It was our intention to cover some rare temples in and around Puducherry/Cuddalore as we were planning a holiday around that area. Hence we identified a few temples which we felt were unique in their own way. Little did we realise that after visiting them, we would feel as such blessed souls to have made a plan to visit these shrines and offer prayers. Thanks to the almighty for making this trip a memorable one, free of issues, timely darshan and priests ever willing to spend time to explain about these punya kshethrams.
Sri Shista Gurunatha Eswarar Temple at Thiruthuraiyur (Thiruthalur).
Temple timings 6.00 to 12.00 5.00 to 8.00 Phone : 04142 248498.
Thiruthuraiyur is situated at a distance of about 10 kms from Panruti on the Villupuram to Panruti route. It is 20 kms from villupuram and 32 from Cuddalore. This temple is about 3 kms from railway station
The main diety is Sri Shista Gurunatha Eswarar, Sri Pasupatheeswarar. Also known as Sri Thava Neri Aaludayar and the ambal is Sri Shivaloka Nayaki also known as Sri Poongothai Nayaki. This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams. This is also the 15th Shiva Sthalam.The lord here is Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). It is to be noted that there is no main tower in this temple. Situated on the southern bank of the river Pennai / Malattaru, this place is also known as Thiruthuraiyur. Over a period of time, it is being referred as Thiruthalur.
Lord Suryan worships the Lord by directing his rays on the Lingam during evenings during the first week of Tamil month Chithirai (April-May).
This temple is unique that the deities face different directions. We have a North facing Goddess parvathi, Lord Murugan the South, Lord Vinayakar facing the east and the main diety the Lord Shiva the west.
There is a shrine for Kali with eight hands. She is known as Ashtabhuja Bathrakali.
This temple is unique that the deities face different directions. We have a North facing Goddess parvathi, Lord Murugan the South, Lord Vinayakar facing the east and the main diety the Lord Shiva the west.
There is a shrine for Kali with eight hands. She is known as Ashtabhuja Bathrakali.
Saint Arul Nandhi Sivachariyar, popularly known as “Sakalakama Pandithar” was born here. He wrote the treatise on “Shivagnana Sidhiyar” and “Iruba Irubadu”.
This place grants special boons for education and child birth. Pooja to Guru Bhagwan provides furtherance in education while the Goddess Shivaloka nayaki when prayed for nine days consecutively provides vamsa vridhi or blesses those without children.
Saint Sundarar was unable to cross the river when he wanted to pray at his temple. Appearing as an old couple, The Lord and Goddess helped him cross the river on a reef boat. A divine voice directed him to the temple.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy appeared on their Rishaba Vaganam and blessed him.
This scene is depicted in a sculpture as well as on a pillar.
It is believed that many celestial beings including sages like Narada, Vashistar & Agasthiar, apart from Ram and Seeta and Bhima have worshiped the lord of this temple. Lord Surya has prayed in this temple.
Also significant are the shrines and idols of lords Narthana Vinayakar, Bala Murugan, Natarajar, Rama Lingam, Bheema Lingam, Adi Kesava Pakthavatsala Perumal, Subramanyar with consorts, Dakshinamurthy, Annamalaiyar, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Kalabairavar, Surya Lingam, Suryan, Nalvar and Navagraham in the corridors.
Sage Agasthiya worshipped Shivalingam is found near the temple’s sthala vruksham.
Sri Vamanapureeswarar Temple at Thirumanikkuzhi
Temple timings : 7.00 - 11.00 4.30 - 8.30 Phone : 089407 30248
Thirumanikkuzhi is situated at a distance of about 10 kms from Cuddalore and about 5 kms from Thiruvahindrapuram on the Cuddalore to Panruti (Palur) route.
Moolavar : Sri Vamanapureeswarar @ Sri Uthavinayagar @ Sri Manikkavarathar,
Ambal : Sri Ambujakshi @ Sri Uthavinayagi @ Sri Manikkavalli
The theertam her is Swetha and Gadilam rivers and the sthala vruksham is Kondrai.
Ambal : Sri Ambujakshi @ Sri Uthavinayagi @ Sri Manikkavalli
The theertam her is Swetha and Gadilam rivers and the sthala vruksham is Kondrai.
One of the 276 Paadal petra sthalam.First among 1008 famous shiva temples. Has three corridors and a 5 Tier rajagopuram. Lord Shiva is Swayambumurthi
It is believed that the temple was renovated by the Thirisangu and Harichandra. The later cholas made some changes and improvements to the temple. Historically the place is known by the nales of Vamanapuri, Indiralogam and Bheemasangama Kshetram.
