Sri Katkaraiappan Temple | Katkaraiappan Temple – Thirukakkarai

Posted on March 6, 2012 by astrobix

Katkaraippan Temple is situated in Kochi, Kerela.  It is one of the 108 Divyadesas and is approximately 4,500 years old.The story of the temple is linked to both sections of the society. It is revered by the Saivites, as well as the Vaishnavite The temple established by Parasurama. The architecture of the temple is in a round shape signifying the Kerela Style of architecture. Lord Katkaraiappan (Appan) is the precising deity of the temple.

The court of Mahabali is at the entrance of the temple where people light lamps to worship him seeking wisdom and prosperity. Goddess Bagavathy, Sastha, Sundarayakshi, Goplakrishnan and Nagar are installed in a separate shrine outside the temple.

History of  Katkaraiappan Temple

Emperor Mahabali Mahabali was born in a demon community. Despite of being a demon, he was kind and good natured and was noted for his charitable qualities. But, was very proud of himself thinking that he was too great in offering alms to others. When Lord Vishnu got to know about this trait of Mahabalai, he decided to teach him a lesson. With a view to correct him, he came in the form of a dwarf.

He sought a piece of land from Mahabali measuring three steps by his legs. Mahabali told the dwarf that since he is too small, the land he would acquire will be of no use to him and advised to ask for more. Mahabali’s Guru Shukra realized that the dwarf is none other than the Lord himself. He prevented the king to do charity. But, Mahabali ignored Guru Shukra’s advice and accepted to offer the land to Lord.

Suddenly, the Lord grew shockingly taller and started measuring earth with his steps. In the first step he acquired the earth, and the sky by the other. There was no space left to be measured further, so King Mahabali bowed down before the Lord and offered his head for the third step. The Lord pushed him below the earth and took him with himself.

Significance of  Katkaraiappan Temple

Majority of people visit Katkaraippan temple to seek boon of wisdom from the Lord. Devotees offer milk porridge as  nivedhana to the Lord and distribute it among the visitors of the temple.

Onam is the main festival of the temple and is observed in a grand manner in the month of Avani (September-October) for 10 days which in the past was celebrated for 28 days.

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Sri Satyagiriswarar Temple – Thirumayam

Posted on March 5, 2012 by astrobix

Satyagiriswarar temple is situated in Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Divyadesam. The preceding deity of this temple is Satyagiriswarar. This temple was built by Pallavas king with a view to harmonize the relations between Saivism and Vaishnavism. The temple is built with a single rock. Devotees can visit this temple only after covering Shiva temple. Girvalam i.e going around the hill can be done only by covering both the temples. The main shrine is Kudavarikoil  which means carving the hill.

History of Satyagiriswarar Temple

In older days, people in the world were not able to perform yajana and poojas when demons were aggressively spreading their wrath and dominating the world. All the saints and gods were very much frightened about this. No one could stop the terror of demons and were scared of them. They all surrendered towards “Dharma Devathi”, the godess of Dharman and requested her to help them get out of this danger.

Dharma devathai manifested herself into a deer and came to this Sathya Kshetram, also known as “Venu Vanam”. The perumal came infront of Dharma Devathai and promised her that he would stay in the temple as “Sathya giri Nathan” and helps all the peoples and including the Rishis and Devas from the wrath of demons.

Significance of Satyagiriswarar Temple

Devotees visit the temple to worship Goddess Venuvaneswari to seek a boon for marriage and child. People offer bangles and dolls and distribute nivedhana to the visitors. Rich people offer heavy donations for the maintenance of the temple.

10 day Chithirai festival in April-May, 10 day Adipuram in July-August and 1 day Thaipoosam festival in January-February are main festivals of the temple. A huge number of people can be seen visiting the temple during new moon, full moon days and Pradosham days. Thousands of devotees gather here on Poornima days for Girivalam.

