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On the road from Mayiladuthurai to Kumbakonam along the banks of Cauvery river the village called Kozhikuthi, where a temple dedicated to Lord Sri Srinivasa lies hidden and almost buried though years of neglect.
This temple, over 800 years old, is unique in that, it is the only one in the world where the presiding deity is 20 feet tall and it is carved out of single Athi (Fig) tree. Mythology ordains that it was here that Sri Srinivasa Perumal (Vanamutti Perumal), who appears along with his consort, gave Vishwaroopa dharshan to Maharishi Pippalar.The massive idol is indeed awe-inspiring.
History of the Temple
Many years ago, a king got afflicted with a chronic skin disease. When all his efforts for recovery failed, he prayed Lord Vishnu. The Lord appeared before him and told to travel along the banks of River Cauvery and Lord Margasayeswarar (Lord Shiva) will help him through the way and at one place where he will be cured would be touched by divine grace and have the privilege of witnessing the Vishwaroopa Dharshanam of the Lord. The Lord also added that only because of Hathi Dosham he got the skin disease and he will be cured when he takes bath in Vishwaroopa Pushkarni for 48 days. The disease was cured and the place was so called as Kodihathi Vimochana Puram now known as Kozhikuthi. At a later date, that king became sage Pippalar.
Later King Saraboji approached the sage Pippalar to give solution for coming out of the sin done by him during war times. Pippalar advised him to worship Lord Sri Srinivasa Perumal and take bath in the Pushkarni for 48 days. King Saraboji was astonished by the beauty of Lord Sri Srinivasa and constructed a beautiful temple having 7 Praharams before 8 centuries.
Beauty of the Temple
The Lord is made of single Athi (Fig) tree with 4 hands holding Sangu, Chakram, Gadhai and Abayagastam as another hand. Tulasi malai, Ornaments, Poonool were beautifully carved and Ajantha painting was done. The vimanam also was constructed like an Umbrella. Close to the main sanctum is that Yoga Narasimhar, who is seen to be blessing Bhaktha Prahalada and is in the state of Yoga. Also present shrine for Rama Bhaktha Anjaneyar of 5 feet. Route Map of this Temple.
Status of the Temple
Today, this temple rich in folklore is a picture of neglect and dilapidation. Now it is infested with bats and falling debris of the disintegrating vimana covers the base of the mammoth idol.
   
With the blessings of Religious Heads work was commenced on 01.09.2004.
Local lore believes that people who worship here find relief from various problems like debt, ill health and enemies, as well as those related to horoscopes (Hathi Dosham) and constellations.
It has been said that people who involves in the renovation of this temple would get goodwill for 14 generations.
Please contribute your mite and extend you full support for this noble cause.
For more information and for contributions, contact :
Mr. Soo.Vijaikumar,
Secretary,
Sri Vanamutti Perumal Kaingarya Sabha,
No 7 (21/45), Town Station Raod,
Mayiladuthurai - 609 001.
Ph : 04364 - 223395 / 98424 23395,
E-mail : vkenterprises1980@yahoo.com
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