ஸ்ரீ சார்ங்கபாணி ஆராவமுதன் திருக்குடந்தை

 

நடந்த கால்கள் நொந்தவோ? நடுங்கு ஞால மேனமாய்

இடந்தமெய் குலுங்கவோ விலங்கு மால் வரைக்சுரம்

கடந்த கால் பரந்த காவிரிக்கரை குடந்தையுள்

கிடந்தவாறு எழுந்திருந்து பேசு வாழி கேசனே!

நாகத்தணைக் குடந்தை வெஃகாத் திருவெவ்வுள்

நாகத்தணை அரங்கம் பேரன்பில்

நாகத்தணைப் பாற்கடல் கிடக்கும் ஆதிநெடுமால்

அணைப்பார் கருத்தனாவான்

நின்றதெந்தை ஊரகத்து இருந்ததெந்தை பாடகத்து

அன்று வெஃகணை கிடந்தது என்னிலாத முன்னெலாம்

அன்று நான் பிறந்திலேன் பிறந்தபின் மறந்திலேன்

நின்றதும் இருந்ததும் கிடந்ததும் என் நெஞ்சுளே

-துய்ய மதி பெற்ற மழிசைப்பிரான்

Pancha Ranga Kshetram

Sarangapani Koil has maximum number of Azhvaars singing praise of Lord Vishnu after Srirangam and Tirupathi

The 2000 year old Sarangapani Aaraavamudhan temple is housed between two rivers, Cauvery and Arasalaaru, in the heart of Kumbakonam, once the capital of the Chola Kingdom. 3rd Tallest Temple Tower. This temple has the third tallest temple tower among the Divya Desams at 150ft after Srirangam(236ft) and Srivilliputhur(192 ft).

one among the three major shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The largest 11 storey gopuram is 44 meter tall and has the dancing poses of Shiva, a rather unusual feature in a vaishnavite shrine. There are two entrances, uttara vassal – opens when the sun reaches the tropic of Capricorn, in the north and dakshina vassal – opens when the sun reaches the tropic of Cancer, in the south.

Some parts of the temple is believed to have been built in the 7th Century AD by the famous Pallava King Mahendra Varma but the real construction of the temple is said to have been done by the Cholas and later renovated by the famous Vijayanagara King Krishnadeva Raaya.

In an effort to test the patience of the Tri-Murthies and in order to find out as to who is most patient, Sage Brigu once kicked Lord Vishnu on the chest. An embarrassed Goddess Lakshmi left the Lord, who in search of her came to Tirupathi. At Tirupathi, the Lord got married to Goddess Padmavathi. To save himself from an angry Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu is said to have hid inside a small cave here. To this day, one can see a small Sannidhi below the earth inside this temple, near the sanctum sanctorum.

Undertaking penance to repent his arrogant action, Brigu was reborn as Hema Rishi and Goddess Lakshmi was born as his daughter. It is said that Brigu gave his daughter in marriage to Lord Sarangapani.

Compilation of Naalaayira Divya Prabhandham

After listening to the Tamil hymn ‘Aaraavamudhe’(3418-27) composed by NammAzhvaar and totally swarmed by its content ” Aayirathil Ippathe”( 10 verses in 1000), Vaishnavite savant Natha Muni wanted to listen to the 1000 verses of Divya Prabandham. Not knowing where to go to collect the entire Prabandham, Natha Muni is said to have prayed here and Lord Aaraavamudhan asked him to go to Azhvaar Tirunagari, near Tirunelveli, to meet NammAzhvaar and to compile the works of the Divya Prabandham. Having searched for the 1000 verses, Natha Muni actually got to compile all the Nalaayira Divya Prabandham. Being responsible for the compilation of the famed 4000 verses by showing Natha Muni the right direction, the Lord here is also called ‘Aaraavamudha Azhvaar’.

Quick Facts:

Deity : Aaraavamudhan – East Facing, Raised Reclining Posture

Goddess : Komalavalli Thaayar

Mangalasaasanam : 7 Azhvaars- PeriyaAzhvaar, PeyAzhvaar, BhoothathAzhvaar, NammAzhvaar, Thirumangai Azhvaar, Thirumazhisai, Andaal,

Paasurams : 52

He is also called ‘Tamizh Vedham Thantha Vallal’.

திருக்குடந்தை ஆராவமுதே!நின்னைக் கண்டேன்

3194. ஆரா அமுதே!அடியேன் உடலம்

நின்பால் அன்பாயே,

நீராய் அலைந்து கரைய வுருக்கு

கின்ற நெடுமாலே,

சீரார் செந்நெல் கவரி வீசும்

செழுநீர்த் திருக்குடந்தை,

ஏரார் கோலம் திகழக் கிடந்தாய்!

