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Showing posts from July 7, 2016


Story of Karthigai Nakshatra and Muruga – Krittika and Lord Kartikeya

Karthigai, Krittika, or Kartika is the third of the 27 birth stars of the lunar zodiac. The story of birth of Muruga or Kartikeya is closely associated with Krittika. Legend has it that when Muruga, the commander in chief and son of Shiva, was born, the Devas deputed six mothers called Krittikas to breastfeed him. As per Mahabharata, after having fed Muruga, the mothers entered into the sphere of stars and hence this group of stars is called Krittika or Karthigai. Muruga gets the name Kartikeya from his these six mothers. As per some Puranas, Krittika is also the daughter of Daksha Prajapati.

Perungulam Mayakoothar Temple at Perungulam in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – Seventh Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Shani or Saturn

Perungulam Mayakoothar Temple, also known as Sri Venkatavanan temple or Mayakoothan Perumal Koil, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Perungulam in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the seventh Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Saturn (Navagraha Shani). Perungulam Mayakoothar Temple is around 8 km from Srivaikuntam. There is no separate Navgraha Shani Murti in the temple. The main deity represents the Navgraha. The main murti of Vishnu worshipped in the temple faces east and is in standing posture. Moolavar is known as Venkatavanan and Srinivasan. Urchavar is known as Mayakoothar or Mayakoothan. A unique aspect here is that a separate Garuda murti is worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum. Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Alarmelmanga Thayar, Kulandaivalli Thayar (also known as Kamala Valli). The sacred temple pond is known as Perungula Teertham. Those having problem