Uthamar Koil is one among the 108 divyadesams of Vishnu. This temple is unique as this temple houses all the Trinities- Vishnu, Siva and Brahma . Brahma has very few temples in India and this is an added attraction for this temple. Here we find a blend of Vaishavisam and Saivism.
The temple is very simple and does not have huge towers like other temples. Facing east is the temple of Purushothaman (Vishnu) . Here he is in Sayana Kolam , meaning- reclining on Aadisesha. The Panchaloha idol of Purushothaman and his consort Poorna Valli Thayar are stunning. Garudalwar is facing the Vishnu's shrine.Outside there are separate shrines for Mahalakshmi and Poornavalli Thayar.
Facing South is the shrine for Dakshina Moorthy and on the West side is the temple of Siva known here as Bhikshadaneshwar and his consort is known as Soundarya Parvati . She has a separate sannidhi inside this temple. At the entrance of this temple there is a niche for Gnana Guru and Nandi is facing the Siva sannidhi. There are separte shrines for Krishna, Varadaraja, and Azhwars and Chakrathazhwar.
The legend goes like this- Siva removed one of Brahma's head in a fit of anger and he incurred a curse. To get salvation Siva went around the world with Brahma's skull to beg for food, hence the name Bhikshadaneshwar. Whenever some one filled his vessel with food it disappeared and he remained hungry. Finally he reached Uthamar koil and Mahalakshmi filled it with food thus ending Siva's hunger.
At the Northen side is the shrine of Brahma and next to it is his consort Gnana Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. Brahma grants here all the wishes of his devotees as Vishnu directed him to do so. Childless couples offer their prayers at this temple to beget offspring.
It is also believed that once Vishnu wanted to test Brahma and He hid in a Kadambha tree. Brahma was worried and started searching and found the Lord here in the form of a Kadamba tree and worshipped him . Perumal blessed him by giving Him the privilege as the creator of all lives. Lord Brahma stayed here blessing his devotees.
How to reach: This temple is in Srirangam and is 5 Kms from Trichy town. Trichy is well connected by rail, road and air.
Regular buses ply with good frequency to Srirangam.
One can also hire auto rickshaw or cabs.
Accommodation - A number of hotels are available in luxury , economy and budget category.
Vimanam atop of Lord Purushothaman (Vishnu) Sanctum
Shiva's shrine
Outside the temple
Aerial View of the temple