கண்டேன் எம்மானே! 1

திருக்குடந்தைப் பிரானே!நான் என்ன செய்வேன்?

3195. எம்மா னே!என் வெள்ளை முர்த்தி!

என்னை ஆள்வானே,

எம்மா வுருவும் வேண்டு மாற்றால்

ஆவாய் எழிலேறே,

செம்மா கமலம் செழுநீர் மிசைக்கண்

மலரும் திருக்குடந்தை,

அம்மா மலர்க்கண் வளர்கின் றானே!

என்நான் செய்கேனே! 2

திருக்குடந்தையானே!இறந்த பின்னும் நின் தாளே என் துணை

3196. என்நான் செய்கேன்!யாரே களைகண்?

என்னையென் செய்கின்றாய்?

உன்னால் அல்லால் யாவ ராலும்

ஒன்றும் குறைவேண்டேன்,

கன்னார் மதிள்சூழ் கடந்தைக் கிடந்தாய்!

அடியேன் அருவாணாள்,

சென்னா ளெந்நாள்!அந்நா ளுனதாள்

பிடித்தே செலக்காணே. 3

குடந்தையானே!நின்னைக் காண அழுது தொழுகின்றேன்

3197. செலக்காண் சிற்பார் காணும் அளவும்

செல்லும் கீர்த்தியாய்,

உலப்பி லானே!எல்லா வுலகும்

உடைய ஒருமூர்த்தி,

நலத்தால் மிக்கார் குடந்தைக் கிடந்தாய்!

உன்னைக் காண்பான்நான்

அலப்பாய்,ஆகா சத்தை நோக்கி

அழுவன் தொழுவனே. 4

ஆராவமுதே!நான் உன் திருவடி சேரும் வகையை நினை

3198. அழுவன் தொழுவன் ஆடிக் காண்பன்

பாடி அலற்றுவன்,

தழுவல் வினையால் பக்கம் நோக்கி

நாணிக் கவிழ்ந்திருப்பன்,

செழுவொண் பழனக் குடந்தைக் கிடந்தாய்!

செந்தா மரைக்கண்ணா,

தொழுவ னேனை யுனதாள் சேரும்

வகையே சூழ்கண்டாய். 5

அமுதே!நான் எவ்வளவு நாள்தான் காத்திருப்பேன்?

3199. சூழ்கண் டாயென் தொல்லை வினையை

அறுத்துன் அடிசேரும்

ஊழ்கண் டிருந்தே, தூரக் குழிதூர்த்

தெனைநாள் அகன்றிருப்பன்?,

வாழ்தொல் புகழார் குடந்தைக் கிடந்தாய்!

வானோர் கோமானே,

யாழி னிசையே!அமுதே!அறிவின்

பயனே!அரியேறே! 6

எந்தாய்!இனிப் பொறுக்கமுடியாது:அடைக்கலம் அருள்

3200. அரியே றே!என் அம்பொற் சுடரே!

செங்கட் கருமுகிலே,

எரியே!பவளக் குன்றே!நாற்றோள்

எந்தாய்!உனதருளே,

பிரியா அடிமை யென்னைக் கொண்டாய்

குடந்தைத் திருமாலே,

தரியே னினியுன் சரணந் தந்தென்

சன்மம் களையாயே. 7

மாயா!என் உயிர் பிரியும்பொழுது நின் திருவடித் துணை வேண்டும்

3201. களைவாய் துன்பம் களையா தொழிவாய்

களைகண் மற்றிலேன்,

வளைவாய் நேமிப் படையாய்!குடந்தைக்

கிடந்த மாமாயா,

தளரா வுடலம் என்ன தாவி

சரிந்து போம்போது,

இளையா துனதாள் ஒருங்கப் பிடித்துப்

போத இசைநீயே. 8

ஆதிமூர்த்தீ!எனக்கு தரிசனம் தா

3202. இசைவித் தென்னை யுன்தாள் இணைக்கீழ்

இருந்தும் அம்மானே,

அசைவில் அமரர் தலைவர் தலைவா!

ஆதிப் பெருமூர்த்தி,

திசைவில் வீசும் செழுமா மணிகள்

சரும் திருக்குடந்தை,

அசைவில் உலகம் பரவக் கிடந்தாய்!

காண வாராயே. 9

மாயா!உன்னடிமையாகிய நான் இன்னமும் துன்புறுவேனோ?

