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ASHTAKSHARA OR SWAYAM VYAKTA KSHETRAS
Ashtakshara or swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples in India are 8 self-manifested (swayambu) premium temples of lord Vishnu for Vaishnava’s among the 108 Divya Desam temples.
Among the various categorizations of Vaisnava temples and gods found in India, the Ashta-Svayam-vyakta kshetras are of great significance to Vaisnavas. These are the eight principal residences of Lord Visnu, in the form of His self-manifestation (svayambhu).
The Lord’s archavatara is generally divided into five categories.
| Svayam Vyakta sthala |
The deities of Svayam-vyakta have become their form by self-manifesting.
|
| Deva sthala |
Images of the deity set up by divine personalities such as Lord Brahma, Indra, etc.
|
| Arsha or Sidha sthala |
Deities set up by great sages are referred to as Arsha-sthala
|
| Pauranika sthala |
Images installed in ancient times are known as Pauranika-sthala
|
| Manusha sthala |
The god images installed by the devotees are known as Manusha-sthala.
|
These five are distinguished by who installed the deity in the place of worship. In this sequence, we will visit each of the eight Asta-Svayam-vyakta kshetras or the abodes of self-manifesting images of Lord Visnu.
LIST OF SVAYAM VYAKTA KSHETRAS
| No | PLACE | DIETY | LOCATION |
| 1 | Srirangam | Ranganatha Swamy | Srirangam, Trichi District, Tamilnadu |
| 2 | Tirumala | Venkateswara Swamy | Tirupati, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh |
| 3 | Badrinath | Badari Narayana Swamy | Badrinath, Near Nainital, Uttarakhand |
| 4 | Muktinath | Chakrapani | Muktinath, Dhaval Giri, Nepal |
| 5 | Srimushnam | Bhu Varaha Swamy |
Srimushnam, Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu
|
| 6 | Nanguneri | Vanamamali Perumal | Nanguneri, Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu |
| 7 | Naimisharanyam | Chakranarayana | Nisar, Near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
| 8 | Pushkar | Varaha Swamy /Vishnu | Pushkar, Near Ajmer, Rajasthan |
1.SRIRANGAM – RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE
Srirangam is the first and foremost of Swayam vyakta kshetras (self-manifest shrines of Lord Vishnu temples in India and, one of the 108 (Divyadesams) main temples of Vishnu. Srirangam is an island between River Kaveri and River Kollidam surrounding all East, West, North, and South.
The main deity is called Sri Ranganatha Swamy. According to mythology, Lord Brahma was first adoring this deity. King Ikshvaku was then given to worship and he takes to his capital Ayodhya. Lord Rama eventually adored the holy king. Ravana’s brother Vibhishana was declared King of Lanka by Rama after he beat Ravana.
As a token of Vibishana ‘s devotion, Rama gave the idol to Vibishana to take back to Sri Lanka with him. When Vibhishana moved to Sri Lanka via Trichy, the deity wished to stay in Srirangam. Ranganathan, impressed by the devotion of the King Dharma Varma, who did pity that Lord Ranganatha should stay in Srirangam forever, then the diety promised to Vibhishana eternally gazing toward Lanka with a good conscience. Therefore, the god faces the South (in a reclining posture).
The architecture dating varies from the 6th century to the 16th century with contributions from several kingdoms like Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, Hoysalas, and Nayaks.
This is the second biggest temple in the world. The first one is the Angkor Wat in Cambodia. That is the only biggest Temple in the world. This is the second biggest temple in the world with regular pujas and festivals celebrating.
SRIRANGAM TEMPLE
This temple occupies a surrounding of 3 km making it India’s biggest Temple. The area is around 156 acres. This can be considered as an Indian Angkor Wat. There are 54 temples and many water bodies within the premises along with a temple for Vishnu and Lakshmi.
There are five most important temples here. One is the main Temple – Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Another one is the (Main Deity’s consort) Mahalakshmi Temple. Next would be God Dhanvantri (Founder of the Indian Medicine system of Ayurveda). He is the family doctor of Vishnu. Another Temple is the lord of nine planets, God Sudarshan. Finally, the last of the important Temple is of the (Hindu Saint) Ramanuja Acharya.
There are 21 Gopurams (Temple Gateway Towers), the main tower is 220 ft tall. The Gopuram on the top of the main temple is made of 80 kg of Gold. Next, you see the White Gopuram and that is the original color and of height 144 ft. The main tower was 400 years under construction beginning around the 17th century and it was completed in 1987.
SPECIAL ATTRACTION AT SRIRANGAM Here, the original (mummified body) of Ramanuja Acharya is present. That is the main Temple too. Ramanuja revolutionized the worship rituals and ensured the low caste people is permitted inside the Temple. He brought in those changes in the rules allowing all people to be permitted inside the Temple. He lived for 120 years and continued his service and finally attaining his liberation. He was buried here and after some time his body came out and is preserved to this day here. These along with God Sudarshana is the five predominant Temples in the premises.
FESTIVALS AT SRIRANGAM-RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE
VAIKUNTA EKADASHI
The Ranganathaswamy temple, which is considered as one of the leading Divya Desam temples, celebrates Vaikunta Ekadashi annually during the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan). Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated for 21 days, following the model of Pagal Pathu (10-days, day time celebrations) and Raa Pathu (10-days, night time celebrations).
While Vaikunta Ekadashi is invariably celebrated in all the temples of Vishnu, Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is worth noting. It is one of the temples of Vishnu where almost every day it celebrates the festival. Srirangam, the heavenly resting place of Vishnu is revered as the most sacred close to Vaikuntam.
JYESTABISHEKA
The annual gold ornamental cleaning festival, which is held during the Tamil month of Aani from June – July, is called Jyestabisheka. The icons of all deities are flooded with water in large gold and silver vessels.
BRAHMOTSAVAM
During the Tamil month in Panguni (March – April), Brahmotsavam (Prime Festival) is scheduled. The first day along with Ankurarpanam, Rakshabandhanam, Bheri Thadanam, Dhwajarohanam, and sacrifices are as usual in the Yagasala. At night the processions go through the road of Chitrai. On the second day, the god is taken into the temple to a field. On the 3rd day, the god travels through a palanquin across the Kaveri River to Jiyarpuram, a village opposite the coast.
SRIRANGAM – RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE TIMINGS
| Viswaroopa seva | 06:00 | to | 07:15 |
| Pooja time – ( No Darshan) | 07:15 | to | 09:00 |
| General Darshan Timings | 09:00 | to | 12:00 |
| Pooja time – ( No Darshan) | 12:00 | to | 13:15 |
| Darshan Timings | 13:15 | to | 18.00 |
| Pooja time – ( No Darshan) | 18.00 | to | 18:45 |
| Darshan Timings | 18:45 | to | 21.00 |
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HOW TO REACH SRIRANGAM – RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, about 15 km away.
By Rail: Srirangam railway station is the closest railway station 1 km from the Temple and the main railway station is Tiruchirapalli,9 km far from the Temple. From these points, you can even hire a taxi to enter the temple of Srirangam.
By Road: Srirangam Temple in Trichy is well connected to all major cities such as Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Bangalore, Tirupati, Trivandrum, etc. From these cities to Srirangam regular transportation buses are accessible every day.
2.TIRUMALA – SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
Venkateswara Swamy temple is a Vaishnavit temple located in Tirumala Hill City, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. Venkateswara Swamy is believed to have come up in order to save mankind from Kali Yuga’s trials and troubles. The location has therefore also termed as Kaliyuga Vaikuntam, and the Lord is praised as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also called “Tirumala Temple,” “Tirupati Temple,” “Tirupati Balaji Temple.” Many other names known are Venkateswara, Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.
The hills of Tirumala are part of the Seshachalam mountains range. The hills are at a height of 853 feet. The Hills has seven peaks, reflecting Adisesha’s seven heads. The shrine is on Venkatadri, the seventh peak, at the southern bank of the holy tank Sri Swami Pushkarini. This is why the temple is also called “Seven Hills Temple”.
