Thiru Vellarai

Thiru Vellarai, also known as Svetagiri kshetra is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples. A teertha that claims to be older than Srirangam (one of the foremost of the Vaishnava kshetras), the temple itself and its deities are praised in innumerable works of many great saint poets.

Introduction

Thiru Vellarai is located at a distance of 21 kms from Tiruchirapalli and the temple stands on an isolated rock surrounded by massive walls. It is a famous seat of Vaishnava Sampradaya where Ramanuja is said to have spent as many as 12 years of his life.

Temple at a glance

Vishnu here is referred to as	Pundarikakshan, Abhayahasthan
Lakshmi is referred to as	Mangaya Selvi , Shenbaga Valli, Pankaja Valli
Kshetra is called	Vedagiri, Svetagiri
Vimana is called	Vimalakrti Vimana
Pushkarni is named	Divya, Kanda, Ksheera Pushkarini
Teertha is called as	Manikarnika, Chakra, Pushkala, Padma, Varaha
Hymns by Alwars on this kshetra	Twenty Four
Location	20 kms from Trichirapalli

Structure

The temple of Thiru Vellarai with its unique architecture is known for its massiveness and elegance. Situated on a high peak, this temple reveals the constructive genius of several dynasties. Prof S. Narayanan says,

'The huge temple with its beautiful elevation is an excellent example of synthesized art and architecture of several dynasties'.

The synthesis of various styles ultimately evolving into one local style is one of the remarkable features of this temple's architecture. This is reflected in its double-walled pillars, cluster of brackets, open expanse, high parapets and pavilions built by masons. This way, the temple is a projection of harmony, simplicity and piety.

This reputed teertha spreads over 40 acres surrounded by a lofty line of mountains and block of granite hills. It is rich in tradition as well as of great antiquity. Built of chiseled red stone, with very thick and tall walls strengthened at short distances by massive structures and imposing mandapas, the temple resembles an impregnable fortress. It is its proportion, elegance and natural beauty that make this shrine a celebrated temple of ancient India.

• Pushkarini and its Symbolism

The svastik shaped pushkarni behind this Vishnu temple is a unique piece of architecture built by Kamban Arayan. The tank has fifty two steps leading from all the sides. The first 18 steps remind one of the 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita, the next 4 steps are symbolic of the four Vedas, followed by 5 steps reminding one of the Panchabhutas. After crossing the Bali pitha and Dvaja sthambha, one has to climb 8 steps reminding one of the Ashtakshara mantra (Om namo narayanaya). And, the final 24 steps are symbolic of 24 aksharas of Gayatri mantra. Thus, there are 59 steps leading one to the Garbhagrha. In fact, the bathing ghat is so well designed that it gives privacy to the bathing pilgrims.

• The Temple Gates

There are two entrances to this temple. One is the Uttarayana gate which is kept open between January and July and the other one is Dakshinayana gate which is kept open between July and January. This is based on the practice followed at Vaikunta. There is yet another gate known as Nazhi Kettan Vasal. It was at this Nazhi Kettan Vasal that Bhagavan Vishnu was questioned by Lakshmi Devi for returning late at night. It is said that, one day Vishnu returned late after his customary rounds in the village. Devi in her misgiving queried Vishnu about his late return. And therefore, the name Nazhi Kettan Vasal (the gate where Vishnu was asked time).

Deities

Mahavishnu in this temple is revered as Pundarikaksha. He is depicted in a standing posture (Nindra tirukolam) facing the east. He is in the company of Aniruddha and Pradyumna. While, Lakshmi is enshrined separately and is worshipped as Senkamalavalli and Pankajaselvi. The vimana here, is known as Vimalakruti vimana. Periya alwar considers the deity here as Jnana Sudar ( ie. the flame of wisdom) while, Sri Vedanta Desika refers to this deity as Svayam Prakasha (self-effulgent).

Legends

The earliest reference to Vellarai is found in the Brahmanda Purana and the Padma Purana. Some of the legends in connection with this temple are enumerated below:

• It is said that Goddess Lakshmi cherished a wish to rule the world. Bhagavan Vishnu consented to her desire and assured her that she would be ruling the world from Thiruvellarai. Later, Vishnu also descended to this same spot in response to her prayers. It is believed that, it is in this temple that Vishnu consented to Sengol Paripalana. Accordingly, in all temple festivals, Lakshmi walks ahead of Vishnu in the processions. Here, Lakshmi takes the lead and Vishnu follows. It is said that the entire Vaishnava sampradhaya was codified by Sri Rarnanujacharya in this place.

It is said that Lord Yama has given an assurance that anyone who prays and worships the Lord at Vellarai will be spared of life in hell. It is believed that if one takes bath in the five theerthas and worships the Lord on Sunday in the month of Karthikai will be blessed with a beautiful child.

Sibi Chakravarty was ruling Ayodhya during Tretha Yuga. Inflamed with passion, he decided to wage war with Ravana, the king of Lanka. He arrayed a huge army with his eyes set on Lanka. He led the march and marshalling a well-equipped army he moved on his great chariot. The thrust he made was terrific to behold. Overcome by fatigue, hunger and thirst he reached Neelikavanam near Swetagiri. The howling wind blew furiously. The black clouds rolled one after the other and the rains lashed ceaselessly. Streams started overflowing with cool and fragrant breeze blowing from all sides. The trees danced along with the howling wind. Lured by the scenic beauty King Sibi decided to rest for a while with his army. After a while they reached an orchard with rivulets of crystal clear water. They held one another by hand and found their way. A solitary white boar was running around. Aroused by curiosity the king started chasing the boar which suddenly disappeared into a bush. In his search he encountered Markandeya rishi and Bhoomidevi in deep penance. A celestial voice directed him to build a temple at Swetagiri where his army was camping. The voice further revealed that the Lord would manifest at Swetagiri in fulfillment of his promise to Goddess Lakshmi.

According to another version the white boar disappeared into the thick of the jungle. At this juncture Markandeya rishi with his yogic powers intuited

that the boar was none other than the Lord in his Varaha avatar. He directed Sibi to build a temple for Vishnu and Lakshmi. The king undergoing a spiritual transformation constructed seven teerthas at Swetagiri, the spot where the boar had left its imprints. The spot where Bhoomidevi was doing penance blossomed into a flower garden. Sibi installed the Lord in an iconic form and glorified him as Swetagirinatha.

When the temple was being built Markandeya rishi brought as many as 3700 Brahmin families from the north. One of the Brahmins died on the way and it is believed that God himself substituted for him in the religious function. In due course of time these 3700 families dispersed to different parts of South India. They are identified as Thiruvellarai Vaishnavas. Ramanuja during his banishment from the Chola Desa is said to have taken as many as 52 families from Vellarai to Karnataka Desa.

The kshetra is Adiranga kshetra, the one preceding Srirangam. Periazhwar glorified this Lord as Balakrishna and Thirumangaiazhwar eulogized him as Sweta Hayagriva.

This is the birthplace of Uyyakkondar and Engalazhwan.*

Sanctified with very many inspiring episodes this Divya Desa exudes divinity in its noblest form. Abounding in glorious episodes this holy centre has been attracting pilgrims down the ages.

It is said that Vishnu appeared before Raja Sibi, Garuda, Bhu devi, Markandeya Maharshi and several other celestials.