The river Kaviri originates from Kodugu (Thalai Kaveri) and after about 300 km in Karnataka, flows into Tamilnadu at Kogenekkal. Then it flows southwards and river Bhavani joins Kaviri at Bhavani. Then the river flows to Tiruchy. Earlier to this, the river splits into Kollidam (on the north) and Kaviri (on the south); near Tiruchy the two rivers try to merge thus making it an island.
Within this island is the famous Srirangam Koil. The famous Chola king Karikal Cholan, built a stone dam across this broad river. This marvelous structure called the KALLANAI in Tamil is standing ever so majestically even after 2000 years since the King built it.
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| King Karikala Cholan
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| Sri Anjaneya Koil at Kallanai |
During the British regime, 200 years ago, the engineer in charge JL Calddell had a dream one night - Anchaneya appearing in his dream asking him to build a temple for Him at the Kallanai. Though he did not care much for this, subsequent events made the Englishman a believer, and he constructed a temple for Lord Hanuman there. That was in 1804.
It is more than two hundred years that Lord Sri Hanuman is protecting this two thousand years old bridge. It is widely believed that He is the Protector of the two thousand year old Kallanai and the Master who irrigates the Thanjavur delta. Every year before the water is released for cultivation of paddy to the delta, poojas are conducted in this temple. Every season before the water is released for cultivation of first ‘bogam’, the paddy seeds are first offered to the Lord then to the river and then the water for irrigation is released from all sluices. Farmers, Engineers and Ministers used to participate in this pooja ceremony.
Sri Anjaneya had selected this very strange spot to stay. During early January 2008, ankle deep water was flowing on the floor of the front hall. During season when water is released in Kollidam the basement of the temple and the floor of the front hall will not be visible. Water will be flowing upto the brim of the door steps of the temple. A sight which is beyond imagination, the pundit tells it is seen to be believed. It is a unique spot for a temple, but Lord Hanuman had selected this spot for Himself for the reason best known to Him
The Temple is east facing with a big hall in front. The temple is about ten feet by ten feet. The main garbhagraham constitutes the entire temple. There is a two feet wide open prakaram around the temple with closely placed iron grills around, to prevent any untoward incident like devotee falling into the river etc.
Sri Jaya Veera Anjaneya
Sri Hanuman of this temple is facing north in an ardha shila form. Lord is seen moving towards north. Sri Hanuman is holding ‘sowgandhika’ flower in His left hand which is resting on the hip. Lord’s right hand is seen raised above His shoulder with ‘abhaya mudra’. Lord’s tail is seen raised above His head, with a small bell tied at the end. Lord is wearing three malas in his neck. His kesam is seen tied neatly and tagged. Lords eyes are radiant and glowing mesmerising the devotee and making him spell bound.
The daily poojas are done as per the Madwa tradition.
Sri VELUKKUDI KRISHNAN SWAMIGAL is presenting this Koil now at 6:30 AM (Pothikai TV) 10th Oct 2013. Watch.
rajappa
12:45 noon
10-10-2013
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