Brahmotsavam And Sevas in Tirumala

Tirumala Brahmotsavam:-

Tirumala Brahmotsavam is a Hindu festival celebrated annually at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The festival continues for 9 days in the months of September and October.
It is believed that Lord Brahma was the first to start this festival. He worshiped Sri Balaji on the banks of the Pushkarini in Tirupati to thank him for the protection of mankind. Hence the festival bears his name ‘Brahmotsavam' which means Brahma's Utsav.

History of Tirumala Brahmotsavam:-

According to Hindu mythology the history behind this Festival traces to Lord Brahma (Creator of universe). It is believed that Lord Brahma worshipped Sri Balaji on the banks of the holy Pushkarini in Tirupati. Lord Brahma wanted to thank Sri Balaji for Balaji's protection of mankind.
Also, the name of this Festival "Brahmotsavam" traces its roots to the worship of Lord Brahma. People of the place celebrate this Festival of Tirupati with great enthusiasm and value it.

Importance of Brahmotsavam:-

Thousands of devotees every year gather to witness this grand Festival, participate in the rituals, and receive the blessings of Sri Venkateswara swami. The complete 9 day Festival is a memorable experience for all tourists and devotees. The feeling of complete bliss and heavenly connect is often termed as "Vaikunth anubhav".
On the first day of the Festival Garudadhwaja (flag with the emblem of a black garuda) is hoisted near the Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham. A procession then proceeds of Lord Venkateswara on the Pedda Seshavahana proceeds around four streets of the main temple for two hours until midnight.Ankurarpana and Senadhipati Utsavam are celebrated on the day just before the first day of Brahmotsavam.
In the Brahmotsav celebrations, the powerful snake transforms itself as the vehicle for god. The moral behind the prayers that are offered during Garodtsav, is to pray to God for a living with high values and morals.
‘Srivari Brahmotsavam Festival‘ which is held in the month of September to October is the very famous and the mostly celebrated festival of Tirumala Tirupathi Venkateswara temple, which will be celebrated in a great grand manner for about nine days every year.
Brahmotsavam Festival schedule conducted every year as below:
1st Day – Morning – Dwajarohanam , Evening – Pedda Sesha Vahanam
2nd Day – Morning – Chinna Sesha Vahanam , Evening – Hamsa Vahanam
3rd Day – Morning – Simha Vahanam , Evening – Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam
4th Day – Morning – Kalpavriksha Vahanam , Evening – Sarvabhoopala Vahanam
5th Day – Morning – Mohini Avatharam , Evening – Garuda Vahanam
6th Day – Morning – Hanumantha Vahanam , Evening – Swarnarathotsavam & Gajavahanam
7th Day – Morning – Suryaprabha Vahanam , Evening – Chandraprabha Vahanam
8th Day – Morning – Rathotsavam , Evening – Ashwa Vahanam
9th Day – Morning – Chakra Snanam & Pallaki Utsavam , Evening – Golden Tiruchi Utsavam & Dwajavarohanam.

First Day -Dwajarohanam:-

 It is a flag hoisting ceremony which will be conducted in the morning session. The flag will be adorned with the emblem of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu.

Pedda Sesha Vahanam:-

 In the evening the beautiful procession of Lord Venkateshwara is brought around the temple. The name of the Vahanam (vehicle) on which the Lord is carried is known as Pedda Sesha Vahanam, which will be in the shape of Adisesha.

Second day-Chinna Sesha Vahanam :-

The procession of Lord Venkateshwara is brought around the temple in Chinna Sesha Vahanam (Small vehicle) in the shape of Adisesha, which can be observed in the morning.
Hamsa Vahanam – The second night will be sparkle with Unjal Seva (Swinging ceremony) which take place at Uyala mandapam of Venkateshwara temple. After the Unjal Seva, a remarkable procession will take place, where Lord Venkateshwara will be housed on Hamsa Vahanam (a swan shaped vehicle).

Third day-Simha Vahanam:-

 The procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Simha Vahanam, a lion shaped vehicle, will be carried around, which can be noticed in the morning. Simha Vahanam is used in this procession, as it represents authority.

Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam :-

 The procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam, which is adorned with Pearls, can be observed in the evening.

Fourth day-Kalpavriksha Vahanam :-

 The procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Kalpavriksha Vahanam, a wish-fulfilling divine tree, will be discerned in the morning.

Sarvabhoopala Vahanam :-

After the completion of Unjal Seva (swinging ceremony) in the evening, the procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Sarvabhoopala Vahanam takes place. The Sarvabhoopala Vahanam signifies all the Kings on the earth.

Fifth day-Mohini Avatharam :-

The fifth morning of the festival starts with the grand celebration of Lord Vishnu as Mohini, the only female avatar of Lord Vishnu. The procession of beautiful idol of Mohini is carried on a palanquin, accompanied by Lord Krishna.

Garuda Vahanam :-

 Garuda Vahanam is considered to be the more sacred Vahanam among all other Vahanams. After the completion of Unjal Seva (swinging ceremony) in the evening, the procession of Lord Venkateshwara takes place in a grand manner where Lord is decorated with some sacred garlands with His main devotee and chief vehicle ‘Garuda‘ the king of birds as his vehicle.It is believed by the devotees that this ‘Garuda Sevai‘ is highly meritable to have darshan of the Lord seated on Garuda.

Sixth day-Hanumantha Vahanam :-

 The procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Hanumantha Vahanam, the mount of Lord Vishnu,and also the chief Devotee Lord Hanuman, can be observed. Spring festival is also observed on the same day.

Swarnarathotsavam & Gajavahanam :-

The procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Swarnarathotsavam, the golden chariot is observed in the evening. And tonight, the procession of Lord on Gajavahanam, the elephant shaped vehicle, is also observed.

Seventh day-Suryaprabha Vahanam :-

 The procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Suryaprabha Vahanam, the sun shaped vehicle, carried around the temple in the morning, can be perceived.

