ThiruNangur Divya Desams

11 Divya Desams in and around Thiru Nangur near Seerkazhi
Deities from each of the Thiru Nangur temples go out on a street procession on Garuda Vahanam and come together at Mani Mada Koil in Thai

Angered at not being invited for the Yaagam conducted by Parasakthi’s father Dakshan, Shiva is said to have performed the Rudra Thaandavam in a place called Ubaya Cauvery (between Cauvery in the South and Mani River in the North), a few kms South East of Seerkazhi.

So aggressive was his performance that for every hair that fell down on the ground, a new form of Shiva emerged. And very quickly 11 forms of Shiva were each performing the Rudra Thaandavam. Sensing a possible damage to the world as a result of Shiva’s fury, Lord Vishnu appeared here before Shiva as Paramapatha Naathan.

Softened by the presence of Lord Vishnu, Rudra requested Vishnu appear in just as many forms. Lord Vishnu is said to have acceded to this request and provided darshan to Rudra in 11 different forms here in Thiru Nangur, having taken one form each from 11 different Divya Desams. These together constitue the 11 Divya Desams in and around Thiru Nangur.

In the Tamil calendar month of Thai (mid Jan-mid February), the deities from these Divya Desams go out on a street procession in the Garuda Vaahanam and congregate at the Mandapam in the Narayana Perumal Mani Maada Koil in ThiruNangur. At the Mani Maada Koil, Thiru Mangai Azhvaar sings praise of each of the 11 forms of Vishnu (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2017/03/thiru-nangur-11-garuda-sevai.html).

1. ThiruVellankulam Annan Koil

Located away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities, Annan Koil Divya Desam (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2017/12/annan-perumal-koil.html) is located in the middle of a village, 8 kms South East of Seerkazhi off the Poompuhar- Thirukadaiyur road. Looked at as the elder brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa, it is believed that those who cannot go to Tirupathi can come here and ‘Annan’ is said to fulfill their wishes. Lord here is seen together with the Goddess (Alar Mel Mangai) unlike in Tirupathi where he is seen alone. This is the only Divya Desam where the diety and Goddess have the same names as in Tirupathi.

Thiru Mangai Mannan wanted to marry Kumudha Valli who belonged to the generation of the Devas. Mangai Mannan is said to have worked with utmost sincerity towards fulfilling each of Kumuda Valli’s conditions to marry him. It is believed that Mangai Mannan finally married Kumudavalli at this place. Hence, there is a separate sannidhi for Kumudha Valli at this temple.

The Story

King Dhundhu Maaran, who belonged to the Surya dynasty, had a son Swethan who was destined to die at the tender age of 9. Swethan came here to undertake penance to increase his lifetime. Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared before him as Srinivasa and fulfilled his prayers. Hence, this is said to be a place when one’s sincere prayers will prevent untimely death.

Thirumangai Azhvaar came here, had darshan of the Lord and praised him here as if he has seen Lord Srinivasa himself. His Paasurams also reflect the fact that the Lord is the elder brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa.

“ Kaliyan Sonna Maalai Vallaaravar Vaanaraguvai Thaamey” shows this Lord as the elder brother.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Annan Perumal East Facing Standing Posture

Goddess  : Alar Mel Mangai

Utsavar   : Srinivasa Perumal

Azhvaar : ThiruMangai Azhvaar 10 Paasurams ( Periya Thirumozhi)

Time      : 8am-1130am and 5.30pm-830pm

Contact : Madhav Bhattar @ 94898 56554/ 04364 266534

2. Thiru Purushottamar

Located 3 kms East of Annan Koil is Purushottamar Koil in Thiru Nangur, near Seerkazhi. The story goes that Sage Vyagra Paadha was busy collecting flowers as part of his daily process of making a garland for the Lord. It is believed that Purushottamar brought Thiru Paarkadal to this place and gave milk to the hungry child of the sage. The Ayodhya Lord appeared here as Purushottamar.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Purushottamar East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar    : Purushottam Naayaki
Time       : 8am-11am and 5pm-8pm
Contact    : Balaji Bhattar @ 04364-256221

3. Thiru Sempon Sei Koil

Located under ½ km East of Purushottamar Divya Desam is Sempon Sei Arangar Divya Desam in Thirunangur. Sempon Arangar is said to have come from Uraiyur. Hence the Lord here has 2 Goddesses similar to Azhagiya Manavaalan of Uraiyur.

The story
After killing Raavana, Lord Raama is said to have stayed here for a few days. While here, he is said to have a made a golden cow and given it to a Brahmin, who is said to have built this temple.

