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108 Divyadesam Temples of Sri Maha Vishnu

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

OM NAMO VENKATESAYA






Sthala Puranam:



Emperumaan, Sriman Narayanan is found as "Eazhumalayaan" stands in this temple all alone in Nindra thirukkolam and is giving the seva to lots and lots of Bhaktas. After the world has been created, Trethayugham, Dwaparayugam and Krithayugam all went and in all these yugam, as stated by Sriman Narayanan in Mahabharatham, he took Avathaar in some form to establish Dharmam and fought and destroyed "Adharmam" or evil.


After all these Yugams finished, Kali yugam started from hem all sorts of Evil things started to spread along throughout the world. Great Emporers lost their Empire and lots of Yogis and rishis were killed and their wives were captured by Arakkas (Demon). At that Kaliyugam, a wild demon by named "kali" emerged in this yugam who made the earth loose its beauty and spread various evil aspects in the midst of the human minds.


In Kaliyugam, person who has money and body strength are respected and all the good things like human relationship, guru and his students relation, cheating others for money and lots of sinful action were performed.


Lord Brahma was so scared on seeing the Earth in this manner. Finally he thought, the right person to cure this is Sriman Narayanan and if his divine thiruvadi (feet) is touched on the lands of earth, it might regain its lost beauty and if atleast a drop of his blood is shed on earth, the earth become pure and thereby all evil things might diminish. He said this to Narada Maharishi and he should take of this.


tpathi1s.gif
All the Maharishis had a meeting that a very big Yaagam must be done and how much amount credit should be given to which god? Naradar told that it should be given to one among the 3 moorthies who stands as the structure of Dharma and Sathyam and he should be capable of withstanding all sorts of Adharmams. Finally, he ends by saying that Brighu Maharishi is the right person who can do this in finding among the 3 Moorthies who is person with the said Characters.


First, he went straight to Siva logam where Lord Shiva and Parasakthi are found closed to each other. It is one of the Universal truth that the union of Shivan and Sakthi is said to be the way made for the Dharmam to come all its way. But, since Brighu Maharishi was so angry that his presence was not being noticed, and gave him the Sabham that on the earth, Lord Shivan would be done pooja only in the form of Lingam but not in the form of Statues (or) Vigrahams (Idols). This is the only reason that Shiva Lingams are found in all Shiva temples but not Idols,


After this, Brighu Maharishi went to Brahma devan's Sathya logam. There also he was not greeted properly not he was not noticed. It was him, Brahma devan who asked Narada Maharishi for this to happen but it is fate that all this should happen. After being not noticed by Brahma and Saraswathi, Brighu Maharishi got angry on him and like the same way, as he gave Sabham for Shivan, he gave Brahma devan a sabham that there should be no temple for Brahma in the Bhoologam and after this he went straight to Vaikundam.
After entering into Vaikundam, he saw Sriman Narayanan sleeping in Aadhiseshan. He could not be so calm since he was not greeted and taken care properly by Brahma devan and as a result he had given them the Sabham.


As a result, he burst out like Volcano and went straight towards Sriman Narayanan and kicked him on his Thirumaarbhu (divine chest). After being kicked, Sriman Narayanan woke up and asked Brighu Maharishi to sit and did Padha pooja for him. Brighu Maharishi is a person who has an eye on his feet. Because of this he was so angry and the perumal plucked the eye from his feet and as a result he lost all of his anger and finally thought that all of the Yoga credit must be given to Sriman Narayanan and came to the Yoga place.
As we can notice, it was Brahma devan that who started the process of finding to whom the yaga credit should be given but finally he was given the sabham that he should not be worshiped in the earth. Its all a written one and it is fate that these are the things that should happen.


But, as Brighu Maharishi kicked the thirumaarbhu (divine chest) of Sriman Narayanan, Lakshmi piratti left him from Sri Vaikundam and came towards the earth. Because of this, Sri Vaikundam, the Moksham lost its grace and brightness and all of these are said to be only because of Kaliyugam.


After being alone in Vaikundam, Sri Vishnu could not be in Vaikundam and came towards the Bhoologam in search of Sri Mahalakshmi. Aadhiseshan turned as the mountain of Tirumala and the perumal roamed all along the earth without knowing what to do. He forgot all of his duties and he lost his conscious and sat like a person without having food, water and anything else.


On seeing this, Brahma devan and Shivaperuman came down towards the Bhoologam as a cow and calf and were finally handed over towards the Chozha king.


tpathi3s.gif
Once an cowherd person took the cow and the calf for making them to eat. But in the land, the cow (Brahma devan) and the calf (Shiva peruman) went towards the putru (a small mountain surrounded by sand), where Sri Vishnu was found. The cow and the calf went towards the putru and gave Sriman Narayanan the milk. This happened daily. But the cowherd could not understand why this particular cow is not giving milk while the other do. so, finally he made up in his mind that he should follow the cow and the calf and whats the reason for not giving milk.


The next day he took all the cows for the grass to the plains but his eyes was watching only the cow (Brahma) thats not giving milk daily. As a daily practice, the spiritual cow went towards the Putru and gave all of the milk inside it, where Sriman Narayanan is found.


On seeing this, the cowherd went to the Chozha and told the reason why the cow is not yielding milk. Then, the king sent some of his soldiers and asked them to destroy the Putru. On that time, the cow asusual went towards the Putru and gave milk. But at the same time, the cowherd tried to hit the cow with his axe and because of this, he threw the axe towards the cow. But, to help the cow, the perumal came out from the Putru and held the axe in his head. The axe directly struck the forehead of the perumal and made a deep cut and as a result, the blood came out and finally it fell on the earth and thus, finally the earth was freed from all sorts of evil activities thats being done by Kalki.


As the Emperumaan divine feet was stamped on the Bhoologam, it got its purity and the perumal gave his seva first to the cowherd inspite of throwing the axe on him and made wound on him. But, as said by the perumal in Bagavath Gita, "Do your duties, without expecting the return". As said by the perumal, the cowherd did the right duty of stopping the cow which gave the milk to the perumal. He didnt expected anything. Its his duty to take the cow out and get the milk from them. As a result, he was the first person to get the dharshan of the perumal.


Varaghar and Sri Srinivasar:

After coming out from the Putru, the perumal went towards Sri Varagha moorthy who helped out Bhoomipiratti from Hiranyatshakan, when the perumal took the Avathar as "Sri Varaghar". The perumal asked for some place to stay in the hill. As Varaghar could easily feel that the perumal is feeling the absence of Lakshmi piratti, he offered the perumal some land on the hill and he asked for a varam. It is that every bhaktas should worship Varagha swamy first then only they should worship the Sri Srinivasa perumal.


If they worship him directly with praying Varagha moorthy, the perumal should not give his blessing nor take their offerings. The perumal accepted it and promised him that the Prasadham and his darshan will be offered first to Varagha moorthy and then only it would be offered to the perumal in Tirupathi. Thus, the perumal got the place to stay on and this hill is the Venkatachala hill (Tirumala). Varagha moorthy also sent Vakula maligai along with the perumal to help him out in the house. Vakula maligai is none other than Yasodha the mother of Sri Krishnan in Sri Krishna Avathaar. During that avathaar, the perumal had promised her that in Kali Yugam that she will be given his seva and she will be seeing the perumal in Kalyana Vaibhavam, as Kalyana Moorthy.



OM NAMO NARAYANA

http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/andhra/tirumala-sthpuranam.shtml


TO BE CONTINUED
 
Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues


OM NOMO VENKATESAYA



Temple Architecture


[h=3]Vimanam[/h]







The vimanam is a monumental tower with a golden roof. Its inner temple or vimanam houses the main deity, Lord Sri Venkateswara. The deity stands directly beneath a gilt dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana. This exquisitely wrought deity, called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested, and no human being is known to have installed it in the shrine.

The Lord wears a gold crown with a large emerald embedded in the front. On special occasions, he is adorned with a diamond crown. The Lord has a thick double tilaka drawn on his forehead, which screens his eyes. His ears are decorated with golden earrings. The right hand is pointing to his lotus feet. His left hand is akimbo. His body is dressed with yellow clothing tied with gold string and a gold belt with gold bells. He has a yajnopavita (sacred thread) flowing down crosswise from his left shoulder. He bears Lakshmi Devi on his right chest and Padmavathi Devi on his left chest. His feet are covered with gold frames and decked with gold anklets. A curved gold belt encompasses his legs. The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates and surmounted with a golden vase in the 13th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king Yadava Raya.The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord's presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

[h=3]Bangaru Vakili[/h] [SUP][/SUP]
From the Tirumamani Mandapam, one can enter the Bangaru Vakili (Meaning Golden Entrance in Telugu) to reach the inner sanctum sanctorum. There are two tall copper images of the dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The thick wooden door is covered with gilt plates depicting the dasavataram of Sri Maha Vishnu. The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili(Meaning Silver Corridor in Telugu). It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam. Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door.

[h=3]Garbha Gruham[/h] The Garbhagruha or sanctum sanctorum is where the idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara is placed. The idol stands majestically in the Garbha Gruha, directly beneath a gilt-dome called the "Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana". This idol, called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested. As there is no known sculptor possessing the capability to sculpt idols of god so proportionately. Further, no human being is known to have installed it in the shrine.[SUP]

[/SUP]

The idol of the Lord wears a gold crown (Kiritam), which has a large emerald embedded on its front. On special occasions, it is replaced with a diamond kiritam. On the forehead of the idol, two thick patches of tilak drawn with refined camphor, almost covers the eyes of the idol. In between the two white patches is a Kasturitilakam made of saffron.



Golden makara kundalas hang on the ears of the idol. The palm of its raised right hand is embedded with a gem-set Sudarshana Chakra and the left palm with the Holy Cone. The slightly outstretched front right hand, has its fingers pointing toward the feet, as if the Lord is the only recourse to his devotees to dissolve in him and enjoy eternal bliss. The akimbo of the front left hand implies lord's protection to devotees and to show that the Samsara Sagara (Ocean of Life) is never deeper than to hip's height, if they seek his refuge.


The body of the Idol is spun with a Gold-stringed-Pitambaram, with a belt of golden-bells. The idol is decorated with precious ornaments. It has a sacred thread flowing down, crossing from the left shoulder. It bears Goddess Lakshmi on the right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi on the left. Nagaabharanam ornaments are on both shoulders of the idol. The lotus feet are covered with gold frames and decked with clinging gold anklets. A strong curved belt of gold encompasses the legs. During abhishekam, we can have darshan of Goddess Lakshmi.


The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates and covered with a golden vase, in the thirteenth century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king, Yadava Raya.
Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Garbha Gruha (beyond Kulasekhara padi (path))



OM NAMO NARAYANA


TO BE CONTINUED





https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumala_Venkateswara_Temple
 
Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

OM NAMO VENKATESAYA


Deities of the Temple



  1. Moolavirat or Dhruva Beram — The main stone deity of Lord Venkateswara is called Dhruva Beram (beram means "deity", and dhruva means "pole star" or "fixed"). The deity is about 8 feet (2.4 m) from the toes to the top of the crown and is considered the main source of energy for the temple.
  2. Kautuka Beram or Bhoga Srinivasa — This is a tiny one-foot (0.3 m) silver deity, which was given to the temple in 614 AD by Pallava Queen Samavai Perindevi, and has never been removed from the temple from the day it was installed. This deity is popularly known as Bhoga Srinivasa, because it enjoys all the Bhoga (worldly pleasures) which the Moolavirat has. This deity sleeps in a golden cot every night and receives Sahasra Kalashabishekam every Wednesday. This deity is always placed near the left foot of Moolavirat and is always connected to the main deity by a holy Sambandha Kroocha. The deity is always faced at an angle of 45 degrees towards the devotees, because it holds a Prayoga ("ready to strike") Chakra.
  3. Snapana Beram or Ugra Srinivasa — This idol of the Lord represents the anger part of Lord Venkateswara. He remains inside the sanctum sanctorum, and comes out on only one day each year: on Kaishika Dwadasi, before the sunrise. Snapana means "cleansing". The idol is cleansed daily with holy waters, milk, curds, ghee, sandalwood paste, turmeric, and so on.



Malayappa swami along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi during the annual Vasanthotsavam ceremony







  1. Utsava Beram — This is the form of the Lord which comes out of the temple to see the devotees. This deity is also called Malayappa, and its consorts are Sridevi and Bhudevi. These three deities were found in a cave called Malayappan Konai in the holy Tirumala Hills. Originally Ugra Srinivasa was the Utsava Beram (the procession deity), and frequently disastrous fires were happening whenever the deity was taken out for processions. People prayed to the Lord for a solution. The Lord appeared in dreams, and ordered the people to find a suitable set of idols hidden in the Holy Tirumala hills for the Utsavar (procession). The hunt began, and the villagers called the idol they found Malayappa, which means "King of the Hills". After these idols were brought to the temple, the number of programmes increased to include Nitya Kalyanaotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Nityaotsvam, Dolotsavam, and others. Jewels worth millions of rupees have been donated as offerings to these idols.
  2. Bali Beram or Koluvu Srinivasa — This panchaloha idol resembles the main deity, and represents the presiding officer for all activities and rituals in the temple. The idol is also called Bali Beram. Koluvu Srinivasa is regarded as the guardian deity of the temple that presides over its financial and economic affairs. Daily offerings are made to the deity, with a presentation of accounts. Every year during July i.e. according to Hindu calendar "Dakshinaya Sankaramana" the temple celebrates "Anivar Asthanam" which is the end of the fiscal year.

OM NAMO NARAYANA


TO BE CONTINUED



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumala_Venkateswara_Temple
 
Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues


OM NAMO VENKATESAYA


Religious Importance of the Temple


Tirumazhisai Azhwar (4203 BCE (according to tradition)) himself says in Tamil
sAkkiyam katrOm, SamaNam katrOm, SankaranAr aakkiya Aagamanool
aarAindhOM; BhaggiyathAl venkaTkariyAnai SerndOm


We had learned SAkkiyam (buddism) SamaNam (jainism) and the Agamic Scriptures made by Lord Shankara (Shiva); Due to sheer grace, we landed at the feet of TiruvengadathAN.
The outpouring divine grace of Sri Balaji inspired Tallapaka Annamacharya to sing His glories in Telugu and in Sanskrit. Of the 36000 songs composed by him, only 12000 are available. Keertanas like 'Brahma Kadigina Paadamu' and 'Adivo Alladivo Sriharivaasamu' are popular even today. His keerthana, Jo achyutanada is sung every night to the Lord by his descendants.


Tarikonda Venkamamba is a female poet who dedicated her life to Venkateswara and practiced celibacy her entire life. To popularize her contributios, it is believed Venkateswara asked her to adopt a son, whose descendants sing her Muthyala harathi (Telugu composition) to the Lord every night during Ekanta Seva.
Purandaradasa was another who composed thousands of songs regarding Lord Venkateswara. Only a few hundred of his songs are available. 'Daasana Maadiko Enna', 'Nambide Ninna Paadava Venkataramana' are worthy of mention.


Sri Tyagaraja (composer of over 700 carnatic compositions) was also among the chief devotees of Lord Venkateswara. 'Tera Teeyagarada', 'Venkatesa! Ninnu Sevimpanu' are among his well-known Keertanas on the Lord Venkateswara.




Ten of the 12 Alwars have sung of, or mentioned Tiruvenkatam in a total of 202 verses, of the Naalayira Divya Prabandam.

The temple is considered one of the eight Sywayambu Kshetras of Vishnu where presiding deity is believed to have manifested on its own. Seven other temples in the line are Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, and Vanamamalai Perumal Temple in South India and Saligrama, Naimisaranya, Pushkar and Badrinath Temple in North India.[SUP]


[/SUP]




Main gopuram of Sri Kalyana venkateswara temple at Srinivasa mangapuram; Tirupati





The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Azhwars. The Azhwars have sung praise on the different forms of Perumal. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Many Acharyas have also written songs on the various forms of God in this Temple. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.

The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice.



Ramanuja

Ramanuja (1017–1137 .E)[SUP][24][/SUP][SUP][25][/SUP] (Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia) born in a Tamil Brahmin family in the village of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.(Philosophers and Religious Leaders: An Encyclopedia of People Who Changed the World Lives & Legacies) was the architect of Tirupati and the father of the Sri Vaishnava community.[SUP]

[/SUP] He was responsible for managing the worshipping procedures and other affairs of the Sri Venkateswara temple. His shrine was built around the 13th century. It overlooks the western end of the Tirumamani Mandapam. There are two tall copper images of the Dvarapalas (door guardians) Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The door is covered with gilt plates depicting the Dashavatara of Sri Maha Vishnu. The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam. Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door. The right hand of the stone image of Ramanuja is held in the gesture of exposition (vyakhyana mudra), and the left hand in the form of boon bestowal (varada hasta) or of holding a book (pustaka hasta). The shrine figures prominently during the festival of Adhyayanotsavam, which is a typical Pancharatra observance. Special worship is conducted in this shrine during Gandhapodi Utsavam and Bhashyakara Utsavam. The presiding deity of Ramanuja is taken in a grand procession to meet Malayappa near the Padi Kavali.


Jeeyar Mattam was established by Ramanuja, with the call of the Divine that made today's Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji the young Srimannarayana Ramanujacharyulu to take up the ascetic order of JEEYAR(Lion) at a very young age of 23 years. He is reckoned very high among the monks of the India and abroad as the pioneer and Crusader of Peace.
Annamayya

Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (or Annamayya) (9 May 1408 – 23 February 1503) was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and a Telugu composer who composed around 36000 keertana songs, many of which were in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple. The musical form of the keertana songs that he composed have strongly influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions, which are still popular among Carnatic music concert artists.

Sri Annamacharya is remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great Bhakta/devotee of Bhagwaan Govinda by devotees and saintly singers.He is widely regarded as the Pada-kavita Pitaamaha (grand old man of song-writing) of the Telugu language. Annamacharya is said to have composed as many as 36,000 sankeertanas[SUP][[/SUP] (songs) on Bhagwaan Govinda Venkateswara, of which only about 12,000 are available today. Annamacharya considered his compositions as floral offerings to Bhagwaan Govinda. In the poems, he praises Venkateswara, describes his love for him, argues and quarrels with the Lord, confesses the devotee's failures and apprehensions, and surrenders himself to Venkateswara. His songs are classified into the Adhyaatma (spiritual) and Sringaara (romantic) sankeertanas genres. His songs in the "Sringaara" genre worship Bhagwaan Venkateswara by describing his amorous and romantic adventures of Venkateswara and Alamel Manga, while others describe the Bhakti of his devotees. In his later keertanas, he espouses subjects such as morality, dharma and righteousness. He was one of the first few who opposed the social stigma towards the untouchable castes in his era, with his sankeertanas explaining that the relationship between God and human is the same irrespective of the latters' color, caste and financial status, in beautiful yet powerful usage of words in his songs "Brahmam Okkate Parabrahmam Okkate..." and "E Kulajudainanemi Evvadainanemi..."

Tarikonda Venkamamba

Tarikonda Venkamamba (born 1730) was a poetess and staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara in the 18th century. She wrote numerous poems and songs in Telugu. Her first poem was Tarikonda Nrusimha Satakam; it was followed by three Yakshaganams, Nrusimha Vilasa Katha, Siva Natakam and Balakrishna Natakam; and Rajayogamrutha Saram, a Dwipada Kavyam. These works were completed when she was in Tarikonda. On her return to Tirumala from Tumburakona caves, Venkamamba composed Vishnu Parijatham, Chenchu Natakam, Rukmini Natakam and Jala Krida Vilasam and Mukthi Kanthi Vilasam (all Yakshaganams), Gopi Natakam (Golla Kalapam-Yakshaganam), Rama Parinayam, Sri Bhagavatham, Sri Krishna Manjari, Tatva Keerthanalu and Vashista Ramayanam (Dwipada), Sri Venkataachala Mahatyam (Padya Prabhandam) and Ashtanga Yoga,Saram (Padyakruthi).
Tyagaraja

Kakarla Tyagabrahmam (4 May 1767 – 6 January 1847), colloquially known as Tyagayya and Tyāgarājar, was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He, along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music. He was a prolific composer and highly influential in the development of the South Indian classical music tradition. Tyagaraja composed thousands of devotional compositions, most of them in praise of Lord Rama – most of which remain very popular even today. Of special mention are five of his compositions called the Pancharatna Krithis (English: 'five gems'), which are often sung in programs in his honour. His compositions in praise of Lord Venkateswara include – 'Tera Teeyagarada', 'Venkatesa! Ninnu Sevimpanu' among others.