3203. வாரா வருவாய் வருமென் மாயா!

மாயா மூர்த்தியாய்,

ஆரா அமுதாய் அடியேன் ஆவி

அகமே தித்திப்பாய்,

தீரா வினைகள் தீர என்னை

ஆண்டாய்!திருக்குடந்தை

ஊரா, உனக்காட் பட்டும் அடியேன்

இன்னம் உழல்வேனோ? 10

இவற்றைப் படியுங்கள்:ஆசைகள் அகலும்

3204. உழலை யென்பின் பேய்ச்சி முலையூ

டவளை யுயிருண்டான்,

கழல்கள் அவையே சரணாக் கொண்ட

குருகூர்ச் சடகோபன்,

குழவில் மலியச் சொன்ன ஓரா

யிரத்து ளிப்பத்தும்,

மழலை தீர வல்லார் காமர்

மானேய் நோக்கியர்க்கே. 11

நேரிசை வெண்பா

அந்தோ!மாறன் தவித்தானே!

ஆரா அமுதாழ்வார் ஆதரித்த பேறுகளைத்

தாராமை யாலே தளர்ந்துமிகத், - தீராத

ஆசையுடன் ஆற்றாமை பேசி அலமந்தான்,

மாசறுசீர் மாறனெம் மான். (48)

Sanctum housed on a Chariot

Lord Vishnu is said to have come down from Vaikuntam in his chariot to marry Goddess Lakshmi here at Kudanthai. The main sanctum has been conceived like a chariot with wheels drawn by horses and elephants and is truly a splendid sight to watch. There are two entrances to the sanctum sanctorum, the southern entrance and the northern entrance (each is open for 6 months in a year). There is no straight entrance to the sanctum. The Utsav moorthy here is regarded with the same importance as the Moolavar.

As seen in the previous story( Srirangam) Lord Ranganatha had settled down with the Prana Vaakruthi Vimaanam on the banks of Cauvery in Srirangam. The Lord also told Vibheeshana that he would settle down with the Vaidheega Vimaanaam at Kudanthai. Hence, this temple is 2nd only to Srirangam among the Divya Desams.

The Name ThiruKudanthai

Foreseeing some difficult times, Brahmma placed the Vedhic content, nectar and the seeds of creation inside a pot (Kudam in Tamil), which then slipped all the way and down to this place.

Shiva pierced the pot and the nectar flowed in two parts – one into the Mahaamagam Tank and the other into the Lotus Flower Tank. As the nectar flowed into the tank through a pot (Kudam), this place came to be called Thiru ‘Kudanthai’

A visit to this temple, it is believed, will help get rid of one’s past sins, just as a trip to Kasi in the North, would. It is sacred to bathe in the lotus water bed in the temple tank.

திருமணிமாடம் பத்ரிநாராயணன் பெருமாள் கோயில்

எட்டாந் திருமொழி

நந்தா விளக்கே அளத்தற் கரியாய் நரநா ரணனே! கருமா முகில்போல்

எந்தாய், எமக்கே யருளாய், எனநின்று இமையோர் பரவு மிடம்,எத் திசையும்

கந்தா ரமந்தே னிசைபாடமாடே களிவண் டுமிழற் றநிழல் துதைந்து,

மந்தா ரநின்று மணமல் குநாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

முதலைத் தனிமா முரண்தீர வன்று முதுநீர்த் தடத்துச் செங்கண்வேழ முய்ய,

விதலைத் தலைச்சென் றதற்கே யுதவி வினைதீர்த்த வம்மானிடம் விண்ணணவும்

பதலைக் கபோதத் தொளிமாட நெற்றிப் பவளக் கொழுங்கால் பைங்கால் புறவம்,

மதலைத் தலைமென் பெடைகூடு நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

கொலைப்புண் தலைக்குன்ற மொன்றுய்ய வன்று கொடுமா முதலைக் கிடர்செய்து, கொங்கார்

இலைப்புண்ட ரீகத் தவளின்ப மன்போ டணைந்திட்ட வம்மானிடம்,ஆளரியால்

அலைப்புண்ட யானை மருப்பு மகிலும் அணிமுத்தும் வெண்சா மரையோடு,பொன்னி

மலைப்பண்ட மண்டத் திரையுந்து நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

சிறையார் உவணப்புள் ளொன்றேறி யன்று திசைநான்கும் நான்கு மிரிய, செருவில்

கறையார் நெடுவே லரக்கர் மடியக் கடல்சூ ழிலங்கை கடந்தா னிடந்தான்,

முறையால் வளர்க்கின்ற முத்தீயர் நால்வேதர் ஐவேள்வி யாறங்கர் ஏழி னிசையோர்,

மறையோர் வணங்கப் புகழெய்து நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே!

