Thiruvanbil

Thiruvanbil is traditionally enumerated as number 4 among the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Sri Maha Vishnu sung by the Alvars.

This place is also known as Premapuri. It is one of the divya desams in Chola Nadu. This place is regarded as a divya desam both by the Vaishnavites and Saivites even as in the case of the Kanchipuram divya desam in Thondai Nadu. The western part. of Anbil is known as Vishnu sthalam. It is known locally as Mel Anbil. Within a short distance to the east lies the Sivasthalam which is known as Kil Anbil. It lies on the Tiruchy- Kumbakonam bus route. It is about 20 kms. from Tiruchy. It can also be reached by train by alighting at Lalgudi railway station as it is five miles from there.

The moolavar here is known as Azhagiya Nambi He is seen in a bhujanga sayanam pose facing east. The utsavar is known as Sundararajan. The Thayar is known as Azhagia Valli Nachiyar. The theerthams are Manduka pushkarini and Kollidam. The vimanam is Taraka vimanam. Perumal appeared here in response to the prayers of Brahma and Valmiki. Anbil was in existence even before the Pandavas. As Thirumazhisai Alvar has sung in praise of this divya desam, actually this place must have been in existence atleast 6100 years ago. Thirugnanasambandar also sang in praise of this place. There is an interesting story connected with the songs sung by the Saivite saint Thirugnanasambandar. It is believed that once upon a time, there was a flood in the river Kaveri. As the Sivasthalam is lying on the northern bank of Kaveri river, the Saivite saint could not cross the river to go to the temple. He therefore stood on the other side of the river and sang songs in praise of the Lord. On this side of the Kaveri bank, Lord Ganesa was standing. He is said to have strained His ears, tilted His head to one side in order to listen to the song of the Saivite saint. Even today, the idol of Vinayaka in this place is popularly known as “Sevi saitha Vinayakar"ie. the Lord Ganesa who lent His ears to listen carefully to the holy song.

Premapuri is also known as Thirumukkudal ie Triveni. It is known as Triveni as the three rivers Kaveri, Savithri and Phalguni rivers are said to have merged into one and flowing near this town. Savithri and Phalguni rivers are said to be