Location: Tiruvellarai
near Tiruchirappalli
(Chola Naadu)
Vishnu: Pundareekakshan
Taayaar: Shenbakavalli,
Pankajavalli (Utsavar)
Theertham:Divya Pushkarini
Paasuram :Tirumangai, Periyalvar
Vimaanam:Vimalakriti Vimanam
Travel Base:Tiruchirappalli
Description: This Divyadesam is located
at a distance of 27 km from Tiruchirappalli, enroute to Turaiyur.
Deities:
Pundareekakshar, in a standing posture faces East. Shenpakavalli, and
Pankayachelvi are the names of his consort. There is a separate shrine
for Taayaar here. Pankajavalli is the name of her processional image.
The Temple:
This is a vast temple, with imposing walls. The main shrine has two entrances,
referred to as the Uttarayana Vaayil and the Dakshinayana Vaayil as in
the Sarangapani temple at Kumbhakonam. As implied by
their names, the Uttarayana Vaayil is open from the Tamil monsth of Thai
(Capricorn) onwards, until the month of Aadi (Cancer) from when on, the
Dakshinayana Vaayil is used.
In addition, the temple has another entrance referred to as the 'Naazhi
Kettaan Vaayil' where it is believed that Vishnu was intercepted and questioned
by his consort, upon his returning home later, after his sojourn. Images
of Sree Devi, Bhu Devi, Surya, Chandra and Aadiseshan (in human form)
are seen in the sanctum.
There are as many as 7 theerthams within the temple complex. Ramanujacharyar
is said to have lived here, and Manavalamaamuni and Desikacharyar have
also sung of this shrine.
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