080 - Thiruvaikundam – Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple, Sri Vaikundam
About the Temple & Location:
This temple is situated in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu. 1 1/2 miles
away from SriVaikundam railway lane. Bus facility, lodging facility with
food facility is available. This sthalam is one of Azhwars Navatirupathi. Nava
Tirupathi Temples is a set of nine Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu
located in Tamil Nadu on Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route on the banks of
Thamirabarani River. All these 9 temples form part of “Divya Desams”
comprising 108 temples of Vishnu revered and sung in praise by 12 poet
saints or Alwars. All nine Vaishnavite temples are in Tuticorin district,
about 40 km from Tirunelveli and 25 km from Tiruchendur. They form a
cluster around Sri Vaikundam and Alwar Tiru Nagari, which straddle the
north and south banks respectively of the River Tambraparni.
The first in the series of these nine Tirupathi Temples are Sri
Vaikuntanathan Perumal Temple located in between Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli
route on the banks of Thamirabarani River is a famous temple dedicated to
Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of Vaikuntanathar and His consort
Vaikuntavalli. Perumal is worshipped as sun in this temple.
Sthalapuranam :
This sthala perumal, Sri Vaikundanathan is found alone in Nidra Kolam, as
Aadhiseshan serving him as an umbrella.
Once, a thief named, Kaala dooshakan, after stealing the precious things
from the people had an agreement in his mind, that he will give half of the
stolen things to this sthala perumal. Whenever he steals something, he
dedicates half of the stolen things to Vaikunda nathan.
Likewise, once he stole some precious ornaments and things from the King's
palace. But unfortunately, he was caught up by the palace authorities. They
brought him to the palace and made him stand in front of the king. Without
knowing what to do, he meditated on Sri Vaikuntanathan, in his mind and
heart. Since Perumal got the things from the thief, he occupied entirely in
the heart the minds of him.
After this, he explained the Aathma Gnana to the king. The voice and the
appearance belongs to the thief, Kaaladooshan, but the explanation of the
Gnana was told by Sri Vaikundanathan. After hearing this, the Emperumaan
gave his darshan to both the king and the thief in Nindra Thirukkolam.
As asked by the king, this perumal is named as “Kalla Piraan”. Kalla –
means thief. Since, he gave the seva through a thief, he is named as Kalla
Piraan.
Once, Somagan, who was a demon steeled the vedas from Brahma devan and he
seeked the help of Sriman Narayanan. Sri Vaikundanathan fought with the
Arakkan (demon) to get back the vedas. This is one of the said stories
about this sthala perumal.
Born as an ordinary human in Ayodhya, Brighu Chakravarthy in the next
generation as the biggest emperor, he was given the pratyaksham of this
sthala Emperumaan. Devendran, Indiran was also given the pratyaksham.
The utsavar – Kallabiraan with the Gadha, a weapon in his hand and along
with the Sangu and Chakram along with Periya piratti and Bhoomi piratti
along the two sides, he giving his seva as “Abayakara Varadhan” in Nindra
Kolam.
The Sculpturist, after finishing doing the utsavar – Kallabiraan, was
excited and forgot about the beauty of the perumal. As an excitement, he
pinched (Expressed as the happiness and the admiration of the beauty of the
Kallapiraan perumal. Because of this, a small impression is found on the
cheeks of this utsava perumal.
That kind of beauty, this kallapiraan perumal is Moolavar, after fighting
with the Somagasuran for the vedas of Brahma devan, in a hurry, he climbed
up on Garudan leaving two pirattiyaar. Because of this only, the Moolavar
is found alone in this sthalam in Nindra Kolam.
This sthala perumal is also named as “Paal Pandiyan”. The story behind is
one of things that has to be explained.
Brahma devan did the tapas on the perumal and the perumal suddenly
disappeared into the earth. But the cows, which roamed along the place,
automatically gave the milk, where the perumal disappeared. After digging
the place, Brahma devan took the perumal out of the place and after he
raised this temple. Since, he was able to get out the perumal, because of
the cow’s milk, this perumal is also named as “Paal Pandiyan”. “Paal means
– milk”.