இழையாடு கொங்கைத் தலைநஞ்ச முண்டிட்டு இளங்கன்று கொண்டு விளங்கா யெறிந்து,

தழைவாட வந்தாள் குருந்த மொசித்துத் தடந்தாம ரைப்பொய்கை புக்கானி டந்தான்,

குழையாட வல்லிக் குலமாட மாடே குயில்கூவ நீடு கொடிமாட மல்கு,

மழையாடு சோலை மயிலாலு நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

பண்ணேர் மொழியாய்ச் சியரஞ்ச வஞ்சப் பகுவாய்க் கழுதுக் கிரங்காது, அவள்தன்

உண்ணா முலைமற் றவளாவி யோடும் உடனே சுவைத்தா நிடம்,ஓங்கு பைந்தாள்

கண்ணார் கரும்பின் கழைதின்று வைகிக் கழுநீரில் மூழ்கிச் செழுநீர்த் தடத்து,

மண்ணேந் திளமேதி கள்வைகு நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

(1224)

தளைக்கட் டவிழ்தா மரைவைகு பொய்கைத் தடம்புக்கு அடங்கா விடங்கா லரவம்,

இளைக்கத் திளைத்திட் டதனுச்சி தன்மேல் அடிவைத்த அம்மா னிடம்,மாமதியம்

திளைக்கும் கொடிமாளிகைசூழ் தெருவில் செழுமுத்து வெண்ணெற் கெனச்சென்று,மூன்றில்

வளைக்கை நுளைப்பாவை யர்மாறு நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

(1225)

துளையார் கருமென் குழலாய்ச்சி யர்தம் துகில்வாரி யும்சிற்றில் சிதைத்தும், முற்றா

விளையார் விளையாட் டொடுகாதல் வெள்ளம் விளைவித்த வம்மானிடம்,வேல் நெடுங்கண்

முளைவாளெயிற்று மடவார் பயிற்று மொழிகேட் டிருந்து முதிராதவின்சொல்,

வளைவாய கிள்ளை மறைபாடு நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

(1226)

விடையோட வென்றாய்ச்சி மெந்தோள்நயந்த விகிர்தா விளங்கு சுடராழி யென்னும்,

படையோடு சங்கொன் றுடையாய் எனநின்று இமையோர் பரவு மிடம்,பைந் தடத்துப்

பெடையோடு செங்கால வன்னம் துகைப்பத் தொகைப்புண்ட ரீகத்தி டைச்செங் கழுநீர்,

மடையோட நின்று மதுவிம்மு நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் வணங்கென் மனனே.

(1227)

வண்டார் பொழில்சூழ்ந் தழகாய நாங்கூர் மணிமாடக் கோயில் நெடுமாலுக்கு,என்றும்

தொண்டாய தொல்சீர் வயல்மங் கையர்க்கோன்கலிய நொலிசெய் தமிழ்மாலை வல்லார்,

கண்டார் வணங்கக் களியானை மீதே கடல்சூ ழுலகுக் கொருகா வலராய்,

விண்டோய் நெடுவெண் குடைநீழ லின்கீழ் விரிநீ ருலகாண் டுவிரும் புவரே.

 

This is the fifth temple in the Thirunangur cluster. We are visiting the temple of Shri Pundareegavalli sametha Shri Narayanan. The temple is open from 8am to 10 pm and from 5 to 7 pm. The contact numbers are 4364 – 256 424 / 275 689/94439 85843. The theerthams associated with this temple are Indra Pushkarni and Rudra Pushkarni. The sthala vruksham is Jackfruit tree. The temple also follows the Panchrathra system of Thenkalai tradition. There is a belief that Shri Thirukoshtiyur Nambi taught Shri Ramanujar in this temple. This place was earlier called Palasa Vanam.

The Pushkarani is in front of the temple. It is having a five tiered Rajagopuram. It is having two corridors. There is a mandapam on the right side of the gopuram where the Utsava Murthis of all the Thirunangur temples assemble during the Garuda Sevai in the month of Thai (Jan-Feb). The central shrine is in an elevated platform where the Lord is giving darshan in the sitting posture (Irunda Thirukolam) with His leg resting on the Lotus flower. He faces East. This is a rare temple where the sun rays fall on the Lord on all the days. Hence worshipping the Lord on early mornings is considered very auspicious. Thayar shrines are in the outer prakaram.

