WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part- 4

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ?

part- 4

by Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan

13) Saptha Matrikas idols are located in southwest to the temple nearby to periazhwar thiruvarasu wherein one can find that all Seven devis idols are in a row on a rocky pedestal.PLEIADES is the name of cluster of fixed stars Visible to the naked eyes in the sky called as “Seven Stars’ or ‘Seven Sisters”.These seven stars in the sky are formed beautifully in the zodiac on the shoulder of the bull sign in a row symbolizing the power (sakthi) at the constellation of Taurus sign( Vrushabha-bull rassi ) in which Chandran is exalted and Lord Krishna took avatar in its Rohini star.Sapta Mathikas are believed to be personification of these Seven stars and are called as Seven Sakthis known as Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumari,Vaishnavi, Varahi,Indrani and Chamundi. Rig Veda IX- 102-4 mentions that a group of Seven Matrikas control the preparation of Soma, the divine nector carried by Chandran. The embodiment of these Seven Sakthis thus got manifested as a devi known as ‘yoga Maya’ in her universal form of sakthi endowed with the power of seven matrikas, that has the power to induce Sri Vishnu in to mystic Slumber.yoga Maya’ is considered as the power of Sleep of “yoga nidra” in which Lord Vishnu rest at Thiruparkadal between the cycles of creation.When Lord Brahma was challenged by two demons,he prayed to Yoga Maya who in turn released her spell on Lord Vishnu thereby making him awaken in order to slay both asuras- madhu and Kaitaba.During the avatar of Sri Krishna, yoga maya transferred the embryo from Devakis garbha to the womb of Rohini,other wife of Vasudeva to bestow her give birth to Balarama.She herself entered in to the womb of Yasodha to take birth as per the directive of Lord Vishnu.Birth of Sri Krishna is given in PeriazhwarThirumozhi 5-3 as

"மக்களறுவரைக் கல்லிடைமோத இழந்தவள் தன் வயிற்றில்

சிக்கெனவந்து பிறந்து நின்றாய்! திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையெந்தாய்!

Saptha matriakas idols are called here as “சதிரள மடவார்” sannidhi. Yoga maya is the invisible form of durga and is also called as ‘Aparajita’ which means in Sanskrit “unconquerable”. Aparajita puja is performed on the Vijayadasami day during Navaratri festival falling in Kanya masa. Aparajita flowers of white color are used for worshipping Lord Vishnu.These flowers are also called as ‘Sanghu pushpam” or ‘Sanghu kannikodi”in tamil due to its similarity in shape with Sanghu and the organ of femininity.Hence these flowers are used traditionally in ayurvedic to cure Infertility, control menstrual discharge, antistress, antidepressant, for blood platelet aggregation and as brain tonic ect. These ailments and Sanghu are coming under the Karagathvam of Chandran.Lord azhagar is called as ‘Vrushabhadhri nathar’ due to his abode at Vrushabhadri hills.Sri krishna took avatar at Vrushabha sign in the sky,in which these seven stars personifying the seven matrikas are located.Thus “Yoga maya” was born to Yasodha in the same sign of ‘Vrushbha “(bull). Vrushabhadri hill is located nearby to “Then Madura” around the vicinity where many famous villages are located known for “jellikattu”(bull fighting).World famous tourist spot “alanganallur” known for its “Bull fighting” is also in this region closer to azhagarkoil. Long ago traditionally Lord Kallazhagar used to visit Vaigai river bed during Chitrai thiruvizha by passing through alanganallur and thenur before this route was changed during thirumalai nayakar period.if “vada Madura” is called as “Vraja bhumi”,” Then Madura” is called as “vrushabha bhumi”. Lord of this abode Lord Krishna tamed seven bulls and held govardhan hill for Seven days in his little finger.‘yoga maya” is glorified here for her role in Sri Krishna avatar for which pujas are performed to Saptha matrikas on fridays by thayar sannidhi bhattars.Fertility, yoga nidra and femininity thus explained above are the kargathavam of Chandran.

14) Noopura gangai is a sacred theertham known as “Silambaru’ in tamizh to its Sanskrit version of ‘Noopuram’.The water that got splattered from the golden Silambu (anklet) of Lord Vishnu worn in his Lotus feet, fell separately as a stream on this hill when Lord Brahma performed Thirumanjanam in Sathyaloka to the thiruvadi of Thiruvikrama during the process of his measuring the entire universe on his second step.In the above episode the major portion of water that came in big force from the thiruvadi of Emperuman become the sripatha theertham as holy ‘Ganga’ and descended to the moon from where it was received by Shiv dev on his matted locks before it was streamed in to river ganga and branched further in to other sacred rivers.But noopura gangai (Silambaru) came directly from the Thiruvadi of Emperuman to this azhagar hill without touching Chandra Mandalam and the thirumudi of Shiv dev.Hence this holy river is most Sacred aruvi supposed to give ‘Ishta Prapthi’to the one who takes bath here due to the reason it is totally free from the contact of devathas unlike Ganga river as explained above.Chandran,who received ‘ganga’ water from Emperuman Thiruvadi but failed to receive “Noopura Ganga’ visit this Kshetram everynight and make his connection felt with this theertham through his Karagathvams as explained below -

“ சந்தொடுமணியும் அணிமயில்தழையும்,தழுவிவந்து

அருவிகள் நிரந்து வந்திழி சாரல் மாலிருஞ்சோலை”!

(திருமங்கையாழ்வார் 9- 8ஆம் பெரிய திருமொழி)

Chandrans connection with ‘Silambaru” is explicitly understood in the sentence of above pasuram “chandoodu maniyum’ which gives two variants for ‘Chand” as “Chandran” and also as Chandan (sandalwood).Hence it is pointing to”Chandra mani” (chandrakanta or moon stone, its gem) followed with Chandrak (peacock feathers or mayil pelli) which are all said to be carried away in the swift of currents of silambaru flowing along the slopes of azhagar hills also known as ‘solai malai’ on account of its dense forest with full of fragrant trees like sandal wood,akil,kadamba trees ect. Sandal wood is the tree of Chandran as it carries the karagathvam of moon. Fragrant kadamba orange flowers are used in the preparation of ‘Attar’ which has the base of sandal wood paste.Sandalwood if rubbed together and mixed with water will give fragrance smell and cooling effects. Chandra mani known as Chandra kantha (moon stone also known as water opal ) is said to be formed out of moonlight according to the ancient belief of Romans and orient.Chandra kanta has unique property to drink in moon rays and convert it in solid form to cause storage of water inside for releasing it later.Moon rays thus get solidified inside this stone and emits shimmering light held within this stone.When moon rays fall on this stone further,it releases the water inside to balance the cycle of process.Hence Chandra mani has the ability to transform moon rays in to purest water which has the curative and cooling effects.Therefore this gem stone is worn to balance and calm our mind.So Silambaru water is purified with the contact of sandal wood and this gem stones (manis).Swami Desikan mentioned in his works of paduka sahasram and Hamsa sandesam about the unique properties of this gem.Since Chandran emerged from Thiruparkadal supposed to be resting in this Kshetram, azhwar mentioning about this gem stones is understood.Above, facts are described along with the beauty of silambaru by Thirumangai azhwar in his pasurams of peria thirumozhi -

1)"கணிவளர்வேங்கை நெடுநில மதனில், குறவர்தம்

கவணிடைத்துரந்த மணிவளர் சாரல் மாலிருஞ்சோலை ! '' ;

'2."வானகச்சோலை மரகதச் சாயல், மாமணிக்கல்லதர்

நிறைந்து மானுகர்சாரல் மாலிருஞ்சோலை!" ;

3"சந்தனப்பொழிலின் தாழ்சினை நீழல்,தாழ்வரைமகளிர்கள்

நாளும் மந்திரத்திறைஞ்சும் மாலிருஞ்சோலை!"

Chandrak in Sanskrit is known for peacock feather tails.This is carried away by the water of Silambaru along the hill slopes according to azhwar pasuram.Peacock is the slayer of serpents and the shimmering colors of its tail feather were explained by its supposed ability to transform the snake venom in to Solar irridescence. Its blue neck is believed to be the reason of having consumed poisonous venom of Snakes and its spreading of tail feather will frighten and drive away the serpents.Traditionally even now smoked peacock feathers and its powder are used to treat for snake bites.Hence the water of Silambru is not polluted by Serpents and its poison due to the presence of Chandrak, mayil pelli,the sighting of which in the water of stream itself will drive away the snakes far away.once upon a time, Azhagar malai was inhabited by Nagas headed by their queen uloopi who ruled this hill.Hence many images of nagas in stone forms can be seen inside this koil and also in hill.Naga pujas are performed here.Therefore Chandan-Chandra mani- Chandrak are mentioned in above pasurams about the influence of Chandran who ensure that water of Silambaru is carrying the benefit of herbal/ mineral properties and natural purity, capable of retaining the purity of golden idol of Soundrarajar.Hence all thirumanjanams are performed only with the water drawn from Silambaru .Even if Lord travels to far away Madurai for Chithirai utsavam, only water from noopura gangai is brought in and used.If other source water is used, it is said that the idol of Lord soundrarajar will get black in color and its luster will be lost. Hence the involvement of chandran through his karagathavam is signified in above pasurams since he spread his bright rays to this hill and purify the water of Silambaru directly through his rays as water is the element of moon and also through his Chandan-chandramani-chandrak connections as explained. Namazhwar and Sri andal rendered pasurams on above connection in this hill as-

“... மாதுறு மயில்சேர் மாலிருஞ்சோலை !” (Namazhwar T 2-10)

“ சந்தொடு காரகிலும் சுமந்து தடங்கள் பொருது, வந்திழியும்

சிதம்பாறுடை மாலிருஞ்சோலை நின்ற, சுந்தரனை,

சுரும்பார்குழல் கோதை தொகுத்துரைத்த

செந்தமிழ் பத்தும்வல்லார் திருமாலடி சேர்வர்களே ! (Nachiyar–T 9)

15) Thalai aruvi uthsavam and Rakachi or Rakkayi Devi Sannidhi–“Raka” means in Sanskrit “moon in full glory “or “ full moon”. She is the goddess presiding over the day of Full moon.She is one of the four daughters of Angirasa rishi and his wife Smriti, daughter of Daksha.Angriasa rishi is one of the saptharishi and the manasaputra of Brahma.Angirasa was considered to be the source of light and as priest of gods and Sacrifices.He was the manifestation of Agni, the power of spiritual illumination ,flame (tejas),brilliance and luminious consciousness.His daughters are Raka, sinivali,Kuhu,anumati.They are the lunar goddesses symbolizing the waxing and waning cycle of moon.Raka is the goddess of full moon, Sinivali is the presiding deity of day before new moon, anumati, the day before full moon and Kuhu is the day of New moon.Raka is the parivara devathai of north-west direction facing north in 3^rd prahaaram of Sri Vishnu temple.Once upon a time, azhagarkoil had totally seven prakarams.Hence many parivara devathais idols are still in existence at various sannidhis.Rakkayi devi known here also as ‘Rakkayi amman” to local people is the goddess of all theerthams in this hill as well as being the presiding deity of full moon.Hence both Pournami and amavasya are important days for this goddess of lunar and theerthams.All Vedas,Srimath bhagavatham and Sri Vishnu purana mentioned about them in details.Periazhwar rendered pasuram on the parivara devathais of azhagarkoil as ( 4-2)

“எட்டுத் திசையும் எண்ணிறந்த பெருந்தேவிமார்

விட்டு விளங்க வீற்றிருந்த விமலன்மலை,

பட்டிப்பிடிகள் பகடுரிஞ்சிச் சென்று மாலைவாய்த்

தெட்டித்திளைக்கும் தென்திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையே !”

Lord Kallazhagar takes direct showers in the water falls of Noopura ganga on dwadasi day during Iypasi masam.Thirumanjanam is performed on this day with water directly flowing through an opening in the ground floor much below the elevated sannidhi of ‘Rakkayi devi” who stand guard at the entrance for this theertham.The water flowing through a vent below the floor of her sannidhi fall on the idol of Lord azhagar placed in a Thotti .Hence this festival is also called as ‘Thotti uthsavam” This symbolize the acceptance of Lord Kallazhagar to get a touch of femininity from his parivara devatha, “Rakkayi,” the full moon lunar deity of this theertham in Thalai aruvi utsavam.Thirumangaiazhwar on moons connection here as

“பத்தராவியைப் பால் மதியை அணித்

தொத்தைமாலிருஞ்சோலைத் தொழுதுபோய்,

முத்தினை மணியை மணிமாணிக்க

வித்தினைச்சென்று விண்ணகர்க்காண்டுமே ! (thirumozhi 10-1-8)

The origin of source of this perennial water falls is not yet known to anyone as it is believed to be coming from the anklet of Lord Vishnu as Sree patha theertham.Hence it is called as ‘Silambaru”.Those who take holy bath on dwadasi day of Iypasi masam in this theertham is believed to attain moksha prapthi. There are other rivulets like Hanumar theertham, Garuda theertham,Peria aruvi theertham and Pandava theertham in this hill .Out of this only Peria aruvi theertham is bigger and located on top of the hill while rest of them are minor in down hills nearby to Noopura ganga.Azhagar hills top most peak height is about 2600 ft above sea level with three valleys while noopura ganga is in a height of 1405 ft.

“ தானவன்வேள்வி தன்னில்தனியே குறளாய்நிமிர்ந்து

வானமும்மண்ணகமும் அளந்ததிரிவிக்கிரமன்

தேனமர்பூம்பொழில்சூழ் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை நின்ற (kaliyen

வானவர்கோனை இன்றுவணங்கித் தொழவல்லள்கொலோ! (T M 9-9)

16) Nagas worship is associated with Chandran. Nagas idols are inside the temple in a seperate sannidhi and located all over this hills. Ayuiluam, the birth star of adiseshan is in Kataka sign of chandran.The legend says that during the churning of Thiruparkadal, few drops of halahal venom fell on the earth and snakes are believed to carry this around still. It is believed that Samudra manthan episode mentioned in purana had happened in kataka raasi during aadi masam. Aadi is the month of sowing, rooting, planting of seeds and vegetation as it is the peak monsoon period when rain is showered in abundance. During monsoon season the snakes are believed to move out of their pits and burrows which are filled by rainy water.Hence people observe Naga panchami on the 5^th day after aadi amavasya to propitiate the nagas to avoid snake bites. This is the day celebrated to commermorate the victory of lord Krishna over Kaliya naga. Lord Krishna said in Bhagwath gita (10-28) ‘ I am Vasuki among Sarpas’ and also in (10-29) ‘ I am ananthan among nagas “.Vasuki was the serpent used as a rope to spin the mantara malai for churning it in thiruparkadal . Vasuki among twelve serpents are mentioned as strings tied to the chariot of Sun for traversing the sky according to Bhagvata purana. Moon is often afflicted by its two nodes which form eclipses by way of its geometric shadows. These nodes are assumed to take the form of sarpas based on presumption that Serpents as strings of the Sun chariot cast shadows on this. The worship of snakes are traditionally dominated by women who give milk to snakes and smear sandal wood paste on the idols of nagas on aadi pournami ,aadi amavasya and aadi velli. women worship serpents for begetting progeny.Periazhwar pasuram (4-3) signify the glory of seshan.

ஆயிரம்தோள் பரப்பி முடியாயிரம் மின்னிலக

ஆயிரம்பைந்தலைய அனந்தசயனன் ஆளும்மலை

ஆயிரமாறுகளும் சுனைகள் பலவாயிரமும்

ஆயிரம்பூம்பொழிலுமுடை மாலிருஞ்சோலையதே!

Hence nagas worship is closely connected to chandran as it involves women praying for progeny during kataka masam since ayuiluam, the birth star of adisesha is in moon sign.Snakes are connected to Kundalini yoga as energy of Kundalini is pictured as a Snake coiled within the bottom of our Spine in seven chakras. Kundalini is the human connection to the mind and body.Once energy is arosed,it will enlighten the mind in Spiritual path.Adisesha holds the bhumi on its hoods when Lord Vishnu is in yoga nidra at its reclining coils in Thiruparkadal from where Chandran emerged. It is said that azhagar hill was once upon a time inhabited by nagas headed by their queen Uloopi believed to have married arjuna when he came here to azhagarhills on his exile to forest.

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part- 3

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ?

part- 3

by Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan

Chandran in Jyotisham –

Chandran owns kataka rassi, a watery sign.He gets exalted in the second sign of zodiac,rishaba rassi. Sun denotes Athma, while Moon signify mind.Sun denotes prana (life force) Whereas moon signify the body.Sun is represented as father whereas moon is indicated as mother.Hence our rishes placed both Sun and moon signs adjacently together as pair on three sides of the horoscope chart with Mesha and Vrishabha signs for uccham , Simha and Kataka signs for ownership, and Vrichika and Tula signs for neecham.On the first two sides ,moon is given favourable right signs adjacently to the signs meant for Sun,relatively with the right hand curve of moon (benefic).But on the bottom of chart,Moon is given a neecha sign of vrichika unfavourably on the left side to Tula, a neecha sign of Sun ,relatively with the left hand curve of moon (malefic).

Chandran is the karagha for cow/bull ( Rishabha), femininity (Kanya),Crab (Kataka) and Fish( Meena).Hence his influence is indicated in above rassis, whose lordships are Sukran, Bhudan,Moon and Guru respectively.All above natural benefics are interchangingly exchanged among themselves by attaining ucchem (exalted) in above rasis with Moon in Rishbham, Bhudan in Kanya,Guru in Kataka and Sukran in Meena respectively. Chandran is important in predictive techniques of astrology for marriage matching as they are based on stars ruled by him.The auspicious timings/ days are fixed by Star,yogam,thithi,karnam,yoga ect as per the transit of Chandran. Predictive techniques are based on dasa period of a native birth star ruled by moon and also based on Gochara transit of all grahas with respect to Moon sign.

Maximum life span of a human being fixed at 120 years is the total sum of dasa periods of all grahas.This is arrived on basis of fixed Sun and revolving Moon as athma and mind respectively ,wherein moon (mind) takes one month to go around the orbit of earth (body) while taking 12 Solar months to complete the rotation around the Sun along with earth as its satellite (symbolically here Body and Mind revolve around athma ).Hence chandra dasa period of 10 years multiplied by 12 times will give 120 years.This can be seen that Dasa period of each graha is exactly 12 times more than that of respective grahas bukthi period coming under Chandra dasa.For an example, Suriya bhukthi of 6 months under Chandra dasa indicates Suriya dasa of 6 years (12 times of 6 months) and so on for rest of all nine grahas.Also number 12 is identified here as 12 adhtiyas of Sun and 12 degrees gap between moon and sun in the sky to be freed from combustion and 12 signs of zodiac.It is said that Lord Krishna stayed in our punniyabhumi for 120 years,the maximum period arrived on basis of Chandran,in whose star Sri Krishna took avatar.

Chandran is the lunar deity of soma, the nector (amrita).Chandran rejuvenate demi-gods with Soma to appear young and strong always.Hence in astrology,Moon is the planet to give life to neecha grahas. If any neecha graha is placed in angular (Kendra) signs ( 1,4,7,10) to chandran in a chart,its neecham will get cancelled and neecha graha will get back its original power- a yoga called by name as Neecha bhanga yoga.Similarly if guru is in a Kendra to chandran,it gives Gaja kesari yoga and Hamsa yoga. In conjunction with chevvai (mars) Chandran gives a yoga by name Chandra mangala yoga.If sukran is in Kendra to chandran, its gives Malavya yoga and same way with Sani, it gives Sasi yoga. If all natural benefics are in 6,7,8 to moon, it gives a powerful Adhi yoga.It gives Bhadra yoga with budhan. Moon gives Amla yoga if placed in a Kendra. if Chandran is placed in Lagna, it gives samara yoga. All benefic yogas are formed with respect to Chandran sign only.Hence Chandran is the giver of life by carrying the amrita in a vessel to devas and grahas in the sky.

Chandran has 16 kalais (supernatural amrita kiranas) from which nector is emitted as Somas (amrita).Out of this, 16^th kalai is beyond our visibility during amavasya since moon is combusted by Sun due to its closeness, when we can not see the moon on this day.During Krishna Paksha,Devas partake soma everyday each kalai for 14 tithis to consume 14 kalais in phases to reduce the illuminary portion of Moon. Finally on Amavasya day, Pitrus are allowed for partaking the soma on its 15^th kalai when moon is closer to Sun, the pithru karaghan,leaving behind the final constant 16^th absolute constant kalai of Chandran.During Sukhla paksha, Chandran regains every day one kalai due to the grace of Suriyan who illuminate it in every tithi and finally makes it shine in splendour on Pournami day.On this day, full Moon is with all 16 kalais when all devas are fed on Soma. During this day, Chandran is over the midsky to spread his Kiranas (rays) to all living beings, plants,herbs,trees,and vegetation ect in bhumi. Full moon is the only day, moon can be seen in the mid sky at the center during midnight with its snowy beams.Hence in Bhagwath Gita,Lord Krishna told in chapter 10 ‘ I am the soman (sasi) among the stars (nakshatras).This tells the importance of Chandran. .

Why Chandran is dearer to Lord Vishnu-

Chandran Stars are Rohini, Hastham and Sravanam.These auspicious stars are the avatara Stars of Lord Krishna, Lord Varadhan and Lord Srinivasar respectively.Lord Vishnus other avatar of Hayagrivar also took place in Sravana star.Also Lord Ramas birth star Punarvasu- 4th is in Kataka Raasi owned by Moon in addition to the Same sign being his lagna in rassi and amsam also.Lord Rama and his brothers were born after their mothers consumed divine Payasam that gave them fertility to conceive. Fertility and nectar are denoted by Chandran.Also Lord Ramas brothers Bharthan and lakshmanan birth stars are pushyam and ayuliuam in Same Kataka rassi.Hence becouse of above Suriya kula princess were born in Kataka Raasi owned by Chandran, Lord Rama is called as ‘Ramachandra’.Lord Rama possessed 16 gunas and reflected the beauty of Chandran with his coolness in mind.Lord Rama listened to his own story Ramayana from his sons Lava and Kusa for 27 days,a full Nakshatra mandalam transited by Moon.Due to his birth in watery sign of kataka, Lord Ramachandra had to cross sea water to Lanka since moon denotes ocean.Similarly Lord Krishna who took avatar in Rohini star of Moon in its exalted sign, had 16 kalas like moon.Hence Lord Krishna had to shift his base to Dwaraka, a sea coast town created for him by vishwakarama out of a reclaimed land from the Sea ocean.Also Lord Krishna after staying in our puniya Bhumi for 120 years left for Vaikuntam from prabha Kshetra sea coast near somanath a Chandra sthalam during his last dasa period of moon. Informatively even now a Creasent moon sign is present in a green flag flying in the complex of Madura janmabhumi, the birth place of Lord Krishna . (on top of a disputed unused mosque situated in the janmabhumi complex).Lord Rama and Sri Krishna avatars are connected to Chandran due to their garbhavasam.

Among the above three moon stars, each will end up at being the 10^th star from each other if counted.Hastham is the 10^th star starting from Rohini and similarly Sravanam is the 10^th star counting from Hatham and so on.This shows Symbolically the dasa avartars (10 avatars) of Lord Vishnu besides also 10 years dasa period of moon.Same way, above stars owned Vrishaba, kanya and Makara rassis will end up at being the 5^th sign to each other counting from subject preceeding rassi.This explains the five aspects of Lord Vishnu (Para,,Vyuha,Vibhava, Antharyami and archa) in addition to the five elements.The second one Vyuha is the form of Sriman Narayana in Thiruparkadal which is said to be resting in KATAKA RASSI, from where moon emerged along with Sri Mahalaskhmi. Hence she is called as ‘chandravadana’ and ‘chandraprabha’ in her ashtosthra slokas.Sriman Narayanan has a meaning of ‘Water’ for ‘Naara’ and as “Abode” for ‘Ayana’. Becouse of Sri Vishnus second aspect Thiruparkadal is in Kataka Raasi, a watery sign owned by Chandran,water has influence in both srishti and pralayam.Sri Vishnus avatars of Matsya, Kurma, Mohini and Krishna are connected to Chandran in his Karagathvam like fish, turtile (also both in ocean ) femininity holding soma ( amrita) and beauty (Rohini star of venus sign) respectively.Sri Ranganathar birth star is Revathi in Meena (fish) sign is connected to Chandran karagathvam.Chandra pushkarini is inside Srirangam koil.

