Brahmanda Guruji Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji gave us the procedure to fulfill unknown vow to god

(Arike in Kannada ; Venduthal in Tamil) in his Bruhat Brahmanda Programme telecasted in Zee Kannada
TV Channel.

● You need Winnowing Basket (Muram in Tamil ; Mora in Kannada).

● Dont take only Navadanya (Navadhanya are the nine grains that are offered to the Navgrahas).
Try to take all types of grains whichever is possible.
● Pack all these grains in small packets made of plastic or paper of quantity 25 to 100 grams
depending upon your capability.
● This procedure should carried out with all members of the family.
● Dont visit the river, where the last rituals are carried out. Try to find for some new rivers in and
around your location. This procedure should be carried out on river side.
● Along with above items, carry all types of fruits ; Bichchole (Black small bangles with two black
beads tied to it) ; Glass Bangles ; Square Jaggery ; Small Mirror ; Small Comb.
● If you are living in your own house, collect some soil and make a gopura (cone) like structure by
mixing it with milk and keep turmeric (Arishina) and Kumkum/Vermilion to it. Assume this as
goddess and offer your prayers to it. If you are living in rented house use the soil from your plant
pots.
● This procedure should be done on any wednesday which comes in between one Amavasya one
Pournami.
● Kumkuma Archana should be done by using betel leaf (Vilyadele in Kannada ; Vetrilai in Tamil)
only.
● Along with all these items keep Arishina Kombu ; Coin ; Betel leaves ; Areca nut and one lemon
in it and offer your prayers.
● After all these procedures, keep all the items in basket and everyone should get down in the river
and female head of the family should live the basket in the river with full respect and dedication
and sprinkle to water to everyone.
● They call this procedure as offering bhagina in kannada.
● After this procedure visit the temple near or close to the river and get back to your respective
houses.

Brahmanda Guruji Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji gave this mantra to a female who wrote the letter to
Guruji regarding her son is missing.
Kartha veeryarjuna was a king of Hehaya dynasty. He is believed to be the incarnation of Vishnu
Chakra. It seems Chakra was proud and Lord Vishnu wanted to teach him a lesson. He did this by
killing him with his own incarnation , Parasurama.
This stotra is believed to help us recover stolen or snatched items.
This Moola Mantra given by Guruji is common for everyone.

The below procedure was given by Guruji to the female who wrote the letter:

Fill the iron bucket 75 percent with water.

While filling the water recite this mantra - Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati,
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru.
Next you should put Old used Horse Shoe into it.
While putting the Horse Shoe, you should think of your child and pray for him with nakshatra, rashi
etc.
This procedure should be done on Tuesdays only.

● Kartha Veeryarjuna Mantra

●
● Om Namo Karthaveerya Khaladweshi Krutha Veerya Suthobali
Sahasra bahu Shatrughno Raktavaaso Dhanurdhara
 RaktaGhandhakshatho Raktho Rajaa smartu Abheeshtadaha
Dwasaaithani namani Kartha veeryasya ya padeth

Sampadah tasya varadanthe Janaasthasya Vashanghadah

Iti Shri Karthaveeryarjuna Maha Mantra japa karishye.

● Everyone should do Kalasarpa Dosha whether you have it or not.

● To offer Kalasarpa Dosha, you should go with whole family. You should not miss anyone citing
reasons like he/she is abroad or he/she is having some work etc..
● Kalasarpa Pooja should be offered only in Sri Kalahasti Temple.
● Offer pooja any day but you should offer it in Rahu Kala only.
● People who dont have Male kids and has only Female kids should offer pooja on Monday or
Friday or Sunday in Rahu Kala only.
● People who dont have Female kids and has only male kids should offer pooja on Tuesdays or
Thursdays or Saturdays in Rahu Kala only.
● People who have both Male and Female kids should offer pooja on Wednesdays or Mondays or
Fridays in Rahu Kala only.
● Kalasarpa pooja means offering prayers for shanthi of Rahu and Ketu.
● When you purchase a new vehicle, offer prayers to Paatala Ganapathi, present 30 feet below the
ground level to avoid major accidents.
● You should go only for Kalasarpa pooja purpose and get back.
● You should visit Sri Kalahasti after visiting Tirupathi only.
● Kalasarpa dosha pooja should be done once in every one and half years.
● Why is this one and half year, because every day Rahu Kala is for One and half hour.

We should chant all these mantras on Masa Shivaratris, Pradosham, Ekadashi, Amavasya and Purnimas
facing east direction.
These mantras were revealed by Brahmanda Guruji Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji in his Bruhat
Brahmanda Programme telecasted in Zee Kannada TV Channel.

● Om Kamapradaya Namah
● Om Ananthajithe Namah
● Om Stanadaaye Namah
● Om Savistaya Namah
● Om Samihanaya Namah
● Om Ratnagarbhaya Namah
● Om Pranaaya Namah
Om Pranavahanaya Namah
Om Pranavaya Namah
Brahmanda Guruji Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji spoke on Flowers to be Offered on Daily Basis to
Navagrahas or Nine Planets in Shuka Vakya section of Bruhat Brahmanda Programme.

Every morning after having bath offer 12 Surya Namaskaras to Lord Surya.

Surya Namaskara should be done between 04:15 to 05:15 AM in Brahmi Muhurta or between 05:15 to
06:30 AM in Arunodaya.

Offer Sashtanga Namaskara (A form of salutation, which calls for the person to lie down flat on the
ground on his stomach. This namaskaram is also called the eight-limbed salutation, because it involves
chest, head, mind, body, speech, feet, knees and hands. This complete surrender is used both for elders
and before deities.) to Lord Surya.

After offering Surya Namaskara, go to pooja room and recite Nava Graha Peeda Hara Stotram.
After reciting the mantra offer the flower to god following with regular pooja you do everyday.

List of Specific Flowers to be Offered on Daily Basis to Navagrahas or Nine Planets:

1. Surya (Sun)
Day : Sunday
Flowers to be offered : Oleander flower (Alari Poo in Tamil ; Kanagale Hoovu in Kannada) OR Hibiscus
flower (Chembarathi in Tamil ; Dasavala in Kannada) OR Leuca Indica (Thumba poo in Tamil ; Thumbe
hoovu in Kannada).

2. Chandra (Moon)
Day : Monday
Flowers to be offered : Leuca Indica (Thumba poo in Tamil ; Thumbe hoovu in Kannada) OR Jasmine
flower (Malligai in Tamil ; Mallige in Kannada) OR Pink Jasmine (Jaadi Malli in Tamil ; Jaaji Mallige in
Kannada).

3. Mangala/Kuja (Mars)
Day : Tuesday
Flowers to be offered : Rose Flower (Roja poo in Tamil ; Gulabi hoovu in Kannada) OR Screw Pine
(Thalam poo in Tamil ; Thale Hoovu or Kedige in Kannada) OR Chrysanthemum flower (Samandhi in
Tamil ; Sevantige or Shavantige in Kannada).

4. Budha (Mercury)
Day : Wednesday
Flowers to be offered : Holy Basil (Tulasi in Tamil ; Tulsi in Kannada) OR Red Lotus flower (Sentamarai
poo in Tamil ; Kempu Taavare in Kannada) OR Jasmine flower (Malligai in Tamil ; Mallige in Kannada).

5. Guru (Jupiter)
Day : Thursday
Flowers to be offered : Chrysanthemum flower (Samandhi in Tamil ; Sevantige or Shavantige in
Kannada) OR Plumeria (common name Frangipani) (Perungalli poo in Tamil ; Sampige in Kannada) OR
Hibiscus flower (Chembarathi in Tamil ; Dasavala in Kannada).

6. Shukra (Venus)
Day : Friday
Flowers to be offered : Yellow Lotus flower (Manjal Tamarai poo in Tamil ; Haladhi Taavare in Kannada)
OR Plumeria (common name Frangipani) (Perungalli poo in Tamil ; Sampige in Kannada) OR Firecracker
Flower (Kanakambaram in Tamil ; Kanakambara in Kannada).

7. Shani (Saturn)
Day : Saturday
Flowers to be offered : Yellow Rose flower without throns (Manjal Roja in Tamil ; Haladhi Gulabi in
Kannada) OR Holy Basil (Tulasi in Tamil ; Tulsi in Kannada).

Note: Offer any one flower everyday to related graha. Guruji has given three flowers, so that you can offer
depending on the availability.

Can people who have Non Veg, wear Rudraksha Beads?

No, people who have Non Veg should not wear Rudraksha Beads.

• Can people who wear Navaratna ring, have Non Veg?

No, people who are wearing Navaratna ring should not have Non Veg.
• Is reciting Gayathri Mantra by females correct?

No, Females should not recite Gayathri Mantra.

• Is reciting Hamsa Gayathri Mantra by females correct?

Females should recite Hamsa Gayathri Mantra only.

• From which side we should peel the banana?

Banana should be peeled from the bottom i.e it should not be peeled from the top where banana hangs.

• How we should have banana given as prasada in temple?

Dont have banana by chewing, just break into small pieces and have as it is..

• Can friends have food in same plate?

No, friends should not have food in the same plate or spoon etc. Not only friends any kind of relationships should not have
in the same plate only Married couples can have in same plate
Moon (Chandra) ; Mars (Mangal) ; Jupiter (Guru) and Saturn (Shani) Planets (Grahas) doesn't like Non Veg.

On which days we should not have Non Veg?

We should not have Non veg on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays in a week.

Can we cut our nails and hair cutting on Tuesday?

No

This Secret Mantra is known as Hayagriva Lakshmi Stotram or Hrudaya Lakshmi Stotram given by
Brahmanda Guruji Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji in his Bruhat Brahmanda programmes telecasted in Zee
Kannada Channel. This mantras were used by Ravana and by Lord Venkateshwara (Vakula Devi recited
this mantra to Lord Venkateshwara) to get Lakshmi. According to Guruji Lakshmi is not money, it is aim.

Sloka/Mantra (a) (Lord Shiva Hamsha):

"Om Namo Bhagavate Sharabaya

Jwala Jwala Prajwala Prajwala
Sahaya Sahaya Raksha Raksha
Om Namo Sarva Bhutebyo
Om Shat Swaha"

Sloka/Mantra (b) (Lord Vishnu Hamsha):

"Om Hari Om Raksha Raksha
Triloka Mohini Sarva Mukha Vilashini
Sarva Athmavum, Sthrivum, Purushanum, Sarva Shatruvum
En Vashamai NirakaShivam"

These Slokas should be chanted 9 times a day.

While chating have 9 flowers and Mantra Akshata.
After chanting each mantra, offer akshata (rice) with flowers to God.
But offer/put flowers on god and put akshata in seperate plate, so that you can take it and collect it in a
small container.
You can use this akshata for cooking and you can shower (2 rice is sufficient) on your head when you
leave home every day.
One can follow this for any type of Karya siddhi.
It is also called as Siddhi Mantra.
One can follow it for 9 weeks or 9 months or till you get success.

SURYANAR KOIL Situated 21 kms from Swamimalai is the Suryanar Koil built by King Kulothunga Chola
I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya who is known as the giver of health,
success and prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest festival is celebrated in thanksgiving and
to honour Surya.

About the temple:

The temple is a Navagrahasthalam. The presiding deity in this temple is Sri Suryanarayana the first
among the Navagrahas, with his consorts Sri Usha Devi and Sri Pratyusha Devi . There are shrines
dedicated to Kashi Vishvanathar, Visalakshi and Kol Theertha Vinayakar . The sacred tank here is called
as Surya Theertham. The Navagraha idols here are present without weapons depicting their protective
aspect. Guru Bhagavan here is depicted as offering worship to Surya Bhagavan.

The temple is built by the Chola kings and inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120)
show this temple as Kulottunga Chola Martanda Alayam. Inscriptions also portray that Krishna Devaraya
has made endowments to this temple.