ALSO READ—–TIRUMALA TEMPLE HISTORY: THE AMAZING STORY OF LORD MAHA VISHNU
Many people visit, daily to this place to worship this god. On auspicious occasions, the number reaches to lakhs. This is the most visited temple among the 108 Diya Desam and 8 swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples in India.
They do pujas 6 times in a day for the god. They are Prathusha, Prabatha, Madahana,Aparahana, Sayankala, Ratri pujas. Early morning Supra Batha Seva is called Prathusha puja. This is puja done daily at 3 am.
SPECIAL ATTRACTION AT TIRUMALA In Tirumala, everything is a special as lord Balaji temple here called kaliyuga vaikuntam.some of these are,
ALSO READ — TIRUPATI BALAJI TEMPLE FACTS: MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT
FESTIVALS AT TIRUMALA
Srivari Brahmotsavam
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Teppotsavam
Vasanthotsavam
Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam
Pavithrotsavam
Pushpa Yagam
Abhideyaka Abhishekam (or) Jyesthabhishekam
Padmavathi Parinayam
Pushpa Pallaki
And many more festivals are celebrated throughout the year, among which Srivari Brahmotsavam is celebrated with great devotion.
Click here to download Important Festivals of Tirumala temple in 2020
TIRUMALA (TIRUPATI BALAJI )TEMPLE TIMINGS
Devotees are allowed to get darshan round the clock, however, pilgrims have to wait in the complex for their turn.
HOW TO REACH TIRUMALA SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
To reach Tirumala first we have to reach Tirupati and then we can reach Tirumala hills by footpath or by bus/taxi/two-wheeler.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport and Chennai International Airport about 110 km away from Tirupati.
By Rail: Major Railway junctions/stations are Tirupati, Renigunta, Arakonam, and Chennai.
By Road: Tirupati is connected with all major interstate bus terminals like Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Madurai, and Trichy.
From Tirupati, we can reach Tirumala on foot or by road.
On Foot: There are two ways to walk from Tirupati to Tirumala. The routes are known as Sopanamargas.
1.Alipiri Mettu – The first and the old path begins at Alipiri and consists of a total of 3550 steps.
2.Srivari Mettu – It originates from Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 15 kilometers from Tirupati.
By Road: Tirumala can be reached by road from Alipiri(Tirupati). The distance is 23 km.
3.BADRINATH TEMPLE – LORD BADRINARAYANA
Wherever Lord Vishnu resides, comes to be known as paradise. This proverb, which is believed by the people since ages will look completely real to you when you will see it through your own eyes. The most famous place on earth is Vishnu Dham (Abode).Badrinath Dham.Badrinath Dham which is also famous as Bhu Vaikuntam.
It is believed that once upon a time, it was Lord Shankar’s home. But looking at the glory of that place, Lord Vishnu Narayan asked for it and Lord Shankar very happily gave up his favorite place to go and reside in Kedarnath. That’s why, even today, Lord Badrinath’s tour first begins by bowing your head in Lord Shiva’s temple.
Lord Narayan was deep in meditation at this spot, staying away from Thuling, a location in the Himalayas polluted by meat-eating monks and unchaste men. During his meditation, he was left ignorant of the cold weather and Goddess Laxmi visited him to serve him. Goddess Laxmi turned into a tree called Badri tree (jujube tree) and covered the meditating Lord Narayan in its shadow.so that Lord Narayan doesn’t face any kind of trouble in his meditation. He also continues his meditation unabated.
This way, when Lord Narayan finished his meditation, he granted Goddess Laxmi a wish because, she endured more hardships than Lord Narayan, therefore, he destined that devotees should take the Goddess’s name before his name. So, Badri is another name for Badri tree, whose tree Goddess Laxmi transformed herself into a tree. So, it was Laxmi who turned into the Badri tree (jujube tree). Thus, this place came to be known as ‘Badri’Nath after Laxmi Devi.
The name Badrinath also indicates that this place is dedicated to ‘Badri’s (Laxmi’s) and Nath (Lord Vishnu). After completing his meditation here, Lord Badrinath came to rest here ever since.
Through Satyug, Dwaparyug to Tretayug, devotees were treated to pratyaksh darshan (live view) of the Lord. During the Dwaparyug, Lord Narayan appeared as incarnations of Krishna-Arjun. Thus, the Lord Badrinath stopped appearing live in front of his devotees thereafter.
When that happened, devotees went to pray to Lord Brahma, who established a statue of Lord Narayan here.
Over a long period, when that statue was destroyed somehow, the devotees were unable to view even that statue during their visits.
It is said in the holy relics that when no one comes to your rescue, it is Lord Shankar who does.
Believing that everyone went to pray to Lord Shankar. They presented their request in front of the Lord.
On the request and prayer of all the other Gods and Goddesses, Lord Shankar took birth as Shankaracharya and in the tender age of 11, he used his divine powers to re-establish the displaced statue of Lord Narayan back inside the temple
The image of the presiding deity worshiped in the temple is 1 m (3.3 ft) tall statue of Vishnu in the shape of Badrinarayan, built of black stone. Many Hindus consider the statue to be one of eight swayam vyakta kshetras or self-proclaimed statues of Vishnu. Vishnu, in the form of Badrinath, is seen in the temple seated in the padmasana pose.
The Badrinath temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites among the swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples in India.
The Badrinath temple is one of the four Chota Char Dhams located between the peaceful heights of the great Himalayas, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, collectively known as Char Dham.
CHAR DHAM The Char Dham is a group of four pilgrimage sites in India. The holiest place in India. Vaishnavite Hindus claim that visiting such places helps to attain “Moksha” (salvation). This comprises of Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, and Rameswaram. It is considered by the Hindus that every Hindu should visit the Char Dhams once during his lifetime. Another tiny circuit in Uttarakhand of four pilgrimage places, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is called Chota Char Dham.
SPECIAL ATTRACTION AT BADRINATH The temple is closed on the holy day of Bhatridvittiya for the winter or during October-November. On the last day, a lamp full of ghee will be lit, which lasts for six months. The chief priest performs special puja in the day time in the presence of pilgrims and temple officials. Badrinath’s image has been transferred to the Narasimha Temple in Jyotirmath, 40 miles (64 km) from the temple. The temple was re-opened between April and May in the day of Akshaya Tritiya, another auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Witness the Akhanda Jyoti on the first day of opening the temple after winter.
FESTIVALS AT BADRINATH TEMPLE
Mata Murti Ka Mela, a popular festival held in the Badrinath Temple, commemorates the descent of the Ganges to Mother Earth. Badrinath’s mother, believed to have divided the river into twelve paths, is worshiped for earthly prosperity. Badrinath became the holy land where the river flowed.
The Badri Kedar festival is celebrated both in the Badrinath temple and in the Kedarnath Temple in June. The festival lasts eight days; The show will feature artists from across the country.
BADRINATH TEMPLE TIMINGS
04.30 hrs to 13.00 hrs.
16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs
Closes after the divine chant of Geet Govind.
HOW TO REACH BADRINATH TEMPLE
This paradise of pilgrims is a sacred being for visitors who make them feel blessed when they visit this town. The River Alaknanda gives people a chance to challenge themselves in the rifts of the river.
Although Badrinath is not directly connected to airways and railroads, the most appropriate way to get to Badrinath is by bus service, i.e. by road. The best time to go to Badrinath is between May and September. Snowfall can be observed in the months between October and March.
By Air: The closest airport to Badrinath is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, about 310 km from Badrinath. Jolly Grant is well-linked with Delhi by many regular flights.
By Rail: The closest railway station to Badrinath is the Haridwar junction at a distance of 319 km from Badrinath with multiple trains linking Haridwar junction with other major cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata, etc.
