ADIYEN VIST TO MALAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS

[Guest guest]

srImathE rAmAnujAya namaha

srImadh varavara munayE namaha

 

 

Harey Krishna,

 

Adiyen had made a trip to malai nadu divya desams

recently along with my wife and 2 kids with the info

avialble in the books and the guidance ..I am in

reciept of bhagavathas asking about the details if

travelling alone by bus train .etc ..My wife had made

a script in a form of diary which was typed in word

which I am furnishing to the best . Kindly forgive me

If there are any mistakes and anything which was over

looked .

 

Dasan

Varadhan

 

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA

SRIMAN NARAYANAYA CHARANAU SARANAM PRAPATHYE

SRIMATHEY NARAYANAYA NAMAH

OM SRI ALARMEL MANGAI NAYIKA SAMETHA SRI SRINIVASA

PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

SRIMATHEY RAMANUJAYA NAMAH

SRIMAD MUDALIAANDAN THIRUVADIGALEY SARANAM

 

Prostrating at the feet of Lord Srinivasa and our

Acharya, I wish to share our experience with

Bhagavathas. I humbly request one and all to forgive

this sinner who does not even have the eligibility to

write about Divya Desams. May the Lord of Seven Hills

shower His blessings on us and may Lord Hayagriva

bestow the knowledge on me to write about the divya

desams. I humbly request the reader to point out

adiyen’s mistakes and correct me .

 

With the blessings of Divya Dampadhigal, Acharyar and

parents, we decided to visit all Malai Naadu Divya

Desams. With the grace of Perumal , we could visit

all the 13 Malai Naadu Divya Desams and had darshan of

NAVA GARUDA SEVAI AT TIRUNELVELI. After visiting all

these divya desams, we proceeded to Tirumala, the Holy

Abode of Vatsalya Swarroopa Perumal- KALIYUGA

VAIKUNTAM .As usual, we ended our trip at Tirumala.

 

CIRCULAR TICKET NO. : 283380

TICKETS BOOKED:

PNR NO. DT.OF JOUR FROM TO TRAIN NAME COACH/BERTH DEP

TIME

121-4876319 23/05/01 SEC. ERNAKULAM SABARI EXP

S8-65,66,68 12.00

431-1184594 31/05/01 TIRUNELVEL CHENNAI NELLAI EXP

W/L26,27,28 19.00

131-4526272 04/06/01 TIRUPATI SEC NARAYANADRI

S9-41,42,44 18.30

 

SCHEDULE OF TEMPLES VISITED:

 

24/05/01 : GURUVAYOOR, THIRUVITHUVACODE

–NIGHT STAY AT GURUVAYOOR

25/05/01 : GURUVAYOOR,THIRUNAAVAI ,-NIGHT

STAY AT ERNAKULAM

26/05/01 :THIRUMOOZHIKALAM,

THIRUKAATKARAI-NIGHT STAY AT CHENGANOOR

27/05/01 : THIRUVAARANVILAI, THIRUVANVANDOOR,

THIRUKODITHANAM,

THIRUVALLAVAZH – NIGHT STAY

AT CHENGANOOR

28/05/01 : THIRUPULIYUR, THIRUCHENKUNDROOR,

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-NIGHT

STAY AT NAGERCOIL

29/05/01 : THIRUVANPARISAARAM, THIRUVATAARU,

KANYA KUMARI- NIGHT

STAY AT NAGERCOIL

30/05/01 “ ALWAR TIRUNAGARI-9 GARUDA SEVAI

31/05/01 : TIRUNELVELI- NIGHT TRAIN TO

CHENNAI

01/06/01 : CHENNAI

02/06/01 LEFT TO TIRUPATI

03/06/01

04/06/01 ARCHANA SEVA , BOARDED

NARAYANADRI EXP

 

JAI SRIMAN NARAYANA

 

DIVYA DESAM

 

BASE

 

THIRUVITHUVACODE ,THIRUNAAVAI

GURUVAYOOR

THIRUMOOZHIKALAM,THIRUKAATKARAI

ERNAKULAM

THIRUVARANVILAI (AARANMULA),THIRUVANVANDOOR, }

THIRUKODITHANAM,THIRUVALLAVAZH ,THIRUPULIYUR, }

THIRUCHENKUNDROOR

CHENGANOOR

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

TRIVANDRUM

THIRUVANPARISAARAM, THIRUVATAARU

NAGERCOIL

ALWAR TIRUNAGARI

TIRUNELVELI

 

 

NO,OF TEMPLES COVERED = 25

MALAI NAADU DIVYA DESAMS = 13

GURUVAYOOR KRISHNAN = 1

PANDYA NAADU DIVYA DESAM = 9

SRI PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE = 1

TIRUMALA-TIRUPATI = 1

 

With the blessings of Almighty and Acharyas, we

boarded Sabari Express at 12 noon from Secunderabad .

Ranga had come to see us off. The day journey was

very horrible due to the scorching heat. Spent the

whole day in train and on 24th, we reached TRICHUR

also known as THRISSUR at 13.30 hours. Went to bus

stop (5 minute walk) from station. Boarded Guruvayur

bus. Guruvayur is 30 kms away from Trichur. Reached

Guruvayur at 14.45 hours.Checked in at Lakshmi Lodge

at 15.30 hours (Rent Rs.150/-) Had bath etc. and left

the room at 16.30 hours. This marks the beginning of

visiting malai naadu divya desame. THIRUVITHUVACODE

and THIRUNAAVAI can be accessed from Guruvayur.

Thiruvithuvacode is between Shoranur and Guruvayur and

the nearest town/ station is Pattambi. This temple

lies on the Shoranur-Kallikatai rail route.

Boarded Guruvayoor- Pattambi bus and after 1 hour and

10 minutes drive, got down at Kootupatha stop at 17.45

hours . Hired an auto for Rs.20/- to go to temple and

come back to bus stop. The temple is situated in a

serene atmosphere. At this juncture , I would like to

mention few characteristics which are found in Malai

Naadu divya desams.

 

1) There is no separate shrine for thayar except in

THIRUNAAVAI

2) Perumal is seen in Nindra Thirukkolam in 10 out of

13 temples. (except Thiruvananthapuram and

Thiruvataaru where He is seen in Bhujanga sayana pose

and sitting posture in Thiruvanparisaaram)

3) Satari is not given

4) Only chandan paste and some flowers are given to us

5) Neivedyams are offered only at the stipulated time.

Even if we take some fruits etc., the same would be

offered only at the stipulated time.

6) Most of the temple close by 11 A.M. and 7 P.M. and

under no circumstance, the temple would be opened once

it is closed.

7) In all the temples, while offering neivedyam to

Balis the utsavar is taken out in procession with

mela,thaalam and Perumal personally supervises the

offerings made to Balis. These Balis are regarded as

guards. This system is known as SEVELI (for more

details about SEVALI, please refer to Sthalapuranam on

Guruvayur. Only in Thirumoozhikalam, the system of

mela, thaalam is not followed at the time of SEVELI.

8) Bus is the only infrastructure available. As the

temples are scattered, we cannot hire auto/taxi except

in Chenganoor.

LOCATION

:Shoranur-Kallikatai route-Can be accessed from

Guruvayoor-Stop Pattambi

DIVYA DESAM :

THIRUVITHUVACODE also known as THIRUVANJHICODE and

 

ANJU MOORTHY KOIL

PERUMAL

UYYAVANDHA PERUMAL-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM-FACING EAST

THAYAR

VITHUVACODE VALLI/ PADMAPANI NAACHIYAR

THEERTHAM CHAKRA

VIMANAM

THATHWAKANCHANA

PRATHYAKSHAM AMBARISHA RISHI

MANGALASAASANAM KULASEKHARA ALWAR

(Pasuram No. 688-698)

 

OM SRI PADMAPANI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI UYYAVANDHA

PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

(Pl. note: Alwar compares the relationship of

Paramatma and Jeevatma to the following:

1) Mother and child (688)

2) Husband and wife (689)

3) Raja and praja (690)

4) Doctor and patient (691)

5) Sun and lotus(693)

6) Ship and lone bird (692)

7) Ocean and river (695)

8) Dark rain bearing cloud and crops (694)

9) Wealthy and property (696)

10) Phalasruti :All jeevatmas will be rewarded by

paramatma (697)

 

STHALAPURANAM:

1) Ambarisha maharaja did severe penance to the Lord

and as desired by the king, the Lord appeared in 4

Forms, Para, Vyuha, Archa and forms. Perumal is thus

seen as Vasudeva, Aniruddha, Pradyumna.

2) When Pandavas set on theertha yatra to atone for

the sin committed by killing their relatives during

Mahabharatha war, they visited this place. Hearing

about the holiness of this place, they stayed here and

worshipped Perumal in all the 4 forms. Each idol was

worshipped by Yudhistira, one by Bhima, one by Arjuna

and one by Nakula and Sahadeva.

3) Story of Siva Linga in the temple : A brahmin who

was a staunch Saivite stayed at Kasi and offered

worship to Lord Visweswara. He was forced to leave

Kashi and come to his native place as he heard that

his mother was in her last stages and as he was

reluctant to leave his Ishtadevata, he prayed to Lord

Siva for help. Lord Siva entered into the umbrella

which the brahmin used to have with him always. When

the brahmin reached this place, it was evening. As he

had to perform his evening rites, he left the umbrella

in the temple premises and went to have bath. When he

returned, he found that he could not lift the umbrella

and when he exerted force, the umbrella broke and a

Siva ling emerged out of it. Lord Siva told the

brahmin that henceforth He would stay there and all

the devotees could worship Him in that place. Hence,

we can find a Siva Linga in the temple premises which

is a Swayambhu.

 

Took 3 snaps , one near the theertham, one near the

entrance and one near the shrine worshipped by Nakula

and Sahadeva. Performed archana in the temple. It

may be noted that in Malai naadu divya desams, the

archanas are performed silently. WE were given

chandan and flowers. We collected chandanam from all

the divya desams and gave a part of it to our Raman

Swamy who used it for his father’s sadabhishekam.

Left temple at 6.15 P.M. Returned to the bus stop in

the same auto. Had cool drinks etc. and boarded

Guruvayur bus at 18.45 hours. Reached Guruvayur

At 8.00 P.M. Went to temple directly. Had to wait

for nearly one hour in the queue to have darshan of

the Lord as neivedyam was going on. We can find many

elephants in the temple premises. I would like to

brief about Guruvayur.

 

STHALA PURANAM : GURUVAYOOR, the sacred shrine of

Lord Krishna attracts lakhs of devotees every year.

This is one of the most famous piligrimage centers

like Sri rangam, Tirupati , Puri etc. Like Puri, this

is also not a divya desam but it is an ABHIMANA

STHALAM”. The idol of the Lord Guruvayurappan was

worshipped by Lord Krishna Himself. To set an example

to everyone, Lord Krishna used to perform nitya

thiruvaaradhanai to His own image and preached the

world to perform pooja to their ishta devata. When

Dwapara yugam was coming to an end, Krishna asked

Udhava, one of his greatest devotees to take care of

the vigraham when He left this mortal world. He also

advised Udhava to take the help of Guru in locating a

suitable place for worship. As Dwaraka was to

submerge, the idol had to be removed from that place.

.. As ordered, Guru and Vayu took the idol and after a

long search, they reached the present Guruvayur and

placed the idol for worship. They were guided by

Parasurama in locating a suitable place for worship.

