108 Divyadesam Temples of Sri Maha Vishnu

P.J. · Jul 21, 2015

Divya Desam 88-Thiru Vanparisaram - Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple

Divya Desam 88- Thiru Vanparisaram - Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple

The TempleThiruppathisaram, also known as Thiruvanparisaram is to the north-east of Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district, around 3.5 km from Nagercoil city centre. The place derives its name from a 5000 year old temple dedicated to Thiruvazhimarban (Lord in whose heart Thiru - Goddess Padmavati abodes) Lord Vishnu. Thiruppathisaram is part of the 108 Divya Desams and Malai Nattu Thiruppatigal. The mother of Nammalvar, a Vaishnavite poet-saint, was born in this village

Legend has it that Lakshmi fearing the fierce form of Narasimha following his slaying Hiranya, meditated upon him; Vishnu upon assuming a Shanta Swaroopam upon Prahladan's request, proceded in search of Lakshmi, who assumed his chest as her permanent abode (Shria Pati Sancharam hence Tirupatisaram). Legend has it that Vibhishana was blessed with a vision of the coronation of Rama, here at Tirupatisaaram (while returning to Lanka).

Udayanangai -and her husband Kaari (both devotees of Vishnu), are believed to have celebrated Vamanajayanti here (on the bright ekadashi in the month of Virgo), and begotten Nammalwar on Vaikasi Vishakam. Legend also has it that the 7 Saptarishis meditated upon Vishnu here and were blessed with his divine vision (as in Tirupuliyur).. It is believed that the waters of the temple tank have miraculous healing properties. Specials:

1. Periya pirattiyar, who is generally found on the right side of the heart of Sriman Narayanan, is found on the left side of this sthala perumal.

2. Banyan tree is found near the Lakshmi Theertham, which is capable of curing diseases and it is also said to be the hamsam of the perumal.

3 This Divyadesam, Thiruvanparisaram has a relation with Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. This place is the birth sthalam of Udaya nangai, mother of Nammalwar. This perumal is worshipped and the pooja is done by the Andhanars of Udipi, in Karnataka.

There are several interesting stories relating to this Divya Desam.

1. Lord Vishnu appears as Rama providing darshan to New Lankan King

Vibheeshana, after attending the Ramar Pattabhishekam in Ayodhya, came to Srirangam where he had to let go the idol of Lord Ranganatha on the Cauvery river banks. On his way back to Lanka from Srirangam, with his thoughts centred around Rama, he is said have visited this place and offered his prayers here.

When the Lord appeared before him and asked for a wish, Vibheeshana wanted to see Rama once again. It is believed that Lord Vishnu provided darshan to Vibheeshana as Rama. Hence, one finds Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to the right of the moolavar deity here.

2. Birth place of NammAzhvaar’s mother

Thiruvanparisaram is the birth place of Udaya Nangai. She was married to a man from Kurugur. Being childless, she undertook a 41 day penance here as instructed the Thirukurungudi Lord Nambi. As a result of this penance, NammAzhvaar was born to them. However, immediately after his birth, he sat under the Tamarind tree in (Azhvaar)Tirunagari and remained speechless for several years.

3. Rishis directed to Parisaram
Wanting the darshan of Lord Vishnu, Saptha Rishis undertook penance near Suchindram. They were re-directed to undertake further penance about 10kms North West of Suchindram. It is believed that Lord Vishnu provided darshan to these seven rishis at Thiruvanparisaram.

4. The Name- Thiruvazhmarban
After the killing of Asura Hiranyan, Lord Narasimha was in an angry mood. Lakshmi is said to have undertaken penance here to cool down the Lord. As per the request of Prahalad, Lord came here searching for Lakshmi. Happy to find her Lord again and in a cool form as a Shantha Swaroopi, Lakshmi is said to have requested the Lord to provide her a place in his heart which the Lord readily accepted.

As Lakshmi resides in the chest of the Lord at this temple, he came to be called Thiru Vazh Marban.

Presentation of Ramayana
Acceding to the request of Anjaneya, Sage Agasthya is said to have presented the entire story of Ramayana at this place for the benefit of the devotees. In memory of this event, one sees Anjaneya with folded hands addressing Sage Agasthya, who is in a seated posture opposite him. Also, seen in this sannidhi are Lankan King Vibheeshana and Kulasekara Azhvaar.

NammAzhvaar as a child
NammAzhvaar, who was born after the 41 day penance of his mother at this place, is seen as a small child at this temple, to the left of Thiruvazhmarban. This is a special feature at this Divya Desam.

NammAzhvaar in his single paasuram(3699) says:

Varuvar Selvar VanParisarathu Iruntha En
ThirVazhMarvarku En Thiram Sollaar, Seivathu En
Uru Aar Sakkaram Sangu Sumanthu Ingu Ummodu
Orupaadu Uzhalvaan, Or Adiyaanum Ulan Enrey

Kulasekara Azhvaar’s contribution
Kulasekara Azhvaar is said to have renovated the temple and built walls and provided Vahanam for the Lord for his procession on special festive occasions.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Thirukkuralappan. He is also named as "Thiruvaazh maarbhan".
Moolavar in Veetrirundha (sitting) thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards East direction.
Prathyaksham for Vindhai, Kaari, Udaya Nangai and Garudan.

Thayaar
The Thaayar of this sthalam is Kamala valli Naachiyaar.
Mangalasasanam:

Nammalwar - 1 Paasuram.

Pushkarani:
Lakshmi Theertham.
Vimanam:
Indira Kalyana Vimaanam.

Festivals: Kerala Tantram is the worship protocol followed here. Five services are offered each day. The annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai. Krishna Jayanthi, Saturdays in the month of Purattasi are considered sacred here. Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Aadi Swathi (associated with Kulasekhara Alwar) are also celebrated here.

Temple time: 4am-1030am and 530pm-730pm
Contact : V. Vasudeva Pothy (no telephone or cell phone!!!!)

How to reach the temple
Local town buses from Nagercoil (Anna) bus stand to Thirupathisaram

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.srivari.com/malayalatirupathigal/thiruuvanparisaram.htm
http://aravamudham.blogspot.in/2012/11/thiruvanparisaram-divya-desam.html
http://www.srivaishnava.in/108-divya-desams/item/88-88thiru-van-parisaram.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruppathisaram
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

P.J. · Jul 21, 2015

Divya Desam 89-Thirukkurungudi - Sri Nindra Nambi Perumal Temple

Divya Desam 89-Thirukkurungudi - Sri Nindra Nambi Perumal Temple

About Thirukurungudi

Thirukurungudi is a town which is located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, South India. The taluk of Thirukurungudi is Nanguneri and it belongs to Nanguneri Assembly. At the foothills of the Western Ghats and 40 km to the North of kanyakumari and about 120 km from Thiruvananthapuram the capital city of Kerala, Thirukurungudi is a village with history dating back more than 1500 years. Village life revolves around agriculture and the Nambi Rayar temple. It is one of the 108 Divya desam, Hindu temples that are sacred for the Vaishnavites.

This is the home town of the founder, T. V. Sundaram Iyengar of TVS Group.

Rice was the major crop until 15 years ago as there was plenty of rainfall and the River Nambi fed the irrigation channels for almost 9 months a year. With advancement in technology to tap ground water and rain becoming scarce, plantains have become a major crop. Almost every household has something related to agriculture, either directly or through the Nambi Rayar temple.

Rice was the major crop until 15 years ago as there was plenty of rainfall and the River Nambi fed the irrigation channels for almost 9 months a year. With advancement in technology to tap ground water and rain becoming scarce, plantains have become a major crop. Almost every household has something related to agriculture, either directly or through the Nambi Rayar temple.

The tank in Thirukurungudi is the first place where pristine water from Western Ghats is stored and fed for agriculture through five canals. The pond is a biodiversity hotspot supporting various forms of life from fish, birds, insects, plants, toads and an occasional python.

Thirukurungudi is approachable by road. Distance is 45 km from Tirunelveli, 15 km from Nanguneri (Vanamamalai) and 10 km from Valliyoor.

The Temple

Nambi Rayar temple is one of the "108 Divyadesams" according to the Vaishnava mythology. The temple is 1300 years old.[SUP]

[/SUP] The temple is located in the centre of the town flanked by four big Mada Veethis (Agraharams) and at the outer square by four broad and lengthy Ratha Veethis (Car Streets). The presiding deity of this Divya Desam was sung (Mangalasasanam) by four Azhwars, namely Thirumazhisai Piran, Nammalvar, Periazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar.[SUP]

[/SUP] The temple has several unique sculptures. A Horse and an elephant sculpture are composed of ladies in a single granite stone.[SUP]

[/SUP]

The walls of the temple resemble a big fort and the village has been formed around these walls in a very organized manner.The interiors of the main temple tower is covered with wood sculptures of teak depicting most of the deities as well as other secular scenes.

There are five Nambis in this Kshetram. They are Ninra Nambi (Standing posture), Irundha Nambi (Sitting posture), Kidandha Nambi (Sleeping posture), Thiruparkadal Nambi and Thirumalai Nambi.

Thiruparkadal Nambi Temple is located very near to the River Nambiyaru one km from the main temple. Thirumalai Nambi Temple is on the hills (Mahendragiri Mountain) 8 km from the main temple.

In Tamil language the word "nambi" means personification of all virtuous and righteous qualities blended with beauty and grace.

Sthlapuranam :

This kurungudi sthalam is also called as "Vaamana kshetram", who is one of the avatharam of Sriman Narayanan, born in Puratasi month - Sukla patsham in Sravana Thuvadasi for Kaasyabha Maharishi and Athithi. The dhavadasi in which he was born is Vijaya dhavadasi.

He was teached the Savithri mantram by Suryan and Vyazha Guru Bragaspathi taught him the Brahma Soothiram. Since , Vaamanar was born to the Maharishi, his clothes and all the activities was same as how a rishi should be. He got the Dharbai from his father - Kaashyaba Maharishi Bhoomi (or) earth gave krishna Aasanam, Chandran gave him the Thandi, (Which is used as a support for the hand), Athithi gave Koupeenam (Clothes)Brahma devan gave the Kamandalam, some vessels given by Guberan and Bharadhwaja Maharishi was his Guru and teached him all the vedas. Parasakthi gave him food with her thirukkaram (hand) when he begged for food.

Inspite of taking the thirivikraman - ulagalandha perumal Kolam, Vaamanar is giving his seva as a short muni in this sthalam. Because of this, this sthalam is called as "Kurungudi".

When Siva peruman got his brahmagathi dosham by plucking the head of Brahma devan, came to this sthalam and as advised by the Nindra Nambi, to get out of the dosham, he begged from Kurungudi Valli Thaayar for Amudham (food) to get out of the dosham as pabha Vimocchanam. And after this, he learnt the Sudharsana Japam from Vaamanar and got completly out of the Dosham.

By this sthala perumal's Kurungudi Nambis seva only, Nammalvar born to his mother, Udaya Nangai. Thirumangai alwar got his Mukthi (attained paramapadham) in this sthalam and as a memory of this, a small temple is constructed with the name "Thirumangai Alwar Thiru varasu" in the banks of the river, which is towards the east direction of the temple.

"Nambu" means believe and "Nambi" means believed by all. As the name of the perumal, Nindra Nambi, he is believed and devoted by all the bhaktaas. Like Narayanan who gives his seva in Nindra, Kidantha and Irundha thirukkolam, Siva perumaan also gives his seva as Siva linga Swaroopan in Nindra Kolam as a dancing person. Thirukkayilai and as Thiruthaandava Kolam as a dancing person. Like the same way, Siva perumaan when came to meet and get the dharshan of Nambi perumal, he met him and got the Vimochan of the pabham. As a result of this, a separate sannadhi for Lord Shivan as "Magendranadhar", who is found inbetween Kidantha Nambi and Iruntha Nambi perumal sannadhi.

Nearer to Kurungudi, there lived a valla Baanan (musician) who wanted to worship Kurungudi Nambi on sukla patch Ekadesi. Once, he came along the way to Kurungudi, a Brahma Raatshashan (a wild demon) was very hungry and happened to see this Baanan. It said him that since he is too much of hunger, he is going to be ate as his food. But Baanan replied him that he is going to Kurungudi to get the dharshan, of Kurungudi Nambi and after getting that, he can eat him. After getting the words from him, the demon asked him to go and will wait until he comes.

The Baanan after reaching Kurungudi, stood infront of the Kurungudi temple vaasal (entrance) Inspite of the Dhavasthambham (Kodi Maram) screened the perumal without seeing it, the Baanan started to sing on him, forgetting all things around him. After hearing this, the Kodimaram, which was infront of him made a way to the Baanan, so that he could see the Nambi perumal. He sang the Paasurams of Nammalwar with some musical way in it.

After getting satisfied on the Baanan's devotion and his devotional songs, Kurungudi Nambi gave his seva to him and gave him the title as "Nampaaduvaan". Nampaaduvaan can be explained as that the song was sung about the perumal and Baanan was singing it and from now he should sing always on him. And to extend this, he was gave the title as "Nampaaduvaan" by the perumal itself.

After getting the dharshan and getting the title from Kurungudi Nambi, the Baanan went straight to the Raatshashan and asked him that now he can eat him as his food. The demon asked what did he sing on the perumal? As the Baanan started to expalin it, the demon hearing it gorgot all of its hunger and let the Baanan free. Inspite of being so wild, the paasurams of perumal went along the Ears of the demon and filled not only the stomach of it but also the entrie heart and body of the Raatshashan. And the perumal asked Baanan to give the Paasuram to the Raatshashan so that he will not suffer from hunger anymore and he gave him the paasuram. This story is well explained in Varaha Puranam. This story is played as a small drama during Kausika Ekadesi.

The prasaadham (food) which is done the Naivedhyam (offered) for the perumal is offered for Lord shiva of this temple. On entering the temple, a big Mattaiyadi Mandapam is found and we can also see another Mandapam, Nadhi Mandapam. After crossing, the kodi maram is found, with lots of rare sculptures in it. Next to the mandapam, we find the sannadhi of Manavala Maamunigal. An hanging bell can be found in Kulasekara Mandapam which is offered by a king of Thiruvidhangodu to the Nambi perumal. Moolavar Nindra Nambi is also named as "Pari pooranan" and found along with two pirattiyaars, Maarkandeya Maharishi and Brighu Maharishi in Nindra kola seva.

Next to him, we can find the Vainava Nambi, the utsavar along with two pirattis, Neela Devi and Kurungudi valli thaayar.

On the south pragharam of this temple, a separate sannadhi for Lakshmi Narasimhar, Lakshmi Sametha varaha Moorthy and in west prakaram - all ten Avataars, Dasavathaar, Srinivasa perumal Andal and Kurungudi Valli Thaayar Sannadhi are found.

Also separate sannadhi for Nindra Nambi Veetrirundha Nambi, Kidantha Nambi.

Close to the Nambi's legs, the head of the Mahabali is found. The Irundha Nambi is also named as "Vaikundhanadhan". 5 Kms after this sthalam, Malaimel Nambi is found on the top of the mountain. Kurungudiyavan kudi is the other name for Vaamanar of this sthalam and he is found on a small Chattiram, 1/2 miles on south direction. 1/2 miles away a small river named "Thiruppaarkadal" is found, where Thriuppaarkadal Nambi Sannadhi is found.

Kaisika Puranam

Thirukurungudi is a very ancient village referred in Varaha Purana and Brahmanda Purana. Kaisika Puranam is within Varaha Puranam and was narrated by Varaha Nainar (Third incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu) to Sri Bhoomi Devi.

Nampaduvan (Madangar) was a great devotee of Lord Nambi, though he was born in a very low class society. He used to sing in praise of the Lord Nambi. One day, on Sukla Ekadasi night in the month of Karthigai (Vrichika masam), he was going to Temple crossing through a dense forest.

He was encountered by a Brahma Rakshas (Demon) who was hungry for many days. On seeing Nampaduvan, Brahma Rakshas was very happy and told him that he wanted to eat him immediately. Nampaduvan was not terrified, but told Brahma Rakshas that he would finish his duty first, that is to sing in praise of Lord Nambi and would return without fail. Nampaduvan made many promises, but Rakshas was adamant. Ultimately Nampaduvan had made a promise that if he did not return, he would get the sin of those who equate Lord Maha Vishnu with other deities. On hearing this promise Brahma Rakshas was very much satisfied and allowed Nampaduvan to do his duty and return.[SUP]

[/SUP]

After singing in praise of the Lord Nambi in the Ragam (tune) Kaisikam Nampaduvan was returning to see Rakshas. On the way Lord Nambi in the guise of an old man stopped Nampaduvan and asked him where he was going. Nampaduvan told the truth. The old man advised him to escape in some other route and not to get in the clutches of Rakshas. But Nampaduvan reiterated that he would not deviate from his promise. The old man showed his original image (Lord Nambi) and blessed Nampaduvan.

Then Nampaduvan went to Rakshas and offered himself to be eaten by Rakshas. Rakshas was very much moved by the behaviour of Nampaduvan and told him that his hunger had vanished and prayed him to give the fruits of his song sung in the praise of Lord Nambi and persisted him several times.

Nampaduvan did not budge an inch, but ultimately offered him the fruits of his song since Brahma Rakshas totally surrendered. After obtaining the fruits of the song, the sin of Rakshas disappeared suddenly and he got his original image. He worshiped Nampaduvan and thanked him by saying that he was a Brahmin by name Soma Sarma in his previous birth and because of some irregularities while performing yagna he was cursed to become a Brahma Rakshas and now he had been redeemed by Nampaduvan.

This episode is being enacted in the Temple premises every year on the Ekadasi day of Sukla paksha Karthigai by the traditional performers who observe vratha for ten days. On the next day in the early morning of Dwadasi Kaisika Puranam is read out in front of Lord Nambi.
Malai Nambi Koil

View of Mala Nambi Temple

Malai Nambi Koil is a beautiful mountain, 8 km from Thirukurungudi village. It is a small mountain where auto, two wheelers can be hired from the foot hill. There are few steps that will take to the temple entrance. Small waterfall makes devotees fresh before going to the temple. Lord Nambi with Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi shows grace on the devotees in standing posture.
Mahendragiri mountain

Thirukurungkudi big pond.

Mahendragiri mountain near Tirukurungudi has abundant medicinal herbals. This mountain is mentioned in the First Chapter of Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam Sundara Kandam. Hanuman while going to Sri Lanka in search of Seetha set his feet here and then travelled by sky route. There are many Siddha Purushas living in this mountain observing penance. ISRO is in Mahendragiri Hills 18 km from Thirukkurungdi.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolvar of this Divyadesam is Sri Nindra Nambi. Also called as Kurungudi Nambi, Irundha Nambi, Kidantha Nambi, Vaishnava Nambi, Thiruppaarkadal Nambi and Malaimel Nambi. Moolavar in Nindra Thirukkolam giving his seva and facing his thirumugam in east direction. Prathyaksham for Lord Shivan.
Thaayar: Kurungudi valli Naachiyaar. Two separate sannadhi for two pirattis.

Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar - 1 Paasuram
Thirumazhisai Alwar - 1 Paasuram
Nammalwar - 13 Paasurams
Thirumangai Alwar- 25 Paasurams
Total - 40

Pushkarani:

Thiruppaarkadal
Panjadurai
Sindu Nadhi.

Vimanam:
Panja Kedhaka Vimaanam.
Specialty of the temple

The famous Ariyar sevai is said to be originated here

Thirukurungudi nambi is the believed to be born as Nammazhwar

The sthalam is popular for Kaisika Ekadashi. Vaikunta is believed to be in an 'hearing' distance from this kshetra.

Thirumanagai Mannan ( alwar) reached paramapadam from this place .( Thiruvattarasu).
Lord Hanuman is believed to have leaped to Lanka to search for Sita from the mountain top where Malaimel nambi temple is located.

Thirukurungudi Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUbNdgut2wQ

Thirukurungudi Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X69pgxFXD8M

Thirukurungudi Part 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvCZeNdnsxM

Thirukurungudi Part 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHgP1ZNUyX0

Thirukurungudi Part 5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yvaygEO15Q

Published on May 10, 2015
Thirukkurungudi - Sri Vaishnava Nambi Thirumanjanam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORIdW6SGfUI

Thirukkurungudi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl79Wai11NI

Festivals

Onam is celebrated in this Divya Desam
Garuda Sevai on the 5th day of Panguni is a special occasion
Kaisika Ekadesi is one of the big highlights at this temple

Temple Timing : 8am-12noon and 5pm-9pm
Priest Contact : N.Krishnan( Murali) Bhattar@ 94432 05739

How to reach

The main temple is around 45 kms from Tirunelveli and around 15 kms from Naanguneri divyadesam. Paarkadal nambi temple is just about 1/2 km from main temple. To reach Malaimel nambi one has to travel for about 45 minutes in the jeep available outside the main temple.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/06/thirukurungkudi-divya-desam.html
http://www.thehindu.com/features/fr...w-to-reach-thirukkurungudi/article3716893.ece
https://ramanujadasan.wordpress.com/2010/05/08/5-temples-5-nambhis-of-thirukurungudi/
http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/kurungudi-temple.shtml
http://temples-india.blogspot.in/2011/05/sri-vaishnava-nambi-temple.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirukkurungudi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

P.J. · Jul 21, 2015

Divya Desam 90-Sri Vanamamalai Permual Temple (Nanguneri), Tamil Nadu.

Divya Desam 90-Sri Vanamamalai Permual Temple (Nanguneri), Tamil Nadu.

The Temple

Nanguneri Vanamamalai Perumal Temple is one of 108 Divya Desam. The temple is about 1500 BC, years old and later it was renovated by Pandya and Nayakar kings. This is a Swayamvektha Ksheram.Nanguneri or Vanamamalai is about 33 kms to south of Thirunelveli.The temple has a large gopuram and a large temple compound having 2 prakarams(closed precinctsof a temple). The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram.

The temple is considered one of the eight Sywayambu Kshetras of Vishnu where presiding deity is believed to have manifested on its own. Seven other temples in the line are Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, and Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in South India and Saligrama, Naimisaranya, Pushkar and Badrinath Temple in North India

Vaanamaamalai Perumal has an imposing Gopuram and a sprawling lake - one of the four surviving lakes that gave Nanguneri its name - provide a majestic and impressive appearance to this temple town.

In the sanctum, the Lord is in sitting posture under the canopy of Adi Sesha, flanked by Sridevi, Bhoodevi, sages Brighu, Markandeya, Surya, Chandra, all in deep devotion to the Lord. Urvashi and Thilothama are doing Chamara Seva.

This is the only temple where Perumal graces with His royal attire in Durbar with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi. One of Lord’s hands point to His feet and the other on His lap as an assurance that the devotee surrendering at His feet will have a place on His lap. Perumal also holds the Prayoga Chakra. Those worshipping the Chakra will have no enemies at all in life.It is said that the procession idol of Mother was originally in Tirupathi. Devotees in Tirupati were to offer Varamangadevi to Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati. Perumal appeared in the dream of Jeer Swamigal and said that Varamangadevi was meant to Lord Vanamamalai in Nanguneri, therefore taken to this place. The headquarters of Vanamamalai Jeer, one among the Ashtathik Gajas – Eight pontiffs of Vaishnava order – by saint Manavala Mamunigal is here. The Sadari placed on the devotees as blessing of Lord, has the image of Nammazhwar-Sadagopan.
The Name

Adisesha undertook penance here and hence this place came to be called ‘Naaganai’ Cheri. As the huge lake around the temple was split into 4 canals, this place was referred to as ‘Nangu’ ‘Eri’.

Deities

In the Artha Mandapam, the processional deity Deivanayakan with His consorts Ubhaya Nachiyar and Srivaramangai, and Aandaal are worshipped. There are shrines for Lord Rama, Krishna, Chakarathu Alwar, Lakshminarayana and Lakshmi Varahar.