OM NAMO NARAYANA



TO BE CONTINUED



http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df075.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumala_Venkateswara_Temple
http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df075.html
 
Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues


tirupatibalaji.jpg



OM NAMO VANKATESAYA

திருமலையில் ராமானுஜரும்,திருவேங்கடமுடையானும் ....


பன்னிரண்டாழ்வார்களால் பாடப்பட்ட" வைணவத் தலங்கள்" நூற்று எட்டாகும். இவற்றை "நூற்று எட்டு வைணவத் திருப்பதிகள்' என்று வைணவ பக்தர்கள் கூறுவர். ஆனாலும் இந்த நூற்று எட்டில் பொதுவாக "திருப்பதி' என்று சொன்னால் அது திருவேங்கடமென்னும் தலத்தையே குறிக்கும்.



திருவேங்கடம் என்னும் தலத்தின் பெருமையைப் பற்றி பத்து ஆழ்வார்கள் பாடியுள்ளனர்.


ஆனால்,குலசேகராழ்வார் பாடல்களே, இத்தலத்தில் பிறப்பதனால் உண்டாகும் பெருமையை விளக்கும் பாடல்களாகும். குலசேகராழ்வார் "மீண்டும் தமக்கு இனி பிறவி வேண்டாம்' என்றும், "அப்படி ஒரு வேளை மறுபடி பிறப்பதுதான் விதி எனில், அது மனிதப் பிறவியாக இல்லாவிடினும், திருமலையில் உள்ள கோனேரியில் வாழும் பறவையாகவோ, சுவாமி புஷ்கரிணி திருக்குளத்தில் மீனாகவோ, அதன் கரையில் மரமாகவோ பிறக்க வேண்டும். அப்படியோர் பேறு கிடைத்தால் அதை இந்திர பதவியைவிட உயர்ந்ததாகக் கருதுவேன்' என்று பாடியுள்ளார். பெருமாளின் சந்நிதியில், "படியாய்க் கிடந்தாவது அவன் பவள வாய் காணவேண்டும்' என்பது இந்த ஆழ்வாரின் அற்புத ஆசை.


இத்தகு சிறப்பு வாய்ந்த திருப்பதி திருமலையில், ராமானுஜரின் குருவான திருமலை நம்பி, நிர்வாகம் செய்து வந்தார். அதே சமயத்தில் தமிழ்நாட்டில் "திருமாலின் தெற்குத் திருவீடு' என்று போற்றப்படும் திருவரங்கத்தில், ராமானுஜர் சேவை செய்து வந்தார். இந்நிலையில் ராமானுஜர், தம் சீடர்களுடன் தல யாத்திரை செய்யும்போது, திருவேங்கடத்திற்கு வந்தார்; கீழ்த்திருப்பதியில் தங்கி இருந்தார். பல தலங்களுக்கு நடந்தே சென்று வந்திருந்ததால், அனைவருக்கும் கடுமையான பசி உண்டாயிற்று.
ராமானுஜரின் சீடரும், திருமலையில் அவர் பெயரில் நந்தவனம் அமைத்து, புஷ்ப கைங்கர்யம் செய்து வந்தவருமான, அனந்தாழ்வார், அச்சமயம் நான்கு வைணவ அடியார்களுடன் ராமானுஜரிடம் வந்தார். தம் குருவான ராமானுஜரின் பாதங்களில் விழுந்து வணங்கினார். ராமானுஜரும் தன் சீடனை, மார்புறத் தழுவிக் கொண்டார். பின்னர் அனைவர்க்கும் அறுசுவை உணவளித்தார் அனந்தாழ்வார்.


அனைவரும் உண்டு மகிழ்ந்ததும் அனந்தாழ்வார் ராமானுஜரிடம், ""சுவாமி! தங்கள் வருகையை எதிர்பார்த்து திருமலை நம்பி சுவாமிகள், மலை மீது ஆவலுடன் காத்திருக்கிறார். தேவரீர் அங்கே எழுந்தருள வேண்டும்'' என்று கூறினார். அதற்கு ராமானுஜர், ""அனந்தாழ்வானே! இத்திருவேங்கடமலை, நித்திய சூரிகளும் தவ சிரேஷ்டர்களும் உலவும் மலை. இம்மலையில் நான் கால் வைத்து நடப்பது அபசாரமாகாதா?'' என்று கூறினார்.


அதற்கு அனந்தாழ்வார், ""சுவாமி திருவரங்கத்தில், தங்களுடன் திருப்பணி செய்து கொண்டிருந்த என்னை, இத்திருமலையில் நந்தவனம் அமைத்துப் புஷ்ப கைங்கர்யம் செய்யுமாறு, அனுப்பி வைத்தவர்கள் தாங்கள்தானே..? நானே இம்மலையில் கால் வைத்து ஏறும்போது, தாங்கள் வரக்கூடாதா? என்று கூறி ராமானுஜரையும், சீடர்களையும் அழைத்தார்.


ராமானுஜர் அதன்படிச் செய்து, திருமலையின் வீதியிலே வரும்போது, அவருடைய உறவினரும், குருவுமான திருமலை நம்பி வரவேற்றார். ராமானுஜர், திருமலை நம்பியின் பாதங்களில், வீழ்ந்து வணங்கினார்.


திருமலை நம்பியைப் பார்த்து, பக்திப் பரவசத்துடன், ""சுவாமி! அடியேனை வரவேற்கத் தாங்களே வர வேண்டுமா? யாராவது ஒரு சிறியவரை அனுப்பிவைத்தால் போதாதா?'' என்று ராமானுஜர் கேட்டார்.


அதற்கு நம்பி, ""ராமானுஜா! நானும் அப்படித்தான் நினைத்தேன். வீதியில் வந்து நான்கு திசைகளிலும் பார்த்தேன். அங்கு
என்னைவிடச் சிறியவன் யாரும் இல்லை. அனைவரும்
என்னைவிட உயர்ந்தவர்களாகவே இருந்தனர். அதனால்தான்
நானே வந்தேன்'' என்று கூறினார். நம்பியின் சொற்களைக் கேட்ட ராமானுஜர், ""சுவாமி! தேவரீரை விட உயர்ந்தவர், வேங்கடவன் ஒருவரைத் தவிர வேறு யாருமில்லை'' என்று சொல்லி உள்ளம் உருகினார்.


வைணவ சமயத்தின் முக்கியமான கொள்கைகளில் ஒன்று,
பிறர் படும் துயரத்தைத் தனதெனக் கொள்ளுதல்;
அவர்களின் துயரைத் தீர்த்தல். திருக்கோட்டியூர் நம்பிகளிடம்
கற்றுக் கொண்ட, எட்டெழுத்து மந்திரமாகிய நாராயண மந்திரத்தை, "தனக்கு நரகம் கிடைத்தாலும் பரவாயில்லை; ஊரில் உள்ளவர்கள் எல்லாம் துயர் தீர்ந்து மோட்சமடைய வேண்டும்' என்ற கருணையினால், தம் குருநாதருக்குக் கொடுத்த வாக்குறுதியையும் மீறி, திருக்கோட்டியூர் கோபுரத்தின் மீது ஏறி நின்று, அனைவருக்கும் உபதேசித்தவர் ராமானுஜர். "பிறர் துன்பத்தைப் போக்கி நன்மை செய்வதற்காகத், தனக்கு எத்தகைய துன்பம் வந்தாலும்,மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் ஏற்றுக் கொள்பவனே, உண்மையான வைணவன்' என்ற,கொள்கையின் சின்னமாக விளங்கியவர் ராமானுஜர்.


வைணவத்தின் மற்றொரு கொள்கை பணிவுடைமை. "நிறை குடம் தளும்பாது' என்ற பழமொழிக்கேற்ப,பக்தியின் எல்லை கண்ட பரம பக்தர்கள் தம்மை "நான்' என்றும் சொல்ல மாட்டார்கள். "அடியேன்' என்றே கூறுவார்கள். மற்றொரு அடியாரைப் பற்றிக் குறிப்பிடும்போது, அவர் பக்தியிலும் கல்வியிலும் தம்மைவிடக் குறைந்தவராக இருந்தாலும்,அவரைத் "தேவரீர்' என்றே கூறுவார்கள்.


அக்கொள்கைக்கேற்பவே திருமலை நம்பி,தம்மைச் "சிறியவன்' என்று கூறிக் கொண்டார். ராமானுஜரும்-திருமலை நம்பியும் சந்தித்துக் கொண்டது, வைணவத்தின் இரு பெருங்கொள்கைகள் சங்கமமானதுபோன்ற, தெய்வீகமான காட்சியாகும். இந்நிகழ்ச்சி, திருக்கோளூர் பெண் பிள்ளை ரகசியத்தில், ""யான் சிறியன் என்றேனோ திருமலை நம்பி போலே'' என்று குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.
திருமலை நம்பி, ""ராமானுஜா! நீயும், உன் சீடர்களும் பசியுடன் வந்திருக்கிறீர்கள். கோனேரியில் நீராடி வேங்கடவனை வணங்கிவிட்டு, திருவமுது செய்யலாம்'' என்று கூறினார். இதைக் கேட்ட ராமானுஜர், ""சுவாமி! தாங்கள் மறந்துவிட்டீர்களா? தேவரீர், அனந்தாழ்வாரிடம், அறுசுவையான உணவைக் கொடுத்தனுப்பி இருந்தீர்களே?, அந்தத் தேவாமிர்தத்தைப் போன்ற திருவமுதை, உண்டு விட்டுத்தானே வருகிறோம்'' என்றார்.


ராமானுஜர் கூறியதைக் கேட்ட திருமலை நம்பி ஆச்சரியத்துடன், ""ராமானுஜா! நான் அனந்தாழ்வானிடம் உணவு கொடுத்தனுப்பவில்லையே!'' என்று கூறி, அனந்தாழ்வாரை அழைத்தார். ராமானுஜருடன் வந்த அனந்தாழ்வாரை காணவில்லை. திருமலை நம்பியின் பின்னால் இருந்த, அனந்தாழ்வார் ராமானுஜரிடம், ""சுவாமி! அடியேன் கீழ்த்திருப்பதிக்கே வரவில்லையே! இப்பொழுதுதானே தங்களைப் பார்க்கிறேன்' என்றார். இது கேட்டு அதிசயித்தார் ராமானுஜர்.


உடனே திருமலை நம்பி, ""ராமானுஜா! தன் குழந்தை பசியோடிருப்பதை எந்தத் தாயாவது பொறுத்துக் கொள்வாளா? அதுபோல் நீயும் உன் சீடர்களும் பசியோடிருப்பதை அறிந்த திருவேங்கடமுடையான், அனந்தாழ்வான் வடிவத்தில் வந்து, உங்கள் அனைவர்க்கும் தாமே உணவு பரிமாறி இருக்கிறார்.
ராமானுஜா! நீ வைணவத்தை வாழ்விக்கப் பிறந்தவன். வைணவத்திற்கு உடையவன்; பக்தர்களுக்கு உடையவன்; திருவேங்கடமுடையானுக்கும் உடையவன். உன் பக்தியே பக்தி! உன் பாக்கியமே பாக்கியம்!' என்று அன்புடன் கூறினார். ராமானுஜரின் மற்றொரு திருநாமம் "உடையவர்' என்பதாகும்.


ராமானுஜரின் சீடரான அனந்தாழ்வார், திருமலையில் தம் குருநாதரான, ராமானுஜர் பெயரில் "ராமானுஜர் நந்தவனம்' என்ற அழகான பூந்தோட்டத்தை அமைத்து, ஏழுமலையானுக்குப் புஷ்ப கைங்கர்யம் செய்து கொண்டிருந்தார் என்பதை ஏற்கெனவே குறிப்பிட்டிருந்தோம். ஒரு நாள் அவர் பூப்பறித்துக் கொண்டிருந்தபோது, ஒரு சர்ப்பம் அவரைத் தீண்டிவிட்டு ஓடிவிட்டது. அவர் அதைப் பற்றிக் கவலைப்படாமல், மீண்டும் பூப்பறித்துக் கொண்டிருந்தார். அருகில் இருந்த அடியார்கள், ""சுவாமி! உங்களைச் சர்ப்பம் தீண்டிவிட்டது. முதலில் சர்ப்பத்தின் விஷம் தலைக்கேறும் முன், வைத்தியம் செய்துவிட்டு, பிறகு பூப்பறிக்கலாம்'' என்றனர்.


அதற்கு அனந்தாழ்வார், ""அன்பர்களே! அடியேன் வலிமையுடையவனாக இருந்தால், வழக்கம்போல் இந்த சுவாமி புஷ்கரணியில் நீராடி ஏழுமலையானைச் சேவிக்கப் போகிறேன். சர்ப்பம் வலிமையுடையதாக இருந்தால், வைகுண்டத்தில் உள்ள "விரஜா' நதியில் நீராடி பரமபத நாதனுக்கு சேவை செய்யப் போகிறேன். அடியார்கள் மரண பயம் அடைவதில்லை'' என்றார். திருமலையான் அவரை தன் வசமே வைத்துக் கொண்டான்.


"வேம்' என்றால் "சுட்டெரிக்கும் தீ' என்பது பொருள். வேங்கடம் என்பது நம் பாவ வினைகளைச் சுட்டெரித்துப் புனிதர்களாக்கும் தலம்.







(I am extremely sorry that i am not able to reproduce this in English Version for the benefit of those who can not read Tamil, Please pardon me )



OM NAMO NARAYANA


To BE CONTINUED






http://www.indian-temples-history.in/2010/02/tirumala-tirupati-venkateswara-swamy.html
http://www.dinamani.com/weekly_supplements/vellimani/article1075322.ece?service=print
 
Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues


god-lard-venkateswara-wallpaper.jpg



OM NAMO VENKATESAYA

The Seven Hills

The seven hills, also called Saptagiri, represent the Saptarishi (seven sages). They sometimes called the Sapathagiri. Hence the Lord is named Saptagirinivasa. The following are the seven hills:






Lord Anjaneya's magnificent statue in Tirumala







Gaaligopuram on Tirumala walkway from Tirupati







Mokalla mitta gopuram Tirumala hills





  • Vrushabhadri – Hill of Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva
  • Anjanadri — Hill of Lord Hanuman.
  • Neeladri – Hill of Neela Devi – It is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. It is because of boon granted by Lord Venkateswara to Neela Devi.
  • Garudadri or Garudachalam – Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu
  • Seshadri or Seshachalam – Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Lord Vishnu
  • Naraynadri – Hill of Narayana. Srivari Padalu are located here
  • Venkatadri – Hill of Lord Venkateswara


Temple activities

Prasadam

The world famous Tirupati Laddu is given at Tirumala Temple as prasadam.[SUP]

[/SUP] Recently, the Trust has taken Geographical Indication of Laddu prasadam, hence, no one can prepare the same Laddu. Many other prasadams are also available including daddojanam (curd rice), pulioharey (tamarind rice), vada and chakkera-pongali (sweet pongal), miryala-pongali, Appam, Paayasam, Jilebi, Muruku, Dosa, seera (kesari). Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tirupavadai seva is conducted, where food items are kept as naivedyam to Lord SriSrinivasa.

Hair tonsuring




Devotees shaving their heads at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple



Many devotees have their head tonsured as "Mokku", an offering to God. The daily amount of hair collected is over a ton.[SUP]

[/SUP] The hair thus gathered is sold by the temple organisation a few times a year by public auction to international buyers for use as hair extensions and in cosmetics, bringing over $6 million to the temple's treasury.[SUP]

[/SUP] This is the second highest income generating activity in the temple next to the Hundi Collection.

When Lord Balaji was hit on his head by a shepherd, a small portion of his scalp became bald. This was noticed by Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess. She felt "such an attractive face should not have a flaw". Immediately, she cut a portion of her hair and, with her magical power, implanted it on his scalp. Lord Balaji noticed her sacrifice. As hair is a beautiful asset of the female form, he promised her that all his devotees who come to his abode would offer their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence, it is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. The hill, Neeladri, one of the seven hills, is named after her.
Hundi (donation pot)

It is believed that Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his wedding. Lord Kubera credited money to the god Venkateswara (a form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavati. Srinivasa sought a loan of one crore and 11.4 million (11,400,000) coins of gold from Kubera and had Viswakarma, the divine architect, create heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills. Together, Srinivasa and Padmavathy lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever.In remembrance of this, devotees go to Tirupati to donate money in Venkateswara's hundi (donation pot) so that he can pay it back to Kubera. The hundi collections go as high as 22.5 million INR a day. Devotees offer gold as a token of their love for God. Temple sources said that in April 2010 the temple deposited 3,000 kg of gold with SBI as gold offerings in the temple hundi by devotees, which had accumulated for the last several years.

Thulabharam

One of the most important offering in this temple, is the 'thulabharam.' In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of a weighing balance and the other pan is filled with materials greater than the weight of the devotee. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves, banana, gold, coins. This is mostly performed with newborn babies or children..
Arjitha seva (paid services)

Pilgrims can view and participate (in a limited fashion) in the various sevas performed to Dhruva bera (main idol), Bhoga Srinivasa, Sri Malayappa swami and other idols in the temple.


When pilgrims purchase arjitha seva tickets, they get the opportunity to see a seva performed to the Lord, obtain prasadam in the form of vastram (clothes), akshantalu (sacred and blessed rice) and food articles (laddus, vadas, dosas, pongal, rice items) and a darshan of the utsava murti.



Festivals




Elephants marching during a festival at Tirumala




The town celebrates most Vaishnava festivals, including Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Rama Navami, and Janmashtami with great splendor, while the Brahmotsavam celebrated every year during September is the most important festival in Tirumala. The temple receives millions of devotees over the short span of a week. Other major festivals include Vasanthotsavam (spring festival), conducted in March–April, and Rathasapthami (Magha Shuddha Saptami), celebrated in February, when Lord Venkateswara's deity is taken on procession around the temple chariots.





OM NAMO NARAYANA



TO BE CONTINUED





https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumala_Venkateswara_Temple
 
Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues

Divya Desam75- Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Continues


OM NAMO VENKATESAYA




For Advance booking of various Sevas please open this link to read

http://www.tirumala.org/Advancebooking.aspx


Contact Address



Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams,

TTD Administrative Building,

K.T. Road Tirupati 517 501 ,

Andhra Pradesh ,
India.


PhoneNumbers For CallCenter(24x7) TTD Officials Fax Numbers
Phone: +91-877-2233333
Phone: +91-877-2277777
Phone: +91-877-2264252
Phone: +91-877-2231777
Toll Free nos:
Information:1800425111111,
1800425333333
Complaints/Suggestions:18004254141
Public Relations Officer 0877-2264217
BIRRD 0877-2264621
Chief Engineer 0877-2264621
Chief Accounts Officer 0877-2264751
LAW Officer 0877-2264524
Joint Executive Officer 0877-2263960,3214
Ele (D.E.-I) 0877-2264741
E.O.Chamber 0877-2264166
F.A.&C.A.O. 0877-2264289
General Section 0877-2264741
S.E.ENG.(Ele) 0877-2264742
Wokring Hours- Administrative Office
10:00 to 17:00 hrs, Monday to Saturday Sunday is holiday.
Working Hours - Temples & Choultries
Round the Clock,through out the Year



How to Reach Thirumala Temple



The sacred temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala hills is easily accessible by all modes of transport. After reaching Tirupati, one can easily travel to Tirumala by road or on foot.

By Road


Tirumala has direct bus services from Tirupati with a frequency of a bus in every 2 minutes. It also has direct buses from Chennai, Bengaluru and Vellore. Paid taxis and private bus operators also ply buses from nearby cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakapatnam and Bangalore to Tirupati.

Automobile Clinic - In case of vehicle breakdowns on the ghat roads, TTD offers service through its automobile clinic levying certain charges on case to case basis. The pilgrims can either report at Toll Gates of Alipiri or GNC in Tirumala or contact 0877-2263636 for immediate help. A mechanic will be sent in a mobile van equipped with spares, to attend to the problem by TTD transport department.
Buses and other transport are banned on ghat road from Tirupati to Tirumala between 12 AM and 3 AM.













By Rail

Tirumala does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is in Tirupati, which is about 26 km from Tirumala. Tirupati railway station is a major railway station and is well equipped with five platforms and an escalator. It is well connected to major cities across India.





By Air

The nearest airport to Tirumala is near Renigunta about 15 km from Tirupati. This domestic airport has direct flights to Hyderabad, Visakapatnam, Chennai, New Delhi and Bangalore and is now being upgraded to an International airport.



On Foot


Many devotees climb the hills to Tirumala on foot to fulfil a vow. There are two well-laid stone footpaths leading to Tirumala. These paths are called sopanamargas. The most ancient of the two sopanamargas starts from Alipiri at the foot of the hills. This footpath is 11 km in length and is the commonly used route. The other sopanamarga (Srivari mettu) starts from Chandragiri and is only about 6 km in length. TTD provides and maintains rest houses, security, canteen, toilets, drinking water, medical help, piped devotional music throughout the footpaths. TTD also provides luggage transfer facility, free of cost for the devotees opting to climb the hills on foot to Tirumala.