It is said that Sooriya perumal, worship this perumal twice a year. As that
of it, 6 day of chithirai and 6 day of Aippasi month, the rays of the sun
cross the Gopura entrance and are found all along the Emperumaan as
explaining that he is worshipped.
Two thaayars, Vaikunda valli and Sora Valli are found in separate
sannadhis. Vaikunda valli is periya pirattiyaar and Sora valli is found
after the Soranatha Naachiyaar’s vaasal. The vaikunta vasal is opened only
during Vaikunda Ekadasi.
Near the Vaikunta Vasal, manavaala maamunigal sannadhi and Dasavatharam of
Sri Vishnu is found. Opposite to this is a separate sannadhis for Yoga
Narasimhar in south east direction. Every tuesday, special Poojas are done
for Yoga Narasimhar.
On the North side a separate sannadhi for Thiruvenkada Mudayaan, Sri
Srinivasar in big mandapam is found.
Moolavar and Thaayar:
The Moolavar is Sri Vaikuntanathan. Other names are Kalla Piraan, Paal
Pandiyan. Moolavar in Nindra Thirukkolam facing east.
Pratyaksham for Brighu Chakaravarthy and Indiran.
Thaayar : Two thayers namely Vaikundha Valli and Bhoodevi are found. They
have their own separate sannadhis.
Mangalasasanam:
Nammalwar – 2 Pasurams
Total – 2
Manavala Maamunigal has also done the Mangalasasanam here.
About the Deity
The nine vaishnava shrines, hailed as Nava Tirupathi are related to the
Navagrahas or the nine planets or celestial bodies, and the deities in
these temples are worshipped as the navagrahas themselves.The Nava
Tirupathis in the Pandya region are recognized on par with the Navagraha
temples in the Chola country (Surya Thirumangalakkudi, Chandra Thingaloor,
Angaarakan - Putthirukku Velur, Budha Thiruvenkaadu, Guru Alangudi, Sukra
Kanjanoor, Shani â Thirunallaar, Raahuâ Thirunageswaram, Ketu
Keezhperumpallam). In these Vishnu temples, the Prime Deities themselves
are worshipped as the Navagrahaas and so there are no separate shrines for
the Navagrahaas, as found in other temples. To offer worship to these
deities alleviate the malignant influences of the Navagrahas that come
about during one’s lifetime. Generally, in the temples Lord Vishnu is seen
reclining on Adisesha. But, in this temple Lord Vishnu is in the standing
posture under the umbrella, Adisesha. This is the special significance of
this place. Srivaikuntam temple is also called Kailasapuram and has in
Nataraja shrine, 8 artistically carved pillars. The most famous is the
Kallapiran, the festival deity and presiding deity is called
Vaikuntanathar. On the 6th day of Tamil month Chittirai(April), the Sun
rays fall on the main deity as a token of worship. The idol is most
exquisitely carved with a club in hand. Lions, Yalis and elephants are
carved in the pillars of the mandapam. The temple served as a fort during
the patriotic war of Kattabomman with the British. The temple has a 9-tier
rajagopuram amidst lush vegetation around the temple.
In this temple, Lord Vaikuntanathan facing east in standing posture with
Adisesha who serves as an umbrella. This is a big temple and to reach the
main sanctum we have to cross several mandapams. In the ardha mandapam, Sri
Kannapiran standing on a golden couch, with his lovely consorts, Sri
Sridevi and Sri Bhoodevi.
Lord Brahma was keeping the pot containing the secret of his creations in
his hand. This secret was stolen by a demon named Somukasuran. In order to
rectify the mistake, Lord Brahma did penance towards Lord Vishnu and asked
for help to recover the lost documents. Lord transformed into a Lady and
went to the earth to select a place known as Srivaikundam. Brahma did his
penance and Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Vaikuntanathan. Lord Vishnu
recovered the secret documents and gave them to Brahma. Brahma prayed that
Lord Vishnu should be present there forever in the same form in which he
gave him darshan.Then Lord Brahma installed the Moola Vigraha there, used
his kalasam to bring water from the river and performed abhishekam with it.
