Theertha prabandha

Sri Vadirajaru visited all the holy places in Bharata starting from Udupi in a clockwise direction via West, North , East and Southern directions

Vadirajaru finally reached Thiruvanantapura and submitted this holy Grantha called Theertha prabanda to the lotus feet of Sri Ananathapadmanaba swamy

Sloka version: theertha-prabanda-kannada(PDF link)

Paschima prabanda(Total:44)

1. Invocation
2. Parashurama kshetra
3. Madhwa sarovara
4. Sri Krishna temple
5. Anantheshwara temple
6. Pajaka kshetra
7. Kunjarugiri
8. Yelluru vishwanatha
9. Madhyavata mutt
10. Chintamani narasimha
11. Netravati river
12. Netravathi and kumaradhara sangam
13. Subramanya kshetra
14. Vedavyasa samputa
15. Payaswini river
16. Suverna river
17. Kumbhasi kshetra
18. Koteshwara kshetra
19. Sankaranarayana kshetra
20. Mukambika kshetra kolluru
21. Sahyadri
22. Harihara
23. Bidarahalli ashwatha narayana
24. Bidarahalli someshwara
25. Bankapura keshava
26. Varada river
27. Banavasi mudukeshwara
28. Dharmaganga river
29. Shalmali river
30. Sonda kshetra
31. Manjuguni Venkatesha
32. Yena bhairava
33. Gokarna kshetra
34. Kolhapur mahalakshmi
35. Tapati river
36. Narmada river
37. Prabhasa kshetra
38. Banaganga thirtha
39. Dwaraka krishna
40. Gomati river
41. Chakra thirtha
42. Shankoddhara tirtha
43. Gopichandana
44. Siddapuri and Bindusarovara
45. Theertaharaja pushkara

Uttara Prabandha(Total:20) 

1. Krishna river
2. Pandarapura kshethra
3. Godavari river
4. Yamuna river
5. Triveni sangamam
6. Prayaga madhava
7. Ganga water
8. Kasi kshethra
9. Gaya Gadadara
10. Palgu river
11. Mathura
12. vishranthi theertha
13. Vrindavan
14. Ayodhya
15. Naimisharanya
16. Hastinapura
17. Kurukshethra
18. Shambala
19. Shat prayagas
20. Badari Kshethra

Purva prabandha

1. Ganga sagara sangama
2. puri Jagannatha
3. srisaila
4. Ahobila
5. Bhavanashini river
6. Nivrutthi sangama
7. Tungabhadra river
8. Hampi vittal
9. Virupaksha temple
10. Pampa kshethra
11. Hampadevi
12. Anegondi
13. Jaya theertha
14. Thirumala srinivasa
15. Suvarna Mukhari river
16. Kanchi varadaraja
17. Shiva Kanchi Ekambareshwara
18. Kanchi Kamakshi
19. Arunachaleshwara
20. Thirukovilur
21. Vriddhalacheswara
22. Srimushna Bhuvaraha
23. Kumbakonam

Dakshina Prabandha

1. Sriranga kshethra
2. Panchapani kshethra
3. Chandra pushkarani
4. Cauvery river
5. Vrishabachala
6. Nupura ganga
7. Darbashayana
8. Rama sethu
9. Rameshwara
10. Dhanushkoti
11. Sri Ramapada stotra
12. Sri Rama stotra
13. Tamraparani river
14. Mahendra hills
15. Kanyakumari
16. Agasthya varnana
17. Suchindra kshethra
18. Adikeshava kshethra
19. Gharatamala kshethra
20. Ananta shayana kshethra

---

Paschima prabanda(Total:44)

Invocation

Sri Vadirajaru starts theertha prabandha by praying Lord sri Hari to provide purity of mind and for the successful completion of tour

Parasurama kshethra

Parasurama conquered lands from Kshathriyas and donated the land to brahmins. The land from Gokarna to Kanyakumari is called as Parasurama Kshethra

Madhwa sarovara

It is the holy pond in Udupi Sri Krishna Temple. Vadirajaru describes Madhwa sarvora and his aradhana daiva Udupi sri Krishna.

Udupi Sri Krishna temple

The greatness of Udupi Sri Krishna pooja done by Ashta mutt Swamijis in rotation is described and also how the idol from Dwaraka came to udupi is well narrated

Legend has it that Krishna’s mother Devaki and his wife Rukmini wished to enjoy his childhood pranks, at the end of the Dwapara yuga. The divine architect Viswakarma then created this image of Krishna bearing a churn in his right hand and a string in his left. Rukmini worshiped this image every day.

A sailor from Dwaraka loaded this heavy lump in his boat as ballast, in one of his trips along the west coast. The ship was caught in a terrible storm while sailing in the western coast of Malpe. Legend has it that while Sri Madhvacharya was meditating near Malpe Beach, he noticed that ship approach which was on the verge of sinking. Madhva knew beforehand that the ship carried the sacred idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama, and saved the ship by his yogic power. After saving it, he accepted the Gopi Chandana pieces that the captain of the ship offered. Madhva then installed Balarama idol in Vadabhandeshwara near Malpe beach and took Krishna idol to the lake later known as Madhva sarovar, purified it and installed it in the matt.

