Ninra Narayana Perumal Tirupattur

Ancient 800 years old temple where the Lord is seen in a Grand Standing Posture

Veera Anjaneya is seen plucking out a tree in a posture of destroying the enemy forces

There is a striking similarity between the Moolavar idol found in the Divya Desam West of the Pandya Kingdom and the one here in the East, in Tiruppatur (Sivaganga District) - not to be confused with the other Tirupattur known for the Brahmapureeswar temple ( near Trichy).

The idol of Ninra Narayana Perumal in Tirupattur (Pandya Kingdom) reminds one of another such Lord – the one at Thiruthangal Divya Desam near Srivilliputhur (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/12/thiru-thangal-ninra-narayanan-temple.html).  While this one at Tiruppatur was the Eastern gateway into the Pandya kingdom, the Divya Desam is at the Western end.

Ninra Narayana Perumal is seen in a handsome and a grand standing posture as the name indicates, flanked by Sri and Bhoo Devi Thaayar. There is a separate sannidhi for Thiru Maa Magal Thaayar.

The temple dates back at least a 800 years as seen from the inscription at the Thiru Thali Nathar temples.

Anjaneya’s Posture

A speciality of the temple is the posture of Anjaneya who is seen in a posture similar to the one during the Ramayana war. He does not have his mace. Neither does he have the crown on his head. His hair is unkempt. He is seen plucking the tree with this hand in an act of destroying the opposition forces. 

Anjaneya is now seen in a separate small temple a few hundred yards away from Ninra Narayana perumal (opposite the bus stand). This was surrounded by a huge fort and hence he is referred to as Melakottai Anjaneya.

The Bhattars of both these temples come from a village called Kongarathy about 10 kms from Tiruppatur near Kandira Manickam. Kongarathy has a beautiful ancient temple for Vanpugazh Narayana Perumal (to be seen shortly). The current Bhattar family are the 9^th generation in their clan to be taking care of the temple. During the rule of the Pandyas, lands had been allocated for the maintenance of Ninra Narayana Perumal and Melakottai Anjaneya that continues to exist to this day.

Tiruppatur was Pandya Kingdom’s second capital. It was the entry from the East to the Pandya Kingdom. The first battle with the Pandyas always took place at Tiruppatur be it with Chozhas or the Hoysalas or the Mohammadens. During the invasion by the Lankan ruler Lankapura Thanda Nayakaavin, the temple activities were disrupted. And then in the 14^th century during the Muslim invasion, Ninra Narayana temple was damaged.

It was only after the rule of Sadaya Varma Pandya, when Visalaya Thevan undertook some renovation at this temple that this temple regained some of its grandeur. Subsequent to the renovation by Vaisalya Thevan, a renovation took place in 1921 and again in 1961 under the rule of CM Dr. Bhaktavatsalam.

Loss of the Agraharam

Decades ago there was a beautiful agraharam leading to the Chariot at the farther end with the original residents living happily on either side of road in their row houses. However as they moved away seeking greener Pasteur, new occupants took over leading to new high rise buildings. During this process, the flooring on the road and the new buildings was raised with the temple structure as well as the chariot being pushed to a lower base. This led to constant flooding inside the temple during the rainy season.

With the view to raise the temple to a higher base, the temple was brought down completely after 2002 and a new structure was created leaving us with no remnants of the old temple except for the idols of Ninra Narayana Perumal and Veera Anjaneya.

Festivals

There is a Garuda Vahana, Anna Pakshi Vahana and Horse Vahana at the temple.

Ninra Narayana Perumal goes on a Vahana procession around the now commercialised streets of Tirupattur on the Saturdays in Puratasi. There is an abhishekam for Mahalakshmi Thaayar on Sundays. Lord also goes out on a street procession during Sri Jayanthi utsavam.

