tHANK U i HAD WRITTEN THAT TOO AS,"None of the *Alwars* have sung of the glory of this shrine, as this temple came into existence only at a later date. However, *Manavala Maamuni* has sung praises of this temple; so has *Muthuswamy Deekshitar* (18th century)- one of the revered composers in the *Karnatic* Music idiom.". As no alwars sang it is not under divya desam. K Rajaram IRS 21825
On Wed, 20 Aug 2025 at 23:07, Ramanujam Thiruvenktasamy < [email protected]> wrote: > Respected sir, > > Your write up on Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargidi is elobarate & > very interesting.You have covered several. & almost every aspects. > The anomaly is, this temple is not covered by 108 divyadedams. Kindly > correct me, if I am wrong. I am not complaining. I repeat that your forward > is excellent. > Thanking you, > T.Ramanujam. > > On Mon, Aug 18, 2025, 21:44 Rajaram Krishnamurthy <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> Gopala: My note- In Vishnu temples also the word Ganesha or Vinayaga used >> for the deity Thumbikkai Alwar. >> KR: Who used it? Where is it marked in any temple? Google may also add >> there THUMBIKKAI AZHWAR CHADURTHY is celebrated. >> 2 The temple was first constructed by Kulothunga Chola I >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulothunga_Chola_I>(1070-1125 A.D.), with >> bricks and mortar, indicated by various stone inscriptions found in the >> site. The innermost sanctum here is about a thousand years old although >> the first stone structure here was built only during the reign of *Kulottunga >> Chola* I (1113 AD); this temple is also referred to as *Kulottunga Chola >> Vinnagaram*. Most of the outer structures date back to the later >> Vijayanagara period marked by a spate of temple construction projects in >> Tamilnadu. The place Mannargudi is termed Sri Rajathi Raja Chathurvedhi >> Mangalam and the town started to grow around the temple. Successive >> kings of the Chola empire <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola_empire>, >> Rajaraja >> Chola III <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajaraja_Chola_III>, Rajendra >> Chola III <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajendra_Chola_III> and kings of >> Thanjavur Nayaks <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur_Nayaks>, Achyuta >> Deva Raya <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achyuta_Deva_Raya> expanded the >> temple. The temple contains inscriptions of the Hoysala >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala> kings and some Vijayanagara >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayanagara> grants, and many records of >> the later Nayaks and Marathas <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathas>.The >> Thanjavur Nayaks made the temple as their dynastic and primary shrine and >> made significant additions.The current temple structure, hall of 1000 >> pillars, main *gopuram*(temple gateway tower) and the big compound wall >> around the temple was built by the king Vijayaraghava Nayak >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur_Nayak_kingdom#Vijaya_Raghava_Nayak>(1532-1575 >> A.D.).Raghunathabhyudayam >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raghunathabhyudayam>, a doctrine by Nayaks >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayak_dynasty> explains the donation of >> an armour studded with precious stones to the main deity by the king.He >> erected the big tower in the temple so that he can view theSrirangam >> Ranganathaswamy temple >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srirangam_Ranganathaswamy_temple> from >> the top of Mannargudi. The Nayaks were specially interested in music and it >> was promoted in both the temples. Instruments >> like Mukhavina, Dande, Kombu, Chandravalaya,Bheri and Nadhaswaram >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadhaswaram> were commonly used in the >> temple service. >> This temple is located facing east. But, there is also a saying that the >> temple might have been facing west direction and because of this the >> gopuram which is called as "MelaVaasal" (Merku - west), there is a Mandapam >> by named "MaaligaiMedu", where the Tanjore kings used to come and stay to >> worship Sri Rajagopalaswamy. And also the Sangu and Chakram Theerthams are >> interchanged. But anyway, at present the temple is located facing