Thiru Kadaiyur Amirtha Narayana Perumal

The place where the nectar was handed to the Devas

Rahu Kethu seen together at the temple

Located 100yards south of the renowned Thiru Amirtha Kadeswarar -Abhirami temple is the ancient Amirtha Narayana Perumal temple in Thiru Kadaiyur, whose legend dates back to the churning of nectar and distribution to the Devas. Bala Anjaneya is a highlight here at this temple, which is entirely of ‘brick’ construction.

Legend relating to churning of Nectar

The story goes that with Indra losing his powers after being cursed by Sage Durvasa, the asuras started striking the devas with renewed vigour. The desperate devas fearing loss of their battle with the asuras sought the help of Lord Narayana to help regain their powers.

With the churning of the Nectar, Lord Narayana was all set to hand over the nectar to the Devas here at Thiru Kadaiyur but to his surprise the nectar disappeared and turned into a Shiva lingam (Amirtha Kadeswarar). Lord Narayana sought the permission of Goddess Abhirami (his sister) to help secure the nectar from Thiru Kadeswarar.  She appeared before him here at Thiru Kadaiyur and helped devas regain their powers.

While the Devas received the nectar from Lord Narayana here at the Amirtha Pushkarani, an asura too secretly picked it up only to be struck down by Lord Amirtha Narayanan. Having consumed the nectar, the asura did not die but had his body cut into two pieces - Rahu and Kethu. In memory of this event, they are seen here together in a separate sannidhi – a special feature at this temple. This is said to be a parikara sthalam for liberation from Rahu-Kethu dosham.

60^th/80^th Birthday Celebrations

Those who conduct their Thiru Kalyana functions at the Abhirami temple should also visit the Amirtha Narayana Perumal temple to secure the blessings of Amirtha Narayanan so as to complete the entire formalities of the celebrations. But most of the devotees who throng the Abhirami temple are not even aware of the existence of the ancient perumal temple at a walking distance and hence miss out on seeking the blessings of Amirtha Narayana Perumal and Amirtha Valli Thaayar.

Quick Facts

Moolavar        : Amirtha Narayana Perumal in a Grand Sitting Posture

Goddess           : Amirtha Valli Thaayar

Time                : 8am-1pm

Contact            : Rangaraja Bhattar @ 75983 80204

How to reach

Thiru Kadaiyur is 20kms from Mayiladuthurai / Sirkazhi. Take Tharangambadi bound bus via Akkur cross road to reach the temple. Auto from Thiru Kadaiyur bus stand will cost Rs. 40.

Bala Samudram Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal

Dasavathara Idols inside the Perundevi Thaayar Sannidhi is a special feature

One finds 12 Raasis sculpted on a single stone on top of the Maha Mandapa

 

Located 6kms South of Palani Dhandayuthapani temple is the 500year old Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal temple in Bala Samudram. The temple in its current form and structure is believed to have been built in 1504AD by Obula Kunda Nayak, who ruled this region. He was originally from Ahobilam and was keen to build a Perumal temple here. Indication of the centuries old existence is the strong granite structure of the complex housing Lord Varadaraja Perumal that is so symbolic of ancient temples. 

In memory of his home town, the Lord here came to be referred to as Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal.

The handsome looking Varadaraja Perumal is seen in a standing posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi by his side.

Dasavathara Idols

A special feature at the temple is the presence of ancient Dasavathara idols inside the Perundevi Thaayar Sannidhi.

Liberation from Doshams

Another feature is the presence of 12 Rasis sculpted on a stone in the Maha Mandapa. Visiting this temple and offering sincere prayers here is believed to relieve one from doshams.

Festivals

11day Brahmotsavam in Avani- Chariot Festival on Avani Revathi

11day Era Pathu Utsavam in Margazhi following the Paramapada Vaasal opening

On Puratasi Saturdays, a bhajan takes place from 9pm on Saturday evening till 7am Sunday morning.

On the moolam day in Margazhi, there is a special abhishekam for Anjaneya.

A homam is performed in Vaikasi on the occasion of Narasimha Jayanthi.

Every month, on Swathi there is a special Abhishekam for Lord Narasimha between 6am and 730am.

Ancient Vahanas

There are four Vahanas that date back several centuries. During the Brahmotsavam, Lord Varadarajan goes out on a procession around the streets of Bala Samudram on the Garuda Vahana, Hanumantha Vahana and Sapparam

Parikara Sthalam

As a solution to real estate problems, a special pooja is performed with ground nut invoking the blessings of Varaha Perumal.

A three Raja Gopuram is being planned at the Eastern entrance.

Quick Facts

Moolavar         :Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal in an east facing standing posture

Thaayar           : Perundevi Thaayar

Time                : 8am-12noon and 4pm-8pm

Contact            : R. Raghavan@ 99409 06500

How to reach

Town bus every 30minutes from Palani bus stand to Bala Samudram. Also, mini buses ply between Palani and Bala Samudram every half hour. Auto from Palani bus stand to the temple will cost Rs. 100-120.

Kathir Narasinga Perumal Reddiarchatram

Two Unique one of its kind features 

 6 ½ feet Anjaneya seen in the Agni Moolai of the temple, Bairava seen with 2 Vahanas

 

Located 15kms from Dindigal is the Pandya Period Kathir Narasinga Perumal temple in Kothapulli Village in Reddiarchatram, one that still has the strong granite structure of temples of that period. The temple was later renovated by Vijayanagara rulers and Kannivadi Zamindars. The temple has 220acres of land under its possession.

Kathir Narasinga Perumal is seen in a soft posture with a lean slim look unlike his normally angry presence in other Narasimha temples. The handsome looking Utsavar is seen with a conch and chakra.

Unique Anjaneya

 

A unique feature at the temple is the presence of the 6 ½ feet tall Anjaneya at the Agni Moolai (South Eastern corner of the temple), the only one of its kind in India. His body is facing the Eastern side while his face is turned towards the Northern direction. The right hand is lifted while the left hand is holding a mace in a posture to destroy the ego and arrogance. The huge tail is seen lifted behind on his right side.

One of its kind Bairava Sannidhi

Another special one of its kind feature at this temple is the presence of Bairava with two Vahanas. Normally one finds only a single vahana.

Chakkarath Azhvaar Sannidhi

Yet another special feature is the presence of ChakkarathAzhvaar carved on a square stone unlike the use circular stone. He is seen with Devas all around him.

Inscriptions

There is an ancient Pandya period inscription on South wall of the Maha Mandapa

Festivals

Vaikasi Narasimha Jayanthi

Avani Gokulashtami

Puratasi is celebrated in a grand way at this temple

1^st Saturday – Sandal Paste Abhishekam for Narasinga Perumal and Anjaneya

2^nd Saturday- Vennai Kaapu

3^rd Saturday-Vegetable Maalai for Anjaneya / Ekantha Sevai Moolavar/Utsavar Narasimha

                      On this day, there is also the Thiru Kalyana Vaibhavam

4^th Saturday- Maalai Alankaram for Narasinga Perumal and Anjaneya

5^th Saturday- Pushpa Alankaram for Narasinga Perumal and Anjaneya

One can find solutions to problems relating to wedding hindrances, joblessness and childlessness by offering sincere prayers at this temple.

 

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Kathir Narasingar in an East Facing Standing Posture with Sri and Bhoodevi

Thaayar           : Kamalavalli Thaayar

Time                : 730am-12noon and 4pm-7pm

Contact           : Vijayaraghavan Bhattar@ 98430 85165/97877 05083

How to reach

Reddiarchatram is about 15kms from Dindigul on the Palani highway. The temple is on the main road ½ km east of the bus stop. Buses ply every 15minutes from Dindigul. One can also take the Dindigul-Ottanchatram town bus to get down in front of the temple (Perumal Koil bus stop).

Kothandarama Temple Gandharvakottai

Sun Rays fall on the entire body of Kothandarama on three days every month

Interesting stone carvings seen inside the temple including Rangantha in a sayana kolam atop 5hooded serpent

 

Located around 30kms from Thanjavur on the Pudukottai Highway is the early Chozha Period Kothandarama temple in Gandharvakottai where Lord Rama is seen in a standing posture flanked by Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana. The temple is believed to have been built by (Kanda) Aditya Chozha. The entire temple complex, including the outer walls, is of a granite structure and dates back a 1000years.

The story goes that Aditya Chozha was moved immeasurably after listening to the story of Ramayana and ordered the construction of the temple. 1km west of the temple is a Mandapa where the story of the Ramayana is depicted.

He donated lands and initiated the conduct of daily poojas and annual festivals here at this temple. Later, Thondaman king and Gandharvakottai Zamindars renovated the temple.

