Uthamar Kovil, also known as Uthamarkoil or Bhikshandar Kovil, is a famous Hindu temple located about 10-15 kilometres from Trichy and 5 kilometres from Srirangam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Purushothaman (Vishnu) along with Goddess Poornavalli Thayar (Lakshmi). It is a unique temple because it also houses shrines for Lord Shiva (as Bhikshadanar) and Lord Brahma with their consorts. This makes it one of the very few temples in India where the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, are worshipped together. It is also one among the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
History
The temple was originally built during the Medieval Chola period (around the 8th–9th century CE). Later, the Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks expanded and renovated it. The architecture and inscriptions reflect contributions from several South Indian dynasties over the centuries. Uthamar Kovil also symbolizes the unity between the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, as both deities are worshipped in the same premises.
Legends
Several fascinating legends are associated with this temple. One story tells that Lord Vishnu appeared as a Kadamba tree, and Lord Brahma worshipped him under that tree, after which Vishnu revealed his true form as Purushothaman. Another legend states that Lord Shiva came here to perform penance to get rid of the sin caused by cutting off one of Brahma’s five heads. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu absolved him of the sin. Hence, all three deities – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – came to reside in this sacred spot.
Architecture
The temple is built in Dravidian style architecture and is surrounded by high granite walls. The complex contains three separate sanctums for Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma. The main sanctum houses Lord Purushothaman facing east with Goddess Poornavalli Thayar. Lord Shiva’s shrine is called Bhikshadanar Sannidhi, and Lord Brahma’s shrine is next to it. The temple tank, known as Kadamba Theertham, adds to the sacredness of the place. The walls and gopurams feature beautiful stone carvings that reflect Chola and Vijayanagara craftsmanship.
Rituals and Timings
Daily rituals in Uthamar Kovil follow the traditional six-times-a-day puja system observed in major South Indian temples. The pujas include Ushathkalam, Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, Irandamkalam, and Ardha Jamam. Separate priests perform Vaishnava and Shaiva rites for their respective shrines.
Morning timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Evening timings: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Festivals
The temple celebrates many festivals throughout the year, the grandest being the Brahmotsavam held in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November – December). During this festival, the deities of Vishnu and Shiva are taken out in a joint procession symbolizing the unity of the Trimurti. Other major festivals include Vaikunta Ekadasi, Navaratri, and Maha Shivaratri.
Religious Importance
Uthamar Kovil holds a special place among Hindu temples because it represents harmony among the three supreme deities – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It is glorified in the hymns of Thirumangai Alvar, one of the twelve Alvars. The temple is believed to grant blessings of knowledge, wisdom and liberation to its devotees.
Gallery of Uthamar Kovil
Transport Facilities
Uthamar Kovil near Trichy is well-connected by various transport options, making it easy to visit in one trip. The temple is about 12–15 km from Trichy city and lies close to major roads on the Trichy–Salem highway, so you can reach it by frequent buses from Trichy Central or Chathiram bus stands that go toward the nearby Toll Gate area; from there it’s a short walk to the temple. There is also a small local railway station (Uthamar Kovil) very close to the temple, with the larger Trichy Junction railway station ~15 km away for long-distance trains. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and private vehicles are readily available from Trichy, Srirangam and the airport to take you directly to the temple. Trichy International Airport is about 16 km away, with onward road transport to the temple.
Dress Code
Visitors to Uthamar Kovil are advised to wear modest and traditional attire, such as sarees, salwar kameez, dhotis, or formal full-length clothing. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing outfits are discouraged inside the temple premises.
Nearby Attractions
- Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple
- Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
- Kallanai (Grand Anicut)
- Samayapuram Mariamman Temple
