Temples of Tamilnadu - 15 - Pancha KAA Kshetram

We have been blessed to have some very unique group of temples. Many of them are less explored or probably visited not knowing their greatness. Some of the temples might form a part of one or more circuits. Many a times we visit some temple as a part of one circuit but may not be aware of the special nature of the other circuit to which they are considered a part of.

We are in the process of exploring the Pancha KAA temples. This is a set of 5 temples which were considered to be in what were forests earlier. While some may not be well known or may not belong to some popularised group or a circuit, these temples are revered for their greatness when we go through their sthala puranams and by visiting the temples to observe the greatness of them first hand and have divine darshan of the lord. Given below are these five locations where the “Kaa” in their name refers to “kaadu” or forest. Some have slightly changed names but their original names convey the divine meaning.

The five temples are 

1. Tiruvanaikkaa (referred as TIruvanaikkaval which is said to be incorrect)

2. Tirunellikkaa

3. Tirukolakkaa

4. Tirukurakkaa

5. Tirukodikkaa

Sri Jambukeswarar temple, Tiruvanaikoil ( Tiruvanaikaa)

Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 4.00 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Phone         : 91- 435- 241 7157

Location : Trichy  9 km Perambalur 8 kms 

Nearest town         : Thanjavur 60 kms

Important days : Noon Pooja

Important for         :  Success in education

Swami is Sri Jambukeswarar and Mother is Akilandeswari EPORT THIS AD

Jambukeswaram is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams of Siva, which represent water (Appu) after the Vennaval (Jambu) tree that is closely identified with the sthala puranam. 

When Parvati once mocked Siva, he banished Parvati to be born in earth  Bhulokam who on the banks of the Kaveri river created a water Siva Lingam for her worship indicating association of this place with water.  Siva pleased, gave Her upadesam, as Her guru. 

Siva shrine here faces west, while the Amman shrine faces east – indicative of a guru sthalam (though as in Thiruvamathur where Siva faces east and Amman faces west). 

This temple, though not a maadakoil, is the starting point of the legend associated with Kochchenga Cholan. Pushpadantan and Maliavaan – two ganas of Siva –born on earth as an elephant and a spider worshipped the Siva Lingam which was under the Jambu (Vennaval, jamun) tree here. 

Every day the spider wove a web, covered it with leaves – it’s very own way of worship. When the elephant saw this, got angry and removed the webbing, brought water from the Kaveri river, to worship the Lingam. The spider again wove a web as it did before, and in the morning, the elephant again took it apart. After sometime the when the spider realised what was happening, to put an end, the spider got into the trunk of the elephant and bit it. Unable to bear the pain, the elephant thrashed its trunk about so hard, that killed both.

The spider reborn as King Kochchenga Cholan and regarded as one of the 63 Nayanmars, remembering his previous birth, built temples (Maadakoils) with an elevated platform and entrance with uneven steps, so that elephants could not enter the plac

The name Tiru-Anai-kaa derive, from the fact that the elephant (aanai in Tamil) worshipped here and also considered one of the pancha-kaa kshetrams.

Kalamegha Varadan  an illiterate devotee who once slept in the temple, accidentally ate the betel leaves that were meant for Amman. He woke up to become an extremely knowledgeable person and later a famours poet and saint. Considering this event and since Siva imparted jnana deeksha to Parvati here, devotees worship here for success in education.

As related to Jambu tree, Siva here is called Jambukeswarar and Vennavaleswarar (related to the Jambu tree), and Jalakanteswarar and Neerthiral Nathar since related to water.

Believed as the first temple built by Kochchenga), the temple was renovated many times and modified to current status today.

The 18 acre temple complex has seven gopurams, five prakarams and nine Teerthams. The garbhagriham is below ground level, with  a constant stream of water in the shrine. The Stone lattice with 9 openings (equivalent to 9 openings in the body) outside the garbhagriham is a stone lattice represents the 9 teerthams – through which one can worship the moolavar. It is considered equivalent for a dip in all 9 teerthams. 

