Abhimana Kshetram !! Badrachalam – Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Badrachalam is one of the Abhimana Kshetram (Temples were visited and praised by the revered Rishis and Saints) located on the river banks of Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.

The legend has that Rishi Bhadra , son of Meru was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama.  He underwent severe penance on a hill located here for several thousand years.  Lord Rama was pleased at the devotion of Rishi Bhadra and appeared before him with Goddess Sita and his brother Lakshman, blessed Rishi Bhadra with Salvation.  The hill where Rishi Bhadra performed intense penance was known as Bhadragiri/Bhadrachalam. 

Another legend associated with this temple is that Lord Rama appeared on a dream of Smt.Pokala Sammakka, a zealous devotee of Lord Rama lived in Bhadrireddypalem a mile away from this sacred hill.  Lord revealed his presence as idols in the hills of Bhadragiri.  She meticulously followed the divine instruction of Lord.  She cleared an ant-hill situated in this hill with the several pots waters carried from river Godavari and found the idols of Lord Rama.  The present structure of this temple is situated on the place where the idols were found was the origin of this temple. 

The place where the temple sited is surrounded by the sacred river Godavari was one of the significant places existed dates back to the Great Epic Srimad Ramayana Era.  This hill was known as Dandakaranyam, the place where Lord Rama with his brother Lakshman and Goddess Sita lived in a hermitage during their exile from Kingdom Ayodhya.

Badrachalam temple was built in the year 1674 A.D. by Baktha Ramadas Maharaj/Badrachala Ramadasar/Kancharla Gopanna an ardent devotee of Lord Rama.   Badrachala Ramadas Maharaj was born in the year 1620 to Linganna Murthy and Kamamba in Nelakondapalli Village, Khammamett Taluk in Andhra Pradesh.  His nephew Akkanna was one of the administrative officials in the court of Nawab Abdul Hassan Shah.  Sri Ramadas Maharaj was a zelous devotee of Lord Rama was got appointed as Tahsildar with the influence of his nephew.  He was earnestly performing his duties of collecting revenues from the villagers, with chanting Rama Nama unperturbed and feeding the devotees of Lord.   Sri Ramadas Maharaj happened to visit this hill temple – Badrachalam.  The astonishing and mesmerizing splendor of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshman captivated the entire attention of Sri Ramadas Maharaj.  He urged the villagers to contribute profusely to build a temple for the divine couple.  The fund collected was insufficient to build the proposed structure of this renowned temple.  The villagers requested Ramadas Maharaj to spend the money he collected as revenue for the construction with a promise to repay the money immediately after the harvest.  Sri Ramadas Maharaj spent a huge sum for the construction of this temple with the revenues collected without the knowledge of Nawab.  Sri Ramadas Maharaj continued to face problems in different ways; he found difficulty in installing Sudarsana Chakra on the main shrine.  But the most compassionate Lord appeared in his dream and instructed him to find it in the river Godavari.  Shortly another trouble followed him in the form of his imprisonment for miss management of public fund.  He was jailed in Golkonda fort for 12 years and tortured him in many ways.  During his despondent life in the jail, he composed many sacred verses praising the glories of Lord in his beautiful composition ‘Dasarathi Sathakam’. 

Nawab was astounded at the unparallel devotion of Sri Ramadas Maharaj while he was in the Jail in Golkonda, later Nawab deeply regretted at this and he himself became an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. The shocking revelation was when Lord Rama and his brother Lakshman appeared before the Nawab as Ramoji and Lakshmanoji and paid off all the money utilized for the construction of the temple by Sri Ramadas Maharaj.  The next morning Nawab woke up with a great astonishment that the divine children were none other than Lord Rama and his brother Lakshman.  Subsequently all the money collected from the divine children kept at the feet of Sri Ramadas Maharaj and he was released.  But Sri Ramadas Maharaj graciously accepted two coins from the cluster and it is still with the Devasthanam of Badrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple.

Golkonda ruler continued to provide gold coins and pearls for the maintenance of the temple and on the special occasions like Sri Rama Navami and wedding celebration of the divine couple.  The temple inscriptions on the two pillars reveals the details of Nitya Pujas carried out on this temple on daily basis from ‘Suprabhatha Seva’ till ‘Pavalimpu Seva’.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirukkandiyur - Sri Brahma Shira Kandeeshwarar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shiv Shankar !!

Thirukkandiyur is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva situated on the southern banks of River Cauvery, (confluences of River Vadavar,Vennar, Vettar and Kudamurutti) located in a village called Thirukandiyur in Thanjavur , Tamil Nadu. 

This temple also enshrines Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathy, Shrine for Lord Subramanya.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of self- manifested Linga, also known as one of the Sapthasthanas of Lord Shiva.  The other Sapthasthanas are Thiruppanthuruthi, Thirupazhanam,Thiruvedhikudi, Thillaisthanam and Thiruchotruthurai.

Presiding deity –  Moolavar - Sri Veerattaneshwarar/Brahma Sira Kandeshwarar, Utsavar – Sri Somaskandhar with his consort Goddess Mangala Nayaki/Mangalambikai

Theertham – Kapala Theertham, Daksha Theertham, Brahma Theertham, Pathal Ganga, Nandi Theertham

Sthalavruksham – Vilvam (Bael)

Mangalasasanam – Appar and Sambandhar sung praising the glories of Lord Shiva.  Saint Arunagirinathar also sung praising the glories of Lord Subramanya in this temple.

Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darisanam

Sannidhis – Lord Ganehsa, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswathy, Lord Karthikeya with Goddess Valli and Deivayanai, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Lord Nataraja, Goddess Vishnu Durga, Lord Bhairava, Lord Ardha Nareeshwara and the different images of Lord Ganesha, Lord Chandeshwar, Lingodbhavar, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Bhikshadaneshwar, Lord Surya with his consorts, Pancha Bootha Lingas, Sapthasthana Lingas

The legend has that Lord Shiva plucked one of the five heads of Lord Brahma which represents five elements of the Nature, as a result Lord Shiva was afflicted with Brahmahathi sin.  Due to the curse, Lord Shiva lost his glories, he underwent severe penance and visited temples of Lord Vishnu to get rid of the sin.  Lord Shiva arrived at Karambanur, visited Lord Purushothamar and Goddess Poornavalli Thayar’s Temple. The most compassionate Goddess Poornavalli Thayar served with food to Lord Shiva and the curse was removed partially, thus his persistent hunger was removed.  But Lord Brahma’s skull remains stuck on Lord Shiva’s hand. At the divine instruction of Lord Purushothamar, Lord Shiva arrived in Thirukkandiyur.  Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Kamalanathar and entirely eradicated from the sin of Brahmahathya. 

This temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 11.00 AM in the morning and 4.00PM to 7.00PM in the evenings.

 Jai Shiv Shankar !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

108 Divya Desams !! Thirukkandiyur – Sri Hara Sapa Vimochana Perumal Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Thirukandiyur is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu situated in a village called Thirukkandiyur near Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.  This is also one of the Ashta Veeratta Shiva Sthalam/Trimurthi Kshetram known as Pancha Kamala Kshetram with the presence of significant factors such as Kamalakruthi Vimanam, Kamala Pushkarani, and presiding deities of this temple Lord Kamalanathan and Goddess Kamalavalli.

