Here the Murthi is called Thyagaraja and he is in the Somaskandha form of Lord Shiva. Mahavishnu prayed this Murthi and he was blessed with a son Manmadha. It was then given by him to Brahma who gave it to Indra who had the murthi with him for a long time and religiously doing poojas for the murthi.
The brave and powerful Chola king Muchukunda who was blessed with a monkey’s face, once assisted Indra in vanquishing the demons. When Indra wanted to reward him, Muchukunda being Shiva a devotee asked for that murthi. Indra was reluctant. Hence he made six similar murthis and asked Muchukunda to choose the right one. Muchukunda was perplexed and sought the grace of Lord Shiva who said that whatever he chooses would be the original. He choose the right one and Indra gave all the seven muurthis to him who kept the murthis in seven temples which are now called Seven vidanga temples and situated around Thiruvarur.
The Vitanka form is the form of Lord Siva in His heavenly abode. Indra once desired this Vitanka, a small sivalinga form of Lord Siva. Though Shiva told Indra that this Lingam could not be worshipped in the Indralokam which is a world of pleasures, He gave in to his request. Indra understood the sanctity of the Lingam and carried on with the pooja of the lingam in an appropriate manner.
When Emperor Muchukuntha was ruling he went on a hunting expedition as people were suffering due to the attack of wild animals. After completing the hunt, he came to river Kaveri. On a Sivarathiri night while he was hunting, a few sages passed that way who told him that they were on their way to Vilvaaranya Kshetram to perform Sivalinga Pooja. As hunting of animal during Sivarathiri is considered a sin, The king, with remorse, discarded his royal robes, wore vastram like an ascetic and went with the sages.
As he repented, Lord Siva appeared before the king and told him that the Sivalinga, which was with Lord Indra should be brought to earth and installed. Lord Indra, at that time, needed help to put down Vaalaasuran and he had offered any gift, even Iraavatham, his white umbrella or whatever desired, if some one could vanquish Vaalaasuran. The king was advised by Shiva to kill Vaalaasuran and seek the Sivalingam as gift. Knowing Indra to be a cheat, Emperor Muchukundan requested Lord’s help to identify the real Vitanka who blessed him accordingly.
Lord gave us the opportunity to visit these temples in a relaxed manner. We could not have the darshan of Vidangar at all places as the timings of the pooja did not coincide with our visit. I am sure i will try going there again combining with some other tour in future.
Some Tips:
1. Never travel to down south towns on important festivals/holidays because the entire town is shut and you may not even get much to eat.
2. Even the hotels where you stay may not run the restaurant. Thanks to Selvies where we stayed, they made arrangements for food which was quite nice. Functional room for a decent rate.
3. The temple darshan hours might say 6.00 a.m. to 12 noon but you may not find a soul for hours. If you are lucky the Gurukkal could be staying nearby and might come if you request.
4. It might be worth calling the temple number to ascertain availability of the priest.
5. There is a chance that you might be confused with thiruvamoor and thiruvaimoor. The first one is near Panruti and is not a vidangar temple. The Vidanga sthalam is near thiruvarur.
6. Some of the places roads are bad for e.g Thiruvarur to Nagappattinam so do not underestimate your travel time. Roads are not good either for Thirukkaravasal or Thirukkuvalai
7. Do not travel late night to some of these places because if your luck runs out, you could be stuck in some place without help.
8. Plan your time to visit temple so that you can see the Vithangars brought out and abhishekam done. Normal time is 9.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Please check the exact timings.
9. Avoid going to Thiruvarur or any large Shiva temple on Pradhosham or other festival days. The crowd is huge and darshan takes a lot of time.
10. Travel is not by the ranking of the temples but the route is more of convenience and hence the temples are also listed in that order
The brave and powerful Chola king Muchukunda who was blessed with a monkey’s face, once assisted Indra in vanquishing the demons. When Indra wanted to reward him, Muchukunda being Shiva a devotee asked for that murthi. Indra was reluctant. Hence he made six similar murthis and asked Muchukunda to choose the right one. Muchukunda was perplexed and sought the grace of Lord Shiva who said that whatever he chooses would be the original. He choose the right one and Indra gave all the seven muurthis to him who kept the murthis in seven temples which are now called Seven vidanga temples and situated around Thiruvarur.
