108 Divya Desams !! Thirukkatkarai Thiru Katkaraiappan Perumal Temple !!




Jai Sriman Narayana !!










Thirukkatkarai is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located in Edappally, Eranamkulam District, Kerala.



Presiding deity – Moolavar Thiru Katkaraiappan/Vamana with his consort Goddess Sri Perumselvanayaki/Sri Vatsalya Nayaki



Mangalasasanam - Nammalvar



Theertham – Kapila Theertham



Vimanam – Pushkala Vimanam



Sthalavruksham – Plantain tree



Prathyaksham to – Sage Kapila



Festivals – Vaikundha Ekadashi, Onam,



Sannidhis – Lord Krishna, Bhagavathi, Lord Ayyappa, Serpent Gods,Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati, Lord Subramanya, Lord Ganesha,



There is an interesting myth associated with this temple.  There was a farmer who had vast land contained Plantain trees.  Unfortunately, all the plants were destroyed without providing any proper yeild.   The planter was distressed at his misfortune and prayed to Lord Katkaraiappan.  With the blessings of the Lord, the planter had good yields from his farm and decided to offer Golden plantain to Lord.   He offered a set of golden bananas as a mark of gratitude and left to have a dip in the pond.  When he returned, found the golden bananas were disappeared and there stood a Yogi.   The people gathered were suspected the Yogi and mistreated for the missing of Golden Plantains.   The deeply dejected Yogi cursed the crowd and left the place.  Shortly after this incident he committed suicide.  His spirit wandered through the entire area causing lot of troubles.  In order to pacify the spirit the villagers constructed a temple and started to worship.  In this way, the entire village got rid of the curse of Yogi.



This is the sacred land where Lord Vamana blessed King Mahabali for his righteousness.  King Mahabali pleaded to Lord Vamana and revealed his desire to visit this sacred land during Onam days.  It is believed that King Mahabali visits this holy land on all Onam days. 




This temple remains open from 5.00AM to 11.00AM in the morning and 5.00PM to 7.30PM in the evenings.


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirukkovilur Thiru Veeratteswarar Temple !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!


Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!







Thirukkovilur /Ashta Veerttanama is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located on the river banks Pennar in Keezhaiyur, Vizhippuram District, Tamil Nadu.  This is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva occupies massive acres of land.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of self-manifested Linga.





Presiding deity – Thiru Veertteswarar/Andhakasuramurthy with his consort Goddess Sri Sivanandavalli Thayar/Periyanayaki



Mangalasasanam – Thirunavukkarasar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Sundarar,





Saint Arunagirinathar sung praising the glories of Lord Subramanya in this temple.



Theertham – Pennaru Theertham





Sthalavruksham – Kondrai





Festivals – Masi Makam, Brahmostavam, Thirukarthikai, Navaratri, Adi, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Skandha Shashti, Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Manickavasagar Guru Puja,





Significance – Lord Ganesha in this temple was worshipped by the famous Tamil poet – Avvayar



The legend has that Sri Sundaramurthy Nayanar and his close associate Sri Cheraman Peruman were heading to Mount Kailash.  On their way they saw Avvayar was worshipping Lord Ganesha in this temple.  They earnestly requested Avvayar to accompany them.  But Avvayar refused to follow them as she was not completed her worship of Lord Ganesha and continued worship of Lord at her heart’s content.  The most compassionate Lord Ganesha gracefully lifted Avvayar with his trunk and deposited her in Mount Kailash before Sundarar and Cheraman Peruman Nayanar’s arrival.





This is the birth place of Thirumeypporul Nayanar and Thiru Narasinga Munaiaraiyar





Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Meyporul Nayanar, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deviyanai, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Narasinga Munaiyaraiyar, Goshtamurtham-Sri Dakshinamurthy, Lingeswarar, Lord Brahma,  Goddess Durga,





The legend has that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during their pastime at Mount Kailash, she playfully closed both the eyes of Lord.  Instantly, the entire Universe doomed into darkness and transformed into a ferocious demon Andhakasura.    Lord Shiva had a fierce battle with the demon Andhakasura, in the meantime thousands of demons were burst out from every drop of his blood fallen on this holy land.  Goddess Parvati collected every drop of blood in a bowl; in this way put an end to thriving of demons on the Earth.  The bloods collected were transformed into 64 Bhairavas at the spell of Lord Shiva.   Thus the presiding deity has got his name ‘Andhakasura Samhara Murthy’ in this sacred land.





This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.30PM to 9.00PM in the evenings.



Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Padmini Ekadashi on 27th August, 2012 !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!












Brahma Vaivartha Puranam describes the glories of Padmini Ekadashi which occurs during the waning period of moon in the extra leap year.  King Yudhishtira requests Lord Krishna to explain the observance of Padmini Ekadashi and its devoutness.





Lord Krishna narrates the procedure and pieties gained by the observance of Padmini Ekadashi which includes eradication of the sins committed in one’s life and liberation from the cycles of Birth and death.  The austerities should start from the day of Dasami (on the previous day).  The worshipper should not indulge in any sensual pleasures or comforts and or consume urud dal, chickpeas, spinach, honey etc… or food cooked by others.  On the day of Ekadashi, the worshipper should have early bath before sunrise, engage in chanting the holy names of Lord and perform the sacred bath to Lord and offerings in the form of flowers, incense sticks, camphor, and ghee lamp along with Bhog to Lord Padmanabha.  The worshipper should not consume food and remain awake in the whole night.  The first nine hours and the remaining hours of keeping awake and chanting the glorious verses of Lord would provide the devoutness of Ashwamedha Yaga and Rajasuya Yagna respectively.  On the Dwadashi day, to complete the vow of Ekadashi the worshipper should feed the Brahmins and provide them with alms.





The most compassionate Lord explained the enchanting story about Padmini Ekadashi, once it was described by Sage Pulastya to Maharishi Narada.





There was a great warrior King Karthaviryarjuna who was ruled the City of Mahishmatipuri.   He defeated the demon King Ravana and imprisoned him.  Sage Pulastya came to know about this incident and requested Karthaviryarjuna to release the zealous devotee of Lord Shiva.  Karthaviryarjuna agreed to the request of his Acharya – Pulastya and released Ravana.  While listening to Sage Pulastya, Maharishi Narada had a doubt raised in his mind about how a mighty warrior like Ravana who won over the deities and Lord Indra,  got into the trap of Karthaviryarjuna.  He enquired Sage Pulastya  and got  it cleared.





In Thretha Yuga there was a righteous King Kritavirya from Kaikeya Dynasty ruled the city of Mahishmatipuri.  King Kritavirya had thousand wives; unfortunately he had no offspring’s to rule after him.  He underwent severe austerities and worshipped forefathers and Acharyas to obtain a virtuous progeny.   Finally he set out to forest to continue the religious austerities.   He gave up all the glitters and while leaving the palace surprisingly he met one of his wives Padmini, daughter of King Harishchandra.   She was astounded to learn that the King leaving the palace; she persuaded him and instantly followed him to forest.  They arrived at Mount Mandara and continued austerities for ten thousand years.





During this period, Padmini happened to meet Anasuya, chaste wife of Rishi Atri.  She explained her heartbreaking stories to Anasuya and requested her to advise how to please Lord Keshava and obtain a virtuous offspring to rule their Kingdom.  Anasuya instructed Padmini to observe Ekadashi known as Padmini which occurs once in every thirty two months.  As instructed, Padmini faithfully observed the vow of Ekadashi.   The most compassionate Lord was pleased at the devotion of Padmini and blessed the couple with a virtuous and valiant son. 




In due course of time, Padmini gave birth to a beautiful boy child and named him Karthaviryarjuna.  Later, he became one of the mighty warrior and heir to the throne of Mahismatipuri.




Lord Krishna continued, whoever observe the Padmini Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion would attain the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana.  And whoever listens to the glories of this Ekadashi would attain abundance of devoutness. 



Jai Sriman Narayana !!

63 Nayanmars !! Life of Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!


Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!



Photo courtesy: shaivam.org



Yendru Matrullor Yeyambavum Yeruchirtha Thondar
Ponthiranchudar Navamani Polintha Minnuruppal
Ondrumarinthu Yennaial Yudayavarkkagum
Sendru Porkazhal Serkkena Thiraiyoduserthar


Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar was born in a fishermen clan located in a village Nunaipadi /Nambiyar Nagar in Nagapattinam.  He was a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva. Though he was born as an outcaste, his unyielding devotion to Lord Shiva raised him to a remarkable position amongst them.  He worshipped Lord Amutheeswara situated in Nambiyar Nagar.



Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar’s source of income was derived out fishing.  He made a practice of leaving the fish that first got into his net as an offering to Lord Shiva.  He repeated this practice for very long time, thus it resulted him to stay hungry for several days.  But Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar was not discouraged; he continued his selfless service to Lord Shiva attentively.  One day Adhipatha Nayanar with his group arrived at the roaring shoreline and began their journey to the deep sea.  Shortly, Adhipatha Nayanar captured a dazzling fish with all the glitters of precious stones.  All his men were jubilant at the sight of the stunning and mystifying kind of creature on Nayanar’s net.  The entire clan was overjoyed at the thought of the precious thing caught on the net and it could provide a luxurious life for all of them. Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar calmly allowed the sparkling fish to slip off from the net as an offering to Lord Shiva.  The fishermen gathered were puzzled at the act of Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar.  Instantly, there appeared Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Sri Parvati blessed Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar and his clan with Salvation.



In the Tamil month Avani – Ayilyam is widely celebrated as Guru Puja Day of Thiru Adhipatha Nayanar, the day Nayanar attained the Abode of Lord Shiva.



 Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!


275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirunelvennai Thiru Vennaiappar Temple !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!





Thirunelvennai is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Vizhippuram District, Tamil Nadu.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of self-manifested Linga.



Presiding deity – Thirunelvennaippar /Sri Swarnaghateswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Neelamalar Kanni Ammai



Mangalasasanam – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar



Sannidhis – Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddess Valli & Deivayanai, Lord Vishnu & Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, Moovar (Appar, Sundarar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar), Lord Nataraja, Navagrahas, Lord Vishwanathar with Goddess Vishalakshy, Lord Bhairava,



Sthalavruksham – Punnai



Theertham – Theertha Kinar



Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Thirukarthikai,



Significance - During Maha Shivaratri day’s sunrise falls directly on the Linga and replicate colors of blue, green, white and red respectively.



Worshipped by – Lord Brahma’s Manasaputra, Sage Adi Sankara Bhagavadpadal



The legend has that Saint Gnana Sambandhar arrived on this land and found the entire area was sunk in the darkness.  He was struggling to find the exact location of the temple, instantaneously Lord instructed Goddess to assist Sambandhar to find the location.  Mother Parvati guided Gnana Sambandhar to this temple affectionately addressing him ‘My dear child’.  As soon as he heard the sweet nectar like voice of Mother Parvatri, Sambandhar was in an ecstasy sung praising the compassionate Goddess Parvati.  In this temple Sambandhar can be seen in his dancing form.



Worship of Swarnakhateswarar with his consort Neelamalar Kanni Ammai would provides prosperity all through the life of the worshipper. In this temple Lord Thirunelvennaiappar can be seen in a dais made of 7,500 Rudrakshas.



This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 9.00AM in the morning and 4.00PM to 8.00PM in the evenings.


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thiru Panangattur Thiru Panangatteeswarar Temple !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!


Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!







Thiru Panangattur/Thiru Panayapuram/Puravar Panangattur is one of the Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Vizhippuram District, Tamil Nadu.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.





Presiding deity – Thiru Panangatteeswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Sathyambikai/Puravammai/Meiambal





Mangalasasanam – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar





Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Surya, Lord Brahma, Thiru Neelakanda Nayanar with his consort, Navagraha, Sapthamatha, Rishabharoodar, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Nalvar, Bikshadanar, Lord Somaskandha, Lord Brahma, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Nataraja, Lingodbhavar, Goddess Durga, Chandikeshwara, Lord Shaneeswara, 63 Nayanmars,





Worshipped by – Lord Surya,





Theertham – Padma Theertham





Festivals – Thirukarthikai, Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam





Sthalavruksham – Palm tree








The legend has that Dakshaprajapathi conducted a grand Yagna inviting all the deities and Sages except Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Sati.    All the deities were received with due respect and honor in the Yagna arena; Lord Surya was also present in the Yagna.  The deities and Sages who were present and received the offerings (Haviss – offerings made in the sacrificial fire) in the Yagna of Dakshaprajapathi were cursed by Lord Shiva for their disrespectful deed.   Aghora Veerabhadra, a fierce of Lord Shiva was manifested from Lord and punished the deities for their sinful act.  Therefore, Lord Surya lost his luster due to the punishment of Aghora Veerabhadra.  In order to get rid from the curse, Lord Surya worshipped Lord Shiva in many sacred lands.  He arrived on this sacred land and underwent severe austerities praying to Lord.    Lord Shiva pleased at the devotion of Lord Surya and blessed him with brightness.  Thiru Panangattur was one of the sacred temples of Lord Shiva worshipped by Lord Surya.





This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM in the morning and 5.00 PM to 7.30 PM in the evenings.




Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!



Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Krishna Jayanti / Janmashtami on 9th August, 2012 !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirumudicharam (Mundeeswaram) Sri Shivalokanathar Temple !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!


Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!







Thirumudicharam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Vizhippuram District, Tamil Nadu.





Presiding deity – Sri Shivalokanathar/Mundeeswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Soundarya Nayaki/Kanarkuzhali Ammai




Mangalasasanam – Thirunavukkarasar





Significance – This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva where the Shivaite Saint Thirunavukkarasar was occupied in the self-less service of Lord.  He sincerely carried out the cleaning of temple premises and its surroundings for several years. 





Sthalavruksham - Vanni





Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Navagrahas, Nalvar, Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Lord Bhairava, Sapthamathar, Goshtamurtham – Sri Dakshinamurthy,





Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Karthikai, Arudra Darisanam, Chithirai Festival, Ani Thirumanjanam, Navartri, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Skandha Shashti, Ayppasi Annabhishekam, Makara Sankranthi, Panguni Uthram,





Theertham – Brahma Theertham, Mundaka Theertham





Worshipped by – Lord Brahma, Lord Indra, Dhindi, Mundi (Ganas of Lord Shiva)



The legend has that in Dwapara Yuga there was a King Chokkalinga arrived on this sacred land for his favorite pastime hunting.  He found a stunning lotus flower in the pond situated here.  King ordered his men to collect the flower from the pond immediately.  Unluckily, King’s men were not succeeded at this task.  So, King Chokkalinga dived into the pond and tried all means to collect the flower.   Surprisingly, the lotus flower started to float around him without giving him a chance to pluck.   King was disturbed at this mystifying incident, he shot an arrow aiming at the Lotus flower.  Instantaneously, the water in the pond turned into red in color.  King was baffled at this frightening sight, moved closer to the flower and found a Linga on it.  Shortly, King Chokkalinga built a temple to worship on its place and sanctified the Linga.





This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 10.00AM in the morning and 5.30PM to 7.30PM in the evenings.




Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!





Jai Sriman Narayana !!