Accomodation


The temple administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has brought some amendments with effect from January 1, 2011 to ensure more transparency in allotment of accommodation to pilgrims.TTD has enforced penalty on accommodation for those pilgrims who does not vacate the rooms within 24 hours as the norms of TTD. If the pilgrim fails to vacate the room within 24 hours then he should pay an enhanced rent of 200% after 48 hours, 400% after 72 hours.


Categories
Free
acc_tirumala2.jpg



There are several large choultries with free rooms for families to stay in reasonable comfort. Electricity and water are provided free of charge. For free accommodation, pilgrims may contact the Central Reception Office, near the bus stand in Tirumala. Pilgrims can also rest in Dormitory Halls provided by TTD.






OM NAMO NARAYANA




http://www.tirumala.org/Contactus.aspx












http://www.tirumala.org/Howtoreach_TirupatiandTirumala.aspx
http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-temples/tirupati-balaji.html
 
Divya Desam76-Tirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple

Divya Desam76-Tirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple

thirunavaya.jpg


sri-nava-mukunda-temple_1417764842.JPG






The Temple

Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha. Thirunavaya was once the capital of Perumpadapu Swaroopam. It is indeed the cradle of culture in northern Kerala. Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where 'Mamangam', a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held once every 12 years, in olden times. This extravagant festival was held for the last time in 1755 AD. The famous and ancient Thirunavaya Temple, known throughout the country as an ancient teaching-centre of the Vedas, was once plundered and destroyed by Tipu Sultan's army. It was the Zamorin who repaired the temple later.


Legend


This is the place were Nava yogis (Sathuvanathar, Saaloga nathar, Aadhinathar, Arulithanathar, Madhanga Nathar, Macchendira Nathar, Kadayanthira Nathar, Korakkanathar and Kukkudanathar) worshipped Vishnu. Vishnu gave darsan for Nava yogi. Hence this place is called Thirunavayogi and later changed in to Thirunaavaya. In due course, 8 yogis attained moksha and the vigrahams worshipped by them also disappeared and as a result of this, the ninth yogi got dejected and stopped offering worship to Vishnu. When questioned by Perumal, he said that he was missing his companions and Perumal with his maya showed the 8 yogis. The 8 yogis agreed to stay there but said that they would be invisible to human eyes and the 9th yogi could feel their presence. In due course, the 9th yogi requested Perumal to make him also invisible. But Perumal insisted that the vigraham worshipped by the 9 th yogi must be kept there itself and Perumal blessed the 9 yogis saying that they could offer worship to Him at that place forever. Hence, what we see now is the vigraham worshipped by the 9th yogi.

Goddess Mahalakshmi and Gajendra (Indradyumna) used to offer lotus flowers for worshipping Perumal. As Lakshmi Devi would pluck the flowers for aaradhana daily before Gajendran, the elephant got dejected and approached Perumal and told that henceforth it had to go elsewhere to get lotuses for Perumal. As Perumal did not want his devotee to get dejected, He appeared before Goddess Mahalakshmi and Gajendran and said that Thayar could be with Him and accept the offerings made by Gajendran. Hence, this is the only divya desam, in Kerala which has a separate Sreekovil for Maha Lakshmi (Thayar).

It is a usual practice in Kerala temples that after installing an idol, the Sreekovil would remain closed for 7 days with the belief that the devas would offer pooja to the idol. In this temple, first a vigraham was installed and the Sreekovil was kept closed for 7 days. But when the doors opened, they were shocked to see the idol missing. They again brought another idol and the idol disappeared. This went on for 8 times and on the 9th time, out of curiosity, when they opened the temple doors before the scheduled time, they were shocked to see that the idol had descended into the earth upto the knee. To prevent further descent of the idol, They immediately chanted various mantras and saw to it that the idol did not descend further. It is believed that when the idol would descend into the earth, Kaliyuga will come to an end.




History and Heritage






The nine spiritually enlightened sons of 'Hrishabha', the King of Ayodhya, known as 'Navayogis' (Nine ascetics), were constant travelers. During their sojourn, they reached the confluence of the rivers 'Bagmathi' and 'Gantaki' from where the eldest son, Kavi, got a Salagrama of Vishnu. Salagramas are stones found in the Gantaki river basin in Nepal, with special marks like spiral, chakras, thread, etc. formed on them and considered as sacred with the presence of God Vishnu. "Install this Salagrama at the most holy place for the welfare of mankind", Kavi heard an 'asareeri' ( the divine prompting voice).


Kavi travelled all over India in search of the befitting place for the installation of the salagrama and placed it on the north bank of Bharatappuzha at Thirunavaya, where Vishnu himself, whom the salagrama represented, had stayed during a 'Yaga' conducted by Brahma on the South bank. Kavi left the place complacent that his duty was over, but the salagrama sank into the earth. Then his seven brothers brought other salagramas of Vishnu and repeated the process and these also sank deep into the earth.


At last, the youngest of the brothers, Karabhajanan, came to the same place and knew of the futile attempts of his brothers. He knew that this happened because, the proper rituals that should have been performed at the time of the installation were not performed. He installed the Salagrama, as Mukunda bestowing 'Moksha' to the departed souls with all necessary rituals. This time the installation was successful. Later these nine brothers (Navayogis) came to this place and performed a 'Yaga' (or 'Yajna', meaning 'ritual of sacrifice') for the appeasement of the gods and the welfare of the people. The place was thus known as 'Tirunavayogi', in memory of the nine brothers, and the word transformed, as time passed, to the present form 'Thirunavaya'.


Religious Significance of the Temple

In pasurams of Tirumangaialwar and Nammalwar, Thirunavaya is refered as Thirunavai, Lord Vishnu as Sree Nava Mukunda Perumal and Thayar (Mahalakshmi) as Malar Mangai Naachiyaar or Sirudevi.

The subdieties in this temple are Ganapathy and Lakshmi Bhagavathy. Thousands flock here on Karkkidaka vavu day to perform the pithrukriya rites for the departed souls. The Navamukunda temple is said to be the sacred spot blessed with the presence of Saraswathi, Gayathri, Lakshmi, Parvathy, Shani, Markandeya, Ganga, and Yamuna.

Thirunavaya+bali+DSC04548.JPG
vavubali.jpg



Festivals

Mahamaham (Maha magma) used to be celebrated in this temple during olden times. The Zamorin (Samudiri) of Calicut used to come along with his army by the side of the temple. Warriors of the king used to take a vow of fight un to death and march against the zamorin. They were called Chaveru pada(Suicide squad) and were killed by the warriors of Samudiri and thrown in the big well there . Though this well still exists , this aspect of the Mahamaham festival has been discontinued. The annual festival of this temple falls on the month of ‘Meenam’ (March-April), lasts 10 days. The festival starts with the ‘Kodiyettam’ ceremony (Flag of) and ends with ‘Arattu’ (bathing of the idol). The worshiping time here are from 5.00 am to 11.00 am and from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm.


Speciality of the Temple


  1. It is not possible to say whether the river flows from north to south or from South to North.
  2. The outside Pazhukka Mandapam of the temple is so made that it is not possible to tell whether it is inside or the outside the temple.
  3. The leafs of the banyan tree in the temple look the same on both sides and after picking it is not possible to tell which is the top or bottom of the leaf.
  4. It is not possible to tell whether the Krishna idol of the temple is made of stone or metal.
Prayers:

Fulfill Wishes,



Temple Tank

Temple Tank - Sengamala Saras


Temple Timings

05:00 to 11:00 (All days of the week (Morning))
17:00 to 19:00 (All days of the week (Evening))



Contact Details

K. PARAMESWARAN
Executive officer
Thirunavaya Devaswom
Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple
Thirunavaya PO
Malappuram District, Kerala, India
PIN : 676 301
Phone : 0494 - 2603747
91 - 9446631453


How to Reach


Nearest railway station: Thirunavaya, about 2 km away
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 32 km away


OM NAMO NARAYANA












http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/09-09/features1496.htm
http://clicksandwrites.blogspot.in/2011/12/pithrutharppanam-at-thirunavaya.html
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Thirunavaya_Nava_Mukundan_temple
http://thirunavayatemple.org/navamukunda/
http://thirunavayatemple.org/contacts/
http://thirunavayatemple.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirunavaya_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples/info/10254
 
Divya Desam 77-Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple-Thiruvanvandoor

Divya Desam 77-Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple-Thiruvanvandoor

Sri-Paambanaiyappa-Perumal-Temple_0.jpg



The Temple


The Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple is one of the five Vishnu temples associated with the five Pandava brothers, the principal characters of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Nakula, one of the brothers, performed penance at this site.


Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints - Nammalvar, in circa 800 AD. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD).[SUP]

[/SUP]





Sthlapuranam :




A debate arose between Lord Brahmma and Maharshi Narada. Brahma spelt a curse on Narada who came down to this place and performed penance on Lord Vishnu seeking his grace to teach him all the philosophies covering creation and related principles. Pleased with his penance, Lord taught him the lessons based on which Maharshi Narada wrote the treatise on the supremacy of Lord Vishnu and the codes to worship Him, titled Naradeeya Puranam, according to scriptures. Narada is said to have created the ‘Naradiya Purana’, an extensive document comprising of 25000 verses. While digging the land in this place, new Perumal-Vishnu idols were found. They were brought to this temple and new shrines built to install the new idols.

It is significant that the sanctum sanctorum is circular in shape and Perumal in a standing form is facing west hold his conch and discus. The sculpture depicting the dance of Child Krishna on the hoods of snake Kalinga (Kalinga Nardanam) is very attractive. The two pillars bearing this Naradana Kanna has also carvings of all Dasavatara (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu) scenes. The Vimana – tower above the sanctum sanctorum is called Sakala Veda Vimanam. Maharishi Narada and Markandeya had visited the temple to worship Perumal Pamabanaiappan.



it is said that Pandavas came to this place during their exile life. Found dilapidated, Nakula the last brother of the Pandavas renovated the temple. People believe that this was built by Nakula. The temple region is situated on the north of the holy Pampa River of Kerala. This is mentioned in the hymns of Nammazhwar. Of the temples installed by Pandavas, this is the temple that celebrates more festival events.


Moolavar:
vanvandoor-1s.gif

The Moolavar found in this sthalam is Paambanaiyappan. (Paambu + Anai + Appan). He is also named as "Kamalanathan". Moolavar is found in Nindra Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards West direction. Prathyaksham for Naradar and Maarkandeyar.



Thayaar


The Thaayar of this sthalam is Kamalavalli Naachiyaar.

Mangalasasanam:



  • Nammalwar - 10 Paasurams.
    Total 10.
Pushkarani:

  • Pabhanasa Theertham.
  • Pambha Theertham.
Vimanam:
Vedhalaya Vimaanam.

Specials:

The speciality of this sthalam is this sthalam is built by Nakulan, one among the Pandavas


Festivals

Ashtami-Rohini Krishna Festival,11day Festival in Dhanur, Uthiratadhi 10day festival in Kumbham are the festivals celebrated here.

Temple Location :



This sthalam is situated 4 miles away from Sengannoor in North in Kerala state. We can also rach this sthalam by travelling in bus who starts from Thirucchenganoor to Kottayam. Since, this is a small village, there is no staying facility and as a result of this, to get the seva of this sthala Emperumaan, we have to stay in Thiruvalvaazh


Please see this Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqRqJoSw9a4



How to Reach

Chengannur is a town in Alapuzzha District of Kerala. Important Chengannur attractions include Chengannur Mahadeva Kshetram, Old Syrian Church, Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple and Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The Chengannur Mahadeva Kshetram is the oldest and most famous Hindu temple of the region. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are two main deities of this temple. Two main shrines of this temple make this place unique. Shrine of Lord Shiva faces towards east, while that of Goddess Parvati faces the west direction. Idol of goddess is made of alloy of five metals, while Shivalingam has a gold plating bearing the Ardhanareeshwara (Shiva-Shakti) manifestation of Lord Shiva.

BY FLIGHT
Instead of Chengannur you can a get flight to Kochi Airport on regular basis.
chengannur83 km away
kochi airport (COK), ernakulam, kerala
chengannur95 km away
thiruvananthapuram international airport (TRV), thiruvananthapuram, kerala

BY TRAIN

There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Chengannur.
Railway Station(s): chengannur (CNGR)


BY BUS

Chengannur is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.
Bus Station(s): chengannur



Route:


Located about 7kms North of Chengannur and about 5kms South West of Thiruvalla on the Erimala route, on the banks of the Pamba River

Temple Timings:


5am-1130am and 5pm-8pm


Temple Telephone Number:
0479 2427808


Temple Address:
Arulmigu Pambanaiappan Thirukkoil,
Thiruvanvandur – 686109,
Alapuzha District,
Kerala State.







OM NAMO NARAYANA


http://www.pandavarkavutemple.com/history.html
http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/kerala/tiruvanvandoor-temple.shtml
http://sortingdiamondsandpearls.blogspot.in/2012/04/thiruvanvandur-mahavishnu-temple.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvanvandoor_Mahavishnu_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://devaboomi.com/thiruvanvandur-pambanaiappa-perumal/
http://www.makemytrip.com/routeplanner/how-to-reach-chengannur.html

http://www.templepedia.in/temples/sri-paambanaiyappa-perumal-temple
 
Divya Desam 78-Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple

Divya Desam 78-Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple


trikkakkarayasppan.JPG


The Temple



thrikkakara-vamana-moorthy.jpg


Name of the Temple



Sri Katkarai Appan Temple


Moolavar: Katkraiappan
Thayar: Peruchelva or vathsalya valli
Pushkarani: Kapila Pushkarani
Vimanam: Pushkala Vimanam
Mangalaashaasanam: NamAzhvaar



A simple temple dedicated to the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu.





Thrikkakara Temple is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Lord Vamana the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is situated in Thrikkakara, 2 kilometers east of Idapally near Cochi. The name Thrikkakkara means the holy place where Lord placed His foot. Thiru-kal-kari later became Thrikkakara


From the Thrikkakkara edicts emerges a picture of the Kulasekhara empire which existed till about 1102 A.D., as well as the socio-political and religious milieu of the times. It is believed that Kalakarainadu constituted the present Thrikkakkara, Edappally and surrounding areas. The names of a few chieftains appointed as naduvazhis of Kalkarainadu by the Kulasekhara kings who ruled from their capital Mahodayapuram are mentioned in the inscriptions most of which were written during the reign of the Kulasekhara kings Indukothai Varma (944 - 962) and Bhaskara Ravi Varman I (963 - 1019). One record also mentions the existence of Arunoottuvar or the 'Group of 600' who helped and controlled the naduvazhis

During the reign of Kulasekharas who were great patrons (and followers) of Vaishnavism, Hindu temples flourished in Kerala and Thrikkakkara was a major beneficiary of this royal patronage as can be seen from the inscriptions which mention generous to the temple.


The Thrikkakkara Temple that dates back to ancient times has no mention whatsoever about the Namboodiris, the community that held sway over Kerala after the advent of Hinduism. Neither is Edappally Swaroopam, the erstwhile principality with a Namboodiri ruler that had adjoined Kochi and had played a major historical role in Kerala, mentioned in the records. The temple and inscriptions might be older than the emergence of Namboodiris as a force and the formation of Edappally Swaroopam. But later the ruler of Edappally became the official priest there and till recently held the right to nominate the priest.

The temple houses lithic records of historic significance, and it finds mention in many of the hymns sung by the Tamil Vaishnavite Alwars, particularly Nammalvar of the 7th-9th century CE.


Legend

The Bhagavata Purana describes that Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by Mahabali, a benevolent Asura King. Bali was the grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the son of Prahlada. King Mahabali was generous, and engaged in severe austerities and penance and won the praise of the world. With the praise from his courtiers and others, he regarded himself as the all powerful in the world. Vamana, in the guise of a short Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three paces of land. Mahabali consented, against the warning of his guru, Sukracharya. Vamana then revealed his identity and enlarged to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds. He stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, from earth to the netherworld with the second. King Mahabali, unable to fulfill his promise, offered his head for the third. Vamana then placed his foot and gave the king immortality for his humility. In worshiping Mahabali and his ancestor Prahláda, he conceded sovereignty of Pátála, the netherworld. Some texts also report that Vamana did not step into the netherworld, and instead gave its rule to Bali. In giant form, Vamana is known as Trivikrama.

The legend is associated with the temple and also with Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoyilur and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram.


Deities

In this temple there are two seperate sreekovils for Lord Vamana and Lord Shiva. Five poojas - Ushapooja, Ethruthapooja, Pantheeradypooja, Uchapooja and Athazhapooja - and three Sheevelis- Ethrutha Sheeveli, Ucha Sheeveli and Athazha Sheeveli are conducted daily.

The sub-deities of Vamana temple are Sree Bhagavathi, Sastha, Gopalakrishna, Nagam, Rakshass and Yakshi. The Shivalinga in this temple is believed to be worshiped by Mahabali himself and is situated on the southern side of Vamana shrine. Devotees must visit the Shiva shrine before visiting Vamana shrine.

The Shiva temple or Thekkumkara Thevar temple has shrines of Parvathi, Durga, Bhagavathi, Subramanian and Ganapathy. It is interesting to note in this context that though Thrikkakkara Appan or Vamana is worshipped during Onam celebrations, Mathevar or Mahadevar is also worshipped with equal fervour and the reason remains unexplained. The temple pond in the northern side is called Kapila Theertham and is considered holy. Only the temple priests are allowed to enter into this pond compound. The seat of King Mahabali is located infront of the Mahadeva sreekovil.



Onam festival

The inscriptions describe the celebration of Onam as an occasion when all local chieftains assembled at Thrikkakkara to pay their respect to the Kulasekhara Chakravarthi (Emperor). The festivities started from the star of Thiruvonam in the Malayalam month of Karkatakam and lasted for 28 days till Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam. The last 10 days saw the peak of celebrations. Later the festival was confined to these 10 days beginning from the Atham star in Chingam. The records describe the celebrations in detail and the roles assigned to each king. It is not clear whether the festival had any religious significance at that time. The festival of Onam that first began to be celebrated at Thrikkakkara has spread from there, spanning caste and creed, penetrating the farthest corner of the world where Malayalees have reached, even as the cold inscriptions from a bygone era remain silent spectators for all the pomp and splendour of the celebrations raging around every year.

During the period of 10 days, the temple showcases performances in several cultural arts such as Chakyar Koothu, Ottamthullal, Kathakali and Patakam [SUP][9][/SUP] as well as dance and musical performances such as Panchavadyam and Thayambaka. Each day also has its own ceremonial significance, and the temple authorities perform several ceremonial rites which involve the main deity and the other deities housed at the temple (namely Lord Ayyapa, Devi, Lord Krishna and Rakshassu). The Shiva temple located beside the main temple is also involved in these rites.





The Chuttu-Vilakku (surrounding lamps) lit up during Onam at Thrikkakara temple





Vamanamoorthy idol in the Aarattu procession at
Thrikkakara temple




The temple festival begins on the first day (Atham) with the Kodiyettu ceremony, which is a flag-hoisting ceremony common in festivals in temples in Kerala. Parallel to this, the festival is flagged off all over Kerala by a grand procession beginning at Thrippunithura near Kochi called Athachamayam. In olden days, the Kochi Maharaja would head a grand military procession in full ceremonial robes from his palace to the Thrikkakara temple.[SUP]


[/SUP]

The festival ends on the 10th and final day, which starts off with a symbolic welcome of the Asura king Mahabali.The closing of the festival is marked with the lowering of the flag and bathing of the idol, referred to as Aarattu. A main highlight of the festival is the grand banquet, or Sadya, held on the last two days of the festival at the temple campus. The feast has grown significantly in magnitude each year, and is currently attended by about 10000 people. People belonging to different faiths and religions turn out in large numbers for the sadya in keeping with the spirit of the festival.[SUP]

[/SUP]




Seeveli at Thrikkakara temple



The Chaarthu is a form of decoration of the Vamana idol using mainly sandalwood paste, ornaments and clothing. On each day, the idol is decorated in the form of one of the Ten Avatars of Vishnu, including the Matsya (fish), Kurma (Tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (half-man half-lion), Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Balarama, Krishna, Kalki and Trivikrama (another form of Vamana).


The Pakalpooram is a grand procession held on the penultimate (9th) day of the celebrations. A similar procession, called Seeveli, is also held on the final day.The procession involves leading the main deity Vamana on a ceremonial elephant around the temple campus, along with a group of about eight caparisoned elephants and accompanying Panchavadyam. The procession pauses at each of the gates of the temple (East, West, North and South), and proceeds to return the idol back to its inner sanctum. The procession is similar to the one held in festivities at the Guruvayur temple.