It is a must that one should first offer worship to Lord Shiva and Parvati at Thirumangalakudi before
offering worship to Suryanarayana and the other Navagrahams here. People flock the temple to nullify the
malefic effects of planets in their birth chart.
The Sivasuryanarayana temple at Suryanar Koil is one of the Navagraha temples and is dedicated to
Suryan. This temple dedicated to Suryan has shrines for each of the other planets as well. The legend
says that Kalava Munivar had the rare ability to see the future. One fine day, he realised that he was soon
going to be affected by leprosy. Since the Navagrahas controlled all the aspects of ones life, he prayed to
the Navagrahas and sought to be saved from the disease. Pleased by his devotion, the Navagrahas
granted his wish. On coming to know of this, Brahma was furious because nobody had the right to
change the destiny of a person. He cursed all the nine planets that they will have to undergo what Kalava
munivar was destined to, and hence all the nine planets were affected by leprosy. The Navagrahas
apologised and requested to know how they could overcome this curse. Brahma advised them to go the
Thirumangalakudi and worship Prananatheswarar, at Vellerukkakadu, who alone could help them. After
worshiping Prananatheswarar and his consort Mangalambigai, they installed an idol of Vinayakar a little
away from there and started their penance. By God’s grace they attained papa vimochanam (salvation
from their sin).

Kalava Munivar, for whom the Navagraha had undergone all the trouble, as a mark of gratitude, raised a
temple at the same spot where the Navagrahas had performed their penance.

The presiding deity in this west facing temple is Suryanarayana in a chariot like vimaanam, representing
the sun’s chariot. Sivasuryanaraya is in a standing position with his two consorts, Usha & Prathyusha
(Chaya). There are also shrines dedicated to Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi and Guru Bhagavan in the
sanctum. Shrines for the other celestial bodies are located outside of the sanctum. Vellerukku (Madar
Plant) is the sthala vriksham. Pillayar made out of the Vellerukku is sold in the shops here. It is a very
prized possession and protects from the evil forces.

Thirumangalakudi

Once King Kulothunga’s Minister Alaivanar was building a temple from the tax collected without obtaining
the King’s permission. The King had him beheaded when he came to know about this. As his death wish,
the minister requested that he be cremated in Thirumangalakudi. His wife prayed to the Mangalambikai at
Thirumangalakudi and brought back her husband to life. Women pray to the Goddess here for long life
and the well being of their spouse.

Method of Worship

Devotees are first required to have the darshan of Prananatheswarar and Mangalambigai at
Thirumangalakudi before visiting Suryanar Koil. This temple is just 1 km from Suryanar Koil, and is
situated in the same village. The method of worship at this temple is very different from other temples. We
should first worship the Kol Vinai theertha vinayakar. He is called by this name because He helped the
navagrahas get rid of their problems. Thus, Kol Vinai Theertha Vinayakar is a VERY IMPORTANT deity.
We then worship the Nataraja in narthana mandapam. Then at the main sanctum worship Visalakshmi &
Kasi Vishvanthan (this is a small lingam on your left hand side as you approach Suryan’s Shrine) before
worshiping Suryan. After worshiping Suryan, worship Guru Bhagavan who is facing Suryan. Now, the
circumambulation or the pradarshanam procedure is very different from other temples. We now go in an
anticlockwise direction and worship Saneeswaran, Budhan, Angarakan, Chandran, Kethu, Shukran and
Rahu before worshiping Chandikeswarar. Then we proceed in a clockwise direction and return to worship
Kol Vinai Theertha Vinayakar. This may seem very confusing but there are signboards at the temple to
guide the devotees. After this prostrate or do a namaskaram near the dhwajasthambam. Then it is
recommended to do 9 pradarshanams of the outer praharam.

Suryanar Temple Festivals

The annual Ratha Saptami festival (Rathasapthami) during the Tamil month of Thai (January – February)
is one of the main festival celebrated here. The first Sundays in the months of Aavani (Leo) and Kartikai
(Scorpio) is also considered very auspicious. Vijaya Dashami and annual Brahmotsavam festival
(Bhrammotsavam) are also held with much devotion.

Temple Timings

Suryanar Temple is opened from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Temple Address

Arulmigu Siva Suriyaperuman Temple,

Suriyanarkoil,
Thirumangalakudi P.O
Thiruvidaimaruthur T.K.
Thanjavur D.T.
Ph : 0435-2472349

Seebi (Sibi), is a small village, located about 20 kilometres to the north of Tumkur district in Karnataka.
Seebi or Sibburu (as it was earlier called) is 24 km south of Sira. Seebi Narasimhaswamy temple in Seebi
was built in the 18th century by Nallappa an officer under Haider Ali. The temple is painted with themes of
Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Dashavatara.

Tumkur is one of the important industrial districts in Karnataka having a rich historical importance. In
1761, the district came under Haidar Ali, and to his son Tipu in 1774. Sibi also known, as Sibikshetra or
Seebi was previously a jungle, where it is believed holy men meditated. It is possible that Tipu Sultan
frequented this land for his favourite sport and animal hunting.

The Sibi Narasimha Swamy Temple built during the late 18th century A.D. or early 19th century, is
perhaps the only remarkable thing in this place. What sets this temple apart from the others is the
bountifully covered by paintings on walls and ceilings. While a majority of the paintings are in a sad state
of affairs some still carry the tinge of delicacy and softness, discernible only to shrewd eyes. Paintings,
which can be called historical, are very similar to Daria Daulat Bagh paintings in Srirangapatna. These
are delineated on the walls and ceiling of the Mahadwara. The painting on the left wall of the gateway is
intact and there must have been one panel on the right side of the entrance too, but there is no trace of it
to day. This panel too has been effaced to some extant. This side of the Mahadwara is supposed to have
undergone some repair work a few years ago, when a portion of the paintings got covered. There is long
inscription of which only half remains. The paintings at Sibi also have some interesting factors worth
mentioning. The temple itself is a simple structure, but the paintings inside are abundant and in character
quite extraordinary. As they are situated on the ceiling, they have been well protected from weather
conditions and vandalism.

The Sibi Narasimha Swamy Temple and its paintings belong to a period, which was at a crucial stage,
politically. Karnataka had shifted from the rule of a Hindu kingdom to a Muslim dominion. Powerful
leaders like Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan stormed over a major portion of south India occupying Karnataka
almost fully. It is hence fairly notable that during such a period a Hindu temple with rich paintings was
constructed. There also appears to be the patronage of the Muslim rulers and the later Hindu king,
Krishnaraja Wodeyar to some extent, as the constructor owed strong allegiance to them. Hence, the art of
Sibi is a living tribute to the great love for painting shown by the people of this period. Unlike other states
Sibi does not follow a set pattern in its thematic representation and this makes it appealing. While a
strong sense of visualisation is evident, usage of contemporary scenes, dress and costume is appealing.
The tradition of mural art in Karnataka had travelled a long distance by the time it reached Sibi, taking a
receding plane and losing its aesthetic importance becoming decorative and folkish. Consequently, the
art of Sibi is not of the refined character that we come across at Hampi or Shravanabelagola, but a few
strands of the old style do remain here offering ample scope for study.
According to Priest here, Some 1000 years ago, A businessman with two of his helpers were traveling
from Chitradurga to Tumkur with the purpose of business. They halted at this place with purpose of
having lunch. The businessman asked his helpers to prepare lunch and he went to meet his relative .
When he came back he found both of his helper lying dead in pool of blood .He got stunned and sat there
with his head down. Suddenly a Elderly person appeared and said to him that the stone they used for
cooking was actually God Narshima Swamy himself and asked him to build a temple here. Following the
word of Elder man the Businessman built the temple and got the "Puja" done by the priest from the near
by town. Both his helpers came back to life. This temple was then renovated by Mysore Wodeyars and
Tippu sultan. The main feature of the temple is god is form of Rock and has various painting on the
ceilings depicting the story of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other stories. These paintings currently are in
bad shape The temple architecture is simple, the white-washed walls with amazing sculptures of various
Gods and Goddesses made of terracotta and lime. Though weather-beaten but very beautiful. The temple
is under process of Renovation. Photography inside the temple is prohibited. There is Kalyani near the
temple.
Nearest Town: Sira, Tumkur
Distance from Bangalore: 100kms.
Direction: Via NH4. This place is located on NH4 itself. About 20 kms from Tumkur. From Tumkur the
temple is on the right side of the NH.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for
the devotees of serpent gods. One of the rarest temples in the world where serpent deities are
worshipped, particularly by woman priests. A fine example of eco-friendly existence. The Mannarashala
temple is located about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in
Alleppey district of Kerala. Haripad, a culturally renowned ancient town with prominent role in the history
of Central Travancore, is rich with its exquisite green paddy fields, towering coconut palms and serene
atmosphere of the adjacent hamlets. Now Haripad is a well-developed town with enough civic
infrastructures like shopping complexes, hotels & lodges, educational institutions and hospitals.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

The ancient Subrahmanya Swamy Temple in Haripad, which is one of the renowned Subrahmanya
temples of Kerala and a testimonial to the glory of the great Kerala temple architecture, is located on the
way to the Mannarasala temple.

Proper signboards are available from the N.H.47 to the temple. Since the temple is very renowned,
accessibility to the temple may not be a problem for the devotees. Various cabs and auto rickshaws are
available near the Haripad bus station and Railway station to reach Mannarasala at nominal fare. Since
located near the highway almost equidistant between the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi
(approx.113 kms and 103 kms respectively), it is easy to reach Haripad via bus and train.

History:

Though the legends related to the origin of a place cannot be deemed as its history, the story on the
evolution of Mannarasala as the supreme place of worship of the serpent Gods is associated with
Parasurama, the creator of Kerala.

The history of Mannarasala has been mentioned in the 'Mandara Salodayam' Sanskrit poem written by
Mannarasala M.G.Narayanan Nampoodiri of the sacred family, who wrote it on the basis of reliable
accounts and legends traditionally handed down and in the light of old books available with the temple.
Since the poem was incomplete, the history narrated here is from the book 'The Serpent Temple
Mannarasala', published by Mr.N.Jayadevan of Manasa Publications (Translated to English by the
renowned scholar Dr.Ayyappa Panikker). This book is also based on the advice and instructions received
from the former Great Mother, and in accordance with the other members of the family as well as the old
records examined for the purpose.

The Raising of Kerala:

Sree Parasurama decided to seek release from the sin of killing the Kshathrias. He approached the holy
Rishis. They suggested that he should make a gift of a land of his own to the Brahmins. Parasurama, the
son of Bhrigu, propitiated Varuna Deva (the Lord of the Seas) to get some land for himself. He threw into
the sea the axe which Paramasiva had given him with his blessings. Thus he raised the land from the sea
and gave it as a gift to the Brahmins according to the rules. This land came to be known as Kerala. That
piece of land was not habitable because of the salinity. Not even vegetables grew there. People began to
leave the place. Bharghavarama was pained at this. He undertook penance to please Lord Siva, who
advised him that the objective could be realized only if the flaming poison of the serpents was spread
everywhere and that the only means of doing that was the worship of Nagaraja.

Parasurama, a Yogi, firm of will and above all desire, decided that he would take no rest until he saw
Kerala come up as a land of evergreen beauty full of trees and plants, prosperous in every way. He set
out with his disciples in search of a deserted jungle in order to please Nagaraja who was inaccessible and
beyond anybody's understanding. He found a suitable place near the seashore in the southern part of
Kerala. Satisfied with having found a proper place for the realization of his cherished dream, the great
Rishi constructed a Thirthasthala for the performance of penance. Bharghavarama, a partial incarnation
of Lord Vishnu, had to undertake very severe penance.

Nagaraja makes his appearance

Nagaraja, who was pleased, appeared before Parasurama, willing to grant him his desire. According to
the poem by Mannarasala M.G.Narayanan Namboodiri, the Nagaraja made his appearance as if :
" The unspeakable splendor of millions of moons! The bright magnificence of emeralds stuck to the
hoods. Golden jewels made attractive by miraculous embroidery! Lotus feet worshipped by crowds of
Gods! Brilliant beauty of form, full of youthfulness!".