As per the legends, this is a temple where the Lord is in the Nara Narayana Swaroopam. It means that He teaches to Himself as He is doing in Badrinath. It is also believed Badrinarayanar from Badrinath came to this place to bless Rishi Matangar who was unable to take up the difficult Badri Yatra. Hence though the original name of the Lord is Narayanan, He is called Badrinarayanan. The Utsavar is called by a rare and beautiful Tamil name, Alatharku Ariyan ( One who cannot be measured). This is how Thirumangai Azhwar addressed the Lord. Indra is also believed to have worshipped and got darshan of Lord Narayanar.

The visit of Badrinarayanar is also believed to be at the request of Shiva. Hence the Lord came here in a chariot with the four Vedas as horses and Brahma as the charioteer. Even the temple is in the shape of a chariot and the Pranava Vimanam above the main shrine, is in the shape of OHM and looks like the upper portion of a chariot. Brahma is present at the Feet of the Lord. There is no abhishekam to the Lord; He is anointed only with oil ( Thaila Kaapu in Tamil). In the Moolasthanam, apart from the Moolavar, there are two utsavars- first is Naranarayanar in the standing posture with the Chakra about to be launched pose ( Chakra Prayoga Narayanar) and the second is the Alatharkariyan in sitting posture. This is perhaps the only temple ( I may be corrected) where we can have darshan of three Perumals in one Moolasthanam!

In the olden days, a lamp ( Nanda Vilakku ) was used to be lit and kept at a raised level ( Mani Madam) so that all the nearby areas get light and darkness removed. Similarly, in this temple, the Lord is in a raised platform (Mani Madam) and spreads the Gnana to all those who pray to Him. Hence this temple came to be called Mani Mada Koil. Thirumangai Azhwar’s pasuram starts with the words Nanda Vilakke, Alatharkariyane, Nara Narayanane signifying the glory of this temple.

Since the Lord did not use Garudan when He came here ( He came in the chariot), we would not find the Garudan in front of the main shrine, as is seen in most of the temple. Instead, He is in sitting position under the Dwajasthambam at a level below the Feet of the Lord in the Main shrine. During Garuda Seva, all the other Lords with Their Garudans come to this temple, at the request of this Garudan.

This is an unique temple with a Shiva shrine ( very rarely seen in Vishnu temples) as Vishnu came to pacify Shiva. Shiva is present as Matangeeswarar ( since Sage Matangar worshipped Shiva also in this place) and this shrine faces the main shrine. Note: Photos and some of the inputs were collected from various websites.

திருவைகுந்த விண்ணகரம் வைகுந்தநாதர் கோவில்

 Thiruvaikunta Vinnagaram Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple: This is the sixth temple in the Thirunangur belt. We are visiting the temple of Shri Vaikuntavalli Thayar sametha Shri Vaikuntanatha Perumal (Thamaraikann Nediyapiran/Thamaraikannan). The temple is open from 7 am 11 am and from 4 to 7 pm. The contact number is 04364 275478.

There are three theerthams attached to this temple- Lakshmi, Uttanga and Viraja. The main one is in the northern direction. This temple is having only one prakaram and there is no Rajagopuram. The vimanam is called Ananda Sathya Vartaka Vimanam. This is another temple being managed by Sri Muralidhara Swamigal. The flower garden of the temple which was praised in Thirumangai Azhwar’s pasuram, was in bad shape. Thanks to the initiative taken by one Sri Varahachari, it is now renovated.

The Moolavar Shri Vaikuntanathar is in sitting posture (Irundha kolam) facing east. This is the only temple among the 11 Divya Desams of Thirunangur, where both the Moolavar and Utsavar are in sitting position. The way the Lord sits here is majestic, with one raised leg and another one on the floor with His hands resting on the knee.

The sthala puranam of this temple is connected a king called Swetaketu. ( Some claim that this is incorrect and it was King Uparisiravas) After performing all his duties as a king, he handed over responsibility to his son and entered into the Vanaprastha phase ( giving up the worldly life) along with his wife Damayanthi.

After they did intense penance without food or water, they left for the heavenly abode, Sri Vaikuntam. However they could not see the Vaikuntanathan there. The couple were desperate. At that time, Sage Narada came there. When the couple requested him for a way to meet the Lord, he suggested that they should go back to the earth and pray to Lord Iravatheswarar on the banks of river Kaveri and He would show the way.

