Located about 15kms South East of Srirangam, one can reach Anbil via Toll Gate and Lalgudi from Trichy Chatiram bus stand(Bus Number 93 goes direct to Anbil). In centuries gone by, devotees used to walk across the Coloroon from Koviladi Divya Desam, a distance of 2 kms.
Chozha king built the Anbil temple
Sundara Raja Chozhan, the father of Raja Raja Chozhan had stayed here for a night before going for a battle. He laid his weapons before the Lord and sought his blessings. Emerging victorious, he is said to have come back here and built the temple in its current form.
Shiva’s curse
To find salvation from Brahmma’s curse, Shiva went on a pilgrimage begging for food, with Brahmma’s skull as the begging vessel. Every time someone filled the vessel with food, Shiva found to his horror that it vanished immediately. At Uthamar Koil, Goddess Lakshmi filled the vessel with food, thus ending Shiva’s hunger. However, to Shiva’s dismay, Brahmma’s skull still lay fixed on his hand.
Shiva is said to have visited this place from Uthamar Koil before going to Kandiyur where he finally got salvation.
The Name
Legend has it that Sage Durvasa once came to meet Mandaka Rishi but had to wait long as the latter was in deep meditation, under the river. Durvasa, who is known for his instant anger, cursed Mandaka Rishi turning him into a frog.
Wanting to get back his human form, Mandaka Rishi underwent penance at this place and his prayers were finally answered, with Vishnu appearing before the Rishi and liberating him from Durvasa’s curse. Hence, this place is called Mandaka(Frog) Puri.
Thirumazhisai Azhvaar’s comparison
While referring to Lord Vishnu in his reclining posture, Thirumazhisai Azhvaar talks about Anbil (Vadivazhagiya Nambi) along side Srirangam Ranganathar, Appaala Ranganathar (Koviladi), Thiru Kudanthai, Thiru Vallur, Thiruvekka and Thiru Paarkadal.
Naaganathanai Kudanthai Vekka Thiru Evvul
Naaganathanai Arangam PerAnbil
Naaganathanai Paarkadal Kidakkum
Aathi Nedumaal Anaipaai Karuthaanavaan
Festivals
In the Tamil month of Maasi, Vadivazhagiya Nambi of Anbil goes to Srirangam
and to the banks of Coloroon.
Garuda Sevai in Maasi Visaakam
10 day Vaikunta Ekadesi festival
Andal in Sitting Posture
Andal is seen in a sitting posture here. This is considered as a prarthana sthalam for unmarried women. It is believed that prayers to Andal at this temple will result in them finding the bridegroom
Quick Facts
Deity : Sundara Raja Perumal in reclining posture facing East
Utsavar : Vadivazhagiya Nambi
Goddess : Azhagiya Valli Thaayar(Seperate Thaayar Sannidhi)
Azhvaar : ThirumazhisaiAzhvaar –1 Paasuram(2417)
Time to visit : 7am-1230pm and 4pm-8pm
Contact : S. Varadaraja Bhattar @ 0431 6590672/ 99657 39011
Address : Mangamal Puram, Anbil, Trichy 621 702
How to reach Anbil
From Chathiram bus stand in Trichy, one can take a bus to Lalgudi and then take another bus from Lalgudi to Anbil(about 8 kms). There is a direct bus(Route No. 93) every hour to Anbil from Chatiram bus stand.
One can also take a car and visit Uthamar Koil, Thiruvellarai and Anbil Divya Desams in one go and finish all three temples in half a day.(will cost about Rs. 400-500)
Where to Stay
Best to stay in Trichy or Srirangam.
Source:
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/