Ninra Narayana Perumal temple is open between 8am-11am and 5pm-8pm. Contact V Rajagopalan Bhattar @ 94874 55910

For Veera Anjaneya temple, Contact Srinivasan Bhattar/ Sundara Gopala Bhattar/ Narayana Swami Bhattar @ 95972 45455 / 96885 76509 / 96555 25494

How to reach

Take Chennai Egmore - Rameswaram Express and get down at Karaikudi. Tiruppattur is about 20kms from there. Buses ply every 10minutes between Karaikudi and Tirupattur.

Thiru Koshtiyur Divya Desam (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2011/09/thiru-koshtiyur-sowmya-narayana-perumal.html) is 7kms from Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple.

Thiru Meiyam Satihya Moorthy Perumal Divya Desam (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/05/108-divya-desam-thiru-meiyam.html) is 20kms from Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple   

Cheran Maha Devi Ramaswamy Temple Renovation

Lighting the Darkness

 

The ancient over 1000year old Ramaswamy temple at Cheran Maha Devi that had been in a completely dilapidated condition (read the story written in Sept 2011 http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2011/09/cheran-maha-devi-ramaswamy-temple.html) has received a fresh lease of life with the recent Samprokshanam in mid January. There had been no renovation in the last 100 years at this temple.

(It is quite a dramatic change from the the state of the idols and the vimana as seen in 2001 in the story link above. It is particularly significant because this is one of the few temples in the country with the Ashtanga Vimana similar to the ones at Thiru Koshtiyur, Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram) and Koodal Azhagar Divya Desam. And the Ashtanga Vimana has been save for yet another generation).

A 5km Underground Tunnel
 In the past, there was a 5km long secret underground tunnel from Tier 1 of the Ramaswamy temple that led one to the Perumal temple at Karisulnda Mangalam on the banks of Tamaraibarani, North of Pathamadai. Though this route has remained shut, one can still find the entrance to the tunnel from Tier 1 of the Ramaswamy temple. During the rule of Raja Raja I, the temple was referred to as Nigaril Chola Vinnagar Azhwar temple and the deity as Raghava Chakravarti. This place was referred to as Cheran Maha Devi Chaturvedi Mangalam with the hilly terrain of Papanasam being the short cut from Cheran Maha Devi to Trivandrum. 

Description of the Lord in earlier centuries

In centuries gone by, the Lord was described as ‘top tier’ Azhwar idol (Thiru Parkadalnathan in a Sayana posture atop Adhisesha), the ‘mid tier’ Azhwar idol (Veetriruntha Perumal) and ‘lower tier’ Azhwar idol (Aadhi Narayanan standing posture).

The temple that had celebrated festivals in a grand manner had been in the dark of late, literally with no oil even to light lamps and bats being the main occupants, quite a contrast from earlier periods. 

Lighting the Lamp in the 11th Century

An 11^th Century AD inscription records a specific praise for Vaikanasas for taking care of the lamps as they would of their own body. So committed were they that they pledged themselves to maintain a perpetual lamp at the temple. And they were to be levied a penalty of double the quantity of ghee if they failed in their duty. Also, there was a deposit made in the hands of the Vaikanasas for burning a half lamp during the rule of Rajendra I. There were several more gifts for lighting the lamp clearly indicating that the daily burning of lamps was well taken care of.  

Not just the lamps, the overall security of the temple too was provided for. There was a gift of pieces of land in the 11^th Century AD by the Merchant Guild for maintenance of a watchman (Thiru Meiykaappu) at the temple. The gifting by the Merchant Guild is also an indication that the business and economy at this place was robust at that point of time.

Rose Water for the Lord

Deposits were also made for conducting worship of the God during festivals. In the early 13^th Century AD, during the rule of Kulasekhara I, a gift of money was made for providing rose water to the God for the famous Chitrai Festival.

Grand Festivals in Centuries gone by

As late as the first half of the last century, there were several festivals conducted in a Grand manner at the temple. A 10day Oonjal Utsavam in Aipasi, Garuda Sevai on the last Saturday in Puratasi, the Big Festival (Brahmotsavam) in Chitrai with Garuda Sevai on the 5^th day, Chariot Festival (indicating the temple had a Chariot) on the 10^th day and Theerthavari on the 11^th day were very popular. There was also a 10 day festival for Anjaneya and a Theppotsavam in Margazhi.  