It is believed that Thirumanikkuzhi is the meeting point of rivers Gadilam and shwetha represented by Goddesses Mahalaskhmi and Saraswathi respectively. There is also a belief that Lord Surya built the temple for his pooja to Lord shiva.
The Temple puranam says that Mahabali, Grandson of Prahalada, who was a rat in his previous birth, accidentally raised the lamp’s wicks which was about to burn out when trying to ear the ghee in the lamp. Pleased, Lord Shiva granted a boon that the rat will have a rebirth in a family of asura (demon) kings as Mahabali Chakravarthy.
As usual whenever an Asura attains powers the celestial beings get jealous and so happened in the case of Mahabali. They prayed to Lord vishnu to Vanquish him.
When Mahabali offered his head for the third foot. Vamana Blessed him and pushed him down to Pathalam and thus became a “Chiranjeevi” - Known to be immortal.
When Mahabali offered his head for the third foot. Vamana Blessed him and pushed him down to Pathalam and thus became a “Chiranjeevi” - Known to be immortal.
Lord Mahavishnu worshiped Lord Shiva at this place to get rid of his “Brahmahathi dosham”. He came as Vaamana, a bachelor (Mani).He was short and was unable to see Lord Shiva face, Lord Shiva appeared in a small form in a pit (pit is called “kuzhi” in Tamil) to enable Mahavishnu to worship him and hence adding a prefix for respect, the place is called “Thiru Manikkuzhi” and the moolavar is “Sri Manikkavarathar”.
Lord Mahavishnu continues to worship Lord Shiva here. To avoid any interruption, Kubera Bheema Rudra, a Sivagana, was asked to form a protective screen to avoid any interference. Lord Mahavishnu was absolved of his sins.
As per tradition, Pooja is first offered to Kubera Bheema Rudra, whose image is seen on a screen in front of the Lord, to get his permission and then offered to Lord Shiva. After every Aarathi the screen is closed, a unique procedure to this temple.
The four pillars in the hall before Lord Shiva’s shrine represent the four Vedas while the six pillars in the adjacent hall represent the six sashtras. The 28 pillars in the corridors represent the 28 agamas.
Lord Dakshinamurthy here was worshiped by the Naga Devars. Devotees seeking “Santhana Prapthi” (child boon) come here and worship Goddess Ambujakshi.
The Lord is known as “Sri Udhavi Nayakar” as a north indian merchant Athri was saved from thieves and the Goddess Parvathy is called “Sri Udhavi Nayagi” (Udhavi meaning Help). Thirugngnasambandhar. in hiis hymns calls this place as “Udhavi Maanikuzhi”.
Markandeya visited and worshiped the lord here enroute to Thirukkadaiyur. Saint Arunagirinadhar sung praises of Lord Murugan of this temple in his Thirupugazh.
Kondrai tree is Sthala viruksham,
Apart from main shrines, there are many subshrines for Selva Vinayakar, Udhavi Vinayakar, Murugan and his consorts, Bala Saasta, Lingothbavar, Vishnu Sidhar Lingam, 63 Nayanmars, Saptha Madhakkals, Pancha Murthys, 4 Yuga Lingams, Theraya Maharishi, Markandeyar, Thirunavukarasar, Sattanathar, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Bhairavar, Suryan and Chandran can also be seen in the corridors.
Lord Shiva here is present with Goddess Parvathi as “Shivashakti”. The sanctum sanctorum is considered to be the bed room (“Palliyarai”) of Lord Shiva.
Darisanam of the Lord can be for a shortime only with the help of the priest. As per the Sthala puranam, it is believed that this fraction of a time worship can bring the punyam equal to performing Shiva Pooja for many days. If the same happens on a Prodosham day, it is considered as worshiping 3 times at Chidambaram, 8 times at Thiruvannamalai and 16 times at Banaras (Kasi).
The legend (Sthala Puranam) relating to Lord Mahavishnu’s Vamana Avtar is chiselled on the front entrance wall of the sanctum.