Anantheshwara Temple

Legend has it that Acharya Madhwa’s father served here as the temple priest. When he shifted to the holy Pajaka kshetra, he carried a replica of Lord Ananthapadmanabha’s idol with him and installed it at Pajaka where it is worshipped to this day

The deity worshipped here is referred to as Mahadeva of Padudevalaya in ancient inscriptions.

Even now worship is offered to the granite slab on which Acharya Madhwa sat invariably while teaching his students.

According to History, Lord Parashurama appeared in Lingakara in Anantheshwara temple

Pajaka kshethra and Kunjarugiri

Pajaka kshethra marks the birth place of Sri Madhvacharyaru. On this sacred place, Vadirajaru Installed sri Madhwacharyaru

On its foursides are four holy teerthas or tanks created by Lord Parashurama. On the eastern side is Parasu Teertha, on the southern side is Dhanus Teertha, on the west is Gada Teertha and on the north is Bana Teertha.

Inside the temple there is a pond named Vasudeva theertha. In the childhood days of Madhwacharya, once his mother wanted to have holy dip four theerthas around Durga betta. But due to health issues she was not possible for her to go to those theerthas and have holy dip. At that time child Vasudeva created this pond and assured his mother that, a holy dip in this pond itself is equivalent to the dip in those four theerthas. Hence the pond is named as Vasudeva Theertha.

There is another place close to Pajaka on our way to Pajaka from Durga betta where Vasudeva crushed a demon in the form of a snake. A small temple is built to preserve this monument

Kunjarugiri temple: 

Kunjaru is a hamlet in Kurkaal grama, situated 6-7 miles (approximately 11kms) to the south-east of Shree Krishna’s Udupi. This small village is reputed for its sanctity owing to the celebrated Durga Temple on a high hillock popularly known by the names: Kunjarugiri, Durgabetta and Vimanagiri

The magnificent idol of Shree Durga is a Chaturbhuja (four-armed) image. It stands holding the Shanka (conch) and Chakra (discus) in the upper hands and Dhanus (bow) and Trishula (trident) are being held in the lower hands.

The Durga temple is installed by Sri Parasurama devaru on the hilltop

Yelluru viswanatha

It is about 24 kms away from Udupi. When vadirajaru visited this place, it was noon. The temple was closed. Vadirajaru prayed to Lord shankara standing outside, The temple doors opened automatically . Vadirajaru went inside for darshan, again Nandi interrupted him and He prayed to Nandi and continued further

Here one can worship Viswanatha anywhere standing in front of Nandi

The temple has a rich history of over 1,000 years as the divine place of Swayambhu Saannidhya, a linga that is unusual and made of a special stone called ‘Rudrakshi shila’.

Madhyavata mutt

This is the place where Madhwacharyaru used to do afternoon pooja on his way from Udupi to subramanya

one of the eight shaligrams which Madhwacharyaru brought from Badri is installed here

Chintamani Narasimha

Chintamani Shree Laxminarasimha Temple is situated on the bank of Nethravathi river at Kade Shivalaya village in Bantwal Taluk

Chintamani is 6kms away from Uppinangadi road On Mangalore – Bangalore highway. According to History, Lord shiva was doing tapas here. certain bad elements tried to divert shiva. Narasimha appeared from Patala and destroyed bad elements and protected Shiva

Nethravathi river

This river takes its birth from Varaha hills and joins Arabian sea @ Mangalore

Nethravathi and Kumaradara sangamam

Nethravathi and Kumaradara sangamam river is in Uppinangadi place. Kumaradara starts from kumara hills. Vadirajaru describes the glory of this two rivers

Subramanya kshethra

It is inside the dense forests of Sahyachala. Sri Vishnu theertha , (younger brother of Madhwacharya is said to be here doing penance) established subramanya mutt.

Kukke Subrahmanya, one among the seven holy places created by Parashurama is mythologically and historically famous for “Nagaradhane”. Residing with Vasuki, God Subrahmanya showers his divine grace on devotees as the presiding deity of the Kshetra. It is also called “Guptha Kshetra”. “Mruthika Prasada” given here is regarded as sacrosanct.

Vadirajaru explains That visiting this kshethra will clear all past sinful deeds, will cure any types of skin diseases and pains

Vedavyasa samputa

Vadirajaru explains the salagrama which neither cant be opened or nor be seen

This temple is situated at the South East of Subrahmanya Temple. Devotees pray to the salagrama of Narasimha daily at this mutt

As per legends, the Lakshmi Narasimha and VedaVyasa idols placed at this shrine were present by VedaVyasa to Madhvacharyaru.

Payaswini river

Vadirajaru glorifies this river as Lord Jagannatha is present here and also he praises the birth of Mahalakshmi (As durga) around here

Suvarna river

This river originates from Varahagiri and passes through vedagiri and Moves along north of Kalyanpur

Kumbhashi kshehtra

It is around 30kms from Udupi. The Lord is called Siddhi Vinayaka or Sarva Siddhi Pradaayaka will grant and fulfill his devotees’ wishes.