The royal couple went to the temple of Iravatheswarar and prayed. Shiva appeared before them and when He came to know about their mission, He said that He was also searching for Sriman Narayanan. He suggested that all the three of them should do collective penance. Sage Uthankar who was also desperate to have darshan of Sri Vishnu, joined them.

Pleased with their prayers, Vishnu appeared before them along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Shiva requested Vishnu to remain in this place and bless the other devotees in future and Vishnu acceded to the request. As the Lord of Vaikuntam appeared here, this place came to be called Vaikunta Vinnagaram ( Vishnu temples are called Vinnagaram) and the Lord, Vaikuntanathan. The Mother came to be called Vaikuntavalli.

The Lord is called Thamaraikannan. I have read an article where the author has described the Lord as follows: personally enquired the bhattar to show the eyes of moolavar perumal. When aarati was performed, I saw the Lord, where He showed the stretch of eyes running from nose to ears. This has given raise to the name Thamaraikannan. Praying to this divine couple on the Magam star day of every month for six months, would ensure that childless couples, get children.

Since this is believed to be the Vaikuntam on earth, there is no Dwajasthambam, no Garudazhwar and no shrine for any other deity. The Lord in the only shrine gives darshan along with Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Neeladevi. I have not come across any other Divya Kshetram where there is only a single shrine. Outside the temple, along the walls, there is a shrine of Surya Narayanar. Note: Photos and some of the inputs were collected from various web sites.

திருவண் புருஷோத்தமன் கோவில்

 

Thiruvanpurushothamam Purushothaman Temple

Thiruvanpurushothamam (Thirunangur) Purushothamar Temple: The next Divya Desam in Thirunangur is the temple of Shri Purushothama Nayaki sametha Shri Van Purushothaman ( Thiruvan Purushothaman) Temple. This temple is kept open from 8 to 11 am and from 5.30 to 8 pm. The contact number for this temple is 04364 256221. The sthala vrukshams are jack fruit and plantain. The pushkarni is Thirupparkadal Theertham. This is north of the temple and is one of the rare temple tanks without any green moss ( Paasi in Tamil). Among the Divya Desams in TN, this is the second temple where the Lord is called Purushothaman, the other one being Uthamarkoil, near Trichy. Sri Manavala Mamunigal stayed in this place for two years and served the Lord.

As I mentioned in the previous write up, seven of the temples in Thirunangur are being managed by Sri Muralidhara Swamigal. This is one of them. However when we see the temple notice board, we would find that the Bhattar is being paid a monthly compensation of Rs 500! ( Even if it is over and above the salary given by the Government, if any, it is a pittance. I know from personal experience that the Government salary for the temple priests and workers, is very meagre). This reinforces the point I made some time back about giving liberal Dakshina to the temple staff.

I have been writing about Thirugnana Sambandar in several Shiva temple write ups. When he was a child in Sirkazhi, he started crying when he could not see his father. Mother Parvathi came with milk and fed him and pacified him ( More about this in Sirkazhi write up). Similar incident is narrated in this temple.

I have mentioned about Sage Vyakrapathar who was blessed with the feet of tiger so that he could climb trees to pluck flowers for his pooja. His strange form also helped him to remain away from others and focus on his meditation. He had a son by name Upamanyu. When he was very young, once Vyakrapathar took him to this place.

He left the child in a safe place and went around the garden for plucking flowers. The child waited for some time and as his father did not return, he started crying. The cry reached Vaikunta and moved by his tears, the Lord created a milk ocean and Mother Purushothama Nayaki, fed the child with this milk, to calm him down. When Vyakrapather returned, he saw this wonder and was speechless! Due to this reason, the temple pushkarni is called Thirupparkadal Theertham (Milk Ocean). Thirumangai Azhwar sang pasurams hailing the Lord for His kindness towards the child.

Perumal is in standing posture (Nindra Thirukolam) in the central shrine, facing east along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Since Sanjeevani herb is associated with Sri Rama and Maruthi, the temple vimanam is called Sanjeevi Vigraha Vimanam. Since this is more a Rama temple, it is called Purushothaman ( Purusha Uthaman= Noblest man) temple and Thiruvan is an honorific prefix. The Utsava Murthy of this Lord in this temple is extraordinarily beautiful. Unlike many other Vishnu temples, here both the Moolavar and Utsavar are called by the same name (Purushothaman).

Mother Purushothama Nayaki’s shrine is in the southwest corner of the temple and She is in sitting position. The shrines of Sri Rama, Seetha, Lakshmana, Udayavar, Nammazhwar, Senai Mudaliar and Anjaneya are in the prakaram. In fact, there are three Anjaneyas in this temple, of which the one in front of Sri Rama is in traditional worshipping posture with folded hands with one hand covering the mouth.