The Vitanka form is the form of Lord Siva in His heavenly abode. Indra once desired this Vitanka, a small sivalinga form of Lord Siva. Though Shiva told Indra that this Lingam could not be worshipped in the Indralokam which is a world of pleasures, He gave in to his request. Indra understood the sanctity of the Lingam and carried on with the pooja of the lingam in an appropriate manner.
When Emperor Muchukuntha was ruling he went on a hunting expedition as people were suffering due to the attack of wild animals. After completing the hunt, he came to river Kaveri. On a Sivarathiri night while he was hunting, a few sages passed that way who told him that they were on their way to Vilvaaranya Kshetram to perform Sivalinga Pooja. As hunting of animal during Sivarathiri is considered a sin, The king, with remorse, discarded his royal robes, wore vastram like an ascetic and went with the sages.
As he repented, Lord Siva appeared before the king and told him that the Sivalinga, which was with Lord Indra should be brought to earth and installed. Lord Indra, at that time, needed help to put down Vaalaasuran and he had offered any gift, even Iraavatham, his white umbrella or whatever desired, if some one could vanquish Vaalaasuran. The king was advised by Shiva to kill Vaalaasuran and seek the Sivalingam as gift. Knowing Indra to be a cheat, Emperor Muchukundan requested Lord’s help to identify the real Vitanka who blessed him accordingly.
Lord gave us the opportunity to visit these temples in a relaxed manner. We could not have the darshan of Vidangar at all places as the timings of the pooja did not coincide with our visit. I am sure i will try going there again combining with some other tour in future.
Some Tips:
1. Never travel to down south towns on important festivals/holidays because the entire town is shut and you may not even get much to eat.
2. Even the hotels where you stay may not run the restaurant. Thanks to Selvies where we stayed, they made arrangements for food which was quite nice. Functional room for a decent rate.
3. The temple darshan hours might say 6.00 a.m. to 12 noon but you may not find a soul for hours. If you are lucky the Gurukkal could be staying nearby and might come if you request.
4. It might be worth calling the temple number to ascertain availability of the priest.
5. There is a chance that you might be confused with thiruvamoor and thiruvaimoor. The first one is near Panruti and is not a vidangar temple. The Vidanga sthalam is near thiruvarur.
6. Some of the places roads are bad for e.g Thiruvarur to Nagappattinam so do not underestimate your travel time. Roads are not good either for Thirukkaravasal or Thirukkuvalai
7. Do not travel late night to some of these places because if your luck runs out, you could be stuck in some place without help.
8. Plan your time to visit temple so that you can see the Vithangars brought out and abhishekam done. Normal time is 9.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Please check the exact timings.
9. Avoid going to Thiruvarur or any large Shiva temple on Pradhosham or other festival days. The crowd is huge and darshan takes a lot of time.
10. Travel is not by the ranking of the temples but the route is more of convenience and hence the temples are also listed in that order
Thirukkaravasal Kannayariamudayar Temple
Temple Timings: 7.00 to 11.00 5.00 to 8.00
There are two sacred springs. Brahma theertham created by Brahma for his Shiva worship is seen here. Bathing here cure eye ailments. Since Adisesha passed through a temple well to worship the Lord in the sanctum to worship the Lord, Sesha Theertham was created which offers cure for skin defects.
The belief is worshipping Pramodha Vinayaka brings joy and happiness.
Kadukkai Vinayaka is in the temple. Kadukkai is a nut with medicinal value which when powdered and put in muddy water, makes it crystal clear.
The story goes that a trader in this place had bags of Jadhikai, a medicinal nut, that attracted higher tax. When Vinayaka disguised and came to the trader and asked about the bags, the trader to avoid tax said that the bags contained Kadukkai. And Lo! the contents turned out to be Kadukkai!! Realizing his folly, the trader begged his pardon and it became Jadhikkai again. Hence the name for Vinayaka. .
Dangam means the tool of the sculptor. Vidangam means ‘without sculptor’s tool’. That which self evolved and came naturally without the use any tool is called Vidangam or Swayambu. Hence the seven places with such Vidanga or Swayambu Lingams are called Saptha (seven) Vidanga Sthalas.
Emperor Mushukunda installed these seven Lingas,he got from Indira, in Seven places and they are revered as Saptha Vidanga sthalas. They are 1) Veedhi Vidangar in Tiruvarur; 2) Nagara Vidangar in Tirunallar; 3) Sundara Vidangar in Nagapattinam; 4) Avani Vidangar in Tirukuvalai; 5) Neela Vidangar in Tiruvaimur; 6) Bhuvani Vidangar in Vedaranyam and 7) Aadhi Vidangar in Tirukaravasal. Lord Shiva graces with his Kukkuda dance in this place.
Mother Mahalakshmi, Indira, Sages Kabala, Patanjali and Vyakrapada have worshipped in this temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy is known as Gnana Dakshinamurthy. It is believed that praying to Lord Swarnakarshana Bhairava will help recover the losses incurred. As the place was dense with Karahil trees, this place was named Tirukarahil and which later became Tirukaravasal.
Mother Mahalakshmi, Indira, Sages Kabala, Patanjali and Vyakrapada have worshipped in this temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy is known as Gnana Dakshinamurthy. It is believed that praying to Lord Swarnakarshana Bhairava will help recover the losses incurred. As the place was dense with Karahil trees, this place was named Tirukarahil and which later became Tirukaravasal.
Thiruvaimoor - Thiruvaimur Vaimoornaathar Temple
Temple timings : 6.30-11.00-4.00-8.00 Contact : 97862 44876
Temple timings : 6.30-11.00-4.00-8.00 Contact : 97862 44876
This is one of the Sapthavidanga Kshetram and also one of the Ashta Veeratta Kshetram. (please read my post on Ashta Veeratta Sthalangal). Lord Vaimoornathar/Neelavidangar performed Kamalanadanam, a cosmic dance in this shrine.
Thirunavukkarasar, Appar and Gnana Sambandhar have visited this shrine. The temple doors remained closed for several years. Thirunavukkarasar sung 10 songs praising the glory of Lord and the doors opened, while Sambandhar with all devotion sang admiring the glories of Lord and the doors shut instantly. They spent their nights in this temple premises. Appar had a dream where Lord instructed him to visit the shrine. Appar set off to Thiruvamoor without the knowledge of Sambandhar and was led to this temple by Shiva. Sambandhar searching for Appar, arrived at Thiruvamoor. Appar sang praises of the Lord seeking his Darshan and they were blessed.
Lord Dakshinamurti is seated on Rishabam. ‘Vaaymoor’ appears to have been derived from ‘Vaaymaiyar Oor’ meaning ‘the city of truthful people’. The dance is the ‘kamala natanam’ meaning the Lotus Dance, and the throne is ‘Rathina Simhasanam’ meaning Gem-embedded throne. Scared of Taarakaasuran, Brahma and other devas assumed birds' form, came here, took bath in the Prachanda-maarutha Thirtham and worshipped the Lord to be relieved off their sins.
Sivarathiri, Aippasi annabhishekam, Markazhi Thiruvathirai, and Brahmotsavam are celebrated here. Pooja is offered to Lord Bhairavar in Ashtami. On the first day of the Aippasi month special abhishekam is done for Lord Thiagarajar
Here the Vidangar (emerald linga) is called as NEELAVIDANGAR and the dance is Padma Nadanam.
Brahmapureeswarar Temple or Tirukolili is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district.
Thirukuvalai Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Contact : 7.00 to 12.00 4.00 to 8.00 Timings 04366 - 329 268, 245 412-97872 44876
Brahmapureeswarar Temple or Tirukolili is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district.
Sundara Murthi Nayanar used to feed Shiva Devotees at Thiruvarur. He prayed the Lord at thriukuvalai to give him Paddy/Gold so that he could continue feeding them.
Another devotee called Kundaiyur Kizhar, residing at Kundaiyur, was also keen on feeding the Shiva devotees.
Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that he was blessing him with a mountain size of paddy and he should hand it over to Sundarar who was delighted but was perplexed on how it could be shifted to Thiruvarur. He prayed the Lord and the Bootha Ganas carried out the task overnight and laid them in front of each house at Thiruvarur.
Navagrahas have worshipped Shiva here. Unusually they are found to be standing in the same row. Those who pray him will be rid of "Navagraha Dhosha". Since the effect of Graha is nullified /reduced, the place is called "Kol ili".
Brahmapureeswarar, the main diety is a small swayambu lingam, kept covered with a kavacham. On new moon days, Abhishekam to the Moolavar is performed. His consort is Brihannayaki. Both Swami and Ambal Sannadhis face east. In the Thyagaraja Sannadhi Brahmapureeswarar is the main deity. The Abhishekam is performed every day at 9 A.M. and 6 P.M.
Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva here. Brahmapureeswarar is also known as Sri Kolilinathar and Sri Kolili Natheswarar. Mother is called as Sri Vandamarpoonguzhali & Brihannayaki. This temple Thiyagarajar is the second to Thiruvarur Thyagarajar and is one of the Saptha Vidanga sthalam. The Lord is Avani Vidangar and Dance is Birunga Nadanam. Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple.
To get rid of Brahmahatthi Dhosham of killing Bahasuran, Beema worshiped in this temple. This story is depicted in the sculptures in the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is of white sand and always covered with Kuvalai and hence this place is called as Thirukkuvalai.
Navagrahas (all facing south direction in a single row) is unique here. The sthala Viruksham is Thetha maram.
The other six images were installed in Thirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam, Tirukarayil, Tiurkolili, Thirukkuvalai and Thirumaraikadu. All the seven places are villages situated in the river Cauvery delta. All seven Thyagaraja images are said to dance when taken in procession (it is the bearers of the processional deity who actually dance). The temples with dance styles are regarded as Saptha Vidangam (seven dance moves) and the related temples are as detailed in this blog.
Tiruvarur Thyagarajar Temple
Timings : 5.00 to 12.00 4.00 to 9.00 Contact : 04366 - 242 343, +91- 94433 54302.
When Indra tried to misguide the king and had six other similar images made, the king chose the right image at Tiruvarur.
Satya Gupta, a demon who was troublesome for Devas, was caught under the influence of Planet Saturn. The planets approached to Lord Shiva for protection when he started troubling them. Lord Shiva protected the planets from the demon with the stipulation that they should be kind to His devotees. While the planets are on straight line facing the Lord. Ganesha in this shrine monitors them whether they obey Shiva's stipluations. People visit Tirunallar for Saturn reliefs while Tiruvarur should also be visited for worship for total relief.
There are 84 Vinayakas in the temple. Of them, four are highly revered. Nadukkam Theertha Vinayaka-Vinayaka protects from Nervous problems. Mattru Uraitha Vinayaka in the West Gopuram gate is worshipped by women before buying jewels for he confirmed the quality of the gold given by Lord Shiva to Saint Sundarar. Lord Mooladhara Ganapathi is worshipped by those practicing yoga. Lord Vadhabi Gnapathi graces the devotees from the first prakara of Lord’s shrine and is popular with musicians. Carnatic Musician Sri Muthuswamy Dishithar, sang the famous song “Vadhabi Ganapathim Baje” from this shrine which is invariable the first song in music concerts.
Lord Vanmeeka Nathar is seen wearing the crescent moon on His head. Also Goddess Kamalambal’s darshan to Her devotees is with this Crescent Moon jewel. Her posture is an embodiment of Saraswathi, Parvathi and Mahalakshmi with a flower in the right hand, left hand on the hip and legs on a Yogic posture.
The custom in Shiva Temples to end the Thevaram hymn chanting with the word Thiru Chittrambalam is not followed in Tiruvarur as this considered more ancient than Chidambaram.
The Car (Ther) of Tiruvarur is the biggest in size and enchantingly beautiful.
Lord Shiva is believed to have performed 364 miracles (called Tiruvilayadal) in Tiruvarur. Salvation for those born in Tiruvarur is assured and hence there is no fear of death. Therefore Yama had no work here and took the place of Chandikeswara. After the face darshan in Tiruvarur, one can also visit Vilamal temple for Feet Darshan. The Feet Darshan secret is said to be behind the sanctum sanctorum of Lord.
The tall looking Siva Surya graces in the shrine of Lord Shiva. Praying to Runa Vimochana Easwara relieves one of debts.. Darshan of Thiagaraja on the Tiruvadhirai day at the Raja Narayana Mandap is divine. There are eight Durga shrines and Dishithar had sung the Keerthanas glorifying them.
Gold coin abishekam done for Mahalakshmi on Deepavali day in October-November and Akshaya Tritiya day in April-May by devotees.
Lord Dakshinamurthi graces from the outer wall of Ambika shrine with six disciples which is unique since normally only four will be with Him in other temples.
Mother Neelotpalambal in a separate shrine with a maid holding Lord Muruga, appears fondly touching her son’s head.
Mother Saraswathi without a Veena in a posture of penance. Lord Hayagriva, performing Shiva Puja and hailed as Hayagriswarar is in a separate shrine. Prayer to Mother Saraswathi and Lord Hayagriswarar is offered to them for excellence in academic pursuits.
There was once an argument for the title of person with highest integrity. Yama staked his claim. Narada disagreed and said that King Manu Needhi Chola deserved the title. Yama came to earth disguised as a cow with a calf. Prince Veedhi Vidangan when coming on the royal street of the city, the calf was caught under the wheels and was killed. The Mother Cow sought justice from Manu Needhi Cholan. The king drove the rath on the body of his son, with a view to endure and suffer the pain of losing a child and thus delivered justice. Yama accepted that Manu deserved the recognition and granted life to his son. This incident is seen in a stone rath sculpture in the northeast corner of the temple.
Generally, Nandhi is seen in a sitting position in Shiva temples except in Saptha Vidanga places around Tiruvarur. All of them are metal idols.
Normally Lord’s procession begins from east facing entrance. In Tiruvarur, the procession begins from the northeast entrance called Vittavasal. Indira wanted to take back the Linga to his own Devaloka and is believed that he is waiting at the east entrance to take the Lord back when he passes through this gate. To fool Indira, the devotees take Lord in procession through the northeast entrance. Even majority of the devotees use the northeast gate only to enter the temple avoiding the east.
Nagapattinam Kayarohanaswamy Temple
Timings : 6.00 -12.30 5.00 - 9.30 Contact : 04365 - 242 844, 98945 01319, 93666 72737.
This is a vidanga sthalam where the Lord is named Sundara vidangar because theLinga so beautiful and made of Ruby. Lord Thyagaraja is in a separate shrine right of the sanctum sanctorum. While In majority of the temple, people can see only the face of Lord Thyagaraja, during the Vaikasi Visaka and Margazhi Tiruvadirai festivals, Lord is dressed showing His right hand and feet. Lord comes in procession waving His hands to and fro and in a dancing form. This dance is called Paara Vaara Natanam.
Mother Ambica with blue colour eyes indicating Her mercy as vast and deep as sea, is called Neelayadakshi (blue-eyed). Also called Karundhadanganni, She has Her own shrine with a flag post-Kodi Maram. Ambica graces as a virgin and has Rath shaped Shrine. Aadi Pooram is celebrated in a grand manner. On the festival day, Mother comes in procession in a Rath made of crockery
As Ambica is a virgin, Lord sent Nandhi Deva to be Her guard. when Nandhi expressed his wish to be with Lord for ever, Shiva ordained that he can have His darshan with Ambica. Nandhi with his neck turned with one eye on Ambica and other on the Lord, is known as Twin View Nandhi (Irattai Parvai in Tamil). People pray to him when they have vision issues
Generally, temples are closed if a death occurs in the area around the temple. Here the garlands and the vastras used for the Lord is placed on corpse.
A fisherman, Adhipathar attained salvation with the grace of Lord Shiva in this place. As a mark of respect to the community, this practice is followed in this temple. The body is placed before the temple without closing the doors and then garland and the vastras used for the Lord are placed on the body.
