Aug 7, 2009

Uppiliyappan-Kumbakonam


The Uppiliappan Temple which is also called ThiruVinnagar is near Thirunaageshwaram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. The deity here is Lord Uppiliappan Perumal with his consort Bhumi Devi and her father Sage Markandeya.
The Moolavar is Uppiliyappan (Srinivaasan) seen in standing posture, similar to Venkataachalapathi, facing east. Those who cannot visit Thirupati worship the Lord at this sthalam. On the request of the wife of Marukandu Maharishi, the naivediyam to the Lord is without salt. Thaayaar - Boomi Devi seen in seated posture at the Lord's feet. No separate temple. Mangalasasanam done by Thirumangaialwar,Peyalwar and Nammalwar. Theertham - Ahoraathra Pushkarini, Aarthi Pushkarini.

The Prasadam is made without salt. It is told that people who eat salt inside the temple premises will be going to hell. The prasadam given without salt is very very tasty. Puliyodharai (Tamarind Rice), Dhadhyonam (Curd Rice), Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Vada, Adhirasam, Murukku are offered to Lord as Prasadam. While eating the Prasadam inside the temple, one would never realize that it was cooked without salt.

The temple contact number is country code + 0435 246 3385. The temple is at SouthEast of Kumbakonam located 1/2 mile distance from the Sirgazhi railaway station, Tamilnadu

Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra Lyrics


Om Mahadevyai Cha Vidmahe
Vishnupatnyai Cha Dheemai
Tanno Lakshmi
Prachodayat

Meaning of Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
Om, Let me meditate on the greatest goddess, Who is the wife of Lord Vishnu, Give me higher intellect, And let Goddess Lakshmi illuminate my mind.

Alarmelumangai,Tiruchannor

Sri Padmavathi Devi's temple is away from Lord Sri Venkateswara's temple( Balaji in Tirumala). Legend has it that the Lord (Sri Maha Vishnu, who later took on the incarnation of Sri Venkateswara) showed his reverence towards the sage, Bhrigu Maharshi, even though the sage had insulted Vishnu by kicking Him on the chest. In anger, Sri Maha Lakshmi (the Lord's consort) reached Patala Loka, where she heard a divine voice stating that a pushkarini was dug on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, and here She immersed herself in penance for 12 years. In the 13th year (during the month of Karteeka, on Panchami day in the last fortnight, highlighted by the nakshathram Uttarashadha), Sri Padmavathi emerged from a golden lotus. It is believed that Goddess MahaLakshmi herself emerged as Sri Padmavathi.

It is said that a visit to Tirumala is fruitful only after visiting the Sri Padmavathi Devi temple as by custom, Lord Balaji will be happy to hear from his visitors that they has visited his consort Sri Padmvati and had sought her blessings.


Tiruchanoor, also known as Alamelumangapuram, is about 5 km from Tirupati.


Important Festivals in Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Navarathri Festival(Dasara)
Kartheeka Brahmotsavam
Float festaival
Vasanthotsavam
Rathasapthami



Accomodation
1. Sri Padmavathi Guest House (AC)
Chittoor Road Deputy Executive Officer (Reception), Phone : 0877-2249629; 2248993


2. Sri Venkateswara Dharmasala
(opposite the Tirupati Railway Station) The Superintendent, Phone: 0877-2225144


3. Sri Venkateswara Guest House
(to the north of the Tirupati Railway Station) (Non-AC) Deputy Executive Officer (Reception), Phone : 0877-2225144


4. TTD Alipiri Guest House (at the foot of the seven hills)
(Non A.C.) Phone : 0877-2230080


5. Sri Kodandarama Dharmasala
(to the south of the Tirupati Railway Station) The Superintendent, Central Reception Office, Tirupati. Phone:0877-2251259