Kurukshetra: The land of virtue

The holy land of Kurukshetra finds mention within the Mahabharata narrative as the battlefield of the famous Kurukshetra war between the armies of the Pandavas and Kauravas. Located between two rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati, the land is named after King Kuru, the ancestors of the Pandavas and Kauravas.

Also referred to as Dharmakshetra or 'the land of virtue', it holds high esteem as being a place where dharma reigns supreme. King Dhritarashtra refers to Kurukshetra as 'Dharmakshetra' in the very first verse of the Bhagavad Gita:

धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः |

मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ||

O Sanjaya, after gathering on the holy field of Kurukshetra to fight, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do?

The Vamana Purana states that in the days of yore, King Kuru chose the land adjacent to the Saraswati river to embed the eight virtues of spirituality: austerity (Tapas), truth (Satya), forgiveness (Kshama), kindness (Daya), purity (Shuddha), charity (Daana), devotion (Yajna), and conduct (Brahmacharya). Being pleased with his endeavor in this regard, Mahavishnu blessed that the land will forever be known as a Holy land and dubbed it as Kurukshetra, The land of Kuru and further decreed that anyone dying in this holy land will go to heaven.

It comes as no surprise that this sacred land embedded with the eight virtues/dharma was chosen to be the battlefield of the Pandavas and Kauravas, which symbolically represents the battle between dharma and adharma and quite fitting that the divine discourse of the Bhagavad Gita, in which the lord seeks to remind Arjuna of his Kshatriya dharma also takes place in the aptly named Dharmakshetra.

Located in modern day Haryana, in the entrance to the town of Kurukshetra, one is greeted by a sculpture of Lord Krishna driving the chariot of Arjuna, a classic depiction of the Kurukshetra war and of the Bhagavad Gita.

Kurukshetra and the nearby town of Thanesar taken together, forms an important pilgrimage site with many significant locations attributed to the Mahabharata. Some of the major pilgrimage sites in and around Kurukshetra and Thanesar are:-

Brahma Sarovar: Every year lakhs of people come to take a holy bath at the Brahma Sarovar on the occasion of 'Somavati Amavasya' (Sacred No-Moon Day that happens on a Monday) and on solar eclipses. They believe that a bath in the holy Sarovar frees all sins and cycle of birth-death. It is one of Asia's largest man-made ponds.

Sannihit Sarovar: The pond is believed to be the meeting point of the seven sacred Saraswatis. The Sarovar, according to popular belief, contains sacred water and it is believed that bathing in the waters of the tank on the day of Amavasya (new moon) or on the day of an eclipse bestows blessings equivalent to performing the Ashvamedha Yajna.

Sthaneshwar Mahadev temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is believed that here the Pandavas and Lord Krishna worshipped Lord Shiva to get His blessings for victory in the Kurukshetra war.

Jyotisar: The famous site where the Bhagavad Gita was expounded to Arjuna under the holy banyan tree.

Bhishmakund: The spot where Arjuna pierced the ground to bring forth a spring of water to quench Bhishma's thirst as he was lying on the bed of arrows. 

As the famous saying in sanskrit goes:

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः

Those who protect dharma, are protected by dharma.

Thus the sacred land of Kurukshetra, a personification of dharma in and of itself will indeed protect all those who visit the holy land and instill faith, devotion and righteousness in every devotee's heart.

Blessed banyan of Jyotisar, Haryana

Among the very many evocative metaphors of Ishwara is one where the Supreme Lord is likened to a banyan tree. He provides shelter and comfort to all His devotees just as the banyan tree does to many a weary traveler. The banyan has particular religious significance that it is found in many a temple and is revered as a Kalpavruksha (world tree that grants all wishes).

A striking aspect of these trees is their immortality. With aerial roots further growing down into the soil and forming additional trunks and creating offshoots of the original tree, banyan trees essentially live for centuries.

The religious significance of these trees cannot be overstated and the most divine among them is believed to be the immortal banyan tree of Jyotisar, which is said to be an offshoot of the original tree that has borne witness to the Supreme Lord Krishna preaching the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. This tree is thus believed to have borne witness to what is indisputably among the foremost of religious discourses.

The holy site, located a few kilometers into Kurukshetra in modern day Haryana and aptly named Jyotisar which translates to 'the light of true meaning' does indeed live up to its name. With a pleasant and soothing atmosphere that radiates tranquility, it inspires a sense of peace exactly as we derive from reading or listening to the Gita.

