Bakthapuri ~ Paranur
Paranur - An Introduction
'Bharath' is a blessed and sacred country. The Hills of Bharath the Himalayas, the Vindya, the Meru and the Arunachala are Sacred. The Rivers of Bharath Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Kaveri, Godavari and Thamiraparani are Sacred. Places in Bharath like Ayodhya, Kasi, Dwaraka, Mathura, Brindavan, Srirangam, Thirupathi are Sacred. Our Tress are Sacred, our Cows are Sacred, our Ponds are Sacred and the list is endless. We see divinity in each and every part of this Bharath. The four Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharath, Bagavatham, Sivapuranam, SkandhaPuranam all these texts are from Bharath. Bharath has given the world the greatest Spiritual leaders Vyaasa, Valmiki, Naradha, Suka, Adhi Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhvacharya. Each of the list above is grossly incomplete for it is out of our scope to complete it. Everything spiritual is abundant in Bharath.
There are thousands of Shiva and Vishnu temples in Bharath.
Great spiritual leaders have built these temples, have visited these temples and
sung songs on the deities. Millions of songs have been composed in
Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and other Indian languages. The Azhvargal of TamilNadu have sung nearly four thousand songs on Sri Vishnu. The
Nayanmargal have sung thousands of songs on Lord Shiva. The deities and temples
that Azhvargal have sung about are called as Divya Desams. There are about 108
Divya desams. There are also some places like Pandaripur, Guruvayoor, Mannarkudi
etc which do not come under Divya desam but are equally important. One of such
places, a small village in interior rural Bharath, known only to a limited
number of fortunate people, the holiest of holy places, where the river of love
flows, the mountain of prema exists, ruled by the lord of the whole Universe Sri
Baktha Kolahalan, is Bakthapuri
or Paranur.
Let us now go to Paraur, have the darshan of Sri Radhika Ramana Baktha Kolahalan, immerse ourselves in his overwhelming love, sing his name and dance in front of him and fall at the feet of our Premika Gurunathan and be blessed for ever.
Paranur - Geographical Location
The southernmost state of India is Tamilnadu. On the National Highway connecting Tamilnadu's Capital Chennai and Kanyakumari is the Town of Vilupuram. Paranur is a small village that lies thirty kilometers to the west of Vilupuram. On the Main Road connecting Vilupuram to the Temple town Thirukovilloor is a village called Mugaiyoor. A kilometer after Mugaiyoor the road takes a steep right turn. At this point there is a small mud road to the left with a railway Gate. Crossing the Railway gate one can easily reach Paranur which is 3 kms from there. The villagers en-route are friendly and one can enquire the road to Paranur.
Thirukoviloor one of the 108 Divya Desams is famous for its temples and it can be reached from Thiruvannamalai . From Thirukoviloor if we cross the Bridge across the river Vena ( a river flowing along Thirukoviloor and Paranur ) there is a road immediately in the right. That road also leads us to Paranur which is 10 kms away.
Paranur is connected well by busses from Vilupuram and Thirukoviloor. The Timings can be seen here. Some devotees also get down at Mugaiyoor and take a walk to Paranur. Do it if you are a group and only in Daylight. A walk through the green fields singing the name of Kolahalan and Gurunathal can be an exciting experience. There are no Street lamps enroute so walking after dark is not safe. One can also catch a Passenger Train from Vilupuram bound to Katpadi and get down at Mugaiyoor. The Train Timings are given here.
There is an Air-route to Paranur, if you are a Bird you can fly straight to Kolahalan's Temple !!
Paranur - The Greatness
It is in this Paranur that Sri.Baktha Kolahalan stays Permanently and blesses his devotees. SriSri Anna in his Baktha Kolahala Sthothram says
ve{aatqe kmip dezmnNtlIlae inidRZy tÇ -vn< prmaÑut< c ,
-−E ryaictxnErip karyn‰ yae vas< kraeit k«pya ritrSt tiSmn‰
" In the Banks of River Vena, with the earnest devotion of Poor devotees
who do not collect money, the One who blessed them by ordering them
to build a amazing and beautiful temple for himself and stays there ever,
I Pray that BakthaKolahalan to give me Devotion "
He also says in another Sloka "Lord BakthaKolahalan on his own desire left his Vaikundam or Paramapadam and lives in this Paramapuram or Paranur. He also says "Blessed are those who have come to Know Sri BakthaKolahalan and unlucky are those who are in search of other Gods.
