGANGA, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, June 27, 2004: The mahasamprokshanam of the Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple, located at Tirukoshtiyur, 27 km from here, was performed today amid recitation of the Divyaprabandam and chanting of “Om Namo Narayana” by devotees. The much celebrated temple, which is part of the Sivaganga Devasthanam, is the foremost among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavites. Tirukoshtiyur was packed with people who had come from all over the State to participate in the mahasamprokshanam, being performed after 12 years.



The renovation of the temple has been done by the Sowmyanarayanan Emperumanar Charitable Trust and all the vimanas and gopurams have been spruced up for the occasion. The temple is celebrated for several reasons. It is an architectural marvel. It has a unique three-tiered Ashtanga Divya Vimana. Unlike in other temples, this vimana is taller than the rajagopuram. Lord Vishnu is seen in the standing, sitting and reclining postures in the three-tiered structure. It was here Sri Ramanujar preached the significance of the mantra, Om Namo Narayana, to the common people, sitting atop the temple. The temple town wore a festive look with the people pouring in by all kinds of available transport. Since the Ashtanga Divya Vimana could be seen from anywhere, groups of the people took positions at vantage points since early morning. Food was provided for all those who participated in the mahasamprokshanam at several homes in Tirukoshtiyur. The event was celebrated as a people’s festival as even strangers could walk into select homes to have food. Elaborate pujas were performed since Wednesday, prior to the mahasamprokshanam, at the yagasala adjacent to the temple. The heads of several Vaishnavite mutts participated in the pujas.

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