Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Photo courtesy: www.tirumala.org
Thirucherai
is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu also known as Pancha Sara
Kshetram situated 15 kms from Kumbakonam and 3km south of Nachiyar Kovil in the District of Thanjavur,
Tamil Nadu.
This is
one of the oldest temples with a majestic rajagopruam of 120 feet height was built
by Nayak King Azhagiya Manavala Nayakar of Thanjavur. Nayakas were fervent devotee of Lord
Vishnu. The King who was ruled this city
decided to construct a grand temple for Lord Sri Rajagopalaswamy in Mannargudi. He ordered to one of his chief officials
Narasa Boopalan to carry out the work of Sri Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy
temple immediately. Narasa Boopalan was
an ardent devotee of Lord Saranatha, he was enthusiastic to renovate Lord Sri
Saranatha temple in Thirucherai too.
While the work was in progress transporting stones and materials
required for the construction work, some of them were unloaded in Thirucherai
at the instruction of Narasa Boopathi. Suspecting this action, the King carried out
an unexpected visit to this temple. Narasa Boopathi passionately prayed to Lord
and to the utter surprise of the King could visualize Lord Rajagopalaswamy
before him in this sacred place. The
most delighted King allocated abundance of funds for the construction and
renovation of this temple.
Presiding
deity – Moolavar - Sri Saranatha Perumal
with his consorts Goddess Sri Sridevi, Sri Boodevi , Sri Neeladevi Nachiyar ,
Sri Mahalakshmi and Goddess Sri Saranayaki Thayar
Pushkarani
– Sara Pushkarani
Vimanam
– Sara Vimanam
Worshipped
by – Sage Brighu, Saunaka, Maharishi Vyasa, Sage Markandeya, River Cauvery
Sannidhis
– Lord Ganesha, Lord Anjaneya, Sri Rajagopala Swamy with his consorts Sri
Rukmini and Sathyabhama, Lord Balaji, Lord Rama with Lakshman and Goddess Sita,
Lord Yoga Narasimha, Sri Manavala Munigal, Sage Markandeya, Sri Santhana
Gopalan, Alwars, Sri Cauvery Thayar,
Pratyaksham
to – River Cauvery and Sage Markandeya
Mangalasasanam
– Thirumangai Alwar
Festivals
– Thaipoosam Ratholsavam
The
legend has that Lord Brahma was instructed by Lord Sriman Narayana to preserve
the chronicles of creation and Veda before the entire world get cleaned out in
deluge. At the instruction of Lord
Vishnu, Lord Brahma started to create a unique pot, but he was not succeeded at
his task. Finally, Lord Brahma
helplessly approached Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma was advised to collect sands
from this sacred land and craft a pot. Thus,
Lord Brahma crated a pot with this mystic sand and preserved Vedas and tools of
creation.
Another
legend has that River Ganga and River Cauvery had a heated argument about their
supremacy. River Ganga was very certain
about that she is the superior amongst all the rivers. River Ganga was originated from the feet of
Lord Sriman Narayana and was carried by Lord Shiva on his head. River Ganga and River Cauvery approached Lord
Brahma to get their disagreement sorted out.
Lord Brahma pronounced that River Ganga is the superior amongst all the
rivers. River Cauvery was deeply disappointed
at this, Lord Brahma instructed her to undergo penance praying to Lord Vishnu
in this sacred land to get her status equal to River Ganga. River Cauvery underwent severe penance
praying to Lord Vishnu in Thirucherai.
Lord was pleased at the devotion of River Cauvery and blessed her with
equal status to River Ganga and affirmed her as one of the sacred rivers. River Cauvery earnestly prayed to Lord to
remain in this sacred land forever with the appearance as Lord Saranatha.
Contact
Person – Sri Ramudu Bhattar Swamin – 9444104374/0435 – 2468078
2/3
North Street, Thirucherai,
Kumbakonam,
Tanjore – 612605.
This
temple remains open from 7.00AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.00PM to 7.00PM
in the evenings.
Jai Sriman Narayana!!
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