Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar: Parikkal, Vizhpuram Dt.

Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar: Parikkal.



The place Parrikkal is about 3 kms from Vizhupuram to Ulunderpet Road.







Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar is seen seated facing east under Ashtakona Vimanam in this temple.



Main Deity is Lakshmi Narasimhar and Thayar known as Kanakavalli. Here in the temple we see both Narasimhar and Lakshmi Thayar are seen embracing each other which denote Lord Graces his devotees with mercy. Anjaneyar is seen in the inner sanctum.




Teertham here is known as Nagakoopam / Garuda Teertham.



We get darshan of Veera Aanjaneyar and Baktha Aanjaneyar in the temple. Sri Varadaraja Perumaal is seen facing south. Lord Vinayakar and Garuda are seen in the temple.




Sthala Purana says to rescue his devotee King Vsantharajan, Lord Narasimhar with flaming fury destroyed demon Parikalan in this place. Hence the place is known as Parikkal



King Vasantharajan requested Lord Narasimhar to stay in this place and bless his devotees. Lord obliged for his worship. The idol of Narashimar was made by Viswakarma the sculptor and installed by installed by Guru Vamadevar of King Vasantharajan.




[Lakshmi Narasimhar][Guru Vamadevar][sculpture Viswakarma][Veera Anjaneyar][Baktha Anjaneyar]

Pancha Krishna Kshetram.

1. Kavisthalam: Vishnu Temple.
   
   
   This is one of 108 divya desam and also known as pancha Krishna kshetram.The place is about 3kms from papanasam.
   
   
   Main Deity is 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.
   
   
2. 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
   
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. Thiru koiloore: Thiruvikramar Temple.
   
   
   
   The place Thiru koiloore is about 36 kms from Vizhupuram. This temple is one of the Divaya Desam temples of Nadu Nadu. This is one of the Pancha Krishna Kshetram. The other four are Thiru Kannamangai, Kapisthalam, Thiru kannagkudi, Thiru Kannapuram.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Raja Gopuram is of eleven tiers.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we enter inside Garuda Kambam is seen in front.
   
   
   
   Main deity is Swayambu Thiruvikramar of wood, in standing Posture with his right leg lifted up to side. Thayar of the temple is known as Poongkovai Nachiar. Lord Brahma is seen worshiping the feet raised up. Urchavar, here in this temple is known as Kovalan (Gopalan). There is a separate sanctum for Krishna made of Saligrama stone.
   
   
   
   Sthala Vruksham is Punnai. Teertham is River Penna, Krishna Teertham, and Chakkra teertham.
   
   
   
   It is Sri Chakkra Vimanam under which Lord Thiruvikarama perumal is seen in the sanctum. Other deities seen as we go around the prakaram are Venugopalan, Lakshmi Narayanan, Lakshmi Ragavan, Lakshmi Narashimar, Ramar, Veera Anjaneyar, Andal, Sukrachariyar and Swayambu Durgai.
   
   
   Sthala puranam: King Mahabali performed a Yagam, with the guidance of Asura Guru Sukarachariyar so that he can be the first person in fame and status. Lord Vishnu wanted to destroy his ego and teach him a lesson. Lord Vishnu, came to Yagasala as a short person Vamana, and sought for three steps of his leg as Bhodanam from King Mahabali.
   Guru Sukrachariar with his powers knew it was Lord Vishnu who is in the form of Vamana. So Guru prevented King from giving Land for Vamana. King Mahabali did not give ears to his Guru’s word and decided to give three foot of Land to Vamana. When he revealed his wish to give land to Vamana, Lord took Viswaroopam to claim three foot of Land. With His one leg the whole of earth was measured and the second step He measured space and asked the place to measure the third step. Now King Mahabali's ego left him and he requested Lord Vamana to place his leg on his head. When King Mahabali was about to pour water in the hands of Lord, Guru Sukracharya took the form of Bee and tried to stop the flow of water falling into Lord’s hands. Lord Vishnu with grass tried to clear the block. Guru Sukracharya lost his eyesight by the grass piercing his eyes. Lord by putting his foot on the head of Mahabali he was pushed down to Pathala Lokam. Since his ego was destroyed. In his extreme delight, to bless King Mahabali, Lord Vamana, appeared with conch in His left hand and Chakkra in His right hand, which is reverse to his Narashima Avatara to bless Prahaladha.Here, lord is also known as Ulgalandha Perumaal, which means one who measured the Universe.
   