It comes as no surprise that a tree that can withstand the test of time, is considered to be witness to a discourse whose perpetuity is unchallenged, a discourse graced unto us by the immortal being that will forever be immortalized in all our hearts as one that can confer immortality and liberation to the spiritual seeker who reads and listens to the Bhagavad Gita with devotion.

In one of the shlokas of the Gita Mahatmya (The glories of the Gita), the Supreme Lord says:

सहायो जायते शीघ्रम् यत्र गीता प्रवर्तते।

यत्र गीताविचारश्च पठनम् पाठनम् श्रुतम्।

तत्राहम् निश्चितम् पृथ्वी निवसामी सदैव हि।।

Help comes quickly where the Gita is recited, and ever do I dwell where it is read, heard and contemplated on.

The compassion of the Supreme Lord is such that anyone who even only listens to the Bhagavad Gita with faith is blessed with the Lord's grace in full. There then remains nothing to be said about the divinity and power of the banyan tree of Jyotisar that is regarded to not only have been witness to the Supreme Lord's Bhagavad Gita but also of His Vishwaroopa darshana (infinite cosmic manifestation).

Ferocious Narasimha Temple at Keelapavoor,Tirunelveli

Keelapavoor is a small village 2 kms away from Pavoorthatram located in the route between Tenkasi and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. This temple is also called Dhakshina Ahobila (south Ahobila) is considered to be 1200-1500 years old. During the renovation work carried out in the temple several inscriptions belonging to the Pandya and Chola kings were discovered.

As per the temple legends, around 300 years ago, the sound of Lions roar used to come from the temple. Devotees then performed abhishekam for the lord with various coolants like coconut water etc. 

The main deity is Alermel Manga,Padmavathy sametha Prasanna Venkatesha swami, and Lord Narasimha is carved on the wall just behind the main deity.He is seen in the form of Ugra Narasimha with 16 hands. The scriptures(Pancharatra Agama) talk of 70 forms of Lord Narsimha with different weapons,postures etc. This is one of the forms. Such a fierce Narasimha can be seen only in Ahobila Jwala Narasimha or in Singirikudi near cuddalore.Paanaka (Jaggery water mixed with lemon juice) is offered to the deity in the temple and distributed as prasada. Devotees visit this temple in large numbers to get rid of their problems from enemies (internal and external). On Swati Nakshatra , birth star of the Lord, the temple sees lots of visitors.

Ugra Narasimha has the demon Hiranyakasipu lying on his lap sitting facing east. Out of his sixteen hands six are inside Hiranyakasipu’s abdomen, two arms holding the intestines of the demon king like a garland and the other eight hands holding divine weapons including the Sudarsana chakra (disc) and conch. At his feet are Hiraynakasipu’s wife Kayadu, Prahalada, King Kasi Pandiyan and Narada Maharishi. On the either side of the Lord’s head, there are carvings of hand-fans. His tongue is protruding out with left leg folded and right leg over another slain demon.

Keelapahoor Narasimha Temple - Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu

While the temple is small, the temple pond is many times bigger. Situated in a green tree filled area, this temple is a must visit.There is a  temple for Lord Shiva (Vallipureeshwarar, worshiped by Vaali) in the same village. The Navaneetha krishnan temple is also well known.

Temple Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM
Temple Priest: Anandan - 9442330643. 

Annadana temple of Kerala - Thiruva vandoor

       This temple is 7 kms from Chenganoor and is said to have been built by Nakula, the fourth of the Pancha Pandavas. It is also a very ancient temple, since saint Nammalvar ( 3102 BC) has song about this temple.It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu.

It is also believed that Draupadi got her Akshaya Patra ( Vessel overflowing with food always). So, Annadanam ( Food donation) is very famous in this temple. Devotees who are suffering from poverty and unable to get proper food offer their prayers here for prosperity.

There are shrines for Lord Vishnu, Ganapathi, Dakshinamurthy,Sastha  and Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is in a kid form with his hands holding curd rice. Due to some problem in the year 1325, a Krishna idol was thrown in the river by the priest. Surprisingly, in the year 1960 ( 600 years after!!), the Lord appeared in the dream of a teacher asking him to dig a particular place. The teacher did the same way and took out the idol with the help of a monk Kesava Swamiji. 

