Thirumanikoodam

Thirumanikoodam is traditionally enumerated as number 34 among the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Sri Maha Vishnu sung by the Alvars.

This place is about half a mile to the east of Thirn Nangoor near Sirkazhi. The moolavar here is known as Varadaraja Perumal, Mani kooda nayakan. He is seen in a standing posture facing east. The Goddess is known as Thirumamagal Nachiar. The theertham is known as Chandra pushkarini. The vimanam is known as Kanaka vimanam. God is said to have appeared

In Padma puranam (412th adyayam) the story relating to Thiru Manikodam also known as Rathna Kooda sthalam is mentioned. Agasthia maharishi is said to have related this story to king Vasu.

Once upon a time, Daksha Prajapathi gave all his

27 daughters starting from Aswini and ending with Revathi in marriage to the Moon God. All thedaughters were beautiful to look at. Yet the moon God felt that only Rohini was equal to him in beauty and hence used to favour her. The other wives felt offended. They went to their father an@ complained about this. Daksha Prajapathi got annoyed with the Moon God (Lord Chandran - Soma) as the Moon God had not looked after the other daughters of his with the affectionate respect which was due to them. He cursed that the Moon God should suffer from Rajya kshama kshaya rogam- Tuberculosis.) As a result, the Moon od got afflictrd by the dreaded disease and started waning. In order to atone for his sin, he started on a pilgrimage. He reached Rathna kooda sthalam in Palasaranyam. There, he met a rishi by name Samvartha, obtainrd his permission, put up a Parnasala (ashram) and started his penance. The tank where

ve Moon § Soma) God had his daily bath came to be

known as Soma pushkarini. The Moon God continued his severe penance standing in the midst of fire even inthe height of summer and standing in the tank even in the depths of winter. God was pleased with the severe penance and appeared before him. He passed his hands all over the body of Lord Soma. Immediately, the Moon God got rid of his disease and attained his original beauty. The Moon God prayed to Perumal to continue to stay in the same place and continue to bless the devotees who flock to that place. The Perumal agreed. This is the story of this divya desam.