A rock cut cave temple dating
back to the Pallava Period
15kms Secret tunnel to Nithya
Kalyana Perumal in Thiru Vidanthai
Located one km south of the Sthala Sayana Perumal
Divya Desam on the way to the light house is a lesser known but an ancient
Pallava period rock cut cave temple dedicated to Varaha Perumal.
This temple pre dates the Kadal Mallai Divya Desam in
Maamallapuram and is one of the two Vishnu temples that have survived ravages
of the sea over the last 10centuries.
The Story
A Pallava King made a daily trip to the Varaha Perumal
temple at Thiru Vidanthai (15kms north of here on the East Coast Road). He
would have his morning food only after this darshan. Also, it was his practice
to feed a 1000people each day after coming back from Thiru Vidanthai.
Lord Vishnu decided to put his devotion to test. One morning
he appeared before the king as a hungry Brahmin carrying along with a child
(Goddess in disguise).
The king requested if he could first make his daily
trip to Thiru Vidanthai and then offer them food as that was his practice. The
Lord in disguise rejected this suggestion stating that he was dying of hunger
and that it may be too late for the child by the time the king returned.
Invoking the blessings of Varaha Perumal of Thiru
Vidanthai, the king decided that feeding a hungry child was more important than
his trip. Pleased with the king’s true devotion, the disguised Lord provided
darshan to the king at the same place as Varaha Perumal with Agilavalli Thaayar
on his right side ( at Thiru Vidanthai, Goddess is seen to the left of the
Lord).
At this cave temple, the moolavar Varna Kala idol Aadhi
Varaha Perumal is sculpted on the rock with his left leg placed on a Naga King
and Queen and with his left hand on Thaayar’s lap.
Construction
Pallava King Simha Vishnu is believed to
have built this cave temple. In memory of his contribution, one finds stone
idols of Simha Vishnu along with his son Mahendra Varma Pallava.
There are also exquisite stone idols of
Rudra, Brahmma, Goddess Lakshmi and Durga inside this cave temple.
Secret
Tunnel
An interesting feature at the temple is the
entrance to a secret 15km long tunnel (now shut) that was once an underground
route to the Nithya Kalyana Perumal temple in Thiru Vidanthai. One also finds
such a secret passage at Parameswara Vinnagaram (Vaikunta Perumal) Divya Desam
in Kanchipuram which once led to Maamallapuram almost 70kms east.
Festival
On the full moon day in Maasi every year,
the utsava deity, Gnanapiran, goes on a procession to the sea shore on a Garuda
Vahana.
Quick
Facts
Moolavar:
Aadhi Varaha Perumal West Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Agilavalli Thaayar
Utsavar : Gnana Piran
Time : 8am-12noon and 3pm-5pm
Contact : Gopalakrishnan (Gopu) Bhattar @ 98404
08755
Auto from Sthala Sayana Perumal temple will
cost Rs. 40.
Ashtabhuja Venugopalaswamy Belur
A temple that
will help you liberate from Kama
Located
5kms North of Vazhapadi off the Salem- Attur highway is the centuries old Ashtabhuja
Venugopalaswamy in Belur on the Northern banks of the Vellai River. The temple’s
legend is believed to date back to Arjuna and the Mahabaratha.
The
story goes that Arjuna who was to perform a pooja invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva to repent for
his killings came to this place. Looking for sacred water, he was directed by Lord
Krishna to strike an arrow towards the North. Upon his strike, flowed
clean water from the Aran Ootru Malai, that was said to be as white as milk. He performed an abhisheka for
Lord Shiva at the temple opposite the Ashtabhuja Venugopalan temple.
Another
story goes that Sage Vashista performed a yagna at this place, which
then
became a mount. The mount where the yagna took place is now referred to
as Kottai Medu. Vellai Aaru has also come to be known as Vashista River
after the Sage's Yagna here.
Interesting feature
An
interesting feature at this temple is that Lord Venugopalan is seen holding a
sugarcane in his left hand said to be a symbol of Manmada’s arrow. Belief is
that those who visit this temple and offer sincere prayers will be liberated
from Kama.
A lot of the ancient idols at this temple including that of Lord Vinayaka are believed to date back to the period of the successful Karnataka rulers.
Garuda slightly away
Garuda
is seen standing away and not directly in line with the Moolavar deity. The idol
of Anjaneya who is seen in an Abhaya Hastha Posture is said to date back to the
Vijaya Varma Period.
Margazhi
30days Thirumanjanam
Satyanarayana
Pooja every Full Moon Day
Thirumanjanam
every Rohini
Vaikunta
Ekadesi
Puratasi
Saturdays attract big devotee crowd
When here, also visit Lakshmi Gopalan temple at Ethapur just under 10kms East
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2013/11/lakshmi-gopalan-temple-ethapur.html
When here, also visit Lakshmi Gopalan temple at Ethapur just under 10kms East
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2013/11/lakshmi-gopalan-temple-ethapur.html
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Ashtabhuja Venugopalaswamy East Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Maragadavalli Thaayar
Time :
7am-12noon and 430pm-730pm
Contact : Srinivasa
Bhattar @ 98946 89629 / Sekar Bhattar @ 96775 54839
How to reach
Share
Auto every 5minutes from Vazhapadi railway station
All
Karmandurai bound buses stop in front of the Belur temple
Auto
from Vazhapadi will cost Rs. 70.
Vedanta Desigar Srirangam Temple
Desigar praises Srirangam temple as
one where all our unsolved problems will be put behind and a happiness
achieved beyond our expectations
ஆராத அருள் அமுதம் பொதிந்த கோயில்
அம்புயத் தோன் அயோத்தி மன்னர்க்கு அளித்த கோயில்
தோலாத தனி வீரன் தொழுத கோயில்
துணையான வீடண ற்குத் துனையாம் கோயில்
சேராத பயன் எல்லாம் சேர்க்கும் கோயில்
செழு மறையின் முதல் எழுத்துச் சேர்ந்த கோயில்
தீராத வினை அனைத்தும் தீர்க்கும் கோயில்
திருவரங்கம் எனத் திகழும் கோயில் தானே
ஆராத அருள் அமுதம் பொதிந்த கோயில்
அம்புயத் தோன் அயோத்தி மன்னர்க்கு அளித்த கோயில்
தோலாத தனி வீரன் தொழுத கோயில்
துணையான வீடண ற்குத் துனையாம் கோயில்
சேராத பயன் எல்லாம் சேர்க்கும் கோயில்
செழு மறையின் முதல் எழுத்துச் சேர்ந்த கோயில்
தீராத வினை அனைத்தும் தீர்க்கும் கோயில்
திருவரங்கம் எனத் திகழும் கோயில் தானே
Vedanta Desigar, who stayed in Srirangam for several years, showers a
heap of praise on Lord Ranganatha temple in Srirangam in his 'Athikaara
Sangramam' verse.
Referring to the temple as one dedicated to the King of Ayodhya, Desigar
says that just a visit to the temple and offering sincere prayers there
will immediately secure the Lord's blessings. With this, one is sure to
achieve a state of mind that is full of peace and happiness that is
beyond one's expectations.
Desigar instills a lot of confidence in the devotee's mind stating that a
sheer presence at the Srirangam temple and spending time with utmost
devotion, will help put behind all our unsolved problems and that we
will be given a fresh lease of life, one that we can look forward to.
Such is the greatness of the Lord of Srirangam that he forgives our past
sins and gives us a 2nd chance to come back and lead a positive life.
Kothandarama Temple Ariyalur
The handsome Bronze Idol of Rama dates
back to the Pallava Period
Exquisite 6 feet tall Dasavaratha
idols are a special feature
Located in
the heart of Ariyalur 1km west of the bus stand is the Kothandarama Temple,
where the bronze idol of the handsome South Facing Rama is believed to date
back over 1000years to the Pallava period with later renovation during the
Chozha rule. The East facing Venkatesa Perumal, a later creation, is now the
main Moolavar deity at this temple.
However,
to this day, the temple continues to be known after the original deity as the
Kothandarama Temple of Ariyalur. Rama is seen along with Sita and Lakshmana in
a single peedam.
An
interesting feature at the temple is the exquisite over 6 feet tall Dasavaratha
idols on either side of the Dasavathara Mandapa, one that was constructed by
Vijaya Oppila Mazhava Raya. In recognition of this, one finds his idol at the
entrance of the mandapa.
North
Facing Lord Narasimha is seen in four forms inside the Dasavathara Mandapa-
Lakshmi Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Hiranyavatha Narasimha and Prahalada
Narasimha. One finds Lord Narasimha with sharp finger nails that tore apart the
Asura, while his foot is placed on the slain Asura King Hiranyakashipu whose
son Prahalada is seen in a calm, devoted standing posture.
The Name
Ariyalur
also bears its name from the presence of Lord Vishnu here. ‘Hari Iruntha Oor’,
the place where Lord Vishnu resides, in course of time became ‘Ari’ yalur.
Festivals
Vaikunta
Ekadesi with Swarga Vaasal opening
Rama
Navami
Garuda
Sevai Procession on Vaikasi Visakam day is a big highlight at the temple
Plans
are to revive the Brahmotsavam and Theppotsavam
Chariot
Festival on Shravanam Vaikasi
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Venkatesa Perumal East Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Alarmel Mangai Thaayar (Separate Sannidhi)
Time : 730am-1030am and 5pm-830pm
Contact : Krishna
Kumar Bhattar @ 97501 31328
How to reach Ariyalur
Ariyalur
is on the Chennai- Tiruchirapalli rail route. Auto from Ariyalur Railway
Station to the temple will cost Rs. 40/-.
When
here, also visit Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal temple at Kallankurichi, 6kms East
of this temple.
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2013/10/kallankuruchi-kaliyuga-varadaraja.html
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2013/10/kallankuruchi-kaliyuga-varadaraja.html
Lakshmi Gopalan Temple Ethapur
Located
15kms West of Attur and just over 30kms East of Salem is a
small temple for Lakshmi Gopalan in Ethapur. Vasishta river flows just South of the temple.
Centuries
ago, a Mysore King who was ruling here, directed a temple for Shiva be built
here. While the tank was being constructed, the idol of Lord Gopalan was found.
The
minister Seshaiyer took his own call to build a temple for Lord Vishnu West of
the location where the Shiva temple was being planned. Not wanting to face the
fury of the king whose permission he did not seek to build the Vishnu temple,
the minister stayed in a small hut West of this place.
To this
day, that place where Seshaiyer stayed is called Sesha Saavadi.
Learning
about this, the king called for his minister and asked him to perform the
Kumbabishekam of the Shiva temple after the Vishnu temple.
Sesha Vahana is still seen inside the temple and procession takes place on this vahana during the annual festivals.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Lakshmi Gopalan East Facing Standing Posture
Time : 7am-12noon, 5pm-9pm
Contact : Gnana Skanda Gurukal @ 04282 270210
The
Utsava deity is currently kept inside the Samba Murtheeswarar temple at
Ethapur.
How to reach
Chennai
Egmore- Salem Express stops at Ethapur station (515am arrival). From there an
auto will cost Rs. 50 to the temple (6kms North) off the Attur-Salem highway.
From
Salem, one can take the Attur bound bus and get down at Puthira Goundan Palayam.
And take a town bus/auto from there (10mts).
When
here, also visit Ashta Bhuja Perumal at Belur, 6kms West of here.
Thiru Kotteeswarar Temple Thiru Kodikaaval
Yama Dharma Raja
visited this place to repent his killing of Markandeya Rishi, liberated
himself from the sin and assumed back his original role
Uttama Chozha’s mother
reconstructed the temple in the 10th Century AD converting the then existing brick
structure into the Granite Structure that we see today
Yama
Located
8kms North West of Kuthalam and 7kms North East of Aduthurai off the Veppathur
– Kanjanur Road in the Thiruvidaimaruthur Taluk (Thanjavur District) in a remote village is the
legendary Thiru Kotteeswarar temple in Thiru Kodikaaval, a temple that in its
current form dates back over 1200years ago and whose legend relates to Lord
Saneeswarar’s penance and to the visit of Yama and Chitragupta.
There
are exquisite sculptures sketching historical episodes at the Eastern Entrance
below the Raja Gopuram that is believed to date back to a period prior to the
Pallavas.
Saneeswarar’s Penance
The
story goes that Saneeswarar undertook penance here invoking the blessings of
Lord Thiru Kotteeswarar. Since the belief was that Sani’s vision caused sadness
to people and brought evil times all around, he shut his eyes in disgust
stating that he did not want to cause any more trouble to the people.
Thiru
Kotteeswarar appeared before Sani and preached the doctrine of truth suggesting
to him that it was actually Sani who helped people realise the sins they had
committed and the wrongs they had done to others. In reality, it was Sani’s
contribution to their well being for only after he set his eyes on the wrong
doers did they take corrective steps to cleanse the sins. Being a student who
was preached by Thiru Kotteeswarar, Sani is seen here in a ‘Bala’ (small)
Posture.
Yama, Chitragupta and Thiru
Kodikkaaval temple
Having
been the cause of the unreasonable demise of Markandeya Rishi who clung on to
the Shiva Lingam at the time of his death, Yama felt depressed. In an act of
anger, Lord Shiva killed Yama for causing the death of his true devotee. Born
again, Yama undertook penance at Sri Vanjiyam invoking the blessings of Lord
Shiva who appeared before him. Upset at the death of Markandeya Rishi, Yama’s
only wish now was to serve as the Vahana of Lord Shiva. As part of this, he
carried him to Thiru Kodikkaaval.
With
Yama not playing his assigned role, Devas felt that sins were increasing in
this world as the culprits were not being booked and punished and that the
earth was becoming hot and unbearable to live. Looking for a solution, they
sought the help of Sage Durvasa who took them to Kasi where an invisible voice
directed them to Thiru Kodikkaaval.
On
reaching here, 3crore Devas installed three Shiva Lingams and brought sacred
water from the three Logams. It is believed that Nandi created the sacred
Theertham with his horns. On Sivarathri, they found Shiva and Yama here at this
place and requested Thiru Kotteeswarar to direct Yama Dharma Raja to accept his
post so justice can be brought back to the world.
Unable
to accept his unjust killing of Markandeya Rishi and wanting to repent, Yama
was born as a cow with Chitragupta as a calf. Chitragupta, who kept the records
of the good and bad deeds, also had to pay the price for it was his duty to
have stopped the killing. It was here that Markandeya Rishi was found as a
child on the streets by Manu Needhi Chozhan.
Finally, on the request of 3crore Devas and as suggested by Thiru
Kotteeswarar, Yama and Chitragupta took bath in the sacred theertham and were
liberated from their own sins. They assumed their original forms, went back to
play their assigned roles and thus brought back sanity into this world.
In
memory of this episode, there is a separate sannidhi for both Yama Dharma Raja
and Chitragupta inside the temple.
Sun’s rays on the Lord
This is
the only temple where Sun’s rays fall on Lord Shiva on three consecutive days
in different places. On the 19th day of Aadi, the Sun’s rays fall on
the Lord’s left. On the next day, it falls in the centre while on the 21st
day of Aadi, the Sun’s rays fall on the Lord’s right side. On these three days,
a special Surya Pooja is performed at this temple.
Pancha ‘Ka’ temples
Thiru
Kodikka temple is one of the five ‘Kka’ Kshetrams. The others are Thiru
Kolakka, Thiru Nellikka, Thiru Kurukka and Thiru Vaanaikka.
Praised by Appar and Sambanthar
Saivite
Saint Poets Thiru Navukkarasar (Appar) and Thiru Gnana Sambanthar have praised
Lord Kotteeswarar of Thiru Kodikkaaval. While Appar refers to the fact that
where ever he goes, he finds Lord Shiva as the one whom he saw residing at
Thiru Kodikkaaval, Thiru Gnana Sambandar praises Lord of Kodikkaaval as ‘Inru
Nanru Naalai Nanrenru Ninra Itchaiyaal…. Kodikkaavu Serminey’ suggesting that
any day is a good day to visit Kodikkaval to have darshan and seek the
blessings of Thiru Kotteeswarar.
Inscriptions
There
are several inscriptions dating back to the Pallava period in the 9th
century AD that provide interesting insights into the functioning of the
temple, the deities inside the temple, the direction to the temple, the name of
this place, the blowing of conches during pooja time and the reconstruction and
renovation efforts to convert into a granite structure.
A 9th
Century AD inscription relating to the rule of Maraanjadaiya Varaguna refers to
a gift of gold for lighting perpetual lamp for Goddess and Vinayaka. During the
rule of Pallava Nandi Varma II, there was a gift of paddy for lighting lamp.
Thiru Kodikkaval as per the inscription was referred to at that time as
Kannamangalam.
An 891AD
inscription reveals the conduct of Tulabara Ceremonies performed by Vira
Mahadevi, Queen of Pallava Nripatunga for providing offerings and lamps to God.
Yet another inscription that dates back to 910AD and to the rule of Para Kesari
Varma refers to the gift of land for blowing 2 conches in the temple.
The
inscription of 981AD refers to reconstruction of the temple by Sembian
Mahadevi, the mother of Uttama Chola and converting the then existing brick
structure into a granite structure.
During
the rule of Raja Kesari Varma Chozha, there was an agreement to pay taxes on
land endowed to the Thiru Kodikka temple with the objective of feeding devotees
visiting the temple. The inscriptions also provide direction to the temple as
being just North of Cauvery. A gift of land was made to the temple during his
rule for supply of 5pots of water daily from Cauvery for the sacred bath of the
deity.
During
Nandivarma’s rule, a gift of land was given for the Nandavanam. A merchant
gifted gold for the construction of Madivalagam. During Raja Raja’s (I) rule, in 996AD,
servants of the temple received money on the agreement that they would supply
offerings to the Sun God. There are also inscriptions inside the temple dating
back to the rule of Kulotunga, Vikrama Chola and Kopperunjinga II.
Grand Festivals
In
centuries gone by, several festivals were celebrated in a grand manner
including a 13day Brahmotsavam in Panguni, Maha Utsavam in Maasi and
Vasanthotsavam in Vaikasi. During the Brahmotsavam, Thiru Kotteeswarar would go
on a grand procession on a different vahana each day around the streets of
Thiru Kodikkaaval. In ancient times, there were over 50vahanas at the temple.
Now, this has been reduced to just a few. As part of the Brahmotsavam, Thiru
Kotteeswarar on Yama Vahana and Ambal Thiri Bhuvanasundari on Yamini Vahana
used to come out on a special procession.
There
was a 30day ‘Pidari’ festival that preceded the Brahmotsavam where Lord Veera
Bhadra and Goddess Kali from Bhootha Kulam, a village half a km west of this
temple visited Thiru Kotteeswarar temple for Theerthavari Utsavam. This
festival was believed to cleanse the sins of devotees.
With the
arrival of Aipasi (mid October) every year, Sengazhaneer flowers used to start
blooming at the huge sacred tank North of the temple. These flowers used to
bloom in big numbers till the arrival of Maasi (mid February).
Quick
Facts
Deity : Thiru Kotteeswarar / Vetra
Vaneeswarar
Goddess : Thiri Bhuvanasundari
Time : 9am-1pm and 530pm-9pm
Priest : Shanmuga Sundara Gurukal @
94878 60043 / 94866 70043
How
to reach
By
train, one can get down at Mayiladuthurai or Kumbakonam. From Mayiladuthurai,
one can reach the temple via Kuthalam. From Kumbakonam, one can take the
Aduthurai - Suryanar Koil- Kanjanur route to reach Thiru Kodikkaaval. A few
express trains also stop at Kuthalam and Aduthurai stations.
Bus
number 2 and 2A ply every half hour from Mayavaram/Kuthalam on the Kanjanur
route. Auto from Kanjanur will cost Rs. 60/- while one can also take an auto
from Thiruvalankadu (Rs.50).
One can also reach the temple from Thirupanandal (just above 15kms) by bus (Bus Number 54).
Kallankuruchi Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal
Vanniyars of
Udayarpalayam created a Perumal Temple near Ariyalur in the early 18th Century AD that now attracts lakhs of
devotees during Brahmotsavam and Puratasi
Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal is
the Kula Deivam for people from 10nearby villages
Located
6kms East of Ariyalur is the 18th Century AD over 250years old
Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal temple, one that was built by the Padaiyaachi
Vanniyars of Sithalavadi Village in Udayarpalayam.
The story
Gopalan
Padaiyaachi moved to Kadugur village and built several small houses in the
place that was until then an uninhabited forest area thus converting it into a
vibrant commercial location. Pleased with his efforts, the villagers named this
place as ‘Gopalan Kudikadu’.
The
story goes that once his son Mangaan took out a herd of cows and found one of
the cows missing on his return. Despite extensive search, he failed to locate
the pregnant cow, an event that left him dejected back home.
A few
days later, he heard an invisible voice directing him to a particular place
here in Kallankuruchi where he found the cow with her new born. Pleased with
this, he brought home the mother and the new born. A day later he heard the
invisible voice again, this time expressing disappointment at not having
thanked him for helping locate his lost cow.
When
Mangaan Padaiyaachi went back to that place, he found a sacred pillar with the
cow’s milk on it and immediately that it was Lord Vishnu who had himself come
and helped him the previous day. Mangaan performed abhisheka and erected the sacred
pillar with an anjaneya idol at the bottom of sacred pillar. It was an accepted
practice in olden days to erect the pillar as the deity when people were short
of funds to install an idol.
Kula Deivam - Varadaraja Perumal
From the
grains generated, Mangaan Padaiyaachi built the temple here at Kallankuruchi
with the sacred pillar as the moolavar deity. While originally, poojas were
conducted only on a weekly basis, later the Utsava deity of South Facing Kaliyuga
Varadaraja Perumal with Sri Bhoo Devi was installed and a pooja process as per
Vaikanasa Agama was created and Bhattars were appointed to perform daily poojas
which is now followed diligently at this temple.
Interestingly,
only the Vanniyars perform pooja inside the Moolavar Sannidhi, while the
Vaishnavite Bhattars perform pooja at the Utsava Sannidhi.
Kaliyuga
Varadaraja Perumal is the Kula Deivam for people from 10nearby villages.
Festivals
Brahmotsavam
– Rama Navami - Procession during Brahmotsavam is on Silver Vahanas.
Raksha
Bandhan
There
are two chariots here at this temple- one for the utsava deity and one for
Anjaneya. Chariot Festival too attracts huge number of devotees.
During
Puratasi Saturdays, devotees throng in lakhs starting from mid night
Every
morning, sharp at 7am, there is a milk abhishekam for the Moolavar – the sacred
pillar. Every Saturday, there is a Thirumanjanam for the Utsava deity
Varadaraja Perumal.
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Sacred Pillar East Facing
Utsavar : Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal South Facing
Time :
7am-1230pm and 3pm-9pm
On Saturday, the temple is open from 630am
to 9pm without a break
Contact : Srinivasa Bhattar @ 94435 15842
How to reach
Kallankuruchi
is 6kms East of Ariyalur Railway station and about 4kms from the bus stand.
Regular town buses ply to the temple starting at 4am in the morning. Auto to
the temple from Ariyalur bus stand will cost Rs. 150.
Pey Azhvaar Parthasarathy Koil annual trip
On
Tuesday (October 1), Pey Azhvaar, one of the Muthal Azhvaars, of Kesava Perumal
Temple made his annual trip from his Avathaara Sthalam in the Maaya Puri
Kshetram of Mylapore to Parthasarathy Koil Divya Desam in Thiruvallikeni.
It has
also been tradition for Lord Parthasarathy to have a stop-over at Mylapore en-route
his annual visit to Iyyapanthangal in Thai, for in many of the verses of
Thirumangai Azhvaar, one finds Thiruvallikeni and Mylai being praised in the
same breath. Thirumazhisai Azhvaar too talks about the close connection between the two.
Thirumazhisai's reference to Mylapore and Thiruvalllikeni
தாளால் உலகம் அளந்த அசைவேய்கோல்
வாள கிடந்தருளும் வாய்ந்திறவான் நீள் ஓதம்
வந்து அலைக்கும் மா மயிலை மா அல்லிக்கேணி யான்
ஆஇய்ந்தலை வாய் நாகத்து ஆணை
Pey
Azhvaar is believed to have performed daily Aradhana for Kesavaperumal here in
Mylapore and is said to have visited Lord Parthasarathy at Thiruvallikeni.
Leaves for Thiruvallikeni
Starting
at 3pm after recital of his composition ‘Thiru Kanden, Ponmeni Kanden.., from
Moondraam Thiruvanthathi, he made a stop-over at his avathara sthalam in
Mylapore.
He
reached the South end of Parthasarathy Koil at 4pm where he was welcomed by
Senai Mudhalayar and Sri. Sadagopan opposite the Narasimha Sannidhi with the
presentation of Pey Azhvaar’s Moonraam Thiruvanthaathi verses.
An hour
later, Pey Azhvaar made his way into the Parthasarathy Koil paying respects in
each of the Sannidhi presenting Thirumangai Azhvaar’s Periya Thirumozhi verses
praising the Lord of Thiruvallikeni - Lord Parthasarathy (விற்பெரு விழாவும் கஞ்சனும்
மல்லும்), Vedavalli Thaayar (வேதத்தை வேதத்தின்), Varadaraja Perumal (மீனவர் பொய்கை நாண்மலர் கொய்வான்),
Thelliya Singar (பள்ளியிலோதி வந்த
தன்
சிறுவன்......தெள்ளிய சிங்கம் ஆகிய
தேவை) and Andal (இன் துணை பதுமத் ..... பஞ்ச பாண்டவர்காகி) in that order.
Joint Procession with Lord
Parthasarathy
Sharp at 7pm, Parthasarathy and Pey Azhvaar, accompanied by the recital of
Moonraam Thiruvanthaathi made a joint trip across the four big Mada streets of
Triplicane providing darshan to devotees who had gathered there to seek the
blessings of the ‘Mudhal Azhvaar’.
930pm
was time for Pey Azhvaar of Mylapore to bid good bye to Lord Parthasarathy of
Triplicane for another year. After being presented with Lord Parthasarathy’s
garland and parivattam, Pey Azhvaar made his way back to his Avathara Sthalam
of Mylapore reaching the Kesavaperumal temple at 1030pm.
Festivals
Brahmotsavam
in Panguni
Theppotsavam
in Thai
Pey
Azhvaar Avathara Utsavam in Aipasi
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Kesavaperumal East Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Mayuravalli Thaayar
Time : 7am-1130am and 430pm-830pm
Contact : Veera Raghava Bhattar @ 94442 74557 /
24618106
Cricket Stories of the 1990s - The Untold Story of TNCA league
Fast Bouncers
have battered and bruised batsmen on the cricket pitch. With practice, one can
counter that, and over time, one can face that challenge and overcome that. That's on the cricket field, though. But a
continuous set of googlies and wrong-ones bowled after the playing hours was
almost unplayable (There is no leg spinner involved here!!). Or at least one hugely talented player with a prospective
cricket career ahead of him chose to let go the googlies and declared himself
out just over 20years ago.
A
player
who started his career in the same year as I did had a terrific start to
his cricketing
innings in his teens. On the field, he scored tons of runs and formed a
great partnership with another slam bang well known upcoming player of
the late 1980s in
local cricket. But in his early phase in first division cricket handling
the
who’s who of Madras cricket became unmanageable for this youngster. But
for the good of cricket, he left
the scene with his head held high, showcasing how every youngster should
behave and take on the injustice by senior players in the team.
By the
time he was out of his teens, the amount of runs he had scored had helped him move
up into the first division league and he joined one of the top 3-4
private teams of first division in those years. It
was
there that his cricketing innings took a dramatic turn. It was there
that he
realised what playing cricket in Madras was. This callous attitude of
the 'established' players on the TN scene and the 'feudal system' led to
aspirations being crushed, on or off the field. In the first
two years he topped 600runs/800runs in the league season winning accolades
but the battering off the field left him completely bruised, mentally.
Two big names of TN cricket made
him do stuff that shattered him and his outlook to life. The
daily
routine during those days included having to pick up the ‘chappals’ and
'youngsters' massaging his back and legs, picking the 'senior' kit to
the car.
While
this happened and the youngster wanted to move on to another team, he was
assured by the authorities that be that there would be better treatment into the third year. And he stayed
back, for he had scored a lot of runs and was in the peak of his career with a
possible Ranji call round the corner. Or at least he was just a few steps away.
However,
the flipper on the night of one outstation tour was unplayable and got
this
youngster to take a most unprecedented step for any youngster of that
era. The instructions and orders to massage a bare back shook this
youngster. It was
no request or ‘can you please do’ but a 'its part of your job' here if
you want to
progress kind of scenario for this youngster.
No more
could he tolerate this inhuman treatment. He realised that he could not go any
further in this team without falling in line with these off-field activities
every evening.
He
told
himself that massaging another’s back was not his way to go up the
cricketing
ladder. He explained this continuous torture to the relevant authority
but to
no avail. Next morning, he packed his cricketing bag and made his trip
back ( at his own expense and choosing his own mode of transport) to
Madras even before the tournament had ended – a big step, for a young
boy,
and a brave move against the biggest names of TN cricket.
He
brought this entire episode of ‘torturous treatment’ to the notice of the
Executive Director of the company before he put in his papers. But this was the
order of the day and it seemed that one had to comply with this and take it as
part of the cricket career to progress in cricket.
And this
cricketer chose not to comply. Kudos to
him for taking that big step against the biggies at such a young age!!! Things
may have changed a lot in the last 20years but one wonders as to what will be the
fate of youngsters in TN with those two at the helm, one of the state team and the other
of the most renowned fast bowling academy.
PS:
It
is another matter that within 6months of this episode, this youngster
who had signed up
for another team scored 2centuries at the start of the season to be
picked for
the Buchi Babu Tournament to bat alongside the above cricketers. And he
scored there as well!!! Three decades later, he is now the secretary of a
TNCA league club!!!
Thiru Kannapuram Tiruvoimozhi paasuram
பொய்யன் ஆகும் புறமே போழுவாற்கு எல்லாம்
செய்யில் வாளை உகளும் திருகன்னபுரத்து
ஐயன் ஆகத்து அனைபார்கட்கு அணியனே - NamAzhvaar Tiruvoimozhi - 9-10-7
The Lord of Thiru Kannapuram will bless and take care of those offering prayers to him with sincerity
However, those offering prayers only outwardly without good intent will be punished by him and he will make
them realise their faults.
The Lord is special to those devotees who always keep him close to their heart.
Nam Azhvaar also refers to the lush fields of Kannapuram and the huge number of fishes found here.
Paruthiyur Kothandarama Temple
Pancha Rama
Kshetram – One of the five Rama Temples in this region
The Stunning Bronze idol of Lord Rama dates back to the 10th Century AD
Located
25kms South of Kumbakonam and 6kms East of Kudavasal on the Northern banks of
Kudamurutti River is the Kothandarama temple in a remote village
in Paruthiyur off the Kodavaasal- Nannilam road. The stunning bronze idol of
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana dates back to the 10th Century AD. This is
one of five popular Rama temples in this region, the others being Thillai
Vilagam, Vaduvur, Mudikondan and Adambavur.
Rama is seen in a grand standing posture
wielding the bow with his left hand while his right is holding a long
arrow. The idol of Lord Rama here at this temple is a symbol of divine
purity. Lakshmana is seen sporting a beautiful smile.
It is believed that the entire set
of idols were found and installed by Paruthiyur Ramayanam
Sastri, who also built the temple. Kalyana
Varadaraja Perumal, the original moolavar deity is seen in a blessing posture with
a Prayoga Chakra along with Sri and Bhoo Devi.
Festivals
Margazhi
Utsavam
Puratasi
Laksharchanai
Aadi
Jestabhishekam
Panguni-Chitrai
Rama Navami – Brahmotsavam – Kalyana Utsavam
The
temple is looking to build a Raja gopuram and a Vasantha Mandapa in front of
the Thaayar Sannidhi in addition to reconstructing the outer walls.
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal East Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Mahalakshmi (Separate Sannidhi)
Time : 6am-7am, 11am-1230pm and 530pm-730pm
Kothandarama
South Facing Standing Posture with Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya
Contact : Ravi Bhattar @ 93610 75113/ 97868 67387
When here, also visit Srinivasa Perumal temple in Kudavasal: http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/12/kudavasal-srinivasa-perumal.html
Azhagiri Nathar Perumal Temple Salem
Kalyana Sthalam
- A temple for 'finalising alliance' and 'match-making'
Pancha Garuda
Seva takes place every year in Thai
Several
Inscriptions and Exquisite Stone Carvings indicate that this temple dates back
over a 1000years
Located
in the heart of Salem Fort and 1/2km South of Salem Collectorate is the over
1000years old Azhagiri Nathar Perumal temple in Salem, one that is part of the
Pancha Kshetram – 5 places where Brighu Maha Rishi undertook penance and
secured the hand of Lord Vishnu for his daughters. Sundaravalli was born here
on Maasi Magam and she was married to Lord Sundararajan on Vaikasi Hastham. Hence,
this place is a Kalyana Sthalam. To this
day, the match making takes place here in front of Lord Azhagiri Nathar and it
is after the Lord’s blessings and his nod and green signal that the families of the bride
and the bridegroom proceed with finalising the wedding formalities.
The 10feet tall Azhagari
Nathar is seen in a grand standing posture with a conch & chakra, knife & kedayam, bow &arrow
and a mace. Another interesting feature of the standing Lord is the long Poonal
that stretches to his feet.
To the
North of Azhagiri Nathar Sannidhi is the Venugopalan Sannidhi which is believed
to pre-date the installation of the idol of Sundararaja perumal here at this
temple. Lord Venugopalan is seen in a
standing posture with a stone veena playing the flute with both his hands. During the Vaikunta
Ekadesi Utsavam, Lord Sundararajan visits this Sannidhi.
Sri Sailam- Kalyana Sthalam
This
place was referred to in different points in time in history as Sri Sailapuram,
Garudan Kaadu and Thaaksharanyam. In centuries gone by, this temple had Saptha
Prakaram but the invasion of Tipu Sultan led to the destruction of six of the
prakarams and currently there is only one prakara left.
Inscriptions and the temple’s
history
There
are several inscriptions on the walls of the Thaayar Sannidhi that date back to
the Chera, Chola and Pandya period. One of the early inscriptions indicates
that renovation was undertaken of the existing temple. Another inscription
indicates that renovation of the temple was undertaken during the rule of the
Nayaks. There are several stone carvings inside the temple and on the upper
walls of the Maha Mandapa that is likely to date back to the Pandya period as
seen from the fish carvings.
10feet tall Anjaneya
A 10feet
tall Hanuman is seen near the Flag Post facing Sundararaja perumal.
Festivals
Festivals
are celebrated in a grand manner all through the year. The entire Naalaayira
Divya Prabhandham is recited 5times during the year including in Margazhi when
it is recited twice.
9day
Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi with processions on Sesha Vahana, Hamsa Vahana, Simha, Gaja
and Horse Vahana. Silver Garuda Seva also forms part of the Brahmotsavam
celebrations here
10day Sayana
Utsavam - Oonjal Sevai in Aani
10day
Janmashtami in Aavani
Pavitrotsavam,
Rama Navami, Chaitrotsavam and Vasanthotsavam are also celebrated here at this
temple.
Pancha Garuda Seva in Thai when
Lakshmi Narayana of 2nd Agraharam, Chinna Tirupathi Perumal of
Kannan Kuruchi, Prasanna Venkatesan of Sevvaipet and Bhava Narayanan of Sri
Sailapuram join Sundararaja Perumal of this temple on a grand procession along
with Andal and Peri Azhvaar.
There is
a separate Sannidhi for Durgai at this temple.
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Azhagiri Nathar East Facing Standing Posture along with Sri and Bhoo devi
Thaayar : Sundaravalli Thaayar
Utsavar : Sundara Raja Perumal
Time :
6am- 12noon and 5pm-830pm
Contact : Sudarshana Bhattar @ 99428 14937 / EO M. Murugan
Temple
is about 8kms from Salem Junction. Direct buses every 10mts from the
station. Get down at the Collectorate and walk 5mts east behind SBI Main
Branch to reach the temple
Auto from Salem Junction will cost between Rs.100 and Rs.150.
The temple is about 10mts walk from the Salem Old Bus Stand.
When here, also visit Ayodhyapattinam Rama Temple about 10kms from here - http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2012/04/kothandarama-temple-ayodhyapattanam.html
Swami Vivekananda on Lord Parthasarathy
“Lord
Parthasarathy is there for us, ready to be our Sarathy in Life and guide us all
the way through if we are ready to offer selfless service”
Calls for 'Life-long sacrifice' to uplift the Poor and the Oppressed
A Sacrificial Journey will be full of 'Deadly Thorns' but believe in Lord Parthasarathy and you will succeed
A Sacrificial Journey will be full of 'Deadly Thorns' but believe in Lord Parthasarathy and you will succeed
This day
120years ago (August 20, 1893), Swami Vivekananda sent a letter to Alasinga
Perumal of Triplicane wherein he showered heaps of praise on Lord
Parthasarathy.
Calling
Lord
Parthasarathy as a friend of the poor, he directs us to the
Parthasarathy Perumal
temple to seek the Lord’s blessings. 'Take a bow before Lord
Parthasarathy of Thiruvallikeni and give an undertaking before Him of a
great
sacrifice, one of a whole life for the poor, the lowly and the oppressed
- for
whom Lord Parthasarathy comes from time to time and whom he loves above
all.'
Swami Vivekananda asks us
to take a vow to devote our whole lives to the cause of redemption of the
300million poor 'who are going down and down every day.'
Sacrificial Journey will be full of deadly thorns
While he
cautions us that this is not the work of just one day saying that the path is full
of most deadly thorns, he gives us the confidence that Lord Parthasarathy of
Thiruvallikeni is there for us ready to be our Sarathy in Life and guide us all
the way through if we are ready to offer selfless service.
Swami
Vivekananda wants us to have eternal faith in Lord Parthasarathy and asks us to
set fire to the mountain of misery that has been heaped upon India for ages. He
says 'the misery can be easily burnt down.'
Despite the task ahead of each one of us being a grand
one, especially in light of the fact that 'currently we are all so low', he reminds us that we are the sons of
Light and children of God. Belief in Lord Parthasarathy and reposing trust in Him will help us succeed in all our endeavours, concludes Swami Vivekananda.
Vijayadasami Utsavam Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal Srirangam
Made his way back through the Wholesale Flower Market of Srirangam
Last week, on the Vijayadasami (Oct 6,2011) morning, sharp at 630am, Namperumal, the Utsava processional deity of Lord Ranganathaswamy temple set his sights to the East as he left his abode for his annual one day ‘Vijaya’ (Conquest) trip to the temple of 'Narasimha of the Jungle' - Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal koil, a temple that pre dates the Ranganatha temple.
Passing through the ‘Vellai Gopuram’, Namperumal reached the Srirangam railway station where special wooden boards had been placed across the railway track to assist the Lord cross the Srirangam Station. On reaching the Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal temple, Namperumal stationed himself at the outer Mantapa where a pooja was performed. Later, devotees at the Singar temple had his darshan.
Enactment of hunting SceneIn the evening, cane bows and arrows of cane with brass heads were ceremoniously brought on the Elephant back via the Chitra Streets of Srirangam.
At 5pm, the Golden Horse Vahana that had been brought earlier in the day from the Ranganatha temple, was moved into the Outer Mantapa where Namperumal was being decorated for the evening event.
An hour later, at 6pm, Namperumal mounted on his Golden Horse Vahana and positioned himself at the four pillared Mantapa right in front of the Vanni tree for the much awaited event of the day.
After performing pooja at the Vanni tree, the hunting scene was enacted here in front of thousands of devotees who had gathered at the Singaperumal temple with Nampermal’s representatives striking the arrows in different directions signifying the killing of Vanniyasura, the forest demon and symbolically suggesting the protection of the Good.
After the enactment of this hunting scene and having spent the whole day with the ‘Narasimha of the Jungle’, Namperumal bid good bye to Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal for yet another year and started on his return trip at around 7pm.
Only visit to the Flower Market of Srirangam
Ahead of Namperumal’s return trip, Sathara Street, the wholesale Flower market of Srirangam, was wonderfully decorated with festive lights and flower alankara marking the entire stretch of the market. This is the only day in the year when Namperumal makes his way through the Flower market providing darshan to the flower vendors of Srirangam.
With the clock having ticked past 830pm and having provided darshan for almost an hour at the Southern entrance of the Ranganathaswamy temple, Namperumal made his way back to the Gayathri Mantapa where Thirumanjana was performed along with the Ubhaya Nachiyars bringing to an end his annual hunting expedition to the Singaperumal temple.
Singar Koil
Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal temple is located 100yards East of Srirangam Railway Station. Moolavar Chaturbhuja Narasimha is seen with his two upper hands holding a Conch and Chakra while his lower hand is in an Abhaya posture. Goddess Lakshmi is seen seated on the left thigh of Narasimha and holds buds in both her hands. Interestingly, both the feet of Goddess Lakshmi can be seen at this temple.
Centuries ago, this Kshetram was referred to as Velli Thirumutham. Only much later, after the construction of the Ranganatha temple did this place come to be called Thiruvarangam. The Singaperumal temple was built by Vallabhadeva Pandya and has an imposing Vimana. In the 15th Century AD, Chakra Raya colonised the precincts of the Shrine of Kaatazhagiya Singar and renovated the shrine. The Maha Mantapa at the Singar temple has Vijayanagar style pillars.
Singiri Kudi Narasimha Temple
Sage Vashista was liberated from his curse at this place
Prahalada had darshan here of Lakshmi Narasimha after having visited Devanathan at Thiru Vahindrapuram
Located 2kms West of Thavalai Kuppam off the Pondicherry-Cuddalore National Highway is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Singiri Kudi, Abhishekapakkam where Lord Narasimha is seen in an angry sitting posture facing the West towards the other two Narasimha temples at Poovarasankuppam and Parikkal.
This is the only Narasimha temple in Tamil Nadu where he is seen with 16hands.
Prahalada's darshan at Singiri Kudi
Subsequent to his visiting Thiru Vahindrapuram Divya Desam for a darshan of Lord Devanathan, Prahalada is believed to have come North to Singiri Kudi to invoke the blessings of Ugra Narasimha.
Nimi Chakravarthy, who belonged to the Surya Dynasty, wanted to perform a Yagna invoking Indra and to gain further powers. Vashishta, the preceptor of the Surya Dynasty, was not too keen on this and backed out citing non availability on that day.
Nimi who had made up his mind to perform the Yagna reached out to Kousika Rishi to be present and lead this yagna. After its completion, Vashista returned only to find Nimi asleep.
Angered that Nimi had gone ahead and performed the Yagna despite him announcing his non availability and also with him not coming out to receive the Sage, Vashista pronounced a curse whereby the body and soul were separated.
On waking up, Nimi expressed unhappiness that his Guru had cursed him while he was asleep.
In an interesting twist, the King, who through his various yagnas had gained powers to curse anyone, cursed his own Guru separating his body and soul as well.
Nimi felt that having separated his soul from the physical body he need not revive his life and he expressed the wish that he should have darshan of the Lord through the devotees.
Vashista on the other hand sought the help of Brahmma to liberate him from the curse. As directed by Brahmma, he undertook penance at the Krishnaranya Kshetram of Singiri Kudi. Pleased with his prayers, Lakshmi and Narasimha provided darshan to him here and liberated him from the curse.
The three Narasimha temples of Parikkal (Near Villupuram off the Trichy National Highway), Poovaran Kuppam ( off the Panruti Highway) and Singiri Kudi are in a straight way from West to East. It is said that it is auspicious to visit all the three temples on the same day.
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Ugra Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Kanakavalli Thaayar
Priest : Jayakumar Bhattar @ 0413 2618759
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 430pm-9pm
Festivals
Chitrai Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
Chariot Festival on Narasimha Jayanthi
Puratasi Saturdays
How to reach
Take the Pondicherry-Cuddalore bus. Get down at Thavalai Kuppam ( 10kms from Pondy)
An auto from here to Singiri Kudi will cost Rs.30-40/-
Prahalada had darshan here of Lakshmi Narasimha after having visited Devanathan at Thiru Vahindrapuram
Located 2kms West of Thavalai Kuppam off the Pondicherry-Cuddalore National Highway is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Singiri Kudi, Abhishekapakkam where Lord Narasimha is seen in an angry sitting posture facing the West towards the other two Narasimha temples at Poovarasankuppam and Parikkal.
This is the only Narasimha temple in Tamil Nadu where he is seen with 16hands.
Prahalada's darshan at Singiri Kudi
Subsequent to his visiting Thiru Vahindrapuram Divya Desam for a darshan of Lord Devanathan, Prahalada is believed to have come North to Singiri Kudi to invoke the blessings of Ugra Narasimha.
Nimi Chakravarthy, who belonged to the Surya Dynasty, wanted to perform a Yagna invoking Indra and to gain further powers. Vashishta, the preceptor of the Surya Dynasty, was not too keen on this and backed out citing non availability on that day.
Nimi who had made up his mind to perform the Yagna reached out to Kousika Rishi to be present and lead this yagna. After its completion, Vashista returned only to find Nimi asleep.
Angered that Nimi had gone ahead and performed the Yagna despite him announcing his non availability and also with him not coming out to receive the Sage, Vashista pronounced a curse whereby the body and soul were separated.
On waking up, Nimi expressed unhappiness that his Guru had cursed him while he was asleep.
In an interesting twist, the King, who through his various yagnas had gained powers to curse anyone, cursed his own Guru separating his body and soul as well.
Nimi felt that having separated his soul from the physical body he need not revive his life and he expressed the wish that he should have darshan of the Lord through the devotees.
