Ranjus travel blog

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The significance of Vaigasi Vishakam

The supreme divine incarnation of Lord Muruga took place in the Tamil month of Vaigasi (mid May – mid June) on a Full Moon day in the asterism or nakshatra `Vishaka`. The auspicious Vishaka nakshatra is a combination of three stars that shines brightly in the sky. It is the sixteenth nakshatra of the 27. This year it falls on 4th of June 2020.

Birth of Muruga
Lord Muruga incarnated to destroy the demons – Surapadma, Tarakasura, and Singamugha. They were causing untold misery to the Gods by keeping them enslaved for ages. The Gods beseeched Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva meditated and six sparks of fire emanated from his third eye, hence he is called Skanda. The fiery sparks were too unbearable and so was carried to the sacred River Ganges by Agni and Vayu, who dropped them there. Mother Ganges carried the fiery sparks to pond Saravana, which was covered by water reeds. The sparks transformed and Lord Muruga manifested here as six babies on six lotuses that bloomed from the pond. The six babies were nursed by the six nakshatras called six Krithikas, who are the stars of the constellation Pleiades. Hence he is called Kartikeya, son of Krithikas.

Six faces of Muruga
Then Goddess Parvati embraced the six babies and made it as one with six heads and 12 hands. So he is called Shanmuga. The six faces of Muruga stand for: creation, preservation, destruction, involution, supreme grace, and primal source of wisdom. He is the God of all knowledge and imparted the meaning of the primordial cosmic word OM to his father, Lord Shiva.

Sage Agastya (a revered Vedic sage), who mastered this mantra, revealed the secrets of the mantra:

” Om Saravana Bhava “
Om – is considered the most sacred mantra, represents the infinite, that all aspects of life are intertwined.
Sa – attracts all people to your side;
Ra – brings wealth and prosperity in your life;
Va – dissolves competition, diseases, debts and your physical discomforts;
Na – surmounts your problems through enemies;
Bha – attraction through charming;
VA – stops negativity and influence from bad planets and evil forces.

Yesterday being Vaigasi Vishakam , thirumanjanam was done to Lord Muruga in the morning followed by alangaram in Nellikuppam , Boologanathar temple near Cuddalore ,Tamilnadu.

Evening by 5 pm ShivaSakthi homam has been done by keeping 108 kalasams followed by Abhishegam and Alangaram to Lord Shiva (Boologanathar) and Goddess Bhuvanambika for (lokha shemam) Universal welfare due to lock down devotees were not allowed and was done in a low key with the temple officials .

Pictures courtesy Hari priest of Sri Boologanathar temple , Nellikuppam .

Pradosha pooja is a bimonthly occasion on the thirteenth day of every fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It is closely connected with the worship of Hindu Lord Shiva. The auspicious 3 hour period, 1.5 hours before and after the sunset is one of the optimum time for worship of Lord Shiva.

Pradhosha pooja is one of the most important among the poojas performed to Lord Shiva. Every month twice it is celebrated on the 13th day of full moon and on the 13 day (thriyodasi) of the new moon, between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is called Pradhosha. It comes once in fifteen moon days.

During Pradosha pooja Lord Shiva’s Vahanam, Nandi (the bull) is given the first priority of abhishegam and then to Lord Shiva and other deities in the temple .

Pradhosha time is especially meant for praying to Lord Shiva. Praying in that time is believed to free us from all our sins and gives moksha finally (hence the name Pradhosha). During Pradosha time a special type of circumambulating called Somasutra Pradakshanam  is done.

The origin of Pradhosha is related to churning of milky ocean by Devas and Asuras.

Once the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras) were churning the milky ocean hoping to extract Amirtham (Divine Nectar) with the help of Vasuki, the serpent king. Vasuki, who was used as a rope around Mount Meru to churn the ocean couldn’t bear the pain. So, it started spewing venom (Alagala visham). Frightened by the effects the venom could cause, Lord Brahma took to his heels. Lord Vishnu’s bluish body darkened further. The Devas, being chased by the venom , ran towards Lord Shiva and pleaded him for help.

