16/02/2026
Third Thirupathi Thiruppulingudi It is one of the Navathirupathi (9 thirupathy) situated along the holy banks of the
Thamirabarani River (Budhan Sthalam – Mercury)
This sacred temple is located about half a kilometer east of Thiruvaragunamangai Temple on the same road. Bus facilities are available. Here, Brahma performs service (Brahma Sevai) from the Lord’s divine navel.
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Temple History (Sthala Puranam)
Once, Lord Vishnu was seated on the banks of this river with Goddess Lakshmi. Bhudevi (Mother Earth), thinking that the Lord was neglecting her after coming to the earthly world, became upset and went to the Netherworld (Pathala Loka). As a result, the Earth became dark and barren.
The Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu. He then went to the Netherworld along with Lakshmi, pacified Bhudevi, and assured her that both Lakshmi and Bhudevi were equal to Him. Reconciled, He appeared here with both consorts. Since He protected and restored Mother Earth, He earned the name Bhoomipalan (Protector of the Earth).
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Indra’s Redemption
In the Himalayas, a sage and his wife were living happily in the form of deer. Indra, who came there, mistakenly struck the sage (in deer form) with his Vajrayudha and incurred the sin of Brahmahatya Dosha (the sin of killing a Brahmin).
On the advice of Brihaspati (Guru), Indra came to this temple, worshipped Bhoomipalan, and bathed in the sacred Varuna Niruthi Theertham. His sin was absolved.
Joyful after gaining relief, Indra performed a grand Yajna for the Lord.
Yajnasarma, who had insulted the daughter of Sage Vasishta and other sages, was cursed to become a demon. Lord Vishnu appeared here and granted him liberation from the curse.
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Deity and Unique Features
• The Lord reclines on Adisesha in Bhujanga Sayanam, facing east, at a length of 12 feet.
• While circumambulating the sanctum, one can view Brahma seated on a lotus emerging from the Lord’s navel through a window in the wall.
• From the Lord’s navel, a lotus stem rises, symbolically connecting to Lakshmi and Bhudevi.
• About 250 liters of oil are used for the ceremonial oil anointment (Ennai Kaappu) due to the large divine form.
• Lakshmi and Bhudevi are seated near His divine feet.
• Prayers for childbirth offered here are believed to be especially fruitful.
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Temple Details
• Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Kaaisinavendhan (Bhoomipalan)
• Utsavar (Processional Deity): Em Idar Kadalvān
• Thayars: Malar Magal (Lakshmi) and Thirumagal; no separate shrine
• Utsava Thayar: Pulingudivalli
• Theertham: Varuna Niruthi Theertham
• Vimanam: Vadasara Vimanam
• Agama: Vaikhanasa
• Mangalaasasana (hymns) sung by Nammalvar
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Verses from Nammalvar (Summary Meaning)
In his hymns (verses 3566, 3570, 3571), Nammalvar prays:
• May the Lord open His radiant mouth and cast His lotus-eyed glance of grace upon devotees who continuously serve His temple across generations.
• O Lord reclining at Thirupulingudi, who resides in Vaikuntha and in Thiruvaragunamangai, rule me without leaving my heart.
• How long have You reclined here? Please rise, open Your broad lotus eyes, and bless Your devotees who serve You faithfully.