Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Thiruvazhmarban Temple, Thiruvanparisaram – The Temple

Thiruvazhmarban Temple, Thiruvanparisaram – The Temple
Thiruvazhmarban temple covers an area of about 2 acres (0.81 hectares) and has a five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower). The temple in enclosed in a rectangular enclosure surrounded by granite walls. Presiding Deity is called as Thiru Vazh Marban / Tirukuralappan. The central shrine houses the image of the presiding deity, Thiruvazhmarban in sitting posture facing east. Lord Tiruvazh Marban (Lord in whose chest Mother Mahalakshmi-Goddess of Wealth resides) graces devotees with his four hands, one assuring safety (Abhayahastha) and holding the conch and discus in other hands.




The 9 feet tall idol is made of a material called Kadu Sarkarai Yogam, a mixture of stone and lime and coated with a glue made with sugar and mustard. Hence, no abishek is performed to the presiding deity, only to the procession deity. The deity had a crown made of Gold and adorned with diamonds and other precious stones. This was stolen and the thief cut it into multiple pieces. The authorities caught the thief and the booty was recovered, but to this day, it is lying in the same state.




Mother is called as Kamalavalli Nachiyar. As Mother has her place in the chest of the Lord Himself, there is no separate shrine for Thayar.  Perumal is wearing a gold chain with a dollar embossed with the figure of Mother Mahalakshmi. Mother is generally found on the right side of the heart of Lord Vishnu is found on the left side of this Vishnu. Vimanam of this temple is Indra Kalyana Vimanam. Surrounding the presiding deity, the images of Saptharishis are present.




The images of RamaLakshmana and Sita are located to the right of the presiding deity. The image of Thiruvazhmarban is made of a compound of lime and granite. The sanctum also houses the images of Vishwaksenara, Kulasekara AzhwarNataraja and Sivakami. The festival deity, Lord Srinivasa with Sridevi & Bhoodevi is made of Panchaloka and all the ablution related worship practices are done only for festival deity.




The shrines of Garuda, Lord Rama, Lakshman and Goddess Sita with Lord Anjaneya, Sage Agasthya, Lord Shiva, Vibishana, Saptha Rishis, Nammalvar, Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika and Azhwars & Acharyas are found in the second precinct. The temple tank, Soma Theertham is located outside the main shrine. A hall named Kalyana Vimana Mandapa located near the tank houses paintings depicting Dasavathara, the ten avatars of Vishnu.



The Theertham of this temple is called as Lakshmi Theertham. Sthalavruksham of this temple are Neem Tree and Arasu Maram. Banyan tree is found near the Lakshmi Theertham, which is capable of curing diseases and it is also said to be the Hamsa of the Perumal.