Vashista on the other hand sought the help of Brahmma to liberate him from the curse. As directed by Brahmma, he undertook penance at the Krishnaranya Kshetram of Singiri Kudi. Pleased with his prayers, Lakshmi and Narasimha provided darshan to him here and liberated him from the curse.
The three Narasimha temples of Parikkal (Near Villupuram off the Trichy National Highway), Poovaran Kuppam ( off the Panruti Highway) and Singiri Kudi are in a straight way from West to East. It is said that it is auspicious to visit all the three temples on the same day.
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Ugra Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Kanakavalli Thaayar
Priest : Jayakumar Bhattar @ 0413 2618759
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 430pm-9pm
Festivals
Chitrai Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
Chariot Festival on Narasimha Jayanthi
Puratasi Saturdays
How to reach
Take the Pondicherry-Cuddalore bus. Get down at Thavalai Kuppam ( 10kms from Pondy)
An auto from here to Singiri Kudi will cost Rs.30-40/-
Kathir Narasinga Perumal Devar Malai
After having completed a complete
renovation of the temple in under 4years, the temple now has plans to
construct the Raja Gopuram as well as a Chariot
Located
65kms West of Tiruchirapalli and 35kms South East of Karur is the
550year old Kathir Narasinga Perumal temple in Devar Malai, a temple
whose story dates back to Hiranya Samhara and who construction in its
present form to the Nayak period.
The Story
After Hiranya Samhara, an angry Lord Narasimha came here to this forest
area of Devar Malai, where he was intercepted by the Devas who had
congregated here in large numbers. The Devas brought sacred water and
performed Abhishekam on Narasimha in an effort to cool him down.
Pleased with their gesture, Lord Narasimha sat down at this place and
provided darshan. Having cooled down by the Devas, He is seen here in a
Jaya Veera King like majestic Posture with his right feet placed on the
ground and the left leg in a folded position. His left hand is in a
Posture inviting the devotees while his right hand is an Abhaya Hastham
Posture blessing them. This is referred to as the Veerasana Kolam of
Lord Narasimha.
The Sacred water here is believed to liberate those with Pitru Dosham.
The Structure
There
is no Raja Gopuram at the entrance. Today, it is seen as a Mottai
Gopuram. There is a separate Thaayar Sannidhi with a separate
Deepasthambam where lamps are lit on special occasions.
Inscriptions
There are centuries old inscriptions at the entrance of the Thaayar
Sannidhi that tells the story of the temple. Nayaks, belonging to the
Kurivarkothram in Bellary, came here to Palayam, 5kms West of this
temple. They were the earliest of the Nayaks and their stay here marked
their first entry into this region after capturing Puliyur through their
killings of Vengals. Pandyas were very impressed with the Nayaks and
presented them with lands.
Nayaks, who were adept at grazing cows, would bring the cows every day
to this forest area of Devar Malai.
Once,
they witnessed a unique occurrence of a boy drinking the milk directly
from the cow. Angered at this, the cow herd fought with the boy only to
find the boy disappear. Stunned at this incident, he sat there near
the banyan tree while the cows returned to Palayam.
When Vathipala Muthappa Nayak came there, he tapped the cow herd and
instantly found a divine light. Digging this place, they found sacred
water pouring out and realised that Lord Narasimha himself was present
here and that the Lord had come there to enact the drama of drinking the
milk from the cow.
The delighted Nayaks built this temple, and the grand granite structure
that one sees today belongs to the Nayak period construction. While the
temple itself is about 550years old, the moolavar deity is said to date
back to over a 1000years.
The Nayaks who then went on to rule large parts of Tamil Nadu had many
of those places named as palayam ( Palayam Kottai, Raja Palayam etc)
but the Palayam near Devar Malai is said to be the first of the
‘Palayams’, marking their entry into this region.
Bairavar Sannidhi
The Swarna Bairavar Sannidhi at the Northern side is special at
this temple similar to the idol seen at Dhadi Kombu temple near
Dindigul.
Renovation- Raja Gopuram and Chariot
Over the last 3-4years, the temple which had been in ruins has been
completely renovated and wears a fresh new look. However, the temple is
bereft of two important aspects- One is welcomed at the entrance by the
‘Mottai Gopuram’ and the Chariot is in a dilapidated condition.
The temple has plans to build a Raja Gopuram as well as a new Chariot. Devotees interested in supporting this can call: Shri Kannan @ 99401 82717
Festivals
Navarathri Kolu for Thaayar
Vaikasi 10day Brahmotsavam
Puratasi Saturday
Lakshmi Narayana – Chakra Pongal Thaligai on Mondays
There is a special Abhishekam on the Ashtami day at this temple
Pradosham and Amavasya days are also special at this temple
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Kathir Narasinga Perumal East Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess: Kamalavalli Thaayar ( Separate Sannidhi)
Temple time: 7am-12noon and 5pm-7pm
Contact: Balaji Bhattar @ 99436 10705
How to reach Devar Malai
Devar Malai is 65kms West of Tiruchirapalli on the Thogamalai-Palayam
route and 35kms South of Karur off the Karur-Dindgual Highway 5kms East
of Palayam. Buses from Trichy every one hour on the Devar Malai route
(buses going towards Palayam/Pallapatti) with the first bus at 4am. One
should get down at Kuruni Kalathapatti and walk 1km North to reach the
temple
One can also reach Devar Malai by taking the Karur- Dindigul bus (old
Dindigul road) and getting down at Palayam. From Palayam, one can take
an auto to Devar Malai temple
Car from Trichy and back: Rs. 950/- .
Car from Karur and back: Rs.600/-
Auto from Palayam bus stop to the temple: Rs. 100/- (about 5kms)
Over the last 3-4years, the temple which had been in ruins has been
completely renovated and wears a fresh new look. However, the temple is
bereft of two important aspects- One is welcomed at the entrance by the
‘Mottai Gopuram’ and the Chariot is in a dilapidated condition.
The temple has plans to build a Raja Gopuram as well as a new Chariot. 
Devar Malai is 65kms West of Tiruchirapalli on the Thogamalai-Palayam
route and 35kms South of Karur off the Karur-Dindgual Highway 5kms East
of Palayam. Buses from Trichy every one hour on the Devar Malai route
(buses going towards Palayam/Pallapatti) with the first bus at 4am. One
should get down at Kuruni Kalathapatti and walk 1km North to reach the
temple
One can also reach Devar Malai by taking the Karur- Dindigul bus (old
Dindigul road) and getting down at Palayam. From Palayam, one can take
an auto to Devar Malai temple
Car from Trichy and back: Rs. 950/- .
Car from Karur and back: Rs.600/-
Auto from Palayam bus stop to the temple: Rs. 100/- (about 5kms)
Karanja Narasimha Ahobilam
Located 6kms from Lower Ahobilam en-route to Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam (Singavelkundram) is the Karanja Narasimha temple in Upper Ahobilam, west of the Garudathri Mountain and part of the Nava Narasimha temples in Ahobilam.
The Story
Wanting darshan of his favourite Lord, Anjaneya undertook penance under the Karanja tree at this place.
To test the sincerity of Anjaneya, Lord Narayana appeared before him in his Half-Lion –Half Man Narasimha form. Anjaneya was disappointed not to be blessed by Lord Rama himself.
When Narasimha tried to convince Anjaneya that he was the same as Rama and was only in a different form, Anjaneya dismissed this suggestion saying his Lord was handsome and was one with the bow in hand. And that what he was seeing in front of him was one with very long nails in a fiery posture.
Anjaneya threatened to continue his penance till he had darshan of Rama. Pleased with his devotion for Rama, Narasimha provided Anjaneya darshan in a special form with a bow in his left hand ( like Rama), with Adisesha on top and holding the chakra ( like Narayana) and the half lion-half man Narasimha Avatar, thus convincing Anjaneya that Narayana, Rama and Narasimha were one and the same.
Hence, at this temple one finds Karanja Narasimha with a bow in hand and with a chakra. Anjaneya is seen in a standing posture with folded hands with his face turned towards Karanja Narasimha.
600 Year Old Mandapam
There is a 600 year old 100 pillar mandapam where from the First Jeer of Ahobila Mutt is believed to have delivered lectures.
Priest : Ramesh Bhattar @94418 02368 or Veeraraghava Archagar @ 96032 27118
Temple Time : 9am-4pm
How to reach
From Lower Ahobilam, one can take a share auto (Rs.10per head) to reach this temple
Individual Auto from Lower Ahobilam will cost Rs.60-75/-
Ahobilam Singavelkundram
Located
about 110kms North West of Cuddapah amidst the dense Nalla Malai Forest
of the Achalachaaya Meru mountain range is the Singavelkundram Divya
Desam in Ahobilam, one of the 16 prominent Swayam Vyaktha Kshetrams.
Reference to Ahobilam is found in 10 chapters (over a 1000slokas) in the
Brahmanda Purana.
Divya Desam- Upper Ahobilam
It
is the Ahobila Narasimha cave temple in Upper Ahobilam (about 8kms from
Lower Ahobilam) at the foot of Garudathri at about 3000feet above sea
level that Thirumangai Azhvaar visited and sung praise referring to this
location in his verses as Singavel Kundram. Ahobila Narasimha is seen
in an Ugra Posture with Prahalada standing opposite to him. Narasimha
came and stayed here as a hunter and being away from Goddess Lakshmi,
married Senjuga Thaayar, who was born and brought up here. Hence, at the
Upper Ahobila Narasimha temple, one finds a separate sannidhi for
Senjuga Thaayar.
The Utsava deity of Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam is seen at the Lakshmi
Narasimha Prahalada Varadan temple at Lower Ahobilam.
Bhavanasini River flowed here so Narasimha could clean his hands after
the Hiranya samharam.
Narasimha Avataara Sthalam
While
Ayodhya is the Avataara Kshetram of Rama and Mathura is the Avataara
Kshetram of Krishna, Ahobilam is the place of incarnation and the
Avataara Kshetram of Narasimha. This is the shortest of his Avatharams
and unlike other avatharams, this one was taken for the sake of one
person (Prahalada) answering his sincere prayers.
The name
This
place is popularly referred to as Ahobilam.Thirumangai Azhvaar in his
Periya Thirumozhi refers to this as Singavel Kundram. As there are nine
Narasimhas here, this place is also referred to as Nava Narasimha
Kshetram. As Garuda undertook penance at the mountain here, this is
called Garudachalam.
After seeing Narasimha tear apart Hiranyakashipu, the Devas are believed
to have exclaimed ‘Aaha’ ‘Balam’ (supreme strength of the Lord). Hence
this place came to be known as Aho-Balam.
As this is a cave temple, the place also came to be referred as ‘Aho’
‘Bilam’(cave).
Nine Forms of Narasimha
Narasimha is said to exist in one of the nine forms- Ugra, Veera, Jwala,
Sarvamukham, Nrisimha, Bisanam, Bhadram, Mrityu and as Vishnu (Lakshmi
Narasimha). At any of the Narasimha temples, one would see the Lord in
one of these forms. It is only here at Singavel Kundram that one is
able to see him in all the nine forms in a single location. (more on
each of these nava Narasimhas in a seperate story)
The Story
Vishnu
took the form of Narasimha (half man-half lion) in this mountainous
terrain to kill Asura Hiranyakashipu. The pillar – Ugra Stambha- out of
which Vishnu came out in his Narasimha Avataar is seen at the top of the
Nalla Malai forest, about 7kms above the Upper Ahobila Divya Desam.
It is one of the most exhilarating experiences to make the trip across
rocks and water falls to reach the top of this mountain. While it is not
an easy task, especially as there is no straight path or steps (unlike a
Sholingur), a sincere devotee whose thoughts center around the Lord
will be able to make it to the top of this mountain in about 2hours from
Ahobila Narasimha temple.
The
difficulty of visiting Singavel Kundram can be seen from this verse of
Thirumangai where he says that it is almost impossible to reach this
temple as this is a rocky terrain with constant forest fires and the
presence of bow wielding hunters.
முனைத்த சீற்றம் வின்சுடப்போய்
மூவுலகும் பிறவும்
அனைத்தும் அஞ்ச ஆள் அரி ஆய்
இருந்த
அம்மானது இடம்
கனைத்த தீயும் கல்லும் அல்லா
வில் உடைய வேடரும் ஆய்
தினைத்தனையும் செல்ல ஒண்ணாச்
சிங்கவேழ் குன்றமே - Thirumangai Periya Thirumozhi
Red Blood of Lord Narasimha
2kms
below the Ugra Stambha and 5kms above Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam is
the Jwala Narasimha temple, the exact place where Narasimha tore open
Hiranyakashipu. This temple is in a very scenic location, mountains on
all sides, with the water fall just about 50yards away. To this day, one
can see the red blood below the rock signifying the Hiranya Samharam.
At the Jwala Narasimha Sannidhi, one finds Lord Narasimha in the middle
in a fiery sitting posture here with 8hands. With a couple of hands, he
is seen tearing open Hiranyakashipu and with another two, he is seen
holding the Conch and Chakra. The left leg is seen in a folded posture
and the right leg hanging on the ground. Prahalada is seen at the feet
of the Lord in a praying posture.
On the right, one finds Narasimha engaged in the battle with Hiranya.
Garuda's Penance
With
Lord Vishnu taking a sudden trip to this place to fight Hiranyakashipu,
he decided to come on his own leaving behind Garuda at Vaikuntam.
Hence, Garuda who normally plays the role of the Lord’s vehicle had to
miss the Narasimha Avatar. Unhappy with this, Garuda undertook severe
penance in this mountain. Answering his prayers, Lord appeared here as
Jwala Narasimha and provided Darshan to Garuda. As per the wishes of
Garuda, this Kshetram has been referred to as Garuda Kshetram and the
mountain is called Garuda Chalam or Garudathri.
In Kritha Yugam, Lord Shiva performed pooja here and praised Narasimha
as the Supreme Being uttering the Mantra Raja Mrutha Stotram. In Tretha
Yugam, in search of Sita, Rama visited this place and worshipped Ahobila
Narasimha singing praise on the Lord in 5 verses - Narasimha Pancha
Mrutha Stotram.
In Dwapara Yugam, the Pandavas reached Ahobila kshetram and invoked the
blessings of Narasimha. In Kali Yugam, Srinivasa of Tirupathi presented
‘Thaligai’ to Lord Narasimha of Ahobilam prior to tying the knot on
Padmavathi Thaayar.
Adi Sankara who was attacked by evil forces here at Ahobilam praised
Narasimha through the Karavalamba Stotram for protecting him. He also
installed a Siva Lingam at the Ahobila Narasimha temple.
Visiting three temples
In
an earlier story on Narasimha temples around Villupuram, one had seen
as to how it was sacred to visit Singiri, Poovarasan Kuppam and Parikkal
in a single day.
(http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/08/poovarasan-kuppam-narasimha-temple.html)
Legend has it that Adhiseshan’s presence is spread across this entire
region with his head resting in Tirupathi, his body here at Ahobilam and
the tail at Srisailam.
The belief is that it is sacred to visit these three temples in one go.
Inscriptions-festivals 220days a year
There
are several inscriptions inside both the Lower and Upper Ahobilam
temples. 14th Century inscription records the construction of the steps
at the Upper Ahobilam (Divya Desam) temple.
