You are here: SriPedia - SriRangaSri - Archives - Jan 2002

SriRangaSri List Archive: Message 00188 Jan 2002

 
Jan 2002 Indexes ( Date | Thread | Author )
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next]


srImathE rAmAnujAya namaha
srImadh varavara munayE namaha


Harey Krishna,

Adiyen had made a trip to malai nadu divya desams
recently along with my wife and 2 kids with the info
avialble in the books and the guidance ..I am in
reciept of bhagavathas asking about the details if
travelling alone by bus train .etc ..My wife had made
a script in a form of diary which was typed in word
which I am furnishing to the best . Kindly forgive me
If there are any mistakes and anything which was over
looked .

Dasan
Varadhan

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA
SRIMAN NARAYANAYA CHARANAU SARANAM PRAPATHYE
SRIMATHEY NARAYANAYA NAMAH
OM SRI ALARMEL MANGAI NAYIKA SAMETHA SRI SRINIVASA 
PARABRAHMANE NAMAH
SRIMATHEY RAMANUJAYA NAMAH
SRIMAD MUDALIAANDAN THIRUVADIGALEY SARANAM

Prostrating at the feet of Lord Srinivasa and our
Acharya, I wish to share our experience with
Bhagavathas. I humbly request one and all to forgive
this sinner who does not even have the eligibility to
write about Divya Desams. May the Lord of Seven Hills
shower His blessings on us and may Lord Hayagriva
bestow the knowledge on me to write about the divya
desams. I humbly request the reader to point out
adiyen?s mistakes and correct me .

With the blessings of Divya Dampadhigal, Acharyar and
parents, we decided to visit all Malai Naadu Divya
Desams. With the grace of Perumal , we could visit
all the 13 Malai Naadu Divya Desams and had darshan of
NAVA GARUDA SEVAI AT TIRUNELVELI. After visiting all
these divya desams, we proceeded to Tirumala, the Holy
Abode of Vatsalya Swarroopa Perumal- KALIYUGA
VAIKUNTAM .As usual, we ended our trip at Tirumala.

CIRCULAR TICKET NO. : 283380
TICKETS BOOKED:
PNR NO. DT.OF JOUR      FROM    TO      TRAIN NAME      COACH/BERTH     DEP
TIME
121-4876319     23/05/01        SEC.    ERNAKULAM       SABARI EXP
S8-65,66,68     12.00
431-1184594     31/05/01        TIRUNELVEL      CHENNAI NELLAI EXP
W/L26,27,28     19.00
131-4526272     04/06/01        TIRUPATI        SEC     NARAYANADRI
S9-41,42,44     18.30

SCHEDULE OF TEMPLES VISITED:

24/05/01 : GURUVAYOOR, THIRUVITHUVACODE
?NIGHT STAY AT GURUVAYOOR 
25/05/01 : GURUVAYOOR,THIRUNAAVAI ,-NIGHT
STAY AT ERNAKULAM
26/05/01 :THIRUMOOZHIKALAM,
THIRUKAATKARAI-NIGHT STAY AT CHENGANOOR
27/05/01 : THIRUVAARANVILAI, THIRUVANVANDOOR,
THIRUKODITHANAM, 
THIRUVALLAVAZH ? NIGHT STAY
AT CHENGANOOR
28/05/01 : THIRUPULIYUR, THIRUCHENKUNDROOR,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-NIGHT 
STAY AT NAGERCOIL
29/05/01 : THIRUVANPARISAARAM, THIRUVATAARU,
KANYA KUMARI- NIGHT 
STAY AT NAGERCOIL 
30/05/01 ? ALWAR TIRUNAGARI-9 GARUDA SEVAI
31/05/01 : TIRUNELVELI- NIGHT TRAIN TO
CHENNAI
01/06/01 : CHENNAI
02/06/01 LEFT TO TIRUPATI
03/06/01 
04/06/01 ARCHANA SEVA , BOARDED
NARAYANADRI EXP

JAI SRIMAN NARAYANA

DIVYA DESAM 

BASE

THIRUVITHUVACODE ,THIRUNAAVAI 
GURUVAYOOR
THIRUMOOZHIKALAM,THIRUKAATKARAI 
ERNAKULAM
THIRUVARANVILAI (AARANMULA),THIRUVANVANDOOR, }
THIRUKODITHANAM,THIRUVALLAVAZH ,THIRUPULIYUR, }
THIRUCHENKUNDROOR 
CHENGANOOR
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 
TRIVANDRUM
THIRUVANPARISAARAM, THIRUVATAARU 
NAGERCOIL
ALWAR TIRUNAGARI 
TIRUNELVELI 


NO,OF TEMPLES COVERED = 25
MALAI NAADU DIVYA DESAMS = 13
GURUVAYOOR KRISHNAN = 1 
PANDYA NAADU DIVYA DESAM = 9
SRI PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE = 1
TIRUMALA-TIRUPATI = 1 

With the blessings of Almighty and Acharyas, we
boarded Sabari Express at 12 noon from Secunderabad . 
Ranga had come to see us off. The day journey was
very horrible due to the scorching heat. Spent the
whole day in train and on 24th, we reached TRICHUR
also known as THRISSUR at 13.30 hours. Went to bus
stop (5 minute walk) from station. Boarded Guruvayur
bus. Guruvayur is 30 kms away from Trichur. Reached
Guruvayur at 14.45 hours.Checked in at Lakshmi Lodge
at 15.30 hours (Rent Rs.150/-) Had bath etc. and left
the room at 16.30 hours. This marks the beginning of
visiting malai naadu divya desame. THIRUVITHUVACODE
and THIRUNAAVAI can be accessed from Guruvayur. 
Thiruvithuvacode is between Shoranur and Guruvayur and
the nearest town/ station is Pattambi. This temple
lies on the Shoranur-Kallikatai rail route.
Boarded Guruvayoor- Pattambi bus and after 1 hour and
10 minutes drive, got down at Kootupatha stop at 17.45
hours . Hired an auto for Rs.20/- to go to temple and
come back to bus stop. The temple is situated in a
serene atmosphere. At this juncture , I would like to
mention few characteristics which are found in Malai
Naadu divya desams.

1)      There is no separate shrine for thayar except in
THIRUNAAVAI
2)      Perumal is seen in Nindra Thirukkolam in 10 out of
13 temples. (except Thiruvananthapuram and
Thiruvataaru where He is seen in Bhujanga sayana pose
and sitting posture in Thiruvanparisaaram)
3)      Satari is not given
4)      Only chandan paste and some flowers are given to us
5)      Neivedyams are offered only at the stipulated time.
Even if we take some fruits etc., the same would be
offered only at the stipulated time.
6)      Most of the temple close by 11 A.M. and 7 P.M. and
under no circumstance, the temple would be opened once
it is closed.
7)      In all the temples, while offering neivedyam to
Balis the utsavar is taken out in procession with
mela,thaalam and Perumal personally supervises the
offerings made to Balis. These Balis are regarded as
guards. This system is known as SEVELI (for more
details about SEVALI, please refer to Sthalapuranam on
Guruvayur. Only in Thirumoozhikalam, the system of
mela, thaalam is not followed at the time of SEVELI.
8)      Bus is the only infrastructure available. As the
temples are scattered, we cannot hire auto/taxi except
in Chenganoor.
LOCATION 
:Shoranur-Kallikatai route-Can be accessed from
Guruvayoor-Stop Pattambi
DIVYA DESAM :
THIRUVITHUVACODE also known as THIRUVANJHICODE and 

ANJU MOORTHY KOIL
PERUMAL 
UYYAVANDHA PERUMAL-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM-FACING EAST
THAYAR 
VITHUVACODE VALLI/ PADMAPANI NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM CHAKRA
VIMANAM 
THATHWAKANCHANA
PRATHYAKSHAM AMBARISHA RISHI
MANGALASAASANAM KULASEKHARA ALWAR
(Pasuram No. 688-698)

OM SRI PADMAPANI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI UYYAVANDHA
PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

(Pl. note: Alwar compares the relationship of
Paramatma and Jeevatma to the following:
1)      Mother and child (688)
2)      Husband and wife (689)
3)      Raja and praja (690)
4)      Doctor and patient (691)
5)      Sun and lotus(693)
6)      Ship and lone bird (692)
7)      Ocean and river (695)
8)      Dark rain bearing cloud and crops (694)
9)      Wealthy and property (696)
10)     Phalasruti :All jeevatmas will be rewarded by
paramatma (697)

STHALAPURANAM: 
1)      Ambarisha maharaja did severe penance to the Lord
and as desired by the king, the Lord appeared in 4
Forms, Para, Vyuha, Archa and forms. Perumal is thus
seen as Vasudeva, Aniruddha, Pradyumna. 
2)      When Pandavas set on theertha yatra to atone for
the sin committed by killing their relatives during
Mahabharatha war, they visited this place. Hearing
about the holiness of this place, they stayed here and
worshipped Perumal in all the 4 forms. Each idol was
worshipped by Yudhistira, one by Bhima, one by Arjuna
and one by Nakula and Sahadeva. 
3)      Story of Siva Linga in the temple : A brahmin who
was a staunch Saivite stayed at Kasi and offered
worship to Lord Visweswara. He was forced to leave
Kashi and come to his native place as he heard that
his mother was in her last stages and as he was
reluctant to leave his Ishtadevata, he prayed to Lord
Siva for help. Lord Siva entered into the umbrella
which the brahmin used to have with him always. When
the brahmin reached this place, it was evening. As he
had to perform his evening rites, he left the umbrella
in the temple premises and went to have bath. When he
returned, he found that he could not lift the umbrella
and when he exerted force, the umbrella broke and a
Siva ling emerged out of it. Lord Siva told the 
brahmin that henceforth He would stay there and all
the devotees could worship Him in that place. Hence,
we can find a Siva Linga in the temple premises which
is a Swayambhu.

Took 3 snaps , one near the theertham, one near the
entrance and one near the shrine worshipped by Nakula
and Sahadeva. Performed archana in the temple. It
may be noted that in Malai naadu divya desams, the
archanas are performed silently. WE were given
chandan and flowers. We collected chandanam from all
the divya desams and gave a part of it to our Raman
Swamy who used it for his father?s sadabhishekam. 
Left temple at 6.15 P.M. Returned to the bus stop in
the same auto. Had cool drinks etc. and boarded
Guruvayur bus at 18.45 hours. Reached Guruvayur
At 8.00 P.M. Went to temple directly. Had to wait
for nearly one hour in the queue to have darshan of
the Lord as neivedyam was going on. We can find many
elephants in the temple premises. I would like to
brief about Guruvayur.

