Thiruppaarkadal

Introduction

Thiruppaarkadal is one among the 2 Divyadesams, which do not exist on the earth plane. It is there only in the spiritual realm and is referred to as Vinnulaga Tirupathi, the heavenly abode of Vishnu. No one can set foot on this place with their physical body, or worship this Lord through normal eyes. It is believed that only the highly evolved and virtuous souls can hope to reach Thiruppaarkadal.

The Tamil word ‘Paal’ means milk, and ‘Kadal’ is the ocean, and so, Paar Kadal or Thiruppaarkadal refers to the great ocean of milk. It is also known as Kshira Sagara, in Sanskrit.

Divya Desam

Though not physically present on earth, this abode of Vishnu is considered on par with a Vishnu temple, in all respects. As many as 10 of the 12 Azhwar saints have praised this Lord and referred to this place in their Divyaprabhandham hymns. Hence, Thiruppaarkadal is also hailed as a Divya Desam, an especially holy abode of Vishnu. While there are 106 such Divya Desams on earth, Thiruppaarkadal, the celestial abode, is classified as the 107th Divya Desam, and Vaikuntam or Parapadam is the 108th, last Divya Desam.

Lord Thiruppaarkadal Nathan

The Lord or the presiding deity of Thiruppaarkadal Divya Desam is Thiruppaarkadal Nathan or Kshirabdhi Nathan. Here, Lord Vishnu is believed to be reclining on the couch of the giant serpent Adisesha and is in Bhujanga Sayanam. He is said to be facing South, the direction of Yama, the God of death. Sridevi Thayaar and Kadal Magal Nachiyaar are his consorts. It is said that this Lord was worshipped by Brahma and Rudra (Shiva), Devas, the celestials, and Rishis, the sages.

While Thiruppaarkadal, the great ocean of milk itself, is regarded as a sacred water body of this Divya Desam, Amirtha Theertham also remains another tank. The roof or the tower above the sanctum is Ashtanga Vimanam.

Significance of the Lord

It is believed that this Lord is capable of operating in 4 distinct aspects, as Vasudeva, Sangarshana, Prathyumna, and Anirudha. Vasudeva represents Sriman Narayana and can bestow Gynana, the wisdom, Sakthi, the power, and Tejas, the brilliance. Likewise, Sangarshana remains the Shiva aspect, Prathtyumna, the Brahma aspect, and Anirudha, the combined aspect of Lakshmi and Parashakti.

Vishnu or Narayana is hailed in 12 very sacred names, and these are - Kesava, Madhava, Narayana, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusoodhana, Trivikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Rishkesa, Padmanabha, and Damodara.

Each of the 4 aspects of Vishnu is said to be equivalent to 3 of these names. Thus Vasudeva equals Kesava, Madhava, and Narayana; Sangarshana is equal to Govinda, Vishnu, and Madhusoodhana; Prathyumna, to Trivikrama, Vamana, and Sridhara, and Anirudha is equal to Rishkesa, Padmanabha, and Damodara.

These 12 sacred names are also referred to as the 12 Sooryas and Chandras, the Suns, and the Moons, that fill all the 12 sides of space. While Lord Vishnu or Narayana is present in the Athmas, the souls of all the beings, these sacred names of his are present everywhere. They help the earthly souls, called the Jeevathmas, emerge out, lead their lives, and undergo good and bad, pleasure and pain in life, as per the virtues and sins they have committed.

‘Om Namo Narayana’ is the sacred name of Vishnu, and this itself remains a powerful Mantra to get his grace and blessings. It is believed that this Ashtakshara Mantra is surrounding this heavenly abode of Vishnu, and by chanting this with faith, one can reach the lotus feet of the Lord of Thiruppaarkadal.

There is also a belief that the Lord himself ensures that those who worship all the 106 Divya Desams on earth, are taken to this Vishnu abode, after completing their existence on earth.