DIVYA DESAMs – 21 TO 30

DIVYA DESAMs - 21/108 - Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram

Name of the : Jagannatha Perumal temple Location : Nathan Koil, Taluk, Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Jagannathar Thayaar (Consort) : Shenbagavalli Thayar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Veetrirundha (Sitting) Thirumugam (Facing) : West Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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-2- As per legend, , the sacred bull of Lord , did not respect the Dwarapalakas (the gatekeepers of Maha in Vaikuntam). They cursed Nandi that his body would suffer oppressive heat.

Nandi prayed to Lord Shiva, who advised him to do penance in Shenbaranyam. It is the place where Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu was doing penance to be in His chest. Vishnu was impressed by the penance of Nandi and got his curse relieved. Maha Vishnu also took Mahalakshmi in his chest.

As per another legend, once Lord took the form of a hunter and Lord transformed himself as a pigeon. The hunter aimed an arrow at the pigeon and shot, the bird fell before King Sibhi and sought his help.

King Sibhi, known for his generosity and kindness towards all living beings, offered his own flesh equivalent to that of the pigeon to the hunter. To measure the above, King Sibhi sat on the west plate of the Balance while the pigeon sat on the east. To see this noble event of sacrifice, Lord Narayana (originally facing East) turned to face West here. The Lord blessed eternity to King Sibhi.

About the temple:

An unique feature of this temple is that the Nandi vigraha (idol) which is otherwise part of Shiva temples, is in the main sanctum. Since Nandi got relieved of his curse here, the is called Nandi Theertham, the place is called Nandipuram and other water body as Nandi Pushkarani.

This temple is also known as Dakshina Jaganatham (Jagannatha temple of South).

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DIVYA DESAMs - 22/108 - Thiruvelliyankudi

Name of the Divya Desam : Kolavalvilraman Swamy temple Location : Thiruvelliyankudi, Palakudi post, Thanjavur Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Kolavalvilraman Thayaar (Consort) : Maragadhavalli Thayar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Sayanam(Reclining) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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As per legend Sukrachariyar, the demon , was against king Mahabali donating land to Vishnu who had come in the form of a . As per the ritual Mahabali, to confirm his donation, orally declared and was to pour water from a Kamadalam (small kettle) three times.

To stop the donation, Sukrachariyar became a small insect, went into the kettle and blocked the mouth of the kettle. Lord Vishnu with small grass pierced the mouth of the kettle. Sukrachariyar as an insect lost his eye sight and fell from the kettle. Then the donation was offered and finally Mahabali was destroyed by Lord Vishnu as Vamanan.

Later Sukrachariyar came here to Thiruvelliyangudi, prayed to Maha Vishnu by doing penance and got back his eyesight. Since Sukrachariyar (also known as "Velli" - Venus), did penance at this place it is called Thiruvelliyangudi and is being worshipped as Sree Vaishnava Shukra Dhosha Sthalam.

As per another legend once the architects of Devaloga, Viswakarma and Mayan had an argument on whose skill was superior. Lord informed Mayan that Viswakarma attained betterment as he built Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu on account of accomplishments in his previous birth. He also informed Mayan that to attain similar status, he has to identify and build an abode near river similar to Vaikunta.

Mayan inspected various places and finally identified Thiruvelliyangudi, where sage Markendeya was doing penance and built this temple. He prayed to Sri to give Dharshan without his Sangu(Conch) and Chakaram(Discus). Lord gave those to Sri Garudan and appeared as "Kolavalvilraman" at this place.

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About the temple:

As per legend, the temple was called Brahma Putram in Krita Yuga, Parasaram in Tretha Yuga, Sainthiranagaram in Dwapara Yuga and Bhargavapuram in Yuga.

It is believed the light by which Sukrachariyar got back his eye sight is still glowing at the temple as a lamp called Nethra Deepam.

This is the only temple in the world where Sri Garudan is seen in the rising posture, holding Sangu and Chakram. He is worshipped as Chathurbuja Garudan (Chathurbuja means Four Hands ).

