Vishnu Puranam - The Four Stages/ Ashrama Dharma !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vishnu Puranam is  23,000 verses into Six Cantos.  It describes the Ashrama Dharamas - there are Four Ashramas : Brahmacharya Ashram, Grahastha Ashram, Vanaprastha Ashram and Sanyasa Ashram to be followed by a man.

According to Bavishya Puranam - Yajnopaveetham(threading ceremony )  - For a Brahmin Boy  should be performed before Eight Years.  Eleven Years for a  Kshatriya Child and  Sixteen for a Vaishya child.   An Unmarried Man should wear 3 threads of Yajopaveetham and it becomes Six for a Married Man.

During Brahmacharyashrama, immediately after the Yajopaveetham , the child has to be sent to attend lessons on Veda under the custody of a Guru (a learned scholar).   He should listen to his Guru as long as he is with him.  He should pay respect and obeisance to the Guru and keenly follow all the instructions by him.  During this period, the child has to attend Guru's commands and follow him with utmost respect.  Duties involved are the daily rituals, reciting Veda and attending all the requirements of the Guru  .  When the Guru is thoroughly convinced about the knowledge of the child, when he attains the  maturity, the boy is sent for the next Stage -  Grahasthashram.

During Grahasthashrama, getting married and earning livelihood as described in the Puranas.  Serve the God through Sacrifices and daily rituals,  Serve the Guest with food and shelter, Serve the Rishis by reciting Vedas, Serve Lord Brahma by producing children of good virtues and finally serve the entire world with Truthfulness. An  Unhappy guest leaves all his/her sins with the householder and takes away the good karmas of householder .  Many years of completing the Grahasthashrama after fulfiling the entire responsibilities, a person leaves for Vanaprastha.

Vanaprastha is the third stage of leading life as a forest-dweller.  At this point of time, he leaves the entire wealth to the heirs and leaves to  the Forest.  He can be followed by his wife or can leave under the custody of his children.  He lives in the Forest (hermitage), eats fruits to waive off hunger, leaves all the comforts behind and devotes his time to Meditation.  During this period, he keeps away from all the actions like cutting hair , shaving beard , etc..

At the final stage of Sanyasashram he is ready to leave his children, wife and all  material possessions absolutely.  He keeps moving from one place to another, performs Yoga (to make a communion with the God), he never stays more than one night in a village and five nights in a city.  A final journey in search of 'BRAHMAM'.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Linga Puranam - Yugas and Life style !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Parithranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Chathushkrutham

Dharma Samsthapanarthaya Sambavami Yugey Yugey

Linga Puranam describes the life style of the people during the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and Kali Yuga.

In Satya Yuga people lived happily.  There was no need of Heaven or Hell.  The weather was neither cold nor hot.   The yield from the earth was abundant in supply.  All were treated  equal, neither Superior nor Inferior, no hatred or Jealousy, No thirst or Hunger. They do not require shelter or comfort, they slept on the seashore, forest and mountains.   People were truly righteous.

In Treta Yuga, things were changed. The clouds started forming and raining heavily.  The yield from the Earth somewhat  changed, people depended more on trees for shade.  People started to fight over the possession of the trees for fruits, shade   and clothing.  The increasing demand for the tree resulted in disappearing  of the same.  The heat and cold began.  In order to save themselves from these climatic conditions, people realised the need for homes.  When there was no trees to provide fruits any longer, they understood the need of  agriculture along with animal husbandry.

In Dwapara Yuga everything had changed.  All the evil characteristics started to show up.  All kinds of malpractices, jealousy, hatred, quarrels took place.  The scarcity for foodgrains began for the first time.

Kali Yuga is the worst period of all.  Lack of respect and moral values.  No worship of God and disbelief in holy scriptures are seen.  The Shudras overruled the rest of the Varnas.  Kings became theives and vice versa.  Lending money for higher interest rates, the yield from the land reduced drastically.  The life span of  people also reduced considerably.  One and only positive effect is that, a little righteousness provide a huge merit during the Kali Yuga.

