Kshetras and Legends

Advaita Corridor: Part 1-Sringeri

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026Ensures3 Comments

This is the 1st part of the series. This has details of the Sringeri Shri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Samsthanam Dakshinamnya Sharada Peetham

What a weekend it turned out to be for me and family. We planned to drop in all these three seats of Supreme Knowledge in and around Sringeri enroute to Kumbashi. Flowing through the heart of Karnataka, the Tunga River does more than just nourish the land; it anchors a powerful spiritual corridor. From the foundational seat of Sringeri to the ancient serenity of Hariharapura and the deep-rooted traditions of Shakatapuram, these three Mathas form a golden triangle of Advaita Vedanta. Bound by a shared devotion to Goddess Sharada and the teachings of Adi Shankara, they stand as timeless guardians of India’s Vedic wisdom. Sharing my experience and some information that I gathered over the years in 3 part article, one dedicated for each of the Mathas.

You can read the 2nd part – by clicking the link below Advaita Corridor: Part 2-Hariharapura which has details of Sri Adishankaracharya Sharada Lakminarasimha Peetam. Click on the link below (Opens in new page)

Advaita Corridor: Part 2-Hariharapura

You can read the 3rd part – by clicking the link below Advaita Corridor: Part 3-Shakatapuram which has details of Sri Jagadguru Badari Shankaracharya Samsthanam. Click on the link below (Opens in new page)

Advaita Corridor: Part 3-Shakatapuram

Sringeri

Our first stop was in Sringeri, renowned for Shri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Samsthanam Dakshinamnya Sharada Peetham established by Adi Shankara, the first of the four Amnaya Peethams at Sringeri more than twelve centuries ago to nurture the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma. Sage Rishyashringa who stayed and performed Tapas here adding to the elevated experience of a discerning devotee.

**Snake Fanning its Hood as Umbrella to a Pregnant Frog – Kappe Shankara**

Sringeri attracted Adi Shankara with a remarkable sight on the banks of River Tunga. Natural adversaries in perfect harmony – A cobra holding out its hood over a frog in labour pains, to protect it from the scorching mid-day sun. Adi Shankara invoked Goddess of Learning, Knowledge and Arts, Shri Sharada and performed the Sthapana (installation and consecration) and founded the first of the four Amnaya Peetham. which was known as the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham. Pictures captures over the years

A scholar in Sringeri during our previous visit explained the glorious history of Shri Sharada, the presiding deity of Sringeri. It began with the setting up of the Dakshinamnaya Peetham by Adi Shankara, who installed a simple Murti of Sharada made of sandalwood, installed over the Sri Chakra that he carved on a rock. It was Shri Bharati Krishna Titha & Sri Vidyaranya who built the current one in the Kerala style, with timber and tiled roof. Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha then made the present golden idol and replaced the sandalwood idol.

Adi Shankara appointed one of His 4 disciples, Sri Sureshwaracharya as the first Acharya of the Peetham. Since then, this Peetham has been blessed with an unbroken Guru Parampara, a garland of spiritual masters and Jivanmuktas representing Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narisimha Bharati built the present structure in granite with polished granite walling round the sanctum and Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati consecrated the new temple in May 1916. Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha made several improvements in the temple. The Mahamandapam has huge stone pillars exquisitely carved with deities like Durga, Raja Rajeshwari, Dwarapalakas and Devis which are all sculpted according to the Shilpa Sastras.

What is in it for a Jigyasu?

There’s a specific kind of silence you only find at Sringeri. It’s in the way the Tunga flows past the Vidyashankara Temple, and the way the sun hits those Rashi stambhas, a marvel how the morning sun hits the specific pillar corresponding to the current Hindu month. The subtle transition from Hoysala-style intricate carvings of Shri Vidyashankara Temple to the Kerala style architectural elegance of the Sharadamba temple, feels like walking through a living timeline of Indian craftsmanship.

Sringeri is more than just a destination; it’s a pause button for the soul. The experience at the Sri Sharada Peetham is a contrast between the ancient stone and the flowing river.

Remember that walking through the Mutt isn’t about sightseeing; it’s about shedding weight. Between the ancient stone carvings and the rhythmic Vedic chants, the mental noise just… stops. We began visiting Sringeri for the architectural marvel it was (since late 1980s), but stayed for that lightness of being. Simple, sacred, and deeply grounding.

What do we talk about the spiritual vibe at Sringeri. The constant flow of the river mixed with the rhythmic chanting of the Veda Pathshala students creates a natural meditative state in loop. During one of our visits, we had the fortune of witnessing Teppotsava and Deepotsava (festival of lamps) where the golden glow reflects off the dark stone—it’s hushed, respectful, and deeply grounded.

**Discovery of Ancient Copper Plates with Inscription**: **Nov 15th 2024**

This Bhakta while bathing near hanging bridge found in what looks really old Tamra Patra in the River Tunga. Recognisable scripts were Halegannada, Devanagari and some others. He met some experts from Samsthana and was scheduled to meet Mahasannidhanam late in the evening. What we got to know is that there could be 11 more of such sets. After Mahasannidhanam’s darshana, he handed it over to Matha for its Library and Research

Pictures from our latest Pilgrimage (24th January 2026)

**This Mahadwara never ceases to Amaze me**

**Intricate Sculpting and Details No Modern Engineering can match**

What I found most hard part to capture in words is the mental quiet, a feeling of internal noise finally cutting out. Not to miss out on Anna Prasada . There is something incredibly humbling and elevating about sitting in a row with hundreds of others, eating a simple, soul-filling meal in silence.

You don’t leave Sringeri with tourist energy but with a sense of designed calm, the weight of the stone architecture somehow makes your spirit feel lighter.

Aum Shri Gurubhyo Namaha

Thiruparappu Mahadevar: The Riverside Abode of Serenity

December 29, 2025December 30, 2025EnsuresLeave a comment

Nestled on the rocky banks of the Kodayar River in Kanyakumari, the Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple is where divine silence meets the roar of cascading waters. Known as the Shri Jatadharan Temple, it is a vital pillar of the Shivalaya Ottam—the ritualistic 110km marathon pilgrimage where devotees run barefoot to twelve Shiva temples in the district of Kanyakumari on the day of Shivaratri. Located at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kalkulam taluk, Thiruparappu is more than just a destination; it is a “pavilion of beauty and sacredness.” Formerly known as Srivisalam, its name is a literal translation of grace: Sri (Thiru) and Visalam (Parappu).

**This Entrance on the Main Road is Closed**

A Legacy Carved in Stone

While the temple bears the unmistakable mark of Raja Raja Chola, 9th-century Pandya inscriptions prove the site was a spiritual powerhouse long before the Cholas arrived. Centuries ago, the region was known as Sree Vilasapuram. It wasn’t just a local shrine; it was a destination for the elite and the enlightened. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have graced its halls, and King Sree Vishakham Thirunal of Travancore was a frequent patron. The Thirupparappu Mahadevar Temple is most important and third among the twelve Sivalayams. Thirupparappu is a small village near Thiruvattar in the Kalkulam taluk. It is at the foot of the Western Ghats. As indicated earlier, the place Thirupparappu was formally known as Srivisalam. The word “Thirupparappu” denotes a pavilion of beauty and sacredness. An inscription belonging to the Ay ruler Kokkarunandadakkan is found in this temple. The panoramic view of the shrine with green hills and a perennial river Kodayar running in front of the shrine is really fascinating and attractive. The sparking waterfalls on the south-western side of the temple is a rich feast for the eyes. Thus the pavilion presents a peerless picture of scenic beauty and enchantment. Formally this place was famous for training elephants

**Mist from this Waterfall Cools Jwara Deva**

**Wet almost round the year – Jwara Deva Requirement**

The Legend: Quelling the Cosmic Rage

The Sthala Puranam connects this earth to the aftermath of Daksha’s Yagna. After Sati jumps into the fire unable to bear the insult to Her beloved Bhagwan Shiva, Shiva in His furious form of Veerabhadra begins terrible destruction starting from the Yagna Shala, the universe began suffering the aftermaths and the even compassionate Bhagwan then descends to Bhooloka to alleviate the suffering and to temper down His fury.

