ANNADANA PRABHU OF VAIKOM

THE ARCHAMURTHI

The august Sivalinga is quite imposing and measures 5 feet in height. It is installed on a square shaped, two-foot-high beautiful Vedika. This huge, mejestic Linga, when adorned with darling jewels and colorful garlands, looks extremely beautiful and transports the beholders to Kailas for a while, as it were. The glare of several brass lamps burning bright adds exceptional grace and heightens its loneliness. The Lord reveals himself here in three aspects everyday. 

During the mornings, he is decorated as Dhakshinamurthi-the giver of wisdom, and the pujas offered now is called Panthirathi puja. Darsan of this Jnanaswarupa makes the adorers wise and sharp-wined. In the noons, he appears in the form of Kirata - the fabled hunter who tested the might of Arjuna before bestowing Pasupatastra. Those who desire earthly advancement propitiate him with great fervour. Abishekam of any kind is highly desirable. In the evenings he gives darsan as Satchidananda. 

As this form exudes ananda, it is the auspicious moment for submitting long petitions for success of everything. All and sundry throng at this hour. So the temple is always crowded from early morning till late in the evening. As the Lord developed preference for granting liberally all types of boons, the temple has been attracting thousands since the Tretayuga. Moreover, the free meal scheme has virtually converted it into a Dharmasala, and so, the Lord is reverentially addressed as the Annadana Mahaprabhu.

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