Karthigai Deepam was celebrated grandly at Uthiramerur Temple, yesterday the 28th of November 2012. Located about 85kms South West of Chennai is the 1300 year old three tiered Sundara Varadar temple in UthiraMerur. It is believed that UthiraMerur was gifted to 1200 Vedic Vaishnavite Brahmin Scholars in the 8th Century AD by Nandi Varma Pallava who also built the Sundara Varadar temple. Clearly, a lot of focus was laid on Vedic Education during that period with this village being a hub of Vedic Learning. Hence, Uthira Merur was also referred to as ‘Chaturvedi Mangalam’, a place where one could hear the recital of the four Vedas all the time.
Some of the photos taken during the utsavam can be viewed below
Photos: Thanks to Sri Srivatsan
The Story- Pancha Varada Kshetram
It is believed that Lord Vishnu, in different forms, gave darshan to Pancha Pandavas, who are believed to come here (Virata Parvam) during the time of their exile. Hence this place is also referred to as Pancha Varada Kshetram. While there are no inscriptions confirming the visit of the pandavas, several of the villages in and around UthiraMerur were named after the Pandavas and this serves as an indication that they visited this place.
Sundara Varadar
Details below:
Vaikunta Varadar provided darshan to DharmaRaja
Sundara Varadar – to Bheema
Achuta Varadar – to Arjuna
Aniruddha Varadar provided darshan to Nakula
Kalyana Varadar provided darshan to Sahadeva
Also, it is believed that Goddess Ananda Valli provided darshan to Draupadi.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Sundara Varadarajar east facing Standing Posture
Vaikunta Varadar in Tier 1 Sitting Posture
Ranganatha in Tier 2 Sleeping Posture
Goddess : Ananda Valli Thaayar(Separate Sannidhi)
Temple Timing : 7am-12noon and 4pm-8pm
Festivals : Brahmotsavam in Chitrai, Pavitrotsavam in Aadi, Andal Aadi Pavitrotsavam- Recital of the 4 Vedhas, Sudarashana Homam in Puratasi
How to reach UthiraMerur
Direct Buses between Chennai and UthiraMerur(2 hours)
One can travel by train to Chengalpet(from Chennai) and then take a 30 minute bus trip to Uthira Merur
One can reach Uthira merur by car from Chennai in 1 1/2hours.
(Take the right after 69 kms from Chennai on the GST road)
More news about Uthiramerur:
http://anudinam.org/2011/12/13/sundara-varadar-uthiramerur/
http://anudinam.org/2012/02/18/sri-sundharavaradharaja-perumal-theppautsavam-at-uthiramerur/
