Thursday, March 10, 2016

KSHETRA FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2016

 
                                                       
                                                                  THIRUKKARAGAM
There is a kshetra by name Karagam near Kanchipuram. Once upon a time King Ambarisha wanted to perform a yaga. He came to Kanchipuram to perform the sacrifice. But his yagnapashu ( sacrificial animal) was lost. He went to sage Rucheeka to ask for his son as a narapashu ( human sacrifice). The sage refused to give his eldest son. The wife of the sage refused to give the youngest and so the middle one by name Sunnashepa knew he was to be given. At once he himself offered voluntarily to come to the sacrifice and give up his life.  On the way he met his uncle Sage Vishwamithra.  He pleaded the sage that he suggest a solution such that Ambarisha would beget the fruits of the sacrifice , whilst his life would also be saved. Vishwamithra pledged to save him at the cost of the lives of his 100 sons. But all his 100 sons refused to give up their lives. In anger Vishwamithra cursed him. He then discovered two sukthas on Indra and Vishnu. He said to Sunasshepa “ While being tied to the yupasthamba ( the pillar ) may you chant these two sukthas. You will be saved by the compassionate Lord and the King too would be blessed with the fruits of the sacrifice.
     Sunnashepa did so. Vishnu and Indra appeared before all of them.The Lord said to Sunasshepa “ Iam pleased by your righteousness and devotion to your parents. You are even willing to give up your life for their sake.Pleased by tyour devotiobn I bestow on you long life and at the same time King Ambarisha will get his desires fulfilled. This too is because of your good virtues. May you ask for anything that you want.”
 Sunasshepa then requested that the Lord stay in kanchipuram and bless all those who come for his darshan with a long life and prosperity.

This Kshetra is known by the name Karagam and the Lord here is called KARUNAKARAN.

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