Presiding deity – Sri Hara Sapa Vimochana Perumal/Kamalanathan/Brighu Nathar with his consort Goddess Kamalavalli Nachiyar

Vimanam – Kamalakruthi Vimanam

Pushkarani - Kamala Pushkarani/Kapalamoksha Pushkarani/Padma Theertham

Mangalasasanam – Thirumangai Alwar

Prathyaksham to – Sage Agasthya

Sannidhis – Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar, Sri Andal, Sri Garuda Alwar, Chakrathalwar, Sri Santhana Gopalan, Sri Navaneetha Krishnan, Sri Vedanta Desikar

The legend has that Lord Shiva plucked the fifth head of Lord Brahma and afflicted with the sin of ‘Brahma Hathya’.  Lord Shiva lost his glories due to the curse and arrived as Sri Bikshadaneshwarar at the Temple of Lord Vishnu - Sri Purushothamar with Goddess Pooranavalli Thayar/ Sri Mahalakshmi located in Thiruchirapalli.  Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi served Sri Bikshadaneshwar with food and removed his relentless hunger. But the sin committed remained the same as a sign, Lord Brahma’s head wedged on his hand forever.   At the divine instruction of Lord Purushothamar, Lord Shiva arrived at Thirukandiyur and prayed to Lord Kamalanathar in this temple.  The most compassionate Lord removed the Brahmahathi sin of Lord Shiva in this sacred place. Thus, the presiding deity of the temple has got his name Hara Sapa Vimochana Perumal.

Contact Person – Sri Rama Battachariar Swamin – 9865302750

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Rama Navami !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Please follow the link below to read the glories of  Sri Rama Navami




http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2011/04/sri-rama-navami-on-12th-april-2011.html

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam!! Achiruppakkam/Achu Irubagam – Sri Atcheeshwarar Temple !! Kanchi

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shiv Shankar !!

This is one of 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located 96 kms away from Chennai situated in Kanchipuram on Chennai-Trichy NH and just 3kms away from Melmaruvathur.

In this temple Lord Atcheeshawarar worshipped in the form of a self manifested Linga.  This temple also enshrines Lord Umaiatcheeshwarar - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their bridal attire, shrine of Lord Srinivas with his consort Alarmel Mangai, Lord Anjaneya and Goddess Ilamkili Ammai.  Sage Agasthiya prayed to Lord Shiva and envishioned him in his bridal attire with Goddess Parvati.

Preisidng deity – Lord Atcheeshwarar/Pakkapureeshwarar and Lord Umai Atcheeshwarar with his consort Goddess Sri Umayambikai/ Sundara Nayaki/Balasukhambal

Sthalavrukasham – Sara Kondrai

Theertham – Deva Theertham, Brahma Theertham, Vishnu Theertham/Shangu Theertham

Mangalasasanam – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar

Prathyaksham to – In this temple Lord Shiva was worshipped by Sage Kanva and Sage Gouthama in Threthayuga.  Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were worshipped in Dwapara Yuga and Sage Agasthiya worshipped in Kaliyuga.  Sage Trinetradhari worhsipped Lord and attained Samadhi here.

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Srinivasa with Goddess Alarmel Mangai Thayar, Lord Nandikeshwara, Goddess Saraswathy, Goddess Lakshmi, 63 Nayanmars (Ustavamurthis) and  stone idols, Lord Somaskandhar, Image of Kannappa Nayanar worshipping Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha with his consorts Siddhi and Buddhi, Sundaramurthy Nayanar with his consorts Paravai Nachiyar and Sangili Nachiyar, Shekkizhar, Lord Natarajar with Goddess Sivakama Sundari, Saint Manikka Vasagar, Karaikkal Ammayar, Lord Kala Bhairava, a separate shrine for Goddess Ilamkili Amman and Umayambikai, Lord Gana Sastha, Sage Trinetradhari in a shrine Sarakondrai Eshwarar,

Festivals – Chithirai Festival and Pournami

This temple mythology is closely associated with the Tripurasura Samharam of Lord Shiva.  The three demons Dharaka, Vidyunmali and Kamalaksha underwent severe penance and attained several boons from Lord Brahma.  Immediately after obtaining extra ordinary boons they started to harass the deities.  All the deities approached Lord Shiva to protect them from the atrocities of the demons.  The most compassionate Lord brought together the Earth, Heaven and deities as a Chariot and led to battlefield.  Instantaneously, the axis of the wheel got broken; it resulted in bringing sudden halt to their journey.  Lord realized the mistake that the initial worship of Lord Ganesha was not performed.  All the deities gathered   worshipped Lord Ganesha and carried out their journey to battlefield.

