Melkote Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple - Dec 8, 2017

Visited Cheuvaarayana Temple at Melkote on Dec 8, 2017. This temple has great history.

History of Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is over 1000 years old. The engravings on the temple mention the historical evidence of the temple.  On one of the columns of navaranga is a bas relief, of Raja Wodeyar. This name is etched on the base. He was said to be a great devotee of the presiding deity and a constant visitor to the temple.

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is a lavishly empowered temple by the Wodeyar dynasty, the Royals of Mysore. The temple has the most valuable collection of jewels given to the lord by Mysore king Raja Wodeyar. Wodeyars gifted two gold crowns knows as Vairamudi or Vajramukuta and Krishnaraja-mudi to the lord. There is another crown, must older than these two crowns gifted to the lord by some unknown person. All the three crowns are currently in the custody of the Government and are brought to the temple on special occasions.

Vairamudi Festival is one such occasion when the crowns are taken out and adorned on the deities, post which the deities are taken out for a procession in the town. This festival is attended by kore than 4 lakh people every year. An interesting fact is that the main priest is blindfolded before the crowns are taken out, as it is believed that no one should see the crown until it is adorned by Tirunarayana, the main deity.

Tirunarayana

The presiding deity of this temple is of Lord Vishnu also known as Tirunarayana or Cheluvaraya. Utsavamurthy, the small metal idol, represents the main deity. Sri Chelunarayana Swamy was worshipped in Kritayuga by Lord Dattatreya and got the name of Vedadri. In Tretayga it was called as Narayanadri succeeded by Yasavadri as it was idolized by Balrama and Krishna. In Kalyuga it was idolized by Saint Ramanujacharya.

Ramapriya

As far as mythology is concerned it is believed that Lord Rama visited this temple. This fact has been mentioned in the ancient texts as well as can be found in the manuscripts kept in the temple. Lord Rama along with his two sons Lav and Kush visited this temple and offered a flower tribute to the temple deities. And hence Cheluvanarayana Swamy was originally called as Ramapriya.

The Devotion of a Muslim Princess – Deity Of Ramapriya&Bibi Nachiyar

Temples with a large stone deity on the altar generally have a smaller deity called the utsava-murti ("festival form"), who leaves the temple for processions and festivals. The utsava-murti in Melkote is called Tiru Cheluva Narayana (or CheluvaPillai), and the temple is also referred to as the Tiru Cheluva Narayana temple.

During Ramanuja's twelve years in Melukote, a tyrant named Kullotunga Chola ruled southern India. He could not tolerate any worship of Lord Visnu. Many Vaisnavas fled to Melukote, where they were given refuge by the local people. Moved by the benevolence of the people of Melukote, Ramanuja called them Tirukulattar, "the kind people."

While in Melukotte, Ramanujacarya in a dream was told by the Lord that the utsava-murti, which had been stolen by invading Moguls, was in Delhi. Ramanujacarya went there with his disciples, met the sultan who had plundered temples in South India, and requested him to return the deity. The sultan showed him several deities, but Ramanuja did not approve any of them. He said that his deity was in the harem of the princess. The sultan told Ramanuja that if he wanted his deity, he would have to ask the deity to come to him.

Ramanuja sang a sweet song and called out, "Please come, my dear child." ("Cheluva" means "dear child.") The deity came as a beautiful boy and sat on his lap. Ramanuja embraced the divine child with great affection, calling him Sampad-kumara ("Youthful Lord"), and brought Him to Melukote.

The princess, unable to bear separation from the deity, followed Ramanuja. The sultan then sent his army to accompany the princess, but when they couldn't enter a rival's kingdom, the princess continued on alone. When she came to Melukote, she was not allowed to enter the temple, being a Muslim, so she decided to spend her life in penance. Hearing that she was not allowed to see the deity, Ramanuja ordered his disciples to allow her to enter the temple. She walked in and merged with the Lord.

Ramanuja installed a deity of the princess, BibiNachiyar, at the feet of Tiru Cheluva Narayana. Since then every offering made in the temple is done through her.

Melkote Yoga Narasimhar Swamy Temple Visit on Dec 8, 2017

From Bangalore we took a Tavera and went for temple visit on the way to Mysore. Melkote is the first place we visited. Melkote has two major temples - Yoga Narasimhar in the up hill and Cheluva Narayanan temple which is Swamy Ramanuja's favorite temple where his own Atma is still there people say.

First we went to Yoga Narasimhar temple. It was amazing to see a group of 3rd grade students there guided by their teachers. When they climb up they were chanting Ranga Ranga Ranga Ranga to forget the strain of climbing. Scenery from top of the hill around was amazing. 

Yoga Narasimha Temple – Legends

The temple has numerous legends associated with it. One of the most famous beliefs about the temple is that the idol of the deity Narasimha was installed by Prahalada, son of Hiranyakashapu himself. It is also believed that the temple finds reference in the Vedic literature that dates back to thousands of years.

History

The history of the temple dates back to the ancient times. The temple was built during the Hoysala kingdom. The beauty and religious significance of the temple has always fascinated the common people and the royalty alike. The temple has a huge drum that was donated by Tipu Sultan. It has a beautiful bell that was donated by the Mysore Parakalamatha. During the rule of the erstwhile Wodeyar Kings of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III had donated a gold crown to the temple deity.

There are 300 steps to the Temple. 

Kalady - Birth place of Adi Shankara

On concluding day of the trip in Kerala, we drove from Guruvayur to Cochi Airport to take the flight back to Chennai. Kalady is very close to Cochi Airport and I was wanting to step in to the soil where Adi Shankara was born. Had the fortune to do that too.





In and around Kalady there is a huge Sanskrit University and Adi Shankara High School.





We left Kalady and reached Airport. Thanking our Driver Jijo with whose help we could see all temples we are leaving Kerala now with blessed feeling.

Mammyoor Siva Temple

Like in previous post, Lord Shiva gave his abode to consecrate Lord Krishna vigraha came from dwaraka brought by Brahaspathi (Guru) and Vayu and hence named Guruvayurappan.

It is said that Lord Krishna pleased by the act of Lord Shiva gave the boon that all devotees who come to see Him must also see Lord Shiva. Hence Mummyoor Shiva has a special place in Lord Krishna's mind.

Guruvayur Temple Visits - Thrice in two days....

Drive into Guruvayur from Cochi was 2.5 hr long and after visiting the Thriprayar Shri Rama Temple on the way. Feeling of entering Guruvayur was felt looking at the slush green surroundings



We got into a hotel near temple so that we can walk for the Nirmaalya Dharshan early in the morning without disturbing the driver who has been with us past 5 days showing around. Very young Chritian boy and very kind and nice person Jijo who took us everywhere safely.

Had the first dharshan in the evening since senior citizens are allowed specially parents could enjoy the dharshan in short span of time.Like in any temples strict scanning. No cellphones No cameras. Here is the picture of Entrance to the temple.



I decided to get up in the morning around 1230 to get ready to stand in line for 3 AM Nirmalya Dharshan. My father also got ready and came along with me. We stood (Sat) in the line at 1:30. Good thing they have done in Guruvayur is to put benches along the line where devotees can sit in line rather than stand in line. Little pushing is there once temple opens as here also Jarugandi is there. But then the Nirmaalya Dharshan is only for 30 min and hundreds of people have to be given dharshan. So they cannot help but to push people fast. You get about 10 seconds dharshan. Like Swami VeLukkudi says, Lord Krishna is little Krishna here and hence he will sleep often.So, unlike in Tirupathi, here dharshan time slots are short for Krishna to take rest to get ready for next dharshan.

Nirmaalya Dharshan was for less than 10 sec and we could get a glimpse of Krishna in Baniyan leaf.
Not satisfied with that short span, I went back to hotel and dropped my Dad so that he can take rest, came back again and stood in the long line. Just when our row was to get a chance they closed dharshan to allow Kutti Krishna to take rest for Abhishekam.

Beauty here is that morning and evening there is a procession with three elephants and Lord Krishna is taken around the temple (Ambaari). Had a chance to see Ambari twice in two days. One in the evening and one in the morning.

I am glad that my row was held back for 1.5 hours. Because when they let us in I saw little standing Krishna and got little extra time to see hi this time Wav.What a dharshan!!

Guruvayur has a great History. Lord Krishna worshipped Adi Kesava PerumaaL murthy which he inherited from his family starting from Kritha Yuga. When Krishna was leaving the earth, he called Brahaspathi (Guru) to safely land the PerumaaL since everything is sinking due to PraLayam at the end of the Dwapra Yuga. Brahaspathi set the vigraha on baniyan leaf in the ocean but it was not moving away from there. Brahaspathi sought of Vayu Bhagavan to take it away and safely land in shore. Vayu took it safely and the vigraha landed in the shore of Kerala. Krishna also has given instructions to install the deity at an appropriate place on earth. In that place Lord Shiva was doing penance for ages and he suggested that place to  consecrate the deity as the banks of Rudratheertha and gave his place for Lord and moved to Mummyoor.

Since Guru and Vayu brought PerumaaL it is called Guruvayur and little Deity was named Guruvayurappan.

Thriprayar Shri Rama Temple

While visiting Lakshmana PerumaaL temple at Thirumozikkulam yesterday I was wondering about Rama Temple. Then after reading the history I found the following facts. 

Vakkay Kaimal, had a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told him that four idols have been washed ashore and that these idols are to be consecrated at such and such places. The Kaimal being an ardent devotee hastened to the sea shore there lay four idols as indicated in the dream. They were duly installed in four temples as directed in the dream. 

Rama at Thriprayar. 

Bharata at Irinjalakuda, 

Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam and 

Shathrughna at Payammal.

Since we are not sure whether we will have time to visit the other temples we started from Cochi to Guruvayur this morning. On the way I found the board showing directions to Thriprayar Shri Rama Temple at Thrissur. Thrilled to see we determined to stop and worship Lord Rama. We are glad we did. I went inside and had an excellent dharshan at 12 Noon just before closing for the afternoon. Amazing temple with Kerala style architecture. 

The diety Lord Rama in the Triprayar Temple is popularly known as Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar. 

The idol of Lord Rama was initially worshipped by Lord Krishna at Dwaraka. After the swargarohana of Lord Krishna the idol was immnesed in the sea. Later some fisher men got the idol from the sea near Chettuva region of Kerala and the local ruler Vakkayil Kaimal constructed a temple at Triprayar and installed the idol. 

The image of Rama (Triprayar Thevar) resembles the Chaturbhuja Vishnu form with four arms, bearing a conch(Panchajanya), a disc (Sudarsana), a bow (Kodanda) and a garland respectively. It is believed that the deity worshipped here possesses some of the aspects of Shiva too. It was after killing the asura, Khara that Sri Rama got both the Shaiva and Vaishnava aspects. Thus Triprayar Thevar is also called Khara Samhara Moorthy.

It is also believed that the portrayal of Rama with a garland held in the image's hand is also suggestive of aspects of Bhrahma and hence the deity is said to be a manifestation of the Trimoorthis 

Thirukkakara Vamana Murthy Temple

The legend is closely linked with the story of Mahabali and Lord Vishnu's Vamana or Trivikrama incarnation. 

Mahabali was an efficient and popular Asura king. His kingdom stretched the earth, the patala (the underground), and was threatening the skies. The gods (suras) grew worried of Mahabali's rule and popularity. Vishnu, in his avatar as Vamana, asked Mahabali for a piece of land only three paces wide. Bali, ever the generous king, granted this wish, whereupon Vamana grew to an immense size and covered the heavens with one step and the earth with another. There was no space left for Vamana to measure his third pace. "Where is my third foot of space?" asked Vamana. Tricked by this deceit, but as one who would never go back on his promises. Mahabali offered his own head for Vamana to place his third step. These events were happened at this place. As he was pushed down into Suthala, King Bali made a last request. He requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year to ensure that his people were still happy, well fed and content. Lord Vishnu was pleased to grant Mahabali his wish. Mahabali comes to visit his people and his land during Onam. 

This is the legend behind the Onam festival. Another legend associated with this temple is that Kapila maharshi did penance here and Vishnu pleased with the rishi’s penance appeared before the rishi. At the behest of the rishi, Vishnu decided to stay in this place.

My father came with me to the temple. 

History of Kerala

According to the legends, Lord Parasurama created the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari. Lord Parasurama the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was the son of Sage Jamadagni and Renuka. As a mark of repentance for Kshatriya Nigraha sin, Parasurama meditated at Gokarna and invoked Lord Varuna (the Lord of the Oceans). Parasurama asked him for a boon. To absolve himself of the sins he had committed, he wanted to donate some land to the Brahmins. There was no land available because he already donated the whole land he obtained by the 21 round Kshatriya Nigraha to Sage Kashyapa. Lord Varuna told Parasurama that he would give him as much land as he wished. He told him to fling his Parasu (axe) from where he stood at Gokarna. The land from Gokarna till the point where the axe landed would be given to him was the boon that Lord Varuna promised him. The throw of the `axe' from Gokarna to Kanyakumari created Kerala. Parasurama donated this land to the Brahmins and settled Brahmins there in 64 gramams or villages.
32 out of the 64 gramams are in the Tulu speaking region (in between Gokarnam and Perumpuzha) and the remaining 32 gramams are in the Malayalam speaking region(in between Perumpuzha and Kanyakumari) in Kerala. 

Thirumoozhikkulam Sree Lakshmana Perumal Temple

Visited this evening a very interesting temple where Lakshmana Perumal is the main moolavar. What a timing. We reached there at 6 PM thinking that the Mangala Haarathi is a 630 per website. But right when we enter the temple the Mangala Haarathi has started as though they were waiting just for us. We considered this as a blessing.

All houses in the street where PerumaaL purappaadu is coming ladies in traditional kerala dress lit the lamp and keep outside the house welcoming PerumaaL.

In pasurams of Nammalvar and Thirumangaialwar, Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal is refered as Moozhikkalattappan and Tayar (Mahalakshmi) as Madhuraveni Naachiyaar.

The mythology behind the name of this place goes like this. Hareetha Maharshi did penance and meditation on the banks of river Poorna(Periyar). Lord Mahavishnu got impressed by the dedication of the Maharshi and appeared before him on the beginning of the Kali yuga. Lord Vishnu gave some advices to Hareetha Maharshi to overcome the difficulties in Kali yuga. These advices are called "thiru mozhi" meaning sacred words. And there after this place got its name as "thirumozhi kalam" – kalam means place. Later Thirumozhikkalam became Thirumoozhikkulam.

The temple was sacked by during Tippus invation, like the temple at Thiruvanjikkulam. The image of the presiding deity is in a damaged state . A silver kavacham or armour was made as a covering for the image; however soon after installation of the kavacham an attempt was made to steal it. Afterwards a Devaprasnam was conducted, which insisted that the Perumal wanted to be in that state only, he didn't want to hide the damage or replace the original idol. Since then it stays like that.

History and Legend:

This shrine is associated with legends from the Ramayana. Bharata, the brother of Rama and Lakshmana, came to invite Rama, then in exile, to take over the reins of the kingdom, an angry Lakshmana suspecting Bharata's intentions intended to kill him; however, Bharata's innocence was very soon revealed, and then the two of them offered worship together at Tirumoozhikkalam. The name Tirumoozhikalam is said to have originated from the phrase tiru mozhi kalam the site where sweet words were uttered.

Another belief is that at the end of the Dvapara Yuga, Dvaraka was swallowed by the sea and four idols of Sreerama, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shathrukhna which Lord Sree Krishna worshipped, were also washed into the sea. Some fishermen subsequently caught these four idols near Thriprayar and they were given to Vakkay Kaimal, Naduvazhi. Vakkay Kaimal, had a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told him that four idols have been washed ashore and that these idols are to be consecrated at such and such places. They were duly installed in four temples as directed in the dream. Rama at Thriprayar. Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam and Sathrughna at Payammal. It is believed that worship at all these four temples on the same day is especially meritorious. In the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July 15 to August 15) - the Ramayana Masam, thousands of devotees do this special pilgrimge, which is popularly known as "Nalambalam Yatra" - a pilgrimage to the four temples.

Sree Vallabha Temple at Thiruvalla, Kerala

Had the fortunate opportunity to visit this temple today morning with my Dad and we thanked God we did. What an amazing Kerala style Architecture. Maha Vishnu sthalam and one of the 108 Divya Desams where Maha Purusha Vishnu is giving Dharshan to all as Sree Vallabha.

Sage Durvasa and Saptarishi^[7] are said to reach the temple every midnight for worshipping the Lord. 

Travel from Kovalam and Alleppey and temples visited

Had a great walk in the beach at Kovalam. Fringe benefit of staying at the beach resort.



After simple breakfast we left to Alappuzha a long drive. If we had left early we could have covered some temples in the morning hours before they close at 11 AM. But we could not. On the way there is a place called Chengannur which hosts 5 Diya Desams, built by Pancha Pandavas.  Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning Parikshit as king of Hastinapura left on a pilgrimage. On arriving on the banks of river Pamba, each one is believed to have installed a tutelary image of Krishna;

Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudhishthira, 
Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple by Bheema, 
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple by Arjuna, 
Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple by Nakula and 
Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple by Sahadeva.

Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudhishthira, Maha Vishnu is in the name Imayavarappan. Maha Vishnu is in nindra thirukkolam - small and beautiful. Temple is small but beautiful. Approach and the surroundings need to be maintained. Temple got its glory as Mangalasasanam by Nammazhvar. 


Another great temple visited and a must see for all is Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. A really big temple with deceivingly small entrance. Lord Krishna is in small form similar to Guruvayur (heading there in two days).


We went there at around 3 PM thinking that Dharshan will be at 5 per google but we got the dharshan at 630 which is when they open. At around 5 PM we thought that no one is coming to the temple to visit. At 530 like how birds take sanctum at their nests, people started flowing in to form a line. It remained me Lord Krishna's saying in Gita -Take refuge in Me. Unbelievable amount of devotees poured in between 530 and 6 PM. Although initial push was there at 630 when doors opened, in general people were well disciplined in forming line and worshiping. The Mangala Haarathi at 630 is a feast to eyes. Lord Krishna with his Chandana Kaapu stands small at a height inside his Shrine.






A very nicely maintained temple. The streets around the temple are also very well maintained and clean. No beggars outside the temple in Kerala. In fact I did not see beggars here at all.

Travel to Thiruvattar

After attending the beauiful wedding of Gayatri and Vignesh, and after enjoying traditional Malayalee lunch (Sadhya), left to visit Adi Kesava PerumaaL at Thiruvattar. A very significant Sthalam glorified by Nammazhwars Mangalasasanam (11 pasurams). This is 76th Divya Desam and one of the 13 Malai Naadu Divya Desams. PerumaaL is in Kidantha ThirukkOlam facing west with his left hand relaxed down. This temple is much older to Padmanapa Swamy Temple. Past 410 years no Kumbabhishekam was done and now renovations is going one. Padamanapa Swamy is facing east looking at Adi Kesava PerumaaL.

Like in Padmanapa Swamy, here too one can see PerumaaL through three doorways. While Padmanapa Swamy is 18 feet this PerumaaL is 22 feet. This PerumaaL's thriumEni is made of 16008 Shaligrams.

It took us about 2 hours to reach the temple and we had to wait till 5 PM o get the Dharshan since the temple was closed till 5 PM. An engineering Marvel which we could not clearly see is the single stone Mandapam in front the Garbagraham which is 18 ft width and 3 feet tall. 

After the Dharshan left Thiruvattar and reached Kovalam driving about 2 hours. Stayed at a beach front resort.

Travel to Trivendrum

It was so nice to travel to Trivendrum after almost 30 years. Last visit was to attend my best buddy Anian's Wedding. Now to attend his daughter Gayatri's wedding in the same hall - Trivendrum Club. Combining with this wedding, I planned for a shatradanam trip to cover temples in Kerala.

Today is the first temple visit Padmanapa Swamy Temple. What an amazing temple. To see the Moolavar (Main deity) one has to see through three Doors Head to toe Padamanapa Swamy relaxes so beautifully.

Sridevi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. Brahma emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord. Lord's right hand is placed over Shiva Lingam. The deity is made from 12,008 Shaligramams. 

Adjacent to the temple is the Maharaja Swamthi Thirunal Palace Museum. Swathi Thirunal lived only for 33 years and before he passed away in 1846 here had composed over 300 Carnatic and Hindustani songs. Maharaja family had 7 members and next to the palace has 125 servant quarters. Price Rama Varma who is the carnatic singer now is a nephew of current Maharaja. 

This was Chandrasekaran - the elephant ho served several kings and was a majestic elephant of 11 feet tall. The real head is preserved here (eye is artificial). 

Don't miss seeing Anamorphic art work. Amazing.