India Online Journal, November 2001
Author: Jennifer Kumar
Day 20
Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple
This section has been moved to my new site at: Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple part 1 | Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple part 2
Ulagalandal (Vishnu) Temple
The form of Vishnu that stands in this temple is considered special because it is so big. In fact, it is difficult to see to the top of it's head. A head is also seen on the ground by his feet. "It is a temple which predicts Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as ‘Vaaman’-a holy Brahmin boy. Long, long ago, Lord Vishnu (in his incarnation as Vaman) came up to the Emperor Mahabali and asked him for 3 feet of land. The emperor immediately agreed to give him what he wanted. Then Lord Vishnu, took the form of a gigantic Brahman, measured the Earth with one foot and the Heaven with his other foot. When Lord Vishnu asked Emperor Mahabali for the third foot of land, the emperor was forced to offer he said to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu then placed enormous foot on the emperor’s head and killed him. Thus Lord Vishnu extended his supremacy over the world and from then on showers his countless number of blessings on his devotees. In the temple, we find Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Vamana. The figure (of Lord Vishnu) presents him as a gigantic personage. This gigantic figure he assumed while measuring three feet of land, attracts the attention of the devotees. This figure which presents Lord Vishnu in the act of measuring the worlds with his foot is of course a breath-taking sight. The head of the Emperor lies under Lord Vishnu’s foot." (The part in quotes is taken from http://www.kagabujandar.org/english_Kanchipuram_Temples.html.)
Sri Chithraguptar Temple
The main deity of this temple is Kethu. Kethu is the Sanskrit word for Saturn. Saturn is one of the navagrahas, or nine planets, and is important for reducing the negative effects of the planetary positions noted in the Hindu astological chart that is created for each person individually.
Sri Karumariya Amman Temple
This will be noted under notes for day 21.
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since it's inception - October 2004. Updated Jan 2008.
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