Temple, Travel and Sport

Beautiful Alankaram, a Delightful Voyali by Sripatham, Unprecedented crowd and a through the night street procession mark the Kal Garuda Sevai at Thiru Naraiyur Divya Desam

It is just past 4pm on Monday evening and a big day for the young 34 year Mechanical Engineer P Prabhakaran, who is the EO of the Thiru Mangai Azhvaar praised Nachiyar Koil Divya Desam in Thiru Naraiyur. Along with long standing priest Gopinathan Bhattar, Prabhakaran was instrumental in ensuring that the Thiruppani works were completed in a record period of just 9 months and the consecration took place at this historical temple after 18 years.

A big crowd has already gathered around the Dwajasthambam and Prabhakaran expects this to swell in the next hour or so. It is a highly challenging task for the EO to both manage the huge crowd and help them enjoy a good darshan of the popular Kal Garuda procession while at the same assist the Sripatham Thangis to have an smooth path from the moolavar Sannidhi through the steep steps of this first Mani Mada Perumal Koil built by Ko Chenganan Chozhan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2014/12/ko-chenganan-and-nachiyar-koil-divya.html).

வம்பு அவிழும் செண்பகத்தின் வாசம் உண்டு

மணி வண்டு வகுளத்தின் மலர்மேல் வைகு

செம்பியன் கோச் செங்கணான் சேர்ந்த கோயில்

திருநறையூர் மணிமாடம் சேர்மின்களே

While Prasanna Bhattar is decorating Kal Garuda inside the Sannidhi, EO Prabhakaran is having conversations with the police personnel who too have gathered in good numbers to manage the crowd and finalising the plan for the procession from the Garuda Sannidhi to the Vahana Mandapa.

No VIP Tickets- a welcome initiative

From earlier years, he has initiated a big change in plan in terms of crowd presence during the procession. While there was ticketed service (including Rs. 500) that allowed devotees to come up to the Garuda Sannidhi, this EO who has been at this temple for just over a couple of years has done away with paid tickets foregoing the collection for HR & CE on this crowded evening. Instead, he devised a plan whereby only the Ubayadarars, Mutt Kainkarayaparas and high end VIPs were allowed in front of the Garuda Sannidhi. Prabhakaran is seen going up to every devotee inside the Sannidhi to enquire about their well being and comfort on this crowded evening. He is keen for the devotees to have a happy experience despite the seemingly unmanageable crowd inside the temple complex.

An hour ahead of the procession, a few hundred devotees were allowed to stand in front of the Rama Mandapa while the majority of the crowd were stationed in front of the Dwajasthambam to have a long view of Kal Garuda making his down the steps.

A Delightful fast paced voyali

Past 6pm, the District Judge makes his way to the Sannidhi and soon after the Sripatham Thangis dressed in bright yellow shirts make their way to carry Kal Garuda out of the Sannidhi. By 6.30pm, thousands of devotees have made it to the temple. Unlike in the past, the path from Garuda Sannidhi to the Dwajasthambam is clear thanks to the crowd management and the Sripatham personnel stride away majestically carrying the heavy Kal Garuda on their shoulder. And as they near the Dwajasthambam, they present several fast paced voyali much to the delight of the devotees before placing Kal Garuda inside the vahana mandapa.

There is a Nadaswaram Kutcheri and a Namasankeerthanam performance in a specially erected stage opposite the vahana mandapa and devotees spend the next two hours listening to these (wish the volume of the speakers was turned down a bit for it was too loud for one’s liking especially inside a temple complex!!!) while the Bhattars are busy decorating Srinivasa Perumal atop Kal Garuda. Thousands of devotees have also lined up (and this went up past the Raja Gopuram) to have darshan of Moolavar Perumal and Thayar and this goes on till well past 9pm. On this special evening, the temple has organised a sumptuous dinner for the Sripatham Thangis ahead of the long street procession.

It is almost ten pm when Vanjula Valli Thayar on an Anna Pakshi Vahana followed by Srinivasa Perumal atop Kal Garuda make their way out of the vahana mandapa. As is the trend these days, phones and go up for the first pictures and videos of this popular event. The huge crowd has stayed back for the start of this joint procession and it is 10.30pm when they make their way into the Sannidhi street.

End of the street, there is a chapparam waiting and Perumal and Thayar are mounted on to that and the rest of the procession takes place with the divine couple moving around the streets providing darshan on a wheeled chapparam. The procession around the streets of Thiru Naraiyur goes on through the night as the residents stay awake late into the night welcoming the deities to their homes and presenting them with coconuts and flowers.

A sleepless night for EO Prabhakaran

Like with Gopi and Prasanna Bhattar, it is a sleepless night for EO Prabhakaran too. It is an unprecedented decision and one not seen in any other Divya Desam. EOs in the past have not stayed back past the start of the procession. Prabhakaran told his family that he would not be returning home till the deities are safely back at their abode and thus spends the entire night at the temple. Srinivasa Perumal and Vanjula Valli Thayar are foremost in his mind and he credits their blessings for a most successful consecration that took end of 2023, the scale of which has not been seen at this Divya Desam.

Late into the night, he tells this writer about the satisfied feel after having ensured that every single devotee had a happy darshan on this evening. In and around Nachiyar Koil, he has anchored restoration of 25 temples where consecration have taken place in the last year or so.

He is keen to take up next the thiruppani works at the historical Siddanatha temple in Thiru Naraiyur, a temple that is in poor shape.

Engineer Prabhakaran also has a Masters degree in Social Work and in line with that degree, he has passionately involved in the planting of saplings for the last many years. At Nachiyar Koil, he has made it a point to plant one new sapling a day and the huge Nandavanam in the outer prakara wears a beautiful look. He has thus far planted over one lakh saplings in his life including in every temple location in the last seven years where he has been an EO. He sees this environment protection as an integral part of his life and he and his wife have made a separate financial allocation every month for this green exercise.

He also feels blessed that he has had a proactive priest as Gopi Bhattar to work with at Nachiyar Koil as he has been able to implement many of his ideas and initiatives through the experienced and enterprising Bhattar.

As the EO of this historical temple, he has seen as his duty to push for collection from temple lands and over the last couple of years, he has taken it upon himself to visit every lease holder to collect all the pending payment relating to the temple land. And his relentless endeavour on this front has helped boost the income at this temple.

For the moment, Prabhakaran is thankful to Srinivasa Perumal and Vanjula Valli Thayar for having presented him with the opportunity to participate in the huge Thiruppani works and the consecration in 2023 that has seen the crowd swell at this temple. He also feels blessed as an EO to be a tool in helping devotees have a happy darshan on the Kal Garuda Sevai darshan at this Thiru Mangai Azhvaar praised Divya Desam.

Young and engertic EOs like Prabhakaran at HR & CE administered temples offer positive hope to devotees for the future.

The All India CA rank holder is looking to take forward the historical Kainkaryam assigned by Ramanuja into the next phase at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam

He is keen to turn a Veenai Teacher to inspire the young ones to take to this mesmerizing instrument

It is just past 10pm on Pongal evening and a few hundred devotees have gathered inside the Nazhikettan Vaasal to watch the one hour Veenai Ekantham presentation by the Veenai Vidwans of Srirangam. G Ranganathan was just ten years old when this writer wrote a story on the unique standing Veenai presentation during the Era Pathu utsavam in 2009 (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/12/veena-ekantham-at-srirangam-ranganatha.html) and last night he was alongside his appa Govindan and his uncles to present this sacred Veena Ekantham in front of Namperumal. The devotional mind of this All India CA rank holder, who is currently with ICICI, is all on continuing the kainkaryam assigned to the Sathya Koota clan by Ramanuja and taking over, along with his cousins, the historical service from his appa and uncles.

Early Veena Initiation by his Thatha

Ranganathan had a great mentor in his thatha, the revered and respected G Rangarajan, the former principal of National College. Late into the 2nd half of the previous century, as was the larger trend in those decades, two of Rangarajan’s sons had moved from Srirangam to Chennai into the corporate world, the first in the family to move away from this Divya Desam. To generate an early interest, Rangarajan would often travel to Chennai to initiate Ranganathan into the art of playing the Veena.

Renowned Veenai Rangarajan

Sitting at the Sesha Rayar mandapam, the morning after he had presented the Veenai Ekantham, Ranganathan recounts those early years of his life and how his Thatha created an ever lasting bond for him with the Veena “I was just four years old when my Thatha initiated me into the Veena. Having been a lecturer and later the Principal, he was so understanding of the young mind. He would allow to play with my friends to my heart’s content and when I was in the right frame of mind, he would begin his Veenai lessons. We had a small veenai in those days and it was with that I first started my practice. Every weekend I would practice together with my appa.”

Solo Presentation at 13 in front of Ranganatha

He was just in class VIII when he got an unexpected opportunity to perform at the Vishroopam in front of Ranganthaswamy “My patti had passed away and my appa and uncles could not perform and all of a sudden I was all alone (without appa or uncles by my side) in front of Lord Ranganatha with a big devotee crowd around me at the Vishroopam early in the morning. I realised that morning that actual presentation in front of a crowd is quite different from practicing at your home. I was quite nervous and felt like a duck out of water but that morning went on well and that solo presentation when I was just 13 years old gave me a lot of confidence.”

After the early initiation and mentoring, his thatha sent him to Mudikondan S. N. Ramesh for indepth lessons in the Veena. “My Guru taught me with Sahityam for seven years and my knowledge of the Veena deepened and expanded thanks to his teachings.”

Mudikondan Ramesh

During his learning phase, he also had a carnatic music tutelage for 12 years from Vidhwan Senthagudi Jayaraman at Krishna Gana Sabha, T.Nagar which helped shape his initial understanding of music.

He says that the foundation laid by him has been crucial in his development.

Also, for a few years, he learnt songs from Vidwan Akila Siva, an initiative that helped him connect with the Veenai presentation.

Utsavam Keerthanais and Paasurams

He also learned the utsava sampradaya keerthanais and the sacred verses of the Azhvaars that his forefathers usually presented. He made his debut at Veenai Ekantham at the Era Pathu Utsavam when he was just 16 years old “That experience of presenting Veenai Ekantham was such an eye opener. The standing presentation meant that we cannot see the Veenai and perform. Our great grandfather was a disciple of Mysore Veena Seshanna and we follow his finger splitting style of presentation. In the standing posture, there is a weight to handle, the duration is quite long (one hour in standing posture with Veenai tied to you) and we are looking at Namperumal through our presentation. It was an unforgettable experience.”

10 year old Ranganthan seen in the middle ahead of the Veenai Ekantham in Dec 2009

While his Thatha and his parents did not push into securing high marks, they were keen for him to explore a professional degree. "My thatha seeded the thought in me that a professional degree would give me the flexibility to alternate between an income generating profession and continuing the Veenai Kainkaryam. I liked commerce and hence thought CA would be a good option.”

All India 10th Rank in CA

In 2019, he prepared hard for four months ahead of the CA final with his intention being just to clear the exam and be certified as a CA. He looks back at that tense phase “I did not want to let anyone down and did not want to be the one black mark in the family as my relatives were all academically well qualified. And despite the preparation and efforts, I was quite nervous ahead of the Direct Tax exam though I liked this subject a lot. In that phase (and I still have it to this day), I had a message written on my white board which read ‘God gives those who deserve and not those who desire’. That gave me a lot of confidence that my hard work of four months would not go waste.”

A couple of days after Pongal of 2020 and just a couple of months before the Pandemic hit the world, he was on a train when he heard the news that he had cleared CA “I was relieved that I had passed and did not pay too much attention to the marks I had scored. But it was my appa’s firm’s auditor who remarked that it was likely that I would have secured a rank based on my marks.”

Looking back on that day when he found that he was ranked tenth all India and second in TN, he says that it was a humbling experience “When I prepared and wrote the exam, I did not aim for any rank. My focus was on becoming a CA. I would have been happy with a 400+ but I ended up with close to 500 marks. I felt that the Divine Powers had played a role in my life.”

There was a campus placement for rank holders and I was picked up by ICICI. It has been a roller coaster ride for Ranganathan in the last four years at the bank as he has now moved up to the role of a Relationship Manager in the Capital Markets Division taking care of the South market.

Into the future, Ranganathan is keen to don the role of a Veena teacher to pass on this art to the young ones. And to this end, he is fine tuning his own learnings from his appa Govindan and uncle Srinivasan who he counts as a great teacher and a role model.

He is particularly interested in Muthuswamy Dikshithar’s Keerthanais, especially those containing the Kshtram Paadals and Thyagarajar’s Pancha Ratna Keerthanais on Srirangam. He is excited about presenting these during the Vishroopam in the years to come.

Ranganathan flanked by Anna and Appa

The veena vidwans also present Veenai ekantham at the Thayar sannidhiand at Uraiyur during the Era Pathu utsavams there.

Full time Daily Kainkaryam at Srirangam

His appa went the full distance in the corporate world and retired at 60. But 26 year old Ranganathan is hoping that he will get back to Srirangam lot earlier, so he, along with his brother and cousins, can taken over from his appa and uncles for the daily presentation as well as during the Era Pathu utsavam and continue this kainkaryam at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam for he believes that no amount of money in the corporate world can equate with the opportunity to present in front of the Lord of Srirangam. He is happy his brother and cousins are all keen and interested to continue this service.

Ranganathan, the 48th descendant of the Sathya Koota clan, will soon tie the wedding knot and this section wishes him a happy married life.

Transformation Change from Software Engineer to Sripatham Thangi

The devotional Sripatham experience through the Vethal service in his teenage years led this Software Engineer to quit an IT job and move full time as a Sripatham Thangi in 2022

The Pandemic came as a blessing in disguise for SA Kannan as it paved the way for his transformational change from a Software Engineer in a Multinational firm to a Sripatham Thangi at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. After six years in the IT firm in Chennai, the national lockdown in March 2020 got him to head back to Srirangam for a Work from Home model and that phase deepened his involvement with the temple service. A year after the lockdown, when the temple was looking for a Sripatham Thangi, Kannan grabbed it with both hands and became a full time Kainkaryapaka at this Divya Desam. It has since been a devotionally fulfilling 2 ½ years for him and he now spends his entire time in temple Kainkaryam in Srirangam.

Early Vethal Service drives his devotional interest

His appa, SNR Arangarajan, was into civil construction in Chennai but when an opportunity came up in Srirangam during one of his visits to Dasavatharam Sannidhi (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/12/dasavatharam-temple-in-srirangam.html) he took to it and later settled down here. While there was no family background in temple service, Kannan had a devotional attachment to carrying the Lord on his shoulders right from his early teens.

