AN ANCIENT TEMPLE ON THE HASTIGIRI HILL

    

The Divya Kshetram - TIRUKKACHCHI - (Hastigiri) is located in Vishnu Kanchi – Kanchipuram. This is one of the celebrated Vaishnava Divya Desams. The first prakaram of the temple is on the Hastigiri hill. In Vishnu Kanchi, there are other shrines, Ashtabhujakaram, Thirutanka, TiruveLukkai, and TiruveGkaa. In Shiva Kanchi, there are Tiru Oorakam, Tiru Neeragam, Tiruppaatakam, Nilathingal Tundam, Tirukkaragam, Tirukkaarvaanam, Tirukkalvanur, ThuppaLavaNNam, and Parameswara Vinnagaram shrines.

The presiding deity is Varadaraja Perumal, also known as Devarajan, in a standing posture. Perundevi Thayar is housed in a separate temple within the complex. The sacred water is Vegavathi Theertham and the Vimanam Punyakoti Vimanam.

The legend has it that Brahma worshipped Lord Vishnu in this kshetram in Kritayuga, Gajendra in Tretayuga, Bruhaspathi in Dwaparayuga, and Adisesha in Kali yuga. It is also believed that Airavatam, Indra’s elephant, in the form of a hill, bears the image of Lord Vishnu. The original image of Varadaraja Perumal (Attigiri Varadan) made from Attimaram (fig), is kept inside the pushkarini in the temple and brought out once in 40 years for worship for 10 days.

The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi, and the Garuda Sevai and Rathotsavam draw thousands of pilgrims. Adhyayana Utsavam is celebrated during Margazhi.

This temple has a rich collection of architecture in several mandapams, and particular mention is to be made of the stone chains in the hundred-pillar mandapam. This temple occupies an area of 20 acres with several mandapams and was patronized by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings.

THE GLORY OF THE TEMPLE -TIRUKKOZHI IN URAIYUR

  

The Divya Kshetram -TIRUKKOZHI is situated in Uraiyur, around 3 km from Trichy and is easily accessible by road. 

Uraiyur was the ancient Chola capital and is the birthplace of Tiruppaan Azhwar. The presiding deity is Azhagiya Manavaalan in the standing posture, carrying sanku and Chakra in His hands. Goddess Komalavalli Thayar is also in the same sanctum in the seated posture, carrying a lotus in her hands. The sacred water is Kalyaana theertham, and the sanctum sanctorum is Kalyaana vimanam. According to the legend, a valiant rooster is believed to have warded off an elephant with its beak and gained the name Tirukkozhi - Mookkeeswaram.

The sthala puranam says that King  Nandha Chola, who was ruling the Chola dynasty with  Uraiyur as his capital, was an ardent devotee of Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam. He prayed to Lord Ranganatha to be blessed with a child. Once, while hunting the king found a child on a lotus in a pond. He brought the child home and named her Komalavalli, the one who has come out of a lotus. As she grew up, she admired the beauty of Lord Ranganatha whenever she visited the Srirangam temple, and was expressing her desire to marry the Lord.

One day, the Lord appeared in the dream of the king and told him that the child is none but Mahalakshmi and asked the king to send Komalavalli to Srirangam to be married to HIM. The king was delighted to find that his daughter is Mahalakshmi and Lord Ranganatha is going to be his son-in-law.

Accordingly, the king arranged for the marriage, and Komalavalli dressed as the bride, vanished as she entered the sanctum of Lord Ranganatha. The king built a temple at Uraiyur, commemorating the marriage of Komalavalli and Ranganatha.

Kalyana uthsavam is being celebrated on Panguni Pooram, when the utsava vigraham ( idol taken out in procession)   of Lord Ranganatha is brought to Tirukkozhi from the Srirangam temple. There is no utsava vigraham in this temple.

SRIRANGAM - THE LEADING VAISHNAVA TEMPLE IN SOUTHINDIA

   

Srirangam, the leading Vaishnava temple in South India, is the foremost among the 108 divya desams. All the Azhwars have sung praises of the deity enshrined in this temple. In Vaishnava parlance, the term “koyil’ refers specifically to the Srirangam temple. Located near Trichy on an island formed by the rivers Cauvery and Kolledam, the massive temple of Srirangam stands tall.

