Azhagiya Manavalamamunigal Kainkarya Sabha

Gosalai Thodakkam

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Kovil Azhwar thirumanjanam at Thirumanimadakovil temple



Our Sabha had the greatest privilege of performing Kovil Azhwar thirumanjanam at Thirumanimadakovil temple on Sep 17th and 18th 2016. For viewing Photos CLICK HERE
Temple history:
Moolavar - Sri Narayanan in the Irundha thirukkolam (Sitting posture). Also known as BadriNarayana perumal and Nanda Vilakku.
Facing - East.
Prathyaksham - For Ekadasa Rudhirarkal (Lord Shiva) and Lord Indra.
Thayaar - Pundariga Valli Thaayar.
Vimanam - Pranavakaram
Pushkarani - Indra Pushkarani and Rudra Pushkarani.
Mangalasasanams - Revered by the verses of Thirumangai Aazhwar
Specialty - One of the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis, and bigger among all.
As with the other temples in Thiru Nangur, the same legend that says that Vishnu took eleven forms as requeusted by Lord Shiva and have been blessing the devotees. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the day next to Thai Amavasai (New moon day in January/Febraury ) is the major festival called Eleven Garuda seva during which the utsavars of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on Garuda Vahana, and all the eleven utsavars culminate at this place.
ThiruMangai Aazhwar way lays the Lord!!

On Aug 20th and 21st our Sabha has planned to perform the below in Thirunangur divyadesam
>> Kovil Aazhwar thirumanjanam
>> Uzhavara pani in Temple premises
>> Thathiyarathanai to the devotees
Please be part of such a wonderful kainkaryam

Sri Narayanan Perumal, Thirunangur

Our Sabha had the greatest privilege of performing Kovil Azhwar thirumanjanam at Thiru Nagari temple. For viewing Photos click here

Temple history:
Pancha Narasimha Kshetram
Ugira Narasimha, Veera Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Hiranya Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha

wo temples north of ThiruNangur, and within a km of each other, Thiruvaali and Thirunagari, make up one Divya Desam. This is a Pancha Narasimha Shetram. There are 5 Narasimha temples in and around Thiruvaali and Thirunagari.
Thiruvaali
Goddess Lakshmi wanted the Lord to recognize the efforts of Thirumangai Mannan. Granting her wishes, Lord Vishnu asks her to be born as the daughter of Sage Poorna with the promise that he would come there to provide darshan to Thirumangai Mannan.
Quick Facts
Deity : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Poorna Valli Thaayar
Utsavar : Thiruvali Nagaraalan
ThiruMangai way lays the Lord!!
At Vedarajapuram, a village in between Thiruvali and Thirunagari, Thirumangai Mannan stops the Lord in an effort to relieve him of his belongings. It is here that the Lord reveals his true form and utters the Astaachara Mandiram in the ears of Mangai Mannan. This entire event is enacted here every year on the first day of Panguni Uthiram.
Being the place where Lord Vishnu appeared to share the Thiru Manthiram, Thiruvaali is said to be equivalent to Badri.
Accepting the prayers of the Devas (they wanted Goddess Lakshmi to help protect the world from any further destruction after the Lord had slain Hiranyakashipu), the Goddess came here and sat on the Lord’s right thigh. Hence, this place came to be called ‘Thiru’Vali.
Pancha Narasimha Kshetram
With five Narasimha temples in and around Thiruvali-Thirunagari, this Divya Desam is called a Pancha Narasimha Kshetram. At Kuraiyalur, the birth place of Thirumangai Azhvaar, one finds Ugira Narasimha. At Mangai mutt, where Mangai Mannan fed a 1000 Vaishnavites as per the wishes of Kumudavalli, there is Veera Narasimha.
At Thirunagari, there are two Narasimha idols- Yoga Narasimha and Hiranya Narasimha and here at Thiruvali, one sees Lakshmi Narasimha with the Goddess on his right lap.
Kulasekhara Azhvaar and his reference to Thiru Vali
Kulasekhara Azhvaar praises the Lord here referring to him as ‘The Ruler of Aali Nagar’
“ Aalin Ilai Baalaganaai, Anru Ulagam Undavaney
Vaaliyai Konru Arasu Ilaya Vaanarathukku Alithavaney
Kaalinmani Karai Alaikkum, Kanapurathu En Karumaniye
Aali Nagaruku Athipathiye, Ayodhimaney Thaaleylo”- 725
Thirunagari
This is the only Divya Desam where one can see ‘Kalyana Ranganathar’ in a sitting posture.
Quick Facts
Deity : Vedaraajan, West Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Amrutha valli
Utsavar : Kalyana Ranganathar
The story
Brahmma’s son Karthama Prajaapathi undertook penance at Thirunagari wanting Moksham. With Lord Vishnu refusing to consider Goddess’ request of providing Moksham to Prajaapathi, an upset Lakshmi left Paramapatham and hid herself here at Thirunagari. Missing her presence, Lord came down in search and finally found her in a pond here. Hence this place came to be called‘Thiru’(Sri) Nagari, to mark the event of Goddess Lakshmi having stayed here.
While the Lord informed Prajaapathi that there was still time left for Moksham, he offered to grant any other wishes to Brahmma’s son. Though dejected, Prajaapathi requested that the Lord and Goddess remain here in the same form so all the devotees could have darshan.
Thirumangai Azhvaar seen with his trademark spear (Vel)
Thirumangai, who had won over Thirugnana Sambandhar(seen earlier in the Seerkazhi Kaazhi Cheerama Vinnagaram story) is seen here like a hunter with a spear.
Thirumangai had a golden sculpture of his done at Thirukurungudi. It is believed that he transferred all his powers to this sculpture before he attained Moksham at Thirukurungudi. This idol was then moved to Thirunagari, near the birth place of Thirumangai Azhvaar and to date remains the idol of Thirumangai, on whom the daily pooja is undertaken here at ThiruNagari.
To win over his sweet heart Kumudavalli, Thirumangai fed a 1000 vaishnavites here as per the condition laid down by her). To this day, one can see the mandapam, called Mangai Mutt, where Thirumangai fed these Vaishnavites.

Sri Kovil Kandadai Chandamarudham Doddacharyar Swamin a great srivaishnavite poorvacharya of the 12 generation in lineage from Sri Mudhaliandan swamin, A newphew of Srimath Ramanujar was born at cholasimhapuram called as sholingur on 1-2-1543 AD (Star - Uthiradam - Month - Thiru Maasi ). A Versatile scholar in Sanskrit and Tamil, he authored number of books and won laurels as great religious debater. He was blessed with visions of Lord Sriman Narayanana, Especially the Garuda Sevai of Lord Varadharaja perumal of Kanchi during his Brahamostavam, He had the distinction of completing reconstruction and renovation of number of temples especially the ones at cholasimhapuram and Thillai thiruchitra kootam. (Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple at Chidambaram) while he had been doing his kainkaryas at SRIMUSHNAM he realized that his end was nearing and he reached this place(Nitya Pushkarani) embrassed sanyasa and on 3-10-1607 AD he attained Acharyan Thiruvadi and his sishyas established his Thiruvarasu.
That great Sri Swamin Doddacharyar thirunakshram was cleabrated in a grand manner at Sirkali – Few photos of them.

Kaazhi Cheeraama Vinnagaram – Perumal Uthsavan

Located in the heart of Sirkazhi is the Kaazhi Cheerama Vinnagara Divya Desam, one where Thiru Mangai Azhvaar met with Thiru Gnana Sambandhar.
This is one of the five Divya Desams referred by Thirumangai Azhvaar as 'Vinnagaram', the others being Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram), Arimeya Vinnagara (Thiru Naangur), Vaikunta Vinnagaram (Thiru Nangur) and Nandipura Vinnagaram (Nathan Koil, Kumbakonam).
The Story
Brahma had grown arrogant about his life span. To defuse his arrogance, Sage Romasa invoked the blessings of Lord Vishnu and was granted a boon, whereby for every hair lock that fell from the Rishi, Brahmma's life time would reduce by a year. Asked what else he wanted, the sage asked for the Lord to display his Trivikrama form at this place. This is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu in his Vaamana Avataaram measured his first step. At this Divya Desam, only the left foot of the Lord can be seen every day. The right foot can be seen only once a year on the Vaikunta Ekadesi day.

Thirumangai Azhvaar blocked at Sirkazhi
It is here at Sirkazhi that the great Saivite poet Thiru Gnana Sambandhar met with the Great Vaishnavite saint poet Thiru Mangai Mannan and engaged in a debate.
After visiting Thiru Chitrakoodam (Chidambaram), Thirumangai Mannan was on his way to Sirkazhi. All the way his subjects sang praise of him uttering different names of Mangai Mannan. The praise of Thirumangai by his subjects angered the disciples of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They blocked Thirumangai and asked his followers not to shout praises of Thiru Mangai in this birthplace of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They wanted Thirumangai to meet Thiru Gnana Sambandhar and win over him, before continuing with their praise of Thirumangai.
Debate between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
In the first meeting between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, the Vaishnavite poet answered fluently each of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar's questions and let out 10 verses of praise in the name of Vishnu.
Pleased and impressed with Mangai Mannan's knowledge and the sweetness in his praise and description of the different forms of Vishnu, a spell bound Thiru Gnana Sambandhar acknowledged the greatness of Thirumangai and crowned him as 'Mangai Azhvaar' and presented him with the 'Vel'(spear). Among the Azhvaars, Thiru Mangai is the only one who has been crowned with the 'Vel'.
Thirumangai's 8 different names referred here at this place
The Paasuram relating to this divya desam is the only one where Thirumangai refers to each of his 8 different names - Aali Naathan, Arul Maari, Aratha Mukki, Adayar Seeyam, Kongumalai Kuzhaliyar Vel, Mangai Venthan, Parakaalan and Kaliyan.
The temple is administered by Chola Simhapuram Koil Kanthaadai Chantamaarutham Swami Dhoddayacharyar. – On March 8th it was Maasi Uthiradam where swamin thirunakshra uthswam was celebrated in a very grand manner. Morning the day started with Thirumanjanam and Seva kalam followed by mangalasasanam of Swamin, And then evening there was thiruveedhi purapadu.

For more updates and contribution please contact Sri U.Ve. S. Sreedharan : Ph: +91-44-2239 5900, Phone: +91-94442 48934

Thiruchitrakootam.- Perumal Uthsavam

With consort on His sacred chest Lord Govinda Raja resides in the Shrine of Chitrakootam. It is easy to reach Him. One need not hold severe austerities like agnihotrams, if the holy precints of Lord Govinda Raja is reached for it is the spot purified by the chanting of Vedas by the fully well versed pundits. Go Chitrakootam there, an enchanted shrine and place.

Chidambaram also known as Chitrakootam

Details:
Name: Thiruchitrakootam.
Otherwise called: Chidambaram, Thillai, Pundarikapuram.
Presiding Deity: Lord Govinda Raja.
Facing: East ward.
Posture: Yogic down.
Idol form: Sri Devadidevan, Chitrakoodathullan
Consort: Sri Pundarikavalli. ( white Lotus Valli )
Holy Places: 12.
Dome : Satvika Dome.
Sung by : Thirumangai Alwar & Kulasekara Alwar.
Appeared before after penance: 1) Patanchali, 2) Kanvar Rishi
It is said that Lord Govinda Raja is Lord Rama. One can reach Him by just uttering " Govinda " .The idol deity is called 1) Devadidevan, 2) Parthasarathy, 3) Chakravarthi Thirumagan, 4) Geethacharyan.
Holy Spot: 1) Pundarika Thirtham 2) Amudha goopam ( A spot where Garudan appeared to Lord on His visit to witness cosmic dance) 3) Thiruparkadal, 4) Sesha Thirtham, 5) Garuda Thirtham, 6) Kaveri Thirtham , 7) Swetanadhi theertham, 8) Iyamabagh chethara Thirtham, 9) Indira Thirtham, 10) Agni thirtham, 11) Nirjara Theertham, 12) Swamy thirtham.

1. Specialities in Thillai Chitrakootam

Location of the place: This sacred place is Northern border of the fertile chola country, also called " Fortieth cholam" Its boundaries are 1) Cauvery River in the north 2) Vellar in the south 3) Srimushnam in the east 4) Coramandal coast in the west.
Among the 108 sacred shrines sung by Alwars, this is the Twenty Third spot. The presiding deity is Lord Govindaraja.
This temple comes under Vaiganasa Agama regime of worship Its Sathvika Vimanam, Five Kalasas representing five basic elements , Animaniasanam, Thiruastakashra padi, are famous . The spot is also differently termed as Thilli forest, Thillai nagar, Thillai chitrakootam, Pundarika Puram, & Puliyur. Sage Pundarikar performed tapas here. Hence it gets the name " Punadrika Puram." And the tank called "Pundarika Pushkarini" A demoness called "Dilli" performed tapas here. Vyagrapathar worshipped this place and so is "Puliyur" Kanva Rishi attained Moksha ( release) in this place. Sage Patanchali got boons as a reward for his tapas . Sage Gopi pralaya's deep devotion gave him the very presence of Govinda Raja in the form of " Venugopalan". Kuchalas, Anjaneya, Sugreeva, in an assembly had darshan of Lord Govinda Raja".

2. Temples's formation

The sanctum sanctorum is domed by five Kumbams considered to represent the five basic elements. The Deity ( GovindaRaja) is lying on the bed provided by serpent "Adisesha " with seven hoods. At His feet are the Sridevi and Boodevi. From His (naval ) abdomen rise Lord Brahma seated on Lotus flower. Utsava Moorthi is near Him seated on a diamond Simha Asana. With Him on His side are Devadi Deva, the twin devis, Selvar, Kannan Santhana Krishnan andSri Andal.
In the Artha Mantap around the Prahara are Panchachanya Alwars, Narasimhar, Sri Venugopalan with his consorts, Gajendra Varadar mounted Garuda, Thirumazhisai Alwar alias Chakrath Alwar, Kanva Sage, Sage Patanchali, Narasimha in Yogic posture, Sri Ramanuja and KoorathAlwar,. In the inner ring Dwarapalakas adorn the entrance. In the outer wings Sudarsana and Panchachanya Alwar can be found. In front of the Perumal Sannadhi are Thiruashtaksharapadi of Raja Gopuram. In a separate enclosure is Garuda Alwar. Dwjasthambam and Balipeedam are also there.
Thayar Sannadhi is a separate sanctum sanctorum as also Sri Andal. Yagasalai and sanctified kitchen and Pundarika Tank have also found a presence here. The place is called Divya Desam.

3. Alwars obeisance

Sri Kulasekara Alwar and Sri Thirumangai Alwar have sung in praise of this deity. In his work "Perumal Thirumozhi"Kulasekara Alwar praised the place as "Anganedu mathil pudai soozha". In his work "Thirumadal" Thirumangai Alwar calls Him " Then Thillai chitrakootathen selvanai, minnumazhai thavazhum vengadathan viththakanai". It is significant to note that GovindaRaja had the high esteem to be sung by two kings namely Kulasekara Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar.
Kulasekara Alwar has sung Sri Rama's life in his work. It is said that Lord Govinda Raja appeared before Kulasekara as Lord Rama Himself. The verses referring to Govinda Raja in Kulasekara Alwar's work can very well be called the essence of Rama Charitham.
3rd Verse: A direct reference to Lord Govinda Raja as " Thillai Thiru Chitrakootathan.
4th verse: A reference to Lord Govinda Raja as Sri Rama Himself. In the last stanza Sri Kulasekara Alwar makes a mention of Maruthi who is seated on the Left side of Lord.
Kulasekara Alwar has sung in praise of the Visara Murthi seated on the Simhasana.
Sri Thirumangai Alwar says that one need not suffer physical pains to attain Moksha. It is enough one worships Lord Govinda Raja of Thiruchitrakootam. In the 4th stanza Thirumangai Alwar directs devotees to go to Chitrakootam and worship the Lord lying on the serpent Adhisesha bed . In 6th,8th,9th stanzas he praises the Lord as "Devadi Devan" He points to the Northern side of the place where River Vellar courses along, being considered as one of the holy waters among the twelve of Chitrakoota deity. Thirumangai Alwar has a special mention of the deity's mounting on the divine Garuda.

4. Historic background

Thiruchitrakootam finds mention in the Sanskrit works of Sri Varadha Puranam, Brahmmanda Puranam, and Bavishyath Puranam.
There is a story of an ancient King called Kareva., when his daughter Cauvery deserts him taking the slope of " River Cauvery" ,he went on pilgrimage visiting Vaishnavite temples. On a Mahamaham day he and his wife had a holy bath in river Cauvery.. It happened that their daughter appeared before them and directed them to go to Thillai and do tapas controlling all the sense perceptions on Thirumal who will give them release. The couple performed tapas as instructed by Cauvery.Thirumal showed them his presence. The couple asked for a boon requesting Him to stay in Thillai taking the names of Govinda Raja and consort Pundarika Valli. The boon being granted the Lord and consort took Thillai as the place for their stay and to satisfy the devotees seeking their blessings.
The story goes that Lord Shiva and Shakthi danced in Thirukayilai and Thiruvalangadu. Then they did it in the presence of Thirumal . When Shakthi overdid than Lord Shiva , Thirumal gave a clue to raise one leg and He danced successfully. Shakthi took the form of Kali and moved north to stay assuming the name of Kali. To commemmorate this dance event, the hall where Lord Nataraja danced to be known as Thiruchitra Kootam.
It is said an Asura VALAN got killed by Indra.. In retaliation Valan's brother VALKALI in the company of Asuras fought DEVAS and drove them out of Deva Loka. A shocked Indra sought the help of Thirumal who asked them to follow him to Thiruchitrakootam where He will witness dance of Sivakali and promised to supply them enough army to fight Valkali. This incident happened on a Monday of Uthira star on full moon day at Rishaba Lagna in the month of Vijay Panguni. Later Rishis Kanvar and Patanjali in quest for Moksha entered Thillai Nagar, bathed in Pundarika Pushkarini and had darshan at the golden feet of Lord Govinda Raja.
For more updates and contribution please contact Sri U.Ve. S. Sreedharan : Ph: +91-44-2239 5900, Phone: +91-94442 48934

Thiru Vanjikalam

Date : 25/05/2011

Sri Kulesekara Azvaar avathara sthalam.

This place is located approximately 47 Kms from Trichur, and approximately around 4 Kms from Kodungalur, nearby is Thirukulasekarapuram, named after Kulasekara Alwar.

In this divya desam we can find Sri Srinivasa perumaal Sannithi..The doors of the sannidhi are beautifully carved. We can notice the Lord as in Paramapada [Vaikuntam], as in Thirupparkadal [Milk Ocean], His vibhava [incarnations] and the Lord appears as Sri Rama and as Sri Krishna, resembling the Lord at Mannargudi! We can also notice Alwars and Acharyas. This Alwar derives his glory from the very ancient temple of Lord Sri Mukunda, here. Kulasekara Alwar had composed Mukunda Mala, in praise of Lord Sri Mukunda. Some peaople say that one of his descendents had composed Mukunda Mala

Our sabha did one day kainkaryam to parthasarathy perumal.

Our sabha organised a bus we took around 35 yathiga to thiru nangur divya desam and we performed:
1. Thirumanja kainkaryam
2. Evening thiru veethi purapadu with Arulicheiayl goshti
Click here to view the photos

Thirupaarthanpalli:

Date : 29/07/2007

This divya desam is situated about 5 km towards south-east from Thiru Nangur. This can also be reached from Thiruvenkaadu which is about 3 km.

Sl. No.		Name
1	Moolavar	Thamaraiyal Kelvan, Facing west direction, Standing posture
2	Uthsavar	Sri Parthasarathy Perumal
3	Thayar	Sri Thamarai nayaki
4	Theertham	Katka Pushkarini
5	Vimanam	Narayana Vimaanam
6	Mangalasasanam	Thirumangai Azhwar

Our sabha did one day kainkaryam to parthasarathy perumal.
Our sabha organised a bus we took around 35 yathiga to thiru nangur divya desam and we performed:
1. Thirumanja kainkaryam
2. Evening thiru veethi purapadu with Arulicheiayl goshti

Sri Parthasarathy Perumal - Thirumanjanam	Sri Parthasarathy Perumal – Thiru Veethi Purapadu
Goshti	Goshti

ThiruKannangudi:

Date : 03/05/2008

.

Sl. No.		Name
1	Moolavar	Loganathan, Neelameghavannan East facing standing posture
2	Uthsavar	Damodara Narayanan perumal
3	Thayar	Loganayaki
4	Theertham	Katka Pushkarini
5	Vimanam	Narayana Vimaanam
6	Mangalasasanam	Thirumangai Azhwar

Azhvaar Paasurams: Thirumangai Azhvaar- 1748-57(10 paasurams)
Our sabha did one day kainkaryam to Damodara Narayanan perumal.
Our sabha organised a bus we took around 35 yathiga and we performed:
1. Thirumanja kainkaryam
2. Evening thiru veethi purapadu with Arulicheiayl goshti

Purapadu	Purapadu

Thirunarayanapuram:

Date : 03/05/2008

This divya desam is situated about 5 km towards south-east from Thiru Nangur. This can also be reached from Thiruvenkaadu which is about 3 km.

Sl. No.		Name
1	Moolavar	Thiru Narayanan
2	Uthsavar	Selva Pillai (Sampath Kumar)
3	Thayar	Loganayaki
4	Theertham	Katka Pushkarini
5	Vimanam	Narayana Vimaanam
6	Mangalasasanam	Thirumangai Azhwar

Our sabha did one day kainkaryam to Thiru narayanan perumal.
From our sabha we organized:
1. Thirumanja kainkaryam
2. Evening thiru veethi purapadu along with Bagavat Sri Ramanujar and Arulicheiayl goshti

Purapadu	Purapadu

Thiru Thalaichangu nanmadhiyam (Thalaisangaadu):

Date : 29/07/2011

Located 12 kms East of Seerkazhi on the Nagapatinam State

Sl. No.		Name
1	Moolavar	Naan Mathiyam Perumal, East Facing Standing Posture
2	Uthsavar	Vensutar Perumal( Yoma Jothi Piraan)
3	Thayar	Loganayaki
4	Theertham	Katka Pushkarini
5	Vimanam	Narayana Vimaanam
6	Mangalasasanam	Thirumangai Azhwar

Our sabha did one day kainkaryam to Naan Mathiyam Perumal.
Our sabha organised a bus we took around 35 yathiga to thiru nangur divya desam and we performed:
1. Thirumanja kainkaryam
2. Evening thiru veethi purapadu along with Arulicheiayl goshti

Perumal ready for thirumanjanam	Thirumanjam getting performed
After thirumanjanam	Goshti
Purapadu – Our sabha donated the Kodai in the above photo

Thiru Vanjikalam:

Date : 25/05/2011

Sri Kulesekara Azvaar avathara sthalam.
This place is located approximately 47 Kms from Trichur, and approximately around 4 Kms from Kodungalur, nearby is Thirukulasekarapuram, named after Kulasekara Alwar.
In this divya desam we can find Sri Srinivasa perumaal Sannithi..The doors of the sannidhi are beautifully carved. We can notice the Lord as in Paramapada [Vaikuntam], as in Thirupparkadal [Milk Ocean], His vibhava [incarnations] and the Lord appears as Sri Rama and as Sri Krishna, resembling the Lord at Mannargudi! We can also notice Alwars and Acharyas. This Alwar derives his glory from the very ancient temple of Lord Sri Mukunda, here. Kulasekara Alwar had composed Mukunda Mala, in praise of Lord Sri Mukunda. Some peaople say that one of his descendents had composed Mukunda Mala.

Our sabha did one day kainkaryam to parthasarathy perumal.
Our sabha organised a bus we took around 35 yathiga to thiru nangur divya desam and we performed:
1. Thirumanja kainkaryam
2. Evening thiru veethi purapadu along with Arulicheiayl goshti

Perumal ready for thirumanjanam	Thirumanjam getting performed
After thirumanjanam	Goshti
Purapadu – Our sabha donated the Kodai in the above photo