Uthamarkoil Temple

Travel for15 km from Trichy to reach the sacred Uthamar Temple also popular by the names- Purushottamar temple, Thirukkarambanoor or Bhikshandar Kovil. The temple worships the tri-gods- Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. The temple holds the prestige of being one among the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The temple is believed to be built in the late 8th century AD by the Medieval Cholas, Which was later refurbished by Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks.

The temple shows excellent works of the Dravidian style of architecture.

The temple holds interesting stories behind its construction. The sacred temple tells the story about Lord Shiva, Brahma and Goddess Parvati. The temple also worships Lords Purushottamar, Bikshadanar, Brahma and their consorts Poornavalli, Soundaraya Parvathi and Saraswathi.

The temple worships Lord Vishnu in the form of Purushottamar, whose idol is in reclining posture facing the east.

Lord Shiva in worshipped in the form of Bhikshadanar,  whose sanctum lies behind the Purushottamar temple.

On the hallway to the sanctum lies the idols of Lords Ganesha, Murugan, Nandi and Navagraha.

Festivals- The temple commences annual celebration at the Tamil month of Kartigai (November / December).

Timings: 6 AM to 12.30 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM