Temples of Tamilnadu - 3 - Near Cuddalore - I

TEMPLES AROUND CUDDALORE

I have always had a passion for motoring holidays and enjoyed covering temples. Since my current employment has a 5 ½ day working system, I rarely got time to get away on my temples tours. Hence I sat down to plan short tours and the result was a trip which was covered in two days. With both children married and settled elsewhere, My wife and I thought we should enjoy Diwali holiday which came clubbed with a holiday on Thursday too for viradam.

We left Chennai on 18th morning at around 6 a.m. Actually Melmaruvathur was not in the agenda originally but couldn’t resist and hence there was a small delay and reached the temple at Thirumundeecharam around 9.30.   We had originally planned to have breakfast at Hotel Highway Inn (Our usual joint during Mel trips) but found it to be closed. My wife had brought some sweets and snacks which took care of the breakfast. 

The next stop was Thiruvennainallur and then Thiru Idayaru. By the time we finished the temple visit,  it was 11.15 and couldn’t reach velappakkam on time as the temple closes at 12 noon. Hence we went straight to cuddalore and checked into woodlands hotel. 

It was surprising to see that on Diwali day the entire city was deserted and not a single shop was open. Even the restaurant in the hotel was closed but they offered to make some arrangements for food. Since they had informed us before hand, we had lunch at A2B before checking in.

We took some rest and then in the evening Velappakkam temple. We also covered Padalaeeswarar temple and Devathanthaswamy temple at Thiruvendipuram. Back to hotel and spent the night at hotel  after dinner at A2B.

On 19th morning,  got up at 5.30, vacated the hotel and proceeded to Kollanjiappar temple at Manavallanallur. Temple unique in its own way. We had breakfast on the way to Tholudur Choleeswar temple  and then proceeded to Pennandam Sudarkozhundeeswarar temple. The next stop was Srimushnam Bhuvarahaswamy temple and the last stop was Chidamabaram kali temple. We just managed to get in but the sanctum sanctorum was closed as it was already 12 noon.  In the process we also had to skip Govindaraja swamy temple.

Drove back to Chennai directly from Chidamabaram and on the way at Cuddalore, had lunch at Hotel Devi on Chidambaram main road. The food was awesome. Got some food packed for the dinner and drove straight to Chennai and reached at around 5.30 p.m.

It was such a refreshing trip and we are happy to share some pictures and information about the temples we visited.

Sri Sivalokanathar Temple at Gramam (Thirumundeecharam).

Timings : 6.00 to 10.00  6.00 to 8.00  Phone : 91 4146 206 700

This temple is located on the southern bank of the Pennai river, now known as Malattaar. This place was once the capital of Mudiyur Nadu. Also called once as “Mouli Gramam” (“Mouli” means chieftain and “gramam” is village) and now shortened to Gramam.

It is believed that here, Mundi, one of Lord Shiva’s Dwarapalakas, worshiped him. The place is hence known as “Mundeescharam” and the lord as “Sri Mundeeswarar”. 

When the king Chokkalingam visited this placee in Dwapara Yuga, he saw a strange lotus in a pond. When he tried to pluck the flower but it kept moving in the water. The king shot an arrow and when it hit the flower, the water turned red. The Surprised king then found a Shivalingam inside the flower and built a temple there. The Lingam has a scar on it.

In this place that Lord Shiva gave a bag (Pokkanam) of sacred ash (Vibhuthi) to a king called Veerapandiyan and hence known as “Pokkanam Kodutha Nayanar”.

Shrines / idol of  Vinayagar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Somaskandar, Dakshinamurthy, lingothbavar, Brahma and Mahavishnu, Nalvar, Navagraham, Saptamadakkal, Aiyanar, Bairavar, Suryan, Pancha lingams (5 lingams), Chandiran, Thindi and Mundi, Durgai and Chandikeswarar, are seen here

Lord Shiva in this east facing single corridor temple is a Swayambumurthi.  There is a 5 tier Rajagopuram and a Dwajasthambam. 

Dwajasthabam with Nandi

Sri Krupapureeswarar temple, Thiruvennainallur

6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.  91-93456 60711

The temple is called Tiru Arul Thurai – Abode of Divine Blessings.  Mother Mangalambikai graces in a standing pose with her four hands.  The mandap where the panchayat took place between old man Shiva and Sundarar still exists in the temple.  Polla Pillayar graces here and is a swayambu and taught acharya Meikanda Thevar. 

For total mental peace, Speech, oratory skill and excellence in education, people pray here.  Lighting of lamps with a mixture of four oils – ghee, iluppu, coconut and gingely oil grants wedding, child, professional success boons.

Devotees worship to Nandhi with a garland while also wearing one themselves for success of  their wedding plans. Performing yajnas for relief from sins is common here. The Jyoti Linga worshipped by the Navagrahas is in this temple and if a devotee worships the sacred tree here with 5 lamps, the adverse aspects of the nine planets will go away. either during their main or sub periods during their zodiac transits. Devotees perform abishek to Lord with gingely oil, turmeric, flour powders, milk, curd, fruit juices, sugar cane juice, honey, green coconut, panchamirtham, sandal, rose water, sacred ash etc. Vastra is also offered. Lighting of ghee lamps is done here. For mother abishek is done with turmeric powder. They offer sarees and annadhanam.

Sundarar was ready in his wedding attire for the rituals at Tirunavalur.  Suddenly, Lord as an old man, claimed that Sundarar had been assigned to him as His attendant by his forefathers and proved his case.  After verification, the panchayat asked Sundarar to go with the old man as his servant.  Sundarar in his fury, called the old man a “Pitha” or a lunatic.  He was then taken to Tiruvennainallur and the old man disappeared at the sanctum sanctorum.  Sundarar then realized that the old man was Lord Shiva.  Lord asked him to sing his praise and start his songs using “Pitha”. 

The song “ Pitha Pirai Soodi” came into being and is now sung by devotees of Shiva.  He initiated the revivial of Saivism in south when challenged by other faiths then.

The Panchayat Mandapam where the case was argued is on the north of the right side of the entrance.  The pillar on which the old man was leaned during the panchayat stays still warm. People collect the sand from the mandapam

Lord Muruga in a dancing form with his peocock granted darshan to Arunagirinathar here. After destroying Mahishasura. Mother bathed here to cool herself. She graces amsam of Mother Mahalakshmi with Sanga Nidhi, Padma Nidhi and also with Sri Chakra.  Arjuna cleansed from the guilt of intruding in the privacy of his brother Dharma with Panchali.    By bathing in the Arul Thurai sacred spring, a Brahmin got relief from the sin of sacrificing a pregnant cow. 

The life of and contribution of great philanthropist Sadayappa Vallal who was supported kambar to write the Ramayanam. 

The Rishis of Tharukavana grew proud of their penance and conducted a yajna to destroy Lord Shiva, who knew about their evil agenda and controlled them.  The Rishis realizing their folly, prayed and were forgiven by the Lord.  As He showered His Krupa - forgiveness, he is known as Krupapureeswarar and hence the name of the temple.  Vedas performed penance and got darshan in the form of Fire as begged by them and became a swayambulinga.

Tiruvennainallur is 7 kms  from the diversion road on Cuddalore-Tirukovilur road. 

Sri Marundeesar temple, Idayaru

6.00 to 11.00   5.00 to 8.00 04146 216 045, 206 515, 94424 23919, 98847 77078

Lord Shiva, a swayambu Linga is facing west.  Surya Pooja is performed in the temple on Masi 15 and 16 (February-March) from 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. when the rays of Sun fall on the Lord

Mother Goddess blesses the devotees from Her shrine facing east in a standing form. Many sages and Lord Brahmma had worshipped Mother in the temple.

Usually Lord Muruga as Somaskanda would be between Lord and Mother shrines. Here Vinayaka is occupies as an infant, Bala Ganapathi  holding sweets and jack fruit in His upper hands and sugarcane in one of the lower hand while the other lower hand grants boons.  Saint Sundarar had mentioned this temple as Idayaaru, meaning as one between them.  

Sage Agasthya came to this place, made a Linga and worshipped him Hence the Linga is called Agasthya Linga.  The idol of Sage Agasthya is here .  This is the birth place Gnana Sambandar who lived in Pennadam.  As Sukhabrahmma Maharshi worshipped in this place, there is a large number of parrots in this place.  

Temples where Lord is facing west and Mother facing east are known as wedding boon temples, signifying exchange of garlands.  Garlands thus exchanged between them  are taken home to ensure that the proposal fructifies.

While Lord Shiva was sharing the Shiva Rahasya with Mother Parvathi in Mount Kailash, Sage Sukhabrahmma was overhearing them.  Shiva became angry and cursed him to be born on Earth.  For the curse to break, Lord said that he would be born to Sage Veda Vyasa, live in Idayaaru, worship Him and get the relief. 

Sri Sivaloganathar Temple, Vellapakkam

Temple timings : 7.00  to 12:30  4:30 to 8.00 Phone :0 4146 216 045, 94424 23919

This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Lord called as Sivalokanathar or Mundeeswarar and mother called as Soundaryanayaki

Thindi and Mundi(security of Lord Shiva) had worshipped Lord in this temple, hence named Thirumundeeswaram

Padaleeswarar temple, cuddalore

6.00 to 11.30  5.30 to 8.30   04142 236 728

Pataleeswarar Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Saivite saint Appar is said to have embraced Saivism at this temple. 

The Presiding Deity is known as Thondra Thunai Nadar and the Goddess is named Periyanayaki Amman. It is in this place,  Saint Appar moved up in the sea, inspite of being thrown tied to a weighty boulder, swam to area near this shrine thereby proving with the spiritual strength one’s achievement can be endless.

There is a belief that by worshiping the God here once is equal to 16 times worshipping the Shiva in Kasi, 8 times in Thiruvannamalai and 3 times in Chidambaram. Named after the Pathiri Tree and the Puliyur, a tiger-legged saint who obtained salvation in the area. 

Shiva and Parvathi were once engaged in a game of dice. Though Parvathi won all the time the lord denied it. Parvathi then covered the eyes of Shiva and challenged that if he really won let them show light. The entire world then plunged into darkness. That moment made all human creations and other Gods to realize a Yuga of inactiveness.

Realizing that she prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva advised Parvathi to go to earth and pray in all the 1008 Shiva Sthalams and do penance in the place where the left eye & shoulder vibrates. When she came to pray in Padaleeswarar temple, the divine vibration of left eye and left shoulder happened. So she started her penance in the Aruba form and married lord Shiva.

When the Pallava King tried to kill him by tying him to a Stone and thrown him in the river, He escaped with the grace of Shiva. The stone turned into a boat and he safely reached the shore near Thiruppathripuliyur. This place is known as Karaiyeravittakuppam  and a festival is being celebrated in the month of Chrttirai to commemorate this miracle.

Uupamanyu son of Vyagrapadarishi while offering worship his feet mistakenly hit the Devi who cursed him to become a hare. When he sought relief he was asked to pray to lord Padaleeswarar. The hare was one day hunted by the king Adirajan and the wounded hare came in contact with the branches of this padiri tree and regained his human form.

Sage Toomappur who was doing penance, cursed manganar to become a hare. The Sage in the form of hare performed penance in this temple and regained his human form.

It is believed that course of Gadilam river was changed by the Lord to help saint manickavasakar to worship without difficulties.

Devanathaswamy temple Thiruvandipuram

6.00 to 11.00   4.30 p.m. to 8.00  +91 04142 – 287515

Tiruvahindipuram was developed by Adisesha. Also called Brammachalam as Lord Brahma did penance here. The river brought by Garuda flows nearby as Garuda Nadhi-river offering the same benefit as the Holy Ganga. A Rishi is said to have cursed the river waters to turns red as blood during the monsoon. Lord Narasimha in this temple has Mother Mahalakshmi on His right lap against the tradition of the left lap. As a piece of the Sanjeevi mount fell here, this hill place is called  Oushadhachalam for its medicinal value. The first Lord Lakshmi Hayagriva temple is here. Vaishnavite Acharya Vedanta Desikan did penance here and got  the darshan of Lord Hayagriva and Garuda. 

Garuda was ordered to bring water to quench his thirst. As there was a delay, Adisesha striking his tail on the ground, made a spring and satisfied the Lord.  This spring is called Sesha Theertham.  This is a prayer well where devotees offer jaggery, salt and pepper seeking remedy for the illness they suffer and better health.  Those with serpent dosham and ill effects pray here for remedy.

Many Gods and sages have performed penance here.  The glory of Perumal has been rendered by Tirumangai Azhwar and Acharya Maha Desikan in their hymns.  Sri Desikan living here wrote books on Lord.  The house he resided is revered as Desikan Tirumaligai.  There is a well which is purported to have been dug by him.

Once the Devas were defeated by Asuras-demons and driven away from their abode. They surrendered to Lord Vishnu at this place who offered to help. The Asuras in turn sought the help of Lord Shiva  who also agreed.  Seeing that the Devas  were defeated, Lord Vishnu demolished the asuras with his discuss. He came to called as Devanatha as led the Devas. Since Lord Sri Narayana decided to stay here, Adishesha built a town now called Tiru Ahindi (Adisesha) Puram (place) – Tiruvahindipuram.

Kolanjiappar Temple, Manavallanallur

Temple timings  6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.  +91- 4143-230 232, 93621 51949

People worried due to theft, loss of money lent, cheating, serious diseases,  problems in families, delay of marriage, unemployment, poverty submit their grievances in writing to the Lord.

 “Piradhu Kattudhal” is addressed to “Manavalanallur Kolanjiappar”.  It should contain details of the devotees’ name and place and purpose of the prayer and given to the priest for submission to the Lord.  He will place it at Lord’s feet, perform archana, put vibhuti-sacred ash and same is returned as Prasad. The devotee then ties with a thread on the Vel and leave the place.

It is believed that the devotee will realize his wish within 90 days.  The devotee pays a fee calculated at 10 paise per kilo metre of the distance between his place and the temple. Once realised, the devotee should withdraw his/her petition by paying a fee.  

Devotees can also their commitment by donating cattle, cocks and hens, money, tonsuring, milk pots etc. They also pray to the Neem and Bodhi trees behind the sanctum sanctorum for child boon. 

Presiding deity Kolanjiappar is a swayambumurthy.  The 3 feet tall Bali Peeta in the sanctum sanctorum considered as the presiding deity.  There is a chakra carved in stone with the Satakshara Mantra of Lord Muruga.  All pujas and abisheks are dedicated to Lord Muruga as Bali Peeta.

Devotees take Neem Oil to the priest, who after placing at Lord’s feet, return it to the devotee mixed with sacred ash.  The devotee has to use it without any theetu. The oil when applied on wounds, boils etc. cure the diseases.  

In this area when a baby is born, after 90 they bring the child, place them at the feet of Lord, for the first time, dress them up and adorn with ornaments and tilak.

Saint Sundarar, during his pilgrimage came to this place. Lord Shiva graces here at the Pazhamalai Nathar temple with Mother Vruddhambika.  Sundarar left the place after a formal worship without singing the glory of this sthalam as he felt that he was not qualifed to so.

