108 Divya Desam – The Sacred Abodes of Lord Vishnu

The 108 Divya Desam temples are considered to be the most sacred and significant shrines in Hinduism, particularly to devotees of Lord Vishnu. These temples are located across India and are revered by millions of devotees as the holiest sites where Lord Vishnu resides. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and importance of 108 Divya Desam temples and why they are an essential pilgrimage for Hindu devotees.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What are 108 Divya Desam temples?
3. History of 108 Divya Desam temples
4. Significance of 108 Divya Desam temples
5. List of 108 Divya Desam temples
6. Architecture and Features of 108 Divya Desam Temples
7. Rituals and Traditions at 108 Divya Desam Temples
8. Importance of Visiting 108 Divya Desam Temples
9. How to reach 108 Divya Desam Temples
10. Accommodation and Facilities at 108 Divya Desam Temples
11. Tips for Visiting 108 Divya Desam Temples
12. Conclusion
13. FAQs

What are 108 Divya Desam temples?

The term “Divya Desam” refers to the 108 temples of Lord Vishnu that are mentioned in the Tamil works of the Alvars, who were Tamil poet-saints. These temples are located across India, with the majority of them in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Each of these temples is considered to be a sacred abode of Lord Vishnu, where he is worshipped in different forms and incarnations.

History of 108 Divya Desam temples

The history of the 108 Divya Desam temples dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries when the Alvars, who were devoted to Lord Vishnu, composed hymns praising him and his incarnations. These hymns were collected into four different Tamil works known as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. The 108 Divya Desam temples are mentioned in these works, which describe the beauty and significance of these temples.

Over the years, these temples have been renovated and rebuilt by various dynasties and rulers, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara kings. Each dynasty added its own unique architectural style and features to the temples, making them not only significant from a religious perspective but also from an architectural and historical perspective.

Significance of 108 Divya Desam temples

The 108 Divya Desam temples are significant for several reasons. First and foremost, these temples are believed to be the abodes of Lord Vishnu, and visiting them is considered to be an act of great devotion and piety. Each of these temples is associated with a specific incident or legend related to Lord Vishnu’s life, making them an essential pilgrimage site for devotees.

In addition, the temples are significant from an architectural and historical perspective. Many of these temples are centuries old and are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India. The intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings found in these temples are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of the past.

List of 108 Divya Desam temples

Here is a list of the 108 Divya Desam temples:

1. Thiruvarangam (Sri Rangam) – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
2. Thirukkozhi (Uraiyur) – Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple
3. Thirukkarambanoor – Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple
4. Thiruvellarai – Sri Pundarikashan Perumal Temple
5. Thiru Anbil – Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple
6. Thirupper Nagar – Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple Thanjavur & Kumbakonam
7. Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil – Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple
8. Thirukkandiyur – Sri Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple
9. Thirukkoodaloor – Sri Aaduthurai Perumal Temple
10. Thirukkavithalam (Kabisthalam) – Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple
11. Thiruppullam Boothankudi – Sri Valvil Ramar Perumal Temple
12. Thiru Aadhanoor – Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple
13. Thirukkudanthai – Sri Saarangapani Perumal Temple
14. Thiru Vinnagar – Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple
15. Thirunarayoor (Naachchiyaar koil) – Sri Thirunarayoor Nambi Perumal Temple
16. Thiruccherai – Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple
17. Thirukkannamangai – Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple
18. Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram (Nathan Koil) – Sri Jaganatha Perumal Temple
19. Thiruvelliyankudi – Sri Kola Valvilli Ramar Perumal Temple Mayiladuturai or Mayavaram
20. Thiru Indhaloor – Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple
21. Thiruvazhunthoor – Sri Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple
22. Thiru Sirupuliyur – Sri Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple
23. Thirukkannapuram – Sri Sowrirajan Neelamega Perumal Temple
24. Thiru Naagai – Sri Soundaryarajan Neelamega Perumal Temple
25. Thirukkannankudi – Sri Loganatha Perumal Temple
26. Thiru Thalaicchanga Naanmathiyam – Sri Naan Madhiya Perumal Temple Sirkazhi
27. Kaazhicheeraama Vinnagaram – Thadalar Seerkazhi Thirivikaraman Perumal Temple
28. Thiruvellakkulam (Annan Kovil) – Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
29. Thiru Devanaar Thogai – Sri Deiva Naayaga Perumal Temple
30. Thiruvaali Thirunagari – Sri Lakshmi Narashima Perumal Temple
31. Thiru Kavalampaadi – Sri Gopala Krishna Perumal Temple
32. Thiru Manikkoodam – Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
33. Thiru Paarthanpalli – Sri Thamaraiyal Kelvan Perumal Temple
34. Thiru Manimaada Kovil – Sri Narayana Perumal Temple
35. Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram – Sri Kuda Maadu Koothan Perumal Temple
36. Thiru Thetri Aambalam – Sri Seganmaal Ranganatha Perumal Temple
37. Thiru Sempon Sei Kovil – Sri Per Arulaalan Perumal Temple
38. Thiru Vann Purushothamam – Sri Purushothama Perumal Temple
39. Thiru VaiKunda Vinnagaram – Sri Vaigundha Nathan Perumal Temple Cuddalore
40. Thiruchitrakootam (Chidambaram) – Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple
41. Thiruvaheendrapuram (Cuddalore) – Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal Temple
42. Thirukkoviloor – Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple Kanchipuram
43. Thirukkachchi – Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
44. Ashtabhuyakaram – Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple
45. Thiru Vekka – Sri Yathothakaari Temple
46. Thiru Velukkai – Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple
47. Thiruthanka – Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple
48. ThirukKalvanoor – Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple
49. Thiru Ooragam – Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
50. Thiru Neeragam – Sri Jagadeeshwarar Temple
51. Thiru Kaaragam – Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple
52. Thirukkaar Vaanam – Sri Thirukkaar vaanar Temple
53. Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram – Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple
54. Thiru Pavala Vannan – Sri Pavala Vannar Temple
55. Thiru Nilathingal Thundam – Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple
56. Thiru Paadagam – Sri Pandava Thoodhar Temple
57. Thiruputkuzhi – Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple Chennai
58. Thiruvallikkeni – Sri Parthasarathy Temple
59. Thiruneermalai – Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple
60. Thiruvedanthai – Sri Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple
61. Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram) – Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple
62. Thiru Nindravoor (Thirunindravur) – Sri Bhatavatsala Perumal Temple
63. Thiruevvuloor (Tiruvallur) – Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple
64. Thirukkatikai (Sholingur) – Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Madurai
65. Thirukkoodal – Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple
66. Thiru Moghur – Sri Kaalamegha Perumal Temple
67. Thirumaalirunsolai (Alagar Kovil) – Sri Kallazhagar Perumal Temple
68. Thirukkotiyoor – Sri Uraga Mellanayaan Perumal Temple
69. Thirumeyyam – Sri Sathyagiri Natha Perumal Temple
70. Thiruppullanni (Ramanathapuram) – Sri Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal Temple
71. Thiruthankaal (Sivakasi) – Sri Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple
72. Thiruvilliputtur (Sri Villiputhoor) – Sri Vadabhatra Saayi Perumal Temple Tirunelveli
73. Thiruvaikuntham (Sri Vaikundam) – Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal Temple
74. Thiruvaragunamangai – Sri Vijayaasana Perumal Temple
75. Thiruppulingudu – Sri Kaaichina Vendha Perumal Temple
76. Thirukkulanthai – Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
77. Thiruttholai Villimangalam (Twin Thirupathis) – Sri Aravindha Lochana Perumal Temple
78. Thirupperai – Sri Magara NedungKuzhai Kaathar Perumal Temple
79. Thirukkoloor – Sri Vaitha Maanitha Perumal Temple
80. Thirukkurugur (Alwar Thirunagiri) – Sri Aadhinatha Swamy Temple
81. Thiruvaramangai Vaanamaamalai (Nanguneri) – Sri Thothatrinatha Perumal Temple
82. Thirukkurungudi – Sri Nindra Nambi Perumal Temple
83. Thiruvanparisaaram (Nagercoil) – Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple
84. Thiru Vattaaru (Marthandam) – Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple Kerala
85. Thiruvananthapuram – Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple
86. Thirupuliyoor (Chengannur) – Sri Maayapiran Perumal Temple
87. Thirucchenkundroor (Chengannur) – Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple
88. Thiruvaaran Vilai (Aranmulla Temple) – Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple
89. Thiruvanvandoor (Chengannur) – Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple
90. Thiruvalvaazh (Thiruvalla) – Sri Kolapira Perumal Temple
91. Thirukkadithaanam (Changanassery) – Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal Temple
92. Thirukkaatkarai (Near Ernakulam, Edapally) – Sri Kaatkarai Appa Perumal Temple
93. Thirumoozhikkalam (Near Cochin Int Airport) – Sri Moozhikkalathaan Perumal Temple
94. Thiruvithuvakkodu (Near Thrissur, Pattambi) – Sri Uyyavantha Perumal Temple
95. Thiru Naavaay (Near Kuttippuram) – Sri Naavaay Mugundha Perumal Temple Andhra Pradesh
96. Thirupathi (Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh) – Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
97. Thiru Singavel Kundram (Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh) – Sri Nava Narasimhar Temple Gujara
98. Thiru Dwaraka (Dwaraka, Gujarat) – Sri Kalyana Narayana Perumal Temple Uttar Pradesh
99. Thiru Ayodhi (Uttar Pradesh) – Sri Ramar Temple
100. Thiru Naimisaranyam (Uttar Pradesh) – Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple
101. Thiruvaaipadi (Aayarpadi) – Sri Navamohana Krishna Perumal Temple
102. Thiru Vadamathura (Govardhanesan) – Sri Govardhana Nesa Perumal Temple Uttaranchal
103. Thirukkandam (Devaprayag) – Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple
104. Thiruppirudhi (Joshimutt) – Sri Paramapurusha Perumal Temple
105. Thiruvadhari Ashramam (Badrinath) – Sri Badri Narayana Perumal Temple
106. Thiru Salagramam (Mukthinath, Nepal) – Sri Moorthy Perumal Temple
107. ThirupPaarkadal (Vyugam) – Celestial Abode
108. ThirupParamapadham (Parathuvam) – Celestial Abode

