Vatapathrasayi- Sri Andal Temple-Srivilliputhur

Vatapathrasayi- Srivilliputhur Temple:

Last week we had a trip to our native Place. On the way we visited Srivilliputhur Temple.It was long time wish to visit this temple.The temple was so beautiful and divine.

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is situated in Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu near Madurai.  It is one of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vatapatrashaayi along with his consort Andal. Srivilliputhur known by other names such as Varaha Kshetram ,Shenbakaaranyam Thenpuduvai, Vadeswarapuram, Vadamahadamapuram,  Vikrama chola chaturvedhi mangalam, and Sridhanvipuri.

This is the birthplace of two of the Alvars, namely Periyazhwar and his daughter Andal

History

The history of Srivilliputhur centres around the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, dedicated to Andal. It is argued that the temple of Vatapatrasayi is present from the 8th century, but there are epigraphic records are available only from the 10th century CE.The view that the Andal temple was built during the 14th century is highly debated

 

As per legend, sages Bhrigu and Markandeya were doing penance in a dense forest named Champaka/Shenbaga. A demon named Kalanemi was harassing the sages. They prayed to Lord Vishnu to help them. Pleased with their devotion, the Lord came down to earth and slayed the demon. The Lord then took abode in the forest in a reclining position on a banyan leaf. He came to be known as Vatapatrashaayi (vata – banyan, patra – leaf and shaayi – reclining position).

 

As per another legend, the land around Srivilliputhur was under the rule of Queen Malli who had two sons one of whom was Villi. One day, the Lord came in Villi’s dream and ordered him to found a city. Villi did so and the city became known by his name, Sri-villi-puthur. He then built a temple by installing the statue of Lord Vatapatrashaayi in it.

The temple has inscriptions from Chola, Pandya and Nayak rulers, spanning across various centuries from the 10th to 16th centuries. As per some accounts, the original structure was constructed by Tribuvana Chakravarthy Konerinmai Kondan Kulasekaran and the Andal temple by Barathi Rayar.

During the reign of Thirumalai Nayak (1623–1659) and Rani Mangammal  (1689–1706), this city became very popular. Thirumalai Nayak renovated all the temples of this city.

 

He installed choultaries, temple tanks, paintings and golden towers inside the temple. The sculptures in the hall leading to the shrine of Andal were also built by him.[5]

From 1751 to 1756 CE, Srivilliputhur came under the rule of Nerkattumseval  palayakkarar Puli thevar and was a maravarpalayam. Later the Fort of Srivilliputtur was ruled by Periyasami Thevar.

Then it fell into the hands of Mohammed Yousoof Khan. Until 1850, Sri Andal temple was under the care of the king of Trivancore.

The British ruled the country till India attained freedom in 1947. The temple’s gateway tower, 192 ft (59 m) tall and it is believed that this is the official symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu (Sri Vatapatrasayi Temple Tower).

Sthala puranam

Mukunda Pattar and Padmavalli were a couple in Srivilliputhur, devoted to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vatapatrasayi (vata=banyan, patra=leaf, sayi=lying down). Their fifth child – Vishnuchittan – was also a devotee of the Lord, and used to prepare garlands for worship of the Lord at the temple. Once, Vishnuchittan won a contest and received a gold box by the grace of Lord Vishnu, who appeared on Garudan. The townfolk were astonished, and so Vishnuchittan sang a Pallandu which pleased Lord Vishnu. The Lord blessed him, and after this, Vishnuchittan became Periyazhvar.

One day when Periazhvar was gathering flowers in the garden, he found a girl child and took her home, as he and his wife were childless, and named her Kothai, who later came to be known by the local people as Andal. Kothai constantly dreamed of the Lord, and her only wish was to be married to Ranganatha Perumal. She even used to wear the garland prepared for the Lord, and ensure it was fit to offer to the Lord. On one occasion, Periazhvar found a human hair in the garland prepared for the Lord, and knowing it was Kothai’s started preparing another for the Lord. That night, Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream and insisted he would only accept the garland tried out by Kothai!

Kothai, now Andal, sang many pasurams on Perumal, and the day finally came when Lord Vishnu decided to get married to her and told Periazhvar to bring her to Srirangam. When he took Andal to Srirangam, she disappeared in the Kaveri river, as the Lord had taken her to be with him. Periazhvar requested the Lord to come to Srivilliputhur and get married to Andal, again. Accordingly, Ranganathar visited Srivilliputhur as Rangamannar (since he came dressed as a King) and married Andal.

Temple Structure

The Rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower has 11-tiers rising to a height of 194 ft. The tower was built by Periyazhwar with the prize money he obtained from winning a religious debate in the court of a Pandiya king. This awe-inspiring tower is the chosen emblem of Tamil Nadu. The temple has two sections – Andal temple located in the Southwest section and the Vatapatrashaayi temple in the Northeast section. The Andal shrine houses the image of Andal and Rangamannar. Garuda, who brought Lord Ranganatha the divine bridegroom, from Srirangam is also present in the same shrine. The second hall from the entrance towards the sanctum, houses sculptures of Mohini, Rama, Kamadeva, Ratidevi and many other deities.

 

The Vatapatrasayee Temple, is  about 2000 years old and said to have existed long  before the great Tamil Vaishnava scholar  Periyazhwar's time. Unlike other temples, it a "Maadakkovil" and one has to climb a few steps to worship Lord Vatapatrasayee while the shrine of  Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is on the ground floor.

 

The Vatapatrashaayi temple premise houses Lord Vatapatrashaayi in a reclining posture and his consorts Lakshmi (Sridevi) and Bhudevi. Sage Bhrigu stands near his head and sage Markandeya is near his feet. The banyan tree on whose leaf the Lord reclines is present behind Bhrigu. The hall leading to the sanctum has detailed teak wood carvings depicting Puranic events and Dashavataras. Near the dwajasthambam and bali peetam, there are shrines for Nammazhwar and Ramanujar on the left and Periyazhwar on the right. There is a shrine of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha facing the dwajasthamba.

 

The Lord’s image is a large and very colourful stucco image (made of brick and mortar), hence daily Thirumanjanam (sacred bath ) is not performed. Lord Vadabadrasayee was the Lord whom Periyalwar and Andal worshipped with such fervour. Images of Panchamurtis – Thumburu, Narada, Sanathkumara, Kinnara, Sun, Mithuna and Moon are present around the deity as well as representations of Villi and Puttan are seen at his feet.

Tiruppora Mandapam:

Tiruppora Mandapam is situated in the Nandavanam between Andal Shrine and Vadabadrasayee Shrine. It was here that Andal was found as a small child beneath Tulsi plant by Periyalwar. It is also believed that this mandapam was built by Periyalwar and the idol installed after his return from Srirangam where he handed over Andal in marriage to Ranga Mannar. . Inside the Nandavanam there is an idol of child Andal. By her side is the thulasi mantapam. The entire verses of divine Thiruppavai can been seen inscribed on marble in the Nandavanam.

 Andal Shrine:

Andal Temple is situated on the southwest side of the Temple Complex. 20 Pandha Mandapam is found in the entrance of Andal temple. Kalyana Mandapam is situated on the left side after Pandha Mandapam. There are shrines for Sri Rama and Srinivasa Perumal immediately after the Kalyana Mandapam. Dhwaja Sthambam can be found next. There is Mandapam called, Madhavi Mandapam after the Dhwaja Sthambam. This Mandapam houses lot of beautiful paintings depicting Lord Vishnu.

 

Next to it is the Mani Mandapam and then the Artha Mandapam and then the sanctum follows. The Sanctum houses the image of Andal and Ranga Mannar. In Srirangam, Lord Ranganathar holds a conch and discus in his hands, In Srivilliputhur,  he holds a Dhandam-royal staff held by kings and is called as Ranga Mannar. A green parrot rest on Andal’s shoulder. This parrot is special in that it is freshly made by hand everyday using leaves and herbs.

Nandavanam:

The flower gardens (Nandavanam) in between these two areas are said to have been maintained by Periyalwar.

Andal Idol:

There is no separate shrine for Andal in the Temple premises. A separate Statue is kept for Sri Andal in the Nandavanam, where she was born, which is found on the North East direction .

Periyalwar Shrine:

Periyalwar Shrine is found on the North side of the temple and he is faced towards the south direction.

Festivals

Aadi Pooram, Adhyayana Utsavam, Vasantha Utsavam, Peria Perumal Bramhotsavam, Theppostavam and Andal Mannar Thirukalyanam are the important festivals celebrated in Srivilliputhur temple. Aadipooram festival, the birthday of Andal, celebrated during the Tamil month of Aadi (July – August), is the most prominent. During the festival, the presiding deities Sri Rangamannar and Goddess Andal are taken in decorated palanquins to the temple chariot. The festival marks the adoption of Andal, by Periyazhwar after he found her near the temple nandavanam.

The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m.,  Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m.,  Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m.

Famous For:

    Tulasi Garland

    Sthana Powder (Turmeric Powder Made of natural herbs)

    Palkova (Sweet Delicacy made of Milk)

How to Reach Srivilliputhur Temple?

By Air:

Madurai Airport is the nearest airport which is 70 km away

By Train:

Srivilliputhur Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station which is 2 km away

By Road:

Sriviliputhur Is Well Connected With Other Major Cities

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

 

Our family went to Chennai for my brother in law’s Shastiyapthapoorthi function. After the function, we planned for a weekend trip to Chidambaram temple, Pichavaram mangrove forest and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The Chidambaram Nataraja statue is of Lord Shiva and is also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple. It is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements. The temple represents the element of space (Aakash/ sky) among the five-element temples, “Panchmahabhoota Sthalams. 

 

The magnificent Nataraja Temple is an architectural marvel and a must visit place. The temple is living proof of ancient techniques that were far advanced in astrological, architectural, and geological knowledge. 

