A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples that is mentioned in the works of the Alvars, there are total 108 Divya Desams.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As can be seen from the map, Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram is located in a cluster of about 160km due east of Srirangamalong the Bay of Bengal coast not far from Chidambaram.
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.
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.
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.
As can be seen from the map, Trivikrama Perumal Temple is located in a cluster of about 160km due east of Srirangamalong the Bay of Bengal coast not far from Chidambaram.
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.
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.
As can be seen from the map, Parimala Ranganathan Temple is located in a cluster of about 160km due east of Srirangamalong the Bay of Bengal coast not far from Chidambaram.
Chandra (moon) one of the Navagrahas was cursed. He was advised to go to this place and worship the Lord here for relief from the curse. The word INDU also means Chandra. Hence the name of the town. The Lord here is ‘Parimala Ranganathan’. The universal mother is ‘Parimala Ranganayaki’ or ‘Chandra Saabha Vimochana Valli’.
The temple pond is ‘Indu Pushkarani’ and the vimana is ‘Veda Chakra Vimana’. The area is called ‘Sugandha vanam’.
Special features
The temple is old and has contribution from medieval cholas, Vijayanagar kings and Nayaks.
Thirumangai Alwar arrived at this temple to find the doors locked. After being unable to enter, he told the Lord to enjoy his temple himself and started to walk away. Needless to say Perumal could not be hostile to His devotee and so the doors opened. The ten pasurams are a very affectionate argument between Parimala Rangan and Alwar.
Mangalasasanam
In Peria Tirumozhi (1328-1337), Thirumangai Alwar asks Parimala Rangan how it would reflect on Perumal’s reputation if a devotee visited Him and found the doors locked. Alwar points out that the purpose of Archa rupam is to give darshan and so will he not show His handsome form to Alwar and save his reputation? The Lord says in return to Alwar that Alwar should not worry about Him.
The Alwar points out to the Lord that something has happened that the Lord cannot tolerate. The Lord asks what is this new matter? Alwar replies that it is human nature to move on to the next thing if something is not within reach. “So, if a devotee cannot get to see the Lord, he may lose interest and go on to the next. You cannot tolerate losing that devotee’s bhakthi. But I am not like that.
My bhakthi for you will increase instead of reducing” says Thirumangai Alwar. He also asks the Lord during various yugas you are white, golden and blue in colour. Now in Kali yuga, what is your colour?” The entire ten pasurams are a series of discussions between the Lord and Alwar.
It is just off the Chennai- Bengaluru national highway, about a 2-hour drive due west and a little south of Chennai. Rail and bus connectivity is plenty. The nearest airport is Chennai.
There was an ancient mango tree at Sri Ekambaranathar temple site. Parvati was said to be praying under the tree for union with Siva. To test her commitment, Siva sent severe heat at Parvati. She prayed and Vishnu responded saying he would protect her like a brother.
He wore the moon so that its cooling rays would fall on Parvati and reduce the effect of heat. Thus, she was protected. The Tamil words Nila thingal thundathan means he who wore a piece of the moon. Since he protected Parvati, He has a shrine in the temple’s northeast corner.
Special Features
The Lord is Nilathingal Thundathan and the Universal Mother is Nilathingal Thunda Nayaki. The theertham is Chandra Pushkarni. The vimana is Purushasukta Vimanam. The Universal Mother sits on the lotus coming from the navel of the Lord which is usually the seat of Lord Brahma.
It is believed that this darshan will change the fortunes of devotees for the better. The temple is one of two temples located inside a temple to Siva. This temple has Saivaite priests. Since the Lord is here to cure, there is no separate shrine for the universal mother. Hence, She is also known as ‘Ner Uru Illa valli’.
The Ekambaranathar temple is considered one of the oldest temples as it dates around 600 CE, mid-Pallava period.
Mangalasasanam
Thirumangai Alwar in Thirunedunthandakam (2059) says the Lord is in water (Neeragam), on the peak of a mountain (Tirumala), in cresent moon (Nilathingalthundathaan), in the prosperous city of Kanchi (in Ooraggam), on the banks of a pond in Vekka, on the southern banks of Kaveri (in Thirupper) and in the steadfast hearts of devotees.