Goddess Parvathi is holding two flowers in her hands - Lotus and Neelotpala. Those worshiping the Goddess here would be freed them of their woes. People seeking boons for vriddhi of family lineage worship the goddess here. The procedure is to circumbulate the shrine eleven times wearing wet clothes on a new moon day. Offering butter as “naivedhyam” and consuming it for 45 days is considered special
Vengadampettai temple
Anantasayana Ramar
Temple timings : 5.30-9.30 5.00-8.00 Phone : 9865325781
It is a unique temple where we find Lord Rama in a reclining posture and Guruda in Padmasana. The temple is believed to have been built by a woman named Venkatamma, assumed to be sister of Venkatapathi who ruled Gingee about 1478 A.D., according to some scriptures.
The Theertham is about a km from temple. The large granite stone temple has high mandapam, 7 stage Rajagopuram, 50 feet high granite stone Unjal mandapam, Stand for Temple Car and Theertham spread over an acre of land.
The Charming Sri Venugola Swamy with Bhama and Rukmini needs infinite eyes to behold. Here the Lord with consorts is believed to give boon to every one who his dharshan.
The rarity of this temple is Sri Anandhasayana Ramar. Normally Lord Rama is found in standing posture in temples but here is in Sayana Kolam of around 19 feet. He has two hands, have no conch and chakra as lord assumes human form.
Lord rests his head on a stone as he was in the exile in the forest. Here Rama has one consort. Lakshmana, an avatar of Adhisesha always accompanied Sri Rama and here seen in the form of 7 head Adhi seshsa. Lord Anjeneya as bhaktha is in front of his feet. Hence the deity though in sayana form is not treated as Sri Ranganatha.
Lord rests his head on a stone as he was in the exile in the forest. Here Rama has one consort. Lakshmana, an avatar of Adhisesha always accompanied Sri Rama and here seen in the form of 7 head Adhi seshsa. Lord Anjeneya as bhaktha is in front of his feet. Hence the deity though in sayana form is not treated as Sri Ranganatha.
Sri Shivakkozhuntheeswarar Temple at Thiruthinai Nagar (Theerthanagiri)
Temple timings : 6.00 - 12.00 5.00 - 8.00 Phone : 91 4142 278324
At a distance of about 25 kms from Cuddalore and from Mettupalayam, on a diversion route and at about 5 kms is the divine sthalam Thiruthinai Nagar. Situated on the banks of river Pennai is this 6th century temple. The historical name of the village around the temple is "Thiru Thinai Nagar” which later became "Theerthanagiri".
Goddess Parvathi’s shrine can be seen in the outer corridors. The lingam worshiped by Jambavan is inside the Goddess’s shrine.
The Shrines and idols include Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Nalvar, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Durgai, Chandikeswarar with his consort, Valampuri Vinayakar, Dandapani, Agasthiar Lingam, Bairavar, Suryan, Navagraham and King Veerasenan can be seen in the corridors.
The Sthala Vriksham of this temple is a kondrai tree with a Shiva Lingam under it.
Another unique feature is the Idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma can be seen behind the sanctum sanctorum in a worshipping posture on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar. The Divine darshan of the trimurthis at the same time is a unique feature.
Beautiful sculptures (Pudai Sirpangal) depicting the sthala puranam – the farmer couple, Lord Shiva ploughing the field and King Veeraseran are seen. Nardhana Ganapathy with four “Boodha Ganas” (soldiers of the lord) are also seen.
Lord Natarajar can be seen in a separate shrine along with Lord Mahavishnu with his conch and Lord Brahma with a percussion instrument called “Panchamuga Vadhyam”. Lord Natarajar is in his “Ananda Thandavam” posture to which Lord Vishnu is singing with his conch and Lord Brahma is playing the Panchamuga Vadhyam. A rare display of the “Mumoorthy”.
Lord Dakshinamurthy is seen sitting on a platform (peedam) with his legs folded with his four disciples sitting near him. As a rare feature, Abhasmaram (the demon representing ignorance) is not seen under his foot. It is believed that when the farmer couple served food to Lord Shiva, he took it by sitting on the floor with his legs folded. This is depicted by Lord Dakshinamurthy who graces here in this form.
As per popular belief, Suryan worships Lord Shiva for a period of three days from 20th to 22nd of the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) by illuminating the lingam in the sanctum.
This temple’s tank is named after him - “Jambava Theertham” as Jambavan, the king of the bears is believed to have worshipped Lord shiva here and hence taking a dip in this tank will remove all sins.
A farmer called Periyan and his wife lived in this village, had the habit of taking food only after offering it to a Shiva devotee. One day, the couple could not find anyone to offer the food to. He waited and after some time, Periyan saw an old man pass by and requested him to come and have food. The old man said that he can accept the food only after earning it by doing some work in the field. The farmer asked him to plough the field and then went home to fetch some food for him. When he returned with the food, he was astonished to see that the crops were fully grown and ready for harvest.
Periyan and his wife served the food for the old man under the kontrai tree and asked him how he did he do such a miraculous thing. With replying the old man disappeared and appeared as Lord Shiva appeared on his bull mount (Rishabha Vakanam) with Goddess and informed that he had come there as an old man.
Based on the request of Periyan and his wife, the Lord stayed back as a Swayambu Lingam in this place under the kontrai tree.
The lord here is named as “Sivakozhundeeswarar”. Since the Lord Shiva himself is believed to have ploughed the field, sowed millet seeds (“Thinai”) and made it ready for harvest, this place gets the name “Thiru Thinai Nagar”.
Another story goes that a king named Veeraseran who was suffering from leukoderma and had come to this temple.His dog, who was also suffering from skin diseases, accidentally fell in the temple’s tank and came our with all the skin diseases disappeared. Noticing this, the king took a dip and when he came out, he was cured of his leukoderma. In gratitude, he constructed this temple. His idol can also be seen in the temple.
Sri Mangalapureeswarar Temple at Thiruchopuram
Temple Timings : 8.30-11.00-5.30-8.00 Phone - 91 94425 85845
Thiruchopuram (Thiyagavalli) is situated on the Cuddalore - Chidambaram route. After crossing the railway lien near alapakkam, one has to travel 2 kms to reach Thiruchopuram (Thiyagavalli village). It it is about 22 kms from Chidambaram. Believed to be built by Thiyagavalli, the wife of the Chola King Kulothungan-III (also known as Thirubhuvana Chakravarthi), The temple is very close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Idols of the king and queen can also be found in the corridors of the temple.
About two hundred years ago, a saint by the name of saint, Ramalinga Yogi (Thambiran) from the Madurai Thirugnanasambanthar Aatheenam discovered this temple which was once covered by sand dunes. Hence the temple is also called “Thambiran Kanda Koil” (the temple found by Thambiran).
In this temple we can see Lord Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Gajalakshmi, Visalakshi and Viswanathar, Veerateswarar, Kannappa Nayanar, Chola king and Thiyagavalli, 63 Nayanmars, Dakshinamurthy, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Agasthiar, Suryan, Bairavar and Navagrahams.
The lord here is called Sri Mangalapureeswarar because the Goddess Parvathi became one with the Lingam when Agasthya Maharishi installed it. Therefore turmeric and kumkum are used in the worship of this Lord though both these offerings are usually made to the goddess and are considered very auspicious (“Mangalam” in Tamil).
Behind the sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthy) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva which is considered very auspicious.
Here, instead of the normal practice of dressing Lord Dakshinamurthy in yellow clothes, a white cloth is used in this temple. It is said that if we gently tap on the idol of Dakshinamurthy, the sound of seven musical notes - reverently called “Sapthaswaram”, can be heard.
This temple is also popular with students who come here to perform pooja and seek the blessings of Lord Dakshinamurthy to help them attain excellence in their chosen art forms.
People with problems related to marriage and health can be seen making offerings of kumkum and turmeric to Lord Mangalapureeswarar.
Sri Shivakkozhuntheeswarar Temple at Thiruthinai Nagar (Theerthanagiri)
Temple timings : 6.00 to 12.00 5.00 to 8.00 phone ; 91 4142 278324
Thiruthinai Nagar is at a distance of about 25 kms from Cuddalore and from Mettupalayam, on a diversion route and at about 5 kms to reach Thiruthinai Nagar. The nearest railway station is Puduchathiram at about 5 kms. This 6th century temple is situated on the banks of river Pennai The historical name of the village around the temple is "Thiru Thinai Nagar” which has become "Theerthanagiri".
Goddess Parvathi’s shrine can be seen in the outer corridors with the lingam worshiped by Jambavan inside the Goddess’s shrine.
The Shrines and idols include Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Nalvar, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Durgai, Chandikeswarar with his consort, Valampuri Vinayakar, Dandapani, Agasthiar Lingam, Bairavar, Suryan, Navagraham and King Veerasenan can be seen in the corridors.
The Sthala Vriksham of this temple is a kondrai tree. In the corridor, there is a kondrai tree with a Shiva Lingam under it.
Another unique feature is the Idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma can be seen behind the sanctum sanctorum in a worshipping posture on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar. Devotees can hence enjoy the darshan of the trimurthis at the same time.
