Ranjus travel blog

Sri Parimala Ranganathar Thiruinthaloor

This temple is in Mayiladuthurai and is 35 kms from Kumbakonam it is one among the pancha ranga sthethram and one among the 40 cholanadu divyadeshams .

Moolavar name is Parimala Ranganathar , Sugantha Vana Nathar .
Thayar name Parimala Ranganayaki , Chandras Shaba Vimochana Valli .
Theertham is Indu Pushkarini .

Indhu means moon . As perumal relieved Chandra ( Moon ) from his curse , this place is known as Indhaloor . Lord Narayana gave dharsan as Vennchudar perumal in the standing posture to the Moon god in Thalaisangaadu . But here at this place he is in reclining ” Veera Sayanam ” posture . There he was full of light being as Vyomajyothi piran . But here he is full of fragrance ( Parimalam ) and hence he is called as Parimala Rangan .

According to legend , King Ambarishan was due to complete his 100th Ekadasi – Dwadasi fasting . The Ekadasi fasting involves fasting and thinking only of the glory of the lord for 12 days , till the Dwadasi . The people of his kingdom were immensely happy that their ruler would be completing a century of this great deed . All preparations were made for a grand celebration in the empire .

But , the gods were unhappy as if the King managed to complete his 100th fast , he would be elevated to the status of a God and the Gods did not want to lose their importance in front of the humans . So , they approached Sage Durvasa for help , known for his cunning temperament . The Sage promised to help them , and went to King Ambarishan’s palace to visit him .

The King was about to consume his food and complete the fast , when Durvasa entered . Glad to have the Sage visit him , the King requested Durvasa to dine with him . Durvasa , cunningly told the king that he would eat after a bath in the river . The King waited for Durvasa , but the time to complete the fast was nearing . The King then consulted his chief pandit who advised him to have a few drops of water and complete the fast as Durvasa was determined to come late and foil the fast .

Knowing the King’s plan with his powers , Durvasa conjured up a ghost and sent the ghost after the king . The King ran , praying to the Lord to protect him . The lord appeared , seeing whom the Ghost immediately backed away . Seeing the lord , Durvasa realized his fault and apologized to the Lord and to the King . The Lord then asked the King for a boon as he had completed 100 fasts . The King asked the Lord stay at his palace forever and bless the people of his empire. Pleased with his devotion , the Lord decided to stay at the palace .

The story goes that Lord Parimala Rangan shut the door on Thirumangai Alwar , who had come for his darshan , reasoning that he was late. Upset at this , Thirumangai Alwar gets into an argument with Lord Parimala Ranganathar .

When a friend keeps a thing that we want and does not want to share with us , we typically say ” keep it to yourself ” in jest . Similarly , here , with the Lord not allowing Thirumangai Alwar an entry into the temple , the Alwar asked Parimala Rangan to keep all his beauty to himself and to enjoy it on his own .

Thirumangai Alwar goes on to argue that the world will talk about the Lord in bad light as he shut the door on the Alwar . The Lord ignores this comment of the Alwar saying that he need not worry about it and that he will take care of any ill feelings.

Despite repeated attempts to impress the Lord to allow him an entry , Parimala Rangan maintains his silence . The dejected and frustrated Thirumangai Alwar decided that he would leave the place as the Lord was stubborn at not allowing Darshan to the Alwar.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Paasuram says meaning that ” I am leaving you , you , yourself live here and enjoy life “.

Sensing that Thiru Mangai Alwar may leave the place without praising him enough , Lord Parimala Rangan tries to prolong the argument and asks him to sing praise of him . Thiru Mangai Alwar replies saying “How can I shower praise on you when you do not allow me to see you”. Lord Parimala Ranga says ” You who have sung praises of other Lords , sitting in your place , do sing praise of me too so I can listen to your sweet songs .” Thirumangai Alwar finally falls for it and composes 10 Paasurams .

The pillars of this temple are carved beautifully with Krishna leelas .

Mathur Mahishasuramarthini and Thiruvalangadu

On maatu pongal ( 16th January 2020 ) day my daughter and grand daughter visited us after worshipping Pongal at their place .

We decided to visit our farm near Thiruthani ( Podatur to chittoor road ). There is Lord Murugar temple in Thiruthani , which is one of his abode in ” arupadai veedu “. Since we have visited this temple many times wished to go to Mathur Mahishasuramarthini temple just 3km from our farm .

We started by 10 am having breakfast at home and had a short coffee break at Hotel Akshayam in Thiruvallur from there drove straight to the temple .

The temple is situated at 2.5 kms from Ponpadi railway station and 13kms from Thiruthani Lord Murugar temple .

The Swayambu Amman Idol was found in 1960’s near the Railway track in a place called Sakthi Medu. In 1954, while laying the railway track between Chennai and Tirupathi, this Goddess appeared as Swayambu to a group of workers in this place. Stunned by the charm of the Goddess, they constructed a small temple for her in this place which later developed into a big temple as it is now.

The main temple has a vast corridor with colourful pillars with a scenic backdrop of the Tirupathi hills. The main deity, Mahishasura Mardhini, is about 10 feet height. The Goddess is so charismatic that even while killing the demon Mahishasura with her “Soolam” at her feet, she presents a smiling face, which is a rarity. She is having eight hands (Ashtabuja) with four on either side, each holding a weapon . Another unique feature here is the sthala vritcham the neem tree , the leaves of this tree does not taste bitter .

After worshipping we had lunch by 1pm at GRT Regency and made my grand daughter play in the swing and then went to our farm and spend an hour walking . She was excited to see the cows , goats in the farm and started playing in flowing water .

Then started again by 4 pm we planned to see Thiruvalankadu Shivan temple and a Goddess Badrakali Amman temple near the temple pond .The temple pond is really big and deep .

Thiruvalangadu is a village in Arakonam to Chennai highway .

Tamilnadu Tourism

This Blog gives vivid description about places of interest in Tamil Nadu to help the the tourists visiting this beautiful and enchanting temple . Have shared the legend.

Vadaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu – Legends

Oordhva Thandavam:

The legend is that two demons – Sumban and Nisumban had worshiped Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. Impressed by their rigorous penance, Lord Shiva gave them a blessing that every drop of their blood that fell on the ground would turn into a lingam. Having sought Lord Shiva’s blessings, these two demons started terrorizing the celestial gods who in turn complained to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva asked Goddess Parvathi to create “Badra Kali” and this Kali was advised to go to Thiruvalangadu to destroy the demons.

Mother Parvathi created a furious Kali and destroyed the demons. Kali consumed the blood of the demons and their army and grew more furious. However, since she had drunk the blood of the demons, she started losing control of her senses and started acting like a demon herself. She started terrorizing the celestial gods, who one again sought Lord Shiva’s intervention in this matter. To solve this problem, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy came to this place.

Kali who was not in control of her senses, started fighting with Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu and Rishi Naradhar intervened and made them accept a dance competition instead of a fight, which the duo agreed to perform. It is believed that the dance performance was witnessed by Goddess Parvathy, Rishi Naradhar, Sage Munjikesa (Sage Anantha) and serpent Karkodaka. Lord Brahma and Lord Mahavishnu are believed to have provided music for their dance.

Lord Shiva performed 17 types of dances which Kali also repeated. Finally, Lord Shiva played his “Oordhva Thandavam” – a dance with very fast movements. Lord Shiva intentionally dropped his right earring on the ground, stood on his right leg, picked up the earring with the toe of his left leg and wore it again during the dance itself. Kali could not repeat this movement and admitted her defeat.

Goddess Parvathy, who was astonished to watch this performance is praised here as “Arukilirunthu Viyantha Nayaki” (goddess who witnessed the spectacular dance performance). The lord here is praised as “Andamura Nimirntharuliya Nayanar” as he performed the Oordhva Thandavam. Kali was very angry to accept her defeat.

To appease her anger, Lord Shiva told her that he would be performing a pleasing dance – “Raksha dance” at Thiruvirkolam temple and she could have his dharisanam there. Lord Shiva said that he alone was equal to her and said further that those coming to worship him here, should worship her first to reap the full benefit of the worship. Since then, Kali has her own temple to grace the devotees.

Pancha Sabha:

Legend has it that when the Lord was once entranced in a deep cosmic dance, the jewels from the Lord’s anklets fell onto the earth and scattered in 5 places, Thiruvalangadu being one of them. It’s called as ” Ratna Sabhai “.

Vadaranyeswarar:

According to the legend, in ancient times this region was a forest densely covered with banyan trees (Aalamaram in Tamil). It is believed that a Swayambu Lingam was discovered under a banyan tree. Later a temple was constructed and the lord was named as “Vadaranyeswarar” (Vadam meaning banyan tree, Aranyam meaning forest and the Easwar represents Lord Shiva).

Devarsingaperuman:

Celestial gods (Devas) are also believed to have worshiped the lord of this temple, he is also praised as “Sri Devarsingaperuman”.

Karaikal Ammaiyar:

Lord Shiva’s dance here was also witnessed by one of his great devotees, Saint Karaikal Ammaiyar. She is also one of the 63 Nayanmars. It is said that she went to Mount Kailash by walking upside down on her head to see Lord Shiva. The lord addressed her as “Mother” (Amma in Tamil) and advised her to go to Thiruvalangadu to see his dance. She came to see the lord in this temple but a Shiva lingam started appearing wherever she put her foot. To give respect, she decided to again walk upside down on her head. She witnessed the dance performance of Lord Shiva, rendered her pathigam (hymn) and attained salvation in this temple itself. It is believed that her last resting place was at the feet of Lord Natarajar. Since her pathigams are prior to the Moovars Devaram, they are called “Mootha Thiru Pathigam”.

Thiru Gnanasambandhar:

Another legend associated with this place is that since Karaikal Ammaiyar had walked on her head at this place, Saint Thiru Gnanasambandhar was afraid to set his foot on the soil. Not wanting to show any disrespect towards Karaikal Ammaiyar, he decided to stay in a nearby village and spent the night there without visiting this temple. However, Lord Shiva of this temple appeared in his dream and asked if he had forgotten to praise him. Next morning, he visited this temple and rendered a pathigam in which he mentioned about the “Neeli story” and God’s reminder to praise him.

Neeli Story:

Another legend associated with this place is that of a lady called “Neeli”. It is believed that she was killed by her husband as he had suspected her of infidelity. After her death, she could not move on to her next birth and started roaming around this place in the form of a ghost. Incidentally, in his next birth, her husband was travelling through this place. Seeing her former husband, Neeli decided to seek revenge. She assumed the form of his present wife and wanted to go with him. He was surprised to see his wife here, he sensed that something was wrong and he refused to let her accompany him.

Neeli went to the locals (velalars) and complained that her husband was abandoning her. The locals interfered and asked him to stay with her at a nearby place and travel with her the next morning. He tried explaining to them that she might not be his wife but they refused to his pleas. Instead they vouched for his safety by saying that if anything were to happen to him, they would also give up their lives.

As soon as they went inside the house that the locals had given to them, Neeli took her original form of a ghost and killed him. In the morning when the locals found him dead, they decided to end of their lives and keep the promise that they made to him. The legend is that 70 velalars gave up their lives by self-immolation (Theekuliyal in Tamil). It is also believed that Lord Shiva gave salvation to all of them.

It is interesting to note that the old Tamil proverb “Neeli Kanneer” (crocodile tears) originated from this story only. The hall where these velalars gave up their lives can still be seen near the Saatchi Boodeshwarar temple in Pazhayanur (at about one 1 Km from Thiruvalangadu temple). It is said that the heirs of those velalars still go to Thiruvalangadu temple for worship and for offering their services.

Mantheeswarar:

Another legend is that Sani Bhagwan (Saturn) advised his son, Mantheeswarar who had accrued a sin (Dosham) when a lizard fell on him, to go to Thiruvalangadu and worship Lord Shiva there. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him by absolving the sin.

Bharata Muni prayed Lord Shiva for progeny:

The most ancient legend has it that, Bharata Muni and his spouse Subhadra prayed in this Thiruvalangadu village for progeny, after taking bath in the Puthrakameshwarar Theertham.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that Lord Murugan, Goddess Lakshmi , Karkotaka , Sage Sunanda and Saint Tirumular have worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple .

After the dharshan buying organic vegetables sold by near by farmers we reached home safely .

The neem tree and vinayagar temple at mathur

Nagar idol at the back of vinayagar tempke

Pond of Badrakali amman temple at Thiruvalangadu

Oorthava Thandavam posture of Lord shiva

As it was maatu pongal cow was decorated with balloons

Nakshatra sthalam at Badrakali amman temple ( Barani )

Nava Narasimhar sthethram Thalambur

This Nava Narasimhar sthethram is about 45 kms from Chennai .
This temple is in Thalambur near Navalur behind AGS cinemas and is newly constructed and maintained by a private entity . As I often get forwards regarding this temple both in wats up and face book visited this temple recently . It’s a small temple and has all the Nava Narasimhars . The either sides of the entrance of the sanctum, two niche images of Narasimha are found.

The left side has Narasimha in the standing posture, who has four arms. He is named as Divya Narayana.

The right side has Narasimha with two arms, who is in the sitting posture. He is called as Mathi Narayana.

On the prakara, the first image is Veera Narayana. Here, Narasimha is seated with his right leg folded . Ramanuja and Desikar are found in the same shrine.

The next image is Sarva Narayan. He is in the reclining posture similar to Ranganath. Lakshmi is found near his feet.

Then, there is Gnana Narayana, who holds bow and arrow like Ram. His wife is Chenju Lakshmi, who has the typical posture of Sita. Hanuman is also found in this shrine.

Kroda Narayana comes next. Here, Narasimha is found in Adi Yoga form.

Brahaspati Narayana is the next form of Narasimha, where he has four arms and holds book in his left upper arm. Brahaspati is also found in the same shrine.

With Garuda standing nearby and having Lakshmi on his left lap, Deva Narayana is found as the as the next form of Narasimha.

Although it is a new temple, all the representations of Narasimha are unique. When you get an opportunity, go and visit this temple.

Shirdi and Panchavati

Last march 2019 we visited Shirdi . We are from Chennai and got down in Pune railway station early in the morning . Every year we visit Shirdi to get the blessings of Saibaba .

Got freshen up had breakfast and started to Saibaba temple as our room was very near . Being blessed
by the divine dharshan of Saibaba.

We went to Dwarakamaye . It was a mosque which Sai named as Dwarakamai and blessed people .
This is the place where baba resided for more than 60 years. Baba ki dhuni which he lit is still lighting till date . The ashes are given as dhuni
( Baba’s prasad ) . Baba used to give
ash from this dhuni to heal people and change their fortunes .There is chula used by Baba to cook , place where he used to stand and the grinding stone used by him. Also there is a oil painting of Baba. It is close to the Samadhi mandir.