There are excellent sculptures of Lord Vishnu's Dashavatara. Alwars have separate sannadhis. Two important halls, Jevvanthi Mandapam and Veerappa Naicker Mandapam, built during the Naicker rule, are known for their architectural grandeur

Legend

Legend has it when Asurs Madhu and Kaitapan were killed, their blood spread over the earth and started stinking. Bhooma Devi lost her purity, and she started meditating about Perumal who was pleased with her prayers, and he gave his darshan to her in Vaikunda Vimanam at this place. She was purified by Lord's darshan.
King of Sindhu land was cursed by Kusasana Muni, and he was roaming like a dog. Finally it reached this place and had a dip in the Chetru Thamarai Pushkarani. (Pushkarani with lotus flowers and the water is muddy). The dog came to its original form and worshipped here.

This sthala perumal gave his prathyaksham to Indiran, Romasa Maharishi, Brighu Muni and Maarkandeya Maharishi. He gave his sev to these four great aathmas as "Aadhi Maruthuvan" (Maruthuvan means doctor). The persons who has the diseases are given the treatment by facing him towards East - west direction. As the same way, the perumal Thothatri Naathan gives his seva facing his thirumugam towards the east direction.

This sthalam is also called as "Vaanama malai" because a pandiya king married a Cheran daughter and he got the name as "Vaanavan". Since, he built this temple, this sthalam is called as "Vaanama malai". It is one of the said story about this sthalam.

Another legend says

When Lord Vishnu destroyed the demons, Madhu and Kaidaba, the bad odour from their body spread polluting the whole earth. Mother Earth lost Her natural purity. She came to this place for cleansing. Lord appeared before Bhoomadevi (Earth) and said, “pollution set on you is washed off” according to history of the place-sthala purana.

Speciality of the Temple

Inside this sthalam an oil well of 25 feet height and 15 feet width. The well doesnt have water but has an rich oil, which extracts oil instead of water. The oil which is found in the well is said to have the medicinal values and said that it cures many diseases. Daily, the Emperumaan of this sthalam is done the thirumanjanam using 6 padis (1 padi= around 1 1/2 Kgs) of Gingely oil and Sandal wood oil. After the thirumanjanam is over, the oils are poured into the well itself .

If any bhaktaas need some amount of oil the well, they must give the same amount of gingely oil to the devastanam and it is poured into the well and given the medicinal oil.

To get the Aathma Gnanam, Aathma Arul (blessing) and Aathma Bhakthi, the permanant soul (or) Aathma which reside on the temporary body should be clean and purified. Having this as cleared only, we get achieve all other things. Out body, speach and activity should be clean. Old age is the caution for the death and it is the final action for the free of our soul. Till the soul is in our body, it should be without any harm and diseses and should be clean. To explain this, the Emperumaan of this sthalam gives his seva and also gives the oil which cures many diseases.

So bhaktaas who worship this sthalam can get the dharshan of the Emperumaan and also the curable oil.

Oil Abhishekam

Kaarya Maharaja didn’t have a child. He went to Lord Nambi at Thirukurungudi who asked him to undertake pooja of the Lord who is present beneath the earth at Nanguneri. The king who dug up the earth here was shocked to find blood oozing out of the Lord’s head.

The Lord asked him to perform an Oil Abhishekam and to throw the oil into the open well found at this place. Having performed this, he is said to have had children. The temple is believed to have been built by Kaarya Maharaja.

The tradition of Oil Abhishekam has come to stay. Hence, the speciality of this Divya Desam is the daily oil pooja for the main deity and depositing the oil in the 25 feet open well inside the temple. The oil has been hailed by Sage Agastya as ‘Sarva Roha Nivarani’ and is said to have medicinal values helping cure both internal and external illness including ulcer and skin diseases.

The oil at this temple is just as special as the ‘laddu’ of Tirupathi temple.

Garuda’s presence in front of Lord Vishnu

The story goes that Kasiyap, who had two wives- Kathru and Vinathai, remained childless. Invoking the blessings of a rishi, the two wives were given the option of choosing between several children and just the two.

Kathru had several children including Adisesha, the Serpent King, on whom Lord Vishnu rests himself. Vinathai had two children- Arunan (Charioteer of Surya) and Garuda (Charioteer of Vishnu).

With Lord Vishnu resting himself all the time on Adisesha, an upset Garuda undertook penance at Thothadri. When the Lord appeared before Garuda, he expressed his disappointment at not accorded the same status as Adisesha.

It was then that Lord Narayana asked him to come with him to Vaikuntam and accorded him the status of standing in front of him (facing him) ready all the time to take his Lord on a trip. Thus it came to be that when the Lord leaves Adisesha, he gets on to Garuda.

Moolavar and Thaayar:
The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Kothagirinathan also named as Vaanamamalai. Prathyaksham for Brahmadevan, Indiran, Ramasa Rishi, Brighu Rishi, Maarkandeya Rishi. Moolavar in Veetrirundha Kolam facing East direction.

The Thaayar of this temple is Sirivaramangai Naachiyaar - Periya piratti, Bhoomi piratti and Neela devi are the three Naachiyaars of this sthalam. Periya piratti and Bhoomi piratti are the two naachiyaars who is found along with the Moolavar and they have their own sannadhis.

Utsavar :
The Utsavar of this temple is Sri Deiva Naayaga Perumal.

Mangalasasanam:

Nammalwar - 11 Paasurams.
Total - 11

Pushkarani:

Indira theertham, Setru thaamarai theertham. Since this pushkarani is without water and found only oil and mud and clay, the pushkarani is called "Setry thaamarai theertham". And since, Indiran took bath in this to get out of the diseases, the Pushkarani is called Indira theertham.

Vimanam: Nanda Varthana Vimaanam.

600 year old Vanamaamalai Mutt

The 600 years old Vaanamaamalai Mutt (Jeers) are the hereditary trustees of this Divya Desam. Many of the main festivals at this temple are celebrated in a unique way, not found in any other Divya Desam. Srivaramangai Thaayar is considered as the affectionate daughter of the first pontiff of the Mutt Sri Ponnadikal Jeer Swamy. Deivanayakan is considered as the Son-in-Law of the mutt. During the Brahmotsavam and other festivals, the two are given a warm welcome at the mutt and the entire pooja festivities are performed only at the mutt.

All the worship patterns here are according to the Vaikanasa Agamamam.

Temple Timings

Time : 8am-12noon and 5pm-9pm

Priest : Nambi Srinivasa Bhattar @ 04635 250537 or 99942 76118

Temple Office Number : 04635 250119

Festivals

2 Brahmotsavams – one in Panguni and one in Chitrai

How to reach

Buses every 10minutes between Tirunelveli and Nagercoil
(Nanguneri can be reached within 45minutes from Tirunelveli bus stand)

Kanyakumari Exp and Ananthapuri Express from Chennai stop at Nanguneri station.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserR...alai_Perumal_Temple-Nanguneri_Tamil_Nadu.html
http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/vaanamaamalai-temple.shtml
http://blessingsonthenet.com/indian-temple/article/268/nanguneri-vanamamalai-perumal-temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanamamalai_Perumal_Temple
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2010/04/vanamamalai-thothadri-nathan-nanguneri.html
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2010/04/vanamamalai-thothadri-nathan-nanguneri.html

P.J. · Jul 22, 2015

Divya Desam 91-Srivaikuntanathan Permual Temple-Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu -

Divya Desam 91-Srivaikuntanathan Permual Temple-Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu -

The Temple

Srivaikuntam temple is also called Kailasapuram and has in Nataraja shrine, 8 artistically carved pillars. The most famous is the Kallapiran, the festival deity and presiding deity is called Vaikuntanathar. On the 6th day of Tamil month Chittirai(April), the Sun rays fall on the main deity as a token of worship. The idol is most exquisitely carved with club in hand. Lions, Yalis and elephants are carved in the pillars of the mandapam. The temple served as a fort during the patriotic war of Kattabomman with the British.[SUP]

[/SUP]The temple has a 9-tier rajagopuram amidst lush vegetation around the temple.

Legend

[TD="class: newsdetails"]Two legends are associated with this temple. Once an asura by the name Somakan appropriated Lord Brahma’s Creation-secret and Lord Vishnu retrieved it from the demon. Since the Lord came direct from His abode Vaikuntam and agreed to remain here, this place came to be known as Srivaikuntam.

Later, Kaaladhushakan, a robber, conducted his robbery after worshipping Vaikuntanathan, and surrendered to Him, half of what he had plundered. He was a Robinhood of those days, looted the rich and helped the poor. Once his men, while engaged in ransacking the palace were caught by the King’s soldiers. They had to identify their leader; when Kaladhushakan came to know about it, he prayed to the Lord of Srivaikuntam, to save him. The Lord appeared before the King as Kaaladhushakan, revealed Himself to the King and counseled him to protect dharma. Having had this Beatific Vision, the King requested the Lord to remain in this place as ‘Kallappiraan’.[/TD]

[TD="align: right"][/TD]

Importance and Significance

Srivaikuntam temple is known for its magnificent architecture. It has 8 beautiful pillars which are artitistically carved. The main idol is beautifully etched with club in one of his hands, the background which is also referred to as the Mandapa showcases carvings of elephants and lions. The temple is beautifully built amidst lush green vegetation which adds a pinch more to its glory. The gopurams of the temple measure 110 feet high and speak volumes of its magnificence. There is one more importance of the temple. It is believed that if couples without child worship the temple and alight divas’ for 48 hours straight, the Lord showers his blessings and grants them children. Hence, this is of immense religious importance too.

A unique feature of this temple is that it is believed that the Sun God comes twice a year to worship the Lord Vaikuntanatha. These auspicious days falls as per Tamils new year calendar and is usually observed in the months of April-May and October-November. The sun’s rays bathe the entire idol of Lord Vaikuntanatha and hence these two days are also considered very sacred.

Greatness Of Temple:

Navatiruppathi – Nine Holy Temples
The nine vaishnava shrines, hailed as ‘Navatiruppathi’ are related to the ‘Navagrahaas’ or the nine planets or celestial bodies, and the deities in these temples are worshipped as the ‘navagrahaas’ themselves. They are:
1. Sooriyan (Sun) Srivaikuntam
2. Chandran (Moon) Varagunamangai
3. Angaarakan (Mars) Tirukkolur
4. Budhan (Mercury) Thiruppulinkuti
5. Guru (Jupiter) Alwar Tirunagari
6. Chukran (Venus) Thentirupperai
7. Shani (Saturn) Perungulam
8. Raghu Irattaithirupathi
( Thirutholaivillimangalam )
9. Kethu Irattaithirupathi
( Thirutholaivillimangalam)

These Navatiruppathis in the Pandya region are recognized on par with the Navagrahaa temples in the Chola country (Surya – Thirumangalakkudi, Chandra – Thingaloor, Angaarakan - Putthirukku Velur, Budha – Thiruvenkaadu, Guru – Aalangudi, Sukra – Kanjanoor, Shani – Thirunallaar, Raahu– Thirunageswaram, Ketu – Keezhperumpallam). In these Vishnu temples, the Prime Deities themselves are worshipped as the Navagrahaas and so there are no separate shrines for the Navagrahaas, as found in other temples. To offer worship to these deities alleviate the malignant influences of the Navagrahaas that come about during one’s lifetime.

Generally, in the temples Lord Vishnu is seen reclining on Adisesha. But, in this temple Lord Vishnu is in the standing posture under the umbrella, Adisesha. This is the special significance of this place.

Festivals

An important festival which is observed in this temple is Garuda Sevaiutsavam. This is usually observed in the months of April- June. It is grand event which includes culminating of all the idols from nearby enshrines in their special vahana’s. Special poems are chanted and rituals are performed. This is an annual grand event and attracts thousands of devotees.

Other Information

Deity : Vaikunta Nathan, Kalla Piran Standing posture East Facing
Goddess : Vaikunta Valli, Bhoo Devi
Paasurams : NammAzhvaar 2 Paasurams

Prayers:

Child Birth, Fulfill Wishes, Prosperty, Unfavourable Influence (Dosha),

You Tube Video

Please see this you tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvQeXAbGGzg

Temple Timings: 7:00AM - 12:00 Noon and 5:00PM - 08:00PM

Arulmigu Vaikuntanaathar Tirukkoil, Sri Vaikuntam – 628 601, Thoothukudi District.

Contact Information :
Ramesh Bhattar @ 99940 12629
Srinivasa Bhattar @ 96595 83891
A.K. Vaikunta Natha Bhattar @ 98656 28681

Location :
Srivaikuntam is in the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur railway route and the temple is about 3 kms. from the station. It is about 30 kms. from Tirunelveli, from where frequent bus services are available. Adequate bus-services are available from Tirunelveli / Tiruchendur

Near By Railway Station :
Tirunelveli / Tiruchendur

Near By Airport :
Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://anudinam.org/2011/11/28/sri-vaikuntam-vaikunta-nathan-divya-desam/
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=910
http://epuja.co.in/single-puja/?id=9122
http://navathirupathitemples.tnhrce.in/kallapiran.html
http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples/info/10096
http://www.divinebrahmanda.com/2012/03/sri-vaikuntanathan-permual-temple-nava.html
http://www.tamilbrahmins.com/showthread.php?t=21080
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srivaikuntanathan_Permual_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

P.J. · Jul 23, 2015

Divya Desam 92-Thiru varagunamangai Vijayasanar Perumal Temple, Tirunelveli

Divya Desam 92-Thiruvaragunamangai Perumal Temple, Tirunelveli

The Temple

The temple has a 9-tier rajagopuram amidst lush vegetation around the temple.

Varagunamangai is referred to in one of the poems of Nammalwar, he must be posterior to Varaguna Pandya from whose name it is assumed Varagunamangai took its name. But there are number of instances where this logic is not pertinent.Nava Tirupathi Temples is a set of nine Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tamil Nadu on Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route on the banks of Thamiraparani River. All these 9 temples form part of “Divya Desams” comprising 108 temples of Vishnu revered and sung in praise by 12 poet saints or Alwars. All nine Vaishnavite temples are in Tuticorin district, about 40 km from Tirunelveli and 25 km from Tiruchendur. They form a cluster around Sri Vaikundam and Alwar Tiru Nagari, which straddle the north and south banks respectively of the River Tambraparni.

The second in the series of these nine Tirupathi Temples are Vijayasanar Perumal Temple – Thiru Varagunamangai (Natham).

History of the Temple

Vijayasanar Perumal Temple located at Natham is a famous temple of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of Vijayasanar and His consort Goddess SriVaragunavalli Thaayar. The presiding deity in this temple is facing the east. Widely referred as the Natham Perumal Kovil, the temple has Lord Sri Vijayasanar Perumal as presiding deity and His consort Varagunavalli Thayar. This Natham temple is known as Chandran Kshetram. These nine shrines in the Pandya region are as famous as the nine in Chola region. The temple tank here is known as Agin Theertham.

Sthalapuranam:

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Vijayaasana perumal in a sitting posture with Adiseshan over his head like an umbrella like in Srivaikundam temple. Thayar is known as Varagunamangai /Varagunavalli thayar and there is no seperate sannadhi for thayar in this temple. It is interesting to note that in many of the Nava thirupathi temples, the thayar is known by the name of the place itself.

The temple is the second among the Nava thirupathi divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Pandiya naatu divyadesams among the 108 temples.

The place is also called as Naththam and Mokshapuri. It is believed that one’s soul attains moksham if death occurs at this place. This temple occupies the chandra sthalam in the nava grahas.

A Brahmin undertook penance here at Varagunamangai chanting the ‘Aasana Mantra’. Pleased with his prayers, the Lord provided darshan at this place. As the Brahmin attained moksham as a result of his chanting the ‘Aasana Mantra’, the Lord here came to be referred to as ‘Vijaya’ ‘Aasana’ Perumal.

Another story goes that a fisherman, who had cast a net at this Theertham, was bitten by a snake and immediately attained moksham thus reaching the abode of the Lord.

Romasa rishi narrated to his son the story of the fisherman attaining moksham referring to his previous life as a king, who had performed harsh acts and hence had to lead the current life as a fisherman.

But sincerity in performing all his duties in this life led him to attaining the Lord’s feet. As he attained moksham here, the theertham at this temple is said to be sacred.

This sthalapirattiyaar – Varaguna valli thaayar (or) Varaguna mangai clearly explained how a wife (or) mangai should be and found along with Vijiyasanap perumal. Vijayasana means perumal who sits on top of the Victory.

Serpent Lord at Srivaikuntam and NathamWhile at Srivaikuntam,west of this temple, Adisheshan has his hood atop a standing Kallarpiran, here at Varagunamangai, the serpent king is seen unfurling his hood atop Vijayaasanar, seen in a grand sitting posture, with one leg folded and the other feet on the ground.

Name of deity
Moolavar: Vijayaasana Perumal.

Thayar: Varagunavalli
Pushkarani: Agni Theertham and Deva pushkarani
Vimanam: Vijayakodi Vimaanam.

Mangalaashaasanam: Nammalwar

Azhvaar Praise
NamAzhvaar in his only Paasuram refers to the Standing Lord at SriVaikuntam, the Sleeping Lord at Thiru Pulingudi and the sitting Lord here at Varagunamangai.

புளிங்குடி கிடந்தது, வரகுணமங்கை இருந்து, வைகுந்தத்தில் நின்று
தெளிந்த என் சிந்தையகம் கழியாதே
என்னை ஆள்வாய்-எனக்கு அருளி

நளிர்ந்த சீர் உலகம் மூன்றுடன் வியப்ப
நாங்கள் கூத்து ஆடி நின்று ஆர்ப்ப
பளிங்கு நீர் முகிலில் பவளம்போல் கனிவாய்
சிவப்பா, நீர் காண வாராயே

Festivals

The Garuda Sevai utsavam(festival) in the month of Vaikasi(May-Jun) witnesses 9 Garudasevai, a spectacular event in which festival image idols from the Nava Tirupathis shrines in the area are brought on Garuda vahana(sacred vehicle). An idol of Nammalvar is also brought here on a Anna Vahanam(palaquin) and his paasurams(verses) dedicated to each of these 9 temples are recited. The utsavar(festival deity) of Nammalvar is taken in a palanquin to each of the 9 temples, through the paddy fields in the area. The paasurams(poems) dedicated to each of the 9 Divyadesams are chanted in the respective shrines. This is the most important of the festivals in this area, and it draws thousands of visitors.

Special Poojas
Issueless couples pray here for children and students and their parents pray for their academic excellence. Each planet in the following Nava Tirupati temples is worshipped accordingly. Here in this Vijayasanar Perumal Temple Lord is worshipped as Moon in Varagunamangai in Natham

As Perumal Himself represents the planets, there are no shrines for Navagrahas in the temples separately.

Temple Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Temple’s Full Address: Sri Vijayasanar (Paramapatha Nathan Temple), Natham, Varagunamangai, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Ph: +91 4630 256 476

Travel Info: Devotees go to the respective temple concerning their planetary problems. To visit each temple using bus transports would be very difficult and time consuming. Devotees are advised to hire a cab to cover all the temples in a single day. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation offers a tourist-program twice a month from Chennai, on the first and the third Fridays. We can return on Wednesday early morning.

How to reach Vijayasanar Perumal Temple in Natham

Landmark: Vijayasanar Perumal Temple in Natham is just one km away from the first temple Sri Vaikuntanathan Perumal Temple.

By Bus: Temple can be reached by buses plying between Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli Route. Bus services to this temple are available from Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchendur and Thoothukudi through Srivaikuntam and to the temple. Natham Thoothukudi is 30 km away from Tirunelveli.

By Railways: The nearest Railway station is Srivaikundam.
By Flight: Nearest airport to the temple is Madurai Airport which is 164 km away from the temple.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.yatrastotemples.com/vijayasanar-perumal-temple-thiru-varagunamangai-in-natham/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThiruVaragunamangai_Perumal_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2010/08/varagunamangai-divya-desam.html
http://devaboomi.com/varagunamangai-vijayaasana-perumal/
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2010/08/varagunamangai-divya-desam.html

P.J. · Jul 25, 2015

http://www.divinebrahmanda.com/2- Sri Kaaichina Vendha Perumal Temple, Thirupulingudi

Divya Desam 93 -Sri Kaaichina Vendha Perumal Temple, Thirupulingudi

The Temple

ThiruPuliangudi Permual Temple is one of the Nava Tirupathi, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river.

All these 9 temples are classified as "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars

The temple has an imposing image of Lord Vishnu, a lotus stalk from the navel of the image emanates the image of Brahma. The feet of the deity can be viewed through the passage. The temple has two prakarams(closed precincts of a temple).

Sthlapuranam :
Vashista Maharishi's sons and popularly known as Saptha Rishis gave their sabham to Yagnasharma, who was a well knowledged Demon, finally got his sabha vimochan being touched by the Thiruvadi of Emperumaan of this sthalam.

Once, Devendran - Indiran did not give the proper respect to Devaguru Bragaspathi, because of this he doesnt want to see Indiran and disappeared suddenly as suggesed by Brahmadevan by keeping Vicchuvaruna as the Guru who is the son of sukiran (Thuvatta) to do yaagam.

Inspite of doing Yaagam to strengthen the power of Devas, his mind was thinking that the power of Arakkas (Demon) should grow. Vicchuvaruna is a person who has 3 heads. Since he was basically a follower of Arakkas, his mind actually did the yaagam only to raise the power of Devas.

By knowing this (ie mouth speaking one thing and his mind doing the opposite to it) through his Gnana Eye, Devendran Indiran using his Vajrayudh, cut the heads of Vicchuvaruna.

His three heads changed into Eagle, Vulture and crow and was thrown into the air and at that time, he caught up with Brahmagathi Dhosham. To get him out of it, all the other Devas gave land, water, women and trees to clear the dhosham, but it was not cleared and finally only in this sthalam, this dhosham was cleared.

Generally Emperumaan is said to be the whole structure of silence and soft. But at times, he himself change so arrogant to eradicate the evil from this world and because of this, this sthala perumal is also named as "Kaaichina Vendhan".

Generally, the king who is ruling the country should not get angry at any particular time. But, if anything against the people of the country, he should get angry against the enemy to kill (or) punish them. Like the same, Sriman Narayanan here in this sthalam explains about the anger and gives his seva as "Kaaichina Vendhan" in Bhujanga sayanamand to get out from the curse of Yagnasharma given by the sons of vasishtar and the Brahmagathi dhosham.

From the Thiru Vayairu (Stomach) of the Kaaichina Vendhapperumal, is through the Lotus plants bark, Lord Brahma is attached who is found on the wall of Garbhagraham. We can see only one of the Thiruppaadham (Feet) of Emperumaan. To see the both feets, we can see it through a small hole, which is found on the outer pragharam.

Moolavar:
The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Kaaichina Vendhan. Moolavar in Kidantha kolam in Bhujanga sayanam facing east direction. Prathyaksham for Varunan, Nirruthi, Dharmarajan and Narar.

Thaayar :

Two Naachiyaars - Malar magal Naachiyaar and Poomagal Naachiyaar. One more small utsava naachiyaar named "Pulingudu Valli" is also found.
Vimaanam: Veda Saara Vimanam

Theertham:Varuna Theertham

Mangalasasanam:

Nammalwar - 12 Paasurams.
Total - 1

Pooja Timings

Vishwaroopam Pooja – 09.00 A.M
Kalasanthi Pooja – 10.30 A.M
Uchikala Pooja – 01.00 A.M
Sayarachai Pooja – 04.00 P.M
Thiruvisagam Pooja – 06.00 P.M

Festivals

Garuda Sevai utsavam – May or June

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Arulmigu BhoomiPalagar Thirukkovil,
Thiruppuliangudi - 628620‎,
Tirunelveli,
Tamil Nadu.
Phone: 04630 256476
Contact : Gopalakrishnan Bhattar @ 04630 256116 or 93666 18185

Location and Transportation

By Air
The nearest airport is Tuticorin (24.6 Km). There are flights like Air, IndiGo, Spice Jet, Jet Airways, and JetKonnect to reach to and from Srivaikundam.

By Train
Srivaikuntam railway station is situated on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur line. All passenger trains from Tirunelveli stop at this station. The temple is about 1.5 miles from the railway station.

By Road
Srivaikuntam is also well connected by road with Tirunelveli, Tiruchendur and Tuticorin and all other major cities.