Lord Parasurama took them to a tank full of lotus

flowers. It may be mentioned here that at that time,

the place was occupied by Lord Shiva and His consort.

Originally there was a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva, out of his abundant devotion to Perumal

moved from that place to Maamiyur and a temple was

constructed for Perumal by Viswakarma, the divine

architect. As Perumal was brought by Guru and Vayu,

He came to be known as GURUVAYOORAPPAN and the place

came to be known as GURUVAYOOR. The piligrimage to

this holy shrine will be considered to be complete

only after one visits the Maamiyur temple. It was

here that the famous “NARAYANEEYAM” was composed by

Sri Narayana Bhattar. It may be recalled that Sri

narayana bhattar’s guru was suffering from serious

ailment and Narayaan Bhattar, who could not see the

pitiable condition of his guru took over the ailment.

The Bhattar who was very kind enough to take over his

guru’s ailments and as he was unable to move, he

requested his co-sishyas to take him to

Guruvayoorappan’s sannidhi. There , sitting in front

of the Lord, he composed Narayaneeyam in which the

Bhattar brings out the essence of Srimad Bhagavatham

and requests the Lord to cure his ailment. There is a

big photograph of Bhattar and we were shown the place

where the NARAYANEEYAM was composed.

The temple is looked after by Nambudri Brahmins. We

can see thousands of devotees thronging into the

temple. The temple is very crowded. We can see

piligrims offering “THULA BHAARAM” etc. It is

believed that devotee will be blessed with progeny if

he visits this temple. Krishna had promised Udhava

that a true devotee could feel His presence in the

holy idol. This is true because even today we see

many devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled by the

Lord. We could not go very near the garbagriham. The

idol is very very attractive. Had good darshan. It

may be mentioned here that no devotee wearing pants,

chudidhars etc is allowed to enter into the temple.

Even our children had to remove their pants before

entering this temple. This strict procedure is

followed at Anantha Padmanabha swamy temple also. Had

dinner and came back to room.

 

A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT THE TEMPLE PROCEEDINGS: The

archakar known as “MELSANTHI” gets up at 2.30 A.M. in

the morning and having completing morning rites,

enters into the temple and opens the door of

“SRIKOVIL” The garbagriham is called as “SRIKOVIL” in

Kerala. Devotees have bath in the temple pushkarini

and wait to have Viswaroopa darshan (the first darshan

of the Lord) which is known as NIRMALAYA. Then, the

previous day’s garlands etc.are removed and Lord is

given “THAILA ABHISHEKAM”. This thailam has lots of

medicinal properties and one’s ailments will get cured

if one consumes a drop of this thailam. But nowadays,

to meet the demand of the devotees, the thailam is

mixed with gingelly oil . After applying thailam, the

priest applies VAKA , a powder on Lord’s thirumeni and

this is dusted off. Then Lord is given abhishekam

with holy water. Then Malar(putted rice, jaggery and

Kadalipazham are offered to Perumal. Then Usha Pooja

is performed . At this time, Perumal is offered

butter,sugar, banana etc. This is the end of first

pooja.

 

The second pooja starts at sun rise and this is called

as “ETHIRUTHU POOJA”. When this pooja is performed in

the Srikovil, Ganapathi Homam is performed in the

kitchen and other deities like Ganapathy, Sastha and

Bhagavathi are attended to. Then Siveli (offering to

the Lord’s attendants) is performed. As the Lord is

always taken care of by his attendants, it becomes our

moral responsibility to take care of these attendants

(balipeetams). The utsava vigraham of the Lord is

taken out in procession seated on an elephant and Lord

personally supervises the neivedhyam to the bali

peetams. White neivedyam is offered to the bali

peetams. These bali peetams signify various divine

powers. It may be noted that this procedure is

followed in all Kerala temples. There is a separate

utsava murthi for this purpose and the procession is

taken out with mela, thaalam etc.

 

After Siveli, abhishekam milk, tender coconut water,

rose water etc. is performed for the Lord. Water is

brought from temple well, filled in 9 golden pots,

duly sanctified. After this, Perumal is adorned with

Chandana Kaapu and dressed like Bala Krishna. This is

the most attractive form of Perumal and people eagerly

wait to have darshan in this form.

 

Between 8and 9 A.M., the PANTHEERADI POOJA is

performed. This pooja is conducted when the shadow is

12 feet long.This is performed by Tanthri as at this

time, the Melsanthi goes to take rest.

 

At noon, the UCHCHA POOJA is performed. This is done

elaborately as at this time, the Lord and His

attendants are worshipped and neivedyam is offered.

One interesting feature in this temple is at the time

when the neivedyam is offered to Perumal in Srikovil,

a brahamin is sumptuously fed in the kitchen. This

Brahmin is considered as Lord’s representative and is

treated well.When this pooja is performed, Astapadi is

sung. After this , the temple closes at 13.00 hours.

 

 

The temple re-opens at 4.30 P.M. As in the morning,

Siveli is performed and Lord is seated on the back of

an elephant. In the evening, DEEPARADHANA is

performed when all the lights are lit in the temple.

Perumal is worshipped with oil lamps and camphor

flames. At this time, even from a very long distance,

the darshan of Perumal can be had to heart’s content.

This is one of the spectacular sights not to be

missed. After an hour of Deeparadhana, the ATHAZA

POOJA is performed. At this time, Appam,Ada, beetel

leaves and arecanut are offered to the Lord.This is

followed by the last Siveli of the day. After this,

the temple is fumigated with nine sweet smelling gums

kept on a silver tray. After this, the daily accounts

are loudly read out and submitted to the Lord. It may

be noted that the system of submitting accounts to

Perumal is followed even in Tirumala during morning

hours known as KOLUVA .In Tirumala, the accounts are

read out to Koluva Srinivasar who will be seated on a

chair.

 

Thus, 12 poojas are performed to Perumal everyday and

having bath in the pushkarini, eating prasadam and

worshipping all the 12 poojas is extremely good for

any individual as it elevates the mind and saves him

from sins.

 

The major festivals performed in this temple are

Ekadasi, Narayaneeyam day, Vishu, Ashtami Rohini

(Janmaashtami),Chembai Music Festival and Vaisakha.

 

There are 2 entrances to the temple one on the eastern

side and one on the western side.

There are many lodges in this town and there are

lodges administered by the temple trustees known as

“DEWASWOM LODGES” In case one wants to stay in

DEWASWOM LODGES, the booking for the same must be done

well in advance. The private lodges are bit costly .

 

JAI SRIMAN NARAYANAYA

GURUVAYOORAPPAN THIRUVADIGALEY SARANAM

25/5/1: Got up at 5.30 A.M. left for temple around

6.45 A.M. Could not have darshan of Lord

Guruvayoorappan due to heavy rush. Purchased Thailam

and payasam. On the way had breakfast (Rs.42/-) .

Checked out at 8.30 a.m. Boarded Guruvayur-Kuttipuram

bus (fare Rs.30/-) -38 Kms. Reached Kuttipuram at

10.50 A.M. Changed bus to Naavai- 20 minutes drive

(fare Rs.7.50) Reached temple at 11.25 A.M.

Unfortunately, the temple was closed.. Kept luggages

in a trustee’s house which is very close to the temple

Had chandan prasadam from office and left with a

dejected heart. We were told that the temple would

open only at 4.30 P.M. and as we had to go to

Ernakulam on the same day itself, we could not stay

back. (it takes minimum two and half hours to reach

Trichur from Thirunaavai). Purchased payasam . We

were told by the temple authorities that one day

before Vishu ( in the month of April) and on 10th day

of the festival known as AARATU , abhishekam is

performed both for Perumal and Bhagavathi. It may be

noted that in Kerala temples, there is no separate

shrine for thayar and in all these temples there is a

sannidhi for Bhagavathi. If we ask for Thayar

sannidhi, they will take us to Bhagavathi amman’ s

sannidhi. As usual, in this temple ,there is a shrine

for Ganapathy, Bhagavathy and Perumal. Took photos

near the pushkarini and in front of the temple. The

temple is in a dilapidated condition. But a spirit of

holiness pervades in the temple. We tried to have

darshan of Moolavar from outside but could not see the

sannidhi properly as it was dark inside. Outside the

temple, Srimad Bhagavatha parayanam was going on. We

listened to it for some time and left the place at 12

noon with a heavy heart. Boarded bus to Kuttipuram at

12.15 hours. From Kuttipuram, boarded Trichur bus at

12.30 and reached Trichur at 14.30 hours. Had lunch

at station (Rs.60/-). Boarded Venad Express

(Shoranur-Trivandrum daily shuttle service –twice

daily) at 15.15 hours., For some time, we could not

even get a place to sit. Reached Ernakulam at 5.30

P.M. Checked in at Pamba Tourist Home (fare

Rs.300/-per day)- did a bit of shopping , had dinner

and slept.

 

THIRU NAAVAI

 

LOCATION: THIRUNAAVAI is on the Chennai-Kallikottai

rail route and the temple is situated 1 km away from

station. One can also go by bus from Shoranur to

Kuttipuram and in Kuttipuram, one can change bus to

Naavai. Or one can also go by bus from Guruvayur to

Kuttipuram and from there change bus. KUTTIPURAM is

the nearest town to this place.

LOCATION :Chennai-Kallikottai

rail route-can be accessed from Guruvayur-stop

Kuttipuram

MOOLAVAR : NAAVAI MUKUNDAN ALSO

KNOWN AS NARAYANAN-standing –facing east-

Perumal’s

Thirumeni can be seen only upto knee

THAYAR : MALARMANGAI

NAACHIYAR- sitting posture-closed eyes

THEERTHAM : SENKAMALASARAS (pond

full of lotuses)

RIVER : Bharatpuzha (the

longest river in Kerala)

VIMANAM : VEDA VIMANAM

PRATHYAKSHAM : Gajendra and nava yogis

UTSAVAM : starts one day before

Vishu

MANGALASASANAM : 1) Nammalwar- No. 2708 to 2718

describing Perumal’s Vyuha manifestation

 

3227 to 3237 describing Perumal’s

Vibhava avatar

 

3204 to 3214 describing Perumal

as Antharyami

 

2623 to 2633 describing Perumal’s

Archa form

2)

Thirumangai Alwar –2 pasurams –Nos. 1526,1856

 

The temple is situated on the southern bank of

Bharatpuzha river. As there are temples dedicated to

Shiva and Brahma on the other side of the river, the

whole area is considered to be as sacred as Kasi and

Rameswaram. Like in Kasi, ashes of the dead are

thrown in the river and shraadhas are performed.

 

 

 

 

 

OM SRI MALAR MANGAI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI NAAVAI

MUKUNDA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

 

STHALAPURANAM OF THIRUNAAVAI: Let me brief about the

sthalapuranam relating to this place.

 

1) Perumal is always known for His Vaatsalya guna .

Goddess Mahalakshmi and Gajendra used to offer lotus

flowers for worshipping Perumal. As Thayar would

pluck the flowers for aaradhana daily before

Gajendran, the elephant got dejected and approached

Perumal and told that henceforth it had to go

elsewhere to get lotuses for Perumal. As Perumal did

not want his devotee to get dejected, He appeared

before Goddess Mahalakshmi and Gajendran and said that

Thayar could be with Him and accept the offerings made

by Gajendran. Hence, only in this Malai Naadu divya

desam, there is a separate shrine for Thayar.

2) NAVAYOGIS : There were 9 siddha yogis who would

always be together and offer worship and meditate on

Lord. In due course, 8 yogis attained moksha and the

vigrahams worshipped by them also disappeared and as

a result of this, the ninth yogi got dejected and

stopped offering worship to Perumal. When questioned

by Perumal, he said that he was missing his companions

and Perumal with his maya showed the 8 yogis. The 8

yogis agreed to stay there but said that they would be

invisible to human eyes and the 9th yogi could feel

their presenc.e In due course, the 9th yogi requested

Perumal to make him also invisible. But Perumal

insisted that the vigraham worshipped by the 9th yogi

must be kept there itself and Perumal blessed the 9

yogis saying that they could offer worship to Him at

that place forever. Hence, what we see now is the

vigraham worshipped by the 9th yogi.

3) PERUMAL’S THIRUMENI: It is a usual practice that

after installing an idol in the temple, the Srikovil

would remain closed for 7 days with the belief that

the devas would offer pooja to the idol. In this

temple, first a vigraham was installed and the

Srikovil was kept closed for 7 days. But when the

doors opened, they were shocked to see the idol

missing. They again brought another idol and the idol

disappeared. This went on for 8 times and on the 9th

time, out of curiosity, when they opened the temple

doors before the scheduled time , they were shocked to

see that the idol had descended into the earth upto

the knee. To prevent further descent of the idol, They

immediately chanted various mantras and saw to it that

the idol did not descend further. It is believed that

when the idol would descend into the earth, Kaliyuga

will come to an end.(Pralaya will take place).

4) MARKANDEYA : It is a well known story that

Markandeya was destined to die at a very young age.

When Lord Yama came to take his life, the little boy

ran into this temple and prayed to Perumal to save

him. Perumal appeared before the boy and gave him a

Siva linga for worship and advised the boy to escape

from the backside entrance. He assured that Lord Siva

would take care of him. As soon as Markandeya escaped

from the backside, Perumal placed a big stone and

closed the way permanently and ensured that Yama

could not enter the way. In this way, Perumal saved

Markandeya’s life. To this day, the door behind

Perumal remains closed.

5) Behind the idol of Perumal, there is a bottomless

pit. A pujari who attempted to find the depth of the

pit by putting his ring which was tied to a long

string lost his ring but could not find the depth of

that pit. It is believed that the 8 idols which were

installed earlier disappeared through this pit only.

6) By the side of the shrine, there is a small slab

which is not cemented. But it lies as it is though

many centuries have passed by. It is believed that

the slab covers an opening to a tunnel.

7) There is a shrine for Lord Vigneswara on the south.

8) MAHAMAGAM: Like in Kumbakonam, this festival used

to be celebrated for 30 days starting on Thai Poosam

and ending on Masi Magam. It is believed that various

holy rivers like Ganges, Yamuna etc. would mingle with

the waters of Bharatpuzha and make it more holier. It

is worth mentioning here that Bharatpuzha is the

longest river and it is treated on par with Ganges in

this state.

 

OM SRI MALARMANGAI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI NAAVAI

MUKUNDAN THIRUVADIGALEY SARANAM

JAI SRIMAN NARAYANA

 

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA

 

26/5/1 : TEMPLES COVERED : THIRUMOOZHIKALAM AND

THIRUKAATKARAI

 

THIRUMOOZHIKALAM(LAKSHMANA SWAMY TEMPLE):

 

LOCATION : Between Alwaye and Ernakulam –12

kms from Alwaye and 7 kms from kaladi road (the birth

place of Adi

Sankaracharya)- near Bharatpuzha river

BASE : Ernakulam as stay facilities

are available

MOOLAVAR : THIRUMOOZHIKALATHAN/APPAN/ SRI

SOOKTHINATHAR-standing facing east-

2 arms broken and a

fractured leg

THAYAR : MADHURAVENI THAYAR

THEERTHAM : Perunkulam, Sanga Theertham,(Bharata

had bath), Chitraaru (Lakshmana had holy dip )

VIMANAM : Soundariya Vimanam

PRATHYAKSHAM : Haritha Maharishi (Sage Viswamitra’s

son)

MANGALASAASANAM: Nammalwar (Pasuram Nos.3623 to 3633

Thirumangai

Alwar (Pasuram Nosl 1553,2061,2674)

UTSAVAM : April-Sravanam

 

OM SRI MADHURAVENI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI SOOKTHINATHA

PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

STHALAPURANAM IN BRIEF:

 

1) In Kerala, the Vishnu idols are treated as idols of

Rama or his brothers or Krishna. Even though Vishnu

icons are seen with 4 arms with conch, chakra, gada

and lotus and not with bow and arrow, they still treat

is as Rama. We may find that all the Mali Naadu divya

desams have sthalapuram connected with Ramavatar/

Krishnaavataar/ Pandavas. This temple is related to

the episode in Ramayanam wherein Lakshmana suspects

the integrity of Bharata when Bharata comes to

Chitrakootam. During Rama rajyam, it is well known

that Rama and his brothers used to go incognito to

find out the people’s problems. Once Lakshmana had

come down south to find out about the welfare of the

citizens and he arrived at Haritha Maharishi’s

hermitage. When Lakshmana asked about any

shortcomings, Haritha Maharishi advised him to first

realize his mistake and atone for his sin(The rishi

was referring to Lakshmana’s suspicion about Bharata).

Lakshmana stayed in that place and was regretting for

his sin. After few days, Bharata came to the same

place and Lakshmana fell at the feet of Bharata and

asked for forgiveness.. Lakshmana and Bharata

exchanged sweet words . Hence, this place came to be

known as THIRUMOZHIKALAM.

2) Haritha Maharishi laid down the principles of

Varanasrama dharma, basic tenets of Thiru mantram, Sri

sookthi and yoga and these were duly approved by

Perumal Himself. Hence, Perumal came to be known as

SRI SOOKTHINATHAR. It is said that Perumal used to

act like a father and explained the meaning of the

mantra and initiated people . Hence, Perumal here is

known as Appan.

3) As mentioned earlier, 2 arms are broken and a leg

is fractured due to the massacre of Tippu Sultan. A

silver angi was made to cover the body of Perumal.

But the next day itself , a thief came and removed

the angi but left it near the compound wall. It may be

mentioned here that Keralites believe in Astrology

and when the astrological readings were made to find

out the cause of theft, they understood that Perumal

was not interested in angi. From that time onwards,

the angi is just kept aside without adorning Perumal.

4) In this temple, there are 2 shrines (one on the

left side and one in the middle of the temple yard)

dedicated to Lord Rama along with Sita Devi and

Lakshmana and a shrine dedicated to Gosala Krishna

respectively. Though the icons are not there in these

2 sannidhis, people believe that the vigrahams were

there earlier and even today neivedhyam is offered to

these vigrahams. We can only see the name boards in

front of these sannidhis.

5) Like many malai naadu temples, even in this temple

there is a shrine for Ganapathy.

6) With the intention of installing a diety named

“VETTAKORUMAGAN” from Padamuttam, the temple

authorities constructed a shrine but as the

astrological readings predicted that the idol was

unwilling to shift from Padamuttam, the consecration

ceremony did not take place.

 

Hence, we can find that there are in total 3 shrines

without any vigraham .

 

 

 

 

THIRUKATKARAI :

 

LOCATION : Between Alwaye and Trichur –9

miles from Irunalakodi station

BASE : Ernakulam as stay

facilities are available

MOOLAVAR : KATKARAI APPAN-Nindra

Thriukolam-standing-facing east-

THAYAR : VATSALYAVALLI / PERUNSELVA

THEERTHAM : Kapila Theertham

VIMANAM : Pushkala Vimanam

PRATHYAKSHAM : Kapila Maharishi

MANGALASAASANAM: Nammalwar (10 Pasurams ) Nos.

3612-3622

UTSAVAM : Kodietram-10 days preceding Onam

and Aaratu (concluding day) on Onam day

 

OM SRI VATSALYAVALLI NAYIKA SAMETHA SRI KATKARAIAPPA

PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

STHALAPURANAM IN BRIEF:

1)Thirukarkarai is known as “VAMANA KSHETRAM”- It

means the Holy place where Lord placed His foot. The

story is closely linked with the story of Mahabali and

Perumal’s Trivikrama avataaram . THIRUKAATKARAI is

Vaamana kshetram. It was here that Bali was

performing yaga and the story that Perumal came as a

small boy (vamanan) is too well known to bear

repetition. A brief mention about the temples

connected with Thiruvikrama episode, the temples

connected are as follows:

 

DESCRIPTION

 

TEMPLE

Perumal comes in the form of Vaamanan and asks for 3

feet of land THIRUKAATKARAI (Malai Naadu)

 

Perumal measures the universe with His first foot

SIRKAZHI TEMPLE (Chola

Nadu)

 

Perumal measures the heavens with His second foot

THIRUKOVALUR (Nadu Naadu)

 

Perumal places the 3rd foot on Bali

ULAGALANDHA

PERUMAL

 

 

TEMPLE At KANCHI (Thondai Naadu)

 

2) Kapila maharishi did penance here and Perumal

pleased with the rishi’s penance appeared before the

rishi. At the behest of the rishi, Perumal decided to

stay in this place.

 

3) Story relating to Nendram pazham (a type of

banana) : A farmer prayed to Perumal that he would

present Perumal with a bunch of golden bananas if his

plantation yielded fruits. Accordingly, Perumal

blessed the land and there was a heavy yield of

Kadalipazham. Because the netram of Perumal

(Perumal’s glance/His benign grace) fell on the

plantation, it came to be known as “NENDRANGA

KADALIPAZHAM”. The farmer kept up his promise by

making golden bananas and at the behest of the priest

he left the bunch of golden bananas outside the

Srikovil (Garbagriham) and left the place. When the

priest returned after having bath, he was shocked to

see the bunch missing. As only a yogi was present

there, he suspected the yogi and the matter was

reported to the king. People started accusing the

yogi for the theft. Next day, when the pujari

performed Thirumanjanam to the Lord, he observed that

the abshikem water was getting stagnated . This was

because the drain hole was blocked with the golden

bunch of bananas. The pujari realized his mistake and

the king and others along with thepujari approached

the rishi for forgiveness. But the humiliated rishi

before committing suicide cursed them that they would

lose their wealth and that his curse would end only

after the town lost all its wealth. Accordingly,the

town lost all its riches . The yogi became a brahma

rakshasa due to his untimely death and the people to

protect themselves from the wrath of the brahma

rakshasa constructed a small shrine and offered

prayers to him. Even today, after neivedyam is offered

to Perumal, the same is offered to the brahma

rakshasa. This shrine is just outside Perumal’s

sannidhi.

 

A BRIEF NOTE ON OUR VISIT TO THESE 2 DIVYA DESAMS:

 

Got up at 5.30 A.M. Left at 6.30 A.M and boarded bus

to Alwaye (Aaluva) at 6.50 A.M. Reached Alwaye at

7.50 A.M. and from there went to transport bus stand

(fare 3.50) . Boarded Thirumoozhikalam bus at 8 A.M.

Got down at EDAPALLY stop at 8.30 A.M. The temple is

at walkable distance from bus stop. Performed Archana

.. The temple is locally known as LAKSHMANA SWAMY

TEMPLE . If we ask for THIRUMOOZHIKALAM no one will

be able to guide us. Both the arms of the Moolavar

are broken and the vigraham has a fractured leg due to

the massacre of Tippu Sultan., We were told that on

April-Sravanam, utsavam is performed . Had chandana

prasadam etc. From Thirumoozhikalam came back to

Aaluva by bus. Boarded bus to Thirukaatkarai at 9.30

A.M. THIRUKAATKARAI is locally known as THIRUKAKARAI.

Got down at Thirukakarai bus stop. The temple is two

and a half kms away from the bus stop. Hired an auto

for Rs.20/- to go to temple and come back. First, we

went to Siva temple . This lingam is a swayambhu and

is quite big. Bali used to worship this Siva Lingam,

his Ishta Devata . Then, we went to the Divya Desam

temple. The Siva temple is adjacent to Vishnu temple.

When we went, mid-day neivedyam was going on. We

could see SEVELI (For more details about SEVELI , pl.

refer to note onGuruvayurappan). Perumal was adorned

with golden kavacham. Here utsavam is performed for

10 days and ends on Onam day. (It is a coincidence

that I am writing this on ONAM day i.e. 31/8/1). Onam

marks the visit of Bali Chakravathy. It may be

mentioned here that Perumal at the time of placing His

foot on Bali’s head offered him a boon. He blessed

Bali that henceforth Bali would rule Paatala lokam and

once in a year he could visit this place. The day

Bali visits this world is celebrated as Onam. Boarded

Ernakulam bus at 12.30 P.M. Had lunch and relaxed .

Checked out at 4.30 p.m and boarded Venad Express at

5.30 P.M. to Chenganoor via Kottayam. (two and a half

hours journey). Checked in at Shanti Palace

,Chenganoor in Room No. 204. had dinner and slept.

 

OM NAMO NARAYANA

 

 

27/05/01:

TEMPLES VISITED : 1) THIRUVARANVILAI

(AARANMULA),THIRUVANVANDOOR,THIRUVALLAVAZH

AND

THIRUKODITHANAM

 

THIRUVARANVILAI:

 

LOCATION : 6 kms from

Chenganoor more popularly known as AARANMULA

MOOLAVAR : THIRUKURULAPPAN/

PARTHASARATHI-nindra thirukkolam-kizhake thirumukha

 

mandalam

THAYAR : PADMASINI

NAACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : PAMPA RIVER

VIMANAM : VAMANA

PRATHYAKSHAM : BRAHMA, VEDAVYASA

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos.

3436-3446

UTSAVAM : Makham

(November)-10 days –Kodietram on Hastham, Aaratu on

Sravanam

Meenam

(mar-Apr)

Onam

 

OM SRI PADMASINI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI

THIRUKURULAPPA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

STHALAPURANAM IN BRIEF:

1) Originally the vigraham was in a place known as

NILAKKAL NARAYANAPURAM in the midst of a forest. As

Perumal decided to move on to another place, he

disguised Himself in the form of a young brahmachari

like Vaamanan holding an umbrella and a stick in His

hand. Perumal requested some boatmen to make a barge

(raft) for Him. Looking at the thejus of Bhagawan,

the boatmen conceded His request. In the evening ,

the brahmachari alighted at a place presently known as

IDAYAARAMULA (in between Aaramula) for offering His

evening prayers. Looking at the bright effulgence on

the brahmachari’s face, the local people lighted a

lamp to enable the brahmachari to offer His prayers

and this place is now known as VILAKAKUMUDAM. From

there, the brahmachari proceeded further and reached

the banks of Pampa river. As it was already dark, the

brahmachari decided to stay there. As it was a low

level area, the brahmachari who was Perumal Himself

ordered the rakshasas present there to raise the level

of the ground and construct a temple. The place from

where the mud was dug in order to raise the level of

the temple is known as OOTUKUZHI. The construction of

the temple was completed overnight. From that day

onwards, Perumal stayed in that place. As Perumal

came in a raft made of 6 bamboos (mula), He came to be

known as AARAMULA. In the place where Perumal left

the raft made of bamboos, a thick bamboo grove started

growing

2) Even today, when utsavam is perfomed for 10 days in

the month of Makham(November), the chief priest goes

to the place where the bamboos grew out of the barge

to bring a bamboo for hoisting temple flag. This

marks the beginning of the utsavam and this system is

followed even today.

3) The face of the Perumal depicts Perumal’s vaatsalya

gunam towards His devotees. This reminds us of the

incident in Mahabharata when Krishna who had promised

that He would not use any ayudham during the war,

rushed towards Bheeshma holding a chariot’s wheel like

Sudarshana Chakram in order to save Arjuna from

Bheeshma’s shower of arrows. At that time, Bhisma

Pithamaha praised Krishna for His Vaatsalya gunam

towards His devotees and was ready to die in the hands

of Perumal. The thirumukham of the Perumal at

Aaramula depicts this incident.

4) As stated in the introduction about Malai Naadu

divya desams, the idols here are connected to stories

relating to Ramayanam, Mahabharatham. It is believed

that this vigraham was consecrated by Arjuna and he

used to offer worship to this Perumal in order to gain

mental peace after the great Mahabharata war was

over. Arjuna felt guilty that he killed Karna when

the latter’s chariot got stuck during the war. Though

Karna had requested him to give time, Arjuna at the

behest of Krishna killed him. Arjuna felt guilty that

he did not concede Karna’s request and killed him

brutally. To attain mental peace, after the

Mahabharata war was over, the repentant Pandava

brothers prayed to Perumal at different places for

praayachittham. Arjuna prayed to Perumal at

Thiruvichikode and at this place.

5) There was a Mangad family who used to go celebrate

Onam after feeding sumptuously the Brahmins It

happened that on one particular Onam day, no Brahmin

turned up to take bhiksha. The devote head of the

family prayed to Perumal sincerely to send some

Brahmin so that he could feed the Brahmin on that

festive day. Perumal conceded the request of the

chief and came as a young brahmachari. The

overwhelmed Mangad head fed the brahmachari and

thanked Perumal. That night, Lord appeared in his

dream and asked him to send neivedhyam to Aramula

temple itself from next year onwards. From the next

year, the Mangad family used to take neivedyam to

Aramula temple and celebrate Onam there itself. Once

they got a news that some evil forces were planning to

way lay the provisions. To protect the Mangad family

procession, the neighbouring villagers came in

separate rafts and surrounded the main raft and gave

protection. This slowly turned into a race and the

boat was shaped in the form of a snake. Thus the

world famous snake boat race commenced and this is

carried out even today.

6) During Meena masam (Mar-April), another utsavam is

performed wherein the Goddess from the neighbouring

village known as Punnamthode is brought to the banks

of Pampa river and Aaratu is performed. At that time,

Perumal comes out on Garuda vahanam and both Perumal

and Ambal are worshipped together. After this ritual,

Ambal leaves for her place.

7) The Perumal here is treated as Lord Krishna and in

order to commemorate the event of Khandava forest

dahanam, every year during December-january, in front

of the temple, a forest is created and is burnt

marking the dahanam of Khandava forest by Lord

Krishna.

8) Near the temple there is a church . One day, the

temple elephant named as Balakrishna who could not

tolerate the sound of the church bell, directly went

to the church and removed the bell and deposited the

same in the temple premises. From that day onwards,

there was no bell ringing in the church. It is sad to

note that the elephant is no more but we could see a

big photograph of the elephant in the temple premises.

9) It is very interesting to note that Lord Ayyappa’s

ornaments are kept here in safe custody and every year

during December (around 25th) the ornaments are taken

to Sabarimala with full temple honours for the Makara

Jyothi event.

10) There are 4 gopurams and there are 18 steps to

reach the garbagirham. These 18 steps indicate the 18

forces, some say they refer to the Shadchakras in our

body, some compare it to our 5 sense organs, 5

praanas, 5 karmendriyas , mind, intellect and ego.

11) The Pampa river is on the northern side of the

gopuram. To reach it, we have to climb down 57 steps.

 

OUR EXPERIENCE :

Left Chenganoor at 8 A.M. Reached temple at 8.30 A.M.

Bus facility is available . The temple is a very big

one. It has a golden dwajasthambam . We were told

that Lord Ayyapa’s ornaments which are kept in safe

custody were taken on December 25th,2000 for Makara

Jyothi festival with full procession. WE had to pay

Rs.10/- to take photograph. Came back to Chenganoor

at 9.30 A.M. Had breakfast in Hotel Anu and boarded

Thiruvanvandoor bus at 10.20 A.M. Bus left at 10.35

A.M. Reached temple at 11.15 A.M. Usually, Kerala

temples close by 11 A.M. but due to Perumal’s grace,

the temple was open. (Enroute, we were sincerely

praying to Perumal to grace us by giving His darshan

and Perumal graced us accordingly)

 

 

THIRUVANVANDOOR :

 

LOCATION : 4 kms north of

Chenganoor

MOOLAVAR : PAMBANAIAPPAN ALSO

KNOWN AS KAMALANATHAN

THAYAR : KAMALAVALLII

NAACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : PAMPA RIVER ALSO

KNOWN AS PAPNASA THEERTHAM

VIMANAM : VEDALAYA

PRATHYAKSHAM : MARKANDEYA, NARADA

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos. 3227-

3236)

 

OM SRI KAMALAVALLI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI PAMBANAIAPPA

PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

STHALAPURANAM:

 

1) Nakula stayed here and renovated the temple

2) “THIRUVANVANDOOR” means the place where Perumal

(i.e.Thiruvan in Malayalam) resides.

3) Narada Rishi who was cursed by Brahma that he could

not stay in one place and will keep on roaming as

Thrilokasanchari came to this place and did penance.

Lord appeared before Narada and blessed him. Narada

prayed to Perumal that he wanted to stay in that place

and write Naradiya Puranam. God conceded his request

and thus Narada contrary to Brahma’s curse stayed here

and wrote the great Naradiya Puranam which contains

25,000 granthas.

4) Perumal fulfilled Markandeya rishi;s desire to see

the entire world. Perumal allowed Markandeya rishi to

enter into His body and the rishi was able to see the

Universe within the body of Perumal.

5) The Perumal is known as Pambanaiappan as the Pampa

river encircles the temple. He is also known as

Pambanaiappan because He has the great snake, Adisesha

as His couch.

6) Previously there was an idol of Gopalakrishna which

was worshipped for years. When a Champakassery Raja

tried to take away the idol from the temple and

install it elsewhere where he had constructed a

temple, a Namboodri priest drowned himself with the

idol. This idol was later discovered in 1963. A

local devotee had a dream wherein it revealed that the

idol of Gopalakrishna was lying buried in an ancient

tank. Accordingly, the local people dug the spot and

found the idol.. This idol was consecrated and a

separate shrine within the temple premises was

constructed. When we went, the idol was adorned with

Chandana Kaapu. We took snaps near this shrine and

the pujari was very kind enough to enlighten us with

this episode and gave us lots of chandanam.