It has a main shrine for Lord Ranganatha, also called Nam Perumal, in a reclining posture on Adisesha. The Thayar is Ranganayaki with a shrine in the fourth prakaram. The sacred water is Chandra pushkarini and the sanctum sanctorum pranavaakriti vimanam.  In Srirangam, there is the Dasavathara temple, the only one of its kind enshrining all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

According to Sriranga Mahathmyam, the glittering Sriranga Vimana sprang as a result of the tapas of Brahma in the depths of the milky ocean. It was borne by the celestial bird Garuda. Adisesha had spread his hood over it.

Brahma found Lord Vishnu resting on Adisesha, and was informed that He had come as swayamvyakta – on his own as an idol. He would also appear likewise in seven other places on earth – Srimushnam, Venkatadri, saligram, Naimisaranya, Thotadri, Pushkar, and Badri.  Ranga vimana is the first and earliest of all these. Brahma carried the vimana to satyaloka and installed it on the banks of the river, Viraja. He appointed the Sun God to perform the daily worship. Responding to the prayers of the king of Ayodhya of Ikswaku race (Surya vamsam) Brahma permitted him to take the vimanam to Ayodhya

Thus the vimana came to Ayodhya. After Ikshvaku, his descendants continued the service of worshipping the Lord. Rama, himself an avatara of the Lord in the Ikshwaku race, worshipped Ranganatha, and thereafter Lord Ranganatha came to be known as “Periya Perumal”. On his triumphant return to Sri Lanka and during his coronation, Rama gave the vimana as a gift to Sri Vibheeshana for worship.

When Vibheeshana set out for SriLanka, he got down on the Kaveri banks to perform his midday prayers. He placed the Ranga vimana at a place known as “Sesha Peetam’ (srirangam) near the Chandra pushkarini. Later, when he tried to lift the vimana, it would not move as it got stuck. When Vibeeshana was overcome with grief, the Lord appeared before him and consoled him, saying that He had already decided to make this place His abode, and Vibeeshana could come and worship him daily. It is said that even today Vibheeshana worships the Lord daily at midnight.

All the Azhwars except Madhurakavi Azhwar have composed pasurams in praise of the Lord in this kshetram. Vedanta Desika composed Paduka sahasram (1008 slokas) in different metres.

It is significant that Ramanuja completely overhauled the administrative system in this temple and saw to it that great care was exercised in the matter of control of the temple affairs.

The physical body of Ramanuja, who lived for nearly 120 years, is still being preserved in a sitting posture in the sannidhi dedicated to him on the southwest corner of the fifth prakaram of the temple. Shrines for all Azhwars and Acharyas are also found within the temple precincts.

Arayar sevai one of the ancient arts of rendering and expressing Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam, in a dance form, originated at this kshetram under the auspices of Nadamuni. Arayar sevai is also performed at Srivilliputtur, Azhwar Tirunagari, Tirukkurungudi, and Melkot.

This temple is enormous and is the largest temple complex with 156 acres in extent, surrounded by seven concentric walls (the outermost wall having a perimeter of over 3 kilometers) and 21 gopurams.

It has seven prakarams or Tiru veedhis running around the sanctum. The total length of these seven walls is 32, 592 feet, approximately around 9 kms. There are magnificent towers in all prakaras and the latest addition is the 2366 feet high thirteen tiered Rajagopuram built at the southern rampart by the late 44th Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt.

 

Pilgrims from all over India visit this shrine, and there are festivals all through the year. Vaikunta Ekadasi during Margazhi and the Tirukalyana festival during Panguni attract a very large crowd.

A TEMPLE WHERE LORD VISHNU IS A DISCIPLE OF RAMANUJA

    

 Today, RAMANUJA JAYANTHI is celebrated across temples in South India. The article Three Likes describes the likes of the Acharyan Himself in the temples of Melkote, Sriperumbudur, and Srirangam. 

Read the following information about a temple and get to know its connection with RAMANUJA.

The Divya Desam TIRUKKURUNGUDI  is located 10 km from Nanguneri via Erwadi in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Azhagiya Nambi, also called Sundara Paripurnam, in a standing posture. The goddess is Kurungudi Nachiyar. The sacred water is Tiruparkadal and the sanctum sanctorum is Panjakhedaka Vimanam.

There are shrines for Kidantha Nambi, Irunda Nambi, and for Malai Mel Nambi on the top of an adjoining hill.

The majestic moola vigrahas (presiding deities) are  carved of stone  with application of natural colours and decorated with gold leaves as per Agama sastras.  There is a shrine for Shiva inside the temple.

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu, in the guise of a disciple, obtained Srivaishnava initiation from RAMANUJA and hence He is called Vaishnava Nambi. Vishnu is said to have taught the Sudarsana Mantram to Shiva at this shrine. It is believed that Vishnu in His Varha Avatara shrunk His form and took abode in this kshetram, and hence this place is called kurunkudi.

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE HISTORY OF KANNAN KOYIL

 

 The Divya Kshetram TIRUNANGUR  (Tirukkavalampadi) is located at a distance of 10 kms from Sirkhazi in Tamil Nādu. This shrine is also known as Keezhchattanathapuram and Kannan Koyil.

The presiding deity is Gopalakrishnan with His consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama portrayed in a standing posture, and holding a cow with a rope in his left hand. The Goddess is  Senkamala Naachiyaar, also called Madavaral Mangai. There is no separate sanctum for the Goddess. The ustavar (the deity taken in procession) is called Rajagopalan. The sacred water is Tadamalarppoikai and the sanctum sanctorum is swayambu vimanam.

The sthala puranam is that Krishna went in search of the parijatha flowers to please the desire of satyabhama. After a long search, He meditated on Lord Siva, who revealed to Him that the lake is filled with Parijatha flowers at this kshetram. with the presence of Rukmini and Satyabhama with the Lord at this shrine, this is considered to be equivalent to Dwaraka.

AN ANCIENT TEMPLE ON INDRAGIRI

  

The TIRUPPER NAGAR (Koviladi Appakkudathaan) is located closer to Trichy in Tamil Nadu and about 10 km from Lalgudi by road. This place is also called Indragiri, Palaasavanam. This kshetram, together with Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Srirangam, Kumbakonam, and Mayiladuthurai along the course of the river Kaveri, are called Pancharanga Kshetrams.

This temple is situated on a small hillock, named Indragiri and is easily accessible. The presiding deity is Appakkudathaan in a reclining posture holding a pot in one hand and the Goddess Indra Devi also called Kamalavalli, The sacred water is Indra theertham and the sanctum sanctorum is Indra Vimanam.

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu blessed Markandeya Rishi and Uparisaravasar at this kshetram. According to the sthala purana, the pandyan king Uparisaravasar while hunting a rogue elephant by mistake killed a Brahmin performing tapas on the banks of the river. Repenting for his act, the king renounced his throne and wandered around, finally reaching Tirupper Nagar.

One day Lord Siva appeared before the king and asked him to worship Lord Vishnu at this kshetram to get rid of the Brahmahati Dosham. There upon the king built a temple for Lord Vishnu and each day after worship offered food together with appam, and payasam, to the Brahmins who came to his house

One day Lord Vishnu came to the King’s house disguised as a poor Brahmin and informed that he is tired and hungry and needed food. The king requested the Brahmin to wait till the other Brahmins also assembled. But He conveyed to the king that He is too hungry and cannot wait. Thereupon, the king agreed to serve Him food. But to the surprise of the king the Brahmin ate all the food, and wanted some more.  The king requested Him to take rest and went in to cook some more. At that Markandeya Rishi, who was informed by Siva to seek refuge in Lord Vishnu for longevity of life, was directed to the king's place to worship Lord Vishnu taking rest as an old Brahmin.

Accordingly, the rishi went to the king’s house where he saw the old Brahmin lying on the couch holding an appa kudam in one hand. Markandeya approached the Brahmin and bowed 100 times. Lord Vishnu regaining His original form lifted his hand from appa kudam and blessed Markandeya with longevity of life. He also blessed the king to get rid of the Dosham

We find moolavar in the reclining posture in the temple holding appakudam and blessing Markandeya. Since Markandeya got his longevity of life the tank in this kshetram is called Mruthyu vinasini theertham. Appam is offered in this temple to the Lord, every night.

It is believed that Nammaazhwar attained moksham at this place and his last compositions were about this place and the Lord.

Inscriptions of service to this temple by Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties are found in the temple. Vaikunta Ekadasi and the annual Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month panguni are being celebrated with “Aaaru Kaala Poojai” being performed daily.

A BRIEF NOTE ON TANJAI MAAMANIKKOYIL

  This is a cluster of three temples, considered one Divya Kshetram, located 200 meters apart on the outskirts of Thanjavur.

    Tirumangaiazhvar, Bhootattazhvar and Nammazhvar, have sung of this temple.  Nammazhvar refers to Manikkundram, while Bhootattazhvar refers to Thanjai.  Tirumangaiazhvar refers to Thanjai Maamanikkoyil, and Manikkundram.

