Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 3

Dear (s)

On the 3rd day of the Iraapathu Uthsavam [7th Jan 2012], there was Thiruveedhi Purappadu of  Sri Parthasarathi Perumal with Sri Nammalwaar.

Here are some photos taken on that occasion

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Andal Neeratta Uthsvam - Thiruvallikkeni 2012

Andal’s Thiruppavai contains ocean of values including significance of  Naama sankeerthanam to Sriman Narayanar.   The Saint Poetess observed Paavai Nonbu (vratham) to attain Lord Krishna.  The month chosen for the vratham was Margazhi also known as Dhanur Masam.  She was on vratham throughout the month and the month of Margazhi got lot of significance because of Andal.

In the month of Margazhi, there is the Nine day festival for Andal known as Neeratta Uthsavam.  Daily morning there will be veedhi purappadu of Andal signifying her preparation for the neerattam.  After the purappadu, Andal will have ‘Thirumanjanam’ at the Neeratta mandapam which is just opposite to the Thiruther.

Today [7^th Jan 2012] is the second day of Andal Neeratta Uthsavam and some photos taken this morning are posted here

Adiyen – Srinivasa dhasan

Thiruvallikkeni - Iraapathu Uthsavam 2 - 06.01.2012

The auspicious Vaikunda Ekadasi heralds the start of ‘Irapathu’ Uthsavam.  As the name suggests, there will be celebrations for 10 nights.

In the evening, the Sorga vasal [Paramapada vasal] will be opened, as Nammazhwar would wait infront of the gate to receive Perumal as He comes through the door.  There will be procession [veedhi purappadu] of Lord Sri Parthasarathi along with Sri Nammazhwaar.  All the 10 days, ‘Upadesa Rathinamalai’  of Acharyar Sri Manavala Maamunigal will be recited.

After the conclusion of the Purappadu, inside the temple, every day 100 songs from the Thiruvoimozhi of Nammazhwaar will be recited.  Today, being the second day of Irapathu, ‘Irandam pathu’ is recited.

Today, Sri Parthasarathy shone in opulent brilliance as ‘Sri Venugopalar ‘ – the cowherd -  One with the Flute and Cows.  Here are some photos of Perumal and Azhwaar taken during today’s evening purappadu.

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.

Sri  Nammazhwaar

Sri Parthasarathi  - Venugopalan Thirukolam

Sri Parthasarathi (Pinnazhagu – see the cow)

Vaikunda Ekadasi 2012 at Thiruvallikkeni

Today is the most auspicious day . This year the holy Vaikunda Ekadasi is on the 20^th  day of Margazhi ie Thursday, 5^th Jan 2012. (today). Margazhi month is significant for Srivaishnavaites. The shukla paksha Ekadasi i.e., 11th day (the ascending one after Amasvaya or the New moon) is hailed as “Vaikunda Ekadasi”.

At the Bhooloka Vaikundam of Srirangam Divyadesam, it begins from Suklapaksha Ekadasi and celebrated for 23 days whence Namperumal listens to the vedas and Nammazhvar's Thiruvaimozhi as rendered by the Araiyars. The festival is divided into two parts, ten days before Vaikunda Ekadasi known as Pagalpathu  and  10 days from today, known as Raapathu.

The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is an occasion when the Paramapada vaasal is opened for devotees.   Paramapada Vasal also known as Sorga vaasal is the Gateway to Heaven.  During the Vaikunta Ekadasi day and the subsequent nine days, Lord Namperumal enters the Thirumamani mandapam (Paramapatham) through this door known as Paramapatha Vaasal.(sorga vaasal).  This is celebrated in most  Srivaishanva Divyadesams.  10 days from today are celebrated as “Iraapathu uthsavam” in which the hymns of Sri Nammazhwar (Thiruvoimozhi) are chanted. This religious system is believed to have been started by Thirumangai Azhwar.  Later Acharyan Nathamuni introduced festival of 10 days preceding the Vaikunda Ekadasi, known as Pagal pathu when Nalayira divyaprabandham (pasurams of Muthalayiram and Thirumangai mannanin Thirumozhi)  are recited.

At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, today the temple rituals started early morning. Moolavar Sri Venkata Krishnan in his resplendent splendor adorning Muthangi (dress made of pearls) blessed the devotees. Purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Swami beautifully adorned with jewels and wearing Vajrangi  took place inside the temple. With Swami Nammazhwar welcoming him, Sri Parthasarathi came through the Paramapada vassal. Thousands of devotees had the fortune of having the wonderful darshan on this holy day. Devotees can have darshan of Sri Parthasarathi perumal in Punyakoti vimanam at Thiruvoimozhi mantapam.

Here are some photos taken today.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan

 Paramapada vasal

Nammazhwaar welcoming Perumal through the vaasal

 Devotees coming out through the sorga vasal

Sri Parthasarathi asthanam

Close-up of Perumal