☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #16 of 108 (Chola Nadu)
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Saranatha Perumal

Thirucherai — Divya Desam #16

Divya Desam #16 • Chola Nadu (Kumbakonam Cluster)
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Pancha Sara Kshetram where the Lord appears with FIVE consorts (Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Neeladevi, Mahalakshmi, and Saranayaki).

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #16 (Thirucherai) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Chola Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Saranatha Perumal, graces devotees in Ninra (Standing) posture facing East beneath the sacred Sarasiruga Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Saranayaki Thayar. Holy dips or prostrations near the Sara Pushkarani are believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and Moksha. Throughout the centuries, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and Vijayanagara rulers contributed मंडपम्स (mandapams), gopurams, and stone inscriptions preserving the daily Pancharatra / Vaikhanasa Agama worship.
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🙏 Azhwars: Thirumangai Azhwar (13 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Azhwar
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 13 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Thirumangai Azhwar praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Saranatha Perumal and Saranayaki Thayar at Thirucherai. Reciting the Pasurams of this Divya Desam inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha) is considered the highest spiritual offering during a pilgrim's Yatra.
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• Annual Brahmotsavam: Celebrated with grand Vahana processions including Garuda Sevai, Hanumantha Vahanam, Surya/Chandra Prabhai, and Rathotsavam (Temple Car festival).
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Margazhi): Special Paramapada Vasal / Rapathu & Pagalpathu Utsavam with recitation of Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
• Panguni Uthiram & Thayar Thirukalyana Utsavam: Celestial wedding festival of Lord Saranatha Perumal and Goddess Saranayaki Thayar.
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
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• Travel Hub / Base Town: Kumbakonam Cluster (Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Tiruvarur and nearby pilgrimage towns in Kumbakonam Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Tiruvarur / Kumbakonam Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Tiruvarur - Tamil Nadu region (approx. 1 to 2.5 hours by cab via highway).
• Pilgrim Tip: Verify temple opening hours (6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM) before starting; afternoon closure is typically between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.