Srivilliputhur Andal Aadi Utsavam 5 Perumal Mangalasasanam

Periyazhvaar provides Mangalasasanam to five Perumals on Monday morning on the occasion of the fourth day of the Aadi Pooram Utsavam 

Periyazhvaar

It is one of the special days in the year at the Andal Nachiyar temple in Srivilliputhur. Monday (August 10) morning marked the fourth day of the Aadi Pooram utsavam when Periyazhvaar presents Mangalasasanam to five Perumals in front of the Andal temple.

Devotees were arriving in good numbers from early morning ahead of the Mangalasasanam. Unfortunately in remotes temples as these, there is a severe shortage of kainkaryaparas. 

Four decades ago, there were very few devotees in temples especially in remote towns and the archakas would sit outside the Sannidhi waiting for the next devotee, a wait that often proved elusive. However things have turned around so dramatically that any number of kainkaryaparas are now finding it difficult to manage the Sannidhi and the utsavams that run alongside the daily poojas, given the ever increasing devotees thronging Divya Desam temples. 

On such big utsavam days, the shortage is felt acutely and the impact of this is on the devotees. 

பருப்பதற்கு கயல் பொறித்த 

பாண்டியன் குல பத்தி போல் 

திருபொலிந்த சேவடி 

என் சென்னியின் மேல் பொறித்தாய் 

மருப்பொசித்தாய் மல் அடர்த்தாய் 

என்றென்று உன் வாசகமே 

உருபொலிந்த நாவினேனை 

உனக்கு உரித்து ஆக்கினையே 

Delayed Alankaram of Periya Perumal

Veda Piran Bhattar who also now doubles up as the maniyakaarar at the temple had told this writer last week that the Mangalasasanam would start at 9am and run up to 1pm. On this Monday morning, he was seen scrambling around between Vadapadrasayee Sannidhi where the alankaram for Periya Perumal was taking place and Andal Sannidhi.  The Perumal Sannidhi was shut off after 8am with the bhattars getting into the alankaram of Periya Perumal. The devotees who arrived there after darshan of Andal were left wondering as to when the Sannidhi would open. 

Curt reply

When a devotee asked a Kainkaryapara who came from inside the alankara mandapam, she received a curt reply  that angered her and the devotees who were present there “Only the Bhattar knows when the alankaram would be complete. Just sit here and wait for the door to open” he told her rudely while going down the steps. These are the kind of remarks from traditional Vaishnavites that has been putting off devotees these days in temples. And so it turned out that the devotees stayed there till 10am waiting every minute for the door to open. With the sacred curtains around the utsavar, devotees should have been able to go and have darshan of the moolavar but it was not to be!!!

                                

From the Bhattar waiting for the next devotee to arrive way back in the 1970s and 80s, the scenario has turned so dramatically that the door is now shut on the huge number of devotees visiting historic temples as these. The alankaram has become grander, the flower garlands are the huge and Perumal is now back to adorning glittering jewellery at utsavam processions. And the archakas, especially the next gen, are particularly interested in decorating Perumal.

Periya Perumal

Glittering Periya Perumal but delayed Alankaram

When the door did open, the devotees were treated to a double bonanza being able to have darshan of the handsome Periya Perumal ready to head for the mangalasasanam and the varna kala moolavar Vadabadra Sayee. While the devotees had been waiting for over an hour to have darshan of the moolavar and hence a long line had emerged, there were the privileged ones who came in groups to have darshan through the wrong side, brought in by the kainkaryaparas angering the devotees who came in the queue. The new HRCE minister has repeatedly spoken over the last month about stopping of special treatment but the impact of that is not yet visible inside temples as these on such heavily crowded days.

Saathaatha Vaishnavas at Srivilliputhur

It is 10.15am and Periya Perumal makes his way down the steep steps from the Vadabadra Sayee Sannidhi. Periyazhvaar had by now arrived in front of the Andal Sannidhi and was waiting for Periya Perumal to arrive. Periya Perumal made his way through the towering Raja Gopuram, that now presents a faded look, to the Andal temple. 

The Vaishnava Saathaatha Dasa Nambis are the ones assigned the task of  accompanying Perumal/Andal Nachiyar on the procession. Vaishnava Saathaatha Santhanam is carrying the golden sacred stick  and leads each of the procession this morning ensuring the Lord and the Kainkaryaparas have a safe path forward by rendering Eth Sarigai thus informing them that they can proceed. 

Sathatha Vaishnava Daasa Nambi Santhanam

At Srivilliputhur, parrot holds a special significance. Andal Nachiyar used the parrot to send message to her beloved Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam to come fast and marry her. The Saathaatha Vaishnavas have the privilege of making and presenting the special parrot every evening to Andal Nachiyar for the Thiru Aradhana pooja at this Divya Desam. They are also bestowed with rights and responsibilities of taking care of the security of the room that houses Lord’s jewels – Karuvullam. Historically, they lived in the same street right next to the archakas, an indication of the high status given to them by Ramanuja.

Playing the Tamaanam with great devotion

Nambi is past 50 and he has been playing the Tamaanam for years. Through this morning, at the arrival of every Perumal, he displayed high devotion in beating the drum much to the delight of the standing who lined up either side of Perumal and Periyazhvaar. It is one of the instruments that is seeing a revival in temple utsavams. It is a highly devotional mood with nagaswaram artistes and the drums players playing non stop music in front of several hundreds of devotees. 

                                                 

The big moment of the morning had arrived as Periya Perumal took position opposite Periyazhvaar with devotees lining up both sides. For the next hour, the mangalasasanam event was played out with Periya Perumal presenting his Shatari, flower garland and parivattam to Periyazhvaar with the Bhattar making his way in a slow step by step movement to the beating of the drums. Watched from a distance by his appa Bala Mukundan Araiyar, Natha Muni Araiyar, who has just celebrated the birth of his third daughter, presented his Sevai with the cymbals in his hands even as the Bhattar presented shatari and tied the parivattam around Periyazhvaar’s forehead.

                                            

Playing the Kombuthaarai from his teens

A lot younger at 21, Nagulan (in the photo below) is just in the process of completing his collegiate education. Right from his schooling days, he has been interested in street processions of Perumal and Nachiyar and has been playing the Kombuthaarai from his mid teens. Through this entire session lasting well over 5 hours, he played the Kombuthaarai when Perumal made his way from the Andal temple for Mangalasaasanam and on his return trip to the alankara mandapam. He told this writer that he may go for a corporate job after his completes the Bio Tech degree he is pursuing but his heart will always be with Andal Nachiyar and Periya Perumal for he has thoroughly enjoyed playing this unique long instrument over the last many years.

Periyazhvaar went around his favourite Periya Perumal in a pradakshinam following which the Lord made his way to the Alankaram mandapam at the Andal temple through the Vanamamalai Mutt, Vedantha Desikar Sannidhi and Manavala Mamuni Sannidhis.

