Vaira Mudi Utsavam Melkote

The entire temple town of Thiru Narayanapuram (Melkote) wore a festive look last Sunday (April 1) on the occasion of its biggest festival of the year with tens of thousands of devotees from across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh thronging the otherwise quiet and sleepy town.

Located in the Mandya district, 35kms North of Srirangapatna on the banks of the Cauvery at the foot of the Yadava Giri, Thiru Narayana Perumal temple in Melkote dates back to the Kretha Yuga and is referred to as Dakshina Badri, a reference to which is found in 12 chapters under the topic Yadava Giri Mahatmiya in the Narada Purana. Thiru Narayanapuram is one of the four famous Swayambu Kshetrams, the other three being Srirangam, Kanchipuram and Tirupathi.

Utsava deity makes his way to Thiru Narayanapuram
Lord Rama, who had given his Aradhana pooja idol, Ranganatha, to the newly crowned Lankan King Vibheeshana, was left without an idol for his daily poojas. Brahmma is said to have provided the idol of Selva Pillai to Rama who later passed this on to his sons Luva and Kusha. When Kusha’s daughter married a Yadava prince, this idol was given as part of the gifts to be given by the Bride and thus this idol landed up in the lunar dynasty from the solar dynasty.

The story goes that Vaira Mudi (the diamond crown) belonging to Lord Paramapatha Nathan in Vaikuntam was stolen by Prahalada’s son Virochana. Giving Virochana a chase, Lord Vishnu’s vehicle Garuda managed to recover the Vaira Mudi and handed over the Vaira Mudi to Krishna on his way back.

When Balarama came to this place on a religious trip, he found the moolavar deity resembling the idol of Cheluvaraya (another name for Selva Pillai) at his home, back in Dwaraka. Krishna and Balarama came back to this place with the idol and they decided that this was the ideal Utsava deity for Thiru Narayanan and placed it here. The Utsava deity having been Rama’s pooja idol came to be called ‘Rama Priyan’.

Grand Celebrations



On Sunday morning, ahead of the Vaira Mudi Utsavam, the Utsava deity Selva Pillai went on a procession around the temple complex providing darshan to the early visitors.

On Sunday evening, the event of Garuda presenting Selva Pillai Sampath Kumaran with the Vaira Mudi was enacted at the Thiru Narayana Perumal temple. 63year old Narasaraja Bhattar had the honour of collecting the crown from Garuda and placing it on Lord Selva Pillai.

Earlier in the day, the diamond crown had been brought all the way from the Mandya Treasury (30kms from here)- via Srirangapatna and Pandavapura- where it is kept under safe custody through the year.

7hour Vaira Mudi Procession
Devotees had occupied every inch of space on each of the four Big Mada streets with several hundreds of them perched atop the buildings. The temple complex was grandly decorated with special illuminated lamps brightening the entire temple town.

Just after 830pm, Lord Selva Pillai Sampath Kumaran, adorned with a glittering Vaira Mudi and led in the front by the loud recital of Naanmugan Thiruvanthathi, the fourth set of verses of Iyarpa (Naanmuganai Naarayanan Padaiththaan Naan Muganum….) praising Lord Narayana as the Ultimate Lord, made his way out of the temple complex to display his special and grand Thiru Kolam seated atop the small Garuda Vahana and with his legs placed on the shoulders of Garuda.

Over the next 7 1/2 hours, Selva Pillai Sampath Kumaran displayed his majestic diamond crown in a procession around the four Mada Streets before heading back to the Vahana Mandapa opposite the Temple complex at 4am.

Raja Mudi Seva
Immediately after, it was time for Selva Pillai to change to another form – the Raja Mudi Thiru Kolam. This crown was presented to him by Raja Wodeyar, the first king of the Mysore Dynasty. Adoring the grand Raja Mudi (King’s Crown), Selva Pillai displayed his 2nd special Thiru Kolam on this fourth day celebrations of the Brahmotsvam as he went around the prakara inside the temple at 4.30am.



Araiyar Sevai
One of the other highlights at this temple is the continued performance of the Araiyar Sevai, an artistic song and dance enactment of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. This is one of the four Vishnu temples in India where Araiyar Sevai is still performed, the others being Srirangam, Srivilliputhur and Azhvaar Thirunagari. At 530am on Monday morning, the Araiyar presented sacred verses on Selva Pillai as he led the Lord back into the Sanctum bringing to end the Vaira Mudi Utsavam.

Honouring the Archakas
For their special service to the Lord, the Archakas of the temple were presented with the honour of wearing the Lord’s Parivattam and his sacred garland.

For full historical story on Melkote Thiru Narayana Perumal, please read:

http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/10/thiru-narayana-perumal-in.html

(a part of this story featured in The Hindu Friday Review on April 6)

Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

Muthu Mariamman is believed to have emerged out of a pit here at Punnai Nallur
Pechchi Amman at this temple is said to have powers to remove fears in Children
Temple was constructed by the kings of Thanjavur over the last two-three centuries

Located about 5kms East of Thanjavur on the Nagapattinam Highway is the Mariamman temple in Punnai Nallur where Goddess Mariamman is seen in a Grand sitting posture. A special of the Goddess Mariamman at this temple is that she is believed to have emerged out of the pit at this location.

(Also, near the Mariamman temple to the North West is the ancient Saligrama Kothandaramar temple).

The Story

The story goes that the kings of Thanjavur had temples on all eight sides of the town to provide security to their kingdom. Ambigai ( Mariamman) is believed to protect the town with her presence from the East.

It is believed that in the later part of the 17th Century (1680AD), Goddess Ambigai appeared one night in the dreams of the then ruler of Thanjavur, King Vengkoji (Ekkoji), and asked him to invoke her blessings in a pit at Punnai Nallur.

Immediately, the next morning, the king came to this place in Punnai Nallur on the outskirts of Thanjavur and offered his prayers to Goddess Ambigai (Mariamman).

In the first half of the 18th Century, King Thulaja is believed to have constructed a small temple with a single prakara for Goddess Ambigai at the place where the pit was located.

Between 1798AD and 1832AD, King Sarabhoji II constructed the Maha Mandapa, Narthana Mandapa, the tall front temple tower and the 2nd Prakara. Subsequently, a third prakara and the outer walls were constructed.

The temple was fully renovated a couple of years back and sports a new fresh look.

Prarthana Sthalam

Removes fear in Children

Pechchi Amman is believed to protect children who cry in fear of certain things and is said to have the power to remove those fears in Children, if one offered his/her sincere prayers to the Goddess

Removes Chicken Pox/ Diseases/ health issues

Devotees who come here and offer their prayers for one week are said to be liberated from all kinds of health issues if they drink the milk offered during the four poojas that take place every day.

Festivals
Special festivals in Aadi, Aavani and Puratasi

Aadi- Procession in Pearl Palanquin
Chariot Festival on Last Sunday of Aavani
Float Festival and Navarathri Utsavam in Puratasi

There is no daily Abhishekam for the Goddess Mariamman at this temple. Once in 5years, for 48days, Goddess Mariamman is presented with a Thailaabhishekam. During that when her powers increase manifold, she is offered coconut water, curd to cool her down.


Muthu Mariamman sweats in Summer

An interesting feature of Mariamman at this temple is that she is seen sweating during the summer months and this is said to disappear on its own after sometime. Hence, she is referred to as Muthu Mariamman.



Quick Facts

Deity : Mariamman in a Grand sitting posture
There is a separate sannidhi for Pechchi Amman

Temple Tank : Nithya Pushkarani, Vellakulam
Temple Time : 6am-12noon and 5pm-8pm
Contact : 04362 - 267740/ 223384


How to reach

Auto from Railway Station to Mariamman temple will cost Rs. 75-100
Buses (towards Ammapet/ Nagapattinam) every 15minutes from old bus stand/Railway Station
Also, mini buses ply between old bus stand and Mariamman temple

There is also a Mariamman koil railway station on the Thanjavur- Thiruvarur Rail route but this is a little far from the temple.

