Uppiliappan Temple, Thirunageshwaram – Greatness of Temple
Lord
Vishnu-Perumal came to Sage Markandeya on a Panguni (March-April) Thiruvonam
star day seeking his daughter’s hand in marriage. The wedding took place
on Aipasi (October-November) Thiruvonam Star day.
Remembering
this event, on Thiruvonam Star day each month, special pujas are performed with
Aganda Deepa (big deepa) and Long deepa – Vaal deepa lighting. It is
believed that Mother Mahalakshmi graces devotees from these lamps. This
darshan is considered a lucky one by the devotees.
On
Aavani Thiruvonam star day, Perumal grants darshan – Udaya Garuda Sevai. Then
He bathes in the Nattaru River praised as Dakshina Ganga. Special pujas are
performed after this event. The practice of soothsaying before the lamps
is followed even these days.
The
slogan uttered by Lord in his Gita Teaching “Maam Charanam Viraja” is written
on his right hand pointing to his feet. This means “I take care of those
surrendering to me”. Saint Thirumangai Azhwar had praised this Perumal as
such.
Perumal
granted darshan to Azhwar in five forms – Tiruvinnagarapapan (in sanctum
sanctorum), Ponnappan (procession deity), Maniappan and Ennappan in Prakara
shrines and Mutthappan. Of these, Mutthappan shrine is not in existence.
Discus and Conch are with the Lord in Maniappan shrine.
Nivedhanas
are prepared in this temple without salt. It is believed that taking
salted food into the temple is a sin. As Sage Markandeya, ever 16 in age,
worshipped in this temple, special Homas as longevity and Mrutyunjaya Homas are
performed in the temple. Ahora Pushkarani Theertha is revered high. Devotees can bath in this theertham both in day and night.
Generally Mother Bhoomadevi is on the left side of Perumal. As Lord
wedded her in this place, she has the right side here. Also, while
offering his daughter to Perumal in marriage, Sage Markandeya took an undertaking
from the Lord that he would not part with her even for a moment. Accordingly,
during all processions, Lord appears with Mother Bhoomadevi.
The
prasadams like tamarind rice, fried snacks are prepared without salt. If one
tastes them inside the temple, they seem to taste normal. If they take them
outside and eat them, they can realize that it does not contain salt.