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Sri Venkateswara Swamy (the Chief Idol), Tirumala

Sri Venkateswara Swamy (the Chief Idol), Tirumala

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The Chief Idol – Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala (Tirupati)

The Self-Emerged Idol of Lord Venkateswara is standing on a golden lotus base. Have a good look at the Lotus Feet of Lord Venkateswara. He has silk robes. The dangling garlands are further beautifying the silk robes.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy

  • Near Lord’s naval there is a sword by the name of Nandaka Khadgam.
  • There is one waist belt made of gold with gems and diamonds studded.
  • The Blessing Hand is again studded with diamonds.
  • The Lord’s Hand on the Hip says that if you sincerely seek shelter with Me, I will see that it becomes child’s play for you to cross the ocean of mundane existence.
  • On His Chest, there is a Kausthubha Mani. He has many Navaratna Haras (necklaces) around His neck.
  • Sri Maha Lakshmi Who is seated near His Chest is also blessing devotees with Her Blessing Hand.
  • His consorts Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi too have costly necklaces. With Sacred Thread (Yagnopaveetam), bejewelled hands, and lengthy garlands of salagramas and Sankhu and Chakra, Lord Venkateswara is attracting devotees from the four corners of the world.

Charming Face

The charming face with an Alluring Smile on His Lips, smooth shining cheeks, white camphor dot on the chin, the chiselled nose, white religious marking on the forehead, the gems studded crown all these things make our Lord more attractive.

One will not know whether bejewelled God is beautifying the jewels or jewels are beautifying God. These jewels, diamonds, gems, precious stones etc., are donations of devotees donated at different times. One will not know what made them denote these jewels and why they preferred only this temple for those donations.

Let us meditate on this Ever Attractive Chief Idol of God by chanting: Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Every piece of jewellery has an absorbing story behind it. Each diamond narrates the sincere devotion of its selfless donor. The glitter of gems adorning the idol reveals at length the sacrifices the devotee would have made and the blessing he would have received from Sri Venkateswara Swamy –  Lord of Seven Hills when the devotee was in distress.

Jewelry for decorating Shrine

The musical sound that bracelets make symbolically tells how benevolent the Lord is towards His devotees. The splendid shining of the crown is proof of burning down the sins of devotees, committed knowingly or unknowingly, before seeking shelter near the Lotus Feet of the Lord.

The Panchajanya (a conch shell) and the Sudarshan Chakra by giving clarian calls would have punished wicked people who did much harm to humanity.

Sudarshan Chakra

Through the broad smile Sri Venkateswara Swamy is acknowledging the prayers offered by devotees who would have received eyesight, some lame people who would have successfully, by the Grace of God, climbed the hills, the deaf would have got back their lost hearing ability etc.,

Those who have won their long pending cases too would have thanked the Lord for His solicited help. We may not know all the beneficiaries. Only He knows them.

All devotees irrespective of their caste, creed, and sometimes even faith whether they are Indians or even foreigners would have equally received the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swamy – Lord of Seven Hills. After receiving beneficial help from the Lord they would have contributed their mite. Some rich devotees might have contributed a portion of their profit.

Ordinary devotees always contribute a part of their hard-earned money. The devotees appeal to Him as

  • Aapada Mokkula Vada (one who removes all the obstacles)
  • Vaddikasula Vada (who collects even interest when the devotees fail to deposit the amount they would have promised to offer)
  • Apadbandhava (a friend of all those who are in distress) etc.,

However simple or complicated is your case, pray sincerely. He will come to your rescue at the right time. He will be by your side when others have ditched you. What He expects from His devotees is simple sincere devotion. Please have a good look at the Chief Idol – Sri Venkateswara Swamy.

Indeed, the thirst to see will not be quenched no matter how many times you visit the temple or how much time you spend in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Once you come out of the Sanctum Sanctorum you feel you are a blessed person. But you will have a feeling that I saw only the Smiling Face or the Blessing Hand, glittering crown, or Koustubha near the Chest etc., I have not seen the Lotus Feet.

Every inch of the Chief Idol is so attractive that you will refuse to withdraw your eyes from that spot. Every time you visit the temple you will have a feeling that the Lord is more and more alluring than your earlier visit.

Before trying to know more details about the Sanctum Sanctorum let us chant the holy name of the Lord: Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams
Self Emerged Sri Venkateswara Swamy – Tirumala Temple

BRAHMA STHANAM

The Self-Emerged Salagrama Moorthy of Lord Srinivasa is exactly at the centre of Sanctum Sanctorum. This location is known as ‘BRAHMA STHANAM’.

STHANAKA MOORTHY / STHANAKA VARAHA MOORTHY

Because of this, the Chief Idol is termed as ‘STHANAKA MOORTHY’. Because it is immovable, people call it ‘DHRUVA (PERMANENT) MOORTHY’ or ‘DHRUVA BERAM’ (Permanent idol or image).

