Temples in and around Pillayarpatti
Route
Day - 1 - Chennai - Pillayarpatti (420 kms) - Vairavan patti (2 Kms) - Stay at Pillayarpatti
Day - 2 - Pillayarpatti - Nemam (5 kms) - Illayathangudi (13 kms) - Thirumayam (15 kms) - Athangudi (12 kms) - Kanadukathan (8 kms) - Mathur (16 kms )- Ariyakudi (8 kms) - Pillayarpatti (21 kms) Back to Pillayarpatti
Pillayarpatti - Pattamangalam - Kalayarkoil - Nattarasankoil - Thirukoshtiyur - Pillayarpatti - over night Stay at Pillayarpatti
Day - 3 - Pillayarpatti - Iraniyur - Chennai
PILLAYARPATTI TEMPLE - Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Stay - http://pillayarpattitrust.org/accommadation.php
45 cottages available. Boarding facility available
Veg restaurants nearby - Available - One of them is passable. Do not have much of choice. Not many restaurants nearby.
Tea shops in plenty. Carry some snacks & eatables if you are staying longer
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Telephone number : 04577-264240, 264241
Mobile: 73972 64240
PKNK Trust : +91 4577 264 240 for Accommodation (A/c & Non A/c rooms)
Note : Rooms may not be available on important festival days like Deepavali - Please check before planning your visit.
Serene Place. Slightly away from Mainstream traffic. Enjoy the early morning fervour of the place.
About the temple:
- An ancient rock cut temple.
- known as "Karpaga Vinayagar" as he bestows on the devotees like the karpaga vrisksham all their wants.
- Divine deity.
- Appears with 2 hands
- Stomach not touching the Asanam in the form of "Artha Padma" Asanam.
- Valamburi Vinayagar seated facing towards north, will bless with all wealth.
- Seen seated without Angusapasam, with his folded legs
- The deity is known as "Marudeeswarar" as Marudha tree
- This is an ancient temple.
- Cow worshipping Lord Siva by offering his milk is a special feature of this temple.
- It is believed that Lord of wealth, Kubhera had worshipped here.
- As an unique feature, Goddesses Laxmi, Saraswathi and Durgai are found together in this shrine.
- Another unique feature is that the three Lingams Thiruveesar, Marudheesar and Senchadeswarar along with the three Goddesses Sivagami amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman and Soundara Nayaga amman all appear together and shower their blessings.
- By worshipping Kathyayini amman at this temple, women get relived off their sevvai dosham which hinders their wedding. A separate sannidhi for Sapthamangai also known as Saptha madhar is found as Sakthi sannidhi at this temple.
- This is a very ancient temple with many inscriptions. The growth of the temple has been classified into three stages
VAIRAVANPATTI - BHAIRAVAR TEMPLE
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 3.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Telephone number : 04577-264237
- Lord Sri Rama appears on the wall worshipping Vishwarupa Anjaneya as he brought good news about Matha Sita. Hence he respectfully greets him and appears as an embodiment of simplicity
- Lord Bhairava with his God Vahan appears in a separate shrine
- The sacred spring created by him is outside the temple. Those who worship the Lord after a dip in the spring will be blessed with child boon.
- Any Fear of enemy and sins would vanish.
- Do not miss the three lizard sculptures behind Mother Ambica shrine. This is a Dosha Vriddhi Shrine.
- Do not miss the Unique tamil architecture.
- Lord Dakshinamurthy graces from a hall with a pillar with 7 musical tunes.
- Chandikeswara shrine built on a single rock. Nandhi, Lord Shiva's vehicle is in a separate hall.
- Lord Brahma the creator too once had five heads as Lord Shiva and grew proud. Once Mother Parvathi extended all respects to Him thinking to be Lord Shiva. Unfortunately Brahmma accepted without pointing out the error to Parvathi. Once she realised, Parvathi reported the matter to Lord Shiva who ordered His deputy Vairava to pick off one head of Brahma. Lord Vairava is all grace at this temple.
MEMAM JAYAMKONDA CHOLEESWARAR TEMPLE
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Telephone number : 04577-264190
Mobile : 94428 14475
- Located at Nemam, Pudukottai, The main deity at this temple is Lord Shiva, Also known as Jayamkonda Soleeswarar along with Goddess Parvathi. This is the 2000-year-old temple
- This 2000 year old temple is a majestic rock-cut temple located around 12 km from Karaikudi on the Karaikudi Madurai road. There are over 100 different sculptures of various aspects of Hindu faith adorn the walls and pillars of the temple.
ILAYATHANGUDI KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Mobile : 97518 94339, 80568 8428
- This ancient temple was renovated and reconstructed by Valvil Ori who ruled Kollimalai. Subsequently in the year 1266, King Veera Ramanathan donated lands for the upkeep and regular conduct of puja in the temple. Further donations were done by king Rama Chakravarthi later. Famous temple towns nearby are notably Thottiyam, Gunaseelam, Uthamarkoil, Tiru Engoimalai, Uthamarkoil and Tirunarayanapuram.
- In this temple the 27 stars had divine darshan of Shiva and Parvathi. Star Revathi, the last star, continued to worship here for the blessings of the divine. Hence those who carry the name of Revathi or born in Revathi star Pray here for better life regularly or on their star day and make offerings to thaali or Clothes or Food and distribute to 27 devotees praying in the temple. Performing milk abishek to Lord before 12 minutes of the beginning of Aswini star following the end of Revathi star is considered ausicious.
- Planet Moon married the star Revathi. (Of the 27 stars Aswini, the first and Revathi, the last star wanted the darshan of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi which was granted to them.
- Lord is known as Kailasanathar while the mother is prayed as Karunakaravalli. Kar in Tamil means rain clouds, who are 7 in number and worship in the temple on Revathi star days.
- There is a strong belief among farmers that puja to Varuna the God of Rains on a Sunday combined with Tiruvadhirai star or on Revathi star would bring ample rains for prosperity
THIRUMAYAM SATHYAMOORTHY PERUMAL TEMPLE
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Telephone Number : +91-4322 -221084
Mobile : 99407 66340
- Lord Vishnu as Sathyamurthy Perumal blesses the devotees in a standing posture in the sanctum sanctorum under the Somachandra Vimana, holding His discus and conch.
- Named Sathya Kshtram after the name of Lord Perumal, Lord Thiru Meyyar in reclining posture on the Adisesha serpent bed, the biggest in the country, graces from another shrine. Hence this place is called Thirumayam.
- With eyes are half closed, the Lord is surrounded by Sages and Devas while Lord Brahmma appears from His naval chord. Mother Mahalakshmi graces from Lord’s chest.
- This ancient temple has beautiful sculptures. It is believed that Lord granted darshan to Sage Sathya Maharshi in this temple.
As Sthala purana goes - two demons Madhu and Kaidaba came there to abduct Mother Mahalakshmi and Mother Bhoodevi when Lord was pretending to be asleep. Scared, Mahalakshmi hid in Lord’s chest and Bhoodevi at His feet. Not wanting to distrub Perumal's Nithirai, Adisesha spat his venom and drove away the demons. Eventhough he was afraid that he acted without the permission of Lord, Lord was pleased with his action. Hence Adisesha appears in a shrinking posture.
ATHANGUDI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE
Temple Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.
Telephone Number : +91- 4565 - 281700
Mobile : 94432 73917
Athangudi is a small village around 20 Kms from Karaikudi. Besides the tiles, it is well known for a beautiful temple there dedicated to Lord Sunderesawarar and his consort Meenakshi. This fairly large temple with spacious courtyard managed by the Nattukottai Chettiars has beautiful Paintings on the ceiling of the inner courtyard. We find scenes from Thiruvilayadal Puranam describing the 64 arts and exploits of Chokkanathar which goes back to period of the second Tamil Sangam, also considered as the national puranam of Pandyanadu or Pandya Kingdom.