Pattarai Perambudur Soundarya Narayana Perumal Temple

Ancient Inscriptions refer to conduct of processions and sacred bath for Lord Soundarya Narayana Perumal

Temple looking to build compound wall, renovate the vimana and to create a Nandavanam



Located 8kms from Tiruvallur on the Tiruttani/ Tirupathi highway is the 1000years old Soundarya Narayana Perumal temple in Pattarai Perambudur, one that dates back to the Chola Period. Originally, this is believed to have been a temple for Azhagiya Perumal and this moolavar idol along with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are still found inside the temple.

However, inscriptions refer to the temple as Soundarya Narayana Perumal temple.


A 1044AD inscription indicates that there were gifts of lands to the temple. An inscription in the South Wall refers to a gift of tax free land by payment of a lump sum amount. Another inscription on the South wall of the temple refers to gift of land for conducting processions and to organise sacred bath for the Lord on holy occasions in the year.


There are several inscriptions on the base of the South, West and North walls of the temple. These inscriptions give us an indication that the temple was well funded to celebrate festivals. This ancient Chola period temple is now in a not so good shape.



Renovation
In the immediate term, the temple is looking to build a compound wall on all four sides, to renovate the Vimana and also to create a Nandavanam. Those interested in supporting the temple may contact the priest.

Narasimha in a Padmasana Posture


A special feature at this temple is that Lord Narasimha is seen in a Padmasanam Posture with his left hand in Aadhvaanam and his right hand in Vaikunta Hastham

Thiru Kachi Nambi’s idol
There is an idol of Thirukachi Nambi ( of Poonamallee) leading one to believe that he may have visited this temple.

Festivals
Vaikunta Ekadesi and Vaikunta Dwadasi
Thirumanjana on Shravanam, Swathi, Moolam and Punarvasu



Quick Facts

Moolavar : Soundarya Narayana Perumal East Facing Standing Posture
Original Moolavar : 1000years old Azhaga Perumal Sitting Posture
Temple Time : 6am-10am and 6pm-730pm
Contact : Ananthan Varadan Bhattar @ 044- 27650436 or 97900 86480

Address : Soundarya Narayana Perumal Temple
Pattarai Perambudur Village
Kadambathur Via, Tiruvallur Dist
Pin Code 631 203

How to reach
Buses ply every half hour between Chennai Koyambedu and Tiruttani. Get down at Pattarai Perambudur, about 8kms after Tiruvallur on the Tiruttani highway. The temple is walking distance from the bus stop.

By Train, one can take Sapthagiri or Tirupathi Express from Chennai Central and get down at Tiruvallur. From Tiruvallur, take the bus towards Tiruttani/Tirupathi and get down at Pattarai Perambudur (8kms)- One can reach the temple in 15minutes from Tiruvallur.

Neela Varna Perumal Nanmangalam

Pallava Period temple is the Abhimana Sthalam for Neer Vanna Perumal of Thiruneermalai Divya Desam Parikara Sthala for Raahu Kethu Dosha 

Located 1/2km West of Kovilambakkam- Medavakkam main road is the over 1200year old Neela Varna Perumal temple in Nanmangalam. One finds Goddess Lakshmi on the chest of Moolavar Neela Varna Perumal. 

Built by early Pallavas around the 9th Century AD, Rajasimha Pallava is said to have visited this temple every time he went to war. This is believed to be the Abhiman Perumal for Neer Vanna Perumal of Thiru Neermalai Divya Desam. Ignored for many decades, the temple has been renovated over the last decade and now wears a fresh look. Rajagopalan Bhattar, who earlier performed service at Brindavan temple, is very devoted in rendering service to the Lord and is a reason for devotees returning to this temple for prayers. His performance of the daily poojas is very refreshing. Anjaneya as Dwarapalakas Interestingly, at the Eastern entrance, one finds Anjaneya as Dwarapalakas of Neela Varna Perumal. 

