बृहत्पूरम्

This place is also called Indragiri, Palaasavanam. This kshetram together with Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Srirangam, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai along the course of river Kaveri are called Pancharanga kshetrams.

This temple is situated on a small hillock, named Indragiri, and is easily accessible. The presiding deity is Appakkudathaan in a reclining posture holding a pot in one hand and the Thayar Indra Devi, also called Kamalavalli. The Theertham is Indra theertham and the Vimanam Indra Vimanam.

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu blessed Markandeya rishi and Uparisaravasar at this shetram. According to the sthala purna, the Pandyan king Uparisaravasar while hunting a rogue elephant by mistake killed a Brahmin performing tapas on the banks of the river. Repenting for his act, the king renounced his throne and wandered around, finally reaching Tirupper Nagar. One day Lord Siva appeared before the king and asked him to worship Lord Vishnu at this shetram to get rid of the Brahmahati dosham. There upon the king built a temple for Lord Vishnu and each day after worship offered food together with appam, and payasam, to the Brahmins who came to his house. One day Lord Vishnu came to the king's house disguised as a poor Brahmin and informed that he is tired and hungry and needed food. The king requested the Brahmin to wait till the other Brahmins also assembled. But He conveyed to the king that He is too hungry and cannot wait. There upon, the king agreed to serve Him food. But to the surprise of the king the Brahmin ate all the food, and wanted some more. The king requested Him to take rest and went in to cook some more. At that time Markandeya rishi, who was informed by Siva to seek refuge in Lord Vishnu for longevity of life, was directed to the King"s place to worship Lord Vishnu taking rest as an old Brahmin. Accordingly the rishi went to the king's house where he saw the old Brahmin lying on the couch holding an appa kudam in one hand. Markandeya approached the Brahmin and bowed 100 times. Lord Vishnu regaining His original form lifted his hand from the appa kudam and blessed Markandeya with longevity of life. He also blessed the king to get rid of the dosham.

We find the moolavar in the reclining posture in the temple holding appakudam and blessing Markandeya. Since Markandeya got his longevity of life the tank in this shetram is called Mruthyu vinasini Theertham. Appam is offered in this temple to the Lord, every night.

It is believed that Nammaazwar attained moksham at this place and his last compositions were about this place and the Lord.

Inscriptions of service to this temple by Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties are found in the temple. Vaikunta Ekadasi and the annual Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month Panguni are being celebrated with "Aaaru kaala poojai" being performed daily.