Holy Pilgrimage -Divya Desam Temples in Tamilnadu State -15 at 5:49 AM

Holy Pilgrimage – Divya Desam Temples 

 

 

Thiruvanvandoor - Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple

 

 

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

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.

Specials:

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

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.

Moolavar:

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.

 

 

Thiru Vattaaru - Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple

 

 

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This sthalam is situated next to Thoduvetti in Kerala. We can also reach this sthalam by getting down in Thoduvetti while travelling in Bus which starts from Trivandrum to Naagar Koil. After getting down in Thoduvettin, we have to catch another bus and travel around 6 miles to reach this sthalam. There is no staying facility.

Specials:

1. The speciality about this sthalam is, the thaayar is Maragadhavalli Naachiyaar. The colour that is related to periya piratti is yellow mixed with Red colour. But, Maragadham (Green clour) is related to Vaishnavi Devi. Because of this, this sthala thaayar is said to have the power of Vaishnavi Devi.

2. Another speciality of this sthalam is the way in which the perumal is positioned. He is found in such a way that everyday he gives his seva to Chandiran, the moon god.

3. This place is also called as "Aadhi Dhamasthalam, Dakshina Vaikundam, Srirangam of Chera Nadu and Parasurama Sthalam".

Sthlapuranam :

This sthala perumal, Aadhikesavapperumal is found in the same thirukkolam (Sayana thirukkolam) as found in Thiruvananthapura sthala perumal. Anantha padmanabhaswamy. He is also found along 3 Vaasals which represents the evolution (birth), leading of life and final stage, the death. But, the only difference in Thiruvananthapura perumal is found in Bhujanga Sayana kolam facing East direction, but this sthala perumal is found in the same Bhujanga sayana thirukkolam but facing along western direction.

Thiruvananthapura Padmanabhaperumal gave his prathyaksham for Chandiran, the moon god, like the same way, this sthala perumal, Aadhikesavaperumal gave his prathyaksham for Chandiran, the moon god.

The east direction, which is said to be the moon setting direction is the direction faced by Padmanabha perumal (Thiruvanandhapuram), but this sthala perumal, Aadhikesava perumal (Thiruvaattaaru) is facing along the western direction, which is said to be the rising direction of moon, is said to be special side.

In Thiruvananthapuram, the perumal has a big structured body, but in Thiruvaattaary, the perumal is found in Siriya thirumeni (Small in structure) in Kidantha kolam. As a result, the vimaanam Ashtaakshara vimaanam is also small in size.

The speciality about this sthalam is, the thaayar is Maragadhavalli Naachiyaar. The colour that is related to periya piratti is yellow mixed with Red colour. But, Maragadham (Green clour) is related to Vaishnavi Devi. Because of this, this sthala thaayar is said to have the power of Vaishnavi Devi.

Another speciality of this sthalam is the way in which the perumal is positioned. He is found in such a way that everyday he gives his seva to Chandiran, the moon god. During the setting of sun, the rays of the sun is falling on the Moolavar's face as though it says that it will leave today and come tomorrow. After the sun sets, the moon appears (or) rises from the same direction where the sun sets and first sees the Moolavar and get his dharshan. This is one of the speciality of this sthalam (ie) the perumal's position.

The unity of Saivam and Vaishnavam is best explained by Thiruvananthapura Padmanabhaperumal. Likewise this Thiruvaattaaru Aadhikesava perumal also explains how people should follow the God and explains the unity of Saivam and Vaishnavam.

Sriman Narayanan has a special hamsam, the Kesavaartham which explains that Narayanan did a strong tapas and merged into the body of Sivaperumaan and this hamsam explains the union of Vaishnavam and Saivam. So, Kesavan means Narayanan along with Sivan.