It is believed that a poor person came here and uttered the Thiru Manthiram repeatedly for a few days. Answering his prayers, the lord here is said to have given him wealth and made him happy. The belief here is that if one would recover his lost wealth, if one offers sincere prayers to Sempon Arangan.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Perarulaalan East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar    : Alli Maamalar Naachiyar
Utsavar : Sempon Arangar
Temple Timing : 8am-12noon and 5pm-7pm
Priest : Ramani Deekshithar @ 97900 76425/ 04364 256172

4. Arimeya Vinnagaram Kudamaadu Koothan Koil

Legend has it that Hari who lifted the Govardhana mountain himself came and resided here with the intention of destroying the evil forces. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as Gopala Kannan, pleased with the penance of Sage Uthanga.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Kudamaadu Koothan East Facing Sitting Posture
Thayar     : Amrutha Kada Valli
Utsavar : Gopalan
Temple Timing : 8am-12noon and 4pm-7pm
Priest : R. Narayanan/ Rajagopalan Bhattar @ 04364 275689 / 94439 85843/87789 87034

5. Vaikunta Vinnagaram

Located 100 yards North of Purushottamar Divya Desam, the Lord here at Vaikunta Vinnagaram is said to be the one who came from Vaikuntam to cool Shiva’s Rudra Thaandavam. Hence, he appears here in the same way as in Paramapatham. It is said that Ubarisavasu and Uthanga rishi attained Moksham after praying to this Lord.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Vaikunta Naathan East Facing Sitting Posture
Thayar   : Vaikunta Valli
Temple Timing : 9am-1130am and 4pm-6pm
Priest : Rangan Bhattar / Balaji Bhattar @ 99904 39331/ 04364-256221

6. Thiru Thetriyambalam Palli Konda Perumal

Located ½ km South East of Purushottamar Koil, this is the only Divya Desam in Tamil Nadu to be called Ambalam. Palli Konda Perumal at Thetriyambalam is said to grant the wishes of ‘power’. This is a form of Srirangam Lord Ranganatha and is seen in a Sayana Kolam with the Serpant King Adiseshan on top of him. This Divya Desam along with Mani Maada Koil and Arimeya Vinnagaram is taken care of by Rajagopala Bhattar, who at his old age and despite managing three temples, does the daily poojas with utmost sincerity and commitment.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Shengammal Ranganathar East Facing Sleeping Posture
Thayar      : Shenkamala Valli
Temple Timing : 8am-12noon and 4pm-7pm
Priest : R. Narayanan Bhattar/ Rajagopalan Bhattar
Contact : 04364 275689/ 94439 85843/87789 87034

7. Mani Maada Koil Naarayana Perumal

It is said that Narayanana Perumal from Badri came here as one of the11 forms of Vishnu. The Garuda Sevai, that takes place in the Tamil Calendar month of Thai (Jan-Feb) every year takes place at the Mani Maada Koil. It is here that the 10 different forms of Vishnu from the Divya Desams in and around ThiruNangur come together to be praised by Thiru Mangai Azhvaar on the day after the No moon day. This is the most important festival in Thiru Nangur.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Narayanan East Facing Sitting Posture
Thayar : Pundarika Valli Thaayar
Azhvaar : ThiruMangai Azhvaar 12 Paasurams
Temple Timing : 8am-1130am and 5.30pm-730pm
Priest : R. Narayanan Bhattar (Satish) @  04364 275689 or 94439 85843 / 87789 87034

8. Thiru Mani Koodam

Varadaraja Perumal Mani Koodam Koil is located in Thiru Nangur and the Lord here, one of the 11 forms of Vishnu who came to Thiru Nangur as per the request of Shiva, is said to be from Kanchipuram. Like Kanchi Varadar, the Lord here is said to grant all wishes of devotees.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Varadaraja Perumal East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar : Thiru Maamagal Naachiyar
Temple Timing : 8am-12noon and 5pm-7pm
Priest : R. Srinivasa Bhattar@ 96554 65756

9. Devanar Thogai Madhava Perumal koil

Located about 3 kms North East of Annan Koil and 2kms from Purushottamar koil, Madhava Perumal Koil in Devanar Thogai on Keezha Salai is the place where the Devas came in groups and congregated to have darshan of Lord Vishnu in his 11 different forms. It is believed that Sage Vashista undertook penance here and had darshan of the Lord.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Deiva Nayakan East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar    : Kadal Magal Naachiyar
Utsavar : Madhava Perumal
Temple Timing : 8am-1130am and 5.30pm-730pm
Priest : Balaji Bhattar @ 04364-256221/ 97864 90185


10. Thiru Paarthaan Palli

Located near Thiruvenkadu (Budhan Sthala) about 15kms from Sirkazhi off the Poompuhar road, legend has it that Arjuna reached this place while on a pilgrimage. Feeling thirsty after a long trip, he could not find water anywhere.  Seeing Sage Agastya undertaking penance at this place, he was hopeful that he would be able to quench his thirst at the ashram but to his dismay he found that the Sage’s Kamandala too had gone dry.

