Sri Shivalokathyagar Temple Achalpuram
A Gateway
to Moksha, (Mukti )
Moksha, (Mukti )
Release
from the cycle of rebirth impelled by the law of karma.
karma in Sanskrit means action. Every
action leads to another reaction, creating a never-ending circle of actions and
reactions—which could be negative or positive.
Achalpuram is historically known as
Tirunallur Perumanam Shivalokapuram, Mukthipuram, Thirumana Nallur and
Thirumanavai. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra
Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the medieval Tevaram poems
by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tiruganasambandar.
About the Temple
The
temple, facing east, with a five tiered Rajagopuram, stands majestically.
On the walk way of Rajagopuram we can see cow look like Nandhi .
Feed the cow before entering the Rajagopuram of the temple.
Indians we
believe cow symbolizes Mother, who is the giver of milk and Like mother who
feeds her children without asking anything in return life. Feeding cows is
auspicious– good karma.
Next to the tower is Nanda Mandapam and 100 pillar mandap in which Saint Tirugnanasambandar graces with Stotra Poornambikai in a wedding posture.
Facing east, situated next to this, are the shrines of Lord
Shivaloka Thyagarajar and Mother Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai. Lord Shiva was
worshipped in this temple by Lord Vishnu, Sages Kaka, Vasishta, Parasara, Brugu
and Jamadagni. In his Thevaram hymns, the temple is praised by Saint Tirugnana
Sambandar and also the 5th Lord Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery.
Since Goddess Parvathy herself gave Vibudhi (sacred ash) prasadam to the entire marriage gathering, Goddess Parvathy is called Thiruvenneetru Umaiyammai and this place is called Achalpuram. So, as a unique feature of this temple, Vibudhi prasadam is given in the Goddess’s shrine. This Vibudhi prasadam is considered very auspicious.
The name Achalpuram is believed to have been arrived at from “Aayal” which means Goddess Parvathi and “Puram” which means place in Tamil.
Another reasoning behind this name is that it is believed to have been derived from the name “Achariyapuram”. “Achariya” means learned guru and “Puram” means place in Tamil. This name signifies the fact that Saint Thirugnasambanthar attained salvation here as he is often referred to as “Achariya”.
Sages Vashishtar, Kakabujandar, Viswamithrar, Parasara, Jamadagni, Dhurvasar, Brigu and Manthatha were blessed with a vision of Shivalokam (Kailash darshan) after their rigourous penance here. For this reason, Lord Shiva of this temple is also praised as “Sri Shivalokathyakar”.
It is believed that Sage Kakabujandar travelled to this place by walking with his hands. He considered this place so sacred that he did not want to soil it by placing his feet there. It is believed that he was also one of the attendees of Sambanthar’s wedding and he also attained salvation here.
Lords Vishnu, Brahma, Murugan, Indhiran, Chandran, Ganga Devi and king Manthatha of Ayodya are also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Ambal: Tiru Vennetru Umai Ammai, Suvedha Vibhuti Nayaki
Sthala Theertham: Panchakkara, Ashwa, Vasishta, Athiri Jamadagni, Vyasa Mrigandu theerthams
Sthala Virksham: Mango
On the walk way of Rajagopuram we can see cow look like Nandhi .
Feed the cow before entering the Rajagopuram of the temple.
Feeding cow will cleansing Karma
Indians we
believe cow symbolizes Mother, who is the giver of milk and Like mother who
feeds her children without asking anything in return life. Feeding cows is
auspicious– good karma.Next to the tower is Nanda Mandapam and 100 pillar mandap in which Saint Tirugnanasambandar graces with Stotra Poornambikai in a wedding posture.
Sri Shivaloka Thyagar temple approximately 1300 years old dating
back to the Chola period . The marriage of Tirugnanasambandar
with Sthothra Poornambikai was held at this Shivasthalam . Goddess Parvati
hereself personally invited all the guests who came to attend the marriage. The
place is named after Ambal as ‘Achal’ Puram. ‘Achal’ Ambal had appeared here
and handed the sacred ash to those that had been present for Thiru Gnana
Sambandhar’s wedding. The Lord
Shiva graces in the temple as a Swayambumurthi.
This is the only temple where 4
Nayanmars – Thirugnanasambandhar, Thiruneelanakka Nayanar, Thiruneelakanda
Yazhpaanar, Muruga Nayanar – have attained Mukthi (Salvation). Apart from them,
Thiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar’s wife, Mathanga Soolaamaniyar also merged in the
Agni and attained salvation.Since Goddess Parvathy herself gave Vibudhi (sacred ash) prasadam to the entire marriage gathering, Goddess Parvathy is called Thiruvenneetru Umaiyammai and this place is called Achalpuram. So, as a unique feature of this temple, Vibudhi prasadam is given in the Goddess’s shrine. This Vibudhi prasadam is considered very auspicious.
The name Achalpuram is believed to have been arrived at from “Aayal” which means Goddess Parvathi and “Puram” which means place in Tamil.
Another reasoning behind this name is that it is believed to have been derived from the name “Achariyapuram”. “Achariya” means learned guru and “Puram” means place in Tamil. This name signifies the fact that Saint Thirugnasambanthar attained salvation here as he is often referred to as “Achariya”.
Sages Vashishtar, Kakabujandar, Viswamithrar, Parasara, Jamadagni, Dhurvasar, Brigu and Manthatha were blessed with a vision of Shivalokam (Kailash darshan) after their rigourous penance here. For this reason, Lord Shiva of this temple is also praised as “Sri Shivalokathyakar”.
It is believed that Sage Kakabujandar travelled to this place by walking with his hands. He considered this place so sacred that he did not want to soil it by placing his feet there. It is believed that he was also one of the attendees of Sambanthar’s wedding and he also attained salvation here.
Lords Vishnu, Brahma, Murugan, Indhiran, Chandran, Ganga Devi and king Manthatha of Ayodya are also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
The main deity is Shiva. He is called as Shivalokathyagar and
his consort is called as Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai..
Moolavar: Shivaloka ThyagarAmbal: Tiru Vennetru Umai Ammai, Suvedha Vibhuti Nayaki
Sthala Theertham: Panchakkara, Ashwa, Vasishta, Athiri Jamadagni, Vyasa Mrigandu theerthams
Greatness of this temple
This temple is considered to be a Mukthi Sthalam (a place to attain salvation).It is believed that worshiping Lord Rina Vimochanar (a form of Lord Shiva) here will clear all our debts and remove obstacles from marriage proposals. It is also believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to this lord. It is considered especially auspicious to worship him on Mondays.
In Goddess Thiruveneetru Ammai’s shrine, sacred ash is given as prasadam instead of the usual Kumkum. It is believed that by applying this sacred ash on their forehead, women will be blessed with a long and prosperous married life.
Tirugnanasambandar Wedding and
Mukthi on the same day
Tirugnanasambandar merging with Shiva Jyoti "divine light" with all the devotees gathered for his
wedding.
The history of Saint Tirugnanasambandar is the very history of Saivism philosophy stressing the ultimate
truth that reaching the Lotus feet of Shiva should be purpose of a meaningful
human life. Father Shivapada Hrudayar asked the Saint Son to marry which
though he refused first but gave in reluctantly thinking it to be the will of
Lord. Shivapada Hrudayar chose Poompavai, daughter of Sivanesan Chettiar as his
bride. But she died of a snake bite. Tirugnanasambandar restored her to
life with the grace of Lord and simply accepted her as his daughter
only. Shivapada Hrudayar then chose Mangai Nallal daughter of Nambiandar
Nambi of Nallur. The wedding took place at Achalpuram. Tiruneelanakka
Nayanar conducted the rituals.
Circumambulating the wedding fire
pit with his bride, Tirugnanasambandar prayed Lord Shiva to protect him from the
problems of a marital life and praised him with Kallur Perumanam hymn. Lord
Shiva appeared in the form of Jyothi "divine light" and advised the saint to join him along
with all gathered there. Losing himself completely to the Lord, Tirugnanasambandar sang
his last Pathigam (10 verses) highlighting the glory of Panchakshara Mantra
– Na Ma Shi Va ya. All merged with Jyothi "divine light" Lord collectively the same time.
This event is celebrated each year in the temple on the Moola Star day in the
month of Vaikasi – May-June.
Mother Parvathi offering Viboothi to
the guests during Sambandar Marriage:
As Achal-Mother, personally attended
the wedding of the saint and offered the Vibhuti Prasad to the guests, She is
praised as Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai.
People worshipped Shiva here:
Great sages as Vasishta, Parasara,
Jamadagni, and Brugu had the Kailash darshan here. Lord Brahmma secured
the creation boon from the Lord here, while Vishnu was granted the power of
destroying the wicked and demons. Indira had all the luxuries from Lord
Shiva at this place. Holy Ganga Devi performed penance at the entrance of
the place. Moon was relieved of his curse. Those worshiping in this
temple will become free of all adverse effects falling on them. Everyone worshiping Lord who embraced Saint Sambandar through the Shiva Jyoti is sure
to awarded total salvation.
Sage Kaka was reluctant to tread on
this land with his legs and used his head and performed penance sitting in the
Nirudhi corner – southwest. Tiruneelakanta Yazhpanar, Muruga Nayanar,
Tiruneelanakka Nayanar worshipped Lord in this temple. Sacred Ash-Vibhuti is
the Prasad offered in the temple. Applying this on the body cures the
devotee of all illness, frees him/her from sins and poverty and ensures the
Mangalya longevity of women, according to belief.
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1 comment:
Nice post.
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