Nachiyar Kovil Kal Garuda Sevai (Video Updated)

On January 7, 2013; Vijaya Varusha Margazhi Utthirattadhi, Kal Garuda sevai took place at Nachiyar Kovil. Nachiyar Kovil is a Divya Desam located at the outskirts of Kumbakonam. This is a temple with a difference. Even as one enters the sanctum sanctorum is visible. The Moolasthanam has Srinivasa Perumal and Thirunaraiyur Nambi in Kalyana Thirukolam. The pancha vyuhi roopams of Sriman Narayana can be seen here. The divyamangala vigrahas are huge. On the east can be seen Sankarshana, in the south Pradhyumna, on the west is Aniruddha and in the north is Purushotthama. Vasudeva is at the centre. A 10 feet vigraha of Brahma can be seen. This Perumal did samashrayanam for Thirumangai Azhwar so He is seen in a tilted position and the shanku-chakram are infront of His Thirumukhamandalam. Maximum number of pasurams have been dedicated to this perumal by Thirumangai Azhwar. But it is Vanjullavalli Nachiyar who holds pride of place in this Divya Desam. Offerings are first made to Thayar. But Nachiyar Kovil is more famous for its Kal Garudan. Made of stone four people carry  Garudan from His sannidhi to start with. When the steps are crossed eight devotees are needed to carry Garudan. As the next steps are reached 16 people are needed, then 32 and then 64. Vanjullavalli leads the Purappadu on Hamsa vahanam and is followed by Perumal on Kal Garudan. While returning back to the temple the reverse order is followed 64 people are reduced to 32, then 16, then 8 and finally 4. Garudazhwar represents the Vedas and He is known as Periya Thiruvadi. Worshipping Garuda will foster Vishnu bhakthi and all auspiciousness.

The following are some of the photographs taken earlier yesterday…

Write-up by Vyjayanthi Sundararajan