Thiyagaraja Temple – Thiruvarur

Thiyagaraja Temple:

View of the gopuram from the innerside - Thiruvarur Temple

The Thiyagaraja temple at Tiruvarur is one of the ancient heritage sites of India and is a representation of the religio-socio-cultural history of the Tamil region for a period spanning over a millennium and a half. Little is known about this shrine to much of India. The vast temple complex today is truly a standing monument to centuries of history and tradition. Tiruvarur Located near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu, is an ancient shrine steeped in mysticism. It is rich in legend, history and tradition. From the ancient time onwards Thiyagaraja temple occupies an important place in the rise and growth of Saivism in Tamilnadu.

Temple Chariot:

Thiruvarur Car Festival

The chariot is the biggest in the whole of India and it is said that the chariot represents the earth and is continuously running with 64 Kalaas. The whole chariot is a symbolism of the Universe.The chariot’s lower decks are the seven Patalalokas. The centre portion is the earth, the upper portion the upper worlds. The six wheels are the six seasons. Lord Brahma who is in the chariot,steering it,is the guide and witness to the timeless,endless cycle of events of Lord Thiyagaraja. The horses that run the chariot are the vedas and their aim is Dharma , Artha , Kama ,Moksha.The ropes that pull the chariot are Shiksha , Kalpam , Vyakarnam , Niruktam , Chandas,Jyothisham,the six tenets of Vedas.The four entrances to the chariot are the four Mahaa Vaakyaas of the vedas.

kamalambal At Sri Thiyagaraja Temple

The car festival and float festival (annual festivals) conducted in grand manner. This car festival is performed in this temple in the month of Panguni (April). In India,the big chariot is in the Poori Jeganath temple at Orissa. But in Tamilnadu the big chariot is in the Thiyagaraja temple at Tiruvarur with architecturally styles.The Chariot is of 90 feet height,300 tonnes weight apart from 6000 man power 2 bull dozer and 5 tractors are used to pull the chariot. The devoties used to pull the chariot chanting the words in praise of the lord Thiyagaraja “AAROORA THIYAGASA” which gives the devoties a spiritual power and an excellent enthusiasm to pull the chariot with great vigor.This paves the way for the social harmony and national integration among the people.

Thiruvarur (Tiruvalur, Thiruvalur) is in the district of Tanjore, connected by the Southern Railway with Madras, a junction at which the Mayavaram Karaikudi and the Tanjore Nagapattinam branch lines cut each other.Thiru +Aar+Oor = Thiruvarur.”Aar” means to this land so this place is known as Thiruvarur.

Anjaneyar Temple – Namakkal

About Temple :

Namakkal is famous for a life size Hanuman Statue(Anjaneynar) carved out of a single stone. The city lies at the foot of a huge rock, upon which there is a fort. The name Namakkal immediately brings to mind ‘Namakkal Anjaneyar’ – the temple of Hanuman at Namakkal. The idol of Hanuman is 18 feet or so in height, and stands under open sky. Opposite to the Hanuman is a temple of Narasimha.

The Greatness of Lord Anjaneya:

It is said that Lord Anjaneya brought the Salakrama Hills from Nepal as instructed by his guru Narasimha Murthy and named it as Namakkal. The Lord presents Himself in Vishwarupa Dharshan with His hands worshipping in the open terrace, exposing Himself to natural calamities like flood, hot sun and storm. It is believed that He keeps on growing height wise. The people of Namakkal pray to the Lord for blessing them with good sense, health, boldness, success, wealth and fine speech.

History:
ri Hanuman played a vital role in Lord Sri Rama’s kingdom. He had served Lord Sri Ram in all the ways, as a servant in personal life, as a Minister in political operations, as a knight in his military and etc., Hence, he decorated himself with silk cloths, gold and diamond ornaments and short sword suitable to all his roles and responsibilities. With the same dresses, jewels and decorations, Sri Hanuman came to Namakkal and serving the Lord Sri Narashima.

You could realize this by having Dharsan of Sri Hanuman in this temple. Sri Hanuman is decorated with golden Crown; big diamond Earrings, lengthy gold Garlands and Chains; Fingers decorated with rings; wrists decorated ornaments; Hip covered with golden belt; a short curved sword in right hand side of hip; ankles clubbed with gold rings; such a nice huge and beautiful deity of Sri Hanuman, we couldn’t see anywhere in this world.

