Thiru Cherai
Thiru Cherai is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples located at a distance of 14 kms from Kumbakonam and 5 kms from NachiarKoil. Thirumangai Alwar has composed as many as 13 hymns on this punyakshetra.
Introduction
Thiru cherai is named as Pancha Sara Kshetra. This is because the word Saara, meaning essence, is a prefix to everything here. Mahavishnu is Saaranathan, the goddess is known as Saaranayaki, the vimana is referred to as Saara Vimana, the pushkarni is called Saara Pushkarni and the kshetra itself is known as Saara Kshetra. The prefix Sara is attributed to the fact that the vedaagamasara was revived here by using the sacred soil from a pond. Hence, the pond came to be known as Sara Pushkarni and based on this the other names followed. Because the sthala has incorporated five divine elements, this place is known as Thiruccherai.
Saaranatha Perumal here, is surrounded by Saaranayaki, Kaveri, Sridevi, Bhudevi and Neeladevi. He holds a padma in his right hand gives darshan with his five consorts as seen in Vaikuntha. The presence of five consorts is a unique feature unnoticed in any other Vaishnava temple. And Kaveri and Hanuman are said to be the guardians of this shrine.
| Vishnu here is referred to as | Saaranathan |
| Lakshmi here is referred to as | Saaranayaki, Saaranachiar, Panchalakshmi |
| Kshetra is called | Panchasaara Kshetra |
| Vimana is called | Saara Vimana |
| Pushkarni is called | Saara Pushkarni |
| Hymns | Thirteen |
| Location | 14 kms from Kumbakonam |
Structure
A huge well-proportioned tower mounted by kalasams perched over the eastern gateway allures the visitor. The tower piercing the heavens to a height of 120 feet bears ample testimony to the Dravidian art. The temple occupying an area of 1.5 acres is embellished by a multitude of miniature sculptures and shrines. Sara Pushkarni of great fame is a lake of equal dimension situated outside the temple enclosure.
Situated in the centre of the village, the medium sized five tiered tower overlooking the temple tank greets one's eyes. At a short distance one has to cross a second tower of three tiers. This is fairly a big temple by any standards having separate shrines for Alwar, Yoga Narasimha, Rama, Ramanuja and ManavalaMamuni. Lakshrni is enshrined as Gajalakshmi. She is known as Sara PradhanaNavaki. This two prahara temple has a separate mirror room and vahana enclosure.River Kaveri is said to have been betrothed to Mahavishnu and has a separate shrine for herself at the Pushkarni. On the other side of the Pushkarni is the Hanuman mandir.
Legends
Thai Pusam is celebrated in this temple in glory of Kaveri.To repeat, this is the place where Vedas were protected and preserved in a pot of mud during deluge. With the help of the Lord the fountainhead of Vedas Brahma was able to safeguard the Veda Agama Saram from the demons. Brahmandapuran and Bhavishvapuran give a graphic account of ThiruccheraiMahatmiya.
Rooted in the highest values of life.Markandeya Maharishi lived a life of true renunciation. He would not identify with the best or the worst of things that this world offered him. He faced the pangs of disease, decay and approaching death with fortitude and courage. But all along he maintained his serenity and objectivity in life. Thus spurning the worldly life he performed a penance at Thinichherai and obtained the highest grace. The image of Markandeya can be seen in the sanctum sanctorum.
Legend has that Satyakriti a Chola ruler was not blessed with a child for a long time. He came to Sara kshetra, had a bath at Sara pushkarni and propitiated Mahavishnu. By the grace of the Lord he was blessed with a beautiful child of glowing charm. The king in gratitude constructed a swarnavirnan over the sanctum and renovated the mandaps. He also fabricated many choultries for the pilgrim's comfort. Not satisfied with these offerings he donated half his kingdom for the maintenance of the temple.
Legend says that once Brahma adjudged Ganga to be the holy of the holy rivers. Dejected at this Kaveri went into severe penance. Pleased with her prayers Brahma gave her a status at par with Ganga. Not satisfied with this Kaveri reached Saarakshetra and prayed to Lord Saaranatha under the peepul tree on the banks of Sara pushkarni. Kaveri performed tapas for not less than 300 years. The Lord appeared as a child on a Thai Poosam. Seeing the glow of a thousand suns on the child's face Kaveri sighted the Lord. The Lord revealed Himself with conch and discus seated on Garud along with five devis. Kaveri prayed to the Lord to be enshrined at this kshetra and proclaim her as the greatest of all rivers. Symbolic of this boon to Kaveri there is an icon of Kaveri matha fondling a child on her lap. Thus on Thaipoosam the Lord is taken out in procession in the company of the five devis. The Lord also promised Kaveri that he would settle amidst her in tretha yuga at Srirangam.
It is said that once a barbaric hunter worshipped Lord Saranatha and obtained enlightenment.
Also, a holy dip in Saarapushkarni when Jupiter is in Pushya, which occurs once in twelve years is held at par with Mahamaham of Kumbakonam.
Pujas are conducted six times a day as laid down in Pancharatra agamas. The annual Brahmotsavam is conducted in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb). On the day of Pusya a car festival is held symbolic of the Lord's descent from Vaikunta to bless Kaveri.