PALLIKONDESHWARASWAMY TEMPLE THE ONLY PRODHOSHA KSHATRAM IN ENTIRE INDIA...

Om Namo Narayanaya : 

PALLIKONDESHWARASWAMY TEMPLE
THE ONLY PRODHOSHA KSHATRAM IN ENTIRE INDIA...

Sri Pallikondeshwara swamy temple at Suruthapalli. Chittor district in Andhra Pradesh 3kms from Uttukottai which is 50KM mark in our yatra...  We'll be visiting this temple on the second day 1:00 PM...

TamilNadu is the only place where the Lord Shiva is seen in the reclining position (sleeping position) also called as Neelakantha. It is here the Prodohosha Kala pooja has began since ages. By performing this Prodohosha Kaala pooja everyone will find complete solutions and get rid of poverty, ill health and will be bestowed with wealth and prosperity. This is one of the most auspicious pooja in the Hindu Dharma. Related to Shiva Skanda Purana
Prodhosha is the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati when both are in an extremely propitious mood. Prayers during this period will fulfill one's desires and bring happiness in life.
The Prodhosha Kaala pooja is highly lauded by the scriptures and is very great sanctity and importance to the worshipers of Lord Shiva. The mere sight of the Deity in the temple during this period will destroy all the sins and bestow bountiful blessings and Grace upon the fortunate beholder. Even a single Bilva leaf (leaf taken from the stone wood apple tree) offered to the Lord at this unique, auspicious moment equals a hundred Mahapujas.
During the Prodhosha Kaala a large number of devotees gather to light the lamps. It is said that even to light a single wick of a lamp at this period is considered highly meritorious and productive of untold benefits both materialistic and spiritually. Most fortunate and blessed is the person who performs the
 Prodhosha Kaala pooja, Lord Shiva showers His choicest Grace and blessings on him in a very short period.

According to Sthalapurana (history of the place), it is said that Asuras (demons) and Devas (Gods) decided to consume the nectar from Kseerabthi (the milk ocean) to live immortal. Hence, they churned the ocean with the help of Vasuki (the celestial snake) and the hill Mandhara, with Gods on one side and demons on the other. Unable to tolerate the pressure, Vasuki spilled out the poison from his mouth. The Gods and demons then approached Lord Shiva to save them from the harmful effects of poison as it would have killed the leaving creatures on the earth and also Gods and demons. Lord Shiva transformed himself into Vishabhakarana Moorthy and swallowed the poison. He then started feeling little giddy. As he laid down, his consort. Goddess Parvati placed Lord's head on Her lap and gently pressed His neck and thus the poison remained in His throat without affecting His body. Hence Lord Shiva got the name as •Neelakantha.' (`Neela'- blue with poison and 'Kantha'- throat) (as Goddess Parvathi held the poison in the throat she is called as `Sarvamangalabigar.) It is in this place the Lord rested on the lap of Goddess Paravathi. During this time all the gods, maharishis and rishis assembled here for the well being of Lord Shiva and this place got its name as Suruttapalli. Surutta means assembly of Gods.


    The Devas and Asuras resumed their effort to get the nectar from the ocean on Lord Shiva's orders, after he regained consciousness and obtained the nectar on Dhwadashi (12th moon day). In that happiness, they forgot to thank Lord Siva who consumed the poison for everyone's well being. Realising their mistake, they prayed Him for forgiveness on Trayodasi (13th moon day) for which the Lord forgave them and in a happy mood, began His celestial dance (Shiva Tandavam) between the horns of Nandi (the mount of Lord Shiva) where all the Gods, Goddess and sages joined Him. This moment is celebrated as Pradosham every fortnight and hence Pradosha Pooja is said to have originated from this temple. It is believed that during Pradosha Punya Kaalam, anyone who offers prayers will attain shanti (peace), sakala sowbhagyam (Complete Happiness) and will be comforted from the obstacles of life. Even Lava and Kusha. who unknowingly fought with their father Lord Rama, over Aswamedha yagna horse, came to this temple along with Sage Valmiki. to worship Lord Siva and to get rid of their sins. Another prominence of Suruttapalli is that most of the deities are present with their consorts in their respective temples...

Om Namo Narayanaya : 

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Narayanavanam

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Narayanavanam
 
We'll be visiting this temple @ 90 km mark on 3rd day of our yatra i.e 29th September...
 
Narayana VanamSri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami temple at Narayanavanam is 40 km from Tirupati. Lord Sri Venkateswaraswami and Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, daughter of Akasa Maharaja were married here. Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami is the main deity here.
There are four sub-temples:

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple
Sri Andal Ammavari temple
Sri Sita Lakshmana Sameta Ramulavari temple
Sri Ranganayakula Swami temple
In addition, there are five other temples attached to Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami temple:

Sri Parasareswara Swami temple
Sri Veerabhadra Swami temple
Sri Sakti Vinayaka Swami temple
Sri Agastheeswara Swami temple
Sri Avanakshamma temple
The annual Brahmotsavams are conducted every year at the main temple, Sri Veerabhadraswami temple and Sri Avanakshamma temple. Navarathri festival is also celebrated at the Sri Avanakshamma temple every year.

Giri Pradakshina (Konda Chuttu Thirunallu) is one of the important festivals conducted during the end of Sankranthi, once a year, with the utsava murthis of Sri Parasareswaraswami and Sri Champakavalli Ammavaru, and Sri Agastheeswaraswami and Sri Markathavalli Ammavaru.

The other festivals conducted here are:

Andal Neeratotsavam
Panguni Uttarotsavam
Varalakshmi Vratham
Float festival
Anivara Asthanam
Ratha Sapthami
Ugadi Asthanam
Sreerama Navami
Chaitra Pournami
Andal Thiruvadipuram Utsavam
Deepavali Asthanam
Vaikunta Ekadasi & Dwadasi
Karthika Deepam
Dhanurmasam

Daily Sevas

Description of Daily SevasSevas performed for the main deity
SuprabhatamTomala SevaArchana SevaEkanta SevaSevas performed for the utsava murthi
KalyanotsavamArjitha BrahmotsavamDolotsavam (Unjal Seva)Arjita VasanthotsavamSahasra Deepalankarana SevaSuprabhatam
'Suprabhatam' is the first and foremost pre-dawn seva performed in the temple of Lord Venkateswara. This ritual is performed at Sayana Mandapam inside sanctum sanctorum to wake up the Lord from His celestial sleep, amidst the rhythmic chanting of vedic hymns. Every day in the early hours acharyapurushas recite the hymns beginning with 'Kausalya Supraja Rama Purva Sandhya Pravarthathe’ in front of the main deity at Bangaru Vakili, while on the other hand, a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya sings some songs penned by the great saint poet in praise of Lord Venkateswara at the first corridor of the sanctum sanctorum at the same time.'Suprabhatam' is a Sanskrit term which literally means “Good Morning”. This particular hymn consists of four parts including Suprabhatam, Stotram, Prapatti and MangalasasanamSuprabhatam-It means awakening Lord from His divine sleep and it consists of 29 slokas.Stotram-These are the hymns in praise of Lord, consisting 11 slokas.Prapatti-Meaning total surrender to Lord and it has 16 stanzas.Mangalasasanam-It is the prayer sung in the glory of Lord consisting 14 stanzasThus, Suprabhatam, composed by Prativadi Bhayankara Annan, a disciple of the celebrated Vaishnava Preceptor, Manavala Mamuni consists of a total 70 slokas.This arjitha seva is performed before the Bangaru Vakili, after which the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy(silver replica of the main deity and is also known as “Dhruva Beram”) who was laid to bed in the “Sayana Mantapa” is shifted back to “Garbha Griha” to commence His activities for the day. Archakas, jeeyangars, temple authorities and the Grihastha pilgrims who purchase tickets for Suprabhatam’, worship the Lord during this early morning seva and feel immense solace with the first glimpse of His Divine Charm that which cannot be described in mere words.Immediately after completing the 'Suprabhatam', Bangaru Vakili is kept open. The ritual lasts for over 30 minutes. (Suprabhata seva will not be performed in Dhanurmasa. Instead, 'Tiruppavai' is recited during this time.) The worship of Lord Venkateswara during Suprabhatam is considered highly meritorious. 'Suprabhata seva, tickets can be booked in advance.SRI VENKATESWARA SUPRABHATAM (with lyrics and meaning in English) Reporting Time:2:00 AMSeva Time:2:30 AMDay of Seva Performed:DailyPrice of a ticket (INR):120.00No.of Persons allowed:OnePrasadam / Bahumanam:2 small laddusNote : Children below 10 years are not allowed Suprabhatam stanzas, translation and audioThomala SevaThe word “Thomala” means a garland of flowers. Hence this arjitha seva assumes importance of decorating the presiding deity with exquisitely tied colourful floral and Tulasi garlands after awakening Him from celestial sleep with Suprabhata Seva.This arjitha seva is intended to call the special attention of the pilgrim grihasta who takes part paying requisite amount to witness the flower decoration of the “Mula Virat”(main deity)which takes place at the end of the puja.Known as “Thodutha Malai” in Tamil, the flower garlands in Yamunathurai are brought by the Periya Jiyar-the chief pontiff of Tirumala temple as per the traditional custom or by his Ekangi (disciple) in the temple, with a lighted torch in a procession to the rhythmic beat of Jeganta (handy bells)to the temple.The flower garlands are made into several pieces and each piece being of a particular size is adorned in the respective areas to enhance the Divine Beauty of Lord in a spectacular manner. This seva lasts for about 30 minutes. This arjitha seva is performed only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays while in Ekantam(pilgrims are not allowed)during the rest of the week.THOMALA SEVA DETAILS FOR GRIHASTAS:Reporting Time:3:00 AMSeva Time:3:30 AMDay of Seva Performed:Tue-Wed-ThuPrice of a Ticket (INR):220.00No.of Persons allowed:One Prasadam / Bahumanam:2 small laddus

12 Alwars

Hindu Temples » About 12 AlwarsAbout 12 Alwars

Alwars, who are said to be the Hamsam of Sriman Narayanan, have dedicated their lives towards the Emperumaan and they led their life by praising and doing Mangalasasanam on Sriman Naryanan. These Alwars are 12 in Number and out of which one is Sri Andal, who is a woman.

These Alwars were born in various parts of our country but they were all united in a common subject, ie dedicating their lives and praising the Lord.

Poigai Alwar, Bhoodath Alwar and Pei Alwar are collectively called as "Mudhal Alwars" were found in the same period of time.

Thirumazhisai Alwar, who thought the Perumal as his friend and has sung Mangalasasanam on Perumal.

Thirumangai Alwar, who was a great king in his starting of life but later, changed his life to work for the Perumal and for his bhaktaas.

Thondaradippodi Alwar, who is also named as "Vipra Narayanar" led his life as the slave to the Perumal and worked for the Perumal by dedicating him with Garlands.

Thiruppaan Alwar, who belonged to the Paanar family, praised the Perumal through his beautiful songs and Paasurams.

Periyalwar, is considered as the Mother, Father for Sri Andal and Father-in-Law to Perumal has sung Mangalasasanam on Perumal.

Sri Andal, who is also called as "Soodikkodutha Sudar Kodi" is said to be the daughter (brought up) of Periyalwar has created "Thiruppavai" in which she considers Sriman Naryanan as her husband. She is the only lady alwar.

Nammalwar, who sat below the Tamarind tree without having any food and sleep got Gnana and has sung Mangalasasanam on Perumal and he has worked hard to spread Sri Vaishnavam.

Madhurakavi Alwar, who is said to be the Sishyan (Student) of Nammalwar is also one among 12 Alwars.

Kulasekara Alwar, have a great bhakti towards Sri Ramar have also done Mangalasasanam on the Perumal particularly in Malayala Naatu thriuppathigal...