Description
A stretch from the Himalayas to Kanya Kumari, a country like India, not only sees the altitudes on the hills and the coasts in the south, but each area of the country has built a faith in some or the other God. Tamil Nadu counts as a rich state in terms of the number of temples and the devotees visiting, have ultimate belief. Thirumazhisai Veetirundha Perumal & Anjaneya Swamy Temple is one of 108 Divya Deshams.
History
This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The temple is in the middle of the town and the inscriptions and the carbon dating of the rocks reveals that it must have been in existence before the Chola reign and was patronized by them during their rule. The Saraswati Mahal Library at Tanjore has the palm leaves which gives reference to the temple. There is a newly built shrine for Vinaya Anjaneya Swamy, called Varamukha that faces the north. There is spacious mandap designed for the devotees.
Importance/Significance
Thirumazhisai Veetirundha Perumal Temple is categorized as a Divya Desham. There are supposedly 108 Divya Deshams, out of which 105 are in India, 1 in Nepal and the other two are supposed to be celestial bodies. This temple stands as one of the ancient places of attraction for the devotees, that visit this all the year round. People who pray at the shrine report the release from the pain and suffering of theirs. The sufferings that they experienced were all taken away from their dear God. There is a unique thing about the way the idol is set, the Moolavar, the Prime deity seen here, is in a sitting posture having consorts on both of his sides.
Facts/Mythology
When the Maharishis prayed to Lord Vishnu in Puri and Perumal, they found only a blur vision of the half form of the divine. Wanting to view a fuller vision, they asked for that, they were told that he would do that in “Maheesara Kshetra”. The Maharishis prayed to Lord Brahma to help them identify this place, which could outweigh even with a single grain of paddy, the rest of the world. They also learnt that at this place Lord Vishnu would appear with his consort, Sri Shenbagavalli. This temple is located at the place where Lord Vishnu appeared before Lord Brahma, in his full might and gaiety, along with his consort. Lord Vishnu appeared before along with Ashtalakshmis , four Lakshmis on the crown, and two Sridevi and two Bhudevi on either side.The worship of Ashtalakshmi is done along with Lord Vishnu for enrichment in the quality of the life of the people.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The festivals celebrated over here are Aani Brahmmotsavam, Aaipasi Manavala Mamuni festival, Azhwar festival and Masi float festival. The puja is done 5 times a day, dawn, morning, afternoon, evening and at night. The devotees do conduct various rituals at this place.