WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ?-part-2

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part-2

by Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan

Origin of Chandran and his emergence from Thiruparkadal.

Chandran was born to maharishi Athiri and Anusuya. When he was young, he did penance in the forest praying to lord Vishnu with a desire to get boon for serving all seven types of beings like devas, rakshas, yakshas, gandharvas, nagas, pitrus and manushas without any discrimination. Pleased with his social outlook, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and directed Chandran to perform a Rajasuyaa yagam.. Accordingly, after marrying 27 daughters of Dakshan, chandran performed a grand yagam attended by devas and apsarus. Tara, the lovely wife of Brahaspati also came on this occasion.She was attracted by the beauty of Chandran and courted with him to get a Child later named as ‘Budhan”.After some time ,Tara left for her place leaving the child under the care of Chandran who entrusted Budhan to his wifes to look after him. But only Rohini was affectionate with this child and took care of him.Hence Chandran was more in proximity to Rohini ignoring other wifes which irritated and made his father-in-law Dakshan to curse Chandran to lose his beauty (kalai ) everyday to meet his end.

Hence Chandran who was initially gifted and blessed with 16 kalais started losing everyday his beauty.After having virtually lost all his kalais but only two kalais balance to lose his life due to the curse of Dakshan,immediately took shelter in Thiruparkadal and surrendered to Lord Vishnu residing over there.Relatively in an another episode, Sage Durvasar cursed indran and other devas to lose their wealth and power due to their arrogance.This resulted in Sri Mahalakshmi to leave them and take shelter at Thiruparkadal. Sriman Narayanan who was waiting for this opportunity took Kurma (Turtle) avatar to bring back Sri Mahalakshmi from the milky ocean as well as to give immortal nector (amrita) to devas ,since entire universe went in to darkness without Sri lakshmi.After Churning the ocean for few days, first appeared was Halahal venom which toxicity was so dreadful, both devas and asuras could not withstand.Hence all devas prayed to Shiv dev who came from mount kailash feeling pity on them to save them from disaster.So Shiv dev swallowed the Halahal Venom.This occasion is celebrated as Pradosham on 13^ththiti of trayodasi sandhi kalam in thei pirai.

The Potency of Poison scorched so much to shiv dev,parvathi devi stopped the passage of Venom at his neck by tieing up with a snake and prayed Sri Vishnu to ward off the evil effects on her husband.Sri Vishnu in his Kurma avatar, ordained Chandran to act accordingly who in turn emerged from the milky ocean and adorned on top of the matted locks of shiva to cool his body from the scorching heat ( symbolically here a wanning moon (thei pirai) with left curve appeared on the head of Shiva as he was only with two kalais).This occasion is celebrated as Maha Shivrathri on 14^th day chaturdasi night before new moon day when shiv dev along with parvathi performed cosmic dance in joy after getting relief in cool rays emitted by Chandran.

Shiv dev thus pleased with the timely action of Chandran,unable to reverse the prajapathi Dakshans curse fully,had blessed Chandran with a relief of having to undergo waxing and wanning in the sky every 15 days in two pakshams in a month by visiting the mansions of all his 27 wifes in their form as Stars.Thereafter shiva and parvati left for mount Kailash.During churning of ocean,many Rathnas came including Sri dhanvantri holding the amrita.On the day of 15^th New moon,Sri Lakshmi came finally from Thiruparkadal to be reunited with Emperuman.Thus Sri Lakshmi has become the brother of Chandran as both reappeared from milky ocean.

Hence Dippawali is celebrated at the fag end of chaturdasi tithi in dark before the advent of new moon by lighting the houses, based on belief this was the end of the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodiya after 14 years exile.Similarly Sri Lakshmi puja is done in the evening of dippawali on new moon day conciding with the occasion of her emerging from milky ocean.Therefore number 14 is important to KATAKA RASSI because 14 Rathnas came from Thirparkadal, Sri Rama who was born in Kataka rassi returned to Ayodiya after 14 years, there are 14 manvantras in a kalpam,there are 14 lokas created by Brahma.On 14th day Chandran emerged from the milky ocean to traverse in the Sky from next day new moon onwards going by a cycle of phases for every 15 days by the grace of Lord Vishnu to whom Chandran surrendered at thiruparkadal to escape the virtual destruction by the curse of dakshan.

Since then Chandran with his 2 kalais at the end of 14^th tithi of wanning moon goes to Sun,the pitru Karaghan on new moon day, shedding one kalai to pitrus holding his only one constant kalai (16th) being the absolute, pray to Agni deva, at the center of Suriya mandalam to get purified of all his doshams.This coincide in reality with moon getting combusted with Sun at zero degree conjunction,when one can not see the moon in the sky on 15^th tithi Amavasya.Moon start waxing from next day onwards going by a cycle of Phases endlessly by the grace of Suriya Narayana who gives life and light to Chandran.

During Vamana avatar,when Lord Vishnu manifested as Thirivikrama,his Lotus feet was washed by brahma in sathya loka from the water in his kamandalam.This fallen theertham first flowed down to Duruva mandalam and later to Chandra mandalam from where it fell on the matted locks of Shiva dev in Kailash.This Theertham finally tricked down to our puniya bhumi assumed as river ‘Ganga’ from the matted locks of shiva as per the prayer of King Bhagiratha to him for properly receiving this sacred water in earth.Thus by receiving the sripatha theertham of Lord Vishnu first in its mandalam, Chandran also mitigated the powerful force of Ganga water that would have otherwise caused dreadful effects on the matted locks of Shiv dev.Moons deep craters on its surface filled with ice and water beneth as per recent findings are believed to have been created due to the powerful force of ganga water that fell from Sathyaloka on moon.Since Chandran got the boon from Lord Vishnu to serve all class of beings with his social objective outlook without any discrimination,the core essence of Vaishnavam, Chandran is most dearer to Sriman Narayana. Chandran washed his Dosham by receiving the sripatha theertham of SrI Vishnu,besides making agni pravasam to Suriya mandalam on every new moon day in order to pray agnideva to purify himself.Let us see his connection with this Kshetram and its lord azhagar.

5) Chithirai Thiruvizhaa,the full moon water festival of madurai –Kallazhagar every year set out for jasmine city Madurai on the fourth day of chitthirai festival.Later the Lord makes an entry in to Vaigai river on chitra pournami day, when sun is transiting in mesha, its uccha rassi.On this day moon is at Chitrai star of tula rassi in opposite 7^th place from mesha. Hence moon receive maximum splendour of radiation from exalted Sun .So blazing moon is able to reflect its peak soft,bright and snowy beams of rays on this day.Chandran denoting conch (sangu) in the transit at the constellation of Chitrai star is significant as this is the birth star of Thiruvazhiazhwan (chakram).This day is also important due to the birth of Chitra gupta,the recording celestial assistant to Yama dharma raja on whose request,Lord Brahma created him out of a chitram (picture drawing) to assist Yama maintains Dharma by keeping proper records of our deeds.Later on Chitra gupta took birth to Kamadhenu, the celestial cow as a child for childless indran and indrani.Hence Chitra gupta is closely connected to Vrushabhadri hill ( azhagar hill) as he was created for dharma devan as per his wish and later through Kamadhenu, the celestial cow that came from Thiruparkadal. Vrushabhadri denotes dharma in the form of Yama dharma rajan, on whose request Lord Soundrarajar came in to being at azhagar koil.Also this kshetram itself is considered as thiruparkadal from where chandran emerged. Hence kallazhgar stepping in to Vaigai river on Chitra pournami,the birth day of Chitra gupta is important.Moreover the highlight of this celebration on this day is about re-enacting the puranic episode of manduka rishi who is relieved of his curse and given moksham by the Lord here. This story goes with when a sage by name Sudabha was in deep penance immersed in the water of silmabaru flowing down in this hill, durvasar muni along with his disciples came over here.Upon finding no response from sage Sudabha who was deep inside the water, to the call of durvasar muni for long time, the furious muni cursed this sage to be a manduka ( frog) that dwells in water always.Hence Kallazhgar stepping in to this river to give moksham to sage sudabha in puranic episode is re-enacted every year to remind us the kind mercy of emperuman to those who surrender to him.This chithirai thiruvizhaa is considered as a ‘water festival’ because Lord Kallazhagar stays on the banks of Vaigai river for 4 days travelling to many villages situated along the river.Apart from this fact, devotees used to sprinkle water drawn from Sacred rivers stored in mobile tankers through the hoses and pipes continuously on the idol of Kallazhagar besides on vahanas and on the people accompanying procession enroute to Madurai.This reminds us the celebration of holi festival of north.On this occassion,Lord kallazhagar receive a garland of Sri andal from Srivalliputtur brought in a grand procession.Lord Kallazhagars kalyana guna of sausilyam is glorified in following pasuram of Bhoothathazhwar-

வெற்பென் றிருஞ்சோலை வேங்கட மென்றிவ்விரண்டும்,

நிற்பென்று நீ மதிக்கும் நீர்மைபோல் – நிற்பென்று,

உளங்கோயில் உள்ளம் வைத்துள்ளினேன் வெள்ளத்,

தினங்கோயில் கைவிடேலென்று!-பூதத்தாழ்வார் திருவந்தாதி(2- 54)

Thus this Chithirai thiruvizha is connected closely to the karaghathvam of Chandran on its re-enacting the episode of giving moksham to frog (manduka rishi), water splashing, Stepping in to the river and staying along the river bank for four nights and the day of pournami thiti choosen for this festival as frog,water and staying in riverbank,full moon are denoted by chandran.Informatively all over south east asian countries like vietnam,myanmar thailand,Cambodia ect witnesses similar type of water festivals during this same period of april month coinciding with their new year festival similar to the rituals of chithirai thiruvizha.Same way they celebrate on full moon day during august (kataka- aadi )to glorify moon(water god) as full moon water festival.

6) Chandran lineage starts with his son Budhan whose clan grew in chain like Budhan-pururavas-indrathyumnan-malayadwajan-soundra pandian ect They were the rulers of pandiya desam as part of early clan of chandra vamsam.The celebrity king Malayadwajan was ruling pandia nadu spread out from meru hills to down south, holding the flag with the image of ‘fish’ that reminds us the very first Vishnu avatar.He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and was traversing everyday to Gaya Kshetram for taking holy bath in a Pushpak vimana gifted to him by sage agasthyar.One day when he was passing through azhagar hills over the sky, his pushpak vimana could not fly over further but descended on this hill. Then king heard an aerial divine voice directing him not to take the trouble of going to far away Gaya kshethra but to take holy bath in Noopura gangai in this hill itself, which is more divine and sacred than ganga.The divine voice of Emperuman reminded him about his father indrathyumnan penance at this hill and his devotion to this theertham of Noopura gangai for taking holy bath which rendered the birth of malayadwajan as his son. Upon hearing his fathers great devotion to azhagar, the king was so pleased with the divine direction of emperuman, did great services and kainkariyams to Lord soundrarajar.He also built this koil in the present form.This shows the influence of chandran through his lineage of kings and their kainkariyams to azhagar koil.The flag of pandiyan kings with the image of ‘ fish’ also shows the influence of moon which denotes fish, turtile,crab ect.

7) Chandran is called as ‘Soma Oushadhinaam Adhipathi” as he controls all medicinal herbs ( oushadh) which are regulated by moon whose cycle of phases are associated with the growth of new plants.Herbs and Creepers are regarded as amrita (ambrosial).The flowers are also associated with Moon as it aesthetically please the eyes and its appeal to the sense of smell by imparting pleasant fragrance gladden the mind.Hence the derivation for flower in Sanskrit synonym as “Suman” meaning which delights the mind.Sri Dhanvantri Bhagawan emerged from Thiruparkadal along with Chandran among 14 Rathnas during Samudra manthan holding in his four hands Sanghu,pot filled with amrita,Herbs and Leech.These items are all connected with Moon.Sri Krishna said in Bhagwath gita ( 9-18) “ I am the medicinal herbs among the plants’ and also in B G (10-21) “ I am the soma among nakshthras”.Six azhwars rendered many pasurams about Thirumaliumcholai as a divine hill with dense forest of herbal plants, rare fragrant trees,flowers, gems, streams,rivulets bringing down water with natural minerals and herbal properties. Foremost among 18 siddhas, Boga siddhar had written a beautiful poem on Silambaru,azhagar hills and Its Lord Kallazhagar.Many Siddhars like Idaikaadu and Ramadevar lived in this hill.some of them attained jeeva mukthi here after spending their life on research of medicinal herbs and rare trees in this hill.True to the pasurams of Azhwars, even now this hill is the most favourite place for many researchers of medicinal herbs and trees.Azhagar hills has a tropical dense reserved forest with high bio-diversity value known for its medicinal herbs.Hence Our forest department maintains a big herbal garden (muligai vanam) in this hill restricted only to Siddha research scholars and this garden is irrigated by a natural spring.This hill itself is described as thiruparkadal, in a azhwar pasuram ,from where Chandran emerged whose Karagathavam is closely connected to this Kshetram.

“ திங்கள்நன் மாமுகில்சேர் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை நின்ற

நங்கள்பிரானை இன்றுநணுகுங்கொல்! என்நன்னுதலே !

8) Aadi Brahmotsavam celebrated as a big festival in this Temple for 10 days is closely connected to Chandran.Aadi is known as Kataka masam because Sun is transiting in Kataka rassi, owned by Moon.Car festival celebrated on 9^th day glorify Suriyan who gives light and life to Chandran.Ther is the vahana of Suriyan.Lord Kallazhagar with his consorts take procession in a Chariot around the main streets on Aadi pournami.Lord Soundrarajar is delighted to be seated in Ther Vahana on this full moon day when Chandran receive maximum light from Suriyan transiting in moon sign.During the first 8 days of this Brahmotsavam,Chakrathazhwar is taken out through the main gopura entrance of ‘pathinettam padi’ for veethi purappadu of azhagar and brought back when these doors will be opened only at that time for entry to Azhwan.Even Lord kallazhagar do not go via this entrance but always use only the side entrance known as “vandi vassal“.Otherwise this doors are permanently kept closed because it is believed that Krishna Putra is manifested on this 18 steps and hence none is allowed inside to go. Suriyan is the embodiment of Chakram.Periazhwar describe Chandran as -

“நஞ்சுமிழ் நாகமெழுந்தணவி நளிர்மாமதியை,

செஞ்சுடர் நாவளைக்கும் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையதே ! (4- 3திருமொழி)

Azhwan passing through 18 steps at the Main entrance doors is important as number 18 is closely linked to Chandran. Moons yantra in silver plate charged with mantras on its numerical side has total 18 in each horizontal row and vertical column with a geometrical image of Moon engraved on its reverse side.This Symbolically represent in reality that east facing Garbhagraham of Lord Paramaswamy,the moolavar of this koil, Panchaloka idol of Kallazhagar and Silver idols of other three utsavars are placed under Soma Chanda Vimanam similar to the Shape of Moon, facing the entrance of 18 steps on the main gopura vassal.Informatively Tickets are issued for Rs 54 as “padikatanam”to permit devotees seeing the 18^th steps through a small opening.This odd figure happens to be the combined numerical number of Chandra yantra ( 18 x 3 col/row). Aadi amavasya is important due to Garuda seva on this day. 18^th pathinettam peruku is celebrated here in festive mood as water signify the karaghathvam of Chandran.Aadi Peruku is exactly on 18^th day of sun transiting in Kataka sign based on Solar calendar linked to the festival of swelling of rivers mainly along the rice cultivation belt as rice is the daniyam of Chandran.Same way,in Lunar calendar,18^th tithi falls as akshaya trithya valar pirai in chitrai masam when sun and moon are exalted in mesha and vrushaba signs respectively.The purchase of white metals like silver and platinum are made as an auspicious on this day,since Moon signify silver/white metals.Jasmine flowers blooming during chittrai month coinciding with this festival timing is due to moons karagathvam.

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ?-part 1

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ?-part 1
(Dasan kudanthaiamudhan)

Facts about Moon in astronomy-
Moon is the only natural Satellite of the Earth. Moon does not produce light of its own but simply reflect the light from the Sun presenting the same size disc which can be witnessed only on total eclipse. Moon spins in its own axis at a speed synchronizing with the period of 29.5 days in its one full orbital rotation around the earth so as to face the earth with same illuminated side always. As a satellite to earth, moon naturally rotate along together with earth around the sun in one year.During the above period,Moon enters in to a cycle of phases of Waxing (growing) and waning (declining) relatively to the Sun , thereby changing every day the portion of moon light reflected off its surface to cause Full moon (pournami) and New moon ( amavasya) in two fortnights (pakshams) of a month. Above period of 29.5 days between two successive New moon is called as Lunar Synodic period while Moon taking 27.3 days in its orbital rotation around the earth with respect to 27 stars as followed in Vedic astrology is called as Sidereal period. New Moon occurs when both Sun and moon are on same side of sky. Both rise and set together. On this day moon cannot be seen because it is much closer to the sun. On Full moon day, moon is opposite to the sun in sky. Hence full moon rises when sun is set and vice versa. Full moon is the only day when moon is over the mid sky in the midnight. Moon has no atmosphere and is vacuum. Very recent space research finding shows that Moon has widespread of water in deep surface filled with solid ice in its many craters. Waxing moon grows from right to left and appears as right hand curve while waning moon decreases from right to left and appears as left hand curve. Lunar Eclipse occurs on Full moon while solar Eclipse occurs on new moon day.

Ocean tides are created by moon because of its mutual attraction of gravitational forces by earth and sun. Moon tries to pull anything on earth to bring it closer. since earth consist of 70% ocean, sea water is easily pulled up high as tides which has low and high depending upon the phases of moon. High tides occuring during the new moon and full moon period will reduce the speed and movement of ships, boats and fishing .Also during this period, moon makes an impact in the mind, mental balance and blood flow of living beings as human body consists of 65% water. Due to the above reasons, Phases of moon also decide the delivery period of child since baby floats in the water inside the womb of mother during the advanced pregnancy period.

Chandran and his karagathvams-
Chandran means in Sanskrit ‘shinning’ or ‘Bright’ is also known as Soman, sudhakaran, Vidula, Niranjan, Sasikaran, Indu, Chandrika,Himakaran, Ambuli, Kumudhapriyan, Dwijaraja, Nisakaran, Madukhanta, Rohinipathi,Rajanipathi, Kalanidhi ect. Chandran is also called as ‘Mathi” and “Thingal” in tamizh. Chandran color and cloth is white.His adi-devatha is Sriman Narayan as Thiruparkadal Nathar.His Prathiyuga devathas are Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Saraswathi and Sri Varuni (wife of Varunan,rain god) as goddess of ocean,rivers and nector respectively.Trees are Kadamba tree, Sandal wood.His flowers are white water lily, jasmine,white rose,Sangu Pushpam.His metal is Tin and silver metal.Chandran appears in sky driven by 10 white horses.His animals are Fish, Frogs, Snails, Crabs, Turtles,Leech, seal, coral, clams, Otter, Rabbit, Kangkaru, Antilope, donkeys ect. His birds are crane, seagull, White peacock, swan, goose ect. Chandran element is water and gemstones are white pearl and moon stone. Numerically he represent no 2.His day is Monday.He is Vaishya by caste.His direction is Northwest.His Language is Manipravalam. His taste is Salty and grain is Rice. Chandran although masculine in nature is the symbol of womanhood representing feminine energy. Hence he signifies fertility, birth, pregnancy, stomach, Breast, Ovaries, Uterus ect. Chandrans 28 days cycle taps in the menstrual cycle and its waxing and waning phases can be seen to change the mood of emotion, birth and pregnancy ect. Chandran is the karagha for mother. Hence he is known for love, care, and affection to denote nursing, Baby sitting,Social work, Caring for others ect. Chandran denotes fluids in body, glands, breast milk, bladder, intestine, Saliva, belly, taste, Pancreas, digestive system, Blood flow ect. Chandran signify the products like – salt, rice, conch, curd, butter, fish, camphor, white sandal, pearls, flowers,grains, groceries, robes, beads, arrow, umbrella, fan, sugarcane, egg,essential oils, ornaments, sandalwood paste, Milky rubber trees ect Chandran denotes the professions like – boating, navigation, ships, laundry, liquar, sea food, bakery, dairy products, hoteliers, millers, coachmen, ,catering, confectionery, guesthouse, restaurants, boathouses, fishermen, Nurses/midwives, waterbearers, letter carriers, tapsters, brewers, ect. Chandran has its influence in travelling, pilgrims to Sacred rivers, breeding, night world, fountains, brooks, sea tides, highways, comforts, ponds, port town, springs, pools, well ect.Chandran signify all vegitables mainly watermelon, mushrooms, pumpkins, cabbage, gourd, ect. Chandran as a karagha for Mind, denotes feelings, emotion, dreams, night sleep, happiness, hopes, imagination ect. A weak moon in a horoscope will contribute disease in left side, left eye,bladder, fluids in belly, cold, cough, asthma, measles, menstruation and mental problems,fickle mind ect. If Sun is for Car festival (ther), Chandran denotes floating festival of Temple. Chandran also Signify Queen, relatives, moist, Soft stones, youth appearance, dressing sense, love for jewellery and apparels, soft/ matured nature, eye brows,Curly hair,Peacock tail (Chandrak), round face, charming look, poetry, literacy works, monsoon, clouds, tears, fermentation process, Medicinal herbs,circle,changes and fluctuations. Chandran being the karagha for Mother, he represent Cow who is called mother of all living beings (gomatha) by giving milk to all.Chandran has influence in running guest house, Motels, Giving Shelters, Public relations, Healing touch ect. Sun denotes Brain where mind energy is centered in the Pineal gland area from which vital Hormones are secreted. Moon beams enters this gland in night to control our mental activities. Moon carry Amrita (nectar of soma ) to feed devas and pitrus while radiating kiranas to all living beings and plants in earth.Chandran also act as a blood purifier through his radiant rays.Chandran is the carrier of dew to flowers and helps in fermentation through its rays for fruits,vegitables and herbs to mature and give taste.Milk soured overnight turn to tasty curd due to the cool rays of moon. Unfavourable Moon indicates people of drunkard, emotional upset and personality disorders ect while benefic moon is found in the charts of doctors, psychologists, good mothers and caring wife. During the high tides period of new and full moon phases,weak minded people will have mystical experience, psychic powers, intuition, imaginary power,Esp and also cause disappearance in sea/ darkness.Let us see now as to how Thirumaliurmcholai and Lord Kallazhagar is connected with Chandran.

1) Thirumaliurmcholai is called with many names but the prominent one is “ Vrushadadhri”. Vrushabha means in Sanskrit as “Dharma” as well as “Bull”. Yama in the form of Dharma did penance in this hill to whom Lord Vishnu gave dharshan..Also this hill is viewed like a ‘Vrushabha’ (bull) majestically standing tall in the middle among sorrounding smaller hills which are appeared like Cows.Hence this hill is called as Vrushabha giri and lord who stays here is called as Vrushabhadri Nathar.Vrushabha is the Sign in the sky/ Zodiac where Chandran is exalted.Also his favourite wife Rohini is placed in this sign being the birth star of Lord Krishna. Rohini is said to be the Daughter of Surabhi,the celestial cow.In Bhagwat gita Lord Krishna said “I am the Surabhi among cows’.Hence Vrushabha Rassi (Vrishabham in tamil and Rishabham in Hindi ) is denoted by the sign of Bull and Cow as both are essential for our livelihood since cow gives us milk while bull contribute to the farming for food.Therefore Lord Krishna as govindan was seen to hold Stick in his hand to look after cows, while Balarama was holding a plow meant to be used with bulls for ploughing farms.Bull is the emblem of Dharma while Cow is the representative of mother Bhumi.Hence Azhagarmalai becouse of being called as ‘Vrushabahdri’ symbolically denotes Vrushabha Rassi in zodiac where chandran gets exalted (ucchem) and attains vargottama in his favourite Rohini star in this sign.Namazhwar pasuram signify this as
“நலமென நினைமின் நகரழுந்தாதே, நிலமுனமிடந்தான்

நீடுறைகோயில் மலமறு மதிசேர் மாலிருஞ்சோலை,

வலமுறை பெய்மதிருவுதல் வலமே”
- 2ஆம் பத்து, 10 ஆம் திருவாய்மொழி

2) Yama Dharma Raja who came on a pilgrimage in disguise as a brahmin to the Bhumi was attracted by the beauty and panaramic view of Thirumaliurmcholai. So he had choosen this hill as a divine place to perform penance for praying to Lord Vishnu. Emperuman who appeared before him ordained Yama to build a temple nearby to Noopura ganga stream at the foot hill of vrushbahdri. Yama who had felt serenity in this hill due to the blazing moon over the sky in the night spreading its cool white rays beautifully over this hill desired to built a Vimana for the Lord, similar to the shinning beauty and shape of Moon. Accordingly he called Vishwakarma, the celestial architect and made him built a beautiful Vimana and temple to Lord Soundrarajar.Further Lord granted boon to Yama as desired by him to perform pooja everyday to his Archameni here. It is believed that Dharma rajan is visiting this temple every night to perform pooja to Sri soundraraja permual.Therefore this Vimanam is named after Chandran as ‘Soma chanda Vimanam’ by Yama as it reflect the shinning beauty and shape of Chandran.The Shadow of this Vimana will not fall outside but only in the Vimana itself similar to moons illuminated side is facing the earth always inspite of moons spinning,rotating and revolving.Azhwar depicts the crawling moon in the midst of hills of Thirumaliurmcholai as
“சதிரள மடவார் தாழ்ச்சியை மதியாது, அதிர்குரல் சங்கத்து அழகர்தம் கோயில், மதிதவழ்குடுமி மாலிருஞ்சோலை, பதியது ஏத்தியெழுவது பயனே !
- 2ஆம் பத்து, 10 ஆம் திருவாய்மொழி

