Avinashi
Written in Tamil by
Translated to English by
Nandhini Krishnakumar
TEMPLES OF THEVARAM HYMNS - 1
AVINASHI
Tirupukkozhiyur
Sundarar, one of the four prominent saints, revered in Tamil Shaivism, was not only a follower of Lord Shiva but also a Nayanar. He is blessed to be a dear companion of Lord Siva.
His service to the Lord was to go to every Shiva temple, worship the Almighty and sing sweet verses praising Lord Shiva in the most beautiful Tamil language.
Once Sundarar was travelling in Kongu Nadu (the geographical region comprising the western and north-western part of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu) and wanted to visit a Shiva temple in Tiruppukkozhiyur.
On his way to the temple, through the Agraharam where the Brahmins lived, there was a house in a bustling state. There was a lot of singing and dancing outside the house.
Meanwhile, the house opposite looked sad. Sundarar, who was walking in the street, heard frequent sobbing and screaming from the house.
This strange environment was new to Sundarar so he inquired about it.
A few years ago, a few boys were playing by the lake. Suddenly, a crocodile came ashore and grabbed one of the boys. That boy's house was in mourning.
The reason was that the boy from the opposite house was having Upanayan ceremony (A traditional ceremony in which the Brahmins of India wear the consecrated thread) that day. The parents who had lost their son were crying, thinking that if their son had been alive, they would also have performed Upanayan for him. Hearing this, Sundarar was worried and he went straight to the Shiva temple and prayed to the Lord to restore the life of the boy that the crocodile had eaten. He sang a hymn in a way that pleased the Lord.
Listening to the hymn sung by Sundarar with compassion and devotion, the Lord ordered the crocodile to spit out the child alive.
At that moment, the dry lake filled with water. The crocodile came to the shore with excitement. As per the command of the Lord, it threw the child it had eaten earlier out of its mouth alive.
Did you know how?
When the crocodile ate the boy, the boy was four years old. Three years after this, Sundarar prayed to God to save the boy. Since the boy who came out of the crocodile's mouth alive would have been seven years old at that time, the merciful Lord brought him back to life as a seven-year-old boy.
The eyes of the parents were filled with tears of joy on witnessing their son cheerfully jumping around. They hugged him tightly and fell at the feet of Sundarar. Sundarar took all of them inside the temple and worshipped the Lord with boundless bliss.
This mythology emphasizes that the graceful Lord Shiva has been so kind to bring back the child who went into a crocodile's mouth alive, also has the power to revive those who have entered the mouth of Yama (the Lord of Death) and those who are about to enter.
The present-day name of Tiruppukkozhiyur, where this incident took place, is Avinashi. The divine name of the Lord is Avinashiyappar.
There are two more mythological stories. Listen to them too...
Once, sage Vasishta was afflicted with Shani dhosha (malefic Saturn position in one's birth chart). He meditated to find out which temple was the best place to get rid of Shani dhosha.
His meditation revealed the place to be Avinashiyappar temple.
Yes! The temple where the penance of sage Vasishta pointed out is the temple where Lord Avinashi Nath resides.
Legend states that sage Vasishta sought and received deliverance from Saturn's afflictions by worshipping Lord Avinashiyappar at Avinashi.
Lord Shani, who was installed and worshipped by sage Vasishta at the Shaniswar shrine in the Avinashiyappar temple, is still removing the evil effects of the devotees who visit the temple and seek blessings.
Once, sage Patanjali asked Lord Shiva the glory of which temple was equal to that of Kashi. Before Patanjali could finish the question, the Lord quickly replied, "Avinashi".
The Lord looked at the surprised sage and further instructed him to leave his Yoga danda (a T-shaped wooden stick used in meditation practices) in the water while taking a dip in the Avinashi pond.
When Patanjali questioned the Lord how to get his danda back, the Almighty Eswara told him to visit Kashi.
The danda came into the hands of sage Patanjali while taking a bath in the river Ganges at Kashi.
Avinashi is hence referred to as 'Dakshina Varanasi' in inscriptions. 'Dakshina' means South.
The presiding deity Avinashiyappar, Bhairavar and the Kashi Theertham in the Avinashiyappar temple, were all brought from Kashi.
The Tamil saying goes - 'Kasiyil Vasi Avinashi' meaning that what the devotee derives by worshipping in Kashi-Varanasi, he/she derives half of the benefits by worshipping Avinashiyappar at Avinashi.
What are you waiting for?
Avinashi is located near Coimbatore in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu.
Do visit the temple and experience the bountiful outpouring of Lord Shiva's blessings.
Om Namasivaya🙏
Significance of the Temple's Historical name
Tiruppukkozhiyur
The ancient name Tiruppukkozhiyur has a historical significance.
