Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Thiruvanparisaram : As per another legend, king Kulasekara, who would go on to become Kulasekhara Alwar came to this place after a conquest. His horse was lost and he was in search of the horse. He found that the horse was grazing peacefully on the banks of Soma Theertham, the temple tank. After taking bath in the tank, he felt rejuvenated worshipping the Vishnu temple in the banks. He is believed to have constructed the temple and named the place as Thiruvanparisaram (Pari in Tamil indicates horse). Thiru indicates respect, vazh means live and marban indicates the heart of the person. Since Vishnu held his consort in his heart in this place, he is commonly referred Thiruvazhmarban.

Birthplace of Nammalvar’s Mother Udaya Nangai : The place has the reputation of being the birth place of a Mother, who gave an illustrious son Nammalvar to spread and sing the glory of Lord Vishnu. The wedding of Udaya Nangai, daughter of Thiruvazhmarban in the service of Nanjil Nadu Thiruvanparisaram with Kaarimaran a chieftain of Kurunadu took place in the house of the bride. They had no child though years rolled by. The couple went to Thirukkurungudi, also a Divyadesam and prayed to Lord Nambi seeking child boon. Lord Nambi appeared before them and offered himself to be born to them and advised them that the child be taken to the Tamarind tree in Thirunagari and assured that he as a child would bring great reputation to them. Mother Udaya Nangai delivered a male child on Visaka Star day in Vaikasi month (May-June) on a Poornima-full moon day. They took the child as directed by Lord in a golden cradle to the tamarind tree in Azhwar Thirunagari. The child simply climbed on the tree with Gnana Mudra, meditated upon Lord Aadhi Natha to the chilling surprise of those gathered there. The child was in penance for 16 years. This is the sacred history of Tirupathisaram.

Saptha Rishis performed penance here : Suseendram, a holy place in Kanyakumari district was once known as Gnanaranyam – jungle of wisdom. Saptha Rishis – seven Maharshis were performing penance here. Lord granted Darshan to them in the form of Lord Shiva. The Rishis proceeded to Soma Theertha Ghat to have the darshan of Lord Vishnu. Having darshan of Lord as they wished, they also prayed that he should stay in this place. Lord granted their wish and is gracing the devotees as Lord of Wisdom in this place.

The Name Thiruvazhmarban : After the killing of Asura Hiranya, Lord Narasimha was in an angry mood. Lakshmi is said to have undertaken penance here to cool down the Lord. As per the request of Prahaladha, Lord came here searching for Lakshmi. Happy to find her Lord again and in a cool form as a Santha Swaroopi, Lakshmi is said to have requested the Lord to provide her a place in his heart which the Lord readily accepted. As Lakshmi resides in the chest of the Lord at this temple, he came to be called Thiru Vazh Marban.

Presentation of Ramayana : Acceding to the request of Anjaneya, Sage Agasthya is said to have presented the entire story of Ramayana at this place for the benefit of the devotees. In memory of this event, one sees Anjaneya with folded hands addressing Sage Agasthya, who is in a seated posture opposite him. Also, seen in this sannidhi are Lankan King Vibheeshana and Kulasekara Azhvaar.

Arjuna hid his weapons in the Vanni Tree here : During the 18 day Kurukshetra Bharata battle, the wheel of Karna’s chariot was stuck in the ground. While Karna was engaged to lift the wheel leaving his weapons in the chariot, Arjuna took the opportunity and killed him. Though Arjuna acted successfully, the guilt of killing one when unarmed troubled his mind and he could not excuse himself. What more troubled him was the thought that he, noted for his law-abiding nature should not have committed a disgraceful sin. Every Pandava established a temple during their journey in Kerala. Arjuna established this temple, performed penance on Perumal and was rewarded with the Darshan of Lord in the form of Parthasarathy. It is here he hid his weapons in the Vanni tree, according to scriptures. Arjuna thus got himself cleansed of his sins with the grace of Lord Perumal. The nuts falling from this Vanni tree is heaped around the flag post of the temple and sold to devotees. Aaraattu Vizha is celebrated grandly on the Tiruvonam star day in Thai month (January-February) in the temple.