Holy Pilgrimage -Divya Desam Temples in Tamilnadu State -6 at 6:19 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in  Tamilnadu State

Sri Gajendra Varada Perumal Temple, Kapisthalam Temple

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

It is situated in Tanjore district, Tail Nadu. Two miles away from Tanjai - Pabanasam Railway station. Bus routes are available in between Kumbakonam to Tiruvayyaru. There is no lodging facility. But some chatthirams are available.

Sthala Puranam:

Lord Anjaneya, who belongs to Monkey family, who was gifted with all sorts of good activities and very well knowledged animal (human god) got the Siranjeevi pattam (there is no end of life for him) is also called as "Siriya Thiruvadi" and Gajendran, an elephant that has dedicated its life to Sri Vishnu, did all sorts of pooja and worshipped the God and went along the way what all the alwaars have said and got the stage as alwaars were given prathyaksham for these two (ie) Lord Anjaneya and Gajendran, the Elephant in Kidantha Kolam in bujanga Sayanam.

Emperuman giving his seva (or) dharshan for Lord Anjaneya as sri Rama, gives his seva to Gajendran when his legs was caught by a crocodile, when Gajendran wants to pluck a flower in a pind and do pooja for Emperumaan. But since he was unable to get rid from his mouth, he seeked the help from Sriman Narayanan. At that time he gave his presence there and helped him out to get out of Crocodile mouth. The way he showed his seva to Gajendran alwan in one thing which is to be explained. At the final stage when Gajendran felt that it is impossible to get put his legs from the mouth of crocodile, he raised his trunk along the sky and asked for Sriman Narayanan's help. When hearing this, Sriman Narayanan flyed from Thirupparkadal on Sri Garudan.

Finally he came and helped out Gajendra Alwaan. After this, Keeping the dedication of worship of Gajendran Alwaan in his mind he gave moksham, the final place each and every human thinks to go was given to Gajendra Alwaan.

The basic moral of this story is that even if it is a small human (or) non - human things, when it is surrendered to God, he will help them (or) us to get out of it.

Inspite of the God, giving seva for Anjaneyar as Sri Ramar and as Sri Vaikundanathan for Gajendra Alwaan, he also showed his seva as "Kannan" in the river side. Thats the reason this shetram is also called as "Krishnaranya Shetram".

Not only for the Rishis, who borned as Gopika Sri (Ladies in Aayar Padi)along the river side of Yamuna river, he showed his seva to Aanjaneya, the monkey god and for Gajendran, the Elephant, in Kidantha Thirukkolam.

If Gokulam and Aayarpaadi for Gopiyar and Naimisaaranyam for Maharishis, then this Thirukkavitham is for Aanjaneyar and Gajendran in all along of 108 Divya Desams.

In Languages, "Kabi" means monkey since Aanjaneyar was given the seva of Sriman Narayanan, this Sthalam is called as "Kabishthalam".

Gajendram, which takes the Lotus flower from the pond and does the daily pooja here for the God, was given the seva along with periya pirattiyaar, as "Ramamani Valli".

The primary moral explained by this sthalam is that for each and every Jeevathmaas which is born in this Earth is given the complete seva and blessings by Sriman Narayanan.

Human soul is said to be jumping from one place to another,(ie) it will not be fulfilled by a particular thing and as same way when it goes to an high position the human minds gets hold of Head weight. The Lord gives his seva only to explain this.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Gajendra Varadhan. Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam in Bhujanga sayanam facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Anjaneyar and as Bhaktha Elephant for Gajendran.

Thayaar:

Ramamani Valli (Potramaraiyaal).

Mangalasasanam:

• Thirumangai Alwar - 1 Paasuram.
  Total - 1 Paasuram.

Pushkarani:

1.   Gajendra Pushkarani.

2.   Kabila Theertham.

Vimanam:
Kadhanakkruthi Vimaanam.

 

Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram - Sri Jaganatha Perumal Temple  - Nathan Koil - Nandipura Vinnagaram

 

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This place is in the Thanjore district of TamilNadu. From Kumbakonam first we have to reach Korukai by bus and from there the temple is situated at a distance of 1 1/2 miles.

