Thirukodikaval: The Rare Darshan Where Tripurasundari Ambal Appears as Perumal

Once a year, devotees at the historic Thirukodikkaval Thirukoteeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam witness a unique and deeply devotional tradition.

On a Purattasi Saturday, Goddess Sri Tripurasundari Ambal is adorned in the form of Lord Venkatesa, complete with the traditional appearance associated with Perumal. For devotees, this is not simply a special decoration, it is a centuries-old tradition connected to a beautiful story of faith and divine grace.

According to the temple's Puranic tradition, a group of devotees once travelled to Tirupati with the hope of worshipping Lord Venkatesa. However, upon reaching Tirupati, they were unable to have darshan of the Lord. Disappointed, they began their journey back. It was then that they are said to have received divine guidance telling them that they would receive the darshan they were seeking in the Kaveri region.

The devotees continued their journey and, from a distance, noticed the gopuram of Thirukodikaval Temple. Believing that they had finally found a Perumal temple, they approached with excitement. But as they came closer, they realised that the temple was actually dedicated to Lord Shiva. Disappointed once again, they were preparing to leave.

That was when the divine voice is believed to have told them: "You will receive the darshan of Perumal in this temple itself."

@bhakthi145 Amman turns into Perumal, unique temple. #hindutemple #spiritualawakening #singapore #malaysiatamiltiktok #malaysiatamil ♬ original sound - bhakthi

Ambal takes the form of Perumal

According to the temple's tradition, Goddess Tripurasundari then appeared in the form of her brother, Lord Venkatesa, holding the conch and blessing the devotees. The devotees are said to have been overjoyed to receive the darshan they had been seeking.

To commemorate this belief, the temple has continued the tradition of adorning Sri Tripurasundari Ambal as Lord Venkatesa on a Purattasi Saturday every year. What makes the tradition especially meaningful is that the darshan takes place within a Shiva temple. For devotees, the celebration is seen as a beautiful reminder that sincere devotion can transcend religious forms, with the divine appearing in the form a devotee seeks.

The temple also has a historical legacy spanning more than 1,300 years, according to the information provided. The Thirukodikkaval temple is also associated with other distinctive traditions, including the performance of Dhulapara Nerthi, a practice traditionally associated with Perumal temples.

The temple is also said to have a connection with the Lalitha Sahasranama Bhashyam. For devotees who visit during Purattasi, however, one of the most anticipated moments remains the rare darshan of Tripurasundari Ambal in the form of Perumal.

A temple where devotees once arrived seeking Venkatesa and, according to tradition, found that divine grace waiting for them in an unexpected form.

Source : Vikatan  , bhakthi145