After receiving the darshan of Vishwaroopa Periyava, we ascend to the first floor, our hearts filled with a deep longing to have the darshan of His Holiness. For those who require easier access, an elevator facility is available, ensuring a convenient way to reach the first floor.

As we step into the shrine, the sacred chant of Hara Hara Shankara Jaya Jaya Shankara fills the air welcoming us into this divine space. The moment we lay our eyes on the shrine. we are enveloped in divine grace, fully immersed in the darshan of Goddess Kamakshi and Sri Sri Mahaperiyava, both seated on an elevated peetham.

A special mention must be made of the Rudraksha Mandapam, yet another divine orchestration of Mahaperiyava. The Rudrakshas, sourced from Nepal by a devotee, were carefully strung together by dedicated kainkaryas while chanting the sacred Panchakshara Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya. This mandapam, adorned with intricately engraved gold-plated pillars, enhances the magnificence of Goddess Kamakshi, radiating an aura of divine splendour.

Mahaperiyava – representing the Trinity of Gods

In the experience of GR Mama, Sri Mahaperiyava embodies the essence of the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra.  This profound realisation is beautifully reflected in the Rudraksha Mandapam with three distinct Mahaperiyava roopams.

To the right of Sharanalayam Periyava is Ekantha Vignahara Periyava. Originally, GR Mama wished to keep this Roopam for his personal prayers and meditation, referring to Him as Ekantha Periyava. However, a profound divine episode unfolded when this Periyava was brought from Swamimalai to Sharanalayam. As Periyava was carefully placed in the car, His seatbelt fastened for the long journey to Chennai, an unexpected moment of grace occurred. An elephant approached the car gently knocking on the window. When the devotee driving the vehicle rolled down the glass, the elephant placed its trunk on Periyava, as if both were offering and receiving blessings. This extraordinary moment deeply moved everyone present, leading to the realisation that this Periyava would remove all the obstacles in the devotees’ lives – thus earning the name Vignahara Periyava.

Recognising the significance of this divine occurrence, GR Mama decided that this Periyava too, should be enshrined for darshan, allowing devotees to experience Mahaperiyava’s sacred presence and grace.

Goddess Kamakshi revered as Bangaru Kamakshi and Swarna Kamakshi, radiates a divine brilliance. Her darshan fills our heart with pure joy. She embodies both supreme beauty and boundless compassion. Seated majestically on Her peetham, she symbolises the union of Shakti and Jnana (wisdom), guiding devotees toward spiritual awakening. To behold Swarna Kamakshi is to witness the very essence of divinity. She steals the heart of every devotee visiting the shrine, blessing them with her boundless and unconditional love.

At the Shiva shrine is the divine Bana Lingam, Spatika Lingam, a small granite Shiva Lingam with Nandhi and Lord Pashupatinath.

Bana Lingam

Bana Lingam is a naturally occurring Shiva Lingam found in the Narmada river. It is believed to embody Lord Shiva’s cosmic energy. Bana Lingams are smooth, elliptical and self-manifested (Swayambhu). The Bana Lingam has a great spiritual significance is believed to radiate divine vibrations.

Spatika Lingam

Spatika means crystal clear. Spatika Lingam is a crystal-clear Shiva Lingam made of pure quartz symbolising purity and divine energy. Worshipping it is believed to bring peace and spiritual upliftment, as it radiates positive vibrations and removes negative energies. The small granite lingam arrived in the same week as Sharanalayam Periyava. This is not a coincidence as Mahaperiyava is Parameshwara Himself. Ever since their arrival the Pradosha Pooja is conducted with great devotions at Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam.

Pradosha Periyava is a divine panchaloka form of Periyava seated majestically on the Rishabha Vahanam radiating grace and blessings. Abhishekam is performed for this Periyava every Pradosham and Anusham. It is such a blessing to have darshan of Pradosha Periyava on the Rishabha Vahanam. Though this murthi is small, its fine features stand out melting our hearts.

The Thoonga Vilakku at Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam is an ever-burning lamp, as instructed by Sri Mahaperiyava to GR Mama. Devotees offer a spoon of oil, believing it helps dissolve karmic burdens and bring divine blessings.

The small mandapams are adorned with Panchalokam Vigrahams of deities including Shiva-Parvati, Perumal-Thayar, Venugopala Swami, Andal, Vinayaka and Annapoorni, Each radiating divine grace and blessings.