One more specialty of this temple is as follows: Lord Sri Hanuman don’t like roof over him, would like to stay in open sky. In past centuries, many people tried many times to build roof for Sri Hanuman, but Lord Hanuman didn’t accept it. For one of the devotees, in dream, Sri Hanuman declared as follows: “My supreme master Lord Sri Narashimha stays inside cave. There is no roof for him as Hill is the natural roof by itself. Since, my master doesn’t have the roof, I don’t want to stay under the roof. Let me live in open sky and do the service for Lord Narashimha for ever”.

Pallava kingdom built many halls, compound walls and numerous stone sculptures in this temple, but couldn’t build a roof for Sri Hanuman. This is the proof that Lord Sri Hanuman didn’t allow to build a roof for him. Even ten years before, temple renovation completed with huge budget, but the square portion of where Sri Hanuman stands, left for open sky.

Devotees comes day and night and do worship to Sri Hanuman in all aspects. With the great Anugraham of Lord Hanuman, they get relief for all the problems. Devotees surrender to Sri Hanuman, who always takes care of his devotees with special attachment.

Devotees are coming from all over the World to have Dharsan of this temple. Devotees offer sacred tulasi garlands, sweet-scented betel garlands and flower garlands for decorating Sri Hanuman. Devotees offer milk, ghee, honey, sugar and nuts with full of devotion.

Contact Details:

Executive Officer,

Arulmigu Narasimma Swamy Temple,

Kottai Naamakkal - 637 001

Ph : 04286 - 233999

Vilvaaranyeswarar Temple, Tiruviyalur

About Temple

Location of the temple :Tiruviyalur, near Kumbakonam
Lord Shiva known as :Vilvaaranyeswarar, Yoganandheeswarar
Female deity known as :Soundaranayagi, Santhanayagi

How to reach
Located on the Kumbakonam – Tiruvidaimarudur – Veppattur bus route and is about 8 Kms from Tiruvidaimarudur. Town bus facilities are available from Kumbakonam. In the vicinity is another Paadal Petra Sthalam Tirundudevankudi.

Vilvaaranyeswarar Temple, Tiruviyalur

This is a temple with a 5 tier gopuram (Tower) and 2 prakarams. From the stone inscriptions found in this temple. it is known that this temple has received the patronage and endowments from the earlier Chola Kings Parakrama Chola, Rajaraja chola and Rajendra Chola. It is believed that Saint Agastiyar worships God Shiva here on every Shivaratri day.

thiruvisanallur map

Karkadeswarar Temple, Tirundudevankudi

About Temple :

Location of the temple:Tirundudevankudi, 2 Kms from Tiruvisainallur
Lord Shiva known as :Karkadeswarar, Devadevesar
Female deity :Arumarundunayagi, Aravindanayagi

How to reach

This temple is nowadays known as Nandaangkovil. The temple is situated surrounded by paddy fields and is located 2 Kms from another Paadal Petra Sthalam Tiruviyalur (Tiruvisainallur). Town bus services to Nandaangkovil is available from Kumbakonam.

According to the temple legend, Indran worshipped this Lingam here with 1008 Lotuses everyday.  Varunan was given the task of creating those flowers in the temple moat.  Indran ran short of a flower during pooja one day.  He enquired with Varunan who was very confident that he had created 108 flowers.  When this continued for a few days, Indran himself decided to keep a watch on the flowers. Ultimately, he noticed one of the flowers moving.  The flower moved out of the water and into the garba graham (sanctum sanctorum) through the drain onto the top of the Shivalingam.  On closer scrutiny, he saw that it was a Golden crab that had brought the flower from the waters.  As he was about to hit the crab, it made a hole right on top of the Shivalingam and disappeared into it.  Since then He came to be known as Karkadeswarar (Karkata means Crab).  The image of a golden crab as well as the hole created by it can be seen on the Shivalingam during the ablution rituals (abhishegam).  

Temple History

Thirundudevankudi could well be corruption of Thiru Nandu Devakankudi; Nandu meaning crab.  It is believed that this Crab was a Yaksha who taunted Sage Dhurvasa.  He mimicked the walk of the Sage and said that it was like the crawl of a crab and made fun of him.  The Sage who was well known for his short temper, cursed the Yaksha to turn into a crab.  Quickly realising his folly, the Yaksha apologised to the Sage and sought a remedy.  The Sage advised him to worship Lord Shiva at this temple for absolution of his sin.

