Monday, February 26, 2018

Ranganathar Temple, Thiruparkadal – Legends

Ranganathar Temple, Thiruparkadal – Legends
Vishnu on Palar River Bed:
According to the legend, Brahma seeking the Lord's help to stop Saraswathi flowing in the form of River Vegavathi to destroy the Yagasala where he was performing the ritual to see the Lord. The Lord obliged him by lying across the course of the river. Lord Vishnu lays on Adhiseshan to prevent the Saraswathi river called 'Vegavathi' at three places. One at Pallikonda (Uthara Ranganathar) near Vellore, Then at Thiruparkadal, and finally at Kanchipuram where the temple is called Tiruvekkaa where the deity holds the name 'Yathothkari'.
Chitragupta worshipped Lord Ranganatha here:
Once Chitragupta, the accountant in Yama Court was depressed due to his work. He requested Lord Brahma for remedy. Lord Brahma advised him to go to Thiruparkadal and worship Lord Vishnu by performing a Homa with fig tree sticks. When Chitragupta applied Athi Thailam on his forehead he was cured of his depression. Also, he took a vow that sins of those who worshipped Lord Ranganathar here will be reduced by him.
Satyavratham:
It is believed that King Harichandra worshipped Lord Vishnu here to strengthen his determination of speaking truth. Hence, the place came to be called as Satyavratham.
Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam:
After visiting Kanchi, the Saptha Rishis went to Sholinghur Divya Desam and undertook penance there. Four of the Saptha Rishis came here to Thiruparkadal and recited the four Vedas. Hence, this place was referred to as Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam.
Thiruparkadal:
Visiting these two temples (Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple & Ranganatha Perumal Temple) is said to bear fruits equivalent to visiting the 107th Divya Desam (Thiruparkadal) which one cannot visit in this Bhoo Logam.