What is Divya Desam?

Divya Desam refers to 108 sacred temples of Lord Vishnu mentioned and glorified in the devotional poetry of the Tamil Alvar saints (6th to 9th centuries CE). The term "Divya" means divine and "Desam" means place, so these are considered the "divine abodes" of Vishnu. These temples are spread across South India, primarily in Tamil Nadu, and represent the pinnacle of Vaishnavism. The pilgrimage to these temples follows a spiritual path outlined in Alvar hymns, making it one of the most important religious journeys in Hindu tradition.

Significance and Distribution

The 108 Divya Desams are not equal in prominence. The principal temples among them include Srirangam (the largest), Tirupati (the richest), and Mathura (Mathura in Uttar Pradesh). The temples are noted for their architectural beauty, especially the Dravidian style gopurams (temple towers), intricate sculptures, and spiritual energy. Visiting these temples is believed to grant fulfillment of desires, spiritual progress, and ultimate liberation (Moksha).