   
   
   
   Mrugandu Maharishi approached Lord Brahma to guide him to have the Viswaroopa Darshan of Lord Vishnu. Brahma suggested him to worship Lord Vishnu at Krishna Kshetra which is now known as Thiru koviloore on the banks of Krishnabadra River (River Penna). Maharishi with his wife Mitravathi started his penance.
   
   
   
   Lord in guise as an old Brahamin appeared in front of them and asked for Biksha. They did not have any grain to offer the old Brahmin. Mitravathi at this point took bowl in hand and prayed to Lord Narayanar to fill the bowl with food if she was a good wife of Maharishi. The bowl was filled with food and Lord showed His Viswaroopa Darshan to the couple.
   
   
   
   
   Once Poigai Azhwar visited this place and sought a place to rest at night as it was raining heavily. Later Boodhat Azhwar reached the same place to rest. The place was so small that one can sleep, two can sit and three can stand. Two Azhwars shared the place and sat together. After some time Peryazhwar also came to the same place to take rest. Now the two Azhwars shared the place with third Azhwar by, three of them standing. Suddenly they were squeezed and felt some fourth person joining them in the darkness. It was Lord himself who joined them and granted His darshan for all three Azhwars who sang Hymns on him in which they described the darshan of Lord was like a lamp to give light in the darkness. The three Azhwars attained Moksha in this place.
   
   
   
   
   Nalayira Divya Prabandham sung by Azwars was started from this place. Vishnu Duragai is seen in the prakaram. Durga Matha is praised by Thirumangai Azhwar in one of her verses sung against Lord Vishnu.
   

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

Thiru koiloore: Thiruvikramar Temple, Vizhupuram.

Thiru koiloore: Thiruvikramar Temple.



The place Thiru koiloore is about 36 kms from Vizhupuram. This temple is one of the Divaya Desam temples of Nadu Nadu. This is one of the Pancha Krishna Kshetram. The other four are Thiru Kannamangai, Kapisthalam, Thiru kannagkudi, Thiru Kannapuram.







Main Raja Gopuram is of eleven tiers.








As we enter inside Garuda Kambam is seen in front.



Main deity is Swayambu Thiruvikramar of wood, in standing Posture with his right leg lifted up to side. Thayar of the temple is known as Poongkovai Nachiar. Lord Brahma is seen worshiping the feet raised up. Urchavar, here in this temple is known as Kovalan (Gopalan). There is a separate sanctum for Krishna made of Saligrama stone.



Sthala Vruksham is Punnai. Teertham is River Penna, Krishna Teertham, and Chakkra teertham.



It is Sri Chakkra Vimanam under which Lord Thiruvikarama perumal is seen in the sanctum. Other deities seen as we go around the prakaram are Venugopalan, Lakshmi Narayanan, Lakshmi Ragavan, Lakshmi Narashimar, Ramar, Veera Anjaneyar, Andal, Sukrachariyar and Swayambu Durgai.


