Uthamarkoil Temple, Tiruchirappalli - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Uthamarkoil Temple

At a distance of 15 Km from Trichy, Uthamar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Uthamarkoil, a village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Purushottamar temple, Thirukkarambanoor Temple or Bhikshandar Kovil, it is one of the must-include places in Trichy pilgrimage tour packages. Uthamarkoil Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Purushothaman Perumal (also called as Purushothamar) and his consort Lakshmi as Poornavalli Thayar.

History of Uthamarkoil Temple

The Uthamarkoil temple is thought to have been constructed by the Medieval Cholas in the late 8th century CE, with subsequent enhancements made by the Vijayanagara rulers and the Madurai Nayaks. This temple is celebrated in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil scripture composed by the Alvar saints between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. In 1751, during the conflict between the British and French forces, the temple served as a stronghold for both armies. Remarkably, the temple sustained no damage throughout the course of the war.

Mythology of Uthamarkoil Temple

According to the legend, both Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva originally possessed five heads. Brahma once visited Mount Kailash to meet Shiva. Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva got confused between the both and performed the pathapooja to Brahma instead of Shiva. In his wrath, Shiva severed one of Brahma's heads, which led to Shiva acquiring the Brahmahathya dosha. The skull of Brahma stuck to the hands of Shiva which he could not separate despite all efforts. Consequently, all offerings made to him were consumed by the head, which remained perpetually unsatisfied. In this state, Lord Shiva descended to earth as Bikshadana, carrying the skull in a bowl. Upon his arrival, Lord Vishnu instructed Mother Mahalakshmi to provide food for Shiva. When Mahalakshmi complied, the bowl overflowed, satisfying Lord Shiva's hunger, and she was thereafter revered as Pooranavalli, the one who fulfills the needs of the needy.
 

Architecture of Uthamarkoil Temple

The Uthamarkoil Temple exemplifies the Dravidian architectural style. It stands as one of the rare ancient temples where the Trimurti of Hinduism - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva are honored alongside their consorts in six distinct shrines. A granite wall encircles the temple, encompassing all its shrines. The central shrine, oriented towards the East, enshrines the image of Lord Vishnu, depicted as Purushottamar in a reclining position, akin to the idol of Ranganatha found in the Srirangam Temple. The roof of this central shrine, referred to as Udhyoga Vimana, is notable. To the southeast, two additional shrines are dedicated to Poornavalli and Mahalakshmi. The Shiva shrine, situated behind the main shrine, contains the lingam known as Bhikshadanar. In the hall leading to the Shiva sanctum, granite representations of the deities Ganesha, Murugan, Nandi, and the Navagrahas are present. Soundarya Parvati, the consort of Shiva, is enshrined separately. The shrines of Brahma and his consort Saraswati are positioned in the southwest corner of the temple complex.

The Saptaguru or seven gurus (teachers) are identified in the temple. The seven gurus include Bhikshadana Shiva as Sadasiva Guru, Soundarya Parvati as Shakti Guru, Brahma as Brahma Guru, Brihaspati as Deva Guru, Varadarajaperumal as Vishnu Guru, Muruga as Gnyana Guru, and Shukra as Asura Guru. Additionally, there is a temple tank known as Kadamba Theertham within the temple complex.

Festivals of Uthamarkoil Temple

The Brahmotsavam festival, held annually during the Tamil month of Kartigai (November - December), is the prime festival of the Uthamarkoil Temple. During this festival, the ceremonial images of both Purushothamar and Bhikshadanar are paraded through the streets adjacent to the temple. In addition to this, the temple also observes the Kadambha Thiruvizha festival, along with weekly celebrations on Mondays and Fridays, and monthly observances such as Amavasai (new moon day), Kiruthigai, and Pournami (full moon day), all of which are marked with great enthusiasm.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Uthamarkoil Temple

When planning a visit to the Uthamarkoil Temple, it is advisable to dress modestly by covering the shoulders and lower body. Women are encouraged to wear sarees or salwar kameez, while men may opt for a dhoti, although these choices are not strictly enforced. It is best to avoid Western clothing such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Access to the sanctum sanctorum of Uthamarkoil Temple is typically restricted for non-Hindus, as it is a Hindu place of worship. However, they are permitted to admire the temple's architecture from the exterior.

Uthamarkoil Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM

Uthamarkoil Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 25
Special Darshan available for Rs. 500

Best Time to Visit Uthamarkoil Temple

The best time to visit Uthamarkoil Temple is during the winter months specifically from October to March, when the climate is agreeable and suitable for exploration. For an enriched spiritual and cultural experience, the most favorable time to visit is during the annual Brahmotsavam festival, that is celebrated during the Tamil month of Kartigai (November - December) when the temple is filled with vibrant activities. However, if you are looking to avoid the crowd and enjoy a more tranquil darshan, it would be advisable to plan a visit between July and September. It is recommended to avoid the summer months due to the excessive heat and humidity.

How to Reach Uthamarkoil Temple

Uthamarkoil Temple is located 20 Km from Trichy which is well-connected by flight, train, and bus with all the major towns, and cities of Tamil Nadu. Government and private bus services are available to reach the temple from these places. Besides, one can also hire a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple from Trichy.