| Description Tirupatisaram,
with its temple to Venkatachalapati, is located in Kanyakumari district, near Nagarkoil in
lush surroundings. Tirupatisaram is the birthplace of the mother of Nammalwar. Nammalwar
refers to Vishnu as Tiruvaazhmarban at Vannpaasaram, in a lone verse. Worship protocols
followed here are also the same as those of Kerala. Deities: The
presiding deity here is Tiruvaazhmaarban, known as Tirukkuralappan or
Venkatachalapati in a seated posture facing east. Taayaar here is Kamalavalli Naachiyaar
(residing on his chest). Venkatachalapati is flanked by 6 of the saptarishis in the
sanctum. There is a shirne to Rama and Agastyar outside the sanctum.
There is also a shrine to Natarajar with Sivakami and Vinayakar to the left of the
sanctum. Murals depicting the 10 avatarams of Vishnu are seen are seen one of the
mandapams. The image is made through the kadu sarkara yoga process as in Tiruvanantapuram
and Tiruvattar.
The partly gold plated flagstaff of this temple is believed to have been installed by
Kulasekhara Alwar. The Nayak rulers of Madurai have made endowments to this temple.
Legend has it that Lakshmi fearing the fierce form of Narasimha
following his slaying Hiranya, meditated upon him; Vishnu upon assuming a Shanta Swaroopam
upon Prahladan's request, proceded in search of Lakshmi, who assumed his chest as her
permanent abode (Shria Pati Sancharam hence Tirupatisaram).
Legend has it that Vibhishana was blessed with a vision of the coronation of Rama, here
at Tirupatisaaram (while returning to Lanka).
Udayanangai -and her husband Kaari (both devotees of Vishnu), are believed to have
celebrated Vamanajayanti here (on the bright ekadashi in the month of Virgo), and begotten
Nammalwar on Vaikasi Vishakam. Legend also has it that the 7 Saptarishis meditated upon
Vishnu here and were blessed with his divine vision (as in Tirupuliyur)..
It is believed that the waters of the temple tank have miraculous healing properties.
Festivals: Kerala Tantram is the worship protocol followed here. Five
services are offered each day. The annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of
Chittirai. Krishna Jayanthi, Saturdays in the month of Purattasi are considered sacred
here. Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Aadi Swathi (associated with Kulasekhara Alwar) are also
celebrated here. |
