Tag: 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 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.

Click here for the Temple location on Google Maps

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.

Click here for 108 Divya Desams

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

Sri Devanayakan Temple, Thiruvahindrapuram (108 Divya Desams)

Sri Devanayakan Temple, Thiruvahindrapuram (108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Devanayakan Temple

Thiruvahindrapuram – Location

The distance between Thiruvahindrapuram and Chennai is 200 km. It is towards the west of the town of Cuddalore. Thiruvahindrapuram is one of the most famous Divya Desams. A part of the temple is at the ground level whereas the other half is on a small hillock.

The temple’s name, “Thiruvahindrapuram,” translates to “the abode of Lord Indra,” signifying its significance as a divine sanctuary.

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Sri Devanayakan Temple – Sthalapuranam

According to the legend, a battle between ‘devas’ and ‘asuras’ took place. Lord Siva took the side of ‘asuras’ while Lord Vishnu took the side of Devas. Lord Vishnu appeared to Siva in the form of Trimurthy and Lord Siva withdrew immediately on realizing His mistake. Hence the name Muvaragiya Oruvar to the Lord of this temple as He represents the combined form of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rudra.

At the end of the battle, the Lord felt thirsty. He asked Garuda to get Him some water. Garuda went to Viraja River to get the purest water possible. Seeing the Lord waiting, Adhisesha beat the ground with his tail and water came up. Hence Sesha Theertham and Viraja rivers form part of the temple waters. The Viraja River became the Gedilam River which flows even today.

Sri Devanayakan Temple – Special Features

The Lord is known as Devanayakan or Muvaragiya Oruvan. The goddess is known as Vaikunta Nayaki or Hemabujavalli or Bharghavi. The ‘vimana’ is Chandra or ‘Sudha-sathva vimana.’ The temple pond is called Sesha Theertham.

The river Gedilum flows nearby. As an indication of His Trimurthy status, the Lord wears a lotus (as Lord Brahma), Conch & Discus (as Lord Vishnu) and a third eye (as Lord Shiva). When Lord Anjaneya carried Sanjeevani Hill to Lanka during the battle, a few pieces fell here and hence this place is called ‘Oushada-Giri.’

Devotees offer salt, pepper and jaggery at the wall of the temple to cure themselves of their afflictions.

On a hill next to the temple is the place where Sri Vedanta Desika prayed to Garuda and received the idol of Lord Hayagreeva.

The idol is still in worship. Here he wrote the famous Hayagreeva Stotram. He is said to have determined the ‘sampradhayam’ for Vadakalai sect of the Iyengar community while he resided here for a few decades. The famous Hayagriva stotram “Gnananandam Mayam Devam” was written by Sri Vedanta Desika here.

The temple got great contributions from medieval Cholas, Hoysalas, Pandiyas and Vijayanagara kings. The temple is famous for its recitation of Nalayira Divya Prabhandham.

Sri Devanayakan Temple, Thiruvahindrapuram (108 Divya Desams) Haya

Mangalasasanam

Thirumangai Alwar sang about this Divya Desam in Periya Thirumoli (1148-1157). The Alwar identifies the Divya Desam and the Lord in it as the same Lord who brought forth the world on His tusks in ‘Varaha Avataar’. He is also the same Lord who does ‘yoga nidhra’ on Adhisesha.

This Divya Desam is the same where the bees drink the nectar from ‘punai’ flowers. It is Thiruvahindrapuram. It is also the same place where the Lord who split the chest of Hiranyakasipa and crowned his son Prahalada king resided in the temple. This is the same place where the sugarcane grows tall and its juices flood the fields. It is Thiruvahindrapuram. The Lord broke the bow for the dark-haired Mahalakshmi.

When the rain threatened Gokulam, He held up the Govardhan Hill to protect the cows. He resides in the temple. It is the same place where rivers bring forth the tusks of elephants from the hills. It is Thiruvahindrapuram.

Click here for the complete list of Divya Desams.

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.