Andalakkum Aiyan Perumal - The One Who Comes To Aid His Devotees!

The 10th Divya Desham of Maha Vishnu is the temple referred to as Thiru Adanoor temple which is located in a village named Olaipadi situated 7 kms from Kumbakonam and just 2 kms away from Swamimalai. Maha Vishnu is in Bhujanga-shayanam here (reclining posture), worshipped as Andalakkum Aiyan Perumal and His consort is Devi Ranganaayaki. This temple has been constructed in the same style as that of Ranganatha temple of Srirangam. 

Thirumangai Alwar, a prominent devotee of Maha Vishnu, exhausted all his funds in the renovation of Srirangam temple. In a dream, Maha Vishnu instructed him to assemble at the banks of the Kollidam river with the workers whose wages had to be paid. The Lord promised to help him. Accordingly the next day, Thirumangai Alwar came to the banks of the river along with the workers. There he met an old man who was holding a marakkal (a measuring bowl) and a writing instrument in his hand. The old man said that he would take sand from the bank of the river, in the measuring bowl and hand a bowl-ful of the sand to every worker. For those who had worked sincerely, the sand would convert into priceless stones and gems, and for those who had not put in sincere efforts, the sand will remain just the same. Many workers got priceless treasures while for others, the sand did not convert. These people got angry and tried to attack the old man who ran away from the crowd. Thirumangai Alwar too chased the old man. Finally, the old man paused and revealed himself as Maha Vishnu. The Lord taught Thirumangai Alwar to keep accounts using the marakkal and the writing instrument. The idol of Perumal in the said temple still has the marakkal in one hand and the writing instrument in another. 

The temple is also associated with many celestial beings. Once Sage Bhrigu offered a garland to Lord Indra who in turn gave it to his elephant Airavat. In ignorance, the elephant crushed the garland. This angered Sage Bhrigu and he cursed Indra to lose his powers. At the place where the temple is now located, Indra is said to have done severe penance and gotten rid of his curse. Also, Agni gained his lost lustre by offering worship to Perumal here. 

The Vimana at the top of the temple is called as Pranava Vimana and it has an image of Maha Vishnu, showing His form from head to knees. As per the local legend, it is believed that the world would end if the feet of Maha Vishnu become visible. 

It is believed that in the supreme abode of Maha Vishnu there are two pillars which grant relief from the sins of all Jeevas who go there. These two pillars are present in two temples on earth - the Srirangam temple and Thiru Adanoor temple. People worship these pillars by circumambulating around them in even numbers to attain salvation. 

Om Ranganaathaya Namaha! Om Ranganaayagiye Namaha!