Kanchipuram Kamakshi

A Visit to Kamakshi Temple:

I had a long-standing wish and that was to visit the holy places of Kancheepuram Kamakshi Amman Temple. Last week I got a chance to visit kancheepuram and blessed by Mother Kamakshi.

 Kanchi is verily the City of Temples. Poems composed in the 2nd century refer to a shrine dedicated to the love goddess (Kamakshi – eyes of love). It is located in the city Kanchipuram near Chennai. It is associated with Adi Sankaracharya one of the greatest Hindu saints The current Kamakshi temple (Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Peetham Sri Kamakshi Ambal) was built by the Pallavas in the 8th century.

Architecture

Sprawled in an area of 5 acres, the temple complex has one spire. The 'shikhar' (spire) housing the deity is covered wholly in gold. The spectacular view of the golden spire can be taken from the outer part. In order to enter the main shrine, four entrances have been made on all the four sides. The structural layout of the temple is quite elaborated.

In the outer prakaram or part, there is a tank and numerous mandapams or halls like the 100 pillared hall, the dwajaarohana mandapam etc. Near the temple tank, various images of Lord Vishnu like Ninraan, Irundaan and Kidandaan are traceable. In the vicinity of the sanctum, there are several shrines dedicated to Ardhanareeswarar, Soundaryalakshmi, Kallar (who has been mentioned in the hymns of Tirumangaialwar) and Varaahi

About Goddess Kamakshi

Goddess Kamakshi is regarded as one of the incarnations of Goddess Parvati. As per the Hindu legend, Kamakshi made a Shivalingam out of the sand and offered worship to marry the great Lord Shiva. After a long duration of dedicated and devoted meditation to Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva appeared before her and married the Goddess Kamakshi, a divine form of Parvati. There are no traditional Parvati or Shakti shrines in the city of Kanchipuram, apart from this temple, which adds even more legend to this temple. In return, she got Lord Shiva as her husband. In the sanctum sanctorum, The Goddess Kamakshi is in a sitting posture in the temple. This posture is called the Padmasana posture.Goddess Kamakshi is depicted in a seated posture, which is also referred as Parabhrama Swarupini. The Padmasana posture is said to resemble a lotus. In the Yogic practice this resembles the form of meditation The Goddess holds a Sugarcane bow on her left upper arm and Lotus, Parrot in her right upper arm. The Goddess also has divine chakras called Pasa and Angusa in her arms.

The Goddess also has a Chandraperai (a shape of moon like structure) in her forehead. The Goddess Kamakshi is situated in the middle of temple premises.

A Sri Chakram has been placed just before the image and due worship is offered to it. The ancient shrine of Kamakshi Amman is always associated with Adi Shankaracharya, the great saint of India.

It is regarded that Goddess Kamakshi was initially an Ugra Swaroopini (Ruthless form of Shakti). Adi Shankaracharya placed a 'Chakra' before her and the goddess got personified as Shanta Swaroopini (Kind form of Shakti). The area is believed to comprise temples that have ruthless aspect of the Goddess, though Kamakshi Temple is an exception. Representing this, the image of the deity is taken out in procession at the time of festivals. It is said that the Goddess takes leave from Shankaracharya, at his shrine in the inner prakaram.

We got to the temple in early morning. After dharma darshan from the mahamandapa, we started to perform pradakshina before leaving the temple Working our way towards the front, we met a priest who lead us to be seated directly in front of the Shri Yantra. Imagine sitting on granite floors, where millennia ago great saints like Shankaracharya sat in meditation; a cave like darkness engulfing you; all eyes are directed to the stunningly beautiful Kamakshi. In the gentle light of oil lamps, her eyes and jewels flicker smilingly.

Oh god, how can i write in words the beautiful natural and very caring, affectionate smile of Kamakshi Devi. My throat choked, tears rolled down the cheeks, sweat drops appeared over his forehead; lips quivered. In such instances when I am in the presence of the divine, my worries melt away, forgotten, ceasing to exist, scrubbed by one darshan, and my heart lightens in relief. At these times, my brain freezes too and I am unable to even mouth a prayer.I asked mother, "You are the greatest of great. You are knower of known and unknown. Why don't you accept' my prayers? What are the short-comings in my wor­ship? Oh, goddess! Be benign unto me. Pardon my sins. . I really loved her from bottom of my heart and this moment also i bow to Goddess  for her kindness in blessing me with her smiling and powerful eyes. Its shows her love on innocent devotees. My Head bowed to my Mother. Chanting mantras, the priest offered flowers and kumkum to the yantra. He gave me flowers and Kumkum.Whatelse I want? . Oh, what an indescribable feeling! Like I had been patted by the divine!

We performed a namaskar and my eyes glued to the devi, reluctantly moved away. We were all overcome by this unexpected darshan and offered dakshina to the priest.In the stall I purchased Kamkshi Frame which now sits on our home shrine.

Shyaaama kaanchana chandrikaa thribhuvane punyaathmanaamaanane Seemaashoonyakavithvavarshajananee yaa kaapi jaadhambhinee Maaraaraathi mano vimohanavi dhov kaachitthamaha kandhalee Kaamaakshyaaha karunaakataakshalaharee kaamaaya me kalpathaam

This prayer to Goddess Kamakshi to get good education, poetic knowledge, music and all other wealth and success in life.