By Helicopter: From Dehradun at Sahastradhara Helipad to Badrinath.
4.MUKTINATH TEMPLE – LORD CHAKRAPANI
The Muktinath Temple in the Himalayas of Nepal is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists from all over the world. The temple is the epitome of the divine and mental purification of the devotees of Muktinath.
This holy temple stands on the lap of the remote Muktinath Vali at an elevation of 3,800 meters above the sea level. This sacred temple is one of the 8 swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples among 108 Divya Desam. Vaishnav people and followers of Vishnu in Hinduism highly respect this holy place. Generally, there are eight holy sites knowns as swayam vyakta kshetras of deity Vishnu, Muktinath is one of them.
Muktinath is formed from the Sanskrit terms “Mukti” and “Nath.”Mukti” means “Salvation or Nirvana” and “Nath” means “Lord or Master.”
It is, therefore, holds great significance for all spiritual people in the countries of South Asia.
MUKTINATH TEMPLE
Once upon a time, despite being in one of the remote regions of Nepal, Thousands of pilgrims from another corner of the world visiting this place in Nepal. Likewise, it stands at the higher elevation the fascinating mountain scenery and surrounding landscapes attract thousands of trekkers. The main temple of Muktinath is built-in Pagoda-Style which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whereas Buddhist worship Vishnu as Avalokitesvara.
The shrine is built up of a metal statue of Lord Vishnu, the goddess Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Janaki, Garuda, Sapta Rishis. It is a holy place that carries the beliefs in two separate faiths in the same shrine. This is the commonplace where both the communities of Buddhist and Hindu worship the lord, hence the Muktinath temple is exceptional as people from two religions with different beliefs and rituals come together under one roof.
The Hindu and Buddhist rituals consider this location to be the only place on this Planet that houses all 5 elements (fire, water, sky, earth, and air) that make up the material objects of the universe.
Shaligram stones on the riverbed of Gandaki are used for worshiping Lord Vishnu. Various types of stone are worshiped as various forms of Vishnu. White is considered Vasudeva, black as Vishnu, green as Narayana, Krishna as blue, golden yellow, and red as Narasimha and Vamana as yellow. The stones come in several forms including conical and chakra designs, the emblems of Vishnu.
What are the Shaligram stones? Salagram or Shaligram refers to a fossilized shell used in South Asia(particularly India) as a symbol and a reminder of the god Vishnu as the fundamental concept of the Vaishnavite and Smarthist sects. In general, Shaligrams are obtained from river beds or rivers, like the river Gandaki, in Nepal. Shaligramas are existed from 400 to 66 million years ago. Shaligramas are predominantly black marked stones and are the fossiled remains of now-extinct ammonites from the sea. Therefore they are located in river beds and other submerged areas, the Himalayas and Nepal being the most common. Historically, the usage of Shaligram (or Salagram) Shilas in worship can be traced back to the time of Adi Shankara through his works. Muktinath temple is considered to be one of Vishnu’s most holy sites of worship, according to Sri Vaishnava doctrines, praised by Thirumangai Alwar in his compilation Nalayira Divya Prabandha 10 Pasurams in Mudal pathu Iyndham thirumozhi. Jeevan Mukthi is believed to be given by Lord Sri Vishnu murthi and the goddess Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi., hence it is called Muktinath. So people have to be good if they get the darshan.
SALAGRAM STONES
SPECIAL ATTRACTION Hindu mythology believes this world to be the “magic” (illusion) of the cycle of life between birth and rebirth. Everybody searches for relief from this process. This can be helped by a visit to Muktinath. In the backyard of the temple, 108 streams of water flow continuously from the bullhead which is called Muktidhara and there are 2 ponds known as “Laxmi Saraswati Kunda in front of the temple. Take a bath in these 108 water pots and two ponds that are going to offer salvation.
108 WATER STREAMS IN MUKTINATH TEMPLE
FESTIVALS AT MUKTINATH TEMPLE
This temple is open throughout the year but during Ram Navami, Vijaya Dashami and Rishi tarpana thousands of devotees visit Muktinath to celebrate the festival.
MUKTINATH TEMPLE TEMPLE TIMINGS
7 am–12 pm,
1 pm–7 pm
HOW TO REACH MUKTINATH TEMPLE
By Road: The Muktinath Temple can be reached by road from Katmandu via Pokhara, following the Prithvi Highway, which crosses Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, Jomsom, and Kagbeni.
By Air: Jomsom is the nearest airport to Muktinath Temple. However there is no direct flight to Jomsom, we have to catch the flight from Pokhara, which flies early in the morning most of the time due to windy weather conditions at Jomsom.
By Helicopter: Muktinath Helicopter Tour is run from Katmandu. Muktinath Temple is just 1:30 hrs flying distance by helicopter. The helipad is situated at Ranipauwa village which is 30 minutes walkable to the temple.
By Trek: Muktinath Temple can also be visited through adventurous treks. Trekking starts from Nayapul near Pokhara, which takes around 7-8 days with an average walking time of 7 to 8 hours a day.
5.SRIMUSHNAM- LORD BHUVARAHA SWAMY TEMPLE
The temple is regarded as one of the eight swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples in India where it is presumed that the presiding deity has manifested on its own.
This temple is located at Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. This temple is devoted to god Bhu Varaha Swamy, the boar-avatar of this god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi as Ambujavalli Thayar.
Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu, is associated with the temple, Hiranyaksha the devil king took the planet and transported it to its netherworld domain. Bhudevi, the lord of the land, urged Vishnu to save her. Happily, Vishnu came here as a boar, a Varaha, then the devil was destroyed.
There the sweat of the demon king dropped and the temple tank was created. In his deadly request, the King of the Devil, begged Vishnu, to turn the lord’s face to his way and Vishnu accepted his request. So the main deity faces the devil in the south, while the devotees in the west view his human body.
The temple has been set by medieval Cholas relationship in the 10th century together with following expansions from Thanjavur Nayak warrior, Achuthappa Nayak. The temple is surrounded by a granite wall, which encloses all the shrines including temple tanks. There is a seven-tiered raja gopuram, all temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
SPECIAL ATTRACTION As demanded by Bhudevi, the festival icon Yagya Varahaswamy shows Vishnu’s usual features with his conch or chakra in his hands. At Tirumala, devotees should pay a visit to Bhu Varaha Swamy first after which to see lord Balaji, however in Srimushnam, devotees see the Srinivas temple at the western entry before seeing Bhu Varaha Swamy. Devotees believed that childless couples will get children and unmarried people get their partners by worshipping the lord Bhu Varaha Swamy here.
FESTIVALS AT SRIMUSHNAM TEMPLE
The temple daily rituals are performed six times a day
Ushathkalam – 7 a.m.
Kalasanthi – 8:00 a.m.
Uchikalam – 12:00 p.m.
Sayarakshai – 6:00 p.m.
Irandamkalam – 7:00 p.m.
Ardha Jamam – 8:30 p.m.
CHARIOT FESTIVAL
Three annual festivals are celebrated in the temple, the most famous festival is during Tamil Vaikasi (April-May), are performed at the temple, which is the Chariot Festival. The festival also symbolizes the Hindu-Muslim solidarity in the region–Muslims send the flag of the chariot; they take offerings from the temple and offer them to Allah in the mosques. It is one of the temples in which Muslims will pray until the Ardha Mandapam.
SRIMUSHNAM TEMPLE TIMINGS
6.00 am to 12 noon
4.00 pm to 8.30 pm
HOW TO REACH SRIMUSHNAM- LORD BHUVARAHA SWAMY TEMPLE
Srimushnam is closely connected from most significant towns and becoming down is easy. Town has a quite excellent bus transport from Panruti, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Virudhachalam along with Jayamkonda.