A fisherman, Adhipathar attained salvation with the grace of Lord Shiva in this place. As a mark of respect to the community, this practice is followed in this temple. The body is placed before the temple without closing the doors and then garland and the vastras used for the Lord are placed on the body.
During festival, The procession normally goes round the Mada Veedhis and return to the temple. Here Lord begins his procession from this temple and goes to seven places – Poigainallur, Poravacherry, Sikkal, Palur, Vadagudi, Thethi and Nagoor. Maharaja Salija worshipped Lord Shiva and performed puja in these seven places and hence the present system is to remember this historical practice
Against the practice of coming in the Vrushab vahan on Pradosham days, Lord shiva is accompanied by Lord vishnu in the guise of Mohini. When Nectar came out and was served by Lord Vishnu, Devas did not pray to Lord Shiva who swallowed the Halahala poison to save the world. Realizing this, they begged his pardon. Showing mercy, Lord Shiva danced on the Nandhi during the Pradosham time. Lord Vishnu’s Mohini Avtar took place a little before this time. Darshan of Lord Vishnu is available to the devotees only on Pradosham day.
Lord Bhairava, usually appearing with His dog vaahan, appears with Simha as his vahan. When Sage Pundarika worshipped here, Holy Ganga sprang up in this place along with Lord Bhairava who graces as Kala Samhara Bhairava with Simha vahan behind Him. As Lord Kala Bhairava is facing South, devotees pray to him for longevity and since He looks furious, two smiling Vinayakas are installed before Him.
There is a shrine for Ashta Bhuja (eight hands) Kali. The deities in the eight directions have their place in the temple. Mother Gajalakshmi is seated offering grace to the devotees with two elephants offering abishek. Lord Dakshinamurthi is in the ghoshta wall with His four disciples. As the temple is on a sea shore, it is believed said that Lord Shiva is ruling the region as a king, hence the name Shiva Rajadhani –capital of Shiva Kingdom.
The temple is greatly praised by the various celebrated saints and Rishis. Behind the Linga in the sanctum sanctorum is the Somaskanda form of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva comes to the sea for a bath on the Masi Magam day in February-March.
The idol of Lord Muruga is 12 handed with weapons. The Zodiac circle is in the Mandap. People pray from here for relief from planetary problems. The event of sage Pundarika entering the shrine of Lord Shiva and merging with Him is celebrated during the Arthajama Puja (the last puja of the day) on the Ayilyam star day in the month of Aani-June-July. Sri Chandikeswara shrine is on the side of prakara.
Sage Pundarika as advised by Sage Kanwa performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking salvation. Lord embraced the sage and granted salvation. As a rule, the soul merges with the Lord attaining salvation. But in this case Lord embraced with the body (Kayam in Tamil) with that of Sage (Aaroganam). Hence Lord is named Kaya (body) Aarogana (embracing) Easwarar-Lord – Kayaroganeswarar.
King of serpents prayed to Lord and got a girl child who was born with an abnormality of three breasts. Lord Shiva assured the king that one breast will disappear when a king of Surya dynasty visited his place. When king Shalisuhan came there, one breast of the girl disappeared and king gave his daughter to him in marriage. As Naga king worshipped here, the place is known as Nagai Karonam. Now it is Nagapattinam.
During their journey to various Shiva temple, Saints Tirugnana Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) came to Thiru Maraikadu Temple. They sung pathigams-set of 10 verses- at each temple in praise of Lord Shiva. They were shocked to see that the main entrance of this temple was closed and saw devotees entering the temple through a side entrance. On enquiry they were told that the Vedas worshipped Lord Shiva here and returned after closing the door. Hearing that Vedas, the holy scriptures worshipped the Lord here, Gnasambandar requested Tirunavukkarasar – Appar to sing a hymn on Lord to open the doors. Appar, with tears sang ten verses beginning with line “Pannin Ner Moshiyal” and begged Lord to open the doors. Excited by the graceful response of the Lord, both entered the temple through the main entrance and worshipped Him. While coming out, Appar wished Gnanasambandar to sing a hymn so that doors could be opened and closed for the worship of the devotees as in all temples.
There is a shrine for Ashta Bhuja (eight hands) Kali. The deities in the eight directions have their place in the temple. Mother Gajalakshmi is seated offering grace to the devotees with two elephants offering abishek. Lord Dakshinamurthi is in the ghoshta wall with His four disciples. As the temple is on a sea shore, it is believed said that Lord Shiva is ruling the region as a king, hence the name Shiva Rajadhani –capital of Shiva Kingdom.
The temple is greatly praised by the various celebrated saints and Rishis. Behind the Linga in the sanctum sanctorum is the Somaskanda form of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva comes to the sea for a bath on the Masi Magam day in February-March.
The idol of Lord Muruga is 12 handed with weapons. The Zodiac circle is in the Mandap. People pray from here for relief from planetary problems. The event of sage Pundarika entering the shrine of Lord Shiva and merging with Him is celebrated during the Arthajama Puja (the last puja of the day) on the Ayilyam star day in the month of Aani-June-July. Sri Chandikeswara shrine is on the side of prakara.
Sage Pundarika as advised by Sage Kanwa performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking salvation. Lord embraced the sage and granted salvation. As a rule, the soul merges with the Lord attaining salvation. But in this case Lord embraced with the body (Kayam in Tamil) with that of Sage (Aaroganam). Hence Lord is named Kaya (body) Aarogana (embracing) Easwarar-Lord – Kayaroganeswarar.
King of serpents prayed to Lord and got a girl child who was born with an abnormality of three breasts. Lord Shiva assured the king that one breast will disappear when a king of Surya dynasty visited his place. When king Shalisuhan came there, one breast of the girl disappeared and king gave his daughter to him in marriage. As Naga king worshipped here, the place is known as Nagai Karonam. Now it is Nagapattinam.
Vedaranyam Vedaranyeswarar Temple
Timings : 6.00 to 11.00 5.00 to 8.30 Contact : +91- 4369 -250 238
During their journey to various Shiva temple, Saints Tirugnana Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) came to Thiru Maraikadu Temple. They sung pathigams-set of 10 verses- at each temple in praise of Lord Shiva. They were shocked to see that the main entrance of this temple was closed and saw devotees entering the temple through a side entrance. On enquiry they were told that the Vedas worshipped Lord Shiva here and returned after closing the door. Hearing that Vedas, the holy scriptures worshipped the Lord here, Gnasambandar requested Tirunavukkarasar – Appar to sing a hymn on Lord to open the doors. Appar, with tears sang ten verses beginning with line “Pannin Ner Moshiyal” and begged Lord to open the doors. Excited by the graceful response of the Lord, both entered the temple through the main entrance and worshipped Him. While coming out, Appar wished Gnanasambandar to sing a hymn so that doors could be opened and closed for the worship of the devotees as in all temples.
After Sambandar sang a Pathigam – 10 verses – beginning with the line “Chathuram Marai” closing the door, main doors of temple began to function like any other temple
The Goddess is known as Veda Nayaki, Yazhai Pazhitha Mozhiyal meaning that she has a voice sweeter than Veena in Tamil and Veena Vadha Vidhooshini in Sanskrit. AdiSankara in the 66th verse of his celebrated Soundarya Lahari Sang glory of Mother Ambica.
Ranked second among the Saptha Vidanga Sthalas of Lord Shiva, The Thiagaraja idol in the temple was earlier gifted to emperor Mushukunda Chakravarthi. The dance of Lord here is Hamsa Natana. Of the 64 Shakti Peeta for Ambika, the peeta in the temple is praised as Sundari Peeta.
Presiding deity is also known as MaraiKadu Urayum Manalar – Lord whose abode is Maraikadu. We can find Saraswathi without veena in this temple. The 63 Nayanmars along with the 10 Thogayara Nayanars are in idol form. Four Vedas- Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva had worshipped Lord Shiva in the temple. Agasthya got the wedding darshan of the Lord here.
Of the 16 Sabhas of Lord Shiva, this temple ranks 12, glorified as Deva Bhakta Sabha. The Kolaru Pathigam of Gnana Sambandar was sung in this temple. Here Lord Mela Kumara (Murugan) is praised in the Tirupugazh hymns of saint Arunagirinathar. Sage Paranjothi Munivar was born here.