The temple had however lost its grandeur in recent decades with the Vimana in a dilapidated state surrounded all around by shrubs and bushes. The outer walls were in poor condition and even the mooligai painting on the Moolavar idol in each of the three tiers had withered. There was no oil to light lamps and the Lord was left to guard himself without even a Vastram. And most of the festivals including the Brahmotsavam were off.

New Facelift

The temple that had been in such a forlorn state has received a big facelift recently. The entire temple complex has had a fresh coat of paint. It is refreshing to find each of the Moolavar idols anointed with a bright colourful Mooligai painting. The lamps are glowing bright in all the Sannidhis bringing back a great feeling of devotion and positive vibration inside the temple.

While earlier the entrance to the 1^st and 2^nd Tier was through the maha mandapa from the inside, a new external stair case has been laid for the devotees to visit the top tiers from the outer prakara. The outer walls too are sporting a new look. All the ancient inscriptions have been left intact. Other additions include a new lighting system for the temple, new flooring and a security gate leading up to the sanctum.

It is hoped that Garuda Sevai (Garuda Vahana has been painted new and looks in good shape) in Puratasi, Rama Navami, Theppotsavam in Margazhi and the grand Chitrai Brahomotsavam will once again be celebrated in a grand manner.

The temple is open from 8am-1030am and 530pm-8pm. Contact Bhattar @ 90435 48173

( A part of this story featured in The Hindu Friday Review on 11 March)

Veeravanallur Sundararaja Perumal Temple

Located 5kms West of Cheran Maha Devi is the centuries old Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Veeravanallur where the Lord is seen in a grand standing posture along with Sri and Bhoo Devi. The presence of an agraharam is a pleasant sight in the village.

There is a separate Sannidhi for Vedanta Desikar, whose Avathara utsavam used to be celebrated in a grand manner over 10 days. 

Pandya King Veeramaran came here on a hunting expedition and was stunned to see a Muyal standing its ground and taking on a wild dog in this forest region. Pleased at this sight, he built the temple dedicated to Shiva in a grand style. In recognition of his efforts this place came to be referred to as Veeravanallur.

The Perumal temple came much later after the construction of the Shiva Temple. The temple has a Maha Mandapa, Artha Mandapa and Mani Mandapa. There is a big tank with a Mandapa behind the temple that is now brimming with water after the recent rains.  There is also a canal that runs through the village.

Till the first half of the last century, a 10 day Poosam Festival was celebrated in Thai with the Chariot Festival on the 9^th day. There was also a 10 day Sri Jayanthi festival, a 7 day Pavitrotsavam and an Oonjal Utsavam in Aippasi. The 21 day festival in Margazhi was also a popular festival at this temple including the recital of Divya Prabhandham. The presence of all the vahanas including Garuda Vahana and Hanumantha Vahana also indicate to the conduct of the annual Brahmotsavam with the Lord going out on street processions providing darshan to the devotees on different vahanas. And the place had been abuzz with devotional activity through the year. 

However, over the last few decades, the temple had remained in an unattended condition with no permanent priest to take care of the daily pooja. In recent times, a priest has been roped in from Central India along with a Parijarakar to take care of the sacred offering to the Lord.

The temple also wears a new look now and it is hoped that the festivals that were once an integral part of this village would be revived again in its old grandeur.

The temple is open between 630am and 11am and 430pm-830pm. Contact: Rangaraja Bhattar @ 94601 79551 / 97892 70435 or Venkatachari @ 98848 30141.

When here also visit Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal temple Athalanallur, 4 kms north west. http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2016/03/athalanallur-gajendra-varadaraja-perumal.html

For auto, Contact:  94427 14547

Buses every hour between Veeravanallur and Athalanallur

Kulasekara Azhvaar

The 'King of Madurai' who quit his kingdom to offer selfless service to the Lord of Srirangam

Provides a specific methodology for prayer in his Perumal Thirumozhi

Born in Thiru Vanjikalam in Kerala on Maasi Punarvasu, Kulasekara Azhvaar married a Pandya princess and ruled the Chera kingdom from Vanji and later won over Madurai. In his verses he refers to himself as the King of Madurai and a Chieftain of Koodal. He also refers to himself as the head of Kozhi and hence may have expanded his kingdom to his favourite city of Srirangam (Uraiyur) as well.

Later he passed on his kingdom to his son and chose a path of service to the Lord.  He moved to Srirangam and began his work (referred to as Perumal Thirumozhi in the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham) with praise of Lord Ranganatha who seemed to be his favourite. In all he contributed to 105 verses in the Divya Prabhandham.

In his 3 decads of praise of the Lord of Srirangam, he has showcased the way to invoke the blessings of the Lord.

He says one should immerse oneself in prayers while seeking the Lord and also provides a methodology for a prayer with interesting specifics such as ‘bow down with humility’, ‘simply melt in devotion’ in front of the Lord, ‘pray sincerely with folded hands’, stand in front of the Lord and try to experience him with tears in your eyes, mingle with like-minded devotees at the temple and repent for every wrong deed of yours.

He has dedicated a couple of entire decads showcasing the merits of devotees of Srirangam much in the way Periyazhvaar praised the devotees of Thirukoshtiyur. He says that it is important to pay reverence to the devotees of the Lord and that is integral to worship to the Lord. Probably the most interesting insight in the first three decads of his unflinching praise on Ranganatha is a lesson that is quite relevant for the devotees even now.

‘The fact that he relinquished his kingdom and dedicated his entire time in devotion to the Lord did not go well with many who considered him as having taken an action in haste and went to the extent of branding him as Mad. However he hits back at them pointing out to them that it is they who are mad for they do not realise as to how blessed he is having been taken away from the world of materialistic desires to one of true life time devotion.’

Contrary to the normal thought process of not wanting another life, he says that he is okay to be born again even as a fish or a bird or an ant or any other creature if it provides him an opportunity to be close to the Lord ( of Tirumala).

His verses of praise on the Lord of Vittuvakodu are addressed to provide motivation to a devotee in trouble and showcasing the importance of total Surrender to the Lord. 

In the 2^nd half of Perumal Thirumozhi, he brings out the emotions of a parent – first taking one to the childhood of Krishna and to Devaki’s feelings. And then in two successive decads, he brings out the outbursts of Dasaratha and Kausalya and their love for their son.

While Devaki gave birth to Krishna, she had to let him go soon after his birth and rarely had the fortune of seeing him grow. However Kausalya was lot more fortunate and her son Rama grew into a young handsome boy right in her presence and she sings lullabies to Rama.

The verses relating to Dasaratha and his laments are sorrowful and apologetic as he presents his state of having to send his son out of the kingdom based on an old promise handed to his wife right on the eve of his coronation.

Kulasekara Azhvaar presents the entire story of the Ramayana in the final decad praising the Lord of Chidambaram ( Thillai Nagar).

He spent his final days in Brahmmadesam ( Mannar Koil) where he has a temple named after him and a separate Sannidhi with Dwajasthambam, the only one of its kind (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/11/kulasekara-perumal-koil-in-mannar-koil.html)

.A series on Perumal Thirumozhi follows....

Athalanallur Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal

Temple associated with the Gajendra Moksham episode
Special Initiatives taken 1000 years ago to maintain a beautiful Nandavanam to ensure the presentation of Flower Garlands for the Lord every day
Even Gardeners were provided for at the temple and their interests taken care of 

Located 10kms North East of Ambasamudram and about 25kms from Tirunelveli amidst green fields on the Eastern Banks of  over flowing Tamaraibarani is the ancient Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal temple in Athalanallur, one whose legend dates back to the Gajendra Moksham episode. As per inscriptions inside the temple that date back a 1000years, this place was referred to as Athaani Nallur ( Athaani = Elephant), yet another indication for the elephant episode connection to this temple. 

Lost in thoughts of Lord Vishnu a disciple of Sage Agastya ignored his Guru’s presence prompting the Sage to curse him to turn into an elephant. One day when the elephant went to the river to bring water for Abhisheka, he found the lotus flower and plucked it only to be caught in the grasp of the crocodile. Crying for help, he called out for Aathi Moolam. The Lord came on his Garuda Vahana and provided Moksham to both the animals by hurling his chakra at the Crocodile.

A rock inside the temple tank referred to as the Elephant Rock, reference to the Gajendra Moksham episode having taken place in the foot of the Pothigai hills and the presence of Sage Agastya inside the moolavar sannidhi are believed to be indications of this temple’s association with the legendary event.

Inscriptions

There are several inscriptions inside the temple that date back a 1000 years. During the rule of Kulotunga I (1100AD) a portion of fields of Athalanallur was separated and granted as a tax free Devadana land. During that period, Athalanallur was referred to as a hamlet of Cheran Maha Devi and the Gajendra Varadar temple was referred to as ‘Moymam Pooumbolil’ Azhvaar temple.

During the rule of Jatavarama Srivallabha Pandya there was a gift of land for conduct of worship on Puratadhi day at Athalanallur. The queen of the place has been mentioned as Uagamuludu Mudaiyaal.

There were five sacred offerings to the Lord each day as organised by the assembly of Cheran Maha Devi during the rule of Maravarma Pandya. One of the inscriptions refers to the land originally held by the temple for this purpose as lying waste due to petty quarrels. There is also a record of gift of one achchu by Emberumanar Ammai for providing offering to the God and providing from that prasadam to the servants and worshippers of Emberumanar in the temple. The Vaishnavas in the temple received the achchu and agreed to maintain the charity. There was a grant of prasadam to a certain Ramanuja Jeer for a quarter Annai achchu which the vaishnavas had received from him.

Flower Gardens at Athalanallur Temple

Nandanavam seems to have been given great importance during ancient times at this temple as seen from the different flower gardens referred in the inscriptions, the appointment of gardeners to maintain the garden and initiatives to take care of them.

There was a gift of tax free land for flower garden called Tambikku Nallan Thiru Nandavanam during the rule of Vira Pandyadeva Pandya.  On the north wall of the temple is an inscription dating to the rule of Jatavarma Pandya that refers to gift of land to the temple by a big army with 10 commands for maintaining the garden. There is also a record of a sale of garden lands.

Gardeners at the Nandavanam

There was a gift of prasadam to two gardeners for rearing the flower garden called Ramanuja Thiru Nandavanam during the rule of Kulasekara Pandya. They were exempted from tax and they were to grow flowers, pick them and string them together into garlands. There was a gift of Kadamai on certain lands by the temple for providing maintenance of gardeners of the Iladaraiyan flower gardens.

There was also a gift of one kalam of food by the temple for feeding the men in charge of Ramanuja flower garden.

Festivals

Garuda Sevai on Vaikasi Uthiradam, Aani Swathi, Puratasi Thiruvonam, Thai Poosam

Muthangi Sevai on Vaikunta Ekadasi and Chandra Prabha / Ssha Vahana procession

On the morning of Vaikunta Ekadasi, there will be a Special Sayana Sevai

Till 1970, festivals were celebrated round the year but since then many of the festivals have been stopped.

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Aathi Moolam standing posture

Thaayar           : Andal

Utsavar            : Gajendra Varadar

Time                : 7am-1030am and 430pm-730pm

(On last Sat of every month, temple will be open between 530am -1pm and 4pm-8pm)

Contact  : Raman Bhattar @ 04634 287295 / 99659 20369

How to reach

The temple is 4 kms from Veeravanallur. An auto from Veeravanallur will cost Rs. 70. Contact auto@ 94427 14547

Buses infrequent between Veeravanallur and Athlanallur.From Athalanallur, one can cross the Tamaraibarani by foot to reach Ranga Samudram Venkatachalapathy temple.