Divine Brahmanda

New Blog From Our Reader www.myspiritualtreasure.com

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sat, 7 May 2016 08:29:00 +0530

Hi Readers, We would like to introduce new site named www.myspiritualtreasure.com created by one of our blog follower Mr.Prakash D. It is good to hear that, he has started this blog by getting inspired from our blog www.divinebrahmanda.com.

My Spiritual Treasure also covers on various subject related to spiritual world. Few to name:

Unique Temples
Remedy Temples
Fascinating Facts
Spiritual Knowledge
Mantras & Slokas
Rituals, beliefs & Practices
More to come in coming days......

Best Wishes Prakash, From The House Of Divine Brahmanda

Sri Thanthondriyappar Temple, Thiru Aakkoor, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 19:59:00 +0530

46. Sri Thanthondriyappar Temple, Thiru Aakkoor, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Thanthondriappar, Sri Swayambunathar
Name of Goddess : Sri Vannedunganni Ammai
Holy water (Theertham) : Kumudha Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Kondrai, Vilva, Betel Nut
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 46th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva Of this temple. Thiruakkur/Thanthondri Madam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva built by King Ko-Chengan Chozha widely known as Madakkovil. Saint Gnanasambandar had praised the Lord of the temple in his Thevaram hymns. In the hymns, the saint says, “My Lord in Thanthondri Madam graces with His Than Kondrai garland and the sacred ashes, He rose furious against Yama the Lord of Death and made him tremble, He is the Lord of Vedas and its six angas and the rules for performing the yajnas.”

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
This is one of the maada temple constructed by Ko Chenkat Chozhan.
This is birth place of Sirappuli Nayanar.
This is one of the sthalam in which Lord Shiva had given Kalyana dharshana to Sage Agasthiyar.
Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddess Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Moovar, Sundaramurti Nayanar with Sangili Nachiyar & Paravai Nachiyar, Kala Bhairavar, Lord Surya, Lord Bhairava, Thiru Siruppuli Nayanar, Vishwanathar & Visalakshi, Ayirathil Oruvar.
The Aayirathil Oruvar Sannithi is located on the north of main moolavar.
Sri Muruga peruman sannadhi is in the form of Chariot looks beautiful.

This is a place that enjoys a higher importance than Kasi. Sri Vinayaka behind the temple is praised as Lord Poyya Vinayaka. He came in the disguise of a Brahmin to a king wandering around the place and inquired of his problem. The king replied that he was searching for a location to build a temple. Lord Vinayaka advised the king to stay at the bottom of the tank for some three and half hours (Nazhigai) to get the reply. The king stood confused. Lord Vinayaka said that the place was more holy than Kasi and what was left in Kasi could be recovered from this tank. The king obeyed the advice of the Brahmin and came out with the sanctum sanctorum. He was happy and built this temple.

Image Gallery Of Thanthondriyappar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge (Bigger Size).

History / Legend:

This is a place considered sacred for performing remedial rituals for removal of any evil and adverse effects faced by the devotees. Devotees perform Parvathi Homa to conclude wedding proposals successfully. Those seeking child boon perform Santhana Gopalakrishna Homa.

This is the birth place of Sirapuli Nayanar, one among the 63 celebrated saivite Nayanmars. He attained salvation also here. People also celebrate their 60th birth day in the temple. Devotees perform Sahasranama (chanting 1000 names of the Lord) archana to Lord Bhairava on the Ashtami the 8th day of the new moon fortnight. Lord Muruga in the temple is praised in the Tirupugazh hymns of Arunagiriar. This is also one of the sacred places where Lord Shiva granted Wedding Darshan to Sage Agasthya. The temple belongs to Mada category built by king Kochengatkannan. In a banquet here, Lord Shiva participated sitting with others.

King Kochenganan was suffering from ulcer in the stomach. A voice said that he could be cured if he built in a temple at a place that had three sthala vrukshas-sacred trees. He saw Kondrai, Pakku and Vilwa trees here and began building the temple. During the construction, the wall built the previous day would fall the next day. He begged Lord Shiva for the solution. He was advised to feed 1000 Brahmins for 48 days. He found that one Brahmin short each day. He again fell at the feet of the Lord to help him. On the final day-48th day- all the seats were full with 1000 Brahmins present. The king politely asked the old 1000th guest to which place he belonged to. The old man replied “Yarukku Oor” meaning “place! to whom?”. The security with the king was angry as the old man questioned back the king. The guest ran from there and disappeared in an anthill. When opened, a Swayambulinga was found in the anthill with an injury caused by the hit of the crowbar used to demolish the anthill. It is still visible on the Linga.

For removal of adverse effects on children, people use to offer their kids in adoption to other, and get them back again. Those seeking child boon perform archanas with white lotus flowers.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located 16 Kms to the east of Mayiladuturai on the Mayiladuturai - Tarangambadi road. Another paadal petra sthalam Tiruthalaichangadu is at a distance of 2 Kms from here. Town buses available from Mayiladuthurai to Seerkazhi.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple,
Akkur,
Tarangampadi Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 301.
Phone: 98658 09768, 97877 09742.

Sri Sangaranyeswarar Temple, Thalaichangadu, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:07:00 +0530

45. Sri Sangaranyeswarar Temple, Thalaichangadu, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Sangaranyeswarar, Sri Thalaipathudaiyar
Name of Goddess : Sri Soundara Nayaki, Sri Bruhath Sundarambikai
Holy water (Theertham) : Sankhu Theertham, Cauvery Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Palasha Tree
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 05:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 45th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thiruthalaichangadu/Pancharanya Kshetram is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Tharangampadi, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva built by King Ko-Chengan Chozha known as Madakkovil. The temple inscriptions reveal that the Queen Sembian Madhevi, mother of King Uthama Chozha has made abundance of contributions to this temple. The Pancharanya Kshetrams Thiruthalaichangadu, Thiruvengadu, Thiruchaikkadu, Thirumaraikkadu and Thiruthalaialangadu are known as Sankaranyam, Swetharanyam, Vadavaranyam, Vedaranyam and Vilvaranyam respectively. This town is also known as Shankharanyam and is located 2 km South West of Tiruvalampuram (Perumpallam) on the route between Sirkazhi and Poompuhaar, near Tiruvenkadu near the Aakkoor Railway Station.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
This is one of the maada temple constructed by Ko Chenkat Chozhan.
Vishnu worshiped Shiva here to acquire the greatest of all Shankhs (Conch) Panchajanyam.
The temple is structured in conch-shape.
The temple houses separate shrine for Saint Pattinathar.
The temple has the ‘somaskanda structure’.
Women devotees throng this temple mainly seeking boons for children.

This is a maadakkoyil built at an elevation and the tank is across from the temple. This temple occupies an area of about 2 acres. Chitra Pournami is celebrated here. The ancient Tamil scholars have given the names of the natural plants to the land as well as the city that depends on it. Hence, the meaning of ‘Thalaichangaadu’ can be understood, if it is separated as ‘thalai+changu+kaadu’. ‘Changu’ flowers (shell-like flowers) were grown abundantly in the gardens here and were sent to these temples and also to the surrounding temples. The inscription informs that the name ‘Thalaichangaadu’ must have come into vogue because of these flower gardens.

Image Gallery Of Sangaranyeswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge (Bigger Size).

History / Legend:

Women come here seeking boons for children. They undertake fasting here during the full moon days and consume a little sandalwood applied on the Goddess and pray to Her to bless them with a child.

The temple is in the shape of a conch (Sangu). Devotees get the Darshan of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahmma in a single Shiva temple here. The presiding deity and the Pradosha detity are housed separately. The richest (cosmic billionaires) of the world Sanganidhi and Padmanidhi receive the devotees at the entrance.

Kochengannan was the king who built a number of Shiva temples. He had built some temples with narrow entrance space in which elephants cannot enter. Sangaranyeswarar temple is one such.

One can see hairs on the presiding deity in lamp light pouring oil on the idol. It is also noteworthy that the temple is designed in the shape of Somaskanda – Shiva on the left, Muruga in the middle and Goddess Parvathi on the right. Thiruthalaichangadu is one among the Thiruvengadu, Thiruchaikadu, Thirumaraikadu and Thiruthalaiangadu.

Lord Vishnu, in order to protect this world and its inhabitants, had worshiped Sankaaranyeswarar and procured the Conch as His weapon. Hence, there is a separate sanctum for Lord Vishnu in this temple. The Lord of this place stands at three feet height as a swayambu moorthy. Pouring gingely oil on the icon of the Prime Deity Sankaaranyeswarar and look at the lamp light, we can see the hair-roots in the lingam.

Women devotees throng this temple mainly seeking boons for children. They submit their prayers to Mother Soundaryanayaki. They express their gratitude to the Goddess by adoring Her with sandalwood paste sooner they are blessed with a child.

Location: This Siva sthalam temple is located 18 Kms from Mayiladuturai on the Mayiladuturai - Tarangambadi road. Another paadal petra sthalam is situated nearby at Tiruakkur. One of the 108 Divya Desam shrines of Lord Vishnu known as Tiruthalaichanga Nanmathiyam is also situated nearby the Shiva temple.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Thalaichangadu Sankaranyeswarar Temple,
Thalaichangaadu,
Aakkoor Post,
Tarangampadi Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 301.
Phone: 04364 – 280 757.

Sri Valampuranathar Temple, Thiruvalampuram, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 09:48:00 +0530

44. Sri Valampuranathar Temple, Thiruvalampuram, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Thiruvalampuranathar, Sri Thiruvalampuri Udaiyar
Name of Goddess : Sri Vaduvakirkanniammai, Sri Thadangan Nacchiyar
Holy water (Theertham) : Brahma Theertham, Lakshmi Theertham, Shiva Gangai Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Palm
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar ; Sundarar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 04:30 p.m. to 07:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 44th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thiruvalampuram or Melai Perumpallam or Mukthisthalam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Tharangampadi, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva built by the King Ko-Chengan Chola widely known as Madakkovil. In this temple Lord Shiva worshiped in the form of a self-manifested Linga. Legend holds that Vishnu is worshipped Shiva to receive a Valampuri Shankh here. Near this town is Tiruttalaichankaadu, another Shivastalam associated with the same legend. Also in Talaichankaadu is the Vaishnava Divya Desam Talaichanga Naanmadiyam, where a priceless conch adorns the image of Vishnu. Heranda Muni who went into the ground in search of Kaveri at Tiruvalanchuzhi , is said to have re-emerged here.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Vishnu worshiped Shiva to receive a Valampuri Sanghu. Vishnu left back Lakshmi with Goddess to do penance. He returned with sanghu & chakra & in this place he got hands to hold it.
Heraranda muni who entered into the ground (phila dwara) in Thiruvalanchuzhi in search of Cauveri river came out here. He has a separate sanctum and the lingam he worshiped is present.
Dananjaya the King of Magada asked his son to dissolve his bones after his death in the theertha and here it bloomed into flowers.
When Saint Pattinathar had his meal here the king was relived of his sin occurred due to a lady curse.
Since the place is to the west (right side) of Cauvery river, the place got its name.
Moolavar is of Piruthivi Lingam. There is a shallow on the top. Sambrani and Punugu sattam is applied.

This temple covers an area of about 2 acres. The image of Bhikshatanar here depicted as playing on the veena is one of great beauty. Appar's Tevaram here (7th century), refers to Shiva holding a veena in his arms, moving around as Bhikshatanar, and this image is a later Chola (12th - 13th century) artiste's expression in metal, of Appar's description! Shiva here is also known as Dakshinapureeswarar. The completely rebuilt stone structure existed even during the period of Vikrama Chola (1121), as seen from inscriptions here. Images of Natarajar and Sivakami, Palliyarai Nachiyar, Tandanganni Nachiyar etc. were added during the period of Vikrama Chola and Rajadiraja II. The bronze image of Kiratamurthy here is of great workmanship.

Gallery Of Valampuranathar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

The legend has that the River Cauvery was gracefully flowing through these lands, there appeared Adishesha with its thousand heads plunged into the river created a Biladhwaram/perforate. Due to the sudden thrust of Adishesha with its massive body, River Cauvery descended down to the burrow and got trapped in to the hole without any free flow at Thiruvalamchuzhi. The Chozha King who was ruled this city was witnessing this incident and shocked at this sight. Soon he could listen to a mysterious voice affirmed that the Biladhwaram would disappear when a sage get into this hole and wholeheartedly give up his life. The King met with the sages who were undergoing severe austerities in the woodlands and narrated the incident. The sages were agreed to do anything for bringing out the River Cauvery on the surface of the Earth. Sage Heranda went inside the Biladhwaram, instantly the River Cauvery spurted out from the Biladhawaram and started flowing as generously as ever. Sage Heranda circumambulated this land all the way through the tunnel; finally regained himself from this and appeared on this place on Earth. Hence this place has got the name ‘Thiruvalampuram’.

King Dhanajyaya who was ruling the City of Magada at his death bed revealed an earnest desire to his son to immerse the remnants of his corpse in a place where it turns out flowers. He visited many sacred places on the earth with the remains of his deceased father. Finally, he arrived on this sacred land and witnessed the miracle of residue turned into flowers and immersed them on the pond situated here.

Another legend has that the King who was ruled this city went for a hunting expedition. He mockingly sent back his messenger to his Kingdom with false information that the King was died in an accident. The queen was in a state of utter grief and shock after listening to the saddest news. Due to this the King was afflicted with a sin. In order to get rid of the sin he was advised to feed the devotees of Lord, if the charity turns out fruitful that would cause ringing the bell hanging at the entrance of his palace. In the meantime, Pattinathar paid a visit to the palace at the time of meal. As he was so hungry and tired, he went directly into the kitchen and requested to serve food. But the people who were serving the food were hesitant to provide him with meal. He silently got out of the place and walked towards the outlet of the kitchen where the water from the cooked rice was released. Pattinathar merrily slurped the water from the outlet and waved off his hunger. Instantaneously the bell hanging in front of the palace was started ringing repeatedly, as a result the King got relieved from the curse. The entire crowd assembled to witness the miracle had watched Pattinathar blissfully seated. The King with due respect and honor invited Pattinathar to his palace and revealed his gratitude.

People who are cursed by women in previous births face similar treatment in this life. Some families lost their good life within 20 years of time if they are not properly disciplined by elders. For those people especially male's who have ragu and venus combination in their birth chart or venus and ketu combination in a female's chart, visting Melaperumpallam Sri Valampuranathar temple 24 times is important to remove the curse caused by female's in this birth or previous birth. Those who are having this astrological planet combinations and running ragu dasa or venus dasa visiting this temple is a must.

Minimum one has to visit 6 times and on atleast on one friday in ragu kala, one has to light 108 ghee lamps and has to chant om siva siva om mantra by sitting on yellow cloth specially used for chanting mantra's before Sri Valampuranathar to get rid of women's curse.

If visiting this temple on week days is not possible, one can visit it on 24 sundays and can light 108 ghee lamps from morning 11-12am or 4.30 to 6.00 pm.

Location: To reach this temple, one has to travel on the Mayiladuthurai - Taragambadi road and has to turn into the road which branches off from the main road to Poompuhar. The temple is 2 Kms from this road junction. This sivasthalam is at a distance of about 16 Kms from Sirkazhi and about 20 Kms. from Mayiladuthurai. This temple is located near Melayur on the bus route Seerkazhi to Kaviripoompattinam.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Valampurinathar Temple,
Melaperumpallam,
Thiruvalampuram,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 304.
Phone: +91- 4364 - 200 890, 200 685.

Sri Natrunaiyappar Temple, Thirunanipalli (Ponsei), Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 20:10:00 +0530

43. Sri Natrunaiyappar Temple, Thirunanipalli (Ponsei), Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Nattrunai Appar
Name of Goddess : Sri Parvatharaja Putri &Sri Malayan Madanthai
Holy water (Theertham) : Swarna Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Shenbagam, Pinnai
Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar ; Sambandar ; Sundarar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 05:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 43rd sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Natrunaiyappar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the village of Ponsei or Thirunanipalli (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri), Nagapattinam district, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India. It’s one of the holy place “Tevaram has been sung on the primary god of the Shiva (Paadal Petra sthalam)”. From north side Chidambaram to The Mahendra Mountain totally 63 Shiva temples have been presented. It’s also one of the part of 63 Shiva’s holy places. Once upon a time ponsei ruled under Chola dynasty.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
This is the birth place of Thiruganasambandar’s mother.
Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva Sitting on the shoulder of his father.
The place was once Paalai which was turned to Neithal, Forest, Paddy field when Sundarar Sung hymns in praise of Lord shiva of this temple.
Panchamoorthigal sudhai sirpam at the entrance of gopuram.
Ambal is facing west.
On the base of the karuvarai pudai sirpangal of Ramayana happenings to be seen.

There is a significant correlation between Thirugnanasambandar and nanipalli. His mother Bhagwati was born in this place. Thirugnasamabandar has sung a song to lord Shiva. Then this place has to change Parched wasteland to Seashore land, then he converted into Agricultural Land. So that Thirunanaipalli called Ponsei. After this incident sambandar called his named ThiruGnana Sambanthar.

Gallery Of Natrunaiyappar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

The sanctum sanctorum and the mandaps speak volumes of the aesthetic sense and architectural skill of ancient sculptors of Tamilnadu. The entire beauty of the temple lies in the Nanipalli Kodi Vattam with a huge Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lords Subramanya, Brahmma, Lingodhbava and Chandikeswara with his consort. The temple was built by the ancestor of Raja Raja Chozha, king Panranthaga Chozha. People pray to Lord Kalyana Sundareswara for wedding boon and Lord Nattrunai Appar for excellence in education and prosperity. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

The sanctum sanctorum is very big in size that facilitated an elephant to worship Lord directly inside. There are two Ambicas in the temples, Mother Parvatharaja Puthri and Mother Malayan Madanthai. Lord Shiva granted His wedding darshan to Lord Vinayaka and Sage Agasthya. Mother is on the right of the Lord. Lord Kalyanasundarar graces with Mother Ambica from another shrine in the temple.

Cauvery, though flows eastward turns here westward. This is called Basvamangini. Lord Vinayaka had to incur a dosha as he toppled the Kamandala-hand bowl of Sage Agasthya. For relief, he bathed in a tank here. The place came to be known as Pon Sei which later changed as Punjai. While Mother Durga appears in Shiva temples standing on the head of a buffalo, She graces here with a deer and a lion destroying the demons Sumba and Nisumba.

This is the place of birth of Baghvathi Ammayar, mother of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar. He sang the praise of Lord of the temple sitting on the loving shoulders of his father Shivapada Hrudhayar. The place was a desert-Palai in Tamil. Yet, as wished by the devotees, he described this place as Neidhal-sea shore region.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located at a distance of 4 Kms from Semponar Kovil and is about 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Nattrunai Appar Temple,
Punjai (Tiru Nanipalli),
Kidaramkondon Post,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 304.
Phone: +91- 4364 - 283 188.