When the Kali era vanishes, Pramiti (Kali) , the tenth form of Lord Mahavishnu will take place for the re-establishment of righteousness on Earth.





Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vishnu Puranam - Kali Yuga !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vishnu Puranam describes the Kaliyuga as follows:

During the period of Kali,  no one follows Varnashrama Dharma.  The disbelief in rituals and customs takes place.  The relationship with the Acharya (Guru) lessens to a large extend and gives no importance at all.  People become more materialistic and will be ready to adopt any meanest way to attain  wealth.  Women folks are interested only in 'hairdo'.  People will become more selfish and mean in fulfilling their desires.  The guests will not be entertained and properly taken care of (beware !!). Money earned in evil means are spent for one's comforts and luxuries, still yearns for money and feels dissatisfied.

No one follows the simplest way of living such as bathing before meal.  All the Varnas follow the lifestyle of Shudras.  Worship of Lord will not take place. Human Life span will be reduced to Twenty, at the early age of 12, children had to undergo the sign of old age.  The human physical growth will be reduced.  Women folks do not follow the instructions of their husbands.  The Kings will not take care of the Kingdom, instead he makes the life of the people miserable by imposing Taxes. Evil takes its own bizarre form.

The only one positive thing left to save us at this age of Kali, that is 'Nama Sankeerthanam' 'Chanting the names of Lord' and listening to 'Divya Nama Sankeerthanam'.   With little Tapasya - a day's Tapasya does wonders in life.  During the previous Yugas such as Sathya Yuga,Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga lot of Thapasyas and Sacrifices have to be done in order to acquire Blessings from the Lord.  Ten years Tapasya in Sathya Yuga, One year Tapasya in Treta Yuga,  One month Tapasya in Dwapara Yuga is equal to One day's Tapasya in Kali Yuga.

Women folks are really fortunate in acquiring the Blessings of the Lord, by serving their husbands.  Men  have to follow all the righteousness to acquire any Blessings.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Padma Puranam - Puranas - The Embodiment of Sri Hari !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Puranams are not mere stories.   Padma Puranam - Swarga Kandam describes all the  Eighteen Purans as a manifestation of Sri Hari. 






Brahma Puranam - The Forehead of Sri Hari


Padma Puranam - The Heart of Sri Hari


Vishnu Puranam - Right Arm of Sri Hari


Shiva Puranam - Left Arm of Sri Hari


Srimad Bagavatham - The Thigh of Sri Hari


Narada Puranam - The Navel of Sri Hari


Markandeya Puranam - Right Foot of Sri Hari


Agni Puranam - Left Foot of Sri Hari


Bavishya Puranam - Right Knee of Sri Hari


Brahma Vaivarta Puranam - Left Knee of Sri Hari


Linga Puranam - Right Ankle of Sri Hari


Varaha Puranam - Left Ankle of Sri Hari


Skanda Puranam - The hair on the body of Sri Hari


Vamana Puranam - The Skin of Sri Hari


Kumara Puranam - His Back of Sri Hari


Matsya Puranam - Stomach of Sri Hari


Garuda Puranam - Bone Marrow of Sri Hari


Brahmanda Puranam - The Bone of Sri Hari






Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vishnu Puranam - The Four Varnas !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vishnu Puranam describes the Four Varnams such as Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, their duties and responsibilities.  It also tells  about Four Ashsramas such as Brahmacharyam, Grahasthashram, Vanaprastham and Sanyasa. 

Brahmana originated from the Mouth, so the responsibility is also high in terms of other Varnasa.  Kshatriya originated from the Chest, Vaishyas from the Thigh and Shudras from the Feet of Lord Brahma.

A Brahmana's responsibilities are: Give and take alms (Biksha), Study Vedas and perform Sacrifices for the welfare of the Universe, Should not make trade of what he has learnt . 

