This week's Podcast is about "Arulmigu Vakrakaliamman Thirukovil,Thiruvakkarai". Thiruvakkarai is a place where one can find shrines of Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Shakti together. The sacred bathing ghat of this place is the Varaaga river.
Lord Siva's name is 'Pirai Soodiya Peruman' and He is also called Chandra Mouleeswarar. The Lingam here is the Gnanalingam and has three faces (Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva). The east face is known as Thatpurudam, north face is known as Vaamadevam and the south face is known as Agoram.
The idol of a six feet tall Lord Varadharaja Perumal can be seen in a separate temple and it is said He appeared before His devotees after killing the demon at this place.
As soon as one crosses the rajagopuram, one can see the sanctum sanctorum of Vakrakaali. She appears with a skull on her head as crown, a dead foetus on her right ear, and has eight hands.
I would like you to hear this episode and give your valuable comments, also request you to send me your friends, colleagues or family member's email who will be interested in hearing this podcast so that I can also send email to them simultaneously regarding my episodes every week.
You can either go to this link and click on each episode and hear it or you have mp3 to download as well
I use to visit the temple regularly in the mid 90s.
The more Vakrams in the temple to name a few.
1. When you enter the temple the way to Lord Shivas Sannidhi is blocked perpendicilarly by the Kali's Sannidhi.
2. If you stand in front of the Shiva's Shrine, the Dhujastambam / Nandi / Lingam will net be aligned in the same straight line. Usually the above mentioned 3 will be in a straight line in all other temples.
3. Then move to the Nava Graham. In all temples head of the Crow of Shani Bhagavan is always behind his right hand, for a change in this temple the crow's head will be near his left hand - Exactly opposite to the usual.
Thats all I can remember as of now.
I dont know how many in this group have UMMACHI Nambikkai. Very powerful godess and the poojaperformed during Pournami is very famous.