Sri Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Thiruchemponpalli (Semponarkoil), Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 10:10:00 +0530

42. Sri Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Thiruchemponpalli (Semponarkoil), Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Swarnapureeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Maruvar Kuzhaliammai, Sri Sugandhavana Nayaki
Holy water (Theertham) : Surya Theertham, Indra Theertham, Cauvery
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilvam, Vanni
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 04:30 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 42nd sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thirusemponpalli / Semponnar Kovil / Lakshmipuri / Indrapuri / Kandhapuri / Madakkovil is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Tharangampadi, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva built by the King Ko-Chengan Chozha of Chozha dynasty. In this temple, Lord Shiva worshiped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi worshipped Lord Shiva and attained blessings to wed Lord Vishnu.
Lord Indra worshiped Lord Shiva and underwent severe austerities to eradicate the sin for attending the Yagna conducted by Dakshaprajapathi, attain Vajrayudham to behead the demon Vruthasura.
Lord Subramanya worshiped his father and undergone austerities to vanquish the demon Daruka.
Sage Agastya worshiped Lord Shiva and attained eternal wisdom (Sakala Purushartha).
Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva and attained the responsibility of Creation.
Rathi Devi worshiped Lord Shiva and attained Lord Kamadeva as her husband.
Nagakanyakas worshiped Lord Shiva and attained virtuous companions.
Ambal in a separate sannadhi with Sabtha kanniyars.
There is no kodimaram and Rajagopuram.

The Sun's rays fall on the sanctum for a period of 11 days from the 7th day of the month of Aries in this Maadakkovil built at an elevation. This temple dates back to the period of the Chola King Aditya I (9th century AD). With just one prakaram it occupies an area of about 2 acres. Inscriptions from the Chola period and from the Maratha period are seen here. Four worship services are offered each day. The annual Bhrammotsavam is held in the month of Chittirai.

Gallery Of Swarnapureeswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

A story goes that when Lord Shiva refused to receive Mother Parvathi back after visiting Her father’s Yajna against His advice, Lord Muruga came to the Mother in the form of Shiva and imparted good advices in this place. Based on this story, Lord Muruga appears in the temple with an Akshamala. Shiva appeared in this place only as Veerabadra. Rathi worshiped Lord Shiva here to get back her husband Manmatha. Lord Vishnu too had worshiped Lord Shiva here.

Mother Sugantha Kundalambica is praised by many names - Pushpalaki, Dakshayani, Suganthalaki, Suganthavana Nayaki and Maruvar Kuzhali. It is advised that a dip on the new moon day in Chithirai and Vaikasi Tamil months – April-May and May-June, the devotee can wash off all his/her sins.

Daksha, son of Brahmma gave his daughter Dakshayani to Lord Shiva in marriage. Yet he intentionally failed to invite Lord Shiva for a yajna he performed. Mother Dakshayani wanted to correct Her father by visiting the yajna. But clouded by arrogance and pride, Daksha humiliated his own daughter and Her Lord. Furious Dakshayani cursed her father that his yajna would not go on. She also begged Her Lord to destroy the yajna. Lord Shiva created Veerabadra, Badrakali and others to destroy the yajna along with Daksha. Dakshayani to wash off Her sin as the daughter of a Shiva opponent performed penance here sitting around five types Agni-fire. Lord, pleased with Her penance named Her Sugantha Kundalambikai and took Her to bless devotees along with Him in the temple.

Location: This sivasthalam, popularly referred to as Sombonaar Kovil, is located at about 10 Kms from Mayiladuthurai on the way to Tarangambadi. Another Paadal Petra Sthalam Tiruppariyalur is situated within 3 Kms from this temple.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Semponnarkoil Swarnapureeswarar Temple,
Somponpalli,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 309.
Phone: +91-99437 97974.

Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, Thiruppariyalur (Parasallur), Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 20:00:00 +0530

41. Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, Thiruppariyalur (Parasallur), Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Veeratteswarar, Sri Dakshapureeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Ilamkombanayal, Sri Balambikai
Holy water (Theertham) : Uthraveethi Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilvam, Pala
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 41th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thiruppariyalur/Parasallur/Ashta Veerttanam/Dakshninapuram is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam is located in Tharangampadi, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. In this temple Lord Shiva worshiped in the form of a self-manifested Linga. This Shivastalam is one of the 8 Veerattastalams of Shiva, also known as Dakshapuram located 8 km east of Mayiladuturai. The Yaga Samhara moorthy image is a specimen of the craftmanship of the ancient Tamils. Tiruppariyalur is considered to be the 15th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
This is one of the Ashta veeratta sthalam, there is a sculpture in the wall of moolasthanam near Koshta Ganapathy depicting Dakshan worshiping Lord Shiva.
The temple is facing west and there is a small Kodimararam. The Rajagopuram was built recently.
Sannadhi for Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Lord Nandikeshwara, Chandeswarar, Lord Veerabhadra, Lord Nataraja & Sivakami, Vishwanathar & Visalakshi, Lord Bhairava, Lord Surya, Lord Somaskandha, Goshtamurtham – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Dakshinamurthi, Goddess Sri Durga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Lingodbhavar, Nalvar.
Moolavar is suyambu on a square aavudayar.
Artha jaama pooja is offered only for Lord Bairavar

This is a small temple with a single prakaram. Inscriptions from the priod of Jatavarman Sundara Pandya and Krishnadevaraya are found here. Four worship services are offered here each day. Sundays in the month of Kartikai (Scorpio) are considered sacred, and the festival images are taken around in procession then. Other festivals celebrated here include Arudra Darisanam, Aadi Pooram and Navaratri.

Gallery Of Veeratteswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

The temple is praised in the hymns of saint Arunagirinathar. There is a special shrine for Sun God, hence no special Navagraha-nine planets shrine. This is the place where Lord destroyed Daksha and his yajna. Arthajama Puja-final night puja is dedicated to Lord Bhairava. Daksha is at the feet of Lord Dakshapureeswarar.

The legend has that Dakshaprajapathi conducted a grand Yagna without welcoming Lord Shiva and daughter Sati. All the deities and Sages were invited with due honor and respect except Lord Shiva. Dakshaprajapati approached Lord Vishnu and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi at Sri Vaikundham and requested their presence for the Yagna. Lord Vishnu & Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi describes the significance of Trinities and discourages Dakshaprajapathi from his very intention to offend Lord Shiva. But, Dakshaprajapathi subtly persuade Lord and reminded the boon he had obtained from Lord Vishnu, subsequently his promise to protect the fire sacrifices of Dakshaprajapathi.

Goddess Sati was deeply hurt at the act of her father Dakshaprajapathi and requested Lord Shiva to accompany her to father’s Yagna. Lord Shiva reveals his unwillingness to take part in the Yagna with proper justifications and revealed his intention not to create any intolerable incidents by paying visit to his father. Lord Shiva narrates to Goddess Sati about the principal role of worshiper for the performance of Yagna. The performance of fire sacrifice requires utmost faith, devotion and tranquility of mind to serve its purpose. Subsequently Goddess Sati had a heated argument with Lord and left Mount Kailash with Nandikeshwara heavy heartedly. She arrived at the Yagna arena, she was not received with any honor or respect; instead she was totally ignored and humiliated by Dakshaprajapathi. Finally, Goddess Sati in a mounted rage sacrificed her life in the fire of Yagna.

As a Shiva devotee, Daksha gained boons from Lord Shiva, which only developed pride in him. He organized a great yajna without inviting Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva withdrew (Parithal in Tamil) the boons granted to him, thus the place came to be known as Tiru Parialur. It is also noteworthy that Daksha was the father of Dakshayani, consort of Lord Shiva. As he failed in the formalities to be followed in respecting the boon giver, Lord Shiva destroyed him and his yajna. Other invitees like the Devas were also punished for accepting Daksha’s invitation knowing that he had erred in ignoring the Lord. Sun God lost a tooth. He has a shrine in the temple worshiping the Lord daily for the wrong he has committed.

Location: This temple is one of the Atta Veerattaana Sthalam of Lord Shiva and is located 13 Kms from Mayliaduthurai. This temple is located at about 3 Kms from another Sivasthalam Tiruchemponpalli on the Mayiladuthurai - Taramgambodi road route.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Veeratteswar Temple,
Keel Parasalur-Tiru Parialur,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 309.
Phone: +91-4364-205 555,287 429.

Sri Uchiravaneswarar Temple, Thiruvilanagar (Thuraikattum Vallalar), Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Tue, 8 Dec 2015 19:41:00 +0530

40. Sri Uchiravaneswarar Temple, Thiruvilanagar (Thuraikattum Vallalar), Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Thuraikattum Vallalar, Sri Uthiravaneswarar, Sri Vallalar Swamy
Name of Goddess : Sri Thozhinayaki, Sri Veyirutholiammai
Holy water (Theertham) : Cauvery Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vizhal
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:30 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 40th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This Shivastalam is located 5 km to the east of Mayiladuturai enroute to Tarangambadi and is considered to be the 40th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. Semponaar Koyil is located nearby. This shrine is also known as Aarupaati. When Sambandar was on his way to Mayiladuturai, Shiva is said to have caused the floods in the Kaveri to recede and pointed out the shrine to him; hence the name Turai Kaattu Vallal.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Lord showed way to cross the river to Arulvithhan Anthanar and Thiruganasambandar.
Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Arumugar, Naalvar, Arunachaleswar, Gajalakshmi, Saneeswarar, Navagrahas, Suryan and Bairavar are located in Temple Prakaram.
In Koshtam Dhakshinamoorthy, Thirumal is in the place of Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
Except Moolasthanam, all other structures are built with bricks.

This temple occupying an area of about 2.3 acres is adorned with a large Rajagopuram. Inscriptions from the Chola and Nayak periods are seen here although much of the present structure of this temple is only about 300 years old. Six worship services are offered each day. Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Aadi Perukku, Aadi Pooram and Navaratri are the festivals celebrated here.

As the region was densely covered by the Vizhal grass, the place was named Vizhar Nagar which later changed as Vilar Nagar. When Saint Tirugnana Sambandar was on a pilgrimage to Kadaimudi and Mayiladuthurai, he could not proceed further due to heavy floods in Cauvery. The Saint was seeking somebody to show the way (thurai kattudhal), Lord came in the guise of a hunter and helped the saint.

Gallery Of Uchiravaneswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

The legend has Thiru Gnana Sambandhar arrived on this sacred land and realized that the river Cauvery was brimming with strong current of water. He was dejectedly remained on the river banks for quite some times searching for a ferryboat. Soon there appeared a hunter from nowhere instructed Sambandhar to follow him to go across from one end of the teeming water to the other end. As soon as the hunter got into the brimming water, the river parted into both the ways leaving a space in the middle for them to walk comfortably. Immediately after reaching on the other side Sambandhar looked for the hunter to reveal his gratitude, but he was not to be seen. Hence, the presiding deity has got the name Thuraikattum Vallalar.

Another legend has that a Brahmin who was a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva lived in this village. He offered attractive garlands made of fresh flowers to worship Lord. One day as usual he arrived on the river banks of Cauvery carrying a basket full of fresh flowers of alluring fragrances; he desperately noticed that the river was overflowing. He set into the strong current without any wavering and headed towards the other bank. He does not want to discontinue worship of Lord whatever may happen. Soon, he was trapped into the strong current; he firmly clutched the basket above his head. He was not concerned about his life, but worried nothing should happen to the flowers kept for the worship of Lord. Lord was pleased at the firm devotion and dedication of the Brahmin. Gradually, the water current drifted him and safely deposited on the river bank.

It is the staunch belief of the devotees they would have a lasting solution for any problem they face if they worship to Lord and Mother in the temple. Those seeking child boon use to make a knot in the grass (sacred tree-Vizhal) in the temple.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located 7.5 Kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai - Taramgabadi road. This temple is on the bus route from Mayiladuthurai to Poraiyaru.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Uchira Vaneswarar - Thurai Kattum Vallalar Temple,
Tiruvila Nagar (Arupathi post),
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 309.
Phone: +91-4364 - 282 129.

Sri Mayuranathar Temple, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sun, 6 Dec 2015 20:52:00 +0530

39. Sri Mayuranathar Temple, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Mayuranathar
Name of Goddess : Sri Abyambikai, Sri Anjalnayaki
Holy water (Theertham) : Rishaba Theertham, Brahma Theertham, Agastya Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Mango
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar ; Thirunavukkarasar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 05:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 39th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. The town of Mayiladuthurai also known by different names like Mayavaram or mayuram is home to a large Shiva temple called the Mayuranatha Swami temple. The name of the deity gave birth to this town’s name. The temple is located to the south of this town near the banks of Cauvery River. This town is one of the very ancient towns in the banks of the Cauvery. Mayuram is mentioned in an old Tamil saying “Aayiram aanaalum mayuram aahaathu”, meaning even a combination of 1000 special places cannot be compared to Mayuram. This is one of the six temples considered equal to Kashi. The other 5 Shivasthalams are Tiruvenkaadu, Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam and Tiruvidaimarudur.

This is a vast and well maintained temple with a beautiful tank, several gopurams and mandapams in the town of Mayiladuturai (Mayuram). This is a temple of great religious significance, and is a hub in the temple belt of Tamilnadu. Several Shivastalams are located in the vicinity of Mayiladuturai which is considered to be the 39th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
One of the six temples on the banks of Cauvery which are considered equivalent to Kasi.
It is considered that Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi come here every year during the month of Iyppasi (Thula month) and take bath here. The “tula snanam” is highly popular.
Dakshayani (Parvathi devi) attended her father Daksha’s Yagnam (The Thiruppariyalur Veerattanam where the Daksha yagnam is believed to have been performed is about 10 kms from here) without an invitation and without obeying Shiva’s words to only get humiliated there. So Shiva asked her to take birth as peacock and penance here for the entire month of Iyppasi to reunite with Him. Later Shiva also took a peacock form, performed the Gowri Tandavam and united with Her. Hence the name Mayiladuthurai (Mayil in tamil means peacock). There are only two temples where Parvathi took the form of peacock and worshipped Shiva, the other one being Mylapore.
Also, all the devas who attended Dhaksha yagam worshipped Shiva here and got liberated from their sins.
It is considered that the place of Mayuram itself was created by Lord Brahmma who worshipped Lord Shiva here.
One of the six temples on the banks of Cauvery which are considered equivalent to Kasi. Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi became sinful and very ugly since people take bath in these rivers to wash off their sins. So, as per the advise of Kannuva muni, they all came to Mayuram during the Iyppasi month, took bath at the Cauvery and got their sins cleared off and got back their beauty. So it is considered very sacred to take bath at Cauvery here during the month of Iyppasi. Especially, the last day of Iyppasi, called “Kadaimugam” is considered the most sacred day to take bath here and get moksha.
A couple by name Nathasama and Anavidhyambihai came here to take bath during the “Kadaimugam” but by the time they arrived here it was too late. So they were very upset and prayed to Lord Shiva. The Lord appeared in their dream and said He will extend the sacred period to the next day and asked them to take bath before the sunrise. So the first day of Karthigai month before sunrise is called “Mudavan Muzhukku” and is considered as holy as “Kadaimugam”.
Dhakshinamoorthy is Medha Dhakshinamoorthy/mouna and gave upadesam to Rishaba devar in yoga posture.

This temple spread over 350000 sq feet has 5 prakarams, a 9 tiered 165 feet high Raja Gopuram, pillared halls with interesting sculptural work as well as 14 vimanams withseveral stucco images. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period are found here. The temple is managed by the Tiruvavaduturai Adhinam, while the Vallalar Koyil and Kaasi Viswanathar temple are managed by the Dharumapura Adhinam.

This temple was reconstructed with stone, during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi (10th century); however renovations from the 19th century have destroyed the older structures and the inscriptions. Thankfully fine stone sculptures of Vinayakar, Natarajar, Siva-Uma-Alinganamurthy, Dakshimamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Bhrama, Ganga Visarjanamurthi, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi have been well preserved in their niches. From available inscriptions it is inferred that the Avayambal shrine came into existence during the period of Rajaraja Chola III (13th century). Till then, there must only have been a Bhogasakthi bronze image in the sanctum of Mayuranathar, as was the practice till separate Ambal shrines were introduced during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120).

Main Deity: The Mayuranatha Swami Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. In the past, the temple has been referred by different names such as the Sikliandipuram, Brahmavanam, Sudavanam and Brahmapuram. Besides lord Shiva, there are other shrines for Godess Parvati, Ganesha and Nataraja (Shiva’s dancing form).

Temple Architecture: Here, the lord is in his Lingam form and has self-manifested. The temple was built during the medieval Chola dynasty. The temple is almost 2000 year old. The temple has nine tired Gopurams and the Vimana (crowning) is called tridal vimana. The temple also has five prakaras (enclosed precincts). A Durga idol is placed near the Northern entrance to the temple.
There is also a massive water tank at the center of the temple complex. Above the lords sculpture one can see sculptures of two monkeys and two peacocks.

One of the interesting thing to be noticed in this temple is Vilva tree with leaves which had seven leaflets, instead of the usual 3.

Gallery Of Mayuranathar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

Lord Aadhi Mayuranathar graces from a separate shrine in the prakara. While the Presiding deity is in the form of Shivalinga, Ambica appears as a peacock worshiping the Lord. Lord Muruga in the prakara is praised by saint Arunagiriar in his Tirupugazh hymns. During the Skanda Sashti festival in Shiva temples, Lord Muruga would receive His Vel weapon from Mother Ambica. Here, He receives it from Lord Shiva. The Gouri Thandavam dance performance of Lord is celebrated as Mayura Thandavam – Mayura-peacock. Lord Nataraja graces from a separate shrine. The first puja in the evening is dedicated to Lord Nataraja. Mayilamman shrine is opposite to Nataraja shrine where both Lord and Mother grace in the form of a peacock.

Two peacocks and two monkeys are depicted in the banyan tree above the Lord Dakshinamurthy sculpture in the goshta wall. There is also a Nandhi.

Nadha Sharma and his wife Anavidyambikai came to this place for the Cauvery bath-Thula Snanam. Before they arrive at the place, the 30 days time (Aipasi month-October-November) expired. They sadly stayed at the night worshiping Lord Shiva. Lord appeared in their dream and advised them to have the bath before sunrise the next day and assured that they would have full benefit of the Tula Snanam bath. Based on this, the practice of this bath continues even now on the first day of Karthikai month. As Lord Shiva froze the bath time for His devotee couple, this bath is called Mudavan Muzhukku. Mudakku in Tamil means freezing, Muzhukku bath.

The couple merged with the Lord then. This Linga is facing west. The Linga with which his wife Anavidyambikai merged is at right of the Ambica shrine. This Linga is dressed with Red Sari only. It also indicates the oneness of male and female. Lord Dakshinamurthi appears slightly slanting on a side with His legs folded.

Mother Aadi Poora Ambal graces from a separate shrine in the Veera Shakti form praised as Abhayambikai. She is also brought in procession to the banks of Cauvery on Aadi Pooram day and Fridays of this month covering July-August.

Lord Vinayaka in the prakara appearing earlier from a sandal tree is praised as Agasthya Sandana Vinayaka – Sandanam-Sandal.

Tula Snanam: It is said that Lord Shiva blessed Nandhi by destroying its pride. This Nandi is in the midst of Cauvery. People take their holy bath in the river during the Aipasi month (October-November) and the first day of following Karthikai month. Lord visits Cauvery each day during this period of 31 days. It is also said that Holy Ganga had Her sins washed off with a dip in Holy Cauvery. This day is Aipasi new moon day-Deepavali. A bath in Cauvery on this day cleanses the devotee of all his/her past sins.

