Sri Prasanna Varadharajar Temple -Aminjikarai- chennai

In this Aminjikarai, a Varadharajar temple and infront of this, Sri Ekambareshwarar temple is also found. Sri Varadhar and Sri Ekambareshwarar temple are found in the same sthalam which is Kancheepura divyadesam, so it can be best suited that if we call Aminjikarai as another for of Kancheepuram.

Moolavar:


The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Prasanna Varadharajar who is giving his seva in Nindra thirukkolam facing his thirumugham along East direction.

Along the Pragharams (sides) of the Moolavar Sannadhi, idols of all Alwars and Aacharyas are found. The perumal is also named as "Sri Varadharajan, Sri Devarajan and Arulalan. The Utsavar is Perarulalan and all kinds of utsavams are done.

Thaayar:
The Thaayar of this temple is Sri Perundevi Thaayar who has her own separate sannadhi. Here Manjal (Turmeric) is given as the "Prasadham" to the Bhaktas.

About the temple:

In the front, we can see a huge vimaanam (Gopuram) which is found in 5 Nilais (Partitions), where lots of Architectural works are found in a beautiful manner.

As we enter the Gopuram Vaasal, we can see the Dwajasthambam (Kodi Maram) which is raised to a big extent. To the Right of Kodimaram, Sannadhi for Ramathoodan, Aanjaneyar Sannadhi is found. After worshipping if we go further, we can reach the Sri Krishnar sannadhi, where the perumal is found along with the flute and giving his seva in Nindra thirukkolam.

As we move on furhter, a mandapam with lots of pillars are found. On these walls, Thiruppavai is carved on the white Marble stones. To the end of this Mandapam, the thaayar sannadhi is found and after getting her seva, are going around the temple, we can see the sannadhi of Sri Andal. During 30 days in Maargazhi month, special poojas and thiruppavai are said in this sannadhi.

Going further from Andal sannadhi, we can reach "Sri Srinivasar sannadhi" where both Sri Srinivasar Moolavar and Utsava Murthi are found.

After getting the seva of Sri Srinivasar, one has to go further towards right hand side to see "Sri Ranganathar sannadhi". Next to Sri Ranganathar sannadhi, a special room, the Kannaadi Arai is found. During Utsavams, the Utsavar are taken to this Kannadhi Arai and the seva is so beautiful that one can see the perumal in various angles.

Next to the Kannadi Arai, is a sannadhi for "Sri Kodhanda Ramar" is found. He is found along with Seethapiratti and Lakshmanar. To the straight opposite of Ramar Sannadhi, Aanjaneyar sannadhi can be seen.

sholingar- Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal

This divya desam, also known as Sholingar, is situated in Madras-Bangalore Rail line. Easy way is to take brindaavan from Madras to Arakonam Junction and take Bus from there. Sholingar Railway station is 9 miles from the temple. One can take a direct bus from Madras as well. It has some moderate facilities including a big Kalyana Mandapam for organized group tours, a chattram for over night stay and several "Mess" facilities. This divya desam is also known as kadikaachalam.

It is believed that if one stays at this kshethram for atleast one kadigai (about half an hour), that person is gaurenteed mokshama. This is the only divya desam dedicated to Sri Narasimhar in Tamil Nadu. This divya desam is visited by many seeking His blessigns. He is teacher to His bhaktas who seek the removal of ignorance and a doctor to those who seek cure for various health problems.

Sri Amirtha Valli thaayaar

Sri Yoga Narasimhar

Sri vishnu purraanam and paathma puraanam offers details about this sthalam. It is believed that Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar came to this palce after hiranya vatham and stayed here for ever in this Yoga sayanam posture. It is well kown that Srinarasimha avathaaram took place at Sri Ahobilam. However, since munivars requested the presence of Sri Narasimha here on an endless timescale, The Lord Narasimha chose to stay here for ever. This is also confirmed by thirumangai aazhwaar's reference to thakkkaanai in his paasuram presented in this article. Among all the other avathaarams this and the vaamana avathaaram are the most significant becuase of the fact that they both accomplished the misssion instantly. Many of the LAkshmi Narasimha bakthaas believe that by praying to this Lord (who is an instant acccomplisher), their prayers are fulfilled instantly if not atleast an instant relief is offered without delay by this Lord.

It is a belief that, One, would attain Moksham simply by staying here for one Kadigai (period of time) ie approximately half hour in this shekthram. Hence it is named Thiruk kadigai. It is believed that Saint Vishvaamitrar meditated for one kadigai on Lord Narasimhar and obtained his title Bramha Maharishi here. The Saptha Rishis and vaamathEvar came to this place and and started penance to have darshan of Narasimha Avathaaram, and the Lord fulfilled their wish within one kadigai of penance. Hence this hill is known as Kadikaachalam.

