Music & the Almighty

Sapthaswara's are 7 Gods.

SA  -is Agni Bhagawan

RE  - is Brhma

GA  -is Saraswathi

MA - is Shiva

PA  -is Vishnu

DHA - is Ganesha

NI - is Surya Bhagawan

Every Raga is a medicine, Every Raga is a Mantra, Every Raga has healing powers. When we sing bhajans in these Raga's, that raga will cure lot of our mental worries and health problems. Let us see the raga's and how it works in out body :-

01. Ahir Bhairav -Gives free relaxed feeling and mitigates dust allergies and skin disease. Good for arthritic conditions

02. Amrutavarshini - Ushana vyathi nasini ( alleviates diseases related to heat)

03. Ananda Bhairavi - Supresses stomach pain in both men and women. Reduces kidney type problems. Controls blood pressure

04. Bagesri - Helps in attaining Guru's grace. Arouses a feeling of darkness, stability, depths and calmness. This raga is also used in treatment of diabetes and hypertension.

05. Bhairavi - Reduces anxiety, pressures, skin, disease, allergies

06. Bhupala - To awaken someone out of deep sleep

07. Charukesi - 26th raga in the melakarta scale (parent) of the south Indian classical music. Rejuvenates the mind helping one to age gracefully. It enlivens the singer and listener.

08. Desh - The suppression of the senses releases a negative force. The process of sublimation needs a spiritual path. Rag Desh can provide that. Its energy gives the listener serenity, peace, inner joy, right valor, universal love and patriotism

09. Dwijavanti - Quells paralysis and sicorders of the mind

10. Ganamurte - Helpful in diabetes

11. Hamsadhwani - Energy giving. Provides good thinking, chaitanya. Sarvarogaharini (panacea)

12. Hemavati - Good for joint and back pain

13. Hindolam - Improves digestive power. Cures stomach related. problems

14. Kalyani - Gives energy and removes tension and acts as general tonic. Dispels the darkness of fear; Gives motherly comfort and increases confidence. Kalyani means mangalam. Recited with faith and devotion, it is believed to clinch marriage alliances. Many authentic reports exist about the raga's power to destroy fear in many forms: fear of poverty, of love, of power, of ill-health, of death, and so on.

15. Kapi - Sick patients get ove their depression, anxiety. Reduces absent mindedness

16. Karaharapriya - Curative for heart disease and nervous irritablility, neurosis, worry and distress.

17. Kedaram - Gives energy and removes tension

18. Keervani - Promotes dhyana (meditation) at mental and physical levels

19. Kokilam - Helps to prevent stone formation, burning sensations, sleeplessness and anxiety.

20. Madhuvarshini - Good for nerves. Cures diseases like slight headache, sleeplessness, and sinus problems.

21. Madhyamavati - Clears paralysis, giddiness, pain in legs/hands, etc. and nervous complaints

22. Malaya Maruta -To awaken someone out of deep sleep

23. Maya Malava Gowla - Counters pollution. It can be called the Gateway to Carnatic music. The history of Camatic music says that the blessed musicianv, Purandaradasar, introduced the system of Mayamalava gowla. This raga has the power to neutralize toxins in the body. Practicing it in the early hours of the morning, in the midst of nature will enhance the strength of the vocal chords.

24. Mohanam - Mohanam is present where beauty and love coexist. It filters out the ill-effects of kama (desire for sex) , krodha (anger) and moha (lust), bestowing immense benefits on the listener. Also said to sures chronic headaches, indigestion, and depression.

25. Neelambari - To get rid of insomnia & to get good sleep and mental peace

26. Ranjani - Cures kidney disease

27. Rathipathipriya - Adds strengh and vigor to a happy wedded life. This 5-swara raga has the power to eliminate poverty. The prayoga of the swaras can wipe off the vibrations of bitter feelings emitted by ill will

28. Rohini - Cures back pain, joint pain, etc.

29. Sama - Makes mind sober, tranquil, induces good sleep. Good for world peace.

30. Saramati - Elevates from depressed state. Cures balagraha dosham in children ( undiagnoses crying and imitability). For sleeplessness, itching, eye and ear problems, skin problems, and the problems of hearing irregular sounds

31. Sindu Bhairavi - Removes sins and sorrows and saves from unforesenn events

32. Sivaranjani -Powerful raga for meditation; bestows benevolence of God. Removes sadness, ushana roga santi (diseases related to excess heat). Good for general health

33. Sandhya Kalyani - Cures ear, nose and eye diseases. Relieves chronic clods. Gives good sleep and freshness

34. Shankarabharanam - The power of this raga is incredible. It cures mental illness, soothes the turbulent mind and restores peace and harmony. If rendered with total devotion for a stipulated period, it can cure mental disorders said to be beyond the scope of medical treatment. It also is said to have the power to shower wealth.

35. Shanmugapriya - Sharpens the intellect of the singer as well as the listener. Instills courage in one's mind and replenishes the energy in the body.

36. Subhapantuvarali - Alleviates mental dilemmas and indecisiveness

37. Suddha dhanyasi - Remover of sorrows. Gives a happy feeling. Tonic for nerves. Cures rhinitis and migraine.

38. Suruti - Mitigates stomach burn, insomnia, fear, disgust

39. Vakulabharanam - Alleviates asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, depression, skin disease and skin

40. Varali - Varali is good for vayu tatva, heart, skin ailments and gastric problems.

41. Vasanta / Vasanti - Controls high and low blood pressure, cures heart as well as nervous diseases. Can dear the fog of confusion when a series of medical tests has to be analysed. It heals nervous breakdowns.

42. Vasantha - Cures paralysis

43. Viswambari - General tonic, acts quickly

44. Raga Pooriya Dhansari (Hamsanandi-Kamavardini ) – evokes sweet, deep, heavy, cloudy and stable state of mind and prevents acidity..

