of the floods in the Kollidam. The river was once flowing near the temples after taking a turn towards the north (Utharavauhini). A river that flows from the south to the north is considered to be particularly sacred. A major part of the village of Vatarangam was washed away by floods in the early years of the 20th century. Likely since then, the temple at Kumbakonam has become a more popular pancharanga sthalam. This place was known as Punnagavana Kshetram in the Satya Yuga, as Thulasivanam in the Treta Yuga, Vagularanyam in the Dvapara Yuga and Vataranyam in the Kali Yuga. There are many legends associated with this temple. Ranganatha's Moolavar idol is very small when compared with those in other places, and hence it is known as Balarangam. Lord Jambukeswara, referred to as Jambunathar here, is worshiped in a separate shrine though not much is known about the sthalapuranam. The Goddess here is known as Akhilandeswari. To reach this place one has to travel on the Chennai-Chidambaram road, pass through Coleroon and Sirkazhi and then branch off the main road and travel a distance of 12 km before reaching Vatarangam. It is situated between Sirkazhi and Vaitheeswarankoil. See also Divya Desams Nava Tirupati References Bibliography Hindu temples in Karnataka Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu Vishnu temples