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DIVYA DESAMs - 23/108 - Thiruvazhundur

Name of the Divya Desam : Sri Aamaruviappan temple Location : Therazhundur, circle, Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Devaadhi Rajan / Sri Aamaruviappan Thayaar (Consort) : Senkamalavalli Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

As per legend King Uparisaravasu, a student of Devaguru Bhragaspathi, got a chariot which floats in the sky from Lord Indra. Once on a dispute between the and Devas, he favoured the 's side and settled it. The Rishis got angry and cursed the king that his chariot would not fly in the sky.

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As an effect of the curse, his chariot fell down in this place and got stuck. Hence this place is called as Therazhunthur ('Ther' means Chariot pushed down). Lord Narayana sent Sri Garudan and helped him to fly back. As Lord helped the king who was loved by the Deva's, He is called as Devaadiraja Perumal.

As per another legend, Lord Brahma, drove away the cattle belonging to Sri . Krishna created another herd in the meanwhile. Realising that the herd belonged to Sri Krishna, Brahma apologized and wished Bhagavan to set his abode at this place. Since the Lord appeared for the cattle and settled here, the deity is called Aamaruviappan (the one who is flanked by cattle).

As per yet another legend, Bhakth Prahalad, an ardent devotee of Vishnu feared , the avatar that killed Hiranya, the demon father of Prahalad. Amaruviappan appeared to have consoled Prahalad. There is another belief that river Kaveri was blessed by Sri Amaruviappan to relieve herself off the curse by sage Agastya.

About the temple:

Sri Devaadirajan is in standing posture having Sri Garudan to his left and Prahlatha maharaj along with Markanteya Maharishi to his right. He has Gadhayudham (mace) in his left hand. River Cauvery too is seen kneeling at his lotus feet.

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DIVYA DESAMs - 24/108 - Thirusirupuliyur

Name of the Divya Desam : Kripasamudra Perumal temple Location : Sirupuliyur, Nannilam circle, Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Kripasamudra Perumal Thayaar (Consort) : Thirumamagal Nachiyar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Sayanam(Reclining) Thirumugam (Facing) : South Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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As per legend Sage Vyaghrapada desired to attain salvation, as advised by Lord Shiva did penance here and prayed to Lord Vishnu to get a place in the Lord's abode - Vaikundam.

Lord Perumal appeared to the sage and blessed him in a smaller form known as Bala Sayanam (smaller recline), the sleeping posture of a small kid. Being in a smaller form and since Sage Vyaghrapada had features of a tiger, this place is called Siru (meaning small) Puli(meaning tiger) yur (meaning dwelling place) - Thiru Sirupuliyur.

As per another legend, a bitter enmity existed in the past between and serpent Adisesha. The latter came to this place and worshipped the Lord, to end the enmity between them. Lord granted darshan to the divine serpent and took him as His bed – Anantha Sayanam.

About the temple:

Sage Vyakrapada and Sage , devotees of Lord are in the sanctum sanctorum with Lord Perumal. There is also a separate shrine for divine serpent Adisesha here.

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DIVYA DESAMs - 25/108 - Thalaichangadu / Thiru Thalaichanga Naanmadhiyam

Name of the Divya Desam : Naanmadhiya Perumal temple Location : Thalaichangadu, Tharangambadii circle, Nagapattinam Dist. Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Naanmadhiya Perumal/ Sri Chandrasaabha harar Thayaar (Consort) : Thalaichanga Nachiyar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

As per legend, Lord Chandran (Moon) had to suffer double curse for his wrong deeds. He surrendered at the feet of Lord Vishnu for relief. Perumal advised Chandran to visit , Thiru Indalur and Thalaichanga Naanmadhiyam, have a dip in the sacred springs there and perform penance for relief. Chandran meticulously followed Lord’s advice and got the relief at this place - Thalaichanga Naanmadhiyam. As the Lord relieved the curse of Chandran, He is called " Saabha Harar".

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About the temple:

As once the very best Sangu (sea shell) were sold here, this place is called Thalai sangam (place of best shells). Also this place was full of forest (Kaadu), hence this place was known as Thalai sangam + Kaadu, Thalaichangadu.

Lord Shiva wears the cresent moon as his head ornament. As like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu too has cresent moon at this place. Hence the Lord here is known as Naanmadhiya Perumal (Madhi means Moon).

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DIVYA DESAMs - 26/108 - Thiru Indalur

Name of the Divya Desam : Parimala Swamy temple Location : Mayiladuthurai City, Nagapattinam Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Parimala Ranganathar Thayaar (Consort) : Parimala Ranganayaki Thayar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Sayanam(Reclining) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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As per legend, Lord Chandran (Moon) had to suffer double curse for his wrong deeds. He surrendered at the feet of Lord Vishnu for relief. Perumal advised Chandran to visit Srirangam, Thalaichanga Naanmadhiyam and Thiru Indalur, have a dip in the sacred springs there and perform penance for relief. Chandran meticulously followed Lord’s advice and got his curse relieved.

As per another legend, King Ambarishan was following the practice of Ekadasi vradha (fasting) meticulously. As he was observing his 100th such vradha, just before he was to complete Sage visited the king's palace. The King was very happy on the sage's visit and offered food but Durvasa said he would complete his Pooja and then take his food.

As the time was getting delayed for Ambarishan's vradha to be completed, the king was not sure whether to wait for the sage or break his fast (if not the purpose of his fast will be futile). As advised by the elders in his kingdom he took water and broke the fast.

On knowing this Sage Durvasa was unhappy and as he was about to curse the king, Lord Vishnu to protect his devotee, left his Chakra (Discus) aiming at the sage. At once the sage realised his fault and surrendered to the Lord.

Lord Vishnu asked King Ambarisha of his wish after completing 100 Ekadasi fastings, the king begged the Lord that He should stay at this place and bless the devotees. Pleased with the king’s request, Lord Vishnu-Perumal is His devotees here, full of fragrance (Parimalam) and is known as Sri Parimala Ranganathar. Hence this place has got more significance for those who observe Ekadasi vradha here.

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About the temple:

Azhwar Saint Thirumangai Azhwar in his Mangalasasanam hymns asks Lord what his real colour is – white as , dark as a cloud, glittering as gold or that of precious gem, will you tell me my Lord in Indalur.

Thirumangai Azhwar visited the temple and the doors were locked at that time. He was singing in praise of Parimala Ranganathar, but the door still was not open. After continuous singing, he got frustrated at one point and asked Parimala Ranganathar to keep the temple for himself, at once the doors opened and the Lord gave darshan to Azhwar.

Mother Cauvery worships Lord Parimala Ranganathar on His head side while Mother Ganga at His feet. Chandran(Moon) worships the face of the Lord, (Sun) the feet and Lord Brahma the navel. and Ambarishan also worship the Lord at His feet.

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DIVYA DESAMs - 27/108 - Thirukavalampadi

Name of the Divya Desam : Rajagopalaswamy temple Location : Kavalampadi, circle, Nagapattinam Dist. Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Raja Gopala swamy/ Sri Gopalakrishnan Thayaar (Consort) : Senkamalavalli Nachiyar/ Madavaral Mangai Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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As per legend once Sathyabama (Lord Krishna's consort) liked the Parijatha Pushpam (Parijatha flower) and requested the Lord to get one for her.

Lord Krishna searched for the flower and even after a long search, could not get it. At last with the help of Lord Shiva found this place full of Parijatha Flowers. Overjoyed Gopala Krishnan came down along with HIS consorts Sathyabama and here.

About the temple:

Since Lord Krishna liked, and stayed back in this place with Rukmini and Sathyabhama, this is considered equal to Dwaraka.

'Kavalam' in Tamil refers to elephant and 'padi' means place - it is believed that Lord Krishna saved an elephant at this place leading to the name Thirukavalampadi.