Once, when Lord Shiva performed the Agni Thandava, Indira (the King of Devas) and all the other Devas came to this place in fear and hid here, hence the name Pukkozhiyur. Avinashiyapppar temple is one of the Pancha Thandava Sthalas.
Avinashi
'Vinasha' means 'perishable' and 'Avinashi' means 'imperishable'. The place is named Avinashi after the immortal Lord.
Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Avinashiyappar for 100 years, Indira's Iravatham (elephant) for 12 years, Thadagai (a demoness mentioned in The Ramayana) for 3 years, Nagakanni (a Serpant Goddess) for 21 months and received divine blessings.
Avinashiyappar is also known as 'Sri Brahmapureeswarar' because of the fact that He was worshipped by Brahma deva (The Lord of Creation).
Lord Avinashiyappar also has the names Avinashi Nath, Avinashi Lingeshwarar, Avinashi Eshwarar, and Perum Kediliyappar.
Saints who sang hymns on Avinashiyappar
Apart from Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Thirunavukkarasar and Arunagirinathar have also sung and worshipped the Lord of this place.
Even without coming to this place, Manickavasagar sang 'Ariya Porule Avinasiyappa Pandi Vellame' while in Madurai. Appar, in Thiruthandakam, wrote "Avinashi Kandai Andam Thaan Kandai".
The names of these temples have been mentioned in some places of celebrated hymns such as Thirumoolar's Thirumanthiram, Arunagirinathar's Thirupugazh, and Manickavasagar's Thiruvasakam.
This 2000 year old temple was built during the Chola period. Avinashiyappar is considered a Swayambu Linga (linga that is self-manifested).
Goddesses
The name of the Goddess is Karunambikai, Perunkarunai Nayaki. There are two Goddesses in the temple in penance under the sacred Pathiri tree and in a separate shrine in the inner sanctum of the temple. The temple of Mother Karunambigai is on the right of that of Lord Avinashiyappar. The presence of Mother on the right is a speciality not found in any other temples.
There is an interesting legend behind this special feature.
When Lord Shiva performed the Agni Thandava (dance), Goddess Parvati could not bear the heat of the flame and had to stay away from the Lord for a few seconds. Parvati, who never wanted to stay away from Mahadeva even for a second, asked the Lord for a way to do so.
Lord Shiva reciting the incident of the Devas entering and hiding in Tiruppukkozhiyur during His Agni Thandava, asked Goddess Parvati to do her penance under the sacred Pathiri tree at Avinashi.
Upon arriving on Earth, Goddess Parvati came to the Avinashi temple, installed a lingam, and performed severe penance under the Pathiri tree on the right side, thus receiving the boon she had requested.
Goddess Parvati with the holy name 'Pathiri Marathamman', sits on the right side of Avinashiyappar and continues to bestow her blessings even today.
Sacred Tree
The sacred tree is the Pathiri tree (mango tree). The flowers of the Pathiri tree bloom only during the Brahmmotsavam days. It is a miracle that it does not bloom in other seasons. It is a sacred tree that worships the Lord with such dedication.
Nilakesi is reported to have argued with Kundalakesi that
'The pathiri flower will wither; even a fresh pot will break, but the fragrance of the pathiri flowers will not perish.'
The Pathiri tree, which produces the most fragrant Pathiri flowers, is a sacred tree at the shrines of Thirupadhiripuliyur, Thiruvalithayam, Thiru Athanur and Thirunagai.
At the moment when Shiva's Agni Tandava was completed, Goddess Parvathi told Lord Shiva that she was going to perform penance for a long time and asked for a suitable place. Lord Shiva suggested to Her to do penance under the Pathiri tree at Avinashi.
It is believed that owing to Goddess Parvathi's penance, the root that emerged from Kashi recovered and emerged as the Swayambhu Lingam in Avinashi.
The Holy Waters (Theertham)
There are three Theerthams: Kasi kinaru, Naga kannikai Theertham, and Airavatha Theertham.
The divine Shrines
The sculptures in the temple are very elegant. They are full of grace and are a testament to the art of sculpture.
There are 32 Ganeshas to worship in the Avinashiyappar temple. It is special that instead of the mouse as the vehicle for Ganesha, a lion's statue is placed in front of the Nardhana Ganapati.
The shrine of Murugan (Karthikeya) is located in a hexagonal shaped shrine between Shiva and Parvathi. It is in the form of Somas Kanda (a representation where Shiva and Parvathi are seated on either side of Skandha). This is a shrine suitable for deep Murugan worship.
Lord Bhairava in this temple is believed to be older than Kashi Kala Bhairava. He enjoys the next place to Shiva and Parvathi.
On the top of Lord Dhakshinamurthy, a sage named Shivayogi appears in Yoga asana posture. This sage is more powerful than Lord Dhakshinamurthy. He is worshipped as Guru of the Guru.
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Usually in Shiva temples, Lord Vishnu appears behind the sanctum sanctorium of Lord Shiva. But, in Avinashiyappar temple, Lord Vishnu bestows His blessings from the flagstaff facing Lord Shiva.
There are separate flagstaffs in front of the Shiva temple and the Parvathi temple. There is a sculpture of a boy being eaten by a crocodile on the flagstaff.
There is a separate shrine for Hanuman at the entrance of the temple. Opposite to that we can find a relief sculpture of a monkey descending upside down.
The Nayanmars shrine houses Lord Ganesha along with 63 Nayanmars. There are also deities like Brahma, Vishwanath and Visalakshi.
Chariot festival
The Avinashiyappar chariot is one of the largest chariots in South India. It is auspicious to see the chariot with its elaborate carvings.
The chariot festival held here is very famous.
Prayers & Benefits
Lord Shiva has the name 'Aasudhosan'. Aasudhosan means one who can easily bestow grace. Avinashiyappar is such a God.
Even simple devotees, who know nothing about meditation, worship methods or mantras, offer simple prayers with compassion to the imperishable Lord hoping that He will grant them great blessings.
Lord Shiva granted salvation and had a separate shrine built for Vyathavedar, a thief, because he repented his sins and prayed to the Lord with compassion. Such a Lord is Avinashiyappar.
It is a long-standing belief of Shiva devotees that, if one comes around the Pathiri tree which Goddess Parvathi meditated under for a thousand years, chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya', he/she would become prosperous and be free from sins.
The temple has a close relationship with the Mysore Royal family. In the early days, the King designate would go to Kashi, bring a Linga from there and perform the pooja in Avinashiyappar temple. Only after this, he would assume power and take up other responsibilities. Avinashiyappar is the Lord who bestows grace for effective administration.
If you place your hands on the walls of the inner shrine and pray while walking around the temple, skin diseases will be cured.
If you light a lamp and pray to Goddess Karunambika during the Rahu Kala, your desired prayers will be answered.
If you light a lamp and worship the image of the scorpion in the attic behind the Ambal shrine, poisonous animals will not come and disturb you in your dreams or in person. Prayers are also offered for those who are bitten by scorpions. This is a must-visit place for people born under the zodiac sign Scorpio.
If you worship Lord Bhairava at the temple offering Vada mala (garland) on Amavasya, Pournami and Ashtami Thithi, you will get good benefits in terms of fear of enemies and legal matters. Devotees apply vermilion on coconut, lemon and pumpkin, light lamps and perform archana with red oleander flowers during Rahu Kala on Sundays.
Festivals
The chariot festival is held during Chithirai Pooram. It is believed that during this festival, Lord Shiva appears to all 63 Nayanmars.
On the day of Panguni Utthiram, the festival in remembrance of the crocodile, giving back the eaten child, is celebrated.
Nearby temples of worship
There is a lake called Thamaraikulam near the temple. Saint Sundarar temple, the sculpture of a boy in crocodile's mouth and the lake where the historical miracle took place are all places of worship.
Thirumuruganpoondi, a temple near Avinashiyappar temple is a significant place of worship. Those visiting the Avinashiyappar temple can plan to visit here on the same day.
The Vaipu Sthalas of the Avinashiyappar Temple, Sevoor and Mokkaneeswaram, are places of worship which can bring peace to the minds of Shiva devotees.
Nandhi Thevaram
The simple 'Nandhi Thevaram', bestowed by Nandhi Jeevanadi through Sadhguru Swami Sidhaguruji of Sri Nandheeswarar Gnana Peedam, beautifully narrates the glory of Avinashiyappar.
அந் நாள் ஒருமுதலை
சிறுபிள்ளை வாய்கக்க
முன் நாள் பதஞ்சலிக்கு
கங்கைதனில் ஈய்ந்த
என் ஆள் அவிநாசி
அப்பன்தாள் பற்ற
பன் நாள் செய்பாபம்
பொடியாகி போமாமே
- Nandhi Thevaram
Meaning:
One day, a crocodile spit out a child
Another day, sage Patanjali got back his Yoga Danda from Ganges
Surrendering to the feet of the Lord Avinashiyappar who governs me
Sins Committed for ages will turn into dust.
Om Namasivaya!
Google maps location
Nearby Airport & Railway Station
Coimbatore Airport & Tirupur Railway Junction
For reading this post in Tamil:
(இப்பதிவைத் தமிழில் படிக்க)
Jai shiva 🙏 thank you for this profound knowledge and for sharing and translating this incredible article.
ReplyDeleteThankyou. Om Namasivaya 🙏
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