The temple is surrounded by paddy fields. It is having a three tiered vimanam over the main shrine. The entire complex is surrounded by madhils ( walls). Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama for 48 days followed by pooja to this Lord, is believed to solve most of one’s problems. Note: Photos and some of the inputs were collected from various web sites.

Thiruvali Divyadesam

 

Thiruvali – Thirunagari Divyadesam both the Narasimha Kshetrams are together worshiped as One Divyadesam. Being the place where the “Thirumandhiram” was taught to Thirumangai Azhwar by the Almighty Himself, the temple is being worshipped as equal as Badrinath. Thiruvali Thirunagari is one among the Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams. Devotees can worship Yoga Narasimhar and Hiranya Narasimhar at Thirunagari. Lakshmi Narasimhar with Goddess Lakshmi Devi on His Right Lap can be worshipped in Thiruvali. Thiruvali Thirunagari is one of the Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams. Devotees can worship Yoga Narasimhar and Hiranya Narasimhar at Thirunagari. Lakshmi Narasimhar with Goddes Lakshmi on HIS Right Lap can be worshipped in Thiruvali. Ugra Narsimhar at Thirukurayalur, the birth place of Thirumangai Azhwar and Veera Narsimhar is blessing at Mangaimadam, where Thirumangai Azhwar fed 1008 vaishnavites every day for the whole year as per the wish of Kumudhavalli Nachiyar to marry her. Narasimhar Idol Worshipped as "Sindahaikkiniyan" by Thirumnagai Azhwar was Installed by him here Thirumangai Azhwar and Kumudhavalli Nachiyar Neelan, the great warrior in Chozha Kingdom – Once in a village called Thirukurayalur near Thiruvali, a boy was born with bluish body and hence he was called as Neelan. Very soon he became the successful warrior and attained an honorable status in the Kingdom of Chola Dynasty beacuse of his braveness To admire Neelan, Chozha Emperor gave him a villages called Thiru Aali and Mangaimadam made him as a King. Thus Neelan became Aali Nadan and Mangai Mannan. Once a head of Apsaras named Sumangali visited Bhoologam along with her collegues. At that time, she saw Kapila Munivar when he was on his penance. Kapila Munivar was ugly and Sumnagali on seeing him commented about his ugliness. Angry Kapilar cursed her that she would not go to Vinnulagam and will born as a human being. Stunned Sumnagali apologized her mistake and begged for the remedy. Pleased Kapila Muni said her that soon she will get married with a great warrior of Chola Kingdom and if sumnagali twist his mind towards Sreeman Narayanan, both will get Blessed by the Almighty. Sumnagali was born as a female baby and brought by a Vaishnava Doctor in the name of "Kumudhavalli". When she attained the age for the marriage, her parents discussed her about the marriage. Sumangali clearly explained to her parents about his curse and the remedy. Meanwhile, Aalinadan who was also called as Mangai Mannan came to know about Sumnagali and her beauty. He approached her parents and informed them that he wanted to marry her. But Kumudhavalli made a condition to Thirumangai that if he dedicates his life towards Sreeman Narayanan and doing the service for the Vaishnava devotees, she will marry him. Aalinadan accepted her condition and became an adherent devotee of Parantahman and started servicing HIS devotees. He became a typical vaishnavite and based on the request from Kumudhavalli he fed 1008 vaishnavites a day for the whole year in a place called Mangaimadam. Finally on a very auspecious day they got married. Neelan becomes Thirumangai Mannan Being very fond and dedicated to Paranthaman, Mangai Mannan started to raise funds to build temples for Him. One fine day he had no funds to proceed further. To a big surprise, he started robbery. By noticing this all his acts, Goddess Lakshmi requested Paranthaman to bless Aalinadan and his deep devotion. One Fine Day Paranthaman along with His consort Goddess Lakshmi Devi came as a Rich Newly Married Couple and passing through the place where Thirumangai was making robbery. By seeing the rich couple Neelan attempted to capture all the ornaments. He took all the ornaments from the couple and finally he saw a Toe Ring the bride was wearing. He tried his level best to pluck that, but he was not able to do so. Mangai Mannan asked the bride what was the mandhram he made for not removing his toe ring. The Almighty called Neelan near to HIM and taught Thirumandhiram. Overjoyed Aalinadan begging the Almighty for His blessings. Thus a King Mangai Mannan became Thirumangai Azhwar. Thereafter Thirumangai followed a righteous religious life and became one among the 12 Azhwars.