Here He is not accompanied by His two Consorts. He has only VAKSHASTHALA (on the chest) LAKSHMI. Hence he gets the name of STHANAKA VARAHA MOORTHY.

Vakshasthala Maha Lakshmi

With Vakshasthala Maha Lakshmi, Sri Mahavishnu left His Celestial Abode Vykunttam and came down to Bhooloka and preferred to stay on TIRUMALA HILLS and valleys as a Self Emerged Salagrama Moorthy. All other idols that we find in this temple are later additions. For this reason, Tirumala has been mentioned as ‘EKA BERAM’ (only one idol) temple.

Four Hands

This Self-emerged Salagrama monolithic idol has four shoulders.

  1. The upper right hand holds SUDARSHANA CHAKRA and
  2. the left upper hand has PANCHAJANYA (conch shell).
  3. Similarly lower right hand has ABHAYA MUDRA and
  4. the lower LEFT HAND IS ON THE HIP.

On the Chest, we can see the insignia of LAKSHMI. The Idol appears leaning slightly towards the left. Looking through the corner of eyes with a bewitching smile on face, the Moorthy enthrals the devotees.

The Sankhu and Chakra that we see on the right and left hand respectively, it seems, were not there originally.

Maybe during Ramanujacharya’s time or after him, seeing that the Chief Idol is without any weapon, they would have added gold-plated copper plates to the Idol. This may be true. He is Mahavishnu with or without Sankhu and Chakra.

“Padmaavatheem Vishaalaakshim Bhagavaanaatmaa
Vakshasi
Ari Sankha Viheeno Asau Katinyastha Karottamaha
Darshayan Paani naikena Dakshinena Vrishaakapihi
Pada Padmam Suraa Aaraadhyam Gatim cha Paramaam
Nrunaam
Katinyastha Karenaapi Nija Padaabja Kaaminam
Nrunaam Bhava Payoraasim Katidaghnam
Pradanshyan
Viraajathe Venkatesaha sam Pratyapi Ramaapathi”

-Venkatachala Maahaatmyam

As He has kind-hearted Sri Maha Lakshmi in His Chest, He discorded fearful Sankhu and Chakra. Therefore He has assumed a pleasing form to clear all mundane fears of humanity. This Ramapathi, the Lord of Venkatagiri is pleasing everyone by showering His countless blessings.

Thondaman getting Sankhu and Chakra

Earlier there took place a pitched battle between Thondaman and Sri Padmavathy’s brother Vasudas. It is said that Lord Venkateswara to whom devotees are more dear, had handed over His Sankhu and Chakra to Thondaman.

The Venkatachala Mahatmyam further says that after the battle, Lord Sri Venkateswara refused to take back His Sankhu and Chakra from Thondaman. As He had not received them, the Self Emerged Salagrama monolith idol is not having these two weapons of Sri Mahavishnu.

Apart from this according to Vykhanasa Agama Shastra, there is no hard and fast rule that all idols should have weapons. Some may or may not have weapons. As a prominent place is given to Sri Mahalakshmi near His Chest, undoubtedly proves that the Self Emerged Idol is that of Sri Mahavishnu only.

Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy, Jammalamadugu

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Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy

Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy Temple

The holy place in which the Supreme deity of Kaliyuga Sri Venkateswara Swamy is receiving the worship of the devotees at Jammalamadugu is the name of Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

The temple deity is Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy who is known for his consideration towards the devotees who are in dire need of God’s blessings and it is believed that He blesses all the devotees liberally.

Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy temple

Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy Temple Location

Jammalamadugu is located in YSR Kadapa district of A.P. at a distance of 75 km from Kadapa city. It is said that the town was first named Jambulamadugu and later became Jammalamadugu due to the abundant growth of Jambu grass in the water in this area.

Click here for Google Maps Location

Legend

There is an interesting sthalapuranam behind why Lord Venkateswara stayed at Jammalamadugu and the reason for acquiring the name Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy. In the olden days, there was a village in the northern direction of the temple in Jammalamadugu. The name of that village is Narayanapuram. The village is known as Agrahara. There was a Venkateswara temple in that village along with Koneru (Pushkarini).

Village people used to serve the Lord and lead a pious life. However, natural calamities occurred in the village. As a result of the strong winds, the entire village began to be filled with dunes. The village was grazed and the village was made useless for residences.

With this people left the village. Even Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Narayanapuram itself has sunk into the dunes and has gradually become ruined.

Narapurayya – Installing Swamy Varu

Narapurayya, who left Narayanapuram and settled in Jammalamadugu, was a staunch devotee of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. He was always thinking of God. One night Sri Venkateswara Swamy appeared to Narapurayya in his dream and said – “I am buried in dunes in Narayanapuram.

Take me out and build a temple in this area, bring me and enshrine me, it will be good for you”. Sthalapurana reveals that the next day Narapurayya narrated his dream story to the people around him, reached Narayanapuram, removed the sand brought Sri Venkateswara Swamy from there and built a temple in the area where the temple is now located enshrined the Swami.

