Sri Vaikuntham
Sri Vaikuntham, a picturesque village nestled near Tirunelveli in the Tamil Nadu region of India, boasts a remarkable temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as Vaikunthanathar Temple. This sacred site holds the distinction of being the 91st Divya Desam, located in the Pandya region. Among the nine Vishnu temples situated along the banks of the Tamraparni River, collectively referred to as the Nava Tirupatis, this temple holds the esteemed position of being the First Nava Tirupati temple, a part of the significant Vishnu temples in the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route.
Highlights:
- Nammalwar has composed Pasurams about this site in his verses.
- It is considered as the 91st Divya Desam temple. It is located in Pandya region.
- It is considered as the First Nava Tirupati temple.
- God - Vaikunthanathar
- Goddess - Vaikuntha Valli and Chora Valli
- Utsav - Kalla Piraan or Chora Nathan
- Teerth (holy water) - Bhrigu Teerth
- Vimana - Chandra Vimana
According to legend, an Asura named Somuka forcefully extracted the secrets of creation from Lord Brahma. In response, Brahma performed penance to Lord Vishnu on the banks of the Tamraparni River. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu restored the lost secrets, and this sacred place was named Sri Vaikuntham. It is believed that even today Brahma leads the festival of Vishnu conducted in the Tamil calendar month of Chitrai every year.
Another captivating legend tells the story of a robber named Kaladooshan, who prayed to Lord Vishnu daily before his criminal endeavors. Surprisingly, he shared his ill-gotten wealth with the deity and used it to aid the poor. When his men were arrested, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as the robber and enlightened the king about the thief's philanthropy, ultimately saving Kaladooshan from punishment.As Vishnu appeared as thief, he is also called as "Kalla Piran" (meaning thief) in this temple.
Another captivating legend tells of an era when the icon of Lord Vishnu became submerged beneath the earth. It is said that during this time, a cow from the royal herd of the reigning king inadvertently performed an abhishek, or sacred pouring of milk, at the very spot where the deity lay buried. Intrigued by this divine occurrence, the king promptly excavated the area, revealing the concealed icon. In recognition of this miraculous event, the temple underwent significant expansion, and the deity acquired yet another name, Pal Pandian. In Tamil, "Pal" signifies milk, forever commemorating the extraordinary connection between the divine and the bovine in this sacred place.
History:
The temple's stone inscriptions reveal contributions and grants from various rulers, including the Pandya Kings Jatavarman Kulasekaran I, Sundara Pandya, and Veera Pandya IV. It underwent expansion and renovation by later rulers, including the Vijayanagara and Nayak dynasties. Notably, the British used this temple as a fort during their conflict with Veera Pandia Kattabomman in 1801 CE.
The famous Tiruvengadamudaiyan Hall with the beautiful life sized sculptures were commissioned by the Madurai Nayakas in the 16th century CE.
Temple Layout:
The temple occupies a vast area of around 5 acres.
Sanctum
The utsav idols of Kalla Piran along with his two consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are also located in the sanctum.
One unique feature of the temple is that the Sun's rays falls directly on the presiding deity on two days, on the 6th day of Chitrai month of Tamil calendar and Aipasi month of Tamil calendar.
Goddesses
The other side of the prakara would have the shrine of Andal. Andal would not have any unique name and she would be called as Andal in all the temples.
However, in Sri Vaikuntham temple as well as in the other Nava Tirupati temples, both the consorts of Vishnu have shrines separately and have unique names. They are not being called as Lakshmi or Bhoo Devi. Also, there is no Andal shrine.
In this temple, the Goddesses are called as Vaikuntha Valli or Vaikuntha Nayaki (Lakshmi) and Chora Valli or Chora Nayaki (Bhoo Devi). Both the shrines are found in the prakara.
Mandapas, Pillars and Sculptures
The temple complex features numerous mandapas with intricately carved pillars and sculptures. The exquisite Tiruvengadamudaiyan Mandapa is particularly noteworthy, adorned with life-sized sculptures, including Agora Veerabhadra, Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and a warrior. The sculptures reflect the artistic brilliance of the Madurai Nayakas in the 16th century CE.
In front of the temple's towering entrance, a spacious mandapa extends. Upon passing through the entrance and progressing into the temple, you will encounter the flagstaff, a ceremonial pedestal (bali peetha), and the revered Garuda, all oriented towards the sanctum.