Next we went to chavadi .
Chavadi is situated close to Dwarkamai . During the days when Sai Baba was living in the mosque, he came to the chavadi along with his nearest followers on every alternative night to sleep. These days, the visit to chavadi on every alternative night is assisted with palki processions with huge crowd of devotees accompanying the idol of Sai Baba. Palki is decorated with beautiful flowers. Idol of Sai Baba is placed inside the palki. The procession takes place every Thursday .

House of Laxmi Bai Shinde is very near to Dwarka Mai, however, surprisingly its not so popular amongst visitors. Sai Baba had gifted her 9 coins and they can be seen visiting this place.

Then visited the sammadhi of Upasani Maharaj . Upasani Maharaj , one of the disciples of Saibaba stayed for 4 yrs with Saibaba at Shirdi for his treatment and attained self-realization here. He later moved to Sakori on Baba’s instructions.
There is a samadhi of Upasani Maharaj and his disciple Godavari Mataji. There is a shevga ganpati that has emerged on a tree trunk of the shevga tree and is believed to fulfill ones wishes.
There is a Ek Mukhi Datta Mandir ( Dattathreyar ) .

Kandhoba temple ( where mhalsapathi called Baba as SAI for the first time during a marriage procession ) Satrapathis Shivaji’s family diety Lord Veerabhadra temple and Panchamukha Vinayagar temple

Next day morning we travelled to Panchavati on the way visited Mukthidham mandir in Nasik , from there took a auto to Godavari ghat after sprinkling river Godavari water on our head we started walking for about 2 kms to Kalaram temple . This temple has idols of Lord Rama Goddess Seetha and Lakshmana’s in black ( kala means black in sanskrit ) at a height of 2 feet .

Then to Seetha gufa , a cave where Goddess Seetha stayed during Lord Rama and Lakshmana went in search of food and it is believed from here only Lanka King Ravana abducted Goddess Seetha ( during exile it is believed Lord Rama and Goddess Seetha stayed in this cave , there is a temple inside it and once you enter you have to crawl to come out of it ) .

This place was named Panchavati owing to the 5 banyan trees , opposite to Seetha gufa is the place where Lakshmana cuts off Soorpanaka’s nose .

While returning back we visited Goreram temple ( gore means white here the idols of the lords are made of white marble stone ) another temple of Lord Rama Goddess Seetha Lakshmana and Bharatha along with Lord Hanuman statue .

By evening we had dharshan of Ranjangaon Lord MahaGanapthy temple as it was on the way to railway station .

The 9 coins gifed to Lakshmi bhai shinde by Saibaba

Sri Nitya kalyana Perumal Thiruvidanthai

This place is 55 kms from chennai and 5kms north of crocodile bank . This is one among the Thondanadu divyadeshams and near to Sthala sayana Perumal temple .

As per legends Kaalava Maharishi did deep penance worshipping Lord Vishnu . Lord Vishnu gave dharshan to him in this place and married his 360 daughters each day one in a year hence the urtsavar is known as NITYA KALYANA PERUMAL .

This place is also called Nithya Kalyana Puri, Sri Puri and Varaaha Puri. As the Lord merged 360 girls into one and appeared with the Goddess on his left on the last day, this place is called Thiru- Idanthai (Thiru-Goddess, Idanthai-left side), which in course of time became ThiruVidanthai.

Those having problems in getting married offer garlands to this temple priests he prays to this Lord and gives them the garland , wearing this garland they have to come around the Perumal along with Goddess Komalavalli and Andal sannidhi 9 times , doing this ritual is believed that they will get married soon .

The main deity is Lord Lakshmi Varaghar and his consort is komalavalli nachiyar .

Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .Click here for pictures

Entire view (pic source devotional yatra)

Sri Sthala sayana Perumal Thirukadal mallai

This temple is about 55 kms from Chennai in Mahabalipuram. This temple is one among the 22 Thondanadu divyadeshams .

It is a small temple with 2 major shrines Lord Sthala sayana Perumal and Goddess Nilamangai Thayar .There is a seperate shrine for Lord Narasimhar also .

It is the avatara sthalam of Boodathalwar . Both Boodathalwar and Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

It is believed as most of the temples in Mahabalipuram has been submerged in sea , this temple is built within the city .

Sthalapuranam : Once Pundarika Maharishi collected 1000 lotuses from a pond and he desired to dedicate these lotuses on to the feet of Lord Vishnu on the way he tried to drained out the ocean water with his hands and became tired and prayed to Lord Vishnu without knowing how to reach him . Lord Vishnu disguised as a old man comes and says he is hungry , keeping the lotus aside Pundarika Maharishi goes to fetch food for the old man . On his arrival with food he sees the ocean drained out Lord Vishnu in reclining position wearing the lotuses as a garland . The rishi now realizes that it was the Lord himself came to give him a divine dharshan and asks to bless him falling on his feet . As the Lord is on reclining position on land this place is called Sthala sayana Perumal .

It is believed those having property disputes or any litigations on their lands will be relieved from these problems if they worship this Lord Sthala sayana Perumal .

More about this temple

Nilathingalthundan

This is one of the divyadesham Perumal ( thondanadu ) inside Lord Ekambareshwarar ( Lord Shiva ) temple in Kanchipuram .The moolavar is in standing position and also known as Chandra sooda Perumal .

Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

Once in Kailasha Goddess Parvathi closes the eyes of Lord Shiva playfully , the whole universe becomes dark . Annoyed by this action Lord Shiva curses Goddess Parvathi . To get rid of this curse Goddess Parvathi comes to Earth. Goddess Parvathi creates a lingam with sand under a mango tree and performs deep penance worshipping Lord Shiva in this place .To test her Lord Shiva sends Suriyan ( sun ) . By the suns ray’s the mango tree gets fired Goddess Parvathi couldnot bear the heat , she prays to her brother Lord Vishnu . Lord Vishnu takes the moon from Lord Shiva’s head and sends to cool . Lord Shiva sends Ganges to spoil the lingam made of sand Goddess Parvathi hugs the lingam and protects and asks Ganges to show mercy as she’s is one of her sister .Thus seeing her atmost devotion Lord Shiva blesses Goddess Parvathi and relieves her from her curse . Hence the name Nilathingalthundan .

Another historic event about this temple is the Devas asks Lord Vishnu to bless them with long life . Lord Vishnu suggests them to churn Thiruparkadal to get Amirtham ( a nectar that gives long life ). Devas on one side and asuras on another side Lord Vishnu takes Kurma avatar with Mount Meru on him as stick (mathu) and Vasuki ( serpent ) being the rope during this process Vasuki the serpent gets exhausted emanated poison which turned the Kurma ( Lord Vishnu ) blue to black on the resolution of Lord Brahma , Lord Vishnu worships , Lord Shiva and gets back to normal .

Those who have skin diseases come to worship this Lord and gets relieved from their diseases .

This temple is worshipped by both Saivaites and Vishnavites .

The Thayar name is Goddess Ner oru illa Thai , there’s no seperate shrine for Thayar .

This temple of Ekambareshwarar is one of the pancha bootha sthalam ( Prithvi ) .

Kachiyappa Shivacharya recited his Kantha puranam in this temple .

The picture of Goddess Parvathi embracing the Prithvi linga

Thiruvellukai

This temple is one of Thondanadu divyadesham in Kanchipuram near Sri Astabhujakarathan Perumal temple .

Vel means wish irukai means seat . Since Lord Vishnu himself desired to sit in this place to help his devotees he is named as Thiruvellukai .

Brighu Maharishi wished to see Lord Vishnu in Narasimhar avatar as he gave dharshan to Prahlad to fulfill his wish Lord Vishnu gave dharshan as Lord Narasimhar here .

Sthalapuranam when Asuras became rampant and started troubling mankind , Lord Vishnu in his Narasimhar avatar chased them away and settled down here .

