Maharajapuram Revisited - July 2011

I love visiting my ancestral village and offering worship at the VishnuDurga temple there! Believe me - it charges my spiritual batteries and kickstarts my interest in life. This year, the added attraction to me was the new Southern Pandharpur shrine that has come up at nearby Govindapuram.

As usual, my wife and I stayed at the Peria Pannai house in Bhaskararajapuram. We are indeed blessed to have such a hospitable host in Krishnaswamy who is following the great tradition set by his father Sri. Ramachandra Iyer.

Post lunch, we visited the VishnuDurga temple. After the Kumbhabhishekam in April this year, the entire temple has taken a new look. It is very beautiful. On entering the prakaram, I noticed that a new wall has come up on the right side. All the old paintings on the walls and ceilings look brand new.

Baskara Gurukkal with his broad smile was waiting for us to begin the rituals. After an elaborate abhishekam, the almighty VishnuDurga Ambal was draped with the nine-yard saree that we had bought and adorned with shiny jewelry. Aho Bhagyam! Aho Bhagyam!! to have such a wonderful darshan. We felt on top of the world! The pleasure we got was priceless! Share my pleasure -take a look at the adorned deity's picture in this blog.

A word about this temple - I have no idea how old the temple is and who built it.
According to an inscription at this temple, Sage Durvasa had worshipped VishnuDurga at this temple (see the picture above). Durvasa was an ancient sage born to Atri and Anasuya. Going by the inscription, it seems that the temple is really ancient.

About VishnuDurga, also known as Narayani, is one among the numerous forms of Goddess Durga. VishnuDurga is regarded as the sister of Lord Krishna, born immediately before him.VishnuDurga shares many characteristics of Lord Vishnu including the dark complexion. She is four-armed and carries the conch and chakra in her upper hands just like Lord Vishnu. Her lower right hand is in ‘abhaya posture’ coneying blessings while the lower left hand is placed on her thigh - again very similar to what you see in Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the Chola kings including the Great Rajaraja Chola were staunch devotees of Durga Devi.

The best thing about this temple is it's size and serenity. My wife and I enjoy praying here because:

• We were never ever jostled by crowds nor shown the exit quickly as it happens in most well-known big temples.
• We could sit silently, pray as much and as long we wish and none will ever disturb us.
• We never had to stand in line to buy archana tickets.
• Our ancestors worshipped here; so there is a deep sentimental attachment.
• Above all, the VishnuDurga deity seems to have simply captured our hearts.

Where else can we enjoy such heavenly bliss?

What are you waiting for? You too can receive VishnuDurga's blessings in abundance. Go ahead and make a trip to Maharajapuram and pray sincerely at the VishnuDurga temple. You will find a remarkable change in your life.

You can reach Sri. R. Krishnaswamy, trustee of the temple at 04364-232342 for more information.