This place is actually now called as Anegudde. Anegudde means elephant (Aane) hillock (Gudde) and it is the abode of the elephant god, Sri Vinayaka

It is believed when drought hit this area, the sage Agasthya came here to perform yagna to please the rain god. The demon Kumbhasura tried to disrupt the yagna by troubling the sages performing the yagna. To rescue the sages Lord Ganesha blessed Bheema, the strongest among the Padavas with a sword, using which Bheema killed the demon and facilitated the completion of the yagna.

In Theertha Prabandham Shri Vadirajaru exlained, since Bheema Killed demon using the sword(Asi) the name of the place is termed as Kumbhashi.

Koteshwara kshethra

It is 2 kms away from Kumbhasi. There is a big Mahalingeshwara shrine here. The name koteshwara is derived from koti lingas.

The temple is believed to have been created by Saint Parashurma and is one of the 7 Parashurama Srishti Khetras. Lord Brahma is said to have worshiped Kotilingeshwara here.

According to the legends, one crore sages gathered in the place and did penance to Lord Shiva. Immensely pleased with their devotion, the Lord appeared in front of each of them. Thus the place came to be called Kotee-eshwar(one crore God) which late became Koteshwar.

Sankara Narayana kshethra

Shankaranarayana village, named after the temple, is located in the valley of mountain ranges close to the Sahyadris. It is located in Udupi District, Karnataka, 25KM from the Arabian Sea.

Lord Hari and Hara joined together to bless a saint called Kroda. Vadirajaru describes Hara with Trishula, Half moon, serpent whereas Hari with Sudarshana, Necklace and crown etc

Shankaranarayana village, named after the temple, is located in the valley of mountain ranges close to the Sahyadris.

The main deity of Shankaranarayana Temple is in the form of Udbhava Linga. The naturally formed lingam of Lord Shankara and Lord Narayana is one feet below the ground, inside the Garbhagudi. The devotees can only see the mirror image of the lingam. The Shankara Linga is on the right (left as seen by the devotees) and Narayana Linga on the left. While Shankara Lingam is in round shape, where as Narayana Linga is a flat one with foot prints of holy cow in it.

Kolluru Mookambika kshethra

It is 80 km away from Udupi. Kolluru is a great shakthi and siddhi kshethra

Once, Sage Kola Maharishi was performing Tapas here when he was persistently troubled by a demon. This Demon had also been praying to Lord Shiva to get powers that would make him invincible and let him do whatever he wanted. Knowing the evil mind of this demon, Devi Shakthi made him Mooka (Dumb). So, when Lord Shiva appeared before him, he was unable to ask for any boon. Enraged by this, the Demon began to harass Kola Maharishi, who was also praying to the Lord. Kola Maharishi appealed to the Divine Mother for help. So, Devi Shakthi came down and vanquished the Demon, Mookasura.

Henceforth, in this region, she came to be known as Mookambika. Lord Shiva also appeared before the sage. Maharishi Kola asked that the Lord with His Consort should remain here forever. To grant his wish, a Jyotirlinga appeared, with a Swarnarekha (golden line) in the middle. Thus, one half of this Linga stands for the conscious principle as embodied by Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, while the other stood for the Creative Principle in the form of Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswathi.

Goddess uma appeared here with Lord shankara and slayed Mukasura. The Goddess Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi

Sahyadri

It is the mountain range that lies in the west coast. Kolluru temple is located at the foot hills of Kutachadri. Kutachadri is part of Sahyadri mountains

Harihara

It is located at Davanagere in Bangalore – Bombay highway on the banks of tungabadra river

It is said that the demon Guha appeased the creator of the universe and got a “vardan” or boon. As per this boon, neither Shiva (Hara) nor Vishnu (Hari) could destroy him single handedly. Guha started torturing the gods in Indralok as well as human beings in the prithvilok and it became difficult for everyone to withstand his devastation. As both Shiva and Hari could not destroy him on their own, they had to unite and take the form of Harihara to destroy Guha.

Hari and Hara are seen in the same idol inside garbhagudi. Hara on the right side wearing rudrakshi, crown and Trishula in the hand, Hari on the left side with chakra on one hand and showering blessings on the other hand

Bidarahalli Ashwatha narayana

Vadirajaru explains the glory of Ashwatha vruksha on the banks of river Tungabadra. Vadirajaru defines one need not visit ram sethu, badri, Gaya, Pushkara, prayaga etc to get the blessings of Sri Hari, Just by visiting this aswatha Narayana(In the aswatha vruksha) We can get Sri Hari’s complete blessings

Bidarahalli someshwara

This kshetra is on the banks of Tungabhadra river in Bidarahalli.

Bankapura kesava

Bankapur is a town, just off NH4 between Haveri (10kms) and Hubli (60kms).

Bankapura was an area of Bakasura, which later on became the premises of Ghatothgaja. When the Pandavas escaped from the Wax Palace, through a tunnel, the other end of the tunnel opened at Bankapur. Its believed that Pandavas stayed here for some time and consecrated this idol of Sri Keshava

Varada river

The Varada river originates near Vardamoola in Sagara of Karnataka. It flows through the Western Ghats and enters the central districts of Karnataka, (Haveri and Bellary). The river joins the Tungabhadra River at Galaganath

Banavesi madhukeshwara

It is 25 kms away from sirsi.

