Yesterday, 7 April 2014,Vijaya Panguni Tiruvadhirai/ Punarpoosam ; NamPerumal went on a visit to Jeeyapuram which is located to the west of SriRangam across Kollidam along Melur Road. At 9.00 p.m. last night NamPerumal left Moolasthanam in palanquin .After the procession came in pradakshinam to North Gate it moved to Melur Road,went across Kollidam and Kaveri and travelled all night to reach Jeeyapuram Asthana mandapam by 11.00a.m.He was greeted by devotees all through the route and many accompanied Him all through. Some walked with Him and after reaching Jeeyapuram came back to SriRangam by bus
The question is why this long journey? The simple answer is because of NamPerumal’s love for His devotees. The story goes thus: There lived in Jeeyapuram an old woman who had a child named Ranga. He used to study in a veda patasala and had come home on a holiday(holidays in Veda Patasala used to be the day following the New moon and Full moon) On the way home he spotted a vegetable vendor selling his favourite greens(keerai) .He gave it to his mother and asked her to prepare it and went to bathe in the Kaveri. Since there was an inordinate delay in his coming his mother went out and called “Ranga! Ranga!” SriRanganatha lying in the Sanctum heard this maternal voice and responded. He went to the old woman’s house and ate up the greens and rice. Once done he left the house. A little later the boy “Ranga ” turned up all hungry and the poor woman was flabergasted. The realization dawned that the Lord of the universe had been their guest.To commemmorate this event Nam Perumal makes this long journey and at accepts curd-rice,vadu mangai,keerai, bitter-gourd offerings. He stays in Jeeyapuram Ammayair Asthana Mandapam till 5.00p.m and will return to SriRangam by10.00 p.m. via Melur Road.
The Jeeyapuram story illustrates two things: The importance of naming children after Perumal. Name them Krishna or Ranga, Narayana or Rama .Second offer whatever you eat to the Lord.He accepts things offered with love not neccessarily fancy food.
These are some of the photos during Namperumal Purappadu to Srirangam from Jeeyapuram
Namperumal Journey in the River Cauvery towards Srirangam around 6.15 p.m
Reaching the other side of the Cauvery River, Climbing the Steep height on the River Bed
Writeup : Vyjayanthi Rajan