Inscriptions 

Inside the Dashavatara Mandapa, one finds inscriptions that possibly date back to the Pallava period. There are also fish carvings on the upper wall leading to the sanctum that is an indication that there may be a Pandya connection to the temple as well. 

Parikara Sthalam 

Inside the sanctum, one finds on the upper wall Rahu- Kethu. Hence, this temple is believed to be a Parikara Sthala for Rahu Kethu Dosha. Belief is that one’s prayers are answered within 90days of invoking the blessings of Neela Varna Perumal at this temple There are idols of Lakshmi Varaha, Lakshmi Narasimha and Lakshmi Hayagriva at this temple.

   

Festivals 

On the 4th Saturday of Puratasi, Lord Neela Varna Perumal goes out on a Garuda Vahana procession Navarathri 10day Utsavam Anna Koodai before Deepavali 

Every full moon day, Satyanarayana Pooja 

Quick Facts 

Moolavar : Neela Varna Perumal East Facing Standing Posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi

Thaayar : Veda Valli Thaayar (Separate Sannidhi) 

Temple Time : 8am-11am and 6pm-8pm 

Contact : Madhavan Bhattar @ 7550252884 Rajagopalan Bhattar @ 92833 79389 

How to reach 

Take the Pallavaram- Thoraipakkam 100ft Road. Turn South at the Madipakkam-Medavakkam High Road Junction. At Kovilambakkam (1km from this Junction), turn right into Nanmangalam. Temple is about 1/2km from the Kovilambakkam – Medavakkam Main Road. Bus numbers: M14, B51.

Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Pallikaranai

800 years old Lakshmi Narayanan was the Abhimana Perumal for Mudhali Aandaan



Housed on a huge 1.95acre (as per the Gazette) space is the ancient Lakshmi Narayana temple in Pallikaranai, one that is said to belong to the Chola period. The name of the temple and the location figures in the list of temples belonging to a period 800years ago. There are also lands belonging to the temple in nearby villages indicating the contributions made by the chola rulers.

The special feature of the temple is that the moolavar Lakshmi Narayanan is believed to have been the Abhimana Perumal for Mudhali Aandaan (the favourite disciple of Ramanuja) who lived in the 11th Century AD.

Renovation


Plans are afoot to set up a tank inside the complex. Longer term plans include erecting a temple tower at the Eastern entrance and building separate sannidhis for Thaayar and Chakkarath Azhvaar

Several Vahanas are already in place at the temple.

Festivals

Hanuman Jayanthi
Panguni Uthiram
Thirumanjana for Perumal on Shravanam every month

On the 3rd Saturday in Puratasi, Lakshmi Narayana Perumal goes out on a procession

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Lakshmi Narayanan East facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Lakshmi on his lap
Temple Time : 730am-10am and 530pm-8pm
Contact : Lakshmi Narayanan Bhattar @ 94451 70903/ Parthasarathy 99405 22365
Or 94442 48045 (Trustee)

How to reach
Take the Velachery- Medavakkam- East Tambaram Road. At Pallikaranai bus stop, take a right into the Perumal Koil Street to reach the temple.

Rama Temple in Saidapet

Lord Parthasarathy of Thiruvellikeni Divya Desam makes an annual trip to this temple in Thai



Located 1kilometre West of Saidapet Railway Station in the Raghunatha Kshetram is the over 600years old Rama temple that dates back, possibly, to the Vijayanagar rule. Later, Alarmel Mangai Thaayar was found in a pit buried at this place. It is believed that Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal came up subsequent to this with a separate sannidhi for Thaayar.

Originally, this was a Rama temple, but this is now referred to as Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple.

Hanuman Temple

An interesting feature of the temple is that there is a Hanuman temple on all the four sides of the temple.

Divya Desam Lord’s annual visit


This is believed to be the Abhimana Perumal for Lord Parthasarathy of Thiruvellikeni Divya Desam. Once a year, on the last Sunday of Thai, Parthasarathy visits the Lord here and goes out on a joint procession around the four Mada Streets.

Adhi Kesava Perumal of Mylapore also visits this temple once a year. Thirumanjana takes place for Kesava Perumal inside this temple, after which he goes around the four Mada Streets on a procession.


Festivals
10 day Rama Navami
10 day Brahmotsavam in Chitrai
10day Udayavar Utsavam


Renovation
The temple is currently being renovated and come May 2012, the temple tower will wear a fresh colourful look. All the gopuras will also see a new look.

The temple also has a tank on the Eastern side.


Quick Facts:

Moolavar : Pattabhisheka Rama South Facing Standing Posture

Moolavar : Prasanna Venkatesan East Facing standing posture
Thaayar : Alarmel Mangai Thaayar
Temple time: 630am-11am and 5pm-9pm
Priest : SK Rajagopal Bhattar/AT Gopinathan Bhattar/ G Ravi Bhattar @ 044 2489 8540

How to reach
Take the new road under bridge below the Saidapet Railway Station, take a right at the Police booth and the third left will take you to the temple

Jagannatha Perumal temple Thirumazhisai

Birth Place of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar

Thirumazhisai Azhvaar displays his Third Eye at this temple

Located 28kms from Madras on the Poonamallee - Thiruvallur-Thirupathi Highway is the Madhyama Jagannatha Perumal temple in Thirumazhisai, the birth place of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar, where Jagannatha Perumal is seen in a sitting posture along with Rukmini and Satyabhama. The temple is also referred to as the Thirumazhisai Azhvaar temple.

The temple that dates back to the Dwapara Yuga, finds reference in the Brahmanda Purana as ‘Mageesara Kshetram’. The temple’s prominence can be seen from the significant 1000year old inscriptions that one finds inside the temple.

Thirumazhisai Azhvaar

Born to Bhargava Rishi and Kanakangi in the Tamil Calendar month of Thai (Magam star), Thirumazhisai Azhvaar had a disfigured body at birth. Hence, his parents threw him into a Bamboo pit at Thirumazhisai (which is now a Mandapa to the west of the temple complex)

A childless couple - Thiruvaalan and Bangaya Selvi- picked him up and brought him up with love and care. The presence of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar brought back youth to the couple who then had a son by name Kanikannan.

Kanikannan became Thirumazhisai Azhvaar’s disciple and served under him. Thirumazhisai Azhvaar’s favourite lord was Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal of Thiruvekka in Kanchipuram. For years, he stayed at Thiruvekka and undertook service there.

Thirumazhisai Azhvaaar and Thiruvekka Lord

Once, a Pallava King, of Kanchi, ordered Kanikannan out of the kingdom for failing to sing praise of him. When Thirumazhisai Azhvaar heard this, he too followed suit. Not just him, he asked Thiruvekka Lord to also accompany him. To the shock of everyone, the Lord joined Thirumazhisai Azhvaar and Kanikannan out of the kingdom plunging the whole place into darkness.

Realising his folly, the king apologised and requested them to return to Kanchi.

As a mark of having left his abode and having returned subsequently, the Thiruvekka Lord changed his posture and slept in the opposite direction. As the Lord acceded to the request of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar to accompany him out of the kingdom, the Lord of Thiruvekka Divya Desam came to be called ‘Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal’.

Thirumazhisai Azhvaar also visited Thiru Kudanthai and sung praise of Lord Aaravamuthan. Seeing the sleeping posture of the Lord, a curious ThiruMazhisai Azhvaar questioned if the Lord’s tiredness was the reason for him to be lying down in his sleeping posture and if he would not raise and provide him darshan.