A robber by name Kala Dooshakan, used to pray to the Lord, proceed on his
mission, loot whatever he could and offer half of it to the Lord. Once,
when he was stealing things from a palace, the palace guards noticed it and
he was about to be caught. He rushed to Vaikuntanathan temple and prayed to
the Lord to save him. The Lord took the form Kala Dooshakan and presented
himself before the king. When the king wanted to punish him, he transformed
himself into Vaikuntanathan and gave darshan to the king. When the king
asked the Lord why he saved the thief, the Lord said that he had ceased to
be righteous and the real intention was to bring him back to the path of
Dharma. From then onwards, the Utsava Moorthy came to be known as
Kallapiran.
A unique feature of the temple is that every year on two days (in the
period of April-May and October-November) Sun's rays fall directly on Lord
Vaikuntanathan. It is believed that this temple was used as a fort in the
fight between the legendary freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman and
the British in the 1800s.
The temple gopuram which is 110 feet in height and 500 feet in width can be
viewed from the Tamirabarani bridge. Several poojas are held in this temple
and the most important among them is the pooja done by childless couples.
It is believed that if the childless couple consume the ghee for 48 nights,
that has been offered at the deity's feet, they will be blessed with
children.
Pushkarani:
Brighu Theertham
Thamirabarani Nadhi.
Vimanam:
Chandira Vimaanam.
The Gopuram is very big which is 110 feet in height and 500 feet in width,
and 396 feet wide big walls which enclose the temple. Numerous sculptures
are found in the 100 pillared mandapam which is found near Moolavar
sannadhi.
Legend and Stories
Two legends are associated with this temple. Once an asura by the name
Somakan appropriated Lord Brahma's Creation-secret and Lord Vishnu
retrieved it from the demon. Since the Lord came directly from His abode
Vaikuntam and agreed to remain here, this place came to be known as
Srivaikuntam. Later, Kaaladhushakan, a robber, conducted his robbery after
worshipping Vaikuntanathan, and surrendered to Him, half of what he had
plundered. He was a Robinhood of those days, looted the rich and helped the
poor.
Once his men, while engaged in ransacking the palace, were caught by the
King soldiers. They had to identify their leader; when Kaladhushakan came
to know about it, he prayed to the Lord of Srivaikuntam, to save him. The
Lord appeared before the King as Kaaladhushakan, revealed Himself to the
King and counseled him to protect dharma. Having had this Beatific Vision,
the King requested the Lord to remain in this place as Kallappiraan.
History of the Temple
Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple is one of the famous Nava Tirupathi
Temples. All these 9 temples are classified as Divya Desams, the 108
temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints or Alwars.
Srivaikuntanathan Temple is also popularly called Kailasapuram.
Srivaikuntanathan Perumal is famous for its Kallapiran, the festival deity;
while the Moolavar Deity is Vaikuntanathar. The Idol is most exquisitely
carved with a club in hand. Lions, Yalis and elephants are magnificently
carved on pillars of the Mandapam. The temple has a beautiful Nataraja
Shrine and 8 artistically carved pillars. The temple has a 9-tier
Rajagopuram amidst lush vegetation around the temple. The temple served as
a fort during the patriotic war of Kattabomman with the British. On the 6th
day of Tamil month Chittirai (April) the sunrays fall on the main deity as
if it is worshipping the Lord. These nine shrines in the Pandya region are
as famous as the nine in Chola region. The temple tank here is known as
Bhrigu Theertham.
Festivals
The Garuda Sevai Utsavam in the month of Vaikasi (May-Jun) witnesses 9
Garuda Sevai, a spectacular event in which festival image idols from the
Nava Tirupathi Shrines in the area are brought on Garuda Vahana. An idol of
Nammalvar is also brought here on an Anna Vahanam and his paasurams
dedicated to each of these 9 temples are recited. The Utsavar of Nammalvar
is taken in a palanquin to each of the 9 temples through the paddy fields
in the area. The paasurams dedicated to each of the 9 Divya Desams are
chanted in the respective shrines. This is the most important of the
festivals in this area and it draws thousands and thousands of visitors to
this temple.