Nearby Temple

Alwarthirunagari Temple
Irattai Thiruppathy
Mutharamman Temple
Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple
ThiruvaragunaMangai Perumal Temple

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.divinebrahmanda.com/2013/04/sri-kaisina-vendha-perumal-temple.html
http://www.srivaishnava.in/articles/item/93-93thirup-pulingkudi.html
http://www.templedetails.com/thirupulingudi/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThiruPulingudi_Perumal_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

P.J. · Jul 25, 2015

Divya Desam 94- Sri Srinivasa Temple (Irattai Tirupati - Raahu) of Sri Maha Vishnu

Divya Desam 94- Sri Srinivasa Temple (Irattai Tirupati - Raahu) of Sri Maha Vishnu

The Temple

Irattai Tirupati Temple is one of the Nava Tirupathi, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river. All these 9 temples are classified as "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars

There are two temples, one a north temple and other a south temple. Both the temples have two prakarams(closed precincts of a temple). It is referred to as Ketu sthalam, a location for the snake deity, Ketu.

About the Temple:

This is one of the celebrated 108 Divya Desam of Perumal
The two temples near Tentiruperai are known as Irattai (twin) Tirupathis.
This temple part of "Nava Thiruppathi" and this is rated as 9th place and dedicated to "Kethu"
As Lord Vishnu Himself is acting as the nine planets in these places, there are no separate shrine for the navagrahas the nine planets.
The Moolavar is "Sri Aravindha Lochanar" in Sitting position (Veetrirundha thirukkolam) facing east direction.

History of the Temple:

According to the myothology, Rishi Athreya Suprabha started a yaaga salai and maintained it. While cleaning the yaaga Salai , he found a bright Tarasu (Weighing Scale) and Bow. When he touched this, it got changed into men and women.

Both of the them explained him that they were changed into the tarasu and the bow because of the sin given by Kuberan and it will end only if they are touched by Suprabha rishi. After this, both got sabha vimocchan and got paramapadha mukthi.

This sthalam is named as “Thulam Vil Mangalam” and after sometimes the name changed to “Tholai villi Mangalam”. To live, we need to inhale the air and the air is Vaayu bhagavan and other necessary thing is water and it is Varunan and the Green land is Indiran. By giving the prathyaksham to these three, Emperumaan equalises them and explains to the the world how important and essential they are.Kumudham means Dharbai Pul (Dharbai is one kind of Grass). Since, in this sthalam, the Yaagam was done, this sthala Vimaanam is called “Kumudha Vimaanam”.

Shri Aravinda Locahanar (Lord Vishnu), gives his dharshan as "Shri Senthamarai Kannan" along with Shri Karuthandangi Naachiyaar. Dharma Tarasu (Weighing Scale) has two plates, which stands in equal to one another, likewise the Lord and Thaayar are found to be equal and giving the Veetrirundha seva.

Since, both of this sthalam are found along the Tamirabarani river, how rivers flow in different direction, but when they mix together they are treated as the same, like wise even though there are two sthalams, these two are considered to be one divyadesam. It is a famous Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu.

All these Nava tirupathis have a common and a distinct news, that has to be explained. In thirukkurugoor Indiran, who did not give the proper respect for his parents, in Thirukkoloor where Guberan has given the Sabham, in Thirupperai, varunan treated his Guru, and in Thiru Vaikundam, a thief giving his share of the theft things to Emperumaan, in Thiru Varaguna Mangai, where Saavithri fought for her husband's life, in Thirupulingudi, Yagnasharma, who got the sabha of Vashista Muni's sons and in Thiru tholai villi mangalam, a men who was burried into the land as "the Bow" and a women as "Tarasu" by Guberan, got their Sabha Vimocchan. All in these nine tirupathis, Shriman Narayanan, gave them the Sabha vimocchan and to attain the paramapadha world.

First temple is found along the banks of River Tamirabarani. The Moolavar of first sthalam is named "Shri Shrinivasan". Also named as "Devapiran". He is giving his seva in Nindra thirukkolam facing his thirumugam (face) facing in East direction. Two pirattiyaars are found on either side of him.

Second sthalam is found along the Tamirabarani river. This sthala Moolavar is Shri Aravindha Lochanar. Also named as "Senthamarai Kannan". He is giving his seva in Veetrirundha thirukkolam facing east direction.

Suriyan (Sun) – Shrivaikundam

Chandran (Moon) – Varagunamangai (Natham)

Sevvai (Mars) - Tirukolur

Budhan (Mercury) - Tirupuliangudi

Guru (Jupiter) – Alwar Tirunagari

Sukran (Venus) – Tentiruperai

Sani (Saturn) – Perungulam

Rahu – Irattai (twin) Tirupathi (Tholaivillimangalam)

Ketu – Irattai (twin) Tirupathi.

The Nava Tirupati form an important part of the 108 Divyadesam the 12 Azhwars have sung about. Incidentally, the Irattai Tirupatis are counted as one divya desam though in the Nava Tirupati list they feature as two.

The nine temples can be visited in a day. The best way to do it will be to stay at Tirunelveli (30 km from the temples), which is well connected by train and bus.

There are frequent bus services from Tirunelveli to Azhwar Tirunagari and Srivaikuntam, the most populous villages in the group. The temples are en route to Tiruchendur.

From these villages it will be best to hire a taxi to visit the nine temples for bus services are not very regular. Thanks to a massive restoration project by the Indian Culture and Heritage Trust, substantially funded by the TVS group, the darshan timings are organised and displayed at all the temples.

Both Srivaikuntam and Azhwar Tirunagari open by 6 a.m. It is best to be there about that time and start the journey. A suggested route could be — Srivaikuntam (25 km from Tirunelveli on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur road) then Varagunamangai or Natham then Tiruppulingudi (2 km from Srivaikuntam and 1 km from Natham) then Thirukkulandhai or Perungulam (8 km from Srivaikuntam).

These shrines are on the Srivaikuntam-Tuticorin bus route. Then could be the two temples a few yards apart called Tulaivillimangalam or Irattai Tirupati. They are in an absolutely desolate location surrounded by scrub jungle so it is best to use a taxi or van from Sri Vaikuntam/Azhwar Tirunagari for there is no bus service either.

These temples are on the one side of the river. On the other side are Thenthirupperai (31 km from Tirunelveli or 3 km from Azhwar Tirunagari on Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur road) then Tirukolur (between Azhwar Tirunagari and Thentirupperai.

It is a kilometre off the Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur road en route to Nazareth). Finally comes Tirukkurugur/Azhwar Tirunagari (28 km from Tirunelveli on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur road).

Both Azhwar Tirunagari and Srivaikuntam are on the rail route but services are infrequent so it is best to stay at Tirunelveli. The trip can also be done starting at Azhwar Tirunagari.

The route can vary depending on festivals in the temples. One can check the boards and ask the archakar at Srivaikuntam/Azhwar Tirunagari, which is where one should start the pilgrimage. The temples are also sign-posted on the main roads.

-ஜோதிடர் பேராசிரியர் கே.ஆர். சுப்பிரமணியன் நலம் தரும் ஆலயங்கள்

நவதிருப்பதிகளில் ஒன்றான இரட்டை திருப்பதிகள்

என்று அழைக்கப்படும் அருள்மிகு தேவர்பிரான் திருக்கோயில் ஆகும். இத்திருக்கோயில் நவ திருப்பதிகளில் ஐந்தாவது தலமாகும் நவகிரகங்களில் ராகு தலமாகவும் அமைந்துள்ளது. இத்திருத்தலம் நூற்றியெட்டு திவ்ய தேசங்களில் ஐம்பத்தி ஆறாவது திவ்ய தேசமாக அமைந்துள்ளது. இரண்டு கோவில்கள் சேர்ந்து ஒரு திவ்ய தேசமாக சொல்லப்படுகிறது. எனவே இதை இரட்டை திருப்பதி என்கிறார்கள். இந்த தலம் ஆழ்வார் திருநகரிக்கு கிழக்கு திசையில் 3 கி.மீ. தூரத்தில் இருக்கிறது. தாமிரபரணி நதிக்கரையில் முதல் கோவில் இருக்கிறது. மூலவர், தேவப்பிரான் நின்ற திருக்கோலத்தில் கிழக்கு நோக்கி சேவை சாதிக்கிறார்.

புராணச் சிறப்பு:

சுப்ரபர் என்ற முனிவர் ஒரு யாகம் இயற்றுவதற்காக பூமியை உழுது பண்படுத்தினார். அப்பொழுது நிலத்திலிருந்து ஒரு தராசும் வில்லும் கிடைத்தது. தராசு ஒரு பெண்ணாகவும் வில் ஒரு ஆணாகவும் மாறி தங்கள் சாபத்திலிருந்து விடுபட்டு முக்தியடைந்தனர். இத்திருத்தலத்தில் துலையும் (தராசும்) வில்லும் முக்தியடைந்ததால் இத்தலம் துலாவில்லிமங்கலம் எனப் பெயர் பெற்றது. தற்போது மருவி தொலாவில்லி மங்கலம் என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறது.

இலக்கியச் சிறப்பு:

இத்திருத்தலம் நம்மாழ்வாரால் மங்களாசாசனம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது (ஆறாம் பத்து ஐந்தாம் திருவாய்மொழி பதினொன்றாம் பாட்டு) தனிச் சிறப்பு: இத்திருக்கோயில் நவ திருப்பதிகளில் ஐந்தாவது தலமாகும்.

நவகிரகங்களில் ராகு தலமாகவும் அமைந்துள்ளது. ராகு தோஷம் நவகிரகங்களில் ராகு தலமாக அமைந்துள்ளதால் ஜாதகத்தில் ராகு தோஷம் உள்ளவர்கள், காலசர்ப்ப யோகம் உள்ளவர்கள், திருமணம், புத்திரபாக்கியம் போன்றவற்றில் பாதிப்பு உள்ளவர்கள் இங்கு வந்து வழிபட்டால் ராகுவின் பாதிப்பு குறைந்து வாழ்க்கையில் தாங்கள் விரும்புவதை அடைந்து சுகம் பெறலாம். பணம், சொத்து, பொருள், நிதி, தடைகள் நீங்கி கிடைக்கவும், வியாதிகள் தொல்லைப்படுத்தாமல் ஒதுங்கி செல்லவும், பிரார்த்தனைகள் ஜெயிக்கவும் இரட்டை திருப்பதி என்னும் இந்த தலத்திற்கு வந்து என்னென்ன பிரார்த்தனைகளை முறைப்படி செய்ய வேண்டுமோ அதை செய்தால் புனிதனாக மாறி நிம்மதியான வாழ்க்கையை பெறலாம்.

இத்திருத்தலத்தின் விமானம் குமுத விமானம், பிரம்மன் கிழக்கே திருமுக மண்டலம் வீற்றிருந்த திருக்கோலம்.

இறைவன்: அருள்மிகு தேவர்பிரான் (ஸ்ரீநிவாசன்)
இறைவியர்: அருள்மிகு ஸ்ரீதேவி அருள்மிகு பூதேவி
தீர்த்தம்: வருண தீர்த்தம் (தாமிரபரணி)
தல விருட்சம்: விளாமரம் ஆகமம்: வைகாநச ஆகமம்
விமானம்: குமுத விமானம்

Mangalasasanam: Nammalwar: 3271-3281 Total of 11 Paasurams.

Prayers:
Cures, Fulfill Wishes, Prosperty, Unfavourable Influence (Dosha),

Please see this Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_a6WCro1Q

How to Get There This place is about 3 kms from Srivaikuntam. The temples are about 150mts from apart and the second temple is on the banks of the Tamarabharani river. One can reach Thollaivillimangalam from Azhwar Thirunagari by travelling 3 kms along the Thamarabharani River.Alternatively from Tirukulandhai one can go to Mangalakuruchi which is about 2 kms and from there travel along the stream for 3 kms to reach thollaivillimangalam.This is also known as Irattai Thiupathi There are no facilities available here.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/10/25/stories/2002102501050700.htm
http://in.geoview.info/irattai_thirupathi_kovil,71157268p
http://tamil.oneindia.com/astrology/news/irattai-tirupati-temple-devarpiran-temple-ragu-220021.html
http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples/info/10966
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irattai_Thiruppathy
http://www.yatrastotemples.com/rettai-tirupathi-temples-kethu-temple-in-tholaivillimangalam/

P.J. · Jul 26, 2015

Divya Desam 95-Sri Mayakoothan Permual Temple-Tirukulandhai

Divya Desam 95-Sri Mayakoothan Permual Temple-Tirukulandhai

Sri-Mayakoothan-Temple-in-Thirukkulandhai-in-Perunkulam.png

The Temple

The temple has an image of Lord Vishu facing east direction. Kulam refers to tank in Tamil language. The name of the village is derived from the same. The temple has two prakarams(closed precincts of a temple).

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Sri Mayakoothan Permual Temple is one of the Nava Tirupathi., nine Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river.

All these 9 temples are classified as "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars

Sthlapuranam :

In this sthalam, a very big lake (kulam) is found and because of this, the sthalam is also called as “Perungkulam”.

Vedarasan, an andanan (brahmanan) had a daughter named Kamalavathi started doing the tapas against emperumaan to attain him fully satisfied on her tapas, he gave his prathyaksham to her and made here as a small beat and kept along with the Kousthuwa Muni (long chain made of beads) which is found in his chest. Since, she was a small girl (Balikai), this sthalam is named as “Baligai Vanam”.

In this sthalam, Emperumaan fought against Acchamasaran in Imbalika park (Vanam) and finally he broke his legs and danced on him. Like the same way, Lord Shiva also killed a demon named “Muyalagan” and finally was killed and danced on him by Lord Shiva. There is a close resemblence between these actions and it is said that both the gods are the same and if anything against dharma starts, they will come down to destroy it.

Since, Acchmasaran is killed by Emperumaan in Maaya Yutham (Maya war, the perumal is named as “Maayakoothan”.

Swami Mayakoothan -Perungulam (Thirukkulanthai)

In Vyazha bhagavan who is also called as Deva guru was given the seva of Emperumaan in this sthalam.

Kulam means wealth and it also means as “Maargazhi”. The Emperumaan along with two pirattiyaars gives his seva in Aanandha stage and since there is a big lake (Kulam) that is found close to the sthalam, the sthalam is named as “Thirukkulandhai”.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Srinivasa Perumal. Moolavar in Nindra Thirukkolam facing east diretion.

Prathyaksham for Kamalavathi.

Thaayar : The Thaayar of this temple is Sri Alamelumangai thaayar and Kulandhai Valli are the two Naachiyaars of this sthalam.

Utsavar : The Utsavar of this temple is Sri Maayakkoothan.

Mangalasasanam:
Nammalwar – 1 Pasuram
Total – 1

Pushkarani:
Perungkulam.

Vimanam:
Aanandha Nilaya Vimaanam.

Festival

The Garuda Sevai utsavam(festival) in the month of Vaikasi(May-Jun) witnesses 9 Garudasevai, a spectacular event in which festival image idols from the Nava Tirupathis shrines in the area are brought on Garuda vahana(sacred vehicle). An idol of Nammalvar is also brought here on a Anna Vahanam(palaquin) and his paasurams(verses) dedicated to each of these 9 temples are recited. The utsavar(festival deity) of Nammalvar is taken in a palanquin to each of the 9 temples, through the paddy fields in the area. The paasurams(poems) dedicated to each of the 9 Divyadesams are chanted in the respective shrines. This is the most important of the festivals in this area, and it draws thousands of visitors.

ஜோதிடர் பேராசிரியர் கே.ஆர். சுப்பிரமணியன்

அருள்மிகு மாயக்கூத்தர் சுவாமிதிருக்கோயில்

இத்திருக்கோயில் நவதிருப்பதிகளில் நான்காவது தலமாகவும் சனிபகவானின்
தலமாகவும் திவ்ய தேசமாகவும் அமைந்துள்ளது.

புராணச் சிறப்பு:

நாலாம் அறிபொருளும் ஆகமபுராணமும், மெய் நவிலும் மனு சாஸ்திரமும் அறுபத்து நான்கு கலைகளையும் உணர்ந்த கல்வி கேள்விகளில் சிறந்த வேதசாரன் என்பவர் அரவில் துயிலும் வேங்கடவாணனை மிகவும் பயபக்தியுடன் வழிபட்டு வந்தார். இவருடைய மனைவி குமுதவதி. இவர்களின் கடும் தவத்தால் அலர்மேல் மங்கைத் தாயாரே இவர்களுக்கு மகளாகத் தோன்றி கமலாவதி என்ற பெயருடன் வளர்ந்துவந்தார்.

ஆண்டாளைப் போலவே கமலாவதியும் திருமாலையே மாலையிட நினைத்து கணவனாக அடைய வழிபட்டு வந்தார். உற்றார் உறவினர்களின் எதிர்ப்பையும் மீறி வனம் சென்று நாராயணனை குறித்து கடும் தவம் இயற்றினார். கமலாவதியின் தவத்தையும் மெச்சிய பரந்தாமனும் தை மாதம் சுக்லபட்ச துவாதசியில் பூசம் நட்சத்திரத்தில் கமலாவதியை மணந்து கொண்ட கல்யாணத் திருக்கோலம் காட்டியருளினார். வேதசாரனும் தன் புதல்வி இறைவன் தன்னுடைய திருமார்பில் தரித்திருப்பதைக் கண்டு உள்ளம் மகிழ்ந்தார்.

ஆயிரம் பெண்கள்

இமயமலையில் வாழ்ந்து வந்த அச்மநாரன் என்னும் அரக்கன் பேரழகு வாய்ந்த ஒரே நேரத்தில் ஆயிரம் பெண்களை மணக்க வேண்டும் என்று எண்ணி தொளாயிரத்து தொன்னூற்றியெட்டு பெண்களைக் கவர்ந்து சென்று இமயமலையில் சிறை வைத்திருந்தார் அடுத்த பெண்ணைத் தேடி வான்வெளியில் வலம் வந்து கொண்டிருந்தார் அவருடைய கண்ணில் வேதசாரனின் மனைவி குமுதவதி தட்டுப்படவும் அவரை கவர்ந்து சென்று தொள்ளாயிரத்து தொன்னூற்றி ஒன்பதாவது பெண்ணாக இமயத்தில் சிறையிட்டார். பின்பு ஆயிரமாவது பெண்ணைத் தேடி புறப்பட்டார்.

கருடாழ்வாரின் அகம்பாவம் வேதசாரன் தன் மனைவியை மீட்டுத்தரவேண்டி பெருமாளை வணங்கி வழிபட்டார். பெருமாளும் வேதசாரனுக்கு உதவி செய்வதற்கு எண்ணினார். எம்பெருமான் இமயமலைக்கு செல்வதற்கு தன் தயவு தேவைப்படும் என்று கருடாழ்வார் இறுமாப்புடன் இருந்தார். ஆனால் பகவான் கருடாழ்வாரை தன் காலிடுக்கில் வைத்துக் கொண்டு மனோவேகத்தில் பறந்து இமயமலையை அடைந்தார். கருடாழ்வாரின் மனதில் இருந்த ‘தான்' என்ற அகம்பாவம் அழிந்தது.

ஆனந்த கூத்து சிறைபட்டிருந்த குமுதவதியை சிறைமீட்ட எம்பெருமான் கருடவாகனத்தில் பறந்து வந்து திருக்குளந்தை வந்தடைந்தார் அச்மநாரனாகிய அரக்கனும் பெருமாளைத் தொடர்ந்து திருக்குளந்தை வந்து பெருமாளுடன் போரிட்டார். பெருமாள் அரக்கனை கீழே தள்ளி அவருடைய தலை மேலேறி ஆனந்தக் கூத்தாடினார்.

மாயக்கூத்தன்

பெண்களைத் திருடிய சோரனாகிய அரக்கன் மேல் நாட்டியம் ஆடியதால், சோர நாட்டியன் என்றும் மாயக் கூத்தன் என்றும் இத்திருத்தலத்தில் பெருமாள் அழைக்கப்படுகிறார். பெருமாள் திருவடி தலையில் பட்டதும் அரக்கன் சாப விமோசனம் பெற்று கந்தர்வன் ஆனார். இறைவனை வணங்கி விடைபெற்றார்.

இலக்கியச் சிறப்பு:

இத்திருத்தலம் நமாழ்வாரால் மங்களாசாசனம் செய்யப் பெற்றது (நம்மாழ்வார் பாசுரம் எண்:2868) ஒன்பதாம் பத்து இரண்டாம் திருவாய்மொழியில் பத்து பாசுரங்கள் நம்மாழ்வாரால் இத்தலத்து இறைவன் மீது பாடப் பெற்றுள்ளன. பெரிய திருவடியாகிய கருடாழ்வார் பறக்கும் நிலையில் சிறகுகளை உயரே தூக்கிக் கொண்டு அழகாக இத்திருத்தலத்தில் காட்சி தருகிறார்.

தனிச் சிறப்பு

இத்திருக்கோயில் பெருமாளுக்கு இணையராக ஸ்ரீதேவி, பூதேவி, நீலாதேவி மற்றும் கமலதேவி என நான்கு தாயார்கள் இருப்பது தனிச் சிறப்பு. பிரகஸ்பதிக்கு பெருமாள் காட்சி அளித்த தலம்.

இறைவன் : அருள்மிகு கயக்கொத்தன் (சோரநாதன்)
இறைவியர் : அருள்மிகு குளந்தைவல்லி அருள்மிகு அலர்மேல்மங்கை
உற்சவர் : மாயகூத்தன்
தீர்த்தம் : பெருங்குளம்
தலவிருட்சம் : மல்லி ஆகமம் : வைகாநச ஆகமம்
விமானம் : ஆனந்த நிலையம்
திவ்ய தேச வைபவம் :கமலாவதியை திருமார்பில் ஏற்றது.

Temple Location

This sthalam is situated in Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu. 7 miles in right towards Sri vaikundam and 6 miles away from Thiruppulingudi.

Temple’s Full Address: Sri Mayakoothan Temple, Thirukkulandha, Perunkulam, Thoothukudi Dist, Tamil Nadu.

It is advisable to engage a car to go to the Navatiruppathis for offering worship, since it is time-consuming, if bus-services are opted. The Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation offers a tourist-program twice a month from Chennai, on the first and the third Fridays. We can return on Wednesday early morning. The transport and lodging charges for three days is Rs.1100/- per person.

How to reach Sri Mayakoothan Temple in Thirukkulandha

By Bus: Temple can be reached by buses plying between Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli routes. Bus services to this temple are available from Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchendur and Thoothukudi through Srivaikuntam and to the temple. The temple is 12 km from Srivaikundam.

By Railways: The nearest Railway station is Srivaikundam.
By Flight: Nearest airport to the temple is Madurai Airport which is 156 km away from the temple.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srinivasa_Perumal_Temple,_Tirukulandhai

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

http://tamil.oneindia.com/astrology/news/sri-mayakoothan-permual-temple-tirukulandhai-219544.html
http://kumbakonamtemples.in/sri-srinivasa-perumal-temple-perungulamthirukkulanthai.html

http://www.yatrastotemples.com/sri-mayakoothan-temple-in-thirukkulandhai-in-perunkulam/

P.J. · Jul 26, 2015

Divya Desam 96-Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal temple

Divya Desam 96-Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal temple

The Temple

The place is the birthplace of Madhurakavi Alvar. The main deity has a reclining posture facing east. The temple has two prakaram(closed precincts of a temple).

Sthlapuranam :

One of the Brahmaputiran, who came out of Lord Brahma's ears - named Pulathiya Rishi and Kasthamal's daughter Aavirpoo gave birth a child named Visiravasi. The child who born for this Visiravasi and Ilipillai is Kuberan.

Kuberan did tapas praying Lord Shiva. When Shiva and Parvathi gave their seva to Kuberan, since he could not see the bright shine came out from Parasakthi, Kuberan lost his eyes. After this, he replaced an eye made of gold and ruled Alagapuri and became one of the friends of Lord Shiva.

Vaisyantham which is said as always move from one place to another in search of money and other things and this kind of persons one called "Vaisyaas".

Guberan is said to be one of Vaisyaas and his wife is chitiregai and his Vaaganams (vehicles) are Horse, Parrot. His weapon is Katkam and Garland is Seerakka Maalai. His park is Saithiratham and the Vimaanam is Pushpaka Vimaanam. His son is Nalakooparan.

Once he got the Sapan from Parvathi Devi and lost all of his wealth (Navanidhi) and started to worship this sthala perumal as his Emperumaan.

Emperumaan gave the Prathyaksham for Guberan in front of all of the Navanidhis (Different Kinds of Wealth) and Protecting the Navanidhis of this sthalam. Because of this, he his named as "Vaithamaanidhi". Also named as "Nishopavithan".

This sthalam is also called as "Adharma Pisunam". It means Dharman wars agians the Evil (Adharmam) and it permanently stayed in this sthalam by riding out the adharmam.

Vaithamanidhi perumal stands still here in this sthalam to ride of the Adharmam to protect the wealth which cannot be taken out.

This perumal has thirusangu in the left hand and in the right hand he has thiru Chakkaram by which he destroy the Adharma. In this sthalam only, Madhurakavi alwar was born, Who then because the sishya (student) of Nammalwar. Madhurakavi Alwar is said to be the Gnana Nidhi.

This sthala perumal gave prathyaksha for Kuberan, who is the wealth, Madhurakavi Alwar, who is the Gnana nidhi.

The Pushkarani is kubera pushkarani and since he became the friend of Haran (Lord Shiva) the Vimaanam is called "Sri Hara Vimaanam".

Nearby Temple

Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple
Thiru Varagunamangai Temple
Thiruppulingudi Kaaisinavendhan Temple
Irattai Tirupathi Perumal Temple
Thenthirupperai Makara Nedunkuzhai Kannan) Temple
Alwarthirunagari Adhinaatha Perumal) Temple

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

For relief from adverse planetary effects
For general well-being of people born under Mrigasira/Mirugasiridam/Makayiram
Chitra/Chittirai/Chitta
Dhanishta/Avittam/Shravishta star

Please see this you tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2PEcNbuYsI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIaIh3R44N0

Specialty
The primary deity of this temple is Lord Vaithamanidhi also called as Nikshoba Vithan, in a reclining posture facing in the east direction.

Goddess Amudhavalli and Goddess Koloorvalli has separate shrines in the sanctum of this temple.

The other deities of this temple are Lord Yoga Narasimhar, Madhurakavi azhwar, Acharyas and Azhwars, Garuda (vehicle of Lord Vishnu).

This place is considered as a birth place of MaduraKavi Azhwar, the devotee of Nammazhwar.

Mangalasasanam:

Nammalwar - 12 Pasurams
Total - 12

Pooja Timings
Vishwaroopam Pooja – 07.30 A.M
Kabalasanthi Pooja – 10.30 A.M
Uchikala Pooja – 12.00 A.M
Sayarachai Pooja – 04.30 P.M
Thiruvisagam Pooja – 07.30 P.M

Festivals

Vaikunda Ekadasi – December or January

For more about Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams, please visit the following links:

Please read more about Nava Thirupathi Here

http://www.heritageonline.in/nava-thirupathi-nine-shrines-of-vishnu/

ஜோதிடர் பேராசிரியர் கே.ஆர். சுப்பிரமணியன்

புராண சிறப்பு:

முற்காலத்தில் வடதிசைக்கு அதிபதியாகிய குபேரன் அளகாபுரியில் வசித்து வந்தார் அவர் மிகச் சிறந்த சிவன் பக்தர். ஒரு நாள் சிவபெருமானை நேரடியாக தரிசிக்க கைலாயத்தை அடைந்தார். அப்பொழுது சிவபெருமானுடன் தனித்திருந்த பார்வதிதேவி மிகுந்த அழகுடன் காண விளங்கினார்.

தனத்திற்கு அதிபதியாகிய குபேரன் தேவதேவியரின் தனிமையை உணராது தரிசிக்க சென்ற போது அதிரூபமாகிய இவள் யார் என்று கௌரியை உற்று நோக்குகின்றார். இதை கண்ட உமையவள் கோபம் கொண்டு ‘நீர் கெட்ட எண்ணத்துடன் என்னை பார்த்தீர் எனவே உமது ரூபம் விகாரமடையக்கடவது, நவநிதிகளும் உம்மை விட்டகலும், ஒரு கண்ணையும் இழப்பீர்' என சபித்துவிடுகிறார். குபேரன் மிகவும் மனவருத்தமடைந்து சிவபெருமானை துதித்தி நடந்த விஷயத்தை தெரிவிக்கிறார்.

சிவபெருமானும் திருமாலை சரணடையுமாறு கூறுகிறார். குபேரன் தன் சங்க நிதி பதும நிதி உட்பட நவநிதிகளை இழந்து ஆதரிப்பார் யாருமின்றி பூலோகம் வந்தடைந்து பொருநையாற்றின் தென்கரையில் புனித நீராடி பகவானை குறித்து கடும் தவம் செய்தார்.

குபேரனின் தவத்திற்கு இரங்கிய பகவான் தாமோதரன் நதி தீர்த்தத்தில் நீராடச் செய்து சாபம் நீக்கி அருள் புரிந்தார். வைத்தமாநிதி என்ற திருநமத்துடன் நவநிதிகளின் மீது சயனம் கொண்டு அவற்றை காப்பாற்றி அருளினார். குபேரனும் இழந்த செல்வத்தை மீண்டும் பெற்று தன் இருப்பிடம் வந்தடைந்தார். இலக்கியச் சிறப்பு: பன்னிரெண்டு ஆழ்வார்களில் மதுரகவி ஆழ்வார் அவதரித்த திருத்தலமாகும்.

நம்மாழ்வாரால் மங்களாசாசனம் செய்யப்பட்ட திருத்தலமாகும்.

தனிச்சிறப்பு: நவதிருப்பதிகளில் எட்டாவது திருப்பதியாகவும் நூற்றியெட்டு திவ்ய தேசங்களில் நவக்கிரகங்களில் செவ்வாய்த் தலமாகவும் இத்திருத்தலம் அமைந்துள்ளது.

மேலும் செல்வநிலையில் சிறப்படையவும் இழந்த செல்வங்களை மீண்டும் திரும்பப் பெறுவதற்கும் இத்திருத்தலத்திற்கு வந்து வழிபடுவது சிறப்பு. ஆதிசேஷன் மீது பள்ளி கொண்டுள்ள பெருமாள் மரக்காலை (நெல் அளக்க பயன்படும் மரத்தாலான பாத்திரம்) தலைக்கு வைத்து படுத்திருப்பது ஆதனூருக்கு அடுத்து இத்திருத்தலத்தில் மட்டுமே ஆகும்.

இறைவன் : அருள்மிகு வைத்தமாநிதி பெருமாள்
இறைவியர் : அருள்மிகு குமுதவல்லி அருள்மிகு: கோளூர்வல்லி
தீர்த்தம் : குபேர தீர்த்தம்
தலவிருட்சம் : புளிய மரம்
ஆகமம் : வைகாநச ஆகமம்
விமானம் ஸ்ரீகர விமான

Arulmigu Athinatha Alwar Temple,
Alwar thirunagar,
Thiruchendur Taluk,
Thoothukudi district.,
Pincode : 628 612 ,
Phone no: 04639 - 273607
Executive Officer: 94439 86996,
Clerk: 95667 55063
E-Mail : [email protected]

Location and Transportation

By Air
The nearest airport is Tuticorin (24.6 Km). There are flights like Air, IndiGo, Spice Jet, Jet Airways, and JetKonnect to reach to and from Srivaikundam.

By Train
Srivaikuntam railway station is situated on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur line. All passenger trains from Tirunelveli stop at this station. The temple is about 1.5 miles from the railway station.

By Road
Srivaikuntam is also well connected by road with Tirunelveli, Tiruchendur and Tuticorin and all other major cities.

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OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.ishtadevata.com/vaithamanidhi-perumal-temple.html
http://tamil.oneindia.com/astrology/news/sri-vaithamanidhi-perumal-temple-tirukolur-221856.html
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=133
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaithamanidhi_Perumal_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://navathirupathitemples.tnhrce.in/vaithamaanithaperumal.html
http://anudinam.org/2013/09/12/thiruther-purappadu-at-thirukolur-vaithamanidhi-perumal-divya-desam/

https://www.trsiyengar.com/id228.shtml

P.J. · Jul 27, 2015

Divya Desam 97- Thirupperai Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaadan perumal

Divya Desam 97-Thirupperai Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaadan Perumal

Makara-Nedunkuzhai-Kannan-Temple-Then-Thirupperai-nava-tirupathi.jpg

The Temple

The temple is the seventh among the Nava thirupathis. It comes under the Panidya naatu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity is Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaadan perumal in a sitting posture with left leg folded. Brighu muni and Markandeyar are also present in the sannadhi. The utsavar is known as Nigaril Mugil vannan perumal. There are seperate sannadhis to both the thayars - Kuzhaikkaaduvalli thayar and Tirupperai nachiyar. The temple represents Shukran sthalam among the Nava graha kshetrams.

Legend

The name assigned to the Lord is said to based on an interesting episode. Bhoomi Devi and Lakshmi Devi are his consorts.

It is said that Lakshmi Devi once had the strange feeling that the Lord was more attached to Bhoomi Devi because of her extra personal charm. She approached Dhurvasa Maharishi and requested him to bless her with the same kind of good looks as Bhoomi Devi had. When Dhurvasa went to see Bhoomi Devi, she was found sitting on the lap of Lord Vishnu. She did not pay much attention to the Maharishi. Angered by this, Dhurvasa, who had the reputation of being short-tempered, cursed her and made her look exactly like Lakshmi Devi. When Bhoomi Devi pleaded for pardon, the Maharishi asked her to proceed to this place, chant the ‘ashtakshara mantra’ of ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ . Bhoomi Devi did so. While she dipped her palms -held together- in Tamiraparini river water to offer ‘Argyam’ to the Lord, two ‘Makhara Kundalams’ ( Fish-shaped ear-rings) landed on her palms. They were quite attractive. She offered them to the Lord, who wore them. The Lord got the present name, ‘Makhara Nedunkuzhai Kadhan’ after this episode.

Bhoomi Devi regained her original looks and personal charm.

The Utsava Moorthi here is called ‘Niharil Mukhil Vannan’. His consorts are known here under the names “Kuzhai Kadhu Valli Nachiyar” and “Thiruperai Nachiyar”. They have separate Sannadhis within the temple premises.

Having been defeated by the Asuras, Varuna (the Rain God) lost his chief weapon (he had earlier insulted his Guru and hence this fate) and undertook penance here. Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared before him on the full moon day in Panguni and helped him recover his lost weapon as well as his powers.

As a mark of this episode, it is believed that Varuna, visits this temple, every year, on the full moon day in the month of Panguni (March-April) to worship Vishnu.

Mangalasasanam:

Nammalwar - 11 Pasurams
Total - 11

Pushkarani:

Sukra Pushkarani
Sangu Theertham.

Vimanam:
Patthira Vimaanam.

Temple’s Full Address: Makara Nedunkuzhai Kannan Temple, Thenthirupperai, Thoothukudi Dist, Tamil Nadu.

Temple Timings Contact Number
The temple is open in the morning from 7 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 5 pm to 8.30 pm.

Contact : Anantha Padmanabha Bhattar @ 04639 273902 or 93605 53489
Office : 04639 272233

How to reach Makara Nedunkuzhai Kannan Temple

By Bus: Temple can be reached by buses plying between Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli routes. Bus services to this temple are available from Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchendur and Thoothukudi through Srivaikuntam and to the temple. The temple is 5 km from Srivaikundam.

By Railways: The nearest Railway station is Srivaikundam.

By Flight: Nearest airport to the temple is Madurai Airport which is 163 km away from the temple.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/navatirupathi/tiruperai-temple.shtml
http://www.yatrastotemples.com/makara-nedunkuzhai-kannan-temple-in-thenthirupperai/
http://tntemple.org/nava.html
http://www.divinebrahmanda.com/2012/03/makara-nedunkuzhai-kannan-temple-then.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makara_Nedunkuzhai_Kannan_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://www.tamilbrahmins.com/showthread.php?t=10263

P.J. · Jul 27, 2015

Divya Desam 98- Sri Aadinaathan Tirukkoil, Alwarthirunagari Temple

The Temple

This is one of the 108 sacred places of Lord Vishnu and one of Navathiruppathi dedicated to ‘Guru’ or Jupiter.

The Prime Deity Aathippiraan faces east in standing posture. The image is a swayambu (manifested) and is believed that the feet of the Prime Deity are under the earth.

The Lords Spouses, Aathinathanayaki and Thirukkurukoornayaki dwell in separate shrines. This place is also known as Thirukkurukoor because (i) once Lord Brahma received mantropadesam (teaching of mantra) from Lord Vishnu in appreciation of his tapasaya .Since the Lord became Guru, the place was called kurukoor. (ii) Nammalvars ancestor, a chieftain by name Kurukan had this place as his capitol; hence the name kurukoor. (iii) The Tamil word kuruku means stork, hen and conch .

The conch or kuruku attained moksha in this place and so the name kurukoor. Nammalvars shrine is more famous than the Lords and so the city came to be known as Alwarthirunagari.

Kambar in his work Satagoparanthaathi uses the name kurukoor only. This sacred place is also known as Dhantha Kshetram, Varaha Kshetram, Thirtha Kshetram and Sesha Kshetram, each one has a legend of its own to gain such an identity.

Legend

Dhantha Kshetram:

Manthan, a Brahmin boy having abused the Vedas, incurred the wrath of his master who cursed him to be born in a low-caste in his next birth. He was born Dhanthan, led a disciplined life and came to Kurukoor to worship Aathippiraan. The high-caste priests drove him away; but Dhanthan made a sand-image of the Lord at the banks of River Thaamiraparani and carried on his worship.

The high-caste-priests suddenly lost their eyesight and when they surrendered to the Lord to find out the reason, a voice from the sky directed them to ask pardon to Dhanthan. So did the priests and retrieved their lost eyesight.

Dhanthan had the beatific vision of the Lord with His Spouse. We can see the image of Dhanthan sculpted in the first step of the ardha mantapam; where he worshipped Aadhinathan is known as Appan Koil or Chemponmaada Tirukkurukoor.

Varaha Kshetram:

Some sages of the yore desired to see the Varaha avatar (Boar incarnation) of the Lord and so conducted a rigorous tapasya at this sacred place. The Lord in Varaha form with Bhoomadevi on His lap appeared before them and blessed them. Hence, this is Varaha Kshetram. The Lord is hailed as Jnanappiran.

Thirtha Kshetram:

Shankan, a sage was carrying on a tapasya with an intention of becoming one of the guards of eight directions of the universe. Narada advised him to do the tapasya towards Lord Narayana who would grant him moksha. When Shankan asked about the way to achieve it, Narada told him that he should be born as a conch (Chanku) in the sea where River Thaamiraparani merges and worship Aathinaathan for 1000 years.Shankan by becoming so worshipped first the Lord established by Dhanthan and later, instructed by Narada prayed Aathippiran in the morning as a human being and in the night went to the sea as a conch. Once when he was coming with his crew to have his daily worship, a whale stopped his progress and Shankan prayed intensely to Aaathippiran.At that time, a man appeared in the sea and swallowed the whale. Shankan and his crew, thereafter, happily carried on their prayer. After 1000 years, the Lord with His Devis on His Garuda Vahanam revealed Himself to Shankan and his fellows and granted them moksha. The wharf where Shankan and his crew entered is known as Thirucchankaniturai even today. Since it was entry through water, this holy place has gained the name Thirtha Kshetram.

Sesha Kshetram:

This legend is related to Ramayana and subsequently to Nammalvar, because of whom this holy city is called Alwarthirunagari. Three days before the cessation of Ramavataram, Lord Yama (God of Death) came to see Lord Rama, who instructed his brother Lakshmana not to allow anybody thereafter. Sage Dhurvaasa desiring to see Lord Rama before the completion of incarnation came and Lakshmana, afraid of incurring his wrath and curse, did not stop him. But, the displeased Rama cursed his brother to become a tree, as he did not respect his order. Lakshmana cried and asked pardon that he could not live without him

Rama then said that he himself had to be like a statue for 16 years, for committing the sin of sending Sita to the forest and that he would sit in the hole of the tree at that time. Lakshmana would become a tamarind tree at the Varaha Kshetram. Sage Kashyapa and his wife, born as Kaari and Utaya Nangai would come to Kurukoor praying for a child. The Lord would be born as Maran (Nammalvar) and as a baby he would crawl to the hole in the tamarind tree and sit motionless for 16 years. After this Yoga, he would do the Vedas in Tamil and pave way for bhakti. Lord Rama gave his ring to his brother and said that Lakshmana would be a tamarind tree where the ring dropped.

Lakshmana, the incarnation of Adisesha stands as the tamarind tree in this holy temple. So the place is appropriately called Sesha Kshetram.

Greatness Of Temple:

The nine Vaishnava holy places are considered as related to the Navagrahas (Nine Planets) and worshipped. The deities themselves are taken to be the Navagrahas and prayed.

To a Vaishnavite, the term ‘Alvar’ signifies Nammalvar who has rendered in Tamil Thiruvaaymoli, considered to be the essence of Vedas. He had not visited any divyadesam and remaining in the tree-hole, he sang of all the deities in the different divyadesams.

It is believed that all these deities rushed to Kurukoor, sat in the branches of the tamarind tree and requested Nammalvar to hail them! Madhurakavi Alvar, born in Thirukkolur (Navathiruppathi for Mars), saw a blazing light from the south when he was journeying in the north, came to Kurukkor following the light.

He saw Nammalvar sitting in Yoga in the tree-hole, understood that he was his Guru and declared in his 11 pacurams, commencing with the phrase “kanninun cirutthaambu” that there cannot be a God other than Kurukoor Nambi (Nammalvar). He then compiled the Thiruvaaymoli.

Nammalvar alone has consecrated this deity in 11 pasurams.

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[TR]
[TD]Moolavar[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]Aathinaathan Aathippiraan[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Urchavar[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD] Polinthu ninra piraan[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Amman[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]Aathinaathanaayaki Thirukkurukoornayaki[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Thalavirutcham[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]Puliya maram Tamrind tree[/TD]
[/TR]
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[TD]Theertham[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]Thaamiraparani Brahma thirtham[/TD]
[/TR]
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Festival:

The ‘Garuda Sevai’ festival during the month of Vaikasi is famous and well-attended. Nammalvar is taken in procession on ‘hamsa vahanam’ (Swan-carriage) on his birthday, that is, the day with Visaka star.

Prayers

All afflictions that happen due to the Navagraha curse, will be alleviated by worshipping the deities at Navatiruppatis.

Temple Timings

The Temple is open from morning 7.30 to 12.00 noon and from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

Address:

Sri Aadinaathan Tirukkoil, Alwartirunagari, Thoothukudi

Ph: +91 4639 273 607

Location :
Alwarthirunagari is in the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur railway route and the temple is about 1.5 kms from the station. It is about 5kms from Srivaikuntam and 34 kms from Tirunelveli, from where frequent bus services are available.

Near By Railway Station :
Thoothukkudi

Near By Airport :
Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=683
http://www.templetemple.com/temple-detail/668/index.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alwarthirunagari_Temple

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P.J. · Jul 27, 2015

Divya Desam 99- Sri Vatapathrasayee Perumal Temple-Srivilliputhur

Divya Desam 99- Sri Vatapathrasayee Perumal Temple-Srivilliputhur

History of Srivilliputhur

Srivilliputhur is a semi-urban town and a municipality in Virudhunagar district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. As of 2011, the town had a population of 75,396.

Srivilliputtur is one of the old historical town, a 1000-year-old temple, 200-year-old Hindu School, 135-year-old Pennington Public Library are remarkable historical evidence for this culturally important town. Thiruppavai, one of the important constituent of devotional Tamil literature period was from this temple town.

The remarkable landmark of Srivilliputhur is 11-tiered tower structure dedicated to the Lord of Srivilliputhur, known as Vatapatrasayee. The tower of this temple rises 192 feet high and is the official symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It is said to have been built by Periyalvar, believed to be the father-in-law of the Temple Deity, with a purse of gold that he won in debates held in the palace of Pandya King Vallabhadeva. Another wonder in Srivilliputtur is Chariot which runs on AdiPuram. Srivilliputhur is well known for its ancient heritage and devotional contributions.[SUP]

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It is on the Virudhunagar - Shenkottai line of the Southern Railway, about 74 km south of Madurai and connected by road and rail with Madurai, Sivakasi, Sankarankovil & Shenkottai, Thirunelveli and Sattur.

Srivilliputtur is known by other names such as Varaha kshetram, Thenpuduvai, Vadeswarapuram, Vadamahadamapuram, Shenbagaranya kshetram, Vikrama chola chaturvedhi mangalam, and Sridhanvipuri.

The Temple

It is believed that a long time ago Srivillipudhur was just a forest.It was called Shenbagaranyam (forest of Shenbaga trees). In his Varaga avatar, Lord Vishnu came there for a rest under a banyan tree after annihilating Kalanemi an asura king.

Villi and puttan were brothers and hunters. In one of their hunting adventure Villi lost his brother to a tiger. He was saddened. In his dream appeared Lord Vishnu and told about the Banyan tree and asked to go to to the cave. Villi found out not only the idols of Vatapatrasayee-sri Vishnu in resting posture- but also fell upon a treasure of gold and silver.

Using all the wealth Villi created Villiputtur and the temple of Vatapatrasayee. It was later renovated by Periyalvar, Pandiyas and Nayaka Kings.

Vatapatara Sayee temple:

The majestic and magnificent Rajagopuram never gets missed from the eyes of the travelers from a long distance even before reaching the town.

The 192 feet high gopuram has found an enviable place suitably representing the ancient architecture, culture and beauty of the Tamilians in the emblem of Government of Tamilnadu.Vatapatra Sayee is further known in other names like Pallikonda paramaswamy,Vata perun koil udayan and Periya Perumal.

The temple is situated just adjacent to Andal temple.Connecting them in between is the garden - the birth place of The Tamil poetess Andal and her guardian parent Periyalwar.

The sanctum sanctorum is two tiered. You have to climb steps to have a darshan of Lord Vatapatra sayee who is resting in a recumbent posture under "Vimal krithi vimanam"; All the celestials like Narada Rishi, Markandeya Rishi, Garuda, Surya, Sanathkumaras and the consorts of Lord Sridevi and Boodevi are present along with the resting Moolavar.

Another very important and unique aspect of temple is that Moolavar is made of “sudhai” and not stone as in other temples.When we come down, we have the darshan of Lord Lakshminarasimha in the lower tier of sanctum sanctorum.

In front is “Gopala Vilasam” a beautiful Mandapam where “Pagal Pathu Adhyayana utsavam” during Margazhi month and ‘Unjal thavam” in Aippasi month are celebrated. Vaikunta Ekadasi is another festival in Margazhi month . On that day only ‘vaikunda Vasal’ is openned. Devotees throng in thousands forming long queues to have the darshan of Lord Rangamannar- Vatapatrasayee through Vaikuntavasal on Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Vishnu: Andal, Vatapatrasayee-Rangamannar
Taayaar: Andal (Godha Naachiyaar)
Theertham:Tirumukkulam Paasuram

eriyalwar, Andal
Vimaanam:Samsana Vimanam

Madavar Valagam Vaidyanathar temple:

The temple is again a specialty of Srivilliputtur because of the six feet monolithic Nataraja image. It is considered to be an architectural engineering of olden period.

Periyalwar:

Periyalwar was originally Garudalwar- the Vaganam of Lord Vishnu. On Lord Vishnu’s orders Garudalwar was born as Periyalwar.The other name is Vishnu Sittar. Periyalwar made garlands for his Lord Vatapatrasayee. He gave lectures on the philosophy of ‘saranagathi’; sung poems on God. Once he won the debates at Pandya Raja sabhai.

The king gifted him with enormous wealth.Perialwar used the money to renovate the temple.

