Friday, August 30, 2019

Uppiliappan Temple, Tirunageswaram – Prayers

Uppiliappan Temple, Tirunageswaram – Prayers
Each and every Thulasi leaf used to perform Pooja (Archana) to Lord Oppiliappan would fetch the total value of an Ashvamedha Yagna (Yagam). Every step placed to reach this kshetram would fetch lots of eternal values (Punniyam). By devoting Dhoopakal, Deepakal, vessels needed for pooja and Thirumanjanam (Bathing of Lord god), brass bell and silk clothing one could get themselves out from all sorts of sins. Those who undertake/perform Utsavam to Lord Oppiliappan would definitely have the boon of birth of a child. Just by chanting Thulasi Vanam all the effect sins fly away.
In the Tamil month Panguni on the day of Shravanam doing the following things would remove all the sins due to evil sins like murder, robbery etc. Early in the morning taking bath in the temple Pushkarini. Give alms (dhanam) to needy people. Choose any 5 Brahmins and treat them as the 5 forms of Oppiliappan (i.e.) as Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muthappan, Ennappan, Vinnagarappan. Then give them Thirukannal Amuthu (i.e.) Payasam (i.e.) Sweet kheer and finally worship Oppiliappan in his Sannathi.
It is believed that praying to Lord and Mother in the temple would ensure unity among the couples and cultivate in them the quality of tolerance. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Lord. 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.
Shravanam is very special here. During that day devotees take a dip in the temple tank and get the darshan of Sravana Deepam. Another belief is that if you offer sandal and Kumkum you get salvation from Brahmmahathi Dosha. People offer black peppers with salt at Lord Narayana's feet in front of the Garudazhwar, to cure them of any dermal diseases. Tonsure ceremony for getting children shaved for the first time to promote proper growth and ear piercing is a very common practice followed in the temple.