 

7) OUR EXPERIENCE: As mentioned earlier, we reached

the temple at 11.20 A.M. usually Kerala temples close

by 11 A.M. but as a marriage ceremony was going on ,

the temple was still open. The outer vimanam of the

temple depicting Lord seated on Adisesha reminded us

of Thirukapisthalam vimanam. It may be mentioned here

that in Kapisthalam, in the outer vimanam, Gajendra

moksham is beautifully carved and here Lord seated on

Adisesha is beautifully carved. Took a photograph of

hubby and children covering the vimanam. The divya

desa temple is more than 5,000 years old. The idol of

Gopalakrishna which was recently discovered was

consecrated and a separate shrine within the temple

premises was constructed. When we went, the idol was

adorned with Chandana Kaapu. We took snaps near this

shrine and the pujari was very kind enough to

enlighten us and gave us lots of chandanam. The

divya desa Perumal was dressed in white and his upper

cloth (uttareyam) was put on Perumal’s Thirumaarbhu

like Poonal . Perumal is very enchanting and

captivating . Perumal’s Thiruvuruvam is still fresh

in our minds. Left temple at 12 noon. Reached

Chenganoor at 13.00 hours. Had lunch and left for

Thiruvallah at 3.30 P.M. Boarded Thiruvallah bus and

reached Thiruvalla at 4 P.M. Thiruvalla is a well

developed town and hired an auto from bus stop to go

to temple and come back for Rs. 15/-. Bus from

Thiruvalla to the temple is also available but one has

to find out the timings of the bus. Anyway, the

temple is not that far off. When we reached the

temple, it was still closed. We were told that the

temple would open at 16.30 hours and we were advised

by the people there to go to Thirukodithanam first

and come back to Thiruvalla. Accordingly, we went

back to Thiruvallah bus station and boarded KOTTAYAM

bus. Got down at CHENGANACHERRY at 4.45 P.M. Hired

auto for Rs.35/- (to and fro). Reached temple at 4.55

P.M.

 

 

 

 

THIRUKODITHANAM:

 

 

LOCATION : 2 miles to the

east of Chenganachery on Thiruvallar- Kottayam Road-

can be

accessed from Chenganoor (45 minutes drive)

MOOLAVAR : ATHPUTHA NARAYANAN/

AMRUTHA NARAYANAN

THAYAR : KARPAGAVALLI

NAACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : BHOOMI THEERTHAM

VIMANAM : PUNYAKODI

PRATHYAKSHAM : KING RUKMANGATHA

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram

Nos3502-3512)- 11 Pasurams

UTSAVAM : KARTHIGAI SRAVANAM

 

OM SRI KARPAGAVALLI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI ATHPUTHA

NARAYANA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

STHALAPURANAM:

 

1) The temple was renovated by Sahadeva

2) As once upon a time , this place was a center of

learning, it was known as THIRU GADI THAANAM which got

corrupted as Thirukodithanam.

3) Importance of Ekadasi Vrutham : King Rukmangatha

worshipped Sage Narada and garlanded the sage with the

rarest of flowers from his garden. Indra who saw this

felt jealous and sent his men to pluck those flowers.

Hence, the flowers would disappear daily. Inspite of

strict vigilance, the thieves could not be caught as

they were invisible to the human eyes. It happened

that one day, the watchmen burnt dried twigs of

brinjal plant to protect themselves from cold. Due to

the smoke that emanated from the twigs, the devas who

had come to steal the flowers lost their divine powers

and could not go back to heaven. When they were

brought in front of the king, the generous kind

instead of punshing them asked them to take the

flowers if that would please Lord Indra. But as the

devas had lost their divine powers, they could not

fly. They added that they could go back to Indralokam

provided some one parts with the Ekadasi vrutha phalam

to them. In the whole kingdom, there was only one

lady who had fasted on that Ekadasi day. Though she

observed the fast unknowingly, she benefited out of

it. With this accrued benefit which was transferred

to the devas, they left for heaven. King Rukmangatha

realized the Ekadasi vrutha mahima and started

observing Ekadasi fast and his citizens also followed

him. To test the king’ s sincerity, Sage Durvasa came

for Dwadasi paaranai and just like Ambarisha Raja,

this king was also put to test. The same story is

related emphasizing the importance of Ekadasi vrutham.

In another instance, the king who was infatuated by

the beauty of a lady forgot all his duties and spent

time with her. When he realized his mistake, the lady

asked him to behead his son . Accordingly, the king

beheaded his son and the lady disappeared. God who

was pleased with the king’s bhakti appeared before the

king and conferred the boons desired by the king. The

prince was brought back to life and at the request of

the King, Perumal decided to stay there. This

explains for the Perumal’s presence in this town.

4) It was here that King Pandu and Queen Madiri lost

their lives. To commemorate the event of Madiri’s

sati, every year during November-December a festival

called “DEEPAM” is celebrated which is not found in

any other temple.

5) In front of the temple, a stone pillar can be found

on top of which there is an image of a man which is 3

feet high. As already mentioned earlier, the Kerala

temples are not opened once they are closed. In one

case, as the Raja of Chemakasseri wanted to have

darshan, the Marar whose duty is to blow conch before

opening the Srikovil blew the conch inspite of strict

opposition from the priest. As the priest will be

obliged to open the Srikovil if the conch is blown,

the Marar acted in this way. But no sound emerged

from the conch and the Marar fell dead. This shows

that Perumal does not make any distinction between the

King/powerful and any other person. This explains

why the temples in Kerala are not opened once they are

closed. Rules and regulations are same for all.

6) According to the books related to Kerala divya

desams, the devotees while doing pradakshina sprinke

rose water. But when we asked the pujari about this

practice, he replied that to his knowledge there was

no such practice. When we were reciting Nammalwar’s

pasurams on this Perumal, the priest immediately told

that it was from Naalayira Divya Prabhandham. We were

overwhelmed with joy to find such a kind, cordial,

Tamil speaking pujari in Kerala. He also told us that

the pratishtai of the Golden Dwajasthambam was on

11/6/1. Renovation work was going on in the temple.

WE were asked to send donations to the following

address:

 

Took a photograph with him in the temple precincts

and left the place. Came back to Thiruvalla by bus

and boarded the same auto to temple.

 

 

 

 

THIRUVALLAVAZH (THIRUVALLA)

VALLABHA KSETRAM

 

LOCATION : 3 miles from

Thiruvalla station-well developed town- can be

accessed from

 

Chenganoor as it takes about 50 minutes drive to reach

this place

MOOLAVAR : KOLAPIRAN/

THIRUVAAZH MARBAN/SRI VALLABHA-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM

 

HOLDING SANKHU AND CHAKRAM IN TWO HANDS, ONE HAND

HOLDING

LOTUS

AND THE LEFT HAND RESTING ON THE WAIST

THAYAR : VATSALYA DEVI/

THIRUKOZHUNDHU NACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : GANTAKARNA THEERTHAM

VIMANAM : SATURANGA VIMANAM

PRATHYAKSHAM : GANTAKARNA

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram

3205-3215)- 11 Pasurams

 

THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram 1808-1817,2674(118)

 

OM SRI KARPAGAVALLI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI ATHPUTHA

NARAYANA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

STHALAPURANAM:

 

1) The idol was sculpted by Viswakarma at the behest

of Lord Krishna and was given to Lord Krishna’s

friend, Satyaki at the end of Dwapara Yuga. Towards

the end of Dwapara Yuga, Lord asked Garuda to keep the

idol in safe custody and accordingly Garuda kept it in

Netravati river which flows from Karnataka to Kerala.

Later, the royal consort of Cherama Perumal had a

dream that the idol of Krishna was lying on the bed of

Netravati river. All efforts were taken to search the

idol. In 59 B.C., the idol was discovered due to the

joint effort of the Tulu Brahmins and the local

potties . The idol was duly consecrated and a temple

was built. As the Tulu Brahmins and the local potties

jointly found the idol, the performance of poojas to

the diety was shared amongst themselves as a

commemoration of the incident. Hence, the tulu

Brahmins offer pooja for 15 days and the Patthu Illam

potties (potties from 10 houses) perform pooja for 15

days. The idol is very beautiful to look at . Twice

in a year, the Lord is dressed like a hunter (on

Dhanur maasam-Thiruvaadarai day and on Chithirai

Maasam-Vishu day). Prior to August 1967, ladies were

not allowed to enter into the sanctum sanctorum.

2) The dwajasthamban is 50 feet high and it is

believed that it extends to an equal extent under the

ground. The Nalambalam (the areas around the

dwajasthambam ) is made of granite. On the top of the

dwajasthambam, there is a panchaloka idol of Garuda

about 3 feet in height. The temple is very big and

the dwajasthambam is also big. Took photograph of

hubby covering the dwajasthambam with Garuda.

3) The pushkarini is usually found outside the temple

premises in Mali Naadu divya desams. Whereas in this

divya desam, it is inside the temple premises and it

is quite a big tank.

4) Like other Kerala temples , the Srikovil

(garbagriham) is round in shape. On the eastern side,

(the moment we enter we see the shrine of Lord

Vallabha and behind this shrine there is a small

shrine for Sudarshana Alwar where Vibhoothi is given

commemorating the incident of Perumal’s darshan to

Gantakarna , the great Shiva devotee. It may be

recalled that Gantakarna was a staunch Siva devotee

and in order to avoid hearing Vishnu Naamam he hung

bells in his ear and used to shake his head vigorously

to avoid hearing the sound. But when he asked Shiva

to give him moksha, Shiva advised him to pray to

Perumal. Hence, Gantakarna prayed to Vishnu and

Perumal who was pleased with his devotion, granted him

moksha. This incident took place in this place.

Hence,to mark Gantakarna’s devotion to Shiva,

Vibhoothi is given in Sudarshana Alwar sannidhi. This

sannidhi is just behind the Perumal’s sannidhi in the

same wall.

5) The garbagriham is built in such a way that if we

look at Perumal’s Thirumukham, we cannot have darshan

of Thiruvadi and if we have darshan of Perumal’s

Thiruvadi from a distance, we cannot have darshan of

Thirumugam

6) There is a peculiar system followed in this temple

while offering neivedhyam. Food is first offered to a

Brahmin in arecanut leaf even before neivedyam is

offered to Lord. There is an interesting story

connected with this. It is told that there a lady

devotee who had no children used to observe Ekadasi

vrutham (like Anasuya) and used to break her fast on

Dwadasi after feeding a brahmin. Due to fear of a

Rakshasa by name Tolakasuran who was harassing pious

people, it became very difficult for Sankaramangalamma

to find a Brahmin. Once when no Brahmin turned up on

Dwadasi day, the dejected lady prayed to Vallabha

swamy for help. Lord came in the disguise of a

Brahmin to her house and asked her to feed. He said

that he would go to have bath and then have His food.

A fierce fight took place between the Brahmin and

Tolakasuran and finally Lord killed Tolakasuran with

his Chakram. Sudarshana chakram had a dip in water to

cleanse the blood of the asura and the tank came to be

known as Chakra Theertham. The old lady who had heard

that the asura was killed was convinced that the

Brahmin was Perumal Himself and at her request,

Perumal revealed His true form and blessed the lady

and gave her moksha. Since the lady used to offer

food to a Brahmin in arecanut leaf, the system is

followed even today.

7) There is an idol of Durvasa Rishi in this temple

and it is believed that every night he offers prayers

to Perumal. The local people say that they can hear

the sound of conch and bell which are used doing

Thiruvaaradhanai. Every day, Kadali pazham, a type of

plantain is offered to Perumal as the same was offered

by Durvasa Rishi to Perumal when the idol was first

installed.

8) During May, festival is conducted for one day when

3 Bhagavathis from nearby temples (Devata of Kavil

temple, Padappad temple and Alamthurath temples) pay a

visit to this temple . The deities are carried in

special palanquins by the potties from northern

entrance to the temple. Only on this day, this door

is opened . These deities return the next day in the

afternoon after receiving Vishu offerings and new

clothes from Perumal.

 

OUR EXPERIENCE: had good darshan, took chandan

prasadam. Boarded Chenganoor bus at 6.40 P.M. and

reached Chenganoor at 7.15 P.M.

 

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA

 

DATE: 28/05/01

 

TEMPLES VISITED : THIRUPULIYUR (KUTTANADU),

THIRUCHENKUNDROOR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 

THIRUPULIYUR: POPULARLY KNOWN AS KUTTANADU

 

 

LOCATION : 3 and a half

miles to the west of Chenganoor

ON

CHENGANOOR- MANNAR ROUTE

 

MOOLAVAR : MAYAPIRAN-NINDRA

THIRUKOLAM FACING EAST

 

THAYAR : PORKODI

NACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : POONUSHUNAI

THEERTHAM, PRAGNASARAS

VIMANAM : PURUSHOTHAMA

VIMANAM

PRATHYAKSHAM : SAPTHA RISHIS

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3535-3545,

3540- 11 Pasurams

 

THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram 2673(71)

 

OM SRI PORKODI NACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI MAYAPIRAN

PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

SHTALAPURANAM:

 

1) Temple renovated by Bhima

2) SAPTHA RISHIS : Once the Saptha rishis were

passing by a kingdom which was in drought. Seeing the

pitiable condition of the Saptha Rishis who were

begging for alms, the King Dristadumnya gifted some

land to them but the saptha rishis refused saying that

they could not accept anything as the kingdom was

itself in drought. But the king once again tried to

help the rishis by sending some golden fruits along

with fruits through his messengers. But the saptha

rishis who knew this due to their jnanadrushti refused

to accept the fruits. This infuritated the king and

the king performed a yaaga out of which a demoness by

name Krithyai appeared . She was assigned the task

of killing the saptha rishis. There was a tank full

of lotuses and the saptha rishis decided to eat the

stalk of the lotus to satisfy their hunger. The

demoness settled down near the same tank and when

questioned by the saptha rishis, she told them that

her name was Yadudaani and she was guarding the tank.

The saptha rishis requested her to allow them to eat

the lotus stalk. She said that they could do so after

revealing their names. The saptha rishis by now could

understand who she was through their jnana drishti

and they told their names in a jumbled way so that she

could not understand the meanings. When she asked

them to explain the meanings of their names, a

Tridandi Swami who had joined the saptha rishis came

forward and told her that he would reveal his name and

that in case she could not understand the meaning, he

would hit her with Tridanda and kill her. She agreed

and accordingly when the Tridandi Swami told his name

was Soonasakha, she could not understand the meaning

of it. Immediately, the Tridandi Swami hit her with

his tridandam and killed her. Afterwards, the saptha

rishis entered the tank and plucked the lotus stalk

and before partaking the meal, went to offer prayers

to Perumal. At that time, soonasakha hid the lotus

stalk. When the rishis came back, they were shocked

to see the lotus stalks missing and started cursing

that whoever hid the stalk would suffer in hell etc.

But Soonasakha was the only one who blessed the thief.

Immediately, the saptha rishis guessed that it was

Soonasakha who had done this act. Soonasakha who was

none other than Lord Indra revealed his true form.

Perumal appeared before the saptha rishis as Mayapiran

and praised the single minded devotion of the rishis

, especially Kasyapa rishi. At the behest of the

saptha rishis, Perumal decided to stay there. This is

the story of Mayapiran connected with this place.

3) Bhima (who wanted to atone for his sin of shouting

“ASHWATHAMA HATAHA KUNJARA”) set on a piligrimage and

when he came to this place, he heard the above story

from the local people and was convinced that he could

get peace of mind if he prayed to Mayapiran and

decided to stay there and meditate on the Lord. In

due course, Perumal gave darshan to Bheema and as a

thanks giving measure, Bhima renovated this temple.

4) This temple is situated on a hillock and we have to

climb few steps to enter the temple .

5) All the offerings in this temple are made in grand

scale only befitting the stature of Bhima’s

personality.

6) Due to a conflict between Nambudri Brahmins and a

Nair, mass murders took place in the temple premises

and the temple was closed for many years. It may be

briefly mentioned that in order to get rid of a Nair ,

the Nambudri Brahmins invited him to the temple, made

the Nair sit on a well decorated chair and the moment

the Nair sat on the chair, the chair broke and the

Nair fell on a deep pit which was dug by the nambudri

Brahmins. To avenge the Nair’s death , his relatives

quarreled with the Nambudri Brahmins as a result of

which mass murders took place in the temple. It is

believed that the ghosts of the people who died in the

conflict roams about and after many years, a Siddha

purusha was brought to this place and he performed

expiatory sacrifices and a small shrine was built in

the temple premises for the departed souls. Only

after this , the temple was re-opened.

7) Once a chief of Illambal who was suffering from

acute stomach pain prayed to Lord of Puliyur that if

his ailment was cured, he would offer huge numbers of

Appams and Adas and the chieftain was cured . he

accordingly made the offerings to satisfy Bhima’s

hunger.

8) Another interesting story connected with this

kshetram is people who belong to kuruvas (they hail

from Quilon) do not stay here during nights because of

fear of Bheema. It may be mentioned here that there

is a temple for Duruyodhana in Quilon and the people

who belong to this place are called kuruvas.

9) The special offering in this temple is payasam

which is called CHATHUSHATHAM. Minimum quantity with

which it is prepared is 400 measures of rice.

 

THIRUCHENKUNDROOR:

 

LOCATION one km from

Chenganoor popularly known as THIRUCHITTRARU

 

MOOLAVAR : IMAYA

VARAPPAN-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM FACING WEST

 

THAYAR : SENGAMALAVALLI

NACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : SANGHA THEERTHAM,

THIRUCHITTRARU

VIMANAM : JAGAJYOTHI

VIMANAM

PRATHYAKSHAM : LORD SHIVA

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3480-3490,

-10 Pasurams

 

 

OM SRI SENGAMALAVALLI NACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI IMAYA

VARAPPA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

STHALAPURANAM:

 

1) The two sons of kasyapa rishi namely Suran and

Padmam wanted to become immortal and as advised by

their father , they prayed to Lord Shiva to become

immortal. Lord Shiva who was pleased with their

prayers granted the boon that they would henceforth

become one and could not be killed in the hands of

Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara and would be immortal.

This Surapadmam after getting the boon became

invincible and started torturing the devas and rishis.

The devas requested Shiva to find a way out and it is

believed that Shiva came to this place and started

meditating on the Lord. Perumal appeared before Shiva

and told that though Surapadmam could not be killed by

the Trinity, he could be defeated by a person other

than the Tri murthis. As directed by Lord Vishnu,

Shiva asked his son, Murugan to fight with the asura.

A fierce fight took place between Lord Muruga and

Surapadmam. When Surapadma took the form of a big

tree, Lord Vishnu directed Muruga to pierce the tree

with this vel and throw them apart. Murugan acted

accordingly and Sura and Padma disintegrated. They

prayed to Lord Muruga for forgiveness and asked him to

grant them a boon that they would always remain with

Muruga. Accordingly, Sura became a cock on Lord

Muruga’s flag and Padma became peacock.

 

2) Yudhishtira prayed to Perumal at this place for

getting mental solace and as a thanks giving measure

renovated the temple and installed the idol which he

worshipped.

 

3) In this temple, Lord Vishnu is seen holding chakram

in his left hand and sankhu in his right hand.

 

 

 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 

LOCATION proper

Trivandrum-the State Capital-nearly 1 km from Railway

Station

 

MOOLAVAR : ANANTHA

PADMANABHASWAMY-BHUJANGA SAYANAM FACING EAST

 

THAYAR : SRI

HARILAKSHMI NACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : MATSYA, PADMA AND

VARAHA THEERTHAMS

VIMANAM : HEMAKUTA VIMANAM

PRATHYAKSHAM : LORD SHIVA, INDRA AND

CHANDRA

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3678-3688

-10 Pasurams)

 

OM SRI HARILAKSHMI NACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI ANANTHA

PADMANABHA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

 

As mentioned earlier, in Malai Naadu Divya desams,

Perumal is seen in Bhujanga Sayanam only in two places

, one is at Trivandrum and the other is at

Thiruvattaru, sitting posture in Thirupathisaaram and

in the rest of 10 Malai Naadu Divya Desams, Perumal is

seen in Nindra Thirukolam.

In both the temples, Perumal can be viewed through 3

doors. The Adikesava Perumal at Thiruvattaru is

considered to be the elder brother of Anantapadmanabha

Swamy as the temple is older than Thiruvananthapuram

temple. Thiruvananthapuram temple is an exact replica

of Thiruvattaru temple. In both the temples, we have

to climb few steps to reach OOTAKKAL MANDAPAM. This

Ootakkal mandapam is a single granite slab just in

front of the garbagriha , the size of which is 20’ by

20’ and 31/2 “ thick. The devotees believe that this

Ootakkal was brought by Perumal Himself. In Malai

Naadu, only in these two temples, we can go very near

the garbagriha to have darshan. In other Malai Naadu

temples, though there are steps leading to garbagriha,

we are not allowed to go near the garbagriha. There

will be atleast 5 feet distance between the garbagriha

and the place where we are allowed to stand. Whereas,

in these two divya desams, we can go very near the

garba griham and have darshan to our heart’s content.

Both the temples are patronized by Maharajas of

Trivandrum and 2 utsavams take place for 10 days in

both the temples in the months of Tula and Meenam

 

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND

THIRUVATTARU TEMPLES

 

DESCRIPTION THIRUVANANTHAPURAM THIRUVATAARU

Perumal in Bhujanga sayanam Facing east Facing west

No.of salagramams used in vigraha 12,000 16,108

Lord Shiva Seen near Perumal’s Thirumugam Near

Perumal’s Thiruvadi

Lord Brahma Emerging from Lord’s Thirunaabhi Not seen

Dwajasthambams Golden in front of Padmanabha swamy,

silver in front of Krishna’s sannidhi Only one in

front of Kesava Perumal

Ootakal mandapam- measurement of stone in front of

garbagriham where piligrims stand for darshan 20 X

20-31/2 “ thick 18 X 25- 3 feet thick

sculptures Garuda, Hanuman, Dwarapalakas Lakshmana,

Indrajit,Pathanjali,etc

Aaratu festival accompanied by Maharaja of Travancore

King’s representatives carrying royal insignia, the

sword

Thiruvonam day NIL Carpenter makes a bow, leaves it in

front of the sannidhi without looking back and next

day,it is presented to the king.

 

 

 

STHALAPURANAM:

 

1) There was a great devotee by name Bilva Mangala

Swami near Mangalore who used to worship Salagramas

and meditate on Lord. Such was his bhakti that

Perumal appeared in the form of a small boy and stayed

with the Swamiyar on the condition that if the

Swamiyar got annoyed with the boy, the boy would

immediately leave. Swamiyar accepted to this

condition. Whenever the Swamiyar used to meditate ,

the boy would displace the Salagramams. Once the boy

swallowed a salagramam and this annoyed the Swamiyar

and he shouted at the boy. Immediately the boy

reminded the Swami that he had broken his promise and

if he wished to see Him, he could do so at

Ananthankadu. The repentant Swami started in search

of the boy. He could hear only the sound of anklets

and could see the foot prints of the boy. After a

long search, when he was walking on the banks of

Arabian Sea, he heard a 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 from whom he enquired. He once

again heard the sound of anklets and waist bell and

suddenly a big Ilupa tree fell down and it got

transformed into Perumal in Sayanam on ananthan with

four arms. The idol was so long that its head was in

Thiruvallar and feet in Thirupapur and the middle part

in Ananthankadu. Swami prayed to Perumal to be

forgiven and prayed to Perumal to contract Himself.

Accordingly, Perumal contracted His Thiruvuruvam.

Ananthankadu is presently known as THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

The Swami used to offer Rice Kanji and salted mango

pieces in a coconut shell to the Perumal and a pulaya

woman used to husk the paddy. She was later gifted

lands by Maharaja which can be found near the eastern

entrance. Even today, the same neivedyam is offered

to Lord but the coconut shell is now encased in gold.

 

2 ) One more legend connected with this

kshetram is there was a Tulu Brahmin who was a staunch

 

devotee of Perumal and how the Lord

appeared is the same as is mentioned in the previous

legend.

 

1) In Ananthanakadu, there lived a pulaya couple and

one day, the lady heard the cry of a child. When she

saw the child, she was so overcome with happiness that

she nursed the child like a mother. After feeding the

child with milk, she left it under a shade of a tree

and resumed her work. But when she turned back, she

was horrifed to see a five headed serpent spreading

its hood on top of the child protecting the child from

weather. This was observed for many days and was duly

reported to the king and the king who recognized

Perumal and Adisesha in the child and serpent

constructed a temple in that place itself.

2) The wooden idol was worshipped for many years and

this vigraham was replaced by the present one. The

present vigraham is made up of 12,000 salagramams and

it is bound by paste which is a mixture of molasses

and mustard. The salagramas are so indigenously built

that it is diifcult to identify them separately.

3) The gopuram is 100 feet high with 7 storeys and is

illuminated every evening.

4) The dwajasthambam which is 80 feet high is a fine

log of teak and is encased in gold . The log is

covered with coppe plate rings and are glided with

gold . This is done in a unique way by Kerala

Artisans.This dwajasthambam was brought by elephants

from a site of 48 kms without touching the ground.

For more details , we may refer to Page 133 of Vol

VII Divya Desams by Ms.Ramesh.

5) One has to climb few steps to reach Ootakal

mandapam. This Ootakal mandapam is a thick single

granite stone measuring 20’ by 20’ and 2and a half

thickness which was brought by Perumal Himself.

Standing on this Ootakal, one can have a clear vision

of Perumal through 3 Dwaarams.

6) Maharajas of Travancore took great interest in

developing/ renovating the temple and even today,

members from the Royal family come to have darshan of

Perumal. These maharajas have surrendered themselves

in toto to this Perumal and they are known as

PADMANABHA DASAS. We can find a big photograph of

Raja Marthandavarma.

7) In the Seveli mandapam, there are beautiful

sculptures depicting women carrying lamps and on top

of the pillar , we can find Unicorns etc. The most

intresting feature is that though there are more than

370 women sculptures, no two sculpture is identical.

8) The two important poojas performed to the diety are

Attazha pooja and Arthajama pooja. Attazha pooja is

performed in the evening after Deeparadhana. At that

time, Perumal is decorated with sandals, flowers, silk

cloth etc. It may be recalled that similar pooja is

performed at Guruvayoor also.

9) Utsavams are performed twice in a year , in the

months of Meenam (March-April) and Thulam (Sep-Oct)

for 10 days with Kodiyettam (beginning), Palli Vetta

on 9th day (when Lord goes on hunting expedition) and

Aaratu on 10th day at Sankhumukham on the banks of

Arabian Sea. The royal family and the temple

authorities go in a procession. It may be noted that

our Lord Srinivasa also goes on hunting expedition

after His Brahmotsavam. In Trivandrum, the Raja acts

on behalf of Perumal during hunting whereas in

Tirupati, the head priest acts like hunter thus

representing Perumal .

10) A festival , by name, Bhadra Deepam is performed

in the months of Mithuna (July) and Kanya(Jan) and

once in 6 years, MURAJAPAM festival is performed for

56 days . At that time, Mura Japam (i.e.all the 4

vedas are recited 7 times) , Mantrajapam, jala japam,

Sahasranama Japam are done. This was started by

Marthanda varma who wanted to atone for his sin of

committing many murders during wars.

 

 

OUR EXPERIENCE: Got up at 5 A.M. Went to private bus

stand (very near station) at 5.45 A.M. As we didn’t

get bus and as the frequency is less, we hired an auto

at 6.25 A.M. for Rs.45/- to go to Thirupuliyur,

Thiruchittraru and drop at Hotel Anu. Reached

Thirupuliyur at 6.35 A.M. Had good darshan. The

temple is on top of a small hillock. Perumal’s

Thirumugam was adorned with kavacham. We were told

that utsavam is performed in the month of Kumbam.

>From there, we went to Thiruchenkundroor locally known

as Thiruchittraaru. The temple is at a distance of 1

km from station. Had good darshan. We were told that

utsavam is performed in the month of Meenam for 10

days and Aaraatu (final day) is on Sravanam. With

this, we have completed 10 Malai Naadu Divya Desams.

Had breakfast in Hotel Anu and checked out of Hotel

Shanti Palace . It was raining heavily. Boarded

Mumbai-Kanyakumari Express at 8.30 A.M. and reached

Trivandrum at 11 A.M. Kept luggages in cloak room for

Rs.21/- and hired an auto for Rs.20/- to go to Ananta

Padmanabha Swamy temple. Left our belongings(camera,

clothes etc) in safe custody. Like Guruvayoor,

devotees wearing pants are not allowed inside the

temple. Went inside the temple at 11.45 A.M. Had

good darshan. As the vigraham is very big, Perumal

must be viewed from 3 doors. From the first door, we

can have darshan of Perumal’s Thirumugam and Lord

Shiva who is seen near Perumal’s Thirumugam, from the

middle door, we can have darshan of Perumal’s

Thirunaabhi, utsava murthis and from the 3rd door , we

can have darshan of Perumal’s Thiruvadi. Ubhaya

Naachiyars(Sridevi and Bhoodevi) are seen in Mandiitta

kolam (sitting on knees) Performed Archana to Perumal.

We were given little chandanam and flowers. As the

temple was about to close , we were asked to hasten

ourselves. One nambudri priest was very kind enough to

give us some more chandanam. Purchased prasadam for

Rs.4/- and panchamrutham for Rs.10/- One of the

temple priests gave us lots of curd rice , sweet

pongal, pulihora as prasaadam. (Everything mixed up)

Waited for some time in Seveli mandapam as there was

procession of utsava murthis . As mentioned earlier,

utsava murthis are taken round the temple 3 times and

the utsavar sees to that all the attendants are

properly taken care of. (Seveli). Walked in the

corridor of Seveli Mandapam and we were amazed to see

the sculptures . The temple is very very big and the

Seveli Mandapam around the garbagriham is also big.

It takes about half an hour to walk here. Left temple

around 12.30 noon. Had ice cream. Hired an auto to

go to VELI and drop at station for Rs.90/-.

VELI is a tourist resort which is being developed by

K.T.D.C. it takes about half an hour to reach this

place. Spent some time there and went on boating.

Children enjoyed a lot. Came back to station at 3

P.M. and

boarded Bangalore-Kanya Kumari Express at 3.30 P.M.

Reached Nagercoil at 5.15 P.M. Hired an auto to

Swaminatha Lodge for Rs.15/-. Checked in at

Swaminatha Lodge Room No. 105 at 5.30 P.M. Left

immediately as we wanted to go to Thiruvataaru.

Accordingly, had ice cream and juice, took a bus to

VADACHERY . Reached VADACHERY at 5.55 P.M. Vadachery

is bus terminus from where we get buses to other towns

etc.and the bus frequency is more. Boarded THACKALEY

bus from VADACHERY. Reached Thackaley at 6.50 P.M.

>From Thackaley , there are plenty of buses to

Thiruvattaru and we were told that it takes about an

hour by bus to reach Thiruvattaru. As we were

waiting for bus, a Nellore resident who happened to be

there suggested that we go back to Nagercoil . He

said that by the time we reach the temple, the temple

would be closed (the temple closes at 7.30 P.M.) and

it would be difficult to get bus to Thackaley from

Thiruvattaru. Hencw, we boarded KK-Nagercoil bus ,

came to Anna bus stand at 8.00 P.M. Had dinner and

went to room .Though there are buses from Anna bus

stand and Vadachery to go to Thackaley, as the

frequency is more at Vadachery, it is preferable to go

to Vadachery.

 

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA

 

 

29/05/01 : TEMPLES COVERED : 1) THIRUVANPARISAARAM

 

2) THIRUVATTARU

 

OUR EXPERIENCE : Got up at 6 A.M. and left room at 7

A.M. Took an auto to go to Thiruvanparisaaram locally

known as Thirupathisaram (Rs.50/- to and fro).

Thirupathisaaram is 4 kms away from Nagercoil.

Reached temple at 7.20 A.M. This is the birth place of

Nammalwar. Here, Perumal is seen in sitting posture.

Utsavam is performed for 10 days. Took photograph

of the temple gopuram view ,. The pushkarini is just

in front of the temple. Took photographs of Sri

Nammalwar along with the pujari who was very kind to

take us to Nammalwar’s Thayagam. He gave us some sand

from Nammalwar;s sannidhi. He told us that previously

, they used to take sand from Nammalwar’s birth place

to Alwar Thirunagari for Nava Garuda Seva but oflate,

this practice has been stopped. The pujari’s name is

Sri.Nagarajan. As desired by him, sent 2 kolam books

to him to the following address:

 

Sri.P.Nagarajan,

West Car Street,

Thirupathisaaram,

Thirupathisaaram Post,

Kanyakumari Dist 629 901.

 

Returned to Nagercoil. Had breakfast. Boarded

Kalliya Kantai bus and got down at Thakkalaye . From

Thakaley, boarded Thiruvataaru bus at 9.45 A.M.

Reached temple at 10.20 A.M. It takes about 4

minutes through narrow lanes to reach the temple from

bus stop. At Thiruvataaru, Perumal is known as

ADIKESAVA PERUMAL (elder brother of Anantha Padmanabha

Swamy) seen in bhujanga sayanam with Sri, Bhoo devis

near His Thiruvadi. Here, River Tambaraparani and

Ganges encircle the temple. Took few photos –in front

of the temple,2 photos near the theertham etc. The

temple is very big. After spending some time in the

temple left the temple at 12 noon. Came back to bus

stop and purchased some fruits. Boarded a mini bus to

Thackaley at 12.50 Changed bus to Nagercoil and

reached Anna bus stand, Nagercoil at 13.30 hours. Had

sumptuous lunch at Arya Bhavan which is opposite to

Anna bus stand and went back to room. Relaxed upto 5

P.M. Left for Kanya kumari at 5 P.M. Kanya Kumari is

one hour drive from Nagercoil. Boarded KK bus from

Anna bus stand at 5.10 P.M. and reached KK at 6.10

P.M. Spent nearly one and half hours in the beach.