Sthala puranam: King Mahabali performed a Yagam, with the guidance of Asura Guru Sukarachariyar so that he can be the first person in fame and status. Lord Vishnu wanted to destroy his ego and teach him a lesson. Lord Vishnu, came to Yagasala as a short person Vamana, and sought for three steps of his leg as Bhodanam from King Mahabali.
Guru Sukrachariar with his powers knew it was Lord Vishnu who is in the form of Vamana. So Guru prevented King from giving Land for Vamana. King Mahabali did not give ears to his Guru’s word and decided to give three foot of Land to Vamana. When he revealed his wish to give land to Vamana, Lord took Viswaroopam to claim three foot of Land. With His one leg the whole of earth was measured and the second step He measured space and asked the place to measure the third step. Now King Mahabali's ego left him and he requested Lord Vamana to place his leg on his head. When King Mahabali was about to pour water in the hands of Lord, Guru Sukracharya took the form of Bee and tried to stop the flow of water falling into Lord’s hands. Lord Vishnu with grass tried to clear the block. Guru Sukracharya lost his eyesight by the grass piercing his eyes. Lord by putting his foot on the head of Mahabali he was pushed down to Pathala Lokam. Since his ego was destroyed. In his extreme delight, to bless King Mahabali, Lord Vamana, appeared with conch in His left hand and Chakkra in His right hand, which is reverse to his Narashima Avatara to bless Prahaladha.Here, lord is also known as Ulgalandha Perumaal, which means one who measured the Universe.




Mrugandu Maharishi approached Lord Brahma to guide him to have the Viswaroopa Darshan of Lord Vishnu. Brahma suggested him to worship Lord Vishnu at Krishna Kshetra which is now known as Thiru koviloore on the banks of Krishnabadra River (River Penna). Maharishi with his wife Mitravathi started his penance.



Lord in guise as an old Brahamin appeared in front of them and asked for Biksha. They did not have any grain to offer the old Brahmin. Mitravathi at this point took bowl in hand and prayed to Lord Narayanar to fill the bowl with food if she was a good wife of Maharishi. The bowl was filled with food and Lord showed His Viswaroopa Darshan to the couple.




Once Poigai Azhwar visited this place and sought a place to rest at night as it was raining heavily. Later Boodhat Azhwar reached the same place to rest. The place was so small that one can sleep, two can sit and three can stand. Two Azhwars shared the place and sat together. After some time Peryazhwar also came to the same place to take rest. Now the two Azhwars shared the place with third Azhwar by, three of them standing. Suddenly they were squeezed and felt some fourth person joining them in the darkness. It was Lord himself who joined them and granted His darshan for all three Azhwars who sang Hymns on him in which they described the darshan of Lord was like a lamp to give light in the darkness. The three Azhwars attained Moksha in this place.




Nalayira Divya Prabandham sung by Azwars was started from this place. Vishnu Duragai is seen in the prakaram. Durga Matha is praised by Thirumangai Azhwar in one of her verses sung against Lord Vishnu.




[Thiru Kannamangai][Thiru Kannankudi][Vamana Perumal][Thiru Koiloore][Mrugandu Maharishi][Lord Narayanar]

Lakshmi Narashimar Temple, Atthili, Vizhupuram.

Lakshmi Narashimar Temple: Atthili, Vizhupuram.



The place Atthili is about 2 kms from Araganda Nallore which is in-between Vizhupuram and Thirukoiloore (30 kms distance) on the bank of River Pennai.








The temple is small one with main sanctum. Pooja is performed according to Panchrathra Agamam.



Sthala Vruksham is Bodhi Vruksham.




Main Deity here is Lakshmi Narashimar. The main sanctum is constructed on a Garuda shaped Rock.




Sri Vyasarajar of Madhva Siddantha Mahan visited this place hearing the glory of the temple. Purana says in his next birth he wasHis Holiness Sri Ragavendra of Madhava Peetam. He stayed in this place and worshiped Lord Narashimar. Anjaneyar in separate sanctum was installed by His Holiness Sri Ragavendrar.




The Purana says in Narashimar avatharm, Lord Vishnu had to rescue his devotee Prahladha with out much delay. He had to be present in everything, to make the words of Prahlada come true.Lord Vishnu did not wait for Garuda his Vahan.




Garuda was unhappy and he went in search of Lord Vishnu. He could not find Lord Narashimar. Finally Garuda reached Atthili where he started his penance on a rock. His penance was so severe; heat generated due to this was felt in Kailash and Vaikundam also.Devas approached Lord Vishnu to protect them. Lord Vishnu appeared before Garuda and blessed him. Lord Vishnu granted boons to him. Garuda wanted Lord Vishnu to bless him in the form of Narashimar. He requested Lord Narashimar to stay back and protect mankind in the same way as he did for Prahladha.