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DIVYA DESAMs - 28/108 - Thirukazhicheerama Vinnagaram

Name of the Divya Desam : Trivikrama Narayana Perumal temple Location : Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Trivikraman / Sri Thadaala Perumal Thayaar (Consort) : Loganayaki Thayar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar, Sri Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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As per legend once Lord Brahma was so proud and arrogant about his endless life span, Lord Vishnu decided to teach him a lesson. In the meantime, Sage Romesa performed penance here in order to get the dharshan of Lord Vamanan.

Granting his wish, Lord told the sage that he would live longer than Brahma whose longevity would be reduced by a year for each hair which withers from sage's body. Brahma understood that Lord has indirectly taught him a lesson and shed his pride.

Thus Lord gave darshan to Sage Romesa here as Trivikrama Perumal.

Sri Aandal in her verses praising the glory of Lord called him ‘Thadalan’. As the Lord measured the world and sky with his foot he is called ‘Thadaala Perumal'. THAAL in means ‘THIRUVADEE’ (foot) and AALAN means MEASURING.

About the temple:

Lord Vishnu’s chest is the abode of Thayar(mother) Sri Mahalakshmi. A unique feature in this temple is that Thayar is holding the Lord on Her chest. As Lord stands here with one leg on the ground, to help Him in balancing, Thayar is holding the Lord so that He should not feel the pain of standing by one leg.The Lord's *Kausthubam * (chain studded with gems) normally seen on the Lord’s chest is on Thayar here, a rare darshan.

Vaishnava saint Thirumangai Azhwar and Saiva saint ThiruGnanasambandar are said to have lived in the same period. Once there was a debate between them, Lord appeared in the dream of Azhwar asking him to get “Thadalan” from one old woman who was performing pooja daily to the deity. Gnanasambandar asked Thirumangai Azhwar to recite a kural; which means a dwarf. Having the theme of the Lord who came to Mahabali chakravarthi as Kural(dwarf) and became Trivikrama (giant form), Azhwar began his song with the first word “ORU KURALAAI”. Gnanasambandar wondered at his poetic talent and awarded him with a *VEL (Spear) and his ANKLET. *

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This temple is one of the five Divya Desams referred by Thirumangai Azhwar as ‘Vinnagaram’, they are :

1. Thiru Kazheesirama Vinnagaram at Sirkazhi

2. Parameswara Vinnagaram at

3. Arimeya Vinnagaram at Thiru Naangur

4. Vaikunta Vinnagaram at ThiruNaangur

5. Nandipura Vinnagaram at Nathan Koil, Kumbakonam

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DIVYA DESAMs - 29/108 - Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram

Name of the Divya Desam : Kudamadumkoothar temple Location : Thiru Nangoor, Sirkazhi circle, Nagapattinam Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Kudamadumkoothar Thayaar (Consort) : Amruthakadavalli Thayar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Veetrirundha (Sitting) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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As per legend , Sage Uthanga learned from Guru Sage Vaidhyar. Sage Uthanga wanted to offer Guru Dakshina after completing his studies. Guru’s Patni (wife) expressed her desire to have the earrings of the king’s wife who was ruling that city. Sage Uthanga approached the Queen with his request to have her earrings to offer Guru Dakshina. The Queen offered him the earrings without any hesitation; she had already heard about Sage Uthanga’s truthfulness.

Uthanga happily started back to the hermitage of Guru, on his way back he saw an attractive cowherd with a MUD POT on his head dancing, surrounded by his cows. Uthanga solemnly requested the cowherd to give him something to drink from his pot. The cowherd mischievously answered that the pot contains cow dung and its urine that was accepted by his guru Vaidhyar once.

Uthanga without any further thought immediately put down his belongings and staunchly accepted the same. At this point of time, there appeared a guy from nowhere, cleverly seized his belongings and ran off. Uthanga chased the fellow, but the guy whizzed into a manhole. Uthanga desperately requested cowherd to help him. At once there arrived a man on a horse, the cowherd suggested Uthanga to take his help.

The horseman on hearing Uthanga's plight, moved in front of the manhole and forced the horse to sneeze boisterously, as a result it spewed out blazes from its nose. The guy who was in the manhole surged out with unbearable heat. He returned the belongings of Uthanga and begged for forgiveness. Uthanga expressed his gratitude to cowherd and the man on horseback, he happily returned to the hermitage of his Guru.

