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.
Introduction
Thiru Vellarai is located at a distance of 21 kms from Tiruchirapalli and the temple stands on an isolated rock surrounded by massive walls and strengthened by towers and bastions. It is a famous seat of Vaishnava Sampradaya where Ramanuja is said to have spent as many as 12 years of his life.
| Vishnu here is referred to as | Pundarikakshan, Abhayahasthan |
| Lakshmi is referred to as | Mangaya Selvi , Shenbaga Valli, Pankaja Valli |
| Kshetra is called | Vedagiri, Svetagiri |
| 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 |
Structure
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,
'The huge temple with its beautiful elevation is an excellent example of synthesized art and architecture of several dynasties'.
The synthesis of various styles ultimately evolving into one local style is one of the remarkable features of this temple's architecture. Infact, the temple projects harmony, simplicity and piety.
This reputed teertha is spread over 40 acres and is rich in tradition as well as of great antiquity.
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.
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
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.
It was a cherished wish of Goddess Lakshmi to rule the world. Lord Vishnu consented to her desire and assured her that she would be ruling the world from Thiruvellarai. He too descended on the same spot in response to her prayers. It is believed that at this shrine the Lord has consented to Sengol Paripalana. Accordingly in all temple events Lakshmi takes precedence over the all-pervasive Lord in temple processions. Lakshmi takes the lead leaving the Lord to follow. It is said that Sri Rarnanujacharya came to this calm and quiet spot and codified the entire Vaishnava sampradhaya. He spent many years at this Pundarikaksha Perumal Kovil. As is her won't, Goddess Lakshmi questioned the Lord about Rarnanuja's long stay.
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
that the boar was none other than the Lord in his Varaha avatar. He directed Sibi to build a temple for Vishnu and Lakshmi. The king undergoing a spiritual transformation constructed seven teerthas at Swetagiri, the spot where the boar had left its imprints. The spot where Bhoomidevi was doing penance blossomed into a flower garden. Sibi installed the Lord in an iconic form and glorified him as Swetagirinatha.
When the temple was being built Markandeya rishi brought as many as 3700 Brahmin families from the north. One of the Brahmins died on the way and it is believed that God himself substituted for him in the religious function. In due course of time these 3700 families dispersed to different parts of South India. They are identified as Thiruvellarai Vaishnavas. Ramanuja during his banishment from the Chola Desa is said to have taken as many as 52 families from Vellarai to Karnataka Desa.
The kshetra is Adiranga kshetra, the one preceding Srirangam. Periazhwar glorified this Lord as Balakrishna and Thirumangaiazhwar eulogized him as Sweta Hayagriva.
This is the birthplace of Uyyakkondar and Engalazhwan.*
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.