Beautiful sculptures (Pudai Sirpangal) depicting the sthala puranam – the farmer couple, Lord Shiva ploughing the field and King Veeraseran are seen. Along found, a sculpture of Nardhana Ganapathy with four “Boodha Ganas” (soldiers of the lord)
Lord Natarajar can be seen in a separate shrine along with Lord Mahavishnu with his conch and Lord Brahma with a percussion instrument called “Panchamuga Vadhyam”. Lord Natarajar is in his “Ananda Thandavam” posture to which Lord Vishnu is singing with his conch and Lord Brahma is playing the Panchamuga Vadhyam. A rare display of the “Mumoorthy”.
Lord Dakshinamurthy is seen sitting on a platform (peedam) with his legs folded with his four disciples sitting near him. As a rare feature, Abhasmaram (the demon representing ignorance) is not seen under his foot. It is believed that when the farmer couple served food to Lord Shiva, he took it by sitting on the floor with his legs folded. This is depicted by Lord Dakshinamurthy who graces here in this form.
As per popular belief, Suryan worships Lord Shiva for a period of three days from 20th to 22nd of the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) by illuminating the lingam in the sanctum.
This temple’s tank is named after him - “Jambava Theertham” as Jambavan, the king of the bears is believed to have worshipped Lord shiva here and hence taking a dip in this tank will remove all sins.
A farmer called Periyan and his wife lived in this village, had the habit of taking food only after offering it to a Shiva devotee. One day, the couple could not find anyone to offer the food to. He waited and after some time, Periyan saw an old man pass by and requested him to come and have food. The old man said that he can accept the food only after earning it by doing some work in the field. The farmer asked him to plough the field and then went home to fetch some food for him. When he returned with the food, he was astonished to see that the crops were fully grown and ready for harvest.
Periyan and his wife served the food for the old man under the kontrai tree and asked him how he did he do such a miraculous thing. With replying the old man disappeared and appeared as Lord Shiva appeared on his bull mount (Rishabha Vakanam) with Goddess and informed that he had come there as an old man.
Based on the request of Periyan and his wife, the Lord stayed back as a Swayambu Lingam in this place under the kontrai tree.
The lord here is named as “Sivakozhundeeswarar”. Since the Lord Shiva himself is believed to have ploughed the field, sowed millet seeds (“Thinai”) and made it ready for harvest, this place gets the name “Thiru Thinai Nagar”.
Another story goes that a king named Veeraseran who was suffering from leukoderma and had come to this temple.His dog, who was also suffering from skin diseases, accidentally fell in the temple’s tank and came our with all the skin diseases disappeared. Noticing this, the king took a dip and when he came out, he was cured of his leukoderma. In gratitude, he constructed this temple. His idol can also be seen in the temple.
Kiliyalamman temple, Periyakumatti
Temple timings : 6.00 - 12.00 5.00 - 8.00 Ph : 04144 223500
The temple is located on the main road. There is no specific open and close timings. But the safer timing is 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.. We didnt find any priest when we went there
Its right on the main road - highway but can be easily missed.
It appears that once a merchant was carrying his merchandise in seven carts loaded with pepper. Ambigai appeared as an old woman and asked him as to what he was carrying? She wanted him to give her some food as she was hungry and hence if he was carrying any eatables, she asked for the same.
The merchant was in no mood to spare anything for the old woman. He lied to her that he was carrying charcoal and proceeded further. When he reached the market and opened th bags, he was astonished to find charcoal sticks. the merchant came back and the lady appeared again before him and he sought her pardon. The goddess with all her grace and genorisity turned the merhandise back to pepper and blessed him
It is believed that the merchant consecrated an idol for her at this place.
Chidamabaram Nataraja Temple
6.00-12.00-5.00-10.00
Chidambaram Temple, spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal and one of the few temples where both the both of them are enshrined in one place.
It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu. Chidambaram is one of the five Shiva temples representing one of the five natural elements; it represents the sky (aether). The other four are: Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara,Trichy (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth)Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire),Thiruvanna malai and Kalahasti Nathar (wind),Kalahasti
Spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city, It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place.
A unique feature of this temple is the adorned image of Nataraja. Here Lord Shiva as the Lord of the Bharatanatyam. The temple is traditionally administered by an endogamous group of shaivite brahmins called Dikshitars, who also officiate as the priests.
