|
 Melkote
is sacred town in Karnataka which is the abode of Lord Thirunarayana
which I had dealt in my previous article.Vyramudi –diamond crown is
synonymous with this temple.
There is an interesting story about how the Vyramudi reached Melkote.
Prahalada's on Virochana stole the diamond crown from the Lord
Mahavishnu when he was .in deep slumber. Virochana then hid it in
the Nether world –Patala loka .As desired by the devotees Garuda,
Mahavishnu's mode of transport went to Patala loka and brought back
the crown.
He succeeded in his mission after a duel with
Virochana. While returning with the crown he was attracted towards
an ethereal Nadam wafting in the air. He looked down to view the
spectacular scene of lord Krishna playing the flute in
Brindavan.Garuda worshiped the lord and handed over the crown to
him. Krishna placed it on Cheluvaraya's head his family deity. It
suited the deity perfectly.
Krishna's brother Balarama was on a pilgrimage
and halted at Yadavadri-Melkote.
He was bewildered to see the resemblance between
their family deity Cheluvaraya and the presiding deity at Melkote
Thirunarayana –Moolavar .
On his return to Dwaraka, Balarama informed
Krishna about the similarities of the deities.
Thus both Krishna and Balarama brought Cheluvaraya with the diamond
crown –Vyramudi and installed the lord in Melkote. Even now the
practice of bringing the Cheluvaraya swami to the temple is held
symbolically. Brahma was responsible for the deities being
consecrated here.
Moolavar –Thirunarayana Perumal
Utsavar- Cheluvaraya Swami(Chella Pillai)
The temple has a Chaturmukha Gopuram ( four equal
sided) which looks alike from all four sides. It is believed that
Hanuman is guarding the temple . The almighty blesses his devotees
with Chanku and Chakra. The goddess is seated at the feet of the
lord –Varanandi..The god preached the Dwaya mantra to Lakshmi in
this hallowed shrine. The Vyramudi Seva is held on the tamil month
of Panguni( March15th-April 15th) every year. Let us see how it is
celebrated in the next article
Melkote part 1- Melkote is the abode of Lord TiruNarayana......
To be contd.
Usha Raja
|
