108 Divyadesams – Thiruvidaventhai / Thiruvidanthai !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!






This is one of 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located in a village called Thiruvidanthai/Thiruvidaventhai situated in Mahabalipuram which is 40 km away from Chennai. This is one of the oldest temples built during the period of 10th to 16th century under the patronage of Pallava Kings, Cholas, Udaiyars and others.  King Raja Raja Choza and King Vijaya Rajendra Choza also made abundance of contributions to this temple.  The place in which the temple situated is also known by the name Nitya Kalyana Puri, Sri Puri and Varaha Puri.


The legend has that Sage Kalava was anxiously prayed to Lord Sriman Narayana to find a suitable bridegroom for his 360 daughters.  The most compassionate Lord answered the prayers of the Sage and married his 360 daughter each day throughout the year.  Lord Narayana appeared as a handsome bridegroom before Sage Kalava and received his honor on daily basis.  He also married his daughter and disappeared into the sanctum.  This practice continued for a whole year, the Rishi couple was very distressed to find their daughters and son-in-laws vanishes in the Sanctum Sanctorum.    Finally at the end of 360th day, Lord gave dharshan to Sage in his remarkable appearance with all the 360 daughters of him merged into an exceptionally conspicuous bride Goddess Akilavalli Nachiyar.  This is the only one divya desam where Lord can be seen in his bridal attaire all through the year and Kalyana Utsavam performed on all days. Thus, Lord Sriman Narayana the presiding deity of this temple known by the name ‘Nitya Kalyana Perumal’. 


Presiding deity – Utsavar -Sri Nitya Kalyana Perumal with his consort Goddess Komala Valli Nachiyar, Moolavar – Adi Varaha Perumal with his consort Goddess Akilavalli Nachiyar/Komala Valli Nachiyar

Mangalasasanam – Thirumangai Alwar, Manavala Mamunigal

Festivals – Panguni Uthram, Vaikundha Ekadashi, Chithirai Brahmostavam, Garuda Sevai in the Tamil month Aani, Aadi, Masi and Thai.

Sannidhis – Sri Andal, Lord Ranganatha, Goddess Ranganayaki and a separate shrine for Komala Valli Nachiyar

Pratyaksham to – Sage Markandeya and King Mahabali

The demon King Mahabali – Grandson of Prahalada lived in Tretha Yuga.  Though he was a demon by birth, he was a righteous King wisely ruled his Kingdom for several years.  His proficiency was known widely, at this point of time the demon Kings Mali, Sumali and Malayavan came forward to meet King Mahabali with a request to lead them in a battle against the deities.  As mentioned earlier, King Mahabali was a virtous ruler scrutinized the situation and found that it was redundant to have a battle with the deities and persuaded Mali, Sumali and Malayavan not to proclaim a war against deities. But the three demons were not prepared to withdraw from their challenge; they entered in a battle with the deities and had to face dreadful failure.  The demons were not ready to accept their failures that easily, they once again approached King Mahabali with a request to fight against the deities.  This time, King Mahabali had no other way to turn down the request of the demons and agreed to enter in a battle with the deities.  The mighty force of demon and deities entered in a ferocious battle.  Finally, the powerful force of demon King Mahabali won over the deities.  Soon King Mahabali was afflicted with the sin of Brahmahathya (Killing Brahmin) and lost his mental and physicall well-being.  He arrived in Varahapuri/Thiruvadanthai and underwent severe penance praying to Lord Vishnu.  The most pleased Lord appeared before him as a Swetha Varaha and blessed him.  Thus, King Mahabali got rid of his Brahmahathya sins and built a temple of Lord Vishnu on this place to worship.  Later this temple came to known as Adi Varaha Kshetram, Varaha Puri and Sripuri.


This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the morning and 3.00PM to 8.00 PM in the evening.


Jai Sriman Narayana !!


63 Nayanmars !! Life of Thirunavukkarasar ( Appar) !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!


Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!