A 15th century inscription reveals the gifting of the village
(Kaluvacheru- Komaragiripuram) by Karama Reddi for the conduct of the
daily rituals and worship at the Divya Desam.
A mid 16th century inscription reveals the contributions made by
Vijayanagar kings. Kakatiya kings also contributed to the improvement of
the temple and the mandapas.
Inscriptions
relating to the 16th century provide insights into the building of
mandapam, Garuda Stambha and festivals on 220 days in the year relating
to the Lower Ahobilam temple.
Another interesting inscription refers to ‘Thaligai’ to be presented to
the Lord twice a day- once at noon and the other in the evening at the
Lower Ahobilam temple.
Krishna Deva Raya, who sought the blessings of Ahobila Narasimha before
going for a battle, came back after having won the battle and installed
the Vijaya Stambha in front of the temple here.
Ramanuja and Vedanta Desigar are believed to have visited this temple.
Azhvaar Praise
Thirumangai Azhvaar begins the first of his 10verses on Singalvel
Kundram by praising Narasimha's physical strength and his special
appearance in a half man-half lion posture and tearing Asura Hiranya’s
chest while the world looked awe struck at his power and ability to
destroy the Asura.
அம் கண் ஞாலம் அஞ்ச அங்கு ஓர் ஆள்
அரி ஆய்
அவுணன்
பொங்க ஆகம் வள் உகிரால்
போழ்ந்த
புனிதன் இடம்
பைங்கண் ஆனைக் கொம்பு கொண்டு
பத்திமையால்
அடிக்கீழ்ச்
செங்கண் ஆளி இட்டு இறைஞ்சும்
சிங்கவேழ் குன்றமே
Ahobila Mutt
In
the late 14th Century, the Lord is said to have initiated Adivan
Sadagoopan to launch the mutt here at Ahobilam to propagate the Vishista
Dwaitha philosophy. This is home to the 600+ years old Ahobila Mutt. In
the last two decades, the Nava Narasimha temples have seen renovation
efforts thanks to the efforts of the Mutt. Out of the Nava Narasimha
Utsava idols, the Utsava deity of Malola Narasimha temple is the
abhisheka idol of the Ahobila Mutt Jeer. It was also the 44th Jeer of
Ahobila Mutt who was responsible for the construction of the Rajagopuram
at Srirangam.
Festivals
Currently, there are festivals on 180days of the year.
Kalyana Utsavam, Swati Homam and Specific Prarthana Abhishekams are particularly sacred here.
Vaikasi - 10day Narasimha Jayanthi
Aippasi
10day Pavitrotsavam – 4days Lower Ahobilam, 6days Upper Ahobilam
Thai- Maasi - 45day procession to 33villages around Ahobilam
Panguni - 12day Brahmotsavam
Chitrai - Week long utsavam for Pavana Narasimha
Every month, on the Swathi Nakshatram, there is a special Abhishekam for all the nine Narasimhas
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Ahobila Narasimha, East Facing Sitting Posture with Prahalada standing opp the Lord
Thaayar : Amruthavalli, Shenjaga Lakshmi
Utsavar : Narasimha (9 different idols)
Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (10 Paasurams in Periya Thirumozhi)
Priest : K.Venugopal (Ramesh) –Chief Archakar @ 94418 02368 or 08519 252097
Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam- M. Veeraraghava Archagar @ 96032 27118
Time : Upper Ahobilam – Ahobila Narasimha temple 7am-1pm and 2pm-7pm
Lower Ahobilam – Prahalada Varadan temple 630am-1pm and 3pm-8pm
Other Narasimha temples - 10am-5pm(1pm-2pm rest)
Where to stay
Ahobila Mutt has a nice guest house at Lower Ahobilam in front of the Prahalada Varadan temple.
For room booking, contact Badri Narayanan-Manager @ 94905 15284
Vegetarian Food
There is vegetarian food outside the Ahobilam guest house as well as a Udupi hotel.
Temple Thaligai is another option
How to reach
By Train
Chennai Egmore-Cuddapah (Kacheguda Exp -5pm dep) or Chennai
Central-Cuddapah(Bombay mail 1045pm dep). Bus every 30minutes from
Cuddapah to Allagadda (84kms- takes 2hours) on the
Nandiyal-Kurnool-Hyderabad route. From Arlagadda, one can take another
bus to Lower Ahobilam (24kms) - Buses every one hour and takes
30-45minutes.
A
taxi from Cuddapah station to Ahobilam will cost Rs.1500/- (one way)
Bus
Three direct buses every evening from Chennai Koyembedu bus stand to
Allagadda (10hours) via Tirupati-Cuddapah (Kadapa) and return buses from
Allagada at 630pm,8pm and 845pm back to Chennai.(Rs.260 per head)
Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam
A share auto will charge Rs.10per head from Lower to Upper Ahobilam (one can visit Karanja temple on the way).
Namakkal Narasimha
Anjaneya carried the Saligrama stone which turned here into a mountain
Ranganatha is seen in a ‘Karkodaya’ Sayana Posture
Located about 55kms from Salem off the Bangalore- Kanyakumari NH 7 is the Narasimha temple at the Saligrama Cave Hill in Namakkal. Opposite the Narasimha temple is the Anjaneya temple where he is seen in a standing posture facing Lord Narasimha. Behind the Narasimha temple on the Eastern side is the Ranganatha temple, where the Lord is seen in a Karkodaya Sayana posture.
The Story
Given the urgency of the situation, Lord Vishnu had to make a sudden trip to slay Asura Hiranya. He embarked on this mission, on his own, without Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda. Having missed the Narasimha Avatar, Goddess Lakshmi requested him for a darshan of the Lord as Narasimha. She was asked to chant the Thiru Mandhiram at Kamalalayam banks.
At the end of the Ramayana, Anjaneya went to place the Sanjeevani Mountain back at its original location. After doing so, he found the sacred Saligrama stone on the banks of Kantaka River. On his way back, he stopped by at the Kamalalaya Pushkarni to perform his morning prayers. Finding Goddess Lakshmi undertaking penance here, he placed the Saligrama on her hand and went ahead with his prayers.
A little later, after his prayers, Anjaneya came back to find the Saligrama missing from her hands. Goddess Lakshmi told him that she found it too heavy to hold and hence had placed it on the ground only for it to turn into a Saligrama mountain.
Being the one who carried the huge Sanjeevani Mountain, it would not be too much of a task for him to carry the Saligrama Mountain as well, she said.
Narasimha provides darshan to Anjaneya and Lakshmi
As per her direction, Anjaneya unleashed his tail to pick up the Saligrama Mountain only to find a sparkling light emanating from the mountain. It was Lord Vishnu providing darshan, in his Narasimha posture, to both Mahalakshmi and Anjaneya.
Since Anjaneya brought the Saligrama to this place and helped create this place, Lord Narasimha asked him to remain here facing the Saligrama hill and provide darshan to the devotees a tall standing posture without a Gopuram.
The Name - Naama Giri
As Goddess Lakshmi undertook penance here by chanting his ‘Naama’ (On Namo Narayana’) and the hill was created after she placed the Saligrama on the ground, Lord Narasimha named this hill as ‘Naama Giri’ and referred to her as Naama Giri Thaayar. Given her contribution to this place, he gave her the first priority at this temple. Devotees are to first visit Naama Giri Thaayar before they enter the Narasimha Sannidhi.
Inside the Sanctum
At the Narasimha Sannidhi, one finds Narasimha in the middle flanked by Shiva on his right and Brahmaa on his left. Also, inside the sanctum are Sanaka and Sanaathana, Brahmma’s sons. One finds Surya and Chandra fanning Lord Narasimha.
Sculptures
Next to Narasimha inside the Sanctum are sculptures of Vaikunta Narayanan, Hiranya Samharam, Vamana, Trivikrama andVaraha, all said to be 13th Century work of the Pallavas.
Ranganatha Temple
To the East of the hill and behind the Narasimha Temple is the Ranganatha temple, where Lord Ranganatha is seen in a special Karkodaga Sayana Posture with his head resting South and his feet directed towards the North.
King of Snakes ‘Karkodagan’ undertook penance here and requested the Lord to rest on him. Hence, the posture here of Lord Ranganatha is referred to as Karkodaga Sayanam. While he is seen sleeping on top of the Snake, a unique feature here is that the face of the Snake Karkodagan is that of a roaring lion.
There are three entrances to the Ranganatha temple. The entrance in the middle is the one that is opened every day, while the other two entrances are opened only on Vaikunta Ekadesi day. One has to climb 100 steps to reach the sannidhi.
Thaligai for Lord Narasimha
On the occasion of his Thiru Kalyanam, Devas wanted to feed Thirupathi Srinivasa, who referring to this place as ‘Mel’ Ahobilam, asked them to feed the Lord here. Hence, presenting Thaligai to Lord Narasimha here is very special and is equivalent to feeding Thirupathi Lord Srinivasa.
On Pradhosham, presenting Thaligai and Paanagam (sweet drink made with jagerry) will liberate one from all troubles.
Festivals
Panguni Brahmotsavam
Vaikasi Narasimha Jayanthi
Aadi Pooram- Thaayar Utsavam
Aavani Krishna Jayanthi
Pournami Pavitrotsavam
The four Saturdays of Puratasi are special at this temple
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Ranganatha Karkodaga Sayanam
Anjaneya East Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Naama Giri Thaayar East Facing
Temple Time: 730am-1pm, 430pm-830pm
Contact phone number: V. Raja Bhattar @ 94437 23073
How to reach Namakkal
Chennai-Salem Yercaud Express(Salem arrival 5am) or Chennai Egmore-Salem Express (Salem arrival 6am)
Direct Trains also from Coimbatore and Bangalore to Salem
From Salem, one can take a one hour bus trip to Namakkal
Buses every 5minutes from Salem
By bus, Namakkal is about 7hours from Madras
Anthili Lakshmi Narasimha
Lord Vishnu provided darshan in his Narasimha form to Garuda
One of the Four Narasimha temples in the region
Located 195kms South West of Madras off the Villupuram-Thiru Kovilur SH7
on the banks of Then Pennai River is the 1600 year old Lakshmi
Narasimha temple in Anthili. This is one of the four Narasimha temples
in this region, the others being at Parikkal, Poovarasan Kuppam and
Singiri and is part of the Eight Prominent Narasimha temples in Tamil
Nadu(others being Namakkal, Sholingur, Singaperumal Koil and
Sinthalavadi).
Garuda’s Anger
As he did during the Gajendra Moksham episode, Lord Vishnu, skipped his
vehicle(Garuda) on his way to kill Hiranya. This act of his Lord angered
Garuda and he left Vaikuntam and reached the rock here at Anthili.
Sitting atop the rock, he undertook severe penance that sent heat waves
every where that over time generated raging fire.
Anxious at this development, Brahma and the Devas sought the help of Lord Vishnu to cool down his exclusive vehicle, Garuda.
Lord Vishnu set out on a mission from Vaikuntam along with Goddess
Lakshmi, finally reaching the rock where the angry Garuda was
undertaking penance. An inquisitive Lakshmi questioned her Lord's
reasoning for leaving Garuda behind on such an important trip to kill
the Asura and she also suggested that it was unreasonable to put Garuda
to such hardship.
Lord Vishnu explained the urgency of his task and the immediate need to
put an end to Asura Hiranya's wrong doings meant he had to leave without
Garuda.
Pleased with Garuda's penance, Lord Vishnu provided darshan here as
Narasimha with Lakshmi on his lap. Garuda immediately cooled down on
seeing his Lord once again, especially in the Narasimha form which he
had missed earlier as he did not accompany the Lord at the time of
killing Hiranya.
He requested the Lord to remain here in this cool form (shantha roopi)
and provide darshan to all devotees. Also, having missed taking him on
the trip to kill Hiranya, Garuda sought the opportunity now to carry the
two of them around this place.
An overjoyed Garuda is said to have taken them around Thiru Kovilur, Mugaiyur, Arakandanallur and Paranur, among others.
Festivals
Swathi Thirumanjanam
Narasimha Jayanthi
Hanuman Jayanthi
Vaikunta Ekadesi
Pooja is performed at this temple as per Madhwa Sampradayam. Some of the sculptures inside the temple seem to indicate that there may be a Karnataka connection to the construction.
The Temple is open from 7am to 6pm. Contact Srikanth Bhattar @ 94867 89200
How to reach
Anthili is 35kms West of Villupuram and 1km East of Arakandanallur/ ThiruKovilur Railway Station
( Villupuram-Mugaiyur-Thirukovilur route). Buses every half hour between
Villupuram and Thiru Kovilur Divya Desam. One can get down at
Arakandanallur Police Station ( 2kms before Thiru Kovilur) and walk one
km or take an auto (Rs. 30/-)
Lakshmi Narasimha Pon Vilaintha Kalathur
The Narasimha Utsavar Deity of Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam was installed here about 900years ago
Following Vedantha Desigar’s stay here, the entire paddy field had turned into gold
Located 15kms South of Chengalpet is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Pon Vilaintha Kalathur(PV Kalathur) whose story has a close connection with the Sthala Sayana Perumal Divya Desam at Thiru Kadal Mallai (Mamallapuram).
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/03/thiru-kadan-mallai-sthala-sayana.html
An interesting story
Several idols at Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desams (there was more than the one temple that we are seeing today) were on the verge of being washed away by the floods. Fearing the loss of the Narasimha idol, it is believed that utsava deity was taken away to a safer place from Thiru Kadal Mallai.
Garuda was given the task of identifying the place where the Lakshmi Narasimha Utsava deity was to be installed. It is said that almost 900 years ago, Garuda came above this temple and circled the vimanam thrice.
Taking this as the endorsement by Garuda as the right place to install, it is said that the Lakshmi Narasimha utsava deity was installed here at Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur) and the temple whose moolavar deity is Vaikunta Vaasa Perumal actually came to be called by the name of the Utsava deity itself.
While this is not a Divya Desam, the fact that the Utsava deity relating to Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam was installed here makes this a significant and historic temple.
Vedantha Desigar Visits Kalathur
Vedantha Desigar is said to have stayed here for a day on his way from Kanchipuram to Thiru Vahindrapuram. On the evening of his stay, Desigar wanted to feed his favourite Lord, Hayagriva of Thiru Vahindrapuram and went around the village seeking alms. However, with the night having set in and the lights having been lit, the people in the village refused to pass on the food.
Given this scenario, Vedantha Desigar performed the evening pooja with the sacred water (Theertham) and put his favourite Lord to sleep (Sayanam).
It is believed that that night a white horse went around destroying the fields much to the anger of the villagers, who brought this to the notice of Desigar the next morning.
Hearing this, Desigar came out onto the field to witness what had happened. To the surprise of everyone, they found that the field where the horse had placed its feet had turned into gold. Desigar knew it was the work of his favourity deity Hayagriva (who the villagers had allowed to sleep in hunger the previous night!!!)
Hence this place came to be called Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.
Parikara Sthalam
This is believed to be a parikara sthalam for unmarried people and to cure health related problems. There are utsavams round the year for Lakshmi Narasimha at this temple.
Festivals
Panguni Brahmotsavam
Sudarshana Homam on January 26 every year
Narasimha Utsavam -300 days a year
Davana Utsavam 2nd Sunday of March every year
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Vaikunta Vaasa Perumal
Goddess : Ahobila Valli Thaayar
Utsavar : Lakshmi Narasimha
Temple Time : 8am-11am and 5pm-730pm
Priest : Babu Bhattar @ 044 27441142
How to reach
From Chengalpet, take the Old GST Road, turn left (1km before the Madras- Trichy National Highway Bye Pass.) into the road leading to Thirukazhakunram via Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur).
