Divya Desam temples.

Govardhana Giri & Rukmani Kalyanam.

2011-11-22T03:44:00.000-08:00

Govardhan :

The hill Govardhan is popularly known as “Giriraj”.

Purana says Govardhan Mountain is son of Dronachala Mountain. Once when Pulasthya Maharisii was passing through Dronachala Mountain, he was attracted by the fame of Govardhana Mountain. He wanted to take the Guardian Mountain to Varnasi and meditate there. So he requested Pulasthya Maharishi to permit him to take his son Govardhana Mountain. Dronachala Mountain agreed to send. Pulasthya Maharisi had to agree, to a condition of Govardhan. He should not rest him any where in the middle of his journey. Otherwise, he will stay back at the place he was rested by Maharishi.

Pulasthiya Rishi agreed and lifted the Mountain to shoulder with his power of “Thapas” (penance). When they were proceding towards Varnasi, they had to cross Vrindhavan.

Govardhan Mountain became heavy due the vibration and thought of Krishna leela while crossing Brindvan. Maharishi was tired and he rested the Govardhana Mountain here, in Kamyavanam. After sometime when he lifted the hill he was not able to do it due to the agreement between them.

Maharisi in anger cursed the mountain to gradually become smaller in size. Every year Govardhana Giri looses its height by size of a “Thill.” Now the height of the Govardhana Mountain is only 80’.

Previously people residing here, used to prepare and offer variety of food in large quantity to Indra. Kannan convinced the residence residing there, to offer food hereafter to Govardhana Giri which is full of herbs and medicinal plant which helps in growth of cow.

Indra became angry by this change in offering to Govardhana Giri. Rain started pouring heavily for seven days, Krishna lifted up Govardhana Giri as an umbrella to give shelter for cows and people living there.

Parikrama around the Govardhana giri is about 21kms distance. There are some places to see when we go around.
Kusum Sarovar:

Kusum Sarovar from where Lord Krishna used to pluck flowers and give them to Gopika’s. There is a sanctum for Uttdavar near the sarovar. Uttdavar came to this place to see Kannan, and he was pleased at the surrounding and the vibration there.
Govinda kund :

Main entrance known as Vallabacharya dwar, leads us to Govind Kund. We have to walk a little to Govind kund from here.

Govind kund.

After having darshan of Govind Kund, we had to walk about 5-6 kms to reach the Govardhana Giri.
During our stay at Brindavan for Bagavadha sapthagam on 6th day Annakooda utsavam was celebrated in front of Govardhana Giri.

This is the ground in front of Govardhana giri, where Annakooda utsavam was performed.

Here Lord Krishna was decorated like Govardhan Giridhar.

Gathering at Annakooda Utsavam.

Peacock dance

Peacock dance

We had few cultural programs in the evening in the ground. There was a Music program and Dance program by local residence. The peacock dance performance was really good and everyone enjoyed the dance.

A stone from the mountain was taken and installed on a dais representing Govardhana Giri.

starting abishekam was with water for Govardhana Giri

We see abishekam with milk for Govardhna Giri.

Next we see abishekam with Sandal paste for Govardhana Giri.

Nakshatra Aarathi Given for Govardhana Giri after the completion of abishekam.

Sodasoupacharam was done and variety of offerings were given to Govardhana giri here.We were thrilled while watching the function.

When food offering was refused to Indra, he was hungry and he poured down heavy rain to punish them. Govardhana Giri was lifted by Kannan to protect cows and others. Indra realised his mistake and performed Govinda pattbishekam for Govardhana Giri and Kannan. Since the cow and calves were protected by Kannan, he was known as Govindan.
Rukmani Kalyanam :

Last day Rukmani kalyanam was celebrated in the morning. Sankalpam was done by every one of us who joined the yatra. All rituals were performed as we do in marriages.

Main entrance of the ground, were Rukmani kalyanam was performed.

Devotees assembled to take part in Rukmani Kalyana Utsavam function.

Rukmani and lord Krishna decorated for the kalyana utsava function in bridal dress.

Offerings like variety of fruits, dry frits, flowers, and Garland along with clothing displayed in Kalyana Mandapam.

Kamyavanam, Mathura.

2011-11-06T08:01:00.001-08:00

Kamyavanam

The place Kamyavanam is about 75 Kms from Brindavan. It is in Rajasthan border. There are about 12 forest of which Kamyavanam is one. Gopika’s love (Kama) Krishna, very much. Their extreme love towards Lord Krishna was considered as Bakthi. It is like the, relation between Jeevathama and Paramathama. Hence the place is known as Kamyavanam. This is another place Lord Krishna as a kid, played with his friends

Vyomasuran cave :

This place is Indrasena hill. Vyomasuran was appointed by Kamsa to kill Kannan. When Kannan and his friends were playing hide and seek game Vyomasuran, took the form of small boy and joined with them to play. While playing, Vyomasuran guided them to hide in this cave. Lord Krishna came to know about this. He fought with Vyomasuran and rescued his friends.

Balaram in anger pressed his legs on the hill. Balaam’s footprint is seen here.

On the top of the hill there is a small sanctum where footprints and palm is seen. It is believed to be Lord Krishna’s prints.
Lukaluka kund :

Kannan (Lord Krishna) and his friends used to play in water of this Lukaluka kund, when they go out with their cows. Once Just for fun Kannan jumped into the water and went deep inside. His friends were worried about Kannan, looking at their tension he appeared on the small hill beside, playing his flute.
We had darshan of the kund from top of the hill.
Charan Pahadi :

This is the place where Krishna appeared from Lukaluka Kund. We have to climb about 200 steps to reach the hill top.

Here there is a small sanctum in which we can see the foot print of Lord Krishna and near by foot print of calf.
Bojan Thali Mandir:

This is the place where we find the plate and the bowl which Kannan used.

Here there is a sanctum for Radha Krishnar.

After the Vyomasuran vadam Kannan had his bath in this Ksheera sagaram and had his food.

Here we see the plate which he used.

Here we see the bowl which he used for drinking keer.
Pilasini sila:

This place is to the other side of Indrasena hill. We have to walk bout 1.5 kms to reach this place. Here we find a small hill.

We had to climb up the hill and then slide from that place.

This is the place were Kannan and his friends used to slide and play in the day time when they come out with their cows to graze.

Temples of Brindavan, Mathura.

2011-11-05T10:14:00.001-07:00

Dwadasa Aditya Deela:

Krishna was inside the water for a long time with kaliyan and he was feeling cold.
This is the place where Lord Krishna sat and relaxed here on the small hillock after he took control of Kaliyan.

At this place twelve Adithyar came down and requested Krishna, to permit them to worship him. Krishna agreed to their request. Sun’s heat made him sweat and started flowing down and it became a small pond known as Praskandana teertham. Here on the top we see Radha Madan Mohan Mandir.

One has to climb steps to reach the temple.

The temple structure looks beautiful.
Main deity is Radha Krishnar.
Radha Damodhar Temple :

Main Deity is Radha Damodhar.

Here within the temple from side as we go around it is leading to Adishtanam of many saints.
Kopaeswarar Temple :

This is Lord Siva temple in Brindavan.

Main Deity is Siva lingam known as Kopaeswarar. Siva Lingam is to ground level and everyone is allowed to perform Abishekam.

As we go around the main sanctum we seeLord Siva and Parvathy sculpture to back wall of sanctum.

There is a separate sanctum for Annapoorani and Bairavar in the temple.

Purana says Lord Siva wanted to see and enjoy Rasaleela of Radha and Krishna. Male members are not allowed to see this. Lord Siva dressed up like a girl and watched Rasaleela, he was too exited and Radha found it was male member. She became angry. Lord Krishna knew it was Lord Siva, and he tried to console her and make her realize it was Lord Siva.

Lord Siva said since male members are forbidden to enter he had to come like a women to watch and enjoy the Rasaleela. Lord Krishna was pleased and he requested Lord Siva to stay in Brindavan for ever and enjoy Rasaleela.

Here the evening Siva Lingam is decorated (alankaram) as a women.
Govindaji Mndir

Main entrance of Govindaji mndir..

Inner hall of the temple and sanctum
Iscon Temple

Main Entrance of Iscon Temple.

Swami Prabhu pada

Sri Gowr Nithayee

Lord Krishna and Balaram.

From Temples of Brindawan

Radha and Shyam Sundar.

Yasodha and Nandalala
Radha Krishna Temple :

This temple of Radha Krishna is like a South Indian temple with Gopuram and Dwajasthmbam.

View of Inner sanctum entrance.

Garudazwar is seen near the Dwajasthambam.

Students of Veda patasala are chanting Vedas in the temple.

Nandagam Temples. Mathura.

2011-11-04T02:24:00.001-07:00

Nandha Bhavan:

Nandha Bhavan is about 50kms from Gokulam. This is the place where Krishna spent his childhood days from fifth year onwards, when Nandhagopar shifted to Nandhagam from Gokulam.

Here on the top of a hillock there is a temple. In the sanctum we see Nandhagopar, Yasodha Matha, Balaraman, Krishna, and his friends.

Few Paintings of inner hall sanctum.

We see beautiful paintings, to main hall roof, related to Krishna’s Bala Leela here.

They do parikrama here in Nandhagam. We did not do that. From top of the building we can have darshan of all the places in Nandhagam. Places we can see from here, Krishna Kund, Akrura gaman, Soorya Kund, and Yasodha Kund.
Barsana :

The place Barsana is about 10 kms from Nandhagam, also known as Bruhathsanu. Radha was born in Raval, to Sri. Vrushabanu.Barsana is the place where Radha lived.
Srijee mandir :

Krishna’s great grand son Vajranabhan installed Thayar. We see Radha Krishna idol here in the sanctum.

The picture is from the back of temple.

This is the painting of Srijee mandir inner main hall entrance.

The roof of the hall is beautifully painted relating to Lord Krishna’s leela. Here photography is not allowed.
Jaipur palace temple:

The construction of the temple is in Rajasthan style. In the main sanctum, we see Radha Krishna.
Moorekuteer:

This is the place where Lord Krishna used to dress up like peacock and enjoy with Gopikas.

Gokulam Temples. Mathura.

2011-11-02T06:44:00.001-07:00

Gokulam:

The place Gokulam is in Mahavanam.

Gokulam is also known as Thiruvaipaadi which is one of 108 Divya Desa kshetram.

Govardhan, Nandagramam, Brundvanam and Kamyavanm belong to Divya Desam

Lord Krishna was brought to this place Gokulam by Vasudevar on the day he was born. He was guided by Lord to leave him in Gokulam, near Yasodha at Nandagopar’s house, who gave birth to a female child on that day. It is believed the female child is Maya sakthi. Vasudevar took the female child and went back to jail.

It is believed Lord Krishna stayed here in this place from that day until he was five. King Kamsa attempted to kill the child many a time so, Nandagopar shifted to Nandagam with Lord Krishna.

We see the arch of oldNandabhavan.

Here there is a sanctum where we see Nandgopar, Balaram, Yasodha, Yoga Maya (Durgai), and

Bala Krishna is seen in crawling posture.Since the hall is a small, they allow few members in a batch. Everyone is supposed to crawl and reach the sanctum.

In front of these main deities, there is a cradle to which a rope is tied, and Lord Krishna is seen in it. They ask us to swing the cradle.

As we come out from the sanctum nearby, we see Poothana sculpture with Lord Krishna to her breast, relating to Poothana vadam by Lord Krishna. She attained Moksha.
Ramanreti:

This is the place where Lord Krishna as a child, played and enjoyed his childhood days upto five years.

Here we were asked to roll on the ground, which is the holy place where Lord Krishna rolled on the ground and played.

There is a Radha Krishna sanctum seen with a huge hall.

Inside the Hall there is a sanctum for Hanuman.

Main sanctum is Radha Krishna.

There is a small sanctum for Lord Siva and Nandi.

In the sanctum of “Lord Siva” we see idols of Lord Ganesha, Lakshmi and Brahma.

There is a separate sanctum for Navagraha is seen.
Brahamanda Ghat:

This place is about a kilometer distance from Nandabhavan.

River Yamuna is flowing nearby.

This is the place where Lord Krishna was asked to open his mouth by Yasodha Matha, and she saw the complete universe there.

Inside we see Lord Krishna’s idol in a small mandap, and few Saligrama also.

There is a small sanctum for Yamuna Matha here on the banks

Another small sanctum of Lord Krishna and Balaram.
Ukal Bandhanam :

Here we see the stone roll to which Krishna was tied with rope, by Yasodha Matha.

Near by there is the piece of Arjuna Vruksham.Nalakuparan and Manikreevan are sons of Kuberan who are in the form of Arjuna Vruksham due to curse.

Here we see wall pictures related to the story of Lord Krishna.

Mathura.

2011-10-31T03:45:00.000-07:00

Mathura:

Mathura is one of 108 Divya Desam place. Here we do not find any old temple or deity of those olden days. This is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood life. We visited this place on sarad Poornima day.(full-moon day.

I would like to share about some of the places which we visited. We were not allowed to take camera.
Pothra Kund:

This is a pond close to Janma Bhoomi. Vasudevar and Devaki used this pond for washing their clothes when they were in prison.
Kesavji Mandir:

Kesavji Mandir is one of the old temples in Mathura, near Janmasthan.
Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi:

This prison is the place where Lord Krishna was born for Sri Vasudevar and Yasodha Matha. There is a temple built later dates. Inside we see Lord Krishna. There is a photograph of Lord Krishna here, which looks very much alive. The whole place is under security. There is a big hall in which we see huge sculptures of Lord Krishna and Radha.

There are small sanctums for Durga, Navagraha etc. As we go around inside from a window we see huge wall of a mosque near to the temple. Here they point to a place and say that was supposed to be original place of jail.
Adi Varaha Swamy Temple:

The place Mathura was known as Adi Varaha Kshetram. In Krutha Yugam Kapila muni gave this idol of Adi Varaha perumal to Lord Indra. Later Sathrugna brought this idol of Varaha perumal from Ayodha and installed it, in Mathura.
Swetha Varaha Perumal:

Here Varaha perumal is seen in white marble stone and known as Swetha Varaha perumal.
Samyamana Ghat:

This ghat is on the bank of River yamuna. This is the ghat from where Vasudevar shifted Lord Krishna to Brindavanam.
Visram Ghat:

This is the ghat where Lord Krishna had bath after Kamsa vadham and took rest.

Temples of Brindavan, Mathura.

2011-10-30T02:58:00.000-07:00

Brindavan:

There are many temples in Brindavan. We were able to visit only few important temples. Here main deity is Radha Krishna in all temples. Some places Lord Krishna is known by different name other than Krishna.
Purana Kaliya Ghat:This is the place where Lord Krishna took control of Kaliyan (poisonous snake) which was troubling living being around.

There is a small sanctum we see here for kaliya and Krishna.

There is the tree known as Kadamba Vrukshamin this place. They say Krishna jumped on the head of Kaliya from this tree.

We see a small pond with Kaliya idol with Lord Krishna on its head.

Bankay Bihari Mandir:

Imlithala:

The place is popularly known as “Siddha peet ImliThala”

Main Deity here is Sree Radha and Krishna.

There is a Tamarind tree here in this place. We see a board which says the tree is 5500 years old. Lord Krishna sat under the tree alone and used to think of Radha, and used to repeat her name as japa. Hence the place is popularly known as “Siddha peet ImliThala”

Seva kunj:

This is the place where Lord Krishna used to play with Gopika’s in the evenings. They believe Lord Krishna comes here in the evening daily. They do not allow anyone in the evening.

Here we see Krishna Chitanya mission Ashram and a mandir for Lord Krishna and Radha.

Radha Ramana Mandir:

Deity in this temple is Swayambu Radha Ramanar.

Vamsivatam

On full moon-day Lord Krishna played his flute and enjoyed with Gopika’s. This is one of the places of Krishna Rasaleela.

This is the main entrance of the place.

We see a big tree and a small sanctum in which Radha Krishna is seen.

Near the tree we see a small sanctum in which, padam is seen with gurus sitting around.

We see a small sanctum for Vyasar. Sukar is seen worshiping him.

There is a small sanctum seen for Atri muni.

We seeGopeshwar,in separate to another corner.

Padha darshan of Sree Lalitha, Sree Visaka, Sree Chitra, Sree Indurekha, Sree Champakalatha, Sree Rangadevi, SreeThunga Vidya, and Sree Sudevi is seen in front, opposite to main deity under the tree as we go around.

