Temple, Travel and Sport

Tamil Nadu Cricket Ranji Trophy Final 2012

2012-01-21T18:19:00.003+05:30

Just under 3weeks ago, I had written about cricket pitches and TN bowlers. Unfortunately, both have come to haunt Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Final.

I wrote on December 29 that having already qualified for the knock out, Tamil Nadu think tank chose to bat a 2nd time in its match against Madhya Pradesh on the pretext that the TN bowlers needed rest when they should have been raring to go a 2nd time to further build their confidence for the knock out matches. Instead, they wanted rest from bowling another 20overs each in the 2nd innings. And this team has been yearning to win the Ranji Trophy for the last many years!!! On four occasions this season, Tamil Nadu had stood a chance to win outright and yet they ended the league phase with just one win.

Subsequent to the previous story, Tamil Nadu once again chose to bat a 2nd time not enforcing the follow on against Bombay ( Abhishek Nayar and Surya Kumar Yadav could have turned the match in 3hours as the lead was just under 200, said one official justifying the reason for not enforcing the follow on)

The bowlers who sought rest during the league phase, and again in the knock out, have paid the price for it by having to bowl 250overs in one single innings against a team that had two of the top three batsmen at the very end of their career- Akash Chopra and Hrishikesh Kanitkar!!!

National Selectors
It was sad to see Mohinder Amarnath and Narendra Hirwani ( national selectors) sitting in the Terrace watching 180overs of cricket to see if they could spot an India talent. Wonder what they would be thinking now after seeing Aushik Srinivas bowl 88overs and Kaushik bowl almost 50!!! One wonders if Jimmy Amarnath was so frustrated at the quality of cricket that he deemed it fit to return to Delhi at the end of the 2nd day's play leaving Hiru Bhai all alone in the selector's room on Day 3!!!!

After batting for 2 1/2days, Rajasthan went for runs in the 2nd session today- the third day- against a tired and toothless TN attack. And within the first 10overs in the last session of play had knocked the top 3 of the TN top order including two of them LBW, leaving one to wonder as to why Tamil Nadu did not try something different once it was clear for everyone to see that Rajasthan were only defending and had no intent to score.

Waiting Game Strategy

Tamil Nadu played the waiting game as they had done with reasonable success through most of the season but this waiting game plan fell right into the lap of the Rajasthan batsmen.

It is time that Tamil Nadu started playing aggressive cricket of bowling out opposition and going for outright wins rather than be satisfied with 1st innings lead. If the intent is to win Ranji Trophy, one has to play for wins right from the grass root level.

In U-15grade cricket, one sees dour draws. In 1st division league, sometimes even one innings is not completed (Yes no time to prepare good sporting wickets). I guess this would be the same excuse given for the wicket provided for the Ranji final as well.

Sources in TN cricket told me that they were shocked at the pitch provided for the final. Home team had 3fast bowlers (who had bowled reasonably well through most of the season) and 2spinners and 4 batsmen knocking on the doors of international cricket. And yet, for some reason, it was deemed fit to provide a slow, no bounce wicket for the Ranji Finals that seemed tailor made for Akash Chopra and team.

On day 2, one of the senior officials of TNCA commented that he had just seen the match at Wankhade earlier this month and spoke so excitedly about that wicket. It had something for every body he said. ‘ A team could get all out on day 1 for 150 and the 2nd team could be 100 for 5 and still score 350 if 1-2of the batsmen put their head down and stroked the ball. Can this be said of the chepauk wicket, he questioned.’

He simply did not understand the logic behind the slow wicket provided for the Final. Forget home advantage, how would this contribute to good cricket.

A lady who had come all the way from the UK to watch the Ranji final and who stayed through the whole of the first 3days could not believe the quality of cricket she saw. She said she has seen domestic cricket across countries but nothing as bad as the cricket she has seen this week here at Chepauk.

And what about the bowling itself? Yes the pitch was slow and the batting was dour. And the bowlers could ask as to what they could do when the batsmen were so intent on defence for 200overs.

But did the TN bowlers try variations. Did they try and induce the batsmen to play strokes. For example, could Aushik have bowled without a cover/extra cover for a few overs to get Akash or Vineet to drive in a bid to change the batsmen’s mindset.

Could Kaushik or Mahesh have bowled without a Mid off for a few overs to see if the openers went for the boundary shot down the field?

One did not see L Balaji try anything different during the long period of 250overs. He waited and waited for the odd good ball or for the batsmen to make a mistake instead of trying out things against the defensive batsmen.

For the moment we will hope, against hope, that Dinesh Karthik will score a triple hundred to see TN home on day 5. But it is more likely that you will find Kanitkar lifting the Ranji Trophy for the 2nd year in a row. And he will owe TN a big thanks for playing into their ( Rajasthan’s) hands.

Namperumal Kaithala Sevai

2012-01-12T14:33:00.011+05:30

Namperumal provides ‘Kaithala Sevai’ to Paraankusa Naayaki (Nam Azhvaar)

Nam Azhvaar as Naayaki

Lost in love for the Lord and thinking of nothing else but Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, Nam Azhvaar presents himself as Paraankusa Nayaki to showcase how one can just get lured into devotion at the very sight of Ranganatha.

In this ( 7th 10) Thiruvoimozhi verse, Nam Azhvaar brings out the despair of a mother who seems to be lamenting to the Lord of Srirangam about her daughter uttering words that she is just not able to fathom. She begs an answer from Lord Ranganatha on what he has done to the little ‘Nayaki’ and how easily he has influenced with his charm.

The mother says “My girl has not known sleep for many days and nights, she is in happy tears all the time. And she is repeatedly chanting words that are difficult to comprehend – ‘Discus’, ‘Lotus Lord’, ‘I cannot live without you’.”

கங்குலும் பகலும் கண் துயில் அறியாள்
கண்ணா நீர் கைகளால் இறைக்கும்
சங்கு சக்கரங்கள் என்று கை கூப்பும்
தாமரைக் கண் என்றே தளரும்

எங்கனே தரிக்கேன் உன்னைவிட்டு என்னும்
இரு நிலம் கை துழா இருக்கும்
செங்கயல் பாய் நீர்த் திருவரங்கத்தாய்
இவள் திறந்து என் செய்கின்றாயே - Thiruvoimozhi verse

This event of Nam Azhvaar in a Naayaki Thiru Kolam was enacted at the Thirumaamani Mandapa on the 7th day of the Era Pathu Utsavam as part of the Thiruvoimozhi Thirunaal at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam.

Namperumal’s procession at 315pm

Carried by the Seemaanthaangis, Namperumal came out of the Santanu Mandapa on a Palanquin at 315pm and proceeded to the Manal Veli (Sand Banks) through the Paramapada Vasal on the Northern side of the temple, amidst chanting of Vedas and prabhandham.

By the time, Namperumal reached the Manal Veli, Nam Azhvaar was already waiting for him there to display his once in a year ‘Paraankusa Nayaki’ Thiru Kolam.

At around 615pm, two priests lifted Namperumal by their hands and presented the big highlight of the 7th day Era Pathu Utsavam - the ‘Kaithala Sevai’- to Nam Azhvaar who was seated as a Nayaki in a beautiful white and green saree in front of him at the Thirumaa Mani Mandapa.

Araiyars’ enactment of Hiranya Vatham

Later in the evening, starting at around 8pm, five Araiyars enacted the story of Hiranya Vatham in front of the Thirumamani Mandapa at the 1000 Pillar Mandapa on the Eastern side of the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. One araiyar became ‘Hiranya’ for the evening while another narrated the verses and dialogues of ‘Prahalada’ and the third one played the role of ‘Narayana’.

Nam Azhvaar had in his verse (7th 10 of Thiruvoimozhi) sung praise of this Lord as one who tore open the chest of Hiranyakashipu ‘அந்திபோது அவுணன் உடல் இடந்தானே’ and hence the relevance of this enactment on this 7th day Era Pathu Utsavam.

Recital of 100 verses of Thiruvoimozhi
Following the enactment of Hiranya Vatham, for almost 2hours, the Araiyars recited 80 verses (100 in total for the evening) including verses singing praise of Then Thiruperai and Thiruvaaranvilai.

Veena Ekantham

Having spent 9hours providing darshan to devotees and having enjoyed the Nayaki Thirukolam of Nam Azhvaar, Namperumal now needed rest ahead the Vedu Pari event the next day.

And what better way to get prepared for Sayanam than to listen to the Yaazh Isai Veena Ekantham presentation inside the Naazhikettan Prakara, by the ‘Sathya Kootam’ clan, in pin drop silence away from all the noise of the evening at Thirumaa mani mandapam.

Over 900years ago, Ramanuja had assigned ‘Sathya Kootam’, a clan that belonged to a village near Srirangam and well versed in this art form to present Yaazh Isai at the Ranganatha temple in Srirangam. Nine Centuries later, this has come to be included in the Limca books of records for paternal service at temples and its longevity and the now 77 year old former National College (Trichy) Vice Principal Veena G. Rangarajan features in the Limca records as the 45th descendent of this tradition.

Starting at 12.30am, the four member team of Veena Vidwans (Srinivasan, Ramanujam, Govindan and Gopalakrishnan) with the Veena tied to their shoulder presented for close to an hour, in a standing position, several Prabhandham verses that provided the few hundred devotees late into the night a peace of mind that seems to be missing outside.

During the Tamil Prabhandham Festival in Margazhi, the veena vidwans present around 250 pasurams inside the Srirangam Rangathaswamy temple. And they are paid just under Rs.3 for this divine service.

The compositions presented on the Kaithala Sevai night included Nam Azhvaar’s Paasuram of the day ‘கண்களும் பகலும்’ ( 7th 10 of Thiruvoimozhi), the Thiruppavai of the day ‘மாலே மணி வண்ணா’, ராமா கோதண்டராமா, an Uthama Sampradaya Keerthanai composed by Thyagaraja ( Bairavi) and Thondaradi Podi Azhvaar’s Thirumaalai verses of ‘பெண்டிரால் சுகங்கள் உய்ப்பான் பெரியது ஓர் இடும்பைப் பூண்டு’, ‘சோதனைக் கள்வனாகித் தூர்தரோடு இசைந்த காலம்’, ‘மற்றும் ஓர் தெய்வம் ஊடே, மதி இல்லா மானிடங்கள்’, “மனத்தில் ஓர் தூய்மை இல்லை வாயில் ஓர் இன்சொல் இல்லை’.

As the penultimate song, the Veena Vidwans presented Thirumangai Azhvaar's Siriya Thirumadal (Iyarppa)

கார் ஆர் மணி நரக கண்ணனூர் விண்ணகரம்
சீர் ஆர் கனபுரம், சேறை, திருவழுந்தூர்,
கார் ஆர் குடந்தை, கடிகை, கடல் மலை
ஏர் ஆர் பொழில் சூழ் இடவெந்தை, நீர்மலை
சீர் ஆறும் மாளின்ருன்சோலை, திருமோகூர்................

The Four Veena Vidwans' final song on the Kaithala Sevai night with Namperumal being carried up the steps leading up to the Santanu Mandapa was a fitting end to the 7th day Era PathuUtsavam- ‘எத் சரிக சதனம்பு ஏகாந்த ரங்கா’ (Vijaya Ranga Sokka Nathar’s composition). A seemingly happy Namperumal bid good bye to the devotees and went to sleep at around 130am.

Tail Piece

Ramanuja assigned Yaazh Isai for performance during the Prabhandham Festival in Margazhi 900years ago much much before now popular December Music Season which everyone seems to be talking about!!!

Namperumal, who during Pagal Pathu is out there in the hot sun for over 3hours and almost a similar duration in the Era Pathu (albeit in the evening) would only be too happy to listen to the Veena Recital for an hour/90minutes late into the night
before he goes to sleep.

Over the last few years, because this is the last evening of the Era Pathu event, and with difficulty in adhering to the tight schedule of events,because of the huge and ever increasing crowd, the Veena Ekantham, which as per the schedule has been slated for 11pm/1130pm on most days of Era Pathu Utsavam, starts only after midnight.

Given the fact that Ramanuja himself has assigned the Yaazh Isai to put Lord Ranganatha to sleep during the Era Pathu Festival on the back of a tiring and eventful evening/late evening, devotees would be happy to have a full session of the Veena recital lasting for at least an hour.

Cricket Lessons from 1978

2011-12-29T12:19:00.004+05:30

My thoughts after today’s loss were drawn to some of the comments the famous cricket journalist and Radio commentator Dicky Rutnagar made 23years ago as he summed up India’s disastrous 1976-77 series loss at home against Tony Grieg’s MCC ( England).

He had then pointed to the poor domestic system where there was so much emphasis on first innings points that teams focused on draw than a win. Look at table topper Tamil Nadu’s performance this season in the league and you would know what Dicky meant all those years ago.

Teams must be provided the incentive to win four day games and that rewards should be less for draws (first innings points). To this day, rewards continue to be high for minor achievements (first innings lead).

It may be relevant to point out here that having already qualified for the knock out, Tamil Nadu think tank chose to bat a 2nd time in its match against Madhya Pradesh ( who had also qualified) last week and opted for batting practice on the pretext that the TN bowlers needed rest.

TN bowling unit for the match comprising of Yo Mahesh (who has possibly had his best season to date), Malolan Rangarajan, Rahil Shah and J. Kaushik (the last three in their first season of Ranji) in addition to its captain L. Balaji (who is just making a full season comeback) should have been raring to go a 2nd time to further build their confidence for the knock out matches. Instead, they wanted rest from bowling another 20overs each in the 2nd innings. And this team has been yearning to win the Ranji Trophy for the last many years!!!

On four occasions this season, Tamil Nadu stood a chance to win outright and yet they ended the league phase with just one win.

Good Fast Pitches
But more importantly, Dicky had said then that ‘Good pitches are the very essence of cricket’ (no brainer you would think!!). He suggested in 1978 that domestic Ranji and Duleep Trophy matches should be played on good, fast wickets with high points for outright wins and the very minimal for a draw. He had made a very important point then that should have just sat up begging to be immediately implemented. 2½ decades later, we still have ‘batting’ pitches across the country.

Playing on docile pitches in India and making runs by the hundreds does not augur well for a country that wants to be on top of the world in Test Cricket. You need to be tested domestically in the most difficult of conditions so you are prepared when you face tough situations internationally.

( Typical score in a TNCA first division league this year read: Team X 650/4 draws with Team Y 500/5. And the reasoning for docile pitches being that there are far too many matches for the groundsmen to have time to work on the pitch)
Clearly, India (and for that matter Australia as well) was found wanting at the MCG. An over dose of one day and T20cricket has meant that there is very minimal footwork these days - an indication of this was the number of catches behind the wicket and the ‘played-ons’ during the first test. The feet aren’t just moving forward alongside the bat!!! Once upon a time, the most heard phrase on the commentary was ‘bat and pad close together’. You rarely see that these days.

Administration of Cricket
Dicky Rutnagar was also of the view that the game needed an altruistic, imaginative and knowledgeable administration formed from a younger set of men who have just finished playing the game at the highest level and who are well versed with the modern game. AT that time, names that came to his mind included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha and Hanumant Singh. Two and a half decades later, we continue to ask that same question. Administrators continue to be politicians or corporate bigwigs. The one or two occasions when there has been talk of past cricketers taking up administrative positions, it has been surrounded by controversies centering around 'Conflict of Interest'.

He spoke of reconstruction of Indian cricket after that heart breaking crushing in the five test series by a non - too fancied English side.

We may as well talk that language once again after today’s crushing defeat at the MCG. The Indian team may need a reconstruction with a long term vision built around Test Cricket and not hype T20 and One day victories.

M. Vijay back in runs in the Ranji Trophy

2011-12-21T12:00:00.002+05:30

Earlier this year, for the first time ever, two openers from Tamil Nadu opened for India. M. Abhinav went on to play the test series in England while for M. Vijay, who opened alongside Abhinav in West Indies, it has been downhill since then. Having missed the England tour, he would have hoped to make his claims for an India recall with a strong performance in the domestic tournament alongside his India partner Abhinav.

But while Abhinav has smashed his way back into the reckoning with over 600runs in just 5matches- (one match was washed out) including two double hundreds, M. Vijay has been struggling for runs except for two rapid second innings performances. In fact, he has been the odd man out for TN in the top order with most of the others getting a decent hit in the first half of the season with Badrinath, Karthik and Vasudeva Das scoring a century each.

The worrying sign has been that he has not even stayed for a reasonable length of time in the middle having got out pretty early in most of the knocks. In the two 2nd innings bursts, he scored 40odd batting in the middle order when TN came close to chasing 140 in 13overs and in the last match he put a 100run partnership in 14overs with Abhinav on the final evening against Gujarat.

Finally, on a grassy pitch at Chepauk in the final league encounter of the season and with pressure on him to perform ahead of the knock out stage, Vijay put his head down and came good on the first morning showing he has a classy touch to his game.

Playing some sweet strokes including his trade mark cover drives and delectable late cuts ( at least three of them stood out) against a pretty fired up MP new ball attack and running hard between the wickets picking several twos (not necessarily a trade mark with TN batsmen in the past) in the first session of play, he raced to 70 by lunch. There were very few across the line strokes, not too many wristy flicks to the leg and one also did not find him playing wide of mid on as he so often has tended to do in the recent past.

It was particularly pleasing to find Vijay letting many balls go to the keeper, another indication that he was determined to get some runs and not be totally left behind by Abhinav for the contention for the reserve opener’s slot in the Indian team (which any way currently is with Rahane).

This was the kind of commitment one would have expected from Vijay right from the start of the season after having come back from a poor series in West Indies and given that Tamil Nadu has been going for the big one- the Ranji Trophy- that has been elusive for a long time now.

This knock of Vijay will give him a lot of confidence and will mean that Tamil Nadu will go into the knock out phase with both the openers ‘amongst runs’.

Vasudevan - Hats off to you!!

2011-12-13T23:57:00.007+05:30

I was returning to Chennai by Pallavan Express on 7th December (last Wednesday) after a trip to Srirangam for Kaisika Ekadesi. I got down at Mambalam and boarded a crowded 12G bus at 12.30pm. 10minutes later, I was shocked (and could not believe my eyes) to find the 1988Ranji Trophy winning captain S. Vasudevan getting on to the crowded bus at the SIET signal and making a bus trip standing a few yards in front of me. He did not see me and I let it be. I wondered as to what the Ranji Captain of Tamil Nadu was up to going by a local MTC bus and standing, at that.

Only a few days earlier, I had read the interview of Sunil Subramaniam in The Hindu and his comments about Vasudevan being a simple man.

(http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/10/s-vasudevan-tn-ranji-winning-captain.html)

What better example to signify that comment of Sunil than Tamil Nadu’s former Ranji captain taking a crowded bus, standing without anyone noticing him and quietly getting down a few stops later and carrying on with his work. And this just a week after I had written about Abhinav and his lifestyle interview (Sorry Abhinav to pull you in again).

Current crop of players are proud to display their gadgets at the drop of a hat.

Former greats like Vasudevan lead a simple life, almost unnoticed, despite significant achievements over a long period of time in the cricketing arena (every time you bring their achievements to a discussion, they almost shy away asking what this fuss is all about). That’s the yesteryear greats for you.

Vasudevan has been at the Mylapore Club almost every day for the last many months with very few realising that here was a Ranji Trophy captain - one who had taken over 200wickets partnering a large part of the late 70s - mid 80s with Venkataraghavan as TN’s spin twin of that decade standing a few yards away from them.

Hundreds of kids who come to the VB Academy (and then eat pizzas at the club canteen!!!) pass by him day in day out with almost none recognising the legendary TN Captain and left arm spinner.

Since they do not know his greatness, what point in me asking the question ‘what a great opportunity they are missing of taking advise from him not just on cricket and bowling but also on values of life and building strong character. For did Vasudevan not make way for Sunil Subramaniam in the TN side a year after he had lifted the Ranji Trophy with a tremendous personal performance that year so the then promising Sunil could blossom.

Co- incidentally, exactly a week earlier to this Vasudevan incident, I was witness to S. Venkataraghavan standing by the road side on RK Salai near the USIS under the shade of a tree as I made my way from the Gemini Fly over. After having crossed him, a thought struck me if I should check if he needed any help. And in his characteristic style and without any fuss at all, he asked me to carry on!!!

Former Ranji Captain, at 56, takes a bus home and a cricketer in his first year for India is already talking about the fancy car he drives!!!

And earlier this evening, as I watched Vasudevan share his cricketing insights with a 11year old (who I was talking to as Vasudevan walked in) at the VB academy, I wondered if that kid understood that this was probably his best moment to-date in cricket- that of a TN cricketing great walking up to him on his own and providing him with invaluable cricketing and life inputs.

Those few minutes that Vasudevan spent with this 11year old would easily have been a great learning for anyone who listened to him!!! Vasudevan asked him about his stance ( and immediately spotted an error!!!), his cricketing ambitions and what made him come thrice a week to practice cricket and where he wanted to go, his studies and the marks he got there in his class 7 exams, his school and the cricket team, his highest score to date, his daily schedule as a cricketer and what he was learning every day as a cricketer which I am sure the academy he is at would not even thought of as a relevant subject to dwell into!!!

Are these not questions that VB should be asking every kid who wants to sign up at the academy!! or at least the parents should be asking themselves and the kid. I almost felt sorry for Vasudevan for the kid's mother stood there at the Mylapore Club gate listening to these insightful comments from the great but not being to grasp the finer points of what he was trying to make and not knowing that her son had just had the moment of his life one that he should be going to school tomorrow and boasting about- he had just got Free Cricketing and Life lessons from Tamil Nadu's former Ranji Captain, the kind of time that coaches normally monetise!!!

Vasudevan summed it up all to the kid in a single sentence – Cricket is an Education and provides Life Learning opportunities just as you learn different subjects at School. ‘Very few realise that’ he told the kid and walked away after wishing the kid well.

VB Academy would do well to utilise the services of Vasudevan as a guide for the students at least once in a while, if not on a regular basis. Let alone cricket, these young 10year olds would learn 'Lessons of Life' from Vasudevan.

Is VB listening or has his focus completely turned to Cricket Commentary!!

Tri Murthy Utsavam in Uthamar Koil

2011-12-09T21:55:00.010+05:30

Brahmma,Vishnu and Shiva present a joint darshan on the occassion of Thiru Karthigai

In a festival to celebrate the presence of the ‘Tri Murthies’ in a single Divya Desam, one witnessed this evening (Dec 9), on the occasion of Thiru Karthigai, Brahmma, Shiva and Vishnu coming out together on a procession providing a joint darshan for almost an hour to devotees around the four Mada Streets of Uthamar Koil in Thiru Karambanur on the Northern banks of Coloroon near Srirangam, the only such combined display of the Tri Murthies at a Divya Desam.

The Story

Once upon a time, both Shiva and Brahmma had 5 heads. Parvati (Shiva’s wife) once mistook Brahmma (because of his 5 heads) for her husband and began serving him by washing his legs.

Reasoning that this confusion arose because Brahmma too had five heads, Shiva, in a fit of rage, took off the middle head of Brahmma with his hand. Unfortunately for Shiva, the fifth head of Brahmma stuck to his hand. To find salvation from the curse, Shiva went on a pilgrimage begging for food, with Brahmma’s skull as the begging vessel. However, much to Shiva’s horror, every time someone filled the vessel with food, it vanished immediately.

Finally, it was here at Uthamar Koil that Goddess Lakshmi herself filled the vessel with food thus ending Shiva’s hunger. But with the skull still stuck on his hand, Shiva undertook prayers here at Uthamar Koil and as directed by Vishnu later went to Kandiyur (a Divya Desam near Thiruvayaru), where he was finally provided salvation from his curse by Lord Kamalanathan. As Shiva came to Uthamar Koil with a begging bowl searching for liberation from a curse, this place is called Pichandar (Bikshandar) Koil. Shiva is seen here as ‘Bikshandar Murthy’. A unique feature at this Divya Desam is that Lord Brahmma is seen facing South.

Blend of Vaishnavism and Saivism

At Uthamar Koil, one is a witness to the blending of Vaishnavism and Saivism. While as per Vaishnavism legend, Shiva came as a beggar to get liberated from his curse, as per the Saivaite belief, Shiva was born here as a beggar to get rid of the arrogance of the rishis (Shiva has 63 avatars).

Thiru Mangai’s Ultimate Praise

At many a Divya Desam, Thiru Mangai Azhwar has showered several verses of praise, referring to the location, describing the Lord, referring to his postures and comparing him with Lords he has seen elsewhere.

However, there are temples where he has made a reference only in passing. Thiru Karambanur Divya Desam near Srirangam is one such temple where he makes only a passing mention. But the lack of verses (quantity) is made up by the quality of reference.

“Peraanai, Kurugkudiyum Perumaanai, Thiruthankal Ooraanai, Karamabanur Uthamana…”

Thiru Mangai Azhwar has showered the Karambanur Lord with the ultimate praise referring to him as Uthamar, the perfect Lord. This is the only Divya Desam out of over 85 that Thiru Mangai has sung praise of where he has referred to the Lord as 'Uthamar'. Thus, with just one word, he positioned the Karambanur Lord as the Ultimate one to visit for us to see the 'Perfect One'. With Thirumangai referring to the Lord as ‘Uthamar’, the temple itself has come to be called ‘Uthamar Koil’.

Prarthana Sthala

Belief is that childless couple who pray here with sincerity will be blessed with children. Dasharatha himself performed a yagna here before Rama was born. Legend has it that Vishnu ordered Brahmma not to refuse anything to devotees who come here to pray to him.

Festivals
Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam comes here once a year crossing the Coloroon
Purshottam Perumal’s Chariot Utsavam in Chitrai
Lord Shiva’s Chariot Utsavam in Vaikasi

Kaisika Ekadesi 2011 in Srirangam

2011-12-09T08:43:00.007+05:30

Parasara Bhattar took the story of a complex Kaisika Purana (in Sanskrit), dissected it and composed and created the Vyakyaana in a simple and easily understandable language, which was hitherto non-existent. He made it more interesting by analysing the different Avataras of Lord Vishnu and showcasing Varaha Avatara as the best and the purest, despite the Lord taking the form of a pig. Kaisika Purana is a part of Varaha Puraana and comprises several hundred songs- all in small stanzas- showing Lord Narayana as the ultimate supreme force

The Story of Kaisika Purana
Kaisika Purana is the story of Nambaduvan, a low caste person and his love for the Lord Nambi of Thiru Kurungudi. Nambaduvan was a ‘Jaagrutha Vrathan’, one who came out when all others were sleeping. Embarrassed to enter the temple during the day, he would walk several miles every night and stand outside the Thiru Kurungudi temple and sing praise of Lord Nambi.

On the Kaisika Ekadesi night, Nambaduvan made 18 promises to a Brahmma Raakshash who wanted to consume him while he was making his daily night trip to sing praise of Lord Nambi, requesting the Rakshash to allow him to visit the Nambi temple one last time.

In the 18th promise, which is the essence of the Kaisika Purana and the reason why Kaisika Ekadesi and Kaisika Purana are most important to a Vaishnavite, Nambaaduvan says “If one ever tries equating Lord Narayana to anyone else in this world, I will be a party to the biggest sin in the world. And I will never get Moksham from the cycle of births.”

Through these 18 promises narrated in the Kaisika Purana, we are made aware of the different sins we commit every day in our lives as a result of not fulfilling some of the basic things we should do.

Nambaduvan made his way back as promised to the hungry Rakshasha after singing praise of Lord Nambi. His philosophy was that he would rather give up his life than going back on a promise even if it meant that he would be prey of the Rakshash. Stunned at the sincerity of Nambaduvan, Brahmma Rakshash requested him to share the Kaisika Ekadesi night’s praise of Lord Nambi so the Rakshash could be relieved of his previous birth’s curse and secure Vaikunta Moksham.

Namperumal’s procession to Arjuna Mandapa

This Tuesday (6 December) evening, on the occasion of Kaisika Ekadesi Celebrations at the Lord Ranganatha Swamy temple in Srirangam, a beautifully decorated Namperumal, the utsava deity, came out on a palanquin at 830pm on his second procession of the day, having made one earlier in the morning. Making his way through the Kili Mandapa, he positioned himself at Arjuna Mandapa.

365dresses for Namperumal
To start the celebration, 365 dresses were draped around NamPerumal (one for each day of the year) to make up for not giving him enough new dresses throughout the year.

Araiyar’s Periya Thirumozhi and Thiruvoimozhi presentation

Beginning 10pm for almost two hours, Namperumal, along with several hundreds of his devotees, watched Six Araiyars of Srirangam led by Araiyar Ramanujacharya and Araiyar Sampath Kumar present 20verses in praise of Thirukurungudi Nambi from the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham including Vyakyanam and Abhinaya of Thirumangai Azhwar’s Periya Thirumozhi verse Akkum Puliyin and NamAzhwar’s Thiruvoimozhi verse Enganeyo Annaimeerkal through their song and dance enactment. While one Araiyar narrated a verse, another explained its meaning and one other Araiyar enacted the story through the Abhinaya, a unique art/dance performance with their hands and legs.

Throughout his passionate presentation, Araiyar Sampath Kumar had tears rolling down as he sung praise of Lord Nambi of Thiru Kurungudi.

Kaisika Purana Recital and Vaikunta Moksham

Following the Araiyar Sevai and well after mid night, 62 year Parasara Rangaraja Bhattar standing in front of Namperumal at the Arjuna Mandapa presented a non-stop two hour recital without any pause. His presentation of over a 100 verses from the Kaisika Purana with his brother Parasara Azhagiya Singa Bhatter holding the Kaisika Purana scriptures in his hand, through a narration of the entire discussion that panned out between Nambaduvan and Brahmma Rakshash brought out the significance of this simple yet great composition and why it is relevant even today, thousand years after it was composed.

It is believed that anyone who recites/reads or listens to the Kaisika Purana will get Vaikunta Moksham in this birth just in the way Brahmma Rakshasha secured listening to Nambaduvan’s verses.