Like a thief, You are hiding everywhere, and I am ever at Your divine feet. Only a small portion of the relevant pasurams are given here.
About a 2-hour drive due west and a little south of Chennai, it is located just off the Chennai–Bengaluru national highway. Rail and bus connectivity is plenty. The nearest airport is Chennai.
Sri Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal Temple – Sthalapuranam
When Goddess Saraswati took the form of a swift river (Vegavati) to flood Lord Brahma’s yajna-sala, Sri Vishnu laid down in Her path. On seeing Him, the river went underground to avoid coming into contact with him. Hence the Lord here is known as ‘Vegasetu’.
Originally the Lord is said to have been resting on His right hand like in other temples in the Kidantha Ihirukkolam. Much later when Thirumazhisai Alwar was living in Kanchipuram he had a sishya by name Kanikannan.
At one point the local king forced Kanikannan to write pasuram in praise of him. Kanikkannan refused. The angry king told the sishya to get out of town. Kanikannan went and told Alwar this. Alwar went to the temple and informed the lord that Kanikannan is leaving and so is he.
Consequently, Alwar said the Lord need not stay there any longer. The Lord left with the two and they left the town of Kanchipuram. The town went dark as the deity departed. The king panicked. He chased after them and fell at their feet and asked for forgiveness and requested their return. Alwar told the Lord that since they are returning so can He.
The Lord returned to the temple and this time, to witness the history of the event rested on his left hand instead of right. The Lord is known in Tamil as Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal (The Lord who did as he was told to do).
Thiruvekka – Special Features
The Lord is Yathokthakari or Sonna Vanam Seidha Perumal. The Universal Mother is Komalavalli. The temple tank is Poigai Pushkarni. The vimana is Vedasaara Vimanam. This is the avataara sthalam of Poigai Alwar which has a separate shrine.
This is the only shrine wherein the Lord is in Kidantha Thirukkolam resting on His left hand.
Mangalasasanam
Poigai Alwar in his Mudhal Thiruvandhadhi (2158) says that if one just mentions Venkadam, Sri Vaikuntam, Thiruvekka, Thirukkovalur with its moats filled with flowers where the Lord stands, sits, is at rest, and walks, all that ails one will fall away.
In Moondram Thiruvandhadhi (2307), Pey Alwar sings about this Lord saying that He wears the cooling tulasi garland, He will never leave His devotees, and resides in Alwar’s heart along with resting on Anantha in places like Tirumala, Vekka and Velukkai. Alwar advises (2315) his heart to worship who stayed sitting in Velukkai, resting in Vekka after probably becoming tired by measuring the three worlds standing in one place and killing the miser Kamsa.
The famous town of Kanchipuram or Kanchi or Thirukachchi is located 75km due west and a little south of the capital city of Chennai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Since the Chennai Bengaluru highway goes right by the town, connectivity is no problem.
There is ample bus and train connectivity as well. The nearest airport is Chennai airport. Kanchi is a significant pilgrim centre to personify Hinduism in all its diversity. All religions flourish. Even today one can identify areas labelled as Vishnu Kanchi, Saiva Kanchi, and Jeena Kanchi.
Of all cities, he judged Kanchi as the best. At any time, some three or four religions flourished. It was also a centre of learning. It was referred to as Gatikasthan, the Seat of Knowledge. Persons such as Sri Ramanuja spent their formative years in and around Kanchi. At least as far as Srivaishnavism is concerned the list of eminent scholars contributed by this town is endless.
Sri Ramanuja, Sri Kuresa, Sri Kanchipurna, and Sri Vedanta Desika are just the stalwarts that readily come to mind. It has contributed two Alwars from its environs namely Thirumazhisai Alwar and Poigai Alwar. The latter was born at Kanchi in the Yatokthakari temple area.