It was past 11am and the heat was being felt by everyone present but the Sripatham personnel did an excellent job in carrying perumal and periyazhvaar through this morning session with Sundararaja Perumal of Srivilliputhur and Srinivasa Perumal of Thiruvannamalai following Periya Perumal for the mangalasasanam event. 

The commentator whose presentation came out loud and clear on the huge speaker system introduced Sundararaja Perumal as Periyazhvaar’s Kula Deivam with the Azhvaar praising the greatness of Thiru Maliruncholai in three decads. 

எத்தனை காலமும் எத்தனை ஊழியும் 

இன்றொடு நாளை என்றே 

இத்தனை காலமும் போய்க் கிறிப்பட்டேன் 

இனி உன்னை போகலொட்டேன் 

மைத்துனன்மார்களை வாழ்வித்து மாற்றலர் 

நூற்றுவரைக் கெடுத்தாய் 

சித்தம் நின்பாலது அறிதி அன்றே 

திரு மாலிருஞ் சோலை என்றாய் 

After Sundararaja Perumal went back to the alankaram mandapam inside the Andal temple, Srinivasa Perumal of Thiruvannamalai, six kms north of Srivilliputhur Divya Desam, made his way and positioned himself opposite Periyazhvaar. Interestingly both with Sundararaja Perumal and Srinivasa Perumal, it was heartening to see that the next gen bhattars have taken over and are devotionally inclined to carry the Kainkaryam into the future.

Periyazhvaar going around Srinivasa Perumal 

சென்னி ஓங்கு தன் திருவேங்கடம் உடையாய் 

உலகு தன்னை வாழ நின்ற நம்பீ 

தாமோதரா சதிரா 

என்னையும் என் உடைமையையும் 

உன் சக்கரப் பொறி ஒற்றிக்கொண்டு 

நின் அருளே புரிந்திருந்தேன் 

இனி என் திருகுறிப்பே 

The clock had ticked well past noon and in the sweltering heat, the priest from the Namazhvaar Sannidhi in Srirangam arrives at the temple with his wife to experience the Mangalasasanam. It was now time for another Divya Desam Perumal to make his way to the Andal temple and the commentator alerts the devotees that it will take a while for the Lord to arrive for he has been stationed outside near the sacred tanks. 

                                 

                                     Thiruthangal Appan

Ninra Narayana Perumal of Thiru Thangal Divya Desam had started out on Sunday from his abode and reached Srivilliputhur in the evening after several mandagapadis on the way.  He had been at the mandapam north of the sacred tank and he began his procession to the Andal temple just after 12.30pm. The residents of the tank street came out of their homes to present thattu experiencing this once in a year presence of the Divya Desam Lord from Thiruthangal at their door step.

பேராணை குறுங்குடி எம்பெருமானை 

திருத்தண்கால் ஊரானை கரம்பனூர் உத்தமனை 

முத்து இலங்கு காரார் திண் கடல் ஏழும் 

மலை ஏழ் இவ்வுலகு ஏழ் உண்டு 

ஆராது என்று இருந்தானைக் கண்டது தென் அரங்கத்தே 

At the Sannidhi Street, the ladies presented Kolattam while the residents there too presented Thattu with the Nagaswaram and drum artistes continuing to play their music led by the temple event. 

It was past 1pm when Ninra Narayana Perumal finally made his way to the east side of the Andal temple to position himself opposite Periyazhvaar. For an hour, the shatari, parivattam process was played out following which Periyazhvaar went around the Divya Desam perumal from Thiruthangal. 

                          

Andal Nachiyar- Rangamannar

The devotees who had gathered at this location stayed put for four hours watching Perumal one after another arrive in front of Periyazhvaar for Mangalasasanam. And for the locals as well as the ardent devotees of Andal Nachiyar, she arrived alongside Rangamannar for the final Mangalasasanam of the day. By this time, Suresh Bhattar arrived from Koodal Azhagar Divya Desam in Madurai which is where Periyazhvaar rendered the first verses of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham praying for the well being of the Lord after having darshan of him in the sky atop the Garuda Vahana. It had been a very enjoyable morning for the devotees who had gathered from far and wide to watch this once in a gathering of five perumals. 

Suresh Bhattar from Koodal Azhagar

Aadi utsavam is always quite a tedious period for the Kainkaryaparas at the Andal temple in Srivilliputhur for it is physically tiring with procession going late into the late and different kinds of alankarams on different days. After a long first session, it was time for them to take a bit of a rest before they embark on to the Garuda Sevai alankaram in the evening with the five Perumals going around the streets of Srivilliputhur late into the night on Monday.

Azhagar Koil Aadi Chariot Fest Eve Horse Vahana

8th Day Aadi Utsavam - A new JC, Zamindar's first rights, Prabhandham Ghoshti's Periya Thirumozhi, 'Aadi Prakara' Procession and the fight over the 'Bull' rights at 18 Padi

It is under 12 hours to go for the Aadi Chariot Festival at the Sundararaja Perumal temple in Azhagar Koil praised as Thiru Maliruncholai by the Azhvaars. Three years ago, Hariharan had taken over as a stand in EO just ahead of the Panguni Utsavam, the biggest of the year at the Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore following the death of the then JC Kaveri. It was a great challenge for him and he handled the festival as professionally as any had at that temple. He was then subsequently transferred to Vadapalani Murugan temple after the appointment of a full time JC. 

He has recently moved into Azhagar Koil on a promotion as a JC and is in the thick of things on this Tuesday evening orchestrating the arrangements ahead of the Chariot festival. There are HRCE staffers, volunteers and Kainkaryaparas listening to his instructions. Right from Appan Tirupathi, located a few kms South of Azhagar Koil, there are streams of devotees making their bare foot from the neighbouring villages. The main gate at the South Entrance is shut for incoming vehicles and even two wheelers are not allowed inside.

                           New JC Hariharan, Azhagar Koil

JC Hariharan tells this writer that he is doing his best to make this an enjoyable experience for the devotees on Wednesday on which several thousands are expected to attend the Chariot Procession.

Back inside the temple, Sundararaja Perumal is atop the Golden Horse Vahana for the procession on the 8th evening of the Aadi Utsavam. Shortly after 8pm, Kallazhagar has made his way out of the Alankara mandapam to provide darshan to the hundreds of devotees waiting for the first glimpse of the Lord atop the Golden Horse.

Gypsies play the catapult

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his praise of Thiru Maliruncholai refers to the mountain streams (Nupura Gangai) washing Sandalwood and gems in the fragrant groves. He says that the bees collect honey from the mountain flowers. There is honey flowing everywhere. It is a temple surrounded by Vengai trees that give an indication of the season of the year.

பிணிவளர் ஆக்கை நீங்க நின்று ஏத்த 

பெருநிலம் அருளின் முன் அருளி 

அணிவளர்குறள் ஆய் அகம் இடம் முழுதும் 

அளந்த எம் அடிகள் தம் கோயில் 

கணி வளர் வேங்கை நெடு நிலம் அதனில் 

குறவர் தம் கவணிடைத் துறந்த 

மணி வளர் சாரல் மாலிருஞ்சோலை 

வணங்குதும் வா மடநெஞ்சே 

Interestingly, he refers to gypsies hurling gem stones from their catapult, a game that was played in the villages of TN even as late as the previous century, though one does not find that anymore.

Dark monsoon clouds rise from the ocean and roar in the sky. Lions mistaking the roar for the elephant strike back in anger!!! Amid the sandalwood groves, the women of Thiru Maliruncholai go for cover under low canopies and chant the sacred verses every day.

Balaji Bhattar, one of the two hereditary priests at the temple, is at the procession, with Ambi Bhattar taking over the next morning for the Chariot Procession. Thiru Koshtiyur Madhavan, the Adyayana Bhattar, is leading the Prabhandham Ghoshti who have just begun the recital of Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s Periya Thirumozhi.

               Thiru Koshtiyur Madhavan in the middle

Aadi Street inside the temple complex

After a couple of mandagapadis inside the temple, Sundararaja Perumal makes his way to the house of Ambi Bhattar on the South Prakara before heading to the Aadi Utsavam Prakara. Perumal makes his way around this beautiful prakara filled with trees during the Aadi Utsavam. It is big 24 hours in the year for the Zamindar who is clad is a majestic suit and a turban. He is the  man with the rights of the Aadi Chariot Festival and only after he flags off does the procession start. He too comes around the Aadi Utsavam Prakara named as 'Aadi Street' along with the Lord carried by a sizeable number of Sripatham Personnel. 

                Zamindar who will flag off the Chariot on Wed morning

The crowd is increasing all the time late on this Tuesday evening. There is not an inch of space inside the temple.

Sundararaja Bhattar of Vandiyur Veera Raghava Perumal temple has been performing Paricharaka Kainkaryam here at Azhagar Koil for three decades and he is presenting Theertham patiently to all the devotees, a very rare scenario these days in Divya Desams. His Uncle, Nambi, is presenting Shatari to the devotees alongside Sundararaja Bhattar. Near the Uriyadi Mandapam, the Prabhandham Ghoshti are presented with Shatari and Theertham following which they stay back inside the temple and continue the recital of the Periya Thirumozhi verses at the Ramanuja Sannidhi (.

A most important landmark at this temple is the 18th Padi karuppanswamy Sannidhi at the Eastern Raja Gopuram. There is a huge crowd waiting for darshan of Sundararaja Perumal and there is the first argument of the evening between a Policeman and the Sripatham Personnel on the entry into the 18 Padi Sannidhi. It spoils the festive mood for a moment with attention shifting to the vocal argument between the two sides.

Periyazhvaar in his Thirumozhi refers to celestial women coming to take a bath at Nupura Ganga. The sacred verse of Pallandu reverberates all over Thiru Maliruncholai. Nectar from Kalpaka flowers flow down the hills of Maliruncholai as Nupura Ganga. It was here that Pandya king of Kudal Nagar Nedumaran celebrated his victory. Bumble bees wake up early in the morning and chant the Lord’s 1000 names. He finds Konrai, Punnai, Serundi, Vengai and Kongu trees in large numbers in the hills of Thiru Maliruncholai.

Periyazhvaar refers to Thiru Maliruncholai as the beautiful hill, the cool hill, the victory hill, the firm hill and the tall hill.

Clock has ticked past 9.30pm when Sundararaja Perumal made his way to the Maangulam Villagers Mandapam near the Hiranyan Fort gate. After the mariyathai at this mandapam, the Sripatham mount Sundararaja Perumal on to the Wheeled Vehicle that carries straight through the Middle street!!! On this entire Middle Street, there are street vendors who have laid out their wares for sale with devotees already buy items of their interest but the best of the sales will take place on Wednesday morning when Kallazhagar is out on the Chariot. The Zamindar who accompanies the Lord now retires to his bungalow on the middle street with Perumal heading on the Azhagar Koil highway and to the Melur Road for Mandagapadis. There are six such mandagapadis on the highway before he makes his way back through the Southern Mottai Gopuram. 

Sundararaja Perumal now goes through the eastern street and returns via the middle street to near the colourfully decorated chariot. There is a play going on at the west end watched by several hundreds of devotees who will stay back through the night to be ready for the Chariot procession the next morning. The Sripatham present a Voyali in front of the Chariot before Deeparathanai is presented to Perumal from atop the Chariot wishing him well for Wednesdays’ procession. An astro devotee has made his way all the way from Anna Nagar on the eastern side of Madurai. He is 56 and has seen the Aadi Ther from his childhood.

Moopanar Community pitches for the 'Cow Mariyathai' at 18 padi

He recalls the mud and stone filled street back in those decades when the Chariot would get stuck. There were occasions when the Chariot returned after three days. He says that these are happy days now with tar roads built in recent decades and Sundararaja Perumal makes his way on the same day, a far cry from what he experienced in his youth!!! 

Clock is ticking to 11pm and Sundararaja Perumal has made his way back to 18Padi but lo, it is not what you think it is …in big utsavams in small towns, however historic the town may be and a Divya Desam!!! The Moopanar community have gathered in huge numbers in front of the Karuppana Swamy Sannidhi and would not allow Sundararaja Perumal into the Sannidhi unless their claim of giving their cow the historic Shatari Mariyathai is adhered to. 

விடம் கலந்து அமர்ந்த அரவணைத் துயின்று 

விளங்கனிக்கு இளங் கன்று விசிறி 

குடம் கலந்து ஆடி குரவை முன் கோத்த 

கூத்த எம் அடிகள் தம் கோயில் 

தடங் கடல் முகுந்து விசும்பிடைப் பிளிறத் 

தடவரைத் களிறு என்று முனிந்து 

மடங்கள் நின்று அதிரும் மாலிருஞ்சோலை 

வணங்குதும் வா மடநெஞ்சே 

Repeated attempts requesting them to move off to give way to Perumal to make his way back to the temple failed as each time their angry roar increased much like Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s reference to the Lion mistaking the dark clouds for the elephant, referred in the verse above.

Aadi Ther on Pournami

Periyazhvaar refers to the Lord as one with 1000 arms, 1000 crowns reclining on a snake with a 1000 hoods.  The Cobra raises its hood and licks the cool full moon with its red tongue!!! 

கஞ்சனும் காளியனும் களிறும் மறுதும் எருதும் 

வஞ்சனையில் மடிய வளர்ந்த மணிவண்ணன் மலை 

நஞ்சுமிழ் நாகம் எழுந்து அணவி நளிர் மா மதியை 

செஞ்சுடர் நா வளைக்கும் திரு மாலிருஞ்சோலையதே 

He says that the whole world comes in a pilgrimage to take a holy dip. Repeatedly, he refers to Silambaru Nupura Ganga rushing down the slopes throwing precious jewellery at the Lord’s feet.

Ambi Bhattar with his son in the background

The Bull Fight ends

Well over half an hour later, they were finally pacified with the Kainkaryaparas educating them that this was not a historic centuries old traditional practice and may have taken place for a few years in the past on an adhoc basis. The Prabhandham Ghoshti members at the Ramanuja Sannidhi have moved on to the 6th Canto of Periya Thirumozhi in the three hours of the procession. It was close to midnight when Sundararaja Perumal finally made his way back to his abode with Ambi Bhattar waiting there to take over charge for the big action on the Aadi Pournami on Wednesday. Such is the respect he has earned over the last four decades that hundreds of devotees fall at his feet seeking his blessings and prayers!!!

Azhagar Koil Ambi Bhattar: https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2026/06/azhagar-koil-ambi-bhattar.html

Vandiyur Sundararaja Bhattar: https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2026/06/vandiyur-veera-raghava-perumal.html

Thiru Kannamangai Bhakthavatsala Perumal Jeshtabhisekam Garuda Sevai

Next Gen Srivathsan Bhattar anchors the Jeshtaabhisekam and Garuda Sevai on the occasion of Aadi Ekadasi

It is one of the biggest days in the year at the Bhaktavatsala Perumal Divya Desam in Thiru Kannamangai, a temple praised by Thiru Mangai Azhvaar, who says that he found the mighty ocean, the powerful bull, the penance of the rishis, heap of pearls, the soul of devotees, the love of his heart and the sweet sugarcane - all at Kannamangai.

பெரும் புறக் கடலை அடல் ஏற்றினை 

பெண்ணை ஆணை 

எண் இல் முனிவர்க்கு அருள் தரும் தவத்தை 

முத்தின் திரள் கோவையை 

பத்தர் ஆவியை நித்திலத் தொத்தினை 

அரும்பினை அலரை அடியேன் மணத்தாசையை 

அமுதம்  பொதி இன் சுவையை 

கரும்பினை கனியை சென்று நாடி

கண்ணமங்கையுள்  கண்டு கொண்டேனே - Periya Thirumozhi 7-10-1

Ramaswamy Bhattachar's Inspiration

The occasion is Aadi Ekadasi and the annual day of Jeshtabhisekam for the tall standing Moolavar Perumal. For several decades, PK Ramaswamy Bhattachar, who passed away last year, had been the face of the temple for all the devotees with his unflinching devotional commitment in the most challenging of times in the second half of the previous century. While he had physical age related challenges past 80, he continued to be a great source of strength for his son Pakshirajan Raju Bhattar who quit his job to take up the archaka kainkaryam last decade. He would come to the temple in the morning and sit at the mandapam overseeing the Kainkaryam of his son. 

When his grandson Srivathsan Bhattar took over charge as the archaka a couple of years ago immediately after completing his agama education at the Kudavasal Patshala, it was a great moment for him. One generation had suffered in the aftermath of political intervention in temples and Ramaswamy Bhattachar was delighted when his grandson decided to continue the archaka service at this Divya Desam.

Srivathsan had told this writer in January 2022 while he was still undergoing his agama initiation that his Thatha was the real inspiration behind his decision to join the temple even though there was going to be not much money on offer as salary from the HRCE “Even when I was in class III, I was present for the entire Brahmotsavam along with my Thatha. He had created such an interest in me in Divya Desam Kainkaryam that my interest was to be at the temple all the time. I would get away from the class and support my Thatha on the Brahmotsavam days."

While Ramaswamy Bhattachar passed away last year, for the young Srivathsan Bhattar, in his 20s, this was an important day to showcase to his Thatha, who was watching him from above, that he could take up the huge responsibility of conducting the Jeshtabhisekam and make it a success.

In the evening, even while a Kutcheri was being presented in the Prakara, Srivathsan Bhattar got down to decorating Bhakthavatsala Perumal atop the Garuda Vahana. While he had learnt the agama and has now begun to handle the Brahmotsavam as well on his own, he has taken a liking to decorating the Lord. It is 6pm and he has draped the red coloured vastram around the Lord’s vehicle- Garuda. 

After mounting Bhakthavatsala Perumal atop the Garuda, for almost two hours, he undertook the process of presenting his favourite Perumal with a beautiful alankaram. 

A good sized devotee crowd had gathered in the North Prakara to listen to the Kutcheri and they were eagerly awaiting the opening of the screen to have a first glance at the Perumal providing Garuda Sevai. And much to their delight, they saw a grand alankaram of the handsome looking Bhakthavatsala Perumal with colourful flower garlands, glittering jewellery and a crown.

எங்களுக்கு அருள் செய்கின்ற ஈசனை

வாச வார் குழலாள் மலை மங்கை தன் பங்கனைப்

பங்கில் வைத்து உகந்தான் தன்னை

பான்மையை பனி மா மதியம் தவழ் 

மன்குலை சுடரை  வட மா மலை உச்சியை

நச்சி நாம் வணங்கப்படும் கங்குலை

பகலைச் சென்று நாடி

கண்ணமங்கையுள் கண்டு கொண்டேனே

As the clock ticked to 9.30pm on Saturday, following the presentation of prasadam to the devotees, the Sripatham Personnel carried the Perumal to the Eastern entrance where they mounted him on to the wheeled vehicle. All around the four streets, residents came out of their homes to present Thattu and seek the blessings of the Lord atop the Golden Garuda Vahana. For Srivathsan Bhattar, it had been a long day but unmindful of the tiredness he was the one who came with the Perumal on the procession patiently receiving the Thattu from the devotees and presenting the deeparathanai in front of every home.

Pattu is past 60 and has been the one carrying the Theevatti at the processions of Bhakthavatsala Perumal. She is a weak figure but the devotional strength is high and for an hour and a half she was the one lighting up the camphor for the deeparathanai. She doesn’t get any financial returns for her service but that does not deter her from doing what she likes and considers it a blessing to be carrying the Theevatti on such an auspicious occasion.

After mounting the Perumal on to the tyred vehicle, the focus light facing the devotees was turned on. Unfortunately, this proved as a distraction to the devotees as it hit them in the eyes. As the procession moved on to the South Street, the Sripatham member had an interesting answer to the devotees who raised this issue “It is okay if you are finding it a challenge to see the Lord. It is important for him to see you and that is the purpose of this procession”, he told them!!!

Goddess Lakshmi performed penance here to attain the Lord. It is believed that the Thirupaarkadal Lord called in his security Vishwakshena and asked him to suggest a good day for their wedding. Legend has it that all the Devas congregated here to witness the wedding. They were so overwhelmed on seeing the Lord and Goddess Lakshmi together that they took the form of bees and decided to stay here ever after. To this day, one can find the bees in the Thaayar Sannidhi - a unique feature of this Divya Desam.

திருத்தனை திசை நான் முகன் தந்தையை 

தேவ தேவனை மூவரில் முன்னிய விருத்தனை 

விளங்கும் சுடர் சோதியை 

விண்ணை மண்ணினை கண்ணுதல் கூடிய அருத்தனை 

அரியை பரி கீறிய அப்பனை 

ஆப்பிலார் அழலாய் நின்ற கருத்தனை 

களி வண்டறையும் பொழில் 

கண்ணமங்கையுள்  கண்டு கொண்டேனே

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar described the Lord as being surrounded by bee humming groves. Late into the night, one could not hear the humming of the bees, but the tall trees around the temple did flutter in the breeze in happiness of Bhaktavatsala Perumal's Garuda Sevai giving the Kainkaryaparas relief from the sweltering heat that had hit them earlier in the day. While the Prabhandham Ghoshti members were not present, the Nadaswaram artistes played the devotional tunes through the length of the processions around the four streets. It is almost close to 11.30pm when Bhakthavatsala Perumal made his way back to the temple via the Eastern Raja Gopuram. For his devotees, it had been a most enjoyable day having first experienced the Jeshtabhisekam and with this sacred day ending with the Garuda Sevai. 

                            Pakshirajan (Raju) Bhattar

"In a world where the next gen has been moving into cities to work in the corporate space, my  grandson Srivathsan has taken a great devotional interest in Divya Desam Kainkaryam. Given the scenario that existed then back in the 1970s and 80s, my two sons were not able to get into Patshala education and I was keen very early on that the new gen should continue and take forward this Divya Desam service”, Ramaswamy Bhattachar had told this writer in 2022. Late into Saturday night, his son Pakshirajan Raju Bhattar sported a big smile and there was delight in his face and a great satisfaction having watched the young 26 year Srivathsan Bhattar handle this mega event and taking ownership and responsibility for the festival on Saturday. And that augurs well for this remote Divya Desam.

Sarangapani Koil Pavitrotsavam Garuda Sevai Theerthavari

Udaya Golden Garuda Sevai on the final morning of the Pavitrotsavam in Chaotic traffic

Theerthavari at the brimming Potramarai Tank 

It is the final day of the 7day Pavitrotsavam at the Sarangapani Koil in Thiru Kudanthai, one where Thiru Mangai Azhvaar dedicated an entire Prabhandham to Lord Aravamudhan. The young Kesavan Bhattar, following in the foot steps of his appa, mounted Sarangapani atop the beautiful new looking Golden Garuda Vahana late on Thursday night after the Tiruvoimozhi recital and the Yaaga Saalai Pooja on the 6th evening of the festival, one that signifies cleaning of one’s sins committed over the previous year. The alankaram was exquisite with Garuda draped in a green vastram and Sarangapani Perumal looking majestic with tall colourful flower garlands. Kesavan Bhattar is one of those priests in small temple towns who has decided to continue the hereditary service taking this into the next generation at a time when many are looking elsewhere to a life away from temple service. The more senior Chakravarthy Bhattar is at the Yaaga Saalai performing pooja there. 

Prabhandham Ghoshti present the entire Divya Prabhandham

The Prabhandham Ghoshti presented Muthalaayiram and a large part of Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s Periya Thirumozhi on the first six mornings of the utsavam and the Iyarpa and NamAzhvaar’s Tiruvoimozhi in the evenings after the procession inside the temple. They have arrived at the 100 pillared mandapam early on Thursday morning for the recital of Thiruppavai. Soundararaja Bhattar told this writer earlier in the week that a senior citizen teacher devotee presents a box of cashews every morning of the Pavitrotsavam to the Prabhandham Ghoshti members for their recital of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham during the seven days of the utsavam. She has not been keeping good health in recent times but unmindful of her physical challenges has made it for the Prabhandham Thodakkam to hand over the Sambhavanai to the members and that is quite commendable says Soundar Bhattar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/02/thiru-kudanthai-soundar-bhattar.html). 

                          Next Gen Kesavan Bhattar

It is the second Friday of Aadi and the steady stream of devotees who have made their way to the temple early in the morning have a darshan of Sarangapani atop the Garuda Vahana at the eastern entrance before heading to the Moolavar Sannidhi.

As is often the case at the Sarangapani temple, Maniyakarar Sudarshan is scrambling around at the final minute including calling out for the Sripatham personnel who are to play an important role this morning. His namesake Madapalli Sudarshan brings in the Thaligai and following the Thiruppavai Saatru Murai, it is time for the Udaya Garuda Sevai street procession (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2021/09/sarangapani-koil-desikar-sannidhi-new.html).

Clock has ticked past 8.30am and the Sripatham carry Sarangapani to near the Dwajasthambam. The Prabhandham members start off with the first decad of Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s Periya Thirumozhi before moving on to the 11th Canto continuing from where they had left off on the previous day. The Vedic members follow Sarangapani on the procession as he makes his way through the traffic filled streets on this Friday morning. 

அண்டத்தின் முகடு அழுந்த 

அலை முந்நீர்த் திரை ததும்ப ஆ ஆ என்று 

தொண்டர்க்கு அமரர்க்கும் முனிவர்க்கும் தான் அருளி 

உலகம் ஏழும் உண்டு ஒத்த திருவயிற்றின் 

அகம்படியில் வைத்து  உம்மை உய்யக்கொண்ட 

கொண்டற் கை மணி வண்ணன் 

தன் குடந்தை நகர் பாடி ஆடீர்களே 

Opposite the Ramaswamy temple is the place for the Sripatham to have a short break with the shop there serving them with fruit juice. The Prabhandham members have by now moved on to Thiru Kurungthandagam. As decades passed by in the 20th century, this South Sarangapani street became the bus route towards Thanjavur and Trichy and hence in most of the street processions, Sarangapani Perumal has to put up with loud horns from the buses that want to race past the Lord. 

During the big utsavams in Thai and Chitrai, Karunakarachariar has ensured that the street processions will be ones where the Sripatham carry Sarangapani on their shoulders and not on the wheeled vehicles. And he pays them well for this service. On other occasions too, like this on the final day of the Pavitrotsavam, they carry Sarangapani on their shoulder. Their relationship with the temple Kainkaryaparas is not always smooth like one was to find later this morning but for the moment it is a positive that they continue to carry the Lord on their shoulders.

For their part manage, they manage to wade through the busy roads trying their best to allow the traffic to pass by but on the West (Bazaar) street, it is chaotic in front of Kumbeswarar temple. There are two wheelers who have no patience for the Lord to pass and try to sneak in. In at least a couple of places, the Sripatham get stuck with these two wheelers as they come too close to the Lord but this has become a normal occurrence during these processions with no control of the traffic and the general disregard for the Lord making his way providing Garuda Sevai.

By the time, the procession moves on to the TSR Big Street, it has got really hot and the Sripatham are now on to fast mode as they stroll past the new look Vyasa Raja Mutt and the recently renovated CUB headquarters (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/04/n-kamakodi-city-union-bank.html).The Prabhandham members are now into the presentation of Thiru Nedunthandagam even as the workers at the jewellery shops make their way out for a darshan just after the opening on this Friday morning.

பிண்டியார் மண்டை ஏந்தி 

பிறர் மனை திரிதந்து உண்ணும் முண்டியான் 

சாபம் தீர்த்த ஒருவனூர் 

உலகமேத்தும் கண்டியூர் அரங்கம் மெய்யம் 

கச்சி பேர் மல்லை என்று மண்டினார் 

உய்யல் அல்லால் 

மற்றையார்க்கு உய்யல் ஆமே 

It is almost 10am when Sarangapani Perumal made his way through the towering Raja Gopuram for the Prabhandham members to present the Satru Murai of Periya Thirumozhi, Thiru Kurunthandagam and Thiru Nedunthandagam. At the 100 pillared Mandapam, the Vedic Members present the Satru Murai following which the Ubayadarar of this morning are accorded the Mariyathai for their contribution to the successful conduct of the Udaya Garuda Sevai.

Maniyakarar Sudarshan, who at the end of the procession also doubled up as on managing the colourful canopy atop Sarangapani Perumal, asks all the devotees to head to the Potramarai tank for the Theerthavari with the priests getting down to unmounting Sarangapani from the Garuda Vahana to get him ready for the pallakku procession. Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar make their way from the Sannidhi to join Sarangapani at the 100 pillared mandapam. 

The Sripatham personnel have not had much of a break for they have to bring the Thayar and Theerthavari idol to the mandapam but they remain energetic. However, it is one of those things that Maniyam Sudarshan has to manage every time there is a procession. He asks the Sripatham to bring Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thaayar and Theerthaperar alongside to the mandapam but the Sripatham personnel refuse to accede citing shortage of personnel. In such sensitive moments, they give the young Maniyam a tough time. 

It takes 45 minutes for the Bhattars to get Perumal ready for the procession by which time Theerthaperar also makes his way to the mandapam with Sridevi and Bhoodevi having arrived a little earlier.

 It is past 11am when they carry Sarangapani Perumal along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar through the west gopuram to the Potramarai tank. The locals of Thiru Kudanthai have gathered in good numbers to watch this sacred bath. 

முற்று ஆரா வன முலையால் பாவை மாயன் 

மொய் அகலத்துள் இருப்பாள் அஃதும் கண்டும் அற்றால் 

தன் நிறை அழிந்தால் ஆவிக்கின்றாள் 

அணிஅரங்கம் ஆடுதுமோ தோழீ என்னும் 

பெற்றேன் வாய்ச் சொல் இறையும் பேசக்கேளால் 

பேர் பாடி தன் குடந்தை நகரும் பாடி 

பொற்றாமரைக் காயம் நீராட போனாள் 

பொறு அற்றால் என் மகள் உம் பொன்னும் அஃதே  

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Thiru Nedunthandagam refers to the Potramarai tank where the devotees take a bath. 

The Kainkaryaparas recite the sacred verses while Chakravarthi Bhattar provides a sacred bath with sandal paste, turmeric, milk and curd much to the delight of the devotees and watched by the EO of the temple. Maniyakarar Sudarshan has entered the waters and done a check on the safety and identified the location for the Theerthavari. And even as the clock is ticking to noon, the devotees gear up for the big moment. 

Chakravarthi Bhattar carries the Theerthavari idol to the Potramarai Kulam and following a few verses, dips the idol into the water with all the Kainkaryaparas too taking a dip into the sacred tank. After the idol is brought bank to the mandapam on the east side, the devotees too take a holy dip and feel blessed at being present on this sacred occasion. 

Past noon, Sarangapani Perumal makes his way back to the temple via the Andal Sannidhi bringing to end the events of the first half. By now, having enjoyed the Garuda Sevai and Theerthavari, most of the devotees and the kainkaryaparas are already looking forward to the Jeshtabhisekam that is to take place on Saturday morning.

Koodal Azhagar Periyazhvar Avathara Utsavam Aani Swathi

Reminding one of the legendary episode - Periyazhvar atop Elephant, Perumal providing Garuda Sevai

Celebrating Periyazhvar’s Birthday on Aani Swathi at the location where he praised the Lord with the Pallandu Verses after seeing him descend on his Garuda Vahana

Vishnu Chittar (later Periyazhvar) who had dedicated his entire life to selfless service of the Lord in Srivilliputhur,  was invited to a debate in Koodal Nagar (Madurai) after King Vallabha Deva was told by an invisible voice that ‘what is required / you want after death should be accumulated in this life itself.’ The King summoned his head priest Selva Nambi to find him the answer. Selva Nambi, who had heard of Vishnu Chittar, sent an invitation to Srivilliputhur to get him to participate.

There was a huge prize on offer to the one who provided insights into this. Many scholars came forward but the bag with the golden coins hung in the balance. When it was time for Vishnu Chittar to come up with his presentation, he stunned the Pandya King with his description of Lord Narayana projecting him as the Supreme Being giving various references from the Vedic Scriptures and stating that worshiping him in one’s life time with devotion was the highest form of worship and was likely to lead one to what we want after death.

Even as he was finishing his speech, the golden coins were showered on him, for Vallabha Deva was truly impressed with his presentation. It was then that he was conferred the title of ‘Bhattar Piran’ by Raja Simhan I (Vallabha Deva) and led into a royal procession around the streets of Madurai in a grand event witnessed by a huge crowd. The melodies of musical instruments resonated everywhere and Bhattar Piran was surrounded by a royal retinue with the Pandya king requesting him with open arms to ascend and mount on to the elephant top.

As he moved along in the procession, he suddenly had darshan of the Lord along with Goddess Lakshmi on Garuda mount against the back drop of the clear blue sky. Immediately he fell into a trance and watching the Lord in high sky praised him expressing concern of his safety. Verses poured out instantly as he sung for the Lord’s long life. It was seen as so sacred that Thiru Pallandu became the first decad of the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham.

Vedanta Desikan in his Prabhanda Saaram provides a delightful description of this event in Madurai

பேர் அணிந்த வில்லிபுத்தூர் ஆனி தன்னில்

பெருந் சோதி தனில் தோன்றும் பெருமானே

முன் சீர் அணிந்த பாண்டியன் தன் நெஞ்சு தன்னில்

துயக்கற மால் பரத்துவத்தைத் திருமாச்செப்பி

வாரணமேல் மதுரை வலம் வரவே

வானில் கருடவாகன நாய்த் தோன்ற

வாழ்த்தும் ஏரணி  பல்லாண்டு முதல் பாட்டு

நானூற்று எழுபத்து ஒன்று இரண்டும்

எனக்கு உதவு நீயே

Birthday Celebrations begin with Thirumanjanam

It is Aani Swathi (June 25) and the birthday of Periyazhvar. 27year old Kesava Bhattar, who secured an engineering degree from Sastra University, performed a quick 5minute Thirumajanam for Periyazhvar. With the Challenges in temples for archakas, it is likely Kesava Bhattar would have pursued the Engineering path at least for a while but unfortunately soon after he joined a top Tier 1 IT company, his appa passed away and he made his way back to the temple. His family is one of the three hereditary archakas of the Koodal Azhagar temple with each family sharing 10 days each at Perumal, Thayar and Andal Sannidhis every month.

பருப்பதத்துக் கயல் பொறித்த பாண்டியர் குலபதி போல்

திரு பொழிந்த சேவடி என் சென்னியின் மேல் பொறித்தாய்

மறுப்பு ஒசித்தாய் மல் அடர்த்தாய் என்றென்று உன் வாசகமே

உருப் பொலிந்த நாவினேன் உனக்கு உரித்து ஆக்கினையே - Periyazhvar Thirumozhi

Hereditary Bhattar decorates Periyazhvar

47 year old Gopi Bhattar, who has been performing archaka kainkaryam at this Divya Desam for over 25 years, arrives at 9am to decorate Periyazhvar after the Thirumanjanam. The Prabhandham members are on the dot at the scheduled time of 9.30am for the Ghoshti that lasts just over an hour with them presenting Thiruppavai, the fifth canto of Periyazhvar’s Thirumozhi and the tenth canto of Tiruvoimozhi. Following Thiruvarathanam, it is time for the Sripatham Personnel to carry Periyazhvar for the Mangalasasanam first to the Moolavar Sannidhi where the Prabhandham members present the Pallandu verses. And then at the Thayar Sannidhi, they present the Thiruvappai verses.

Mangalasasanam - Perumal, Thayar and Andal

Past 11.30am, it has got hot in Madurai and Periyazhvar goes around the prakara to Andal Sannidhi with everyone sweating with the Prabhandham members presenting Ramanuja Nootranthathi. There is a sizeable local crowd for the Mangalasasanam and a New Zealander as well who now straddles between Tiruvannamalai and the Kiwi land. She is not much of a cricket fan but is excited about the third test against England starting in the next few hours at Trent Bridge. 

By noon, there are over a 100 devotees for the Satru Murai verses followed by the distribution of Puliyodharai prasadam, 58 year old Yamanan has been the sole cook at the Madapalli for over a decade at a daily wage having been roped in by Suresh Bhattar from the Vanamamalai Mutt in Thiruvallikeni and earlier the 'Vada Malai' cook at the Anjaneya temple in Nanganallur for over a dozen years. He has been busy all morning having made dosai in the morning for vishroopam with him also now doubling up on such utsavam days as the one who distributes the prasadam. He tells this writer that he enjoys preparing the sacred food and though he is alone at the madapalli, the blessing of preparing Thaligai for Perumal takes away the physical tiredness of this activity. He also seems to be the most friendly kainkaryapara as he engages with everyone - his kainkaryapara colleagues, the devotees and the HRCE and is sporting a smile throughout.

Delayed Procession 
And now the disappointing aspect of Periyazhvar’s birthday celebrations. While the Satru Murai and the Theertha Shatari Prasadam took quite a while given the good sized devotee crowd, the utsava deity could have been brought from the Moolavar Sannidhi to the alankara mandapam and one of the archakas could have been assigned the task of decorating Koodal Azhagar atop the Garuda Vahana so Perumal could have been ready for the street procession after the Satru Murai event of Periyazhvar. But unfortunately that aspect was neglected and the utsava deity did not make to the alankara mandapam till 12.15pm. Also, the vastram for Perumal was not kept ready and one had to scramble around to secure a suitable vastram for the occasion. This meant that the procession did not start till after 1.15pm with devotees having had to wait for well over an hour for the plan had been to start the Garuda Vahana procession around noon with the multiple posters of this utsavam pointing to the Garuda Sevai in ‘Nanpagal’!!! Ofcourse in divya desams outside of the cities such as Chennai, there is shortage of service personnel. In this case there are three sannidhis to be managed and the Periyazhvar mangalasasanam and satru murai event. Archakas in such locations are always looking for physical presence and support from kainkaryaparas as against just a financial contribution as a devotee donor.

Reminded of the Legendary Episode on his birthday

There were around a hundred devotees outside the Rajagopuram to witness birthday boy Periyazhvar providing ethir sevai when in the sweltering heat Koodal Azhagar made his way atop the Garuda Vahana through the new look eastern raja gopuram to be mounted on to the wheeled vehicle for a quick fast paced procession around the four streets. This procession reminded these devotees of the legendary episode when Periyazhvar atop the elephant suddenly saw Perumal on his Garuda Vahana in clear blue sky. Indeed it was absolutely clear sky on this afternoon and devotees thoroughly enjoyed the joint darshan of Periyazhvar and Koodal Azhagar.

Srivilliputhur Periyazhvar Avathara Utsavam 2026

Celebration of Periyazhvar's Prabhandham Contribution

Periya Perumal's trip to Vanamamalai Mutt, a Vibrant Prabhandham Ghoshti and Garuda Sevai mark the 5th day of Periyazhvar's Avathara Utsavam

Periyazhvar created a niche for himself with his Thirumozhi that stands in a class by itself. It occupies the first place in the 4000verses. Periyazhvar is the only one who sung an entire set of benedictory verses - a prayer for the welfare of the Lord himself. Periyazhvaar is unique because he was fully committed to divine living – to live for God and to share his pure love for God.  In his verses, he refers to anecdotes describing the scenario sharply, beautifully and gracefully handling deftly different emotions.

Born on the Swathi day in Aani in Srivilliputhur, Periyazhvaar was a trend setter in Tamil literature.  His Krishna Anubhava is seen from him seeing himself as a mother of a cute unique child, enjoying every action of this child. Through his verses that bring great poetic expression of the growth of a new born, Periyazhvar lures every mother to sing for her child. His poems are studded with pearls of events from Puranas, Itihasa and Vedic lore.

Periyazhvar laments about the mistakes he has made in life. The words that he utters are impure and hence he does not chant the hymns on a daily basis. He claims to blabber (uttering imperfect things), but he cannot restrain himself from singing his praise as he knows nothing else in life. And he fears that. He hopes that the Lord will forgive his foolishly uttered words and will not become angry. He takes some consolation from crow’s cow saying that even a crow’s harsh cowing is seen in a positive way by the noble souls. If that be the case, he says he has hopes that his prayer too will be seen in a positive light by the Lord who rides on Garuda Vehicle.

வாக்குத் தூய்மை இலாமையினாலே

மாதவா உன்னை வாய் கொள்ள மாட்டேன்

நாக்கு நின்னை யல்லாமல் அறியாது

நான் அது அஞ்சுவன் என் வசமன்று

மூர்க்குப் பேசுகின்றான் இவன் என்று

முனிவாயேலும் என் நாவினுக்  ஆற்றேன்

காக்கை வாயிலும் கட்டுரை கொள்வர் 

காரணா கருளக் கொடியானே  

Periyazhvaar composed 473 verses comprising of 5 Cantos with the final one being the shortest. His composition in the first two cantos is seen as a great literary work in Tamil extolling the everlasting enjoyment of experiencing Child Prodigy and reveal his mystic experiences as he takes on the role of Mother Yashodha. It is an unusual parental / motherly attitude of Periyazhvar converting himself into playing the role of Yashoda and enjoying the infant to boyhood stages of Krishna.

