Thiruvelukkai is traditionally enumerated as number 62 among the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Sri Maha Vishnu sung by the Alvars.
This divya kshetram in Kanchipuram is very close to the Deepaprakasa temple. This is a very old dilapidated temple. There is not even a Rajagopuram. There are 3 sannidhis, one for the Lord, one for Thayar Amruthavalli and one for Garudar.
"Vel"means desire or wish."Irukkai"means the place where He stays. Literally, therefore, Velukkai means that it is a place where the Lord is happily settled. It was originally called Vel Irukkai and slowly got corrupted to Velukkai. Here Lord Vishnu is known as Mukunda Nayaka. The presiding deity in this temple is now seen in thé form of Narasimhar. It is said that originally the Lord appeared before Bhrigu Maharishi in a standing posture facing east under a Kanaka Vimana. He was then known as Mukunda Nayaka. But, today, we find that the Lord here is in the form of Narasimha and is facing west.
This transformation is explained by a story connected with one of the attempts of Goddess Sarasvati to destsroy the penance of Brahma. Goddess Sarasvati commissioned Kapalika, a demon to destroy the Yaga being performed by Brahma. Lord Vishnu took the form of Narahari or Narasimha and fought with Kapalika and thus saved the yaga of Brahma.
Thirumangai Alvar and Perialvar have sung (mangalaasaasanam) four Pasurams in praise of the Lord at this Divyadesam.
Hr gQu avsh gmrbs soneGadare! Per MGs sg Cucsms sorpsturd - sSsir Dy ALssrmerds CayevF gromorupsr HKEIMEd SLbsroer OeeseGu sro!
O God, once upon a time, as Lord Krishna you killed Kamsa.
O God once upon a time you measured the 3 worlds with
Are you tired, as a consequence?
Is that why you are seen standing still at Velukkai and
in a reclining posture at Thiruvehkaa?
O mind of mine! worship that Lord.
Divyakavi Pillai Perumal Iyengar -
sré@fu srrumuks sroragGarcr Geter aoraghu wrrumuiser awhsrer -
BO oT GGA GIT OV Cagpamea wrenfiGw! Cagigad wer raysir SIMS mTsEr supe.
O Lord Narasimha, living in Velukkai, is there any help and vimochanam (redemption) for those who do not surrender at your divine feet? (meaning to say there is no other way to seek salvation). This is clearly proved when we deeply reflect on the fact
that the fool, Hiranya - Kasipu, who thought there was none to excel him, was wholly destroyed, while the mere mortal, a child at that i.e. Prahlada, who placed complete faith in You, was safe. So pray to Lord Narasimha at Velukkai and seek His blessings to charter you through the troubled sea of this world.
TELUGU · తెలుగు
దివ్యదేశం: తిరువేళుక్కై. పూర్తి వివరణ త్వరలో.