WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part- 9

Sri Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part- 9

by Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan

concluding

Chandran and Srivaishnavam –Lord Vishnu is reclining in his coiled serpent adiseshan at Thiruparkadal, keeping in front of him the bird Garuda,the bitter enemy and slayer of Serpents.Similarly Serpents are nurtured by Chandran by giving amurt kiranas on full moon days,while providing water to its preys mandukas (frogs) which dwell in wells,rivers and ocean..Chandran who gives rest to the mind and bodies of all living beings by comforting them with sleep in the night ,also feed the terror striking subtle and astral bodies like ghosts and spirits through its rays to rise up in the night due to their attraction towards amrut kiranas on full moon nights.This is because Chandran got boon from Sri Vishnu to serve all classes of beings without any discrimination.Chandran surrendered to Lord Vishnu at thiruparkadal and later emerged from it when it was churned by both devas and asuras.So Chandran came out with open mind to serve anyone either be devas or asuras.Later Chandran adorned the thirumudi of Shiv dev as ordained by Lord Vishnu in his Kurma avatar to cool the body of Shiva and saved him from scotching heat of halakala venom.He received the Sripatha theertham of Lord Vishnu on its body to mitigate the dreadful force of “ganga” water before being passed on to the thirumudi of Shiv dev.Lord Krishna gave moksha not only to the potter Thadhipandan but also to his clay Pot. All demi gods, devas and devathais were created by Lord Vishnu who assigned them with certain duties to perform in the universe.So they simply carry out his divine orders of Emperuman for his mercy always.Chandran serve all these demigods,devas, devathais apart from achit and chits like living beings, plants and vegetation ect.Services to anyone without any expectation of results is the dictum of Lord Krishna as per the Karma yoga pronounced by him in baghwat gita. Similarly Surrender to the paramathma Lord Krishna is expected to be followed by all in line with Bhakthi yoga.These are the essence of Srivaishnavam.Hence Chandran is doing immense services to every beings in the universe without any discrimination to carry out the desire of Lord Vishnu.so chandran function as “திருமால் அடியார்களுக்கு அடியார்” besides as “ஸ்ரீவைஷ்ணவ தொண்டர்குலத்திற்க்கு தொண்டர் “.Sri Koorathazhwan born in Hastham, a star owned by moon, fell unconscious upon seeing the plight of a frog being swallowed by a snake and a plantain tree branch fell on the ground cut off by a farmer.He exhibited the quality of chandran in showing the compassion and mercy to all.So Chandran signify the essence of Srivaishnavam propounded by Bhagwath Sri Ramanujar.Most of the prominent achariyars took birth either in moon stars of Hastham or sravanam or its nodes stars like Thiruvathirai.They all exhibited the six qualities of chandran who is said to have come out from the mind and abode of Sriman Narayanan.Sri ramanujar went to see Delhi Badusha,mughal emperor to bring back the Ramar idol (selva pillai) from his palace.He exhibited the qualities of moon.Azhagarhill was most favourite to periazhagar,swathi (rahu star) and Sri koorathazhan,hastham (moon star).Both azhwar and achariyar were closely associated with this kshetram.

Chandran and sakada yoga – Chandran got boon from Lord Vishnu to serve every beings and fulfill their desires without any discrimination.True to this nature,chandran yielded to the desire of Tara,the wife of guru, who was attracted towards his beauty and got a child “Bhudan” through him.Although his guru ‘Brahaspathi” pardoned chandran upon his surrender realizing his grave mistake and betrayal done to his guru, yet chandran got a permanent dosham. Accordingly his beauty of 15 kalais vanishes on the new moon day ( symbolically dark on this day when chandran do not appear in the sky) with his constant absolute 16^th kalai getting purified by agni on this day,once he conjunct with Suriyan before he gets rebirthed again by regaining his beauty every day till pounami when he would be with all 16 kalais in shinning splendor.Becouse of Guru apachara dosham,Chandran is destined to be placed in any natal horoscope within the direct sight or in kona or in Kendra with Jupiter or in gurus stars to get his blessings always.If chandran is placed out of sight or just behind guru or ahead or 6/8 signs with Jupiter, it will give the natives horoscope an adverse “Sakada yoga”wherein one has to undergo ups and downs in life without much benefic results from moon.Hence chandran will give benefic results only if Jupiter is also well placed in a native horoscope.If Jupiter is weak in a horoscope, the native has to surrender to a good achariyar for his blessings and grace.

Hence Chandran always needs the blessings of all gurus due to the above episode.Therefore in jyotish, Jupiter gets exalted only in the sign of moon (kataka) while chandran gets exalted in Vrushbha raasi owned by Sukran ,other Brahaspati for asuras.The later is due to the fact chandran needs the blessings of sukran to get rebirthed on every new moon day since only Sukran alone knows the“Sanjeevini Mantra”to make one rebirth again. As chandran got emerged from Thiruparkadal churned by both devas and asuras, Chandran seeking the blessings of both achariyars of devas and asuras is understood.Also both Venus and moon signify the beauty, womenhood,water (rain) ect.Hence Srirangam temple,is seen with the influences of both Venus and chandran in every aspects of its temple rituals..

Because of Chandrans dosham of guru apacharam, moon has tagged with many controversies still lingering like ‘moon landing hoax theory of astronomers’ or “frog in the moon or “rabbit in the moon” and “devandhari” ect.Hence on account of above reason, although our rishies assigned chandran is the karagha for water many centuries ago, only recently it was scientifically proved that water is existing in moon as found out by our desi satellite and later reconfirmed by other nations.So chandran needs the grace of Jupiter always. So the mind needs to be nurtured by the blessings of achariyar to get the benefic results since chandran is the vehicle of mind and faith. Thirumangaiazhwar thirumozhi (11-2-8) signify azhagar connection with mind as

“மஞ்சுறு மாலிருஞ்சோலை நின்றமணாளனார்

நெஞ்சம் நிறைகொண்டு போயினார்!

(திருமங்கையாழ்வார் திருமொழி 11-2-8)

Remedial measures (Pariharams) for “Moon “and its nodes “Rahu” and “ketu” –

Chandran is very humble and kind hearted to give life to everyone.Hence other neecha grahas get their life due to his mercy. Even if chandran is neecha in vrichika it will not give bad results during his dasa provided the horoscope is not afflicted by malefic grahas.since moon is closely connected to Rahu and ketu, its two intersecting nodes, any pariharam to Rahu and ketu have to be done only in this Kshetram.Since partial solar and appulse lunar eclipse occurs around 18th degrees of nodes,Symbolically on the 18^th step of the closed entrance doors of this koil has a pole with a long metal sword fixed on the brass metal icon of a small peacock cutting across on its metallic feather (chandrik).Peacock represent Sun and its feather denotes Moon.Locals call this as “Karrupana swamy” without any idol or image.There are many swords and spears lying on this 18^th step to denote symbolically the evil efforts of Rahu-ketu.Hence passing through this permanently closed entrance of 18 steps by Chakrathazhwar is considered to be an important event.Hence those native horoscopes affected by Kala sarpa dosha and rahu/ketu in 2^nd,7^th and 8^th house need to have darshan of chakrathazhwar on any of the eight days prior to Aadi pournami, when the otherwise permanently closed doors will be opened only for sudharsana Chakra to pass through symbolically to break the clutches of moons nodes.Aadi (18^th)Perukku sometimes falls during Aadi brahmotsavam.worshipping Chakram on this day is good to remove rahu-ketu dosham.No one will be allowed inside the steps. Even kallazahgar never uses these 18 steps but go via vandivasal,the side entrance.No one will dare to tell lies against their own consciousness before this closed doors fearing immediate punishment. On rest of the days, one can visit the temple and apply sandal wood paste on the closed doors of pathinettam padi and worship Lord azhagar besides having holy baths in noopura ganga.Moon gives benefic results and make native happy always.But if moon is very badly afflicted and is in neecha or in 8^th house aspected by mars or Saturn ,it will give depression,fear of death in mind, drowning in water, mental disturbances leading to insanity,paranoid and fickle mind besides having mystical experiences ect.Those having fear of ‘yama bhayam” in the mind must worship Lord azhagar to get rid of it. Stubborn mind can be broken by the worship of chakram while passing through 18 steps.Giving Annadhanam of curd rice and water besides giving away white cloths to Brahmins here on Mondays is good. Moolavar Sri paramaswamy and three utsavars are holding Prayogachakras in their hands to destroy the evil forces. worshipping lord azhagar will remove all doshams.wearing pearls and moon stones will reduce the bad efforts of moon as it will calm down the mind to some extend.Thirumangai azhwar pasuram signify the importance of praying lord azhagar.

"தெள்ளருவிகொழிக்கும் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை நின்ற

வள்ளலை வாணுதலான் வணங்கித்தொழ வல்லள்கொலோ!

(திருமங்கையாழ்வார் திருமொழி 9-9)

Srivaishnavam/ Achariyar/Chandran and their links -The two main salient features of Srivaishnavam is the continuation of unbroken chain of guru parampara starting from Sriman Narayana himself being the very first achariyar and also giving thadhiarathana to bhagvathas.Moon is the vehicle of mind which takes us to an achariyar as chandran needs to be blessed always by guru astrologically due to Sakada yoga and hence our mind needs to be nurtured by good achariyar always who symbolically represent guru- Jupiter.That is where moon tries to change the karmic cycle to some extend as explained above.Providing annam/food are due to the influence of moon to please the mind of bhagvathas.SrI Krishna is called as ‘gitachariyan” as he gave baghvad gita to the world. Lord Krishna ensured that Srivaishnavam is propagated by many achariyars in kali yuga to nurture the mind of all jeevathmas.Sri koorthazhwar composed a work “sundrabahusthvam” praying Lord azhagar to take him back to his achariyar. Accordingly lord Azhagar blessed him and made azhwan go back to Sri Ramanujar.