What is the reason for SriSriAnna to Stress this much about Paranur. It is because whatever things that this place is associated with is filled with love and remind of Krishna as we see below. These inscriptions are found in a stone slab in BakthaKolahalan Temple.
Kshethram - The Area - Krishnaranya Kshethram
Puri - The Holy Place - Baktha Puri
Malai - Mountain - Premachalam
Sthalavruksham - Holy Plant - Thulasi
Theertham - Sacred water - Padma Saras
Vimanam - Temple roof - Govardhana Vimanam
Thayaar - Goddess - Sri Radha Devi
Perumal - God - Sri Muralidharan (BakthaKolahalan)
Prathyaksham - Has given Darshan - Sri Brugu Munivar (Vasudeva Brahmam)
(Sung upon by SriSriKrishnaPremi Swamigal)
Sri BakthaKolahalan in his Poorva Avatar as Sri Krishna lived in Brindavan Barely for 10 years. He regretted not being able to come back to Brindavan for the rest of his life. In this avatar as Sri. Baktha Kolahalan he decided to come to Paranur and play for ever as in Brindavan. So he brought river Yamuna in the form of river Vena, he brought Govardhan in the form of Premachala and he resides amidst simple Cowherds and Bagavathas and Gopis pouring his love for ever and ever and ever.
The greatness of Paranur though impossible to Convey in words can be immediately realized by anyone who has had a single Darshan of Sri Radhika Ramana BakthaKolahalan.
Paranur - The People
SriSriAnna in his BakthaKolahala Sthothram Says about the people of Paranur. "The people of Bakthapuri and the people who visit Bakthapuri, being recipients of Sri Baktha Kolahalan's Grace, Dance down the streets forgetting themselves, sing joyfully and say " Radhe Krishna " to one another. All along the streets groups of small girls could be seen and their songs on Krishna could be heard. These girls pick flowers from the garden and make garlands and give it lovingly for Kolahalan. The farmers who work in their fields do their work always thinking of Kolahalan.
Paranur - Sri BakthaKolahalan Temple
The Heart of Paranur is the BakthaKolahalan temple. The greatness of Paranur is the greatness of Kolahalan. Keeping in mind that Once we visit Kolahalan's Temple and see him our mind will move Nowhere else, we will take a small walk around Paranur and finally come back to BakthaKolahalan temple. However if you are in a Hurry Click here are go straight to the temple.
Paranur - Sri Bakthapuriswarar Temple
Lord Shiva is considered as a great Bagavathar and he is a great lover of Sri Krishna. In Paranur he has his Temple right in the middle of the Main Street. He is here to see all the uthsavams of Sri BakthaKolahalan. He is also here to give Kolahala Bakthi to all those who come to Pray him. One has to accept he has located his temple at the right place. Lord shiva is called as Bakthapuriswarar and Goddess is called aptly as "Premambika". There are seperate Sannithi's for Swamy and Ambal. The Navagrahas are also found in the Praharam. There is a seperate sannithi for Sandigeswarar. There is also a beautifull garden around the temple. Lots of flowering plants are found and the flowers are used for the pooja.
Now we have some information about the Shiva temple which SriSriAnna told to a devotee.
" I entered Paranur as a 'Nadodi'. I used to wander in places like this when I was young, to do meditation. When I came to Paranur there were lot of leprosy patients and the village was under severe drought. I rendered lecture in a school for three days and every day people went back to their houses in heavy rain. Slowly they came out of their illness also.
I saw the 'Kailasanathar' under a tree and constructed a small temple for that Shivan. Though I call him as 'Bhaktha Puriswarar', the villagers know him only as Kailasanathar.