Please see this video



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhr75R5yKck

Temple Timings


Temple Timings:
5am-11am and 5pm-8pm



trikka1.jpg



Route:
Located 10kms North East of Ernakulam, close to the Science and Technology University near Edapalli

Temple Telephone Number:
99952 16368 or 97475 36161
Temple Address:
Sri Katkarai Appan Perumal Temple,
ThiruKatkarai,
Kerala.




OM NAMO NARAYANA



http://www.vaikhari.org/thrikkakara.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkakara_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractio...y_Temple-Thrikkakara_Kochi_Cochin_Kerala.html

http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractio...y_Temple-Thrikkakara_Kochi_Cochin_Kerala.html
 
Divya Desam 79-Sri Lakshmana Perumal temple-Ernakulam- Kerala

Divya Desam 79-Sri Lakshmana Perumal temple-Ernakulam- Kerala


T_500_107.jpg




The Temple


thirumoozhikkulathappan.jpg



Thirumoozhikkulam temple is located in between Angamaly in Ernakulam district and Mala in Thrissur district. Thirumoozhikkulam is one among the 32 Brahmin gramams in Kerala. This is the place where Hareetha muni the son of Vishwamithra worshipped Vishnu.

Inscriptions from the 11th century CE (Bhaskara Ravivarman) are seen in this temple. The Thirumoozhikualam Lekshmana Perumal Temple had a superior status and it had a command over the other local temples. It attracted most of the Tamil Vaishnavite pilgrims who visited ancient Kerala. The temple had a bylaw by name 'Moozhikkulam katcha' which applied to all other temples of Kerala.


The temple was sacked by during Tippus invation, like the temple at Thiruvanjikkulam. The image of the presiding deity is in a damaged state . A silver kavacham or armour was made as a covering for the image; however soon after installation of the kavacham an attempt was made to steal it. Afterwards a Devaprasnam was conducted, which insisted that the Perumal wanted to be in that state only, he didn't want to hide the damage or replace the original idol. Since then it stays like that.


The temple complex enclosed in a large area with picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lakshmana Perumal. The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses the idol of Maha Vishnu. The main annual festival for ten days each year in the month of Medam (April/May). The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board

Temple History


The mythology behind the name of this place is Hareetha Maharshi did penance and meditation on the banks of river Poorna(Chalakudy River). Lord Mahavishnu got impressed by the dedication of the Maharshi and appeared before him on the beginning of the Kali yuga. Lord Vishnu gave some advice to Hareetha Maharshi to overcome the difficulties in Kali yuga. These pieces of advice are called "Thiru Mozhi" meaning 'Sacred Words'. And thereafter this place got its name as "Thirumozhi kalam" – kalam means place. Later Thirumozhikkalam became Thirumoozhikkulam.

Legend

The mythology behind the name of this place goes like this. Hareetha Maharshi did penance and meditation on the banks of river Poorna(Periyar). Lord Mahavishnu got impressed by the dedication of the Maharshi and appeared before him on the beginning of the Kali yuga. Lord Vishnu gave some advices to Hareetha Maharshi to overcome the difficulties in Kali yuga. These advices are called "thiru mozhi" meaning sacred words. And there after this place got its name as "thirumozhi kalam" – kalam means place. Later Thirumozhikkalam became Thirumoozhikkulam.

This shrine is associated with legends from the Ramayanam. Legend has it that while Bharata the brother of Rama and Lakshmana, came to invite Rama, then in exile, to take over the reins of the kingdom, an angry Lakshmana suspecting Bharata's intentions intended to kill him; however, Bharata's innocence was very soon revealed, and then the two of them offered worship together at Tirumoozhikkalam. Worship is offered to Rama, Sita and Hanuman at this spot acknowledging their presence. No music is played during worship services here, unlike other temples. The annual festival which falls in the malayalam month of Makaram used to be an occasion of great festivity, with performances of koothu and Koodiyaattam for a 41 day period in the temple Koothambalam.



Vakkay Kaimal, had a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told him that four idols have been washed ashore and that these idols are to be consecrated at such and such places. The Kaimal being an ardent devotee hastened to the sea shore there lay four idols as indicated in the dream. They were duly installed in four temples as directed in the dream. Rama at Thriprayar. Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam and Shathrughna at Payammal. It is believed that worship at all these four temples on the same day is especially meritorious. In the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July 15th to August 15th) - the Ramayana Masa, thousands of devotees do this special pilgrimge, which is popularly known as Nalambalam Yatra - a pilgrimage to the four temples.

In pasurams of Nammalvar and Thirumangaialwar, Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal is refered as Moozhikkalattappan and Tayar (Mahalakshmi) as Madhuraveni Naachiyaar.

Temple deities

There are idols of Shiva as Dakshinamoorthi(south side) Ganapati, Sree Rama, Seetha, Hanuman Ayyappa, Sree Krishna (as goshala Krishnan) and Bhagavathy in this temple.

There is an order in visiting the deities of this temple. Which is described below, enter through the eastern gate and first visit and pray to the main deity Lakshmana, after praying there then visit Ganapathy, Shiva and other deities then come back to Lakshmana to offer a second prayer after the pradikshana visit Ayyappa and Bhagavathy and then Krishna, and final visit to Lakshmana’s steps to offer prayers before returning.


Please see this Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnPwbG5kgJU



Prayers

Devotees seeking child boon perform Tirivonam puja for which they have to book one year in advance.
The 'Periya Thiruvaymozhi' composed by Nammazhvar praises the greatness of deity of Thirumoozhikkulam. The deity of this temple Lakshmanan is said to be kind to those who suffer and the wish of the devotees get fulfilled. Devotees vouch of their wish getting good children by visiting the temple which is also claimed to ail illness of heart.

Address:


The temple is located about 40 km from Ernakulam town and 35 km from Kottayam town The nearest railway station is at Piravom Road on Kottayam _Ernakulam lane. The nearest airport (60 km) is Cochin International Airport, at Nedumbassery near Kochi. The temple is located less than 20 km from Nedumbassery airport.

Sri Lakshmana Perumal Temple, Tirumoozhikalam, Ernakulam district. Kerala.

+91- 484 - 247 3996




OM NAMO NARAYANA


http://www.vaikhari.org/thirumoozhikkalam.html
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=107
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirumoozhikkulam_Lakshmana_Perumal_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

http://thedu.in/data/old-temples-in-india/article/235
 
Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala

Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala



sreevallabha.JPG



History

Present Thiruvalla was once a village among 64 Namboothiri villages in Kerala and is one among the oldest human settlements in India. Since this place is situated at the mouth (vai) of Manimala River (valla river) it had been known as ‘vallavai’ and later transforned into ‘thiruvalla’. Historical evidences point out the place had been inhabited by humans before 3000 BC. The Thiruvalla inscriptions say the temple for Sudarshana Chakra was built in 2998 BC .[SUP]

[/SUP] Another opinion is that the place was named after sreevallabha temple as sreevallabhapuram and Thiruvalla in colloquial Malayalam. The temple for Sudarshana Chakra was builtby Sreedevi Antherjanam of Sankramangalathu Illam and it was elaborately rebuilt by Queen Cherumthevi in 59 BC.[SUP]

[/SUP] Sreevallabha temple flourished to a major spiritual and educational centre by AD 1100. The temple had governed a Vedic school (thiruvalla sala) with around 1500 students and 150 teachers. Veda, Vedanta, Tarka, Mimamsa, Jyotisha, Ayurveda, Kalaripayattu etc. were taught here. The temple also owned an ayurvedic hospital with facilities to admit and treat 100 patients at a time. Addressing lord Sreevallabhan by names Kolapiran, Thiruvazhmarvan and Sundarayan, the Tamil vaishnavite saints Nammalvar of the 5th century AD (2612-2622 in Divya Prabhandham) and Thirumangai Alvar of the 9th century AD (paasurams 1806-1817 in Divya prabhandham) had praised glory of the temple.[SUP]

[/SUP] Famous Sankrit poet Daṇḍin (7th century AD) of Kanchi mentioned the temple in his works. The first ever prose work in Malayalam is the Thiruvalla inscriptions dated first half of the 12th century AD, which was obtained from the temple during 1915. The famous Unnuneeli Sandesam of the 13th century AD highlighted the grandeur, beauty, serenity, fame and status of the temple during its time. Other works that glorified the temple are Sreevallabha Ksethra Mahathmyam of the 10th century AD, Sreevallabha Charitham kavyam, Thukalasura Vadham Kathakali, Sreevallabha Charitham Kathakali, Sreevallabha Vijayam Kathakali, Sreevallabha Suprabhatham, Sreevallabha Karnamritha Sthothram, Yajanavali Sangrham etc.

From the date built, the temple was under control of thiruvalla pattillathil pottimar (Brahmins of ten families) till 1752-1753. Sreevallabha Temple emerged out as a major spiritual destination for devotees all over India centuries before. It had 15 major priests (melsanthi) and 180 sub-ordinate priests(keezhsanthi) all the time and another 108 for only daily noon pooja. Temple provided staying and food facilities for all visitors, students, teachers etc. and also used to conduct annadanam (serving food to the poor) daily. Naivedyam of Lord Sreevallabhan for a single time used to be made from 45 para (one para can feed appx 100 persons) rice. In all these years, temple acquired enormous amount of wealth that it even used to serve food in golden banana leaves and throw them considering as the leavings. It also had thousands of acres of land too which are lost now. During 1752-1753 Marthanda Varma of Travancore captured the temple from Pathillathil Pottimar and it is believed that Ramayyan Dalawa looted whole temple assets to Thiruvananthapuram. Up to 1968, ladies and elephants were not allowed in the temple. The temple used to be opened for ladies only during Thiruvathira of dhanu month and Vishu of medam till then. Anyhow now this custom is not in practise. These facts clearly say that how popular and wealthy the temple was in those days.

The Temple


sri-vallabha-temple_1410842941.jpg


Thiruvalla is one among the 32 Brahmin gramams in Kerala. The name Thiruvalla is a colloquial form of Sreevallabhapuram, named after the chief deity Sree Vallabha. The ancient name of Thiruvalla was "Valla vai". This name had some relation with the river Manimala which was known as Valla puzha, suggesting that Thiruvalla was at the mouth/bank of river Manimala and hence was known as Valla vai. Thiruvalla was under the rulership of Ay, Nantuzhainadu, Thekkumkoor and Thiruvithamkoor dynasties.


The plinth and the wall of this temple are of granite while the rest of the structure is of timber and sheet roof. The shrine has a vritta (circular) vimanam. Carvings of Dakshinamurthy and Shiva - Yogiswara are seen in this temple. In front of the sanctum are a namaskaramandapam, a mukhamandapam a gopuradwaram and an agramandapam. There is a subshrine to Vishwaksena, in the north east corner of the inner prakaram, facing south.

Vallabha is portrayed as bearing a conch, a discus and a lotus.The Sudarshana Chakram seen through the west cardinal door of the sanctum is held in worship and is believed to have been installed in the 13th century. Much of the present form of the temple dates back to the 14th century.Sandalwood paste is offered as the prasadam in the Vallabha shrine, while vibhooti or the sacred ash is offered as prasadam in the Chakra sign on the other side of the sanctum.

The flagstaff of this temple is a monolithic structure of black granite 50 feet in height. At the top of this staff is an image of Garuda.

Interestingly, devotees offer to sponsor kathakali performances as their offering to the temple. Those whose prayers are answered offer to have a performance arranged here, as a token of acknowledgement and as a gesture of support of the arts.



Temple Mythology

Once upon a time, Sankaramangala Thenmai, a holy woman, lived in the Sankaramangalam village. She was a staunch follower of Lord Vishnu. Hence, she used to observe fasting in Ekadesi. After fasting, she used to give food to any one Brahmachari. Likewise, on one Ekadesi day, she waited for a Brahmachari to give food. At that time, a demon by name "Tholakaasuran" stood as an obstacle for her Viradham (fasting) and did not allow any person, to get the food from Sankaramangala Thenmai. She got worried about this and prayed to this sthala Vishnu, Kolapiraan. At that time, accepting her request and prayer, the Perumal (Lord Vishnu) came towards her like a Brahmachari to get the food. On seeing him, Tholakaasuran tried to stop him and fought with him. During the fight, Tholakaasuran was killed by the Lord, who came there in the form of a Brahmachari. When Tholakaasuran was killed, as a Brahmachari, Lord Vishnu entered inside Sankaramanagala Thanmai's house and started to eat the food offered by her.

At that time, thorugh her gnana(wisdom) eyes, she found that it is none other than Lord Vishnu himself, who had come in the form of Brahmachari and asked him to move the cloth which screened his chest. After the cloth was removed, she could see Goddess Lakshmi, in his Thiru Maarbhu (holy chest). Lord Vishnu is hence called as "Thiruvaazh Maarbhan".

Since he came as Brahmachari and showed the piratti (goddess Lakshmi), he is also called as "Shri Vallabhan". Since Lord Vishnu came as a brahmachari, the piratti is also called as "Vaathsalya Devi".
According to another mythology, Kanda Karan was a chief leader of Lord Shiva’s Shiva Ganangal. But he had an ugly structure, which scared all those who saw him. He gave Narabali (killing people) for Lord Shiva . Hence Lord Shiva ordered him not to give narabali and asked him to worship Shriman Narayana, who is said to be the "Santha Sorubhee"(form of peace). He also said that, by worshipping him, he can get the Mukthi(salvation) and can attain Paramapadham(heaven). From this, Kanda Karnan, who was a great Saivite, changed to Vaishnavism and started to recite the Ashtakshara mantram, "Om Namo Narayanaya". At the same time, he stopped worshipping Lord Shiva and tied two small bells on his ears to avoid hearing Lord Shiva's name (or) his mantra "Om Nama Shivaya" . But even after not hearing the mantra of Lord Shiva, he was really thinking about him and at the same time, he was devoted towards Shriman Narayana, by expressing the Ashtakshara mantra "Om Namo Narayana". By devoting to both the Gods, Lord Shiva and Shriman Narayana, he forgot all his previous actions and started to do dhyanam(meditation), completely, all the time, towards both the Gods. By doing so, he got his mukthi and attained paramapadham (heavenly abode).

To show the unity of the Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, in this sthalam, the Thiru Neeru (Vibhoodi or holy ash) is given as the "prasad" to the devotees. Generally the holy ash or vibudhi is given in Shiva temples only. This is one of the special explanations about the unity and explains that both the Gods should be treated as one. In this temple,there is one separate sannadhi for Thiruppaan Alwar, where no ladies are allowed, into the sannadhi.






Please see this you tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbRRYs5Ln-0


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4JFmHLJ6Qs







OM NAMO NARAYANA




http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples/info/10309
http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples/info/10309
http://www.sreevallabhatemple.in/temples_in_kerala.php?id=3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sreevallabha_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam




TO BE CONTINUED
 
Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala --Continues

Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala --Continues



sreevallabha.JPG


Temple Architecture



Built in the silent and picturesque land on the banks of Manimala river, this icon of Kerala temple architecture, covers an area of 8.5 acres and ranks first among the temples of old Travancore state in terms of area inside the compound wall.[SUP][2][/SUP] The temple is surrounded on all sides by 12 feet, tall 566 feet long, 4.5 feet thick red granite compound walls with a two-storied gopuram (gate tower) on each side.[SUP]

[/SUP] This huge wall was built in 57 BC and is believed that it was completed in a single night by bhoothagana (servants) of The Lord. Outside eastern wall a big pond covering 1.5 acres is seen in north-eastern direction with a copper flagstaff on its southern bank. A platform for performing kathakali is seen just in front of the eastern entrance. Inside the wall pradakshina veethi or outer circumambulation path is seen with four small aankottils (places where the deity is taken out and kept for worship inside temple wall) and a big one on south-eastern corner. South-east to this an oottupura or dining hall is seen which is built in all other temples only on northern side and this is unique to Sreevallabha temple only.[SUP]

[/SUP] Temple auditorium and administrative offices can be seen next to this. Smaller shrines for lord Ganapathy and Ayyappan and another auditorium are seen in south-western side. The position of kshethra palan or temple guard which is strictly built in all temples on northern side is found here just in front of Ganapathy’s shrine i.e. on southern side which also is another peculiarity found nowhere else.[SUP]

[/SUP] The sacred fig and mango trees beneath which sage Durvasa meditated is found near Ayyappan shrine. Just outside the western gopuram, Sankaramangalth Illam where Sreedevi Antharjanam lived is seen well preserved for the initiation of any pooja in the temple. Northern gopuram is closed always and is opened only for Uthra Sreebali festival.

North east to pradakshina veethi, a self originated pond called Jalavanthi or Khandakarna theerthem which is believed to contain 64 hidden idols of the Lord is seen. It is for only the use of priests. Spot where sage Vedavyasa and sage Durvasa disappeared is found on its eastern bank and resting building for the priests on southern side.

North to the temple a roofless shrine dedicated to kurayappa swamy is seen. No pooja is done here, but only banana as naivedyam. The bahir bali vrutham or outer circle of sacrificial stones is built inner to bahir pradakshina veethi. The temple koothambalam (stage) was destroyed by fire in 1915.[SUP]

[/SUP]The most highlighted construction of the temple is the Garuda dhvaja sthambam or flagstaff of Garuda, the majestic eagle mount of lord Vishnu. This monolithic structure is completely built from black granite and elevated 53.5 feet above the ground with its lower end touching water table. Constructed in 57 BC, this structure was also built in a single night along with the outer wall. And an amazing fact is that no black granites can be found in an area ten miles around the temple. A 3 feet massive idol of Garuda is placed on the top of it facing the main sanctum. Since this flagstaff started slanting and reached its current position, a three tiered copper roofed construction has been made all around it to prevent further slanting. West to this, currently used golden flagstaff can be seen.



West to the third flagstaff, balikkalpura (room of the major sacrificial stone) is built around a ten feet tall balipeetha (main sacrificial stone). Vallyambalam (building attached to naalambalam at its main entrance and between naalambalam and balikkalpura) is a double storied copper sheet roofed building standing on 16 stone pillars. These pillars and the roof are noted for their exquisite and minute carvings demonstrating the excellence of those who built it.

The central corridor of vallyambalam leads to naalambalam (double walled building constructed around sanctum-sanctorum at a distance) with thidappalli or holy kitchen, navakappura or room for navaka pooja etc. The 150 feet long, 11 feet Broad square naalambalam is completely made out of black stones and supported by 54 stone pillars beautifully carved with the image of a Salabhanjika on each.[SUP]

[/SUP] Outside naalambalam, a deepasala (galaxy of bronze lamps) is built on teak wood. The western part of naalambalam is adorned with some murals and a small shrine for vadakkum thevar i.e., the idols of Vishnu, Shiva, Parvati, Murugan and Nrithaganapathy worshipped by Sreedevi Antherjanam.[SUP]

[/SUP] Two namaskara mandapam (prostration building) are built against both doors of Sreekovil (sanctum-sanctorum) and only Brahmins are allowed there. The eastern mandapam is 24 feet long square building with copper sheeted roof and stand on 12 wooden and 4 stone pillars. All these are well known for their fine carvings. The western mandapam is small and also square shaped.


The circular, copper roofed, golden domed sreekovil is adorned with finely etched murals of matsya, kaaliyamardana, kurma, Dakshinamurthy, varaha, venu gopala, maha ganapathy, narasimha, vamana, sudarshana, parashurama, sree rama, Purusha sukta, balarama, sreeKrishna, lakshmi, kalki and garuda in clockwise manner.[SUP]

[/SUP]Sreekovil has an outer perimeter of 160 feet and has three concentric walls. It enshrines Lord Sreevallabhan facing east and Sudarshana chakra(sathrusamhaaramoorthy) facing west under the same roof. Sreevallabhan is portrayed as bearing a lotus in right hand, chakra in right upper hand, sankha in left upper hand and his left hand kept on his waist (kati hastham).[SUP]

[/SUP] This 7 feet tall massive idol is situated at a height of 10 feet in such a way that one has to bend his body to see it and its top and bottom cannot be seen. Along with this idol other idols of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Dakshinamurthy, Varaha and Sreebali bimbam or procession idol of Sreevallabhan are also there. Unlike usual yantra form, here Sudarsana is installed in eight handed human form bearing sankha (conch), chakra(disc), gada, padma(lotus), pasha(rope), ankusa (hook), musala(pole), and dhanu(bow).[SUP]

[/SUP] No other temples are known to enshrine lord Vishnu and lord Sudarsana under same roof[SUP].