Chidambaram is also referred to in various works such as Thillai (after the Thillai forest of yore in which the temple is now located), Perumpatrapuliyur or Vyagrapuram் (in honour of Saint Vyagrapathar).The temple is supposed to be located at the Lotus heart of the Universe": Virat hridaya padma sthalam. On the spot where the Lord displayed his dance of bliss, the Änanda Thaandavam - a spot exactly south of the "Thirumoolataaneswar temple", today is the Ponnambalam/ Porsabai (Pon meaning gold, Ambalam/Sabai meaning stage) housing the Lord Shiva in his dancing form. The Lord is also hence referred to as the Sabhanayakar, meaning the Lord of the Stage.
There is gold-roofed stage in the sanctum sanctorum of the Chidambaram temple and houses the Lord in three forms:
-the "form" - the anthromorphological form as an appearance of Lord Nataraja, called the Sakala thirumeni.
-the "semi-form" – the semi-anthropomorphological form as the Crystal linga of Chandramouleswarar, the Sakala nishkala thirumeni.
-the "formless" – as the Space in Chidambara Rahasyam, an empty space within the sanctum sanctorum, the Nishkala thirumeni.
Chidambaram also is one of the Pancha sabhais where Lord Shiva is said to have displayed his dance and all these places are called sabhais. Apart from Chidambaram which has the Por sabhai (Gold), the others are the Rathina sabhai at Thiruvaalangadu (rathinam – ruby / red) , the Chitra sabhai at Courtallam (chitra – painting), the Rajatha sabhai or the Velli ambalam at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple (rajatha / velli – silver) and the Thaamira sabhai at Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli (thaamiram – copper).
Thillai kali temple
Temple timings : 6.30-12.00-4.30-8.00
Though it is an universal truth that Shivam and shakthi are one, there were difference of opinion on the part of Shakthi. During one of the arguments, Shakthi was insistent that she was more powerful than Shiva. Shiva became angry and, cursed Shakthi, leading to separation from him and assume the form as Kali. Shakthi she realized her mistake and sought relief from curse. Shiva said since the Devas and the sages would in a danger and hence she will have to save them and implored to retain the fierce form. When the Asuras inflicted pain onDevas and the sages, kali killed the Asuras and saved them. Kali meditated patiently for many years to join shiva, but swami did not relent and this made her more angry. Kali then called Shiva for a dance duel with an understanding that if she loses she will move to the Periphery. (Ellai)
Both of them danced equally well and it became impossible to tell the winner. The Kundalam of Shiva’s ear fall down. He then danced the “Oordhva Thaandavam” and took the Kudalam with the fingers of his leg and placed it back in his ear. Shakthi, being a woman, could not dance the “Oordhva Thaandavam” in front of the audience out of modesty and was forced to accept her defeat.
The unfair play by Shiva made shakthi angry and she went to the Ellai of Thillai and appeared as “Thillai Kali” and also as “Ellai Kali”. Shiva stipulated that whoever worships Him would also worship Her. Since Shakthi was still not pacified, Brahma sang in praise of Kali and worshipped her as “Vedha Nayagi” and requested her to appear with four faces denoting the four Vedas. Hence Kali appears with four faces like Brahma and is praised as “Brahma Chamundeeshvari”. People call her “Thillai Amman” with the belief that she will remove all the obstacles and bless the devotees with Education, Wealth and Courage. As ordained by Shiva, the devotees who worship Shiva in Thillai also worships Kali who is in the Ellai of Thillai today.
Bhuvanagiri Raghavendra swamy temple
Temple timings : 6.00 - 12.00 5.00 - 8.00 Phone : 91 4142 278324
Born in Bhuvanagiri in Tamil Nadu, Raghavendra who was known as Venkanna in Poorvashrama spent his early years in Kumbakonam and other places in Tamil Nadu. He then set out and toured Karnataka extensively and stayed at several places in that state. He then went to Adoni and surrounding areas of Andhra Pradesh before zeroing in on Mantralaya as his place which today is in Andhra Pradesh. Where he entered Brindavana.Thus, Raghavendra Swamy’s presence is spread over many states
The places where he lived in Bhuvanagiri has been transformed into a Raghavendra Swamy Matha. Bhuvanagiri is seven kilometers from the Chidambaram
Young Venkatanatha often bathed in the Vallaru river at Bhuvanagiri before praying at the shrine of Anjeneya which is believed to be have been consecrated by Raghavendra Swamy himself.
The temple opens in the morning and closes at around 11 a.m. It reopens around 4 p.m., and stays open till about 8 p.m.
