Category: 108 Divya Desams

Divya desam Temples are the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints). ”Divya” means “premium” and “Desam” indicates “place” (temple). Of the 108 temples, 105 are in India, one is in Nepal, and last two are outside the Earthly realms. The last two are Thirupalkaddal and Paramapadam

Thirumanikkoodam & Thiruvellakulam & Thiruparthanpalli (108 Divya Desams)

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(All Part of Thirunangur Eleven Divya Desam)

Location: As can be seen from the map, all three places Thirumanikkoodam & Thiruvellakulam & Thiruparthanpalli are within a few km of Thirunangur which itself is a few km away from Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu.

Thirumanikkoodam

Sthalapuranam

This divya desam is like that of Kanchi Varadaraja perumal. He is renowned for his ability to grant devotee’s requests. The Lord also participates amongst the eleven Garuda sevais on Thai Amavasya Day every year.

Special features

He closely resembles Kanchi Sri Varadarajaswamy and is known as Gajendra Varadhan. The universal mother is known as Thirumamagal Natchiyar. The temple pond is Chandra pushkarni and the Vimana is Kanaka Vimana.

Gajendra Varadhan Temple - Thirumanikkoodam

Mangalasasanam

This temple is sung about only by Thirumangai Alwar in Peria Thirumozhi (1288-1297). He speaks of the Lord as the one who ended the tribulations of Gajendra and was later born as Krishna. During this avatar, the Lord picked the Govardhan hill filled with deep-rooted bamboo to protect the people of Gokula. At Thirunangur which is along the Kaveri river, the same Lord resides at Thirumanikkoodam temple.

He also refers to the Lord as one who cut off the nose and ears of Surpanaka. He says the Lord who eternally resides with Periya Piratti and Bhumi Devi is the one who resides in Thirumanikkoodam temple. He also refers to the Lord of Thirumanikkoodam as the one out of the three (Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra).

Thiruvellakulam (Annan Koil)

Sthalapuranam

A Solar dynasty King had a son by the name Sweta who was predicted to have a short life span. As a young boy, Sweta prayed to Sri Vishnu who granted him a long life. Thus, the temple pond became Sweta Pushkarni and the town got the name Thiruvellakulam (sweta in Tamil is Vellai or white).

Thirumangai Alwar refers to the Lord of Tirumala as the younger brother of the Lord of this temple. Hence the name Annan (elder brother) Koil.

Sri Annan Perumal Temple Srinivasan Padmavathi – Divya Desam; Click here for the Google Maps Location

Special features

The Lord is known as Annan Perumal or Srinivasa. And in the same vein as the association with Srinivasa, the universal mother is known as Alarmelmangai or Padmavati. The Vimana is Tatvathyothaka Vimana and the temple pond, as mentioned, is Sweta pushkarni.

Of the 108 Divya Desams, this is the only place where the Lord and the Mother have names identical to Tirumala deities. It is said that this is where Kumudavalli consort of Thirumangai Alwar originated.

It is here that she laid the many conditions, fulfilling which helped Thirumangai become a SriVaishnavaite and an alwar. When Manavala Maamuni searched for the Lord and the Lord searched for Manavala Maamuni, both were said to have met each other here. The area is known as Palasavanam.

Sri Annan Perumal Temple Srinivasan Padmavathi - Divya Desam - Annan Koil

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar is the only Alwar who has sung about this Divya Desam in Peria Thirumozhi (1308 – 1317).

He refers to the Lord as one with the complexion of the dark ocean residing in this temple. He says that brave warriors live in Thirunangur where Thiruvellakulam temple with tall walls can be found. He further refers to the lord as one who broke the tusks of the wild elephant Kuvalayapeedamu.

The Lord is resident in Thirunangur where only good people reside. The Lord is also like an elephant in the Thiruvellakulam temple surrounded by garden-like surroundings where bees collect plenty of honey. He finally appeals to the consort of Mahalakshmi who is ever resident in his heart.

He says only wise brahmins reside in Thirunangur where the Lord resides in the Thiruvellakulam temple. He requests the lord to end his suffering in this world.

