Bhoothath Alvar
Bhoothath Alvar | |
---|---|
Personal | |
Born | 4203 BCE[1][2] |
Religion | Hinduism |
Philosophy | Vaishnava Bhakti |
Religious career | |
Literary works | Irantam Tiruvantati |
Honors | Alvar saint |
Bhoothath Alvar (
As per Hindu legend, Bhoothath was found in a liquorice flower in
According to Sri Vaishnava legend, the three Alvars were once were confined in a small dark enclosure during a rain in Thirukovilur and they experienced a fourth individual among them. They found out that it was god Vishnu and Poigai wished to see his face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning. With a view to maintain the continuity of light, Poigai instantly composed hundred songs wishing light to emerge. Pey and Bhoothath continued composing hundred songs each on Vishnu. The works of these earliest saints contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. Along with the three
Alvars
The word alvar means the one who dives deep into the ocean of the countless attributes of god.
Early life
Since the saint had intuitive knowledge about god Vishnu, he got the name Bhoothath. As per Hindu legend, Bhoothath was found in a liquorice flower in
Composition
As per Hindu legend, Vishnu appeared to the mutalam Alvars (first three Alvars) at Thirukkoilur. It was day time, but it darkened and started raining heavily. The wandering Poigai found out a small hide out, which has a space for one person to lie down. Bhoothath arrived there looking for a hiding place and Poigai accommodated him, with both sitting together. In the meanwhile, Pey also came to the same place as all the three preferred to stand because of lack of space. The darkness became dense and inside the small room, they were not able to see each other. In the meanwhile, they felt a fourth person also forced his way among them. The three Alvars realised from the light of the lightning that the fourth one had a charming face that was sublime and divine. The trio could immediately realize that it was Vishnu who was huddling among them. Poigai wished to see Vishnu's face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning. With a view to maintain the continuity of light, he instantly composed hundred songs wishing the earth to be a big pot full of ghee like an ocean where the Sun could be the burning wick.[7][8][9]
Tamil
அன்பே தகளிய ஆர்வமே நெய்யாக
இன்புருகு சிந்தை இடுதிரியா - நன்புருகி
ஞானச் சுடர் விளக்கேற்றினேன் நாரணற்கு
ஞானச் தமிழ் புரிந்த நான்
Transliteration
Anbe Thagliyaa Aarvame Neyyaaga
Inburugu Chintai Idu Thiriyaa
Nanpurugi Gnaana Chudar Vilakku Etrinen
Naaranarku Gnaana Thamizh Purindha Naan
I who wrote this song that bestows wisdom, with love as the lamp, endearing involvement as the lubricant ghee, and knowledge as the wick of the burning torch, dedicated myself to the service of the Lord[10]
Bhoothath Alvar also sang 100 songs imagining to light the lamp constantly through ardent love for Him.
Bhoothath composed hundred verses that are classified as Irantam Tiruvantati (Transliteration: Second Tiruvantati).
Mangalasasanam
There are 30 of his pasurams in the 4000
S.No. | Name of the temple | Location | Photo | Number of Pasurams | Presiding deity | Notes/Beliefs |
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1 | Tirupathi
|
13°08′35″N 79°54′25″E / 13.143°N 79.907°E | 9 | Alamelumanga Venkateswara |
Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.[16] Tirumala Hills are part of Seshachalam Hills range. The hills are 853 metres (2,799 ft) above sea level. The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD. The Garbagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called AnandaNilayam. It is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth.[17][18][19] The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.[20] | |
2 | Srirangam .
|
4 | Ranganayagi Ranganathar (Periya Perumal) |
Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, the still larger Angkor Wat being the largest existing temple. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (631,000 m2) with a perimeter of 4,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world.[21][22] The annual 21-day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margali (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors.[23] | ||
3 | Thirumaliruncholai
|
3 | Sri Sundaravalli sametha Sri Kallazhagar Perumal | Kallazhagar was worshiped by Yama, the Hindu god of death. He requested Vishnu to stay in the place and built a temple with the help of Vishwakarma, the divine architect.[24] Kallazhagar is believed to have appeared to redeem sage Suthapava off his curse from sage Durvasa.[25] The temple houses some rare Vijayanagara sculptures.[26] | ||
4 | Thiruparkadal
|
Heavenly | 2 | Lakshmi Vishnu |
In Samudra manthana chapter of the Puranas, a body of ancient Hindu legends. It is also the place where Vishnu reclines over Shesha Naga, along with his consort Lakshmi .
