India is a land steeped in spirituality, where countless temples stand as beacons of faith and devotion. Among these, the 108 Divya Desam Temples hold a special place of reverence. These temples are scattered across different regions of India and Nepal, each with its unique significance, history, and architectural beauty. In this blog, we will explore what Divya Desam means, why there are 108 of them, their profound significance, and where they are located.
What are Divya Desam Temples?
The term “Divya Desam” translates to “Divine Abode” in Sanskrit, and these temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The 108 Divya Desam Temples are considered the most sacred and revered shrines among the countless temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu across India. Each temple has its own distinct legend, deity, and history, making them an integral part of the religious and cultural heritage of the subcontinent.
Why Are There 108 Divya Desam Temples?
The number 108 holds great significance in Hinduism, and it is often considered a sacred and auspicious number. There are several reasons why there are precisely 108 Divya Desam Temples:
- Spiritual Completeness: In Hinduism, 108 is believed to represent spiritual completeness. It is considered the ideal number to symbolize the pursuit of spiritual perfection and the journey towards self-realization.
- Cosmic Alignment: The number 108 is believed to correspond to various cosmic and celestial elements, such as the 12 zodiac signs and the nine planets. In this way, visiting all 108 Divya Desam Temples is seen as a way to align oneself with the cosmos and attain spiritual harmony.
- Sacred Repetition: Many mantras and prayers in Hinduism involve the repetition of 108 times. Chanting a mantra 108 times is believed to invoke the divine blessings and energies associated with that mantra.
The Significance of the 108 Divya Desam Temples:
The history of the temple indicates its presence well before the 7th century, suggesting its ancient origins and significance in the region. The administration and maintenance of the temple are entrusted to the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. An Executive officer appointed by the Board oversees the management of the temple, along with other temples like the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellarai, Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, and the Mariamman Temple at Anbil.
The temple also participates in the Annadhanam scheme, which is a noble initiative that provides free meals to devotees. Under this scheme, the temple offers free food to a hundred devotees daily, and the entire expenditure is covered by contributions from devotees. This charitable act demonstrates the temple’s commitment to providing sustenance and nourishment to its visitors as a part of its religious and community service.
The temple also participates in the Annadhanam scheme, which is a noble initiative that provides free meals to devotees. Under this scheme, the temple offers free food to a hundred devotees daily, and the entire expenditure is covered by contributions from devotees. This charitable act demonstrates the temple’s commitment to providing sustenance and nourishment to its visitors as a part of its religious and community service.
The 108 Divya Desam Temples are significant for several reasons:
- Divine Abode of Lord Vishnu: Each temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in one of his various forms, and they are considered his divine abodes on Earth. Devotees visit these temples to seek blessings, experience spiritual solace, and connect with the divine.
- Historical and Architectural Marvels: These temples showcase stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful sculptures, reflecting the rich heritage of Indian art and craftsmanship. They stand as living testaments to the artistic and architectural prowess of the past.
- Pilgrimage and Devotion: For devout Hindus, visiting all 108 Divya Desam Temples is considered a sacred pilgrimage. It is a journey that deepens their connection with the divine and reinforces their faith.
Where Are the 108 Divya Desam Temples Located?
The 108 Divya Desam Temples are spread across different regions of India and one temple in Nepal. They are grouped into various categories based on their geographical location:
North India and Andhra Pradesh
2. Ahobilam – AP
3. Muktinath, Saligramam, Nepal
4. Naimisaranya – UP
5. Mathura – UP
6. Gokul – UP