At Kailash, the Devas ran around (circumambulated) Shiva and tried to escape from the poison. But the poison sprout in front of them forcing them to turn back and run in the opposite direction. This repeated a few times before Shiva sent Sundarar to fetch the poison and eventually drank it to save the world.

From then on, the period during which the Devas circumambulated around Lord Shiva is regarded as Pradosha and the way they circumambulated is referred to as the Somasutra Pradakshanam.

Somasutra Pradakshinam is a unique way of circumambulating the Lord Shiva on Pradosam day .

First saluting the Rishabha Devar (Holy Bull or Nandi) go anti-clockwise and salute Chandishwarar (not crossing the Gomukhi). Now return in the clockwise manner salute Rishabham and continue clockwise till the Gomukhi (not to cross it again). Then return in anti-clockwise direction salute the Rishabham again and proceed towards Chandikeshwarar. From there return back clockwise without worshipping Rishabham and reach the Gomukhi. Finally return back anticlockwise from there to salute Rishabham and continue to Chandikeshwarar and return back to Rishabham and worship the Shiva Lingam (at the altar) by viewing through the space between the two horns of the Holy Bull. This is one Pradakshinam. Three such times Pradakshinam to be done. Must not cross the Gomukh from where the abhishegam water of the Lord flows through. If you carefully observe the curve traced by doing the pradakshinam is very similar to the periphery of the crescent. Hence this way of circumbulating is called Soma sutra Pradakshinam.

Nowadays as the temples are crowded Somasutra Pradakshanam is not done instead after abhishegam and alangaram of the deities , the procession diety is carried within the temple complex on the Rishabha (Bull) Vahana 3 times and the devotees too follow chanting ” Om Namashivaya “.

Here am sharing the pictures of yesterday’s (3rd of June 2020) Pradosa pooja done in Sri Bhuvanambika sametha Boologanathar temple in Nellikuppam , Cuddalore in Tamilnadu . The priest Hari being the nephew of my friend shared the pictures of the abhishegam (ablutation with water , milk, curd , sandal , turmeric tender coconut water , lemon , honey Vibhuthi and fragrance powder on the idol) and alangaram (decorating with flowers clothes and ornaments) of the deities as we could not go in person due to lockdown . Feeling blessed to have the divine dharshan of the deities.
OM NAMASHIVAYA !

Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikaksha Perumal Temple near Trichy, Tamilnadu.

This temple is one among the Cholanadu Divyadeshams and it is a Moksha Sthalam.

This temple pond is known as Swastika kinaru (kinaru means well) and it’s a architectural marvel .

This post is about the unusually designed well located at the back of the (beyond the compound wall of the) temple premises. This Swastika shaped well is surrounded by hedges and bushes. It is protected by Tamil Nadu state department of Archaeology and renovated with the financial assistance of 13th finance commission 2013-14. The well together appears like the symbol ‘Swasthika.’ Each wing of the Swasthika has 51 steps leading to the water and , on descending down the 20th step, one has to take a right to reach the tank below. The supporting beams made of stones criss-cross the structure. The peculiar feature of the well is that it ensures privacy for those taking bath in the four enclosures. Hence local people call it as Mother-in-law – Daughter-in-law Tank (மாமியார் மருமகள் குளம் அல்லது கிணறு) since when taking bath in this tank both of them would not be visible to each other. This peculiar shaped well was excavated by one Kamban Araiyan from Alampakkam during the year 805 A.D. during the reign of Pallava king Dantivarman (746 – 847 A.D.). It was excavated under the instructions of Dantivarman. The well is named after ‘Marpiduku’ one of the royal titles king Dantivarman and popularly called as ‘Marpiduku great well.’ There are statues of Nandhi (bull vehicle) and Nagas (serpents) found around the well. According to the hoarding kept there the well underwent renovation during the 13th century A.D. by Yosala Veera Ramanathan and this renovation was carried out by Kudanthai Vanigan Uyyaneri Kaatinaan .

