Tag: 108 divya desams

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 Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple, Mahabalipuram (Divya Desams)

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Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple Location & Introduction:

This temple is located approximately seventy km due south of Chennai on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in a small town called Mahabalipuram.

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Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple Sthalapuranam

According to legend, Pundarika Maharishi wished to have ‘darshan’ of Lord Narayana as Ksheerapthinatha. So, he gathered lotus flowers for His puja. The Lord came as an elder Brahmin and asked for food. The sage gave the flowers to the elderly Brahmin and went to fetch the food.

Upon his return, he found the Lord stretched out, wearing the flowers he had given. The sage asked for a place at the Lord’s feet which was granted. Because he rested on the floor here, the Lord is called Sthala Sayana Perumal.

Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple, Mahabalipuram(Divya Desams)

Special features

The Lord here is known as Sthalasayana Perumal and the Universal Mother is Nilamangai Thayar. The theertham is Pundarika Pushkarani.The unusual aspect is that the Lord is resting on the floor and Adhisesha. This is the only shrine where the Lord rests directly on the floor.

Mangalasasanam

In Irandaam Thiruvandhadhi (2251), Bhoothath Alwar says Thanjai Mamani Koil, the main temple at Srirangam, Tiruthanka, Tirumala which devotees think as the Ultimate, the Ocean of Milk, the temple at Tiru-kadal-mallai, Tirukkovilur and the temple at Tirukkudanthai surrounded by walls are all places where the Lord who shot arrows so well decided to reside in.

In Peria Thirumozhi (1088-1097), Thirumangai alwar says that the Lord who ate all the worlds and kept it in His stomach to bring it back out, who is the support of this world like a strong choral pillar, the Lord who split the mouth of Kesi who came in the form of a horse, who broke the tusk of the elephant and killed it, He who resolved the troubles of Gajendra, whom one can see in one’s hour of distress is the one who is resting in Thirukkadalmallai.

Om Namo Narayanaya!

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Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Thiruvidanthai (Divya Desams)

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Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple Location & Introduction:

Tiruvidanthai / Thiruvidanthai is a small village on the outskirts of Chennai on the shores of the Bay of Bengal about forty km due south of Chennai. The temple was built by the Pallavas with the latest additions by Cholas.

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Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple Sthalapuranam

According to legend, when Hiranya stole Mother Earth and hid Her, Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar with tusks. He fought and killed the ‘asura’ and carried Her from below to restore Her position. Along the way, He gave a long discourse on various subjects including how every activity that He has created can reach him with ‘bhakti.’ He married Komalavalli here in this Desam.

Another legend is that the sage Kalava had three daughters who all wished to be married to Lord Sri Narayana. The sage came to this Desam and prayed to the Lord who agreed to marry them all one day at a time. The first daughter was Komalavalli an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Because of this, the Lord has come to be known as ‘Nithya Kalyana Perumal’.

Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Thiruvidanthai (Divya Desams)

Special features

This Desam is known by many names such as Varaha Kshetram, Nithya Kalyana Kshetram, Asura Kaala Nalloor etc. The Lord is known as ‘Sri Lakshmi Varahan and Nithyakalyana Perumal’. The Universal Mother is ‘Komalavalli Natchiyar’.

The theertham is ‘Varaha theertham’ and ‘Kalyana theertham’. The vimana is Kalyana Vimana.

Those who wish to get married should visit this shrine.

Charama Slokam

In this ‘avatar’ the Lord speaks to Bhu Devi of ways for His creations to reach Him. The ‘charama sloka’ of Sri Varaha ‘avatar’ is considered the very first instruction by the Lord on this subject. An approximate translation of the sloka is given here. It is in the first person as spoken by the Lord.

“If anyone thinks of Me, when the mind is sound (sthite manasi),with the body in good health (suswasthe shareere), and with mental and physical faculties working intact (dhaatu saamye sthite) – realizes that I am indeed the very cause of this universe (vishwaroopam), that I am without birth (ajam) – then I assure (You, Bhumi Devi) that I will remember this devotee of Mine when they are on their deathbed, lying (helplessly) like a stone or a log of wood, and personally lead them to the Supreme Abode.”