Children enjoyed a lot. Took some photographs. Did a

bit of shopping . Boarded bus to Nagercoil. All the

buses from Kanya kumari go vial Nagercoil. Reached

Nagercoil at 8P.M. Had light dinner , purchased some

medicines and went back to room. Next day morning (on

30th checked out at 5.50 a.m. Hired an auto for

Rs.25/- to station. Boarded Guruvayoor-Madurai

Express at 7.15 A.M. It takes 90 minutes to reach

Tirunelveli. Reached Tirunelveli at 9 A.M. and after

keeping luggages in cloak room, took a bus to Alwar

Tirunagari to have darshan of Nava Garuda Sevai.

 

THIRUVANPARISAARAM

 

LOCATION 4 Kms from

Nagercoil on Nagercoil-Tirunelveli route

MOOLAVAR : THIRUVAAZHMARBAN/

THIRUKURULAPPAN-SITTING POSTURE-FACING

EAST

- 2 hands holding Sankhu, Chakram, lower right hand in

Abhaya Hastam

And

lower left hand placed on the knees (Like Vijaayasana

Perumal of Alwar

 

Tirunagari but without Adiseshan) gigantic form –9

feet

THAYAR : KAMALAVALLI

NAACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : LAKSHMI THEERTHAM

VIMANAM : INDRA KALYANA

VIMANAM

PRATHYAKSHAM : SAPTHA RISHIS

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3475 -1

Pasuram

UTSAVAM : 10 days

IMP.FESTIVAL : AADI SWATHI-the day

Perumal took Kulasekhara Alwar bodily to Paramapadam.

 

 

STHALAPURANAM :

 

1) Saptha rishis were doing penance near this place

called Ashrama near Suchindram. First, Lord Shiva

appeared and when they expressed their desire to see

Lord Vishnu, they were advised by Lord Shiva to go

north-west and do penance. Perumal pleased with their

devotion appeared before them in this place. At the

request of the rishis, Perumal continued to stay here.

2) When Lord Vishnu took Narasimha Avataaram, no one

could pacify Him. Even Thayar was frightened to see

the ferocious form of the Lord. It is well known that

only Bhakta Prahalada for whose sake the Lord took the

form of Narasimha could pacify Perumal. Thayar

therefore came to this place and started meditating on

the Lord. Perumal came in search of Thayar and Thayar

took her usual place in Perumal’s Thirumaarbhu.

Hence, Perumal is known as THIRUVAAZHMARBAN. Thayar

is enshrined on Perumal’s chest. Perumal is seen

wearing a golden chain with a locket containing the

image of Thayar. It may be recalled that even our

Lord Srinivasa at Tirumala is adorned with Lakshmi

Haaram and this Haaram is not removed even during

Thirumanjanam. We were blessed to have darshan of

Thirumanjana Seva at Tirumala. May God bless us with

another opportunity to watch VASTRAALANKARANA SEVA AT

TIRUMALA.

3) In the garbagriham, on the right side of the

Moolavar, we can see idols of Rama,Sita, Lakshmana.

When Vibishana was returning to Lanka after Sri Rama

Pattabhishekam, he felt an urge to see Lord Rama in

pattabhisheka form. God conceded Vibhishana’s request

and hence we can find idols of Lord Sri Rama in this

temple. I would like to brief about some temples

connected with Vibhishana and the reasons thereof :

 

TEMPLE AND ITS LOCATION PURPOSE

Lord Ranganatha Swamy-Srirangam Idol which was gifted

by Lord Rama was placed here by Vibishana and

Vibhishana could not lift the idol as Perumal decided

to stay here

Lord Sowriraja Perumal-Thirukannapuram On every

Amavasya day, in the noon, Perumal shows His nadai

azhagu to Vibhishana

Lord Rama at Thirukurulappan’s

sannidhi-Thirupathisaaram Vibhishana’s wish of seeing

Perumal in PattabhishekaKolam was granted

Lord Adi Jagannatha Perumal-Thirupullani Saranagathi

Kshetram- Vibhishana sought refuge at the feet of Rama

in this place

 

4) Nammalwar was born in this place. It may be

briefly recalled that Nammalwar’s parents,Kari and

Udhaya Nangi prayed to Thirukurungudi Perumal to

bless them with progeny and Perumal told them that He

Himself would appear as their son. Thus, with the

blessings of Perumal, Udhaya Nangi conceived and came

to her parents’ place at Thirupathisaaram for

delivery. Hence, Nammalwar was born here. Later,

this child was taken to Adinatha Perumal kovil at

Tirunelveli (the present Alwar Tirunagari), where the

child who was left in front of Perumal crawled and sat

under a hollow of a tamarind tree. The story how the

child sat for 16 years in deep meditation and composed

Thiruvaimozhi is too well known to bear

repetition.Chithirai Thirunal Maharaja made an idol of

Nammalwar in this place .

5) The dwaja sthambam was constructed by Kulasekhara

Alwar as a token of gratitude. Once when Kulasekhara

Alwar (who was a king) was returning after victory in

a battle, he had lost his horse and he found the same

in this place. Hence, this place came to be known as

THIRU PARI SAARAM .Pari means horse. Hence,

Kulasekhara Alwar prayed to this Perumal and renovated

the temple and built the dwajastambam which is copper

plated.

6) As the Perumal of this divya desam helped Raja

Marthanda Varma in defeating his enemies, the king

took initiative in celebrating a festival known as

ANUSHAM THIRUNAAL.(Anusham is the birth star of the

king)

7) Yudhishtira on his way to Rameswaram stayed here .

The day he visited this temple is celebrated as

Karthigai Bali Utsavam as the star on the day

Yudhishtira visited was Karthigai.

8) On Chithirai Thiru Naal (utsavam), Perumal is

seated on a Ratha. This ratha was gifted as a thanks-

giving by Moolam Thirunaal Raja who was blessed with

a son.

9) The most important festival is ADI SWATHI, the day

on which Perumal took Kulasekhara Alwar bodily to

Paramapadam.

 

 

 

 

THIRUVATAARU:

 

 

LOCATION

Tirunelveli-Nagercoil route –6 miles from Thoduvetti

 

OR

Go to

Thackaley from Nagercoil and change bus to

Thiruvattaru from Thakaley

(2

hours journey)

MOOLAVAR : ADIKESAVA

PERUMAL-BHUJANGA SAYANAM-FACING WEST

 

THAYAR : MARAGATHAVALLI

NAACHIYAR

THEERTHAM : VAATARU, KADAL VAI

THEERTHAM,RAMA THEERTHAM

VIMANAM : ASHTAKSHARA

VIMANAM (ASHTANGA VIMANAM)

PRATHYAKSHAM : Lord Chandra,

Parasurama

MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram

3722-3732-11 Pasurams

UTSAVAM : 10 days –twice in

a year during Oct-Nov, Apr-May

 

STHALAPURANAM:

 

1) Brahma performed yagna without his consort, Goddess

Saraswathi and as a result of Saraswathi’s fury, 2

asuras by name Kesan and Kesi emerged out of the

sacrificial fire . As they emerged out of the yagna,

they became immortal and as result of this , they made

life miserable to one and all. The devas headed by

Brahma approached Vishnu for help and accordingly,

Perumal in the form of Kesava fought with Kesan.

Perumal threw Kesan who fell on top of Mahendragiri

and Perumal 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 11 Sivalingas to

stand as guard around the asura and Perumal. Even

today, the worship to Lord Shiva on Sivarathiri day is

said to be complete only when the devotee after

visiting the 11 Shiva shrines ends his trip in the

Perumal kovil.

2) Kesi who saw her brother defeated wanted to avenge

and hence she along with her friend ,Kodai 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 .

Hence, the temple is situated at a height of 55 feet

from the ground level. The rivers joined with Arabian

Sea at a place known as Moovaatru mukham. The rivers

were cursed by Perumal and they repented for their

action. Perumal forgave them and had a dip in

Moovaatru mukham. Even today, during Panguni utsavam,

Perumal comes on golden Garuda and has dip in the

river thus enacting the saapa vimochana incident.

3) Adi Kesava Perumal helped many kings like Raja

Kerala Varma , Raja Marthanda Varma etc. in winning

the battle. When Raja Kerala Varma who was fighting

against Moghals, prayed to Perumal in 16 verses known

as PADA SANKIRTANA OR ADIKESAVA STHAVAM, from nowhere

wasps came from the temple, started stinging the

Moghal army and the Moghal chief who was stung by the

wasp fell down and died along with his horse. The

frightened Moghal soldiers ran away from the place and

Raja Kerala Varma captured 300 horses and formed own

cavalry.

4) Once when Raja Marthanda Varma who was trying to

escape from his enemies was roaming in disguise and

when he was hungry, a poor Brahmin widow fed him with

rice, salt and mango. As a token of gratitude, when

the king regained his kingdom, he instituted an

offering of rice, salt and mango to Adikesava Perumal

and ordered that henceforth the lady and her

descendants would have the neivedyam first.

5) A nawab plundered this temple and took away the

idol along with him and kept the idol along with

rubbish in a lumber room. Every day, the idol would

come on top and in spite of being tied down with

ropes, the idol 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 idol was

returned, his wife would be cured of illness. The

Nawab acted accordingly and his wife was cured. The

Nawab gifted a silver plate and a cap to Perumal and

this is used at the time of SEVELI everyday. The

Nawab also made an endowment for THIRUALLA POOJA ,

wherein Perumal is offered AVUL, ARISI AND PORI as

neivedyam. This is a typical Muslim dish . When the

priest who was bringing back the idol halted in a

place for completing his evening rituals, the idol got

stuck to the ground. Later under the supervision of

the King, suddhi kalasam was performed and this is

carried out every year during the last day of the

utsavam in the month of Tulam. The idol is taken from

Thiruvattaru to River Parali on the golden Garuda.

6) The Garuda vigraham is made of pure gold , two

maragatha stones adorn the eyes and manikya is placed

on Garuda’s chest. This idol of Garuda is kept in the

garbagriham beside Utsava murthis. When we enquired

about this, the priest replied in a negative way.

7) A special festival is celebrated called PUSHPANJALI

when Perumal is decorated with flowers like our

POOLANGI SEVA in Tirumala.

8) Like in Thiruvananthapuram, here also we can find

many Deepalakshmis who differ from each other. The

sculptures in these two places are marvllous.

 

OUR EXPERIENCE:

 

Boarded Kalliya Kantai bus and got down at Thakkalaye

.. From Thakaley, boarded Thiruvataaru bus at 9.45

A.M. Reached temple at 10.20 A.M. It takes about 4

minutes through narrow lanes to reach the temple from

bus stop. At Thiruvataaru, Perumal is known as

ADIKESAVA PERUMAL (elder brother of Anantha Padmanabha

Swamy) seen in bhujanga sayanam with Sri, Bhoo devis

near His Thiruvadi. Took few photos –in front of the

temple,2 photos near the theertham etc. The temple is

very big. After spending some time in the temple left

the temple at 12 noon. Had very good darshanam .

When we went, a pujari was reciting VISHNU SAHASRANAMA

sitting in front of the utsava murthis. Another

pujari told us about the utsavams , the details of

which has already been mentioned above. The temple is

very big . Went to pushkarini (about 5 minutes walk

amidst groves) Took 2 photographs near the theertham.

Took photo near the temple tower (Maha Dwaaram) .

 

 

Thus, by the grace of Divya Dampadhigal, Alwars and

acharyas , we could complete all the 13 MALAI NAADU

DIVYA DESAMS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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