Shri Kalinga narthana Krishna Perumal temple–Oothukadu near Kumbakonam

I have grown up hearing my mother sing the beautiful poetry of Shri Oothukaduuu Venkatasubbier(1700-1765)  tuned to music . He has more than 500 compositions on krishna in Tamil, Sanskrit and Marathi  click here to know about this genius.
Today on Krishna Janmastami 2019 I could visit the temple

How to reach:
Oothukadu is about 7 kms from Patteswaram Durga temple via Avur and about 7 kms east of Thirukarugavur temple . It is a serene village boasting of a pond, Siva temple and a fairly modern constructed Krishna Temple.

Legends and stories:
The main Deity is Veda Narayana Perumal with  Kalinga Narthana Krishna as the utsava murthy. The vigraha in itself is a genius in metal. The entire Krishna dancing on the head of Kalinga the serpent is not stepping on it! The little finger of Krishna resting on the tail of the serpent supports Krishna! This ancient  pancha loha idol was found during the dredging of the lake nearby and is exquisitely crafted. If you peer closely it can be seen in front of the Veda Narayana Perumal in the sanctum sanctorum seen below from afar

view of the main sannidhi from outside

There was a yaga  ongoing at 7AM when I visited. The temple by itself was a small neat structure with a sannidhi for Oothukadu Venkatasubbiyer

The expressions of Navaneetha Krishna listening to Venkata Kavi very nicely captured in this statue. The poet used to compose the songs in front of a Thulasi madam in this very spot it seems

 The festivities were yet to begin but the visit sure lifted my spirits