There is a separate sanctum forLord Hanuman.

Sri Rangaji Mandir

Sri Rangaji temple of south Indian tradition was built by Sri Govardhan Rangachariyar of Kancheepuram, in the year 1845-1851.

Main Deity is Rangamannar and Andal. We see Garudazwar also, to a side in the main sanctum.

There is separate sanctum for Venkatachalapathy and Azwars.

As we enter in we see 16 pillar mandapam.

We see a pushkarani near the mandapam.

Thiru kannagkudi Temple, Nagapattinam.

2011-07-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Thiru kannagkudi Temple: Nagapattinam.

The place Thiru Kannagkudi is about 14 km from Thiruvaroore. The place is also known as Krishnaranyam. This temple is One of 108 Divya Desam Temples. The temple is one of Pancha Krishna Kshetram. Other four Kshetram are Thiru kannamangai, Thiru Kannapurm, Thiru koviloore, and Kapi sthalam.

The temple has a Raja Gopuram of five tiers. There Maha Mandapam Artha Mandapam and Main sanctum.

Main Deity is Sri Lokanadha Perumal in standing posture with his consort Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar. Urchavar in this temple known as Damodhara Narayanan with his left hand rested to his hip. There is a separate sanctum for Thayar known as Lokanayaki Thayar and urchava thayar known as Aravindha valli

Teertham is Sravana Pushkarani. There are about eight well inside the temple premises.
Sthala Vruksham is Magizha Maram.

Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Garudan, Ramar, Sri Manavala Ma Munigal, Udayavar, Azwar, Hanuman, Thirumangai Azwar and Madhura kavi Azwar.

Importnce in the temple is Garudazwar is seen with his hands folded, water does not spring in the well and there is a tamarind tree, which is known as Urangapuli. Sthala vruksham Mgizha maram is always green.

Stahla Puranam: Vasishta Muni made an idol of Krishna in butter and used to worship daily. Lord was pleased with his Bakthi, and Lord disguised as a small boy and took the idol in his hand and started running. Vasishta chased the small boy. Many other sages were meditating under the Magizha maram, by their intellectual power, were able to identify small boy as Lord Krishna, they tied Him with their Bakthi. Lord Krishna revealed himself to sages for their worship. Hence the place is known as Kannagkudi.

One day Thirumangai Azwar stopped here on his way to Thiruvarangam. He was going there to do some renovation work for the temple. He was carring a Golden idol of Buddha Vigraham with him. He wanted to sleep for some time and he kept the idol hidden to earth under tamarind tree. He requested the tree to keep awake when he is sleeping. Next day when he woke up he saw the tree awake and he blessed the tree as Uranga puliye. From that day onwards the leaf of the plant does not sleep.

Owner of the place came there to plough the place under the tamarind tree. Azwar said he cannot do so, and he claimed ownership. There was argument between the two and villagers started intruding. The original owner had the documents which he submitted before the villagers. Azwar asked one day time for him to get the documents.

After the case was over Azwar felt thirst and asked for water to a women who was drawing water from well. The lady thought the person tried to claim the land of their villager and he seems to be a trouble maker and she refused to give him water. Azwar got angry and he cursed, as water will not spring in the well hereafter. From that day water level in the well is deep.

Azwar was feeling hungry and he was praying to Lord of the temple under the Magizha Maram. Lord in disguise brought food for Azwar who was almost lost himself due to hunger. He ate the food and turned around to look for the person who has given meal for him. He did not find anyone around, Azwar thanked Lord for his meal and he blessed the Magizha Maram as Kaya Maram (to be always fresh).

Mangla sasanam by Thirumangai Azwar

Bakthavatsala Perumal, Thiru kannamangai, Thiruvarore.

2011-07-18T03:19:00.000-07:00

Thirukanna Mangai: Bakthavatsala perumal and Abisheka valli thayar.

The place Thirukanna Mangai is about 7 kms from Thiruvarore on River Vettaru. The place is known as Krishnaranyam.

The temple main Raja gopuram is of five tiers and two prakaram. This is one of 108 Divaya Desam temples. Thiru Mangai Azwar praised perumal of this place and sung about Him.

As we enter through main entrance to one side, we see sanctum for Manavala ma munigal and opposite side sanctum for Azhwar.

There is a Dwajasthambam and Garuda sannidhi seen.

We have to climb few steps to enter into Artha mandapam which leads to main sanctum of Bakthavatsala perumal.

Main deity is Bakthavatsala Perumal in standing posture, seen with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar facing east.

As we proceed to go around the temple this is side view of the main sanctum

As we go around the prakaram we see separate sanctum for Abisheka Valli thayar to south west corner.

To north west direction there is a separate sanctum for Andal.

Paramapadha vasal(entrance) of the temple is seen to north side.

We see Desikar sannidhi as we proceed with going around the prakaram

There is a separate sanctum seen for Kodhanda Ramar. Hayagreevaris seen near the north entrance of temple.

Pushkarani is seen in front of the temple known as Darshna pushkarani.
sthala Vruksham is Magizha maram.

Importance Romesa muni and Vrunan worshiped perumal and were blessed. The water from Darshna pushkarani was used by perumal, for the purpose of abishekam to thayar, to take her as his consort ( pattamahisi ) Hence thayar here known as Abisheka Valli Thayar.

Brahama advised Chandra to take bath in the pushkarani and surrender him to perumal, to be relieved out Guru Bagawan curse on him. He was blessed by perumal and got back his glory.

This is the birth place of Thiru kannamangai Andan, who is follower of Nadha munigal.
He spent his life worshiping perumal of this place and attained moksha.

Vaduvoore Ramar Temple.

2011-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

Vaduvoore:

The place is considered as Dkshina Ayodhya. This is Abimana sthalam of Lord Vishnu. The place Vaduvoore is about 24 kms from Tanjavore to Mannarkudi when we travel.

The main Raja Gopuram is of five storeys.

As we enter inside we see Dwajsthambam and beautiful sculpture on the sanctum wall.
There are beautiful paintings to the wall depicting story of Ramanaya.

Main deity is Kodhand Ramar with Seetha, Lakshmana and Hanuman is seen inside the main sanctum. Ramar is seen with saligrama garland and Mahalakshmi pendant is seen to his chest. Urchavar here is known as Ramar.

Sthala Vruksham known as Magizha maram and Teertham is Sarayu teertham seen outside the temple.

Sthala Puranam says Sri Rama was about to return to Ayodha after his war with Ravana, and completion of his vanavasam. Maharishis who were in the forest requested Rama to stay back. Sri Rama said he will meet them next day. Sri Rama made a replica of him and placed it near the entrance where he was staying. Next day when Maharish’s came there were surprised to see the replica of Sri Rama which looked too natural, and they wanted the replica of Sri Rama which was natural for them to worship. Sri Rama gave the replica for them and left for Ayodhya.

Later days Vaishnava devotees made sculpture of Seetha, Lakshmana and Sri Hanuman.
During the time of foreign invasion, as a safety measure these sculptures were kept in another place at Thalai gnayeru

When Saraboji maharaja was ruling Tanjavore, one day in his dream Sri Rama asked him to construct a temple for those deities kept at Thalai Gnayeru. Saratoga Maharaja went to, Thalai Gnayeru and took the deities from there, and as he was returning to Tanjavore. He had to stay back at vaduvoore at night. Here some of the devotees requested him to construct the temple in this place and install Sri Rama in the temple. Maharaja obliged them and constructed a temple in this place.

The chariot of Urchvar used on important ceremonial days. In Maha mandapam,
we see Lord Krishna with Rukmani and Sathyabama in a separate sanctum. They say previously these idols were inside the main sanctum prior to Sri Rama being installed.

As we go round the prakaram we come cross Hayagreevar, Vishvaksenar, Andal and Azwar.

Mannarkudi Rajagopala swamy temple.

2011-01-18T18:23:00.001-08:00

Mannarkudi: Rajgopala Swamy temple.

The temple is about 27 kms from Thiruvavore, on the banks of River Pamani.

The main Raja Gopuram is of eleven storeys, with seven prakaram. The place is known as Dakshina Dwaraka, Sanbakaranyam and Vasudeva puri.

As we enter through the main entrance we see another gopuram with mandapam in front leading us in to second prakaram of the temple.

We enter through the main gopuram, and pass through a big corridor which leads us to Garuda kambam. The Garuda kambam is huge and it is of single stone with Garuda on top of it. Punga tree is sthala vruksham of the temple.

Main Deity is Swayambu Moorthy known as Vasudevar in standing posture with sanku and Chakkram in his hands. We see Sridevi and Bhoodevi to either side. The Vimanam on main sanctum is Swayambu Vimanam.

Urchavar here known as Sri Rajagopalan, is seen in front of a cow, along with Rukmani and Sathyabama. There is a separate sanctum for Sengkamala Thayar here.
There is a Krishna teertha pushkarani with a (Nerazhi mandapam) mandapam, in it.

As we go around the inner prakaram we see, Venugopalan, Lakshmi Narayanan, Anantha Padmanaban, Sreenivasan, Ramar, Hanuman, Thirumangai Azwar, Chakkrthazwar, Manavala ma munigal, Nammazwar, and Kuratthazwar in different sanctums.

Lord Brahma and Agni worshipped Lord here and were blessed.

Sirupulioor.

2010-11-24T03:01:00.001-08:00

Sirupulioor:

This is one of 108 Divya Desa perumal temples. The place is about 16 kms distance from Mailaduthurai to Thiruvavoore. We take a diversion towards North east from Kollumangkudi and travel for about 2 kms to reach the temple.

The temple is under renovation.
The temple has a Raja gopuram of five storey and two prakarams. As we enter we see Dwajasthambam and enter into mahamandapam , artha mandapam and reach the main sanctum.

Main deity here, known as Arulma kadalamudhan, in reclined posture. The sayanam is known as “Bbala sayanam”. We see Brahma on lotus from Lords naval, Kanva Maharishi to a side and Pulikal Munivar to other side. Here Urchavar, is known as Krupa samudra perumal.

Thayar sannidhi is seen in the prakaram and she is known as Thirumagal Nachiyar. Dayanayaki is urchava mortham of thayar.

Thiru Anantha pushkarani and manasa pushkarani are Teertham related to temple. Vilvam is Sthala Vruksham in this temple.

Manavala ma muni sannidhi is seen outside the temple and Anantha azhwar sanndhi seen on the bank of pushkarani.

Story says Garuda and Ananthan had enemity. Ananthan escaped from Garuda, and finally reached this place. He started penancing here, near the pushakarani. Perumal was happy with his penance and gave protection for him from Garuda. Here perumal relaxed on Ananthan . When Garuda reached this place in search of Ananthan he was not able to do anything. Pushkarani were Ananthan penanced is known as Anantha Pushkarani.

Vagyapadha Muni penanced towards Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram to attain Moksha. Lord Nataraja asked him to pray and penance in this place. Muni did as he was guided and attained Moksha and hence the place was known as Sirupulioor.

Soorya, Ananthan, Durvasa muni and Manavala muni worshipped lord and were blessed.
There is a belief, if anyone with family enemity, worship Lord here they are relieved of all problems and are blessed by Lord.

Thiru Kazhiseerma Vinnagaram

2010-05-20T02:57:00.000-07:00

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.

[Thadalan][Romesa muni] [Thiruvikraman][Padaleeka vanam]

Sowriraja perumal Temple, Thirukannapuram

2010-05-03T04:25:00.001-07:00

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.

[Mukthy][Sowriraj Perumal] [Archakar][Krishnaranya kshetram ][Prayoga Chakkra][Bhooloka Vikundam][Swarga Vasal]

Thiru Parthanapalli, thirunangoore, Seergazhi

2010-04-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

Thiru Parthanapalli:

This is one of Thirunangoore Divya Desa Temple and one of 108 Divya Desam temples. The temple is about 4 kms distance from Thituvenkadu. The temple has a Raja gopuram of three storey, single prakaram with Maha mandapam, Artha mandapam and Main sanctum.

As we enter through the Raja gopuram we see a small sanctum for Garudazwar facing Lord in the main sanctum.

Main deity is known as Thamarayalkelvan, in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Urchavar is known as Parthasarathy. There is a separate sanctum for Thayar Chenbaka valli / Thamarai Nayaki, is seen when we go around the outer prakaram. We see a small sanctum for Hanuman also. Teertham is known as Sangasaras teertham.

Purana says Varunan meditated and worshipped Lord here. The Lord was seen in person by Varunan, as Parthasarathy perumal. Agasthiyar, Gowathamar, and Baradwajar rishi’s meditated and worshipped perumal, and were able to see Lord in person.

Story of the temple is related to Arjuna, who happens to come to this place. He was feeling thirsty and he asked for drinking water from Agasthiyar who was there. Unfortunately Agasthiya muni’s Kamandalam was empty without water. He was a great rishi and foresees the cause for this happening.

He spoke to Arjuna, saying always he used to think of Lord Krishna whenever he was in need. Agasthiyar's word made Arjuna realize his fault.

Arjuna prayed Lord Krishna to forgive him. Lord Krishna was happy with Arjuna, and he came before Arjuna in this place and hence the name for the place Parthanapalli. We see a separate sanctum for Arjuna here in Artha mandapam.

[Arjuna][Parthasarathy]

Thirukurayaloore, Thirunangoore, Seergazhi.

2010-04-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

Thiru Kurayaloore:

This is one of the pancha Narashima kshetram. The place is near Thiru Nagari of Thirunangoore village. This is birth place of Thirumangai Azwar.

Main deity is Sri Lakshmi Narashima Swamy which was worshipped Thirumangai Azwar.

Purana is connected to life of Neelan, who was later known as Thirumangai Azwar. Neelan was well educated. He was a good poet and a composer. He was a great warrior. Chola King was happy with him and made him a king for a small territory from his Kingdom. He was called as King Parakalan and used to pay tax for Chola king.

Kapila muni was giving discourse about Lord Vishnu to his desciples. Sumangalai, devaloka maiden laughed at one of the desciple who was, hearing to discourse of his Guru Kapila muni.

Muni was not happy about her act and cursed her to take birth in Bhoolokam. She was asked to stay at vellakulam of Thirunangoore Kshetram. Sumangalai was born as a girl baby, floating in Pushkarani on a lily flower. She was found by a devotee of Thiruvali, who took the baby to his place.

She was named as Kumudha valli and brought up in his place. She was looking pretty. King Parakalan happen to see her, and fell in love. He went to her place with marriage proposal. Kumudha valli wanted to marry a true vaishnavite only and she refused his proposal.

King Parakalan went to Thirunarayoor and worshipped perumal there, to help him with his proposal to Kumudha valli. Perumal was pleased with his prayers and Lord himself, bestowed him with, pancha samskara and turned him into a vaishnavite. King Parakalan returned to Kumudavalli once again with proposal of marriage.

Kumudha valli came up with another condition that the person should be feeding 1008 Brahmin daily. King Parakalan from that day started feeding 1008 Brahmin daily in the temple. He utilised all his wealth to feed devotees. One day he was running short of wealth, and he started utilising the tax money for feeding devotees.

Chola King came to know about this and he was angry with King Parakalan's act. He punished him by putting him in jail. Parakalan started worshipping Lord to help him. That day in Parakalan's dream he was told, he will find treasure near Vegavathy River. The river is flowing in Kancheepuram town. Parakalan told this to King and with his permission he went in search of the treasure.

He was able to find the treasure in the place,where it was mentioned,in his dream. He paid the tax amount of the Chola King and used the left over wealth,to continue feeding Brahanins. Kumudhavalli was happy about this and got married to King Parakalan, who was known as Thirumangai Azwar in later days.

Thiru Vaikunda nadhar, Thirunangoore temple, seergazhi

2010-04-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Vaikunda Nadhar temple:

This one of Thirunangoore Divya Desam Temple and one of 108 Divya Desam temple.The place is about 5 kms distance from Seergazhi town.
The temple is facing east with two prakarams. We see Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, and main sanctum.

Main deity Vaikunda Nadhar in sitting posture is seen on Lotus flower Peetam. We see his right leg folded and the left leg hanging down, shanku and chakkra in his two hands. One of his hands is rested on Adiseshan.

We see five heads of Adiseshan at the back Lord, which looks like an
open umbrella. Sridevi is seen to right side, of Lord and Bhoodevi to left side of Lord, in sitting posture with Abhaya varadha hastham. Andal is seen next to Bhoodevi in standing posture.

Vaikunda valli thayar is seen in seperate sanctum. Pushkarani is known as Lakshmi Pushkarani, and Udhanga teertham. Nammazwar and chakktrazwar are seen as we go around the prakaram.

Urchava idols of Vaikunda Nadhar, Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Navaneetha Krishnan, Andal,
Chakkrathazwar and Nammazwar are seen in the main sanctum.

Purana says the main deity Vaikundha Nadhar is exactly in the same form as he is in Vaikundam. This place is considered equal to Paramapadham. purana says Viraja river of Vaikundam flows in this place as Lakshmi Pushkarani.

Uthanga muni worshipped Vaikundha nadhar of this temple and attained Moksha

Thiru Mani kudam, Thiru chemponsei, Thirunangoore temples.

2010-04-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Thiru Mani kudam:

The temple is one of Thirunangoore Divya Desam temles.
The temple is on the way to Thirunangoore and Mangaimadam known as Manikudam, about 5 kms from Seergazhi Town.It is a small temple with Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam and main sanctum.

Main deity is Varadaraja Perumal in standing posture on Lotus flower peetam with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar. Pushkarani is known as Chandra pushkarani.

Purana says Indra Garuda and Chandra were blessed by Varadaraja perumal of this place.
Thiru chemponsei:

This is one of Thirunangoore Divya Desam and one of 108 Divya desam temples.The temple is in Thirunangoore about 6 kms from Seergazhi Town.
The temple has Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Main sanctum with single prakaram.

Main Deity is known as Sri Perarulala Perumal, in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar to either side. Allimamalar thayar is seen in separate sanctum in sitting posture with abhya vardha hastham.
Pushkarani is known as Hema Pushkarani.

Urchavar is known as Chemponrangar. We see urchava idols of Chemponrangar, Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Aranganadhar, Aranganayaki and Azhagiyasingar. There are sanctums for Nammazwar and Thirumangai Azwar, in the temple.

Purana says Lord Sri Rama, to get rid of his brahamahathy dosha of killing Ravana, stayed in this place and performed pooja. He stayed at Drudanethra Muni's ashram and with his guidance; he made an idol of cow in gold and gave it to a Brahmin as parihara.

The Brahamin sold the idol of gold cow and with the money he constructed this temple. Hence the temple is known as Chemponsei.

Thirumangai Azwar sang hymns on perumal of this place.

Thiru Mani madakkoil, Thirunangoore, Seergazhi.

2010-04-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

Thiru Mani Madakkoil:

This temple is one of Thirunangoore temples and one of Divya Desam temples.
Mani Madakkoil is in Vellaha Street, of Tirunangore, 5 kms from Seergazhi Town.

The temple is a small, with two prakaram having Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Main sanctum, facing east.

Main deity is known as Nandaa villaku Perumal, in sitting posture, with Sanku, chakkram, and Abhya Varadha hastham. We see Sridevi and Bhoodevi to either side of perumal. Thayar is known as Pundarika valli Thayar.

Urchavar is known as Aladharkariyaan. We also see Urchava idols of Narayana Perumal, Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Namazwar, Thirumangai Azwar, Manavala ma munigal, and Udayavar.

In inner prakaram we see sanctum of Thirumangai Azwar, Udayavar, Manavalama munigal and Thirukottiyoor Nambigal.

Purana says Indra and Ekadasa rudrar were blessed by Lord and had darshan of Almighty in this place.

The garuda seva urchava perumal of all eleven temples of Thirunangoore meet in this temple of Mani mada koil. We see separate places are arranged for the deities to stay and bless devotees.

This festival is celebrated in the month of Thai (jan 14- Feb 14 of English calender),Day after new moon day.

Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram, Thirunangoore Temples, Seergazhi.

2010-04-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram

Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram known as Kudamadum Kutthar temple is one of Thirunangoore Divya Desam and one of 108 Divya Desam temples.

Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram known as Kudamadum Kutthar temple is one of Thirunangoore Divya Desam and one of 108 Divya Desam temples.

The main Raja Gopuram of the temple is three storeys , with single prakaram.
The temple we see Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam, and main sanctum. The temple is facing to east dirrection.

Main deity is known as Kudamadum Kutthar in sitting posture with his left leg folded and the right leg hanging down. We see Sridevi and Bhoodevi in sitting posture to either side. Thayar is known as Amirthakada Valli Thayar seen in different sanctum as we go around. Pushkarani is known as Amudha Pushkarani.

Urchavar is known as Chaturbuja kannan. We see idols of Urchavar, Amirthakada Valli Thayar, Rukamani, Sathyabama, and Santhana Krishnan. We see sanctum of Andal and Sri Rama in the Maha mandapam.

Purana says Uthanga Muni worshipped Lord of this place and had darshan of the Lord as Gopala Kannan.

[Rukmani][Gopala krishnan][Sathyabhama][Gopala kannan]

Thiru Thetriambalam, Thiruvanpurudothamam temples.

2010-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thiru Thetriambalam:

This temple is one of Thirunangoore Divya Desam, in
Thrirunangoore. This temple is one of 108 Divya Desam temples.

Main deity is Ranganadhar on Adiseshan known as Chenganmal Perumal, in sleeping posture, with his head towards south.Sridevi is seen to head side, and Bhoodevi to leg side facing east.

Thayar in this temple is known as Chengkamalavalli thayar, in a separate sanctum as we go around the main sanctum.Teertham is known as Soorya Teertham.

Urchavar is known as Lakshmi Narayanar, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the main sanctum in front of the main deity.
We see idols of Chakkratazwar, and Santhana Gopala Krishnan also in the main sanctum.
Thiru Vanpurudothamam:

This temple is one of Thirunangoore Divya desa temple and one of 108 Divya Desam temples.The temple is about 5 kms from Seergazhi, in Thirunagari village. The temple is facing east with, maha mandapam, artha mandapam and main sanctum.

Main deity is known as Purushothaman in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. As we go around we see sanctum of Thayar known as Purushothama Nayaki. Teertham is known as Thiruparkadal here. Sthala vruksham is neem tree.

Urchava Vigraham of Purushothaman, Purushothama Nayaki, Manavala Ma munigal, Nammazwar, Thiru mangai Azwar, Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana are seen in the temple. In the inner prakaram we see sanctum for Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. We see Nammazwar, Udayavar, and Hanuman in separate sanctums. Importance: This is the only Divya Desa temple, where Maha Vishnu is known as Purushothaman.

Purana says Kumudas worshipped Lord Purushothaman here and attained Gyana. Upamanyu son of Vyagyapadhar, was given milk, by Purushothama Nayaki thayar of this place.

[Gyana] [Thirunangoore Temples]

Thirukavalampadi temple, Thirunangoore, Seergazhi.

2010-04-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Thirukavalampadi:

This is one of Thrunangoore Divya Desa Temple.
The place is about 9 kms SE of Seergazhi town. The temple is known as kannan Koil with a single prakaram. The main sanctum is facing towards east direction.

Main Deity is known as Gopala Krishnan in standing posture with Rukmani and Sathyabahama
Urchavar here, is known as Rajagopalan, with his consort Sengkamala Nachiar.
inside the sanctum in front of main deity. We see idol of Krishna with a stick to his right hand, and left hand is on the cow beside him,
There is no separate sanctum for Thayar here. Teertham is Thadamalar Poigai.

Purana says Lord Krishna came in search of a flower known as Parijatha Pushpam. Sathyabama liked the flower and she requested Lord Krishna to get the flower for her.
Lord Krishna was unable to find the flower and he started meditating against Lord Siva.
Lord Siva was pleased and he was told about the place, on his way in search of parijatha flower he liked the place and wanted to stay back in this place.

Since Lord Krishna liked, and stayed back in this place with Rukmani and Sathyabhama, so the place is considered equal to Dwaraka.

[Kannan][Gopala krishnan] [Dwaraka][Parijatha Flower]

Thiru vali and Thiru Nagari Temples

2010-04-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

Thiruvali and Thirunagari:

One of the 12, Thirunangoore Divya Desa temples. These two are
Different places and different temples but considered as one Divya Desam.

Thiruvali: This is one of Pancha Narashima Kshetram.

The place Alinadu is about 6 kms SE of Seergazhi Town, also known as Vilwaranyam. It is a small temple with single prakaram.

Main Deity is Lakshmi Narashimar in sitting posture with, Lakshmi to his right side on his lap.Urchavar is known as Thiruvali nagaralan and his consort Amirthakada valli Thayar. Pushkarani is known as Elakshani.

Other deities seen in the temple are, Poorna Maharishi, Nammazwar, Manavala ma munigal, Udayavar, Kulasekarar, and Periyazwar.

Purana says Narashimar after his samharam of Hiranyakashyap was uncontrolable in anger. Devas prayed to Lakshmi Devi to cool down his anger. Lakshmi agreed to their Prayers. She came near Narashimar and sat on his right lap, Narashimar was cooled down by her act and he took her to his arms.

Here we see Narashimar with Lakshmi Devi to right lap and his hands around her, and hence the place is known as Thiruvali (Alingana form of Narashimar)

Importance: Birth place of Kumudha valli Nachiiyar, daughter of Thirumangai azwar.
The place is equal to Badrikasramam. This is the next place where Perumal gave the upadesam of Narayana mantram to Thirumangai azwar. Marriage of perumal and kumudha valli Nachiyar took place here.
Thiru Nagari is One of Pancha Narashima Kshetram, where we see swayambu Yoga Narashimar, and Hiranya Narashimar.

The place Thirunagari is known as Vilwaranyam, Alingnapuram is about 7 kms of seergazhi town. The temple has a big rajagopuram with five prakarams.

Main Deity is Vedarajan in sitting posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
Urchavar is known as Kalyana Ranganadha Perumal.

We see sanctums of Andal, Azwars, Udayavar, Kannan, Nadha Munigal, and Desikar as we go around the prakaram.

Purana says once Sri Lakshmi left Sri vaikundam and came down to Bhoolokham. She stayed in a lotus flower in the pushkaranin of Thiru nagari Kshetram, which was full of Lotus flower. Lord Vishnu came in search of Sri Lakshmi, and when he reached Thirunagari pushkarani he felt, Sri Lakshmi will be some hiding herself in the lotus flower.

Lord Vishnu’s eyes represent Sun and moon, so he closed his left eye which represents moon and looked at the pushkarani with his right eye. The Lotus flower bloomed when they saw the sun and he found Sri Lakshmi in the Lotus flower.
He took her in his arms. Since Sri Lakshmi stayed in this place it is known as Sripuram.

Importance: The temple belongs to chatur yugam. This is the place where Thirumangai azwar was bestowed of Narayana Mantram upadesa from Lord Vishnu. There is Yoga Narashimar and Hiranya Narashimar whom he worshipped at this place is seen in the temple.

There is a separate sanctum for Thirumangai Azwar is seen in this place. There is an idol for chindanayikku ineyal whom Thirumangai Azwar worshipped.

Thiru nagari is the place where Thirumangai Azwar won in debate against Thirugyana Sambandhar, and got a Vel from him. Here in the temple we see Azwar with this vel.

Thirumangai Azwar made an idol, and he transfered all his powers in the idol and attained Mukthi.

Mangai madam is a place near by where he used to feed 1008 vaishnavites daily.
There is a place near by Thirunagari where Vedaraja puram. It was in this place he looted ornaments from Lord Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi who were pasing by. He was blessed by Ranganadhar, whom Azwar saw in his bridal form, and he was blessed Narayana mantra upadesam by Lord himself.

[Mukthi][Hiranya Narashimar][Lakshmi][Yoga Narashimar]

Madhava Perumal, keezahasalai, Thirunangoore

2010-04-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Keezaha salai:

One of Thiru Nangoore Divya Desa sthalam.

Madava Perumal Temple. This is also known as Thiru Devanar Thogai Perumal.
The temple is located at the place Keezaha salai which is 2 kms north of Thirunangoore which is 8 kms SW of Seergazhi Town.

The temple is a small one with a single prakaram having Artha Mandapam.

Main Deity is known as Devanayaka Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing posture, facing east. Thayar is known as Devanayaka thayar, and she is seen in separate sanctum as you go around the prakaram.

Urchavar is known as Madhava Perumal. Pushkarani is Sopana Pushkarani in front of the temple.

We see idols of Urchavar Madhavaperumal, Thirumagal, Bhoodevi, Madhava Nayaki, Thayagaperar, Teertha perar, and santhana Krishnan. There is separate sanctum for Nammazwar and Udayavar.

Purana says Vasishta Muni meditated and worshipped Lord Madhava perumal in this place, who blessed him.

Thiru Vellakulam, Annan Koil.

2010-04-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

Annan Koil:

One of Thirunangoore Divya Desa Temples
The temple is in Thiru Velvikulam 8 kms from Seergazhi. The temple is known as Annan Koil.

Main Deity is Sri Annan Perumal in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi facing east. Urchavar is Sreenivasa perumal and Padmavathy Thayar. We see Thayar sannidhi of Poovar Thirumagal Nachiyar as we go around the prakaram. Pushkarani is known as Swetha Pushkarani, which is in front of the temple.

Sanctums of other deties seen in the temple are Garuda, Kumudha Valli Nachiyar, Nammazwar, and Manavala Ma Munigal.

Purana: Prince Swethan, son of King Dunduraman of soorya vamsam, was blessed with a life of only 9 years. Knowing this, Swethan had his Upadesam from Marutha Muni. He started penancing here in this place under a Vilva tree after having a dip in Swetha Pushkarani.

Lord Vishnu was happy with his prayers and blessed him a life like Markandeya.

Kumudha malar (flower) used to bloom in this pushkarani and Devalokha ladies used to pluck these flowers. Kumudha Valli Thayar with Kumudha malar was brought up by a Brahamin. King Thirumangai wanted to marry Kumudha Valli Nachiyar.

To marry her he had to fulfill certain conditions of her, finally he was known as Azwar and the King was known as Thirumangai Azwar. He married Kumudha Valli Thayar, here in this place. We see a separate sanctum for Kumudha Valli Nachiyar in the temple.

Importance: Perumal in this place is considered as elder brother of Tirupathy Balaji. Offerings to Balaji of Tirupathy can be offered in this place, if it is not possible for one to give the offerings at, Tirupathy due to various reasons

Thirunangoore temples, Seergazhi.

2010-04-02T02:15:00.000-07:00

This is just an introduction to Thirunangore temples. I will be writing about the temples from my next post. the place Thirunangoore also known as Purasangkadu and Parasavanam , is situated between River Cauvery and Manni aru, about 8 kms from Seergazhi towm.

Thirunangoore Temples:

There are 12 temples known as Thirunangore Divya Desam temples where Perumal on Garuda seva of all these, temples meet at Narayana Temple. This function takes place every year on, next day after half-moon day of month Thai (Tamilmonth) English calendar will be celebrated between Jan14- !4 Feb.
Stone inscriptions say the place was known as Chaturvedi Mangalam.

As per Parasavana Purana, Madanga muni meditated here on Lord Narayanar. As per the request of muni Lord Vishnu took twelve form in twelve places nearby, in this Thirunangoore kshetram. These places are known as Thirunangoore Divya Desa temples.

Parasavana Purana says Swethyaranya known as Esanya Peetam; the main moola lingam was worshipped by Thirumal.

Madangeeswarar of Tatpurusha Peetam was worshipped by Narayana Moorthy.

Arayneswarar of Akora Peetam was worshipped by Parthasarathy Perumal.

Yoganandar of Vamadeva Peetam was worshipped by Annan Perumal.

Swaranapureeswarar of Sathyojatha Peetam was worshipped by Perarulala perumal.

Jurahareswarar of Soma Peetam was worshipped by Kudamadum koothan Perumal.

Naganadhar of Swarna Peetam was worshipped by Pallikonda Perumal.

Nambuvarkanbar of Mahadeva Peetam was worshipped by Purushothama Perumal.

Kailasa nadhar of Bheema peetam was worshipped by Vaikunda Perumal.

Sundeswarar of Bava Peetam was worshipped by Thirumeni Azhgar Perumal.

Irawadeeswarar of Pranava Peetam was worshipped by Madhava Perumal.

Kalikameswarar of Rudra Peetam was worshipped by Narashima Moorthy.

Nayanarpaneswarar of Pasupada Peetam was worshipped by Lakshmi Narayanar.

All these peetams are considered as Thirunangore temples.

Therazhundur Perumal temple.

2010-03-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Therazhundur: Krishna Kshetram.

The place is about 21 Kms from Mailaduthurai. The main Raja gopuram is three storeys with two prakaram.

Main deity is “Devathirajan” in standing posture facing east. We see Garuda and Prahaladhan to one side and Goddess Cauveri, to other side of Lord inside the main sanctum.“Chengkamala valli thayar” is seen in different sanctum.There is a big tank seen in front of the temple known as “Darshna Pushkarani“.

This is only Divya Desam temple where we see him as Lord Krishna. Urchavar is known as Amuruviappan. He has four hands and seen with Rukamani and Sathyabama. There is a cow seen standing beside him.

Other deities seen in the temple as we go around are “yoga Narashimar, Vasudevar, Vishwaksenar, Desikar, Sri Ramar, Hanuman, Andal and Azwars” in different sanctums.

Purana: when Agasthiya muni was worshipping Lord Devathirajan here, King Urthuvaradhan was passing on his chariot in air and the chariot got stuck and the place was known as Therazhundur from then on.

Once Brahma took away the cow heard of Lord Krishna. When Lord Krishna knew about it he created cows with the help of Mayasakthi. Brahma when he saw this he was ashamed for his act and asked Kannan to forgive him.

He requested Kannan to stay back in this place and bless him. So Kannan is seen here as Amuruviappan.

Thiru Kurungkudi Temple, Thirunelveli.

2010-02-14T02:49:00.000-08:00

Thiru Kurungkudi: Vamana Kshetram.

This is one of 108 Divaya Desam Temple.
The place Kurungkudi is 47 kms from Thirunelveli Town.
The main Gopuram is of five storeys and five prakarams.

Main deity is known as Sri Azhagiya Nambi, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
Kurugkudivalli Thayar is seen in different sanctum.

Here we see in the prakaram Nidra Nambi and Kidantha Nambi in separate sanctums. In-between the two sanctums there is a sanctum for Lord Siva and Bairavar also.

Purana Says, during the time of Varaha Avatar Lord stayed with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in this place for sometime, and he shrunk his huge size to small one so the place came to be known as Kurungkudi.

There is a place known as Mahendragiri to west of Kurungkudi, where lived a backward cast person named Nambaduvan. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Nindra Nambi and used to visit temple and worship from outside. Those days backward class people were not allowed inside the temple.

One day when he was on his way to temple, and he was stopped by an asura to have him as meal. Nambaaduvan requested the Asura to allow him to worship, Lord Nindra Nambi and then he will be back to be a meal for him. Asura did not believe his words, so Nambaaduvan promised on the name of Lord. Asura left him.

On his way to temple Nambaaduvan thought probably this was his last visit to temple; as usual he worshipped Lord from out side the main entrance. He was sad about not having the darshan of Lord for this lifetime.

The Dwajasthambam moved a little away, for him to have the glimpse of Nindra Nambi. Nambaaduvan had a good drshan and he left the place to meet Asura as per the promise he gave. Lord as an old brahmin met him on his way back and asked him to divert his route, but Nambaaduvan refused to do so.

He was strict in keeping to his words, and old Brahmin was not able to convince him so he revealed himself to Nambaaduvn. When he went to Asura, place he said he is not feeling hungry, but I want the blessing which you acquired from Lord. Nambaaduvan refused to give him; asura said he should give him at least quarter portion for him to get out of this Asura form.

Asura was back to his normal form by Nambaaduvan’s help. This was on an Ekadasi day which is named as Kaisika Ekadasi. Even now they play the story of Kaisika puranam as a drama.

This is the mukthi place of Thirumangai Azwar. Lord was born as Namazwar in this place to the couple, Kari and his wife Udaya Nangayar. Acharya Ramanujar called out Vaduga Nambi as he used to call his deciple. Nindra Nambi came as Vaduga Nambi and helped him with his hand box.

Ramanujar went inside to worship Lord inside the sanctum at this time Vaduga Nambi crossed him went inside the temple first. When Ramanujar went inside he did not see Vaduga Nambi following him and he understood that Nindra nimbi was acting as Vaduga Nambi all these while.

So, perumal here, known as Vaduga Nambi from then.

[Ramanujar][Nindra Nambi] [Nammazwar][Vaduga Nambi]

Vanama malai Perumal Temple, Nanguneri, Thirunelveli.

2010-02-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Nanguneri Vanamamalai Perumal Temple

This is one of 108 Divya Desam. The temple is about 1500 BC, years old and later it was renovated by Pandya and Nayakar kings. This is a Swayamvektha Ksheram.

The place is about 33 kms to south of Thirunelveli.
The place is also known as Sri Varamangai, Totadri kshetram

Main deity is Swayam vektha Vanamalai Perumal, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in sitting posture. Urchavar is known as DevainayakanThayar Serivara mangai Nachiar is seen in different sanctum. Indra Pushkarani is the holy pushkarani of this place.

We see other deities like Chakkratt azwar, Lakshmi, Sri Ramar, Andal, Garudan, Azwars, udayavar, Venu gopalan, and Manavalama munigal, in seperate sanctums as we go round the temple prakaram.

Purana says when Asurs Madhu and Kaitapan were killed, their blood spread over the earth and started stinking. Bhooma Devi lost her purity, and she started meditating about Perumal who was pleased with her prayers, and he gave his darshan to her in Vaikunda Vimanam at this place. She was purified by Lord’s darshan.

King of Sindhu land was cursed by Kusasana Muni, and he was roaming like a dog. Finally it reached this place and had a dip in the Chetru Thamarai Pushkarani. (Pushkarani with lotus flowers and the water is muddy). The dog came to its original form and worshipped here.

The urchava idol of Thayar was in the temple of Vada Venkatam. Once they were arranging for marriage celebration of Venkatesa Perumal with the urchava idol. Sri Varamangai came in the dream of Sri jeeyar swamigal, and told him she is consort of Vanama malai Perumal.

Sri Ramanuja jeeyar brought the urchava idol to this place and celebrated the marriage utsavam of Sri Vanamalai Perumal and Sri Varamangai

Thirukkolur and Azwar Thirunagari, Thirunelveli.

2010-02-08T03:25:00.000-08:00

Thirukkolur:

One of Nava Thirupathy related to kuja graham, and Divya Desam temple.
The sthalam is about 2kms distance from Azwar Thirunagari.

Here we see main deity Vaithama nidhiin sleeping posture on Adiseshan with his right hand pointing towards his face and his left handing pointing towards ground.The measure is seen as a pillow here which was used to measure the wealth of Kubera. The hand that pointing towards him means that navanidhi (wealth) is with him.

Urchavar is known as Nithya pavithran in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar. There are two sanctums seen separately for Kolurvalli and Kumudha Valli Thayar. Teertham is Kubera teertham and river Thamirabarani.

The main Gopuram is mottai gopuram and as we enter we see Dwajasthambam and Garudazwar in small sanctum facing the Lord in the main sanctum. Yoga Narashimar is seen at the back of the main sanctum.

Purana says once Kuberan went to Kailas to see Lord Siva, there he lost himself for a minute in the beauty of Parvathy, who cursed him for the act, and said all his Nava nidhi, (wealth)and his eye sight will be lost.

When Navanidhi left Kubera, they came to Thirukkolur, and they were in the custody of Lord Vishnu. Kubera felt sorry for his act and asked a way to get out of this curse to Goddess Parvathy. He was asked to reach this kshetram of Thirukkolur on the bank of River Thamirabarani, and worship Lord Vishnu.

Kubera came to this place and worshipped Lord Vishnu here. He got back part of his Navanidhi (wealth) from Lord Vishnu hence the lord here is known as Vaithamanidhi. Saying is someone who loose their property can worship Lord here and get back their wealth.
Azwar Thiru Nagari:

Thirukurugoore, One of Nava Tirupathy for Brahaspathy graham, and Divayadesam temple. The place is 6 kms distance from Thirunelveli on the banks of River Thamirabarani. The main gopuram is of 5 stories, with three prakarams.

Main deity is Swayambu Sri Adi Nadha Perumal in standing posture with prayoga chakkram in hand. Thayar Adinadha Valli, and Thyar Kurugoor valli in two different sanctums.

Sthala vruksham is Tamarind tree. River Thamirabarani and Brama teertham are the sthala teertham of this place.We see Dwajasthambam, garudazwar and proceed inside to left we see Venugopalan sanctum.

Sthala purana says Brahma was asked to worship Adi nadha perumal of this place before starting his creations of living beings on earth.
Adinadha perumal is Guru for Brahma, the guru of creations and hence, the place is known as Kurugoore.

Bhooma Devi was rescued by Lord Vishnu as Varaha moorthy in this place so the place is considered as Varaha Kshetram.

Some thing unique in the temple is there is tamarind tree, with leaves always fresh.(Does not sleep). They say Lakshmana is the tamirand tree in this Yuga waiting for Nammazwar for long years and the place is also known as Sesha kshetram.

[Kubera][Navagraha Sthalam]

Then Thiruperai, Nava tirupathy, Thirunelveli.

2010-02-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

Then Thiruperai:

One of 108 Divyadesam and one of NavaTirupathy.

The place is important for Sukra graham.
The place is about 7 kms distance to Azwar Thiru Nagari on River Thamirabarani.

There is an outer mandapam with sculpture to pillars. We cross Dwajasthambam and have the darshan of Garudazwar in a small sanctum, which is a little away to the side, facing main deity in sanctum.

Main Deity “Magra nedung kuzhai nadhar”, in veer asanam posture.(sitting with his left leg folded). “Kuzai kadha valli Thayar” and “Thiruperai Nachiar” are seen in different separate sanctums. We see Brugu Muni and Markendayer to either side in front of main deity inside the sanctum.

Urchavar here is known as “Nigaril mugil vannan” with “Sridevi and Bhoodevi”. Teertham is Sukra pushkarani.

Purana: Once when Hiranyakshiban kidnapped Bhoodevi and Perumal rescued her from the asura, after a fight with him Vishnu blessed her and placed her on his lap. Bhoomadevi felt happy and was in trance.

Meantime Sridevi was looking out for Lord Vishnu, and she found Bhoodevi and Vishnu together and felt jealousy. She asked “Doorvasa Muni” to help her in getting back Lord Vishnu to her place.

Doorvasar came to the place where Lord Vishnu was and since Bhoodevi was in trance and did not respect Muni. Bhoodevi was cursed by muni, and she asked for a way to get rid of it to him.

She was asked to penance here in "Then Thiruperai" reciting “Narayana Manthram”. After long years of penance one day she saw huge Kundalam in the shape of a fish. As she offers everything to Lord Vishnu, she offered the Kundalam also to him which he wore and stayed back in the place and was known as “Nedung kuzhai nadhan”. He gave Lakshmi

Devi’s features to her, and hence the place is known as Thiruperai.
Once Samudra rajan, did not respect Varunan, so, he lost his kingdom and his weapon Pasam. Asuras came to fight with Varunan; he was unable to fight against them.

Deva guru asked him to penance at "Then Thiruperai", and get back his weapon and kingdom which he lost. Varuna did as he was told. He was blessed by Lord, who poured water in his hand which turned out to be Pasam, (weapon) which was given to Varunan.

He is known as “Mugil vannan” from then on.

Soranadha Perumal of Nava Thirupathy, Perungkulam, Thirunelveli.

2010-02-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

Perungkulam: Nava Thirupathy temple.

This place is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples and Sani sthalam for Navagrha sthalam.

This place is about 10 kms distance from Sri Vaikundam town, on the banks of River Thamirabarani.

There is a pushkarani near the temple. To the right side there is Sreenivasar sanctum with Hanuman. We see Dwajasthaambam as we enter inside. There is a sanctum for Manavala ma munigal.

Main deity is Sreenivasan known as Soranadha Perumal in standing posture and thayar, Alarmelmangai and Kulandhaivalli thayar.

Perumal has Prayaoga chakkra and Sanku in two upper hands and the other two as Varadha hastham pointing towards his feet (surrender to him) and other as Kadi Hastham touching his knee.

Urchavar is known as Maya Koothan, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Teertham is Prungkulam teertham. Here Garudan is seen along with perumal

Purana: Once the place was known as Thadaga Vanam. A brhimin named Vedasaran worshipped Soranadha Perumal here for a child. With the blessings of Perumal he had a child and named her Kamalavathy.

As she grew old he wanted her to get married. Kamalavathy was not interested in getting married and leading a normal life, so she left to forest to penance and marry the Lord himself.

Perumal was pleased with her penance and accepted her as his consort. The forest is known as Balika vanam.

Once, Vedasaran’s wife Kumudavalli was kidnapped by an asura. Vedasaran was worried and pleaded perunmal to help him. Perumal wanted to help his devotee, so he killed the asura and danced on him hence, he was called as Soranadha Perumal.

Brahaspathi and Vedasaran worshipped perumal of this place and were blessed.

Erattai Thirupathy

2010-02-03T04:38:00.000-08:00

Tholaivilli Mangalam:

Two temples together are known as Erattai Tirupathy dedicted for Raghu and Kethu. When nectar was distrubted among Devas and Asuras, two of the asuras were in the Devar group and got the nectar from Vishnu, who punished him but they were given the posts as Grahams.

That is the reason why there are two temples with different deities for both relating to the place of Raghu and Kethu.

One is Tholaivillai Mangalam Devarbiran and the other one is Tholaivilli Manglam Aravindha Lochanan.

Devarbiran temple:

This place is one of 108 Divya Desam, it is fourth temple of Nava tirupathy known as Erattai Thirupathy, and the Kshetram is reffered to Kethu Bagawan.

The place is about 34 kms from Thirunelveli, And 3 kms from Azwar Thirunagari. The temple is near River Thamirabarani with two Prakaram.

Main deity is known as Devarbiran in standing posture and Thayar known as Karunthadak kanni. Teertham is Varuna teertham, and River Thamirabarani. Sthala vruksham of the temple is known as Vila maram.

As we enter into the temple we see Dwajsthambam, and Garudazwar in a small sanctum near it facing main deity Deverbiran in the sanctum.

Perumal is seen with Sanku and chakra in two hands, and the other two hands as Abhya varadha hastham and Kadi hastham. Thirumagal to his heart so there is no separate sanctum for Thayar in this temple. Urchavar is seen as Sreenivasan with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi here.

Importance in this temple is one who worship the Lord of this place the soul attains Mukthi.

Purana : Once a Gandrava named Vidyadharan and his wife were deeply immersed in love at this place and they did not respect Deva Guru who was passing over the place. He was annoyed and cursed them to become Thulai and Vill. (thulai means Tharusu, balance).

Once they were out into normal state they realized their mistake, they worshipped Guru and asked for remedy to get out of his curse. He asked them to stay as Thulai and Vill inside the mud and penance at the place known as Kethara Nilayam

When a muni by name Suprabar, visits the place and clean the place for
Yagnam to be performed by him, he will find you in the cleaning process and the moment he lifts you will be back to your form.

As it was predicted Suprabar muni choose this place for his yagnam and he found Thulai and villi, when he took it in hand turned out as gandarva and his wife. Since the Devas (Gandravas) did their penance and blessed, the place was known as Devarbiran. Muni Suparabar requested Lord to stay in this place and bless devotees.
Aravindalochanan:

This is one of the temples of Erattai Tirupathy and is considered important for Ragu Bagawan. This temple is near Devarbiran temple.

Main deity is known as Aravindalochanan, Chentamarai kannan and his consort Karundhadang Kanni. Teertham is Aswini teertham.

Purana says Muni Suparabar was worshipping Devarbiran with Lotus flowers with good fragrance, which Lord liked. He followed the muni to find the place from where he was getting the flowers for him.

When he saw the place he was happy and wanted to stay back in the place. Muni built a temple for him and worshipped him daily as he did for Devarbiran. Since the lord liked Lotus flower and his eyes are like Lotus he is known as Chentamarai Kannan.

When Avirbagam (things which are included in Homam) is given it was taken by Devas. Aswini Devars did not get any Avirbagam. He complained and was asked to penance and worship Aravindalochanan. As a result they were blessed and given Avirbhagam. Since they were using the pushkarni it was named after them.