Sthala Puranam:

As all know, Nandi (ox) is the Vaghanam (carrier) of Lord Shiva. He is one of an extordinary example for pure love and devotion to god. He has proved that neither good appearence nor sweet voice is needed to reach god. Only pure and simple devotion would bring god near you.

He was the one who explained the greatness of Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu. Once this Nandi performed Tapas (penance) seeking Lord Vishnu blessing and because of this, the place is known as "Nandipura Vinnagaram".

Nandhan means "Teacher" or "Guide". As Lord Narayana guided at this place, he is called as "Nadhanadha".

The great King Sibhi was a gret donar. Once, Lord Indra took a form of a hunter and Lord Agni transformed himself as a piegon.

The piegon saught Sibhi's help and to help the poor bird, he came forward to give his own flesh equal to the piegons weight to the hunter. So, he sat in the wert plate of the Balance while the piegon in the east. So, to see this beautiful scene, Lord Narayana faces west in this temple. Then he blessed eternity to King Sibhi.

It is also said that this temple was constructed by the famous King Nandhi varma.

As this palce is like puri Jaganath temple of North Inda, it is called as Dakshina Jaganatham ((ie) south Jaganatham).

As Nandhi made penance here, the pushkarani (or) tank of this place is called as Nandi theertha Pushkarani.

There's a historical note that Lord Vinayaka was seen in the tree "Mandara".

As the Vimaanam of this place is Mandara Vimaanam, this place indicates a note of unity among all castes.

At a distance of about 1 1/2 miles away from this place in the river side there is a garden named "Nandivanam" and inside it is a very old temple in a demolished stage.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Jaganathan. He is also known as Nadhanadhan and Vinnagara Perumal. The Moolavar is giving his seva in Sitting position facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Nandi and King Sibhi.

Thayaar:

The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Senbagavalli Thaayar.

Mangalasasanam:

• Thirumangaialwar - 10 Paasurams.
  Total - 10 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

• Nandhi Theertham.

Vimanam:
Mandara Vimaanam.

 

Thirukkoodaloor - Sri Aaduthurai Perumal Temple , Tiru Aduthurai Temple

 

 Temple Location :

About the Temple:

It is situated in Tanjoor district, Tamil Nadu. 6 Kms away from Ayyampettai, 7 miles away from Tiruvayyaaru - Kumbakkonam when going in bus.

Sthala Puranam:

In this sthalam, all the devars along with Nandhagarishi was given the prathyaksham of Sriman Narayanan. Since all of them gathered (koodi) all together, this sthalam is called as "Thirukkoodaloor".

After coming to this sthalam only, the River Cauvery regained its speciality and holyness.

Koodal + oor = Koodaloor. Koodal means joining (merging) together at the same place. Since, Cauvery is coming together in this Kshetram, this Kshetram is also called as "Sangama Kshetram". Sangamam means joined together.

Actually this divya desam is completely washed out by flood and the Lord Came in the dream of Rani Mangammal, who was the Queen of Madurai and told her that the temple was disappeared inside the earth. On hearing this, Rani Mangammal ordered to take out the temple out of the earth and on her commandents only this temple was rebuild and taken care.

The Utsavar in this temple is "Jegatharatshakan". As the name implies, he keeps the Baton in his hand.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Vayyam Kaatha perumal. Also named as Jeghathratshakan, Uyyavanthaar. Moolavar in Nindra Thirukkolam facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Nanthaga Maharishi.

Thayaar:

Padmasini (Pushpavalli) Thaayar.

Mangalasasanam:

• Thirumangai Alwar - 10 Paasurams.
  Total - 10 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

1.   Chakkara Theertham - Cauvery Nadhi.

Vimanam:
Suttha sathva Vimaanam.

 

 

Thiru Vinnagar - Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple , Sri Oppiliappan Temple

 

 

 Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This temple lies at Thirunageswaram of Tanjore district in TamilNadu. It is about 4 miles away from Kumbakonam and a mile away from Thirunageswaram railway station. Ample bus facilities are provided. Staying facilities are not furnished.