Moolavar is Lord Azhaghiya Singar in yoga posture .

Thayar name is Amirthavalli Thayar .

Peialwar and Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

VilakoliPerumal Thoopul

This temple is in Kanchipuram and one among the Thondanadu divyadeshams .Once this place was with dense grass (dharbha) hence known as Thoopul .

Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord.

This is the birth place of Vaishnava acharya Sri Vedanta desikan . He was a son of a childless couple and was born to them praying to Lord Venkatachalapathy of Thirupathy . God blessed them with the bell in his hands to be born as their son . It is said till date there’s no bell ringing ritual in Lord Venkatachalapathy temple in Thirupathi . He was a out standing scholar and authored ” Adaikala pathu ” on Lord Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchipuram .

There is a seperate sannidhi for Sri Vedanta desikan in this temple.

Lord Lakshmi Hayagriva idol worshipped by Sri Vedanta desikan is still in the temple .

The completion of this temple construction work was done by Nayina Varadacharya (son of Sri Vedanta desikan ) .

Sthalapuranam once Lord Brahma was conducting Aswamedha yagam without inviting his consort Goddess Saraswathy . Annoyed by this Goddess Saraswathy cursed darkness in order to destroy the yagam . Lord Vishnu came in the form of glowing light and helped Lord Brahma to continue his yagam . Hence the Perumal here is called as Deepaprakasar or Vilakoli Perumal .

Thayar name is Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar .

Lord Vishnu compromised reunion between Lord Brahma and Lord Saraswathy .

Astabhujakarathan

This is also one of the divyadesham temples in Kanchipuram . The Lord Vishnu here is in standing position with 8 hands along with weapons .

The Lord Vishnu is named here as Adhikesava Perumal , Gajendravaradan or Astabhujakarathan ( which means eight hands ) as astam means 8 in sanskrit .

The Thayar name is Goddess Alarmelvalli , Padmasini or Pushpavalli .

Pei alwar and Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

As per legends once Lord Brahma performed a big yagam without calling his consort Goddess Saraswathy , to disturb the yagam Goddess Saraswathy sent Nakkarrar ( asuras ) in order to perform the yagam successfully Lord Brahma pleaded Lord Vishnu for help , answering to his prayers Lord Vishnu appeared as Astabhujakarathan ( 8 hands with weapons ) and killed the Nakkarrars sent by Goddess Saraswathy . Hence the Lord here gets the name Astabhujakarathan . Astam means 8 in sanskrit .

The only divyadesham having Paramapatha vaasal out of 14 divyadesham temples of Kanchipuram .

Yathokthagari Thiruvekka

This temple is situated in chinna kanchi just 1km away from Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple . This is said to one of the oldest temple in Kanchipuram .

The Lord Vishnu is known as Yathokthagari (sonna vanam seitha Perumal ) and is in reclining position on the opposite side .

Thayar name is Goddess Komalavalli .

The first and foremost of the alwars Poygai alwar has sung praising only about this Lord .

Manavalamamunigal explained Sri Bhasyam to the world in this sthalam .

Sthalapuranam once Lord Brahma Goddess Saraswathy and Goddess Lakshmi had an argument within themselves about their superiority so they went to Lord Indra , he judged as Goddess Lakshmi has the supreme power of all . Goddess Saraswathy asked Lord Brahma he too said the same . Goddess Saraswathy got annoyed by this and left Lord Brahma .
Meanwhile Lord Brahma did Aswamedha yagam for Universal welfare Goddess Saraswathy did not join the yagam and disrupted taking the form of river Vegavathy . Lord Vishnu interfered the path of the river it was termed as Vegavani and Vegannai and gradually corrupted as vekka . The presiding deity is called as Vegasedhu .

Once Bharghava Maharishi had a son through a celestial dancer Kanakangi . The boy baby was born still . She left it under the bushes and left to the celestial world . By the grace of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi the baby became alright and the baby is said to be the incarnation of Srichakra Lord Vishnu’s weapon . A childless farmer seeing baby crying under the bushes took the baby and named him as Sivavakkiyar and brought up . Once the boy reached his adulthood he was sceptical in choosing between Saivism and Vaishavism . He was defeated by Pei alwar and became his disciple . He was later known as Thirumazhisai alwar .

Thirumazhisai alwar had a disciple named Kanikannan and an old lady serving him . Thirumazhisai alwar prayed to the presiding Lord of this temple changed the old lady to a young lady . The King of this place being attracted to the young lady gets her married . As time pass by the young lady remains the same and the King became old , knowing the truth he asks Kanikannan to sing to Lord and make him younger . Kanikannan refuses and King ask him to quit the country . Knowing this Thirumazhisai alwar says Kanikannan has been asked to quit so come let’s go immediately . The presiding Lord here takes his Adhiseshan bed and walks at the back of Thirumazhisai alwar as it became night they stayed in Orikkai . After Lord left , the country became dark realizing his mistakes the King comes for forgiveness and calls them back . Thirumazhisai alwar this time says the King has called us back come let us go . The Lord takes his Adhiseshan bed hurriedly comes along with him and lies down in a opposite position . As the lord obeyed Thirumazhisai alwar words he is also known as “Sonna vannam seitha Perumal “.

Poygai alwar , Pei alwar , Nammalwar , Thirumangai alwar and Thirumazhisai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

Pandavathoothan Thirupadagam

This temple is 2.6km from kanchi kamakshi amman temple and walkable distance from Sri Ekambhareswarar temple . This place is also called as Padagam .

The Lord Vishnu here is in Lord Krishna’s form huge and 25 feet height in sitting position .

As per legends during Mahabharata period when Sri Krishna visited as an Ambassador to Kaurava’s court to establish peace within Kauravas and Pandavas , the Kaurava’s tried to humiliate Lord Krishna (digged a pit and spread it with bamboo sticks and covered with flowers and decorated the seat such that Lord Krishna would fall in to the pit ) and kill him .Lord Krishna took a magnificent form ( Vishwaroopam ) . Even blind Dhrutharastrashan was able to see the divine form .

After hearing this King Janamejaya ( great grandson of Arjuna ) did penance worshipping Lord Krishna for this divine dharshan . Lord Krishna appeared before them once again as Pandava thoothan in Thirupadagam . As the main deity here is Lord Krishna there is a sannidhi for Goddess Rukmini too in this temple .

Roghini ( star ) worshipped Lord Krishna in this temple to get married to Chandran ( moon ) . Its believed those having Roghini Nakshatram as their birth star will be relieved from their troubles if they worship Lord Krishna in this temple .

Another historic event about this place is a learned scholar Acharya Arulala Perumal ( Yagnamurthy ) engaged a debate with Sri Ramanujar for 17 days after loosing became his disciple and both together served this temple .

Boodathalwar , Peialwar , Thirumangai alwar andThirumazhisai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

Pandavathoothan Perumal (source FB Temples of India page)

For those who have Roghini as birth star

Thirukalvanoor

This temple of Lord Vishnu is inside the Goddess Kamakshi Amman temple in Kanchipuram .

The Lord Vishnu is named here as Lord Adhivaragha Perumal and his consort as Goddess Anchilai Nachiyar .

Though there is not a seperate shrine one could see this divyadesham Perumal in the pillars of Gayatri mandapam ( back side entrance of Kamakshi ) of Goddess Kamakshi temple .

Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

Sthalapuranam : as per legends once Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu had a debate on beauty , Goddess Lakshmi teased Lord Vishnu for his dark complexion irritated by this Lord Vishnu cursed Goddess Lakshmi to loose her beauty and her beauty will be retained only by the grace of her devotees . Goddess Lakshmi did deep penance in this place to get rid of her curse . Later by realizing his mistake Lord Vishnu comes to take back Goddess Lakshmi sees Goddess Lakshmi hiding at the back of pillar who was glowing 100 times more than before seeing this , Goddess Parvathi calls him as Kalvare ( thief) thus the name Kalvanar came to this Lord . Even today one can see the aroopa Lakshmi shrine inside the Gayatri mandapam and devotees apply kumkum to this Goddess and make a wish which is believed to be granted .

Parameswara vinnagaram

This temple is in kanchipuram and covers a area of 3 acres . It’s one of the Thondanadu divyadeshams . This temple is also called as mummudha koil .

The Lord Vishnu in this temple is known as Lord Vaikunda Perumal or Paramapathanathan . Thayar name is Goddess Vaikunthavalli .

Sthalapuranam : This region was once ruled by King Virocha due to the curse in his last birth , he had no heir being a staunch Lord Shiva devote , he prayed to Lord Kailasha (Shiva) of Kailashanathar temple in Kanchipuram . Lord Shiva granted him 2 sons Pallavan and Villavan who are the dwarakapalakas of Lord Vishnu’s temple .These 2 prince’s were Lord Vishnus devotees .They did aswamedha yagam and Lord gave dharshan to them as in Vaikundam .

This is a 3 tier temple and the main deity is in sitting posture and 2nd tier is reclining posture which can be seen twice in a month ( ekadesi day ) . The 3rd tier is under renovation and the Lord here is in standing posture .

Once Lord Vishnu took the form of a hunter and brought up a boy , he was named Parameswara Varman . As the life span of this boy was less Lord Vishnu protected him from the demon King Yaman . He is said to be the first of the Pallava Kings , later he only built this temple so it’s called by his name as Parameswara Vinnagaram .

Entrance of Parameswara vinnagaram temple

Beautiful carvings on the walls and lion faced pillars

Sri Varadaraja Perumal

This temple is foremost of Thondanadu divyadeshams . 3 temples are most important for all Vaishnavaites .

1. Koil
2. Perumal Koil
3. Malai Koil
Koil means Srirangam , Perumal koil means Varadaraja Peumal koil and Malai koil means Thirumala .

Kanchipuram is famous for its temples . KA means Lord Brahma ANCHI means worshipped PURAM means city .

Lord Varadaraja Perumal temple Lord Ekambareeswarar temple and Goddess Kamashi temple in Kanchipuram together known as mumurthivasa sthalam .

The main deity is known as Deva Perumal or Devadhi rajan or Hastinan and so on . The Urtsavar is known as Lord Perarulalan .

Sthalapuranam once Lord Brahma did a big yagam worshipping Lord Vishnu without calling his wife Goddess Saraswathy . Annoyed by this Goddess Saraswathy tried many ways to stop the yagam . All Rishis requested Goddess Saraswathy to come and join the yagam as it was done for Universal welfare by Lord Brahma , then Saraswathy comes and joins the yagam . Pleased by the yagam Lord Vishnu appears as Lord Varadarajar in punnyakodi vimanam on Athigiri hills . Varadarajar means the King who gives benediction .The Lord Varadaraja Perumal is in standing posture .

All 12 alwars had visited this place . Peialwar Boodath alwar and Thirumangai alwar has sung songs praising this Lord . Lord Ramanujar resided in this place .

Lord Narasimhar has a seperate sannidhi in this temples . It’s a huge temple with 100 pillars beautiful carvings done on it .The other shrines are Lord Chakrathalwar Goddess Andal . Lord Varadarajar Perumal ‘s consort Goddess Perundevi Thayar , Nammalwar and so on .

Gold and silver lizards are kept in this temple roof top after the Lord Narasimhar shrine . One who touches and worships it are relieved from their sins . As per legends disciples of Gautama Maharishi were cursed to become lizards , they resided in the temple and were relieved from the curse by the divine grace of this Lord . One has to climb a staircase to touch the roof top they collect Rs. 5 from each for this .

The pond of this temple is Ananda saras . Once in 40 years Athivaradhar kept in this Ananda saras is taken and kept for devotees dharshan for 48 days . 30 days in reclining pose and 18 in standing posture . Last year 1st of July 2019 the Lord was kept for devotees dharshan and by August 18th again kept in wooden box and kept in Ananda saras again .Lakhs and lakhs of people from different parts of India as well as abroad came and visited to get the Lord blessings .

In front of Sri Varadaraja perumal temple

Pachaivannar Pavalavannar

These 2 temples are opposite to each other in the same street of Kanchipuram and are very near to Kanchipuram railway station. Both together are considered as one divyadeshams of Thondanadu .

PACHAIVANNAR

Here the Lord Vishunu is green colour in sitting posture on Adhiseshan referred as Maragatha Vannar ( maragatham means emerald ) .This is a small temple .
Its said Lord Rama appeared before Brighu Maharishi .

Brighu Maharishi raised many questions regarding Rama avatar why Rama allowed Lanka King Ravana to abduct his wife Goddess Seetha and why he seeked others help as Lord Rama himself was capable of rescuing Goddess Seetha from Lanka King Ravana .

Lord Rama explained to him that his RAM avatar was to make people understand how to lead a dharmic life , the right path , respecting elders , unity between brothers and his good emerges victorious at the end over the evil . It was none other than Lord Shiva who took the form of Lord Anjineyar and Adhiseshan as Lakshmanan .

As he appeared as Lord Rama in this place Brighu Maharishi obliged for the dharshan of Adhiseshan so Adhiseshan appears here as a jyothi (naga Deepam) in the shrine of the Goddess .

Devotees offer tulsi and green clothes to this Lord to avoid the negative effects of mercury ( Buthan ) .

PAVALAVANNAR

Here the Lord Vishnu is coral red in colour (coral means pavalam in tamil) also known as Paramapathanathan . The moolavar is in sitting posture on Adhiseshan and the thayar name is Goddess Pavalavalli Thayar . Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .

Visiting both Lord Pachaivannar and Lord Pavalavannar is considered as worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi .

Goddess Pavalavalli Thayar has a seperate shrine in this temple . Usually Srichakra is installed opposite to Thayar temple or near by here its installed inside the shrine itself . Here the Thayar blesses in 3 forms as Goddess Lakshmi , Chakrarupini and as Goddess Seetha .

Pachaivarana Perumal temple

Today ( 6.1.2020 ) being Ekadesi decided to go to Lord Vishnu temple as last year went to Thirukachi Nambi temple in Poonthamallee , this time wanted to visit Pachaivarna Perumal temple in Agaramel village near Nazarath pettai , Thiruvallur district in Tamilnadu .

This temple is between Poonthamallee and Thirumazhisai .

Though we are near could not make up in the early morning due to rains and heavy traffic after 8am so went in the evening .

Admist the very busy Poonthamallee high road is a calm and quiet Agaramel village of Nazareth pettai .

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu . Moolavar is in sitting posture with Goddess Sridevi and Bhumidevi. The Lord Vishnu is named as Harithavarna or Pachaivarana Perumal and Haritha means green in sanskrit . The consort of this Lord Pachaivarna Perumal is Goddess Amruthavalli .

Sthalapuranam : when the elephant named Aswathama was killed in Mahabharata battle , Yudhistra shouted Aswathama was killed loudly and uttered the elephant . Dronacharya ( Dronacharya’s sons name too was Aswathama ) was distracted and shocked . Using this opportunity Dronacharya was beheaded by Dritadyumna ( Draupadhi’s brother ). As Yudhistra lied to get rid of this sin he asked Narada . Narada asked him to pray Lord Vishnu . So Yudhistra performed yagna at this site , a green colour elephant ( which was the Lord Vishnu himself ) appeared before him and relieved Yudhistra from his sin . Yudhistra requested the Lord Vishnu to stay here and bless all his devotees .

Historic importance of this place is Mudaliyandan avatara sthalam. Born to Ananda Narayana Dikshithar and Nachiyaramma , who was the sister of illustrious Sri Ramanujar , Daasarathi was his name Mudaliyandan was the name given to him by Sri Ramanujar . He along with Koorathalwar was a prominent disciples of Sri Ramanujar .There is a seperate sanctum to Mudaliyandan acharya here .

Had divine dharshan went through Parampadhavaasal and came home with his blessings.

The other shrines in this temple are Lord Sriranganathar , Goddess Andal , Lord Rama Lakshman Seetha and Lord Anjineyar .

Sriranganathar with Sridevi and Bhumidevi

The main gopuram along with the main deity gopuram

Thiruputkuzhi

It’s one of the thondanadu divyadeshams. This temple is 75 kms from chennai on the chennai ‐ vellore highway . The Lord Vishnu here is known as Vijaya raghava Perumal .Thirumangai alwar has sung song on this Perumal.

It’s a Jatayu moksha sthalam.

Sthalapuranam When Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Seetha after Seetha was abducted by Ravana the Jatayu (a huge eagle ) fought against Ravana to rescue Seetha . Ravana cut the Jatayu’s wings and he fell down . When Rama came to this place Jatayu tells him that Seetha has been abducted by the Lanka King Ravana and pleads Lord Rama to do his final rituals and dies . Lord Rama having Jatayu on his lap agrees to do his final rituals hence this place is known as Jatayu moksha sthalam . As there was no water to do the final rituals Lord Rama with his arrow created a spring , its known as Jatayu pushkarini . Thiru denotes honour pul means bird pit means kuzhi thus this place got the name Thiruputkuzhi .

During the final rituals of Jatayu on his left of Lord Rama with Goddess Lakshmi on his right lit the pyre Goddess Lakshmi couldnot bear the heat of agni so comes to left side of the Lord and Andal to the right . So here Andal is on right and Thayar is on left .

The Thayar name is Maragathavalli thayar . Married ladies wanting for a child boon take bath in the Jatayu pushkarini and worship Maragathavalli thayar the priest here gives them roasted pulses which they tie in their saree and sleep over . Morning if the pulses are sprouted it’s a significant of having child boon soon .

On new moon day people come here to give tharpanam .

Thiruputkuzhi vijayaraghava Perumal temple entrance

Pandarpur

Pandurangar ( Lord Krishna) is the main deity of Pandarpur . He is also known as Vithalla or Vithoba and his consort as Rukmani .

Pandarpur is on the banks of chandrabagha river in Sholapur district of Maharashtra .

The uniqueness of this temple is one could touch the Lord Pandurangars feet and its known as padha sparsha dharshan .

Ashada and karthiga ekadesi and during Jenmastami rituals are done in a grandeur manner and lakhs of devotees come to get the blessings of Lord Pandurangar .

Here the Lord Pandurangar stands with his hands on his hip enjoying the bhajans of his devotees .

Here the lord is swayambu and there is a story behind it . Once Pundalik on his way to kashi asks Kukkut maharishi to guide him Kukkut Maharishi says he has not been to Kashi so he could not help him hearing this Pundalik teases him “being such wise and old you dint visit Kashi yet” Kukkut Maharishi did not react . Pundalik sleeps that night in Kukkut Maharishis ashram and next day morning he sees 3 women cleaning the ashram , when he finds the 3 women are the 3 rivers Ganga , Yamuna and Saraswathi , he asks them why you come to cleanse the ashram as this wise man has not yet been to kashi . The 3 rivers replied piousness spirituality and devotion does not depend on costly rituals but depends on performing ones Karma (fulfilling ones duties and responsibilities) correctly . Pundalik realizes his mistakes , he has left his elderly parents at home and was on the way to Kashi to attain moksha . He returns back and serves his parents with much devotion . Lord Pandurangar wanted to test him . So one day he visits Pundalik house and calls him Pundalik throws a stone and ask the Lord to stand on that ( he did not know its the Lord Pandurangar himself has come to see him) as he was feeding his parents . In the service to his parents Pundalik forgets thoroughly he has asked to wait , when he remembers he sees Pandurangar himself standing on the stone he asks for forgiveness. Lord Pandurangar pleased by his devotion towards his parents gives a boon . Pundalik asks Lord to stay there itself and bless all those come to see him .

There is a mandir of Pundalik too in Pandarpur .

VISHNUPAD

Vishnupad is a temple on the banks of Chandrabagha river just 5kms from Lord Pandurangar temple . It’s a open massive hall with 16 pillars . Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu in different postures are being carved on the pillars .

SAKKUBAI MANDIR

Sakkubai mandir is in Gopalpur 2 kms from Pandarpur . Sakkubai was a holy woman who worshiped Lord Krishna of Pandharapur. She was ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. She was married to a cruel family , where everyone ill treated her . But she was stuck to her homely duties and was finding happiness only in worshiping the Lord. One day , she plans to visit Pandarapur, but her in-laws ties her to a pillar. Lord krishna comes in the form of a woman , and releases her. He lets her go to Pandarapur and takes the form of Sakkubai and stays at home. Sakkubai visits Pandarapur and immediately after the darshan , she dies and gets released from the bonds of life . One of her neighbour seeing her dead does her cremation there . Meanwhile the Lord Pandurangar at Sakkubhai home does all the household works . The neighbour comes from Pandarpur seeing Sakkubai says she’s a devil as he only did her final rituals after her death . Meanwhile Rukmini, the consort of Krishna, re-creates Sakkubai, with her yogic power, and this Sakkubai gets Immortalized , blessed by Lord . The whole family then realizes that the Lord himself was in the place of Sakkubai and asks for forgiveness and becomes Lord Pandurangar’s devotees . The household of Sakkubai and chakli she used for grinding are still kept in the temple .

MUSEUM

The museum here is little fascinating , once entered till the exit is like a maze going 4 steps up and 4 step down so those who enters take a water bottle so that you are not exhausted before you finish as you can’t come away half way back . Beautiful and colorful idols of Gods will take 2 hours to finish .

This is the posture of Pandurangar and Rukmini in Pandarpur as photography is prohibited this we took this photo in Lord Hanuman temple on the way from museum .

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in museum

Idols of Lord Brahma Lord Vishnu Lord Shiva

Namdev was an ardent devotee of Lord Pandurangar . One day his mother asks him to complete the ritual of “neivedya” (any food made in the house is first offered to God, the ritual of placing the offering plate before the deity and sprinkling water and flowers around the plate and with a prayer to God). Namdev faithfully does “naivedya” and waits for God to appear and take the offerings . But he is disheartened. He keeps praying and requests God to come in person and accept the offering. With no answer , the child starts banging his head at the feet of God. Seeing this utmost devotion and innocence of the child , God appears eats the offering and blesses Namdev. Namdev asks for being present in the “first step” at His temple, so that his innumerable devotees will touch him before having the “darshan” (view). Thats why first step of Vittal Rukmini temple is called “Namdevachi Payari” and one of the entrance to Vittal Mandir is also dedicated to Namdev’s name .

Navaneetha Krishnan temple Doddamallur

This temple is in Bengaluru to Mysore highway .

It’s an ancient temple . Here the main deity is Lord Vishnu known as Ramaprameya and his consort Aravindavalli Thayar .

I travelled from Bengaluru in bus got down in channapatna bus stop from there took a auto to this temple . It’s just 3 kms from Channapatna bus stop .

This is a prathana sthalam in the pragharam is an idol of Navaneetha Krishnan in crawling posture with butter on a hand . Those couples , wanting for a child boon offer butter to this Navaneetha Krishnan and keep their prayers . Once their prayers are answered , they do butter abhishegam to this Navaneetha Krishnan . Such a cute idol with a beautiful eyes with butter in one hand in a crawling posture .

Jenmastami is celebrated in a grandeur manner in this temple with festivities commencing before a month .

Childless couples from various states come here to offer butter to Navaneetha Krishnan and to get his blessings .

Near this temple are shop that sell wooden toys wall hangings indoor games and art pieces I bought nadavandi (walker) for my grand daughter .

The arch of Navaneetha Krishnan temple Doddamallur

The image of Navaneetha Krishnan
pic courtesy Temple Folks page in FB

Narasinghapuram

This is a Lakshmi Narasimhar sthethram , here the diety is santha swarupi .This place is 55 kms from chennai in Thiruvallur district. The main diety here is Lord Narasimhar with Goddess Lakshmi on his lap and in a alinganam posture .The idol of the Lord Narasimhar is about 8 feet and the thayar named Maragathavalli is about 5 feet both together in veetrirundha (sitting) posture .

The Garudan opposite to the Lord Narasimhar has 16 serpents on his body as ornaments , hence this is the prathana sthalam for naga doshas and sevvai dosham peoples.

The Lord Narasimhar here hugs closely ( alinganam ) the Goddess Lakshmi (Maragathavalli Thayar) those who has problems in their married life by seeking the blessings of this Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar will be relieved of those problems .

Mantralayam

This is a pilgrimage place in Kurnool district in Andrapradesh .

It’s the jeeva sammadhi of Raghavendra swamy , (its believed that Raghavendra swamy was born as Prahaladh in his first incarnation).This holy place is also called as Brindhavan .

The temple is serene and divine . There is Lord Hanuman idol opposite to Raghavendrar Brindhavana its said first to seek the blessings of the Hanuman then to worship Raghavendra Swami as the idol of Hanuman is installed by Raghavendra swamy himself and his jeeva sammadhi is too made out of the same stone .

The temple has 3 chariots- wooden, silver and gold every day by evening 7pm the three chariots comes around the temple and there is a manchallamman temple inside this temple and they allow us to show arathy to the Amman by ourselves.

After visiting Mantralaya one should see Pichalaya the place where Raghavendra swamy after attaining moksha appeared to Appanacharya his first and foremost disciple on the banks of Tungabhadra.

Near this place is Appanacharyas house to see .

Panchamukhi Anjineyar temple is a swambu Anjineyar temple just 10 kms from Mantralayam . This place is where Raghavendra Swamy was in penance for many years . At the back of Anjineyar temple is Yerukalamma temple the krama devatha of this village .

Poojyaya Raghavendraya Satya Dharma Ratayacha,
Bhajatam Kalpavrikshaya Namatam Kamadhenave

In front of Mantralayam this we took a year earlier

From Hampi we travelled to Mantralayam on the way we visited kallur Mahalakshmi temple .

Navabrindhavan Anegundi

After Hampi visit we reached Anegundi a small village .

Anjanadri hill is a small hillock in Anegundi ( the birth place of Lord Hanuman ). Nearby is a Durga mandir and Pampasarover a sacred pond opposite to it is a Goddess Mahalakshmi temple , Lord Ramar padham , seetha padham and Sabari padham are there in this temple .

Food and night halt was arranged in vaibhav guest house opposite to Raghavendra mutt .

Early morning we started to Navabrindavan ,which is the jeeva sammadhi of nine Madwa saints from Anegundi. It is a small island,can be reached by a ferry ride . Our tour organizer had arranged for abhishegam so by 7 am we were ready and in a motor boat we reached Navabrindhavan enjoying the scenic beauty on the banks of Tungabhadra river .

The nine Madwa saints names are

Padmanabha theerthar
Kavindra theerthar
Vyasa theerthar
Vyasaraja theerthar
Rama theerthar
Raghu or Jaya theerthar
Srinivasa theerthar
Sudhindhar theerthar
Govinda theerthar

Along with these saints jeeva sammadhi there is a Lord Anjineyar temple and a Sriranganathar temple .

The other side of the nava brindhavan is a Lord Hanuman temple named avatara Hanuman . The idol face is like a Hanuman ,body like Bheeman in yoga pose with a script and pen in his hand of Madwacharya .

Pooja rituals were done by this time we lighted the lamps and came nine rounds around the nine jeeva sammadhis (without crossing the yellow line drawn). No one is allowed inside the caution line it’s better to go in traditional dress both men and women .

Slogan:
Padmanabham kavindracha vyakeesam vyasarajakam raghuvaryam srinivasam rama theertham thathavacha
Sri sudhindracha govindham nava brindhavanam bhaje bhajeThis slogan has all the nine madwa saints names .

Do visit this calm serene n divine Navabrindhavan your wishes and dreams will become true as I have experienced myself.

Early morning ferry ride to Navabrindavan

Avatara Hanuman temple in Navabrindhavan

This is how the idol looks of avatara Hanuman

There is a Ranganathar temple too in Anegundi we worshipped there too and left to Mantralayam.

That’s how our day 2 at Hampi ended.

Hampi

It was our long term dream to visit Hampi . We visited Hampi in June 2018.

As we are from Chennai we travelled to Bengaluru in train ,from Bengaluru to Hospet, we reached Hospet early morning from station we travelled by jeep to Heritage group of Hotels to freshen up, took bath in the sacred river Tungabhadra near Virupaksha temple .

Virupaksha temple the main significance is that the shadow of the gopuram falls upside down at the back entrance wall of the temple . The main deity is Lord Shiva and his consort is goddess Pampadevi . There are seperate sannithis for Goddess Durga, Lord Hanuman , Goddess Lakshmi. Near the dwajasthambam there are 3 Nandis in this temple . Everyday the pooja and rituals are done here. This temple is built in such a way at the backside of the main sanctum there is a wall ,the shadow of the main gopuram falls inverted on the wall .

After worshipping the Virupaksha temple we went to Ugra Narasimhar and Badavi Lingam temple which are adjacent to each other ,all attacked by invaders and remains ruined .No pooja rituals are done here .

Then we visited Vithalla mandir they took us in a battery car for that they charge Rs . 20 and entry ticket being charged 40 per person . Here is the famous stone chariot of Hampi and the musical pillars.

This temple is not under worship the main deity is absent and no clear information about it .
Though the main gopuram is half destroyed some renovation works were been undergoing . With this we took a lunch break .

Shadow of the gopuram in virupaksha temple

Idol of Ram Lakshman and Seetha in Kothandaramar temple Hampi

Idol of Hanuman in Kothandaramar temple Hampi

This is how the steps are for yantharo tharaga Hanuman temple from Kothandaramar temple

After 3 pm we visited chakra theertham through trek and coracle ride reached the other side visited Kothandaramar temple , Surya Narayanan temple and Yantharo tharaga Hanuman temple .

Its said Lord Rama met Lord Hanuman at this place hence this Kothandaramar temple is built .

Yantharo tharaga Hanuman temple is a few steps ahead of Kothandaramar temple and Lord Hanuman is in yoga position inside a yantra surrounded by 12 monkeys ,one monkey catching the other tail which came in the dream of Vyasarajar ( a Madva saint) who installed this Yantharo tharaga Hanuman idol and slogan .

