Description: This celebrated Dhivya Desam is located at Thirukkannamangai, near Thiruppugalur, 6 km from Nannilam. Thirukkannapuram is known as Sreematashtaakshara Mahaa Mantrasidhdhi Kshetram and is considered to be the eastern gateway to Srirangam. Thirumangai Azhwar is said to have been initiated here. Also located nearby is the Ramanadeeswaram Shivastalam sung by the Tevaram hymns of Thirugnanasambandar where Rama is believed to have worshipped Shiva.
Deities: The Moolavar here is Neelamegapperumaal in a standing posture facing east, while the Utsavar is Sowrirajan. Taayaar here is Kannapura Nayaki (Sree Devi, Bhu Devi, Andal, Padmini) enshrined in a separate sanctum.
The Temple: The sanctum enshrines Neelamegapperumaal with his consorts. Andal's image is seen to the left of Perumal, while Padmavati Thaayar (a local princess born of a fisherman) is located to his right; Vishnu's marriage with Padmavati is represented here. This temple occupies an area of about an acre and a half and it has a 100 feet high Rajagopuram.
Legend has it that the image of Vishnu in the sanctum miraculously showed a growth of hair, in order to protect the words of a devout priest Rangabhattar, hence the name Sowrirajan. Legend also has it that Vishnu blessed Vibhishana here, on a new moon day. Vishnu is believed to have vanquished the demon Veekatakshan with his discus; the image in the sanctum shows him bearing the 'prayoga' chakram. Offerings of Pongal are considered to be of great significance here. Legend has it that a devotee by name Muniyadaraiyaar, who came here with an offering of Pongal, unable to enter a locked temple (after the nightly worship service) was blessed with the miraculous sound of bell chimes from within the temple; this miracle is recounted with the offering of 'Muniyodaram Pongal' during the nightly worship service.
Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day. The Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi, and the Mahotsavam in the month of Maasi, where the festival image of Sowrirajan is taken to the seashore, where fishermen join the celebration. The adhyayana utsavam is celebrated in the month of Margazhi.