A Kshatriya should  give alms to a Brahmin  and protect the performance of sacrifices.  A major responsibility of protecting one's own country lies in his shoulder.  The duty of a King is to make sure of the welfare of his Kingdom and its  people and protect them from their enemies.

A Vaishya undertakes the responsibility of Trade and Agriculture only.  He also has to give alms to a Brahmin and perform sacrifices for the welfare of the Earth.

A Shudra performs the duty of serving the three Varnas above said.  He can also make livelihood out of trade.

The common factor underlying in all four Varnas are Honesty, Cleanliness, Hard-work and Kindness.  A Brahmana can even take up the trade or the responsbility of a Vaishya and should never mix up with the responsibility of a Shudra.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vishnu Puranam - Who is Lord Yama? !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vishnu Puranam describes a conversation between Maithreya and Sage Parasara Battar.  Maithreya was anxiously enquiring Sage Parasara about the transition of soul to Hell and how could avoid getting caught into it.  Sage Paradasara narrates that immediately after the death souls were exiled to the hell under the custody of Lord Yama and impel them into different categories of hells according to the sins committed in their life.  They undergo the punishments for several years, after a certain period of time the souls were released for re-birth.

 

 

Nakula had the same queries to clear with his grandfather Bhishma Pitamaha, He narrates the conversation between Lord Yama to his servant as answer to the queries.  Lord Yama makes a clear statement that he is not an independent entity in this Universe.  He works under the supervision of Lord Sriman Narayana.   After the death of a person it is the responsibility of Lord Yama to propel soul into Hell for the sins committed.   There are 28 types of hell and each one of them are horrifying than anyone could ever imagine. The different type of hells are Athighora, Raudram, Ghorathama, Dukhajanani, Ghoraroopa, Tharanthara, Bayanaka, Kaalaratri, Ghatothkata, Chanda, Mahachanda, Chandakolahala, Chandaprachanda, varagnika, Jaghanya, Avaraloma, Bhishini, Nayika, Karala, Vikarala, Vajravinshti, Astha, Panchakona, Sudhirga, Parivartula, Sapthabauma, Ashtabhauma and Dheergamaya.   Lord Yama strictly emphasizes to his servants that not to detain devotees of Lord.

 

 

 

Lord Yama explains the method to distinguish a person is a true devotee of Sriman Narayana. Who does not deviate from the righteousness according to their Varnashrama, who does not differentiate friends and enemies, one whose heart is free from Anger, Jealousy and Pride, one who does not hurt others by action or words and more importantly whoever chants the name of Lord constantly.   In this manner they achieve heartwarming personality.   Lord Yama insists to stay away from those who had completely surrendered to the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana.

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

12 Jyotir Linga Kshetram !! Somnath Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Rudram Pasupathim Sthanum Neelakanda Umapathim

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Kalakandam Kalamoorthim Kalagnim Kalanasanam

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Vamadevam Mahadevam Lokanatham Jagadgurum

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Deva Devam Jaganatham Devesham Vrushaba Dwajam

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Basmodhoolitha Sarvagam Nanabarana Booshitham

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Ardhanareeswaram Devam Parvathi Prananayakam

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Gangadharam Sasidharam Shangaram Soolapaninam

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Swarga Apavarga Dhatharam Srushti Sthithyantha Karanam

Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mruthyum: Karishyathi

Markandeya Krutham Stotram Ya: Padeth Siva Sannidhou

Thasya Mruthyu Bayam Nasthi Na Agni Chora Bayam Kwachith

Namasivaya Sambaya Haraye Paramathmaney

Pranatha Klesha Nasaya Yoginam Pathaye Nama:

 

(Markandeya Krutha Mruthyum Jaya Ashtakam)

Sri Somanath Temple  is  one of the 12 Jyotir Linga Kshetrams/ Dwadasha Jyotir Linga Kshetras situated in India.   This temple came into existence before the Christian Era located in Prabhasa Kshetra - Saurashtra in Gujarat.  This is one of the highly revered Jyothirlinga Kshetram of Lord Shiva.   The Devotees come from every nook and corner to offer prayers to Lord Somnathji.  There is nearly 2000 Brahmin priests are engaged in the functioning of this temple and the revenue of this temple generates from the 10,000 Villages in Saurashtra, the fund generated are used for the maintenance and the daily rituals of this temple.

In the year 1025, Mohammed Ghazni invaded this city and many treasures were looted and the Architectural Masterpieces were demolished brutally.  The King of Gujarat and Malwa re-established the Grandeur of this temple its old form. Once again the city was looted by Alaf Khan in 1300 A.D. and followed the same by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the year 1706. At last, Sardar Sir Vallabhai Patel took the initiative of renovating the temple and brought back the same grandeur.

The legend has that Lord Chandra was married to two daughters of Daksha Prajapathi, Rohini and Revathi.  Though Lord Chandra married Rohini and Revathi, his love for Rohini was exceptional.  Lord Chandra had a special kind of attraction towards Rohini.  Naturally,  Revathi was isolated without any attention or affection from her husband. It made her live a dejected life in the palace of Daksha Prajapathi.  Daksha Prajapathi was under the misapprehension that his two daughters were equally loved by Lord Chandra.    Daksha Prajapathi came to know the fact from his daughters that Lord Chandra was disregarded the marriage vow and insulted Revathi without providing any kind of respect or status of a married woman.  It triggered the anger in Dakash Prajapathi, Lord Chandra who was proud of his unfailing beauty was cursed by him.    It caused Lord Chandra to reduce his glow and resulted in gradual death.   

Sage Kashyap and Sati approached Sage Markandeya to avail the Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra and save Lord Chandra from his slow death.  But things were become too complex, there was a curse already on Lord Shiva by Daksha Prajapati that no one should worship Lord Shiva.  Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu disguised as a Brahmin and worshipped Sati who was an undeniable part of Lord Shiva.  Thus, the curse on Lord Shiva was removed forever.  Sage Markandeya advised Sati the benefit of Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra which is capable to save the devotees from the mouth of death.  Sage Markandeya and Sage Dadhichi instructed Goddess Sati to rush to Prabhasa Theertham to meet Lord Chandra with all his family.   Goddess Sati initiated the worship of Lord Shiva in the form of Linga on the Prabhasa Theertham.    Lord Shiva was pleased and the devotion and dedication of Sati and her sisters.  Finally, the curse on Lord Chandra was removed partially.  Lord Chandra prayed to Lord Shiva to remain in this sacred land to worship Him as Sri Somnath and erected a golden temple on its place. 

 Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Uthana Dwadashi/Tulsi Pooja/Chathurmasya Vratham !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

Jagad Dhathri Namasthubhyam Vishoncha Priya vallabhey
Yathro Brahmadayo Deva Srushti Sthithyantha Karina

Namas Thulasi Kalyani Namo Vishnu Priye Shubhey,
Namo Moksha Pradhe Devi Nama Sampath Pradhayikey

Tulsi Pathumaam Nithyam Sarva Aapthbhyobhi Sarvadha,
Keerthithapi Smruthavapi Pavithrayathi Manavam

Namami Sirasa Devim Tulsim Vilasathanum
Yaam Drushtwa Papinor Marthya Muchyanthey Sarva Kilbhishath

Thulasya Rakshitham Sarvam Jagadhedha Characharam,
Ya Vinirhanthi Paapaani Drushtwa Ya Papibhir Narai

Nama Thulasyathi Tharam Yasyai Bhadwa Balim Kalou,
Kalayanthi Sukham Sarvam Sthriyo Vaisya Thadaparey

Thulasya Naparam Kinchith Daivatham Jagathithaley
Yaya Pavithratho Loko Vishnu Sangena Vaishnava

Thulasya Pallavam Vishno Sirasyaropitham Kalou,
Aaropayathi Sarvaani Seshayamsi Varamasthakey

Thulasyam Sakaladeva Vasanthi Sathatham Yatha,
Athastham Archaye Lokey Sarvan Devan Samarchayeth