7. Raghunathji Temple – UTK
8. Badrinath temple -UTK
9. Jyotirmath (Joshimutt) – UTK
10. Ayodhya – UP
11. Dwarka – Gujarat
3. Muktinath, Saligramam, Nepal
4. Naimisaranya – UP
5. Mathura – UP
6. Gokul – UP
7. Raghunathji Temple – UTK
8. Badrinath temple -UTK
9. Jyotirmath (Joshimutt) – UTK
10. Ayodhya – UP
11. Dwarka – Gujarat
Malai Nadu
12. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple
13. Thirukatkarai
14. Moozhikkalam
15. Tiruvalla
16. Thirukadithanam
17. Sengunroor
18. Thiruppuliyoor
19. Thiruvaaranvilai
20. Thiruvanvandoor
21. Thiru naavaay
22. Viththuvakkodu
13. Thirukatkarai
14. Moozhikkalam
15. Tiruvalla
16. Thirukadithanam
17. Sengunroor
18. Thiruppuliyoor
19. Thiruvaaranvilai
20. Thiruvanvandoor
21. Thiru naavaay
22. Viththuvakkodu
Madurai
23. Thirumeyyam
24. Thirukoshtiyur
25. Koodal Azhagar Temple
26. Azhagar Kovil
27. Tirumogoor
28. Srivilliputhur
29. Tiruththangal
30. Thiruppullani
24. Thirukoshtiyur
25. Koodal Azhagar Temple
26. Azhagar Kovil
27. Tirumogoor
28. Srivilliputhur
29. Tiruththangal
30. Thiruppullani
Kanchipuram
31. Thirukachi
32. Ashtabujakaram
33. Tiruvenkata
34. Tiruththanka
35. Tiruvelukkai
36. Tirukalvanoor
37. Tiru oorakam
38. Tiru neeragam
39. Tiru kaaragam
40. Tirukaar Vaanam
41. Tiru parameswara vinnagaram
42. Tiru pavala vannam
43. Tiru paadagam
44. Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple
45. Thiruputkuzhi
Chennai
46. Thiruvallikeni
47. Thiruneermalai
48. Thiruvidandai
49. Thirukadalmallai
50. Thiruninravur
51. Thiruvallur
52. Thirukkadigai
47. Thiruneermalai
48. Thiruvidandai
49. Thirukadalmallai
50. Thiruninravur
51. Thiruvallur
52. Thirukkadigai
Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi
53. Thiruvazhunthoor
54. Thiruindaloor
55. Kazheesirama Vinnagaram
56. Thirukkavalampadi
57. Thiruchsemponsey
58. Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram
59. Thiru Vanpurushothamam
60. Thiruvaikunda vinnagaram
61. Thirumanimadam
62. Thiruthevanartthogai
63. Thiruthetriyambalam
64. Thirumanikkoodam
65. Thiruvellakkulam
66. Thiruppaarththanpalli
67. Thalai Sanga Nanmathiyam
68. Thiruchsirupuliyur
69. Thiruvali-Thirunagari
54. Thiruindaloor
55. Kazheesirama Vinnagaram
56. Thirukkavalampadi
57. Thiruchsemponsey
58. Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram
59. Thiru Vanpurushothamam
60. Thiruvaikunda vinnagaram
61. Thirumanimadam
62. Thiruthevanartthogai
63. Thiruthetriyambalam
64. Thirumanikkoodam
65. Thiruvellakkulam
66. Thiruppaarththanpalli
67. Thalai Sanga Nanmathiyam
68. Thiruchsirupuliyur
69. Thiruvali-Thirunagari
Thanjavur
70. Thiruccithra kootam
71. Thirukkannangudi
72. Thirunagai
73. Thiru Thanjai
74. Thirukkoodaloor
75. Thiru Kavith Thalam
76. Thiru Adhanoor
77. Thirupullabhoothangudi
78. Thirukkudandhai
79. Thiruccherai
80. Thirunandipura Vinnagaram
81. Thiru Naraiyoor
82. Thiruvinnagar
83. Thiruvelliyangudi
84. Thirukkanamangai
85. Thirukkkannapuram
86. Thiruvahithipuram
87. Tirukkoilur
88. Thirukkandiyur
71. Thirukkannangudi
72. Thirunagai
73. Thiru Thanjai
74. Thirukkoodaloor
75. Thiru Kavith Thalam
76. Thiru Adhanoor
77. Thirupullabhoothangudi
78. Thirukkudandhai
79. Thiruccherai
80. Thirunandipura Vinnagaram
81. Thiru Naraiyoor
82. Thiruvinnagar
83. Thiruvelliyangudi
84. Thirukkanamangai
85. Thirukkkannapuram
86. Thiruvahithipuram
87. Tirukkoilur
88. Thirukkandiyur
Trichy
89. Sri Rangam
90. Thirukozhi
91. Thirukkarambanoor
92. Thiruvellarai
93. Thiru Anbil
94. Thirupper Nagar
90. Thirukozhi
91. Thirukkarambanoor
92. Thiruvellarai
93. Thiru Anbil
94. Thirupper Nagar
Tirunelveli
95. Thiruvaramangai
96. Thirukkurungudi
97. Srivaikundam
98. Thiruvaragunamangai
99. Thiruppulingudi
100. Thirukkurugoor
101. Thirutthulaivillimangalam
102. Thirukkoloor
103. Thirukkulandhai
104. Thentirupperai
96. Thirukkurungudi
97. Srivaikundam
98. Thiruvaragunamangai
99. Thiruppulingudi
100. Thirukkurugoor
101. Thirutthulaivillimangalam
102. Thirukkoloor
103. Thirukkulandhai
104. Thentirupperai
Kanyakumari
105. Thiruvattaru
108. Paramapadam
108. Paramapadam
Vinnulagam (Outside the Earthly realm)
107. Thirupalkkadal
108. Paramapadam
108. Paramapadam
Conclusion:
The 108 Divya Desam Temples represent the spiritual and cultural fabric of India. Each temple tells a unique story, and visiting them is a journey of faith, devotion, and self-discovery. These temples continue to be centers of religious significance, attracting devotees from all over the world who seek solace and blessings in the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.