This is the reason for the rock to be in the form of Garuda and Lord Narashimar is seen here with Lakshmi Devi on his lap.




Stone inscription it is believed, during the boom period of Vijayanagr Samrajyam, 300 Madva families of Vedic Pandits resided here.

Arulmigu Bhoovaraha Swamy Temple, Sri Mushnam, Cuddlore.

Sri Mushnam: Arulmigu Bhoovaraha Swamy Temple.


The place is about 21 kms to SE, from Vrudachalam. This kshetram is one of eight Swayam vektha Kshetram. The other Swayam vektha Kshetram are Sri Rangam, Vanamamalai, Tirupathy, Salagramam, Pushkaram, Naimisaranyam and Badrikasramam.






The main Raja gopuram of the temple is of seven storeys with three prakarams.






Main entrance of the temple.







As we enter the temple we see Garudakambam, and there is a small sanctum for Garudazwar.



Sthala Vruksham of the temple is Bodhi tree also known as Aswatha maram.





Teertham is Nithya Pushkarani, Sri Varaha teertham and Lakshmi Narayana Teertham.



Main deity is Sri Bhoovaraha Swamy of Saligrama stone, is seen in standing posture facing west and his head turned towards South. Ambujavalli Thayar is seen in separate sanctum. Urchavar, of this temple is known as Yagna Varaha Moorthy seen with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar in Artha mandapam of the temple.



Vimanam under which Bhoovaraha Swamy resides is known as Bhavana Vimanam.






As we go around the prakaram we see Viswaksenar, Andal, Udayavar, Venugopalan, Kuzandai Amman, Vedanta Desikar, Thrumangai Azwar, Manavala ma munigal.
Thiru Kachhinambi Nammazwar is seen in separate sanctums.




Sthala Purana says when the earth was stolen by Hiranyasura; Lord Vishnu took the avatara as Varahar and killed the Asura. The earth was once again installed on the hood of Adiseshan.
Bodhi Tree / Aswatha tree and Tulsi were created from His two eyes and the sweat turned into Nithya Pushkarani.

Bhoodevi, sambaran, and Lord Krishna worshiped Bhoovaraha Perumaal.


After his mission was completed he stayed back in this place known as Sri Mushnam as Bhoovaraha moorthy to grace his devotees.

Narashimar Temple, Singrikudi, Cuddlore.

Singrikudi Narashimar Temple:



The place is about 14 kms from Cuddlore.






The temple Raja Gopuram is of five storeys with seven kalasam, facing east.


We see Dwajasthambam as we enter inside.


Sthala Vruksham of the temple is Vilwam.


Teertham of the temple is Jamadagni, Indra, Brugu, Vamana and Garuda.



Main Deity is huge Ugra Lakshmi Narashimar with sixteen hands holding various weapons. Kanakavalli Thayar is seen in a separate sanctum. Urchavar, in this temple is Prahladha Varadhan with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi.



Other Deities seen in the temple as we go around are Viswaksenar, Andal, Ramar, Hanuman, Garuda, Alwars and Vishnu Durgai.



Something special in the temple is we see three Narashimar. In the main sanctum along with Ugra Narashimar, we see Yoga Narashimar and Bala Narashimar. To the left side within the sanctum, we see Neelavathi (Wife of Hiranyakashap) and to right we see Asuras, Prahladhan, Sukran and Vasistha Muni.


Purana says Prahaladhan penanced in Krishnaranya Kshetram on Lord Vishnu who blessed him gave darshan to him as Narashimar. Prahladhan prayed Lord to stay back in this place to grace devotees who worship “Him”. The place is known as Singri.


Indran, Garudan and Brugu muni worshiped Lord Narashimar of this place and were blessed. The king of Senchi worshiped Lord and renovated the temple during his regime. There are stone inscriptions seen in the temple.


The temple is well maintained and festivals are celebrated in grand manner.

