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.

Thiru kannagkudi Temple, Nagapattinam.

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.

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.

Thiru Kazhiseerma Vinnagaram

1. Thiru kazhi Seerama Vinnagaram:
   
   
   
   The temple is one of 108 Divya Desam temples. The place is about 21 kms NE of Mailaduthurai, also known as Paadaleeka vanam, between Kollidam and Uppanaru.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple has a Raja Gopuram of three storeys with two prakarams. There is a Maha mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Main sanctum for the temple.
   
   
   
   Main Deity is known as Thadalan in standing posture, and his consort Sri Lokanayaki Thayar in separate sanctum. Urchavar is known as Thiruvikraman and Thayar Mattarizh Kuzali.
   
   
   
   We see other deities like Andal, Ramar, Krishnan, 12 Azwars and Garuda in a small sanctum. . Teertham is Sanga Pushkarani and Chakkra teertham.
   
   
   
   Bramanda Purana says Romesa Muni had darshan [pratyaksham} of Lord Vishnu here as Trivikraman, lifting up his left leg high. Brahama, was proud about his life span. In this place Romesa muni told Brahma, his life span is equal to "a hair falling" from his body. On hearing Romesa muni’s word Brahma felt ashamed for being proud about his life.
   

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

Madhava Perumal, keezahasalai, Thirunangoore

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.

Puliangkudi Temple of Nava tirupathy, Thirunelveli district

1. 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.

Thiruthangal Nindra Narayana perumal temple, Sivakasi.

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.