Thiruparthanpalli

Sthalapuranam

It is said that Arjuna became thirsty during his wanderings and approached Sage Agasthya for water to drink. The sage looked at his Kamandalu to offer water which immediately went dry. He pointed out to Arjuna his mistake and asked him to pray to Krishna.

The Lord appeared as Parthsarathy, gave Arjuna a sword and began Arjuna’s education. Arjuna drew a line on the ground with the sword out of which water sprang. Hence the name of the Divya desam.

Special Features

The Lord here is amongst the eleven who participate in combined brahmotsavam garuda seva on Thai Amavasya day. The Lord is known as Thamaraiyallkelvan or Parthasarathy. The universal mother is known as Thamarainayaki. The pond is known as Ketka (sword) theertham. The vimana is Narayana Vimana. There is a shrine for Arjuna in this temple. Sage Agastya is said to have walked followed by Kaveri.

Along the river’s route, there are a few shrines to the sage. However, this is last as the sage stayed here as the end point of his travels. Since Poigai Alwar refers to the universal mother here specifically by name, it could be assumed that he has also sung about this Divya Desam. The Lord here is considered to be the same as the one in Thiruvallikeni.

Thamaraiyallkelvan or Parthasarathy - Thiruparthanpalli

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar has sung about this divya desam in Peria Thirumozhi (1318- 1327). He refers to the Lord as the one who broke the tusks of the wild elephant. He refers to the Lord of Parthanpalli as Thamaraiyallkelvan of Thirunangur.

Resorting to Nayaka-nayaki bhava, he says (as a mother) his daughter sings the praise of the lord of Parthanpalli. He refers to his daughter (as a mother) who has lost all the qualities of a woman because of her love of the Lord of Parthan palli and who against all expectations has walked out of the house.

The mother says her daughter is after the Lord with Sudarshana. His fame is known worldwide. He always cares for his devotees. He is the prime cause of all seven worlds. Poigai Alwar in his Mudhal Thiruvandhadhi (2148) says that the river looks to the sea, the Lotus always looks to the sun, non-Vaishnava’s life reaches Dharmaraja. The same way Jnana looks for Thamaraiyallkelvan.

Thirukavalampadi & Thiruarimeyavinnagaram & Thiruvannpurushutamam (108 Divya Desams)

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(All parts of the Thirunangur Eleven)

Location – As it can be seen from the map, these Divya Desams are located at a distance of 150 km east of Srirangam and close to the town of Mayiladuthurai. These are the 6th, 7th and 8th of Divya Desams of the Thirunangur Eleven.

THIRUKAVALAMPADI

Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple

Sthalapuranam:

The Legend is that when Satyabhama wanted Indra’s ‘parijatha’ tree after slaying Narakasura, Indra refused. Lord Krishna forcibly brought the parijathas to the earth from Indra’s garden. Lord Krishna, one of the ten forms of Lord Vishnu, settled here as the place is full of ‘parijatha’ trees.

Special Features

The Lord here is Gopala Krishna or Rajagopalan and the Universal Mother is Madavaral Nangai or Satyabhama. The ‘Vimana’ is ‘swayambu’ or Vedamoda ‘vimana’ and the ‘theertham’ is Tadamalar Poigai. The utsavar holds a scepter and so it is considered a royal posture. This Lord also participates in the joint Garuda Sevai on Thai Amavasya Day.

Thirukavalampadi (108 Divya Desams)

Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Click here for Google Maps Location

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar has sung about this Divya Desam in his Periya Thirumozhi (1298 -1307). Alwar addresses the Lord as the prompt protector of Gajendra when the elephant appeals to Him for help by reciting His name. He is a resident of Thirukavalampadi which is in Thirunangur filled with well-to-do Brahmins. Alwar appeals to him for protection.

He identifies the Lord as the same one who killed Vaali with a single arrow in the chest and made his friend Sugreeva the king. He is the resident of the temple in Kavalampadi where jack fruit and mango trees are found in plenty of dripping honey. Alwar appeals to him for protection.

He gives the Sthalapuranam in another pasuram and says that Indra himself created Kavalampadi and that the Lord is the resident in the temple and appeals to Him all his sufferings till the end.