Sage Durvaasa once sought the thiruth thuzhaay maalai (ie thulasi garland) of this perumal and danced with great joy by sporting this maalai on his own shoulder and and sirasu. There were many saadhus present at that time and were witnessing this event. Buthan or mercury one of the Nava grahams was also present in the form of a saadhu and he laughed at this sage's act. Sage Thurvaasa cursed him and lord budhan had to stay here in this sthalam and served all those sages who came with great pleasure to this shrine after taking bath in the paandava theerththam and got his curse (spell) cured or removed.

On the way to hills Garuda Aaaroodar Varadha Raaja perumal sannithi is there. It is believed that Kaanchi Varadhar offered Garuda Vaahana Sevai to Maha Achaaryar known as Thottaachaaryar here. (as he was not able to goto Kanchi that year and instead did meditate on this Lord to offer that darshn there itself). Even to-day this event is observed in Kaanchi and simulatneously here as a puase is kept at the entrance of this temple during the bramotsavam and garuda sErvai such that the Lord goes to kadigai for that instant to offer sEvai to thottaach chaaryaa. Similarly erumbiyapa was also one of the great mahaans lived in this place and served the Lord. This place is also used to be very fertile like chola naadu and was hence called as Chola Simha puram which became sholinga puram later. In pattinap paalai, it is refeerred that, Cholan karikaalan peruvaLaththaan called this district as kadigaik kOttam; when he subdivided his kingdom into 48 distritcs. This place is also one of the 74 simhaasanam established by Sri Raamaanuja in his 74 simhhaasanaas outlining the principles of Sri vishitaahthvaitham.

Similar to Gunaseelam near Trichy, this place is also known for relief from possessing, Billi Sooniyam, etc. People come here and do Vratham for many days, take bath in Thakkaan kulam which is believed to have the essence of many Mooligais and climb the hills every day to pray anchaneYaa and Lord Narasimhar and get their Pini or Diseases or Theeraatha nOykaL cured here.

This place is also known for the presence of many Siththars similar to Thiruvannaamalai, Kollimalai, and Kutraalamalai. It is believed that the administration of this temple is under the Aatheenam of Sthala aachaarya purushaals of Thottaachaaryar clan.

This malai or hill is also known as Ekasilaa parvatham meaning that the entire hill is made of one stone, which is true and one can see that when they visit this shrine. There are unique methods or procedures attributed to each of the 108 sthalam as vazhipaatu niyamanam. At thiruppathi having the hair shaved and having a supra paatha darshanam are the best, in oppiliappan koil observing sravana vratham (without salt) on sravanms is the ideal. In this temple, it is the desire of the Lord that his bakthas climb the steep footsteps (which are similar to the parama patha Sobaanam) and pray the Lord.

Uthiramerur Sri Sundara Varadhar

Uthiramerur village is located about 85 kms from Chennai off the GST Road. This is an ancient village well known for its temples, architecture, sculptures and stone inscriptions.

The main temple here is for Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal which is said to be built in 750 AD during Pallava rule. A king called Nandivarma Pallavan has donated this whole town to 1200 vedic scholars who settled down here. Those days this place was called as Uthiramerur Chaturvedhimangalam.

Later it has been renovated by Rajendra Chola in 1013 AD and again renovated by Krishnadevaraya in 1520 AD.

Lord Vishnu is generally seen in either of the 3 forms, Ninraan (நின்றான் - Perumal in standing posture), Irundhaan (இருந்தான் - Perumal in sitting posture) or Kidandhaan (கிடந்தான் - Perumal in reclining posture like Ranganathar)

This is one of the few temples where you can have dharshan of Perumal in all his 3 forms.

The sanctum is built in such a way that all 3 forms of Lord Vishnu are set one above the other as 3 levels or floors.

The presiding deity is Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal here in standing posture along with Sri Devi and Bhoodevi in the first level.

There is a staircase on which one can climb with much ease to go to the next floor, just above the main sanctum. In this next level Sri Vaikunda Varadhar is seen in the sitting posture.

While climbing up to the next level there is Sri Parthasarathy preaching Gita to Arjuna on the outer wall facing south. Lord Narasimha is present on the outer wall facing west and Sri Varaha Perumal with Lakshmi facing North. Here Varahar is in sitting posture with Sri Lakshmi sitting on his lap looking at Varahar's face in a praying gesture.