Once, there lived an asuran by named "Kesi", who gave lots of problem to humanity. This sthala perumal fought with Kesi and finally he defeated him and slept on his body. Aasoori, wife of Kesi worshipped Ganga devi and asked her to save his husband from the perumal. Hearing this request, Gangai along with Tamirabharani river merged together and ran fast towards the perumal who is found on kest. On seeing the rivers, the perumal ordered Bhooma devi to make the place to some height. Being raised, both the rivers could not flood the place, but they flow around the perumal as if they worshipped him. But at the same time, when both the rivers touched the body of Kesi, he got purified and got Mukthi. Because of this, the perumal is called as "Aadhi Kesava Perumal". Inspite of being an asuran, Kesi was able to hug the body of perumal while fighting and it itself inplies that he will be given Mukthi done the perumal.

Theerthavaari, is one of the grand utsavam done in this sthalam.

Pushpanjali is yet another important utsavam done in this temple where lots of flowers are offered to the Perumal.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Aadhikesava Perumal. He is gound in Kidantha Thirukkolam in Bhujanga sayanam facing his thirumugham along western direction. Prathyaksham for Chandiran, the Moon God.

Thayaar

The Thaayar of this sthalam is Maragadhavalli Naachiyaar.

Mangalasasanam:

• Nammalwar - 11 Paasurams.
  Total 11.

Pushkarani:

• Kadalvaai Theertham.
• Vaattaaru.
• Rama Theertham.

Vimanam:

• Ashtanga Vimaanam.
• Ashtaakshara Vimaanam.

 

 

Thiruvithuvakkodu - Sri Uyyavantha Perumal Temple

 

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This sthalam is found in between Shoranoor to Kallikkottai, next to Pattambi. We can also reach this sthalam while travelling through Shoranoor to Guruvayoor and has to travel around 10 miles. While travelling in train, we have to get down in Pattambi railway station which is found on the Shoranoor - Kallikkottai lane and after travelling 2 miles, we can reach this sthalam. Staying facility in Pattambi is available.

This sthalam is popularly called as "Anjumoorthy Koil".

Sthlapuranam :

It is said that this sthala Emperumaan is kept in the Agraharam (Where all Vaishnavas live in a some place all together) in Vithukodu and after sometime, he is changed to this place. This sthalam also explains about the unity of Vaishnavam and Saivam.

As soon we enter this sthalam, we can see a separate sannadhi for Lord Shivan and behind this is the Sannadhi found for Uyyavantha perumal.

This sthala perumal is also called with the name "Abhaya pirathan" giving his seva and protecting (Abhayam) his bhaktas. It is said that this sthala perumal is said to be same as the hamsam of Lord Shivan with the name "Aabhathsagaayar". (Abhath means danger and Sagaayar means person who helps at the time of danger).

This sthala perumal gave his prathyaksham for Ambhareeshan. Ambhareeshan is the son of Nabhakanan and who is a great king. He was a great Vishnu bhaktan and once he did a tapas against Vishnu and at that time, Emperumaan Sriman Narayanan came there as "Devendran Indiran". Seeing Devendran, Ambhareeshan told that he didnt do the tapas to see Indiran, he did that to get the dharshan of Sriman Narayanan. On hearing this, the Emperumaan seeing his bhakti towards him, showed his original roopan and gave him lots of Varams.

Once, Ambhareeshan did fasting (Viradham) towards Emperumaan on all Ekadesis. He gave 60 cows and after Ekadesi, he finishes the Viradham by doing Paarayanam (devoting the perumal and then eating) on Dvadesi. Sa,e way, once he did this Viradham and was waiting for some Narayana Bhaktas, so that he may give them the food and then he can eat. At that time, he saw Duruvaasar, Duruvaasar said that he will accept the food from Ambhareeshan after bath. So, he went to Kalathi river and asked Ambhareeshan that he should finish the fasting only after he comes. Duruvaasar muni went to the river for bathing but didnt come up till the end of Dvadesi. But, Ambhareeshan had to finish the Viradham by taking some food (or) water. At the end time of Dvadesi, Ambhareeshan could not wait for Duruvaasar Muni and took some water and finished the Viradham.

On seeing this, Duruvaasa muni got angry on him and sent an arakkan (demon) to kill. But, Ambhareeshan with the help of Vishnu chakkaram killed the Arakkan. Duruvaasa muni felt bad for his act and blessed Ambhareeshan.

Ambhareeshan asked this sthala perumal that he should get the dharshan of the perumal in Viyugha Avathaar (perumal should be seen in all the directions) and as requested by Ambhareeshan, this sthala perumal, Uyyavantha perumal gives his seva in all the 4 directions. The perumal in the center is worshipped by Dharman, the west directioned perumal is worshipped by Arjunan, the left side perumal is worshipped by Bheeman and the perumal in the right side is worshipped by Nakulan and Sahadevan. So, this perumal is worshipped by all the Panja Pandavas and it is one of the historical issue that is explained.

And this sthalam is said to be the Mukthisthalam of Ambhareeshan.

There is some similar issues that is found to be common with this divyadesam and Thiruchitrakooda divyadesam. In both these divya desam, the perumal is found in Viyugha avathar by giving their seva in Nindra Thirukkolam in this sthalam and pallikonda thirukkolam in Thiruchitra koodam. In both of this sthalam, the perumal is said to be the hamsam of Lord Shivan and Thiruchitrakoodam is said to have the ralation with Ramayanam and this sthalam is said to have the relation with Mahabaratham.

In Thiruchitrakoodam, Thirumangai alwar does the Mangalasasanam of the perumal using Sankara barana Ragam and likewise this sthala perumal is done the Mangalasasanam by Kulasekara Alwar with the same sankara Bharana Ragam.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Uyyavantha Perumal. He is found in Nindra Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham along the south direction. He is also named as "Abhayapirathan". The perumal is prathyaksham for Ambhareeshan.

Thayaar

Vithuvakkottu Valli is the Thaayar found in this sthalam. Also called as "Padmapaani Naachiyaar".

Mangalasasanam:

• Kulasekara Alwar - 10 Paasurams.
  Total 10.

Pushkarani:

Chakkara Theertham.

Vimanam:
Thathuva Kanchana Vimaanam.

 

 

Thirukkadithaanam - Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal Temple

 

 

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This sthalam is found next to Senganancheri, which is found near to Kottayam in Kerala. This temple can be reached by travelling from Thiruvalla to Kottayam getting down at Senganancheri. From there, by travelling around 2 miles in East, we can reach this sthalam. There is no staying facility, to go to this sthalam, we should stay in Thiruvalla (or) Senganancheri.

Specials:

The speciality of this sthalam is this sthalam is said to be worshipped and constructed by Sahadevan, one among the Pandavas.

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 Sooriya 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, Indiran send Naradhar to Rukmaangadhan.

Rukmaangadhan welcomed Naradhar and gave him lots of respect by doing Padha poojas and weared him with a special garland which had a peculiar flowers in that. Naradhar getting the proper respect from him, left that place. By blessing him.

Naradhar went to Indira lokam with the garland that is given by Rukmaangadham. On seeing the beauty and the smell that came out fromt he flower, Indiran was very much attracted by it and ordered his soldiers to get the flower from the Garden of Rukmaangadhan. As ordered by Indiran, the soldiers daily stole the flowers from the Garden and gave it to Indiran.

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, stealed 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 minimising the sakthi of Gods. At this stage, the smoke of that came out of the Garlic plants mixed with the air and all the soldiers of Indiran lost their powers and the soldiers in the garden also lost their power and as a result of this, they were caught and finally they said that they belong to Indira lokam and explained all the things. On hearing this, Rukmaangadhan didnt 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 Ekadesi day. All of them asked atleast minimum amount of credit from the person who is doing fasting on Ekadesi. Rukmaangadhan searched for a person who is fasting on Ekadesi. 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 didnt 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 devars of Deva lokam. She also accepted it and gave one part of her viradham 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.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar found in this sthalam is Athpudha Narayanan. He is also named as "Amirutha Narayanan". He is found in Nindra Thirukkolam facing his Thirumugham along 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.

 

 

Thiruvaaran Vilai - Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple

 

 

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This divyadesam is found next ot Sengannoor in Kerala. 6 miles away in East from Sengannoor, this sthalam is found. We can reach this sthalam by travelling in Bus. For staying facility, a devasthana chattiram is available, but food facility is minimum.

Specials:

1. The speciality of this sthalam is the precious ornaments of Sabharimalai Ayyappan is protected only in this sthalam. During Makara Jyothi, it is taken from here and dedicated to Ayyappan.

2. This Divyadesam is constructed and devoted by Arjunan.

Sthlapuranam :

This Divyadesam is constructed and devoted by Arjunan, one among the pandavas. During Mahabharta war, when Arjunan and Karnan were fighting, Karnan's Chariot got struck in the land. He got down from the Chariot and tried to get the wheels of it out from the place. But, he could not do so. At that time, Karnan asked Arjunan not to fight with him at that time and asked him to wait for sometime. But, neglecting his words, Arjunan killed Karnan using his bow and arrow. But, he felt very sad for his act and to get out this curse, he built this temple and devoted the perumal, thirukkuralappan.

The perumal is said to be the hamsam of Vaamanar. Arjunan was able to get the seva of Sriman Narayanan as "Parthasarathy" during Mahabharatam and Vaamanar in this sthalam.

Once, Brahma devan lost his Gnana book and to regain it, he did a great tapas over this sthala perumal. At that time, the perumal showed his seva and blessed him that he will retain the Gnana book. This is one of the historical story said about this sthalam.

The speciality of this sthalam is the precious ornaments of Sabharimalai Ayyappan is protected only in this sthalam. During Makara Jyothi, it is taken from here and dedicated to Ayyappan.

Utsavam:

1. The Onam festival is celebrated in a grand way in this temple.

2. One more special utsavam, Khandavadahanam is the done during the months of December and January. Dahanam means firing. As a rememberance of firing of Khandavana forest by Arjunan who was helped by Sri Krishnar, this utsavam is performed here.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Thirukkuralappan. He is also named as "Parthasarathy". Moolavar is found in Nindra Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham along the East direction. Prathyaksham for Brahma devan, Vedavyasa Maharishi.

Thayaar

The Thaayar of this sthalam is Padmasani Naachiyaar.

Mangalasasanam:

• Nammalwar - 10 Paasurams.
  Total 10.

Pushkarani:

Since, the perumal gave his seva to Vedavyasa rishi, the pushkarani is said to be Vedavyasa saras and another theertham is Pambha theertham.

Vimanam:
Vaamana Vimaanam.

 

 

Uttar Pradesh Temple

 

 

Thiru Ayodhi - Sri Ramar Temple

 

 

Temple Location :

About the Temple : Thiru Ayodhya is said to be the Janmha Bhoomi (Birth place) of Sri Ramar and is situated 6 Kms from Faizabad.

Ayodhya is well connected with other places by road, as it is located on the main highway.

Transportation by means of Tempos, Cycle-rickshaws and Buses are available and frequent.

Specials:

1. In this sthalam only, Emperumaan took the Avathaar as Ramapiran as an ordinary king, who led the life as an ordinary human. And at the end of the Avathaar, along with other 3 brothers, he got mixed (ie) got mukthi in Sarayu river.

2. This Divyadesam is said to be one among the 7 Mukthi Kshetrams. These 7 mukthi sthalam represents different part of the body of Sriman Narayanan.

Moolavar:
The Moolavar of Ayodhya is Sri Ramar. He is also called with the names "Chakravarthy Thirumagan", facing his thirumugham towards North direction. Prathyaksham for Bharadhan, all Devars and Maharishis.

Thaayar:
The Thaayar of this divyadesam is Seetha Piratiiyaar.

Vimaanam
Pushkala Vimaanam.

Sthalapuranam

The Great epic, Ramayana is said to start and ended in this sthalam. The avathaar of Sri Ramar explains how an ordinary human should be and it explains the Sathya path which leads him to the final mukthi.

This Divyadesam is said to be one among the 7 Mukthi Kshetrams. These 7 mukthi sthalam represents different part of the body of Sriman Narayanan. Avanthi is represented as the divine feet, Thiruvadi of the perumal, Kachipuram, represents the waist, Thirudwaraka represents the Nabhi (the lower stomach), Maya represents the Thiru maarbhu (the chest) Madhura represents the neck, Kasi represents the nose and finally, this Ayodhya Kshetram represents the Head of the perumal. Thats the reason it is said to be one of the most important among the 7 Mukthi kshetram.

Sri Ramar by killing Ravanan explains to the world that all the life led and its destiny ends only through ones character. Sri Ramar led his life by thinking of only one life parter, Seetha Piratti, his wife along with his bow (vil). He followed his previous generationed member and followed their words. Thus, the Rama avathaar explains about one word, one bow and one wife and all the characters are found inside Sri Ramar. When Emperumaan took the human avathaar, as Sri Ramar, Periya piratti came as his wife as Seetha piratti, the Aadhiseshan as his brother, Lakshmanan and perumal's sangu and chakkaram took their birth as "Bharadhan and Sathrukkanan. Hanuman born as the hamsam of Sivaperumaan.

This Avathaar of Sriman Narayanan as "Sri Ramar", shows the best and excellent characters of all human and explains how all must be. By giving the entire Raajyam (empire) of Ayodhi to Bharathar as asked by Kaikeyi he gave the entire Raajyam and left out from Ayodhi to a forest. This character shows the obiedience for Kaikeyi, inspite of she doing harm by making him to go to the forest.

By helping Sukreevan and Vibheeshanan, Sri Ramar explains about the great friendship character and finally, the mercy and love showed towards Sri Hanuman is the ultimate character of Sri Ramar.

This Ayodhya sthalam is siad to be the birth place of Sri Ramar and he got Mukthi (Paramapadham) only from this Ayodhya sthalams and it is said to be the final place where the Rama avathaar ended.

Brahmadevan did a strong tapas towards Sriman Narayanan. The perumal gave his prathyaksham for Brahma and both of them hugged together. On seeing the great bhakti of Brahmadevan, Sriman Narayanan is so emotionally attracted towards him and his (perumal) eyes started to swell tears. But Brahma devan doesnt want the tears to let down it into the earth and he collected all of his tears in the Kamandalam (a small vessel which all the Rishis have). Using his power, Brahma devan created a pushkarani and all the drops of tears was mixed into the pushkarani. And that is called the Maanasasaras in the Himalayas. Since, the theertham is created along with the tears drops of perumal and the Manasika power (created from his heart fulfilled) of Brahma devar, this theertham is so called as "Maanasasaras".

When Itsuraku was ruling Ayodhya he said his plea that if a river flows in his empire he would feel happy to Vasishta Maharishi. Vasishta Maharishi went towards Brahma devan in Sathya loka and along with the help of him, he made to flow the Maanasasaras to flow near his city . Since, Maansasaras was made to flow in Ayodhi, it is called as "Sarayu Nadhi". Since, this river flowed as the step taken by Vasistar, this theertham is also called as "Vasistai". This river is said to be the body of a women and said that it talked to Sri Ramar and Dasarathar because of this, the river is also called as "Rama Gangai".

It is said that earlier Ayodhya had 2700 temple of Sri Ramar near the South shore of Sarayu Nadhi.

Swayavambhuvamanu, who was the first son of Brahma devan, met in Sathya lokam and asked him which is the place he need to start the task of creation. Brahma along with his son, went towards Sriman Narayanan in Sri Vaikuntam. Through Brahma devan, Sriman Narayanan hands over the middle portion of Sri Vaikuntam which is said to be the Ayodhi Raajyam. This explains that all the wealth of Grand father belongs to Grand son (ie) since Brahma devan emerged from the Naabhi of Sri Mahavishnu he is considered to be his son and Swayavambhuvamanu is considered as the grandson of Mahavishnu. This is the reason why alwar say:

"Ambuyothon Ayodhi Mannarkku Alitha kovil".

Interesting Places

On the shore of Sarayu river, a small temple for Aanjaneya is found which is called as "Hanuman Thekri", where he is found in Vishwaroopa kolam. But only his head is found outwards.

Ammaaji Mandir, where sannadhis for Sri Ranganathar and Sri Ramar are found. This is the place where the old temple was found where all the alwars sung on the perumal.

The sthalam which is raised as the rememberance of Sri Ramar is being destroyed and found in damaged stage. We should not think that his temple was demolished. He has his own temple in all of the hearts of his bhaktas who says the Rama Naamam as "Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram" purely in their heart and thus Ayodhya is found all hearts of the bhaktas. So, bhaktas who say "Sri Ramajayam" is said to be the "Rama janma Bhoomi" and thus explains that there is lots and lots of Ayodhya is found in this entire world.

So let us say "Sri Ramajayam" and let his name spread throughout the world.

Theerthams of Ayodhya

There are number of theerthams is said to be flow in and near Ayodhya. Below are listed some of the Pushkaranis in and around Ayodhya:-

1. Paramapadha Pushkarani

2. Sarayu river.

3. Nageswara Theertham:
Sri Ramar had two sons namely Lavan and Kusa. One day, Kusa was having a bath in Sarayu river who was very much attracted by his beauty by Kumudavathi, a princess of Naga Lokam. she wanted to marry him and because of this, she caught hold of Kusa's hands but she could not stop him. After reaching the palace, kusa found his ornaments (bangle) was missing. He thought it might have fallen in Sarayu river and to taken out the bangle from the river he dried up the river using his astram. The Naga princes got frightened of the astram and returned the bangle and falled to the feet of Kusa. Kusa explained the bangle was so important since it was given by Vasistar to Sri Ramar, his father. And finally, Kusa let the river to flow once again. Because of this, the theertham is called as "Nageswara theertham".

Lots of theertham like Vaidaheeya theertham, Soorya theertham, Ratha theertham etc are also fund. It is believed that Indra took bath in Indra theertham to get out of the Paavam (sin) due to Vrithirasura Vadham (Killing of Vrithisuran).

 

 

Thiru Naimisaranyam - Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple

 

 

Temple Location :

Naimisaranyam is located at the junction of the roads from Sitapur and Khairabad, 20 miles from Sitapur and 24 miles from the Sandila railway station. 45 miles north of Lucknow in Uttarpradesh. Naimisaranya is also known as "Nimsar" or "Nimkhar" and is located on the left bank of the river Gomati.

Specials:

1. This kshetram is said to be one of the 8 swayam Vyaktha kshetrams. The other swayam Vyaktha kshetram are Sri Rangam, Srimushnam, Salagramam, Thotadri (Vaanamamalai), Tirupathi, Pushkaram and Badri.

2. This Naimisaranya kshetram is said to be regarded as "Tapovanam". There are 9 tapovams. They are Dandakaranyam, Saindhavaranyam, Jambhukaranyam, Pushkararanyam, Utpalaranyam, Badrikaranyam, Gurujangalaranyam, Aruputharanyam and Naimisaranayam. It is belived that the perumal is found in the form of forest. And this Naimisaranyam is regarded as a holy forest.

Sthalapuranam

The Emperumaan of this sthalam is giving his seva as the entire form of the Vanam (forest).

In the old age, all the Maha Rishis along with Sownakar went towards Brahma devan and asked him which is the best place suited for doing Yagam and tapas. As the answer, Brahma devan took a dharbai grasss and made it as a wheel shape and rolled the dharbai grass. Brahma devar said after he rolls the grass, the place where it stopped is said to be the ideal place for doing tapas and yagam. He rolled the wheel and it stops at a particular place in the Earth and that place is said to the place which is called as "Naimisaranyam".

Nemi means chakkaram and Naimisam means the place where the chakkaram landed. Aaranyam means forest. Since Nemi, the Chakkaram which landed on Aaranya the forest, the sthalam is called as "Naimisaranyam". This Naimisaranyam is said to be the place where lots of Rishis and lots of yogis have done tapas and dhyanam and have explained the meaning of old puranas and vedams.

The Emperumaan gives his seva as in the form of the forest and is found in whole of the forest. This sthala emperumaan, gives his seva with the name as "Sri Hari" along with Sri Hari lakshmi and gave his prathyaksham to Devendran, Sudharman, Devarishis, Soodhapuranikars and Vedavyasar.

Once, Balaramar, the brother of Sri Krishnar came to this sthalam. At that time, Soodhar was very busy creating puranas. He didnt notice the arrival of Balaramar. On seeing this, Balaramar got angry and hit him. He got into sin by comitting this. To get out the sin, he went to lots of Punya kshetras for an year and finally he came back to this kshetram and help the rishis and yogis, who were suffering from the frightening of a arakkan (Demon) by named "Vilvalan". All the rishis and yogis thanked Balaramar for making them to perform tapas in peace to reach the Emperumaan.

Gayasooran, an arakkan did tapas in this sthalam. Sriman Narayanan gave his seva to him as he was fulfilled by his tapas. Sriman Narayanan asked him what varam he wants as a result of complete tapas. But, Gayasooran answered the Almighty, that he didnt want any varam from him and he was so strong powerful than Sriman Narayanan. On hearing this, Sriman Narayanan send his chakra to kill the asuran and his body was cut into 3 parts. The three parts are the Siro Gaya, (the head part), the Nambi Gaya (the middle part) and the Charana Gaya (the foot part). This sthalam, the Naimisaranyam is said to be the Nabhi Gaya. The Gaya Kshetram is said to be the Charana Gaya and Badri is said to be Siro Gaya. Offering prayers to forefathers in all these three sthalams is said to be so greatful.

The sthala viruksham, the tree is Tapovanam and all the trees found in this sthalam are said to be sthala viruksham and because of this, the sthala viruksham is Tapovanam (Vanam means the entire forest).

The Pushkarani of this sthalam are Gomukhi Nadhi and Chakkara theertham. On the shore of Chakkara theertham, separate sannadhis for Chakarathalwar, Vinayakar, Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Seetha Piratti is found. On the way to Gomukhi Nadhi, a separate temple called as "Vyasa Ghat" is found. On the other side of this sthalam, a temple for Suka maharishi is found, where Suka Bhagavan is found as the bronze statue.

Near to this Suka Maharishi temple, a temple for Hanuman is found on the top of the mountains which is known as the "Hanuman Ghat". He is found in standing position holding Sri Rama and Lakshmana in his two shoulders, in Vishwaroopa Kolam.

One of Ahobila Mutt Jeyer attained Paramapadham in this sthalam and as his rememberance, his sannadhi and a mut of Ahobilam is opened in this sthalam. Ramanuja koodam, Vaanamamalai Jeeyar Mutt are also found, helping the bhaktas who come to this sthalam to get the seva of this sthalam Emperumaan.

Thirumangai Alwar who is the only alwar who has done the Mangalasasanam on this sthala perumal explains about the life led by the human.

Moolavar:
The Moolavar of this Naimisaranyam Divyadesam is Devarajan. He is also named as "Sri Hari". Moolavar in Nindra thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Indiran, Sudharman, Devarishi, Soodhapuranikar and Vedavyasar.

Thaayar:
The thaayar of this Kshetram is Sri Hari Lakshmi. She is also named as "Pundareekavalli".

Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangai Alwar who is the only alwar who has done the Mangalasasanam on this sthala perumal explains about the life led by the human.

Pushkarani:

• Chakkara Theertham
• Gomuki Nadhi
• Nemi Theertham and
• Divya Visrantha Theertham

Sthala Viruksham:
Tapovanam

Vimaanam:
Sri Hari Vimaanam.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

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