Temples of Tamilnadu - 25 - Pancha Sabhai Stalangal

 

Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal 

Lord Shiva is considered as one of the most important deities among the holy trinity – Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. He  is considered as the God of Thandava (Dance). While his dance moves & postures carry great significance, his dance forms ae Ananda Thandava, symbolises Dance of Happiness and Rudra Thandava, the constructive destruction. 

Lord Shiva is called as “Nataraja” who is the Lord of cosmic dance,  has four arms and each signifies a specific representation. While the drum held by the upper right represents creation, lower right hand is for blessing. The lower downwards bent hand is for  liberation and the flame in the upper left hand represents destruction. 

There are Five Dancing Councils / Five Sabhas of Lord Shiva and they are called : 

1. Por Sabha or Kanaka – Represented at Chidambaram Natarajar temple or the Ponnambalam

2. Rajitha Sabha or Silver – Madurai Meenakshi temple or the Velliambalam

3. Ratna Sabha or Ruby -  Thiruvalangadu Sri Vadaranyeswarar temple 

4. Thamira Sabha or Copper - Nellaiyappar Temple 

5. Chithra Sabha or Art/painting - Kutraleeswarar temple

Ponnambalam – Por Sabhai – Chidambaram Natarajar temple

Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon - 5.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. 

Phone :    9443635280 

The temple at Chidhambaram is known as Ponnambalam - Gold Sabha. It's importance can be judged from the reference to it as "Thiruchchitrambalam" and its mention at the beginning and the end of every recitation of Dhevaram hymns even to this date. This temple has been sung in a lot of Dhevaram and Thiruvasakam hymns. Many Hindus consider this to be centre of earth and it is where Shiva danced. Here the deity of Shiva is in the form of Nataraja instead of the usual Lingam form.

When once Adhiseshan felt Maha Vishnu unusually heavy, Mahavishnu told that it is his remembrance of Lord Shiva’s dance to the pleasure of all present made him so. Adhiseshan wanting to see the dance of the Lord, came to chidambaram and worshipped the Lord as pathanchali along with sage vyaghra padar, who too was eager to see His dance. Pleased with their long worship, Lord appeared on the thiruvathirai and danced in the golden hall. Kali had competed with him and lost, unable to depict the posture of Shiva when he stood on one leg and lifted the other high above his shoulder called the Urdhva-tandava stance. This place represents the thakarakasham - the sky inside us and the Lord is worshipped in all the three forms, namely, Arupa - which is called Chitambara rahasyam, Aruparupa - Shiva lingam and Rupa - Nataraja.

The Temple marks the evolution of south Indian architecture and generous assistance by Kings, the temple has expanded over a period of time. The 39 acre granite temple is surrounded by massive walls with four big tall gopurams in four directions. The North & South gopurams are 160 feet high with 108 dance postures of Natya Sastra sculpted on them. 

The five principal sabhas are called as Kanakasabha, Chit sabha, Nritya sabha, Deva sabha and Raja sabha. Around the main shrines, the Chit Sabha and the Kanaka Sabha (Ponnambalam), is a compound wall with gopurams. The Chola rulers, Krishnadevaraya and the Nayaks have successively expanded the temple

In the  Shivaganga Tank (Ganga brought earth by Shiva - called Siva Jnana Ganga tank)  Hiranyavarman, the son of Manu, took a dip and got rid of leprosy. It is believed that a dip in the tank and worhsipping of the Lord purifies of all sins and there is no rebirth. To the west of the tank is the large Shrine of the Goddess Shivakamasundari. 

The Shrine of Subrahmanya, the chief of Shiva's army, the son of Shiva and Parvati is in the north with the Raja Sabha, a thousand-pillared mandapam on the other side. It is said that  the coronation of many Chola kings and later rulers, took place in the presence of the deity. Facing the main temple enclosure southward, is the Nandi enclosure. The entrance to the Govindaraja Temple is within the enclosure.

The idol of Nataraja is in the Chit sabha and behind the idol, is a black screen, which is considered to cover the Akasa Lingam.  It is the belief that there is an invisible Lingam, with golden vilva garlands, emphasising the belief that there is everything in nothing.  The five silver plated steps to reach the Chit Sabha, represents the Panchakshara mantram - Na ma si va ya.  The images of Vyagrapada and Patanjali, are found embossed on the doors.  

Many structures found here are the Deva Sabha (the hall of the God), the Santum sanctorum of Devi shrine, Nritya Sabha  (hall of dance) of Chola period with figurines of  lively of musicians and dancers. In front of the garbha griha is the Kanaka Sabha (Ponnambalam) and devotees assemble here to pray the akash, the inner and outer space

The Thevaraams were kept in a hall for centuries and Rajaraja Cholan recovered before they suffered further damage and gave to the world .

The sanctum of Sivakama Sundari is on the left of Natarajar Sannidhi. Ratnasabhapati (Nataraja of Ruby), the Spatika Lingam of Chandramauleeswara, Swarnakarshana Bhairavar,  Mukhalingam are also to be found in the Chitsabha. 

In the Kanaka sabha adjacent to the Chit Sabha, poojas are offered and the ceiling of both are gold plated. 

Nataraja in Urdhava Tandava pose  is in the  richly sculpted Nritya Sabha, in the form of a chariot drawn by horses.

Urchava Pancha Murtis (Somaskandar, Parvati, Vinayaka, Subramanya and Chandikeswara) and other deities are in the Deva Sabha.

The Raja sabha measuring 103 metres by 58 metres is in a 1000 pillared hall in the outermost prakaram where Sekhizhar recited the Peria Puranam. 

Rathnasabhai – Thiruvalangadu Sri Vadaranyeswarar temple

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.   

Phone : 91- 4118-272 608.

This temple known for Rathnasabhai - Ruby hall is a big temple complex with beautiful mandapams and gopurams. The place is also called Vata-Aranyeswaram because the place was once full of banyan trees which is also the sthalavriksham of the temple.  The towering Rajagopuram is visible for miles around.

Karaikkal Ammayar is said to have walked on her head to this shrine and her image is seen in the shrine for Oordhvatandavamurthy.

There is  another image of Nataraja, within the sanctum of the Lord. 

Rajendra Cholan has given grants for the upkeep of the temple. The towers and the walls surrounding courtyards are constructed aroun  12th / 13th centuries. From the inscriptions we come to know that an older Pallava temple was renovated during the Chola rule, and later during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I the temple campus was enlarged.

Two demons Sumba and Nisumba staying in this banyan jungle were harassing the Devas who appealed to Mother for protection.  Mother Parvathi created a furious Kali and destroyed the demons and her ferocity did not subside. .

When Lord Shiva reached the place,  Kali challenged the Lord for a dance. The dance began and the  Lord dropped His ear ring on the ground, picked it by the toe of His left leg and fixed it back on His ear during the dance.  Kali accepted her defeat out of a natural shyness for a woman.  Lord Shiva said that those coming to worship Him here, should worship Her first to reap the full benefit of the worship.  Kali has Her own temple to grace the devotees.

Velliyambalam – Madurai Meenakshi temple

Timings : 5.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Phone :  0452-2344360, 2349868.

The temple the Velliyambalam - Rajath Sabha or Silver Hall, facing south in front of the Sanctum Santorum of the Lord. The Golden Lotus pond or, the Potramaraikulam (golden lotus tank), is ancient where devotees take holy dip in the water. Tamil sangam of those years met and debated around this tank as the meeting place for the academy of poets which adjudged the quality of work of literature presented before it by throwing it into the tank and those that did not sink were considered worthy of attention. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor with steps lead down to the tank.

Lord Shiva came as Raja Saundhara Pandiyan to marry Meenakshi, daughter of the King. Pathanchali and Vyagrapadha also attended the marriage. They wanted to take food only after  witnessing the Lord's dance in Chithambaram and the Lord danced in the Silver Hall in Madurai fulfilling their desire.

In this temple, Lord Natarajar stands on His left leg with the right foot raised unlike other temples. The Pandya king Rajashekaran who ruled from Madurai,  was a great devotee of Shiva and an expert in 63 out of  64 great arts and left the art of dancing due to his devotion to  Lord Nataraja. But on realising that it might go as a mark of demerit, he started learning it. When he tried the posture of Lord Nataraja, he found it very difficult and thought how painful it would be for the Lord Nataraja to continuously stand in that posture for centuries. He went to the Silver Hall, and prayed the Lord to change His feet to ease His pain. But the Lord didn't relent and  the dejected Rajashekaran tried to cut off his head. Pleased with his devotion the Lord obliged and changed His leg in the dancing posture with left foot raised. Hence only in this place Nataraja is depicted in standing on his left leg.

Thamirasabhai – Nellaiyappar Temple

Timings : 5.30 a.m. 12.30 p.m.  4.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Phone : 0462 – 2339910   89733 3070

Thirunelveli also is one of the five places where Lord Shiva is said to have displayed his dance. 

The Copper Hall of Dance is a brilliant work of art located within the precincts of the temple. During Arudra Darisanam the images of Nataraja and Sivakami are worshipped here during the enactment of the Cosmic Dance of Shiva. A shrine to Sandana Sabhapati (adorned with sandal paste) is located right behind the Thaamira Sabha. One can have a combined vision when walking towards the Thaamira Sabha, the visual of Sandana Sabhapati seen through the Thaamira Sabha presents an awesome sight. In the other Nataraja shrine called the Periya Sabhapati shrine, services are carried out here on special occasions, and this  idol  never moves from this shrine.

Within the temple premises, in the shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Nellai Govindan) he can be seen in a lying posture. The belief is that Lord Vishnu had visited Thirunelveli to solemnize the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvathi. The temple has beautiful sculptures, musical pillars, valuable jewels, a golden lily tank and a thousand pillared mandapam.

The musical pillars in the Mani Mandapam (7th century AD by Nindrasir Nedumaran or Koon Pandyan) produce various musical notes sound when gently struck. There are inscriptions dating around 1000 years old. 

Chithirasabhai - Kutraleeswarar temple

Tmings : 6.00 a.m. to 12 noon 4.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone : 04633 283138, 210138

The Kutraleswar temple dedicated to Sri Tirukutralanathar and Kuzhalvoimozhi Amman (Devi whose voice is as sweet as the music of the flute) has the Chithirasabhai - Picture hall (in which a number of mural painting of rural deities and stories from epics are depicted). The sabhai is located in a scenic setting away from the main temple and resembles other Nataraja Sabhais in Tamilnadu, and its interior is decked with hundreds of murals.

The wedding of Shiva and Parvathi attracted huge celestial crowd at Himalaya that Shiva requested Saint Agastyar to proceed southwards to balance the earth, and Agastyar is said to have created the Shivalingam here by shrinking an image of Vishnu, hence the name Kutralam.. Therefore the deity has a permanent headache and to cure him, the abhisheka is practiced every night with 64 herbs. During the pooja at night, a Prasadam is prepared with a mixture of herbs. The temple has a conch shaped Prakaram and hence referred to as  Sangakkovil. The shape of the temple’s conch indicates that it was a Vaishnative temple.as the conch is sacred to the Vaishnavites.  Shiva shows himself as Bhrama and Vishnu. The Tirikootamandapam here is the site for all celebrations & festivities. Parvati's shrine is regarded as one of the 64 Shakti Peethams.  

Temples of Tamilnadu - 11 - Around Erode

Ardhanareeswarar temple, Thiruchengode

Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m.

Phone : +91-4288-255 925, 93642 29181

The ancient (estimated at 2000 years old) and  famous Ardhanareeswarar hill temple is the one depicting one of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati.  is situated in Tiruchengode. On the same hill is also the famous for Chenkottu Velavar (murugan) Temple. 

This temple has been praised by the Nayanmars like Thirugnanasambandhar and  Great poets and saints like Arunagirinathar, Ilango adigal, Kaviraja pandithar in their divine renderings.  The idols of Birungi Munivar and Arunagirinathar are found inside the temple.

Many renovation works and additions have been done by the kings and chieftains ruled over Tamilnadu in the past. Lord Arthanareeswarar is believed to be giving salvation to all souls, from the hill top temple. Lord Sengottuvelavar and Lord Adhikesava Perumal in separate shrines are presiding deities.

Lord Arthanareeswarar, also known as Madhorubagan and Ammayappan, has a unique form here, which combines half male and half female form. This rare posture of the Lord as prime deity can be found only in this temple which can be reached by climbing up 1206 steps, made of stone.

Shiva shared half of his body with Parvathi with the left side of idol being Parvathi, and right side is Shiva. One such belief is that the idol is made by Siddhars out of Ven pashanam , which is a combination of Herbs in ratios while another is that the idol is suyambu. The Lord Arthanareeswara unusually faces western direction here

It is auspicious to offer a garland of  Vellerukku, Vilvam, Lotus, Champa, Mandarai, Padiri, Sengkaluneer, Ponnarali to the Lord apart from usual Sandal, KumKum and Viboodi. The spring under the feet of Lord Arthanareeswara never dries believed to be holy and called Deva theertham which can cure any disease if consumed for one mandalam (48 days continously). The priest serves this holy water to the devotees as Prasadham.

Magudeswarar temple, Kodumudi

Timings : 6.00 a.m. 12.00 noon 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m

Phone : +91- 4204-222 375

Magudeswarar alayam, sixth temple in Kongu praised in theevaram is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a 3000 year old Vanni Tree

It is unique that Lord Brahmma has three faces in this temple against the usual four attributed to him as the  Vanni Tree is considered to be His fourth..  Sages Agasthya and Bharadwaja were blessed with Lord Shiva’s wedding darshan..  Naga worship is popular here as Adisesha is considered the reason for the coming up of the temple.

Sri Anjaneya with the Sanjeevi and a bell on his tail is found here.  Lord Vyakrapada Vinayaka with the feet of tiger, face of elephant graces in a pillar.    Lord Magudeswarar is also praised as Malai Kolundeeswarar and Mother is hailed as Soundaryanayaki and Vadivudainayaki.

During a competition between Adisesha and Vayu about their might,    Meru mount was at a centre which was tightly held by Adisesha while  Vayu blew with all velocity to push Adisesha.  Meru split into seven pieces, each as a Gem form Shivalinga and the diamond piece fell in Kodumudi.  Being a place for Naga worship, Many seek relief from adverse effects of serpent planets here.

Lord Subramanya Temple, Chennimalai

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone : +91-4294 - 250223,292263, 292595

Chennimalai is the most famous temple of Lord Muruga in this place where  Arunagirin, rather a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12 February when   bullock cart with two bulls climbed the 1320 steps on their own on this eventful day. Milk and curds are special offerings to Lord Muruga in Chennimalai and it is the belief that curds do not become sour here. Further up we find the unique separate Valli Deyvannai temple where they are in penance for the hands of Lord Muruga, going by the names of Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli. 

Saravana Munivar went to Palani offering prayer to the Lord to give him Chennimalai Sthalapuranam. As per Lord’s instructions, he went to Kanchipuram and brought a copy of the copper plate inscription of Sthalapuranam. The depiction in the Sthalapuranam come alive when he reached Chennimalai. He built the temple of Lord Muruga with a separate shrine for Valli and deyvannai and later a temple for Kailasanāthar with a shrine for Lord Muruga and Valli deyvannai in the Chitra Mandapam of this temple. A temple car similar to that Palani was made here.

Thindal Murugan Temple

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 4.00 p.m. to  8.30 p.m.

Phone : 0424 - 2430114 , 2431910

Lord Thindal Muruga faces towards Erode and hence believed to be the reason for region’s prosperity. The another names for the lord thindal are Thindalmalai murugan, Velayuthaswamy, Kulanthi velayuthaswamy, Kumara velayuthaswamy and many more.

The temple entrance arch is located on the natinal highway with images of  Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Valli Theyvanai, Peacock, Siva, Parvathi, Saraswathi, Lakshmi laid in the arch.

The first temple is Arasamarathu vinayagar it is an one of the special for thindal temple. It was built 40 years ago. The Arasamaram here is considered sacred

The next temple is Siddhi vinayagar. The lengthy steps start from here.

A few steps away from Munmandapam,  Idumban temple is located. He is also known as Idumbakkumaran,Idunbasan.

Maga Ganapathi is the first shrine in thindalmalai and he is called  Thala Vinayagar

In the Velayuthaswamy shrine, The uchava moorty  located here are Vinayagar, Velayuthaswamy, Subramaniyar, Valli  Deivanai and near by peacock Vahanam. 

Thannasi cave is located northwest side from the Velayuthaswamy temple. During karthigai deepam the first pooja in thannasi cave is one of the special for thannasi cave where Naga statue is located.

Theertha sunai is located northeast side from the thindalmalai. The area of thindalmalai is around 2 hectares and 60 meters high

The temple also houses a Golden Chariot Temple Car, which runs around the temple on the hillock on festival days

Periya Mariamman Temple, Erode

Timings :  6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone : +91-424-2258670

The Simha Vahanam of Shakthi and a thoori are seen near  the entrance. There is an image of Parasurama. The Car of the temple is so designed as if pulled by four elephants,  has paintings of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga. 

Sangameswarar Temple, Bhavani

Timings :  6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Phone : +91- 422- 239 3677, 9626356726

Sangameswarar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the confluence, “Kooduthurai”,   of Kaveri river, Bhavani river and ‘agaya gangai’, an invisible underground water source. 

 demon obtained boons after severe penance on Lord Shiva began to harass the devas and the sages to gain Indraloka. When they approached Lord Shiva for safety,He killed the demon.

We find that the lines of Brahmma Sutra are written on the head of the Shivalinga and hence it is believed that he  will save people from adverse situations and even bring back the dead.

Lord Muruga on his vahan with weapons in his 12 hands facing north,  is in the form of Somaskanda annihilating Surapanma.  Lord Subramanya appears as the presiding deity going by the structure of the temple. Mother Akhilandeswari is on the left of the presiding deity while Sri Anjaneya faces west.

Chola king Karikala did not have a successor.  In his dream he could see the miracles of Lord and felt that Lord will grant hi a chid boon. As advised he built 36 shiva temples this being the 31st.

Adinarayana Swamy Temple, Pariyur

Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone : +91- 4285 - 222 010, 222 080

Sri Anjaneya appears in two forms in the front Mandap, carrying Sanjeevi Hill pressing his right leg on the ground ready to fly and the other with a majestic look.  It’s a rare opportunity for the devotee  to worship Sri Anjaneya in three forms.

Once, due to failure of monsoon, famine gripped the place and the devotees when they  installed a small Perumal idol and prayed for rain, Lord responded People of Later a big temple was built and poojas organised regularly

The chief deity the temple is Adhi Narayana Perumal who is with his consorts  Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. There is a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The statues of Sanjeevi Anjaneyar, Veera Anjaneyar and Alwars are seen in the main temple complex while. Garuda Alwar is seen in front of the main sanctum. The main Vimana of the temple depicts the scenes of Bhagavad Gita, the holy Granth of Hindus. 

Amarapaneeswarar Temple, Pariyur

Timings : 7.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m.  4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone : +91- 4285 - 222 010, 222 080.

It is believed that Sun God and Devas worship the Lord early in morning and hence the temple is opened only after the sun rises. Hence devotees pray the Sun God first as he has pleased the Lord with is prayers. .  The emphasize is on sun worship as nullifies all adverse planetary effects and hence worships to Sun is first and the Lord comes next.

Dakshinamurthy is in a sitting form under the banyan tree facing south and Lord Murugan is in an obedient standing form with six hands respecting the Lord in the form of Dakshinamurthy.

Lord Shiva is faces west in the sanctum sanctorum with the Avudayar-stage and the Linga is on the right side.  Mother Soundaravalli (Soundaryanayaki) is in a standing form in her shrine. Lord Shanmuga Subramanya as somaskanda  is with his consorts and His peacock vahanam with its face turning left.   His five forms as Karthikeya, Balasubramania, Dandayuthapani, Kumara Subramania and Bala Muruga are on goshta wall.

Tharaka, Kamalakshan and Vidyunmali are three demons who were committing atrocities against the Devas who were helpless and prayed to Lord Shiva. On his advise,   They installed a Linga and prayed to him.  Lord annihilated the three demons and saved the Amarars and hence He is called Amara Pani Easwarar – Amara-Devas, Pani-service and Easwara-God.

It is a white marble temple with shrines dedicated to warlord Karthikeya and consorts, Anukkai Vinayaka and Nandhi. There are also shrines dedicated to Navagraha, Bhairava, Nayanmars and other Hindu Gods. 

Kondathu Kaliamman Temple, Pariyur

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone : +91-4285-222 010

Around 1500 years old, the inner sanctum of the temple Pariyur Kondathu Kaliamman Temple is made of black marble Sri Rudra (Lord Shiva) is believed to be on the head of the Goddess and her crown is a mass of flames and appears as Rudra Kali.  

A 'Fire Walking Ceremony' (Kundam) is held during January every year. A huge quantity of wood brought by devotees make a fire in the forty feet long pit. Lakhs of devotees walk the pit following the priest from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon a.m.   The pit is christened as Kondathu Kaliamman.

Devotees seek permission from Sri Kaliamman for any initiatives. It is believed that she has the reply in her two hands and If the reply comes from the right, devotees carry on the work they planned and stop if it is from the left.  It is said that for remedy from diseases, the reply is prayed for from the left.

Muniappaswami appears in a huge form and frees people from Magic spells. The talisman and the threads are placed at His feet and worn as they have power to cure prolonged diseases Those seeking child boon from the Goddess through a flower, perform abishek to Muniappaswami with 12 pots of water on a Tuesday.   .

Sri Kaliamman faces north.  A siddha, known as Surara who with his powers and the grace, had the darshan of the Mother, has his monument t here.

The temple is located in a picturesque environment and is believed to be ancient with successive renovations carried our during this

Bannari Amman Temple, Bhavani

Timings : 5.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Phone : 8903492028, 9442243280

This is one of the famous Amman temples in Tamil Nadu and it is in Bannari near erdoe. In ancient days there were five divisions on the west tamil nadu known as Chera, Chola, Pandya, Thondai and Kongu regions.Kongu Nadu was situated on the western side of Tamil Nadu amdon which the beauty of the fertile Kongu nadu was enhanced by the presence of Mountains, rivers. Bannari amman temple is  located on the North West boundary and it is of late thronged by the devotees and the Goddess Mariamman held in high esteem. The temple faces south. During the course of time, temple structure was renovated and  the gopuram was built above the Santcum. In 1967 Shobana Mantapa in front of the temple with 24-pillared mantapa with carvings of architectural beauty was constructed while the Artha Mantapa, Maha Mantapa and Shobana Mantapa enhances the beauty of the temple. Shrines of Vinayaka, Bommairayan, Madeswara SARUGU Mariamman and Muniyappa are found while the Bommarayan temple is in Artha mandapam facing west and the Ganesha faces east. Lord Matheshwaran is on the southern side of the Goddess temple. Near the temple pond in a small temple the Sarugu Mariamman is housed. This temple has a big pond  and there is a big pit on the west side. God Vandi Muniappar is placed on a slab. During the festival for goddess the Chola descendants perform special poojas.

Gurunathaswamy Temple, Pudupallayam

Timings : 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone : +91 96773- 65525

Dvotees were once worshipping three stones personifying them as the Gods.  Later, three idols –the first as Mother Kamakshi Amman their family deity, the second as Lord Vishnu and the third as Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga combined called as Gurunathaswami.  Telugu devotees are worship Him as Bala Gurunatha Swami or Ugra Guru Nathar.

In the centre of the Prakara is box with a ventilation hole and no entrance facility measuring 11 feet long, 11 feet wide and 11 feet tall where the puja materials are kept.  This will be opened the day prior to the Aadi festival to take out the puja materials.    Snakes are believed to be inside for safe keeping.  Only those priests who adhere to fasting as per Agama rules can go in and come out and it is believed that others if they try to enter, would die of sanke bites.  Tthis Kulukkai is worhsipped with flowers so that no such creatures move in their farms.  

When Mother Kamakshi came to perform penance here. Uthanda Munirayan well versed in Mantras and Tantras refused her space to do penance. He was destroyed by Sri Agora Veerabadra, disciple of Sri Gurunathaswami  Munirayan prayed to Gurunathaswami for relieving him of the curse following him from past births and aid that the place should  be known as Gurunatha Vanam (forest) where Mother Kamakashi performed Her penance. It should be known  that Lord Gurunatha Swami blesses one with noble traits even though they were arrogant and cruel earlier.  

Uthanda Muni and Agora Veerabadra worshipped a stone here which grew tall as a hill.  Hence People pray to Lord to make their lives filled with good traits as tall as the hill.

Centuries ago, people of Pichapuram forest built a temple for Kutti Andavar installing three grinding stones for their worship.  The Nawab of Arcot wanted to marry the daughter of the priest of the temple and sent his men for the purpose when the priest said that he would consult his near an dear and reply the next day.  when the relatives did not agree, the Nawab threatened to jail them.  One relative possessed with divine power, advised them to leave the place taking the three grinding stones being worshipped in a basket.  When Nawab’s men returned the next day, they found the place empty.

The tired and frustrated people after travelling a distance, threw the stones in a river and look our for their survival.  Next morning the stones were back in their basket and with joy they set forward and reached Pudupalayam near Andhiyur.  The Pandya king permitted them to install stones and begin worship and also built a temple which is now one of the oldest, goes the history.

The Simha Vahanam of Shakthi and a thoori are seen near  the entrance. There is an image of Parasurama. The Car of the temple is so designed as if pulled by four elephants,  has paintings of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga. 

Temples of Tamilnadu - 19 - Pancha Bootha Sthalams

 Pancha Bootha Sthalams

Panchabootha Sthalas are the abodes where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Space which are the Pancha boothams or the five natural elements which are considered sacred and imminent to Life.

-    the Thillai Natarja temple at Chidambaram , where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as Sky

-    the Ekambareswarar temple at Kanchipuram, where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as Earth

-    the Jambukeswarar temple at Thiruvanaikaval, in Tiruchirapalli, where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as Water

-    the Annamalaiyar Temple at Tiruvannamalai, where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as Fire

-    the Kalahasti temple at Srikalahasthi, where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as air/wind.

Kalahasthi temple, Sri Kalahasthi

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. 

Phone :   085782 22240

Constructed in 1516 by Krishnadevraya the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is huge and beautifully constructed.  It has intricate carvings detailing mythological events and happenings. 

The temple emanating lot of Vibrancy and Energy represents one of the five elements – Air or Vaayu. The architecture of the temple in unique and the towers are highly ornamental and interiors are exquisitely carved

The name of Srikalahasti Temple is derived from the myth that a spider (Sri), a snake (Kala), and an elephant (Hasti) worshipped Lord shiva and attained salvation. 

The Cholas made many changes in the infrastructure which was further developed through new structures, expansion and  Renovation by the Cholas as well as the Vijayanagara Dynasty.  Tamil poet Nakkeerar  and Telugu poet Dhoorjati, have praised its divinity and beauty

The Srikalahasti Temple boasts of the beautiful Dravidian style of architecture. It was built during the Pallava period in the 5th century. This majestic temple has a fantastic view for the visitors to gaze at as it is situated at the base of a hill. Some people believe that it is a monolithic structure, meaning that it is made of a single large block of stone. 

While the main entrance of the Temple faces south,  the main shrine faces the west direction. The Shiva Lingam inside the shrine is made up of white stone and is in the design of an elephant’s trunk. The main gopuram of the temple was more than 120 feet in height.  The gopuram collapsed in 2010 and a new gopuram was built in 2017. The temple complex has a hall with hundred intricately carved pillars believed to be constructe during Devaraya’s reign. A nine feet tall rock-cut shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha can be seen. Shrines for Kasi Viswanatha, Suryanarayana, Subramanya, Annapurna, and Ganapathi along with Ganapati, Mahalakshmi Ganapathi, Vallabha Ganapati, and Sahasra Lingeshwara. There are two more mandapams namely the Sadyogi Mandap and the Jalkoti Mandap in addition to  two water bodies – Chandra Pushkarani and Surya Pushkarani. 

The Srikalahasti Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam, where Air or Vaayu Lingam is worshipped. Interestingly all the other temples close down during the Solar and the Lunar eclipse except for the Srikalahasti temple. Rahu-Kethu pooja is a significant pooja done here and Srikalahasti Temple is famous nivarthi of such dosham and also protect the people from the effects of Raahu and Kethu.

Brahma had worshipped Kalahatiswara at this place apart from Arjuna, who too is believed to have worshipped the presiding deity here. The famous hunter Kannappa, is associated with the Srikalahasti Temple. Many saints have sung in praise of the Lord here. 

Ekambareswarar temple, Kanchipuram

Timings : 6.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m

Phone :   27222084

Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the sacred Shiva temples representing  the element Earth. One of the oldest temples and reconstructed by Pallavas around 600 A D , Shiva is worshipped here as Ekambareswarar. Most of the tamil Dynasty has added to the beauty and glory of this temple. The gigantic Rajagopuram which is an  architectural wonder built by the Vijayanagara Empire is around 170 ft tall. 

Legend has it that the lingam is made and worshipped by Goddess Parvati herself and the marks on the Lingam endorses the legend. When Goddess Parvati covered Shiva’s eyes, the world suddenly filled with darkness and even Sun and moon lost their Lustre. When Parvati felt guilty, Shiva advised her to do penance to atone her wrong act. Parvati came to earth as Kamakshi, did a penance by making a Shiva linga out of sand and worshipped in the form of Prithvi Lingam [Lingam made of earth] under the ancient temple mango tree. 

Shiva in order to test her devotion caused a flood where Kamakshi was immersed in his worship. Kamakshi got scared of the flood washing away the lingam, embraced it.  Lord Shiva started melting due to her devotion and out of divine love for her, married Kamakshi. The marks seen on the lingam are during this time when Kamakshi accidently her bangles and kuchas hit the sand made lingam.

The “Sthala Vriksham” is the ancient temple mango tree with four branches representing 4 vedas, which is more than 3500 years old under which Kamakshi worshipped here.  There is also a 1000 pillared hall, 1008 Shiv Lingams that adorn the inner walls of the temple and ten musical pillars at the inner corridor of the temple. The sun rays falls directly on the Shiva linga every 19, 20 and 21 of the Panguni month (March-April) when the most important festival panguni Uthiram of the Ekambareswarar Temple is celebrated.

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannanmalai

Timings :  5.30 to 12.30 3.30 to 9.30  

Phone : 04175 252 438

Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the Panchambootham Sthalams, represents the element of fire or Agni and Lord Shiva is in the form of the Agni Lingam. 

The temple complex is one of the largest in India and has four gateway towers. The temple has numerous shrines and among those of the primary deities of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman are prominent. The temple complex houses many halls including the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period. 

When Goddess Parvati in a playful mood closed the Lord’s eyes for a moment, all light vanished from the universe and it was plunged into darkness. When The Goddess then performed penance along with the other Gods, Pleased Lord appeared as a column of fire, on top of the Annamalai hills, returning light to the universe. He then appeared in the form of  Ardhanarishvara, the half-female -  half-male form. The Annamalai, or red mountain, is sacred and is considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself.

Lord Brahma and Lord Thirumal wanted to ascertain who was greater to the other. No other than Lord Siva was asked to be the judge who stipulated that whoever was able to see his crown or his feet would be the winner. Then he took the form of a Jothi (a column of fire) touching the heaven and earth. Thirumal dug the earth by taking  varaha (wild boar) form but conceded defeat. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew to see the crown of Siva but failed. When He then saw a thazhambu flower falling from Shiva’s crown and asked him the distance, the flower replied that he had been falling for forty thousand years which made Brahma resort to conceit and requested the flower to act as a false witness.

When the thazhambu flower declared that Brahma had seen the crown. Siva became angry and cursed Bramha that he should have no temple on earth and that the thazhambu flower will not be used to worship Lord Siva. The place where Lord Siva appearing as a column of fire to eliminate all the ego is Thiruvannamalai. 

It is believed that the Annamalai Hill was Agni (fire) during Krithayugam, Maanikkam (Emerald) during Threthayugam, Pon or Thangam (Gold) during Dwaprayugam and rock during Kaliyugam as per the legends. As requested by Thirumal and Brahma, Siva took the form of a Sivalingam at the foot of the hill where the Temple is located.

Thiruvanaikaval temple, Trichy, 

Timings : 5.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 3.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. 

Phone :  91-431- 2230 257.

This temple is situated the two rivers, Cauvery in south, coleroon in North. It is considered as one of the Pancha Bootha sthalams where Lord Shiva represents the element of water (Appulinga).

An Elephant was blessed here after worshipping here and hence the temple is known as ‘Thiruvanaikka’. As Lord Siva is seated below Jambu tree at this temple, it also gets its name Jambukeswaram. This is also called Gnaankshetjram as  Goddess Ahilandeswari performed penance here and Lord Siva blessed her. 

It is believed that a spider in his previous birth worshipped Lord and was blessed to be born as King Kochengat cholan who constructed this temple about 2500 years ago. By worshipping in this temple Umai, Thirumal, Brahma, Attathikku Balakhargal, Attavasukkal, Jambu Munivar, Gowthamar, Aghasthiyar, a spider known as Gananatharul maliyavan,  elephant named Pushbadhanthan, Suryan and Chandran attained bliss and glory.

Thirugnana Sambanthar, Appar, Sundarar, Arunagirinathar, Iyyadigal kadawarkon, Thayumanavar have sung the glory of Lord Jambukeswarar.  Kalamega Pulavar was blessed by Devi with the talent to write poems at this temple.

This temple has 5 praharams.(corridor) out of which as lord Siva himself is believed to have built the 5th praharam, it appears in the form of Spider and known as ‘Thiruneettan thirumathil’. Also the location where Lord Siva blessed the spider and elephant to attain moksha.

Monolithic stone pillars are seen in the mandapam, at the entrance of Aariyavittan tower in 3rd Praharam. You will find stone chains and 12 zodiac signs are beautifully carved on these pillars. Pillars in 1000 pillar hall and in other parts of temple have artistic work on them. 2 Temple cars and various Vahanas are seen in this temple. Inscriptions of many kings including that of Madurai konda Parakesari varman paranthaka cholan which is considered the oldest among them. 

Devotees worshipping here are blessed both in this birth and in next birth.  Goddess Ahilandeswari  blesses with good education and intelligence, Marriage and Child boon. By circumambulating the fifth divine wall known as "Thiruneetran thirumathil one with gets fulfilled.

Thillai Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 pm. To 10.00 p.m.

Phone : 9443635280

Chidambaram Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Sangam classics claims Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, renowned clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. Apart from this, There have been several renovations done by Pallava/Chola emperors.

Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, representing akasha (aether). 

Spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city, this is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one.

The word Chidambaram is said to be derived from “Chit”, meaning "consciousness", and ambaram, meaning "sky" (from aakasam or aakayam); It is also said to be  derived from chit + ambalam. Ambalam means a "stage" for performing arts. The chidakasam is the state of supreme bliss or aananda and Lord Natarajar is the symbolic representation of the supreme bliss or aananda natanam. 

It is strongly believed that a darshan at Chidambaram leads to liberation. There are several who consider that it is derived from the word chitrambalam, “chithu” meaning "play or dances of God" and “ambalam” meaning "stage"

The bejeweled image of Nataraja. depicts that Lord Shiva as the Lord of the dance Bharatanatyam and is one of the few temples where Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic murthi rather than the classic, anionic Lingam. The temple has five courts and was rebuilt in 1213 AD. The temple is being traditionally administered by an endogamous group of shiavite brahmins called Dikshitars, who also officiate as its priests.

In the Thillai forests resided a group of saints or 'rishis' who believed that God can be controlled by rituals and 'mantras' or magical hymns. The Lord enters the forest with his natural brilliance, assuming the form of 'Pitchatanadar', a simple mendicant seeking alms. Vishnu follows him as Mohini who enchants the  rishi patnis which andgers the Rishis to invoke scores of 'serpents' on them through magical rituals. When the Lord dons them as ornaments on his matted locks, neck and waist, the rishis invoke a fierce tiger, whose skins become a shawl around his waist. When the rishis gather all their spiritual strength in desperation, invoke a powerful demon, the Lord steps on the demon's back, immobilizes him and performs the Ánanda Thaandava and presents  his true form. The rishis surrender when they realise and acknowledge that Lord is the truth and he is beyond magic and rituals.

Adhisesha, who is the divine bed for the Lord Vishnu, prays the Lord to witness the Änanda thaandava. The Lord blesses him to assume the saintly form of 'Patanjali' and proceed to the Thillai forest, informing him that he will have get to witness the dance in due course. Patanjali and his student Upamanyu move into the Thillai forest and worship Lord Shiva in the form of Shivalinga, a deity worshipped today as Thirumoolataneswarar (Thiru - sri, Moolatanam - primordial or in the nature of a foundation, Eswarar- the Lord). It is said that Lord Shiva blessed them with his dance of bliss (the Aananda Thaandavam) - as Nataraja to these two saints on the day of the poosam star in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan – Feb).

The Ananda Tandava posture of Lord Shiva is one of the most famous posture recognized around the world.  The demon under his feet signifies that ignorance is humbled.

The Fire signifies destroyer of evil. The raised hand signifies that he is the savior of all living things.The Ring is the cosmos and The drum is the origin of Life.

Chidambaram is also referred to as Thillai (after the Thillai forest of ancient times  in which the temple is now located), Perumpatrapuliyur or Vyagrapuram (in honour of Saint Vyagrapathar).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/ Porsabhai (Pon meaning gold, Ambalam/Sabai meaning stage) which houses the Lord Shiva in his dancing form and the Lord is hence referred to as the Sabhanayakar, Lord of the Stage.

The gold-roofed stage is the sanctum sanctorum of the Chidambaram temple and the Lord in three forms:

1. As Lord Nataraja, called the Sakala thirumeni. 

2. As the Crystal linga of Chandramouleswarar, the Sakala nishkala thirumeni.

3. As the Space in Chidambara Rahasyam, an empty space within the sanctum sanctorum, the Nishkala thirumeni.

Chidambaram also is one of the Panchasabhai sthalams where Lord Shiva is said to have displayed his dance. Chidambaram is called the Por sabhai (Por meaning Gold) 

Temples of Tamilnadu - 34 & 35 - Saptha Karaikanda Sthalangal & Saptha Kailaya Sthalangal

 

Mother Uma while proceeding to Tiruvannamalai from Kancheepuram, stayed in a place called Vazhaipandal and wanted to do Shiva Pooja. Since she could not get one, she decided to make one with sand and asked Muruga to provide Her water to make the Linga.

Murugan threw His vel (spear) towards the west and water came in red color from the hills there. Seven Gandharvas Puthirandan, Puruhudan, Pandurangan, Bodhavan, Bodhan, Koman and Vaman  who were cursed by Lord Shiva to be born in earth as rishis were doing penance to be relived off their curse. They were  hurt by the spear and made the water red with their blood. While they got relieved off their curse, Murugan had to bear the sin of killing them. 

Mother Uma made the Linga and worshipped. She advised Murugan to  establish seven temples on the northern bank of Cheyyar and seven on the southern bank of the river.

The seven temples on the northern bank of the river are called Sapthakarai Kanta Sthalangal.

These are Kanji, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Thenmati Mangalam, Ela Thuru, Poondi and Kurivimalai and are found on the north side of the river. 

Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple, Kanji 

Timings : 6.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m

Phone : 9787690824/9445281378/9965938489

The pilgrimage starts from this Dravidian style shrine shrine which is 24 km from Thiruvannamalai with the Lord karaikandeswarar is seen facing east and Goddess Periyanayaki is facing south. Ganesha, Ayyappa, Sri Subramanya Swami with Sri Valli Devasena, Sri Lakshminarayana Swamy Upalias along with the lingas of the other six Sapta Karaikanda temples are also seen. There is no tower but the nice structures and clean and pristine environment is to be felt. Like the other Karai series temples, The riverCheyyar flows towards north and hence it is considered as divine as Kasi.

Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple, Kadaladi 

Timings : 7.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m  - 4.00 p.m.. – 7.00 p.m.

Phone : 944688734

The small ancient plain temple is found amidst lush green fields, in a serene atmosphere with the backdrop  of the mountains. It is located at a distance of 4 km from Kanji. The Lord is karaikandeswarar and the Goddess is Brihannayaki/Periyannayagi.

Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple, Mambakkam 

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

Phone : 9444688734

Built by the Chola kings in the 10th century, The 10th century temple situated at the foot of Parvathamalai, built by Cholas was further developed by the kings of Shambhavaraya and Vijayanagara dynasties.  The Lord is karaikandeswarar and the Goddess is Brihannayaki/Periyannayagi. 

Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple, ThenmathiMangalam 

Phone : 75300 73006/9688734295

Known as Then Mahadeva Mangalam, this shrine is one of the seven temples and is 7 kms from kadaladi.  Kashi Vishwanatha Swamy with Sri Vishalakshi offer their blessings. The large courtyard of oveer 2 acres has beautiful structures.  The Lord is karaikandeswarar and the Goddess is Brihannayaki/Periyannayagi.  Built by Cholas, The other dynasties have also done various contributions and renovations to the temple

Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple, Elathur 

Phone : 9655676224/ 80563 16727

The sanctum sanctorum is on the north side of the temple with the main entrance facing south.  The temple is located at  elathur, Kalasapakkam village, 9 km from Poondi.  The Lord is karaikandeswarar and the Goddess is Brihannayaki/Periyannayagi. The temple renovated by Chola and Vijayanagar empires.

Stucco images of Rishabaroodar and Nandhi are found near the south facing entrance. Karaikandeswarar faces north. Nandhi faces the Sanctum. There is a shrine for Dakshinamurthy. There is an Arudhra Mandapam within the Maha Mandapam. Mother Periyanayagi/Brahanayagi  in sitting posture with left hand on thighs and Kuvalai flower right hand  in a separate east facing shrine.

Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple, Poondi 

Phone : 9787051251/9487229930/9952150303/9487601866

The highlight is the opening of the Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple after worship at the Sri Agastheeswara Swamy Temple in the village. Balaganapthy and Bala Subramanya are present and the Temple is located at a distance of 3 km from Elathur.  Jeeva Samadhi of Poondi Mahan is in this place.  The temple belongs to Chola days. Nadi and Dwajasthamabam faces the sanctum. Devotees pray in the nearby Agneeshwarar temple first and then pray here.

Sri Karai Kandeshwara Swamy Temple, Kuruvimalai 

Phone : 9787073260/9944416571

It is a  combination of two temples located in a serene environment away from the city. One of the adjoining temples is dedicated to Sri Adi Karai Kandeshwara Swamy. Goddess Periyanayaki is worshiped in both the temples. Situated at 6 km from Poondi, this shrine is the last of the Sapta Karai Kanda series 

The seven temples on the Southern bank of the river are called Sapthakailaya Sthalangal

These are Vasudevanpattu, Thamaraipakkam, Narthampoondi,  Thenpallipattu pazhankoil, Karaipoondi and Mandakulathur and are found on the south side of the river. 

Sri Bhaktavatsaleshwara Swamy Temple, Vasudevampattu 

Phone : 84890 86309/96774 13824

The place is  named after the ruler Vasudeva Varma who built the ruined fort . Sri Veeranarayana Perumal Temple can be seen. The eight feet tall idol of Sri Anjaneya in this temple is magnificent. The ancient Sri Margasahayeshwara Swamy Temple is also located in this village. 

Sri Bhaktavatsaleshwara Swamy Temple is built in a spacious area with no rajagopuram. When we enter through the south-facing main entrance the court porch with well-formed binary pillars in sapta patterns are seen. Ahead of the  sanctum sanctorum, Nandeeshwara is seen with the gatekeepers,  Nalvar, Kashi Lingam, Bhairavar and Dakshinamoorthy.  Vinayaka and Murugan, the Navagraha Mandapam and the Sannidhis of Sri Chitra Guptan and Vichitra Guptan in the northeast. Here performing pooja for longevity is a practice. 

Presiding deity is Aatkondeswarar / Bakvatsaleshwarar and the Goddess  Soundarya Nayagai / Baagampiriyal/ Akilandeswari is in a separate shrine. Goddess is east facing with four hands.

Sri Agneswara Swamy Temple, Thamaraipakkam 

Phone : 9446488734/ 96265 07082

The temple  built by Kulothunga Chola in the 10th century  with presiding deities by Sri Agnishwaraswamy and Goddess Tripura Sundari. Mother is in standing posture.  The sculptures are beautiful to look at. Nartana Ganapati, Dakshinamoorthy, Sridevi Varadaraja Swami along with Sridevi Bhudevi, Sri Subramanya Swamy along with Sri Valli Devasena are the other deities.  All the temple vimanas  along with the main temple look splendid  in gold. 

Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Narthampoondi 

Phone : 74184 12660

Narada Maharshi spent a lot of time in this temple to get relief from  the curse by Dakshaprajapati. Iin the early days it was called Narada Poondi and over time it became known as Nartana Poondi. Daksha wanted to develop his three sons as an equal to Shiva which was prevented by Narada by imparting Shiva upadesam to sons and made them noble. Hence the angered Daksha cursed him and the Lord appeared before Narada in Rishaba vahanam after his 12 years of penance and liberated him.

East of the spacious courtyard is a five-story royal tower.  Located on the west side of the campus is "Cut Ganesha" whom Political parties in particular worship for victory during elections. Devotees pay special homage to Sri Kailasanathar Swami along with Sri Periya Nayaki for success in education, marriage and fertility. 

The inscriptions here state that the temple was built by the Chola kings and was developed by the Hoysala and Vijayanagara kings. It was also ransacked by the invader Malikafur.  Also found are Vinayagar, Murugan, Saptha Kannikas and Natarajan shrines

Narthana Poondi is located at a distance of 14 km from Kanji. 

Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Thenpallipattu 

Phone : 9943935048 /98431 44261

Sri Kailasanathar Swami along with Sri Kanakambikai are the Main deities. Located at a distance of 6 km from Poond, in this small temple Sri Ganesha and Sri Subramanya Swamy, appear separately. This is the birthplace of Sri Mahan Sabhapati Swami, a yoga practitioner and spiritual guide whose tomb is nearby. 

Sri Balakradeshwara Swamy Temple, Palam Kovil 

Phone ; 9047615588/9655676224 /9894893088

This place is known as Palamkoil or Pazhankoil. The five-storied Rajagopuram is visible from a  distance. There is a main archway to the temple and the Lord here is known to cure illness and the Goddesses bestows good fortune. It is believed that the Madhurantaka Chola  built this temple in the late tenth century.  Ancient Panchaloha idols and utensils were found during the excavation of in the year 2001. The shrine is is home to many deities including the Nayanmars.  The Lord is Balakradeshwar and Mother is Balambigai.

The story goes that a king who lost his hand got back by praying here. Hence the Lord gets this name. Gnanasambandar, Appar and Siddhi vinayagar are in presence. Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are around the sanctum. Chandikeswarar is in his appointed spot.

There is a 4 pillared mandapam. Mother is in a separate shrine.

Sri Dharmanatheshwara Swamy Temple, Mandakolathur 

Phone : 9600014199

Consider as a centre for vedic learning, this temple is over 1000 years old . There is a 3 tier Rajagopuram  and a four pillared mandapam. The Panchapandavas did not live in this area for some time during their exile in Dvaparayugam. Pandavagraja Dharmaraju used to worship Nithya Lingaraja as a rule. Thus it is said that over time the Swami began to be called by this name as Dharmanatheshwar.  Mother  Dharmasamvardhani devi is in a separate shrine with four hands holding varada, Abhaya hastha, Angusam and pasam.   On the walls of the temple, the Nataraja idols of the Ashta Veeratta places, which are considered to be the special temples of Tamil Nadu, are beautifully painted in natural colours. 

If you plan to leave Thiruvannamalai in the morning by car, you will have the good fortune to visit all the temples by noon. 

The journey from Thiruvannamalai to Ranu Ponu is about 100 km. 

Kariaikandeswarar temple, Karaipoondi

Phone 9444034735 / 9585303925

The Presiding Deity is Karaikandeswarar and Mother is Balambigai. The temple has seen renovations by cholas, Sambuvaryars and the Vijayanagar kings

The Entrance faces south with Images of Rishabaroodar in a Mangapan along with Ganapathi & Murugan. Nandi’s image is along the temple walls. Idols of Mahavih=shnu, Durgai, Dalshinamoorthy and Vinayagar are located along the walls of sanctum sanctorum.

Shrines for Suryan and Chandran are opposite to the sanctum with Murugan and Ganapathy along with their consorts at the e

Temples of Tamilnadu - 2 - Around Thanjavur

 Temples around Thanjavur

Airavatheeswarar Temple, Darasuram

Timings  : 6 a.m. to 10 pm  

Ph : 0435 241 7157

The highlight of the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the set of steps next to the first structure which when  tapped makes musical sound. It is a World Heritage Monument and constructed by Rajaraja II in the 12th century. Lord shiva in linga form named Airavatesvarar graces here. The Linga was worshipped by the Devendra's mount elephant Airavatham and hence the name. There are  several beautiful sculptures and the temple has a water with curative powers. Hence a bath here is considered before we visit the temple.

Airavatesvara Temple, built in the Dravadian style of architecture, exhibits delicate stone carvings which reflects artistic grandeur and the skill artisans of the chola period. Smaller in size than the Big or the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple,  The shrine is said to have been constructed with nitya-vinoda, in mind. The vimana is 24 metres in height. The southern part of the front mandapam is made in the shape of a giant chariot having large stone wheels drawn by horses. The eastern side of the inner court has exquisitely carved buildings. The Balipita is one of those engraved buildings. The pedestal of the Balipita is linked to a small shrine which has Ganesha. 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, one for Yama. Huge stone slabs with carved image of seven celestial nymphs are seen.

There are several inscriptions which talks about renovation by Kulottunga III, About Shaivite saints, 108 sections of inscriptions and about transportation of as image in the temple from Kalyani. It was called as Kalyanapura by Emperor Rajadhiraja Chola I. 

Sri Thenupureeswarar temple, Patteeswaram

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

Phone : +91- 435- 2416976.

Mother Durga in the temple was the family deity of the Chola kings for about a century.  She was in the northern side of the palace in Patteeswaram.  Lord Bhairava, Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga were also found here. Prayers to Mother Durga was mandatory for war and other decisions. At the end of their rule, Mother Durga was placed in this temple. 

Mother Durga in this temple seated on lion,  is smiling, merciful and not angry. She is found turning to the left side against the traditional right facing, along with her 8 hands, three eyes and kundalam and other jewels.

When Tirugnana Sambandar came to Patteeswaram on a scorching summer day, Lord sent a pearl Palanquin tent (Muthu Chivigai in Tamil) to save him from heat..  The Lord also asked Nandhi to move aside to see his saint devotee coming to Him.   Sambandar then offered his pathigam beginning with the line Paadal Marai to his Lord.  

Daughter of divine cow Kamadenu Patti worshipped Lord here, hence the place is called as Patteeswaram.. Lord Ram was rid of Sayahati Dosha left in this temple.  Mother Parasakthi performed penance on Lord here.  The Dog curse on Dharma sharma spelt by Sage Medhavi was absolved 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 chose this place for Her penance on Lord Shiva.  Devas came here in the form of trees and plants and made the environment green and beautiful.  Divine Cow Kamadenu sent Her daughter Patti to help Mother.  Lord Shiva appeared here before Mother with His hair bunch – Sadai Mudi and thus was called Kabartheeswarar. 

Understanding the sacred nature of the, Patti made a Shivalinga of sand and performed penance observing the niyamams.  The water was taken for abhishekam from the sacred Gnanavavi theertha.  Lord Shiva pleased with Patti’s sand Linga, merged into it and made all 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.  

Garbarakshambigai temple , Thirukarugavur

Timings : 5.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Phone : 08870058269

Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman temple is dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathar and Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman. Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar, the three famous Nayanmaars have sung the glory of this temple.

Goddess Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman cures infertility, blesses them to become pregnant and blesses for  safe and trouble free delivery.

Two sages by the name of Gowthama and Gargeya did penance at this place called 'MULLAIVANAM' ie. (Jasmine Forest). A couple by name Nidhruva and Vedikai stayed rendered service to the sages and since they had no kids, the sages advised them worship Sri Garbarakshambigai. The couple did intense devotion and the wife conceived

During her later stage of pregnancy, her husband Nidhruva was away from home and she was in severe pain due to pressures of pregnancy. At that moment, a sage by name Sri.Urdhuvapada came to her abode and sought alms but since she was unwell in body & mind, she could not respond to that sage's request who got enraged & cursed her. Due to the curse, her foetus got affected and Vedikai prayed to the Goddess who appeared before her, protected the foetus, preserved it in a sacred pot  and presented to the couple afterl it developed into a male child. The parents named their child as 'Naidhuruvan'.

The grateful Vedikai prayed the Goddess to remain in this place and protect women and their foetus as she had done in her case. Accepting the prayer, The Goddess remains here as 'Garbharakshambigai' meaning 'Protector of foetus' and hence the name of the place. This is also the place where childless couples are blessed with children.

Later while Vedikai had no mother's milk to feed her child, the Goddess sent 'Kamadhenu' to feed the child who scratched the earth in front of the temple with her hoof and milk came out in abundance and formed  a 'Milk Tank' which now exists as  'Ksheerakundam'.

The Lord is 'Mullaivananathar'(meaning lord in jasmine forest) and it is evident even today the impression of jasmine creepers which once covered it. Linga is a 'Swayambu' and is made up of ant hill mud. Hence no water abishekam to the Lingam and is normally pasted with a kind of musk called 'Punuhu'. People with incurable disease come to offer 'Punugu Chattam' to the Lord and get themselves cured from the diseases. 

Brihadeeswara temple, Tanjore

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m  4.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

Phone: +91 4362 274 476

- The Big temple is considered as one of the oldest ancient temples in India

-       Was constructed by the great king Raja Raja Chola I in a record 7 years time.

- The temple is built of granite stones which weigh about 130,000 tons. 

- Construction of Large temples those days was also considered to generate employment and Big temple would have provided opportunities for large number of people.

- The construction is done by the method of interlocking stones, in which one rock is kept over the other without using the joint mortars. In some cases, they have used lime mortar for binding of rock pieces. 

- The vast foundation of the temple is made without excavating the earth and yet the temple stands in its position. 

- The temple is made with zero degree inclination.

- The Beautifully carved Vimana  and Kumbam are very inspiring. The vimana is 260 ft in height and called Dalshina Meru. The Kumbam weighs almost around 80 tonnes. 

- It is an architectural marvel that the shadow of the Raja Gopuram never falls on the ground. There have been some contradictory views on this recently. The construction is  geometrically perfect and has withstood nature’s fury for over a thousand years. 

- The original Nandhi statue in the temple kept growing in size and hence it was kept aside and nailed to the ground. However, the current statue is a single stone statue  gifted by the Maratha rulers during the later years. This is 13 feet tall and made out of single stone

- There are many inscriptions carved on the walls of the temple. These convey the rituals performed for Lord Shiva and the entire story of how the king Raja Raja Chola I planned and executed the construction of  this Colossus in granite. 

- There are a lot of paintings which portrays Lord Shiva, Asuras and other celestial beings. Natural dyes  and the unique, magnificent skill,  the painting still remains intact.

- One can spot is two figures in the temple sculptures who do not loo Indian. It has been found that the 2 figures indicates  two European men, one English and another French. This indicates that overseas trade was evident during the Chola’s period. 

- It has been found that there are more than hundred underground passages leading to various spots including the king’s palace, other temples, important places near Tanjore and many other critical locations of other regions. The most mysterious thing about these tunnels is some paths may also lead to dangerous spots and since the map of the tunnel is unknown, all of them are sealed. These  underground tunnels were considered to be strategic planning and safety traps designed by Raja Raja Cholan. 

- The original name of the deity was Rajarajeshwar and the temple was Rajarajeshwaram. The Marathas renamed the temple as Brihadeeshwara or the Great Ishwara.

- It is said Raja Raja Cholan got the inspiration to built this marvel during his visit to Sri Lanka

- The temple has a portrait of Raja Raja Cholan paying obeisance to Lord Natarajar. 

- Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan is the chief architect of the temple and his successors survive to this day and practicing the art of Vastu or Vastu Shastra. 

- Depictions of nartakis or dancers showing eighty one of hundred and eight karanas in Bharata Natyam are carved here and they are a part of Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni or Sage Bharata. The temple those days was a platform for talented dancers to showcase their talent. 

- Different kinds of jewels used in the period are mentioned in inscriptions. Twenty three different types of pearls, eleven varieties of diamonds and rubies have been mentioned.

- It is a matter of astounding fact that there was not a single granite quarry within a 100 km radius of the temple. This indicates that the Cholas have carried out this Himalayan task of building the temple which is an unsurpassed and unique masterpiece of our glorious country. 

Sri Vasishteswarar temple, thittai

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m   

Phone : 91-4362 252 858, 94435 86453

Thittai means wisdom spot.  Activating the life in the Human body are six bases-Mooladhara, Swadishtana, Manipuraka, Anagatha, Visuddhi and Aangna. Lord Murugan grants the benefits of these Aadharas to his devotees with final benefit of enlightenment placing them ever in bliss.  Lord Muruga is the thirumoolar here with His body as Thenkudi and bliss as Thittai – Thenkudi Thittai.

Sun God worships Lord Vasishteswara through his rays on Aavani 15, 16 and 17 and again on Panguni in the Utharayana half year on 25, 26 and 27 as Rising Sun.  Surya Puja is performed on these days in the temple. 

It is a miracle in the temple that drops of water fall on Lord Vasishteswara every 20 minutes from the Vimana.  The five Lingas in the temple represent the Pancha Bhoodams – Earth, Space, Water, Fire and Vayu the wind.

This is a guru sthalam and he graces here from a separate shrine in a standing posture always ready to heed to call of the devotees Praying Guru Bhagwan will be blesses with high eloquent and oratorical skill ad excellence in academics.  

Thittu in Tamil means a Elevated place.  During the pralaya, the world was inundated with water.  The boat powered by the Ohm Mantra carrying Lord and Mother stopped at a Thittu called Sirkali, also known as Thonipuram.  It said that of the 28 holy places Lord Shiva loved prior to the Pralaya, 26 were submerged in water.  The remaining two were Sirkali and Thenkudi Thittai.  It is believed that during the Pralaya the sound OHM came out from Sirkali and in Thenkudi Thittai the sound HAM emerged along with other mantra sounds.  This place hence came to be known as Gnana Medu the wisdom spot and Thenkudi Thittai.  Sirkali is called as Vadakudi Thittai.  It is said the places called Thittai  (Kudi Thittai) find favour with the Lord and Mother.  Maharshi Vasishta had his hermitage here and hence the Lord is known as Vasishteswara.  Mother is praised as Ulaganayaki.

Lord is a Swayambumurthy in the temple. Sun God worships Lord with his rays in the month of Aavani on 15, 16 and 17 and again in the month of Panguni on 25, 26 and 27. 

Sri Brahma Kandeeswarar temple , Thirukandiyur

Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 8 p.m. 

Phone 91-4362-261 100, 262 222

Sthalam where Lord Shiva was absolved of his sin of Brahmahathi.

Sthalam that showed that even God is not above Dharma and cannot escape from his sins Nandi’s marriage took place at Thirumazhapadi here 

Lord Shiva built a temple for Lord Narayana and himself here 

Suryan is present with two of his consorts, Ushe and Chaya.

The position of the navagraha in this temple is uniqueTirukkandiyur is just 3km from Tiruvaiyaru, on the route to thanjavur, is Tirukkandiyur.  there are two temples here on the main road, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu, located on opposite sides.  The Siva temple is Sri Brahma Kandeeswarar temple, while the Vishnu temple is Sri Harasaapa Vimochana Perumal temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams.

Sri Brahma Kandeeswarar temple is considered as one of the seven saptastana temples of Tiruvaiyaru.  The other six are: Tirupppazhanam, Tiruchottruturai, Tiruvedikkudi, in Tiruppanturai, Tillaistanam and Tiruvaiyaru.  During the month of Vaikasi (May - June), the utsava moorthy of Sri Panchanadeeswarar of Tiruvaiyaru is taken to each of the saptastana temples.

Sri Brahma Kandeeswarar temple has an interesting story to it.  It is said that Brahma, the creator among the Trinity, originally had a fifth head on top of his four heads.  However, he became so egoistic with pride on account of his being the creator that he began to imagine he was the greatest of the gods.  Shiva then stepped in to teach Brahma a lesson.  He cut off his fifth head, the reason why Brahma a lesson.  He cut off his fifth head, the reason why Brahma has four heads now.  A chastened Brahma realized his folly, shed his arrogance, and prayed to Shiva for forgiveness.  Tirukandiyur or Kandiyur (literally, condemned) is the site where this episode is said to have taken place.

The temple faces west and has tow prakarams.  Shiva is worshipped here in the Lingam form as Brahma Shira Kandeeswarar (He who cut off Brahma's head).  Behind the sanctum, facing the Lingam, is the shrine of Brahma and Saraswati.  Gooddess Mangalambigai is the divine consort here.  Inscriptions dating back to the Pallava and Chola times can be found in the shrine.  A modest fivve tiered Rajagopuram greets us at the entrance.

Sri Harasaapa Vimochana Perumal temple is, as the name indicates, dedicated to the "Perumal (Vishnu) who redeemed Hara (Shiva)." Shiva, as explained above, had cut off Brahma's fifth head.  However, His act invited the Brahmagarthi dhosam,  a kind of taint/curse, the consequence of which was that he encountered terrible misery, with the decapitated skull stuck in His hand, and with which he had to beg for alms.  Vishnu and Lakshmi then intervened to relieve Shiva of the dhosham.  This shrine is the hallowed spot where Shiva received His remission.  It is also known as Trimurthi Kshetram, as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, appeared together here at the end of the episode.

Since Shiva was freed of His sin here, devotees who pray in this small temple will also be absolved of their sins, it is said.  The deity is in a standing posture, and is also known as Sri Brighunathar.  His divine consort, in a separate shine, is Sri Kamalavalli Thayar.  There are sub-shrines here for, among others, Lord Narasimha, Andal, etc.  The Pushkarni, holy tank, is known as Kapaala theertham.  The Rajagopuram of this temple has three tiers, and is shorter than that of the Shiva temple opposite.  The Rajagopuram of Sri Brahma Kandeeswarar temple is devoid of embellishments, while that of Sri Harasaapa Vimochana Perumal temple is crowded with depictions from the various puranas.

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. 

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.

Thingaloor kailasanathar temple – Chandran Sthalam

Timings : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Phone :  +91-4362-262 499, 9344589244, 9443586453  

Villagers conduct the rice feeding ceremony of their infant children in the temples of their family deities.  This is also done in the Guruvayurappan temple.  In Tamilnadu Thingalur Kailasanathar temple is famous for this custom.

Celebrated by people on Ashwini, Mrigasheersha, Uthiram, Swati, Tiruvonam, Sadayam and Revathi star days during the Chandra Hora time and before Annaprasnam,  the child is shown the moon and a cow, for the blessings of Jaladevadha (water God) and Oushadhi Devadha (God of medicines).  

Hence showing the moon to the child while feeding has a spiritual meaning and not just a matter of beauty. 

Thingalur is closely associated with Appudhi Adigal.  He was neither a staunch devotee of Shiva nor was known for his penance.  He had great regard for Tirunavukkarasar.  He names both his sons after Tirunavukkarasar.  In his opinion, serving a devotee means serving God.

when Adigals’s son was bitten by a snake, Tirunavukkarasar brought the boy back to life with his “Ondru Kolam” Thevaram. Sekkizhar tells the story of Appudhi Adigal in 46 verses in Peria Puranam.

Chandran is also called as Thingal and hence his abode is Thingalur. Chandran is said to be in the locks of Lord Siva and hence when devotees worship the Lord,  also  worship him. When churning the paarkadal using Mandira Malai and the snake Vasuki the toxicity of venom affected the Devas and Chandran who emerged with the Amirtham revived the Devas.

Praying to Chandran removes Dosham to mother, mental retardation, skin and nerve problems, jaundice, fluid accumalation which are the effects of Chandra dosham. Wealth, mother’s/wife’s happiness, Govt’s help, ownership of vehicle, marriage, offsprings, prosperity, foreign travel will be bestowed by his divine grace on his devotees.

Kapisthalam Gajendravaradar Temple

Temple timings : 7.00-12.00-5.00-7.30-   

Phone : 04374 225434 – Seshadri Bhattar

15 kms form kumbakonam. 7th century temple with Five tiered gopuram. The large land area is including the pushkarnis, Gajendra Pushkarni and Kapila Theertham covered by a granite wall.  The sthala vruksham is Magizha Tree. 

Gajendra Varadar is Presiding deity and Utsavar is Dhamodara Narayanan.  The Thayars are Ramamani Valli and Loganayaki.  One of the Pancha Krishnaranya kshethram where Krishnan as the Utsavar gets precedence over the presiding deity

Gajendra Moksham story is well known.  There lived a king by name Indrajuman who was such a staunch Vishnu devotee that he neglected his kingdom and lost it.  Once He was in Vishnu pooja and failed to see the arrival of Sage Durvasa.  The Rishi thought that the king was arrogant and cursed him to become a wild elephant.  When the king sought relief from curse, the Sage advised him to continue with his Pooja and the Lord Vishnu would give relief..  In the same place, a Gandharva named Koohoo was troubling every one.  He caught  the legs of the sage agasthya during his snanam. The Rishi cursed him to become a crocodile in the temple tank and his deliverance will happen in the hands of Vishnu.

When Gajendra came for plucking the lotus flowers of the tank for Pooja, Koohoo caught his legs. The elephant called out to Lord Vishnu as Adimoolame and the Lord killed the crocodile with His disc.  In view of this, both Indrajuman and Koohoo got liberated of their curse.   Hanuman a monkey (Known as Kavi OR Kabi0 got darshan of this Lord in this place and this place came to be called Kabisthalam or Kavisthalam. 

The Moolavar faces east in the Bhujanga Sayana ( reclining ) posture.   He has various thiru namams namely - Gajendravaradar, Adimoolaperumal and Krishnan.  Similarly Thayars are also called Ramamanivalli, Shenbagavalli and Pon Thamarayal.  Thayar’s shrine is on the right side of the Moolasthanam.

Azhwar in his pasurams praises him as “ Attrangarai Kidakkum Kannan” ( Kannan reclining on the river bed ) and hence has been called kannan henceforth.  This is a unique Divya Desam where the Lord had given darshan and redemption to two non-humans ( elephant and crocodile) and darshan to a monkey (Hanuman).  Praying here gives relief from the ill effects of Rahu.