Sthala Puranam:

When the Great sea of Vaikunda, the Thiruparkadal was churned, Lakshmi devi and Thulasi devi emerged out from the sea.

Lord Narayana, placed Mahalakshmi in his heart. Thulasi devi too wanted to marry Lord Narayana. So, he guided her to become a thulasi plant where Maharishi Markandeya performed penance. She came to Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam. After a long period of hard pennance Lord Narayana gave her the wife post. Lord Narayana gave Mahalakshmi a place in his heart but he gave Thulasi devi a very special opportunity (ie) Thilasi devi has perumanently got the place as a garland around his neck.

So internally Mahalakshmi blesses us and externally Thulasi devi blesses us. From then Thulasi is considered as a sacred herb and has lots of medicinal values it it.

Markandeya Maharishi is the son of Mrikantu Maharishi andhe had the wounderful opportunity of having dharsan of both Mahavishnu and Lord Shiva in his life time.

He prayed hard to Lord Vishnu, asking him to granted him Bhoomidevi as his daughter his wish was granted for one day he found Bhoomidevi as a two year old child under the Thulasi plant in the forest in Thirunageswaram.

Days went by and one day, Lord Vishnu came as an old Brahmin. Markandeya Maharishi gave him a very hearty welcome the aged Brahmin wanted to marry Bhoomi devi. But, Markandeya Maharishi tried to explain him that his daughter was too young to get married.

But the Brahmin refused to accept his reasons and blackmailed him that if he did not have Bhoomi devi as his wife he would die on the spot.

Maharishi pleaded him to leave his child. He told him that my daughter is not yet fit for marriage mentally and physically. She doesnt even know to cook food with proper proportion of salt. But the old man unable to be convinced. So, he Maharishi asked his daughter to accept for marriage. She started crying and told her father that she too would die if her father compelled her to marry the old man.

Now, Markandeya Maharishi was caught in fix. He pleaded Mahavishnu to get him out of the problem. Internally he knelt before the Lord and caught his feet and prayed hard to solve his problem.

When Maharishi woke from Dhyanam (Prayer), instead of aged Brahmin he found Lord Mahavishnu clad in most beautiful clothing with one hand in his hip and the other seeking Bhoomi devi's hand for marriage.

Bhoomi devi was very happy and was really to accept Lord Mahavishnu as her husband. Markandeya Maharishi too was very happy.

So on the day of Sravana Natchatram of the Tamil Month Aipasi Lord Mahavishnu married Bhoomidevi. The grand occassion was graced by Lord Brahma and all the celestial persons (ie) devars. Even than Markanteya Maharishi felt sad due to his boundless towards his daughter. He feared that his daughter might not know the correct quantity of salt for dishes. So he asked Lord Mahavishnu three boons:

1. O! Lord you should take dishes without salt in this place. But the dishes should taste wounderful to you and your devotees.

2. You should never leave my daughter alone, you have to stay with her forever.

3. This place should be named after me.

Hence, from the onwards, Lord Vishnu takes food without salt and so he is called Oppiliappan (ie) Uppu - illatha - appan literall Lord without salt.

So, even today Lord Oppiliappan takes food without salt. Many may think that why so importance to salt. Salt is the main item not only in South Indian dish but in multi continental too. Without salt nothing would taste high. To improve the level of Sweetness to, a pinch of salt is being added. But too much of salt will also spoil the dish. Hence salt plays an important place. Lord Mahavishnu has forbidden such an item showing humanity that love is the most wanted thing in one's life rather than anything including hatredness.

As from the heaven (ie) Vinnulagam Lord himself wished to stay on this place, this place is known as Vinnagar (place of heaven), also as a wish of Markandeya Maharishi this is also known as "Markanteya Kshetram". Thulasi devi got her wish satisfied at this place and along with pleasent smelling flowers - Thulasi leaf has got an important role in its part (ie) the role of beautifying Lord Mahavishnu as a garland this place is also called as "Thulasivanam".