Mevurai Ivvelayil Nidiyachir Virattam Amarnadhapiran Arulal
Pavuralar Senthmizh Chol Valapathika Thodaipadiya Panmayinal
Navukkarasarendrula Kezhinumnin Nannamam Nayapura Manukka
Yendriyavarkkum Viyappura Manachuraiva Nindaiye Oruvaimai Ezhudhadhuvey


Thirunavukkarasar was born to Thiru Pukalanar and Mathiniyar as their second child in a village called Thiruvamoor in Thirumunaipady.  He was named ‘Marulneekiyar’ (one who removes all the ignorance) and his elder sister was Thilakavathiyar.  When Thilakavathiyar attained the age of twelve, she was betrothed to Kalaipahayar – a young military commander in the Pallava army.  Immediately after betrothel, Kalaipahayar was assigned with the duty of warfare and killed at the battlefield.  Afterward Thilakavathiyar remained unmarried and spent rest of her life as a widower.  The unbearable pain and grief impelled young Thilakavathiyar to lead a life of an ascetic.  In a while her father became unwell and passed away; her mother embraced Sati (commit suicide by jumping on funeral pyre) and followed her husband.  The entire catastrophic incidents in the life of young Thilakavathiyar and Marulneekiyar drove them into a miserable state. Thilakavathiyar lived a dejected life and lived for the interest of her younger brother.   She was a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva and engaged in the service of Lord and his devotees.  She immediately took the responsibility of a mother to Marulneekiyar.  Seeing the terrible conditions in the family, Marulneekiyar was utterly confused and decided to leave to Pataliputra and accepted Jainism as his religion.

Eventually, Marulneekiyar was got attracted to the philosophy of Janism and its practices of non-violence.  Soon he joined in the school of Janism and mastered over the principles of Jainism and its practices.  Later, he turned out a brilliant scholar and known as ‘Dharmasenan’ amongst them.


Thilakavathiyar was dejected to know about her brother’s approach and felt deeply distressed about his change in faith, consequently abandoning the age old tradition of Shaivism.  She left her native village and settled in Thiruvadihikai.   She was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, sincerely prayed to Lord Veerattaneshwara (Thiruvadhikai) for her brother and brings him back on the age old tradition of Shaiva Sidhhantha. 

Dharmasenar – Marulneekiyar developed an unceasing pain in his abdomen.  The Jain scholars tried all the remedies to curtail his pain.  But nothing did work for his excruciating pain in the abdomen; on the other hand it turned out bad into worse.  Marulneekiyar realized that his days were numbered, he thought of his affectionate sister.  In the next moment, he secretly left the school of Jain and was on his way to meet his sister. 

Marulneekiyar arrived at Thiruvadhikai, fell at the feet of his sister and wept bitterly.  Immediately, she realized that her prayers were answered.  She wholeheartedly welcomed his brother and comforted him with her sweet words.  She applied holy ashes on his forehead, she instructed him to ingest them and chant the holy hymns ‘Panchakshara Mantra’ of Lord.  Thilakavathiyar took him to the temple of Lord Virattaneshwarar, Marulneekiyar passionately sung praising the glory of Lord. He was lamented over his misdemeanor towards saints and the sacred scriptures of Lord.  He wept resentfully and surrendered to Lord with all hearts.  It was truly miraculous act that as he concluded the song Marulneekiyar’s pain vanished instantly leaving no trace at all and they could listen to a divine voice ‘Marulneekiyar will be known to the world as ‘Thirunavukkarasar’ (Thiru = Sri, Navu = Tongue, Arasar = King) and his glories will remain forever.’  He was truly a King of speech; he sung glorious verses of Lord and visited many holy places all through his life. He and his sister continued their self-less service to Lord and engaged in spreading the glories of Lord Shiva. Thus, Thirunavukkarasar (Later, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar fondly addressed Thirunavukkarasar as ‘Appar’ known to the world at large) became a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva and his faith in Shaivism restored in double fold.