As instructed by Parthasarathy, Arjuna struck the ground with the sword and to his surprise water poured out of that place helping him quench his thirst. To mark this event, Arjuna is seen here at this Divya Desam with a sword. Since Arjuna had this Knowledge initiation here and played the role of a student, this temple came to be known after him as ‘Parthan Palli’ (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2012/07/parthan-palli-divya-desam.html)

Poigai Azhwar’s praise

Lord of Parthanpalli is the only Divya Desam Lord among the 11 Vishnu Temples in Thiru Nangur who is praised by an Azhwar in addition to Thiru Mangai Azhwar.

      Festivals 

      On the No Moon day in Aadi, Parthasarathy goes on a procession to Poompuhar Sea (where River Cauvery merges with Bay of Bengal) for the Annual Theerthavari Festival. On the No Moon Day in Thai, Thirumangai Azhwar visits this temple

         

Quick Facts

Moolavar         :  Thaamaraiaal Kelvan West Facing Standing Posture

Thayar           : Shengamalavalli Thayar (Thamarai Nayaki)

Utsava Deity    : Parthasarathy (and Kolavilli Rama)

Time                : 8am-10am and 5pm-7pm

Contact           : Seshadri Bhattar/ Sarathy Bhattar @ 94422 26413 / 90956 24150

11. Thiru Kaavalampaadi

Located quite close to Thirumangai Azhvaar’s birth place of Kuraiyalur and off the Seerkazhi-Poompuhar road is the Gopalakrishnan Divya Desam in Thiru Kaavalampaadi. Dwaraka Lord is seen here as Gopalakrishnan. This place is said to have powers equivalent to a visit to Dwaraka itself.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Gopalakrishnan (Rajagopalan) East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar : Madavaral Mangai, Shenkamala Naachiyar
Timing : 8am-1130am and 5pm-7pm
Priest : A. Srinivasa Bhattar @ 97878 53732

How to reach Seerkazhi

One can reach Seerkazhi from Madras in about 5 ½ hours by bus via Cuddalore, Chidambaram. Currently, there are no trains to Seerkazhi as the Villipuram-Mayavaram stretch is under broad gauge conversion.

It is best to visit the Thiru Nangur Divya Desams in the first half of the day. One can start with Kazhi Cheerama Vinnagaram in Seerkazhi at 7am. From Seerkazhi, one can take an auto and visit all the Thiru Nangur Divya Desams in one go. It will take about 5- 6 hours and will cost about Rs. 250-300.

Contact Shri. Mohan (auto services) 94863 03430 / Auto Moorthy @ Sirkazhi @ 98432 65787

Where to stay

Best to Stay in Mayavaram. One can also stay at Hotel Sadabishekam in Vaitheeswaran Koil, Hotel Sampoorna (lodge)near Seerkazhi bus stand for a quick wash and deposit of luggage.

Annan Perumal Koil Thiruvellakulam

Thirumangai Azhvaar praises the Lord as ‘Anna'

Sincere prayers at this temple will provide devotees with life security

Away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities, Annan Perumal Koil Divya Desam is located in a remote place, 8 kms South East of Seerkazhi off the Nagai/Thirukadaiyur road.

In his Periya Thirumozhi verse on Thiruvellakulam, Thirumangai Azhwar praises the temple as one with ‘Huge Walls’. The temple, he says, had a sacred tank where red lotuses bloomed and was surrounded by rich orchards, big lakes, fertile fields and flower groves, giving us an indication that this was once a very prosperous place.

Thiru Nangur seemed centric to this region that is home to 13 Divya Desams close to each other that Thiru Mangai Azhwar in his praise of the Lord of Thiruvellakulam refers to this temple in each of his verses as being in Thiru Nangur.

As seen from Thirumangai Azhwar’s praise, this place reverberated with vedic recitals through the day and there was positive energy among the people in this Divya Desam as they enjoyed listening to the recital with devotion.

It was also here that Swethan was relieved from his ‘death’ curse. Thirumangai Azhvaar in each of his verses in the Periya Thirumozhi refers to this place as Thiruvellam ‘Kulam’ pointing to the importance of the tank at this temple. 

Legend

Thiru Mangai Mannan wanted to marry Kumudha Valli who belonged to the generation of the Devas. Mangai Mannan is said to have worked with utmost sincerity towards fulfilling each of Kumuda Valli’s conditions to marry him. It is believed that Mangai Mannan finally married Kumudavalli at this place. Hence, there is a separate sannidhi for Kumudha Valli at this temple.

King Dhundhu Maaran, who belonged to the Surya dynasty, had a son Swethan who was destined to die at the tender age of 9. Swethan came here to undertake penance to increase his lifetime. Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared before him as Srinivasa and fulfilled his prayers. Hence, this is said to be a place when one’s sincere prayers will prevent untimely death.

Thirumangai Azhvaar came here, had darshan of the Lord and praised him here as if he has seen Lord Srinivasa himself. His Paasurams also reflect the fact that the Lord is the elder brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa.

Looked at as the elder brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa, it is believed that those who cannot go to Tirupathi can come here and ‘Annan’ is said to fulfill their wishes. Lord here is seen together with the Goddess (Alar Mel Mangai) unlike in Tirupathi where he is seen alone. This is the only Divya Desam where the Perumal and Thaayar have the same names as in Tirupathi.

The Priest at Thiruvellakulam

Madhava Bhattar has been performing service at the temple for nearly four decades having first performed pooja in the late 1970s. He is probably one of the very few Bhattars in Tamil Nadu to perform a 108 Divya Desam Archanai where he mentions the name of each and every Divya Desam Perumal and Thayar in his archanai. This is indeed a very special presentation at a Divya Desam.

Festivals

A Grand Brahmotsavam in Puratasi including Vahana procession

Kaisika Ekadesi/Dwadesi Avathara Utsavam

Theppotsvam in Puratasi

Highlights
Avathara Sthalam of Kumudavalli (who later married Thirumangai Azhwar)

Temple for liberation from ‘untimely’ death

Tank is special here being praised in each of Azhwar’s Pasurams

Thirumangai refers to the Lord as ‘Anna’

“ Kaliyan Sonna Maalai Vallaaravar Vaanaraguvai Thaamey” shows this Lord as the elder brother.

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Annan Perumal East Facing Standing Posture

Thaayar  : Alar Mel Mangai

Utsavar  :  Srinivasa Perumal

Azhvaar  : Thiru Mangai Azhvaar 10 Paasurams ( Periya Thirumozhi)

Time       : 8am-1130am and 5pm-830pm

Priest      : Madhav Bhattar @94898 56554 /  04364 266534

How to reach Annan Koil

Best to take an auto/cab from Sirkazhi and visit all the Thiru Nangur Divya Desams in one go. It will take about 5- 6 hours. Will approx cost Rs. 800-1000 to visit the 13 temples ( excluding Thalai Changa Naan Mathiyam). Auto from Sirkazhi will cost Rs. 125 (auto number 98434 28406/ 83443 11927).

Where to stay

It is best to stay at Hotel Sadabishekam in Vaitheeswaran Koil about 5kms West of here

Sirkazhi Trivrikrama Temple

Two great Saivite and Vaishnavite poets meet each other here at Sirkazhi
Mangai Mannan crowned as ‘Mangai Azhvaar’ and handed over the Vel by Thiru Gnana Sambandhar

Located in the heart of Sirkazhi is the Kaazhi Cheerama Vinnagara Divya Desam, one where Thiru Mangai Azhvaar met with Thiru Gnana Sambandhar.  This is one of the five Divya Desams referred by Thirumangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi as ‘Vinnagaram’.

The others being Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram), Arimeya Vinnagaram and Vaikunta Vinnagaram (Thiru Nangur) and Nandipura Vinnagaram (Nathan Koil, Kumbakonam).

The Story

Brahma had grown arrogant about his life span. To defuse his arrogance, Sage Romasa invoked the blessings of Lord Vishnu and was granted a boon, whereby for every hair lock that fell from the Rishi, Brahmma’s life time would reduce by a year. Asked what else he wanted, the sage sought darshan of his Trivikrama form at this place. 

This is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu in his Vaamana Avatara measured his first step. At this Divya Desam, only the left foot of the Lord can be seen every day. The right foot is displayed only once a year on the Vaikunta Ekadesi day.

Thirumangai Azhvaar blocked at Sirkazhi

It is here at Sirkazhi that the great Saivite poet Thiru Gnana Sambandhar met with the Great Vaishnavite saint poet Thiru Mangai Mannan and engaged in a debate.

After visiting Thiru Chitrakoodam (Chidambaram), Thirumangai Mannan was on his way to Sirkazhi. All the way his subjects sang praise of him uttering different names of Mangai Mannan. The praise of Thirumangai Mannan by his subjects angered the disciples of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They blocked Thirumangai Mannan and asked his followers not to shout praises of Thiru Mangai Mannan in this birthplace of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They wanted Thirumangai Mannan to engage with Thiru Gnana Sambandhar in a discussion and win over him before continuing with their praise of Thirumangai Mannan.

Debate between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
In the first meeting between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, the Vaishnavite poet answered fluently each of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar’s questions and let out 10 verses of praise in the name of Vishnu.

“ஒரு குறளாய்  இரு நிலம் மூவடி மண் வேண்டி 
உலகு அனைத்தும் ஈர் அடியாள் ஒடுக்கி ஒன்றும் தருக
ஏனா மாவழிய சிறையில்  வைத்த 
தாடாளன் தாள் அணைவீர் 

தக்க கீர்த்தி அரு மறையின்
திரள் நான்கும் வேள்வி ஐந்தும்
அங்கங்கள் அவை ஆறும் இசைகள் ஏழும்

தெருவில் மலி விழா வளமும் சிறக்கும்
காழிச்சீராம வின்னகரே சேர்மின் நீரே ”

Pleased and impressed with Mangai Mannan’s knowledge and the sweetness in his praise and description of the different forms of Vishnu, a spell bound Thiru Gnana Sambandhar acknowledged the greatness of Thirumangai and crowned him as ‘Mangai Azhvaar’ and presented him with the ‘Vel’(spear). Among the Azhvaars, Thiru Mangai is the only one who has been crowned with the ‘Vel’.

Thirumangai’s 8 different names referred here at this place

The Paasuram relating to this divya desam is the only one where Thirumangai refers to each of his 8 different names - Aali Naadan, Arul Maari, Aratha Mukki, Adayar Seeyam, Kongumalar Kuzhaliyar Vel, Mangai Venthan, Parakaalan and Kaliyan.

“…..ஆலி நாடன் அருள் மாரி  அரட்டு அமுக்கி 
அடையார்  சீயம் கொங்குமலர்க் குழலியர் 
வேள் மங்கை வேந்தன் 
கொற்ற வேல்
பரகாலன் கலியன் சொன்ன………

Administration 

The temple is administered by Chola Simhapuram Koil Kanthaadai Chantamaarutham Swami Dhoddayacharyar.

Festivals

Pavitrotsavam in Aavani

Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Thaadalan East Facing Standing Posture

Thayar         : Loga Naayaki

Utsavar   : Trivikrama Narayanan

Time        : 730am-1130am and 4.30pm-830pm

Priest       : Badri Narayana Bhattar @  04364 270207 or 94424 19989

Located 235kms South of Madras, 20 kms South of Chidambaram, 20 kms North of Mayiladuthurai and 70 kms West of Nagapattinam, there are buses every 30 minutes from Madras, Chidambaram and Kumbakonam.

Train Services

Daily day and night trains between Madras and Mayavaram stop at Sirkazhi

Thiru Kannamangai Bhaktavatsala Perumal

The Divya Desam with Bees - Krishna Mangala Kshetram
Birth Place of Thiru Kannamangai Andan

Bhaktavatsala  Perumal Divya Desam in Thiru Kannamangai is located 7kms West of Thiruvarur on the Kumbakonam-Thiruvarur Highway between two rivers – Odam Pokki in the South and Virutha Cauvery in the North where Lord Perum Pura Kadal is seen in a gigantic standing posture along with Sri and Bhoo Devi Thaayar. This is the birth place of Thiru Kannamangai Andan.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi has praised the Lord as Perum Pural Kadal in his very first verse.

The Story

Goddess Lakshmi performed penance here to attain the Lord. It is believed that 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.

Krishna Mangala Kshetram

As Lakshmi’s wedding took place here at Thiru Kannamangai, this place is called Krishna Mangala Kshetram.

Special sculpture of Vaikuntanathan and ‘Vishnu on top of Garuda’ is a feature here.

Lord Shiva is said to be protecting the place from all sides.

Belief is that one who stays here for a night will attain Moksham. Chandran was relieved of his curse (by Devas) after his prayers to the Lord here. This ancient temple praised in his Periya Thirumozhi by Thirumangai Azhvaar was renovated by the Nayak Kings in the 17th century.

Thirumangai Azhvaar's Praise

“பெரும் புறக் கடலை அடல் ஏற்றினை 
பெண்ணை ஆணை எண் இல் 
முனிவர்க்கு அருள் தரும் தவத்தை 
முத்தின் திரள் கோவையை 

பத்தர் ஆவியை நித்திலத் தொத்தினை 
ஆசையை அமுதம் பொதி இன் சுவையை 

கரும்பினை கனியை சென்று நாடி
கண்ணமங்கையுள்  கண்டு கொண்டேனே ” - Periya Thirumozhi 7-10-1

Quick Facts

Moolavar       :  Perum Pura Kadal  -Standing Posture facing East

Thayar           : Kannamangai Thaayar

Utsavar          :  Bhaktavatsalam

Utsava Thaayar : Abhisheka Valli

Temple time: 730am –1230pm and 5pm-830pm

Priest       : P.K. Ramaswamy Bhattar / Raja @  99437 02989/ 98424 65956

Contact Address :

Bhaktavatsala Perumal Koil

Thiru Kannamangai

Kudaivasal Taluk

Thiruvarur Dist 610 104

How to reach Thiru Kannamangai

From Madras, take the train to Thiruvarur. From Thiruvarur station, an auto to the temple will cost Rs. 100. One can also take the Kumbakonam bound bus from Thiruvarur ( will take about 15 minutes) to get down right in front of the temple arch.

One can also take a bus from Kumbakonam via Nachiyar Koil and Tirucherai.

Contact Taxi : 97905 23834. He can take you around all the Divya Desams and ancient Perumal Temples in and around Kodaivasal.

