Exploring the 108 Divya Desams: A Journey Through Sacred Vaishnava Temples

Introduction

Pilgrimages, known as Tirth Yatras, hold a significant place in Hinduism. For followers of Sanathana Dharma, these journeys to sacred sites are an important ritual. Devotees deeply cherish these holy places, aspiring to visit and worship the divine within. Each site is woven with mythological tales, adding to its sanctity.

The Essence of Darsan

Temple visits often center around the concept of “Darsan,” the act of beholding the deity. In Hindu worship, the ultimate experience is standing before the divine image, seeking the reciprocal exchange of gazes and blessings.

Divya Desams: The 108 Holy Abodes

Among the numerous pilgrimage sites, 108 “Kshetrams,” known as Divya Desams, are especially revered by Sri Vaishnavas. This guide offers essential information for pilgrims, compiled from respected sources and scriptures by Sri Vedantha Desikar and Manavala Mahamuni.

Acknowledgments

The author expresses gratitude to the HR & CE Department of Tamilnadu, the Archaeological Survey of India (Southern Circle), scholars, and temple priests for their assistance in gathering information. Appreciation is also extended to the works of various scholars and the devotees who shared images of the deities.

A Glimpse into Divya Desams

Divya Desams are shrines where the Azhwars, revered saints believed to be incarnations of Sriman Narayanan, sang devotional hymns called “Mangalaasaasanam”. Of the 108 Divya Desams, 105 are located in India, 1 is in Nepal, and 2 are in the celestial realms – Parama Padam and Thiruppaarkadal. The deities in these temples are depicted in three primary postures:

• Kidantha Thirukkolam (Sleeping posture) in 27 Divyadesams

• Veetrirundha Thirukkolam (Sitting posture) in 21 Divyadesams

• Nindra Thirukkolam (Standing posture) in 60 Divyadesams

This guide provides key details about each Divya Desam, including location, presiding deity, Sthala Purana (temple history), Azhwar’s hymns, historical facts, and major festivals.

Temple Patronage and Present Needs

Historically, kings and local rulers supported these temples with funds and jewelry. Sadly, some temples face neglect and financial difficulties, relying on donations from philanthropists, pilgrims, and devotees. Vaishnava and religious groups are stepping in to support daily rituals. Contributions of any kind are welcome.

The Azhwars and the Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam

Nityasuris, those who dwell eternally with Lord Vishnu in His heavenly abode, incarnated as the twelve Azhwars (Vaishnavite saints) to spread devotion to Lord Vishnu.

• Poigai Azhwar

• Bhoothath Azhwar

• Pei Azhwar

• Tirumazhisai Azhwar

• Tirumangai Azhwar

• Tondaradipodi Azhwar

• Tiruppan Azhwar

• Kulasekhara Azhwar

• Periyaazhwar

• Sri Andaal

• Nammaazhwar

• Madhurakavi Azhwar

The Azhwars’ divine hymns, known as Nalayira Divya Prabandham, are a collection of Tamil verses praising the deities of the 108 Divya Desams. These verses, in simple Tamil, explain the essence of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Vyasa’s Brahmasutras. Nathamuni, a 10th-century scholar-saint, compiled this bhakti treasure, a source of pride for Tamil classical literature.

Classification of Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam

The Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam is categorized into:

• Mudal Aayiram (First Thousand): Contains 947 songs, including works by Periyaazhwar, Andal, Kulasekhara Azhwar, Tirumazhisai Azhwar, and others.

• Periya Thirumozhi (Greater Hymns): Features 1134 songs by Thirumangai Azhwar.

• ThiruvaaiMozhi (Divine Hymns): Comprises 1102 songs by Nammazhwar, written down by Madhurakavi Azhwar.

• Iyerpaa: The final section, including works by Poigai Azhwar, Bhootath Azhwar, Pey Azhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Nammazhwar, and ThirumangaiAzhwar.

The last piece in the collection is Ramanuja Nootranthaathi (108 songs) of Amudhanar, added later.

Vaishnava Agamas

Agamas are texts derived from the Vedas, providing detailed guidance on various aspects of worship. They cover the forms of God, temple and home worship, fire sacrifices, and related practices. Sri Vaishnavas recognize two Agamas as authoritative and consistent with the Vedas: Pancharatra Agama and Vaikhanasa Agama. Pancharatra Agama is the primary source of authority for Sri Vaishnavas, believed to be revealed by Lord Vishnu Himself.

The Pancharatra Teachings

The Pancharatra Agama narrates the story of how Lord Vishnu restored the Vedas after they were seized by the Asura Madhukaitaba. Lord Vishnu, in the Matsyavathara (fish incarnation), retrieved the Vedas and taught the methods of worship over five nights, hence the name “Pancharatra” (work of the five nights).

Vaikhanasa Samhitas

Similar to Pancharatra Samhitas, the Vaikhanasa Samhitas outline temple worship procedures. These teachings were passed down from Sage Vikasana to his descendants. The primary difference between the two Agamas lies in the mantras chanted during worship.

Worship Protocols and the Term “Perumal”

While most Divya Desams in Tamil Nadu follow the Vaishnava Agamic tradition (Pancharatra or Vaikhanasa), the Kerala Tantram is observed in the Divyadesams of Malainadu. Worship practices at Badrinath were established by Adi Sankaracharya.

The Tamil word “Perumal” is used by Vaishnavas to refer to both the Supreme Divinity and the temple idol. It combines “Perum” (the great, supreme) and “al” (personality). The Sanskrit equivalent is “Purushottama.” The sandals of Perumal are called “Sathaari,” and are placed reverentially on the heads of devotees.

The Vadakalai and Tenkalai Divisions

Within the Srivaishnava school, two branches of thought emerged between the time of Sri Ramanuja and Sri Vedanta Desika: Vadakalai (Northern) and Tenkalai (Southern). This division isn’t geographical but possibly reflects the greater importance given by Vadakalai to the Sanskrit Vedas and by Tenkalai to the Tamil Divya Prabandams. In practice, both streams are integrated in temple worship and daily life.

Swami Sri Vedanta Desika is considered a representative of the Vadakalai sect, though his works span both Sanskrit and Tamil, leading some to call his followers “Ubhaya Kalai” (both Kalais). After Ramanuja, some teachers emphasized the Vedas, while others favored the Tamil Prabandhanas, leading to philosophical differences and the split into Vadakalai and Tenkalai.

Divya Kshetrams: A Regional Guide

For the convenience of devotees, the Divya Kshetrams are organized into regional groups:

1. Chola Naattu Tirupathigal (40)

2. Nadu Naattu Tirupathigal (2)

3. Thondai Naattu Tirupathigal (22)

4. Vada Naattu Tirupathigal (11)

5. Malai Naattu Tirupathigal (13)

6. Pandiya Naattu Tirupathigal (18)

7. Vaikuntam (2)