Sri Abhayahastha Jayaveera Anjaneya

Kadayanallur Krishnapuram Sri Jayaveera Abhayahastha Anjaneyar 

I AM VERY HAPPY TO REPOST ABOUT WITH latest PICTURES shared by  Mr.Anand Thangavelswamy

I have posted few new pics of krishnapuram hanuman which was shared by Mr.AnandThangasvel swamy during his visit to krishnapuram recently. I really thank him for sharing his experience and photos with me J

In Special occasions and celebrations with spiritual and religious significance in ones' family. We make yatra to Kuladevatha temples and seek blessings (prasannatha) of family-deities i.e. Kuladevatha .This is the reason why it is customary to write at the top of the invitation cards "Om Shri Kuladevatha Prasanna ".MyParents side Kula devada is Kadayanallur Krishnapuram Anjaneyar. It is in tirunelveli dist.

Set on the beautiful scenic background and with paddy fields all around is a temple for Lord Anjaneya. Surrounded by Western Ghats on one side and lush paddy field on the other side, this temple is an feast for the eye from the distance itself. This temple for Lord Anjaneya is located at Krishnapuram near Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. One can reach this beautiful village from Tenkasi. As you get down at Krishnapuram bus stop, there is a road perpendicular to the main road will lead you to the temple which is around one kilometer. One has to pass through the paddy field and enter the temple complex. Before we have the dharshan of Lord Sri Jayaveera Abhayahastha Anjaneya let us see the history of the temple.

Devotees of Lord Anjaneya, the temple dedicated to the `Son of Vaayu Bhagawan' at Krishnapuram, near Kadayanallur, in Tirunelveli district. The sthalapuranam of the temple is interesting as SriAnjaneya himself is said to have visited the place during the time of the Ramayana. The six feet high, south-facing Anjaneya at this temple attracts devotees from all parts of Tamil Nadu, who believe that miracles happen in their life within a short period of their visit. The temple situated in the middle of paddy field.

After Ravana abducted Sita, Sri Rama sought the help of Sugriva, the king of Kishkinta, to locate the whereabouts of his beloved wife. And Sugriva, who had returned to power with the help of Sri Rama, sent his forces in all directions. Sri Anjaneya, led a mighty team to the South, with a ring given by Rama. Before the large contingent left Kishkinta in search of Sita, Sugriva asked his friends to return home after a month without fail, so that the next course of action can be designed according to the information gathered during the first phase of the mission.

Except the contingent that left under the leadership of Anjaneya, all the other groups returned to Kishkinta after a month-long search operation that was in vain.Though Anjaneya was not able to collect any vital clues that would lead them to Sita, he moved ahead with the hope of getting useful information about her. They reached a desert-like area after they crossed Vindhya Hills and being famished and thirsty, they began to frantically look for food and water. Then Anjaneya found some birds coming out of a cave looking wet and led his forces to the cave. Inside the cave, they saw a beautiful city, and a meditating tapasvini — Swayamprabha — sitting at the centre.

Sri Anjaneya told her about the purpose of his mission and Swayamprabha offered them fruit and water and told Him the story of the city, which was built by Mayan. Mayan was later killed by Lord Indra, as the architect had committed a sin. Indra, who had to take a holy dip after killing Mayan, prayed to Lord Siva who, in turn, sent a branch of the Ganges to the place. "I was asked to stay here till your visit here. Now it's time for me to leave this place," she said. But Sri Anjaneya asked her to remain there since he had to find Sita.

After Sita was found and rescued by Sri Rama, He, along with Sri Anjaneya came to the place again and Swayamprabha handed over the regime to Sri Anjaneya and left the place. Sri Rama and Sri Anjaneya had made a visit to the cave and met Swayamprabha. As requested by Hema and Swayamprabha Sri Anjaneya was asked to rule the place. It is also said that a yagna was performed by both Sri Anjaneya and Sri Rama here.

A very simple and pleasant temple has been built in front of the tank. The two mouths of the cave could be seen in the tank. While one cave is inoperative, the other is said to be leading to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It is said that the sanctum sanctorum had been built at the very same spot where the yagna had been performed by Sri Rama and Sri Anjaneya. It is claimed even now the land around the sanctum bores ashes, which is being offered as prasad. After having dharshan of the caves you come across a big hall which houses Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Sri Anjaneya, which is recently built. The separate sannadhi of Sri Abhayahastha Jayaveera Anjaneya, the moolavar is under the same roof.. In the South-West corner of the complex there is meditation hall in which Sri Anjaneya in Yoga mudra is seen in the centre of the hall The place, which was then ruled over by Sri Anjaneya, is now called Krishnapuram.

The shrine of Lord Anjaneya is seen facing south, so also Lord Anjaneya. The majestic Anjaneya is about six feet tall and standing on the ground. It is said that the rock goes deep below the ground. His legs are seen as if He is coming forward towards the devotee to bless him. With His right hand in 'Abhaya mudra', He offers all His devotees 'nirbhaya'. His left hand is seen resting on His left thigh. His neck is adorned with three types of garlands and in one of them a pendent is seen. He is wearing an ear ring as well as an ornament on the top of the ear. His tail is raised above the head and there is small bell in the end of the tail. The most gracias is His glowing eyes, directly showering compassion and karuna on His devotees.The beautiful temple, sitting pretty amidst a paddy field, attracts every passer-by. The actual date of construction of the temple is not known as it dates back to the period of Sri Rama and is now known as Sri Abhayahastha Jayaveera Anjaneya temple.

