Kaazhi Cheeraama Vinnagaram in Seerkazhi is about 235 kms South of Madras on Madras-Mayilaaduthurai route.
This is one of the five Divya Desams referred by Thirumangai Azhvaar as ‘Vinnagaram’. The others being Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram), Arimeya Vinnagara(Thiru Naangur), Vaikunta Vinnagaram (ThiruNaangur) and Nandipura Vinnagaram(Nathan Koil, Kumbakonam). Another feature of Thirumangai’s praise of this Divya Desam is his reference to the Goddess in his Paasurams.
The Story
Brahmma had grown arrogant about his life span. To defuse his arrogance, Sage Romasa invoked the blessings of Lord Vishnu and was granted a boon, wherey for every hair lock that fell from the Rishi, Brahmma’s life time would reduce by a year. Asked what else he wanted, the sage asked for the Lord to display his Trivikrama form at this place. This is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu in his Vaamana Avataaram measured his first step. At this Divya Desam, only the left foot of the Lord can be seen every day. The right foot can be seen only once a year on the Vaikunta Ekadesi day.
Thirumangai Azhvaar blocked at Seerkazhi
It is here at Seerkazhi that the great Saivite poet Thiru Gnana Sambandhar met with the Great Vaishnavite saint poet Thiru Mangai Mannan and engaged in a debate.
After visiting Thiru Chitrakoodam (Chidambaram), Thirumangai Mannan was on his way to Seerkazhi. All the way his subjects sang praise of him uttering different names of Mangai Mannan. The praise of Thirumangai by his subjects angered the disciples of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They blocked Thirumangai and asked his followers not to shout praises of ThiruMangai in this birthplace of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They wanted Thirumangai to meet Thiru Gnana Sambandhar and win over him, before continuing with their praise of Thirumangai.
Debate between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
In the first meeting between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, the Vaishnavite poet answered fluently each of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar’s questions and let out 10 verses of praise in the name of Vishnu.
“Oru Kuralaai, Iru Nilam Moovadiman Vendi
Ulagu Anaithum Eer Adiyaal Odukki,
Onrum Tharuga Enaa Maavaliyai Chiragil Vaitha,
Thaadalan Thaal Anaiveer Thakka Keerthi Aru Maraiyin
Thiral Naangum, Velvi Aiynthum, Angangal Avai Aarum, Isaigal Yezhum,
Theruvil Mali VizhaValamum Sirakum
Kaazhi Cheeraama Vinnagarey Sermin Neerey”- 1178
Pleased and impressed with Mangai Mannan’s knowledge and the sweetness in his praise and description of the different forms of Vishnu, a spell bound Thiru Gnana Sambandhar acknowledged the greatness of Thirumangai and crowned him as ‘Mangai Azhvaar’ and presented him with the ‘Vel’(spear). Among the Azhvaars, Thiru Mangai is the only one who has been crowned with the ‘Vel’.
Thirumangai’s 8 different names referred here at this place
The Paasuram relating to this divya desam is the only one where Thirumangai refers to each of his 8 different names – Aali Naathan, Arul Maari, Aratha Mukki, Adayar Seeyam, Kongumalai Kuzhaliyar Vel, Mangai Venthan, Parakaalan and Kaliyan.
“Sengamaluthu Aral Anaiya Maraiyor
Kaazhi Cheerama Vinnagar En Sengan Maalai
Am Kamalath Thadavayal Soozh Aali Naadan
Arul Maari, Arattu Amukki, Adayaar Seeyam,
Kongumalar Kuzhaliyar Vel, Mangai Venthan
Kotra Vel Parakaalan, Kaliyan Sonna
Sanga Mugath Tamizh Maalai Pathum Vallaar
Thadan Kadal Soozh Ulaguku Thalaivar Thaamey”- 1187
It is believed that worshipping the Lord at Seerkazhi on 9 Fridays will relieve one of all sins.
Administration Kaazhi Chirama Vinnagaram Divya Desam
The temple is administered by Chola Simhapuram Koil Kanthaadai Chantamaarutham Swami Dhoddayacharyar.
Quick Facts
Deity : Trivikrama , Thaadalan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Loga Naayaki
Utsavar :Trivikrama Narayanan
Azhvaar : ThiruMangai Azhvaar 10 Paasurams ( 1178-87)
Temple Timing : 730am-1130am and 4.30pm-830pm
Priest : Badri Narayana Bhattar
Contact : 04364 270207 or 94424 19989
Address : No. 6 Thaadalan South Mada Street, Seerkazhi 609 110
Where is Seerkazhi
235kms South of Madras, 20kms South of Chidambaram, 20 kms North of Maayavaram
and 70kms West of Nagapattinam
How to reach Seerkazhi
Frequent buses from Madras, Chidambaram and Kumbakonam
Train Services
Train Service to Seerkazhi is currently under suspension as the broad gauge conversion of Madras- Mayavaram main line is in progress.
