Thursday, January 5, 2017

Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruthangal – Legends

Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruthangal – Legends
Fight between Devis on their devotion to Lord Vishnu:
As per Hindu legend, there was a competition among the consorts of Vishnu namely Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Neeladevi on the degree of their devotion to Vishnu. Sridevi descended down to earth and repaired a sequestrated spot surrounded by paddy fields. She sat in devotion and influenced by her power of worship, all sages started worshipping her at the place.
Realizing that living alone would be improper, she engendered a Theertha (water body) and propitiated Vishnu. Pleased by her devotion, Vishnu appeared at the spot. Bhudevi and Neeladevi followed her footsteps and acceded that Sridevi was the most devoted among them. Vishnu desired and stayed (Thangal in Tamil) along with his consorts in the place.
Ranganathaswamy stay at this place:
As per another legend, Ranganatha from Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple was enamoured by the devotion of Andal. He started a journey to Srivilliputhur Divya Desam to seek her hand for marriage. While reaching the place, it became dark and he decided to spend the night in the place. Since he stayed at this place, it came to be known as Thiruthangal and the hillock came to be known as Thalagiri. 
The name Thiruthangal:
This sthala perumal, travels like a cool breeze into the hearts of his bhaktas and takes out their sorrow and thereby making them happy. Since, the perumal has the character (Thanmai) of the cool breeze and air, this sthalam is called as "Thiruthangal".
Krishna grandson marriage to Ushai:
Manmadan, who is the son of Vishnu, was made into ash by Lord Shiva and in Krishna Avathaar; he was born in the name of Pradyumnan, as the son of Krishna. His son is Anirudhan. Ushai, who was the daughter of Banasuran, loved the grandson of Krishna, Anirudhan. But, he has seen him only in her dream. So she ask her friend how to get him. Her friend, Chitralekha got some photos painted and one of the photos, Anirudhan was found and identified by Ushai.
Chitralekha, who knows magic, took away Anirudhan, when he was sleeping in his cot. On knowing this, Anirudhan was jailed by Banasuran. After hearing his Grandson was jailed, Sri Krishnar fought along with Banasuran and made Anirudhan out of prison and was married to Ushai. This is one of the oldest stories told about this sthalam.
Tiger got salvation here:
Another story about this sthalam is also said and it is related to Lakshmanan, brother of Sri Ramar. Chandrakethu, who was the son of Lakshmanan, had the fasting on Ekadesi and he took his oil bath before the Dhuvadesi came. As a result of this, he became Puli (tiger). He came to this sthalam and worshipped this sthala perumal and finally got his Mukthi.
A fight between Sacred Banyan tree and Aadhisesan:
Once a fight arose between a sacred Banyan tree and Aadhisesan as to who was more powerful. They went up to Brahmma who decided in favour of Aadhisesan as it was on the Serpant Lord that Lord Vishnu slept. Unhappy with Brahmma’s decision, the sacred tree undertook penance seeking Vishnu’s blessings. The Lord asked him to go to Thiruthangal and take the form of a hill. Fulfilling his wish, the Lord would come there to the hill and accept Sridevi, who was undertaking penance, at the foot of the hill.
Pradhakshinam:
The Lord appeared to Sri Devi, Pururavas, Banasura, Lord Siva, Muruga, Markandeya, Brighu Maharishi and a tiger.
Place for Salvation:
The place is also known as Thiruthangal, Thiruthangalur and Sripuram. There is an old proverb that says if one visits Thiruthangal there is no rebirth for him in this world.