| |
5 | Thirukudanthai | Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°57′35″N 79°22′30″E / 10.959649°N 79.374999°E |
2 | Sri Komalavalli sametha Sri Aravamuda Perumal | The temple is called Ubaya Pradhana Kshetram as the Moolavar (presiding deity) and utsavar (festive deity) enjoy the same importance.It is believed that the presiding deity asked Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur.[30] This temple is along Kaveri and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams.[31]
| |
6 | Thirukkoshtiyur | Thirukoshtiyur, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu9°59′19″N 78°15′51″E / 9.98860°N 78.2643°E |
2 | Sri Mahalakshmi sametha Sri Uraga Mellanayaan Perumal | The temple is known as the place where Ramanuja, the expounder of Vaishnavadatta philosophy preached the holy syllable "Ohm Namo Narayana" to all people irrespective of their caste. Sowmyanarayana Perumal is believed to have appeared as Narasimha avatar to the Devas, the celestial deities.[32] | |
7 | Thirukkachi - Atthigiri | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°49′09″N 79°43′29″E / 12.819137°N 79.724646°E |
2 | Sri Perundevi sametha Sri Devadiraja Perumal | One of the greatest Hindu scholars of Vaishnava VisishtAdvaita philosophy, Ramanuja is believed to have resided in this temple.[33] The temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram is popularly known as Mumurtivasam (abode of trio),[34] while Srirangam is referred to as ‘ The Koil’ (meaning: "temple") and Tirupati as the ‘Malai’ (Meaning: "hill").
| |
8 | Thiruppadagam
|
Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′34″N 79°41′49″E / 12.842726°N 79.696941°E |
1 | Sri Rukmani sametha Sri Pandavadootha Perumal | The temple is considered one of three oldest temples in Kanchipuram and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas.[35]
| |
9 | Thirukkovalur | Thirukoyilur, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu11°58′01″N 79°12′09″E / 11.967006°N 79.202479°E |
1 | Sri Pushpavalli sametha Sri Trivikrama Perumal | The temple is believed to be the place where the first three Alvars, the Vaishnava saints, namely, | |
10 | Thiruthanjai Mamanikoil
|
Thanjavur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°48′56″N 79°08′19″E / 10.815669°N 79.138677°E |
1 | Sri Raktapankajavalli sametha Sri Neelamegha Perumal |
Unlike other Divyadesams where a single shrine is referred, this set of temples is referred together in all the paasurams(poems). During the Treta Yuga, there were three demons by name Tanchakan, Tantakan and Kacamukan who were blessed by Shiva became very powerful. They grew arrogant and troubled sage Parashara who was doing penance at this place. Vishnu killed Thanjakan after whom Thanjavur was named, with his Chakra, Kachamukan by taking the form of a yali, a mythical creature and took the form of Varaha the boar to kill the third demon Tantakan, who feld to Srimushnam.[37]
| |
11 | Thiruneermalai
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Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°57′50″N 80°06′54″E / 12.963808°N 80.114953°E |
1 | Sri Animamalar Mangai sametha Sri Neervanna Perumal | Brahmanda Purana refers this place Toyatri, meaning a mountain surrounded by water. Thiruneermalai, the modern Tamil name also means a sacred mountain surrounded by water. Among the eight sacred Vishnu temples where he manifested himself called "Ashtaswayamvaka Kshetra".[38] | |
12 | Thirukkadalmallai | 1 | Sri Boosthalamangadevi sametha Sri Sthalasayana Perumal | The temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Vaishnava Alvar saint Bhoothathalvar. Sthalasayana Perumal is believed to have appeared to sage Pundarika. The temple is one of the 32 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that are declared as UN world heritage sites, but unlike others that are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.[39]
| ||
13 | Thiruthangal | Thiruthankal Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu9°00′39″N 77°53′07″E / 9.010702°N 77.8853°E |
Sri Sengamala thaayar sametha Sri Narayana Perumal | The temple in its present form was believed to have been built by Devendra Vallabha, a Pandya king. The temple has three inscriptions in its two rock-cut caves, two dating from the period of 8th century. Ninra Narayana is believed to have appeared to Sridevi and Srivilliputhur Divya Desam to seek her hand for marriage. While reaching the place, it became dark and he decided to spend the night in the place. Since he stayed at this place, it came to be known as Thiruthangal and the hillock came to be known as Thalagiri.[40]
|
Notes
- ISBN 9788175740907.
