Describing how a brahmin should earn his livelihood, Lord Brahma said to Narada–Alms, which a brahmin gets without making any demand for it, is called Vritta. ‘Unchhavritti’ is even better than Vritti and it means collecting foodgrain which are scattered in places like fields, granary, market-place etc. A brahmin should…
Describing about the qualities of an ideal brahmin, Sage Pulastya said— Once, Narada had asked Lord Brahma as to who was worthy of receiving Vishnu’s blessings. Lord Brahma had told Narada that Lord Vishnu showered his blessings on those who engaged themselves in the service of brahmins. A brahmin should…
Once, before taking her bath, goddess Parvati anointed unguent on her body and while removing it created a human form from the accumulated dross. The head of this human form resembled an elephant. Parvati then playfully immersed the human-form into river Ganga. But, to her sheer amazement the human form…
After killing the demons king Ravana, Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya. Many sages had arrived there to bless him on the occasion of his crowning ceremony. Sage Vashishtha was one of them.As Sri Rama was conversing with the sages a brahmin arrived there with the corpse of his son and…
Bhisma requested Sage Pulastya to reveal Why Lord Vishnu had to take incarnation as Vamana. Sage Pulastya replied— Once, during Satya Yuga, the demons had defeated the deities and driven them out from their abode–heaven. The mighty demon, Bashkali was their leader. He had become immortal an account of a…
Bhisma requested Sage Pulastya to describe how all the Marudganas came into existence. Pulastya replied— All the sons and grandsons of Diti had perished in the battle fought between the deities and demons. Diti—the mother of daityas (demons) wanted to take revenge, so she started doing a penance at the…
Bhisma requested Sage Pulastya to explain how different entities like the deities, demons and serpents came into being. Pulastya replied—Having failed in his repeated attempts of increasing population by the means of ‘sankalpa’ Daksha Prajapati was left with no option but to take the help of copulative creation. He begot…
On being enquired by Bhisma about the reason why Sati gave up her life, Sage Pulastya narrated the following tale — Once, Daksha Prajapati had organised a grand yagya in which he had invited everybody except Lord Shiva. This Yagya was presided over by four prominent sages—Vashishtha, Angika, Brihaspati and…
Bhisma expressed his desire to know about the manifestation of goddess Lakshmi. Pulastya replied– Once, after being defeated by the demons, the deities went to Lord Vishnu and sought his help. Lord Vishnu instructed them to collect all the medicinal herbs, and put them in the Ksheersagar, so that after…
On being asked by Bhishma about the origin of the four prominent castes, Sage Pulastya said— Lord Brahma created the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas from his mouth and chest respectively. Similarly, Vaishyas and Shudras manifested from Lord Brahma’s thigh and feet respectively.Lord Brahma had created his ‘manasputras’ with the objective…
Pulastya says—Lord Brahma, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu has a lifespan of one hundred years. His lifespan is also called ‘Par’, and half of its period is known as ‘Parardha’. One ‘Kashtha’ consists of 15 Nimesha while a Kala consists of 30 ‘Kashthas’. A muhurta consists of 30 Kalas. The…
Having revealed the contents of all the Puranas to his son Ugrashrava, Sage Lomaharshan instructed him to go to ‘Naimisharanya’ and spread it among the sages doing penance over there. There is an interesting tale how this sacrosanct forest of Naimish derived its name — Once, the sages sought Lord…
Draupadi was the daughter of Drupada, king of Panchala. Dhristadyumna was her brother. Drupada who had once been defeated by Aijun decided that a great warrior like him would be the best match for Draupadi. Drupada had earlier believed the Pandavas to be dead but had also heard rumours that…
Pandava’s courage and the love and affection people had showered on them had created a deep jealousy within Duryodhana. His thoughts were always about killing the Pandavas. His plot to poison Bhima had failed. So, he wanted a good plan to wipe them out totally. His brothers aided him in…
Whenever people talk about friendship, they always refer to Kama and Duryodhana. For, they had a very strong bond of friendship between them. Drona had taught the princes everything about warfare. He had also told them about the methods to be followed during a war. He had explained about the…
Hiranyadhanu was the king of Nashua. Hunting was the main occupation of his people, as they were trials. Ekalavya was the only son of Hiranyadhanu. It was his ardent desire to learn the art of archery from Dronacharya. So, one day he travelled to Hastinapur and witnessed Drona teaching the…
Right from the day the Pandavas , entered Hastinapur, the Kauravas, especially Duryodhana, disliked them intensely. He was also extremely jealous of the Pandavas for they had earned the love and respect of the entire kingdom. By some means or the other, he wanted to kill the Pandavas, especially Bhima….
It is very important for the Kshatriyas, that is the warrior clan, to be proficient in archery and sword fencing. We already know that the Pandavas and the Kauravas were being brought up together by Ehishma. He always showed keen interest in their education and proficiency in warfare. He therefore…
Vichitravirya had two sons. The eldest was Dhritarashtra, born blind. Hence Bhishma crowned the second son, Pandu, as the king. Pandu was a very capable king and ruled the land well. Vichitravirya had a son by name Vidura through a chamber maid. Vidura was an able statesman and a scholar….
Santana and Sarasvati led a happy married life. Subsequently Satyavati gave birth to two sons. The eldest was Chitrangadh. After the demise of Santanu, Bhishma crowned Chitrangadh as the King. But the king died shortly thereafter. So, Bhishma coroneted Vichitravirya, the second son, as the king. But since the boy…
This is not a recent story. It is a very ancient story which occurred thousands of years ago. Santanu was the king of Hastinapur. He was wise, kind and just. All the citizens loved him and respected him. The river Goddess Ganga was Santanu’s first wife. Santanu had met Ganga…
Rama too was very happy that Hanuman was successful in finding Sita. Sugriva had kept up his word and Rama now had to plan about reaching Lanka to kill Ravana and rescue Sita. He therefore talked to Sugriva about this. “Sugriva, you have proved to be my true friend. I…
Hanuman was also applauded by Suras who showered flower petals on him. The Sun God silently blessed Hanuman by radiating less of heat. The Wind God, Vayu, turned into a gentle breeze in his direction and wished his son success. To test Hanuman’s devotion towards Rama, the Devas sent Surasa,…
Even when Sri Rama tried to take ome rest, he always pined for Sita. I le could not eat, nor could he sleep. Lakshmana who sadly watched his brother’s condition, tried to instil some hope and confidence in him. “Dear brother,” he told Rama, “Please do not lose heart. I…
Maricha turned himself into a golden deer and roamed in front of Sita’s hut when she came out to pluck (lowers. Sita was enchanted to see such a beautiful creature and called out to Rama, “Can you please catch this exquisite creature for me? Let us l ake it to…
Many of these forests had sages living in them. Many more had demons in them, destroying everything and at times even disrupting the lives of the sages. Dandakaranya was one such forest. When Rama, Sita and Lakshmana entered this forest, the Rishis welcomed them, offered them fruits and nuts. A…
Soon after Rama’s, marriage with Sita, King Dasharatha wanted to crown him the king as he himself was getting older. Dasharatha therefore consulted his ministers about this. All of them whole-heartedly welcomed his decision. Dasharatha felt very happy and enthusiastic. He looked forward to the Coronation of Rama. He therefore…
Vishwamitra, Rama and Lakshmana reached Mithila in time for Sita’s Swayamvar. As per Janaka’s wish, the mighty Siva Bow was hauled to the wedding hall. The hall wore a grand look and was occupied by many kings and princes. Ravana, the king of Lanka was also present and was confident…
The four princes grew up to be strong and handsome. Under sage Vashishta’s guidance, they excelled themselves in archery, riding and hunting. They also learnt about the holy books and how to look after the welfare of the people. They respected their Gurus and the elders and gained the love…
Ayodhya was a magnificent city on the banks of the river Soraya in Kosala kingdom. It had wide roads, huge buildings, beautiful parks and glittering shops. The people of the city lived a happy and contented life as they were ruled by a noble king called Dasharatha, who cared for…
The sculpture of this form of Ganapati is found on the outer side of the south half of die front wall of the mantapa. This small and unpretentious temple is of great importance for the history of Tiruchanur. It is a fine example of early Chola architecture and is of…
Standing with the right leg slightly bent, this deity has four hands. The upper right hand feeds a dog standing at the right bottom and the upper left holds the Kankaladanda on the shoulder. The two lower hands hold objects. Anaga emerges to the right from his body and another…
There is a seated Ganapati in the extreme right. Next to him is Siva, seated with the left leg folded and resting on the seat and the right hanging. He holds parasu in the upper right hand and mriga in the upper left. The lower right is in abhaya and…
Standing with his trunk turned to the right, this god is accompanied by two women, one beating the drum and the other beating the cymbals.