Achariyar acts as a Catalist to precipitate the sediments (dur gunas) from mind similar to giving clarity in a chemical solution.This is possible only in a reactive solution like those natives who are fortunately well placed with moon and Jupiter in their horoscopes.Others similar to non reactive dormant solution will not seek the blessings of an achiaryar as they are not destined due to the bad placement of moon/Jupiter by birth in their chart.They would try to seek the help of many demi-gods for solving their immediate problems as moon nodes rahu and ketu tend to divert their mind in different directions to seek quick relief.

Sri Namazhwar in his thirvaimozhi (10-8) under the heading “Thirumaliurmchoolai” rendered 11 pasurams involving azhagar with Sri appakudathan of Thirupernagar where the moolavar”appallu sriranganathar‘ is holding appakudam in his right hand. Here the lord is presented daily appam with milk in a kudam to remind the puranic episode of this kshetram . Thirumaliurmchollai is reminded by the tradition of giving‘’ akkaravadisil” to azhagar on the day of coinciding 27th pasuram of thiruppavai recited during margazhi. Chandran signify giving of annam (food) and water to satisfy the mind and the body as he denotes both.So Namazhwar connected both divya desa emperumans together in a pasuram as lord Krishna is standing and reclining postures in both temples.

“திருப்பேர் நகரான் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலைப்

பொருப்பேயுறைகின்ற பிரான் இன்றுவந்து

இருப்பேனென்று என்னெஞ்சு நிறையப் புகுந்தான்

விருப்பேபெற்று அமுதமுண்டு களித்தேனே !

( நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய்மொழி 10-8)

CHANDRAN AND YOGA – “ YOGA’ MEANS UNION OCCURING BETWEEN THE MIND AND BODY WITH SOUL which involves physical postures of body and spiritual orientation in the mind.As chandran denotes the living body besides also being the karagha for mind, ‘YOGA’ is siginified by moon.Lord Krishna in Bhagvad Gita mentioned about the importance of ‘Yoga’ which is imparted only by the guidance of guru.Hence to keep the body and mind in good condition, gurus guidance is required.

Mind and health – Sun denotes immortal ‘athma’ while chandran denotes the living body containing 65% water and subjected to waxing and waning physically over a period of time during lifespan.Similarly Chandran also denotes mind and hence he is called as ‘manokaraghan’. Modern science found that both mind and body are interlinked with the health condition of any living being as mind is always subjected to stress,anxity,sadness,emotional feelings,unwanted thoughts and mental upset ect.This relatively weaken the body unless the mind is shielded by ‘self realisation’ to realize that “athma’ and “body” are different and also to get the divine knowledge.This will make our mind strong and protected against the worries arised in the material life. Hence by keeping the mind focused on divine knowledge by doing karma,Ghana and bhakthi yogas simultaneously, one can keep the body in perfect health condition always. This is what lord Krishna told in bhagwath gita.

Periazhwar dedicated 10 pasurams in his thirumozhi (1-5) under”Thun mugathu” depicting the call of yasodha to chandran inviting him to come down for playing with child Bala Krishna when he was then passing through“ambuli parvam”.Periazhwar also described in a pasuram of ‘’sappani parvam’ as to how child Krishna brought down chandran to come closer to play with him. Lord Krishna has liking for chandran always.

தூநிலாமுற்றத்தே போந்துவிளையாட

வானிலா அம்புலீ ! சந்திரா ! வாவென்று

நீநிலா நின்புகழா நின்றஆயர்தம்

கோநிலாவக் கொட்டாய்சப்பாணி குடந்தைக்கிடந்தானே! சப்பாணி.

( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 1-7-4 )

Iyswaryam is given by the lord of tirumala to his devotees as he reflects the guna of sani who can lift a jeevathma to the highest peak if sani is well placed in his chart.As sani gives benefic results to one as per the past karmas,those natives who worship lord Srinivasar at tirumala will get what they pray for.Thirumaliumchoolai being the kshetram of chandran, azhagar gives happiness in the mind for ever to his devotees by entering in his heart to stay. Chandran being cool gives happiness.Happiness is possible only if one is blessed with health and wealth lifelong.Hence one should visit this kshetram and worship this lord before it is too late.Sri Namazhavar calls the devotees to worship azhagar before one becomes old.

கிளரொளி இளமை கெடுவதன் முன்னம்

வளரொளி மாயோன் மருவிய கோயில்

வளரிளம் பொழில் சூழ் மாலிருஞ் சோலை

தளர்வில ராகில் சார்வது சதிரே.

--- நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய்மொழி ( 2-10)

Thirumaliurmcholai glory in details are mentioned in scriptures like ’sanathkumara samhithai’,Brahma samhithai, Srivalliputtur sthala purana, Sri jagannatha Kshetra mahathmaiyam, Gotha parinayam, Hamsa santhesam, Nootriyettu tirupathi anthaathi ect. This temple is inside the fort called as ‘hiranya fort’ which name was mentioned in Sangam periods “pathupattu”as “hiranya mutham”.This koil has Munithrayan thirumandapam, alankara mandapam, ariyan mandapam,.Ther(car) of this koil is called as “ amaintha narayanan’. Behind the main gopuram just before the entrance to the sanctum, there is a open place called as “ Eithraja thirumutham”.

