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Kal Garudan
 Mahavishnu's
mode of transport, Garuda (celestial bird), is treated on a par with
the presiding deity - Thirunaraiyur Nambi - in Nachiyarkoil. He is
glorified to a great extent. There is an interesting episode behind
it.
In a hamlet nearby, a sculptor was completing the
stone icon of Garuda as per the Agamas. After sculpting its wings, he
gave it Prana Prathishta. Lo and behold! The Garuda started flying.
Frightened at the sudden turn of events, the sculptor threw the chisel
at Garuda. The chisel hit Garuda's nose and he landed in this place
where the temple now stands.
The presiding deity blessed Garuda and he was
asked to stay back in this place itself. He is consecrated in a
separate enclosure near the sanctum sanctorum of Thirinaraiyur Nambi.
The icon of Garuda is made of Saligrama. He looks chivalrous with
elegant wings. Kal Garudan is synonymous with
Nachiyarkoil. A strange phenomenon occurs during
Garuda Seva. He is taken out on a procession en route the vahana
mantap. When he steps out of his enclosure only four people carry him.
A little further 12 people join the existing team. When they proceed
further many devotees who throng the temple carry him. It is believed
he gains weight and 12 people are not sufficient to carry him.
The main deity Thirunaraiyur Nambi mounts Garuda to bless the devout.
Thus, this Garuda Seva is famous and attracts people from far-off
places. Amirtha kalasam is offered as neivedyam to
Garuda six times a day. Amirtha kalasam is also called modhakam. Since
he is fond of modhakam he is also called modhakamodhar. Garuda blesses
his devotees with prosperity,longevity and health.
Presiding deity - Thirunaraiyur Nambi, Srinivasan
Thaayar - vanchulavalli, Nambikkai Nachiyar
Vimanam - Srinivasa hema
This place is situated between Kumbakonam and Tiruvarur.
(Concluded) -
Part 1 Usha Raja
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