VEDA PATASALA
DIVINE TOPICS
DIVYA DESAMs - 81/108 - Thirukadidhanam / Thirukodidhanam
Name of the Divya Desam : Arpudha Narayana Perumal temple
Location : Thirukadidhanam, near Changanaserry, Kottayam Dist, Kerala
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Arpudha Narayana Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Karpagavalli Thayar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing)
Thirumugam (Facing) : East
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend once Panchapandavas received Mahavishnu moorthis for their personal puja except Sahadeva (the youngest of them). A long search and tapas by him went in vain. Sahadeva, in despair, decided to immolate himself. Just as he was about to leap into a huge flaming pyre, a miraculous moorthi of Sri Chathurbahu Vishnu emerged from the fire. He became overjoyed, installed the moorthi, built the temple and worshipped here. Since the moorthi had miraculously come from the fire, the Lord is known as Sri Arputha Narayana (Arputha-miracle).
As per another legend this region was under the rule of King Rukmangathan of Surya Vamsa. Flowers of many varieties grew in his palace garden. Devas plucked these flowers and offered it to Lord Perumal. The king came to know that the flowers are stolen from the garden. He ordered that these thieves should be arrested and brought before him. His men, not knowing that the flower pluckers were Devas, caught them and produced before the king. Knowing the truth, the king apologized to them and released them immediately. Yet, as they were arrested by humans, Devas lost the power of returning back to their Devaloka. When the king asked them what he could do to help them, they told him that if he parted with the benefits of his Ekadasi fasting for years, they would regain the power to go back. The king readily agreed, took them to the Perumal temple and donated the huge benefits he had accrued through the years. All these happened within a fraction of second (kadigai), hence the name of the place is known as Thirukadithanam.
About the temple:
Thirukodithanam temple is popularly known as Sahadevan Temple. The Pandava princes consecrated their moorthis at various places before they renounced the world and set-off on their last journey. The five holy places chosen for this were
THIRU CHITTATU (Yudhistira) ,
THIRU PULIYUR (Bheema),
THIRU ARANMULA (Arjuna),
THIRU VAMUNDUR (Nakula) &
* THIRU KODITHANAM (Sahadeva). *
Consecration rites at Thrikodithanam were performed by Lord Agni (God of Fire). Hence the god of fire is honoured here during every festival season.
There is a separate sannidhi for Lord Narasimha Perumal (on the Western side behind the Arputha Narayana Perumal Sannidhi). It is believed that this moorthi was consecrated to ward off 'negative effects from powerful quarters', possibly the Mysorean invasions of Kerala led by Tipu Sultan. There are two flag posts individually for both Perumals. Sri Narasimha moorthy is of such high stature at Thrikodithanam that he has his own festival alongside that of the presiding deity, Sri Arputha Narayana Perumal.
On the south side of the sanctum Lord Dakshinamurthy and Lord Vinayaka grace facing south, an unique feature in a Vaishnava temple. There are no doors for their shrines. Holes are provided on a wooden plank to see the deities and have the darshan.
* Kazhivetti-kallu is a strange granite statue seen between the pond and the eastern entrance, near a public platform for arts and discourses. It is a man flat on his back, held up stiff and straight on a stone pillar about six feet high. Only his waist rests on the pillar, rest of the body is unsupported. He holds a Shankhu (conch shell) in his left hand and at one time in the past the statue wore a crown as well. *
Everything about this figure is conflicting and abnormal - its form, attributes and placement. Common folklore has a story of jealousy, indiscretion and swift retribution...The ruler of Chembakaserry or Ambalapuzha (as per another version) kingdom who took pride in the prosperity of his own kingdom and Sri Krishna temple. Since temples were then considered keystones to a kingdom's spiritual and temporal well-being, the King decided to embarrass the rulers of Nanrulainattu (capital-Thrikodithanam) by making a deliberate, untimely visit to the famous Vishnu Temple.
He arrived in Thrikodithanam after the Seiveli puja (the last ceremony of the day) and after the temple had closed. It is considered very inauspicious to open a temple after the gods are put to rest, but still, the King forced an entry by bribing a caretaker.