Annadana Lord Vishnu  Kerala Thiruva vandoor

 On the main festival every year, around 1000 kgs of rice are offered to Lord Krishna. On the same day, a procession of 40 elephants takes place which is a grand site to watch which is called as Gaja Mela - Festival of Elephants.

Gaja Mela Thiruvavandoor Maha Vishnu temple Kerala

        
Timings 5 AM to 11.30 AM and  5 PM to 8 PM

Phone: 0479 2427808

Mantra for Excellence in Mathematics

This is a Mantra for Excellence in Mathematics on Goddess Mahalakshmi in the Namakkal Namagiri temple to grant the wealth of knowledge - Thanks to this mantra from the magazine Kumudam Jothidam. Namakkal is famous for its Namakkal Narasimha Temple and Hanuman Temple.The great Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujam had a dream wherein this mantra was initiated by Goddess Mahalakshmi.

श्रीविद्या मन्त्र रत्न प्रकटित विभवा
श्रीसुबला पूर्ण कामा सर्वेसि प्रार्थिता
सकल सुरनुता सर्वे साम्राज्य धात्री
लक्ष्मी श्रीवेद गर्भा विदुरतु मदीया
विश्व कल्याण भूमा विश्व क्षेमात्म योगा
विमल गुणवती विष्णु वक्षःस्थलस्य||

Paintings in Srivilliputhur Vishnu,Aandaal Temple

Srivilliputhur Andal temple in Srivilliputhur is a town in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu,is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu who is worshipped as Vadapathrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal. It is believed to be the birth place of two of the Azhwars, namely Periazhwar and his foster daughter Andal.

The temple is associated with the life of Andal, who was found under a Tulsi plant in the garden inside the temple by Periazhwar. She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple.

Vadapathrasayi is believed to have appeared to Andal, Periazhwar and sages Markandeya and Bhrigu. The temple follows Thenkalai tradition of worship. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Aadipooram festival, the birthday of Andal, celebrated during the Tamil month of Adi (July - August), is the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

One of the most ancient temples in India, the temple image figures in the emblem of the Government of TamilNadu.

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting 

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting  in sleeping posture

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting as Vishnu in Varaha Avatar

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting as Gods and Bhrahma emerging from Lord Vishnu

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting with other gods

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting, Vishnu as Lord Little Krishna

Srivilliputhur Vishnu,Painting

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting, Vishnu as Lord Narasimha

The TamilNadu Government Emblem is derived from this tower

Srivilliputhur Vishnu,Painting as Vishnu taking rest in Maa Lakshmi's Lap

Srivilliputhur Vishnu Painting, Vishnu surrounded with Bhagavataars

नवलपक्कम का मंदिर और रहस्यमई शिलालेख

नवलपक्कम का मंदिर और रहस्यमई शिलालेख 

नवलपक्कम, वंदवासी के पास स्थित एक छोटासा गाव है जो तमिल नाडु के तिरुवन्नामलई जिले में है।  तमिल में नव्वल का अर्थ है जीत और पक्कम का अर्थ है राजाओ के रहने का स्थान।  माना जाता है की इस स्थान के लोग अपनी विद्या द्वारा जीत पा सकते है।  संस्कृत के अनेको विद्वानो की यह जन्मभूमि रह चुकी है।  श्रीवैष्णव ब्राह्मण यही से उत्पन्न हुए है।  यह स्थान श्रीनिवास पेरुमल मंदिर के लिए जाना जाता है।

मंदिर के देवता  - इस मंदिर में श्री श्रीनिवास हयग्रीव नरसिंह और श्री राम के पावन स्थल है।

वास्तुशैली  - तंजोर के नायक राज्य के राजकाल में यह मंदिर बनवाया गाय. इसका निर्माण १६ वि सदी में हुआ।  राज गुरु श्रीनिवासाचार्य और फिर उनके पुत्र अय्या कुमार थट्टाचार्य ने इस मंदिर के निर्माण का भार संभाला।

इस मंदिर में अग्रहरम (ब्राह्मणो का निवास स्थान ) और एक पानी का कुण्ड भी है।  इस मंदिर का भ्रमण करने वाले लोग इसके शांत वातावरण से मुग्ध हो जाते है।

इस मंदिर की दीवारो पर अनेको शिलालेख है।  इन शिलालेखो की पूरी तर से जानकारी प्राप्त नहीं हुई है तथा इनपर जांच करना आवश्यक है।