After hearing this, it is believed that the Lord slightly raised his posture to greet the Azhvaar. Feeling the guilt of having caused strain on the Lord, Thirumazhisai Azhvaar asked him to remain as is. And the Lord remained so ever after. To this day, one can see the Lord in a slightly ‘raised reclining’ posture (Uthaana Sayanam).

நடந்த கால்கள் நொந்ததோ நடுங்க ஞாலம் ஏனமாய்
கிடந்த வாறு  எழுந்திருந்து பேசு வாழி கேசனே

Thirumazhisai Azhvaar sung over 200verses of praise comprised in Naanmugan Thiruvanthaathi and Thiruchandha Viruththam.

Thirumazhisai Azhvaar spent his final years at Thiru Kudanthai and attained moksham there.

Thirumazhisai- The sacred town

Once when the entire Bhoologam was placed on one side of the weighing machine and Thirumazhisai on the other, they found that Thirumazhisai was heavier by one gram indicating the greatness of this sacred town.

At around the same time, Brigu Maharishi and Markandeya Rishi were invoking the blessings of Vishnu to provide them with a darshan of Madhyama Jagannathan. They were asked to go and undertake penance at Thirumazhisai, a place that is said to be equivalent to visiting two Divya Desams.

Pleased with their prayers, Madhyama Jagannatha Perumal provided the two rishis with darshan here at Thirumazhisai. To mark this event, one finds both the rishis inside the sanctum.

Thirumazhisai Azhvaar – Display of the Third Eye at this temple
To the left of the Jagannatha Perumal Sannidhi is the Thirumazhisai Azhvaar Sannidhi facing South. A special feature of the moolavar deity is that he is seen with a third eye.

The story goes that Thirumazhisai Azhvaar was undertaking yogic penance at this place. Shiva and Parvathi, who were flying over this place were pleased with his penance and landed here at Thirumazhisai. When asked for a boon, Thirumazhisai Azhvaar asked for Mukthi only to be rejected as only Vishnu had the power to provide Moksham.

He then asked for small thread that could keep rolling into the needle that he was using to stitch his torn clothes. Fuming with anger at this request, Shiva opened his third eye. Thirumazhisai Azhvaar invoked the blessings of Lord Narayana and immediately a third eye emerged for Thirumazhisai as well from the toe of his right leg with water rolling out to cool the fire raging from Shiva’s third eye.

Pleased with the devotion of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar, Shiva presented him the title of ‘Bhakti Saaran’.

Inscriptions

Inscriptions indicate there was extensive renovation at this temple between 12th and 15th Century AD during the rule of Kulothunga Chola and Kopperunsinga among other rulers.

This place was referred to as Thirumazhisai Chaturvedi Mangalam as per the 12th and 13th Century inscriptions, In the 13th Century AD, this place was referred to as Thirumazhisai Agaram

Temple Tank
There is a huge temple tank on the Eastern side of the temple that is currently brimming with water.


Festivals
10day Brahmotsavam in Aani
10 day Thirumazhisai Azhvaar Avatara Utsavam in Thai
3day Pavitrotsavam in Avani
3day Theppotsavam in Maasi

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Madhyama Jagannatha Perumal East Facing Sitting posture
Goddess : Thirumangai Valli ( separate sannidhi)
Thirumazhisai Azhvaar’s compositions: Naanmugan Thiruvanthaathi and Thiruchandha Viruththam
Temple Time : 730am-12noon and 430pm-830pm
Contact : Thiruvikrama Bhattar @ 96001 81449

How to reach:
Thirumazhisai Jagannathan Perumal temple is located about 5kms from Poonamallee on the Thiruvallur-Tirupathi Highway. Buses ply every 30minutes from Parrys ( 253,54B) /Koyambedu (153) /TNagar ( 597) /Tambaram (596)

Thiru Mandangudi Thondaradipodi Azhvaar Temple

Lord Ranganatha is seen in a Special Standing Posture
Azhagiya Manavalan at Thiru Mandangudi is believed to be a ‘Varan Tharum’ Perumal



Those who visit Adhanur and Pulla Bhoothangudi Divya Desams can visit this ancient temple of Lord Ranganatha

Located between the Coloroon and Cauvery about 1km West of Pulla Bhoothangudi Divya Desam is an ancient and historical over 1000years old Ranganatha temple in Thiru Mandangudi, the birth place of Thondaradi Podi Azhvaar, one where Lord Ranganatha is seen in a rare standing posture.

