Thirukkovilur is traditionally enumerated as number 57 among the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Sri Maha Vishnu sung by the Alvars.
Thirukoilur is one among the Nadu Nadu divya desams, Closeby is Srimushnam which is also a famous puranic place. Thirukoilur lies on the Villupuram Katpadi Railway line. The temple is about 2 kms. from the railway station. This is one among the Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetrams. The other four are Thirukannangudi, Kapisthalam, Thirukkannapuram and Thirukkannamangai. The sthalapurana of this place is related in Brammapuranam as well as in Padmapuranam. The administration of this temple is under the control of Thirukoilur Sri Emberumanar Jeer Swamy.
Thirukoilur is held sacred by Vaishnavites as it is here that the divya prabandham was first composed. The first three Alvars met each other and sang the glories of Lord Vishnu here. It was here, on a stormy night, a way farer who was drenched in the rain asked for shelter at a dehali i.e. a thatched terrace known in Tamil as Rezhi and thanks to the courtesy of the pious householder decided to take shelter there from the severity of nature. Shortly another way farer also seeking shelter came there. There was not enough space to lie down for both. But both of them could sit together. Shortly a third one came seeking shelter. The third was also accommodated saying all of them could stand. The first hailed from Kancheepuram. He was Poigai Alvar. The second was from Mahabalipuram. He was Bhudatalwar. The third was from Mylapore in Madras City and was Peyalwar. They spent the night sharing their religious experiences. Suddenly they felt there was another presence in their midst. As it was dark, they could not find an explanation. They had no light. Then Poigai Alvar sang a poem in Tamil wherein he said that the entire world of matter is a lamp.The ocean is the ghee and the bright Sun is the flame. Bhudathalwar responded by saying that the intense life is the receptacle, yearning is the ghee and the mind pining away in bliss is the wick. Thus, the gnana dipa was lit so as to dispel the darkness of ignorance. As soon as he completed his song, the darkness vanished and the third visitor viz. Peyalwar had the vision of the Lord. He described what he saw and all the Al- ‘wars enjoyed this vision and the three bakthas began to sing the
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