The term “Divya Desams” refers to the 108 revered temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, celebrated in the hymns of the Alvars, the Tamil saint poets. These temples, scattered across various regions of India, hold immense spiritual and cultural significance in Vaishnavism, a major tradition within Hinduism. Embarking on a pilgrimage to these sacred sites, known as the Divya Desam Yatra, is a deeply enriching spiritual journey that devotees undertake to seek blessings and attain spiritual merit. In this detailed guide, we will explore each of these holy Vishnu temples, their locations, historical significance, and the unique rituals associated with them.
108 Divya Desams
Table of Contents
Historical and Spiritual Significance
The Divya Desams are sanctified through the hymns (Pasurams) of the Alvars. These hymns, which form part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, are considered the Tamil Vedas. The temples are spread across various regions, with a concentration in Tamil Nadu, and others in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Two of these Divya Desams are believed to be in the celestial realms.
The Alvars’ devotion and their hymns played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement, emphasizing love and devotion towards God. The 108 Divya Desams are a testament to their unwavering devotion and are a pilgrimage destination for devotees seeking spiritual merit and blessings from Lord Vishnu.
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Classification of Divya Desams
- Chozha Naadu (40 Temples): Located primarily in the Chozha region, these temples are highly revered. Some notable temples include Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Sri Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam, and Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple in Mannargudi.
- Pandiya Naadu (18 Temples): These temples are situated in the Pandya region. Significant temples include Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai and Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur.
- Nadu Naadu (2 Temples): Located in the Nadu region, the two temples are Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram and Sri Aravamudhan Temple in Thirukkudandhai.
- Thondai Naadu (22 Temples): These temples are spread across the Thondai region. Notable ones are Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram and Sri Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple in Thiruthanka.
- Malayala Naadu (13 Temples): Situated in Kerala, significant temples include Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur.
- Vada Naadu (11 Temples): Located in the northern regions of India, notable temples are Sri Badrinath Temple in Badrinath and Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.
- Thirunadu (1 Temple): This single temple is the Sri Srirangam Temple in Srirangam, which is the foremost among the Divya Desams.
- Parama Padam (1 Temple): This refers to the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu, also known as Vaikuntha.
- Tiruparkadal (1 Temple): Located in the celestial ocean of milk, where Lord Vishnu is believed to reside.
Prominent Temples
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: The largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, it is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu. The temple’s architecture and spiritual significance make it a prime pilgrimage destination.
- Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati: Known as the richest temple in the world, it attracts millions of devotees who seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara.
- Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram: Famous for its immense wealth and intricate architecture, this temple is dedicated to Anantha, the form of Vishnu reclining on the serpent Adishesha.
- Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur: A major temple in Kerala, it is dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a form of Krishna. It is a significant pilgrimage center for devotees from Kerala and beyond.
Pilgrimage and Worship Practices
Pilgrimage to the Divya Desams is considered a sacred duty for devotees of Lord Vishnu. The journey, known as the Divya Desam Yatra, is believed to purify the soul and bring one closer to salvation. Each temple has its unique rituals, legends, and festivals that attract devotees year-round.
- Rituals: Daily rituals include pujas, offerings, and recitation of hymns from the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Special rituals are conducted during festivals and auspicious days.
- Festivals: Major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam, and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated with grandeur in these temples, drawing large crowds of devotees.
- Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity. Prasadam, or the consecrated food, is distributed among the devotees as a blessing from the deity.
Architectural Marvels
The Divya Desams are not just centers of worship but also architectural marvels. They showcase the Dravidian style of architecture, with grand gopurams (towers), mandapams (halls), and intricate carvings depicting various episodes from Hindu mythology.
- Gopurams: The towering entrance structures are adorned with sculptures of deities, mythical creatures, and floral patterns.
- Sanctum Sanctorum: The innermost chamber where the presiding deity resides. It is often designed to create a serene and divine atmosphere.
- Mandapams: Pillared halls used for conducting various ceremonies and rituals. They are often decorated with exquisite carvings and sculptures.
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List of 108 Divya Desams with Locations
Chozha Naadu (40 Temples)
- Sri Rangam (Thiruvarangam)
- Location: Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukkudanthai (Kumbakonam)
- Location: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvaragamangai (Sri Vaikuntam)
- Location: Sri Vaikuntam, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthanjai Maamani Kovil (Thanjavur)
- Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirunagai (Nagapattinam)
- Location: Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvinnagar (Oppiliappan)
- Location: Oppiliappan Koil, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruchitrakootam (Chidambaram)
- Location: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukannapuram
- Location: Kannapuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukannamangai
- Location: Kannamangai, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvazhundur
- Location: Thiruvazhundur, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvidanthai
- Location: Thiruvidanthai, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvekha (Thiruvekka)
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvaikuntavinnagaram (Thirunangur)
- Location: Thirunangur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukkudanthai (Kumbakonam)
- Location: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
- Thirucherai
- Location: Thirucherai, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruchitrakootam (Chidambaram)
- Location: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirunagai (Nagapattinam)
- Location: Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukannapuram
- Location: Kannapuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukannamangai
- Location: Kannamangai, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvazhundur
- Location: Thiruvazhundur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukannangudi
- Location: Kannangudi, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvellarai
- Location: Thiruvellarai, Tamil Nadu
- Thirumeyyam
- Location: Thirumeyyam, Tamil Nadu
- Thirupadagam
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparameswara Vinnagaram
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthanka (Deepaprakasa Perumal)
- Location: Thiruthanka, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruputkuzhi
- Location: Thiruputkuzhi, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthanka (Deepaprakasa Perumal)
- Location: Thiruthanka, Tamil Nadu
- Thirunagai (Nagapattinam)
- Location: Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukannapuram
- Location: Kannapuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukannamangai
- Location: Kannamangai, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvazhundur
- Location: Thiruvazhundur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukkannangudi
- Location: Kannangudi, Tamil Nadu
- Thirunariyur
- Location: Thirunariyur, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvellarai
- Location: Thiruvellarai, Tamil Nadu
- Thirumeyyam
- Location: Thirumeyyam, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvellarai
- Location: Thiruvellarai, Tamil Nadu
- Thirumeyyam
- Location: Thirumeyyam, Tamil Nadu
- Thirupadagam
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparameswara Vinnagaram
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Pandiya Naadu (18 Temples)
- Thirukoshtiyur
- Location: Thirukoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukkurungudi
- Location: Thirukkurungudi, Tamil Nadu
- Thirumogur
- Location: Thirumogur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirumeyyam
- Location: Thirumeyyam, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthankaal
- Location: Thiruthankaal, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparankundram
- Location: Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvilliputhur
- Location: Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukkottiyur
- Location: Thirukkottiyur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirumeyyam
- Location: Thirumeyyam, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparamkundram
- Location: Thiruparamkundram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthankaal
- Location: Thiruthankaal, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparankundram
- Location: Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvilliputhur
- Location: Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukoshtiyur
- Location: Thirukoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirumeyyam
- Location: Thirumeyyam, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparamkundram
- Location: Thiruparamkundram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthankaal
- Location: Thiruthankaal, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruppullani
- Location: Thiruppullani, Tamil Nadu
Nadu Naadu (2 Temples)
- Thiruvahindrapuram
- Location: Thiruvahindrapuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirunangur
- Location: Thirunangur, Tamil Nadu
Thondai Naadu (22 Temples)
- Thirukadalmallai
- Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvehka
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvallikeni (Triplicane)
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruneermalai
- Location: Thiruneermalai, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthanka
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukkadigai (Sholinghur)
- Location: Sholinghur, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukkarakam
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukalvanur
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirupper Nagar
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirupadagam
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvallur
- Location: Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparamechura Vinnagaram
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thirunindravur
- Location: Thirunindravur, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvekha
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvelliyangudi
- Location: Thiruvelliyangudi, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthanka
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruthanka (Deepaprakasa Perumal)
- Location: Thiruthanka, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruvehka
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruparkadal
- Location: Thiruparkadal, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruputkuzhi
- Location: Thiruputkuzhi, Tamil Nadu
- Thiruputkuzhi
- Location: Thiruputkuzhi, Tamil Nadu
- Thirukoshtiyur
- Location: Thirukoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu
Malayala Naadu (13 Temples)
- Thiruvananthapuram (Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple)
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Thiruvithuvakkodu
- Location: Kerala
- Thiruvalla
- Location: Thiruvalla, Kerala
- Thirupuliyur
- Location: Thirupuliyur, Kerala
- Thiruchenkundroor
- Location: Thiruchenkundroor, Kerala
- Thiruvanvandoor
- Location: Thiruvanvandoor, Kerala
- Thirukkadithaanam
- Location: Thirukkadithaanam, Kerala
- Thirukkodithanam
- Location: Thirukkodithanam, Kerala
- Thiruvanjikkulam
- Location: Thiruvanjikkulam, Kerala
- Thirunavaya
- Location: Thirunavaya, Kerala
- Thiruvazhamkudi
- Location: Thiruvazhamkudi, Kerala
- Thiruvathavur
- Location: Thiruvathavur, Kerala
- Thirumoozhikkulam
- Location: Thirumoozhikkulam, Kerala
Vada Naadu (11 Temples)
- Thiruppiridhi (Badrinath)
- Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand
- Thiruvataar (Devaprayag)
- Location: Devaprayag, Uttarakhand
- Thirukandam (Saligramam)
- Location: Saligramam, Nepal
- Thiruthal (Joshimath)
- Location: Joshimath, Uttarakhand
- Thiruppiridhi
- Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand
- Thiruvataar
- Location: Devaprayag, Uttarakhand
- Thirukandam
- Location: Saligramam, Nepal
- Thiruthal
- Location: Joshimath, Uttarakhand
- Thiruvataar
- Location: Devaprayag, Uttarakhand
- Thirukandam
- Location: Saligramam, Nepal
- Thiruvataar
- Location: Devaprayag, Uttarakhand
Thirunadu (1 Temple)
- Thiruparkadal
- Location: Celestial ocean of milk
Parama Padam (1 Temple)
- Parama Padam
- Location: Celestial abode of Vishnu
Tiruparkadal (1 Temple)
- Tiruparkadal
- Location: Celestial ocean of milk
Conclusion
The 108 Divya Desams stand as a testament to the profound devotion and cultural heritage of Vaishnavism. Each temple, with its distinctive history, architectural splendor, and devotional practices, offers a unique and transformative spiritual experience for pilgrims. Visiting these sacred Vishnu temples is not just a religious journey but also a cultural exploration of India’s rich spiritual landscape. Whether you are seeking spiritual fulfillment, cultural insights, or architectural marvels, the Divya Desams provide an unparalleled pilgrimage experience that brings you closer to the divine presence of Lord Vishnu.