the east >> direction >> A proverb, which explains the greatness of Mannargudi, is >> >> *"KovilPaadhi, KulamPaadhi"* >> >> This proverb explains that half (Paadhi) of this MannargudiKshetram is >> surrounded by temple (Kovil) and rest by Kulam (Pond). >> >> Mannargudi is found on the Southeast part of Tanjore and there are lots >> of bus facilities are available from Tanjore, Kumbakonam etc. In this >> Mannargudi, other saivam temples are also found which are also said to be >> greatest. >> >> In Telugu, "Gudi" means temple. Since, Sri Rajagopalaswamy who is also >> called with the name "Rajamannar", this sthalam is popularly called as >> "RajamannarGudi". >> >> The Moolavar of this sthalam is Para Vasudevar. He is found in >> NindraThirukkolam along with Sri Devi and Bhoomadevi. The Moolavar is also >> called with other names as "Sri Vidya Rajagopalan". He is found in a >> gigantic posture wearing silver kavacham along with Sanghu, Chakkaram and >> Gadhai in Standing position. >> >> <https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5223353260949903246>The >> Utsavar of this sthalam is Sri Rajagopalaswamy, whose posture and beauty is >> unexplainable. He is giving his seva in standing position and his legs >> slightly bent alongside of the cow. He is found along with the Sengkol (an >> instrument which is found in the hands of the Kings). The shape of the >> sengkol also needs to be explained. We can see a long, straight golden >> sengkol in which the edge is 3 times coiled. This golden sengkol is found >> on the right hand of Sri Rajagopalaswamy and his left hand is placed over >> the shoulder of Sri SathyaBhama who is found on the left side of the >> Perumal. >> >> Towards the Perumal, we can find other four types of Perumals such as: >> >> - YagaMoorthy >> - BhalaMoorthy >> - SnanaMoorthy >> - SayanaMoorthy >> >> We can also find a small golden Navaneedha Krishnan idol on Garuda >> Vahanam close to the Perumal and a small idol of SanthanaGopalan is also >> found. It is believed that any person who doesn't have children, are >> blessed with the worship of this Perumal. >> None of the *Alwars* have sung of the glory of this shrine, as this >> temple came into existence only at a later date. However, *Manavala >> Maamuni* has sung praises of this temple; so has *Muthuswamy Deekshitar* >> (18th >> century)- one of the revered composers in the *Karnatic* Music idiom. >> *Oothukkaadu Venkatasubbaier*, (who preceded the Carnatic Music >> trinity), another composer in the *Karnatic* Music idiom made >> *Rajagopala* (Krishna) of Mannargudi the center of the multitude of his >> compositions (as did *Jayadeva* with *Jagannath* of *Puri*, >> <http://www.templenet.com/krishna.html#Puri> in his *Geetha Govindam*). >> Labeled *Krishna* *Gaanam*, several of *Oothukadu Venkatasubbaiyer*'s >> compositions in Tamil and in Sanskrit have attained popularity during this >> century. >> *Muthuswamy Deekshitar*'s kriti *Santhaana Gopala Krishnam* in the *Raga* >> *Khamaas*, eulogizes this shrine at Mannargudi, as do his kritis *Sree >> Rajagopala* in the *Raga Saveri*, the kriti *Sree Venugopala* in the *Raga >> Kurinji *and the kriti *Sree Vidya Rajagopalam* in the *Raga Jaganmohini* >> . *Deekshitar* refers to the annual float festival in the *Haridranadhi* >> tank, >> and to the *Mohini* *Alankaram* in the annual *Iraappattu Utsavam* in >> his *kritis*, and also describes *Krishna* as an embodiment of the *Srividya >> Mantra*. >> K RAJARAM IRS 19825 >> >> On Tue, 19 Aug 2025 at 09:46, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> RAJAGOPALASWAMY TEMPLE, MANNARGUDI, THIRUVARUR DISTRICT- TAMILNADU- >>> Compiled >>> >>> Dear friends, >>> >>> The most famous temple in Mannargudi, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu >>> (formerly part of Tanjore) is the Sri Rajagopala swamy Temple, dedicated to >>> an incarnation of Lord Krishna. It's also known as Dakshina Dwaraka. >>> >>> I received a response yesterday suggesting to write about temples in >>> Thanjavur area. So next few postings from me will be about temples in >>> Thanjavur, >>> Tiruvarur, Kumbakonam and Sirkazi areas honouring the suggestion. >>> >>> Hope a divine reading. >>> >>> Gopalakrishnan 19-08-2025 >>> >>> Here are some key facts about the Raja Gopala swamy temple: >>> >>> Deity: Lord Rajagopalaswamy (Lord Krishna) is the main deity, >>> accompanied by his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. >>> >>> Significance: It is a major Vaishnava temple in Tamil Nadu, recognized >>> for its historical and architectural importance, as well as its festivals. >>> It is also considered one of the *108 Abhimana Kshethram in the >>> Vaishnavate tradition.* >>> >>> History: The temple's origins trace back to the 10th century CE with >>> Kulottunga >>> Chola I, and it was expanded in the 16th century by the Thanjavur >>> Nayaks. >>> >>> Architecture: The temple complex spans 23 acres and includes numerous >>> gopurams, prakarams, shrines, mandapams, and sacred theerthams. The >>> impressive Rajagopuram reaches a height of 192 feet. A notable feature is >>> the thousand-pillared hall. >>> >>> Haridra Nadhi: The temple tank, known as Haridra Nadhi, is one of the >>> largest in India and covers 18 acres. >>> >>> Mythology: According to legend, *Lord Krishna appeared in 32 forms to >>> sages Gopila and Gopralaya in Mannargudi*, a place referred to as >>> "South Dwaraka". These forms are depicted in the temple's art. >>> >>> Festivals: The major festival is the 18-day Panguni Brahmotsavam in >>> March-April. Other important celebrations include Vaikunta Ekadashi, >>> Navaratri, and the uri adi ceremony. >>> >>> Location and Timings: The temple is situated in Mannargudi, *near >>> Kumbakonam and Thanjavur*. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM >>> and again from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. These timings apply every day of the >>> week, including weekends. >>> >>> Raja Gopalaswamy is also told as Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy >>> >>> >>> >>> Introduction >>> >>> Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy temple is a Vaishnava shrine located in the >>> town of Mannargudi in the District of Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. *The >>> presiding deity is Rajagopalaswamy, a form of Krishna with his consorts >>> Rukmini and Sathyabhama*. The temple is spread over an area of 23 acres >>> and is an important Vaishnava shrines in India. The temple is called >>> Champakaranya Kshetram, Dakshina Dwaraka (Southern Dvaraka) along with >>> Guruvayoor >>> by Hindus. It is considered first among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of >>> Vaishnavite tradition. >>> >>> My note-There are certain repetitions, the style of my compilation, to >>> emphasise information. I hope my friends might appreciate the style. >>> >>> >>> >>> Legend >>> >>> The Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy Temple is known as Dakshina Dwaraka >>> (Southern Dwaraka) because of a legend involving Gopila and Gopralaya >>> Rishi. They wanted to see Lord Krishna in Dwaraka, but by the time they >>> arrived, Krishna's earthly presence had ended. >>> >>> Narada then instructed them to go to "South Dwaraka," which led them to >>> Mannargudi. There, they prayed to Lord Narayana, who appeared before them as >>> Bala Gopalan (a child Krishna) and re-enacted Krishna's pastimes. This >>> event is why the temple is considered a southern counterpart to Dwaraka. >>> >>> >>> >>> History >>> >>> Originally this ancient temple was first constructed by Kulothunga >>> Chola I at 10th century and Chola Kings Rajaraja Chola III, Rajendra >>> Chola III and later expanded by Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century. >>> The temple has three inscriptions from the period and also mention in the >>> religious texts. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its >>> shrines and *seven of its nine bodies of water*. The temple has a 47 m >>> (154 ft) Raja gopuram, the temple's gateway tower. >>> >>> The temple contains inscriptions of the Hoysala kings and some >>> Vijayanagara grants, and many records of the later Nayaks and Marathas. The >>> Thanjavur Nayaks made the temple as their dynastic and primary shrine and >>> made significant additions. The current temple structure, hall of 1000 >>> pillars, main gopuram (temple gateway tower) and the big compound wall >>> around the temple was built by the king Vijayaraghava Nayak (1532–1575 CE). >>> >>> Raghunathabhyudayam, a doctrine by Nayaks explains the donation of an >>> armour studded with precious stones to the main deity by the king. He >>> erected the big tower in the temple so that he can view the Srirangam >>> Ranganathaswamy temple from the top of Mannargudi. The Nayaks were >>> specially interested in music and it was promoted in both the temples. >>> Instruments like Mukhavina, Dande, Kombu, Chandravalaya, Bheri and >>> Nadhasvaram were commonly used in the temple service. >>> >>> >>> >>> Architecture >>> >>> The history of Mannargudi is cantered around the Rajagoplaswamy temple. >>> The temple has a large gopuram (gateway tower) facing east with a temple >>> tank in the north eastern direction. The central shrine is located axial to >>> the gateway and the flag post and approached through a series of pillared >>> halls. >>> >>> The Mahamandapam (Sabha) in front of the sanctum has ornate brass-plated >>> pillars and opens into the first circumambulatory path, Thiruvaimozhi >>> Prakara, considered the most sacred passage around the sanctum. >>> >>> Moving westward from the sanctum, the Ardha Mandapam and additional >>> mandapas house associated icons and are used for daily and festival rituals >>> >>> There is a big tank at the entrance of the shrine where rain water is >>> collected. The temple complex has 16 gopurams (tower gateways), 7 >>> prakarams (outer courtyard), 24 shrines, seven mandapams (halls) and nine >>> sacred theerthams (temple tanks). >>> >>> Haridra Nadhi, the temple tank associated with the temple is outside the >>> temple complex and is considered one of the largest temple tanks in India. >>> >>> Shrines and Temple Orientation >>> >>> The temple complex of Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy Temple includes 24 >>> shrines, primarily dedicated to Vishnu in various forms, Sri Lakshmi as >>> Sengamala Thayar, and numerous Alwars and Vaishnava acharyas. >>> >>> Poojas and festivals >>> >>> The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) every day, including >>> festivals. Like other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to >>> the Vaishnavaite Brahmin caste. >>> >>> The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:30 >>> a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at >>> 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises three steps; alangaram (decoration), >>> neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for the >>> presiding deity. >>> >>> The worship involves religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) >>> read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. >>> >>> There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals. >>> >>> MAIN DEITY >>> >>> The central sanctum enshrines Sri Paravasudeva Perumal, accompanied by >>> Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. >>> >>> The image of the presiding deity is 156 inches tall and sported in a >>> seated posture with his consorts Satyabhama and Rukmini on his sides. The >>> utsava MOORTHY (festival deity) is a bronze figure from the Chola >>> period. >>> >>> Sub deities >>> >>> Within innermost prakara are shrines for *Vinayaka (Ganesha) and Durga, >>> the latter venerated locally as Vishnudurgai and Gajendra Azhwar, a rare >>> feature shared with temples like Srirangam*. >>> >>> >>> >>> My note- In Vishnu temples also the word Ganesha or Vinayaga used for >>> the deity Thumbikkai Alwar. >>> >>> >>> >>> The second prakara, known as Garuda Prakaram, features shrines for >>> Garuda, Jaya and Vijaya the guardians of Vaikuntha, and the Utsava Murti of >>> Perumal. This precinct also includes sanctums for various Vishnu avatars >>> and forms such as Venugopala, Lakshmi Narasimha, Ananta Padmanabha, >>> Lakshmi Narayana, and Gajendra Varada, highlighting the theological range >>> of Vishnu’s roles in Vaishnavism. >>> >>> At the northeastern edge of the prakara, shrines for Vishvaksena, the >>> commander of Vishnu’s army, and Sutravati Devi are present, along with >>> a vahana mandapa for housing the temple’s gold and silver mounts. >>> >>> The third enclosure, Champaka Prakaram, named after the champaka groves >>> that once flourished here, houses numerous shrines and ritual structures. >>> Prominent among these are shrines for *Andal, Nammalvar, Manavala >>> Mamunigal, Periyalwar, Kulasekhara Alwar, Tirumangai Alwar and Kumudavalli, >>> as well as Thondaradippodi Alwar and Anjaneya, who is worshipped alongside >>> Chakkarathazhwar. *A mandapam nearby is used for Kodai Utsavam and >>> Vasantha Utsavam celebrations. The sacred Madappalli (temple kitchen), >>> associated with Madaipalli Nachiyar, is also situated in this prakara. >>> >>> >>> >>> The shrine of Sri Sengamala Thayar, a central and independently >>> celebrated deity of the temple, is situated in the southern section of >>> this prakara. It houses the Moolavar (Sri Shenbagavalli Thayar) and Utsavar >>> (Sri Sengamala Thayar). >>> >>> The shrine complex includes the Nritya Mandapam, the Glass Mandapam, the >>> Vaikunta Sabha (Rohini Mandapam), and the Flag mast with sculptures of >>> Garuda and Suparni, a rare representation. On Fridays and during festivals >>> like Mattaiyadi Utsavam, Thayar Adhyayana Utsavam, and Ekasimhana Utsavam, >>> Thayar receives special abhishekam and darshan rituals, often accompanied >>> by the chanting of the Gadya Traya composed by Ramanuja. >>> >>> Extending from this zone is a shrine complex for Sri Rama, with >>> associated mandapams including the Nritya Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Artha >>> Mandapam, and the Sri Paduka Mandapam, alongside the Paramapada Entrance >>> and Pancha Parva Utsava Mandapam. The sacred Punnai Tree, identified as the >>> temple’s sthala vriksha, stands nearby, along with the Yagasala, used for >>> Vedic sacrifices and rituals. >>> >>> In front of the main sanctum lies the Vadya Mandapam, featuring *historic >>> depictions of Achyutappa Nayak, Vijaya Raghava Nayak, and Rani >>> Champakalakshmi*. Nearby, the Uttara Mandapam and Perarulalan shrine >>> are used during Pagal Pattu and Brahmotsavam festivities. >>> >>> The fourth prakara, Kasi Prakaram, includes the grand Thousand-Pillared >>> Mandapam, the Tirumamani Mandapam—central to Vaikuntha Ekadasi rituals—and >>> mandapams for Vedic discourse and public worship. Shrines for Kurattalwar, >>> Udayavar (Ramanuja), and Sri Nigamata Maha Desikan—the only Vadakalai >>> shrine in the temple—are located here. >>> >>> A public drinking water well and other practical structures are also >>> situated in this area. >>> >>> The fifth circumambulatory path, Nachiyar Prakaram, is unique in that >>> it hosts the chariot procession of Sri Sengamala Thayar, a rare tradition >>> where the goddess, rather than the lord, takes part in a separate ratha >>> utsavam. The prakaram includes multiple gopurams, such as the Western >>> Gopuram used historically by Thanjavur kings, and sacred tanks reserved for >>> Thayar’s worship. It also contains the Elephant shelter, Cow Shed, >>> Sixteen-Pillared Mandapam for the Tiruvandikkappu ritual, and the Yoga >>> Narasimha shrine. >>> >>> A newly constructed mandapam offers a prominent view of the Krishna >>> Gopura, adding to the temple’s ceremonial architecture. Together, these >>> shrines reflect a vibrant ecosystem of Vishnu devotion, Lakshmi worship, >>> Alwar veneration, and rich liturgical tradition. The spatial arrangement, >>> iconography, and ceremonial use of each shrine contribute to the temple’s >>> status as a significant centre of Sri Vaishnavism in Tamil Nadu. >>> >>> Several circumambulatory paths—such as Tiruvunnazhi Prakaram, Garuda >>> Prakaram, Champaka Prakaram, Kasi Prakaram, and Nachiyar Prakaram—are known >>> for their spaciousness and architectural elegance. The mandapams located >>> along these paths play a central role during major temple events, >>> especially the annual Brahmotsavam and the Adhyayana Utsavam. >>> >>> >>> >>> Halls of the Temple >>> >>> The Rajagopalaswamy Temple complex features a series of richly >>> constructed mandapams (pillared halls) that serve as both architectural >>> highlights and focal points during temple rituals and festivals. >>> >>> Thousand-Pillared Mandapam-These halls are strategically located across >>> the prakarams (circumambulatory enclosures), contributing to the functional >>> layout of the temple and enhancing the visual and devotional experience of >>> devotees. >>> >>> The temple features seven principal mandapams, each associated with >>> specific utsavams and traditions: >>> >>> Vallala Maharaja Mandapam: This hall is actively used during the Pagal >>> Pathu portion of the Adhyayana Utsavam and during the Kollatta Utsavam, a >>> unique local celebration. It is also a point of royal historical interest, >>> reflecting regal patronage. >>> >>> Thousand-Pillared Mandapam: One of the most iconic halls in the temple, >>> it hosts the Raa Pathu segment of the Adhyayana Utsavam and major >>> celebrations like the Navaratri Utsavam. It is known for its vast space and >>> rows of intricately carved granite pillars, exemplifying Nayak architecture. >>> >>> Garuda Vahana Mandapam: This mandapam plays a key role during the >>> Garuda Sevai on the twelfth day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam, where the >>> utsava murti of Perumal is brought here before being seated in the >>> Chapparam (processional canopy). >>> >>> Yanai Vahana Mandapam: During the Panguni Brahmotsavam, most vahana >>> processions commence from this mandapam. It acts as a preparatory area for >>> the various festival mounts of the deity. >>> >>> Lattice-Window Mandapam (Palakani Mandapam): Known for its elegant >>> stone lattice work that allows for a balcony-style view, this mandapam is >>> used during Rohini Nakshatram when the Utsavar Sri Perumal proceeds here >>> for Thirumanjanam (ritual bathing ceremony). >>> >>> Butter and Pot Mandapam (Vennai Thazhi Mandapam): Associated with the >>> Vennai Thazhi Utsavam, a Krishna-themed celebration during the >>> Brahmotsavam, this mandapam is where Sri Rajagopalan is taken in procession >>> to recreate the divine play of Krishna stealing butter. >>> >>> Mast-Wood Vehicle Mandapam (Punnai Vahana Mandapam): This hall is >>> central to the Punnai Vahana Utsavam during Brahmotsavam, in which the >>> deity is taken across the temple’s sacred precincts, traditionally even >>> symbolizing a journey across the Kaveri River. >>> >>> Additional functional mandapams found throughout the temple include the >>> Nritya Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam, and the Sixteen-Pillared >>> Mandapam (Sri Paduka Mandapam), each of which plays a role in ritual >>> recitations, darshan arrangements, and seasonal ceremonies. The Pancha >>> Parva Utsava Mandapam, Paramapada Entrance, and Yagasala further support >>> the temple’s extensive festival calendar and Vedic rites. These mandapams >>> not only reflect the temple’s rich architectural legacy but also form the >>> sacred stage upon which the temple’s ceremonial life unfolds throughout the >>> year. >>> >>> Annual Utsavams >>> >>> The temple witnesses a vibrant array of Brahmotsavams, Utsavams, and >>> annual festivals, uniting the community in devotion and tradition. >>> These celebrations span all twelve months of the Tamil calendar and are >>> deeply rooted in Vaishnavite liturgical heritage. >>> >>> The most significant is the eighteen-day Panguni Brahmotsavam, >>> culminating in the Rathotsavam (Chariot Festival) on Panguni Rohini, >>> commemorating the Thirunakshatram (birth star) of Sri Vidhya >>> Rajagopalaswamy. Each month features unique festivals such as Garuda >>> Sevai, Theppotsavam, Navaratri, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and various Theerthavari >>> rituals. >>> >>> These utsavams are marked by processions, traditional music, Vedic >>> recitations, and distinctive forms of divine worship, drawing devotees in >>> large numbers and sustaining the temple’s vibrant religious life throughout >>> the year. >>> >>> Panguni Brahmotsavam Dwajarohanam-The major festivals celebrated in the >>> temple are 18-day Panguni Brahmotsavam in honor of Sri Sri Vidhya >>> Rajagopalaswamy’s Thirunakshatram. >>> >>> The Chariot Festival, celebrated on Panguni Rohini, marks the >>> Thirunakshatram (birth star day) of Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy and is the >>> most prominent festival of the temple. It falls on the 17th day of the >>> Panguni Brahmotsavam and is celebrated with grandeur by the temple and the >>> surrounding villages. >>> >>> Chithirai (April–May)-During the Tamil month of Chithirai, the temple >>> observes the Chithirai Kodai Utsavam, a spring festival marked by >>> processions and special alankarams. The highlight of this festival is the >>> Golden Garuda Sevai, held on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in the >>> Vaishnavite tradition. >>> >>> Vaikasi (May–June)In the Tamil month of Vaikasi, the temple celebrates >>> the Vasanthotsavam, a spring-themed festival signifying freshness and >>> divine grace. The festival includes daily processions and floral >>> decorations, invoking the spirit of rejuvenation >>> >>> Aani (June–July)-TheppotsavamThe Tamil month of Aani is marked by the >>> celebration of the Aani Theppotsavam, the annual float festival of the >>> temple. The highlight of this festival is the Theppam (float procession) >>> held at the Haridra Nadhi Teppakulam, the temple’s sacred tank. On the day >>> of the event, the festival deities are placed on a beautifully decorated >>> float and taken across the tank, accompanied by Vedic chanting, musical >>> performances, and the illumination of oil lamps along the tank’s perimeter. >>> >>> Aadi (July–August)Sri Thayar Ratnangi Sevai-In the Tamil month of Aadi, >>> the temple observes two important festivals: the Thiruvadipuram Utsavam and >>> the Jyeshtabhishekam. The Thiruvadipuram Utsavam is celebrated in honor of >>> Sri Sengamala Thayar’s Thirunakshatram, during which she is venerated in >>> the form of Andal, considering Sri Rajagopalan as Raja Mannar, >>> reflecting the divine wedding theme central to Vaishnavite devotion. >>> >>> >>> >>> Aavani (August–September)The Tamil month of Aavani at the Sri Vidhya >>> Rajagopalaswamy Temple is marked by two important observances: Uriyadi >>> Utsavam and Thirupavithrotsavam. In connection with Sri Krishna >>> Jayanthi, the Uriyadi Utsavam is celebrated with great enthusiasm, >>> featuring the symbolic recreation of Lord Krishna’s leelas—particularly the >>> playful act of breaking butter pots. >>> >>> Purattasi (September–October)During the Tamil month of Purattasi, the >>> Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy Temple observes the Navaratri Utsavam, a >>> significant festival dedicated to Sri Sengamala Thayar. >>> >>> Aippasi (October–November)-In the Tamil month of Aippasi, the temple >>> celebrates the Deepavali Kolatta Utsavam, a ten-day festival held in >>> connection with Deepavali. Sri Rajagopalaswamy, in his Krishna avatar, is >>> taken in procession within the temple precincts, adorned in festive >>> alankaram. The event features Kolattam performances by women. >>> >>> Karthigai (November–December)In the Tamil month of Karthigai, the temple >>> observes the Karthikai Deepotsavam, coinciding with the sacred >>> Karthikai Deepam, an important festival in Tamil Vaishnavite tradition. The >>> temple is adorned with rows of agal vilakku (oil lamps), symbolizing the >>> triumph of divine light over darkness. On this occasion, Sri >>> Rajagopalaswamy, with Sri Sengamala Thayar, Rukmini, and Satyabhama, >>> blesses devotees in a special Kalyana Alankaram. A prominent feature of >>> the festival is the ceremonial lighting of the Sokkappanai, a towering >>> structure made from dried palm stems. >>> >>> Margazhi (December–January)The Tamil month of Margazhi is dedicated to >>> the Adhyayana Utsavam, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations >>> in the Vaishnavite tradition. At the Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy Temple, >>> the festival spans twenty days and is divided into Pagal Pathu (first ten >>> days, observed during the day) and Ra Pathu (last ten days, observed at >>> night). Each day features the recitation of hymns from the Nalayira Divya >>> Prabandham, venerating the Alvars and their devotional contributions >>> >>> Thai (January–February)In the Tamil month of Thai, the temple celebrates >>> the Thai Utsavam with a series of events. It begins with the Makara >>> Sankranti >>> >>> Maasi (February–March)The Tamil month of Maasi is primarily marked by >>> the celebration of the Kannadi Unjal Sevai, also known as the Maasi >>> Dolotsavam, which serves as the main festival of the month. As part of >>> this utsavam, the deities are seated on a beautifully decorated swing >>> adorned with mirrors and lights, creating a reflective and visually >>> striking devotional setting. >>> >>> Administration >>> >>> The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and >>> Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>> an email to [email protected]. >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1373766048.784143.1755577005037%40mail.yahoo.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1373766048.784143.1755577005037%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Thatha_Patty" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To view this discussion visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZopMCVsc%3DPiT9Vhn0VjSg24MzssEfh0nWOmfqp7Fbef3Cw%40mail.gmail.com >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZopMCVsc%3DPiT9Vhn0VjSg24MzssEfh0nWOmfqp7Fbef3Cw%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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