An inscription found on one of the side wall of the well speaks about the excavation of the great well

No. 40 – (A. R. No. 541 of 1905) – Tiruvellarai, (then) Lalgudi Taluk, Trichinopoly District. On the margin of a well called ‘Nalumulaikkeni’ (which means the well that has for corners) – This inscription records the construction of a well called Marppidugu-Perunkinaru at Tennur in Thiruvellarai by Kamban Araiyan , the younger brother of Visayanallulan of Alambakkam , in the 4th year of Dantivarman. Published in Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XI, p. 157. (Grantha and Tamil characters)

Courtesy:Know Your Heritage.

This temple is in Vandavasi , 8kms from Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu .

Thennangur Village is landmarked by this temple, which is well connected with Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram and Chennai. People who are visiting Kanchiuram, Thiruvannamalai and Chennai can add this place in your iternary ,worth to visit this temple without second thought.

Location wise it is located on Tamilnadu state Highway 116 on Thiruvannamalai Kanchipuram road. While coming from Kanchipuram it is 5 km before Vandavasi. One can see Temple vimana Gopuram on your right around 8 km before Vandavasi. There are no clear sign boards on road, so once you see gopuram from road keenly observe and take right from Highway towards village. It is @ 1 km inside which is single road after crossing Highway.

Structure of Temple Resemble the Pandaripuram temple in Maharashtra with 12 feet Hight Lord Panduranga accompanied by Matha Raghumayee in standing posture blessings the Devotees . Lord Idol is made of Salagrama Stone.

The temple was build by the disciple of his holiness Gnanananda Swamigal, His Holiness Harida Giri swamygal. It is being administrated by his holiness Namanadagiri Swamigal Presently. There is a idol for Him within the temple complex .

Primary Temple modeled upon the Puri Jagannath Temple and outside structure Reflects Pandava architecture .This temple stands with a 120 feet toll tower and Gold Kalasa of 9.5 feet with sudarshana chakra above . Passing the balipeeta, There is Mahamandap, where one can see swamy different alankar photo gallery.

Daily there is a different alankaram to god. That is one more special and unique thing of this temple. Temple is open from Morning 06:00 to 12:00 and evening 04:00 to 08:00. During alankara they ask you to sit and will tell history of the temple and then bhajans will start . Gents are allowed with bare top. Shirt and baniyan has to remove before entering into main temple . Bhajan will end once alankaram is finished . After swamy alankar is over they will open curtain and you will have the divine dharshan 12 feet height swamy in front of you with well decorated avatar. It is not only surprising and also amazing . You will feel blessed. Inside walls and ceiling are decorated beautifully with gold foil paintings done on fibre glass which gave a rich red and gold ambiance.

Adjacent to the temple there is a Sri Chakra Sakthi peedam maintained by the same trust . All the deities related to Sri Chakra Maha sodasi , Rajarajeswari , Saraswathi , Lakshmi , Brahma ,Vishnu , Rudra , Eswara Vinayaga , Bala , Annapoorni , Ashwaruda , Rajamathangi , Varahi , Prathyangara , Sarabeswara , Chakrathalwar ,Yoga Narasimha , Agoramurthy ,Vanadurga , Parasaraswathi , Medha Dakshinamurthy , Subramanya, Chandi Mahalakshmi, Caumari ,Vaishnavidevi Mahendri Chamunda Mahalakshmi are in idol forms .

Right of the temple there is Nitya annadanam Hall where one can have Lunch, which is open for all and for all 365 Days.

This temple we went on a Sri Rama Navami day and the lord was decorated as Sri Ramar with bow .

Near by is a Goddess Meenakshi Amman temple at a walkable distance. It’s a recent times built temple.

Hope you too get the divine dharshan of Thenangur Lord Pandurangar.

Aadhi Thiruvarangam . The main diety of this temple is Gigantic Sri Ranganathar bigger than the Lord at Srirangam .

Chennai- Villupuram- 160kms, Villupuram – Thiru kovilur- 40kms (Frequent buses from 3.30am from Villupuram new bus stand), Thiru Kovilur- Manalurpet – 15kms (Government and Private bus every half hour),  Manalurpet- Adhirangam-5kms (mini buses- local buses ply here every half hour)

Located about 60kms South West of Villupuram on the banks of the now completely dry South Pennai river is Aadhi Thiruvarangam , an almost unknown and yet, one of the oldest temples for Lord Ranganathar .