Another legend has that Pandya King was on his spiritual journey while crossing this sacred land his chariot wheel got broken.  He had to halt his journey, while his men were at work of repairing the wheel, King found a chameleon whizzed on his way.  He followed the chameleon and found it slither under a Sara kondrai tree.  His men were made all efforts to locate the chameleon under the tree; but blood gushed out of the tree and did not find any trace of the chameleon.  On that night Lord appeared in his dream and instructed him to build a temple on its place, where he appeared as a self-manifested Linga.

Pandya King preceeded his spiritual tour entrusting the task of building a temple to Sage Trinetradhari on the place where the self-manifested Linga was found.  When the King came back from his journey, he found there are two shrines one is dedicated to Lord Atcheeshwarar and another one is Lord Umayal Atcheeshwarar positioned here.  King enquired the reason for it; Sage explained that Lord graced him too in the form of a chameleon, King and Sage Trinetradhari mutually agreed to the above arrangements.  

This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 11.00 PM in the morning and 4.00PM to 8.30PM in the evenings.

Jai Shiv Shankar !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

108 Divya Desams !!Thirukoodalur – Sri Jagath Rakshaka Perumal/ Aduthurai Perumal Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Thirukoodalur is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu also known as Sangama Kshetram, situated 25km away from Kumbakonam and 11 kms  from Thiruvaiyaru on the way to Kumbakonam, Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu. 

This is one of the oldest temples of Lord Vishnu; Rani Mangammal recovered the idols and renovated this temple previously had been washed away with the flood water.  As a mark for reverence to the great soul, this temple has the images of Rani Mangammal and her prominent ministers carved on the pillars of the Mandapam.   This is the place where River Cauvery prayed to Lord with her overburdened sins washed off by the devotees.  She prayed to Lord to remove all the impurities caused, she got her relieved from the sins accumulated and regained her glories.   King Ambarisha underwent severe penance here to save himself from the rage of Maharishi Durvasa.

Presiding deity – Moolavar Sri Jagath Rakshaka Perumal/Vayyam Kaatha Perumal Perumal/Uyyavantha Perumal with his consort Goddess Padmasini Thayar/Pushpavalli Thayar

Mangalasasanam -  Thiru Mangaialwar

Pushkararni – Chakkara Theertham/Cauvery River

Vimanam – Suddhasatwa Vimanam

Sthalavruksham – Jackfruit tree

Sannidhis – Sri Varadaraja Perumal, Sri Andal and Alwars

Festivals – Brahmostavam in the month Vaikasi

 
Worshipped by – King Ambareesh, Nandhaga Rishi and the deities worshipped Lord Jagathrashakan in this sacred place.

This temple myth is closely associated with Hiranyaksha Vadham and Amabrisha Charithram.   Sri Boodevi Thayar was abducted by the demon Hiranyanksha and placed her underneath the sea. Lord Brahma had to bring to a sudden halt to his creation and it created a huge chaos among the deities.  All the deities approached Lord Vishnu in this sacred land to save Mother Earth from the clutches of demon Hiranyaksha.   Thus, this place has got its name ‘Thirukoodalur’ (Koodal – meeting, Oor-place).

This temple remains open from 7.30PM to 12.30PM in the morning and 4.30PM to 8.30PM in the evenings.

Contact person – Sri Kasthuri Rangan Swamin – 9659880628

Villikadai Post Office, 6124212

Ayyampet via Tanjore District.

 Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirukachur – Thiru Kachapeshwarar/Thiru Amrutha Tyagarajar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara  Sankara !!