[/SUP]

Legends

Legends have their own space in relation with the history of a temple, but they should never be mixed up. While going through the legends related to Sreevallabha temple it is clear that even though Sreevallabhan’s idol is older, it was the temple for sudarshana built first. These legends can be summarised as below.

Ascend of Sreevallabhan’s idol to the earth

Before creation, while being in deep meditation at the origin of universe, Viratpurusha appeared to Brahma. Brahma understood the Lord as he could and later on continued worshipping Purusha in an idol created by Vishvakarma from energy concentrated out of extreme power and vehemence of Purusha. Upon request by Samudradeva (god of water) lord Brahma advised worship protocol of Purusha to him and handed over the idol. Later goddess Adi Parashakti takes birth as Samudradeva’s daughter in the name Sreedevi (lakshmi,shree). Sreedevi worshipped the very same idol and lord Vishnu promised to marry her while she comes out during churning of the milky ocean in Krita yuga. This eventually made Vishnu to be known as sreevallabhan (sree-lakshmi, vallabhan-husband) and the goddess incorporated her power also to the idol. Later Vishnu married Lakshmi as he promised.

Tapasya of sage Durvasa

After the churning of milky ocean, sage Durvasa was upset due his own wrathful nature which led to the whole incidents. He sought advice of his father, lord Shiva who directed Durvasa to lord Brahma for getting the knowledge of Parabrahmam. Brahma advised the same as he did to Samudradeva and asked him to worship the Lord. Durvasa along with 63 disciples reached the Earth and found a suitable place and named it as Mallikavanam (forest of jasmines). Durvasa did tapas beneath jointly growing mango and sacred fig.[SUP]

[/SUP] Later in treta yuga the Lord appeared to the sage. As lord Vishnu appeared, water sprouts rushed out of earth and Durvasa washed the Lord’s feet with it. Pleased with the sage’s devotion, Vishnu promised to be present at the spot forever on a condition that the sage should do his service whenever he appear in a form that can be visualized by all. (The spot where Durvasa meditated is south-west to the temple and the water sprouts turned into a tank, Jalavanthy)

Khandakarnan and his bells

In spite of being son of lord Shiva, Khandakarnan was a horrible ogre who used to sacrifice animals to please Shiva and never missed any chance to humiliate Vishnu.[SUP][4][/SUP] He had a pair of bells as ear rings so that he can hear only the name of Shiva what he used to chant always. As he didn’t get salvation even after long time, he asked Shiva for its reason. Shiva decided to teach him both Shiva and Vishnu are same advised him to worship Vishnu.[SUP]

[/SUP] Directed by Durvasa, Khandakarnan reaches Mallikavanam. There he took bath in Jalavanthy and threw away his ear rings and got a new pair so that he can hear only the name of Vishnu thereafter. During Dvapara Yuga, Vishnu appeared in front of him as Sreevallabhan and he got salvation.[SUP]

[/SUP] By this, Jalavanthy became famous by the name Khandakarna Theerthem.

Journey of Sreevallabhan’s idol

Soon after the construction of Dvaraka, Samudradeva gifted many precious things including Sreevallabhan’s idol to Krishna. Krishna handed it over to his friend Satyaki saying “there is nothing in the world for Vishnu pooja like Sreevallabhan’s idol. Worshipping Vishnu directly and worshipping this idol are the same always. It has got the power to wash away even sins accumulated through ages”.[SUP]

[/SUP] Satyaki asked Krishna’s permission for building a temple and celestial architect Vishvakarma constructed the biggest temple in Dvārakā. Sage Vedavyasa installed the idol and Durvasa advised worship protocol. During end of dvapara yuga Sathyaki handed over the idol to Garuda and asked to keep it safe for the use of humans in Kali yuga. Garuda went to Ramanaka island and worshipped it there. Worship of the idol made Garuda free from all his curses. When the time for Garuda to leave the earth reached, he had hidden the idol in the Bhadra deep of Netravati River (in present day Dakshina kannada dist., Karnataka) [SUP]

[/SUP]


Installation of Sreevallabhan’s idol

Around 3000 years after this incident, King Cheraman Perumal visited the temple and his wife Queen Cherumthevi expressed her wish to build a shrine for Vishnu also attached with it rebuilding the whole structure.[SUP]

[/SUP] They ordered a Vishnu’s idol from Tamilakam after the temple construction. One night the Queen had a dream in which Garuda disguised as a Brahmin informed her about Sreevallabhan’s idol and asked to install it there. With the help of Garuda and Tulu Brahmins, Cheraman Perumal brought the idol to Chakrapuram for installation. But during installation ceremony, the idol didn’t fit to its peetham or seat, the priests felt something supernatural and everyone came out near Jalavannthy. Then they heard celestial instruments being played and chanting of vedic hymns from inside. As they rushed and opened altar door, they saw the idol installed at right place with blazing light everywhere and a couple of bananas in an Areca nut palm leaf in front of the idol. Two celestial beings came out of the sanctum-sanctorum and disappeared on eastern bank of Jalavanthy and they were Durvasa and Vedavyasa[SUP].[/SUP]

Thereafter Chakrapuram had been renamed as Sreevallabhapuram. The idol that King ordered had been installed at Sree Krishna temple, Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram



Sreevallabha temple had been built by Uliyannoor Perumthachan, the architectural legend. The temple wall and Garuda dhwaja were completed in a single day in 57 BC by the crew of the Lord.[SUP]

[/SUP]Perumthachan had made a panchaloha idol of Garuda which is currently seen over Garuda dhwajam. Soon after the installation, Garuda tried to fly and perumthachan stopped it by cutting its one wing by throwing his axe. The present copper flag is built there where Garuda had fallen during this incident.

OM NAMO NARAYANA


TO BE CONTINUED




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sreevallabha_Temple
 
Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala --Continues

Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala --Continues


sreevallabha5.JPG




Customs of worship



Vishnu at Sreevallabha Temple is being worshipped his cosmic, original and transcendental form Purusha which can be understood from

(1) using different moola manthra/fundamental hymn for different aspects of Purusha contrary to the strict usage of only a single fundamental hymn in all temples,

(2) sanctum-sanctorum is built in such a way that the top and bottom of the deity can’t be seen as Viratpurusha has no origin and end,

(3) Peetha pooja which is mandatory in all vaidika temples is not done here as Purusha is devoid of origin and end,

(4) dressing up the deity only with white or saffron clothes contrary to popular yellow clothing used for Vishnu temples of vaidika sampradaya which suggests the eternity of Purusha and

(5) the rituals and customs followed in the temple includes all Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakteya worshipping that are now in practise in vaidika sampradaya because Purusha being the ultimate and others being only aspects of Purusha.[SUP]

[/SUP] Generally all kerala temples follow Vaidika School of worship based on the book Tantrasamuchayam. But Sreevallabha Temple doesn’t follow Tantrasamuchayam and follows its own School called Pancharaathra Vidhaanam. No other temples are known to follow it but Thripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple follows a school of worship somewhat similar to that of Sreevallabha Temple.[SUP]

[/SUP] It is to be noted that the temple has never changed its worship protocols since 59 BC and it is doubtful that any other temple follows such an ancient system.

The Pancharaathra Vidhaanam

This should not be confused with Pancharatra Agama of Vaishnavites which is completely an Āgama Sampradaya established by 11 AD whereas Pancharaathra Vidhanam is completely Vaidika Sampradaya of 4 BC origin. But base for both these is the same- five spontaneous aspects of Purusha – Param, Vyooham, Vibhavam, Antharyaami and Archa, but these have got entirely different explanations in Vedic tradition and

Āgama tradition. Durvasa Samhitha based on Pancharaathra Vidhaanam by Sage Durvasa explains the rituals to be performed. The book Yajanavali, the nutshell of Durvasa Samhitha is being followed for worshipping lord Sreevallabhan and Ahirbudhnya Samhitha for Sudarshanamoorthy.[SUP]

[/SUP] Considering Srishti, Sthithi and Laya as the tejas of five aspects of Purusha, five pooja are performed here and the deity is adorned like Brahmachari, Grihastha and Sanyasi in different forms during these pooja.[SUP]

[/SUP] These customs are highly orthodox and can’t be found anywhere else.[SUP]

[/SUP] The base of every temple is the energy driven through Moola mantra/fundamental hymen (of the respective God), which should never be changed/misused and strictly used during every pooja. If not, it changes the chaitanya or energy of the temple and is believed to produce disastrous effects to both temple and the place where it is situated, which need to be rectified by expensive and complicated penitential procedures. So no temples have multiple moola manthram where as Sreevallabha temple uses different moola manthram for different occasions.[SUP]

[/SUP] This is just an example to show how unique are the customs followed here and from basics, whole things are entirely different.



Poojas performed

Daily five main pooja are being performed with thee naivedyam and three sreebali.[SUP]

[/SUP] It starts with palliyunarthal or awakening the Lord followed by abhishekam or bathing with 12 pots of water sanctified with vedic chantings. This is followed by malar naivedyam. Afterwards Usha Pooja which is Purusha sukta pradhana starts. At this time, the idol will be dressed up like a brahmachari in 18 feet long white mundu with uthareeyam and two flower garlands.[SUP]

[/SUP] Then main nivedyam is done followed by usha deepaaradhana. First sreebali(sacrificing food to all crew of the deity) follows this. Pantheeradi pooja starts after a short interval in which the Lord is dressed up in Saffron-yellow mundu, angavastram, tulasi garland only. No ornaments are used during this as the Lord is assumed as a Yogeeshwara.[SUP]

[/SUP] This is also called as Purushanarayana pooja. Then follows Madhyahna/ ucha pooja or noon pooja in which Lord is assumed to be thriloka chakravarthi i.e. emperor of three worlds, grihastha bhava, adorned with all ornaments and garlands especially kesaadipaadam garlands. Ucha pooja is completed in three parts one inside sanctum-sanctorum, another one at navaka pooja and third being the paala namaskaaram. At this time ucha nivedyam and paala namaskaaram are done followed by sreebali and temple closes.

Evening temple opens and deeparaadhana or lamp worship is done after sometime. Then follows the fourth pooja in which the Lord is assumed to be sreemad naarayanan and these two pooja are in Sthithi sankalpa. Soon athazha pooja/5th pooja is done in which Sreevallabhan is assumed to be Parabrahma, Yathi bhava, in Laya sankalpa.[SUP]

[/SUP] Now the Lord will be dressed up in a single saffron colour mundu and a tulasi garland only. After third sreebali, Lakshminarayana pooja is done as a part of the Sleeping ceremony and sanctum-sanctorum is closed keeping necessary articles for a pooja inside for Sage Durvasa along with Saptarishi who come at midnight daily for ardhayaama pooja. Sage Durvasa is believed to perform always naivedya also and hence prasanna pooja is open and naivedyam is done closed contrary to other kerala temple tradition. There were five Namboothiri Brahmin families and ten Tulu Brahmin families appointed as melsanthi or chief priests along with 180 keezhsanthi or sub-ordinate priests. Another 108 brahmacharins were also needed for daily paala namaskaaram. Thanthram (power of conducting temple rituals) is for three families viz. Thukalasseri Tharayil Kuzhikkattu, Thekkedathu Kuzhikkattuand Memena Kuzhikkattu families.[SUP]

[/SUP] Now only two melsanthi are there instead of 15. Any kind of pooja performed here should be done after doing a token worship or starting it at Sankaramangalath Illam as it is considered to be the moola sthaana (place of origin) of Sreevallabha temple.


Customs followed in the temple

Sreevallabha Temple is well known for its highly orthodox natured rare customs. In 1997, famous poet and former head-priest Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri was removed from the post as he had crossed the sea in order to address the Millennium Conference on Integration on Science and Consciousness, in Britain which resulted in religious sacrilege evoking the wrath of his own community since it was against temple customs.[SUP]

[/SUP] And only after a series of penance, he was allowed to continue in his post.[SUP]

[/SUP] The priests strictly should take bath in Jalavanthy before entering the temple and they shall never use sacred ash or vibhoothi, only sandal paste is to be used. The chief priest should be of 50 years old, married and should never be the one whose family has got hereditary rights for worshipping any Shiva temple.[SUP]

[/SUP] In every three years, priests can be changed. Also the priests entering Sreevallabhan’s shrine are restricted from entering even other shrines in the temple. There will be separate priests for that.

Devotees also should never use sacred ash inside the temple wall. even though it is the prasada given. They shall use it outside only.

Male devotees are not allowed to wear shirt, T-shirts etc. A detailed description of such customs can be found in the book Sreevallabha Mahakshethra Charithram by historian P.Unnikrishnan Nair.


Method of taking Darsanam

Four circumambulations or pradakshina are advised in the temple out of which one should be done outside and three inside the naalambalam. Enter through eastern gate, turn left and worship Ganapathy, Shiva and Ayyappan on the southern side. After circumambulating the jointly growing sacred fig and mango trees, proceed to Sankaramangalath Illam just outside the western gate.[SUP]

[/SUP] Return to temple and walk through the northern circumambulation path. Salute Kali at the northern gate and Kurayappa swamy too. Visit Jalavanthy and Salute Vedavyasa and Durvasa on its eastern bank. Turn right to Garuda dhwajam and worship Garuda before entering naalambalam. In naalambalam, worship Vadakkumthevar and Vishwak sena outside the sanctum and inside the sanctum Sreevallabhan, Lakshmi, Bhudevi, Varaha and Dakshinamurthy through eastern door and Sudarshana Chakra through western door.[SUP]





[/SUP][SUP]OM NAMO NARAYANA[/SUP]



TO BE CONTINUED

http://www.vaikhari.org/thiruvalla.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sreevallabha_Temple
 
Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala --Continues

Divya Desam 80- Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Temple-Kerala --Continues

sreevallabha5.JPG


Praise by Saints

Mangalasasanam: Nammalwar - 10 Paasurams.

In pasurams of Tirumangaialwar and Nammalwar, Thiruvalla is refered as Thiruvallavai, Sree Vallabha as Sree Kolapiran Perumal and Thayar (Mahalakshmi) as Selva Thirukozhunthu Naachiyaar or Vaathsalya Devi. Thiumangai alwars pasurams (1806-1817 in Nalayiram divya prabhandham) and Nammalwars pasurams(2612-2622 in Nalayiram divya prabhandham) praises the glory of Sree Vallabha.


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There are two main festivals- thiru uthsavam and Uthra Sreebali. In Sreevallabha Temple Uthsavam is conducted giving importance to aaraattu(holy bath)and is for ten days ending with Pushya nakshatra of kumbham (February-march) of Malayalam calendar.[SUP]

[/SUP] Its customs and procedures are much complicated and start with kodiyett or raising the festival flag on the flagstaff. Two days before kodiyett, temple sanctifying procedures are performed. Then on the kodiyettu day, the holy flag is raised. Special poojas are done every day along with sreebhoothabali (sacrificing food to all crew of the deity) in the noon.

On the seventh day night, pallivetta(custom done on the belief that the Lord hunts away all evil spirits) and tenth day the holy bath or aarattu. It is done at the river near Thukalassery and the deities of Sreevallabhan and Sudarshana moorthy are taken back to the temple after deepa aaradhana at Thukalassery Mahadeva Temple, accompanied by large and colourful procession and the temple is closed.[SUP]

[/SUP]Uthra Sreebali, the biggest festival of the temple, is conducted in the Malayalam month of Meenam(March–April).[SUP]

[/SUP] This is the festival of three Goddesses who had been asked by Sreevallabhan to protect Thiruvalla and it is conducted when they come to the Sreevallabha Temple to meet both the Lords. These goddesses are from the temples Aalumthuruthy, Padappattu and Karunaattu kaavu where temple festival starts on the same day in the month of Meenam.[SUP]

[/SUP] Before their holy bath on the eighth day the three Goddesses proceed to Sreevallabha Temple where its northern gate is opened only at that time for them.

The Goddesses enter the temple through the northern gate and are welcomed by playing 18 groups of instruments and are directed towards the balikkalpura where the two Lords will be waiting to receive them.

Then Ashtapadi is played and sreebali is done. This is followed by jeevatha dancing of the Goddesses in the middle of many lamps.

Then the Goddesses proceed for their holy bath and the Goddess of Aalumthuruthy temple returns Sreevallabha Temple by next day noon Sreebali when lord Sreevallabhan gives her vishu kaineettam.[SUP]

[/SUP] As the sreebali ends, the programme gets over and the deities are taken back to respective temples. Taking part in the whole Uthra Sreebali is said to wash away sins of all births as all vedic and puranic deities are taking part in it.

Other major fastivals as per Malayalam Calendar are on Thiruvonam of Chingam month, Thirunaal (chitra nakshatra) in Thulam month, Thirunaal chirappu (chitra nakshatra) in Vrischika month, Ardra of Dhanu month, Srebali during Makara Sankrama, Vishu in the month of Medam and Nira Puthari during Karkidakam.

Temple timings

Temple functions from morning 4 a.m. to noon 12 p.m. and evening 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.[SUP]

[/SUP] Timings of major events are as follows. Morning 04.00 a.m.= Palli unarthal/awakening the deity. 04.30 a.m.= Nirmalya Darsanam/viewing the deity in the before day’s gesture.

05.00 a.m.= Abhishekam/holy bath. 06.00 a.m= Malar nivedyam.[SUP]

[/SUP]06.30 a.m.= First pooja or Usha pooja followed by Nivedyam. 08.00 a.m.= First Sreebali (procession outside).[SUP]

[/SUP]09.00 a.m.= Pantheeradi pooja or fourth pooja.[SUP]

[/SUP] 10.45 a.m. = Ucha pooja or third pooja with Nivedyam.

11.30 a.m.= Ucha Sreebali. 12.00 p.m.= Temple closes

05.00 p.m. = Temple opens[SUP]

[/SUP] 06.30 p.m. = Deepa Araadhana 07.00 p.m. = Fourth pooja 07.30 p.m. = Athazha pooja or fifth pooja with Nivedyam 08.00 p.m. = Third Sreebali and temple closes

Offerings

The main four offerings are Paala Namaskaaram, Kathakali, Pantheerayiram and Kesadipaadam Garland. Paala Namaskaaram is actually a part of the third pooja around 10:45 am and is serving food with specific dishes to the Lord and Brahmins in areca nut palm leaves as Sreedevi Antharjanam served the same to the


Lord. Before doing 108 Paala Namaskaaram daily was a ritual in the Temple and now due to scarcity of Brahmins it is reduced to only one, that too done by devotees as an offering. It needs to book for it at least a couple of years in advance to get the date.

As told, Kathakali is daily played in the night as an offering and main stories played are Duryodhana Vadham(annihilation of Duryodhana), Santhana Gopalam(story of Arjuna), Kuchela Vrutham(story of Kuchela) Sreevallabha Vijayam(glory of Sreevallabhan) and Thokalaasura Vadham(annihilation of Thokalaasura).

Prayers:

Santhana Gopalam is famous for getting children for those who don’t have children, DuryodhanaVadham against enemies, Kuchela Vrutham to remove poverty and the two others to fulfil all wishes.[SUP]


[/SUP]Pantheerayiram is offering 12,001 bananas through a special ritual to the Lord as banana was the first offering to the deity soon after installation. It is a heavily expensive one and usually done at Pantheeradi Pooja. Kesaadipaadam garland is a flower garland measuring approximately 15 feet and the deity will be adorned with it during third and fourth pooja.[SUP]

[/SUP]And there are numerous other offerings which should be done during specific poojas only.


Interesting facts-

The flag mast is believed to touch the underground water level.
Also known among divyadesam as Tiruvalavazh- Vishnu, Kolapira Perumal,
Moolasthanam is outside the West gopuram.

Kathakali is performed here almost everyday in the evenings.


Please see this you tube videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxpV4-W9cZ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Hj1T5bKNI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN9oeYLK77g


How to reach-This temple is situated in Pathanamthitta District. There is a rail station in Tiruvalla and this temple is 2 1/2 Kms. from the town. The nearest airports are Trivandrum/ Kochi . the former being a little closer to Tiruvalla.

Accommodation- recommend either stay in Trivandrum or Kochi as one gets plenty of choices.





OM NAMO NARAYANA


( If i had not covered any details, please pardon me)

http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=110
http://www.vaikhari.org/thiruvalla.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sreevallabha_Templehttps:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

http://chitra-mypilgrimage.blogspot.in/2011/02/

sree-vallabha-kshetram-tiruvalla.htmlhttp:

//sortingdiamondsandpearls.blogspot.in/2012/03/

http://srivaishnavam.com/divyadesam108/malai_trip.htm


http://www.vaikhari.org/thiruvalla.html

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Divya Desam 81-Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Pandava Temple at Kerala

Divya Desam 81-Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Pandava Temple at Kerala

Thrikodithanam_Mahavishnu_Temple_Kerala.jpg



The Temple

THE Mahavishnu Kshetram at Thrikodithanam is one of the five ancient "Pancha-Pandava" temples in Kerala and is specially associated with Sahadeva, youngest of the five Pandava princes. This temple is also counted among the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu, which make a Vaishnavite`s pilgrimage itinerary, in India.

Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints - Nammalvar, in 800 AD. Old stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD).

History of Thrikodithanam

1. THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT: NAMMALVAR & OTHER TAMIL ALVAR SAINTS

According to Tamil Grantha literature, during 700 - 800 AD, there existed a sect of traveling mendicants / saints called the ALVARS. Divya Prabandham - a collection of 4000 verses and Karthabhyam are works associated with the Alvars. They are said to have patronised 13 temples in Kerala, one of which was Thrikodithanam Temple.

Nammalvar, the 5th and perhaps best known of these Alvar saints is said to have had a vision of the Lord at Thrikodithanam. In his famous composition Thiruvaaya-mozhi, the 6th poem - Aruvaaya-mozhi refers specifically to this temple and its deity. The poem extols the glory of the temple and the prosperity of areas around it. The deity at Thrikodithanam is called Adbhuta Narayanan - the miraculous Vishnu.
Maran and Kshatagopan are other names attributed to Nammalvar. Perhaps it was he who also composed the Maranalankar. Pillai Perumal Iyengar, the famous poet composed 108 Thiruppadi Ananthaathi. Both these anthologies have also praised Adbhuta Narayanan.

There are references to Thrikodithanam temple in Mukundapaada composed by Kulashekara Alvar. Kulashekara Verma, a king of the second Chera dynasty was the contemporary of Shankara Bhagawal Pada and another Alvar saint, Kulashekara Alvar (c.1100 AD). These eminent personalities lived at a time when Thrikodithanam temple was at its peak as a pilgrimage center.

2. THIRU-KHADIKA-STHANAM

Apart from being a religious center, Thrikodithanam was also once a center for culture, arts, erudition & learning. Students used to be taught religious texts - Shastras - in sections or Khadikas. Since discussions, debates, tests and examinations took place with these sections as the base, the institutions came to be called Khadika-sthanam. These flourishing institutions imparted knowledge and skills not only in language and religious texts but also, in some cases, in warfare and state-craft.

These higher-grade institutions of learning were open to youth of the Chola-Pandya-Chera kingdoms. Research on Sanskrit texts and philosophy, and Vedic studies were the primary functions of a Khadika or Khadika-sthanam. The syllabus included study of the Shastras and Upanishads, and study of Tantra and Mantra. These institutions were as renowned as the famous universities of today. It is believed that, at any time, between 1000 to 7000 students studied at these institutions.

The most famous of these Khadika-sthanams existed at Kanchipuram even before 345 AD. Nalgonda inscriptions and inscriptions at VELLORE-PALA, GUDIANAM & KASAGUDI refer to the Khadika-sthanams. The presence of the famous Maha-Vishnu temple lent the prefix of respect Thiru to the Khadika-sthanam here making it Thiru-Khadika-Sthanam.

In the works of Nammalvar too there are references to existence of such an institution. Over the centuries, Thiru-Khadika-Sthanam became Thirukkadisthanam and finally Thrikodithanam.

3. STONE INSCRIPTIONS: SECOND CHERA EMPIRE (800 - 1102 A.D)



The stone inscriptions at Thrikodithanam temple are a rich source of information on the life and times during the Second Chera Empire. The earliest of these were recorded during the 14-year reign of the Chera king BHASKARA RAVI VERMA. From these inscriptions we get the following insights and information:

inscrip.jpg


ABOUT THE KINGS OF THRIKODITHANAM...




  • Thrikodithanam was the capital of a prosperous kingdom called Nanrulainattu ("Land of Farmers"). The kingdom covered an area from the north of Odanaadu to south of the present Kottayam town. The eastern boundary of this kingdom extended till Thiruvalvandoor. The temples of Thrikodithanam, Perunnayanallur (Perunna today) and Thiruvalvandoor were within this kingdom.
  • During the 14 year reign of Bhaskara Ravi Varma, in 965 AD, Kothaverma Marthandam, the crown-prince of Venad, made contributions in cash and kind for the temple. The period 951 - 1109 AD is referred to as the period of the kings of Thrikodithanam.
  • Later Kothaverma Marthandam himself became the ruler of Nanrulainattu. The kingdom then expanded into ODANAADU, and parts of THEKKANKUR.
  • Until the early years of 1100 AD, the main road running from south to north of Kerala - Narayana-peru-vazhi - went alongside Thrikodithanam temple and bifurcated the present village.
  • Control over affairs of the temple held the keys to the kingdom itself.

ABOUT LANGUAGE & CULTURE...




  • Tamil was the common spoken language. Royal decrees were in Tamil too. It was written in the rounded Vattezhutthu script.
  • Manipravalam, a mixture of Tamil and Sanskrit, was used by the temple priests.
  • There used to be a festival called Uthi-Utsavam.
  • The Deepa festival used to be held in the lunar month of Karthika (November-December). This continues even today.

Legend



The Divya Kshetram was built by Sahadeva of Pandavas. King Rukmangatha of Surya Vamsa undertook Ekadasi Vratham and gifted all his punyas to Devas by which he reached Devaloka. There are also shrines for Krishna and Narasimha.


Another legend is that temple servant being cursed by the deity to turn into a stone as he delayed the opening of the temple doors making the devotees to wait for Darshan. The statue of the servant can be seen in front of the temple. A monthly Sravana Deepams (festival of light) is performed.



Sthlapuranam :

This sthalam is said to be worshipped and constructed by Sahadevan, one among the Pandavas. This sthala perumal, Athpudha Narayanan gave his seva (prathyaksham) for Rukmaangadhan, who is one of the king of Soorya Vamsam (generation). He had a great thought for the world people and worked for their life. He greeted all the Gnanis, Yogis and bhaktaas of Vishnu and gave them proper respect and satisfied their needs. On hearing this, Vasishta Maharishi told about the great character of Rukmaangadhan to Indiran.

To test the great character, Indran send Naradhar to Rukmaangadhan. Rukmaangadhan welcomed Naradhar and gave him lots of respect by doing Padha poojas and offered him with a special garland which had a peculiar flowers in that. NAradha getting the proper respect from him, left that place. By blessing him. Naradha went to Indra lokam with the garland that is given by Rukmaangadham.

On seeing the beauty and the smell that came out from the flower, Indran was very much attracted by it and ordered his soldiers to get the flower from the Garden of Rukmaangadhan. As ordered by Indra, the soldiers daily stole the flowers from the Garden and gave it to Indran. Rukmaangadhan was surprised to see the flowers being plucked and placed some soldiers to check who is stealing the flowers. But, the deva loka soldiers, without being seen by the soldiers placed in garden, stole the flowers. The garden soldiers fired some garlic plants to get the light, so that using the light, they can easily catch the person who is stealing the flowers.

The smell of Garlic is said to have the character of minimizing the Power of Gods. At this stage, the smoke of that came out of the Garlic plants mixed with the air and all the soldiers of Indran lost their powers and the soldiers in the garden also lost their power and as a result, they were caught and finally they said that they belong to Indra lokam and explained all the things. On hearing this, Rukmaangadhan didn't get angry, instead gave them proper respect and treated them well. But, Simultaneously all the soldiers, Devars in Deva lokam lost their power and that day is said to Ekadasi day. All of them asked at least minimum amount of credit from the person who is doing fasting on Ekadasi. Rukmaangadhan searched for a person who is fasting on Ekadasi. But, he could not identify not even a single one.

Finally, a women who led her life by washing clothes of the village peoples fought with her husband and because of this, she didn't have her food for the day. Without knowing the day is Ekadesi, she did the fasting. He explained all the things to her and asked her to give the credit of the viradham, there by helping the devas of Deva lokam. She also accepted it and gave one part of her vradham to them and to regain their power. Rukmaangadhan thanked the women and gave lots of precious ornaments and money to her. Thus, through Rukmaangadhan, Sriman Narayanan explains the greatness of Ekadesi Viradham. The specialty of this sthalam is said to be worshipped and constructed by Sahadevan, one among the PanchaPandavas.




please see this you tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG22d7umBXw






OM NAMO NARAYANA


TO BE CONTINUED

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Divya Desam 81-Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Pandava Temple at Kerala - Continues

Divya Desam 81-Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Pandava Temple at Kerala - Continues


Thrikodithanam_Mahavishnu_Temple_Kerala.jpg




Architecture of Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple


Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple has been beautifully designed and constructed by the architects. The temple finds its mention in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alwar saints, Nammalvar, in the year 800. The temple is known for its beautiful and attractive mural paintings and stone inscriptions. The circular walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful mural paintings and the scenes from the popular pot dance and umbrella dance. The main attraction of the temple is the 16 panels of beautiful mural paintings in the circular wall around the sanctum.

The temple sanctum is double storied and is known for its architectural beauty. The Aadhisthaana, i.e. the base of the sanctum, is made of three ft high rounded granite stones. About 13 ancient inscriptions can be seen carved on the base stones in the Vaatezutthu Tamil script. Copper tile plates are used to cover the sloping roof. The main entrance of the shrikovil can be reached by climbing four steps of polished black granite. Nalambalam, the space around the sanctum, has a sacred platform called Beli Kallu. Dwaja Sthamba, the ceremonial flag mast ca ne seen here. It is said that in AD 700 the boundary wall of this temple was constructed.

There is a beautiful pound located close to the eastern entrance of the temple. Kazhivetti-kallu, a strange granite statue is positioned between the eastern entrance and the pond. This granite statue is of a man that is six feet in height. He is flat on his back, held up stiff and straight on a stone pillar with only his waist resting on the pillar while rest of the body is unsupported. The main deity of the temple, Adbhuta Narayanan is seen in standing posture. It is made of an unusual black stone called Aanjana-kallu. The temple also houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Narasimha, Nagadevas, and Kshetrapala.

Deities and other details



Moolavar: The Moolavar found in this sthalam is Athpudha Narayanan. He is also named as "Amirutha Narayanan". and He is in Nindra Thirukkolam facing the east direction. Prathyaksham for Rukmaangadhan.



Thayaar: The Thaayar of this sthalam is Karpagavalli.


Mangalasasanam: Nammalwar - 11 Paasurams. Total 11.



Pushkarani: Bhoomi Theertham.



Vimanam: Punniya koti Vimaanam.

1. DAILY PUJAS & CEREMONIES


Deepa03.jpg



The following Pujas are performed everyday by the Shantis - temple priests:

  1. Palliunarthal : 7.5 naazhikas (3hours) before sunrise
  2. Abhiseka : 1.25 naazhikas (30 minutes) before sunrise
  3. Usha-puja: 25 naazhikas (30 minutes) before sunrise
  4. Ethrtth-puja : Between 2.5 naazhikas (1 hour) and 2.75 naazhikas (1.5 hours) after sunrise
  5. Pantheerati-puja : Between 5 naazhikas (2 hours) and 6.25 naazhikas (2.5 hours) after sunrise
  6. Navaka-kalabhisekam : 7.5 naazhikas (3 hours) after sunrise
  7. Uccha-puja : Between 11.25 naazhikas (4.5 hours) and 15 naazhikas (6 hours) after sunrise
  8. Thirija-pantheerati : 5 naazhikas (2 hours) before sunset
  9. Attazha-puja : Between 2.5 naazhikas (1 hour) and 5 naazhikas (2 hours) after sunset
2. MONTHLY PUJAS
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  • Ekaadashi & Dwaadashi : 11th and 12th day of the lunar-month; the day Sri Krishna gave Geethopadesha to Arjuna
  • Pradosham : 13th day of a lunar fortnight; a day of fasting and praying to Shiva; the day Shiva appeared as Nataraja and danced to please the gods.
  • Chaturthi : Fourth day of a fortnight; dedicated to Ganapathi to help ward off obstacles.
  • Sashti : 6th day of a full moon fortnight; dedicated to Subramanya for progeny and prosperity
  • Ashtami : Special rituals for Vishnu and Shiva
  • Pournami : The full moon night
3. ANNUAL FESTVALS AND EVENTS



The main festival of 10 days duration takes place in the lunar month of Vrishchigom (16 November- 15 December). On the ninth day - Thiru-Onam - of this holy month, the temple flag is hoisted to mark the commencement of festivities.
Aana03.jpg
The first five days of festivities are much like temple festivals elsewhere. Daily processions carry Krishna and Sahadeva idols towards East, West, North and South of the temple. But the sixth day marks the start of many events that are special and unique to Thrikodithanam temple.



Ceremonies and performing arts that mark the festival season are:

  • Plaam-keeyil-kottu : Percussion session under the old Jackfruit tree
  • Panacchikaletta : This event, marking the start of Deepa, begins at around 1:00 AM on the 10th night. South of the temple, at a spot called Edapzhanji-padikkal, an orchestra plays the Vikku-chenda, Thimila, Chekkil, Ilathaalam for more than an hour. The musicians then proceed westwards.(Legend: This event commemorates the grand reception given to a victorious military commander called PAAZHAYIL ASHAAN. He is welcomed by the citizens of Thrikodithanam with drums and cymbals and is ceremonially taken out to witness the DEEPA. This hero too is consecrated along with Manikanthan (Ayyappa), at the Sastha shrine.)
  • Chhadi-kottu : After Panacchikaletta, the orchestra reaches the western entrance of the temple. After offering prayers to Narasimhamoorthy, they then use the same musical instruments to perform Chaadikottu. As the term indicates, in this performance, the drummers leap and jump in a certain way while while moving towards the eastern entrance and Deepa site
  • Otta-kol-kottu : By drumming with a single stick on the Vikku-chenda, the performers create a unique cadence. After this, between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM, the main ceremonies for Deepa commence.
  • Murian-kulam : Ceremonial baths in the temple pond.
  • Kodi-naatin-kunnu : Hoisting a flag on an adjacent hill.

THE SPECTACULAR DEEPA



This special event is conducted on the north-eastern side of the temple Thirumuttom (grounds). It commences after dusk on the 9th Festival Day and carries on until the early hours of 10th day morning.
The centrepiece of this event is a pyramidal structure called the Shara-koodam (Arrow-heap). To make this structure, pillars are fabricated from plantain stems kulavaazha and bound by strands of the arecanut palm to form the square base. Then small frames are made atop this base by tying together wood splinters. Once the base structure and the small frames are ready, 1001 flares made of cloth bundles dipped in oil are placed on a structure called the sankaetam.


After a special percussion session (Panachickaletam and Chadikkottu), this entire pyramidal structure is set alight when the final evening prayer procession - Seiveli pooja - passes that way. The huge framework of 1001 flaming "arrows" presents a grand sight.


This entire event is supposed to mark Sahadeva's reaction when he hears of the demise of his mother, Madri. Overcome with despair, he tries to jump into her funeral pyre. This drama too is re-enacted every year by the Brahmins of the Mecheril Illom.


Then there is a sudden end to festivities on the hill - lamps are doused, elephants are sent back and the priests go home after taking a final ritual bath in Muriankulam . People then collect the ashes of the fire as prasaadam and depart.


Ashtami-Rohini : Sri Krishna`s birthday is also an important festival day at Thrikodithanam Temple.

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • For protection from evil




Timings

9:30 am to 1:30 am ~ 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm





Getting to the Temple :
By Road - The temple is on the Chaganaserry-Kaviyur Road. It is 2.5 KM from Chaganaserry town.
By Rail - Changanaserry Railway Station is 2 KM away.
By Air - Nearest International / Domestic airport is at Kochi, ~ 100 KM away.







OM NAMO NARAYANA


IF I HAD NOT COVERED ANY MORE DETAILS< I MAY BE PARDONED.


THE PURPOSE OF THIS POST IS ONLY TO SHARE ABOUT THIS GREAT DIVYA DESAM< NO INTENTION TO VIOLATE ANY COPY RIGHTS



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Divya Desam 82-Thrichittatt Sri Maha Vishnu Temple

Divya Desam 82-Thrichittatt Sri Maha Vishnu Temple

pandavas9.jpg






The Temple

Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints - Nammalvar, in circa 800 AD. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD).[SUP]



[/SUP]The Mahavishnu Temple, Thrichittatt, Chengannoor ( kerala ) is one of the five Vishnu temples associated with the five Pandava brothers, the principal characters of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Yudhisthira, one of the brothers, performed penance at this site.


The Mahavishnu Temple at Thrichittatt is located close to Kottayam (Malai Naddu). Nammalwar describes 'Chenkunrur' as a town where the smoke emanating from the Vedic ritual yagnas fills the sky, and as a place surrounded by rich lush vegetation (of bananas and coconuts).

Even though Mahalakshmi shrine is not there, the concept is that Lakshmi Devi is also residing at these abodes with Mahavishnu.The Mahavishnu of this temple is also called as 'Devathi Deva Perumal' and Mahalakshmi is existing here as 'Raktapankaja Vally'.

The temple pond at this temple is very large and known as 'Sanghu Theertham'.

There is sub deities of 'Gosala Krishna' and 'Dharma Sastha' in this temple.


Legend


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During Mahabharata war, Yudhisthira, the head of the Pandavas, who never before uttered a lie, lied in one instant to defeat his Guru, Dronacharya. To overcome the sin of the lie, he underwent penace worshipping the lord here. Imayavar(Devas) came to this place prior to Yudhisthira and hence the deity here is referred as Imayavarappar.

Lord Mahavishnu (Imayavarappar) holds the shankh in His right hand. Lord Krsna as Goshala Krishna and Lord Sastha are also installed here.


The temple vimana is called Jagatjyoti Vimanam, and the theertham (holy tank) is known as Shankha Theertham.

Festivals

The annual festival is for ten days and starts on Atham star day by flag hoisting and finishes on 'Thiruvonam' star day by 'Aarattu' in the Malayalam month of Meenam.(March 15-April 15).

The main festivals at this temple, held when the temple is in a prosperous state (not always over the years), are scheduled in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/April), and include performances of Chakkiyar koothy, Koodiyattam dance, etc. In Medom (April/May), Ashtami Rohini is celebrated.

Thursdays and Sundays are very auspicious in this temple.'Palpayasam' is an important offering and the other usual offerings are also there.

'Dasavathara Charthu Maholsavam' is also another celebration for ten days during which the deity is everyday decorated as the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu such as 'Matsya,Koorma.Varaha' etc with sandalwood paste.There would be special 'Poojas' and rituals on these days.This event starts on the 'Ashtami Rohini' day in the month of 'Chingam' (Aug-Sept) and performed as offering by the devotees.
'Bhagavatha Sapthaha Yanjam' is also held auspiciously every year in this temple which lasts for seven days.

Mandala-Makaravilakku season
from November 15 to mid January is also very important at Thrichittattu Mahavishnu temple.


Significance

The belief about the deity of Thrichittatt Mahavishnu is that one who repents about his past mistakes and actions which were happened not intentionally would be excused by the Mahavishnu of Thrichittatt temple.Every one has to suffer punishments for their bad actions(Karma) and if prayed at Thrichittatt Mahavishnu temple if those were not done deliberately, the punishments would be relaxed or relieved is the belief.It is said that the deity at this temple like his devotees to stick to the qualities like 'Peace,Loyalty,Justice Truth' etc.


Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • Fame
  • Freedom from diseases
  • Wealth
  • Courage
  • Relief from adverse effects from bad planetary aspects
  • Relief from bondage





How to Reach


The distance from Chengannur Bus Stand and Railway Station to this temple is only 1.5 km.From Thiruvananthapuram,

Chengannur is 125 km and Main Central Road (M.C.Road) passes through Chengannur.The other nearby towns are Thiruvalla,Pandalam,Mavelikkara and Aranmula.




OM NAMO NARAYANA









http://kerala-delightfulartsandculture.blogspot.in/2015/04/thrichittattu-mahavishnu-temple.html
http://www.ishtadevata.com/thrichittatt-maha-vishnu-temple.html
http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/07-13/features2887.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrichittatt_Maha_Vishnu_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
 
Divya Desam 83- Thirupuliyoor Mayapiran Perumal Temple -Kerala

Divya Desam 83- Thirupuliyoor Mayapiran Perumal Temple -Kerala

Thirupuliyurent.jpg


The Temple


Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints - Nammalvar, in circa 800 AD. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD).[SUP]

[/SUP] Another of the Azhwars, ThirumangaiAzhwar has mentioned Thirupuliyur in one of his verses in his Siriya Thirumadal(2673,71).


Since it is said to have been built by Bheema the temple is very large. It is on top of a small hill call Kari Manikathu Mala and we have to climb a few steps to reach this temple.It is one of the sacred 108 Vaishnava temples. The idol is that of Maha Vishnu with four arms, holding conch,lotus,discuss and the fourth arm resting on his thigh. He is called as Maya Piran ( Lord of Maya or Illusion).



The Moolavar is Maayapiran, who is found in Nindra Thirukkolam, is around 3 to 4 feet in height and in front of the Moolavar sannadhi, a beautiful mandapam in which lots of pillars are found with lots of sculptures are found.

After entering into the sthalam and while traveling along the pragharam, we can find a separate sannadhi for Bhuvaneshwari amman. Outside the Gharbhagriham (where moolavar is established), we can find Dhwara Balagars, on either side, we can also find a Ganapathy (Lord Ganesha) statue on the walls of the praharam.

This area was a huge forest in the past and hence it was called Puliyur ( Puli means Tiger)

There are shrines for Ganapathi, Shiva and Ayappa.There is a seperate shrine for Brahma Rakshas and there is a legend associated with it.

Chathusatham is the main prasad here made from huge amount of sweetened rice, cocounuts, jaggery and Ghee.






Interestingly,there is a temple for Duryodhana , who is considered as the enemy of Bheema at Malanada in Kollam district. So the people of Puliyur village never visit the village with the Duryodhana temple.



Legend

It is said that this sthalam is constructed and built by Bhima, one of the Panja - Paandavaas. He worshipped this sthalaperumal, Maayapiraan. Sapta Rishis - Atthri, Vasishtar, Kaasyapar, Gouthamar, Bharadwajar, Vishvamitra and Jamadagni got the seva of this Maayapiraan along with porkodi Naachiyaar and through Indra, it is said that all these Saptarishis got their Mukti towards the Emperumaan.[SUP]

[/SUP]

Once, Virukshadharbi, who was the son of Sibhi Chakravarthy, ruled an empire where there was flood and there was no proper vegetation and the wealth and the beauty of the entire empire seems to be decreasing. At that time, the king thought, if any Dhaanam (things that are given to any rishis,devotees to increase any thing) is given to Sapta Rishis, it might increase the wealth and beauty of the Empire. As a result of this, he thought of giving the Dhaanam to Saptha rishis. But, Sapta Rishis did not accept his Dhaanam, Since if any flood (or) decrease in the wealth and health in the entire empire is due to some reasons of the ruling king. So, they found some problem might by with virukshadherbi and did not accept the Dhaanam.


But, he wants them to accept his Dhaanam, and as a result of this, he asks his palace officials to keep some gold inside the fruits and give them that, so that they will accept that and simultaneously his Dhaanam is also accepted. But, knowing the truth that some golds are placed inside the fruit through their yogic power, they did not accept the fruits also.


After the fruits which are given as Dhaanam is being rejected by the Sapta Rishis, Virukshadharbi got angry on all 7 rishis and tried them to kill and as a result of this cruel mind, he started an Yaagam in which a lady Pishacha by named "Kiruthyai" arose and he ordered the demon to kill all the sapta Rishis.


But, knowing this, Emperumaan sends Indra to destroy Kiruthyai and to protect the Sapta Rishis. Likewise, Indra killed the demon and all the Sapta Rishis got the seva of the Emperumaan and got their Mukthi.
During Mahabharata war, Bhima underwent penace worshipping the lord here. Bheema was the powerful among the five brothers and this temple is large indicating his largess. Also the Gatha, the weapon used by Bheema is believed to be present in the temple.


temple19-320x238.jpg




Utsavams:
A grand Utsavam in Monthly Thiruvona Natshatram and in Aavani month Janmaashtami are celebrated in a grand manner.
Another grand festival during the Month of Thai (from Jan 15) is celebrated during which the temple Elephant is dressed beautifully and the Utsavar is seated on the Elephant and rounds around the Inner and outer Pragharam.
Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Maayapiran, in Nindra Thirukkolam facing his Thirumugham along the East direction.
Prathyaksham for Sapta Rishis (all the 7 Rishis).
Thayaar
The Thaayar of this sthalam is Porkodi Naachiyaar.
Mangalasasanam:
Nammalwar - 10 Paasurams.
Total 10.
Pushkarani:
Poonsunai theertham.
Pragnya saras.
Vimanam:
Purushothama Vimaanam.



Please see this You Tube
Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_blDla2dZPQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMeXhh1rkEY

Timings: 5:30 AM to 11 AM and 5:30 PM to 8 PM
Priest : Unni Krishnan Namboodari (9947831069, 0479-246 4825)



How to Reach

How to reach?
Chengannur is well connected by Rail,Road and Air. The nearest airport is Cochin. Chenganur railway station is a major hub in the Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram),Ernakulam line.


Thirupuliyur is 6 kms away from Chenganur railway station. Autorickshaws or cab can take you there. If you are undertaking a pilgrimage to Sabarimala and happen to get down at Chenganur station, you can ask a cab driver to take you to Pancha pandava temples. There are four Divya desams around Chengannur and one near Changancherry all said to have been built and worshipped by the Pandavas


This sthalam is situated 3 1/2 miles away from Sengannoor in west. We can reach this Kshetram by getting down in Sengannoor railway station which is on the railway lane between Trivandrum (Thiruvanandhapuram) to Kollam via Ernakulam. There is no lodging facility.



OM NAMO NARAYANA


https://www.trsiyengar.com/id247.shtml
http://www.thirupuliyoortemple.net/about.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puliyur_Mahavishnu_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://temple.paramprojects.com/puliyur-maha-vishnu-temple-kerala.html
http://www.divinetraveller.net/Thirupuliyur.html
 
Divya Desam - 84- Sri Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple - Kerala

Divya Desam - 84- SriAranmulaParthasarathyTemple - Kerala



240px-Aranmula_Temple.JPG





The
Temple

ParthasarathyTemple is situated on the left bank of the Pampa river in a beautiful village called Aranmula. Aranmula is a small village, but is one of the destinations as specified the Discovery channel, one would definitely like to visit. Aranmula is located in Pathanamthitta district, 9 km west to Chengannur.

ParthasarathyTemple is one among the Pancha Pandava Temples(Thrichittat, Thirupuliyoor, Thiruvaranmula, Thiruvanvandoor and Thrikkodithanam) in Kerala. The AranmulaParthasarathyTemple is vey famous and one of the biggest in Kerala. Aranmula is one among the 64 Brahmin gramams and ParthasarathyTemple is the Grama Kshetram. Lord Mahavishnu gave darsan to Lord Brahma and Vedavyasa at this place. Vishnu revealed the knowledge of creation to Bhrama, from whom the Madhu and Kaitabha demons stole the Vedas.

This temple has golden flag staff and has four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. The huge beautiful eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps. Descending 57 steps through the northern tower, one can reach the
Pampa river. This temple is a perfect example for KeralaTemple architecture and its structure is almost similar to that of EttumanorMahadevaTemple.

Parthasarathy is the owner of 39 villages in and around Aranmula and people in these villages consider Lord Parthasarathy as their protector. There are many legends associated with Lord Parthasarathy. Some of them are acssociated with the famous Uthrattathi Vallamkali(snake boat race) and Thiruvonathoni.

The idol of Lord Parthasarathy was brought to this place from Nilackal in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo. Several Chundan Vallams(snake boats) accompanied the procession through
Pampa river. The idol was installed in the temple on Uthrattathi day of Malayalam month Chingam(August-September). Uthrattathi in Chingam is the birthday of Arjuna. To celebrate these events people of Aranmula started the famous snake boat race Uthrattathi Vallamkali.


Deity : Thiru Kural Appan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Padmasini Thaayar
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11(3436-46)


LegendLegends of this temple is associated with Pandavas. After crowning Parikshit, Pandavas left for piligrimage. They visited Kerala during their piligrimage. In Kerala, each of these brothers installed idols of Lord Vishnu on the banks of the
Pampa and nearby places(Thrichittat - Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyoor - Bheema, Thiruvaranmula - Arjuna, Tiruvanvandoor - Nakula and Thrikkodithanam - Sahadeva) and offered worship.

It is said that Arjuna built this temple at Nilackal near Sabarimala to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. Nilakkal was a dense forest and hence it was difficult to perform daily poojas. So the idol was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo).

There is yet another legend associated with Parthasarathy here. On the ninth day of the battle of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when krishna motivated Arjuna to take initative and vanquish his foe. Upon his hesitating to do so, Krishna jumped down in rage, and took up his Sudarsana Chakra(discus); seeing this sight Bheeshma surrendered to him and Arjuna beseeched him not to kill Bheeshma, as it would bave been against Krishna's vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that it is this image of
Krishna that is enshrined here, with a discus



Unique featuresAranmula located just few kms from Pandhalam, the birth place of Lord Ayyappan. Till today, every year, when the Sacred Jewels (Thiruvabharanam) is carried from Pandhalam to Sabarimalai by foot traditionally, the jewels are kept here for rituals, and then proceeded to Sabarimalai.

Boat Race (Vallam Kali) is another major attraction in the
Pampariver of Aranmula. Every year during Onam festival participants come from all parts of Kerala to participate in the Race. Snake shaped boats (about 100 ft length with 100 rowers 25 singers), well decorated and ready for racing are present here during Onam days.

Many foriegn tourists visit this place during Onam for watching this event. Its a feast to watch this event.

Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors made of a kind of bell metal, popularly known as "Aranmula Kannadi". Invented during 18th Century, these unique mirrors are not found anywhere else in the world. Made by a mysterious blend of bronze waxed into crystal clear mirrors is a produce of a few families in Aranmula where the production details are held secret and passed down only to their family generations. Metal mirrors are not made made with any form of glass but using bell metal alloy.

Please watch this you tube


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGlYHOdQ_Mw


Festivals

Festivals
10 day Brahmotsavam in January
Big Pushpa Abhishekam in May
12 day Kalapam Festival in November when the Lord is decorated completely with Chandanam is a beautiful sight to watch

In March every year, the Goddess(Devi) from Punnan Thottam temple, about a km east of this temple visits Lord Parthasarathy at the Aranmula Divya Desam and the two are seen together for a day.




The annual ritualistic feast, Vallasadya, at the Divya Desam in Kerala,
SreeParthasarathyTemple situated on the banks of river Pampa at Aranmula will begin on July 30.



Vallasadya is an important ritualistic offering of a sumptuous feast by the devotees to the presiding archa murthi at the Aranmula temple during the annual Onam festival season organised by the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (
PSS) in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board, the temple administrative body. The feast is offered to the crew of Palliyodams (specially built snakeboats) taking them as representatives of Lord Parthasarathy.


Uthradom Tirunaal Marthanda Varma of the erstwhile Travancore royal dynasty will formally inaugurate the Vallasadya at the Aanakkottil of the
ParthasarathyTemple immediately after the Utchapuja on July 30.


The snakeboat crew will reach the temple to accept the feast offered to them by a devotee. They will be accorded a customary reception at the temple ghats and will be escorted to the temple premises with the accompaniments of traditional percussion and Thalappoli.


The oarsmen will offer Nirapara (a measure of threshed paddy), tobacco and betel leaves before the golden temple mast and circumambulate the temple, singing Vanchippattu (songs in praise of Lord Krishna).



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TempleTime : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Krishna Kumar Namboodari
Contact telephone number : 94471 16689 or 0468 2212170

How to reach Aranmula:


10kms East of Chengannur. There are state transport buses to this Divya Desam from the Chengannur bus stand, opposite the railway station. One can reach the temple in about 30minutes by bus.

Taxi to cover 6 Divya Desams

It is better to take a taxi from the railway station and cover the 6 Divya Desams in one half of the day. The taxi to cover Puliyoor, Thiru Chittaru, Aranmula, Thiruvanvandur, Thiruvalla and Changanacheri (Arputha Narayana Perumal) will cost Rs.600/-.

It will take about 20minutes by car to reach the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple from Chengannur Thiruchitraru Divya Desam. Almost the entire stretch runs alongside the Pamba river.



OM NAMO NARAYANA


http://www.dharsanam.com/2007/09/aranmula-sri-parthasarathy-swamy.html
http://anudinam.org/2012/07/14/uthr...asarathy-temple-in-aranmula-thiruvaaranvilai/
http://www.vaikhari.org/thiruvaranmula.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aranmula_Parthasarathy_Temple
http://www.dharsanam.com/2007/09/aranmula-sri-parthasarathy-swamy.html
 
Divya Desam 85-Thiruvanvandoor - Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple

Divya Desam 85-Thiruvanvandoor - Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple


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The Temple


The Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple is one of the five Vishnu temples associated with the five Pandava brothers, the principal characters of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Nakula, one of the brothers, performed penance at this site. It is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars


Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints - Nammalvar, in circa 800 AD. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD)

Sthlapuranam :



It is said that this Divyadesam sthalam is built by Nakulan, one among the Pandavas.
Once, Naradar got a Sabham from Brahma devan and he came to this sthalam and worshipped Paambanaiyappan. At that time, Sriman Narayanan came infront of him and explained the Naradeeya puranam, that explains about the Gnana explaination. It also explains that both Saivam and Vaishnavam should be treated an one and all humans should be treated the same way.


Another great person, Maarkandeya Maharishi who is one of the Siranjeevi, got the seva of this perumal. The perumal gave his seva along with Kamalavalli Naachiyaar as Kamalanathan in Nindra thirukkolam.
The perumal is also called as "Pambha Anai appan". Lots of utsavar Idols were got during digging of Earth and they were kept in Separate sannadhis.



The idols of the temple were found while digging the land in this place. These idols were brought to this temple and new shrines built to install the new idols. It is significant that the sanctum sanctorum is circular in shape and Lord Vishnu in a standing form is facing west, holding his conch and discus. The sculpture in the form of the idol, which depicts the dance of child Krishna, on the heads of snake Kalinga is very attractive. The two pillars bearing this Nardhana Kanna, also have carvings of all Dasavatara (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu) scenes.


The tower above the sanctum sanctorum is called Sakala Veda Vimanam. The temple region is situated towards the north of the holy Pampa river of Kerala. This is mentioned in the hymns of Nammazhwar. Of the temples installed by Pandavas, this is the temple that celebrates more festival events. The wishes of the devotees are believed to be fulfilled by the Lord Vishnu. Devotees offer milk porridge as nivedhana(prasad) to the Lord.
Moolavar:


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The Moolavar found in this sthalam is Paambanaiyappan. (Paambu + Anai + Appan). He is also named as "Kamalanathan". Moolavar is found in Nindra Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards West direction. Prathyaksham for Naradar and Maarkandeyar.



Thayaar


The Thaayar of this sthalam is Kamalavalli Naachiyaar.


Mangalasasanam:



  • Nammalwar - 10 Paasurams.
    Total 10.

Pushkarani:



  • Pabhanasa Theertham.
  • Pambha Theertham.
Vimanam:
Vedhalaya Vimaanam.
Prayers

Fulfill Wishes, Prosperty,


Temple location In the Chengannur town around 4 kms from Chenganur railway station
Temple Timings
The temple is open from 5:30 AM till 11:00 AM and from 5:00 pm till 7:30 pm


How to reach?

Chengannur is well connected by Rail,Road and Air. The nearest airport is Cochin. Chenganur railway station is a major hub in the Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram),Ernakulam line.


Thiruvaaran Vilai locally known as Aranmula is 10 kms away from Chenganur railway station enroute to Pamba / Sabarimala. Autorickshaws or cab can take you there. If you are undertaking a pilgrimage to Sabarimala and happen to get down at Chenganur station, you can ask a cab driver to take you to Pancha pandava temples. There are four Divya desams around Chengannur and one near Changancherry all said to have been built and worshipped by the Pandavas


Where to Stay? There are many semi deluxe hotels in Chengannur

Other interesting places around Chengannur
There are four Divya desams around Chengannur - Thiruchittatu,Thirupuliyur, Thiruvaran Vilai (Aranmula), and Thrikodithanam near Changancherry all said to have been built and worshipped by the Pandavas. Sri Mahadeva temple and Bhagavathy temple are very famous and must visit. River Pamba flows near the Mahadevan temple and also near Thiruvaranmula where you can have bath before proceeding to Sabarimala.


OM NAMO NARAYANA




http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples/info/10313
http://www.divinetraveller.net/thiruvanvandoor.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvanvandoor_Mahavishnu_Temple
http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/kerala/tiruvanvandoor-temple.shtml
 
Divya Desam 86-Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple-Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Divya Desam 86-Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple-Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.


The Temple



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Sri Ananta Padmanabha temple is one of the most prominent temples of India. It is considered as one of the 108 Vaishnava temples (divya sthanam), one of the seven moksha sthalas and one of the six Narayana sthalas. Lord Balarama, Lord Nityananda and Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited this temple. The Temple is located inside the East Fort in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu. The main deity, Sri Padmanabhaswamy, is a form of Vishnu in Anantha sayanam posture (in yogic eternal sleep of yoga-nidra). This is an ancient temple and the city of Thiruvananthapuram derives its name from the name of the presiding Deity enshrined in the temple. This city is also called Syanandoora puram.

The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls and a 16th-century Gopuram.[SUP]

[/SUP] While the Moolasthanam of the temple is the Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod, architecturally to some extent, the temple is a replica of the Adikesava Perumal temple located in Kanyakumari District.[SUP]

[/SUP] It is the richest Hindu temple in the world. In fact, in terms of precious metals and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world

Legend And History


The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated. The Temple has references in Epics and Puranas. Srimad Bhagavatha says that Balarama visited this Temple, bathed in Padmatheertham and made several offerings. Nammalwar, 9th century poet and one among the 12 Vaishnavite saints of the Alvar tradition, has composed ten hymns in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Some well known scholars, writers and historians, like the late Dr. L.A.Ravi Varma of Travancore, have expressed the view that this Temple was established on the first day of Kali Yuga (which is over 5000 years ago). The legends of the Temple are handed down through the centuries. One such legend which finds a place in the old palm leaf records of the Temple, as also in the famous grantha entitled “Ananthasayana Mahatmya”, mentions that it was consecrated by a Tulu Brahmin hermit named Divakara Muni. On the 950th year of Kali Yuga a reinstallation of the idol was done. In the 960th Kali year King Kotha Marthandan built the Abhisravana Mandapam.

Several extant Hindu Texts like the Brahma Purana, Matsya Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata mention this shrine. The Temple has been referred to in the (only recorded) Sangam Period of Tamil literature between 500 B.C and 300 A.D several times. Many conventional historians and scholars are of the opinion that one of the names that the Temple had - "The Golden Temple" - literally was in cognizance of the fact that the Temple was already unimaginably wealthy by that point.[SUP]
[/SUP]

In the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Tamil Alvar saints (6th–9th centuries AD), the temple is one of the 108 principal Divya Desams ("Holy Abodes") in Vaishnavism, and is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, . The Divya Prabandha glorifies this shrine as being among the 13 Divya Desam in Malai Nadu (corresponding to present-day Kerala and some adjoining areas). The 8th century Alvar Nammalvar sang the glories of Padmanabha. The Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod is believed to be the 'Moolasthanam' of the Temple


The story as narrated in the Ananthasayana Mahatmya goes as follows.

Divakara Muni was a great Vishnu Bhaktha. While at ‘Aanarthadesa’, he performed deep tapas. One day Maha Vishnu appeared before the sage as a lovely child. The charming child attracted the attention of the sage. He requested the God-child to stay with him. The child made his stay conditional. Accordingly, the Sanyasi should treat him with respect. On failing to do so, he would vanish at once. This was accepted and the child stayed with him. The hermit gave him great care and tolerated the childish pranks. One day, when the sanyasi was in deep meditation at his prayers, the chills took the ‘salagram’ which the sanyasi was using for worship and put it into his mouth and made such a nuisance of himself that Divakara Mini was greatly angered and could tolerate it no further. He thereupon chastised the child. In accordance with the earlier agreement, immediately the child ran away and disappeared from the spot. While going he said, “If you wish to see me again, you will find me again in Ananthankaadu”. It was only then that Divakara Muni realized who his erstwhile child guest had been. The hermit was stricken with inconsolable grief and for many days followed what, he believed was the route taken by the child foregoing food, rest and sleep in the process.
Finally he reached a wooded area near the sea coast, caught a glimpse of the child disappearing into a huge ‘Ilappa’ tree. Immediately the tree fell into the ground and it assumed the form of Sree Maha Vishnu. The divine form had its head at ‘Thiruvallam’(a place about 3 miles from East Fort at where the Temple of Sree Padmanabha Swamy is located) and its feet at ‘Trippapur’ (5 miles away towards the north). Overawed by the majesty and the size of the divine form, which manifested before him, the Sanyasi prayed to the Lord to condense Himself in size so that he could behold Him. There upon the image of the Lord shrank to a size, three times the length of the Sanyasy’s Yoga Dand. His prayers had been granted. He immediately offered a raw mango in a coconut shell(still this offering continues). The Lord ordained that, poojas to Him should be conducted by Tulu Brahmins. To this day half the number of poojaris(priests) in this Temple represent Tulu region.
Another generally accepted version about the origin of the Temple relates it to the famous Namboothiri sanyasi Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, whose name is linked with the histories of several temples in Southern India. This Swamiyar was also a Vishnu bhaktha. The legend is almost identical with that of Divakara Muni referred above. It is said that, when Sree Maha Vishnu presented himself in the Ananthasayana rupa (in the form of reclining on Anantha) before the sage at Ananthankaadu, the latter had nothing worthwhile to offer Him. From a mango tree standing nearby he plucked a few unripe mangoes and placed them in a coconut shell lying there and in all humility offered it as ‘nivedyam’ to the Lord. Even today salted mango forms a major offering. The original coconut shell has been encased in gold. It has also been the practice in the Temple for the past several centuries that the morning ‘pushpanjali’ is to be performed by a Namboothiri Brahmin sanyasi (designated Pushpanjaly Swamiyar) specially commissioned for this purpose.