History:

This is a vast temple surrounded by a moat near thiruvidaimarthur. Much of this area is surrounded by fields and shrubs. Close by is the thiruvisalur temple dedicated to Yoganandeswarar (Tiruviyalur). It is speculated that the original name of this now non-existent village must have been Tiru Nandu Devan Kudi. Tirundudevankudi is considered to be the 42nd in the series of Tevara Stalams in Chola Nadu located North of the river Kaveri.

Legends:
The worship offered by a crab is the reason for the name Karkateswarar, and the image of a golden crab can be seen on the Shivalingam during the ablution rituals. Shiva is said to have in the guise of an elder, rid a devout King of his painful affliction; he is also said to have directed him to the spot where the Shivalingam currently is now and then disappeared. He is also said to have promised to reveal to him medicines for other afflictions, hence the name Arumarundu Devar, the Lord of Medicine and Healing.
The Temple:
There are two shrines to Ambal here, Arumarundu Nayaki and Apoorva Nayaki. The moat surrounding the temple is the Tirumaruvum Poikai. This vast temple has been in a ruined state, even in the late 1970s. It has been described as a 'pathetic spectacle of fallen glory and local indifference'.

A niche on the outer wall depicting the history of the temple

This temple covers an area of over 72,000 sqare feet. The legend of a crab offering worship to Shiva, is depicted in a panel on a stone pillar. This ancient brick and mortar temple was converted to a stone temple during the rule of Kulottunga I (1075-1120). The Ambal shrine also came into being then, as seen from inscriptions from the year 1117. Inscriptions from the period of Vikrama Chola and Rajadiraja II are also seen here. No later inscriptions are seen, and the temple seems to have gone into a state of insignificance after the Chola rule.
It is believed that the vegetation covering the temple may be of medicinal value. It is speculated that in the days of its glory, this village would have been a medical care center with an Ayurvedic dispensary, providing herbal remedies to various ailments.
TheFestival images from this temple have been stored at the Tiruviyalur temple, nearby. Tiruviyalur is associated closely with Rajaraja Cholan I, the great Chola monarch.

This temple is in a dilapidated state. The original temple was built with brick and mortar which was later converted into a stone temple. There are 2 shrines for the female deity, one for Arumarundunayagi and the other one for Aravindanayagi. Inscription from the Chola period are found in this temple and the temple seems to have lost its importance after the Chola rule.

Travel Information

Thiruvisayanallur is a village near the town Kumbakonam. This temple is located 1 km from northern side of Poompuhar Road and southern side of Chennai Road.

The Nearby temples are Sivayoginathar Temple and Sundareshwarar swamy temple (Petti kali Amman) Karuppoor.

Temple Contact Details:

Arulmighu Karkadeswarar Temple
Nandaangkoil
Tiruvisalur Post
Veppattur S.O.
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN 612105

Phone:  0435- 200 0240, 99940 15871 

Saatchinatheswarar Temple, Thiruppurambiyam – Kumbakonam

About Temple :

This temple is around 5 kms from kumbakonam.Swamimalai,innambur,pateswaram are some of the other temples near to this temple .People who wants win court cases should visit this temple .

History of Shri Pralayam Kaatha Vinayagar Writtem In Saatchinathaswamy Temple- Thiruppurambiyam

History of Shri Pralayam Kaatha Vinayagar
Sri Pralayam Kaatha Vinayagar During the days of great deluge, Lord Ganesha,Lord Ganesha,Lord Brahma had created Lord Ganesha here, with the help of crab shell, sea weeds and other materials available in the sea, named as “Pralayam Kaatha Vinayagar” and worshipped Lord Ganesha. was given the task of saving the world by Lord Shiva.

Shri Pralayam Kaatha Vinayagar Thiruppurambiyam Temple

According to the Puranas, controlled the simmers of the seven seas under the “Ezhkadal Kinaru” – a well in the temple at Thiruppurambiyam, and saved the world from deluge. Thiruppurambiyam is situated at about 10 kms from Kumbakonam.

Saatchinatheswarar Temple, Thiruppurambiyam - Kumbakonam

On Vinyaga Chathurthi Day, abhishekam using honey is being conducted for Lord Ganesha. No abhishekams are performed on other days. The Lord will be in the color of honey and any one who prays Him shall beget all the wishes fulfilled.

Gopuram View of Saatchinathaswamy Temple Thiruppurambiyam

Sri Saneeswara Baghwan Temple – Kuchanur

Reputation:

Though there is a shrine for Saturn in almost all temples, Kuchanur temple is exclusively for Sani Baghwan next to Thirunallar. Moreover, He exists of himself.

