| Mulavar | Oppiliyappar |
| Utsavar | Oppiliyappar |
| Thayar | Boomi Nachiyar, Boomidevi |
| Kshethram | Markandeya Kshethram |
| Pose & Direction | Standing pose facing East |
| Theertham | Aarthipushkarni, Ahooraathra pushkarni, Saarnga Theertham, Surya Theertham, Indra Theertham |
| Vimanam | Sudhaanandha Vimanam |
| Sthala Vruksham | — |
| Paadiyavar | Poigai Alwar, Pei Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Nammalwar |
| Travel Base | Kumbakonam |
| Nearest Railway Station | Thirunageswaram |
Location & Access
It is located at around 5 kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam - Karaikal Road. The temple is 1/2 km from the main road. Town buses from Kumbakonam stop near the temple. Near this temple, you have other famous temples like Thirunageswaram and Ayyavadi. Boarding and lodging facilities are available near the temple.
History
Mother Bhoomadevi expressed Her grievance to Lord Perumal that She lacked the privilege of residing in His chest like Mother Mahalakshmi. The Lord replied that She would obtain that status as the daughter of Sage Markandeya, known as Tiruthuzhai (Tulsi). Meanwhile, Sage Markandeya performed penance to have Mahalakshmi as his daughter and found little Bhoomadevi near a Tulsi plant. When She reached marriageable age, Lord Vishnu appeared as an old man seeking Her hand. The sage refused, noting She was too young and didn't even know how to add the correct amount of salt to food. The Lord insisted He would accept food without salt. Realizing the visitor was Perumal Himself, the sage happily gave his daughter. Since Perumal accepted food without salt (Uppu in Tamil), He is praised as Uppili Appan and Oppili Appan (the Incomparable One).
Architecture & Features
Lord Vishnu came seeking Sage Markandeya's daughter on a Panguni (March-April) Tiruvonam star day, and the wedding took place on Aipasi (October-November) Tiruvonam star day. On every monthly Tiruvonam star day, special pujas and Aganda/Vaal Deepa lightings are performed. The Gita slogan "Maam Charanam Viraja" ("I take care of those surrendering to me") is inscribed on His right hand pointing to His feet. All offerings (Nivedhana) in this temple are strictly prepared without salt. Mother Bhoomadevi is situated on the right side of Perumal here, as requested by Sage Markandeya that the Lord never part with Her even for a moment.