There is also Sri Dhakshinamurthy on the tomb facing south which is unusual in Vaishnavite temples.

In the third (upper most) level the Lord is in reclining posture on Aadhiseshan as Sri Ranganathar. Lord Brahma is seen on a Lotus emerging from Ranganathar’s navel. Lord Shiva is seen near the feet of the deity with the Deer and Mazhu (a weapon) on his hands.

Lord Ranganatha is seen blessing Markandeya Rishi with his right hand. Bhoodevi is in a praying gesture standing opposite Markandeya.

Other than these three, there are other deities called Achudha Varadhar, Aniruddha Varadhar and Kalyana Varadhar in the 3 sides of the prakaaram.

It is said that Pandavas during their Agnanavaasam where they hid themselves and roamed around in forests have visited here and worshipped Lord here. It is said that Sundara Varadhar was worshipped by Yudhishtira, Vaikunda Varadhar by Bheema, Achudha Varadhar by Arjuna, Aniruddha Varadhar by Nakula and Kalyana Varadhar by Sahadeva.

All the above 5 Gods are the principal deities here, though Sundara Varadhar remain the main deity.

It is also said that Pandavas lost their power and wisdom and after worshipping here, they gained all their power back.

This is one of and most ancient and wonderful temples filled with architectural brilliance with great sculptures all around.

Uthiramerur is also known as the birth place of democracy. The stone inscriptions in this town explains how constitutions were laid for democratic administration and also about electoral systems etc., People here have followed the election system called “Kudavolai” system for electing their favorite leaders in the local elections and the rules for nominating in elections and the voting systems which is the fore runner for today’s electoral systems.

Aazhwaars like Thirumazhisai Aazhwaar, Thirumangai Aazhwaar, Poigai Aazhwaar & Peyazhwaar have composed hymns on this temple.

Uthiramerur is well connected by road with buses plying from Chennai and Kanchipuram.

A must visit place for the lovers of temples, culture and heritage.

Uthiramerur Sundaravaradaraja Perumal Temple

Uthiramerur Sundaravaradaraja Perumal

The temple town of Uthiramerur, situated between Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram, dates back to 750 AD. Besides the presence of myriad temples, this town is of historical importance. Uthiramerur has the distinction of having been ruled by many dynasties: Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar kings and Pallavas. The kings contributed to the growth of the town and left an indelible imprint by building many temples each having a distinct identity of its own. The sculptures in the temples are identified with a particular period. Uthiramerur is supposed to be the name of a Goddess. In 750 AD, Nandivarma Pallavan donated this town to 1,200 Vedic scholars who settled down there. This temple town is also called Uthiramerur Chaturvedimangalam.

One of the famous temples here is Sundaravaradaraja Perumal temple which has three tiers. There are three main sanctum sanctorum, one on top of the other.

In the lowest tier, the deity Sundaravaradar is in standing posture with his consort and the utsava murti - also called Sundaravaradar - poses with his consort, Anandavalli.

In the second tier, the God, Vaikunta Varadar, is in sitting posture, and in the third and top-most tier, he is in the sayana thirukolam (reclining posture) and is called Ananthasayanamurti.

Lord Anjaneya, with a gadhai in his hand, and left leg put forward, as if ready to leap, poses effulgently in a separate enclosure opposite the temple.

It is the general belief that keeping the right foot forward while walking denotes mangalakaram. But in this temple, Anjaneya is ready to take off putting his left foot forward, which is not a good omen. The temple priest has an interesting interpretation.

Anjaneya is ready to leave for Lanka to rescue Sita. Is he not setting foot in his enemy’s land? Ravana, who abducted Sita, should be vanquished and Sita should be rescued. Thus, to create havoc, he is putting his left foot forward to proceed to Lanka. Is Anjaneya not justified in this posture?

srirangam- ranganathar temple

One of the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu revered by the Tamil hymns of the Alwars of the 1st millennium CE
Location: Srirangam near Tiruchirappalli (Chola Naadu) Vishnu: Ranganathar, Azhagiya Manavaalan, Nam Perumaal Taayaar: Ranganayaki Theertham: Chandra Pushkarini Paasuram : All the Alwars with the exception of Madhurakavi Vimaanam: Pranavaakriti Vimaanam Travel Base: Tiruchirappalli

Description: This is the foremost of the 108 shrines glorified by the Alwars; all of the Alwars with the exception of Madhurakavi Alwar have sung of its glory. It is the one of the greatest centers of the Sri Vaishnava religion and among the most visited pilgrimage centers in India.

Undoubtedly the largest temple in India, and one among the grandest, it is a treasure house of art freezing various architectural styles over a period of time. It boasts of the tallest temple tower in India. Referred to as heaven on earth it is an ancient center of worship - vibrant with tradition and festivals. The Pancharanga Kshetrams along the course of the Kaveri are Srirangapatnam (Karnataka), Srirangam, Koyiladi (Anbil) and Kumbhakonam and Indalur (Mayiladuturai).

Srirangam is very closely associated with Ramanujacharya, the beacon of the Sri Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Tiruvanaikka or Jambukeswaram, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams (associated with the primary element water) of Shiva, is located in the vicinity. Srirangam is located near Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu.

Deities: Ranganathar is enshrined in a reclining posture (facing the South); while Namperumaal the festival deity in a standing posture is also housed in the main sanctum. There is a shrine in the fourth prakaram, housing Ranganayaki Taayaar.

Traditions: Araiyar Sevai, one of the ancient devotional art traditions of Tamilnadu, involving the expressive recitation of the Divya Prabandams, using movement, music originated here under the auspices of Nadamuni (10th century CE). Araiyar sevai is performed also at Srivilliputtur, Alwar Tirunagari and Melkote (Karnataka). The famous tamil literary work Kamba Ramayanam premiered here at Srirangam.

The Temple: This temple enshrines Ranganathar in the central sanctum, crowned with a gold plated Pranava Vimanam or Paravasudeva Vimanam. A total of 7 concentric prakarams surround this shrine, housing several mandapams, tanks and shrines. The area enclosed by the outermost wall is over a hundred ares. Gopurams on the south and east of the 4th prakaram are the most impressive. A total of 21 towers adorn the temple.

The Srirangam temple tradition is an ancient one. The Silappadikaaram of the Sangam period refers to Srirangam. All of the Alwars (with the exception of Madhurakavi) have sung in praise of Srirangam. The first (surviving ) stone inscription dates back to the period of Parantaka Chola (924 CE).

The pillars here go back to the Chola period (13th century CE). The 1000 pillared hall is also the product of the late chola period, and is also in the 4th prakaram; its entrance is in the south. It is here where the adhyayanotsavam (involving the recitation of the Tamil Prabandam hymns) is held. At the southern edge of the huge open courtyard, the Vijayanagara rulers added the hall with 8 pillars with huge horses. The Krishna Venugopala shrine on the southern side is also of great beauty. The Garuda mandapam s located in the third prakaram.. Its pillars go back to the Nayaks of 17th century Madurai. The Chandra and Surya Pushkarini tanks are located in the 3rd prakaram.

Legends: Legend has it that the image of Ranganatha worshipped here, was originally worshipped by the clan of the Ishwakus, and it passed on to Rama. Rama upon his victorious return from Lanka, handed over this image to Vibhishana, who proceded to Lanka with the image. Circumstances caused him to place this image on the banks of the Kaveri, where Srirangam now is. (see Ucchi Pillaiyaar Koyil ) A disappointed Vibhishana returned to SriLanka with the consolation that the image of Ranganatha at SriRangam would face South - in the direction of Lanka. A Chola monarch by name Dharmavaraman is said to have created a temple here.

Legend also has it that the original temple was flooded by the Kaveri and was rediscovered by a later Chola emperor.

History: Temple life at Srirangam evolved after Nadamuni (923 - 1023 CE) compiled the hymns of the Alwars and gave them a musical form. During Ramanuja’s time (12th century CE), Srirangam was a well established institution. The Pandya rulers, from the 13th century onwards gave the temple, immeasurable support; the gold plating of the vimanam being first of their endowments. The Hoysala kings, who set up a military base outside Srirangam also made contributions. The temple was desecrated by the Delhi armies in 1313, and was closed for 60 years. From the end of the 14th century, the temple came back to life, and much of what is seen today is a result of the rebuilding activity which heppened during the time of the Vijayanagar rulers.

Festivals: An elaborate protocol of worship services is offered here throughout the day. On about 120 days, the Utsavamurthy is taken out in procession out of the inner sanctum. Aadi bhrammotsavam is celebrated in Panguni. The grand Adhyayanotsavam is celebrated in the month of Margazhi, involving the recitation of the Prabandham hymns or Alwar Pasurams in the thousand pillared hall.

Also in Srirangam is the Dasavataram temple, the only one of its kind, enshrining the ten incarnations of Vishnu along with Lakshmi Narasimhar and Vishwaksenar. This temple was built by Tirumangaialwar and is now under the administration of the Ahobila Mutt.. The Tirumangaimannan festival is celebrated here.