The Madhukeshwara temple is located in Banavasi, an ancient town on the borders of the Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been built during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty.

 

Dharmaganga river

Vadirajaru took a holy dip here and explains the holiness of the river

shalmali river

shalmali river joins Arabian sea near Gokarna. Vadirajaru describe water is little salty on normal days and it become sweet on the eve of Gangashtami.

Sonda kshethra

It is approximately 20 kms from Sirsi town.

Vadirajaru describes the Trivikrama temple and Dhavala ganga.

The ruler of Swadi  requested Sri Vadiraja Theertharu to construct a temple as there existed no Vishnu temple at that place. Sri Vadiraja Swamy asked the king to start construction of a temple. When people questioned Swamiji on the idol, he told them that the idol of Sri Trivikrama would come to Sode from Uttara Badari (in the Himalayas). He told them that the idol is being worshipped by Sri Madhvacharya and the same was seen by him when he visited him and Sri Vyasa in Badari.

It is believed that the idol was brought to Sode by Sri Bhutaraja. Bhutaraja started bringing the entire Garbha Gudi (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple from Badari.

The structure is in the form of a stone chariot. On the way, he is supposed to have been stopped by a demon. Sri Bhutaraja used one of the wheels of the stone chariot to destroy the demon and made it on time to Sode. Even today, one can find that the stone chariot structure housing the idol in the temple has just three wheels. Devotees visiting Sode must definitely visit this temple and observe the unique stone chariot and the three wheels.

Dhavala Gange:

It is the sacred tank in the Sodhe kshethra and those who perform seva, Should take bath in Dhavala gange before commencing the seva. It is believed that this tank has all the holy rivers within it

Manjuguni venkatesha

Manjuguni is located at a distance of 26 km from Sirsi. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi. According to “Sri Venkatesha Mahatmya” the founder of this temple is ” Sri Tirumala Yogi” a saint.

During winter, this place will be covered by thick fog and hence this place called by the name “Manjuguni”

Yena Bhairava

It is situated in Kumta Taluk of karwar district

According to the local history, Shankara entered the cave as being driven away by bhamasura. Water drops are falling on shiva’s head even though there is no water source found nearby.

Gokarna kshethra

Shiva is in Gokarna in the form of Athmalinga. The temple is located on the Arabian sea shore.

In Threthayuga, Ravana (Demon/Asura King of Lanka) reaches Kailasa and performed rigorous penance to get the “Atma Linga” from Lord Shiva, as Ravana’s mother expressed a keen desire to worship the atmalinga of Lord Shiva.

After a long penance, Lord shiva gave the “Atma linga” to Ravana as a boon and instructs Ravana to carry it home by walk, that he should never place it on the earth even for a short while failing which the linga would get eternally embedded at the place were he broke his commands.

As Ravana was coming near Gokarna. Maha Vishnu who had known well that Ravana was punctual in performing his periodical rites (Sandyavandhana), hides sun with his Sudarshana Chakra (Wheel). Thinking that it was time to perform the evening rites, Ravana finds a Brahmin boy and asked him to hold the Atma linga in his hand till he came back after finishing the rites.

Lord Ganapathi agreed to hold the linga on one condition that he would do so till he would be able to bear the weight of Linga and that thereafter he would call Ravana three times and if failed to come to him by then he would place the linga on the earth.

Lord Ganapathi calls Ravana three times when he was performing his rites and places the linga on the earth and he vanished. The Atma linga at once got firmly entrenched in the earth. Ravana learned that he had been tricked by the Gods.

The depressed demon king Ravana was deeply agitated and tried to pull up the linga, but the linga did not budge a little. It resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples. Ravana was unable to lift the Linga from the ground again and called shiva linga as Mahabala (you are too strong). And ever since the Linga illustrious as Mahabaleshwara.

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi

This temple is located around 58 kms from Miraj town. In skanda purana this place is referred as karaveerapura

Legend says, Mahalakshmi came and stayed here at this place because of the anger caused by Brughu muni when he hits narayana’s chest

The statue of the Goddess Mahalakshmi is made of gemstone and is considered to be at least 5000 to 6000 years old. It weighs about 40 kilos.

Tapati river

This river originates from vindhya hills and merges Arabian sea near Surat town.

Vadirajaru describes Tapti river as she clears all the sin of the good people

Narmada river

sins accumulated in 100 births are just cleared by just taking one holy bath in this river. The river originates from mekala giri of Amara Karnataka village situated in between vindhya hills and satpura hills

Prabhaasa kshethra

This place is also known as Somanath. Kapila, Saraswathy and Hiranya rivers join each other before they join Arabian sea.

Somnath temple is also known as Prabhas Pattan and the Shrine Eternal. Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of God Shiva.

Chandra, (moon) was the first one to receive the benefic boon of Shri Somanath of Saurashtra, the Shiva pilgrimage, Agni Teerth and Surya Teerth. Then Chandra built a beautiful golden temple and put a glorious JyotirLinga in it, the first of its kind in India.

Chandra or moon is also called Som. That is why this JyotirLinga has become famous as Somanath. Chandra or moon looks very bright here. Therefore, this place is also known as “Prabhasapattana”.

