- November 24, 2024
Contents
Location | Arulmigu Hara Sabha Vimochana Perumal Temple |
---|---|
Main Deity | Hara Sabha Vimochana Perumal, Palinadhan, Kamalanadhan, Prugunadhan |
Presiding Deity | Kamala Nadhan |
Goddess | Sri Kamalavalli Thayar |
Theertham | Kamala Pushkarani (Padma Theertham), Kapala Pushkarani (Katha Theertham) |
Agama | Vaikanasa |
Purana Name | Kandan Sedthiram, Panja Kamala Sedthiram |
Village | Kandiyur |
District | Thanjavur |
The term ‘Kamal,’ signifying a lotus flower, is associated with everything at this temple, including the deity, goddess, vimana (tower), the sacred water tank, and the shrine. As a result, this temple is also known as “Pancha Kamala Kshetram.” Here, you can find five lotus flowers, including Kamala Sedthiram, Kamala Pushkarani, Kamala Vimana, Kamalanadhan, and Kamalavalli Nachiyar.
Due to the removal of Lord Shiva’s curse, the main deity here is known as “Hara Sabha Vimochana Perumal.” This temple has a unique three-in-one shrine known as “Trimurthi Sthalam,” where temples for Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva exist within the same complex, making it the only place of its kind in Thirukandiyur.
The temple has other names such as Kamala Ranjyam, Kandanasedthiram, and Trimurthi Sthiram. Since the temple features lotus petals, it is called “Kamala Ranjyam.” And as it has separate shrines for the Trimurtis and people prayed here to atone for their sins, it is called “Trimurthi Sthiram,” while “Kandan Sthiram” signifies the shrine’s memory.
This temple is the 15th among the 108 Divya Desams and was consecrated by Thirumangai Azhvar. Lord Aykantiyan, a form of Lord Vishnu, can be seen here. Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Mahabali Chakravarthi are believed to have witnessed Lord Hara Sabha Vimochana Perumal’s appearance.
This is the place where Sage Agastya received Lord Vishnu’s darshan. The temple was constructed in the 8th century CE. The history of this temple is wonderfully narrated in the Brahmanda Purana. The temple’s vimana is called Kamalakruthi.
Thirumangai Azhvar composed verses about this temple. The Puranas state that this temple was built by Mahabali Chakravarthi. In the same town, if Lord Shiva didn’t reside, it would have been called “Kandeeshwarar.” Earlier, the temple housed Lord Brahma’s shrine, which is now closed. The images of Lord Brahma and Saraswathi are placed around the temple, with the Veerateshwarar temple nearby.
Facing the eastern direction, Lord Kamala Nadhan is also known by another name, Paranthaman. He is adorned with divine qualities, akin to Garuda, and is served by the eternal celestials like Sanghu, Chakara, and Kadathariyai Sri Devi, Bhudevi. The Mother here is Kamalavalli Nachiyar.
Before reaching the main deity, there are the Periya Thiruvadi (big feet) and Siriya Thiruvadi (small feet). The Chakravarthi is of utmost significance. When entering the temple, it’s a custom to first view the Lord’s feet. The Chakravarthi, in the same state, offers darshan in the early morning. The sacred tanks near the temple include Kapala Modcha Pushkarani, Padma Theertham, and Bali Theertham.
In the Kapala Theertham, devotees take a holy dip and then stand in the king’s courtyard of Amarnthu and meditate, reciting the eight-syllable mantra, ‘Om Namo Narayanaya Namah‘ on Ekadashi day, concluding the fasting with a meal, devoid of tamarind, consuming Nelikkani, and Agathikkeerai (Indian spinach). This is mentioned in the Thala Puranam as a means for Lord Perumal to bestow His grace.
History Part 1: Parvathi Devi blessed Lord Brahma with five precious mantras. Brahma then concentrated on these mantras. They contemplated intensely, thinking, “If we understand the purpose of these five mantras, what will happen?” Rain-like, the mantras poured forth with great power, and by the greatness of these mantras, Mahasakti became Panchamukha Anjaneya. It was when Brahma realized, and with reverence, he gazed at Lord Parameswara, the fifth face. Observing a mole (karva) on it, he worried, Is it Lord Brahma’s characteristic?.
As Lord Parameswara appeared with the Vedas on His body, merged with pride, he approached Brahma with anger. But when Lord Shiva realized Brahma’s humility, he gazed at the fifth face and inquired, “Who are you?” With a hint of embarrassment, Brahma looked down at his toe and responded, “You have five faces, and I have five faces. Are we not linked?”
When Lord Parameswara manifested his compassion, the potency of the Vedas was obtained in his body. All four faces of Lord Shiva were filled with the Vedas. However, Brahma, driven by ego, couldn’t get over his pride and did not find this sufficient. Lord Vishnu, who is filled with mercy, snapped the fifth head from Brahma, thinking, Is this Brahma’s nature?.
History Part 2: Just as Lord Siva has five heads, Lord Brahma also had five heads. Once, when Parvathi Devi, who was in deep meditation, opened her eyes and saw Lord Shiva, she believed that He was her husband. She began performing puja to Him. Brahma, who happened to be there at that time, noticed that Siva showed respect to Parvathi. Brahma assumed that Siva was paying respects to him. At the same time, Siva, in a fit of anger, looked at Parvathi, and his third eye opened. Siva’s anger, however, got misdirected toward Parvathi. This is when he realized that he had made a mistake and that it was he who had five heads just like Brahma.
Immediately, Brahma took Lord Shiva’s hands, which were holding the Kapalam, and clung to it tightly. The one who had guarded Brahma now found himself in a dilemma. No matter how much one pleaded, that divine Kapalam would not relinquish its grasp. Hence, this is why the Brahmahathi Dosham came to be.
No matter how much someone pleaded, that divine Kapalam clung firmly to the hand. In the sacred Thirukkarampanoor temple, even the divine mother attempted to release it. It was only then, in the great Thirukkarampanoor temple, that the divine mother relinquished the Kapalam from Lord Shiva’s hand.
Brahma reached this temple and said, “By taking a dip in Padma Teertham of Kandiyur and worshipping the divine Kamalavalli Nachiyar, I implore the Kapalam to release my hand.” In this manner, Lord Shiva appeared in Kandiyur. The Kapalam finally left his hand. Hence, Lord Shiva is known as “Hara Saba Vimochana Perumal.”
The Vijaya Nagar kings and the Nayakars of Madurai have constructed this temple. The son of the victorious emperor Bali, who had taken away the golden crown of Lord Perumal, was cursed. To overcome his curse, he performed intense penance and finally reached the Kandiyur temple, surrendering to Lord Hara Saba Vimochana Perumal.
Lord Perumal corrected his body and mind, sending him to the celestial realm. Therefore, Lord Perumal is also called “Palinathar.” Narayana Theerthar, the author of “Krishna Leela Tharangini,” who wrote a book by this name, came to Thirukandiyur, which is located near the divine Thiruppoonthuruthi temple. This Lord Kandiyur Perumal has received boundless devotion.
Atonement: People who, due to mental instability caused by Shiva’s anger, disrupt their families, or commit sin and then engage in penance to rectify their wrongs, and those who have snatched Shiva’s quiver. Those who have troubled Shiva’s devotees, or doubted their wives, and those who have committed sinful acts due to arrogance, or caused harm due to anger. Those who have committed harm due to arrogance, those who have committed great sins due to doubt, and those who have committed sins like theft and then get caught by poverty. They who did such things and come to Kapaala Teertham to take a dip, worship Perumal, and surrender to Him, will have their sins forgiven. Perumal will bless them with His mercy and Mahaleshmi’s grace, and they will transform into blessed individuals. This is the truth.
Lord Perumal, with the hand holding the Brahma Kapalam, showed gratitude to Thirumal and removed it from His hand. He also thanked Thirumal for that act. Brahma, Saraswati, and others show their grace in the temple near the Lord.
In the bright fortnight of the Chithirai month, Lord Perumal initiated the celebrations by offering the Kodayerratti (royal sword) and commenced the grand festival. Even today, in the Chithirai month, on the ninth day, various processions carry Lord Perumal in different chariots and celebrate the grand Ther (chariot) festival. This festival lasts for nine days, and each day is marked by unique events and ceremonies. Notable among them are the Brahmothsavam in Panguni, Pavithra Utsavam in Aippasi, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Karthigai Deepam.
Opening Hours of the Temple: The Harasaba Vimochana Perumal Temple is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the evening.
Kandiyur is located on the Tiruvaiyaru path in Thanjavur. It is approximately 33 km from Kumbakonam, and you can reach Kandiyur from Kumbakonam via the Pasupatheeswaram temple. Starting from Tiruvaiyaru, you can also reach Kandiyur.
The temple address is as follows:
Arulmigu Harasaba Vimochana Perumal Temple,
Kandiyur,
Thanjavur District – 613202.