Holy Vedas Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva came to this place in human form, stayed at Naalu Veda Pathi collecting flowers for their worship from Pushpavanam. when Kaliyuga they left after closing the doors. People used the other entrance called Thitti Vayil to worship Lord in the temple. Thanks to Gnana Sambandar and Appar, with the normal functioning of the doors, people are now using the main entrance. The place Vedaranyam gets the name as Vedas worshipped here.
Those days when the sages wanted a suitable site on earth to perform the Satra yaga, the Lord createdd a Chakra [nemi] made of darbha [Kusa grass] that stopped at a forest ideal for them to do their penance and came to be known as Naimisharanys. Another version is the name Naimisharanya came when the Lord destroyed the Asuras in a minute [Nimisha].
Thirunallar – Sani Bhagwan temple
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Those days when the sages wanted a suitable site on earth to perform the Satra yaga, the Lord createdd a Chakra [nemi] made of darbha [Kusa grass] that stopped at a forest ideal for them to do their penance and came to be known as Naimisharanys. Another version is the name Naimisharanya came when the Lord destroyed the Asuras in a minute [Nimisha].
God, In Naimisharanya in the form of a Pushkarma, exists as water, with a view to providing the sages with food and shelter. This facilitated them to spend time on prayers God and listen to divine chantings without worrying for food. Ramayana was rendered by Lava and Kusa here. Stories about sacred tanks of Darbharanyeswara were told here
King of kalinga who was cursed to a wild elephant by a Rishi went with his wife and prayed to Darbharanyeswara and got relieve when a drop of water fell on his body from the head of a pilgrim after his dip in the sacred Brahma Thirtha.
Nala,despite getting back his form and fortune was still unhappy and miserable. When he too a dip in the sacred Brahma Thirtha, and mental peace and happiness of mind was restored
He renovated the temple and dug a tank which was named Nala Tirtha and prayed that whoever has a bath in this tank should be blessed and free of Saturnic influence. It was granted.
King Thooyakanda, ruler of Vedavarthana got a son after praying here.
Two Brahmins who were also recipients of cows found that one of them had a bigger size cow than the other. Simitten by jealousy and envy they both quarelled violently which ended in mutual exchange of blows with sticks. Unfortunately a severe blow landed on one of the animals which died instantaneously. Gohatya or the sin of killing a cow, though unpremeditated, overtook the Brabmin who immediately became transformed into a low class human being and was blind too.
An unfortunate Brahmin who had commited Vrahmahathi came here and a drop of water from the head of a pilgrim who had just had a dip in the sacred waters relieved him of the dhosham
Uruchi, the King of Avanti, remained in this place, devoted to the service of the poor and feeding and hungry.
King of kalinga who was cursed to a wild elephant by a Rishi went with his wife and prayed to Darbharanyeswara and got relieve when a drop of water fell on his body from the head of a pilgrim after his dip in the sacred Brahma Thirtha.
Nala,despite getting back his form and fortune was still unhappy and miserable. When he too a dip in the sacred Brahma Thirtha, and mental peace and happiness of mind was restored
He renovated the temple and dug a tank which was named Nala Tirtha and prayed that whoever has a bath in this tank should be blessed and free of Saturnic influence. It was granted.
King Thooyakanda, ruler of Vedavarthana got a son after praying here.
Two Brahmins who were also recipients of cows found that one of them had a bigger size cow than the other. Simitten by jealousy and envy they both quarelled violently which ended in mutual exchange of blows with sticks. Unfortunately a severe blow landed on one of the animals which died instantaneously. Gohatya or the sin of killing a cow, though unpremeditated, overtook the Brabmin who immediately became transformed into a low class human being and was blind too.
An unfortunate Brahmin who had commited Vrahmahathi came here and a drop of water from the head of a pilgrim who had just had a dip in the sacred waters relieved him of the dhosham
Uruchi, the King of Avanti, remained in this place, devoted to the service of the poor and feeding and hungry.
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