Sage Uthanga explained everything what happened to Sage Vaidhyar. After listening to Uthanga, Sage replied that the cowherd was none other than Lord Vishnu, the horse was Lord Agni and the man on horseback was Lord Indra, in order to test Uthanga’s devotion towards his Guru. The cow dung and urine were the divine nectar which helped Uthanga to remain safe and sound.

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Sage Uthanga prayed to the Lord to give His dharshan, the Lord appeared as Sri Kudamadumkoothar (one who dances with Pot) to the sage on this sacred place. Thus, this place has got its name Arimeya Vinnagaram from ‘Hari Meviya Vinnagaram’ meaning place where Lord Hari likes to stay.

About the temple:

As per another legend, Lord Rudra danced his most ferocious Rudra Thandava after his consort 's demise in the sacrificial fire at Daksha yaga. To reduce the destruction caused by the Thandava, Lord Vishnu appeared before Lord Shiva which brought down the intensity of the dance. On the request of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu appeared in 11 forms here all of which are Divya Desams. Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram temple is one among the eleven Thirunangoor temples.

During the * ‘Garudasevai Festival’ * which is celebrated on the month of January, the festival deities of all the Eleven Perumal temples of Thirunangoor are brought on Garuda Vahanam (vehicle of Lord Vishnu). A festival never to be missed in anyone's lifetime.

The main deity here, Sri Kudamadumkoothar Perumal is of the type Sudai Vadivam which is made from burnt clay and hence only Thailakaapu (Oil abhisekam) is done to the Lord.

To indicate the unity of Saivam and Vaishnavam, the Pushkarani(holy tank) of this temple is named as "Kodi Theertham" as like in .

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DIVYA DESAMs - 30/108 - Thiru Vanpurushothaman

Name of the Divya Desam : Purushothama Perumal temple Location : Thiru Nangoor, Sirkazhi circle, Nagapattinam Dist Moolavar (Presiding Deity) : Sri Purushothaman Thayaar (Consort) : Purushothama Nayaki Thayar Thirukkolam (Posture) : Nindra (Standing) Thirumugam (Facing) : East Mangalasasanam (Hymns sung by) : Thirumangai Azhwar Sthalapurana (Brief History) :

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As per legend Maharishi Uthangar did penance here to have darshan of the Lord. Pleased by the penance, the Lord appeared in the form of Sri Rama before Uthangar and blessed. As per the wish of the , the Lord stayed here to bless the devotees as Sri Vanpurushothama Perumal.

As per another legend once Maharishi Vyagrapadhar visited Thirunangoor temples to have darshan of the Lord, along with his young son Upamanyu. They were attracted by the vadivazhagu (beauty) of Lord Sri Vanpurushothman, stayed here and continued their prayers. One day Vyagrapadhar left his son in the temple and went to the garden to pluck some flowers for the prayers. After a while, the hungry boy cried for milk. Hearing the boy’s cry, it is believed that the Lord Vanpurushothaman brought Ksheerabdi (milky ocean) to Thirunangoor and gave the milk to the child. The boy was so happy and he prayed to the Lord, to have the milky ocean here and is today seen as a water body known as THIRUPPARKADAL. It is believed that one who takes a dip in these waters on the Shukla Dwadasi in Karthigai will be relieved of all the sins.

About the temple:

Sanjeevani Mooligai (Divine medicinal herb) was once given to save Lord Sri Rama, hence the Vimaanam (tower above sanctum) here is known as Sanjeevi Vigraha Vimaanam.

Vaishnava Saint Thirumangai Azhwar has described the Lord here as Sri Rama of in his Mangalaa sasanam (hymns), saying that benefits would accrue not only to the one chanting the glory of the Lord but also to those listening to the divine chant.

Thiru Vanpurushothama Perumal temple is one among the eleven Thirunangoor temples. The procession deity of this temple will assemble along with other ten temple's deities during grand * ‘Garudasevai Festival’ * which is celebrated in the month of January every year.

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