Friday, 20 March 2020

Temples of Tamilnadu - 42 - Swamimalai, Darasuram, Pateeswaram


This is a short trip I made when i went on an assignment to this region. I was always fascinated by these temples and hence loved visiting the temples again.

Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Timings : 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m 

Ph : 91- 435- 245 4421

-    Swamimalai is the fourth of the six aaru padai veedus dedicated to Lord Muruga. 

-    This is a beautiful temple with three ‘Gopurams' and three ‘Praharams'. 

-    The  five storeyed south ‘Gopuram' is decorated with statues while the other have no towers.

-   What is unique about the Praharams are as follow

    - First Praharam is at the base of the hill
    - The second halfway up and 
    -The last at the top, surrounds the sanctum sanctorum. 

The shrine of Goddess Shakti is at the base. Shrines for various other deities and the well with ‘vajra Teertha' should not be missed.



On reaching half way up the hill we find beautiful statues depicting the legend associated with this temple.

Further above is the second Praharam. Then at the higher level the shrine of Lord Swaminathan is located.



-    The temple of Swaminathan built by Paranthaka Chola I, is believed to be in  existence since the 2nd century BC. It was rebuilt after being damaged during the Anglo-French War.

-    The specialty of this temple is that the presiding deity here expounded the meaning of the Pranava mantra OM to his own Father Lord Siva Himself.

-    Saint Bhrugu got a boon that anybody disturbing his penance will lose all his knowledge. His penance power was so strong that the devas prayed to Lord Siva. When the Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint's head using his hand, all his knowledge was lost due to the curse. He regained his knwoeldge by learning the Pranava mantra from Lord Muruga at this shrine and hence this place is called Swamimalai. (as the son taught the father)



-    When Lord Brahma could not explain the meaning of the Pranava OM, Muruga imprisoned him thereby bringing causing all creations to a standstill. On the request by the Devas, Lord Siva asked Muruga to release Brahma who refused. When  Lord Siva asked him whether he himself knew the meaning of the  Pranava OM, Lord Muruga said that he can explain to the latter only if he can accept him as his Guru. Accepting the condition, Lord Siva listened to explanation of  OM as a disciple.  Hence the place came to be known as Swamimalai and the presiding deity as Swaminathan.



The temple is built on a 60 ft artificial hillock laid with 60 laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years – that leads to the Lord . In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar and Goddesss Meenakshi.

 Nakkeerar in Tirumurukatrupadai and Arunagirnathar in Tiruppukazh have sung about the diety

Airavatheeswarar Temple, Darasuram

Timings  : 6 a.m. to 10 pm  

Ph : 0435 241 7157

-    This is a temple of very unique architecture. The highlight is the set of steps next to the first structure which when  tapped makes musical sound. It is a World Heritage Monument and beleived to be constructed by Rajaraja II in the 12th century. 

-    Lord shiva in the Lingam form as Airavatesvarar graces here. The name comes because the Lord was worshipped by the Devendra's mount elephant Airavatham. 

-    The temple is filled with several beautiful sculptures and a both in the temple water tank with curative powers is recommended before we enter the temple..






-    Airavatesvara Temple, built in the Dravadian style of architecture, with exquisite stone carvings and grandeur is a standing example to the skill of artisans of the chola period.
 
-    It is Smaller in size than the Tanjore Big or the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple with a viman which is 24 meters in height.  The shrine is said to have been constructed with nitya-vinoda (perpetual entertainment) in mind. 

-    The southern part of the front mandapam is like a giant chariot having large stone wheels drawn by horses. The eastern side of the inner court has exquisitely carved buildings withthe Balipita being one among them with its pedestal linked to a small Ganesha shrine. 

-    The carved flights on the southern side of the pedestal produce musical sounds upon being stroked. 







-    The southern west corner has a mandapam with four shrines including one for Yama, the God of Dharma. Huge stone slabs with carved image of seven celestial nymphs should not be missed.





-    Several inscriptions about the renovation by Kulottunga III can be seen. Named Kalyanapura by Rajathi Raja Chola, we can see 108 sections of inscriptions about Shaivite saind and about transportation of images in the temple from Kalyani. 

Sri Thenupureeswarar temple, Patteeswaram

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Ph : +91- 435- 2416976.

-    Mother Durga in this temple was the family deity of the Chola kings for about a century.  Found in the northern side of the palace in Patteeswaram, Lord Bhairava, Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga were also found here. 

-    For any major initiative like war or other decisions, Prayers to Mother Durga was considered a must. 
Subsequently Mother Durga was installed in this temple. 

-    It is a matter of joy to have the darshan of the Mother Durga in this temple seated on lion,  is smiling, merciful and not angry. 

-    Turned to left against the traditional right facing side, along with her 8 hands, three eyes and kundalam and other ornaments, Mother bestows her grace.



-    When Tirugnana Sambandar came to Patteeswaram during a scorching summer and sun blazing day, He was sent a pearl Palanquin by the Lord (Muthu Chivigai / Muthu Pallaku) to protect him from heat.

-    The Lord also asked Nandhi to move aside to see ensure that his saint devotee has his darshan besides see him coming towards Him. 
  
-    Saint Sambandar then offered the Lord his pathigam beginning with the line Paadal Marai.

-    Patti, Daughter of divine cow Kamadenu offered prayers to the Lord here and hence the sthalam is called as Patteeswaram.

-    Lord Ram was rid of Sayahati Dosha when he offered prayers in this temple.  

-    Mother Parasakthi performed penance here towards the Lord..  

-    The curse on Dharma sharma spelt by Sage Medhavi was relieved when a drop of the Gnanavavi theertha fell on him in this temple.

-    The temple architecture of the temple belongs to Naicker period. 

-    It also has many paintings of Maratha style and  beauty.   
  




-    Mother Parasakthi wanted to do penance on Lord Shiva at this place. Hence the Devas adorned this place in the form of trees and plants and made the environment green and beautiful.  

-    Divine Cow Kamadenu sent Her daughter Patti in Mother's service.  Lord Shiva appeared here before Mother with His hair bunch – Jada Mudi and thus was called Kabartheeswarar. 

-    Understanding the sacred nature of the place, Patti made a Shivalinga of sand and performed penance with niyama nishtais.   

-    The water for abhishekam came from the sacred Gnanavavi theertha.  Pleased with Patti’s sand Linga, Lord Shiva merged into it and made it sacred.  

-    As the Patti calf worshipped here, the place is called Patteeswaram and Lord Patteeswarar –  also known as Thenupureeswarar.

-    Mother Durga appears with her feet on demon Mahisha holding conch, discus, bow, arrow, sword, armour and a parrot. 

-    It is also said that Sage Vishwamitra attained the full power of Gayatri Mahamantra here. 

-    Sage Markandeya also worshipped Lord Patteeswarar in this temple.  











Saturday, 14 March 2020

Temples of Tamilnadu - 37 - Saptasana Temples



Saptastana Temples


The Saptastana Temples (Vivaha Sapthasthanam) are the 7 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, near Tiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur District. They are at Tiruppazhanam, Tiruchottruturai, Tiruvedikkudi, Tirukkandiyur, Tiruppanturai, Tillaistanam and Tiruvaiyaru. Nandhi Dhevar, son of Siladha Maharshi, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, got the name as “Namdhi”, meaning ‘Birth and Deathless’. His marriage was arranged by Lord Shiva himself with a girl named  Svayam Prakashai. For the Sapthapathi steps of the wedding, the Lord took them to the seven abodes, which came to be known as Saptastana Temples (Sapthasthanam). In the Vishaka star of the month Chithtrai (mid April-mid May), the Lord of Tiruvaiyaru comes around on the glass palanquin to these holy temples. 

Sl No
Temple
Place
District
1
Aiyarappar temple            
Thiruvaiyaru
Thanjavur
2
Apathsahayar Temple
Tirupazhanam
Thanjavur
3
Othanavaneswarar Temple      
Tiruchotruthurai
Thanjavur
4
Vedapuriswarar Temple         
Thiruvedihikudi
Thanjavur
5
Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple
Thirukandiyur
Thanjavur
6
Pushpavananathar Temple      
Thirupanthuruthi
Thanjavur
7
Neyyadiappar Temple      
Thiruneithaanam
Thanjavur


-    Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance towards lord Shiva, who pleased with the worship made Nandi his prime attendant and got him married. 
-    After the  marriage at Thirumazhapadi, Shiva took the couple around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. 
-    Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the Lord setting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru to take a round of these seven places. 
-    At each village he is received at the boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. Thus he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

-    All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all of them within a day.

Tiruchottruturai - Odavaneswarar temple

Timings : 6.00 to 12.30 4.00 to 7.30  

Mobile : 788622316/ 9943884377


-    Shiva was worshipped by Gowtama, Indra & Surya here. He is said to have blessed a devotee with an inexhaustible supply of food, while Ambal provided a number of devotees with food and polished rice grew in paddy fields. (Annam Padaitta Vayal). Shiva is called as Sorudaiyan, and this shrine is known as Annavatarastalam.





-    This temple with 2 prakarams has 4 worship services offered each day. 







-    One of the Paadal Petra Sthalas of Shiva and he is known as Odanavaneswarar and Oppillachelvar, and Ambal is called Oppilla Ammai and Annapurani.










-    Once there was a famine in the country and people went without food. With Lord Shiva also suffering from hunger during the famine, a devotee prayed to the Lord, saying, "Let the people be hungry for justice." 
-    Suddenly there was rainfall and the forest was flooded. Then a bowl came floating in the flood and the Lord put the bowl on his hand and put the rice, ghee, and broth on them. The famine came to an end.





Thiruvedikudi  Vedapureeswarar temple
Timings : 10.00 - 12.00 6.00 to 8.00 Phone : 0346 226 2334


-    Saint Tirugnanasambandar in his pathigam of ten verses, worships the Lord of the temple and praises His mercy on those aspiring for an auspicious wedding. The Arthanareeswara form of Lord Shiva has Shakti on the left. 

-    Giving importance to womanhood, In this temple Lord is on the left and Mother on the right in the Arthanareeswara form. This place is called Thiruvedhikudi because Lord Brahmma worshipped here. The four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva – had worshipped in this temple. Hence praying here, one can become a scholar in Vedas. 

-    Lord Vinayaka, is called Veda Pillayar as he enjoys the recitation of Vedas by leaning His ears with all attention. Since this place was full of scholars well versed in Vedas, the place was once known as Chaturvedi Mangalam. 

-    Surya Puja is performed in the temple on 13, 14 and 15th of Panguni month in March-April.





-    The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called Vedapureeswarar or Vazhai Madu Nathar. His consort is known as Mangayarkarasi.






-    A Chola king, worried about the delay in his daughter’s marriage of his daughter, worshipped Mother Mangayarkarasi  at this temple. The wedding took place shortly. He changed his daughter’s name as Mangayarkarasi to express his gratitude. He also did many renovations to the temple.




-    Pranava manthra “OM” worshiped Lord Shiva here. Vedas followed and hence, this place is called as Vedhikudi. This is the place where Lord Shiva nominated a  Vathiar (priest) for Nandhi’s Marriage.

-    In this third Sapthasana Sthalam,  Lord worshiped Lord Shiva. As an unique feature, Sun’s rays fall on the lingam at sunrise on 13th, 14th and 15th day of Tamil month Panguni every year leading to the belief that Suryan performs pooja during these 3 days to Lord Shiva here.

-    Considered a “Thirumana Thiruthalam”. It is here Thirugnanasampanthar had obtained the vision of Lord’s marriage. The Lord her blesses to avoid delay in marriage, Getting the right partner and for an auspicious wedding Saint Sambanthar sang his pathigam “Neeruvari ada” here. 

Thiru  Kandiyur - Kandeeswarar temple

Timings : 6.00-11.00-4.00-8.00  

Phone  - 0436 2261100

-    There is a  Rajagopuram with five stages.  Dandapaani has a separate temple with a mandapam.  Ambal  is facing.  Chandeswarar has separate temple.   Brahma,  Lingodhbavar, Dakshinamaurthi, and Bhikshaadanar appear as koshta murthis.

-    Near the dwaarapaalakas, are the image of Sage Saathaathaapar, and the sanctum of Kaalathinaathar, who revealed Himself  to Sage Saathaathaapar, Sapthasthaana and Panchabhuta Lingams.  Suryan is seen with his  two spouses.  The Prime Deity a Swayambu murthi, is on a slightly high pedestal.  

-    Brahman looks divine with folded hands in prayer and holding Lotus flower and rosary. When Brahma’s head was plucked and prayed for restoration of his   beauty, The Lord blessed him. The Lord Shiva who took the Vaduga form to remove one head of Brahma  is in the opposite left of the main shrine.

