Embark on a Divine Journey: The 'Nadu Nadu' Divya Desam Tour Package
Embark on a soul-stirring pilgrimage through the heart of Tamil Nadu with our exclusive “Nadu Nadu Divya Desam” tour package. This meticulously curated journey invites you to explore two historically rich and spiritually profound temples, offering a glimpse into the glorious Vaishnavite tradition and the divine presence of Lord Vishnu.
For devotees of Lord Vishnu, the 108 Divya Desams hold an unparalleled sanctity, being the sacred abodes glorified by the ancient Tamil Azhwar saints in their devotional hymns (Pasurams). Among these, the classification of “Nadu Nadu Divya Desams” points to a unique cluster of temples, geographically and historically significant, that offer a profound spiritual experience.
The term “Nadu Nadu” literally translates to “middle country” or “central region.” In the context of ancient Tamil Nadu, this refers to a distinct geographical area that historically lay between the Chola Nadu (central and delta regions) to the north and the Pandya Nadu (southern regions) to the south. This “middle” region, though smaller in the number of designated Divya Desams, holds immense spiritual weight due to its rich history and direct connections to the lives and hymns of the Azhwars.
While various classifications exist, the “Nadu Nadu Divya Desams” prominently feature two highly revered temples:
- Thiruvaheendrapuram (Cuddalore) – Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal Temple
- Thirukkoviloor – Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple
1. Thiruvaheendrapuram – Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal Temple (Cuddalore)
Location: Situated near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, Thiruvaheendrapuram is a serene and spiritually charged destination.
Deities:
- Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal, also known as Hampasatharan (literally, one who is fond of the Swan) or Koviladiyappan, in a standing posture.
- Thayar (Consort): Sri Hemabhujavalli Thayar (also known as Pankajavalli Thayar).
- Utsavar (Processional Deity): Sri Deyva Nayagan.
Significance & Legends:
- Association with Swami Vedanta Desika: This temple is deeply intertwined with the life and works of the great Vaishnavite philosopher and poet, Swami Vedanta Desika. He spent a significant part of his life here, climbing the Oushadagiri hill (a small hillock within the temple complex) daily to worship Lord Garuda and seek his blessings. Many of his philosophical and devotional works, including the “Rahasyatraya Sara,” “Hamsa Sandesham,” and “Garuda Dandakam,” were composed here. The Oushadagiri hill itself is believed to have various rare medicinal herbs.
- Garuda’s Austerities: Legend has it that Garuda, the divine eagle mount of Lord Vishnu, performed severe penance here to regain his lost power, and Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Deyva Nayagan.
- Alwar Connection: The temple has been glorified by Thirumangai Azhwar in his Pasurams.
- Unique Features: The temple complex comprises the main shrine, the Oushadagiri hill with a separate shrine for Lord Hayagriva (the horse-faced incarnation of Vishnu, worshipped as the Lord of Knowledge), and a sacred tank known as the “Sesha Theertham.”
2. Thirukkoviloor – Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple
Location: Located in Thirukkoviloor, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Pennai River (also known as Ponnaiyar).
Deities:
- Moolavar: Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal (also known as Ulagalantha Perumal), depicted in a colossal standing posture, with one foot raised to measure the heavens.
- Thayar: Sri Poorana Mahadevi.
- Utsavar: Sri Gopalan.
Significance & Legends:
- Vamana Avataram: The temple is celebrated as the spot where Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar, revealed his cosmic form (Thiruvikrama) to King Mahabali. After tricking Mahabali into granting him three paces of land, Vamana grew to cosmic proportions, covering the earth with one foot, the heavens with another, and for the third step, Mahabali offered his head. The gigantic form of the Moolavar vividly depicts this divine act.
- Meeting of the Mudal Azhwars: This is one of the most pivotal locations in the history of Vaishnavism. It is at Thirukkoviloor that the three Mudal Azhwars (First Azhwars) – Poigai Azhwar, Bhoothath Azhwar, and Pey Azhwar – are believed to have met for the first time during a torrential downpour. They sought shelter in a small antechamber, and in their constricted space, felt a fourth divine presence, which they realized was Lord Vishnu himself. This divine encounter led to the spontaneous composition of their first set of Pasurams, marking the beginning of the Divya Prabandham.
- Alwar Connection: Glorified by the Mudal Azhwars and Thirumangai Azhwar.
- Unique Features: The sprawling temple complex boasts impressive gopurams and a rich array of sculptures depicting various Puranic episodes. The Ulagalantha Perumal shrine is awe-inspiring due to the sheer size of the deity.
- 5.00 AM: Pickup at Chennai
- 8.00 AM: Breakfast – ( Customer Pay )
- 10.00 AM: Darshan to Thiruvaheendrapuram Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal Temple
- 1.00 PM : Lunch Break
- 4.00 PM: Darshan to Thirukkoviloor – Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple
- 5.30 PM : Proceed to Chennai
- 10.00 PM: Drop at Chennai
| Tour Name | Car Type | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Swift Dzire AC Car ( 4+1 ) | ₹9200 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Etios AC Car ( 4+1 ) | ₹9750 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Ertiga AC Car ( 7+1 ) | ₹11000 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Rumion AC Car ( 7+1 ) | ₹11000 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Kia Carens AC Car ( 7+1 ) | ₹11500 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Innova AC Car ( 7+1 ) | ₹11500 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Crysta AC Car ( 7+1 ) | ₹12700 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Nadu Nadu Divya Desam Package | Hycross AC Car ( 7+1 ) | ₹17000 | Fuel, Driver Bata, Toll & Parking |
The Nadu Nadu Divya Desams, though numerically fewer than those in Chola or Pandya regions, offer a distinctive pilgrimage experience. They are not merely ancient structures but vibrant centers of worship, where the echoes of ancient hymns and divine legends resonate. Visiting Thiruvaheendrapuram and Thirukkoviloor allows devotees to connect with pivotal moments in Vaishnavite history, immerse themselves in the spiritual energy of the Azhwars’ devotion, and witness the architectural grandeur that enshrines the timeless presence of Lord Vishnu. These temples are truly jewels in the crown of the Divya Desams, offering a profound journey into the heart of Hindu devotion.