The Sthalapurana reveals that the name Narapura Venkateswara Swamy was created for the Swami because he was Venkateswara who was brought from Narayanapuram and also because Narapurayya installed him.

Temple Structure

The temple of Sri Venkateswara Swamy is located in a spacious courtyard. The temple faces north. The main Gopuram consists of three stairs. After entering the temple through this entrance we can see Balipeetham, Dwaja Sthambham and Garudalwar Sannidhi.

We can see on either side of the Dwaja Sthambham, huge idols of Sri Garutmantha and Sri Anjaneyaswamy in the salutation posture.

The main temple consists of Mahamandapa, Mukhamandapa, Antaralayam and Garbhalayam. In the main sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Sri Narapura Venkateswaraswamy resembles the Lord on Tirumala Hills with four hands with Shanku, Chakra, Kati hastam and Varada hastam.

Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy, Jammalamadugu

There are two sanctums on either side of the main temple. In these temples, we can see consorts of Swamy Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Andal. Sri Mahalakshmi Devi appears in a sitting posture with four hands, wearing Padmas in two hands and Abhaya and Varada Mudras in the other two hands.

Sri Andal appears in a standing posture with two hands, wearing a Padma in one hand and the other hand down in a graceful form. Devotees can also visit Sri Anjaneyaswamy, Alwars, Kalyana Mandapam, and Sri Venkateswara Kotielakhana Mandapam on the temple premises.

History of the Temple

Historically, it seems that it was built before the Vijayanagara Empire. However, the temple was developed during the rule of the Vijayanagara emperors.

Evidence reveals that Pemmasani clansmen who was feudal rulers of Vijayanagara emperors with Gandikota as their capital contributed significantly to the development of the temple. But over time the temple fell into disrepair and in 1918 the temple was renovated and restored to its former glory.

Currently, the temple is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Sevas

The Brahmotsavam of Jammalamadugu Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy is performed every year in the month of Vaisakha for nine days apart from daily poojas. During Brahmotsavams different vahana sevas including Rathotsavam and kalyanotsavam are performed grandly.

Besides Brahmotsavam, every year during Dhanurmasam, Vaikunta Ekadashi and other festivals special pujas are performed. There are accommodation facilities for devotees in private lodges in Jammalamadugu. Jammalamadugu is 75 km from Kadapa and 21 km from Proddutur.

Transportation

Buses are available from Kadapa, Prodduturu, Tirupati, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major towns and cities in the Telugu states. Almost all trains stop at Jammalamadugu Railway Station on the Yarraguntla-Nandyal line.

Final Word

Devotees can visit Jammalamadugu Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swami, who is known as the glorious God and get peace and joy.

Sankha Nidhi & Padma Nidhi

Sankha Nidhi & Padma Nidhi

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While entering through the main gateway people loudly chant the holy name of Lord Venkateswara as Edukondalawada, Venkata Ramana Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Sankha Nidhi & Padma Nidhi

Stop for a while and look to your left and right while passing through the main gateway. You will find two panchaloha (Alloy of five metals) idols of 2 feet high. They are the two celestial security guards of Lord Venkateswara.

Sankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi

Sankhu Nidhi or Sankha Nidhi

The guard standing on the southern side i.e., to your right has two conch shells in His hands. He is Sankhu Nidhi.

Padma Nidhi

Similarly to your left i.e., in the northern direction, there stands the second guard. He holds two lotus flowers in his two hands. He is named as Padma (Lotus) Nidhi.

These two celestial security guards are there to protect Lord Venkateswara’s Treasury, which is full of nine gems.

Achyuta Deva Raya

Near the feet of these celestial guards, you will see six inches long idol of a king standing with folded hands. He is the Vijayanagara king by the name Achyuta Deva Raya. Most probably he would have installed the two statues of those celestial guards.

As per Agamashastra (the Temple Architecture), the statues of such security guards are installed on the two sides near the third entry door of the surrounding wall.

Enclosures

  1. This installation at the main entry gate of the temple proves the fact that the first enclosure (Avarana) indicates Mukkoti (three crores) Pradakshana (circumambulation),
  2. the second encloser as the Vimana (the upper dome of a temple over the sanctuary) pradakshanam and
  3. the third (enclosure) as the Sampangi (Gold Flower) Pradakshanam. Let us bow to the celestial security guards and enter the temple premises.

Ekadasi Devi Killing Murasura

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Ekadasi Devi Killing Murasura

An interesting tale associated with the day is the appearance of ‘Ekadasi Devi’. Once upon a time in Krutha Yuga, a demon called ‘Murasura’ defeated the Devas and tortured them. Upon the request of Devas, Sri Maha Vishnu entered the battlefield, fought with him for a thousand years and got thoroughly exhausted.