Thiruvaheendi puram, Arulmigu Devanatha Perumal Koil. Cuddlore.

Thiruvaheendi puram: Arulmigu Devanatha Perumal Koil.   Cuddlore.

The place Thiruvheendara puram is about 3kms from Cuddlore towards Banrutti. It is about 25 Kms from Chidambaram.

This Temple in this place is one of 108 Divya Desam temples.

Dwajasthambam of the temple.

Main Deity:  Devanadha Perumaal in standing posture facing east. Markendeyar and Boodevi Thayar seen to either side of perumaal. Thayar here known as Sengamala Thayar.

Urchavar here known as Achudan

Teertham in this place is known as Garuda Teertham. This was brought by Garuda, hence the name. Due to the curse of a Rishi the water is red in colour during the Rainy Season

Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam.


As we go around the prakaram we see sanctums, of Vinayakar, Garudan, Ramar, Andal, Raja Gopalan, Azwar, and Desikar.

Steps leading uphill to Hayagreevar Temple.

Sthala Purana says When Lord Hanuman was carrying Sanjeeva Parvatham a piece fell here in this place. It has plants of herbal value and hence the part of Sanjeeva Parvatham is known as Oushada Malai.

Lord Brahma penance and worshiped Lord here hence the name Brahmachalam.

Temple corridor.

Lord Lakshmi Hayagreevar resides on this hill. Here we see Goddess Lakshmi seated on the right lap of Lord Hayagreevar which is unusual. There is a separate sanctum for Desikar.

Asura's fought with Deva's who sought the help of Lord Vishnu in this place which is known as Oushada Malai. Asuras worshiped Lord Brahma who asked them to seek the help of Lord Siva. When Deva's were defeated by Asuras, Lord Vishnu used Chakkaraudham against Asura’s. Asura’s were defeated by Lord Vishnu, who appeared before them as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Since Lord Vishnu acted as captain for Deva's hence, he is known as Devadhana Perumal. Lord Stayed back in this place known as Thiru Aheendra puram. The town was planned by Adiseshan hence the name Thiru Aheenrapuram.

  

Purana says perumal asked Garuda to fetch water for his thirst. Garuda was delayed and Adiseshan made a spring by hitting his tail on the ground and gave water to Perumaal and the spring is known as Sesha Teertham. Devotees worship the well by offering Jaggery, salt and pepper to get rid of their illness and suffering. This is a parihara sthalam for Ragu and Kethu.

Indra, Lord Brahma, Bhoomadevi, Markendeya, and Brugu Maharishi performed penance in this place. Acahrya Desikan resided her and wrote books. The house he resided here is known as Desikan Thiru maligai. There is an idol for Desikan in the temple.

Thirumangai Azwar and Acharya Desikan sung Hymns about the glory of Devanadha Perumaal 

Sri Ramar Temple of Maduranthagam.

Sri Ramar Temple of Maduranthagam.



Maduranthagam is about 77 kms to south of Chennai, 12 kms from Melmaruvathoor and about 23 kms from Chengalpet, in Kancheepuram District.


This temple is one of Abimana sthalam






We see pushkarani in front of the temple






View of temple main Gopuram from inside.







As we enter inside we see Dwajasthambam and a mandapam leading us to main sanctum.



Main Deity is Karunakara Perumal in standing posture.
Urchavar, of this temple is known, as Karunakara Perumal / Periya Perumal.
We see deity of Sri Ramar, Seetha and Lakshmana in the main sanctum. Here Lord Sri Ramar is holding the hands of Seetha. Vipandaka Maharishi is seen worshiping Lord Rama inside the main sanctum.




Here, Thayar is seen in separate sanctum and known as Janakavalli Thayar. She is daughter of King Janaka, so she is known as Janakavalli.







Chakkrathazhwar is seen in separate sanctum. Yantrais installed here in this sanctum. Worshiping the Lord and yantra together gives good result. At the back of Chakrathazwar, we see Yoga Narashimar on serpant.



Sri Ramanujar was initated by Perriya Nambi, as mentioned in Pancharatra Sastra. Here in this temple Sri Ramanujar is seen in white dress.



