The Importance of Divya Desams The term "Divya Desam" means "Divine Abode," indicating that these temples are sanctified by divine presence and the hymns of the Alvars. These sacred sites embody the glory and grace of Vishnu in his various forms and avatars, each narrating a unique story of divine intervention and blessings.
1. Spiritual Significance Path to Liberation: Visiting all 108 Divya Desams is considered a spiritual pilgrimage leading to Moksha (liberation). Embodiment of Bhakti: The temples emphasize devotion as the primary means to connect with the divine. Cosmic Connection: Some Divya Desams, such as Vaikuntha and Kshir Sagara, exist beyond the physical realm, symbolizing the eternal nature of Vishnu. 2. Cultural and Historical Relevance Venkateshwara Temple, Tirupati These temples showcase exquisite Dravidian and other regional architectural styles, with towering gopurams (gateways) and intricately carved sculptures. Festivals, hymns, and rituals associated with these temples continue to inspire devotion and preserve India’s spiritual heritage. The Role of the Alvars The Alvars were 12 mystic saints who lived between the 5th and 9th centuries CE. Their collective hymns, compiled as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (4,000 Divine Verses), celebrate the glory of Vishnu and his abodes. The Alvars came from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive nature of Bhakti. Nammalvar the great Alvar saint of Tamil Nadu Key Alvars and Their Contributions Nammalvar: Known as the "King of Alvars," his compositions focus on deep philosophical insights and unconditional surrender to Vishnu. Andal: The only female Alvar, her Tiruppavai verses are revered as an embodiment of divine love and devotion. Seek inspiration from the Andal’s life in Swami Mukundananda’s latest book, Nourish your Soul. Thirumangai Alvar: His prolific contributions include hymns about many Divya Desams, emphasizing Vishnu’s protective grace. Periyalvar: His hymns glorify Krishna's childhood, celebrating innocence and divine play. The Alvars' hymns infused these temples with a sacred aura, transforming them into spiritual havens for devotees seeking Vishnu’s blessings. Classification of Divya Desams The Divya Desams are classified based on their geographical and cosmic significance. Each category reflects the regional diversity and spiritual depth of the Vaishnavite tradition. Thiruvaiyaru Temple Tamil Nadu 1. Chozha Nadu (Tamil Nadu Coastal Region) Count: 40 temples Notable Sites: Srirangam (Ranganathaswamy Temple): Considered the most important Divya Desam, known as Bhooloka Vaikuntam (Earthly Heaven). Thiruvaiyaru: Celebrates Vishnu as Azhagiya Manavalan. 2. Nadu Nadu (Central Tamil Nadu) Count: 2 temples Notable Sites: Thirukkovalur: Associated with the divine experience of the Alvars in Vishnu’s presence. 3. Thondai Nadu Count: 22 temples Notable Sites: Tirukachchi: Ramanujacharya is believed to have resided in this temple. Thiruvallur: Regarded to be the site where Vishnu tested the devotion of a sage before blessing him. 4. Pandiya Nadu (Southern Tamil Nadu) Count: 18 temples Notable Sites: Srivilliputhur (Andal Temple): Andal’s birthplace and a symbol of her divine union with Vishnu. Thirukkurungudi: Highlights Vishnu as Ninra Nambi. 5. Malai Nadu (Kerala and Surrounding Areas) Count: 13 temples Notable Sites: Thiruvananthapuram (Padmanabhaswamy Temple): Famous for its reclining Vishnu idol and hidden treasures. Thiruvalla: Vishnu is depicted in a unique meditative form. 6. Vada Nadu (Northern India and Nepal) Count: 11 temples Notable Sites: Badrinath: Located in the Himalayas, revered as Divya Narayan Perumal. Dwaraka: Krishna’s royal city and a prominent spiritual destination. Count: 2 temples Significance: These are divine abodes like Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s eternal residence) and Thirupparkadal (Milky Ocean). The journey to the Divya Desams is a pilgrimage of both physical and spiritual dimensions. It allows devotees to connect deeply with Vishnu’s presence and immerse themselves in the legacy of devotion. Festivals and Rituals: Each temple hosts grand celebrations like Brahmotsavam ( a significant Hindu religious festival celebrated primarily in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, especially in South India) and Vaikunta Ekadasi ( It is believed that on Vaikunta Ekadashi, the "Vaikunta Dwaram" or "Gate to Lord Vishnu's Heavenly Abode" opens. Devotees who observe fasting and offer prayers on this day are said to attain liberation (moksha) and the blessings of Lord Vishnu) drawing devotees from around the world. Architectural Splendor: The temples are masterpieces of design, with intricate carvings and symbolic iconography that narrate stories from Vishnu’s life. Ranganathaswamy Temple Srirangam Srirangam: The heart of Srivaishnavism, known for its elaborate temple complex and devotion-centered festivals. Tirupati (Venkateswara Temple): One of the wealthiest temples in the world, where devotees seek Vishnu’s blessings as Balaji. Srivilliputhur: Andal’s divine hymns resonate throughout this temple, symbolizing devotion and purity. Vaishnava Divya Desams are more than sacred sites; they are beacons of devotion, guiding humanity toward Vishnu’s eternal grace. From the hymns of the Alvars to the grand temples scattered across the subcontinent, these abodes continue to inspire millions. Whether through physical pilgrimage or devotional meditation, connecting with Divya Desams is a transformative experience. MALAI NATTU DIVYA DESAMS-Kerala temples - I was amazed to hear that Pancha Pandavas have built Vishnu temples popularly known as Anju Ambalams and all of them are Divya Desams and all of them around Chengannur and can be accessed in one day . During their wanderings, each of the Pandava princes found a separate idol of Vishnu for personal worship except Sahadeva, the youngest prince. After much effort, when he could still not find a suitable idol for himself, Sahadeva, in despair, decided to immolate himself. Just as he was about to leap into a huge flaming pyre, an idol of Vishnu appeared miraculously. This idol was called Adbhuta Narayanan. The Pandava princes later consecrated their idols at various places before they renounced the world and set-off on their last journey. The five holy places chosen for this were ThiruChittaru (Dharmar ) , THIRUPULIYUR (Bheema), THIRUVARANMULA (Arjuna), Thiruvanvandoor (Nakula) & ThriKodithanam (Sahadeva). Consecration rites at Thrikodithanam were performed by Agni (God of Fire). Hence the god of fire is honored here during every festival season. All these five temples are collectively called Anju Ambalams and can be visited on a single day from Chengannur. It is considered auspicious to visit on the same day . There are 13 Divya Desams based on Malai nadu the ancient Kerala. Two of them in Kanyakumari district . Kerala has the largest no of divya desams (11) next to Tamil Nadu. Divya Desams (13) in Kerala can be visited in two days from Nagercoil or from Coimbatore . But, for elderly , it would be strenuous and hence it would be better to visit temples with Chengannur as base (6) , Trivandrum as base (3) Guruvayur as base (2) and Ernakulam as base (2) . I was on a tour of Divya Desams in Kerala recently and thought of sharing the details . With Chengannur as travel base , I covered six Divya desams of which five are popularly known in local parlance as Anju Ambalams , all built by Pancha Pandavas . Before I go into a detailed travelogue, I thought of listing interesting commonalities that I could perceive in these temples . 1) There is no separate shrine for thayar except in THIRUNAVAYA 2) Perumal is seen in Nindra Thirukkolam in 10 out of 13 temples. (except Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvataaru where He is seen in Bhujanga sayana pose and sitting posture in Thiruvanparisaram. 3) Satari is not given 4) Only chandan paste and some flowers are given to us 5) Naivedyams are offered only at the stipulated time. Even if we take some fruits etc., the same would be offered only at the stipulated time. 6) Most of the temples close by 11 A.M. and 7 P.M. and under no circumstance, the temple would be opened once it is closed. 7) In all the temples, while offering neivedyam to Balis the utsavar is taken out in procession with mela,thaalam and Perumal personally supervises the offerings made to Balis. These Balis are regarded as guards. This system is known as SEVELI . Only in Thirumoozhikalam, the system of mela, thaalam is not followed at the time of SEVELI. 