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Shri Adhikesava Perumal Temple – Thiruvattar

Posted on March 3, 2012 by astrobix

Adikesavaperumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvattar, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya desams, the holy sites of Hindu Vaishnavism. The temple is a surrounded from three rivers River Kothai, River Pahrali and River Thamirabarani.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Adhikesava. The idol of the lord is made of a mixture of mustard, sugar, leaves and 16008 salagramas. It is not possible to bathe the idol with water. The temple si made in Kerela style and full figure of the deity cannot be viewed from a single entrance and can only be viewed in parts from three entrances. The construction of the temple resembles the plan of Ananthapadmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

History of  Adhikesava Perumal temple

The demons who got their boons granted  from the Lord after hard penance misused the power by terrorizing humans. The Sages and the Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu to rescue them from the wrath of the demons. Lord Vishnu fought with the Demon Kesan and asked his snake bed Aadhisesha to round up and squeeze his body to kill him. To take the revenge of his brother’s death, Kesi took the form of a river called Paraliaaru. Lord Vishnu directed the river towards the sea and placed 12 snakes on the head of Kesi. It is believed that Lord Shiva performed mediation and worshipped Lord Vishnu at this spot after seeing the war between Lord Vishnu and Kesi.

Significance of  Adhikesava Perumal temple

Devotees visit the temple to get boon for business development, children, happy marriage alliances, family prosperity, education and longevity of life. People offer Neikathali variety of banana fruits, Tulsi water, Milk porridge to the Lord along with traditional nivedhanas. Feeding the visitors is also undertaken by devotees.

Ten day Aarattu Festival is celebrated every year in the month of October-November. More than 10, 000 devotees visit the temple in this occasion. Other important festival celebrated in the temple are ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi Day’ in December-January and  Sandal Abishekam is performed to the Lord for 10 days in the month of January-February.

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Sri Narasinga Perumal Temple – Mannadimangalam

Posted on March 3, 2012 by astrobix

Narasinga Perumal Temple is located in Mannadimangalam, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Narasimha is well known for his furious nature. He is found in a state of Shanti in this temple. Lord Narasimha is linked with all the planets in different places. In Mannadi Mangalam, Lord Narasimha rules over Mars.

There is a pillar in the western part of the temple with all ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu with a lion and elephant – Gaja Kesari performing penance. The temple complex has three trees – Mango, Jack and Plantain. The Andal Shrine has the Tulsi plants and a water tub as in Srivilliputhur. Anjaneya and Garuda are the Dwarapalakas (security) in the temple. There is no flag post or Vimanam in the temple.

History of Narasinga Perumal Temple

according to the legend, Hiranya was the demon king who performed a severe penance seeking the boon from Lord Shiva that he could not be killed by any force. Lord Shiva got pleased with his penance and granted him the boon that he would not be killed by Devas, men, animals or birds. After being blessed, he started creating wrath in all the three worlds and brought everybody under his control and ordered everyone to worship him worship him  as God. While everyone obeyed his son, Prahladha ignored him and worshipped Lord Narayana. Provoked by the attitude of his son, Hiranya treated him cruelly and tried to kill him. Despite of making continues efforts he was not able to kill his son.

Hiranya asked Prahlad to show him his Lord. At the time of sunset, a time when it it neither day nor night Lord Vishnu appeared to him in the form of  Narasinga i.e face of a lion and a body of human and killed Hiranya with his nails. Since then, Lord Narasinga is the presiding deity of the temple and worshipped by everyone.

Significance of  Narasinga Perumal Temple

Devotees offer  Thirumanjanam and jewels to Lord for elimination of obstacles in the way of marriages, children and family peace. Those who are sufferings from ill-effects of Mars visit the temple to get relief from it since Lord Narasinga is linked to planet Mars. Vaikunda Ekadasi and Dhanur month (December-January) pujas are the main attractions of this temple.

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Holi 2025। Holi Festival of Colors – Dhulandi 2025

Posted on March 3, 2012 by astrobix

In 2025, Holi will be celebrated on 25th March, This festivals of colors come in Phalgun month every year. Holika Dahan takes place a night before Holi is celebrated. Holi is also known as Dhulendi.

Holika Dahan

This year Holika Dahan will be celebrated on 13 March 2025. Holika Dahan will be performed on Phalgun Poornima’s Pradosh Vyapani. It is performed after or before the Bhadra period. Incase Bhadra period does not get over by midnight and continues till the next day then Holika dahan is performed before the commencement of Bhadra period in Pradosh Kaal.

Holashtak

Holashtak witnesses the arrival of Holi. It is known as a poster informing about the arrival of Holi festival. The literal meaning of Holashtak is Hola + Ashtak, which means eight days before Holi.  Basically, Holi is a festival of nine days instead of a single day. On the day of Dhulendi people celebrate Holi with colours and gulal.

Holi begins from Holashtak and is carried up to Dhulendi. Because of this the atmosphere gets joyful and happy for all eight days. Holashtak denotes the arrival of Holi festival. On this day preparations for Holika Dahan and Holashtak gets started, further moving to Holi.

Holika Puja

Holika puja is performed before Holika Dahan and after Bhadra period. Holika puja done after Bhadra period is considered very fruitful. Holika Dahan is done after performing Holika puja with proper rituals and tradition.

Historical significance of Holi

There are many legends in ancient scriptures related to Holi. According to the most famous legend, Hiranyakashipu’s own son Prahlada, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. In spite of several threats from Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continued offering prayers to Lord Vishnu which not acceptable by the demon. One day, he ordered his son to sit on a pyre on the lap of his demoness sister Holika, who could not die because of a boon which would prevent fire from burning her. Prahlada readily accepted his father’s orders and continued praying Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started Holika got burnt in the fire, while Prahlada survived unharmed. Since then the day is celebrated as a Holikas Dahan.

According to an another tale, Goddess Parvati was the daughter of Himalaya. Her desired to get married to Lord Shiva evoked Lord Kamdeva to obstruct the meditation of Lord Shiva. She desired to get married to Lord Shiva. Since Lord Shiva was deeply involved in his penance, it was difficult for the goddess to put forward her peroposal of marriage. Lord Kamdeva decided to disrupt his meditation inorder to help Parvati marry him. Shiva got furious with this act and destroyed Kama’s body into ashes. But was later restored on request of other gods and goddesses.

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Sri Pundarikaashan Temple – Pundarikaksha Temple – Lord Pundarikaksha

Posted on March 2, 2012 by astrobix

Pundarikaashan temple is located in Thiruvellari, Tamil Nadu. It is built on a 14 acre land. It is one of the 108 Divyadesas. Lord Pudarikaashan and Goddess Mahalakshami are  the preceding deity of the temple.

According to ancient scriptures, Lord and Mahalakshmi were happily spending some pleasant time in Thiruparkadal (the ocean of milk) . The Lord appreciated Godddess Mahalakshami for showering her motherly love on her devotees. Seeing her devotion he offered her a boon. In the boon she claimed greater rights than other gods in the ocean of milk as it was her birth place. The Lord granted her wish and promised to fulfill it when he would give darshan to Emperor Shibi on Earth.

When the wrath of demons grew in South India, emperor Shibi marched to the place with his army. On the way, a white swine was giving them trouble obstructing their march. While chasing the animal around the cave, Shibi came in contact with saint  Markandeya and told him about his experience with the animal. The saint told him that he had encountered the lord in the form of a Swine and advised the king to offer milk to the anthill present at that spot. The Lord appeared before the saint and the King  and in their presence gave all the rights of the milk ocean to goddess Mahalakshami. The sage advised the king to build a temple in devotion of Lord who gave him Darshan. King proceeded as directed by the saint and started working on it. Soon the this temple was built in devotion of Lord Pundarikaashan and Goddess Mahalakshami.

Architecture of Pundarikaashan Temple

Inscriptions and the architecture of the temple point to significant contributions of Pallava, Hoysala and Vijayanagara kings. The front Gopuram reflects a Hoysala style architecture.

The construction of the tower is incomplete. There are rooms in the temple built of stone that have echo sound. There are 18 steps moving towards the temple representing 18 chapters of Bhagvat Gita. The next 4 steps to entrance represent the “Four Vedas”. After worshipping the Balipeeta – the sacrificial platform, one has to cross five steps representing the Panchabudhas i.e Fire, water, air, space and earth. It  is an important spot in the temple

Significance of Pundarikaashan Temple

It is strongly believed that no Vaishnavite can get salavtion after death without visiting Thiruvellarai. Hence, there is this tradition at the temple which is called ‘Thiruvellarai Kandeero- Thiruvellarai Kanden Aiyya’  which means that the devotees are informing the Lord that they have seen Thiruvellarai and that they are now ready to attain salvation. After getting the result of the prayer, the devotees bathe the Balipeeta and offer Pongal to the Lord.

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are Chitra Poornima and Gajendra Moksham (April-May)m Sri Jayanthi or LordKrishna’s birthday (August-September) and Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April).

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Sri Yoga Narasimha Temple – Yoga Narasimha Temple – Lord Narasimha

Posted on March 2, 2012 by astrobix

Yoga Narasimha Temple is situated in Sholingur, Tamil Nadu. It’s original name was Gadikachalam or Chozhasimhapuram. It is believed that a person who spends 24 minutes in the temple attains salvation in the end.

Lord Narasimha is the presiding deity of the temple. Goddess Mahalakshami appears facing west and Narasingavalli Thayar facing South in the sanctum of the temple. There is no flag post in the temple. The Sanctum Sanctorum, Artha Mandap, Installation of Sri Ramanuja and Nammalwar are in the Kudavari model. Therefore,  it is known as Kudavari temple.

History of Yoga Narasimha Temple

Sage Romasa, after taking a dip in the Chakara Theertha commenced a yaga seeking a boon for a son. He wanted to have to see the Lord in the manifestation of Narasimha as he did for his devotee Prahlada. The world could not bear the heat that emitted from Narasimha on his appearance. Everyone visited Prahlad to calm down Lord Narsimha. But even he couldn’e help much. Then, Goddess Mahalakshami came to free the Lord from his anger. The sight of Goddess Mahalakshmi calmed down the lord. Henceforth, he became Yoganarasimha and continues to bless the devotees at this place.

Significance of Yoga Narasimha Temple

People who desire to witness Pradosha Puja in a Vaishnava Temple as in the Shiva temples, should not miss the opportunity to visit Yoga Narasimha Temple.The Gajendra Moksha festival is celebrated during Masi Tamil month (February-March) on the full moon day. The Girivalam is very important in this temple as in Thiruvannamalai. Pradosham also is followed here as in Shiva temples, because this incarnation took place during the new moon period Pradosha day.

Devotees who worship Lord Yoga Narasimha are blessed with good education and get relief from the fear of enemies and death. A person who performs Narasimha Pradosh Puja with full devotion gets freedom from all kinds of hurdles in marriage proceedings.

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Venkatachalapathy Temple | Sri Venkatachalapathy Temple – Sindhupatti

Posted on March 2, 2012 by astrobix

Venkatachalapathy Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated in Trivandrum, Kerala. It is also known as Srinivasar kovil, Perumal Kovil, Iyyengar Kovil or Desikar Sannidhi. The temple was built in 1898 and is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Vaishanavite. Lord Venkatachalapathy is the deity of this temple.

Architecture of Venkatachalapathy Temple

The temple does not have a ‘Gopuram’ and is not exactly built in Kerala style. The construction is plain and devoid of intricate carvings. The sanctum of the temple consists of idols of Alamelu Mangai Thayar and Padmasini Thayar. There are also shrines for Hindu deities Navaneetha Krishna, Peria Thiruvadi, Garudar. The idol of King Kulasekhara alwar, who ruled over the land many centuries ago is established in the temple as a mark of respect to the king.

History of Venkatachalapathy Temple

During the rule of King Thirumalai Naicker a group of people went on a pilgrimage around the country. On the course of their tour they stopped at a dense forest. They tried to take a stone in the cart for cooking but could not move it. Thinking that they or one of them would have committed a mistake, they began singing the hymns of the Lord. One of the person from the group said that Lord Venkatachalapathi was at the spot where they could not remove the grinding stone. Listening to it, they made a small mud platform around the stone, placed a lamp on it and worshipped the Lord. They later informed the king about their experience. The king built a temple for Lord Venkatachalapathy and arranged daily pujas. The Shrine is as holy as the Balaji Tirupathi and could not be discriminated as big or small. According to scriptures, Indira got relief from his curse for his arrogant behaviour after performing Angapradhakshina (rolling around the temple) in this shrine.

Significance of Venkatachalapathy Temple

The temple is known to resolve all kind of human problems, especially those arising out of solar and lunar eclipses in people’s life. Newly wedded couples visit the temple on the Vijayadasami day for peace and harmony in their marital life. Offerings made to the deity include Puliyogare (Tamarind Rice), Dhadhyonam (Curd Rice), Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Ellodarai (Sesame Rice), Kheer, Amrutha Kalasam and Chakkarai Sundal.