Vedas glorify Chandran is the left eye of Sri Vishnu.Puranas say that Chandran came out from the mind of Lord Narayana.Hence Sri Andal in her Thirupaavai very first pasuram first line,had mentioned”Margazhi Thingal mathi Niraintha Nannalal’ hinting the auspicious beginning of pournami day for margazhi Masam and ending her 30^th pasuram with ‘Thingal Thirumukathu’ after making reference in the first line about churning of ocean from where moon emerged.This remind us the practice followed in dravida desam during Sri Andal period adopting lunar calendar ever since practiced and still followed in majority of other states except in tamilnadu, Bengal, Punjab ect which go by solar almanac. Let us see how chandran is linked with azhagar and his abode Thirumaliurmcholai from our last issue (8^th point)

9) Chandran receive hot rays from Suriyan during day time which appears like yellow colour but reflect the Sun light as cool rays in white colour during night..Jyothiskudi a small village nearby to azhagarkoil got the name derived due to Jyothi virukshams which were filled in here once upon a time.This is the place where Pillai Lokachariyar breathed his last.AzhagarKoil has Sthala vrikshams of Jyoti and Sandal wood which are found all over the hill outside the koil.This Jyoti Vrikshams are located on top of the hill further above Noopura Ganga theertham.This tree leaves shines and glows in fluorescent During night in monsoon.Hence this rare divine Vriksham is called as Jyoti,which means flame or light.In north they call as Jyotivanti. Similarly Sandalwood is the another Sthala Vriksham of azhagarkoil found all over this hill.This is the tree of Chandran. Sandalwood means ‘Chandan’ in Sanskrit that gives cool and fragrance smell to please our mind.Sandal paste water is smeared on the front main gopura doors of ‘pathinettam Padi’ everyday as prarthanai by devotees.Thirumanjanam to Lord Kallazhagar is done on Sandal paste water of Noopura ganga. Also Chandran flowers are white water Lilly and mullai (Lilly). Noopura ganga is located in Madhavi mandapam ( jasmine flower pandhal ) which name has been in existence ever since this place was having many creepers of white Lilly flowers long ago once upon a time.During Chitrai thiruvizha, Lord Kallazhagar goes to Madurai, the city of Jasmine flowers.Thus Chandran connection is denoted through this Koil Sthala Vrikshams and jasmine flowers. Suriyan and Chandran are in jyoti svarupam.Namazhwar describe this

பரஞ்சோதி நீன்னுள்ளே படருலகம் படைத்த எம் பரஞ்சோதி!

கோவிந்தா! பண்புரைக்க மாட்டேன ! (3- 1 திருவாய்மொழி)

10) Grains,cereals, vegetables, herbs, legumes and seeds are associated with moon as they symbolize resurrection in a profound way as seeds are replanted due to its potency of fertility.Grains are the literal life for the mortal population in the form of necessary foodstuff obtained from cultivated crops in mother earth. Lord Krishna in Bhagwath gita ( 15-13) said “ I become the moon thereby supply the juice of life to all vegetables “.While Sun helps the formation of cells, it is the moon that becomes the source of nectarine coolness to influence the growth and give taste to food grains. Upanishads say that athmas which are to return to the earth, fall from upperworld get identified in a subtle manner by their subtle bodies enter through air,rain,clouds and gets in to the grains in earth as foodstuff consumed by male genders.When they are united with females,it enters in to womb in the formation of their fertility to get rebirthed again. Water and grains which are under the karagathvam of Chandran thus play an active role in rebirth. when lord Kallazhagar goes to Vaigai river on Chitra pournami day, the crowd would be more eager to see the attire adorned by the lord on his horse vahana (Parimael azhagar) since the color of the draping would indicate to the farmers the prospects of next harvest season of agriculture crops.This is the age old belief of people to plan for their next crops. Also azhagar koil has two granaries (kottarams) similar to Srirangam temple.These were earlier used for storing the grains and legumes given by the farmers as a token of gratitude towards the Lord for blessing them with agricultural prosperity.Currently they are used for storing Silambaru water due to its unworthy condition to store grains.Yet grains and legumes given as ‘kannikai”by farmers are only used for making the famous ‘dosa’ Prasadham of azhagarkoil which are made out of all mixed grounded grains irrespective of its variety.

11) Chandran denotes providing of food, supply of food related items ,serving of food and water to guests and annadhanam ect Caring soft mind is required for a person to give annadhanam. Its related industries like catering, delivery of food and water besides its providers are signified under his karagathvam.Traditionally it is the customary practice of mother to feed the child with annam (food) by showing the moon in the sky.Western people take food under moon light as ‘Moon light dinner”.It is believed that taste is imparted to food due to moons amirta kiranas. when Sri Andal came to azhagar koil with Periazhwar,she was attracted by the beauty of Lord azhagar and prayed to this lord for getting the hand of Lord ranganathar.During her stay here, she made a promise to submit 100 tadas of butter and 100 tadas (vessels) of akkaravadisal to Lord azhagar once her desire to marry Sri Rangan is fulfilled.But she could not fulfill her promise since she was merged with the lord at Srirangam.It is said that Sri Ranganathar himself guised and posed as Lord azhagar and married her at srirangam.However Bhagavath Sri Ramanujar came to Thirumaliurmcholai and fulfilled her promise by submitting the above food items to Lord azhagar on her behalf. Sri andal in naachiyar thirumozhi - 9 mention about her promise to azhagar as-

நாறுநறும்பொழில் மாலிருஞ்சோலை நம்பிக்கு நான்

நுறுதடாவில் வெண்ணெய் வாய்நேர்ந்து பராவி

வைத்தேன் , நூறு தடாநிறைந்த அக்காரவடிசில்

சொன்னேன்,ஏறுதிருவுடையான் இன்றுவந்து இவை

கொள்ளுங்கொலோ!

Kouthuka or srinivasar, one of the four utsavars is mentioned here as “ஏறுதிருவுடையான்” in this pasuram . Chandran has influence in Sri andals unfulfilled promise made to Lord azhagar later got executed by Sri Ramanujar who is hence called as ‘Kovil annan” due to this episode.This is the only Kshetram where Sri andal ursavar idol can be seen in sitting posture.The tradition of Sri ramanujar in presenting butter and akkaravadisal is carried out every year.

12) Chandran denotes giving shelters,hosting guests, giving asylum ,hospitality and caring for others ect.Hence its related industries like guest house,hotels,motels, healing places,public shelters ect are indicated as moons karagathvam. Atithi means guest who comes anytime without seeing ‘Tithi”(moon phase).The idol of Lord Namperumal of Srirangam during the invasion of mughal army, was brought to this kshetram and kept inside a well at azhagarhill called as ‘ azhagiya manavala kinaru’ (well) for some time till invaders were driven away by then nayaka rulers. Well and water are signified by chandran.Later on another occasion Sri koorathazhwan took shelter at azhagar koil and stayed here for some time to escape from the wrath of Saivite fanatic kirumi kanda chozhen.Azhwan who lost his both eyes visualized the beauty of Azhagar, worshipped the Lord in mind and composed a work “Sundrabhu Sthavam’on Lord. In Mahabharatha,it is said in Vana Parva that Yudisthira and Arjuna stayed in Vrushabadri hills for some time during their 12 years exil in forest.Lord Kallazhagar visit every year during Chitrai Thiruvizha to Madurai in pallakku visiting many villages on the bank of Vaigai river for five days.During this period,Lord stays in many mandapams for mandakapadis alongside the road enroute to Madurai with his entourage following the procession.One could see many Open Mandapams built by early rulers of pandiya Nadu on both sides of the road leading to Azhagar koil from Madurai.During normal days these open Mandapams serve as shelters for devotees going on pilgrimages.Azhagar has given shelters to many devathas (demi-gods) in this hill who all stay here worshipping him.This signify the karagathvam of chandran with this Lord and his abode.

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!