8) The temples are scattered and one has to plan meticulously. Chenganoor is one place where one can hire an auto or taxi to visit six Divya Desams . One has to tell them that they would like to visit Anju Ambalams and Thiruvalla. Charges are nominal 9) It would be better to avoid Ayyappa season (Dec-Jan) as thousands of Ayyappa devotees throng Chengannur and difficult to hire taxis 10) The temples are not crowded except Thiruvaranmula and one can have relaxed darshan without any hassles . 1)Thiruvanvandoor :- Pambanai Appan temple – Thiruvanvandoor:-Nakula This sthalam is situated 8 kms away from Sengannoor and 5 Kms from Thiruvalla, on the banks of Pamba river. One of the five Pandava temples built by Nakula. Significance:- 1) The speciality of this sthalam is that it is built by Nakulan, one among the Pandavas 2) Lord gave his darshan along with Kamalavalli Naachiyaar as Kamalanathan in Nindra thirukkolam to Markandeya Maharishi and also Narada. 3)The perumal is also called as “Pambha Anai appan” because Pamba river encircles the temple 4) Lots of utsavar Idols were got during digging of Earth and they were kept in Separate shrine. 5) One can see sculptures relating to Kalinga Narthana and Dasavathara at the western entrance 2). Thiru Chenkundroor Imayavarappan:- This divya desam is only One Km from Chengannur and known as Dharma Raja temple and also known as Thiruchittaru Vishnu temple Specialities:- 1) Dharmar, one of the Pandavas built this temple to atone the sin of misleading Dronar into believing that Ashwathaman, son of Dronar was killed. But actually Ashwathama, one of the elephants in the war, died . Dronar thought his son Ashwathaman was killed and died at that place. Dharmar was unhappy , came to this sthalam, built the temple and worshipped Imayavarappan. This is believed to be the first of the Vishnu temples built by Pandavas in this region 2) Padmasuran was annihilated at this sthalam by Vishnu in Mohini Avatar. 3) Appan means father and in this sthalam , Imaya varappan is giving his blessings and seva in the father Sthanam (stage). 4) To explain that Lord Shiva and Sriman Narayanan are equal, a very big shivan temple is also found in this sthalam. 3) Thrikodithanam:- Located 4 Kms from Chenganacheri. Arputha Narayanan Special: 1) Built by Sahadeva, youngest of the five Pandava princes. 2) One of the three Kadigai Kshetrams in India . The other two being Thiru Kadigai ( Sholingur) and Thiru Kandam ( Kadinagar- Devaprayag in Uttarakhand-North) . Stay here for one Kadigai ie 24 minutes to attain Moksha. 3) Apart from being a religious center, Thirukadithanam was also once a center for culture, arts, erudition & learning. Students used to be taught eligious texts – Shastras – in sections or Khadikas. Since discussions, debates, tests and examinations took place with these sections as the base, the institutions came to be called Khadika-sthanam. These flourishing institutions imparted knowledge and skills not only in language and religious texts but also, in some cases, in warfare and state-craft.These institutions were as renowned as the famous universities of today. It is believed that, at any time, between 1000 to 7000 students studied at these institutions. 4)The presence of the famous Maha-Vishnu temple lent the prefix of respect Thiru to the Khadika-sthanam here making it Thiru-Khadika-Sthanam. 5) There is Narasimha shrine behind Arputha Narayana Sannidhi 6) There is a belief that ladies dancing with buckets on top of their head and undertaking prayers would help them conceive . 7)In all, there are 13 inscriptions and almost all are in the Vaatezutthu Tamil script. 8)On either side of the curving side walls to these steps are carved dance forms in Kudam Koothu (pot dance) and Kudai Koothu (umbrella dance). These elements of Nrithya (dance) element of Bharata Natyam shows that dance had attained a high degree of excellence even by about 1100 AD. 9)A very old Jackfruit tree (affectionately called Ammachi-Plavu – Grandmother Tree) near the eastern entrance is of special significance. During the festival season, temple priests offer prayers under its ancient, knotted trunk before beginning the ceremonies. 10)The temple wall is in itself an artistic masterpiece. About 15 feet high and 335 x 347 feet long, the wall gently curves outwards like an elephant`s forehead. Built of laterite blocks smoothened, arranged and stuck together expertly without lime or cement, this wall continues to amaze architects and builders. The wall is believed to have been built in 700 AD and predates most of the structures within the complex. But no one is quite sure who the original builders were. According to folklore, Bhoota-ganangal (beings of the nether world) built this wall just in one night. 