On an Ekadasi day, he entered a cave and slept inside due to fatigue. Coming to know of Maha Vishnu’s location, Murasura rushed to the spot to kill him. It was then that a divine beam of light came out of Maha Vishnu’s body and attained the shape of a young girl, armed with an array of lethal weapons.

When Murasura reached the spot, the protective girl killed the demon. On waking up, Vishnu found the demon dead and offered a boon to the girl.

Murasura by Ekadasi Devi

As she came out of the Lord’s body on ‘Ekadasi’ Day, she was called ‘Ekadasi Devi’. She requested Him to grant the boon of salvation to all those praying to her on this sacred day. Since then, those praying to ‘Ekadasi Devi’ are assured of a place in Vishnu Lokam.

Click here to know about  Vaikunta Ekadasi

Deeparadhana – Lighting of Lamps

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Deeparadhana

Deeparadhana comprises two Sanskrit words ‘Deepa:’ and ‘Aaraadhana’.

‘Deepa:’ means lamp and ‘Aaraadhana’ refers to ‘worship’ or ‘propitiation of deities’. Hence, ‘Deeparadhana’ refers to the god worship through a lamp.

We do find reference to the word ‘Aaraadhana’ in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Shloka 22 – Endowed with faith, the devotee worships a particular celestial god – conveying the meaning ‘worship’ for the term ‘Aaraadhana’.

Significance of Deeparadhana

The lighting of lamps is an important aspect of any Puja or Hindu ritual. The significance of Deepaaraadhana is mentioned in various ancient scriptures – Upanishads, Samhitas, Brahmanas and Puranas. Skanda Purana states “Among the light of fire, the light of the Sun, the light of the Moon, the lamp is the best of Lights”.

Deeparadhana also refers to the Aaraadhana (Arati) done to God in the temples. Various types of lamps are used while performing this Aaraadhana.

When we think of the lamp, we are reminded of the following lines from Poigai Alwar’s Mudhal Thiruvandadi first Pasuram:

vaiyam thagaLiyA vArkadalE neyyAga; veyya kadhirOn viLakkAga …..

In this Pasuram the earth itself is considered as the Lamp. “Keeping the earth as the vessel and the seas as the lubricating oil, the Creator lights the universal lamp called the Sun who shines brightly to illuminate the entire universe”.

Swami Desikan

Swami Desikan, in his Saranagati Deepika Shlokam 3, has very nicely brought out the significance of ‘Deepam’ or ‘Light’ which the chEthana gets from the Divya Dampati:

dIpas-tvamEva JagatAm dayitA rucistE deergham tama: pratinivartyamidam yuvAbhyAm …..

God of Light! You are the Only One, who is the deepam for the entire World. You are the deepam and your divine consort, who never leaves your side, is the prakaasham/ lustre for the deepam.

The long-lasting darkness of ‘Agjnaanam’ (nescience) can only be removed by both of you. Therefore this chEthanam wishes to eulogize You.

Light is equated with Knowledge, darkness with ignorance. The Lord is the “Knowledge Principle” (Chaitanya) who is the source and illuminator of all knowledge. Hence, the Light is worshipped as the Lord himself.

The lighting of lamp also symbolises the removal of ignorance and the awakening of the divine light within us.

Significance of Oil Lamp

Traditionally we used to light lamps made of clay (diya). We use oil, and wicks. It is said that we can see God in the light that emanates from the lamp. If we consider the Vessel as our ‘Body’, the Wick as our ‘Guru’, and the oil our ‘Faith’, then the Light that it produces is God.

The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolises our negative thoughts (Vasanas) and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vasanas slowly vanish and the ego perishes.

The lamp flame always burns upwards figuratively indicating that we should always strive for such knowledge that would lead us to reach higher echelons of spiritual life.

Deeparadhana

Types of Lamps used for Deeparadhana

Clay Lamp

Commonly called ‘Diya’, less in cost, considered to be the best but due to its brittleness, we use this only during Deepavali and Kartika Festivals.

Brass Lamp

The cost of this is not much. In addition, it is also highly durable. Most of the lamps used in temples are brass lamps.

Silver Lamp

Little Costlier but these are also durable. We use this in houses and some temples have important lamps made of silver.

Gold Lamp

Costliest of all. Not much in use.

The most popular are clay and brass lamps because of their easy availability and affordability. In addition to these, only in temples (particularly Devi/Shakti temples) lamps using lemon are lit by the devotees.

Benefits of Lighting a Lamp

  • The lighting lamp signifies the destruction of Agjnana (andhakara or thamas).
  • They create a pure, nourishing and healing atmosphere.
  • Fire of lamps acts as an insecticide for the house.
  • Lighting a ghee lamp in the house invites positivity and helps remove all negative energy from the house. Also brings health, wealth and prosperity to the family. –
  • Lamps can attract sattvic vibrations from the surrounding atmosphere. The effect of sattvikata (the quality of being sattvic) on the atmosphere is felt even hours after the lamp stops burning.