Chidambaram Divya Desam

Listening to Kulasekara Azhvaar's paasurams on Chitrakoodathullan is said to be equivalent to listening to the entire Ramayana
Natarajar and Govindaraja Perumal housed in the same temple complexVishnu is said to have watched the dance duel between Shiva and Parvathi

Located 215 kms South of Madras at the entrance of the erstwhile Chola kingdom, Thiru Chitrakoodam temple in Chidambaram is home to both Saivite and Vaishnavite Lords- similar to Ekaambareswar and Kaamakshi temples (http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/11/108-divya-desam-kanchipuram-thiru_04.html) in Kanchipuram.

In years gone by, the direction to Thiru Chitrakoodam was given as North of the Cauvery, East of Sri Mushnam ( Aathi Varaahan temple) and West of the Bay of Bengal.

This place is also referred to as Thillai Nagar, Chitrakoodam and Pundarika Puram.

It is believed that Cauvery’s parents undertook penance at this place uttering the name of Govinda. And were blessed with Moksham. Hence this Lord came to be called Govindarajan. One can see the Lord in 3 postures here- Standing, Sitting and in Bhoga Sayanam.

The Story

Once Nataraja (Shiva) and Thillai Kaali (Paarvathi) decided to display their dancing expertise and to see who had better skills among the two. Shiva looked up to Brahmma for his judgment, who asked them to perform at Thiru Vaalan Kaadu. Unable to come to a decision, Brahmma directed them to Vishnu, who created a dance sabha in Chitrakoodam, for the two to display their prowess here.

Vishnu is believed to have come down here and witnessed the dance contest between Shiva and Parvathi. With Shiva’s earring falling down, the audience believed that Shiva had lost. But Shiva, continuing his dance, picked up the earring with his leg and put it back in the ear while continuing to dance - Oorthuva Thaandam. Parvathi couldn’t match this and Vishnu judged Shiva the winner.

Vishnu was greatly impressed with Shiva’s dancing capabilities and enjoyed Nataraja’s dance duel with Thillai Kaali. Hence, Govindarajan is seen in a sleeping posture with his face directed towards Nataraja in the Northern direction. All forms of dance can be seen in art form within this temple.

Chidarambaram Rahasyam
One can see the Chidambaram Rahasyam (the Lord in the ‘form of a Yantram’) inside the sanctum of Nataraja, to his right. The Chidambaram Rahasyam is covered with a screen and is shown to devotees at regular intervals.

Two separate temples
In earlier days, there seems to have been separate temples for Vishnu and Shiva. This can be seen in Azhvaar’s praise of Thillai Chitrakoodam.

There is said to have been a Nataraja temple known as Chitraambalam. Siru Ambalam signified that the Nataraja temple was small and Chitrakoodam (the Vishnu Lord) was the bigger temple. Chozha kings are believed to have destroyed the Vishnu temple and reconstructed the Nataraja temple and then positioned the Vishnu temple inside.

There is a seperate sannidhi for the Goddess

Azhvaar Praise
Thirumangai Azhvaar has praised, in his verse Pallavas' contribution to this temple.

“பைம்  பொன்னும் முத்தும் மணியும் கொணர்ந்து 
படை மன்னவன்  பல்லவர் கோன் பணிந்து
செம்பொன் மணி மாடங்கள் சூழ்ந்த
தில்லைத் திருச்சித்ரா கூடம் சென்று சேர்மின்களே ”

Paraanthaka Chozha is also said to have contributed to this temple in the 10th Century AD.

Listening to Kulasekara Azhvaar's praise of the Chitrakoodam Lord is equivalent to listening to the entire Ramayana. Natha Muni, the great Vaishnavite Savant was born near here, at Kattu Mannar koil.

Unique Occurrence

In the temple tank, on the northern side, fishes come out of the water and on to the ground to pick up eatables thrown in by the devotees.

Festivals
Vasantha Utsavam
Aadi Pooram
Panguni Uthiram
Chitra Pournami
Jestaabhishekam

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Govinda Rajan East facing Bhoga Sayanam
Goddess   : Pundarikavalli
Utsavar    : Devaathi Devan, Paarthasarathy, Chitrakoodathullan
Azhvaar   : 32 Paasurams- Kulasekhara Azhvaar and Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

Timing      : 6am –12noon and 4pm-9pm
Contact    :  AV Rangachariar @ 94423 88820 / 04144 220425

How to reach Chidambaram
By car, one can reach Chidambaram in under 4 hours from Madras via East Coast Road.
Buses every 15 minutes from Madras via Tindivanam, Cuddalore

Daily trains from Chennai Egmore to Chidambaram including a day express.

SriVaikuntam Vaikunta Nathan Divya Desam

Lord Vishnu disguises himself as a thief to rescue a devotee
The only Divya Desam where Adiseshan has his hood above the Standing Lord

There are 9 Divya Desams on either side of Tamaraibarani river near Tirunelveli. While Irattai Tirupathi features as two temples in the Nava Tirupathi list, it is counted as one divya desam only.

