This collection captures details about some of the temples in tamilnadu who have got certain unique features which may not be found in other temples. These special features talks about the greatness of our culture. Many of them have gone unnoticed and not so many of us are aware about these wonderful aspects that have been embedded in the life of our ancestors who lived in those periods
Gangaikonda cholapuram – Brihadeeswarar temple
Timings ; 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 pm.
Phone : 97513 41108
1. Took Nine years to construct. Will shortly reach the millennium.
2. The Shiva Linga in this temple is the biggest among the Lingas in Tamilnadu temples.
3. Its of a single lime stone and placed 200 metres far from the sanctum sanctorum on the ground.
4. Sun light falls on the Nandhi each day reflecting on the Linga. Even if there no lights in the sanctum, The devotees can be seen the Lord in the sunlight.
5. The shadow of the Kalasams on the tower does not fall on ground.
6. A rare and unique Chandrakanta stone is installed under the Linga which has the characteristic of making the sanctum sanctorum cool in summer and warm in winter. This has been the experience of the priests
7. Mother Periya Nayaki is 9.5 feet tall.
8. Navagrahas the nine planets are seen made of a single stone on Lotus design peeta. The planets are around the who is seen on a Rath drawn by 7 horses. Aruna is the Ratha Sarathi. It is unique that that devotees cannot circumambulate the Navagras due to the structure because it is believed that they go round the world and human race should not go round them.
9. Mothers Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi are in a meditation form and they are revered as Gnana Saraswathi and Gnana Lakshmi.
10. During Panguni festival, around 500 pots of milk are used forthe abishekam of Mother Durga.
11. The Shiva Linga in the temple is 135 ft tall and palced on an Avudayar of 60feet circumference while that at Thanjavur temple is 12.5 feet tall with an on an Avudayar of 55 feet circumference.
12. The Thanjavur Linga is masculine with pounding stone design (Ural in Tamil) while here is feminine in nature with Udukkai design.
13. The Nandi bull is bigger than what we see in thanjavur and made of limestone and installed on the ground. The Nandhi in Thanjavur is made of single stone and placed on a higher platform. In Thanjavur, the Nandhi is 100 meters away from the sanctum, in this temple, the distance is 200 meters.
14. One speciality is the Annabishekam that is performed and celebrated in the temple on Aipasi full moon day by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Mutt for many years starting from 9.00 a.m. and going on till 4.00 p.m. The Annabisheka Linga darshan is available for public from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Loads of bags of rice are cooked to cover the Shiva Linga. Nivedhanas of Vegetables and fruits are also offered. As a tradition this Anna-rice gets dissolved in rivers later. In this temple, the same taken from the Avudayar part is offered as prasad. The rice on the Linga is considered loaded with power that it is not offered to public. Those who consume this Prasad is blessed with Child boon.
15. Mother Periya Nayaki, as is tall and big in size and the devotee has to look up to have the darshan of Her divine face.
16. Kanchi Periyava had installed a Sri Chakra at the feet of the Mother.
17. Mother Durga graces as a 9 year old pretty little girl in all smiles with 20 hands killing demon Mahishasura.
18. She is the family deity of King Rajendra Chola praised as Mangala Chandi. She is generous in her boons for wedding and child birth, employment and other requests of devotees
19. On Sundays devotees offer their first prayers in Durga Shrine before praying to Lord Shiva. This is because the chola king used to worship Mother Durga first and then the Lord.
20. Once Rajendra Chola called for accounts for the temple construction and Minister who was unable to submit the account correctly, prayed to Lord Vinayaka who restored his memory. Hence, this Ganesha came to be known as Kanakku Vinayaka (accountant Vinayaka) presently revered as Lord Kanaka (Gold) Vinayaka and appears with a pen (Ezhuthani in Tamil) in His right hand.
21. Elaborate carvings depicting the Shiva mythology is seen on the walls flanking the side entrances and includes the panels that talks about Chandikeshwara
22. Guarded bya Lion, A circular well is found northeast of the vimana.
23. As followed in Thanjavur, the tower was built only after installation of Lord.
24. The 216 feet tall Tanjore Tower is on a single base going up gradually in an even manner. The 180 feet tall tower in Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple has a base of 100 feet width up to 100 feet height and subsequently the gets reduced to 80 feet width after this level. The shadow of the tower does not fall in the ground.