 

Chidambaram was the capital of Cholas around 10th CE, before moving to Thanjavur, and Nataraja their Kul Devta. The thousand pillar choultry, with friezes narrating Hindu texts, was built in the late 12th century Between the second half of the 12th century and the early 13th century However, material evidence exists from the 12th CE onwards. Various dynasties of the South Indian rulers like Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Cheras, and Vijaynagara Kings have contributed to the expansion and maintenance of this temple during their respective periods. You can find imprints of them in various parts of the temple.

 

 We reached the main entry gate which opened into a huge campus. There were sculptures all around on the walls and I started my walk around the complex, appreciating the minute details of the fine carvings. When we went for Darshan first time, the main temple sanctum which is located in the center of the elevated Mandapam.

We saw some were inside the main sanctum whereas other like us standing outside in the passage between Mandapas. We saw Lord Nataraja from far in the crowd. The idol at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is that of Lord Shiva in a dance pose.

 

Once you enter from the East Gate, you would find the grand thousand pillar hall on your right side. The hall is said to have 999 pillars and the 1000th pillar is formed by one of the dance poses of Shiva when he lifts his left leg to show his performing skills.

History of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

The temple was constructed during the 10th Century when Chidambaram used to be the capital of the Chola dynasty. The Cholas considered Lord Shiva as their family deity. The Nataraj temple has undergone damage, renovation, and expansion for many years. The present structure of the temple has its roots in the 12th and 13th centuries AD.

The word Chidambaram is derived from two words ‘Chit’ meaning ‘consciousness’ and ‘ambaram’ meaning ‘sky’. The word can be translated into the sky of consciousness, which is the ultimate state one should attain in the mortal world. Another theory is that it is derived from chit + ambalam. Ambalam means a “stage” for performing arts.

Architecture of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

The temple complex of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple sprawls over an area of 45 acres. This is one of the rare temples where Lord Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. 

 

The architecture of the temple represents the link between arts and spirituality. Although Shiva is the main deity of the temple, it also represents major themes from Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and others with all due reverence.

 

The Nataraja Temple is known for its attractive gopurams, carvings, five mandapams, and inscriptions. The four tall gopurams are decorated with 108 carved dance postures of Natya Shastra. There are five main principle sabhas in this temple, which are known as Chit Sabha, Kanaka Sabha, Deva Sabha, Nritya Sabha, and Raja Sabha.

 

The golden roof of the temple is studded with 21,600 gold tiles inscribed with the auspicious mantra of ” Namah Sivay” and these tiles are fixed with 72,000 gold nails. The nine Kalasha or holy pots representing the nine energies can be seen in the picture.

The shrine is truly an architectural marvel in which each part signifies the parts of the human body. The shrine itself is located in the central position, symbolic of a heart. The Mandap is gold plated with small plates carved with the auspicious mantra of “Shivay Namah” on each of them. Following is the significance of each part of the shrine:  The five steps signify the five elements as well as the five indestructible syllables of the mantra “ si va ya Na mah”.

 

   The form of Shiva as a Cosmic Dancer performing the “Anand Tandav” or the dance of bliss. There is a small idol of Natraj made of ruby which is worshipped in the Mahapuja conducted at 10:30 every day. It is also called the Ratna-Sabha, as the Ruby idol glows when the flame is put exactly behind the idol. The semi-form of Shiva i.e. the crystal/Spatiga Linga is worshiped 6 times in a day. The Abhishek is done with water, milk, curd, honey, flowers, and ashes.In order to witness these Abhishekas, you should be standing on the extreme left side of the temple.

We rarely come across a temple where the presiding deities are both lord Vishnu and lord Shiva and the temple worship is done according to Vaishnava tradition as well as Shaivite tradition. Sri. Govindaraja Perumal temple has the unique distinction of being located on the world famous Chidambaram Nataraja (lord Shiva) temple complex very close to the main shrine Kanaga Sabai.

This shrine is s one of the 108 holy temples of Lord Vishnu called Divyadesam - Vaishnava canon, revered by the 7th-9th-century Govindaraja Perumal  is believed to have descended for sage Kanvar and the 3,000 Dikshidars of the Thillai Natarajar temple. Here Vishnu is in Bhooga sayanam (dozing stance) facing lord Nataraja .

Chidambaram is a divine temple, one must visit this place and experience the divine power of the Lord Nataraja. Chidambaram temple secret deals with both cosmic science and spirituality, explaining cosmic science in Nataraja Swamy form located on the center of Earth’s magnetic field and also explains spirituality realizing atman in the form of Akasha Linga.  The secret of Chidambaram Temple is another interesting fact to know about Hinduism which is famous for its idol worships. Above all, the logic and the myth behind each of the architectures will leave you completely awestruck.

Thillai Kali Temple   

 ( This pic credit- google image)

After visiting Nataraj Temple visited this temple with family.This Temple is on the outskirts of the city of Chidambaram. Legend says that Goddess Kaali Devi moved here after losing to Lord Siva in the celestial dance contest.Parvathi after loosing dance competition with shiva came to this temple with anger and cooled down. Kali with anger and Amman with cool with four faces. Place is very divine and powerful. We got the opportunity to see ennai abhishekam and of offering Kumkum prasadam.Feel blessed.

It was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 and 1278

Time closes between 12 noon to 4 pm.