It is said that this is the place where Sani Baghwan himself got relieved of the Brahmmahathi dosha – a sin that affects a person for committing some serious crime.
A Shivalinga was growing upwards here and the growth was controlled by applying turmeric on the Linga. A very sacred place for relief from the adverse effects of Saturn. A large number of devotees visit Kuchanur to worship Sani Baghwan from Northern states too.

Temple is open from 6 A.M. to 1.00 P.M. and 4 P.M. to 8.30 P.M.

Contact Details :
The Executive Officer,
Arulmigu Sanishwarabhagavan Temple,
Kuchanur,
Uthamapalayam (Taluk),
Theni District.
Pincode - 625 515 
Phone - 04554-321108
Ref Link :http://www.kuchanursaneeswarar.tnhrce.in/contact.html

About Temple:

Kuchanur, a small village near Chinnamanur in Theni district, as does Thirunallar, has a separate temple for Lord Saniswara, unlike other places where He is part of the Navagrahas.

Legend has it that King Dinakaran who once ruled Kalinganadu with Mani Nagaram as capital incurred Sani Bhagwan’s wrath for 7-1/2 years. Dinakaran’s son Chandiravadanan on coming to know of it through an astrologer went to a dense forest and sat on a penance in the midst of Senbagam, Sandalwood and Kongu trees near the bank of Surabi river to invoke the blessings of Lord Saniswara to set his father free from the curse.

Moved by his prayers, Lord Saniswara appeared before him at a place called Senbaganallur and granted his prayers. The place later came to be called Kuchanur.

Kuchanur, a part of Chinnamanur Panchayat Union, is surrounded by channels and forests.

The moolavar (presiding deity) at the temple surfaced as a Suyambu and is in the shape of a linga, black in colour. Just adjacent to the moolavar, the urchavamoorthy (processional idol) finds a place.

He is taken out in procession once a year during temple festivities. A sub-temple dedicated to Lord Muruga (Subramaniaswamy Kovil) is located to the north of the Saniswarar sannidhi and next to it is one for Lord Vigneswara.

To the left is situated Landasanyasi sannidhi. A few yards from Sani Bhagwan temple, again on the banks of the river, there is a shrine for Sonai Karuppannasamy, besides a Kannimar koil and Nagar koil.

The river Surabhi, in keeping with its name, has water flowing throughout the year. Hence the name jeeva nadhi. It gets water from the Rajavaikal (channel) of Suruli river.

Devotees who visit the Sani Bhagwan temple have a dip in the Surabi river and proceed to offer worship to him. Poojas are performed in the early morning, during noon and in the evenings. Daily poojas and archanas are carried out according to agama sastras.

Only after feeding the crows that are around (crow is considered to be the vahanam (celestial carrier) of Sani Bhagwan) during uchikala poojas, prasadam is given to devotees.

At times when crows do not partake of the offering, the entire gathering including priests plead before Sani Bhagwan to forgive their mistakes.

It is said that there has never been an occasion when crows have not had the offering.

Ellu pongal (a mix of cooked rice and gingely powder) is a regular prasadam offered at the temple.

Every year festivals are held during the Tamil month of Aadi Saturdays during which devotees from far and near throng the shrine. Of the five Saturdays, the third Saturday has special significance since it is the day of festivity.

While not many may know about Kuchanur, devotees from southern parts of the State throng the temple during Sani Payerchi to seek His blessings.

Prayer commitments:
Devotees light lamps with pure gingely oil and feed the crows. They also undertake feeding the visiting devotees. Donate for the maintenance and renovation of the temple.
Reputation:
Though there is a shrine for Saturn in almost all temples, Kuchanur temple is exclusively for Sani Baghwan next to Thirunallar. Moreover, He exists of himself.

General Information:
Kuchanur is 30 kms from Theni, and 100 from Madurai. There are lodgings in Theni Town, the charges ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500.
Bus facilities are available from Theni. The nearest railway stations are Theni, Dindigul and Madurai. Nearest Airport Madurai.

Festivals:
Adi festival (July-August) celebrated for five weeks. Also the Sani (Saturn) transit day is observed very devotionally occurring in every two and half years.

Sri Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple -Karur

Reputation:

Of the seven Shiva Shrines of the Kongu region, Karur Pasupatheeswarar is considered first and foremost. Emperor Musukunda, belonging to the Skanda Mahapurana period is believed to have undertaken renovation of the temple. According to the history of the place, Emperor Musukunda was extended an invitation to attend the wedding of Lord Muruga that took place in Tiruparankundram near Madurai.

