108 Divyadesams !! Thiruputkuzhi – Sri Vijaya Raghava Perumal Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Alangezhu Thadakkaiyan Vayambar Kazhiyumal Yenullam

Mennum Pulangezhu Poruneer Putkuzhi Padum Pothumo

Neermalaikennum Kulam Kezhu Kolli Komalavalli Kodiyidai

Nedumazhai Kanni Ilangu Ezhil Tholikku Yen Ninainthu Irunthai

Ida Venthai Enthai Piraney

Sri Vijaya Raghava Perumal Temple, Thiruputkuzhi is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Maha Vishnu.  This is one of the oldest temples situated 80 km away from Chennai on the Chennai –Bangalore Highway.   This is one of the Thondai Nadu Divya Desams closely related to the great epic Srimad Ramayanam.

 

Presiding deity – Sri Vijaya Raghava Perumal with his consort Sri Maragathavalli Thayar.  Sri Vijaya Raghava Perumal – the moolvar is in sitting posture and facing east.
 

Temple Vimanam – Vijaya Koti Vimanam
 

Theertha Pushkarani – Jayatu Theertham

 

Mangalasasanam – Thirumangai Alwar sung two sacred verses praising the glories of Lord.  Udayavar and Sri Manavala Mamunikal also sung praising the glories of Lord Vijaya Raghava Perumal.

 

                                                                                        

Sannidhis – There is a separate sannidhi for Jatayu – The King of Birds and for Sri Maragathavalli Thayar.

 

Festivals – Sri Rama Navami, float festival, Brahmotsavam in the month of Masi, Pavitrotsavam in the month Avani, Navaratri and Thiru Karthikai Utsavam.

 

In this temple Lord Vijaya Raghavan can be seen on the sitting posture with Jatayu on his lap.  Unlike the other Divya Desams, Goddess Sridevi appears on the left of Lord Rama as he was while performing the last rites for Jatayu the flames that originated made Sridevi Thayar to move from his right to left.  This is one of sacred land where Jatayu attained Salvation. 

In Srimad Ramayanam - Maharishi Valmiki describes ‘Abduction of Goddess Sita Devi’ by the demon King Ravana.  Lord Rama during his exile from his Kingdom Ayodhya arrived in the woodlands with his borther Lakshman followed by Sita Devi in order to keep the promise given to his father - King Dasaratha.  While their stay in a hermitage at Panchavati, Sita Devi was fascinated by a Golden Deer.  Though the Mother of the Universe was well aware of the fact that there is no golden deer existed, she impelled Lord Rama to get the possession of the same.  Lord Rama continued to chase the deer far away woods, later Sita Devi could listens to the cries for help of Lord Rama.  She persuaded Lakshman to save Lord Rama from the dangers.  Lakshman was very confident about the skills of his brother, refused to follow the words of Goddess Sita Devi.  Sita Devi was totally miserable and in a moment she was suspicious about Lakshman’s affection towards her.  Lakshman thoughtfully trying to reveal his intention to safeguard Sita Devi from all the uncertainties and theirby keep up the promise given to his brother.  At last, Lakshman had to leave Goddess Sita alone in the hermitage.  Before leaving, Lakshman drew a line ‘Lakshman Rekha’ and instructed Goddess Sita Devi not to cross the line at any circumstances.  He left Sita Devi alone and walked away heavy heartedly. 

At once, there appeared a saint asking for alms.  Goddess Sita most willingly and respectfully offered alms to the saint.  But the saint refused to receive any alms and instructed her to cross the line and give charity.  Without any hesitation Goddess Sita Devi followed the instructions of the holy man.  Soon, the holy man forcefully took the arms of Sita Devi and exposed his real form.  Thus, Ravana abducted Goddess Sita from her hermitage and carried her in his celestial vehicle ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’ to Lanka.  On their way, the King of Birds – Jatayu appeared on the sky and fought with the mighty warrior Ravana.  Jatayu heartily desired to save Goddess Sita Devi from the clutches of the demon King Ravana.  Unfortunately, Jatayu could not withstand the fight for long time.  Ravana cut down the powerful wings of Jatayu.  Jatayu fell down helplessly on the Earth with a dull sound. 

 

Lord Rama continued his search for his dearest wife all through the forest and reached the place where Jatayu rested.  Jatayu was holding his last breath to inform Lord Rama about the aduction of Sita Devi by the demon King Ravana.  Immediately after informing the wretched state Sita Devi, Jatayu took his last breath.  Lord Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu in Thiruputkuzhi and blessed him with Salvation, therefore this sacred temple also known as ‘Jatayu Mokshasthal’.   Jatayu – The King of Birds belongs to ‘Pul’ (category) and ‘Kuzhi’ means ‘Pit’, that’s how Thiruputkuzhi has got its name.

 

This temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the mornings and 4.00PM to 7.00 PM in the evenings.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!