The Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in Srirangam, is the first of the Divya Desams.
A canonical group of Vaishnavite temples of great significance
Divya Desam (Sanskrit: दिव्यदेशम्, Tamil: திவ்ய தேசம்) or Vaishnava Divya Desams[1] are the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples that are mentioned in the works of the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
In Sanskrit, divya means "divine" and desam indicates "realm" (temple).[3][4] For a temple to be classified as a Divya Desam, the temple's main shrine should be dedicated to Vishnu and an adjoining shrine must be for Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort. The temples at Guruvayoor, Jagannath-Puri are not Divya Desams despite being the most visited temples in India.
Geography
The Divya Desams are classified into six regions:
Chera Nadu (western)
Chola Nadu (central)
Pandya Nadu (south)
Pallava Nadu (north)
Vada Nadu (northern India)
Vinnulaga Divya Desams (celestial)
Alvars and Divya Prabandham
Vishnu and Lakshmi, the revered divine couple venerated in most Divya Desams
The word Alvar in Tamil, means "the immersed", referring to their deep devotion of God. Alvars are considered to be the twelve poet-saints of Vishnu, who were instrumental in popularising Vaishnavism during the 5th-8th centuries CE. The religious works of these saints in Tamil, their hymns of love and devotion, are compiled as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, containing 4000 verses and the 108 temples revered in their songs are classified as Divya Desams.[5][6] The saints had different origins and belonged to different varnas. According to tradition, the first three Alvars (mudhal alvargal), Poigai, Bhuthathalvar, Peyalvar and Andal were said to be born "out of divinity", Tirumalisai was the son of a sage, Thondaradi, Mathurakavi, Periyalvar were of Brahmin birth, Kulasekhara from the Kshatriya community, Nammalvar was from a cultivator family, Tirupanalvar from the panar community and Tirumangai was from the kalvar community.
The Divya Suri Saritra by Garuda-Vahana Pandita (11th century CE), Guruparamparaprabhavam by Pinbaragiya Perumal Jeeyar, Periya tiru mudi adaivu by Anbillai Kandadiappan, Yatindra Pranava Prabavam by Pillai Lokam Jeeyar, commentaries on the NaalayiraDivya Prabandam, Guru Parampara (lineage of Gurus) texts, temple records and inscriptions give a detailed account of the Alvars and their works. According to these texts, the saints are considered to be incarnations of attributes of Vishnu. Poigai is considered to be an incarnation of Panchajanya (Krishna's conch), Bhoothath of Kaumodaki (Vishnu's mace), Peyalvar of Nandaka (Vishnu's sword), Thirumalisai of Sudarshana Chakra (Vishnu's discus), Nammalvar of Vishvaksena (Vishnu's commander), Madhurakavi of Vainatheya (Garuda), Kulasekhara of Kaustubha (Vishnu's gemstone), Periyalvar of Garuda (Vishnu's demigod eagle), Andal of Bhudevi (Vishnu's wife, Lakshmi, in her form as Bhudevi), Thondaradippodi of Vanamalai (Vishnu's garland), Thiruppaan of Srivatsa[7] (An auspicious mark on Vishnu's chest) and Thirumangai of Sharanga (Vishnu's bow). The songs of Prabandham are sung in several Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu daily and also during festivals.[6][8]
Significance
In Hindu texts, these temples are often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikuntham, which in Tamil means heavens on earth.[9] Each of the Divya Desam has its own significance related to Sri Vaishnava legend. Almost all of these temples have separate shrines for Vishnu and Lakshmi.[1]
The Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (631,000 m2) with a perimeter of 4,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world.[10][11] The annual 21 day festival of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, conducted during the Tamil month of Margaḻi (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors.[12]
The temple is locally called Nachiyar Koil (to be distinguished from Thirunaraiyur) and is one of the few Divya Desams where the goddess is offered prominence over Vishnu.[13][14] The temple is the birthplace of Thiruppaan Alvar, one of the twelve Alvars. In Srirangam, the yearly birth festival of Thiruppaan Alvar is celebrated with the VishvarupaDarshanam of Ranganatha at the sanctum on the occasion of his birthday. The utsavar of Tiruppan Alvar is taken from the temple to Srirangam.[15]
The Pundarikakshan Perumal temple is believed to have been built by the Pallava king Dantivarman (796–847 CE).[17][18] A swastika-shaped temple tank built during 800 CE is present in the south-western corner of the street around the temple. It has four stepped gateways, each having 51 steps. The tank is believed to have been built by Kamban Araiyan during the reign of Dantivarman. In modern times, it is maintained by the Department of Archaeology of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple complex covers an area of 2.62 ha (6.5 acres), while the tank covers an area of 0.1256 ha (0.310 acres).[19][20] The chariot festival is unique in the state as a community feast is offered by several individuals and committees, a custom many centuries old.[21][22]
King Sundara Chola, who ruled the area, was a devotee of the temple, and during each of his innumerable victories in wars, he showered a lot of wealth on this temple. His prime minister Anirudha Brahmarayar is believed to be from Anbil, the village where the temple is located. The copper plates having the records from the Chola period from Anbil indicate generous contribution from the Medieval Cholas indicate various gifts to the temple.[23][24]
The temple has inscriptions from the 18th year of the reign of Aditya Chola.[25][26] The temple is one of the five Pancharanga Kshetrams, a group of five Hindu temples on the banks of the Kaveri River dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu.[27][28]
Kaveri wanted to cleanse herself, and approached the Hindu god Brahma. She is believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this place, and received relief. A parrot that was devoted to Vishnu was shot down in the nearby forest. Vishnu rescued the parrot and apprised him of his previous birth. Thus, it is believed that Vishnu descends here for all forms of life. Vishnu is also believed to have appeared for sage Nandaka.[30]
Based on Gajendra Moksha, Vishnu is believed to have appeared to Gajendra the elephant also called Indradyumna, the crocodile called Huhu, Sage Parasara and Anjaneya.[31] The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated with Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33]
Rama is believed to have appeared for Sita, and the temple is believed to be the place where Rama performed the last rites of the eagle king Jatayu.[34]
Andalakkum Aiyyan is believed to have appeared for an affluent devotee trying to save Ranganatha.[35] It is also believed that the presiding deity appeared for Kamadhenu, the divine cow, and also for Tirumangai Alvar, the saint poet of the 8th century.[36]
The temple is called Ubaya Pradhana Kshetram as the mulavar (presiding deity) and utsavar (festive deity) enjoy the same importance. It is believed that the presiding deity asked Nathamuni to compile the four thousand verses of Naalayira Divya Prabandham at this place.[37] The twin temple chariots weigh 300 t (660,000 lb) each and are next only in size to the ones in Thygaraja temple in Thiruvarur and Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur.[38] This temple is along Kaveri and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams.[39]
It is believed that Vishnu appeared as Uppiliappan to marry sage Hemarishi's daughter, who was Lakshmi's reincarnation. Since the sage stated that his girl was too young to offer him food with salt, Vishnu agreed to accept an offering without salt.[40]
According to local lore, Vishnu was of the view that during Kali Yuga, men would have to listen to women. Hence, he decided that he would first set an example and listen to the goddess here. During all festive occasions, the first rights are reserved for Nachiyar, who moves ahead, while Srinivasa follows her. Even the food is first served to Nachiyar, and then to Srinivasa.[40] The Kal Garuda image in the temple used during the festive occasions is believed to increase in weight seeking 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 people in succession when the procession comes out of various gates from the sanctum to the main entrance of the temple.[14]
Saranathan is believed to have appeared to river Kaveri, sage Markandeya, and Hindu god Indra. The crown of some of the images from the Chola period show influence of Buddhist tradition in the region.[41] The metal image of Sita is believed to be a classic example of Chola Art during the 9th-10th centuries.[42][43]
Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, is believed to have got his curses relieved by worshipping Vishnu here, and hence the place is called Nandipuram and Nandhipura Vinnagaram.[44] It is also believed that king Sibi worshipped Vishnu at this place.[45]
The temple is counted as Vaishnava Sukra Kshetra as Vishnu appeared as a beautiful deity to please his devotee Sukra (Venus).[46] The place derived its name Thiruvelliyangudi hence and the presiding deity is also referred to as Velliyan. It is believed that Vishnu appeared in Kalyana Kolam (marriage posture) to Parasarar, Markendeyar, Mayan, Brahma, Sukran, and Bhudevi. To de-stress or relieve Vishnu, his mount or vahana, the eagle Garuda, holds the conch and the Sudarshana Chakram of Vishnu, making this the only temple where Garuda is depicted in such a posture.[47]
The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated with Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33] The temple also has a statue of the Buddha worshipped in the shrine.
The idol of Perumal is depicted with silky hair at this locale. Legend has it that he grew the hair to safeguard his devotee's words. The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated with Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33]
The tributary of river Cauvery, Odambokki, passes close to the temple and the river is also called Virutha Kaveri. This leads to one of the names of presiding deity, "Kaveri Thuraivan". The present day Nagapattinam is believed to have been a forest, historically named Sundararinyam. During the Treta Yuga, a prince, Dhruva, heard about the importance of the forest, and began a penance, wishing to see Vishnu.[48]
Unlike other Divya Desams where a single shrine is referred, this set of temples is referred together in all the pasurams (verses). During the Treta Yuga, there were three demons by the names of Tanchakan, Tantakan, and Kacamukan who were blessed by Shiva, and became very powerful. They grew arrogant and troubled sage Parashara, who was doing penance at this place. Vishnu killed Tanchakan, after whom Thanjavur was named.[49]
The temples are located in the banks of the Vennaaru river. Manikundram has a small east facing shrine with the deity and his consort in the same sanctum. All of the pasurams (verses) of Nammalvar and Thirumangai Alvar that mention Thanjai refer to this shrine.[50]
Thanjiyali Nagar is home to Veera Narasimha Perumal, who has a small east facing shrine with the deity and his consort in the same sanctum. Veera Narasimha Perumal is sculpted in a seated posture, giving darshanam to sage Markandeya. The shrine over the sanctum is called Vedasundara Vimana, and the water body associated with it is called Surya Pushkarani.[50]
In a Hindu legend, Brahma, the creator deity, drove away the cattle belonging to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu. Krishna created another herd. Realising that the herd belonged to Krishna, Brahma apologised, and wished Krishna to set his abode at this place. Since Krishna appeared for the cattle and settled here, the presiding deity is called Amaruviappan (the one who is flanked by cattle). Following the legend, the presiding deity in the sanctum is portrayed with cattle surrounding him.[51]
Shiva ordered the sage Vyaghrapada to perform penance at Srirangam, requesting the god Vishnu to give him a place in his abode, Vaikuntha. Vyaghrapada was joined by sage Patanjali in his journey. Because of his poor eyesight, the sages instead went southward, lost their way and reached Krupa Samudram, modern day Tirusirupuliyur. They prayed to Vishnu to come from Srirangam to grant them moksha (divine liberation). Vishnu is also believed to have appeared for sage Vyasa at this place.[52]
Thalaichanga Nachiyar and Chandrasaabahara Perumal
Chandra once conducted a sacrifice called the rajasuya yajna, which was attended by all the celestial deities. Tara, the wife of Brihaspati was attracted by Chandra. Brihaspati appealed to Vishnu on the event and cursed Chandra to have leprosy. Tara bore Budha from Chandra and since his birth had resulted from an illicit relationship, Budha hated his father. To propitiate himself of the curse, Chandra started worshipping Vishnu in this place.[53]
Parimala Ranganayaki and Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal
According to Hindu legend, this site is where the moon god, Chandra is believed to have been relieved of his curse. Indu means moon, and the place Tiruindaloor derives its name from the legend. Chandra, worshipped Vishnu, who appeared to please his devotee.[54]
Thirumangai Aḻvar was requested by the Shaiva Kuravar Sambandar to praise God through pasurams. The deity in the temple is praised as "Man alantha tadalan", meaning the one who measured the land.[55] The name Tadalan is in honour of Tiruvikrama (Vamana) form and the mulavar (central deity) fixed in the central shrine is in this form. The presiding deity, Tiruvikrama, appeared for sage Ashtakoma.[56][57]
Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, and his consort Satyabhama, chose this location for their garden, as it resembled the one in the palace of the king of celestial deities, Indra.[37]Kavalam indicates elephant, and padi indicates place - it is believed that Krishna saved an elephant at this place leading to the name of the temple. The event is described in the verses of Tirumangai Alvar in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.[58]
The Hindu god Shiva is believed to have started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Sati during the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground, there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in the decimation of all of creation. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva's anger reduced, and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he had. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Tirunangar. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Tirunangar are located.[59]
The shrine has close connections with the Govindaraja temple in Tirupati, dating back to the saint Ramanuja of the 11-12th century. Ramanujar fled to Tirupati with the utsava (festival image) of the temple to escape Shaiva persecution.
The temple is believed to be the place where the first three Alvars, the Vaishnava saints, namely, Poigai Alvar, Bhoothathalvar, and Peyalvar attained salvation. The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated with Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33]
One of the greatest Hindu scholars of the Vaishnava Vishishtadvaita philosophy, Ramanuja, is believed to have resided in this temple.[60] The temple, along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, is popularly known as Mumurtivasam (abode of the trio),[61] while Srirangam is referred to as ‘The Koil’ (temple) and Tirupati as the ‘Malai’ (hill).
Also based on the Gajendra Moksha: The elephant Gajendra used to worship Vishnu with the lotus fetched from the temple tank every day. Once, while picking up a lotus, a crocodile caught the leg of Gajendra, who started calling the name of Vishnu for help. Vishnu sent his discus to punish the crocodile, and relieve the elephant. The presiding deity is addressed by various names like Adikesava Perumal, Gajendra Varadhan, and Chakradhar.[62]
Vedanta Desika (1268 - 1369 CE) was an ardent devotee of Deepa Prakasa Temple at Thoppul. The devotion of Desika is mentioned in Saranagathi Deepika in 59 verses. He was born in this kshetra. Vedanta Desika also has a shrine inside the temple. A statue of Hayagriva worshipped by him also has a temple nearby to him.[63]
Aḻagiya Singar is believed to have appeared to slay Hiranya, the demon king. Velukkai is derived from Vel (desire) and irukkai (place of stay), meaning the place where Vishnu desired to stay, which became Velukkai from Velirukkai.[64]
The temple has no presiding deity, but just a festive image probably brought from another shrine. The images of the festival deity, Jagadishvara, facing the east and having four arms, is housed in a hall in the second precinct. The water body associated with the temple is Akrura Tirtham and the vimana is Jagadiswara Vimanam. According to Pillai Perumal Aiyangar in his Nurrettrutiruppatiyantati, Vishnu revealed himself to a sage in the form of a child in a banyan leaf.[65]
The temple is considered one of three oldest temples in Kanchipuram, and is believed to have been built by the Pallavas of the late 8th century CE, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. The temple is associated with a chapter in Mahabharata when Krishna went to the Kauravas as a missive (called Thoota locally) to the Pandavas.[66]
Shiva once attempted to test the devotion of his consort Parvati by setting her aflame while she meditated under the temple's mango tree. When she prayed for Vishnu's intervention, he seized Shiva's crescent, and used its power to douse the divine flame.
The central shrine of temple is most commonly referred as Peragam, while the smaller shrine where the image of the demigod Adishesha is houses is called Tiruoorgam. According to tradition, Mahabali, at the foot of Vamana, could not view the vishvarupam and requested him to produce a smaller form. Vishnu obliged and appeared as a snake in a smaller shrine. The shrine is frequented by childless couple praying for offspring.[65]
The goddess Saraswati, angry with Brahma, attempted to disrupt his yajna. Vishnu stopped her in these efforts. Defeated, Saraswati took the form of the Vegavati river. As Vishnu interfered the path of the river, it was termed Vegavani, then as Vegannai, which gradually corrupted to Vekka.
The shrine is located on the third precinct of the temple. According to Hindu legend, sage Garga performed his penance at this temple and obtained knowledge. The place thus derived its name Garagaham, which later became Kaaragam. The presiding deity of the shrine is Karunakara Perumal facing north and seated on Adisesha and his consort Padmamani Nachiar. The temple tank associated with it is called Agraya Tirtha and the vimana is called Vamana Vimanam or Ramaya Vimanam.[65]
The shrine is located in the second precinct. The presiding deity is called Kalvar and faces north, while his consort is Kamalvalli Thayar. Gauri Tatakam and Taratara Tatakam are the temple tanks associated with the temple and the vimana is called Puskala Vimana.[65][67] There is a separate for Aranavalli Thayar.[65]
The name Parthasarathy, in Tamil, means the 'charioteer of Arjuna', referring to Krishna's role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata. It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century and considered the oldest structural in Chennai.[68]
Brahmanda Purana refers this place Toyatri, meaning a mountain surrounded by water. Thiruneermalai, the modern Tamil name also means a sacred mountain surrounded by water. Among the eight sacred Vishnu temples where he manifested himself called "Ashtaswayamvaka Kshetra".[64]
The temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Vaishnava Alvar saint Bhoothathalvar. Sthalasayana Perumal is believed to have appeared to sage Pundarika. The temple is one of the 32 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that are declared as UN world heritage sites, but unlike others that are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.[69]
The temple has twin hills, with the one of Yoga Narasimha called the Periya malai (big hill) 750 ft (230 m) tall and occupying an area of 1.25 acres (5,100 m2). The top of the hill is approached through a flight of 1,305 steps. The temple is seen as one of the famous temples of Narasimha and a powerful image of Hanuman.[70]Manavala Mamunigal is believed to have performed enunciation of Thirupavai at this place on the request of his disciple Erumbiappa. The town originally was under the control of Shaivites which is substantiated by the temple ruins near Parappan Kulam, in the valley between two hills. This is where original Sholinghur was situated. Unfinished Nandhis and Sthupas are found in numerous places in Sholinghur.[71]
Believed to be the birthplace of Rama, and the shrine is of the infant prince, nicknamed Ram Lalla. The original shrine was demolished in the 16th Century by the Mughals, and replaced with the Babri Masjid, which too was demolished in 1992 by Hindu mobs. A new temple is currently being built on the original site, partially inaugurated in 2024. One of the most famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India.
Lakshmi is believed to have protected and massaged Vishnu's feet at this site. One of the most famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India, this temple is a part of the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham circuits.
This is believed to be the site where Narasimha appeared to protect his devotee Prahlada. The giant massive pillar from which he appeared is called Ugra Stambha, and one can still see it. Here, Narasimha appears in nine different forms; these re collectively called Nava Narasimha.
Vishnu, in his form as Srinivasa, married Padmavati, the mortal princess avatar of Lakshmi, at this temple. One of the most famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India, this temple is also one of the richest temples in India in terms of wealth.
It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend of Mahabharata, where the five Pandavas are believed to have built one temple each; the temple is believed to have been built by Yudhishthira. The Imayavar (devas) came to this place prior to Yudhishthira, and hence the deity here is referred as Imayavarappar.[72] There is another version that the Pandavas worshipped the idols during their reign, and started installing them in different places during the end of their reign.[73]
It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend of Mahabharata, where the five Pandavas are believed to have built one temple each; this temple is believed to have been built by Nakula. Earliest references to this temple appear in the verses and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints – Nammalvar, in circa 800 CE. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800–1102 CE).[74]
A sage named Vedavitha performed penance after the death of his parents. Vishnu appeared in the form of a Brahmin, and advised him to perform a penance at Varagunamangai. After several years of penance and pleased by the devotion of Vedavitha, Vishnu appeared before him. Vedavitha requested Vishnu to appear as Vijayasnar at this place.
Alamelumangai Thayar and Kulandhai Valli and Srinivasa Perumal
An asura once abducted Kumudhavalli, the wife of a Vaishnava. The asura was vanquished by Vishnu, who danced on his head, and restored Kumudhavalli to her husband.
The temple in its present form was believed to have been built by Devendra Vallabha, a Pandya king. The temple has three inscriptions in its two rock-cut caves, two dating from the period of the 8th century. Ninra Narayana is believed to have appeared to Sridevi and Bhudevi. Ranganatha from the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple is believed to have been enamoured by the devotion of Andal. He started a journey to Srivilliputhur Divya Desam to seek her hand for marriage. While reaching the place, it became dark, and he decided to spend the night in the place. Since he stayed at this place, it came to be known as Thiruthangal and the hillock came to be known as Thalagiri.[75]
Historians are of the opinion that Koodal Aḻagar temple finds mention in Sangam literature (3 century BCE – 3 century CE) in works like Madurai Kanchi by Mangudi Marudan, Paripāṭal, Kaliththokai and Silappatikaram. Periyalvar obtained the name as he is believed to be an ardent worshipper of Vishnu. While coming out of Madurai, he was taken out in procession to Srivilliputhur and he got the divine vision of Vishnu at the instance. He started reciting his composition, Periya Tirumoḻi, which was compiled in the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam by Manavala Mamunigal. Manavala decreed that the verses of Periyalvar starting with Tirupallandu should be the first and last verse while reciting Pradandam in any sacred occasion in Vishnu temples. Ramanuja, a proponent during the 10th century, believes that Tirupallandu originated at Madurai. Thus Koodal Aḻagar temple finds an indomitable position in Vaishnavite belief. During Mahapralaya, the great disaster, the devotees sought the abode of Vishnu in Madurai.[76]
Kallaḻagar was worshipped by Yama, the Hindu god of death. He requested Vishnu to stay in the place and built a temple with the help of Vishvakarma, the divine architect.[77] Kallaḻagar is believed to have appeared to redeem sage Suthapava off his curse from sage Durvasa.[78] The temple houses some rare Vijayanagara sculptures.[79]
According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity is believed to have appeared as a female Mohini to lure the asuras to support the devas, the celestial deities. The temple is also known as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram.[80]
The temple is known as the place where Ramanuja, the expounder of Vaishnavadatta philosophy preached the mantra "Om Namo Narayana" to all people irrespective of their birth. Sowmyanarayana Perumal is believed to have appeared as Narasimha avatar to the devas, the celestial deities.[81]
Kalyanavalli, Padmasani and Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal
The temple is believed to have been built during the late 8th century CE, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas, later Pandyas, Sethupathi Kings of Ramnad. According to Hindu legend, Rama is believed to have done penance to worship Varuna to seek a path to Lanka upon the grass, giving the name Dharbasayanam to the place.[82]
This Divya Desam is not located on Earth. Vaikuntha is the abode of Vishnu and Lakshmi. While the first 106 Divya Desams are believed to be mortal replicas of Vaikuntha, this is the Vaikuntha situated upon the spiritual sky (Paravyoma).
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^ abR., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 473–4.
^Thiruvelliyangudi. Thiruvelliyangudi: Temple administration, Sri Kolavalli Ramar Alayam. 2004. p. 1.
^Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1982). South Indian Shrines: Illustrated. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. p. 534. ISBN9788120601512.
^R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 500–1.
^ ab"Thirukoil Vazhikatti". Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. pp. 55–6. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
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^S., Gopalakrishnan (December 1996). "The Raṅga-maṇḍapa of the Tāṭikkompu Temple A Study of an Iconographic Programme of the Vijayanagara Tradition". East and West. 46 (3/4): 415–431. JSTOR29757285.
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