Banaganga theertha

It is 3km away from Somnath temple. The spring was created when Lord Krishna threw the arrow set on his leg by Jaravyadha.

Dhwarakapuri

After defeating Kushasura, Sri Krishna created a new town called Dwaraka over the kushali island through Vishwakarma. Later he came along with yadavas to stay at Dwarkaka leaving Mathura

It is also believed Dwaraka town was submerged under the sea after Sri Krishna’s mission was over

Dwarkadheesh temple is built in Chalukyan style of architecture. This beautiful temple has 51.8 meters height. Dwarkadheesh temple is also known as jagat Mandir.

Gomathi river

Gomathi river merges with Arabian sea at Dwaraka. Vadirajaru glorifies the Gomathi river as washing the feet of Dwarakanath every day

Chakra theertha

After sri Krishna’s earthly mission was over, Chakra theertha was not visible and must have submerged under the sea

Vadirajaru describes the chakra theertha merged in Sea converts every ordinary stone into Chakrankana and in turn become fit for worship like saaligrama.

shankodhara theertha

Sri krishna killed panchajanas entering deep into the sea and came out with panchajanya to offer the same guru pradakshine to Guru sandipana Acharya

Vadirajaru describes the defeat of panchajana and significance of Panchajanya

Gopichandana

Vadirajaru describes the glory of Gopi chandana as one who wears the Gopi chandana are so powerful and more knowledgeable person.

Siddhapuri and bindu sarovara

Siddhapuri is 100 kms away from Ahmedabad.

Lord vishnu took the form of Kapila (who was born to Maharisi karmadama and Devahuti). Bindu Saravora was made up of cheerful tears by Kapila

Vadirjaru describes Siddhapuri as offering moksha to the visitors

Theertharaja pushkara

Here Mahavishnu remain as Varaha devaru after defeating Hiranyaksha.

According to local history, Demon was killing the childrens here. Brahma slayed the demon by throwing Pushkara , a spring appeared hill called as pushkara

The place became famous as pushkara as it was created on the fall of Pushkara(Lotus)

---

 

Uttara Prabandha(Total:20) 

Krishna river

This river is also known as krishnaveni. The river originates from Mahabaleshwara 120 kms from Pune.

bhima and Tungabadra river joins krishna towards their flow and joins Bay of Bengal near Vijayawada.

When guru enters Kanyarashi, Holy Ganges along with 33 crores of Theerthas are present in this river.

Pandarapura kshethra

It is around 60 kms from Sholapur, Maharashtra.

Bhima river flowing river is called as chandra bhaga river

Here Panduranga appeared here to bless Pundarika(Who loved and worshipped his parents with utmost bhakthi and dedication).Upon the request of Pundarika, Panduranga appeared to stay here.

Lots of Hari dasaru visited panduranga and composed numerous songs on Panduranga/vittoba

Godavari river

This river originates from Trayambaka river and 25 kms away from Nasik station. This river merges with Bay of bengal near Rajamundry travelling a distance of 1500 kms.

When guru enters simha rashi, Holy Ganges along with 33 crores of Theerthas are present in this river.

Yamuna river

The origin of yamuna river is 10000 ft above sea level at the point known as Yamunadhri in Himalaya mountains. The water of the river is very cold. Yamuna is also known as kalindi .

Yamuna joins Holy Ganges at Prayag.

Vadirajaru describes as Yamuna never send the one who worship her to Yama, Instead she sends the good soul to Vaikunta

Triveni sangamam

Those who take a holy tip at the merging point of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathy(Triveni sangama or Prayaga) gets deliberated from rebirth

There is a vata vruksha which can wipe away all our sins. During pralaya kala, Lord vishnu is used to rests here

Kumbha mela is held here once in 12 years

Prayaga madhava

Lord brahma performed a yagna during the period of creation after pralaya. Hence this place is called as Prayaga

Ganga water

holy ganga is the biggest of all rivers in India. Ganges originates from Gangothri at Himalayas and after travelling a distance of 2400 kms, merges with Bay of Bengal at Calcutta. Gangothri is 92 kms away from uttara kashi

Vadirajaru states the color of yamuna is pink, color of saraswathy is blue black and color of Ganges is snow white and how it merges at Prayaga

Vadirajaru also describes how Ganga is related to Lord Hari and How she is special in all the ways.

Kasi kshethra

Kashi is well known for Lord Viswanatha.

Lord shankara was liberated from Brahma kapala that stuck to his hand for twelve long years on reaching kashi town , the abode of bindu madhava

The Kashi Vishweshwar temple as we see it now was built by Ahalya Devi Holkar in 1777 AD. In 1785 AD, the then King of Kashi, Mansaram and his son Belvant Singh built many more temples near Varanas

Gaya Gadadara

It is situated on the banks of river Palguni

It is a belief that doing pinda pradhana here will relieve our departed elders from rebirth. Vadiraru explains the significance of Vishnu pada.

The city is named after Gayasura, the son of Tripurasura. The history of Gaya is found in the Gaya Mahatmya, an appendix to the Vayu Purana, and in shorter form in the Agni and Garuda Puranas.he asura (demon) Gaya acquired divine powers so that anyone who saw or touched him went straight to heaven. This intruded on the jurisdiction of Yamaraja, who rules death. Lord Vishnu killed the demon after granting him the boon that the ground covered by his body—some ten miles in extent—would become the holiest place on earth and be known as Gaya Ksetra. The ancestors of those who perform funeral ceremonies here are supposed to be sent straight to heaven.