To the left side, a sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman awaits, accompanied by an opposing sub-shrine dedicated to the devoted Lord Hanuman. In front of this shrine, an intricately adorned mandapa stands, adorned with numerous pillars.
Throughout the temple complex, you'll discover a multitude of small and medium-sized mandapas, each adorned with pillars embellished with exquisite miniature sculptures.
Of particular note is the grand Maha Mandapa, replete with captivating sculptures and artwork.
On the right-hand side of the flagstaff, you'll discover a sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Venu Gopal, adorned with four divine arms, standing alongside his two consorts.
This sub-shrine boasts the temple's most exquisite feature, known as the Tiruvengadamudaiyan Mandapa. Within this hall, a multitude of life-sized sculptures and intricate artistry adorn the space. The mandapa is graced by the presence of mythological creatures known as Yazhi, while its pillars showcase meticulously crafted miniature sculptures. Additionally, the walls of the mandapa are adorned with captivating carvings portraying Lord Vishnu in various divine forms and postures. The mandapa also features depictions of elephants, vanaras (monkey warriors), dancing girls, valiant warriors, and colorful parrots in the form of alluring miniature sculptures.
However, the true highlight of this mandapa lies in its exceptionally rare life-sized sculptures. The first of these remarkable sculptures portrays Agora Veerabhadra, a ferocious deity adorned with a crown and a profusion of ornamental embellishments. He wields a dagger and a protective shield in his two formidable arms, while his right leg is raised, evoking the iconic pose of Lord Nataraja. He stands triumphantly upon a defeated Asura, embodying his divine power and valor.
The second life-sized sculpture portrays Lord Rama, elegantly brandishing his bow and arrow, bedecked in resplendent ornaments and a regal crown. In an endearing depiction, Rama embraces the shorter Sugreev to his side, with the graceful presence of Goddess Sita to his left.
The third sculpture, although traditionally believed to represent Lord Lakshmana, is personally perceived as another manifestation of Lord Rama. Clad in royal attire and armed with a bow and arrow, this figure is accompanied by smaller sculptures of Lord Hanuman and Lord Angad. Hanuman, depicted without a crown, exudes a modest and devout demeanor, his hands folded in reverence. Meanwhile, Angad proudly wears a crown upon his head. The nuanced details suggest that the larger sculpture may indeed represent Lord Rama rather than Lakshmana.
Beneath the sculptures of Lord Rama and Lord Lakshmana, relief images of vanaras, both in warrior poses and with folded hands, further enrich the narrative.
The fourth sculpture within this mandapa portrays a warrior figure, bedecked in ornate regalia. Given the abundance of adornments, this character may be a depiction of a noble king or a valorous senapati (military commander).
Undoubtedly, the most resplendent facet of this temple lies within this mandapa. Constructed during the era of the Madurai Nayaks in the 16th century CE, this mandapa's artistic magnificence transcends the confines of the written word, beckoning visitors to personally experience and revel in its unparalleled beauty.
Other Shrines
Within the inner prakara, you will encounter remarkable mural paintings that depict the revered 108 Divya Desam temples and the grand coronation of Lord Rama. These splendid artworks date back to the era of the Madurai Nayakas, spanning either the 16th or 17th century CE. However, it is regrettable that the upkeep of these precious paintings has not been optimal, affecting their present condition.
Temple Tanks
Nestled within the vast temple complex are two sacred tanks known as Bhrigu Teerth and Kalasa Teerth. These tanks serve as significant focal points for various religious rituals and ceremonies, contributing to the spiritual ambiance of the temple.
Additionally, there is another tank located near the banks of the river Tamraparni, intimately associated with this temple, further enhancing the sacred atmosphere and heritage of this hallowed site.
Festival
During the Tamil calendar month of Vaikasi, a vibrant festival known as Arayar Sevai is celebrated annually with great zeal and devotion. This grand occasion sees the utsav murtis (festival deities) from all nine Tirupati temples, including the deity of this temple, being splendidly adorned and mounted on Garuda. They embark on a majestic procession to the Alwar Tirunagari temple, where they collectively bestow their divine blessings and darshan upon Nammalwar, seated atop the revered Hamsa vahan. This festive celebration is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage preserved within this sacred temple complex.
Happy travelling.
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