Sri Bhoomipalar Temple at Thirupuliangudi in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – Fourth Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Budhan or Mercury
Thirupuliangudi Permual Temple, also known as Sri Bhoomipalar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu
and is located at Thirupuliangudi in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of
the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the fourth
Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Mercury (Navagraha Budha). Sri Bhoomipalar Temple is around 2 km from
Srivaikuntam.
There is no separate Navgraha Budha Murti in the temple. The
main deity represents the Navgraha.
Unique Vishnu Murti in the Temple
The main murti of Vishnu worshiped in the temple faces east and is in Bhujanga Sayanam or in reclining position. Moolavar is known as Bhoomipalar. Urchavar is known as Kasini Venthar.
One can have darshan of the feet of the murti through a
small opening when doing pradakshina, or circling, of the sanctum sanctorum.
A lotus from the navel of reclining Bhagavan Vishnu goes up
and joins a lotus flower sculpted on the wall. Lord Brahma sits atop the Lotus
flower.
Consorts of Vishnu worshiped here are Pulingudivalli, Malarmagal
Naachiyar and Poomagal Nachiyar
The sacred temple pond is known as Varuna Teertham and
Nirudhi Teertham.
Those having problems in life due to the bad positioning of Budha
or Mercury in their horoscope will get relief after offering prayers here.
Story of Sri Bhoomipalar Temple
at Thirupuliangudi
Legend has it that once Bhudevi disappeared and this caused lot of confusion in the universe. She was jealous of Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu giving more attention to Sridevi. Lord Vishnu consoled Bhudevi and gave darsh to her at Thirupuliangudi. As he protected Bhudevi here, the deity is known as Bhoomipalar.
Another legend has it that Indra did penance here for
killing a pious man. Indra took the form a deer, bathed in the sacred pond in
the shrine, and then offered prayers to Vishnu. He was relieved of the sin of
killing a pious man.
Indra then performed a yajna here. But a demon caused all
forms of difficulties. Vishnu appeared here and killed the demon. The demon was
actually a king who was cursed to become a demon for insulting a sage. The king
thus got redemption and attained moksha.
Thirupuliangudi Permual Temple Timings
Morning Puja and darshan time is from
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening Puja and darshan time is from
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The most important festival in the temple is observed in the
Vaikasi Month (May – June). Murtis from Nine Nava Tirupati temples assemble in
one location during the festival. Another festival observed here is Vaikunta
Ekadasi in Margazhi month (December – January).