When the rulers of Nanrulainattu discovered this indiscretion, they were furious. The caretaker was beheaded and, soon, the Chambakaserry king too fell ill and died. So this stone figure was installed near the temple entrance to deter any future offenders and to remind everybody of the consequences of disturbing the gods.
DIVYA DESAMs - 82/108 - Thiruchenkunrur
Name of the Divya Desam : Sri Imayavarappan Perumal temple
Location : Chengannur, Kerala
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Imayavarappan Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Shenbagavalli Thayar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing)
Thirumugam (Facing) : West
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend Yudhishtra (Dharma Raja), the eldest of the Pandava brothers was unhappy at being the cause of the death of his Guru Drona. As advised by Lord Krishna, Yudishtra says in the Kurukshetra war, "Ashwathama hataha.... kunjaraha".
Yudhishtra was loud when he said 'Ashwathama hataha' and the word kunjaraha (elephant) was said in a low voice which Drona did not hear. And since Ashwathama Hataha means Ashwathama is dead, assuming his son to be dead in the great war, Drona collapses and Draupadi's brother Drushtadyumna takes advantage of this and kills Drona. It is believed that Dharma Raja came to this place and undertook penance to get peace of mind.
As per another legend this temple is also associated with Lord Subrahmanya killing Surapadma, an asura who was disturbing the Devas.
As per yet another legend Imayavars (Devas) undertook penance at this place invoking the blessing of Lord Vishnu. Hence, the Lord here is known as ‘Imayavar Appan’.
About the temple:
Dharmaraja had renovated this temple hence it is known as Dharma Raja temple. This temple is locally also known as the Thiru Chittatu Mahavishnu temple in Thiru Chenkundroor, as it is on the banks of Chittar river.
DIVYA DESAMs - 83/108 - Thirupuliyur
Name of the Divya Desam : Maayapiran Perumal temple
Location : Kuttanadu, Kottayam Dist, Kerala
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Maayapiran Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Porkodi Nachiyar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing)
Thirumugam (Facing) : East
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend Bheema prayed here to Sriman Narayana to absolve the sin caused due to the tricking and killing of their Guru Dronacharya in the Mahabaratha war.
As per another legend Once Virukshadharbi, son of Sibhi Chakravarthy, ruled an empire which was under big deluge and lost its wealth. The king decided to give Dhaanam (offerings given to rishis) to the Sapta Rishis. But, the Sapta Rishis did not accept it.
The frusturated king hid some gold coins inside the fruits and offered them to the rishis as his Dhaanam. But, the Rishis sensed the trick and did not accept the fruits also. This made Virukshadharbi angry. He started a Yagnam and invoked a demoness named "Kiruthyai" and ordered her to kill all the sapta Rishis.
The Rishis surrendered to Sriman Narayana. The Lord sent Indran to destroy Kiruthyai. Indran took the form of a tiger and killed the demoness. The Sapta Rishis got the darshan of Sriman Narayana here and attained Mukthi (Salvation) from the worldy Maya (illusion), hence the presiding deity is known as Sri Maayapiran Perumal. As Indran was said to have come on the tiger ( Puli in Tamil and Malayalam) this place is called Thiru Puliyur.
About the temple:
It is believed that Bheema worshipped Lord Sriman Narayana here and * his weapon Gadha (Mace) is kept on the praharam of this temple. *
The five holy places Pandavas prayed Lord Narayana are
THIRU CHITTATU (Yudhistira) ,
* THIRU PULIYUR (Bheema), *
THIRU ARANMULA (Arjuna),
THIRU VAMUNDUR (Nakula) &
THIRU KODITHANAM (Sahadeva).
DIVYA DESAMs - 84/108 - Thiruvaranvilai
Name of the Divya Desam : Aranmula Thirukuralappan Perumal temple
Location : Aranmula, Pathanamthitta Dist, Kerala
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Thirukuralappan Perumal/Sri Parthasarathy Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Padmavathi Nachiyar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing)
Thirumugam (Facing) : East
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend Arjuna prayed here and built the temple to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy.