While this is a temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, being the birth place of Thondaradipodi and one where Lord Ranganatha acceded to the Azhvaar’s request and provided him a special darshan, this temple is referred to as the ‘Thiru Mandangudi Azhvaar’ temple.

The Story

Born in Thiru Mandangudi, Thondaradipodi Azhvaar (his original name was Vipra Narayanan) was lost in love for Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Very early in his life, he moved from Thiru Mandangudi to Srirangam and mastered himself in Vedas. His devotion was so enduring that he thought of none but Ranganatha. This devotion meant that he decided to sing praise only of the Lord of Srirangam and of no other Lord. Dedicating his life to the service of Lord Ranganatha, he created a beautiful Nandavanam in Srirangam and with a basket in hand immersed himself in collecting flowers and making beautiful garlands for the Lord every day.

Ranganatha’s Special Standing darshan at Thiru Mandangudi

Having heard of the Lord accepting Thirumazhisai Azhvaar’s request to come out of the kingdom in Thiruvekka near Kanchipuram and provide a special Maaru Sayanam posture there on his return, and another special posture in Kumbakonam with his Uththana Sayanam as Aaravamuthan, Thondaradipodi was keen that he too be given a special darshan from his favourite Lord Ranganatha.

Ranganatha promised him to provide such a darshan but asked him to go to his birth place at Thiru Mandangudi. Unwillingly, he left Srirangam and reached Thiru Mandangudi. To his surprise, he saw Lord Rangantha waiting for him in a special and rare standing posture to provide darshan along with Sri and Bhoo devi.

As Lord Ranganatha surprised Thondaradi Podi Azhvaar with this special standing darshan at his very own birth place, he is referred to as ‘ Varam Tharum’ Perumal and is believed to accede to and grant sincere prayers of the devotees who visit this temple at Thiru Mandangudi.

Maaliruncholai Soundararajan and Tirupathi Balaji at Thiru Mandangudi



In a separate Sannidhi, Thondaradipodi Azhvaar is seen alongside Lords of two different Divya Desams - Tirupathi Balaji and Thiru Maaliruncholai Soundararajan Perumal.

The story goes that both of them had heard of some beautiful early morning songs in praise of Ranganatha and wanted to listen to Thondaradipodi Azhvaar’s Thirupalli Ezhuchi and are believed to have made a trip to Thiru Mandangudi to be treated to those sweet ‘wake up’ verses of Thondaradipodi.

Thondaradipodi’s 55 verses in praise of Lord Ranganatha
Thondaradipodi Azhvaar was ever in thought of Lord Ranganatha and composed 55Pasurams - 10verses of Thiru Palli Yezhuchi and 45verses of Thiru Maalai. Acceding to Lord Ranganatha’s request of wanting to listen to the praise from his very own son, in his very first Paasuram, Thondaradipodi sang praise of the fame behind the Lord’s own name. One who listens to Thiru Maalai has a tendency to change dramatically for the good.

Refuses Vaikunta Moksham

Thondaradipodi refused Lord Ranganatha’s offer to go to SriVaikuntam and then even refused the offer to go to the 14 logams (7+7 logams) for Thondaradipodi wanted his place in the third world – Srirangam. Nothing could move him out of here. He did not want to be denied the opportunity and the joy of singing praise of Lord Ranganatha.

Thondaradipodi Azhvaar says that he does not desire another birth for in the 100years that one is granted, half the time is spent sleeping. The balance time is wasted away in Childhood and adolescence (when we are clueless on what we do), disease and hunger and later old age.

வேத நூற் பிராயம் நூறு மனிசர் தாம் புகவ்றேய்ளும்
பாதியும் உறங்கப் போகும்
நின்றதிர் பதினை யாண்டு
பேதை பாலகன் அது ஆகும் பிணி பசி முப்பத் துன்பம்
ஆதலால் பிறவி வேண்டாம் அரங்க மா நகருளானே

Through his 10 verses of Thiru Palli Yezhuchi, Thondaradipodi Azhvaar praises the greatness of Lord Ranganatha and asks him to wake up now that the great rishis are waiting for him, with the elephant having arrived at the temple, with devotees thronging the temple very early in the morning for his darshan leaving no place even to stand- such is the devotion of everyone towards Lord Ranganatha.

அந்தரத்து அமரர்கள் கூடங்கள் இவையோ
அருந்துவா முனிவரும் மருதரும் இவரோ
இந்திரன் ஆணையும் தானும் வந்து இவனோ
எம்பெருமான் உன் கோயிலின் வாசல்

சுந்தரர் நேருக்க விச்சாதரர் நோக்க
இயக்கரும் மயங்கினர் திருவடி தொழுவான்
அந்தரம் பார் இடம் இல்ல மற்று இதுவோ
அரங்கத்தம்மா பள்ளி எழுந்தருளாயே


Thaayar Sannidhi


Ranganayaki Thaayar is seen with a fully bloomed lotus in her right hand and with a flower stalk in her left. This is a special feature at the temple

Prarthana Sthalam for Unmarried people
This is believed to be a prarthana sthalam for unmarried people. Those who perform Thirumanjana here and offer their sincere prayers are said to get married immediately.

Mandangudi Bhattar

KG Giri Bhattar is very special taking care of both the pooja formalities as well as the Madapalli. His versatile rendering of the relevant verses of the Prabhandham and his sincere devotion and performance of daily poojas for the Lord of Thiru Mandangudi is very impressive.

Festivals
4day Pavitrotsavam in Aadi
Azhwar Utsavam on Margazhi Kettai – Lord Ranganatha and Thondaradi Podi Azhvaar together go on a procession to Koonanjeri for the only outside procession of the year.

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Ranganatha East Facing Standing Posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi
Goddess : Ranganayaki Thaayar ( Separate Sannidhi)
Utsavar : Azhagiya Manavalan / Varan Tharum Perumal

Separate Sannidhi for Thondaradipodi Azhvaar who is seen facing South

Temple time: 7am-8pm
Contact: KG Giri Bhattar @ 90956 38765

How to reach

Thirumandangudi is on the Kumbakonam- Thiruvaikavur road west of Thiru Adhanur and Thiru Pulla Bhoothangudi Divya Desams and off Koonanjeri main Road.

Town Bus Numbers 30 and 12 ply every hour from Kumbakonam (Thiruvaikavur bound bus). One should get down at Koonanjeri and walk about 10minutes west to reach the temple

The temple is just under 10kms East of Kapisthalam Divya Desam

Mini buses from Papanasam (Adhanur bound)

Tamil Nadu Cricket Ranji Trophy Final 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waiting Game Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Namperumal Kaithala Sevai

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


Nam Azhvaar as Naayaki

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Araiyars’ enactment of Hiranya Vatham


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

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

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

Veena Ekantham


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Tail Piece

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

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

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

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

Cricket Lessons from 1978

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

M. Vijay back in runs in the Ranji Trophy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vasudevan - Hats off to you!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tri Murthy Utsavam in Uthamar Koil

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



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

The Story

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

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

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


Blend of Vaishnavism and Saivism

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



Thiru Mangai’s Ultimate Praise

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

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



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

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

Prarthana Sthala

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

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

Kaisika Ekadesi 2011 in Srirangam

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


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

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

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

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

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

Namperumal’s procession to Arjuna Mandapa

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

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

Araiyar’s Periya Thirumozhi and Thiruvoimozhi presentation

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

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

Kaisika Purana Recital and Vaikunta Moksham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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