108 Divya-deshams: Thirukkachi, Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

Thirukkachi Theertham Tank

Feb 15, 2024 — CANADA (SUN) — A tour of the 108 Divya-desams, the divine abodes of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

The Varadharaja Perumal Temple complex covers an area of 9.5-hectares (23.5-acre), the many structures showcasing the architectural skills of ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis. There are three outer precincts (prakarams), namely, Alvar Prakaram, Madai Palli Prakaram and Thiru Malai Prakaram. There are 32 shrines, 19 vimanams (towers), 389 pillared halls (most having the lion type yali sculpture) and sacred tanks, some of which are located outside the complex. The main temple tank is called Anantha Theertham, and the temple hill is called Hastagiri.

Temple Corridor

The main sanctum faces west and can be entered through a 130 ft. tall, 7-tiered rajagopuram. The presiding deity, Sri Varadharajaswamy is designed in such a way that on the 15th day after Chitra Purnima, the rays of the Sun fall directly on the Lord. The presiding Deity is 10 ft. tall, made of granite in a standing posture, while Perundevi Thayar (Laksmi) is a 4 ft. tall image in sitting posture. The vimana over the sanctum of Varadharaja Swami is called Punyakoti Vimanam and the one over Perundevi Thayar shrine is called Kalyana Koti Vimanam.

Hastagiri's structure has murals of the late Vijayanagara empire on the ceiling. There is a shrine of Lord Narasimha on the hillock. The origin of Narasimha's mask is mysterious and believed to possess inexplicable powers.

Ninety-six ornate sculpted pillars in the main hall depict various legends from Mahabharat and Ramayana. The most notable sculptures are of Lakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Narasimha, Lakshmi Varaha, Lakshmi Hayagreeva, Rati and Manmatha. One of the most famous architectural pieces in the temple is the huge stone chain sculpted in a single stone.

Vasantha Mantapam, where Atthi Varadar is worshipped for 48 days after every 40 years

In addition to the presiding Deity, carved in stone, there is a wooden image of Varadharajaswamy made of Atthi (fig tree), which is preserved underwater in a secret chamber. It is brought out for worship only once every 40 years. The festivities last for 48 days, after which the Deity is immersed again in the water. A heavy downpour occurs after the Deity is immersed, to fill the tank. The festival was last held from July 1st to Aug 17th, 2019. The next Atthi Varadar festival will be held in 2059.

In the second precinct downstairs there are four shrines, the most important of which is the Malayala Nachiar (Kerala consort), presumably built during the Chera kings in the early 14th Century. There are also images of Alvars and Ramanuja in the second precinct.

The third precinct has the shrine of Goddess Perundevi Thayar. It is customary for devotees to visit Laksmi Devi's shrine first before visiting the main Perumal shrine. There are four small pillared halls, identical in structure, called Thulabara Mandapas built during the year 1532 for a ceremony of Achyutaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple complex precincts are Pradakshina Padha, Hastagiri Pradakshana, Madapalli Pragara, Alavandar Pragara, and Alvar Thiruveedhi. The Alavandar Pragara houses many shrines.

The temple car is believed to have been donated by Krishnadevaraya in 1517 CE. There are paintings in the temple commissioned during the 16th century during the rule of Vijayanagara kings.

Warhorse

There is a shrine of Chakratalvar (Sudarshana) on the eastern side of the temple tank. The image of Chakratalvar in the temple is depicted with six hands. The festival image of the temple has seven different images of Sudarshana depicted within the same chakra. There are two entrances to this shrine, as the two images are considered to be separate.

Sri Vedanta Desika mentioned the annual ten-day festival celebrated in May. In one verse he glorifies Lord Varadharajaswamy:

"He is the single root-source for this entire universe,
beginning with space, and all other elements;
like the pupil in the eye of the Vedas."

The Sun News Editorials Features Sun Blogs Classifieds Events Recipes PodCasts

About Submit an Article Contact Us Advertise HareKrsna.com

Copyright 2005, 2024, HareKrsna.com. All rights reserved.