-    In this 5th Sapthsthana temple, every year on 13th, 14th, 15th in the month of Masi between 5:45pm to 6:15pm, sun rays falls on the Lord. Lord Muruga appears with Rosary in right hand and power of  Vajra in left hand is called as Gnana Sakthidhar or Gnana Kandar.

-    It is also one of the Ashta veeratta sthalam.   Brahma once had a lust for a girl created by him.  She appealed to Ambigai who appealed to Lord Shiva. Annoyed he took Bhairavar form and cut off one of his heads.  Realising his folly, Brahma meditated and Shiva forgave him.

-    Hence the Lord here is called "Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar".  Sage  Saathaathaapar used to go to Kaalahasti on the ‘pradosham’ day For Lord’s darshan. Once when he came to Kandiyur, he  could not go to Kalahasti in time and hence the Lord graced him with the Kalahasti darshan at Kandiyur itself.  This sacred site is also the place for  Brahmahathi nivarthi..


Tiruppanturai – Penu perunturai - Thirupanthuruthi - Pushpavananathar temple

Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 11.30  a.m. 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Mobile : 9791138256

-    In this ancient temple with 7 gopurams, the Nandi’s here are off set to the side to allow Thiru gnanasambandar to have unhindered darshan..






-    The seven Gopurams can be seen from a single spot. Lord Shiva known as Pushpavana Nathar and Ambal as  Sauntharya Nayagi, Azhagaalamarndha Nayagi 

-    Tiruppoonturuthi is 3 Kms to the west of Tirukkandiyur and 2 Kms. from Tiruvaalampozhil and located on the Tirukattupalli Thirukandiyur road






-    The Ambal is petite here. Here when Thirunavukkarasar was camping, Thirugnanasambandar came in a palanquin and when he called out for Appar, He found that he was one of the bearers of the  palanquin. 





-    This temple is on the route between Kumbhakonam and Karaikkal, 9 km from Kumbhakonam and near Nachiyar Koyil. In this it is believed that Parvathi, Brahma and Muruga worshipped the Lord here. 








-    Huge walls surround the temple..  Subramanya is in the form of Dhandayudapani. There are special poojas for Bhikshatana in this temple. There is a small rajagopuram and shrines to Ganesha, Murugan, Gajalakshmi and the Navagrahams. Aippasi Pournami, Arudra Darisanam and Navaratri are celebrated here.

Thiruvaiyaru temple

Timings : 6.00 a.m. -11.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.-8.30 p.m.  

Phone - 0436 2260332

-    This huge temple with five prakarams, and several mandapams is called Dakshina Kailasam. The sculptures are exemplary. Tiruvaiyaru is considered to be the 51st of Tevara Stalams.










-    Somaskandar (Ologamaaaveedivitankar) is in a separate shrine. The Shiva yoga Dakshinamurthy shrine is considered important. The shrine to Ambala Darmasamvardhini Amman has two prakarams housing the Dakshinakailasam, and the Uttara Kailasam. There are spots in this temple which produces echos. 












-    Sucharitan, a devotee,  was saved from untimely death by Shiva in the form of a column of light. Agasthyar obtained his dwarfed stature here. Ambal is said to have worshipped Shiva with two measures of grains.



















-    Six worship services are done each day. Aiyarappar is taken to the Kaveri river on new moon day every month.








-    Since Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthy and it is believed that His long and thick turf is spread all over the place behind the shrine circumambulation is not permitted.






-    Mother is known as Aram Valartha Nayaki and Dharma Samvardhini.







Thillaisthanam (ThiruNeithanam) temple

Timings : 10.00 a.m-11.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.-7.00 p.m.  

Phone -0436 2260553

Thiru Neithanam is the last of Sapthasthana temples. It is also known as Thillai Sthanam.



-    The stone inscriptions in this temple dating back to the periods of five Chola kings including Paranthakan-I, refers this place as “Rajaraja Valanattu Bainganaattu Thiru Neithanam” and also relate to the endowments and donations. The Lord of this temple is Sri Neithanamudaiyar. 