Parasurama prostrated at the lotus feet of Nagaraja and prayed to realize his objective. Nagaraja granted
his request with great pleasure. Ferocious serpents arrived at the spot at once to spread the flaming
Kalakuda poison. Because of the percolation of poison, the land of Kerala was desalinated, to become
habitable with envious greenery.

Parasurama then requested the Lord to bless the land forever with his eternal presence, and that was
also accepted by the kindly-disposed Nagaraja.

Installation

At a very auspicious moment Bhargavarama, the supreme devotee, installed, according to Vedic rites,
Nagaraja, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in one in the 'Thirthasthala' (Hall of pilgrimage) filled with
Mandara trees, the place now known as Mannarasala. (The installed deity here represents Anantha
(Vishnuswaroopa) and Vasuki (Siva in spirit). The installations of Sarpayakshi, Nagayakshi and
Nagachamundi, the Naga deities, as well as of their associates were conducted in the proper places with
the proper rituals. Parasurama performed to the accompaniment of Vedic recitation and singing of Sama,
Abhishekam, Alankaram, Neivedyasamarpanam, Neeranjanam, Sarpabali and other rites pleasing to the
serpents and thereby made all the serpents happy.

Parasurama brought learned people from other religions; installed Durga and other deities in different
places; appointed Brahmins who were Thanthric experts for performing poojas; nominated Kshathrias,
peasants and the Ashtavaidyas who were supreme among the physicians; thus he brought Kerala, filled
with beautiful vegetation and to prosperity.

After giving important instructions to be followed to preserve the sanctity of the place, Parasurama left to
do tapas on Mahendra Mountains.

Vasudeva & Sreedevi

Many generations passed by. The family fell into the grief of childlessness. Vasudeva and Sreedevi were
the sad couple who had to bear that heavy load of sorrow, who resolutely worshipped Nagaraja to allay
their grief.

It was about this time that unexpectedly fire broke out in the jungle around the dwelling place of Nagaraja
and burnt down the jungle. The serpents were tortured by the flames, forcing them to hide in their pits
with great difficulty.
Vasudeva and Sreedevi looked after the serpents, who had their hoods charred, bodies half-burnt, and
fainting from time to time, falling down and crawling along. They gently fanned them with fans made of
sweet-scented grass and poured ghee mixed with honey and oil on the wounds; cooled their melted
bodies with sandalwood ointment; and comforted them. They put them at the foot of banyan trees. They
performed purification ceremonies and consecrated the pits; and were put up in special places under the
shade of deodar trees and in Chitrakudas.

The couple performed abhisheka with thirtha like Panchagavya (a holy mixture of five items from the
cow's milk, curd, butter, urine and dung); observed elaborate poojas according to rules with areca nut
flower bunches, fragrant flowers and water, incense etc., Nivedyam with melted butter (ghee), milk,
payasam with molasses, rice powder, turmeric powder, coconut juice, Kadali fruit, cow's milk, all mixed
together in the proper form as Nurum Palum, equivalent to the elixir of life. They offered serpent deities
with great devotion, appam, aval (beaten rice or rice wafers), tender coconut etc. They chanted vedic
mantras, performed circumambulation and performed all kinds of poojas to restore those crowds of
serpents to full health.

The omnipresent and omnipotent Nagaraja was greatly pleased with their continuous penance and the
love shown to his associates; Nagaraja made himself visible to the couple and blessed them that he
would incarnate on the earth as their beloved son. He said " I shall assume the form of a serpent and stay
here (in Mannarasala) permanently, as long as the sun and the moon are there, showering prosperity on
your family and granting protection to all the devotees who come here …".

Thus Mandarasala, the place filled with Mandara trees, the holy spot where the serpents got shelter,
where the earth was fully cooled, became Mandarasala.

The boon came true. The Brahmin lady became pregnant and gave birth to five-hooded serpent-child as
well as a human child. The two brothers grew up together. Initiation ceremonies and Vedic education
were carried out at the proper time in the traditional style. Nagaraja instructed the younger brother to
enter into matrimony for the perpetual reservation of the holy family and he obeyed it. When the five-
hooded Nagaraja realized that the objectives of his incarnation were realized, he informed the Holy
Mother that henceforth he would live at this Illam by entering into Samadhi to bless the devotees. Then he
suggested certain inviolable rituals and rules for offering worship and then went into the immaculate cellar
and vanished.

(It is believed that even today that five-hooded Nagaraja stays in the cellar doing Tapas for the abound
prosperity of his dependents. The members of the household always refer to him with great respect and
devotion as "Muthassan' and "Appoppan" (Grand father). The jungle close by is the exclusive preserve for
his unobstructed peregrinations (Appoppan Kavu - Grandfathers' Grove).

Valia Amma
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

Valia Amma is the heart and soul of Mannarasala. The resplendent brightness of Valia Amma who has
turned into a symbol of Naga deities through fasting and other austerities has not dimmed in the least by
now as a result of the performance of rituals and poojas. Pilgrims cannot leave Mannarasala without
seeing that fascinating divine glow with their own eyes and feeling contended. The sight of faithful
devotees, who come here to seek the blessings of Nagaraja, waiting for long to see the flicker of the eyes
of the great mother, so serene and compassionate and filled with blessings, continues even today. That
holy lamp sheds brilliant light on the temple and the environment, and endows it with heavenly glory. It
has been the presence of and the contact with, the Mother, who has assumed a divine form and reached
the heights of spirituality, that has been the sole source of prosperity for the members of the family as for
the devotees

Legends:

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

In the light of experience, many devotees who have experienced and heard about the miraculous powers
of the serpents and the presiding deities here, tell many stories about Mannarasala temple.

The divine serpents

It is not a rare thing to see the same serpent appear in the same location for a number of days in the
temple premises. On the steps of the gatehouse, on the hedgerows, among the creepers; those who
perform bhajanam in the temple can stand very close at any time and pray.

