Thirukkavalampadi

Thirukkavalampadi is traditionally enumerated as number 21 among the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Sri Maha Vishnu sung by the Alvars.

This divya desam is about 11 kms. from Sirkazhi and is one of the Thirunangoor divya desams. The moolavar here is known as Gopalakrishnan. He is seen in a standing posture,along with Rukmani and Satyabama. The Moolavar is facing east. There is no separate sannidhi for Thayar. The theertham is known as Thada malar poigai. The vimanam is known as Swayambu vimanam. Perumal is said to have appeared before Visvaksenar and Rudran.

The story relating to this divya desam is told in Padma puranam in the portion dealing with Palasavana mahathyam (13th and 14th adyayams). Agasthiya Mahamuni is said to have related this story to Vasu. It is said that a great devotee by name Harimitran undertook a deep penance in order to attain moksha. Perumal was pleased with his deep penance and He appeared before him in the beautiful form of Lord Krishna along with Rukmani and Satyabama. With one hand He was holding close a cow and in His right hand there was a stick (kol) which is usually used by the cow herds for controlling their herds. God thus appeared before the devotee in the form of Lord Gopala, the cow herd. God appeared before Visvaksenar also in that place as the latter was also doing a severe penance in order to be blessed by the Lord. Harimitran and Visvaksenar were said to have prayed to God to continue to stay in the same place and continue to bless the devotees who throng at that place. God conceded their request. It is believed that Lord Narayana appeared before Harimitran in the month of Masi on Hasta star day. He was seated underneath Madanakruta vimanam.

Thirumangai Alvar has sung in praise of the Lord here in his pasuram. He refers to the two incidents in God’s life. These two incidents are illustrative of God’s kindness. One such incident referred to by Thirumangai Alvar is of the occasion when Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana was given saranagathi by Rama. The other act of Rama which illustrates His ever ready kindness as stated by Alvar was when he rushed to the rescue of Sita who was abducted by Ravana, though He had no armies to equal that of Ravana, known for his ferocity and his strength. Yet Rama had no hesitation in fighting against Ravana.