THIRUARIMEYAVINNAGARAM

Sthalapuranam

Lord Krishna carried the Govardhana hill as an umbrella to protect the people from the hailstorm sent by Indra. So the Divya Desam is called Kudia-adum-kuthan which over time came to be known as Kudamadumkuthann Koil. Very few know the name Arimeyavinnagaram. The word means the place where Hari has willingly stayed.

Special features

The Lord is known as Kudamadukoothar. The Universal Mother is known as Amritakatavalli Thaayar. The ‘vimana’ is Uchasringa and the ‘theertham’ is ‘Amrutha’ or ‘Koti Theertham.’ This Lord also participates in the joint Garuda Sevai on Thai Amavasya Day every year.

Thiruarimeyavinnagaram (108 Divya Desams)

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar has sung about this Divya Desam in Periya Thirumozhi (1238-1247). Alwar instructs his foolish heart to worship the Lord of the Divya Desam who with Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side dispels all the ailments of his devotees.

He is served by Nitya ‘suris’ always. He is the Lord who holds the discus to kill Narakasura. He is the same Lord who has installed Mandhara hill and churned the Ocean of Milk to get ‘amrut’ for Devas.

For the Alwar is like an incomparable jewel and the nectar itself. He is a resident of Arimeyavinnagaram. He has drawn the life of the she-demon Puthana who has come with evil intentions. He consumes curds and butter. Located on the banks of Kaveri which pushes sandalwood etc in its waters, the Lord resides in the temple in Arimeyavinnagaram.

THIRUVANNPURUSHOTAMAM

Sthalapuranam

The Lord appeared as Rama to Thirumangai Alwar. He is considered the perfect type of being. Hence, He is called Purushottaman. It is the name of the Divya Desam.

When Vyagrapaada came here with his child Upamanyu, he went hunting for flowers for his prayers. The child cried. The Lord encouraged by the Universal Mother appeared to the child and gave him milk from Thiruparkadal.

Special Features

The Lord is Purushotamana and the Universal Mother is Purushotamanayaki. The ‘vimana’ is Sanjeevagraha and the ‘theertham’ is Thiruparkadal ‘theertham.’ The ‘murthi’ of Perumal is very handsome to look at.

Thiruvannpurushutamam

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar has sung about this Divya Desam in Peria Thirumozhi (1258- 1267). Alwar addresses the Lord of this Divya Desam as one who built the bridge across the ocean to reach Lanka and slayed the ten-headed Ravana with his arrows. He made Vibhishana king of Lanka. The temple is surrounded by jackfruit, banana and mango trees.

He is the Lord who kicked Sakatasura with His divine feet and who defeated Shiva during the battle with Banasura. He further cut off all Bana’s shoulders. He sits in the temple in a parklike setting.

He is the Lord who released Shiva from the curse he was suffering from. He sits amidst palm and coconut trees which drop their nuts on to the ponds scaring fish to swim away.

Sri Soundaraja perumal temple, Thirunagai (108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Soundaraja Perumal Temple Location

Sri Soundaraja Perumal temple, Thirunagai Divya desam is located just a little off the coast of the Bay of Bengal near Nagapattinam is a cluster of divya desams scattered around. Three of these small villages/ towns are what we will look into today.

Thirunagai – This is a town located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal 150km south of Pondicherry and 150 km due east of Srirangam.

Click here for the Google Maps location

Sthalapuranam

Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Vishnu at the local pond. The Lord satisfied with his worship appeared before him glowing in golden colour. Because of this beautiful appearance, he is known as ‘Azhghian or Soundara-raja-Perumal’.

The universal mother is called ‘Soundara-valli’ or she who is of matchless beauty. The pond is called ‘Sara-pushkarani’. The area is known as sundararnyam or beautiful forests.

Legend has it that Adhisesha did penance here to attain Lord Vishnu who agreed to use him for a bed. Hence the name ‘Thirunagai’. Dhruva the son of King Utanapada did his penance guided by sage Narada at a young age to attain the special grace of Lord Vishnu here at Thirunagai.

Sri Soundaraja perumal temple, Thirunagai (108 Divya Desams)

Special features

There is vigraha (idol) of Lord Narasimha with eight h a n d s here. He is seen in a rare pose that combines Abhaya mudra, blessing Prahlada and tearing into Hiranyakasipu.
The temple has received contributions from Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Nayaks and Nagars.