45. Raga Darbari (Darbari Kanada) – is considered very effective in easing tension. It is a late night raga composed by Tansen for Akbar to relieve his tension after hectic schedule of the daily court life.

46. Raga Todi – give treamendous relief to patients of high blood pressure.

47. Raga Malkauns – helps to cure low blood pressure.

48.  Raga Malhar – Useful in the treatment of asthma and sunstroke.

49. Raga Hindol & Marava – These ragas are useful in blood purification.

50. Varali - Varali is good for vayu tatva, heart, skin ailments and gastric problems.

51. Yamuna Kalyani - Gives freshness and dynamism

Unique Divya Desam

Among the 106 Divya Desams on Earth, the other two being the Celestial Ocean – Parkadal and the Lord’s eternal abode, Sri Vaikuntam, Sri Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane (Chennai) has a few unique features, which I would like to mention here.

The main deity is Lord Sri Parthasarathy facing the sea in the East. Lord Krishna, in his 9^thAvatar came to the Earth to protect Dharma (righteousness). 

When it was decided that the Kauravas will wage war against the Pandavas who were denied their rightful share of running the country, Kaurava King Duryodhana (son of Drithirashtra) went to Lord Krishna to seek his support. Around the same time, Pandava King Dharmaraja (Yudhishtra) also came to visit the Lord. Duryodhana admonished Dharma and said he was the elder brother between the two and also the ruling king so he would first ask what he wants from Lord Krishna. Also, he sat near the head of Lord Krishna as He was sleeping. When Krishna woke up, he first saw Dharma and enquired about him, which further irked Duryodhana and told Krishna that he came before Dharma and he must be allowed first to ask what he wanted for the War, which Krishna smilingly obliged. Duryodhana asked Krishna all the ammunition that ever existed, horses, elephants, swords et al which Krishna agreed to give away to him. Duryodhana laughed wickedly at Dharma and left the place. 

Krishna asked Dharma that he had nothing to part anymore to which Dharma said that he just needed the Lord to be with them in the War. The Utsavar Idol at Sri Parthasarathy Temple which has been around for centuries depict the arrow marks and injuries on the Lord’s face which can be seen till date at the temple. And thus, we know who won the war & how. This conversation has a larger life meaning. Even though we may have everything in life, money, material wealth, houses, cars, clothes and what not, ultimately, we all need His Grace and that’s what matters at the end of the day. 

At this temple, Sri Parthasarathy is in standing form and within the main prakaram (Sannidhi), one can also see Lord Rama and Sri Ranganatha in reclining form. Just outside this sannidhi, is another deity in the form of Sri Varadaraja Swamy, atop his celestial vahana, the Garuda (the celestial Eagle). The Lord here is also known as “Nitya Garuda Perumal” – always on Garuda Vahana ready for his ardent devotees. Adjoining this Sannidhi is Lord Sri Narasimha in Yoga form known as “Yoga Narasimha”. 

Also, this is one of the very few temples where Lord Sri Rama is with all his three brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrugna and Goddess Sita Devi by his side. Lord Hanuman who is usually by His side, is facing the Lord about 15 feet away, another rarity across Sri Rama Temples or Divya Desams. One can also find the Dashavatara forms of Sriman Narayana on the Pillars behind the main Sannidhi. Needless, this is what we see and observe when we visit the temple. Perhaps there are many other gems that could be unearthed every time we visit.

Lord Narasimha is from the Krita Yuga, Lord Rama is from Tretha Yuga and Lord Parthasarathy is from Dwapara Yuga as Krishna Avatara. Sri Ranganatha in the reclining form is the way the Lord Resides at Sri Vaikuntam and Lord Varadaraja is the way the Lord comes to his devotee’s rescue. Fascinating indeed – this is perhaps the only Divya Desam where the Lord can be seen on all forms in which He has appeared across Yugas and at his celestial abode. 

Lord Shiva’s Native Town

*உலகின் முதல் சிவன் ஆலயம்* 

*அதன் சிறப்பு தகவல்கள்*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

சிவனின் சொந்த ஊர், உலகிலயே முதல் நடராஜர் தோன்றிய ஊர்,

உலகின் உள்ள அனைத்து ரிஷிகள், முனிவர்கள், சித்தர்கள் வந்து வழிபாடு செய்த கோவில். 

நவகிரகங்கள் தோன்றுவதற்கு முன்னரே உருவான கோயில். நான்கு யுகங்கள் தோன்றுவதற்கு முன்னரே உருவான ஆலயம். ஆயிரம் சிவ  அடியார்கள் ஒரே சமயத்தில் மோட்சம் பெற்று சகஸ்கர லிங்கம் உருவாக்கிய ஆலயம்.

3000 ஆண்டுகளாய் பூத்து குலுங்கும் இலந்தை மரம் உள்ள ஆலயம். 

*தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி எந்நாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி* என்ற வாக்கியம் உருவான இடம்.

மரகத நடராஜர் சிலை உள்ள ஆலயம். இப்படி பல அதிசயங்களையும், ஆச்சயர்களையும்   தன்னகத்தே கொண்டு சாந்தமாய் இருக்கும் ஆலயம் அதுதான் இராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டத்தில் அமைந்துள்ள திருஉத்ரகோசமங்கை மங்களநாதார் மங்களநாயகி திருக்கோவில்.

தவறாமல் இத்திருக்கோவிக்கு ஒருமுறையாவது சென்று வாருங்கள்.

இராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டதில் அமைந்துள்ள உத்தரகோச மங்கை புனித தலம் பற்றிய 60 சிறப்பு தகவல்கள் :-

1. உத்தரகோச மங்கையில் உள்ள மூலவர் சுயம்பு லிங்கம் மூவாயிரம் ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு தோன்றியதாக கணிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

2. உத்தரகோச மங்கை கோவில் சுமார் 20 ஏக்கர் பரப்பளவில் அமைந்துள்ளது.

3. உத்தரகோச மங்கையே சிவபெருமானின் சொந்த ஊர் என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறது.

4. இத்தலத்துக்கு உமா மகேசுவரர் சன்னதி முன்பு நின்று வழிபாடுகள் செய்தால் தம்பதியர்ஒ ற்றுமை பலப்படும்.

5. திருவிளையாடல் புராணத்தில் வரும் 'வலை வீசி மீன் பிடித்த படலம்' இத்தலத்தில்தான் நடந்தது.

6. உத்தரகோச மங்கை கோவிலில் முக்கிய திருப்பணிகளை பாண்டிய மன்னர்களே செய்தனர். பாண்டிய மன்னர்கள் ஆட்சி அதிகாரத்தில்சிறந்து இருந்த போது, அவர்களது. தலைநகராக சிறிது காலத்துக்கு உத்திரகோசமங்கை இருந்தது.

7. ஆதி காலத்தில் இந்த தலம் சிவபுரம்,'தெட்சிண கைலாயம்', சதுர்வேதி மங்கலம், இலந்தி கைப் பள்ளி, பத்ரிகா ஷேத்திரம், பிரம்மபுரம், வியாக்ரபுரம், மங்களபுரி, பதரிசயன சத்திரம், ஆதி சிதம்பரம் என்றெல்லாம் வேறு வேறு பெயர்களில் அழைக்கப்பட்டது.

8. மங்கள நாதர், மங்கள நாயகி இருவரையும் வழிபடும் முன்பு அங்குள்ள பாண லிங்கத்தை தரிசனம் செய்தால் முழுமையான பலன்கிடைக்கும்.

9. இத்தலத்தில் வழிபாடுகள் செய்பவர்களுக்கு இம்மையில் அனைத்து நன்மைகளும் கிடைக்கும். மறுமையில் முக்தி கிடைக்கும்.

10. மங்கள நாதர் தலத்தில் திருமணம் செய்தால் நிறைய மங்களம் உண்டாகும் என்பது ஐதீகம். எனவே முகூர்த்த நாட்களில் நிறைய திருமணங்கள் இத்தலத்தில் நடைபெறுகின்றன.

11. மூலவருக்கு மங்களநாதர் என்ற பெயர் தவிர மங்களேசுவரர், காட்சி கொடுத்த நாயகர், பிரளயாகேசுவரர் என்ற பெயர்களும் உண்டு.

12. இறைவிக்கு மங்களேசுவரி, மங்களாம்பிகை, சுந்தரநாயகி ஆகிய பெயர்கள் உள்ளன.

13. இறைவி மங்களேசுவரி பெயரில் வ.த. சுப்பிரமணியப் பிள்ளை என்பவர் பிள்ளைத் தமிழ் பாடியுள்ளார். 1901-ம் ஆண்டு வெளியான அந்த நூல் 1956-ம் ஆண்டு மறுபதிப்பு செய்து வெளியிடப்பட்டது.

14. இத்தலத்தில் உள்ள கல்வெட்டுக்களில் ராவணனின் மனைவி மண்டோதரி பெயர் இடம் பெற்றுள்ளது. எனவே இத்தலம் ராமாயண காலத்துக்கும் முன்பே தோன்றியதற்கான ஆதாரமாக இந்த கல்வெட்டு கருதப்படுகிறது.

15. இத்தலத்தில் வேதவியாசர், காக புஜண்டர், மிருகண்டு முனிவர், வாணாசுரன், மயன், மாணிக்கவாசகர், அருணிகிரிநாதர் ஆகியோர்வ ழிபட்டு ஈசன் அருள் பேறு பெற்றுள்ளனர்.

16. இத்தலத்து பஞ்சலோக நடராஜர் மிகவும் வித்தியாசமானவர். இவர் வலது புறம் ஆண்கள் ஆடும் தாண்டவமும், இடது புறம் பெண்கள் ஆடும் நளினமான கலைப்படைப்பாக உள்ளார்.

17. கோவில் வாசலில் விநாயகப்பெருமானும், முருகப்பெருமானும் இடம் மாறியுள்ளனர்.

18. இத்தலத்து முருகனுக்கு வாகனமாக யானை உள்ளது. முருகப்பெருமானுக்கு இந்திரன் தனது ஐராவதத்தை இத்தலத்தில் அளித்தான்என்று, இத்தலமான்மியமான 'ஆதி சிதம்பர மகாத்மியம்' கூறுகிறது.

19. ராமேஸ்வரத்தில் இருந்து 83 கிலோமீட்டர் தொலைவிலும், ராமநாதபுரத்தில் இருந்து 18 கிலோமீட்டர் தூரத்திலும் இவ்வாலயம் இருக்கிறது.

20. சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் குறிக்கப்படும் "இலவந்திகைப் பள்ளி" என்பது உத்தரகோச மங்கையைக் குறிக்கும் என்கிறார்கள். மேற்குறித்த கல்வெட்டில் இலவந்திகைப் பள்ளித்துஞ்சிய நன்மாறன் பெயரும் செதுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

21. மாணிக்கவாசகருக்கு உருவக் காட்சிதந்த சிறப்புடைய தலம்.

22. இலந்தை மரத்தடியில் எழுந்தருளிய மங்கைப்பெருமான் என்று இப்பெருமான் போற்றப்படுகிறார்.

23. இத்தலத்தில் சுவாமியை அம்பாள் பூசிப்பதாக ஐதீகம்.

24. சொக்கலிங்கப் பெருமான் பரதவர் மகளாகச் சபித்துப் பின் சாபவிமோசனம் செய்து அம்பாளை மணந்துகொண்டு இத்தலத்திலேயே அம்பாளுக்கு வேதப்பொருளை உபதேசம் செய்து, பின்னர் அம்பிகையுடன் மதுரை சேர்ந்ததாக மதுரைப்புராணத்தில் சொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது.

25. ஆதிசைவர்கள் வசமிருந்த இத்தலம் பின்னரே ராமநாதபுரம் ராஜாவிடம் ஒப்படைக்கப்பட்டது. அதுமுதல் இன்றுவரை ராமநாதபுர சமஸ்தான ஆளுகைக்கு உட்பட்டதாக இருந்து வருகிறது இத்தலம்.

26. உட்பிரகாரம் நுழையும் பொழுது அழகிய வேலைப்பாடுகளுடன் காணப்படும் யாழிகளில் இரண்டு யாளிகள் வாயில் கல்லால் ஆன பந்தை கொண்டுள்ளது. நாம் கையை நுழைத்துக்கூட பந்தை நகர்த்த முடியும்.

27. இத்தலத்து கோவில் குளத்தில் வாழும் மீன்கள் நல்ல நீரில் வாழும் மீன்கள் இல்லை. கடல்நீரில் வாழும் மீன்களாகும்.

28. பிரதோஷத்தன்று இங்கு தாழம்பூ வைத்து வழிபடுகின்றனர்.இந்த கோவிலில்சிவனுக்கு அம்பாளுக்கு தாழம்பூ மாலை கட்டிப்போட்டால் அனைத்து தோஷங்களும் நீங்குவதாக ஐதீகம். இதனால் திருமணம் உடனே கைகூடும்.

29. இங்கு ஆதிகாலத்து வராகி கோவில் உள்ளது இங்கு ஒவ்வொரு வெள்ளி,செவ்வாய்.ஞாயிறு தினங்களில் ராகுகாலத்தில் பூஜை தொடர்ந்து செய்தால் தீராத பிரச்னைகள்,திருமண்த்தடை போன்றவை விலகுகின்றன.

30.ராமேஸ்வரம் வருபவர்கள் இந்த கோவிலுக்கு செல்லலாம்.

31. டெல்லியை தலைநகராகக் கொண்டு 1300-ம் ஆண்டு ஆட்சி செய்து வந்த அலாவுதீன் கில்ஜி, உத்தரகோச மங்கையில் மரகதகல்

நடராஜர் சிலை இருப்பதை அறிந்து அதை கொள்ளையடிக்க முயன்றான். மங்களநாதர் அருளால் அவன் முயற்சிக்கு வெற்றிகிடைக்கவில்லை.

32. இத்தலத்தில் தினமும் முதல் - அமைச்சரின் அன்னத்தானத்திட்டம் நடைபெறுகிறது. ரூ. 700 நன்கொடை வழங்கினால் 50 பேருக்குஅன்னதானம் கொடுக்கலாம்.

33. காகபுஜண்ட முனிவருக்கு கவுதம முனிவரால் ஏற்பட்ட சாபம் இத்தலத்தில்தான் நீங்கியது.

34. சிவனடியார்கள் 60 ஆயிரம் பேர் இத்தலத்தில் தான் ஞான உபதேசம் பெற்றனர்.

35. இத்தலத்தில் உள்ள மங்களநாதர் சன்னதி, மங்களேசுவரி சன்னதி, மரகதகல் நடராஜர் சன்னதி சகஸ்ரலிங்க சன்னதி நான்கும்தனிதனி கருவறை, அர்த்த மண்டபம், மகா மண்டபம், கொடி மரத்துடன் தனித்து இருப்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.

36. நடராஜர் மரகத கல்லில் இருப்பதால் இத்தலத்தை சிலர் ரத்தின சபை என்கிறார்கள். ஆனால் உலகின் முதல் கோவில் என்பதால்இது எந்த சபைக்கும் உட்படாதது என்றும் சொல்கிறார்கள்.

37. காரைக்கால் அம்மையாரும் இத்தலத்துக்கு வந்து ஈசனை வழிபட்டு சென்றுள்ளார்.

38. உத்தரகோசமங்கை கோவிலின் கட்டிடக்கலை திராவிட கட்டிடக்கலையை அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்டு கட்டப்பட்டதாகும்.

39. ஒவ்வொரு மாதமும் அமாவாசை, பவுர்ணமி, பிரதோஷம், கிருத்திகை, சதுர்த்தி நாட்களில் இத்தலத்தில் சிறப்பு பூஜைகள் நடத்தப்படுகின்றன.

40. சித்திரை மாதம் திருக்கல்யாண வைபவம் வைகாசி மாதம் வசந்த உற்சவம், ஆனி மாதம் பதுநாள் சிவ உற்சவம், ஐப்பதி மாதம்அன்னாபிஷேகம், மார்கழி மாதம் திருவாதிரை விழா மாசி மாதம் சிவராத்திரி ஆகியவை இத்தலத்தில் நடைபெறும் முக்கிய விழாக்கள்ஆகும்.

41. தினமும் இத்தலத்தில் காலை 5.30 மணிக்கு உஷத் காலம், 8 மணிக்கு கால சாந்தி, 10 மணிக்கு உச்சிக் காலம், மாலை 5 மணிக்கு சாயரட்சை, இரவு 7 மணிக்கு இரண்டாம் காலம், இரவு 8 மணிக்கு அர்த்தஜாம பூஜைகள் நடத்தப்படுகிறது.

42. மங்களநாதருக்கு தினமும் காலை 6 மணிக்கு, மதியம் 12.30 மணிக்கு, மாலை 5.30 மணிக்கு அபிஷேகம் நடத்தப்படுகிறது.

43. இத்தலத்தில் அதிகாலை 5 மணி முதல் மதியம் 1 மணி வரையும் பிற்பகல் 4 மணி முதல் இரவு 8 மணி வரையும் சாமி தரிசனம்செய்யலாம்.

