Changes

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,<blockquote>''<nowiki/>'The huge temple with its beautiful elevation is an excellent example of synthesized art and architecture of several dynasties'.''</blockquote>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.   

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,<blockquote>''<nowiki/>'The huge temple with its beautiful elevation is an excellent example of synthesized art and architecture of several dynasties'.''</blockquote>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.   

This reputed teertha spreads over 40 acres of land 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   

* 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 (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]], the next 4 steps are symbolic of the [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|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 svastika shaped pushkarini 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 (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]], the next 4 steps are symbolic of the [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|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

* 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).

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 Vasal (door) 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 (ie. the gate where Vishnu was asked time).

== Deities ==

== 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).   

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. 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 ==

== 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:

The earliest reference to Thiru 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 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, Sri Lakshmi walks ahead of Mahavishnu in the processions. Here, Lakshmi takes the lead and Vishnu follows. It is said that the entire Vaishnava sampradhaya was codified by Sri Ramanujacharya in this place.

 

* Once upon a time when [[Shibi Chakravarti (शिबिचक्रवर्तिः)|Shibi Chakravarti]] was ruling Ayodhya during Treta Yuga, inflamed with passion, he decided to wage war with Ravana, the king of Lanka. He arrayed a huge army to conquer Lanka. Leading the march and assembling a well-equipped army, he moved on his great chariot. The force he applied on his army to propel them was terrific to behold. However, when he reached Neelikavanam near Svetagiri, he was overcome by fatigue, hunger and thirst. The wind blew furiously, black clouds rolled one after the other and rains began to lash incessantly. Streams started overflowing with cool and fragrant breeze blowing from all sides while, the trees danced along with the wind. Attracted by the scenic beauty, Raja Shibi decided to rest for a while with his army. After a while, they reached an orchard with small streams of crystal clear water. They managed to find their way by holding one another's hands. 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.

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  

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

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

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