रहस्यमई शिलालेख

दीवारो पर रहस्यमई शिलालेख

मंदिर की दीवारो पर रहस्यमई शिलालेख

मंदिर के रहस्यमई शिलालेख

त्यौहार/समारोह  - यहाँ ब्रह्मोत्सव धूम धाम से मनाया जाता है।  इस मंदिर के भक्त यहाँ ज्ञान और विद्या प्राप्ति हेतु पूजा करते है।

हाल ही में तमिल नाडु  के राज्यपाल श्री रोसैया ने इस मंदिर का भ्रमण किया।  नीचे दिए गए संकेत स्थल पर उन्होंने धर्मों के बीच भाईचारे को बढ़ावा देने की बात की - Call for universal brotherhood, tolerance


संपर्क : न. र. शेषाद्रि
सचिव
+91 98400 89713 / +91 44 24861876

पता  - S.Navalpakkam, Tamil Nadu 604408, India

दिशा निर्देश : नवलपक्कम चेन्नई से १०० किलोमीटर और कांचीपुरम से ३५ किलोमीटर पर है।  वंदवासी से धिण्डीवनम तक बसे और ऑटो सेवाएं उपलब्ध है

translated by Ananya

Mystic writings at Navalpakkam, Near Vandavasi, TamilNadu

Navalpakkam is a small town located in Vandavasi, Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Naadu. In Tamil language "Navval" means victory and "Pakkam" means kings residence. It is said that the residents of this town will always be victorious due to the knowledge they have. This is considered by many as a land of Sanskrit Scholars. It is said that Srivaishnav Brahmins originally came from this place. This place is famous for its Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

Temple Deities - This temple has shrines for lord Srinivasa,Narasimha,Hayagriva and Lord Rama

Temple Architecture - This temple was built during the Thanjore king Nayaka period in 16th century. The constrution was led by the Raaj guru Srinivasacharya and subsequently by his son Ayya Kumar Thattacharya.

The temple consists of an agraharam (Brahmin quarters) and a holy tank in its premises. People visiting this temple would fall in love with its calming atmosphere that relaxes both the mind and body.

There are interesting writings on the walls of the Srinivasa Perumal temple at Navalpakkam Village (near Vandavasi, TamilNadu) - these writings are yet to be deciphered.....Must visit place for any interested in heritage tourism.

Mystic Diagrams yet to be deciphered -  
 Navalpakkam TN

Mystic Diagrams yet to be deciphered -  
Navalpakkam TN

Mystic Diagrams yet to be deciphered -  
Navalpakkam TN

Mystic Diagrams yet to be deciphered -  
Navalpakkam TN

Festivals and Prayers - Brahmotsavam is celebrated in a grand manner at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.It is believed that worshiping Shree LakshmiHayagriva will bring wisdom and knowledge.


Contact Information: N.R.Seshadri
Secretary
+91 98400 89713 / +91 44 24861876
Address - S.Navalpakkam, Tamil Nadu 604408, India

Directions: Navalpakkam is 100 Kms away from Chennai or 35 Kms from Kancheepuram. There are buses from Vandavasi to Dhindivanam or one may hire an auto.

Architectural Delight - Rama Temple, Kumbakonam

Architectural Delight - Rama Temple, Kumbakonam

Located in the center of traditional Kumbakonam town, this Sri Rama temple is a sight to behold. This temple is said to be more than 500 years old and constructed during the reign of the Nayaka kings. It is said that Govinda Dikshitar who was the minister for the king, foresaw the construction of this temple. It is believed that the idols were unearthed during the construction of a water tank. Govinda Dikshitar also foresaw the construction of several in the Kumbakonam region. This temple is known as the Ramaswamy temple.

The main deities of this temple are Rama, Seeta, Lakshmana and Hanuman (Anjaneya). Sri Ram is considered a human incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This human form is depicted in the idols at the temple. For example – Rama and Seeta are seated together as if they are sitting for a wedding ritual. Other idols like Shatrughna are seen fanning his elder brother and Bharata is seen holding an umbrella. Lakshmana stands with his hands outstretched as if waiting for a command and Hanuman is standing with folded hands (Anjali hasta).

Temple Architecture:

This temple is known for its architectural significance. The temple itself has 3 Gopurams. The large Gopuram (Raj Gopuram) takes devotees to the main hall or the Mahamandapam.Each pillar in this temple is carved out of a single stone and has intricate sculptures. The corridors of temple full of painting depicting Ramayana.