    The first of the three temples is the Maamanikkoyil.  The presiding deity is Neelameghapperumal in a sitting posture, and his consort is Senkamalavalli.  The Theertham is Kannikapushkarini and the Vimanam is Soundarya Vimanam.  Parasarar is said to have worshipped here.  Also here are shrines to Lakshmi Narasimhar and Lakshmi Hayagrivar.  There is also a beautiful image of Nartana Krishna in this temple.

    The second temple is Manikkundram.  Manikkundrapperumal is enshrined here in a seated posture.  His consort is Ambujavalli.  The Theertham here is Srirama Theertham and the Vimanam Manikkoota Vimanam.  Markandeya is believed to have worshipped here.

    The third is Thanjayaalinagar, enshrining Narasimhar seated and the Thaayaar is Thanjai Nayaki.  The Theertham here is Surya Pushkarini, and the Vimanam Vedasundara Vimanam.  Markandeyar is believed to have worshipped here.  The Utsavar in all of three temples is known as a Narayanan.

    Legend has it that Vishnu took the Narasimha Avataram to vanquish a demon, in the form of an elephant, called Thanjakan.  Upon his request, Vishnu took abode in this Sthalam, which came to be known as Thanjavur.

    The Thanjavur palace administers these temples.

A TEMPEL WHERE GODDESS LAKSHMI MEDITATED ON LORD VISHNU

 

The divyadesam TIRUKKURUGUR (Azhwar Tirunagari) is one of the important divyadesams of the Nava Tirupathi temples. It is located around 25 Km from Srivaikuntam. The presiding deity is Adinathar in a standing posture, and the goddess Adinatha Valli is also called Kurukooravalli.

The sacred water is Brahma theertham and the sanctum santorum Govinda vimanam. The legend has it that Indra was absolved of the curse by praying to the Lord at this kshetram. It is believed that Lakshmi meditated on Lord Vishnu when He was on a vow of celibacy, and responding to Her request accepted Her in marriage in the form of a garland of flowers (Magizha malar Maalai).

It is also believed that Lakshmi incarnated at this kshetram as a tamarind tree, in which Nammaazhwar resided as a child and meditated on Lord Vishnu. Hence the name Azhwar Tirunagari

A PLACE WHERE ASHWINI WORSHIPPED LORD VISHNU

   

 The Divya Desam TIRUTTOLAIVILLI MANGALAM (Irattai Tirupathi) is one of the Nava Tirupathi temples, located around 3 km from Srivaikuntam. These two temples are close by and together make one Divya Desam. The presiding deity is Devapiran also called Aravindalochanan in a standing posture. The Goddess is Karuthadankanni Nachiyar. The sacred water is Varuna theertham and the sanctum sanctorum is Kumuda vimanam.

The legend has it that a couple was cursed by Kubera to assume the forms of a measure (tulai) and a bow (villu). when Athreya suprapa Muni was performing a yaga at this kshetram he found the scale and the bow in the yaga sala. When he touched them they transformed into man and woman and were relieved of the curse.

Thus the kshetram obtained the name Tulaivilli Mangalam. It is also believed that Ashwini worshipped Lord Vishnu at this kshetram with red lotus flowers (Senthamarai Kannan - Aravindalochanan.)

A TEMPLE ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER TAMIRAPARANI

   

    

 The  Divya Kshetram TIRU VAIKUNTAM is located on the banks of  Tamiraparani, around 35 Km from Tirunelveli. This is one of the Navatirupati temples. The presiding deity is Vaikuntanathar also called Kallapiran, in a standing posture, and the Godess Vaikuntavalli. The sacred water is Brigu Theertham and the vimanam Chandra Vimanam.

The legend has it that a local thief by the name Kaladushaka used to donate half of the loot that he made to the deity in the temple. While the king caught him, Vaikuntanathar appeared before the king and expressed that he was also a culprit, and thus gained the name Kallapiran. Another sthala Purana mentions that a demon Somakan took away the texts of knowledge from Brahma. Upon praying, Vaikuntanathar regained the texts to Brahma.

The structuring of the temple is so uniquely designed that on the 6th day of the Tamil month, Chithirai and Aippasi the sun's rays focus directly into the sanctum. There are beautiful carvings in the mandapams. The annual Brahmotsavam is during the month of Chithirai.

THE TWO DIVYA KSHETRAMS WITH ILAAKSHANI PUSHKARINI

 

    

 The two Divya Desams TIRUVALLI and TIRUNAGARI can be reached by road from Sirkazhi, Tiruvalli, at a distance of 10 km is the place where  Tirumangai Azhwar's wife Kumudavalli was raised. Tirunagari 5 km from Tiruvaali enroute to poompuhar is the birthplace of Tirumangai Azhwar.

The presiding deity at Tiruvaali is Lakshmi Narasimhar in a seated posture and the Goddess is Amrita Ghatavalli. The presiding deity at Tirunagari is Vayalali Manavalan in a seated posture and Goddess is Amritavalli. Two of the Narasimhar images worshipped by Tirumangai Azhwar located in this temple.

The sacred water is Ilaakshani Pushkarani and the sanctum sanctorum is Akhtakshara Vimanam. These temples also form part of 11 Divya desams of Tirumangai Azhwar.

Legend has it that Tirumangai Azhwar was a dacoit king and once he tried to rob the jewels of Perumal and Thayar, (God and Goddess) who were in Kalyana kolam (wedding dress). When he touched the Lord he was transformed and initiated into the religious way, and from then on he started composing and singing verses in praise of the Lord. His pasurams constitute a sizeable portion of the Naalaaraiya Divya Prabhandam.

Tirumangai Azhwar's transformation is enacted during the Vedupari Utsavam in this temple.

Tirunagari temple is built on an elevation is also called the PanchaNarasimha shetram.

A TEMPLE WHERE LORD MANIFESTED HIMSELF AS BRIGHT LIGHT

  

      The Divya kshetram TIRUTTANKAA (TOOPPUL) is located in the temple town of Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Deepaprakasar, also known as Vilakkoli Perumal, in the standing posture. The Goddess is Maragathavalli. The sacred water is Saraswathi theertham, and the sanctum sanctorum is Sreekara Vimanam.

The Legend is that the demon in an attempt to disturb the yagna conducted by Brahma darkened the world. Responding to Brahma's prayers Lord Vishnu is said to have manifested Himself as bright light to enable the Yagna to be continued unimpeded. Hence the deity is called Deepaprakasar.

This is the Avatara sthala (Birthplace) of Swami Vedantha Desikar and there is a shrine of Desikar with Lakshmi Hayagrivar.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated in this Kshetram.

A TEMPLE WHERE LORD LAY IN THE WAY FORMING A DAM

  

     `The Divya kshetram TIRUVEGKA is located in the temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nādu closer to Varadaraja Perumal Temple.

The presiding deity is Yatotkaari Perumal, also known as Sonnavannam Seida Perumal in a reclining posture.  (It is a unique posture, of the head to the devotees' right unlike in other kshetrams.) The Goddess is Komalavalli Thayar and Saraswathi is also seen in the sanctum. The sacred water is Poikai Pushkarini and the sanctum sanctorum is Veda Saara Vimanam.

According to the sthala purana the Devas surrendered to the Lord when Vegavathi (Saraswathi river) was forced by Asuras to flood and destroy the yagna of Brahma. Responding to their prayers the Lord lay in the way forming a dam and helped Brahma to complete the yagna. Hence this place gained the name Vegavathi anai, which in due course changed to vegka.

Legend has it that Poikai Azhwar was discovered on a lotus flower in the Poikai Pushkarini. It is also believed that Kanikannan, a disciple of Tirumazhisai Azhwar was banished from the kingdom by the then-ruler of the place. When Tirumazhisai azhwar also accompanied his disciple the Lord joined them. Later when the King revoked the order, at the request of Tirumazhisai Azhwar the Lord returned to HIs original shrine.

Hence the Lord is called Sonnavannam seidha perumal as He acted as per the request of the Azhwar.

THE TEMPLE WHERE VEDANTHA DESIKA WORSHIPPED GARUDA

  

The Divya kshetram TIRUVAHINDRAPURAM is located 5 km closer to Cuddalore town in Tamil Nadu.

The presiding deity is Devanathan in a standing posture and the Goddess is Hemanbujavalli also known as  Vaikuntanayaki. The utsavar (the deity taken in procession)  is called Moovaragiya Oruvan - a manifestation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. The sacred water is sesha theertham created by Adisesha and Vajra theertham by Garuda. The sanctum sanctorum is suddhasatva vimanam.

The Aushadagiri hillock adjacent to the temple has a shrine for Hayagriva - the embodiment of knowledge and learning. Vedanta Desika is believed to have worshipped Garuda and obtained the image of Hayagriva, which is installed in this temple.

The legend has it that Adisesha the serpent mount of Lord Vishnu created this shrine. The place where Vedantah Desika lived is preserved as "Desikan Tiru Malligai".

The birth of Vedantha Desika during the Tamil month of Purattasi is celebrated on a grand scale. This year the event falls on the 12th of October.

TIRUPAARTANPALLI - ONE OF THE FAMOUS 11 TIRUNAANGUR DIVYA DESAMS

  

The Divya kshethram TIRUPAARTANPALLI is located at a distance of 10kms from Sirkazhi in Tamil Nādu and is one of the 11 Tirunaangur Divya desams associated with Tirumangai Azhwar.

The presiding deity is Taamaraiyaalkelvan also called Parathasarathy in a standing posture and the Goddess is Tamarainayaki. The sacred water is Sanga saras and the sanctum sanctorum is Narayana vimanam. There is an utsava moorthi of Lord Rama called Kolavalli Raman with sanku, chakra, bow, and Arrow.

WORSHIP LORD AS TRIVIKRAMA IN THE TEMPLE TOWN OF KANCHI

 

 The Divya Kshetram TIRU OORAGAM is in the temple town of Kanchipuram. It is also called Ulagalanda Perumal Koyil.

The presiding deity is Trivikrama called Ulagalanda Perumal and the Goddess Amudhavalli Nachiyar. The sacred water is Naga Theertham and the Sanctum sanctorum is Sarasreekara Vimanam.

According to the sthala purana, Bali chakravarthy could not have the darshan of the Lord during Trivikrama Avataram, as he was under the Lord's foot. Acceding to the request of King Bali Lord vishnu appeared as Trivikrama at this kshetram. 

The presiding deity is 35 feet high and 24 feet wide. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu is said to have manifested Himself as Adisesha in a small shrine at Oorakam.

A DIVYADESAM INSIDE AN ANCIENT TEMPLE IN KANCHI

 

The Divya Desam TIRUNEERAGAM is represented by a small shrine in the northern prakaram of Ulagalantha perumal temple in the temple town of Kanchipuram.

The presiding deity is Jagadeeswarar. Though there is no presiding deity (moolavar vigraham) and it is not known of the exact location of teh old temple and the moolavar vigraham, there is an utsava vigraham..

The Goddess is Nilamangaivalli. The sacred water is Akroora theertham and the sanctum sanctorum is Jagadeeswara vimanam.

A FAMOUS TEMPLE WHERE LORD VISHNU IS PRESENT AS TRIVIKRAMA

  

  

 The Divya Desam TIRUKKOVILUR is located closer to Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the Panchakrishna kshetrams. The others are Tirukkannankudi, Kapisthalam, Tiru Kannapuram and Tiru Kannamangai.

The presiding deity is an imposing image of Ulagalanda Perumal or Tiruvikramar with His foot raised. The Goddess is Poonkoval Nachiyar. The sacred water is Krishna theertham and the vimanam Sreekara Vimanam.

The legend has it that Mrikandu Maharishi worshipped Vishnu at this kshetram as Trivikrama. It is also believed that the Mudal Azhwars - Poigai, Bootham and Peyazhwar - took shelter is the hermitage of Mrikandu Munivar on a stormy night. They felt the presence pf one more person and found the Lord with Lakshmi and composed their first three Tiruvandadis in praise of Him.

A DIVYA KSHETRAM IN A TEMPLE OF KANCHI

   

 

 The Divya Kshetram TIRUKKARAKAM  is in the prakaram (the four walls) of Ulagalanda perumal temple in Kanchipuram.

The presiding deity is Karunakara perumal. The Goddess is Padmamani Thayar. Details of the original temple, sthala vriksham, and sacred water are not available, except from the pasuram of Tirumangai Azhwar, where in it is mentioned that the presiding deity is in a standing posture, the sacred water is Akraya theertham and the sanctum sanctorum is Vamana vimanam.

THE SPECIALITY OF THE PLACE TIRUVELUKKAI

  

The Divyakshetram TIRUVELUKKAI is located in the temple town of Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Azhagiyasingar - Narasimhar, also called Mukunda Nayakar in a standing posture. The Goddess is Amruthavalli also called Velukkaivalli, and the sacred water is Kanaka saras and the sanctum sanctorum is Kanaka vimanam.

It is believed that Lord Narasimha at the Hastishaila caves in the Attigiri sanctum hill, manifested himself yet again as Narasimhar and chased away the demons from the vicinity, and stayed at this kshetram as Yoga Narasimhar. Since the lord stayed at this place at His pleasure (Vel means desire), this place is called Velukkai.