Namas Thulasi Sarvagjey Purushothama Vallabhe,
Pahimaam Sarava Paapeybhyo Sarva Sampath Pradhayigey

Ithi Stotram Pura Geetham Pundareekena Dheematha,
Vishnu Aarchayatha Nithyam Shobhanai Tulsidalai

Tulsi Sri Mahalakshmi Vidhya Avidhya Yasasswini

Dharmya Dharmananam Devi Deva Deva Mana Priye

Lakshmi Priya Sakhi Devi Dhyou Bhoomir Chalachala
Shodasaithani Namani Thulasya Keerthayen Nara

Labhathe Sutharaam Bhakthim Anthe Vishnu Padam Labeth,
Tulsi Bhur Maha Lakshmi Padmini Sri Hari Priye

Tulsi Sri Sakhi Shubhey Papa Harini Punyadhey
Namasthey Naradanuthey Narayana Manapriye

(Pundareeka Krutha Tulsi Sthothram)

 

 

Tulsi Pooja / Tulsi Vivah is performed on the day of Krishna Paksha Ekadashi or Dwadashi.    Tulsi Vivah is for perofmred for the Tulsi plant with the earthen lamps, flowers, and incense along with bhog.  Tulsi is inseparable from Lord Vishnu.  There are various types of Tulsis are available, Rama Tulsi  is light in color and Shyama Tulsi Dark in color.   Usually, the Shyama Tulsi is said to be used commonly in Temples for all  rituals.

 





Krishna Tulsi or Shyam Tulsi








Rama Tulsi







Salagrama


 



The Legend has that Sri Mahalakshmi was born on Earth as Tulsi (Vrinda) and she happened to marry a demon King Jalandhar.  Usually, when the demons get extraordinary powers they start to harass all the living beings and deities so as   Jalandhar.   Tulsi was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.  In order to save the devotees and deities Lord Vishnu disguised into Jalandhar and approached Tulsi.  Thus, Tulsi lost her chastity and it resulted in shattering extra ordinary powers of King Jalandhara which was acquired by the righteous deeds of his chaste wife.   Tulsi came to know the fact with the power of her chastity, she sacrifice her life and turned into a Tulsi Plant. Likewise, Lord Vishnu turned himself as Salagrama and remained closer to Tulsi. Worship of Salagrama with Tulsi provides highest meritorious rewards.   Hence, any rituals of Lord Vishnu are treated as incomplete without Tulsi.

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Uthana Ekadashi/Prabodhini Ekadashi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Skanda Puranam describes the glories of Hari Prabodhini Ekadashi.   Lord Brahma narrates the splendor of Prabodhini Ekadashi  to Maharishi Narada.   Whoever observes fast and worship Lord Sriman Narayana on this day would be blessed and it eradicates all the sins committed and bestows the liberation from the cycles of birth and death.   Observance of fast on this day gives the merits of dip in the holy water Ganga and all the scared rivers.  The devoutness acquired through the fast and austerities on this day is more than that of 1000 Ashwamedha Yagam and 100 Raja Suya Yagnas.

Lord Brahma explains the method of worship and   observance of fast on this auspicious day to Maharishi Narada.   Consumption of midday food and supper without grains and beans eradicates the sins committed on the previous birth and two previous births respectively.   The complete fast on this day would take away all the sins committed on the previous seven births.  Whoever observes complete fast and keeps awake in the night reciting the glories of Lord Hari would obtain abundance of merits and their accumulated sins for the past 1000 years will be burned into ashes.

Whoever reads or listens to the glory of Haribodhini Ekadshi/Papaharini Ekadashi would achieve the merit of cows donated to a Brahman.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Temples of Kalpathy - Palakkad !! My Birth Place !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

My Mom ' Yendi Konthey, namma samye pathi ezhithavey illayedi'

I  said ' Don't worry Amma, Ezhuthanam avalavuthaney, Ezhithutta pochu.'

' By the way, Namakkuthan neraya sami irukkaley.  Yethu samiye pathi sollarey'

My Mom 'Athuthan di Kalpathy Kovil dimey'

'Oh Okay Okay..Right...I will be writing soon'

My Mom ' Hm.. Appa iruntha Santhoshapattiruppa.'

'Amma...Arambichittiya...Kavalapadathey I remember Appa promised three of us that he would be watching us though he leaves the world.  So I am sure, Namma Alu engayachu okkanthu nan pannarathu pathukondu than iruppa.  I am very sure about it Amma.  He is our darling, Amma and he can'not leave us like that.'

My Mom ' Nee sonna ellam sari than.'

It made me laugh like anything.  At times I  pretend to be the most genius person to her.  Just to make her cheer up.  She is a Gem of a person and our strength too. 

Kalpathy is my Mom's parents place.  My Grandfather lived there after his retirement from Southern Railway.  My Thathi was a super woman and good at making us  work in her big backyard Garden.   During our holidays, we spent a lot of time with Thatha and Thathi.  Thatha educated me with the Kalpathy Car Festival and Thathi never kept us idle.  Our work from morning till evening will be allocated by her without any mercy.  We start our day with cleaning of our backyard, picking  dried Tamarind from the ground (azhaga sonna, puli porukal), helping her in digging elephant yam (chenai kilaikkal), pulling out the  unwanted grasses (pullu parikkal), mopping the entire backyard ( perukkal koottal), plucking of 'Marthangali' (really boring job) - it takes minimum 2 to 3 hours. 


We used to have lunch in the morning, in between we  eat some snacks.  Immediately after lunch she would arrange for 'Daya Kattam' and 'Pallanguzhi'.  Our friends from the neighbourhood also join with us.  Thathi is the leader (she was 66/68 years old I believe) she does not like cheating in between the games.  We children are expert in doing so.  Finally, the game ends up in a big mess. 


Thathi's next order would be' Yellarum poyi thoogungodi'. 


Our love for gardening is inexplineable.  We would pretend to sleep for sometime and go to the Backyard again for playing. 


Thathi appears from nowhere and screams  'Ingaya vilayadarel, puli marathila pisachu irukku, pidikka porathu ellathayum'.  That's the end of our game. 


Rest of the afternoon we have to spend time with her listening to stories.  In the evening, immediately after  snacks she takes us to the backyard for plucking 'Jasmine' flowers  and 'Kanakambaram' flowers. We get plenty of them from our Garden.  Thathi would be seated in a place to arrange them in a garland form for two of us (grand daughters) and for the next day's pooja purpose also.  We used to pluck buckets and buckets of flowers and she would be doing her job silently and in between checking on us.  We also pluck 'Avaraikkai' from her 'Avarapathi' on the roof of 'Rendamkettu' (it is just like another home, having all the facilities used only at the time of weddings and other rituals).  It takes nearly two hours to complete this job.


I learned Kandha Shashti Kavacham, Guru Kavacham from my Thatha.  His day starts with  detailed poojas at home. We call him Southern Railway (chellama), very strict, disciplined and possesses vast knowledge but  speaks  little.  Evening, we spend time with our friends by visiting temples nearby.  Our temple list goes lengthy : Manthakara  Sri Kshipra Ganapathy Temple, Vishwanatha Swamy Kovil (Kundu Koil), Pazhaya Kalpathy Lakshmi Narayana Swamy  Kovil, Govindarajapuram Perumal Kovil, Chathapuram Prasanna Ganapathy Kovil, Ambikapuram  Sri Krishnan Kovil.  My Thathi says that 'Kasila Pathi Kalpathy'.  We used to stay  nearly 1 or 1 1/2 months during our school holidays with them.  This was one of the best holidays I really enjoyed in my childhood.  Before leaving the village (New Kalpathy) the final episode of 'Kanner Samudram' also takes place.  I am sure that Thatha and Thathi also must have felt very sad  of leaving us and used to eagerly wait for the next holidays.



Sri Kashi Vishwanatha Sametha Sri Visalakshy Temple - Sthalapuranam

Sri Vishwanatha Swamy Temple -  Dakshina Kashi -  New Kalpathy - Palakkad

Presiding diety - Vishwanatha Swamy  (Bana Lingam) and Visalakshy Thayar

Sthala Vruksham - Baniyan Tree

Sannidhis - Gnana Nandikeshwarar,  Surya Bagavan,  Sri Dhakshina Murthy,  Ambal, Lord Shiva in Linga form, Subramanya Swamy with Sri Valli and Sri Devayani, Chandikeshwarar, Kala Bairavar,  Vinayaka, Serpant Gods beneath the Baniyan tree in the outer praharam.

Festival -  Annual celebration of Kalpathy Car Festival in the month of November, Pradosha Poojas, Vishnu Pooja, Vaikasi Vishagam (Thirukalyanam of Lord Subramanya), Navarathri Pooja, Annabishekam in the month of Aippasi, Rudrabishekam in the month of Ani and Panguni, Masi Makam.




This temple is  situated near the banks of Kalapathy River, a tributary of Bharathapuzha - Nila Nadhi.  This temple dates back to the early 15th century.  It is also known as 'The Varanasi of South'.   This is one of the oldest Shiva Temples in Malabar, Kerala.  The temple is situated in the beautiful vicinity of Agraharam of Tamil Brahmins.   The Villages are  New Kalpathy, Old Kalpathy, Govinda Rajapuram and Chathapuram.  The New Kalpathy and the surrounding Agraharams are The Fortresses of  Vedic Culture and Sanathana Dharma.  Veda and Veda Ghosham are  an eminent part of this Agraharam.  This village and its surroundings like Old Kalpathy, Govindarajapuram, Chathapuram, Kumara Puram has brought many  Sanskrit scholars of Veda, Sastra and Purana.    They are still providing a  great service to the society.  The Uncha Vrithi, Margazhi Bajans are still cementing the culture to a great extent. 


The legend has that, there lived a widow named Lakshmi Ammal.  She brought a Lingam from her Kasi visit.  On reaching Kalpathy, she had a  desire to install the Lingam near the banks of Nila Nadhi and a Temple for Lord Shiva.  At that time Palghat  was ruled by the Rajas.  She approached the Raja of Palghat with this request.  The Raja readily agreed to her wish and a large temple was constructed - Sri Vishwanatha Swamy Temple.  Lakshmi Ammal offered the King her 1320 gold coins to manage the affairs of the temple.



In this temple of  Vishwanatha Swamy,  'Swarga Vasal' is situated on the west adjacent to Sri Gangadhareswarar next to Sri Subramanya swamy with Sri Valli and Sri Devayanai.  The pooja pattern of this temple is same as the Mayuranathar Temple in Mayavaram.



The ten day long Kalpathy Car Festival is an important and the most jubilant occasion during the month of Aippasi in New Kalpathy.  Ratholsavam is the pulling of a huge Chariot, beautifully decorated and  connected with  heavy ropes made of jute with thousands of people lined up in both  sides.  In addition to this, there will be an elephant to push from the back of the Chariot,  balanced by the brave men.   It is the most brilliant sight no doubt about that.  The day starts with ceremonial Poojas and the night ends with  Carnatic Music Concerts.  The first day of Ratholsavam starts with Dwajarohanam and ends with Ratha Sangamam and Poo Pallakku on the tenth day.



There is a 'Madam' just nearby the Shiva Temple assisting with Shesha Kriya rituals in a perfect way.  Shesha Kriya - the rituals for the peace of departed souls  can be  done here in the Madam.  The Madam has all the facilities to perform the rituals at a reasonable cost.  The contact person of the Madam is Sri. Rama Murthy 0492-2576791 or Mr. Ramachander at his mobile 09447202300.



Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Skandapuranam - Prabhasa Kandam - Seventh Kandam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vetrivel Muruganukku Aroara !! Muruga Saranam !!

Nalen sheyyum vinai than enseyyum

Enai Nadi Vantha Kol En Sheyyum

Kodum Kootru En Sheyyum

Kumaresar Iru Thalum, Shilambu, Shathangayum, Thandayum

Shanmughamum Tholum Kadambum

Enakku Munney Vanduhu Thondridiney

Prabhasa kandam describes - About Puranams and Upa Puranams

Lord Brahma's severe penance for the manifestation of Four Vedas - Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharvana.  The result was 18 puranas and 18 upa purana.  The Eighteen Puranas are: Brahma Puranam, Vishnu Puranam, Shiva Puranam, Srimad Bagavatha Puranam, Bavishya Puranam, Naradha Puranam, Markandeya Puranam, Agni Puranam, Brahma Vaivarta Puranam, Linga puranam, Padma Puranam, Varaha Puranam, Skanda Puranam, Vamana Puranam, Kumara Puranam, Matsya Puranam, Vayu Puranam and Garuda Puranam.

The eighteen Upa Puranams are: Sanatkumara, Narasimha, Skanda, Shiva Dharma, Durvasa, Naradha, Kapila, Manu, Ushana, Brahmanda, Varuna, Kalika, Maheswara, Samba, Saura, Parashara, Mareecha and Barghava.

Features of each puranam and number of slokas in  them are:  Brahma Puranam - 10,000 verses, Padma Puranam 55,000 verses, Vishnu Puranam 23,000 verses, Vayu Puranam 24,000 verses, Bagavatha puranam 18,000 verses, Naradha Puranam 25,000 verses, Markandeya Puranam 9,000 verses, Agni Puranam 16,000 verses, Bavishya puranam 14,500 verses, Brahma Vaivarta Puranam 18,000 verses, Linga puranam 11,000 verses, varaha Puranam 24,000 verses, Skanda Puranam 81, 100 verses, Vamana Puranam 10,000 verses, koorma Puranam 17,000 verses, Mastya Puranam 14,000 verses, Garuda Puranam 18,000 verses, and Brahmanda Puranam 12,200 verses.

Swathika Puranas describes the story related to Lord Vishnu, Rajass Puranas describes about  Lord Brahma and  Tamas Puranas describes  Agni and Rudra.



The significance of Prabhasa Kshetram and Prabhasa Theertham  - Somnath Lingam and different name of it - Sidheshwar Linga - Chandra's creation of Linga with the help of Vishwakarama at Prabhasa Kshetram.


The significance of getting one's head tonsured : Lord Shiva explains to Goddess Parvathy about the importance of getting head tonsured by men while visiting the holy places.  A man should tonsure his head  whenever he undertakes visits to  holy places.  The tonsure of head removes all the sins which is contained in the hair.   A devotee should remove his hair at Soma Theertham and immerse them in Padma Theertham near Somnath. It has the power to purify all the sins he had committed in his life.  There are five crores of Shiva Lingams submerged in the ocean near Somnath.


The emergence of Saraswathy river in Prabhasa Kshetram -


Significance of Prabhasa Kshetram, The Abode of Gods and Goddesses: place of Lord Siddheshwar Temple, Kapileshwar Temple (the lingam installed by Kapila - one of the avatharam of Lord Vishnu) Gandharveshwar Temple (installed by Gandharva), Vimaleshwar Temple, Dhandeshwar (lingam installed by Kubera).  There temple for Goddesses Sarawathy,  Lakshmi,  and Parvathy - Mangala, Visalakshy and Chatwar temples.


The Sanctity of Dwarakapuri  - Mokshasthal - Gomathi Theertham (Mokshatheertham)


Thus, end the seven Kandams of Skanda  Maha Puranam ends.

Vetrivel Muruganukku Ara Aroara !!

Dhandayuda Panikku Ara Aroara !!

Shoora Samhara Moorthikku Ara Aroara !!

Vetrivel Muruganukku Ara Aroara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!