Thirukarambanur Temple Story: Where Shiva Was Freed from the Sin of Brahmahatya by Bhagavan Vishnu - The Uthamar Kovil
Uttamar Koil, also called Thirukarambanur or Bhikshandar
Kovil, is a village on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. The
temple here is very special because all three deities of the Trimurti, Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva, have their shrines in one place. This is rare in India. The
temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Bhagavan Vishnu, and here He is
worshipped as Purushothama Perumal along with His consort Lakshmi as
Poornavalli Thayar.
Story of Brahma and the Kadamba Tree
Once, Brahma, the creator, became proud of his own work. He
felt that he was the greatest because he created all living beings. To remove
this pride, Bhagavan Vishnu appeared at this place in the form of a Kadamba
tree. He did not say anything. His silent presence itself was the message.
Brahma understood the truth and realised his mistake. He
performed abhisheka with holy waters, and from those waters Bhagavan appeared
in Bhujanga Sayana, resting on Adisesha. This gave Brahma the divine vision of
the Supreme. The holy water became known as Kadamba Theertham. Bhagavan was
pleased with the devotion of Brahma and blessed him with a shrine of his own in
this place.
Story of Shiva and the Alms
According to another belief, Brahma and Shiva both had five
heads in the beginning. Once, Parvati got confused and worshipped Brahma
thinking he was her husband. Shiva became angry and cut off one head of Brahma.
Because of Brahma's curse, the skull stuck to the hand of Shiva and could not
be removed. This is known as Brahmahatya dosha.
To get freedom from this sin, Shiva went from place to place
as a wanderer asking for alms. When he came here, Bhagavan Vishnu asked Lakshmi
to give alms to him. As soon as she placed the food, the bowl of Shiva was
filled and the skull fell off. Because she filled the bowl, Lakshmi is called
Poornavalli Thayar, meaning the one who made it full. Shiva was completely
relieved of the curse after worshipping Bhagavan at the shrine of Hara Saabha
Vimochana Perumal. This is also why the place is known as Bhikshandar Kovil.
Importance and Symbolism
The stories carry clear teachings from our scriptures. The
first story shows that pride, even in the creator, must be removed by surrender
to the Supreme. Bhagavan did not punish Brahma. He simply showed him the truth,
and that was enough.
The second story teaches that no one can escape the result
of karma, not even a great deity. Yet the path to freedom is open through
humility, pilgrimage and devotion to Bhagavan. The alms bowl becoming full also
shows that giving food, annadanam, is one of the highest dharmas. Lakshmi as
the giver reminds us that true wealth is meant to be shared.
The presence of the Trimurti in one temple also shows the
unity of the Divine. Creation, protection and destruction are not separate
powers but different functions of one Supreme reality.
A Short Note on the Temple
The temple is built in Dravidian style and is praised in the
Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvars. It is believed that King Janaka,
father of Sita Devi, built this temple. It is also believed that Thirumangai
Alvar stayed here while arranging the construction of the walls around the
Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple.
Unique aspects of this temple include:
- The
three main deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, are worshipped in the temple
- Vishnu
is seen here in the Purushothama form, which means the Supreme Person.
- Lakshmi
is worshipped as Poornavalli Thayar, connected with fullness and
abundance.
- The Kadamba Theertham is regarded as very sacred.
Uthamar Kovil reminds devotees that humility is the path to
the Divine. Whoever visits with a pure heart and worships Purushothama Perumal
and Poornavalli Thayar is believed to be freed from pride, sin and want.