Issueless couples pray here for children and students and their parents
pray for their academic excellence. Each planet in the following Nava
Tirupati temples is worshipped accordingly. Here in this Srivaikuntanathan
Perumal Temple Lord is worshipped as Sun in Srivaikundam.
Pooja Timing
Vishwaroopam Pooja - 7.30 AM
Kalasanthi Pooja - 9.00 AM
Theertham Viniyogam - 10.00 AM
Samba Thaligai - 12.00 PM
Sayarachai Pooja - 5.00 PM
Thiruvasagam Pooja - 8.30 PM
Prasad and Offering
Devotees can sponsor one day Annadhanam or Permanent endowment for one
day's Annadhanam Scheme. The devotees perform thirumanjanam (sacred bath)
to the Lord and offer new clothes.
Prayers
Prayers can be offered to overcome the impediments in wedlock, to beget
issues and for good education.
Thanks giving
The devotees perform thirumanjanam (sacred bath) to the Lord and offer new
clothes.
Special Features
This is one of the 108 sacred places of Lord Vishnu and the 1st
Navathirupathi dedicated to 'Suriyan'.
Religious significance
Brahmanda Purana one of the eighteen sacred texts of Hinduism and written
by Veda Vyasa contains a chapter called Navathirupathi Mahatmyam. The first
part of the chapter refers to Srivaikuntam. Vaikunta Mahatmyam is another
work in Sanskrit that glorifies the temple and is a part of Tamraparani
Sthalapurana available only in palm manuscripts. The temple is revered in
Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by
Nammazhwar. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu
temples that are mentioned in the book. The temple is also classified as a
Navatirupathi, the nine temples revered by Nammazhwar located in the banks
of Tamiraparani river. The temple is next only to Alwarthirunagari Temple
in terms of importance among the nine Nava Tirupathi temples. Nammazhwar
makes a reference about the temple in his works in Thiruvaimozhi. During
the 18th and 19th centuries, the temple finds mention in several works like
108 Tirupathi Anthathi by Divya Kavi Pillai Perumal Aiyangar, Vaikuntha
Pillai Tamil, Vaikuntanatha Thalattu, Vaikuntanatha Tiruppanimalai and
Srivakiuntam Ammanai. Srivaikuntam temple is also called Kailasapuram and
has a Nataraja shrine with eight artistically carved pillars. Sun rays fall
directly on the image on two days of the year - once during uttarayana
(April) and another during Dakshinayana (October), believed to be a token
of worship. The roof over the sanctum is called Chandra vimana, where a
stupa of gold is installed on the top. The temple also forms a series of
Navagraha temples where each of the nine planetary deities of one of the
temples of Nava Tirupathi. The temple is associated with the planet Surya,
the Sun god.
One should worship the Ishta or Kula Deivam before starting for the
Navathirupathi Tour. Bathe in the river before entering the temple, and
wear clean clothes. One should concentrate on the temple deity of each
Navathirupathi and observe absolute silence. One can also chant "Om Namo
Narayanaya" inside the temple. It is imperative that one makes the effort
to respect ancient customs and usages while at temple and promote religious
sentiments among co-pilgrims. If one may so choose, they should deposit
their offerings in the hundy only. Keep temple premises clean and leave
electronic gadgets like cell phones, calculator, camera and footwear etc
before entering the temples.
The temple can be reached by buses plying between Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli
routes. Bus services to this temple are available from Madurai,
Tirunelveli, Tiruchendur and Thoothukudi through Srivaikuntam and to the
temple.
Temple Address
Sri Vaikuntanathan Perumal Temple
Sri Vaikuntam – 628 601
Thoothukudi District,
Tamil Nadu.
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