Origin/History :-
Thirukkavalampadi, also known as the Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple, is located in Thirunangur, a village on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, South India. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style and is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, a Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Taamariyaal Kelvan, with his consort Lakshmi known as Shegamalavalli.
Puranic Significance :-
According to legend, the 11 temples of Thirunangur are closely interlinked. After Sati (Datchayini) sacrificed herself in Daksha's Yaga, Shiva danced furiously, carrying her body. Each time his matted hair touched the ground, eleven forms of Shiva appeared. The celestial deities feared that this dance would lead to the destruction of creation, so they sought Maha Vishnu's help to stop Shiva. Upon seeing Vishnu, Shiva calmed down and requested Vishnu to appear in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Vishnu, known here as Tamaraikannudiyabiran (the one with lotus eyes), obliged.
Another legend recounts that Satyabhama wished for a Parijatha flower. Krishna searched for it without success and performed penance to Shiva, who revealed this place rich with Parijatha flowers. Krishna, along with his consorts Bama and Rukmani, resided here, making it akin to the Southern Dwaraka.
The term "Kavalam" refers to a dense flower forest or a small quantity of food. Krishna is said to accept whatever is offered by devotees, which is why the place is named Kavalampadi. Notably, there is no madapalli (kitchen) for cooking offerings at this temple.
In another legend, Rudra (Shiva) severed the fifth head of Brahma, which led to the Brahmahathi dosham (sin). To atone, Rudra worshipped Krishna of this temple.
Additionally, Vishvaksena was the son of Kundalai and Varuna, the rain god. Kundalai was cursed by Indra to be reborn as a hunter's daughter. Varuna, who loved her, fathered Vishvaksena. Through penance, Vishvaksena became the head of the Nithyasuris and attained Paramapada. Vishvaksena had the divine vision of Narayana in the form of Krishna at this temple.