Deeparadhana

Slokam

After lighting the lamp, the following slokam should be chanted :

Deepajyotih parabrahma deepajyotirjanaardanah Deepena harate paapam sandhya deepam namostute

Deepa-Jyothi is the supreme Brahman, Deepa-Jyothi is Janardhana. May the divine lamp eradicate my sins. Salutations to the divine lamp of the evening.

Deeparadhana Haarati

In all temples at least twice a day – once in the morning and the other time in the evening – Deeparadhana (also called ‘Haarati’/ ‘Mangalaharati’) is performed to the God. In big temples, five to six times it is done. It is performed at the end of any Puja and also while offering naivedyam to God.

Types of Haarati performed for God

  1. Eka Deeparadhana: with a single wick.
  2. Pancha Deeparadhana: with five wicks.
  3. Kumbha Deeparadhana: Lamp in a triangle shape.
  4. Ekadasa Deeparadhana: With Eleven lights, performed with a special plate.
  5. Sahasra Deeparadhana: with 1000 lamps – on special occasions done in Temples – In Tirumala it is done daily. In Sahasra Deepalankarana seva, Sri Malayappa Swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi are decorated with 1000 wick lamps.

Sahasra Deepalankarana -

The seva is performed in the Unjal mandapam at 05:30 PM every day. The Lord and His consorts are rocked gently amidst the Vedic chanting by the priests and the singing of Annamayya songs. This is the only daily seva that is performed outside the temple.

Final Word

In every house, the lamps must lit both in the morning and the evening. As already seen, lamps offer both spiritual benefits as well as cleansing the atmosphere of the home we live in. Very importantly, we should not use steel lamps.

We should internalise the good qualities and put them into practice in our daily life. Lighting lamp is east will bring good health and peace of mind. Ghee and sesame oil are considered the most important in lighting the lamp.

Lit the diyas (lamps) in your houses/temples and get prosperity, health/wealth and good luck.

Data Source – Article posted by – Dr Murali Santhanam

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, Nandalur

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, Nandalur

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Sri Soumyanatha Swamy

Sri Maha Vishnu is sheltered in a beautiful gentle form as Sri Saumyanatha Swami in Nandaluru temple. The deity of the temple is known for his consideration towards the devotees who are in dire necessity of God’s blessings. It is believed that He blesses all his devotees generously.

Location

Nandalur is located on the banks of the Bahuda River on the Kadapa – Tirupati main road, about forty kilometres from Kadapa in the Annamayya district.

Click here for Google Maps Location

In the olden days, this region was ruled by a king namely Niranthara Maharaja. He had a concubine named Nelanda. As per her wish, Maharaja Niranthara built a village and named the village ‘Nelandaluru’ on the banks of the Bahuda. Maharaja gave Nelandaluru to the Brahmins as Agrahaaram.

According to Mackenzie Kaifiyat (he was the first surveyor general of India), Nelandalur later became Nendalur and then Nandalur. Nanda means Lord Vishnu. It is the town where Lord Vishnu appeared as Sri Saumyanadha. His temple in Nandalur has a history of more than a thousand years and is resplendent with magnificent architectural splendour.

Legend

There was an interesting ‘sthalapurana’ about the temple and God. Once upon a time, Lord Vishnu went on a world tour as per Maharishi Narada’s wish and visited different parts of the world. During his visit, Sri Maha Vishnu reached the banks of River Bahuda.

After seeing the beauty of this region Sri Maha Vishnu wanted to settle there with the name of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy with an enchanting appearance. Sthalapurana reveals that it was Narada who asked Lord Vishnu to roam around the earth which was consecrated and puja was performed.

Temple Description

Nandalur Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple has exquisite sculptures. The Temple has three entrances and Gopurams. The main entrance faces the East and the other two face the North and the South. The East Rajagopuram is built in five stairs with five ‘kalashas’ at the top.

A three-storied gopuram has also been built on the north gate. A gopuram was also built on the south gate but it got destroyed over time and now only the gate remains.

As soon as one enters the temple from the main gate, one will see the temple in a wide courtyard. Opposite the main temple, there are Dwajastambam, Bali Peetham and Garudamandapam. There is a pushkarini in the north direction of the Dwajastambam on the temple premises.

Sri Veeraanjaneya Swamy appears in the mandapam on the south side of the Dwajastambam. Devotees believe that Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy protects the devotees from all ‘grahapeedas.’

The main temple consists of Ranga mandapam, Mukha mandapam, antaralayam and Garbhalayam. The Ranga mandapam built with pillars along with Pradakshana mandapa. The main temple from Mukha mandapa is on elevated platform. On the way to Mukha mandapam there are Dwarapalakas on both sides.

In the main sanctum sanctorum, we find the Lord Sri Soumyanatha Swamy having four hands with Shanku, Chakra, Gadha and Abhaya Hastam.

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy, Nandalur

Abhaya mudra

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy is similar to Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala in His features. The only difference between Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Soumynatha Swamy is that Sri Venkateswara Swamy shows his feet with Varadamudra and Sri Soumyanatha Swamy bears the Abhaya mudra.

Chokkanadha Swamy

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy also known as Chokkanadha Swamy is a beautiful deity. About 6 feet tall Sri Soumyanatha Swamy shines brightly without any lamps from sunrise to sunset when the temple is open. Even though the entire temple is dark, light continues to shine on the Moolavirattu in the sanctum sanctorum.

This light can be seen even on moonlit nights. It is a great feature that the temple is built with light-emitting towers on the Lord at a distance of about 105 feet from the main door. In temple premises, there are small ‘garbhalayas’ for Sri Vishwakshena and Sri Narasimha Swamy.

108 Pradakshinas

Many ‘leelas’ of the Lord are in circulation. It is a deep rooted belief among the devotees that doing nine pradakshnas and standing in front of the Swami in the Pradakshina Mandapam and if wished for any desire it would be fulfilled.

It is a tradition in this temple that the devotees who have fulfilled their wishes should come back to the temple and thank the lord and do 108 pradakshinas. In this way, devotees who make 108 circumambulations to fulfill their wishes can be seen in this temple regularly.

History of the Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

Historical evidence reveals that the temple has a history of more than one thousand years. Inscriptions reveal that the Chola king Kulottunga Chola (1069 – 1122) built this temple in the 11th century and presented 120 acres of land to the Lord.

Inscriptions also reveal that Prataparudra, the ruler of the Kakatiya kingdom who ruled with Orugallu as his capital, built the Galigopuram of the temple and gave five villages to the Lord and made regular offerings with the income coming from these sources.

It seems that Saluva Narasimharaya, who ruled the Vijayanagara Empire before ascending the throne of Vijayanagara during his stay as Dandanatha at Tanguturu near Nandalur and after becoming the emperor of Vijayanagara visited and served this Lord.

Thiruvengalanath’s wife Chennamani, who ruled with Pottapi near Nandalur as her capital, and also Jakkala Thimmasani, offered jewels to the Lord. However, during British rule, the temple began to lose its glory when the grants were stopped.

Sir Thomas Monro, who worked as the Collector of Kadapa and later as the Governor of Madras State during the years 1800-1807, restored the grant system but it was not in operation for a long time. Owing to financial difficulties, the temple lost its former glory. Later it started running with the help of devotees.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took the administration of the temple in the year 2022. The emperors, kings, rulers, poets, singers, orators worshipped this Lord. Evidence reveals that the poets who wrote the Mahabharatha in Telugu – Nannaya, Tikkana and Erra pragada visited the Lord.

Sri Thallapaka Annamacharya, who worshipped Tirumala Sri Venkavenkateswara Swamy with more than 32 thousand ‘kirtanas’, visited this Lord and wrote ‘kirtanas.’ Tallapaka, the birthplace of the Annamacharyas of Tallapaka, is six kilometers away from Nandalur.

Annamayya who visited many times wrote on Sri Soumyanatha Swamy as

Choodanannichata jaanadu jokkaanaadhudu
Veedemicche naaku chokkaanaathudu
Chullara Vettu Jetala Chokkanadhu
Pullamlo Neladalur Chokkanadhu

Brahmotsavams

The Brahmotsavams of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy are performed every year in the month of Ashada for ten days besides daily poojas.

During the Brahmotsavams different ‘vahana sevas’ including Radhotsavam and Kalyanotsavam are performed in a grand style. Besides the Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dhanur Masa Pujas will also be performed annually.

Transport and Accommodation Facilities

There are no accommodation facilities for the devotees in Nandaluru. Accommodation is available in private lodges in Rajampet and Kadapa. Nandaluru is located at a distance of 40 km from Kadapa, 10 km from Rajampet and 100 km from Tirupati.

Transport facilities are available from Rajampet, Tirupati, Chittoor, Anantapur, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Bangalore and Chennai. Passenger trains stop at Nandaluru. All trains have stops at Rajampet on the Chennai-Mumbai main railway line.

Final Word

The visit of ‘Nandaluru’ brings out peace and joy to the devotees.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram

Andal Thiruvaadipooram

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Andal Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of Andal or GodaDevi)

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

 

Andal Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram
PC – Sapthagiri Magazine published by TTD

Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Goda Devi or Andal

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

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Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of GodaDevi)

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

Goda Devi or Andal

Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal. Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

Sri MalyappaSwamy Decorated as Goda Devi

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

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Vaikunta Dwaram

Vaikunta Dwaram is located on the left side of the Main shrine and faces east. This door is opened only on the Day of Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi i.e. only on two days a year.

This Dwaram does not have any special gopuram of its own and is also devoid of any elaborate decorations etc. But the entry into the main shrine through this entry (and not the Bangaru Vakili) is considered one of the most revered and auspicious achievements for all devotees.