Throughout the roads we travelled we were able to see carved stones and could imagine how those times tradings were done . There are many places of interests like Queens bath , Elephants stable , row of shops much more feeling amazed by the royal ruins of Hampi we left to Anegundi .

One can plan Hampi visit along with Badami Aihole and Pattadakal .

Musical pillars of Vithalla mandir Hampi

Ahobilam

Iam sharing my Ahobilam trip experience which I went in April 2017. It was a very adventurous trip. I and my hubby went on a group tour with 27 persons. My friends also accompanied us.

Ahobilam is one of the 108 divyadeshams , situated admist the dense nallamala forest .

Ahobilam is situated in the allagadda Mandal in kurnool district of Andrapradesh.

It is a holy abode of Lord Narasimha. It’s a nava Narasimhar sthethram. Narasimhar is the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu ( man with lion face ). A must visit temple for all vaishnavites though it is adventurous.

There are totally 9 forms of narasimhar in Ahobilam. Lower Ahobilam has 3 narasimhar temples and upper Ahobilam has 6 narasimhar temples.

Sthalapuranam : As the legend says Lord Vishnu took Narasimha avathar to rescue Prahalad from his father King Hiranyakashibhu. When Prahalad worships Lord Vishnu , King Hiranya gets irritated as he wanted himself to be worshipped as Lord by all , ( King Hirayan gets a boon after doing deep penance to Lord Brahma that no human or animal , morning or night , He should not be killed by any weapons in Earth or Sky ) King Hiranyan asks Prahlad “why do you chant OM NAMO NARAYANA, where is your Lord Narayanan ? Prahalad replies my Lord is present in pillars as well as in dust. Annoyed by this answer King Hiranyan hits a pillar , “Is there your Narayanan here?!”, Prahalad replies Yes.
As Hiranyan hits the pillar, a lion faced avathar of Lord Vishnu comes out of the pillar and lifts Hiranyan put him on his laps and tears his stomach with his sharp claws and pulls out his intestines and puts as a mala (garland).

The pillar from which the Lord
Narasimhar appeared is called as
Ugra sthamba and daily rituals are done here. Its very steep but some people do make it those who go by doli could not see this .

After killing King Hiranyan the Lord Narasimhar washes his hands in a pond which is called Raktha kund.
Though the water is red , when we lift in hands or in a container the water looks colourless.

The 9 forms of Narasimhars are

Pavana Narasimhar
Bharghava Narasimhar
Chatravadha Narasimhar
Yoganandha Narasimhar
Karanja Narasimhar
Ugra Narasimhar
Jwala Narasimhar
Krodha Narasimhar
Malola Narasimhar

Pavana narasimhar and Bharghava Narasimhar can be reached by forest department jeep by paying Rs.200 per person . Yoganandha Narasimhar Chatravadha Narasimhar and Karanja Narasimhar by the van .

The roads are horrible and very risky only a fore wheeler zeep will be apt for both Pavana Narasimhar and Bharghava Narasimhar.

To reach Bharghava Narasimhar temple one has to climb nearly 125 steps .

Karanja Narasimhar, Yoganandha Narasimhar and Chatravadha Narasimhar are easily accessible by good roads . Its advisable to finish these temples on the first day and upper Ahobilam the next day.

The upper ahobilam requires a lot of trekking but we took doli facility.
For doli they charge Rs. 3000 per person for to and fro (as of year 2017).

In lower Ahobilam there’s a seperate temple as Prahaladha Varadhan temple .

Next to Yoganandha Narasimhar temple is a shrine with all Nava Narasimhar with their urtsavar along with the related navagrahas . Those who can’t make to upper Ahobilam can have the dharshan of the Nava Narasimhar here .

Its is believed that the 9 forms of Narasimhars relieve us from navagraha dosham

1 .Ugra Narasimhar or Ahobila Narasimhar gives courage. It is worshipped for Guru . ( Jupiter )

Zeep ride to Pavana n Bharghava Narasimhar

Sculptures in the pillars of Prahaladha Varadhan temple

The zeep routes to Pavana Narasimhar temple

Beautiful sculptures in the Prahaladha Varadhan temple

2 . Yoga Narasimhar rescues us from all difficulties and unfavourable energy of Sani . (Saturn)

3 . Jwala Narasimhar gives us success good health and removes hurdles in marriage. This is for Sevvai . (Mars)

4 . Bharghava Narasimhar bless us with leadership qualities. Worshipped for Suriyan . ( sun )

5 . Krodha Narasimhar success in land disputes and real estate business. For Raghu .

6 . Pavana Narasimhar liberates his devotees from sins committed in the past and present life ,Buthan ( Mercury )

7 . Malola Narasimhar he is full of love and compassion and clears our depts Sukiran . ( Venus )

8 . Chatravadha Narasimhar art music and for stable economy .Kethu .

9 . Karanja Narasimhar fulfills all our desires and protects us from our enemies .Chandran ( moon )

Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord.

Slogan of Lord Narasimhar :
Ugram veeram mahavishnum jwalantham sarva thomugham nrushimham bhishnam pathram mrityur mrityur namma yaham

one should definitely visit this nava Narasimhar sthethram once in their life time and get the Lord’s blessings .

Anjanadri hill anegundi

Anjanadri hill is a small hillock in Anegundi(small village just 5 kms from Hampi)which is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

The view from the top of the hill is awesome. The view of Tungabhadra river flowing, paddy and plantain trees all over.
It is a very scenic and breezy place .
All the Hampi river side ruins can be viewed from top.

There are 575 steps to reach the temple.The steps are though uneven it’s well protected as there are lots of monkeys .One should plan to climb either in the early morning or in the evenings before 6 pm ( closing time of the temple is 7 pm )

On top of the hill is a small gopuram with an Anjineyar , Anjanadevi (mother of Lord Hanuman) , Lord Ram and Lakshman with Seethadevi temples are there. Daily pooja and bhajans are being done .

Thiruvellarai Pundarikaksha perumal temple

This is one among the cholanadu divyadesham , its said to be older than Srirangam and is a moksha sthalam , so those who visits Pundarikaksha perumal once in their life time will attain moksha . Periyalwar and Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .The Thayar name is Goddess Senbagavalli .

Location : its 20kms from Srirangam ,Trichy

Sthalapuranam says that once King Sibbi (fore father of lord Rama ) comes with his army to kill the Lanka King Ravana , a white pig distracts him and his armies. Annoyed by this the King orders His army men to kill the pig first. The pig hides in 5 places and finally enters into a anthill in which Markandeya Maharishi was in deep penance. Markandeya Maharishi disturbed by this pig asks King Sibbi to pray Lord Vishnu . A invisible voice is then heard saying the time to kill Ravana has not come yet and asks King Sibbi to build a Vishnu temple over there and Goddess Lakshmi ( as Goddess Lakshmi was also in penance worshipping Lord Vishnu in this place ) should be given first rights in all festivities thus Goddess Lakshmi ‘s wishes too were fulfilled and granted moksha to Markandeya Maharishi .

Only in 3 divyadesham temples the Thayar is given priority over the Lord
1. Nachiyar koil Vanjulavalli Thayar Thirunarayoor
2. Srivilliputhur Andal
3. Thiruvellarai Senbagavalli Thayar

The temple pond is in Swasthik shape here and is called as Swasthika well , is an architectural marvel .

The temple has 2 entrance Uthrayanam and Dakshinayanam . Mid January to mid July Uthrayanam entrance will be opened and from mid July to mid December Dakshinayanam door will be opened.