One day to his surprise, in his garden, Vishnusittar found out the divine girl whom he named as Kothai. Actually the girl was the reincarnation of Boomadevi one of the consorts of Lord Vishnu. She was sent to Viliputtur on her own wishes to serve Periyalwar and Lord Vatapatra sayee.

Andal:

[TD="width: 80%"]Thus Andal became the foster child of Periyalwar. She became very devoted to Lord Vatapatrasayee. She plucked flowers and made garlands for the lord. But every day she wore the garlands, and then she sent them for the God. On noticing this conduct, Periyalwar felt very sorry. He scolded the child. He prepared fresh garland and offered it to Lord. But to his dismay, Patrasayee did not accept the garlands. Instead he demanded the garlands worn by Kothai Nachiyar.Immediately Periyalwar understood that Andal was a divine being. From that day onwards she became to be known as ‘Soodithantha Sudarkodi’.[/TD]

The devotion wasn’t contained to flower making alone. Andal wrote hymns on Lord Krishna- Thiruppavai- 30 poems of devotion and love. She vowed to marry Lord Vishnu. Later Perialwar and Andal traveled to Srirangam on the instructions of Lord Ranganatha.There she got married to Lord Ranganatha and her soul got merged with the Lord.Periayalwar returned after marriage and built the Sri Andal temple during 7-8th centuries. In reverence to Andal and Periyalwar, Villiputtur has become Srivilliputtur. Sri represents ‘Sridevi’, ‘Lakshmi’ in Sanskrit.

Speciality of Andal garland and Tirupathi Balaji:

[TD="width: 86%"]Tirupathi Brahmotsavam is important festival all over South India and attracts millions of devotees.

It is quite interesting to know that a Garland worn by Andal is sent all along to Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh one day before the Brahmotsavam starts. The mala is used for garlanding Lord Balaji.

In the same manner every year, Tirupathi Balaji’s garland is sent to Srivilliputtur for marriage festival of Andal Thayar.Not only Balaji of Tirupathi, Kallazhagar of Madurai is also presented with a garland worn by Andal on Chithirai Festival day. [/TD]

Religious Significance of the Temple

Srivilliputtur (Shenbagaranyakshetram) finds mention in the Brahmakaivatsapuranam and the Varaha puranam. The Varaha puranam foretells the existence of Srivilliputtur and the consequent visit of Bhagavan during the Varaha Avataram. The Brahmakaivatsa puranam mentions the location of Vatapatrasayi Temple in Srivilliputtur.

The Srivilliputtur divya desam has the unique distinction among all other divya desams of being the birthplace of two important azhwars among the twelve azhwars, sri periyazhwar, who became the father-in-law of the Lord Ranganatha himself and Sri Andal who was the incaranation of Bhoomadevi and attained union with the Lord Ranganathan at Srirangam. It is one of the few divyadesams where all the Srivaishnava temple traditions and festivals are followed regularly every year. The town, which wakes up to the sounds of Thiruppavai, a sublime atmosphere throughout the day.

Festivals and Religious Practices

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste.

The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m.,

Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m.,
Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m.
Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m.
and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m.

Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Vatapathrasayi and Andal.
During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.[SUP]

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Thousands of people from the state participate in the "Aadi Pooram" festival celebrated in the Andal Temple. After early morning special pujas, the presiding deities, Sri Rengamannar and Goddess Andal are taken in decorated palanquins to the car. The festival marks the adoption of presiding deity, Andal, by Periyazhwar after he found her near a Tulsi plant in the garden of Vadabadrasai Temple at Srivilliputhur on the eighth day of the Tamil month of Adi.

Please see this Video
http://www.dinamalar.com/360_view_detail.asp?id=246#top

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=568fiJ7zqwE

Quick Facts

Deity : Vadapatrasayee Bhoga Sayanam Sleeping Posture East Facing
Goddess : Aandal
Paasurams : PeriAzhvaar 1 and Aandal 1

Temple timing : 630am –12noon and 4pm-9pm
Contact : Mapillai Bhattar @ 94425 47533

Srivilliputtur Andal Temple Contact Details:

Arulmigu Nachiar Temple
Srivilliputtur- 626125
Tamil Nadu
India
Tel: 04563-260254

By Air

Madurai is the nearest Airport from srivilliputtur.

By Train

Madurai,Sivakasi & Tirunelveli is the nearest railway station from srivilliputtur.

By Car / Bus

Srivilliputtur can be reached by cars & buses From Madurai,Sivakasi,Tirunelveli & Virudunagar

Distance Guide for Srivilliputtur

Madurai to Srivilliputtur - 78 km

Sivakasi to Srivilliputtur - 21 km

Rajapalayam to Srivilliputtur - 12 km

Tirunelveli to Srivilliputtur - 92 km

Nearby Temple

Kattalagar Temple
Lakshminarayanar Temple
Thirumeni Nathar Temple
Vaidyanathar Temple
Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple
Irukkankudi Mari Amman Temple
Sri Vaikundamurthi Temple

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.templedetails.com/srivilliputhur-divya-desam-thiruvilliputhur/
http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df099.html
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008....dinamalar.com/360_view_detail.asp?id=246#top
http://www.srivilliputhurandaltemple.tnhrce.in/pooja-time.html
http://www.srivilliputhurandaltemple.tnhrce.in/
http://www.andaljeeyar.org/images/pdf/SRIVILLIPUTHUR.pdf
http://www.ramanuja.org/sv/bhakti/archives/jan2000/0015.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srivilliputhur

P.J. · Jul 28, 2015

Divya Desam 100- Thiruthangal Sri Nindra narayana perumal temple

Divya Desam 100- Thiruthangal Sri Nindra narayana perumal temple

Thiruthangal

Thiruthangal (திருத்தங்கல்) is a municipality in Virudhunagar district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thiruthangal Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple is also one among the 108 Divya Desams, Vishnu temples revered by saint poets, Alwars of 6th–9th century. (திருத்தங்கல்) is a municipality in Virudhunagar district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thiruthangal Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple is also one among the 108 Divya Desams, Vishnu temples revered by saint poets, Alwars of 6th–9th century.

Sthlapuranam :

This sthala perumal, travels like a cool breeze into the hearts of his bhaktas and takes out their sorrow and there by making them happy. Since, the perumal has the character (Thanmai) of the cool breeze and air, this sthalam is called as “Thiruthankaal”.

The Moolavar, Nindra Narayanan is found in Nindra Kolam and towards his right side, separate sannadhis for periya pirattiyaar who is called as “Anna Nayaki”.

Neela devi also named as “Aanandha Nayaki” and towards the Moolavar’s left side is Bhoomi Pirattiyaar, also named as “Amirutha Nayaki” and Jambhavathi are found and giving their dharshan to the bhaktas.

Sri Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple Thiruthankaal

All the statues (Moolavar and Thaayar, except Sengamala thaayar) are painted and because of this, they are not done the thirumanjanam. Only, Sengamala thaayar is done with the Thirumanjanam only with the oil.

Manmadhan, who is the son of Thirumaal, Sri Vishnu, was made into ash by Lord Shiva and in Krishna Avathaar, he was born in the name of Prathyumnan, as the son of Sri Krishnar. His son is Anirudhan.

Ushai, who was the daughter of Baanasuran, loved the grandson of Sri Krishnar, Anirudhan. But, he has seen him only in her dream. So she ask her friend how to get him. Her friend, Chitralekha got some photos pained and one of the photos, Anirudhan was found and identified by Ushai.

Chitralekha, who knows magic, took away Anirudhan, when he was sleeping in his cot. On knowing this, Anirudhan was jailed by Baanasuran. After hearing his Grandson was jailed, Sri Krishnar fought along with Baanasuran and made Anirudhan out of prison and was married to Ushai. This is one of the oldest story told about this sthalam.

Another story about this sthalam is also said and it is related to Lakshmanan, brother of Sri Ramar.

Chandrakethu, who was the son of Lakshmanan had the fasting on Ekadesi and he took his oil bath before the Dhuvadesi came. As a result of this, he became a puli (tiger) and when he came to this Lakshmanan worshipped this sthala perumal and finally got his mukthi.

Periya Pirattiyaar did a strong tapas against Sriman Narayanan. On becoming happy and fully satisfied on her tapas, Sriman Narayanan gave him the Varam that she will become the hamsam of Annapoorani by offering food and shelter to the people of this entire world and said she is the combined and total structure of all the other naayakis – Aanandha Nayaki, Sridevi, Neeladevi and Amirutha Nayaki. And as further to this, the sthalam will be named as “Sripuram” and these are the Varam (Which is given as the prize who satisfies the perumal) given for Sengamala Thaayar. Since, Thirumagal stayed in this sthalam and did the tapas, this sthalam is named as “Thiru thangal”. (Thangal means the place of stay).

This sthala thaayar is also named as Jaambhavathi. She was the daughter of the Great Vishnu bhaktas, Jaambhavan who had a great love and bhakti towards Sriman Narayanan. Once in Ramayana time, he wanted to hug SriRamar but Sri Ramar didnt allow him to do so. But, he gave him a promise that in the Krishna Avathar, he can catch hold of him and will be given in Ramavathar, Jaambhavan in Krishnavathar, came towards Krishna to steal the Siyamanthaka mani, for which they bought for s8 days. In Vaamanavathar, he asked Sri Vishnu that he should be killed only by his weapon, Chakkaram. As a result of this, he was killed on the 28th day and at that time, Sri Krishnar made him to remember his past. Jaambhavan was so happy that he was killed by a great person, who takes care of the entire world and asked for a final help to Sri Emperumaan that he should marry her only daughter, Jaambhavathi. As his final wish, the perumal married, Jaambhavathi.

11 idols inside the sanctum

Inside the sanctum, one can see as many as 11 idols, the only Divya Desam to have these many idols within the sanctum. The idols are: Deiveeka Vasudevan, Sridevi, Neeladevi, Bhoomadevi, Brigu Rishi, Markandeya Rishi, Garuda, Arunan (Suryan’s Charioteer), Anirudhan, Ushai and Jambavathi (only temple to have an image of Jambavathi).

Specials:

The one more feature of this sthalam is the Garudan. Garudalwar is found along with the snake in his left hand and Amudha Kalasam in his hand and giving his seva and other two hands are folded and he found along with 4 hands.

Another speciality is the Thaayar is found in standing posture facing her thirumugam along East direction. In all the sthalams, the thaayar is found only in sitting position, but only in this sthalam, she is found in standing position, which is said to be one of the speicality of this temple.

Moolavar :

The Moolvar of this temple is Sri Nindra Narayanan. Also called as “Thiruthankaal appan”. Moolavar in Nindra thirukkolam facing his thirumagan along the East direction. Prathyaksham for Salliya pandiyan, Puli, Sri Vallavan and Sridevi pirattiyaar.

Thaayar:

The thaayar of this temple is Sri Sengamala thaayar. She has her own separate sannadhi. Also named as Annanayaki, Amiruthanayaki, Aanandhanayaki and Jambhavathi.

Utsavar:

The Utsavar of this Divyadesam is Thiruthan Kaalappan is found in Nindra thirukkolam.

Mangalasasanam:

Bhoodathalwar – 1 Paasuram

Thirumangai Alwar – 4 Paasurams

Total – 5 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Papha Vinaasa Theertham.

It is said that people who take bath in this theertham can attain moksha after their death.

Vimanam:

Devachandra Vimaanam.

Temple time: 6am-12noon and 4pm-8pm
Priest : Anantha Sayana Bhattar @ 94435 70765

How to reach
Bus : Frequent buses fromVirudanagar (25kms), Sivakasi and Srivilliputhur. Mini buses ply every 5-10 mts between Sivakasi and ThiruThangal. Train: Chennai Shengottai Podhigai Express stops at ThiruThangal (615am arrival)

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://kumbakonamtemples.in/sri-nindra-narayana-perumal-temple-thiruthankaal.html
http://astrobix.com/hindupath/89-Sri_Nindra_Narayana_Perumal_Temple_–_Thiruthangal.html
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=687
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya.../12/thiru-thangal-ninra-narayanan-temple.html

http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/12/thiru-thangal-ninra-narayanan-temple.html

P.J. · Jul 28, 2015

Deiva Desam 101- Madurai - Koodal Azhagar Temple

Deiva Desam 101- Madurai - Koodal Azhagar Temple

The Temple

Koodal is another name for Madurai and Azhaghar means The beautiful one, in Tamil. The temple is an ancient one and very close to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is one of the 108 divyadesams the holy abodes of Vishnu

Temple History :

This temple hails from the earliest Age of Sangam period. There are references of this temple in Paripadal and Silappadikaram. The presiding deity was praised and worshipped by the Sangam tamil Poets as the president and guardian deity of the Sangam and called him by the name "Thuvarikoman" (the King who ruled over from Dwaraka) and Koodal Alagar. Koodal refers to the assembly of Poets and scholars.

The Ancient Pandya rulers celebrated Avani Onam festival in praise of Sri Koodal Alagar for a period seven days. This festival is vividly described in Maduraikkanchi, on the ten lengthy poems called Pathupattu of the Sangam period. Ilangovadigal praises the Lord as "Needu Neer-Vaigai Nedumal" meaning the Lord who spanned the universe by taking three strides. (Thiruvokrama) Who is now seated at the bank of the river Vaigai in Archa form.

Legend :

Brahmanda Purana vividly describes this kshetra in seven chapters. Sri Koodal Alagar is seated in the Ashtanga vimana flanked by his consorts. The legendary Kings Prithu, Malaydioaja workshipped Sri Koodal Alagar, who bestowed them with prosperity and attainment of moksha at the end.

Alwars are mystical saints who glorified the presence of Narayana in temples by their hymns. Among them vishnu chittha has a unique position. He was invited to visit the Pandya Court at Madurai in order to settle the disputes among the various religious sects. Vishnuchitha established the supremacy of Sriman Narayana by quoting profusely the vedic texts in support of his argument. At the end of his argument a miracle happened. The purse containing gold coins suspended in a pole landed down in the hand of Vishnuchittha.

This was a divine acceptance!. The King celebrated this victory by seating Vishnuchittha on the decorated throne placed on the back of royal elephant and he himself led the procession accompanied by the vedic Pandits. Sri Koodal Alagar pleased by the grand victory appeared before the procession seated on the shoulders of Garuda the divine vehicle and blessed Vishnuchittha. Vishnuchittha got himself immered in the infinite beauty of the lord, regaining his senses he blessed the lord, with a long life of thousands of years by expressing his wishes in the form of twelve verses in tamil known as Thirupallandu.

Vishnuchittha recited the verse in tune with the ringing of the bells tied to the elephant. He offered Mangalasasanam at the holy feet of Sri Koodal Alagar. Thirupallandu is recited even today as the starting invocations in the shrines. The Pandya King praised Vishnuchittha as "Pattar piran" while the lord gave him the name "Periyalwar". Vishnuchitta is regarded as the foremost among the twelve Alwars by the merit of his infinite love and utterance of Pallandu, which was given the foremost place in the recital of Divya Prabandam by Nathamuni who confided the Naalayira divya prabandam.

Sthlapuranam :

This sthalam is situated in Madurai, which is famous for all the temples found here. And, Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Amman temple. All the Devas of the Lokam and Munivar came all together for the Meenakshi Amman to Sivaperumaan in this sthalam and because of this, the sthalam is called as "Koodal". Koodal means all of the persons (or) group of people coming (or) joining together.

Sivaperumaan who is the entire structure of Gnanam, and Sakthi are married to each other, and the Paramathma, Sri Emperumaan is assisting and helped them in getting married. Gnanam, sakthi, Beauty, Bhakti and wealth are joined together on the same place and they give their Kalyana seva to the entire world. When Konedu Maaran Sri Vallabha devan was ruling the city, Periyalwar on seeing the beauty of Azhagar, he sang the great, "Thiruppallanndu" in praise of Azhagar.

Sownaka Maharishi, when he was doing the Tapas, he was covered by the small mud mountain (Putru). Yayaathi's daughter, while she was playing there, found two bright lights flashed from inside of the putru. But it was actually the eyes of Sownaka Maharishi. She took a small stick and poked his eyes. As a result of this, Sownakar got angry and gave her the sabham that all the childrens that are born to Yayaathi's daughter will be blind. Hearing this, she felt sorry for that and asked for Sabha Vimochana. Cooled by her devotion, Sownaka Maharishi, he himself married Yayaathi's daughter and earned 100 childrens and one among them was Janaka Maharishi.

A Pandiyan king by named Sathyavrathan, devoted this Koodal Azhagar and had a great belief towards him. One day, when he went to worship Koodal Azhagar. But before going into the temple, he washed his hands in the Kirutha maala river, where a fish was found in his hand. He thought that the fish might be the Emperumaan, Since fish was one of the Avathaars of Sri vishnu. Because of this only, the Pandiya Kings in their flags have the fish as the symbol.

Another great thing that has to be said about this temple is the great Raja Gopuram, which is very big with lots of architectural works found in it. In the first pragharam there is a separate sannadhi for Madura valli Naachiyaar. Meenakshi Amman, who is made up by Maragatham and to remember her, this sthala thaayar is named as "Maragadha Valli". On the North side, a separate sannadhi for Aandal Naachiyaar is found.

This sthala perumal is found in 3 thalam (ie) in the bottom thalam, he is found as Koodal Azhagar in Veetriruntha kolam, in the second thalam (middle one) he is found as "Andhara Vaanathu Empiraan in Kidantha kolam and int he Upper thalam, he is found as Sooriya Narayanan in Nindra thirukkolam.

The perumal who is found in the bottom thalam is also called as "Viyooga Soundararajan" and he is the Utsava Moorthy of this sthalam.

Specials:

In all the Vaishnava temple, the Navagraha Sannadhis will not be found and will be found only in Lord Shiva or in Saiva temples. But in this sthalam, a separate sannadhi for Navagrahas are found. This is to imply that both Vaishnavam and Saivam should be considered as the Single God but not as separate Gods.

In this sthalam only, Periyalwar sang his great Thiruppallandu, which is sang in praise of the Emperumaan and as a result of this, he got the Prathyaksham of Sriman Narayanan as "Koodal Azhagar".

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolvar found in this temple is Sri Koodal Azhagar. Moolavar in Veetrirundha thriukkolam facing his thriumugham in East direction. Prathyaksham for Brighu maharishi, Sownaka maharishi and Periyalwar.

Thaayar: The name of the Thaayar is "Madura valli". She is also called as Vagulavalli, Varaguna valli and Maragadha valli. She has her own separate sannadhi.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumangai Alwar - 1 Paasuram.
Andal - 1 Paasuram.
Total - 2

Pushkarani:

Hema Pushkarani
Chakkara Theertham
Kirutha Maala Nadhi
Vaigai Nadhi.

Vimanam:
Ashtanga Vimaanam.

PeriAzhvaar’s praise

Pandya king Pururavan contributed a lot for the Koodal Lord. His grandson conquered the North and came back prompting PeriAzhvaar to sing:

“Parupathu Kayal Poritha Pandyar Kulapathipol
ThiruPolintha Sevadi En Senniyin Mel
Porithathaai MaruPosithaai, Enrenrum Vaasagamey
UruPolintha Naavinenai Unakurithaakinaiye”

Later, another Pandya king Vallabadevan wanted to know the Lord with the power to show the way to Paramapatham, the heavenly abode. The King hung a Golden Parrot with the announcement that the parrot would automatically fall, once someone informs him of the right Lord to Paramapatham. Several came and went back without success.

It is believed that the Koodal Lord appeared in the dreams of Vallabadevan’s priest Selvanambi and suggested the name of PeriAzhvaar of Srivilliputhur. Accordingly, PeriAzhvaar was brought to the court of the Pandya King in Madurai. With several examples from vedic scriptures as well as historical references, PeriAzhvaar showcased to the Pandya King that Lord Vishnu was the Lord who could take one to the heavenly abode. And to every one’s surprise the parrot fell down.

The Azhvaar taken on a Street procession in Koodal
A delighted Pandya king praised PeriAzhvaar and took him on an elephant procession through the streets of Madurai. Legend has it that Koodal Azhagar himself came to see this sight on his Garuda Vaahanam.
“Pandyan Kondaada PattarBhiraan Sonnaan Enru…….”

PeriAzhvaar’s Thiru Pallaandu
Delighted at the sight of the Koodal Lord, PeriAzhvaar showered praises with his Pallaandu. Hence, Koodal Azhagar is credited with origination of ThiruPallaandu, which now has come to be sung as the first 12 songs of the Divya Prabhandham. Being the place where PeriAzhvaar sang the now famous Pallaandu, this place is considered equivalent to Paramapatham.

“Pallandu Pallaandu Pallayirathaandu, Palakodi Nooraayiram
Mallanda Thinthol Manivanna Un Sevadi Seppu ThiruKaapu…..”
The Pandya Symbol

Pandya king Sathya Varadan undertook penance before the Koodal Lord, who gave him darshan inside a sacred tumbler, as a fish. This is stated to be the reason for the Pandyas to have ‘Fish’ as their symbol in their flags.
Vaigai And Krithumala

At Sathya Logam, Brahmma washed the legs of Lord Vishnu, after his Trivikrama Avataaram, the sacred water drops of which fell on Madurai. These sacred drops spread as two rivers, Vaigai and Krithumala. Koodal Azhagar temple is on the banks of Kruthumala river.

Temple Cars

This temple is endowed with a beautiful wodden Car.

Unique Pilgirm Centre

Sri Koodal alagar temple one among the 108 Vaishnavaite shrines, is unique as Alwars had performed Mangalasasanam for this temple. Also Periyalwar had praised this temple in his literary work “Thiruppallandu”. Attanga vimana considered the foremost among the 94 vimanas is found over the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. It is rare to see Attanga vimana in temples, which adds to the uniqueness of Sri Koodal alagar temple. It is believed that by coming around the Attanga vimana, 12 times for continous 45 days, one’s wish will be satisfied.

Prayers

Devotees pray to Lord for success in their endeavours, family prosperity and timely weddings.

Festival:

Chitra Poornima in April-May; Sri Krishna Jayanthi in August-September; Garudaseva – Lord granting darshan on the eagle vehicle Garuda on Purattasi Saturdays in September-October; Karthikai in November-December; Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Please see this You tube Video

Pallandu Pallandu pallayirathandu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQXPjuwbC3Q&list=PL1yFqR7cIavYwOHUweFr7sZAwnP1bQFNp

Worship Time :

Morning - 05.30 AM - 12.00 PM
Evening - 04.00 PM - 09.00 PM

Pooja Schedule :

S.No	Pooja Name	Pooja Timing
1	Viswa Roopa Darshanam	06.00 AM.
2	Kaala santhi	08.00 AM.
3	Upasanthi	10.00 AM.
4	Uchikaalam	12.00 PM.
5	Saayaratchai	05.00 PM.
6	Rathiri upasanthi	07.00 PM.
7	Arthajaamam	09.00 PM.

Address

Arulmigu Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple,

Perumal Koil Sannathi Street,
Opp Periyar bus stand,
Periyar,
Madurai- 625 001
Madurai District.
Tamilnadu.
Phone : +91- 452 2338542, 2334015
Executive Officer : 94877 19898
Manager : 90033 31017
Clerk : 99947 02717

Location :
Gudalur is 45 km far from Theni. The temple is just a km from the bus stand. Auto facility is available.

Near By Railway Station :
Theni and Madurai

Near By Airport :
Madurai

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://koodalalagartemple.tnhrce.in/pooja_time.html
http://koodalalagartemple.tnhrce.in/history.html
http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/madurai/tirukoodal-temple.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koodal_Azhagar_Temple
http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/madurai/tirukoodal-temple.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://tntemple.org/perumal/perumal_koodal.html
http://www.alagarkoil.tnhrce.in/tour.html
http://streetsmadurai360.blogspot.in/2012/09/sri-koodal-azhagar-temple-madurai.html

P.J. · Jul 28, 2015

Divya Desam 102-Alagar Koyil- (Thirumaliruncholai or Azhakar temple) Madurai

Divya Desam 102-Alagar Koyil- (Thirumaliruncholai or Azhakar temple) Madurai

The Temple

Azhakar Kovil (Thirumaliruncholai or Azhakar temple), is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated 21 km from the city of Madurai, which lies in the Tamil Nadu state of India.