As per Bramanda puranam Sathya seelar was living near River Ganges. He had three sons and one of his sons Vepidhakan was suffering of leprosy. Naradha muni asked him to have a dip in Aswini teertham at Tholaivili Mangalam and worship Aravindalochanan.
Vepidhakan did as he told. He recovered and attained moksha.

Vara Gunamangai of Nava Tirupathy, Nattham, Thirunelveli

2010-02-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

Varaguna mangai:

This place is popularly known as Nattham. This is 2nd kshetram of Nava Tirupthy and one of 108 Divya Desam.

The place is important for Chandra Graham. The kshetram is considered as Mokshapuri. The temple is near the bank of River Thamirabarani, about 2kms distance from Sri Vaikundam.

Main deity is Sri Visayasana perumal in sitting posture on Adiseshan with his consort Varaguna mangai. We see Sridevi and Bhoodevi inside the main sanctum. There is no separate sanctum for Thayar in this place.Teertham is Agni teertham.

The main Raja gopurm is of 5 stories. There is a Dwajasthambam as we enter in. There is a small separate sanctum for Garuda near the Dwajasthambam facing Perumal inside the sanctum.

Azwars and Achayars are seen inside in the mandapam here. They say the soul attains Moksha, when death occurs here.

Purana: Romesa Muni was penancing here in this place for a long time with his disciple. There was a greedy fisherman living in the same place. He was hated by the villagers.

One day he died due to snake bite and his soul as a jyothi left for moksha which was witnessed by the desiple of Romesa muni. He was surprised and he went to his guru and asked for an explanation.

Guru told in his previous birth fisher man was King of Vidarpa desam, and due to his bad company he had the birth of fisherman in his next janma. Due to the good deeds of his ancestors he was born in this kshetra, and attained moksha. This was the main reason.

Purana says there was a Brahamim named Vedavith who lived in Punyakosha Agraharm near River Reva. After rendering his services to his parents, and teacher he started penancing about Thirumal. He did not get the result for a long period and he was sad.

Lord Kesavan came in the form of Brahmin and asked him to do his penance at Nattham. When he did here, Lord revealed himself to Vedavith and gave him Paramapadham which he wanted.

As per request of Vedavith, Lord stayed back as Vijasanan in this place to bless his devotees who visited here.

[Moksham][Vijayasana Perumal] [Paramapadham][Nava Tirupathy]

Puliangkudi Temple of Nava tirupathy, Thirunelveli district

2010-02-01T04:20:00.000-08:00

ThiruPulingkudi :

One of Nava Thirupathy temple and one of 108 Divya Desam.
The place is near to Sri Vaikundam situated on the banks of River Thamirabarani. The temple has two prakarams.

Main deity is Sri Bhoomipalaka Perumal on Adiseshan in relaxed posture with his consort Bhoomidevi, and Sridevi Thayar seen near his feet in sitting posture. The idol of perumal is about 12’ length. We see Brahma on lotus flower with its stem coming out from nabikamalam of perumal.

Urchavar here known as, Sri Kaichina Vendhan with his consort, Bhoomidevi, and Sridevi Thayar. There is no separate sanctum for Thayar here. They are at service to Perumal inside the main sanctum.

As we enter through main raja gopuram we see Dwajasthambam with small Garudan sanctum. This place is refered to Budha graham of Navagrahas.

Purana says once Perumal and Sridevi were going around the universe on Garuda. They happen to see a place with natural beauty. They landed down and were taken up by the greenery and the river flowing beside.

They stayed back for a long period, in the mean while Bhoodevi was searching for perumal. She came to know about there whereabouts and she felt jealousy. She started penancing at padala lokha, to gain the love and affection of perumal.

Once when she was not there,in the earth, the seasons were not proper, draught was there and human beings suffered. Devas approached Perumal and asked him to solve the problem.

Perumal went to Padhala Lokam and blessed Bhoodevi. She realized her mistake and she understood that both Sridevi and bhoodevi are equal to him. They decided to share and do service for him. That is the reason we see perumal with both of them in the santum.

The Budha graham is destined for knowledge. Since Bhoodevi acquired her knowledge
from perumal, who told her both of them are equal to him. This is the reason for considering it as a Budha graha sthalam.

Purana says once a Brahmin named Yagna sarma performed a big yagam which was headed by Sons of Vashista Muni. Yagna sarma did not pay homage to people who helped him in performing the yagnam. They got angry and cursed him to become a Rakshas.

Once Indra was performing yagam at this place Puligkudi kshetram and the rakshas was disturbing them in doing the yagam. Lord Vishnu came on Garuda and klled him with his gadha. After his death he was blessed by perumal and attained Moksha.

Sri Vaikundam temple of Nava tirupathy, Thirunelveli.

2010-01-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

Sri Vaikundam:

The temple is one of 108 Divya Desam, and one of Navatirupathy.
The place Srivaikundam is about 26 kms from Thirunelveli town on the banks of River Thamirabarani. This is Soorya graha kshetram of Nava Tirupathy.

The temple main Raja gopuram is of 9 stories with three prakarams around the main sanctum.As we enter we pass through mandapam with pillars. There is a sanctum forSri Ramar and Sreenivasar.

Near dwajasthambam garudazwar is seen. We see Lakshmi Narashimar and Dasavathara sculptures.

Main deity is Sri Vaikundanadhan in standing posture with Adiseshan’s five heads like an umbrella for him. Normally we see him in relaxing posture when he is with Adiseshan, but this is the only place where he is standing which is unique.

There are two Thayar sannidhi. One is Vaikundavalli Thayar and the other one Soranadha Nayaki Thayar. Teertham of this temple is Brugu teertham, River Thamirabarannnni, and Kalasa teertham.

Other deities in the temple are Santhana Garudan, Krishnan, Lakshmi Narashiman, Manavala Mamuni, Thiru Venkatamudayan and Hanuman.

Urchavar of the temple is known as Kallarbiran with Sridevi and Bhoodevi placed inside the sanctum in front of main deity.

Purana says once rakshas Somukan took the Vedas from Brahma. To get back the Vedas Brahama penenced here and got it with lords blessings.

There was a thief Karadushanan who used to give half of his wealth which he steals. Once he was arrested and put into jail when he tried to steal in palace. He thought of Vaikundanadhan at the time when he was caught.

So Vaikundanadhan appeared as Karadushanan in front of King and discussed about principles, and created a good opinion about him. King thought he was a yogi at this time Lord revealed himself. King and the thief became friends and so here

urchavar is known as Kallarbiran.
There is a mandapam with pillars to which we see beautiful sculptures carved.

Srivilliputthur Andal temple.

2010-01-11T04:21:00.000-08:00

Srivilliputthur:

One of 108 Divya Desam temples.
The place is about 4kms from Virudhunagar, and 75 kms from Madurai.

Main deity is Rangamannar and Thayar Andal.

Importance of the temple is it is the birth place of two Azwars,
One is Periyazwar and the other Andal.

The temple is of two portions Nachiar Temple and Vadapathrasai temple.
There is a garden inbetween the two temples, which was cultivated by Periyazwar.

He found Andal as a child in this garden. The garden is taken of even today.
This was the garden from where daily Andal use to pluck and make garland for Rangamannar.Periyazwar’s house is the place where Andal Nacchiyar temple is found now.

Perumal temple is of two floors.

We find Narashima Perumal sanctum. Here we see Dasavathara moorthy and Azwars.
We climb few steps to reach the second floor and enter in artha mandapam, were we see Utsava Moorthy, Chakkratzwar and Kannan.

Inside the main sanctum perumal is seen in sleeping posture on Adiseshan, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi under Vada vruksham.

To the side walls inside the sanctum we see sudai chirpam (sculptures) of Garuda, Surya, Thumburu, Naradha, Sanath Kumarar, Brahma, Sankarar, Gandharvas, Chandra, Madhukaitapar, Brugu and Markendeyar. All these are painted with colours. Andal and garuda are seen to either side.

Thiruthangal Nindra Narayana perumal temple, Sivakasi.

2010-01-09T02:24:00.000-08:00

Thiruthangal:

One of 108 Divya Desam.

The temple is about 4kms distance from Sivakasi, 20Kms from Virudhunagar, and 20Kms from Srivilliputthur situated on a small hillock. The temple is about 5000 old.

Main Deity is Narayana perumal in standing posture with his consort Chengkamala thayar in separate sanctum. Teertham is papavinasa teertham and vimanam Deva Chandra vimanam.

We see Ranganadhar in reclined posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in a cave temple. Lord Ranganadhar is painted with color. All main deities are painted with colour in this temple.

Brahma, Brugu and Markandeyar are seen in picture form. Urchava vigraha of Ranganadhar with Sridevi and Bhoodevi is seen inside the sanctum.
As we go around Chengkamala Thayar is seen in different sanctum in standing posture.

We come in front of dwajasthambam and steps are seen to either side. As we go up there is a big hall and in the sanctum we see Nindra Narayanaperumal. Sridevi and Neeladevi are to left and Bhoodevi and Jambavathi are to right side of perumal. Markendeyar is seen in sitting posture to right side, we see garudazwar and Vishvakshenar standing posture to left side. Brugu Maharishi, Anirudha and his wife Usha is seen inside the sanctum.

As per purana, once there was a discussion among Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Neeladevi as to know who is best among them. Finally Sridevi left the place and reached this holy place Thiruthangal and meditated Narayana manthram.

Vishnu was pleased with her and fulfilled her wishes. Since Sridevi stayed here this place was known as Thiruthangal. Later on Bhoodevi and Neeladevi also joined Narayanaperumal in this place.

Garuda is with four hands here which unique. He has Amirtha kalasm to one hand and sarpam in another hand. The other two hands are joined together bowing to lord

As per purana Anirudha and usha got married in this place.

Thiru Meyyam temple , Pudhukottai district.

2009-12-11T01:39:00.000-08:00

Thiru Meyyam:

This is a cave temple about 20 kms from Pudhukottai.
This temple is one of 108 Divya Desam.

Pudhukottai District is the only district where we find lot of cave temples in Asia. All the temples were mostly to pallava regime. Here we find temple for Lord Vishnu and a temple for Lord Siva is seen, in the same mountain in two different caves.

Here the mountain itself is considered as Vishnu and Siva, which is one more example for Siva and Vishnu are one and the same.The temple was built by Narashima Pallavan. The temple is older than Sri Rangam temple and hence it is known as Adi Rangam.

Main deity is Sathyagiri nadhan in standing posture, and his consort Senbagavalli or Uyavandha Nachiayar. Utsavar is known as Meyappar. Jack fruit tree is sthala vruksham of the temple. As we go around we see Chakkratzwar, Andal, Krishna, Lakshmi, and Narashimar sanctums.

Inside the cave here we see Anantha sayanam of Vishnu Moorthy, carved to the mountain rock. Here we find Perumal in relaxing posture which is about 30’ length and this is supposed to be the lengthier idol in Asia.

He is relaxing on 5 headed snake known as Adiseshan, and at the back to the rock we see Garuda, Chitrguptan, Markandeyar, Brahma, Devas, Rishi, Kinnaras, and rakshasas Madhu, kaitabar. Bhooma devi is seen sitting under the leg, Lakshmi Devi on his chest with his left hand holding her close to him, and the right hand on Adiseshan in the form of patting him.

Purana says Madhu, Kaitabar came to attack Vishnu, Bhoodevi and Sridevi were afraid of asuras and we see Bhoodevi hiding under his leg and Sridevi to the chest. Adiseshan in anger spelled out poison air and defeated them. This incidence is also carved beautifully in the cave temple.

Temples of Neimisaranyam

2009-08-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hanuman Mandir

Hanuman Ghat is the place on top of a small hill where we see Viswaroopa Hanuman carrying Sri Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders. We had to climb few steps to the main sanctum. Near the entrance to left we see Makardwaj (son of Hanuman). In front of Sri Hanuman sanctum we see idols of Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
Sukha Maharishi temple

This is near Hanuman Mandir. Here we see Sukar in bronze idol in a separate sanctum. In front of this sanctum we see a room in which books of all 18 Puranas and Vedas are preserved.
Balaji Temple

Here as we enter we see Dwajasthambam, and we enter into a hall where we see Balaji in main sanctum and Padmavathy Thayar in different sanctum.
Durga temple:

Durga Devi is considered as sister of perumal here. In the main sanctum we see Durga Devi and as we go around we come across another small sanctum in which we see Durga matha in Aruruvam, which is supposed to moolavar and nothing is clear to vision.

Chakkra teertham

This is in round shape and we have hectogn sort of pond around the chakkra teertham. we have steps to reach the water in the pond. The steps are too slippery. This is the pushkaram of this place. We have a sanctum for SriChakkrtazwar and Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.

Ahobila Matt:

One of Ahobila Matt jeeyar attained paramapadham here and as a rememberence they have a sanctum for him. The sanctum is in the mutt premises. We have darshan of Sri Lakshmi Narashimar idols to which pooja’s are performed by a preist.

Priest family takes care of the piligrims who visit the place. There are rooms to stay and food is arranged in mutt, if informed in advance. This is only for Brahmin community.

Devadhana perumal Temple, Neimisaranyam , UP.

2009-08-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Neimisaranyam

Nimisaranyam is 85 kms from Lucknow to Sitapur road. The place is on the banks of River Gomathy. There are few temples to visit.

Devadhana perumal, One of the Divya Desam, Hanuman temple, Veda mandir, Durga temple, Chakkra teertham and Ahobila matt. A lady by name Mrs.Vinaya is arranging for taxi for your tour from there to Ayodhya, Allahabad and Varnasi. If someone is interested they can contact to the cell phone number 09936046748 She is a tamilian lady and travelers from south can converse in tamil to avoid confusion.

Neimisaranyam:

This place was arayanyam once, and it is considered sacred place to penance and attain divine power. The whole forest is worshiped as Supreme Lord. According to legends Lord chooses this place to establish Dharma. Vrittasura was troubling the sages and they prayed Lord to give a remedy for their issue. The Lords requested Maharishi Dadichi to give his bones to create a weapon to kill the demon. The maharishi obliged and they were able to get rid of the demon Vrittasuran.

Sthala puranam says, Sutha puranikar recited 18 puranas for the benefit of Maha Rishi’s, in this place.

The reason for the name Neimisaranyam is once Maharishi’s along with Sownakar, went to Lord Brahma, and asked him to show a place where they can do meditation and yagnas. Brahma took the wheel of his charriot and rolled it down. He said the place where wheel stops, that would be the ideal place for them. They wheel stopped at this place which was Aranyam

Nemi means chakkram and the place it stopped, was Aranyam and hence the name.
Devadhana perumal temple:

This is one of 108 temples of Divya Desam. This is One of 8 Swayam Vektha kshetrams. The rest are Badri, Pushkaram, Srirangam, Salagramam Srimushnam, Vanamamalai, Pushkaram and Tirupathy. The place is regarded as Tapovanam.

Main Deity is Devadhana Perumal in standing posture and in the main sanctum next to perumal we see lot of saligrahamas. In front of the main deity sanctum we have the darshan of Garudazwar. Goddess Pundarikavalli is seen if different sanctum. She is also known as Sri Hari Lakshmi, Sri Hari Priya.

Sthala Vruksham is Thapovanam. All the trees in this forest are considered as sthala vruksham and hence it is known as Thapovanam.
River Gomathy and Chakra Teertham are the pushkaram of this place.

[Saligrama][Chakkra Teertham][Thapovanam][swayamvektha Kshetram]

Sri Ram Darbar, Ayodhya.

2009-08-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

Ram Darbar:

There is a big hall and in the hall we see idols of Sri Rama, sita and Lakshmana. We also see a set of small idols there. This is the palace where Sri Rama and his courtiers meet, and he ruled the kingdom from here.
Bada sthan:

This is King Dasaratha's palace. Thre is a big hall we get to see the complete family. we see the idols of his four sons with their consorts Sri Rama and Sita, Lakshmana and Urvasi,Bharata and Mandavi , Sathrugana and Sruthakirthi.
Bada Hanuman is just a gate way sort. Nothing much to see inside.
Kala Ram Mandir:

The temple is constructed at the place where Sri Rama performed Aswamedha yaga. About 300 years ago Raja of Kulu built a new temple which was improved by Ahalyabai Kolkar of Indore in the year 1784. The main deity of Sri Rama is of black stone which was recovered from Sarayu River. The temple is near Nageshwarnath temple and it was closed when we went there.
Nageshwarnath temple:

We reach the temple after crossing the bridge which was also constructed in the same year 1784.
The temple was built by Prince Kusha, Sri Rama's son.

According to legend this was the only place survived till the time of King Vikramaditya and rest of the city was ruined and covered by forest. King Vikramaditya located the city Ayodhya, with the help of this temple.

Prince Kusha lost his armlet which was lost when he had his bath in River Sarayu. Nagakanya picked the armlet and gave it to Prince with whom she fell in love. Nagakanya was a devotee of Lord Siva, so Prince Kusha built this temple for her.

Inside the sanctum we see Lord Siva in linga form, and a Dara pathra is hanging above the Siva Lingam. we see Ganesha to the front of main sanctun. Here we see different forms of Lord Siva's painted to walls. There is a seperate sanctum for Adi Siva Lingam. The present temple was built in the year 1750.

Ayodhya, UP

2009-08-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Ayodhya:

This is one of 108 Divya Desam. Birth place of Lord Sri Rama.

Ayodhya is situated on the bank of River Sarayu. This place is 7 kms from Faizabad. This is a popular pilgrimage centre. The ancient city of Ayodhya according to Ramayana was founded by Manu. This is one of the seven sacred cities

According to Purana. Ayodha is famous for its close association of Ramayana. It’s a city full of sacred temples and historical significance. Atharvana Veda describes Ayodhya as “a city built by Gods and being prosperous as Paradise itself”. Various faiths have grown and prospered simultaneously in different periods. Jains consider that 5 tirthankars were born in Ayodhya and the first Tirthankar Rishabadev is one amoung them.
River Sarayu:

The River was full of water and water flow was wild. We did enjoy the dip in the river. Some sort of arrangements is made for changing dress. There is lot of cows with panda’s standing there to do the godhan pooja for pilgrims.
Hanuman Gadi

This is temple of Hanuman and it is most popular temple of Ayodhya. The temple is in center of the town. One has to climb about 70 steps to reach the main sanctum. The main temple there is statue of Anjana Devi with Bal Hanuman on lap. Legend says Hanuman stays here and guarded the Ramkot. The faithful belief is that all the wishes are granted with a visit to the temple
Kanaka Bhavan:

This is the palace of Sri Rama. We climb few steps and enter into a big hall. Here we get to have darshan of Rama’s Paduka. This was the place from where Rama climbed into the chariot, to leave Ayodhya for vanavasam

There is another mandapam in which we have the main sanctum. Here we see Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana. There are two sets of idols we see here, one is the main idol and the other was worshipped by Sri Krishna. This is the place where Rama and Janaki matha lived. Main deity is decorated so well we hardly feel like leaving the place.
Sri Ram Janma bhoomi
This is the main place of worship in Ayodhya.
This is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot which stands on the elevated ground in the western part of the city. Lot of checking is there. We are not allowed to take anything inside. One has to walk a lot to reach the main place. They have kept the idol of Seetha Sri Rama and Lakshmana. It is so far we hardly get to see clearly and has to imagine and feel happy. We have the darshan of Hanuman to the side
Janma Bhoomi Karyalaya:

This is the place where the work is going on for the construction of Sri Rama mandir. There is a model of the temple is exhibited. Pillars with carvings, designed ceiling material, doors and all the designed stones to the sides of the walls are ready. They intend erecting the temple with these ready materials by year 2013.

Temples of Allahabad

2009-08-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Veni Madhavar:

This is temple is near Saraswathi ghat, and it is one of the famous temples of Allahabad.

Veni madhavar temple is in Taraganj.
Here main deity is known as Veni Madhavar. This is one of Panchava Madhava Kshetram. This is a small temple and darshan of Veni Madhavar in Allahabad is important.
Siddeswarar temple

The temple is in Taraganj. This is very old temple. Here we see Main deity Durga Devi and other deities like Pancha Mukha Hanuman, and Navagraha. This is the only temple with Navagraha here.
Someswarar temple:

Here the Siva Lingam ws installed by Chandran also known as Soman and hence the name someswarar.
Baradwaja Ashram:

This place is 6 kms from Taraganj, and it is opposite to Ananda Bhavan. According to Purana Saint Baradwajar Ashram was here from the age of sri Rama lived. It says Sri Rama stayed for some period during his 14 years of vanavasam.
Akshaya vat:

The immortal tree lies inside the fort within the Patalapuri temple. The tree stands in a niche above an underground shaft which is said to lead to Triveni. We are not allowed inside.
Ashoka pillar:

This pillar is of polished sand stone of 10 meter height, dating back to 232BC. The pillar has persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir in scriptd on it commemorating his accession to the throne.

Hanuman mandir, sankrar mandapam and Triveni sangamam. Allahabad.

2009-08-17T01:52:00.000-07:00

Allahabad

This place is about 135 KMS from varanasi.
Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, blessed by gods, came to be known as 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad'. Foreseeing the sanctity of the place, Lord Brahma also called it as 'Tirth Raj' or 'King of all pilgrimage centres.' The Scriptures - Vedas and the great epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata, refer to this place as Prayag.

Thriveni sangamam

The sacred Sangam, is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu mythology Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. At the Sangam, the waters of the Ganges and the Yamuna can be distinctly seen to merge into one. Once in 12 years Kumba mela takes place attracting people from all over the country.
Hanuman Mandir

The temple is in kila ghat, near the Sangam.

This temple is unique in North India. Here the 20’ big idol of Lord Hanuman is seen in a reclining posture. When the Ganga is in spate, this temple gets submerged.
Sankar Viman Mandapam

The mandapam is 130 feet high with three floors. Near the entrance gate we see the idols of Kumarila Bhattar and Jagatguru Shankaracharya, meeting and to the other side, discussion between Mandana misrar and Adi sankarar.

As you enter the temple we see Kamakshi Deviin sitting posture (with 51 Shaktipeethas around). On the outer wall of Kamakshi sanctum, we see Panchamukha gayathri, Moogmbikai, Durgai, Vindhyavasini , Ganga matha and saraswathy Tapas Kamakshi sculptures and paintings of life history of Adi sankarar.

In the second floor Vishnu as balaji and veni Madhavar in front of him. We see 108 saligrahma in the sanctum. As we go around we can see the sculptures of Narashimar, Vamana etc. All around the wall beautiful paintings from Ramayana is seen.

In the third floor Yoga sahastra Linga is seen made of one single stone. We can see 1008 small lingas in one big lingam which weighs 10 tones. There is a Rudrakshra mandapam for sahasra lingam in the sanctum. In this floor around the sanctum we see Dwadasa Lingam Pichadanar, Somaskandar, Dandayudhapani, Ardhanreeswarar, sankara Narayanar idols, and Siva leela paintings to the walls.

The temple doors are made of sandal wood with beautiful carvings. As we come outside we have the darshan of Sowbaghya Ganapathy.
Akshyavat:

The immortal tree within the Patalauri temple, has found mention in the description of several ancient scriptures, writers and historians. The tree stands in a deep niche above an underground shaft, which is said to lead to Triveni.We are not allowed inside, so we did not visit the place.

Shimachalam, Annavaram temple of East Godavari District, AP.

2009-06-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

Shimachalam:

Varaha Lakshmi Narashima swamy Temple.

This place is 16kms from Visaka patnam. The temple is in on a small hill.
This is one of the important sthalam like Ahobilam and sholingar. The place is surrounded by mountains with lots of medicinal herbs which is good for us.

Main deity is Varaha Lakshmi Narashima Swamy.

The deity is about two and half feet height and Thirumugam of perumal is Varaha and body is human. The deity is covered with sandal paste always.

The sandal paste is removed on Vaisaka suddha divithiya day of every year, and one can have the darshan of Narashima swamy, without sandal paste. Next day again they cover the deity with sandal paste. With the paste on him Varaha Lakshmi Narashima Swamy looks like a Shiva lingam.

The purana says the temple was constructed by Devas. There is 16 pillar and 96 pillars mandapam with beautiful sculptures on it. As we come out of the main sanctum we see a pillar which is known as “kappa Sthambam”.

Sthala purana says they have installed “Santhana gopala Yantram” under the pillar. Any wishes will be fulfilled by embracing the pillar and think of the wish. They charge 25Rs for this. As we go around the prakaram we see Lakshmi Devi in separate sanctum.

The story is they say prahaladha was tortured by King Hiranyakasibu. Prahaladha refused to chant his fathers name, instead he chanted Narayana’s name. Once he was thrown down from the hill top. Lord Narayana came to resque his devotee prahaladha and this was the hill top where he was rolled down, and the temple is built in the same place.

Ramanujar visited the temple in 11 th century.

Rooms are available.
Annavaram:

The place is in East Godavari District, 72 kms from Rajamandry, and 32kms from Pithapuram.

Main deity is Veera Venkata Sathya Narayana Swamy.
The temple is situated on Rathana giri hills on the banks of River Pampa.

The shrine is of two storeys. We see Sathya Narayana Swamy, in the upper level and in the down level we have the padha darshanam of main deity.

Devasthanam choultry is available. There are few hotels available for accomdation.
Chebrolu:

This place is bout 20kms from Annavaram. This is Sita Rama Devalayam.

Main Deity is Sita Rama sculpture made of one single stone, and Seetha is seen on Sri Rama’s lap.

Temples in Rameswaram

2009-02-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

Ekantha Ramar Temple:

The temple is located at Tangachi madam.

Here the waves are calm because Lord Rama is in ekantham{alone} There is a well in the temple which is known as Amirthavapi. There is Villoorani teertham also.

Purna says Lord Rama marked on the earth with his bow Kodandham, water pierced from there and it is known as Villoorani teertham. The water is sweet inspite of the sea nearby.
Gandhamanam: This is 3 kms to west of Ramanadhapuram.
Purana says Lord Rama climbed the mandapam on sandy elevation and decided about constructing a bridge to cross the sea and reach Lanka. We see Ramar Padam here. The place is well connected by good road. When we climb we get beautiful view of the island.
Danushkoti:

This is a place where we see the meeting point of Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean which is in the shape of bow and hence it is known as Danushkoti.

This place is considered to be holy to have a dip and pay homage to fore fathers.

Devipatnam, Darbhasayanam Temple, Ramanadhapuram District.

2009-02-13T02:59:00.000-08:00

Devipattinam:

This place is about 15 kms from Ramanadhapuram. It is to the sea shore, and here the sea is without noisy wave’s looks like a lake.

Here Lord Rama has installed 9 stones, which is known as Navabashanam and they represent Navagraha’s. There is a Siva temple,and the main deity is known as Thilakeswarar and Soundranayaki.

The purana says Rama did thila tharpanam for his parents. The sea waves were disturbing Lord Rama in worshipping Navagraha, so he prayed to Jaganadhar to help him and he was blessed. That’s the reason the sea looks like a big lake over here.
Thirupullani / Dharbasayanam: Jaganadha perumal.
This place is 6 kms from Sethu karai.

Main Deity : Kalyana Jaganadhar in standing posture and Lord Sri Rama in relaxing posture, Goddess is Kalayana valli and Padamasini thayar.

Importance: Vebeeshana surrendered himself to Lord Rama in this place.
Here Lakshmana is in the form of Adiseshan on whom Lord Rama is relaxing in different sanctum.

Purana says Pullar worshipped Lord by Astakshara mantra under the Aswatha vruksham and he was blessed, hence the place is known as Pullaranyam.

We find Chakkra teertham in front of the temple. The teertham is also known as Hamsa teertham, because Lord gave upadesham to Brahma in the form of Hamsa pakshi [bird}

[Navagraha][Ashtakshara Manthram][Navabashanam][Aswatha Vruksham]

Koodal Azagar temple, Madurai.

2009-02-10T04:03:00.000-08:00

Azagar Temple or Koodal Azagar:

This is One of 108 Divya Desam.
The temple belongs to krutha yugam. The temple is between Kruthamala River and Vaigai River

Main Deity:"Koodal Azagar" in sitting posture known as Vieuga Sundarajar, Vaikundanadhan and Goddess "Madura valli Nachiyar", in different sanctum. Sthala Vruksham: Kathali. {Plaintain} Teertham: Hema Pushkarani.

Importance: The main sanctum vimanam here known as Ashtanga Vimanam which means eight sides and it represents eight letters Narayana. The temple is of three floors and we see koodal Azagar in three different forms.

As we enter we see the main deity in standing posture known as Koodal Azagar, Second floor he is in standing posture as Soorya Narayanar and in third floor in sleeping posture as Ranganadhar.

We see Navagrahas in the temple which is a rare thing in Vishnava temples. Purna says Deva architect Viswakarma designed and constructed the temple in Krutha yugam.

Name: once there was heavy rainfall and living beings suffered a lot. They prayed almighty and he was pleased with the prayer and sent four clouds which joined in four directions, in this place and protected them. Hence the place is known as Thiru koodal.

Thiru Koshitioor, and Thiru Mogur temple

2009-02-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

Thiru koshtioor:

This is One of 108 Divya Desam. The place is about 10 kms from Thirupatoore.

Main Deity: Uragamellanian in reclined posture, urchavar Sowmyanarayana perumal in standing posture and Goddess Thiru Mamagal Nachiar.Teertham is Deva pushkarani.

Importance: The temple is of four floors. Main deity is in sleeping posture in first floor, to the second and third floor we see deities in sitting and standing posture, and the final fourth floor is the terrace from where Ramanajur announced the secret moola mantra of OM NAMO NARAYANA for the benefit of one and all.

We see Ramanujar and Thirukoshitur Nambi sculptures facing the city in front. Indra and Kadamba muni were blessed by lord of this place.
Thiru Mogur: Kalamega perumal temple.

One of 108 Divya Desam. The temple is 13 kms from Madurai, and 9 kms south of Melur. Here the Pushkarani is known as Swetha pushkarani and vilwam is sthala vruksham of the temple.

Main Deity: is Kala mega perumal and his consort known as Mohana valli thayar"

Sthala puranam says Vishnu took, mohini roopam to distribute the nector to devas, and the place was originally known as Mohanoor.

Importance: Nammazwar attained moksha after worshiping Kalamega perumal here. Chakkratazwar is something unique here. Manthras are incarnated on it, and the thiruvadi {padam} is rotating, which means at any point, he is ready to help one who worships him.

Chakkratazwar represent Sudarshanar. At the back of Sudarshanar we see Narashimar and he is called as Narashima sudarshnar.

Near the entrance of the temple, in a separate sanctum, we see pallikonda nadhar {Sleping posture} known as ksheerabdhi nadhar, both Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar are seen near the leg side with their hands near the foot of perumal in praying posture.

[Thiruvadi][LordSiva]
[Nector][Mohini roopam][Ramanujar][Thirukoshitur Nambi][Divya Desam]

Madurai & sivagangai district.

2009-02-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

Thiru Mogur: Kalamega perumal temple.

This is One of 108 Divya Desam. The temple is 13 kms from Madurai, and 9 kms south of Melur.

Here the Pushkarani is known as Swetha pushkarani and vilwam is sthala vruksham of the temple.

Main Deity: Kala mega perumal and his consort known as Mohana valli thayar".

Sthala puranam is Vishnu took mohini roopam to distribute the nector to devas, and the place was originally known as Mohanoor.

Importance: Nammazwar attained moksha after worshiping Kalamega perumal here. Chakkratazwar is something unique here. Manthras are incarnated on it.

The thiruvadi {padam} is rotating, so that any time he is ready to help one who worships him. Chakkratazwar represent Sudarshanar. At the back of sudarshanar we see Narashimar and he is called as Narashima sudarshnar.

Near the entrance of the temple, in a separate sanctum, we see pallikonda nadhar {Sleping posture} known as ksheerabdhi nadhar, both Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar are seen near the leg side with their hands near the foot of perumal in praying posture.
Thiru koshtioor:

This is One of 108 Divya Desam.The place is about 10 kms from Thirupatoore.

Main Deity is known as Uragamellanian in reclined posture. Urchavar Sowmyanarayana perumal in standing posture and Goddess Thiru Mamagal Nachiar.

Teertham is Deva pushkarani.

Importance: The temple is of four floors. Main deity is in sleeping posture in first floor, to the second and third floor we see deities in sitting and standing posture, and the final fourth floor is the terrace from where Ramanajur announced the secret moola mantra of OM NAMO NARAYANA for the benefit of one and all.

We see Ramanujar and Thirukoshitur Nambi sculptures facing the city in front. Indra and Kadamba muni were blessed by lord of this place.

[DivyaDesam][Anjaneyar temple][Narashimar]

Azgar koil, Madurai.

2009-01-23T04:21:00.000-08:00

Thirumalirun cholai also known as Azagar Koil:

This is One of 108 Divya Desam. The place is 21 kms from Madurai to north. The temple is within the fort. As we enter we see Karuppanna swamy who is kaval divam of this place.

Main deity is Sundarajar or Kallazagar and Goddess Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
urchavar is known as Goddess Sundaravalli. sthala vruksham is Sandalwood.
Teertham: Noopura gangai and Silambu aru.

Importance: Both main deity and urchavar are with panchayudam. The purana says Lord Yama penanced here to get rid of his curse and was blessed. As a gratitude he prayed to lord, permitting him to do pooja atleast once in a day. He was permitted to do, and they say, the midnight pooja is performed by Yamadarma raja.

href="http://technorati.com/tag/%5BDivya%5D+%5BDesam%5D" rel="tag">Divyadesam

Sri Rangam and Thiru Anbil temple, Trichy.

2008-03-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Sri Rangam:

This is one of 108 Divya Desam. the place is about 5 kms from Trichy.

Main Deity is Ranganadha perumal in lying posture, and Thayar Sri Ranga Nachiar. Utsavar here is known as Nam perumal. Teertham is Chandra pushkarani, cauvery, and Kollidam. Vruksham is Punnai.

Importance: This is 1st Divya Desam. The place is considered as Boolokha kailasam. The kshetram is known as Swayam vyaktha kshetram. 14 Azwar and Andal nachiar have sung About Ranganadhar of this place. The temple dates back to 10th century.

The temple has 21 gopurams and 48 sanctums. Purana says Brahma gave a Rangandhar idol to Veebishana which he was taking to Srilanka along with him. The condition was that he should not keep it down. In case,it was not observed he will not be able to take it.

Veebishana gave the idol in the hands of small boy Ganesha, and asked him to hold it till he is back. Ganesha kept the idol down. When Veebishana came he saw the idol kept down and he tried to remove it but he could not do it.
Thiru Anbil: Vishnu temple.

The temple is one of 108 Divya Desam. The place is about 8 kms from Lalgudi.

Main Deity is VadivazagiyaNambi in lying posture, and Thyar Azagiyavalli nachiar in different sanctum,Teertham is Mandooka pushkarani, and Kolliddam.

Importance: Manduka muni who was meditating under the water, did not realise the presence of Durvasa muni, and he was cursed to become as mandooka. Muni realised his mistake and asked Durvasa for sapa vimochana. He was advised to come to this place and worship. The place is known after him. This is one of pancha Ranga Kshetram.

Urayoor, Uthamar Koil, and Thiruvellarai temple. Trichy.

2008-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

This time our tour was to Thirchirappalli for four days from january 9- 2008. The place is one of the important junctions well connected to Airways, Railways and Roadways. We stayed at Mayavaram Lodge, 87, Vanappattarai Street, Teppakulam Post, and Thiruchirappalli-620002. Phone number: 0431-2704089, 0431-2722400.

The accommodation was reasonable and service rendered was good. It was homely. They have car for rents also. The car driver Kuzandhaivelu was very coperative and helpful.

Our tour was mainly to visit Old important temples of Siva, Vishnu, and few temples on the way. We were unable complete all temples of our choice, due to temple timings.

My next few posts will be about our places which we covered in and around Trichy.

Urayoore:

One of 108 Vishnu temple known as Divya deasam. The place is about 2 kms from Trichy central bus stop.

Main Deity is Azagiya Manavala perumal in standing posture and his consort Kamala valli Thayar. Teertham is Kalyana teertham and Surya teertham.
Importance: Komala Valli thayar is seen in bridal form over here. This is birth place of Thiruppanazwar, and he is seen separate sanctum here.

Purana: King Nanda cholan found a female child fluting on lotus flower. He took the child named her Kamala valli and took care of her. Vishnu wanted to marry the princes. He appeared as a prince, in the dream of the King and asked his daughter to be married to him. Kamala Valli thayar and Manavala Perumal got married in this place
Uthammar Koil:

This is one of 108 Vishnu temples known as Divya Desam..
The place is about 6kms from Trichy.

Main Deity: Puroshotama perumal in lying posture and Poornavalli Thayar in separate sanctum.Teertham is Kadamba teertham.

Importance: other dieties in temple are Lakshmi Narayana perumal, Varadaraja perumal, Rama and Nammazwar. We have a separate sanctum for Brahma and as well as Saraswathi. While we go around the temple we see at the back of perumal Swayambu linga known as pichandar sannadhi in different sanctum. Vadivudai nakayi amman is seen in different sanctum. We see lakshmi , nayanar, Dasaradha linga, Chandikeswarar.

Purana says Lord Siva to get rid of brahmahathi dosha due to the removal of brahma’s
head. Lord Siva took the form as pichandar, and was roaming around with a bowl in his hand. At this time Poornavalli thayar gave biksha to him in his bowl and he was relieved from the dosha.

Siva preached Gyana upadesa. The place is known as Saptha guru sthalam. Dakshina moorthy as Siva guru,Varadaraja perumal as Vishnu guru, Brahma has brahma guru, Soundarya parvathi as Sakthi guru, Dandayudha pani as gyana guru, Guru of navagraha as Deva guru, Sukra of navagraha as Asura guru.
Thiruvellari:

The temple is one of 108 Divaya desam. The place is about 17 kms from trichy to north.

Main Deity is Pundarekaksha perumal and his consort known as Pankayach selvi thayar, Shenbagavalli in different sanctum. Teertham is Manikarnika, Kusa, Pushkala. Sthala Vruksham is Elandhy maram.

Importance: There are two entrances to the temple known as Uttharayana and Dakshinana. There is one more door inside known as Nazhikettan door.

PuranaThe story for the door is when perumal came late in the night thayar questioned him for the delay. Priority is for Goddess here. Lakshmi, Bhomadevi, Surya, Chandra, and Adiseshan worshipped god in human form. There is a pond belonging to the temple in swastik shape known as mamiar kulam. The construction is in such a way that person taking bath in a side cannot see the person who is to the other side

Karamadai temple, Coimbatore

2007-08-02T03:47:00.000-07:00

We visited Palghat for Kumbabishekam of sreenivasa perumal temple at Noorani village on 22 of April 2007. We availed the opportunity to visit temples of coimbatore and near by places.

Our tour started from 23 april and it was 5 day trip. Summer was horrible, so we had to skip some places according to our plan. We were 5 in number and we hired a taxi to go around.

We covered almost 300 kms on an average daily.Our taxi fare was Rs per head without our stay and food. We spent only a day in hotel. Our thanks to my friends sister for hospitality shown to us. We did enjoy our stay at their place.

Karamadai:

Vishnu temple of 16 th century. Main deity: Ranganadhar and his consort known as Ranganayaki thayar. Teertham is Brahma teertham.

Importance: A cow is to pour milk on a snake pit.One day a person saw this and he try to clear the bush wdith the sword he had and he saw blood flowing out. He saw a siva linga there and he informed this to village people. They removed it cleaned it and applied sandal powder and found that Linga had Sanku and chakra marks on it, which we can see even today. Another important thing is here they bless with silver Rama banam instead of chadari, ie.padugai.

Thiruvallore and Thiruneer malai. Chennai.

2007-05-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Thiruvallore:

this is One of 108 Divaya desams temples. The place is about 45 kms from Chennai. The place can be reached by rail route from Chennai to Arakonam. Busses are available from all places.

Main deity: Sri Veeraraghava perumal in sleeping postureand his consort Kanakavalli thayar in different sanctum.

Importaance: When Sali hothra muni was penancing here, Vishnu in the form of old man visited him and had lunch with him and after lunch he asked the muni to show the place for him to take a nap. Muni showed him the parnasala (kutil).

Here he rested in his original form, in sleeping posture and hence the name Thiruvallore which was originally known as Thiru a vull.

Maindeity: Veeragava perumal has rested his hand on the head of Salihothra muni, and his left hand depecting Gyana mudra to preach Brahma.

There other deities like Vinayaka, Gopalan, Desikar, Andal, Lakshmi narashimar, Sudarshanar, Ananthan & Azhwar.

This place is known as Punyavarthi kshetram. Everyone who worships here their good deeds multily and bad ones are waved. One who takes a dip in hruththapanasini pushkaram is relieved of all ailments. The perumal here is also known as Vaidya Veeraragava perumal.
Sri perumbudhoore: Vishnu temple.

the place is 31kms south west of Chennai.

Main deity is Sri Adikesava perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar in standing posture and Goddess Ethiraja valli thayar. Teertham is Anantha saras.

Importance: The place is known as Aranyaranam, Boodhapuri. To get rid of Siva’s curse Boodha ganas penenced here and were blesaed by Vishnu. In turn, they built the temple for Vishnu and hence the place is known as Boodhapuri.

There is an idol of Ramanujar here which was embraced by him. Other deities like Rama, Andal, Udayavar, Desikan, and Alavandhar are there. This is birth place of Ramanujar.
Thiruneer malai:

This is One of 108 Divya desam. the place is 25 kms from chennai.

Main deity: Vishnu in 4 different forms together is one Divya desam

Importance: On the top of hill three different types of deities, they are Ranganadhar, Narashimar and Tiruvikramar.

Purana says after worshipping three deities on top hill, Valmiki muni came down and prayed thinking of Rama. For him Ranganadhar whom he saw appeared like Rama; Lakshimi like Janaki; Adiseshan like Lakshamana; Sanku and chakra as Baradha Satrugana; Viswakarma as Sugreeva, and Garuda as Hanuman.

Then the Lord disappeared. Valmiki prayed and God appeared as Neervannan. Azwar and Andal sanctum are there.

Teertham is Ksheera, Karunya, Siddha and Swarna pushkarani together as big pond known as Manikarnika. Rama here known as Kalyana raman.

The up hill is known as Thoyadri malai, about 200 steps to climb. First we have darshan of Ranganadha swamy and Ranganayaki thayar. As we go around we see come to Thiruvikrama perumal in standing posture known as ulagalandha perumal, and third deity Santha Narashima in sitting posture. This place is considered as mukthi sthalam.

[Vishnu temples][DivyaDesam]

Varadaraja Perumal, Ulagalandha Perumal, Pachai vannar and Palvanna Perumal Temple. Kancheepuram.

2007-03-16T03:11:00.000-07:00

Varadharajaperumal temple:

This is One of 108 Divya desam in Chinna Kancheepuram.

Main deity: Varadharajaperumal and his consort known as Perundevi thayar.
Teertham is Vegavathi, Ananthasaras Brahma teertham and well.

Importance: The main sanctum is 40’height with 43 steps to go. In the basement we see Azhagiya Singa perumal in sitting posture and Arithra devi thayar.

Lord Vishnu in the form of mountain was holded by Iravathi Hence the name Athigiri. Varadaraja perumal in punyakoti viman came down to bless Brahma for the yagam he performed. Brugu muni, Naradha, Saraswathhi and indra were blessed by Varadharajar.

Hanuman and Sukran were transformed into lizard for their sin and they penenced here and were blessed by Vishnu. There are two lizards to the roof of temple and everyone is allowed to touch them and will be relieved of all ailments.

Atthi Varadhar is of wood and it is kept in anantha saras teertha, is taken out once in 40 years and pooja is performed. Devotees can have darshan of him at that time. We see Chakrathazhwar in separate sanctum near Ananthasaras teertham and at the back Adi seshan holding Narashima moorthy.
Ulagandha perumal:

This is one of 108 Divya desam near Kamakshi amman temple.

Main deity: Ulagalandha perumal of 35’ height & 24’width. His left leg lifted up to sky and 2 fingers of left hand and one finger of right lifted up. We see Aranaravalli thayar in different sanctum.Teertham is Naga teertham.

Importance: During vamana avathara Vishnu asked for 3 steps of land from Mahaballi. Mahabali agreed to give & for one step of Vishnu, Mahabali was under the feet of vamana and was unable to lift and see the complete form of Vamana.

He penanced here and Vamana was pleased and reappeared infront of him and even then he was not able to See the complete form, to his request he is in the form of Adiseshan in the same temple.

There are other three deities also in the same temple which were once up on a time in different places nearby which is unknown.

Thiru Neeragam: one of 108 Divya desam.

Sri jagadeesa perumal and Neelamangala valli thayar are main deity. The teertham here is known as Akrura teertham.

Thiru Karagam: one of 108 Divya desam.

Main deity: Thiru Karunakara perumal and his consort known as Padamamani nachiyar.

Thiru Karvanam: one of108 Divya desam.

Main deity: Kalvar with Bhoodevi and Sridevi. Kamalavalli nachiyar in different sanctum.
Thiru pavalavanna perumal:

This is One of 108 Divya desam. 1kms distance from kamakshi temple.

Main deity: Pavala vanna perumal in standing postureand his consort known as pravaravalli thayar.
Teertham is Chakkra teertham.

Importance: The main deity is of red shade which is unique. When Saraswathi sent asuras to spoil the yagam done by Brahma, Vishnu came to rescue of Brahma and fought with asuras and he was with blood stains so the colour for pavala vannar.
Pachai vannar: Vishnu temple.

the temple is sen to the other end of Pavalavannar perumal street.

Importance: Brugu maharishi performed yaga here to have laksmi devi as his daughter and he married her to Vishnu here.

[Sakthi Peetam][Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]

Ashtabuyakaram, Thiru vellukai and thiru Edagam. Kancheepuram.

2007-03-12T03:07:00.000-07:00

Ashtabuyakarm:

This is One of 108 Divya desam, South of Rangaswamy tank small kanci.

Main deity: Adi kesava perumal in standing posture with ashta bujam having chakkrm, knife, flower, arrow, sanku, bow, kedayam and gadha. We see Alemelumanga thayar in different sanctum.

Teertham is known as Gajendra pushkarani.

Importance: Ashtabuyakaram name is due to Vishnu taking this form to control the asuras who were disturbing the yagam of Brahma. Mahasudha muni was in penancing here. Indra was worried of his seat and he deva kanyas to disturb muni and kanyas took the form of elephant and diverted munis attention. He changed himself into an elephant and started living with them.

After many years he came to know that he was fooled by them. Once when he realised his mistake he approached Markendaya muni to help him out. Muni asked him to worship Vishnu in this place Ashtabuyakaram. He worshipped vishnu with lotus flower, in the same form of elephant. One day the elephant’s leg was caught by a crocodile and to free himself the elephant took the name of Vishnu as Narayana and he was rescued by Vishnu and attained his previous form of human being.
Thiru vellukai:

This is one of 108 Divyadesam. The temple is opposite to Vilakoli perumal temple.

Main deity: Sri Azhagiya Singaperumal in sitting posture & Sri Vellukai valli thayar in different sanctum. Teertham is Kanakasaras teertham.

Importance: Lord vishnu took the form of Narashima and started chasing the Asuras, when he came to this place it was cool and nice. Asuras were not to be seen, he liked the place and he stayed back there to take care if asuras return again. He is in Yoga form here.
Thiru Edagam

Thiru padagam is one of 108 Divyadesam. Near Ekambaranadhar temple.Teertham is Mathsya teertham.

Main deity: Pandavadootha perumal in sitting posture. The height is 28’. We see thayar Rukmani devi in different sanctum.

Importance: king Janameyajeyan listen to story of Mahabaratha from Vaisambhavana muni. Sri krishna when he went to Hastinapuri as a mesanger of pandavas he reveled his Viswaroopa darshan.

The king wanted to have the same kind of darshan of Vishnu, so he performed a Aswameda yaga here in this place. Purna says that his wish was fulfilled. The temple is 1000years old and was built by King Rajakesari varman.

[Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]

Kallaperumal, Nilathunda Perumal, Thiruvekka and Thiru Thangal. Kancheepuram Town

2007-03-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Kalla Perumal:

This is one of the Divya Desa perumal inside Kamakshi temple

Inside the main sanctum we see Kalla perumal, Soundra lakshmi and Arupa lakshmi. The kumkum prasadam should be first put in front of Arupa lakshmi and then we should take it from there. After worshipping Kamakshi when we come out in front we see Annapoorani.