There are many ilakiyams and kaaviyams on azhgar koil. ‘Sollaimalai kuravanji“,azhagar killai vedu thuthu’’ in Pillai tamizh about azhagar, azhagar andhathi, azhagar kalambagam’ and sri soundraraja stosthram are few to be mentioned.There were many mutts existed long before in azhagarkoil like “Kulasekara mutt, vanathirayanan mutt, Thirunadudaiyan mutt, Ramanuja koodam for staying.Also there existed was a mutt called “ Sri ramanuja mutt” started by bhagvath sri ramanujar which was headed by Sri manavala mamuni as its first pontiff.

Chirtrai thiruvizha during chittra pournami is the festival of 9 days.Brahmotsvam is celebrated during aadi month for 9 days ending on addi pournami. There is a three days festival known as ‘thalai aruvi utsavam” during iypasai month. Chittra pournami will attract more than 10 lacs people assembling in vaigai river bed at Madurai to have glimpse of azhagar in horse vahana stepping in to the vaigai river to redeem the curse of sage manduka rishi. Chandana kudam,water spraying by peechangkuzhal on azhagar and fire balls (thee pantham ) will be carried out on this day with fervor and festive mood by millions of devotees who come from all villages nearby two days before this event.

Azhagar was the first one to pronounce Thaniyan for Sri manavala mamunigal.When thirumaliurmcholai jeer took Sennaimudhaliyar,an ardent sishya of manavala mamuni,Lord azhagar rendered through archamukam a ”Thaniyan” reciting ‘Srisailesa dhayapathram’.This news was immediately carried by sennaimuthaliyar to srirangam to inform other sishyas by which time just before his arrival, it is believed that Sri azhagiya manavalan appeared as a young boy and rendered the same thaniyan to the muni at periya koil.Namazhwar in his thiruvaimozhi pasuram described the lord of this hill enters in the heart of his devotees once he thinks of this kshetram.Azhagar is also called as ‘Maalalangarar’ among his many thirunamams.

“ திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை மலையென்றேன் என்னத்

திருமால்வந்து என்னெஞ்சு நிறையப் புகுந்தான் !

--- நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய்மொழி (10-8-1)

HOW SRIVAISHNAVAM IS SIGNIFIED BY CHANDRAN THROUGH THE MYSTICAL NUMBER 18 AND ITS LINK WITH SRI KRISHNA AVATAR.

we have already seen more details in the past issues of march 10 and sep 10,the close link between chandran and the mystical number 18 and its root numbers 108 and 180 besides its total no 9 both astrologically and scientifically. Above numbers are closely connected with Srivaishnavam as given below-

There are 18 puranas,18 chapters in bhagvad gita,18 parvas in Mahabharata, it is mentioned in muktika Upanishad, the total list of names of 108 upanishads, there are 18,000 slokas in Srimad bhagavatam.There are 18 rahasya granthas composed by Sri Pillai lokachariyar.Sri Ramanujar got thirumandiram only on his 18^th attempt and defeated Yajnamurthi,an advaita scholar on 18^th attempt.Similarly this divine number has significance in Sri krishnas avatar. Bhagwan Sri Krishna after killing kamsa stayed in his birth place Madura for 18 years before he had moved to dwaraka.In Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna was a chariateer for 18 days and got jarasandan killed by bhima on his 18^th attempt to invade Madura. Sri Krishna rendered bhagvad gita with 18 chapters and gave the charma sloka on the last 18^th chapter.Hence logically,astrologically and scientifically chandran is closely linked to Srivaishnavam and with Bhagwan Sri Krishna.

Conclusion – Thirumaliurmcholai is counted as third important Kshetram after Srirangam and Tirumala in terms of number of pasurams and fourth after thirukudandai in terms of number of azhwars mangalasaasanam on divya desams barring thiruparkadal and paramapatham.Ramanuja nootranthadhi rendered by Thiruvarangathamudhanar with 108 verses gives importance to thirumaliurmcholai after Srirangam and tirumala as given below in one of its verses.

“இருப்பிடம் வைகுந்தம் வேங்கடம் மாலிருஞ்சோலை யென்னும்

பொருப்பிடம் மாயனுக்கென்பர் நல்லோர் “

- -இராமானுஜ நூற்றந்தாதி (106ஆவது பாசுரம்)

Thirumaliurmcholai inspite of its puranic importance in scriptures, has not reached its prominence it deserved in srivaishnavam on account of its lack of connection of achariyar sambandham in this kshetram. Chandran got the dosham due to the apasaram of achariyar and hence he is not properly understood still inspite of his significance in Srivaishnavam and he is called as ‘davandhari’,the one who serve devas. Sri Thirumalai azhwan was born in this sthalam. Sri kurathazhwan stayed in this Kshetram. This kshetram was once upon a time well served by a chain of pontiffs known as ‘Thirumaliurmcholai jeers’ in good spirit of devout and dedication for long time. Sri Manavala mamuni came and established a mutt here which was later headed by his clan of achariyars in chain known as “Thimaliurmcholai jeers” for many decades untill early 19^th century when due to the intervention of other communities in temple and mutt administration, this chain of achariyars clan was broken.Thereafter mutt has now become the place for staying of all pilgrimages .One can see this mutt still is existing next to Sri ramanujar sannidhi.Namazhwar Pasuram in thiruvaimozhi mentioned that achariyar sambandham will one day be renewed as lord paramaswamy will not let down this.