- ISBN 9788120618503.
- ^ ISBN 978-93-5018-104-1.
- ^ a b Dalal 2011, pp. 20-21
- ISBN 9780810864450.
- ^ a b Dalal 2011, p. 76
- ^ Dalal 2011, p. 308
- ^ ISBN 9780823931804.
poygai.
- ^ ISBN 9788170223757.
- ^ N., Rajagopalan. "Irandam Thiruvandhadi translation" (PDF). azhwar.org. p. 4.
- ^ a b Chari 1997, pp. 16-17
- ^ Dalal 2011, p. 269
- ISBN 9788172112103.
- ISBN 9788120827905.
- ^ Pillai, M. S. Purnalingam (1904). A Primer of Tamil Literature. Madras: Ananda Press. pp. 182–83.
- ^ "Tirumala Temple". Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ^ "NDTV Report". Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- OCLC 12240260.
Koneswaram temple. Tiru-Kona-malai, sacred mountain of Kona or Koneser, Iswara or Siva. The date of building the original temple is given as 1580 BCE according to a Tamil poem by Kavi Raja Virothayan translated into English in 1831 by Simon Cassie Chitty ...
- OCLC 230674424., Tirupatti-Tirumalai, Jagannath and Vaijayanthi and concludes that while these latter temples were well visited by the Hindus, the former had surpassed all the latter temples by the early 1600s
Portuguese writer De Queyroz compares Konesvaram to the famous Hindu temples in Rameswaram, Kanchipuram
- ^ "Ghazal programme at Tirumala temple". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 30 September 2003. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- ISBN 0-203-67414-6.
- ISBN 9781598805611.
- ISBN 1-4027-1028-3.
- ISBN 9780143414216.
- ^ "Kallazhagar temple". Dinamalar. 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
- JSTOR 29757285.
- ISBN 978-0-19-536922-9.
- ^ "Churning the Ocean of Milk by Michael Buckley".
- ^ R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 473–4.
- ^ "Immortalised in stone". The Hindu. 2 July 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ "Pancharanga Kshetrams". Indiantemples.com. Retrieved 20 June 2007.
- JSTOR 3250291.
- ^ "The Templenet Encyclopedia - Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram".
- ^ Rao 2008, p. 154
- ISBN 81-7022-857-3.
- ^ M., Rajagopalan (1993). 15 Vaishnava Temples of Tamil Nadu. Chennai, India: Govindaswamy Printers. pp. 57–65.
- ^ R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 500–1.
- ^ C., Chandramouli (2003). Temples of Tamil Nadu Kancheepuram District. Directorate of Census Operations, Tamil Nadu.
- ^ "Acme of devotion". The Hindu. Chennai. 14 November 2008. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
- ^ T.S. Sridhar, ed. (2004). Excavations of Archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu(1969-95) (PDF) (Report). Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
References
- B. S., Chandrababu; S., Ganeshram; C., Bhavani (2011). History of People and Their Environs. Bharathi Puthakalayam. ISBN 9789380325910.
- Chari, S. M. Srinivasa (1997). Philosophy and Theistic Mysticism of the Āl̲vārs. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. ISBN 9788120813427.
- Dalal, Roshen (2011). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books India. ISBN 9780143414216.