Lord Oppiliappan bowed in front of Markandeya Maharishi to seek his daughter for marriage and got her as "Kannikadhanam", (ie) getting a girl for marriage as deed of alms from the bride's father. As Lord himself got alms from his father in law, the following deads are consided very scared at this place.

Each and every Thulasi leaf used to perform Pooja (Archani)to Lord Oppiliappan would fetch the total value of an Ashwametha Yagna (yagam).

Every step placed to reach this kshetram would fetch lots of eternal values (Punniyam).

Devoting cands to Oppiliappan even as small as a cow's shoe, would fetch definite eternity. (or) immortality.

Rendering chandhan, Kumkum and flowers would vanquish the sins like the murder of a Brahmin etc.

By devoting Dhoopakal, Deepakal, vessells needed for pooja and Thirumanjanam (Bathing of Lord god), brass bell and silk clothing one could get themselves out from all sorts of sins.

Those who undertake/perform utsavam to Lord Oppiliappan would definitely have the boon of birth of a child.

Just by chanting "Thulasivanam" all the effect sins fly away.

In the tamil month Panguni on the day of Sravanam doing the following things would remove all the if phabam's due to Panchama Pathyam effects evil sins like murder, roberry etc.

Early in the morning taking bath in the temple pushkarani. Give alms (dhanam) to needy people. Choose any 5 Brahmins and treat them as the 5 forms of Oppiliappan (ie) as Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muthappan, Ennappan, Vinnagarappan. Then give them Thirukannal amudhu (ie) Payasam (ie) Sweet kheer and finally worship Oppiliappan in his Sannathi.

Oppiliappan in his Moolastanam (ie) Karbagraham (ie) Main Sannadhi takes the form of Ponappan, Muthappan and Vinnagarappan. Out side the Moolavar Sannadhi, to the Northern side, of Opposite to pushkarani one can have dharsan of Ennappan and to the south side of the Moolavar sannathi inside the flower garder Manniappan has his sannathi.

Glimpse of Moolavar Sanathi:
Oppiliappan stands upto 8 feet tall in the centre. Below him Bhoomidevi faces north in a kneeling posture while Makandeya Maharishi who has the boon of retaining his age as 16 forever is the position to perform Kannikadhanam (ie) ready to perform marriage to his daughter.

Left hand of Oppiliappa perumal contains the inscription "Maam Ekam Saranam Vrija" a made of diamonds which is a verse form Bhagavatgita instructing the whole mankind to devote their pure souls into his lotus feet to attain Salvation.

Ahorathra Pushkarani:
There is an interesting tale regarding the reason behind the name of this pushkarani.

Once there was a Brahmin named Devasharma belonging to the clan of Bharadwaja Maharishi. One day it happened so, that he took forcefully the daughter of Gymini Maharishi as his wife. The rishi heard his daughters cries and atonce he cursed Devasharma turn in Krunchu Paravai a type of bord. Then only shrama realised his mistake and he pleded the Maharishi to leave him. As his anger suoded, he told devasharma to wait near pushkarani of Oppiliappan perumal temple and one day he would be freed from the curse.

It happened so one day during night time. A huge strom borke out and the branch in which devasharma was sitting as a bird broke and tell pushkarani. As soon as the divine water splashed in the birds body, devasharma was freed fromhis curse. Generally one has to take bath in the pushkarani only in the day time. Generally one has to take bath in the pushkarani only in the day time. But as unusually this pushkarani paved the way to freedom devashrama's curse during the night time, this pushkarani is named as "Ahorathra Pushkarani" which means litrelly "Unusual in night".

Utsavam:
In the tamil months Panguni Bhramotsavam of Eypasi month Kalyana utsavam's are conducted.

On every day of Sravana natchatram (ie) on the sravana day of every month, "Sravana deepam" is taken ie a huge camp is being lit and fortunes are forcasted.

By paying required amount in the Devastanam, we can conduct Kalyana Utsavam, Garuda sevai and Moolavar Thirumanjanam.