Planet Saturn in the Navagraha shrine appears as Jwala Saturn with Agni-fire on his head. Also a Saturn of normal form with his crow vehicle is by the side facing north performing Shiva puja. This is a very rare form of Sani planet. Those facing adverse aspect of this planet pray here to reduce its intensity.

There are five prakaras in the temple. Juradeva is by the side of the feet of Lord Nataraja. Mother Durga graces with demon Mahisha at Her feet and also with two demons on both sides. This is also said to be a rare form of Durga. Chandikeswara and Tejas Chandikeswara are in the same shrine. Lord Mahavishnu worshiping Lord Shiva is in a separate shrine. Mothers Ashta Lakshmis and Sattainahar are in the prakara. There is also a shrine for Kudhambai Chithar who attained salvation here. People pray to Kanakkadi Vinayaka to take care of their accounts.

Daksha, father of Mother Parvathi conducted a yajna but intentionally failed to invite Lord Shiva to humiliate Him. Lord Shiva did not want Parvathi too to attend the yajna. Yet, with a view to correct Her father, Parvathi attended the function but was humiliated by Daksha. Lord Shiva took the Veerabadra form and destroyed the yajna. A peacock used for the rituals sought asylum at the feet of Mother Parvathi. As She ignored Lord’s advice, She was cursed to become a peacock. She came to this place as a peacock and performed severe penance to get back Her Lord. Pleased with Her penance, Lord Shiva appeared before here as a Peacock Himself and danced as a peacock – Mayura Thandavam. Ambica was restored to Her original form. As Lord came here as a peacock-Mayura, He is praised as Mayuranathar.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located at Mayiladuturai, also known as Mayavaram and Mayooram. One of the 108 Divya Desam shrines of Lord Vishnu is also located in Mayiladuthurai and is more popularly known as TiruIndalur Parimala Ranganathan temple.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Mayuranathaswami Temple,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 001.
Phone: +91- 4364 -222 345, 223 779, 223 207, 93451 49412.

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvazhundur, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Thu, 3 Dec 2015 19:12:00 +0530

38. Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvazhundur, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Vedapureeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Soundarambikai
Holy water (Theertham) : Veda Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Sandalwood , Vilvam
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 38th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. This temple has the Thiruganasambandar devara Pathigam. Vedapureeswarar temple is situated is located on the eastern side of the Tiruvazhundur village. It is located right across a temple for Lord Vishnu which is one of the Diyva Desam shrine. The shrine for female deity Soundaraambikai is situated outside the main Siva temple. Sage Agasthiyar, Markandeyar and Kaveri are said to have obtained salvation at this sthalam. The famous poet Kambar, who authoured Kamba Ramayanam, was born at this place.

Four worship services are offered each day. The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai. Other festivals include Kartikai Deepam, surya Pooja in the month of Maasi, Navaratri, Aadipperukku, Aavani Moolam, Vinayaka Chaturthi etc.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Agasthiyar made the king's Chariot to ground, when king disturbs Agasthiyar’s pooja.
Vedhangal, Devars, Thisaibalagargal worshiped this temple lord Shiva.
Sannadhi for Subramaniyar, Navagrahas, Shethra lingam, Kadambavaneswarar, Valamchuzhi Vinayagar, Cauvery, Agathiyar.
Thisaibalagar’s paintings and Sudhai dwarabalagar.
In koshtam Vinayagar, Thenmugakadavul Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Sathur puja Durgai.
West facing temple.
In Navagrahas except suryan others are facing suryan and suryan is facing west.
Dhakshinamoorthy is Metha Dhakshinamoorthy.

As a child when Tirujnanasambandar came to this place, two temples were seen high on two sides and there arose a doubt in him which of these was the Siva temple. At that time, Lord Vinayaka of this place pointed to a temple, “that is the temple of Easwara”. Hence, this Vinayaka is known as “Jnanasambanda Vinayakar”. Sage Agastya has worshiped the Lord of this place.

Gallery Of Vedapureeswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

Sage Agastya was worshiping the Lord of this place. King Urthuvaradan, without knowing this, was driving his car along the sky-space. The car paused and did not move. Hence, this holy place came to be known as ‘Therazhundur’.

The Lord of this sacred place, was worshiped by the Vedas, Devas, Ashtadik Balakas and sages. The mandapam where Lord Siva and Vishnu played dice game is still there. During the period when Siva and Shakti were separated, Indra and other Devas came here to meet them. But, Nandi did not allow them to meet Lord Siva. So the Ashtadik Balakas installed Lingam around the city and worshiped. The Lingas are still seen here. Kaveri and Sage Agastya were relieved of their curses here. So they have separate Sanctum.

Once Parameswara and Mahavishnu played Dice game with Parvati as the umpire. At one phase, there arose a doubt regarding the number of the dice. The umpire Parvati supporting Perumal found fault with Siva. The infuriated Siva cursed Parvati to become a cow. Lord Vishnu felt that because of him only Parvati became a cow and so incarnated as a cowherd in this place. So, the name of the Perumal of this sacred place became ‘Aamaruviappan'. Parvati who became a cow went to several sacred places, prayed and finally came to this holy place, worshiped Lord Siva and got back her beautiful figure. She was called ‘Soundaryanayaki’. Those who want their beauty to be liked by others can receive Grace from this Ambal. Lord Siva regretted for having cursed Parvati as a cow, came here and taught Veda to the priests -- hence the holy name of the Lord, ‘Vedapureeswarar’.

On the 23rd, 24th and 25th days of Maasi month from 5.55 pm to 6.05 pm ‘Sooriya Pooja’ (Sun Worship) is performed. This is a Siva temple facing west. This is the birth-place of the poet Kavichakravarthi Kambar.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located at Therazhundur, 11 Kms from Mayiladuturai. Bus facilities from Mayiladuturai are available. Can come from Kuthalam by auto or Taxi also.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Vedapureeswarar Tirukkoil,
Therazhundur Post,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 808.
Phone: +91- 4364-237 650.

Sri Uddhavedheeswarar Temple, Thirutturutti (Kuttalam), Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 17:39:00 +0530

37. Sri Uddhavedheeswarar Temple, Thirutturutti (Kuttalam), Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Uddhavedeeswarar, Sri Uthara Vedheeswarar, Sri Kalyanasundareswarar, Sri Kuthaleswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Parimalasugandha Nayaki, Sri Arumvannavalamulaiyal
Holy water (Theertham) : Thamarai Theertham, Sundara Theertham, Padma Theertham, Cauvery Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Athimaram/Uthalavruksham
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar ; Sundarar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 04:30 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 37th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Tirutturutti is a Shivastalam closely associated with Sundaramoorthy Nayanar. It is also known as Choleeswaram. There are several shrines in the vicinity and in the temple complex - Viswanathaswamy Kovil, Agneeswarar Temple, Manmatheswarar Temple, Varunalingam, Kalyanasundarar etc. Tirutturutti is considered to be the 37th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple. As a token of His wedding event in this place, Lord Shiva had left His Sandals (Padukas) and the Uddhala tree that accompanied Him from Mount Kailas to offer Him shadow on the way. The devotee can have the darshan of the Padukas in the temple.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
This temple was earlier in a place where river was flowing both the sides, now the river is flowing on one side.
Sundarar got cured from a decease after eating sthalamara leaves here.
A pair of padhukas of Lord can be seen under Uthalavruksham tree.
Lord is facing West and separate temple for Goddess.
Marriage was performed here for Lord and the Lady, Models depicting the same can be found back side of Moolasthanam.
Umai, Varunan, Kali, Kasiban, Angirasan, Gowthaman, Vasistar, Markandeyar, Pulathiyar, Agathiyar have worshiped Lord in this temple.
Sthala viruksham is Ukthalamaram and there is no such tree available in the world. The tree has lot of medicinal properties.
Betrothal (Nitchayathartham) was performed for lord Shiva and Ambal in this sthalam.

This temple has a Raja Gopuram, two prakarams, with a separate temple for Ambal in the outer Prakaram. Terezhundur, Tiruvavaduturai, Tiruvelvikkudi, Tirutturutti, Tirumanancheri and Edirkolpaadi are the Shivastalams in close proximity, linked together by a common thread covering the legend of Shivas marriage with Parvati. Parvati is said to have expressed her desire to Shiva to have the experience of an earthly wedding; Shiva obliged and so she was reborn as the daughter of Bharata Muni. Shiva emerged from the lingam at Tirutturutti; Bharata Muni approached Shiva and asked for his hand in marriage to Parvati. The name Sonnavaararivaar stems from this legend that Shiva kept his word.

This west facing temple covers an area of about an acre. Inscriptions from as early as Raja Raja Cholan's period are seen here. This temple was rebuilt of stone by the Chola queen Sembian Mahadevi, who also provided endowments for its upkeep. This temple resembles that at Konerirajapuram. The niches around the ardhamandapam and the garbagriham contain images of Vinayakar, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Agastyar, Lingodbhavar, Bhrama, Bhikshatanar, Ardhanareeswarar and Durga. Another Choleswarar temple nearby dates back to the days of Vikrama Chola, where Sundays in the month of Kartikai are festival days. The Omkareswarar temple in Kutralam dates back to the period of Kulottunga III.

Gallery Of Uddhavedheeswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

One Rudrasanma was proceeding to Kasi for salvation. Lord Shiva wanted to make him understand that this place itself was equal to Kasi. He called Gundodhara to stop his journey taking the form of a serpent. When Gundodhara intercepted his journey as a snake, Rudrasanma chanted the Garuda mantra. The snake fell down fainted. Lord Shiva came their as a snake charmer. Rudrasanma understood who the charmer was. He fell at Lord’s feet. Lord told the devotee that his wish could be realized from this place itself.

Only those chanting the name of Lord Uthavedeeswarar are learned. As Lord Shiva’s marriage took place here, any obstacle in wedding proposals would vanish if the devotee prays here. Agni the God of Fire had a grievance. Whatever he touched was destroyed. He prayed to Lord and became a useful energy to people.

Mother Parvathi fell in love with Lord and was determined to have His hand. To realize Her aim, She did not make parents her enemies. She persuaded Lord Shiva to meet Her parents and seek their consent. Lord, an abode of all noble traits, did so. They were happily married with the consent of parents. This is a lesson for modern lovers to follow without antagonizing parents of both sides.

Sage Bharatha desired to have Mother Parvathi his daughter and performed intense penance. Lord made Her born to the sage from a Fire Pit – Homa Gunda. She grew and attained the marriageable age.

As Her sole desire was to have Lord Shiva Her own Lord, she performed penance on the banks of Cauvery by making a Linga with sand. She also found a Shivalinga there and was happy that Lord Shiva responded Her prayer. Lord appeared from the Linga and took Parvathi by hand. Mother requested the Lord to take Her with the consent of Her parents. Lord too was happy at the suggestion.

After a while, Lord sent Nandhi to Parvathy’s parents according to the custom. They were very happy at the offer. The day too was fixed for the wedding. Lord came to this place on His Nandhi the bull vehicle accompanied by the Uddhala tree to give shadow on the way. Lord came to Kuthalam, had mother’s hand in marriage. Remembering the event, Lord Shiva left His sandals (padukas) and the tree.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located at Kutthalam, 9 Kms from Mayiladuturai towards Kumbakonam. The temple is about 1 Km from Kutthaalam bus stop. Tiruvelvikkudi, Tiruedirkolpaadi and Tirumananjeri are other paadal petra sivasthalams in the vicinity of Kutthalam. By engaging an auto at Kuththalam, one can visit all the 4 temples viz., Tiruthuruthi, Tiruvelvikudi, Tiruedhirkolpadi and Tirumananjeri easily within half a day.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Uthavedeeswarar Temple,
Kuthalam (Tiruthuruthi),
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 803.
Phone: +91- 4364-235 225, 94878 83800.

Sri Masilamani Eswarar Temple, Thiruvaavaduthurai, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 22:23:00 +0530

36. Sri Masilamani Eswarar Temple, Thiruvaavaduthurai, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Masillamaniswarar, Sri Go Mukthiswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Oppillamulai Ammai
Holy water (Theertham) : Gomukthi Theertham, Padma Theertham, Kaivalya Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Arasu
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar ; Appar ; Sundarar ; Thirumoolar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 36th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Masilamaniswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva, located in the village Thiruvaduthurai, located 22 km from the South Indian town, Kumbakonam and 14 km from Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is reverred in the verses of Tevaram, the 7th century Tamil Saiva canon by Tirugnana Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar.

The temple is located 12 km away from Mayiladuthurai and 24 km away from Kumbakonam. The temple has a five tiered Rajagopuram with elevated stone walls separating the second, third and fourth precinct. The images of the presiding deity, Masilamaniswarar, in the form of Shiva lingam occupies the main sanctum facing east. The shrine of the consort of Masilamaniswarar, Oppilamulaiyar faces west. The third prakaram has a separate shrine for the saivite saint Tirumular. The temple has three water bodies located at various places inside the temple. The Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam is located in the premises outside the fourth precinct.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Iraivi worshiped Iraivan in the form of Cow.
Nandhi is in big size.
Shiva performed mahathandavam and the same is called as Sundara nadanam.
East facing temple.
There are no Navagrahas.
Separate temple for Theyagesar and moortham for Thyagesar, Sempon thyagesar, Puthrathyagesar, Sornathyagesar.
After conducting pooja to Thiru maligai thevar pooja to be done for Namasivayamoorthy.
Kings Thirumaligai thevar and Narasingan was chased away by the Nandhis and hence there is no nandhi sudhai sirpangal on the walls.
Thiruganasambandar received gold from Iraivan to perform velvi of his father.
Sundarar got cured from a decease.
This is the Nandhi Stalam of Thiruvidaimaruthoor’s parivara sthalangal.
Child was born to Musukuntha King after praying Iraivan of this temple.
Samadhi of Thirumoolar, Thirumaligai thevar is in this village.

This temple with 3 prakarams covers an area of about 10 acres and its entrance is adorned with a huge Rajagopuram; a gigantic Nandi and separate temples for Ambal and Tirumular adorn this shrine. There are no Nandis on the walls of the temple.Shiva is said to have revealed a vision of his Cosmic Dance under the Arasamaram, hence the name Bodhi Ambalam. Kochenkancholan is associated with this shrine.

Inscriptions from the period of Parantaka Chola I are found here testifying to the patronage extended. Mention is made in the inscriptions of several of the bronze images which were donated to the temple then, although these ancient images are not to be seen now. Based on temple inscriptions it can be inferred that a person by name Katralippichchan built much of the stone structure of the temple while Parantaka Chola I, provided for the rest of the construction. Images of several of the donors, such as Katralippichchan are carved within the temple.

Gallery Of Masilamani Eswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

The Vimana above the sanctum is of Dwaidala design. Sri Vinayaka of the temple is praised as Lord Thunaivandha Ganapathi – Ganapathi coming to the rescue of devotee. There is a statue in the prakara showing a cow pouring milk on the Linga, worshipped as Gorupambika. Sani Bhagwan is nearby. There is no shrine for the Navagrahas the nine planets. There are Three Suns gracing the devotees together. This is a rare darshan for the devotees.

Emperor Mushukunda Chakravarthi was much annoyed as he had no child. He was worshipping Lord Thyagesar presented to him by Indira. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and advised to come to this place for worship to get a child. The emperor was blessed with a child following Lord’s directions. It is the faith of the devotees that they would be blessed with a child if they pray here. Lord Thyagesar shrine is at the right of the sanctum.

The procession deity is named Anaithu Irundha Nayakar-Lord embracing Mother. Though so called, the idol is such that the hands of Lord do not touch Mother Ambica. Couples pray here for marital unity.

Saint Tirugnanasambandar was staying in this place for a while with his father, Shivapada Hru dayar. He wanted to perform a yajna in Sirkali and asked his son saint to get him the wherewithal for the purpose. Sambandar sung a Pathigam-ten verses praying to Lord for gold and other materials needed for the yajna. Lord Shiva placed a purse of gold on the peeta through His Ganas. Shivapada Hrudayar conducted the yajna in Sirkali. The peeta still exists in the temple with the Ganas around. It is believed that praying in this spot in the temple would bring prosperity to the devotees.

Reputation of Nandhi: Thirumaaligai Thevar, a staunch Shiva devotee and one among the celebrated Nayanmars was serving Lord here. Believing some baseless allegations as true, the king sent his men to attack him. Mother Ambica urged Lord to protect Thevar. Lord sent an army of Nandhis and drove them away. All the Nandhis merged together and became one too big in size. Deducting the height of the peeta-platform, the actual height of the Nandhi is 14 feet, 3 inches made with many stones. There is also a small Nandhi before the big one. Maha Abishek is performed during the pradosha time. There is also an Adhikara Nandhi with a small one. Of the various remedial shrines around Tiruvidai Marudur, praying to Nandhi Baghwan here is considered very effective.

Thirumoolar: A Shivayogi called Sundaranathar came to Earth from Kailash the abode of Lord Shiva. He was visiting Shiva Temples in the country. He found a shepherd Moolan by name lying dead and the cows around him were in grief. Sympathizing with the cows, he entered into the body of the shepherd with his yogic powers – Parakaya Pravesam, entering into the body of those dead for some noble purpose - took the cows to their homes. He began his penance on Lord Shiva in this place. (Original) Moolan’s wife asked him to return home. Her relatives said that he had attained the divine wisdom, hence she too returned home.
The saint came to be known as Thirumoolar. He would wake up from his penance once a year and sing a song with a high philosophic content and go back to penance again. Thus he produced 3,000 songs sung in 3,000 years. This is edited as Thirumoolar Thirumandhiram. His shrine is in the prakara where he merged with Lord Shiva.

The shrine for Lord Thyagesa with Mother Kamalambika is on the right of the presiding Lord’s shrine. It is said that Lord Shiva taught the 8 yogic powers (Ashtama Siddhis) to Navakoti Siddhas including Bogar from this holy land. There are separate shrines for Thirumaaligai Thevar whose 4 pathigams (40 verses) form the 9th Tirumurai (Thiruvisaipa) of the 12 holy saivite devotional literature (Panniru Thirumurai) and Namshivayamurthy Swamigal. The place is also praised as Nandhinagar and Gomuktinagar.

Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi were playing the dice in Kailash. At the end of each game, Lord Shiva was successively winning the game. As Parvathi grew angry, Lord cursed Her to become a cow on earth. Lord said that the curse would end at this place where she should perform penance. Ambica did penance as a cow here. Go in Sanskrit means cow. Mukti means relief. As the cow got the relief from the curse here, Lord Shiva is praised as Gomukti Easwarar – Lord who relieved the cow from its past curse.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located 20 Kms from Mayiladuturai en route to Kumbakonam.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Masilamani Easwarar Temple,
Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam,
Thiruvavaduthurai,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 803.
Phone: +91 4364 - 232 055.

Sri Kokileswarar Temple, Thirukkozhambam, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 19:35:00 +0530

35. Sri Kokileswarar Temple, Thirukkozhambam, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Koikileswarar, Sri Kozhambanathar
Name of Goddess : Sri Soundara Nayaki
Holy water (Theertham) : Brahma Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilvam, Jasmine
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 35th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This Shivastalam is located in the vicinity of Tiruvavaduturai at a distance of 5 km from the Narasinganpettai railway station. This shrine is also known as Kokilapuram and is considered to be the 35th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple. The Bana part of the Linga is big in size. The foot prints of a cow are visible on the Aavudayar of the Linga – Peeta, indicating the penance of Mother Parvathi in the form of a cow.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Thirukulambiyam changed to Thirukozhambam.
Scar Impression of cow's (Sri Parvathy in the form of Cow) leg is found on the Aavudayar.
Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Appar, Murugan, Gajalakshmi, Bairavar.
In Koshtam Natarajar, Sattainathar, Pitchadanar, Dakshinamoorthy, Durgai, Lingothbhavar, Brahma, Vinayagar.

The temple occupies an area of about 2 acres. Hoof marks of a cow are seen on the Shivalingam. The sanctum faces east. Images of Bhikshandakar, Sattanathar and Natarajar adorn the niches of the sanctum in addition to the usual set of deities that are associated with the goshtams in a Saivite sanctum. This temple is attributed to the pious Chola queen Sembiam Mahadevi.

History / Legend:

The legend has that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva were engaged in a dice game, meanwhile Lord Shiva required to clear some reservations about the game with Goddess Parvati. But, Goddess Parvati amusingly responded favorable to Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva was annoyed at the reply of Goddess Sri Parvati and cursed her to be born as a cow on Earth. Accordingly, Goddess Parvati took birth as a cow and worshiped Lord Shiva in many sacred places and finally reunited with Lord. In this temple the Linga can be seen with the foot prints of cow visible on the upper portion.

Another legend has that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an argument about their supremacy. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a huge Linga to resolve the issue between the two deities. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and dived into sky and Lord Vishnu turned out a wild boar and plunged into the Earth with an intention to find the beginning and the end of huge Linga. Later, Lord Brahma returned with a wrong witness of Thazhampoo (Ketaki - screwpine) flower and Lord Vishnu came out with his sincere remarks. Lord Shiva cursed the Ketaki flower and lost its presence in all the rituals forever. Later, the most compassionate Lord blessed Ketaki flower that her presence would be permissible only on the day of Mahashivratri rituals. Lord Brahma was cursed by Lord Shiva. In order to get rid of the curse Lord Brahma arrived on this land and created a pond known as Brahma Theertham. Eventually, underwent severe austerities praying to Lord Shiva and got relieved from the curse.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located 20 Kms from Kumbakonam. From Kumbakonam, one has to travel on the Karaikkal road and reach S.Pudur village and travel north on a branch road which leads us to Tirukozhambam.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Kokileswarar Temple,
Tirukozhambiam Post,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 612 205.
Phone: +91 4364 232 055 and +91 4364 2320 005.

Glimpse Of Kokileswarar Temple:

Sri Umamaheswarar Temple, Thirunallam (Konerirajapuram), Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Fri, 9 Oct 2015 19:46:00 +0530

34. Sri Umamaheswarar Temple, Thirunallam, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Umamaheswarar, Sri Mamaneeswarar, Sri Umaikkunallar
Name of Goddess : Sri Mangala Nayaki, Sri Angavala Nayaki
Holy water (Theertham) : Shakthi Theertham/Brahma Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilvam
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 34th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This Shivastalam is located 10 km south of Tiruvidaimarudur – on the road between Kumbhakonam and Karaikkal. Tirunallam is considered to be the 34th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. Worship offered here on Tuesdays and Fridays is considered special. Natarajar here, is of significance. Shiva here is referred to as Umaikkunallaar in the Tevaram hymns.

This village is famous for the Nataraja in the Shiva's temple. Lord Shiva is called as Umamaheswara and his consort devi parvati is called by the name Anga vala Nayaki or Dehasundari Amman. The temple is such a massive structure. Very very attractive with the large mandapams or halls. There is a big tank in front of the temple.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
As per the very own words of 'Appar', one of the Tamil Saints who says, only who have poorva janma punya (benefits in the previous births only) will be able to visit this temple.
Chozha King‘s wife Chembiyanmaadevi built this temple (Built stone structure).
It is believed that Natarajar is suyambu.
Saneeswarar has the white cloth.
All the navagrahas are facing Suryan.
Moolavar baanam is little big of 4.5 feet high.
There are three Sandikeswarars.
Iraivan shown the Kalyanakolam to Agasthiyar.
Moolavar is facing west and Ambal is facing east.
There is no rajagopuram.

This temple has been built by Kandaradhittha chola and his wife Sembian Maa Devi. Kandaradhithan is the grand father of the famous Raja Raja Chola. He is well known for his service to Lord Shiva, by building huge temples in his empire.

As we enter into the temple. Usually to one's right side, in any shiva temple there would be Lord Vinayaka. But here, we could see Shanmuka Subrahmanya. Yes, Lord muruga with 6 faces, 12 hands, surrounded by Valli and Devasena on his both sides. To have darshan of Vinayaka first, we move to our left side portion. There Lord Vinayaka, protected by two bhutha ganas (one with banana bunch on his head and the other with a jack fruit on his head) is seated, blessing the devotees.

We then move into the main mandapam with Dvajasthambam. If we look up, on the ceiling, there we could be amazed by the awesome paintings. We can see the five faces of Lord Shiva - thathpurusham, eesaanam, vamadevam, satyojatam and agOram, moorthis of 4 vedas, and more. After praying there at the Dvajasthambam where it is believed that the power of the deity inside the sanctum sanctoram is concentrated, we enter the temple. There were also paintings of british period - policemen with arms standing at the ritual and so on. But due to poor maintenance, most of the area in the paintings got faded.

We could see lord Uma Maheswara. The lingam is quite large in size that one could see the lord from the entrance. We circum ambulate the sannidhi and in the prahaaram we can see lot of other idols. Idols of Bhairava, Surya, some more siva lingams like Kasi Viswanathar, Shenbagavana Nathar and few more are there.

Further proceeding we could see the Vahana Mandapam (place where God's vehicles like swan, yali (mixture of lion and elephant), ox (rishabham) are kept). All the vahanam speaks about the antique values. But again time has eaten away the charm of them. On the opposite side we could see the idols of Agastya rishi, Vinayaka and some writings, stating about the architects of this temple (Sembian madevi and Kandaradithan).

After offering pradakshina and coming outside one can see the navagraha sannidhi and there is another shiva linga that has been worshiped by all the 9 planets.

In the opposite side we see the majestic Nataraja. The tallest / the highest/ the majestic.. Whatever adjective that suits the best, we can use for him. There will be a mole and a hair stuck to the mole on his chest. To his side, stands the graceful Sivakami. He is the moolavar. He wont be taken out for procession. To his side, there is another sannidhi where lies another Nataraja. This is the utsava moorthi who will be taken out for procession. He is also called as Kalyanasundara moorthi, also called as Maapillai swami and his consort is Devi Kathyayani.

We come out of the shiva's sannidhi and go for a bigger round in the outer prakaram. There comes the Devi Sannidhi. Its like a separate temple. We offer our salutations to the Angavala Nayaki or Dehasundari and request for good health for every one of us. One could observe that there is a separate Nandi for ambal which is very uncommon in temples in and around Kumbakonam district. In few temples in other places this is very common. There is also a sannidhi of Lord Vaidyanatha in the outer prakaram, after coming out of Ambal sannidhi.

History / Legend:

It is believed that Bhumidevi was instructed by Mahavishnu to build this temple, hence the name Bhumiswaram. It is also believed that a certain king Pururavas was cured of leprosy here, and in return gilded the temple vimanam with gold, and instituted the Vaikasi full moon festival.

This temple was built by Sembiyan Mahadevi the Chola queen (of Gandaraditya). Images of Gandaraditya Chola and Sembian Mahadevi as well as several inscriptions are seen here in this temple. These images are about a 1000 years old. Sembiyan Mahadevi is believed to have provided for the upkeep of the temple and for the performance of the daily rituals.

This temple is also known as Gandaradittam. The inscriptions here are of great value as they offer an insight into how, the various sections of society then were involved collectively and separately in the day to day activities of the temple. Inscriptions speak of musicians, persons who prepared sandal paste, watchmen, reciters of hymns, managers, accountants, dyers, blacksmiths, etc.

The niche images of Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Ardhanareeswarar in this west facing temple are all of great beauty. The mukhamandapam in front of the sanctum is known here as Pugazhaabarana mandapam. Bronze images of Natarajar, Kalyanasundarar dating back ao the 10th century are of great beauty here.

This is regarded as a fully developed early Chola temple. It is well preserved, and it has the finest and richest collection of bronze images.

The Chola king Kadaraditya Cholan and his wife Sembian Mahadevi were pious and asked the Sthapathi to make a Lord Nataraja's statue in five metals or pancha loha which is tall and appealing. The Sthapathi was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was very happy with the King’s order.

The Sthapathi is a person who works on art of making icons, with the required quantity of metal, i.e. copper brass & lead in the ratio of 82%, 15%, & 3% respectively is collected in a crucible and heated to get converted into liquid form. Simultaneously the karu (mold) is also heated. The mold becomes red hot. It is then buried in the ground up to the mouth of the mold, to get firm upright position. The hot liquid metal is poured into it. The mold is allowed to cool gradually. Then the wire bindings and iron rods are removed. The mold is broken open. Now rough metal image is obtained. Then it is chiseled, filed, and engraved to get fine ornamental statue.

The Sthapathi after receiving the order, works hard and presents the statue molded to the king. The Kandaraditya Chola king isn't happy and asks him to make a Nataraja statue which is more alive, tall and appealing. The Sthapathi shows three casts of Nataraja which came upto 3 feet height but the King rejected them and gave him last chance to make it and ordered to chop his head if Sthapathi fails.

The Sthapathi was very depressed as he had just a day more to present his work. He was praying lord Shiva to make his work appealing to the king and was thinking about how to start casting Nataraja. An old man and his wife came near him and asked for some water to quench their thirst. The Sthapathi wasn't in the mood to offer water and said them "There is no water". The old man asked him to offer something to drink as they had walked all the way in a sunny day. The Sthapathi lost his patience and said "If you really want to drink something, drink the molten metal".

The old man immediately took the pot and drank the molten metal giving a little to his wife. Before the sthapathi could recognize what has happened, there emerged two statues, one of large Natraja and other his wife Parvathi. The Chola King walked in the same time and was extremely happy to see the statues. The Sthapathi was speechless by God's love and affection and couldn't believe that God had come himself to help him make the icons and saved his life.

Later, Sthapathi conveyed the whole incident to the King. The Chola King called his tale a lie and raised his sword furiously which struck the lifted right foot of Natarajar's Icon. Blood spurted out and splashed on the King who developed leprosy. The Lord then appeared to all present there as Vrishabharoodar and told the King “I am here in the form of Lingam as Vaidyanatha.

This is the only temple where one can see 'swayambu nataraja of impon statue'.... the marks of king's stroke, a mole and skin colour patch in one of the hands of Lord Nataraja and the GREAT smile on Lord Parvathi's face are just remarkable and no word can describe the real beauty of the same. Besides, in the arm pits of Lord Nataraja people witnessing the growth of dark hair depending on the waxing and waning of the moon, increases the growth and goes down respectively.

It is the staunch faith of the devotees that any disease of any severity would be cured if the patient takes a bath in the theertha and pray to Lord Vaidyanatha. Those suffering from leprosy pray here. Also those facing obstacles in construction works and land disputes pray here. Those facing problems in trade, wedding proposals and health pray in the temple on Mondays with abishek to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi performing Vasudara Yajna for relief. Lord Tripura Samhara Murthy who burnt the three worlds simply by His laugh, has a separate shrine. People pray here on Ashtami of new moon fortnight (eighth day from the full moon day) to conquer fear of death and troubles from enemies. Students dull in studies due to loss of memory consume the Gnana Kuzhambu Theertha offered in the temple for best results

Location: This sivasthalam temple can be reached by travelling up to S.Pudur on the Kumbakonam - Karaikkal road. One branch road from S.Pudur goes to Vadamattam village. Travel on that road and reach Koneri Rajapuram Cross road stop. The temple is about 01 Km from this cross road stop. Town bus No 22 from Kumbakonam to Vadamattam is passes through the Village Konerirajapuram and the temple Thirunallam is about 500 meters.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Uma Maheswarar Temple,
Konerirajapuram Post,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 612 201.
Phone: 0435-2449800, 0435-2449830, 9486510515.

Glimpse Of Umamaheswarar Temple:

Sri Vaikalnathar Temple, Vaikanmaadakkovil, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Wed, 7 Oct 2015 19:38:00 +0530

33. Sri Vaikalnathar Temple, Vaikanmaadakkovil, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Shenbagaranyeswarar, Sri Vaikalnathar
Name of Goddess : Sri Vaikal Nayaki, Sri Kombiyan Kothai, Sri Saga Komalavalli
Holy water (Theertham) : Chembaka Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Chembakam
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 07:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 03:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 33rd sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar has sung hymans in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Vaikan maadakkoyil refers to two shrines, Vaikal and Maadakkoyil. (8km from Aaduturai railway stn). Vaikal enshrines Vaikalnathar and Vaikalambika. Vaikanmaadakkoyil is considered to be the 33rd in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

The Maadakkoyil is one of the 78 maadakkovils built at an elevation by KoChenkan Cholan. Komaleswarar and Ilankothai Amman are worshiped in the Maadakkoyil. Vishnu, Lakshmi and Bhrama are said to have worshiped Shiva here. Shiva is also referred to as Bhramapureeswarar. Sambandar has glorified both these Shivastalams in one Patikam.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Sri Lakshmi worshiped the Iraivan of this temple.
Separate sannadhi for Ambal.
Moolavar is suymbu.
There is no navagrahas.
The Maada temple was built by Ko chenkat Chozhan.

Maadakovil is a class of temples built mostly by Kochengat Chozhan where he built the main temple on a platform which was about 4-5 above the ground (some of them even higher). This is because of a legend that he was a spider that reborn; and in the legend there is an elephant which kept destroying the spider web. So even in the next birth, he is supposed to have hated (or afraid of) elephants, and built most of his temples on a raised platform so that elephants cannot reach the sanctum sanctorum. Anyway, back to Vaikal. The road to here is a bit on the narrow and wild side. The road twists and winds through paddy fields and thick bamboo thickets. You will not find too many people to ask directions to here either. Beautifully peaceful temple. Nice temple pond also.

History / Legend:

This is one of the Mada temples built by Kochengannan. As the three eyes of Lord Shiva, the place has three Shiva temples. The right eye of the Lord is Viswanatha-Visalakshi temple, the second left is with Lord Brahammapureeswarar with Mother Perianayaki and the third forehead is for Lord Vaigalnathar with Mother Kombial Kothai. Lord Brahmma, Lord Vishnu, Mother Mahalakshmi and Sage Agasthya had worshiped in this temple.

One elephant, searching for its calf damaged an anthill of ants. They bit the elephant and killed it. Both prayed to Lord Shiva and attained salvation here.

Mother Earth –Bhoomidevi prayed to Lord Maha Vishnu to marry her which Lord obliged and had Her as His consort. This was not acceptable to Mother Mahalakshmi and left the Lord. She came to this Shenbagavanam and took on a severe penance to get back her Lord. Lord Vishnu and Bhoomidevi came in search of Mahalakshmi. Brahma followed in search of Lord Vishnu. They found Mother Mahalakshmi here and prayed to Lord Shiva. By the grace of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu had both Lakshmi and Bhoodevi as His consorts. Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthy in this temple.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located 7 Kms from Thenkurangaaduthurai sivasthalam. Nearest railway station is Aduturai which is on the Mayiladuturai - Kumbakonam section of the Southern Railway. Nearest town is Kumbakonam. On the bus route Kumbakonam to Karaikkal, after Thiruneelakkudi get down at Paliyangiya nalloor and the temple is 2 KM from there. Frequency of bus is limited.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Vaigalnathar Temple,
Vaigal Madakoil,
Aduthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 612 101.
Phone: 0435 2465616.

Glimpse Of Vaikalnathar Temple:

Sri Manokkiyanatha Swamy Temple, Thiruneelakudi, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Mon, 5 Oct 2015 19:51:00 +0530

32. Sri Manokkiyanatha Swamy Temple, Thiruneelakudi, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Manokyayanatha Swamy, Sri Vilvaaranyeswarar, Sri Bharmanayagar, Sri Neelakandeswarar, Sri Thailabpriyangeswarar, Sri Kaamathenupureeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Aribhamasthini & Sri Bhakthabeestathaayini
Holy water (Theertham) : Devi, Markandeya and Brahma Theerthams
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilwa – leaves having five petals, Jack Fruit Tree
Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 05:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 32nd sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This Shivastalam is located near Aaduturai and Tiruvidaimarudur - near Kumbhakonam. Tiruneelakkudi is considered to be the 32nd in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Legend has it that Varuna and the celestial nymphs offered worship here. It is believed that the half of the sesame oil offered during the abhisheka rituals, gets absorbed by the Shiva Lingam. This temple with 2 prakarams covers an area of about an acre; stucco images on the vimanams here are worth mention. Two Ambal shrines dedicated to Umaiyammai and Azhagammai are seen in this temple.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Iraivan is called as Neelakandar, he who drank the poison that came out while churning the Paarkadal.
Vashistar, Kaamadhenu, Devamathar, Markandeyar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
No abhishekam is done to Moolavar. All the thailam applied is absorbed in the baanam itself.
Naivedhyam is Jack fruit.
To get rid of fear of death, Erumai and Blue colour pattu cloths are offered to Iraivan.
There are two Ambal sannadhi.

15 days Brammotsavam during Chithirai month. Rishi Markandeya initiated this. All these days, the deity is taken in procession. The deity is taken not only within Thiruneelakudi but to all the 18 villages around Neelakudi. Thiruvadirai, Adipooram, Karthikai Deepam, monthly pradosha days, Deepavali, Pongal and New year days of both Tamil and English calendars are observed as important festival days in the temple.

The Linga is a Swayambu – that which exists of itself. The body of the Linga is rough and not soft. The leaves of the Vilwa Tree have five petals against the usual 3 petals found in this tree generally. It is here Rishi Markandeya got the boon of Chiranjeevi status – total freedom from death. There are two Goddesses here, Oppilamulai Amman (Anupamasthini) in a wedding pose and Bakathapeeshtapradayini – gracing the devotee of his/her desires, in a penance pose. Lord Vinayaka in the temple is praised as Nardana Ganapathi.

It is in this holy soil, Dakshayini joined the Lord again after returning from Daksha Yaga. Varuna (Lord of rain), angels worshipped here. Brahma, Devaganda, Vasishta, Soorapanma, Kamadenu performed penances here and got relieved of sins. A place praised in the hyms of Appar Swamigal in his Thevaram. When the Jains tied Appar and threw him, he worshiped Neelakandeswara in his celebrated hymn Kallinodu Aman Kaiyar in this temple.

A celebrated Shiva sthala having holy springs Brhmma theertham, Ksheeragundam, Devi theertham and Markandeya theertham. The antiquity of the temple goes back to more than 2000 years.

History / Legend:

Of the six centers in the human body known as Mooladhara, Swadishtana, Manipuraka, Anagatham, Vishuddhi and Aggna, Thiruneelakudi represents the Mooladhara position helping the devotee to raise the Kundalini Sakthi.

Rishi Markandeya wanted to lengthen his longevity. Devarishi Naradha advised Markandeya to worship Shiva in Thiruneelakudi which he meticulously followed. The Lord appeared before him and asked him of his desire. Markandeya told the Lord his wish and got back eternity of longevity. The grateful Markandeya took the Lord in a palanquin to Ilandalai, Enadhimangalam, Thirunageswaram, Thirupuvanam, Thiruvidaimarudhur, Maruthuvakudi and other places. The Chithirai Thiruvizha (April-May) is celebrated remembering this event.

The first thought that strikes a devotee on hearing the name of Tiruneelakudi is the oil abishek to Lord. Pots and bowls of oil poured on the Shivalinga dries off then and there and it appears as if no such abishek was done even for a year. There is no clue till now where the oil disappears. The Shivalinga is ever rough on the surface despite such continuous oil abishek. It is said that such large quantity of oil is used to bring down the poisonous effect on His neck (Neelakanda) when he devoured the Halakala poison that emerged when the milk ocean was churned to protect the world. With the Vilwa tree –Pancha Vilwa tree - with its five petals, the jack tree in the temple has also its own sacredness. The fruit should be cut and offered to Lord as nivedhana and then only taken to homes by the devotees. Taking them direct without offering to Lord will end in some punishment. It is proved by experience to those who wanted to test this condition.

The Shiva Linga is not soft despite abisheks of years. A turf also appears on the Shivalinga. This is the sacred place where Sage Markandeya was blessed with immortality. Mother Dakshayani attending the Yajna of Daksha against the wishes of Lord, performed penance here and joined Lord again in this sacred Tiruneelakudi.

Lord Brahmma, Sages Vasishta, Devakanda, Surapanma and Kamadenu the divine cow worshipped Lord Neelakandeswara and got relieved of their curses. Saint Appar sung his soul touching Thevaram hymns. It is mentioned in the Sthalapurana – local history – that while Appar sung the ‘Kallinodu Avan Kayyar’ hymn meaning ‘when tied with the stone’ he mentioned only Lord Neelakandeswara of the temple. The story of Appar thrown into the sea by the Jain backed king into the sea tied with a stone and the very stone becoming a floating cork taking Appar to the shore unharmed is an outstanding experience of a devotee saved by Lord Shiva. It is an epic by itself.

Couple separated due to various reasons prays to Lord Neelakandeswara for their re-union and a renewed family life. They also pray for longevity and perform remedial pujas to Lord for relief from the adverse aspects planet Rahu. Many pray for wedding, child, mental peace, job opportunities and success in trade efforts.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located 13 Kms from Kumbakonam. The temple is located on the road side at Tiruneelakudi on the Kumbakonam - Karaikkal road. From Mayiladuthurai, travel upto Aduthurai on the way to Kumbakonam, and then take a branch road from there to reach Thiruneelakkudi (3 Kms from Aduthurai). Thenkurangaaduthurai, another paadal petra sivasthalam is located at Aduthurai.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple,
Tiruneelakudi,
Tiruvidaimarudur Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 108.
Phone: 0435 2460660 & 9442861634.

Glimpse Of Manokkiyanatha Swamy Temple:

Sri Abathsahayanathar Temple, Thenkurangaduturai, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sat, 3 Oct 2015 07:51:00 +0530

31. Sri Abathsahayanathar Temple, Thenkurangaduturai, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Apathsahaeswarar, Sri Apathsahayar
Name of Goddess : Sri Pavalakodi Ammai, Sri Vandar Karumenkuzhal Mangai
Holy water (Theertham) : Surya Theertham, Sahaya Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Jasmine
Thevaram : Thirunavukku Arasara ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:30 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 31st sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord. Lord Shiva, popularly termed as the lord of destruction, but without whom creation cannot occur, is symbolized by the Shiva Lingam. Saivism is the major faith in the Indian system of belief, that worships as its principal God. Shiva temples are spread all over India. Most important among them, glorified by the 63 Tamil Nayanmars, particularly the 3 viz, Thirunavukarasar (Appar), Sundarar and Sambandar in their Tevaram hymn, are revered as the Tevara Paadal Petra Sthalams. They are 274 Shiva temples in number and out of which 264 temples are situated in Tamilnadu. The 274 odd shrines that have at least one Pathigam composed in their honor are referred to commonly as Paadal Petra Stalangal, or more generally Shivastalams.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
This temple was built by Wife of king Kandrathitha Chozhan.
In Koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Agasthiyar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhavar, Bramha, Durgai.
Special abishekam for Sri Durgai.
Karuvarai is in agali amaipu.
Suthai sirpam for Sukreevan worshiping lord in mandapam.
In Dhakshinamoorthy’s place moorthys of Agathiyar, Natarajar.
Sila roopams for Ganga Vicheschanar, Pitchatanar on both side of Sri Durga.
Navagrahas are facing Suryan.

Out of the 274 temples which were glorified in the Tevaram Hymns sung by the Nayanmars, 264 temples or Shivastalams are located in Tamilnadu (including Pondicherry). Even out of these 264 temples, a majority of them (190) are located in the erstwhile Chola Naadu and are situated on the north side (63) and south side (127) of river Cauvery. 14 Shivastalams are located in what is classified as Pandiya Naadu and 7 Shivastalams are located in Kongu Naadu. Tondai Naadu boasts of 31 Shivastalams and Nadu Naadu boasts of the remaining 22 Shivasthalams. These 264 temples are grouped according to the geographical boundaries prevailing in those days as classified above when these temples were glorified in the hymns composed by the Nayanmars, especially by Appar (Thirunavukarasar), Sundarar and Thirugnanasambandar. Majority of these temples are situated in the present day Cuddalore, Nagapattinam.

This temple is located at a historic place in Aduthurai. Aduthurai is a small panchayat town situated near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District in the state of Tamil Nadu. This highly revered Shivasthalam, south of the Cauvery River, is believed to be the place where Sugreeva worshipped Lord Shiva. Kumbakonam is known as TEMPLE city. It is located about 313 Kilometres away from madras on the south, about 90Kms. from Tiruchy on the east and about 40kms from Thanjavur on the North East. The town is bounded by two rivers – “River Cauvery” on the north and “River Arasalar” on the south.

History / Legend:

This temple is devoted to Brahma, Sugriva, and Rama. Lord Shiva rescued Sugriva from his brother Vaali because Sugriva could not compete with Vaali in a fight. Sugriva prayed to Lord Shiva who turned Sugriva to a swan and kept him above the `Vilva` tree, so Vaali could not find him. It is believed Lord Rama searching for Sita came here with Hanuman and Sugriva and prayed here which gives an additional tribute to this temple. The temple is built in Dravidian style with Vimaanas and a five story Gopuram.

This temple is of Lord Shiva known as Abathsahayanathar and a female deity known as Pavalakkodiammai. It was built by Chembianmadevi, wife of Chold King Kandaraditya Cholan with a 3 tier Rajagopuram and 2 prakarams. In the outer prakaram, there are shrines for Lord Viswanathar, Goddess Visalakshi, Lord Vinayagar, and Lord Murugan etc. The shrine for the female deity Pavalakkodiammai is located in the outer prakaram. The shrine for Moolavar (main male deity) Abathsahayeswarar is located in the inner prakaram. The sanctum of the main presiding deity is surrounded by a moat like formation on all the 4 sides. The idols of Vinayagar, Agasthiyar, Lord Brahma, Dakshinamurthy are found in the corner places of the inner prakaram.

Location: This temple is situated 12 Kms from Kumbakonam and 20 Kms from Mayiladuturai. Aduturai railway station is situated on the Mayiladuturai – Kumbakonam section of the Southern Railway. Aduthurai can be reached both by rail and road. Since the town lies on the Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam highway, it is easily accessible. Trains plying between Thanjavur or Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai shall drop you on the way to Aduthurai Railway Station. The temple is in the beginning of Aaduthurai from Kumbakonam before Bus stand. There is Small Murugan temple – right turn – walk about 200 meters - Opposite to Kumaragurau dasa melnilaipalli (High School).

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Abathsahayanathar Temple,
Then Kurangaduturai,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 612 104.
Phone: +91 94434 63119 & +91 94424 25809.

Glimpse Of Abathsahayanathar Temple:

Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Thu, 1 Oct 2015 20:09:00 +0530

30. Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Mahalingeswarar, Sri Maruthavaneswarar, Sri Maruthavaanar
Name of Goddess : Sri Birukanth Sundarakujambigai, Sri Perunalamulayammai, Sri Anbirpriyalambal
Holy water (Theertham) : Kaarunyamirtham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Marutha Tree
Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar ; Sundarar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 05:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 30th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Moovar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalinga Swamy Temple is one of the Panchakrosha Sthalas. The Ammbal Shrine is one of the Sakthi Bheetas. Chakkara Maha Meru is installed here. Uma, Vinayaka Muruga, Thirumal, Lakshimi, Saraswati, (Deities), Vashista, Agasthya, Pattinathar, Badragiriyar, Romarishi, Kapila, Markandiya rishi, (Saints). Sivavakiya (Siddhar) Varagunadeva, Sukeerthi, Veerasena, Chitrakeerthi, Uvanasuvan, Maandada, Vasuman., Anjatthuvasan (Kings), Nandagan (Brahmin), Vedas, Airawatha (Elephant vehicle of Indra) and others are bestowed with grace by the Lord. The below saints Appar, Sundarar, Manikkavasakar and Sambandar were visited and praised the lord. Also Pattinathar and Karuvoor Thevar Sung Psalms about the Deity.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Generally in all Shiva temples, the main deity will have a specific name but here it is called Mahalingam (Big lingam) since legend says that Lord Shiva worshipped Himself here in the process of teaching and demonstrating the Saivite worship procedures to the seven great sages.
The Shiva Lingam here is a swayambhu (self manifested) facing east. This is referred to as Madhyarjuna Kshetram and is said to be on par with Varanasi (Kasi). The main deity is called Mahalingeswarar or Madhyarjunar. The pooja is first performed to Mahalingaswamy in this temple and then only to Vinayakar. Here Vinayagar Himself is worshiping Shiva.
Once when Parvathi devi playfully blind folded Shiva, the whole universe was in total darkness and deep trouble but Thiruvidaiarudhur alone was illuminating as a fire with the Jyothirmaya Sri Mahalinga Swamy.
This huge temple, in a sprawling campus of 20 acres, bejeweled with 7 lofty towers, 7 praharams and many ornate mandapams is one of the greatest Saivite shrines in Tamilnadu.
The Ambal Shrine is one of the Sakthi Peetams and is on the right side of the Swami shrine, that is on southern side as a KALYANA KOLAM – a rare one. Chakara Maha Meru is installed here.
Lord Shiva blessed Markandeyan by appearing before him in the form of Ardhanareeswarar.
All Navagrahas are facing Suryan.

Usually, a temple will have a Linga in the sanctum and Parivara Devatas in the temple around. It is a peculiar feature in this temple that the Parivara Devatas are at the following places.

01. Tiruvalanchuzhi with its grand temple dedicated to Vinayaka,
02. Swamimalai with its revered shrine to Subramanya,
03. Thiruvarur the greatest of the Vitanka Stalams with Somaskandar,
04. Tiruvavaduthurai with its shrine to Nandikeswarar,
05. Sirkazhi with its shrine dedicated to Bhairavar,
06. Thiruseingalur (Thiruvoypadi) with its shrine to Chandikeswarar,
07. Suryanar koil with shrines to the nine celestial bodies Navagrahas
08. Alangudi known for its Dakshinamurti
09. Thirukkadaiyur for Ambal
10. Thirunallar for Saneeswaran
11. Patteeswaram for Durgai and
12. Chidambaram for Natarajar shrine respectively,

thus the entire Chola Nadu is treated as one temple.

There are 3 temples having Marudha tree (anjanam) as their Sthala vruksham. They are:

01. Malligarjuna (Thalai-top) at Srisailam, Andhra;
02. Madhyarjuna (Idai-middle) at Thiru-Idai-Marudur (here) and
03. Sputarjuna (kadai-end) at Thiruppudaimarudur Ambasamudram (Thirunelvelli Dt).
This place is named as Idaimarudur as it is in between Srisailam and Ambasamudram. It is also called Shanbagaranya, Saktipura, Tapovana, Muktipura etc.

This temple has three famous praharams:

01. Aswamedha pradhakshina praharam – Going around this will give the effect of doing Ashwamedha yaga. This should be at least half a KM and is quite divine and popular here like Thiruvannamalai girivalam. Those in ill health believed to have been caused by evil spirits, are said to find relief through prayers offered in this shrine and through circumambulation of this outermost prakaram.
02. Kodumudi praharam – Going around this will give the effect of going to Kailash.
03. Pranava praharam – Going around this will give Moksha.

There are as many as 35 Theerthams associated with this temple.

There are 3 places where a sacred well is in the form of a lion (Singa kinaru). Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Vrinchipuram and this place. It is called KrishnaKupam.

Karunyamitra theertham on the east side of the temple, where Chittirai vizha Festival is important is the best known theertham.
Bana theertham on the north east of Banapuram established by Rama where a bath in Vaikasi Pournami is very holy
Parachara theeertham (pidari kulam is its present name) at the junction of north and east streets where a bath in Marghazi is sacred
Soma theertham (now called Ayyanar Theertham) to the east of Karunyamitra theertham where a bath in Somesvara removes all sins
Rudra Theertham to the south of the sanctum
Kalyana theertham is the river Kaveri where the Idiols are bathed during “Thai Poosam”
Padma theertham to the south east of Somatheertham
Indhra theertham to the south of the temple
Pandava Theertham (Not traceable), Agni theertham, Kanaka theertham and Ganga Kupam are some of the several holy theerthas that adorn this town.

This temple is surrounded on four corners by lingams dedicated to Viswanathar, Rishipureeswarar, Aatmanathar and Chokkanathar and hence the name Pancha Linga stalam. One of the interesting beliefs held here is that an abhishekam performed to Chokkanathar to the accompaniment of the megaraagakurinji raaga would result in a bountiful monsoon.
There are also Lingams dedicated to each of the 27 nakshatrams (Birth Stars). All these 27 birth stars installed a Lingam each and worshipped Lord Shiva here. This is the temple for performing parihara pooja (remedial pooja) for the malefic effects of the Birth stars.

Note: Apart from this, One can seen individual lingams for every star in Thiruvotriyur (North Chennai) temple.

Apart from these, there are Agashya lingam, Kasyapa lingam, Romesa lingam, Chola lingam, Chera lingam, Sahasara Lingam and Pancha Bhuda lingam
Ambal

The consort of Shiva is worshipped as Perumulai Naayaki or Brihad Sundara Kuchambal. The Ammbal Shrine is one of the Sakthi Bheetas. Chakkara Maha Meru is installed here. Within the Ambal shrine complex, there is a separate shrine for Mookambika in the posture of doing penance built in the North Indian style. She is mentioned as Pidari Parameeswari in inscripitions. The main Mookambika temple is in Karnataka on the banks of the river Chowparnika and the other is, this one on the banks of the river Cauvery. Though the structure has been built in later days the goddess must have been there in olden times.

History / Legend:

Once Varaguna Pandiya’s horse accidentally trampled upon a Brahmin and killed him. The sin due to this, Brahma hathi (Hathi- sin caused by a murder) followed him wherever he went. The King prayed to Somasundarar at Madurai seeking relief from this sin. Lord Somasundarar appeared in the King’s dream and directed him to pray Him at Thiruvidaimarudhur for relief. Thiruvidaimarudhur was under Chola rule and they were bitter enemies of the Pandyas. There was a war between the two in which the Cholas were defeated. The King then visited the temple at Thiruvidaimarudhur as per the Divine guidance and prayed to Lord Mahalingeswarar. He entered the temple through the Eastern entrance and the Brahmahatti and the ghost could not enter the temple and waited outside the temple for the King to return. As advised by Mahalingaswamy, the King left by the Western Gopuram (Tower) and hence got rid of the Brahmatti dosham and the Brahmin’s ghost. The Brahmahathi is waiting outside still in the south ornamental entrance (south thorana vayil) with head disheveled and face immersed betwixt the knees. The king was relieved of his malady.

There are two Puranams – Sthala purana written by Sivakkolundu Deshika of Kottaiyar, Marudavana Puranam.
There is an Ula written by Mahavidvan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai.
The Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, Thiruvidaimarudur Mummanikkovai, Thiruppazh, Thiruvidaimaurudur Pathirruppathanthathi, Thiruvidaimaurudur Kalambakam, Thiruvidaimarudur Nondi Natakam contain sufficient information about the temple.
Kandapuranam, Lingapurana, Brahmavaivartham and Sivarahasya mention the glory of the Lord. Sambandar has sung the glory of Samba Dakshinamurthy who is also enshrined here along with his consort.

When Aadhi Sankara visited Thiruvidaimarudhur, he desired that the Mahalinga at the temple should itself declare the truth of Advaita so that the doubt in regard thereto lingering in the minds of some people might be dispelled. In response to the Jagadguru’s prayer, the Lord Siva appeared out of the Mahalinga, raised the right hand, and proclaimed the truth of Advaita three times thus: “satyam advaitam; satyam advaitam; satyam advaitam”.

A vimana over the entrance of the local Sankara Matha was put up, and within it were installed sculptured figures of the Mahalinga with the right hand raised and of Adi Sankara with palms joined. In the central courtyard of the Matha a shrine was constructed and in it was installed Sankara-paduka.

Ammuni Ammal, lover of Maratya king Pratap singh lit laksha deepam (1,00,000 lamps) and donated a Pavai Vilakku, a lamp in the shape of herself. The lamp measures 120 cm (height), 411 ¾ cher (Weight) in brass, designed and made by Kannara Aryaputra Patther. Her story is inscribed at the base of the lamp.

Sage Agasthya, along with the other sages came to Itaimaruthur and performed tapasya meditating on Goddess Umadevi. Goddess Uma also appeared before the sage. The sages accordingly worshipped the Goddess and requested that they would like to see the Lord also. Umadevi, for the sake of the sages, went in Sivatapasya. The Lord granted Her wish and appeared before Her and the sages. After appearing before them, the Lord began worshipping the ‘Jothi Lingam’. The surprised Umadevi asked the Lord: “ O Lord! It is the practice that Brahman and other deities worship thee. But, thou art worshipping thine own self!” The Lord replied: “Uma Devi! We are the Ultimate who worship and accept worship. It is because these sages have forgotten to worship us, we are worshipping ourselves. That is why I’m worshipping myself.” The Legend says that from that day onwards the sages performed worship according to the ‘Kaamika Law’ and received great benefits.

Temple Car: It is one of the biggest Thers (Temple Car) of Tamilnadu. It measures 89 feet from top (tip of the Kalasams) to bottom (ground level).The octagonal lower part of the ther, measuring 14½ feet (length) and 14½ feet was carved beautifully. The axles (cuboids) on the outer surface of the wheels measure 29 feet (length), 1¾ feet (width) and 1¾ feet (height). The rampant wooden horses which fastened in front of the Ther measure 25½ (length) and 8 feet (circumference of the body). The Kodimaram (flag post) on the Ther measures 24 feet (height). The inner large rope (Ul vadam) tied around the Ther measures 800 feet. The outer cable (large rope- Vadam) used to pull the Ther by 5000 people (man power) measures 1000 feet. The pedestal on the Ther measures 14½ x 14½. The wooden sculptures such as Panchamurtis, Kayilayakkatchi, Narasimhamurti, Bairava, Chandra, the worship of Mahalingeswara (seated beneath the Maruda tree) by Vinayaka and Ambikai, His Holiness Gurumaha sannidhanam and other sculptures are worth mentioning here. The Ther was donated to the temple by Amarsingh’s son Pratap singh(Simha) in 1800 AD. He had presented a silver Ratha (chariot) also. There is a small wooden Ther for procession during the Tamil month Adi.