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai alwar in his Peria Thirumozhi (1758-1767) takes on the role of Nayaki and expresses his undying love for the Lord. He says the Lord is staring at her directly and wonders what would happen if her mother found out.

Having identified the Lord as the one who measured the worlds, she extols his charm. As Nayaki, Alwar says it is not possible to think of anyone after seeing the Lord of Nagai. Only a small portion of the 140 plus pasurams are quoted here for lack of adequate space.

Sri Loganatha Perumal, Thirukannangudi (108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Loganatha Perumal Temple Location

Sri Loganatha Perumal, Thirukannangudi divya desam is located just a little off the coast of the Bay of Bengal near Nagapattinam is a cluster of divya desams scattered around. Three of these small villages/ towns are what we will look into today.

Thirukannangudi – A small village located just a few km due west of the town of Nagapattinam.

Click here for the Google Maps location

Sthalapuranam

The Sage Vasishta worshipped the Lord with a murthy made of pure butter. The Lord decided to test him one day and came in the form of a young boy. While playing he ate up the butter idol. When Vasishta saw this, he chased the boy who landed in this sthalam where many rishis were doing tapas (penance).

They gathered and requested the Lord to give darshan in this form here. The Lord consented.

He is known as ‘Lokanatha Perumal’ (Lord of the world) or ‘Damodara Narayana Perumal’. The universal mother is known as ‘Lokanayaki or Aravindavalli’.

Sri Loganatha Perumal, Thirukannangudi (108 Divya Desams)

Special features

Thirumangai Alwar robbed a golden statue to pay for his expenses in the construction of a compound wall at Srirangam. When he was on his way back, he rested under a tamarind tree and requested the tree to watch over the stolen gold temporarily buried below. The tree is supposed to have remained on guard all night allowing Alwar to rest undisturbed. He blessed it with the name Urangaa Pulli (non-sleeping tamarind).

The next morning the owner of the land arrived and claimed ownership of the gold because it was buried on his land. Alwar claimed he owned the land and had the proof in Srirangam. He promised to bring the proofs next day. He never turned up. This is considered as Theera Vazhakku (unsolved dispute).

Similarly, when he felt thirsty the people of village refused water because of the unsolved dispute. He cursed the wells to remain dry (oora kinnaru). Subsequently when he again slept under a maghizam tree, the tree blew cool breeze over him. The Lord came in the form of a stranger and fed Alwar and gave him to drink.

When alwar woke up, he felt rested and fed and thirst quenched. He blessed the tree to never go dry (kaayaa maghizham).

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar in Peria Thirumozhi (1748-1757) opens up by extolling the virtues of this place. In addition to being the place where the Lord who rests on Adhisesha on the sea with his divya ayudhams, it is also the place where learned elders who are well versed in ithihasas, who conduct the various yajnas live.

In the succeeding stanzas he identifies the sthalam as the one in which the Lord who took various avataars such as matsya and kurma resides.

Sri Sowriraja Perumal, Thirukkannapuram(108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Sowriraja Perumal Temple Location

Sri Sowriraja Perumal, Thirukkannapuram divya desam is located just a little off the coast of the Bay of Bengal near Nagapattinam is a cluster of divya desams scattered around. Three of these small villages/ towns are what we will look into today.

Thirukkannapuram village is located 140 km east of Srirangam near (25 km north and west) the town of Nagapattinam.

Click here for the Google Maps location

Sthalapuranam

Legend has it that the local temple priest was recycling garlands due to poverty. One day when the king visited, he found human hair in the garland. Angered by this, he questioned the priest who said it was the Lord’s hair. The next day when the king visited again, he found the Lord with plenty of hair hence the name Sowriraja (Sowri is wig or hair). In another legend, a local devotee offered Pongal at night to the Lord.

The temple was closed and the devotee, consequently, stood outside and made the offering. Suddenly bells could be heard from inside and the smell of hot ghee came wafting on the breeze signifying that the Lord had accepted the offering. To this day, Pongal is offered during night puja.