-    Once the divine cow, Kamadhenu, was habitually pouring her milk in a particular place in this region that turned into ghee. Once a shepherd tried to catch her but she disappeared. He informed the people about this incident. They then dug up the spot to find a Shivalingam there. The king came to know and arranged for a temple to be built there. Arrangements were made for ghee abhishekam every day. we can find a relief depicting Kamadhenu worshiping Lord Shiva. The lord here is praised as “Sri Neyyadi Appar” and the place is known as “Nei Thanam”. 




-    Every day a Shiva devotee used to light lamps in this temple every day and while returning, he used to pick some spinach leaves (“keerai” in Tamil) from the temple. On getting old, he requested the lord to take care of him as he has lit lamps every day. Lord Shiva told him that the spinach leaves taken by him every day was the wage for the work he had done.




-    It is believed this is family diety of the Sri Lankan King who has made donations to this temple. Kamadhenu worshipped here.

-    In the corridor, there are Shivalingams representing all the Sapthasthana temples - Thiruppazhanam, Thiru Neithanam, Thiru Kandiyur, Thiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thiruppunthuruthi and Thiruvaiyaru.

-    Goddess Parvathy is called as Sri Balambikai who is believed to be ever youthful and her beauty was praised by Saint Thirunavukkarasar.

-    There are two idols of Lord Dakshinamurthy here - one  in a standing posture and the other sitting in front of him. Asht Bhuja Durga is here

-    The pillars have many lion sculptures. 

-    Abhishekams here are done with Cow ghee and warm water

Tiruppazhanam - Sri Abathsahayeswarar temple

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m   

Phone : 91 4362 326 668


Apathsahayar Temple located at Thirupazhanam tower is old and has three levels and has dedicated sannidhis for  Ganesha and Murugan in the outer area.






Nandhi is facing Lord Shiva.  We find Vahanams on the right side of the  temple. Once we enter we can have darshan of “Saptha Kannigal”, Venugopalar,  Bairavar and  Navagrahas








At the first level. Shiva Parvathi is on east, Dakshinamoorthy on the South, west side is Annamalaiyar and Bramma located in the north.  At the Artha Mandapa Nandhi faces the south direction and Venugopalan appears with his flute. The  Suyambu form Lord is called as Apathsahayar (or Apathsahayeswarar). Goddess Ambal in a dedicated sannidhi is called as Sundara Nayagi.

During the full moon days of Panguni & Purattasi, the moon light falls directly on the God.  This also happens on two days  before and after of those full moon days. .












-    This place is also called as Thirupazhanam, kathalivanam, Koushikashramam, Pirayanapuri  and Palanipathi.

-    Once  there was a brahmin child Susarithan who lost his parents and seeking peace set on a  pilgrimage tour.  While staying a night at thirupazhanam,  Yama Raja appeared in his dreams and informed him that  he will die 5th day from that day.  The scared boy surrendered himself to the Lord Shiva who rescued him.  Hence the Lord is called as Apathsahayar.  It is also referred to as Prayanapuri as  Thirumagal worshipped and travelled from here.


-    Sage Koushika has kept his share of nectar at this place  as a safe location unknown to Asuras.  However Asuras found out and came to steal itr.  God  Ayyanar and Goddess Kali was created by Shiva to kill them and save the nectar.  Hence Sage Koushika made Shiva linga out of nectar and worshipped him at  this location.





-    The temple has three tier main tower, Balipeetam, Nandhi but no flag post. There are shrines for Lord Vinayaka and Muruga. The vahanas are kept in the right of the front hall. After worshipping Vinayaka and proceeding further, Sapthamadhas (seven virgins), Vinayaka, Venugopala and Shivalingas in different names, Nataraja Sabha, Bhairava and Navagrahas are seen.

-    The second sapathasthana sthalam is known as Kathalivanam meaning place of plantain trees. Also called Tirupazhanam for its green environment and fertile fields. The rays of Moon fall on the deity on Poornima days and also two days before and after poornima in the months of Purattasi (September-October and Panguni (March-April).

-    Asuras found out and came to steal it.  God  Ayyanar and Goddess Kali was created by Shiva to kill them and save the nectar.  Hence Sage Koushika made Shiva linga out of nectar and worshipped him at  this location.

















Temples of Tamilnadu - 41 - Temples In and Around Myladuthurai

Sri Mayuranathar temple Temple timings :  5.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon. 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m Phone                     : +91- 4364 -222 345, 223...