Chandraprabha Vahanam :-

 After the completion of Unjal Seva (swinging ceremony) in the evening, the procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Chandraprabha Vahanam, the moon shaped Vahanam, is admired.

Eighth day-Rathotsavam :-

 The procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Rathotsavam, a huge decorated chariot, is carried around the temple in the morning. The chariot can be carried even by the devotees who wish to carry the sacred Vahanam.

Ashwa Vahanam :-

After the completion of Unjal Seva (swinging ceremony) in the evening, the procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Ashwa Vahanam, the horse shaped Vahanam, can be observed.

Ninth day-Chakra Snanam & Pallaki Utsavam :-

on the final day, the Chakra Snanam & Pallaki Utsavam is held. In the temple tank, the Sudarshana chakra of Lord Venkateshwara is immersed by the temple priests and the devotees will take a holy dip in the temple tank and worship the Lord. This process is known as Chakra Snanam.
Golden Tiruchi Utsavam & Dwajavarohanam – The Brahmotsavam festival concludes with the event of Dwajavarohanam, the flag will be lowered. And mantras are chanted to pay obeisance to God. And the sandals and sacred Prasadam are distributed to the devotees.

Seva In Tirumala:-

On any day the sevas started from morning Suprabatham, Tomala Seva , Archana ,Kalyanotsavam, Arjita Brahmotsavam,Dolotsavam, Vasantotsavam ,Sahasra Deepalankara seva, and finally Ekanthaseva .
 
Suprabatha Seva:-

 Suprabatha Seva is done in early morning hours. Prathyusha Poojas starts with this Suprabatha Seva only. It is the first Seva done to Lord Venkateswara Swamy. It starts at 3.00A.m. Before this time temple Priests, Jeeyam Garulu, Ekangulu, Yadava Vamsikulu (Saniddigolla), who got the blessings of Lord Srinivasa come near the temple. They will ring the Temple bell near the Nagara Mandapam. First Sannidigolla enters into the temple through the Maha Dwaram. Then Preists also enters the temple. The keys of the temple are kept near the Kshetra Palaka near the Dwajasthamba and they will take his permission to open the temple doors. People who sing Suprbatham and the successors of Annamacharya will be ready along with their instruments to sing Maylukolupu (waking up Lord Srinivasa). Sannidhigolla opens the doors of BagaruVakili and goes inside with a Dhiviti (stick with fire) and Preists starts singing Suprabatham. It is followed by Sri Venkateswara Shotram, Prapathi, Mangala Sasanam. At the same time successors of Annamacharya play Thambura (musical instrument) and wake up Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Priests will now open the doors of Garbalayam and take the blessings of Lord Srinivasa by touching his feet and wakes him up. Curtain is placed in the front of the Lord. Main preist will offer Prasadam and Thambulam to the Lord. They will give  Navaneetha Harathi (Arthi) to the Lord. After reading Mangala Sasanam they will again open the doors and do Karpura Harathi and allow the devotees inside the temple. At this time the Darshan given by the god to the devotees is called as VISWAROOPA DARSANAM.  Around 200 to 250 devotees are permitted to view this Seva every day. The cost of the ticket is around 200Rs and can be purchased a day early from Vijaya Bank counter or procured from the Arjitham Officer by sending a D.D before hand.

Sudhi:-

 After Suprabhata Seva from 3.30 A.m to 3.45 A.m temple is cleaned. All the flower decorations done on the day before night are removed and dropped in the well which is called as Poola Bavi which is in the Sampangi Pradakshina . They do so see that no one else will again use them. This process is called as NIRMALYA SUDDHI.

 Archana:-

 Archana is also done in the early morning hours. For this pooja Jeeyam Garu (Priest) brings bamboo basket keeping it on his head which is filled with flowers and Tulasi garlands from the separate room which is meant for storing flowers. Before Archana, Abishekam is done to BOOGA SRINIVASA with Cow Milk, Turmeric water and, Sandal paste by chanting PurushaSuktam. After that idol is kept in its original place and Samprokshana is done to Boga Srinivasa and it is connected to the main deity with a golden thread. It is believed that through this thread power from the main deity flows to the Booga Srinivasa Idol. Pooja is done to main Deity and then Alankaram is done. By using Camphor Namam symbol is made on the face of Lord Srinivasa. He is also decorated with Yagnopaveetham. Later Lord Venketeswara’s feet, which are made of gold are kept on a (peetam) and Abishekam is done to them. 

Thomala Seva:-

 This Seva is also called as BHAGAVATHI ARADANA. As a part of this Seva Lord is decorated with flowers. In 6 days of a week this Seva is done after Suddhi. Only on Fridays after Abishekam, ThomalaSeva is done. This Seva is done between 3.45-4.30 A.M everyday but on Fridays it is done between 7-8 A.M. Ticket price is 220Rs and can be purchased daily at the beginning of the Vijaya bank or purchased from the agent Arijitham by sending a draft request. After ThomalaSeva Durbar is conducted in Thirumamani Mandapam to Koluvu Srinivasa for 15 minutes. Panchangam and Usthavas to be conducted on that day are read out and accounts of the before day including denominations are handed over to Baliberam (Koluvu Srinivasa). Later Prasadam made of Sesame (Nuvvulu) and Jaggery (Bellam) is offered to Koluvu Srinivasa.
  

SahasraNamarchana:-

 SahasraNamarchana is done from early morning 4.45 to 5.30. All thousand nama’s of Lord Vishnu given in Brahmanda Puranam are recited while doing Archana. After the completion of this Seva, with the Tulasi and flowers on the feet of Lord Venkateswara Pooja is done to Sridevi and Bhudevi. At that time Lakshmi SahasraNamalu given in Varaha Puranam are recited. Next Nakshatra Harathi and Karpura (Camphor) Harathi are given. 