It is also said the Lord instructed Thirumangai alwar on Thirumandiram in this place. Hence the place is called ‘Maha Mandira Siddhi Kshetram‘. This is also one of the Panchakanna kshetrams.

Sri Sowriraja Perumal, Thirukkannapuram(108 Divya Desams)

Special features

The Lord here is called ‘Neelamegha Perumal’ or ‘Sowriraja Perumal’. The universal mother is called Kannapura Nayaki. The temple pond is called ‘Nithiya theertham’. Pongal is offered during the last puja of the day.

The main deity is in the Varada hastam pose just like Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal. He also holds the Prayoga chakram.

During Vaikasi brahmotsavam, the Lord gives Trimurthy darshan in a single day – as Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. Vibhishana is said to have prayed to see the Lord standing. The Lord asked him to come to this place.

Mangalasasanam

Interestingly this is the third most sung about sthalam (place) of the 108 with 128 songs. A majority of them, are by Thirumangai Alwar. Nammalwar in his Thiruvaimozhi (3665) simply states that the merest mention of the name of the lord of thirukkannapuram is enough to alleviate all sufferings.

What can I ask for beyond that? Kulasekhara Alwar in Perumal Thirumozhi (719 – 729) addresses the resident of Thirukannapuram as Raghava! As the son of Kausalya! And goes on to add that he is resting in this temple.

Perialwar in his Peria Thirumozhi (71) refers to this shrine as so eternal that it does not get destroyed even during pralaya. He identifies the Lord of this place as the one that Yasoda used to carry around on her waist.

Thanjai Maamani Koil & Thirunandipuravinnagaram & Thiruvelliangudi (108 Divya Desams)

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The land about 50km north and south of Kaveri, Kollidam is profuse with tributaries of Kaveri – the area being the delta of the Kaveri River. There is a treasure trove of history, mythology and religion all manifest in the form of temples dotting the landscape.

Thanjai Maamani Koil

Location

Just north of Thanjavur town is an oddity called Thanjaimaamani Koil. This is one Divya Desam but located as three different temples scattered over a square kilometre. All three trace their origins to three brothers who figure prominently in the history of how the name Thanjavur derived in ancient times.

Sthalapuranam

Back in Treta yuga (according to Brahmanda Purana) three Asuras prayed for immortality to Lord Siva. While denying their request Lord Shiva blessed them with other powers. They used their powers wrongly to terrorize the three worlds. They ended up in present-day Thanjavur where Sage Parashara was doing his penance. He appealed to Lord Vishnu who appeared with Sudarshana to cut off Thanchakan’s head.

The place became Thanchakanoor or Thanjavur. Kachmukan took the form of an elephant and he was killed by Lord Nrusimha. The third brother Tantakan ran away and eventually was killed by Sri Varaha and the place became Srimushnam.

The Lord is known as ‘Senkamalavalli Thayar Sametha Sri Neelamegha Perumal‘ in one, ‘Thanjainayaki Sametha Sri Veera Nrusimhan’ in the second and ‘Ambujavalli Sametha Sri Manikundra Perumal’ in the third.

Senkamalavalli Thayar Sametha Sri Neelamegha Perumal - Thanjai Maamani Koil

Special Features

All three temples are located on the southern bank of Vennaru. These three temples are sung together as a single Divya Desam. They are scattered over one square kilometre. The Lord is regarded as the protector of Thanjavur.

Mangalasasanam

In Irandaam Thiruandhadhi, Bhuthathalwar (2251) mentions Divya Desam as a place where the Lord resides along with a bhaktha’s heart. In Peria Thirumozhi (953), Thirumangai Alwar exhorts the bhakthas to worship the Lord at this Divya Desam saying the Lord here is his leader who decimated Asuras with bow and arrow. He identifies the Lord as everything to him.

In Thiruvaimozhi (3139), Nammalwar in his Nayaki status declares that he will do Madal Oorthal on Lord referring to him as blemishless and Manikundra Perumal.

Click here for the complete list of Divya Desams

Thirunandipuravinnagaram

Location

This is located on the southern banks of Kollidam river not very far from Kumbakonnam. This place is also called ‘Nathan Koil’.