44. மரகத கல் நடராஜர் மீது சாத்தப்பட்டு எடுத்துத் தரப்படும் சந்தனத்தை வெந்நீரில் கரைத்து குடித்தால் தீராத நோய்கள் கூட தீர்ந்துவிடும் என்பது நம்பிக்கை.

45. இத்தலத்தில் மொத்தம் 11 விநாயகர்கள் உள்ளனர்.

46. மங்களநாதர் சன்னதியை சுற்றி வரும் போது இடது பக்க மூலையில் மகாலட்சுமியை வழிபடலாம்.

47. இத்தலத்தில் உள்ள ராஜகோபுரத்தில் சர்பேஸ்வரர் சிலை உள்ளது.

48. உலகத்தில் முதலில் தோன்றிய கோவில் என்ற சிறப்பு உத்தரகோசமங்கை தலத்துக்கு உண்டு. இந்த ஆலயம் சிதம்பரம் கோவிலுக்கு முன்பே தோன்றியது.

49. நடராஜர் இங்கு அறையில் ஆடிய பின்னர்தான் சிதம்பரத்தில் அம்பலத்தில் ஆடினார்.

50. இது அம்பிகைக்கு பிரணவப்பொருள் உபதேசித்த இடம்.

51. இங்குள்ள மங்களநாதர் லிங்க வடிவில் உள்ளார்.

52. தலவிருட்சமான இலந்தமரம் மிகமிகத் தொன்மையானதும் இன்று வரை உயிருடன் உள்ளதும் பல அருள் தலைமுறைகளையும்முனிவர்கள் தரிசித்த தல விருட்சம் ஆகும். இந்த இலந்த மரம் 5000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு உள்ளது.

53. வேதவியாசரும், பாராசரும் காகபுஜண்டரிஜி மிருகண்டு முனிவர்கள் பூஜித்த தலம்.

54. உலகில் உள்ள 1087 சிவாலயங்களிலும் இருக்கும் அருட் சக்திகளைத் தன்னகத்தே கொண்டு விளங்கும் சகஸ்ரலிங்கம் இங்குள்ளது.

55. ஆண்டுக்கு இரண்டு திருவிழா இங்கு நடத்தப்படுகிறது. ஒன்று சித்திரைத் திருவிழா, இன்னொன்று மார்கழித் திருவாதிரைத் திருவிழா

56. இத்திருத்தலத்தில் ஒன்பது தீர்த்தங்கள் உள்ளது.

57. சிவபெருமானால் பரத நாட்டிய கலையை உலக மக்களுக்கு முதல் முதலில் அறிமுகம் செய்யப்பட்ட திருத்தலமாகும்.

58. ஈசன் ஈஸ்வரி பிறந்த ஊரான உத்திரகோச மங்கையில் ஒரு முறை பக்தர்கள் வந்து மிதித்தால் சொர்க்கம் செல்லுவது நிச்சயாமாகும்.

59. உத்தர கோசமங்கை திருத்தலமானது ஸ்ரீராமருக்கு ஈசன் சிவலிங்கம் வழங்கி சேது சமுத்திரத்தில் பாலம் போட உத்தரவு வழங்கிய இடமாகும்.

60. இத்தலத்தில் மாணிக்கவாசகர் பாடிய பொன்னூஞ்சல் பாடலை குழந்தைகளை தாலாட்டும்போது பாடினால், குழந்தைகள்

உயரமாகவும், உன்னத மாகவும் வாழ்வார்கள் என்பது பக்தர்கள் நம்பிக்கையாகும்.

*ஒம் நம சிவாயா*

Runa Vimochana Sloka

This shloka is in the praise of Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. Daily chanting of this sloka is said to absolve one's sins.

Here is the link of Parikkal Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.

"Shri Runa Vimochana Nrusimha Stotram with meaning"

1) Devatha kaarya sidhyartham,

    Sabha sthambha samudbhavam,

    Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

For the purpose of completion of the need of the devas, You appeared from a pillar in a palace,Oh! Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

2) Lakshmya alingtha vamaangam,

    Bhakthaanaam vara daayakam,

    Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

Goddess Lakshmi embraces your left side, And you give boons to your devotees, Oh! narasimha who is a great warrior, 

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

3) Aantramaalaadaram shankha chakraabja Yudha dharinam,

Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

God who wears the inner part of your enemy as garland, God who holds conch wheel , lotus and other weapons, Oh! Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

4) Smaranaath sarva paapagnam,

    Khadraja visha naasanam,

    Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

God whose very thought kills all sins, God who destroys poison of all snakes, Oh! Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts. 

5) Simhanaadena mahatha,

    Digdanthi bhayanaasanam,

    Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

God of a terrible lion like roar, Who removes fear of elephants, which guard all directions, Oh! Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

6) Prahlaada varadam sreesam,

    Daithyeshwara vidaarinam,

    Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

God who was kind to prahlada, The lord of Lakshmi and he who ripped apart the king of demons, Oh! Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

7) Krooragrahai peedithaanaam,

Bhakthaanaam abhaya pradham,

Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

God who gives freedom from fear to devotees, Who are being troubled by cruel planets, Oh! Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

8) Veda vedaantha yagnesam,

brahma rudraadhi vanditham,

Sri nrusimham mahaaveeram namaami runa mukthaye.

MEANING:

God who is the lord of Vedas, Vedantha and Sacrifices, Who is worshipped by Brahma, Rudra and others, Oh! Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

9) YA IDAM PATATHE NITHYAM,

RUNA VIMOCHANA SAMHITHAM,

ANRUNEE JAAYAATHE SADHYO DHANAM, SEEGRAMAVAAPNUYAATH.

