Description
Another legend says that Maharaja Haritha who was the grandson of king Ambareesha killed a lion that was attacking a cow. Unfortunately, he killed the cow also. Since it was a severe sin, he had to take a penance. He prayed Lord Vishnu who advised him to take a holy dip in Anantha Tirtha. Since he got free from the sin at this place, the king built a temple that is known as Sriperumbudur Adi Keshava Perumal Temple. This is also the birthplace of Acharya Ramanuja. Sriperumbudur Adi Keshava Perumal is around 40 kilometers from Chennai on the Chennai-Bangalore highway NH4. It is an auspicious Vaishnav temple where beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu blesses the devotees in the “swaroopa” or form of Sri Adhikesava Perumal.
History
It is a temple with typical South Indian architecture comprising of specialties of Chola and Vijayanagara sculptures. Lord Vishnu's two wives Sridevi and Bhudevi accompany him on both sides. People have tremendous faith and respect towards this temple, and it is said that the deities are Varaprasadi (it means they fulfill all wishes).
Importance/Significance
This temple is immensely important for not only Tamil people, but every Hindu, who respects Lord Vishnu and Acharya Sri Ramanuja. This place is believed to be the Avatar Sthalam (where he incarnated) of Swami Ramanujacharya. He was a scholar of Vishitadvaida philosophy and a great believer of Lord Vishnu. He took incarnation in the year CE1017, Thursday. It was Sukla Paksha Panchami of Tamil month Chitrai at the place of Asuri Keshavachar and Kandhimathi. He was named as Ramanuja, who became a legendary scholar and learned person in the later years. He is known with many names like Bhashyakar, Elayai Alwan and Udayavar.He spread the lights of Vishishtadwaida in the whole country and is an immensely popular and respected figure. It is said that he called his disciples just before a few days of leaving the mortal body. He touched the Archa Vigraham (statue) of himself and transferred all divine powers to it. The idol of Ramanuja was later built with five metals (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, and Iron).
Facts/Mythology
According to one legend, this temple was built by Boodha Ganas (Army men of Lord Siva). Once Lord Siva got angry with his fellow Boodha Ganas and spelt a curse on them. Since Lord Vishnu was only capable of saving them from the curse, the Boodha Ganas approached him. He created a water spring at this place and asked them to take a dip in the holy water. Thus, he relieved them from the curse. As a token of gratitude, these Boodh Ganas constructed a temple on the bank of the holy water and named it Boodhapuri. Later it became popular in the name of Sri Adikesava Perumal temple.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The 10 day festival in the month of Chitrai (March or April of the English calendar) is the biggest occasion. It is the birth festival of Acharya. The idol is placed in a cradle and fed with milk. A sacred Linen turban is brought from 36 important shrines of Vaishnav panth. Similarly, there is a daily Abhishekam with hot water which is performed from Deepawali to Thai month of Tamil calendar. Masi Pooram and Panguni Uthiram in February and March respectively are other two important events.
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