Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Legend 1 : Guru Adi Malai is a place in the western region. As the place had the luck of the footsteps (Adi) of Acharya Sri Ramanuja (Guru) in this hill area (Malai) in the western region, it was named Guru Adi Malai. The confluence of rivers from Palamalai and nearby areas happens here forming a single big river. For safety from flash floods, in between the two banks (Iru Karai in Tamil) of the river is built in an upper level, now it is called Idigarai. Yielding to the ill advices of some Pandits, the Chola king developed hatred against Vaishnavism and caused many injustices to followers. He planned to kill Sri Ramanuja and Koorathazhwar. Azhwar took the saffron robe of his Acharya went to the Chola king. He called the pandits for a debate, defeated them and established the glory of Vaishnavism. Exasperated Chola king ordered plucking of eyes of Koorathazhwar, Sri Ramanuja and Peria Nambi. Koorathazhwar flew into passion, plucked his own eyes, threw it on the face of the king and returned back. Sri Ramanuja continued his mission, travelled in the Kongu region covering Palamalai, Guru Adi Malai, Karamadai, Satymangalam and other places. He left his disciples in these places to spread Vaishnavism. They came to Idigarai and satisfied with the fertility of the place and kindness of the people there, installed Sri Ranganatha and established Vaishnava cult. A temple was built then by the Pandya kings during the 14th Century then. As their symbol was fish, representing the Matsyavadhara, such symbols are many in the region.

Legend 2 : According to the Sthala History, there lived a king called Amba Raja who was ruling this part of the country called Thiruvedhimangalam (today’s Pallikonda). He has been highly victorious and was enjoying all the worldly pleasures as a king. Having fed up with materialistic life, he one day realized that the purpose of his birth is only to get the Dharshan of Sri Maha Vishnu. He started worshipping Maha Vishnu for years together and was eagerly waiting to have his Dharshan. Years rolled by but there was no sign of God appearing to him. He got frustrated and attempted suicide. While he was trying to commit suicide, a heavenly voice from the sky told him to be patient and to continue his prayers so that he will soon get the dharshan of God. The king became happy and continued his worships. During the same time a debate came up in the Lord Brahma’s court hall (Brahma Sabha). It was about, who is the greatest among Durga (for courage), Lakshmi (for wealth) and Saraswathi (for wisdom). After a long debate, Lord Brahma gave a conclusion that Lakshmi is the supreme. Hearing this, Saraswathi got angry and walked away, leaving Brahma. Brahma tried convincing her and failed. Brahma went and prayed Lord Vishnu asking for a solution as he cannot live without Saraswathi. Lord Vishnu assured that he will try to bring down her anger. Saraswathi took the form of a river named Vegavathi and started flowing through. Trying to stop her, Lord Vishnu lied in a reclining pose (Ranganathar) at Thiruvedhimangalam (Pallikonda). Knowing this Saraswathi bypassed him adjacent to his feet and moved further. Lord Vishnu again went to another place along her route and stayed again in a reclining posture. This time Saraswathi cleverly bypassed him again above his head and went on. Lord Vishnu decided to stop her some how and went and rested in another place again in the same posture obstructing her way. This time Saraswathi had to face Lord Vishnu obstructing her and was not able to move further beyond him, as he is the supreme. Saraswathi’s anger subsided and she went into the earth at this third place where Lord Ranganatha reclined. After this event as Amba Raja was worshipping eagerly to have his Dharshan, Lord Vishnu came back to Pallikonda and gave Dharshan to Amba Raja. The king asked for a boon that the God should settle here and give Dharshan to everyone visiting this place. As the God settled here during his act of uniting Brahma and Saraswathi, the king prayed that He should grant boon for unmarried people and the separated couples visiting here. Lord Ranganathar agreed to it and granted his wish.

The first place where Lord Ranganatha tried stopping Saraswathi who was flowing as river Vegavathi (today’s Palar) is today’s Pallikonda. Here Palar flows at the down side of the Lord’s feet. The second place where he attempted to stop her is called Thiruppaarkadal now, near Kaverippaakkam on the Bangalore highway. There is a Lord Ranganathar temple where Palar passes on the head side of the lord. The third place where he finally stopped the river is called Thiruvekka, which is in Kanchipuram, There’s another Lord Ranganathar temple. In all the three places Lord Vishnu is seen in the reclined posture as Lord Ranganathar. In Pallikonda Lord, Ranganathar gives Dharshan with Sri Ranganayaki on the banks of the river Vegavathi (today’s Palar). Also seen are Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Other deities of the temple like Lord Rama, Garuda, etc., have been built at various stages by many kings who ruled here. But Lord Ranganathar is said to be the Aadhi Moolavar which was excavated from the banks of the river and built by Vijayanagara Kings and Sambuvarayars.