Thirukkudanthai — Aravamudhan

The Oppilamannan (Aravamudhan) temple is the third Divya Desam within Kumbakonam and holds a singular distinction: it is here that Nammalvar experienced his most intense mystical union with the divine, composing what scholars regard as the most emotionally charged verses of the Tiruvoimozhi — the entire fourth centum of the Tiruvoimozhi (Kanninum Siruththambu) is associated with this kshetra. Aravamudhan means one who is ambrosia to behold — a name encapsulating the nectar-like bliss of divine vision. The deity reclines in a gentle posture (Bhujanga Sayana), distinct in feel from Srirangam's majestic recline — here the scale is intimate, almost personal. Nammalvar's disciple Madhurakavi Alvar also composed his only independent work, the Kanninum Siruththambu, in the context of this shrine. The goddess Komalavalli is the consort. The architectural style reflects Chola and later Vijayanagara work.

The myth associated with Aravamudhan tells of the sage Hema and his queen Hemavati, who once again appear — as at Sarangapani — as devotees who worshipped Vishnu without seeking personal boons, purely out of love. Vishnu, moved by their selfless devotion, appeared in this reclining form as Aravamudhan — the inexhaustible nectar of bliss — signifying that pure love alone brings the sweetest experience of the divine.