Oppiliyappan - when Narayanan quit salt taste

Oppiliyappan is the one of the ancient and famous Vaishnava Gods, prominently worshipped in the south Tamil Nadu - Kumbakonam, Tanjavur etc.,

In fact Oppiliyappan Temple is one of the famous 108 Divyadesams and commands a heavy vaishnava worshippers, particularly during the Margazhi month.

Lets explore the history of Oppiliyappan Temple.

Markandeya Maharishi was a very famous worshipper of Narayana and with his blessings, Markandeya got Lord Bhooma Devi (Lakshmi) as a daughter.

While Bhooma Devi (Lakshmi in a human form born in the earth) was equally a good believer in worshipping Narayana, Markandeya Maharishi had extreme faith in Narayana and prayed and sang about him day-in and day-out.

Once, Lord Narayana appeared in the form of an Aged Man and asked for the hands of Bhooma Devi.

Markandeya asked the Aged Man (Narayana in disguise), that whether this marriage is possible since his daughter was a very young girl whereas the person seeking alliance (Narayana in old man form) is quite old.

Markandeya expressed that his daughter doesnt even know how to properly cook food using salt.

Narayana insisted and told that he would quit having food items with salt but wanted to marry Bhooma Devi.

Markandeya got convinced and he agreed to arrange for their wedding.

Narayana showed his real form along with Mahalakshmi (Bhooma Devi) to Markandeya and wished him all the good things in life and asked him to continue his good deeds and disappeared.

From that day, the temple doesnt accept / make food in any form involving salt. In fact people who are in fasting for this God, need to forsake Salt taste and thats what pleases him the most.

It is believed that the name "Oppili" also referred as "Uppili" (meaning without salt) also derives from this track.

The temple is situated in Tirunageswaram, close to Kumbakonam. In fact you can get good buses and cabs from Kumbakonam junction.

It is a overnight journey by train from Madras and is worth a visit to experience the power of Lord Oppiliyappan.

For more details, visit this site http://www.oppiliappan.org/

Narayanayethi Samarpayami !!!

Why "Rudraksham" is so powerful ?

"Rudraksham" or (Rudraksh as they call in Hindi) is very powerful. The person wearing the same needs to adhre to immense ethics and standards.

Let us explore the history of Rudraksham.

There were 2 rakshahas who were giving immense trouble to the world. Lord Shiva decided to end their atrocities and hence killed them. When they were being killed, they suffered from pain.

On seeing their pain and sufferings, Lord Shiva felt sad for them and he started crying for them. The tears he shed fell down to the earth and they started growing as trees.

Thats why its called "Rudhra - Aksh". Rudhra is Shiva's name and Aksh refers to the tears that fell from his eyes.

He who wears Rudraksh and recites "Om Namah Shivayah" is blessed with all the good things in life and becomes dearer to his heart.

Om Naham Shivayah !!!