Friday, October 27, 2017

Thirukkadigai, Sholinghur – Religious Importance

Thirukkadigai, Sholinghur – Religious Importance
Thirukkadigai is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, the 7th – 9th century Vaishnava canon, by Peyazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Peyazhwar describes the place as the one having gardens thronged by a swam by bees. The temple also finds mention in later works by NathamuniThirukachi NambiRamanuja and Manavala Mamunigal. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the temple finds mention in several works like 108 Tirupathi Anthathi by Divya Kavi Pillai Perumal Aiyangar.
Doddacharya was a Vaishnava saint believed to be the descendant of Mudaliandan. Doddacharya followed the steps of Ramanuja in advocating Vishishadvaita and maintained the temples hailed by the Azhwars. He is believed to have performed lot of miracles and impressed by his work, Achyuta Deva Raya (1529-42 CE), the relative of Krishna Devaraya gave him benevolent donations for maintenance of temples. During festival occasion in the temple like Brahmotsavam, Doddacharya is given a special place in processions and during the Garuda Sevai in Kanchipuram temple.
A festival named Doddacharya Utsavam is celebrated during the Tamil month of Masi (February - March). His descendants are believed to administer the religious activities during modern times. Nithiyapadi Poojas are performed in all the three temples - Big Hill, Small Hill and the Local Temple. The pooja is performed under Vaikanasa Agama. The hereditary Seva is done by Doddachariar Swami and is given the first preference in Theertham and Manthra Pushpa. The recital of Vedha, Prabhandham and Andal Tiruppavai are the daily feature of the Temple. The successors of swami Doddachariar perform this Pooja.