Location: This famous sivasthalam is located 9 Kms from Kumbakonam en route to Mayiladuthurai. Town bus facilities are available from Kumbakonam. There is also a railway station at Tiruvidaimarudur on the Kumbakonam - Mayiladuturai section of the Southern Railway.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Mahalinga Swamy Temple,
Thiruvidaimarudur,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 612 104.
Phone: ++91 435 246 0660, +91-9790525781.

Glimpse Of Mahalingeswarar Temple:

Sri Sanbakaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:50:00 +0530

29. Sri Sanbakaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Naageswarar, Sri Naganathar, Sri Shenbagaranyeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Girigujaambigai, Sri Kundramaamulaiyammai
Holy water (Theertham) : Surya Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Shenbagam
Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar ; Sambandar ; Sundarar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 29th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Moovar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Temple occupies an area of 630 feet South-North and 800ft East-West with adjacent sub lanes and four major streets around. There are four gateways with Gopuram in the big and high compound walls of the temple. Near to the compound walls there is the broad pathway (Praharam) with a flower garden on Northern side. On entering the Eastern gate way, one can find the Vinayaga temple, Balibeedam, Thirunageswaram Raghu TempleNandeeswarar Mandabam and Thwaja Sthambam (Flag post ). On the southern side there is the water head with four Mandaps on around with a 100 pillar Mandap in a temple -car style. There are artistic features on its eastern wall. On remaining Area there is a big Car Parking available for the devotees.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Sekkilar with mother, brother statues in the thiruppani mandapam.
Aadhiseshan, Thakan, Kaarkodagan, Gowthamar, Nandhi, Nalan, Paraasarar, Bagirathan worshiped this temple Iraivan.
The rajagopuram is of 5 levels.
Ambal is made of sudhai in a separate temple and facing east. Only Punuku is applied during Thai Tamil month.
Since it is a Parikara sthalam, lot of people throng to this temple.
The temple was built by Kandarathitha Chozhan.
All Navagrahas are facing Suryan.

The temple structure begins at the Central Gopuram with a long Praharam (pathway) immediately thereafter. There is continuous Mandap structure and in its South-West Corner there is Sri Raaghu Bagavan Sannathi.

Next to this long prakaram , we see front Mandabam where decoration of the Lord and other functions are held. This mandab was constructed by Govinda Dikshidar who was the Chief Minister to King Achuthappa naikar of Thanjavur in 16thCentury. In the front mandab on the eastern side, beautiful artistic pillar with "older and nine horses" design and similar pillars are found on the southern side (at the place of the raised plat form). There is a beautiful Mandab on the northern side with 'Yalli face' pillars where decoration of the idols taken on procession is made. In its western walls, during the renovation works done in 1929, artistic features have been engraved in a magnificent fashion, with the description of the five Moorthi's adorning the place. In the path way to Sannathi, the art work depicting Veda nayakas ,King Sambumali and penance pose of Ambal attract One's attention. The Dwarapalaga Sudhai work (made of Chunam clay) on each side at the entrance to the Swami Sannathi is charmingly big and so well styled that one loses himself at first sight.

History / Legend:

This temple is considered most sanctified by its presiding deity ( Moorthy ) location ( sthalam ) and sacred water ( theertham ) , and most benevolent because Saiva saints Thirugnana sambanda Swamigal , Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Thiru Sundaramoorthy Swamigal have sung in praise of lord siva here, besides being the most worshipful place of legendary fame Saiva saint Sri Sekkizar swamigal who brought out the sacred Saiva text ' Peria Puranam '. This place is one of the 127 worthy places of divine worship spread over the southern bank of River Cauveri.

Thirunageswaram Raghu TempleAmong the nine worship places, for the nine planets, Thirunageswaram is the place where Raaghu Bagavan is obviously active to bestow his grace. Here Raaghu Bagavan can be seen with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni together, prayers for fulfillment of desires at this shrine are favorably answered with success. This temple is one where Lord Siva was worshipped by Raaghu Bagavan and got relived of a curse.

Thirunageswaram temple is 6kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Karaikal bus route and by train, there is Thirunageswaram Railway Station between Mailaduthurai and Kumbakonam and the temple is 1km.on the south.

Poudiga Purana contains the fact that Lord siva once told his consort Umadevi about Shenbagaraniyam , now called Thirunageswaram and its renown.

At Shenbagaraniyam , under the Shenbagam tree Lord Siva known as Shenbagarane Eswara was gracefully giving bless to devotees. It is here that Nandi (Bull as Lord's mode of conveyance) worshipped the Lord and attained the status as Nandeesan , so too Vinayaga (Lord's first son ) the status of Head of Ganas (Lord's worshipful lot of servants ). Indira (King of Devas ) worshipped Goddess Girigujambal (one adnored with heightened breasts) with Punugu (a rare scent variety) and got relieved of the bad smell emanating from all over his body. Sages Gowthama , Vashista , Parasarar , and Kings Nala , Pandavas and Bageerathan obtained relief after worshipping Sri Naganatha Swami here. Kings of Snakes Aadisesha , Thakshagan and Karkotagan worshipped the Lord here and got blessed It is firmly believed even today that those men and women whose marriages are getting delayed due to various circustances, will soon get married if they come to this Sthalam and worhsip God Shiva. Manmadhan is believed to have worshipped God Shiva at this sthalam. The shrine of Thirumananjeri is closely associated with legends that tell the story of Shiva's marriage to Parvati.

There are twelve sacred water heads in this place, like Suriya Pushkarani , Gowthama Theertham , Parasara Theertham, Indira Theertham , Prugu Theertham, Kannuva Theertham and Vasishta Theertham and among these Suriya Pushkarani is inside the temple compound and held very sacred. Built in " Chola " style, it is in square shape with 'double-bat' roofing and only one on the eastern side is still in form.

Among the nine worship places, for the nine planets, Thirunageswaram is the place where Raaghu Bagavan is obviously active to bestow his grace. Here Raaghu Bagavan can be seen with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni together, prayers for fulfillment of desires at this shrine are favorably answered with success. This temple is one where Lord Siva was worshipped by Raaghu Bagavan and got relived of a curse. In this temple only we can see the Raaghu Bagavan with human face. All of the places we can see the Raaghu with Serpent Face.

Thirunageswaram is known as Raaghu Bagavan ( Raaghusthalam ) place among the Nine planetary situations. As per Astrological system , by doing Milk abisekam here for Raaghu during Raaghu kalam (period of 1and 1/2 hours occurring every day ) the delay in getting married; childlessness, trouble some married life, ill-effects of Kalasarpa Dhosha (affliction), Kalasthra Dhosha , Sarpa Dhosha are all cured.

The MILK while being over poured over the idol, turns BLUE even today and it is really to be seen, to be believed . People from far and near throng here for performing MILK Abhisekam and the number is ever increasing. It should be given kept already in one's life to be lucky to visit this shrine, says Appar Swamigal ( Navukkarasar ) in one of his rhymes ( Thevaram ) . If people born in stars ' Rohini ' and ' Aayilyam ' perform Abhisekam etc. for Sri Naganatha swami, they can get cured of bodily ailment and he healthy.

Raaghu Bagavan , is founds in 3rd ,6th and 11th houses from Lagna or in 9th or 10th place at the time of birth according to the horoscope there will be good effect. But if Raaghu Bagavan is found in 2nd ,5th , 7th or 8th place from Lagna it indicates Raaghudhosha (ill-effects).

Raaghu Bagavan generally can be said to be the cause for one's good position, status, business, faithfulness, winning over opposition, to be dept-free, to travel over seas, and for mantra power.

Location: This temple is located 5 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Nannilam road. Town bus services from Kumbakonam are available to go to Tirunageswaram. A Divya Desam shrine of Lord Vishnu is located at Tiruvinnagar (Uppiliyappan Kovil) which is about 2 Kms from Tirunageswaram.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Nageswarar Temple,
Tirunageswaram,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 204.
Phone: +91- 435-246 3354, 94434 - 89839.

Glimpse Of Sanbakaranyeswarar Temple:

Sri Someswarar Temple, Kudandaikkaaronam, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:01:00 +0530

28. Sri Someswarar Temple, Kudandaikkaaronam, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Viazha Somesar, Sri Sikesar, Sri Somanathar
Name of Goddess : Sri Somasundari, Sri Thenar Mozhiyal
Holy water (Theertham) : Maha Maka Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : -
Thevaram : Sambandar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 28th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. When the nectar pot broke, the water flowed in this place and a tank came into being called Chandra Pushkarini. In course of time, it dried.

Lord Muruga grants darshan sitting on a peacock with sandal in one leg. The temple has only one prakara. As Moon and Jupiter worshiped in this temple, Mondays and Thursdays have huge devotee crowd in the temple. There are three entrances to the temple. Devotees can have the darshan of Lord Maleesar and Mangala Nayaki if they go through the Rajagopuram entrance. As Vishnu (Mal) worshiped here, Lord is known as Maleesar. Somanathar and Thenarmozhi darshan is open to those coming through Kattai Gopuram entrance. The north entrance leads devotees to the darshan of Someswarar and Somasundari. Lord’s blessing is open to devotees coming from any entrance.

Important Features:

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Someswara temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple.
This temple is facing the northern side with a small Gopuram at the eastern portion near the entrance. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of Chola period.
Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex.
Lord Shiva in the temple is Swayambumurthi.
Moon-Soma worshipped the Lord here, hence, Lord is called as Someswarar.
In this temple, Lord Muruga grants darshan sitting on a peacock with sandal in one leg.

Lord Somaskandar blesses the devotees in the inner mandap. There are 8 sculptures on the sanctum wall in worshiping posture. Lord Nataraja has His shrine with Mother Sivakami. He is named Kana Nattam Udayar meaning that the Lord would have no loss if devotees overlook praying to Him but it would be a loss only to such indifferent ones. Praying in this shrine, according beliefs, brings the devotee progress in his trade and promotions in job.

100 devotees of this place took an undertaking in the year 1964 of writing the holy Panchakshra (five letters) Mantra “Shivaya Nama” one lakh each thus making a total of one crore. They bound each such book and preserved it in a box. Till today, the holy box is safely kept in the temple.

History / Legend:

Lord Brahmma was much annoyed when the great flood-Pralaya- took place and was in a dilemma as from where he had to begin creation again. He surrendered to Lord Shiva for guidance. Lord Shiva said, “Gather sand from as many holy places as possible and mix it with nectar and make a Mayakumbam-pot. Fill this pot with nectar and keep the creation seed – Srushti Beeja. Place a coconut on the pot and decorate with mango leaves. Cover the pot with threads. Keep it on an Uri so that it does not fall on sides. This pot would float on the Pralaya flood. I will come there.”

Kumba the pot fell from the Uri and floated in the pralaya flood. A Linga appeared at the place. Moon-Soma worshiped the Lord here, hence, Lord is praised as Someswarar.

Location: Someswar Temple is 2 km away from Kumbakonam Bus Terminal. The bus stop name is Portamarai Kulam in Tanjore Road. The bus stop is very near to Temple. There are lot of town buses / autos available for this temple. One can also access it from the southern road of the Sarangapani Temple.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Someswarar Temple,
Kudanthaikaronam,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 001.
Phone: +91 435 243 0349.

Glimpse Of Someswarar Temple:

Sri Nageswaraswamy Temple, Thirukkudandai Keezhkottam, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 20:06:00 +0530

27. Sri Nageswaraswamy Temple, Thirukkudandai Keezhkottam, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Nageswara Swamy, Sri Vilvavaneswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Bruhath Nayaki, Sri Periya Nayaki
Holy water (Theertham) : Maha Maka Theertham, Surya Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilvam
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 27th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Nageswara temple is in the heart of Kumbakonam. The granite walls of the sanctum are of 9th century make - they are profusely inscribed and have splendidly crafted near life size human figures. The superstructure is garishly multicolored just like any modern roadside shrine and this overlay of unabashed kitsch on authentic antiquity makes for a strangely interesting spectacle. A sad discordant note is struck by a pvc pipe that runs right across the ancient walls.

One of the most ancient temples in Kumbakonam, the small Nageswara Swami - Shiva temple, one of the finest early Chola temples, is noted for the quality of its sculpture, thought to have been completed a few years into the reign of Parantaka I (907 - 940). Adisesha and Surya had worshipped Sri Nageswara here. When Adisesha was groaning under the weight of the world, he came to Kuvinvanam, the present Nageswara temple and did penance. Siva and Parvati appeared before Adisesha and blessed him with enough strength. A well in the temple is called Naga Theertham.

Important Features:

Nataraja saba is called as perambalam, in the shape of Ratham. Stone wheels on both sides and 2 horses and 4 elephants statues in pulling posture.
Separate sannadhi for padai vetti Amman.
In Koshtam moorthis of Dhakshinamoorthy, Arthanareeswarar.
Separate Temple for Ambal.
It was learned that Padakacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal done kumbabisekam during the year 1923 through begging in the streets with chembu hanging from his neck.

The temple has a five tier Rajagopuram. Entering inside, we find the Nandavanam-flower garden at the left and the Singamukha theertha-sacred spring-at the right. Mother Brugannayaki and Nataraja Sabha are on the right side. The Nataraja Sabha is beautifully designed as a rath-car. The 12 cross wires of the wheel are (joining the wheel and the axis) are said to represent the 12 zodiac signs. The mandap is aesthetically designed in the form of a rath drawn by two horses and 4 elephants. The other noteworthy feature is Mother Sivakami is playing the Tala to the dance of the Lord Nataraja and Lord Vishnu playing the flute feasting the eyes of the devotees.

The temple was surrounded by bushes. It was the year 1923. A Shiva devotee, Padagacherry Ramalingaswamy collected funds by tying a brass bowl around his neck begging all. He renovated the temple with the funds he thus collected little by little. He also conducted the consecration of the temple. The next consecration took place in 1959 and finally again in 1988. Lord Nageswara is seated on a big Avudayar. He is small in size.

Sun God prays to Lord with his rays on Panguni 11, 12 and 13 in March. People pray to Lord Nageswara on Mondays and Thursdays for relief from the adverse aspect of serpent planet Rahu delaying marriage and child boon. Mother Periyanayaki graces the devotees with Her blessing hand-Abhaya Karam. The reputation of the temple is in its Pralayakala Rudra Shrine-Sannidhi. There are also shrines for Mother Vishnu Durga and Sun.

History / Legend:

Divine serpent Adisesha was bearing the whole weight of earth. As the weight grew due to the sins committed by the wicked, he could not tolerate the excess weight and felt exhausted. He visited Mount Kailash and begged Lord Shiva to bless him with the adequate energy needed to do his job. Lord promised him the energy to hold the earth with a single head (Adiseaha has 1000 heads). Adisesha, with the blessings of Lord Shiva came to this part of Kumbakonam where one leaf of Vilwa fell from the nectar pot. He installed a Linga here and worshiped the Lord. As Nagaraja the king of snakes worshiped the Lord here, He is praised as Nageswarar.

The place where the Vilwa fell from the nectar pot floating through floods, was called Vilwa Vanam. Lord is also praised as Vilwa Vanesar, Padala Beeja Nathar, Madanthai Bagar and Selva Piran.

Location: Private Town buses are available from Bus stand up to Uchipillayar Koil. From there, it is located at a walk-able distance. On Kaliamman Koil street, near Sri Somesar Temple. This sivasthalam temple is located in Kumbakonam town.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Nageswarar Temple,
Kudanthai Keelkottam,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 001.
Phone: +91 435 243 0386.

Glimpse Of Nageswaraswamy Temple:

Sri Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Thirukkudamooku, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Sun, 6 Sep 2015 09:53:00 +0530

26. Sri Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Thirukkudamooku, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Adi Kumbeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Mangala Nayaki, Sri Mantrapureeswari
Holy water (Theertham) : Maha Maham Theertham/Potramarai Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vanni
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 09:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 26th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. The most important shrine in the temple town of Kumbhakonam (Kudandai, Kudamookku). The Mangalambikai shrine here is revered as a Shakti Peetham (Mantra Peetham). The Kumbheswara temple in Kumbhakonam (Kudandai - Kudamookku) is considered to be the 26th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. The Mahamagam festival associated with this temple attracts crowds from all over India.

This temple is located in Kumbakonam 37 kms in the southwest direction from Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu. The carpet area of the temple is 1,97,904 sqft and is built east-facing. This temple has a tower in 9 stages and four corridors (Pragarams). The deity is called Kumbeswarar and it is said that the deity is self incarnated and is 'Prithivi swaroopam' in the east facing pose. The Lingam's top looks like the neck of a pitcher. The Lord's consort Devi Mangala-Nayaki has a separate sanctum also in the east facing pose.

Important Features:

It is considered as one of 275 Paadal Petral Stalams.
Moolavar is made of sand with a golden cover in inclined position. No abisekam and punuku is applied.
There are about 14 theerthams. Architecture is beautiful.
Nandhi is little big and beautiful.
Unfinished Rajagopuram is called as mottai gopuram is a land mark for the temple.
Karuvarai vimanam is in Gopuram shape.
Separate sannadhi for ambal Sri Mangalambigai.

This temple covering an area of about 4 acres in the heart of the temple town of Kumbhakonam. The Rajagopuram rises to a height of 128 feet and is endowed with several images of great beauty. Four prakarams line this temple and are lined with local shops, that it is hard to visualize the spread of the temple by looking at its entrance.

The huge Mahamagam tank is surrounded by 16 picturesque mandapams, dating back to the 16th century.

The Kalyana Mandapam hall in the temple, is the seat of the Tirukkalyana Utsavam. The Navaratri mandapam bears a carvings of the 12 zodiac signs and the 27 asterisms. This temple also houses two nadaswarams made of stone. Many images in this temple deserve mention, especially those of Kiratamurthy and Subramanyar.

Kumbeswarar is represented as a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth - (said to have been made by Shiva in the guise of a hunter - Kiratamurthy). Shiva is also known as Amudha Kumbhesar and Amudheesar. The Kumbariya Vinayakar shrine is situated near the tank, while Aadi Vinayakar is worshiped in the temple.

Moorka Nayanaar is one of the 63 Nayanars associated with this temple.

Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day here. The annual festival in the month of Masi is well attended. The Mahamaham tank is the center of great festivity once every 12 years - when Jupiter is positioned in the zodiac sign of Leo, and the sun is positioned in Aquarius and the moon is in the aster-ism of Magam (Maasi Magam) - when Kumbeswarar is taken in procession there. Thousands of pilgrims converge for a dip in the Mahamagam tank during that time. Several other minor festivals are celebrated each month here.

Kumbeswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the center of the Tamilnadu town Kumbakonam, India. The famous Hindu festival of Mahamaham is associated with this temple.

The huge temple is reported to be more than 1300 years old. This temple covering an area of about 4 acres in the heart of the temple town of Kumbakonam.

