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[[Category:Temples]]

[[Category:Temples]]

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.   

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 ==

== Introduction ==

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 is spread 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 and with very thick and tall walls strengthened at short distances by massive structures and imposing mandaps, 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 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 Bhagvad 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 sthamba, one has to climb 8 steps reminding one of the Ashtakshara mantra. The last 24 steps are symbolic of 24 aksharas of Gayatri mantra. Thus, there are 59 steps leading one to the Garbagriha. In fact, the bathing ghat is so well designed that it gives privacy to the bathing pilgrims.  

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 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 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. It is said that, one day the Lord returned late after his customary rounds in the village. Devi in her misgiving queried the Vishnu about his late return. 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 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 ==

== 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.

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).   

 

Endowed with such merits it is little wonder that Sri Vedanta Desika refers to this Lord as Swayam Prakasa, self-effulgent. Perialwar considers this Lord as Gyana Sudar, the flame of wisdom.   

== Legends ==

== Legends ==

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.

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.