By Train: An Individual Could take any Southbound train out of Chennai and Reunite at Vriddachalam Junction. Several buses run from Vriddachalam to Srimushnam through Rajendrapatnam roughly it takes 30 minutes.
By Road: A four hours Travel from Chennai, Srimushnam Is All Roughly 235kms by Chennai via Tindivanam-Vikravandi-Panruti-Neyveli-Vadalur along with Sethiya Thope. Ther are Direct buses available from Chennai to Srimushnam.
Cuddalore to Srimushnam: 68 Km
Puducherry to Srimushnam:90 Km
Vridhachalam to Srimushnam: 20 Km
By Air: Nearest Airports are Pondicherry and Chennai.
6.NANGUNERI- LORD TOTADRI NAADHAN, VANAMAMALAI PERUMAL TEMPLE
The temple is one of the eight swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples in India, where the Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Vanamalai Perumal. It is believed that Vanamamalai appeared to Adisesha and Garuda.
Vanamamalai Perumal, the main god, is seen perched on the Adisesha, the lord of the snake along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, the two consorts of Perumal on both sides. Presiding God is called Deivanathan / Vanamamalai / Thothadri Nathar. Mother is called Varamangai Thayar.
As Lord Vishnu destroyed the asuras Madhu and Kaitapa the impure blood of the asuras dropped on Mother Earth. The Lord showered nectar over her and offered her a place under Vaikunta vimanam, according to her wish.
First Nammalwar surrendered here to the Lord, and therefore his vigraham is present on the Satari of the Lord, thus blessing all the devotees.
The Lord’s postures in His108 abodes Divya Desam are classified as
Nindra – One Who is standing
Irundhaan – One Who is sitting
Kidandhaan – One Who is lying
Nadandhaan – One who is walking (Nanguneri- lord Totadri Naadhan, vanamamalai Perumal)
SPECIAL ATTRACTION Traditionally Temples have only one Swayambu Murthy, but this one with 11 Swayambu Murthy. Perumal includes Sridevi, and Bhoodevi Thayar, Surya, Chandran, Bruhu rishi, Markandeya, Urvashi, Thilothama, Garuda, and Vishwaksena. In addition to the Lord, Urvashi and Thilothama gained a position to keep their penance cool here, to be freed from rebirth. Abhishekam is performed every day to the Lord with gingelly oil, and the oil used for it is later deposited in the oil well within the temple. It’s a large well, and the oil is claimed to have healing properties to treat any illness. Devotees can offer oil for Abhisekham, and they can also buy Abhishekam oil to their home. The oil is known to be quite holy and is as unique as the Tirupati ‘Laddu’.
FESTIVALS AT TOTADRI NAADHAN, VANAMAMALAI PERUMAL
The two significant temple Festivals
Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April – May
Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March- April
Are celebrated with great devotion along with Six regular ceremonies and a dozen annual celebrations at the temple.
TOTADRI NAADHAN, VANAMAMALAI PERUMAL TEMPLE TIMINGS
7.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon
5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
HOW TO REACH LORD TOTADRI NAADHAN, VANAMAMALAI PERUMAL TEMPLE
This temple is at a walkable distance from the Nanguneri bus stop which is around 32 km from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
By Air: Tirunelveli does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport (TCR), Tamil Nadu, and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), Kerala.
Tuticorin Airport (TCR) to Tirunelveli – 46 km.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) to Tirunelveli – 150 km.
By Train: You can easily get regular trains to Tirunelveli Junction (TEN) from other major cities of the country.
By Bus: There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Tirunelveli.
7.NAIMISHARANYA – LORD CHAKRANARAYANA TEMPLE
The temple is classified as one of Vishnu ‘s eight self-manifesting temples and classed as Swayamvyaktha Kshetra. It is one of the Divya Desams, 108 temples of Vishnu that was revered by the 12 poet saints or Alwars at Nalayira Divya Prabandham. In various periods from the governing Kings, the temple is thought to have a long ancient past.