It is also believed that Lord Vishnu revealed (here) the knowledge of creation to Brahma, from whom the Madhukaitapa demons stole the Vedas.
About the temple:
The five holy places Pandavas prayed Lord Narayana are
THIRU CHITTATU (Yudhistira) ,
THIRU PULIYUR (Bheema),
* THIRU ARANMULA (Arjuna), *
THIRU VAMUNDUR (Nakula) &
THIRU KODITHANAM (Sahadeva).
As per legend, the moorthi of the presiding deity was installed by Arjuna on the banks of Pamba river, was brought here in a raft made of six pieces (Aranmula – six pieces of bamboo)... and the moorthi was installed in the temple on Uthrattathi day of Malayalam month Chingam(August-September) – * to celebrate these events people of Aranmula started the famous snake boat race Uthrattathi Vallamkali. *
* The speciality of this sthalam is the precious ornaments (Thiruvaabaranam) of Lord Ayyappan is brought here as a part of the procession from Pandalam, on the way to Sabharimala for Makara Jyothi celebrations. *
* Another speciality of this sthalam is Aranmula Kannadi (Metal mirror), produced by a single extended family in Aranmula, the origins of this mirror are linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. *
DIVYA DESAMs - 85/108 - Thiruvanvandur
Name of the Divya Desam : Sri Kamalanadha Perumal temple
Location : Thiruvanvandur, Pathanamthitta Dist, Kerala
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Paampanayappan/ Sri Kamalanadha Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Kamalavalli Nachiyar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing)
Thirumugam (Facing) : West
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend once Narada Maharishi came here to worship Lord Perumal to relieve himself from the curse of Lord Brahma. Lord Sriman Narayana advised Naradar to enlighten the world with 'Gnana' and prompted him to write Narada Puranam here at this place. Naradar wrote 25000 verses explaining that Sriman Narayana is the Supreme God and also detailing various methods of worshipping Him.
It is believed that the Lord had given darshan here to Markandeya Maharishi. As the temple is built near the sacred Pamba river, the presiding deity is known as Sri Paampanayappan Perumal.
About the temple:
As per legend Pandavas, after crowning Parikshit as king of Hastinapura left on a pilgrimage. On arriving on the banks of river Pamba, each one had worshipped the moorthi of Lord Vishnu at various locations. The five holy places Pandavas prayed Lord Narayana are
THIRU CHITTATU (Yudhistira) ,
THIRU PULIYUR (Bheema),
THIRU ARANMULA (Arjuna),
* THIRU VANVUNDUR (Nakula) * &
THIRU KODITHANAM (Sahadeva).
DIVYA DESAMs - 86/108 - Thiruvanandhapuram
Name of the Divya Desam : Anandha Padmanabha Perumal temple
Location : Thiruvanandhapuram, Kerala
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Anandha Padmanabha Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Sri Hari Lakshmi
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Sayanam (Reclining)
Thirumugam (Facing) : East
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend Sage Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar prayed to Lord Vishnu for His divine darshan. 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 agreed with a condition that 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, the child took the ‘salagram’ which the sanyasi was using for worship and put it into His mouth and made such a nuisance of Himself that the sage 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 in Ananthankaadu”. It was only then that the sage 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. After a long search, when he was walking on the seashore, he heard a pulaya lady threatening her child that she would throw him in Ananthankadu. The moment the Swami heard the word Ananthankadu he was delighted. He proceeded to Ananthankadu based on the directions of the lady of whom he enquired.
The Sage reached Ananthankadu searching for the boy. In the wooded area near the sea coast, he 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 of the Lord had His head at ‘Thiruvallam’(a place about 3 miles from East Fort, where the Temple of Sree Padmanabha Swamy is located) and the 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 moorthi of the Lord shrank to a size, three times the length of the Sanyasi's Yoga Dand. His prayers had been granted. The sage offered Rice Kanji and Uppumanga (salted mango pieces) in a coconut shell to the Perumal which he obtained from the pulaya woman (still this offering continues).
A similar legend is associated with Divakara Muni, a Tulu Brahmin and an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. As per legend it is believed that Divakara Muni built this temple on the 950th day of the Kali Yuga. The sage got the divine darshan of the Lord and got blessed that the poojas to Him should be conducted by Tulu Brahmins. To this day most of the poojaris (priests) in this temple represent Tulu region.
About the temple:
Sri Marthanda Varma of the Thiruvithamcore (Travancore) Kingdom, in a spectacular ceremony on Jan 03, 1750 surrendered the kingdom to the presiding deity of the temple, and received it back as a fiefdom and ruled Thiruvithamcore as a servant of the Lord Sree Padmanabhan; all of his successors adopted this custom. * This offering of the entire kingdom to Sree Padmanabhaswamy is known as "THRIPADIDAANAM". *
* Upon dedicating everything to the Lord, each king takes the name as “Sree Padmanabha Dasa” before his name while each royal woman takes "Sree Padmanabhasevinis" before her name. *
In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Vishnu is in a reclining position over Adi Sesha, the divine serpent with his face pointed upwards, his right hand is hanging over Lord Shiva. Sridevi and Bhoodevi stand by His side and Lord Brahma is seen on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva of Shaiva Salagrama Shila sits under the right hand of Sree Padmanabha. Thus the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara representing creation, preservation and destruction - are seen together in the sanctum in a rare concept.
The original moorthi was made of Iluppa wood which was replaced with a new one in A.D 1729 because a fire in the temple damaged it. The present 18-feet-long moorthi is made of 12008 salagramams from the holy river Gandhaki of Nepal. On top of them "kadu sharkara yogam", a special ayurvedic mix, is being used to give a plaster.
The Sree Krishna Temple is situated in the northern side of the temple and it is believed that this is the place where Sage Vilwamangalam Swamigal attained Moksha.
It is worth seeing Kulasekhara mandapa, containing most impressive stone sculptures of the early eighteenth century. It is here that, Sanskrit scholars and priests chant Vedas.
It is also known as Aayiramkal Mandapam and Sapthaswara Mandapam. It is supported by 28 balustrades of pillars. The pillars on the four corners can produce musical notes when tapped.
Thiruvananthapuram is also called as "Syanandoorapuram". The city of Thiruvananthapuram (The Revered Endless City) derives its name from the name of the presiding deity enshrined in the temple. Texts including the Puranas like Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Varaha Purana and Brahmanda Purana have references of this shrine. In Padma Purana there is reference to the temple of Ananthasayanam. It is also mentioned along with Mathura, Venkatadri etc., as one of the well-known Vishnu Temples.
In the Skandapurana, Sethu Mahatmya, Brahmakhanda Chapter-52, verses 102 to 105, some of the most important places of pilgrimages are indicated, which includes Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. There is also mention in the Bhagavata purana (canto 10 chapter 79) that Balarama visited "Syanandoorapuram" in the course of his pilgrimage. An entire chapter named Anantapura Mahatmyam in Brahmanda Purana, is dedicated to this temple.
DIVYA DESAMs - 87/108 - Thiruvattaru
Name of the Divya Desam : Sri Adikesava Perumal temple
Location : Thiruvattaru, Kanyakumari Dist
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Adikesava Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Maragadhavalli Thayar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Sayanam (Reclining)
Thirumugam (Facing) : West
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend Lord Brahma performed a Yaga without Saraswathi Devi and as a result of Her anger, two asuras by name Kesan and Kesi emerged out of the Yagagni (sacrificial fire). They were troubling the three worlds. The Devas approached Lord Vishnu and requested Him to protect them. Lord Mahavishnu in the form of Kesava Perumal fought with Kesan. Perumal threw him on top of Mahendragiri and blew His conch. Instantaneously, Adisesha wound himself around Kesan thus disabling the asura to move and immediately Perumal laid on Adisesha thus putting His weight. When the asura tried to get out of Adisesha's coils, Perumal made 12 Shivalingams to stand as guard around the asura and Him. These famous Shiva Temples are Thirumala, Thirukkuruchi, Thirupparappu, Thirunandhikkara, Ponmana, Pannippakam, Kalkkulam, Thirumelankodu, Thiruvidaikkode, Thiruvithamkode, Thiruppanrikkode and Thirunattalam. Even today, the worship to Lord Shiva on Shivarathiri day - The famous * Shivalaya ottam * - is said to be complete only when the devotees after visiting the 12 Shiva shrines ends their holy trip in this Perumal Temple.
About the temple:
Continuing on the above legend, Kesi who saw her brother defeated, wanted to avenge and hence she along with her friend, Kothai took the form of rivers and encircled the temple with the intention of submerging the temple. At that time, it is believed that Bhoomi devi raised the temple up and hence, the temple is situated at a height of 55 feet from the ground level. The rivers joins with the ocean, at a place known as Moovaatru mukham.
Earlier the rivers were cursed by Perumal and later as they repented for their action, Perumal pardoned them and had a dip in Moovaatru mukham. Even today, during Panguni utsavam, Perumal comes on golden Garuda and has a dip in the river thus enacting the 'Shaapa Vimochana' incident. River Paraliyar takes a turn in this place and diverges to flow forming an island and it is called vattaru and when the temple of Adikeshava Perumaal was created it came to be known as Thiruvattaru. This Temple is older than Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram (50 km from here).
The presiding deity Sri Adi Keshava Perumal is 22 feet high, made out of 16008 Salagramams, seen in a West facing Bhujanga Sayanam (reclining - Head in the South, Feet in the North). The Lord is lying on Adisesha and has to be viewed through three doors. Lord Siva is near Lord Adikeshava Perumal inside the sannidhi (sanctum). Perumal is facing west as it is believed that He is looking towards His younger brother Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
In an another incident, in the year 1740 the men of the Nawab of Arcot looted this temple and took the golden moorthi (ulsava vigraham). Since it was very heavy, the Nawab kept the moorthi along with rubbish in a lumber room. Every day, the moorthi would come on top and in spite of being tied down with ropes, the moorthi would come to the top. At that time, the Nawab's wife developed serious illness which could not be cured by anyone. Perumal appeared in the dream of the temple priest and ordered him to go to Nawab's palace and inform the Nawab that if the moorthi was returned, his wife would be cured of illness. The Nawab acted accordingly and his wife was cured. The Nawab thankfully gifted a golden plate and a cap to Perumal and this is used at the time of Sheeveli everyday. He had also provided the fund for conducting 21 day annual puja - Thiru Allah Puja.
DIVYA DESAMs - 88/108 - Thirupathisaram / Thiruvanparisaram
Name of the Divya Desam : Sri Thiruvazhmarban temple
Location : Thirupathisaram, Kanyakumari Dist
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Thiruvazhmarban / Sri Thirukuralappan
Thayaar (Consort) : Kamalavalli Nachiyar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Veetrirundha (Sitting)
Thirumugam (Facing) : East
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend, Goddess Lakshmi Devi
was frightened by the fierce appearance of Lord Vishnu in Narasimha avatar and hence She left Him to perform penance at this place. Lord Narasimha was pacified by Bakth Prahalada and Maha Vishnu resumed His usual, gentle form and came to this Divya Desam, where Lakshmi Devi again took Her rightful place on the Lord’s chest. Hence the Lord here is known as 'Thiruvazh maarbhan' means 'He whose chest is the abode of Sri Lakshmi'.
About the temple:
As per legend the Saptha rishis wished to have darshan of the Lord Sriman Narayana here and meditated on Him, their efforts fructified and the Lord gave darshan to them at this Divya Desam.
It is believed that Sage Agasthyar narrated the holy Ramayana to Sri Hanuman in this very place.
As per another legend, King Kulasekara, who would go on to become Kulasekara Azhwar came to this place after a conquest. His horse was lost and after a long search, he found the horse grazing peacefully on the banks of Soma Theertham (this temple tank). After taking bath in the tank, he worshipped the Lord in the temple. It is believed that Kulasekara Azhwar renovated this temple and performed the Brahmothsavam and named this place as Thiruvanparisaram ('pari' in Tamil indicates horse, 'van' means forest).
As prayed by Vibeeshana on his way back to Sri Lanka, the Lord appeared before him and asked for a wish, Vibheeshana wanted to see Sri Rama once again. It is believed that Lord Vishnu provided darshan to Vibheeshana as Sri Rama. Hence, Sri Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana and Vibeeshana are seen to the right of the moolavar deity here.
Thirupathisaram is the birthplace of Sri Udayanangai, mother of Sri Nammazhwar. This pious lady worshipped the Lord at this Divya Desam for 41 days and was blessed with a divine son. Nammazhwar is seen as a small child at this temple, to the left of Sri Thiruvazh maarbhan.
The moolavar moorthi is 9 feet tall and made of a special mixture called Kadu Sarkara Yogam (Mustard and Jaggery paste). Hence no Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed for the main deity here.
DIVYA DESAMs - 89/108 - Thirukurungudi
Name of the Divya Desam : Nambi Perumal temple
Location : Thirukurungudi, Tirunelveli Dist
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) :
Thiruvadivazhagiya Nambi / Sundara Paripuranan
Thayaar (Consort) : Thirukurungudivalli Nachiyar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing)
Thirumugam (Facing) : East
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Periyazhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per Varaha purana, Nampaduvan was an ardent devotee of ThiruKurungudi Nambi Perumal. Embarrassed to enter the temple during the day as he belonged to a lower class (Chandala), he would walk several miles in the night to the Nambi temple and would, for hours together, stand before Lord Nambi with a Veena and sing in praise of Him. And to ensure that no one took notice of his presence, he would return to his place before dawn.
Once on Karthika Shukla Ekadasi, while he was going for his daily prayer, he was stopped by a Brahma Rakshas (fierce ghostly form). The Rakshas had not eaten food for several days and wanted to eat Nampaduvan immediately. Nampaduvan was ready to offer himself as food but wanted to complete his prayer at the temple.
Unable to convince the demon, Nampaduvan made 18 promises that night to the demon. After 17 various promises and yet not having got the nod from the Rakshas, Nampaduvan made the 18th promise:
“If I do not return, I would have committed the biggest sin that exists – that of comparing and equating Lord Narayana with others. And I will become a sinner who will never get Moksham from this cycle of births.” This extraordinary promise moved the demon and let him go.
Nampaduvan went to the temple and offered his prayers, sang in glory of Lord Vishnu in the Kaisika Ragam (Bairavi equivalent). After completing his prayers, Nampaduvan started walking towards the Brahma Rakshas. Lord wanted to test His devotee, came as an old man and advised Nampaduvan to escape in another route. But Nampaduvan was not ready to do that.
Nampaduvan went and offered himself to the Rakshas. But his hunger had vanished and instead he was moved by the truthfulness of the Vishnu devotee. The Brahma Rakshas then told his story – he was a Brahmin who was cursed to become a Brahma Rakshas by his elders as he had not performed yajnas carefully.
The Rakshas then asked Nampaduvan to give the reward of one of his prayers so that he can get liberation. Nampaduvan was moved by the plight of the Rakshas and decided to help him.
Nampaduvan whole heartedly offered the fruit of the last song that he had sung in praise of Lord Vishnu to the Brahma Rakshas. No sooner had he spoken, the Rakshas was transformed into his Brahmin form and was escorted to heaven.
About the temple:
As per the Vaishnava tradition, Thirukurungudi is said to be 'Southern house’ of Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is believed that ‘Vaikuntam’ (the ultimate destination for Vaishnavites) is in ‘calling distance’ from Thirukurungudi. (Thiru Narayana Puram is said to be the ‘Mela Veedu’, Kanchipuram the ‘Keezha Veedu’ and Srirangam ‘The Veedu’). It is believed that Nammazhwar was the re-incarnation of the presiding deity Thiruvadivazhagiya Nambi. “Nambu” in Tamil means believe and “Nambi” means believed by all.
The Lord here is in 5 different forms (Kolams) - Nindra (Standing) Kolam, Iruntha (Sitting) Kolam, Sayana (Reclining) Kolam, Thirupaarkadal Nambi and Thirumalai Nambi (on top of the adjacent Mahendra hill). It is believed that on top of Mahendra giri (hill), Lord Hanuman stood and jumped to cross over the sea and reached Lanka.
As a symbol of Shaiva-Vaishnava harmony, Lord Shiva also has a separate shrine in this temple. Thirumangai Azhwar has sung in his paasuram as “pakkam ninRAr” (one who stood by the side of Ninra nambi). When pujas are performed to Lord Nambi, to ascertain whether pujas are performed to Lord Shiva also, a priest nearby would ask “anything short for Lord’s beloved friend”. The other one will reply “Nothing”. This is in vogue even today.
Sri Ramanujar who stayed at Thirukurungudi made trips to other Divya Desams such as Thiruvattaru, ThiruvanParisaram and also Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, where the Lord asks Garuda to carry him fast that same night back to Thirukurungkudi. And to Ramanuja’s surprise, he was on top of the Thirukurungudi rock at the blink of an eye.
As a result of this event, it is believed that one does not find Garuda in the Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy temple.
Thirukurungudi Nambi Perumal, being amazed at Sri Ramanujar's ability to uplift many, Himself becomes the sishya and acquires a dhAsya nAmam (Srivaishnava name) called “Srivaishnava Nambi”. * Ramanujar (Emperumanar) takes the position of Acharya (Guru) and explains Dhivya Maha manthram to Nambi here. * In one of the incidents, Nambi Himself arrives in the disguise of Vaduga nambi (a dear sishya of Emperumanar) and serves him. Ramanujar applies thiruman to Vaduga Nambi (Perumal).
Thirumangai Azhwar asked for Moksham from Srirangam Ranganathar, who directed him to visit Thirukurungudi temple. * Thirumangai Azhwar composed the last of his Paasurams here at this temple and is believed to have attained moksham from here. *
* Araiyar Sevai (song and dance enactment of the Paasurams) originated at Thirukkurungudi and was first introduced by Swami Nathamunigal. * Araiyars, the descendents of Nathamuni, have since carried the Araiyar Sevai. Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam is believed to have given the Araiyars the right to perform the unique musical chanting at the temples and presented them with the cone-like red cap, two cymbals and the sacred garland. It is believed that Lord Nambi listens to Araiyar’s Abhinayam hiding behind a wall. Hence the Lord here is also referred to as ‘Gaana Priyan’.
If Srirangam is known for Vaikunta Ekadesi, Thiru Kurungkudi is said to be the home to the Vaishnava tradition of ‘Kaisika Ekadesi’. * Kaisika Natakam (drama)- worship of the Lord through dance, music and drama (including the story of Nampaduvan) at the Thiru Kurungudi Nambi temple is done on the Kaisika Ekadesi day. * It is believed that observing fast and to be a part of the above events or even be an audience to the above, will help in redemption of sins.
DIVYA DESAMs - 90/108 - Thirucheerivaramangai
Name of the Divya Desam : Sri Vaanamamalai Perumal temple
Location : Vanamamalai (Naanguneri), Tirunelveli Dist
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Thothadri Nathan / Sri Vaanamamalai Perumal
Thayaar (Consort) : Ubhayanachiyargal / Sirivaramangai Thayar
Thirukkolam (Posture) : Veetrirundha (Sitting)
Thirumugam (Facing) : East
Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) :
Nammazhwar
Sthalapurana (Brief History) :
As per legend, a childless king Kaarya worshipped Lord Nambi at Thirukkurungudi asking for a child boon. Lord Nambi appeared before the king and directed him to perform rituals to the moorthi (deity), present beneath the earth at Nanguneri. As Lord Nambi said, the king dug the earth and found blood gushing out from the head of the deity. The king was shocked and prayed to Lord Nambi, the Lord asked the king to perform oil Abishekam to that found deity. And after the completion of the oil Abishekam He asked the king to throw the oil into the nearby pond.