This temple dates back to the first Yugam (Kretha Yugam) and the first Avathaaram (Matsya Avathaaram). Hence, this Kshetram is referred to as ‘Aadhi’ Rangam .

Lord Ranganatha is seen in a gigantic east facing sleeping posture and measures over 15 feet, not seen in any Divya Desam , though this temple is not a Divyadesham. It is considered as one of the prathana sthalams with His consort Goddess Ranganayaki Thayar .

This is a Prarthana Sthalam for
Good Education (as the Lord initiated Brahmma with the Vedic lessons)
Progeny (as the Lord granted the wishes of the King who prayed here) and one’s overall well being as Lord Ranganathar himself directed that an image of his be created at this place.

As per legend, a demon king named Somukan stole all the Vedas from the Devas and all the sages were worried. They appealed to Lord Vishnu, who appeared as Ranganathar at this place to emerge from water to rescue the scriptures. He is also believed to have advised Brahma at this place. As per another legend, a king named Surakeerthi who was childless worshipped Lord Vishnu at this place to get children . Chandra, the moon god, lost all his glow on account of a curse he incurred. The celestial deities advised him to worship Vishnu at this place. He established a tank and worshipped Ranganathar with the holy waters and believed to have been relieved off his curse. The temple tank , Chandra Pushkarani, is believed to be the tank he established .

The temple is considered as Periya Perumal temple, meaning the image of presiding Ranganathar is larger than the one found at Sri Ranganathar temple at Srirangam .

We had the divine dharshan of this Lord after our visit to Thirukovilur as both temples are near each other .

“With the sight of the new moon, the fasting of Ramadan is finally over. May Allah bless you with his wisdom and success in life. Happy Eid Mubarak!”

From Wagah border after watching the procession we travelled by our tour bus to Golden temple .

As the passage is too narrow we had to get down in the main road and take an auto to the temple .

Both sides of the roads are shops selling kurtas materials chickenkari works and fast food shops of Punjabi dishes .

While entering one has to clean their feet in the flowing stream of water and cover our heads and slippers stands are within the complex .

Here too handbags are not allowed and mobiles are allowed .

The Golden Temple is also referred to as “Darbar Sahib” or “Harmandar Sahib”, and is one of the oldest and holiest shrine of worship places for the Indian Sikhs . It is located in Amritsar, Punjab.

The entire top of the temple is made of pure gold, adding to the beauty of the temple.

The most famous and sacred part of the Golden Temple complex is the Hari Mandir (Divine Temple) or Darbar Sahib (Court of the Lord), which is the beautiful golden structure at the center of a large body of water. … The structure is decorated inside and out with verses from the Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book).

The temple is surrounded by a manmade lake that boasts a lot of exotic fish in it. To get to the temple, you will literally have to walk on water.

The temple is entered from four different sides to show openness and acceptance,
has a circumambulation path around the pool. The temple is a collection of buildings around the sanctum and the pool.

The temple was initially built without any gold coating. It is during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of Punjab in the early 19th century that the temple went under full renovation and made into what it is today.

Before the temple was built, the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak, used to meditate at the site. It was not until the fifth Guru, Guru Arjana that the temple was built.

The manmade lake around the temple is known as ‘Amrit Sarovar’ which is translated as ‘Pool of Holy Nectar’.

The temple is considered holy such that 35% of the pilgrims that visit it are from faiths other than Sikh.

The Langar is the dining hall in a Gurdwara, here the food is served , given to all regardless of their caste or religion as a gesture of equality.

It consists of a simple roti dhall rice sabji and a kheer .

The Golden temple serves up to 200,000 people during special religious events. Amazingly, all the food served are donations from faithful.
Approximately daily they serve 50000 people per day .

With hand painted mosaics and patterns, the Golden temple is one of the most significant symbols of Mughal and Indian architectural genius.

It is a must for not only for Sikhs but others to visit The Golden Temple and pay your homage. Not only the experience will be blissful but it also has a healing effect both on their mind and physical body. It is difficult to quantify the blessings and what one takes with them after their visit to the temple .One
can spend hours inside the Golden Temple without ever getting bored of the unique atmosphere.