There was a Vasantha Mandapam with a dome like roof at the temple where the Lord used to come on a procession and rest for a while enjoying the greenery around.

Stone Carvings

On the North corner of the Maha Mandapa is a beautiful stone carving of Lord Ranganatha in a sayana kolam taking rest atop the 5hood Adisesha with Thaayar pressing his leg to put him to sleep. His head in a slightly lifted posture is seen resting on the right hand.

On the upper walls of Maha Mandapa are carvings of fish.

Unique Occurrence

On the 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd of every month, the sun’s rays fall on the entire body of Lord Kothandarama between 6am and 730am, quite a unique occurrence at this temple.

Festivals

In centuries gone by, Theppotsavam was celebrated in a grand manner at the temple. Several of the vahanas that carried the Lord during Brahmotsavam processions are still seen at the temple.

Kothandarama goes out on a procession on Rama Navami

10day Era Pathu Utsavam following the Paramapada Vaasal opening

Thirumanjanam on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Childless couples can invoke the blessings of Lord Hanuman who is seen in a separate sannidhi here.

Thiruvengadam Bhattar has been conducting poojas at the temple for almost 50years now. Till very recently, he was paid a salary of just Rs. 50.

Renovation

There is a separate sannidhi for Vedantha Desikar on Southern West corner of the temple. Prabhandham Ghoshti used to take place here in centuries gone by. However, this is now seen in a dilapidated state and has to be rebuilt. 

The last renovation at the temple took place almost 45years ago. Several of the mandapas are in a dilapidated state and requires immediate attention. The temple comes under the administration of Pudukottai HR & CE.

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Kothandarama with Sita and Lakshmana

Time                : 6am-11am and 4pm-7pm

Contact            : Thiruvengadam Bhattar @ 98656 20114

Narayanan bhattar@ 7708505490

How to reach

Gandharvakottai is about 30kms from both Thanjavur and Pudukottai on the state highway. Buses ply every 10-15mts between Thanjavur and Pudukottai. From Trichy, one can take the Sengipatti-Pattukottai highway to reach the temple (50kms).

The temple is a 5minute walk from the bus stop. Car from Thanjavur Railway station and back will cost Rs. Rs. 400- 500/- Contact: 94435 88102

Konerirajapuram Varadaraja Perumal

Appar in his Devaram refers to the presence of an Agraharam here

It is a different tale for two ancient chozha period temples in Konerirajapuram on the Northern banks of Keerthiman River. While Varadaraja Perumal temple has a new look with the Samprokshanam that took place last week after a gap of 16years (the previous one was in 1998), the huge Uma Maheshwarar temple that is well known for the biggest Nataraja Idol is still waiting for approval from HR & CE well over a year after plans were firmed up for renovation.

A vibrant Agraharam

Thiru Navukarasar (Appar) in his Devaram verse refers to the presence of the Agraharam here. In the last century, there were over 200families in the Nadu Agraharam opposite the Perumal temple with row of houses on both sides. A pleasing note is that a vibrant Agraharam continues to exist here with white pulli kolams seen every morning along the agraharam.

The story goes that having constructed the Uma Maheshwarar temple, the Chozha kings brought in hundreds of Brahmins from across different regions for the daily recital of Vedas and the celebration of festivals through the year. It is believed that the Varadaraja Perumal temple was constructed during this period with the Brahmins taking care of the maintenance of the temple and the performance of the daily poojas staying in the agraharam.

Majestic King like Utsava Deity

The Utsava idol, which is believed to date back over a 1000years to the Chozha period, has the majesty of a king (named as Koneri Raja Perumal) and immediately draws a devotee’s attention.

The Rama Sannidhi was a later period addition with the Rama and Sita idols believed to be around 200years old. 12day Rama Navami Utsavam is celebrated in a grand manner here at the temple with Sita Kalyanam performed on the 10^th day. On this day, Rama and Sita go out on a procession around the four streets of Konerirajapuram. Hanuman Utsavam will be celebrated on the 12^th and final day.

Moolavar Varadaraja Perumal now adorns a Gold Kavacham. The madapalli wears a new look and the two ancient vahanas too have seen a new coat of paint.

Vahanas

There are two ancient vahanas here at the temple. Garuda Vahana procession of Varadaraja Perumal takes place in Puratasi, while Rama goes on the Hanumantha Vahana procession. 