KANADUKATHAN VELANKUDI KANDEESWARAR TEMPLE
Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 5.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
Telephone No : 04565-283422
Mobile : 9043023912 / 9894394286
The Velankudi temple is dedicated to Kandeeswarar and his consort kamatchiyammai. It is about 9 kms from Karaikudi. Its members have no Piruvus (Sub-classification). The population here is very low and this is believed to be the result of an ancient curse.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva.
MATHUR AINOORTEESWARAR TEMPLE
Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon 4.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.
Telephone No : 04565-231862
- Dedicated to Arulmigu Ainootreeswarar and his consort Arulmigu Periyanaayagi.
- Sculptures of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda and Ramana Maharashi seen.
- Do not miss the stone lions with freely rotating balls in their mouths.
- 70 feet tall Rajagopuram with seven Pirivus (sub-classifications) like Uraiyur, Arumbakkur, Manalur, Mannur, kannur, Karuppur and Kulathur.
- Intermarriage within subclassification is common
- Place is 5kms away from Karaikudi.
Sri Tiruvengadam Udayan temple, Ariyakudi
Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m
Telephone No : 04565 - 231 299
- This famous Vaishnava place was established by Nattukottai Nagarathar community.
- Sevukan Chettiar, belonging to Nattukottai Nagarathar this community was a staunch Vishnu devotee. Those who visited him use to drop their contributions in the hundi kept by him. Each year Chettiar used to carry the accumulated money on his head and place it at Tirupati temple by travelling on foot.
- As he grew older, he became weaker and could not take up the journey. He however did not give up. During one of the trip, he fainted on the way.
- Lord appeared before him and said that he need not endure any more difficulty and he will come to his place himself. He was then asked to go west where he found a Tulsi plant and a coconut shell where the temple now stands.
- During the construction of the temple, the idol of the presiding deity was found. Since the devotees wanted to install Perumal with His consorts as in Tirupati, He was installed with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
- The festivals celebrated in the temple are
1. Tirumanjanam on Chithirai first day
2. Lord’s procession on Full Moon day in the same month (April-May)
3. Brahmmotsavam in Vaikasi (May-June),
4. Aadi Pooram in July-August,
5. Gokhulashtami in August-September,
6. Saturdays in the month of Purattasi (September-October),
7. Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January and
8. Wedding Festival to Lord and Mother on Panguni Uthiram in March-April
- Garuda graces with two lions on each side.
- Special puja is performed to Garuda on Swati star day of each month.
- A special puja on the Swati Star day in the month of Aadi (July-August) called Maha Swati, the birth day of Garuda, is also done.
Since the procession deities were brought from Srirangam temple during Sri Ramanuja’s time, Sevukan Chettiar took efforts to get Tiruvengamudayan worshipped by the Acharya, for this temple. The Sadari (Padukas or feet of the Lord) was brought from Tirupati and Agni (fire) from Tirumayam to start the temple work. Since then, the place came to be known as Ariyakudi (rare land) and Then Tirupathi (Tirupati of South).
DAKSHINAMURTHY TEMPLE, PATTAMANGALAM
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Telephone number : 04577-262033
Mobile : 97863 09236, 99621 21462
- Sthala vriksha is Banyan
- Sacred tank is Potramarai
- A smiling Dakshinamurthy in a veerasana posture in a separate shrine outside the temple. He has a crescent moon and Kondrai flower. Holds Agni in upper right, Gnana mudra in lower right, Serpent in left upper hands and his lower left hand on his lap. Faces east.
- Lord Vishnu in Varaha Avatar
- Lord Brahma in a swan form
- Sthalam where Lord Shiva performed his third Thiruvillayadal.
- Lord Muruga as Shanmuganatha with five heads accompanied by His consorts Valli and Deivanai blesses the devotees in the inner sanctum sanctorum
- Once Lord was telling Shiva stories to sage Brungi and Nandi Deva. Karthikai mathars namely – Nidardani, Aparakendi, Dekanthi, Vardhayendhi, Amba and Thula requested that they be also gifted with the Ashtama Siddhi art. Though Lord Shiva hesitated, he did on the nudging of the divine mother.
- The distracted mathars did not pay attention and the angry Lord cursed them to turn to rocks in Pattamangalam. When they sought relief, Lord said that after 1000 years, He would come to Pattamangai from Madurai and grant relief and it happened. Mother Uma was also cursed for Her recommendation and was relieved after a penance. She is a smiling Navayadi Kali in this temple.
The unique practice in this temples is as follows:
- Devotees believe that circumambulation of the temple thrice realize their wish, 5 times when one wants to succeed in efforts, you become noble when you do 7 times with high ideals and peace of mind, 9 for a child, 11 for longevity, 15 for prosperity and 1008 times to get the girl of their choice.
SRI SORNA KALEESWARAR TEMPLE, KALYARKOIL
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Telephone number : 04575-232516
Mobile : 94862 12371
- A big shiva temple with 18 ft high temple well managed by the devasthanam of Raja of Sivaganga
- The temple has a tall rajagopuram and a Teppakulam with manadapam created by Airavatham
- Three shrines in this temple associated with the three functions of creation, preservation and completion.
- The presiding deity is called as Kaaleeswarar, Someswarar and Sundareswarar
- Ambal his consort mother Parvathy is called as Swarnambikai, Soundara Nayagi & Meenakshi
- Amman Rajagopuram built by Maravaraman Sundara Pandian in 7th Century is situated in front of the Kaleeswarar Sannathi. With scultures and drawings on the inner side It is 90 feet high and the breadth is 57.8 feet. Varaguna Pandian built the smaller tower on the north
- The Swami Rajagopuram in front of the Someswarar Sannathi is 155 ½ feet tall and the breadth is 93 feet. Maruthu Brothers built the new tower in the 18th century.
- The tank is an replica of Madurai Mariamman Theppakulam (Tank) called "Anaimadu”. Once when cursed, the elephant Iravatham was ordered to pray to Kaleeswarar for his salvation. The tusker using his hard Ivory( Tusk) dug a tank and performed poojas and was relieved off the curse.
- There are three shrines dedicated to the three presiding dieters. The first shrine is dedicated Sthoolalingam the 2nd shrine is dedicated Kaleeswarar representing Saotchumalingam and the third shrine is dedicated to Sundareswara representing Karanalingam. Their consorts are Goddesses Soundara Nayaki, Sri Sornavalli and Meenakshi respectively.
- Lord Indira once when cursed prayed to Sornakaleeswarar and Goddess Sornavalliamman and got relieved. He erected a Sivalinga here and offered prayers
- Kalaiyar kovil, a corruption of Kaleeswaran, derived its name from the Kaleeswarar temple of the place. During the Sangam period, this place was known as Kaanapair and Saint Sundara moorthy nayanar described the presiding deity as Kaalai. The temple came to be known as Kalaiyar kovil
- On June 25, 1772, the East India Company forces under Col. Joseph Smith and Cap. Bonjour marched towards Kalayar Kovil and after defeating the king, ransacked Kalaiyarkoil and made away with jewels. The temple was kept locked for some time and then re opened after substantial repairs and development done by the nagarathars of devakottai, especially the Zamindar family.
Sri Kannudaya Nayaki temple – Nattarasan kottai
Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Phone : +91 4575 234220
2 km South of Nattarasankottai, there are some villages in the forest area called Pirandakulam, Allur and Panangadi. Buttermilk vendors from these villages could not proceed after a particular point as they were hit by some power and lost the buttermilk and had to go back with empty hands. Scared and confused, they took the matter to the king in Sivaganga. A day before their meeting with the king, Goddess appeared in his dream and told him that She was under the earth in Pirandakulam village near a jack tree.
The king told the people of his dream and went along with them to the place mentioned by the Goddess. He asked the people to dig the place. While one man was engaged in the work, the crowbar hit his eye causing bleeding. When the other man offered to continue the work, the first man said that he would do it himself and brought the idol out. The moment, the idol came out of the earth, his eye injury was completely cured and bleeding stopped. As the Goddess restored his vision, She was named Kannathal, the Goddess who gave eyes. Eye in Tamil means Kan.
While the people of the Yadava community were taking the idol northward, they could not carry it further from a particular spot and placed the idol facing east in Nayanmarkulam village. The Goddess directed the Nagarahar people to perform a Kaliyattam and offer a sacrifice.
The Nagarather assembled, formed two groups as Kallar belonging to the bride and bridegroom side called Kanakkupillais. It was decided to perform pujas in the mornings and evenings and sacrifice 1,500 sheep from the Nayanmar community. Not a single drop of blood came out from the 1,499 sheeps. Blood came from the last sheep making the number to 1,500 when the idol began to move. It was placed south of the Shiva temple in a place called Virakandan Urani. Next day, when people went there, they found the idol facing north. It was brought the same way. A voice from the sky said that the idol may be installed in the place where the sanctum sanctorum existed. Pujas were conducted by the Bangle Community (Valayar kulam people). After a few days, Goddess ordered that those belonging to Uvachar Community alone should perform the pujas. Till now only this community is enjoying the privilege of being the priests of this temple.
It would be worth mentioning here that the Great Tamil poet, Kavi Chakravarti Kamban who wrote the Ramayana in Tamil belonged to this community and is mentioned as Tiruvazhundur Uvachan in Tamil history.
Goddess Kannudaya Nayaki is very fond of Kaliyattam festival celebrated once in 12 years as the Kumbakonam Mahamaham festival. There are two houses in Pazhaya Valaivu in Nattarasankottai designated for this festival, one called Kalla Veettu Kaliyatta Veedu and the other Kanakku Veetu Kaliyatta Veedu.
These two groups belong to Karanakaras comprising of five families. The festival is being observed with these two groups. Their houses are built with a foundation of burnt bricks, the second stage with raw bricks and again with two lines of burnt bricks. The roof is made of wooden frames and tiles. Inside the house, the walls are painted with deity with two poosaris (priests) on both sides, Vinayaka, Veerabadra and Bhairava and other sub-deities, (parivaramurthis), Madukari and dwarapalakas (security guards) on the four sides. On the outer side rear wall, two boodhas are pained.
During the festival period, the houses built earlier for the previous festival would be demolished and built anew with pictures painted as described above. All these works are undertaken on an auspicious day before the first Tuesday of Chithirai (April-May) and other ceremonies would follow in order. This is a 22 day festival. Nagarathar people will bring two pots (Karaka kudam) and place them in each house.
The Mulaikottu (sowing seeds in small mud bowls, which will grow into saplings symbolizing that all good things should grow aplenty, in both houses with concerned people and offer them betels, nuts, sandal on the fist day after the proper pujas to the deity both in the morning and evening. During the evening, pujas are performed in the Nayanmar Kulam also.
Elaborate ceremonies are performed on the 22nd day, after taking oil bath, a sheep is sacrificed in a place specially prepared for the purpose in such a way that the blood does not spill on the while linen spread in the place. The sheep will be removed so quickly at a lightning speed. The head and the body of the sheep are separated with a single stroke by a poojari.
After this sacrifice, the Madhu pots (may be called toddy pots) brought earlier here will be brought to the temple. Then Soolattu puja is performed when only the couple of Karanakara family alone would be present. This is called Peria Padayal.
From day 24 to 29, the poojaris alone would be performing the ceremonies in the Kaliattu houses. On the evening of 29th day, having an oil bath in a spring called Sengamathan Oorani, girls who had not attained puberty would be bringing the Madhukudams (pots) all decorated. Further sacrifices would be followed in the two houses then. All the crops grown in mud bowls would be collected and placed the temple tank last and finally. The poojaris also leave for their respective Kaliattu houses.
Sri Soumya Narayana Perumal temple - Tirukoshtiyur
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone : +91- 4577 - 261 122, 94862 – 32362
Besides consorts Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Lord Soumya Nayaraya Perumal graces the devotees with Madhu, Kaidaba, Indira, emperor Pururuva, Kadhamba Maharshi, Lord Brahmma, Mothers Saraswathi and Savithri. Lord Santhanakrishna (Perumal who grants child boon) is in a cradle. He is also praised as Prarthana Kannan. Those seeking child boon pray here lighting lamps.
Indira was staying in this place till Lord killed Hiranya, gave the Soumya Narayana Vigraha to Kadhamba Maharshi. He was worshipping Perumal in his Indraloka earlier. This Vigraha-idol is the procession deity of this temple. In his Mangalasasanam, Periazhwar had included this procession Perumal too. The place and temple has the reputation of Mangalasasanam of five Azhwars, Periazhwar, Thirmangai Azhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Boothathazhwar and Payazhwar.
It is noteworthy that divine sculptor Vishwakarma and demon sculptor Mayan had jointly worked in the design and construction of the Ashtanga Vimana. The Vimana has three petals representing the three syllables Ohm, Namo, Narayanaya.
Perumal blesses the devotees in four forms from the Vimana – as Nardana Krishna (Bhooloka Perumal) from the base petal, as Soumya Narayana Perumal (Tiruparkadal-Milk Ocean-Perumal) from the first tier in reclining form, as Upendra Narayana (Devaloka Perumal) in the second tier, as Paramapada Nathar (Vaikunda Perumal) in a sitting form in the third tier. Mother Tiru Mamagal has Her own shrine, also praised as Nila Mamagal and Kulama Magal.
Prayer with lamp is an important prayer here. Devotees buy a lamp, place it at the feet of Lord, take it back home, place a coin and Tulsi leaf, keep it in a box and cover it. They believe that Lord and Mother had come to their home in the form of Tulsi and coin. Realizing their wishes, they take this lamp along with another one lit with ghee on the Masi (February-March) float festival day for worship. New devotees coming there take this lamp for their worship.
Mahamaga well: While Emperor Pururupa was carrying out renovation of this temple, the great Mahamaga festival of Kumbakonam also coincided. The emperor wished to have Perumal darshan in this place. Responding to his prayer, Holy Ganga sprang up in the well at the northeast side and Perumal gave darshan to the emperor from this well. The well is thus named Mahamaga Kinaru. Well-Kinaru in Tamil. This festival occurs once in 12 years when Lord grants darshan sitting on His Garuda Vahan.
Teaching to Sri Ramanuja: Tirukoshtiyur Nambi living in Tirukoshtiyur was a great scholar in scriptures. Sri Ramanuja approached him for initiation in Mantras. He called Nambi standing outside. Nambi asked who the caller was. Ramanuja said “ I am Ramanujan. (I in English means Naan in Tamil, an expression of disobedience or arrogance in spiritual terms) Nambi simply asked Ramanuja to go back and return after the death of Naan. Sri Ramanuja did not understand what Nambi meant. Yet, he came to Nambi 17 times and returned back with the same answer. When Ramanuja came finally, he told Nambi that ‘Adiyen (meaning the humble disciple) has come. Nambi called Ramanuja and taught the Mantra ‘Ohm Namo Narayanaya’ on condition that this should not be disclosed to anybody and if he violated the condition, he (Ramanuja) would be pushed into the hell.
But compassionate Ramanuja wanted this Mantra made available to one and all so that all would receive the choice grace of Lord Perumal. He climbed the Vimana, called the masses and taught them the great Maha Mantra. Angry Nambi appeared there and condemned Ramanuja’s disobedience. Sri Ramanuja politely told Nambi that though as an individual, he was to get the hell for displeasing his Guru, millions would be blessed with the benefits of chanting Lord’s Mantra. Startled Nambi embraced Ramanuja saying that He was greater than him (Nambi). Sri Ramanuja appears on the Vimana from where he preached the Narayana Mantra to all. Nambi’s house is just opposite this vimana known as Kal Maligai. There are separate shrines for Nambi and Sri Ramanuja in the temple
Fuelled by the boon obtained from Lord Brahmma and the arrogance grown then, Hiranya began to harass the Devas. They sought protection from Lord Vishnu. Lord called them for a discussion to decide on the action against Hirayna. The sages, still afraid of the demon, told the Lord that the venue of the discussion should be such not known to Hiranya, which Lord approved.
Meantime, Kadhamba Maharshi was performing penance here on Lord Perumal. He had a boon that there should be no disturbance in the place of his penance. So this place-Tirukoshtiyur was chosen for discussion. Lord said that He would take Narsimha Avatar to destroy Hiranya. Pleased with the decision, Devas and sages begged the Lord to grant them the darshan of his forthcoming Avatar. Lord was too merciful to grant them the darshan even before it took place.
Yet, not contended with this darshan, Devas and sages begged the Lord to grant them darshan of His other forms too. Lord granted His reclining, sitting, standing and walking forms. As the Tirukkai (harships) of Devas and Rishis were solved in this place, it came to be known as Tirukkottiyur.
SRI TIRUTHALI NATHAR TEMPLE - TIRUPATTUR
Temple timings : 5.30 a.m. to 12.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Mobile : +91- 94420 47593
- Hiranyakshkan, a Rakshasha had two sons Andakasura and Sambasura who were devotees of Lord Shiva. When they harassed the Devas, Lord shiva took pity on them when they sought his protection, took the form of Bhairavaa and killed the two Asuras. This caused Brahmahathi dosha and in order to relieve himself of the Dosha , Bhairava performed Shivalinga Puja in the temple.
- He is worshipped as Yoga Bhairava. He is dressed with white silk vastras. He appears without his dog vahan and graces in Yoga form.
- Those worshipping in this temple get the relief of worshipping in a navagraha temple, if they are unable to go there. Lord Yoga Bhairava, as he is called, is also praised as Aabath Dharana Bhairava since he rescues his devotees when in danger.
- It is notable that on Ashtami days – 8th day of new moon and full moon fortnights, worship here is done with cosmetic items.
- April 14th marks the one day festival dedicated to Lord Yoga Bhairava. He is taken in a procession on Horse vahan. Ashta Bhairava Yajna performed for six days during the Champaka Sashti festival in Karthikai-November-December is an important event.
- Sage Valmiki, to seek relief from his life as a robber is said to have performed very long penance in the forest filled with Kondrai trees. He was covered by an ant-hill-Vanmeekam in Sanskrit and Puttru in Tamil. Lord Shiva granted darshan to the sage near the Puttru and hence praised as Puttreeswarar. The place also is named TiruPuthur.
Eraniyur Aatkondra Nathar Temple
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.-
Phone : +91- 4577 - 265 645, 98424 80309.
Lord Aatkonda Nathar is a swayambumurthy. We believe in the tradition of worshipping the Vimana and Towers of the temple respecting them as the very deity inside when the doors of the temple are closed. The temple has the wonderful structure facilitating darshan of the deity and also the Vimana simultaneously from the front mandap. People celebrate their 60th and 80th birth days here. Special abisheks are performed to Lord on Masi Magam star day in February-March.
Mother Shivapurandevi graces the devotees with two hands only facing south. When Lord Vishnu took the Narasimha incarnation in a furious form, Ambica, sister of Lord Vishnu also became furious which reflected at nine spots in pillars in the mandap in front of the shrine, the symptoms visible even now. There is also an Ashtalakshmi Mandap in the temple.
Lord Bhairava in the shrine near that of Ambica appears with long side teeth with His dog vahan turning left. Karthika Champaka Sashti festival is dedicated to Him in November-December. He graces from the sanctum sanctorum for six days during this festival and taken in a palanquin procession. Students pray to Lord Bhairava for achieving high ranks in studies. Lord Dakshinamurthi graces in the goshta mandap shouldered by 4 lions.
Kubera the lord of wealth and Vayu Bhagwan had worshipped in this temple according to the history of the place. Both appear on a Horse Vahan. There are also shrines for Navagrahas the nine planets and Mother Gajalakshmi. As this is the place where Lord Shiva helped Lord Vishnu cleansing his His dosha for killing Iraniya, the place is named Iranianur.
Lord Narasimha incurred a dosha for killing demon Hiranya. He worshipped Lord Shiva here for relief. Lord Shiva granted darshan to Lord Narasimha and cleansed Him of His dosha. As requested by Vishnu stayed here in the name of Aatkonda Nathar. He is also praised as Narasimheswarar for the relief He granted to Lord Narasimha.
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