Thiruvellarai Idols: Meaning Behind the Murtis of Pundarikaksha Perumal
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is in Thiruvellarai, a village
on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Bhagavan
Vishnu. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy places of Vishnu
praised by the Alvar saints. Here Bhagavan is worshipped as Pundarikakshan, and
Mahalakshmi as Pankajavalli Thayar.
In Hinduism, an idol is not just a stone or metal figure. It
is the form through which Bhagavan is worshipped, and every part of the image
carries a teaching. The sacred idols of Pundarikaksha Perumal Temple at Thiruvellarai
are a good example of this. Each posture, each hand gesture and each companion
figure has a meaning which the devotee can learn and understand.
The Mulavar: Pundarikaksha Perumal
The main deity in the sanctum is a stone image of Bhagavan
Vishnu, known as Pundarikaksha Perumal. He stands with four arms. The name
Pundarikaksha means the one with lotus eyes, and it shows the kindness and
compassion of Bhagavan towards his devotees.
In the upper hands he holds the prayoga chakra and the
shankha. The chakra is the discus, and it represents the power of Bhagavan to
destroy evil and protect dharma. The word prayoga means ready to be used, so it
shows that Bhagavan is always prepared to protect those who surrender to him.
The shankha is the conch, and its sound is linked with the sacred Pranava, the
Om. It reminds us of the call to wake up from ignorance.
The lower right hand shows Abhaya mudra, which means do not
fear. The lower left hand is in Katyavilambita, where the hand hangs down along
the waist. This gesture is said to show that the ocean of samsara, the cycle of
birth and death, is only as deep as the waist for one who takes refuge in
Bhagavan. Together, the two hands give a clear message: fear is removed and the
way to liberation is easy for a devotee.
Figures Around the Mulavar
Behind Bhagavan Vishnu, there are stone images of Surya and
Chandra doing camara seva, which is fanning with a chowry, a service done for a
king. Surya and Chandra are the sun and the moon, who control time and day and
night. When they serve Bhagavan, it shows that even the cosmic forces are under
his command.
On both sides stand Garuda and Adi Shesha in human form.
Garuda is the vahana of Bhagavan, and he represents devotion and the power of
the Vedas. Adi Shesha is the serpent who is the bed of Bhagavan, and he
represents service and the support of the whole creation. Both are shown as
humble servants.
Bhudevi and Sage Markandeya are seated and offer prayers.
Bhudevi is the Earth goddess. Markandeya is a great rishi known for his deep
devotion. Their presence shows that both the world and the wise seek refuge in
Bhagavan.
Thayar: Senkamalavalli
The mulavar of Thayar, Senkamalavalli, is kept in a separate
shrine. The name means the one seated on a red lotus. In Sri Vaishnava
tradition, Thayar is the mediator who recommends the devotee to Bhagavan, and
her mercy makes the approach to Bhagavan easy.
The Utsava Murtis
The utsava murti, called Sentamarai Kannan, is a standing
bronze image of Bhagavan Vishnu with four arms. The utsava murti is taken out
in processions and festivals, so that Bhagavan can come to the devotees. It
shows that he is not only present in the sanctum, but also comes to his people.
Beside him is the bronze utsava murti of Pangayacelvi Thayar. She is seated with four arms, holding lotuses in the upper hands, with Abhaya and Varada in the lower hands. The lotus stands for purity and grace. Abhaya gives protection and Varada gives boons.
The sacred idols of Thiruvellarai show that Hindu art is deeply
connected with philosophy. When a devotee looks at the mulavar with attention,
he learns about protection, fearlessness, humility and grace, all in one
darshan.