The first three or four Alwars were the starting point of the Bhakti movement. A few towns in India can claim this kind of contribution. For the most part, at least three out of every five eminent personalities in Srivaishnavism were from Kanchi within a radius of fifty km around the town. It is almost as if God made Kanchi for learning and teaching.
15 Divya Desams in Kanchi
As far as temples are concerned, there is no street in Kanchi that has no temple. Taking a few of the major religions like the Srivaishnavism, and the Shaivism there are more than thirty-five major temples. It is estimated that there are fifteen ‘Divya Desams’ in Kanchi alone. It is also said that there are more than a hundred Shiva temples.
At one stage it came heavily under the Pallava influence. They ruled the area between 200 CE to 900 CE approximately. Their influence can be seen in Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram on the coast. They supported the construction of many temples in their kingdom.
Legend has it that Lord Brahma tried to perform a ‘yajna’ without his wife Saraswati. She got angry and She tried to attack the place of ‘yajna’ so that the ‘yajna’ would remain incomplete. She sent darkness which Lord Vishnu nullified in the form of a lamp. Hence it is Deepa Prakasar (Thoopul Temple). Then She sent an eight armed Kali to destroy the place. The Lord took the form of eight-armed Nrusimha and overcame Her. Hence it is Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple.
Then She became a river in flood called Vegavati and wanted to fill the ‘yajnasala’ with a terrible flood. The Lord rested in the path of the river (Yatokthakari Temple – Vegasethu) like a dam. She went underground to avoid coming into contact with Him.
Finally, the Lord rose completely in the Punnyakoti Vimana as the ultimate King of Boons (Varadharajan) from the ‘yajna’ flames. The marks of the fire can be seen on the face of the ‘utsava idol’ even today.
In Tirumala and in Srirangam, the Moolavar or main resident idol is ‘Swayam Vyakta’ (Self-Manifest).
Touching Lizards
In Kanchipuram, the ‘utsavar’ (idol seen outside the temple by all) is ‘Swayam Vyakta.’ Just outside the sanctum are two lizards made of precious metal. Legend is that if one touches them and then has the ‘ darshan’ of the Lord, they will be cured of all ills.
Legend is that Rishi Sringibhera had two sons who were cursed by their teacher Gautama to become lizards. They were released from their curses by Sri Varadaraja and attained ‘moksha.’
Perundevi Thayar Shrine and Nrusimha Shrine
The Yoga Nrusimha shrine below Hastigiri Hill facing east is considered by many to be the original shrine in this temple. Many will first worship at Perundevi Thayar and Nrusimha shrines before worshipping Sri Varadaraja at the main sanctum.
Special features
The Lord is called Devadhirajan or Perarullalan or Theperumal or Varadharajan or Varadhan or Athiyuraan or Pranatharthiharan. The Lord is deemed to be a local king and is given all the appropriate honours. He has many other names. The universal mother is known as Perundevi or Mahadevi. She does not come out of the temple (Padi Thandaa Patni).
The temple tank is Ananthasaras. The Vimana above the Lord is Punyakoti and the one above the Universal Mother is Kalyanakoti. The place is known as ‘Satyavrata Kshetram.’
The original main (Moolavar) idol of Sri Varadharaja was made of Athi wood. It is now kept underwater in the Ananthasaras temple tank and brought out for display and worship only every forty years. During that time, for twenty-four days he will be in standing posture or ‘nindra thirukkolam.’
Then another twenty-four days he will be at rest or ‘sayana thirukkolam.’ After the forty-eight days, He returns to His underwater abode in the Anantasaras for the next forty years.
Seevaram Paarvettai
One legend is that the present idol which is made of stone from a nearby (about 20km away due east) village called Pazhaiyaseevaram on the banks of the river Palar. To honour this, the Lord visits the village every year on the day after Sankranthi. He is carried on foot by bearers along the north bank of the river on the way out and then along the south bank of the river on the way back.
The Lord visits most villages along the banks of the river. This festival is known as Seevaram Paarvettai.
Sri Ramnuja & Sri Kanchipurna
Sri Ramanuja was saved from being lost in the forest by the Lord and Mother who appeared before him as a hunter couple and guided him back to the temple. For many years Sri Ramanuja used to bring water for the Lord’s daily Thirumanjanam.
Sri Ramanuja asked Sri Kanchipurna to obtain answers to six questions which Sri Varada answered through Sri Kanchipurna. These six questions are very important to every Sri Vaishnava. They relate to the relationship between the Jeevatman and the Paramatman and the manner of attaining ‘moksha.’
It is Sri Varadan who gave Sri Ramanuja to Srirangam when Sri Periya Nambi appealed to him. Since the Lord gave up Sri Ramanuja to Srirangam, this temple is known as ‘Thyaga Mandapam.’
Gayatri Mantra
Sri Ramanuja bathed in Ananthasaras before taking ‘sannyasam’ and then worshipped the Lord in the sanctum. The climb up Hastigiri consists of twenty-four steps which is the same as the number of syllables in Gayatri Mantra. They are called Gayatri Steps.
PERUMAL KOIL
While Srirangam is referred to as simply “KOIL”, Tirumala as simply “TIRUMALAI”, Sri Varadharajaswamy temple is known simply as “PERUMAL KOIL”. Whenever the Lord is carried out of the sanctum, He is accompanied by Veda ‘parayanam’ and Prabhanda ‘parayanam.’
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple – 100 Pillared Hall – Kanchipuram (108 Divya Desams)
100 Pillared Hall
The carved single-piece stone chains hanging from the hundred-pillared hall are exquisite examples of the artisan’s skill. The Garuda Seva that happens every year on Vaikasi Visaka is very famous and attracts thousands of devotees. The same can be said of the Chariot Festival that happens a few days later.
This festival, conducted during Vaikasi, known as The Brahmotsavam, attracts thousands of devotees to the temple.
There are two gateways to the temple. The western entry and exit is the one in common use and the road leading to it is known as Sannidhi Street.
Mangalasasanam
In Irandaam Thiruvandhadhi, Sri Bhoothath Alwar speaks of this Lord in the 95th and 96th pasurams (2276 – 2277). He says He is the Lord who tore open Hiranyan’s chest. He has the colour of a blue gemstone. He has been around for a long time. He created time and other things required by us. He resides resting at Thirupaarkadal and He is always available for us in the temple on Athiyur. Athiyur is another name for the area of Kanchi where the temple is located.
In the next pasuram, the Alwar says He is the Lord who has Garuda as His vehicle. He also rests on top of Adhisesha. He is worshipped with the three fires and is praised in the Vedas. He is also the Lord for Rudra who ate the poison which came out of Thirupaarkadal during the churning to help the Devas. He is the Lord who resides on Athigiri.
In Pasuram 2307, Sri Pei Alwar in his ‘Moondram Thiruvandhadhi’ refers to the Lord of Kanchi as He who wears the Tulasi garland. He resides eternally in the temple and in the Alwar’s heart.
Sri Vedanta Desika wrote wonderful poetry about Lord Varadaraja in Tamil and Sanskrit. Sri Kuresa in his opening two stanzas of Sri Varadarajastavam has the best description of Sri Varadarajaswamy and Sri Perundevi Thayar.
May the Lord Pranatharthiharan standing on top of Hasthigiri as its AabhraNam confer on me all auspiciousness always! May that Lord, who has been described as the Supreme One without equal or superior by the Upanishads shower me with mangaLams always!
Adiyen seeks refuge at the lotus feet of the Lord of all devas, who is the possessor of the wealth of Daya, and who always thinks of the wellbeing of His creations. He has taken the vow to bless all of His Bhakthas, who seek Him with the boons of Purusharthams. He is like a limitless mine of auspiciousness. He is also the wealth principle for the Sarva Mangala SvarUpiNi, PerumdEvi ThAyAr” Herself.
– Translation from Sanskrit original by Oppiliappan Koil Sri Varadachari Satagopan.
Sri Perundevi Nayika samedha Sri Varadaraja Parabrahmane Namaha!.
Om Namo Narayanaya !
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