4,666
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 4:
Line 4: − + Line 38:
Line 38: − + − The temple belongs to a very early period as referred to by Boothathalwar in his hymns. + − This sacred shrine is sung by seven of the twelve alwars. Because of Nathamuni, this shrine has a special significance in the history of Vaishnavism. It was in this sannadhiNadhamuni, the grand father of Alavandar first heard the ten hymns of Nammalwar in praise of Amudan and he heralded the renaissance of all the four thousand hymns of the Alwars at AlwarThirunagari. + − + − Brahmandapuran and Bhavishyapuran bring out its religious merit and prominence. Several puranic accounts focus on the importance of the shrine. This place is much venerated by its association with ThirumazhisaiAlwar, Nathamuni and Hema Maharishi. It is said that the Lord gave darshan to Hema Maharishi. − − Anyone who wants to take a dip in this tank should first worship at the shrine of Hema Maharishi. A dip in the tank purifies one and paves way for salvation. This tank is sacred since it gave birth to goddess Komalavalli. When the milky ocean was being churned the AmrutKalash broke and it is believed that some nectar spilled into this tank. − − It is said that the Lord came down from his celestial abode to marry Komalavalli at this shrine. The very concept of a temple on a. chariot in motion breaks new ground. The canopy is called VaikuntaViman. Since the chariot landed with great force elephants are seen arresting its speed. The chariot is so sculptured that it seemed ever ready for an aerial flight. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu who is bhaktavatsala. − − It was left to Ayya Kumara ThataDesikan to construct a separate shrine for KomalavalliThayar. Pleased with his devotion King Nayak erected a sannadhi for Ayya Kumara ThataDesikan. − − On his Sesha couch, in the sanctum Lord Aravamudan is seen in Uthangasayana with his head slightly raised giving darshan to ThirumazhisaiPiran. − − It is true that Thirumazhisai_ alwar attained salvation here. − − Here the Lord is rightly known as Dravida Veda Darshaka. Cradled by Kaveri on one side and Arsasalaru on the other, the teertha is called Bhaskarakshetra as the Sun God regained his brightness after performing penance at this kshetra. Thus this Sudarsana Chakra of Lord Sarangapani is considered holy of the holies. − − According to Puran the place was originally known as Kudarnukku. It is said that once Brahma created AmruthaKudam, with the four Vedas offering protection on four sides. He kept it on the MeruParvatha. Later at Pralaya, the great deluge, the amrutha vessel got dislodged and spilled over the vast region of the present Kumbakonam. Hence the name Kumbakonam. − − The legend has that, once Surya, the Sun god lost in contest to Sudarshan Chakra. Having lost, after a long severe penance the Sun god regained his original glory. Therefore the place came .to be known as BhaskaraKshetra. Here the Alwars have sung in praise of both the deities, the presiding deity and the processional deity. Therefore the shrine is known as UbhayaPradhanaDivyaDesa. − − The legend says that once the Lord went out of the shrine without the knowledge of Mahalakshmi. On his return the Devi refused to open the door. It was then left to the great saint Nammalwar to reconcile and bring the divine couple together. − − In addition there is a SrinivasaSannidhi which is situated underground. Since the Lord is seated underground, he is known as PathalaSrinivasa and the SannidhiPathalaSrinivasaSannidhi. + + + + + − According to legend, sage Brighu went to see Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu who was in the company of Sridevi did not immediately respond. Annoyed at this, Brghu kicked the Lord on his chest. Sridevi took it as a personal insult and descended on earth. She began a severe penance on a thousand-petalled lotus in a tank named Pottramarai at Kumbakonam. In his next birth, Brghu was born as a sage named Hema Maharshi. He remembered that he had committed an heinious sin in his earlier birth. He regretted that he was the main cause of separation between the Lord and the devi. To expiate this sin, he too began a severe penance. Pleased with his prayers, the Lord granted him boons. He prayed for Lakshmi devi as his daughter and the Lord as his son-in-law. The Lord granted the request and married Komalavalli much to the rishi's joy Hence the place is also known as Kalyanapuram. + − − − −
→Legends: Editing
Thiru Kudanthai or Kumbakonam as it is commonly referred to is one of the ancient towns of India and a very important centre of Hindu pilgrimage. This sacred and celebrated place has been famous as a seat of learning, culture, art and tradition. And therefore, it is extended the highest respects from time immemorial. Steeped in antiquity, the ancient town of Kumbakonam by the side of river Kaveri derives its name from its presiding deity Kumbeshwara. Known as Kudamukku in the earlier days, it is said to have been ruled by the Pallavas. It is located between the two rivers, the Kaveri in the north and Arasalar in the south. Just as in Srirangam, the two rivers on the two sides of Kumbakonam enhance the town as a grand necklace. The town extends about two miles in length from North to South and one mile in breadth from east to west and is surrounded by a number of Vishnu and Shiva temples.
Thiru Kudanthai or Kumbakonam as it is commonly referred to is one of the ancient towns of India and a very important centre of Hindu pilgrimage. This sacred and celebrated place has been famous as a seat of learning, culture, art and tradition. And therefore, it is extended the highest respects from time immemorial. Steeped in antiquity, the ancient town of Kumbakonam by the side of river Kaveri derives its name from its presiding deity Kumbeshwara. Known as Kudamukku in the earlier days, it is said to have been ruled by the Pallavas. It is located between the two rivers, the Kaveri in the north and Arasalar in the south. Just as in Srirangam, the two rivers on the two sides of Kumbakonam enhance the town as a grand necklace. The town extends about two miles in length from North to South and one mile in breadth from east to west and is surrounded by a number of Vishnu and Shiva temples.
The huge Sarangapani temple is in the centre of the town and all roads are paved in such a way that they lead us to the shrine. It is considered a hub of spiritual life and prime attraction for every devotee of Narayana. Mahavishnu here is worshipped here as Sarangapani and Mahalakshmi goes by the name Komalavalli thayar. The much-hallowed kshetra is known as Bhaskara kshetra. The vimana is known as Vaidika vimana and the Pushkarni is named Hema Pushkarni.
The huge Sarangapani temple is in the centre of the town and all roads are paved in such a way that they lead us to the shrine. It is considered a hub of spiritual life and prime attraction for every devotee of Narayana. Mahavishnu is worshipped here as Sarangapani and Mahalakshmi goes by the name Komalavalli thayar. He is also known as Dravida Veda Darshaka. This tirtha is called Bhaskara kshetra as the Sun deity is said to have regained his brightness after performing a penance here. The vimana is known as Vaidika vimana and the Pushkarni is named Hema Pushkarni.
[[Category:Temples]]
[[Category:Temples]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
The temple has two separate entrances - one in the south and one in the north with nine steps each which is symbolic of the nine steps leading to Moksha. The southern entrance is used during Dakshinayana (approx. January to July) and the northern side entrance is used during Uttarayana (approx. July to January). The Dakshinayana entrance is known as the doorway to marriage as Lord Sarngapani came out of this corridor after his marriage to Komalavalli.
The temple has two separate entrances - one in the south and one in the north with nine steps each which is symbolic of the nine steps leading to Moksha. The southern entrance is used during Dakshinayana (approx. January to July) and the northern side entrance is used during Uttarayana (approx. July to January). The Dakshinayana entrance is known as the doorway to marriage as Lord Sarngapani came out of this corridor after his marriage to Komalavalli.
The sanctum and the front mandapa are designed to look like a chariot on wheels and horses. The front mandapa called Thiru Mamani Mandapa is of the Nayaka style and is supported by 12 pillars. Mahavishnu here wields a bow called Sarnga and therefore he is known as Sarngapani. He is in the Shayana posture facing the east flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi. And Brahma is seen rising from his navel. Hemarishi, Saptharishis, Kaveri and Devas are also seen paying homage. This is a Ubhaya Pradhana Desha where both the presiding and processional deities are given equal importance. Goddess Lakshmi as Komalavalli is enshrined separately in a sanctum near the Uttarayana steps. There is a Pottramarai (the Golden Lotus tank) behind the temple that measures 361 feet by 285 feet and is known as Lakshmi teertha and Amudavani. The tank also has a mandapa with sixteen pillars right in its midst.
The sanctum and the front mandapa are designed to look like a chariot on wheels and horses. The very concept of a temple on a chariot in motion is novel. The vimana is called Vaikunta Vimana. Since the chariot landed with great force, the elephants are seen arresting its speed. The chariot is so sculptured that it seems ever ready for flight. The front mandapa called Thiru Mamani Mandapa is of the Nayaka style and is supported by 12 pillars. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu who is bhaktavatsala and as he wields a bow called Sarnga, he is known as Sarngapani. In the sanctum, the deity Aravamudan (Mahavishnu) is seen in Uthanga shayana posture on the Sesha facing the east with his head slightly raised giving darshan to Thirumazhisai Piran flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi. And Brahma is seen rising from his navel. Hemarishi, Saptharishis, Kaveri and Devas are also seen paying homage. Here the Alwars have sung in praise of both the deities, the presiding deity and the processional deity. Therefore the shrine is known as Ubhaya Pradhana Divya Desha where both the presiding and processional deities are given equal importance. Goddess Lakshmi as Komalavalli is enshrined separately in a sanctum near the Uttarayana steps. There is also a Srinivasa Sannidhi which is situated underground. And due to this location, the deity is known as Pathala Srinivasa and the Sannidhi is called Pathala Srinivasa Sannidhi. Behind the temple there is a Pottramarai (the Golden Lotus tank) that measures 361 feet by 285 feet and is known as Lakshmi teertha and Amudavani. The tank also has a mandapa with sixteen pillars right in its midst.
Talking about the grandeur of the temple and its architecture, Prof. S. Narayanan says, <blockquote>''"It is one of the most impressive structures remarkable for its ornamentation and rhythmic harmony. Its elegant construction and gigantic proportion are truly remarkable.The main temple and the other shrines have jointly given the entire pilgrim center a balanced architectural assemblage. The layout, design, colour and wooden carvings of the temple reflect the best traditions of Chola style. Whereas, inside the sanctum the atmosphere is calm and serene, darkness adding to its sublime glory. And it is this serenity in the sanctum that is the most remarkable feature of the shrine."''</blockquote>
Talking about the grandeur of the temple and its architecture, Prof. S. Narayanan says, <blockquote>''"It is one of the most impressive structures remarkable for its ornamentation and rhythmic harmony. Its elegant construction and gigantic proportion are truly remarkable.The main temple and the other shrines have jointly given the entire pilgrim center a balanced architectural assemblage. The layout, design, colour and wooden carvings of the temple reflect the best traditions of Chola style. Whereas, inside the sanctum the atmosphere is calm and serene, darkness adding to its sublime glory. And it is this serenity in the sanctum that is the most remarkable feature of the shrine."''</blockquote>
== Legends ==
== Legends ==
This sacred shrine of Thiru Kudanthai is sung by seven of the twelve alwars. Referred to by Bhuthathalwar in his hymns, this temple is considered to belong to a very early period. Infact, this shrine has a special significance in the history of Vaishnavism because of its connection to Nathamuni. It is said that, it was in this sannadhi that Nathamuni (the grand father of Alavandar) first heard the ten hymns of Nammalwar in praise of Amudan and then paved the way for the renaissance of all the four thousand hymns of the Alwars at Alwar Thirunagari. Ths, the temple is much respected due to its association with Thirumazhisai Alwar, Nathamuni as well as Hema Maharishi.
Several puranas give accounts of the importance of this shrine. Especially, the Brahmanda Purana and Bhavishya Purana bring out the merits and prominence of this temple.
* According to a Purana, this place was originally known as Kudamukku. It is said that, once Brahma created Amrutha Kudam (pot of nectar), with the four Vedas offering protection on four sides and kept it on the Meru mountain. However, during Pralaya, the great deluge, the amruta vessel got dislodged and spilled over the vast region of the present Kumbakonam. Hence the name.
* According to another legend, sage Brghu once went to see Mahavishnu. However, the Lord was in the company of Sridevi and did not immediately respond. Annoyed at this, Brghu kicked Vishnu on his chest, the place where Sridevi resides. Therefore, Sridevi took this as a personal insult and descended on earth and began a severe penance on a thousand-petalled lotus in a tank named Pottramarai at Kumbakonam. This is the tank that later gave birth to goddess Komalavalli and hence is considered very sacred. It is said that, when the milky ocean was being churned, the Amruta Kalash broke and it is believed that some nectar spilled into this tank.
* In his next birth, Rishi Brghu was born as Hema Maharshi. He remembered the actions of his earlier birth and regretted that he was the main cause of separation between Mahavishnu and the devi. Inorder to repent for his wrong doing, he began a severe penance. And pleased with his prayers, Mahavishnu gave darshan to Hema Maharishi and granted him boons. As a boon he prayed to beget Sri Lakshmi devi as his daughter and the Lord himself as his son-in-law. Mahavishnu fulfilled the request and married Komalavalli much to the rishi's joy and hence the kshetra is also known as Kalyanapuram. Therefore, it is said that anyone who wishes to take a dip in this tank that purifies and paves way for salvation, is first told to worship Hema Maharishi at the shrine. Even, Thirumazhisai alwar is said to have attained salvation here.
* It is said that Ayya Kumara Tata Desikan constructed a separate shrine for Komalavalli Thayar. And then, pleased with his devotion, it was a Nayaka Raja who erected a sannadhi for Ayya Kumara Tata Desikan.
* According to a legend, [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]], the Sun deity, once, lost in contest to Sudarshana Chakra. Having lost, it was after a long severe penance that the Sun deity regained his original glory. Therefore, the place came to be known as Bhaskara Kshetra and the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Sarangapani here is considered most powerful as he defeated Surya.
* There is also another interesting legend which says that once, Mahavishnu went out of the shrine without the knowledge of Mahalakshmi. And therefore, on his return the Devi refused to open the door. It was then left to Nammalwar to reconcile and bring the divine couple together.
Once as a matter of precaution the idols of this temple were kept in safe custody at ThiruKoshtiyur temple. In gratitude till today it is a practice to sing a hymn in honour of ThiruKoshtiyurPerumal.
Once as a matter of precaution the idols of this temple were kept in safe custody at ThiruKoshtiyur temple. In gratitude till today it is a practice to sing a hymn in honour of ThiruKoshtiyurPerumal.
There was an orphan named Lakshmi Narayana who was a sincere devotee of the Lord Sarangapani. With tears in his eyes and a beatific smile on his face he danced and sang fully realising the sweetness of Amudha. He could go on in this way for days and nights without a break and without any exhaustion. His only obsession was to build a gopura for his favouriteSarangaraja. With advancing age he was sure that the Lord would save him just as he saved the Pandavas. In due course of time he realised his dream. The Lord truly abides in all things and he realised the Lord in his own heart. When he died the Lord directed one of his archaka in his dream to do the final samskara for Lakshmi Narayana Swami. After this dream command the archaka is believed to have taken the holy grass from the Lord and performed the final ceremony. Thus every year on DeepavaliAmavasya this ceremony is performed at Kumbakonam temple at the command of the Lord.
There was an orphan named Lakshmi Narayana who was a sincere devotee of the Lord Sarangapani. With tears in his eyes and a beatific smile on his face he danced and sang fully realising the sweetness of Amudha. He could go on in this way for days and nights without a break and without any exhaustion. His only obsession was to build a gopura for his favouriteSarangaraja. With advancing age he was sure that the Lord would save him just as he saved the Pandavas. In due course of time he realised his dream.
The Lord truly abides in all things and he realised the Lord in his own heart. When he died the Lord directed one of his archaka in his dream to do the final samskara for Lakshmi Narayana Swami. After this dream command the archaka is believed to have taken the holy grass from the Lord and performed the final ceremony. Thus every year on DeepavaliAmavasya this ceremony is performed at Kumbakonam temple at the command of the Lord.
== Festivals ==
== Festivals ==