Thiruthevanarthogai Madhava Perumal

Moolavar of this sthalam is  Sri DeivaNayagan in the Nindra thirukkolam (Standing posture) facing east.

Prathyaksham for Vasishtar.

Thayaar in this sthalam is Kadalmagal Nachiyaar.

Pushkarani(holy tank) of this place is Sobana pushkarani, Devasabha pushkarani.

Mangalasasanams The temple is revered by the verses of Tirumangai azhwar

 We are now visiting the seventh temple in Thirunangur. The present name of the place is Keezhachalai. This is another temple being managed by Sri Muralidhara Swamigal. We are visiting the temple of Shri Kadal Magal Nachiar sametha Shri Deivanayakan (Utsavar: Madhava Perumal and Madhava Nayaki)This temple is around two kms from Van Purushothaman temple. The temple is open from 8.30 to 11.30 am and from 5.30 to 7.30 pm. The contact numbers are Balaji Bhattar @ 04364-256221/ 97864 90185. The theertham is Shobhana ( Deva Sabha) Pushkarni and the Vimanam is also called Shobana Vimanam.

The temple is on the south bank of river Mannar. This is a west facing temple. It is having a three tiered gopuram and all the shrines are enclosed within the tall compound wall (Madhil). The central shrine is that of Shri Deivanayakar who faces west. Generally, in most of the temple, Moolavar faces east. He is flanked by the two Thayars. He is in standing posture ( Nindra Thirukolam). Thayar and Utsavar Murthy shrines are in the prakaram.

Readers may be familiar with the story of churning of the Milk Ocean (Thiruparkadal) for getting the coveted Nectar. Sri Mahalakshmi is believed to have come out of this churning. This is the place where the Thayar got married to Perumal. Hence both the Lord and the Thayar are in their wedding attire. As the word Shobanam is associated with auspicious events like marriage, the pushkarni as well as the Vimanam are called by that name. In this aspect, this temple is compared to the Thiruvidanthai temple on the East Coast Road from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.

Since all the Devas assembled here as a group to witness the marriage ceremony, this place came to be called Devanar Thogai ( assembly of Devas). As He is the the leader of the Devas, He is called Deivanayakan or Devanathan. Thayar is called Kadal Magal ( daughter of the sea) Nachiar as She came out of the Milk Ocean. This is another temple where the construction is so precise ( there are two levels of Vimanam with a particular angle) that like the Tanjavur Big Temple, here also the shadow of the vimanam does not fall on the sanctorum.

The sthala puranam is related to Sage Durvasar and Indra. The Sage got the garland adorning the Lord in Vaikuntam. When he went to Indraloka, he gave the garland to Indra who did not realise the holiness of the garland . He threw the garland on his elephant Iravatham. The enraged sage cursed him to lose all his wealth as he had insulted not only the Lord but also Sri Lakshmi who was residing in the heart of the Lord. As She was controlling all his wealth, Indra would lose everything including his elephant.

Indra realised his mistake and sought a remedy from the sage. He was in no mood to forgive him and asked him to consult his guru, Brahaspathi. The Guru also expressed his helplessness and advised him to seek Brahma’s help. Brahma suggested surrendering to the Vaikuntavasan. Indra fell at the Feet of the Lord. Sri Vishnu said that as Indra committed a grave error, he had to pray till the time of churning of the Milk Ocean. Indra did intense penance and when the Milk Ocean churning went on, Sri Lakshmi came out of it along with Indra’s elephant iravatham. Sri Lakshmi pardoned Indra and gave him a fresh garland and Indra got back all his lost wealth.

This temple is connected with Sage Vasishta who was the Kula Guru of Ikshvaku kings ( Sri Rama was born in this dynasty ). The meaning of the word Vashista is one with unparalled brightness ( due to his conquering of desire, jealousy, anger, pride etc). He is believed to have got all his knowledge right from a very young age and he was one of the Saptharishis who was revered by everyone. He wrote one of the sections of Rig Veda and is the only Rishi who is mentioned there. This is the reason why the celestial cow Kamadhenu who came out of the Milk Ocean was given to Vashista. This sage had darshan of the Lord here.

Devotees pray in this temple if marriage proposals are getting delayed. Since the Lord and the Thayar got married and are present in their wedding attire in this temple, They would bless the devotees for an early marriage. Similarly, those who face acute financial problems pray to the Thayar for resolution of the issues. Note: Photos and some of the inputs were collected from various websites.