On behalf of their forefathers, the pilgrims pour water on the temple’s main object of worship, a stone imprint, 40 cm long and 15 cm wide, of the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu in an octagonal basin, 1.2m in diameter. The footprint is imprinted in solid rock and is surrounded by a silver-plated basin.

Palgu river

This river is seen flowing in front of Vishnu pada temple. The river originates from kolhala mountains near gaya.

Mathura

Mathura is a city in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located approximately 50 km north of Agra, and 145 km south-east of Delhi; about 11 kilometers from the town of Vrindavan and 22 kilometers from Govardhan. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna at the centre of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, called Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi.

This holy town was constructed by Chathrugna during treta yuga, after slaying lavanasura with an arrow

Child dhruva performed deep penance here for 6 months before getting the darshan of Lord Sri Hari. Sri vishnu chakra saved ambareesha from the wrath of sage Durvasa

Lord Krishna who lifted Govardhana hill for protecting yadavas is just 22 kms away from here

vishranthi theertha

It is the holiest ghat out of 24 ghats on the banks of River Yamuna

This place is called vishranthi as Lord Krishna rested here for some time after killing kamsa

Vrindavan

It is 5 kms away from Mathura.

Sri krishna spent his early years here and had his rasa kreeta at vrindavan

Ayodhya

It is 134 kms away from Lucknow

It is the holy Raama kshethra of Treta Yuga. Vadirajaru describes How Bharata ruled Ayodhya just with Raama paadukas

Naimisharanya

Naimisharanya is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh about 90 km from its capital Lucknow in the district of Sitapur. Naimisharanya is situated on the left bank of the river Gomathi, which is a tributary of the river Ganges. Naimisharanya is popularly known as Neemsar or Naimisha. In the Bhagavata Purana it is mentioned: naimishe animisha-kshetre.

Naimisharanya is also called as Nemisharanya. Nemi means the outer surface of the disc (chakra) and the place where it fell is called by the name of Nemisharanya or popularly called as Naimisharanya. The spot where the Nemi of the chakra fell came to be known as Chakra Tirtha (a holy bathing place in the shape of a chakra) and the surrounding forest area as Naimisharanya.

It is also believed and said that once upon a time Lord Maha Vishnu had killed demons at this place within a split second – a nimisha (nimisha is a unit of time, the time it takes to blink) and thence forth this are was called as Naimishaaranya.

Suta puranika gave discourse on Bhagavatha and Mahabharata to Shaunaka and other 80,000 saints

Hastinapura

It is 35 kms south of Meerut

It was the capital of Pandavas for 36 years after kurukshethra war. Pandavas performed Ashwameda yaga here for 15 long years

Sri madhwacharyaru did one chathurmaasya here

Kurukshethra

The great saint Vishwamithra became Maharishi here

Sri Krishna delivered Geeta to the people through Arjuna here. During Solar/ Lunar eclipse, Sri Krishna visited this place to have holy bath in Brahma sarovara

Sri Madhwacharyaru visited this place on his way to Badari and remembered the weapons used by him during his bheemasena avathara during the epic war

Shambala

It is situated in Moradabad district of Uttara pradesh. the holy town was known as sathyavrata in krutayuga, Mahadgiri during treta yuga, pingala in Dwapara yuga and sambhala in Kali yuga

Sri hari will take tenth avatara as kalki to eradicate evil in this world

Shat prayagas

To reach Badri, one has to cross six prayagas(300kms) from Hrishikes

The six prayagas are Deva prayaga, Rudra prayaga, Karna prayaga, Nanda prayaga, Vishnu prayaga and KEshava prayaga

PRayaga means confluence of two or more rivers

Badari Kshethra

Sri hari came here in four different avatharas: first one as Hayagriva devaru from Yagna Kunda, in Second as Sri Narayana, In third avathara as sri Krishna and fourth as Lord Vedavyasa

The temple history says that the presiding deity measuring about 1 meter is a black stone idol of Vishnu named as Badrinarayan. This image is considered as one of the eight Swayam vyakta kshetras where Lord Vishnu is seen self-manifested.

Sri Madhwacharyaru wrote Geeta bhasya at Badari and offered the same to Badari Narayana

---

Purva prabandha

Ganga sagara sangama

It is the place where Holy Ganga joins Bay of Bengal near Calcutta

puri Jagannatha

This place is also known as Purushotthama kshethra and shanka kshethra

Puri was earlier known as Neelachala where existed temple of Neela madhav. When Neelachala was submerged under the sea, The celestials took neela madhav to heaven

Later, Indrayumna found holy wood and from which idols of Krishna, Bala rama and subadhra are found and installed here

srisaila

Srisaila is the abode of Lord Malligarjuna Swamy

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam

Ahobila

Ahobilam Narasimha Temple is situated on the Upper Ahobilam at a distance of 8km from Lower Ahobilam

This temple is located 35 kms from Nandyal. It is believed Lord Narasimha appeared in the pillar here to save Prahladha by killing Hiranyakasipu