25. The Vimana-tower above the sanctum in the temple is the second biggest next to Thanjavur.
This is a sthalam one should not miss seeing in his life. The magnificence of this place can be felt and admired only if seen.
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 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 Padikasu Nathar temple (Sornapureeswarar)
Timings 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone : 91- 435 - 246 6939, +91-99431 78294.
The three tier tower is above the sanctum sanctorum. Lord Swarna Vinayaka blessing from a separate shrine and as per tradition he gets the first worship before the Lord. Pugazh Thunai Nayanar with his spouse Lakshmi and Sundarar with his spouse Paravai Nachiar are seen. There are two Bhairavas in the temple.
Lord Shiva planned to send Lord Murugan to curb the demons and he along with the Devas offered many powerful weapons to Him. Lord Vishnu gave His discus and conch. With these weapons, Murugan destroyed the demons and he appears here fully armed with the weapons. Discus and Conch are the main the weapons He holds. Seem sitting on the Indira Peacock with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, He is Kalyana Sundara Shanmuga Nathar. The Tiruvatchi – a metal frame around the deity – is shaped OHM. Here we find Mother Mahalakshmi and Murugan are next to each other.
Pugazh Thunai Nayanar, a devotee used to carry water for the abishek of Lord Shiva. Though not well off, he was determined to continue his puja to Lord. There was severe drought and famine but he continued with his service. Starving and weak, when trying to carry the abishek water, fell fainted on the Shivalinga with the abishek water one day. Lord appeared in his dream and asked what he wished. When Nayanar begged the Lord to help him continue his Shiva puja and protect the people from famine, he promised to give him one coin every day to help the people and continue the puja.
Pugazhthunai Nayanar continued his pujas and after long service to Lord and the people, he attained salvation in this place. He was made a celebrated Nayanar.
The temple is situated on the southern side of River Arasalaru. In this temple, Sun & Moon are face to face. In the nine small pits opposite the shrine, the planets are believed to be in the form of Vayu. Those unable or fail to do the rituals regularly to their ancestors, perform pujas to Sun and Moon in this Navagraha shrine and light lamps in the pits.
As per tradition, The heirs of Pugazh Thunai Nayanar are the priests of this temple generation after generation. When Devotees place two coins at the feet of Lord Padikasu Nathar, they take one back with them.
During His visit to Mount Kailash, when Lord Brahmma bypassed Lord Muruga and wanted to proceed, he was intercepted by Murugan and wanted to know who He was. Brahmma introduced Himself as the creator of the world and when Murugan questioned under what Mantra power He was doing it, Brahmma replied OHM. When Lord Brahmma could not explain the meaning of OHM, Murugan hit Brahmma on the head and terminated His job.
Lord Shiva then asked Muruga to return the job to Brahmma which Murugan respectfully declined. When Lord Shiva demanded the meaning and explanation from him, He offered perfectly and then returned Brahmma His post. Though He was right, Lord Muruga regretted his action and to make amends, performed penance in this place. Lord Shiva appeared before Muruga and advised that it was right to question anyone but wrong to punish when he/she commits a mistake
Sri Abhi Mukheswarar temple
Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone : 91 435-2420187
Gooseberry is the sacred tree of this temple and is said to have high medicinal properties to cure diseases of any severe nature. Here People offer gooseberry to Lord for a healthy life.
Lord Abhi Mukheswarar is one of the 12 Gods present during the Mahaa Magam festival,. He is said to have became a Linga from a coconut. Mother Amirthavall is all merciful granting boons to devotees. The idol of Lord Bhairava has special importance in the temple and is taller than the Bhairavas in the 12 Maha Magam temples. Lord Yoga Dakshinamurthi appears in a sitting posture with one leg down. People believe that adverse aspects of Planets would be nullified if they pray here by lighting Dhil Oil lamps on saturdays in the shrine The Dwara Palakas (security men) in Lord Abi Mukheswara shrine are in dancing posture similar to Lord Nataraja.
When the Pralaya floods destroyed the world, Lord Brhamma did not know how and from where to start His re-creation job and approached Lord Shiva for advice. Lord Shiva advised the Creator, asking him to go many holy places, gather the sands of the places, mix nectar and make a magic pot. Then place the Srushti Beeja (seed of creation ) in the pot and a coconut on the top and dress it with mango leaves and cover with threads circled on the pot. Then he said that it should be placed then on a hanging cradle carefully so that it does not oscillate and fall down in the floods and further the pot should be worshipped with Vilwa leaves with Shiva mantras. Then the pot would travel towards south..” Explaining thus, Lord Shiva assured him that He would himself be present at the place. The Kumba was floating. The coconut broke to pieces from which appeared Lord Shiva as Abhimukheswara. Abhi Mukham means straight look and the temple stands looking straight at the Maha Magam tank.
This is the only temple where Lord Bhairava is taller than in other temples and Sani Bhagwan in the Navagraha shrine is taller than other 8 planets.
Sri Mahalingam temple, Thiruvidaimaruthur
Timings : 6.00 am to 11.00 am 5.00pm to 8.00 pm.
Phone : 91- 435- 2460660.
There are four Vinayaka temples in the corners of the four streets, At theradi is the Vinayaka temple, Viswanatha temple in east street, in the West Street is the Rishipureeswarar temple, Aatmanaatha temple in the south and the North Street has the Chocknaatha temple. Lord Mahalingeswarar rests sits in the middleof these temples. Hence, this holy place is identified as “panchalinga sthalam”. The Vinayakar here is known as “Aanta Ganapati” and the place is called “ Pachalinga Sthalam”.
The deity here when prayed with sincerity and devotion bestows many boons, Relief from difficulties, good marriage and child boons to the devotees.
The Mookambigai is as famous and powerful like the Kollur Mookambigai. Other Than Kollur, only in Thiruvidaimaruthur, Mookambigai shrine is seen;. In this temple, the Mookambigai sanctum is on the southern side and the inner sanctum of this temple is similar to a North Indian temple structure with the powerful Maha Meru Srichakram installed here.
Lord Mahalinga Swamy remains as the central Prime Deity in this temple, surrounded by other deities which is a very significant feature.
Reaching the temple and circling the inner way of the first wall, to worship the Lord Marudapperumaan is known as ‘Aswamedha pratakshinam’. Before embarking upon this, one should worship Lord Muruga . While there is a limitation to the prayer duration, the going around is also stipulated. Praying on the Thirukarthigai Deepam and during the Thai month festival is considered powerful Next to this is the ‘Kodumudi prakaaram’. It is believed that going around this prakaraam is equal to going round the Mount Kailas.
Pattinathaar has rendered many songs on the Lord Maruthavaanar. His disciple is Badragiriyaar, from being a king, renounced everything, became the disciple of Pattinathaar and went on a pilgrimage with him. While the disciple had a begging bowl and a dog, Pattinathaar had none. When the Lord sought alms disguised as a siva devotee, Pattinathaar told him that he was a beggar and he should approach the family man near the west tower of this temple.” The Lord went to Badragiriyaar, who realized that the begging bowl and the dog had made him a family man. Thinking so, when he threw the bowl on the dog, it borke and the dog died. The Lord then appeared and granted moksa to Badragiriyaar and the dog. The place is called the ‘Naayatiyaar Koil’ in the East Maada Street and can be seen.
Situated between Mallikaarjunam Sri Sailam in the North and Thiruputaimaruthur (Putaarjunam) of the Tirunelveli District in the South, and is called ‘Idaimaruthu’ (Madhyarjunam) which in Sanskrit, ‘Arjunam’ means ‘maruda tree’. In all these three places the Sacred tree is the maruda tree. Saturn and Moon worshipped here and Lord Marudavaanar has appeared as child Krishna fro sage Kashyapa. There are about 32 theerthams (holy water) for the 27 stars, there are 27 lingams.
The four Nayanmaar, Appar, Tirujnanasambandar, Sundarar and Manickvaasagar have praised tis temple in the ‘Thevaram’ songs. Arunagirinaatar has celebrated this place in his ‘Tiruppugazh’. It is believed that this a relief kshetra for ‘Anusha’ star people with afflictions.
Sage Agasthya, along with the other sages came to Itaimaruthur and had darshan of Goddess Umadevi. The sages requested that they would like to see the Lord. Umadevi, for the sake of the sages, went in Sivatapasya and the Lord granted Her wish and appeared before Her and the sages and began worshipping the ‘Jothi Lingam’. When asked about worshipping self, The Lord replied: “Uma Devi! We worship and accept worship. The sages have forgotten to worship us and hence I’m worshipping myself.” The sages realised,performed worship and received great benefits.
Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalinga Swamy Temple is a Panchakrosha Sthalam and The Deity is Mahalinga (Great Linga) because Siva worshipped Himself. His consort is Perunalamamulaiammai. There is an awesome stucco sculptured Nandi highly decorated measuring 50 ft in height. This place is named as Idaimarudur as it is in between Srisailam and Ambasamudram also called Shanbagaranya, Saktipura, Tapovana, Muktipura etc.
Agasthiya Linga, Kasyapa Linga, Chola Linga , Chera Linga, Sahasara Linga, Panchabhuta Linga, a cluster of 27 Lingas are behind Chokkanathar.
Varaguna Pandiya’s horse accidentally caused the death of a Brahmin and hence the brahma hathi sin followed him. The king came to this temple and the Brahmahathi could not enter and waited outside. The king went out by another entrance and was relieved of his sin. It is believed that the Brahmahathi is waiting outside still. People inflicted with mental disorders are made to go round the circumambulatory path and get relief
In the first prakaram around the sanctum, there are shrines for Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthi, Subramanyar, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeswarar apart from the stucco-sculptured hill with the granite idols of Marudhavanar and Anbirpriyalamman. One can also see the figure of Ravana trying to lift the hill.
Sri Veezhinatheswarar temple
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Phone : 91-4366-273 050, 94439 24825
Pleased with the penance of Muni Kathyayana and his wife for a boon of a child, Mother Parvathi showered her blessings by Herself being born to them. When she attained marriageable age, the sage Narada prayed to Shiva to marry her. Responding Lord Shiva took the hands of Parvathi on the Magam Star day in the month of Chithirai (April-May). As requested by Narada, The Lord appeared in the Wedding Form (human form).
Once this place was dense with many trees, sandal, shenbagam, Jack and Vila all collectively called Veezhi Mizhalai Kurumbar, a hunter and a devotee of Lord Shivaoffered him the Vila fruit for nivedhana. Pleased with him, the Lord taught him the 8 great lessons called Ashtamasiddhi. The Vila fruit is still found at the feet of the Lord in the temple. Hence, the place came to be known as Thiru+Veezhi+Mizhalai as a combination of the fruit and the devotee hunter.
Thiruveezhimizhalai once passed through a dry period with severe famine. Gnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar prayed to the Lord through their hymns to tide over the famine condition and restore fertility in the land. The Lord gave each a gold coin each day to buy food and feed the suffering people. He gave the coin to Gnanasambandar on the eastern side and the other at the western side to Tirunavukkarasar. This is called Padikkasu (equivalent of allowance money)and this peetam also is still in the temple.
It so happened that demon Chalandaran took of the disc of Vishnu who went to Lord Shiva to get it back from him. Lord Shiva told Lord Vishnu that since he was among the Veezhi plants in Earth, he had to worship him there to get back the disc. Vishnu, In this place, made a pond in his name and worshipped Shiva with this theertham and lotus flowers. When it was short by one flower, Vishnu made up by taking off his own eye to worship Shiva. From this day onwards, the practice of offering eye symbols carved in silver, gold or copper came into being. Lord Shiva pleased with the puja of Vishnu gave him back His disc. The eye offered by Vishnu is still at the feet of Lord Shiva.
Sri Vanchinathar temple
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m
Phone : 91-4366 291 305, 94424 03926, 93606 02973.
Built by Rajendra chola, The 110 feet tall five tier Rajagopuram is facing east.
A separate temple for Yama the Lord of Death on the left side of the entrance, Shrines for Lord Vinayaka and Subramania (Muruga) are in this temple. Lord vinayaga is Abayankara Vinayaka. After the inner entrance, the shrine of Mother Mangala Nayaki is seen and she in Her standing posture.
Sri Adhikara Nandhi is on the left side. The procession deities are in a mandap. Vennai Pillayar, Murugan, Panchabhooda Lingams, Jeshtadevi and Sani Bhagawan shrines are in the inner corridor-prakara.
Those born of Magam, Pooram, Sadayam and Bharani Stars and belonging to Aries (Mesha), Aquarius (Kumba) and Leo (Simha) Rasis or Lagna pray here for resolution of issues faced by them. Career related issues, couple with marital issues pray here on Karthika Sundays after a bath in Gupta Ganga in November-December.
The doors of this temple is open during eclipse though as a tradition in other Shiva temples they are closed and Special abishekan is done. Mother Ganga once wanted to cleanse Herself of the sins left on Her by those who bathed in the river. Lord directed Her to pray at a place where the God of Death was blessed by Him. Accordingly, it is said that Ganga left just a small power of Her in the original Ganga and merged with the sacred spring here with the remaining 999 parts of Her holiness. The Theertha is so called Gupta Ganga. This Theertha is considered holier than Ganga. It is also known as Muni Theertha.
To punish those who participated in Daksha’ Yajna, Lord Shiva sent Veerabadra to destroy the Yajna. Sun-Surya,one of the participants, lost his shine due to Lord’s anger and sought pardon. He performed rigorous penance here and regained his brightness with the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Lord Vishnu desirous (Vaanchithal in Tamil) of Mahalakshmi (Sri) sought the help of Lord Shiva to realize His wish. Hence the place came to be known as Sri Vaanchiam. As Lord Shiva is all dominant in the temple, there is no shrine for Navagrahas. Yama and his assistant Chitra Gupta are in a same. Devotees worship Yama with vada malas. People also conduct pujas and homams seeking longevity. Mother Mahishasuramardhi with Her eight hands is blessing the devotees in the temple.
When Yama the God of Death felt very sad that he was assigned the job of taking the life of people when there are jobs that can be done with joy, He went to Tiruvarur and prayed to Lord. Lord Shiva directed him to go to Sri Vanchiam and pray there and hence. When Yama performed penance, Lord Vanchinadheswarar was pleased and assured him that in future, people would attribute the cause of death due to diseases, age and accidents and they would not blame him.
Lord also instructed Yama that he should permit only those who are less sinners and they should not have rebirth and make their end peaceful. Since He granted him the status of Kshetra Palaka and the devotees worship him first and then only at Lord’s shrine. Accordingly, the first puja is dedicated to Yama in this temple.
Koothanur Saraswathi temple
Timings : 6.00 a.m.to 1.00 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Contact : 91- 4366- 273 050, 238445, 99762 15220
The beautiful broad “Harisol” rivulet branches off from the Kaveri at Kumbakonam amd flowing north to south in koothanur which is lined with a few holy shrines.
Many sages and savants chose the banks of the river in Koothanur to perform their penance in absolute peace. People in ancient times are believed to have had their bath in river Harisol, and taken flowers from Poonthottam for worship.
It is said that Goddess Saraswathi did her penance towards Lord Brahma and conferred her blessings on her devotees for ages in this sthalam. Devotees offer their puja with lovely flowers that are known to be acceptable to the Goddess.
ottakoothar sought the blessings of the Goddess Saraswathi and Lord Pillayar (Arul Gnana Vinayakar) to grant him the gift of the ability to compose poems. Bathing in the river Harisol daily and offering floral poojas to Devi, he was blessed with the boon fulfilled when the Goddess appeared in a boat in the river as a beaufiul woman and blessed him.
It is said that along with Goddess Saraswathi, Goddesses Lakshmi and Parvathi also came by in this river and thereby we get the divine grace of all Shakthis. Blessed by the Goddess, Ottakoothar became a poet with the ability to compose rhythmic poems.
His fame spread far and King Vikrama Chola,who invited him to his court and was pleased with ability of Ottakoothar and gifted this land to Ottakoothar. Thus Ambalpuri came to be known as Koothanur.
This place was known as “Ambalpuri even before poet Ottakoothan was born. Ottakoothar and his grandson Ovathakoothar, established the beautiful temple for Goddess Maha Saraswathi.
Goddess Saraswathi, in a penance performing posture, confers Her blessings as the prime deity in this temple. A beautiful three eyed form, with one leg folded in a yogasana pattern, is a treat for the eyes. Another special feature is that the Devi is seen sans her Veena.
Sseated on a white lotus and attired in white silk, She symbolizes learning with a palm script in her hands. The other hand has the ‘Chinmudra’, blessing devotees. Another hand has the ‘Akshamala’, signifying penance. The fourth palm has the nectar pot, conferring happiness and spiritual bliss to devotees.
With her benevolent smile and eyes, Her third eye giving us the ultimate form of spiritual knowledge. In all she gives absolute bliss while giving us education, knowledge, intelligence and welfare.
Sri Adhi Vinayagar temple, Thialatharpanapuri - Sethalapathi
Timings 06:00 am to 12:00 pm 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
Phone : 91- 4366 - 238 818, 239 700, 94427 14055.
This place is also called Sri Muktheeswarar Temple, in Poonthottam, Mayavaram District. It goes by other names like "Thilatharpanapuri" and sethalapathi
Thilatharpanapuri (Til - Seasame, Tharpanam - Performing Last Rites, Puri - Place) – A place to perform last rites for the deceased.
In India Kasi, Rameswaram, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam, Srivanchiyam, Thiruvenkadu & Thilatharpanapuri are the 7 places considered as special or important place for performing Last Rites.
Here the lord is called as Sri Muktheeswarar (Mukthi - Attaining Moksham/salvation)
Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana, performed last rites at various placesto his Father Dasaratha & to the Bird King Jatayu. The Pindams turned into worms each time.
Lord Shiva then advised Rama to go to mantharavanam (earlier name of this place), take bath in the Arasalar river before performing the Pitru Tharpanam (Last rites to Ancestors). When Rama did, the Pindams remained intact and lo1 they became 4 lingams
Dasaratha Maharaja and King Jatayu both attained mukthi (salvation) and hence the deity here is Muktheeswarar. It is believed that performing the Pitru Tharpanam here absolves you of all your Pitru Sabams (ancestral curse) and Pitru Doshams (ancestral sins).
In the outer praharam Rama performing the tharpanam and also the four lingams known as Pitru Lingams can be sseen.
The other Specialty of this temple is the Lord Vinayaga with Human Head and hence called as "Adhi Vinayagar". Also called Nara Mukha Vinayagar, his shrine is just outside the main temple.
When Lord Shiva beheaded Naramukha Vinayaka created by Parvathi, on the request of Parvathi, instructed his troops to fetch the head of anyone found sleeping with his head placed towards North who found an elephant and brought its head. Shiva named the boy Ganapati – meaning commander of his troops and granted a boon that Ganapati shall be worshipped by everybody before starting anything new.
This is the only type of Vinayagar where He has a human face. This is supposed to be the first Vinayagar that Goddess Parvathi created.
The uniqueness of the temple is
1. Naramuga Vinayagar
2. Dakshinamurthy in this temple
3. Rarely blooming flower
4. Sun and Moon together meaning everyday is amavasya and hence tharpanam can be done on any day
5. It is believed that the forefathers receive the benefit of Tharpanam directly here
6. Mahavishnu in 3 different postures
Sri Mehanadhar temple, Thirumeeyachur
Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Phone : 91-4366-239 170, 94448 36526.
Lord Meganathaswami is a swayambulinga. Chanting Lalitha Sahasranama and Lalitha Navarathna Mala in the Mother’s shrine are blessed. This is the birth place of Garuda, Aruna the charioteer of Sun, Vali, Sugriva, Yama and Saneeswara. Hence, this temple is known for performing Ayush Homa and Mrutyunjaya Homa for long life.
Easting Pirandai Rice nivedhana placed on a lotus leaf to Lord leads to cure from diseases.
Sun worshipped in the temple and got back His glittering power and relieved from his curse. Mother Kali had worshipped Lord and Mother here.
When Sage Kashyapa’s two wives Vinatha and Karthru prayed to Lord Shiva, he gave them an egg each to be kept safe for a year. Garuda was born from the egg of Vinatha and became the Vahan for Lord Vishnu. As nothing came out from her egg, Karthru hurriedly broke it to find a disfigured child and hence sought the pardon of Lord Shiva for her hasty action. Lord Shiva blessed the child to become the charioteer of Sun named Aruna and the Sun rise would be called Arunodhaya. Aruna became a Shiva devotee and performed severe penance for His darshan. Sun mocked Aruna for his physical defects that he cannot reach Kailash for Darshan. Aruna did not give in his efforts and succeeded finally and Lord Shiva granted darshan to Aruna and cursed Sun to lose his shining. Remorseful Sun placed Lord Parameswara and Mother Parvathi worshipped them on an elephant and got back his shining power. That Lord Shiva is Lord Meganatha in this temple with the Gajabrushta Vimana designed as the back part of an elephant. There are three Kalasas on the Vimana. The name of the place is the story of Sun recovering his shining power.
Presiding deity Meganatha Swami is facing east. Mother Lalithambika, as Soundarya Nayaki is seated majestically on the Sri Chakra throne as an empress.
Similar to Mother Meenakshi in Madurai and Sri Andal in Srivilliputhur, Mother Durga in this Meeyachur temple holds a parrot which is very rare and seen only in Tirusuhula Nathar temple in Chennai Tirishulam and in Chinnamanur Manickavasagar Temple in Theni. Mother Durga with 8 hands is praised as Sukha Brahma Durga Devi. It is believed that the name is after the name of Sukha Brahmma Rishi, son of vyasa with a parrot nose. With a smiling looks she stands on demon Mahishasura – as Shanta Swarupini. It is believed that the parrot takes the prayers of the devotees to the Mother through Durga Matha. Amazingly, devotees can see a parrot flying from Durga shrine to Lalithambika shrine during evening every day.
Lord Hayagriva, the disciple of Mother Lalithambika, taught the greatness of Lalitha Sahasranama to Sage Agasthya. When asked, Hayagriva said that the sage should visit a place where Mother graces as Manonmani to recite it. Sage, with his devout wife Lopamudra came to Tirumeeyachur and chanted Lalitha Sahasranama before Mother Lalithambika who was pleased and appeared in the form of Navaratnas-nine precious stones. Sage Agasthya also worshipped Mother with his own hymn Lalitha Navaratna Mala.
Of the two Lingas, Saint Tirugnana Sambandar had sung the glory of Lord under the Rajagopuram and Saint Tirunavukkarasar praised the Lord in the Ilankoil in the north prakara of the temple.
Yama the God of death whose star is Sathayam with power of granting longevity, worshipped Lord Shiva performing abishek with 1008 conches. Yama brought the sacred plant Pirandai belonging to the creeper category to earth and offered rice nivedhana prepared with this pirandai to Lord. Today devotees for relief from diseases and for longevity follow this ritual.
Mother Lalithambika was dressed with all jewels as an Empress with one jewel, anklets at Her feet was absent. A devotee woman who had a dream of fixing the anklet to Mother, offered the anklets to mother. Now, devotees seeking wedding, child and education boons offer anklets to Mother Lalithambika.
one can have the darshan of the shrines of Lords Brahmma,Vishnu and Lingodhbava (Shiva) standing in between the two Vimanas. Lord Chandikeswara with four faces graces the shrine and the sculpture of Kshetra Puraneswara is very exquisite. IT is unique that the mother appears angry from one side and smiling from the other side.
Dreaded demon Pandasura was harassing sages and Devas who surrendered to the Mother Parasakthi. Responding, Devi as lalithambika rose from Yaga Gunda, mounted on the Sri Chakra Rath and destroyed the demon. Since she was remained furious,. Lord Shiva asked Mother to go to Earth as Manonmani, do tapas and shed her fury. Accordingly Mother in this place became soft and merciful. She created Vak Devathas - Vasini, Kameshwari, Modhinee, Vimala, Aruna, Jayinee, Sarveshwari, Koulini. - deities ruling words – to sing Her praise with 1000 names. This became the holy Lalitha Sahasranamam beginning with the words, “Sri Mathre” meaning “Mother of prosperity”.
Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. Rays of Sun fall on Lord from Chithirai 21 to 27 in April-May. Surya Puja is performed during these days in the temple.
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