3) Main murthi among four utsavar deities of Azhagarkoil is ‘Sundararajar’ known in tamizh as‘Azhagar’.The other prominent Utsavar is ‘Sundrabhau’ who is mentioned in Tamizh as ‘Sundra thooludiyan’ invariably pointing to Lord Rama as described in many literary compositions and azhwar pasurams about the beauty of his broad Shoulders as warrier. Similarly Lord Krishna was addressed as ‘Bhuvana sundara’ by Sri Rukmani fascinated by his beauty. Sri Andal described this Lord in her Nachchiyar Thirumozhi-11.2 as ‘Kuzhal azhagar,Vaayazhagar,Koppozhil ezhul, Kamala Poovazhagar ‘.Hence the names of above utsavars of this temple refers to Lord Rama and Krishna.Both avatars are connected to Chandran as Lord Rama was born in moon sign of Kataka Rassi which is said to be resting in Thiruparkadal from where chandran emerged. Similarly Lord Krishna took avatar in Rohini star of Vrishbha Rassi in which Chandran is exalted making ‘Vrishbhadri ‘ hill as his abode. Chandran face is known for his beauty which is described by sri Andal in her first and last pasurams of Thiruppavi.Thus the name of this Lord is connected closely to Chandran in terms of beauty in the form of his avatars.Thirumangaiazhawar pasuram signify the arrival of moon everynight spreading its cool rays in this hill.

“மஞ்சுயர் மாமதி தீண்ட நீண்ட, மாலிருஞ்சோலை

மணாளர்வந்து என் நெஞ்சுள்ளும் கண்ணுள்ளும்

நின்றுநீங்கார், நீர்மலையார் கொல்! “ நினைக்கமாடேன் -

பெரிய மொழி 8ஆவது பாசுரம், 9ஆம் பத்து.

4) Krishna Puthra also known as ‘Karuppana swami” is worshipped at the main gopura entrance doors of the temple by the clan of Kallars as ‘Kaval Deivam’ to the Lord who in his Krishna avatar as a child had engaged in telling lies and stealing from others.But Lord as Kallazhagar in his archameni here had ordained Karuppana swami to be the custodian for his jewels to prevent theft and to ensure punishment is given to the one who tell lies before this demi god.Whenever Lord soundrarajar goes out of temple and also upon his return ,a Pramanam for number of ornaments adorned, would be undertaken by priests before Karuppana swami to ensure the Safe custody of Jewels.The interesting legend of this demi god goes back to many centuries ago when a malayala king wanted to steal the divine idol of Lord soundrarajar and take to his kingdom due to its divine beauty and its high purity rare “Aparanji gold’.Since he had no match to fight with the army of pandian king,then ruler of alagapuri, the place of azhagar koil, he sent totally 18 panikars trained in magical powers with a similar idol accompanied by an invisible spirit ‘Karrupu’ to this temple.Their covert plan was to draw the beauty(kalai) from the idol of Lord soundrarajar by magical dilution (agarshanam) and transfer to the idol they brought in by starting the task after pournami till next paksha trithya, which falls as 18th tithi in a Lunar masa, the day of first appearance of waxing cresent moon (3rd day after amvasaya) without any break for the transfer to be effected everyday through each magician for all 18 tithis by 18 panikars before fleeing to their kingdom with their Idol beautified and fortified with Kalais drawn from the idol of Sri kallazhagar.

However Temple priests who knew before the movement of these unwelcome visitors to the koil, with the help of Kshetra balakar buried them all dead below and made 18 steps on top of it at the entrance.By this time the ‘Karrupu’ surrendered to them pleading for mercy to permit it serve the Lord as his ‘kaval deivam’ at the entrance in return of giving it arthajama naivathiyam daily after Lord partaking this.The closed doors of main Gopuram at the entrance of this temple over the 18 steps are considered to be the manifestation of Karrupanna swami with no idol inside between both closed front and back doors.It is believed to be all powerful to protect the treasuries of this Koil and jewels of Lord Kallazahgar.Hence these 18 steps are called as ‘pathinettam padi karuppu’.This Krishna putra is worshipped mainly by kallars.

The Highlight of this legend is about the number 18,the tithies choosen connoting to Moon,the karagha for mind.Numerical number 18 has influence on mind to ‘settle’ permanently.Hence it denotes 18 puranas,18 upanishads, 18 parvathas of Mahabharatha and 18 Chapters of Bhagwat gita which stay firm for ever in the mind of people.It denotes resting with the end of Kurushetra war on 18th day, 18 akshunis (divisions) of army participated in this war.Lord Krishna, kauravas and pandavas are the lineage of Chandra Kulam.18th peruku (pathinettam peruku) falls in adi month known as Chandra Kataka masa due to Sun transiting in kataka rassi.This is the period of festival for women coinciding with fertility,sowing of seeds,arrival of monsoon,spate of swelling of waterline like rivers,lakh ect.These are the karagathvam of Chandran. Also 18 denotes 18 dharma shastras one has to follow.At 18th age,one attains maturity in mind to take independent decision and legally eligible to act.Thirukoshtiyur Nambi mind was finally moved to give ‘Thirumandiram” only on the 18th attempt of Bhagavath Sri Ramanujar who later on in another occasion debated for 17 days with an advaita Sanyasi Yajna murthi and defeated him on 18th day.Sri Ramanuja Sampradhayam is standing tall on two branches (sects) with 18 differences.There are 18 Rahasya granthas composed by Sri Pillai Lokacharya on Sri Ramanuja philosophy.In Kaisika Purana, only upon pronouncing the 18th promise by Nampaduvan,Brahma Rakshasa mind was finally conceded to let chandalan go, Jarasandha attempted to invade Madura 17 times and fought war with Lord Krishna.This made Krishna to shift his base immediately to Dwaraka along with Yadhvas not to take a chance on war ending at 18th attempt planned by Jarasandha,for obvious reason to kill him later through Bhima.Mohmd Ghajini,a Muhgal invader attacked 17 times but succeeded on his 18th attempt to loot the famous ‘Somanath” temple supposed to have been built up by Chandran.There are 18 steps to reach Paramapatham. There are 18 Siddha Kriya yogas given by 18 Siddhas, some of them attained jiva mukthi at azhagar hills. Also number 18 is associated with 18th tithi Trithya of a lunar month,the first sighting of waxing Moon paksha on the 3rd day after new moon (moontram pirai). Trithya tithi is important because of Akshya Trithya which occurs in Chitra month,valar pirai, when both sun and moon are exalted in Mesha and Rishaba sign respectively.It is believed Whatever work undertaken on this day is expected to take a shape, settle down and grow further.only 18 carat gold is used for all diamonds studded ornaments due to its sturdy and strong hold.Total numerical value in each horizontal row and vertical column of Moon yantra is 18. This shows that Chandran settle down on the numerical value of 18 signified as above.While we see above the influence of Chandran on number 18,we have seen in our Oct 09 issue about Thirukudanthai as Bhaskara Kshetram,the influence of Suriyan on no 7.Interestingly Rahu and ketu which tries to capture both moon and Sun in eclipses have taken their dasa periods in astrology as 18 years for Rahu and 7 years for ketu,the influential numbers of both moon and sun respectively.

Therefore the Malayala king planned to start the covert operation after full moon in Thei pirai as it concide to suit for magical dilution (theimanam) and end up on 18th tithis of Trithya, the first sighting of valarpirai, the third day cresent moon considered to be an auspicious day for taking possession/purchase of any gold ornaments and to set out successfully with the beautified golden idol.This is the day when ganga water descended to the earth from Sathyaloga.Sri Lakshmi is worshipped on this day for prosperity.Hence Moon has its strong influence in the legend of Pathinettam padi (18th steps) Karrupanna swami by way of tithies and 18 magicians choosen for this task.It is said that Sri Andal also admired and wondered about the power of this demi god. More or less, a Similar attempt was made on the idol of periya perumal at Srirangam koil by a Srirangapattina kannada desa Raja during earlier period in a slightly different method but was thwarted by Sri kura Narayana jeer.

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!