By the time of the Nayaka period, sculpting had reached a different level. If we compare the idols from say a Chola period or Hoysala period, we can see the subtle demarcations that differentiate these dynasties. Idols during the Nayaka period, are more intricately carved, with strong postures and are more elegant in their expressions. They are also more lifelike and larger in size.This temple is a must visit for people interested in fine arts, sculpting or paintings

Temple Specialities:

The outer prahara (enclosed precinct) of this temple depicts 219 paintings from the scenes of Ramayana.During pradakshinams (rounds of the temple precinct) devotees can actually read and know about the series of events that happened in the great epic Ramayana.

Hanuman idol in this temple holds a Veena instead of Club. It seems as if Hanuman is singing the Ramayana.

This is one of the few Rama temples where all the four brothers (Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shtrughana) appear together. Besides these, the other idols in this temple are Lords Vinayaka, Bhoovarahaswami, lord Vishnu with mother Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi.

Temple Festivities and Prayers:

Similar to other Rama temples, the festival of Raam Navami (March-April during the Tamil month of panguni) is celebrated with great fervor.

Devotees seeking blessings for success in marriage or removing obstacles in marital relationships pray to the lord at this temple.

Ramaswamy temple sculpture 

Ramaswamy temple Kumbakonam

Corridar in Ramaswamy temple Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam Ramaswamy Temple

Contact Details:

Phone +91 435 2401788

Address: Arulmigu Ramasamy Temple, kumbakonam-612001, Thanjavur

Timings:  6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Directions: The temple is less than 2 km from Kumbakonam. Bus facilities are available for pilgrims that take them directly to the Ramaswamy Temple Bus stop.



 Travel Operator Contact Informations:

  South India Vacation 
  Mobile  : 8144977442
  EmailId :southindiavacation@yahoo.com

Naimisaranya Vishnu Temple, UP

Naimisaranya is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnava worship. It is mentioned as a place of great importance in the several Hindu Puranas. The Ram Charit Manas makes a mention of Naimisaranya. Naimisaranya is also mentioned in Various Puranas like Matsya, Skanda, Vayu and Shiva Puranas.It is said to be the place where several Rishis have worshipped the Lord. It is also a Swayam Vyakta Kshetra .

Not only among Vaishnavas but among Shaivaites, this place is a famous pilgrimage locations. It is believed that the knowledge about divine powers and earliest form of prayers and rituals were first learnt at this location.

Main Deity:- The main deity worshipped at Naimisaranyam is Maha Vishnu. The Lord here is worshipped in his Forest incarnation as aranya=forest in sanskrit.

hanuman naimiaranya

Hanuman temple Naimisaranya 

Location/Architectural Details:-  Naimisaranya is located in the Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh.
The Purana mandir (temple) is dedicated to Suka muni (who has a parrots beak). On the hillock, there is a huge statue of hanuman with Ram and Lakshman on his shoulders. The two water bodies, Gomati and Chakra Teertha, flow through this town. The Chakra Teertha is one of the holy tanks in Naimisaranya. A dip in this Teertha is considered very sacred.

chakra teertha 

chakra teertha in naimisaranya 

Naimisaranya temple

History:- It is believed that Sage Vyasa taught the Vedas and Puranas to his disciples at this location. Romaharsha, a disciple of Vyasa also recited the Puranas here. Rishi Suka  was the son of Somaharsha.
According to history, the sages wanted to have an auspicious place to do penance. Shree Vishnu started rolling his chakra (wheel) and asked the sages to follow it. He asked the Sages to top where the wheel stops. After a while, the wheel broke down and that place came to be known as Naimisaranya where Nemi = outer circle of the wheel.

Another story is that in Kaliyuga, Lord Brahma the creator has foretold the sacred and holiness of this place Naimisaranya. It is also believed that the great sage Dadichi gave up his human form at this location so that his body can be used as a weapon to destroy evil. The Pandavas have also visited this temple and the sage Tulsidaas wrote the Raam Charit Manas at this location.

Specialty :- The main feature of Naimisaranya are its "tapovanams" or prayer forests. There are 9 different Tapovanams here and are named, Dandakaranyam, Saindhavaranyam,Jambukaranyam, Pushkaranyam,Utpalaranyam,Badrikaranyam,Gurujangalaranyam,Aruputharanyam and Naimisaranyam.

The great sages of India like Suka muni and Vyasa muni paid their respects to the lord at Naimisaranya.