Sitting in front of the Ranganayaki Thaayar Sannidhi on the fourth day of the Pagal Pathu utsavam for Thaayar, Kannan told this writer on the man who was a major influence on him taking to Sripatham “N. Vainadeyan taught me the finer aspects of Sripatham service during my initial days as a Vethal Kainkaryapaka. It was during that phase that I promised to myself that I would dedicate my entire life to Sripatham Kainkaryam. I was also influenced by the way Pichu Kutti performed his role as a Sripatham.”

Moves to Chennai and the Corporate world

But as has been the trend over the last few decades, he too graduated as a software engineer and moved to Chennai after a campus placement in 2014. He rejected many of the overseas onsite opportunities that came his way for his mind was fixed on temple service as a way of life. Namperumal's blessings seemed to have been with him even in that phase. He is grateful to his boss for being flexible with him all through his work life in Chennai “I had a Christian boss but he was very understanding of my devotional interest in temple service and always allowed me to go to Srirangam to carry Namperumal on my shoulder especially during the four big Brahmotsavams. That brought me even closer to the divine couple and my interest in Sripatham service increased manifold during the years I was in the corporate world though I continue to don the role of a full time software engineer in Chennai.”

This section has featured many stories over the last decade on how traditional service personnel in temples are finding it challenging to lead a family life and how that is leading them into the corporate world away from temple service (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/11/bhattars-gurukals-move-away-from-temples.html). In line with that trend, most of his friends including those within the temple warned him against quitting a high paying corporate job and moving into an uncertain temple environment but Kannan found an unlikely support in his wife and he counts that as his greatest blessing “My wife had spent her first two decades in Chennai and was used to the fast-paced city life. But she has been fully supportive of my interest in temple service and it was her backing that led me to take the big call to quit the IT job and move into Sripatham service.”

In September 2022, Kannan received the official appointment order as a Sripatham Thangi and quit the IT job for good. He says that it has been his most enjoyable phase in his life “Since my entire thoughts lay centered around carrying Namperumal and Thayar, the financial aspect has never been an impediment to my service. I was also clear in my mind that if your entire mind is focused on and dedicated to the Lord, then he would take care of you. My Sripatham team members have been fully supportive and taught me the finer and technical aspects.”

A surprise additional Kainkaryam

15months ago, he was blessed with another great Kainkaryam opportunity that he had not foreseen. He was given the additional responsibility of taking care of the Azhvaar Sannidhi and this has provided a new and unforgettable opportunity "I was initially apprehensive and shy of some of the Kainkaryam involved in managing the Azhvaar Sannidhi but over these last 15 months I have gained a lot of confidence. I now decorate Nam Azhvaar during the annual ten day utsavam in Vaikasi as well as during every Visakam and these have given me a great deal of satisfaction.”

But what has given him the biggest happiness in this Sannidhi Kainkaryam has been the fact that it is he who has been donning the role of Madapalli cook at the Nam Azhvaar Sannidhi and preparing the sacred food each day of the year, one that includes Chakkarai Pongal, Ven Pongal and Puliyotharai.“It has been a great learning experience to start from scratch and now be blessed as the one who presents the sacred food every day to Azhvaar. There is a divine and unmatched feeling in preparing this and presenting to the Azhvaar every morning” says Kannan, even as the Sun gets hotter on this mid afternoon in January.

Family delighted at his Sripatham Service

His young school going daughter is delighted watching her appa carrying the Lord on his shoulder. His amma proudly tells everyone that his son is a Sripatham Thangi. Kannan is particularly happy that his in-laws too have been supporting “I did consult my in laws before taking the call to quit the corporate job and they felt really happy that their son in law would be a Sripatham Thangi at the Ranganathaswamy temple. The family support has been a big boost to me in performing this Kainkaryam."

He and his wife are particularly happy that their daughter is growing up in a traditional temple town environment and imbibing all the positive aspects relating to a traditional way of life, something that would have been unlikely in a larger city.

To further his devotional interest, he is also now learning the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham.

Kannan is hoping that more corporate staffers would consider temple kainkaryam as a way of life and make their way back to their hereditary location. But for the moment, Kannan is preparing himself for the procession during the five day Era Pathu utsavam for Ranganayaki Thayar that starts this Sunday evening and for the upcoming Thai Brahmotsavam next week.

Sarangapani Perumal and Komalavalli Thayar provide Serthi Sevai at the HR & CE office

The speciality of this day is that Thayar is seen with a Kodukku Mudi Alankaram with her long Jadai knotted in such a way that the far end reaches out to Lord Sarangapani

It is just past 3pm on Wednesday (January 29). Two Bhattars are decorating Sarangapani Perumal and Komalavalli Thayar inside the HR & CE office near the towering Raja Gopuram at the eastern entrance of this Divya Desam in Thiru Kudanthai. The erstwhile Ekadasi Mandapam houses the HR & CE office.

For long it has been a tradition for the Perumal Koils in this region to open only at 5pm in the evening. Scores of outstation devotees have arrived at the Raja Gopuram at 4pm to have darshan of the moolavar Aravamudhan seen in a sleeping posture but are disappointed to hear that they have to wait out an hour for the temple to open and they head to the nearby Kumbeswarar temple.

ஆரா அமுதே அடியேன் உடலம் நின்பால் அன்பாயே

நீராய் அலைந்து கரைய உருக்குகின்ற நெடுமாலே

சீர் ஆர் செந்நெல் கவரி வீசும் செழு நீர் திரு குடந்தை

ஏர் ஆர் கோலம் திகழ கிடந்தாய் கண்டேன் எம்மானே - Thiruvoimozhi ( 5-8-1)

It is just past 5pm when the Prabhandham Ghoshti members arrive at the HR & CE office for the Seva Kalam. A few among the first set of devotees are surprised to hear of the divine couple being present at the HR & CE office but Thai Amavasai is the one day in the year when Sarangapani and Komalavalli Thayar provide darshan in the evening at this location that was once the Ekadasi mandapam.

It is also the Shravanam day in Thai and devotees are delighted to have darshan of the Divine Couple as well as Vaishnavaite Acharya Vedantha Desikar.

ஆறாத அருள் அமுதம் பொதிந்த கோயில்

அம்புயத்தோன் அயோத்தி மன்னற்கு அளித்த கோயில்

தொலாத தனிவீரன் தொழுத கோயில் துணையான வீடணற்கு துணையாம் கோயில்

சேராத பயன் எல்லாம் சேர்க்கும் கோயில்

செழுமறையின் முதல் எழுத்து சேர்ந்த கோயில்

தீராத வினை அனைத்தும் தீர்க்கும் கோயில்

திருவரங்கம் எனும் கோயில் தானே

For an hour, the Prabhandham members present the sacred verses from the Tiruvoimozhi, Ramanuja Nootranthathi as well as Desikar Prabhandham. Just past 7pm, a sizeable crowd has gathered in front of the HR & CE office for the Satru Murai verses following which they have one more close look at Komalavalli Thayar providing Kodukku Mudi Sevai in its current form!!! While historically the speciality of the day was the Kodukkumudi Sevai with the long Jadai of Komalavalli Thaayar knotted in such a way that the far end reaches out to Lord Sarangapani. Today’s alankaram was of Thayar in a simple knotted style on the head.

Clock has ticked past 8pm when Sarangapani Perumal began his procession making his way around the Potramarai Kulam. At the Western entrance, Komalavalli Thayar and Vedantha Desikar welcome him back into the temple even as the Prabhandham members recite the first decad of the Periya Thirumozhi verses. Led by Vedantha Desikar, Sarangapani Perumal and Komalavalli Thayar make their way around the outer prakara to the eastern entrance listening to the presentation of the Thiru Neduthandagam by the Prabhandham Ghoshti.

By this time, a good number of devotees have gathered in front of the Thayar Sannidhi ahead of the ‘Maalai Maatral’ event. It is almost 9pm when after having bid goodbye to Vedantha Desikar at his Sannidhi, Sarangapani and Komalavalli Thayar enacted the Maalai Maatral drama with Paatrachar representing Perumal and the erstwhile Maniyakarar of the temple representing Thayar. Devotees were delightful dance of Paatrachar as he presented Perumal’s flower garland to Komalavalli Thayar.

Following this, Thayar made her way to her Sannidhi while Sarangapani made his way to his abode through the northern entrance bringing to end the Thai Amavasai Kodukku Mudi utsavam.

Jambukeswarar and Akilanda Nayaki provide Rishabha Vahana darshan around the four sacred streets of this historical Ko Chenganan Chozhan built temple

Ahead of the Theppam next Monday at the Ramar Theertham, Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari provided darshan atop the Silver Rishabha Vahanam around the four big Mada streets on the fifth day of the Thai Theppotsavam at Thiruvanaikaval, the Neer Sthalam among the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams, on Tuesday evening.

The Jambukeswarar temple in Thiruvanaikaval is one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams, where Lord Shiva manifests himself as ‘Water’ (among the five elements). Hence this is referred to as a ‘Neer’ sthalam (‘Appu’ in Sanskrit). Thiruvanaikaval is home to Nava Theertham and the belief is that those who bathe in the Nava Theertham on Chitra Pournami and invoke the blessings of Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari are said to attain Mukthi.

The temple dates back to the 5th century AD to the rule of Kochenganan Chozhan who ruled from Uraiyur and is an architectural marvel with high roofs, five huge prakaras south of the Coloroon, towering Gopurams in the East and the West and Nava Theerthams.

50 year old Othuvar Srinivasan Ramani has been all alone at this Paadal Petra Sthalam for almost three decades. Even as the priests were given the final decorative touches to Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari, he was seen explaining the distinctive features of this Mada Koil built by Ko Chenganan Chozhan, the first of the 71 he built and one specially designed so elephants cannot enter the sanctum. He told them that the inner most Gopuram could be seen only from where they were standing on the Southern side of the 2nd prakara.

கடல்வண்ணன் நான்முகன் காண்பரியார்

தடவரை யரக்கனைத் தலைநெரித்தார்

விடமது வுண்டவெம் மயேந்திரரும்

அடல்விடை யாரூராதி யானைக்காவே-Appar

As the clock ticked to 7pm, the big screen opened for the devotees to have a first glimpse of the grand alankaram of Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari, decked with beautiful flower garlands atop the Rishabha Vahanam. Othuvar Ramani, in a highly devotional pitch, presented the sacred verses on Thiruvanaikaval, one of the five Kka sthalams (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/08/thiru-nellikaval-nellivananathar-temple.html). He then asked the devotees to repeat a verse after him even as the devotional fervour shot up. After the deeparathanai and the presentation of Puliyotharai, the procession began around the third prakara.

நசையானை நால்வேதத் தப்பா லானை

நல்குரவுந் தீப்பிணிநோய் காப்பான் றன்னை

இசையானை எண்ணிறந்த குணத்தான் றன்னை

இடைமருதும் ஈங்கோயும் நீங்கா தேற்றின்

மிசையானை விரிகடலும் மண்ணும் விண்ணும்

மிகுதீயும் புனலெறிகாற் றாகி யெட்டுத்

திசையானைத் திருவானைக் காவு ளானைச்

செழுநீர்த் திரளைச்சென் றாடி னேனே – Thiru Gnana Sambandar

It is past 7.30pml soon after the temple elephant had paid its respect to Jambukeswarar when the Divine couple made his way to the fourth prakara to the loud beating of the Periya Udal by youngsters who for the next hour relentlessly played the drums.

On to the North Ul Veethi, devotees welcomed the pancha moorthies with large sized kolams. The Vedic students at the Sankara Mutt Patshala came out in good numbers along with their acharya, the eldest brother of Neelkantan Sastrigal of Pazhur Patshala (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/06/neelakanta-sastrigal-pazhur-patshala.html).

Devotees came out in large numbers through the North street to have darshan of the Rishabham procession. Half way into the East street in front of the now closed Eastern Raja Gopuram, Jambukeswarar, Akilandeswari and Murugar provided darshan together much to the delight of the devotees. Shivanadiyars in good numbers followed the procession and presented the sacred verses through the 90 minutes of the procession.

By this time, Othuvar Ramani (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/11/thiruvanaikaval-othuvar-srinivasan.html) reciting the sacred verses of Sundarar had gone far ahead into the South Ul Veethi away from the deafening noise of the Udal artistes. For well over 25 years, the Othuvar has been able to keep his devotional spirit going despite being the lone Othuvar at this historical temple.

In a chat with this writer on the South Ul Veethi, he said that he had realised long ago that Jambukeswarar had blessed him to be the designated one to present the sacred verses before him each day of the year in this lifetime and hence nothing distracts him from this honour to sing the sacred verses of the Saivite Saint Poets, not even the health issues that have troubled him in recent times.

Every time when the Udal noise gets loud, he remains calm and quiet and go well ahead to continue his recital on the street without ever complaining. He sees as his role singing the greatness of ‘Aanaikka’ and he devotionally says that nothing can stop him as it is Jambukeswarar’s decision.

செம்பொன் மேனிவெண் ணீறணி வானைக்

கரிய கண்டனை மால்அயன் காணாச்

சம்பு வைத்தழல் அங்கையி னானைச்

சாம வேதனைத் தன்னொப்பி லானைக்

கும்ப மாகரி யின்னுரி யானைக்

கோவின் மேல்வருங் கோவினை எங்கள்

நம்ப னைநள் ளாறனை அமுதை

நாயி னேன்மறந் தென்நினைக் கேனே.

In April 2018, this section had featured the devotional presentation of the Udal during the Pancha Prakara utsavam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/04/thiruvanaikaval-pancha-prakara-utsavam.html) but on this Rishabha Vahana evening, they were too close to the elephant and Murugar. Despite requests to move well ahead of Murugar and the elephant, the artistes continued to play the loud drums very close to the deities. Kainkaryapakas, who this writer spoke to on Tuesday evening at the procession, said that they have tried many times in the past to get the Udal players to move away from the idols but they have not been successful. The Mahout himself was not pleased as his elephant found the high levels of the drums too loud for its liking.

It was 8.30pm when the Divine Couple made their way back into the temple even as scores of devotees prostrated on the ground in a thanking gesture for having delighted them with the Rishabha Vahana procession.

Namperumal enjoyed Prabhandham Ghoshti's Ramanuja Nootranthathi presentation sans musical instruments around Srirangam's Uthira Streets

On Tuesday evening, he made a rare entry via Periya Vachan Pillai Sannidhi and strode alongside the 1000 pillared mandapam to reach the Ramanuja Sannidhi

Its Thai Poosam, a day when Samayapuram Mariamman (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2015/12/samayapuram-mariamman-temple.html) made her way to the banks of Kollidam and received gifts from her brother Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Its also the final day of the Thai Bhoopathi Thirunaal utsavam at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. It’s a day marked by a street procession sans the nadaswaram and all other musical instruments with Namperumal listening to the presentation of Ramanuja Nootranthathi by Prabhandham Ghoshti members led by Kapisthalam Sampath Ramanujam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/03/srirangam-prabhandham-adyapaka-leader.html) around the four Uthira streets.

Four trips to Thayar Sannidhi

Its an utsavam when Namperumal had already made it to the Thayar Sannidhi on three days staying through the day at Navarathri Mandapam on day 2, the Karuthurai Mandapam directly opposite Ranganayaki Thayar on day 3 and almost through the night at the Panguni Uthiram Mandapam on the 7th day of the utsavam after he confirmed the measurement of Paddy earlier in the evening.

On this 10th and final day of the utsavam, shortly after 6pm, the Prabhandham Ghoshti members began presentation of the Ramanuja Nootranthathi verses in front of the Ranga Ranga Gopuram. Unlike the previous days of the street processions, there were no elephants or horses in this evening's procession. Neither were there the Nadaswaram artistes. It was an exclusive evening for the Prabhandham members rendering the sacred verses of Thiruvarangath Amudanar much to the delight of Namperumal.

பூ மன்னு மாது பொருந்திய மார்பன்

புகழ் மமலிந்த பாமன்னு மாறன் அடிபணிந்து உய்ந்தவன்

பல்கலையோர் தாம்மன்ன வந்த ராமானுஜன்

சரணாரவிந்தம் நாம்மன்னி வாழ

நெஞ்சே சொல்லுவோம் அவன் நாமங்களே

Ramanuja welcomes Namperumal

Following the procession around the Uthira streets, Namperumal, for the fourth time during the utsavam made his way to the Thayar Sannidhi, this time to the Kambar Mandapam, where he was presented with a Thiruvanthikaappu.

For a few decades, like that Azhvaan Thiruchutru, the pathway from the Thayar Sannnidhi to the 1000 pillared mandapam had lay defunct, until the restoration exercise last decade by Venu Srinivasan revived this historical route (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/11/venu-srinivasan-srirangam-temple.html). The beautification of this path led to a lot of greenery but since the restoration this has remained locked most of the time. On this Tuesday evening, following the Thiruvanthikaappu, the gates in front of Periya Vachan Pillai Sannidhi opened as Namperumal made a majestic walk alongside the 1000 pillared mandapam to be welcomed by Ramanuja in front of his sannidhi just after 7.30pm.

With hundreds of devotees witnessing this grand spectacle, Namperumal was presented with coconut water, to quench his thirst after having provided darshan over the previous ten days around the streets of Srirangam. Soon after, Ramanuja waited back to see Namperumal off till he reached the Karthigai Gopuram Vaasal.

Prabhandham Members' devotional presentation

It was there that the prabhandham ghoshti presented the final verses of Ramanuja Nootranthi bringing to end the sacred recital at the Thai Brahmotsavam. It had been a commendable effort over the ten days of the utsavam by the Prabhandham Ghoshti with the members reciting the Iyarpa verses even while Namperumal was behind the screen at the Vahana Mandapam after the evening street procession. And they presented the sacred verses of Thiru Mangai Azhvaar through the Chariot procession on Monday morning.

Padippu - A Thanking Gesture to Namperumal

The Padippu, a thanking gesture for the smooth conduct of the utsavam, too was revived after decades as part of Venu Srinvasan’s restoration and revival exercise. A HR & CE staffer was identified and assigned the task of presenting the Padippu on the final day of the Brahmotsavams. Sridhar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/02/srirangam-brahmotsavam-padippu-sridhar.html) has now become synonymous with Padippu and he began reading out the greatness of Lord Ranganatha and this historical temple and the utsavams with Namperumal enjoying his praise standing in front of the Dwajasthambam.

After 9 days at the Kannadi Arai, Namperumal finally made his way back to his abode just before 9pm on Tuesday bringing to end the Thai Bhoopathi Thirunaal utsavam.

The Hereditary Priests of the Ranganathaswamy temple have today written to the HR & CE JC requesting him to source the Original Abaranams that can be used on specific occasions during the Utsavams

Will the JC take immediate action to get the original decorative ornaments for the utsava deity

During the Era Pathu utsavam last month at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, issues were raised about priests using artificial decorative ornaments on Namperumal against the historical practice. When the issue was thus raised in public, the HR & CE representatives, as has been the case in the past, passed on the responsibility to the priests. When this writer enquired about this during the Era Pathu utsavam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/12/srirangam-era-pathu-vedu-pari-2023.html), a hereditary priest said that original decorative pieces were not available at the temple.

In response to the issues raised during the Adyayana utsavam, the hereditary priests of the temple today (Saturday - Feb 15) sent an official letter to the Mariappan, the JC of the temple. In the letter, the priests have pointed out the list of decorative ornaments that are not part of the jewellery kit and the originals of those that have to be sourced.

HR & CE to source original ornaments

Some of these include original kavariman sowri, Chandira-Surya Netri Chutti (an ornament on the forehead), Netripattai, Muththupattai, Kondaipattai for Perumal and Nal Muthu Paavadai for Ranganayaki Thayar.

Previous Priests' letters went unattended!!!

This is not the first time that the hereditary priests have brought this to the notice of the HR & CE officials. Even in the past, in the years goneby, they had pointed out to the JC of the temple about the shortfall in ornaments that are draped on Namperumal on specific utsavam occasion but the HR & CE did not take any action on this front.

This Saturday evening, the priests have once again officially requested the JC of the temple to source the specific original ornaments for Namperumal and Ranganayaki.

While the HR & CE officials have conveniently passed on the buck to the priests when issues are raised by the public regarding alankaram of Namperumal during processions, they have not acted upon the requests of the very same priests in the past.

In the recent past, two exorbitantly expensive kreedam and diamond necklace (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/03/srirangam-panguni-uthiram-2024.html) were presented to the temple and those were draped on Namperumal on the occasion of Kaisika Ekadasi and the 2nd day of the Era Pathu utsavam.

It is hoped that JC Mariappan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/12/srirangam-temple-jc-mariappan.html) who has generally been swift in taking appropriate action will initiate the process of sourcing the ornaments immediately so the original ornaments can be draped on Namperumal and the priests can be saved the embarrassment of facing awkward questions from the devotees.

The HR & CE has also been silent in the recent past on the delayed conduct of utsavams and return of Namperumal arising out of longish presentation of Veda Vinnappam, the most recent being on the 7th day (night!!!) of the Thai Bhoopathi Thirunaal.

This section will track the action of the HR & CE on this front.

A Rs. 60 lakh contribution from CSK Chief N Srinivasan towards 2 Gold plated Kodi Marams and 8 Copper plated Kodi Marams at this Ko Chenganan Chozhan built Mada Koil

Akilandeswari gets a refurbished star studded Thaadagam from Kanchi Periyava

There has been a certain vibrancy all through this week around the Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari temple in Thiruvanaikaval. The 70th head of the Kanchi Sankara Mutt Vijendra Saraswathi Swami has been present at the Sankara Mutt on the North Ul Veethi, 100 yards from Akilandeswari Sannidhi, from this Monday.

Under his directions, a refurbished and stone studded Thadagam was presented to Akilandeswari this afternoon after the poornahathi. The earring had been first presented by Maha Periyava in the early 1990s but had worn out and been damaged. Periyava Vijendra Saraswathi Swami organised the repair of the earring adding colourful stones.

Located on the Northern banks of Cauvery is the Lord Jambukeswarar temple in Thiruvanaikaval, one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams, where Lord Shiva manifests himself as ‘Water’ (among the five elements). Hence this is referred to as a ‘Neer’ sthalam (‘Appu’ in Sanskrit). Thiruvanaikaval is home to Nava Theertham and the belief is that those who bathe in the Nava Theertham on Chitra Pournami and invoke the blessings of Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari are said to attain Mukthi.

The temple dates back to the 5th century AD to the rule of Kochenganan Chozha, who ruled from Uraiyur and is an architectural marvel with high roofs, five huge prakaras south of the Coloroon, towering Gopurams in the East and the West and Nava Theerthams.

Throughout this week, scores of devotees visited the Sankara Mutt to have darshan and seek the blessings of Periyava.

On Sunday (Feb 16) morning, several hundreds of devotees gathered in front of the Akilandeswari Sannidhi to watch the 7th session of the homam.

It’s 11am when phones went up in unison on the North Ul Veethi to take photos and videos as Periyava made his way from the Sankara Mutt to the North Entrance of the temple. Camera shots continued unabated even as Periyava entered the temple. 30 minutes later, following the Poornahathi, the Thaadagam was presented to Akilandeswari as she wore a beautiful smiling look with her new abaranam.

Othuvar Srinivasan Ramani (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/11/thiruvanaikaval-othuvar-srinivasan.html) is all devotional. Amid all the noise among the devotees and the kainkaryaparas, he presents the sacred verses of the Saint Poets sitting in the middle of the homam kundam. Delighted at his solo devotional presentation the previous evening, Periyava called for him and surprised him by gifting him with a Veshti, Saree and anointing him with a shawl with the message: "You have a great devotional voice. Continue forever this sacred kainkaryam at this historical temple."

Othuvar Srinivasan Ramani presenting the sacred verses

Othuvar Ramani has been the sole Othuvar at this temple over the previous three decades and he presented through all the sessions of the homam since 13th morning.

CSK Owner presents 10 New Gold/Copper Plated Kodi Maram

Just past 1pm Periyava Vijendra Saraswathi Swami made his way to Jambukeswarar Sannidhi to bless the new Golden Dwajasthambam presented by CSK (India Cements) owner N Srinivasan. Temple EO Suresh told this writer that the CSK owner had presented all the 8 new copper plated kodi maram and 2 gold plated kodi maram.

N Srinivasan with CSK CEO KS Viswanathan

Thiruvanaikaval is the first of the ‘Maada Koils’ built by Kochenganan. In recognition of his great contribution to temple architecture and as the one who built the Thiruvanaikaval temple, Kochenganan’s idol is seen inside the temple.

Two devotees – Pushpavana and Mayavana - of Lord Shiva were involved in the process of plucking flowers from the Nandavanam and presenting to the Lord. One day, an argument arose between the two as to who had presented more flowers and they ended up killing each other in the fight that ensued. But having been true devotees through their lives, Lord Shiva provided them darshan at Kailasam and blessed them into birth as a spider and elephant in this Gajaranya Kshetram.

Provided with an opportunity to serve the Lord, the Spider provided shade to the Lord through its cobweb, while the elephant performed pooja removing all the dirt around the lord, bringing water for Abhishekam, plucking flowers and fruits and providing sandalwood.

And for the 2nd time, they entered Kailasam. When asked for a wish, the elephant asked for this place where he performed pooja with sincerity to be named after him. Hence this place came to be called Thiru ‘Aanai’ Kaval.

The spider asked to be born as a King who would build everlasting temples.

The spider was thus born as Kochenganan Chozhan in the Chozha dynasty. His parents were childless. An astrologer suggested that if the child was born during a specific time slot, he would become a great king and serve the Lord through his lifetime. Unfortunately, his mother Kamalavathi was slated for a pre delivery. Determined to have the child only during the specified slot, she asked her maids to tie her and hang here upside down till the specified time arrived. And thus she ensured that her son was born at that specified time. As the blood circulation had been disrupted, the child was born with red eyes. The mother called him ‘Ko’ ‘Chenganan’ (the one with red eyes) and died immediately after his birth. It was his aunt who took care of him through his childhood.

Maada Koils

Ko Chenganan built over 70 Saivite temples and is also credited with building Nachiyar Koil, the first Vaishnavite temple built by him. With two life time incidents of having fought with the elephant, he carried his anger into this life as well. All of the Saivite temples built by him were such that the elephant could not enter. It was either a small entrance into the sanctum or a high rise that an elephant could not climb. Such temples with either a narrow passage or high rise are referred to as Maada Koils.

Ruling from Uraiyur, the then capital of the Chozhas, Ko Chenganan crossed the Cauvery and found an idol of Shiva beneath the tree. He also remembered his life as a spider when he had provided shade right above. His devotion touched a peak and he built Thiruvanaikal as his first Saivite temple. He then went on to build several more in the Chozha kingdom including the Maada Style temple at Nachiyar Koil that is very different from the typical Vishnu temple in terms of architecture.

This has been a mementos day for Thiruvanaikaval and a significant turnaround for this first Mada Koil built by Ko Chenganan Chozhan. This most expensive donation to the tune of over Rs. 60 Lakhs is also a sign of the changing times and the continuing devotional wave that is sweeping TN temples. The presence of Periyava each day of this week added to the devotional flavour with disciples from across the state visiting the Akilandeswari Sannidhi adding to the crowd.

Temple EO Suresh, who took charge only three months ago, is all excited at the prospects of developmental initiatives at this temple and believes that today’s installation is only the first of the many positive developments that are likely to take place at this historical Mada Koil.

And that is a good sign for all the Kainkaryaparas of the temple who for long had been left behind many of their counterparts in more popular temples.

New Refurbished retiring rooms and dormitory with ten beds will be reopened in the first week of March

AC Waiting Hall, Car Parking, New flooring on Platforms, overhead roof and an Aavin Parlour form part of the major renovation exercise

Train Travellers visiting the Srirangam Divya Desam this summer will be able to avail of the modern retiring room and dormitory facilities at the Srirangam Railway station. After 18 months of closure, the three retiring rooms and about 10 dormitory beds will be reopened to the train travellers in the first week of March at the Srirangam Railway Station. These have been completely refurbished with modern toilets, shower and locker facilities within these rooms.

AC waiting hall, Aavin Parlour, Canteen

The station itself is seeing a total transformation. The flooring on the platforms have been completely redone and new overhead roofs installed. A new car parking facility is coming up at the entrance. Aavin parlour has come up recently with ice creams, juices and badam milk available till 11.15pm every day on platform 1. A new executive lounge, an AC waiting hall, a non ac waiting hall are also part of the renovation on platform 1. The reservation counter also wears a new look and will be more passenger friendly with transparent glass panes.

There is a friendly canteen service available on platform 1 with tiffen available from 6am to 11.15pm every day.

The entrance to the temple has also been rebuilt. Painting work is currently on with the entire renovation work at the station expected to be completed by this month end.

The station in its new look and avatar is expected to be launched on March 6 with the retiring rooms and dormitories thrown open to passengers from that day. Passengers can book these rooms and beds online on IRCTC by entering the PNR number.

A Sour Point - The Railway Gate to Singar Koil

One sour point relating to the Srirangam station is the railway gate leading to the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar koil(https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/10/srirangam-singar-koil-transformational.html). Till about a decade ago, Namperumal used to make his annual trip on the Vijayadasami day through the Singar Koil street that used to take one directly to the temple entrance. However, when the platforms were lengthened a decade ago, this direct route via Singar Koil street was shut and Namperumal in recent years has had to take a detour through the railway gate in the north (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2011/10/vijayadasami-utsavam-kaatazhagiya.html).

With the ever increasing number of trains passing through the Srirangam station, this railway gate north of the station shuts many times in peak hours including for around 20 minutes to allow three trains to pass. It is hoped that the railways and the Trichy Corporation would work towards finding a solution to this. May be they could explore an underpass to allow vehicles to go to Singar Koil without being affected by the shutting of the gate at frequent intervals.

https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/09/thanjavur-station-retiring-room-bathing.html

https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/04/madurai-junction-retiring-rooms.html

On Friday morning, Nam Azhvaar visited his avathara sthalam at Appan Koil before making his way to Erettai Tirupathi to meet his parents on Maasi Anusham

Devapiran

It is just past 5am on Friday (February 20) morning and the occasion is Maasi Anusham when Nam Azhvaar makes his annual trip to Erettai Tirupathi. A day earlier - Maasi Visakam - was the day when Madurakavi Azhvaar found the idol of Nam Azhvaar on the banks of Tamarai Barani and in memory of this episode, Nam Azhvaar had made a trip to the Tamarai Barani on Thursday morning for the Theerthavari utsavam.

Early on Friday morning, the Aathi Nathar temple in Azhvaar Tirunagari is abuzz with a large contingent of Sripatham Thangis at the entrance ready to carry Nam Azhvaar on their shoulder to Erettai Tirupathi on this final day of the Maasi Utsavam. Inside the temple, Bhagavathas and women devotees have lined up for Thiruppavai Ghoshti Theertham and Prasadam with Araiyar Nathan leading the Satru Murai verses. Soon, the Sripatham enter the temple to carry Nam Azhvaar on this long fast paced procession.

Recalling this day from the 1970s

Govindan Bhattar, who was joined by colleague Ramakrishnan Bhattar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/07/thiru-mogur-kalamegha-perumal.html), is present this morning from Thiru Mogur and walks all the way to Appan Koil. He recalls this trip from his childhood days in the 1970s “This was a big day in the year for me. I was keen to walk alongside Namzhvaar crossing the Tamaraibarani in knee deep water to reach the birth place of Nam Azhvaar at Appan Koil, one that was surrounded by big bushes.”

Govindan Bhattar, Thiru Mogur

“Those were glorious days with the presence of hundreds of Vaishnavas at Azhvaar Tirungari and the entire Divya Desam was vibrant during this utsavam but most of them have since left the hereditary location. And it is no more the same.”

Nam Azhvaar sees Devapiran as his parents

Legend has it that Thiru Mangai Azhvaar came to Azhvaar Tirunagari to invite Nam Azhvaar to witness the Adyayana Utsavam in Srirangam in Margazhi, one that had been created and organized by the former in recognition of the contribution of the latter. Having enjoyed the presentation of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham by the Araiyars at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Nam Azhvaar is believed to have reached Tholai Villi Mangalam on the Anusham day in Maasi to invoke the blessings of his parents. As described in Tiruvoimozhi (6.5.10), Nam Azhvaar saw Lord Devapiran of Erettai Tirupathi at Tholai Villi Mangalam as his mother and father.

சிந்தையாலும் சொல்லாலும் செய்கையினாலும்

தேவ பிரானையே

தந்தை தாய் என் று அடைந்த

வன் குருகூர் அவர் சடகோபன் சொல்

முந்தை ஆயிரத்துள் இவை

தொலை வில்லி மங்கலத்தை சொன்ன

செந்தமிழ் பத்தும் வல்லார்

அடிமை செய்வார் திருமாலுக்கே

In the decades gone by, prior to Venu Srinivasan's transformation restoration of the twin temples (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/02/erettai-tirupathi-transformation.html), this annual trip of Nam Azhvaar to Tholai Villi Mangalam was the only festival celebrated at Erettai Tirupathi and hence assumed great significance.

The first stop at Appan Koil

Thiruvenkata Mudayan of Appan Koil was the aradhana idol of Nam Azhvaar’s father. Hence on his way to Erettai Tirupathi, Nam Azhvaar made a halt at this temple evoking memories of his father's sincere devotion rendered to the Lord at this temple. There is a Nam Azhvaar avathara mandapam inside this temple.

Nam Azhvaar was welcomed at Appan Koil by Araiyar Sarangan, the 27 year old son of Nathan Araiyar who has taken over the performance of daily Thiru Aradhana at this temple. There are a couple of mandagapadis in this historic birth place of Nam Azhvaar and it is 8am when he entered the temple for his first stop over on the day.

Nam Azhvaar at Appan Koil

It is a temple that has been restored to its historic glory and Govindan Bhattar says that it bears no resemblance to what it was in the 1970s “In addition to the restoration of Nava Tirupathi temples, TVS’ Venu Srinivasan has transformed this temple beyond recognition. From the dark, unlit days in the decades gone by, this is now beautifully maintained” Govindan Bhattar, who performed the role of Ekanki at Tirupathi for a decade and a half before his role as archaka at Thiru Mogur, recalled to this writer at the Appan Koil madapalli on Friday morning.

Hot Pongal is served to the Sripatham Thangis for their early morning 90 minute effort. The Vaishnavas and Bhagavathas too are presented the sacred Thaligai from the madapalli, that too has seen a transformation.

A grand welcome by Aravinda Lochanan

The energised Sripatham are back to carry Nam Azhvaar to Erettai Tirupathi and first to Aravinda Lochana Sannidhi. The Prabhandham Ghoshti are present in good numbers and for 45minutes they present the tenth canto of Nam Azhvaar’s Tiruvoimozhi led by Araiyars Nathan and Sarangan. For the first time, the entire pathway from Aravinda Lochana Sannidhi is decked with pushpa alankaram.

The garland of Aravinda Lochanan is presented to Nam Azhvaar and following the Theertham Prasadam, Nam Azhvaar went South to the Northern banks of Tamaraibarani where Devapiran himself, who Nam Azhvaar saw as his own father and mother, came out of the temple to welcome and receive him. After Nam Azhvaar went around the temple complex, both stationed themselves at the alankaram mandapam bringing to end the morning session.

திருந்து வேதமும் வேள்வியும்

திரு மா மகளிரும் தாம் மலிந்து

இருந்து வாழ் பொருநல் வடகரை

வண் தொலை வில்லி மங்கலம்

Aravinda Lochanan

The TVS touch to Erettai Tirupathi

The devotees are treated to a sumptuous lunch at the Devapiran temple following which quite a few take rest at the office of the TVS. The entire Erettai Tirupathi, the biggest restoration of Venu Srinivasan, has been truly transformed. The cleanliness around the temple, the maintenance of the entire area around the temples, the sign boards at various locations make it a pleasant experience for the devotees.

It is past 3 pm and the devotees are back at the temple to have darshan of the Thirumanjanam for Nam Azhvaar. Araiyar Sarangan presented the sacred sandal wood paste and the Thirumanjanam oil to all the devotees who witnessed the sacred bath of Nam Azhvaar.

The Prabhandham Ghoshti are present in good numbers and they render the tenth canto of Tiruvoimozhi after the arrival of the Thaligai brought all the way by walk from Azhvaar Tirunagari. To this day, the traditions have been upheld and the sacred food is carried on the head to the beating of the drum all the way from Aathi Nathan temple in Thiru Kurugur (6 kms away) across the Tamarai Barani to the Devapiran temple. While easier options like bringing the food by modern means of transport are possible, it is great credit to the team at Aathi Nathan temple that short cut options to quicken the conduct of the evening utsavam have not been exercised to-date.

Father and Son Araiyar at Devapiran Sannidhi

So touched was Devapiran with NamAzhvaar’s sacred verses that he presented his entire garlands to the Saint Poet. By now, Sundararajan Bhattar from Aravinda Lochana Sannidhi, a priest who quit a corporate job to take up archaka kainkaryam(https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/01/erettai-tirupathi-sundara-rajan-bhattar.html), has arrived at the Devapiran temple to participate in the presentation of mariyathai to Nam Azhvaar with Araiyars presenting the sacred verses relating to Erettai Tirupathi.

The entire temple resonated with positive vibrancy following the Prabhandham presentation with all the devotees eagerly looking forward to the Theertham and Tulasi prasadam.

It is past 7pm when Nam Azhvaar after an entire day at Erettai Tirupathi bid goodbye for yet another year. In a final emotional move, Devapiran after providing darshan in a grand alankaram presents all his garlands to the ‘son’ and even as Nam Azhvaar makes his return to Azhvaar Tirunagari, Devapiran waits till as far as he can see the great Saint Poet at the western exit of Erettai Tirupathi. Late on Friday evening, Devapiran returned to his sanctum amidst the chanting of Ramanuja Nootranthathi by the Prabhandham Ghoshti members.

Devotees including Bhagavathas in big numbers enjoyed the experience of the enactment of the legendary episode of Nam Azhvaar making his way to the Northern banks of Tamarai Barani at Erettai Tirupathi after witnessing the Adyayana Utsavam in Srirangam to meet and invoke the blessings of his parents. The series of events on Maasi Anusham also signifies the conclusion of the Adyayana Utsavam in Erettai Tirupathi.

27 year old Sarangan Araiyar is confident of reviving the fortunes of this Avathara Sthalam of Nam Azhvaar

The Thiru Aradhana idol of Nam Azhvaar will provide darshan on the new Golden Garuda Vahana around the streets of Appan Koil during the Panguni Brahmotsavam

It is just past 7am on Friday (Feb 21) morning. 27 year old Sarangan Araiyar of Azhvaar Tirungari is riding his Royal Enfield Bullet to Appan Koil ahead of Nam Azhvaar’s annual visit to the temple on the occasion of Maasi Anusham. Thiru Venkatamudayan, the presiding deity at the temple, is decked with glittering jewellery, a far cry from the decades gone by when this temple was in a dilapidated state. The flower garlands are long and colourful.

Hailing from Azhvaar Tirunagari, a lady devotee who has dedicated her life to Nam Azhvaar is playing Vishnu Sahasranamam loudly on her mobile phone even as she guides devotees on the event that is set to unfold that morning. The madapalli that has now been restored to its historical glory smells of ghee pongal while Saranga Araiyar is running around to ensure that everything is in order with Nam Azhvaar just a km or so away from reaching the temple (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2025/02/azhvaar-tirungari-nam-azhvaar-maasi.html).

Takes charge of Appan Koil from his appa

Saranga Araiyar was not yet 25 when he took over the reigns of Appan Koil from his appa Nathan Araiyar, who had some health issues at that time. He underwent 8 year patshala education in Srirangam where he learned the Vedas and Agamas in addition to Nalayira Divya Prabhandham. He has also been initiated into Tiruvoimozhi Kalakshepam. To further his interest in Vaishnavism, he is planning to take to MA Vaishnavism this year.

Appan Koil is under the one kalam pooja of the HR & CE and Sarangan Araiyar is paid an accumulated salary once (around Rs. 3000) every three months for the daily pooja services he performs at this temple.

Revival of Panguni Brahmotsavam

He is all excited about the upcoming Panguni Brahmotsavam when there will be a kalasa Thirumanjanam. This historical temple reverberating once again with Prabhandham Ghoshti is something that Sarangan Araiyar is looking forward to. The Pavitrotsavam too has been revived and the three day utsavam takes place in Aani.

New Golden Garuda Vahana

The temple bears no resemblance to what it was 50 years ago.Govindan Bhattar of Thiru Mogur was a regular at Nam Azhvaar's annual Maasi trip to Appan Koil and is delighted in the way Appan Koil has been transformed by Venu Srinivasan from the dark days when he first visited the temple during the Maasi Utsavam in the early 1970s.

In the couple of years since his taking charge, Sarangan Araiyar has used his devotee network to initiate positive developments at this temple. All the vahanas have been refurbished. He has played an active role in building a new Golden Garuda Vahana. At the Panguni Brahmotasvam next month, Thiru Venkatamudayan will provide darshan around the streets of Appan Koil atop this new golden garuda vahana. And in Vaikasi this year, the Moolavar Lord will shine bright with a new Silver plated kavacham. He is also keen to revive the Chariot Festival and the Theppotsavam in the near future.

Venu Srinivasan restores Appan Kol in the 1990s

Venu Srinivasan told this writer on Sunday morning that along with the restoration of the 11 Nam Azhvaar praised Divya Desams in this region in the second half of the 1990s, he was keen to take up the restoration of Appan Koil, for it was here that Kaali Maaran attained Moksham (hence the name Appan Koil). Like his commitment to Nava Tirupathi temples (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/02/erettai-tirupathi-transformation.html), Venu Srinivasan is delighted to have had the opportunity to be associated with this historical Avathara Sthalam of Nam Azhvaar.

A major Thiruppani exercise after 25+ years

It is now time for another Thiruppani for which the HR & CE has sanctioned Rs. 6crores. This is expected to commence in May this year and the rebuilding work should see the temple in a new avatar over the next 12 months or so.

Located a few kms off Azhvaar Tirunagari Divya Desam, Appan Koil comes to life thrice a year when Nam Azhvaar from Azhvaar Tirunagari visits this temple. In addition to Maasi Anusham, Nam Azhvaar stays through the day at Appan Koil in Chitrai and Vaikasi.

Chariot and Theppotsavam to be revived

While continuing to perform the Araiyar Sevai at Azhvaar Tirunagari along with his appa Nathan Araiyar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/03/how-family-disputein-azhvaar-tirunagari.html), the young Sarangan Araiyar is committing himself to a lifetime of service at Appan Koil and is hopeful that this once neglected temple will start attracting devotees once again like the Nava Tirupathi Divya Desam temples following the large scale Thiruppani this year. Sarangan Araiyar is also confident that very soon after this Thiruppani, the Chariot will run around the streets of Appan Koil. In the near future, it is likely that Thiru Venkatamudayan will provide darshan on the Theppam.

Soon after the departure of Nam Azhvaar from Appan Koil to Erettai Tirupathi, Sarangan Araiyar dashes off on his Bullet to Aravinda Lochanan sannidhi for the Tiruvoimozhi Prabhandham Thodakkam on Friday morning while his mind continues to work on the revival of historic utsavams at Appan Koil.

Hundreds of devotees had darshan on Sunday evening of the grand revival after over a hundred years of the Theppotsavam at Thiruvellarai Divya Desam

After a gap of over a 100 years, the Theppotsavam was revived on Sunday (Feb 23) evening at the Pundarikakshan Perumal Divya Desam in Thiruvellarai. Excited at the prospect of having darshan of the Theppam that even their forefathers had not witnessed in the previous century, devotees began making their way to the temple through the eastern entrance just after 5.30pm. The main North entrance has been shut with the Raja Gopuram construction work under way in full swing.

இந்திரனோடு பிரமன் ஈசன் இமையவர் எல்லாம்
மந்திர மா மலர் கொண்டு
மறைந்து உவராய் வந்து நின்றார்

சந்திரன் மாளிகை சேரும் சதுரர்கள் வெள்ளரை நின்றாய்
அந்தியம் போது இது ஆகும்
அழகனே காபிட வாராய் - Periyaazhvaar's Kaapidal

Revival of Theppotsavam in Maasi

Hereditary priest Kamala Malar Kannan Bhattar told this writer that even his thatha, the 90 year old Santhanam bhattar and the senior most archaka at Thiruvellarai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2016/10/thiru-vellarai-divya-desam.html), had only heard of his appa telling him about the Theppam at Thiruvellarai and that he himself had not experienced the Theppotsavam even in his childhood.

In the last couple of years, in a bid to revive the Theppotsavam, the rock at the West end of the temple complex was cut cut and dug deep and thick mud removed to create the tank that devotees saw in its current form last evening. The sacred tank has secured back its historical name 'Ksheera Pushakarani' and the Theppotsavam revived after over a century during the krishna paksha ekadasi (Bandha Kaatchi) in Maasi.

While many have a first glimpse of the utsava deity, others climb the steep steps through the Utharaayana vaasal to have darshan of the Moolavar. As clock ticked past 6.30pm, devotees had gathered in large numbers ahead of the procession. Following the Veda Vinnappam, Pundarikakshan and Shenbagavalli Thayar began the procession to the Theppam with Prabhandham Ghoshti members who had come all the way from Srirangam presenting Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s Madal.

மின்னி மழை தவழும் வேங்கடத்து எம் வித்தகனை

மன்னனை மாலின்ருஞ்ச்சோலை மணாளனை

கொள்நவிலும் ஆழிப் படையானை,

கோட்டியூர்....

The procession took one back to the historical days of Divya Desam processions as the divine couple made their way around the dark Eastern and Southern Mada streets of Thiruvellarai led by the ghee lit Theevattis. It is 8pm when Pundarikakashan and Shenbagavalli Thayar made their way through the South entrance to near the temple tank.

The Prabhandham Ghoshti members followed their presentation of the Madal with Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s Thiru Ezhu Kootrirukkai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/06/thiru-ezhu-kootrirukkai_22.html). By this time a good number of devotees had positioned themselves around the temple tank to welcome Pundarikakshan into the float.

நால் திசை நடுங்க அம் சிறைப் பறவை ஏறி

நால் வாய் மும் மதத்து இரு செவி

ஒரு தனி வேழத்து அரந்தையை

ஒரு நாள் இரு நீர்மடுவுள் தீர்த்தனை- Thiru Ezhu Kootrirukkai

For the next half hour or so, the divine couple went around the temple tank in the colourfully lit float much to the delight of the several hundreds of devotees who had gathered to watch the Theppam. There were many who went as far as the western corner of the temple complex to have a close darshan as the divine couple made their way around the tank.

It was past 9pm when Pundarikakshan and Shenbagavalli Thayar made their way back from the float. It was a grand revival of the Theppotsavam at the Thiruvellarai Divya Desam on Sunday evening with devotees heading back home late into the evening delighted at having witnessed the Theppam that no one even in the previous generations had not.

For those like Kamala Malar Kannan (Vinodh) Bhattar, Sunday was a dream come true with the revival of the historical Theppotsavam in their life time. Having thus seen the Theppam revival, the next big event for the priests of Thiruvellarai will be the completion of the construction of the towering 125 ft new Raja Gopuram on the Northern side.

Sowri Raja Perumal presents his 'Walking Beauty' at his Eastern Home and provides Kaithala Sevai to the 'newly crowned' King of Lanka on Maasi Amavasai

It was a special day at the Sowri Raja Perumal temple in Thiru Kannapuram, this Thursday (Feb 27) for on this Maasi Amavasai afternoon at this Thiru Mangai Azhvaar praised Divya Desam, the Lord presented his special ‘Srirangam Styled’ walk and Kaithala Sevai to Vibheeshana.

75 year old Sowri Raja Bhattar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2021/11/thiru-kannapuram-sowri-rajan-bhattar.html) has been performing archaka service at this temple for over five decades and has been part of this special Amavasai Sevai on hundreds of occasions. He has recently lost his wife but unmindful of the setback, he is just as devotionally committed on this Thursday morning, as he was decades ago ahead of the Kaithala Sevai.

Surprisingly for a week day, scores of devotees walk into the temple past 10am. Everyone is looking forward to the Kaithala Sevai and enquire about the Thirumanjanam.

Sowri Raja Bhattar’s son Muralidharan performs a detailed archanai to all the devotees who have come there with the flowers, fruits and coconuts. There is a certain sense of satisfaction among the devotees on listening to this almost rare presentation of such detailed archanai in TN Divya Desams.

Have darshan of my walking beauty at my Eastern Gateway

In yet another long conversation, one of the many that this writer has had with Sowri Raja Bhattar in the decades gone by, he narrates once again the speciality of this day. “After being crowned the king of Lanka, Vibheeshana was presented by Rama with his Thiru Aradhana idol, Lord Ranganatha and he was to carry this from Ayodhya to Lanka. On the banks of Cauvery, in Srirangam, he asked Lord Ganesha to hold the idol so he could finish his morning bath. When Vibheeshana could not return within the limited time that Ganesha had provided, the latter placed the idol there and went atop the Rockfort."

"Lord Ranganatha consoled Vibheeshana that while he will have to remain in Srirangam, he will provide darshan facing Lanka in the South. When the disappointed king of Lanka expressed keenness to have a darshan of his special walk, Lord Ranganatha asked him to the ‘Eastern Home’."

It was on the Amavasai day that Vibheeshana reached Thiru Kannapuram, the Eastern Gateway and his wish was fulfilled for Sowri Raja Perumal presented him with a special walk.

By 11am, a hundred devotees had gathered in front of the Sannidhi to watch the Thirumanajanam of the moolavar as well as the utsavar.

Muralidharan is in his 30s and has been fighting a battle to secure the hereditary archaka service that his forefathers have been performing at this Divya Desam for centuries but he has not yet got the official permission. Unmindful of this, this being his appa’s service day at the Perumal Sannidhi, he delighted the devotees with a patient presentation of Moolavar Neelamegha Perumal Thirumanjanam.

Sowri Raja Bhattar then presented the Thirumanjanam for the utsavar deity, Sridevi, bhoodevi, neeladevi thayar and andal.

Koora Kulothama Dasa, a descendant of one of the 74 of Ramanuja, is now 87 years old and has been performing service at this temple for over six decades. He sees this day as yet another opportunity for him to be at the presentation of the Vedas during the Thirumanjanam. He recites the verses of Periyazhvaar relating to sacred oil bath of the Lord (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2015/08/krishna-special-oil-bath.html).

வெண்ணெய் அலைந்த குணுங்கும்

விளையாடு புழுதியும் கொண்டு

.....எண்ணெய் புலிப் பழம் கொண்டு

எத்தனை போதும் இருந்தேன்

In 2016, he had had a long conversation with this writer on this Divya Desam in the decades gone by. He has now aged further but devotion is not lost on him. His thoughts are already on the Maasi Utsavam starting next week and he has conversations with those around on this utsavam.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar scores a century at Kannapuram

Along with Nachiyar Koil, Thiru Kannapuram is one of the two Divya Desams where Thirumangai Azhvaar has praised the Lord with a century of verses. The verses from the Saint Poets point to the vibrancy of this Divya Desam a 1000 years ago.Thiru Mangai Azhvaar travelled to temples across the length and breadth of TN to experience both the temple towns as well as the Lord.

He found something truly special in the people, the festivals and the beauty of the Lord at Thiru Kannapuram for he dedicated a century of verses to Sowri Raja Perumal. He provides great insights into Thiru Kannapuram as a location by the Sea Shore, the unflinching devotion of the people who visited the festivals, the green fields around the temple and the handsome features of the Lord.

Unforturnately, now in remote divya desams such as Thiru Kannapuram, there are not a lot of Kainkaryaparas to support the Chief Priest and those like Sowri Raja Bhattar scout around to get at least a few to support him with preparing the panchamirtham and the like on days like this.

துன்னு மா மணி முடிமேல் துழாய் அலங்கல்

தோன்றுமால் என்கின்றாளால்

மின்னு மா மணிமகர குண்டலங்கள்

வில் வீசும் என் கின்றாளால்

பொன்னின் மா மணி ஆரம் அணி ஆகத்து

இளங்குமா என்கின்றாளால்

கன்னி மா மதில் புடை சூழ்

கண்ணபுரத்து அம்மானை கண்டாள்கொலோ

A Grand decoration as described by Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

It is just past 1pm on this Maasi Amavasai, when the screen opened and to the delight of the devotees, Sowri Raja Perumal decked in glittering jewellery and a colour flower garland presented the special Kaithala Sevai and his ‘Srirangam Lord’ walk in memory of the historical episode. Four Kainkaryaparas along with Sowri Raja Bhattar and his son standing on each side made a slow and inch by inch walk to the front mandapam carrying Sowri Raja Perumal by their hand.

This amavasai afternoon was one of great happiness for Vibheeshana for he had just had a look at this special walk of Perumal and the Kaithala Sevai, with the Lord keeping to his promise of providing him with the ‘Ranganatha’ walk every Amavasai. With Sowri Raja Perumal standing in front of Vibheeshana, the Lord presented his mariyathai to the King of Lanka blessing him with his Shatari and providing him with a Deepaarathanai.

Vibheeshana - Darshan of the Walking Beauty of Perumal

Sowri Rajan - Darshan with a special plait

Also, on this afternoon, devotees were thrilled to have darshan of the special plait on Sowri Raja Perumal's hair.

Legend has it that a king's presentation of a flower garland did not reach Thiru Kannapuram. To save himself from the king's wrath, the priest organized a garland from his house and placed it around the Lord. When the king found a extra hair in the garland, the priest defended saying that the Lord’s own and promised to show the king the next morning as well. In a gesture of the priest's committed service, the Lord saved the priest by displaying his long plait to the King. Hence, the name Sowri Rajan.

This Thursday afternoon was another occasion when Sowri Raja Perumal provided darshan with that special long plait.

Special Pongal every night

A devotee who used to have his daily food only after presenting to the Lord could not present one evening as the temple was closed and hence presented the food from outside the temple. When the temple doors opened the next morning, the entire temple smelt of Sweet Pongal. To mark this episode, Pongal is served every night to the Lord - another special feature at this temple.

The day had been made for the good number of devotees who stayed till past 1.30pm for this special darshan on this Amavasai day. Many aged Senior Citizens too had made their to Thiru Kannapuram this afternoon specially to have darshan of the Kaithala Sevai, this special walk for the sake of Vibheeshana and long plait on the back of Sowri Raja Perumal's hair.

By the time Sowri Raja Perumal made his way to his abode, the cook at the madapalli had prepared a sumptuous meal and the devotees lined up the outer prakara to be served with Chakkarai Pongal, Puliyotharai and Dhadhyonam even as they discussed among themselves the historical episode and the legend relating to this Amavasai Sevai.

It had been a devotionally intense day for the devotees who had come afar for this special Amavasai darshan and they went back after a satisfying darshan and a stomach filling meal.

Sowri Raja Bhattar and his son Muralidharan head back to their home on North Street happy to have presented the Kaithala Sevai to Vibheeshana on this Maasi Amavasai day.

Celebrating the Chozha King’s first Mada Koil in a Grand Style with a Royal Procession around the four streets

On the occasion of Maasi Sathayam, the great Chozha King Ko Chenganan, who built the first of the Mada Koils at Thiruvanaikaval, was taken around on a royal two hour procession around the four streets of Thiruvanaikaval on Friday evening. The recognition of his contribution to Thiruvanaikaval was seen this evening in the way the Sripatham Thangis decorated the palanquin befitting the king who ruled from Uraiyur, where co-incidentally it was the last evening of the ten day Adyayana Utsavam at the Kamalavalli Nachiyar Divya Desam.

The Jambukeswarar temple dating back to the 5th century AD is an architectural marvel with high roofs, five huge prakaras south of the Coloroon, towering Gopurams in the East and the West and Nava Theerthams. Thiruvanaikaval is the first of the ‘Maada Koils’ built by Ko Chenganan Chozha. In recognition of his great contribution to temple architecture and as the one who built the Thiruvanaikaval temple, Ko Chenganan’s idol is seen inside the temple.

அம்பரமும் பெருநிலனும் திசைகள் எட்டும்

அலைக்கடலும் குலவரையும் உண்டகண்டன்

கொம்பமரும் வடமரத்தின் இலைமேல் பள்ளி கூடினான்

திருவடியே கூடாகிற்பீர்

வம்பவிழும் செண்பகத்தின் வாசம் உண்டு

மணி வண்டு வகுலத்தின் மலர் மேல் வைகு

செம்பியன் கோச் செங்கணன் சேர்ந்த கோயில்

திருநறையூர் மணிமாடம் சேர்மின்களே -Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

High Devotional Fervour on Friday evening

The entire temple complex wore a celebratory look on Friday evening. Grand decorative lights drew an inquisitive enquire from outstation devotees. The Shiva Adiyars gathered at the temple just after 6.30pm and began their recital of the Thevaram verses even as the Sripatham personnel were giving the final touches ahead of the procession. The Udal contingent was present in large numbers at the Western entrance as they began beating the drums even as Ko Chenganan Chozhan made his way from the Vahana Mandapam just after 7pm. As the procession gathered pace, they went into a bliss with their vigour increasing manifold after having a look at Ko Chenganan in a grand alankaram and the decoration of his palanquin as they beat the udal repeatedly without a break over the two hours of the procession.

A Royal Procession amidst a huge devotee turnout

Hundreds of devotees raised in chorus the name of this Chozha King praising his greatness. At the Western entrance, Ko Chenganan was moved into the colourful palanquin driven by horses. It is not often that one sees such a huge crowd at Thiruvanaikaval but on this Friday evening, devotees congregated at the western entrance. Young boys presented the ring fire play through the entire procession.

Even as Ko Chenganan Chozha made his way from the Vahana Mandapam, the Sripatham Kainkaryaparas had climbed on to the roof of the temple and showered flowers from atop on the Chozha King as he passed by each Gopuram.The streets of Thiruvanaikaval were decked with white pulli kolams as residents came out of their homes to pay their respects to Ko Chenganan for his contribution to build the temple with the huge walls similar to Thiru Mangai Azhvaar building the tall walls at Srirangam. After having presented the sacred verses ahead of the procession, Othuvar Srinivasan Ramani, as has been the case in recent times, made his way far ahead of the Udal to present the sacred verses all alone around the four sacred streets.

The First Maada Koil

Devotional excitement was palpable among everyone present this evening including a large bunch of overseas visitors who were thrilled to hear the legendary story of Ko Chenganan as to how he built this first Mada Koil at Thiruvanaikaval.

The story goes that two devotees – Pushpavana and Mayavana were involved in the process of plucking flowers from the Nandavanam and presenting to the Lord. One day, an argument arose between the two as to who had presented more flowers and they ended up killing each other in the fight that ensued. But having been true devotees through their lives, Lord Shiva provided them darshan at Kailasam and blessed them into a birth as a spider and elephant in this Gajaranya Kshetram. Provided with an opportunity to serve the Lord, the Spider provided shade to the Lord through its cobweb, while the elephant performed pooja removing all the dirt around the lord, bringing water for Abhishekam, plucking flowers and fruits and providing sandalwood.

One day, angered at finding a cobweb above the Lord, the elephant swung his tail and hit out at the web as he saw it as dirt. In retaliation, the spider entered the nose of the elephant. Stung with unbearable pain, the elephant died. The spider caught inside elephant’s body too died of suffocation. And thus for the 2nd time, they entered Kailasam. When asked for a wish, the elephant asked for this place where he performed pooja with sincerity to be named after him. Hence this place came to be called Thiru ‘Aanai’ Kaval. The spider asked to be born as a King who would build everlasting temples.

The spider was thus born as Ko Chenganan Chozhan. Ahead of his birth, an astrologer had suggested that if the child was born during a specific time slot, he would become a great king and serve the Lord through his lifetime. Unfortunately, his mother Kamalavathi was slated for a pre delivery. Determined to have the child only during the specified slot, she asked her maids to tie her and hang here upside down till the specified time arrived. And thus she ensured that her son was born only at that specified time. As the blood circulation had been disrupted, the child was born with red eyes. The mother called him ‘Ko’ ‘Chenganan’ (the one with red eyes) and died immediately after his birth.

Ruling from Uraiyur, the then capital of the Chozhas, Ko Chenganan crossed the Cauvery and found an idol of Shiva beneath the tree. He also remembered his life as a spider when he had provided shade right above. His devotion touched a peak and he built Thiruvanaikoil as his first Saivite temple. With two life time incidents of having fought with the elephant, he carried his anger into this life as well. All of the Saivite temples built by him either had a narrow entrance into the sanctum or a high rise that an elephant could not climb.

Navarasu is just 20 years old and is in his final year of his learning of the sacred verses at the Patshala in Moolathoppu in Srirangam. He is keen to don the role of an Othuvar soon after he graduates. But on this evening, he donned a prominent and proactive role as a Sripatham during the procession especially when Ko Chenganan was mounted on to the palanquin at the start of the procession and when he alighted well past 9.30pm at the Western entrance.

On to the South Ul Veethi, Shiva Adiyars presented fruits and sweets to the devotees in celebration of Ko Chenganan Chozhan.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar delighted with Ko Chenganan

So delighted was Thiru Mangai Azhvaar by the architectural beauty of Thiru Naraiyur that he dedicated a complete decad to praising Ko Chenganan.Ko Chenganan's anger against elephants is reflected not just in Saivite temples but at the Naraiyur Nambi Perumal Temple. In his praise, he refers to the Srinivasa Perumal temple as the first Vaishnavite temple built by Ko Chenganan after the construction of 70 Saivite Maada Koils.

இருக்கு இலங்கு திருமொழி வாய் என் தோள்

ஈசற்கு எழில் மாடம் எழுபது செய்து உலகம் ஆண்ட

திருகுலத்து வள சோழன் சேர்ந்த கோயில்

திருநறையூர் மணிமாடம் சேர்மின்களே

The elephant may not have been allowed into the inner mandapam of the temple due to Ko Chenganan’s anger but on this special evening for the Chozha King, the elephant seemed to have forgotten the past and led the procession blessing the devotees on the way.

Interestingly, a couple of Shiva Adiyars were delighted to hear the story of Ko Chenganan even building a Mada styled construction in a Perumal Koil. In 2023, when the consecration took place at Nachiyar Koil, the first Perumal Mada Koil built by Ko Chenganan, the Shiva Adiyars from Thiruvanaikaval had the privilege of presenting garlands and other Kainkaryams in memory of Ko Chenganan and their presence at Nachiyar Koil was well received the priests of the Divya Desam.

Voyali - The Culminating piece

Devotees continued to stay in good numbers till almost 10pm when Ko Chenganan made his way back to the temple presenting the Voyali near the Dwajasthambam. This procession on Maasi Sathayam has been a great revival at Thiruvanaikaval and on Friday evening to many it brought back memories of Ko Chenganan Chozhan and his contribution to this Paadal Petra Sthalam.

End of the road for the 'Red Shirted' Porters at Railway Stations

The battery operated passenger ferry service is gaining popularity among train travellers. At the Thanjavur Station, the service that picks passengers especially senior citizens from one platform to another for a fee of Rs. 30 (per passenger) has caught the fancy.

On any day, each battery cab does at least a 100 drops. The passengers have also found this service useful when their compartment is right in front near the engine while the entrance to the station is at the rear of platform 1.

The operator told this writer on Thursday that this is particularly popular for passengers boarding the Uzhavan and Chozhan express.

Also, this service is useful for this alighting at the Thanjavur stations on platforms 2 or 3 for them to make it to the entrance on platform 1.

In the decades gone by, one had been accustomed to porters in red shirt picking up heavy luggage and taking passengers to the compartments. With the development of technology, porters have been replaced by battery operated shuttle service between platforms, signifying in a way the end of the red shirted porter service.

https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/09/thanjavur-station-retiring-room-bathing.html

This man coached Rachin Ravindra in Chennai to a set of series winning knocks late last year in the test series against India. He is now working on getting the next gen of CSK Academy cricketers to the highest level in cricket

Close to 25 centers, strong remote towns presence and an overseas expansion

It is a Sunday afternoon and those he had coached during his long stint in New Zealand are to take the field in the Champions Trophy final against India. But 38 year old Sriram Krishamurthy makes time at short notice to talk to this writer on how his engagement with the CSK Academy has been. Rachin Ravindra has been in very good form of late and Sriram’s mind tells him that NZ will lift the trophy. In the not too distant past, Sriram Krishnamurthy made an impactful difference and played a major contributory role in New Zealand’s 3-0 demolition of India in the test series.

Rachin Ravindra scored a century in the first test match and a 60 in the second. For a month prior, he had worked with Sriram at the CSK Academy on the finer aspects of playing in Indian conditions and taking on the Indian spinners and the results were there to see. He has just scored a couple of hundreds in one day cricket in the Champions Trophy to become an important all format player for the Kiwis. Sriram does not talk much about the players he has coached but a lot of the background work on Rachin being mentally and technially prepared for the India battle was done at the CSK Academy nets in Chennai by Sriram.

Finally an association with cricket in TN

In New Zealand, Sriram Krishnamurthy had worked with the likes of Tim Southee, Kane Williamson and Wagner in addition to Rachin and Devon (Conway). While he enjoyed his overseas stints greats and continues to engage with those, he had always wanted to contribute to cricket in TN. And here he was in early 2023 making a move back to Chennai to fulfil that lifetime wish and to coach at the grass root level with young unknown kids who had not yet made a mark in cricket. “I clearly knew the challenges ahead of me when CSK approached me to take to the role of the head coach of the CSK Academy. They spoke with passion on where they wanted to take the academy and that resonated in me in terms of contributing to TN cricket, something that I had been wanting to do ever since I decided to make cricket my professional career.”

Sriram is also happy that his two young sons will be growing up in a traditional environment in Chennai and that they will get to see our rich culture at an early stage in their life, something that he and his wife really value.

Wants to see his coaches in districts succeed

In the last 2 years, Sriram has hired over 125 coaches many of them aged below 30 to work with kids in the districts and says that his greatest joy has been in seeing his coaches succeed“My biggest happiness as I look back on these two years at the CSK Academy has been the fact that the coaches here are in synch with my vision for the kids. If any of these kids are now beginning to make their way into the age group squads for TN, the credit for that goes to these coaches. From the outset, when we began hiring them, we knew that they have come here for a long term career and that they have to take care of the family. CSK has taken to this completely professionally and have provided the coaches with PF, Gratuity and other long term financial benefits. This is something unheard of in the past for a coaching academy. I believe that the coaches have taken a great step forward in the creating the next generation of cricketers who sometime in the future will play for the state and in other forms of cricket at the highest level.”

Sriram's success at CSK Academy

He is looking forward to the day when the entire coaching eco system at the CSK Academy will function independently without his presence “I have always held that even without my presence the coaches should be able to hold their own in terms of the coaching vision. I think we have been able to make solid progress on this front in the time I have been here.”

Sriram is happy that the impact of this coaching eco system is positively impacting the district cricketers, and boys and girls from remote towns in TN are now making their way into the TN age group squads as can be seen from their contribution in the current season.

Great Exposure for teenaged cricketers

2000 cricketers in TN are now being coached all through the year in the CSK Academy at different locations and a number of them are now getting exposure in league cricket in Chennai. Sriram is happy that some of the CSK Academy students are being spotted and picked by non India Cements team in the first division, an indication of the real progress made by these players. He dispels the myth that the CSK Academy is only about grooming players for the CSK team. “I have often heard this comment that this Academy is all about getting players ready for CSK. But as the Head Coach, my role is to create top quality players who will be ready to take on any challenge on the field. Once in the auction, any player could be picked by any franchise and hence it is a myth that only CSK will have access to our academy players. They could play for any team in the first division or for any franchise in the IPL but they should be at home anywhere in any team.”

Sriram himself has recently had exposure to the IPL auction with him being present in an internal mock auction of CSK, again something that surprised him as an opportunity.

CSK Academy growing rapidly

When this section wrote a story on Sriram after he decided to move from the Kiwi land to Chennai in early 2023 (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/11/sriram-krishnamurthy-head-coach-super.html), CSK Academy had just two centers. But in these 24 months, it is touching on 25 and expanding rapidly including in overseas locations. The academy is focusing on Tier 2 and 3 towns in Tamil Nadu and very soon will expand into more smaller towns.

Sriram is delighted that the CSK Academy management has given him opportunity to even engage in business conversations and that is something he had not expected. He feels that he has been greatly empowered by the CSK management “Kasi (Sir), George (Anna), Louis ( Anna) and the small sized leadership team have given me great exposure by allowing me to engage with prospective franchisees for our academy expansion. And that has been a great opportunity for me to enter into the business side in addition to the coaching aspect that is core to my job. It was yet another occasion when they made me feel that my opinion counts.”

National Teams- opportunities come his way

During these two years, CSK has given him the freedom and flexibility to coach international teams like he had when he was in New Zealand earlier. In the recent past, Sriram Krishnamurthy has coached the NZ women’s team in Sri Lanka and the West Indian A team. He has also been the head coach of the NZ A team. He also put through a deal between CSK and NZ board that resulted in Black Cap players coming to the CSK Academy to train.

In December last, Sriram was invited by the West Indies board to coach their players at their national camp. Once again, Sriram says that CSK was kind enough to allow him to take up this opportunity and this has allowed him to enjoy the best of both worlds – engaging with international cricketers as well as coaching at the grass roots level in Tamil Nadu.

Later this year, he will be engaging with the West Indies players during their tour to India.

World Class cricket infra in the TN Districts

The CEO of CSK KS Viswanathan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2015/02/ks-viswanathan-tnca-bcci-ipl.html) is pleased with the progress made by CSK Academy."In a short period of time, we have been able to attract good coaches as well as students in thousands to our academy. Having come from a small town (Kallidaikuruchi) near Tirunelveli, the cricketing opportunities in South TN were very limited in the 1960s and 70s and I had to come to Chennai to get the much needed exposure. Today through our CSK academy we have been able to take cricket coaching to the interiors of the state and young boys in the districts now have access to the best of cricketing infrastructure and the results are there to see with district cricketers making their way into the state squad in age group cricket."

"Also, as a business opportunity, the CSK brand has been able to attract franchisees in small towns in TN and that has helped expand the CSK Academy network quite rapidly in the last two years."

His Big Cricketing Wish

The India New Zealand final is just a few minutes away and this writer has long overshot his time. Sriram is eager to get to the match and leaves the conversation in a happy frame of mind looking back at what has been a glorious two years at the CSK Academy with a big wish of one day coaching a national team to a World Cup victory. Despite all his achievements, Sriram Krishnamurthy likes to remain low profile focusing on the job at hand. This section will write a story when that big dream becomes a reality some day in the future but for the moment he has moved on to watch Rachin Ravindra in action in the Champions Trophy final.

Purushottamar and Sundararaja Perumal provide joint darshan at the Kollidam banks in Srirangam on Wednesday on the occasion of Maasi Magam

Anbil Sundararaja Perumal

It is just 36 hours after the Bandha Katchi procession marking the end of the Maasi Theppotsavam in Srirangam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2019/02/srirangam-maasi-theppam.html). And devotees are back on Wednesday morning for the Maasi Magam utsavam when twin Divya Desam Lords made it to Kollidam banks in Srirangam.

Unseasonable rains did not deter devotees gathering in good numbers on the Kollidam river banks of Wednesday to have joint darshan of Purushottamar, Uthamar Koil Divya Desam and Sundararaja Perumal, Anbil Divya Desam on the occasion of Maasi Magam.

Purushottamar - Uthamar Koil

Heavy rains led to a postponement on Tuesday evening of the start of the procession of Sundararaja Perumal from Anbil, near Lalgudi and left only on Wednesday morning.

By 10am, both Purushottamar and Sundararaja Perumal had reached almost a dry Kollidam for Theerthavari utsavam. Devotees trickled in through the day to have a darshan of the Divya Desam Lords even as heavy rains flooded the streets of Srirangam.

But devotees began to throng the Kollidam banks in the evening and by 7pm, they were in hundreds for this once in a year joint darshan.

Vararadaraja Bhattar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2019/06/uthamar-koil-varadaraja-bhattar.html) is past 80 but is as devotionally excited as he was decades ago as he welcomes devotees to have darshan of Purushottamar.

பேராணை குறுங்குடி எம்பெருமானை

திருத்தங்காள் ஊரானை

கரம்பணுர் உத்தமனை

முத்திலங்கு காரார் திண்கடலேழும்

மலையேழ் இவ்வுலகேழுண்டும்

ஆராதென்றிருந்தானை கண்டது

தென்னரங்கத்தே -திரு மங்கை ஆழ்வார்

Anbil Sundararaja Perumal

A few yards away, Bhattars from Thiruvellarai and Koviladi Divya Desam have arrived to support Aravamudhan Bhattar of Anbil who himself is excited at the finalisation of the date of the consecration of the temple, whose restoration has been carried out by TVS' Venu Srinivasan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/04/venu-srinivasan-anbil-nambi-temple.html).

நாகத்தனைக் குடந்தை வெஃகா திருஎவ்வுள்

நாகத்தனை அரங்கம் பேரன்பில்

நாகத்தனைப் பாற்கடல் கிடக்கும் ஆதி நெடுமால்

அணைப்பார் கருத்தன் ஆவான் - நான்காம் திருவந்தாதி

It is past 7pm and the entire South Banks of Kollidam is beautifully lit with colourful lights. The decoration inside the Anbil section is top notch while the Bhattars at the Uthamar Koil section are happy at the devotees who have lined up to have darshan of Purushottamar.

Chakkarai Pongal, Dhadhyonam and Puliyodarai is presented to devotees at the Anbil section while at the nearby Purushottam part, sambar rice is handed out to devotees on the traditional leaf.

Soon after, Pilot ‘Bharath’ Araiyar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/01/barathwajan-araiyar-srirangam-goair.html) arrives happily announcing that for the 20th year in a row, he has been able to organise special and extra Thaligai from the Srirangam Madapalli for the Divya Desam Lords on the occasion of Maasi Magam. "Unlike Ranganathaswamy temple, the anbil temple may not have access to large quantities of Thaligai on this special occasion and hence I deemed fit to request the Srirangam temple to organise for additional varieties of Thaligai to be brought alongwith Ranganathaswamy's mariyathai for Sundararaja Perumal to Kollidam on this Maasi Magam evening" Araiyar Bharath told this writer on the Kollidam river banks on Wednesday evening even as he buys a toy for his son Aparajithan.

As is the case on such festive occasions, small entrepreneurs are busy selling their wares that range from toys to quick eats. Young boys immediately try out the toys while the elderly are tasting the Makkaa Cholam that has by now become a big hit with the visitors to the utsavam.

Past 9pm, devotees continued to throng in after the presentation of Thaligai even as trains pass by along the Kollidam bridge and the Anbil temple EO Venkatesan arrives for a darshan. The Srirangam temple Sripatham personnel, who are to carry Sundararaja Perumal to the wheeled vehicle are engaged in a conversation with Aravamudhan Bhattar on the exact time of departure on this late evening and are told that the return procession can start by 9.45pm.

Purushottamar

After almost 12 hours on this rainy day at the Kollidam banks, Purushottamar began his procession back to Uthamar Koil with the next big utsavam being the Oonjal and Serthi Sevai in the 2nd week of April while Sundararaja Perumal started out on his long procession back to Anbil via Lalgudi on the tyred vehicle even as a happy Aravamudhan Bhattar's thoughts lay centered around the upcoming Samprokshanam in the first week of May.

Five Utsava Nambi Deities provided through the night darshan atop the Garuda Vahana around the streets of Thiru Kurungudi on Wednesday

It was a once in a year night at the Azhvaars praised Vaishnava Nambi Divya Desam in Thiru Kurungudi on Wednesday (March 19). The occasion was the fifth day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam and devotees thronged the temple in large numbers to have darshan of the Five Nambi Garuda Sevai.

It was almost 2pm when Dhadhyonam and Puliyodarai Thaligai was presented to a couple of hundred devotees following the presentation of Periyazhvaar Thirumozhi and Thiruvoimozhi led by Sri Perarulala Ramanuja Jeer, who has been the Pontiff of the Thiru Kurungudi Mutt.

எங்கனேயோ அன்னைமீர்காள் என்னை முனிவது நீர்

நங்கள் கோலத் திருக்குறுங்குடி நம்பியை நான் கண்ட பின்

சங்கினோடும் நேமியோடும் தாமரைக் கண்களோடும்

செங்கனிவாய் ஒன்றினோடும் செல்கின்றது என் நெஞ்சமே - Namazhvaar

Sripatham Thangis - The traditional way

A most distinguishing feature of this temple town has been that despite all the changes that have taken place over the last century, the traditional activities continue in rich vein unlike many other Divya Desams. The traditional Sri Patham Thangis, who were in large numbers in the early part of the previous century, continue to carry the Lord on their Shoulders on all the festive occasions. Commendable is the service of the Sri Patham Thangis who patiently and with a great deal of devotion carry the Lord through the night on that occasion. There were over a 100 of them on the night and each one of them showed great devotional energy despite having to stop in front of every house around the four Mada Streets and the Sannidhi street.

Palli Konda Nambi

48 year old Murali Sthaneegam who was sacked from service about a decade ago by the Thiru Kurungudi Mutt, was bringing together Sripatham personnel to carry the five Garuda Vahanas from the vahana mandapam to the Purappadu mandapam. He continues to anchor the Sripatham service pooling in locals for the Panguni Brahmotsavam processions over the ten days. While he expressed sadness to this writer on being away from Sthaneegam service for such a long period of time, his face lit up talking about the Sripatham support he has been rendering for decades at this temple. He is at his dominant best as the clock ticks past 3pm getting his team members to get the vahanas to the eastern side of the temple.

From Thenthiruperai to support the five Garuda Sevai

There were quite a few interesting service personnel on this fifth day of the utsavam. The young Venkata Srinivasan (Rahul) Bhattar from Makara Kudai Kaathan Divya Desam in Thenthiruperai (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2021/10/thenthiruperai-rahul-bhattar.html) had arrived at Thiru Kurungudi on Tuesday night ahead of the fifth day festivities. Against the current trend, Maniyakarar of over two decades at the Thiru Kurungudi Divya Desam agree to present his graduate daughter to a Divya Desam Bhattar and thus Rahul Bhattar, despite performing archaka service in a remote perumal temple married a girl who spent all her life having darshan of Nambi at Thiru Kurungudi. With the severe shortage of service personnel at such remote divya desams, Rahul Bhattar provided the much needed support to the archakas of this temple through the day including during the alankaram.

Sudarshan has just been appointed as a Sannidhi Parichakar after he quit a high paying corporate job and moved back to his hereditary location on the North street in Thiru Kurungudi earlier this year. He was one of the most active on this day presenting huge quantities of Dhadhyonam to devotees after the Seva Kaalam Saatru Murai in the afternoon. And then for an hour in the evening, he lit the ghee lamp at all the Sannidhis in the temple. Later in the night he doubled up as a Sripatham and also presented the sacred Theertham to the devotees during the street procession.

The devotee crowd gathered steam after 6pm with several hundreds of them visiting the Nambi Sannidhis inside the huge temple. There were groups presenting Bhajans at the eastern entrance while residents drew large sized kolams in front of the temple ahead of the procession. The temple and the surroundings have been largely undisturbed. The mada streets are still inhabited by Vaishnavites and remain largely clean, something that one does not find in most other Divya Desams. There is certain freshness in the air that is missing in the larger towns and cities.

Meanwhile, inside the closed screen, the archakas were busy decorating the five Nambis on the respective Garuda Vahanas. Devotees also sought the blessings of the Jeer while the Lords were getting ready for the procession. By 8pm, the scheduled time of the start of the Garuda Vahana procession, the entire eastern entrance was packed with devotees with not an inch to move as they awaited the screen to open.

Why is the Garland so long and till Garuda's feet?

The Jeer arrived at 9pm and on his very first look at Vaishnava Nambi spotted the huge colourful garland hanging well below Garuda’s hands, something that is not the norm during the Garuda Sevai. Visibly upset, he immediately brought this to the notice of Ramanujam, the Maniyakarar at the temple and enquired with the priests of the day on the size of the garland.

Prabhandham Ghoshti

The Ghoshti presentation of Thiruviruttam marked the start of the procession. The first big moment of the evening was the Padi Erakkam Sevai at the Eastern Entrance with the devotees having a first close look of Nambi. Vaishnava Nambi led the procession followed by Veetriruntha Nambi, Palli Konda Nambi, Thirupar Kadal Nambi and Thirumalai Nambi.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi refers to Lord Shiva being present near Nambi at Thiru Kurungudi.

அக்கும் புலியின் அதளும் உடையார்

அவர் ஒருவர் பக்கம் நிற்க நின்ற

பண்பர் ஊர்போலும்

தக்க மரத்தின் தாழ்சினையேறி

தாய் ;வாயில் கொக்கின் பிள்ளை

வெள்ளிர உண்ணும் குறுங்குடியே -Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

For over four hours, the five Nambi Perumals provided darshan around the four Mada streets with devotees in every house presenting the Lord with huge garlands, coconuts and fruits. The Ghosti led the procession and completed the presentation of Thiruviruttam at the Eastern Entrance an hour into the procession with the five Lords still at the East Mada Street.

In the century gone by, the Prabhandham Ghosti and the Veda Parayanam presented a devotional treat to the residents with the numbers crossing a 100 during the Brahmotsavam Procession. With the exit of the traditionalists from their hereditary location in Thiru Kurungudi, the number of Prabhandham Ghoshti members has dwindled to 10-15 during the Garuda Sevai with a few coming in from other Divya Desams for this specific occasion including from Nanguneri (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/03/nanguneri-vanamamalai-divya-desam.html) and Srirangam.

Ananthan (Mani) Bhattar who now performs archaka service at the Thirumalai Nambi Sannidhi (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/10/thiru-kurungudi-thirumalai-nambi.html) up the hill was also present for the recital of the sacred verses at the procession.

Araiyar at the Prabhandham Ghoshti

It was here at the Azhagiya Nambi temple that Araiyar Sevai was introduced just over a 1000 years ago by Natha Muni. The South Mada Street was exclusive to the Araiyars. But that's now a thing of the past. For the Prabhandham Ghoshti, the 27year old Saranga Araiyar (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2025/02/appan-koil-sarangan-araiyar.html) made it from Azhvaar Tirunagari for the recital during the Street Procession

Sarangan Araiyar seen next to Jeer

Ghee Lit lamp lights up the South Mada Street

With the moon in the backdrop, the entire South Mada Street wore a traditional festive look with Thee Pandham lighting up the Lord as he made his way stopping at each home on the street blessing each of the resident devotee. Through this streets, devotees including young girls sang and devotionally danced their way behind the five nambis at the procession. It was a coming together of different people in the society and on this night they forgot all their differences as they immersed themselves in devotion amidst the five Lords.

It was past 11pm when he made his way to the West Mada Street. Clock had ticked past midnight but devotees on the North Mada Street stayed awake and waited at the entrance of their homes to have darshan of this once in a year Five Garuda Sevai procession. Almost close to mid night, a set of devotees came in from Mannar Koil, Ambasamudram. For years, they said they have been making their way to Thiru Kurungudi for this Five Garuda Sevai procession and they walked along with Nambi to the Eastern entrance.

The service personnel at the Srinivasan Services Trust of Venu Srinivasan too kept the office open and presented garlands to the Nambis as did the disciples of the Andavan Ashram at the Eastern end of the North Street.

Great burst of fire crackers

It was past 1am when Murali (ex Sthaneegam) ran in to ask the Sripatham Personnel, who had also come in from Srirangam and Azhvaar Tirunagari, for a big round of fire crackers had been planned at the Eastern entrance of the temple. For about ten minutes, it was a celebration outside the temple complex of the five Nambi Procession with fire crackers lighting up the sky much to the delight of the devotees.

Murali- Bringing together the Sripatham

The temporary road side stalls continued to make big business on the night with devotees taking a liking to the Sharbath and fruits.

The moon that was right above hid herself a bit under the clouds as Vaishnava Nambi turned on to the outer South Street with the clock ticking past 2am. Slight rain drops worried the service personnel as the five Nambis made their way on to the South Street.

Rain Drops past 2.30pm and Sripatham make a rapid run to Moksha Kaatchi

As Vaishnava Nambi made his way past the TVS Government School and the clock ticked to 2.30pm, harder rain drops led Murali to get the priests to skip the Thattu and directed the Sripatham personnel to make their way to West end of the South Street. The police personnel from the Police Station were waiting with the Thattu but they too were given a go by as in a fraction of a minute Vaishnava Nambi made a fast paced run to the middle of the Outer West Street where he was joined by the four other Nambis.

Moksha Kaatchi- West Street towards Mahendra Giri

About a hundred devotees had already gathered there for the 2nd big moment of the night, something that every resident of Thiru Kurungudi looks forward to every year during the Panguni Brahmotsavam. The Moksham darshan provided by the five Nambis to the Devas and Gandharvas on the historic Mahendra Giri Parvatham is an enactment that delights the devotees but unfortunately with the sudden decision to skip the Thattu on the South Street and the rapid sprint on the West Street, many of the devotees missed the Moksha Kaatchi where the Five Nambis face the Western side towards the Mahendra Giri and a Deeparathanai is presented to all of them.

Moksha Kaatchi

The Thattu was skipped on the Outer North Street as well and Vaishnava Nambi made his way back to Theradi before the clock had touched 3am leaving many of the residents stunned at the sudden turn of the events on the night caused by the rain drops.

Five Nambis Darshan

All those who missed presenting the Thattu on South and North Streets made their way to the Theradi and for well over an hour the archakas received the Thattu from these residents. The next moment of the procession came past 4.30am when the five Nambis presented themselves alongside each other facing the Eastern Entrance for a glorious darshan for the devotees who had stayed awake through the night. For an hour, he stayed put here on the Sannidhi street before Thiru Kurungudi Jeer arrived at 5.30am marking the return of the Five Nambis back to the temple.

After almost 9 1/2 hours on the streets of Thiru Kurungudi on this special fifth day Panguni Brahmotsavam procession, and following the Saatru Murai of the sacred verses by the Prabhandham Ghoshti members, Theertham, Shatari and prasadam was presented bringing to end the Five Nambi Garuda Sevai in Thiru Kurungudi.

Soon, it will be time for the next round of Thiruppani and devotees will not be able to have moolavar sevai for close to a year once the repair works begin.

Rameswaram temple JC comes back to Srirangam after undertaking a number of positive initiatives at the Ramanathaswamy temple over the last 18 months

JC Sivaram Kumar - Making a Srgm Comeback

There is relief amongst the staffers of the HR & CE at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam following the announcement of the transfer of JC Mariappan to the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai. The JC of the last 18 months had been a tough nut to crack and minced no words in getting his team to slog at the temple. He was ruthless on those who engaged in gossip and chit chat and assigned them to specific tasks and responsibilities. This was very different from the previous experiences the HR & CE staff had with the earlier JCs. Processes were streamlined so much so that it was not easy for anyone to get through to special darshan. During the Adyayana Utsavam and on the Panguni Uthiram day, he ensured that devotees could not cut through queues easily. He also questioned a lot of the requests from the media for special passes on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day this year and cleared only the genuine ones.

Last year, for the first time in a long time, he let go additional ticket income and closed the special ticket counter very early on the Panguni Uthiram evening in order to ensure that the Chariot Procession started on time the next morning . As per plan, the procession began at 8am around the Chitra Streets. This section had featured stories on the development steps initiated by JC Mariappan and his tireless work at the Srirangam temple (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/03/srirangam-panguni-uthiram-2024.html).

For a while he had been assigned additional charge of Pudukottai as well in 2024 and he would come to the Rangathaswamy temple in Srirangam late in the evening after visiting the Pudukottai temple and work well past 10pm each day. He was also clear that he would not interfere in the ‘Ul Thurai’ pooja and left those to the Kainkaryaparas.

His no nonsense approach did not always go well as the staffers had got used to a more leisurely working style in the time before him (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2024/12/srirangam-temple-jc-mariappan.html).

Outgoing JC Mariappan

Very soon, Sivaram Kumar, who was the JC here for a brief period in 2023, will make a come back, this time from the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram and take charge.

This section had in October 2023 featured a story on the developmental initiatives Sivaram Kumar had taken in Rameswaram, those that did not go well with the local agents there. But unmindful of the criticisms, he took some bold steps. The positive initiatives at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram included keeping away touts and agents misleading devotees and fleecing them for special darshan. He had also taken steps for the construction of bathrooms, toilets, chappal stands and lockers outside the temple complex, each of which were previously manned by private personnel who fleeced unwary devotees.

He managed to keep the fleecing agents away and streamlined the queue system with devotees having a new positive experience. Periodic announcements through a public address system alerted devotees from not falling prey to the agents. A 30000 litre purified water tank was installed to supply free water to the devotees. Across the temple complex, new fans were installed for those standing in the queue for darshan.

The toilet block at the North Gate as well as the locker room were completed during his 18 months stint as the EO. 850 mobiles can now be kept for Rs. 5 each compared to the Rs. 20 that was being charged previously by the private shops. At the new free slipper facility, 1000 pairs can be kept at any point of time.

A huge guest house measuring over 10000 sq ft has been reconstructed near the Rameswaram Railway station. Through this facility, the temple will be able to provide dormitory accommodation to 450 devotees and this will be of great utility value once the remodelled Railway Station is launched.

In May last, he anchored the removed of the unauthorised Shiva Lingam and Nandi in Dhanushkodi. He had told this writer then that local residents and guides had been misleading visiting devotees about this being the historical Shiva Lingam that Lord Rama performed Thiru Aradhana and collected money by fleecing unwary devotees.

It is unlikely that the staffers at the Srirangam temple will have any respite from hard work for Sivaram Kumar too is a tough task master and will not put up with any slack in work. For Sivaram Kumar, it will be a shift from one large highly crowded temple to another similar one where devotees throng the temple all through the year. He is all excited to be back for a longer term at the Ranganathaswamy temple and told this writer that he will ensure that a number of positive and devotee friendly initiatives will be undertaken at the Srirangam temple similar to the ones he took at the Rameswaram temple. To that extent, devotees can look forward to a peaceful and smooth darshan especially on high crowd days.

With the Panguni Uthiram festival set to take place in the second week of April, it will be interesting to see the positive initiatives the new JC takes at the Ranganathaswamy temple.

After 75 years

In a historic revival, Kallarpiran of Srivaikuntam and Vijayaasanar of Varagunamangai Divya Desam visited Thiru Pulingudi for a Joint Garuda Sevai procession on Wednesday

49 year Gopalakrishnan Bhattar has been serving as an archaka at the Kaisina Venthar Perumal Divya Desam in Thiru Pulingudi for close to three decades. He also doubles up as the madapalli cook through the year. His joy knew no bounds and was in happy tears late on Wednesday evening when he was two nearby Divya Desam Perumal join his own Lord at Thiru Pulingudi on a three Garuda Sevai procession. He was particularly delighted for it was an unexpected turn of events that led to Kallarpiran and Vijayaasana Perumal from Srivaikuntam and Natham Divya Desam make this trip on the fifth day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam at Thiru Pulingudi.

He recounted to this writer on Wednesday as to how he counted as his Perumal’s blessings for his over 25 years service at the Thiru Pulingudi Divya Desam, where his appa too had served for several decades “Earlier in March, when Gopalakrishnan Bhattar was exploring the possibility of a Theppotsavam, much to his delight, he came to know of the presence of the Lords of Srivaikuntam and Varagunamangai at Thiru Pulingudi. The historical register of records in the middle of the 20th century contained entries relating to expenses of the visit of the Perumal from these two Divya Desams to Thiru Pulingudi.”

And this led to a historic revival after over seven decades of the three Garuda Sevai on the fifth day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam at Thiru Pulingudi.

Nam Azhvaar's praise of these three temples

In the 2nd decad of the ninth canto of the Thiruvoimozhi, Nam Azhvaar refers to these three Perumals as being in Sayana Kolam at Pulingudi, a seated posture at Varagunamangai and providing darshan in a standing posture at Srivaikuntam.

புளிங்குடிக் கிடந்தது வரகுணமங்கையிருந்து வைகுந்தத்துள் நின்று

தெளிந்த என் சிந்தை அகங்கழியாதே என்னயாழ்வாய் எனக்கருளி

நலிந்த சீருலகம் மூன்றுடன் வியப்ப நாங்கள் கூத்தாடி நின்றார்ப்ப

பளிங்கு நீர் முகிலின் பவளம் போல் கனிவாய் சிவப்ப நீ காணவாராயே

In the week leading up to this revival, there were debates and discussions in the Nava Tirupathi region on this trip and the challenges around the procession. As has been his way over the last couple of decades, Gopalakrishnan Bhattar remained calm and unfazed “It has been a challenging fortnight for me especially given that I also had to make annual arrangements for the Brahmotsavam. In addition, since this was a revival for several decades, there were many questions raised but I have always looked to Kaisina Venthar Perumal for solution. And this time, I turned to him for his blessings”, he told this writer even as he moved on to get his Perumal ready for the fifth day utsavam.

Directional Programme Schedule

The Trust Board and the HR & CE at Srivaikuntam laid down the schedule for the day and communicated to all concerned. Kallarpiran was to start after 8am on Wednesday morning and along with Vijayaasana Perumal of Varagunamangai (Natham), they were to reach Thiru Pulingudi before 10am.

While it would have been a quiet mid week morning at Srivaikuntam, this Wednesday morning was an action packed one. By 8.30am, everything was in order and Kallarpiran was ready for the procession in the pallakku to Varagunamangai, 2kms east of this Divya Desam.

Thaligai was carried afoot from Srivaikuntam for presentation at Thiru Pulingudi. Vijayasana Perumal was ready at the eastern entrance of the Varagunamangai Divya Desam to welcome Kallarpiran. Shortly after 9.15am following the mariyathai and deeparathanai, the two made their way to Thiru Pulingudi, a km east of Natham.

காய்சின பறவைஊர்ந்து பொன்மலையின் மீமிசைக் கார்முகில்போல்

மாசினமாலி மாலிமானென்று அங்கு அவர் படக்கனன்று முன்நின்ற

காய்சின வேந்தே கதிர்முடியானே கலிவயல் திருப்புளிங்குடியாய்

காய்சின வாழி சங்குவாள் வில்தண்டேந்தி எம்மிடர் கடிவானே

Inside the Kaisina Venthar Perumal temple, devotees had gathered in good numbers to have an early darshan of Kallarpiran and Vijayaasanar. The nagaswaram and melam bands had begun performing even as Gopalakrishnan Bhattar made his way to the entrance of the temple to receive the Perumal from the two Divya Desam.

After the welcoming event, Kaisina Venthar made his way around Mada Streets in a Pallakku as part of the fifth morning procession of the Panguni Brahmotsavam with two Prabhandham members reciting the sacred verses.

Around a 100devotees placed themselves in front of the three Lords ahead of the Thirumanjanam. Periyazhvaar’s decad on Krishnan’s oil bath was presented by the Prabhandham members while the respective temples presented the Thirumanjanam oil to the devotees.

Following the Thirumanjanam, the prabhandham members of Kaisina Venthar temple presented the sacred verses on this fifth day of the Brahmotsavam after which Kadamba Saatham and Dhadhyonam was distributed to the devotees. It was well past 1pm when the events of the first half came to an end.

The word had spread among the residents of Nava Tirupathi on the revival of the three Garuda Sevai procession and shortly after 6pm, devotees thronged the Thiru Pulingudi Divya Desams coming by auto, car and van. Outstation devotees who were making a trip to the Nava Tirupathi Divya Desam on this Wednesday expressed surprised at this blessing they received with them being able to witness a three Garuda Sevai that was coming alive after a break of several decades.

Support archakas including from Varaha Perumal temple Kallidakurichi had arrived in the evening for the alankaram of each of the three Perumals and they began decoration of Garuda and Perumal even as devotees made their way to have a darshan of the Moolavar seen in a Sayana Kolam and then went around the Sannidhi to have a darshan of the feet of the Lord from the northern wall of the sanctum.

By 8pm, the entire eastern entrance was packed with devotees waiting for the first glimpse of the Lords atop the Garuda Vahana.

The big door at the eastern entrance was shut for a few minutes while the Sripatham Personnel carried Kaisina Venthar on their shoulders and much to the delight of the devotees, the doors opened even as Gopalakrishnan Bhattar presented the deeparathanai. Soon, after the three Perumals provided joint Garuda Sevai in front of the Eastern Entrance.

For the next two hours, the three Lords made their way, first around the four Mada streets and then around the outer streets of Thiru Pulingudi with residents welcoming the Lords to their homes with fruits and garlands. The schedule had been for Kallarpiran and Perumal to return to their respective temples by 10pm but this was a historic occasion with the residents of Thiru Pulingudi bursting fire crackers and rocket shots along the procession and devotees turning out in good numbers at every street. It was past 10pm when the three Lords made their way back inside the Kaisina Venthar temple.

எங்கள் கண்முகப்பே உலகர்களெல்லாம் இணையடி தொழுதெழுந் திறைஞ்சி

தங்களன் பாரத் தமது சொல்வளத்தால் தலை தலைச் சிறந்து பூசிப்ப

திங்கள் சேர் மாடத் திருப்புளிங்குடியாய் திருவைகுந்தத்துள்ளாய் தேவா

இங்கண் மாஞாலத்திதனுளும் ஒருநாள் இருந்திடாய் வீற்றிடன்கொண்டே

After unmounting the Garuda Vahana, Kallarpiran and Vijayasana Perumal began their return trip to their respective temples after 11pm. 29 year old Ramanujam Bhattar has been at the Srivaikuntam temple for a decade and he too was happy taking this procession as the will of his Perumal. It was past midnight when a Thirumanjanam was performed for Kallarpiran at Srivaikuntam following the procession.

The happiest man on the night was Gopalakrishnan Bhattar. It had been a momentous day for him. He has been performing service all alone at the temple in the last many years and the joint Garuda Sevai darshan of his perumal alongside the other two Divya Desam Perumal was a high point in his almost three decades long Kainkaryam at the Kaisina venthar temple as he took a well earned rest after reaching home at 1.30am recalling the glorious Garuda Sevai procession of the evening.

Nachiyar Koil Kal Garuda Sevai 2025 January

Veenai Ekantham Ranganathan CA rank holder

Srirangam Sripatham Kannan

Sarangapani Koil Thai Amavasai Serthi Sevai

Thiruvanaikaval Thai Theppotsavam Rishabha Vahana Procession

Srirangam Thai Bhoopathi Thirunaal 2025

Srirangam Temple Abaranam shortfall Priests' JC letter

Thiruvanaikaval Golden Dwajasthambam

Srirangam Station New Retiring Rooms Dormitory 2025

Azhvaar Tirungari Nam Azhvaar Maasi Utsavam 2025

Appan Koil Sarangan Araiyar

Thiruvellarai Maasi Theppam revival

Thiru Kannapuram Vibheeshana Amavasai Sevai

Thiruvanaikaval Ko Chenganan Maasi Sathayam

Thanjavur Railway Station Battery Shuttle service

Sriram Krishnamurthy CSK Academy Head Coach Two Years

Maasi Magam Kollidam Uthamar Koil Anbil

Thiru Kurungudi Nambi Panguni Garuda Sevai

Srirangam Temple New JC Sivaram Kumar

Thiru Pulingudi Panguni Garuda Sevai 2025