☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #40 of 108 (Chola Nadu)
Thirunamam

108 Divya Desam

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Vaikunthanatha Perumal / Vijayaraghava

Thirukkaattuppalli (Aranyeswarar / Kattumannarkoil) — Divya Desam #40

Divya Desam #40 • Chola Nadu (Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster)
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Part of the Nangur-Sirkazhi belt where the Lord sits in meditation amid dense sacred forest.

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #40 (Thirukkaattuppalli (Aranyeswarar / Kattumannarkoil)) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Chola Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Vaikunthanatha Perumal / Vijayaraghava, graces devotees in Irundha (Sitting) posture facing East beneath the sacred Sudha Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar. Holy dips or prostrations near the Surya 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 (1 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Azhwar
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 1 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Thirumangai Azhwar praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Vaikunthanatha Perumal / Vijayaraghava and Maragathavalli Thayar at Thirukkaattuppalli (Aranyeswarar / Kattumannarkoil). 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 Vaikunthanatha Perumal / Vijayaraghava and Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar.
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
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• Travel Hub / Base Town: Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster (Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Cuddalore and nearby pilgrimage towns in Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Cuddalore / Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Cuddalore - 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.