Thiru Paramapadam

Introduction

Thiru Paramapadam is the supreme abode of Vishnu and remains perhaps the ultimate place that a Jeevathma, an earthly soul, can hope to reach. Paramapadam, in a sense, stands for a state than for a place. It denotes the state of Mukthi, the salvation or ultimate liberation, whose nature and greatness are beyond comprehension and description. And attaining Paramapadam, the supreme abode of Vishnu will remain the ultimate purpose of any Vaishnavite’s existence.

Thiru Paramapadam is also called more commonly as Vaikuntam, while Vinnagaram, Thirunadu, Perunilam, Meela Ulagam, etc. remain as some of the other names, by which it is referred to.

Lord Vishnu is said to stay here as Lord Paramapadanathan, along with his consorts.

Thiru Paramapadam Divya Desam

Thiru Paramapadam has been glorified by many of the Azhwar saints in scores of hymns, which form part of the sacred Divyaprabhandhams. Hence, Paramapadam, too, is often treated on par with a temple and regarded a Vishnu shrine, and is hailed as a Divya Desam, a chosen abode of the Lord. While 106 such Divya Desams are physically present on earth, Vishnu abodes Thiruppaarkadal and Thiru Paramapadam are believed to belong to the celestial plane, which his devotees can hope to experience with the Lord’s grace, only after completing their earthly journey.

Legends

There are many legends that speak about the grandeur of Thiru Paramapadam. This is said to be located beyond Satya Loka, the abode of Brahma at a distance, even beyond our comprehension. Some Vaishnava traditions place this somewhere in Makara Rasi, the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Paramapadam is also said to be rich in vegetation replete with sweet-smelling flowers and wonderful fruits, filling the atmosphere with a fine aroma. The place is also pure and radiant, is vibrant with positive energy, and is filled with a divine aura. The residents are divine souls free of any malice and remain as purity incarnates, and stay in bliss meditating on Lord Vishnu. Jaya and Vijaya are said to be guarding this place.

The Greatness of Lord Paramapadanathan

Lord Paramapada Nathan is the presiding deity of Thiru Paramapadam. He is seated on Adisesha, the giant serpent with 1000 heads, facing South. His consorts Goddess Lakshmi or Sridevi, Bhooma Devi, and Neela Devi, are also with him. The Lord holds the conch and discus in 2 of his hands, while his face exudes the radiance of many Sun rising at the same time, and eyes shine like lotuses in full bloom. Adorned in Pithambaram, the yellow silk cloth and decorated with beautiful jewels, he is ever smiling.

In Thiru Paramapadam Divya Desam, the Lord is staying under the roof Ananthaanga Vimanam, while Viraja river and Ayiramatha Pushkarini remain its sacred water bodies. It is claimed that no one who goes to Paramapadam ever returns, and that is why it is called ‘Meela Ulagam.’ It is also said that the Lord himself will take those who worship all the 106 Divya Desams on earth to Paramapadam, make it their permanent residence and ensure that they live there joyfully forever.

The pure and holy Jeevathmas, the earthly souls who reach Paramapadam, will be immortals known as Nithya Suris. They will be similar in form to Vishnu himself, keep praying and doing service to him, with immense fulfillment, and will ever be there in eternal bliss.

And it can only be purity in thoughts, words, and action while living in this world, and unflinching devotion and faith in Lord Vishnu, which can lead one to the Lord’s great domain, Thiru Paramapadam.