OM NAMO NARAYANA


TO BE CONTINUED


https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/padmanabha-swamy-temple-thiruvananthapuram/13
http://www.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmanabhaswamy_Temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam

http://ananthapadmanabhaswamy.blogspot.in/
 
Divya Desam 86-Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple- CONTINUES

Divya Desam 86-Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple- CONTINUES


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Moolavar:
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The Moolavar of this Thiruvanandhapura Kshetram is Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. Moolavar is found in Kidantha (sleeping) kolam in Bhujangha Sayanam and facing his thirumugham along the Eastern direction. He gave his Prathyaksham for Indiran, Chandiran (the moon god) and Ekadesai Ruthraas.


Thayaar


The Thaayar of this sthalam is Sri Hari Lakshmi Thaayar.


Mangalasasanam:


Nammalwar is the only Alwar who has done Mangalasasanam on this Perumal and with 11 Paasurams.
Pushkarani:


  • Mathsya Theertham.
  • Padma Theertham.
  • Varaha Theertham.
Vimanam:

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The Vimmanam of this temple is Hema Kooda Vimaanam.







Deities
Sree Padmanabhaswamy

The marvelous idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is seen reclined on the mighty five hooded serpent Anantha. The supreme God is in conscious cosmic slumber with the head positioned to the south and the feet to the north. Anantha (or the endless) spreads its hoods above the head of the Idol. The three coils represent the three characteristics of mankind Sattva, Rajas and Tamas and its five hoods indicate the Panchendriyas(five senses) or the five elements(Panchabhootas). From the navel of the Lord emerges a lotus on which Lord Brahma, the Creator, is seated. Just below the stretched right arm of the Lord is the Shiva Linga of the Destroyer. Brahma, Vishnu(Padmanabha) and Shiva represent the ‘Srushti, Stithi and Samharam’.
The residing potency was drawn from the original Idol which was made of Iluppa wood and infused into the present Idol by certain complicated religious ritualistic processes. The Idol is made up of a highly complex amalgam termed Katusarkarayogam and contains within it 12008 Salagramas collected from the bed of the River Gandaki in Nepal. It is believed that Salagramas represent Lord Vishnu. Twelve Salagramas when worshipped together gain the potency of a Mahakshetram(Great Temple). Thus the mighty Ananthasayana Moorthy here gains the greatness and sanctity of a thousand Mahakshetrams.
The sanctum sanctorum has three entrances representing the three stages of times. It is only through those doors that we can observe the Deity.

Vishwaksenan

This idol in sitting posture, facing the South, is given great prominence as Vishwaksenan is Mahavishnu’s Nirmalya moorthy.
Sree Ramaswamy with His consort Seetha and brother Lekshmanan
We can see two sets of idols of Sree Ramaswamy with Seetha and Lekshmanan. Of these, one set of idols are in the regal style while the other represent the Lord’s tenure at Dandakaranyam(Forest). The image of Sree Hanuman is there as an orderly to Lord Rama. Idols of an eight armed Ganapathy with a Devi seated on His lap and a small Kaliyamardana Krishna are also present.
Sree Yoga Narasimha Moorthi

The shrine for Sree Narasimha Swamy is located to the South of the main sanctum. Sree Narasimha Moorthy is the fourth incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu and assumes the form of Man and Lion. The image is in the ‘Ugra roopam’, hence powerful. To pacify Him, Ramayana is being recited throughout the time when the Temple doors are open. This idol, made of Panchaloham, faces the East. This is the second major deity of this Temple.
Sree Veda Vyasar and Ashwathama

The shrine of Sage Veda Vyasar (who gave life to the great Epic Mahabharatha and other religious texts) with Ashwathama is located on the north of the cheruchuttu. This shrine faces the West. Veda Vyasa shrines are rare in India. Both idols are made of Panchaloham.
Thiruvambadi Sreekrishnaswamy


The Thiruvambadi Temple enjoys the status of an independent temple within this Temple complex. This shrine has a Namaskara Mandapam with fine display of carvings in wood, a Balikkal and a silver flag pole. The image of Sree Krishna as Parthasarathy is of medium built and is in stone. He is the third major Deity of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
Kshethrapaalakan
The idol of Kshethrapaalakan in the sitting posture faces the East. His shrine is located on the Northern side of the Temple. Kshethrapaalakan is considered as one of the eight Bhairavas of Shiva who perform the role of protector to temples. There is also an idol of Lord Ganesha, in this shrine.
Agrashaala Ganapathi
This idol is installed in the cooking area of the Temple. The belief is that Lord Ganesh witnesses and oversees the Annadanam(offering of free food) organized by the Temple.
Hanuman Swamy, Ashtanaga Garuda Swamy and the Maha Meru Chakram
Near the golden flag pole we see the towering image of Sree Hanuman Swamy in full relief. To His left is Sree Ashtanaga Garuda Swamy. On the ceiling between these images is the Maha Meru Chakram complete with the Bindu or the central point which is engraved in clear focus. This cosmic wheel enhances the spiritual strength of Sree Hanuman.
Sree Dharma Sastha
The Swayambhu Dharma Sastha in Yogasanam or Yogic posture on the South side of the Temple is an independent shrine. This idol is made of granite and faces the East.

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals


Sri Ananta Padmanabhaswamy Temple celebrates bi-annual festivals in the months of Thulam (Alppasi) and Meenam (Painkuni). A function is conducted for according formal sanction to conduct the Utsavam (festival).The Alppashi festival which is in October/November and the Painkuni festival which is in March/April, lasts for 10 days each. These festivals culminate with the Aarat (holy bath) procession to the Shankumugham beach. The word Aarat refers to the purificatory immersion of the deities of the temple in sea. This event takes place in the evening. The King of Travancore escorts the Aarat procession by foot. The festival starts with Kodiyettu (flag hoisting) at Sri Padmanabhaswamy’s gold and Sri Krishnaswamy’s silver flag poles. The festival is of ten days duration culminating in the spectacular Palliveta and Aarat processions on the 9th and 10th days respectively. Special Sreebalies (processions) are conducted twice a day, in the evening 4.30 pm and at night 8.30 pm.

The Deities of Sri Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Sri Krishna and Lord Nrsimhadeva are carried in the Aarat procession. The Aarat procession slowly proceeds with pomp and pageantry, colour and music, men carrying divine emblems and insignias of royalty. The procession reaches the Sanghumugham beach and the Vahanams are positioned in the Aarat Mandapam. Deities are given the holy immersion in the sea after the prescribed poojas. After this ceremony, the Deities are taken back to the temple as a procession in the light of traditional torches, marking the conclusion of the festival. Once during the reign of King Marthanda Varma, an elephant ran amock. Since then, the practice of using elephants to carry the Deities in the procession was given up and Vahanas (vehicles) carried on the shoulder by a number of priests came into vogue. Six different kinds of beautiful conveyances are used for these processions. They are the Simhasana Vahanam (Throne), Anantha Vahanam (Serpant), Kamala Vahanam (Lotus), Pallakku Vahanam (Palanquin), Garuda Vahanam (Garuda) and Indra Vahanam (Gopuram). Of these the Pallakku and Garuda Vahanas are repeated twice and four times respectively. The Garuda Vahanam is considered as the favourite conveyance of the Lord.

Laksha deepam



The biggest festival in this temple is laksha deepam, which means hundred thousand (or one lakh) lamps. This festival is unique and commences once in six years. Prior to this festival, chanting of prayers and recitation of three vedas is done for56 days. On the festival time, hundred thousand oil lamps are lit in and around the temple premises. The last laksha deepam was in January 2014.

Laksha Deepam is a unique festival being celebrated once in six years at Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Lakshadeepam literally translates as one lakh (one hundred thousand) lamps. The entire Temple is adorned with one lakh (one hundred thousand) Oil Lamps in and around temple. The maiden Laksha deepam was celebrated on the first of Makaram 925 ME / 14th or 15th of January 1750 AD. The festival was conducted with much pomp and fanfare, in the grandest manner possible by King Marthanda Varma. This mega festival is observed on the concluding day of Murajapam. Murajapam is a holy prayer offered to the Lord Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy once in 6 years which comprises chanting of 3 Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda) and Vishnu Sahasranamam for a period of 56 days which ends on the day of Makara Sankranti in the month of January. Laksha Deepam festival is celebrated on the day of Makara Sankranti. On this auspicious day the entire temple is adorned with one lakh (one hundred thousand) Oil Lamps in and around temple. This festival still continues as an immensely grand festival and visual magnitude attracting staggering numbers to the doors of this great Temple.

Temple Darshan Timings
Morning
03:30 am to 04:45 am (Nirmalya Darshanam)
06:30 am to 07:00 am
08:30 am to 10:00 am
10:30 am to 11:10 am
11:45 am to 12:00 noon

Evening
05:00 pm to 06:15 pm
06:45 pm to 07:20 pm

The above-indicated time schedule is subject to changes during festivals and other special occasions. During the festival occasions the darshan time is reduced in order to performing the special poojas.

How to Reach Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum




Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a main temple in Kerala located in Trivandrum city.

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is the Weathiest Hindu Temple in the World.

Hundreds of Tourists are coming to Kerala to Visit the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

So they will be looking to know How to Reach Pamanabhaswamy Temple by taking the shortest route.

Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple is near to the centre of capital of Kerala state.

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located at a place called East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.

By Air - After you Reach Trivandrum Airport , you can travel in a Local Bus, Auto or Taxi towards East Fort (Kizhakkekotta). From East Fort it is only walkable distance towards the Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple.

By Train - You can get off at the Central Railway Station in Thampanoor, Trivandrum. From there it is only 1 km towards the temple. You should take a Auto towards the temple. There is no need for picking Taxi to reach the temple. Only if you want to travel to other places, you should take taxi.

By Bus - The Bus Stand will be at Thampanoor in Trivandrum and from there the temple is only 1 km away. Take an Auto and you can comfortably reach the temple b paying an auto fare about Rs 15 to 20.

From Kovalam you can reach the Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple which will be about 20 km away. There are many KSRTC AC Low Floor Bus available from Kovalam towards East Fort. The Bus fare will just Rs. 25 to 30 per person.



( Details about Temple Vaults etc are not covered in this write up)


OM NAMO NARAYANA



http://www.amazingbharat.com/2014/0...h-door-of-shri.html?showComment=1432378554991
http://www.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org/deities.htm
http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16066

http://ananthapadmanabhaswamy.blogspot.in/2011/07/how-to-reach-sri-padmanabhaswamy-temple.html


http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/kerala/tiruvananthapuram-temple.shtml

 
Richness of -Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple- Kerala

Richness of -Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple- Kerala






Kerala_temple_295.jpg


Sree Padmanabha, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu who is worshiped at the temple, has a habit of springing surprises. Until a few years ago, most people in the city believed that his image was made of soluble material and that water should not touch it. But when an artist tried to set right an ornament on its hand, it was accidentally revealed that it was made of solid gold and the dark material over it was soot that had accumulated over centuries. Some experts suggested that former rulers had allowed the soot to accumulate to deceive invaders into thinking that the image was not of value. The gold was visible for a few years, but it soon disappeared under fresh soot from the oil lamps.

Sree Padmanabha is greatly revered in this city, which is named after his serpent bed, Anantha. The former royal rulers of Travancore had long maintained that Padmanabha was the true ruler of their kingdom and the rulers were merely his slaves. The deity resides in a sanctum at the center of the temple and is visible only through three narrow doors, one near the head, the second in the middle and the third at his feet. The sanctum is lit by oil lamps, which makes it hard to see him.Believers are confident no one will dare rob the temple, but the federal and state governments have expressed concern that the discovery of the treasure has made it vulnerable to ordinary thieves and terrorist groups. Uniformed and plain-clothes officers now stand near temple gates that previously were guarded by priests and temple workers. Some secret service agents are dressed in the traditional Kerala waist clothes, or dhotis, with bare upper torsos. Cameras and metal detectors dot the periphery.

Everyday the valuation of the donations to the temple is increasing in denominations of astronomical proportions and it almost appears that the donations by themselves are now invaluable (in every sense) largely due to their antiquity. The temple is now said to be the richest in the world. The current estimate of the wealth is in the range of $25 billion USD and can only but increase from here.




https://jayasreesaranathan.wordpress.com/tag/anantha-padmanabha/
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/sadgoshthi/F15aBU-zQXA/faXF9ZkHntkJ
http://traveljee.com/india/richest-hindu-temples/
http://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/how-much-is-the-kerala-temple-treasure-really-worth-568618

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tiger-trail/india-s-temple-wealth-in-unsafe-hands/

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=107251
 
Divya Desam 87-Thiruvattar Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple - Kanyakumari- Tamilnadu

Divya Desam 87-Thiruvattar Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple - Kanyakumari- Tamilnadu


adi+kesavan.jpg



The Temple



Huge 22 feet Adi Kesavan seen in a Bhujanga Sayanam
Sun’s rays fall directly on the Lord for a week in the month of Puratasi and Panguni


Lord seen sleeping in opposite direction
One has to climb 18 steps to reach the Adi Kesavan Sannidhi, where the 22 feet Lord, made out of 16008 Saligramams, is seen in a West facing Bhujanga Sayanam (seen sleeping in the opposite direction –Head in the South, Feet in the North).


This Maaru Sayanam of Lord sleeping from right to left is also seen in Thiruvekka in Kanchipuram.

The Temple History


The Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple is surrounded by three rivers namely Kothai, Pahrali and Thamirabarani. The lord is lying on his snake couch and has to be viewed through three doors. We could see Lord Shiva near Lord Adikesava Perumal inside the sannidhi. The temple architecture is Kerala style architecture with wooden pillars, doors and roofs. During their rule, they were worshiping the deity of Thiruvattar Temple. However, they changed the capital to Thiruvananthapuram during one of the Marthanda Verma king’s period after which Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple attained more glory.

Legend

When Brahma was doing a yajna something wrong happened. As a result, two demons appeared from the fire – Kesan and Kesi. They harassed sages and Devals. They came to Lord Vishnu for protection. Lord killed Kesan and used Kesi as a pillow for his bed. The demon’s wife to take revenge on the Lord called Rivers Ganga and Tambiraparani to help her. They came in spate to wash off the Lord. Madhai Pridhvi simply raised the ground level where Lord Perumal was reclining. Both Rivers went round the Lord and prayed to Him and continued to flow round as two garlands. This event is mentioned in Nammalvar’s Mangalasasanam hymn.

As Perumal destroyed demon Kesan, HE is named Kesava Perumal. Kesi tried his best to escape from the Lord with his 12 hands. Lord put 12 Rudrakshas in his hand and foiled his escape bid. 12 Shiva temples came into being through these Rudrakshas around Tiruvattaru. During Shivarathri devotees worship at these 12 Shiva temples and at the end they come to worship at the feet of Lord Adikesava Perumal. The practice continues even today.

Temple's Speciality:

The idol of Perumal is made of a mixture of materials called Kadu Sarkarai Yogam with 16,008 Salagrama stones (stones with Narayana forms). The devotee has to worship Perumal through three entrances. The procession deity in a standing form graces with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There is no Lotus or Brahmma on the naval of Perumal. It is believed that the devotee worshipping Perumal here would have no further births. Garuda, Sun, deities of the five weapons (Panchayudha), demons Madhu and Kaidaba are in the sanctum sanctorum. Maharshi Hadhaleya is near the head of the Lord. Setting rays of Sun fall on the Lord in Panguni-March-April from 3 to 9 and from 3-9 in the month of Purattasi-September-October.

Temple Architecture

The temple architecture is Dravidian style architecture with wooden pillars, doors and roofs. The lord is lying on his snake couch and has to be viewed through three doors. We could see Lord Shiva near Lord Adikesava Perumal inside the sannidhi. Deepalakshmis are many but none resembles the other. The Otraikkal Mandapam (single stone hall) made of a single stone 3 feet thick, is a marvel. Oorthuva Thandavam, Venugopala, Rathi, Manmatha, Lakshmana and Indrajit are excellently carved. The temple is also renowned for its murals.

Inscriptions and Sculptures

There are close to 50 inscriptions inside the temple in the outer prakarams in both Tamil and Sanskrit including those relating to Kulothunga Chozha I and his contribution to this temple. In addition to the inscriptions, one also finds a number of stunning sculptures on the pillars similar to the ones in Krishnapuram and Sri Vaikuntam.


Another remarkable feature is the mandapam outside the sanctum measuring 18ft width and 3 ft height that has been built on a single stone in the 12th Century AD.

There is reference to Thiru Vattaru in the more than 2000 year old famous Sangha time Tamil literature ‘Pura Naanooru’. Hence, this temple can be said to belong to that time or before.


Treasures

The entire present day Kanyakumari District formed part of erstwhile Thiruvithamkoor or Travancore Kingdom. Up to Marthanda Varma, all kings ruled the erstwhile Venad Kingdom (which was expanded by Marthanda Varma to form Thiruvithaamkoor) from Padmanabhapuram in Kanyakumari District. It was Dharma Raja, the nephew and successor of Marthanda Varma, who shifted the capital to Thiruvananthapuram. Padmanabhapuram Palace, the erstwhile royal abode of Travancore Kings, is still preserved in all its glory and is situated at Padmanabhapuram in Kalkulam Taluk of Kanyakumari District. Marthanda Varma was a staunch devotee of Lord Adikesava and used to worship at the temple before all the major war campaigns undertaken by him.

Festivals and Prasadams

Vaikunta Ekadesi is celebrated with pomp and glory. Paal Payasam (Milk Kheer), Aval and Appam are delicious prasadams at this temple. The pujas are done in the same manner as that of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram.


Battle of Kolachal
King Marthanda Varam is said to have visited the temple and sought Adi Kesavan’s blessing before he undertook the battle of Kolachal.


Azhvaar Praise
NammAzhvaar has sung 10 verses of praise of Adi Kesavan of ThiruVattaru.
வாற்றாடான் அடி வணங்கி மா ஞாலப்பிரப்பு அறுப்பான்
கேட்டாயே மட நெஞ்சே கேசவன் எம்பெருமானைப்
பாட்டாய் பல பாடி பலவினைகள் பற்று அறுத்து
நாட்டாரோடு இயல்வு ஒழிந்து
நாரணனை நன்னினமே' - Tiruvoimozhi
Singing praise of Kesavan and worshipping Him provides salvation from rebirth and takes one away from worldly attachments.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Adi Kesava Perumal, West Facing Bujanga Sayanam
Thaayar : Maragada Valli Thaayar
Utsavar : Adi Kesavan
Azhvaar : NammAzhvaar has praised the Lord with 11 paasurams
Time : 5am-12noon , 5pm-8pm




Temple’s Full Address:

Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple, Thiruvattaru, Kanyakumari district – 629 177. Ph: +91 – 94425 77047
How to reach Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple in Kanyakumari

By Bus: From Tiruvattaru is 30 km from Nagarcoil. There are many auto-rickshaws that drive you to the temple. Kanyakumari is well connected by several bus services from Chennai and other places in Tamil Nadu.

By Railways: From Nagarcoil Railway Station private taxis and buses are available to reach this temple which is 30 km away.

By Flight: Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala is the nearest airport. From Thiruvananthapuram, the temple in Kanchipuram is 75 kms away.



OM NAMO NARAYANA



http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/04/thiruvattaru-adi-kesava-perumal-koil.html
http://www.yatrastotemples.com/adikesava-perumal-temple-in-kanyakumari/
http://www.indiavideo.org/tamilnadu/heritage/monuments/temples/adikesavaperumal-temple-6837.php
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=87
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adikesava_Perumal_Temple,_Kanyakumari
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desam
http://www.vaikhari.org/thiruvattar.html
 

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