11)Between the pond and the eastern entrance, near a public platform for arts and discourses, is a strange granite statue. It is a man flat on his back, held up stiff and straight on a stone pillar about six feet high. Only his waist rests on the pillar, rest of the body is unsupported. He holds a Shankhu (conch shell) in his left hand and wears the holy thread indicative of the higher castes. At one time the statue wore a crown as well. There are different stories behind this . One us about the ruler who made an untimely visit after its closure which is considered unholy and hence died . To deter others from repeating this , this statue is installed – it is said. 4) Aranmula Significance :- 1) It is said that Arjuna built this temple at Nilackal near Sabarimala to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. Nilakkal was a dense forest and hence it was difficult to perform daily poojas. So the idol was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo). To celebrate these events people of Aranmula started the famous snake boat race Uthrattathi Vallamkali. 2) In Pasurams of Nammalvar Aranmula is referred as Thiruvaranvilai, Lord Parthasarathy as Sree Thirukkurallappa Perumal, and Thayar (Mahalakshmi) as Padmasani Naachiyaar. 3) The huge beautiful eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps. Descending 57 steps through the northern tower, one can reach the Pampa river. 4) This temple is a perfect example for Kerala Temple architecture 5) The Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali, the world famous water carnival is the main important function related to this temple 6) The Palliyodams (boats) have some peculiarities when compared with ordinary snake boats or Chundan Vallams. They are called Pallyodams because they belong to the Lord. They are constructed so that the head and tail project out five and three feet, respectively, above the water. Each boat must have 64 seating compartments for 64 oarsmen, representing 64 art forms. At the head of the boat on a raised platform are seats for four more master oarsmen who control the direction of the boat with large oars. These four oarsmen symbolize the four Vedas. In the middle of the boat is a platform for eight people to stand. They represent the Ashtadikpalakas (devas), who guard the eight directions. A snake boat is about 103 feet in length. Each boat has about 4 helmsman 100 rowers and 25 singers. The total cost of building a snake boat is about Rs 1.6 million. It takes 650 man-days to build a single snake boat. 7) There is a sub shrine for Lord Balarama near to the northern gopuram. This shrine is located in a big pit and devotees have to step down to get the darshan of Lord Balarama. There are no other deities in this temple. The Thiruvonathoni is kept in a special place near to the western Gopuram. 8) Ashtamirohini – birthday of Lord Krishna – is also celebrated here in a grand style. 9) Another festival celebrated here is the Khandavadahanam celebrated in the malayalam month of Dhanus. For this festival, a replica of a forest is created in front of the temple with dried plants, leaves and twigs. This bonfire is lit, symbolic of the Khandava forest fire of the Mahabharata. 10) It is from here that the sacred jewels of Lord Ayyappa are taken in procession to Sabarimala each year in Dhanu(December). 11) Vallasadya is a famous offering in Aranmula Temple. On this the offered village will conduct a boat race in the Pampa river and will have a feast at the temple. The feast will have hundreds of items and sweets. But the peculiarity of this offering is that it’s not for Brahmins and only Nairs will attend this feast. 12) Another tradition is to offer 12000 ripe bananas to the deity and then distribute them to devotees . 5)Thirupuliyoor:- Maya Piran This sthalam is situated 6 Kms away from Sengannoor in west. We can reach this sthalam by getting down in Senganur railway station . Significance:- 1) Built by Bhiman, one 2) It is said that all Sapta Rishis got their Mukti towards the Emperumaan at this Sthalam. 3) Circumambulating along the Praharam , , we can find a separate sannadhi for Bhuvaneshwari amman. 4) This is one of the two ” Puliyur” Divya Desams, the other one being Sirupuliyur in Kollumangudi near Mayiladuthurai . Nammazhvaar refers to this place as ” Kutta Naattu Siru Puliyur” in his Thiruvoimozhi verse. 5) Since this is the Bheema kshetram, there is a peculiar offering of food prepared of 400 measures of rice to the Lord . 6) Bheema Gatha is is in the praharam 6) Thiruvalla It is 9 Kms west of Chengannur. Sree Vallabha temple . 1) Thiruvalla is one among the 32 Brahmin gramams in Kerala. 2) The name Thiruvalla is a colloquial form of Sri Vallabhapuram, named after the chief deity Sree Vallabha. The ancient name of Thiruvalla was “Valla vai”. 3) The idol of Maha Vishnu or Sree Vallabha was sculpted by Viswakarma at the behest of Lord Krishna 4)Sree Vallabha is portrayed as bearing a conch, a discus and a lotus. The Sudarshana Chakram seen through the west cardinal door of the sanctum is held in worship and is believed to have been installed in the 13th century. 5)Historical evidence such as copper plates and proclamations point to Tiruvalla as a flourishing and major center of spiritual and educational prominence in AD 1100. The Sree Vallabha Temple is a Vedic School with one thousand students and one hundred teachers. Thiruvalla Temple was once a place famous for Vedic schools. There were more than 1000 students and 100 teachers in this vedic school and was famous as Thiruvalla Sala. 6)Kathakali is performed almost everyday. 7) There are 8 subdieties in this temple. Varahamoorthy, Vadakkumthevar, Ganapathy, Garuda, Sastha, Kurayappan Swami, Ayal yakshi, Maya yakshi and Dakshinamoorthy are the subdieties. The rule for darshan at this temple is like this – first offer prayers to Ganapathy, Sastha, Bhagavathy and Kurayappan swami outside the nalambalam. Then visit Ilavanthi Theertham and offer prayers to Sage Vyasa. Then offer prayers to Sage Durvasa and then to Garuda at the top of the dwaja. Then enter inside the nalambalam and offer prayers to Vishwaksena, Dakshinamoorthy and reach in front of the sreekovil. Then offer prayers to Lakshmi Devi , bhumi Devi and Lord Sree Vallabha. Then start the pradakshinam inside the nalambalam and offer prayers to Lord sudarshana in the west nada. 8) Sree Vallabha Temple is a mahakshetra with five poojas and three sheevelis daily. The pooja style is based on Pacncharatra Samhitha especially on Durvasa Samhita. Worship protocol is called Purusha Narayana Pooja. Poojas for Lord Sudarshana is according to Ahirbhudhnya Samhitha. for the first and second poojas (usha pooja and ethrutha pooja) Lord Sree Vallabha is worshipped in Brahmachari Bhava, for third and fourth poojas(pantheeradi pooja and ucha pooja) Lord is worshipped in gruhastha Bhava and for fifth pooja (athazha pooja) He is worshipped in Sanyasi Bhava. After athazha pooja Lord’s idol will be decorated with a Kavi Mundu and a long thulasi garland. 9)Kathakali, the folk art of kerala, is performed almost on all days in this temple as offerings by devotees. 10) In pasurams of Tirumangaialwar and Nammalwar, Thiruvalla is referred as Thiruvallavai, Sree Vallabha as Sree Kolapiran Perumal and Thayar (Mahalakshmi) as Selva Thirukozhunthu Naachiyaar or Vaathsalya Devi. The Lord is also known as Vallabhan, Thiruvazhmarban . Other Thiruvazhmarban is in Thiruvanparisaram ( Divya Desam in Kerala) Note :- All these Divya Desams can be reached from Chengannur in one day , if one can reach there in the morning . There are plenty of trains from Chennai . In the evening one can see Chengannur Mahadeva temple and catch a train back to Chennai . K RAJARAM IRS 161025 On Thu, 16 Oct 2025 at 10:36, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < [email protected]> wrote: > *DIVYADESAMS IN KERALA* > > Out of 108 Divya desams, *11 Divya Desams located in Kerala*, also known > as the "Malai Nadu" Divya Desams. Many are believed to have been > consecrated by the Pandava brothers and are located near the Pamba River. > > *My note- Other than Kerala Divyadesams some more interesting information > are added in this posting.* > > The 13 Kerala Divya Desams > > *1 Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.* > > Located in Kerala's capital, this temple is among the most famous of all > Divya Desams. The deity, Padmanabhaswamy (a form of Vishnu), is shown in > the Ananthasayanam posture of eternal sleep on the serpent Adisheshan. > > *2 Thirumoozhikkulam Sri Lakshmana Perumal Temple**-Near > Angamally, Ernakulam District. * > > Dedicated to Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama. It is one of the four > temples comprising the Nalambalam pilgrimage circuit. > > *3 Thirunavaya Sree Nava Mukunda Temple, Malappuram > District, near Tirur**. Tirur - Kuttippuram Rd* > > This ancient temple is situated on the banks of the Bharathappuzha River. > Devotees often visit here to perform rituals for their ancestors. > > *4 Thirumittakode Anchumoorthi Temple**- Shoranur, > Cheruthuruthi - Koottanad Rd* > > Known as the *"Anjumoorthy Temple*" because it houses five deities. The > temple is located on the banks of the Bharathappuzha and was consecrated by > the Pandava Arjuna. > > *5 Thrikkakkara Vamana Moorthy Temple**-Edappally - > Pukkattupady Rd, Ernakulam District. * > > This temple is dedicated to Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu. The legend > of King Mahabali's encounter with Vamana is associated with this place. > > *6 Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla.* > > Situated on the banks of the Manimala River, this temple is dedicated to > Sri Vallabha, a form of Vishnu. It is known for its impressive architecture. > > *7 Thiruchenkundroor (Imayavarappan) Temple, Chengannur* > > This temple was consecrated by the Pandava Yudhishthira to atone for a lie > he told during the Kurukshetra war. > > *8 Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple. Near Chengannur**, > Alleppy District. * > > Built by the Pandava Bhima, this temple is dedicated to Mayapiran > (Vishnu). Its spaciousness is said to be a reflection of Bhima's large > stature. *The method of worship in Divya Desam temples follows the > principles of the Sri Vaishnava tradition, adhering to the Vaishnava Agamas*. > The worship includes daily rituals performed by temple priests and the > singing of hymns composed by the Alvar saints. > > *9 Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Changanassery:* This temple in the > Kottayam district is associated with Sahadeva, one of the Pandava brothers. > > *10 Thiru Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula:* Located on the banks > of the Pampa river in Pathanamthitta district, this is another of the five > Pandava temples, built by Arjuna. > > *11 Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple,, Thiruvanvandoor: near Chengannur* > > Part of the "Pancha Pandava Kshetrams," this temple is said to have been > built by Nakula. > > Synthesis of Saiva and Vaishnava traditions > > Some Kerala temples demonstrate a unique blend of traditions. The Sree > Vallabha Temple at Thiruvalla, another Divya Desam, gives out vibhuti > (sacred ash) as prasadham, which is generally associated with Shaiva > temples. This is done to emphasize the unity of Shiva and Vishnu, a central > message in the temple's legend. > > Similarly, the Thrikkakkara Vamana Moorthy Temple has separate shrines > for Lord Vamana (Vishnu) and Lord Shiva, *requiring devotees to visit the > Shiva shrine first.* > > The priests at the Puliyoor Mahavishnu Temple (also known as Sri Mayapiran > Thirukkovil) in Kerala are Vaishnavaite Brahmins, who follow the Tenkalai > Iyengar tradition. These priests are responsible for performing the daily > and festival rituals at the temple. > > Important details about the priests and the temple traditions: > > The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy abodes of Vishnu, > glorified in the Tamil Nalayira Divya Prabandham. > > *The priests follow the Vaikanasa Agama, a specific set of rules and > traditions for conducting temple rituals.* > > *The temple is now under the administrative control of the Travancore > Devaswom Board, but the traditional priestly practices are maintained* > > Why Guruvayoor temple is not a Divya desam? > > Guruvayoor temple is not a Divya Desam because it was not sung about in > the hymns of the Alvars, which is the primary criterion for a temple to > be designated a Divya Desam. > > The list of 108 Divya Desams consists specifically of temples praised in > the ancient Tamil hymns called the {Divya Prabandham}. While Guruvayoor > is a very sacred and important temple, its exclusion from the list is based > on this specific scriptural tradition of the {Sri Vaishnava} tradition. > > Alvars' Hymns: The 108 Divya Desams are the specific temples celebrated in > the Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 verses composed by the 12 > Alvars. > > Historical Significance: The Guruvayoor temple, though