Karunakara Perumal Temple, Thirukkaragam

Sthala Purāṇam

The deity at Thirukaaragam is Sri Karunakara Perumal ('the abode of compassion'), with consort Padmamani Nachiyar, housed today as one of the four Divya Desams within the Ulagalantha Perumal (Thiru Ooragam) complex in Kanchipuram. The independent lore here is thin. The name Kaaragam is traced to the sage Garga (Gargya), who is said to have performed penance and gained knowledge at this spot, the place being called Garagaham, which became Kaaragam. The name Karunakara is explained through cloud imagery: the Lord is likened to the rain clouds that pour rain upon the world without expecting anything in return, signifying that He bestows His grace freely, asking only pure devotion (bhakti) of His devotees. The shrine is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Alvar, who sang one pasuram in its praise as part of his Thirunedunthandagam honouring the Kanchi shrines now gathered within the Ulagalantha complex. (Sources differ on the deity's posture and orientation, some describing Karunakara Perumal standing facing south and others seated on Adisesha facing north.)

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