Presiding deity of this temple is believed to be ‘svayambu’ (self-formed) and worshipped as ‘Lord Ahobila Narasimha Swamy’ and also called as ‘Ugra Narasimha’ because He appears here in His fierce aspect

Nine temples are dedicated to ‘Lord Narasimha’ (one of the ten incarnations of ‘Lord Vishnu’) which is called as Nava Narasimha temples and also situated at Ahobilam in the of Karnool district in Andhra Pradesh. The Nava Narasimha Temples are:

1. Ahobilam Narasimha Temple
2. Varaha Narasimha Temple
3. Jwala Narasimha Temple
4. Malola Narasimha Temple
5. Karanja Narasimha Temple
6. Yoganandha Narasimha Temple
7. Chatravata Narasimha Temple
8. Paavana Narasimha Temple
9. Bhargava Narasimha Temple

Bhavanashini river

Vadirajaru describes bhavanashini river that flows in Ahobila as sacred for providing Abhisheka water and Lotus for the Narasimha swamy

Nivrutthi sangama

It is the sangama of Krishna and Tungabadra rivers(Krishnaveni, Malapahari, Bhimarathi, Tungabadra and Bhavanashini)

Tungabhadra river

It is the sweetest water to drink. It originates from varaha hills. Tunga river and Bhadra river merges at kudli after flowing separately from the origin.

Hampi vittal

Hampi is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Hospet. Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagara empire

The highlight of Vittala temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone chariot. The halls are carved with an overwhelming array of sculptures on the giant granite pillars. The stone chariot located inside the campus is almost an iconic structure of Hampi.

 

Virupaksha temple

Hampi used to be the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Virupaksha Temple is among the group of monuments built during 1336 – 1570 A.D.

It is situated on the banks of river Tungabadra near Hemakuta hills. The main temple is east facing and has two large courtyards, one leading to the other.

Pampa kshethra

It is also known as southern Kashi. Vadirajaru states Pampa as the kshethra that destroys all the sins

Hampadevi

Goddess durga devi temple is situated on Pampa saravora(Banks of River Tungabadra)

Anegondi

Vadirjaru glorifies Nava brindavana where there were eight brindavanas during his visit. Vadirajaru described those 8 yathis as Ashta diggajas who are bearing the burden of this universe

The place is surrounded by hills on three sides and by river Tungabhadra on the remaining side

According to Indian mythology, Anegundi was called Kishkindha, the kingdom of monkeys. Sugriva after defeating his evil brother Bali with the help of Lord Rama, established justice and order in the city and ruled there.

In Kannada , Anegundi means the elephant pit. This place was used for bathing the elephants of Vijayanagara Empire and also became the first capital of the empire.

Malkhed Jaya theertha

Jayatheertharu is also known as Teekacharyaru. Vadirjaru glorifies the work of Jaya theertharu in Nyaya sudha and teekas

Malkhed comes under Gulbarga District.It is 40 kms away from Gulbarga

Thirumala srinivasa

Thirumala tirupathi is known as sheshadri during dwapara yuga, anjanadhri in treta yuga and vrishabadri in kruta yuga

The glory of tirumala is explained in varaha purana. Tirupathi is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara swamy

 ‘Sri Venkatachala Mahatrnyam’ contains Puranic lores from the twelve Mahapuranas. The puranic legends say that after the Pralaya  kalpa preceding the great Deluge, the Supreme Being Maha Vishnu, revealed Himself in the form of a White Boar, Sweta Varaha, rescued the earth and recreated it and having re-established the universe, He decided to stay on the earth for some time to protect the good and destroy the evil. Thus God Vishnu revealed Himself earlier. in the previous incarnation as Varahaswami on the bank of the Varaha Tirumala i.e. northern portion of Pushkarini at Tirumala. This manifestation as the White Boar is enshrined in the Adi Varahaswami temple on the north western bank ofthe Pushkarini at Tirumala_ This temple is believed to be older than the temple of Lord Venkateswara and claims precedence in worship and Nivedana.

Lord Vishnu Came to Bhu-loka on searching Goddess mahalakshmi who left Vaikunta because of the anger caused by Brughumini hitting sri Hari’s chest.

Lord vishnu lived as srinivasa, married Padmavathi and stayed in Tirumala for blessing people in kaliyuga

Suvarna Mukhari river

This river flows near Thiruchanoor. Sri kshethra kalahasthi is situated on the banks of this river

Kanchi varadaraja

The 40 feet long idol of Lord Athi Varadaraja Perumal in reclining posture is made of Athi wood. This is brought out once in 40 years for the darshan of devotees. Chakkarathazwar shrine – the deity of the discus of Lord Perumal – with 16 hands holding conch and discus is on the eastern side of the temple tank.

Lord Varadaraja Perumal in His standing posture facing west blesses the devotees with all mercy.  As Perumal granted a boon – Varam in Tamil – to Lord Brahmma pleased with His Yajna, He is praised as Varadaraja Perumal.  The place derived the name Athigiri as Iravadam elephant lifted Perumal as a Mount.  Athi-Mount.   The 24 steps in the temple represent the number of letters of Gayatri Mahamantra.