The Cooling Meditation: To protect the world from his lingering heat and anger, Bhagwan Shiva descended to the lush, spray-misted banks of Thirparappu.

The Jwara Deva: He is worshipped here as Jwara Deva (the Lord of Fever/Heat). Legend says the cool mist from the nearby waterfalls served as a natural balm to soothe the deity’s fiery temperament.

**Author-Majestic Kodayar River in the background flowing towards Thiruparappu Waterfalls**

Architectural Specialty

The temple’s Kerala-style aesthetics—sloping roofs and heavy woodwork—hide three fascinating structural “anomalies” that pique the interest of scholars. The history of Thiruparappu is etched into its very walls. The temple houses a significant inscription belonging to the Ay ruler Kokkarunandadakkan. This historical record links the shrine to a powerful dynasty that once ruled the southern tip of India, marking the village as a site of long-standing political and religious importance.

The Westward Gaze: Most Shiva temples face the rising sun. Here, Mahadevar faces West, looking out toward the river, symbolizing a protective stance over the valley.

The temple offers a panoramic view that feels like a painting come to life. A typical venerable object and an artist’s delight

The Backdrop: Mist-covered peaks of the Western Ghats. The River: Perennial Kodayar River flows gracefully in front of the shrine, providing a sense of constant renewal. Falls: To the south-west, the sparkling waterfalls serve as a “rich feast for the eyes,” blending the roar of water with the chant of prayers.

The North-Facing Nandi: Breaking the standard alignment, the Nandi bull faces North, an extremely rare positioning said to enhance the flow of tantric energy, and located in a separate chamber, built in the thirumuttam on the northern side of the mukhamandapam. It is also believed that unable to look into the eyes of Bhagwan Shiva in His furious forms, Nandi turns away and faces the North instead of West Facing Shiva (which in itself is a rarity)

The Circular Sanctum: The Sri Kovil (sanctum) is a masterpiece of stone, housing the Shiva Jwara Lingam. Look up at the Vimana to find exquisite carvings of Krishna and Murugan, blending Shaivite and Vaishnavite artistry.

Rituals & Experience

Shivalaya Ottam: During Maha Shivratri, thousands of “Ottakkars” (runners) arrive at Thirparappu, chanting “Govinda! Gopala!” This is the third temple on their gruelling journey, a place to find a moment of peace before continuing their run. A dip in the Kodayar river (or the falls) is considered a prerequisite for Darshan, believed to wash away physical ailments and mental unrest.

Timings : 5:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Dress Code Men: Dhoti/Mundu (Chest bare or with Angavastram). Women: Saree, Pavadai or Half-saree. (No jeans or western wear allowed). Best time to visit is December to February for pleasant weather; Shivratri for the cultural spectacle. It is about ~60 km from Kanyakumari; ~55 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Beyond its spiritual and scenic fame, Thiruparappu holds a unique place in local history as a training ground for elephants. In earlier times, the lush terrain and abundant water made it the ideal location for taming and training these majestic creatures, adding a layer of rugged heritage to its sacred profile.

Thiruparappu thus is one of the few places where history, heritage, and natural beauty converge perfectly.

Other Upadevalayas

**Shri Krishna Temple** – **Bhagwan Krishna has Butter Ball in Both his Hands Here**

**Ever Grateful to my Colleague Shri Sudheesh Thampi for making this Pilgrimage happen**

🙏OM NAMAH SHIVAYA🙏

Thiruvattar Shri Adi Keshava Perumal Temple : A Temple that Shaped a Kingdom.

November 10, 2025November 10, 2025EnsuresLeave a comment

On one of my trips to Thiruvananthapuram, my colleague Shri Sudheesh Thampi after the official duties and some temples already covered in Thiruvananthapuram city, suggested we drive down to some unique temples across the Kerala border. He was so sure that I would thank him later, and Boy! what a pilgrimage it turned out to be. It was peak monsoon in Kerala and non-stop rain added to the fervour (and flavour). First stop was, 3rd of the Shivalaya Sivalaya Ottam – Thirparappu Arulmigu Mahadevar Temple (Shri Jatadharan) in Kulashekaram town (compiling the research and will be my next article)

**Thirparappu Shri Mahadevar Temple (Shri Jatadharan)**
**More details in my future Article**

This Maxi-post is about the next one that we visited and that which left me awestruck and the spirtual hangover lasted for a few days after my return – Thiruvattaru Shri Adi Keshava Perumal Temple.

The Shri Adikesava Perumal Temple is a highly venerated Hindu shrine situated in Thiruvattar in the Kalkulam Taluk of the Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. It holds the distinction of being one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu.

The temple is uniquely situated, surrounded by three rivers: the Kothai (or Kotha), the Pahrali (or Parali), and the Thamirabarani. The name Thiruvattar is derived from the curved flow (vattaru) of the Paraliyar river around the temple, and the region was historically known as ‘Valaneer Vattaru’ by the poet Malkudi Kilar in the ancient anthology Purananuru. There is another school of thought on the origin of the name that says three rivers named earlier encircle this temples as recorded in Nammalvar’s 11 pasurams in praise of Adi Kesava Swamy in the 6th Thiruvai mozhi. By sheer luck and blessings we had the fortune of listening to these pasurams from Scholar from Srirangam Thiru Varadan Mama. We have recorded his entire talk in Tamizh, recorded by yours truly (Pardon the quality of recording).

Nammalvar’s 11 pasurams in praise of Adi Kesava Swamy in the 6th Thiruvai mozhi
An Exposition by Srirangam Thiru Varadan Mama

Antiquity, Nomenclature, and Architectural Style

The temple is known by ancient names such as Adi Ananthapuram and Dakshina Vaikundam. It is also historically referred to as the ‘Srirangam of the Chera Kingdom’. While its exact founding date is uncertain, Tamil hymns suggest its antiquity dates back to the 7th or 8th centuries C.E., with some accounts placing the inner sanctum construction over 4,000 years ago.

AS can be seen in the above Photograph, the temple showcases a blend of Dravidian and authentic Kerala-style architecture, closely resembling the Shri Ananta Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The Thiruvattar temple is considered older and is said to have served as the model for the Thiruvananthapuram temple. Significantly, the presiding deity of Adikesava is revered as the Elder Brother of Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy, and their idols are placed facing each other (Adi Kesava facing west and Padmanabhaswamy facing east).

The Deity and Architectural Features

The presiding deity, Bhagwan Vishnu in the form of Adi Kesava Perumal (also known as Adi Ananthapadmanbhan), is in the Yoga Nidra Postures – the Bhujaga Shayana (reclining posture) on Adi Sesha. The Moorti measures 22 feet in length and is made of Kadu Sarkara Yogam, a mixture of mustard, jaggery, and lime powder is bigger than Shri Anantha Padmanabha Swami. He is seen with his consort Ambal Maragathavalli Nachiar. A unique feature is that Bhagwan’s form must be viewed through three separate Dwarams (Openings). A Shiva linga is also situated near Bhagwan inside the garbha gudi (santucm sanctorum), and the unusually Deity’s feet point north while his head points south (speciality of this temple). This direction is in exact opposite direction of how Shri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy reclines. It is said that the latter lied in this direction to see his elder brother, Adi Keshava. The temple is surrounded by a thirty-feet-high fort wall.

Key architectural marvels include:

Ottakkal Mandapam (Single-Stone Hall): A hall built from a single stone slab, approximately 18 feet wide and 3 feet thick/high, installed by King Veera Ravi Varma Kulasekhara in 1603 CE
It is built in such a manner that the sun’s rays fall directly on the deity on the 3rd and 9th day of Puratasi and Panguni. During Painguni utsavam, Lord’s utsava-murti comes on a golden Garuda and have a dip in the river thus enacting the incident of purifying hitherto sinful rivers, Kothai and Parali.
Nalambalam: The circumambulatory passage features 224 ornately carved granite pillars.
Udaya Marthanda Mandapam: This hall in front of the sanctum is decorated with exquisite wooden carvings, notably depicting the marriage procession of Bhagwan Ganesha.
Inscriptions: Close to 50 inscriptions in Tamil and Sanskrit (Vattezhuthu and Nagari) are found, including those related to Kulothunga Chola I and Chera royalty. One of the inscription also includes a mentions that temple was established in Treta Yuga.