In sudarakandam Hanuman is described as one for whom nothing is impossible and who is the embodiment of faith, devotion, loyalty to the master, fearlessness and self confidence. Success is the outcome of an attitude like this. If we want to be successful in life we have to combine the above qualities.

This particular Kandam is very important for each one of us because it really enlightens us in our spiritual quest. Hanuman is the awakened soul, Jambavan is the enlightened teacher, and the vast ocean is the samasara which each one of us wishes to cross. We have to struggle to overcome the worldly sorrows which form the obstacles.

We may not be always successful in this effort; but if we are undaunted and we have. faith in GOD then we will at the end discover divinity which is manifested in Sita Devi.

"Sri Rama Rama Ramethi, Rame Rame Manorame Sahasara Nama Thuthilyam Rama Nama Varanane."

Andal ..Cont....

Andal's Poetry:

Andal has given the world, 2 great masterpieces of literary works;Her longing and love for the Lord. She has sung 30 pasurams or Hymns of Thiruppavai and 143 Pasurams of Thirumozhi. Thiruppavai has been touched upon already. Her first work is the Tiruppavai, a poem of thirty verses in which Andal imagines herself to be a cowherd girl during the incarnation of Lord Krishna. She yearns to serve Him and achieve happiness not just in this birth, but for all eternity, and describes the religious vow (pavai) that she and her fellow cowgirls will take for this purpose.

The second is the Nacciyar Tirumoli, a poem of 143 verses. Tirumoli, literally meaning "sacred sayings", is a Tamil poetic style in which the work is composed. "Nacciyar" means goddess, so the title means "sacred sayings of our Goddess." This poem fully reveals Andal's intense longing for Vishnu, the Divine Beloved. Utilizing classical Tamil poetic conventions and intermixing stories from the Sanskrit Vedas and Puranas, Andal creates imagery that is quite possibly unparalleled in the whole gamut of Indian religious literature.

The Path of Surrender:

Tiruppavai is a song of wonder and love, of prayer and surrender; it sings of God's glory and man's devotion.Tiruppavai contains the very essence of her way of life; so let us learn something more about it.Andal took the story of the Vraja girls from the Bhagavata. But while they desired handsome and loving husbands, Andal desired that God Himself should be her husband. She loves God and God alone. She seeks to become one with Him. Then she will escape from the cycle of births and deaths, she will be free from disease and sorrow. So becoming one with God is supreme bliss; it is the highest goal.

But how can one become one with God? How can one become worthy of being accepted by God?In the first five hymns Andal explains how one may become so worthy. Both body and mind should be absolutely pure. And God must fill the mind. No other desire, another goal should enter it.

Then Andal preaches total surrender to God. Everyone who is filled with the desire to reach God is like a maiden looking forward to her joyful life with the husband she has chosen. Such a maiden lives only for her husband and wants nothing except to live with him. The devotee who wants to be accepted by God should show the same love and dedication.

My Favorite some poems from Thirupavai:

Actullay I love thiruppavai .but few of them r my favorite

ONGki ulakaLan^tha uththaman pEr paati *

naaNGkaL nam paavaikkuc caaRRi nIraatinaal *

thINGkinRi naatellaam thiNGkaL mummaari peythu *

ONGku peRuNY cen^n^el Utu kayal ukaLap *

pUNGkuvaLaip pOthil poRi vaNtu kaNpatuppath *

thENGkaathE pukkirun^thu cIrththa mulai paRRi

vaaNGkak * kutam niRaikkum vaLLal perum pacukkaL *

nINGkaatha celvam niRain^thu ElOr empaavaay -3

kanaiththu iLaNG kaRRerumai kanRukku iraNGki *

ninaiththu mulai vazhiyE ninRu paal cOra *

nanaiththu illam cERaakkum naR celvan thaNGkaay *

panith thalai vIzha nin vaacaR katai paRRic *

cinaththinaal thennilaNGkaik kOmaanaic ceRRa *

manaththukku iniyaanaip paatavum nI vaay thiRavaay *

iniththaan ezhun^thiraay Ithenna pEruRakkam *

anaiththu illaththaarum aRin^thu ElOr empaavaay. 12.

ellE iLaNGkiLiyE! innam uRaNGkuthiyO! *

cillenRu azhaiyEnmin naNGkaimIr pOtharukinREn *

vallai un katturaikaL paNtE un vaay aRithum *

vallIrkaL nINGkaLE naanE thaan aayituka *

ollai nI pOthaay unakkenna vERutaiyai *

ellaarum pOn^thaarO pOn^thaar pOn^thu eNNikkoL *

vallaanai konRaanai maaRRaarai maaRRazhikka

vallaanai * maayanaip paatu ElOr empaavaay. 15.

anRu ivvulakam aLan^thaay ati pORRi *

cenRaNGkuth thennilaNGkai ceRRaay thiRal pORRi *

ponRac cakatam uthaiththaay pukazh pORRi *

kanRu kuNilaa eRin^thaay kazhal pORRi *

kunRu kutaiyaay etuththaay kuNam pORRi *

venRu pakai ketukkum nin kaiyil vEl pORRi *

enRenRu un cEvakamE Eththip paRai koLvaan *

inRu yaam van^thOm iraNGku ElOr empaavaay. (2) 24.

oruththi makanaayp piRan^thu * Or iravil

oruththi makanaay oLiththu vaLarath *

tharikkilaanaakith thaan thINGku ninain^tha *

karuththaip pizhaippiththuk kaNYcan vayiRRil *

neruppenna ninRa netumaalE! * unnai

aruththiththu van^thOm paRai tharuthiyaakil *

thiruththakka celvamum cEvakamum yaam paati *

varuththamum thIrn^thu makizhn^thu ElOr empaavaay.

The 27th pasuram, “koodarai vellum” signifies the conclusion of the fast.Sri Andal and her friends complete their fast on the 27th day, and prepare to enjoy themselves for the last three days of the month.

Lord Narayana blessed Sri Andal with Thirukalyana Varam.Hence the 27th day of Margazhi month is celebrated as Koodaravalli.

koodaarai vellum seer gOvindhaa undhannai(p)

paadi(p) paRai kondu yaam peRum sammaanam

naadu pugazhum parisinaal nanRaaga(ch)

choodagamE thOL vaLaiyE thOdE sevip poovE

paadagamE enRanaiya palagalanum yaam aNivOm

aadai uduppOm adhan pinnE paaR chORu

mooda ney peydhu muzhangai vazhi vaara(k)

koodi irundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay

http://www.ramanuja.org/sv/prabandham/texts/tpavai.txt

VARANAMAYIRAM.

Vaaranam Aayiram is the composition of Kodhai Natchiar, popularly known as Andal. It is a paasuram from Natchiyar Thirumozhi – a heart-warming rendition of Andal’s desire to wed her ideal husband – Lord Krishna.

In her Famous VARANAMAYIRAM. IAndal confides to her friends about a dream in which she sees Lord Krishna walking towards her with a procession of a thousand elephants (Vaaranam Aayiram) to wed her. She sees her people welcoming him with poornakumbham and thoranam.

“vAraNam Ayiram SUzha valam Seidu

nAraNan nambi naDakkinRAn enRedir

pUraNa poRkuDam vaittup puRam engum

tOraNam nATTak kanAk kaNDEN tOzhi nAn”

Andal is recounting Her dream, in which The Lord is Marrying Her, to a friend. This group is sung with fervour during weddings. This group consists of various rites gone through in a wedding which Andal went through in Her wedding To The Lord ( Dream ) 1. She sees Sriman Narayana coming in a procession with 1000 (ayiram ) Varanam or Elephants. To welcome Him, Purnakumbhams are kept and everywhere thoranam or festoons are used in decoration to welcome Him. Purnakumbham is pot (kudam, here gold kudam ) filled with water and pot’s mouth is covered by a coconut and with bunches of green Mango leaves. This Kumbham or Pot is taken in front of Very important persons, a Guru , Heads of State like King etc. The bearer of Kumbha walks backwards facing the guest never showing his own back to the guest . 2. Andal sees the Lord Govinda entering the decorated wedding pandal for the wedding on the morrow.

matthaLam kotta vari sangham ninrUtha

mutthudaitthAmam nirai thAzhntha pantharkkeezh

maitthunan nambi MadhusUdhan venthennaik

kaitthalam paRRak kanAk kantEn ThOzhI naan

vaai nallAr nalla maRai Othi manthiratthAL

paasilai nANal padutthup parithi vaitthuk

kAicchina mAkaLRannAn yenn kaippaRRit

theevalam seyyak kanAk kantEn ThOzhi naan

ANDAL fondly recalls this scene in Her sixth paasuram of NaacchiyAr Thirumozhi ( MatthaLam kotta -. She hears the auspicious sounds of MattaLams , She experiences the purifying , sacrd sound of Vari Sankhus ( praNava Naadham ).Under the weddingcanopy bent with the load of flowers decorating it , She (ANDAL ) recalls the scene of the Lord ( MadhusUdhananambi) lifting her hand and covering it with the palm of His hand .

2.naaLai vadhuvai maNamendru naaLittu

paaLai kamugu parisuDai pandarkizh

koLari madhavan govindan enbaanor

kaaLai pugudha kana kanden thozhi naan

She says that She has dedicated Her Body solely for the Lord bearing the Discus and Shankham and cannot bear the thought of fixing the marriage with a Human Being.

3.indiran uLLitta devar kuzhamellaam vandhirindhu ennai magaL pesi

mandiriththu mandira kodi uduthi manamaalai

andhari naatta kana kanden thozhi naan

Indra and other celestials request Her hand for Lord and present the saree sanctified by chanting mantras. Sister of The Lord Goddess Durgai helps Andal to wear bridal saree and decorates Andal with flower garland

4.naaldhisai theertham konardhu naninalgi parpana chittargal pallaar

eduthethi poopunai kanni punidhanodendrenai kaappunaaN kaatta

kana kanden thozhi naan

Priests well versed in Religious rites have brought Water from Holy rivers from all directions. While the priests chant loudly the Mantras in benediction, Lord and Andal are tying Kankana (thread ) to take marriage vows

5.kadhiroLi deepam kalasamudan yendhi chadhiriLa mangaiyar

thaamvandhedhirkolla madhuraiyaar manna aDinilai thottengum adhira pugudha

kana kanden thozhi naan

Young damsels of beauty of age and form are bringing auspicious kalashms and lamps while Lord enters.

6.maththaLam kotta varisangam ninroodha muthuDai thamam

niRainthazh.ndha pandharkeezh maithunan nambi madhusudhan vandhennai

kaithalam patra kana kanden thozhi naan

With auspicious drums beating and blowing of conch I saw ( in dream ) The Lord taking my hand in His, beneath the pandal decked with strings of pearls says Andal.

7.vaai nallaar nalla marai odhi mandhirathaal pachilai naaNal p

aduthu paridhiveithu kaaichinamaakaLiranran en kai patri

theevalam seiya kana kanden thozhi naan.

Amidst chanting Matras by priests, I saw the Lord going round the Holy fire holding my hand says Andal.

8.immaikum ezhezhu piravikkum patravaan nammai udayavan

naaraayaNan nambi chemmai udaya thirukaiyaal thazh patri

ammi midhikka kana kanden thozhi naan

9.varisilai vaaL mugathu ennaimaar thaam vandhittu erimugam

 paarithu ennai munne nirutthi arimugan achuthan kai mel en kai vaithu

pori mugam thatta kana kanden thozhi naan

Andal Sees her brothers come and take part in Laja Homam, where brothers of bride come and give Pori or puffed rice for homam in fire by Both wedded couple.

10kumkugam appi kuLirchandham mattithu magala veedhi valam s

eidhy maNaneer angavanodum udanchenranganai mel manjanamaatta

 kana kanden thozhi naan

To ease the discomfiture of exposure to the heat of Agni during Homam couple is anointed with cool Kumkumam paste and Sandal paste and in all finery Andal is going round the decorated city with Lord on an elephant in Procession.

Finally her dreams come True.. Sri RanganAthan tied the auspicious knots around the neck of ANDAL to the sound of ghetti mELam and said : " Oh ANDAL ! This is the Mangala sUthram . I tie this Mangala sUthram around Your neck for enhancing my good fortune .You are the light and purpose of my life .Oh , SoubhAgyavathi ! May Thou be with Me eternally and grant the most glorious boons to our BhakthAs and protect them from any and every mishap " .

This hymn is giving the results of chanting these ten hymns with devotion. They are the reader will get good natured obedient children. Unmarried girls will get a good husband as good as Lord Krishna Himself !

Andal

Sri Andal, one of the twelve Alwars and the only female saintess, lived in the first half of 8th century A.D. Some scholars fix the possible date of Andal as far back as 3000 years B.C.

 Andal was born at Srivilliputhur near Madurai, in the Tamil month Adi, with the birth-star Pooram, on a Tuesday, on the fourth day of the bright fortnight.

Srivilliputhur is near to my village. In southern tamilnadu each and every one known about Andal’s history and thiruppavai. Andal wrote many verses in praise of Lord Krishna or Ranganatha, Thiruppavai is very popular with its 30 verses. It is a strong belief that young girls who recite these verses early in the mornings in the month of Margazhi.

Srivilliputhur is the birth place of two Alwars (Devotee of lord Vishnu) namely Periyalwar and Andal. Srivilliputhur (srivilliputtur or thiruvilliputtur) is one of the temple towns in Tamilnadu. It is located in Viruthunagar district, Tamilnadu. There are two big temples which are dedicated to Andal and Vadapadrasayi (lord Vishnu), located at the center of the town. Vadapadrasayi temple has the 2nd tallest tower in Tamilnadu. This tower (Gopuram) was built in 8th century. The temple car belongs to this temple is one of the largest in India.

The temple:

The temple tower was built in 8th Century and is one of the largest in the country.In 8th century inscriptions are seen in this temple which underwent extensive renovations during the Madurai Nayak period.. This temple has among the tallest towers in Tamilnadu. The 12 tiered Rajagopuram rises to a height of 192 feet. Exquisite carvings adorn the temple. The temple has two major areas; the north eastern segment is the Vatapatrasayee temple while the south western segment is Aandaal's temple. The flower gardens in between these two areas are said to have been maintained by Periyalwar. There are shrines to each of the ten avatarams of Vishnu. Andal's shrine is crowned with the gold plated Pranavakriti vimaanam with stucco work depicting themes from each of the 30 Tiruppaavai hymns.

Life of Andal :

The life of Andal is remarkable in its romantic simplicity. A devotee brahmin named Vishnucitta lived in Villiputtur, a town near Madurai. His daily duties included procuring flowers for the worship of the Lord at the local temple. One morning, as he went about his business, he discovered a baby girl lying under a tulasi plant in his flower garden. Having no family of his own, Vishnucitta felt it was God's grace that gave him this child and named her Godai, or "gift of Mother Earth." Filled with joy, he took her home and raised her as his own. Godai grew up in an atmosphere of love and devotion. Vishnucitta doted on her in every respect, singing songs to her about his Beloved Krishna, teaching her all the stories and philosophy he knew, and sharing with her his love of Tamil poetry. The love Vishnucitta had for his Beloved Lord intensified further in his daughter, and before long she was passionately in love with Lord Krishna. Even as a child, Godai made up her mind to marry none but the Lord of Brindavana, and refused to think of any human being in similar terms.