After performing the Abhishekam, the king was blessed with a child. * Performing Oil Abishekam everyday to the presiding deity and pouring the oil into the temple tank is followed in this temple even today. The oil is named as ‘SARVA ROHA NIVARANI’ by the Sage Agasthyar, which is believed to have medicinal properties to cure both the internal and external illness of the devotees.
About the temple:
Thothadri temple is one of the eight sacred Swayam Vyaktha Vishnu Sthalams, the others being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupathi, Saligramam, Naimi Saranyam, Pushkaram and Badrinath.
This is the only Divya Desam where Lord Perumal graces with His royal attire in Durbar with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Perumal also holds the Prayoga Chakra. Those worshipping the Chakra will have no enemies at all in life.
The uniqueness of this temple is that there are 11 swayambu moorthis in the main sannadhi..Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar, Sooryan, Chandran, Bruhu Rishi, Markandeya, Urvashi, Thilothama, Garuda and Vishwaksenar.
Urvasi and Thilothama undertook penance at Thothadri seeking liberation from re-birth and with the single minded devotion of serving the Lord. They were blessed by the Lord and are seen here with a gesture of fanning Him (white Chamaras).
When Lord Vishnu killed the asuras Madhu and Kaitapa, their impure blood fell on Mother Earth and she took penance here to be freed from impurities. The Lord then showered nectar over her and she was given a place below the Vaikunda vimanam as per her wish.
* Nammalwar first surrendered to the Lord here and hence his vigraham is present on the Satari of the Lord thereby blessing all devotees. *
Sindhu king on a hunting expedition consumed food from the ashram of Gusasana Rishi while he was away. An angered rishi cursed him to turn to a dog. After going wandering everywhere, the dog was finally relieved from the curse after a bath at the sacred pond (Chethruththamarai Theertham) at Thothadri. He regained his princely form. Hence, it is believed that a bath at this Theertham will relieve from all curse.
With Lord Vishnu resting Himself on Adisesha, an upset Garuda undertook penance at Thothadri. When the Lord appeared before Garuda, he expressed his disappointment at not accorded the same status as Adisesha. Lord asked him to come with Him to Vaikuntam and accorded him the status of standing in front of Him (facing Him) ready all the time to take his Lord on a trip. Thus it came to be that when the Lord leaves Adisesha, he gets on to Garuda.
It is believed that the utsava moorthi (procession deity) of Mother was originally in Tirupathi. Devotees in Tirupati were to offer Varamangadevi to Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati. Perumal appeared in the dream of Jeer Swamigal and said that * Varamangadevi was meant to Lord Vanamamalai in Nanguneri, * therefore taken to this place.
The headquarters of Vanamamalai Jeer, one among the Ashtathik Gajas – Eight pontiffs of Vaishnava order – by saint Manavala Mamunigal is here. Over 600 years old * Vaanamaamalai Mutt (Jeers) are the hereditary trustees of this Divya Desam. * Many of the main festivals at this temple are celebrated in a unique way, not found in any other Divya Desam. Srivaramangai Thaayar is considered as the affectionate daughter of the first pontiff of the Mutt Sri Ponnadikal Jeer Swamy. Deivanayakan is considered as the Son-in-Law of the mutt. During the Brahmotsavam and other festivals, the two are given a warm welcome at the mutt and the entire pooja festivities are performed only at the mutt.
This sthalam is also called as “Vaanama malai” because a Pandiya king married a Chera king's daughter and he got the name as “Vaanavan”. Since, he built this temple, it is believed that this sthalam came to be known as “Vaanama malai”.
Adisesha undertook penance here and hence this place is called ‘Naaganai’ Cheri. As the huge lake around the temple was split into 4 canals, this place is referred to as ‘Nangu’ ‘Eri’.