Therefore they sent Lord Muruga to Sundarar who approached Sundararar robbed him off his belongings.  When Sundarar demanded them back, Hunter Muruga asked Sundarar to come back and get back at Vruddhachalam – Tirumudhu Kundram. Realising that it was the act of Lord,   He returned and sang the glory of the Lord and got back his belongings.  Hunter Muruga, is now the Swayambumurthy in west of Vruddhachalam.  The place was dense with Kulanjee trees, Hence he is called Kulanji Appar which changed to Kolanji Appar later.

Tholudur Madhurantaka Choleswarar

Periyaswamy Gurukkal - 83444 62232

Mr Rajasekar Pandurangan - 87546 32320/ 97860 68908 

The Lord Madurantaka Choleeswara faces East and the main entrance faces South. There is a small opening as one enters from where they can directly worship the Goddess Brahannayaki (Periyanayaki).

The Goshta Deities around the temple are all so beautiful and charming. The cute Ganesha is called "Ucchishta Ganapathy". The Dakshinamoorthy here has a Yaali  looking up at him near his foot.

There is a large Ganesha with a mango in his left hand in a separate shrine behind the temple. Gajalakshmi is found in a separate shrine. 

Subramaniyaswamy is found with his consorts Valli and Devasena. He holds bow, arrow, conch and discus apart from the spear in his twelve hands. It is unfortunate that the hands of one of the idols of the consorts has been broken 

Lingodhbavar, Goddess Durga, Chandikeswara and Bhairava have their positions in the temple. Nandi is found in a small mandapam facing the Lord. 

Entering the temple, a very beautiful Goddess Brahannayaki or Periyanayaki, eyes full of kindness and compassion, is found in a separate shrine. She has a third eye on the forehead.

The Lord, the resolver of birth and death, is found in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple though well endowed by earlier kings, has been in need of financial aid. 

The vibration found at this temple is truly amazing. 

The beautiful bronze images of the temple have been stored in a nearby temple for security reasons

There is a beautiful life size Nataraja.  With swaying snakes on either side of his open locks, he is found to be dancing to glory. The presence of Gandharvas on the Thiruvaasi around Nataraja to be seen. The bronze idol of Subrahmanya has Bala Dhandayudhapani on his spear, which is on unique

Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, Pennadam

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.  5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m 

Phone : +91- 4143-222 788, 98425 64768

The world was once destroyed by Lord Shiva.  Except this place, all other were submerged in water.  Devas came to this place and prayed the Lord to protect all living beings by keeping them here.  Directed by the Lord, Nandhi until then facing Lord Shiva, turned, diverted the flood and protected the place.  Hence, Lord is known as Pralaya Kaleswarar – Lord.   He is a destroyer and as well as a Protector

Shiva devotee Kalikamba Nayanar used to do Pada Puja for the devotees with his wife, when she refused to do for a devotee.  In fury, He hacked off her hands but Lord restored them.

Saint Tirunavukkarasar once sought a boon from Lord to place stamp of His Trishul and Nandhi on him. Lord Shiva granted with His own hands. A Chola King wanted to worship the Lord from other side of the bank of the river when there were heavy floods.  There is a temple within the temple, 30 meters above the ground level commemorating the event, when the Lord raised the ground level.

Indira needed flowers form Earth to perform Shiva Puja in his abode.  Two maidens were sent to earth to bring flowers who stayed back after seeing a Shivalinga in the garden and started their poojas. Kamadhenu was sent to fetch them as they did not show up.  Kamadenu  too joined them by pouring its milk on the Lord.   The white elephant Iravadham sent to bring them also joined the worhsip by standing to  create a cool shadow so that Sun did not hurt the Shivalinga.  Finally, Indira himself came down and after joining them in pooja, returned with his blessings.

Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, srimushnam

Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.  Phone : +91-4144-245090

Varaha Avatar enjoys special place among Vishnu’s avatars.  As the Lord appears majestic, it is believed that worshipping him in this form leads to salvation.  The Vimana of the presiding deity is called Bhavana Vimana.  There is a temple for Kulandai Amman near the northern tower with facilities for the accommodation of the friends of Mother Ambujavalli.