Sampath Bhattar, the hereditary priest has been here at the temple for the last 40years with his forefathers having performed pooja for Lord Varadarajan over the last 400years.

Festivals

12 day Rama Navami Utsavam Rama- Sita Kalyanam on the last day

5day Jeshtabhishekam in Aadi

Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam on Puratasi Saturdays

30day Margazhi Utsavam ending with Andal Kalyanam

Every Ekadasi, Lord Varadarajan goes on a procession.

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Varadaraja Perumal in an East Facing Standing Posture

Thaayar  : Mahalakshmi Thaayar

Utsavar   : Koneri Raja Perumal

Time        : 630am-1130am and 5pm-830pm

Contact   : Sampath Bhattar @ 98432 09527 / 0435 2449517

  

How to reach

Konerirajapuram is 21kms East of Kumbakonam in the Kuthalam Taluk of the Nagapattinam District. From Kumbakonam, direct bus (A22) every hour to the temple. One can take the Karaikal bound bus (frequency every 15minutes), get down at S. Pudur. The temple is 3kms South of S. Pudur.

From Aduthurai railway station (express trains stop there) on the Kumbakonam-Mayavaram route, one can reach the temple via Thiru Neelakudi and S. Pudur (13kms)

Nam Azhvaar Mogur Ananthapuram

Interesting Similarities between Thiru Mogur and Thiru Ananthapuram

Nam Azhvaar has begun the last set of 100 verses of his Tiruvomozhi (which totally comprises of a 1000verses) with praise of two temples, 300kms apart but where the Lords are seen in a similar sleeping posture atop the Serpant King. Nam Azhvaar probably found a lot of similarity between the two temples and hence chose to praise them one after another as part of his last 100verses of praise in the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham.

He follows the first set of 10 verses on the Lord of Thiru Mogur in the Pandya Kingdom near Madurai with 10verses of praise on the Lord of Thiru Ananthapuram (Trivandrum/Tiruvananthapuram) which he refers to as being near the ocean.

Kaalamegha Perumal

In his praise of both Thiru Mogur and Thiru Ananthapuram, Nam Azhvaar specifically makes a mention of Lord being in a sleeping posture atop a venomous hooded Serpant.

 'படர் கொள் பாம்பணைப் பள்ளி கொள்வான் திருமோகூர்' 

'விடம் உடை அரவில் பள்ளி விரும்பினான் சுரும்பு அலற்றும் ....அனந்த புர  நகர்'

                                                     Anantha Padmanabhan

Similarity in the two places over a 1000years ago

'அண்டம் மூவுலகு அளந்தவன் அணி திருமோகூர் என் திசையும்  
ஈன்  கரும்பொடு  பெரும் செந்நெல்  விளையக்...'

'In multiple verses of his praise on Thiru Mogur, he refers to lovely groves and lakes surrounding the temple. Similarly, about Thiru Ananthapuram, he says it was full of fertile fields and he saw fishes jumping up and down in the lakes.  While he talks about Thiru Mogur being a place where Sugar Cane and Paddy was seen in vast abundance, he refers to Thiru Ananthapuram as one where Kurundu, Serundi and Punnai trees were seen in big numbers all around.

'குன்று நேர் மாடம் மாடே குருந்து சேர்  செருந்தி புன்னை 
மன்று அலற பொழில் அனந்த புர நகர்' 

Describing the Lord

If in one verse, he refers to the Lord of Thiru Mogur as being with 4arms, lotus eyes and sweet lips, in another he praises him as being Dasharatha’s son who destroyed Lanka and in yet another he names him as Kaalamegha Perumal, while he refers to the Lord of Thiru Ananthapuram with different names in different verses as Kesava first, then as Govinda, Vamana and Madhava.

Process of darshan

'முற்றும் தேவரோடு உலகு செய்வான் திருமோகூர்
கதறி நாம் வலஞ் செய்ய  நம் துயர் கெடும் கடிதே'

While he asks the devotees to visit Thiru Mogur and go around the Lord just once for our sins to go away, he provides us with a list of things to be presented to the Lord of Thiru Ananthapuram one that includes Sandal paste and incense, lighting a lamp with ghee and placing a lotus flower at the Lord’s feet at Thiru Ananthapuram for our miseries to end and for us to find eternal glory. He also goes on to say that even a simple sweeping of the floor at Thiru Ananthapuram would entitle us to the Lord’s blessing.  

'ஏய்ந்த பொன் மதில் அனந்த புர நகர் எந்தைக்கு என்று 

சாந்தொடு விளக்கம் தூபம் தாமரை மலர்கள் நல்வ ....அந்தம்  இல் புகழினாரே ' 

Manavala Mamuni temple Kothankulam

Manavala Mamuni spent his early days in Sikkil Kadaram

The house of Tiruvoimozhi Pillai is in a dilapidated condition, while the Thiruvarasu of Koora Kulothuma Dasa is being reconstructed North of the temple

Sikkil Kadaram (now Kothan Kulam) is a small and quiet village located 39kms from Ramanathapuram on the Tuticorin highway. The legend relating to Kotravan Kulam ( Pandya Kings were referred to as Kotravan) dates back to the 13th and 14th Century AD. Tiruvoimozhi Pillai ruled this region for a short period before being initiated into Vaishnavism by Koora Kulothuma Dasa.

It was that Koora Kulothuma Dasa, who on instructions from Pillai Lokacharya, brought Tiruvoimozhi Pillai to Sikkil Kadaram for initiating the latter into Vaishnavism. 

It is also the place where renowned Vaishnavite Saint Manavala Mamuni spent his early childhood days before moving to Azhvaar Tirunagari. Kothan Kulam is the home town of Manavala Mamuni’s mother, who hailed from here. 

The house of  the great Vaishnavite acharya Tiruvoimozhi Pillai, who learnt the 4000sacred verses here at Sikkil Kadaram, still exists here but is now in a dilapidated state and requires immediate attention.

At Sikkil Kadaram, just off the state highway is the over 700years old Sundararaja Perumal temple where Manavala Mamuni is seen in a South facing Sannidhi.

Legend

During the Muslim Invasion of Srirangam, Pillai Lokacharya, Koora Kulothuma Dasa and Thiru Kannamangai Aandan are believed to have saved the processional utsava idol of Lord Ranganathaswamy temple from the 8^th day Horse Vahana Utsavam near the Panri Azhvaan Varaha Perumal Temple on the banks of Coloroon. They took the idol to several places including Thiru Koshtiyur, Azhagar Koil and Yaanaimalai (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/12/veda-narayana-perumal-kodikulam-madurai.html).

Deciding to relinquish his kingdom, the then Pandya King in Madurai handed over the rule to Tiruvoimozhi Pillai, a Brahmin. He also requested him to take care of his wife and son.

Pillai Lokacharya knew the greatness that Tiruvoimozhi Pillai was destined for and directed Koora Kulothuma Dasa to initiate him into Vaishnavism.

However, those were early days yet for Tiruvoimozhi Pillai who was lost in the charms of the kingdom. One day, while he was on a procession on the elephant going around the streets of Madurai, Koora Kulothuma Dasa chanted loudly the Thiruvirutham verses of Nam Azhvaar.

Turning Point in Tiruvoimozhi Pillai's life

Stunned by these beautiful Thiruvirutham verses, he got down from the elephant, called on Koora Kulothuma Dasa and asked him to provide more insights into these songs. It was then that Koora Kulothuma Dasa tried to initiate him with the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham verses.

Though he showed interest initially, Tiruvoimozhi Pillai’s mind was distracted as it went back and forth to the thoughts of his kingdom for he had just then begun to enjoy the power of ruling Madurai. This angered Koora Kulothuma Dasa and he threatened to walk out on the initiation of these sacred verses.

This happened to be the turning point in the life of Tiruvoimozhi Pillai as he decided to hand back the reigns to the son of the original king and surrendered to Koora Kulothuma Dasa requesting him to continue with the initiation of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham.

As per the direction of Pillai Lokacharya, Koora Kulothuma Dasa brought Tiruvoimozhi Pillai to Sikkil Kadaram (now Kothan Kulam) to initiate him into Vaishnavism and spread the messages of Vaishnavism.

It was also Tiruvoimozhi Pillai who went to Azhvaar Tirunagari and renovated the place from the forest that it was at that time. The descendents of Tiruvoimozhi Pillai continue to live in Azhvaar Tirunagari. Sridhar Tiruvoimozhi Pillai, one such descendent, recently presented the Gajendra Moksham puranam at Thiru Mogur Divya Desam (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2014/03/thiru-mogur-gajendra-moksham-utsavam_23.html).