The Raja Gopuram at the east rises to the lofty height of 128' with nine terraces, a symbol of grandeur and splendor of the deities as also the majesty, immensity and all pervasiveness of the universal consciousness. In the northern and western sides there are small Gopurams and the Mottai Gopuram at the South. Four prakarams line this temple and are lined with local shops, that it is hard to visualize the spread of the temple by looking at its entrance.

At the eastern end of the first circumambulatory path of the Mulavar shrine in the Southern side there abide the sixty three saivaite saints. In the northern part there are Bhairava, Kalabhirava, Jvarahareswara, Chasta, Sivalingam, Govinda Dikshitar and his consort Nagammal and ChandraSurya. In the South there are the Big Four of Saivism, 63 Nanmars, Sapta Kannikas. In the west there are Vinayaka, Bhikshatana, Subramanya Kartikeya Shrines and continuing there are Tejo Linga, Akshaya Linga, Kotilinga, as also Annapurani, Gajalakshmi, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati. At the center of the northern circumambulatory path there is Navaneetha Vinayaka and to the west is the chamber of rest and respite of the Lord and Sri Ambal and to the east abides Sri Kirathamurti holding the bow and arrow facing south in the standing posture. He is the principal Deity of this temple.

The centre of attraction at the inner circulatory path is the shrine of the Mulavar at the Sanctum sanctorum. The Mulavar Sri Parameswara in the self - originated linga form abides in all splendor and grace facing east. At the entrance of the Arthamandapa the sentinels - Dhwarapalakas - Chandi and Mundi stand in vigil on either side. At the Mandapa - Swami Mandapa - western to this and in its southern side there is Aarukula Ganapati. At the centre of the mandapa there abides the Nandi followed by the sacrificial altar and behind this is Nandi made of brass, all facing Sanctum sanctorum. Passing through the southern gate of Mahamandapa we have the statue of Soma Skanda facing east.

Western to the Sabhamandapa in the souththere is Sabha Vinayaka and at the entrance towards Mahamandapa there are sentinels on either side and continuing we have NandiDeva and Kasiviswanatha. Northern to this mandapa Lord Nataraja abides in all glory and grandeur persecuting the cosmic dances.

At the Navaratri Mandapa situated inside the second circumambulatory path - Mahamandapa - Nandi abides facing the Mulavar and behind it there is the sacrificial alter. Southwest to Nandi there abides Vallabha Vinayaka and at the northwest there is Shanmukha with six faces and twelve hands. Northern to Nandi abides Navagraha shrine.

Southeast to second circumambulatory path is situated the temple kitchen and at the Northeast the Yagasala. Southern to the Yagasala there abides Lakshmi Narayana Perumal and eastern to this there is the flag mast of the temple.

At the outer circumambulatory path in the southwest, Kumbha Muni Siddha abides in meditation, upon the Gopura in bas - relief. Vinayaka of this shrine is called Adi Vinayaka, in the northwestern end there is Adhi Linga shrine facing east. To the east of this circumambulatory path at the gateway of Kailasagopura are Mutra Vinayaka to the left and Balan Dandayuthapani to the right. Northwest to the Rajagopuram there is Mangalakupa a well and adjacent to it is the elephant shed and the Tirukkalyanamandapam. Southern to the Rajagopuram is the flower garden west wards to the flower - bower abides the Vannimara Vinayaka shrie facing east.

The Navaratri mandapam bears a carvings of the 12 zodiac signs and the 27 asterisms. This temple also houses two nadaswarams made of stone. Many images in this temple deserve mention, especially those of Kiratamurthy and Subramanyar. The Kalyana Mandapam hall in the temple, is the seat of the Tirukkalyana Utsavam.

Kumbeswarar is represented as a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth - (said to have been made by Shiva in the guise of a hunter - Kiratamurthy). Shiva is also known as Amudha Kumbhesar and Amudheesar. The Kumbariya Vinayakar shrine is situated near the tank, while Aadi Vinayakar is worshipped in the temple. Moorka Nayanaar is one of the 63 Nayanars associated with this temple.

Conferring all auspiousness to these who worship her with all their hearts, the deity of this kshetra is called Sri Mangala Nayaki and as the deity shines lustrously at the mantra peeta ,one of the distinguished Sakthi peetas, the deity is famous as Sir Mantra Peeteswari. Moreover as the deity relieves all the diseases of the votaries, She is called the dispeller of diseases and disabilities. one of the big Four of Saivism, tirujana sambandar calls the deity as Valar Mangai in his Thevaram.

History / Legend:

The place from where Lord Siva shot the arrows at the pot became a famous sacred kshethram called 'Bana-puresam' (banam means arrow). The deity is named Bana-puriswarar. The day on which the planet Jupiter moves into the star Makha is considered auspicious. This usually happens on the full-moon day in the middle of February once in 12 years. The whole month starting from that day is celebrated as 'Maha-makam'. Thousands of devotees take a dip in the 'Maha-makam' tank during this month.
It is said that during this period confluence of eight holy rivers into that tank takes place.

The rivers are:

River Ganges,
River Yamuna
River Saraswathi,
River Krishna
River Pennai
River Porunai
River Kumari,
River Godhavari

Inscriptions in this temple say that Sri Rama, Devi Chandi, devotee Sulochana and many others attained liberation by taking a dip in this tank. It is surrounded on all sides by 16 beautiful meditation halls which were built in the year 1542. Sri Rama on his way to Lanka came here and worshipped Lord Kasi Viswanatha in this temple. This temple contains marvelous sculptures. A Single block of stone in the Navaratri hall is inscribed with all the 27 stars and 12 zodiac signs which is unique.

The famous temple in Kumbakonam is Adi kumbeswarer temple. In this place the sacred Amutha Kumbam has its resting for sacred rise. Because of this, this place is named as Kudamooku and in due course Kumbakonam and then Kudanthai. The temple situate in the midst of the populated area of residence and business attracts large gathering of devotees every day. The structure of building is monumental and carries the glory of historical period. The temple is beautiful in structure and of art. The Rajagopuram is fantastic and is rich in structure and height. There are 3 prakaram in and around the temple of course three Gopuram for each prakaram. In the east side Amman temple is located and the deity is Mangalambigai. The main idols of the temple are Adi Kumbeswarar, Sri Mangala Nayaki, Lord Ganapati & Lord Muruga (Karthikeya) and Kiratamurti. The unique feature of this temple is the 27 star sign and 12 sun shines that are sculptured in a large block of stone. The other major parts of the temple are Marriage hall and Mangala Theertham.

The Linga is broad at the bottom and narrows at the top in the shape of a needle. There is a Nadaswaram (a musical instrument) made of stone which is well maintained. A lion carrying some stones on head in the front hall of the temple stands as an example of the Tamil sculpture art.

When the world was facing destruction due to the devastating tsunami, Lord Brahmma approached Lord Shiva to know wherefrom He had to restart creation. Lord Shiva suggested that Brahmma make a magic pot with the sand collected from various sacred places and float it in the flood water and also taught the procedure of leaving it on the water. The pot stopped at a place. Lord Shiva shot an arrow on the pot. The nectar spilled and spread on all directions. That nectar mixed with the sand and became a Linga. This Linga is Kumbeswarar.

When it was time for the destruction of this world a huge Pralaya came up. In order to save the vedha's Amirtham (Tamil language) and tools necessary to create lives on earth, Lord Brahma collected all these things and put them in a mud pot and kept the pot safety on the top of the Mount Meru (mythology).

Pralaya kalam (ie) the period of non stop heavy rain came and the pot of Brahma was washed away by the flood. In due course moving in the south direction it came to halt at a particular place. Then for the wish of all Devar's (ie) heavenly people Lord Shiva broke the pot with an arrow. Immediately Amudham (ie) the liquid given eternity flowed from the pot and formed two tanks. One is known as Mahamaha kulam and the other is Potramarai kulam. The remains of the pot and Amudham joined together to form Lord Kumbeswarar otherwise called (Shiva) in the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. In the name of the broken pot (ie) Kumbam (Tamil language) that place was called Kumbakonam. The city of Kumbakonam, is linked to several instances & puranas in the Hindu mythology. Mythological legend has it that there was a deluge after the Dwapara Yugam; a pot of nectar and the seeds of creation were placed in a pot (kudam) and set adrift in the deluge. The drifting pot settled at Kumbakonam giving its ancient name Kudamookku. Kumbakonam is also colloquially known as Kudanthai,

It is considered that post deluge and just before the advent of Kaliyuga the celestial pot that contained the nectar came to rest here. Lord Shiva disguised as a hunter, shot an arrow at the pot that was held by Lord Brahma and broke it. Its contents spilled all over resulting in the revival of life. Kumbham means the pot and Konam means crooked. The place where the nectar fell is known as the Mahamaham tank. The temple belongs to the 7th century and has been expanded by Nayaks during the 15-17th century. The temple is the largest Shiva temple of Kumbakonam. It has a 9-storeyed rajagopuram and three concentric compounds, elongated along an east-west axis have triple set of gopurams.

Deity Kumbeswarar is in the form a lingam. It is believed that it was made by Shiva himself when he mixed nectar of immortality and sand. Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika is his consort and her shrine is kept parallel to the left of Kumbeswarar shrine. The temple has a colonnaded hall as well as sacred vehicles which carried deities during festival processions. Navarathiri Mandapam has 27 stars and 12 rasis carved in a single block. Subramanya idol have six hands instead of 12, stone nagaswarams and Kiratamurti.

There are six major Shiva temples in Kumbakonam, all related to the pot of nectar shattered by Shiva as Kiratamurthy. They are:

1. Adi Kumbeswarar – the pot of nectar itself,
2. Nageswarar – the bilva leaf in the pot fell here,
3. Someswarar – the thread tying the pot (also known as Kudanthai Kaaronam)
4. Abimugeswarar – the coconut in the pot,
5. Gautameswarar – the sacred thread (also called Yagnopaveeteswarar), and
6. Bana Pureeswarar – it was here that Shiva broke the pot with an arrow (Baanam).

Location: This temple is located 06 Kms from Kumbakonam near Swamimalai (one of the 6 abodes of Lord Murugan). It is about 01 Km from Swamimalai. One can also reach Tiruvalanchuzhi via Dharasuram.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Tiru Valanchuzhi Nathar Temple,
Tiruvalanchuzi,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 703.
Phone: +91 435 2454421 and +91 435 2454026.

Glimpse Of Adi Kumbeswarar Temple:

Sri Karpaganathar Temple, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Thu, 3 Sep 2015 20:01:00 +0530

25. Sri Karpaganathar Temple, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Thiru Karpakanathar, Sri Karpakanatheswarar, Sri Valamchuzhinatha
Name of Goddess : Sri Periya Nayaki, Sri Bruhath Nayaki
Holy water (Theertham) : Jada Theertham, Cauvery Theertham, Arasalaru Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilvam
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar ; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 25th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This Shivastalam in the vicinity of Swamimalai (Skandastalam - Aaru Padai Veedu) near Kumbhakonam is a vast temple in a state of neglect, and is known more for the shrine to Valanchuzhi Vinayakar or Sweta Vinayakar. Tiruvalanchuzhi is considered to be the 25th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Important Features:

It is considered as one of 275 Paadal Petral Stalams.
There is White Pillayar temple in front of the east side Rajagopuram. People mainly come for worshiping white Pillayar. There is single stone slab jolly work to be watched in front of sannadhi.
Sani Bhagavan in a separate sannadhi.
Ambal in a separate temple facing east.
In Koshta Natarajar, Pitchadanar, Narthana Vinayagar, Thakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Naanmugan, Arthanaareeswarar, Durgai.
There are about 54 lingams in the outer prakaram.
Karuvarai in agali amaipu.

This temple occupies an area of about 8 acres, has a huge tower decorating its entrance. There are shrines to Brihannayaki (Periyanayaki), Subramanyar, Dakshinamurthy, Herandamuni, Aarumugar and others.

There are several interesting sculptural features in this vast temple, now in a state of neglect. Images of celestial nymphs display enormous amounts of detail. Inscriptions reveal that Raja Raja Cholan had made several endowments here. There are inscriptions here from the period of Parantaka Chola I.

There are as many as 5 mandapams with intricately carved pillars and stucco images. Murals from the Nayaka period, now in a state of disrepair are also seen here; these images depict the dance of Shiva during the Pradosha worship. The sculptural work in the Valanchuzhi Vinayakar shrine here are of great merit. Mentioned must be made of the lavishly decorated pillars and the niche deities. Ambal's shrine is located to the right of Shiva's shrine here.

Festivals: Vinayaka Chaturthi, and a festival on the 6th day of the bright half of Margazhi (Sagittarius) are celebrated here. This temple is managed as a sub temple of the famed Swaminathar Temple (Subramanya) nearby.

Festivities surround this temple in the Tamil month of Pankuni, when an image of Subramanya is taken in procession from Swamimalai to Tiruvalanchuzhi, when episodes from Vallikalyanam (in which Ganapati the elder brother of Skanda is said to have come to his aid, while the latter attempted to gain Valli's hand in marriage).

History / Legend:

Most of us are aware of the 'Amrit manthan' story in which Lord Indra forgot to worship Lord Ganesha before undertaking the task of churning the ocean, for those who are not aware, there is a an architectural marvel of a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha at Thiruvalanchuzhi in Kumbakonam, the temple town in South Tamilnadu. A Legend has it that here Lord Indra made Ganesh from the froth of the ocean waves, so here Pillaiyar(Ganeshji) is white in color.

Here the river takes a gentle curve by the side of the temple hence the name Thiruvalanchuzhi( thiru is sacred, valanchuzhi is curve by the right).

When Durvasa Muni came to visit Indra, he brought with him a garland obtained from Lakshmi. Seeing Indra riding on his Airavatha, he offered the garland as a fitting gift to the king of Devas. Indra, who was in one of his proud moods, carelessly took the garland and placed it on Airavatha’s head. The elephant in its playful mood dragged it down and stamped on the holy garland. Anger burst through Durvasa who cursed Indra “Oh foolish proud King, You have just shown disrespect to Lakshmi herself. May all your prosperity melt away. May your strength disappear and may you rot in disrespect”. Cursing thus he left the place, the Devas all shivering in fear.

Later they rush to Maha Vishnu and seek his help. “Divine Protector,” they pleaded, “please show us a way out”. The ever benevolent Vishnu cast his eyes on them and said “Oh Devas, you have but one way left. Churn the Milk Ocean to obtain Amrutha. Intake of this divine nectar will free you from all the curse and restore you back to power”. The Devas prostrated before him and left. The churning would require a huge churn support and a humongous long rope. Vasuki, the king of snakes offered himself as the rope and the Devas decided to use the Meru mountain as the churn. All preparations done they still couldn't begin, their strength all gone with the curse. Having been weakened by the curse, they alone couldn't churn the ocean.

After prolonged consideration, Indra sent a missive to his step brothers, the Asuras, asking them to join in this effort, promising a portion of the nectar. With the assent of the Asuras, the churning was to begin.

According to the legend, when the Devas and Asuras were churning the ocean, they forgot to worship Ganesha. They realized their error when the poison came out, and Indra immediately made an image of Ganesha out of the sea foam which had collected as a result of the churning of the ocean. Ganesha was pleased, and the Devas were able to obtain nectar. This is the Ganesha present in the temple. Swetha Vinayakar, a Ganesha made of Sea Foam.

Indra continued to worship the cream idol and took it with him when he went on a pilgrimage to absolve his sins. When he reached the banks of the Kaveri, he placed the idol down to take a bath and perform the ritual Poojas. Returning back, he saw that the idol had firmly attached itself to the ground and refused to budge. Understanding the divine will of the lord he prostrated in front of the idol. “Who am I to take you around when your desire is to stay here. All I ask is one boon. May I be allowed to perform Pooja to you everyday?”, he asked. Vinayagar gave his approval, and happy with this Indra returns back to Amaravathi leaving the cream white idol to be worshiped by generations of devotees in what is now Thiruvalanchuzhi.

The cream idol, adored as Vella Pillayar, Swetha vinayagar or Nurai Pillayar (made of ocean's froth), in the sanctum is pure white and is protected very fiercely by silver and gold frames. No abhisheka or pushpa are offered to the deity, lest the cream is washed away. Every decoration and splendor is for the surrounding frames alone. The only offering is Pacha-Karpooram (a fine edible form of camphor), which is finely crushed and sprinkled over the image on a basis. This alone is the main offering by the devotees to the temple. Even the Darba grass we took were offered to the feet of the lord.

On the other hand, just outside the main sanctum one would find a Mandapa that is made up of unpolished uncut stones carelessly fitted together as though in a hurry. Legends report that once the King of the land stopped by the temple to offer his worship. Offering a plate full of Abhisheka materials to the priest, he ordered “Bathe the lord in these fragrant powders and anointed waters. Let him be cooled”. The priest was caught in a dilemma. The temple required that no Abhisheka be done while the king had just ordered for one. Either way he was doomed. Silently invoking Ganesha he begged for help. In answer to his prayers a voice reached from the sanctum, “Oh King, I am made of cream and bubbles. Would you want me to be dissolved in the fragrant waters that you just gave?”. The king is stunned and realizing his mistake he begged for forgiveness. “Then build a Mandapam in front of the sanctum by sunset today to atone for your mistakes. May it remind people of the mistakes that they make in life and make them pray for forgiveness”. The king obliged and built the Mandapam in the given time period, putting together rough stones into an approximate hall. The Mandapam stands even today and is called the Mannippu mandapam or the hall of forgiving. People who visit the temple meditate in this Mandapam and ask Ganesha to forgive their sins and grant them eternal bliss.

Beyond the Aparadha mandapa is the Gayathri Mandapa, built to signify the 24 alphabets of the Gayathri mantra. It is a beautiful structure with meticulous details carved in stone. Its most wondrous feature is the Karungal Palagani or stone window that is carved with 16 viewing portals through which one can worship Ganesha. The 16 portals are said to signify the 16 names of Gajanana as mentioned in the Ganapathi Shodasa Nama Shloka in the Ganesha Purana.

Similarly there is a stone door made with symmetrically carved stone cross like in grills called as 'Karungal Palagani" which speaks of the quality of olden day architectural skill. There are 16 symmetrical crosses which was built to let light and air inside. The door is such a super human feat that when ancient architects signed their contracts, they agreed to build the best except five exceptional pieces of architecture that could never be replicated at all. The Karungal palagani is one of them. (the other four are the main temple tower of Thanjavur, the huge hall in Thiru Veezhi Malai, Kodungai in Aavudaiyar Koil, the outer wall known as Madil in Kadaarankondaan and of course the fifth is the stone grill mentioned above - these 5 were super human efforts of ancient architecture)

The Utsava Moorthis are housed in a separate chamber. Ganesha, surprisingly gives darshan as a Grihastha with Vani and Kamalambikai as his consorts. They are believed to have been born from the tongue of Brahma and the eye of Vishnu respectively. Interestingly, the trio is flanked by Indra and Mahavishnu, both of whom have their hands folded in prayer. The story of Indra has been seen already, but why is Vishnu here in this meditative pose?

