Sri Perumbudur, Sthala Purana

Sri Perumpudur, formerly known as Bhuta-puri, is the birthplace of Sri Ramanuja. In the Skanda Purana the mythological history of this holy place is narrated by Lord Skanda to sage Agastiya.

Birthplace of Sri Ramanuja

Once the sages residing in Naimi-saranya, approached Suta, (a disciple of Veda Vyasa) to learn about the Lord Vishnu's holy ksethras (places where Lord Vishnu had His pastimes). Suta narrated the history of Bhuta-puri (Sri Perumpudur) to the sages, as how it was original imparted by Lord Skanda to Agastiya.

Chidldless, Yuvanasava, the son of King Ambarisa performed a fire sacrifice to beget a child. During the sacrifice, the mantra for begetting a brahmana child was accidentally chanted. After the child was born, he was named Haridan, who grew up to marry the daughter of the King of Kasi (Varanasi). Once while hunting, King Haridan saw a tiger about to attack a cow, to protect the cow, King Haridan shot his arrow at the tiger. Wounded, the tiger ferociously attacked and killed the cow.

Holding himself responsive for the death of the cow, King Haridan was very upset. At that oracle said "Do not worry, go to Bhuta-puri, bath in the Ananda-saras tirta and worship Lord Adi Kesava, all your sins will be vanquished". King Haridan, then approached his guru Vasistha, who initiated him and narrated the greatness of Bhuta-puri.

Once Lord Shiva was dancing nude in the assembly of the bhutas (troll-like attendants).This amused the bhutas (trolls) who burst into laughter. Angered by their behaviour, Lord Shiva cursed them to lose the association of His abode. The disheartened bhutas approached Brahma and narrated their plight.

Brahma advised them, "Listen, O Bhutas! In Jambuvipa's Barata-varsa exists a holy ground south of Tirumala, known as Satya-vrata kshestra. Moving north east from Satyavrata, is Aruna-ranyam a forest, spend time there and meditate on Lord Vishnu and be redeemed of Lord Shiva's wrath".

As instructed, the bhutas arrived in Aruna-ranyam and spent a thousand years in meditation of Lord Vishnu. Touched by their determination, the Lord appeared and blessed them. He then granted the bhutas their wish to be with Lord Shiva and requested His serpentine couch Adisesha to build a large pond .The Bhutas took a dip in the pond to cleanse themselves before approaching Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva appeared in Aruna-ranyam at the request of Lord Vishnu. He accepted the Bhutas back to His abode. The Bhutas with the blessings of Lord Shiva, then built the temple city for worshipping Lord Vishnu in his Adi Kesava deity form.

Lord Adi Kesava and his consorts, the presiding deities of Sri Perumbudur

The devas (gods), kings, vedic priest and sages arranged a festival for Lord Adi Kesava. A grand ceremony of bathing the Lord in the pond was conducted as part of the festival. Lord Shiva then requested Lord Adi Kesava to eternally reside in Bhuta-puri. He promised to come annually and worship Lord Adi Kesava during the festival. As the Bhutas constructed the city, it was called Bhuta-puri.

In later years Bhuta-puri became neglected. In his attempt to redeem himself from the sin of killing the cow, Haridan visited Bhuta-puri and spent years in severe austerities and meditation. Lord Vishnu with His consort Laksmi, mounting on Garuda appeared before Haridan. The Lord freed Haridan from his sin and blessed him to acquire brahminical (priestly) qualities. The Lord instructed Haridan, to re-develop Bhuta-puri with splendid buildings and towers and continue the festivals. After executing his services to Lord Adi Kesava, Haridan return to the Lord's abode. Till today, the descendents of Haridan worship and render their devotional services to Lord Adi Kesava.