When some historic and original facts surface, people tend to treat them with reverence as it seems to be happening in Thenur, a village in the interiors, 20 km off Madurai city.
Villagers here relive an event with much fanfare which is believed to have been performed here four Centuries ago.

“Mandooga Maharishi’s redemption is an event that was unique to our village. We are trying to revive the ritual,” says hereditary temple trustee P. Neduchezia Pandian.

Sthlapuranam :

Tirupathi - Tirumala which is called the "Vada Venkatam", is popularly named as "Utthira Tirupathi". Likewise, this sthalam, Azhagar koil is called as "Dhakshina Tirupathi".

Like how Sri Srinivasa Perumal in Tirumala is giving His seva in Nindra Kolam on the top of the mountain, Azhagar also gives his seva in same Nindra Thirukkolam on the foot hill (Malaiyadi vaaram) of Azhagar Malai. The surroundings of this sthalam is so beautiful that the cool breeze surrounds the entire temple area and the temple itself is surrounded by Mountains.

The temple is protected by the Karuppar who is said to be Kaaval Deivam (protecting God).

The people who come along the Kallar generation led their life by grabbing money and wealth and by killing them.

But, another kind of people of this generation are also found who led their life by giving their wealth to the Emperumaan thereby praising him. Even if they steal others money, they will dedicate it for the perumal. Thirumangai Alwar, who is one of the 12 Alwars, belong to this Kallar generation.

"Kallar" in tamil means thief. The Perumal is called with this name because He steals all of His bhaktas heart by His beauty and the blessings. He protects all His bhaktas from the the evil.

Muruga Perumal is one way related to Sriman Narayanan, since her mother, Shakti is the sister of the Emperumaan. He married Deivayani, who married her in Thirupparankundram and married Valli, who belongs to the people found near mountains.

This sthalam is common for bhaktas who worship Sriman Narayanan and Lord Murugan. To explain the world that there should be no diffrence among the Gods, both the Saiva God, Muruga and the Sri Vaishnva god - Sriman Narayanan as "Kallar" (or) Azhagar are giving their seva to this world in this Maalirunsolai.

The Gopuram of this temple is very big and the first Vaasal (entrance) is the Thondaimaan Gopura Vaayil and 3 pragarams are found inside it. We can find the Sundara Pandiyan Mandapam, Sooriyan Mandapam and Munaiyathareyar Mandapam are found while going towards the Moolavar sannadhi.

The Moolavar gives His seva in Nindra Kolam and found along with Bhoomi Pirattiyaar. It is said that Yamadharman, the God of death daily comes to this sthalam in the night to worship the Perumal. The Perumal is also named as "Paramaswamy" which makes us to remember Lord Shivan.

The Utsavar is namd as "Sri Sundara rajar". Both the Moolavar and utsavar are found along with the Panja Aayutham (5 weapons) namely the Sangu, Chakkaram, Vaal (or) Sword, Kothandam (bow) and Gadha, in their hands. Utsavar is made up of Aparanjitha gold, which is said to be the purest gold. The thirumanjanam (spiritual bath) is done only with Noopura Gangai water, if he is done with other water, the Utsavar becomes black in colour.

Along with him, Sri Sundara Baahoo Sri Srinivasar, Nithiya Utsavar are found who are made up of pure silver. The outer pragaram of Moolavar, Thumbikkai Alwar (Vinayagar) and Senai Mudaliayar are found.

Vairavar, who is treated as the "Shetra Balagar" of this sthalam is giving his seva in this sthalam and is said to be the powerful god with numerous shakti.

The thaayar is also named as "Thanikkovil Thaayar" since she has her own separate sannadhi. Tha Manjal (Turmeric) is given as the prasadham in this sannadhi to the bhaktas. Separate sannadhis for Sri Sudharsana Chakrathalwar, Sri Andal are found. Sri Yoga Narasimhar who is found in sitting posture is found who is said to be so powerful.

Utsavam:

The Azhagar utsavam which is done in Chitra Pournami is the Familiar utsavam of this sthalam. It is celebrated for almost 9 days and the first four days of the Utsavam is celebrated in Azhagar malai. He leaves for Madurai on the fourth day and return back to the Malai on the 9th day. In the same dy, the wedding of Madurai Meenakshi and Sundareswarar is done in Madurai, which is considered to be another grand utsavam in Koodal Azhagar Koil.

The Azhagar festival is a grand Utsavam which is celebrated as he witnesses the wedding of Madurai Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. He is seated on the Horse (Kudirai) Vahanam and proceeds towards the Vaigai river. And after this, he proceeds to the koil in the Kallazhagar kolam. Azhagar getting into the Vaigai river is reffered to as "Azhagar Aattril Iranguthar" festival. It means he is getting into the river Vaigai. Lakhs of bhaktas comes to Madurai to see this festival. During His entrance towards Madurai, the arrival of Him is referred to as the Edhir Sevai (the welcoming of Kallazhagar to Madurai is done). Before He starts for the Utsavam, a garland of Tulsi from Srivilliputtoor Sri Andal is weared to Him. This is done every year showing and expressing the love of Sri Andal towards Kallazhagar.

Other festival which is done in the Maargazhi month's utsavam. Both Pagal Patthu and Raa Patthu utsavam are done and on the 8th day, Azhagar is seated in Golden Horse and he gives His seva. The Marriage utsavam of Sri Kallazhagar and Sri Andal happenes in this Panguni Uthiram day only.

Sthala Viruksham (tree): Sandhana Maram (Sandal wood tree).

Specials:

The speciality of this sthalam is in this sthalam the bhaktas are given the Vibhoodi (Thiruneeru) which is generally not given in Sri Vaishnava temples but given only in Saivates temples.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolvar found in this Sthalam is Sri Azhagar. Other names of this perumal are Kallazhagar, Maalangkaarar and Maalirunsolai Nambi. The perumal gave his prathyaksham for Malaiyathvaja Pandiyan and Dharmadevan. Moolavar in Nindra thirukkolam facing his thirumugham in East direction. Thaayar: The Thaayar is Sundaravalli. Also called as "SriDevi". She has her own separate sannadhi in this temple.

Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar - 24 Paasurams

Andal - 11 Paasurams

Thirumangaialwar - 33 Paasurams

Bhoodathalwar - 3 Paasurams

Peiyalwar - 1 Paasuram

Nammalwar - 36 Paasurams

Total - 108 Paasurams.

Manavala Maamunigal and Udaiyavar Sri Ramanujar has also done the Mangalasasanam on this perumal.

Pushkarani: Noopura Gangai and Silambaaru are the two pushkarani of this temple. The Origin of the Noopura Gangai in unknown but it flows towards the Gomukhi Vaayil and then follows towards the Madhavi Mandapam and finally drops into a big thotti (tank). The water finally reaches the base of Azhagar malai and it is referred to as the Thenaru (river of honey), since the water is so sweet in nature. This pushkarani is said to be of the medical values, which cures many diseases.

Vimanam:
Somasundara Vimaanam. Somasundar is the form which is taken by Lord Shiva to marry Meenakshi. As the remembrance of it, the Vimaanam is said to be the "Somasundara Vimaanam".

Other names of Azhagar malai :

[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="class: alt2, bgcolor: #e1e4f2"]* Thirumalirunsolai
* Uthiyaanasylam
* Solaimalai
* Maalirunkundrum
* Irunkundrum
* Vanagiri
* Virushapaathiri[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Architecture

The architecture of the Azhakar temple corresponds to any of those of south Indian temples, with large gopurams and pillared mandapams.The gopuram of the Karuppa swamy shrine depicts the passionate side of human relationship in the form of beautiful statues. Apart from these, it also depicts the evolution of cultural aspects of the local society including a depiction of an Englishman in British police uniforms. There is another half built gopuram on the southern side of the temple which has been used as an artistic backdrop in a few Tamil movie songs.

The Main tower entrance (Mukya Gopuram) always remains closed, with the shrine of Karupana Swami. The very closed door itself is worshipped as Patinettaam padi Karuppan(meaning, the black Lord who (sits) at the Eighteen steps ). There are various legends associated with this. Only Once in a year, the door is opened and Sudarshana Chakra(Or Chakrathaazhvar as the temple devotees mention), the famous Vishnu's wheel, passes over through the open door. Not even the Lord's Utsava Murti(deity for processions and festivals) goes through this passage. This is a centuries old practice.

The style of the buildings denote, 3rd or early 4th Century construction.
Some research scholars opine that this was earlier a Jain temple, (the somaskanda vimanamfor instance) but which however was later converted into a Vishnu temple. It is true that during archaeological excavations, many Jain caves and inscriptions were found in the same hill around this temple. However, the famous Vaishnava works in Tamil, belonging to the early 4th to 6th Centuries point that to this temple as a Vishnu temple. The famous Silapadikaram too, that belongs to the 3rd Century AD, points out to this temple as a Vishnu temple.

Shift of the Ritual

The trustee says that the Nayak king, a Vaishnavite and dedicated devotee of Goddess Meenakshi, wanted to merge the brahmotsavams of Meenakshi and Kallazhakar Temples mainly aiming at fostering communal amity between Saivites and Vaishnavites.

The Thenur villagers readily accepted the shift to Vandiyur. The happy king offered the villagers lands and ensured that they were transported to Madurai and met out their expenses through the royal exchequer.

Following which, the king constructed a ship-shaped mandapam called ‘Thenur Mandapam’ on the river Vaigai at Vandiyur, where Mandooga episode is revoked every year during the Chithirai festival even today.

“The 24-pillared stone structure is the only testimony to Azhakar’s visit to Thenur, the ritual and the shift of the ritual,” Mr. Neduchezia Pandian notes.

The undated original mandapam at Thenur was renovated as stone structure by R. Periya Naicken Servai few decades ago. Again, in 2007, the mandapam was transformed into a temple named ‘Arulmigu Sri Sundararaja Perumal (Kallazhakar) Temple.’ The newly constructed temple has Lord Vinayaga at the entrance while Lord Sundararaja Perumal (Kallazhakar) stands with his consorts – Sri Devi and Boo Devi. Lord Karudalwar stands at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum facing the deities. At a cost of Rs.300,000, the devotees have bought various ‘vahanas’ (vehicles) to carry deities during the festival.

18 Steps at Azhagar Koil

The story goes that once there was an attempt by magicians to take away the powers of Kallazhagar. Coming to know of this, a priest at this temple captured these 18 men who were so lured by the beauty of Azhagar that they prayed to the Lord and requested to stay there forever as his security guards and to solve any issues relating to the people in this area. To mark this event, there was an image of Karrupana Swamy (representing these 18 men) erected at the Eastern entrance of the temple. Karuppanna Swamy almost acts as a court to solve all issues in this area and is believed to provide a fair judgment for those who believe in him.

It is believed that the 18 steps of the temple at the Eastern entrance represent these 18 men. Every night, garland adorned by the Lord is brought to Karuppana Swamy.
Andal refers to Ramanuja as Kovil Annan. Andal had directed many of her paasurams at Azhagar of Thirumaliruncholai and as a marriage wish had promised to provide Azhagar with 100 pots of sweet morsel and butter but she could not fulfil her promise as she merged with Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.

Much later, Ramanuja who came here, fulfilled her promise by providing the Lord with morsel and butter. As a thanking gesture, Andal is said to have called him ‘Annan’, and hence Ramanuja came to be called ‘Kovil Annan’.

Periazhwar, who had come here, was so impressed with Azhagar that he decided to remain here ever after and did not return to Srivilliputhur. Periazhwar attained moksha at this place.

The Uniqueness

Temple Vimanam was Built by Viswakara as Instructed by Dharma Rajan - The Shadow Never Falls Down

Nearby Temple

Meenakshi Amman Temple (21 Km from here)
Thirupparankundram (28Km from here)
Koodal Azhagar Temple (22Km from here)
Thiruvaathavoor Temple (20Km from here)
Thiruvedagam Temple (30Km from here)
Thirumohur Temple (12Km from here)
Maariamman Temple (18Km from here)

Please see this You tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTQ0Be3dsUw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUt3eLFmnrg

Location

This is one of the divyadesam found in Madurai. Lots of buses are available from the Railway Station. But there is not much of lodging facility. Bhakthas can stay in any Lodges/Rooms near railway station. The temple is situated on the foot hill of Azhagar malai (mountain).

Temple timing : 6am –1230pm and 3.30pm-8pm

Priest : S. Paramaswamy Bhattar @0452 2530 559
Sundara Narayana Bhattar @94439 25151
Parthasarathy Bhattar @ 98940 29428

Bus : Madurai Maatuthaavani/Junction- Azhagar Koi
One can take an auto from Junction, finish Thiru Mogur and Azhagar Koil and be dropped back at Junction – charges around Rs. 250/--300/-(about 50kms). One can also reach Azhagar Koil from Thiru Mogur / Melur Road

Place to Stay : Best to stay in Madurai

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://streetsmadurai360.blogspot.in/2012/09/history-behind-azhagar-malai-azhagar.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://www.alagarkoil.tnhrce.in/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alagar_Koyil
http://tamil.nativeplanet.com/madurai/attractions/alagar-kovil/
http://www.templedetails.com/alagar-kovil-azhagar-kovil/
http://www.108divyadesam.com/thirumaliruncholai.html
http://www.thehindu.com/features/fr...tion-of-the-azhagar-temple/article2011899.ece
http://maduraimail.blogspot.in/2015/03/alagar-koyil.html
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/05/azhagar-chitrai-festival-2009.html

P.J. · Jul 28, 2015

Divya Desam 103-Sri Kalamegaperumal temple- Madurai

Divya Desam 103-Sri Kalamegaperumal temple- Madurai

The Temple

Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple (also known as Thirumohoor or Tirumogoor temple) is a hindu temple near Melur, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is one of the "108 divya desams", and is located 12 km north-east of Madurai. It is also known as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram.

The temple is accessible by the town bus services available from Madurai.[SUP]

[/SUP] Hisotory - Inscription from the temple - South Outer wall's inside - Archaeological report on Epigraphy - 330 of 1918 - and Tamil Nadu State Archaeology's Madurai District Inscriptions - Vol. I - page no. 229 - Sl. no. 141 of 2003 - identifies the builder of the temple as sri Kaala Maegam alias Kaangaeyan during the reign of Sadaiya Varman Sundhara Pandiyan (Later Pandiya king)in his regnal year 7 + 1 (i.e. after the 7th year was over and the eighth year was in progress) which is identified as AD 1259. This inscription besides identifying the above speaks of an endowment of ponds and adjoining areas duly specifying the boundaries of the land.

The temple is situated on a 2.5-acre (10,000 m[SUP]2[/SUP]) land area, and has a 5 tier rajagopuram. The temple is more than 2000 years old and has been referred to in akanaṉūṟu, Padhitrupathu, maduraikanchi and also in one of the five great epics of Tamil literature, silappatikaram. There are four prakarams(closed precincts of a temple) inside the temple. The main deity (Moolavar) is Kalamegaperumal in panchayudha kolam and in a standing posture, Thayar - Mogavalli, Utsavar - Thirumogur Aabthan, Theertham - Kshirabtha Pushkarini, Thala Viruksham - Vilvam and Vimanam - Kethaki Vimanam. The Prathanasayana appearance of the main deity is not found anywhere in 108 divya desam temples. The Sudarshana Chakra of deity is famous.[SUP]

Legend

[/SUP]During the churning of the milk ocean, the devas and the demons picked up a quarrel. The devas went to the Lord and appealed for freedom from the demons. Lord Vishnu took the form of an enchanting woman and lured the demons and gave the nectar to the devas. Moham in Sanskrit means passion or desire. As Vishnu took the Mohini form, the place was known as Thirumohanavur, which later came to be known as Thirumohur. The great Vaishnavite saint Nammalwar prayed to all Perumals in the 108 Divyadesas, but Kalamegaperumal of this temple only took the Alwar to salvation. Hence, once a devotee prays to Kalamegaperumal in this temple, his /her seat in the other world – Vaikunta – is ensued. The Chakkarathazhwar is a powerful and graceful deity here.

Sudharshana Sannadhi

The front of the Sudarshana Chakra is Chakrathazhvar and the back side is Narasingha Perumal, situated amidst 48 fairies and inside the six circles there are 16 aayuthams with 154 letters. Perumal is depicted with 16 hands and three eyes glowing like fire. The image of Chakrathazwhar (Sudarsana) in the temple is depicted with sixteen hands each holding different weapons. On the reverse side of the image, Narsimha is depicted.[SUP]

[/SUP]
Sudharshanastakam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehk7-euYXhY

Charathazvar Gayathri Mantra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osUnEXuYZ0E

Please see this You tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37eG9oysinE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UIHxKlTuIU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnIH2HC-Zuc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6IlEbV328M

Prayers

Devotees offer prayers to Chakkarathazhwar here for development of business, promotion in professions, employment opportunity, foreign travel, wealth, buying new lands and vehicles, child, success in litigation etc. Those buying a new vehicle do the pooja in this temple.

Address

Sri Kalamegaperumal temple, Thirumohur-625 107, Madurai Dist.

Ph:+91- 98420 24866Temple Timing:

Morning: 7.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Evening: 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Best time to visit:

Throughout the year, the devotees used to visit this temple. Vaikunda Yegadeshi, all Saturdays is the best time to visit this temple.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.kalamegaperumaltemple.tnhrce.in/history.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirumohoor_Kalamegaperumal_Temple
http://amudhasurabi.com/tour/Madurai/ThirumohoorKalamegaperumalTemple
http://www.maduraiguru.in/thirumohoor

P.J. · Jul 31, 2015

Divya Deasam 104- Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal Thirukovil-Thirukoshtiyur,

Divya Deasam 104- Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal Thirukovil-Thirukoshtiyur,

Thirukoshtiyur

Thirukoshtiyur, derived from its native name Thirukotiyur. During Kritha yuga, Rishis, devas and people were tortured, anguished by the asura Hiranyakashipu as the vengeance for hiranyaksha's death in hands of Lord Vishnu in the form of Varaha Avatar. Devas, Rishis approached Brahma and Shiva for the solution. In response Brahma, Shiva, all devas, Saptha Rishis decided to meet at one place to discuss regarding. Finally all chose Thirukotiyur as the spot. Together they came like a group and so the name came as Thirukoshtiyur, koshti means in group or as a team.

Thirukoshtiyur is known for its great temple, Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal Thirukovil ( Thirukovil means temple ). One of the 108 divya desams in India.

Periazhwar in his work Periazhwar Thirumozhi visualizes Thirukoshtiyur as the birthplace of Sri Krishna.

The Temple

Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal Thirukovil, surrounded by a high walls on its four sides, with a Rajagopuram (Main tower) at the entrance which shows the gigantism. The inner infrastructure, mainly sannidhis( separate shrines) are unlike other temples. Inside the temple complex, The shrine for Narayana is constructed in form of three stages, similar to that of three floors in a building.

This interprets as Boologam (earth), Thiruparkadal, Vaikundham. Narayana appears in three stages in three forms. In Ground floor as Krishna in dancing posture. Next level he is sayana thirukolam (sayana = reclining, thirukolam = posture), a posture resting on Adhisesha. And top most level in standing posture as Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal. This form of appearances of Narayana is been poetically described as Nindran (means Standing posture), Kidanthan (means sleeping posture), Aadinan (means dancing posture) by Alwars.

Sthlapuranam :

In this sthalam, a Kadambha Maharishi had a big Ashram, where lots of vedas and spiritual teachings are taught and the rishis and the people around the Ashram lived in peace.

At that time, an Asuran by named "Hiranyan" gave lots of problems to rishis, devas and all the other people and all of them wanted to find a safest place. They could not protest Hiranyan, since he was very strong and has got lots of soliders, so, the rishis yogis and the Devas thought it is safe to get on to an unreachable place. Thinking Kadambha Maharishi's Ashram might be the safest place, they all seeked the help of Sriman Narayanan to kill him there by retaining the peace, once again. Sriman Narayanan, Lord Brahma all the devas and along with the rishis, discussed about the killing of the Asuran, Hiranyan. And finally after the discussion, Sriman Narayanan decided to the Narahimha avathaar, whose head being the head of the lion and rest of the body as an ordinary human.

Since, Hiranyan had got the Varam in such a way that he should not be killed by an ordinary human, Sriman Narayanan has to take this avathaar to destroy and kill him. Since, all the rishis, devas and along with Sriman Narayanan and Lord Brahma met all at one place and discussed, this sthalam is called as "Goshtiyoor". Goshti means all the devas along with Sriman Naryanan grouped together and met in this, sthalam this sthalam is called as "Goshtiyoor" (or) Goshti Kshetram.

Kadambha Maharishi had an unlimited bhakti towards both Emperumaan, Sriman Narayanan and as well as Lord Shivan. In thirukkarambanoor, he did the tapas towards the Emperumaan and in Nagapattnam, towards Lord Shiva and got his Mukti, worshipped all the Mum - Moorthies in this sthalam.

When knowing about the sthalapuranam of Thirugoshtiyoor, an another peculiar issue has to be explained which deals witht he story of Sri Ramanujar and Thirugostiyoor Nambi.

Thriugostiyoor is the birth place of Thirugostiyoor Nambi, who is also named as "Selva Nambi". He was the guru of Sri Ramanujar, who was preached with the "Ashtakshara Mantram".

But, the way he was taught the Ashtakshara Mantram was one of main issue that has to be explained. Selva Nambi ordered Sri Ramanujar to do the fasting in this sthalam. Having crossed the age of 60, to get the Mantram, he followed the order of Selva Nambi. He took only water as his food and one fine day, he was preached witht he Ashtakshara Mantram for which he was waiting for. But, he was ordered by Selva Nambi that the Mantram should not be published to any one and it should be kept secret.

But on hearing the Mantram, he thought it is not only a secret thing that is helpful and useful for him only, but it should be made public to all and it should be useful for all the other people. As a result of his thought, he went straight to the temple of Sowmya Narayana perumal and stood on the huge walls of it and all of the village people to gather. And once all the people gathered, he loudly pronounced the Ashtakshara Mantram, which is said to sacred and explained it to all. He also asked them to repeat it. On hearing this, Selva Nambi got angry on Sri Ramanujar since he has not obeyed his words and has broken the promise that he had given to him. Then, he called up Sri Ramanujar and said that having broken the promise, he will have to pay for the mistake, and as a result, he will be going to the hell. But before that, Thirugoshtiyoor Nambi (Selva Nambi) wanted to know the reason why he made the Ashtakshara Mantram so public? But, Sri Ramanujar aswered that in this world, all the things belongs to Sriman Naryanan and no other thing should be kept scret (or) themselves but it should be used to others. As the same way, on explaining the Mantram to all, it might help them from many things and because of this reason only, he answered that he publicised the Mantram. On hearing this from Sri Ramanujar, Selva Nambi realised how his mind was narrowed and felt for it. But, at the same time he was attracted by the thinking of Sri Ramanujar towards humanity and vaishnavism. As a result of it, Selva Nambi called Sri Ramanujar as his Emperumaanar. We can find two separate statues that is made of bronze for Thirugoshtiyoor Nambi and Sri Ramanujar in this temple.

After hearing the story of Sri Ramanujar and Selva Nambi and also the Sthalapuranam, let us know about the temple.

On reaching the temple, one can see the Vimaanam which is very big and widely spread. On entering the temple is the mandapam named "Thirumaamani Mandapam", where Lord Shiva gives his seva as "Sarabeshwarar". He originated on his own (Suyambhu) and as a result of not caring properly, it was in the damaged condition. On the south direction of the Mandapam, a separate sannadhi for Lord Narasimhar and on the North side, a separate sannadhi for Sri Ramar are found. It is said that in front of this Narasimhar sannadhi only, Sri Ramanujar was taught the "Ashtakshara Mantram" from selva Nambi.

In the upper tier, we can find Moolavar, "Thiru paarkadal Nathan" also named as "Uraga Mellanayaan" (or) Sthiti Narayanan is found in Veetrirundha thirukkolam and on the either side of him is periya and Bhoomi piratti are found. It is said that utsavar, Sowmya Narayana perumal and other 3 pirattiyaar's idols are given by Indiran to Kadambha Maharishi. On the south side of Ashtanga vimaanam, a separate sannadhi for Thirumaa magal Naachiyaar and on the North side, there is a separate sannadhi for Sri Aandal is found.

