Thiruvanvandoor Paambanayappan Temple - Pancha Pandava Kshetram Worshipped By Sahadevan - The History
The Legend of Naradheeya Puranam ‐ Once there was a dispute between Lord Bramma
Devar and Naradha Mahirishi and in turn Naradhar was cursed by Bramma Devar, to
wander all over the world and at the same time not able to get settled in any place.
Finally Naradha Mahirishi came down here to Thiruvanvandoor and underwent a
severe penance towards Paranthaman. He got blessed with HIS Prathyaksham as Lord
Maha Vishnu. He also got the boon to stay back and being the one to disperse and
spread “The Faithful Wisdom” in the universe. By granting the holy dharshan,
delighted Mahirishi compiled 25,000 Granthas which elucidate various methods of
worshipping Sreeman Narayanan. This compilation is known as Naradheeya Puranam –
An Extensive Compilation. Kalinga Nardhanar with Dasavatharam portrait on the pillars
in western entrance is the mesmerizing one and a must to worship here in this temple.
One among the Pancha Pandava Kshetram – Built By Nakulan ‐ The temple was built by
Nakulan ‐ The Younger Brother among the Pandavas. Hence it is also worshipped as
Nakula Kshetram. Nammalwar praising the Almighty here as the one Who has a Dark
Face with Reddish Lips, Lotus Eyes and Feet with His Conch and Discus as His
identification marks. While digging the land here, statues of Lord Maha Vishnu were
found. They were all brought back here and installed inside the temple with new sub
shrines. Birugu Muni installed the Idols of Perumal and Gopalakrishnan here. Once
Margandeya Mahirishi underwent a penance here. Pleased Paranthaman allowed the
Mahirishi to enter into His Body to experience All The Mayas of Sreeman Narayanan. The Idol of Gopalakrishnan – The temple had a celebrated time during the ruling
period of Kulasekara Azhwar. After his period, a nearby king had an idea to steal away
the Idoal of Gopalakrishnan from here. By knowing this, an adherent devotee drowned
himself with the idol in the temple tank. Later the temple was renovated in a grand
manner during the period of Sree Mulam Thirunaal from 1885 and 1924. Later in 1963,
a devotee had a dream that the Idol of Gopalakrishnan was lying in the temple tank. At last, the statue of Gopalakrishnan was taken back and installed. |