Mangalasasanam

In his Peria Thirumozhi (1108-1117), Thirumangai Alwar plays the role of the mother of the girl who is in love with the Lord and who wants his ‘Thiru-adi sambandham.’ He says my chief who resides in Tiruvidanthai.

He asks what your disposition is towards my daughter who wants to know that the ever-beautiful Mahalakshmi born of the ocean resides in your heart. For ten pasurams he describes the thoughts of the daughter (as her mother) and asks the Lord what his plans are regarding the daughter’s future.

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Tiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple (108 Divya Desams)

Tiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple (108 Divya Desams)

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Tiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple (Thondai Nadu)

Location

This temple is located just a few km west of the Chennai inner ring road, Chennai. It is very accessible from Tambaram.

Sthalapuranam

The sage Valmiki came down to this hill after worshipping the three forms of Lord Ranganatha, Lord Nrusimha and Lord Trivikrama feeling dissatisfied because he could not worship Lord Rama there. The Lord heard his thoughts and appeared in the form of Lord Rama along with His brothers and Lord Anjaneya at the foot of the hill.

The sage begged the Lord to give him His grand ‘darshan’ like this till the end of time for His devotees and the Lord agreed. The place was known as Kandabavanam before Tirumangai Alwar came here. On his arrival he found that the hill was surrounded by water and he was unable to get the ‘darshan’ and so stood on a nearby hill called Mandragiri to watch.

It became Tiruneermalai because of the water. After six months Thirumangai Alwar was able to get the ‘darshan’ and went away.

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Tiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple (108 Divya Desams)

Special Features

The temple is in two parts – one atop a hill and the other at ground level.

The Divya Desam has the Lord in all forms–

  • resting (Ranganatha),
  • sitting (Nrusimha),
  • standing (Neervannan) and
  • walking (Trivikrama).

The Lord on the ground level is Neervannan and the Universal Mother is Animaa-Malar-Mangai. The theertham is ‘Maniokarnika Teertham.

The Vimana is Toyagiri Vimana. Lord Rama was considered as Kalyana Rama appearing in His form before the exile with Sita and His brothers there. This was one of the eight ‘swayamvyakta- kshetrams.’

Mangalasasanam

Tirumangai Alwar in his Peria Tirumozhi (1078-1087) says in summary that the Lord can be seen in various towns and temples in all forms. All of them can be seen in one place and that is Tiruneermalai.

The Alwar said: ‘You joined with Napinnai who is the flower of her race, and with Animaamalarmangai, you joined happily with Mahalakshmi who is resident on a lotus. You destroyed the race of rakshasas without mercy. You stood, rested and sat in many places which can be seen at Tiruneermalai.

Kandavanam was a forest exclusively created for Indra. You encouraged it to be consumed by Agni. You also eliminated the burden on Mother Earth by initiating the Bharata war. You also destroyed Hiranya to protect Prahladha. You started from Vamana stature and became Trivikrama. You reside at Tiruneermalai.’

Bhuthath Alwar says in Irandaam Thiruvandhadhi (2228) referring to Tiruneermalai indirectly that He was the one who playfully measured the world with His feet. He is also the same Lord who picked the world up on the tip of His tusk. During the Pralaya, he held the world in His stomach and brought it forth during creation.

He saved us all and protected us all. When an individual devotee was threatened, He came as Lord Nrusimha and protected His devout devotee Prahalada.

Let us worship with garlands at His feet early in the morning every day and obtain His graceful blessings.

Click here for the complete list of 108 Divya Desams.

Sri Veera Raghava Perumal, Tiruvallur (108 Divya Desams)

Sri Veera Raghava Perumal, Tiruvallur (108 Divya Desams)

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Thondai Nadu – Lord Sri Veera Raghava Perumal – Tiruvallur

Location and Introduction

Tiruvallur is located nearly 30km west of Chennai and just north of the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway.

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Sthalapuranam

According to legend, the sage Salihotra used to grind rice into flour and share half of it with others and keep the other half for his prayers and personal use. Lord Sri Veera Raghava Perumal decided to test him and so He came in the form of a hungry old Brahmin.

The sage fed the Lord till he exhausted all his stock of rice powder. Then the Lord asked the sage for a place to rest and the sage told Him that He could take rest there. Pleased, the Lord showed His true form and blessed the sage. He took a rest at that place and placed His right palm on the head of the sage and asked him what he wanted.

