Difference between revisions of "Thiru Anbil"

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== The Deity ==
 
== The Deity ==
 
Being adored by sages and feared by demons Thiru Anbil is also known as Premapuri. It is said that, faith moves mountains and prayers melt hearts ! The Lord of the universe is said to have manifested here as Nambi to Brahma and Valmiki. As the sages implored the Lord to reside eternally at Anbil,  the Lord is seen here in Bhujanga shayana facing the east. Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated at His feet doing Tiruvadi kainkarya (Pada seva).<ref name=":0" />
 
Being adored by sages and feared by demons Thiru Anbil is also known as Premapuri. It is said that, faith moves mountains and prayers melt hearts ! The Lord of the universe is said to have manifested here as Nambi to Brahma and Valmiki. As the sages implored the Lord to reside eternally at Anbil,  the Lord is seen here in Bhujanga shayana facing the east. Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated at His feet doing Tiruvadi kainkarya (Pada seva).<ref name=":0" />
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== Dakshina Gaya ==
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Thiru Anbil Kshetra sees the three rivers Kaveri, Savitri and Phalguni merge into one. Therefore, this kshetra is also known as Triveni. The confluence of three rivers gives it the name Dakshina Gaya. It is said that those who cannot undertake a trip to Gaya to perform shraddha of their forefathers can do so at this place. This kshetra is believed to yield the same fruit as the Uttara gaya.<ref name=":0" />
  
 
== Legends ==
 
== Legends ==

Revision as of 23:21, 23 August 2018

Thiru Anbil is an ancient divya desha (one of the 108 Vaishnava temples) located 2 kms from Koviladi (a village 16kms from Srirangam). It is a temple of socio religious importance and also a classic example from the point of view of location, regional architectural style and literature. A good body of literature has been developed around this temple.[1]

Introduction

Known as Mandukapuri, tradition associates the temple of Thiru Anbil with Manduka Maharshi and Durvasa Muni. However, the early history of the temple is lost in antiquity. It is interesting to note here that Anbil is both a Vaishnava and a Shaiva sthala. The Vishnu kshetra is situated on the western side while the Shiva sthala on the eastern side at a short distance. Manduka pushkarini is common to both. Being one of the Vaishnava divya deshas, this temple is glorified by Thirumazhisai Alwar in his hymns.

Temple at a glance[1]

Vishnu is referred to as Thiru Vadivazhagia Nambi, Azhagia Nambi, Sundararajan 
Lakshmi is referred to as Azhagiavalli Nacchiar
Vimana is named as Taraka Vimana
Pushkarini is named as Manduka Pushkarini 
River in the vicinity Kollidam
Hymns by Alwars One
Location  9 kms from Lalgudi

Location

Thiru Anbil is about 20 kms from Trichirapalli and falls on the Tirichirapalli - Kumbakonam bus route. It is also accessible from the Lalgudi railway station.[1]

Structure

It is a small sized tower that greets everyone at the entrance of the village.Though silent and withdrawn, the tower conjures visions of Dravidian temple architecture. Unlike other temples of the region, this temple is simple in design and does not present any striking feature in the landscape. Nevertheless, its majesty speaks of its glorious past.

The temple is endowed with the traditionally Dvaja sthambha. To the right of the is the famous Senai Mudaliar shrine. So also a separate shrine for Goddess Lakshmi manifested as Azhagiyavalli Nachiyar.[1] 

The Deity

Being adored by sages and feared by demons Thiru Anbil is also known as Premapuri. It is said that, faith moves mountains and prayers melt hearts ! The Lord of the universe is said to have manifested here as Nambi to Brahma and Valmiki. As the sages implored the Lord to reside eternally at Anbil, the Lord is seen here in Bhujanga shayana facing the east. Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated at His feet doing Tiruvadi kainkarya (Pada seva).[1]

Dakshina Gaya

Thiru Anbil Kshetra sees the three rivers Kaveri, Savitri and Phalguni merge into one. Therefore, this kshetra is also known as Triveni. The confluence of three rivers gives it the name Dakshina Gaya. It is said that those who cannot undertake a trip to Gaya to perform shraddha of their forefathers can do so at this place. This kshetra is believed to yield the same fruit as the Uttara gaya.[1]

Legends

Talking of the legends associated with this Divya Kshetra, Prof. S. Narayanan says,

"Legend and history vie with each other in bringing out its sublime divinity and ethereal glory. The much hallowed kshetra is a treasure house for several puranas and myths."

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Prof. S. Narayanan (April 2004), 108 Temples of Azhvars, Volume 1, Maharashtra: Sri Ramanuja Mission.