Yellow snakes

On one occasion, about six decades ago, a fierce yellow serpent started dancing on the eastern bank of
the holy pond near the Appooppan Kavu carrying an evil snake in its mouth. Then it vomited the evil
snake and released it. The serpent raised its hood either out of fear or out of a desire of revenge. The
fierce snake with a sense of humour swallowed that cobra again. The late Valia Amma came to know
about it. She came to the spot with tears in her eyes and spoke a few words. The serpent did not budge.
This drama lasted for half an hour. Amma became sad. With the chanting of manthras, she prayed for the
release of the cobra. No more delay, the serpent left the cobra, bent down its head and went straight into
the Appooppan Kavu, as if nothing had happened. The nature of the yellow snakes of Appoppan Kavu is
beyond description, and is wonderful.

The story of a Tahsildar who opened the cellar

When Sri Chitra Thirunal was ruling over Travancore; the destruction caused by World War II was
spreading all over the country, the people were oppressed by poverty; there was famine everywhere.
Sir.C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer was the Diwan, a man of great intellect and formidable prowess. Orders were
issued to take over foodstuff from any household, even if they are in the custody of the great ones, and to
introduce rationing.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

The Tahsildar of Karthikappally at that time was a Tamil Brahmin; a native of Haripad; his house was very
close to his office; a gentleman who knew exactly the income of each individual and family in the locality.
He was waiting for an opportunity to please the Diwanji. He got ready to display his skill to the maximum.
Among the list of landlords the Mannarasala Illam was included. One day very early in the morning the
Tahsildar and his associates came to the Illam along with a batch of policemen. They took away every
grain of rice and paddy, even what was meant for Nivedyam. Everything was heaped in the courtyard. He
was disappointed at not being able to collect as much rice and paddy as he had expected and it made
him indiscrete. He knew very well that no one would enter the Nilavara. He issued orders to open the
doors of Nilavara on the suspicion that foodstuff had been illegally stocked there, without heeding to the
requests of the family members not to open the Nilavara. No one came forward to do so, including the
accompanied policemen. The infuriated Tahsildar under a false sense of prestige opened the cellar. But
he could not enter inside and had to retreat. (No great delay; he lost his eyesight and his family which had
been rich was reduced to penury and destroyed. He was completely broken and had to sell off whatever
left; and had to leave the place forever ).

The officers came with their men to take away the rice that had been heaped in the courtyard. On the top
of that heap, a serpent was seen; and the policemen were frightened. They approached the head of the
family for help. He advised them to take away everything leaving behind what was meant for nivedyam in
the temple. They were ready to do so; and the serpent slowly crept away and disappeared into the jungle
nearby.

Tale of a trespasser into Nilavara

There is a tale that has been well-known from ancient times depicting about the consequences for trying
to enter the Nilavara, except by the Great Mothers from time to time.

A few days after Anantha the ‘Muthassan’ disappeared in the Nilavara, his younger brother had the desire
to meet his brother. When he insisted obstinately, the mother said “ Then, enter the Nilavara and close
your left eye and look at the south-west corner with your right eye…”” The son followed it and saw a
brilliant light. The eye that saw it lost the power of sight!

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

It is interpreted that the main characters in this tale, the Mother and the younger brother could have been
the Valia Amma and son of a later generation, and that it may perhaps have happened. A young boy of
the family may have felt the desire to see the “Muthassan”, and the Mother may have yielded to the
unlimited obstinacy of the son. That mother by divine insight must have realized that he might lose
eyesight because of the halo of light; hence she may have advised him to close one eye and look with the
other eye. And in this way he might have lost the sight of one of his eyes because of the flaming
brightness of the light.

The mother and the serpent-child

Legends say that Anantha, was born as a five hooded serpent-child to Vasudeva and Sreedevi of the
Illam. Once the aims of his incarnation were fulfilled, he informed his mother that he would remain in the
Nailavara in Samadhi forever, blessing the devotees. (More details in History – Muthassan, Appoppan
Kavu).

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

The Mother who was so full of affection could not put up with that separation. Human weakness pained
the Holy Mother. She rushed into the cellar herself; there shone only a halo of light… The Lord had his
hermitess Mother as the one and only centre of confidence in this world. The beloved son consoled the
Mother.

Only the Mother was granted the opportunity and authority to see the Lord face to face; he gave his full
consent to be satisfied with the Mother’s offering of worship just once a year. (Still Nurum Palum is
offered only once in a year, the day next to Sivaratri by the Great Mother). He also revealed the secret
truth that the worship in the cellar need be offered only by the Mother and the worship offered in the
temple will reach him without any loss of time, with the same force. Thus he gave his beloved mother the
unusual permission to offer worship in the temple as well as the rare opportunity ever granted to an
antarjanam (women) priestess.

Mannarasala Uruli Kamazhthu:

Uruli Kamazhthu in Nilavara (offering of traditional bronze vessel) is one of the most popular devotee
offering in Mannarasala. Known for begetting children to couples, thousands of people come here to carry
out this sacred and rare offering to Nagaraja.

According to Mannarasala temple sources, there are certain strict rituals to be followed for this offering. It
is advisable only for married couples who have not been able to have children for years, since their
marriage.
The couple should come to the temple and pray to the God for his blessings. Receipts for the offering
have to be taken from the administration office. Offering includes a bronze Uruli that can be used to cook
at least a score of rice, a Nilavilakku (bronze lamp), garland etc. In the presence of the temple authorities,
the couples should offer the Uruli with its mouth upwards in front of the Nagaraja shrine after three rounds
to the mannarasala temple with due prayers. An offering have to be given to Sarpayakshi as well. After
Pooja, Valiamma will take the Uruli to Nilavara and it will be kept there with its mouth downward, which
will be opened only after the couples get a child. Expenses for this offering are charted in a way to offer at
least two Kadali fruits every day to Nagaraja, for about one year.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

Once the couples are blessed with child, they should come to the temple with the child for prayers. They
should submit either silver cradle or a miniature baby in gold or a miniature divine serpent in gold to the
Nagaraja, in accordance to their financial abilities. Then Valiamma will open their Uruli kept in the
Nilavara after due prayers.