ancient and > revered, is not featured in these specific hymns. > > Other Sacred Temples: > > Many other temples, while extremely sacred, are not designated as Divya > Desams for the same reason. These are sometimes categorized as {*Abhimana > Kshethras*} or "beloved temples". The rituals and protocols in Divya > Desam temples are based on the Vaishnava Agamas, which detail the > procedures for temple worship. > > Vaishnava Agamas and sectarian practices in Tamilnadu temples > > The rituals and protocols in Divya Desam temples are based on the > Vaishnava Agamas, which detail the procedures for temple worship. > > Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa: The primary sources for Divya Desam worship > are the Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agamas, which are considered > authoritative within the Sri Vaishnava tradition. > > Vadakalai and Thenkalai traditions: The specific mode of worship can vary > based on whether the temple follows the Vadakalai or Thenkalai tradition. > While both sects revere the same deities, their liturgical practices > differ, with Vadakalai placing more emphasis on Sanskrit scriptures and > Thenkalai on the Tamil hymns of the Alvars. > > Daily worship (puja) > > The daily worship, or puja, in Divya Desam temples is a highly structured > affair, with rituals performed multiple times a day. > > Six-part ritual: Daily rituals are typically performed six times a day, > with three steps in each session. > > Alangaram: Decoration of the deity. > > Neivethanam: Offering of food. > > Deepa aradanai: Waving of lamps. > > Musical accompaniments: The rituals are accompanied by traditional > instruments like the nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion > instrument), along with the chanting of religious texts. > > Importance of the Divya Prabandham > > A central element of worship is the recitation and singing of the > Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses composed by > the 12 Alvar poet-saints. > > Alvar hymns: The Divya Desam temples are those consecrated by the hymns of > the Alvars, and the recitation of these hymns is an essential spiritual > practice that is performed daily in many temples. > > Major festivals > > Divya Desam temples host major festivals, which involve elaborate rituals > and attract large numbers of devotees. > > Brahmotsavam: A significant 10-day annual festival celebrated with great > splendor, marking the marriage of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. > > Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated in December-January, this festival features > the opening of a special gateway, or Vaikunta Dwaram, believed to grant > liberation to those who pass through it. > > Rituals for devotees > > Pilgrims and devotees visiting Divya Desam temples follow specific > protocols for worship. > > Prostration: Devotees prostrate before the bali peetham (sacrificial > altar) and the dhwaja sthambam (flag mast) upon entering the temple. > > Circumambulation: Worshippers typically circumambulate the temple's main > shrine and inner corridors (prakarams). > > Symbolic significance: Temple worship is believed to purify the five > senses. Seeing the deity, hearing the chants and bells, smelling the > flowers, tasting the prasadam (food offering), and feeling the holy ash and > paste are all seen as ways to connect with the divine. > > Worship in Kerala Divya desams > > In the Kerala Divya Desams, the priests are typically Nambuthiri Brahmins > who follow a unique system of worship called Kerala Tantram. Unlike the > Vaishnava Agama traditions primarily followed in Tamil Nadu, the Kerala > method emphasizes Tantric rituals, and temple priests are known as Tantris. > > The priestly tradition in Kerala > > Nambuthiri Brahmins: The Nambuthiris, one of the prominent Brahmin castes > in Kerala, have historically served as the main temple priests. This is > because they are considered the traditional custodians of the Vedic > religion and Hindu codes in the state. > > Tantric authority (Tantri): In addition to the daily priests (pujaris or > shanti), each temple has a designated Tantri. The Tantri is the highest > authority on the temple's rituals and provides guidance for major rites, > installations, and festivals. The position is often hereditary and held by > specific Nambuthiri families. > > Temple customs: The worship protocol