About 6kms into this road, one should cross the Ottivakkam railway station gate to reach Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.
There are local buses every half hour (during morning and evening) running between Chengalpet and Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.
One can take a passenger train between Chennai Egmore/Tambaram and Villupuram and get down at Ottivakkam. From Ottivakkam, one can walk to the Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur).
Auto or a Taxi from Chengalpet is another option.
Following Vedantha Desigar’s stay here, the entire paddy field had turned into gold
Located 15kms South of Chengalpet is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Pon Vilaintha Kalathur(PV Kalathur) whose story has a close connection with the Sthala Sayana Perumal Divya Desam at Thiru Kadal Mallai (Mamallapuram).
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/03/thiru-kadan-mallai-sthala-sayana.html
An interesting story
Several idols at Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desams (there was more than the one temple that we are seeing today) were on the verge of being washed away by the floods. Fearing the loss of the Narasimha idol, it is believed that utsava deity was taken away to a safer place from Thiru Kadal Mallai.
Garuda was given the task of identifying the place where the Lakshmi Narasimha Utsava deity was to be installed. It is said that almost 900 years ago, Garuda came above this temple and circled the vimanam thrice.
Taking this as the endorsement by Garuda as the right place to install, it is said that the Lakshmi Narasimha utsava deity was installed here at Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur) and the temple whose moolavar deity is Vaikunta Vaasa Perumal actually came to be called by the name of the Utsava deity itself.
While this is not a Divya Desam, the fact that the Utsava deity relating to Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam was installed here makes this a significant and historic temple.
Vedantha Desigar Visits Kalathur
Vedantha Desigar is said to have stayed here for a day on his way from Kanchipuram to Thiru Vahindrapuram. On the evening of his stay, Desigar wanted to feed his favourite Lord, Hayagriva of Thiru Vahindrapuram and went around the village seeking alms. However, with the night having set in and the lights having been lit, the people in the village refused to pass on the food.
Given this scenario, Vedantha Desigar performed the evening pooja with the sacred water (Theertham) and put his favourite Lord to sleep (Sayanam).
It is believed that that night a white horse went around destroying the fields much to the anger of the villagers, who brought this to the notice of Desigar the next morning.
Hearing this, Desigar came out onto the field to witness what had happened. To the surprise of everyone, they found that the field where the horse had placed its feet had turned into gold. Desigar knew it was the work of his favourity deity Hayagriva (who the villagers had allowed to sleep in hunger the previous night!!!)
Hence this place came to be called Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.
Parikara Sthalam
This is believed to be a parikara sthalam for unmarried people and to cure health related problems. There are utsavams round the year for Lakshmi Narasimha at this temple.
Festivals
Panguni Brahmotsavam
Sudarshana Homam on January 26 every year
Narasimha Utsavam -300 days a year
Davana Utsavam 2nd Sunday of March every year
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Vaikunta Vaasa Perumal
Goddess : Ahobila Valli Thaayar
Utsavar : Lakshmi Narasimha
Temple Time : 8am-11am and 5pm-730pm
Priest : Babu Bhattar @ 044 27441142
How to reach
From Chengalpet, take the Old GST Road, turn left (1km before the Madras- Trichy National Highway Bye Pass.) into the road leading to Thirukazhakunram via Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur).
About 6kms into this road, one should cross the Ottivakkam railway station gate to reach Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.
There are local buses every half hour (during morning and evening) running between Chengalpet and Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.
One can take a passenger train between Chennai Egmore/Tambaram and Villupuram and get down at Ottivakkam. From Ottivakkam, one can walk to the Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur).
Auto or a Taxi from Chengalpet is another option.
Yoga Narasimha Narasingam Madurai
A less known 5000 year old Narasimha temple at the foot of Yaanamalai Madurai
Thiru Mogur Kaalamegha Perumal makes his annual trip to this temple on Maasi Pournami to enact Gajendra Moksham episode
Located 8kms East of Madurai off the Melur Highway and 4kms North of
the Thiru Mogur Kaalamegha Perumal Divya Desam at the foot of the huge
Yaanaimalai (elephant hill) is the Yoga Narasimha temple in Narasingam
(Y. Narasingam). This place is referred to as the Gaja Giri Kshetram and
this temple is known as ‘Kodavarai Koil’ signifying the construction of
the temple by breaking the huge piece of rock.
History
Going by the inscriptions seen inside the Moolavar Sannidhi, this temple may date back over 5000years.
The Story
One story goes that during the Madurai Thiruvalaiyadal Puranam, Indra
sent his elephant here to Madurai. At the end of the event, it is
believed that they found a huge elephant in a sleeping posture. This is
said to be the elephant rock we see today off the Madurai-Melur highway
near Y. Othakadai.
Another story relating to Yaanaimalai Narasimha is that Pulastiya
Maharishi, the great grandfather of Lankan King Ravana is said to have
undertaken penance at this place and had darshan of Lord Narasimha.
Romasa Maha Rishi’s Penance
A third story relates to Romasa Rishi.
Not having a child, Romasa Maha Rishi approached Sage Narada, who asked
him to bathe in the Sakkara Theertha and undertake penance at Padma
Thadagam, a place filled completely with flowers. He performed a Sathra
Maha Yagna to invoke the blessings of Lord Narasimha , who pleased with
his prayers appeared before in a Gigantic form in an Ugra Kolam.
Worried about the presence of Narasimha in this ‘hot’ form, the Devas
went to Brahmma for solution. Brahmma transformed Shiva into a Saraba
form. This Saraba Pakshi had Brahmma as the head, Surya and Chandra as
the eyes and small boys as the legs. However, Narasimha refused to be
cooled down, in fact his anger grew after seeing this form, leaving the
Devas running for protection. They invited Prahalada to come to this
place to try and cool down Lord Narasimha.
Finally the story goes that it was the presence of Goddess Lakshmi that
cooled Narasimha down and the two of them are said to have blessed
Romasi Rishi with a child.
Unique Utsava deity
Varada Narasimha, the Utsavar, is seen in a standing posture with a Lion
shaped face and a mace in his left hand, not seen elsewhere.
Festivals
Swathi Thirumanjanam
Prathosham Thirumanjanam (not heard of in other Vishnu temples!!!!)
Once a year, on Maasi Pournami day,
Kalamegha Perumal of Thiru Mogur Divya Desam makes a trip to the Yoga
Narasimha temple here in Y.Narasingam. Gajendra Moksham episode is
enacted here.
On this day, an oil Abhishekam is performed on Lord Narasimha.
Kodikulam Veda Narayana Perumal Koil
3kms East of this temple is the VedaNarayana temple in Kodikulam where
Pilla Lokacharya is said to have brought and kept Lord Ranganatha of
Srirangam in safety during the Muslim Invasion of Srirangam. Pillai
Lokacharya is said to have attained moksham there. To recognize this
special contribution, a separate temple dedicated to Pilla Lokacharya
has been constructed at Kodikulam.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Yoga Narasimha in a Ugra Kolam
Goddess : Narasinga Valli Thaayar(Separate Sannidhi)
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 4pm-8npm
Contact : V.K. Ramesh Bhattar @ 94864 68780 or 0452 2422750
P. Rajagopal Bhattar @ 98654 88821 or 0452 2422158
How to reach
Mini buses every 10mts from Othakkadai
Auto from Matuthavani bus stand will cost Rs. 50-60/-
Auto from Madurai Railway Station will cost Rs. 150/-
Poovarasan Kuppam Narasimha temple
This temple is referred to as the ‘Dakshina Ahobilam’
Debts and Enemies go away if one visits this temple and offers a 48 day prayer
Located about 18kms North of Panruti and 18kms East of Villupuram is the East Facing Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Poovarasan Kuppam. This is one of the four Narasimha temples around Villupuram (others being Anthili, Parikkal and Singiri – There is also the Sayana Narasimha at Thiru Vithigai).
Both Singiri Narasimha and Parikkal Narasimha which are in a straight line are facing the Poovarasan Kuppam Narasimha.
First appearance after Hiranya Samhaaram- Dakshina Ahobilam
For the first time, after the Hiranya Samharam at Ahobilam, Lord appeared here in the same form and provided darshan to the Saptha Rishis as Lakshmi Narasimha. Hence, this temple is referred to as Dakshina Ahobilam.
Thaayar’s Posture
A unique feature at this temple is the posture of Lakshmi. One eye of the Goddess is turned towards the Lord and the other eye is welcoming the devotees. Also, interestingly Lakshmi and Narasimha are seen at the same height at this temple!!!
One of Eight Narasimha Temples
This is one of the 8 temples in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Narasimha provided darshan after the killing of Hiranya. The other 7 are Singarakudi near Pondicherry/Cuddalore, Anthili near Thiru Kovilur, Parikkal near Kedilam, Sholingur, Nammakkal, Singaraperumal Koil near Chengalpet and Sinthalavadi.
3rd Century Ad Temple
There are culverts inside this temple dating back to the 3rd Century AD. Also, there are references to construction during Narasimha Pallava’s reign (7th Century AD). There are also inscriptions indicating Krishna Deva Raya’s visit to this temple (about 500 years ago).
Prarthana Sthalam-Wishes Fulfilled
All wishes of the devotees are said to be fulfilled if one visits this temple, lights a ghee lamp and recites the Mantra Raja Patha Stotram twice a day for 48 days. One should tie a 5 rupee coin to a Manjal cloth and drop it at the temple, once the 48 day period is over.
One should also prepare Panagam (prepared out of jaggery) every day for the Lord. No non Vegetarian food should be consumed during this 48 day period.
Bad Debts and enemies are said to go away and the belief is that one will live in prosperity after a visit to the three Narasimha temples seen in one line near Villupuram – Parikkal- Poovarasan Kuppam and Singiri.
Festivals
Swathi Nakshatram
It is auspicious to visit the temple every month on Swathi Nakshatram, when Sudarshana and Dhanvantri homams are performed.
Navarathri
Sri Suthra Homam is performed on all the 9 days of Navarathri Utsavam
Procession in Thai
Lord Narasimha takes a 1 km to South Pennai river for Theerthavari on the 5th day of the Tamil Calendar month of Thai
Narasimha Jayanthi Utsavam and 3rd Saturday of Puratasai are also special occasions at this temple.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture
Thaayar : Amritha Valli Thaayar
Temple Time : 8am-12.30pm and 4pm-8pm
Contact nos. : Parthasarathy Bhattar @ 94439 59995 or 0413 2698191
How to reach the temple:
From Villupuram
1. Take Pondy Highway, drive straight towards East from Koliyanur Cross Road, take a right at Valavanur, drive 6kms to Siruvanthadu and go further South 3kms to reach the temple- Share Auto/Auto available from Siruvanthadu
Or
2. Take a right at Koliyanur Cross Road on to the Panruti-Kumbakonam highway, cross the Villupuram-Pondy railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)
From Panruti
Take Kumbakonam-Vikravandi highway, drive 10kms and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the highway towards East)
From Madras
Take a left at Vikravandi(145kms from Madras) into the Kumbakonam Highway, go further South after the Villupuram-Pondy cross road, cross the railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)
There are direct buses to Poovarasan Kuppam from Villupuram, but it is better to take a bus from Villupuram to Vilavanur.
Auto at Siruvanthadu: Murugan (driver) @ 99656 35641
Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha
Prarthana Sthalam- Debts, Enemies and Diseases are said to go away if one offers prayers at this temple
Located around 25kms South West of Villupuram and 3kms west of the Kedilam Cross Road off the Chennai-Trichi National Highway is the1800 year old Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Parikkal.
This is one of the four Narasimha temples in this region. The others being Anthili (near Thiru Kovilur), Poovarasan Kuppam (15kms North of Panruti) and Singiri (12kms South of Pondicherry).
Also, there is the Sayana Narasimha in Thiru Vathigai in Panruti.
The Story
Vasantharaja ruled this place with his capital at Vriddachalam and wanted to build a temple for Lord Narasimha. Constantly troubled by Parakalasura (said to be a relative of Hiranyakashipu), Vasantharaja undertook a penance here as directed by his Guru. Answering his prayers, Lord Narasimha is said to have appeared here and killed the Asura.
Having only seen the destructive mood of an angry Narasimha, Vasantharaja invoked the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi to provide darshan with the Lord displaying his softer form.
Kanakavalli Thaayar is said to have sat on his lap, cooled him down and provided darshan to Vasantharaja, the Devas and the Rishis at this place.
Delighted at the darshan of Lord Narasimha in this form, Vasantharaja requested that this place be named after the asura who provided the king with the opportunity to have a darshan of the Lord.
Hence, this place was referred to as ‘Parikala’puram, which in course of time became ‘Parikkal’.
While the original temple was built by Vasantharaja using red bricks, lime and wood, it is believed to have been destroyed during the Mughal invasion. The temple that one sees today is said to have been built by Veera Narasimha of Karnataka using granites. Parikkal Lord Narasimha is said to be the Kula Deivam for the Madhwas of Karnataka.
Presence of two Anjaneya idols
An interesting feature at this temple is the presence of two Anjaneya idols in the same Sannidhi. Unlike other temples, Anjaneya gets the 2nd right of Thirumanjanam after Lord Narasimha (in other temples, Thaayar is the one who gets the Thirumanjanam after the Lord).
Prarthana Sthalam
This is a Prarthana Sthalam – Three kinds of worries for human beings- Debts, Enemies and Diseases - are said to go away if one offers prayers at the Parikkal Narasimha temple.
Inscriptions on the temple walls
Confirming the rich history behind this temples are the several inscriptions found on the outside walls of the temple dating back several hundred years, prominent among them include the fish shaped inscriptions. This leads one to two inferences: One, the Pandya kings, whose symbol was a ‘Fish’, may have contributed to this temple in a big way. The other is the story relating to Vasantharaja, who one night saw in his dreams fishes near this place…an indication of impending victory in his battle against the asura.
Some of the other prominent inscriptions:
13th Century AD inscription indicating contribution by Pallava king Koperichingan
14th Century AD inscription that describes the contribution of Thiru Bhuvanam Chakravarthy Konerinmai Kondaan
Another inscription shares light on the tax exemption in nearby villages -Thiruvennai Nallur, Aanathur and Sithanthur and using these funds for the improvement and maintenance of this temple
Raja Raja Chozhan I is said to have constructed the temple tank
Renovation of the temple by Pallava and Nayak kings
Festivals
There are festivals round the year at this temple.
On the 5th day of Thai, Lord Narasimha goes on a procession to Pennai River and stays there the night.
On Maasi Magam - full moon day- the Lord goes on a 10km procession to the Kedila River.
On Panguni Uthiram, the Lord is taken on a procession to Orathur Village.
Every month on Swathi Nakshatram, there is a special Thirumanjanam in the evening and a Sannidhi procession inside the temple.
It is believed to be good to visit the temple on Puratasi Saturday
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture
Thaayar : Komalavalli Thaayar
Temple Time : 6am-1pm and 4pm- 8pm
Priest Contact: Krishnamurthy Bhattar @ 96004 55395
How to reach the temple:
Take the Madras- Villupuram-Ulundurpet- Trichy GST National Highway
21kms after Villupuram, Get down at Kedilam Junction
There are 30 share autos plying between Parikkal and Kedilam Junction- Rs.5 per head.
