Thirupper Nagar Divyadesam -  Koviladi Appamkudathan Temple - One among the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams - The legend - Appaala Ranganathar measured the steps for Srirangam Ranganathar and hence the name Kovil-Adi named for this temple. As far as Sree Vaishnavas are concerned Kovil means only Srirangam. Adi means Steps. Koviladi is also worshipped as Thirupper Nagar, located in the outskirts and about 25 K.M. from Trichy Koviladi is one among the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams. The Other Four temples are Aadhi Rangam - Srirangapatnam, Madhya Rangam - Srirangam Sree Ranganathar Temple, Chathurthara Rangam - Thirukkudanthai Sarangapani Temple and Pancha Rangam - Thiru Indhalur Parimala Rangan

One of the 7 Divyadesams in Reclining Posture referred by Thirumazhisai Azhavaar

Almighty gave prathyaksham to Markandeya Mahirishi and Uparisaravasar here. Koviladi Appakudathaan Ranganathar Temple is one of the 7 temples referred by Thirumazhisai Azhavaar of Lord Vishnu in Reclining Posture, The remaining temples are Srirangam, Thiru Kudanthai Sarangapani, Thiru Anbil Vadivazhagiya Nambi, Thiruvallur Bhakthavatsalan, ThiruVekka Yathothkari and Thiru Paarkadal Ksheerapthinathan. Thirumangai Alwar was so enticed by this Lord that he says he could not forget Lord in Koviladi AppaKudathaan even when he went all the way to Thiruvellarai and worshipped Pundareekaksha Perumal.

One among the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams

Koviladi Temple is one among the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams. Remaining temples are Aadhi Rangam - Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Madhya Rangam - Srirangam Aranganthar Temple in Trichy, Chathurthara Rangam - Thirukkudanthai Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam and Pancha Rangam - Thiru Indhalur Parimala Ranganathar Temple in Mayiladuthurai.

Nammalwar who attained Paramapatham here and his last pasurams were about Thirupper Nagar - Appankudathan Temple.

The King Uparisaravas, Markandeya Mahirishi and Appamkudathan

According to the sthala purnam, one of the the Pandiya Kings Uparisaravas while hunting a rogue elephant by mistake killed a Brahmin who was performing tapas on the banks of the river and got affected with Brahmahathi Dhosham ( A Sin of Killing a Brahmin ). Repenting for his act, the king renounced his throne and wandered around and finally reached Thirupper Nagar. One day Lord Siva appeared before the king and asked him to worship Lord Maha Vishnu here in this Kshetram to get rid of his Brahmahatthi Dhosham.

There upon Uparisaravasar built a temple and every day after the poojas with Appam as Naivedhyam and used to provide food for the poor as annadhanam. One fine day Almighty came to the king’s place disguised Him as an Old Brahmin and requested the king Uparisaravas for the food immediately as he is feeling so hungry. The place is also worshipped earlier as Indragiri and Palaasavanam. Lord Maha Vishnu and Markandeya Mahirishi-

The king was surprised but he requested that Old Brahmin to wait till the other Brahmins also get assembled. But that old Brahmin man conveyed to the king that he is feeling too hungry and cannot wait further. There upon, the king agreed to serve him the food. But to the big surprise to every on ethere in the temple premise, the Brahmin ate all the food, and wanted some more. The king requested him to take rest and went in to make some more.

At that time Markandeya Mahirishi, who was informed by Lord Siva to seek refuge in Lord Vishnu for longevity of life, was directed to the King”s place to worship Lord Maha Vishnu taking rest as an old Brahmin Man. Accordingly Mahirishi went to the king’s place and saw an old Brahmin lying on the couch holding an Appa Kudam in one hand. Markandeyar bowed the Almighty 100 times. Lord Vishnu regaining his original form lifted his hand from the Appa Kudam and blessed Markandeyar with longevity of life.

He also blessed the king to get rid of his brahmahathi dhosham. Devotees can worship Moolavar in His Reclining Posture Holding Appakkudam in one hand. Since Markandeya got his longevity the temple tank is known as Mruthyu Vinasini Theertham. Koviladi is praised by Periyaazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar and Nammaazhwar.