Once, when Shiva and Parvathi were playing dice, Maha Vishnu consented to be the judge. At the end, when Parvathi won, Vishnu jokingly declared Shiva to be the winner. Fuming at his unethical behaviour, Parvathi at once cursed her brother to be born as a blind python on earth. Stunned by her harsh curse, Vishnu took birth as a python and meditated on Ganesha for delivering him from the curse. It is believed that when Ganesha returned from his war with Gajamukaasuran, he liberated Vishnu from the curse at Thiruvalanchuzhi. Hence, Vishnu too is seen to be worshiping Gajanana here. On the other hand, utterly perplexed by the relation between Shiva and Vishnu and the unnecessary lie that Vishnu had uttered, Parvathi performed tapas at this kshetra and was blessed a vision of Shankaranarayanar (Shiva with half his body occupied by Narayana). Since Shiva and Parvathi were reunited at this kshetra, the place is believed to offer relief to couples whose marriage has been a bumpy ride.

Beyond the Ganapathi shrine is the main temple dedicated to Brihadnayaki (Periyanayaki) sametha Kapartheesar (Jataimudinathar). The temple legends celebrate the marriage of Parvathi, the daughter of Yayava Munivar, to Shiva. Yayava had obtained Parvathi as his daughter through a boon from Shiva. However, when Parvathi had reached a marriageable age, Yayava had simply refused to let her marry Maheshwara, claiming that he was an ugly ascetic who wore animal skins and rode on a bull. Shiva finally appeared before Yayava, removed the Maya that was clouding his intellect and gave him moksha. Parvathi married Parameshwara amidst much celebrations, thus setting an outstanding example to all womenfolk that the outer appearance of the husband doesn’t matter and one should always be devoted to him regardless of his beauty or the lack of it.

The temple myths also tell us an interesting tale of the time when the thousand-headed Adisesha came out from the netherworlds at Thiruvalanchuzhi. However, the gigantic snake had to drill a large hole to make his way from the nether worlds to the earth's surface. So large was the hole that the river Kaveri flowed right into it, up to the very last drop. With the Kaveri gone, the dwellers of Chozha desha struggled a lot with their everyday lives. Neither was there enough water to drink nor was there sufficient moisture in the ground to sustain the crops. Extremely saddened by the plight of his subjects, the Chozha king rushed to the Thiruvalanchuzhi temple and begged the Lord to restore the Kaveri. Deeply touched by the king's love for his subjects, Shiva spoke through an oracle and ordered the king to sacrifice a Rishi at the site of the abyss. On hearing these words of relief, the king at once traveled to Kottaiyur, where he narrated the entire story to Heyranda Maharishi. Heyranda, the enlightened soul that he was, was only too happy to sacrifice himself for the well-being of a kingdom, and without a second word, he jumped into the deep abyss. At once, the Kaveri bubbled up from the hole again, after which the abyss closed itself and totally disappeared. Even today, Heyranda Maharishi is worshiped at the temple for his selfless sacrifice. It is also believed that Adisesha visits the temple to worship Shiva on every Shivaratri day in the year.

The Shiva temple also houses uniquely positioned Navagrahas, where Surya and Shani are seen to be facing each other as Mitra-Grahas. Also of special interest is the shrine dedicated to Ashtabhuja MahaKali, a shrine like no other. Thirugnanasambandhar has sung a beautiful pathigam on the lord of the temple as well as on Swetha Vinayagar, thus adding this temple to the list of 274 Paadal Petra Shiva Thalangal.

There is a custom in vogue amongst the devotees according to which the entire Chozha Desha is considered to be a Shivaalaya, with the main deity enshrined at the Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalinga Swamy temple. The various other Parivara devathas are worshiped at individual temples around Chozha Desha. In this arrangement, Thiruvalanchuzhi is the Vinayagar shrine in the Shivaalaya and is the first to be visited in the series. In due order, the other shrines are - Swamimalai for Karthikeya, Chidambaram for Nataraja, Aaduthurai for the Navagrahas, Alangudi for Guru, Sirkazhi for Bhairavar, Thiruvavaduthurai for Nandi, Thiruvarur for Somaskandar, and Thiruvaypaadi for Chandikeshwarar.

Location: This temple is located 06 Kms from Kumbakonam near Swamimalai (one of the 6 abodes of Lord Murugan). It is about 01 Km from Swamimalai. One can also reach Tiruvalanchuzhi via Dharasuram.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Tiru Valanchuzhi Nathar Temple,
Tiruvalanchuzi,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 703.
Phone: +91 435 2454421 and +91 435 2454026.

Glimpse Of Karpaganathar Temple:

Sri Someswarar Temple, Pazhayarai, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Tue, 1 Sep 2015 19:43:00 +0530

24. Sri Someswarar Temple, Pazhayarai, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Someshar
Name of Goddess : Sri Somakalambigai
Holy water (Theertham) : Soma Theertham and also one created by Garuda, vehicle of Lord Vishnu
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Gooseberry (Nelli)
Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 24th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. There are several temples in the vicinity of Pazhayaarai - Patteeswaram, Darasuram, Satthi Mutham. The Vadatali temple houses Dharmapureeswarar & Vimalanayaki, while Pazhayarai houses the grand Somanathar temple now in ruins. Vadatali is also known as Vallalaar Kovil. It is considered to be the 24th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Important Features:

It is considered as one of 275 Paadal Petral Stalams.
Garudan and Adhisheshan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
Appar made Shiva Lingam appeared after he prayed on fast, which was hidden by Jains (samanars).
This is the birth place of Mangaiyarkarasiyar and Amarneedhi Nayanar.
This place was once called as Arunmozhidevechuram. King Rajendran was brought up under the care of Queen Kundhavai in this place. Also this place was once capital for the Chozha King Manimudidevar. He was the intrumental to appear the Shiva Lingam to Appar.
Chozhas had done renovations to this temple.

This is a Maadakkoyil built at an elevation by Ko Chenkann Cholan. Inscriptions and ancient structures abound in its vicinity. Pazhaiyarai was once a capital of the Pallavas and then one of the ancient capitals of the Cholas. Even after setting up a capital at Thanjavur, the Royal Cholas continued to live here. It is believed that Raja Raja Chola I was raised here. It went into oblivion during the early Chola period, but came back into prominence in the later Chola period (12th, 13th centuries), when the area between the Kaveri and the Tirumalairajan channel became the cradle of Tamil culture, temple building activity and literature. Very close by are the temples of Darasuram, Tribhuvanam, Sattimuttam, Patteeswaram and Kumbhakonam.

This town is surrounded by lush green fields and by the Mudikondan and Arisilaaru rivers. The entire area abounds in archaeological remains of ancient buildings. The Keezhttali and Metrali are the other Shiva temples in Pazhayaarai.

Legend has it that Chandra worshiped at Pazhayarai. Sundarar has sung praises of the Metrali temple.

There are several carvings of great beauty in this temple (now in a poor state), dating back to the period of the later Cholas. Mention must be made of those depicting fights between a lion and a warrior, the slaying of Hiranyakasipu, and the lifting of the Kailasa Parvatam by Ravanan.

The Somanathar temple resembles the Vikrama Choleeswaram temple at Tirukkachi, the Airavateswarar temple at Darasuram, and Tribhuvaneswaram at Tribhuvanam. It is dated as a monument initiated by Vikrama Cholan and completed by Rajaraja II (1130 - 1160. Its outer wall has the remains of a 7 tiered gopuram along the likes of those at Chidambaram and Tiruvarur. The gopura vasal, in two tiers, resembles that at Tiruvarur. The dance panels depicting the Bharatanatya Karanas, on the wall faces of the entrance, bear the same architectural and iconic features as are noticed at Chidambaram, Darasuram and Tribhuvanam.

Its inner prakaram encloses an area of about 50000 sq ft, and it has a Tiruchutrumaaligai. Interestingly, Ardhanareeswarar occupies the rear niche of the sanctum, as opposed to Lingodbhavar. The ratha (chariot) mandapam in front of the Somanathar temple is chariot shaped and the life like images of horses and elephants pulling these are of great beauty. The vast Somanathar temple is thus a veritable art gallery with several interesting features added over a period of time.

History / Legend:

Moon (Chandra) prayed here to get back his radiance called Kalai day by day and for remedy from breathing troubles. Sage Tirunavukkarasar observed fast in the temple. There are just a few houses in the place almost in a dilapidated condition. The monument of Sri Sivaprakasa swamigal is here. The temple is praised by Saint Arunagirinathar in his Tirupugazh hyms.

The story of the place (Sthalapurana) has 15 chapters. The idols of Sri Kailasanathar and Mother Durga in the great hall (Mahamandapam) are very beautiful. Pazhayarai was the second capital of the later Chola kings.

It is said that worshiping in five places around this temple in a single day on the Dakshinayana Punyakala day -
1) Nallur,
2) Valanchuzhi,
3) Sathimuttram,
4) Patteeswaram and
5) Avoor would be very beneficial to the devotee.

Dakshinayana period covers six months commencing from July-August to December-January – in the Tamil calendar from Aadi to Margazhi. The Aadi Amavasya day (New moon day) is considered very auspicious when all Hindus perform Tarpan in memory of their forefathers.

Garuda, the eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu got a nectar pot from Devendra and passed through this place to free his mother from slavery. He was intercepted by some demons when three drops of nectar fell on this place. The three drops became a Shivalinga, Mother Goddess and a holy spring. Garuda bathed in the spring and won. A holy spring made by Garuda individually is called Jadayu theertham.

Location: These twin sivasthalam temples are located at a distance of 3 Kms from Darasuram railway station, which is situated on the Thanjavur - Kumbakonam section of the Southern Railway.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Arulmigu Someswarar Temple,
Pazhayarai, Patteeswaram Post,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 703.
Phone: +91 98945 69543.

Glimpse Of Someswarar Temple:

Sri Thenupureeswarar Temple, Patteswaram, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Divine Brahmanda) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 08:03:00 +0530

23. Sri Thenupureeswarar Temple, Patteswaram, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Patteeswarar, Sri Thenupureeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Ganambigai, Sri Pal valainayagi
Holy water (Theertham) : Gnana Vavi Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vanni
Thevaram : Sambandar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 23rd sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This temple is located in Patteeswaram about 6-7 kms in the South western direction from Kumbakonam on the banks of the river Thirumalai aaru in Tamil nadu. The carpet area of the temple is 2,00,640 sqft with 4 towers in 7 stages on each of the four sides. The deity is called Thenu-pureeswarar and is in the east facing pose. It is said that it is self incarnated. The Lord's consort Devi Gnanambigai has a separate sanctum facing south. The temple tree is Vanni and the theertham is gnanavavi.

Important Features:

It is considered as one of 275 Paadal Petral Stalams.
Nandhi and palipedam are not in line with moolavar.
Lord shiva gave Muthu Pandal in this temple.
Kamadhenu worshiped Lord shiva, sirpam in stone pillar.
Separate sannadhi for Ambal.
In maha mandapam moorthy for Govindha Theeksthar and his wife who had done thiruppani.
Big size suthai Dwarabalakars can be seen at the entrance of artha mandapam.
Bairavar is beautifully chiseled, worth to see the beauty.
Rama installed Shiva Lingam here to liberate himself from Chaaya Hathi Dosham after the battle with Ravana.

Patteeswaram, near Kumbakonam is famous for its Durga temple. This temple is fairly big and well-maintained one. There are five majestic gopurams (towers). The temple seems to have been built and rebuilt several times with additions made to the original temple at various times. The evidence of this is in the temple’s architecture which has the styles of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Nayaks. The presiding deity at this temple is Dhenupureeswarar and his consort is Gyanambigai. Patteeswaram is one of the Parivara Sthalam. Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimarudhur has the Parivara devatas in various temples flung as far away as Sirkali and Thiruvalanchuzhi. The group of temples that form a large temple with Thiruvidaimarudhur Mahalingaswamy as the main deity is called Parivara Sthalams.

The place derives its name Patteeswaram from the worship of a Patti Kandru-cow calf that made a sand Shivalainga and worshiped here. Lord is Patteeswarar. Lord asked Nandhi to move to enable Him to see Sambandar coming to the shrine with the Muthu Pandal. Mother Durga appears soft looking on Her Lion vahan, Her feet on demon Mahisha holding conch, discus, bow, arrow, sword, armour and a parrot. It is also said that Sage Vishwamitra succeeded in this place only attaining the full power of Gayatri Mahamantra, according to some sources. Sage Markandeya had worshipped Lord Patteeswarar in this temple.

History / Legend:

Parasakthi undertook penance here invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva. Kamadhenu sent her daughter Patti to support the penance. Pleased with Parasakthi’s prayers, Shiva appeared here with his long uncombed hair (Sadai Mudi) and provided darshan. As Patti played an important role in the success of Sakthi’s penance, this place came to be called Patteeswaram.

This is one of the important places where Kamadhenu, the sacred celestial cow, visited and undertook penance invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva. Answering her prayers, Shiva appeared here and promised to fulfil the wishes of devotees who offer sincere prayers at this temple. In memory of this event, Lord came to be referred to as Dhenupureeswarar.

Legend has it that Rama had installed a Shivalingam here to get rid of his sin or dosham. Rama was afflicted by three Doshams or sins for killing Ravana. He could get rid of these sins by installing a Shivalingam and do penance. Though, Rama was an incarnation of Vishnu, He had taken the birth as an ordinary human being to show people the way and be a role model. He was an Avatara Purushan or one who sets an example. He had to undergo all the trials and tribulations that a normal human being undergoes and demonstrate the virtues of righteousness while surmounting the problems. Like any other mortal, He had to face the consequences of His actions and had to perform the necessary pariharam (remedial poojas) to attain papa vimochanam (absolution of the sin). The first of his three sins was Brahmahatti dosham, because he had killed Ravana who was a Brahmin. He was absolved of the sin by installing a Shiva Lingam at Rameswaram. His second sin was Verrahatti dosham, because Ravana was also a great warrior. Rama installed another Shiva Lingam at Vedaranyam to be absolved of this sin. His third sin was Chaya Hatti dosham because Ravana was a great exponent of fine arts and an ardent devotee of Shiva. He was absolved of this sin when he installed yet another Shiva Lingam at Patteeswaram. These three Lingams are known as Ramalingam. Rama created a well here to perform ablutions or abhishegam to the Shiva Lingam that he had installed here. The well thus created by him is said to have brought the holy waters of Dhanushkodi here. Near this well is a niche of Anjaneyar.

Medhavi Rishi who was undertaking penance in the Maalava kingdom left his ashram to attend a yagna. He assigned his disciple Dharma Sarma to take care. On return he found that the cows had become weak significantly impacting their ability to deliver milk. An angered rishi cursed him to turn into a dog. To liberate himself from the curse, Dharma Sarma, now in the form of a dog, came here to the South of Cauvery to Devi Vanam. When the sacred water fell on the dog, he was liberated from the Sage’s curse and regained his original form.

King Chitrasena of Kaambeeli had no child. To liberate himself from the sins of the previous birth, he came here with his wife and undertook bath in the sacred tank. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared before him in Vaikasi and blessed him with a child. As a thanks giving to the Lord, a delighted king started the grand 10day festival in Thai.

As in Thirupungur, the Nandi has shifted to a side here. The reason attributed goes thus. On a hot summer day, Thirugnanasambandar, a child poet, was on his way to Patteeswaram to worship the Lord. Since Sambandar was a small child and the intense heat could make him weak, Dhenupureeswarar had a canopy of pearls erected along the way to make it cool and comfortable for his young devotee. Dhenupureeswarar could not wait for Sambandar to come to His Sanctum to see him. He asked Nandi to move aside so that He could see His devotee as he entered the temple. There is an annual festival in the tamil month of Ani to commemorate this incident. This special festival is called ‘Muthupandal’. A palanquin of pearls is lifted in a procession that starts at noon from Sakthimutram and concludes at Patteswaram.

The Great Chozha kings including Raja Raja Chozha I had great respect for Durgai and the Goddess acted as the security guard for them. Also, before their departure for any battle and also after their return, the Chozha kings would invoke the blessings of Durgai.

Towards the end of their regime and with their palace at Patteeswaram going into ruins, they moved the idol of Durgai into the Northern entrance of the Dhenupureeswarar temple from where she currently provides darshan to devotees.

At this temple, Durgai, with Simha Vahana to her left, is seen in a cool form with eight hands and lacks the typical aggressive looks.

Right from the Chozha period, Durgai has been so popular as she solves all the problems of devotees that this temple has come to be referred to as the Patteeswaram Durgai Temple.

In centuries gone by, the landmark to this place was denoted as being South of Arasalaru and North of Mudikondan River.

In the 8th Century AD, Pallava King Nandivarma II built the beautiful Nandipura Vinnagaram -Jagannathan Perumal Temple (Divya Desam), a few kms East of Patteeswaram giving this region a grand stature and a rich place in history. Subsequently, Rajaraja Chozha, Rajendra Chozha and Kulothunga Chozha made this an integral part of their kingdom from where they made several important decisions.

Though the temple here is a Shiva temple, the temple is known for the Durga here. Durga is considered to be the combined force of all the Gods to destroy the evil forces. Durga in Sanskrit means a fortified or well protected place. Durga protects the mankind from the evil forces. She removes the negative thoughts such as selfishness, envy, hatred anger and ego. The shrine for Durga is near the Northern entrance of the temple. Cholas are believed to have originally installed this deity in their fort. The idol was removed and installed here at this temple after the fall of the Chola dynasty. Along with the idol of Durga, the idols of Swarnaganapthy, Shanmuga and Bhairavar were also shifted to this temple from the fort. These four deities were guarding the four entrances of the fort. The Cholas were ardent devotees of Durga and always worshiped Durga before going to war or when they were faced with making an important decision.

The Durga here is a Shanta Swarupi (calm or peaceful countenance). She is seated on her vehicle Lion and is seen with here foot on Mahishasura. The Goddess appears in Tribanga (three curved) posture. Durga here is ashtabhuja or with eight hands. She is seen holding conch, discuss, bow, arrow, sword, shield and a parrot in Her hands.

She has three eyes and jewels adorn her ears. An unusual aspect of this Durga is that her vehicle – the lion – is seen facing the left side instead of the right side, which is usually the case. Goddess Durga here is considered to be very divine and powerful who showers Her blessings on Her devotees. People afflicted with Rahu and Kethu Doshas worship at this temple during Rahu Kalam; for, it is believed that during the Rahu Kalam, Rahu worships the Goddess everyday. Worshiping Her on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays, New Moon days and Full Moon days and Ashtami and Navami (8th and 9th day from the new moon or full moon day) is considered special. People throng this temple to seek the blessings of Durga in finding suitable match for their daughters. Locals vouch that the prayers are always answered.

Worship of Durga is considered very important in Kaliyuga. The worship of Goddess Durga removes the effect of all types of black magic, unfavorable effect of negative planets, Bad luck, health problems, problems due to enemies etc

Offerings of Sarees and garland of lemon are made to the Goddess. Offering red floral garland alleviates Chevvai Dosham (the adverse effect of Mars).

The Bhairavar here blesses his devotees with protection from enemies, good health, and cure from any venomous bite. Lord Patteeswarar blesses His devotees with peace of mind and career advancement.

Location: This temple is located at about 9 Kms south-west of Kumbakonam and about 3 Kms south-east of Swamimalai. Bus facilities are available from Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. The nearest railway station (2 Kms) Darasuram is situated on the Thanjavur - Kumbakonam section of the Southern Railway.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Arulmigu Dhenupureeshwar Thirukkovil,
Sri Durga Sthalam,
Patteswaram
Kumbakonam,
Thanjavur district,
Pin code: 612 703.
Phone: +91 0435 416976.