MEANING:

HE WHO READS DAILY THIS PRAYER FOR GETTING RID OF HIS DEBTS, WOULD SURELY SOON EARN LOT OF MONEY AND BE DEBTLESS

Ramanatha Swamy

While the whole epic of Ramayana celebrates the birth of Lord Rama on a supposedly inauspicious Navami day, his childhood valor, his marriage to Sita Devi and his 14 year’s in the forest followed by His search of Goddess Sita and finally the epic battle of Lanka, very less is often said of the antagonist Ravana. 

Sriman Narayana incarnated in the Thretha Yuga as Sri Ramachandramurthy and was born to King Dasharatha with three brothers, among whom Lakshmana is considered to be the sarpa rupa (the celestial snake) who always accompanies the Lord in all His incarnations and is upon whom the Lord is resting at Vaikunta. Brothers Bharatha & Shatrugna also have their important places in the epic Ramayana. 

Ravana, however was a very learned scholar. He is said to be a great devotee of Lord Shiva who, mighty impressed by Ravana’s various penances has granted several boons. Like most people endowed with special skills and powers, Ravana too became arrogant over time. What triggered him the most was when his sister Soorpanaka was insulted by Lakshmana and to take revenge, Ravana kidnapped Sita Devi from the forest where she resided with Rama. 

Lord Rama set-out on foot in search of Sita Devi and with the assistance of Lord Hanuman and the entire Vanara Sena (Monkey Army), decided to proceed to Lanka which was ruled by Ravana where Sita was kept hidden in captivity. After a protracted battle, Lord Rama killed Ravana and gave him Moksha after which Ravana’s brother King Vibhishana was ordained as the King of Lanka. 

Although Ravana took the wrong approach, he was a devout Brahman. He is said to have mastered all the Vedas, knew all the 64 Life Skills, was a benevolent ruler of his Kingdom and an affable person too. Among the worst of all sins is to abuse a Brahman, as per the Vedas. So, when Lord Rama had to kill Ravana in the ensuing war, he had no choice but to do the pariharas which, he is said to have performed at this temple after praying to Lord Shiva who is considered to be the most merciful of all Gods and grants any wish that His devotee seeks with fullest devotion. Lest, he would be cursed with Brahma-Hatti Dosha (killing a Brahmin).

So, why would the Lord, who is the creator of this Universe, the one who looks after everything ever created in this world need to do all this? Well, it is for us mortals to know how to deal with unsavory things in life which we end up doing. His acts are nothing but directions the celestial way. In our day today life, knowingly and sometime unknowlingly we commit various sins and these guidances are His way to show how to seek pardon for our mistakes. Hence the set of guidelines laid down by the Lord Himself. 

One is expected to take a dip in the sea early morning (in empty stomach) followed by a dip in all the 20 wells within the Temple precincts one after the other in a particular sequence. Although the wells are deep within the ground and so close to the sea, the water is not salty which is a miracle unfounded till date. After completing the holy shower, one should dry themselves, change clothes and then seek the blessings of Lord Shiva who is said to absolve one’s lifetime sins. It is preferable to take the guidance of the temple priests who help perform the rituals of taking the holy dip. Food must be consumed preferably only after the rituals are fully completed. 

Main Festivals;

Siva Rathri 

Temple Timings: 

6am to 12.30pm; 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Google Link

How to reach: 

Railhead: 

Rameswaram Railway Station (3 kms)

Madurai Railway Station (140 kms)

Bus Stand: 

Rameswaram Bus Terminus (1 km)

There are plenty of buses that ply from all over Tamil Nadu. The closest city with multi-modal connectivity is Madurai. 

Airport: 

Madurai Airport (160 kms)

By Road:

Rameswaram is actually an island off the mainland of India. While driving towards the town, one has to cross the Sea through the eponymous Pamban Bridge. There are parallel bridges for road users and trains. The road is narrow, be design. Once can view the train passing by the bridge from the road (bridge) although selfies can be life-threatening with vehicles of all shapes and sizes passing by at great speeds. 

There are road from three main directions entering into Rameswaram – one from Trichy in the North, Madurai in the West and Tuticorin in the South. All these three roads join the road towards Rameswaram and then it is just one straight for about 20 kms all the way up to the temple precincts. 

Dhanushkodi, the last village of India is located about 16 kms from Rameswaram. The once popular trading hub was washed away during the 1964 Tsunami which saw the city losing all it’s sheen and no one ever dared to live there, ever after. The road leading to Dhanushkodi is scenic with ocean on both sides and terminating at the tip where the ocean can be experiences in its full glory. Private vehicles can go all the way till the “Land’s End” and one can have a great time there. 

Summers are very harsh although that’s the most crowded season due to tourist rush. The town also gets quite a monsoon, once between June & July again between November & December. However, end December until March as well as July – November are supposedly great times of the year to visit.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Mahabharatha, the epic is not just another story. Some call it a myth, some a work of fiction. Rather, it is a guide to the human race on how to lead a life to eventually reach the Lord’s feet and enable us to attain Moksha. Sriman Narayana took his 9^thincarnation in the previous Dwapara Yuga as Krishna and His life is a very interesting story, right from his birth on the supposedly inauspicious Ashtami night all the way up to the Epic War – Maha Bharatha. The Lord gives us various life learnings in this incarnation and they are valuable to everything we do in our daily lives. 

When it was decided that the Kauravas, who had kept the Pandavas away from taking over the Kingdom and were even forced to live in hiding for a year, both the teams reached out to Lord Krishna for support and help them win respectively. Duryodhana, the Kaurava King wanted all weapons, manpower, animals like horses, elephants and so on and all resources that were available to which the Lord obliged. Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Padavas sought Him to be by their side to which the Lord smiled. The essence of this, is that no matter what we have in our lives, we finally need the guidance and blessings of the Lord with us always. 

In the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Lord Krishna plays charioteer and thus the name Partha Sarathy, Sarathy meaning the one who drives. There are various interpretations to the epic war, such the two who fight are within us who are Parthas, the bad and the good, while The Lord resides in our hearts and guides us in our every step. HE suggests a way of living, acts as a guide when we make mistakes and advises steps to recoup our mistakes. 

Bhagavad Gita which evolved from the Mahabharatha, is the best book one could ever lay their hands on. It has so many anecdotes, so many real-life situations and experts have always agreed there is no better resource to clarify our doubts than the Gita. I have read many parts of the Mahabharatha across various books and articles and have also heard a number of discourses by scholars. Every time I hear the Mahabharatha, I discover a new thing about life and take a leaf out of the book, quite literally. 

Summary of the Gita

The Lord says, “what is yours today was someone else’s yesterday, will be someone else’s tomorrow” and “you brought nothing, you take back nothing” among various other things.

Legend

It is said that Lord Krishna, after the Epic war was over performed Pattabhisheka – ordained Dhramaraja as the King and came to this location where He blesses his ardent devotees. The 10 feet idol of Lord Krishna has a mostache, a rarity for Sriman Mahavishnu, and faces East. 

The temple also has separate precincts for Sri Yoga Narasimha facing West, Sri Nitya Varadaraja Perumal, Goddess Mahalakshmi and Goddess Aandal. It is said that the Utsavar idol has marks of the arrows that were aimed at the Lord during the Epic war. 

Among the 106 Divya Desam temples on Earth, Tiruvallikeni Sri Parthasarathy is the presiding deity of the city of Chennai (formerly Madras). Various Kings are said to have maintained the temple and have contributed immensely for the upkeep of the temple over centuries. 

Main Festivals;

Sri Krishna Jayanthi - Tamil Month - …………. English Calendar Year - ………….

Temple Timings: 

6am to 12.30pm; 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Google Link

How to reach: 

Railhead: 

Chennai Central Railway Station (7 kms)

Chennai Egmore Railway Station (7 kms)

Tambaram Railway Station (27 kms)

Bus Stand: 

Koyambedu Bus Station (15 kms)

Airport: 

Chennai Airport (16 kms)

By Road:

The Temple is situated in the heart of the city at Triplicane. City buses are available to reach the place, so are Autos & Taxis. There is limited parking for self-driven cars and is almost impossible to get one during the peak hours and weekends. Also, the roads leading to the temple are quite narrow.

The Marina Beach is less than 2 kms from the temple. There is a huge Temple tank on the eastern side of the temple where Teppotsavam is held from time to time. 

Parikkal Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar

Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha at Parikkal is our family deity and have been visiting this place for, well since when I was born. Among the various forms of Lord Maha Vishnu, the fourth Avatar (incarnation) as Narasimha is quite special. 

When the Four Brahma Kumaras (they were Manasa putras, meaning born out of the mind of Lord Brahma) - Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara came to visit Sriman Narayana at Vaikunta, His bodyguards Jaya-Vijaya refused them entry stating that the Lord was resting. Outraged, they cursed them to be out of the celestial world. The duo reached the Lord’s feet and sought mercy, however the Lord himself could do little about this curse. However, He gave them two choices. Either be born as a devotee in seven births or be born as an Asura in three births to fight the Lord Himself. That the duo couldn’t stay away from the Lord for seven births, they were born Asuras - In Krita Yuga as Hiranyaksha (killed by Lord Maha Vishnu's 3rd Avatara as Varaha) and Hiranyakashipu (story below). 

Hiranyakashipu was a very learned man and did a lifetime penance such that he could never be destroyed by any force created on earth such as no animal or man could kill him, he cannot be destroyed in the day or night, inside or outside his house, no weapons could destroy him and so on. However, the Lord had other plans, as always. Hiranya was blessed with a Son who was named Prahlada who was a staunch devotee of Lord Maha Vishnu even since he was in his mother’s womb, for his mother stayed at the ashram of Sage Naradha and was tutored Sriman Narayana’s nama all along. So, when He was born in the Earth, he continued to be the biggest devotee of Sriman Narayana. His father Hiranya wanted Prahlada to believe that he was the real Lord which Prahlada always refused to agree. 

Enraged, Hiranyakashipu asked his son to prove where He was right now, if He is always around for which Prahlada replied he is in everything that is created in this world. When Hiranyakashipu breaks a Pillar, a unique creature comes out of it. A Lion with a human torso walks gigantically even as the 14 worlds shudder, which pulls Hiranyakashipu on its lap, sits at the entrance of the house and kills Hiranya with its sharp nails. And all this happens at dusk: 5.45pm – 6.30pm which is in between the day and night. The creature is none other than Lord Narasimha – Nara, meaning human and Simha meaning a Lion. 

The entire cosmic world was terrified at this instance because such a thing had never happened ever before. Lord Shiva & Brahma, Goddesses Mahalakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, and all other Devatas prayed to the Lord to calm down to which He obliged. Therefore, Lord Narasimha has always been associated with removing the negative energies in the world and setting things right. Daily obeisance to Lord Narasimha is said to salvage the life sins of humans and help them attain moksha at His feet. He is also the most benevolent forms of Lord Maha Vishnu and is seated in three forms – Abhaya Hasta with Goddess Mahalakshmi on his Lap, Yoga Narasimha and in the form of tearing up Hiranyakashipu. 

Temple View - Parikkal

Parikkal Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is a temple which is considered over 1,000 years old and has inscriptions of the “fish” which is associated with the Pandya Kings of South India. Goddess Mahalakshmi is seated on His left lap and also has a separate sannidhi where She blesses devotees as Goddess Kanakavalli. 

Among the various slokas, “Runa Vimochana Stotra” is one of the most powerful ones which will relieve one of their debts. Debts here do not just mean financial ones, but the debt that we leave pending birth after birth and keep coming back to relieve them. Regular chanting of this sloka will have very positive outcomes and I am a beneficiary of this sloka.

Main Festivals;

Swathi Star on which day the Lord arrived on Earth (Monthly)

Sri Narasimha Jayanthi Tamil Month - Vaikasi, English Calendar Year - May)

Temple Timings: 6am to 12.30pm; 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Avoid Weekends, for they are just too crowded. Weekdays are relatively less crowded.

Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) is performed on all days but with prior booking only. Contact the Temple Priest Sri. Sundara Varadan on his mobile number +91 94446 48309.

Temple Prasadam is usually provided as part of the Thirumanjanam which includes Sweet Pongal and Panchamrutham. Additional prasadam items such as Puliyodarai and Curd Rice can be requested in advance which would be provided upon additional payment. 

Google Link

How to reach: 

Railhead: 

Villupuram Junction (25 kms)

Parikkal Station (3 kms) but very few trains stop here

Bus Stand: 

Villupuram Bus Stand (25 kms)

Airport: 

Chennai Airport (170 kms)

Tiruchirapalli Airport (140 kms)

By Road:

On the Chennai Trichy National Highway, the village “Parikkal” can be spotted just after 20 kms from Villupuram towards Trichy. You will see JCB Earth Movers Showroom followed by Café Coffee Day both on to your left side and Truck Lay-bye also on the left side. Immediately after that, there would be medians placed on the road for vehicles to slow down. A 20 feet statue of Lord Hanuman can be seen on the left side, and the road opposite will take you to the temple premises. You will pass through the railway track connecting Villupuram – Trichy. 

Taxis are available from Chennai & Trichy Airport, from Villupuram Railway Station and Bus Stands. There is no accommodation at Parikkal, however a few good hotels can be found at Villupuram town. Do refer here for details.

From Chennai, this temple can be covered in a single day between 6am – 9pm with a few other temples midway. 

Jai Narasimha!

Why visit Temples?

For the inquisitive minds, this note provides a little insight on Brahmam and the main purpose of worship and visiting temples.

 

Why do we visit temples?

 

We visit temples to worship God. Brahmam (Sriman Narayana) has five different forms.

 

While God is infinite and beyond the limits of space, time and form, he takes various forms for different purpose.

 

Let us understand the five different places and forms of God and the purpose of each of these forms.

 

1^st form - Para Roopa

The form HE takes at Sri Vaikunta, His Celestial Abode. 

 

Description 

In seated posture, to His right is Sri Mahalakshmi and to his left is Bhooma Devi and Neela devi. Along with Him are billions of Nitya aatmas and Mukta aatmas having great experience and spiritual bliss at Sri Vaikuntam.

 

Attribute

Exhibits Supremacy

 

2^nd Form - Vyuha Roopa

The form HE takes in the Milky Ocean (Ksheeraabdi)

 

Description - Here, HE is in the reclining posture. Whenever the Devas have a tough time with Asuras, they rush to Ksheeraabdi. God listens patiently to all their complaints and the lament of the Devas and only "if needed" HE incarnates from Ksheerabdi to help the Devas and protect his devotees. 

 

Attribute

Exhibits as the ultimate Saviour (Rakshakatvam)

 

3^rd Form - Vibhava Roopa

HIS various incarnations on Earth for us mortals. 

 

Description

His incarnations are countless which includes the Dasa Avataara. The purpose of HIS incarnations are; 1). To award and protect the ones who follow the rule book (Dharma Shastra), 2). To punish the ones who do not follow and 3). To establish Dharma. 

Paritraanaaya Saadhoonam, Vinaashayacha Dushkrutaam, Dharma Samstaapanaartaya, Sambhavaami yuge yuge

 

Attribute

Exhibits Dharma Samstaapanam

 

4^th Form - Antaryaami

Residing inside each of us (inside all Jeeva aatmas)

 

Description

HE dwells in our heart, which is in the form of inverted lotus. HE is quite close to us, watching us all the time, even when our mind is engaged in material matters. HE is steadfast, ever pardoning and waiting for the right moment to correct us.

 

Attribute

Exhibits magnanimity (Vaatsalyam) in this form

 

5^th Form - Archaa

The deity form which is the most important and useful form for us on Earth.

 

Description

God resides in deity form in standing, sitting or reclining postures. We, as human beings, do not know the route to Sri Vaikunta, nor do we live in the Krita, Treta or Dwapara yugas to see His incarnations. God resides in each of us, quite intimate and close, but we have not attained the state of Yogi to meditate and realise the One who dwells in us. So, unless HE is available and accessible for us, we can not meditate on HIM, worship and exhibit bhakti. So HE is available in deity form in temples all the time, close to our homes, accessible, for us to worship.

 

Attribute

Exhibits simplicity and accessibility (Soulabhya) in this form

 

 

The next question is why worship God?

 

God gives us anything we ask for when we completely surrender unto Him. While HE grants all the material pleasures we ask for, HE is the only one who can help us achieve the supreme goal which is to realise the ultimate purpose of life.

 

Let us ask ourselves some basic questions: 

Who am I?

I am a Jeevaatma (There is no difference between me, a sheep, a flower, Devas or any other Jeevaatmas).

 

What differentiates Jeevaatmas?

Intelligence (Gyana) which is accumulated based on our actions (Karma) over several births.

 

Who is God?

Paramaatma (the one who is eternal, infinite and supreme of all).

 

What is the ultimate purpose of my life?

To attain moksha and realise the Brahmam (experience eternal bliss and cut out from the cycle of birth and death)

 

While it is easy to put this in a para-form, it is not easy to experience and appreciate Brahmam without Surrender to Him and experience HIS various forms.

 

The simple beginning would be to visit the closest temple, mediate and worship on HIM.