51 Shakthi Sthalam / Shakthi Peedam - Sri Parvatha Vardhini Thayar Temple !!

 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
Jai Ambey Ma !!
 
 
 
 
 
Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple is situated in the island of Rameshwaram is one of the Dwadasha Jyotir Linga Kshetram/Shakthi Peedam as old as the great epic Srimad Ramayanam. The present spectacular structure of this temple were the contributions of the Kings who where lived in 12th 15th and 18th century respectively. During 12th century the King of Ceylon – Parakrama Bahu constructed the sanctum sanctorum and consecrated the Linga - Sri Ramanatha Swamy and Sri Parvatha Vardhini Thayar. During the 15th century the western stone tower of 78ft and the compound wall was built by Udayan Sethupathi and Vaishya of Nagoor. During 16th century Tirumalai Sethupathi built a portion of southern second corridor. As a mark of gratitude, the statues of Tirumalai Sethupathi and his son Sri Raghunatha Sethupathi installed can be found at the entrance of south. During 17th century Dalavai Sethupathi built a portion of main eastern Gopuram. Palliyarai and Mandapam in the Sri Parvatha Vardhini Thayar sannidhi was the contribution of Sri Ravi Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi. During 18th century, Sri Muthuramalinga Sethupathi was built the world famous third Praharam (corridor) which was widely spoken for its grandeur. As a mark of respect to the honorable personality the statues of Muthuramalinga Sethupathi and his two Ministers’ were installed on the western entrance. This is one of the oldest temple sitatued on the massive land of 15 Acres.


Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva on the shores of Rameshwaram after beheading the demon King Ravana and rescued Goddess Sita Devi. Lord Rama arrived at the seashores of Rameshwaram to worship Lord Shiva to get rid of the sin of Brahmahathya. Ravana was born as Brahmin and was killed by Lord Rama at the end of the war. In order to wash off the sin of Brahmahathya Lord Rama arrived in Rameshwaram with Lakshman, Sita Devi followed by his monkey warriors in this island. 







Presiding deity – Sri Ramanatha Swamy with his consort Goddess Parvatha Vardhini Thayar


Sannidhis – A separate Sannidhi for Sri Parvatha Vardhini Thayar also enshrines Shayana Gruha for the divine couple, Thirukalyana Mandapam where Goddess Parvathy’s marriage to Lord Shiva took place, Lord Brahma with Goddess Saraswathy and Lord Vishnu with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi also can be seen. Lord Vishnu performing ‘Kanyaka Dhanam’ offering His sister – Goddess Parvathy’s hand to Lord Shiva in front of the sacrifial fire. ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ – The eight forms of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi also can be seen.

 

A separate Shrine for Sri Anjaneya situated at the East entrance – A self-manifested idol of Lord Anjaneya 8’ft above from the ground level and the remaining 8’ft under the water. It also enshrines Koti Linga, the legend has the Lord Rama instructed Anjaneya to bring Linga for worship before the prescribed time for the rituals. Anjaneya flew to Kailash and brough two Lingas; Kailash Linga and Koti Linga and hurried to the shores of Rameshwaram. Unfortunately Anjaneya arrived at the shore little late and found a linga was already sanctified by Lord Rama which was playfully constructed by Goddess Sita Devi. Anjaneya was flabbergasted and with a great vigor tried to pull out the Linga already consecrated by Lord Rama. But, Anjaneya failed to tow the Linga from the ground. This is the Linga worshipped as Sri Ramanatha Swamy in this temple. Later, Lord Rama amicably settled the issue swith Anjaneya.  

 
Lord Bhairava, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Spatika lingam, Soma Skandhar, Kasi Lingam, Kasi Vishalakshi & Vishwanatha Swamy, Perumal, Santana Ganapathi, Sri Sethumadhava, Saptha Devathas, Lord Nataraja, Kailasha Linga, Goddess Parvatha Vardhini Thayar, Thirukalyana Mandapam, Palliyarai, Ashtalakshmi, Rudraksha Mandapa, Yoga Guru Patajali’ Samadhi, Guru Patajali’s disciple – Sage Vyagrapadha, Lord Vishnu on Adishesha, Nagadevatha, Golden chariot, Celestial vehicles of Lord for village procession & Lord Nandikeshwara.


Rudraksha Mandapam of Master of Yoga – Patanjali Rishi, his disciple Vyagrapada’s idol, Naga Devathas, Lord Vishnu on Adishesha, Akanda Jyoti etc.. can be seen on the third praharam. It is true to the fact that whoever spends a few minutes inside this shrine would attain abundance of optimistic vibes. This Samadhi mandapa of Yoga guru – Patanjali was made of 2, 00,000 Rudrakshas, on the upper part of the Samadhi is embellished with the idol of Lord Nataraja with his consort Goddess Sri Sivakami.

Theertham – There are 22 theerams inside the temple where devotees takes holy dip before entering into the Sanctum Sanctorum of Sri Ramanatha Swamy. Each and every theerthas are equally capable to remove the sins of the devotees and provide salvation. There are 64 sacred water bodies are found in the island of Rameshwaram. According to Skandha Puranam, there are twenty four theerthas that are the most important one must have a holy dip atleast once in their life time. Taking holy dip in this sacred theerthas are treated as highest spiritual deed which is capable to provide abundance of devoutness and treated as equivalent to penance.



Sri Mahalakshmi Theertham - Sri Dharmarajan took sacred bath in this pushkarani and attained abundance of wealth. It is believed that whoever takes holy dip in this theertha would attain all the richness in their life.


Sri Savithri Theertham – Kashyapa got rid of his curse after holy dip in this theertham. Whoever takes holy dip in this theertham would get rid of all the curses.

Sri Gayatri Theertham –

Sri Saraswathy Theertham –

Sri Sethu Madhava Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would attains the blessings of Sri Mahalakshmi and their heart would be purified from all the dirts.

Sri Gandhamadhana Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would attain all the prosperities and get rid of their sins.

Kavatcha Theertham – Kavacham means protection, as its name indicates whoever takes holy dip in the water would be protected from the hellish torture of Lord Yama and attains Heaven.

Gavya Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would be blessed to be under the shelter of Kalpaka Vruksham.

Nala Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would attain the appearance and brilliance of Lord Surya and reaches in the heaven after leaving this world.

Neela Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would attain the pieties of performance of Yagnas and Yagas.

Shanku Theertham – Sage Vatsanabha got rid of his curse

Chakkara Theertham –

Brahmahathi Vimochana Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this theertham would be eradicated from their sins of Bramahathya. The sins involved in killing a Brahmin, consumption of intoxicated drinks, sins from being untruthful and standing false witness etc…many more.

Sooriya Theertham – Whoever takes dip in this holy theertham would attain the ultimate wisdom.

Chandra Theertham - Whoever takes dip in this holy theertham would attain the ultimate wisdom.

Ganga Theertham - Whoever takes dip in this holy theertham would attain the ultimate wisdom and purified.
 
Yamuna Theertham - Whoever takes dip in this holy theertham would attain the ultimate wisdom.
 
Gaya Theertham - Whoever takes dip in this holy theertham would attain the ultimate wisdom.
 
Shiva Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would be freed from Brahmahathi sins.
 
Sandhyamrutha Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would get rid of all the curses.

Sarva Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would get rid of their all illness.

Koti Theertham – Sri Krishna took holy dip in this water and got rid of the sin of Brahmahathya of killing his uncle Kamsa.
 
The theerthas situated out of the temple premises and are extended up to Ramnad/Navapasham are listed below.
 
Vethala Varadha Theertham – It is situated on the south of Chakkara Theertham, Thirupullani and bathing on this holy theertha is capable to get rid of curses.

Chakkara Theertham – It is located on the Lord Dharbhasayana Ramar Temple, Thirupullani.

Villundi Theertham – It is situated near Thankatchi Madam.

Papa Vinasa Theertham – eradicates all the sins and attain moksha

Bhairava Theertham – eradicates Brahmahathya sins

Kapi Theertham – eradicates all the curses

Sita Kundam – It is located near Thakatchi Madam, Lord Indra got rid of Brahmahathya sin

Sarva Mangala Theertham – Whoever take holy dip in this theertham would attain all the prosperities.

Amruthavalli Theertham/Amrutha Vapi – It is situated in Ekantha Ramar Temple; whoever takes holy dip in this theertham would attain Salvation.

Rana Vimochana Theertham – It is situated in Ekantha Ramar Temple, Whoever takes holy dip in this theertham would get relieved from all the pains and debts.

Lakshmana Theertham – Lord Balarama got rid of Brahmahathi Dosha after taking holy dip in this theertham. It is situated on Rameshwaram – Pamban Road.

Rama Theertham – It is situated on the Rameshwaram – Pamban Road, Dharmarajan got rid of the sin after taking holy dip in this theertham.

Sugriva Theertham – It is situated on the way to Gandhamadhana Parvatham, Whoever takes holy dip in this theertham would attain ultimate wisdom and attain Surya Loka.

Angatha Theertham – It is situated on the way to Gandhamadhana Parvatham; whoever takes holy dip in this water would attain the glories of Lord Indra.

Jambhava Theertham – It is situated on the way to Gandhamadhana Parvatham; whoever takes holy dip in the water would attain Longevity of life.

Gandhamadhana Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would attain the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana

Vali Theertham, Gaja Theertham, Kumuda Theertham, Sarada Theertham and Parasurama Theertham

(16 – 20 Theerthas are known as Pancha Pandava Theerthas). These theerthas are capable to fulfil all the desires of a devotee. Dharma Theertham

Bhima Theertham

Arjuna Theertham

Nakula Theertham

Sahadev Theertham

Draupadi Theertham - It is situated near the Sri Bhadrakali Temple. Whoever takes dip in this holy water would attain longevity and peaceful marriage life.

Brahma Theertham - It is situated near the Sri Bhadrakali Temple. Whoever takes holy dip in this water would get rid of their curses.

Hanuman Kund Theertham - It is situated near the Sri Bhadrakali Temple. Whoever takes holy dip in this water would be blessed with offsprings.

Naga Theertham – Whoever takes holy dip in this water would attain Salvation.

Agasthya Theertham

Jadayu Theertham – It is situated on the way to Dhanushkoti. Sage Brighu, Dattathreya, Sage Durvas, Sage Suka attained purity of heart after taking holy dip in this theertham.

Dhanushkoti Theertham – Dhanushkoti is the confluence of Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Whoever takes holy dip in this water would be freed from all the sins including Brahma Hathya.

Deva Theertham – It is situated on the Sri Ramar Sannidhi; the other theerthas are Kajan Theertham and Saravana Theertham. Lord Indra performed Yagna to win over the demons

There are three theerthas situated on the Sri Ramar Sannidhi and they are Kumutha Theertham, Haran Theertham and Panagan Theertham. These Theerthas are capable to eradicate all the sins of the devotees.

Vibhishana Theertham is situated on the Ramar Sannidhi is capable to eradicates all the mental agonies, poverty, illness etc..
 

 
Festivals: Mahashivaratri and procession of deity in Rushabha Vahanam, Mahashivaratri Abishekam and procession of deities in Silver Chariot,  Vasanthostavam in the month of Vaikasi ,  Sri Ramalinga Prathishta on Jyeshta Shukla Shuddha Shashti,  Thirukkalyanam of Sri Parvatha Vardhini Thayar with the procession on Rushabha Vahanam and Silver Chariot in the month of Ashada Bahula Krishnashtami.    Also includes Devi’s penance, Shayana Sevai on the Golden Pallakku and Thirukkalyanam,  Navaratri, Kandha Shashti, Arudra Darisanam.


The legend has that there was a time the Mount Himalaya and its surroundings were under the abstract control of the demons. They harassed the life of deities and sages, they all appealed to Lord Vishnu. As instructed by Lord Vishnu, all the spiritual energies of the deities turned into a flame and as desired by the deities and Sages Goddess Sri Sati was rose from the flame and she was brought up by Daksha Prajapathi. Later, she was married  to Lord Shiva against the will of her father.

 
A Grand Yagna was conducted by Dakshaprajapathi ended in disaster, his own daughter Goddess Sri Sati had to sacrifice her life in the sacrificial fire. This catastrophic incident brought trepidation amongst the deities. Inconsolable Lord Shiva carried the lifeless body of Goddess Sri Sati and wandered on the Earth for several years. The functions of Trinities to protect the Universe were shattered. All the deities were frightened about the terrible consequences and appealed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu’ dice chopped off the lifeless body of Goddess Sri Sati into several parts to diffuse the grief of Lord Shiva and each part fell into the different parts of the Earth. The places where the body parts of Goddess Sri Sati fallen on the Earth were turned into ‘Shakthi Sthal/Shakthi Peedam’.



Jai Ambey Ma !!
 
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!



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