First Bell Prasadam:-

 First SayanaMandapam is cleaned and doors of BangaruVakili are closed. Bells in Tirumamani Mandapam are rung. Only Priest stay inside and offer curd rice, lemon rice, pongali (items prepared by using rice), laddus, vadas appalu, dosas, polilu.

Astotra Satanamarchana:-

 Pooja is done by chanting all the 108 Names in  Varaha Purana. After finishing this Lakshminama Archana is done to Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Second Bell Prasadam:-

 After Astothara Sathanama Archana second bell will ring. Prasadam will be offered and then Thambulam and Harathi are offered.

Ekanthaseva :-

 At around night 1.30 Pavalimpu Seva is done it is also called as Ekantha Seva. The Ticket price is Rs120, and can be purchased daily at the beginning of Vijaya Bank counter. There are no reservations for this Seva. In this Seva Bhoga Srinivasa Murti is placed in a swing held by silver chains. They will offer milk, fruits, almonds (badam) as Nivadyam. It is believed that at night time Lord Brahma will come here to pray the Lord so, they will arrange sufficient water for Lord Brahma in a silver bowl. They will sing Annamayya Sankirthanas to lead the Lord to sleep. Ekantha Seva is done to Bhoga Srinivasa Murti for 11months but in Dhanurmasa (Dec 15 –Jan15) it is done to Lord Krishna. With this Poojas will come to an end.
 Temple is closed at 2’oclock. All the doors are closed at they are sealed.

Weekly Sevas:-


Vishesha Pooja (Monday)
Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana (Tuesday)
Sahasra Kalasabhishekam (Wednesday)
Tiruppavada Seva (Thursday)
Abhishekam (Friday)
Vasthralakarana Seva (Friday)
Vasthralakarana Seva (Friday).

Annual Sevas:-

Teppotsavam
Vasantotsavam
Padmavati Parinayam
Abhideyaka Abhishekam
Pushpa Pallaki
Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam
Pavitrotsavam

Medaram "Samakka Sarakka" Jatara - A Tribal Festival

Medaram "Samakka Sarakka" Jatara :-

Sammakka Sarakka is a huge festival of Telangana people that marks the fight of Sammakka and Saralamma (a mother and daughter) with the powerful rulers against an unfair law. It is a 3 days festival starts at Medaram in Tadvai mandal that held once in 2 years. It is a major festival/Jatara after kumbh mela that attracts millions of people all over the country. 

The population of the little forest village at Medaram in normal times never exceeds 300. Suddenly, during the month of February it rises to over 3500000! Millions of devotees come from all over Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states like Orissa, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Medaram jatara begins on the fullmoon day also known as suddha poornima day of the Magha masam. It is January-February months that coincide with Magha month of Hindu lunar calendar. The tribal deity Saralamma or Sarakka would be brought from Kannepoyinapalle village to the jatara venue. The next day another deity Sammakka, considered to be mother of Saralamma, will be brought from the adjoining Chilakalagutta. The deities after brought to the venue, are traditionally installed on a platform under a tree, called 'Gaddi' (raised platform or the throne). 

Coconut and jaggery are the main offerings to the deities, though animal sacrifice is a common phenomenon at the jatara. Some of the devotees who vowed to offer 'Niluvetthu Bangaram' meaning gold weighing equivalent to their personal weight, offer same weight of jaggery as a substitute for the gold. 

After Kumbha Melas, it is the Medaram jatara or Sammkka-Saralakka jatara that attracts large number of tribals, non tribals to get congregated at one place. This fair festivity is held once in two years (bi-annually) with more than ten million people taking part. 

Until 1998, the only way to reach Medaram was by a bullock cart. In 1998 the state government declared the 1000-yr old festival as official and laid down a motorable road.

The undeterred resolve, honesty, uprightness and courage of two Girijan women, Sammakka and Saralamma, pitted against the might of cruel kind, symbolizing in short the spirit of the girijans in the face of odds, forms the sprit of the bi-annual Sammakka Saralamma jathara held in forests of Medaram in Eturnagaram mandal in Warangal district. This is the biggest Girijan festival held here. Medaram is a small village in the forest. Here Sammakka Jathara is celebrated once in two years on a very large - scale for three days before Magha Purnima Sammakka is a tribal goddess and the patrons and the priests are Koyas (A caste in tribals). All the tribals of Mulugu area and the thousands of other Hindus congregate there during the celebrations. There is no permanent idol of the deity. 

A 50-acre forest expanse would be used for the purpose, which is situated 110 km from the Warangal district headquarters on the banks of river. The jathara begins on Magha shuddha Purnima and continues for four days. 
Offerings are made to the goddesses with jaggery. About four lakh devotees worshipped the deities in the 1996 jathara. Though the State government realized the importance in 1952, it did not take any concrete measures to popularize it till 1982. 

This is installed on an earthen platform raised under a tree. Animals are sacrificed and vows are redeemed, intoxicants are widely used. Hundreds of people who are often possessed by the goddess come there dancing ecstatically throughout their journey. The special offering to the deity is jaggery, which collects, in huge piles. Those who fulfill vows offer jaggery equal to their weight and jaggery is distributed as prasadam. More than 2lakh of people congregate every day. They came in motorized vehicles, bullock carts, on foot in thousands causing an unprecedented traffic jam from Medaram whose tail could be traced 26 km away towards Warangal. 

Men and women attired in their best and many swathed in turmeric turned up for the jathara. For tribal youth, it was a no-holds-barred celebration. They reached the Sammakka Sarakka "gaddhelu'' (platform) dancing to the tune of drums with gay abandon while elderly people tried their best to have darshan. A large number of tribal men and women behaved as if "possessed'' by the tribal goddesses. 

People believe that Goddesses Sammakka, Saralamma fulfill their desires with their divine and miraculous powers. Issueless Couples visit to pray the goddess to bless them with children. Many pilgrim pay their promises made to goddess during the Jathara, by offering Jaggery, calf's, coconuts and donations in cash etc. Pilgrim bath in the Jampanna stream to get purified and absolve from sins.