The sage said that the Lord should stay there and bless His devotees at all times. The Lord granted the wish.

Special Features

The Universal Mother, Kanakavalli Thayar is the consort of Lord Sri Veera Raghava Perumal. The ‘vimana’ is ‘Vijayakoti Vimanam’ and the ‘theertham’ is ‘Hruth-Thapapa- Nasini.’ Because the Lord asked where he could rest and was told that he could rest there, the Lord was known as Kingruhesan which in Tamil is ‘Evvul Kidandhaan.’

It is believed that the right hand of the Lord which is stretched is above the head of the sage Salihotra and His left hand is in ‘Jnana Mudra’ teaching Lord Brahma. It was believed that Lord Siva was able to cast off His ‘Brahma-haththya dosha’ by visiting this temple.

Hence there was a shrine to Lord Siva on the banks of the temple pond. It was believed that Mahalakshmi was born as the daughter of a local king and married the Lord.

Sri Veera Raghava Perumal, Tiruvallur (108 Divya Desams)

Mangalasasanam

In his Naanmugan Tiruvandhadhi, (2412) Thirumazhisai Alwar refers to this shrine indirectly by pointing out that when Lord Siva got affected by the curse by Lord Brahma, it was Lord Narayana who ended it. Those who don’t know about worshipping Lord Narayana will suffer from conception and their story will be as long as the Mahabharata war.

In Peria Tirumozhi (1058-1067), Tirumangai Alwar identifies the Lord of Tiruvallur as the one who destroyed Lanka which was the capital city of the king who came in the guise of a ‘sanyasi’ to abduct Sita. The Lord as Lord Krishna stole the butter from women when He was a naughty boy. He now rests in Tiruvallur.

He was a child resting on a tender banyan leaf during the ‘Pralaya’ holding all the seven worlds in His stomach for a long time. He, with lotus-like eyes, rests in Tiruvallur surrounded by neithal flowers where bees hum and fly.

For the complete list of 108 Divya Desams, Click here

 

Ennai Petra Thayaar samedha Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple – Tirunindravur – 108 Divya Desams

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Arulmigu Ennai Petra Thayaar samedha Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple – Tirunindravur

Tirunindravur (30 km off Chennai to the west) is a suburb of Chennai off the Chennai- Bengaluru highway.

Sthalapuranam

Legend has it that Mahalakshmi (Thiru) became angry with Samudrarajan and came away from Srivaikuntam to reside here. Even Samudrarajan’s best efforts could not convince her to return to Srivaikuntam.

Finally, it took the effort of the Lord himself to convince her to return. Because the Universal Mother came and took residence here, this place came to be known as Tirunindravur or the place where Mahalakshmi stood.

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Tirunindravur - 108 Divya Desams

Special features

When Tirumangai Alwar travelled across the land performing mangalasasanam, he did not sing about this shrine. Mahalakshmi told Perumal to go and get himself sung by the Alwar. By this time, he had reached Tirukadalmallai and the Alwar noticed the Perumal had come in search of him and sang the mangalasasanam for Tirunindravur at Tirukadalmallai.

  • Because the Lord acted out of affection for the bhakta, he is known as Bhaktavatsalan.
  • The universal mother is known as Ennai-petra Thayar.
  • The Vimana is Srinivasa Vimanam and the pushkarani is Varuna Pushkarani.

Mangalasasanam

Because Tirumangai Alwar went past Tirunindravur without singing, legend has it that Mahalakshmi asked the Lord to go after the Alwar and get him to sing about them. Consequently, the songs are found under Tirukadalmallai where the Lord finally caught up with the Alwar.

Noticing the Lord coming up to him the Alwar refers to him as the Lord who appears as cool as a heap of pearls in Tirunaindravur. The affectionate legend has it that Mahalakshmi was aghast that Tirunindravur got only a single pasuram and sent the Lord back for more!

Click here for the complete list of 108 Divya Desams

Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple (Tiruparameswara Vinnagaram) – 108 Divya Desams

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Tiruparameswara Vinnagaram (better known as Vaikunta Perumal Temple) is located in Kanchipuram, 70 km west of Chennai.

Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple  – Sthalapuranam

Legend has it that the dwara palakas of Mahavishnu were born as Pallava and Villava and they performed Ashwamedha yajnam at the temple’s location. The Lord gave darshan as Parameswaran or Vaikuntanathan and has continued to reside at the temple since then.

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Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple (Tiruparameswara Vinnagaram)

Special features

The temple and the locality have this name because of their association with King Parameswaravarman I (Pallava King).

The Lord of this temple and the sanctum are both monolithic in keeping with Pallava construction techniques. The Lord is Paramapadhanathan or Vaikuntanathan. The universal mother is Vaikuntavalli Thayar. The Vimana is Mukunda Vimanam and the Pushkarani is Airammadha Pushkarani.

The Vimana is a three-tier one with the Lord seated in the first tier, resting in the second and standing as Paravasudeva in the third. Once upon a time, this temple was a matam (A charity established to feed pilgrims in those days) for the convenience of pilgrims to Kasi.

The Pallava king Parameswaran (660 CE) enlarged it to its present condition.

Paramapadhanathan or Vaikuntanathan

Mangalasasanam

Tirumangai Alwar has sung about this temple in his Peria Thirumozhi (1128 CE). He describes how the Lord of this temple is the prime principle behind all the senses through which we try to perceive Him. These include the spoken word, the smelt smell, the seen figure and the heard sound.

He is behind all of them as the lasting principle behind the Vedas. He is also the one worshipped by Kings such as Pallava and Villava and he resides in Parameswara Vinnagaram in Kanchi. He resides in Brahma, God of creation, and conducts the protection himself. He continues to extoll the virtues of this Lord in 10 Pasurams.

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Sri Vijayaraghava Swamy Temple, Thiruppukuzhi (108 Divya Desams)

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Thiruppukuzhi / Tiruputkuzhi – Introduction

Approximately seventy-five km due west and a little south of Chennai on the Chennai–Bengaluru national highway lies a small hamlet called Thiruppukuzhi / Tiruputkuzhi. According to the local legend, it is intimately connected with Jatayu and the Adhi Kavya, the Ramayana.

Depending on the source of information available, Jatayu is either an eagle or a vulture. Many places in South India connect with Jatayu and the Ramayana. The relevant point is that Lord Rama had respect for someone who was his father’s friend and showed His gratitude for the service rendered by Jatayu.

All our ‘Ithihasas’, Puranas and long-standing stories are more relevant for the morals and values they convey rather than their physical reality.

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Sri Vijayaraghava Swamy Temple, Thiruppukuzhi (108 Divya Desams)

Arulmigu Sri Vijayaraghava Swamy – Sthalapuranam

In Aranya Kanda, one reads about Lord Rama and Lakshmana who begin their search for Sita after her abduction. They come across what appeared to be the signs of battle. They also encounter a huge bird, an eagle or vulture, lying on the ground bleeding because its wings have been chopped off. Lord Rama goes forward to end the bird because He is certain that the bird is a Rakshasa in disguise and has devoured Sita.

Going closer, they realize that it is Jatayu. The bird tells Lord Rama that it is Ravana, the son of the sage Vishrava who has taken the Princess of Videha by force and was heading towards the South.

Jatayu had tried to stop Ravana from carrying out this evil deed but in vain. Ravana has struck a mortal blow and cuts Jatayu’s wings off. After giving all this information in detail, Jatayu dies. Lord Rama proceeds to follow the necessary rituals for cremation. To Him, Jatayu, the ruler of the feathered kingdom is as venerable as King Dasharatha, his father. (Valmiki Ramayana 3-68-26).

Sri Vijayaraghava Swamy Temple, Thiruppukuzhi (108 Divya Desams)

Many thousand years later, when Periya Nambi, a Brahmin, was about to do the last rites for Maraner Nambi, a Dalit, the people of Srirangam asked how such a thing could be justified. Periya Nambi replied that if Lord Rama Himself could perform the last rites for a bird and grant Jatayu moksha, then Maraner Nambi fully deserved it in the same lines.

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Arulmigu Sri Vijayaraghava Swamy – Special Features

Jatayu Theertham

The temple precincts are now fairly close to the highway and the temple Vimana is visible from the national highway. Thiru refers to auspiciousness, put is bird and kuzhi is pit. This is where Lord Rama did the last rites for the bird and the temple tank is ‘grudra-saras’ or ‘Jatayu Theertham.’ A shrine to Jatayu and a huge statue are seen facing the tank.

It may be noted that the ‘Bali Peetam’ and the ‘dwajastambham’ are located outside the temple walls. The temple is spacious and quiet. It is filled with the coos of pigeons fluttering around the Veerakoti Vimanam today. Lord Rama gives ‘darshan’ in the Narayana form, as Lord Vijaya Raghavan, as He has granted salvation to Jatayu. He is seen seated with Jatayu cradling in His lap. Sridevi and Bhudevi are there by the side of the Lord.

Sri Vijayaraghava Swamy Temple, Thiruppukuzhi (108 Divya Desams)

Goddess Andal

Sridevi who normally is seen to the Lord’s right is unable to handle the ‘Jwala’ emanating from the cremation of Jatayu and so moves to the Lord’s left, slightly tilting her face away. Likewise, Goddess Thayar’s shrine is located to the left of the Lord and the shrine to Goddess Andal is located to the right of the Lord in the temple.

As one comes down the steps after the ‘darshan,’ one notices the handholds along the steps beautifully carved out of stone. They are very helpful because the steps are a little bit steep.

Vahana Mandapams

At the back of the temple are the Vahana ‘mandapas’. The various ‘Vahanas’ is used during the Brahmotsavams when the ‘utsava murti’ is taken out in a grand procession. The speciality is the wooden horse ‘vahana’ which is sprung in such a way that it rocks like a real galloping horse while being carried during festivals.

The carpenter who made the ‘vahana’ is honoured even today. When the Lord emerges on the horse in procession, He still stops in front of the house of the carpenter.

Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar

Amavasya days are special for the temple. Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar is worshipped especially by those desiring progeny. Childless women bathe in the temple tank and tie a handful of roasted green gram in their sari end and perform ‘vrata’ on New Moon night.

The green-gram sprouts indicate that they will have children with the Mother’s blessing. The temple is also important for a child’s first tonsure. A more recent relevance of Tiruputkuzhi is that Bhagavad Ramanuja as a young boy started his education in the school run by Yadavaprakasa.

This was run in the temple precincts. There is a small plaque commemorating this in the hall next to the shrine of the goddess Andal.

Mangalasasanam

In fact, Thirumangai Alwar has written the ‘mangalasasanam’ for the temple. He refers to Tiruputkuzhi as the place where the lush greenery with plenty of water attracts our senses and where the Lord Sri Vijayaragahava resides. The majestic appearance of Sri Vijaya Raghava Perumal made Swami Desikan compose ‘Paramarthastuti.’

In the very first sloka, he refers to the destroyer of Ravana, seated by the ‘grudra-saras’ giving His worshippers ‘darshan’ like the Parijata tree in Indra’s garden. He is only saying what the sage Bhrugu said in the Vamana Purana. Nothing more needs to be said than bathing in the ‘Grudra- Pushkarini’ or the auspicious Eagle Tank and prostrating before the Lord and worshipping Him devoutly.

Click here for the list of 108 Divya Desams.

Ashtabhujam & Thiruthannka - Kanchipuram (108 Divya Desams)

Ashtabhujam & Thiruthannka – Kanchipuram (108 Divya Desams)

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Location of Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple

About a 2-hour drive due west and a little south of Chennai, it is located just off the Chennai– Bengaluru national highway. The nearest airport is Chennai. A total of 15 Divya Desams are in Kanchipuram. Ashtabhujam temple is located in Ennaikaran, about 2 km from Sri Varadarajaswamy temple and Thiruthannka is the older name of Thoopul.

Click here for the Google Maps location (Divyadesam Sri Ashtabujakara Perumal Temple)

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ASHTABHUJAM – Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple

Sthalapuranam

Legend has it that Lord Brahma tried to perform a ‘yajna’ without his wife Saraswati. She got angry and tried to attack the place of ‘yajna’ so that the ‘yajna’ would remain incomplete. She sent darkness which was nullified by Lord Vishnu 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 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 in complete glory 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 Srirangam, the Moolavar or main resident idol are ‘Swayam Vyakta’ (Self-Manifest). 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.’

Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple

The Yoga Nrusimha shrine below Hastigiri Hill facing east is considered by many to be the original shrine in this temple. There are many who will worship at Perundevi Thayar shrine and Nrusimha shrine first before worshipping Sri Varadaraja at the main sanctum.

When Goddess Saraswati wanted to destroy Lord Brahma’s ‘yagasala’ so the ‘yajna’ remains incomplete, She sent hordes of ‘rakshasas’ and eight armed Kali to do the job. Lord Brahma prayed to Vishnu who appeared in eight-armed form and destroyed the ‘rakshasas’ and brought Kali under control and drove her away.

Sri Adhikesava Perumal

The original God of this temple is Sri Adhikesava Perumal and the Lord settled in the same Divya Desam in His eight-armed form. There is another legend which is famous i.e., the act of saving the elephant Gajendra from the crocodile took place here and hence the Lord is also known as Gajendra Varadhan.

Special Features

This is the only temple in the 108 Divya Desams where the Lord appears with eight hands holding a multiplicity of weapons. It is also the only temple where there is ‘mangalasasanam’ done by an ‘alwar’ exclusively for the universal mother.

The Lord is Ashtabhuja Perumal or Adhi Kesava Perumal. The Universal Mother is Alarmelmanga or Padmasini. The Vimana is Chakrakruthi Vimana. The Theertham is Gajendra Pushkarni. The time of the establishment of the temple is unknown.

It is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. It is believed to have been built by Pallavas before the 7th Century CE. There is a contribution from the medieval Cholas and the kings of Vijayanagara.

Mangalasasanam

In ‘Moondram Thiruvandhadhi (2380), Pey Alwar sings about this Lord as, he who is victorious with all eight weapons and who has taken up residence in Ashtabhuja temple in Kanchipuram, He further adds that this is the Lord who saved the elephant Gajendra from the crocodile by flawlessly aiming the Sudarshana. The Alwar says that the release from samsara is possible only by surrendering to this Lord.

In Peria Thirumozhi (1118-1127), Thirumangai Alwar says that when he saw the form that held Lord Rudra (Tripurari) and Lord Brahma in awe, the form which all worshipped in all the worlds, Lord Nrusimha who tore the chest of Hiranyakasipa, asked who could this be? The Lord responded ‘It is Me, the Ashtabhuja Perumal’.

“He is surrounded by bees from the Tulasi garlands that are on Him. I don’t have the ability to describe the designs that are drawn on Him with sandalwood paste. His eyes are lotus flowers drawn by experts in painting. I am left wondering and I ask who this is. He says I am the One with eight hands!”

THIRUTHANNKA (THOOPUL) – Villakolli Perumal

Sthalapuranam

Kindly check the Sthalapuranam mentioned above.

When Saraswati sent a wave of darkness (by dimming our perception of the sun and the moon), the Lord held out a light to illuminate. This can also be said to be the Lord holding out the light of jnana to dispel Sarawati sending Ajnana. It is said that Saraswati became cool water and so became the theertham in this Divya Desam.

Click here for the Google Maps location ( Divyadesam 45 Arulmigu Sri Vilakkoli Perumal Temple)

THIRUTHANNKA (THOOPUL) - Villakolli Perumal

Special Features:

Thann means cool and Ka means parks. Because Brahma did his yajna here amongst such pleasant surroundings the place got this name. The Lord here is Deepaprakasar or Villakolli Perumal. The Universal Mother is Marakathavalli Thayar. The Vimana is Sreekara Vimana and the Theertham is Saraswati Theertham.

It was built probably during Pallava times, it was expanded by medieval Cholas and Vijayanagar kings.

Sri Vedanta Desika was born and lived in a house near the temple. The well built by him is still there. He was an ardent devotee of Sri Deepaprakasar. The utsava idol of Sri Varadarajswamy is brought to the site of Sri Vedanta Desika’s house on three days a year as a mark of respect for the Acharya.

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar in Peria Thirumozhi (1949) says that the Lord is so good to see like gold atop Thiruvengadam Hills, one should leave Tirumala Hills and go to Thiruthannka to worship again

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.