Divya Desams vs Abhimana Kshetras – Understanding the Sacred 108 Temples of Vishnu

 

What Are Divya Desams

• Definition: These are the 108 Vishnu temples glorified by the Alwars (12 Vaishnava poet-saints) in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil hymns.
• Scriptural Basis: Each temple is directly praised in the hymns, making it a Divya Desam (“Divine Place”).
• Geographical Spread: Mostly in Tamil Nadu, with others in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and even Nepal (Muktinath).
• Spiritual Status: Considered the core pilgrimage circuit for Sri Vaishnavas. Visiting all 108 is a lifelong spiritual goal.

What Are Abhimana Kshetras?

• Definition: These are 108 Vishnu temples that are not sung by the Alwars, but are still deeply revered due to their Puranic significance, miracles, or association with saints and acharyas.
• Scriptural Basis: Mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabharata, Skanda Purana, and other texts. Some were visited by Alwars but not praised in hymns.
• Spiritual Status: These temples are close to the heart of Lord Vishnu (“Abhimana” means affection or reverence). They are spiritually potent and respected by Vaishnava acharyas like Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika, and Madhvacharya.

Feature	108 Divya Desams	108 Abhimana Kshetras
Mention in Hymns	Praised in Naalayira Divya Prabandham	Not mentioned in Alwar hymns
Scriptural Source	Based on Alwar compositions	Based on Puranas, Ithihasas, and Acharya visits
Spiritual Status	Core pilgrimage for Sri Vaishnavas	Revered but secondary to Divya Desams
Geographical Spread	Includes Nepal, North & South India	Mostly in South India
Examples	Srirangam, Tirupati, Thiruvahindrapuram	Mannargudi, Melkote, Thirukoshtiyur

Both sets of temples reflect the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, but Divya Desams are scripturally central, while Abhimana Kshetras are spiritually intimate and regionally beloved.