Karur has the reputation that Siddha Karuvurar lived here. He has praised the Lord in his Thiruvisaippa hymns. As Karuvurar dissolved himself with the Lord, the Linga is found in a slanting position. Saint Thirugnanasambandar had also praised the Lord in his Thevaram. So Arunagiriyar His favourite deity Muruga in the temple.

Karur also was the place of residence of Eripathanayanar, Pugazh Chola Nayanar . On 14, 15 and 16th of Panguni Tamil month (March-April) Sun rays fall on the shrine.

History:

Lord Brahmma became very proud as He is the creator of the world. With a view to teach him a lesson, Lord Shiva brought the divine cow Kamadenu. The divine cow also came to earth and performed penance here which was then a forest of Vanji trees. Kamadenu heard a sound from the sky directing it to worship an Adhi Linga hidden in an ant hill (puttru). The cow followed the order meticulously by pouring the milk on the ant hill but one day its feet touched the Lord. The cow apologized to the Lord for its careless behaviour causing bleeding on the Shivalinga. The Lord appeared before the cow and said that he would be worshipped as Pasupatheeaswara and the Kamadenu would be in charge of creation of the world. Kamadenu undertook the assignment and performed the job with all humily. At a later stage, Lord Pasupatheeswara restored the job to Brahmma himself and took Kamadenu to his Abode.

Speciality:

The Shivalinga – Anilayappar – is a swayambu that exists of its own. Lord Brahmma worshipped Anilayappar as one in the Ant hill (Puttru in Tamil). Kamadenu (divine cow) worshippped the Lord here. During the worship, the feet of Kamadenu touched the Lord’s head, the symbol of which is still on the Linga.

Prayer:
The devotee surrendering at the feet of Lord Anilayappar is blessed with a complete peace of mind. Those awaiting a marriage and longing for a progeny, in need of employment opportunity, development in business, promotion in job visit the temple and worship Anilayappar. It is the staunch belief of the devotees that the Lord would never fail his Bhaktas.

Prayer commitments:

Abishek is offered in oil, milk, curd tender coconut to the Lord and the Goddess. People also offer Mangalsutra and jewels to the Goddess. Dhoti and Sari are offered. Feeding the visitors ( Annadhanam) is also followed by the rich.

General Information:

Karur is 100 kms far from Salem, 76 from Trichy, 113 from Coimbatore and 144 from Madurai. The temple administration authorities can be contacted on phone No. 04324 – 262010.

Comfortable lodging facilities are available in Karur, the charges ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500. As the temple is situated in the heart of Karur Town, conveyance facilities also available in short frequencies.. Nearest railway station is Karur and airport Trichy.

Sri Paramapadha Nathan -ThiruParamapadham

About the Temple:

This Divyadesam is said to be the place where all the Aathmas finally get the Mukthi. To this divyadesam also, we cant enter along with our body, but only our Aathmas can enter. This divyadesam doesnt exists in Earth. Paramapadham means all the Jeeva Athmas that attain and mingle along with Paramathma and their by attaining Mukthi (Salvation).
Explaination on Pramapadham:

This Pramapadham divyadesam is also called as Vaikundam, Thirunadu, Perumilam, Vinnagam, Naranan Ulagu etc. After crossing the good and evil, one can attain this Divyadesa perumal. (ie) Our Jeevathmas will be surrounded by lots of good and as well as evil (or) sinful aspects. By crossing these, we can attain the Pramathma only if we perform lots of good aspects in our life.

In Paramapadham, all the times are the same, there is no morning, evening and night and if one attains Paramapadham, he will not feel hungry (or) rather than to sleep.

Our human body is made up of five elements known as Panja Bhootham, (i.e.). After death, our soul known as Aathma leaves out from the body to attain salvation known as Mukthi. This Aathma that comes out from the body is referred to as “Nithya Soorigal”. They could not be destroyed by any earthquakes, typhoons (or) Pralayam.

Emperumaan is along with Lakshmi piratti and Bhoomi piratti is bearing all the Aathmas, which finally merges into the divine foot of Sriman Narayanan along with NeeLa devi, to help the Supreme Lord God.

Periya pirattiyaar is of the qualities of Thiruvarul of the Emperumaan. Bhoomi piratti is the amsam of Joy and help.

So, the perumal along with Periyapiratti, Bhoomipiratti and NeeLa devipiratti are in this Paramapadha divyadesams.