According to temple sources, devotees can source all that are required for this offering from the temple
administration office at nominal costs. Normally more than 5000 Urulis are offered in a year at this temple.

Mannarasala Ayilyam

The most celebrated festival at Mannarasala is the Ayilyam of Thulam. In the beginning, the Ayilyam of
Thulam had no speciality or importance. It was a regular custom for the Maharaja of Travancore to visit
this temple on Ayilyam day in Kanni. On one occasion, the Maharaja could not reach the temple as usual
and had to postpone the visit to the Ayilyam day in Thulam. The royal palace met all the expenses for the
celebrations of that Ayilyam. Several landed properties were given away to the temple free of land tax in
order to make the festival more attractive, as an expression of repentance. Thus the Ayilyam of Thulam
came to secure a royal splendor and official glamour without difficulty. The Ayilyam days of Kanni and
Kumbham are still celebrated with befitting grandeur.

Watch this Video on Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala:

Mannarasala sree Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala Dewaswom, Mannarasala P.O, Haripad, Tel +91 479
2413214,2141626 Email : info@mannarasala.org,Website : www.mannarasala.org
Simhadri or Simhachalam temple is a Hindu temple located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh,
South India. It is dedicated to the incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha (the man-lion).

Significance:
It is one of the eighteen "Naarasimha Kshetras" i.e. shrines of Lord Narasimha in India. Simhachalam
temple is known as the second richest temple in India (after Tirupati) earning a revenue of Rs. 520
million. The statue of the deity gives "nijaroopa darshan" (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours
in a year i.e. on Akshaya Tritiya day, the rest of the time the statue is covered with Sandalwood paste.
The darshan described as 'Chandana yatra' or 'Chandanotsavam' falls every year in Vaisakha masa
(May).

Legend:
Hiranyakasipu was a Rakshasa king. He was in fact one of Vishnu's Dwarapalakas or gate keepers in
Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya. They had to take birth in the mortal world thrice because of a curse given by
Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathana and Sanathkumara, who were not allowed to take darshan of
Mahavishnu by them. The other palaka was born as his brother Hiranyaaksha.

Hiranyakasipu wanted to become immortal and hence performed austerities (tapasya) to propitiate Lord
Brahma. However, Lord Brahma said that was not possible so Hiranyakasipu asked Lord Brahma to grant
him a boon so that he could not be killed by any animal or a man neither in the morning nor in the night,
by any weapons, neither in sky nor on the earth.

Hiranyakasipu wanted the entire world to worship him. But, Prahalada, his son, was a devotee of Lord
Narayana and always expressed his bhakti towards Him. In spite of warning him several times,
Hiranyakasipu could not alter Prahlada's devotion.

This made Hiranyakasipu angry and he made numerous attempts to get Prahlada killed. One of them was
to throw him off the top of a mountain. However, Vishnu rescued him by moving the mountain and made
a small path for Prahaladha. It is said that in the place where the Lord stood to protect Prahaladha is the
place where the temple is built.

The most important thing about this temple is that here we can't see the God's feet. It is said that the feet
is buried inside the earth. Lord Narayana came to rescue Parahalada on Garuda and when they threw
Parahalada Lord Narayana jumped from Garuda to save him and in this process his feet went deep into
the earth.

Temple History:
It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy as the presiding deity.Giripradhikshana [cirum ambulation]
around the hill range [~40 km]from Hanumantha vaka / MVP colony to Simhachalam is done by piligrims
during the auspicious days. Crowds of elderly people / youth / children are observed walking the 40 km
stretch over night. They visit the temple after the long journey and give their offerings to the deity.

The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu is usually covered with
sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head
of a lion on a human torso. An inscription dated as far back as 1098 AD of the Chola King Kuloththunga
provides some clue as to its antiquity. Another inscription shows a Queen of the Eastern Ganga of
Kalinga (ancient Orissa) (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold while a third inscription says the
eastern Ganga King of Orissa, Narasimha Deva, built the main/central shrine in 1267 A.D. With more
than 252 inscriptions in Oriya and Telugu describing the antecedents of the temple, it is a historically
important monument.

Sri Krishna Deva Raya after defeating the Gajapati ruler of Orissa Gajapati Prataparudra Dev visited the
shrine twice in 1516 AD and 1519 AD and offered numerous villages for maintenance of bhogam
(worship) along with valuable jewellery of which an emerald necklace is still in the temple. For the last
three centuries the Royal family of Vizianagaram, "The Pusapati Gajapathi's" have been the temple's
trustees

Simhachalam:
The word Simhachalam means the hill of the lion. refers to the 11th century temple of Lord Narasimha -
an incarnation of lord Vishnu. It has been hailed as the most famous and the best sculptured shrine
Millions of devotees from round the world visit this temple every year. It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha
Swamy as the presiding deity. Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple (after Tirupati)
for earning a revenue. A famous pilgrim centre Simhachalam, also known as Simhagiri, devotees coming
over here steadily growing and this is the west facing temple. According to religious belief, An east-facing
entrance brings prosperity while the west - facing one brings victory.
There is a Trekking route available for trekking lovers from Madhavadhara side, two hours climbing to
temple premises with steep natural stone steps and a beautiful view of Vizag city and at the other side the
temple view from hill top. The presiding deity in this most revered temple gives 'Nijaroopa Darshan' (holy
appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year, on all the remaining 364 days and 12 hours, the Lord
is covered with sandalwood paste. The real shape of the deity can can be viewed only during
Chandanayatra Festival (March-April).

The local people believe that an ancient image of Sivalinga was converted into Varahanarasimha form
(the present idol of the temple) by Ramanuja, the founder of the Visistadhvaitham of Hinduism. It signifies
the celebration of Kamadahana (burning of the god of Love) festival. The origins of the temple are
shrouded in mystery.

The artwork here has elements of similarity with that of Konark. Elephants, flowers and plants are
portrayed in plenty. This temple boasts of a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses. Within the temple the
Kalyana Mandapa has 16 pillars with bas reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu. Narasimha, the man
lion incarnation of Vishnu is seen in several depictions throughout the temple.