She imagined what it would be like to be His bride, playing the role of His beloved, enjoying His presence. Unknown to her father, she adorned herself daily with the flower garland he prepared for the Lord at the temple. After admiring her reflection and thinking of herself as His ideal bride, she would put the garland back for her father to take to the temple and offer to the Lord.

One day, Vishnucitta noticed a strand of Godai's hair on one of the garlands. Shocked and saddened by this desecration of what was meant only for the Lord, he scolded Godai for her misuse of the garland and discarded it. He carefully prepared a new one and offered it to the Lord, begging His pardon all the while.

That night, the Lord appeared to Vishnucitta in his dream and asked him why he discarded Godai's garland instead of offering it to Him. He told Vishnucitta that He missed the scent of Godai's body in the flowers, and that He preferred them that way. Would he please continue to give the garlands once worn by Godai? Overcome with emotion, Vishnucitta awoke and cried tears of both joy and remorse. It dawned on him that his daughter was someone whose love of God was so intense and pure that even he had not comprehended its extent. Her spiritual greatness was such that the Lord Himself wished to share her presence. From this day on, she became known as "Andal", the girl who "ruled" over the Lord.

Andal blossomed into a beautiful young woman as she came of marriageable age. When asked to marry, however, she stubbornly refused, saying that she would only agree to marry Sri Ranganatha, the Lord at the great temple town of Srirangam. Vishnucitta despaired, wondering what was to become of his daughter. One night, Lord Ranganatha appeared in his dream and asked that Andal be sent to Him in all her wedding finery. Simultaneously, the Lord appeared before the priests at Srirangam and asked them to prepare for the coming of Andal. Vishnucitta once again was filled with both joy and sadness; joy that his beloved daughter would attain her goal, but sadness at losing her at the same time. He made all the wedding preparations and arranged for Andal's journey in a palanquin to Srirangam.

Andal waited with excited anticipation as the wedding party approached Lord Ranganatha's shrine. As they entered the temple, she jumped out of the palanquin, unable to restrain herself any longer. Running into the temple sanctum, she embraced Lord Ranganatha and disappeared in a blaze of glory, having joined her Lord. She was only fifteen at the time.

Andal is now one of the best loved poet-saints of the Tamils. Pious tradition reckons her to be the veritable descent of Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) in bodily form to show humanity the way to His lotus feet. She is present in all Sri Vaishnava temples, in India and elsewhere, next to her Lord, as she always desired.

Andal, known as Choodi Kodutha Sudarkodi, is considered an avatar of Bhooma Devi, who is one of the consorts of Lord Mahavishnu, the other one being Sri Devi. Andal wrote many verses in praise of Lord Krishna or Ranganatha, the deity at Srivilliputhur.

TIRUPPAVAI :

Her first work is the Tiruppavai, a poem of thirty verses in which Andal imagines herself to be a cowherd girl during the incarnation of Lord Krishna. She yearns to serve Him and achieve happiness not just in this birth, but for all eternity, and describes the religious vow (pavai) that she and her fellow cowgirls will take for this purpose.    Tiruppavai teaches us to feel emotion while praying to the Lord. It enables us to perceive the Prakriti, Paramatma and Jeevas merging with each other by Para Bhakthi

Among them the Thiruppavai is very popular with its 30 verses. It is a strong belief that young girls who recite these verses early in the mornings in the month of Margazhi (December - January), observing the 'nonbu' or 'vrat' will be blessed with a good husband. This practice is still in vogue. Andal also wrote the Nachiyar Thirumozhi in 143 verses. She attained the status of an Azhwar because of her total devotion to the Lord. Aadi Pooram is celebrated for 10 days in Vaishnavite temples.

kOdai piranda Ur, gOvindan vAzhum Ur, SOdi maNi-mADam tOnRum Ur — nItiyAl nalla pattar vAzhum Ur, nAn-maRaigaL Odum Ur, villiputtUr vEdak-kOn Ur !

Birth of Hiranyagarbha-Creation of Brahma Dashaka 7

Narayaneeyam-Dashaka 7

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 01

एवं देव चतुर्दशात्मकजगद्रूपेण जात: पुन-
स्तस्योर्ध्वं खलु सत्यलोकनिलये जातोऽसि धाता स्वयम् ।
यं शंसन्ति हिरण्यगर्भमखिलत्रैलोक्यजीवात्मकं
योऽभूत् स्फीतरजोविकारविकसन्नानासिसृक्षारस: ॥१॥

evaM deva chaturdashaatmaka jagadruupeNa jaataH punaH
tasyOrdhvaM khalu satyalOkanilaye jaatO(a)si dhaataa svayam |
yaM shamsanti hiraNyagarbhamakhila trailOkya jiivaatmakaM
yO(a)bhuut sphiitarajO vikaara vikasannaanaa sisR^ikshaarasaH ||

Oh Guruvayurappa ! Thou who manifested in the form of the fourteen worlds, again by Thy own will, manifested as Brahma, in Satyaloka which is the highest and loftiest of all the worlds.This Brahma is known as Hiranya Garbh (the golden egg) the cosmic intelligence of all the beings of the three worlds. With the upsurge of Rajoguna, Thou as this Hiranya Garbha became desirous of creating various beings.

 

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 02

सोऽयं विश्वविसर्गदत्तहृदय: सम्पश्यमान: स्वयं
बोधं खल्वनवाप्य विश्वविषयं चिन्ताकुलस्तस्थिवान् ।
तावत्त्वं जगतां पते तप तपेत्येवं हि वैहायसीं
वाणीमेनमशिश्रव: श्रुतिसुखां कुर्वंस्तप:प्रेरणाम् ॥२॥

sO(a)yaM vishvavisarga dattahR^idayaH sampashyamaanaH svayaM
bOdhaM khalvanavaapya vishvaviShayaM chintaakulastasthivaan |
taavattvaM jagataaM pate tapa tapetyevaM hi vaihaayasiiM
vaaNiimenamashishravaH shrutisukhaaM kurvamstapaH preraNaam ||

O Lord !This Brahma who was infused by the desire for manifold creation, contemplated deeply about it but remained confused as he lacked the necessary knowledge for it. Thou,unseen by him, urged him to do penance by whispering sweetly in his ear O Lord! willed by Thee, Brahma heard two pleasant words 'Tapa,Tapa' coming from nowhere, which prompted him to do penance.

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 03

कोऽसौ मामवदत् पुमानिति जलापूर्णे जगन्मण्डले
दिक्षूद्वीक्ष्य किमप्यनीक्षितवता वाक्यार्थमुत्पश्यता ।
दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रमात्ततपसा तेन त्वमाराधित -
स्तस्मै दर्शितवानसि स्वनिलयं वैकुण्ठमेकाद्भुतम् ॥३॥

kO(a)sau maamavadat pumaaniti jalaapuurNe jaganmaNDale
dikshuudviikshya kimapyaniikshitavataa vaakyaarthamutpashyataa |
divyaM varShasahasramaattatapasaa tena tvamaaraadhitastasmai
darshitavaanasi svanilayaM vaikuNThamekaa(a)dbhutam ||

The entire Universe was enveloped in water Brahma looked around in all the directions to look for the revered person who whispered in his ear. The world was engulfed in water and there was no one to be seen. He could not see Thee but obeying Thy command he did penance for a thousand divine years he did penance and worshipped Thee. Thou , then revealed Thy wonderful abode Vaikunth to Brahma.

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 04

माया यत्र कदापि नो विकुरुते भाते जगद्भ्यो बहि:
शोकक्रोधविमोहसाध्वसमुखा भावास्तु दूरं गता: ।
सान्द्रानन्दझरी च यत्र परमज्योति:प्रकाशात्मके
तत्ते धाम विभावितं विजयते वैकुण्ठरूपं विभो ॥४॥

maayaa yatra kadaapi nO vikurute bhaate jagadbhyO bahiH
shOkakrOdhavimOhasaadhvasamukhaa bhaavaastu duuraM gataaH |
saandraanandajharii cha yatra paramajyOtiHprakaashaatmake
tatte dhaama vibhaavitaM vijayate vaikuNTharuupaM vibhO ||

O All pervading Lord! Where Maayaa has no influence and which is located beyond the fourteen worlds, In it there is no Maya or illusion like sorrow,anger delusion fear are left far behind,such is Thy abode Vaikunth. Herein is only the continuousoutpouring of complete happiness. Thou revealed to Brahma, this supreme abode ofVaikunta shining beyond all comparison.

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 05

यस्मिन्नाम चतुर्भुजा हरिमणिश्यामावदातत्विषो
नानाभूषणरत्नदीपितदिशो राजद्विमानालया: ।
भक्तिप्राप्ततथाविधोन्नतपदा दीव्यन्ति दिव्या जना-
तत्ते धाम निरस्तसर्वशमलं वैकुण्ठरूपं जयेत् ॥५॥

yasminnaama chaturbhujaa harimaNishyaamaavadaatatviShO
naanaabhuuShaNaratnadiipitadishO raajadvimaanaalayaaH |
bhaktipraaptatathaavidhOnnatapadaa diivyanti divyaa janaastatte
dhaama nirastasarvashamalaM vaikuNTharuupaM jayet ||

 

In Thy abode which is known as Vaikunth, live the divine beings who have four arms and their complexion is like deep blue lustre of sapphire. lit up by the precious gems in the ornaments that adorn them, live in shiningaerial cars. Their extreme devotion to Thee has earned them a place in this high abode which is pure and sinless.

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 06 

नानादिव्यवधूजनैरभिवृता विद्युल्लतातुल्यया

विश्वोन्मादनहृद्यगात्रलतया विद्योतिताशान्तरा ।

त्वत्पादांबुजसौरभैककुतुकाल्लक्ष्मी: स्वयं लक्ष्यते

यस्मिन् विस्मयनीयदिव्यविभवं तत्ते पदं देहि मे ॥६॥

naanaadivyavadhuujanairabhivR^itaa vidyullataatulyayaa
vishvOnmaadanahR^idyagaatralatayaa vidyOtitaashaantaraa |
tvatpaadaambujasaurabhaikakutukaallakshmiiH svayaM lakshyate
yasmin vismayaniiyadivyavibhavaa tatte padaM dehi me ||

Brahma, who had this vision of Vaikunta, saw the form of Goddess Lakshmi serving the Lord. In this divine abode Goddess Mahalakshmi, who illuminates the entire world with her. Her, Laxmi's, slender and beautiful form is like the streak of lightening which enchants and captivates the whole world and enlightens the quarters. She being deeply attached to the fragrance of Thy lotus feet is herself always there, in Vaikunth, which abounds in astounding divine riches. Oh Lord ! Please bless meand grant me a place in this wonderful abode of Thine.

