Ground Floor – First Floor – Second Floor – Third Floor
SRI MAHAPERIYAVA SHARANALAYAM – GROUND FLOOR
Lagu Periyava
Upon entering Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam, you are greeted by the divine darshan of Sri Sri Mahaperiyava, rendered in marble, lovingly known as “Lagu Periyava”. The word lagu is derived from Sanskrit meaning simple and easy. Devotees can offer flowers at HIS Holiness feet and pray in HIS serene presence. This is the pradakshina point at Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam and has a deeper spiritual significance. This special place stands as a confluence of divine energies and spiritual treasures that inspire every devotee. Here’s an expanded reflection on its immense significance.
The Sacred Soil and Holy Waters
As per Mahaswami’s utharavu to GR Mama, the space where Lagu Periyava is seated is sanctified, whose purifying qualities elevate the merit of every pradakshina the devotee makes here.
A unique and spiritually potent feature of this spot is the “Mrithigai” – the sacred soil collected from renowned Shaiva, Vaishnava and Devi Temples. This consecrated earth carries the blessings and spiritual legacy of its place of origin. Enhancing the sanctity of this space is the infusion of “Punya Teerth” – sacred waters from all the holy rivers. In Hindu tradition water is revered for its purifying and rejuvenating qualities, a true source of spiritual cleaning.
The Rama Nama Likitha Japam (“Ramakotiyudan Kamakoti Darshan)
This space also features the Rama Nama Likitha Japam. Devotees from around the world have together written over 2 crore (20 million) poorna Rama mantra – “Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama”. Placed beneath the ground these written mantras reverberate the love and blessings of Lord Rama, adding to the spiritual energy of the space. Reflecting on the Koti Rama Namam, GR Mama mentions that he is ever grateful to these devotees, whose faith and prayers made Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam a reality.
Ramar Stupi
Enhancing the ambience are the beautiful Ramar Stupi and the presence of Sri Anjaneya, showering immense blessings.
Nandi
The marble form of Lagu Periyava was sculpted in Jaipur by a devoted Shiva bhakta. During our visit to witness His creation, our eyes were drawn to a stunning idol of Nandi Bhagawan. It felt only natural that Nandi should accompany Lagu Periyava to Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam as if destined to be by His side. Now seated before Lagu Periyava, Nandi stands as a timeless symbol of unwavering and immeasurable devotion to Lord Shiva. His presence exudes patience, inner strength, and meditative stillness. The sheer beauty of Nandi captivates the hearts of devotees, inspiring them to imbibe his virtues in their spiritual journey.
Radha-Krishna
On one side of Lagu Periyava is a beautiful wall fountain where Lord Krishna along with Radha adds to the divine grace. The gentle sound of flowing water is both refreshing and soothing. On the opposite wall is an adorable painting of Gho Matha, depicting a cow with her calf. Sri Mahaperiyavara Arul Trust under the guidance of GR Mama has adopted Ghoshalas and supports the nurturing of our gomathas.
Tulsi
The presence of the Tulsi plant in the sacred space of Lagu Periyava adds a divine aura, symbolising purity, devotion and spiritual energy. Revered as a sacred plant in Sanatana Dharma, Tulsi is believed to radiate positive vibrations, purify the surroundings and enhance the sanctity of the space. Just as it is dear to Lord Vishnu, its presence near Lagu Periyava signifies unwavering devotion. With every gentle breeze that rustles its leaves, Ma Tulsi seems to whisper prayers. This consecrated space of Lagu Periyava with the sacred soil, holy water, Rama Japam, Ramar Stupi, Anjaneya, Radha-Krishna, Ma Tulsi creates a rare and powerful energy. Standing there one truly feels the deeper meaning of Lagu Periyava, whose Grace has made this spiritual connection easily accessible to all through GR Mama.
Sri Chandrasekhara Maha Ganapathi
Sri Chandrasekhara Maha Ganapathi has made Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam His eternal home, showering blessings upon devotees. Once residing the house of an elderly devotee who could no longer continue her daily pooja, He came into the sacred abode of Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam, where devotees revere Him as Ishta Ganapathi, their cherished deity.
The Agama Pratishtha of Sri Chandrasekhara Maha Ganapthi took place on February 22, 2023. His shrine stands before Lagu Periyava, who is an embodiment of Lord Shiva Himself. In a beautiful expression of devotion, devotees joyfully perform a joint pradakshina around both deities seeking their grace and blessings.
Arudhra Periyava
As you stand before the sacred structure of Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam, it feels natural to fold your hands in reverence taking in the beauty of the shrine. In that very moment, you catch a glimpse of Arudhra Periyava. But what does this name signify?
Among the many divine orchestrations of Sri Mahaperiyava in bringing Sharanalayam to His devotees, this is a remarkable event that stands out.
The marble deities sculpted in Jaipur were being transported to Chennai. The truck encountered an issue in Mumbai, causing an unexpected delay. Yet, the ever-pervading, all-knowing Mahaswami had His own Divine plan. After repairs, the truck arrived at the Sharanalayam construction site during the sacred Brahma Muhurtham on a Thursday – a day of immense significance for Guru Pooja devotees worldwide.