A stone inscription was found in Thiru Kovalur Veerattaneswarar temple, a few years back. There is some reference about Paranur in that inscription and I was told that the continuation of the above inscription is available in Paranur. Some authorities also came and asked me whether there is any inscription in Paranur. I said I do not know. Later on, some villagers told me that there is a stone inscription in one of the caves of the hill in Paranur. I was wondering since I was not aware of that inscription though I live in Paranur for nearly 40 years. I deputed some personnel to read the inscription. From these inscriptions, I understand that this place (Paranur) was a 'Chathur vethi mangalam' (where Brahmin scholars, who are well versed in all the four vedams dwell). The Vishnu temple and Kailasanathar temple were ruined by Arcot Nawab. Some Jains also were lived in the hill in Paranur, once upon a time.
If the branch of a tree is cut and if the root is alive, the tree will grow again. That is what is happening in Paranur. Once, it contained a big agraharam with scholars in Vedas. Now, there is a 'Patasala' in Paranur, where children are learning Vedas "
Paranur - Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple
The Vishnu temple is next to Sri BakthaKolahalan Temple. The name of Perumal is "Lakshmi Narayana Perumal". 'Sridevi' and 'Boodevi' are at his both sides. Perumal is also fondly called as 'Periyanna'. Sri Anjaneya Swamy is also inside the inner sannithi. The Urchavar looks very beautiful and pulls us with a smile'.
As soon as Paranur Perumal Temple comes to mind, we remember lots of events associated with the Temple and SriSriAnna. Let us see a few of them.
The Urchavar comes out for Purapadu in his Garuda Vahanam two days in a year. The first is during the Krishna Jeyanthi Brahmothsavam and the other during Vaikunta Ekadesi. During Vaikunta Ekadesi SriSriAnna decorates Perumal for Purappadu. The garlands keep pouring in from eager devotees. In no time SriSriAnna beautifully decorates Perumal with all the Garlands and it is a feast for One's eyes to See Perumal shining in SriSri's decoration. The local villagers lift the Garuda Vahanam with great happiness and Vigor. They feel very proud that Perumal has come out for their own sake and that they are lifting him. The Procession goes round the streets of Paranur amidst shouts of 'Govindha Govindha' and comes back to the Temple. The highlight of the day is the Chadari seva which is given to each and every one by SriSriAnna himself. He holds it on his right hand and presses it hard on each ones head smiling at them. Then his left hand touches the bottom of the Chadari. Whatever be the number of devotees he patiently follows the complete ritual.
The Vishnu Sahasranamam is chanted every evening in the Mandapam in front of the Perumal temple. All the devotees sit facing Perumal, while SriSriAnna sits facing the devotees on the thinnai of the Temple. With the melodious Sahasranama being chanted, the Sun having almost come down, SriSri Anna sitting facing us, it is a wonderful scene for any Premika Baktha. Let us pray Lakshmi Narayana Perumal for having given SriSri Anna. Whether guru gave Perumal or Perumal gave Guru, let the readers decide for themselves.
As both the Kolahalan temple and Vishnu temple are nearby at times we see that the Pooja takes place at the same time at both the temples. It is a great delight to see eager devotees running from here to there and back, not to miss the Deepaharathi of Perumal and to pray to him to give Kolahala Bakthi.
During Dvadasi, the next day of Ekadesi SriSriAnna goes for Unchavrithy. He starts before the Kolahalan temple and goes around the outer Praharam of the Perumal Temple. One could see devotees running Apradikshinam ( opposite to the proper Pradakshinam or clockwise) around the Perumal Temple so that they can catch the beautiful sight of SriSriAnna clad in his Unchavrithy Turban with the chipla in his hands. They usually catch him as he takes the first turn around the Perumal Temple corner and lo! it is a unforgettable sight.
The Kumbabishegam of the Perumal Temple took place in the year April-2003 and could be seen here.
Paranur - The Hill - 'Premachala'
The Govardhana Hill or Premachala is very near to Paranur village. One cannot easily miss it as it is in the road from Paranur to Mugaiyoor . The very shape of the hill is beautiful. Sri BakthaKolahalan goes to this hillock during Brahmothsavam. All the devotees go along with him. Walking through the fields along with Kolahalan takes us to the days when Krishna took all the Gokulavasis to Govardhan to save them from the heavy rains brought by Indira.
The Crowning of Kolahalan as the undisputed Emperor ruling the hearts of devotees takes place in the foothills of this hillock. The event is rightly called as 'Govindha Pattabishegam'. The 'AnnaKoodothsavam' or offering of rice also takes place. Devotees cook rice and pongal at the foothills and offer it to the Govardhana and Bakthakolahalan himself becomes the hill god and accepts their offering. The name 'Govindha' meaning 'the savior of those who surrendered to him' is also conferred to him there.