Sthalapuranam

In ages long gone, Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Siva wished to have darshan of Lord Vishnu and so, approached Sri Vaikunta. The Gatekeepers (Dwarapalakas) denied him entry. When Nandi became aggressive, the gatekeepers cursed Nandi. Concerned Nandi approached Lord Siva for guidance. Lord Siva told Nandi to worship Lord Vishnu in Shenbagaranyam.

Since Nandi did tapas there and was relieved of the curse, the place is called ‘Nandipuravinnagaram’.

Another story is that when Sibi Chakravarthy agreed to part with his flesh as food for the eagle in return for safety for the pigeon the Lord in this temple moved to stand witness to Sibi Chakravarthy’s legendary integrity. Originally, he was facing east. Now he faces West as a witness.

The Lord is ‘Vinnagara Perumal or Jagannathan’. The universal mother is called ‘Shenbagavalli’. The vimana is ‘Mandharavimanam’.

Thirunandipuravinnagaram

Special Features

There is a shrine to Nandi in this temple which is unusual in Vishnu temples. This area is called ‘Shenbagaranyam’.

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar, in his Peria Thirumozhi has sung ten pasurams (1438 to 1447) about this Divya Desam. He starts the decad by pointing out that the Lord is Krishna, who danced with pots and ate curds, and resides in this Divya Desam. He points out that if people understood all he had said, there was a way to live and reach the Lord.

The same Lord is who ate the worlds and retained them in his stomach during pralaya. He calls the Lord residing in this Divya Desam the destroyer of Asuras and one who carried the Pancha-ayudha in his hands. He points out that the Lord who went to the forest with his brother and wife without regard for personal comfort and safety with, is the same Lord who lives here.

Thiruvelliangudi

Location

This village can be found not very far to the east and north of Kumbakonnam.

Sthalapuranam

During Vamana avatara, the asura guru, Shukracharya was blinded by Lord Vishnu when he tried to prevent Mahabali from donating three steps of land to Lord Vishnu. It is said that Shukracharya later did tapas here to recover his lost eye and lit a lamp which burns even now called Netra Deepam.

The Lord is known as ‘Kolavilli Ramar or Ksheerapthinathan’. The universal mother is Maragathavalli Thayar. The Lord is present as Trivikrama Avataar in this temple. He is also referred to as Kshringara Sundaran as he is supposed to be fond of dressing up. He is also referred to as Velliyan.

Kolavilli Ramar or Ksheerapthinathan - Thiruvelliangudi

Special Features

Vyakyana Chakravarthy, Periavachan Pillai was born near this Divyadesam. The temple is called Shukra Kshetram. There is a red plantain tree that grows from the rocks and yields fruits once a year. Garuda who is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu can be seen holding Conch and discus only in this temple.

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar in his Peria Thirumozhi (1338-1347), identifies this Divya Desam as the place where the one who stole the butter, who rested on a banyan leaf and who killed Puthana, resides. In these ten songs focused on Krishna, he calls the resident of this temple the one who danced on Kaliya the serpent and one who is dark complexioned. This is the temple where he who drove the chariot, lives, says Alwar. He also identifies him by name – Kolavilliraman.

Towards the end of the decade, he identifies the Lord of this Divya Desam with Narasimha and the Lord who carries Sudarshana.

Only a small portion of the songs on these Divya Desams is discussed here.

Sri Vaikuntanathan Temple, Nangur (108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Vaikuntanathan Temple Location

As one can see from the map, Sri Vaikuntanathan Temple Divya Desam is located 150 km east of Srirangam which is close to the town of Mayiladuthurai. These are the 9th, 10th and 11th of Divya Desams of the Thirunangur Eleven.

Click here for the Google Maps location

THIRUVAIKUNDAVINNAGARAM

Sri Vaikuntanathan Temple – Sthalapuranam

The Lord appears here just the same way He would appear in SriVaikunta or Paramapadham. He is one of the eleven who came to stop Rudra’s dance. He made the conversion of eleven dancing Rudras into one Siva here. He appears here seated just as he appears to Nitya Suris.

