First, let me start by wishing everyone a very Happy Onam.
On this auspicious occasion, let me introduce you all to one of the prominent temples in Vaishnava belief. We're gonna look at Trivikrama (‘Conqueror of Three Worlds’) temple in Thirukovilur town in Villipuram district.
Bhagwan in this temple is also known as ‘Ulagalantha Perumal’ (one who measured the worlds).
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and has third tallest Gopuram in the state, first and second being SriRangam and Srivilliputthur respectively. @RajiIndustani @wataboutery
The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. Moolavar here is said to be made of ‘Tharu-wood’ and said to be the tallest vigraha in country (not sure about this).
@HelloNNewman @desi_thug1
It is mostly in Shiva temples that we see Mother Vishnu Durga in the prakaras. Deities other than Vishnu and Vishnu tattvas are not generally seen in Vaishanava temples. In Thirukkovilur temple, Lord and His beloved sister Durga (maya form of Lord Vishnu) are in shrines nearby.
Of the Pancha Krishna sthalas or five great temples of Lord Krishna, Thriukkovilur is the first. The others are: 2) Tirukannapuram, 3) Tirukannangudi, 4) Tirukannamangai and 5) Kapisthalam. Bhagwan Krishna, made of Saligrama graces the devotees from a shrine on the right side of+
+ the gopuram entrance. The devotees must begin worship from this shrine and only then pass on to have darshana of the presiding Bhagwan Thrivikrama.
There’s a legend that the first three Azhwars (prominent Vaishnava saints) – Poigai Azhwar, Boodathazhwar, Peyazhwar –
had a chance meeting at this place, where Bhagwan gave them darshan. It is believed that Poigai Azhwar sought a place to take refuge from heavy downpour, he was directed to this temple by Rishi Mrigandu Ashram. Shortly after Poigai Azhwar’s arrival, Boodathazhwar also reached +
the same place. They both shared the place – which was enough for both them to sit. Soon enough, the third Azhwar – Peyazhwar also came and the other two Azhwars shared space with him. By now, all three of them could only stand comfortably.
@Kishoreciyer1 @InfoVedic @shri_v
However, soon they felt presence of a fourth, who was none other than Thrivikrama Perumal Himself. It is believed that all three Azhwars attained Moksha at this place with Bhagwan’s darshan.
The hymns sung by three Azhwars on how they’re blessed with Bhagwa’s darshan,
like lighting a lamp to disperse darkness. This hymn is still sung by devotees while lighting lamp in their house.
It is also believed that the Divya Prabandam, containing 4000 verses in praise of Bhagwan Vishnu, sung by 12 Azhwars over a period at various places,
has it’s beginning at this place.
On this auspicious occasion, I pray to Bhagwan Thrivikrama to bless all with life filled with health, wealth, happiness, and peace.
Once again, wishing you all a very Happy Onam!
Have great week ahead!
Source: various websites
Pics: Google
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