In the middle thalam (or) tier, we can see Nindra Narayanan along with Periya piratti and Bhoomi piratti in Nindra Kolam and he is also named as "Upendran". Here, we can find lots of various architectural works pertaining to the Indra Loka scenes and saptha rishis. Lots of Painting and artistic works like Desavathaaram, devas, Munis and suriyan and Alwars are found.
On the outer pragaram on the North side, there are two sculptures of Narasimhar is found, which explains the Hiranya Vadham (Killing of Hiranyan).

But, initially one of the statue is kept in Narasimhar sannadhi in the first tier and another one is Sri Ramar Sannadhi. But, it is said that on seeing the statues of Ugraha Narasimhar, people are frightened, so later these two statues are kept close to the paramapadha vaasal (entrance). Udayavar, Emperumaanar Sri Ramanujar statue is found on the top of the Vimaanam facing the village and this sthalam is so called as "Dhvayam (two) vilaindha thirupadhi".

This sthalam explains all the necessary actions (or) moral to the people of the world. No one can destroy the enemy as a single person, but if as a team, we can achieve anything and it is well explained by the action performed by Sriman Narayanan to get the divine nector for the devas. And another incident is the action performed by Sri Ramanujar by explaining the Ashtakshara Mantram to the world. As an extension of this, Udayavr Sri Ramanujar who is the hamsam of Aadhiseshan, is serving as the bed for the Emperumaan.

Greatness Of Temple:

Besides consorts Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Lord Soumya Nayaraya Perumal graces the devotees with Madhu, Kaidaba, Indira, emperor Pururuva, Kadhamba Maharshi, Lord Brahmma, Mothers Saraswathi and Savithri. Lord Santhanakrishna (Perumal who grants child boon) is in a cradle. He is also praised as Prarthana Kannan. Those seeking child boon pray here lighting lamps.

Indira was staying in this place till Lord killed Hiranya, gave the Soumya Narayana Vigraha to Kadhamba Maharshi. He was worshipping Perumal in his Indraloka earlier. This Vigraha-idol is the procession deity of this temple. In his Mangalasasanam, Periazhwar had included this procession Perumal too. The place and temple has the reputation of Mangalasasanam of five Azhwars, Periazhwar, Thirmangai Azhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Boothathazhwar and Payazhwar.

It is noteworthy that divine sculptor Vishwakarma and demon sculptor Mayan had jointly worked in the design and construction of the Ashtanga Vimana. The Vimana has three petals representing the three syllables Ohm, Namo, Narayanaya.

Perumal blesses the devotees in four forms from the Vimana – as Nardana Krishna (Bhooloka Perumal) from the base petal, as Soumya Narayana Perumal (Tiruparkadal-Milk Ocean-Perumal) from the first tier in reclining form, as Upendra Narayana (Devaloka Perumal) in the second tier, as Paramapada Nathar (Vaikunda Perumal) in a sitting form in the third tier. Mother Tiru Mamagal has Her own shrine, also praised as Nila Mamagal and Kulama Magal.

Prayer with lamp is an important prayer here. Devotees buy a lamp, place it at the feet of Lord, take it back home, place a coin and Tulsi leaf, keep it in a box and cover it. They believe that Lord and Mother had come to their home in the form of Tulsi and coin. Realizing their wishes, they take this lamp along with another one lit with ghee on the Masi (February-March) float festival day for worship. New devotees coming there take this lamp for their worship.

Mahamaga well: While Emperor Pururupa was carrying out renovation of this temple, the great Mahamaga festival of Kumbakonam also coincided. The emperor wished to have Perumal darshan in this place. Responding to his prayer, Holy Ganga sprang up in the well at the northeast side and Perumal gave darshan to the emperor from this well. The well is thus named Mahamaga Kinaru. Well-Kinaru in Tamil. This festival occurs once in 12 years when Lord grants darshan sitting on His Garuda Vahan.

Temple's Speciality:

The place and temple occupy a great place of importance in the history of Vaishnavism. Being one among the celebrated 108 Divya Desas of Lord Vishnu, the temple has the famous Astanga Vimana above the presiding Perumal. Just a couple of Vishnu temples have this Vimana. This is also a historical place from where great Vaishnavite Acharya the author of Visishtadvaita philosophy and social reformer Sri Ramanuja preached the holy Narayana Mantra to every one irrespective of caste discrimination sitting on this Vimana.

An important relationship between Sri Ramanuja and Thirukoshtiyur

There exist an important relationship between Sri Ramanuja and Thirukoshtiyur. Ramanuja was advised by Thirukachi Nambigal (Thirukachi is place and Nambigal means sage) to visit Thirukoshtiyur and learn the ' Sacred 8 letter hymn ', Ashtakshara manthra from Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal(i.e. Thirukoshtiyur sage).

Accordingly Ramanunja travelled 18 times all the way from Srirangam to Thirukoshtiyur for learning the "Ashtakshara Manthram" ("Ohm Namo Narayanaya!!") from the Thirukoshtiyur nambigal. Each time Ramanuja tried to meet the Nambigal but was ultimately rejected by Nambigal. This continued for 17 times and at last 18th time when Ramanuja arrived and knocked the doors of Nambigal ashram saying "Adiyen Sri Ramanujan vanthurukiran..!" ( which means "Beloved student Sri Ramanuja here!!") on which he was allowed to enter. The reason why Ramanuja was denied 17 times and allowed during his 18th time is that as Ramanuja introduced himself as "Adiyen Ramanujan" (means Beloved student Ramanuja ) in 18th time unlike his past visits blindly introducing himself as "I'm Ramanuja arrived..". The word " I'm " shows his egotism for which he was rejected. Whereas his ego vanished in this 18th visit and made him eligible for the learning of Ashtakshara manthram.

Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal blessed Ramanuja with the 'Sacred 8 letter hymn' Ashtakshara manthram ("Ohm Namo Narayanaya!!") and warned him not to preach to anyone. Ramanuja rushed climbing to the top of temple, summoned the whole village people and delivered the Ashtakshara manthram. The act enkindled nambigal who on questioning, Ramanuja replied "Its my great fortune in showing the path and guiding people to heaven, I'm glad in going to hell for the act.." these words affected nambigal to extent he just prostrated towards Ramanuja. It is said the event happened in front of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswami sannidhi, small shrine like present on the way towards the Sowmya Narayana Perumal sannidhi, third stage.

Moolavar and Thaayar:
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Uraga Mellanayaan. He gave his prathyaksham for Kadambha Maharishi and Indiran. Moolavar in kidantha (sleeping) thirukkolam and in Bhujanga sayanam facing his thirumugham along the east direction.

Thaayar:
The thaayar of the sthalam is Thirumagal Naachiyaar and has her own separate sannadhi.

Utsavar:
The Utsavar of this temple is Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal and he is also named as "Madhavan". Utsavar is found in Nindra thirukkolam and giving his seva to the bhaktas.

Mangalasasanam:

Nammalwar - 10 paasurams.
Periyalwar - 21 paasurams.
Thirumangaialwar - 13 paasurams.
Bhoodathalwar - 2 Paasurams.
Peiyalwar - 1 Paasuram.
Thirumazhisaialwar - 1 Paasuram.
Total - 48 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Deva Pushkarani
Thiruppaarkadal.

Vimanam:
Ashtaanga vimanam. This kind of vimaanam is a rare one that is found only in few sthalams like koodal Azhager temple in Madurai, Vaikunda perumal koil in Kanchipuram and in Thirupporur. Ashta means Eight and 8 vimaanams are found on 4 sides (2 each) of the temple.

Please see this you tube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJTwMDiFEUc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ZRdI1d_BI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvPtbrUJG3c

Prayers

This is one of the temples where devotees seek relief from delays in marriage proposals. They also pray for prosperity in family.

Temple Timings

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Location :

Sri Soumyanarayana Perumal Temple, Tirukoshtiyur-630 211. Sivaganga district. Tiruputhur is 62 km from Madurai. The temple is 8 km more from Tiruputhur. Buses are available only at specific hours.

+91- 4577 - 261 122, 94862 - 32362

Near By Railway Station :
Karaikudi and Madurai.

Near By Airport :
Madurai

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/pudukkottai/tirukostiyoor-temple.shtml
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=421
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirukoshtiyur
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

P.J. · Jul 31, 2015

Divya Deasam 105-Sri Adi Jagannatha Perumal temple- Thiruppullani,

Divya Deasam 105-Sri Adi Jagannatha Perumal temple- Thiruppullani,

The Temple

The temple is located in Thirupullani, a village located 10 km (6.2 mi) from Ramanathapuram. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) facing east. The shrine of Adi Jagannatha houses the image of Adi Jagannatha, Bhudevi and Sri Devi in sitting posture. The consort of Adi Jagannathar is Padmasini, housed in a separate shrine. There is a shrine for Dharbasayana Ramar in a reclining posture. There is a metal image of Krishna from the 13th century Pandya perido. The image depicts Krishna dancing in a snake, a rare historical depiction of Krishna in a metal image.

The temple is believed to have been initiated during the Medieval Chola period along with many temples dedicated to Rama. The Chola king Parantaka I named himself "Sangrama Raghava" after his conquest of Sri Lanka, while his son Aditya I was called Kothandarama. Some later Pandya kings also made contributions to the temple.[SUP]

[/SUP] A mutilated inscription in the temple made during the 37th year of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan in 1305 records order of a minister by name Arya Chakravarthi. Historians believe some portions of the temple tower might also have been built by Jaffna kings, who were friends of Pandya Empire and also rulers of Rameswaram.[SUP]

[/SUP]There is one damaged record from 1518 from the period of Mahabali Vanadaraya Naykkar and one another made in 1528 during the reign of Sundarattoludaiyar Mahabali Vanadarayar.[SUP]

[/SUP] The temple received lot of contributions from the Vijayanagara period, along with other Vishnu temples in the region.

Sthalapuranam:

The moolavar of this sthalam is Kalyana Jagannathan. He is found in Nindra thirukkolam facing along the East direction. Prathyaksham for Ashwantha Narayanan, Pullaranya Rishi, and Samuthira Rajan, Devalar Muni and Kanva Maharishi. Thaayar: There are two thaayars found in this sthalam. Kalyana valli is one of the thaayar and another one is Padmasini thaayar.

Thousands of centuries ago, three maharshis, Pullavar, Kalavar and Kannavar performed severe penance on Lord Mahavishnu sitting on the Darba grass. The Lord gave darshan to the Rishis in the form of an Arasu tree. Though they were happy to have the darshan of the Lord in the form of Arasu Tree they begged him to show them His original form. The Lord obliged and appeared as Adhi Jagannatha Perumal. This is the present Thirupullani. It is here king Dasaratha also received the Puthra Bagya Mahamantra and had Rama as his son.

Puranas ascribe different reasons for the wild growth of Kusa grass in this particular spot. There is a version which says that Lord Vishnu assumed the form of the ‘Divya kUrma’ tortoise which form Lord Vishnu assumed to hold the Manthara mountain that was used as churner in place, on His hard, rock-like shell. When the mountain was turned over and over again on His back in the efforts to churn the Ocean of Milk several hundreds of strands of hair on the shell of the Divya kUrma fell off due to the friction and were washed ashore and with the passage of time, they turned into Kusa grass.

The story goes on. When nectar was churned out of the ocean, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a damsel, Mohini, and distributed it among the celestials. Several drops of nectar fell on the ground when it was distributed and also when it was consumed by the Devas. Such drops fell on the ‘dharbai’ or Kusa grass and therefore the grass is considered sacred. In fact, it is considered as a part of Vishnu himself. The eighth day of moon in the month of Badra (September) is observed as Darbha Ashtami and is an annual festival in this shrine.

Thirupullani has the special distinction of having visited by Rama twice – before going to and when returning from Lanka. It was here that he is believed to have reclined in meditation for three days, invoking Varuna.

The large army of Vanaras reached the tip of the continent and looked to Rama for devising a way to cross the ocean. Vibishana, who had by that time crossed over to the side of Rama suggested that Rama should meditate on Varuna, the Lord of the Sea and seek his permission to cross the ocean.

Rama lay in meditation for three days on the bed of grass and hence the name Thiru-pull-ani, or Dharba-sayanam – reclining on the (bed of) grass. ‘tharuNa mangayai mItpadhOr neri tharuga,’ sings Kamban of this moment. ‘Show me a way to cross you to retrive Sita from the hands of Ravana.’ ‘ennum poruL nayandhu,’ with that sole purpose in his mind, ‘nal nUl neri’ as prescribed in the Books ‘adukkiya pullil’ over a bed made of grass, ‘karunai am kadal kidandhanan,’ He, the ocean of mercy, rested on it ‘karum kadal nOkki’ facing the blue sea.

And after three days, Rama loses his patience, takes his bow in hand which makes Varuna come running to him. He agrees to remain as still as possible to enable the construction of the bridge, Sethu, over the ocean to Lanka. It was at this moment that Adi Jagannatha Perumal, the presiding deity of the temple appeared before Rama and handed him the divine bow. The imposing image of Lord Vishnu reclining on Adi Sesha is awe-inspiring.

When returning from Lanka, Rama after installing the Rama-linga at Rameshwaram, visited this shrine once again, the ‘adi sethu’, and it is here he is said to have had his holy dip to rid himself of the ‘brahma-hatya-dhosha’ of killing Ravana.

Since this was the place where Vibishana was accepted without a question by Rama, this shrine is also celebrated as ‘sarana-gathi sthala’.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Kalyana Jagannathan. He is found in Nindra thirukkolam facing along the East direction. Prathyaksham for Ashwantha Narayanan, Pullaranya Rishi, and Samuthira Rajan, Devalar Muni and Kanva Maharishi. Thaayar: There are two thaayars found in this sthalam. Kalyana valli is one of the thaayar and another one is Padmasini thaayar.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumangaialwar - 21 Paasurams.
Total - 21 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Hema theertham.
Chakkara theertham.
Rathnakara samuthiram.

Sthala Viruksham: (Tree)
The sthala viruksham (tree) of this kshetram is Asrattham (Arasa) tree. A big tree is found on the west side of the Moolavar Sannadhi.

Vimanam:
Kalyana Vimaanam.

Festival and Religious Practices

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis.

Like other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste.

The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m.,
Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m.,
Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m.,
Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m.,
Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m.
and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m.

Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Adi Jagannatha and Padmasini. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast.

There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The two major festivals celebrated in the temple are the Panguni Brahmotsavam for Adi Jagannathar and Rama Navami Utsavam during the Tamil month of Chittirai. Other major festivals celebrated in Vishnu temples in South India like Vaikunta Ekadashi, Krishna Jayanthi, Pongal and Diwali, are also celebrated

Religious Significance

The temple is revered in 20 verses of Thirumangai Azhwar in his Periya Thirumozhi in Nalayira Divya Prabandham. The epic is also described by Kambar in his work Kamba Ramayanam

Please see this Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdVMOfGGFP0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOq1urnwugk

Temple Address:

Sri Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal Temple
Thiruppullani,
Ramanathapuram (Dist) – 623 532.

Route:
8 Kms South East of Ramanathapuram, 60 kms SouthWest of Rameswaram and about 120 kms East of Madurai

Temple Timings:

8:00am – 12:20pm and 3:30pm – 8:00pm

Temple Telephone Number:

04567-54249.

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://devaboomi.com/thiruppullani-kalyana-jagannatha-perumal/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adi_Jagannatha_Perumal_Temple
http://devaboomi.com/thiruppullani-kalyana-jagannatha-perumal/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples/info/10063

[url]http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/ramanathapuram/pullani-temple.shtml
[/URL]

P.J. · Jul 31, 2015

Divya Deasam 106-Thirumeyyam Sathyagirinatha Perumal

Divya Deasam 106-Thirumeyyam Sathyagirinatha Perumal

The Temple

Thirumeyyam is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located Thirumayam in the district of Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu, India, 21 km from Pudukottai on the Pudukottai-Karaikudi highway.

The presiding deity is called Sathyagiri Nathan / Sathya Murthi (Vishnu). The temple is old and large, and striking in appearance. The main statue of Lord Sathyagiri Nathan, approximately seven feet in height, is standing on a rock, along with his wives. In the next Sannidhanam (sanctum), Lord Mahavishnu's sculpture is in sleeping position, the position which is called in Tamil Ari thuyil, sleeping with a sense of knowing what is going on at present. Sculptures of Lord Mahavishnu in this position can be viewed in many temples, although this is one of the largest examples. There are many sannidhis in the temple.

All the statues are sculptured beautifully. The devotees who like to pray before Lord Mahavishnu in his Ari thuyil position for some minutes and who want to pray for few minutes before Sri Renganathar, Srirangam and didn't get such a chance, may visit Thirumeyyam.[SUP]

[/SUP]

It is where the largest Anantasayi (Vishnu in reclining pose) in India. It is a natural cavern which has been changed into a shrine.

The temple is adjacent to the Sathyagiriswara temple, located in the same complex. The temple is maintained and administered by the Archaeological Survey of India as a ticketed monument

The Fort

The fort, the Siva and Vishnu temples are the tourist attractions. The fort played an important role in the history of Thondaiman rulers of Pudukottai and the British. The 40 acre fort was built by Vijaya Ragunatha Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram in 1687 AD. On the hill, there is a rock-cut Siva temple with inscriptions on music. There are relics of another fort. At the foot of the hill are the Siva and Vishnu temples. It was in this fort that the brother of Kattabomman, Oomathurai was ensnared and imprison. An old armor used by him is exhibited here

Sthlapuranam :

The Perumal who explains about "Sathyam" (or) truth can be the example for the universal slogam. "Sathya meva Jayathey". To explain and be an example for this, he stands in this sthalam as "Sathya giri Nathan".

There is no end for Sathyam (Truth) and it never sleeps and doesnt forget anything. It calculates the good and the evil actions performed by the people and according to that, all fo the souls are reached to proper destiny. If we do good and our actions lead to good thought and action, we will reach the thiruvadi (feet) of Sriman Narayanan and if we think of bad things and as a result of it, if we perform bad and evil actions, we will be going to the hell. To explain this, the perumal is found in Bogha sayanam in Kidantha kolam withought sleeping and calculatting the good / bad actions of all Aathmaas.

All the things that live in this mighty Earth are governed and watched by the Emperumaan and to explain this, the perumal is found in Nindra Kolam with the name "Sathya Moorthy" (or) "Sathya giri Nathan".

In tamil, the truth is referred with the word "Mei" and the Utsavar of this sthalam is "Meyyan" (or) "Meyyappan". The perumal is found in Anantha Sayanam and is found inside the sannadhi which is surrounded by very good sculptural and artistic work as seen in Mahabalipuram.

In older days, when Asurars where dominating the world and the Adharmam (evil) was spread along the entire world. Because of this, there was not much of Yagams and poojas were done and all the Rishis, and Devars were very much frightened about this. They could not protect the Asuras, since they get enormous powers with them. They all surrendered towards "Dharma Devathi", the godess of Dharman and pleased her that she must help them to get out this danger.

Dharma devathai replied them that she will help them out, thereby changed herself into a deer and came to this Sathya Kshetram which is also called as "Venu Vanam", since this sthalam is fully covered by Bamboo trees. The perumal came infront of Dharma Devathai and promised her that he would stay in the sthalam as "Sathya giri Nathan" and helps all the peoples and including the Rishis and Devas from Adharmam.

Once, Athiri Muni andhis wife Anusuya lived, who are said to be the strong believer of the Emperumaan. They were so famous for their bhakti and tapas towards the perumal and they started for doing tapas against all the Mum - Moorthies (ie) Sriman Naryanan, Brahma devan and Lord Shiva and their wish was as one of the hamsam of these Thriumurthies they should have theri childrens born. All the murthies agreed and as a result as the hamsam of Sri Vishnu a child was born who is called as "Dattatreyar", as the hamsam of Lord Shiva the Moon God was born. All these 3 childrens were taught with proper vedas and mantras and were sent to do tapas by their fther, Athiri rishi. First, Durvasa Rishi went to Kailasa malai and Dattatreyar went to the foot of the Himalayas to do the tapas and the Moon god came to this Sathya giri kshetram to do the tapas against Sriman Narayanan. The perumal gave his seva as satisfied by on his tapas and asked his wish. The moon god asked that since he stays in Surya Mandalam his Vaasam (stay) should be also in Chandra Mandalam (Moons Place). For this, the perumal accepted and stayed in Chandra Mandalam also.

We can see the well stretched and huge Raja Gopuram, which is found at the entrance of the temple. This sthalam is also called as "Aadhi Ragam" and the perumal is older and big than that of the perumal found in Sri Rangam. After entering through the Raja Gopuram, we can find a big Mandapam where lots of stone carved pillars are found with beautiful paintings. Separate sannadhi for Sri Kannan, Sri Aandal, Chakrathalwar and Narasimhar are found.

After crossing this Mandapam another big mandapam by named "Maha Mandapam" is found in which the Garudan facing along the Moolaver Sannadhi is found.

Moolavar Sathya giri nathan in Nindra thriukkolam and next to this sannadhis, separate sannadhi for Uyya Vandha Naachiyaar is found.

On the western side inside the mountain, as Bogha Sayana Moorthy in Anantha Sayanam, the perumal in another thirukkolam is giving his seva and this perumal is big in structure then Sri Rangam Ranganathar. Having Aadhiseshan as the bed, the perumal gives his Kidantha Kola seva with two Thirukkaram (hands) as same as the Ranganathar found in Sri Rangam.

It is said that some Madhu Kaidapars (Amsam) came from the Ears of Sriman Naryanan of this sthalam and they tried to grab bhoomi piratti along with them. But, Aadhiseshan protested and fought with them and killed all of them by his poison. But, it was little bit worried because without getting the permission from the perumal, he did this. It stayed infront of the perumal convinced him ans as a result of this, the perumal's one hand is found towards Aadhiseshan as conveniencing him and another hand is found on his chest there by protecting the piratti.

Around this perumal, Chitraguptan, Maarkandeya Maharishi, Brahma devan and Garudan are found. Chitraguptan who assist along with Yamen, the king of Naragham (the hell) and the Maarkandeya maharishi who has got the "Sirangeevi" throne are found around the perumal to show the couts of people along with their good and evil actions performed by them. On the thiruvadi (feet) of the perumal, Bhoomi piratti and Madhu Kaidapars are found.

This temple is almost the same as that of the temple in Mahabalipuram. We can find lots of stone carved Sculptures and paintings and the perumal is found inside the mountain and it serves as the umbrella for him. Another temple by named "Keeyai Kovil" is found where a temple for Lord Shiva is found. The name of him is "Sathya gireeswarar". It is said that Mahendra pallavan had constructed this temple for both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shivan without having any racism between Saivism and Vaishnavism.

This "Thirumeyyam" is surrounded by lots of mountains and a special hill by named "Vaishnavi Durgai" hill is also found which is famous for its beauty and the Vaishnavi Durgai found inside the hill.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Sathya Giri Nathan. Also named as "Sathya Moorthy". He is found in Nindra (Standing) thriukkolam facing his thriumugham along the East direction. Prathyaksham for all Sathya Devar and Devadhais. The perumal gives his seva in 3 different thirukkolam. First is the Sathyamoorthy in Nindra kolam, the second as Meyyappan in Sayana and bogha kidautha kolam.

Both Moolavar and Uthsavar have Panchayuda(5 weapons). Uthsava moorthy is believed to be made of solid gold. Entry to the temple is through the Big door on the north side as eighteen steps leading to the temple tower (guraded by Karuppu devata) is not opened these days. Noopura Ganga falls is on the Silambaru river and is about 4 kms. from the temple. This water is considered to be equal to Ganga. Thirumanjanam to Perumal is done only with this theertam. The hills surrounding the temple are called Vrishabadri as they look like Vrishaba and cow. During Trivikrama avathara, part of the water that was used by Brahma to wash the feet of Lord passed through the Silambu (ornament worn by dancers on the legs - Gungroo) and fell here and flowed. Hence the river is called Silambaru.