Places of worship:-

Vyasa Gaddi

Vyasa Gaddi:- This place is located about a kilometer from Chakra Teertha among a dense forest. It is believed that anybody who recites/hears the Vishnu Shahasranaam or Bhagwad Puranam, can have all his wishes fulfilled.

Suta Gaddi:- The Gaddis are places that have been dedicated to the sages Suka and Vyasa. At Suka Gaddi there is an ancient Banyan Tree (Vata Vruksha).

Devi in Naimisaranya

Naimisaranya

Shiv  Naimisaranya

How to Reach:-

By Rail:- The nearest rail head is Sitapur. It is well connected from cities like Allahabad and Lucknow.
By Air:- The major airport is at Lucknow.
By Road:- This place is about 90 km from Lucknow, the state capital. Regular buses can take you to Naimisaranya.

Nearby Places to Visit:-
Ahobila Muth
Nepali Mandir
Srinivas Perumal Temple
Hanuman Gaddi
Panchvati

Lord Vettakkorumakan and the Coconut breaking ritual at Kerala

Kannur is a town situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.This area is of historic importance as it has seen many invasions, both from inside the country as well as Arab and Europeans. It is also a place that has pilgrimage shrines of Buddhism and Jainism apart from Hinduism.

Main Deity:-Lord Vettakkorumakan or Vettekkaran is worshipped in North Keralaas Kirathamoorthy or Lord Shiva as a a hunter. Some devotees also consider him as the son of Lord Kiratha (Shiva's hunter form) and Goddess Kirathi (Parvathi). Lord Vettakkorumakan is also a form of Lord Ayyappa. 

Legend:- In the great epic Mahabharatha, it is mentioned that while Arjuna was doing Penance to obtain divine weapons, lord Shiva wanted to test him. Shiva and Parvathy appeared as hunters and made a wild boar disturb Arjun's penance. Arjun shot an arrow at the boar and at the same time Lord Shiva also shot an arrow. The two warriors got into a quarrell over the hunt and it resulted in arrows being fired. All of Arjuna's arrows were consumend by Lord Shiva. Facing defeat Arjuna picked up some flowers and started worshiping a Shivling nearby. The flowers appeared on the body of the hunter. Arjuna recognized him and fell at his feet. Impressed, Lord Shiva granted him the divine weapons. After this time, Lord Shiva and Parvathy had a child in the forest while they were in there hunter forms. This child is Lord Vettakkorumakan. Lord Vettakkorumakan was sent to protect Kerala by Lord Vishnu.

Festival:- The main ceremony here is held in January. It is the Nilambur Pattu Utsavam. This ceremony is spearheaded by the royal family. This is performed by a Namboothiri family near Pattambi. This involves breaking of  12,000 coconuts at a stretch. The coconuts are broken to the rythm of Chenda melam (devotional music). The breaking speed varies according to the kala pramanam. They are broken using both hands with utmost concentration to the Taalam (beat of the music). Its worth watching live. Its performed at night after 9 pm. 

Below is a video of the performance 

Lord Narasimha with Mystic third eye at Singa Perumal Temple, Chennai

Lord Narasimha with Mystic third eye at Singa Perumal Temple

Singaperumal is an ancient but well know town near Chennai. The town is named after an ancient Narsimha temple that is believed to be around 1500 years old. This temple is located on top of a hillock. The temple is also known as Patalathri which means reddish hill. The earlier name for this place was Paatalaadri puram.

Main Deities: The main deity of this temple is Lord Narsimha. Narsimha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu that is half man half lion. Lord Vishnu reincarnated himself as Narsimha to kill demon Hiranyakashyap and save his devotee Prahlaad.The Goddess Mahalakshmi here is called as Ahobilavalli.

Temple Specialties:

Narsimha is seen here as Ugra (fierce) swaroop, his 4 hands holding conch, sudarshan chakra (wheel) and shows the Abhay (fearless) hastha (hand) with one hand and the last hand rests on his thigh. The idol has three eyes and the third eye is shown by the priest only after Aarthi. This third eye is usually covered with the thirunamam (a mark made by clay paste on the forehead). The temple priest will show us third eye during arathi by lifting the thirunamam.

A Very very Rare Alinjal tree or Ankola (Scientific name: Alangium Salvifolium) is found inside this temple. Only 10-15 trees of this kind can be seen in entire TamilNadu. The mentions of this tree can be found in ‘Naachiyaar Thirumozhi’ composed by Sri Aandaal.

