India is renowned for its vibrant culture and deep spirituality, home to countless temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe and the cosmic force that upholds it. Among the most revered are the 108 Divya Desams, a collection of Vishnu temples scattered across the country, each holding a special place in the hearts of devotees. These temples are not only architectural masterpieces but also sacred centers of worship, cherished for their rich historical, mythological, and devotional significance.
What are 108 Divya Desam?
The term Divya Desam translates to "divine place" in Sanskrit, referring to 108 sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. These temples hold immense significance for Vaishnavites, who revere them as key sites of worship and devotion. While they are scattered across India, the majority are located in Tamil Nadu. These temples are celebrated in the hymns of the Azhwars, poet-saints who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries. Lord vishnu, who is the eternal deity, has been praised by the 12 Azhwars, who attained His divine feet with boundless devotion. The Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil songs, preserves the Azhwars' praises of the divine significance of these temples. The Azhwars sang about these holy places in Divya Prabandham, and this is called Mangalasasanam in Sanskrit.
To be classified as a Divya Desam, a temple's main shrine must be dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and there must be an adjoining shrine for Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing their inseparable presence in worship.
Geographical Spread of Divya Desams
In ancient traditions, the 108 Divya Desams are classified into six distinct regions, each with its own unique cultural and spiritual significance:
Highlights of Iconic Divya Desams
Tamil Nadu: The majority of the Divya Desams, including the renowned Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, are situated here.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Temples like Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati and Ahobilam are major pilgrimage sites.
Kerala: The temples of Thiruvananthapuram (Padmanabhaswamy Temple) and Guruvayur are prominent Divya Desams in this region.
North India: The famous Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand is a key Divya Desam, set amidst the breathtaking Himalayan range.
Nepal: The Muktinath Temple in Nepal is considered a Divya Desam and is a significant pilgrimage for devotees.
108 Divya Desam Place and temple names