The Samadhi of Koora Kulothama Dasa who was responsible for bringing Tiruvoimozhi Pillai to Kotravan Kulam (the place of the Pandya King) is here just next to the Sundararaja Perumal Temple.

Manavala Mamuni, who spent his early days here at Sikkil Kadaram later went back to Azhvaar Tirunagari and then to Srirangam, where for a year Lord Ranganatha listened to his Bhagavad Vishaya Kalakshepa explaining the meaning of and providing insights into the Tiruvoimozhi verses.

As Guru Dakshina to Manavala Mamuni, the lord presented the Dhaniyan ‘Srisailesa Dayapatram…’ which to this day is recited at prominent Divya Desams such as Tirumala, Srirangam and Thiruvallikeni.

The Thiruvarasu of Koora Kulothuma Dasa, the house of Manavala Mamuni’s Acharya Tiruvoimozhi Pillai and the house where Manavala Mamuni lived his early years are all in dilapidated condition at Sikkil Kadaram.

Kuro Kulothuma Dasa's Thiruvarasu at Sikkil Kadaram

Given their great contribution to Vaishnavite tradition, initiatives should be taken to make these as historical monuments and should be safeguarded for posterity. Also, the Thiruvarasu of Manavala Mamuni at Srirangam is now in a state of dispute.With the current CM belonging to that constituency, it is hoped that she will immediately direct the authorities to hand over the ancient land/property for the sacred Thiruvarasu to become a guarded monument.

Festivals

Currently, only the 3day Pavitrotsavam in Aipasi is celebrated.

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Sundararaja Perumal East Facing Standing Posture

Separate Sannidhi: Manavala Mamuni South Facing Standing Posture

Time                : 7am-12noon and 5pm-7pm

Contact            : 94433 41163

 

How to reach

From Ramnad, take Tuticorin bound express bus to get down in front of the temple at Kothankulam.

Buses ply every 15minutes on this route. It will take about 45minutes to reach the temple from Ramnad.

Car from Ramnad and back will cost Rs.750.

Rama Navami Eri Katha Rama Madurantakam

Rama provides darshan in four different attires on Rama Navami

Presentation of Desigar's Raghuveera Gadyam praising Rama's Qualities

Rama Navami was celebrated in a grand manner at the Chozha Period Eri Kaatha Rama temple in Madurantakam ( http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/11/madurantakam-eri-kaatha-raamar.html) on Wednesday (9 April). On the occasion, Lord Rama, one of the two Utsava deities at the temple, provided darshan in four different attires.

Sankshepa Ramayana Parayanam

The day long celebrations began with Lord Rama providing Vishwaroopa Darshan at 730am in a special Thiru Kolam - ‘Lord with a Plait’. For the next couple of hours, Lord Rama listened to the sweet rendition of 218 verses of Sankshepa Ramayana and Paduka Pattabhishekam led by TE Madhavan, the hereditary Theerthakar at the temple (Interestingly, Madhavan is currently working on his P. HD in Metallurgy at IIT Madras but does not miss the Rama Navami, Brahmotsavam and Adhyayana Utsavam Celebrations).

Following the Ekantha Sevai at 11am, the team of priests led by Seshadri Bhattar performed a special Thirumanjana for over 2hours in front of several hundred devotees who had gathered at the temple on this festive occasion. Lord Rama was smeared with sandalwood paste, honey, and special turmeric powder, among other things. One could see the pleased Lord smiling at his devotees at the end of the holy bath.

Madhavan was back at the end of the Thirumanjana to present Vedantha Desigar’s Gadyam that provide insights into description of the handsome features of the Lord from ‘Head to Toe’. 

Vaira Mudi Sevai

After a couple of hours of rest on the hot Panguni day, Lord Rama was back at 4pm displaying his third attire of the day – Thiru Aabharana Alankara combined with the Vaira Mudi Sevai as part of the Avathara Aradhana. This time, for an hour Lord Rama enjoyed the beautiful Perumal Thirumozhi Divya Prabhandham verses of Kulasekara Azhwar. Following this, Madhavan along with Dharanidharan Bhattar presented in a rapid fast paced style ‘Raghuveera Gadyam’, where Vedanta Desigar praises the ‘Veera’ qualities of Lord Rama.(http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2014/04/raghuveera-gadyam-vedanta-desigar.html)

The celebrations culminated with the much awaited ‘Muthu Kondai’ display. Seated on the Pushpaka Vimana, just after 8pm, Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, provided darshan in this fourth and most handsome looking attire during his 3hour procession around the Mada streets and it was 230am when the Lord was finally put to sleep - Sayanam. This is one of the only two occasions in the year that Lord Rama comes out on Street Procession (the other being on the 7^th day of Brahmotsavam). It is the other Utsava deity Karunakara Perumal who is the processional idol on all other festive occasions.

Legend has it that Rama landed here with Sita on the Pushpaka Vimana after killing Ravana to fulfil the promise that he had earlier made to Vibandaka Rishi.

The story goes that Vibandaka Rishi’s son Rishya Singar helped King Dasharatha conduct the Putra Kameshti Yaagam which resulted in the birth of Rama. In his search for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana reached Vibandaka Rishi’s ashram here in Madurantakam. The Rishi gave Rama the confidence that he would be able to locate Sita and wanted him to visit this place on his return trip and provide Darshan along with Sita. Hence Rama is seen in a Kalyana Kolam at this temple with him holding the hand of Sita.

On the 3^rd day of Thai, Karunakara Perumal goes on a procession to Nyana Giri Parvatham, the hill where Rama is believed to have descended on his Pushpaka Vimana.

No Hanuman inside the temple

A unique feature at this temple is the absence of Hanuman inside the temple. As Rama had sent Hanuman as a messenger to inform Bharata that he was on his way and did not come along with Rama in the Pushpaka Vimana, Hanuman is not seen inside the temple.

Having presented the idol of Lord Ranganatha to the new Lankan king Vibheeshana, Lord Rama is said to have invoked the blessings of Karunakara Perumal who was his aradhana idol.

The meeting of Ramanuja with Periya Nambi 

It was here that Ramanuja met with his Acharya Periya Nambi and was initiated with the Pancha Samskaram. In memory of this special event, one finds a separate Sannidhi for Ramanuja and Periya Nambi. 

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Kothanda Rama in a Kalyana Kolam

Goddess           : Janaka Valli Thaayar (Separate Sannidhi)

Utsavar           : 1. Karunakara Perumal

                          2. Rama

Temple Time    : 730am-12noon and 430pm-830pm

Contact            :  Seshadri Bhattar @97868 66800

Raghuveera Gadyam Vedanta Desigar

Recital of Mahaveera Vaibhavam is a perfect medicine for relief from life's fears

Desigar's Gadyam showcases Rama's Valour and fearlessness

In 94Gadyams of delightful prose that is to be rendered in a fast paced style, Vedanta Desigar captures the essence of entire Ramayana specifically describing Lord Rama’s valour at different points of his life.  It is believed that reciting this Gadyam is equivalent to an entire Ramayana Parayanam.

Starting with the ease with which Rama broke the bow, as directed by Sage Vishwamitra, to bag Sita’s hand, Desigar takes one through the different phases  of Rama’s life where he, to uphold Dharma, displays his valour to protect people from evil forces.

பரத்வாஜ சாசன பரிக்ருஹீத விசித்ர

 சித்ரகூட கிரி கடக தடா ரம்யா வசத

He describes the way Rama killed Asuras - Karan and Dooshana. Highlighting Rama’s ‘Veera’ Qualities, Desigar describes killing of asuras in the Dhandaka Forest creating for the rishis a path that seemed so full of Parijatha flowers. Having killed 14000asuras, there was nothing Rama could not achieve, praises Desigar. He says that one could almost see on his shoulders the arrow marks of the strikes made by the asuras.

In one Gadyam, Desigar refers to Rama as being a witness to Sabari Moksham.

அவந்த்ய  மஹிம முநிஜந  பஜன முஷித ஹ்ருதய கலுஷ 

சபரி மோக்ஷ  ஸாக்ஷி பூத

Towards the end, Desigar praises Rama saying that even a slight tweaking of the string of his bow sent shock waves across Lanka. He describes the effortless ease with which he defeated the almost invincible Lankan King Ravana.

த்ரேதா யுக ப்ரவர்த்தித கார்த்தயுக வ்ருத்தாந்த ... 

Desigar says that even in the Tretha Yuga, when dharma had slightly weakened, Raghava Simha ruled Ayodhya with the same high Dharmic Principles that was so symbolic of the previous period - the Kretha Yuga.

Desigar ends ‘Mahaveera Vaibhavam’ (another name for Raghuveera Gadyam) directing everyone to recite this as a perfect medicine for relief from any fears of Samsaric life.