 

Thirukachur Kachapeshwarar/Thiru Marundeeshwarar Temple is one of the 275 Thevara Shiva Sthalam of Lord Shiva located in Chengalpet in Kanchipuram District.  There three temples situated within the precincts of the main shrine Thiru Kachapeshwarar, Thiru Virundheeshwarar/Irandheeshwarar/Virudhitta Ishwarar at the foot of the hill and Thiru Mrundeeshwarar Temple at the hilltop. 

Presiding deity – Moolavar - Thiru Kachapeshwarar/Thiru Marundheeshwarar with his consort Goddess Anjanakshi Amman/Irulneeki Thayar/Sundaravalli Thayar.  Utsavar – Amrutha Tyagarajar

Vimanam – Gajabrushta Vimanam

Theertham – Marundhu Theetham (Herbal tank)

Worshipped by – Ashwini Kumaras, Saint Sundarar, Saint Arunagirinathar

Mangalasasanam – Saint Sundarar sung praising Lord Shiva in this temple.  Saint Arunagirinathar sung priaising the glories of Lord Subramanya here.

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Anjanakshi Thayar, Lord Chandikeshwara with four face, Lord Bhairava

Festivals – Chithirai Brahmostavam and Chitra Pournami on the hill temple of Lord Kachapeshwarar.  Masi Brahmostavam, Girivalam and Padi Puja and Thirukarthikai are celebrated on the temples at the foot hill. 

Sthalvruksham – Banyan tree and Jackfruit tree

Thiru Sundaramurthy Nayanar after visiting Lord Vedagirishwarar at Thirukazhukundram, he preceded to this sacred place before Kanchipuram.  Sundarar and his group of holy men were tired of hunger and thirst when they reached Thirukachur.  They solemnly decided to relax in a temple premise here.  At this point of time, an old Sanyasin appeared before them from nowhere and requested them to stay behind for a while; he advised them that he will be back any time with food for them.  After saying so, the old man left the temple premise with a bowl for alms (Thiruvodu) in his hand.  Sundarar waited with utmost reverence for the old sanyasin.   Shortly, the Sanyasin arrived with enough food on his bowl and served Sundarar and his group of holy men at his heart’s content.   Sooner, they finished their meal and found that the Sanyasin was nowhere to be seen.  Sundarar passionately sung praising the compassion of Lord Irandheeshwarar/Virundheeshwarar in his beautiful verses.  Thus, the Lord has got his name ‘Irandeeshwarar’/Virundheeshwarar (A generous host for his devotees) in this temple; the most compassionate Lord went to receive alms to feed his fervent devotee in this sacred land.

Another legend has that Deities and demons decided to churn the milky ocean in order to attain the elixir of Immortality.  Mount Mandara was used as the center pole and Serpent Vasuki as its rope, the churning of milky ocean was instigated.  Soon Mount Mandara was started to sink and it created an impediment of their task.  Lord Vishnu arrived in this sacred land; he created a tank and prayed to Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva was pleased at the devotion of Lord Vishnu and blessed him triumph in his endeavor as ‘Katchapa’ –Tortoise.  Thus, the presiding deity of this temple was known as Kachapeshwarar.

There is an interesting legend associated with the Marundheeshwarar shrine situated atop the hill.  Lord Indra was afflicted with an illness due to a curse.  Ashwini Kumaras arrived in this sacred land at the divine instruction of Maharishi Narada in search of herbs.  They prayed to Lord Tyagaraja and his consort Goddness Anjanakshi in this land.  The compassionate Lord instructed Ashwini Kumaras the place where the herbs located at the hilltop.  Unfortunately, the whole area was engulfed with the darkness and it created an obstruction in their mission to locate the herbs. Goddess Anjanakshi/Irulneeki Thayar dispensed lights on this hill and removed all the obstacles.  At last, Ashwini Kumars found the herbs Bala and Athibala, consequently Indra was got rid of the curse.   