Auto will charge Rs.30-40/- from Kedilam Junction.
If travelling by car from Madras/ Villupuram, take a right(towards West) just before Kedilam Cross Road, cross the railway line to reach the temple (about 2kms from the railway line).
By Train
Passenger train from Villupuram and Vriddachalam stop at Parikkal railway station.
Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Srirangam
Namperumal makes his annual trip to this temple on Vijayadasami evening
Located 200 yards east of the Srirangam Railway Station is the Kaattu Azhagiya Singa Perumal temple in Srirangam. This temple dates back to a period prior to the Srirangam Ranganatha temple when this Kshetram was referred to as Velli Thirumutham. Only much later, after the construction of the Ranganatha temple, this place came to be called Thiruvarangam.
Lord Narasimha is seen in a seated posture facing the West (towards Srirangam Ranganatha temple) with Lakshmi to his left.
The Story
This Kshetram was a forest thousands of years ago, surrounded by the two rivers- Cauvery in the South and Coloroon in the North, and inhabited only by the rishis and their families. Time and again, wild animals would attack the families of the rishis and consume them for a meal.
While the rishis had the power to burn the animals just by their looks, they would not forego the fruits of their penance by killing these wild animals. Instead they undertook a more severe form of penance invoking the blessings of Lord Narasimha.
Pleased with their prayers, Lord Narasimha appeared here providing darshan to these rishis. As per their request, he stayed here with Goddess Lakshmi protecting the lives of all those who offer their sincere prayers at this place.
The idol of Lakshmi Narasimha here is a Svayambu moorthy and the temple was built and renovated at later periods of time. No inscriptions are found relating to the period of construction of the outer walls.
The Name
As the Lord appeared here in the middle of a forest and stayed back to protect the devotees, he came to be called ‘Kaattu’ Azhagiya Singar.
Utsava deity at the Ranganatha Temple
Centuries ago, with this temple being in the midst of a forest and with minimal human existence, it was considered unsafe and hence the utsava deity was placed inside the Koorathaazhvan Sannidhi at the Srirangam Ranganatha temple.
That tradition has come to stay and today one finds the Utsava idol of Lord Narasimha not at the Kaattazhagivya Singa Perumal Koil but at the Srirangam Ranganatha temple.
Old time residents say that this place was very much like a forest till the early 1970s. It is only in the last 3 decades that there has been development around the Kaatazhagiya Singar temple.
Namperumal’s visit to Kaattazhagiya Singar temple
Once a year, on the evening of Vijayadasami day, Namperumal, the Utsava deity of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, comes on a street procession to this temple in a palanquin. Goddess is believed to have undertaken penance at this place and handed Nam Perumal a bow and an arrow at the end of the 10th day of the Navarathri festival.
After Thirumanjam, the event of Lord Namperumal on a Horse Vaahanam, striking an arrow on the Vanni tree to signify the destruction of evil forces and protection of the devotees, is enacted every year on the Vijayadasami evening at this temple.
Special Occasions at the temple
There are special poojas and Thirumanjanam organised every month on the Swathi Nakshatram and Prathosham days. Also, Saturday is an auspicious day to visit this temple.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal West Facing Sitting Posture
Time : 6.15am- 8am, 9am-12noon and 5pm-8pm
Priest : Narasimha Bhattar @ 94434 90879 or 0431 2430879
How to reach the temple
It’s a 1 minute walk from the Srirangam Railway Station on the Eastern side.
Auto from Srirangam Ranganatha temple (South/North Entrance) would charge about
Rs.30-40/-
Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Narasingapuram
Several Inscriptions dating back to the 11th and 12th Century to the rule of Kulotunga I
Prarthana Sthalam for liberation from Naga Dosham, bad debts and all kinds of illness/diseases
In a serene location amidst lush green fields and away from pollution and traffic is the smiling Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Narasingapuram, about 55kms from Chennai off the Chennai- Bangalore highway near Sriperumbudur.
Normally the one with an angry exterior, Narasimha here is one with a smiling face and is referred to as Shaantha Moorthy.
Another speciality at this temple is the posture of MahaLakshmi, who is seen facing the devotees. In typical Narasimha temples, Thaayar is seen pacifying and cooling the angry Lord(Ugraha Moorthy) and hence her face is turned towards the Lord. Since the Lord is seen here as a ‘Shaantha Swaroopi’, Thaayar has taken the opportunity to turn her attention to the devotees.
Unlike in other Narasimha Kshetrams, Thaayar is seen directly facing the devotees and blessing them.
Paraspara Alinganam- Posture of Narasimha and Thaayar
Mahalakshmi Thaayar and Lord Narasimha are seen embracing each other, referred to as ’Paraspara Alinganam’, unlike in other Narasimha Kshetram where it is just the Thaayar in the alinganam posture. Hence, the Lord is referred to as Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar.
Garuda-Liberation from Naga Dosham
Garuda is seen here with 16 kinds of snakes around him. Hence this is said to be a place for liberation from Naga Dosham.
Anjaneya Sannidhi
Opposite the Lakshmi Narasimha temple is the west facing Anjaneya Sannidhi. The speciality of this Anjaneya is his tail is twirled back on to his head.
Historical Inscriptions
There are several inscriptions seen on the outer walls of the main Prakaram. From this as well as the stone structure(Karungal used for the base construction of the temple) and looking at thOn the Northern wall of the Nachiyar Shrine, a 1104AD inscription relating to Kulotunga I records a gift of land by inhabitants to God, Goddesses and Lakshmana. On the South wall an inscription in Tamil dating 1105AD and to the same ruler records consecration of a shrine and a gift of oil for two lamps.
Another inscription dating to the same year and ruler provides for offerings and lamps.
An inscription on the Northern wall of the Nachiyar shrine dates back to 1070AD and to the rule of Kulotunga I.
An inscription on the Northern Wall dating to 1125AD and to Vikrama Chola Deva records the sale of land for registration and one on the Western wall in Tamil records the sale of a land for the temple.
The original idol of the utsava deity, the Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Narasingapuram can be said to date back to the early Pallava period(6th-8th century AD) and to be at least 1400 years old.
The historical importance of the temple can be seen from the fact that ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage and maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites has taken note of the inscriptions found in the temple for an in- depth study and analysis relating to the period of the temple.
Prarthna Sthalam
It is believed that offering sincere prayers to Lakshmi Narasimha at Narasingapuram will keep away devotees from bad debts, enemies and illness/diseases.
Festivals
Narasimha Jayanthi in Chitrai( falls on May 8 this year- 2009)
Adi Poora
Rama Navami
Quick Facts
Moolavar : East Facing Lakshmi Narasimhar with Thaayar on his left lap
Thaayar : Maragadavalli Thaayar
Temple Time: 730am-12noon and 430pm-8pm
Priest : Sampath Bhattar @ 94871 94649
How to reach
1. Chennai-Poonamallee- Thandalam-Narasingapuram(55kms)
2. Sriperumbudur-Narasingapuram(21kms)
3.Tiruvallur- Perambakkam-Narasingapuram(21kms)
4. Arakkonam- Narasingapuram(15kms)
By Train
Take Chennai-Arakkonam suburban train:
Get down at Kadambattur railway station
Share autos/autos from the Southern side of the station to Perambakkam- Narasingapuram (6kms)
Sholingur Narasimha Thiru Kadigai
HiiiThe only Divya Desam with such special significance for Lord Anjaneya
Periya Malai
Utsava Deity seen in Sholingur Town
In downtown Sholingur, one finds the Aathi Kesavaperumal Koil built by the Chozha kings. The sacred water at this temple goes into the feet of the Lord Kesavan and from there directly on to the earth below!!! The Utsava deity of Bhakta Sithan(Bhaktavatsala Perumal) is seen here in downtown Sholingur.
The storySage Vishwamitra, who undertook penance here, was blessed with ‘Brahmma Rishi’ by Lord Narasimha, within 24 minutes (One Kadigai/ One ‘Naazhigai’). Following the foot steps of the great sage, Saptha Rishis too undertook penance here at Sholingur wanting a darshan of the Narasimha Avataaram and hoping to get the darshan within 24minutes!!
Hence, it is believed that one who stays here for 24 minutes will attain Moksham.
During his rule, the great Chozha king, Karikaala Chozhan, called this region Thiru Kadigai.
Anjaneya’s Moksham request
Yoga Anjaneya
Dodda Acharya and the Sholingur-Kanchi connection
The Sholingur Narasimha Koil has been managed and taken care of by the descendents of Dodda Acharya for the last several centuries. Dodda Acharya was the grandson of MuthalaiAndaan and to him, it is said, goes the credit of creating this beautiful temple town of Sholingurk in the Arcot region of Tamil Nadu.
Dodda Acharya used to visit the Garuda Sevai of Varadaraja Perumal at Kanchipuram every year. However, once he could not make his annual trip to Kanchi as he fell ill. Saddened by this, he bathed at the temple tank at Sholingur, invoked the blessings of Varadar of Kanchi and sang 5 songs in praise of Lord Varadaraja Perumal.
So pleased was the Lord with his devotion that he is believed to have provided darshan to Sholingur Dodda Acharya from his Garuda Vaahanam.
A special event at Kanchi every year
Azhvaar Praise-Thirumangai refers to the Lord as ‘ Thakkan’
Yoga Narasimhar
NammAzhvaar, PeyAzhvaaar and Thirumangai Azhvaar have sung praises of the Kadigai Lord Narasimha in four verses.
“ Mikkaanai Maraiyaai Virintha Vilakkai, Ennul Pukkaanai Pughazh Ser
Polingra Pon Malaiyai, Thakkaanai Kadigai Thadan Kunrin
Misai Iruntha Akkaara Kaniyai, Adainthu, Uyinthu Poneney”- Thirumangai….
Thirumangai in the above Paasuram refers to the Sholingur Lord a ‘Thakkan’ to mean that the Lord is the right one to fulfil all the wishes of devotees.
Prarthana Sthalam
Varadarajan with Perundevi Thayar
This is a Prarthana Sthalam. Belief is that the Lord cures devotees, who bathe here and walk up the two hills, from all kinds of diseases and is said to give them peace of mind. Lord Narasimha is also said to fulfil all the wishes of the devotees.
Every Friday at 7am in the morning, there is a Prarthana Utsavam for Amruthavalli Thaayar with special Abhishekam for the Thaayar and Perumal. On Sunday at 7am, there is special Abhishekam for Lord Anjaneya.
Festivals
Chitrai Brahmotsavam
Maasi Dodda Acharya Utsavam
Vaikasi Narasimha Jayanthi
Puratasi Navarathri Utsavam
Margazhi Adhyaana Utsavam and
Panguni Thiru Kalyana Utsavam
On the same day as the Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Garuda Sevai, there is Garuda Sevai at Bhakta Sithan temple as well as the Varadaraja Perumal Koil in Sholingur.
Annual trip of Thaayar down the hill
How to reach Sholingur
From Madras, one can take the following trains:
Big Hill
Periya Malai
Lord Vishnu who undertook the Narasimha Avataaram at Ahobilam (Andhra
Pradesh), once again displayed the Narasimha Avataaram to saptha rishis,
who undertook penance at Sholingur. Hence, this is said to be the one
of the most sacred of “Divya Desams on the Hill” in Tamil Nadu.
Located about 90kms west of Madras (and about 25kms from Arakkonam and
40kms from Tiruttani), atop a hill on a single stone is the Lord
Narasimha Divya Desam in Sholingur, also called Chozha-Simha-Puram and
Thiru Kadigai. This is also referred to as UtheeCheerangam(North
Srirangam).
There are two temples of significance here- the Yoga Narasimha temple at
Periya Malai (the big hill) and the Yoga Chathurbhuja Anjaneyar temple
at Chinna Malai (the small hill).
1300 steps up the big hill
Guarding oneself against the hundreds of monkeys, one has to walk up
1305 steps to reach the Narasimha Sannidhi at the ‘Periya Malai’. East
of this Sannidhi in another hill is the Yoga Anjaneya Sannidhi( one has
to climb another about 406 steps to reach the Sannidhi atop the chinna
malai ).
Atop the hill, in Thiru Kadigai, one finds the Moolavar deity and
Amruthavalli Thaayar, while in the town below, one can have darshan of
the Utsava Deity.
Utsava Deity seen in Sholingur Town
In downtown Sholingur, one finds the Aathi Kesavaperumal Koil built by the Chozha kings. The sacred water at this temple goes into the feet of the Lord Kesavan and from there directly on to the earth below!!! The Utsava deity of Bhakta Sithan(Bhaktavatsala Perumal) is seen here in downtown Sholingur.
The storySage Vishwamitra, who undertook penance here, was blessed with ‘Brahmma Rishi’ by Lord Narasimha, within 24 minutes (One Kadigai/ One ‘Naazhigai’). Following the foot steps of the great sage, Saptha Rishis too undertook penance here at Sholingur wanting a darshan of the Narasimha Avataaram and hoping to get the darshan within 24minutes!!
Hence, it is believed that one who stays here for 24 minutes will attain Moksham.
During his rule, the great Chozha king, Karikaala Chozhan, called this region Thiru Kadigai.
Anjaneya’s Moksham request
Yoga Anjaneya
At the end of the Rama Avataaram, Anjaneya wanted to join Raama in his
abode at Vaikuntam. However, Rama had other thoughts and asked Anjaneya
to go to Sholingur to protect the Rishis from Asuras. Rama provided
Anjaney with Conch and Chakra.
Devoted as ever and always following Raama’s words, Anjaneya is said to
have come here and demolished the asuras. Lord Narasimha appeared
before Anjaneya and asked him to remain here, as Yoga Anjaneya, with the
assurance that he would take Anjaneya into Vaikuntam during Kali Yugam.
There is a small opening on the wall of the Periya Malai Koil through
which it is said that Yoga Anjaneya, from his place in Chinna Malai, has
darshan of Lord Narasimha.
Abiding by the Lord’s wishes, Anjaneya is said to have remained here
atop the small hill and is seen here with four hands( Chathurbhuja
Anjaneyar) in a Yoga posture with Conch, Chakra, Japa Maalai and the
fourth hand with a Japa Sankai( counting the Japam).
This is the only Divya Desam with such special prominence for Lord Anjaneya.
There is a Raama Sannidhi and Ranganatha ( tiny) Sannidhi inside the Yoga Anjaneya temple.
The Sholingur Narasimha Koil has been managed and taken care of by the descendents of Dodda Acharya for the last several centuries. Dodda Acharya was the grandson of MuthalaiAndaan and to him, it is said, goes the credit of creating this beautiful temple town of Sholingurk in the Arcot region of Tamil Nadu.
Dodda Acharya used to visit the Garuda Sevai of Varadaraja Perumal at Kanchipuram every year. However, once he could not make his annual trip to Kanchi as he fell ill. Saddened by this, he bathed at the temple tank at Sholingur, invoked the blessings of Varadar of Kanchi and sang 5 songs in praise of Lord Varadaraja Perumal.
So pleased was the Lord with his devotion that he is believed to have provided darshan to Sholingur Dodda Acharya from his Garuda Vaahanam.
A special event at Kanchi every year
In memory of this event, every year on the third morning of
Brahmotsavam at Kanchi, the temple door is closed for a few minutes and
Lord Varadaraja Perumal, in his Garuda Vaahanam, says ‘ I am now going
to give darshan to DoddaAcharya of Sholingur.
