Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple, Thirupullani – The
Temple
The
temple is located in Thirupullani, a village located 10 km (6.2 mi)
from Ramanathapuram. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway
tower) facing east. The shrine of Adi Jagannatha houses the image of Adi
Jagannatha, Bhudevi and Sri Devi in sitting posture. The consort of
Adi Jagannathar is Padmasini, housed in a separate shrine. There is a shrine
for Dharbasayana Ramar in a reclining posture. There is a metal image
of Krishna from the 13th century Pandya period. The image
depicts Krishna dancing in a snake, a rare historical depiction of Krishna in a
metal image.
Of the
18 Divya Desams of the Pandya region, Thirupullani is the most ancient and
important sacred city. The place is also hailed as Pullaranyam, Pullanai, Thiruvanai,
Adhi Sethu, Dharbasayanam, Rathnaakara Kshetram, Nalasethu, Saranagathi
Kshetram and Pullangadu. Thirupullani is closely associated with
the Ramayana especially with the incidents in the latter part of
Rama’s life-history, when he goes in search of Sita. Here, Vibishana makes his
‘Saranagathi’ (surrender) to Lord Rama. On his counseling, Lord Rama reposing
on the dharbai grass for three days, requests the Samudra Raja (Emperor of the
Oceans) to give way to him to go to Lanka.
The
Samudra Raja does not concede to his request and infuriates him. The furious
Rama takes his bow and warns the Samudra Raja that he would dry up the entire
waters. The frightened Samudra Raja with his wives rushes to him and
surrenders. Because of the surrenders made here by Vibishana and the Mahodadi,
the place is rightly called ‘Saranagathi kshetram’ and since the Lord reposes
on the darba grass, He is named ‘Dharbasayana Ramar’.
Thirumangai
Alvar has consecrated this temple in 21 pasurams in the ‘Nayaki Bhava’ mode.
Pattabhisheka Ramar Sannadhi:
A
separate Sannadhi for Pattabisheka Ramar is also found. Pattabisheka Ramar is
the Thirukkolam of Sri Ramar while he was given the throne to take over Ayodhya
as the king along with Sita Piratti, Lakshmana and Bharatha and Sathrukkanan.
This Sannadhi is found in front of dharbha Sayana Rama Sannadhi.
The
shrine of Pattabhiramar has a separate flag-pole, altar, Dwarapalakas and ardha
mantapam. The victorious Rama, after killing Ravana returns to Ayodhya with
Sita in the Pushpaka Vimanam. He rests for a while at this place, where – it is
said – He recounts to Sita the events that had happened during their
separation. The belief is that limitless blessings will be bestowed to the
devotees who worship Pattabhiramar after taking a bath in the Adhisethu.
Santhana Gopalan Sannadhi:
This is
a separate Sannadhi for Sandhana Gopalan, which is found on the north of
Dharbha Sayana Ramar Sannadhi, and the Mandapam is called as ‘Nagar Mandapam
Santhana Krishna Mandapam’. It is a lovely sculptural wonder. Lord Krishna sits
on the Adisesha who rests on the ‘Koormam’ (tortoise) surrounded by eight
elephants and eight serpents.
In this Sannadhi,
Sri Krishnar is found as a small child on Adisesha. It is believed that on
worshipping this perumal can get the pregnancy. It is believed that the
childless couple will be blessed with a child, if they worship the deity
offering ‘paalpayasam’ (sweet-milk porridge) to him. This is a famous offering
in the Thirupullani temple.
Mulai Garudan Sannidhi:
There is
a Sannidhi for Sri Garudazhwar in one corner (Isanya Moolai) of the temple
wall. The Garudazhwar here is very powerful. Such a Sannidhi for Sri Garudazhwar
is found only in select temples.
Chinnakoil:
Another
landmark and a small temple is ‘Chinnakoil’ (small temple) situated about 3
furlongs from the seashore. It houses Lord Srinivasa and has beautiful
sculptures. On the northern side there is the white-image of ‘Swetha Madhavan’,
believed to be found from the sea. This is a marvelous sculptural piece, lauded
by the Archeological Survey of India. Another interesting image is that of
‘Agasthyar’, which is believed to be found from the sea. There are water-eroded
marks on the knees of the image.
Dharbasayanam Ramar Shrine:
Sri
Dharbasayanam Ramar under the ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’ is in a reclining posture.
Since he is lying on the dharbai grass (sacred grass used in the rituals), he
is called so. The Dwarapalakas (divine securities at the doorstep) installed at
the doorstep of the sanctum sanctorum have majestic appearance with a
domineering moustache in their faces. It is rare to see such type of imposing
figures of Dwarapalakas. They have hands with ‘aahvaana sign’ (inviting sign)
as if inviting into this unique sanctum, where the stately Rama reposes with
his sword beside him. But, he presents himself as the Lord of Milky Ocean –
from his navel arise three Lotus-stems, the center lotus with Lord Brahma
flanked on his sides with Sun and Moon with head gear.
Along
with them sculpted on the wall are Madhu-Kaitaba, Lakshmi, Kausthubam and
Sundopasundas. On the side of the crown are Garuda and Markandeya. At his feet
are the Ramayana personages, Sukha and Sarana, and also Hanuman are enjoying
the feet of Rama in a valiant posture. At the southern side of the ardha
mantapam stands politely Vibishana holding the mace and on the northern side
are the Emperor and his wives of ‘Mahodadi’ (Ocean) making surrender to Lord
Rama. Lakshmana as the Serpent-bed Adisesha carries his Lord.
The
Procession-deity (Utsava murthy) is ‘Kothandaraman’ with Sita, Lakshmana and
Hanuman standing respectfully as though trying to effect an alliance between
Rama and Vibishana. The entire sanctum is a splendid piece, a superb sculpted
tableau representing a few scenes from Ramayana. This is an exclusive
presentation which could not be seen anywhere else.
Moolavar and Thaayar:
The
Prime Deity faces east in the sitting posture with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.
Similarly, his Consort Sri Padmasani Thayar sits and renders her blessings to
the devotees. Near this shrine is the age-old Pipal (Aswatha) tree and is
considered to be the incarnation of Aswatha Narayanan who revealed himself to
the three sages, Pullavar, Kannuvar, and Kaalavar. The Prime Deity is also
known as ‘Dakshina Jagannathan’, installed as a Salagramam by the Devas during
the swayambu manvantharam. It is said that the childless Emperor Dasaratha
worshipped Lord Jagannatha and received as blessings his four sons.
The Moolavar
of this sthalam is Sri Kalyana Jagannathan. He is found in Nindra Thirukkolam
facing along the East direction. Lord has given Prathyaksham for Ashwantha
Narayanan, Pullaranya Rishi, and Samuthira Rajan, Devalar Muni and Kanva
Maharishi. Thaayar: There are two Thaayar’s found in this sthalam. Kalyana
valli is one of the Thaayar and another one is Padmasini Thaayar.
The
perumal is daily fed with Milk Payasam as the "Naivedhyam" in the
night. It is said that all the devotees who does pilgrimages travel towards
Rameswaram, have to worship this Thirupullani Aadhi Jagannathan.
Sthala Viruksham (Tree):
The
sthala Viruksham (tree) of this kshetram is Asrattham (Arasa) tree. A big tree
is found on the west side of the Moolavar Sannadhi and beneath that is found lots
of Siva Lingam. It is said that people can get the pregnancy by dedicating the
Siva Lingam beneath the tree.
Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangaialwar
- 21 Paasurams
Pushkarani:
·
Hema
theertham.
·
Chakkara
theertham.
·
Rathnaakara
Samuthiram.
Vimanam:
Kalyana Vimaanam.
Chakra Theertham:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Sethu Karai:
Another
very important sacred place is the ‘Sethukarai’, the seashore about 3 kms from Thirupullani.
This is also called ‘Adhisethu’ or ‘Ratnaakaram’. ‘Sethu’ means ‘Bridge’. This
is the place where Lord Rama built the bridge to cross over the ocean to reach
Lanka, to retrieve Sita. Even today, we can see on the eastern side within the
sea a long stone-way. A recent satellite photograph has proved the existence of
such a causeway under the sea. This bridge was built by Nala, the
monkey-architect and hence the name ‘Nala Sethu’. At the shore, there is a
small shrine for Hanuman with enfolded palms facing south. He is a deity loved
and worshipped by the people here.
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Sethu Karai Hanuman Temple:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Sethu Bridge:
The Sethu Bridge has submerged under the sea but if you do request the fisherman on the banks of the Sethu sea shore, they may take you across the sea to show you the place that once was the Sethu Bridge.
The Sethu Bridge has submerged under the sea but if you do request the fisherman on the banks of the Sethu sea shore, they may take you across the sea to show you the place that once was the Sethu Bridge.
