Madurai Divyadesams
The Divya Desams are the 108 Vishnu temples glorified in the poems of the contemporary Vaishnava Alvars of Tamil Nadu, India. Divya means "premium" and Desam indicates "place" (temple). This itinerary takes you to the divya desams around Madurai. This package covers koodal Alagar temple, Thirumohoor, Azhagar Kovil, Thirumayam, Thirukoshtiyur, Thiruthangal and the famous Srivilliputhur Andal temple.
Package Includes
Accommodation
Food
Cab
Sthalapuranam
Itinerary Temples
- Koodal Alagar temple,Madurai
- Kalamegaperumal Temple, Thirumohoor
- Kallazhagar Temple, Azhagar Kovil
- Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple, Tirumayam
- Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple, Thirukoshtiyur
- Ninra Narayana Perumal temple, Thiruthangal
- Andal Temple, Srivilliputhur
Full Itinerary
Morning
Koodal Alagar temple,Madurai
- Koodal Azhagar Temple is situated in Madurai.
- The presiding deity as Koodal Azhagiya Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Maragathavalli.
- Lord Koodalazhagar grants His merciful darshan to the devotees in the sanctum sanctorum under the Ashtanga Vimana designed with events related to Srimad Ramayana and Krishna Leelas.
- In all the Vaishnava temple, the Navagraha Sannadhis will not be found and will be found only in Lord Shiva or in Saiva temples. But in this sthalam, a separate sannadhi for Navagrahas are found.
- The zodiac signs are drawn on the roof of the mandap with Mother Mahalakshmi occupying the central space. It is suggested that devotees pray standing under this sign for prosperity boon.
- Legend, A demon with the power of the boon he had from Lord Shiva began to harass the Devas. They fell at the feet of Lord Maha Vishnu for protection. Lord Vishnu held a meeting with Devas at the foot of the Western Ghats to decide the course of action to kill the demon. He then killed the demon and agreed to stay here at the request of the Devas. In the days followed, the place lost its glory.
Morning
Kalamegaperumal Temple, Thirumohoor
- Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple also known as Thirumohoor or Tirumogoor temple.
- The presiding deity is Neelamegha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Tirukannapura Nayagi.
- Sudarsanar (Chakkarathalwar) has 16 hands with 16 weapons, rolling feet and the idol bears holy mantra letters. This is the only temple where Sudarsanar has all these special aspects.
- The shrine is very famous as the expectations of the devotees for business development and marriage alliances end in success.
- Thirumohur is the Divya Desam where Perumal took the Mohini (enchanting woman form). A single visit and prayer in the temple guarantees salvation to the devotee.
- Legend,During the churning of the milk ocean, the devas and the demons picked up a quarrel. The devas went to the Lord and appealed for freedom from the demons. Lord Vishnu took the form of an enchanting woman and lured the demons and gave the nectar to the devas. Moham in Sanskrit means passion or desire. As Vishnu took the Mohini form, the place was known as Thirumohanavur, which later came to be known as Thirumohur.
Morning
Kallazhagar Temple, Azhagar Kovil
- Kallazhagar Temple in Alagarkoil where vishnu is worshipped as Kallazhagar(as Meenakshi’s brother)and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumamagal.
- The legend has it that sage Suthapas (Munivar) was bathing in Nupura Ganga at Azhakar Hill and did not pay heed to Durvasa Maharishi, who was passing by. The enraged Durvasa cursed Suthapas that he would turn into a frog until he is redeemed of his curse by Lord Sundararajar, who is also known as Kallazhakar. The Suthapas Maharishi, who is named as ‘Manduka maharisi’ munivar because of his frog status, performed ‘thapas’ (prayer) on the banks of river Vaigai.The Lord Kallazhakar comes from his abode in Azhakar Hill to redeem Manduka Maharishi of his curse, when he is praying.
- The Main tower entrance (Mukya Gopuram) always remains closed, with the shrine of Karupana Swami. The very closed door itself is worshipped as Patinettaam padi Karuppan(meaning, the black Lord who (sits) at the Eighteen steps).Only Once in a year, the door is opened and Sudarshana Chakra the famous Vishnu's wheel, passes over through the open door.
Evening
Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple, Tirumayam
- Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple is located in Thirumayam and the presiding deity is Sathyamurthi Perumal and Lord Tiru Meyyar.His consort Lakshmi as Ujeevana Thayar.
- The Vishnu temple is located on the foot of the hill.
- The Lord Vishnu is also called by the name of Meyyar. Since he stayed in that village it is called by the name Thirumeyyam.
- The main statue of Sathyamurthy Perumal approximately seven feet in height, is standing on a rock, along with his wives.
- In the next Sannidhanam (sanctum), Mahavishnu's sculpture is in sleeping position, the position which is called in Tamil Ari thuyil, sleeping with a sense of knowing what is going on at present.
- It is where the largest Anantasayi (Vishnu in reclining pose) in India.
- Devotees pray for wedding, child boon. For child boon, people pray to Ujjeevana Thayar and for all prosperity.
- Devotees strongly believe that Thayar will certainly come to their rescue when in troubles.
Evening
Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple, Thirukoshtiyur
- Thirukoshtiyur has an importance among Vaishnavites on account of the Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple.
- The shrine for Narayana is constructed in form of three stages, similar to that of three floors in a building.
- This interprets as Boologam (earth), Thiruparkadal, Vaikundham. Narayana appears in three stages in three forms. In Ground floor as Krishna in dancing posture. Next level he is sayana thirukolam (sayana = reclining, thirukolam = posture), a posture resting on Adhisesha. And top most level in standing posture as Sri Sowmya Narayana Perumal.
- The temple has the famous Astanga Vimana above the presiding Perumal. Just a couple of Vishnu temples have this Vimana.
- This is also a historical place from where great Vaishnavite Acharya the author of Visishtadvaita philosophy and social reformer Sri Ramanuja preached the holy Narayana Mantra to every one irrespective of caste discrimination sitting on this Vimana.
- This is one of the temples where devotees seek relief from delays in marriage proposals. They also pray for prosperity in family.
Morning
Ninra Narayana Perumal temple, Thiruthangal
- Thiruthangal is famous for Ninra Narayana Perumal temple.
- The main deity is Nindra Narayana perumal in standing posture with his consort Shengamala thayar in separate sanctum.
- Sridevi and Neeladevi are to left and Bhoodevi and Jambavathi are to right side of perumal.
- Another speciality is the Thaayar is found in standing posture facing her thirumugam along East direction. In all the sthalams, the thaayar is found only in sitting position, but only in this sthalam, she is found in standing position, which is said to be one of the speicality of this temple.
- As per purana, once there was a discussion among Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Neeladevi as to know who is best among them. Finally Sridevi left the place and reached this holy place Thiruthangal and meditated Narayana manthram.Vishnu was pleased with her and fulfilled her wishes. Since Sridevi stayed here this place was known as Thiruthangal. Later on Bhoodevi and Neeladevi also joined Narayanaperumal in this place.
Morning
Andal Temple, Srivilliputhur
- Srivilliputhur is famous for Srivilliputhur Andal temple.Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vadapathrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal.
- The temple has two divisions - the one of Andal located on the Southwest and the second one of Vadapathrasayi (Vishnu) on the Northeast direction.
- The greatest attraction is the Rajagopuram of the temple; with eleven tiers and 192" height it is one among the tallest towers of temples in Tamilnadu.
- The temple is associated with the life of Andal, who was found under a Tulsi plant in the garden inside the temple by Periazhwar. She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple. Periazhwar, who later found it, was highly upset and stopped the practise. It is believed Vishnu appeared in his dream and asked him to dedicate the garland worn by Andal to him daily, which is a practise followed during the modern times.
- It is also believed that Ranganatha of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple married Andal, who later merged with him.
- Breakfast for 2 persons.
- Transportation in AC Etios/Dzire cabs.
- Hotel accommodation based on type of package (standard/deluxe/premium) chosen. The price mentioned in this package is for family of two members sharing a single room. For extra person, please place a separate request with us.
- Room type is Standard A/C Room in 2 star hotel.
- Toll charges and driver's allowance.
- Upon booking confirmation, the sthalapuranam of temples mentioned in the itinerary will be sent through email.
- No extra charges for one child below the age of five.
- Package does not include lunch and dinner.
- The pickup and drop point information will be provided to the customer before booking. It is customer's responsibility to reach the pickup point of the trip at specified time. On request basis, GoSthala will arrange pickup from customers place of choice at any applicable nominal charges.
- All other expenses (temple entry ticket charges, parking charges, etc.) that are not specified in the package inclusions.
- Any loss/expenses incurred by unforeseen circumstances e.g. flight delays/cancellations, road blockages, vehicle breakdown, strikes, etc.
- Expense of personal nature such as laundry, etc.
- Any applicable service tax charges.
- Transportation provided will be as per itinerary only (not at disposal).
- The package price is indicative and based on seasonal demands the price is subject to change and will be informed prior booking.
- The package does not include guide services where not mentioned. Guide services can be availed from us at an additional cost.
- Payment method as follows: 25% payment on confirmation; 50% payment before starting the trip; Balance payment before end of the trip.
- 15% of package cost will be charged as penalty on canceling, 31 or more days before departure.
- 35% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 22 to 30 days before departure.
- 50% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 15 to 21 days before departure.
- 100% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancelling, 15 days before departure.