History, Mythology and practices:-

According to a tribal story, about 6-7 centuries ago, a group of Koya Indians traveling through the dandakaaranya found a little girl playing with tigers. The head of the tribe adopted and named her Sammakka.  She married the headman of a neighboring village. Saaralamma was her daughter.  The Koya Indians were a tributary to the Kakatiyas, who ruled the country of Andhra from Warangal City between 1000 AD and 1380 AD.  Once, the Koyas assisted the Kakatiyas in a war.  After sometime, there was a severe drought that lasted for years and as a result the mighty Godavari River dried up.  Koyas didn’t have even food to eat.  However, the Kakatiyas insisted on the payment of taxes.   The Kakatiya emperor sent his forces to teach the Koyas a lesson and collect taxes and the Koyas had no option but to resist.  After a bitter war, the Kakatiya Prime Minister visited war ravaged Koya kingdom. By then most of the Koya chiefs had fallen in battle.  The Prime Minister proposed peace and offered Sammakka a place in the emperor’s harem as the chief queen.  Samakka turned down the offer and resolved to continue the fight to avenge the dead.  The battle continued and Samakka was wounded.  Samakka told her people that as long as they remembered her, she would protect them.  Then, she cursed the Kaktiya dynasty to perish and disappeared into the deep forest. The Koyas searched for their queen and found only a red ochre box, her bangles and the pug-marks of a huge tigress.  Soon after, Muslim invaders destroyed the Kakatiya dynasty.  Since then, the Koyas, Waddaras and other Indian tribes and castes have been holding festivals in memory of Sammakka and Saralamma regularly. 

There is no permanent idol of the deity.   It is said that a Koya boy who gets a vision before the festival, searches in the forest for a week without food and sleep and finally brings the goddesses in the farm of two vermilion caskets tied to a piece of bamboo, one representing the main deity Sammakka and the other her daughter Saarakka or Saaralamma. The actual festival begins in the month of Magha, on Suddha Pournami (full moon day) evening when Saaralamma would be traditionally brought from Kanneboyinapalle, a village in the forest, and installed on a gaddi (the throne or platform), an earthen platform raised under a tree.  Animals are sacrificed and intoxicants such as liquor are widely used. 

Hundreds of people who are often possessed by the goddess come there dancing ecstatically throughout their journey.  The special offering to the deity is jaggery.  Some offer jaggery equal to their weight and distribute.  It is a rare opportunity to witness some ancient practices especially pabba, Shiva sathi (sathi means lady) and Lakshmi Devaras.  Shiva sathis are women who go into trance and bless the childless women to have children and the process of that blessing is called pabba.  The belief is that those who had the blessings of Sammakka-Saralamma through the words of Shiva sathis would have children.  Children get their heads tonsured. Young girls accompanied by their parents performed special prayers with the help of Shiva sathis and Lakshmi Devaras to get suitable husbands. 

On the special day - Maghasudha pournami :-

The actual festival begins in the month of Magha, on Sudha Pournami (full moon day) evening when Sarakka (in the form of a vermilion) would be traditionally brought from Kanneboyinapalle, a  neibhouring  village in the forest, and placed on a gadde, an earthen platform raised under a tree. 

By next sunset,the main goddess Sammakka (in the form of a vermilion) will be brought  from Chilukalagutta. There are two gaddes (platforms) Separately one for goddess "Sammakka" and other for goddess "Sarakka".  They are represented by bamboo sticks smeared with turmeric and vermilion (Pasupu and Kunkuma). Since time immemorial, there is a huge tree standing on Sammakka gadde. 

When the priests bring out the ochre box and other relics from a hidden forest location, there is great tumult with frenzied beating of drums, blowing of trumpets and full throated yells. It is said that during the festival a huge tiger prowls around peacefully. Offerings are coconuts and jaggery. They are piled at the foot of the trees..

On Festival day:-

This tiny village located in the thick forest area witness surging crowds start a week before the festival. Hundreds of private and Govt vehicles will be engaged in transporting countless number of pilgrims flocking the venue of historic Sammakka Sarakka jatara site. The Gaddelu, the sanctum sanctorum of this jatara site, will be filled to maximum and the devotees continue to throng the venue. The whole of Medaram village will be lit up for the celebrations. Hundreds of shops and petty business enterprises come up all over. The pilgrims will be  seen spread over 9 km around the venue. Temporary dwellings  spring up presenting a spectacular sight.

How to Distance Medaram Sammakka saralamma jathara Temple:-

Hyderabad	Warangal	145 km
Chennai	Warangal	730 km
Nagpur	Warangal	450 km
Vijayawada	Warangal	237 km
Visakhapatnam	Warangal	520 Km
Nizamabad	Warangal	232 Km
Tirupathi	Warangal	652 Km
Warangal	Medaram	90 Km

ThiruKudanthai Sarangpani Temple in Kumbakonam

Sarangpani Temple:-

Kumbakonam in ancient days Kudanthai. This Kudanthai in the course of time named as Kumbakonam.In the history of devotional literature this Kudanthai has been named as Kudamookku. Kumbakonam is a popular tourist town, 300 km south of Chennai in South India.This southern semi-urban town, engulfed in Temples, is famous for tourism activities. . This is a town where traditional arts and trade still flourish to a large extent.

Sarangpani is a famous vaishnav temple. It is also known for its tall gopuram (tower). The Chariot festival, which takes place every year, is one of the biggest festivals.

This temple lies along River Cauvery, is considered one among the three major shrines of Lord Vishnu and it was renovated during the period of Nayaka Kingdom of 16th Century. It consists of the biggest Gopuram (150ft), and five Praharas and one holy tank, known as “Porthamarai Kulam”, which is located behind the temple. The Karuvarai and Vimanam are made with 12-sculptured columns shaped like a chariot.

Idol:-

ThiruMazhisai Azhvaar and ‘Slightly Raised Reclining Posture’ of the Lord-Uthaana Sayanam
Seeing the sleeping posture of the Lord, a curious ThiruMazhisai Azhvaar questioned if his tiredness was the reason for him to be lying down in his sleeping posture. After hearing this, it is believed that the Lord slightly raised his posture to greet the Azhvaar. Feeling the guilt of having caused strain on the Lord, ThiruMazhisai Azhvaar asked him to remain as is. And the Lord remained so ever after. To this day, one can see the Lord in a slightly ‘raised reclining’ posture(Uthaana Saayee).

Lord's consort also known  as Kamala Valli Thayar has a separate sannidhi and there are Lord's paduka's(foot prints) in the outside prakaram where devotees offer worship. Opposite to that, there is a shrine for Patala  Srinivasa Perumal. Here one has to  climb down a few steps to reach the shrine .

History:-

Sage Brighu wanted to know as to who was the most composed of the Trinity (three gods).

Thus, the sage kicked Lord Mahavishnu on his chest earning the wrath of Mahalakshmi.

She became angry with the sage and left her heavenly abode and descended to Kohlapur in Maharashtra.

The sage got upset over the turn of events and prayed to the lord that the goddess should be born to him and he would redeem his karma by doing service to her. The sage was born as Hema maharishi and did severe penance in this place where the temple now exists.

But the lord, unable to bear the separation of Mahalakshmi, came down to earth and searched for her and hid in an anthill in the Tirumala hills (Tirupati). He met and married Padmavathi in the sacred hills.

When Mahalakshmi came to know of her lord’s marriage to Padmavathi, she became furious and came to the hills in search of her lord. The Almighty at once flees to Kumbakonam, seeking refuge in this temple in an underground cave. He is called Pathala (underground) Srinivasa.

Stalapuranam:-

The 2000 year old Sarangapani Aaraavamudhan temple is housed between two rivers, Cauvery and Arasalaaru, in the heart of Kumbakonam, once the capital of the Chola Kingdom. 3rd Tallest Temple Tower. This temple has the third tallest temple tower among the Divya Desams at 150ft after Srirangam(236ft) and Srivilliputhur(192 ft). Some parts of the temple is believed to have been built in the 7th Century AD by the famous Pallava King Mahendra Varma but the real construction of the temple is said to have been done by the Cholas and later renovated by the famous Vijayanagara King Krishnadeva Raaya.

After listening to the Tamil hymn ‘Aaraavamudhe’(3418-27) composed by NammAzhvaar and totally swarmed by its content ” Aayirathil Ippathe”( 10 verses in 1000), Vaishnavite savant Natha Muni wanted to listen to the 1000 verses of Divya Prabandham. Not knowing where to go to collect the entire Prabandham, Natha Muni is said to have prayed here and Lord Aaraavamudhan asked him to go to Azhvaar Tirunagari, near Tirunelveli, to meet NammAzhvaar and to compile the works of the Divya Prabandham. Having searched for the 1000 verses, Natha Muni actually got to compile all the Nalaayira Divya Prabandham.

Word ThiruKudanthai:-

Foreseeing some difficult times, Brahmma placed the Vedhic content, nectar and the seeds of creation inside a pot (Kudam in Tamil), which then slipped all the way and down to this place.

Shiva pierced the pot and the nectar flowed in two parts – one into the Mahaamagam Tank and the other into the Lotus Flower Tank. As the nectar flowed into the tank through a pot (Kudam), this place came to be called Thiru ‘Kudanthai’

A visit to this temple, it is believed, will help get rid of one’s past sins, just as a trip to Kasi in the North, would. It is sacred to bathe in the lotus water bed in the temple tank.

About Temple:-

Lord Perumal’s reclining postures are different in different places.  The one in Kumbakonam Sarangapani temple is praised as Uddhana Sayana.  Saint Thirmazhisai Azhwar in his Mangalasasanam hymn asked Lord “Are you resting as your legs pain due to long walk”.  Perumal tried to get up to grace Azhwar.  Azhwar asked Perumal to give the darshan in the half-waking up posture.  He is not in a complete reclining posture here as such.
The hymns sung by the 12 Azhwars on Lord Vishnu-Perumal had been edited as Nalayira Divya Prabandam – 4000 verses.  Lord Sarangapani was instrumental for this compilation. One of the Vaishnava Acharya Sri Nadamuni who came here for worship heard some devotees sing the glory of Lord in ten verses saying that it may be included in the 1000s.  Sri Nadamuni wondered and asked them to sing those thousand verses too.  But they could not as they did not know them.  Lord Perumal appearing in Nadamuni’s dream, advised him to go to Azhwar Tirunagari (praised as Nava Thirupathi in Tuticorin district) and seek the blessings of Saint Nammazhwar to get the hymns.  Sri Nadamuni came to Azhwar and gave him 4000 verses far above – four fold-his expectation, his joy knew no bounds.  He compiled them.  Thus, the great Vaishnava Tamil scripture with all its poetic beauty speaking the spiritual experiences of Azhwars came into being to elevate the souls generation after generation.

Perumal in the temple is also praised as Aravamudha Azhwar as He was instrumental for the compilation of Nalayaira Divya Prapandam – 4000 verses about the glory of Perumal. Of the Perumals in Divya Desas praised by Azhwars, Srirangam has Mangalasasanams of 11 Azhwars, Tirupathi Venkatachalapathi 10 and Kumbakonam Lord Sarangapani from 7 Azhwars.
Perumal came to this place to wed Mother.  He hid Himself under the earth for a while to play with mother.  He appeared before Her then and took Her hands in marriage.  The place where Lord played the hiding is now called as Padala Srinivasa shrine.  The one after the marriage is known as Mettu (higher level) shrine where He graces with Mothers.

Majority of the Divyadesa temples have Sorgavasal open on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day occurring in December-January.  But there is no one such in this temple as Perumal came to this Divyadesa directly from His Vaikunta Divyadesa.  The very worship of Perumal Lord Sarangapani would take devotees to salvation.  It is also believed that passing through the Uthirayana and Dakshinayana entrances is no different from the Sorgavasal passing.  According to the system followed here, people enter the temple through the Uthrayana entrance from Thai to Aani ( January-February to June-July) and through Dakshinayana entrance from Aadi to Margazhi month covering the English months July-August to December-January.  As such only one gate is kept open to enter the temple.
In most Divyadesa temples, the presiding deity occupies the highest prominence.  All pujas and Alankaras are offered to presiding deity alone.  In the Kumbakonam temple such respects are offered to the procession deity as He acts on behalf of the presiding deity.  Hence, this temple is revered as Upaya Pradhana Divyadesa with due respect to the procession deity too.
Perumal usually appears with His discus and conch.  The presiding deity and the procession deity of the temple are holding a bow too known as Sarngam, hence, the name of the Lord, Sarangapani.  The bow in the hands of the presiding deity is not visible.  As Kumbakonam is the place of sacred theerthas, deities of rivers and Devas appear here worshipping Perumal.
Kumbakonam is the birth place of Mother Komalavalli.  Afer the marriage Lord chose to stay here itself with His consort – that is in his mother-in-law’s house.  In Tamil this called as Veettodu Mappillai.  Hence, Mother is dominant in the temple.  The first worship goes to Mother only.  As a philosophy, as Mother is first for all respects, to establish this rule, the way to Perumal shrine is also structured accordingly.  The Go-Puja-puja to cow- is performed in Komalavalli Thayar shrine.  Pujas to Lord are offered only then.
The mercy of Lord Perumal Sarangapani towards His devotees is above the power of words.  A devotee Lakshmi Narayanaswami served Lord throughout his life.  He is the one who built the Rajagopuram of the temple.  But he was childless.  He reached the Lotus feet of Lord on a Deepavali day.  Any one having no heir to perform the last rites would go to hell, according to sastras.  But Lord cannot ignore His devotee.  He performed the last rites for His devotee.  Next day, when the temple was opened, people saw Him with a wet dhoti and His sacred thread – Poonool in Tamil and Yagnopavitha in Sanskrit – changed on the right shoulder, darba in hands in rite-performing manner.  This event is followed in the temple on Deepavali days during the midday puja but devotees are not allowed to see this puja.

Architecture:-

Sri Sarangapani Temple is considered one among the three major shrines of Lord Vishnu and it was renovated during the period of Nayaka Kingdom of 16th century.Sarangapani temple consists of only one holy tank,known as "Porthamarai Kulam".The Karuvarai and Vimanam are made with 12-sculptured columns shaped like a chariot.

Sarangapani is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam and has the tallest temple tower in the town. The temple is enshrined within a huge wall and the complex enshrines all the water bodies of the temple except the Potramarai tank. The rajagopuram (the main gateway) has eleven tiers and has a height of 173 ft (53 m). There are five other smaller gopurams in the temple. The rajagopuram has figures depicting various religious stories. The temple faces east and the Potramarai tank is located outside the western entrance. The central shrine of the temple is in the form of a chariot drawn by horses and elephants, with openings on either side, showing the descent of Sarangapani from heaven in the chariot. There is a sculptural representation of the sage Hemarishi in the western part of the temple. The central shrine of the temple houses the image of Sarangapani in pallikonda posture, with his head resting on his right hand. The are other images of sage Hemarishi, Lakshmi and festival images enshrined within the sanctum. There are two stepped entrances to the sanctum named as Utharayana Vaasal and Dhakshanayana Vaasal, each open for a six month period. From the 15th of January to 15th of June, Utharayanya Vaasal is opened while Dhakshanaya Vaasal is opened during the other half of the year. The Potramarai tank has a central hall called Hemarishi Mandapam.The temple has two processional chariots carved out of wood stationed outside the rajagopuram.

In Bharatanatyam, a South Indian dance form, 108 karanas form the basic movements. Some of these karanas are sculpted around the walls of the temple. Similar sculptures are found in the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.

Naadamunigal and Divya Prabantham:-

During 9th, A.D, divya prabatham was not compiled. It was scattered here and there. On that time in Kaatumannar kovil also called Veera Narayanapuram near Chidambaram there lived a man called Naadhamunigal.

He worked in the temple and one day he came to hear II paasurams which had "Aara Amudhey" as its beggning. The verse was so pure, gentle and devotional that Naadamunigal was completely take aback by it. He asked the two men about the verse and enquired them regarding the last line which hinted that these II paasurams or verses were among the other 1000 verses. But the men who sand said they were Unaware about the matter.

Somehow Naadamunigal wanted to find the rest of 1000 Paasurams. But he couldnt get any clues from the men and so he was very much worried. Suddenly he remembered the first line which began with the word "Aara Amudhe" so quickly he went to the Saarangapani temple in Kudanthai and started to pray hardly. Immedietely a flash ran in his mind the last line of the II Paasurams said that it was written by Sadagopan of Thirukurukur (ie, "Kurukur Sadagopan Kuralin Maliya sonna OOrayirathul").

He thanked the god to remaind him and headed straightly to Thirukkurukur. There he came to know about the history of Nammalwar and his excellent diciple "Madhurakavi alwar" who treated Nammalwar as his god. Then he met Pharangusasadhasar who came in the way Madhurakavialwar who gave him II Paasurams (Starting with Kanninum Siruthambu...) sung by his guru. The verse was written by Madhurakavialwar in praise of his beloved guru Nammalwar.

Naadhamunigal was very happy and he went to the temple in Alwar Thirunagari (Thirukurukur) and sat in front of the Tamarind tree under which Nammalwar was sitting in his time.

He started to chant the II Paasurams of Madhurakavialwar without stopping for 12,000 times. Nammalwar appeared before Naadhamunigal and started to teach him all the 4000 paasurams and with a written copy of Dhivya prabantham. Naadhamunigal returned to Kaatu Mannar kovil Secessfully. Srimadh Naadhamunigal then divided the prabantha paasurams into 4 group each containing almost 1000 paasurams.

Henceforth Aaraamudha perumal of this Thirukkudanthai - Naatha munigal from Kaatu mannar kovil Nammalwar of Alwar Thirunagari all worked together to the rebirth of prabantham. Also the way in which Aaramudhan came to this place, bears a relation to Thirupathi and Sri Rangam. This temple Karbagraham (or) Moolavar sannathi has two entries one named Uthrayana vaasal and the other Dakshinayana Vaasal, both the terms deputing the Sun's orbit. Hence this place is also treated incoherence with Thiruvellarai.

As Aaraamudhans appearence has a relation to the myths of the trinity Bhrama, vishnu Sivan this place can be treated inaccordance to Kadhambanoor and Kandiyur.

Once upon a time Therumazhisai Alwar came to have a dharsan of Aaraamudha perumal. He was very much impressed by his beauty and wanted to have a chat with him. So he prayed the Lord and after some times, the Lord Wanted to answer his prayer and hence he lifted his head from the sleeping posture and started to get up. But, Alwar didnt wanted to disturb his sleep and hence he requested perumal not to get up and to remain in the same posture so as to bless each devotee visiting him and to treat each one of them as Thirumazhisaialwar. The post of Aara Amudhan is called as Uthra Sayanam and he is thus called as Uthanasai.

As the Lord god accepted his devotees wish as he did in Kanchipuram, this place is coherent to Thiruvekka of Kanchipuram.

Once there lived a great Sri Vishnu bhaktha named "Narayaswamy" in Thirukudanthai. He was very rich but had no children. So at one stage he devoted all his money and wealth to the Aara Amudhan's temple. His neighbors asked him to adopt a son to render rites and rituals after his death,

Narayanaswamy said them that, he did not cared that and also said them that after his death, Lord Aaraamudhan would come in person to perform his rites. So happened after his death, a young man came from nowhere and performed his last rites.

Till now on certain day of the year, all the things necessary for doing rites and rituals are kept in the Aaraamudhans sannadhi and the temple is closed, so that Aaraamudha perumal would performing the rituals for Narayanaswamy's death.

This coherates to the incident of Sri Rama performing the rites of the dead Jadayu at Thiruputkuzhi and Thirupullam boothamkudi where he took rest after finishing the rites.

At a distance of 3 miles south from this place there is Nandipura Vinnagara divya desa temple, then to the east are Thirunageswaram, Uppliappan kovil then at 6 miles south there is Naachiyar Kovil in Thirunarayur from there at 3 miles distance there is Thirucherai and after that is Thiruvellainkudi. So totally there are six divya desams to be visited.

Kumbakonam Kritham Paavam, Kumbakonam Vinasyathi”

Festivals:-

There is no swarga Vaasal at the Saarangapani temple. About 50000 people are expected to attend the Vaikunta Ekadesi festival.There are festivals all through the year at this temple.

Temple timings:-

 7am –12 30pm and 4pm-8pm.

The temple follows Pancharatra Agama and Vadakalai tradition.
 The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day.

Tiruvanandal at 8:00 a.m.,
 Kala santhi at 9:00 a.m.,
Uchikalam at 12:30 p.m.,
Ntiyanusandhanam at 6:00 p.m.,
 Irandamkalam at 7:30 p.m.
 and Ardha Jamam at 9:00 p.m.

 Each ritual comprises three steps:-

Alankaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Sarangapani and Thayar. The food offering during the six times are curd rice, Ven pongal, spiced rice, dosa, Ven pongal and sugar pongal respectively.
 The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, fortnightly and monthly rituals.

Festivals:-

Akshaya Tritiyai - 12 Garuda Sevai Chaitra Brahma Utsavam celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April - May),
Vasantotsavam during Vaikasi (May - June),
Pavitrotsavam - Ekadasi Jyeshotsavam during Adi(July - August),
 Sri Jayanthi - Uriyadi Utsavam during Avani (August - September),
Navaratri Utsavam - Saraswathi Puja - Vijayadasami during Purattasi (September - October), Deepavali - Shraddha of Sri Lakshmi Narayanaswami during Aippasi (October - November),
 Deepa Utsavam - Unjal Utsavam during Karthigai (November - December),
Pakal Pattu - Ira Pattu Pongal Sankaramana Utsavam during Margazhi (December - January),
 Kanu Utsavam - Amavasya - Ratasaptami during Thai (January - February),
Masi Magaham - Float Festival during Masi (February - March)
and Brahmmotsavam - Tirukkalyanotsavam during Panguni (March - April) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Places to visit around Kumbakonam:-

Mahamaham Tank:-

Mahamaham Tank near to paradise resort. heritage resort between kumbakonam and tanjore - tamilnadu - south india .If there is a tank held to be more sacred than Ganges, it is only the Mahamaham Tank at Kudandai. As Kumbamelas are celebrated in this Tank. The Mahamaham Tank of Kumbakonam is Located near the Head Post Office. This Tank covers an area of 6.2 acers and is in a shape of a pot. The Tank is surrounded by 16 small Mandapams and a "Nava Kannika Temple" in the Eastern side.

Kumbesvarar Temple:-

Kumbeswarar temple located kumbakonam, Kumbeswarar temple nearest luxury hotel is paradise resort (heritage resort between kumbakonam and tanjore - tamilnadu - south india)   
Adi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivaite temples and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. This temple covers an area of 30181 sq.ft. With a length and breadth of 750 feet, and 252 feet respectively. This temple comprises fo three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. It is belived that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, renovated this oldest temple during 16th century.
    
Nagesvarar Temple:-

Nagesvarar Temple located in kumbakonam, Nagesvarar Temple´s nearest heritage resort is paradise resort (heritage resort between kumbakonam and tanjore - tamilnadu - south india)   
Nageswaran Temple otherwise known as "koothandavar Kovil", is locatd near the old bus stand area and Adithya Cholan of Chola dynasty constructed this temple during 12th century. This temple stands as a great marvel of chola's architecture, building technology and astronomy. The design and orientation are structured in such a way that it allows the sun rays inside the temple only during the month of Chithirai, therefore, it bears another name called "Soorya Kotatm" or "Keel Kottam". The Karuvarai of Nageswaran temple has similarity with that of Sarangapani temple, as it is made in the form of a chariot. The temple consists of two Gopurams in the easteren and western directions.
      
 Somesvara Temple:-

Somesvara Temple situated in kumbakonam. Paradise resort give world class resort and hotel service near to this temple.   
Someswara temple Somessar temple is situated in the southren portion of Sri Sarangapani Temple. This temple is facing the northren side with a small Gopuram at the eastern portion near the entrance. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of chola period. Arumugam and thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex.

Sri Gowthameswarar Temple:-
This temple is in the south western side of M' Tank. God : Yagnobhaveetheswar
Goddess : Sundaranayagi.

Sri Abhimugheswarar Temple:-

The temple is situated in the eastern side of M' tank. Entrance is facing the west side with the Lord Abhimugheswarar and Goddess Amirthavalli.

Chakarapani Temple:-

Chakkarapani Temple is located in the northern portion of Big Bazaar Street near the river Cauvery and secong biggest Vaishnavite temple in Kumbakonam town.
      
Sri Kambatta Vishwanathar Temple:-

Nayak kings have built this temple which is also called as " Malathivanam ".

Sri Banupurishwarar Temple:-
This temple is in the north eastern side of the city in a isolated place. God: Shiva called as Banupurishwarar.

Goddess:-
 Somakalambigai.

 This is the place where Shiva in the disguise of a Hunter broke the pot with an arrow.
    
Ramaswamy Temple:-

Ramasamy Temple Achutha Nayaka of Thanjavur constructed the Ramasamy temple during 16th century. This temple is Located on the southeastern portion of "Porthamarai Kulam" and southern side of "Uchipillaiyar Kovil" junction. This temple consists of one Gopuram, One Maha Mandapam and Karuvarai.

Navagraha Temples:-
Indian Astrology belives that the planetary positions of the nine planets in a geocentric orbit determine the way a person will live, progress and exemplify ones's life to others before death. Nava means nine and Graha means Planet. There are nine temples located in Tamil Nadu representing each planet in the Navagraha. All nine of them are located within a sixty - kilometre radius around Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.

Sri Sitta Rama Bhavani Sankarar Temple:-

This temple is located at Solaiyappan street on the bank of the Cavery River. This More than 200 years old temple. This temple was built by Achalpuram Shri Lakshmana Shrwthigal’s son Indore shri Suba rao dravid.

Brahman Temple:-

Pleased by the prayers of Brahma, Vishnu appeared here as " Vedanarayan " and "Varadharaja". The temple is in the banks of Arasalaru river.

Airavateswarar Temple:-

Airavateshwarar temple is located at Darasuram, 4km of west from Kumbakonam. Airavath is the Holy White Elephant. This temple constructed by Rajendra Chola is the example of 12 Century Chola Architecture. This is temple is one of the tourist part of Kumbakonam.

Rahu Sthalam - Tirunageswaram:-

Rahu Sthalam situated in Tirunageswaram   
Tirunageswaram, This vast temple known is so far its shrine to Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar.
    
Vaitheswarar Temple - Vaitheswaran Koil:-

Vaitheswaran Koil, With the Vaitheswaran Koil, there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Sevvai or Mars. The belief is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he will bestow valour, victory and strength to the person. Upon entering the temple, devotees first go the Siddamrita tank. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin ailments. There ia also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles that delay marriage.
    
Chandran - Thingaloor:-

Thingaloor, Though there is a question about when this temple was built, historians agree that it must have been in existence since before the beginning of the Bhakti period, which was well before the seventh century A.D. Dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit and Thingai in Tamil, a visit ti this temple is said to grant a confortable and long lilfe. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.
    
Sani Temple - Thirunallar:-

Thirunallar, This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani Or Saturn. When the Planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The Legendary King Nala is said to have been relived of his affictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worships in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the important one. By bathibng here, it is belived that one washes off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions.
    
Surya - Suryanar Koil:-

Surya - Suryanar Koil (god sun temple) in close to paradise resort (heritage resort near navagraha temples and kumbakonam).    
Suryanar Koil, situated 21 kms from swamimalai is the Suryanar Koil built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya who is known as tha giver health, sucess and prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest festival is celebrated in thanks giving and to honour.
    
Sukran - Kanchanur:-

   Kanchanur, This Shiva Sthalam is associated with Sukran or Venus and is maintained by the Madurai Adinam. It is Located in a quite hamlet of Thiruvaavaduturai.This Shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati.Men visit to pray for the well being od their wives.
    
Kethu - Keezhperumpallam:-

Keezhperumpallam, This is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a Shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple.
    
Guru - Alangudi:-

   
Alangudi, This is regarded as a Guru Sthalam or Jupiter where Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great revernce. The Shrine attracts a large number of devotees when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.
    
Budhan - Thiruvenkadu:-

Thiruvenkadu, There ia a reference to this temple in Valmiki's Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.

How to reach:-

By Road:-
Kumbakonam is well connected road from various cities in Tamilnadu.

By Rail:-
Kumbakonam is an important railway Station of Southern Railway and is well connected with the towns and cities of the state.

By Air:-
Nearest Airport is Tiruchi.