Thaayar:
The thaayar is Uyya Vandha Naachiyaar. She has her own separate sannadhi.

Utsavar:
The Utsavar of this is sthalam is Meyyappan.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumangaialwar - 9 Paasurams.
Total - 9 Paasurams.

Pushkarani: The pushkarani (theertham) of this sthalam is Kadhamba Pushkarani and Sathya theertham. It is said, all the rivers in the country came along to this pushkarani to make the people get out of the sin and their bad thoughts. It is believed that on the month of Vaikasi on the full Moon day, all the rivers combine and merge together and they themselves get purified by the Sathya theertham.

Sthala Viruksham: (Tree)
Palaa Maram (Jackfruit tree)
Vimanam:
Sathya giri Vimaanam.

Please see this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxmwaa8fCbU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jojgr6h79Ms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4oWQaMo254
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jojgr6h79Ms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q0cVQX_bYw
Address: Thirumayam, Tamil Nadu 622506

Hours:
Open today · 7:00 am – 12:00 pm, 4:30 – 7:00 pm

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://temples-india.blogspot.in/2011/05/sri-sathyagiri-nathan-perumal-temple.html
http://www.srivari.com/pandiyatirupathigal/thirumeyyam.htm
http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/pudukkottai/tirumeyyam-temple.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirumeyyam

P.J. · Jul 31, 2015

Divya Deasam 107-ThirupPaarkadal - Sri Ksheerapthi Nathan

Divya Deasam 107-ThirupPaarkadal - Sri Ksheerapthi Nathan

About the Abode:

This is one among the Eternal Location (Vinnulaga thirupathi), where one can't reach there with the human body, and only our soul (Atma) can reach there. This Tirupathi can't be viewed through our ordinary eyes. However, the seers, Rishis and Muni's of yore, with an insight and power of Penance, they could visualize this Eternal Location with their power of Telepathy and Njana Drushti.

This Thiru Paarkadal Divyadesam doesn't exists in this mighty earth. Because of this, along with out human body, we cant able to see this sthala perumal. It is situated trillions & trillions of light years from the Earth, crossing the sky and above it, the Lord God perumal is on the Serpent known as Aadhisesha in Bhujanga Sayana and facing along the South direction which is said to be watching the activities of Yama dharma.

All Devar are said to be persons where shadow doesn't fall and their feet doesn't touch the land. Likewise, the perumal in Paarkadal is watching all of the activities of all Aathmas and depending upon their pava (sin) and Punya (good) activities, he decides on the final Mukthi.

The Lord God resides in all living creatures and even in atom. Lord God Emperumaan separates as Sri Vasudeva, Sangarshana, Prathyumnan and Anirudha. Sri Vasudevan is capable of giving Njana, Sakthi, Tejas and is said to have the qualities (amsam) of Sriman Narayanan. Sangarshanan is said to be having the great qualities like Sakthi and Gnana and is said to be the amsam of Lord Shiva. Prathyumnan is said to be the amsam of Lord Brahma Deva and is a great Gjana person. Anirudh is said to be the amsam of Parasakthi and Lakshmi piratti and has the inbuilt qualities like richness, Gnana and Sakthi.

Sri Vasudeva in equivalent to Kesava, Madhava and Narayana. Sangarshan is equivalent to Govinda, Vishnu and Madhusoodhan. Prathyumnan is equivalent to Thiruvikrama, Vaamana and Sridhara. Anirudhan is equivalent to Rishikesa, Padmanabha and Damodhara.

These all 12 are referred to as 12 Sooryas and chandras who are along in all 12 directions (sides) there by making all Jeevathmas to emerge, lead their life, calculating their Pava and Punya known as Sins & good deeds.

"Om Namo Nrayana", the Ashtakshara Manthra is surrounded all over this divyadesam and by chanting this mantra, we too reach the Thiruppaarkadal Nathan of this divyadesam.

Specials:

This Thirupaarkadal divyadesam doesn't exists in this mighty earth. Because of this, along with out human body, one can't see this sthala perumal. It is said to be situated trillions of light years away from the Earth.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this divyadesam is Sri Ksheerapthi Nathan. Also named as "Thiruppaarkadal Nathan". He is on the Aadhiseshan in sleeping posture known as Sayana - Kidantha thirukkolam facing his South direction. Prathyaksham for Brahma deva, Rudra (Lord Shiva) and all other Devas and Rishis.

Thayaar:

There are two Thaayars namely Kadal Magal Naachiyaar and Sri Devi thaayar.

Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar - 5 Paasurams

Andal - 3 Paasurams

Kulasekara alwar - 2 Paasurams

Thirumazhisaialwar - 13 Paasurams

Thondaradippodialwar - 1 Paasurams

Thirumangai alwar - 10 Paasurams

Poigai alwar - 1 Paasuram

Bhoodathalwar - 2 Paasurams

Pei alwar - 4 paasurams

Nammalwar - 9 Paasurams

Total - 50 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

ThirupPaarkadal.

Amirtha theertham.

Vimanam:
Ashtanga Vimaanam.

You Tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXDAEvPQv6E

OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.srivaishnavan.com/divyadesams/2image.php
https://www.trsiyengar.com/id267.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirupalkadal_Sreekrishnaswamy_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

P.J. · Jul 31, 2015

Divya Desam 108-Paramapadhanathaya Perumal-Vaikuntha

Divya Desam 108-Paramapadhanathaya Perumal-Vaikuntha

Vishnuloka, Vaikuntha (Sanskrit वैकुंठ, vaikuṃṭha), Vaikuntha-loka, Brahmaloka-sanatana or Abode of Brahman, Brahmajyoti, Param Padam (‘supreme abode’), or Paramapadam is the home of the Supreme Lord Vishnu. It is the eternal abode of Narayana or Vishnu or Hari, his consort Lakshmi, and Shesha, upon whom they rest.[SUP]

[/SUP] In most of the extant Puranas, and Vaishnava traditions, Vaikuntham (Vishnuloka) is located in the direction of the Makara Rashi (Shravana Zodiac) which coincides with the Capricorn constellation. Vishnu's eye is supposed to be located at the South Celestial Pole as well.

The Rigveda (1.22.20) states, Oṃ tad viṣṇoḥ paramam padam sadā paśyanti sūrayaḥ: "All the suras (devas) look towards the Supreme Abode of Lord Vishnu", referring to Vaikuntha, the Supreme Abode. Vaikuntha is considered by Vaishnavites to be the ultimate destination of souls who attain moksha or liberation.

Vaikuntha is known as Paramdhama where liberated souls dwell for eternity enjoying pure bliss and happiness in the company of God Narayana or Vishnu. Vaikuntha is beyond the periphery of the material universe and hence, cannot be perceived or measured by material science and logic.

Ksheera Sagara or Ocean of milk is known to be the topmost realm in the material universe where Sheshashayee Lord Vishnu rests on Ananta Shesha. Cosmologically, the Ksheera Sagara is supposed to be situated to the South of the Jambudvipa-globe (the Earth-sphere), and is depicted as being in the Southern Hemisphere in related Hindu Cosmography (Cartography). It is also sometimes known as local Vaikuntha of the material universe which is approachable by devas or demigods in order to meet Lord Vishnu in case of any emergency or disturbance in the equilibrium of the universe. Vaikuntha itself, is beyond the material universe and so is free from the universal creation and annihilation which happens again and again

Bhagavata Purana

Lord Brahma was shown a glimpse of the eternal and supreme abode Vaikuntha, by Supreme Lord Narayana at the time of the creation of the cosmos when Brahma satisfied Lord Narayana by the penance after being born on the lotus emanated from the navel of Lord Narayana (Vishnu). According to the Bhagavata Purana, which is considered to be the essence of vedic knowledge and the greatest of all puranas this event is described as follows:[SUP]

[/SUP]

The Personality of Godhead, being thus very much satisfied with the penance of Lord Brahma, was pleased to manifest His personal abode, Vaikuntha, the supreme planet above all others. This transcendental abode of the Lord is adored by all self-realized persons freed from all kinds of miseries and fear of illusory existence. In that personal abode of the Lord, the material modes of ignorance and passion do not prevail, nor is there any of their influence in goodness. There is no predominance of the influence of time, so what to speak of the illusory, external energy; it cannot enter that region. Without discrimination, both the demigods and the demons worship the Lord as devotees.[SUP]

[/SUP] The inhabitants of the Vaikuntha planets are described as having a glowing sky-bluish complexion. Their eyes resemble lotus flowers, their dress is of yellowish color, and their bodily features very attractive. They are just the age of growing youths, they all have four hands, they are all nicely decorated with pearl necklaces with ornamental medallions, and they all appear to be effulgent.[SUP]

[/SUP] Some of them are effulgent like coral and diamonds in complexion and have garlands on their heads, blooming like lotus flowers, and some wear earrings. The Vaikuntha planets are also surrounded by various airplanes, all glowing and brilliantly situated. These airplanes belong to the great mahatmas or devotees of the Lord. The ladies are as beautiful as lightning because of their celestial complexions, and all these combined together appear just like the sky decorated with both clouds and lightning.[SUP]

[/SUP]

The goddess of fortune in her transcendental form is engaged in the loving service of the Lord's lotus feet, and being moved by the black bees, followers of spring, she is not only engaged in variegated pleasure -- service to the Lord, along with her constant companions -- but is also engaged in singing the glories of the Lord's activities.[SUP]

[/SUP] Lord Brahma saw in the Vaikuntha planets the Personality of Godhead, who is the Lord of the entire devotee community, the Lord of the goddess of fortune, the Lord of all sacrifices, and the Lord of the universe, and who is served by the foremost servitors like Nanda, Sunanda, Prabala and Arhana, His immediate associates. The Personality of Godhead, seen leaning favorably towards His loving servitors, His very sight intoxicating and attractive, appeared to be very much satisfied. He had a smiling face decorated with an enchanting reddish hue. He was dressed in yellow robes and wore earrings and a helmet on his head. He had four hands, and His chest was marked with the lines of the goddess of fortune.[SUP]

[/SUP] The Lord was seated on His throne and was surrounded by different energies like the four, the sixteen, the five, and the six natural opulences, along with other insignificant energies of the temporary character. But He was the factual Supreme Lord, enjoying His own abode

You tube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5JhopGN1FU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlxIMW4aIDw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q_rvbp7EnE

Kaayena vaachaa manasendriyairva

Buddhyaatmanaa va prakrite swaabhaavath

Karomi yadyad sakalam parasmai

Naaraayana-yeti samarpayami

With The Blessings of Sriman Sri Narayana, I have come to this Stage, If i had not covered any details for any particular Divya Desam, Please Pardon me and Educate me with your Knowledge on any Divya Deaam

There is no End to Divya Desam, The whole Universe is His Divya Desam, The Stars, Moons, Planets, Suns and Kodani Koti Universes are Sriman Narayana's Divya Abode.

When I am writing this, Tears rolled down my cheeks, Feeling Happiness that Sriman Narayanan Allowed me with His Abundant Grace to come to thus Far!!!

At The Lotus Feet of Sriman Narayanan

Adiyen

P J

OM NAMO NARAYA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaikuntha_Chaturdashi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaikuntha

P.J. · Sep 13, 2015

Rare Photos of Srirangam temple

Rare Photos of Srirangam temple

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]Decorated temple-car of the Srirangam temple 1850[/TD]
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[TD="class: tr-caption"]Lithographer: Dibdin, Thomas Colman (1810-1893) year :1847[/TD]
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This is plate 23 from James Fergusson's 'Ancient Architecture in Hindoostan'. Srirangam near Tiruchirapally is the site of one of the largest temple complexes in India. The gateway sketched by Fergusson is incomplete: the tower had not yet been added. It belongs to the Ranganatha Temple, a pilgrimage site famed for its annual Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival, dedicated to Vishnu. The scale of the gateway impressed Fergusson as nearly unrivalled in India.The present temple has seven concentric walls and 21 towers or gopurams. Although worship at the site goes back earlier, the temple itself was founded in the 11th century. It was continually augmented between the 13th and the 17th centuries.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]'South Front of the Great Gateway of Seringham Pagoda'. Coloured aquatint by J. Wells after a drawing by Capt. Trapaud, 1788
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Coloured aquatint by J.Wells after a drawing by Capt. Trapaud of the south front of the great gateway of the dated 1788.The holy pilgrimage place of Srirangam is situated on a long isand in the Cauvery river. Here there are two large temple complexes, a Vaishnava dedicated to Ranganatha and the Jambukeshvara temple which is consacrated to Shiva. The Ranganatha Temple was started in the Chola period but most of the works were carried out from the 13th to the 17th century under the patronage of the Pandya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Nayaka rulers. The temple covers an area of 63 hectares divided into 7 concentric enclosures with tall gateways or gopuras in the middle of four sides. The sacred complex of the Jambukeshvara dates mostly from the 17th century Nayaka period.

Photographer : Lyon, Edmund David -year 1868

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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon. Close-up of carved horses and other figures in the Sheshagirirayar Mandapa at the Ranganatha temple of Srirangam. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India', edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description: 'On passing under the Gateway.....the visitor finds himself opposite the sanctum, which, however, he cannot enter, and so must turn to the right, and following the wall of the Court round its South-eastern angle, he will find a handsome portico at its southern end. Passing through it, there are, at its northern face, the pillars shown in the Photograph, each handsomely carved[/TD]
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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon, showing part of the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India', edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description: 'On the left, on entering the Gateway...a stone staircase leads to the top, from which a general view of the whole interior of the pagoda is obtained. The houses seen below are those of the Brahmins, of whom 8,000 are said to live inside the walls. The tall Gateways or Gopuras in the centre, mark entrances into the inner Courts on the south side, while the corresponding Gateways on the north side are seen in the distance on the left; the large Gopura on the right marks the entrance to the Horse Court.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]East side of largest gateway
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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon. East gopuram of the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India', edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description: 'This view shows the other or east face of the same Gateway... It is said to be over 150 feet high, and could be seen from Tanjore, a distance of 36 miles. It has nine storeys, including the basement, a number which is generally understood to be symbolical of the nine Avatars of Vishnu. It has less figure sculpture than the smaller gateways, but its architectural details and general outline are good, and altogether may be taken as a typical example of the style'.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]West side of largest pyramidal gateway
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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon. East gopuram of the Ranganatha temple in Srirangham. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India', edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description: 'Ascending the steps to the roof of the thousand-pillared Portico, the best view is obtained of this Gateway, which is the highest in Seringham. Its base is quite plain, and smeared as usual with stripes of white and red wash. It forms the only entrance to the court of which the carved horsemen pillars form the north side, and the Hall of 1,000 columns on the south side. Passing under it and between these two porches the visitor again reaches the sanctuary.'

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]Small gateway on the east side
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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon. General view of a gopuram at Srirangam. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India', edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description: 'Passing through the great Gateway and turning our backs on the sanctuary, so as to leave the temple on the East side, the visitor has to pass through three Gateways...This is one of the smallest belonging to the Temple, and the only prominent sculptures with which it is adorned are a statue of Vishnu on the right, and Krishna and the Gopis of Bindrabun [Vrindavan] on the left'.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]Gateway at entrance to Fifth Court
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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India', edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description of this view of the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam: 'Passing through the two next Courts and under their Pyramidal Gateways, which are not deserving of special notice, we arrive opposite the one here shown, which is by far the best, as it is the oldest of those on this side. Assuming the sanctuary to have been erected in the first years of the sixteenth century, which is probably not far from the truth, and allowing half a century to have elapsed between the time of the addition of each of its six external courts, we have a rough chronometric scale...

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]West side of gateway at east entrance to the Second Court
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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon. General view of a gopuram at Srirangam. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India', edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description: 'It is one of the peculiarities of this style of building, that the concentric enclosures increase in dimension as you recede from the centre, so do the gateways. This one consequently is larger and finer than the last, and through its doorway are seen the gateposts of the outer one of all, which had it been finished, would have equalled, if it had not surpassed, that by which the Temple was entered...'

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]The South Entrance
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Photograph from an album of 41 albumen prints by Edmund David Lyon. The Ranganatha Temple on Srirangam Island, opposite Tiruchirapalli, is the largest temple complex in India. It was founded and enlarged between the 13th and the 17th centuries and is surrounded by 7 concentric walls and 21 towers or gopurams. The gopurams date mostly from the 16th-17th centuries and are brick and plaster pyramidal towers with projecting porches in the middle of each diminishing storey. They increase in size from the innermost enclosure outwards and are completely covered with vividly coloured plaster figures. Srirangam enshrines an idol of Vishnu (here called Ranganathaswamy) reclining on a great serpent. In this view the gopuram (temple tower) is unfinished, with only the base constructed.

Photograph of the gopurams of the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam, taken by an unknown photographer in the 1880s, from an album of 62 views of India and Ceylon. The Ranganatha temple is a Vaishnava complex situated on the artificial island of Srirangam in the Cauvery River near Tiruchirapalli. The building of the temple started in the later Chola period in the early 11th century but muchof it was added on from the 13th to the 17th century under the patronage of the Pandya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Nayaka rulers.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]photo taken in 1860[/TD]
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Photograph of the entrance gateway to the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam, from the Album of Miscellaneous views in India, 1860s. The Ranganatha Temple on Srirangam Island, opposite Tiruchirapalli, is the largest temple complex in India. It was founded and enlarged between the 13th and the 17th centuries and is surrounded by 7 concentric walls and 21 towers or gopurams. The gopurams date mostly from the 16th-17th centuries and are brick and plaster pyramidal towers with projecting porches in the middle of each diminishing storey. They increase in size from the innermost enclosure outwards and are completely covered with vividly coloured plaster figures. Srirangam enshrines an idol of Vishnu (here called Ranganathaswamy) reclining on a great serpent.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]The Great Pagoda at Seringham. The Third Gopuram
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Photograph of the third gopura of the Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam, taken by Linnaeus Tripe (1822-1902) in 1858

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]The Great Pagoda at Seringham. A small four pillared Mundapum inside the Second Gopuram.
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Photograph of the street towards the open-sided, four-columned mandapa, with the gopura of the Ranganatha Temple beyond, taken by Linnaeus Tripe (1822-1902) in 1858.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]Silver plated Yali vahana, Ranganadhaswami Temple [Ranganatha Temple], Srirangam
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Photograph of a silver plated Yali vahana (vehicle of the divinity) in the Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam, from the Archaeological Survey of India Collection: Madras, 1896-98. The Ranganatha Temple is one of the largest and most sacred complexes in South India. This Vaishnava temple is situated on the holy island of Srirangam in the Cauvery River.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]Small ivory ratha, Ranganadhaswami Temple [Ranganatha Temple], Srirangam
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Photograph of an ornate ivory ratha with a temple priest in the background, Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam, from the Archaeological Survey of India Collection: Madras, 1896-98.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]The Great Pagoda at Seringham. Jewels of the Pagoda.
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Photograph of a collection of jewellery, guardian figures, a naga image and plate, photographed in a mandapa of the Ranganatha Temple taken by Linnaeus Tripe (1822-1902) in 1858.

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[TD="class: tr-caption"]The Great Pagoda at Seringham. Part of the front of the Sashanarayana Mundapum. [Sheshagirirayar Mandapa, Ranganatha Temple, Srirangam
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http://divyadesamyatra.blogspot.in/2012/04/rare-photos-of-seringham-near.html

P.J. · Sep 19, 2015

திருப்பதி சென்று வந்தால் திருப்பம் வரும&

திருப்பதி சென்று வந்தால் திருப்பம் வரும்

108 திவ்ய தேசத்திலும் பெருமாள் நின்ற வண்ணம், அமர்ந்த வண்ணம், கிடந்த வண்ணம் ஏன் அளந்த வண்ணத்திலும் காணக் கிடைக்கிறார். ஒரு கூடுதல் சிறப்பு திருமலை கோவிந்தனுக்கு உண்டு. மூலவர் கோவிந்தனின் முகவாய்க்கட்டையில் வெள்ளையாக இருக்கும். என்ன காரணம்? ஏன் இவருக்கு மட்டும் இப்படி? இதற்கு ஒரு கதை உண்டு.

திருமலையில் அனந்தாழ்வான் என்ற பக்தனுக்குத் தோட்ட வேலையில் உதவி செய்யச் சின்னப் பையனாகச் சென்றார் பெருமாள். பெருமாளுக்குத் தான் மட்டுமே பூக்கைங்கரியம் செய்ய வேண்டும் என்று சபதம் எடுத்து இருந்தார் அனந்தன். தனது நிறைமாத கர்ப்பிணி மனைவியை மட்டும் உதவ அனுமதித்தார். அப்பெண்மணி படும் சிரமத்தைக் கண்டு மனம் பதைத்த பெருமாள், ஒரு சிறுவனாக மாறி உதவச் சென்றார். தன் சபதத்திற்கு இடையூறு செய்வதாக கருதி உதவிக்கு வந்த அந்தச் சிறுவனை விரட்டி அடித்தார் அனந்தன். இரும்பு கடப்பரையைச் சிறுவன் மீது விட்டு அடித்தார். சிறுவன் மறைந்தான்.

இதே நேரத்தில் திருமலையில் உள்ள ஆனந்த நிலையத்தில் சந்நிதியில் குடி கொண்டிருந்த பெருமாளின் திருமுகமண்டலத்தில் உள்ள முகவாய்க்கட்டையில் ரத்தம் பீறிடுகிறது. அர்ச்சக சுவாமி பெருமாளின் பீதாம்பரத்தால் துடைத்தார். ரத்தம் வெளிவருவது நிற்கவில்லை. தனது அங்கவஸ்திரத்தால் துடைத்தார். ரத்தம் பீறிறிடுவது நிற்கவில்லை. எவ்வளவு துடைத்தாலும், ரத்தம் பீறிடுவது நிற்காததால் திகைத்தார் அர்ச்சக சுவாமி. பெருமாளுக்குத் திருநாமம் இட, அருகில் வெள்ளை நிறப் பச்சைக் கற்பூரம் வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்தது. அவசரத்தில் அதனை எடுத்து ரத்தம் வரும் இடத்தில் அணைத்தாற்போல் வைத்தார் அர்ச்சக சுவாமி. ரத்தம் கொட்டுவது நின்றது. வெள்ளை நிறத்தில் இருந்த அந்தப் பச்சைக் கற்பூரம் அங்கேயே திருக்கோலம் கொண்டுவிட்டது. அவருக்கு ஒரு நிரந்தர அடையாளத்தைக் கொடுத்துவிட்டது.

இன்றும் அனந்தன் விட்டெறிந்த அந்தக் கடப்பரையை திருமலை கோயிலின் பிரதான நுழைவாயிலில் காணலாம். தெய்வம் மனுஷ்ய ரூபேண என்பார்கள். பகவான் எந்த உருவில் வேண்டுமானாலும் வந்து, பக்தர்கள் துன்பம் தீர உதவலாம். அதனால் யாரையும் கடிந்து பேசிக் காயப்படுத்த வேண்டாம் என்பதே இக்கதை கூறும் கருத்தாகக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

திருமலையில் இந்த ஆண்டு பிரம்மோத்சவம் செப்டம்பர் 16-ம் தேதி தொடங்கி 24 ம் தேதி வரை நடைபெறுகிறது. இவ்விழா நிகழ்ச்சி அனைத்தையும் திருமலா திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தான சேனலான,  வெங்கடேஸ்வரா பக்தி சேனல் (SVBC) நேரலையாக ஒளிபரப்புகிறது. தமிழ், தெலுங்கு, கன்னடம், இந்தி ஆகிய மொழிகளில் நேரடி வர்ணனையைப் பல பண்டிதர்கள், அனைவரும் புரிந்துகொள்ளும் வகையில் எளிய நடையில் விளக்குவார்கள் என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. அந்தக் கலிவரதனை காணக் கண் கோடி வேண்டும்.

http://tamil.thehindu.com/society/spirituality/

shansnrmp · Nov 25, 2015

sasi814 · Oct 5, 2017

Is there any pilgrimage tour that covers all the 108 divya desams or do we have to do them one by one? What's the best way to travel to these places?

108 Divyadesam Temples of Sri Maha Vishnu

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