Jyotirmath Temple

Introduction

Jyothirmath, also called Joshimath place in the Himalayan mountains, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state and is well-known for its Vishnu temple. This temple is also believed to be a Divyadesam that goes by the name Thiruppirudhi, the sacred abode of Vishnu, praised by the Azhwar saints in their Tamil hymns. The presiding deity is here Sri Paramapurusha Perumal, and his consort is Goddess Parimalavalli. This temple remains as the winter home of Lord Badrinarayan when the famous temple of Badrinath is closed during the winter months. The shrine is located at about 6150 feet above sea level and remains one of the important temples established by Saint Adi Shankara. This temple is also called ‘Nandaprayag,’ named after the benevolent ruler Nanda, who stayed in this place and carried out many religious activities for the benefit of the people. While sage Kanva Maharishi is said to have performed many austerities here, Saint Thirumangai Azhwar has composed verses on this Lord and offered worship in this temple. Jyothirmath can be called the gateway for the Himalayan mountains, in some respects.

Temple History and Legends

It is believed that the temple must have been established by the Katyuri rulers, who ruled over this area from the 7th to the 11th centuries CE. King Vashudev Katyuri was the founder of the Katyuri dynasty, who is said to have built the Basdeo temple at Jyothirmath. Though of Buddhist origin, Vashudev embraced Sanatana Dharma and its practices subsequently, thanks to the efforts of Adi Shankara. And this was continued by the Chand kings who followed them as the rulers of this region. It is also said in some accounts that Shankara performed severe penance under a tree here, and got enlightenment. He also established a hermitage called ‘Jyothirmutt,’ which later became ‘Joshimutt.’ As per a legend, Goddess Parvati has worshipped the Lord here.

The Architecture of Jyotirmath Temple

Lord Vishnu gives darshan in this temple as Paramapurushan. He can be worshipped in his reclining form of Bujangha Sayanam, in the main shrine, which is similar to his form in the heavenly abode of Thiruparkaddal. Parimalavalli Naachiyaar, his consort, has a separate shrine. The Pushkarani or the water tank is called as Maanasaras, the one that can be visualized only through the devotees’ minds. Govardhana Theertham and Indira Theertham are its other sacred water bodies, while the temple tower is Govardhana Vimaana.

Temple Festivals

Holi and Narsingh Jayanti are some of the festivals celebrated here. Narsingh Jayanti is the same as the Narasimha Jayanti, the day of appearance of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu. It is celebrated on Shukla Chaturdashi, the 14th lunar phase during the bright fortnight of the Moon, in the month of Vaishakha (April-May).

Benefits of worshipping the Lord in the Jyotirmath - Thiruppirudhi Temple

It is said that the devotees display their ‘Preethi,’ that is affection towards the Lord, and he, in turn, reciprocates it to them here. This is said to be the reason for this sacred place getting the name Thiruppirudhi. Hence this temple represents the close bond between the Lord and his devotees. It is said that the love that the Lord has for his sincere devotees is boundless, and he ensures a life of bliss for them. It is also believed that he removes the fatigue of the pilgrims, and the mystical power of this temple can rejuvenate the devotees.