Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple

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Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple [

The Nagapooshani Amman Temple is believed to be originally established by the god Indra while seeking alleviation from the curse of the sage Gautama. Indra seduced Ahalya, Gautama's wife in the guise of the sage. The sage cursed Indra to bear a thousand vulva marks on his body. Unable to face the humiliation, he went into exile to the island of Nainativu. There, he is believed to have created, consecrated and worshipped the moolasthana murti of the goddess Bhuvaneswari, to atone for his sins. The pleased goddess transformed the marks on his body into eyes. She then took on the name of "Indrakshi" (Indra Eyed).

Another legend states that, many centuries later, a cobra (Naga) was swimming across the sea towards Nainativu from the nearby island of Puliyantivu with a lotus flower in its mouth, for the worship of Bhuvaneswari. An eagle (Garuda) spotted the cobra and attempted to attack it and kill it. Fearing harm from the eagle, the cobra wound itself around a rock (referred to in Tamil as; Paambu Sutriya Kal "the Rock around which the Snake wound itself") in the sea about half a kilometer from the Nainativu coast, and the eagle stood on another rock (Garudan Kal "the Rock of the Eagle") some distance away. The merchant Maanikan from the Chola kingdom - a devotee of Bhuvaneswari - was sailing across the Palk Strait to trade with the ancient Naka Nadu noticed the eagle and the cobra perched upon the rocks. He pleaded with the eagle to let the cobra go on its way without any harm. The eagle agreed with one condition that the merchant should construct a beautiful temple for Bhuvaneswari on the island of Nainativu and that he shall propagate her worship in the form of Nagapooshani Amman. He agreed and built a beautiful temple accordingly. The eagle took three dips into the ocean to atone for its sins against the Nagas and hence, the Garuda and Naga resolved their longstanding feuds.

Shakti Peetha

Sati married the god Shiva against the wishes of his father Daksha. Daksha organized a grand yajna (sacrifice), however did not invite Sati and Shiva. However, though dissuaded by Shiva, Sati went to Daksha's yajna uninvited. Daksha insulted Shiva and argued with Shiva. Unable to bear the insults, Sati self-immolated herself.

Shiva was enraged and created Virabhadra and Bhadrakali, two ferocious beings who wreaked havoc at the site of the sacrifice. The Nainai Virabhadra Temple and Nainai Kali Amman Temple are built in their honour. Virabhadra slew Daksha.

According to some traditions, an angry Shiva performed the fearsome and awe-inspiring

sect.

Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple is believed to be where the

Silapathikaram

- where the story begins and ends with an anklet.

Architecture

Deities

The moolasthanam or

darshanam

to devotees as Shiva-Shatki (the primeval energies of the cosmos).

The temple also includes the following upadevas (subordinate deities): Ganesha (Ganapathi), Bhuvaneswari, Kartikeya (Subrahmanya) with consorts Valli and Devayani, Navagraha, Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, 63 Nayanars, Nalvars and Chandikeswarari.

Gopurams

Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple has four decorative and colourful gopurams.

The Raja Raja Gopuram is the largest of the three gopurams that adorn this temple. The largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, it soars to the height of 108 feet (33 m). It has over 2000 intricately sculpted and painted figures on all four sides. It has 9 passages and 9 golden kalasas. From a distance it appears to crown the much older East Gopuram, and hence is known as "Raja Raja Gopuram" ("king of kings tower"). It was constructed from 2010 - 2012 with the efforts of artists from Tamil Nadu, India. Mahakumbhabhishekam (great temple revival ceremony) was held in late January 2012. This event was attended by 200,000 devotees from various cities and towns as far as India, Europe, Australia, and North America.

East Gopuram is the oldest of the three gopurams on the modern day structure. It opens facing the rising sun across the sea in the East. It rises to the height of 54 feet from the base. This gopuram originally had the fewest sculptures. During the renovation period, a number of new sculptures were added and painted in brighter colours to match the newly constructed Raja Raja Gopuram. Upon entering this gopuram, one directly faces the Moolamurtis (consecrated deities).

The South Gopuram was built in the early 1970s. It opens facing South. It rises to the height of 54 feet from the base. During the renovation period, sculptures on this gopuram were also painted in brighter colours to match the newly constructed Raja Raja Gopuram. Upon entering this gopuram, one directly faces the Utsavamurtis (festival deities).

Although this gopuram is in the South-East corner of the temple complex, the South East Gopuram also faces South. Built in December 2011, its primary purpose is to welcome those coming from within the island to worship the Goddess, and visitors from the nearby

Naga Vihara

(Buddhist Temple). It reaches the height of about 20–25 feet. It is the smallest gopuram and has the fewest sculptures. It was also painted in bright and vibrant colours to match the other gopurams.

Mandapams

The Vasantha

mandapam is used for special poojas during festivals and fasting days to house to Utsavamurtis

(festival deities). It is grand in manner. It can directly be viewed from outside through a newly constructed archway on the Southern wall of the temple.

The Vahana mandapam houses the various vehicles the

Mount Kailasa while peacefully playing a makeshift veena

created from one of his heads and arms by plucking the veins and arteries to soothe Lord Rakshaseshwara (who is the Lord of the Rakshas (of which Ravana is one), Sri Kailasa-Naayinaar Swami). It is believed that Ravana resides within this vehicle and hence it always attracts thousands of devotees when in use. It has become an indisputable icon of this temple due to the myths that surround the visit of Ravana to the island to offer poojas to Lord Rakshaseshwara (who is the Lord of the Rakshas, Sri Kailasa-Naayinaar Swami).

The Kalayana mandapam is used for conducting marriage ceremonies. It is located on the Northern premises of the temple property.

The Annapoorneshwari Annadhana mandapam is used for the distribution of free food during festivals and social events. It is located on the Northern premises, nearby the Kalayana Mandapam. Oftentimes this venue is used to serve wedding feasts after wedding ceremonies which are held at the Kalayana Mandapam. It houses

Annapoorneshwari Amman

, the Hindu Goddess of nourishment, however regular poojas are not offered here.

The Amuthasurabi Annadhana Mandapam is used for the distribution of free food everyday to all those who visit the temple. It is managed and funded by the Nainativu Sri Nagapooshani Amuthasurabhi Annadhana Society (நயினாதீவு ஸ்ரீ நாகபூசணி அமுதசுரபி அன்னதான சபை - established in 1960). The society is collecting donations from all over the world to serve free food in its mandapam. It is located 2 mins walk from the Southern premises of the temple property. This mandapam serves to validate the values that are mentioned in the ancient Tamil epic of

Buddha had taught and appeased two warring Naga princes. Those who worship it miraculously know their previous life. Manimekalai automatically worshiped it and recollects what has happened in her previous life. She then meets the guardian goddess of the Dharma seat, Deeva-Teelakai (Dvipa Tilaka) who explains her the significance of the Dharma seat and lets her acquire the magic never-failing begging bowl (cornucopia

) called Amurta Surabhi ("cow of abundance"), which will always provide food to alleviate hunger. As such, devotees and visitors are welcomed to enjoy a traditional meal after visiting the temple.

The Sri Bhuvaneswari Kalai Aranga Mandapam is used for various performances in dance, music and art. It was recently renovated and repainted in 2011 to suit the design of the newly constructed Raja Raja Gopuram. Common performances in this mandapam include

bharatanatyam, mridangam, nadaswaram and sankeerthanam

.

Ambala Veedhi

This is the outside of the temple structure and forms the outer

pradakshina

(path) around the temple.

Sanskrit: नंदी, Tamil: நந்தி), is now universally accepted to be the most common mount of Lord Shiva and the gatekeeper of Shiva and Parvati. This close association of Shiva, Parvati and Nandi explains the presence of a statue of Nandi at the gateway of the temple. This statue is approximately 8 feet high and faces the Moolamurtis

directly through the East Gopuram. It is undoubtedly the only large sized Nandi of its kind in Sri Lanka.

The temple administration removed the silver-plated

dwajasthambam

("kodi maram"; flag post) in late 2011 to allow for renovations to the temple. It is expected that a new brass-plated dwajasthambam will be installed before June 2012 to replace the one that had been removed. Currently the temple does not have a substitute.

The Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple chariot, is used to carry the

pradakshina

(path) of the temple. It reaches the height of 35 feet and is covered with various sculptures depicting the history of the temple. Two other slightly smaller (30 feet) chariots for Ganesha and Kartikeya with consorts - accompany the main chariot. It is one of the largest chariots in Sri Lanka.

The Kailasa-roopa Pushkarini is a temple tank, located on the Southern premises of the temple. It was recently renovated in 2011 and has a 15 feet high sculpture of Sri Nagapooshani Amman embracing Sri Kailasa-Naayinaar Swami atop the famous Ravana-Kailasa Vahanam. A unique feature about this sculpture is that the cobras with their open hoods, spit water resembling a fountain. Since the renovation, visitors are prohibited from entering its waters.

Another temple tank, Amrutha Gangadharani Theertham is located approximately 1 km from the temple on the western shore of the island of Nainativu. It was built by Muthukumara Swamiyar (a resident saint of Nainativu) in the early 1940s. It is nearby the Nainai Siva-Gangai Temple and is accessed by flights of stone steps leading from the small stone shrine.

Rituals

Worship

There are close to 15 priests in the temple who perform the

tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. The temple street plans form a giant mandala (holy circle pattern) whose sacred properties are believed to be activated during the mass clockwise circumambulations

of the central temple.

Festivals

The most important festival associated with the temple is the 16-day-long Mahostavam (Thiruvizha) that is celebrated in annually in the

Shivratri attract thousands of devotees. Like most Shakti temples in Tamilakam, the Fridays during the Tamil months of Aadi (July–August) and Thai (January - February) are given special importance at this temple. Aadi Pooram, the day Parvati

is said to have attained puberty, and become a mother to all her devotees is marked in grand manner at this temple.

History

Literary Mentions

Naka Nadu was the name of the whole

Buddha.^[1] The two Sangam Tamil Buddhist epics; Manimekalai and Kundalakesi describe the islet of Manipallavam of Naka Nadu which is identified with Nainativu islet of the Jaffna peninsula. Manimekalai describes the ancient island of Manipallavam from where merchants came to obtain gems and conch

shells. These objects are revered still today by Hindus. Furthermore, Manimekalai directly states that the island is home to Goddess Manimekala Theivam (Manimekalai Devi).

Inscriptions

A 12th century Tamil inscription was found in the temple premises, it contains an edict issued by the Sinhala King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186 A.D) addressed to his local Tamil officials in Jaffna, advising them on how to deal with shipwrecked foreign traders.^[2]

The people "snake-worshippers" of Nainativu, spoke

Pallava Dynasty

of Tamilakam.

On the right side of the South Gopuram entrance is a large life saver-shaped stone - an ancient anchor. Arab ships used to carry such anchors.^[14]

Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage to this temple can be made throughout the year. However, the most popular time to visit the temple is during the 16 day long Mahotsavam (Thiruvizha festival) that is celebrated in annually in the Tamil month of Aani (June/July).

Temple community today and abroad

Because of the Sri Lankan Civil War many people and devotees of this temple have fled to different parts of the world. Due to the goddesses' honour, devotees around the world have built temples dedicated to Nagapooshani Ambal. Most of the devotees live in Canada (2 temples dedicated), Germany (5 temples dedicated), England (2 temples dedicated, one of which is "Enfield Nagapooshani Ambaal Temple"^[15]), Italy (1 temple dedicated). The goddess is the Kuladeivam (paternal family deity) to approx. 5000 people (in Nainativu and around the world) and the Ishtadeivam (favoured deity) to approx. 25000 people (around the Jaffna Peninsula and around the world).

The temple was a suggestion for the Megabuck Specials 2016 of the famous video game Megapolis.^{[citation needed]} It could be later owned in the Path of Prizes event in year 2020.^{[citation needed]}

See also

Other revered locations of Shakti worship:

• Meenakshi Amman Temple - Madurai
• Kamakshi Amman Temple - Kanchipuram
• Vishalakshi Amman Temple - Kashi
• Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya

References

1. ISBN 8120618238
   .
2. ^ Indrapala, K. (1965). Dravidian settlements in Ceylon and the beginnings of the kingdom of Jaffna, pp. 230–231
3. ^ Laura Smid (2003). South Asian folklore: an encyclopedia : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Great Britain: Routledge. 429.
4. ^ Chelvadurai Manogaran (1987). Ethnic conflict and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. United States of America: University of Hawaii Press. 21.
5. ^ WWW Virtual Library Sri Lanka. (2009). The original inhabitants of Lanka: Yakkas & Nagas. Available: http://www.lankalibrary.com/cul/yakkas.htm. Last accessed 7 March 2010.
6. ^ http://keraladotpark.com/pdf/Archacological%20wonders.pdf A research paper from archaeologist Dr. P. Rajendran showing evidence of paleolithic age human inhabitation in Kerala. This includes the pictures of serpent idols made of clay and metal which belong to the mesolithic age.
7. ^ Department of Archaeology, Kerala University confirms paleolithic age findings in Kerala
8. ^ General article for palaeolithic age findings in Kerala
9. ^ A very detailed article including palaeolithic age in Kerala
10. ^ "Anthropological museum to have new additions". The Hindu. 27 December 2010. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
11. ^ Srilankanreference. (2009). Sri Lanka - Yakksha and Naga Times. Available: http://www.info.lk/srilanka/srilankahistory/yaksa_naga.htm. Last accessed 7 March 2010.
12. ^ Peter Shalk. SERENDIPITY - ISSUE 02 - THE VALLIPURAM BUDDHA IMAGE - AGAIN
13. ^ H. Parker (1909). Ancient Ceylon. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. 7.
14. ^ "Visit Sri Lanka : Heritage : Nagadipa (Nagadeepa)".
15. ^ "History – Nagapoosani Ambaal". Hindu Tamil Cultural Association (Enfield).