It is an exceptional Vaishnava temple where a festival is observed for the destruction of Mahishasura the demon. Other important festivals of the temple are Tamil New Year Day, Vaikasi (May June) Thiruvonam, Krishna Jayanthi, Pongal, Vijayadasami, Karthikai deepam and Masi Maga.

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Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple – Prasanna Venkatachalapathy

Posted on March 1, 2012 by astrobix

Prasanna Venkatachalapathy temple is a famous Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu. The Papavinasam theertham is opposite to this temple. There is no shrine for Goddess or co-deities in the temple since all the importance is attached to Lord alone. Tirumanjanam is performed to the presiding deity daily with rituals. Garudaseva is followed on every Tiruvo in this temple.

History of Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple

As per the legends, Thirumalai Naicker, King of Madurai used to pray to Lord Venkatachalapathi of Tirupathi from his palace everyday. He used to take food only after offering his prayers to the lord. He built some Mandaps from the temple up to his palace with bells ringing to know the timings of the puja taking place in the temple. As soon as the Puja used to commenced in the hills the bells starts to ring one by one reaching the palace. One day no bell rang. The shocked king mounted on his horse and proceeded to the Mandap. His horse suddenly stopped at a place where once an orchard of Homogranate existed. The king found an idol of Lord Anjaneya on that orchard. He also heard a voice of Lord Venkatachalapathy advising him to build a temple at the very place.  Therefore, the temple was built here by the king as directed.

Significance of Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple

Around the year it attracts lot of pilgrims. It is believed that one who worships the deity of this temple gets relief from his mental illness. Pilgrims, especially those suffering from impaired vision, physical disabilities, depression and mental problems stay here for about 48 days, worship God and take the prasad from the temple to get relief from their problems.

Prayer to Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathy ensures removal of obstacles in education, marriage affairs etc. Offering Agathikeerai (palak) to the Gomatha (cow) in the temple helps in fulfillment of aspirations of the devotee. Devotees also offer garlands made with Vada (a south indian dish) to Lord Anjaneya, Tulsi leaves and betel leaves.

Some of the important festivals that are celebrated in the temple are Tamil New Year Day, Adi Pooram, Purattasi Brammotsavam, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Pongal, Rappathu and Chithirai Thiruvizha. Boat festival (Teppa Tiruvizha) on Chitra Poornima day in April-May is one of the main attraction of the temple.

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Shri Janaki Narayana Perumal Temple – Solavandan

Posted on March 1, 2012 by astrobix

Janaki Narayana Perumal Temple is situated on the bank of Vaigai river and is amidst a fertile environment called Janakayambathi. The place is known for the penance performed by King Janaka seeking Sri Rama for his son-in-law. The idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshman are established in the sanctum of  the temple.

There is a shrine for Lord Anjaneya is on the right side of the Artha Mandapam. He grants all the boons of the devotees. The tail of Lord Aanjaneya has a bell in the end. It is believed that any endeavour taken after worshipping Anjaneya never fails. This is why he is called Jaya Veera Anjaneya.

History of Janaki Narayana Perumal Temple

As per the legends, Goddess Mahalakshmi herself was born to King Janaka as Sita and brought great glory to him. King Janaka was always worried to find a suitable match for her daughter. One day he realized that Lord Narayana was the only who would be suitable for his daughter. He went to Solavandan to perform penance inorder to realize his ambition. Lord Narayana got pleased with his penance and married Sita. Thus, this temple is a memorial to Lord Janaka and his hard penance to please Lord Narayana.

Significance of Janaki Narayana Perumal Temple

People come here to get relief from various kinds of sufferings in their life. Two main boons for which devotees have faith in this temple are marriage and children. People who have problems in their married life or are not blessed with a child come here to worship Lord Narayana.

Devotees offer Kottai Nel to the lord. A Kottai is a quantity of 112 Madras measures followed in South Tamilnadu in those days. Other than that, devotees also offer Vadai garlands, Tulsi garlands and light a lamp inn front of the main deity of this temple. Some people also offer donations for renovation and maintenance of the temple.

Dasavathara festival is one of the most important festival of the temple. On this day the deity is taken in procession in a palanquin. Other than this, 3 day Chitra Poornima puja in the month of April-May and 11 day Panguni in the month of March-April is also celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm. Other important festivals includes Pongal, Brahmmotsavam, Navarathri, Vaikunda Ekadasi and Adipooram of Andal.

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