Karpoora Padi Etra Seva
After a long and eventful night, NamPerumal was allowed only a couple of hours of rest as he was woken up at 5am on Kaisika Dwadasi (Wednesday) morning for his alankara. Having spent over 8hours at the Arjuna Mandapa providing night long darshan to his devotees, Namperumal started on his return trip at 5.15am with two Araiyars leading him all the way to the Santanu Mandapa.

As a thanking gesture for having stayed up late into the night watching the enactment of the Kaisika Ekadesi celebrations, Namperumal was showered with camphor powder, as he made his entry up the steps into the Santanu Mandapa, an event that spread a special fragrance around Him. This special seva is referred to as ‘Karpoora Padi Etra Seva’. With this, Namperumal made his way back to his abode at 545am bringing to end the Kaisika Ekadesi Celebrations.

Historical Event at Srirangam
The Telugu ruler Vijayaranga Sokka Nathan was eager to witness the Kaisika Ekadesi Celebrations in Srirangam, especially this morning event of ‘Karpoora Padi Etra Seva’ (showering of camphor powder). Unfortunately, when he reached the temple with his family, the Lord had already entered the Santanu Mandapa. Having come from far just to witness this event, the king requested the Lord to provide a replay as he could not go back without being part of the event. However, the Lord refused to accept this request stating that he was always on time and does not wait for anyone.

NamPerumal asked the king to be back on the same day next year. But so upset was the king that he decided to stay put outside the Sannidhi for one more year. In memory of this event and to mark the King Vijaya Ranga Sokka Nathan’s unflinching devotion, the idol of the king along with his family can be seen even today outside the Sannidhi on the Western side.

( A version of this story featured today in The Hindu Friday Review)

Peter Roebuck- A fortnight after!!

2011-11-29T02:00:00.008+05:30

'Alas, the dismayed will continue to take their lives for it is all more fragile than it appears' - PETER ROEBUCK IN 2004

The normal pressures (and pleasures) of life may in fact have, after all, taken the toll on Peter Roebuck

In the character assessment of Peter Roebuck, his father had said ‘His prickly response to challenge is promoted by a personality that is tough and austere and responsive neither to bribe nor threats. Since he does not seek reward or bother to avoid punishment the normal pressures of life do not affect him. Accordingly he can strike as hard and often as he wants without fear since he is beyond the range of normal weaponry.'

Peter obviously liked this assessment and he may have found this the most apt description of what he stood for, for him to have included this as the last piece in his autobiography.

Over the last fortnight, a large percentage of the media (and they have been accused of having played a silent role in his life outside of cricket) have chosen to stick to his cricketing skills ignoring what his other side may have been, though almost everyone have slated him as a complex person and as one who did not necessarily disclose his personal side of life and his preferences.

The few that have taken the contrary view have gone the other extreme of bringing out the darker not too pleasant side of Peter Roebuck and almost positioning him as a criminal.

A read through of the chapter on Trial and Tribulation in his autobiography throws up a few questions, answers to which, in hindsight, would have helped clarify some of the doubts that may still linger in the minds of many.

1. A young man (whose mother had earlier asked Peter Roebuck to assist her son and he had not come back to her as promised) committed suicide by gassing himself at 3am. He says he took a vow that day never to go half way.
2. He says that ‘K’ along with a few other visitors played for a club run by Botham’s closest friend. If Peter never wanted to talk to Botham again after the late 1980s, why would he have wanted/allowed his wards to play for a Botham (related) team?
3. He says he gave an unfit boy a few whacks with a stick ( and he was not embarrassed to write ‘from a bunch of sticks’) for not having been able to run in the snow ( the contention is that he got a written consent from them to get whacked).
4. In another case, he talks about a hysterical girl and a likeable boyfriend arguing loudly long into the night…He says that it never occurred to him that his treatment of their cousin was the topic of the conversation- A loud argument in his house late into the night and he leads us to believe that he did not venture to check what it was about
5. Even more surprising is the point where he says he suddenly woke up at 3am the next morning as it struck him that the bedrooms were not tidier and that the other inmates may have left. Yes they had left him and the house was empty
6. In the next episode, he says that one of his students (who wanted to return to him) had left him to stay with Botham’s 2nd closest friend in town for the ‘time being’.
7. He says he had never run away from anything or anyone and adds ‘ least of all youngsters who had run up huge phone bills by calling sex lines’- If he was the strict disciplinarian who wanted his wards to succeed or perish, why did he allow them to make sex calls from his phone lines!!!
8. He had graduated in Law and also had great proficiency in the ‘Language’ ( English) that almost every story over the past fortnight has credited him with…however he says he let pass an answer ( in the Interpol questioning) he gave as ‘yes’ that was recorded as ‘yeah’ without raising that as an issue, though he later acknowledges that as a mistake.
9. He talks about some of those complainants being back in Taunton and about one of them being bitter about the campaign against him (Peter Roebuck). He also talks about a Somerset player urging one of his students to lodge a complaint against him. He does not name either of them.
10. He says most former students had refused to answer questions from the Interpol. Why did they refuse to answer questions on Peter Roebuck if he was almost a father figure to them. Again, in hindsight,he says that may have been a mistake ( for them not to answer any questions)
11. In another reference, he says his house was an alternative to the feebleness of the prevailing youth culture.
12. After he was charged, he says he did not read the complaints and that now and then he did try to read them but always felt ill after a few paragraphs. And says ‘isolated’ incidents were blown out of all proportion, without giving us an indication as to what those incidents were.
13. He says he agreed to the deal to plead guilty to the lowest form of guilt because he was tired and wanted to see his orphans in Zimbabwe while at the same time saying that he did not grasp that pleading guilty meant accepting everything in the statements made by the complainants
14. On the judgement, he says, ‘ I did not care anymore, wanting the thing to end and life to resume.’ In another context, he says ' Mistakes have been made and one or two people have been hurt, but I like to think ' the good has outweighed the bad'.

He sums up saying ‘as a private person, it was the intrusion I hated most of all.’ And that he stood by his overall record with young people.

His tail piece in his book : ' With a bit of luck I will continue writing about the game and broadcasting for the ABC for another 20years.'Unfortunately, it seemed he had only a bit of the ' bit of luck' that he was looking.

But what saddened me the most in his death was that, in the moment of truth, it seemed that his father’s assessment of Peter Roebuck, did not seem to stand the test of time - ‘His prickly response to challenge is promoted by a personality that is tough and austere and responsive neither to bribe nor threats. Since he does not seek reward or bother to avoid punishment, the normal pressures of life do not affect him.’

Peter Roebuck once said 'Alas, the dismayed will continue to take their lives for it is all more fragile than it appears'. Years after that comment, it seemed to take his own and showed he may have been lot more fragile than he appeared to the world at large.

Finally, the normal pressures ( and pleasures) of life may have,after all, taken the toll on Peter Roebuck though I would like to sincerely hope not.

Abhinav Mukund- Focus on Cricket not life style media interviews

2011-11-29T00:03:00.008+05:30

Abhinav Mukund seemed a little out of place in that Metro Plus interview in The Hindu earlier this month, though I am sure he would have had hundreds of 'FANS' praising him on his front page cover piece.

While we were earlier accustomed to Abhinav talking about his penchant for the Lara like cover drive or his cut and pull, we were out here reading his interest in cars and tech gadgets and how he has had to miss birthdays, begging the question if fame had already got the better of him and if he too was falling into the 'Glorious Trap' that many promising young Indian cricketers over the years had become prey to.

There is no doubt that Abhinav has worked hard every single week over the last 15years and his Test call earlier this year was a well deserved one for all the efforts he had put in and yes for all the birthday sacrifices he had made.

To accept The Hindu Metro Plus Life Style interview (however hard the journalist may have pushed him) was poor media management on Abhinav’s part.

In just his first year of International cricket ( and he has already failed to retain his place in the Indian squad having now been left out of the tour to Australia), Abhinav would do well to focus on his game rather than giving fashion and life style interviews to the media that showcases his non cricketing side and how that side of his life is charging his cricketing energy.

In the interview, Abhinav says, ‘Travelling for cricket, I have celebrated my birthday away from home many a time.’ I thought folks here in Madras went to the temple on their birthdays though it seems from this interview that not celebrating birthday with the family is a sacrifice for a cricketer whose aim it was to play for India and that he has now reconciled himself to not being able to celebrate birthdays with his family.

Unlike in the past, say two decades ago when players played cricket for passion (I made my league debut batting alongside a person who was 70years old at that time and where each cricketer brought lunch from home for the league matches!!!), cricketers these days have turned professional and are paid huge sums of money even before they have turned 25!!!

So to make a point about ‘Celebrating birthdays away from home’ and positioning it like a big sacrifice is a kind of comment that Abhinav would do well to avoid. When did celebration of a birthday with family become bigger than wanting to play for India? Why is Abhinav even getting into such topics in a media interview (His typical response would be that he was just answering a question from a journalist!!!)

There is also the point about ‘no memories of hanging out’.

We haven’t heard of stories of Dravids and Laxmans and Tendulkars hanging out during their college days. So Abhinav, what’s the big deal of not having memories of hanging out with college mates. Playing for India is much better than hanging out at Shanthi Vihar!!!

If this was not enough, there were more shocks to come in the interview. Abhinav goes on to talk about his Playstation 3, thriller-novels, addiction to films and his fascination for gadgets.

How nice it would have been for us to hear how he is sharpening his technique to not be inner edging or playing away from body and leaving bat pad gaps often enough as we saw him in England rather than knowing how frequently and at what speed he zips down ECR or what car does he have now.

Many years ago I heard him say watching Brian Lara on Video charged him and motivated him. Today driving alone on his Honda Jazz on the ECR charges him!!! What a change.

But what was the ultimate shocker was the way he signed off in the interview suggesting that he loves the attention that his cricketing achievements have given him.

If playing 6tests in a year and then being discarded can lead him to comments like ‘it will be a blatant lie if I said I didn’t like the attention’, how will he be when he scores his 25th test ton.

Abhinav, its time you got back to focusing on your cricket. It would be good if you stayed far away from Life Style interviews to media. Let the bat do the talking for you like it did when you scored that double hundred a couple of weeks back at Chepauk to get TN the crucial first innings lead against Amit Mishra's Haryana.

We want to know how hard you are working on your technique.

We are more interested in your appetite for runs rather than the cars and tech gadgets you own!!!

http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2011/05/abhinav-mukund-in-indian-test-squad-to.html

http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/09/cricket-pick-of-month-abhinav-mukund.html

Peter Roebuck- My favourite Cricket Expert Commentator

2011-11-14T15:49:00.007+05:30

My first meeting with Peter Roebuck was in the 3rd test between India and Australia at Chepauk in Madras in 2001 when I spent two sessions with him at the ABC Commentary box. That day, after having heard him over the Radio for a decade, I listened LIVE to Peter sitting right behind him at the commentary box. I told him that he was the best modern day ‘expert’ commentator on the Radio.

(Photo above was taken by me that day... Jim Maxwell, who brought him into Radio Australia is to his left. And Mike Coward, who has this morning rated Peter Roebuck as the best ever commentator of this generation, is to his right. Harsha Bhogle who was also part of that ABC team, Glenn Mitchell, Greg Mathews and our own scorer- Mani- are also seen in the photograph)

So modest was Peter(Roebuck) that morning that he almost shut me up in that ABC box and asked me to keep it to myself and not propagate these views!!!

The first time I had listened to Peter Roebuck was in 1987 when he summed Australia’s 1987 world cup victory.

This is how he began describing AB’s victory in 1987:

“Calcutta, the former Indian capital with 12million citizens including Mother Teresa and some of the worst poverty imaginable, darted up its Eden Garden Stadium for the cricket final. 90000 Indian cricket lovers packed the ground, despite the fact that the tournament’s co- hosts, India and Pakistan - were not present……….. When asked what he would do with the prize money, Allan Border said ‘We are going to have a good time.”

Since then, for well over a decade I rarely missed his stint on Radio Australia.

Two things stand out in my memory of listening to him on the radio:

One, his strategic description of the poor captaincy of Graham Gooch during the 1992 World Cup final when Gooch released the pressure the Pakistanis were under by pushing the field back right after the first drinks break.

The other was during the 1988 Perth test match against West Indies when Tim Lane, the Radio Australia commentator was LIVE after the fall of the 9th Australian wicket ‘Ambrose will not be able to beat his previous best test haul now (Ambrose’ previous best had been 6 for 72 or some such thing and he had in this particular innings just conceded 73runs at that time for his 6wickets)…

Peter Roebuck immediately retorted that stunned Tim Lane “Not necessarily Tim. Ambrose could claim the final wicket and still achieve his best Test figures (by claiming 7 wickets in that innings).”

That was how 'spot on' he was on the game.

I read, several times, the story of his experience with the UK police on the supposed assault on his students. He thankfully got out of that after an almost two year horror phase.

But this time, it all ended in a matter of minutes, though one wonders how some one who seemed quite strong willed would take such an immediate decision. And that, in the middle of an absorbing 'Test' battle that he so often over the last one year criticised for its short series ( He was aghast at ICC planning this as just a two test series and made his displeasure known, as always, in no uncertain terms)

His suddent demise is a great loss to the radio (and to cricket readers). Just on the night of his death ( Saturday night), I was reading his description of Michael Atherton's career and the final time Athers walked on to the field.

Thanks to the collection I have of many of Peter’s gems (stints) for Radio Australia, dating back to the early 1990s, I can hopefully continue to listen to those recorded commentaries of his, though his LIVE broadcasts on the ABC will be missed as will be his reports in The Hindu.

Mudhal Azhvaar Utsavam Thiru Kovilur

2011-11-11T13:01:00.009+05:30

In celebration of the contribution of the first three Azhvaars to the creation of Divya Prabhandham verses at Thiru Kovilur, a five day Mudhal Azhvaar Utsavam took place here last week.

On the final morning of the Utsavam on the occasion of Pey Azhvaar’s birthday (Saturday November 5), the three Azhvaars were provided special - once in a year- honours by Ulagalandha Perumal. Each of them accepted the Lord’s garland and the Parivattam (sacred turban linen) of the Lord.

This was followed by the loud recital of the very first set of verses of the Divya Prabandham composed by the three Azhvaars.

After special Thirumanjana of the Mudhal Azhvaars at the Pandya Mandapa, a beautifully decorated Ulagalanda Perumal came out on a Sesha Vahana accompanied by the three Azhvaars to provide darshan to the devotees (With heavy rains in the evening, Ulagalanda Perumal and the three Azhvaars stayed within the temple complex and did not go around the four Mada Streets as was the plan).

Contribution of Mudhal Azhvaars

‘ThiruKanden Ponmeni Kanden’ is how an excited Pey Azhvaar described the moment of his happiness after darshan of Ulagalandha Perumal on one dark stormy night here in Aippasi at Mrugandu Rishi’s Ashram in Thiru Kovilur.

The story goes that the first three of the Azhvaars- Poigai Azhvaar, Bhoothath Azhvaar and Pey Azhvaar (referred to as Mudhal Azhvaars) - came to Thiru Kovilur on that rainy night. Poigai Azhvaar of Kanchipuram who reached first, sought refuge for the night at the ashram of Mrugandu Rishi who agreed to allow him in on the condition that there was place for just one person to sleep and that he was welcome to sleep there for the night.

Bhoothath Azhvaar, from Thiru Kadal Mallai (Mahabalipuram), followed shortly. He was welcomed with the message that there is place for one to sleep and two to sit and brought him inside.

PeyAzhvaar, from Thiru Mayilai (Mylapore), who was the last to reach the ashram, was told that there is place for one to sleep, two to sit and three to stand. The three of them stood there through the night sharing their experiences.

A little later, Mudhal Azhvaars felt the presence of a fourth person and with space only for three to stand, they felt uncomfortable. Through their special vision, they realised that this was Ulagalantha Perumal of Thiru Kovilur.

Delighted at seeing the Lord, Poigai Azhvaar sang 100verses (Mudhal Thiruvanthathi) beginning with ‘Vaiyan Thagaliya Vaarkadaley” referring to the Universe as the lamp and the Ocean as the oil, Bhoothath Azhvaar followed this with 100 verses beginning with ‘Anbey Thagaliye’ (Second Thiruvanthathi) while Pey Azhvaar showered another 100verses (Third Thiruvanthathi) of praise.

Thus, it was here at Thiru Kovilur that the first verses of Divya Prabhandham were composed and hence this place is credited as being the temple of origin of the sacred 4000verses.

The ashram where the three Azhvaars stayed that rainy night is where one today finds the sanctum.

For this special contribution, all the three Azhvaars find a place inside the sanctum next to the gigantic Lord Trivikrama who measures 24 ft in height and is seen in a grand standing posture with his right leg raised 90 degrees to his right.

Vamana Avatara displayed again
Pleased with the prayers of Mrugandu Rishi but wanting to test him more, Lord Vishnu visited his ashram disguised as an old hungry Brahmin. With no food at the ashram, the rishi’s wife sought help from the Lord. Happy with their commitment of not letting go a hungry Brahmin, the Lord filled the vessels with food, much to the surprise of the Rishi. When the happy couple came out to offer food to the Brahmin, they found Lord Vishnu standing there displaying his full form –with conch and chakra. Delighted at this sight, the Rishi requested the Lord to display his Vamana Avatara at this place and to stay put at Thiru Kovilur.

Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetram
Thiru Kovilur is one of the sacred Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetrams, the others being Thiru Kannangudi, Thiru Kannamangai, Thiru Kannapuram and Kapisthalam.

Quick Facts

Deity : Trivikrama (Ulagalandha Perumal) East facing standing posture
Goddess : Poongoval Nachiyar
Utsavar : Dehlisha (Idai Kazhi Aayanar) Perumal
Temple Time : 630am-12noon and 430pm-8pm
Contact : 98407 46422 / 90032 97798

How to reach Thiru Kovilur

Ulagalanda Perumal Divya Desam in Thiru Kovilur is located about 40kms West of Villipuram on the banks of Pennai River. Direct buses ply between Chennai Koyambedu bus terminus and Thiru Kovilur temple (will take 5hours). One can also take a train from Chennai Egmore to Villupuram, from where Thiru Kovilur is about 45minutes by bus.

While the broad gauge conversion from Villupuram to Thiru Vannamalai has been completed, the operation of the rail service has not resumed.

Once this happens, one will be able to go by train to Thiru Kovilur from Chennai

A Part of this story featured today in The Hindu

Yoga Rama Temple Nedungunam

2011-11-06T11:43:00.011+05:30

Rama is seen in a Chin Mudra Posture without his bow
Biggest Vishnu temple in the North Arcot and Thiruvannamalai districts of Tamil Nadu

Located 24kms South of Vandavasi on the Kanchipuram – Chetput-Thiruvannamalai route at the foot of the Dheergajala Mountain is the over 500years old Yoga Rama temple in Nedungunam where Lord Rama is seen in a unique sitting ‘Chin Mudra’ posture without his bow listening to Hanuman’s Vedic recital.

The temple has two big Gopurams at the Eastern entrance- the 105feet Raja Gopuram and the 65feet Kili Gopuram. Inscriptions can be traced to the Raya period and hence the temple can be said to be at least 500years old.Spaced in an almost 90000sq. ft area, this is the biggest Vishnu temple in the North Arcot and Thiruvannamalai districts and also possibly the biggest Rama temple in Tamil Nadu.

The story goes that answering the prayers of Rishi Shugar, Rama provided darshan to him and stayed here for a day on his way back to Ayodhya after defeating the Lanka King Ravana.

Abhimana Perumal

Rama is the Abhimana Perumal for people belonging to almost 25villages around Nedungunam.

Inscriptions

A 16th Century AD inscription reveals that during the rule of Veera Achutha Deva Raya a nearby village was given as donation for the conduct of the festival at the Rama temple.

An inscription near the Rajagopuram states there was a grant of land for the perpetual maintenance of the temple activities and poojas. It also has a word of caution. Anyone trying to hinder the conduct of the temple poojas/activities will incur a curse equivalent to killing a cow on the banks of the Ganges.

A 17th Century AD inscription talks about grant of land to provide for the maintenance of a doctor in Nedungunam.

On the Southern end of the Kili Rajagopuram, there is a reference to Kuzhambalur Thandavarya Chidambaram ‘Daily Service’, an indication that someone was taking care of the expenses relating to the proper conduct of the daily pooja services at the temple.

On a stone culvert on the Southern side of the temple, there is a mention of taxing any new resident to this place during the rule of Vijayanagara King, Venkatapathi Deva Raya.

Festivals
10day Brahmotsavam in Panguni/Chitrai starting on Rama Navami
Garuda Sevai on Vaikasi Visakam
Aadi Pavitrotsavam

Chariot Festival on the 7th day of Brahmotsavam.

On the Kaanum Pongal day in Thai, Lord Rama goes on a procession to around 20villages around Nedungunam.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Yoga Rama East Facing Sitting Posture with Sita and Lakshmana by his side
Thaayar : Shengamala Valli Thaayar
Temple Time: 7am-10am and 6pm-8pm
Contact : Badri Narayana Bhattar @ 94452 15776

How to reach
Bus Numbers 148, 208 and 422 from Koyambedu bus stand go through Nedungunam
By Car from Chennai, one can drive 90kms to Melmaruvathur and then take a right to drive 30kms to Vandavasi.

The alternate route is to taka right at Padalam (15kms after Chengalpet on the GST Road) to reach Uthira Merur. From Uthira Merur, one has to drive 25kms south to reach Vandavasi.

Vijayadasami Utsavam Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal Srirangam

2011-10-13T19:02:00.005+05:30

Namperumal’s hunting scene enacted at the Kaatazhagiya Singar temple on Vijayadasami
Made his way back through the Wholesale Flower Market of Srirangam

Last week, on the Vijayadasami (Oct 6,2011) morning, sharp at 630am, Namperumal, the Utsava processional deity of Lord Ranganathaswamy temple set his sights to the East as he left his abode for his annual one day ‘Vijaya’ (Conquest) trip to the temple of 'Narasimha of the Jungle' - Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal koil, a temple that pre dates the Ranganatha temple.

Passing through the ‘Vellai Gopuram’, Namperumal reached the Srirangam railway station where special wooden boards had been placed across the railway track to assist the Lord cross the Srirangam Station. On reaching the Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal temple, Namperumal stationed himself at the outer Mantapa where a pooja was performed. Later, devotees at the Singar temple had his darshan.

Enactment of hunting Scene
In the evening, cane bows and arrows of cane with brass heads were ceremoniously brought on the Elephant back via the Chitra Streets of Srirangam.

At 5pm, the Golden Horse Vahana that had been brought earlier in the day from the Ranganatha temple, was moved into the Outer Mantapa where Namperumal was being decorated for the evening event.

An hour later, at 6pm, Namperumal mounted on his Golden Horse Vahana and positioned himself at the four pillared Mantapa right in front of the Vanni tree for the much awaited event of the day.

After performing pooja at the Vanni tree, the hunting scene was enacted here in front of thousands of devotees who had gathered at the Singaperumal temple with Nampermal’s representatives striking the arrows in different directions signifying the killing of Vanniyasura, the forest demon and symbolically suggesting the protection of the Good.

After the enactment of this hunting scene and having spent the whole day with the ‘Narasimha of the Jungle’, Namperumal bid good bye to Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal for yet another year and started on his return trip at around 7pm.

Only visit to the Flower Market of Srirangam
Ahead of Namperumal’s return trip, Sathara Street, the wholesale Flower market of Srirangam, was wonderfully decorated with festive lights and flower alankara marking the entire stretch of the market. This is the only day in the year when Namperumal makes his way through the Flower market providing darshan to the flower vendors of Srirangam.

With the clock having ticked past 830pm and having provided darshan for almost an hour at the Southern entrance of the Ranganathaswamy temple, Namperumal made his way back to the Gayathri Mantapa where Thirumanjana was performed along with the Ubhaya Nachiyars bringing to an end his annual hunting expedition to the Singaperumal temple.

Singar Koil

Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal temple is located 100yards East of Srirangam Railway Station. Moolavar Chaturbhuja Narasimha is seen with his two upper hands holding a Conch and Chakra while his lower hand is in an Abhaya posture. Goddess Lakshmi is seen seated on the left thigh of Narasimha and holds buds in both her hands. Interestingly, both the feet of Goddess Lakshmi can be seen at this temple.

Centuries ago, this Kshetram was referred to as Velli Thirumutham. Only much later, after the construction of the Ranganatha temple did this place come to be called Thiruvarangam. The Singaperumal temple was built by Vallabhadeva Pandya and has an imposing Vimana. In the 15th Century AD, Chakra Raya colonised the precincts of the Shrine of Kaatazhagiya Singar and renovated the shrine. The Maha Mantapa at the Singar temple has Vijayanagar style pillars.

Rockfort Express

2011-09-30T18:46:00.003+05:30

It would be good to stop the 16177 Rockfort Express at Tiruchirapalli Junction and bring it back to its original historical route

With the launch this week of a new train- The Mannai Express to Mannargudi- passing through both Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, it may finally be time to get RockFort Express to its old route – Chennai Egmore –Tiruchirapalli Junction Express.

In the early part of last decade, with the closure of the Chennai Egmore Villupuram Mayavaram- Kumbakonam Main line for the conversion to broad gauge and the subsequent early conversion of the Tiruchirapalli- Kumbakonam 90km route, the Rockfort Express was extended beyond Tiruchirapalli to Kumbakonam.

However, now with the train services having resumed on the Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai section and with at least 3 daily express night trains on this section in addition to weekly specials and the Chozhan day express, it will be good to stop Rockfort express at Tiruchirapalli thus providing several hundreds of additional berths/seats to Trichy bound travellers.

While this issue was raised in the past, no decision was taken. However, with Mannai Express and Tiruchendur Express running on the Mayavaram-Kumbakonam-Thanjavur main line, it will benefit the passengers to get the additional seats to Trichy on the Rockfort Express.

Singiri Kudi Narasimha Temple

2011-09-30T11:42:00.000+05:30

Sage Vashista was liberated from his curse at this place
Prahalada had darshan here of Lakshmi Narasimha after having visited Devanathan at Thiru Vahindrapuram

Located 2kms West of Thavalai Kuppam off the Pondicherry-Cuddalore National Highway is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Singiri Kudi, Abhishekapakkam where Lord Narasimha is seen in an angry sitting posture facing the West towards the other two Narasimha temples at Poovarasankuppam and Parikkal.

This is the only Narasimha temple in Tamil Nadu where he is seen with 16hands.

Prahalada's darshan at Singiri Kudi
Subsequent to his visiting Thiru Vahindrapuram Divya Desam for a darshan of Lord Devanathan, Prahalada is believed to have come North to Singiri Kudi to invoke the blessings of Ugra Narasimha.

Nimi Chakravarthy, who belonged to the Surya Dynasty, wanted to perform a Yagna invoking Indra and to gain further powers. Vashishta, the preceptor of the Surya Dynasty, was not too keen on this and backed out citing non availability on that day.

Nimi who had made up his mind to perform the Yagna reached out to Kousika Rishi to be present and lead this yagna. After its completion, Vashista returned only to find Nimi asleep.

Angered that Nimi had gone ahead and performed the Yagna despite him announcing his non availability and also with him not coming out to receive the Sage, Vashista pronounced a curse whereby the body and soul were separated.

On waking up, Nimi expressed unhappiness that his Guru had cursed him while he was asleep.

In an interesting twist, the King, who through his various yagnas had gained powers to curse anyone, cursed his own Guru separating his body and soul as well.

Nimi felt that having separated his soul from the physical body he need not revive his life and he expressed the wish that he should have darshan of the Lord through the devotees.

Vashista on the other hand sought the help of Brahmma to liberate him from the curse. As directed by Brahmma, he undertook penance at the Krishnaranya Kshetram of Singiri Kudi. Pleased with his prayers, Lakshmi and Narasimha provided darshan to him here and liberated him from the curse.

The three Narasimha temples of Parikkal (Near Villupuram off the Trichy National Highway), Poovaran Kuppam ( off the Panruti Highway) and Singiri Kudi are in a straight way from West to East. It is said that it is auspicious to visit all the three temples on the same day.

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Ugra Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Kanakavalli Thaayar
Priest : Jayakumar Bhattar @ 0413 2618759
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 430pm-9pm

Festivals
Chitrai Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
Chariot Festival on Narasimha Jayanthi
Puratasi Saturdays

How to reach
Take the Pondicherry-Cuddalore bus. Get down at Thavalai Kuppam ( 10kms from Pondy)
An auto from here to Singiri Kudi will cost Rs.30-40/-

Mannargudi Train from Chennai Egmore

2011-09-27T17:04:00.004+05:30

Mannai Express to kick off tonight

The much awaited daily express train to the temple town of Mannargudi will finally kick off tonight following the laying of the broad guage line on the 14km Needamangalam- Mannargudi section.

Talking to prtraveller, Mr. PV Vaidialingam, DRM, Tiruchirapalli Division said “Train Number 16179 Mannai Express will leave Chennai Egmore at 10pm tonight and will reach Mannargudi at 625am tomorrow morning. Train Number 16180 Mannargudi Chennai Express will leave Mannargudi at 915pm this evening and will reach Chennai Egmore at 555am tomorrow.”

Mannai Express will run on the main line via Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. The launch of the train to Mannargudi will help devotees to the Rajagopalaswamy temple and the ancient Rama temple in Vaduvur to take a comfortable night train from Chennai. For the last many years, travellers have had to take a rather tedious bus journey to Mannargudi and Vaduvur.

Mr. Vaidialingam also said that with the launch of this new express train to Mannargudi, the departure time of Mangalore Express has been moved to 1015pm
(previously 10pm).

Appan Venkatachalapathy Temple Cheran Maha Devi

2011-09-24T00:28:00.007+05:30

A temple where in Centuries gone by there was a Spring Festival for the Appan Lord and 6 offerings to the Lord on New Moon days

Located 1km North of Ramaswamy temple on the Cheran Maha Devi - Kallur- Tirunelveli route is an ancient Chera Period Appan temple in Cheran Maha Devi, one that was recently renovated after having remained closed for almost 50years.

The Story- Milagu Rasam special at this temple
The story goes that a Cheran king, who could not find a solution from the doctor, for his daughter’s stomach pain approached an astrologer who asked him to build a Chatram as well as a Venkatachalapathy temple on the banks of Tamarai Barani. He was also asked to give ‘Milagu Rasam’ to his daughter. To his surprise, his daughter recovered. Hence, Milagu Rasam is special at this temple and this place was referred to as Kanndiyen Chatram.

There are about 60 inscriptions at this temple the earliest of which dates back to the 12th Century AD to the rule of Jatavarma Pandya (Kulasekhara I) who in 1200AD on the suggestion of his brother in law Ravivarma ordered that the land of Karungulapparru, an Eastern Hamlet of Cheran Maha Devi Chaturvedi Mangalam, be made completely tax free for daily offerings to the Lord and for the recital of Vedas and Puranas at this temple.

Monthly requirements of the Lord

Also, inscription dating back to 1209AD indicates that provision was made for Sandal, Camphor and all other monthly requirements of the Lord.

Garland for the Lord
Also, during the rule of Sundara Pandya Deva, there was a gift of money by Virasinga Deva for providing Garland of flowers in the Cheran Narayanan Nandavanam in return for some prasadam from the temple. There was also an agreement given by the temple authorities to Pillai Vijayarayan for the 8 Achchu given by him for maintaining the flower garden and supplying garlands to the temple.

40Kalam of Paddy for Services to the Appan Temple

A 1267AD Inscription during the rule of Vira Pandya II records an agreement deed given to Sriranganatha Bhattar by the Pandarikal Sri Vaishnavas and Nambiman of the Appan temple of Cheran Maha Devi Chaturvedi Mangalam. As per this deed, the latter agreed to measure out 40Kalam of Paddy to the temple for certain services in lieu of interest on a sum of 20 Achchus as they were in arrears to the temple.

Maravarma Pandya who reigned Malai Nadu, Chola and Kongu Kingdom, Ilam and Thondai Mandalam registered the remission of all kinds of taxes by assembly of Cheran Maha Devi Chaturvedi Mangalam on certain lands in Idaigal for conducting service called ‘ Kulasekharan Sandhi’ instituted in the Appan temple by Veenaadudaiyan.

A 1288AD inscription on the Eastern Wall of the temple records a gift of 2Aanai Achchu for a lamp by pupils of Pinsenra Villi Jeeyar of Mudivalangum Perumal Mutt. The interest on each Achchu was one Ulakku of oil per day.

Recognising the work of Smith

In an interesting recognition, Kulasekhara Deva records a gift of an annuity of Paddy and a portion of the ‘deity offered food’ to the Smith Cherai Mangai Silpasari for doing stone work in the Appan temple.

New Moon Day and 6offerings for the Lord
On the side wall of the temple is a record that states the gift of money for providing 6offerings to the God on New Moon days.

Feeding Sanyasins and maintaining a Teacher for the Paatshaala

On the wall of the South Verandah in the first prakara of the Appan temple contains yet another inscription in Tamil that provides interesting insights about the functioning of the temple in the 13th Century AD.

As per the request of Malavaraayan, Sundara Pandya II promised to make a gift of a tax free land at Karungulam, in the Eastern Hamlet of Cheran Maha Devi Chaturvedi Mangalam for benefit of a service instituted in the name of Nakkan Irattai ( Thondai Maanaar) for feeding every day 17 persons including Tridanda Sanyasins and for maintaining a teacher for the Sastras in the mutt called Mudvalangum Perumal Mutt at the temple.

Spring Festival at Appan temple

On the same wall, there is a record of a gift of land by the temple authorities to Azhagiya Manavala Jeeyar, one of the Tridandi Sanyasins who was in charge of the above mutt on the Northern side of the temple for conducting the Spring festival of God every year

Festivals

With the Appan temple having been just renovated after several decades, the temple authorities are currently in the process of working out the festival details for the year ahead. With their passion in bringing the temple to wear a new refreshing look, one can expect the temple to also bring back the festivals of centuries gone by that this temple was home to.

Interestingly, the renovation has not spoilt any of the inscriptions at the Appan temple and they see to be intact on all sides including the pillars.

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Appan Venkatachalapathy East Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Alarmel Mangai and Padmavathi Thaayar
Utsavar : Srinivasan ( currently under lock and key at Ramaswamy temple)
Priest : Srinivasan Bhattar @ 89036 69263 / 04634 265268
Temple Time: 6am-8am (Saturday and Sunday 6am-11am) - Call Srinivasan Bhattar in advance in case one reaches the temple after noon/evening

How to reach
Cheran Maha Devi is about 20kms West of Tirunelveli and 10kms East of Ambasamudram. Buses ply every 10minutes from Tirunelveli and Ambai.

When in Cheran Maha Devi also visit Ramaswamy Temple which is 1km South of the Appan Venkatachalapathy temple.

Mannar Koil Rajagopalaswamy is 15kms from here and Thirukurungudi Divya Desam is about 30kms from Cheran Maha Devi.

Thiru Koshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal Divya Desam

2011-09-22T11:40:00.010+05:30

Ramanuja learnt the Thiru Mandiram here on his 18th visit from Srirangam
A Divya Desam with a 'Three Tier Ashtanga Vimana'
Avathara Sthalam of Thiru Koshtiyur Nambi

Located 8kms South West of Tirupattur on the Siva Ganga Highway is the Sowmya Narayana Divya Desam in Thiru Koshtiyur, a temple that finds a reference in the Brahmanda Purana. Lord Sheerabdhi Nathan, who had come here from Thiru Parkadal on the request of the Devas, is seen in a Bhujanga Sayana Posture at this temple.

This is the place where Ramanuja was initiated the Thiru Mandiram by his Acharya Thiru Koshtiyur Nambi on his 18th trip from Srirangam.

Direction to Thiru Koshtiyur

In centuries gone by, the direction to this place was given as being South of the Cauvery and 40miles East of Azhagar Koil.

Story of Hiranya Kashipu and ThiruKoshtiyur
Asura Hiranyakashipu prayed to Brahmma for a boon that he would not be killed by Devas, human race, animals or by weapons. Having secured the boon, he went on a rampage harassing everyone and forcing them to utter ‘Namo Hiranyaya Namaha’.

Worried at his increasing power and anxious at what his next action would be, Devas sought Shiva’s help, who directed them to Brahmma, who further directed them to Vishnu as the only one who could pin down Hiranyakashipu.

The Devas went to Thiru Paarkadal only to be told by Lord Narayana that Hiranya’s powers had spread around the world and they had to go and find a place in the world where His name was still being chanted. They managed to find Kadamba Rishi’s ashram as the one place where Lord Narayana’s name was still being uttered. The Rishi was undertaking severe penance in his quest to have darshan of the Lord as Sheerabdhi Nathan.

The Devas and Tri Murthies went to Kadamba Rishi’s ashram to discuss the plan to kill Hiranya. While everyone remained there, Lord Narayana went back to Thiru Paarkadal where, he asked Sanghu Karna to be born as Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahalada who would utter Namo Narayana all the time, much to his father’s shock.

After Hiranya Samhara, Kadamba Rishi requested Brahmma to give him a model of Lord Narayana killing Hiranya. It was Brahmma who directed Vishwakarma to construct a 3 tier structure at this place- one with Om, another with Namo and the third with Narayana with the Southern side of the tower depicting ‘Lord ‘Narasimha catching Hiranyan’. He asked Maayan to construct the Northern side of the tower depicting ‘Narasimha killing Hiranyan’.

Indra, who had stayed back here till the Hiranya Samhara, presented to Kadamba Rishi the silver plated idols of Sowmya Narayana along with Sri, Bhoo and Neela Devi.

When Pururavan, the son of Budhan (Mercury) flew above Thiru Koshtiyur on his way for a bath in the Ganges, he was brought down to this place through the powers of the Ashtanga Vimana. Having had a darshan of the Thiru Koshtiyur Lord and lured by his presence, Pururavan built the town where people could stay and have darshan of Sheerbadhi Nathan.

'3 Tier Ashtanga Vimana'

This is a Divya Desam with a 'Three tier Ashtanga Vimana', similar to Thiru Koodal in Madurai. At the ground level, there’s a Sannidhi here for Lord Shiva. Above that is a 3 Tier Vimana. On level 1 is Lord Uraga Mellanaiyaan – Sheerabdhi Nathan in a Sleeping Posture. Above him in Tier 2 is Lord Upendra Narayana in a Standing Posture. And on Tier 3 is Paramapada Nathan in a Sitting Posture.

There is a Ramaswamy temple in Cheran Maha Devi, near Ambasamudram, which has a similar three tier Ashtanga Vimana.

On Tier 3, through a small gap one can reach the place from where Ramanuja pronounced the Thiru Mandhiram to the world at large.

Thiru Mandhiram- Ramanuja and Nambi

Ramanuja came to Thiru Koshtiyur to meet Nambi and learn the Thiru Mandhiram. On reaching here, he says ‘I have come to meet you..’ but was turned back on 17 occasions.

On the 18th occasion, Ramanuja started with ‘Adiyen Daasan (your disciple) Ramanuja has come.’ And to his surprise, this time Nambi welcomed him saying ‘Your arrogance is gone. Now we can talk’.

Ramanuja requested his Acharya Nambi to teach him the Thiru (Narayana) Mandhiram. He was initiated the Thiru Mandhiram, subject to one condition that Ramanuja would not share it with anyone else and that if he failed, he would go to hell. Having learnt the Thiru Mandhiram, Ramanuja came up here to the 3rd tier, called out for the people and recited the Thiru Mandhiram to the world at large.

Shocked at this ‘break of promise’, Nambi questioned Ramanuja on his failure to keep up the promise and the consequence of this ‘public’ utterance In a stunning reply, Ramanuja said ‘By sharing the Thiru Mandhiram, I alone (one person only) will go to hell but by having shared it with the world at large, several people will get Moksham.’ And hence, he was ready to go to hell.

Ramanuja as Emberumaanar
Impressed with Ramanuja’s reply, Nambi called him ‘Ne Emperumaal Aanar’ (you have become my Lord). Hence Ramanuja here is called ‘Emberumaanar’. Ramanuja and Nambi have separate Sannidhis at this temple. Outside the Nambi Sannidhi is a board that contains the list of 18 Thiru Mandhiram.

On the third tier, on the Southern side, there is a beautifully sculpted statue of Ramanuja in a sitting posture to mark the ‘ThiruMandhiram’ pronunciation to the world.

Pallandu Verse praising Thiru Koshtiyur Lord

அவ் வழக்கு ஒன்றுமில்லா அணி கோட்டியர்
கோன் அபிமானதுங்கன், செல்வனைப் போல
திருமாலே
நானும் உனக்கு பழவடியேன்

நல் வகையால் நமோ நாராயணா வென்று
நாமம் பல பரவி

பல்வகையாலும் பவித்தரனே
உன்னைப் பல்லாண்டு கூறுவனே

In the Thirupallandu verse, Peri Azhvaar says that having seen him here at Thiru Koshtiyur, he too like the faultless Thiru Koshtiyur Nambi will become a faithful Servant of the Lord and that he will forever chant and spread the Om Namo Narayana mantra as well as the several other names of the Lord with the sole aim of relinquishing all other unwanted desires in life.

In addition to Peri Azhvaar, Four other Azhvaars - Thirumangai Azhvaar, Peyazhvaar, Thirumazhisai Azhvaar and Bhoothath Azhvaar have sung praise of the Thiru Koshtiyur Lord in a total of 40 verses.

PeriAzhvaar visualised ‘Aayarpadi’ when he saw Thiru Koshtiyur

வண்ண மாடங்கள் சூழ் திருகோட்டியூர்
கண்ணன் கேசவன் நம்பி பிறந்தினில்

என்னை சுண்ணம் எதிரெதிர் தூவிடக்
கண்ணன் முற்றம் கலந்து அளறு ஆயிற்றே

When Peri Azhvaar visited Thiru Koshtiyur for the first time, it was Krishna Jayanthi period and the whole place was agog with a festival atmosphere with people singing and dancing around bringing back memories of the young and playful Krishna. Peri Azhvaar visualised Thiru Koshtiyur as ‘Aayarpadi’ and sung praise of this place referring to this as ‘one with big mansions’.

The Name- Removal of all Sins
As the Devas came here in Groups (Ghosti) requesting Lord Narayana to kill Asura Hiranyakashipu, this place is called Koshtiyur. The belief is that a visit to this place will remove one’s sins as can be seen from the name – Thiruku (Sin) – Otiyur (removed).

Belief is that visiting Thiru Koshtiyur provides one the fruits of visiting Naimisaranyam Divya Desam, a bath in the Ganges and a visit to Kurukshetra. It is said that a Vaishnavite who does not visit Thiru Koshtiyur will become a monkey in the next birth.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Uraga Mellanaiyaan East Facing Sleeping Posture
Thaayar : Thiru Maamagal ( also called Nilaamagal and Kulamaamagal)
Utsavar : Sowmya Narayanan standing posture
Azhvaar Praise: 5 Azhvaars - Thirumangai Azhvaar, Peyazhvaar, Thirumazhisai Azhvaar, Bhoothathazhvaar and Periyazhvaar

Temple timing: 730am –1230pm and 5pm-8pm

Priest: G.S. Madhavan Bhattar @ 94433 41163 / 98654 85886 / 04577 261248
Temple Address: Soumya Narayana Perumal Koil, Thirukoshtiyur 630 210
Also contact: Krishnamurthy ( Guide/Assistant) on reaching there.

How to reach
Thiru Koshtiyur is 8Kms South West of Tirupattur, 25kms North of Sivaganga and about 30kms West of Karaikudi. Buses ply every 5-10 minutes between Tiruppatur and SivaGangai

Nearest Railway Station is Sivaganga

Auto will charge anything Rs.80-100 for a one way drop from Tirupattur to Thirukoshtiyur

Place to Stay: Madhavan Bhattar will organise a traditional place to stay at Thiru Koshtiyur

Cheran Maha Devi Ramaswamy Temple

2011-09-21T15:56:00.007+05:30

A temple with a Three Tier Vimanam like Thiru Koshtiyur and Koodal is in a dilapidated condition and requires immediate attention

Located 1kilometer North of Cheran Maha Devi (Tirunelveli-Tenkasi rail route) bus stand at the foot of the Western Ghats amidst green paddy fields is an ancient at least 1000years old Three Tier Aadhi Narayanan Ramaswamy temple, referred to as the Nigarili Chola Vinnagar Azhvaar temple in 10th Century AD inscriptions and whose deity was referred to as Raghava Chakravarti in a 1020AD Rajendra I period inscription, that currently finds itself in a rather dilapidated condition with bats being the main occupants of the dark prakaras in Tier 1 and 2.

Inscription Insights
There are several inscriptions on the inner and outer walls of the Ramaswamy temple. There are also inscriptions on the way up the steps to Tier 1 of the temple that provide insights into the conduct of the festivals, the daily poojas at the temple, the state of the temple under different rulers and their contribution to the well being of the temple.

Grand Festivals in Centuries gone by

As late as the first half of the last century, there were several festivals conducted in a Grand manner at the Ramaswamy temple. A 10day Unjal Utsavam in Chitrai, Garuda Sevai on the fourth Saturday in Puratasai, a 10th day Chariot Festival (indicating the temple had a Chariot) and a11th day Theerthavari utsavam were among the popular festivals at this temple.

Such was the importance to the festivals at the Ramaswamy temple that there were deposits made for conducting worship of the God on Festival days of Chitrai and there was a gift of money for providing rose water to the God on the Chitrai Festival day (Kulasekhara I -13th Century AD- period inscription).

Theppotsavam in Margazhi was a big event
The Theppotsavam about which we find details in these ancient Chola and Pandya Period inscriptions continues to take place in the Tamil Calendar month of Margazhi. Belief is that Ganga comes here to Porunai river every year on the day of Maa Viyathi Paatham in Margazhi to cleanse her sins. It is said that people from Cheran Maha Devi used to congregate here for a bath at this river on this day.
There are separate rooms on the Southern side for the Vahanas.

Four times a day Pooja- Where is that now?
Even 65years ago, there were poojas performed four times a day as per the Vaikanasa tradition. Now, the temple is open only for a couple of hours in the evening with the opening in the first half dependent on request from devotees on prior intimation.

God was well lit!!!

A 10th Century AD inscription records a specific praise of Vaikanasas for taking care of the lamps at the Ramaswamy temple as they would of their own body, so committed were they that they pledged themselves to maintain a perpetual lamp at the temple ( 1015AD Rajendra I period inscription). The inscription goes on to add that they would have to pay a penalty of twice the ghee for them to continue the lamp service. Deposit of Kasu was also made in the hands of the Vaikanasas for burning a half lamp.

The inscriptions record several gifts to the temple including gift of money for lamp, gift of 25cows for lamp, a gift of 75cows for 3lamps, a gift of money for 2lamps and 4food offerings to Thiru VaykulathAzhvaar and his consort and a gift of cash for lamp for the deity which was to be maintained by the Vaikanasas (1015AD Inscription) clearly indicating that the daily burning of lamps was well taken care of.

Watchman for the Temple

Not just the lamps, the overall security of the Ramaswamy temple too was provided for as can be seen from the 1036AD inscription of Sundara Chola Pandya Deva which refers to a gift of pieces of land by the Merchant Guild for maintenance of a watchman at the temple. One could also assume from the gifting by the Merchant Guild that the business and economy at this place was robust at that point of time.

Loss of Jewels- 12th Century AD Pandya Period event
A Jatavarma Pandya Kulasekhara I inscription of 1195AD narrates an interesting story, that of two priests being held responsible for loss of temple jewels and how they borrowed 3Achchus from the temple and gave a written agreement that they would conduct the same from interest accruing from these 3Achchus.

War time and reference to places around Cheran Maha Devi

A 985AD inscription and similar one in 1000AD in Tamil both on the North Wall relating to Raja Raja I mentions the destruction of fleets at Kandalurch Chalai and Mandalaurch Chalai and conquests of Ganga Padi, Nulamba Padi, Tadigai Padi, Vegai Nadu, Kudagamalai Nadu, Kollam, Kalingam, Ila Mandalam and Cheran Madevi.

Cheran Maha Devi - Location
Cheran Maha Devi is at a very centric location on the Tirunelveli- Ambasamudram- Papanasam route. About 15kms East is Tirunelveli, about 30kms South East is the Nambi Divya Desam at Thiru Kurungudi and about 15kmsWest is Kulasekara Azhvaar Rajagolaswamy temple in Mannar Koil. One can also reach Nagercoil and Kanyakumari from Cheran Maha Devi via Kalakkad and Valliyoor.

The Name

Inscriptions indicate that this place was referred to as Cheran Maha Devi Chaturvedi Mangalam. In those days, the hilly terrain of Papanasam was the short cut from Cheran Maha Devi to Trivandrum. Also, culverts refer to this place as Nigarili Chola Chaturvedi Mangalam. The inscriptions refer to the Ramaswamy temple as. Early 11th Century AD inscriptions state that Cheran Maha Devi was situated in Mulli Nadu.

Three Tier Vimana

Similar to Thirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Divya Desam and Koodal Divya Desam in Madurai, the Ramaswamy temple in Cheran Maha Devi too has a three tier vimana, with Adhi Narayanan in a Standing Posture at the Ground level, Veetrituntha Perumal in a sitting posture in Tier 1 along with Sri and Bhoo Devi and Thiruparkadalnathan in a sleeping posture in Tier 2. Unfortunately, unlike the other too Divya Desam vimanam, this one at Cheran Maha Devi has a worn out look and seems to be asking for immediate attention to bring it to a vibrancy that this temple once had centuries ago.

The three tier vimanam finds a reference in the ancient inscriptions which talks about the ‘top tier’ Azhvaar idol, the ‘mid tier’ Azhvaar idol and ‘lower tier’ Azhvaar idol.

Current Festivals
Puratasi – Garuda Seva
Rama Navami
Krishna Jayanthi
Puratasi Parivettai
Marghazhi Theppotsavam
Vaikunta Ekadesi Procession

Quick Facts
Moolavar: Aadhi Narayanan East Facing Standing Posture along with Sri and Bhoo devi
Tier 1: Veetriruntha Perumal with Sri and Bhoo devi in a Sitting Posture
Tier 2: Thiru Parkadal Lord in Sayana posture atop Adhisesha

Utsava Deity: Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman
Separate Sannidhi: Veda Narayanan with Bhoo and Neela Devi
Temple Time: 630pm and 8pm ( but the Bhattar will open in the morning if you call and inform in advance)
Priest : Sathyanarayana Bhattar @ 90435 48173
Also contact Kannan @ 90436 73430 for any local assistance

How to reach
The temple is 1km North of Cheran Maha Devi bus stand and railway station
Tirunelveli bound buses (Kallur route) stop at the Rama temple
Currently, rail services on this route stands suspended because of broad gauge conversion.
Train Services likely to resume next year.

Auto from Cheran Maha Devi bus stand will cost Rs.25/-

Also Visit Appan Temple
While at Cheran Maha Devi, also visit Appan Venkatachalapathy temple, which is 1km North of this temple.

Thiru Karambanur Uthamar Koil Pasuram

2011-09-09T18:41:00.001+05:30

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar refers to the Karambanur Lord as the 'Perfect Lord' thus giving him all the glory in just one word

“Peraanai Kurungudi En Perumanai, Thiruthangal Ooraanai
Karambanur Uthamanai
Muthu Ilangu Kaar Aar Thin Kadal Ezhum
Malai Ezh Il Ulagu Ezhl Undu
Aaraathu Enru Irunthaanaik Kandathu Then Arangathey”- 1399

At many a Divya Desam, Thiru Mangai Azhvaar has showered several verses of praise, referring to the location, describing the Lord, referring to his postures, comparing him with Lords he has seen else where and showering heaps of praise.

However, there are temples where he has made a reference only in passing.Thiru Karambanur Divya Desam near Srirangam is one such temple where he makes only a passing mention. But the lack of verses (quantity) is made up by the quality of reference.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar showers the Karambanur Lord with the ultimate praise referring to him as Uthamar, the perfect Lord. This is the only Divya Desam Lord that Thiru Mangai has referred to as 'Uthamar'. Hence, with just one word, he has positioned the Karambanur Lord as the Ultimate place to visit for us to see the 'Perfect One'.

Thiru Vahindrapuram Inscriptions

2011-09-09T11:57:00.011+05:30

Providing a Sacred Bath for Deva Nathan during a procession on Maasi Magam day
King Vira Narasimha Deva vowed to secure the release of the Chola Emperor from Kapperunjinga
A Gold Neklace was gifted to Vahindrapuram Lord during the rule of Kulotunga III

Thiru Vahindrapuram is a Divya Desam whose history dates back to the Dwapara Yuga when Arjuna is believed to have had darshan of Deiva Nayagan.

Inscriptions at the temple relating to the period 11th-13th Century AD on the walls of the prakara of the main shrine of Deiva Nayakan provides insights into the functioning of the temple, the festivals, ornaments of the Lord and the battles in this region.

While inscriptions on the walls of the Vahindrapuram temple record gifts of lands and villages for offerings and worship to the Lord, gifts of sheep and cows for perpetual lamps, gift of ‘Kasu’ for feeding the Vaishnavas at the temple Mutt and for providing offerings to God on the 8th day of the festival, one of the lengthier inscriptions found on the West Wall of the Prakara of the Deiva Nayakan Divya Desam in Thiru Vahindrapuram that dates back to 1232AD to the rule of Raja Raja Chola III records the process of securing the release of the Chola Emperor from Kapperunjinga.

Securing the release of Chola Emperor

It records that when King Vira Narasimha Deva heard that Kapperunjinga had captured the Chola Emperor at Sendamangalam, he vowed to vindicate his title the establisher of the Chola Country.

Starting from Dorasamudra, he uprooted the Makara Kingdom, while his two generals destroyed Ellers and Kalliyurmulai village.

On their way, they worshipped God at Ponnambalam following which they went on to destroy Tondaima Nallur.

The inscription goes on to talk about them camping at Tiruppaadiri Puliyur (today’s Cuddalore) before the Hoysala army marched on to Thiru Vadigai (about 15kms West of Thiru Vahindrapuram and now popular for Sayana Narasimha temple) destroying that village.

Finally, they reached Sendamangalam forcing Kopperunjinga to release the Chola Emperor.

Celebrating the release, the Chola Emperor was accompanied by the army into his dominion.

On the Western Gopura, at the entrance, there is a reference to Tondaiyar Koman Adaiya Valaindapiran and his heroism in battle.

Garden for the temple

There was an order in 12th Century for a flower garden for the temple. In addition, expenses were also provided for, for the subsequent repairs and maintenance of the garden.

Necklace for Deiva Nayagan
An inscription dating to the rule of Kulotunga III refers to a gift of a gold necklace to Deiva Nayagan

Description of the Lord of Thiru Vahindrapuram
An inscription dating back a 1000years refers in simple terms to the Lord of Thiru Vahindrapuram as ‘The Standing Vishnu’.

Sacred Bath for Deva Nathan

Inscriptions also record minute details like taking care of God's bath during his processions on Festive occasions when he leaves the temple premises. Expenses were sanctioned for providing a sacred bath to the Lord. One such inscription in Tamil on the South Wall of the Prakara records an order communicated to the trustees of the temple granting lands and a garden, free of taxes, for expenses of taking God for a sacred bath to the sea near Nissankhamallan Pattinam on the Maasi Magam day.

Railway Time Table July 2011

2011-09-08T10:15:00.006+05:30

New Railway Time Table and misleading information

Misleading information once again in the new railway time table almost brought a big fight in a family from Madras. Recently, when a ticket for 4-5 family members was to be booked to Srirangam, one of the family members booked the ticket by the 10pm 6107 Mangalore Express.

When the person brought the ticket home, a fight erupted when another family member found from the time table that the train reaches Srirangam at 3am, a time of the night that was too early to go and disturb their hosts.

Finally, it was decided to cancel the ticket and book by 6177 Rock Fort Express which according to the time table was to reach Srirangam at 4am.

Thankfully on enquiries with more frequent train travellers, the person came to realise that arrival time at Srirangam for both these trains and several others was more on paper and that 6107 Mangalore Express reaches Srirangam at 415am and never at 3am as mentioned in the time table.

Once this was communicated to their family members, they heaped a sigh of relief and decided to travel by 6107Express.

This family was lucky that they were informed ahead of travel about the likely arrival. Many train travellers unaware of the likely arrival wake up on time in line with the timings mentioned in the time table only to realise that the train is still about 75-100kms away from their destination. Having once woken up and switched on the lights, these travellers tend to chat up with other family members/friends putting the ‘sleeping’ passengers at inconvenience.

While the information in the time table is the best possible arrival time for these trains, most of the time ( almost always) the trains reach much later because of the challenges relating to ‘single line’ and long stoppages at odd stations to facilitate ‘crossing’.

Table 7- Chennai- Ariyalur-Srirangam-Trichy Section
A look at table 7 of the new railway time table may leave an infrequent train traveller perplexed. As per this time table below, to cover a distance of 11kms between Srgm and Tpj, Mangalore Express takes over 90minutes, Rockfort takes around 90minutes, Howrah Kanyakumari Exp takes around 90minutes and Howrah Trichy Express takes 150minutes.

Table 8- Chennai- Thanjavur-Trichy Section

In this below table 8 of the new railway time table, Chozhan Exp and Rameswaram Exp take 100minutes to cover 50kms between Thanjavur and Trichy, while Tirupati Madurai Exp takes almost 2 ½ hours to cover this distance of 50kms ( which is a speed of about 20kms per hour)

Table 9- Coimbatore-Trichy- Mayiladuthurai Section
In the below Table 9, Jan Shatabdhi and Mysore Exp take 75minutes to cover a distance of 30kms which again is a speed of just over 20kms per hour.

Kattu Mannar Koil Inscriptions

2011-09-07T12:18:00.011+05:30

Kattu Mannar Koil, the Avathara Sthalam of Natha Muni and Alavanthan, is home to inscriptions that provide insights into its history dating back in time to different periods and rulers.

Earliest Renovation of Kattu Mannar Koil
Chola King Parantaka I renovated the temple with brick construction. It was also Parantaka I who built the Veera Narayana Lake (now Veeranam) in the 10th Century AD.

Brick to Granite Structure
Following him, during the time of Kulotunga I, the temple witnessed another renovation with the Granite structure replacing the previous brick construction in line with the materials used during that period.

Name of the Place

Inscriptions also reveal different names for this place as referred by different rulers in different periods of time. In the 12th Century AD, as seen from the 1139AD inscription, this place was referred to as Veeranarayanapuram and the tank as Veeranarayana Eri.

During the Chola period, this place was referred to as Veera Narayana Vinnagaram,
Krishna Deva Raya referred to the Lord as Azhagiya Mannanar, while during the times of Sundara Pandyan, the name was simply ‘Mannanar’.

In other periods of time, this place has also been referred to as Veera Narayanan Chaturveda Mangalam and Thuvarapathi Mannan Thiru Koil.

Inscription Insights

In addition to the name of the place and the specifics relating to construction and renovation of the temple, the Inscriptions at the Kattu Mannar Koil also provide insights into the festivals organised during that period as well the jewels draped on the Lord as well as allocation of land to meet the expenses for repairs to the temple

Ornaments for the Lord
A 1243AD inscription on the Northern wall refers to an order granted to sell certain lands to the temple and the purchase by the temple from this cash for the ornaments of the God.

An inscription of 1255AD on the base of the South wall of the Central Shrine records an agreement for the sale of land to the temple by Vikramachola Piramadaraya.

Pandya Period Festivals in 13th Century AD- Every Moolam

From the 1260AD Tamil inscriptions on the West wall of the central shrine, dating to the period of Jatavarma Sundara Pandya I, it is known that there were festivals organised every month on Moolam.

The inscription records tax free gift by the king of cultivable land for providing offerings and conducting festivals every month on the day of Moolam.

Later that decade, a 1269AD inscription on the North Wall once again under the rule of the same Pandya King there is a record of a similar gift of tax free land for providing offerings and worship to the God.

Repairs to the temple

Interesting, there were provisions made to take care of any repairs to Kattu Mannar Koil temple. A 13th Century inscription records that the product of the growing lands between Kollidam and Vellaru be assigned for repairs to the temple.
On the inner wall of the entrance of the 2nd Gopura, a 1283AD inscription dating to the rule of Maravarma Vikrama Pandya III records tax free gift for offerings and worship to the God.

Pandya Period Moolavar Deity
As per the inscriptions, the moolavar deity that one sees today dates back to the 13th Century AD to the period of Sadayavarma Sundarapandyan.

Inscriptions in Tamil also indicate significant contributions made by Cholas, Rayas and Nayak Kings.

Kattu Mannar Koil is 25kms South West of Chidambaram and a similar distance East of Sri Mushnam. The temple is located 8kms East of Meensuruti off the Chennai-Kumbakonam Highway.

Buses every half hour between Chidambaram and Kattu Mannar Koil. One can also reach Kattu Mannar Koil from Vriddachalam, Srimushnum and Jayakondam.

By road from Chennai, one can reach Kattu Mannar Koil by taking the Vikravandi- Panruti-Sethiya Thope route (about 235kms)

Srirangam Pasuram

2011-08-29T13:41:00.006+05:30

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar refers to five Divya Desam Lords in a single verse and says that he sees all of them in Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.

பேரானை, குறுங்குடி எம் பெருமானை
திருதண்கால் ஊரானை, கரமபனுர் உத்தமனை

முத்து இலங்கு கார் ஆர் திண் கடல் ஏழும் மலை ஏழ்
இவ் உலகு ஏழ் உண்டு
ஆராது என்று இருந்தாளைக் கண்டது
தென் அரங்கத்தே

He refers to Koviladi's Appa Kudathan as just 'Thiruper Perumal'. He calls the Lord of Thiru Kurungudi as 'My Lord of Kurungudi'.

Thirumangai refers to Thiruthangalappan as the one who resides at Thiruthangal, while in a rare shower of the ultimate praise on a Divya Desam Lord, he calls the Lord of Karambanur as the 'Perfect Lord'.

He says he has seen all of these Lords, the one who conquered the seven mountains and the seven continents and every thing else in this world, in Lord Ranganatha who resides at Srirangam amidst the cool waters of the Cauvery.

Kathir Narasinga Perumal Devar Malai

2011-08-27T15:25:00.008+05:30

Veerasana Kolam of Narasimha

After having completed a complete renovation of the temple in under 4years, the temple now has plans to construct the Raja Gopuram as well as a Chariot. Those interested can call: Shri. Kannan @ 99401 82717

Located 65kms West of Tiruchirapalli and 35kms South East of Karur is the 550year old Kathir Narasinga Perumal temple in Devar Malai, a temple whose story dates back to Hiranya Samhara and who construction in its present form to the Nayak period.

The Story

After Hiranya Samhara, an angry Lord Narasimha came here to this forest area of Devar Malai, where he was intercepted by the Devas who had congregated here in large numbers. The Devas brought sacred water and performed Abhishekam on Narasimha in an effort to cool him down.

Pleased with their gesture, Lord Narasimha sat down at this place and provided darshan. Having cooled down by the Devas, He is seen here in a Jaya Veera King like majestic Posture with his right feet placed on the ground and the left leg in a folded position. His left hand is in a Posture inviting the devotees while his right hand is an Abhaya Hastham Posture blessing them. This is referred to as the Veerasana Kolam of Lord Narasimha.

The Sacred water here is believed to liberate those with Pitru Dosham.

The Structure

There is no Raja Gopuram at the entrance. Today, it is seen as a Mottai Gopuram. There is a separate Thaayar Sannidhi with a separate Deepasthambam where lamps are lit on special occasions

Inscriptions

There are centuries old inscriptions at the entrance of the Thaayar Sannidhi that tells the story of the temple. Nayaks, belonging to the Kurivarkothram in Bellary, came here to Palayam, 5kms West of this temple. They were the earliest of the Nayaks and their stay here marked their first entry into this region after capturing Puliyur through their killings of Vengals. Pandyas were very impressed with the Nayaks and presented them with lands.

Nayaks, who were adept at grazing cows, would bring the cows every day to this forest area of Devar Malai. Once, they witnessed a unique occurrence of a boy drinking the milk directly from the cow. Angered at this, the cow herd fought with the boy only to find the boy disappear. Stunned at this incident, he sat there near the banyan tree while the cows returned to Palayam.

When Vathipala Muthappa Nayak came there, he tapped the cow herd and instantly found a divine light. Digging this place, they found sacred water pouring out and realised that Lord Narasimha himself was present here and that the Lord had come there to enact the drama of drinking the milk from the cow.

The delighted Nayaks built this temple, and the grand granite structure that one sees today belongs to the Nayak period construction. While the temple itself is about 550years old, the moolavar deity is said to date back to over a 1000years.

The Nayaks who then went on to rule large parts of Tamil Nadu had many of those places named as palayam ( Palayam Kottai, Raja Palayam etc) but the Palayam near Devar Malai is said to be the first of the ‘Palayams’, marking their entry into this region.

Bairavar Sannidhi
The Swarna Bairavar Sannidhi at the Northern side is special at this temple similar to the idol seen at Dhadi Kombu temple near Dindigul.

Renovation- Raja Gopuram and Chariot

Over the last 3-4years, the temple which had been in ruins has been completely renovated and wears a fresh new look. However, the temple is bereft of two important aspects- One is welcomed at the entrance by the ‘Mottai Gopuram’ and the Chariot is in a dilapidated condition.

The temple has plans to build a Raja Gopuram as well as a new Chariot. Devotees interested in supporting this can call: Shri Kannan @ 99401 82717

Festivals
Navarathri Kolu for Thaayar
Vaikasi 10day Brahmotsavam
Puratasi Saturday
Lakshmi Narayana – Chakra Pongal Thaligai on Mondays
There is a special Abhishekam on the Ashtami day at this temple
Pradosham and Amavasya days are also special at this temple

Quick Facts
Moolavar: Kathir Narasinga Perumal East Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess: Kamalavalli Thaayar ( Separate Sannidhi)
Temple time: 7am-12noon and 5pm-7pm
Contact: Balaji Bhattar @ 99436 10705

How to reach Devar Malai

Devar Malai is 65kms West of Tiruchirapalli on the Thogamalai-Palayam route and 35kms South of Karur off the Karur-Dindgual Highway 5kms East of Palayam. Buses from Trichy every one hour on the Devar Malai route (buses going towards Palayam/Pallapatti) with the first bus at 4am. One should get down at Kuruni Kalathapatti and walk 1km North to reach the temple

One can also reach Devar Malai by taking the Karur- Dindigul bus (old Dindigul road) and getting down at Palayam. From Palayam, one can take an auto to Devar Malai temple

Car from Trichy and back: Rs. 950/- .
Car from Karur and back: Rs.600/-
Auto from Palayam bus stop to the temple: Rs. 100/- (about 5kms)

Aadi28 Festival in Srirangam

2011-08-20T11:13:00.010+05:30

Namperumal's First Procession of the Year
Exchanges Garland with Andal at Veli Andal Sannidhi

In the first procession of the year at the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, following his month long break ( there was no procession during the entire month of Aani) on the occasion of Aadi28 Utsavam, Namperumal exchanged garland with Andal at the Veli Andal Sannidhi, the original Andal Temple at the Southern end of West Adayavalanjan in Srirangam. This first procession of the year in Aadi sets the celebratory tone for the festivities at the Srirangam temple for the rest of the year.

VELI ANDAL BHATTAR CARRYING NAMPERUMAL'S GARLAND TO ANDAL

This special event at the Veli Andal Sannidhi assumes even more significance as this was the location in Srirangam that Andal first came to from Srivilliputhur in her endeavour to meet with her favourite Lord and to be with him forever. This visit of Namperumal to the Veli Andal Sannidhi in Aadi is one of the two occasions in the year when he comes here to meet Andal, the other being during his return trip from Woraiyur in Panguni.

Earlier in the morning, Namperumal left for Amma Mandapam to honour Goddess Cauvery for her significant role in the development of the Srirangam temple leading to the peaceful and prosperous lives of the people in this historical temple town.

Goddess Cauvery’s Significance

The significance of Cauvery can be compared to the Vraja River which flows in Vaikuntam. Just as one who attains moksham has to enter Vaikuntam only after a bath in the Vraja, so too one who wishes to have darshan of Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam has to first bathe in the Cauvery before entering the temple.

River Cauvery is believed to be even more pious than the sacred Ganges and is so pure that she is said to make all other rivers pious as well. For was it not here that Lord Ranganatha desired to remain and make Srirangam his abode right on the banks of the Cauvery.

CAUVERY THAYAR SANNIDHI AT AMMA MANDAPAM

During this period, in Aadi, the water flow at the Cauvery is fast, touching the edges of the banks on both the sides. Belief is that those who bathe here with purity of thought will be relieved from all sins. The beautiful garlands that one sees every day around Lord Ranganatha are a result of the pure water from the Cauvery. Trees are seen all around the place, flowers bloom every day and the streets are clean thanks to the water from the Cauvery, who has encircled the Lord from all sides of Srirangam.

Sacred Water from the Cauvery
While there are several wells inside the Srirangam temple, the sacred water for the Lord and his Thirumanjanam is brought from the Cauvery (Coloroon), every single day. It is also Goddess Cauvery who has kept the farmers in the delta region of Tamil Nadu happy and prosperous all these years. It is around this time that the Cauvery is at its peak with water gushing across from the West flowing through the green belt of Tamil Nadu down East - Thiruvayaru, Thanjavur and Kumbakonam. It is for this significant contribution that Namperumal goes on a 6hour procession to Northern Banks of Cauvery at Amma Mandapam to shower gifts such as Garland, Thiru Mangalyam, Fruits and Saree on Goddess Cauvery in a thanks giving gesture.

Having exchanged garland with Andal late that evening, Namperumal bid adieu and returned to his sanctum at around 10pm bringing to end for another year the Aadi28 Festival.

Aadi28 Festival 2011 took place at Srirangam on Saturday 13th August.

Spin Greats Venkat and VV Kumar on Kalyanasundaram

2011-08-12T11:40:00.001+05:30

'Combative Fast Bowler, Selfless Team man with a strong performance Did not have the 'Clout' to play for South Zone and go to higher levels of cricket'- VV Kumar

Kalli would have been a perfect One day Cricketer - Venkat

In an interview to prtraveller, spin greats S. Venkataraghavan and VV Kumar talk on Kalyanasundaram (Kalli) and his contribution to the Tamil Nadu team.

Venkataraghavan: First and Foremost, when I think of Kalli, the thing that comes to my mind was that he was a perfect team man. The slight stature belied the pace he bowled at. His forte was accuracy, he could swing the new ball away and he would bowl cutters with the old ball. His contribution to my team during that entire period of 10years was immense and he was a wonderful team man to have.

VV Kumar : The first time I met him was sometime in 1968 after he had just come to Madras from Calicut. Bhaskar, TK Madhavan and Kalli formed a nice trio. Within a year or two of coming to Madras, Kalli improved a lot in all aspects of fast bowling - line and length, control of swing, nip of the wicket.

He was a good listener and learnt the art of fast bowling quickly and translated that learning into the matches. In those days, the quality of cricket was very high and Kalli truly rose up to that level and he could take on the best of batsmen with his pace and swing.

Venkat: As a captain, I could always rely on him, both for containment as well as for taking wickets, depending on the situation of the match. He was the right man for all times.

VV Kumar on his grit and determination: While in some sense, it was unfortunate that he played at a time when Venkat and I were at our peak, not once did he grumble. It did not seem to discourage him one bit that he was not getting as many overs as the spinners. He was a perfect team man. He very quickly understood the reality of the situation and the role expected of him in the team. Whenever Venky threw the ball to him, especially with the old ball, he would give his best as if his life depended on him and more often than not come up with a breakthrough.

In an era dominated by spinners and when fast bowlers were a rarity, Kalli was a true exception. He was an out and out fast bowler who through sheer hard work and persistence earned the respect of all the opposing teams including the strong Bombay, Karnataka and Hyderabad Ranji teams.

Venkat on Kalli missing out Duleep Trophy honours: With Govindaraj and Abid Ali around in Hyderabad, Kalli did not get his due credit at the Zonal level. He definitely had the potential to play Duleep Trophy.
In the present day cricket, he would have fitted in perfectly in the one day format of the game, for he was a great containing bowler as well.

VV Kumar on the lack of Clout: It was a shame that he was overlooked for even the zonal matches(South Zone) despite consistent performances against the best of batsmen. He almost never let Venkat down.

He definitely had the potential to play higher levels of cricket but coming from Tamil Nadu he possibly did not have the so called ‘Clout’ to go zonal and national. And the fact that he was denied what I thought was a recognition he was worthy of was really unfortunate.

Despite being overlooked time and again at the Zonal level at the peak of his form and with strong performances to back him in the early 1970s, Kalli was always cheerful and his combative fighting spirit came through. The fact that he never gave up for over 10years speaks volumes about his positive attitude and his outlook to life.

At the end of the day's play, Kalli would come around and sit with us and chat up for hours on cricket. He was a great character to have in the TN team.

Venkat on the batting bet he had with Kalli: I still remember the amusing incident- the bet I had with him on his batting capabilities. Kalli was a fighter and I challenged him to score 25runs in a Ranji Match. Kalli was so determined to take up this challenge of mine and showed great heart to reach this milestone. However, as luck would have it, I had to declare the innings when he was on 23 or 24. Kalli was quite peeved at my decision to declare. However, later on in another Ranji match, he did cross 25 and I acknowledged that he won the bet. Such was his character- he gave his heart out in everything he did on the cricket field.

VV Kumar on Kalli's selfless character:

Kalyanasundaram fulfilled all the requirements of a Fast Bowler and performed really well in Buchi Babu tournaments, Gopalan Trophy and made significant contributions by picking up vital wickets every time Venky looked up to him. No scorecard or statistics can reveal the value he brought to the Tamil Nadu team. He was one of the most selfless characters I had come across in my playing days, one who never shied away from hard work and gave his best always to the team.

Venkat signs off saying Kalli was much more than just a cricket team mate. To me, more than anything else, Kalli has always been a good and a loyal friend over the last 4decades

Kalyanasundaram played alongside these two legendary spinners for the best part of a decade between 1968 and 1977.

Kalli B Kalyanasundaram

2011-08-12T01:00:00.021+05:30

From Swimming in the Cauvery to arguably the best TN fast bowler of all time
His Fighting Spirit, the ability to bowl off-cutters with the old ball and a slower ball developed early in his career helped him create a niche for himself in a TN squad of the 1970s that had two great spinners

This piece takes a look back at the career of arguably Tamil Nadu’s best fast bowler B. Kalyanasundaram, who celebrates his 64th Birthday today (12th August).

My earliest memories of watching Kalyanasundaram (Kalli to most in the cricketing circles) bowl goes back to the 1982-83 season, just a few years after he had played his final Ranji Trophy match.

The short and lean 35year old bespectacled fast bowler playing for LMW ran in just as fast as he had a decade earlier to bowl at two of the then upcoming Tamil Nadu batsmen, Peter Fernandez and NP Madhavan (of SVPB) on a wet pitch at the Forest College Ground in Coimbatore(It was also the season when Madhavan struck a Ranji Hundred). He showed that day that none of the fire in him had been lost even though he was only playing a league match.

Also that day when sitting in the pavilion of the Forest College ground, Kalli had a long chat with Madhavan giving him the confidence to perform at the Ranji level something that RBI off spinner NS Ramesh and a long time LMW teammate threw light on “Kalli has always been an unassuming person and ever willing to help anyone”, a sentiment echoed by S. Vasudevan, TN’s Ranji Trophy winning captain and who himself played under Kalyanasundaram’s captaincy in the Gopalan Trophy, who credits Kalli with guiding him on the ways to move with different sets of people and handling different situations early on in his career.

For almost the entire part of his Ranji stint with Tamil Nadu (he started his Ranji career with Kerala), Kalyanasundaram played alongside two of the state’s best ever spinners - S. Venkataraghavan and VV Kumar that placed additional pressure on him, for a couple of bad balls would have meant handing over the bowling operations to the spinners and watching from the deep for the rest of the day. And yet he played well over a decade of Ranji Trophy cricket becoming in the process the first TN fast bowler to play 50 Ranji Trophy matches and take 100 Ranji wickets.

Vasudevan, who first saw Kalli bowl in the late 1960s makes an interesting observation- ‘To get close to 150wickets in Ranji at a time when TN bowling was dominated by Venky and VV was a significant achievement for a fast bowler of that era when there were no physios and personal trainers. It was unfortunate that he did not play higher level of cricket despite some commendable performances in crucial Ranji matches.”

Tamil Nadu was not really known for fast bowlers till the arrival of Kalli in 1968. Many a time the role of the new ball bowler was to take the shine off. More than three decades after Kalli retired from the Ranji scene, Tamil Nadu have had just two fast bowlers of repute- TA Sekhar and L. Balaji - and both have had their fair share of injuries during their times.

How Cauvery strengthened his shoulders!!!
Born in the temple town of Kumbakonam, Kalyanasundaram did his schooling at Banadurai School spending most of his evenings swimming in the Cauvery (he did not know then that this exercise would stand him in good stead and play a crucial part in his cricketing career).

It was not until he moved to the National College in Tiruchirapalli for his PU that he actually saw the red cherry. Unfortunately, it was a period when Kalli lost his father. With a Centum in Maths and a high D+ grade (75%-89%) in Science, he got a B. Tech seat in REC Calicut along with a merit scholarship and moved away from his home state for the first time in his life.

It was in 1964 at the age of 17years, that Kalli first began playing some sort of serious cricket. And even that happened by chance.

“Being away from home and having lost both my parents, I would receive regular letters from my brother. Even before opening, I would know the contents which would read something on the lines of ‘study well, focus on your studies’. Listening to my brother, I would spend a large part of my time studying inside my room.”

One evening while he was thus studying, one of his close friends Raman came into his room and before Kalli could realise, threw away his book and pulled him out onto the cricket field. Little did he know then that this would turn out to be the career defining moment for him one that would turn his entire focus onto serious cricket for well over the next decade.

Kalli – The Fast Bowler
When asked what he could do in cricket, Kalli, who had previously never thought about serious cricket, said he wanted to bowl fast almost creating a huge laughter around for he was after all a tiny slim teenager. But within the next half hour, he shattered the stumps of two of the batsmen, a spell that earned him an instant call to the REC nets. And there was no looking back for Kalli since.

In his first inter collegiate match at Palakkad, Kalyanasundaram scored 38 but more importantly took four wickets for his college. Following this, in a tourney at the Palace Oval Ground in Tirupanathura, playing for Malabar Club, Kalyanasundaram took 7 wickets to bundle out FA Club, Ernakulam, a team that comprised of Kerala State players as his team defended a paltry total of 105. That really set the tone for Kalyanasundaram to play for Calicut. Within the next year, he was with the Junior State team and in no time his hard work at the nets helped him move into the Kerala State Reserves.

Ranji Debut for Kerala
Ironically though, Kalli made his Ranji debut at the tender age of 19 not for TN but against his home state (Madras then) playing for Kerala in November 1966. It wasn’t the greatest of starts for him as he dropped a caught and bowled of KS Rajagopal of the very first ball he bowled in Ranji Trophy. But his contribution over the next 12years (initially for Kerala and for the large part for Tamil Nadu) meant that he was one of the all time greats of Tamil Nadu cricket, one who was distinctly unlucky not to have scaled up for national honours despite some memorable performances in key encounters.

Kerala’s first ever win over Hyderabad- Kalli’s 10wicket haul

After claiming four wickets in his second match against Andhra Pradesh, Kalyanasundaram had his first big success in just his third Ranji match when he picked up a match haul of 10 for 107 including 6 for 58 in the second innings (his first and only 10wicket haul in Ranji Cricket). Interestingly, in that match, Kalli also contributed significantly with the bat. Batting at No. 11, Kalyanasundaram along with Madan Mohan took Kerala to a 1wicket victory, the state’s first ever win over Hyderabad.

Madan Mohan was given a couple of trousers for his Man of the Match knock of 70NO and taking Kerala to the win. However, in a terrific gesture that Kalli still remembers, Madan Mohan instantly handed over one of the trousers to Kalli crediting his 10 wicket haul for Kerala’s victory. It was one of the first big moments for Kalyanasundaram in Ranji cricket.

A Fiery Kalli prompts a Karnataka declaration

That same season, another interesting episode took place. It was his fourth Ranji match. Playing at Calicut against Karnataka (Mysore then) on a matting wicket, Kalyanasundaram blasted through the Karnataka middle order taking 4 for 26 in 10overs. So fiery was his bowling that after Kalyanasundaram picked up 3 late order batsmen in the space of 2-3overs, the Karnataka captain Subramanyam declared the innings at 8 wickets down not wanting to expose Erapalli Prasanna and Bhagwat Chandrasekar to the fire of Kalli. If the Hyderabad match was a great performance booster, this one was a great moral victory for Kalli.

In his debut season, Kalyanasundaram , still only in his teens, took 18wickets in 4 matches signifying his arrival on the scene as a fast bowler who the opponents would fear in the decade ahead.

In 1967-68, Kalyanasundaram once again came up against Madras in the first match of the season. This time, he had a much better performance to show (picking up 3wickets including that of Michael Dalvi) against the team for whom he was to play for almost a decade without a break. However, Kalli’s performance for the rest of the season was rather disappointing as he ended with a tally of just 5wickets for the entire season.

A Meeting with N Sankar- Lets go M.Tech plans, Focuses on cricket

By the summer of 1968, Kalyanasundaram had completed his 5year BTech course from REC Calicut. As the next step, he was keen to pursue his academics and was looking at doing M Tech. And for the 2nd time in 3years, a chance meeting, this time with K. Ganapathy (Off spinner from Coimbatore) at the Pachaiappas College Ground dramatically changed the God fearing Kalli’s career towards a full-fledged cricketing engagement.

Kalyanasundaram remembers that day vividly “I had gone to watch the match between Jolly Rovers and SBI. Ganapathy came up to me and confirmed that I was Kalyanasundaram ( the Kerala Ranji bowler) and asked as to what I was planning to do next and what I was doing at the ground. To my surprise, within a few minutes, he came back with Mr. N. Sankar who was the MD of Chemplast and who also ran the Indian Cements team.”

“Mr. Sankar wanted me to play for their 2nd division team Jai Hind saying I could not fit into the 1st division Jolly Rovers team that year as the team had already been finalised.”

In his first league match in Madras, Kalyanasundaram was amongst wickets with Sankar watching him from the sidelines. So impressed was Sankar that he called Kalli to the office the next day and offered him a job at India Cements at a salary of Rs.300/-(which was doubled in no time once Kalyanasundaram received his degree certificate). It was also a time when S. Venkataraghavan had just quit India Cements.
Kalyanasundaram initially joined the Foundries at India Cements but quickly moved into the Sales team after a few months to work alongside TE Srinivasan, MO Parthasarathy and Najam Hussain.

Later, while working at LMW, Kalyanasundaram completed his MBA.

Success with Jolly Rovers
The next year he was up into 1st Division playing for Jolly Rovers. Those days KS Narayanan (Chairman Chemplast), N Srinivasan ( Jt. MD), N Sankar, N Kumar and Ananthanarayanan ( finance head) would turn up at the ground for Buchi Babu matches much before start of play. To perform in front of them was a matter of great personal pride for Kalyanasundaram in those early years of his cricket in Madras. He remembers winning 5trophies ( 1st Division League, Hindu Trophy, Buchi Babu, Tirupanathura Pooja Trophy and Ramakrishna Memorial trophy in Coimbatore) in one year for Jolly Rovers and receiving a sweater as a memento, one that Kalli cherishes to this day.

Ranji debut for Tamil Nadu
In 1968-69, Kalyanasundaram made his debut for Tamil Nadu (Madras) and in his very first match for his home state picked up 5 for 30 to help his team bowl out, interestingly, Kerala (for whom he had played the previous two seasons) for just 94. The rest of the season however passed without much action for Kalli, as did the next Ranji season.

Kalli’s gets MLJ and MAK- His Best Ever spell in Ranji
In 1970-71, Kalyanasundaram picked up his second 6wicket haul though it went futile with Tamil Nadu suffering a humiliating innings defeat against a strong Hyderabad team comprising ML Jaisimha, MAK Pataudi, Abbas Ali Baig, Jayantilal, Govindaraj and Abid Ali. Nevertheless, Kalli’s dismissal of MLJ and MAK in front of the National Selectors gave him great delight and still lingers in his memory 40years on. He counts that spell as his best ever spell in Ranji Trophy. It was after this great spell that there were talks that this young lean fast bowler could be in contention for a national call. But that call was never to come. For someone who was the first fast bowler to reach the 100wickets milestone and who was the first ever to pick up a hat-trick in a Ranji Trophy Final as well as the first ever Hat Trick against Bombay, Kalyanasundaram should count himself unlucky not to have got a Test Call, especially at a time where there were not many fast bowlers of repute.

When asked about this, Kalli answers philosophically – “Tell me how many cricketers would have got an opportunity to bowl alongside Venkat and VV Kumar non-stop for a decade and to have been their room-mates. While I played 52 Ranji Matches, I personally consider almost 45 of them as Test Matches having played alongside these two greats.”

The rest of the 70-71season was quiet as was 71-72.

The following year, 1972-73, Kalli had his third 6wicket haul at Trivandrum against Kerala. His 6 for 47 (his best ever figures in Ranji Trophy) helped rout Kerala by an innings in under 2days.

Kalli’s Best Match Ever and his lunch time discussion with Maharashtra players
Later that season, in April 1973, Kalyanasundaram played his first knock out match - the semi finals against Maharashtra at Pune. Once again, he showed his fighting spirit with the bat by putting on 30 for the 9th wicket with Edmonds. However, his 2 for 23 in the first innings was not enough to prevent Maharashtra from a big first innings lead.

Kalli vividly remembers the lunch break discussion after he had rattled CPS Chauhan’s stumps in his very first over as Maharashtra chased just 120 to win.The TN players could hear chats in the nearby dressing during the luncheon of how to play the final and their preparation for the Ranji Finals and a possible clash with their arch West Zone rivals Bombay.

Pune was known for Kolhapuri Chappals and Kalli was keen to buy one. “P. Mukund and I went to the Maharashtra dressing room during the lunch break. I don’t know what went through my mind at that time but there was some intuition that we would fight back that afternoon - maybe it was my confidence of having just knocked back Chauhan’s stumps a few minutes earlier. I asked them to help me buy Kolhapuri chappal that evening but I also added that they may not be in mood to assist me as they would have lost the match by 4pm, a comment that shocked a few and created a laughter among a few others!!! I also asked Anwar Shaikh to change into his whites (he was wearing shorts during the lunch break) as he would have to come to bat shortly.”

It was quite cheeky of Kalli to have said that but in the next couple of hours, all that he said was to come true. Venkat and VV Kumar, in a brilliant spell of spin bowling, picked up 6wickets between them in that afternoon session to send Maharashtra reeling at tea with just one wicket in hand.

Kalli points out the brilliant captaincy of Venkat that afternoon. He rotated the bowlers in a way very few would have. ‘After VV Kumar took 3wickets for 0runs in a 2-3over spell, Venkat took him off the attack and brought me back and I delivered almost immediately by picking up Raju Bhalekar.’

In that mid afternoon session, Kalyanasundaram got the important wickets of NF Saldhana and Bhalekar.’

Kalli remembers the strong motivational message from Balu Alaganan, the team manager during that tea break. “As we set to get back into the ground seeking to take that last wicket of Maharashtra, he told us that he was going to book our return ticket and warned us against giving away those 25-30runs that were required. He promised us a great treat if we took that last wicket which was threatening to take Maharashtra to the winning target after being down and out at 9 for 72.”

As we walked into the ground, Venkat came up to me and told me that VV was not bowling and threw the ball to me. His message was simple and clear: ‘Do not experiment at this stage. Just keep it tight and I will take care of the rest.’ After three tight overs from Kalli, Venkat brought TN Victory and a place in the finals by picking up the last wicket.

VV Kumar too remembers that match: “That afternoon turned out to be dramatic. Venkat got the key wicket of Chandu (Borde) for a duck. I got 3 wickets in about 10 balls and Kalli got two crucial middle order wickets. We were all very excited. The last wicket pair put up a fight. Venkat replaced me and gave the ball to Kalli, who kept it tight for 3 overs from one end. And Venkat finally had Salgaonkar LBW with Maharashtra still needing 20 odd runs. It was my most memorable match not just for me, but for several of my team mates this was one of the best matches we had ever played in.”

A memorable moment- Hat Trick in Ranji Finals

Later that month, it was a momentous moment for Kalli as it was for many others in the team to play in a Ranji Trophy Final at home and against Bombay. In the 2nd innings of the Ranji final, Kalyanasundaram rocked the late order of Bombay with the first ever hat trick in the finals of Ranji Trophy as Bombay collapsed from 6 for 113 to lose four wickets for o runs (all to Kalli). Despite this memorable spell, Tamil Nadu was crushed in that Ranji Final. But to this day, the hat trick against Bombay remains one of his most memorable moments in his cricketing career. So impressed was Sunil Gavaskar with his performance that day that 35years on he came up to Kalli and addressed him as the Hat-Trick man.

Having played few years of Ranji cricket and having kind of settled down at India Cements, Kalli had to make the choice on his future. Strong words came in from ML Jaisimha when he met the great bat in Hyderabad. MLJ told Kalyanasundaram that given the strong focus of India on spinners that decade, he was unlikely to play for the country especially given that the role of the new ball bowler was to just remove the shine and Abid Ali did that job just well. And he asked me to seriously think about my future.

It was around this time that Ganapathy suggested my name at LMW in Coimbatore. Between 1976 and 1987, Kalyanasundaram worked at LMW with regular weekend trips to Madras for league matches (he continued to play for Jolly Rovers till the mid 1980s). He retired from Ranji in 1978. In 1987, he came back to Madras and joined Sankar again at Chemplast where he was to work for the next two decades till he retired in 2006 as the VP-Purchase. Kalyanasundaram has the highest regard for all his three employers- India Cements Sankar for sticking his neck out and handing him out a job even before he got his degree certificate, LMW where he learnt a lot and finally Chemplast where he grew to the role of Vice President.

Since his corporate retirement, Kalyanasundaram has been keeping in touch with the game as a selector having held the post of U17 and U19 Chairman of Selectors and recently at the beginning of this season as the Chairman of Selectors of Tamil Nadu. He is also a BCCI Match Referee.

Batting Abilities
While he was not known much for his batting, Kalyanasundaram remembers two matches distinctly for his batting!!

Kalli had a bet with his captain Venkataraghavan that he would score 25 in a Ranji match. Batting with grit and determination, he reached 24 when Venkat declared the innings closed bringing a huge laughter in the dressing room. Much later in September 1976 playing against Andhra Pradesh at the Agricultural College Ground in Coimbatore, Kalyanasundaram along with Bharat Reddy put on almost 80runs for the 9th wicket, with Kalli making his Ranji best score of 31NO.

Immediately after that innings, Venkat walked up to Kalli and handed him Rs.25, the amount he had promised earlier if Kalli was to score 25runs. That showed the character that Venkat was made of.

His relationship with Venkat
Kalyanasundaram has the highest regard for Venkataraghavan who was his captain for a major part of his Ranji stint. He is of the view that Venkat is a very misunderstood person. If there was a talented player and one who had the skill to perform, Venkat would play him never mind if he has not scored runs or taken wickets in the recent past. He would give you that confidence that he trusted in the potential of the player. Even youngsters who had just come into the TN team were made to feel at home and it was always a great atmosphere in the dressing room under his captaincy.

“Venkat never missed a single league match (the only ones he didn’t play were when he was on international assignments) such was his commitment to cricket. It was largely Venkat’s performance and the high standards he set for himself and the entire team that earned Tamil Nadu the respect at the National level.”

Playing under Kalli's captaincy, Vasudevan,scored a century in the above mentioned Gopalan Trophy match at Madras in April 77 against a strong Sri Lanka team comprising of Duleep Mendis, Sidath Wettimuny, Roy Dias and Lalith Kalluperma
(incidentally Kalyanasundaram was his batting partner when he reached the century)and took 5wickets. Vasudevan remembers that match and found Kalli to be a great motivational character and one who genuinely cared for others.

Ramesh was fascinated by the other side of Kalli - one of a carnatic music buff who would not sleep till he listened to all his favourite songs which sometimes went on till 1130pm, a fact endorsed in this writer’s conversation with Kalyanasundaram as he reeled out ragas and its differentiation as if it was child’s play.

Both Ramesh and Vasudevan had a hearty laugh at the superstitious nature of Kalli with Vasudevan citing the example of Kalli always being the last player to enter the field.

Ramesh believes that Kalli’s intelligence and his capability of doing any work and his good command of the English language, could come in handy in his assignments as match referee, going forward.

Conclusion
For the boy from the temple town of Kumbakonam who used to jump into the Cauvery as a pastime after his schools hours and who had only played tennis ball cricket till he was 15years, it was a sudden and dramatic move to the top.

It was a great honour to play for Tamil Nadu alongside Venkat, VV Kumar, Rajagopal, Belliappa, Dalvi, something I had never dreamt of. I still have my TN cap wrapped in a polythene cover, says Kalli, showing how much he valued playing for the state.
Kalyanasundaram looks back at his cricketing achievements with a great sense of satisfaction and contentment and with humility that is so typical of players of the bygone era:

“Looking back at the roots I came from (where not much of cricket was played in those days), I could not have imagined that I would have one day bowled to the greats of Indian cricket such as Gavaskar, Viswanath, Jaisimha and Pataudi and actually got their wickets. What more could I have asked for than playing alongside Venkat and VV Kumar for a decade. The fact that I am still active in cricket through my engagement as a Tamil Nadu Selector and a Match Referee gives me great satisfaction.’

The confidence reposed on him by Venkataraghavan is something that remains etched in his memory. Every time, VV (Kumar) or he (Venkat) bowled a bad spell, Venkat would turn to me to provide the break through with the old ball and those are moments I treasure to this day is Kalli’s parting comment.

Once again, this is wishing Mr. Kalyanasundaram a very happy and enjoyable 64th Birthday and hope he will be able to continue to provide his valuable service to both the TNCA as well as the BCCI for many more years to come.

Best Spell in Ranji Trophy- 6 for 64 against Hyderabad in November 1970 when he took the wickets of both ML Jaisimha and MAK Pataudi

Most memorable moment - Hat-trick against Bombay in the 1973 Ranji Final

Best Batsmen to have bowled to: Sunil Gavaskar, ML Jaisimha and GR Viswanath
Best Ranji match: Semi Final against Maharashtra in April 1973

Little known facts - Several firsts to Kalli’s credit

The first fast bowler to take a hat-trick in Ranji Trophy
First South Zone Player to take a hat-trick in Ranji
First bowler to take a hat-trick in a Ranji Final
First ever hat-trick by any bowler against Bombay
Best Average for a fast bowler in Ranji Trophy – 20.03
Best Strike rate for a fast bowler – 147wickets in 867overs in Ranji cricket

Nemili Vaikunta Vasa Perumal temple

2011-08-09T12:40:00.008+05:30

Parikara Sthalam for Unmarried and Childless and for liberation from Rahu-Kethu Dosham

Pallava King Aparajitha Varma built the temple, Rastrakuta ruler Krishna III undertook renovations at the temple that has inscriptions in plenty

Located 11kms from Tiruttani on the Nagalapuram highway is the over 1000years old Vaikunta Vasa Perumal temple in Nemili, a temple that dates back to the early 10th Century AD and to the rule of Aparajitha Varma Pallava, the last of the Pallava rulers. He also installed a Utsava deity who is now called by his name ‘Aparajitha’ and for whom there is daily Thirumanjanam.

Later inscriptions in Tamil on the South wall dating to 961AD indicate that Rashtrakuta King Kannara Deva (Krishna III) undertook extensive renovation at the temple.

Moolavar Vaikunta Vasa Perumal is seen in a Grand sitting posture alongside Sri and Bhoo Devi with Paddy in his hand.

The Name
In Centuries gone by, the place was called Thiru ‘Nel’ Malai which in course of time became Nemili. Inscriptions at the temple indicate that this temple was referred to as the Perumal temple at Nenamali.

The Utsava deity Nithya Kalyana Perumal is seen with flowers and a bracelet.

The story goes that the Lord in a sitting posture blocked with his back the Eri that had broken open, thus preventing the village from being submerged. Hence, the Moolavar Lord is also referred to as Eri Kaatha Vaikunta Vasa Perumal.

Ramanuja’s Visit
It is believed that Ramanuja visited this temple and stayed here on his way from Sriperumbudur to Tirupathi. Hence, this is also said to be an Abhimana Sthalam.

Abound with Inscriptions

The Nemili temple is abound with inscriptions the earliest of which dates back to the 905AD to the rule of the last of the Pallava rulers, Aparajitha Varma that records a gift of 100kuli of land for sounding music at the temple. The Pillar at the temple was constructed by Kovalan.

There are also inscriptions relating to the Chola and Rashtrakuta rulers

Chola Inscription

A 920AD inscription in Tamil relating to Parantaka I records the gift of land free of taxes for worship and offerings during the mid day service and for a lamp in the temple to the Sabha of Nenamali (the then name of the place) and a 945AD inscription relating to the same ruler records a tax free gift of 1000kuli of land near the tank.

A 967AD inscription on the west wall records the remission of tax on 1000kuli of land granted for sounding of music.

Through a Tamil inscription on the West wall relating to Parantaka Sundara Chola, one comes to know that there was a gift of sheep in 973AD for maintaining the lamp. The North wall of the central shrine has inscriptions in both Tamil and Telugu that provides information on the length of the measuring rod by two marks on the wall, the space between which measures 18spans

A 1010AD Raja Raja I Inscription on the South Wall provides details of taxes to be levied on crops raised on different kinds of lands. Death duty was to be levied on Brahmana community to be utilised for benefit of the temple tank.

Perpetual Lamps at the temple
1032AD - 11th Century AD inscriptions relating to the rule of Rajendra Chola I dating to 1032AD record the gift of 95sheeps for a lamp and the gift of copper lamp stand to temple by a shepherd.
1054AD- During the rule of Rajendra II, a 1054AD inscription records the sale of 500 kuli of land by the Maha Sabha for maintaining a perpetual lamp in the temple.

1252AD- A 13th Century AD inscription in Tamil and Telugu dating back to 1252AD records the gift of 1010kuli of land to the deity for four lamps and for offering during Irupalli Ezhuchi.

Another inscription records the gifting by Raja Kesari Varma’s gifting of sheep for a lamp.

Speciality at the temple

Parikara Sthalam for Rahu-Kethu Dosham
Parikara Sthalam for Unmarried and the childless-
The unmarried can bring 2 flower garlands and place one on the Utsava deity Nithya Kalyana Perumal. Sincere prayers are said to be answered within three months of placing the garland around the Lord.
Rohini Star is a special day at this temple every month

The temple which is under the administration of Tiruttani HR & CE is planning for a Raja Gopuram to be built.

Festivals
Vaikunta Ekadesi
First 3 days of Thai
Panguni Uthiram
There is no Brahmotsavam at the temple

Quick Facts
Moolavar: Vaikunta Vasa Perumal in a Grand Sitting posture facing East with Sridevi and Bhoodevi
Utsavar : Nithya Kalyana Perumal
Priest : Ranganatha Bhattar@94451 45172 / 99947 76972 / 88706 01752 / 08374 412454
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm

How to reach Nemili
Take train to Tiruttani ( Sapthagiri Exp / Tirupathi Exp). From Tiruttani, buses every half hour to Nemili (Nagalapuram route). Bus Nos. 127 and T7 (Chevada route)
Private bus operator Bharathi also runs bus services from Tiruttani( takes about 20mts-30mts

Auto to and fro from Tiruttani bus stand/ railway station will cost Rs. 250/-

Thiru Mukoodal Pallava Chola Inscriptions

2011-07-29T16:28:00.008+05:30

Bhattar was paid 120Kalams of Paddy and 10 Kasu annually

Gold Offerings to the temple were to be utilised for Vedic School and the Hospital at Thiru Mukoodal

Inscriptions provide rich insights into the salaries of the Vedic Teachers, number of Vedic Teachers/ Students, Number of beds in the hospital as well as the hospital staff and their salaries

Inscription also records the presence of the Barber at the Hospital and the salary paid to him

Inscription in ancient temples gives one an insight into the historical chronology of the temple, the life style of the town and the architectural patterns at the temple depending on when it was constructed and later renovated and the kings who lived during that period.

Interestingly at the 2000 year old Appan Venkatesan temple in Thiru Mukoodal in Pazhaya Seevaram about 12kms east of Kanchipuram, inscriptions provide us with an indepth insights into the kind of health care facilities available at that time, the number of staff involved and even the salary paid to them.

While presence of Vedic schools and the loud recital of the Vedas was not uncommon in those days, insights through the inscriptions here at Thiru Mukoodal give us an indication on the extent to which it was prevelant in that early Pallava Period.

Earliest Inscription- Late 9th Century

An inscription in Tamil dating back to 893AD to the rule of Pallava Nripatunga Varma records a gift of 30 Kalanju of Gold for perpetual lamp. The assembly of Siyapuram entrusted with the gift agreed to supply oil for the lamp from the interest on the capital amount. Interest was fixed at 3 Manjadi per Kalanju. The Oil was to be supplied at 40 Nali per Kalanju.

A 1013AD inscription relating to Raja Raja Chola I records the gift of gold and land for offerings. Another inscription dating to the same year and the ruler records an agreement to pay taxes on certain temple lands from the interest on a specified quantity of gold which they had received from temple treasury.

Conduct of Maasi Magam Festival

On the western wall, a 1015AD inscription relating to Rajendra I records the gift of gold for offerings on Maasi Magam Festival. The gold to be offered was weighed and found to be equal to 3 Kalanju, interest fetched one Manjadi per year. Paddy was sold at 40 Kadi per Kalanju.

There is another inscription dating to 1016-17AD to the rule of Rajendra I recording the gift of paddy for offerings and festival on new Moon days.

Rajendra I- Gift of Sheep for lamp

A 1017AD inscription on the Western Wall relating to Rajendra I records the gift of 90sheep for lamp, a 1021AD inscription records gift of 90sheep and a 1023AD inscriptions records the gift of 113sheep for a lamp. An agreement was entered in 1028AD by the Vaikhanasas to use surplus paddy for reciting Thiruppadiyam at the temple.

The Huge Temple Garden and its functioning

A 1019-20AD inscription relating to Rajendra Chola Deva on the Western wall of the central shrine records the gift of Padagams of Garden land for flower garden. An agreement to have 7000baskets of manure spread on the field had two underlying conditions:

1. The priests of the temple were to have Kilbhogam rights while the Vaikhanasas were to have lease rights for cultivation

2. The bundles of hay weighing not less than one Kalam of Paddy each were to be collected from every tenant of the village by Vaikhanasas and used for the benefit of garden only and not to be sold for private purposes and permitting the temple garden the first claim over the irrigation of wet lands

A 1065AD inscription on the eastern wall of the first prakara relating to Raja Kesarivarma records the gift of two twilight lamps by a Brahmana lady.

On the South Wall of the temple a 1075AD inscription relating to Kulotunga I records the gift of land to the temple. An 1121AD inscription relating to Vikrama Chola Deva records the sale of land

Gold offering to be utilised for Vedic School and Hospital

Vira Rajendra Deva’s inscription in 1069AD records the order by the king that the 75 Kalanju of gold which the residents were paying at that time be entered as tax free Devadana to be utilised for God’s expense including the maintenance of Vedic School and the upkeep of the hospital. The hospital seemed to have 15beds. The physician was paid 90Kalams of Paddy and 8Kasu annually in addition of the grant of a land.
The surgeon was given 30Kalams of Paddy, two nurses were given 30kalams of Paddy and one Kasu annually. There was also a barber who was paid 15kalams of Paddy. In addition to the above, there were two persons who were to get medicinal herbs. These two got 60kalams of Paddy and two Kasu.

Vedic School

The Vedic schools taught Rig Veda and Yajur Veda. The vedic teachers were paid 60Kalams of paddy and 4Kasus annually. The bhattar at the temple was paid 120Kalam of Paddy and 10 Kasu annually

Inscriptions indicate that there were 10Brahmins who were studying Rig Veda, 10 Brahmins who were learning Yajur Veda, 20 Brahmins were studying Vyakarma and Rupavatara and 10 were learning Mahapancharatna. It also records the presence of 3 Saivite Brahmins, 5 Vaikanasas and two others.

Located about 70kms South of Madras, off the Chengalpet-Kanchipuram SH58 at the confluence of three rivers – Palar, Vegavathi and Cheyyar- is The temple is one km South of Pazhaya Seevaram Narasimha temple on the Salavakkam Highway.

For the story on Thiru Mukoodal, visit: http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2010/05/thiru-mukoodal-appan-venkatesan.html

Kovil Pathagai Sundara Raja Perumal Temple

2011-07-28T13:58:00.008+05:30

Two forms of Vishnu provided darshan to two Great Rishis
Ashta Naga Garuda is a special feature at this temple

Located 3kms North of Avadi Railway Station in Kovil Pathagai is the Sundara Raja Perumal temple, believed to date back 750years, one that has two moolavar deities and where two rishis performed penance and were provided darshan by two different forms of Vishnu.

Brigu Maha Rishi is believed to have undertaken penance at this place. Answering his prayers, Sundara Raja Perumal provided darshan to him in a grand sitting posture and stayed here as per the wishes of the rishi.

Vaikunta Natha Perumal, believed to be the original presiding deity at this temple, provided darshan to Markandeya Maha rishi who is seen alongside the west facing Lord Vaikuntanathan. Opposite Vaikuntanathan is the Ashta Naga Garuda in a sitting posture.

Centuries ago, there was a chariot here at the temple and the Lord is believed to have undertaken processions sitting atop the chariot.

On the Vimana are sculptures of Parthasarathy and Ranganatha, in a Sayana Posture.

Festivals

Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
Aani Garuda Seva
Panguni – 13 streets procession- Kalyana Utsavam

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Sundara Raja Perumal East facing sitting posture
Vaikunta Nathan West Facing sitting posture

Thaayar : Sundara Valli Thaayar ( Separate Sannidhi)
Temple Time: 7am-8am and 530pm-7pm
Priest: Janakiraman Bhattar @ 98406 29471

How to reach

Bus Numbers: 61D, 61E, 61R and 61K from Avadi bus stand (will take 10minutes to reach the temple)

Share auto from Avadi bus stand will cost Rs.10/-

Natha Muni Avathara Utsavam in Kattu Mannar Koil

2011-07-23T20:47:00.009+05:30

Paranthaka I renovated the temple and built the Veera Narayana Lake

In celebration of Natha Muni’s contribution in the compilation of Nalayira Divya Prabhandham and the initiation of the Vaishnava Sampradaya, one witnessed a grand 10 day Utsavam at the Veera Narayana Perumal temple in Kattu Mannar Koil near Chidambaram, that culminated on his birthday this Tuesday with the Great Vaishnavite Savant being taken out around the four Mada Streets on a Garuda Vahana procession.

On this day, there was also the recital of 4000sacred verses. On each of the preceding 9days, Natha Muni, decorated in a special Alankara, went out on a procession in a palanquin with the chanting of Nam Azhvar’s Thiruvoimozhi.

Veera Narayana Perumal's direction to Nathamuni

Kattu Mannar Koil is the Avathara Sthalam of Natha Muni who was responsible for bringing back the Nalayira Divya Prabandham that had been previously lost to the world. It was Veera Narayana Perumal, the presiding deity at Kattu Mannar Koil, who asked Nathamuni to collect the verses of the Azhwars and to spread the positive message contained in these sacred verses.

In centuries gone by, the direction to Kattu Mannar Koil was given as being North of Cauvery / Coloroon, West of Veda Pushkarani and South of Vedanarayana (Veeranam) lake.

The story
Pleased with the penance of Jhirumbana Raja Maharishi, who was childless, Goddess Mahalakshmi herself was born here as his child. Once she grew up into a beautiful young girl, there was a svayamvara organised to find her match.

Lord Narayana came here in his Garuda Vahana in the guise of a king (Mannan) to participate in the Swayamvara. Having won over her, he took her away much to the wrath of the other kings who attacked him. Lord Narayana, displaying his Vishwaroopa, defeated them all. Having shown his valour here, the Lord came to be called ‘Veera’ Narayana Perumal.

Another story goes that Mathanga Rishi, to liberate himself from Brahma’s curse for having committed an error in the recital of the vedic chant, went to Srimushnam, where the Lord appeared before him and redirected him to Manyu Kshetram (Kattu Mannar Koil), South East of Srimushnam to undertake penance in the Veda Pushkarani. Answering his prayers, Lord Narayana displayed his Chathurbhuja form here at Kattu Mannar Koil and acceding to the request of the rishi stayed here to provide darshan to the devotees.

Nalayira Divya Prabhandham

Nathamuni, who mastered himself in Vedas at a young age, was very attached to Veera Narayana Perumal of Kattu Mannar Koil and spent most of his time performing daily poojas for the Lord here. One day, while he was performing his daily rituals, he heard a set of devotees from Thiru Narayanapuram chanting the Aaravamuthey verse. These devotees ended their chanting with the words “these 10 out of the 1000”.
Nathamuni was drawn to these songs and asked them to sing the rest of the 990 verses. However, they knew only these 10 songs.

Nathamuni goes to Thiru Kurugur

Seeking to find these 1000verses, Nathamuni left Kattu Mannar Koil for Kumbakonam, where Lord Aaravamudhan directed him to Thiru Kurugur. Unable to get his answers at Kurugur, he went to Thiru Kolur, where he got initiated with Madura Kavi Azhwar’s verses of Kannin Siruthambinaal. He came back to Thiru Kurugur and sitting under the Tamarind tree recited these verses 12000 times, on completion of which Nam Azhwar appeared before him and shared not just the 1000songs that he was looking for but the entire 4000 verses.

Veera Narayana Perumal then called Nathamuni back to Kattu Mannar Koil where the Vaishnavite Savant chanted and shared the Nalayira Divya Prabandham to the world at large. Thus, Nathamuni of Kattu Mannar Koil, was instrumental in bringing back to the world the 4000 verses of the Azhwars.

Creation of Araiyar Sevai

Along with his nephews, Keezhaiyagath Azhwar and Melaiagath Azhwar (the Araiyars are descendents of these two), Nathamuni presented the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, that was until then only in a text form, in a musical and dance form, creating Raga and Thala, that the world could experience and enjoy. To Natha Muni goes the credit of creating the Araiyar Sevai, a visual song and dance enactment of the ‘Paasurams’ through the Abhinaya.

He went to Srirangam and presented the Araiyar Sevai, of the Thiruvoi Mozhi verses with his two Nephews, and once again started the Adhyayana Utsavam at Srirangam which had been discontinued after the time of Thirumangai Azhwar.

Different Names under different rulers

During the Chozha period, this place was referred to as Veera Narayana Vinnagaram, while during the times of Sundarapandyan this was called Mannanar. Krishna Deva Raya referred to the Lord as Azhagiya Mannanar. This place has also been referred to as Veera Narayanan Chaturveda Mangalam and Thuvarapathi Mannan Thiru Koil.

There are 5 wells inside the temple and an expansive garden, which Nathamuni used for his daily poojas for Veera Narayana Perumal.

The name - ‘Kattum Mannan-Aanaar’ koil
As Lord Narayana came here as ‘Mannan’ to take the hand of Mahalakshmi and later showed the way for Nathamuni to compile the Divya Prabandham and the Vaishnava Sampradaya to the world at large, he was referred to as ‘ Kattum’ ‘Mannan- Aanaar’. In course of time, Kattum Mannan-Aanaar became Kattu Mannar.

Aalavanthan- Grandson of Nathamuni

Born in Kattu Mannar Koil, Nathamuni’s grandson ‘Yamunai Thuraivan’ (Alavanthan) travelled often to Srirangam to spread the message of Vaishnavism. Alavanthan nominated Ramanuja as the acharya to succeed him after his death.

Structure of Kattu Mannar Koil

The temple is perfectly built as per KoorathAzhwar's sacred verse:
"Lakshmi Naatha Samaarambaan Nathayaamuna Mathyamaam Asmath Aacharya Pariyantham Vanthey Guru Parampara" - Lord Veera Narayanan in the middle, Natha Muni (facing South) to his left, Alavanthan (facing North) to his right (exactly opposite to Nathamuni) and with Maragathavalli Thaayar to his right between the Nathamuni and Alavanthan Sannidhi.

Quick Facts
Moolavar: Veera Narayanan East Facing Standing Posture
Thaayar: Maragatha Valli Thaayar
Utsavar:
1. Rajagopalan with Rukmini and Satyabhama
2. NithyaUtsava Perumal- Sundara Gopalan
3. Prarthana Perumal- Shenbagamannan with Sridevi and Bhoodevi’
Temple time: 730am-12noon and 430pm-9pm
Contact details: Annan Srinivasan Bhattar @ 99522 76110/ Venkatesh Bhattar @ 99940 34634

How to reach Kattu Mannar Koil
Buses every half hour between Chidambaram and Kattu Mannar Koil. One can also reach Kattu Mannar Koil from Vriddachalam, Srimushnum and Jayakondam.

By road from Chennai, one can reach Kattu Mannar Koil by taking the Vikravandi- Panruti-Sethiya Thope route (about 235kms)

Rajagopalaswamy temple in Manimangalam

2011-07-23T20:32:00.006+05:30

Chola Rulers including Kulothunga I, Vikrama Chola Deva and Raja Raja contributed immensely to the upkeep of the temple but the temple now craves for attention
Parikara Sthalam for getting back one's eye sight

Temples in Tamil Nadu that once upon a time flourished with expansive gifts from the rulers of those days have deteriorated and today find themselves in a sorry state.

One such is the 1000year old Rajagopalaswamy temple in Manimangalam housed on a 1 ¼ acre area, about 12kms West of Tambaram, a temple whose construction dates back to the Chola period and one that is abound with rich stone inscriptions providing us with insights into the glory of this temple.

Conch in his right hand
Moolavar Lord Rajagopalaswamy is seen in a standing posture with a Conch Shell in his right hand and a discus in his left hand. This is also a temple that Ramanuja is believed to have visited.

1000year old inscriptions

The temple is abound with inscriptions in Tamil and Sanskrit earliest of which dates back to the 11th Century AD and continued to find updates of contribution to the temple with the passing of each century.

On the South wall of the central shrine of this temple is an inscription in Sanskrit that records a grant made to Lord Rajagopalaswamy. A Tamil inscription on the same wall records a sale of 4000 kuli of land. Another inscription dating back to Chola Raja Raja I records a gift made by members of the mahasabha to this temple.

On the North and West walls of the temple, inscriptions indicate gifts provided for the offerings and expenses of worship of the temple by making 3200kuli of land.

Gifting by Kulothunga I

An 1118AD inscription records a grand of 4450kuli of land. A few more inscriptions dating to 12th Century AD and to the period of Kulothunga I registers gift of land to the temple as well as the grant of land for providing offerings to the temple.

Several Inscriptions relating to 12Century AD

Two inscriptions on the west wall of the temple relating to Vikrama Chola Deva, in his 13th year of reign, and again to the 12th Century AD, provide us insights into the purchases of land for the offerings at the temple. A 1154AD inscription in Tamil on the outside of the East wall of the inner prakara records a donation of tax free lands to the temple for sacred offerings.

Inscriptions on the North and East Walls dating to 1198AD record gifts of four lamps for the temple.

Raja Raja's Contribution to Manimangalam

Inscriptions dating to 13th Century AD and to the rule of Raja Raja II/III record resolutions relating to gifts for the deity. Another interesting inscription of 1229AD and to the rule of Raja Raja III talks about payments into the treasury for maintaining the Sannidhi lamps. On the South wall in Tamil is an inscription dating to the rule of Jatavarma Sundara Pandya that records the sale by a devotee of a Pattam to be worn by the deity.

Inscriptions also indicate gifts of several lamps by devotees and also gift of gold to support the continuous burning of the lamps.

Craves for Attention
A temple that once seems to have thrived with rich gifts from the then rulers and the devotees alike is now bereft of funds so much so that the festivals have been limited to just one - Garuda Seva in Puratasi. The temple does not have a gopuram.

The surrounding area around the Central Shrine is full of thick bushes with snakes running into the Madapalli on a regular basis giving the priest a scare. Except for select days in the year, devotees have by and large given this ancient temple a miss, though the story goes that this temple is believed to be a Parikara Sthalam for bringing back ‘eye sight’.

Those who wish to support the temple and to bring back the lost glory including the conduct of festivals can contact Jayaraman Bhattar @ 88707 25799

Quick Facts:

Moolavar: Rajagopalaswamy standing posture facing East
Thaayar : Shengamala Valli Thaayar (Separate Sannidhi)
Temple Time: 7am- 10am and 4pm-7pm

How to reach
The temple is about 12kms from Tambaram on the Mudichur road and 5kms from Vandalur on the Sriperambudur highway. One can take the Tambaram- Sriperambudur bus (route numbers: 55N, 80, 583C, 583D) to reach the temple

Nam Azhvaar Garuda Utsavam in Azhvaar Tirunagari

2011-06-16T20:53:00.015+05:30

Nava Tirupathi Divya Desam Lords come together at Azhvaar Tirunagari to Celebrate Nam Azhvaar’s Greatness

Last week, Aathi Natha Azhvaar Temple in Azhvaar Tirunagari played host to the grandest of the festivals at Nava Tirupathi - nine Vishnu temples either side of Tamaraibarani off the Tirunelveli -Tiruchendur state highway. On the occasion of the 5th day (Wednesday June 8) of the Vaikasi Azhvaar Utsavam, the utsava deities of all the nine temples congregated at Azhvaar Tirunagari in a celebratory gesture to thank Nam Azhvaar for his significant contribution to the 4000 sacred verses (Nalayira Divya Prabhandham).

After his birth, Nam Azhvaar did not consume anything. Neither did he open his mouth for 16years. God was everything to him as he sat quietly under the Tamarind tree at Thiru Kurugur (another name for Azhvaar Tirunagari). God is always looking for such a special devotee. And for this reason, the Lord does not mind coming all the way to the devotee’s place and providing darshan.

Ahead of the visit of the Nava Tirupathi Lords, Azhvaar Tirunagari, the only Divya Desam to be named after an Azhvaar, wore a festive look. The women on the Sannidhi Street had started their traditional Pulli Kolam as early as 4am. Temporary shops sprung up on both sides of the Sannidhi Street, Nam Azhvaar was being decked up inside the temple and there was a buzz all around with devotees queuing up in and around the temple taking up vantage positions as they waited with bated breath for the first glimpse of the Nava Tirupathi Lords.

While Azhvaar Tirunagari was thus getting ready for the big event, by 6am that morning each of other eight ‘Nava Tirupathi’ Lords had begun their procession to this Divya Desam from their respective abodes in Nava Tirupathi to join the 9th Lord (Polintha Ninra Piraan, utsava deity of Aathi Natha Azhvaar Temple).

Nam Azhvaar’s welcoming gesture

By 9am, Nam Azhvaar, with a beautifully decorated and colourful green umbrella atop him, made his way to the Ramayana Mandapa at the entrance of the temple to await the arrival of the Nava Tirupathi dieties. Shortly after, Nam Azhvaar, who is the only Azhvaar to have sung praise of all the Nava Tirupathi temples, received the first three of the Nava Tirupathi Lords- Kallapiran of Sri Vaikuntam, Vijayasayanar of Varagunamangai (Natham) and Kaisina Venthar of Thiru Pulingudi.

Welcoming them, Araiyar Natha Muni of Azhvaar Tirunagari (Azhvaar Tirunagari is one of the only three Divya Desams where Araiyar Seva is still being performed) presented Nam Azhvaar’s Thiruvoimozhi verse –‘Pulingudi Kidanthu, Varagunamangai Irunthu, Vaikunthathul Ninru……’ - in which he sung praise of all three of them in one go referring to the Standing Lord of SriVaikuntam, the one in a grand sitting posture at Varagumangai and the Sleeping Lord of Pulingudi.

Nam Azhvaar accepted the parivattam (the turban linen) and the garland from the first of the three Nava Tirupathi Lord. Over the next hour, he accorded a similar welcome to the rest of the Nava Tirupathi Lords.

Nam Azhvaar refers to Aravinda Losana and Devapiran (Erettai Tirupathi) as the prosperous temple in Thulai Villi Mangalam on the Northern Bank of Porunai River (Tamaraibarani) where there was constant Vedic Chanting. This was followed by Mayakoothan from Perungulam who Nam Azhvaar referred to as a wonder dancer riding on Garuda in the West in Southern Kulanthai. His reference to groves and big mansions indicates that this was a prosperous location in centuries gone by.

Nam Azhvaar then welcomed the last two of the Nava Tirupathi Lords, from the East, Nigaril Mugil Vannan from ThenThiruperai, who he refers to as ‘Makara Nedun Kulai Kaadhan’ (the one with the Makara ear rings) and Vaitha Maa Nidhi from Thiru Kolur, birth place of Madura Kavi Azhvaar.

While Nam Azhvaar received garland from all the 9 Nava Tirupathi lords, Madura Kavi Azhvaar, who pronounced Nam Azhvaar as his God, received the garland from the Azhvaar himself.

Natha Muni, who came here to compile the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham which had been lost to the world, first met with Madura Kavi Azhvaar and picked up his ‘Kanninun Sirutha Ambinaal’ composition. It was after reciting these verses 12000 times that Nam Azhvaar shared with Natha Muni the contents of the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham.

After Thirumanjana and Alankara through the evening and recital of 273 verses from the Divya Prabhandham (173 verses of Andal’s Thiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi and 100 verses from Nam Azhvaar’s Thiruvoimozhi), all the Nava Tirupathi Lords were all set to mount on their respective Garuda Vahana.

Much awaited Event - Once in a year procession
At 11.30pm, much to the delight of the 10000plus devotees who had gathered at the temple for the big event of the Azhvaar Utsavam, Nam Azhvaar, on his Hamsa Vahana, and Madura Kavi Azhvaar, on a special Parangi Narkali (Bamboo chair), came out to a loud cheer and positioned themselves at the entrance of the temple. For the next hour, beginning with Polintha Ninra Piraan, all the nine Utsava deities with extensive flower decoration came out one after another on their Garuda Vahana providing this special darshan to Nam Azhvaar.

Well after mid night, all the Nava Tirupathi deities along with Nam Azhvaar and Madura Kavi Azhvaar went on the once in a year procession, first around the four Mada streets and then around the Car streets of Azhvaar Tirunagari to provide darshan to devotees who had stayed awake through the night to witness this marvellous spectacle.

By 6am, the next morning, all of them were back at the Aathi Natha Azhvaar Tirunagari temple and shortly afterwards it was time for them to bid adieu to Nam Azhvaar and head back to their respective abodes in Nava Tirupathi.

Azhvaar’s send off - Special Gesture
Being the farthest from Azhvaar Tirunagari, Mayakoothan of Perungulam (10kms away) was sent off first by Nam Azhvaar, followed by Kallapiran, Vijayasayanar and Kaisina Venthar.

Having seen Devapiran of Erettai Tirupathi as his own father and mother (Sinthaiyaalum Sollaalum, Seigaiyinaalum Devapiranaiye Thanthai Thaai Enru Adaintha Van……..Thiruvoimozhi verse), Nam Azhvaar in a special gesture of showing that extra care for his ‘parents’ waited a few extra minutes till Aravinda Losana and Devapiran of Errettai Tirupathi went completely out of sight at the Eastern end of Sannidhi Street past the Nayaka Mandapa on his way back to their abode. Following this, Nam Azhvaar saw off for another year Nigaril Mugil Vannan and Vaitha Maa Nithi.

To the Tamarai Barani

On the occasion of his birthday (Vaikasi Visakam) - the 10th day of the Utsavam this Monday (13th June) - Nam Azhvaar entered the Tamarai Barani for one of the only two occasions in the year (the other being in Maasi) for Theertha Vari accompanied by the loud rendering of Divya Prabhandham verses bringing to end Nava Tirupathi’s biggest utsavam.

Malayadipatti Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple

2011-06-09T23:52:00.007+05:30

8th Century AD temple that has Mamalla Style of Architecture
15ft Moolavar in a Sthala Sayana Posture
Malola Narisimha, Vaikunta Nathan, Hayagriva idols seen inside the sanctum

Located 45kms from Tiruchirapalli in a remote village in the Kulattur Taluk of Pudukottai District is the largely unknown North Facing Rock Cut Anantha Padmanabhaswamy cave temple in Malayadipatti, one that dates back around 1200 years to the late 8th Century AD / early 9th Century AD.

Name

In centuries gone by, Malayadipatti was also referred to as Thiru Valattur Malai and was known for two rock cut temples – one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu- both hewn out of the same rock.

Architecture

While the rock cut style is more reminiscent of the temple at Thirumayam ( also in Pudukottai District) and the stucco decorations there, the Perumal temple at Malayadipatti is more of the Mamalla style with elegant pillars. The pillared hall contains large panels cut in the side walls filled with scriptures including those of Narasimha and Varaha.

The 15feet Moolavar is a beautifully carved image of Lord Anantha Padmanabhan in a Sthala Sayana Posture lying on the serpent Adisesha and is similar to the one seen in Thiruvananthapuram Divya Desam. The five heads of the serpent are spread out like a canopy over the God’s head. While his right hand is hanging down in a posture of blessing the devotees, the Lord’s feet rest on a lotus. Performing poojas with Lotus flowers is a speciality at this temple. Above Anantha Padmanabhaswamy idol are interesting paintings on the ceiling.

Inside the sanctum are Pundareekaksha, in a standing posture, with the Gandharvas seen performing pooja on him, Malola Narasimha in a Sitting Posture, Vaikunta Nathan, with Sri and Bhoodevi, in a posture similar to the one seen at Vaikuntam and Chaturbhuja Hayagriva in a grand sitting posture.

On the wall of the sanctum are two demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, who threatened to kill Brahmma- but were slain in the process.

The two Dwarapalakas, Jaya and Vijaya, at the entrance are not conventional sculptures and are more in the form of portrait sculptures.

The Story
Legend has it that Diwakara Rishi, who in a fit of anger tried to disrupt the yagna of King Indradyumna, was cursed to lose his powers. He is believed to have undertaken penance here invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who pleased with sincerity of the prayers, provided him darshan as Anantha Padmanabhan in a Sayana Posture and handed back his yogic powers and knowledge. The temple is an Abhimana Sthalam.

Inscriptions

There are several inscriptions that provide interesting insights about the temple. An 8th Century AD inscription refers to Danti Varma Pallava and the Siva temple which is just next to the Perumal temple. The structure of this Malayadipatti cave temple and the Lord himself also has similarities to the Sthala Sayana Perumal Divya Desam at Thiru Kadal Mallai (Mahabalipuram).

Inscriptions also refer to the renovation undertaken in 960AD by Raja Kesari Sundara Chozhan.

A 16th Century AD inscription relating to the period of Achuthappa Nayaka of Thanjavur refers to gifts of villages and other grants made to this temple describing the Lord as ‘Kan Niraintha Perumal’ and to this place as Thiruvai Malai. Another inscription dating back to the same period refers to the Lord as Thiru Vaazha Vantha Perumal.

Festivals
Procession on Full moon day in Chitrai
Theerthavari on Maasi Magam

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Ananthapadmanabhan in Sthala Sayana Posture
Thaayar : Kamala Valli Nachiyar
Temple time : 7am- 11am and 5pm-630pm
Priest : Srinivasa Bhattar @ 99407 49234

How to reach

One can reach Malayadipatti by taking the Trichy- Keeranur - Killukottai route (17kms from Keeranur) or Trichy - Thuvakudi – Poyyakudi- Asur- Sengalur route.

Bus Numbers: K3 and K12 from Keeranur
No. 100 from Tiruverambur
No. 26 from Chatram Bus Stand

The temple is 33kms from Pudukottai.

Auto/Taxi from Trichy will cost around Rs.500.

For local help, contact: Saivaraj @ 97878 18987

Abhinav Mukund in Indian Test Squad to West Indies

2011-05-27T19:12:00.004+05:30

Tamil Nadu rookie Abhinav Mukund has been picked in the Indian test squad to tour West Indies next month. In 1989, two other Tamil Nadu cricketers, Robin Singh and M. Venkatramana had their first overseas tours to the Carribean as had L. Sivaramakrishnan earlier that decade in 1982.

Abhinav’s selection is fully justified coming on the back of a spectacular domestic season where he scored over 1000runs, though it must be said that he failed in the most important knock out match for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. Interestingly, Abhinav has not been picked in the XI for most part of CSK's campaign in the IPL this season, endorsing prtraveller's view that he should concentrate on the longer version of the game, for which his strong technique is more suited to.

With this leap into the next phase of his career, Abhinav has everything going for him to kick start his Test Career. He could open with his TN team mate M. Vijay with whom he has been partnering over the last couple of years at the top of the order. West Indies will have an inexperienced bowling attack led by Sammy and newcomer Bishoo.

If he can play his typical long innings that he has come to be known since his school days, Abhinav could stabilise his place in the Test team, especially with the increasing amount of cricket leading to more frequent injuries to the top Indian cricketers.

Surprisingly, Abhinav who has been known to have a cool head, got into controversy last season in the Deodhar Trophy match for South Zone when he seemingly refused to bat down the order .Going forward, into the next level, it would be important for him to maintain the sense of balance and not get into such controversies.

In mid 2007, prtraveller had suggested that Abhinav could be the most stable, solid opener for India after Sunil Gavaskar. And like Gavaskar in 1971, this tour of the West Indies could turn out to be the ideal launch pad for a long and successful test career for Abhinav

http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/09/cricket-pick-of-month-abhinav-mukund.html

Azhagar Koil Renovation

2011-05-15T21:43:00.002+05:30

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article2011899.ece

Azhagar Chitrai Thiruvizha April 2011

2011-05-08T14:57:00.001+05:30

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article1792832.ece

Thiru Vayinthirapuram Paasuram

2011-04-26T12:24:00.004+05:30

வையம் எழும் உண்டு ஆல்இலை வைகிய
மாயவன் அடியவர்க்கு

மெய்யன் ஆகிய தெய்வ நாயகன் இடம்
மெய்தகு வரைச் சாரல்

மொய் கொள் மாதவி சண்பகம் முயங்கிய
முல்லை அம் கொடி ஆட

செய்ய தாமரைச் செழும் பணை திகழ்தரு
திருவயிந்தி புரமே

In some verses, Thirumangai Azhvaar just makes a passing reference to the temple that he has visited. Sometimes, he combines two-three temples in a particular verse and only makes a passing reference to the place without even a mention of the Lord's name.

In this Periya Thirumozhi Verse, Thirumangai Azhvaar sings praise of Thiru Vayinthirapuram temple referring to the location, the Lord's name as well as providing a description of the place surrounding the temple.

He refers to Lord Deivanayagan as the one who consumed the 7worlds and one who lays on the fig leaf.

Referring to the location, he says Thiru Vayinthirapuram temple where Deivanayakan provides darshan to the devotees is one surrounded by mountain with the mullai creepers swaying in the breeze and the Lotus flowers springing up all over the water tanks by the side of the temple.

Thirumangai further refers to this place as a pleasant garden area where the dense Shenbagam trees protects the devotees from the hot sun.

Kulasekara Azhvaar's Perumal Thirumozhi

2011-03-06T00:17:00.005+05:30

மரம்திகழும் மனம் ஒழிந்து வஞ்சம் மாற்றி
வன் புலன்கள் அடக்கி இடர்பு பாரத் துன்பம்

துறந்து இரு முப்பொழுது ஏத்தி எல்லை இல்லாத்
தொல் நெறிக்கண் நிலை நின்ற தொண்டரான

அறம்திகழும் மனத்தவர்தம் கதியை பொன்னி
அணி அரங்கத்து அரவணையிர் பள்ளிகொள்ளும்

நிறம்திகழும் மாயோனை கண்டு என் கண்கள்
நீர்மல்க என்றுகொலோ நிற்கும் நாளே

Kulasekara Azhvaar describes the handsome Lord of Srirangam
as one who resides on a serpant bed between the Cauvery and Coloroon rivers.

He says that for all those who practice the true form of Dharma with unshakeable faith and never swerve from the the righteous path, cleansing the vices in them and controlling their negative senses, Lord Ranganatha is the sole refuge.

For the true devotee, visiting Arangan Lord rids them of the painful load of karma.

I ask, when will I be in Arangam to be in the midst of the true devotees offering my sincere prayers and ridding myself from this cycle of birth...

Poonamallee Varadaraja Perumal

2011-03-05T10:05:00.007+05:30

Located 25kms from Madras on the Bangalore Highway is the 1100year old Varadaraja Perumal temple in Poonamallee. This place is also referred to as Pushpaporu Kshetram and Poovirantha Kshetram.

Construction
The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th Century AD during the reign of the great Chozha King Paranthaka Chozha ( 907-954AD). Inscriptions dating back to this period refer to this place as Puliyur Kottam Poonthamallee and Nedunchezhiya Vinnagaram.

Story
This is the avathara sthalam of Thirukachi Nambi, the Guru of Ramanuja. Thirukachi Nambi used to walk to Kanchipuram and present flowers in the morning to Lord Varadarajan. Given his special devotion , Lord Varadarajan would engage in conversations with Nambi.

Once when Nambi fell ill and could not walk to Kanchipuiram to present his flowers, Lord Varadarajan himself came here in the morning and provided darshan to Nambi with the Sun’s chakra behind him, a special feature at this temple.

Thirukachi Nambi also had darshan of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam and Lord Srinivasa of Tirupathi at this place. Ranganatha is seen in a handsome sleeping posture with four hands.

This place came to known as 'Poovirintha mallee'after the Thaayar 'Poovirintha Thaayar'.

Avathara Sthalam of Thirukachi Nambi

Festivals
Thirukachi Nambi Avathara Utsavam in Maasi
Ranganatha Utsavam in Chitrai
Varadaraja Utsavam in Vaikasi
Srinivasa Utsavam in Puratasi

In Panguni (on April 10, 2011), Garuda Seva with all the three Lords

Quick Facts
Moolavar: Devaraja Perumal in a standing posture facing West
Thaayar : Pushpavalli thaayar (separate sannidhi)
Temple Time: 7am-1130am and 430pm-830pm
Contact : S. Gopalakrishna Bhattar/Sriram Bhattar @ 97911 42968 or Sowriraja Bhattar@ 98401 22515

How to reach
This is on the Madras- Porur-Poonamallee-Sriperumbudur highway. The temple is a 5minute walk from the Poonamallee bus stand.
Number of buses ply between Parrys/Broadway and Poonamallee.

Nava Narasimha Ahobilam

2011-02-25T22:18:00.003+05:30

Bharghava Narasimha

6kms from Lower Ahobilam is Bharghava Narasimha temple. One has to go through a rugged muddy road to the foot of the temple and then climb 130steps to reach the temple.

Parasurama while on his theertha yatra reached here and wanted darshan of Narasimha. Answering his prayers, Lord Narayana presented the Dasavathara display. Narasimha is seen here in his Hiranya Samhara posture.

Yoga Narasimha

On completion of Hiranya Samhara, Narasimha came here to the west of Lower Ahobilam and rested in a yogic posture. It was here that he initiated a few yogic mantras to Prahalada.

Chatravada Narasimha

Half a km East of Yoga Narasimha is Chatravada Narasimha, the most handsome of the Nava Narasimha temples. At the end of the Hiranya Samhara, Narasimha was in an angry state. In an effort to cool him down, two Gandharva musicians, Aaha and Oohoo are said to have played music. Pleased with their music, a happy Narasimha is believed to have patted on his lap tapping in to their music.
In recognition of their role, one finds their sculptures at this temple.

Pavana Narasimha
This is the most difficult of the nava narasimha temples to reach. One will have to take special jeep to reach this temple or walk through a tough 6hour trip across a rocky terrain to reach this temple.

Returning after the completion of Hiranya Samhara, an angry narasimha’s eyes fell on the beautiful Senjulakshmi of the Ahobilam hills. Lured by her beauty and wanting to marry her, he displayed his love by searching the entire hilly region to find non vegetarian food for Senjulakshmi, a resident of this place.

In memory of this event, every Saturday, the residents of this region present a hen as food to Lakshmi Narasimha at this temple.

Lakshmi Narasimha is seen in a seated posture with serpant God atop him. Lakshmi is seen sitting on his left lap.

Malola Narasimha
After Hiranya Samhara, this is the place where narasimha got back together with Lakshmi once again. He is seen with his left leg folded, his right leg hanging down with Lakshmi on his left lap.

Malola Naraimha, the utsava deity, is the processional deity of Ahobila Jeer.

Theppoutsavam in Srirangam

2011-02-11T23:56:00.003+05:30

Fourth day of the Float Festival
Only day in the year when Namperumal takes an evening ride on the Silver Garuda Vahana

1000years ago, the float festival in Srirangam was held in the Cauvery with Namperumal alongside Nachiyars.

On one such occasion, Sorcerers, using their magic powers, created a flood like scenario in the cauvery and Namperumal and Nachiyars were taken away by the floods.

Hearing this untoward event on a big occasion, Koora Narayana Jeer, a disciple of Koorathazhvaan, rushed to the place and twisting the darbha on his right finger pulled back Lord Namperumal to the banks of the cauvery.

Given this negative turn of events, Koora Narayana Jeer, about 900years ago, created a tank to the west of the Srirangam Ranganatha temple and the float festival has since been organized here on the first day of Maasi. No more was the float festival celebrated in the Cauvery and it became a Maasi Festival.

Koora Jeer, who is credited with saving the Lord from the Sorcerers and for the continuation of this festival, is paid special respects on the last day of the festival.

Koora Jeer is also believed to have slightly turned the direction of the Cauvery away from the Srirangam temple to prevent flooding at the temple.

Krishnadeva Raya's contribution
Legend has it that Vijayanagara King Krishnadeva Raya, who patronized several Vaishnavite temples and who contributed in no small measure, was the one made this into a big festival that one sees today. However, this festival has come to be referred to as the Maasi Float Festival.

Namperumal atop the Silver Garuda

On the fourth morning of the 9day festival, Lord Namperumal sitting in the comfort of a palanquin and listening the chanting of Vedas and Naalayira Divya Prabhandham takes a long 6hour processional trip to the Thathachariar Gardens on the Melur Road stopping at over 25locations on the way.

After a 5 hour rest there in the cool of the Thathachariar Gardens, during which time the devotees are treated to a sumptuous lunch by the Thathachariar family, Namperumal begins his trip back to the temple at 6pm on a Silver Garuda Vahana.

This is the only day in the year when Namperumal rides on the Silver Garuda Vahana in the evening.

He is finally back at his abode at 930pm after spending the whole day providing darshan to the devotees.

Thondaradipodi's Thirupalli Ezhuchi

2011-02-08T01:02:00.004+05:30

Its twilight time, wake up and provide darshan

சுடர் ஒளி பரந்தன சூழ் திசை எல்லாம்
துன்னிய தாரகை மின்னொளி சுருங்கிப்

படர் ஒழி பசுத்தனன் பனி மதி இவனோ
பாயிருள் அகன்றது, பைம் பொழிற் கமுகின்

மடலிடைக் கீறி வண் பாளைகள் நாற
வைகறை கூர்ந்தது மாருதம் இதுவோ

அடல் ஒளி திகழ் தரு திகிரி அம் தடக்கை
அரங்கத்தம்மா பள்ளி எழுந்தருளாயே

With the stars disappearing and the moon fading, there's twilight.
Darkness of the night is now set to give way to the brightness of the morning
that has a sweet fragrance with the cool wind of the early morning.

Setting the stage thus, Thondaradipodi requests the Lord to wake up and provide darshan to those waiting for him this morning.

Punnai Nallur Rama temple renovation

2011-02-08T00:49:00.001+05:30

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article1131749.ece

(This featured in The Hindu dated 28th January 2011)

Thondaradipodi Azhvaar's Thirumaalai Paasuram

2011-02-08T00:33:00.004+05:30

I would deny ruling Indra's empire for the opportunity to sing praise of the Lord of Srirangam

பச்சை மா மலை போல் மேனி பவளவாய்
கமலச் செங்கண்

அச்சுதா அமரர் ஏறே, ஆயர் தம்
கொழுந்தே என்னும்

இச் சவை தவிர யான் போய்
இந்திர லோகம் ஆளும்

அச் சுவை பெறினும் வேண்டேன்
அரங்க மா நகருளானே

Thondaradipodi Azhvaar in this Thirumaalai verse says that he would not even accept the opportunity of ruling Indra's kingdom if that meant being denied the happiness of praising the Lord of Srirangam. He says further, that even if the Lord himself gave it to him, he would refuse it for there is nothing more joyful than being present in Srirangam and singing praise of the Lord of Arangam-Nagar!!!

Thirumalai Vaiyavoor Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal

2011-01-27T19:34:00.003+05:30

Hanuman stayed here with the Sanjeevi mountain

Located about 75kms South of Madras off Padalam on the GST Highway is the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple in Thirumalai Vaiyavoor. One has to climb 500steps to reach the temple. There is also a road that takes one directly to the temple.

The Story

Hanuman while carrying the Sanjeevi hill is believed to have stayed here. Without placing the hill on the ground, he transferred mountain from his right hand to left. Hence this place is referred to as ‘Vaiyaa’ ‘Oor’.

Lord Srinivasa is seen in a standing posture with Adisesha atop him. After defeating Asura Hiranya, Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Avatar asked Garuda to bring from Vaikuntam a mountain where he could play and enjoy himself. Garuda went all the way to Vaikuntam and while on his way back, a piece fell on the banks of Paali river. Garuda placed the mountain on the banks of Swarnmukhi river. It is here that Garuda had Vishwaroopa darshan of the Lord.

Construction
King Thondaiman is said to have built the temple as a thanking gesture to the Lord, who helped him win his battle. 500years ago, Vijayanagar kind Thodarmal contributed to renovations at the temple and initiated festivals at this temple.

Ramanuja’s stay
Prior to his Pancha Samskaram at Eri Kaatha Rama temple at Madurantakam, Ramanuja is believed to have stayed here in a Yogic Posture before making the trip south wards to Madurantakam.

Quick Facts
Moolavar: Prasanna Venkatesan East Facing standing posture
Thaayar: Alarmel Mangai
Temple Time: 8am-12noon and 4pm-7pm
Priest: Devaraja Bhattar@ 94432 39005

Festivals
Puratasi and Chitrai Brahmotsavam
Sravana Theerthavari
Thai Utsavam

How to reach

One can take the Chennai-Tindivanam/Villupuram express bus and get down at Padalam. Share autos /Autos from Padalam to this temple

There are direct buses from Chengalpet.

Thirumangai Vedu Pari December 2010

2010-12-31T23:30:00.004+05:30

How a king turned minstrel
The story of Thirumangai Mannan is enacted at the Srirangam temple

The last of the Azhwars - Thirumangai Azhwar - made a significant contribution, visiting and singing the praise of Lord Vishnu in over 85 temples (Divya Desams). While all other Azhwars got things done by showing love and devotion to the Lord, Thirumangai Azhwar alone was different. The only Azhwar with a spear in his hand, he was aggressive, so much so that even the Lord had to humour him to make him sing His praise - a couple of cases in point being Tiru Indalur and Tiru Ninravur Divya Desams.

Initiated into Vaishnavism

Born in Tiru Kuraiyulur, 2 km from Tiruvali-Tirunagari near Sirkazhi, Thirumangai Mannan (king), who belonged to the Kallar Community, fell in love with the beautiful Kumudavalli of Annan Koil (another Divya Desam near Sirkazhi). To get Thirumangai Mannan initiated into Vaishnavism and devoted to Lord Vishnu, Kumudavalli laid down tough ‘wedding' conditions, one of which was to feed 1,008 Vaishnavites every day. Tirumangai Mannan, in this attempt, lost a lot of his wealth. But determined to fulfil her conditions, he turned a thief and resorted to ‘stealing.'

One night, Thirumangai saw a newly married couple, decked with jewellery, coming his way. It was Lord Ranganatha of Tirunagari taking along with him Amruthavalli Thayar of Tiruvali. In that darkness, in Vedarajapuram (the village between Tiruvali and Tirunagari), Tirumangai waylaid the couple threatening them with his spear.

Having relieved the two of their jewellery, Thirumangai put the booty in a bag but found it too heavy to even lift it from the ground. Lord Ranganatha revealed himself and initiated the bandit king into the ‘Ashtakshara Mantra.' The divine couple appeared in their wedding splendour, a sight that moved the reformed ruler, who became Thirumangai Azhwar.

Thirumangai Azhwar wanted Margazhi Festival to be a Tamil Divya Prabhandam festival as against just the Vedic recital that existed before his time. The 10-day ‘Era Pathu' festival called ‘Thiruvoimozhi Thirunaal' was specially created for the Lord to listen to the beautiful compositions of Nammazhwar.

At the Ranganatha temple in Srirangam, the story of ‘Vedu Pari' is enacted every year as part of the eighth day celebrations of the Era Pathu festival.

The episode took place last week. Namperumal seated atop a golden horse was brought to the sand expanse on the eastern side of the temple.

The deity held in his right hand a sword, javelin and arrows while his left hand held the reins. A speciality was the performance of Kona Vaiyali (zig-zag fast-paced movement).

The gathering was also treated to an enactment of Vedu Pari as young members of the Kallar community armed with long sticks surrounded the deity. Thirumangai, who earlier in the evening walked in as the king (Mannan) with a bow and arrow in hand, was seen in a completely different form at the end of the Vedu Pari, dressed as Azhwar, one who had just received the initiation of the Ashtakshara Mantra.

The drama was followed by a ceremony, where the list of the Lord's jewels was read out.

Rare kind

The events of this annual Vedu Pari Utsavam came to an end with Veena Ekantham, a unique and the only one of its kind veena presentation. Srirangam is the only Divya Desam where this Yaazh Isai tradition of waking up the Lord and putting him to sleep is followed.

Namperumal listened in peace for almost an hour from 1 a.m. to the sweet tunes of the four-member Sathya Kootam Veena Vidwans (Srinivasan, Ramanujam, Govindan and Gopalakrishnan) and their presentation of Thirumangai Azhwar's paasurams.

Their final song on the Vedu Pari night – ‘Eth Sariga Sathanambu Ekantha Ranga' (Vijaya Ranga Sokka Nathar's composition) put Namperumal to sleep after a long and tiring evening with the Lord entering his sanctum at around 2 a.m.

It was Ramanuja, who wanted the veena recital to be an integral part of the daily routine at the Srirangam temple and gave it the most sacred role - that of both waking up the Lord as well as putting him to sleep.

Ramanuja assigned ‘Sathya Kootam,' a clan that belonged to a village near Srirangam for the Yaazh Isai performance. Thus began a tradition at the Ranganatha temple in Srirangam.

This has come to be included in the Limca book of records and the now 76-year old former National College (Tiruchi) Vice-Principal, Veena G. Rangarajan is noted as the 45th descendent of this tradition.

Vedu Pari Highlights

* 8th day of Thiruvoimozhi Thirunal celebrated as Vedu Pari.

* 900-year old ‘Veena Ekantham' tradition.

* Only occasion of Kona Vaiyali inside the temple.

During the 10-day Era Pathu festival, the artists present Yaazh Isai for about an hour every evening. Interestingly, while the daily morning and evening recitals are solo performances with the artist seated, Veena Ekantham during the Era Pathu Thiruvoimozhi festival is presented with the artists standing, the veena tied to their shoulder. In all, they present around 250 paasurams during this Tamil Prabandham festival. In addition, they also present kritis of other composers, including Tyagaraja and Dikshitar.

The tunes are elegant and simple in its presentation and in a conversational style. It takes ten years for an artist to attain proficiency. First, they master the repertoire vocally; then learn to play the veena and finally present the hymns on the instrument.

Different ragas

Every morning at around 5.15, the veena vidwans present for about 30 minutes Thondaradipodi Azhwar's 10 beautiful verses called Thiruppalli Yezhuchi to awaken Lord Ranganatha. The 10 verses of Thondaradipodi are set in five different ragas, one for every two verses - Bhoopalam, Bilahari, Dhanyasi, Malaya Marutham and Saveri.

In the evening for about 20 minutes, from 10 p.m., the team presents Kulasekara Azhwar's Paasurams to put the Lord to sleep. The ragas are Neelambari, Ananda Bhairavi, Sahana, Revati and the recital ends with Neelambari.

They present this daily veena recital for 262 days (there are no recitals on some special festival days) in a year. They also present the recital on another 29 festival days. They were paid Rs. 2.48 a month for their divine service! It is heard that even this miniscule payment has been stopped.

This Story featured in The Hindu Friday Features today ( 31st December 2010)

Periya Thirumozhi Thiru Venkatam Pasuram

2010-12-30T13:52:00.003+05:30

Forgive the sins of my Youth

தெரியேன் பாலகனாய், பல தீமைகள் செய்துமிட்டேன்
பெரியேன் ஆயினபின் பிறர்க்கே உழைத்து ஏழை ஆனேன்

கரி சேர் பூம் பொழில் சூழ் கன மா மலை வேங்கடவா
அரியே, வந்து அடைந்தேன் அடியேனை ஆட்கொண்டருளே

Similar to his first Periya Thirumozhi verse, Thirumangai here laments the
sinful and wicked things he did as a young lad.

He says, as he grew up, he worked for others and became poor.

Finally, having experienced the good and bad in life, he says,
he has come here to Thiru Venkatam, where the Lord is surrounded by elephants and groves, to offer himself in complete service of the Lord.

He wonders if the Lord will accept his service!!!

Sirupuliyur Divya Desam

2010-12-10T18:37:00.003+05:30

The Bird versus the Serpent
Baala Sayana posture of Lord Kripasamudran is a special feature at the divya desam

Renovation is under way at the Sirupuliyur Kripasamudra Perumal temple, a divya desam, whose legend dates back to Garuda Puranam, where one finds reference to the battle of words between Adisesha and Garuda, the Lord's vehicle, as to who played a more important role in their service to Lord Vishnu.

Seeking a solution to their argument, the two arrived at Sirupuliyur and finally looked up to the Lord himself for his opinion. Finding Garuda a little arrogant in his argument, Lord Vishnu, who appeared as Kripasamudran, went in favour of Adisesha. Fearing an angry reaction from the bird, Adisesha looked for protection and was asked by Lord Kripasamudran to coil himself and lie under him. Unhappy with the decision going against him, it is believed that Garuda decided not to fly over this place. Another story goes that the aged Rishi Vyaakrapadha undertook penance at Chidambaram invoking the blessings of Lord Nataraja for attaining moksham. The rishi was directed to go westwards to Srirangam as Lord Ranganatha was the one equipped with the power to grant Moksham.

Owing to his poor eye sight, the rishi lost his way, went southward and reached Kripa Samudiram. Unable to walk any further, he sat in penance at Sirupuliyur. The Lord appeared in his full sayana posture like the one in Srirangam. Since the sage was not able to take in the big form with his feeble eye sight, He appeared in the form of a child - Baala Sayana.

Azhwar surprised

When Thiru Mangai Azhwar visited this place, initially he felt let down by the tiny size of the Lord. Thirumangai, who had seen different displays and different forms of Lord Vishnu, was then impressed upon by Kripasamudra Perumal that this was indeed something very special and that he should savour for the moment. Then he could come to Thiru Kannamangai (Divya Desam about 25 km south-west of Sirupuliyur) for a darshan of his full form in a standing posture. A happy Thirumangai showered 10 verses of praise on Kripasamudra Perumal in his Periya Thirumozhi referring to the Lord as Sala Sayana Perumal and also making a specific reference to Adisesha.

Prarthana sthalam

As this was the place where Kripasamudra Perumal accorded a special status to Adisesha by placing him above Garuda, this temple is of special significance for relief from Naaga Dosha and Kaala Sarpa Dosha. This is the only divya desam where there is a separate temple for Adisesha.

In addition to the overall renovation including the 75-feet five-tier Raja Gopuram and reconstruction of mandapas, the temple is also looking to build a new Hamsa and Simha Vaahana as well a new chariot. Those interested in contributing to this cause can contact: 99946 48980/ 04366 233477/04144 220425

Quick facts...

Moolavar: Kripasamudra Perumal in a south-facing Bhujanga Sayana posture

Thaayar: Thirumaa Magal Nachiyar

Temple Time: 7 a.m.-12 noon and 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Important festivals: 10-day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi and 3-day Avataara Utsavam in Maasi.

How to reach the temple

Sirupuliyur is about 15 km south of Mayiladuturai near Kollumangudi off the Mayavaram-Tiruvarur Highway. One can get down at Kollumangudi and take an auto (Rs. 30) to reach this Divya Desam.

The above story featured in The Hindu Friday Features on 10th December 2010

http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/12/10/stories/2010121050580300.htm

Araiyar Sevai - Saving a rare Art

2010-12-01T01:25:00.008+05:30

Changing Times - From Thirukurungudi Araiyar to Infosys Araiyar

One of my first temple stories was on the Araiyar of Srivilliputhur in early 2007. In the time that has passed, India has seen a severe slowdown. Broadly, the country seems to have come unscathed as can be seen from the frantic hiring by the IT companies.

This is no IT story, though as you will see at the end there could be an IT connection to this!!!

Its that time of the year when the renowned Araiyar Sevai, a visual song and dance enactment of the ‘Paasurams’ that has been performed at Divya Desams for over 1000 years will be seen at its best. The Tamil Calendar month of Margazhi will see Pagal Pathu and Era Pathu Utsavams in Vaishnavite temples where the Araiyars present the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham during the 21day festival.

A ritual that was once performed in several Divya Desams is now down to three in Tamil Nadu- Srirangam, Srivilliputhur and Azhvaar Thirunagari (near Tirunelveli).

Origins

The Araiyar originated in Thirukurungudi, a Divya Desam 40kms from Tirunelveli. Legend has it that the Lord used to listen to Araiyar’s Abhinayam hiding behind a wall in Bashyam Street (South Mada Street). In recognition of this significant event, one still finds the name of this street in Tirunelveli’s Gazette.

Who are Araiyars

Araiyars (King of Music) are descendents of Nathamuni, who is said to have introduced the Araiyar Sevai. Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam himself gave the Araiyars the right to perform the unique musical chanting at the temples and presented them with the cone-like cap, two cymbals and the sacred garland (which they wear around their neck when they perform).

The Araiyars first recite the Paasuram, they then explain its inner meaning and finally perform the Abhinaya, a unique art/dance performance with their hands and legs explaining the Paasurams with special musical effect.

The Araiyar Sevai requires a deep knowledge and understanding of the Paasurams. It is not an easy art, as can be seen from the fact that it takes nearly 20 years to learn and perfect the ‘Abhinaya’.

One of the special ‘Araiyar Sevai’ occasions that is of particular significance is during the Paghal Pathu (10 days) and the Era Pathu (10 days after Vaikunta Ekadesi), when one is treated to a real spectacle with the Araiyars enacting the ‘Story of Andal’ growing into a young beautiful girl through their Abhinaya.

Will Araiyar Sevai become a thing of the past?

Between the slow down and the recovery, we are possibly seeing a dramatic change in the lifestyle of Araiyars.

One Araiyar is now flying high, literally – he has become a pilot, another has just completed BE in Computer Science and might soon land up a job at one of India’s high profile IT companies. In no way, am I envious of them.

50years ago, they took up jobs at teachers in Schools. Today, they are moving into high pressure jobs in Corporates.

Of worry is the fact that only a handful of Araiyars are keeping this most difficult art going and even they seem to be giving into the lure of the financial world. It is possibly true that they have lived a financially insecure and unstable life for several decades without any form of support, either from the temple or elsewhere.

And hence, the next generation of Araiyars will move to cities like Madras and it is quite possible that we may soon see a deterioration in the enactment of the paasurams, the beginnings of which were seen last year at the Prabhandham Festival in Srirangam where the Araiyars fumbled with the Paasurams and forgot the steps!!!

Araiyars by location vs Araiyars by Profession

In centuries gone by, Araiyars used to be known by the place they belonged to. Hence, you would find a Thirukurungudi Araiyar, Srivilliputhur Araiyar, Thirukannapuram Araiyar, Srirangam Araiyar and so on.

Some time in the near future, they will be known by 'Infosys Araiyar' and 'Pilot Ariayar'.

In some sense, it is a shame that we are losing sight of history, not just the society at large but also those few sacred people who offer their divine services at temples.

In many ways, it is a reflection of the direction that the world is headed towards – A materialistic way of life is the standard norm and not the exception anymore.When one looks back in time, we will find that we have come through lot more difficult phases in history (did we not see the duels between Azhvaars and Nayanmars, did we not protet Srirangam from the Islamic invasion) and hence we should be able to get through this testing phase as well.

Meter Gauge Trains

2010-12-01T00:08:00.004+05:30

Over the next year or two, we will sadly see the end of meter gauge lines in Tamil Nadu bringing to end an era where people travelled in smaller compartments, by slower trains, stayed under the bulbs ( lighting) and sat on wooden seats!!! And yet did not seem to complain.

Its another matter that no more do we drink water from the village pumps on the rice fields of Thanjavur or Nellai or travel by cycle rickshaws in Madras and hence not having meter gauge trains seems to be yet another obvious sign of development!!!

With the last phase of gauge conversion (meter gauge to broad gauge) currently taking place, there are only a few sections in Tamil Nadu that still officially remain meter gauge- Madurai-Coimbatore (now Podanur) section, Mayavaram- Tiruvarur, Madurai- Bodi, Tirunelveli- Ambasamudram-Tenkasi and Shengottai-Quilon.

Possibly in 2011-12, we will see the end of meter gauge lines in Tamil Nadu and one more nostalgia of the 'Black & White' days will get into the history books.

Below is a photograph of a meter gauge train moving towards Madurai from Dindigul in its final days ( this section too has got converted to broad gauge)

Cycle Rickshaws

2010-11-30T23:50:00.005+05:30

A photo that brings old memories - CycleRickshaws/Entyce
The Rickshaw man fighting it out for survival

Cycle Rickshaws used to be a oft used mode of transport in the 1970s in Madras and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

I made a few cycle rickshaw trips in the 1970s in Madras.

And the school uniform in most of my early school years were from entyce, which forms the background to this photograph.

In the last two decades people have not taken a liking to either of these with few exceptions like this one on West Chitrai Street Madurai.

Given this scenario, it is heartening to note that Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival, the annual festival that celebrates 'Madras that was' in the month of Margazhi, has taken up the cause of the cycle rickshaws in their own little way by organising Heritage trips around Mylapore on the cycle rickshaws.

If not for anything, it will at least take people back to the good old days when they did not feel it odd or shy to travel on a cycle rickshaw discussing on the way all kinds of things with the rickshaw man ranging from the latest MGR movie to political developments in Tamil Nadu and from the local Ranji Trophy match to Sunil Gavaskar scoring 36runs in 60overs under our own Venkataraghavan's captaincy in a World Cup match.

Periya Thirumozhi Thiruvallikeni

2010-11-26T23:54:00.004+05:30

This is the only verse in his Periya Thirumozhi where Thirumangai Azhvaar refers to all the four brothers and Sita.

பரதனும் தம்பி சத்ருக்னனும்
இலகுமனோடு மைதிலியும்

இரவும் நன் பகலும் துதி செய்ய நின்ற
இராவனந்தகனை எம்மானை

குரவமே கமழும் குளிர் போழிலூட
குயிலோடு மயில்கள் நின்ற ஆழ

இரவியின் கதிர்கள் நுழைதல் செய்தரியாத்
திருவல்லிக்கேணி கண்டேனே

Thirumangai says that he found here at Thiruvallikeni the handsome Lord Rama surrounded by his three brothers Bharatha, Satrugana and Lakshmana with Sita by his side, amidst cool groves where birds sing and peacocks dance...

Interestingly, Thirumangai also adds that the huge trees here make it difficult for the Sun to pierce into this place.

Karanja Narasimha Ahobilam

2010-11-17T00:11:00.004+05:30

Lord provided darshan to Anjaneya in a special form with bow in hand, chakra and as Narasimha

Located 6kms from Lower Ahobilam en-route to Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam (Singavelkundram) is the Karanja Narasimha temple in Upper Ahobilam, west of the Garudathri Mountain and part of the Nava Narasimha temples in Ahobilam.

The Story

Wanting darshan of his favourite Lord, Anjaneya undertook penance under the Karanja tree at this place.

To test the sincerity of Anjaneya, Lord Narayana appeared before him in his Half-Lion –Half Man Narasimha form. Anjaneya was disappointed not to be blessed by Lord Rama himself.

When Narasimha tried to convince Anjaneya that he was the same as Rama and was only in a different form, Anjaneya dismissed this suggestion saying his Lord was handsome and was one with the bow in hand. And that what he was seeing in front of him was one with very long nails in a fiery posture.

Anjaneya threatened to continue his penance till he had darshan of Rama. Pleased with his devotion for Rama, Narasimha provided Anjaneya darshan in a special form with a bow in his left hand ( like Rama), with Adisesha on top and holding the chakra ( like Narayana) and the half lion-half man Narasimha Avatar, thus convincing Anjaneya that Narayana, Rama and Narasimha were one and the same.

Hence, at this temple one finds Karanja Narasimha with a bow in hand and with a chakra. Anjaneya is seen in a standing posture with folded hands with his face turned towards Karanja Narasimha.

600 Year Old Mandapam
There is a 600 year old 100 pillar mandapam where from the First Jeer of Ahobila Mutt is believed to have delivered lectures.

Priest : Ramesh Bhattar @94418 02368 or Veeraraghava Archagar @ 96032 27118
Temple Time : 9am-4pm

How to reach
From Lower Ahobilam, one can take a share auto (Rs.10per head) to reach this temple
Individual Auto from Lower Ahobilam will cost Rs.60-75/-

Triplicane and Mylapore reference by Thirumangai

2010-11-05T08:25:00.003+05:30

மீன் அமர் பொய்கை நாள்மலர் கொய்வான்
வேட்கையினோடு சென்று இழந்த

கான் அமர் வேழும் கை எடுத்து அலற
கரா அதன் காலினைக் கதுவ

ஆனையின் துயரம் தீரப் புள் ஊர்ந்து
சென்று நின்று ஆழி தொட்டானைத்
தேன் மலர் சோலை மாட மா மயிலைத்
திருவல்லிகேனிக் கண்டேனே

Thirumangai in his Periya Thirumozhi verse on Thiruvellikeni talks about
Mylapore and Triplicane in one go indicating that there were big groves and mansions
in Mylapore.

Interestingly, he states that the Lord resides in Mylapore and that he has seen Him in Triplicane, an indication of the history of these two locations in Madras and how they were referred in the same breath in those days.

Ranji Trophy Tamil Nadu v Assam November 2010

2010-11-04T19:52:00.004+05:30

Rain break and Umpiring!!!
One awaits Match Referee's review of the footage and his action on the way the umpires conducted the operations during the rain break on the 4th evening

On the final evening of the four day Ranji Trophy match between Tamil Nadu and Assam played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai (November 1-4, 2010), one witnessed some glaring errors from two very reputed umpires- AM Saheba and Sanjay Hazare, both international umpires.

With Tamil Nadu chasing 120 to win, they seemed on track at 84/2 when a sudden heavy downpour forced the players to go in at around 345pm. After a 15-20minute rain spell, the grounds men used the sponge sopper to remove the water from the tarpaulin that had been laid out across the pitch covering the entire 30yard area around the wicket.

Then came the rather shocking sequence of events.

No inspection of the wicket/bowler’s run up after the rain

AM Saheba, who had just given of what seemed to be a couple of rough decisions (Abhinav LBW when the batsman seemed to indicate that it had hit his bat and Dinesh Karthik caught at short leg of the reverse sweep- when the batsman seemed to indicate that it had not hit his bat) prior to the rain break, did not inspect the pitch, the bowlers run up or the 30 yard area after the tarpaulin was removed once the rain had stopped and the sponge sopper had been used.

Only one umpire comes back into the ground during the rain break
The other umpire Sanjay Hazare did not enter the field even once from the time the play was stopped for rain till the time he accompanied his partner Saheba for resumption of play at around 430pm.

When asked at the end of the match as to why he did not inspect the pitch or bowlers run up or the 30yard area, Saheba denied not having inspected and said that he did inspect the pitch, bowlers run up and the square before taking the decision to re-start play. When this writer told him that not once did he go anywhere near the wicket after the tarpaulin was removed, Saheba stuck to ‘I did inspect the wicket and the bowler’s run up and it was fit to start’.

Asked as to why his colleague Sanjay Hazara did not come out on to the ground to check the ground conditions, he said that Hazara was making the calculations on the remaining overs.

When this writer asked the Match referee Rajendrasinh Jadeja as to how Saheba came to the conclusion that the pitch and bowler’s run up on both ends were fine for the play to recommence without having inspected the pitch or bowler’s run up, he said he was inside, in the room, with Sanjay Hazare making the overs calculation and that Saheba came back from the ground and told him that he had inspected the pitch and bowler’s run up and that it was fit to re-start.

Asked as to how Saheba took a call himself without the other umpire, the match referee said that this was team work. 'While Saheba was inside the ground, Hazara was finalizing the over count as a result of loss of play' said Jadeja.

This meant that the call to resume play based on the ground conditions being fit was taken by one umpire i.e Saheba while his colleague Sanjay Hazare was busy inside the room making the overs calculations.

Can one umpire make the decision on the ground regarding the fitness of the ground without the presence of the other umpire?

A reading of Law 3 seems to indicate that the umpires may have violated this law.

LAW 3
‘It is the responsibility of the umpires to monitor the conditions and they must make inspections as often as appropriate, unaccompanied by any of the players or officials. Immediately the umpires together agree that conditions are suitable, they will call upon players to resume the game.’

In this case, only one umpire re-entered the ground during the entire period of the rain break. He did not inspect the pitch or bowler’s run up after the tarpaulin was removed. And he took a singular call (and not a joint call with the other umpire) that the ground was fit to play.

While Saheba denied this writer’s comment that he did not inspect the pitch or bowler’s run up (Match referee also said that Saheba told him that he inspected the pitch and bowler’s run up), the match referee Rajendrasinh Jadeja told this writer that the entire sequence of events during the rain break up has been captured by the video camera and that as part of the process, he would review the video footage and take appropriate action if the footage indicated that Saheba did not inspect the pitch or the bowler’s run up or the square.

It will be interesting to see how this story develops over the next 48hours and also as to what kind of action Srinivas Venkataraghavan takes in this case of just one umpire having come back into the ground (during the entire period of disruption of play) to check the ground condition and the other umpire re entering the field only for the resumption of play.

Immediately after the play re-commenced after the rain break, the fast bowler who was to bowl the 2nd over after the rain break informed the umpire (Sanjay Hazara) that the bowler’s run up was slippery and asked for saw dust. During the time, the saw dust was brought up by the groundsmen, the ball was with the fielder at Mid off. The umpires failed to take possession of the ball during this short interruption which lasted for about 2minutes. It seemed to be an ‘off evening’ for the two umpires.

One of the players that the writer spoke said that they did ask as to how the match was re-started without inspecting the pitch, the run up.

However, Amol Muzumdar, the captain of the Assam, team refused to make any comment stating he was bound by the code of conduct and that he cannot say anything regarding this. He also refused to say if his team would lodge an official protest with the match referee.

As part of the process, match referees do view the footage from the Ranji matches and initiate action whether there are any special 'events' in the match. One will have to wait for the verdict from the Match referee after his review of the footage!!!

For the record, TN won the match by 7wickets.

Ahobilam Singavelkundram

2010-10-27T12:38:00.018+05:30

Thirumangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi refers to this place as Singavel Kundram and says it is almost impossible to visit because of the rocky terrain

Located about 110kms North West of Cuddapah amidst the dense Nalla Malai Forest of the Achalachaaya Meru mountain range is the Singavelkundram Divya Desam in Ahobilam, one of the 16 prominent Swayam Vyaktha Kshetrams. Reference to Ahobilam is found in 10 chapters (over a 1000slokas) in the Brahmanda Purana.

Divya Desam- Upper Ahobilam

It is the Ahobila Narasimha cave temple in Upper Ahobilam (about 8kms from Lower Ahobilam) at the foot of Garudathri at about 3000feet above sea level that Thirumangai Azhvaar visited and sung praise referring to this location in his verses as Singavel Kundram. Ahobila Narasimha is seen in an Ugra Posture with Prahalada standing opposite to him. Narasimha came and stayed here as a hunter and being away from Goddess Lakshmi, married Senjuga Thaayar, who was born and brought up here. Hence, at the Upper Ahobila Narasimha temple, one finds a separate sannidhi for Senjuga Thaayar.

The Utsava deity of Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam is seen at the Lakshmi Narasimha Prahalada Varadan temple at Lower Ahobilam.

Bhavanasini River flowed here so Narasimha could clean his hands after the Hiranya samharam.

Narasimha Avataara Sthalam

While Ayodhya is the Avataara Kshetram of Rama and Mathura is the Avataara Kshetram of Krishna, Ahobilam is the place of incarnation and the Avataara Kshetram of Narasimha. This is the shortest of his Avatharams and unlike other avatharams, this one was taken for the sake of one person (Prahalada) answering his sincere prayers.

The name
This place is popularly referred to as Ahobilam.Thirumangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi refers to this place as Singavel Kundram. As there are nine Narasimhas here, this place is also referred to as Nava Narasimha Kshetram. As Garuda undertook penance at the mountain here, this is called Garudachalam.

After seeing Narasimha tear apart Hiranyakashipu, the Devas are believed to have exclaimed ‘Aaha’ ‘Balam’ (supreme strength of the Lord). Hence this place came to be known as Aho-Balam.

As this is a cave temple, the place also came to be referred as ‘Aho’ ‘Bilam’(cave).

Nine Forms of Narasimha

Narasimha is said to exist in one of the nine forms- Ugra, Veera, Jwala, Sarvamukham, Nrisimha, Bisanam, Bhadram, Mrityu and as Vishnu (Lakshmi Narasimha). At any of the Narasimha temples, one would see the Lord in one of these forms. It is only here at Singavel Kundram that one is able to see him in all the nine forms in a single location. (more on each of these nava Narasimhas in a seperate story)

The Story
Vishnu took the form of Narasimha (half man-half lion) in this mountainous terrain to kill Asura Hiranyakashipu. The pillar – Ugra Stambha- out of which Vishnu came out in his Narasimha Avataar is seen at the top of the Nalla Malai forest, about 7kms above the Upper Ahobila Divya Desam.

It is one of the most exhilarating experiences to make the trip across rocks and water falls to reach the top of this mountain. While it is not an easy task, especially as there is no straight path or steps (unlike a Sholingur), a sincere devotee whose thoughts center around the Lord will be able to make it to the top of this mountain in about 2hours from Ahobila Narasimha temple.

The difficulty of visiting Singavel Kundram can be seen from this verse of Thirumangai where he says that it is almost impossible to reach this temple as this is a rocky terrain with constant forest fires and the presence of bow wielding hunters.
முனைத்த சீற்றம் வின்சுடப்போய் மூவுலகும் பிறவும்
அனைத்தும் அஞ்ச ஆள் அரி ஆய் இருந்த
அம்மானது இடம்

கனைத்த தீயும் கல்லும் அல்லா
வில் உடைய வேடரும் ஆய்

தினைத்தனையும் செல்ல ஒண்ணாச்
சிங்கவேழ் குன்றமே - Thirumangai Periya Thirumozhi-1014

Red Blood of Lord Narasimha

2kms below the Ugra Stambha and 5kms above Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam is the Jwala Narasimha temple, the exact place where Narasimha tore open Hiranyakashipu. This temple is in a very scenic location, mountains on all sides, with the water fall just about 50yards away. To this day, one can see the red blood below the rock signifying the Hiranya Samharam.

At the Jwala Narasimha Sannidhi, one finds Lord Narasimha in the middle in a fiery sitting posture here with 8hands. With a couple of hands, he is seen tearing open Hiranyakashipu and with another two, he is seen holding the Conch and Chakra. The left leg is seen in a folded posture and the right leg hanging on the ground. Prahalada is seen at the feet of the Lord in a praying posture.

On the right, one finds Narasimha engaged in the battle with Hiranya.

Garuda's Penance
With Lord Vishnu taking a sudden trip to this place to fight Hiranyakashipu, he decided to come on his own leaving behind Garuda at Vaikuntam. Hence, Garuda who normally plays the role of the Lord’s vehicle had to miss the Narasimha Avatar. Unhappy with this, Garuda undertook severe penance in this mountain. Answering his prayers, Lord appeared here as Jwala Narasimha and provided Darshan to Garuda. As per the wishes of Garuda, this Kshetram has been referred to as Garuda Kshetram and the mountain is called Garuda Chalam or Garudathri.

In Kritha Yugam, Lord Shiva performed pooja here and praised Narasimha as the Supreme Being uttering the Mantra Raja Mrutha Stotram. In Tretha Yugam, in search of Sita, Rama visited this place and worshipped Ahobila Narasimha singing praise on the Lord in 5 verses - Narasimha Pancha Mrutha Stotram.

In Dwapara Yugam, the Pandavas reached Ahobila kshetram and invoked the blessings of Narasimha. In Kali Yugam, Srinivasa of Tirupathi presented ‘Thaligai’ to Lord Narasimha of Ahobilam prior to tying the knot on Padmavathi Thaayar.

Adi Sankara who was attacked by evil forces here at Ahobilam praised Narasimha through the Karavalamba Stotram for protecting him. He also installed a Siva Lingam at the Ahobila Narasimha temple.

Visiting three temples

In an earlier story on Narasimha temples around Villupuram, one had seen as to how it was sacred to visit Singiri, Poovarasan Kuppam and Parikkal in a single day.
(http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/08/poovarasan-kuppam-narasimha-temple.html)

Legend has it that Adhiseshan’s presence is spread across this entire region with his head resting in Tirupathi, his body here at Ahobilam and the tail at Srisailam.
The belief is that it is sacred to visit these three temples in one go.

Inscriptions-festivals 220days a year

There are several inscriptions inside both the Lower and Upper Ahobilam temples.

14th Century inscription records the construction of the steps at the Upper Ahobilam (Divya Desam) temple.

A 15th century inscription reveals the gifting of the village (Kaluvacheru- Komaragiripuram) by Karama Reddi for the conduct of the daily rituals and worship at the Divya Desam.

A mid 16th century inscription reveals the contributions made by Vijayanagar kings. Kakatiya kings also contributed to the improvement of the temple and the mandapas. Inscriptions relating to the 16th century provide insights into the building of mandapam, Garuda Stambha and festivals on 220 days in the year relating to the Lower Ahobilam temple.

Another interesting inscription refers to ‘Thaligai’ to be presented to the Lord twice a day- once at noon and the other in the evening at the Lower Ahobilam temple.
Krishna Deva Raya, who sought the blessings of Ahobila Narasimha before going for a battle, came back after having won the battle and installed the Vijaya Stambha in front of the temple here.

Ramanuja and Vedanta Desigar are believed to have visited this temple.

Azhvaar Praise
Thirumangai Azhvaar begins the first of his 10verses on Singalvel Kundram by praising Narasimha's physical strength and his special appearance in a half man-half lion posture and tearing Asura Hiranya’s chest while the world looked awe struck at his power and ability to destroy the Asura.

அம் கண் ஞாலம் அஞ்ச அங்கு ஓர் ஆள்
அரி ஆய் அவுணன்
பொங்க ஆகம் வள் உகிரால் போழ்ந்த
புனிதன் இடம்

பைங்கண் ஆனைக் கொம்பு கொண்டு
பத்திமையால் அடிக்கீழ்ச்
செங்கண் ஆளி இட்டு இறைஞ்சும்
சிங்கவேழ் குன்றமே

Ahobila Mutt
In the late 14th Century, the Lord is said to have initiated Adivan Sadagoopan to launch the mutt here at Ahobilam to propagate the Vishista Dwaitha philosophy. This is home to the 600+ years old Ahobila Mutt. In the last two decades, the Nava Narasimha temples have seen significant renovation thanks to the efforts of the Mutt. Out of the Nava Narasimha Utsava idols, the Utsava deity of Malola Narasimha temple is the abhisheka idol of the Ahobila Mutt Jeer. It was also the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt who was responsible for the construction of the Rajagopuram at Srirangam.

Festivals
Currently, there are festivals on 180days of the year. Kalyana Utsavam, Swati Homam and Specific Prarthana Abhishekams are particularly sacred here.

Vaikasi - 10day Narasimha Jayanthi
Aippasi 10day Pavitrotsavam – 4days Lower Ahobilam, 6days Upper Ahobilam
Thai- Maasi - 45day procession to 33villages around Ahobilam
Panguni - 12day Brahmotsavam
Chitrai - Week long utsavam for Pavana Narasimha

Every month, on the Swathi Nakshatram, there is a special Abhishekam for all the nine Narasimhas

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Ahobila Narasimha, East Facing Sitting Posture with Prahalada standing opp the Lord
Thaayar : Amruthavalli, Shenjaga Lakshmi
Utsavar : Narasimha (9 different idols)
Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (10 Paasurams in Periya Thirumozhi)-1008-17

Priest : K.Venugopal (Ramesh) –Chief Archagar @ 94418 02368 or 08519 252097
Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam- M. Veeraraghava Archagar @ 96032 27118
Time : Upper Ahobilam – Ahobila Narasimha temple 7am-1pm and 2pm-7pm
Lower Ahobilam – Prahalada Varadan temple 630am-1pm and 3pm-8pm
Other Narasimha temples - 10am-5pm(1pm-2pm rest)

Where to stay
Ahobila Mutt has a nice guest house at Lower Ahobilam in front of the Prahalada Varadan temple.

For room booking, contact Badri Narayanan-Manager @ 94905 15284

Vegetarian Food
There is vegetarian food outside the Ahobilam guest house as well as a Udupi hotel.
Temple Thaligai is another option

How to reach

By Train
Chennai Egmore-Cuddapah (Kacheguda Exp -5pm dep) or Chennai Central-Cuddapah(Bombay mail 1045pm dep). Bus every 30minutes from Cuddapah to Allagadda (84kms- takes 2hours) on the Nandiyal-Kurnool-Hyderabad route. From Arlagadda, one can take another bus to Lower Ahobilam (24kms) - Buses every one hour and takes 30-45minutes. A taxi from Cuddapah station to Ahobilam will cost Rs.1500/- (one way)

Bus
Three direct buses every evening from Chennai Koyembedu bus stand to Allagadda (10hours) via Tirupati-Cuddapah (Kadapa) and return buses from Allagada at 630pm,8pm and 845pm back to Chennai.(Rs.260 per head)

Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam
A share auto will charge Rs.10per head from Lower to Upper Ahobilam (one can visit Karanja temple on the way).

Gopurapatti Adhi Nayaka Perumal Temple

2010-10-22T13:55:00.003+05:30

Tharpanam for 12000 Vaishnavites is performed here on No Moon day in Aadi in memory of their sacrifice fighting the Islamic Invasion at Srirangam in the 14th Century
Renovation took place on 27th August after 512years

Located 20kms North West of Trichy near Manasanallur between two rivers Peruvalavan and Kamba (these have gone into extinction and are currently seen in the form of a small canal) is the Adhi Nayaka Perumal temple in Gopurapatti, where the Moolavar is seen in a Bala Sayana Posture with a Measuring Instrument.

After a gap of over 500years, the Samprokshanam of the temple took place last month. Only a couple of years ago, this temple was in a completely dilapidated condition. Prior to this, renovation was undertaken by Hoysala King Veera Vallalan in the 14th Century and the last one by a Lankan King in the late 15th Century. Hence, this temple can be said to be at least 700years old.

The Story
In the 14th Century, Srirangam was ravaged by the Islamic invasion. During this period, lasting close to 50years some of the residents fled the place but many others stayed on to fight the invaders. Over 10000 Vaishnavites gave up their lives fighting to protect Srirangam from these invaders. In memory of them, every year, during the No Moon day in the Tamil Calendar month of Aadi, Tharpanam takes place on the banks of the Peruvalavan River in Gopurapatti.

It was a km from here at the Sundara Raja Perumal Koil in Azhagiya Manavalam that Namperumal, the Utsava deity of Srirangam, was safeguarded during those years and was taken back to the Srirangam temple at the end of the battle against the invaders. (http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/09/sundara-raja-perumal-koil-in-azhagiya.html)

Measuring Instrument
There was a lot of land belonging to the Srirangam temple in the area around Azhagiya Manavalam and Gopurapatti. It was here at the Adhi Nayaka temple that the farmers congregated to measure the rice they would present every month to the Srirangam temple. Hence, the Lord here is seen with a measuring tool.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Adhi Nayaka Perumal Bala Sayanam
Goddess : Adhi Nayaki (Separate Sannidhi)
Temple Time: 9am-1pm and 4pm-8pm
Priest : Murali Bhattar @ 94431 83939

How to reach Gopurapatti
Take the Thuraiyur Mofussil bus from Chatiram Bus Stand. Get down at Manasanallur. Mini Bus every 30minutes to Gopurapatti from Manasanallur (5kms) via Azhagiya Manavalam.

Auto from Manasanallur to Gopurapatti will cost Rs.100/-

(A version of this story featured in The Hindu dated 22nd October 2010)

Thiruneermalai Thirumangai Paasuram

2010-10-15T20:33:00.004+05:30

Four in One says Thirumangai Azhvaar

அன்று ஆயர் குலக் கொடியோடு அணி மா மலர்
மங்கையொடு அன்பு அளாவி, அவுணர்க்கு

என்றானும் இரக்கம் இலாதவனுக்கு
உறையும் இடம் ஆவது, இரும் பொழில் சூழ்
நன்று ஆய புனல் நறையூர்
திருவாலி, குடந்தை, தடம் திகழ் கோவல்நகர்

நின்றான், இருந்தான், கிடந்தான், நடந்தாற்கு
இடம் மா மலை ஆவது, நீர்மலையே-

Thirumangai Azhvaar Periya Thirumozhi

In this verse, Thirumangai refers to Lord Kannan as the spouse of Nappinai ( the cowherd lady)and Lakshmi (the Lotus Goddess) who was merciless in killing the asuras to protect the world at large.

Giving Thiruneermalai a special status, Thirumangai compares it with Naraiyur, Thiruvali, Thiru Kudanthai and Thiru Kovilur and reveals that one can see the Lord of all these four temples at Thiruneermalai.

In his reference to Thiru Naraiyur, Thirumangai refers to the standing Lord residing amidst groves in the well watered town. He refers to Kudanthai as the Lord in a sleeping posture, to Thiruvali, where the Lord is seen sitting and to Thiru Kovilur as the one in a standing posture.

In conclusion Thirumangai says that on the hills of Thiruneermalai, one can find him in all these four postures and hence it is sacred to visit this place.

Vadarangam Ranganatha

2010-10-15T19:44:00.003+05:30

Ranganatha seen in a Bala Sayanam Posture
A unique feature is that Coloroon runs North-South at this place
Prarthana Sthalam for Husband-Wife reunion

Located 12kms West of Seerkazhi on the Eastern banks of Coloroon is the Ranganatha temple in Vada Rangam. Similar to Srirangam, this temple is located between two rivers – Coloroon and Rajan River. Also, there is a saivite temple in the same location (similar to Thiruvanai Koil)

The temple was originally located right on the Coloroon banks but floods in 1924 washed away a major portion of the temple.

Hence, a new temple was constructed about 200yards off the place where the original temple was located. One now finds a Rama Sannidhi at the original location of the Ranganatha temple.

A special feature of the location of this temple is that Coloroon runs in the North- South direction (one usually finds Coloroon in the East-West direction).

The story

This temple dates back several centuries as can be seen from the historical stories relating to this temple.

Asura Vikraman had become unstoppable after obtaining the powers to kill all Devas. Answering the prayers of the Devas, Lord Vishnu is believed to have come here and defeated him much to the delight of the Devas. As per the instruction of Vishnu, the Devas bathed at the Theertham here. Hence, this is said to be very sacred.

Cauvery got liberated from Agastya’s curse and re-united with her husband Samudra Raja at this place. Hence, this is said to be a prarthana Sthalam for re-union of husband-wife.

Another story goes that a Saurashtra king was liberated from a serious ailment after bathing in the sacred theertham here. Pleased with this, he donated land for Chariot Festival to be conducted in Vaikasi.

Legend has it Sage Vashista directed Vishwakarma to visit this place and design the temple architecture.

Festivals
10day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi
Maasi Utsavam
Vaikunta Ekadesi
Rama Navami

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Ranganatha in a Bala Sayanam Posture
Thaayar : Ranganayaki East Facing
Priest : Soundara Narayana Bhattar @ 97878 13235
Temple Time : 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm

How to reach
From Seerkazhi, cross the railway line (Seerkazhi Station), new bye pass road and drive 12kms West to reach this temple.

Buses every ½ hour between Seerkazhi and Vadarangam (Bus No.A8)
(First bus at 5am)

Auto from Seerkazhi and back will cost about Rs.250/-.

Thirumangai Thiruchitrakoodam Paasuram

2010-09-25T19:28:00.004+05:30

Visit Thillai Thiru Chitrakoodam and you will find a sudden calm and peace in yourself

கையோடு நீடு கனி உண்டு,
வீசு கடுங்கால் நுகர்ந்து, நெடுங்காலம் ஐந்து

தீயோடு நின்று, தவம் செய்ய வேண்டா
திரு மார்பனைச் சிந்தையுள் வைத்தும் என்பீர்

வாய் ஓது வேதம் மலிகின்ற தோல் சீர்
மறையாளர் நாளும் முறையால் வளர்ந்த

தீஒங்க ஓங்கப் புகழ் ஓங்கு
தில்லைத் திருச்சித்ரகூடம் சென்று சேர்மின்களே

To those seeking to keep the Lord in their hearts, Thirumangai Azhvaar provides a simple solution. He asks them not to undertake severe penance living just on fruits and vegetables, drinking thin air.

He says that they need not stand between the five fires.

Just visit Thillai Thiruchitrakoodam where Govindarajan resides amidst
the daily chanting by Vedic Seers
and see the transformation in yourself, says Thirumangai.

Thiru Kudanthai Periya Thirumozhi Pasuram

2010-09-22T14:23:00.004+05:30

ஆவியே, அமுதே என நினைந்து உருகி
அவர் அவர் பனை முளை துணையாய்

பாவியேன் உணராது எத்தனை பகலும்
பழுதுபோய் ஒழிந்தன நாள்கள்

தூவி சேர் அன்னம் துணையோடு புணரும்
சூழ் புனல் குடந்தையே தொழுது

என் நாவினால் உய்ய நான் கண்டுகொண்டேன்
நாராயணா என்னும் நாமம்

In this Periya Thirumozhi verse, Thirumangai Azhvaar talks about how
sinned we are going behind women and how we all realise late that it
has been a complete waste of time.

Only when one visits Thiru Kudanthai and experiences the pure water of the Cauvery
amidst the bustling sounds of the birds, does one finally wake up to the fact
that chanting Narayana's name is the ultimate route to salvation... and that we should not waste time in other worldly pleasures.

Koviladi Appakudathan Renovation

2010-09-17T11:18:00.002+05:30

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article672107.ece

Erettai Tirupathi

2010-09-04T21:38:00.007+05:30

Two Temples at Thulai Villi Mangalam, referred to as Erettai Tirupathi, about 100 yards of each other on the Northern bank of Tamaraibarani make up one Divya Desam. NamAzhvaar has sung 11 verses of praise on Devapiran and Aravinda Losana, the deities of the twin temples, located about 10kms East of SriVaikuntam.

There is now a lot of freshness about the place now with a school and a hospital set up TVS, with these two temples receiving a face lift as well.

திருந்து வேதமுகம் வேள்வியும்
திரு மா மகளிரும் தாம் மலிந்து
இருந்து வாழ் பொருநாள் வடகரை
வான் தொலைவில்லி மங்களம்

கருந்தடம் கணி கைதொழுத அந் நாள்
தொடங்கி இன் நாள்தோறும்
இருந்து இருந்து, அரவிந்த லோசன
என்று என்றே நைந்து இறங்குமே –Thiruvoimozhi

In this Thiruvoi Mozhi Verse, Nam Azhvaar refers to this prosperous temple as being in Thulai Villi Mangalam on the Northern Bank of Porunai River (Tamaraibarani). From this verse, one comes to know that there was constant Vedic Chanting and that the ladies were always uttering the name of ‘Aravinda Losana’.

Devapiran Temple

When Rishi Suprabar dug the ground here for a yagna he was performing, he found a bow and a measuring scale, which turned into a handsome young man and a beautiful girl thus relieving them from Kubera’s curse.

The name
As one found a bow and measuring scale, this place came to be called ‘Thulai’ ‘Villi’ Mangalam.

Festivals
Karthigai Brahmotsavam
Thai Fridays
Puratasi Saturdays

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Devapiran Standing Posture
Goddess : Karunthadakanni Thaayar
Contact : Seshamani Bhattar @94424 90567
S. Raghu Bhattar @ 94878 31689

Aravinda Losanar Temple

100 yards North of Devapiran temple is the Aravinda Losanar temple. Pleased with Sage Suprabar’s devotion of offering Lotus flowers every day without fail., Lord provided darshan in a standing posture. As he adorned himself with the Lotus flowers, he is referred to as Aravinda Losanar. Belief is that those who offer sincere prayers here with Lotus flowers will be relieved from their sins.

Festivals: 10day Aipasi Brahmotsavam

Moolavar: Aravinda Losanar
Goddess : Karunthadakanni Thaayar
Contact : Ramanan Bhattar @ 94435 54570

Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar (11 Paasurams)
Time : 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm

Thirupulingudi Kaisini Venthar

2010-08-13T22:25:00.006+05:30

Bhoomi Paalar is seen in a Bhujanga Sayana Posture
Nava Tirupathi Divya Desam- Guru Sthalam

Located 1km East of Natham Varagunamangai Divya Desam is the Thiru Pulingudi Divya Desam (part of the Nava Tirupathi) on the Northern Banks of Tamaraibarani,where Lord Kaasini Venthar is seen in a Bhujanga Sayanam Posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi by his side.

The Story

Lord Vishnu along with his consort Sridevi came down to the banks of Tamaraibarani to spend sometime. Angered at being left out, Bhoodevi hid herself in the nether world causing draught and darkness everywhere.

Reasoning out that she was as dear as Sridevi, Lord Vishnu brought her back from the Nether World and gave darshan here at Pulingudi.

The Name- Bhoomi Paalar

As he brought Bhoo devi here, Lord is referred to as ‘Bhoomi Paalar’ at this temple.

Another story goes that a king who ignored the rishi’s presence was cursed to become an asura. Indra, who had Brahmahathi Dosham as a result of killing a rishi, in disguised form as a deer, had bath at the Theertham here and offered prayers to Bhoomi Paalar to get liberated from his curse.

Pleased with this, Indra performed a yagna here at Thiru Pulingudi. The asura, who tried to prevent the yagna was killed by Vishnu and thus was liberated from his curse.

Sayana Kolam

One can see the feet of Lord Bhoomi Paalar from a wall opening while one goes around the temple.

Azhvaar Praise

NamAzhvaar in his praise refers to the Lord as Kaisini Venthar.

காய்சின பறவை ஊர்ந்து
பொன் மலையின் மீமிசை கார் முகில் போல
மாசினமாளி மாலிமான் என்று அங்கு
அவர் படக் கனன்று, முன் நின்ற

காய் சின வேந்தே, கதிர் முடியானே
கலி வயல் திருபுளிங்குடியாய்
காய் சின ஆழி, சங்கு, வாழ், வில், தண்டு
ஏந்தி எம் இடர் கடிவானே- Thiruvoi Mozhi - 3797

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Kaisini Venthar Bhujanga Sayanam
Goddess : Malarmagal Thaayar, Bhoodevi, Sridevi
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar (12 Paasurams)

Temple Time: 9am-12noon and 1pm-6pm
Contact : Gopalakrishnan Bhattar @ 04630 256116 or 93666 18185

How to reach

Thiru Pulingudi is about 4kms East of Srivaikuntam on the Tuticorin road

One can take an auto or taxi from outside the Srivaikuntam temple to visit the Nava Tirupathi temples- will cost Rs.350-400.

Varagunamangai Divya Desam

2010-08-12T12:05:00.009+05:30

Vijayaasana Perumal at Natham
NamAzhvaar refers to Srivaikuntam, Pulingudi and Varagunamangai Lord in a single paasuram

Located 2kms East of Srivaikuntam Divya Desam is the Vijayaasana Perumal Divya Desam in Natham (Varagunamangai), where the Lord is seen in a grand sitting posture. This is part of the Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams,on either side of Tamaraibarani.

The Story
A Brahmin undertook penance here at Varagunamangai chanting the ‘Aasana Mantra’. Pleased with his prayers, the Lord provided darshan at this place. As the Brahmin attained moksham as a result of his chanting the ‘Aasana Mantra’, the Lord here came to be referred to as ‘Vijaya’ ‘Aasana’ Perumal.

Another story goes that a fisherman, who had cast a net at this Theertham, was bitten by a snake and immediately attained moksham thus reaching the abode of the Lord.

Romasa rishi narrated to his son the story of the fisherman attaining moksham referring to his previous life as a king, who had performed harsh acts and hence had to lead the current life as a fisherman.

But sincerity in performing all his duties in this life led him to attaining the Lord’s feet. As he attained moksham here, the theertham at this temple is said to be sacred.

Azhvaar Praise
NamAzhvaar in his only Paasuram refers to the Standing Lord at SriVaikuntam, the Sleeping Lord at Thiru Pulingudi and the sitting Lord here at Varagunamangai.

புளிங்குடி கிடந்தது, வரகுணமங்கை இருந்து, வைகுந்தத்தில் நின்று
தெளிந்த என் சிந்தையகம் கழியாதே
என்னை ஆள்வாய்-எனக்கு அருளி

நளிர்ந்த சீர் உலகம் மூன்றுடன் வியப்ப
நாங்கள் கூத்து ஆடி நின்று ஆர்ப்ப
பளிங்கு நீர் முகிலில் பவளம்போல் கனிவாய்
சிவப்பா, நீர் காண வாராயே

Serpent Lord at Srivaikuntam and Natham
While at Srivaikuntam,west of this temple, Adisheshan has his hood atop a standing Kallarpiran, here at Varagunamangai, the serpent king is seen unfurling his hood atop Vijayaasanar, seen in a grand sitting posture, with one leg folded and the other feet on the ground.

Quick Facts :

Moolavar : Vijayaasanar Perumal in a Sitting Posture Facing East
Goddess : Varagunamangai and Varagunavalli Thaayar
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar (1)
Temple Time : 9am-12noon and 1pm-6pm
Contact : Rajagopal Bhattar @ 98656 52280

How to reach

Natham is 1km East of Sri Vaikuntam Divya Desam. One can cover the Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams by using a cab or an auto from SriVaikuntam

Taxi to cover Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams

Taxi from Tirunelveli to cover Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams will cost Rs.800-1000/-
Contact: 94436 71632 for economical taxi

Buses between SriVaikuntam and Tuticorin ply on this route

Sathurangapatnam Malai Mandala Perumal Koil

2010-07-09T01:55:00.008+05:30

Lord Varadar is seen in a walking posture with his feet at the same level as the head of Garuda
Presence of Ashta Naaga Garuda- A Prarthana Sthalam for liberation from Sarpa Dosham
Several special features make this an interesting temple

Located about 15kms South of Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam and a couple of kms ahead of Kalpakkam on the Thirukazhakundram-Kalpakkam SH 58 is the ancient Mani Mandala Perumal Koil in Sathurangapatnam (Sadras), one that has several interesting features.

The name of the location
Believed to be well over a 1000years old and originally located on a hill, this place dates back to the period of Vijayendra Chozha and was called Raja Narayana Patnam named after the minister of the Chozha.

Later, during the Vijayanagara rule, this came to be referred to as Sathura-Vasam- Patnam, which in course of time became Sathurangapatnam. While the Dutch referred to this place as ‘Sadras’, the name ‘Sathurangapatnam’ has come to stay.
This was originally a Lakshmi Narayana temple. Later, with Varadaraja Perumal appearing here as a Swayambu Murthy, Lakshmi Narayana is said to have given way for Lord Varadaraja.

Lord in 3 forms
At this temple, one finds Varadaraja Perumal in an East facing standing posture along with Sri and Bhoo Devi. Lord Narayana is seen in a sitting posture with Goddess Lakshmi on his lap. A special feature of Lakshmi Narayana is that it is made of a single stone. Ranganatha is seen in a Sayana Kolam facing the South.

Walking Posture of Varadaraja Perumal

Lord Varadar is seen almost in a walking posture with his right leg slightly ahead of the left leg, reminding one of Gajendra Moksham. An interesting feature at this temple is that feet of Lord Varadar is at the same level as the head of Garuda, seen opposite the main sannidhi, indicating the slightly raised position of the sanctum. Bhoo devi is seen slightly shorter in height than Sridevi, an indication of her holding the pressures of the earth. Also, at this temple, we find Bhoodevi looking and smiling at us rather than Sri devi.

Ashta Naga Garuda

Yet another interesting feature is the presence of Garuda seen here in an Ashta Naaga Posture- 1snake on his head, 2 each on his ears, shoulders and chest and one on his hip. Hence, this place is said to be a Prarthana Sthalam for liberation from Naaga Sarpa Dosham.

Just next to the Lakshmi Narasimha is a special lamp on whose four sides is Garuda, with a leg on the Peedam and another stamping a snake. Below the lamp at the base are 6 parrots seen in a posture of holding the lamp. Every shravanam, a special pooja is performed here.

Yoga Narasimha above the Dwarapalakas
At the entrance, one normally sees Lakshmi above the Dwarapalakas. But at this temple, one finds Yoga Narasimha. On Pradhosham days and Swathi star day, sweet milk is first presented to Yoga Narasimha before serving to Lord Varadaraja Perumal.

Bhoothath Azhvaar’s presence here
The first of the Azhvaars, Bhoothath Azhvaar, is said to have stayed at this place. He is seen in a Gnana Mudra Posture similar to the one at Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam.

400year old Inscription

At the main temple door, one finds an inscription, in Tamil and Telugu, dating back to 1603.

Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadesi
On Maasi Magam, Lord leaves the temple for his only street Procession of the year for a Theertha Vaari at the Sea. This entire festival is hosted by the fishermen community.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Varadaraja Perumal East Facing Standing Posture/ Narayana/Ranganatha
Thaayar : Perundevi Thaayaar/Mahalakshmi
Time: 730am-11am, 430pm-8pm
Priest:Sridhar Bhattar@95852 12797 / 044 27489064

How to reach
Bus No. 108 from Chennai to Sathurangapatnam via Chengalpet
Bus No. 118 from Chennai to Sathurangapatnam via ECR/Mahabalipuram
From Chengalpet, one can reach via Thirukazhakundram (about 28kms)
By car, one should drive 12kms on the Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry highway and take a left at the Vengambakkam Junction. Sathurangapatnam temple is 4kms from this junction.
From Vengambakkam Four Road Junction, an auto will cost about Rs.40 to this temple.

kothandarama Pon Vilaintha Kalathur

2010-07-04T10:18:00.003+05:30

1000 year old Pattabhisheka Rama is seen with Sita on his lap

The third in the set of Vishnu temples in Pon Vilaintha Kalathur, near Chengalpet, is the thousand year old Kothandarama temple. The other temples in PV Kalathur are Lakshmi Narayana temple and Chathurbhuja Rama temple.

This temple is as old as the village itself. The moolavar deity is Pattabhi Rama, seen in a Grand Pattabhisheka sitting posture with Sita on his left lap and Lakshmana by his side. The marks one finds on the Moolavar Rama deity is an indication of the history of the temple.

Venkata Varadan
The moolavar Venkata Varadan deity was found under the earth when the Maha Mandapam of Kothandarama temple and one now sees the handsome 6ft Venkata Varadan, seen with a Abhayam in a South Facing posture. When Kothandarama went on a procession to Edayur hill, near here, the Srinivasa Utsava deity was brought here as the utsava deity could not be maintained in that place.

Renovation
The temple in its current form is about 500years old and was renovated by the Ahobila Mutt, with sacred water from Vilokoli Perumal Temple at Thoopal (Kanchi), the birth place of Vedantha Desigar.

Festivals

1day Rama Navami (9th day)
Aipasi Pavitrotsavam

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Pattabhi Rama with Sita on his left lap and Lakshmana to his right
Utsavar : Kothandarama with Sita

Moolavar: Abhaya Venkata Varadar with Sridevi and Bhoodevi
Utsavar: Srinivasan
Goddess : Alarmel Mangai Thaayar

Temple Time: 8am-1030am, 5pm-730pm

Priest: Kasturi Rangan Bhattar @ 044 27441142 / 94437 06842

How to reach:

Pon Vilaintha Kalathur is about 65kms from Madras, near Ottivakkam Railway Station.
There are direct buses to the temple from Chengalpet.
One can also take passenger train to Ottivakkam and walk to this temple from the station
One can take an auto or taxi from Chengalpet (10kms)

Namakkal Narasimha

2010-06-22T13:50:00.013+05:30

Three Temples of Namakkal

Anjaneya carried the Saligrama stone which turned here into a mountain
Ranganatha is seen in a ‘Karkodaya’ Sayana Posture

Located about 55kms from Salem off the Bangalore- Kanyakumari NH 7 is the Narasimha temple at the Saligrama Cave Hill in Namakkal. Opposite the Narasimha temple is the Anjaneya temple where he is seen in a standing posture facing Lord Narasimha. Behind the Narasimha temple on the Eastern side is the Ranganatha temple, where the Lord is seen in a Karkodaya Sayana posture.

The Story
Given the urgency of the situation, Lord Vishnu had to make a sudden trip to slay Asura Hiranya. He embarked on this mission, on his own, without Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda. Having missed the Narasimha Avatar, Goddess Lakshmi requested him for a darshan of the Lord as Narasimha. She was asked to chant the Thiru Mandhiram at Kamalalayam banks.

At the end of the Ramayana, Anjaneya went to place the Sanjeevani Mountain back at its original location. After doing so, he found the sacred Saligrama stone on the banks of Kantaka River. On his way back, he stopped by at the Kamalalaya Pushkarni to perform his morning prayers. Finding Goddess Lakshmi undertaking penance here, he placed the Saligrama on her hand and went ahead with his prayers.

A little later, after his prayers, Anjaneya came back to find the Saligrama missing from her hands. Goddess Lakshmi told him that she found it too heavy to hold and hence had placed it on the ground only for it to turn into a Saligrama mountain.

Being the one who carried the huge Sanjeevani Mountain, it would not be too much of a task for him to carry the Saligrama Mountain as well, she said.

Narasimha provides darshan to Anjaneya and Lakshmi

As per her direction, Anjaneya unleashed his tail to pick up the Saligrama Mountain only to find a sparkling light emanating from the mountain. It was Lord Vishnu providing darshan, in his Narasimha posture, to both Mahalakshmi and Anjaneya.

Since Anjaneya brought the Saligrama to this place and helped create this place, Lord Narasimha asked him to remain here facing the Saligrama hill and provide darshan to the devotees a tall standing posture without a Gopuram.

The Name - Naama Giri

As Goddess Lakshmi undertook penance here by chanting his ‘Naama’ (On Namo Narayana’) and the hill was created after she placed the Saligrama on the ground, Lord Narasimha named this hill as ‘Naama Giri’ and referred to her as Naama Giri Thaayar. Given her contribution to this place, he gave her the first priority at this temple. Devotees are to first visit Naama Giri Thaayar before they enter the Narasimha Sannidhi.

Inside the Sanctum
At the Narasimha Sannidhi, one finds Narasimha in the middle flanked by Shiva on his right and Brahmaa on his left. Also, inside the sanctum are Sanaka and Sanaathana, Brahmma’s sons. One finds Surya and Chandra fanning Lord Narasimha.

Sculptures

Next to Narasimha inside the Sanctum are sculptures of Vaikunta Narayanan, Hiranya Samharam, Vamana, Trivikrama andVaraha, all said to be 13th Century work of the Pallavas.

Ranganatha Temple

To the East of the hill and behind the Narasimha Temple is the Ranganatha temple, where Lord Ranganatha is seen in a special Karkodaga Sayana Posture with his head resting South and his feet directed towards the North.

King of Snakes ‘Karkodagan’ undertook penance here and requested the Lord to rest on him. Hence, the posture here of Lord Ranganatha is referred to as Karkodaga Sayanam. While he is seen sleeping on top of the Snake, a unique feature here is that the face of the Snake Karkodagan is that of a roaring lion.

There are three entrances to the Ranganatha temple. The entrance in the middle is the one that is opened every day, while the other two entrances are opened only on Vaikunta Ekadesi day. One has to climb 100 steps to reach the sannidhi.

Thaligai for Lord Narasimha

On the occasion of his Thiru Kalyanam, Devas wanted to feed Thirupathi Srinivasa, who referring to this place as ‘Mel’ Ahobilam, asked them to feed the Lord here. Hence, presenting Thaligai to Lord Narasimha here is very special and is equivalent to feeding Thirupathi Lord Srinivasa.

On Pradhosham, presenting Thaligai and Paanagam (sweet drink made with jagerry) will liberate one from all troubles.

Festivals

Panguni Brahmotsavam
Vaikasi Narasimha Jayanthi
Aadi Pooram- Thaayar Utsavam
Aavani Krishna Jayanthi
Pournami Pavitrotsavam

The four Saturdays of Puratasi are special at this temple

Quick Facts

Moolavar:
Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Ranganatha Karkodaga Sayanam
Anjaneya East Facing Standing Posture

Thaayar : Naama Giri Thaayar East Facing

Temple Time: 730am-1pm, 430pm-830pm
Contact phone number: V. Raja Bhattar @ 94437 23073

How to reach Namakkal
Chennai-Salem Yercaud Express(Salem arrival 5am) or Chennai Egmore-Salem Express (Salem arrival 6am)
Direct Trains also from Coimbatore and Bangalore to Salem
From Salem, one can take a one hour bus trip to Namakkal
Buses every 5minutes from Salem

By bus, Namakkal is about 7hours from Madras

Sowmya Damodara Perumal Villivakkam

2010-06-16T15:25:00.011+05:30

Only temple dedicated to this name of Vishnu in Tamil Nadu
Amirthavalli Thaayar goes to the Garden to provide Oonjal Sevai in Thai- the only such darshan in a temple in Madras

Located 10kms West of Madras is the Sowmya Damodara Perumal Temple in Villivakkam off the Madras-Manali-Calcutta Highway, a temple that could date back at least 800years and could have been built by the Pandyas as seen from the fish symbols that one sees on the upper walls of the sanctum.

Damodaran is one of the 12 special names (Dwadasam) of Vishnu and this temple in Villivakkam is possibly the only temple, in Tamil Nadu, specifically dedicated to this special name of Lord Vishnu (The utsavar at Thiru Kannangudi is also known by this name- Damodara Narayanan).

The Story

Durvasa wanted to bring his sons-Vilvan and Vatapi – in the righteous and vedic path. However, their mother (one with asura qualities) was more inclined on the asura path. Angered at this, Durvasa left them and went to the forest.

An upset mother sought revenge and wanted her sons to destroy the rishis. Taking up her orders, the two consumed one rishi after another. They would first play host to the rishi coming their way. During lunch, Vatapi would enter the rishi through the food they consumed. Once done, Vilvan would call out for his brother Vatapi, who would then tear open the rishi and come out.

The worried rishis looked up to Lord Shiva for help, who directed them to Sage Agastiya. Vatapi and Vilvan tried their prank on Agastiya who came this way. After the Sage consumed the food, he digested Vatapi before Vilvan could call out for him in their usual planned way.

Sage Agastiya wanted Shiva and Vishnu to provide darshan at this place. Hence, at the Shiva temple, he is seen as Agasteeswarar. At the Vishnu temple, the Lord is seen as Sowmya Damodaran.

The Name Villivakkam

As the asuras were killed here, this place was referred to as ‘Konnur’. Later, this took the specific name of the two asuras- ‘Vil’( from Vilvan) and ‘Va’ (from Vatapi) and came to be referred to as Villivakkam.

This Kshetram came to be called ‘Samhara Puri’ Kshetram.

12 special names of Vishnu

While Vishnu is known by several different names, these 12 - Kesava, Narayana, Madhava, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusudhana, Thiruvikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Rishikesava, Padmanabha and Damodaran - are particularly sacred ones.

Andal's Thiruppavai and reference to Damodaran

In the fifth verse of Andal’s Thiruppavai, this Lord finds a reference

“Maayanai Mannu Vada Madurai Mainthanai…
Thaayaik Kudalvilanjcheitha Damodaranai…..”

Festivals
Chitrai Thiruvonam 1008 Kalasa Abhishekam
Vaikasi 10day Brahmotsavam ( The Brahmotsavam here starts on the day the Brahmotsavam ends at the Kanchi Varadar temple)
Aani Thiruvonam 108 Satha Kalasam
Aavani Krishna Jayanthi ( Thirumanjanam)

Thai ‘Thotta’ Utsavam- Thaayar goes to the garden on the four Fridays in Thai and provides Oonjal Sevai

AMIRTHA VALLI THAAYAR

Theppo Utsavam in Maasi

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Sowmya Damodara Perumal East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Amirtha Valli Thaayar

Temple Time : 630am-1130am and 5pm-9pm
Priest : KP Raghunatha Bhattar @ 94448 07899

How to reach

The temple is 100yards North of Villivakkam bus stand in the West of Madras near the Madras-Manali-Calcutta National Highway and off the Konnur Highway