 

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 07

 तत्रैवं प्रतिदर्शिते निजपदे रत्नासनाध्यासितं

भास्वत्कोटिलसत्किरीटकटकाद्याकल्पदीप्राकृति ।

श्रीवत्साङ्कितमात्तकौस्तुभमणिच्छायारुणं कारणं

विश्वेषां तव रूपमैक्षत विधिस्तत्ते विभो भातु मे ॥७॥

 tatraivaM pratidarshite nijapade ratnaasanaadhyaasitaM
bhaasvatkOTi lasatkiriiTa kaTakaadyaakalpa diipraakR^iti |
shriivatsaankitamaatta kaustubhamaNichChaayaaruNaM kaaraNaM
vishveShaaM tava ruupamaikshata vidhistatte vibhO bhaatu me ||

 

Brahma had also a vision of the Lord,the very source of creation,seated on a throne of diamonds and shininglike the brilliance of a thousand Suns.The Lord was adorned with "Srivastha" and "Kausthubha".The Lord that Brahma saw had four arms shiningwith a conch, a mace, a discus and a lotus flower.Brahma was overwhelmed with this marvelous vision.He prayed to the Lord to grant him both duality and non-duality existing in harmony.

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 08

कालांभोदकलायकोमलरुचीचक्रेण चक्रं दिशा -

मावृण्वानमुदारमन्दहसितस्यन्दप्रसन्नाननम् ।

राजत्कम्बुगदारिपङ्कजधरश्रीमद्भुजामण्डलं

स्रष्टुस्तुष्टिकरं वपुस्तव विभो मद्रोगमुद्वासयेत् ॥८॥

kaalaambhOda kalaayakOmala ruchiichakreNa chakraM dishaam
aavR^iNvaanamudaara mandahasita syanda prasannaananam |
raajatkambu gadaari pankajadhara shriimad bhujaamaNDalaM
sraShTustuShTikaraM vapustava vibhO madrOgamudvaasayet

O Lord! May that marvellous form of Thine, enchanting Brahma with its all pervading dazzlinglight Beautiful like the dark clouds, or the Kalaya flowers A charming benevolent smile is sported on Thy pleasant face. Thy four arms are adorned with the sacred conch, discus, mace and lotus. That form of Thine gave immense pleasure to Brahmaa. Thy four arms holding the conch,mace,disc and lotus, cure all my maladies.

 

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 09

दृष्ट्वा सम्भृतसम्भ्रम: कमलभूस्त्वत्पादपाथोरुहे

हर्षावेशवशंवदो निपतित: प्रीत्या कृतार्थीभवन् ।

जानास्येव मनीषितं मम विभो ज्ञानं तदापादय

द्वैताद्वैतभवत्स्वरूपपरमित्याचष्ट तं त्वां भजे ॥९॥

dR^iShTvaa sambhR^itasambhramaH kamalabhuustvatpaadapaathOruhe

harShaaveshavashanvadO nipatitaH priityaa kR^itaarthiibhavan |
jaanaasyeva maniiShitaM mama vibhO j~naanaM tadaapaadaya
dvaitaadvaitabhavatsvaruupaparamityaachaShTa taM tvaaM bhaje

O Lord of the Universe! Seeing Thy divine form, Brahma, overwhelmed by Thy vision. He fell at Thy lotus feet and prostrated. He prayed to Thee that Thou surely knew his desire to create, and so he asked for the required knowledge. OhLord ! I pray to Thee who granted the revelation of Thy supreme divine form to Brahma.

 

Dasakam: 007 -- Shlokam: 10

आताम्रे चरणे विनम्रमथ तं हस्तेन हस्ते स्पृशन्
बोधस्ते भविता न सर्गविधिभिर्बन्धोऽपि सञ्जायते ।
इत्याभाष्य गिरं प्रतोष्य नितरां तच्चित्तगूढ: स्वयं
सृष्टौ तं समुदैरय: स भगवन्नुल्लासयोल्लाघताम् ॥१०॥

aataamre charaNe vinamramatha taM hastena haste spR^ishan
bOdhaste bhavitaa na sargavidhibhirbandhO(a)pi sa~njaayate |
ityaabhaaShya giraM pratOShya nitaraaM tachchittaguuDhaH svayaM
sR^iShTau taM samudairayaH sa bhagavannullaasayOllaaghataam ||

Brahmaa was with full humbleness prostating at Thy crimson feet. Thou touched his hand with Thy hands and said to him that he would get the knowledge requiered for creation, and also that he will not be tainted by the act of creation. Thus encouraging him, Thine ownself hidden in Brahma's heart spurred him on tobegin the act of creation. Oh Lord ! Bless me with good health.