Sthala virutcham (Scared Tree): Flower - Herbs, Thulsi etc.

Specials:
Whenever Oppiliappa Perumal's idol is taken for procession, He is always accompanied along with Bhoomidevi only. The Perumal wont step out the Temple without Thaayar inorder to keep his promise.

Oplliappan perumal is treated as Brother of Srinivasaperumal of Thirumala Thirupathi. So all the offerings due to Thirupathi perumal can be offered here and it's taken as equivalent as it were offered at Thirupathi.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this Kshetram is Oppiliappan. He is also called with the name "Uppiliappan". The Moolavar is found in Standing posture facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Markandeya Maharishi, Lord Garuda, River Kaveri, lord of Dharma.

Thayaar:

The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Bhoomidevi Naachiyaar.

Mangalasasanam:

• Peyalwar - 2 Paasurams.
• Nammalwar - 11 Paasurams.
• Thirumangai - 34 Paasurams.
  Total - 47 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

1.   Ahorathra pushkarani.

2.   Aarthi pushkarani.

Vimanam:
Vishnu Vimaanam - Sudhanandha Vimaanam.

 

 

Naachiyar Kovil - Sri Thirunarayoor Nambi Perumal Temple , Nachiyar Koil

 

 Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This temple lies in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. It's about 6 miles from Kumbakonam. The temple is populalry called as "Nachiyar Kovil". Bus facilities are provided.

Sthala Puranam:

Once upon a time there lived a saint named Medhavi here in Nachiyar Kovil. He wanted Mahalakshmi to be his daughter so he pleaded Mahavishnu and on an auspicious day under the tree called "Vanjula Maram", he found a very beautiful girl child. He named her "Vanjulavalli" after the tree from where he found her.

He led a peaceful life then by teaching Gnana to his students. Gradually Vanjulavalli grew up and reached the marriage stage.

One day Lord Narayanan split him into five of his forms:
Shankarshanan, Prathyumnan, Anirudhan, Purushothaman and vasudevan and visited saint Medhavi's Ashram as a Guests.

His students bore the guests a warm welcome and Vagulavalli prepared a delicious meal for them. AFter finishing their meal, all the five went to wash their hands. When Vagulavalli helped them by pouring water, suddenly Vasudevan caught her by hand and immedietely she shouted for help.

Hearing her cries, her father came running for rescue. But before he could catch and curse Vasudevan, all the five guests disappeared to bring forth the original one (ie) Mahavishnu saint Medhavi was spellbound, when Mahavishnu asked his daughters hand for marriage.

Happily, saint Medhavi accepted for marriage. But before that he asked 3 Boons from Mahavishnu
1. He should attain life beyond birth and death (ie) he should attain eternity.
2. All the living beings in Narayur which gave the Lord food and wife, should also attain salvation and
3. His daughter should be given the first place in all the aspects.

Hence from that day, this place is called as Naachiyar kovil, (ie) temple of Mahavishnu's wife.

As Madurai stands in the name of lordess Meenakshi, the wife of Lord Shiva, Naachiyar Kovil stands in the name of Lord Vishnu's wife.

Here Lord Vishnu stands in a begging posture seeking Varulambika's hand from saint Medhavi in the Moolavar Sannadhi. In accordance to the saint's wish, Thaayar stands a step ahead to perumal.

Shankarshnan, Prathyumnan, Anirudhan and purushothaman too bless us in the Moolavar sannathi by standing a step back to the Narayur Nambi.

Here Stone idol of the bird Garuda, Stands as the Vahanam or Vehicle to Narayur Nambi whereas Annam or the Swan is the Vahanam of the Godess Vagulambika.

Garuda has a seperate sannathi in this temple extending about 10 1/2 sq.ft's. He has beautiful big wings, broad chest and long hair. In tamil month Margazhi and Panguni the festival "Kal Garuda Sevai" (ie) the festival where the idol of Narayur Nambi placed on the stone idol of Garuda and taken out into vibrant procession is taken place every year.