Thrilled with the sighting in the air, Periyazhvar ends his Thirumozhi with the Senniyongu verses describing his mystic experience – He says that ever since the Lord on the Garuda mount in the sky ‘adopted me’, the ocean of birth and deaths has dried up and become a sanctified place. It is a great lesson for true devotion in each of our lives when we hear him say that his hunger is not when he is starved of food but of the days when he has not worshipped the Lord with fresh flowers, singing praise of him and reciting vedic scriptures. 

சென்னி ஓங்கு தண் திருவேங்கடமுடையாய் 

உலகு தன்னை வாழ நின்ற நம்பீ 

தாமோதரா சதிரா 

என்னையும் என் உடமையையும் 

உன் சக்கரப் பொறி ஒற்றிக்கொண்டு 

நின் அருளே புரிந்திருந்தேன் 

இனி என் திருகுறிப்பே 

Saturday (June 20) marked the 5th day of his Avathara Utsavam at the Andal Rangamannar temple in Srivilliputhur. It is a special day for Perumal provides Garuda Sevai darshan reminding one of the historic legendary event in Madurai when answering Periyazhvaar’s prayers, he shot down from Vaikuntam on the Garuda Vahana.

Following the procession in the morning, Periya Perumal made his way to the Vanamamalai temple at the eastern entrance of the Andal temple for Thirumanjanam. 

Continuing the Araiyar Service

Natha Muni (Srinivasa Rangan) Araiyar is 36 years old and has found a big financial turnaround in his fortunes after experiencing a challenging phase in his childhood when his now 70+ year old Bala Mukundan Araiyar struggled to make both ends meet despite performing selfless Araiyar Kainkaryam at this Divya Desam carrying on the tradition from his appa Srinivasa Rangan. 

Bala Mukundan Araiyar’s brother had a salaried appointment service with the HRCE but when he retired , Natha Muni Araiyar decided not to take to the HRCE rolls and was keen to perform this service as a hereditary tradition without salary. A couple of years back, he joined Multinational firm E&Y in the automation segment. The firm understanding and being sensitive to his Araiyar Kainkaryam has provided him with a flexible work from home model where he is able to both earn a livelihood to take care of his family as well as perform the daily Araiyar Service at this temple.

On this Saturday, Natha Muni Araiyar arrived at the Vanamamalai Mutt just past 3pm for the start of the Prabhandham Ghoshti. Veda Piran Bhattar Sudarshan, the descendant of Periyazhvaar presented the Veda Vinnappam. At this Divya Desam, it is the Araiyar who have the right of Prabhandham Thodakkam. Following the Deeparathanai for Periya Perumal and Periyazhvar, Natha Muni Araiyar began the presentation of the 30 verses of Thiruppavai. This was followed by the fifth canto of Namazhvar’s Tiruvoimozhi. 

Legend has it that the Araiyar Sevai was first performed at the Nambi temple in Thirukurungudi and in recognition of that, Natha Muni Araiyar stood in front of Periya Perumal and presented the first verse of the fourth decad on Thiru Kurungudi before the Prabhandham members continued the recital. 

Once again, on this fifth day of the utsavam when Periya Perumal and Periyazhvar made it to Vanamamalai Mutt, when it was time for the recital of the 7th decad in praise of the Lord of Nanguneri, Natha Muni Araiyar came out of the Ghoshti to stand in front of Periya Perumal to start the decad on Vanamamalai Perumal. As the members presented the sacred verses on Vanamamalai, Kesari was presented to the prabhandham members.

It was Vaishnavite Savant Natha Muni who helped recover the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham that had been lost to the world when he visited the Aravamudhan temple in Thiru Kudanthai. In recognition of that, the Araiyar started the ‘Aaravamuthey’ verse. 

After a 90 minute Ghoshti, the clock had ticked to 5pm when the members presented the Satru Murai verses of the fifth canto of Tiruvoimozhi. It was then time for Periya Perumal and Periyazhvar to head back to the alankaram mandapam at the Andal temple where for well over an hour the team of Bhattars decorated  Periya Perumal atop Garuda Vahana and Periyazhvar atop Anna Pakshi Vahana. By 7pm, a good sized crowd, most of them locals gathered in front of the alankaram mandapam for a first glimpse of Perumal and Periyazhvaar on this Garuda Sevai evening. 

Periyazhvar descendant dons Maniyakarar role

A few years ago, Veda Piran Bhattar Sudarshan Bhattar also took on the HRCE post of Maniyakarar of the Rangamannar temple in addition to donning the role of the descendant of Periyazhvaar. It is his duty to ensure that the procession takes place on time and he was seen pushing the alankaram experts to complete the decoration so the procession could start. 

துப்புடையாரை அடைவது எல்லாம்

சோர்விடத்து துணை ஆவர் என்றே

ஒப்பிளேன் ஆகிலும் நின் அடைந்தேன்

ஆணைக்கு நீ அருள் செய்தமையால்

எய்ப்பு என்னை வந்து நலியும் போது

அங்கு ஏதும் நான் உன்னை நினைக்க மாட்டேன்

அப்போதைக்கு இப்போதே சொல்லிவைத்தேன்

அரங்கத் தரவணைப் பள்ளியானே

Finally, a Smile in his life

Bala Mukundan Araiyar has been performing Araiyar service at this Divya Desam for well over 50 years. On this evening, he joined his son Natha Muni Araiyar for the Thodakkam of Thiruviruttam verses ahead of the procession. For a long time in his life, Bala Mukundan Araiyar had lived in a dilapidated house and was burdened with the financial challenges of educating his three children and also getting his two daughters married but with things turning around for his son with a stable job in a Multinational firm (he was previously the Manager in a Top 5 Bank in India), Bala Mukundan Araiyar sports a happy smile one that was missing in the first phase of his life when there was very little financial support for him. 

It was almost 8pm when Periyazhvar atop the Anna Vahana made his way out of the Andal temple before the big door closed. Devotees lined up in good numbers outside the door for the Deeparathanai of Periya Perumal atop the Golden Garuda Vahana. Following the breaking of several coconuts, Periya Perumal made his out of the temple much to the delight of the devotees providing darshan, first around the four small streets and then around the big streets of Srivilliputhur.

Unmindful of the health challenges that he has been experiencing in recent times, Bala Mukundan Araiyar led the Prabhandham Ghoshti through the procession on this Saturday evening around the streets of Srivilliputhur. 

Periyazhvar had made a significant contribution to the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham presenting over 10% of the verses. This evening was a celebration of his contribution to the devotional world with Periya Perumal providing Garuda Sevai to the residents of Srivilliputhur alongside Periyazhvar in the Anna Pakshi Vahana.