Thiru Vellarai
Thiru Vellarai, also known as Svetagiri kshetra is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples. A theertha that claims to be older than Srirangam (one of the foremost of the Vaishnava kshetras), the temple and its deities are praised in innumerable works of many great saint poets.
| Vishnu here is referred to as | Pundarikakshan, Abhayahasthan |
| Lakshmi is referred to as | Mangaya Chelvi , Shenbaga Valli, Pankaja Valli |
| Kshetra is called | Vedagiri, Swetagiri |
| 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 |
Location
The temple located at a distance of 21 kms. from Tiruchirapalli stands on an isolated rock surrounded by massive walls and strengthened by towers and bastions. This famous seat of Vaishnava Sampradaya is a monument of the past. Ramanuja spent as many as 12 years of his eventful life at this shrine.
Structure
with its unique architecture is all the more pronounced in its natural surroundings wrapped in puranic lore. Topped by ruins and having connections with Lord Vishnu this ancient temple dominating the landscape is acclaimed for its massiveness and elegance. The huge temple with its beautiful elevation is an excellent example of synthesized art and architecture of several dynasties.
Various qualities are blended in these temples like harmony, simplicity and piety. The fusion of many styles are emphasized more than mere religious aspects. One remarkable feature of the monumental architecture is the synthesis of various styles ultimately evolving into a local style.
This reputed theertha spread over 40 acres is at once rich in tradition and of great antiquity. Its ecstatic account applauds the glory of the Lord and beckons the visitor with its vast expanse. 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.
This stupendous monument situated on a high peak is revealing the constructive genius of several dynasties. The temple like an impregnable fortress built of hewn red stone is undoubtedly one of the most impressive temples in India. The lofty line of the mountains and the block of granite hills accentuate the supremacy of the kshetra. Set on a deeply scrapped rock the temple derives its name from the mountains. It owes its beginning to its geological formation and derives its strength from the peculiar nature of the hill rocks. The formidable bastion is unique in shape and one cannot but notice the individuality of its architecture in blending technique with environment, without sacrificing aesthetics. The walls are very thick and tall, strengthened at short distances by massive structures and imposing mandaps. Its double-walled pillars, cluster of brackets, open expanse, high parapets and pavilions built by masons constitute a synthesis of different styles of art. The proportion, elegance of architecture and its natural beauty go to make this shrine a celebrated temple of ancient India.
The swastik shaped pushkarni behind the Vishnu temple is a unique piece of architecture built by Kamban Arayan. The tank has fifty two steps leading
from all the sides. The bathing ghat is so well designed that it gives privacy to the bathing pilgrims.
The first 18 steps remind one of the 18 chapters of Bhagwat Gita, the next 4 steps are symbolic of the four Vedas to be followed by 5 steps reminding one of the Panchabhootas. After crossing the Bali peeta and Dwaja sthamba, one has to climb 8 steps reminding one of the Astakshara mantra. The last 24 steps are symbolic of 24 aksharas of Gayatri mantra. Thus there are 59 holy steps leading one to the Garbagriha.
There are two entrances to this temple. The one is Uttarayana gate which is kept open between January and July and the other one is Dakshinayana gate kept open between July and January. This is similar to the practice at Vaikunta. There is yet another gate known as Nazhi Kettan Vasal. It was at this Nazhi Kettan Vasal that the Lord was questioned by Lakshmi Devi for returning late at night. One day the Lord returned late after his customary rounds in the village. Devi in her misgiving queried the Lord of his late return. Therefore the name Nazhi Kettan Vasal.
Deities
Eulogized in puranas, Vishnu at this holy shrine is revered as Pundarikaksha. He is depicted in a standing posture facing the east. He is in the company of Anirudha and Pradhyumna. Lakshmi is worshipped as Shengamalavalli and Pankajaselvi. The viman is known as Vimalakruti viman. It is said that the Lord appeared before Sibi, Garud, Bhoo, Markandeya and several other celestials. Here Lakshmi is enshrined separately.
Legends
The Alwar saints have sung the divine mysticism of the Lord in twenty-four hymns. The earliest historical reference to Vellarai is found in the Brahmanda Puran and the Padma Puran in glowing terms.