Lord Sri Narayana chased the demon Hiranysura in Varaha Avatara in the divine swine form with a menacing horn to kill him and recover the earth stolen by him.  It was then re-installed on the heads of Adisesha as before.  He created the Aswath tree and Tulsi from His two eyes and the Nityapushkarani spring from his sweat.  He graces his devotees in Srimushnam as Bhuvaraga.

Sri Govindaraja perumal, Chidambaram

Temple Timings ; 6.30 to 12.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Phone : 91- 4144 - 222 552, 98940 69422

Kaveran the king of Kalinga had a daughter named Lopamudra who was married to Sage Agasthya.  Sage changed Lopamudra as River Cauvery.  Kaveran and his wife bathed in the river everyday and asked their daughter Lopamudra-Cauvery for salvation who advised them to go to Thillai Nagar and pray to Lord Vishnu. Their prayers pleased the Lord  who appeared with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi to and grant salvation.

Lord Brahmma here is in standing form in this temple, a deviation from his usual sitting form. He chose to stand as a respect to Lord Vishnu who was to judge the winner in the dance competition taking place in the Chitra Sabha.   He is  looking at the sky as the place come under the Aagasam category.

Divine serpent Adisesha wanted to have the Thandava Darshan of Lord Shiva.  Adisesha made friends with Maharshi Vyakrapada and had the darshan of Lord Shiva.  Once he had the blessings of Lord Vishnu, he  returned to Paar Kadal to be the bed of Perumal.  His shrine in the prakara is at the feet of Lord Vishnu.  Pray to Adisesha and one will get the dual benefit of praying to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

The demon woman Dhilli prayed to Lord Vishnu to be a forest full of trees with the request that the Lord should grace with His presence.  She became Thillai trees and this place was named as Thillai Nagar.

Mother Pundarikavalli graces from a separate shrine.  We can see the Padukas of the Lord.  Garuda Baghwan holding the Gajendra, Narasimha, Venugopala and Maharshi Patanjali, are seen. Sri Andal and Sri Anjaneya bestow their grace on the devotees in this shrine

Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi was involved in a grand dance performance in Kailash in a cheerful state. When they wanted to know the winner, Lord Brahma could not decide. Lord Vishnu suggested a stage to be built by divine sculptor Vishwakarma for the contest.  The contest began and for every type of thandavam Shiva did,  Parvathi equally excelled At the end, when Lord Shiva lifted His right leg and kept it above His head,  Parvathi out of shyness for a woman could not.  Lord Shiva was declared winner.

Lord Vishnu is here in His reclining posture at the request of Lord Shiva.

Thillai kali temple

Temple timings : 6.30 to 12.00  4.30 to 8.30  Phone :  +91- 4144 - 230 251

Mother Brahmma Chamundeeswari, also known as Thillai Amman, is facing west in a standing posture.  She faces east in a furious form.

When Parvati was defeated in the contest, She became furious.  Lord Brahmma appeared there and praised her to calm down with four faces representing the four Vedas.  Kali responded and gave darshan to Him as Brahmma Chamundeeswari

When shakti lost the dance duel and started arguing, Shiva cursed Her to become an Ugrakali.  Realizing, Shakti begged Shiva for a remedy.  It was ordained that she as Ugra Kali will destroy the demons and protect Devas and men and then come to Thillai (now Chidambaram) and perform penance on him He promised to be there to grant Ananda dance darshan to Sages Patanjali and Vyakrapada.  She would then join him as Sivakami.  Thillai Kali is also known as Ellai kali as she is at the border of Thillai.

Those visiting Chidambaram temple must complete the pilgrimage by worshipping Thillaikali.

Mother Thillai Kali blesses the devotees with four faces from a separate shrine. Lord Dakshinamurthy, in a female form is known as Kadambavana Dakshina Rupini. Mother Maha Saraswathi is present as Veena Vidyambica.