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--- Forwarded mail from "Sampath Rengarajan" <srengara

 

"Sampath Rengarajan" <srengara

Thu, 18 Jan 1996 13:06:55 -0500

srengara

 

 

 

 

A thala puraaNam an analysis on Narsimha avathaar and An Appeal for

construction of a roof at Sholingar temple

(steps to hill)

Fri, 10 Mar 1995 16:01:29 -0500 (EST)

 

Sri vishnu purraanam and paathma puraanam offers details about this sthalam.

 

\C thirukkadigai - 1 \c

 

This Shekthram is situated in Madras-Bangalore Rail line. Fast way is

to take brindaavan from Madras to Arakonam Junction and take Bus from there.

Sholingar Railway station is 9 miles from the temple. One can take a direct

bus from Madras also. Moderate facilities are there for stay. There is a

big Kalyana Mandapam for organized group tours, and several "Mess"

facilities are there.

 

There are three temples to see.

 

1. Koil in the town (or in the foot hill)

Moolavar - Not present

Uthsavar - Bakthavatsala Perumal (Thakkaan)

One can have Darshan of Adikesava perumal at the rear end of this temple

only on certain occasions. There are separate sannathis for Andaal,

Azhwaars, Erumbiyappa, and Thottaachaarya.

 

2. Periya Malai or Kadikaachalam. approximately 500 feet high.

Moolavar : Yoga Narasimhar (Akkaarak kani)

Iruntha sayanam, Veetru iruntha thiruk kolam. ie Perumal is sitting in the

lotus posture (ie. deeply meditating posture). East facing.

Thaayaar : Amirtha Valli

Theertham : Amirtha Theertham, Thakkaan Kulam, paandava theerththam

Vimaanam: Simha Koshtakruthi Vimaanam, Simhaagra Vimaanam and hEma kOti

vimaanam

Prathyaksham : Saptha Rishis, Vishvaamitrar, Siriya thiruvadi

 

3. Siriya Thirumalai :200 to 250 feet high.

Deity : Yoga Aancchneyar has Changu, Chakkram in his hands, has four hands.

 

Sri vishnu purraanam and paathma puraanam offers details about this sthalam.

 

It is believed that Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar came to this palce after

hiranya vatham and stayed here for "ever" in this Yoga sayanam posture. It is

well kown that Srinarasimha avathaaram took place at "Sri Ahobilam". However,

since munivars requested the presence of Sri Narasimha here on an endless

timescale, The LORD Narasimha chose to stay here for ever. This is also

confirmed by thirumangai aazhwaar's reference to "thakkkaanai" in his paasuram

presented in this article. Among all the other avathaarams this and the

"vaamana avathaaram are the most significant becuase of the fact that they both

accomplished the misssion instantly. Many of the LAkshmi Narasimha bakthaas

believe that by praying to this LORD (who is an instant acccomplisher), their

prayers are fulfilled instantly if not atleast an instant relief is offered

without delay by this LORD. (An analysis is presented at the end of this thala

puraanam on narasimha avathaaram and this shrine's importance as "kadigai" or

instant reliver.).

 

It is a belief that, One, would attain Moksham simply by staying here for one

Kadigai (period of time) ie approximately half hour in this shekthram.

Hence it is named

Thiruk kadigai. It is believed that Saint Vishvaamitrar meditated for one

kadigai on Lord Narasimhar and obtained his title "Brimha Maharishi" here.

The Saptha Rishis and vaamathEvar came to this place and and started

penance to have

darshan of Narasimha Avathaaram, and the Lord fulfilled their wish within

one kadigai of penance. Hence this hill is known as Kadikaachalam.

After Sri Raama avathaaram, aanchneYa wanted to go back to sri vaikundam, and

serve the LORD there. The Lord instructed anchnEya to goto this place and

protect the rishis penance from the oncoming danger. Two demons by name

"kaalan and kEyan" appeared as soon as the rishis started penance and started

to distrub their effort. Sri hanuman wanted an instant tool to stop it and Lord

Rama offered him his changu and chakram with the help of which Hanuman killed

the demons and prevented the tapas of saptha rishis and vaamathEvar . Hanuman

also had the darshan of sri Narasimha in his avathaara kOlam at the lapse of a

kadigai, and along with the rishis, and accepted the order of Lord Narasimha to

sit in front of HIM in the small hill and serve as a protector for those

whoever comes to this hills seeking relief from demons or demon effects. It is

believed that Lord Narasimha asked Hanuman to stay here until the end of the

Kali yugam and reach him after that. There is no other place AanchnEyaa has

such prominance, ( a hill and temple as his OWN abode) and also with changu

chakram and with four hands.

 

Sage Durvaasa once sought the thiruth thuzhaay maalai (ie thulasi

garland) of this perumal and danced with great joy by sporting this "maalai"

on his own shoulder and and sirasu. There were many saadhus present at that

time and were witnessing this event. Buthan or mercury one of the Nava grahams

was also present in the form of a saadhu and he laughed at this sage's act.

Sage Thurvaasa cursed him and lord budhan had to stay here in this sthalam and

served all those sages who came with great pleasure to this shrine after taking

bath in the paandava theerththam and got his curse (spell) cured or removed.

 

On the way to hills Garuda Aaaroodar Varadha Raaja perumal sannithi is

there. It

is believed that Kaanchi Varadhar offered Garuda Vaahana Sevai to Maha

Achaaryar known as Thottaachaaryar here. (as he was not able to got the Kanchi

that year and did meditate on this LORD to offer that darshn ther itself).

Even to-day this event is observed in Kaanchi and simulatneously here as a

"puase" is kept at the entrance of this temple during the bramotsavam and

garuda sErvai such that the LORD goes to kadigai for that instant to offer

sEvai to thottaach chaaryaa. Similarly "erumbiyapa" was also one of the great

mahaans lived in this place and served the LORD. This place is also used to be

very fertile like chola naadu and was hence called as "CHola Simha puram" which

became sholinga puram later. In pattinap paalai, it is refeerred that, Cholan

karikaalan peruvaLaththaan called this district as "kadigaik kOttam": when he

subdivided his kingdom into 48 distritcs. This place is also one of the 74

simhaasanam established by Sri Raamaanuja in his 74 simhhaasanams outlining the

principles of Sri vishitaahthvaitham.

 

Similar to Gunaseelam near Trichy, this place is also known for relief

from possessing, Billi Sooniyam, etc. People come here and do Vratham for

many days, take bath in Thakkaan kulam which is believed to have the

essence of many Mooligais and climb the hills every day to pray

anchaneYaa and

Lord Narasimhar and get their "Pini" or "Diseases" or "Theeraatha nOykaL"

cured

here. This place is also known for the presence of many "Siththars" similar

to Thiruvannaamalai, Kollimalai, and Kutraalamalai. It is believed that the

administration of this temple is under the Aatheenam of Sthala aachaarya

purushaals of Thottaachaaryar Clan.

 

In "4000" both thirumangai in his periya thorumozhi (naaraayana saptham) and

peyazhwaar in imoonRaam thiruvanthaathi (saraangathithvam), offered these

paasurams.

1731.

 

\C mikkaanai ; maRaiyaay viriththa viLakkai ennuL

pukkaaNnaip pugazhsEr polikinRa ponmalaiyai

thakkaanaik kadigaith thadangunRiNn misaiyiruntha

akkaarak kaNniyai adainthuynthu pOnEnE

thirumangai aazhwwar in periya

thirumozhi\c

 

The meanings for "thakkaanai" in azhwaar paasuram confirms that HE styed here

for ever. "mikkaanai" confirms that he is ever prevading and "pukkaanai" here

means that HE is in every soul and HE uncovered and inserted the eternal

spiritual light within me. "Akkaara kaniyai" means the fruit which is

unadeltered sweet 100% and nothing less or more than a sugar. En element of

sugar or a fruit that ripes from the tree of pure sugar (assuming such a tree).

 

3444.

 

\C pandellaam vEnkadam paaRkadal vaikuntham

kondaNG kuRaivaarkuk kOyilpOl vaNdu

vaLankiLarum neeLsOlai vaNpooNG kadikai

iLangumaraNn RaNn viN Nagar

 

pEyaazhvaar\c

The Lord who resided in Sri vaikundam, made his presnece available for the

bakthaas of boolOga in those places where the beautiful vaNdus are dwelling in

the Solai p push pangal of these sthalangal in ThiruvEngadam, Kadikai and thiru

viNNagaram (oppiliappan koil)

 

Manavaala Maamunikal and Erumbiyappaa's

Sriman Naathamuni, Sri raamaanuja's Mangalaa saasanam besides Thirumangai

and Pey Azhwaars. There are 4 paadalgal on this sthalam of the "4000".

Two of them are presented at the beginning.

In the noorettu thirup pathi yanthaathi, it is cited similar to the

citation in "4000" for " thiruththip paNikoLvaan", as

 

"seerruLaal nammaith thiruththi naam munnaRiyaak

kooraRivum thanthadimai koNdathaRkE- nErE

oru "kadikaiyum" manamE uLLukilaay muththi

tharu kadikai maayavanaith thaan"

 

This malai or hill is also known as "Ekasilaa parvatham" meanng that the entire

hill is made of one stone which is true and one can see that when they visit

this shrine. There are unique methods or procedures attributed to each of the

108 sthalam as "vazhipaatu niyamanam". At thiruppathi having the hair shaved

and having a supra paatha darshanam are the "best", in oppiliappan koil

observing sravana vratham (without salt) on sravanms is the ideal. In this

temple, it is the desire of the LORD that his bakthass climb the steep

footsteps (which are similar to the parama patha Sobaanam) and pray the LORD.

 

An Appeal to all Sri Vaishnavaas all over the world

 

The 1500 steps to Narasimhar Koil are very steep between 300 and 500

feet

level. On a hot day (most of the time in a year this area in

North Arcot district has Very hot and dry weather) climbing this portion of

the steps on bare feet is a difficult task even for the local people who are

used to this environment. Dholis carried by bearers are available for old

people. To make things easy for

the pilgrims there are sumai thaangis then and there and shady trees until

this level. It is the desire of Lakshmi Narasimha Sabha to facilitate the

pilgrims with an easy passage of this phase of the climbing by providing a

Roof in this level.(Thirupapathi has roofing almost for the entire range of

higher altitudes.). The construction of the roof was successfully completed for

the first phase (between 400 and 500 feet) at an approximate cost of 3.0

lakhs. Thanks to Sri Narasimhap priyaa, january 1996 edition. Our Jeer His

holiness 45 th ahahiya singer's photo is presented at the front pages when he

is standing under the roof of the first phase. The second stage between 300 and

400 feet is estimated to be costing 5.5 lacs. (approximately US $ 18000).

I believe that there are pledges and promises to the tune of 5% of the

project cost so far. Sri Vaishanavaas around the world are invited to take

part in this project by offering what ever contribution they can by

directly sending their remittances to "Lakshmi Narasimha Sabha".

 

There are no plans for winch or rail car similar to the one at

"Palani". I guess it involves much more capital and needs larger

participation from public and government. Besides the popular beilef here that

past attempts to install the "rail car" were foiled due the Lord's desire that

everyone should come climbing like "sobaanm". One strong and possible reason is

that the turn over

of pilgrims in a year is not so high and so it is believed that the

initiative of government for a rail car project is unlikely in the near

future. The development of the town was given a kick start due to the

construction of TVS groups, two of their divisions here, Sundaram Fasteners

and Lucas TVS manufacturing facilities are here, providing some capital

flow to this town. The Tamil Nadu Govt. has proposed to develop and

construct the "Manufacturing Technology Park" in consortium with Singapore

Govt. and several singapore companies, similar to the software technology

park in Bangalore, here in Sholingar.

 

The Lakshmi Narasimha Sabha is an organization believed to be founded

21 years back and is in active service to the Lord Narasimhar all over TN,

Andhra, etc. It is founded by Mrs. Yadugiri, a Lakshmi Narasimha Ubaasagar

and a devout Ahobila Mutt follower. She is also a disciple of Singa

perumaal Koil Aachaaryar who is himself a Narasimhar Ubaasagar also. They

do Bajans every Friday at their place in "Desikaa" chaari road,

"Aazhwaar"pettai, Madras. The Panguni Utthiram is celebrated every year

here in a grand scale. They have executed few projects earlier and one such

was a silver peedam for Yoga Narasimhar at sholingar in 1980.

 

The Address:

Lakshmi Narasimha Sabha

11, Desikachari Road,

Aazwaar pettai

Madras.

 

 

 

An Analysis on sri Narasimha avathaaram and this shrine at sholingar as the

instant reliever.

 

It is believed that Hiranyakashyup constructed this pillar with his own hands

and went for penance seeking brahmaa's blessing to become invincable and

indestroyable. The Lord stood up with "prahalaadha" for his satyaagrhaa all

through out but when this final encounter took place, Hirayankshup pointed to

the particular pillar and asked if the ever prevading LORD is "in" that

particular pillar. The Lord came off and HE waited untill hiranya kaship

attacked him first. He only asked for the presence and after seeing that HE

couldnot stand empty with his ("ego") preconceived notion that he is

invincible. HE chose to attack first and Lord Narasimha (will not attack an

unopposed man) waited untill opposed physically and killed him with his bare

hands. The nails are the avthaaram of the vajraayudam here. The Lord's anger

caused "thiruk kailaayam" to melt and Lord Shiva came to plead to Lord

Narasimhaa and take shelter there. Lord would not calm down by this appeal

(shivaas appeal), and subsequently the dEvaas appealed to maaha lakshmi to

request him to cool down, and HE would not calm down either. Untill prahalaadan

himslef appeals for mercy and for saving all the three worlds. (otherwise they

faced extinction due to his veppam). This is another proof that noone can

predict the avathaaramas and the very nature of their course, the avathaaram

would take except that one can analyse after the avathaaraam and learn from

that. Avathaarams are taken as per LORD's own will and no devaa or Lord shivaa

can know about it. If they had known the outcome, they would not plead for

their lives at the height of this avathaaram. Thus by this avathaaram, Lord

Narasimhaas's lesson to us is that Lord is not bound by any demigod's appeal

and even Piraati's appeal and HE is the sole authoirty granting "sarNaagathi".

Even if "Piraati" has to say that you may delay or offer the saraNaagathi to a

soul, LORD uses his own descretion and offers saraNaagathi and is not bound by

anyone when granting saraNaagathi. The second point is if one has to worship

LORD Narasimha, here for a specific boon or saraNaagathi, he will offer the

same ATONCE. All the avathaarams has to live for a finite time in a life cycle

before their mission was accomplished. It is believed that people who cannot go

their to this shrine can also obtain the same if they meditate on this LORD for

a kadikai from whereever they are, and seek a boon or a relief or acceptance of

saraNaagathi. As a precedance and keeping inview withthe above statement for

facilitating the worhip of this LORD in kadigai, I am also presenting the

dyaana slokam of this shekthram which are not available for a public domain.

 

Dyaana slokankaL

1.

"Simha mukE roWdra roobinyaam

abaya hasthaankitha karuNaamoorthE

sarva vyaabithamm loka rakshanyaam

paapa vomOchanam "thuritha nivaaraNam"

lakshi kaddksham sarvaabeeshtam

anEham thEhi "lakshmi narasimhaa"

Yadugiri padmanaaban

2.

"Ugram veeram mahaavishnum

jvaalantham sarvathoMukaam

naarasimaham beeshanam bathram

mrithyum mrithyum nammam yaham"

 

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, thiruk kadiyilankumaran thiruvadikalE saraNam

 

Sampath Rengarajan

 

 

---End of forwarded mail from "Sampath Rengarajan"

<srengara