The sages once asked Brahma to point out a Holy Site where Kali Yug ‘s influence is not felt and where adoration yields the desired fruits. Brahma, the god of creation, took the ring out of the Darba grass and threw it out. He asked the sages to perform the penance at the place where the ring had fallen, which is believed to be Naimisaranya. The sages performed penance, and at the end of it, Vishnu appeared to the sages and accepted their offerings.
The presiding deity here is regarded as Charanarayana or Devaraja Perumal or Sri Hari and His consort is Sri Hari Lakshmi or Pundareekavalli.
This Naimisaranya kshetram is said to be regarded as “Tapovanam”. There are 9 tapovams. They are Dandakaranyam, Saindhavaranyam, Jambhukaranyam, Pushkararanyam, Utpalaranyam, Badrikaranyam.
SPECIAL ATTRACTION The central god presides over the forest and thus the poojas are done to the forest. It is assumed that Vishnu and all the Sages still have as trees in the forest. Naimisaranya is also known as the Nimsar or Nimkhar. This temple is on the left bank of the Gomati River. The sacred well, which is Chakra Kunda, believed to have originated from the Vishnu, Chakra weapon.
FESTIVALS AT NAIMISHARANYAM
Every day of the new moon, a large number of people purify themselves with a dip in the holy well. If the new moon falls on a Monday, it is believed that the holy bath in the well and the offering to the presiding deity will wash away all the sins committed in their lifetime.
NAIMISHARANYAM TEMPLE TIMINGS
5.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
HOW TO REACH NAIMISHARANYAM TEMPLE
By Air: Lucknow Chaudhary International Airport Charan Singh is the closest airport. At approximately 115 km, this is the closest airport.
By Rail: Balamau railway junction the closest railway junction.
By Road: Located on the state highway Sidhauli to Naimisharanya. The NH 24 or Lucknow-Delhi National Road is well connected. There are regular and frequent bus services available. Daily buses also operate via the Naimisharanya route between Hardoi and Sitapur.
8.PUSHKAR – VARAHA SWAMY TEMPLE
The temple is considered to be the eighth of the eight swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples in India.
The deity is named Varaha, and the mother’s name is Pundarigavalli. It is a special temple devoted to the boar incarnation of Varaha, the third incarnation of Dashavatar of Vishnu. Pushkar is regarded as a significant place of worship of Brahma, which is classified as Tirtha Raj. Varaha Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in the town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. It is called the protected Vaishnava Temple of Pushkar and the oldest temple in the region.
The primary idol of the lord Varaha is approximately 2 feet height and in white color. Numerous paintings, exquisite carvings, life-size statues of dwarapalakas, and golden pillars representing Garuda, the mythical bird is located inside the temple.
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the Varaha Temple, which was constructed in the 12th century. Raja Sawai Man Singh II rebuilt it in the 18th century.
SPECIAL ATTRACTION The Brahma Temple is one of Pushkar’s temples that doesn’t need any introduction throughout India. It is the world’s only temple devoted to Lord Brahma. This temple is identified by the red spiral and the image of the swan, considered sacred to the Lord Brahma. The temple’s inner sanctum consists of the four-face Lord Brahma’s Chaturmukhi idol. In addition, the Sun God marble statue at the temple doors stands guard. The temple of Brahma is said to be about 2000 years old in Pushkar.
FESTIVALS AT PUSHKAR – VARAH SWAMY TEMPLE
PUSHKAR – VARAH SWAMY TEMPLE TIMINGS
Morning to evening, 8 am – 6 pm.
HOW TO REACH PUSHKAR – VARAH SWAMY TEMPLE
By Air: The Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is the nearest which is 142 km away from Pushkar.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Ajmer, which is only 15 km from Pushkar.
By Road: Pushkar has a strong network of roads connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner.
Each one of the eight svayambhu kshetras of lord Maha Vishnu has a different religious story and has a unique attraction. Lord Maha Vishnu is praised in different avatars among the Ashtakshara or swayam vyakta kshetras of Lord Vishnu temples in India. Devotees believing that visiting these temples will full fill their life.
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