Temple Architecture:

This temple is built during the reign of the Pallava kings.During the time of Narsimha Avtaar, this place was a dense forest. It is believed that the lord came into the dreams of a saint called Jaaplar as Ugra Narsimha (ferocious narsimha). Here the lord is 8 feet tall.This is a rock cut temple where the entire temple and deity have been carved out of a small hill.To go around the temple, one has to go around the entire hillock. This is also known as Giri Pradhakshinam.The entrance to the temple has 4 main pillars with different sculptures on it. The Dhwajasthambha or the pillar where lamps are lit has a sculpture of Sri Anjaneya (hanuman) on it.

Festivals and Prayers:

Giri Pradakshina on full moon day is very famous.

In the month of June (Tamil month of Chittrai) the biggest festival called Brahmotsavam takes place in this temple.

It is said that seeing the third eye of Lord Narsimha can remedy fears, psychological problems or enemy problems.

People praying for marriage or children tie a small piece of thread from their clothes on the branches of the Alinjal tree.

Lord Narashimha Temple Entrance

Lord Narasimha Temple Dhwajasthambha

Rocks near Lord Narashimha Temple

Lord Narasimha Temple Gopuram

Way to the Lord Narasimha Temple

Message on Rock near Lord Narasimha Temple

Contact Information:

Phone: +91- 44-27464325, 27464441

Timings:  7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Directions: Singaperumal Koil is about 45 kilometers to the south of Chennai, 25 kms from Tambaram and the temple is located about 100 meters off the GST Road.

Nearest Railway Station : Singaperumal Koil.

Nearest Airport : Chennai (50 kms)

Nearest highway. : NH 4. (Bus Service 60 C.)

Body of Sri Ramanuja preserved at Srirangam Temple

Srirangam is the second largest Hindu temple, after Ankor Wat covering around 155 acres and with 7 parikramas. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the svayamvakta temples, meaning the origin of the temple cannot be traced to any known history. It must have been very popular even during the times of Sri Adi Sankara, who visited this temple and sang the Ranganathashtakam on the deity. This temple is an architectural delight and the photos in the link below would attest this.A lot of information is available on the internet on this temple and hundreds of books have been written. But the focus of this article is on a few special things in this temple.

1)Saint Ramanujacharya - Saint Ramanujacharya is the foremost saint of the Sri Vaishnav tradition. There is a separate shrine dedicated to him in Srirangam temple. The biggest miracle is that it is said that the actual physical body of Sri Ramuja has solidified and can be seen here. The eyes are clearly visible and on a closer look nails also can be noted. There is no abhishek performed and twice annually the deity is cleaned with certain herbs. There are numerous evidences to indicate that it is the actual body - the paintings around the shrine, the temple history, the look itself (see photograph below)

Sri Ramanuja at Srirangam - Thrichy

But there are others who say that it is an idol. In any case, it is a curious thing to see an idol, looking so real with little or no maintenance for several centuries and whose chemical composition is also not clear.Since Ramanuja is a Maha Guru, devotees who are looking for any guidance in spiritual or mundane matters can pray to him. An archana can be performed and Tulsi prasad received.

2) Dhanvantri - Dhanvantri is considered as the lord of medicine, especially Ayurveda. Nowadays, lots of temples have come up for Dhanvantri all across India with the spread of Ayurveda. But a shrine for Dhanvantri has been existing for hundreds of years in the Srirangam temple. Located in the fourth prakara, it is a small but significant shrine. Devotees from all over the world visit here to get rid of their ailments.Till atleast a few years back, a special medicine used to be distributed in this shrine but it has been discontinued now. People suffering from diseases can visit and perform an archana. Tulsi water and Tulsi leaves will be received as prasad.

3) Sudarshana Chakra - There is a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Sudarshana who is the holy discuss who adorns lord Vishnu. The belief is that the discuss of Lord Vishnu itself is sufficient to ward off all the problems and the Lord Vishnu need not be approached for small problems. This shrine is thronged by devotees who are looking for some kind of divine protection - protection from enemies, nature etc. The greatest thing about the Srirangam temple is the size - starting from the temple towers, main deity to other deities - they are so huge and magnificent. Devotees can light any number of oil lamps in this shrine and do an archana. The number of lamps has to do with the magnitude of the problem. Others can also light lamps on behalf of his/her beloved ones.

There can be no end to the greatness of the Srirangam temple and perhaps we can look at the rest of the features in another post.

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