Nammazhvaar is the only one to have sung praise of the Lord at the Nava Tirupathi temples. The Azhvaar refers to certain temples in great detail, while some get only a passing mention.

புளிங்குடி கிடந்தது வரகுணமங்கை இருந்து
வைகுந்த்துள் நின்று
தெளிந்த என் சிந்தை அகங்கழியாதே
என்னையாள்வாய் எனக்கருளி  Thiruvoimozhi...

With extensive renovation work being undertaken by the TVS Group, these temples now have a mark of freshness about them. At each of these nine temples, one finds a display board with temple timings and route map, which makes it very convenient for devotees.

One can start the Nava Tirupathi trip from SriVaikuntam and end with Azhvaar Tirunagari. From SriVaikuntam, one can take an auto/taxi to go around the other 8 temples. This will cost around Rs. 450 and will take about 5 hours. One can also begin the Nava Tirupathi journey at Azhvaar Tirunagari and end with SriVaikuntam.

Vaikunta Nathan Divya Desam at Sri Vaikuntam is 30 kms East of Tirunelveli on the Tiruchendur highway on the Northern banks of Taamaraibarani. Buses ply every 10 minutes on this route from Tirunelveli’s new bus stand. There are also trains that ply on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route. The temple has several exquisite sculptures.

The story

Brahmma is said to have undertaken penance on the banks of Taamaraibarani here at Sri Vaikuntam. Lord Vishnu appeared before him and helped him recover the book, containing the secrets relating to creation of the world. Having come from Vaikuntam to help Brahmma, this place came to be called ‘Sri Vaikuntam’. As a thanking gesture, it is believed Brahmma himself leads the festival for the Lord in the Tamil Calendar month of Chitrai.

Lord as a thief

A thief, Kaaladooshan, would pray before the Lord here before venturing out on his daily task. It was his practice at the end of each day to share half his earnings with the Lord. As had to happen, he was caught by the guards of the king during one of his outings and was to be brought before the king.

Coming to his rescue, Lord Vishnu, disguised as the thief, presented himself before the King to save the thief and pleaded that he had turned a thief to help share wealth with the people of the region, which the king had failed to do.

Realising his folly, the king thanked the ‘thief’ for opening his eyes and promised to distribute the wealth of his kingdom for the welfare of the people. Having disguised himself as a thief to help save the thief from punishment, the Lord here came to be called ‘KallaPiran’.

Adhiseshan above a Standing Lord
In Vishnu temples, Adiseshan, the Serpent God, is seen unfurling his hood over Vishnu in a reclining posture. This is the only Divya Desam where Adiseshan has his hood above the Standing Lord.

Sun’s rays on the Lord
Another unique feature of this Divya Desam is that the Sun’s rays falls directly on Lord Vaikuntanathan on two days, on the 6th day of Chitrai (April-May) and Aipasi (October-November) every year.

It is believed that this temple was used as a fort in the fight between the legendary freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman and the British in the 1800s.

Surprisingly though, Nammazhvar only makes a passing mention of this temple in his Paasurams.
எங்கள் கண் முகப்பே, உலகர்கள் எல்லாம்
இணை அடி தொழுது, எழுது, இறைஞ்சி
தங்கள் அன்பு ஆற, தமது சொல் வலத்தால்
தலைத்தலைச் சிறந்து பூசிப்ப
திரு வைகுந்ததுள்ளாய் தேவ

இங்கன் மா ஞாலத்து இதனுளும் ஒருநாள்
இருந்திடாய் வீற்று இடம்கொண்டே

For auto to Nava Tirupathi temples contact: Subramaniyan @ 9442370844
Sundar Cabs @ 9952755336

Quick Facts
Moolavar    : Vaikunta Nathan  East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar        : Vaikunta Valli
Utsavar      : Kallarpiran
Temple time: 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm
Contact        : Ramesh Bhattar/ Srinivasa Bhattar / A.K. Vaikunta Natha Bhattar @ 98656 28681 / 99521 62359

How to reach Tirunelveli
From Madras, one can take Kanniyakumari Exp (445am arrival), Ananthapuri Exp(730am arrival) or Nellai Exp (8am arrival).

Where to Stay
The Railway Retiring room in Tirunelveli is a good and safe place to stay. Also, there are several budget and deluxe hotels within a km of the railway station.

Thiru Kovilur Ulagalandha Perumal

The first Divya Desam to be praised by the Azhvaars
The story of ‘Place for one to sleep, two to sit and three to stand’ 
Only Divya Desam with a Sannidhi for Durgai

Located about 40 kms West of Villipuram in the South Arcot district of Tamil Nadu on the banks of Pennai River (Krishna Bhadra), the Ulagalanda Perumal temple in Thiru Kovilur dates back to a period before the four Yugams. At the Thiru Kovilur Divya Desam, one finds several interesting inscriptions dating back to the Pallava, Pandya and Chola periods.