Sri Vaikuntanathan Temple – Special features

Appropriately the Lord is known as Vaikuntanathan and the universal mother is known as Vaikuntavalli. The Vimana is Anantasathyavarthaga Vimana and the theertham is Lakshmi Theertham, Uthanga Pushkarni and Viraja Theertham. It is said the Uparisrivasu and Uthnaga attained ‘moksha’ by praying here. This Lord also participates in the joint Garuda Sevai on Thai Amavasya Day every year.

Sri Vaikuntanathan Temple, Nangur (108 Divya Desams)

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar has sung about this Divya Desam in Periya Thirumozhi (1228-1237). Alwar addresses his wayward heart and says the Lord here is the one who killed Hiranya. He is the same one who churned the Ocean of Milk for the benefit of the Devas.

He has the complexion of a dark cloud and resides in the temple at Vaikuntavinnagaram surrounded by parks with jasmine and shenbaga plants showering flowers. He tossed Vatsasura to make all the fruits drop and He ate all the butter and curd kept by the yadava girls.

As if that did not fill him, He ate the worlds during Pralaya. He is seated in Vaikutavinnagaram surrounded by palms, coconuts and betel leaf plants. He was worshipped by the Devas and the ‘rishis’. It is the same Lord who is at this temple. This town has a tall building. It seems that it rubs the lower side of the Moon. The ponds have fish jumping in them.

Sri Sempon Arangar Perumal Temple, Nangur (108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Sempon Arangar Perumal Temple Location

As one can see from the map, Sri Sempon Arangar Perumal Temple Divya Desam is located 150 km east of Srirangam which is close to the town of Mayiladuthurai. These are the 9th, 10th and 11th of Divya Desams of the Thirunangur Eleven.

Click here for the Google Maps location

THIRUSEMPONSEYKOIL

Sri Sempon Arangar Perumal Temple  – Sthalapuranam

After Ravana was killed, Rama returned from Lanka. On his way back, he stopped here and had a golden cow donated to a brahmin as advised by Trutanethra muni. The brahmin in return constructed this temple using the gold and hence the name of the Divya Desam.

Sri Sempon Arangar Perumal Temple – Special features

The Lord is known as Sempon Arangar or Perarulalan or Hemarangan and the universal mother is known as Allimamalar Natchiyar. The vimana is ‘kanaka vimana’ and the theertham is ‘hema’ and kanaka theertham. It is said that the Lord here is the same as Azhagiya Manavallan or Uraiyur. This Lord also participates in the joint Garuda Sevai on Thai Amavasya day.

Sri Sempon Arangar Perumal Temple, Nangur (108 Divya Desams)

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar has sung about this Divya Desam in his Periya Thirumozhi (1298 -1307). Alwar says everyone in this world sang the multiple names of Perarulalan who stands like a dark cloud in the Semponsey temple surrounded by tall buildings and accompanied by Peria Piratti and Bhumidevi.

That is how Alwar says he is saved. Taking the small but perfect Vamana form, measuring the worlds with His divine feet in Mahabali’s ‘yagasala,’ resting on Thiruparkadal for Nitya Suris to serve Him, wearing the gem-encrusted crown, He resides in the Semponsey temple in the middle of Thirunangur.

Alwar says he is saved because of the Lord. After bridging the ocean, the Lord went to Trikuta Hills in Lanka and destroyed the city with his arrows. The Brahmins who have the four Vedas as their only wealth live in Thirunangur where the semponsey temple is.

It is by worshipping the Lord with Periya Piratti that I have found an end to my suffering.

 

Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram, Thiruvaali (108 Divya Desams)

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Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram Location

As can be seen from the map, Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram is located in a cluster of about 160km due east of Srirangam along the Bay of Bengal coast not far from Chidambaram.

Click here for the Google Maps location

Thiruvaali

Sthalapuranam

One legend states that Lord Nrusimha was uncontrollably angry after killing Hiranyakasipu. He was calmed by Goddess Lakshmi sitting in his lap and hugging him. Alli comes from the word Alingana which means hug. Hence the name of the kshetram. It is also known as Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram.

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy

When Thirumangai Alwar tried to rob the toe ring by biting it off, the Lord made him realize who He was by whispering the Ashtakshara in his ears with meaning. This completed the transformation of Thirumangai into a Vishnu bhakta.

Special features

This temple was built by Chola kings with later additions made by Vijayanagar kings and Nayaks.

Because he was given the Ashtakshari here by the Lord, Thirumangai Alwar has a separate shrine. The incident of Thirumangai robbing Perumal is celebrated as a separate utsava (on Panguni month and Uthiram star) even now. The mandap where Alwar fed 1000 persons daily is still there nearby. This was also known as Alinadu of which Thirumangai Alwar was King. This is also the place where Kumudavalli (consort of Thirumangai) was raised. She was instrumental in his conversion to Vaishnavism.

This temple is deemed the equivalent of Badrikashrama as the Lord is presented as a Teacher in both places. The Lord is ‘Azhagiyasingar’ (Ali-manavalan) and the Universal mother is ‘Poornavalli’. The Vimana is Ashtakshara Vimana.

Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram, Thiruvaali (108 Divya Desams)

Mangalasasanam

In Peria Thirumozhi, Thirumangai Alwar (1188 – 1217) refers to the Lord of Thiruvalli as one who having entered his heart and residing there, is sweet to think about. Alwar mentions the natural beauties of the Thiruvalli area as a place filled with parks, flowing waters and punnai trees.

He refers to the Lord who resides here as the one who shot an arrow through seven trees at one go (Rama Avataaram).

Alwar says that he is eternally attached to the Lord and the Lord in his turn resides in His heart so one cannot leave the other.

He refers to ThiruAlli as the place where the brahmins well versed in vedas reside. He sends the six-legged bees as ambassadors to the Lord of Alli. He asks them to inform the Lord of his suffering and longing to reach him.

Only a small portion of the pasurams about these Kshetras is given here. The numbers are given to facilitate self-study for those who are interested.

Trivikrama Perumal Temple, Sirkali (108 Divya Desams)

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Trivikrama Perumal Temple Location

As can be seen from the map, Trivikrama Perumal Temple is located in a cluster of about 160km due east of Srirangam along the Bay of Bengal coast not far from Chidambaram.

Click here for the Google Maps location

Sirkali / Seerkazhi

Sthalapuranam

This place is also known as Kazhiseerama Vinnagarm. The area is called ‘Pataleegavanam’ and ‘Uthamakshetram’. Lomasa Maharishi was concerned that Brahma’s long life was making Brahma arrogant. So, he prayed to Vishnu and requested him to help control it.

The Lord blessed the rishi and promised that for every hair Lomasa lost from his body, Brahma would lose one year of his life. Then the Lord asked if the Rishi needed anything else. Lomasa asked that the Lord reside in Seerkazhi eternally in Trivikrama form.

The Lord agreed. It is said that Lomasa informed the link between his hair and Brahma’s life to Brahma later and brought his arrogance under control. The universal mother is ‘Lokanayaki’. The temple pond is Sangu and Chakra theertham and the vimana is Pushkala.

Trivikrama Perumal Temple, Sirkali or Seerkazhi (108 Divya Desams)

 

Special features

Because the Lord is in Trivikrama form when he measured the three worlds, he is called ‘Thaallalan or Thadallan’. Because he was stored in the Tavittu paanai (Pot), he is also referred to as Thavittu Paanai Thadallan. One story is that Siddhashrama where Vishwamitra conducted yaga was guarded by Rama and Lakshmana.

Seerkazhi or Sikali is reputed to be Siddhashrama. Hence the temple is also called ‘Cheerama vinnagaram’. Thirumangai Alwar won over Thirugnanasambhandar in discourse in this town. Sambhandar called Alwar Nalkaviperumal and gifted his hand help a spear.

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar in Peria Thirumozhi (1178-1187) instructs us that if we wish to attain the divine feet of the Lord, this temple is the place to go to and worship. He also refers to the story of Romasa Maharishi and instructs us what happened in this temple.

He further refers to those who wish to attain the divine feet of Krishna (who killed the bulls to attain Napinnai) and Nrusimha (who tore Hiranya’s chest open), That Lord is the resident at Seerkazhi. Then he refers to the Lord resident here as the one who scattered the ten heads of Ravana and turned them into mud.

The Lord resident here is also the same one who brought the Parijatha tree for Sathyabhama and instructs us to go and worship him.