It is believed that whoever worships Goddess Anjanakshi Thayar in this temple would be cured from the eye related illnesses and Lord Marundeeshwarar would provide good health and prosperity in their life.

This temple remains open from 8.00AM to 11.00PM in the mornings and 4.30PM to 8.00PM in the evenings.

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara!!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

108 Divya Desams !! Thiru Adhanoor – Thiru Andu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Photo courtesy: V.P.Rajesh

Thiru Adhanoor – Bhargava Kshetram is one of 108 divya Desams of Lord Vishnu situated 5.5 kms  away from Swami Malai and 11 kms from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.  This temple is located just 1km away from another Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu, Thirupullam Boothankudi.

Presiding deity – Sri Andu Alakkum Ayan Perumal/ Utsavar – Sri Ranganathar with his consort Goddess Ranganayaki/Kamalasini Thayar/Bhargavi Thayar

Pushkarani – Soorya Pushkarani and Chandra Pushkarani

Worshipped by – Sage Brighu, Agni, Thirumangai Alwar, Lord Indra and Kamadhenu

Prathyaksham to – Thirumangai Alwar, Lord Indra and Kamadhenu

Vimanam – Pranava Vimanam

Mangalasasanam – Thirumangai Alwar

Festivals – Thiruvadipooram, Brahmostavam in the month of Vaikasi and Avani Pavithrostavam

Sannidhis – Lord Agni, Kamadhenu, Sage Brighu, Lord Anjaneya,

This sacred land is closely associated with the mythology of  Samudra Madhan - churning of Milky Ocean. The Deities lost their powers and glories, Lord Indra with all the deities approached Lord Brahma to find a solution for this serious issue.  Lord Brahma advised the deities to pray to the supreme Lord Vishnu.  Lord Vishnu instructed the deities to churn the milky ocean that would provide the nectar of Immortality, an appropriate solution to regain the lost glories of the deities.  Lord Vishnu advised the deities to perform the enormous task with the help of demons.  The demons were agreed to take part in this gigantic task with a specific condition that the deities should share a portion of the elixir of immortality with them.  The conditions were agreed by the deities and demons.  Mount Mandara as a center pole and serpent Vasuki as a rope, the churning of the milky ocean began.   Before long, mount Mandara started tilting and created an impediment to their task.   Lord Vishnu transformed himself into a huge tortoise and protected mount Mandara from sinking.  In short, serpent Vasuki started to spew out the deadly poison which could destroy the entire Universe.  Lord Shiva gracefully consumed the poison and saved the Universe from destruction.  Seeing all these hurdles, Maharishi Narada advised the deities to worship Lord Ganesha who is the prime deity to be worshipped before any venture.  The deities consecrated an idol of Lord Ganesha at Thiruvalanchuzhi and resumed their task.

While churning the milky ocean, many of the precious treasures were come out and it was distributed among the deities.  Finally, Lord Dhanvandhari appeared with the elixir of immortality. Lord Vishnu transformed himself into a beautiful young maiden ‘Mohini’ and distracted the attention of demons, she elegantly walked amongst them and served the nectar of immortality to the deities and reinstated their lost glories. 

Another legend has that Thirumangai Alwar one of the 13 renowned Vaishnavaite Saints visited this sacred land at the instruction of Lord Ranganatha of Sri Rangam.  Thirumangai Alawar had undertaken the task of building huge temple wall of Sri Rangam.  While construction was in progress, Alwar found shortage of fund.  Thirumangai Alwar arrived in Thiru Adanoor at the divine instruction of Lord Ranganatha.   Alwar found a holy man with a measuring bowl, who had godly powers to fill the measuring bowl with the desired objects.  Thirumangai Alwar revealed his inability to pay the wages for the laborers who were engaged in the construction work.  The holy man agreed to pay off the wages for the workers under one condition that he would measure sand with this empty bowl.  The sand would turn into gold for the sincere workers and remain sand for the dishonest.  While Thirumangai Alwar was witnessing the holy man commenced his inexplicable task.  Thirumangai Alwar was fascinated at this mystifying incident and followed the holy man to a certain extent but soon he vanished.  In a little while, Thirumangai Alwar envisioned this holy man as the Supreme Lord with a measuring bowel on his one hand and other was holding pen and palm leaf used for writing purpose.