The 11 storied 192 ft high Eastern temple Tower is one of the tallest temple towers among the Divya Desams. The gigantic Lord Trivikrama measuring over 20 ft in height is seen in a grand standing posture with the left foot on the ground and his right leg raised 90 degrees to his right and with the conch in his right hand and the chakra in his left.

Naalayira Divya Prabandham’s first verses were composed here

The first three of the Azhvaars- Poigai Azhvaar, Bhoothath Azhvaar and Pey Azhvaar- came to ThiruKovilur on a rainy night. First to reach was Poigai Azhvaar, of Kanchipuram, who sought refuge for the night at the ashram of Mrugandu Rishi, who told him there was place for just one person to sleep and that he was welcome to sleep here for the night.

BhoothathAzhvaar, from Mamallapuram, followed shortly and he too requested that he stay at the ashram for the night. PoigaiAzhvaar welcomed him saying there is place for one to sleep and two to sit and took him inside.

PeyAzhvaar, from Mylapore, too reached the ashram. He 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 the three Azhvaars felt the presence of a fourth person and with space only for three to stand, the Azhvaars felt uncomfortable. Through their special vision the three Azhvaars realised that the fourth person was Lord Vishnu himself. Delighted at this, they showered praises on the Lord.

This is the first temple where the first three Azhvaars sung praise (Paasurams) of Lord Vishnu, the composition of which later came to be called the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham.

It is believed that this ashram where the 3 Azhvaars stayed that rainy night is the one where one , today, finds the sanctum. The first of the three Azhvaars also find a place inside the Sanctum.

Vaamana Avatara displayed again

Mrugandu Rishi, who had missed the Vaamana Avataram, is said to have undertaken penance here at Thiru Kovilur. Pleased with his prayers but wanting to test him more, Lord Vishnu visited his ashram disguised as an old hungry Brahmin. With no food at his ashram, Mrugandu requested his wife to organize food from somewhere. Finding no place to go, his wife offered prayers to Vishnu and sought help from the Lord, so the Brahmin does not leave their ashram in the hungry state.

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 the 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 Vaamana Avataaram at this place and to stay put at Thiru Kovilur.

Parasurama and Agastyar are said to have penanced at ThiruKovilur. Arjuna is believed to have taken bath at the Pennai River and then undertaken penance here.

Durgai idol in this temple

This is the only Divya Desam with an idol of Durgai. Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his praise of this temple refers to Durgai and says “ Karpudaya Madakanni Kaaval Poonda……..”

Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetram

This is one of the Pancha Krishnaaranya Kshetrams, the others being Thiru Kannangudi, Thiru Kannamangai, Thiru Kannapuram and Kapisthalam.

Azhvaar Praise

The  First three Azhvaars  in the Thiruvanthaathi verses (Iyarpa) have expressed delight at having found the Lord here at Thiru Kovilur:

Poigai Azhvaar’s praise

வையம் தகளியா வார்கஅடேய் நெய்யாக
வெய்ய கதிரோன் விளக்காக
செய்ய சுடராடி யானடிகி சூடினேன்
ஸொன்மாலை இடராழி நீங்குகவே என்று 

BhoothathAzhvaar's praise on the Lord :

அன்பே தகளியாய் ஆர்வமே நெய்யாக

இன்புருகு சிந்தை இடு திரியா நான்புருகி

ஞானச்சுடர் விளகேற்றினேன் நாரணற்கு

ஞான தமிழ் புரிந்த நான் 

PeyAzhvaar says he saw the beautiful face:

திருக்கண்டேன் பொன்மேனி கண்டேன்

திகழும் அருக்கன் அணி நிறமும் கண்டேன்

செருகிலரும் பொன்னாழி கண்டேன்

புரிசங்கம் கை கண்டேன்

என்னாழி வண்ணன் பால் இன்று 

The administration of the temple is under the control of Thiru Kovilur Sri Emberumaanar Jeer.

Quick Facts

Moolavar     : Trivikrama Ulagalantha Perumal East facing standing posture
Thaayar       : Poongoval Nachiyar
Utsavar        : Ayanar or Gopalan
Temple Time : 630am-12noon and 430pm-8pm
Priest           : Prakash Bhattar / Kothandarama (Gopi) Bhattar @  04153 252 552 or 97869
97798

How to reach ThiruKovilur:

From Madras, ThiruKovilur is about 200 kms South West via Villupuram and 40kms from Villupuram. Take right at Villupuram into the Perumbakkam, Mugaiyur, Arakandanallur State Highway.

Direct buses ply from Madras (will take about 5 hours to reach). From Cuddalore, Thirukovilur is about 70 kms via Panruti

From Madras, one can also take a train to Villipuram (2 ½ hours) and then a bus from Villipuram to Thiru Kovilur( 1 hour)

Thiru Kovilur Tiruvannamalai rail section has recently been converted to  broad gauge.
(Trains now ply on the Villupuram Katpadi route via Thiru Kovilur)