Adding to this divine sequence the installing of Mahaeriyava’s Roopam on the shrine’s front elevation coincided with Arudhra Darshanam, the auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is this celestial alignment that earned Him the name “Arudhra Periyava”.
In a final awe-inspiring moment, as soon as the roopam was placed, a gentle drizzle graced for about two minutes before the skies cleared bathing the Arudhra Periyava in radiant light.
As GR Mama oftens says, with Sri Sri Mahaperiyava, there are no coincidences only divine choreography. His ways are beyond human comprehension. With our hearts filled with devotion and gratitude, we raise our hands in prayer to Arudhra Periyava as we step into the holy sanctum of Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam.
Vishwaroopa Periyava
This Chithira Padam (painting) – a stunning artistic protrayal of Sri mahaperiyava was gifted to GR Mama by a devotee name Suri, fondly known as Art Suri. His son blessed by Mahaperiyava’s grace, creates exquisite sketches and oil paintings of Periyava Roopam. Ramarkable this divine form of Mahaperiyava waited for two years before finding its destined place here as Vishwaroopa Periyava. The name holds deep significance, as this image offers devotees the full darshan of Mahaperiyava, from Thiruvadi (holy feet) to Thirumudi (sacred head).
Beyond its visual magnificence, trace of the Pancha Bhootams (the five elements) – space, air, fire, water and earth can be seen within the painting, a testament to Mahaperiyava’s cosmic presence. GR Mama has often shared that Sri Mahaperiyava embodies “Prapancha Shakti”, the divine force that encompasses the elements of the universe. Even for those devotees who pass by Sharanalayam but are unable to step inside for darshan, GR Mama assures that Mahaperiyava in His boundless compassion, stands here to bless even the passerby with His loving gaze. Truly His grace is beyond measure and humbles us all.
The Well
A well holds great significance wherever Periyava resides. In the Sri Mutt puja sampradaya, only well water is used for all pujas and abishegams, as it is considered the purest and most sacred. Understanding this deep tradition, Sri GR Mama placed great importance on having a divine well dug at the right spot within Sharanalayam.
As you enter Sharanalayam, the first thing that catches your eye is this sacred well, situated at the left corner of the plot. Painted in the traditional red and white temple stripes, it radiates a divine aura, seamlessly blending with the sanctity of the space. Surrounding the well are carefully placed plant pots, further enhancing its serene and sacred presence. More than just a source of water, this well stands as a symbol of purity and devotion, reinforcing the spiritual essence that permeates Sharanalayam.
Periyava Ther (Chariot) – A Divine Orchestration
The Periyava Ther stands as yet another remarkable instance of Mahaperiyava’s divine choreography in the making of Sharanalayam. During the construction phase of Sharanalayam, a devotee approached Sri GR Mama, mentioning about a small chariot he had initially crafted for Orikkai Mahaperiyava. However, as the chariot was too small for Orikkai, he wondered if it could serve its purpose in Sharanalayam.
True to his nature, Sri GR Mama did not hastily accept or reject the offering but responded with his characteristic humility: “பெரியவாளை கேட்டு சொல்றேன்” (I will ask Periyava and let you know). The conversation remained open-ended, leaving everything to Periyava’s will.
To everyone’s amazement, when the Utsava Murti of Periyava, crafted for Sharanalayam Veedhi Ula, was placed in this chariot, it fit perfectly—as though it had been made for HIM with precise measurements! With Periyava majestically seated, this Ther now carries HIM in divine processions twice a year—once during HIS Jayanthi and again during the Aradhana Utsavam, allowing devotees to witness and experience his divine presence.
Beyond this miraculous alignment, Mahaperiyava also orchestrated another divine connection through this episode. The chariot’s creator, Aiyappan Sthapathi, who had meticulously carved this masterpiece, was later entrusted with intricate woodwork at Sharanalayam. His craftsmanship now adorns the Rudraksha Mandapam, the exquisitely carved doors, and other sacred wooden elements within the shrine—each a testament to Periyava’s continued guidance.
Do we need any further pramanam to recognize that Sharanalayam is entirely Mahaperiyava’s divine orchestration, created solely for the upliftment and grace of HIS devotees?
The Library
The library at Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam is a cherished vision of GR Mama – a space where devotees have the opportunity to read and gain spiritual wisdom. Driven by this deep desire, a ground floor area was transformed into a library that now houses over 1000 books across diverse categories. The collection includes work of Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Mahaperiyava, Hinduism and culture, biographies and teachings of Mahans, epics and Puranas, self-development, spiritual progress and books for children. Currently reading is permitted within the premises only.
In this digital era, where physical books are becoming rare, these unique volumes offer an immense opportunity for spiritual upliftment. Each book serves as a gateway to deeper understanding, inspiring the seekers on their spiritual journey.
Hara Hara Shankara Jaya Jaya Shankara