in Kerala temples, even Vaishnava > ones, differs significantly from the rest of South India. This > distinctive style, called Kerala Tantram, focuses on specific rituals, > mantras, and mudras. In some temples, only the chief priest (melshanti) is > permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum > > Why Tulu embranthiries perform pooja in Padmanbha swamy temple at > Thiruvanathapuram > > The exclusive priestly role of Tulu Embrantiries at the Padmanabhaswamy > Temple is *rooted in a centuries-old founding legend that sanctified the > position for a Tulu Brahmin hermit and his lineage. * > > The founding legend > > Divakaramuni's discovery: The origin story of the temple involves a Tulu > Brahmin ascetic named Divakaramuni. According to the ancient scripture > Ananthasayana Mahatmya, Lord Vishnu appeared to him as a mischievous young > boy. > > The child's disappearance: The boy, after a period of residence with the > hermit, vanished when he was treated with disrespect. Before disappearing, > the boy revealed his true identity as Lord Vishnu and told the hermit to > come to the "Ananthakaadu" to see him again. > > Consecration of the deity: Divakaramuni eventually found the sacred place > and, with the help of the king, established the temple and consecrated > the deity in its current form. *This founding event established the Tulu > Brahmin lineage's special right to serve as priests. * > > The continuation of the tradition > > Hereditary position: This lineage continues to this day, with the *chief > priests, or "Nambies*," of the temple belonging to specific families of > Tulu Brahmins who live on either side of the Chandragiri River. > > Strict rules: The tradition is strictly followed, and the chief priests > rotate in their duties. Once appointed, the priests must adhere to an > extremely ascetic lifestyle within the temple complex during their tenure. > > Distinction from other priests: It is important to note that the Tulu > Embrantiries are different from the Nambudiri Brahmins, who are the > traditional priestly community in most other temples in Kerala. *The > specific role for the Tulu Embrantiries in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a > result of its unique founding legend and historical custom* > > Malayala nadu divya desams > > In general, Divyadesams in Kerala, known as Malayala Naadu Divya Desams, > are traditionally served by Namboothiri priests, following the Tantra > rituals of the state. However, this is not a universal rule for all 108 > Divya Desams, as many are located outside of Kerala. > > Saivite priests in Vaishnava temples > > A major exception to this general rule is found in the Nilathingal Thundam > Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, *where the priests are > Saivite, not Vaishnavite. * > > Here's a breakdown of the specific priestly traditions: > > Malayala Naadu Divya Desams (Kerala): In this region, Namboothiri Brahmins > traditionally serve as priests. However, recent developments in Kerala have > expanded the pool of priests beyond Namboothiri Brahmins. *The Travancore > Devaswom Board, for example, has appointed non-Brahmins to the priesthood > in temples it manages.* > > Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple (Tamil Nadu): > > This temple is located inside the Ekambareshwarar Shiva temple complex. > Because of this unique location, the rituals are performed by Saivite > priests, unlike most Vaishnavite temples. > > Other Divya Desams: With 83 of the Divya Desams located in Tamil Nadu, > many have priests from other Brahmin communities, such as those from the > Iyengar tradition, who follow the Pancharatra or Vaikhanasa Agama > traditions. > > Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand): For example, the priests of this Divya > Desam in the North are traditionally Namboothiris, as established by the > Adi Shankara, a tradition that continues to this date. > > > > *All the above information are compiled by Google search/AI mode and > compiled. R. Gopalakrishnan 16-10-2025.* > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Thatha_Patty" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/342553877.2310534.1760591181833%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/342553877.2310534.1760591181833%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZoo50ehRxFDT%2Bi7pqN4LgAdUGVPn%2BUBhfoB11ck7Po090w%40mail.gmail.com.