Architecture and Features of 108 Divya Desam Temples:

The architecture of 108 Divya Desam Temples varies from temple to temple, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India. However, most of the temples are built in the Dravidian style of architecture, characterized by towering gopurams (entrance towers), pillared halls, and intricate carvings on the walls. Many temples have a large tank or pond, known as a pushkarini, where devotees take a dip before entering the temple.

Each temple has a moolavar, or main deity, of Lord Vishnu, in various forms such as standing, sitting, or reclining. The temples also have separate shrines for other deities associated with Lord Vishnu, such as his consorts, Lakshmi and Bhudevi.

Rituals and Traditions at 108 Divya Desam Temples:

The rituals and traditions followed at 108 Divya Desam Temples are based on the ancient scriptures and vary from temple to temple. However, some common practices followed at most temples include:

• Daily puja and darshan of the main deity.
• Utsavam or festival celebrations, including Brahmotsavam, Garuda Seva, and Vaikunta Ekadasi.
• Offering of prasadams or sacred food items to the deity.
• Donation of money or other items to the temple.

Importance of Visiting 108 Divya Desam Temples:

Visiting 108 Divya Desam Temples is considered to be a highly meritorious act in Hinduism. It is believed that by visiting and worshipping at these temples, one can attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temples are also considered to be powerful places of healing and spiritual renewal.

How to reach 108 Divya Desam Temples:

Most of the 108 Divya Desam Temples are located in South India, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Many of the temples are located in remote areas and can be reached only by road. Some temples, such as the Srirangam temple in Tamil Nadu, have their own railway stations.

Accommodation and Facilities at 108 Divya Desam Temples:

Many of the temples offer accommodation facilities for devotees, ranging from basic dormitory-style rooms to more luxurious suites. The facilities also include dining halls and other basic amenities such as toilets and showers. Some of the more popular temples may have long waiting times for accommodation, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Tips for Visiting 108 Divya Desam Temples:

• Dress appropriately in traditional Indian attire.
• Follow the temple’s customs and traditions while inside.
• Observe silence and refrain from taking photographs inside the temple.
• Be mindful of the temple’s opening and closing times.
• Respect the sanctity of the temple and avoid loud or disruptive behavior.

Conclusion:

Visiting 108 Divya Desam Temples is a spiritual journey that can bring peace and inner harmony. These temples are not only architectural wonders but also have immense spiritual significance. It is important to follow the customs and traditions of each temple and respect

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