Thottiyam Veda Narayana Perumal Koil
Lord Vishnu is seen in sleeping posture using the four Vedas
as his pillow
Guru- Budhan Sthalam - Prahalada seen as a 3 year old boy
Located in a serene village amidst a lot of greenery is the
Veda Narayana Perumal Koil at Thiru Narayanapuram (or Veda Narayanapuram) about
4kms South West of Thottiyam, near Musiri (Trichy District), on the Northern
banks of Cauvery.
A most distinct and unique feature at the Veda Narayanan
temple is that Lord Vishnu is seen in a sleeping posture resting on and using
the Four Vedas as his pillow. Lord Narayanan is said to have initiated Vedic
Education to Brahmma and hence is referred to here as ‘Veda’ Narayanan.
Construction of the temple
Puranic Scriptures point to the fact that King Mahabala
Vaanavaraya was taking his huge army to Mysore. As night befell, he took rest
at this place. Lord Narayana is said to have appeared in his dream that night
and asked him to install his idol here that was lying beneath the earth and to
create festivals that people could enjoy. The Lord is believed to have assured
him victory in his battle at Mysore.
Delighted at this, the king built the temple and dedicated
this entire village to the temple. To date, about 160 acres of land belongs to
the temple. It is a completely different story that the income from this is not
being passed on to the temple. Hence, despite this rich history, the Veda
Narayanan temple is today seen without much income. Also, the priest is offered
only a meager salary. Will this change?
Prahalada as a 3 year old boy
Prahalada, who had only seen Lord Vishnu in an angry form
while he was slaying Hiranyakashipu, wanted to see the soft side of the Lord.
After undertaking penance here, Prahalad is said to have had a darshan of Lord
Narayana in a more peaceful and happy form as a ‘Shantha Swaroopi’.
Lord Vishnu also promised a place for Prahalad near his feet
- another unique feature seen at this temple is a 3 year old boy Prahalada in a
standing posture at the feet of the sleeping Lord.
Goddess Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are seen at the feet of Lord
Veda Narayanan offering their prayers.
Pillai ThiruNaraiyur Araiyar Abhimana Kshetram
Thiru Naraiyur Araiyar came here with his wife and 6
children in the hope of finding Moksham. One night, the leaves from the palm
tree at the temple caught fire. Shocked at seeing this, Thiru Naraiyur Araiyar
immediately threw his 6 children towards the Lord as a cover for him and to
protect him from the raging flames. Unfortunately, the Lord continued to burn.
Araiyar then threw himself into the flames and hugged the Lord so the fire
would not touch his favourite Lord.
Pleased with his devotion, the Lord appeared before him and
granted moksham to the entire family of the Araiyar. Hence, this place came to
be called Pillai Thiru Naraiyur Abhimana Kshetram.
Vedic Initiation to Brahmma
Brahmma once turned arrogant as he was the only one who
could ‘create’ things in this world. Wanting to teach him a lesson, Lord Vishnu
created a unique idol that left Brahmma wondering about its creator. When
asked, Lord Vishnu feigned ignorance saying that Brahmma was the only one
bestowed with the rights of creation. While agreeing to this, Brahmma
questioned the Lord as to who could have created this image and how this could
have appeared without his knowledge and approval.
Lord Vishnu brought the truth before Brahmma and a message
to the people at large saying that we should do what is expected of us.
However, we should not become arrogant as a result of the exclusive/ special
powers given to us.
‘Guru’ and ‘Budhan’ Sthalam
Realising his folly, Brahmma requested Lord Narayana for the
initiation of the Vedas. Lord Narayana is believed to have appeared before him
here at Thiru Narayanapuram and undertaken the Vedic initiation. As he
initiated the Vedic lessons to Brahmma, the Lord is referred to here as ‘Veda
Narayanan’. Having played the role of an Acharya and Brahmma having been a
student/disciple of Lord Vishnu, this temple is said to be a ‘Guru’ and
‘Budhan’ sthalam.
Success in Education
Veda Narayana Perumal of Thiru Narayanapuram is said to help
devotees in their education and learning. As Brahmma himself was initiated with
Vedic Education, this is a special temple on the education front. Students/
children who visit this temple offering their sincere prayers and place their
books at the feet of Veda Narayanan are believed to come out with flying
colours in their education.
Festival
11 day festival in Vaikasi including a 9 day chariot
procession
21 day Adyana Utsavam in Margazhi
Puratasi Navarathri.
There are Utsavams through out the year at this temple.
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