When we go around the temple in front of the pond we see vishnu in different temple in three posture sitting, standing and sleeping.
Nilathunda perumal:

This is One of 108 important Divya Desam temple.

Main deity: Neelathunda perumal standing posture with sapthagnaga.

The deity is seen to north east side of Ekambereswarar within the temple premises

Importance: At the time of churnning of occan to get nectar, the God of occan Vishnu’s body became warm and to cool himself he does penance here and the moon rays from Siva’s head falls on vishnu.
Thiruvekka:

This temple is known as Yadodhakari, one of 108 Divyadesam. Near Rangaswamy tank small kanchipurm.

Main deity: Sonnavannam seidha perumal in sleeping posture and his consort known as Kamalavalli thayar in different sanctum. Teertham is Poighai teertham.

Importance: Saraswathi river started flowing as vegavathi river to disturb the yagam performed by Brahma. Vishnu came to rescue, on the request Brahma to stop the river flowing down.

Vishnu laid down on Adiseshan to stop the flow of river. Vegavathi stopped due to shyness and hence the name Vecca.

Poighai Azhwar took birth in a lotus flower represnting panchajanyam. Thirumishai Azhwar left the place in search of Karrikannan and he asked Vishnu of this place to join him.

Vishnu rolled Adisesha took him in his hand and followed him. Once Vishnu left the place the whole town faced problem, the king realised his mistake of sending them away and he begged Azhwar to forgive and return back Knchi.

Azhwar was pleased and he asked Vishnu to follow him once again and reside in same place. Since Vishnu did as he was asked by Azhwar the name Sonnavannam seitha perumal. In this place the rarity is Vishnu has placed his head to south side.
Tiru Thangal:

this is 0ne of 108 Vishnu temples known as Vilakoli perumal. The temple is to west of Ashtabuyakaram temple.

Main deity: Deepa prakasar and his consort Maragdha valli thayar. Teertham is Saraswthi teertham.

Importance: Without informing Saraswathi, Brahma started performing yagam in a nandavanam which was cool and hence, the place is known as Thanga.

She was not happy about this and requested asura named mayanalam to help her in disturbing the precedings of yagam. Asura made the world dark by his powers. Brahma inturn sought the help of Vishnu to perform his yagam without interuption.

Vishnu came to his resque with a lamp in his hand and hence the name Deepaprakasar.

[Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]

Teruvidanthy, Thiur Kdalmallai and Thirupukzhi temple. Kancheepuram.

2007-03-01T04:14:00.000-08:00

Kanchi Temples

We happen to read a book written by sri. J.c.Murali about old temples of south india.We were inspired and planned to visit as many temples as possible.Our thanks to him for diverting our attention towards the age old temples.

Every temple as its own importance and many a places it is in Swayambu linga form. 276 Siva temples are known as Devara sthalam were Navakkuarsar, Manikkavachakar, Appar & Sundarar (who are known as saiva kuravas) ardent devotees of Siva sang hymns on siva.

There are 108 vishnu temples which are important known as Divya desams. Our first such tour was to Kanchi, south india and places around. We planned to visit important Vishnu temples also which are nearby. The temples dates back to 8 and 9th century. It was a 6 day tour from 21st feb 2006.

Kanchi: During pallava times it was their capital. The place is well known for temples and silk sarees. We started our tour from chennai . We were able to cover 90% only, due to temple timinges. Bus facility is available to all the places except few.

Some places are too small villages were nothing is available for tourists. We made our trip by taxi so that we can cover many places. We were 5 in number and our cost worked out to Rs2500 per head including room and food.

Thiruvidanthy:

One of 108 important Vishnu temples.

The place is located at, chennai to Mahabalipuram via (Kovalam). 40kms distance fronm chennai.

Main deity: Lakshmi varaha perumal standing posture.Utsavar: Nithya kalyana perumal and Komavalli thayar. Teertham: Kalyana teertham and Varaha teertham.

Importance: Vara perumal married 360 daughers of Klava maharishi and he is known as Nithya Kalyana perumal. All 360 were united into one and named as Lakshmi and he has her on his lap, so the name as thiru vidanthay.
Thiru kadal mallai:

This is One of 108 Divya desams, 60kms from Chennai or 15kms from Thiru vidanthai.

Main deity: Sthala sayana perumal sleeping posure, bujanga sayanam with his right hand on his chest as upadesa mudra.
Mahabalipuram:

It is sea shore 50 kms from chenni. We have a temple, five charriots made of stones with rich carvings, stone elephant, etc. Holiday resorts are there.
Thirupukuzhi:

This is One of 108 Divya desam, 10 kms from kancheepuram. The temple is ½ km inside from the main road.

Main deity is Vijaya ragava perumal in sitting posture and Maragadavalli thayar in different sanctum. Teertham is Jatayu teertham.

Importance: Women who want to concieve come here. They fry some green gram wash it and tie that to their stomach and sleep in the temple premises that night & next day if it sproutes their wish is fulfilled.

Yadava prakasar guru of Ramanujar preached vedanta here. Rama when he was in search of Sita, he performed last rituals of jatayu here. Pond was made by Rama known as Jatayu teertham. Jatayu attained moksha here.

[Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]

Nadhan Koil, Anjaneyar and Sarangapani temple. Kumbakonam.

2007-02-13T06:41:00.000-08:00

Nadhan Koil: Vishnu temple

This is one of 108 Divya Desam. The place is about 2kms from pazhiarai, or 14kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Jaganadhar and his consort Senbagavalli Thayar,in sitting posture.
Teertham: Nandi teertham.

Importance: Sthala Vinayakaris Siddhi vinakayar. Nandi worshipped Siva in this place. Jaganadha perumal with Sword, Bow, Chakram, Sanku and Dandam in his hand. On friday's special abishekam is performed. Wishes are fulfilled in this temple.
Jaya Vijaya anjeneyar:

We have a single banian tree which has multiplied into many number or trees by roots spreading all over.

There is a Rama temple and Anjeyana sculpture. The place is calm and pleasant.
Sarangapani temple:

This is One of 108 Divya desam. The temple is located near Portamari kulam.

Main deity: Sarangapani in sleeping posture, and Komalavalli thayar.
Teertham: Hema pushkarani.

Importance: There are 2 main doors known as utharayana and dakshinayana doors. uthsava vigraha has bow in his hand hence the name Sarangapani. The main gopuram is third highest one of vishnu temple 150 feet. The temple has vasantha mandapam and 100 pillar mandapam.

Other deities like Sreenivasar, Krishna, Andal Gopalan, and Garuda are there. Lakshmi got married to perumal in the name of Komala valli daughter of Hema muni.

[Vishnu temple][Anjaneyar temple][Divya Desam]

Thiru Velliankudi and sengnoor temple. Kumbakonam.

2007-02-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Thiru Velliankudi:Vishnu temple.

This is one of 108 divya desam.The temple is about 20kms from Kumbakonam. Town buses are available.

Main Deity: Kolavalvil Raman and Maragadha valli thayar. The main deity is in sleeping posture. Utsavar: Srungara sundarar.

Teertham:chakra, Brahma, Indra and Parasara teertham Sthala vruksham is Kadali.

Importance: Garuda with sanku and chakra. Sukra, Brahma, Indra and Parasara muni were blessed by vishnu of this place.
Senganoor:Vishnu temple.

Distance: 13kms from Adhurai and 18 kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Sreenivasa perumal in standing posture and a Siva temple also, which we missed.

[Vishnu temple][Divya Desam]

Thiru vellakulam,Thiru semponsai, Talachangkadu, Thiru Indaloor, Thiru Kandiyoor and Thanjaiyali Nagar Temple. Kumbakonam.

2007-02-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

Thiruvellakulam: Vishnu temple.

This is One of 108 Divya desam. the place is about 7kms from Seergazhi.

Main Deity: Sreenivasan and Alarmelmangai. (standing posture) Teertham is Thiruvellakulam.

Importance: One of 11 tirupathi of Thirunangoore. The place is known as then tirupathi. Swetharaja, son of Thenthuraman of Surya vamsa was blessed by lord Sreenivasa for a long life like Markendya. Initally his life span was only 9yrs. He visited the temple had a dip in swetha pushkaram started doing mruthyanjaya japam under vilva tree, and got blessed. Thirumangi Azhwar got married to Kumudha valli in this place.
Thiru semponsei koil: Thirnangoore Temple.

This is One of 108 important temples. The place is 5kms from Thirunangoore.

Main Deity: Perarulalan and Allimamalar nachiar. Utsavar known as chemponarangar.Teertham: Hema pushakarani and Kanaka teertham.

Importance: Rama stayed at Druda nethra muni’s place & donated a golden cow to brahamin to get rid of his sin. The brahamin built this temple by the money he got out of cow. Hence the name. Siva to get rid of his brahamathi dosham performed Ekadasa rudhra, at this place. Vishnu with Bhooneela & devas gave darshan. Rudra requested him to stay at this place and bless devotees. 11 Garuda seva utsavam of Thirunangoore is famous.
Thalachangkadu: Vishnu temple

This is one of 108 divya desam.The place is about 4kms from Akkoore.

Main Deity: Nanmadhiya perumal and Thalaichanga nachiar in standing posture.
Utsavar: Venchudar piraan and chenkamala valli thayar.
Teertham: Amritha pushkarani and Markendeya teertham.
Thiru Indhaloore: Vishnu temple.

The temple is 1/108 divya desams. The place is at Municipal limits of Mayavaram.

Main Deity: Parimala ranganadhan or Sugandhavana nadhan and Parimala ranganayaki or Pundareekavalli. The deity is in sleeping posture with four hands.

Importance: cauveri sangamam into sea. Kaveri is near the head side and Ganges the leg side of main deity.
Thirukandiyoor: Vishnu temple.

This is one of 108 Divya desam. The place is about 8kms from Tanjoore.

Main Deity: Harasapavimochana perumal, Standing posture. Utsavar Kamalanadhan and Kamalavalli thayar.

Teertham: Kapalamoksha pushkarani, Padma teertham, Kapala teertham and Kudamuruti river

Importance: Kapala of Brahama which was hanging in the hands of Siva left him only after worshiping Vishnu at this place. Separate Brahma, Vishnu & Siva temples are near by.
Tanjaiyalinagar: Vishnu temple.

This is one of 108 Divya desam.

the place is about 4kms from Tanjore. Three temples together are considered as one Divya desam.

Markendya has seen the perumal of all the three places. Rama teertham is common for all the three temples. There is only one pujari for all three temples. Utsavar called as Sriman Narayanan.

Main Deity: Neelamegha Perumal and Senkamalavalli thayar, sitting posture.
Place: Manikundram.

Main Deity: Manikundra perumal and Ambujavalli thayar, sitting posture.
Place: Tanjayali nagar.

Main Deity: Narasihma and Tanjay nayaki.

Importance: Tanjaga elephant was killed by Narashima and to full fill the wish of Tangajan he his there in the same for devotees to worship. Hence the name for the town also as Tanjai.

[Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]

Uppliappan, Thiru Naryayoor, Tirucherai, Adhanoor, Thirupullam Boodhankudi and Kavi sthalam. Kumbakonam..

2007-01-27T02:25:00.000-08:00

Following is list of temples belonging to 8-10th century in Kumbakonam area. the place u can call as a temple town. Our option of temples were important Siva temples numbering 276 and 108 Divya Desam.

We visited these temples during christmas holidays of 2006. Spent 1 full week covering these temples with base at Kumbakonam. Preferred mode of transport for visiting these temples is to hire a taxi with a local driver.

Importantly remember all temples are closed during 12:00 - 16:00hrs. The approx cost for a group of 5 people hiring a taxi is Rs.3000 which included taxi and food.

We stayed at my brother's place which saved the boarding expense. Boarding expense in Kumbakonam is moderate.I have separated the Siva Devara sthalam and Vainava Divya Desam on 2 different heading. One can still find our complete tour visits in my blog heading as "Ancient temples".

The temples are very old. They were visited by Azwars who sung hymns praising Lord (Renowned devotees, who composed hymns in praise of lord)and experienced the nearness of the respective lord. we were able to cover a part of the list of temples which we planned. I only hope we will be able to see rest of places also.

Uppiliappan Koil:

This is one of 108 important Divya desam Maha vishnu temple also known as Oppiliappan Koil 7 kms from Kumbakonam

Main deity: Oppiliappan, his Consort Bhuma devi.

As per purana, Bhuma devi-Daughter of Markandeya rishi, marries Mahavishnu and cooks food for him without salt.Hence upillada perumal. Prasadam is Curd rice.

Importance: Salted food is prohibited in the temple premises.
Thirunarayoor: Vishnu temple.

This is one of 108 Divya Desam: 5kms from kumbakonam.

Main deity: Thiru Nariyur Nambi in standing posture. Consort Vanjulavalli
in bride posture. Teertham: Mani mutha teertham.

Importance: Personal appearance of God for Meydavi muni and Brahama. Another important thing to be seen in this temple is Garuda is made of stone. Festival Garuda seva is world famous here.

Starting of garuda seva only 4 persons lift it and gradullay number of persons double to every door finally the number lands to 64 in number. The reason why the no. of people carrying the diety increases is at every stage the wieght of the stone Garuda increases (unknown reason). Same way the number of persons decrease on return of the diety to moola sthanam. Ambal in Hamsa vahana.
Thirucherai Temple:

This is One of the 108 divya desam.

Theertham: Sara theertham, Vimanam: Saravimanam.

Main deity saranadha perumal in standing posture and his consort saranayaki Thayar Perumal is giving darshan with five of his consorts, "Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Neeladevi, Mahalakshmi Saranayagi".This place is known as "Panchasarashetram".
Adhanoor: Vishnu temple

This is one of 108 divya desam. The place is about 3kms from Swami malai.

Main deity: Andalakumayan and Ranganayaki. Lord in the form of Bujayanga sayanam ie. in sleeping posture. One can see the measure under his head as a pillow and in left hand he has palm leaf and pin. Teertham: Surya pushkarani.

Importance: Thiru mangaiAzawar and Kamadenu near the feet of the lord which is unusual.
Thirupullam Boodhamkudi: Vishnu Temple.

this is one of 108 divya desam. The place is about 5kms from Swamy malai.

Main Deity: Valvil Raman and Portamaraial or Hemambujavalli.Bujanga sayanam. (sleeping posture) Teertham: Jhatau teertham and Kruthra teertham.

Importance: Vishnu’s posture here in the temple is like taking rest after granting the eternal bliss to Jhatau..This happens when sita was in Lanka so u find Bhooma devi with him,so that he can perform the religious rituals for Jhatau. Utsava vighara is Rama with four hands.
Kavisthalam: Vishnu Temple.

This is one of 108 divya desam and also known as pancharanya kshetram.The place is about 3kms from papanasam.

Main Deity: Gajanderan Varadhan and his consort known as Ramamani valli thayar. Teertham is Gajandra pushkarani and Kapila teertham.

Importance: When gajandra was caught by the crocodile while drinking water in the pond he took the name of lord Vishnu to rescue him, he surrendered himself with full dedication and vishnu was pleased and rescued Gajendra.
Thirukoodaloor:

This is One of 108 Divya Desam The temple is located at, Tanjore to Ganapathy Agraharam.

Main Deity: Jagadhrakshan and Thayar Padmasini,standing posture.

Teertham: cauveri and Chakra teertham.

Importance: The place where Nandaga muni and devas performed puja was washed away by floods. Rani Mangammal dreamt about the renovation of temple and she renovated it. Another important thing to observe is there is shanku formation in the sthalavruksham.

[Sakthi Peetam][Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]

Kolaphur Mahalakshmi temple. My Holidays: November 2006

2006-11-15T06:12:00.000-08:00

My Holidays: November 2006

Kolaphur:

We visited Kolahpur about five hours bus journey from Pune, Maharashtra.

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Here you have Mahalakshmi temple and Bhavani temple. Both are famous temples. Mahalakshmi temple is one of the 51 Sakthi peetams. Kolahpur is district head quarters and decent accommodaion is available for stay.This is also an industrial town. You have a palace here of Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj and a museum.

The place is known as Karaveera Kshetram.The articture of the temple is differnt. It has 18 edges related to chakra. Near the side entrance of the temple u see sanctum for sani maharaj. To the main entrance side siddhi vinak. All around the temple there are seperate rooms for Navagraha, Rama and sita, Krishna

[Sakthi peetam]