Friday, July 26, 2019

Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple, Koyambedu – Legends

Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple, Koyambedu – Legends
Lord Rama darshan as Vaikunda Vasa to Sage Valmiki:
After ascending the throne in Ayodhya, Sri Rama came to know that some of his subjects spoke ill of Sita’s fidelity and immediately ordered her to be sent to forests though she was pregnant.  Mother was taken care of by Sage Valmiki where she gave birth to the twins Lava and Kucha. During this period, Lord Sri Rama conducted the Ashwamedha Yaga.  The Horse dedicated for the Yaga came to Lava-Kucha’s place.  They captured the Horse.  Shatrughna, youngest brother of Lord Rama demanded the boys to release the horse.  They refused.  
In the war that followed, the boys defeated Shatrughna.  Even Lakshmana, who came then to release the horse was also defeated by Lava and Kucha.  Surprised Lord Rama sent a messenger to the forest to invite Sage Valmiki, Sita and the boys.  Sita was so happy to see her Lord again. Sage Valmiki explained the story to the boys that Lord Rama was their father and the circumstances that caused the separation.  
Sage Valmiki begged the pardon of Rama for his disciple boys.  Lord Rama granted darshan to the sage as Vaikuntavasa.  As requested by the Sage, Lord stayed in this place as Vaikuntavasa in this place. To support the stay of Sage Valmiki here, there is an anthill in the prakara of the temple.  Lord Kurungaleeswarar, worshipped by Lava-Kucha is nearby.  
Raghavapuri:
When Lord Sri Rama took Sita to Ayodhya, Mother thought that she has come to this place and her Lord Rama was in her eyes, hence the place has the name Raghavapuri.  
Koyambedu:
The name of the place Koyambedu is derived from the story that Lava-Kusa tied the Ko, the horse of Sri Rama with Ayam (iron) fence – Ko-Ayam-Pedu. Ayam is iron and Pedu the fence.
Other Names:
This place in ancient days were as known as Kusa Lava Puram, Kusalavapuri, Kuchalavapuri, Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram.