Bhooloka Vaikuntam

There are Temples. Temples of special significance. Temples for performing specific rituals. Temples depicting the Lord's instances. And many many more reasons for a Temple to exist.

And then, there is the temple at Srirangam. 

It is believed that the entire "Vimana" of the Srirangam Temple is the root of all other temples and therefore worshipping at this temple will only strengthen our own prayers to all other temples.

It is widely known that King Vibhishana, brother of King Ravana installed and prayed to the Lord at this temple after Lord Rama gifted this idol to him when the King was returning back to Lanka after the ceremonial consecration of Lord Rama as the King of Ayodhya at the end of the Ramayana War. But there is something interesting how this idol came in to being, in the first place.

Let me explain briefly.

Sriman Narayana created Lord Brahma and the Universe and asked Lord Brahma to create the world which the latter kept doing for many years. Once, he was doubtful of his own ability to keep creating and hence wanted to strengthen his abilities, thereby requesting the Lord to bless him. The Lord appeared in Kurma Roopa (Tortoise form) but Lord Brahma wanted to see His real form to which Sriman Narayana replied that it wasn't so easy to see Him in that form. he ordered Brahma to perform prayers for a thousand years and finally He appeared in the form where He is seen lying on the Adisesha in the celestial ocean (which is none other than the water which flows from his conch - Panchajanya). Brahma thanked Him and prayed to the idol along with the Vimana (the exterior portions included) for many thousands of years.

Later, He passed on the duties to perform prayers to Lord Surya who passed it on to King Manu who passed it on to Ikshvaku of the Surya Dynasty. However, Ikshvaku wasn't sure if he had the ability to pray the way the Devathas prayed at the Satya Loka because he lived in the Bhoo-loka. Therefore, he requested that the Vimana be moved to the Earth and he performed prayers all his life before passing it on to King Dasharatha who prayed for 60,000 years. Then, it was passed on to Lord Rama who offered the idol to King Vibhishana at his behest as a parting gift for all the services the King offered to the Lord during the War at Lanka.

When Vibhishana was returning from Ayodhya with the Vimana, he decided to conduct his evening prayers and thus placed it at the current location on the banks of Cauvery River. However, he wasn't able to remove the Vimana - that is when the Lord informed him that he had given a boon to River Cauvery that He shall decorate her one day by being adjacent to Her. He assured the King that He would be facing the southern direction with His views always on Lanka. It is believed that King Vibhishana visits Srirangam everyday to perform his prayers.

A visit to Srirangam usually ends up with a fast Darshan to the main sanctum sanctorum. However, there are a number of other shrines inside the temple. Lord Dhanvanthri, a form of Maha Vishnu with medicinal herbs on His hands is located on the Northern side of the main shrine. Then there is the unfinished pillar where Lord Narasimha appeared in public when Kambar was invocating the Ramayana to prove that He was none other than Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama & Narasimha.

There is a separate shrine for Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana on the eastern side of the precincts. Closeby, there is a shrine which houses Sriman Narayana in His eternal home at Sri Vaikunta where he is seen seated along with Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi and Neela Devi. There is another shrine of Lord Vasudeva, a rare form of His creation seen at Temples.

Goddess Ranganayaki's shrine has two idols of the Goddess. This is because, during the raid by Mughal king Malik Kafur, the devotees shifted the idol of Lord Ranganatha to a secret location and buried the idol of the Goddess underground. While the idol of Lord Ranganatha was brought back from Tirupati (The Ranga Mandapa at Tirumala was where He was housed & offered prayers during this time), the devotees didn't know where the Goddess' idol was. So they sculpted a new one. However, after a while the original idol was found and was placed in front of the previously installed one.

They say there are temples within a city. But Srirangam is a city inside the Temple. The five layers (prakaras) are none other than the five forms of the Lord - Para Rupa, Vyuha Rupa, Vibhava Rupa, Archa Rupa and Antaryami. 

It is not enough to visit this temple once in a lifetime, rather it is the most benevolent boon to reside in Srirangam all our life so we are not reborn again and attain Mukthi to serve the Lord at His feet.

Lord Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple

Lord Hayagriva is an avatara or Sriman Narayana. He is considered the epitome of wisdom and is said to bless His ardent devotees with everything they seek with regards to enhancing their knowledge. He The Four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama & Atharvana were handed over to Lord Brahma for His safe custody. Everything that happens in the Universe is said to be as per the Vedas an Lord Brahma ensures the same. Once upon a time, two asuras stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma and vanished. Sriman Narayana took the form of Lord Hayagriva – a human form with the head of a Horse to rescue the Vedas and returned it back to Lord Brahma for the well-being of His creations. 

There are many temples dedicated to Lord Hayagriva across the world but the first one to come up on Earth is the one at Thiruvahindrapuram. Lord Hayagriva is seated on a small hillock which is known as Aushadagiri which is none other than a small portion of the “Sanjeevini” hill which Lord Hanuman was carrying to rescue Lakshmana at the orders of Lord Sri Rama. Aushada means medicine, Giri means hill. It is believed that the hillock is medicinal in nature. Devotees throng the shrine, especially with their wards for enhancement of their knowledge and studies at school / college / higher education. Devotees throng to this temple and offer Elachi garland to seek the Blessings of the Lord. 

The temple alongside here is that of “Sri Devanayakan” referred so as the Nayakan of the Trimurthi Devas – Sriman Narayana, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. Lord Devanayakan is seen with “Jata-Mudi”, the hair of an ascetic symbolically referring to Lord Shiva, has a Lotus in his left hand as well as holds Shankha & Chakra, thereby displaying His form as well. Once upon a time, Lord Shiva was performing penance close by here and had a war with the Asuras. Lord Shiva fought with Lord Brahma as his Sarathy, Mt. Meru as his Bow, Vasuki as Bow string rope, the Earth as His Chariot, Moon and Sun Gods as two wheels, the four oceans as Quiver, the Vedas as Horses and Lord Vishnu’s Vajrayudha as Bow and won the war. However, the war was so intense that Lord Shiva was swept away in to the Ocean and Lord Vishnu had to rescue Him and bring back to the shore. This episode is enacted during the annual Theerthavari festival at this temple. 

Once the war was over, Lord Vishnu was thirsty; so Garuda went to Vaikunta to fetch water and on the way, spilled the pot of a sage which flows here as river “Gadila” while Adisesha sprung his tail on Earth to create a spring to appease the Lord’s thirst. Thus, both the Vahanas are present in one shrine here which is among the uniqueness of this temple. Although a snake and eagle are considered enemies to one another, here they serve the Almighty together, such is the grace of the Almighty. 

Another legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi was found on a lotus pond by Sage brighu who named Her Bhargavi. From childhood, she always prayed to and wanted to be beside Sriman Narayana and hence the Lord appeared in front of the sage and requested him to allow Him to marry Her which the Sage obliged. However, since the Sage would sorely miss his daughter, the Lord agreed to have the sage along with him and hence we see Sage Brighu inside the Garbagudi along with Lord Devanayakan and Goddess Hemambhujavalli (the one who was found on a golden leaf lotus). Since the Goddess would like to gaze at the waves, She is also known as TharangaMukhaNayaki – one who’s face glares the waves of the ocean. 

This is also the shrine where Shri Vedanta Desikar stayed for 40 years and performed rituals to Lord Devanayakan. It is here that Shri Desikar wrote his epic “Raghuveera Gadyam” and has a separate shrine inside the main temple along with a Dwaja Sthamba.

There are also separate shrines of Sri Rama with Goddess Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman; a separate shrine of Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha – a unique feature is that the Goddess is seated on His right lap unlike the norm; a separate shrine of Lord Sri Ranganatha. Thus, in one temple the Lord is seen in standing, sitting and sleeping form, a rarity as well.

Nithya Kalyana Perumal

Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple

Among the various incarnations of Maha Vishnu, four Avataras are among the most popular – Rama, Krishna, Narasimha & Varaha – in no particular order though. Interestingly, each of these avataras have occurred during various yugas. Let me dwell on the Varaha Avatara.

Jaya-Vijaya, the guards of Vaikunta, the celestial abode of Sriman Narayana were cursed by sages due to the disrespect they showed on the guests. Even the Lord could not much in this regard. However, He offered a work-around to his deputies. He said, you could either be born a 100 times as my devotee or 3 times as my enemy in the form of an Asura. The duo, who didn’t want to stay away from the Lord too long preferred the latter boon (or curse!).

The duo were born as Shishupala – Dantavakra in Dwapara Yuga,  Ravana – Kumbhakarna in Treta Yuga and hiranyaksha – Hiranyakashipu in Krita Yuga.

Hiranyaksha did penance for thousands of years and became mighty powerful. He took control of all the worlds including the Vedas and took them to the akala pathala, the bottom most part of the universe. Mother Earth, Bhooma Devi was under His siege and prayed the Almighty to rescue Her. Sriman Narayana took the form of a wild boar, went deep inside the pathaala, killed Hiranyaksha Asura and rescued Mother Earth and brought it back on His nose, hence we see Bhooma Devi (The Earth) always placed on the nose of the boar. 

There’s an interesting story why the Lord took the form of a Boar and not any other form. Goddess Mahalakshmi as Bhooma Devi always remains under the ground. But during this siege, she was taken to the 7^th world underground which is considered to be filthy and dirty. If the Lord appeared as He would in the Vaikunta with a Vajra Kreeta, Jewellery and his form when the Goddess is in the pits, it may not have looked nice. Hence, He took a form of a creature which usually dwells in the much and is considered to be among those living forms which live in the dirtiest parts of the earth. Hence, He appeared as a Boar. 

The Lord is said to have appeared first at Srimushnam in this form which is considered a svayambu kshetra. However, He also appeared at Thiruvidanthai, 50 kms South of Chennai where He is celebrated as “Nithya Kalyana Perumal”. 

Sage Kuni and his daughter performed penance to attain Mukthi. The Sage attained but not the daughter. Sage Narada advised the girl to marry so she can attain Mukthi. She married Sage Kalava and had 360 daughters. The couple pleaded the Lord to marry the girls and bless everyone with Mukthi but He didn’t oblige. One day, a young man visited their hermitage and the Sage requested him to marry all the daughters one by one every day. On the last day, the man transformed in to the Varaha form and He was none other than Sriman Narayana. 

He merged all the 360 wives into one – Akilavalli and seated Her on His Left Leg. Hence the name Thiruvida-vandhai which later became Thiruvidanthai. 

Believers flock to this shrine for getting His blessings to be married and to lead a prosperous life. Sarathy will be able to arrange special pujas for your loved ones should they wish to undertake this offering. Call us on 9176300058 for details. 

Namakkal Narasimha and Hanuman Temple

Lord Hanuman, as we all know plays a pivotal role in the epic Ramayana in which Sriman Narayana manifests in the human form of His various incarnations, among which the most popular are what we know as the Dasavatharas. It was a chance encounter that Hanuman sees Lord Sri Rama along with His brother Lakshmana as they are walking in the forests in search of Goddess Sita. It is mentioned in the Ramayana, that Hanuman had an instant connect with the Lord looking at his shoulders and that he was able to imagine this form of human with four hands who is none other than Lord Maha Vishnu in a different form. 

When Thretha Yuga during which the Ramayana occurred ends, everyone is ready to leave the Earth along with Sri Rama to Vaikunta, the celestial abode of Sriman Narayana. Lord Rama had assured that each and every living being would be taken back by Him at the time to His permanent place of residence. However, Lord Hanuman had a request to Sri Rama – since the Lord resides all the time in His heart along with Goddess Mahalakshmi, He requested the Lord to allow him to stay back on Earth so He can chant Sri Rama nama during all the Yugas. Accordingly, Lord Hanuman is seen in the flag of Arjuna’s chariot in the Mahabharatha during the Thretha Yuga.  

It is said that till date during the Kali Yuga, whenever a discourse of Sri Ramayana Charitha is held, a separate seat is made and offered to Lord Hanuman near the idol or the photo of Lord Sri Rama, since Lord Hanuman would be seated to listen to the epic Ramayana. Such is the divinity of Hanuman to His master, Sri Rama & Goddess Sita. 

Once when Hanuman was flying, He stopped by to perform his daily rituals. He was carrying a Saligrama which was indicative of Lord Sri Narasimha. He found a woman doing penance and told her to keep the Saligrama with her and not to keep it on the ground. The woman, who was none other than Goddess Mahalakshmi wanted to see the Lord in the form of Sri Ugra Narasimha, the form in which He incarnated in the Krita Yuga to destroy Hiranyakashipu, father of Prahlada. Since the Goddess didn’t accompany Him at the time of His avatara as Narasimha, she was keen to see the same roopa of the Lord. Thus, the Lord manifested through the Saligrama in the form of Ugra Narasimha and the entire mountain is said to be the Saligrama itself. 

The imagery of Lord Narasimha inside a cave is at the foothills of the mountain here with a red smear on his right hand indicative of the blood which oozed from Hiranya’s body which was pierced with the nails of a lion – Vajra Naka, as we know them. Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are seen inside the main shrine, that they visited the Lord to pray and seek His blessings. Sanakan and Sanathanan, the two sons of Lord Brahma are also seen here who are said to inform the day today happenings in the Earth to the Lord. Lord Surya & Lord Chandra are seen offering Chamara, the fan to the Lord. 

Goddess Mahalakshmi, known as Namagiri Lakshmi is seen facing the Lord in Her penance who is facing West which is not a normal occurrence since Her shrine is usually to the right side of the Lord in most other temples. The shrine is considered “Trimurthi Sthalam” where Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are seen together, one of its kind again.

Hanuman has a separate shrine a little away, facing Lord Narasimha axially and praying Him all the time with folded hands. The height of Lord Hanuman’s idol is 18 feet in standing position and doesn’t have a roof on the top, with his entire body exposed to sun and rain, which is said to have been made of single rock. Since Lord Hanuman is said to be the best friend of Lord Shaneeswara, it is said that those who pray Lord Hanuman automatically beget the blessings of Lord Shani. 

Namakkal is about 60 kms from Salem. There are very few stay options in the small town with limited public transportation. Both the temples are open from 6am – 12.30pm and from 4.30pm – 8.30pm. Special poojas are performed all through the year during various special events.

Sarathy, your friendly Travel Companion will be able to arrange trips to these Temples soon. Bookings open soon. Stay tuned. Share this Page and spread the word.

Tirupullani Temple

While the Lord has innumerable forms and names, the most widely popular are the Dasavathara – the Ten forms. It is impossible to condense the incarnations the Lord has taken but these Ten forms largely narrate the human evolution. From the form of a living creature in the oceans and seas, the Lord’s forms take shape one after the other. The seventh form of the Lord in this series is that of a human. It is widely believed that the entire script around he abduction of Goddess Sita and the subsequent killing the Demon King Ravana is actually a byproduct, for the Lord took this incarnation only to tell mankind how a person should lead his/her Life. The incarnation is more about upholding values, be it as a faithful son for a Father or a dutiful son of a Mother, loving and caring Brother and a doting husband/father who lives by the word of Dharma. A role where the Lord shows the world what friendship is, how people of all castes or creeds are one and the same and how animals, be it a monkey or a squirrel are to be loved and cared for.

Lord Rama’s righteousness, values and His entire story can not be summarised even in a week long Upanyasa (Discourse) on Ramayana, and obviously not in this article. Every time we hear the Ramayana’s narration from someone, we learn something new about the Epic. Here’s one such interesting information that you may already know, or perhaps not. 

King Dasaratha – he was named such because he could control Ten Rathas at a time, such was his valour and a famous ruler of Ikshvaku’s Kshatriya clan of the Surya dynasty. All said and done, he wasn’t blessed with a Child which was one of his biggest qualms. He descended all the way to Tirupullani which houses the “Adhi Jagannatha Swamy” shrine. The Lord is seen here in a seated position with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi alongside. The King prayed the Lord to bless him with a son who had every ideal which was ever bestowed upon any human being. The Lord said there’s nothing as such created until now and therefore He shall Himself be born to the King and shall bless the world. After performing the Ashwamedha Yagna, the King and his three wives were blessed with not one but Four children. 

Many years later, when Lord Sri Rama was about to cross the mighty ocean to secure Goddess Sita from Lanka, he is said to have prayed to the deity here to seek his blessings for a successful victory across the border and shore. This is perhaps the only such shrine in the world at any Hindu temple where one can see Lord Sri Rama in a reclined posture, (usually connoted with Lord Sri Ranganatha who is seen reclined on the celestial Snake, Adisesha). The Lord is seen lying on the holy darba grass along with Lakshmana, Hanuman, The Sea God and Sea Goddess, Sugriva and the 36,000 devathas. 

A few kilo metres from here is the exact place where the Lord is said to have embarked his journey to Lanka. The locals say that until a few years back, they have seen the so-called floating stones which was used by the Lord to cross the Sea, although the general public cannot access this area any more. 

If you haven’t visited Tirupullani yet, do mark it in your Places-To-Visit in 2019. Among the 106 Divya Desam shrines on Earth (The Celestial Ocean and the Vaikunta being the other two) – places sung by Sri Vaishnavite Azhwars in praise of the Lord Sriman Narayana, the temple is about 20 kms from Ramanathapuram and a two-three hour drive by road from Madurai which also houses a large Airport. Your Sarathy will be able to arrange a trip for you. Soon.

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. 

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

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!