Sri Krishna tamed Indira while Kolahalan tames our Indriams (five senses) which spill the heavy rain of lust and anger on us. He in fact turns Our senses towards him ,Our head falls at his feet, Our forehead bears his 'Gopichandanam', our neck wears his thulasi maala, Our mouth starts singing his name, Our eyes are filled with tears of joy on seeing him, Our ears hear only his name, Our hands jump to the sky in delight, Our legs dance around him, Our tongue tastes the theertham he offers, Our nose smells the fragrance coming in his presence, Our skin is smeared by the dust of his dancing devotees, Our Stomach is filled by his Prasadam and Our heart is filled with his love. The Govindha pattabishegam of Sri Krishna is no match for the Govindha Pattabishegam of Sri Radhika Ramana Baktha Kolahalan !!!!
Paranur - The holy pond - 'Padmasaras'
This pond is very near to the Kolahalan temple. The water to this pond comes from the river "Vena" or "Then Pennai". The water from this pond is used for all the temple activities. During Ekadesi the water from this pond is used for Kolahalan's Abishegam by SriSriAnna. The water is also used to cook all the food for Kolahalan in his madapalli. The Sandal Paste for the daily pooja is ground only with this water. The villagers also draw water for their household purpose from this pond. On the final day of the Brahmothsavam called as 'Vidayathi' a small function called "Palligai karaithal' takes place. The seeds of various plants are sown in small pots on the first day of the Brahmothsavam. They grow into small sprouts. These pots are taken to the Padma Saras and dissolved in the water.
Paranur - The river - 'Vena'
The river Yamuna of Brindavan runs along Paranur by the name Vena or ThenPennai. A small walk will take us to the river. The sandy road near the river is surrounded by bushes and trees and the cool shade welcomes us. The water from this river is taken to the 'Padma Saras' and to the pond at the foothills of Premachala by small culverts. During Brahmothsavam the water from this River is taken for Sri BakthaKolahalan's Abishegam on the Krishna Jananothsavam day. On the Evening of the Rathothsavam Sri Baktha Kolahalan himself comes to the river for the function 'Theerthavaari' to take bath. All the devotees throng the place to take bath along with Kolahalan.
Just before we enter the river there is a small village by name 'KolahalaKuppam' or 'KakkaKuppam'. There simple villagers live and they have SriSriAnna and SriBakthaKolahalan as their two eyes. The love they have for SriSri is abundant. When SriSri crosses their Village during Theerthavari they welcome him with a big garland and a wonderful flower decoration. It is amazing to see their love for SriSriAnna.
The ThenPennai is none but Yamuna who is here to play with BakthaKolahalan, cuddle him with her gentle waves and caress him with her love.
Paranur - The flowering Garden - 'Nandavanam'
Sri Baktha Kolahalan is always clad in garlands of multicolored flowers and Thulasi. All these flowers and Thulasi are grown in the garden behind BakthaKolahalan Temple. This garden was grown by SriSriAnna himself. The garden filled with flowering plants is a feast to our eyes. There is a well inside the garden and it provides water for all the plants. The flowers are plucked daily and strung into beautiful garlands by Sri.Manni and other ladies. On the day of Ekadesi Abishegam the small colorful garland that Sri Baktha Kolahalan wears just after the Sandal Paste Abishegam is a heavenly sight, thanks to the flowers showered from this garden. The garden is maintained by Sri Gopal mama fondly called as Driver mama and a devotee Murugesan who is fondly called as Dadhipandan. (curd pot).