Accompanied by two women with their hands in anjali standing behind her, Parvati holds an object in her left hand and with her right hand catches the out-stretched right hand of Siva. Siva, standing in samabhanga and holding ankusa in the upper right hand and mriga in the upper left,…
This mantapa is situated to the east of the Nandimantapa. It contains four pillars in the front, four at the back and four in the centre. Its adhishtana has a row of makaras at the top. These pillars are in the early Vijayanagara style. There is a square in shatkona…
This small mantapa is immediately beyond the eastern wall of the prakara. It consists of an Adhishtana with four pillars on it supporting the roof. These pillars bear typical Chola capitals as do the pillars in the temple. It is of the same age as the temple.
These are located, as already stated, on a low platform in the northern part of the Mukhamantapa. They are said to have been installed very recently.
This image is placed to the left of the entrance of the Antarala l and is a representation of the famous sage, Suka. He has a beard and keeps the right hand with akshamala on the right side of his ; chest and the left hand hanging. His hair is…
This Devi is the consort of Parasaresvara and is installed in a; small shrine which forms an extension of the northprakara wall.; She stands in samabbanga and holds ankusa in the upper right hand and pasa in the upper left. The lower hands are in abhaya and varada.
This image is located to the left of the entrance of the above shrine. Standing in samabbanga, this deity keeps the right hand in | abhaya and die left in Katihasta. He is adorned with Yajnopavita, \ Udarbandha, Graiveyakas, a girdle with a kirtimukha buckle j and a garland reaching…
This image, along with the two attendant images, is located in the north-western angle of the prakara wall. Seated on the peacock with the right leg bent and hanging on the side of the bird and the left leg bent at the knee and kept diagonally with its foot resting on the back…
This image is found in the central koshta in the western wall of the Garbhagriha. Standing in samabhanga, this deity holds samkha and chakra in the two upper hands, keeps the lower right in abhaya and hangs the lower left hand and touches the left thigh the tips of the…
This slab is found placed against the west wall of ihePrakara. It contains a row of the Saptamatrikas only.
The image of this deity is found in the central Koshtha in the south wall of the Garbhagriha. Seated with the right leg slightly bent and resting on the shoulders of theApas- marapurusha, lying prostrate below, and the left leg bent at the knee at right angles and resting on…
This image is to the right of the entrance of the Antarala. Seated with his left leg folded and resting against die rear part of the portruding belly, and the right leg bent at the knee and upraised and touchinh the side of the belly, this deity holds ankusa in the upper…
This temple is situated in Jogi-Mallavaram, a hamlet to the south of Tiruchanur. It is inhabited by the weaver community which plies a busy trade. There are eleven inscriptions incised on the walls of this temple. The earliest of them is dated in the 23rd year of the reign of…
This shrine, situated to the north of the Alagiyaperumal shrine, is the object of main attraction for the pilgrims at Tiruchanur. Sri Padmavatidevi, housed in it, is described as the consort of Sri Venkatesvara. This goddess is wrongly identified with Alarmel- manganachchiyar. Numerous inscriptions from the Tirumala temple statethatAlarmelmanganachchiyar adorns…
This shrine is to die south of the shrine of Alagiyaperumal and is now known as Sundararajaswami shrine. Three inscriptions refer to the deity of this shrine. The earliest of them (IV-157), dated 1541 A.D., mentions the car festival of Varadarajaperumal. The second, dated 1547 A.D. (V-99), mentions the Brahmotsavam…
This is the earliest Of the three shrines found inside the compound at tiruchanur.The entrance of the compound, surmounted by a big gopura, faces this shrine and not the other two as is the case with the parthasarathi shrine and the Govindaraja shrine situated in the same compound at tirupati…