In The Lord God’s views, there is no rich or poor persons, and there is no any racism. But, it came out from ill – thoughts who thought they are rich and superior over the poor persons and likewise the fight between castes came out. But, except Sriman Narayana there is no other thing called as “Superior”.

So hereafter, all should think of one God, irrespective of the caste and creed, but our final aim of every soul should be merging with that of the Divine food of Sriman Narayanan. By saying “Om Namo Narayana”, it is believed, that all can reach His Lotus feet known as Thiruvadi.

Specials:

This Paramapadham divyadesam also doesn’t exists in this earth.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this Vinnulaga divyadesam is Sri Paramapadha Nadhan. He is found in sitting posture (Veetrirundha thirukkolam) on Serpent (Aadhiseshan) facing South direction, which is said to be the direction of Yama Dharma – The Death God. Prathyaksham for Aadhisesha, Garuda, Vishwaksena, Vishvakseniyar, Nithyasoorisl and Jeevathmas.

Thayaar:

The Thaayar of this divyadesam is Periya Pirattiyaar.

Mangalasasanam: Periyalwar, Sri Andal, Thirumazhisai Alwar, Thiruppaan Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Poigai Alwar, Pei Alwar, Nammalwar have done Mangalasasanam on this perumal with 34 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Viraja Theertham.

Ayiramatha Theertham

Vimanam:
Ananthaga Vimaanam.

Sri Ksheerapthi Nathan – ThirupPaarkadal

About the Abode:

This is one among the Eternal Location (Vinnulaga thirupathi), where one can’t reach there with the human body, and only our soul (Atma) can reach there. This Tirupathi can’t be viewed through our ordinary eyes. However, the seers, Rishis and Muni’s of yore, with an insight and power of Penance, they could visualize this Eternal Location with their power of Telepathy and Njana Drushti.

This Thiru Paarkadal Divyadesam doesn’t exists in this mighty earth. Because of this, along with out human body, we cant able to see this sthala perumal. It is situated trillions & trillions of light years from the Earth, crossing the sky and above it, the Lord God perumal is on the Serpent known as Aadhisesha in Bhujanga Sayana and facing along the South direction which is said to be watching the activities of Yama dharma.

All Devar are said to be persons where shadow doesn’t fall and their feet doesn’t touch the land. Likewise, the perumal in Paarkadal is watching all of the activities of all Aathmas and depending upon their pava (sin) and Punya (good) activities, he decides on the final Mukthi.

The Lord God resides in all living creatures and even in atom. Lord God Emperumaan separates as Sri Vasudeva, Sangarshana, Prathyumnan and Anirudha. Sri Vasudevan is capable of giving Njana, Sakthi, Tejas and is said to have the qualities (amsam) of Sriman Narayanan. Sangarshanan is said to be having the great qualities like Sakthi and Gnana and is said to be the amsam of Lord Shiva. Prathyumnan is said to be the amsam of Lord Brahma Deva and is a great Gjana person. Anirudh is said to be the amsam of Parasakthi and Lakshmi piratti and has the inbuilt qualities like richness, Gnana and Sakthi.

Sri Vasudeva in equivalent to Kesava, Madhava and Narayana. Sangarshan is equivalent to Govinda, Vishnu and Madhusoodhan. Prathyumnan is equivalent to Thiruvikrama, Vaamana and Sridhara. Anirudhan is equivalent to Rishikesa, Padmanabha and Damodhara.

These all 12 are referred to as 12 Sooryas and chandras who are along in all 12 directions (sides) there by making all Jeevathmas to emerge, lead their life, calculating their Pava and Punya known as Sins & good deeds.

“Om Namo Nrayana”, the Ashtakshara Manthra is surrounded all over this divyadesam and by chanting this mantra, we too reach the Thiruppaarkadal Nathan of this divyadesam.

Specials:

This Thirupaarkadal divyadesam doesn’t exists in this mighty earth. Because of this, along with out human body, one can’t see this sthala perumal. It is said to be situated trillions of light years away from the Earth.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this divyadesam is Sri Ksheerapthi Nathan. Also named as “Thiruppaarkadal Nathan”. He is on the Aadhiseshan in sleeping posture known as Sayana – Kidantha thirukkolam facing his South direction. Prathyaksham for Brahma deva, Rudra (Lord Shiva) and all other Devas and Rishis.

Thayaar:

There are two Thaayars namely Kadal Magal Naachiyaar and Sri Devi thaayar.

Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar – 5 Paasurams
Andal – 3 Paasurams
Kulasekara alwar – 2 Paasurams
Thirumazhisaialwar – 13 Paasurams
Thondaradippodialwar – 1 Paasurams
Thirumangai alwar – 10 Paasurams
Poigai alwar – 1 Paasuram
Bhoodathalwar – 2 Paasurams
Pei alwar – 4 paasurams
Nammalwar – 9 Paasurams
Total – 50 Paasurams.
Pushkarani:

ThirupPaarkadal.

Amirtha theertham.

Vimanam:
Ashtanga Vimaanam.

Sri Lakshmi Narashima Perumal Temple,Thiruvaali – Thirunagari – Seergazhi

About the Temple & Location:

This temple lies in the Tanjore district of TamilNadu. It’s about 6 miles from Thirunaangur. If taken the route of Keezh salai from Thirunaangur its about 3 1/2 miles. No arrangements for staying are furnished.

Specials:

1. Though Thiruvaali (Thiruvazhi) and Thirunagari are about 3 miles away from each other, these two are considered as a Single Divyadesam only.

2. We can worship first Thirunagari, then Thiruvaali, Thirudevanar Thogai and finally Thiruvellakkulam at one streach.

Thirunagari
Moolavar:

The Moolavar found in this sthalam is Sri Devarajan. Also known as Vayalaali Manavalan. Irundha (Sitting) Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards west direction.

Thayaar:

The Thaayar of this sthalam is Amurdha Valli.

Utsavar:

The Utsavar found in this sthalam is Kalyana Ranganathan.

Mangalasasanam:
Both the places are considered as one kshetram and so has gained 42 Paasurams by Kulasekara alwar and Thirumangai alwar. Also Manavala Maamunigal has visited this place many times.

Pushkarani:
Ilaakshani Pushkarani.

Vimanam:
Ashtakshara Vimaanam.

Thiruvaali
About the Temple:

This temple lies in the Tanjore district of TamilNadu. It’s about 6 miles from Thirunaangur. If taken the route of Keezh salai from Thirunaangur its about 3 1/2 miles. No arrangements for staying are furnished.

Sthalapuranam:

Thiruvaali and Thirunagari are both within 3 miles from each other are realted to the history of Thirumangai Alwar.

Thirumangai alwar was born on Thirukurayalur near Thirunagari. His orinigal name was “Neelan” and was the Army chief (Padai Thalapathi) of the Chola Kingdom. He was well versed in Tamil and Sanskrit.

As a reward for his valor, the chola king made Neelan the king of “Aali nadu” a small state whose capital was “Thirumangai”.

Sumangalai was the head of the young ladies of heaven (Deva Kanni) who were involved in the job of fanning the lord using the “Samaram”. Once while saint Kabila was preeching the qualities of Lord Narayana, Sumangali distracted him by making an odd remark of his ugly students. So he cursed to go to earth and take birth.

As a curse, she born on this earth on a lilly flower and was named as “Kumudhavalli”.

Thirumangai Mannan wanted to marry her, but she ordered him to become a Srivaishnavan – a staunch follower of Vaishnavam.

He headed straight to Thirunarayur and asked the Lord to be his Guru and transform him into a pure Vaishnavity.

But Kumudavalli placed another condition for marriage. She ordered him to give food for 1008 Brahmins daily and fill his stomach by accepting the remaining food kept by the Brahmins and drink the water used to wash their lotus feets.

Thirumangai Mannan accepted her terms and married her happily. His extreme love for his wife, brought him into a delicate position of finding enormous money need for the second condition. He even used the many intended to pay the revenue to the chola king.

The king ordered him to pay the revenue, but Thirumangai Mannan was unable to repay it and so he was put in jail. He spent 3 days in the jail without eating food for he took a vow of eating food only after giving food to the Brahmins.

Varadharaja perumal of Kanchipuram, came into his dreams and asked him to come to the Vegavathi river bank to collect the required money.

So along with many Ministers, he came to Kanchi under a tight security and amazingly he found the required money.

But, as the day passed on, he spent all the money he had and was not sufficient to spend. He had no money for the further expenses, so he made up his mind to rob money from rich people.

Once Lord Narayana and Periya Piratti passed along the forest where Thirumangai Alwar was waiting for some rich persons to pass on and so that he could steal money and ornaments from them to serve the Brahmins. Sriman Narayanan and Periya Piratti were dressed as a newly married couples. While they were passing, all people around them sang lots of marriage related songs and on hearing this, Thirumangai Mannan was so happy that he could get lots of ornaments from them. He stopped them and asked for all of their belongings and while the conversation between them was going on, he took away all of their jewles from the marriage party but could not get the precious ring of the Groom. Finally he took the ring by bitting the Groom’s finger.