Contact Person – Sri Sheshadri Battachariyar Swamin -0435  2000503

This temple remains open from 7.30AM to 12.30 PM in the morning and 5.30PM to 8.30PM in the evenings.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

108 Divya Desams !! Thirupullam Boothankudi – Sri Valvil Ramar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Thirupullam Boothankudi – Jatayu Moksha Kshetram is one of the 108 Divya Desams situatated 10km west of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.  This temple is located in village called Pullam Boothankudi which is 3kms from Swamimalai.

Presiding deity – Moolavar - Sri Valvil Ramar in reclining posture Bujanga Sayanam, Utsava Murthy – Lord Rama with Chathurbujam.  Goddess Sri Hemamabujavalli/Potramarai Thayar

Theertham – Jatayu Theertham, Krithura Theertham

Vimanam – Shobhana Vimanam

Mangalasasanam – Thirumangai Alwar

Sthala Vruksham - Punnai tree – a large evergreen tree in the family of Clusiaceae, with  long shiny green leaves.

Sannidhis – Lord Narasimha, Navagraha Parihara Sthal-Mercury,

The legend has that Goddess Sita was abducted by the demon King Ravana consequently Lord Rama was separated from his dearest wife; he desperately started to search for her and arrived in this sacred land.  Ravana on his way to Lanka had an encounter with the King of Birds – Jatayu who was came forward to rescue Goddess Sita.  Unfortunately, the fight between the two ended abruptly, Jatayu’s wings were chopped off. Jatayu could not withstand the fight for long and fallen on the Earth with a thud.  Rama with his younger brother Lakshman was on their mission to rescue Goddess Sita, they arrived on this sacred land and found Jatayu holding his last breath to convey the message to Lord Rama and breathed last, Lord Rama with lots of compassion performed his last rites here.  While performing last rites Lord Rama awfully felt the absence of Goddess Sita.  It is believed that Goddess Sri Bhoodevi appeared on the lotus flower in the temple tank situated here and stood close to Lord Rama, in this way the divine couple performed the last rites for Jatayu.  Hence, Goddess Hemambujavalli Thayar was also known as Potramaraiyal in this temple.  After performing last rites to Jatayu, Lord Rama rested under a Punnai tree – a large evergreen tree in the family of Clusiaceae, with large and long shiny green leaves.

While Lord Rama was exiled from his Kingdom Ayodhya, his father Dasaratha took his last breath due to the unbearable pain of separation from his son.  In order to keep up the promise given to his father, Lord Rama continued to remain in the woodlands; he could not attend or perform the funeral rites of his father.  The episode of Jatayu Moksham is described in Srimad Ramayana as Lord Rama who could not perform the last rites of His father Dasaratha took solace from performing the last rites for Jatayu.   Therefore, this sacred land is known as ‘Pitru Sthalam’, whoever visits this place or pay homage to ancestors would be blessed and relieved from the curses.

Thirumangai Alwar one of the 13 prominent Vaishnavaite saints while passing through this sacred land found a person relaxing under the Punnai tree; Alwar mistook him as a Kshtriya and proceeded without noticing him.  Instantly, he turned back and found Lord Rama in his supreme form with Chathurbujam carrying conch and disc. 

This temple remains open from 7.30AM to 12.30AM in the morning and 4.00PM to 7.30 PM in the evenings.

Contact Person – Sri Gopala Battachariar Swamin – 9443525365

Sri Valvil Ramaswamy Devasthanam Sannidhi St,

Thiru Pullam Boothankudi,

S.O.Swamimalai (Via) -612301.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!