Thursday, May 20, 2010

Thiru Kazhiseerma Vinnagaram

  1. Thiru kazhi Seerama Vinnagaram:



    The temple is one of 108 Divya Desam temples. The place is about 21 kms NE of Mailaduthurai, also known as Paadaleeka vanam, between Kollidam and Uppanaru.







    The temple has a Raja Gopuram of three storeys with two prakarams. There is a Maha mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Main sanctum for the temple.



    Main Deity is known as Thadalan in standing posture, and his consort Sri Lokanayaki Thayar in separate sanctum. Urchavar is known as Thiruvikraman and Thayar Mattarizh Kuzali.



    We see other deities like Andal, Ramar, Krishnan, 12 Azwars and Garuda in a small sanctum. . Teertham is Sanga Pushkarani and Chakkra teertham.



    Bramanda Purana says Romesa Muni had darshan [pratyaksham} of Lord Vishnu here as Trivikraman, lifting up his left leg high. Brahama, was proud about his life span. In this place Romesa muni told Brahma, his life span is equal to "a hair falling" from his body. On hearing Romesa muni’s word Brahma felt ashamed for being proud about his life.


Monday, May 03, 2010

Sowriraja perumal Temple, Thirukannapuram

  1. Thiru Kannapuram Sowriraja perumal temple:



    Thiru kannapuram is one of 108 Divya Desa temples. The temple is one of five Krishnaranya Kshetram. The place is about 8 kms east of Nanilam, located in-between River Thirumalaryan and Vettaru.



    The main Raja Gopuram is seven storeys and pushkarani is seen in front of the temple. Steps are provided to all four sides of pushkarani for devotee’s convenience.



    Main Deity is Thiru Neelamega perumal in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar to either Side. Urchavar is known as Sowriraja perumal.
    Kannapura Nayaki thayar is seen in separate sanctum.



    As we go around the main sanctum we see Azwar, Veebishanan, and Sri Raman sanctum. There is a separate sanctum for Udayavar to north side of Pushkarani.


    Importance: This is one of five Krishnaranya Kshetram. The rest four are Thirukovaloore, Thiru kannankudi, Thiru kavithalam, and Thiru Kannamangi.

    The place is also known as "Srimadha shadakshra maha mantra siddhi kshetram". This place is considered as one of Mukthy giving sthalam and known as Keezhai Vedu by Pandits of olden days. Thirumangai Azwar was blessed with Thiru Mantra Upadesam.




    Purana says King Upasarivasu performed Aswameda yaga and was blessed with a female child, who was named as Padmini. As she grew, she turned out to be a beautiful girl. Padmini meditated in this place to seek the hands of Perumal as her life partner. Sowriraja Perumal was happy with her devoation and dedication. He fulfilled her wish.



    There is story related to Perumal. One day Archakar of the temple, as a gesture handed over the garland which was on, Sowriraja Perumal, to the King who visited the temple. The King saw a lengthy hair string to the garland. He was surprised and questioned about this. Archakar said it was the hair of the perumal.



    King did not believe it and asked his men to check and find the truth. Kings men tried to pluck the hair of Perumal in main sanctum. When they did so blood splashed, and King worried for his act. He prayed to perumal of this temple to forgive him. Perumal protected his devotee, the Archakar whose words came true. From then, perumal here is known as Sowriraja Perumal.




    Sowriraja perumal is seen with prayoga chakkra in his hands. The place is considered as Bhoolokha vaikundam. There is no separate door/ entrance, in the temple as Swarga vassal and there is no vimana darshanam in the temple.