The place is famous for a huge lake which would breach every year after the monsoon
rains, and farmers faced heavy loss. Collector Colonel Lionel tried to strengthen the lake boundaries, many a time but it was a failure. Once when English Collector, Colonel Lionel visited the temple, he was very much attracted by the temple built many decades ago. Temple authorities requested him to help them, with funds to construct a separate sanctum for Thayar.



Collector who was very much upset, by the collapse of tank’s waste weir, promised to build the shrine, if Goddess can stop the breach of tank during monsoon.



During the monsoon time when he camped at Maduranthangam, the tank was full to brim. In the night when he went to have a look at the Lake which was full, he saw Sri Rama and Lakshmana keeping guard of the tank. He felt happy and as assured he started the construction work of a separate sanctum for Goddess.



The Legend says in Bagularanyam, sage Vipandakar did penance and performed pooja to Lord Karunakaran. Sri Rama and Lakshmana stayed in this place for few days when they left for Vanavasam. Sri Rama promised to visit the place again on his return to Ayodhya. When he was returning by pushpaka Vimanam, he stopped and gave darshan to Vipandaka muni. Hence the place is known as Madhuranthakam.







There is a separate sanctum forAnjaneyar, near the Pushkarani which is opposite to the temple.

Sri Ranganadha Swamy temple of Srirangapatnam, Mandya District, Karnataka.

Ranganadha Swamy temple of Sri Rangapatnam:



The place Sri Rangapatnam is in Mandya District of Karnataka, which is about 16 kms from Mysore. It is situated on an island on the banks of River Cauvery.The place is on Bangalore Mysore highway.







There are three islands on the River Cauvery. One is Adi Ranga at Srirangapatnam; second one is Madhya Ranga at Sivasamudram and Anthya Ranga at Srirangam.
In all these three islands, the temple is dedicated to Sri Ranganadhar. Here in Srirangapatnam the River Cauvery is flowing as Paschima Vahini and the place is considered auspicious to perform rituals here.




Main deity is Swayambu Saligrama Moorthy of Sri Ranganadha Swamy in Yoga sayanam {sleeping posture} on Adiseshan with seven heads. Goddess Cauvery is seen near his feet with flower in her hand. Ranganayaki thayar is the main goddesss of this temple.



Other deities seen, within the temple premises are Lord Srinivasar, Sri Krishna, Lakshmi Narashimar, Sudarshnar, Gajendra Varadhar, Garudazwar and Aanjaneyar.



We see beautiful sculptures carved to the pillars in the temple which is known as Chatur Vimsathi Sthambam. The entire prakaram is beautifully painted with mythological stories.



History says the temple building was constructed by Rulers of Ganga dynasty in 9th century. Later the Rulers of Vijayanagara Empire, Hoysala Kings and Mysore Wodeyar kings have contributed in expansion of the temple structure.



Sthala purana says Gowthama Rishi visited this place during his tour to religious places. Gowthama Rishi penance here for darshan of Lord who was pleased with him and gave darshan to him in sleeping posture. Rishi requested Lord to stay back in the place in same form. Lord said his idol is there in an ant hill {Putru in Tamil} in this place. He asked him to remove and install in that place. Rishi Gowthamar did as he was told, and he found an idol which he named as Sri Ranganadhar and he installed it in this place Sri Rangapatnam. Vimanam was constructed by Lord Brahma and it is known as Brahmanada Vimanam.




Importance: River Cauvery is considered sacred and during the month of Sep/ Oct of the year, all River Goddess take a dip in River Cauvery to purify them. Due to this River Cauvery felt she was impure, and she worshiped Sri Ranganadhar to bless her. Lord Sri Ranganadhar was happy with her worship and blessed her and she was allowed to stay near his padam to have darshan for ever. River Cauvery flows here as a garland for Lord Sri Ranganadhar to show her deep respect. Here the main deity Sri Ranganadhar is seen in sayana posture and the place came to be known as Sri Rangapatnam.