After that he gathered all the things and asked his servents to lift. But the parcel was too heavy even to Thirumangai alwar. He scolded the groom in suscipion of Chanting Manthra against him. The groom asked alwar to come near him to know the Manthra he chanted and he preeched alwar the most powerful “Ashtaksara Mandiram – Om Namo Narayanaya”. And gave dharsan to him in his original form and gave him the title “Nam Kaliyan”, Nam – Our, Kaliyan – Thief.

After that Alwar became a true addict – devotee to Lord Narayana and totally Mangalsasasanamed 84 Divydesams with thousand two hundred and twenty three paasurams.

He did many great things during his life time. He even built the compund wall of Sri Rangam temple and brought Nammalwar from his isolation to Sri Rangam for a discourse.

Thirumangai alwar has got two specialities:

He is the only alwar, who takes all the honours along with his beloved wife Kumudhavalli.

The terms Nammalwar was rendered to Nammalwar by his devotee Madurakavi alwar, who considered Nammalwar as equivalent to God. i.e The term Nam – our was given to him by his followers.

But the title “Namkaliyan” was revarded to Thirumangai alwar by the lord god itself. ie he was so near to god and the Lord proved it by accepting the self – Praising terms of Alwar in paasurams as the terms praising Lord Narayana.

Touching and performing pooja to the lord by the devotees itself is a North Indian practice. He brought this concept to South India by higging the idol of Lakshmi Narashima at Thiruvaali. The name Thiruvaali too came for that reason only for Thiruvaali = Thiru + Aali. Aali is the term equivalent to Alinganam ie hugging as Alwar hugged the Lord at that place, it was named Thiruvaali

Also the name “Vayalaali Manavalan” too has a special meaning. Vayal means fields. Thirumangai alwar made the pure soles of all the devotees as fields which cultivates Bhakti without any weeds.

Vayalaali means the owner of such Bhakti cultivating lands ie Thirumangai alwar.

As alwar hugged Lord Lakshmi Narashima, he gained the name “Vayalaai Manavalan” (Manavalan means one who is sweet to the hears).

Thirumangai Alwar worshipped five Narashimaars idols througout his life. Out of that 2 of the Narashimars and one small Utsavar idol of ‘Lord Senthaiku eniyan’ are presented at Thirunagai even today.

At Thirunagari, alwar poses a hunter involved in robbery. It’s been said that at Devarajapuram half mile away from Thirunagar, only Alwar robbed Lord Narayana. Today as a token of rememberence a function “Vedupari Utsavam” is conducted on the Panguni uthiram day.

As the Lord posed as groom and bride, the Utsavar perumal at Thirunagari is named as Kalyana Ranganathan (Kalyanam – Marriage), and Moolavar devarajan and Vayalaali Manavalan. The vimaanam is named Ashtaksara vimaanam for this Mandiram only changed alwars life course.

Thirumangai alwar attained mukthi at Thirukurunkudi of Pandya Kingdom. While Thirumangai Alwar’s idol is taken out for procession he is armed with a diamond studded knife. As an Homage to his practice of giving food to Brahmins, even today 10 Brahmins get food from his temple.

In the Utsavar idol of Thirumangai alwar, Namalwar is in his heart and the great social Ramanuja following the foot steps of Alwars.

Thiruvaali has a special credit of having Mangalasasanam by two great kings – Thirumangai Alwar and Kulasekara alwar (Chera Kingdom).

It’s to be noted that two kings – Thirumangai alwar and Nikanzhama prijapathi got perumals special dharsan.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar found in this sthalam is Sri Lakshmi Narashimar. Also known as Vayalaali Manavalan. Irundha (Sitting) Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards west direction. Prathyaksham for Thirumangai alwar and Allathi Nikanchama Prajapathi.

Thayaar:

The Thaayar of this sthalam is Amrudhakada Valli.

Utsavar:

The Utsavar found in this sthalam is Thiruvaali Nagaraalan.

Mangalasasanam:
Both the places are considered as one kshetram and so has gained 42 Paasurams by Kulasekara alwar and Thirumangai alwar. Also Manavala Maamunigal has visited this place many times.

Pushkarani:
Ilaakshani Pushkarani.