Elephants, flowers and plants are portrayed in plenty and the artwork here has elements of similarity with
that of Konark. The outer walls of the sanctum depict images of a royal personality (said to be King
Narasimha) in various postures.

Temple Architecture:

The Simhachalam temple faces the West unlike so many others which face to the East. An east-facing
entrance is said to bring prosperity, while the west-facing entrance brings victory. This ancient temple was
renovated by the Chalukyas in the 11th century and again by the Eastern Gangas in the 13th century.
Tamil Cholas and Vijayanagar emperors also patronized it. Built on a hill, the temple has exquisitely
carved halls, with extensive application of both Chalukyan and Orissan styles of architecture.
The inscriptions on the walls and pillars provide a great deal of information on the temple's history. There
is an inscription dated 1099 AD belonging to King Kulottungachola, who conquered Kalinga. Another
belongs to the Velnati Chief, Gonka III and is dated 1137 AD, and states that he covered the image of the
Lord with gold. There are a number of inscriptions from the Eastern Ganga kings of Kalinga. King
Narasimha I constructed the central shrine, the Mukhamantapa, the Natyamantapa, etc. The Reddy king
of Rajahmundry, the Vishnu-Vardhana Chakravarthins of Panchadarla and others also contributed to
enriching the temple. Sri Krishna Devaraya visited this temple twice in 1516 and 1519 AD, and the jewelry
offered by him to the Lord, including an emerald necklace, can still be seen here.

The temple is 800 feet above sea level. A flight of steps leads all the way from the foot to the top of the
hill, to the temple. At the foot of the hill there are choultries for the pilgrims to stay. Many take bath in the
Pushkarani, located near to the foothill. Pilgrims process up through a grove of trees. On the top north
side is found a wooded hollow surrounded by a wide circle, resembling an amphitheater. This is the
temple of Lord Narasimha of the Northern Circars.
Simhachalam is surrounded by large mountain upon which grow many trees with great medicinal values.
By visiting this sthalam, pilgrims are not only blessed by getting darshan of Sri Narasimhadev, but also
benefit from His mercy by way of the air, which is mixed with medical herbs that will cure many diseases.

The temple comprises of a square shrine, with a tall gopura and mukhamantapa having a small circular
tower over it. The natyamandapam has a stone car drawn by two horses, and is enclosed by a veranda,
into which scenes from the Vishnu Purana have been sculpted with great skill.

The temple artwork is similar to that of Konark, with elephants, flowers and plants carved into the walls
and lintels. On the outer walls of the sanctum, images of King Narasimha are presented in various
postures. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with a bas relief depicting the
incarnations of Vishnu.
Outside the enclosure, to the north is the kalyanamantapam that has 96 exquisitely carved pillars, where
the Kalyana Utsava is performed on the eleventh day of the Suklapaksha, Chaitramasa every year. Here
Lord Vishnu is represented as Matsya, Dhanvantri and Varuna. There are also many murtis of Lord
Narasimha here. A perennial spring called gangadhara is found here and is said to have medicinal
properties.

One of the pillars in the Mukhantantapa is named Kappam Stambham, or the Pillar of Tribute. It attracts a
large number of pilgrims, in part due to the belief that the pillar has the power to cure cattle of diseases,
and to eliminate barrenness in women.

Temple Timings:
Morning 7am to 4pm ; Evening 6pm to 9pm.

Festival:
Chandanayatra: In May every year, the sandalwood paste is removed ceremoniously at the festival called
Chandanayatra.

Kalyanotsavam: This occurs on the 11th day, 'Ekadasi' in the first half of the lunar month of March - April
and extends over a period of 5 days; that is, from the 11th day to the full moon day.

Narasimha Jayanti: The Narasimha Jayanti festival, which occurs on the Fourteenth day of the first half of
month of 'Vaisakha' is celebrated as Birthday of the Lord.

Giri Pradakshina: On the full moon day in the month of 'Ashadha', June, the devotees of the Lord, hailing
mainly from the countryside, observe a fast on this day and go around the hill over a distance of about
twenty miles. They eat their dinner after completing the Pradakshina and after having ' Darshan ' of the
Lord. Those, who cannot undertake this, satisfy themselves by making 108 rounds in the temple itself.
How to get there:
Air: The nearest airport is at Vishakhapatnam, which is well connected with flights from important cities.

Road: The nearest major railway station is Vishakhapatnam on the Chennai - Calcutta section which is
around 20-km from here and is well connected with trains to all important destinations in A.P. and India
viz. New Delhi , Mumbai , Calcutta , Chennai , Hyderabad , Bangalore , Bhubaneswar etc.

Rail: There are frequent buses operated between Vizag and Simhachalam and the main bus stand is at
Vishakhapatnam. APSRTC operates buses to all important towns/cities in Andhra Pradhesh like,
Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Tirupati and so on. There is bus facility from the foot of the hill to
the temple for every 15-minutes.

Where to Stay:
Simhachalam Devasthanam provides accommodation facilities for pilgrims. There are choultries, cottages
and guesthouses with all amenities like water, lighting etc.

Horseshoe for Good Fortune

The horseshoe is considered a lucky charm in the West as well as in India! The shape of the
horse-shoe describes the ideal land configuration of Feng Shui, hence it is considered a
favourable shape as per Feng Shui also.
Use horseshoe by affixing it above main doors for protection and good luck.
Each family should have two horse shoes, one must be put inside and other must be put outside.
The horseshoe in 'U' shape i.e two ends pointing upwards should be placed inside and horseshoe
in 'n' shape i.e two ends pointing downwards should be placed outside.
It is said that the real horse-shoe which a horse has worn, and which has been energised by the
horse’s galloping, is really lucky.

• Can we have idol of same lord in pooja room?

The two idols of same god should not be placed in pooja room. You can keep two idols of same
lord in showcases.

• Can we keep flowers to God's photo/idol which is in Bed Room?

Avoid offering flowers to God's photo/idol which is in Bed Room.

• Can we keep rope tied to ox's nose?

Keeping the rope tied to ox's nose behind main door will bring good fortune. The rope must be
used one.