Paranur - The Gosaala
The Hindu Dharma considers the cow as a sacred animal of Worship. 'GoSamrakshana' or Protection of cows is a very important Dharma. SriSriAnna is very happy to have a GoSaala in Paranur. Aged cows which do not yield milk are generally brought to the 'GoSaala' and taken care with great love. They all become Kolahalan's Cows. The Maintenance of the 'GoSaala' is done by Persons exclusively appointed for it. Kolahalan begins his day with a Tumbler of milk from this 'GoSaala'. The cows are not tied and their movements are not restricted. They are all happily drinking water, grazing or freely moving about. SriSriAnna gets great delight in visiting the 'GoSaala'. He takes a bunch of bananas with him and gives to each of the cows. They instantly recognize him and respond to his love by licking his feet. Blessed are those cows. At times 'Gopooja' also takes place and one of the cows is brought in front of the Kolahalan temple and decorated with Sandal paste and KumKum. The cow is garlanded and a pooja is performed. The sight of 'Gopooja' gives immense peace of mind. When these cows go out for grazing and when they come back a lot of dust blow up and they happily cross Kolahalan temple. During 'Maadumeythal' day of Brahmothsavam SriSri takes all the cows to a nearby Grazing area and a colorful function takes place. Complete details can be seen in the "Brahmothsavam - MaaduMeythal' pages.
Paranur - The Paatasaala
A Veda Patasaala by Name "Sri Bodhendral
Paatasala" is being run in Paranur by SriSriAnna.
There are around ten
students and two teachers. The school is residential. The students get up at
4:30 in the morning, take bath and start their classes. The chanting of Sandai
and Thiruvai starts right from the morning. The students also do Bagavatha
Parayanam. Apart from Veda, Puranas,
and Kavyas the students are very much interested and are experts in singing Bajans
and Dancing in DivyaNaamams. The way they sing dance and rejoice during
DivyaNaamaSankeerthanam is a sight to behold. SriSriAnna's Sri Padugas are also
kept in the Paatasaala. The students themselves perform the pooja for the
Padugas. It is beyond words
to explain the special relationship that exists
between the students and SriSriAnna. He is more than a mother and father to
them. He frequently takes all of them into his room and teaches them. All poojas and Abishegams are accompanied by Vedic chanting by these students.
During each Dwadasi the next day of Ekadesi the boys perform the Samhitha Homam.
After each day's evening Pooja these boys Chant the Vishnu Sahasra Naama.
SriSriAnna conducts tests in Veda and encourages the students in their progress
by giving various Prizes.
Paranur - The Naama Sankeerthanam
'Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare'
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare'
This Naama can be heard throughout the day for 24 hours in Paranur. NaamaSankeerthanam is the life breath of this village. The continuous chanting of the Naama is done by the villagers. They have allotted time slots among themselves and they sing the Naama during their slot. After an hour they bang the time in the Temple Bell and the next Person starts the Naama. They also get together in the evening and sing some Bajans. It is a delight to watch them sing all bajans for Kolahalan. SriSriAnna also provides food and stay for devotees who volunteer for the Naama Sankeerthanam and a devotee Sri.Balaram has been appointed for that work. Kolahalan Wakes up, has his food, gives darshan to his devotees and goes to sleep only with the Naama Sankeerthanam constantly caressing his ears. The sound of the small Thaala that accompanies the Naama Sankeerthanam can be heard throughout the Day. Even before we enter Paranur this sound will welcome us lovingly.
Paranur - Sri Padugas of Sri Vasudeva Brahmam(Sri Thatha)
Just Opposite to Sri Kolahalalan Temple the
Padugas of Sri Vasudeva Brahmam have been installed. Fondly called
as Sri.Thatha Sri Vasudeva Brahmam was an Avathara Purusha. He is considered to
be the root of this Sathsangh. He is referred by our Gurunathal very frequently
as a person who lived with Bhagavath Anubhavam like Sri Nammazhvar. Now a Yathrigal by name Sadhu Baba lives in the
Brindavan. He is doing Bagavatha parayanam, Naama Japam and Sankeerthanam with
the Meditation of SriSriAnna and Kolahalan. He also
joins in the Namasankeerthan singing along with a Big Thaalam in his Hands. It is in
the Big shed in front of this place that the Namasankeerthan takes place. It
is also a apt place for enjoying all the uthsavams. The floor level is a bit
higher than Kolahalan temple and gives us a nice view to have Kolahalan Darshan
and the uthsavams. Devotees can also be seen gathered here to talk and rejoice
about all their experiences with SriSri and Kolahalan. Do remember to sit down
by the Padugas some time and hear the NamaSankeerthan going on
throughout.
To Paranur - Sri BakthaKolahalan Temple
