☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #21 of 108 (Chola Nadu)
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Neelamegha Perumal (Sowriraja)

Thirukkannapuram — Divya Desam #21

Divya Desam #21 • Chola Nadu (Kumbakonam Cluster)
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Ashtakshara Mantra Kshetram; famous for Sowriraja Perumal who grew hair for priest Rangabhattar and the divine Muniyodai Pongal.

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #21 (Thirukkannapuram) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Chola Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Neelamegha Perumal (Sowriraja), graces devotees in Ninra (Standing) posture facing East beneath the sacred Utpalavathaka Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Kannapura Nayaki. Holy dips or prostrations near the Nithya Pushkarani are believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and Moksha. Throughout the centuries, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and Vijayanagara rulers contributed मंडपम्स (mandapams), gopurams, and stone inscriptions preserving the daily Pancharatra / Vaikhanasa Agama worship.
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🙏 Azhwars: 5 Azhwars (Nammazhwar, Periyazhwar, Andal, Kulasekhara, Thirumangai) (128 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: 5 Azhwars (Nammazhwar, Periyazhwar, Andal, Kulasekhara, Thirumangai)
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 128 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, 5 Azhwars (Nammazhwar, Periyazhwar, Andal, Kulasekhara, Thirumangai) praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Neelamegha Perumal (Sowriraja) and Kannapura Nayaki at Thirukkannapuram. Reciting the Pasurams of this Divya Desam inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha) is considered the highest spiritual offering during a pilgrim's Yatra.
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• Annual Brahmotsavam: Celebrated with grand Vahana processions including Garuda Sevai, Hanumantha Vahanam, Surya/Chandra Prabhai, and Rathotsavam (Temple Car festival).
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Margazhi): Special Paramapada Vasal / Rapathu & Pagalpathu Utsavam with recitation of Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
• Panguni Uthiram & Thayar Thirukalyana Utsavam: Celestial wedding festival of Lord Neelamegha Perumal (Sowriraja) and Goddess Kannapura Nayaki.
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
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• Travel Hub / Base Town: Kumbakonam Cluster (Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Tiruvarur and nearby pilgrimage towns in Kumbakonam Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Tiruvarur / Kumbakonam Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Tiruvarur - Tamil Nadu region (approx. 1 to 2.5 hours by cab via highway).
• Pilgrim Tip: Verify temple opening hours (6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM) before starting; afternoon closure is typically between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.