Purana and Legends

Brahma performed a yajna without Maa Saraswati and as a result of Saraswati’s anger, brother sister sibling asuras Kesan and Kesi emerged out of agni of the Yagna. The devas approached Bhagwan Vishnu and pleaded with Him to free them from this torment. Bhagan Vishnu in the form of Adi Kesava fought with Kesan. Lord threw Kesan who fell on top of Mahendragiri and Bhagwan blew His Shankha (Conch). Adi Sesha, the serpent King wound himself around Kesan thus disabling the asura to move after which Bhagwan Vishnu laid himself on Adi Sesha thus putting His weight on the asura. When the asura tried to free himself from Adi Sesha’s coils, Bhagwan made 12 Siva-lingams to stand as guard all around the asura and Him. These Shivalingams are in Thirumala, Thikkurussi, Thrupparappu, Thirunandhikkara, Ponmana, Pannippakam, Kalkkulam, Melankodu, Thiruvidaikkodu, Thiruvithamkode, Thiruppanrikkode and Thirunattalam. After Kesan was defeated, Kesi and her friend Kothai took the form of rivers to encircle and submerge Bhagwan. Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) saved the deity by raising the temple terrain, which is why the shrine is situated at a height of about 55 feet from the ground level. Bhagwan Adi Kesava then purified the two rivers by taking a sacred dip. The sages Parashurama and Vashista are also said to have performed penance at this holy site.

A miraculous event occurred in the late 17th century when a Mughal Sardar’s forces invaded. The local Raja Kerala Varma prayed to Adi Kesava, singing the Paada Sankeerthanam. A swarm of wasps rushed out of the temple, attacking the army, and killing the Sardar, leading to a decisive victory for Kerala Varma.

Historical and Devotional Significance

The temple was once a part of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. The Travancore Royal Family held the temple in high esteem:

Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 CE): The first ruler of Travancore, alongside his minister Ramayyan Dalawa, gave high importance to the temple. Before the Battle of Colachel (1741), the Maharaja prayed here, dedicating his sword to the deity.
Thiru Allah Pooja: In 1740, the Nawab of Arcot’s forces looted the golden Utsava-murti. Upon the subsequent illness of the Nawab’s wife, a dream instructed the priest to return the idol. After its restoration and the wife’s recovery, the Nawab endowed an annual 21-day ritual called the Thiru Allah Pooja, which is performed even today. During the Seeveli (evening ceremonial procession of the deity, the abharanas donated by Nawab is used as alankara for the deity.
Alwar saint Nammalwar: Glorified the temple through 11 pasurams in 6th Thiruvai mozhi.
Maharishi Vedvyasa: mentions this temple and Adikeshava in Padma Purana written 2500 years ago
Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sect, visited in 1510 A.D. and discovered the 5th chapter of the Brahma-samhita within the temple premises, which he subsequently transcribed. In the temple there is a spot, the very place that Shri Chaitanya was seated for transcribing Brahma-samhita.

Rituals and Festivals

The temple’s rituals and practices follow the Kerala-style (Taantrika Vidhi). Many ceremonies are required to be performed here before they are conducted at the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thirvananthapuram.

Major festivals, which often coincide with those in Thiruvananthapuram, include:

Vaikunda Ekadasi (Swarga Vathil Ekadasi).
The 12-day festival in the month of Thai (Perunthamirthu, Kalapa Poojai).
The 10-day Painguni Utsavam, during which the processional idol is taken on a golden Garuda for a ritualistic bath in the river, re-enacting the forgiveness of the rivers.

Prasadam

Offerings at the temple include Paal Payasam (Milk Kheer), Aval, and Appam.

Dress Code:

Devotees must adhere to a strict dress code: men must wear a dhoti or pyjama with an upper cloth, or formal pants and shirts; women must wear a sari or a half sari or churidhar with an upper cloth.

Directions to Reach

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mrsU1NCMfP2Qh17m9

Contact
+91 9442577047

Some Pictures that we clicked wherever it was allowed: