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 One of the 108 Divya Desas in Vaishnavite tradition, Thiruvinnagar or Oppiliappan Koil , is replete with puranic lore. A holy spot near Kumbakonam, its presiding deity is Oppiliappan and his divine consort is Bhoomi Devi Thayar. Let us catch a glimpse of its genesis.
The four-headed Brahma is believed to have narrated this spiritual history to his son Narada and thus it has been passed on to us.
Once the sacred tulasi had asked Mahavishnu as to why he has given a special place to Mahalakshmi in his hridayam. Tulasi, also called Thiruthuzhai Devi, also desired a special place in Mahavishnu's heart.
In order to fulfil her wish, Mahavishnu asked tulasi to proceed to earth and appear on the banks of the Cauvery. Mahalakshmi would be born as Bhoomi Devi on the banks of the Cauvery. Tulasi appeared in this holy spot before Mahalakshmi. At this juncture, Mahalakshmi appeared as Bhoomi Devi under the shade of the tulasi. Since tulasi predated Mahalakshmi and gave shelter to her, she became dearer to the Almighty. Thus tualsi was appeased...
Mahavishnu declared that to get the blessings of Mahalakshmi one has to perform severe penance but if a person performs archana to him with tulasi, that person would be blessed with abundant punya equal to that of conducting an ashwamedha
yagna.
Those who grow and worship tulasi at home will find a place in vaikuntam. Mahavishnu also declared that he would be adorned with tulasi garland first and then enter into wedlock with
Mahalakshmi.
How did these events happen? There is an interesting story behind it. Mrigandu Maharishi's son Markandeya wished that Mahalakshmi should be born as his daughter and that Mahavishnu should become his son-in-law.
He arrived at this spot after a pilgrimage and was enarmoured of the ambience of the place. He settled down here and did penance for almost a thousand years, propitiating Mahavishnu. He wanted his wishes to be granted. Mahalakshmi appeared in the sacred spot under the tulasi plant and the sage took her under his care.
Is he not blessed to be her foster father? She blossomed into a beautiful damsel. As a dutiful father, the sage searched for a suitable groom. Whom did she marry?
(To be continued)
Usha Raja
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