As legend put it entry through the door is said to bring some extraordinary blessings of the Lord Venkateswara which were normally meant for the Gods who live in Vaikuntam.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

At Tirumala, Vaikunta Ekadasi has always been a special occasion for the visiting devotees and it is a feast to the eyes and solace to the soul. In recent times, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) management decided to observe the event as a ten-day festival by throwing open the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ to the visiting pilgrims for ten days.

This is followed by a procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy’s deity on the golden chariot and the conduct of ‘Chakra Snanam’ on Vaikunta Dwadasi.

Golden Chariot - Tirumala (3)
Golden Chariot procession on Tirumala Mada Streets

Since this event is a celestial spectacle, lakhs of devotees plan to visit Tirumala on this occasion, but only some of them get the opportunity to pass through the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ on this day. Devotees who could not make it to Tirumala for the auspicious day in the past were a disappointed lot.

Now, several thousands of pilgrims get the satisfaction of walking through the ‘Uttara Dwaram’ and praying to the Lord of Seven Hills for salvation, due to the decision of the authorities to keep the northern entrance open for ten days.

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Utsavam) Inside Temple

It is a devotional bliss to enter the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ and pass through the inner precincts around the sanctum sanctorum, which is believed to rid a person of all sins of the past and provide salvation. On this special occasion, the ‘Praakaaram’ is tastefully decorated with rare and exotic flowers of multiple colours, which look like heaven.

Devotees get the mesmerising experience of passing through the original ‘Vaikuntam’ while walking on this path.

May Lord Venkateswara grant liberation of the worldly shackles to all the devotees worshipping Him on this most auspicious occasion.

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thirukoilure (108 Divya Desams)

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thirukoilure (108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple

Thirukoilure Location

Tirukoilur also spelt as Tirukkoyilur or Tirukovilur is a city and the headquarters of Tirukoilur taluk in Kallakurichi District, Tamil Nadu, India. Thirukovilur is located 34km towards the west of the district headquarters Villupuram in Tamilnadu. It is on the Panruti-Vellore route. It is a small town with a very ancient temple.

Click here for Google Maps Location

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple – Sthala Puranam

King Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada. The king was known for his prowess and had brought all the worlds under his control. Lord Indra, fearful of losing control over his domain appealed to Lord Narayana for relief. The Lord descended as Vamana, the dwarf bachelor.

He went to Mahabali’s ‘yajna’ and requested for a donation. The King asked what he wanted. Lord Vamana replied to three steps of land as measured by His foot. Mahabali thought this bachelor did not know what he needed to survive and offered a lot of wealth.

Lord Vamana responded that if he can offer all this, surely, three steps of land should be possible. Shukracharya, the preceptor of the ‘asuras’ realised who Vamana is and cautioned Mahabali to withdraw from the gifting ritual.

Mahabali, renowned as the man of his word, declined to do so and went ahead. As soon as the ritualistic exchange of water from Mahabali’s hand to Lord Vamana’s hand took place completing the process of donation, the Lord started growing to His Trivikrama form.

With one foot, He measured all of this world. With another step, He measured all of the heavens. It is in this form, with one leg raised, the Lord gives ‘darshan’ in Thirukovilur to Prahalada, Shukracharya and the first three Alwars in addition to Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and the sage Mrikandu.

This temple finds mention in old Tamil literature which dates to the period 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. This makes the original temple over two thousand years old. Initially built of bricks, it was later converted to a stone structure by medieval Cholas.

It spans 5 acres of land near the South Pennar River.

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thirukoilure (108 Divya Desams)

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple – Special Features

Nalayira Divya Prabhandham was born in this place. The very first ‘pasuram’ was uttered by the three first Alwars here. The three Alwars met on a rainy day in this small village and the Lord joined them.

Poigai Alwar while travelling landed up in Thirukovilur during heavy rains. He sought shelter in a small passage in front of an ashram. Then Bhoothath Alwar also arrived there asking for shelter. The two sat together in the available space. Then Pei Azhwar also arrived. The three stood in the passage.

Suddenly they felt the presence of an unseen fourth person crowding the small space. Realising that the Lord was with them, they composed poetry in the ‘Andhadhi’ style (the last word of the pasuram is the first word of the next pasuram) – each 100 stanzas.

  1. One took the path of Bhakti.
  2. The other took the Jnana route and
  3. the third took the Parabhakti route to visualize the Lord using the light of the lamps of ‘bhakti’ and ‘jnana’ lit by the other two.

All three having seen the Lord, Pei Alwar outlines the vision of the Lord and His Divine Consort opening the stanza by saying Thiru-kandaen – ‘I saw the divine lady. Pon meni kandaen – I saw the golden form.’ Since they are the first three Alwars in the Srivaishnavaite canon, their works appropriately are called Mudhal, Irandam and Mundram (First, Second and Third) Thiruandhadhi.

The temple is regarded as the ‘avatar sthalam’ of Nalayira Divya Prabhandham as the first three pieces of poetry were sung here.

Many say that the original deity of this temple is Lord Krishna. It is part of the five Krishna ‘sthalams’ of Tamil Nadu. The temple, known as Sri Ulagalantha Perumal temple finds mention in the Sangam literature around the 3rd century of the current era. The true age of the temple is unknown.

There are contributions from various Chola kings during many years ending with the Vijayanagar dynasty.

Cheng-Kamala Natchiyar / Poong-Kothai

The legend of Trivikrama is also connected to Thrikkakara temple of Kerala and Ulagalanda Perumal Koil of Kanchipuram. The main idol is more than 20 feet tall. Since the Lord holds the Panchajanya in His right hand and Sudarshana in His left, He is deemed to be giving knowledge to all those who approach Him.

The Lord is in standing posture facing east with one leg raised. The Universal Mother is ‘Cheng-Kamala Natchiyar’ or ‘Poong-Kothai’. The temple tank is ‘Chakra Theertham’. The Lord is also called ‘Idai-Kazhi Nathan’ (in Tamil) or ‘Dehali-Eswaran’ (in Sanskrit).

There is a shrine of Vishnu Durga in one of the ‘prakaras.’ There is also a 40 ft tall pillar on top of which, it is said, that Garuda prays to the Lord of this temple. Vaanavan Devi, the mother of King Rajaraja Chola and King Rajaraja himself were both born here as the mother hailed from this town.

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple

Mangalasasanam

Poigai Alwar refers to the Bhakthi ‘marga’ to realize the Lord. He says with the earth as the vessel, the ocean surrounding as the ghee, he is using the sun with its rays as the light in the lamp to write these ‘pasurams’ in Tamil as garlands at the divine feet of the Lord.

He is requesting the Lord to remove all obstacles of ‘samsaara’ from his path so he can realize the Lord because of his bhakthi. In Mudhal Thiruandhadhi (2167), Poigai Alwar considers his meeting with the Lord.

Peria Vachan Pillai comments that if the Lord had gone inside the house, He would have met the ‘rishi’ staying there. If He had stayed outside, He would have met the people who live there. Instead, He chose to stay in the passage to be with His devotees who sang about him.

Bhoothath Alwar says that with his love for the Lord as the vessel, with his desire to realize the Lord as the ghee, he is using his melting thoughts as the wick to light the lamp of knowledge (Jnana) to realise Srimannarayana. In Irandaam Thiruandhadhi (2252), Bhoothath Alwar visualizes the consequences of Trivikrama ‘avatar’.

When the Lord (who rests on Adisesh emitting poison and fire), raised and grew His foot to measure the worlds–the left curved conch (Panchajanya) in his left hand made sound and the golden fire emitting discus (Sudarshana) started emitting fire to reduce the enemies to inaction.

The Alwar describes Trivikrama in all His stunning glory spanning all directions. The implication is that all the ‘nityasuris’ were alerted and alarmed to their intended state (conch blowing, discus emitting fire and Adisesha emitting poison and fire) hearing the Lord grow big as Trivikrama wondering who was attacking the Lord and if they should perform their duty of protecting Him.

In Mundram Thiruandhadhi, Pei Alwar completes the exercise. Poigai utilized that path of devotion to achieve Para-bhakthi. Bhootha utilized the path of ‘jnana’ to achieve ‘Para-jnana.’ Pei Alwar utilized what the other two have realized and sings of how the Lord is realized. ‘Thiru- Kandaen–I saw Her (Mahalakshmi).

I saw His golden form shining like the sun. I saw the Sudarshana that puts fear in the hearts of enemies in battle. I saw the left whorled conch in his hand also. I saw all this in the form of my dark-complexioned, sea-hued Lord.’

Between the three of them, they set the tone for the evolution of Nalayira Divya Prabhandham –a combined and consummate effort by twelve Alwars of whom these three were the first. The routes to achieve the Lord are dealt with by the Lord Himself in the Varaha Purana (His discourse to Sri Bhumi Devi) and the Bhagavad Gita. But here in three pasurams, four lines each, with the blinding brilliance of simple Tamil, the three Alwars give it to us.

Thirumangai Alwar in Thirunedunthandagam (2052-2081), refers to the Lord at Thirukovilur and encourages everyone to worship Him there. The Alwar speaks of Trivikrama ‘avatar’ in this and refers to Him as Ulagalandaan.

The Alwar says: ‘You are in a place filled with lotus-filled ponds, wide streets, parks and lush green vegetation and guarded by deities such as Kali.’ Let us all concentrate on worshipping the Lord of Thirukovilur. In his Parakala Nayaki state, Thirumangai Alwar refers to Thirukovilur in more than one place in Sirya Thirumadal and Periya Thirumadal as the residence of the Lord who measured the world.

Let us all concentrate on worshipping the Lord of Thirukovilur.

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