The Lord waits at the entrance of the temple, faces the direction of
Sholingur and provides darshan to Dodda Acharya. This is called the
Dodda Acharya Sevai in Kanchipuram.
There is a separate sannidhi for Dodda Acharya at the Sholingur temple.
Budhan liberated from Agastya’s curse
Budhan, who played a prank on Sage Agastya and was subject to a curse by
the angry sage, performed service to saptha rishis at Thiru Kadigai and
is said to have been liberated from his curse.
Yoga Narasimhar
NammAzhvaar, PeyAzhvaaar and Thirumangai Azhvaar have sung praises of the Kadigai Lord Narasimha in four verses.
“ Mikkaanai Maraiyaai Virintha Vilakkai, Ennul Pukkaanai Pughazh Ser
Polingra Pon Malaiyai, Thakkaanai Kadigai Thadan Kunrin
Misai Iruntha Akkaara Kaniyai, Adainthu, Uyinthu Poneney”- Thirumangai….
Thirumangai in the above Paasuram refers to the Sholingur Lord a ‘Thakkan’ to mean that the Lord is the right one to fulfil all the wishes of devotees.
Prarthana Sthalam
Varadarajan with Perundevi Thayar
This is a Prarthana Sthalam. Belief is that the Lord cures devotees, who bathe here and walk up the two hills, from all kinds of diseases and is said to give them peace of mind. Lord Narasimha is also said to fulfil all the wishes of the devotees.
Every Friday at 7am in the morning, there is a Prarthana Utsavam for Amruthavalli Thaayar with special Abhishekam for the Thaayar and Perumal. On Sunday at 7am, there is special Abhishekam for Lord Anjaneya.
Festivals
Chitrai Brahmotsavam
Maasi Dodda Acharya Utsavam
Vaikasi Narasimha Jayanthi
Puratasi Navarathri Utsavam
Margazhi Adhyaana Utsavam and
Panguni Thiru Kalyana Utsavam
On the same day as the Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Garuda Sevai, there is Garuda Sevai at Bhakta Sithan temple as well as the Varadaraja Perumal Koil in Sholingur.
Annual trip of Thaayar down the hill
Amruthavalli Thaayar
Amruthavalli Thaayar makes her annual trip to down town Sholingur in
Puratasi and stays here with Bhakatvatsala Perumal for two month(
Puratasi and Aipasi). On the first day of karthigai, she makes her trip
back to the top of the hill.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Akkara Kani Yoga Narasimha East Facing Sitting posture
Thaayar : Amruthavalli Thaayar (separate sannidhi)
Utasavar : Bhaktavatsala(Bhakta Sithan) Perumal - below in the town of Sholingur
Paasurams : PeyAzhvaar, Thirumangai Azhvaar, NammAzhvaar
Temple Timing : 8am-5pm
Contact : Dodda Acharya Descendant Singarachari - Kutti Kannan
(son of AKC Periya Bangar Swami) @ 04172 262770 or 94442 74589
Address : 39 Sannidhi Street, Sholingur 631 102
Others contacts : Mohan Bhattar@ 04172 295999 or Kumar Bhattar @ 99443 30705
From Madras, one can take the following trains:
1. Early morning Kovai Express or Brindavan Express to Arakkonam and a
29km bus trip from Arakkonam to Sholingur (will take about 45minutes to 1
hour) - Good wide Arakkonam- Walajah SH 61.
Or
2. Sapthigiri Express (625am departure) to Tiruttani(arrival at 730am).
There are a number of buses from Tiruttani to Sholingur (40kms).
Or
3. Take Chennai- Bangalore Express (departure at 1.20pm) and get down at
Sholingur Station( 240pm arrival). A number of Share autos from the
North of the station will take you to Sholingur temple in 30 minutes( a
distance of 16kms)
There are also direct buses from Madras to Sholingur but it is better to take the train-bus option.
Auto will charge Rs.10/- from Arakonam/Walajah highway to the foot of
the Periya Malai. One can take another auto for Rs.10-15/- from the foot
of the Periya Malai to the foot of the Chinna Malai.
Rope
car has now been launched for devotees to go to periya malai. Timings
830am to 530pm with a break between 1pm and 2pm. Charges : Rs. 100 per
head ( March 2024)
Big Hill
Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Pazhaya Seevaram
Lord Narasimha with Goddess Lakshmi
Located about 20kms east of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal koil on the Kanchipuram-Chengalpet State Highway is the Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal koil in Pazhaya Seevaram.
The Story
Wanting a darshan of Lord Narasimha, Rishi Aathri Anusaya was undertaking penance at Naimisaarinyam. With his prayers not being answered there, the Rishi increased the intensity of his penance.
One day, he heard an invisible voice that asked him to move southward to the foot of Padmagiri parvatham where there is a confluence of three rivers
He is said to have to come this place and undertaken penance, facing East ward, on the banks of the three rivers- Palar, Cheyyar and Vegavathi- that meet here.
Lord Lakshmi Narasimha is said to have appeared before him and provided darshan facing the west. And as per the wishes of the Rishi, Lord Narasimha remained here, ever after and is seen in a grand sitting posture, west facing, with Goddess Lakshmi on his lap.
Historical Reference
One finds a reference to this episode in chapter 17 of the Brahmanda Puranam relating to Padmagiri Mahaatyam.
Lord Varadar’s yearly trip to Pazhaya Seevaram
The big highlight at this temple is the annual trip of Kanchi Varadar.
The story goes that the moolavar deity of Kanchipuram Perumal Koil (Lord Varadarajan) is said to have been damaged during the invasion of the Muslim rulers. As a damaged deity could not be worshipped, it was immersed in the temple tank (This moolavar deity- Athi Varadan- is taken out once every 40 years and placed outside for worship for a period of 10 days. This event will take place next in 2019).
The moolavar that we see today at Kanchipuram Varadarajar Perumal Koil was brought from Pazhaya Seevaram. In memory of this event, the Utsava idol of Kanchi Lord Varadarajan is taken on a procession once a year, on the ‘Maatu Pongal’ day during the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) to Pazhaya Seevaram.
Paari Vettai Utsavam
Lord Varadarajan leaves Kanchipuram on the evening of the Pongal day and reaches Pazhaya Seevaram Lakshmi Narasimha koil at 6am the next morning (He is scheduled to leave on the evening of 14th January 2009 to reach Pazhaya Seevaram at 6am on 15th January 2009).
The morning of Maatu Pongal day is one dedicated to the people of Pazhaya Seevaram, celebrating this once in a year ‘Paari Vettai’ Utsavam where they play host to Kanchi Varadar as the Lord goes on a procession around the streets of Pazhaya Seevaram.
At around 9am, Kanchi Varadar climbs the 250 odd steps( atop the Lakshmi Narasimha temple) to the hill top where he originally belonged !!!
That evening, along with Lord Narasimha of Pazhaya Seevaram, Kanchi Varadar is taken on a procession to Keezh Seevaram to the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal koil at Thiru Mukoodal. Lords from five different temples congregate here that evening.
Back at Pazhaya Seevaram after about 3 hours, Kanchi Varadar bids good bye to Lakshmi Narasimhar at around 930pm at the Pazhaya Seevaram Temple and makes his way back to Chinna Kanchipuram for another year!!
Rivers in full flow
Devotees who have been to this temple in the 1960s/70s say that they used to reach here by bullock cart (there were no buses then) and would stay here for a month enjoying the cool breeze and peaceful surroundings. The rivers, they say, used to run full through the year which would make a wonderful sight from the top of the temple.
At the time of writing this piece, Palar was completely dry.
Management of the temple
Interestingly, this temple has been managed by a private Gujarathi trust (at least for the last 300 years) and has been maintained very well.
Quick Facts
Deity : Lakshmi Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Temple Time : 730am-11am and 4pm-630pm
Priest : Srinivasa Bhattar
Contact : 94437 18137
Festivals : Brahmotsavam in Aani, Pavitrosavam in Aavani, Narasimha Jayanthi
Singaperumal Koil Narasimha
The 1500 year old temple near Madras is believed to be one of the several cave temples built by the Pallavas
Located about 50 kms South of Madras is the cave temple of Padalathri Narasimha at Singaperumal Koil that finds a mention in the Brahmmanda Purana.
(Pallava King Mahendra Varma (580-630AD) had built about ten cave temples during his time)
The Story
During the Narasimha Avataaram time, this place was said to be a big forest. It is believed that Japali Rishi undertook penance at this place and had darshan of the Lord, after the killing of Hiranyakashipu. Given the timing, the Lord here is seen in an angry posture as Ugra Narasimha.
To the North East of the main deity is the Lakshmi Narasimha Sannidhi,
who is said to cool the ‘Ugra Narasimha’. Every Pradhosham, special
poojas are conducted for the Pradhosha deity.The temple tank, found east
of the temple, is said to be full through the year.While Azhvaars have
not praised this temple, the Goddess here is the same as the one in
Ahobilam (Ahobila Valli).
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Padalathri (Ugra) Narasimha Sitting Posture with Goddess Lakshmi in his chest
Goddess : Ahobila Valli Thaayar
Utsavar : Prahalada Varadar with a maze in his left hand
Time : 7am-12noon and 4pm-830pm
Priest : V. Gopalakrishna Bhattar @93801 14686 / 044 2746 4441
Festivals
Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi
Pavitrotsavam in Aavani
Davana Utsavam in Maasi
How to reach Singaperumal Koil
All Sub-Urban Trains from Chennai Beach –Chengalpet stop at Singaperumal Koil Station. (Trains once every hour).Autos charge Rs. 30 from Station to the temple(a distance of less than a km).
New Deluxe buses have been introduced between Chennai city and Chengalpet.
Buses Stop in front of the Temple.These buses are quite comfortable to travel in.
Thiruvali Thirunagari Divya Desam
Ugra Narasimha, Veera Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Hiranya Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha in and around Thirvali - Thirunagari
Birth Place of Thirumangai Azhvaar is just a km away @ Thiru Kuraiyalur
Grand Enactment through the night of Thirumangai Azhvaar's Vedu Pari in Panguni
Thiruvali
Goddess Lakshmi wanted the Lord to recognize the efforts of Thirumangai
Mannan. Granting her wishes, Lord Vishnu directed her to be born as the
daughter of Sage Poorna with the promise that he would come there to
provide darshan to Thirumangai Mannan.
Mangai Mannan way lays the Lord!!
At Vedarajapuram, a village in between Thiruvali and Thirunagari, Mangai
Mannan stops the Lord in an effort to relieve him of his belongings. It
is here that the Lord reveals his true form and utters the Astakshara
Mantra in the ears of Mangai Mannan. This entire event is enacted here
every year in Panguni on the day before Panguni Uthiram. Being the place
where Lord Vishnu appeared to share the Thiru Manthiram, Thiruvaali is
said to be equivalent to Badri.
Accepting the prayers of the Devas (they wanted Goddess Lakshmi to help
protect the world from any further destruction after the Lord had slain
Hiranyakashipu), the Goddess came here and sat on the Lord’s right
thigh. Hence, this place came to be called ‘Thiru’Vali.
Thirumangai Azhvaar refers to the huge number of peacocks dancing around at Thiruvali
சோலைத்தலைக் கண மா மயில் நடம் ஆட
மழை முகில் போன்று எழுந்து
எங்கும் ஆளைப் புகை கமழும்
அணி ஆலி அம்மானே
Punnai and Serundi trees and fragrant Jasmine and Shenbagam Flowers
were seen every where in the groves in Thiruvali. Bees made buzzing
noises after drinking the nectar from the buds.Thirumangai Azhvaar also refers to Thiruvali as a place where Vedic Seers lived and chanted the Vedas for several generations. They also taught the Vedas to the next generation and the entire place reverberated in Vedic Chants all the time. The sound of Conches, Chants and dances never ceased at Thiruvali.
சாந்தி வேள்வி சடங்கு நான்மறை
ஓதி ஓதுவித்து ஆதியாய் வரும்
அந்தணாளர் அறா அணி ஆலி அம்மானே
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture
Thayar : Poorna Valli Thayar
Utsavar : Thiruvali NagaraalanPancha Narasimha Kshetram
With five Narasimha temples in and around Thiruvali-Thirunagari, this
Divya Desam is referred to as a Pancha Narasimha Kshetram. At
Kuraiyalur, the birth place of Thirumangai Azhvaar, one finds Ugira
Narasimha. At Mangai Mutt, where Mangai Mannan fed a 1000 Vaishnavites
as per the wishes of Kumudavalli, there is Veera Narasimha.
At Thirunagari, there are two Narasimha idols- Yoga Narasimha and
Hiranya Narasimha and here at Thiruvali, one sees Lakshmi Narasimha with
the Goddess on his right lap.
Kulasekhara Azhvaar praises the Lord here referring to him as ‘The Ruler of Aali Nagar’
ஆளின் இல்லை பாலகனாய் அன்று உலகம் உண்டவனே
வாலியை கொன்று அரசு இளைய வானரதுக்கு அளித்தவனே
காலின்மணி கரை அலைக்கும் கனபுரத்து என் கருமணியே
ஆலி நகருக்கு அதிபதியே அயோதிமானே தாலேலோ
Thirunagari
This is the only Divya Desam where one can see ‘Kalyana Ranganathar’ in a sitting posture.
Brahmma’s son Karthama Prajaapathi undertook penance at Thirunagari
wanting Moksham. With Lord Vishnu refusing to consider Goddess’ request
of providing Moksham to Prajaapathi, an upset Lakshmi left Paramapatham
and hid herself here at Thirunagari. Missing her presence, Lord came
down in search and finally found her in a pond here. Hence this place
came to be called‘Thiru’(Sri) Nagari, to mark the event of Goddess
Lakshmi having stayed here.
While the Lord informed Prajaapathi that there was still time left for
Moksham, he offered to grant any other wishes to Brahmma’s son. Though
dejected, Prajaapathi requested that the Lord and Goddess remain here in
the same form so all the devotees could have darshan.
Thirumangai Azhvaar seen with his trademark spear (Vel)
Thirumangai, who had won over Thirugnana Sambandhar(seen earlier in the
Seerkazhi Kaazhi Cheerama Vinnagaram story) is seen here like a hunter
with a spear. Thirumangai had a golden sculpture of his done at
Thirukurungudi. It is believed that he transferred all his powers to
this sculpture before he attained Moksham at Thirukurungudi. This idol
was then moved to Thirunagari, near the birth place of Thirumangai
Azhvaar and to date remains the idol of Thirumangai, on whom the daily
pooja is undertaken here at ThiruNagari.
To win over his sweet heart Kumudavalli, Thirumangai fed a 1000
vaishnavites here as per the condition laid down by her). To this day,
one can see the mandapam, called Mangai Mutt, where Thirumangai fed
these Vaishnavites.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Vedaraajan, West Facing Sitting Posture
Thayar : Amrutha valli
Utsavar : Kalyana Ranganathar - Vayalali Manavala
Thiruvali Thirunagari details
Contact : Padmanabha Bhattar @ 04364 275699/94433 72567
Azhvaar : Kulasekhara Azhvaar, Thiru Mangai Azhvaar
How to reach
Take Sirkazhi- Poompuhar bus to get down at Thirunagari. Auto from Sirkazhi bus stand will cost Rs. 200. Contact Auto Moorthy @ 98432 65787
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