The Thiruvarasu of Vaishnavite Savant Nadamuni is at Chokkappallam, two km east of Kurugai Kaavalappan Koil.
Nadamuni who was born in Kattu Mannar Koil about 15 km east of Kurugai Kaavalappan Koil went to Thiru Kudanthai in search of the 1,000 verses after hearing the 10 Aaravamuthey verses at Kaattu Mannar Koil.
As directed by Lord Aaravamudhan, he made his way to Thiru Kurugur and then to Thirukkovilur, where he got initiated into Madura Kavi Azhwar’s ‘Kanninun Siruthambu’ verse. He came back to Thiru Kurugur and recited these verses 12,000 times, on completion of which Nammazhwar appeared before him and shared not just the 1,000 songs that he was looking for but the entire 4,000 verses. Thus Nadamuni was instrumental in bringing back to the world Nalayira Divya Prabhandham of the Azhwars.
Araiyar Sevai
Along with his nephews, Keezhaiyagath Azhwar and Melaiyagath Azhwar (the Araiyars are descendants of these two), Nadamuni presented Naalayira Divya Prabandham, which was until then available only in a text form - in a musical and dance form, creating raga and tala that the world could experience and enjoy. Credit goes to Nadamuni for creating Araiyar Sevai, a visual song and dance enactment of the ‘Paasurams’ through abhinaya. He went to Srirangam and presented Araiyar Sevai and revived the Adhyayana Utsavam at Srirangam which had been discontinued after Thirumangai Azhwar’s period.
The story goes that once when a hunter and a few others visited Nadamuni at Kattu Mannar Koil, they were told that he had gone out for bath.
When Nadamuni returned, he realised, based on the description given of those who had come that they were none other than Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman in disguise. He frantically went in search of them and asked the people ‘Kandeergalo’ (did you see them?) to which he was told ‘Kandom’ (we did see).
In memory of this event, this place came to be called Kandamangalam (between Kattu Mannar Koil and Meensuruti). A little later he found a monkey’s foot marks and realised that it was Hanuman’s . This place has come to be called ‘Kurangu Adi.’
Nadamuni had darshan of Rama at a place called Chokkappallam, about 1/2 km east of Gangai Konda Cholapuram and attained the Lord’s feet.
A new sannidhi is now being constructed at Nadamuni’s Thiruvarasu there.
Those who wish to contribute to the construction of the new sannidhi may contact 96776 90111/04144-220425 for details.