There is a unique speciality regarding the stone idol of Garuda. when taken out for a procession, until a step out fo his sannathi he can be easily carried by 4 persons. Then inside the temple his weight would increase as to be carried by 8 persons, then further outside the praharam he would weigh heavy so that 16 persons are required to carry him. Totally outside the temple not even 32 persons are enough to carry him, he would get heavier and heavier ahead. He would sweat a lot too so that his cloths get drenched in the sweat.

But after the procession is over, while returning to his sannadhi he would start losing his weight (step by step) or (stage by stage). This is a remorkable wounder that takes place only at this place.

This Garuda is treated in equivalence to Lord Vinayaka and so a dish Mothakam named as "Amudha Kalasam" is offered to him.

Also, the slow progress of Lord Narayur Nambi with Garuda reveals his commitments with saint Medhavi indirectly.

As all know, the swan or Anna Patchi is a delicate bird which moves in a slow and delicate manner. But, Garuda is a huge bird which can fly swiftly.

But when both the god and godess are taken out in a procession, the lord god should lead the procession as he is carried by the bird. But his promise that his wife would have the first place in every thing would be broken.

Hence, Garuda becomes heavier and it becomes tough for the devotees to carry him faster than the light weight Annapatchi. So, in this way perumal fulfilles his world.

This place is greatly associated in Thirumangai Alwar's life. He fell in love with a damcel named Kumudhavalli. She was a devotee of Lord Narayana. So, she ordered Alwar to become a devotee of Lord Narayana by rendering food for 1008 vaishnavities daily and transform himself as a devoted slave of Lord Narayana by performing the ritval "Panchasamskaranam", taking the 12 divine names of the Lord god to the depth of the soul and imprinting the images of Chakaram and Sangu (shell) in both the arms.

As Thirumangaialwar could not find a suitable master to perform the above rituals. He came to Naachiyar kovil and mentally accepting Narayur Nambi as his teacher, he performed all the rites and finally led a happy married life with Kumudhavalli.

So as a reward for the great help rendered by Narayur Nambi. Thirumangaialwar sang totally 118 Paasurams in his ravour of that 40 Paasuram's is of Siriya Thirumadal where alwar consideres himself as a girl in love of Lord Narayanan and the remaining 78 in the Periya Thirumadal group.

The Narayur Nambi Sannadhi was once called as "Mani Mada kovil". The Chola King Koshenkannan rendered the money for Temple works. There after Sadavarma sundara pandiyan took over the work and donated lands to the temple. Then Ragunatha naicken of Thanjore constructed a Mandapam for Naachiyar.

There is huge tank of 648 feet length and 225 feet breadth infront of the temple, It has a number of steps in the 3 sides. This tank is like a big pond and so it is called as "Mani Muthaaru".

There is a beautiful tale behind the name of this pond. Once king of the birds Gauda, took a diamond head ornament to Narayur Nambi from Thiruparkadal. A diamond (Mani) accidentally fell from the ornaments into this pond. As the precious stone fell into the pond degrading it's status equivalent to ordinary pearl (Muthu) this tank is known as Mani + Muthi + Aaru (tank or pond).

This temple extends its border for about 690x288 feets. As Narayur Nambi is also known as Srinivasan, the Vimaanam of this temple is known as "Srinivasa Vimaanam".

This place is also called as "Suguntha giri".

Utsavam:
The very special Garuda seva Utsavam is conducted twice a year. One is during Margazhi month and another during Panguni month.

Specials:
The beautiful stone idol of the bird king Garuda, which gains weight stage when taken out for a procession and reduces back to its normal weight while coming towards the temple.

The excellent collection of copper idols of Various gods. Alwars and other important kings.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Thirunarayur Nambi. Also called as Srinivasan and Vasudevan. The Moolavar is giving his seva in standing posture being ready to marry the Thaayar, facing east (Kalyana thirukkolam). Prathyaksham for Medavi Munivar and Brahma devan.

Thayaar:

The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Vanjulavalli Naachiyar. She is found next to the Moolavar in Garbhagriham ( Moolavar Sannadhi ).

Mangalasasanam:

• Thirumangai - 110 Paasurams.
  Total - 110 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

• Mani mukthi Nadhi Theertham.
• Aniruddha Theertham.
• Pradhyumna Theertham.
• Samba Theertham.
• Sankarshana Theertham.

Vimanam:
Srinivasa Vimaanam.

 

 

Thiruccherai - Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple , Tirucherai Sri Saranathan Temple

 

 Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This temple lies in the Tanjore district of TamilNadu. It is 7 miles from Kumbakonam and 3 miles from Naachiyar kovil. It can be reached by bus and staying arrangements are well furnished.

Sthala Puranam:

After the fall of the Vijayanagar empire in Tanjore, Azhagiya Manavala Naicker who ruled Tanjore planned to erect a temple for Rajagopala swamy in Mannarkudi. He appointged his minister Narasa Boopalan for this job. He was to get Blackstones from all possible places.

This minister was a great worshipper of Saranatha Perumal of Thirucherai and wanted to erect a temple for him too. So he ordered his men to unload one stone from each cart which passed Thirucherai. Aspy of the king caught hold of this and informed the king. The angered king came for an inspection. But before that in overnight Narasa Boopalan constructed this temple and to please the king he added a sannathi for Rajagopala swamy too and his plan worked and he was away from kings anger after that the king ordered to complete the temple with his money.

When time came to destroy the world and finish the yugam, Brahma was worried a lot. He pleaded Lord Vishnu to tell him a way to keep the tools necessary for Srishti and all vedas safetly. Lord ordered him to put all these things in a strong mud pot and after trying mud from all places Brahma finally made a pot out of the sand taken from Thirucherai and saved all vedhas and all necessary aids for srishti. Hence as this placed gave the magical mud which held a lead role this place became the reason for all living things to live even after the Maha pralaya so this place is called "Sara Kshetram".

And also as the place, Lord, Lordess, Pushkarani and Vimana all five together gave the support this place is called "Pancha Sara Kshetram".

River Cauveri wanted her status to be equal to river Ganges and performed a Tough (or) hard penance. She laid 3 wishes before the god. (a) O! Lord you should stay in this place for ever and ever (b) all the Jeevans in this place should attain your lotus feet (c) I should be treated as pious as river Ganges. Lord Vishnu granted all her wishes and to improvise her status further among all the other river he accepted her as his mother and crawled as a child in her hands.

Structure of the temple:
Mudikondan river flows from the west and Kudamuruti river in the south.

Lord Hanuman (or) Aanchaneya blesses as from the west end of the pushkarani and Lord Vianayaka from the North eastern side.

The Rajagopuram is 120 feet tall and adjoining this is the first praharam and then is the Middle Gopuram. Next is the Thirukalyana Mandapam. From here Rajagopala swamy blesses us. Infront of this sannathi Thiruvenkatamudayam sannathi is situated. After this Lord Sri Rama, Narashimar and Manavala Maamunigal sannathis are there.

Inside the Moolaver's Karbagraham, Saranathar along with his wives: Sridevi, Boomidevi, Neela devi, Mahalakshmi and Sara Naayagi gives away his heartiful blessings. To his right Markanteya Maharishi and River Cauvery are found. Santhana Gopalan and Selvar are too found in this sannadhi.

Utsavam:
On every Thaipoosam day, Lord Saranatha with his 5 wives blesses us as a child in his mother Cauvery's hand in a beautifully decorated chariot.

Specials:
Lord Sri Rama gives us a very special dharshan here. Along with Devi Sita and Lakshmana, all Alwars and Sri Rama's kolam (ie) he poses as he was found in forest for 14 years.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this kshetram is Saranathan Perumal. The Moolavar is giving his seva in standing posture with his face facing the east direction. Prathyaksham for River Cauvery and Markandeya Maharishi.

Thayaar:

The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Saranayaki (Sara Naachiyaar).

Mangalasasanam:

• Thirumangai Alwar - 13 Paasurams.
  Total - 13 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:
Sara Pushkarani.

Vimanam:
Sara Vimaanam.

 

 

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )