Namakkal Viswaroopa Aanjaneyar Darsanam

Recently visited  the motor town of Namakkal on a different mission; had the fortune of worshipping the 18 feet tall, majestic Lord Anjaneya

“”yathra yathra raghunatha keerthanam thathra thathra kruthamasthakanjalem; pashpavari paripurna lochanam maruthim namatha rakshasanthagam””

It is stated that Lord Anjaneya, also known as Maruthi  (Son of Vayu, the Wind God), who is considered a  terror to demons (Rakshasas) is present wherever people sing in praise of Lord  Rama, presenting himself with joyous tears in His eyes and folded hands over His head. And to that Anjaneya, We  offer our salutation.  Namakkal – the motor hub,  is a place known for body building of vehicles. Here is the temple of Lord Anjaneya, the 18 feet tall ‘Viswarupa Anjaneya’ the epitome of virtues – known for his knowledge, steadfast faith on Lord, doing things even before ordained,  the  most trusted aide of Lord Rama. Hanuman is embodiment of discipline, devotion to His Master and one known for giving boons to all bakthas.

The town of Namakkal, has flourishing trade of  the body building for all types of trucks. Goods transportation and trucks have become the main stay of economics in these areas. Namakkal is a part of Kongu region of Tamil Nadu which was hotly contested and ruled by the ancient Pallavas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and also ruled over  by later  day Adhiyamans. The Rock Fort in Namakkal is a special feature of the Town. The Fort covers an area of one and half acres of flat surface and is accessible from South-West by a flight of narrow steps. 

At Namakkal is  famous temple of Lord Anjaneya at Namakkal. This is not a divyadesam (not the place sung by any of the Alwars) – still a puranic temple hailed as a ‘abimana sthalam’. Lord Hanuman in viswaroopam of 18 ft is standing and looking straight in to the feet of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, situated not far away. It is believed that this temple is more than 1000 years old and that Lord Anjaneya is guarding the fort of Namakkal. Lord is believed to be ever-growing and hence there is no roof over the idol.

Anjaneya, Lord Hanuman is most powerful and yet embodiment of humbleness and dedicated Service to His Lord.  He thought of none else than Lord Rama and served His Master.   Lord Anjaneya is known as ‘Vayu Puthiran / Anjani Mainthan’ as he was born to the beautiful Apsaras Anjana and Vayu bhagwan.  Even as a child, Anjaneya was powerful, and flew towards the Sun in an attempt to consume.  Indra, was angered by the sight of Anjaneya flying towards the Sun; he aimed his thunderbolt at the child; Hanuman had his cheek bone broken out of the fall.  Read that the  Sanskrit word for cheek is hanu. Hence Anjaneya came to be known as Hanuman.  Lord Anjaneya is all powerful, yet demonstrated all his prowess in the Name of Lord Rama only. 

Here are some photos the Temple and 18 ft idol of Lord Aanjaneya of Namakkal

the moolavar [above] and Uthsavar [below]

With regards – S. Sampathkumar                                                              10^th Feb 2013.

Thiruvarangam Thai Thiruther Thiruvizha 2013

Thiruvarangam Thai Thiruther Thiruvizha 2013

Azhwars went places and on their sojourn sang about Divyadesa Emperuman, the presiding deities at such places visited by them.  They extol the beauty of the Vigrahams, the Temples and the surroundings as seen by them at that time and that provides interesting details of the historical facts associated with these temples.

Can you imagine the Temple, which has been variously described by Nammalwar as “ சேல்கொள்தண் புனல்சூழ் திருவரங்கத்தாய்;  தண் புனல்சூழ் திருவரங்கத்துள்ளாய்!” ~  the Lord surrounded by beautiful ponds which had fishes in abundance; the Lord residing in the place which is surrounded by cool rivers.  Thondaradipodi Azhwar in his “Thirumalai” describes the place as that of a great orchard which has bumble bees humming melodious songs; grove where peacocks were always dancing; where cuckoos coo showing their love and affection; the place where the King of all Devas rests …………………..

“வண்டின முரலும் சோலை மயிலினம் ஆலும் சோலை*

கொண்டல் மீதணவும் சோலை குயிலினம் கூவும் சோலை*

அண்டர்கோனமரும் சோலை அணிதிருவரங்கம்…..”

no clues required ………… and no prize for guessing….. it is indeed the Great Thiruvarangam known as Srirangam, the most sacred place referred as “The Kovil” by the Srivaishnavaites ~ the coolest and most sacred of places, in fact a small island formed by river Kaveri and its tributary Kollidam (Coleroon).  It is here that Lord Ranganathar [Thiruvarangar / Arangar] rests in reclining form. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India.

While it is a Great Temple for all of us, it in fact was a Kingdom with a civilization dating back thousands of years.  This temple was patronized by many Kings of different dynasties, Pandyas, Pallavas, Hoysalas and Cholas contributing significantly. The place was raided by mohammedans and thousands lost their lives to protect their Ultimate Emperor Thiruvarangar.

The present day Srirangam still looks a solid Fort with its imposing tall walls [மதில்கள்]; one can easily get lost within the Temple complex itself as it so big and complexing.  Lord Arangar was first worshipped by Brahma; handed over to King Ikshvahu, handed over to the generations of Sooriya; gotten by Vibishina who later placed Him here in the place surrounded by river Kaveri, which is considered more sacred than the sacred Ganges itself.  There exists the beautiful Temple where Lord Ranganathar in reclining posture provides all goodthings to his devotees.   ‘அணியினார் செம்பொனாய அருவரை அனைய கோயில்’ என்னும் நம்பெருமாள் இனிதுறையும் ‘பெரிய கோயில்’

This is a Temple sung by all Azhwars [excepting Madhurakavigal, who did not sing of any divyadesam]; our Greatest Acharyar Sri Bhagawath Ramanujar lived here, did yeoman service at this divyadesam and codified the religious rituals.  In this great place lived Great Acharyars including Periya Nambigal, Battar, Nampillai, Pillai Logachariyar and more…. It was at this Temple that Manavala Mamunigal rendered discourse on Thiruvaimozhi and Namperumal Himself concluded it with His Thaniyan.  There is also the most intricate hall of 1000 pillars [called Aayirankaal mandapam] which actually has 953 dating back to Vijayanagara era. 

As the Temple is a massive structure enclosed by seven prakarams [mathils / concentric walls], the Ther Thiruvizha [Car festival] occurs at different prakaram on different time.   In the tamil  month of ‘Thai’ – the Ther festival is held in Uthara veethi; the Chithirai Thiruther occurs in ‘chithirai veethi’.  On 19th Jan 2013, was fortunate to have darshan at Thiruvarangam.  As part of Thai Thiruther celebrations, Uthsavar Num Perumal is placed at different mantaps and on that day, He was at the mandapam before Lord Ranganayaki Thayar providing darshan to His devotees. 

Here are some photos of Lord Ranganathar; Thayar sannathi; 1000 pillar mantap, [all taken by me] Thai thiruther of last year sent by a friend of mine.

With regards – Srinivasan Sampathkumar.

 Thayar sannadhi where Nam Perumal gave darshan on that day

1000 pillar mantap [aayirngal mandapam]

 base of Thai Thiruther above  and the grand one on Celerbation day below 

Thiruvallikkeni Thai Pusam purappadu - Kathir Aruvadai [harvesting]

26^th  Jan 2013 was special day for us, as it was combination of Thai Pusam and Embar Satrumurai.    On ‘Thai Pusam’ -  Sri Parthasarathi had periya maada veedhi purappadu in ‘Kaalinga Narthana thirukolam’ accompanied by Sri Embar and Senai Mudalvar. For Saivaites – thai poosam on pournami day is significant as it commemorates the birth day of Murugan and the occasion when Parvati gave Subramanyar a spear for vanishing the demon Soorapadman.

At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, traditionally on Thaipusam day, Sri Parthasarathi visits Big Street – the long winding Veeraghava Mudali Street – which now a days is more of a lane than a Big street….  This is the Uthsavam where Perumal probably collects the harvest from His field. (kadhir aruthal).

Perhaps decades ago or a Century ago, the junction of Big Street, Pycrofts road, might have represented the end of the locality and perhaps the area thereafter could have been rice fields………… now it is maze of buildings in small lanes and by-lanes where people jostle for space.  There was a small pandal put up at the Junction where Perumal halted for a brief-while and a reap of paddy was placed before the Lord, then at His feet.  The rice grains so placed were distributed to the devotees too……..

26^th Jan 2013, being ‘Thai Punarvasu’ was the sarrumurai of Swami Embar and Embar also accompanied Perumal Sri Parthasarathi.   A separate post has been made detailing Swami Embar. 

Here are some photos taken during the purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

Sri Parthar Kalinga Narthanam

Divyaprabandha goshti

Senai Muthalvar

Submission of freshly harvested crop

See the paddy crop at the feet of Lord Parthasarathi. 

Swami Embar Sarrumurai purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni

26^th  Jan 2013 was special day for us, as it was combination of Thai Pusam and Embar Satrumurai.  ஸ்வாமி  எம்பார்  திருநக்ஷத்ர திருநாள்: தை புனர்பூசம், 26.01.2013

On ‘Thai Pusam’ -  Sri Parthasarathi had periya maada veedhi purappadu in ‘Kaalinga Narthana thirukolam’ accompanied by Sri Embar and Senai Mudalvar. For Saivaites – thai poosam on pournami day is significant as it commemorates the birth day of Murugan and the occasion when Parvati gave Subramanyar a spear for vanishing the demon Soorapadman. At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, traditionally on Thaipusam day, Sri Parthasarathi visits Big Street – the long winding Veeraghava Mudali Street – more about this later in a separate post.  

For Srivaishnavaites – Thai Punarvasu is of great importance being the Thirunakshathram (birthday) of Swami Embar. He was a cousin of Ramanujar. Swami EmBaar was born as Sri Govindar in Madhuramangalam (then known as Mazhalai mangalam) proximate to Sriperumpudur, closer to Sunkuvar chathiram. He was born in Krothana Samvatsaram (1026 AD). Embaar born to PeriyaPiraati and Kamala nayana Bhattar . Swami Ramanujar is known as the incarnation of ThiruAnanthazhvan and Swami Embaar as the incarnation of Periya Thiruvadi . arising out of his connection to Periyathiruvadi, the Theertham of this temple is known as Garuda Pushkarini and it is believed that at this place any snake or poisonous insects will not harm anyone. The Avathara Mandapam of Swami Embaar is located around ½ km from the temple.

Govinda studied under Yadava prakasar and rescued Ramanujar from the plot- the Guru Yadavaprakasa hatched. Legend has it that while taking bath in a river, a shivalinga landed in his palm and he became an orthodox Saivatie for a while. He stayed in Sri Kaalahasthi praying and offering pooja to the lingam. During this period he was known as ‘ullangai konarntha nayanar’.   A great Acharya and uncle of Ramanuja - Thirumalai Nambi along with his disciples went to Kaalahasthi and started delivering upanyasams (discourses) next to where Govindha was offering floral prayers to the linga. While he was rendering discourse on Maran Sadagopan’s tamizh vedam – Thiruvaimozhi ~ in the pathu titled “Thinnan veedu” – there is a pasuram - dhevum epporulum padaikkap poovil naanmukhanaip padiaatha - devan Emperumaanukkallal Poovum poosanaiyum thagume ?

which would mean “ Maha Vishnu is the One who created everything – including all demi gods and all beings, sentient, non-sentient- is Chathurmukha Brahma (he is the one who created even Sivan); and it is the Lord Sriya Pathi Sriman Narayanan – the Primordial Chief who as the indweller enabled Brahma to do so… Essentially it is MAHA VISHNU who does it all..

Chathur mukhan the creator was created on the lotus flower from the navel of Emperuman and Azhwar asks whether any flower could be meant for some one else but HIM – the only one unparalleled !! Govindar jumped down crying ‘thagathu ! thagathu ! (cannot cannot). He fell down at the feet of Thirumalai Nambhi… with tears rolling down his cheeks and cried for saving him and to change him to a Vaishnavaite again.  Embaar’s attachment to Ramanuja can be understood by the excellent description of the divinely beautiful thirumeni azhagu : 

Embar's enjoyment of seeing Sri Ramanujacharya's lotus feet , tender fingers reminding one of the creepers, sacred saffron robe, most auspicious poonool, thridandam , His enchanting smile laden with Daya , large dark eyes reminiscent of wish yielding karpaka maram (tree), the kudumi (sikha) formed by abundant tresses is simply beautiful . Embar declares that there is no one equal to him; since Yathirajan's Divine Beauty lingers in his heart.

A great contribution to Vaishnavism is Embar being the acharya to the greatest Sri Parasara Bhattar (son of Koorathazhwan). Legend has it that when Udayavar asked Embar to bring baby Parasarar for naming, Embar by way of protection muttered Dvaya mantram in the infant’s ears and that placed on the baby unusual brilliance. Upon instruction of Udayavar, Embar became the Acharya of the baby and thus vaishnavaites are endowed with a great Acharyar – Sri Parasara Battar.  He attended Ramanujas all lectures, discourse, debates expositions and dispositions and served his master as a shadow. With great resolve and commitment, he secured sanyasa from Udayavar and obtained robe of an ascetic. Udayavar named him Emperumanar but he could not accept this and pleaded that he did not deserve this honour, upon which Udayavar called him “Embar”.

In the year 1137 the greatest of Acharyas Ramanujar left for heavenly abode resting on the lap of Embar. His moving away left Embar sans any interest in life and four years later, he followed the Jagadhacharyar. His work ‘Vijnaasthuthi” will ever be remembered by posterity.


Sri Bhagavath Ramanujar Thiruvadigale Saranam

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

Here are some photos taken during the sarrumurai purappadu of Swami Embar at Thiruvallikkeni.

The temple at Avatharasthalam – Madhuramangalam. [photos below- taken by me]