“தென்கொள் திசைக்குத் திலதமாய் நின்ற திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை

நங்கள் குன்றம் கைவிடான் நண்ணா அசுரர் நலியவே”

- நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய்மொழி (10-7)

True to the essence of above pasuram of namazhwar, our prakrutham H H Srimath andavan is now establishing a branch of ashramam at Thirumaliurmcholai on the main road of azhagarkoil to madurai neaby to kallandhiri canal, just 3 kms away from the main temple in a place of picturesque scenery of 2.3 acres land with facilities for staying to worship azhagar in this kshetram. Once this ashramam branch is ready, it will help all Srivaishnavas to stay and witness the chittrai festival when lord kallazhagar goes via this main road for mandakapadis to many places enroute to Madurai.The highlight of this subject covered in the past nine issues since march 2010 gives us the message in nutshell that chandran came out from thiruparkadal,chandran signify Srivaishnavam and denotes Sri Krishna avatar.chandran takes us to guru/achariyar through his karagathvam of mind besides this Kshetram itself is the Sthalam for chandran to worship and do pariharams.Those worship lord azhagar will feel the happiness as lord Krishna enters in their mind and will grace them as given below in the concluding pasuram.

“தென்றல் மணங்கமழும் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை தன்னுள்

நின்றபிரான் அடியேன் மனத்தேவந்து நேர்படிலே”

( நாச்சியார் திருமொழி - 9)

concluded

Sarvam sri krishnarpanam

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part- 8

Sri Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part- 8

by Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan

Cosmic Ocean and Sanghu -The Universe consists of many billions of galaxies. Our earth, moon and entire Solar System consisting of all planets and billions of Stars including Sun are located in one of such galaxies known as”Milkyway” alias Cosmic ocean (sounds like Milky ocean-Thiruparkadal).There are many further billions of galaxies unknown to astronomers.Each such galaxy consists of billions of Stars like in milky way.The shape of our galaxy “milky way” is like a “Conch shell “exactly in similarity to its cyclical involutions of a conch shell at its center point while the outer portion appears like a flat“disc” (chakram).Hence this galaxy is also called as “Spiral galaxy”. Sun is the embodiment with Sudarshna Chakram which gives light of millions of Suns.Sanghu (conch) is denoted by Moon.Sanghu is most dearer to Sriman Narayana as it never gets separated from his hand and also it enjoys the privilege of touching the beautiful lips of lord any time he blows.Hence Sri andal gave importance to Sanghu by placing it in front before chakram in her Thiruppavai 14^th pasuram as “சங்கொடு சக்கரமேந்தும் தடக்கையன்”.Sri Andal who gave importance to Chandran both in her 1^st and 30^th pasurams of ‘Thiruppavai” mentioned further as “திங்களுமாதித்தியனு எழுந்தாற் போல்” to show the importance accorded to Chandran. Sanghu gives sound for victorious sign and its vibration will remove our ignorance.Achariyar assumed the role of Sanghu to remove the darkness in our mind as he enlighten us in spiritual path. So the role of moon is important to take us to a good achariyar.

The Universe like a “golden egg” better known as “ prapanjam’’ consists of many billions of galaxies in which stars and planets are located.One such galaxy ‘milkyway” seen above is in the center of the universe encompassing within itself many billions of stars,Sun, moon, earth and planets ect. Rg veda 10-121-1 states before the creation, there existed a golden womb -Hiranya Garbha- paramathma was the only lord of everything born,holding the earth and heaven.Ancient vedic seers declared that entire universe is ‘Ananta koti Brahamand ‘ meaning the prapanjam is made up of billions of galaxies and heavenly bodies similar to the modern theory. Big Bang theory propose that Universe was compact,dense and hot many billions of years ago when some cosmic explosion occurred.Since then the universe has been expanding and cooling with galaxies moving away from each other.The universe shape is like a cosmic egg in golden yellow colour.The shape of the Universe in oval shaped egg was first brought in to the notice of astronomers very recently by the release of ever first image of entire universe by European space agency. The Space telescope Planck sent last year in to the sky returned with the images which were later assembled by ESA for unveiling this incredible image of universe. Sanghu and egg are under the karaghathvam of Chandran who signify the srivaishnavam.

“ ஊழிமுதல்வன் ஒருவனேயென்னும் ஒருவன் உலகெல்லாம்

ஊழிதோறும் தன்னுள்ளே படைத்துக் காத்துக் கெடுத்துழலும்

ஆழிவண்ணன் என்னம்மான் அந்தண் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை !

நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய்மொழி ( 10-7)

Namazhwar in his thiruvaimozhi (10-7) described that Lord azhagar is the one who created the universe ,protect and preserve it and destroy it finally.Similar to a Spider which spits from its mouth viscous liquid to create a web net around it and finally takes back in to its stomach,Lord Vishnu after pralayam swallow the entire universe and keep it in his stomach.Namazhwar thiruvaimozhi (10-7)on this as

“ திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை யானேயாகிச் செழுமுவுலகும் தன்

ஒருமா வயிற்றினுள்ளே வைத்து ஊழியூழிதலையளிக்கும்

திருமால் என்னையாளுமால்”

நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய்மொழி (10-7)

Full Moon reaches fullness with 100% illumination on the night of Pournami instantly just for a moment when moon comes quite opposite to Sun.On the contrary moon disk might appear to be ‘full’ for 2/3 nights closest to the true full moon. This is due to the percentage of moons disk that appears illuminated,changes very slowly around the period of full moon ( also around the days of new moon).Hence on the night before and after the true full moon (100%) night, the moon disk size might vary between 97% -99% in illumination which most of the people would not notice the differences. Even after two days from true full moon, its disk will be 93-97% illuminated.Full moon appears much larger in size and brightness than normal full moon when it comes closer to horizon.Full moon appears in smaller size when it is over the sky (zenith).This view is due to the optical illusion.Blue Moon is the name given to the 2^nd full moon that occurs in a same month.Two blue moons in a year occurs normally after a duration of a decade in a rare phenomenon.

Chandran and its nodes in other religions – Moon has greater influence than Sun since the ancient period of pagan faiths to Judaism and Islamic religions which follow only lunar calendar.The word ‘month’ is originally derived from “moonth” or a cycle of moon phase.Mayan culture,the oldest pagan faith in central/south America followed by native American Indians follow calendar known as “Mayan Calendar.This is divided in to 18 months in a year. Mystical no 18 is also found in Judaism.“Shabbat“candles are lit by jewish women on Fridays exactly 18 minutes before the Sunset to welcome Shabbat as per their rabinically mandated laws in Judaism.They believe by lighting at this time, it will bring peace,rest and harmony at home.Their worship places“Synagogues” have special caliberated clocks known as ‘Zmanim clock” to give exact timings for lighting. Similarly Islamic people strictly follow the beginning of month as per Lunar calendar particularly during“Ramadan”festival and ‘Eids’ by physically sighting the young New moon in crescent (Hilal) to begin their strict fasting.This festival falls during purattasi month.Their green flag itself has a Symbol of crescent moon with a Star.Chandran influence is also felt in their places of worship “dargah” with commonly found usages of “peacock feather bunches,jasmine flowers and Sandal wood paste (chandana koodu) in tombs. Becouse of chandrans influence, a bondage between Srivaishnavam and Islamic faith is seen in temples like Srirangam, Srimushnam and few other Vishnu temples. “Thulukkachi Nachiyar”,an Islamic princess Sannidhi just behind Sri Ranganathar garbhagraham is the testimony to this.Besides this, Sri Namperumal is adorned with Lunghi on a day during margazhi Utsavams when he is taken out on procession.Lord also partake bread on this day to give acceptance of her devotion.Similarly Srimushnam koil utsavar receive honours in front of a Dargah where he Stops during his procession in masi festival period.There are few other Vaishnava koils to quote on this subject.Chandran influence is also seen in Lord Krishnas janmabhumi mandir complex where one can see the fluttering Islamic flag with crescent moon from its mosque partitioned inside this complex.Many Islamic scholars in north rendered kirtanas on Lord Krishna.Thus Chandran influence is thus seen to have been spread in all faiths due to its intersecting nodes ‘Rahu’and‘Ketu”which afflicted moon and caused the creation of above religions/ faiths with conflicting interest to chandran permanently as these nodes of shadows move in reverse (anti-clockwise) to chandrans direct transit in its path.

Chandran is the core nucleus of Srivaishnavam, representing Sri Krishna avatar.It is believed that moon nodes ‘Rahu’ represent western religions and ‘ketu’ represent eastern religions.Both also denotes other faiths in Hinduism.Symbolically Rahu (black colour) signifying western religions like Islam has influence with their women wearing black burqas, while Ketu ( red ) is identified with eastern religions like Buddhism in which their monks wear red colour garments.Religion like islam is more aggressive due to Rahu while eastern religions like buddhism are more on spiritual side due to Ketu.The two nodes of Moon only caused the creation of other religions/faiths as intersecting points in the mindset of srivaishnavam,the nodal point of moon. In Hinduism, faiths like worship of amman/gouri, kali, durga, Iyappan and hard vows like walking in the fire ect are due to the influence of rahu including that of crude rituals connected with villages deities like Karrupanaswami and other kaval devadhis. Similarly worship of Ganesa, Siva, Biravar, chandikesar, Skandan (subramani) , and snakes besides some hard vows like piercing with spears,needles in the body are coming under the purview of ketu. Mostly those worships are done on full moon and new moon days.These are the two days when both Sun and moon are prone to be eclipsed by its intersecting shadow nodes ‘rahu’and ‘ketu’. Black magic and other sacrifices are done on full or new moon due to the influence of both nodes.Bathing in the sea or sacred rivers on new moon days is due to the influence of Moon as he denotes water.Hence our ancestors attributed new moon for ‘pitrus’ as moon and sun are in conjunction on this day.Full moon is meant for‘other living beings’as moon is far away from Sun.Full moon festivals are observed in many countries from asia to Europe. Similarly ‘’chitra pournami’ day coincide with the ‘’Water festivals’ celebrated in many countries. Since Sun and moon are eclipsed by both nodes ‘Rahu”and “Ketu”,both Ramas and Krishnas avatar birth places at Ayodiya and Madura respectively are intersected by other religious worship tomb (mosque) with prolonged conflicting interest to Chandran,the symbolic of Srivaishnavam.Mughal invaders looted Somanath moon temple only on their 18^th attempt when they succeeded finally.It is seen normally that followers of other faiths of hinduism wear either red or black robes for the rituals due to the influence of ‘rahu’ or ‘ketu”, the conflicting aspects of mind and faith.It is found that “rahu’ has influence with sanyasis to make them follow strictly their religious practices. Since both nodes as shadows move in anti-clockwise path to the Moon which transit on direct path in clockwise, it tends to reverse symbolically the mind, faith and belief created by moon.Many foreigners who were born by birth in other religions and faith accept Srivaishnavam by joining in ISKCON,the world movement of Sri Krishna bhakti.

True essence of Srivaishnavam- Srivaishnavam stands on the unique concept of ATHMA (soul), KARMA( good or bad deeds), JANMA (rebirths) AND MOKSHAM (final salvation to join with parmathma). While other faiths in Hinduism also advocates almost identical principle with little differences, but only Srivaishnavam alone shows the path of final salvation to all beings becouse, Lord Narayana only can give moksha praptti to all. Most of the other major religions do not believe in Karmas (deeds) and janmas (rebirths). Hence without above concept, they failed miserably to explain the reasons for inequality, inequity,variations and disparities among all beings in the world for which they portray some evil force as the main culprit for this cause and project it as “satan“ to be conquered and destroyed by their god finally after his resurrection before sending only the humanbeings to heaven or hell depending upon their services to his kingdom. In this theory these religions consider every humanbeing is born as ‘Sinner”.So they thereby narrowed the above unexplainable concept only to the humanbeings and ignored totally about the salvation to other livingbeings like animals, birds, plants and vegetations ect since these are considered by other religions as if they are created for the pleasure of human beings. But Srivaishnavam proposes moksha to all. Paramathma created devas, asuras and other livingbeings as per their past Karmas.The final salvation(moksham) is given by pramathma to all from human beings to asuras,animals,birds,plants and to the trees ect as mentioned in our scriptures.Lord Krishna gave moksha not only to Kamsa,demon putana and many asuras but also to a clay pot, naga,raksha and trees ect.Lord rama gave moksha to asuras, monkeys, a bird and to a stone also.Chandran serve everyone from humanbeings to birds, animals, trees, plants, earth ect in the universe without any discrimination,the main concept of Srivaishnavam which consider that Paramathma as lord Vishnu is Omnipresent and omnipotent living in the heart of all jeevathmas as “antharyami” while other religions portray god is a separate entity placed far away from the sight and reach of souls.Chandan is the karaghan for mind and hence also on faith.Saivites believe their lord Shiva adorn chandran permanently in his thirumudi, while Islamic people claim moon is the symbol of their religion.Yet chandran accept everyone and everything to show the true essence of Srivaishnavam propounded by Sri ramanujar by serving all as per the desire of paramathma Sri Krishna.

Presence of Demi-gods in this Kshetram.Many devas and devadhais have taken shelter here to serve the lord.They were struck with the beauty of Lord azhagar and Stayed here to worship him.Bairavar,an amsam of Shiva stayed inside the koil as ‘kshetra balahar” adorned with thiruman kappu and gets his daily pujas as per vaishnava rituals.Similarly valamburi Vinayaka is adorned with thiruman kappu as ‘thumbikai azhwar”for whom pujas are conducted as per the Vaishnava rituals.Hence only chandan (sandalpaste) is distributed in both Sannidhis.In the outside “Pathinettam padi” normal rituals are done as per the traditional practices. Skanda ,the demi-god as commander-in- chief of army of devas came here to protect them from asuras when thiruparkadal were churned.He Stayed here on top of the hill to worship Lord azhagar, admired with his beauty and to protect the sanctity of this holy hill.

Chandran shines over “soma Chanda vimanam”every night in this koil to worship lord Azahagar.So moons shadow image of two nodes ‘Rahu’ and ‘Ketu’ also made their presence felt here in the form of their adi-devathas. Bairavar,skanda ,Vinayakar and nagas are represented by ‘ketu” while “Rahu represent‘Karuppana swamy’and rakkayee amman on top of the hills. Lord azhagar has ensured that these two shadows of celestial bodies do not afflict the moon and our mind by having closed its symbolic 18 steps between front and back doors with walls on both sides at the entrance.

This is the only Kshetram where asuras and devas joined to churn for amrut, nagas and manduka (frog) are together,chandran and its adverse intersecting nodes Rahu and ketu meet at the 18^th step.Lord Krishna who knew the importance of this deciding mystical number,anticipating the possible 18th attack of jarasandan on Madura,immediately shifted all yadhavas to dwaraka for avoiding the eventual death to Jarasandan in that war as he was destined to die only at the hands of bhima in the later days.Mind is pure white at the time of birth but when it is afflicted by durgunas due to karmic cycle, it will become dark.Similarly afflicted mind will reflect our karmic cycles in the present and past janmas by way of ‘Rahu ‘and “ketu’, the two ends of accelating mind in the form of celestial bodies.

One has to climb 18 steps to reach the ultimate goal of spiritual life which we see in some temples also.But in the case of azhagarkoil, there is no need to climb 18 steps at the entrance but can reach Lord azhagar directly through a side gate.Lord Krishna in his bhagawat gita advocated for karma/bhakthi yogas as an easy way to reach the godhood rather than Ghana yoga. Hence those who surrender only to lord Krishna will be free from the worries of karmic cycles and problems in the present janma.Those vaishnavites worshipping demi-gods must remember the 18^th pronouncement of Nambudavan to Brahmarakshan as narrated in Kaisika purana which melted his mind to allow nambudavan proceed towards thirukuragkudi nambi koil.The essence of this 18^th promise made by nambudavan is those who equivate the lower status of demi-gods with supreme Paramathma Lord Vishnu will get their unrepentable Sin.

“நேசமிலாதவர்க்கும் நினையாதவர்க்கும் அரியான்

வாசமலர்ப்பொழில்சூழ் வடமாமதுரைப்பிறந்தான்

தேசமெல்லாம் வணாங்கும் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையே நின்ற

கேசவநம்பி தன்னைக் கெண்டை யொண்கண்ணி !

திருமங்கையாழ்வார் பெரிய மொழி ( 9-9)

Some people mislead the true bhagvathas by giving importance to the demi gods present in this hill who virtually serve Lord azhagar to seek his mercy.This results in some confused Srivaishnavas even skip the holy baths in the holiest theertham of ‘noopura ganga”on top of this hill. Those misleaders will be sent to naraka as per the

Pasuram of periazhwar.

“தக்கார்மிக்கார்களைச் சஞ்சலம்செய்யும் சலவரைத்

தெக்கா நெறியே போக்குவிக்கும் செல்வன் பொன்மலை

எக்காலமும்சென்று சேவித்திருக்கும் அடியரை

அககானெறியைமாற்றும் தண்மாலிருஞ்சோலையே ! (4-2)

பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி ( 4-2 )

Periazhwar who rendered pasurams only on Lord Krishna connected Sri Krishna avatar lilas With this Kshetram and composed more pasurams on azhagarkoil from where he went to paramapatham after spending his last days in this hills.

“ உருப்பிணி நங்கைதன்னை மீட்பான் தொடர்ந்தோடிச் சென்ற

உருப்பனையோட்டிக் கொண்டிட்டு உறைத்திட்ட உறைப்பன்மலை !

“ மாவலி தன்னுடைய மகன்வாணன் மகளிருந்த

காவலைக்கட்டழித்த தனிக்காளை கருதும்மலை !

“குறுகாத மன்னரைக் கூடுகலக்கி வெங்கானிடைச்

சிறுகால் நெறியே போக்குவிக்கும் செல்வன் பொன்மலை !

பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி ( 4- 3 )

Mind and Karmas- Mind is attached to the body,while athma is bonded with Prana (life force). Athma karaghan Sun gives us the cycle of life as per our past karmas of previous births.However Mind makes an impact on our present karmic cycle of life to some extend.Moon can possibily change the direction of our present karmas to little extend since mind function as per the placement of Moon in our natal horoscope.Mind is encompassed with 14 senses controlling five Gyanaedriyas, five karmendriyas besides manas,chitta,ahamkara and buddhi which are like four spokes in a wheel of mind. Hence even if lagna lord is weak, moon position will be taken in to account for predictions.Therefore good placement of Moon in a horoscope is very essential for a native to lead happy and longer life with healthy mind. Mind is the creative source for ‘ahamkara and mamakara’ the two durgunas which if afflict our thoughts will make parmathma present in our athma as “antharyami “living in our heart leave our karmas to take place in the direction as per our destiny instead of normally guiding the pious athmas surrendered to him.Moon thus places major role in changing the present karmas.Hence moon has to be in a good position along with Jupiter in our horoscope without conjunction or aspect of malefic grahas.Athmakarakan Sun position is also important as he only gives light and life to moon. Mind start waxing since childhood and reaches its full form at peak by middle age and start waning till the end of life in phases of duration based on the longevity of a native decided by other factors in the horoscope.Similarly water retention power in the body changes from young age to old age when the body will have Poor retention of water during the old age due to the symbolic waning of moon/ mind power to make the body lose its beauty during old age.our body consisting of 65% of water undergoes changes due to moons influence.Moons node in north”Rahu” indicates our future karmas and south node “Ketu”denotes past karmas and past life.

Sarvam sri krishnarpanam

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!