The above incident created a huge chaos amongst the people of Jainism in Pataliputra.   Their inability to cure Dharmasenan’s illness and abandoning the religion created a fret among them.  They worried that people may loose faith in their religion and would be answerable for the reason behind Dharmasenar’s decision to leave Jainism to the public and the King as well.  They plotted against Dharmasenar and proclaimed him as a conspirator.  King Mahendrvarman of Pallava Dynasty ordered to produce Marulneekiyar in his court and the final verdicts were announced.  Marulneekiyar was shoved into a dungeon of furnace. Amazingly, he remained safe and sound and he was in deep meditation in the dungeon for few days.  Jains were not ready to accept their defeat; instead they pronounced that the principle teachings and prayers of Jainism saved him.  Marulneekiyar was poisoned to death, fortunately the poison turned into nectar with the grace of Lord.  King Mahendravaraman ordered mahouts to kill Marulneekiyar with his Royal elephant. But, the elephant obediently circumambulated Marulneekiyar and prostrated before him.  Soon another verdict followed to punish Marulneekiyar, he was tied into a huge rock and decided to immerse into the depth of the sea.  Surprisingly, the huge rock started to float on the sea and Marulneekiyar came into sight singing priaising the glories of Lord.  Finally, the floating stone took Thirunavukkarasar safely to the shoreline of Thiruppapuliyur (Cuddalore).  That was just the beginning Thirunavukkarasar continued his spiritual journey and visited sacred temples of Lord Shiva on his way back to Thiruvadhikai and sung priaising the glories of Lord. 

King Mahendravarman who was a firm believer of Jainism realized the superiority of Shaivism and happened to came across many miraculous events which affirmed the faith in Shaivism.  At last, King Mahendravarman was deepily hurt at his misdemeanor towards the great saint, he approached Thirunavukkarasar and fallen at his feet to forgive.  Thirunavukkarasar affectionately embraced the King and once again his faith in the shaivisam reinstated at the mercy of Appar. Immdiately the King ordered to demolish the schools of Jains and built a magnificent temple of Lord Shiva at Gunapraveecharam, Thiruvadhikai.  The majestic Rajagopuram of this temple bears a resemblance to the chariot of Lord Shiva utilized to behead the demon Tripurasura.

There was a numinous incident occurred to Thirunavukkarasar, he felt impure due to the long association he had with the Jains and their beliefs.  He earnestly prayed to Lord Shiva and got himself untainted with the symbol of Trident and Nandi on his shoulders.  Thirunavukkarasar visited the holy shrine in Chidambaram and sung praising the glories of Lord Nataraja.  During his stay at Chidambaram he met Thiru Gnana Sambandhar at Shiyali (ourskirts of Chidambaram) they flattered each other and set an example for association of two great saints.  They together visited the temple in Shirkazhi Brahmapurishwarar temple and Appar sung praising the Lord Thoniappar in this temple.  They visited the temple of Sapthapurishwarar/Sattanathar at Thirukolakka.  Later, Thirunavukkarasar continued his spiritual journey all alone and arrived at Thiruvaduthurai and sung priaising the Lord with intense austerity, he moved to Sattimutham there he could listen to the divine instruction of Lord instructing him visit Thirunallur Sri Kalyana Sundareshwarar temple.  He passionately sung praising the glory of Lord Kalyana Sundareshwarar in this temple. 

Thirunavukkarasar travelled extensively through the length and breadth of the sacred land to spread the glories of Lord Shiva.  While his visit to Thingallur he met with Saint Apputhi Adigalar a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva.   A miraculous incident brought Apputhi Adigalar’s son back into life.  Thirunavukkarasar had the dharshan of Lord Tyagaraja at Thiruvarur; he was received with utmost reverence by the people of Thruvarur.  He immersed in total bliss and sung praising the glory of Lord Tyagaraja in this temple.  He was extremely remorseful in his whole life for the decision he had made to propagate the Jainism and its principle.  He also praised the glories of Naminandi Adigal who was fervent devotee of Lord Tyagaraja, who was performed the miracle of lightening the lamps with water when he had no means to buy oil in this temple.  Thirunavukkarasar arrived at Thirupukalur and visited the temple of Lord Agnishwarar, there he met Thiru Gnana Sambandhar for the second time and they spent blissful moments at the company of each others. They together continued their spiritual journey and visited sacred temples of Lord Shiva singing and priaisng the glory of Lord at Thiruveelimalai and Thirumaraikkadu – Lord Vedaranyeshwar (Vedaranyam).  During their stay at Thirupukalur there were many saints and holy men were visited them and this place turned out a divine land of Shaivism.  Later, Thirunavukkarasar earnestly prayed to Thiru Gnana Sambandhar to visit the temple of Lord Tyagaraja at Thrivarur.

At the divine command of Lord, Appar continued his journey to Thiruvaimoor leaving behind Sambandhar.  Lord guided Appar throughout his journey and suddenly vanished in one of the temples situated.  In the meantime, Sambandhar came to know about Appar’s departure and decided to follow him.  Sambandhar arrived at the temple there he met Appar; he was meticulously following Lord and solemnly prayed to Lord to give dharshan to Sambandhar.  Lord was pleased at the devotion of His fervent devotee – Appar and gave dharshan to both of them.

Appar resumed his journey to Palayarai there he found the temple of Lord was plundered by Jains and established a place for their worship.  Appar was deeply distressed and underwent severe penance. One night Lord appeared in the dream of the King who was ruled that city and informed him to sanctify the temple and install a Linga for worship of Appar.  At the divine command of Lord, King arrived with his army and shoved the Jains from this place of worship.  He prostrated Appar with utmost reverence and followed the ordinance of Lord.  He consecrated a Linga under the supervision and guidance of Appar.  Appar felt extremely happy at this micraculous event.

During Appar’s visit to Thirupanjali, he was tired of hunger and thirst.  He had to bring a sudden halt to his spiritual journey, at this moment Lord Shiva disguised in the form of a Brahmin and served him with food; He followed Appar upto certain distance and vanished.  Appar realized the mercy of Lord and wept bitterly at the separation of Him.  He resumed his journey to Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram and Kalahasthi singing and priaising the glories of Lord.  At Kalahasthi he passionately sang the glories of Kannappa Nayanar who was a keen servant of Lord.  He visited Banaras/Varanasi and worshipped Lord Vishwanatha.  In the meantime, his desire to visit Kailash grew out of reach.  He expansively walked throughout this sacred land without considering day or night and fearlessly walked through the woodlands without any fright from dangers. Soon, Appar turned out fragile and struggled to move on with his flimsy body.  Lord desired to have Appar should live long singing and praising the glories of Him.  He appeared before him disguised in the form of a saint with matted hair locks, Rudrakshas, marks of Tripundra with Holy ashes all over the body.  He advised Appar to change his mind from unyielding desire to visit Kailash.  But Appar was too firm to pull out from his decision. Later, Lord followed Appar giving encouragements from time to time. At one instant Appar earnestly prayed to Lord and worried about his failing body.  Lord instructed him to take bath in a holy pond created.  Appar followed the divine commands of Lord with the Panchakshara Mantra on his lips.  To his amazement, Appar found himself at Thiruvayyar several miles away from where he had begun his journey to Kailash.  Appar zealously rushed into the sanctum sanctorum there he could envisage Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathy with the deities surrounded.  Appar was danced in an ecstasy singing and prasing the glories of Lord.

Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) remained in Thiruperunthurai and engaged in the service of Lord Athmanatha Swamy.  During this time, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar made a visit to Thirunavukkarasar at Thiruperunthurai.  Appar joined the followers of Sambandhar to receive him, without Sambandhar’s knowledge he silently gave a hand to the people who were carrying his palanquin. When they arrived at Thiruperunthurai, Sambandhar blissfully searched for Appar and found him carrying Sambandhar’s palanquin.   Sambandhar fell at his feet; they embraced each other with lot of affections and shed tears of joy.

Appar made a visit to the Kingdom of Pandya Kings to scrutinize the growth of Shaivism in Madurai.  The Pandya King – Nedunmaran and his queen Mangayakarasi Ammayar along with their minister of assembly Kulachirai Nayanar received Appar with great honor and respect.  Appar stayed in Madurai for sometime and resumed his journey to Rameshwaram.

Appar arrived in Thirupugalur and continued his service (cleaning the temple floors into sparkling) to Lord Agnishwara.  In order to test his devotion, at the will of Lord the temple floor were crammed with the precious gems and ornaments.  All the glitters were worthless for Appar and none could deviate his devotion and self-less attitude of this true Sanyasin. Appar sincerely continued his service of cleaning the floors, picking the gems from the floor and deposited them far out of reach like dirt.   Lord continued to examine Appar’s devotion; on the other hand Appar’s devotion to Lord lingered rock-hard.  Finally, at the ripened age of 81 years Appar attained Samadhi and merged with the Lords of Lord.
                                     
In the Tamil month Chithirai – Sathayam is widely celebrated as Guru Puja day in most of the temples of Lord Shiva in Tamilnadu.


Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!


 Photo courtsey:www.shaivam.org

Bhishma Ashtami on 31st January, 2012

Jai Sriman Narayana !!






Please follow the link to read the glories of Bhishma Ashtami:




http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2011/02/bhishma-ashtami-on-11th-february-2011.html


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Ratha Sapthami on 30th January, 2012 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 

 
 

 

Please follow the link below to read the glories of Ratha Sapthami:

 

 
 

 


 
 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

63 Nayanmars - Life of Thiru Chandesa Nayanar !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 


 
Andar Piran Un Thondar Thamakku  Adhipanaki Anaithu Nam
Unda Kalamum Uduppanavum Choodu Vanum Unakkaka
Chandichanumam Padhan Than Dhom Endran Kavarpor Adamudikuth
Thunda Madicher Chadai Kondrai Malai Vangi Chuttinar


Vichara Srumanar was born to Echcha Thathan in Thirucheynyalur, a famous village in Kumbhakonam known for preservation of Vedas and expansion of Vedic Cultures.  He was born in the lineage of Sage Kashyapa.  As glorious as his inheritance, Vichara Srumanar was mounted with abundance of knowledge in Veda, Sastras and Agamas at a young age.  His parents performed sacred thread ceremony to their child at the age of seven.  Immediately after, he was sent to learn Veda Sastras under the supervision of learned scholars.   Vichara Srumanar himself was a master of all the Knowledge & Wisdom realized the presence of God in every living being.  Soon his fervor towards Lord turned into untainted love. 

 
Once, Vichara Srumanar found a cowherd ill treating a cow and beating heavily.  His heart went out crying for the poor creature.  He could not tolerate this for long, immediately move towards the cowherd and ordered him to stop his mean behavior. His mind went on thinking about the preciousness of the cow as one of the superior creature belongs to the family of Bull – the celestial vehicle of Lord or Lords and an inescapable companion of Lord, which provides five holy substances such as Milk, Curd, Ghee, Butter and Holy Ashes in abundance.  Vichara Srumanar ordered the cowherd to leave the custody of the cattle at once and he took up the work of cowherd wholeheartedly.  

 

Vichara Srumanar took good care of the cattle, he protected them from dangers, he strides them out to lush green places for graze, he affectionately fed them with the grass and finally march them towards cool and shadowy places to relax.   He utilized leisure hours to worship Lord, he raised a platform and erected a Phallus (Linga) out of sand and started to worship Lord.  He utilized the flowers and leaves available on the river banks for worship.  His plain gesture of worshipping Lord with utmost faith and devotion grew into inseparable bond towards Him.

 

Vichara Srumanar took good care of the cattle and in return they provided him with large quantity of milk that he shared equally amongst the owners.  The owners were delighted at the self-less service of Vichara Srumanar, although he found abundance of milk remained idle that he blissfully utilized to perform sacred bath to Lord.  In this way Vichara Srumanar continued his service to cattle and worship of Lord concurrently. 

 

One day, Vichara Srumanar was performing his daily rituals after his everyday practice.  A villager was keenly watching Vichara Srumanar without his notice.   Vichara Srumanar erected a Phallus, offered flowers and performed sacred bath to Lord with the milk and continued in a state of meditation.  The villager was shocked to see the thoughtless act of Vichara Srumanar, he failed to see the devotion in Vichara Srumanar and thought as inconsiderate.  He immediately reported the careless act of Vichara Srumanar and thereby dissipating the milk on the mud.  All the villagers assembled forced Vichara Srumanar’s father to take an immediate action to resolve this serious issue.


 
As usual Vichara Srumanar continued his practice of worship of Lord.  His father eagerly observed the performance of his young boy.  As any other day, he constructed a phallus out of sand, offered flowers and leaves; he poured milk over the Linga and continued to worship.  His father was in a rage spanked him, but Vichara Srumanar did not feel the pain as he was in deep meditation.   It mounted the anger of his father; he pounced on him and knocked down the pots of milk kept for sacred bath of Lord.  It brought Vichara Srumanar wide awake from his meditation; he frantically took a dried wood piece and threw it angrily on his father.  At the will of Lord the wooden piece turned into an axe and severed his father’s leg.  He fell on the ground in a thud and died instantly.  Vichara Srumanar continued his meditation in a state of bliss.

 

The Lord of Lords delighted at the devotion of the young child appeared before him with his consort, accompanied by the sages chanting Vedic hymns, singing and praising the glories of Lord.  Vichara Srumanar hurriedly rose from the seat and prostrated the celestial couple.  Lord Shiva affectionately hugged Vichara Srumanar   for his absolute faith and devotion, his unyielding act against his father for the great sin (Shiva Aparadham) he had committed.  Instantaneously, Vichara Srumanar’s appearance turned into immortal with the brilliance of thousand Adityas, resemblance of Lord with three eyes, crescent crown, Axe and bull as celestial vehicle.  Lord proclaimed that Vichara Srumanar will be worshipped as Chandesa Nayanar/Chandeswarar and would be honored with the offerings and Bhog of Lord.  Lord Shiva blessed Chandeswara’s father with Salvation also attained the Abode of Lord Shiva.

 

Lord Chandeshwara is one of the most praised twenty five forms of Lord Shiva.   Most temples of Lord Shiva enshrine Lord Chandikeshwara/Chandeshwara and worshipped along with Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Soma Skandhar & Goddess Parvati.   It is believed that before leaving the temple one should pay obeisance to Lord Chandeshwara and get his blessings to accept any Bhog from the temple.

 

In the Tamil month Thai – Uthiram is widely celebrated as Guru Puja Day to commemorate the above incident.


 
 Jaya Jaya Sankara  Hara Hara Sankara !!

 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

63 Nayanmars - Life of Thiru Kuripputh Nayanar !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!


Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara !!




Theychudaya Malarkamala Chevadiyar Adiyartham
Thoosudaya Thukalmachu Kazhipparpor Thollai Vinai
Achudaya Mala Moondrum Anaiyavarum Perumpiravi
Machuthanai Vidakazhithu Varumnalil Angorunal

Kanchipuram – the capital of Pallva Kingdom also known as Mokshapuri / Mukthisthal. The grandeur of this sacrosanct place was cited in many scriptures.  Goddess Parvati underwent severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband in this sacred land. 

Thirukuripputh Thondar was born in a washer man clan located in Kanchi.  He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.  He found immense pleasure in serving the devotees of Lord, washing their clothes and provides them with clean and crisp clothes.  Lord Shiva was highly pleased at the selfless service of Thirukuripputh Thondar and He was much awaited to test the devotion of Nayanar.

Lord Shiva himself disguised as a poor Brahmin wrapped his frail body into shabby clothes; marvelously smeared marks of holy ashes all over the body and with the garlands of Rudraksha appeared before Thirukuripputh Thondar.   Nayanar was overwhelmed at the sight of the devotee of Lord Shiva.  He received the Brahmin with great honor and pleaded him to accept his service.  The Brahmin discouraged the sincere request of Nayanar with his ascetic remarks; he revealed his inability to tolerate the cold weather without any clothes on his body in the night though his tattered cloth requires a wash desperately.  Nayanar was not willing to accept any of the explanations of the Brahmin.  Nayanar assured the Brahmin that he would provide him with the crisp and clean clothe before sunset.

Thirukuripputh Nayanar with utmost pleasure received the clothes from the Brahmin and washed them hurriedly and dutifully spread the clothes to dry, immediately the rain started to pour down heavily.  It was shocking to see the sudden change of climate; he was hoping for sunshine and anxiously waited for the rest of the hours.  Unfortunately, the rainstorm continued for hours and hours.  Nayanar worried about the promise he had made to the Brahmin, he was deeply concerned about the flimsy physique of the Brahmin who could not bear the chillness without proper clothing.  Finally, Nayanar waveringly rushed out marched towards the huge rock where he used to wash the clothes.  He cried bitterly for his inconsiderate action against the devotee of Lord Shiva.  In a sudden moment, he vehemently banged his head against the rock. The blood started oozing from his head and stretched out on blue the water.   Alas! A sturdy hand with the snakes and golden bangles beautifully tangled as ornament and striking holy ash marks on it stopped Nayanar and the downpour turned into floral drop.  There appeared Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvati on their celestial vehicle, the most compassionate Lord blessed Nayanar with Salvation.

In the Tamil month Thiruvathirai – Swathi is widely celebrated as Guru Puja day to commemorate the above incident. 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!


Photocourtesy: shaivam.org

108 Divyadesams !! Thirukadigai / Khatikachalam Thiru Adikesava Perumal Temple !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !! Jaya Jaya Narasimha !! 



Pandellam Venkadam Paarkadal Vaikuntham


Kondang  Kuraivaarkuk Koyilpol Vandu


Valankilarum Neelsolai Vanpoong Kadikai



Ilangumaran Ran Vinnagar


 




 

Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum Jwalantham Sarvatho Mugham

Narasimaham Beeshanam Badram Mruthyum Mruthyum Namamyaham



 

Khatikachalam – Thirukadigai (Sholingur) is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu situated in Sholingur, Chennai.  This sacred temple of historical importance comprises three shrines two at the hilltop and one at the foot hill.    At the foot hill situated  a   temple for Lord Adikeshava Perumal / Utsavar – Bhaktavalsala Perumal with his consorts Sridevi and Boodevi Nachiyar also enshrines Andal, Varadharaja perumal, Doddacharyar and Alwars.  On the top of the hill (Periya Malai) atop the hill at a height 400ft can be reached after crossing 1305 stone steps from the ground, situated the temple of Lord Yoga Narasimhar with his consort Goddess Amruthavalli Thayar in a separate shrine here.  This temple also enshrines Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar, Sri Chakrathalwar, Kannan, Lord Adishesha, Sri Garudalwar, Sri Nammalwar, Sri Ramanjuar and Saptharishis.  There is another temple for Lord Yoga Anjaneya with Conch and Dice – Yoga Anjaneya Swamy Temple at (Chinna Malai) the height of 200ft can be reached after crossing 550 stone steps from the ground level.  This temple also enshrines Lord Raganatha with Sri Boodevi Nachiyar, Sri Navaneeta Krishnan, Sri Chakrathalwar and Sri Kodhanda Ramar, Goddess Sita & Lakshman.

 

Preisiding deities – Sri Bhakthavalsala Perumal/ Adi Keshava Perumal with his consorts Sridevi & Boodevi Nachiyar, Yoga Narasimhar / Amruthavalli Thayar and Yoga Anjaneyar.

 

 
Mangalasasanam – Thirumangai Alwar and Peyalwar



 
Theertham – Amrutha Theertham, Thakkan Theertham, Pandava Theertham, Hanumantha Theertham, Brahma Theertham, Narasimha Theertham, Srinivasa Theertham, Bhairava Theertham, Thiruvadi Theertham



 
Vimanam – Simha Koshtakruthi Vmanam, Simhagra Vimanam and Hema Koti Vimanam



 
Pratyaksham to – Saptha Rishis, Sage Vishwamitra, Siriya Thiruvadi



 
Festivals – Chithirai Brahmostavam, Avani Pavitrostavam, Markazhi Padi Utsavam, Navaratri, Karthikai, Mukkoti Dwadashi Utsavam, Girivalam on 2nd and 3rd in the Tamil month – Thai.



 
This is one of the oldest temples existing from the date back to 10th century during the regime of Parantaka Chola I and Emperors of Vijayanagara.  There are many legends attached to this temple.  Sage Vishwamitra worshipped Lord Vishnu for Khatikai (one second) and attained the highest of honor of the title ‘Brahma Rishi’.  Saptharishis worshipped Lord Vishnu for seconds desired to visualize  ‘Sri Narasimha Avathar’ ( fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu to protect the life of his devotee – child Prahalada) and Lord appeared before the Saptharishi in the form of Lord Narasimha - half-man and half-lion.  After the completion of Sri Rama Avthar, seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, while Lord Rama prepared to leave his Abode Sri Vaikundham Lord Anjaneya also expressed his deep desire to be with the Lord forever and followed Lord Rama upto the Hills of Khatikachalam.    At the divine instruction of Lord Rama,  Lord Anjaneya was entrusted with the duty of safeguarding the Yagnas performed by Saptharishis from the obstructions of demons.  At last, Anjaneya had to settle on the hills of Khatikachalam and Lord Rama blessed Anjaneya with his Conch and Dice. 


 

Khatikachalam is one of the most sacred shrine capable to ward off all the evils.  This temple situated amidst the herbal medicinal plants in abundance those are capable to cure mental and as well as physical ailments. 



 
This temple remains open from morning 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM in the evening; timings may vary during the time of festival season.



 
Jai Sriman Narayana !! Jaya Jaya Narasimha !!

 
 

Amavasya on 22/23 rd January, 2012 !! Brahma Vaivarta Puranam - City of Orissa - Konark Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!







Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glory of Konark Temple, in the City of Orissa.  This temple is situated on the South of Bharatha Varsha.  The vast land where the temple situated is stretched out on the sea shore known as Ondara or Utkala   (Orissa).  The people who lived in this land were highly religious and learned scholars of Scriptures, Sastras, Puranas and Veda. 

The Konark temple is dedicated to Lord Surya (Adithya or Arka).  The most auspicious hours to worship Lord Surya is at the time of sunrise.    Worship Lord Surya according to the prescribe rules in Sastra brings abundance of virtues and washes of sins committed in one's life.  Moreover, the piousness derived out of it would be capable to eradicate the sins committed in the seven preceding years. 


The Twelve adityas are named as Indra, Dhata, Parjnya, Tvashta, Pusha Aryama, Bagha Vivaswana, Vishnu, Amshumana, Varuna and Mitra. All these tweleve Adityas are equally significant to shower their blessings on the Earth and the living beings to make a place worth for living.  


Indra - destroys the enemies of the deities. 

Dhata - Creates all the living beings. 

Parjnya - Provides enough rain. 

Tvashta - reside in the herbal plants and trees. 

Pusha - support the growth of food grains. 

Aryama - The wind. 

Bhaga - resides in the body of living beings. 

Vivaswana - Dwells in the Fire. 

Vishnu -   The Presevor/Protector.  

Amshumana - The wind 

Varuna - The Water   

Mitra – resides in the Moon and oceans


According to Sastras each month the adithyas keeps change and take their turns. 


Indra - in the month of Ashwin

Dhata – in the month of Karthika

Parjanya – in the month of Shravana

Tvashta - in the month of Phalgun 

Pusha - in the month of Pousha

Aryama - in the month of Vaishakh

Bhaga - in the month of Magha

Vivaswana -  in  the month of Jyeshta

Vishnu -  in the month of Chaitra

Amshumana  - in  the month of Ashada

Varuna -  in  the month of Bhadrapad

Mitra -  in the month of Agrahayana



Brahma Puranam describes the hundred and eight names of Lord Surya.  Some of the holy names of Lord Surya are Savitha,  Adithya, Mihira, Arka, Prabhakara, Martanda, Bhaskara, Bhanu, Chitra Banu, Diwakara, Ravi etc.. 


Jai Sriman Narayana !!