STHALA PURANAM : GURUVAYOOR, the sacred shrine of
Lord Krishna attracts lakhs of devotees every year. 
This is one of the most famous piligrimage centers
like Sri rangam, Tirupati , Puri etc. Like Puri, this
is also not a divya desam but it is an ABHIMANA
STHALAM?. The idol of the Lord Guruvayurappan was
worshipped by Lord Krishna Himself. To set an example
to everyone, Lord Krishna used to perform nitya
thiruvaaradhanai to His own image and preached the
world to perform pooja to their ishta devata. When
Dwapara yugam was coming to an end, Krishna asked
Udhava, one of his greatest devotees to take care of
the vigraham when He left this mortal world. He also
advised Udhava to take the help of Guru in locating a
suitable place for worship. As Dwaraka was to
submerge, the idol had to be removed from that place. 
. As ordered, Guru and Vayu took the idol and after a
long search, they reached the present Guruvayur and
placed the idol for worship. They were guided by
Parasurama in locating a suitable place for worship. 
Lord Parasurama took them to a tank full of lotus
flowers. It may be mentioned here that at that time,
the place was occupied by Lord Shiva and His consort. 
Originally there was a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva, out of his abundant devotion to Perumal
moved from that place to Maamiyur and a temple was
constructed for Perumal by Viswakarma, the divine
architect. As Perumal was brought by Guru and Vayu,
He came to be known as GURUVAYOORAPPAN and the place
came to be known as GURUVAYOOR. The piligrimage to
this holy shrine will be considered to be complete
only after one visits the Maamiyur temple. It was
here that the famous ?NARAYANEEYAM? was composed by
Sri Narayana Bhattar. It may be recalled that Sri
narayana bhattar?s guru was suffering from serious
ailment and Narayaan Bhattar, who could not see the
pitiable condition of his guru took over the ailment. 
The Bhattar who was very kind enough to take over his
guru?s ailments and as he was unable to move, he
requested his co-sishyas to take him to
Guruvayoorappan?s sannidhi. There , sitting in front
of the Lord, he composed Narayaneeyam in which the
Bhattar brings out the essence of Srimad Bhagavatham
and requests the Lord to cure his ailment. There is a
big photograph of Bhattar and we were shown the place
where the NARAYANEEYAM was composed.
The temple is looked after by Nambudri Brahmins. We
can see thousands of devotees thronging into the
temple. The temple is very crowded. We can see
piligrims offering ?THULA BHAARAM? etc. It is
believed that devotee will be blessed with progeny if
he visits this temple. Krishna had promised Udhava
that a true devotee could feel His presence in the
holy idol. This is true because even today we see
many devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled by the
Lord. We could not go very near the garbagriham. The
idol is very very attractive. Had good darshan. It
may be mentioned here that no devotee wearing pants,
chudidhars etc is allowed to enter into the temple. 
Even our children had to remove their pants before
entering this temple. This strict procedure is
followed at Anantha Padmanabha swamy temple also. Had
dinner and came back to room.

A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT THE TEMPLE PROCEEDINGS: The
archakar known as ?MELSANTHI? gets up at 2.30 A.M. in
the morning and having completing morning rites,
enters into the temple and opens the door of
?SRIKOVIL? The garbagriham is called as ?SRIKOVIL? in
Kerala. Devotees have bath in the temple pushkarini
and wait to have Viswaroopa darshan (the first darshan
of the Lord) which is known as NIRMALAYA. Then, the
previous day?s garlands etc.are removed and Lord is
given ?THAILA ABHISHEKAM?. This thailam has lots of
medicinal properties and one?s ailments will get cured
if one consumes a drop of this thailam. But nowadays,
to meet the demand of the devotees, the thailam is
mixed with gingelly oil . After applying thailam, the
priest applies VAKA , a powder on Lord?s thirumeni and
this is dusted off. Then Lord is given abhishekam
with holy water. Then Malar(putted rice, jaggery and
Kadalipazham are offered to Perumal. Then Usha Pooja
is performed . At this time, Perumal is offered
butter,sugar, banana etc. This is the end of first
pooja.

The second pooja starts at sun rise and this is called
as ?ETHIRUTHU POOJA?. When this pooja is performed in
the Srikovil, Ganapathi Homam is performed in the
kitchen and other deities like Ganapathy, Sastha and
Bhagavathi are attended to. Then Siveli (offering to
the Lord?s attendants) is performed. As the Lord is
always taken care of by his attendants, it becomes our
moral responsibility to take care of these attendants
(balipeetams). The utsava vigraham of the Lord is
taken out in procession seated on an elephant and Lord
personally supervises the neivedhyam to the bali
peetams. White neivedyam is offered to the bali
peetams. These bali peetams signify various divine
powers. It may be noted that this procedure is
followed in all Kerala temples. There is a separate
utsava murthi for this purpose and the procession is
taken out with mela, thaalam etc.

After Siveli, abhishekam milk, tender coconut water,
rose water etc. is performed for the Lord. Water is
brought from temple well, filled in 9 golden pots,
duly sanctified. After this, Perumal is adorned with
Chandana Kaapu and dressed like Bala Krishna. This is
the most attractive form of Perumal and people eagerly
wait to have darshan in this form.

Between 8and 9 A.M., the PANTHEERADI POOJA is
performed. This pooja is conducted when the shadow is
12 feet long.This is performed by Tanthri as at this
time, the Melsanthi goes to take rest.

At noon, the UCHCHA POOJA is performed. This is done
elaborately as at this time, the Lord and His
attendants are worshipped and neivedyam is offered. 
One interesting feature in this temple is at the time
when the neivedyam is offered to Perumal in Srikovil,
a brahamin is sumptuously fed in the kitchen. This
Brahmin is considered as Lord?s representative and is
treated well.When this pooja is performed, Astapadi is
sung. After this , the temple closes at 13.00 hours. 


The temple re-opens at 4.30 P.M. As in the morning,
Siveli is performed and Lord is seated on the back of
an elephant. In the evening, DEEPARADHANA is
performed when all the lights are lit in the temple. 
Perumal is worshipped with oil lamps and camphor
flames. At this time, even from a very long distance,
the darshan of Perumal can be had to heart?s content. 
This is one of the spectacular sights not to be
missed. After an hour of Deeparadhana, the ATHAZA
POOJA is performed. At this time, Appam,Ada, beetel
leaves and arecanut are offered to the Lord.This is
followed by the last Siveli of the day. After this,
the temple is fumigated with nine sweet smelling gums
kept on a silver tray. After this, the daily accounts
are loudly read out and submitted to the Lord. It may
be noted that the system of submitting accounts to
Perumal is followed even in Tirumala during morning
hours known as KOLUVA .In Tirumala, the accounts are
read out to Koluva Srinivasar who will be seated on a
chair.

Thus, 12 poojas are performed to Perumal everyday and
having bath in the pushkarini, eating prasadam and
worshipping all the 12 poojas is extremely good for
any individual as it elevates the mind and saves him
from sins.

The major festivals performed in this temple are
Ekadasi, Narayaneeyam day, Vishu, Ashtami Rohini
(Janmaashtami),Chembai Music Festival and Vaisakha.

There are 2 entrances to the temple one on the eastern
side and one on the western side.
There are many lodges in this town and there are
lodges administered by the temple trustees known as
?DEWASWOM LODGES? In case one wants to stay in
DEWASWOM LODGES, the booking for the same must be done
well in advance. The private lodges are bit costly .

JAI SRIMAN NARAYANAYA
GURUVAYOORAPPAN THIRUVADIGALEY SARANAM
25/5/1: Got up at 5.30 A.M. left for temple around
6.45 A.M. Could not have darshan of Lord
Guruvayoorappan due to heavy rush. Purchased Thailam
and payasam. On the way had breakfast (Rs.42/-) . 
Checked out at 8.30 a.m. Boarded Guruvayur-Kuttipuram
bus (fare Rs.30/-) -38 Kms. Reached Kuttipuram at
10.50 A.M. Changed bus to Naavai- 20 minutes drive
(fare Rs.7.50) Reached temple at 11.25 A.M. 
Unfortunately, the temple was closed.. Kept luggages
in a trustee?s house which is very close to the temple
Had chandan prasadam from office and left with a
dejected heart. We were told that the temple would
open only at 4.30 P.M. and as we had to go to
Ernakulam on the same day itself, we could not stay
back. (it takes minimum two and half hours to reach
Trichur from Thirunaavai). Purchased payasam . We
were told by the temple authorities that one day
before Vishu ( in the month of April) and on 10th day
of the festival known as AARATU , abhishekam is
performed both for Perumal and Bhagavathi. It may be
noted that in Kerala temples, there is no separate
shrine for thayar and in all these temples there is a
sannidhi for Bhagavathi. If we ask for Thayar
sannidhi, they will take us to Bhagavathi amman? s
sannidhi. As usual, in this temple ,there is a shrine
for Ganapathy, Bhagavathy and Perumal. Took photos
near the pushkarini and in front of the temple. The
temple is in a dilapidated condition. But a spirit of
holiness pervades in the temple. We tried to have
darshan of Moolavar from outside but could not see the
sannidhi properly as it was dark inside. Outside the
temple, Srimad Bhagavatha parayanam was going on. We
listened to it for some time and left the place at 12
noon with a heavy heart. Boarded bus to Kuttipuram at
12.15 hours. From Kuttipuram, boarded Trichur bus at
12.30 and reached Trichur at 14.30 hours. Had lunch
at station (Rs.60/-). Boarded Venad Express
(Shoranur-Trivandrum daily shuttle service ?twice
daily) at 15.15 hours., For some time, we could not
even get a place to sit. Reached Ernakulam at 5.30
P.M. Checked in at Pamba Tourist Home (fare
Rs.300/-per day)- did a bit of shopping , had dinner
and slept.

THIRU NAAVAI

LOCATION: THIRUNAAVAI is on the Chennai-Kallikottai
rail route and the temple is situated 1 km away from
station. One can also go by bus from Shoranur to
Kuttipuram and in Kuttipuram, one can change bus to
Naavai. Or one can also go by bus from Guruvayur to
Kuttipuram and from there change bus. KUTTIPURAM is
the nearest town to this place.
LOCATION :Chennai-Kallikottai
rail route-can be accessed from Guruvayur-stop
Kuttipuram
MOOLAVAR : NAAVAI MUKUNDAN ALSO
KNOWN AS NARAYANAN-standing ?facing east-
Perumal?s
Thirumeni can be seen only upto knee
THAYAR : MALARMANGAI
NAACHIYAR- sitting posture-closed eyes
THEERTHAM : SENKAMALASARAS (pond
full of lotuses)
RIVER : Bharatpuzha (the
longest river in Kerala) 
VIMANAM : VEDA VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM : Gajendra and nava yogis
UTSAVAM : starts one day before
Vishu
MANGALASASANAM : 1) Nammalwar- No. 2708 to 2718
describing Perumal?s Vyuha manifestation

3227 to 3237 describing Perumal?s
Vibhava avatar

3204 to 3214 describing Perumal
as Antharyami

2623 to 2633 describing Perumal?s
Archa form
2)
Thirumangai Alwar ?2 pasurams ?Nos. 1526,1856

The temple is situated on the southern bank of
Bharatpuzha river. As there are temples dedicated to
Shiva and Brahma on the other side of the river, the
whole area is considered to be as sacred as Kasi and
Rameswaram. Like in Kasi, ashes of the dead are
thrown in the river and shraadhas are performed.





OM SRI MALAR MANGAI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI NAAVAI
MUKUNDA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH


STHALAPURANAM OF THIRUNAAVAI: Let me brief about the
sthalapuranam relating to this place.

1)      Perumal is always known for His Vaatsalya guna . 
Goddess Mahalakshmi and Gajendra used to offer lotus
flowers for worshipping Perumal. As Thayar would
pluck the flowers for aaradhana daily before
Gajendran, the elephant got dejected and approached
Perumal and told that henceforth it had to go
elsewhere to get lotuses for Perumal. As Perumal did
not want his devotee to get dejected, He appeared
before Goddess Mahalakshmi and Gajendran and said that
Thayar could be with Him and accept the offerings made
by Gajendran. Hence, only in this Malai Naadu divya
desam, there is a separate shrine for Thayar.
2)      NAVAYOGIS : There were 9 siddha yogis who would
always be together and offer worship and meditate on
Lord. In due course, 8 yogis attained moksha and the
vigrahams worshipped by them also disappeared and as
a result of this, the ninth yogi got dejected and
stopped offering worship to Perumal. When questioned
by Perumal, he said that he was missing his companions
and Perumal with his maya showed the 8 yogis. The 8
yogis agreed to stay there but said that they would be
invisible to human eyes and the 9th yogi could feel
their presenc.e In due course, the 9th yogi requested
Perumal to make him also invisible. But Perumal
insisted that the vigraham worshipped by the 9th yogi
must be kept there itself and Perumal blessed the 9
yogis saying that they could offer worship to Him at
that place forever. Hence, what we see now is the
vigraham worshipped by the 9th yogi.
3)      PERUMAL?S THIRUMENI: It is a usual practice that
after installing an idol in the temple, the Srikovil
would remain closed for 7 days with the belief that
the devas would offer pooja to the idol. In this
temple, first a vigraham was installed and the
Srikovil was kept closed for 7 days. But when the
doors opened, they were shocked to see the idol
missing. They again brought another idol and the idol
disappeared. This went on for 8 times and on the 9th
time, out of curiosity, when they opened the temple
doors before the scheduled time , they were shocked to
see that the idol had descended into the earth upto
the knee. To prevent further descent of the idol, They
immediately chanted various mantras and saw to it that
the idol did not descend further. It is believed that
when the idol would descend into the earth, Kaliyuga
will come to an end.(Pralaya will take place).
4)      MARKANDEYA : It is a well known story that
Markandeya was destined to die at a very young age. 
When Lord Yama came to take his life, the little boy
ran into this temple and prayed to Perumal to save
him. Perumal appeared before the boy and gave him a
Siva linga for worship and advised the boy to escape
from the backside entrance. He assured that Lord Siva
would take care of him. As soon as Markandeya escaped
from the backside, Perumal placed a big stone and
closed the way permanently and ensured that Yama
could not enter the way. In this way, Perumal saved
Markandeya?s life. To this day, the door behind
Perumal remains closed.
5)      Behind the idol of Perumal, there is a bottomless
pit. A pujari who attempted to find the depth of the
pit by putting his ring which was tied to a long
string lost his ring but could not find the depth of
that pit. It is believed that the 8 idols which were
installed earlier disappeared through this pit only.
6)      By the side of the shrine, there is a small slab
which is not cemented. But it lies as it is though
many centuries have passed by. It is believed that
the slab covers an opening to a tunnel.
7)      There is a shrine for Lord Vigneswara on the south.
8)      MAHAMAGAM: Like in Kumbakonam, this festival used
to be celebrated for 30 days starting on Thai Poosam
and ending on Masi Magam. It is believed that various
holy rivers like Ganges, Yamuna etc. would mingle with
the waters of Bharatpuzha and make it more holier. It
is worth mentioning here that Bharatpuzha is the
longest river and it is treated on par with Ganges in
this state. 

OM SRI MALARMANGAI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI NAAVAI
MUKUNDAN THIRUVADIGALEY SARANAM
JAI SRIMAN NARAYANA

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA

26/5/1 : TEMPLES COVERED : THIRUMOOZHIKALAM AND
THIRUKAATKARAI

THIRUMOOZHIKALAM(LAKSHMANA SWAMY TEMPLE): 

LOCATION : Between Alwaye and Ernakulam ?12
kms from Alwaye and 7 kms from kaladi road (the birth 
place of Adi
Sankaracharya)- near Bharatpuzha river
BASE : Ernakulam as stay facilities
are available
MOOLAVAR : THIRUMOOZHIKALATHAN/APPAN/ SRI
SOOKTHINATHAR-standing facing east-
2 arms broken and a
fractured leg
THAYAR : MADHURAVENI THAYAR
THEERTHAM : Perunkulam, Sanga Theertham,(Bharata
had bath), Chitraaru (Lakshmana had holy dip )
VIMANAM : Soundariya Vimanam
PRATHYAKSHAM : Haritha Maharishi (Sage Viswamitra?s
son)
MANGALASAASANAM: Nammalwar (Pasuram Nos.3623 to 3633
Thirumangai
Alwar (Pasuram Nosl 1553,2061,2674)
UTSAVAM : April-Sravanam

OM SRI MADHURAVENI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI SOOKTHINATHA
PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

STHALAPURANAM IN BRIEF:

1)      In Kerala, the Vishnu idols are treated as idols of
Rama or his brothers or Krishna. Even though Vishnu
icons are seen with 4 arms with conch, chakra, gada
and lotus and not with bow and arrow, they still treat
is as Rama. We may find that all the Mali Naadu divya
desams have sthalapuram connected with Ramavatar/
Krishnaavataar/ Pandavas. This temple is related to
the episode in Ramayanam wherein Lakshmana suspects
the integrity of Bharata when Bharata comes to
Chitrakootam. During Rama rajyam, it is well known
that Rama and his brothers used to go incognito to
find out the people?s problems. Once Lakshmana had
come down south to find out about the welfare of the
citizens and he arrived at Haritha Maharishi?s
hermitage. When Lakshmana asked about any
shortcomings, Haritha Maharishi advised him to first
realize his mistake and atone for his sin(The rishi
was referring to Lakshmana?s suspicion about Bharata).
Lakshmana stayed in that place and was regretting for
his sin. After few days, Bharata came to the same
place and Lakshmana fell at the feet of Bharata and
asked for forgiveness.. Lakshmana and Bharata
exchanged sweet words . Hence, this place came to be
known as THIRUMOZHIKALAM.
2)      Haritha Maharishi laid down the principles of
Varanasrama dharma, basic tenets of Thiru mantram, Sri
sookthi and yoga and these were duly approved by
Perumal Himself. Hence, Perumal came to be known as
SRI SOOKTHINATHAR. It is said that Perumal used to
act like a father and explained the meaning of the
mantra and initiated people . Hence, Perumal here is
known as Appan.
3)      As mentioned earlier, 2 arms are broken and a leg
is fractured due to the massacre of Tippu Sultan. A
silver angi was made to cover the body of Perumal. 
But the next day itself , a thief came and removed
the angi but left it near the compound wall. It may be
mentioned here that Keralites believe in Astrology
and when the astrological readings were made to find
out the cause of theft, they understood that Perumal
was not interested in angi. From that time onwards,
the angi is just kept aside without adorning Perumal.
4)      In this temple, there are 2 shrines (one on the
left side and one in the middle of the temple yard)
dedicated to Lord Rama along with Sita Devi and
Lakshmana and a shrine dedicated to Gosala Krishna
respectively. Though the icons are not there in these
2 sannidhis, people believe that the vigrahams were
there earlier and even today neivedhyam is offered to
these vigrahams. We can only see the name boards in
front of these sannidhis.
5)      Like many malai naadu temples, even in this temple
there is a shrine for Ganapathy.
6)      With the intention of installing a diety named
?VETTAKORUMAGAN? from Padamuttam, the temple
authorities constructed a shrine but as the
astrological readings predicted that the idol was
unwilling to shift from Padamuttam, the consecration
ceremony did not take place. 

Hence, we can find that there are in total 3 shrines
without any vigraham .




THIRUKATKARAI :

LOCATION : Between Alwaye and Trichur ?9
miles from Irunalakodi station
BASE : Ernakulam as stay
facilities are available
MOOLAVAR : KATKARAI APPAN-Nindra
Thriukolam-standing-facing east-
THAYAR : VATSALYAVALLI / PERUNSELVA
THEERTHAM : Kapila Theertham
VIMANAM : Pushkala Vimanam
PRATHYAKSHAM : Kapila Maharishi 
MANGALASAASANAM: Nammalwar (10 Pasurams ) Nos.
3612-3622
UTSAVAM : Kodietram-10 days preceding Onam
and Aaratu (concluding day) on Onam day

OM SRI VATSALYAVALLI NAYIKA SAMETHA SRI KATKARAIAPPA
PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

STHALAPURANAM IN BRIEF:
1)Thirukarkarai is known as ?VAMANA KSHETRAM?- It
means the Holy place where Lord placed His foot. The
story is closely linked with the story of Mahabali and
Perumal?s Trivikrama avataaram . THIRUKAATKARAI is
Vaamana kshetram. It was here that Bali was
performing yaga and the story that Perumal came as a
small boy (vamanan) is too well known to bear
repetition. A brief mention about the temples
connected with Thiruvikrama episode, the temples
connected are as follows:

DESCRIPTION 

TEMPLE
Perumal comes in the form of Vaamanan and asks for 3
feet of land THIRUKAATKARAI (Malai Naadu)

Perumal measures the universe with His first foot 
SIRKAZHI TEMPLE (Chola
Nadu)

Perumal measures the heavens with His second foot 
THIRUKOVALUR (Nadu Naadu)

Perumal places the 3rd foot on Bali 
ULAGALANDHA
PERUMAL 


TEMPLE At KANCHI (Thondai Naadu)

2) Kapila maharishi did penance here and Perumal
pleased with the rishi?s penance appeared before the
rishi. At the behest of the rishi, Perumal decided to
stay in this place.

3) Story relating to Nendram pazham (a type of
banana) : A farmer prayed to Perumal that he would
present Perumal with a bunch of golden bananas if his
plantation yielded fruits. Accordingly, Perumal
blessed the land and there was a heavy yield of
Kadalipazham. Because the netram of Perumal
(Perumal?s glance/His benign grace) fell on the
plantation, it came to be known as ?NENDRANGA
KADALIPAZHAM?. The farmer kept up his promise by
making golden bananas and at the behest of the priest
he left the bunch of golden bananas outside the
Srikovil (Garbagriham) and left the place. When the
priest returned after having bath, he was shocked to
see the bunch missing. As only a yogi was present
there, he suspected the yogi and the matter was
reported to the king. People started accusing the
yogi for the theft. Next day, when the pujari
performed Thirumanjanam to the Lord, he observed that
the abshikem water was getting stagnated . This was
because the drain hole was blocked with the golden
bunch of bananas. The pujari realized his mistake and
the king and others along with thepujari approached
the rishi for forgiveness. But the humiliated rishi 
before committing suicide cursed them that they would
lose their wealth and that his curse would end only
after the town lost all its wealth. Accordingly,the
town lost all its riches . The yogi became a brahma
rakshasa due to his untimely death and the people to
protect themselves from the wrath of the brahma
rakshasa constructed a small shrine and offered
prayers to him. Even today, after neivedyam is offered
to Perumal, the same is offered to the brahma
rakshasa. This shrine is just outside Perumal?s
sannidhi.

A BRIEF NOTE ON OUR VISIT TO THESE 2 DIVYA DESAMS:

Got up at 5.30 A.M. Left at 6.30 A.M and boarded bus
to Alwaye (Aaluva) at 6.50 A.M. Reached Alwaye at
7.50 A.M. and from there went to transport bus stand
(fare 3.50) . Boarded Thirumoozhikalam bus at 8 A.M. 
Got down at EDAPALLY stop at 8.30 A.M. The temple is
at walkable distance from bus stop. Performed Archana
. The temple is locally known as LAKSHMANA SWAMY
TEMPLE . If we ask for THIRUMOOZHIKALAM no one will
be able to guide us. Both the arms of the Moolavar
are broken and the vigraham has a fractured leg due to
the massacre of Tippu Sultan., We were told that on
April-Sravanam, utsavam is performed . Had chandana
prasadam etc. From Thirumoozhikalam came back to
Aaluva by bus. Boarded bus to Thirukaatkarai at 9.30
A.M. THIRUKAATKARAI is locally known as THIRUKAKARAI.
Got down at Thirukakarai bus stop. The temple is two
and a half kms away from the bus stop. Hired an auto
for Rs.20/- to go to temple and come back. First, we
went to Siva temple . This lingam is a swayambhu and
is quite big. Bali used to worship this Siva Lingam,
his Ishta Devata . Then, we went to the Divya Desam
temple. The Siva temple is adjacent to Vishnu temple.
When we went, mid-day neivedyam was going on. We
could see SEVELI (For more details about SEVELI , pl.
refer to note onGuruvayurappan). Perumal was adorned
with golden kavacham. Here utsavam is performed for
10 days and ends on Onam day. (It is a coincidence
that I am writing this on ONAM day i.e. 31/8/1). Onam
marks the visit of Bali Chakravathy. It may be
mentioned here that Perumal at the time of placing His
foot on Bali?s head offered him a boon. He blessed
Bali that henceforth Bali would rule Paatala lokam and
once in a year he could visit this place. The day
Bali visits this world is celebrated as Onam. Boarded
Ernakulam bus at 12.30 P.M. Had lunch and relaxed . 
Checked out at 4.30 p.m and boarded Venad Express at
5.30 P.M. to Chenganoor via Kottayam. (two and a half
hours journey). Checked in at Shanti Palace
,Chenganoor in Room No. 204. had dinner and slept.

OM NAMO NARAYANA


Date: 27/05/01: 
TEMPLES VISITED : 1) THIRUVARANVILAI
(AARANMULA),THIRUVANVANDOOR,THIRUVALLAVAZH
AND
THIRUKODITHANAM

THIRUVARANVILAI:

LOCATION : 6 kms from
Chenganoor more popularly known as AARANMULA
MOOLAVAR : THIRUKURULAPPAN/
PARTHASARATHI-nindra thirukkolam-kizhake thirumukha 

mandalam
THAYAR : PADMASINI
NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : PAMPA RIVER
VIMANAM : VAMANA
PRATHYAKSHAM : BRAHMA, VEDAVYASA
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos.
3436-3446
UTSAVAM : Makham
(November)-10 days ?Kodietram on Hastham, Aaratu on
Sravanam
Meenam
(mar-Apr)
Onam 

OM SRI PADMASINI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI
THIRUKURULAPPA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

STHALAPURANAM IN BRIEF: 
1)      Originally the vigraham was in a place known as
NILAKKAL NARAYANAPURAM in the midst of a forest. As
Perumal decided to move on to another place, he
disguised Himself in the form of a young brahmachari
like Vaamanan holding an umbrella and a stick in His
hand. Perumal requested some boatmen to make a barge
(raft) for Him. Looking at the thejus of Bhagawan,
the boatmen conceded His request. In the evening ,
the brahmachari alighted at a place presently known as
IDAYAARAMULA (in between Aaramula) for offering His
evening prayers. Looking at the bright effulgence on
the brahmachari?s face, the local people lighted a
lamp to enable the brahmachari to offer His prayers
and this place is now known as VILAKAKUMUDAM. From
there, the brahmachari proceeded further and reached
the banks of Pampa river. As it was already dark, the
brahmachari decided to stay there. As it was a low
level area, the brahmachari who was Perumal Himself
ordered the rakshasas present there to raise the level
of the ground and construct a temple. The place from
where the mud was dug in order to raise the level of
the temple is known as OOTUKUZHI. The construction of
the temple was completed overnight. From that day
onwards, Perumal stayed in that place. As Perumal
came in a raft made of 6 bamboos (mula), He came to be
known as AARAMULA. In the place where Perumal left
the raft made of bamboos, a thick bamboo grove started
growing
2)      Even today, when utsavam is perfomed for 10 days in
the month of Makham(November), the chief priest goes
to the place where the bamboos grew out of the barge
to bring a bamboo for hoisting temple flag. This
marks the beginning of the utsavam and this system is
followed even today.
3)      The face of the Perumal depicts Perumal?s vaatsalya
gunam towards His devotees. This reminds us of the
incident in Mahabharata when Krishna who had promised
that He would not use any ayudham during the war,
rushed towards Bheeshma holding a chariot?s wheel like
Sudarshana Chakram in order to save Arjuna from
Bheeshma?s shower of arrows. At that time, Bhisma
Pithamaha praised Krishna for His Vaatsalya gunam
towards His devotees and was ready to die in the hands
of Perumal. The thirumukham of the Perumal at
Aaramula depicts this incident.
4)      As stated in the introduction about Malai Naadu
divya desams, the idols here are connected to stories
relating to Ramayanam, Mahabharatham. It is believed
that this vigraham was consecrated by Arjuna and he
used to offer worship to this Perumal in order to gain
mental peace after the great Mahabharata war was 
over. Arjuna felt guilty that he killed Karna when
the latter?s chariot got stuck during the war. Though
Karna had requested him to give time, Arjuna at the
behest of Krishna killed him. Arjuna felt guilty that
he did not concede Karna?s request and killed him
brutally. To attain mental peace, after the
Mahabharata war was over, the repentant Pandava
brothers prayed to Perumal at different places for
praayachittham. Arjuna prayed to Perumal at
Thiruvichikode and at this place. 
5)      There was a Mangad family who used to go celebrate
Onam after feeding sumptuously the Brahmins It
happened that on one particular Onam day, no Brahmin
turned up to take bhiksha. The devote head of the
family prayed to Perumal sincerely to send some
Brahmin so that he could feed the Brahmin on that
festive day. Perumal conceded the request of the
chief and came as a young brahmachari. The
overwhelmed Mangad head fed the brahmachari and
thanked Perumal. That night, Lord appeared in his
dream and asked him to send neivedhyam to Aramula
temple itself from next year onwards. From the next
year, the Mangad family used to take neivedyam to
Aramula temple and celebrate Onam there itself. Once
they got a news that some evil forces were planning to
way lay the provisions. To protect the Mangad family
procession, the neighbouring villagers came in
separate rafts and surrounded the main raft and gave
protection. This slowly turned into a race and the
boat was shaped in the form of a snake. Thus the
world famous snake boat race commenced and this is
carried out even today.
6)      During Meena masam (Mar-April), another utsavam is
performed wherein the Goddess from the neighbouring
village known as Punnamthode is brought to the banks
of Pampa river and Aaratu is performed. At that time,
Perumal comes out on Garuda vahanam and both Perumal
and Ambal are worshipped together. After this ritual,
Ambal leaves for her place.
7)      The Perumal here is treated as Lord Krishna and in
order to commemorate the event of Khandava forest
dahanam, every year during December-january, in front
of the temple, a forest is created and is burnt
marking the dahanam of Khandava forest by Lord
Krishna.
8)      Near the temple there is a church . One day, the
temple elephant named as Balakrishna who could not
tolerate the sound of the church bell, directly went
to the church and removed the bell and deposited the
same in the temple premises. From that day onwards,
there was no bell ringing in the church. It is sad to
note that the elephant is no more but we could see a
big photograph of the elephant in the temple premises.
9)      It is very interesting to note that Lord Ayyappa?s
ornaments are kept here in safe custody and every year
during December (around 25th) the ornaments are taken
to Sabarimala with full temple honours for the Makara
Jyothi event.
10)     There are 4 gopurams and there are 18 steps to
reach the garbagirham. These 18 steps indicate the 18
forces, some say they refer to the Shadchakras in our
body, some compare it to our 5 sense organs, 5
praanas, 5 karmendriyas , mind, intellect and ego. 
11)     The Pampa river is on the northern side of the
gopuram. To reach it, we have to climb down 57 steps.

OUR EXPERIENCE :
Left Chenganoor at 8 A.M. Reached temple at 8.30 A.M. 
Bus facility is available . The temple is a very big
one. It has a golden dwajasthambam . We were told
that Lord Ayyapa?s ornaments which are kept in safe
custody were taken on December 25th,2000 for Makara
Jyothi festival with full procession. WE had to pay
Rs.10/- to take photograph. Came back to Chenganoor
at 9.30 A.M. Had breakfast in Hotel Anu and boarded
Thiruvanvandoor bus at 10.20 A.M. Bus left at 10.35
A.M. Reached temple at 11.15 A.M. Usually, Kerala
temples close by 11 A.M. but due to Perumal?s grace,
the temple was open. (Enroute, we were sincerely
praying to Perumal to grace us by giving His darshan
and Perumal graced us accordingly)


THIRUVANVANDOOR :

LOCATION : 4 kms north of 
Chenganoor 
MOOLAVAR : PAMBANAIAPPAN ALSO
KNOWN AS KAMALANATHAN
THAYAR : KAMALAVALLII
NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : PAMPA RIVER ALSO
KNOWN AS PAPNASA THEERTHAM
VIMANAM : VEDALAYA
PRATHYAKSHAM : MARKANDEYA, NARADA
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos. 3227-
3236)

OM SRI KAMALAVALLI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI PAMBANAIAPPA
PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

STHALAPURANAM:

1)      Nakula stayed here and renovated the temple
2)      ?THIRUVANVANDOOR? means the place where Perumal
(i.e.Thiruvan in Malayalam) resides.
3)      Narada Rishi who was cursed by Brahma that he could
not stay in one place and will keep on roaming as
Thrilokasanchari came to this place and did penance. 
Lord appeared before Narada and blessed him. Narada
prayed to Perumal that he wanted to stay in that place
and write Naradiya Puranam. God conceded his request
and thus Narada contrary to Brahma?s curse stayed here
and wrote the great Naradiya Puranam which contains
25,000 granthas.
4)      Perumal fulfilled Markandeya rishi;s desire to see
the entire world. Perumal allowed Markandeya rishi to
enter into His body and the rishi was able to see the
Universe within the body of Perumal.
5)      The Perumal is known as Pambanaiappan as the Pampa
river encircles the temple. He is also known as
Pambanaiappan because He has the great snake, Adisesha
as His couch.
6)      Previously there was an idol of Gopalakrishna which
was worshipped for years. When a Champakassery Raja
tried to take away the idol from the temple and
install it elsewhere where he had constructed a
temple, a Namboodri priest drowned himself with the
idol. This idol was later discovered in 1963. A
local devotee had a dream wherein it revealed that the
idol of Gopalakrishna was lying buried in an ancient
tank. Accordingly, the local people dug the spot and
found the idol.. This idol was consecrated and a
separate shrine within the temple premises was
constructed. When we went, the idol was adorned with
Chandana Kaapu. We took snaps near this shrine and
the pujari was very kind enough to enlighten us with
this episode and gave us lots of chandanam. 

7)      OUR EXPERIENCE: As mentioned earlier, we reached
the temple at 11.20 A.M. usually Kerala temples close
by 11 A.M. but as a marriage ceremony was going on ,
the temple was still open. The outer vimanam of the
temple depicting Lord seated on Adisesha reminded us
of Thirukapisthalam vimanam. It may be mentioned here
that in Kapisthalam, in the outer vimanam, Gajendra
moksham is beautifully carved and here Lord seated on
Adisesha is beautifully carved. Took a photograph of
hubby and children covering the vimanam. The divya
desa temple is more than 5,000 years old. The idol of
Gopalakrishna which was recently discovered was
consecrated and a separate shrine within the temple
premises was constructed. When we went, the idol was
adorned with Chandana Kaapu. We took snaps near this
shrine and the pujari was very kind enough to
enlighten us and gave us lots of chandanam. The
divya desa Perumal was dressed in white and his upper
cloth (uttareyam) was put on Perumal?s Thirumaarbhu
like Poonal . Perumal is very enchanting and
captivating . Perumal?s Thiruvuruvam is still fresh
in our minds. Left temple at 12 noon. Reached
Chenganoor at 13.00 hours. Had lunch and left for
Thiruvallah at 3.30 P.M. Boarded Thiruvallah bus and
reached Thiruvalla at 4 P.M. Thiruvalla is a well
developed town and hired an auto from bus stop to go
to temple and come back for Rs. 15/-. Bus from
Thiruvalla to the temple is also available but one has
to find out the timings of the bus. Anyway, the
temple is not that far off. When we reached the
temple, it was still closed. We were told that the
temple would open at 16.30 hours and we were advised
by the people there to go to Thirukodithanam first
and come back to Thiruvalla. Accordingly, we went
back to Thiruvallah bus station and boarded KOTTAYAM
bus. Got down at CHENGANACHERRY at 4.45 P.M. Hired
auto for Rs.35/- (to and fro). Reached temple at 4.55
P.M. 




THIRUKODITHANAM:


LOCATION : 2 miles to the
east of Chenganachery on Thiruvallar- Kottayam Road- 
can be
accessed from Chenganoor (45 minutes drive)
MOOLAVAR : ATHPUTHA NARAYANAN/
AMRUTHA NARAYANAN
THAYAR : KARPAGAVALLI
NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : BHOOMI THEERTHAM
VIMANAM : PUNYAKODI
PRATHYAKSHAM : KING RUKMANGATHA
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram
Nos3502-3512)- 11 Pasurams
UTSAVAM : KARTHIGAI SRAVANAM

OM SRI KARPAGAVALLI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI ATHPUTHA
NARAYANA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

STHALAPURANAM:

1)      The temple was renovated by Sahadeva
2)      As once upon a time , this place was a center of
learning, it was known as THIRU GADI THAANAM which got
corrupted as Thirukodithanam.
3)      Importance of Ekadasi Vrutham : King Rukmangatha
worshipped Sage Narada and garlanded the sage with the
rarest of flowers from his garden. Indra who saw this
felt jealous and sent his men to pluck those flowers. 
Hence, the flowers would disappear daily. Inspite of
strict vigilance, the thieves could not be caught as
they were invisible to the human eyes. It happened
that one day, the watchmen burnt dried twigs of
brinjal plant to protect themselves from cold. Due to
the smoke that emanated from the twigs, the devas who
had come to steal the flowers lost their divine powers
and could not go back to heaven. When they were
brought in front of the king, the generous kind
instead of punshing them asked them to take the
flowers if that would please Lord Indra. But as the
devas had lost their divine powers, they could not
fly. They added that they could go back to Indralokam
provided some one parts with the Ekadasi vrutha phalam
to them. In the whole kingdom, there was only one
lady who had fasted on that Ekadasi day. Though she
observed the fast unknowingly, she benefited out of
it. With this accrued benefit which was transferred
to the devas, they left for heaven. King Rukmangatha
realized the Ekadasi vrutha mahima and started
observing Ekadasi fast and his citizens also followed
him. To test the king? s sincerity, Sage Durvasa came
for Dwadasi paaranai and just like Ambarisha Raja,
this king was also put to test. The same story is
related emphasizing the importance of Ekadasi vrutham.
In another instance, the king who was infatuated by
the beauty of a lady forgot all his duties and spent
time with her. When he realized his mistake, the lady
asked him to behead his son . Accordingly, the king
beheaded his son and the lady disappeared. God who
was pleased with the king?s bhakti appeared before the
king and conferred the boons desired by the king. The
prince was brought back to life and at the request of
the King, Perumal decided to stay there. This
explains for the Perumal?s presence in this town.
4)      It was here that King Pandu and Queen Madiri lost
their lives. To commemorate the event of Madiri?s
sati, every year during November-December a festival
called ?DEEPAM? is celebrated which is not found in
any other temple.
5)      In front of the temple, a stone pillar can be found
on top of which there is an image of a man which is 3
feet high. As already mentioned earlier, the Kerala
temples are not opened once they are closed. In one
case, as the Raja of Chemakasseri wanted to have
darshan, the Marar whose duty is to blow conch before
opening the Srikovil blew the conch inspite of strict
opposition from the priest. As the priest will be
obliged to open the Srikovil if the conch is blown,
the Marar acted in this way. But no sound emerged
from the conch and the Marar fell dead. This shows
that Perumal does not make any distinction between the
King/powerful and any other person. This explains
why the temples in Kerala are not opened once they are
closed. Rules and regulations are same for all.
6)      According to the books related to Kerala divya
desams, the devotees while doing pradakshina sprinke
rose water. But when we asked the pujari about this
practice, he replied that to his knowledge there was
no such practice. When we were reciting Nammalwar?s
pasurams on this Perumal, the priest immediately told
that it was from Naalayira Divya Prabhandham. We were
overwhelmed with joy to find such a kind, cordial,
Tamil speaking pujari in Kerala. He also told us that
the pratishtai of the Golden Dwajasthambam was on
11/6/1. Renovation work was going on in the temple.
WE were asked to send donations to the following
address:

Took a photograph with him in the temple precincts
and left the place. Came back to Thiruvalla by bus
and boarded the same auto to temple.




THIRUVALLAVAZH (THIRUVALLA)
VALLABHA KSETRAM

LOCATION : 3 miles from
Thiruvalla station-well developed town- can be
accessed from

Chenganoor as it takes about 50 minutes drive to reach
this place
MOOLAVAR : KOLAPIRAN/
THIRUVAAZH MARBAN/SRI VALLABHA-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM

HOLDING SANKHU AND CHAKRAM IN TWO HANDS, ONE HAND
HOLDING
LOTUS
AND THE LEFT HAND RESTING ON THE WAIST
THAYAR : VATSALYA DEVI/
THIRUKOZHUNDHU NACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : GANTAKARNA THEERTHAM
VIMANAM : SATURANGA VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM : GANTAKARNA 
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 
3205-3215)- 11 Pasurams

THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram 1808-1817,2674(118)

OM SRI KARPAGAVALLI NAACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI ATHPUTHA
NARAYANA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

STHALAPURANAM:

1)      The idol was sculpted by Viswakarma at the behest
of Lord Krishna and was given to Lord Krishna?s
friend, Satyaki at the end of Dwapara Yuga. Towards
the end of Dwapara Yuga, Lord asked Garuda to keep the
idol in safe custody and accordingly Garuda kept it in
Netravati river which flows from Karnataka to Kerala. 
Later, the royal consort of Cherama Perumal had a
dream that the idol of Krishna was lying on the bed of
Netravati river. All efforts were taken to search the
idol. In 59 B.C., the idol was discovered due to the
joint effort of the Tulu Brahmins and the local
potties . The idol was duly consecrated and a temple
was built. As the Tulu Brahmins and the local potties
jointly found the idol, the performance of poojas to
the diety was shared amongst themselves as a
commemoration of the incident. Hence, the tulu
Brahmins offer pooja for 15 days and the Patthu Illam
potties (potties from 10 houses) perform pooja for 15
days. The idol is very beautiful to look at . Twice
in a year, the Lord is dressed like a hunter (on
Dhanur maasam-Thiruvaadarai day and on Chithirai
Maasam-Vishu day). Prior to August 1967, ladies were
not allowed to enter into the sanctum sanctorum.
2)      The dwajasthamban is 50 feet high and it is
believed that it extends to an equal extent under the
ground. The Nalambalam (the areas around the
dwajasthambam ) is made of granite. On the top of the
dwajasthambam, there is a panchaloka idol of Garuda
about 3 feet in height. The temple is very big and
the dwajasthambam is also big. Took photograph of
hubby covering the dwajasthambam with Garuda.
3)      The pushkarini is usually found outside the temple
premises in Mali Naadu divya desams. Whereas in this
divya desam, it is inside the temple premises and it
is quite a big tank.
4)      Like other Kerala temples , the Srikovil
(garbagriham) is round in shape. On the eastern side,
(the moment we enter we see the shrine of Lord
Vallabha and behind this shrine there is a small
shrine for Sudarshana Alwar where Vibhoothi is given
commemorating the incident of Perumal?s darshan to
Gantakarna , the great Shiva devotee. It may be
recalled that Gantakarna was a staunch Siva devotee
and in order to avoid hearing Vishnu Naamam he hung
bells in his ear and used to shake his head vigorously
to avoid hearing the sound. But when he asked Shiva
to give him moksha, Shiva advised him to pray to
Perumal. Hence, Gantakarna prayed to Vishnu and
Perumal who was pleased with his devotion, granted him
moksha. This incident took place in this place. 
Hence,to mark Gantakarna?s devotion to Shiva,
Vibhoothi is given in Sudarshana Alwar sannidhi. This
sannidhi is just behind the Perumal?s sannidhi in the
same wall.
5)      The garbagriham is built in such a way that if we
look at Perumal?s Thirumukham, we cannot have darshan
of Thiruvadi and if we have darshan of Perumal?s
Thiruvadi from a distance, we cannot have darshan of
Thirumugam
6)      There is a peculiar system followed in this temple
while offering neivedhyam. Food is first offered to a
Brahmin in arecanut leaf even before neivedyam is
offered to Lord. There is an interesting story
connected with this. It is told that there a lady
devotee who had no children used to observe Ekadasi
vrutham (like Anasuya) and used to break her fast on
Dwadasi after feeding a brahmin. Due to fear of a
Rakshasa by name Tolakasuran who was harassing pious
people, it became very difficult for Sankaramangalamma
to find a Brahmin. Once when no Brahmin turned up on
Dwadasi day, the dejected lady prayed to Vallabha
swamy for help. Lord came in the disguise of a
Brahmin to her house and asked her to feed. He said
that he would go to have bath and then have His food. 
A fierce fight took place between the Brahmin and
Tolakasuran and finally Lord killed Tolakasuran with
his Chakram. Sudarshana chakram had a dip in water to
cleanse the blood of the asura and the tank came to be
known as Chakra Theertham. The old lady who had heard
that the asura was killed was convinced that the
Brahmin was Perumal Himself and at her request,
Perumal revealed His true form and blessed the lady
and gave her moksha. Since the lady used to offer
food to a Brahmin in arecanut leaf, the system is
followed even today.
7)      There is an idol of Durvasa Rishi in this temple
and it is believed that every night he offers prayers
to Perumal. The local people say that they can hear
the sound of conch and bell which are used doing
Thiruvaaradhanai. Every day, Kadali pazham, a type of
plantain is offered to Perumal as the same was offered
by Durvasa Rishi to Perumal when the idol was first
installed.
8)      During May, festival is conducted for one day when
3 Bhagavathis from nearby temples (Devata of Kavil
temple, Padappad temple and Alamthurath temples) pay a
visit to this temple . The deities are carried in
special palanquins by the potties from northern
entrance to the temple. Only on this day, this door
is opened . These deities return the next day in the
afternoon after receiving Vishu offerings and new
clothes from Perumal.

OUR EXPERIENCE: had good darshan, took chandan
prasadam. Boarded Chenganoor bus at 6.40 P.M. and
reached Chenganoor at 7.15 P.M.

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA

DATE: 28/05/01

TEMPLES VISITED : THIRUPULIYUR (KUTTANADU),
THIRUCHENKUNDROOR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

THIRUPULIYUR: POPULARLY KNOWN AS KUTTANADU


LOCATION : 3 and a half
miles to the west of Chenganoor
ON 
CHENGANOOR- MANNAR ROUTE

MOOLAVAR : MAYAPIRAN-NINDRA
THIRUKOLAM FACING EAST 

THAYAR : PORKODI 
NACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : POONUSHUNAI
THEERTHAM, PRAGNASARAS
VIMANAM : PURUSHOTHAMA
VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM : SAPTHA RISHIS 
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3535-3545,
3540- 11 Pasurams

THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram 2673(71)

OM SRI PORKODI NACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI MAYAPIRAN
PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

SHTALAPURANAM:

1)      Temple renovated by Bhima
2)      SAPTHA RISHIS : Once the Saptha rishis were
passing by a kingdom which was in drought. Seeing the
pitiable condition of the Saptha Rishis who were
begging for alms, the King Dristadumnya gifted some
land to them but the saptha rishis refused saying that
they could not accept anything as the kingdom was
itself in drought. But the king once again tried to
help the rishis by sending some golden fruits along
with fruits through his messengers. But the saptha
rishis who knew this due to their jnanadrushti refused
to accept the fruits. This infuritated the king and
the king performed a yaaga out of which a demoness by
name Krithyai appeared . She was assigned the task
of killing the saptha rishis. There was a tank full
of lotuses and the saptha rishis decided to eat the
stalk of the lotus to satisfy their hunger. The
demoness settled down near the same tank and when
questioned by the saptha rishis, she told them that
her name was Yadudaani and she was guarding the tank. 
The saptha rishis requested her to allow them to eat
the lotus stalk. She said that they could do so after
revealing their names. The saptha rishis by now could
understand who she was through their jnana drishti
and they told their names in a jumbled way so that she
could not understand the meanings. When she asked
them to explain the meanings of their names, a
Tridandi Swami who had joined the saptha rishis came
forward and told her that he would reveal his name and
that in case she could not understand the meaning, he
would hit her with Tridanda and kill her. She agreed
and accordingly when the Tridandi Swami told his name
was Soonasakha, she could not understand the meaning
of it. Immediately, the Tridandi Swami hit her with
his tridandam and killed her. Afterwards, the saptha
rishis entered the tank and plucked the lotus stalk
and before partaking the meal, went to offer prayers
to Perumal. At that time, soonasakha hid the lotus
stalk. When the rishis came back, they were shocked
to see the lotus stalks missing and started cursing
that whoever hid the stalk would suffer in hell etc. 
But Soonasakha was the only one who blessed the thief.
Immediately, the saptha rishis guessed that it was
Soonasakha who had done this act. Soonasakha who was
none other than Lord Indra revealed his true form. 
Perumal appeared before the saptha rishis as Mayapiran
and praised the single minded devotion of the rishis
, especially Kasyapa rishi. At the behest of the
saptha rishis, Perumal decided to stay there. This is
the story of Mayapiran connected with this place.
3)      Bhima (who wanted to atone for his sin of shouting
?ASHWATHAMA HATAHA KUNJARA?) set on a piligrimage and
when he came to this place, he heard the above story
from the local people and was convinced that he could
get peace of mind if he prayed to Mayapiran and
decided to stay there and meditate on the Lord. In
due course, Perumal gave darshan to Bheema and as a
thanks giving measure, Bhima renovated this temple. 
4)      This temple is situated on a hillock and we have to
climb few steps to enter the temple . 
5)      All the offerings in this temple are made in grand
scale only befitting the stature of Bhima?s
personality.
6)      Due to a conflict between Nambudri Brahmins and a
Nair, mass murders took place in the temple premises
and the temple was closed for many years. It may be
briefly mentioned that in order to get rid of a Nair ,
the Nambudri Brahmins invited him to the temple, made
the Nair sit on a well decorated chair and the moment
the Nair sat on the chair, the chair broke and the
Nair fell on a deep pit which was dug by the nambudri
Brahmins. To avenge the Nair?s death , his relatives
quarreled with the Nambudri Brahmins as a result of
which mass murders took place in the temple. It is
believed that the ghosts of the people who died in the
conflict roams about and after many years, a Siddha
purusha was brought to this place and he performed
expiatory sacrifices and a small shrine was built in
the temple premises for the departed souls. Only
after this , the temple was re-opened.
7)      Once a chief of Illambal who was suffering from
acute stomach pain prayed to Lord of Puliyur that if
his ailment was cured, he would offer huge numbers of
Appams and Adas and the chieftain was cured . he
accordingly made the offerings to satisfy Bhima?s
hunger.
8)      Another interesting story connected with this
kshetram is people who belong to kuruvas (they hail
from Quilon) do not stay here during nights because of
fear of Bheema. It may be mentioned here that there
is a temple for Duruyodhana in Quilon and the people
who belong to this place are called kuruvas.
9)      The special offering in this temple is payasam
which is called CHATHUSHATHAM. Minimum quantity with
which it is prepared is 400 measures of rice.

THIRUCHENKUNDROOR:

LOCATION one km from
Chenganoor popularly known as THIRUCHITTRARU

MOOLAVAR : IMAYA
VARAPPAN-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM FACING WEST 

THAYAR : SENGAMALAVALLI 
NACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : SANGHA THEERTHAM,
THIRUCHITTRARU
VIMANAM : JAGAJYOTHI 
VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM : LORD SHIVA 
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3480-3490,
-10 Pasurams


OM SRI SENGAMALAVALLI NACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI IMAYA
VARAPPA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

STHALAPURANAM:

1)      The two sons of kasyapa rishi namely Suran and
Padmam wanted to become immortal and as advised by 
their father , they prayed to Lord Shiva to become
immortal. Lord Shiva who was pleased with their
prayers granted the boon that they would henceforth
become one and could not be killed in the hands of
Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara and would be immortal. 
This Surapadmam after getting the boon became
invincible and started torturing the devas and rishis.
The devas requested Shiva to find a way out and it is
believed that Shiva came to this place and started
meditating on the Lord. Perumal appeared before Shiva
and told that though Surapadmam could not be killed by
the Trinity, he could be defeated by a person other
than the Tri murthis. As directed by Lord Vishnu,
Shiva asked his son, Murugan to fight with the asura. 
A fierce fight took place between Lord Muruga and
Surapadmam. When Surapadma took the form of a big
tree, Lord Vishnu directed Muruga to pierce the tree
with this vel and throw them apart. Murugan acted
accordingly and Sura and Padma disintegrated. They
prayed to Lord Muruga for forgiveness and asked him to
grant them a boon that they would always remain with
Muruga. Accordingly, Sura became a cock on Lord
Muruga?s flag and Padma became peacock.

2)      Yudhishtira prayed to Perumal at this place for
getting mental solace and as a thanks giving measure
renovated the temple and installed the idol which he
worshipped. 

3)      In this temple, Lord Vishnu is seen holding chakram
in his left hand and sankhu in his right hand.



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

LOCATION proper
Trivandrum-the State Capital-nearly 1 km from Railway
Station

MOOLAVAR : ANANTHA
PADMANABHASWAMY-BHUJANGA SAYANAM FACING EAST 

THAYAR : SRI
HARILAKSHMI NACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : MATSYA, PADMA AND
VARAHA THEERTHAMS
VIMANAM : HEMAKUTA VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM : LORD SHIVA, INDRA AND
CHANDRA 
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3678-3688
-10 Pasurams)

OM SRI HARILAKSHMI NACHIYAR SAMETHA SRI ANANTHA
PADMANABHA PARABRAHMANE NAMAH

As mentioned earlier, in Malai Naadu Divya desams,
Perumal is seen in Bhujanga Sayanam only in two places
, one is at Trivandrum and the other is at
Thiruvattaru, sitting posture in Thirupathisaaram and
in the rest of 10 Malai Naadu Divya Desams, Perumal is
seen in Nindra Thirukolam. 
In both the temples, Perumal can be viewed through 3
doors. The Adikesava Perumal at Thiruvattaru is
considered to be the elder brother of Anantapadmanabha
Swamy as the temple is older than Thiruvananthapuram
temple. Thiruvananthapuram temple is an exact replica
of Thiruvattaru temple. In both the temples, we have
to climb few steps to reach OOTAKKAL MANDAPAM. This
Ootakkal mandapam is a single granite slab just in
front of the garbagriha , the size of which is 20? by
20? and 31/2 ? thick. The devotees believe that this
Ootakkal was brought by Perumal Himself. In Malai
Naadu, only in these two temples, we can go very near
the garbagriha to have darshan. In other Malai Naadu
temples, though there are steps leading to garbagriha,
we are not allowed to go near the garbagriha. There
will be atleast 5 feet distance between the garbagriha
and the place where we are allowed to stand. Whereas,
in these two divya desams, we can go very near the
garba griham and have darshan to our heart?s content. 
Both the temples are patronized by Maharajas of
Trivandrum and 2 utsavams take place for 10 days in
both the temples in the months of Tula and Meenam

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND
THIRUVATTARU TEMPLES

DESCRIPTION     THIRUVANANTHAPURAM      THIRUVATAARU
Perumal in Bhujanga sayanam     Facing east     Facing west
No.of salagramams used in vigraha       12,000  16,108
Lord Shiva      Seen near Perumal?s Thirumugam  Near
Perumal?s Thiruvadi
Lord Brahma     Emerging from Lord?s Thirunaabhi        Not seen
Dwajasthambams  Golden in front of Padmanabha swamy,
silver in front of Krishna?s sannidhi   Only one in
front of Kesava Perumal
Ootakal mandapam- measurement of stone in front of
garbagriham where piligrims stand for darshan   20 X
20-31/2 ? thick 18 X 25- 3 feet thick
sculptures      Garuda, Hanuman, Dwarapalakas   Lakshmana,
Indrajit,Pathanjali,etc
Aaratu festival accompanied by  Maharaja of Travancore
King?s representatives carrying royal insignia, the
sword
Thiruvonam day  NIL     Carpenter makes a bow, leaves it in
front of the sannidhi without looking back and next
day,it is presented to the king. 



STHALAPURANAM:

1) There was a great devotee by name Bilva Mangala
Swami near Mangalore who used to worship Salagramas
and meditate on Lord. Such was his bhakti that
Perumal appeared in the form of a small boy and stayed
with the Swamiyar on the condition that if the
Swamiyar got annoyed with the boy, the boy would
immediately leave. Swamiyar accepted to this
condition. Whenever the Swamiyar used to meditate ,
the boy would displace the Salagramams. Once the boy
swallowed a salagramam and this annoyed the Swamiyar
and he shouted at the boy. Immediately the boy
reminded the Swami that he had broken his promise and
if he wished to see Him, he could do so at
Ananthankadu. The repentant Swami started in search
of the boy. He could hear only the sound of anklets
and could see the foot prints of the boy. After a
long search, when he was walking on the banks of
Arabian Sea, he heard a lady threatening her child
that she would throw him in Ananthankadu. The moment
the Swami heard the word Ananthankadu, he was
delighted. He proceeded to Ananthankadu based on the
directions of the lady from whom he enquired. He once
again heard the sound of anklets and waist bell and
suddenly a big Ilupa tree fell down and it got
transformed into Perumal in Sayanam on ananthan with
four arms. The idol was so long that its head was in
Thiruvallar and feet in Thirupapur and the middle part
in Ananthankadu. Swami prayed to Perumal to be
forgiven and prayed to Perumal to contract Himself. 
Accordingly, Perumal contracted His Thiruvuruvam. 
Ananthankadu is presently known as THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.
The Swami used to offer Rice Kanji and salted mango
pieces in a coconut shell to the Perumal and a pulaya
woman used to husk the paddy. She was later gifted
lands by Maharaja which can be found near the eastern
entrance. Even today, the same neivedyam is offered
to Lord but the coconut shell is now encased in gold.

2 ) One more legend connected with this
kshetram is there was a Tulu Brahmin who was a staunch

devotee of Perumal and how the Lord
appeared is the same as is mentioned in the previous
legend.

1)      In Ananthanakadu, there lived a pulaya couple and
one day, the lady heard the cry of a child. When she
saw the child, she was so overcome with happiness that
she nursed the child like a mother. After feeding the
child with milk, she left it under a shade of a tree
and resumed her work. But when she turned back, she
was horrifed to see a five headed serpent spreading
its hood on top of the child protecting the child from
weather. This was observed for many days and was duly
reported to the king and the king who recognized
Perumal and Adisesha in the child and serpent 
constructed a temple in that place itself.
2)      The wooden idol was worshipped for many years and
this vigraham was replaced by the present one. The
present vigraham is made up of 12,000 salagramams and
it is bound by paste which is a mixture of molasses
and mustard. The salagramas are so indigenously built
that it is diifcult to identify them separately. 
3)      The gopuram is 100 feet high with 7 storeys and is
illuminated every evening. 
4)      The dwajasthambam which is 80 feet high is a fine
log of teak and is encased in gold . The log is
covered with coppe plate rings and are glided with
gold . This is done in a unique way by Kerala
Artisans.This dwajasthambam was brought by elephants
from a site of 48 kms without touching the ground. 
For more details , we may refer to Page 133 of Vol
VII Divya Desams by Ms.Ramesh.
5)      One has to climb few steps to reach Ootakal
mandapam. This Ootakal mandapam is a thick single
granite stone measuring 20? by 20? and 2and a half
thickness which was brought by Perumal Himself. 
Standing on this Ootakal, one can have a clear vision
of Perumal through 3 Dwaarams.
6)      Maharajas of Travancore took great interest in
developing/ renovating the temple and even today,
members from the Royal family come to have darshan of
Perumal. These maharajas have surrendered themselves
in toto to this Perumal and they are known as
PADMANABHA DASAS. We can find a big photograph of
Raja Marthandavarma.
7)      In the Seveli mandapam, there are beautiful
sculptures depicting women carrying lamps and on top
of the pillar , we can find Unicorns etc. The most
intresting feature is that though there are more than
370 women sculptures, no two sculpture is identical.
8)      The two important poojas performed to the diety are
Attazha pooja and Arthajama pooja. Attazha pooja is
performed in the evening after Deeparadhana. At that
time, Perumal is decorated with sandals, flowers, silk
cloth etc. It may be recalled that similar pooja is
performed at Guruvayoor also. 
9)      Utsavams are performed twice in a year , in the
months of Meenam (March-April) and Thulam (Sep-Oct)
for 10 days with Kodiyettam (beginning), Palli Vetta
on 9th day (when Lord goes on hunting expedition) and
Aaratu on 10th day at Sankhumukham on the banks of
Arabian Sea. The royal family and the temple
authorities go in a procession. It may be noted that
our Lord Srinivasa also goes on hunting expedition
after His Brahmotsavam. In Trivandrum, the Raja acts
on behalf of Perumal during hunting whereas in
Tirupati, the head priest acts like hunter thus
representing Perumal .
10)     A festival , by name, Bhadra Deepam is performed
in the months of Mithuna (July) and Kanya(Jan) and
once in 6 years, MURAJAPAM festival is performed for
56 days . At that time, Mura Japam (i.e.all the 4
vedas are recited 7 times) , Mantrajapam, jala japam,
Sahasranama Japam are done. This was started by
Marthanda varma who wanted to atone for his sin of
committing many murders during wars.


OUR EXPERIENCE: Got up at 5 A.M. Went to private bus
stand (very near station) at 5.45 A.M. As we didn?t
get bus and as the frequency is less, we hired an auto
at 6.25 A.M. for Rs.45/- to go to Thirupuliyur,
Thiruchittraru and drop at Hotel Anu. Reached
Thirupuliyur at 6.35 A.M. Had good darshan. The
temple is on top of a small hillock. Perumal?s
Thirumugam was adorned with kavacham. We were told
that utsavam is performed in the month of Kumbam. 
>From there, we went to Thiruchenkundroor locally known
as Thiruchittraaru. The temple is at a distance of 1
km from station. Had good darshan. We were told that
utsavam is performed in the month of Meenam for 10
days and Aaraatu (final day) is on Sravanam. With
this, we have completed 10 Malai Naadu Divya Desams. 
Had breakfast in Hotel Anu and checked out of Hotel
Shanti Palace . It was raining heavily. Boarded
Mumbai-Kanyakumari Express at 8.30 A.M. and reached
Trivandrum at 11 A.M. Kept luggages in cloak room for
Rs.21/- and hired an auto for Rs.20/- to go to Ananta
Padmanabha Swamy temple. Left our belongings(camera,
clothes etc) in safe custody. Like Guruvayoor,
devotees wearing pants are not allowed inside the
temple. Went inside the temple at 11.45 A.M. Had
good darshan. As the vigraham is very big, Perumal
must be viewed from 3 doors. From the first door, we
can have darshan of Perumal?s Thirumugam and Lord
Shiva who is seen near Perumal?s Thirumugam, from the
middle door, we can have darshan of Perumal?s
Thirunaabhi, utsava murthis and from the 3rd door , we
can have darshan of Perumal?s Thiruvadi. Ubhaya
Naachiyars(Sridevi and Bhoodevi) are seen in Mandiitta
kolam (sitting on knees) Performed Archana to Perumal.
We were given little chandanam and flowers. As the
temple was about to close , we were asked to hasten
ourselves. One nambudri priest was very kind enough to
give us some more chandanam. Purchased prasadam for
Rs.4/- and panchamrutham for Rs.10/- One of the
temple priests gave us lots of curd rice , sweet
pongal, pulihora as prasaadam. (Everything mixed up) 
Waited for some time in Seveli mandapam as there was 
procession of utsava murthis . As mentioned earlier,
utsava murthis are taken round the temple 3 times and
the utsavar sees to that all the attendants are
properly taken care of. (Seveli). Walked in the
corridor of Seveli Mandapam and we were amazed to see
the sculptures . The temple is very very big and the
Seveli Mandapam around the garbagriham is also big. 
It takes about half an hour to walk here. Left temple
around 12.30 noon. Had ice cream. Hired an auto to
go to VELI and drop at station for Rs.90/-.
VELI is a tourist resort which is being developed by
K.T.D.C. it takes about half an hour to reach this
place. Spent some time there and went on boating. 
Children enjoyed a lot. Came back to station at 3
P.M. and
boarded Bangalore-Kanya Kumari Express at 3.30 P.M. 
Reached Nagercoil at 5.15 P.M. Hired an auto to
Swaminatha Lodge for Rs.15/-. Checked in at
Swaminatha Lodge Room No. 105 at 5.30 P.M. Left
immediately as we wanted to go to Thiruvataaru. 
Accordingly, had ice cream and juice, took a bus to
VADACHERY . Reached VADACHERY at 5.55 P.M. Vadachery
is bus terminus from where we get buses to other towns
etc.and the bus frequency is more. Boarded THACKALEY 
bus from VADACHERY. Reached Thackaley at 6.50 P.M. 
>From Thackaley , there are plenty of buses to
Thiruvattaru and we were told that it takes about an
hour by bus to reach Thiruvattaru. As we were
waiting for bus, a Nellore resident who happened to be
there suggested that we go back to Nagercoil . He
said that by the time we reach the temple, the temple
would be closed (the temple closes at 7.30 P.M.) and
it would be difficult to get bus to Thackaley from
Thiruvattaru. Hencw, we boarded KK-Nagercoil bus ,
came to Anna bus stand at 8.00 P.M. Had dinner and
went to room .Though there are buses from Anna bus
stand and Vadachery to go to Thackaley, as the
frequency is more at Vadachery, it is preferable to go
to Vadachery. 

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA


29/05/01 : TEMPLES COVERED : 1) THIRUVANPARISAARAM

2) THIRUVATTARU

OUR EXPERIENCE : Got up at 6 A.M. and left room at 7
A.M. Took an auto to go to Thiruvanparisaaram locally
known as Thirupathisaram (Rs.50/- to and fro). 
Thirupathisaaram is 4 kms away from Nagercoil. 
Reached temple at 7.20 A.M. This is the birth place of
Nammalwar. Here, Perumal is seen in sitting posture. 
Utsavam is performed for 10 days. Took photograph
of the temple gopuram view ,. The pushkarini is just
in front of the temple. Took photographs of Sri
Nammalwar along with the pujari who was very kind to
take us to Nammalwar?s Thayagam. He gave us some sand
from Nammalwar;s sannidhi. He told us that previously
, they used to take sand from Nammalwar?s birth place
to Alwar Thirunagari for Nava Garuda Seva but oflate,
this practice has been stopped. The pujari?s name is
Sri.Nagarajan. As desired by him, sent 2 kolam books
to him to the following address:

Sri.P.Nagarajan,
West Car Street,
Thirupathisaaram,
Thirupathisaaram Post,
Kanyakumari Dist 629 901.

Returned to Nagercoil. Had breakfast. Boarded
Kalliya Kantai bus and got down at Thakkalaye . From
Thakaley, boarded Thiruvataaru bus at 9.45 A.M. 
Reached temple at 10.20 A.M. It takes about 4
minutes through narrow lanes to reach the temple from
bus stop. At Thiruvataaru, Perumal is known as
ADIKESAVA PERUMAL (elder brother of Anantha Padmanabha
Swamy) seen in bhujanga sayanam with Sri, Bhoo devis
near His Thiruvadi. Here, River Tambaraparani and
Ganges encircle the temple. Took few photos ?in front
of the temple,2 photos near the theertham etc. The
temple is very big. After spending some time in the
temple left the temple at 12 noon. Came back to bus
stop and purchased some fruits. Boarded a mini bus to
Thackaley at 12.50 Changed bus to Nagercoil and
reached Anna bus stand, Nagercoil at 13.30 hours. Had
sumptuous lunch at Arya Bhavan which is opposite to
Anna bus stand and went back to room. Relaxed upto 5
P.M. Left for Kanya kumari at 5 P.M. Kanya Kumari is
one hour drive from Nagercoil. Boarded KK bus from
Anna bus stand at 5.10 P.M. and reached KK at 6.10
P.M. Spent nearly one and half hours in the beach. 
Children enjoyed a lot. Took some photographs. Did a
bit of shopping . Boarded bus to Nagercoil. All the
buses from Kanya kumari go vial Nagercoil. Reached
Nagercoil at 8P.M. Had light dinner , purchased some
medicines and went back to room. Next day morning (on
30th checked out at 5.50 a.m. Hired an auto for
Rs.25/- to station. Boarded Guruvayoor-Madurai
Express at 7.15 A.M. It takes 90 minutes to reach
Tirunelveli. Reached Tirunelveli at 9 A.M. and after
keeping luggages in cloak room, took a bus to Alwar
Tirunagari to have darshan of Nava Garuda Sevai. 

THIRUVANPARISAARAM

LOCATION 4 Kms from
Nagercoil on Nagercoil-Tirunelveli route
MOOLAVAR : THIRUVAAZHMARBAN/
THIRUKURULAPPAN-SITTING POSTURE-FACING 
EAST 
- 2 hands holding Sankhu, Chakram, lower right hand in
Abhaya Hastam
And
lower left hand placed on the knees (Like Vijaayasana
Perumal of Alwar

Tirunagari but without Adiseshan) gigantic form ?9
feet 
THAYAR : KAMALAVALLI
NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : LAKSHMI THEERTHAM
VIMANAM : INDRA KALYANA
VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM : SAPTHA RISHIS 
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3475 -1
Pasuram
UTSAVAM : 10 days
IMP.FESTIVAL : AADI SWATHI-the day
Perumal took Kulasekhara Alwar bodily to Paramapadam. 


STHALAPURANAM :

1)      Saptha rishis were doing penance near this place
called Ashrama near Suchindram. First, Lord Shiva
appeared and when they expressed their desire to see
Lord Vishnu, they were advised by Lord Shiva to go
north-west and do penance. Perumal pleased with their
devotion appeared before them in this place. At the
request of the rishis, Perumal continued to stay here.
2)      When Lord Vishnu took Narasimha Avataaram, no one
could pacify Him. Even Thayar was frightened to see
the ferocious form of the Lord. It is well known that
only Bhakta Prahalada for whose sake the Lord took the
form of Narasimha could pacify Perumal. Thayar
therefore came to this place and started meditating on
the Lord. Perumal came in search of Thayar and Thayar
took her usual place in Perumal?s Thirumaarbhu. 
Hence, Perumal is known as THIRUVAAZHMARBAN. Thayar
is enshrined on Perumal?s chest. Perumal is seen
wearing a golden chain with a locket containing the
image of Thayar. It may be recalled that even our
Lord Srinivasa at Tirumala is adorned with Lakshmi
Haaram and this Haaram is not removed even during
Thirumanjanam. We were blessed to have darshan of
Thirumanjana Seva at Tirumala. May God bless us with
another opportunity to watch VASTRAALANKARANA SEVA AT
TIRUMALA.
3)      In the garbagriham, on the right side of the
Moolavar, we can see idols of Rama,Sita, Lakshmana. 
When Vibishana was returning to Lanka after Sri Rama
Pattabhishekam, he felt an urge to see Lord Rama in
pattabhisheka form. God conceded Vibhishana?s request
and hence we can find idols of Lord Sri Rama in this
temple. I would like to brief about some temples
connected with Vibhishana and the reasons thereof :

TEMPLE AND ITS LOCATION PURPOSE
Lord Ranganatha Swamy-Srirangam Idol which was gifted
by Lord Rama was placed here by Vibishana and
Vibhishana could not lift the idol as Perumal decided
to stay here
Lord Sowriraja Perumal-Thirukannapuram  On every
Amavasya day, in the noon, Perumal shows His nadai
azhagu to Vibhishana
Lord Rama at Thirukurulappan?s
sannidhi-Thirupathisaaram       Vibhishana?s wish of seeing
Perumal in PattabhishekaKolam was granted
Lord Adi Jagannatha Perumal-Thirupullani        Saranagathi
Kshetram- Vibhishana sought refuge at the feet of Rama
in this place

4)      Nammalwar was born in this place. It may be
briefly recalled that Nammalwar?s parents,Kari and
Udhaya Nangi prayed to Thirukurungudi Perumal to
bless them with progeny and Perumal told them that He
Himself would appear as their son. Thus, with the
blessings of Perumal, Udhaya Nangi conceived and came
to her parents? place at Thirupathisaaram for
delivery. Hence, Nammalwar was born here. Later,
this child was taken to Adinatha Perumal kovil at
Tirunelveli (the present Alwar Tirunagari), where the
child who was left in front of Perumal crawled and sat
under a hollow of a tamarind tree. The story how the
child sat for 16 years in deep meditation and composed
Thiruvaimozhi is too well known to bear
repetition.Chithirai Thirunal Maharaja made an idol of
Nammalwar in this place .
5)      The dwaja sthambam was constructed by Kulasekhara
Alwar as a token of gratitude. Once when Kulasekhara
Alwar (who was a king) was returning after victory in
a battle, he had lost his horse and he found the same
in this place. Hence, this place came to be known as
THIRU PARI SAARAM .Pari means horse. Hence,
Kulasekhara Alwar prayed to this Perumal and renovated
the temple and built the dwajastambam which is copper
plated. 
6)      As the Perumal of this divya desam helped Raja
Marthanda Varma in defeating his enemies, the king
took initiative in celebrating a festival known as
ANUSHAM THIRUNAAL.(Anusham is the birth star of the
king)
7)      Yudhishtira on his way to Rameswaram stayed here . 
The day he visited this temple is celebrated as 
Karthigai Bali Utsavam as the star on the day
Yudhishtira visited was Karthigai.
8)      On Chithirai Thiru Naal (utsavam), Perumal is
seated on a Ratha. This ratha was gifted as a thanks-
giving by Moolam Thirunaal Raja who was blessed with
a son.
9)      The most important festival is ADI SWATHI, the day
on which Perumal took Kulasekhara Alwar bodily to
Paramapadam.




THIRUVATAARU:


LOCATION 
Tirunelveli-Nagercoil route ?6 miles from Thoduvetti

OR
Go to
Thackaley from Nagercoil and change bus to
Thiruvattaru from Thakaley 
(2
hours journey)
MOOLAVAR : ADIKESAVA
PERUMAL-BHUJANGA SAYANAM-FACING WEST 

THAYAR : MARAGATHAVALLI
NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM : VAATARU, KADAL VAI
THEERTHAM,RAMA THEERTHAM
VIMANAM : ASHTAKSHARA 
VIMANAM (ASHTANGA VIMANAM)
PRATHYAKSHAM : Lord Chandra,
Parasurama 
MANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 
3722-3732-11 Pasurams
UTSAVAM : 10 days ?twice in
a year during Oct-Nov, Apr-May

STHALAPURANAM:

1)      Brahma performed yagna without his consort, Goddess
Saraswathi and as a result of Saraswathi?s fury, 2
asuras by name Kesan and Kesi emerged out of the
sacrificial fire . As they emerged out of the yagna,
they became immortal and as result of this , they made
life miserable to one and all. The devas headed by
Brahma approached Vishnu for help and accordingly,
Perumal in the form of Kesava fought with Kesan. 
Perumal threw Kesan who fell on top of Mahendragiri
and Perumal blew His conch. Instantaneously, Adisesha
wound himself around Kesan thus disabling the asura to
move and immediately Perumal laid on Adisesha thus
putting His weight. When the asura tried to get out
of Adisesha?s coils, Perumal made 11 Sivalingas to
stand as guard around the asura and Perumal. Even
today, the worship to Lord Shiva on Sivarathiri day is
said to be complete only when the devotee after
visiting the 11 Shiva shrines ends his trip in the
Perumal kovil.
2)      Kesi who saw her brother defeated wanted to avenge
and hence she along with her friend ,Kodai took the
form of rivers and encircled the temple with the
intention of submerging the temple. At that time, it
is believed that Bhoomi devi raised the temple . 
Hence, the temple is situated at a height of 55 feet
from the ground level. The rivers joined with Arabian
Sea at a place known as Moovaatru mukham. The rivers
were cursed by Perumal and they repented for their
action. Perumal forgave them and had a dip in
Moovaatru mukham. Even today, during Panguni utsavam,
Perumal comes on golden Garuda and has dip in the
river thus enacting the saapa vimochana incident.
3)      Adi Kesava Perumal helped many kings like Raja
Kerala Varma , Raja Marthanda Varma etc. in winning
the battle. When Raja Kerala Varma who was fighting
against Moghals, prayed to Perumal in 16 verses known
as PADA SANKIRTANA OR ADIKESAVA STHAVAM, from nowhere
wasps came from the temple, started stinging the
Moghal army and the Moghal chief who was stung by the
wasp fell down and died along with his horse. The
frightened Moghal soldiers ran away from the place and
Raja Kerala Varma captured 300 horses and formed own
cavalry.
4)      Once when Raja Marthanda Varma who was trying to
escape from his enemies was roaming in disguise and
when he was hungry, a poor Brahmin widow fed him with
rice, salt and mango. As a token of gratitude, when
the king regained his kingdom, he instituted an
offering of rice, salt and mango to Adikesava Perumal
and ordered that henceforth the lady and her
descendants would have the neivedyam first.
5)      A nawab plundered this temple and took away the
idol along with him and kept the idol along with
rubbish in a lumber room. Every day, the idol would
come on top and in spite of being tied down with
ropes, the idol would come to the top. At that time,
the nawab?s wife developed serious illness which could
not be cured by anyone. Perumal appeared in the dream
of the temple priest and ordered him to go to Nawab?s
palace and inform the Nawab that if the idol was
returned, his wife would be cured of illness. The
Nawab acted accordingly and his wife was cured. The
Nawab gifted a silver plate and a cap to Perumal and
this is used at the time of SEVELI everyday. The
Nawab also made an endowment for THIRUALLA POOJA ,
wherein Perumal is offered AVUL, ARISI AND PORI as
neivedyam. This is a typical Muslim dish . When the
priest who was bringing back the idol halted in a
place for completing his evening rituals, the idol got
stuck to the ground. Later under the supervision of
the King, suddhi kalasam was performed and this is
carried out every year during the last day of the
utsavam in the month of Tulam. The idol is taken from
Thiruvattaru to River Parali on the golden Garuda.
6)      The Garuda vigraham is made of pure gold , two
maragatha stones adorn the eyes and manikya is placed
on Garuda?s chest. This idol of Garuda is kept in the
garbagriham beside Utsava murthis. When we enquired
about this, the priest replied in a negative way.
7)      A special festival is celebrated called PUSHPANJALI
when Perumal is decorated with flowers like our
POOLANGI SEVA in Tirumala.
8)      Like in Thiruvananthapuram, here also we can find
many Deepalakshmis who differ from each other. The
sculptures in these two places are marvllous.

OUR EXPERIENCE:

Boarded Kalliya Kantai bus and got down at Thakkalaye
. From Thakaley, boarded Thiruvataaru bus at 9.45
A.M. Reached temple at 10.20 A.M. It takes about 4
minutes through narrow lanes to reach the temple from
bus stop. At Thiruvataaru, Perumal is known as
ADIKESAVA PERUMAL (elder brother of Anantha Padmanabha
Swamy) seen in bhujanga sayanam with Sri, Bhoo devis
near His Thiruvadi. Took few photos ?in front of the
temple,2 photos near the theertham etc. The temple is
very big. After spending some time in the temple left
the temple at 12 noon. Had very good darshanam . 
When we went, a pujari was reciting VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
sitting in front of the utsava murthis. Another
pujari told us about the utsavams , the details of
which has already been mentioned above. The temple is
very big . Went to pushkarini (about 5 minutes walk
amidst groves) Took 2 photographs near the theertham.
Took photo near the temple tower (Maha Dwaaram) .


Thus, by the grace of Divya Dampadhigal, Alwars and
acharyas , we could complete all the 13 MALAI NAADU
DIVYA DESAMS.






















__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Great stuff seeking new owners in Yahoo! Auctions! 
http://auctions.yahoo.com




[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next] [Date Index ] [Thread Index ] [Author Index ]
Home Page
http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia
srirangasri-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to the list