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| == Introduction == | | == Introduction == |
− | Thiru cherai is named as Pancha Sara Kshetram. This is because the word Saara, meaning essence, is a prefix to everything here. Mahavishnu here is Saaranathan, the goddess is known as Saaranayaki, the vimana is referred to as Saara Vimana, the pushkarni is called Saara Pushkarni and hence the kshetra 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. | + | 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. |
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− | Saaranatha Perumal here, is surrounded by Saaranayaki, Kaveri, Sridevi, Bhudevi and Neeladevi. The presence of five consorts is a unique feature unnoticed in any other Vaishnava temple. River Kaveri is said to have been betrothed to Mahavishnu here, and has a separate shrine for herself at the Pushkarni. On the other side of the Pushkarni is the Hanuman mandir. Thus, both Kaveri and Hanuman are the guarding angels of this shrine. Saranatha holds a padma in his right hand. Thai Pusam is celebrated in this temple in glory of Kaveri. The Lord gives darshan with his five Consorts as seen in Vaikuntham. The darshan of the Lord enriches Our spiritual flair and elevates our soul, | + | 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. |
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| |+Thiru Cherai at a glance | | |+Thiru Cherai at a glance |
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| 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. | | 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. |
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− | 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. | + | 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. |
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| == Legends == | | == Legends == |
− | 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. | + | 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. |
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| 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. | | 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. |