When brahma performed Satrayaga, Lord Narayana emerged as Varadaraja

Shiva Kanchi Ekambareshwara

Goddess parvathi worshipped Shankara by creating a Linga out of sand under the mango tree. Lord shiva is pleased and came to this punya kshethra

Kanchi Kamakshi

The Goddess Kamakshi prevails in the form of Shakti. The place where goddess resides is “Gayatri Mandapam”. The Goddess lives in temple in 3 forms. They are Sri Kamakshi, Sri Bilahasam and Sri Chakram. The goddess is in a sitting posture of “Padmasana” .The goddess contains Pasa, Angusa, Pushpabana and Sugarcane in her forehands.

Arunachaleshwara

This place is now called as thiruvannamalai. among the five type of lingas, Agni linga is present here

Thirukovilur

Vadirjaru describes the avatara of Bali and Trivikrama. This town is about 40 KM from Villupuram.

This is one among the “Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetram”. (five palces of Lord Krishna).

Vriddhalacheswara

The big temple of maheshwara is situated at Vriddhachala. shankara presented himself before a saint called by Vibhishita, pleased by the deep penance of the later one

Srimushna Bhuvaraha

It is 60 kms away from Thirukovilur

Mahavishnu took varaha avatara in this holy place. Acharya Madhwaru did one chathur maasya here

Kumbakonam

It is situated on the banks of river Cauvery. Kumbakonam is a temple town with large number of temples.

Vadirajaru described the glory of sarangapani.

---

Dakshina Prabandha

Sriranga kshethra

Srirangam is an island with a length of 27 km and breadth of 5 km. It is 10 kms away from Tiruchirapalli

Ranganatha was the kula devaru of Sri Raama. After the requests of Vibhishana, Lord Raama handed over Ranganatha swamy to him.

On his way towards Srilanka, vibheeshana has to place the ranganatha on the ground to perform sandhyavandana.

Lord Ranganatha remained there firmly but for blessing vibhsana, Lord is  facing Srilanka

Panchapani kshethra

Vadirajaru describes Sesha who spreads his five hoods as umbrella over the head of Ranganatha swamy.

Chandra pushkarani

On the fifth prakara of temple in srirangam, there is a tank known as chandra pushkarini in the form of full moon.

Cauvery river

This river originates from Sahyachala and merges with Bay of bengal beyond tanjore. The actual place of origin is Thala cauvery of coorg district

During Tula maasa, Holy ganges is present in cauvery water.

Vrishabachala

This place is around 20 kms from Madurai. this is also called as Azhagiri kovil. The main deity is sundara rajan, Sri Hari

Once Yamadharma raja did deep penance in the full to earn the grace of sri hari.

Sri Hari appeared as sundara raja before Yama and blessed him

Nupura ganga

when Sri Hari appeared as sundara raja before Yama, the holy ganges emerged out of his anklets and formed Nupura Ganga

Darbashayana

It is 10 kms away from Ramanathapuram town. According to local history, Lord Raama slept over dharba here in three days to please Sea god for constructing a bridge over it to cross the ocean and reach srilanka

Rama sethu

this is the bridge of 100 yojana in length was built by Raama from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi.

Vadirajaru also explains how hanuma was helpful in constructing the bridge and also Madhwacharyas Sarva moola granthas

Rameshwara

This place is also called as Gandha madana. Pandavas and Balarama has visited this place. Vadirajaru describes the prathistapana of Linga by Raama

Dhanushkoti

It is 20 kms away from Rameshwaram.  as per the vibishanas request of preventing hostile forces entering into Dhanush kodi, Lord Raama breaks the bridge built by him at different points standing at Dhanushkoti

Sri Ramapada stotra

Sri Rama stotra

Tamraparani river

This river orginates from Malayachala

Vadirajaru describes this river as the power of converting rain water into pearls

Mahendra hills

It is reported to be near Dharbshayana

Hanuma while on his search to locate seeta, Took a step in this mountain and the mountain was pressed to the bottom of the sea due to the force

Kanyakumari

This place is 96 kms from Tirunelveli. we can see sangama of Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian ocean.

Vadirajaru worships the divine power of Sridevi in the form of Kanyakumari. He describes how Goddess defeated Banasura

Vadirajaru describes Sri Kanyakumari as Goddess Mahalakshmi

Agasthya varnana

Vadirajaru worships Agasthya who lived in vyasa hills near Kanya theertha

Agasthya muni converted the whole ocean into single drop and sipped it to protect the celestials in the sea who were harrased by the demons

Suchindra kshethra

It is 13 kms away from Kanyakumari. The celestial head Mahendra, who was cursed by Sage gautama got deliberated at this place

Adikeshava kshethra

it is situated in tiruvattar, 18 kms away from Trivandrum

The idol of keshava is 16 feet in length.

Gharatamala kshethra

It is seen at Neyyatikara, 20 kms away from Thiruvattar.

Ananta shayana kshethra

It is situated 85 kms away from Kanyakumari. We pray Ananthapadmanabha in three sepatate doors as the idol is too long.

Finally Vadirajaru submitted this holy Grantha “Theerta Prabhanda” in this place.

||Krishnarpanamasthu||