Amman’s shrine in the fourth prakaram, has two prakarams inside the shrine. When once Amman was extremely angry and the devotees scared to worship Her, Adi Sankarar fitted the Amman with earrings (tatakam), after which Her anger was reduced. The murtis of Vinayakar and Murugan were also installed in front of the shrine, to further ensure the peace.

The noon puja for Siva is unique, where the priest wears a saree and crown – representing himself as Parvati – and performs the puja to signify Mother’s tapas here and reinforcing the importance of Parvati’s role in Saivism and Siva worship.

The Temple architecture is breath taking with mandapams and numerous pillars. The fourth prakaram wall over 8000 feet long is called the Tiruneetru Madhil. During the construction of this wall, Siva came here in the form of a siddhar, and distributed holy ash (vibhuti) to the labourers. It is believed that the Vibhuti later turned into gold, proportionate to the wages that each of the labourers deserved.

If one proceeds beyond this prakaram, a separate shrine for Adi Jambukeswarar , considered as the original Lingam worshipped by Parvati and by the spider and elephant).

The murti of Ranganthar given by Rama and carried buy Vibishana, is now currently at the Srirangam temple. It is believed that Ranganathar stayed back so that He and Lord Shiva could be close to each other.  Hence once a year even today, the utsava murti from the Ranganathar temple comes in procession to this temple and returns specially decorated.

The five sacred trees of Indralok are Parijatham, Karpakam, Mandaram, Harichandanam and Santhanam. Once they became proud of their celestial status that they ignored Sage Durvasa who cursed them to be born as nelli (gooseberry) trees, whose fruits are sour. The trees came to earth, prayed to the Lord, got relieved of their curse, and went back to heaven. It is believed Lord Siva stayed back to teach the world the goodness of nelli, as a Swambhu murti here and also blessed Sage Durvasa to overcome his anger. Since nelli is also called Amla, the Lord here is named Amlavanaveswar.

A Siva devotee saw in this forest that all the animals and birds living happily together. Devas  visited every day. When he informed that king, He established a town, along with this temple and took the name  of Amlanesan.

Uttama Cholan and his queen Padmai, who had no children, once visited this temple. At that time when a very young girl came and sat on the queen’s lap, a divine voice instructed them to bring the girl up as their own.  The girl named as Mangalanayaki – was none other than Parvati and she came of marriageable age, she married Lord Siva here, on the first day of the Tamil month of Avani (August-September).

When Kakasura – an asura in the form of a crow – troubled Sita, Rama shot an arrow at the crow, who after trying various places, finally reached here for the protection of Lord Siva who requested Rama to pardon the crow. 

Sage Susanam who killed his father in a fit of anger and afflicted with brahmahathi dosham, was narrated the aboave story. When he came to  Tirunellikkaa and took at dip in the Teertham, and fed a crow. he got rid of the curse.

Since a Gandharva was cured of his leprosy by worshipping here, the place also has the names of Arunapuram and Kushtarogaharapuram, and the Teertham is called Brahma Teertham. This temple is considered a roga nivarani sthalam for leprosy.

During the week starting the 18th day of the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), and for a week starting the Krishna Paksha chaturti in the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November), the rays of the Sun fall directly on the moolavar Lingam when the Pooja is performed. It is believed that Suryan himself performs this puja at the temple. 

Sri Tirukoteeswarar temple, Tirukodikka 

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Phone         : 94866 70043 Shanmugananda Gurukkal

Location : Tiruvarur  41 km Nagappattinam 60 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 21  kms Myladuthurai 17 kms

Important days : Prathosham, Masi Amavasya

Important for         :  Multiple benefits for Pooja done here

The Lord is Thirukoteeswarar and the mother is Tiripurasundari, Vadivambigai. Initially this place was called Vetravanam, as it was a forest of Vetram, a type of bamboo, and Siva was called Vetravaneswarar.

Sage Durvasa cursed the Devas for having recited the mantras with the wrong intonations. Efforts by Devas to remove their curse was in vain and when Durvasa told them that only Siva could help them,  they refused to listen to him as well as Lord Vishnu. Their effort at Kasi could not get mantra siddhi. When they requested Durvasa, the sage installed a Bhairavar at whose request  Lord Vishnu Himself came to this place and performed pujas followed by the Devas, who finally were relieved of their curse after worshipping Siva here. It is said that the relief came on  new moon day (amavasai) in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March).

Since Siva released the devas off the curse, he is called Tri-Koti-easwarar, now known to be Tirukoteeswarar and hence the name for the place.

When Vaishnavite Azhvars and sages went to worship Vishnu at Tirumala, A divine voice told them to get darsanam of Tripurasundari Amman at Vetravanam. They couldn’t cross the river with cauvery in spate and hence on AGastyar’s prayers Vinayakar got them across to safety.  When they reached they were amazed that Tripurasundari Amman appeared to them in the form of Vishnu.

The Karaiyetriya Vinayakar installed by Agastyar is made of mud, and only oil (thaila kaapu) is applied to the murti, and no abhishekam is done to it.

Lokakanta leading a sinceful life after killing her husband, due to repentance at later stage, came and settled down here. When Yama and Chitragupta came to take her after her time, Siva’s ganas did not let them do so. When Yama complained to Siva he cursed and told them no life can be taken at this place. After severe penance, Yama and Chitragupta bathed in the temple’s Sringodhbhava Teertham on the day of Chitra Pournami and Siva relieved them of their curse. They bless the  devotees here removing the fear of death in them. There is no cremation ground in the village of Tirukodikkaa and the dead are taken across the river to the neighbouring village for performing final rites.

The five places which survived the pralayam Including this temple are Adi Kumbeswarar, Tiruppurambayam, Srivanchiyam and Vedaranyam. Brahma stayed here during the pralayam, so as to be able to resume creation  once things settled down.

Hara Datta was returning from this temple one evening, when it became dark and started raining heavily that he could not see anything. When he prayed to Lord Siva, There appeared an old man who asked him to follow.  Upon reaching home, Hara gave some prasadam from the temple, to eat. When he saw the prasadam in the shrines of Siva, Amman, Vinayakar, Murugan, and Nandi in the following morning he realized that the Lord himself was the old man.

It appears when Durvasa came to worship Siva, fearing his urge to ignore here, Mother ensured that she went in front of Siva leaving him with no choice.

Kaveri river here is Uttara-vahini as she turns to a northward direction near the temple.

Performing any japam/pooja at this temple blesses the devotee with the power of  having performed it ten times.

With no Navagraham here, In a rare occurance Sani has a separate shrine, close to  Yama. Sani is known as Bala Sani, holding a Siva Lingam on his head, and has a bird/eagle as his mount (No crow).

Sri Kundala Karneswarar temple, Tirukuakkaa, Nagappattinam 

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

Phone         : 04364-258785

Location : Sorkazhi 10 km Nagappattinam 68 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 22  kms Myladuthurai 18 kms

Important for         :  Anjaneya

Ramayanam is connected with this as well nearby Kutram Porutha Nathar temple at Thalaignayiru.

After the war in Lanka and based on Sage Agasthya’s advise, Rama and Sita undertook a pilgrimage to atone the sin of having killed Ravana and  came to Thalaignayiru, where they were to get and install a rare Lingam before sunset. While bringing a lingam from Kasi, Anjaneya  overcame the resistance by Bhairavar and then by Sani (who cursed him to loose his tail) but this caused a delay, and hence Sita made a Lingam out of river sand, and completed the pooja under Agastyar’s advice. Upset Anjaneya felt that the sand Lingam would not be strong and tried to move it with his tail and also lost his tail – and his powers – in the process. Realising his mistake, he prayed to Lord Siva who pardoned him.

Then he had a divine voice imploring him to install his own Lingam at this place (Tirukurakkaa).  When to test his devotion, Siva made one of his earrings (kundalam) disappear, Maruti cut one of his own (as he was born with it) and offered it to the Lord. There is also another story in which Siva comes as an old brahmin seeking his kundalam as alms, he readily gave by cutting it  off.  Pleased with Hanuman, Siva restored his tail and his powers, and gave darshan, with the kundalam on His ears – and he his hence called as  Kundala Karneswarar. 

The original name of  Tirukurangukka (kurangu in Tamil = monkey) over time has changed into Tirukurakka. To Suffix with “val” to the name of all KAA Kshethrams is considered incorrect). 

Since Anjaneya lost his tail due to Sani’s curse, Siva ordained that all the Navagrahams reside in Anjaneyar’s tail. Therefore, there is no separate Navagraham shrine at this temple. Here uniquely Anjaneyar is depicted as worshipping Lord Siva.

It is believed that the vilvam tree here yields fruit shaped like Siva Lingams, and the monkeys worship Lord Siva here with this fruit, during the Tamil months of Chitirai and Vaikasi.

Sri Sabdapureeswarar temple, Tirukolakkaa 

Temple Timings : 7.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.  4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         : 04364 274 175

Location : Tiruvarur  65 km Nagappattinam 67 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 60  kms Myladuthurai 23 kms

Important days : Chithirai Thiruvathirai festival

Important for :  relief from Speech difficulties and Impairement. Proficiency in music. Employment. Business ventures

The lord is sabdapureeswarar and the mother is Osai Koduththa Nayaki;Dhwanipradhaambaal

Vishnu after his Narasimha avataram to quell the atrocities of the demon Hiranyakashipu, had imbibed asura characters and hence and caused fear among the celestials. While Siva taking the form of Sarabha (a creature with two heads, two wings, eight legs of the lion with sharp claws and a long tail), subdued Narasimha by drawing out the latter’s negative energies and keeping Narasimha under His control,  Lakshmi worshipped Siva so that Vishnu would get back to her. As advised when she performed penance at kondrai vanam, Siva wsas pleased and arranged the wedding of Vishnu and Lakshmi here.

There are many interpretation to the name. One is that Lakshmi (Thiru) appeared in her bridal attire (kolam) and hence the place came to be known as Tirukolakkaa. Another refers to Lakshmi’s Tirumana Kolam getting corrupted to Tirukolam with the addition of KAA to represent forest. Another refers to kolahalam, referring to festivities at their wedding.

Sambandar came from SIrkazhi to Tirukolakkaa sang a pathigam using his soft hands for beat, as a result of which his hands turned red. Pleased by the devotion of the child, Siva blessed Sambandar with a pair of golden cymbals, and Parvati infused them with music and the power of sound. They are therefore revered as Thalamudaiyar and Osai Kodutha Nayaki. Since Sabda refers to speech, Siva here is called Sabda Pureeswarar. This is therefore a prarthana sthalam for Speech problems and those aspiring for proficiency in music.

The puranam of Sambandar also illustrates that Siva provided the cymbals with no sound and Parvati infused them with the ability to produce sound. It is to be understood that in the Ardhanareeswarar concept, Siva and Parvati are one.

When Indra and Suryan had a dispute as to who was more powerful. After their worship Lord Shiva made Indra as the lord of the celestials, while Suryan was made the lord of the planets. Suryan’s ascension is observed in this temple in Karthigai month

The parents of children who have attained speech are supposed to have donated a pair of golden cymbals here, which are kept on display at the temple. Such incidents recorded number over 500 as of date.

The beautiful Lingodhbhavar is flanked by Brahma and Vishnu.  There is no raja gopuram or a dhwajasthambam. Parvati has a separate temple abutting the Siva temple, within the premises. The temple’s annual festival witnesses the procession of Natarajar with His consort Sivakamasundari, and Sambandar holding the golden cymbals.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 16 - Nagarajan Kshethrams

There are many temples in Tamilnadu associated with Nagarajan or Nagas. we have tried to cover some of them.

Kalyanasundareswarar temple, Thirumanchery

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. 3.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         :  04364 235002.

Location : 11 kms from Myladuthurai  Tiruvidaimaruthur 18 kms

Nearest town         : kuttalam 2 kms

Important days : Poosa Nakshathiram, Amavasya, Sangadahara Chathurthi, Chithirai Festival - Apr – May, Thiruvathirai

Important offerings : Milk Payasam to Rahu for child boon on amavasya

Those afflicted with Nodes in the seventh house of marriage in their horoscopes, worship Lord Rahu who is in the posture of Anugraha moorty, in the temple of Udhvaganathar and Kokilavani on the New Moon days and offer milk to Lord Rahu.

Parvathi meditated to marry Shiva in this location which came to be known as “Thirumanancheri,” after the divine marriage took place. Shiva as “Kalyanasundareswarar” married Parvathi as “Kokilambal” here. 

Shiva and Parvathi during a celestial fight while playing dice, Shiva in a fit transformed His wife into a cow. He repented and Mahavishnu to help him assumed his form as cowherd to safeguard His “sister.” At Thiruvaduthurai,  Parvathi took a bath in the Kaveri river and began her life as Bharatha Muni’s daughter who presented her to Lord Shiva who asked her hand in marriage and the place now is “Thirumanancheri.”

Mount Kailasam became imbalanced during this grand wedding of Shiva and Parvathi as visitors thronged the place. To address this, Shiva sent Agasthya rishi earthwards to the south, and install a lingam of the Lord, for others to pray which is known as Thirumanancheri. 

Two women promised each other that their son and daughter will marry each other, when they come to age. However, one of the women gave birth to a turtle shaped boy and the girl’s mother was hesitant to honour the pact. When the boy’s mother prayed to Shiva, he transformed the turtle boy into a handsome young man, and the other woman, changed her mind and the wedding was solemnised at Thirumanancheri. Thus it is believed by praying here everyone will be blessed despite their looks.

When Shiva burnt manmadhan to ashes, he gave life back to Manmathan and united the cupid couple.    

Any time of the day is considered auspicious at this temple and here no one observes Rahu kalam, Yamakandam, Kuligai kalam, Ashtami, Navami etc.

Srikalinageswarar temple, Mayavaram, Tamilnadu

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         :  9443785862 Muthu Gurukkal

Location : 22 kms from Myladuthurai  Thirumullaivasal 13 kms

Nearest town         : Vaitheeswarankoil 8 kms

Important days : Poosa Nakshathiram, Amavasya, Sangadahara Chathurthi, Chithirai Festival - Apr – May, Thiruvathirai, Mahasivaratri – Feb - Mar

Important offerings : Milk Payasam to Rahu for child boon on Amavasya. Makolam in Rahu Shrine during Rahu Kalam is auspicious. Lighting ghee lamp with Urad dhall as base without the black skin and worship by Arugampul. Adi prathakshana for 11 weeks and circumambulation of the temple 9 times yields desired results

Devotees stay in the temple for a whole day and worship Lord Nageswarar to get rid of Sarpa Dosha

Sri Nageswaramudayar Temple is also called as adhi Rahu thalam because it is considered older than the Nageswaran temple at Kumbakonam. The consort is Sri Ponnaaga Valli

The 3 tier Rajagopuram of east facing temple is slightly skewed towards south east direction. Stucco image of dwarapalakas are in front of Rajagopuram and artha mandapam. Saneeswarar with his consort, shares his place to Raghu in the same shrine is unique in this temple.

While churning the milk ocean, there was a fight between the Devas & Asuras. When Vishnu took the Mohini avatar to resolve the issue, Asuras forget the nectar after seeing Mohini and went behind him. While distribution of Nectar by Vishnu, one asura / demon Swarbhanu who was born to Vibrasita and Rania’s sister Simhi, took the form of Devas and stood between Surya and Chandran and consumed the nectar. Sun and Moon gave signal to  Vishnu in the form of body’s gesture. Vishnu  took a spoon and hit on his head. The asura Swarbhanu split in to head and body. The head fell at Sirkazhi and the body at Sembambinkudi, now called as Semmangudi, near Sirkazhi.

Since the Asura / demon drank the nectar, he re-appeared as two snakes and observed penance on Lord Shiva consuming only air. When Lord Shiva asked their wishes, both wanted to rule Sun and Moon as they were responsible for their condition. Lord Shiva said that he cannot grant this boon, but allow that they can harm them for few hours, on No moon day and Full moon day. Asura / demon who took the head with snake body was Raghu and other who took the form of Snake head with Asura’s body became Kethu. Raghu also secured the position as a planet.

This is a parihara sthalam for Raghu. Kalasarpa Dosha, Putra dosha, Mangalya dosha, Kalathra dosha would be solved after praying Adhi Raghu of this temple. 

Arulmigu Seshapureeswarar Temple - Sri Rahu Kethu Temple,Thiruppampuram, 

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         : 04364 - 2469 555

Location : 22 kms from Thirunageswaram

Nearest town         : Srivanjiyam 15 kms

Important days : Rahu Kalam on the evening on Sundays. 

Important for         : Reunion with spouses, Child boon. Adverse effects Planet Rahu

It is believed that Rahu and Kethu worshipped the Lord and received his blessings in one body! Devotees Pray to the Lord, Ambal and in the Rahu Kaalam to Rahu – Kethu with Abhishekam and Archana in this temple to get rid of all their sins and realise their wishes.  

Lord Shiva has Goddess Parvathi on this left and they are depicted in a wedding posture. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva here grants the devotee the benefit of worshipping in 5 Punya Sthalams namely Kumbakonam, Nagore, Thirunageswaram, Kalahasthi and Kezhapperumpallam. The divine powers of this place is such that worshipping here is equivalent to worhsipping in the five temples. 

Once serpent king Adisheshan was tired and was unable to hold the earth. When he pleaded to Lord Shiva for strength, he was advised to worship him at Thiruppampuram. Adisheshan worshipped the Lord on a Mahashivratri day and due to nonavailability of flowers that time, Adhisheshan made a garland of “akathi” flowers in “alamvizhudhu” (banyan tree twigs) and finished his pooja. Hence in this village akathi plants don’t flower and the stems of the banyan trees don’t touch the ground.

Among the many snake idols in this temple, the one where Raghu and Kethu are intertwined is prominent.

During a competition between Adhisesha and Lord Vaayu to prove who was more powerful, when Vaayu tried to unearth all the mountains with his force, Adhiseshan tried to prevent. When Vaayu stopped the breathing air (oxygen) needed for all beings, the Devas requested them to stop the show of strength. While Adhiseshan withdrew,  Vaayu continued his show of might and destruction which angered Lord Shiva, who cursed both of them to life of ghosts. Upon seeking pardon, Lord Shiva directed Vaayu to do tapas at the north of the river Vaigai in the east of Madurai, while Adhisesha to to Pamburam for a 12 year penance who then created a theertham here observed his penance and got relieved of the curse.

Thilothama created by Brahma considered him as her father and when went round him in worship, started admiring her beauty by creating four heads for himself to look at her as she went round him. To avoid him, Thilothama fled skyward but Brahma’s gaze followed her with a face on top. Upon her prayers, Lord Shiva removed the top head of brahma and cursed him to lose power of creation. On wiser counsel, Brahma with his consort reached Thiruppampuram, created a theertham, worshipped the lord for a year and was releived from the curse.

Indra who was cursed with a thousand eyes all over his body for his wrong advances towards Ahalya ,wife of Gauthama Maharishi, worshipped the Lord here for 12 years who gave him relief and darshan the first segment on Mahashivarathiri.

When Goddess Uma playfully closed the eyes of the Lord, darkness prevailed and every being stopped function. Angered, the Lord cursed the Mother and for repentence, she was directed to worship him at Pamburam for 12 years and accordingly got relieved from her curse in the fourth segment of Mahashivarathri.

Once when Agasthya was countering the argument of Devas and other Rishis stating  that Tamil was a great as Sanskrit. Lords Shiva and Vishnu silently agreed but the Devas and rishis, cursed Agasthya to become dumb. Lord Shiva, then directed Agasthya to Thirupurambam who worshipped there for one year for restoration of his speech. Lord Shiva appeared in the first segment of Mahashivarathri and cured him, besides directing him to leave foe Podhigai hill for the growth of Tamil.

Agni got relief from the curse for attending the yagna by Dakshan by praying to the ord at Thirupurambam.  Dakshan also got rid of his sins by praying here and was relieved in the fourth segment of Mahashivarathri.

When Matha Ganga the repository of the sins of all those who bathe in her, was unable to bear the burden of the sins anymore, Lord Shiva directed her to stay for 30 days in the AIpasi month in Kaveri and reach Thirupurambam in the month of Karthigai to worship for sixteen years. In Maasi, she got rid of all her sins in the second segment of Mahashivarathri.

When Surya asked the rishis of Naimisaranya the source of his light, sage Vyasa told him to worship the Lord at Thirupurambam temple. Surya took a holy dip in the Ganges at Kashi, then worshipped Lord Shiva at Mayiladuthurai and then reached Thirupamburam. When he worshipped the Lingam worshipped by Adiseshan, with a thousand flowers everyday for twelve years, The Lord appeared before him on  high moon day in Chithrai and granted him to be forever bright. 

Vanathara, the wife of Brahaspathi, through her illicit affair with Chandran had Budhan. Brahaspathi cursed Chandran to fall ill with tuberculosis and Indran and the Devas wanted a solution. Chandran worshipped Pamburanathar with a thousand flowers daily for twelve years and was relieved of his disease at noon on Thai Poornima Day.

When the generous, pious and just, North Indian King, Sunithan, was afflicted with a disease called Muyalagan which is accompanied by fits he was advised by sage Vashistra, to pray at Pamburam.  Here on finishing his bath in theertham and getting on to the banks, his disease vanished. He stayed to build the Nrutha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam and perform the restoration of the temple of the Goddess. He added four towers, the surrounding walls, three praharas, the steps to the Brahma Theertham, while giving gifts to the local Brahmans and dancing girls to the temple.

The Kopperunchozhan, a Chola King, when afflicted with leucoderma, felt very disheartened and was advised by Vasishta to take a holy dip in the theertham and pray to Pamburanathar. The king who got cured was pleased and stayed here for three years to contribute many facilities besides installing Lord Sadashiva, creating the Sivaganga Theertham and named the place Silandhisozhapuram.

Sri Vanchinathar temple, Srivanchiyam

Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         :  +91-4366 291 305, 94424 03926, 93606 02973.

Location : 36 kms from Myladuthurai  Tiruvarur 16 kms

Nearest town         : kudavasal 12 kms

Important days : Masi Magam

Both Rahu and Ketu appear in the same stone here. Abishekam to these deities neutralizes the Sarpa dosha. 

Yama was unhappy assigned the job of taking the life of people while there are many other and hence expressed his sorrow to Lord at Tiruvarur who directed him to go to Sri Vanchiam and pray there. 

When Lord Vanchinadheswarar appeared before him on the Masi month Bharani Star day in February-March, Yama said that his job of taking the life of people is earning him hatred and he was suffering the Brahma hathi dosha. 

Lord Shiva assured him saying that in future, people would only attribute the cause of death due to diseases, age and accidents. While for less sinned, he should make their end peaceful with no rebirth. 

He was granted the status of Kshetra Palaka and the devotees would worship him first and then only the Lord. Hence even today, the first puja is dedicated to Yama in this temple every day.

The doors of the temple is open during the time of eclipse too, though as a tradition most of the temples are closed. 

When Mother Ganga wanted to cleanse Herself of the sins left by those who bathe in her,  Lord directed her to Pray here where even Yama the God of Death was blessed by Him.  Ganga then left just a small portion of her power in the original Ganga and merged with the sacred spring and the Theertham is called Gupta Ganga. 

When Lord Vishnu desired (Vaanchai in Tamil) Mahalakshmi (Sri), he sought the help of Lord Shiva and hence the place came to be known as Sri Vaanchiam. 

Lord Shiva is all dominant in the temple and therefore, there is no shrine for Navagrahas . There is a separate shrine for Yama.

Six sthalams viz. Thiruvenkadu, Thiruvaiyaru, Chaayavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvidaimarudur, and Thiruvanchiam.on the banks of river Cauvery are considered most sacred and on par with Varanasi. 

Tiruvanchiam is considered more sacred than Varanasi and supposed to be loved more by Lord Shiva. 

To punish those who participated in Daksha’ Yagna, Lord Shiva sent Veerabadra to destroy the Yagna.  Surya was a participant and due to Lord’s anger, he lost his shine and begged for relief.  He performed rigorous penance here and regained his brightness with the blessings of Lord Shiva. 

As a tradition, Theerthavari is performed only on the final day of Brahmmotsavam in Shiva temples. Here it is performed on the second day in the temple tank itself during the Masi Magam festivals in February-March. Lord Vanchinathaswami comes in procession on the Yama Vahan. 

Nagapattinam Kayarohanaswamy Temple

Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 5.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. 

Phone         :  04365 - 242 844, 98945 01319, 93666 72737.

Location : 56 kms from Myladuthurai  Tiruvarur 40 kms

Nearest town         : Velankanni 12 kms

Important days : Parathosham, Vaikasi Viaskam, Full moon

Devotees offer worship here to get rid of doshas caused by Rahu. Propitiation of Lord Kartikeya especially on Tuesdays reduces the affliction of Rahu.

Emperor Mushukunda got seven Lingas from Indira for the help he had rendered him.  These Lingas were small – Vidanga in size.  The Emperor installed the Linga in Seven Places called Saptha Vidanga sthalas.  This is one such Sthalas with a Linga so beautiful made of Ruby.  Hence, the Lord is named Sundara (beautiful) Vidangar.  Lord Thyagaraja is in a separate shrine right of the sanctum sanctorum.  In majority of the temple, people can see only the face of Lord Thyagaraja.  During the Vaikasi Visaka and Margazhi Tiruvadirai festivals, Lord is dressed (Alankara) showing His right hand and feet.  Lord comes in procession waving His hands to and fro and in a dancing form.  This dance is called Paara Vaara Natanam.

The eyes of Mother Ambica is blue in colour as sea showing Her mercy as vast and deep as sea.  Hence, named Neelayadakshi-blue eyed.  She is also Karundhadanganni.  She has Her own shrine with a flag post-Kodi Maram.  Ambica graces as a virgin.  Aadi Pooram is very grandly celebrated in the temple.  Her shrine is designed as a Rath.  On the festival day, Mother comes in procession in a Rath made purely in crockeryware. 

As Ambica is a virgin, Lord sent Nandhi Deva to be Her guard.  But Nandhi expressed his wish to be with Lord for ever seeing Him.  Lord said that he can have His darshan though with Ambica.  Nandhi in the temple is seen with its neck turned towards Lord with one eye on Ambica and other on the Lord.  Hence, the Nandhi is known as Twin View Nandhi (Irattai Parvai in Tamil).  Those having vision problems pray to this Nandhi. 

Generally, temples are closed if a death occurs in a nearby place.  In this place, the garlands and the clothes – vastras used for the Lord is placed on corpse.  A fisherman, Adhipathar attained salvation with the grace of Lord Shiva in this place.  Remembering this event, as a mark of respect to the community, this practice is followed in this temple. The body is placed before the temple without closing the doors.  The garland and the vastras used for the Lord are placed on the body. 

During festival procession, Lord goes round the Mada Veedhis (Streets) and return to the temple.  But Lord beginning his procession from this temple, goes to seven places – Poigainallur, Poravacherry, Sikkal, Palur, Vadagudi, Thethi and Nagoor.  Maharaja Salija worshipped Lord Shiva and performed puja in these seven places.  The present system is to remember this history. 

Against the practice of Lord coming in the Vrushab vahan on Pradosham days,  Lord Vishnu too accompanies Lord Shiva in the guise of Mohini.  When the milk ocean was churned, Nectar came out and was served by Lord Vishnu to Devas.  Devas failed to pray to Lord Shiva who swallowed the Halahala poison to save the world.  Realizing their folly, they begged the pardon of the Lord.  Showing His mercy to them, Lord Shiva danced on Nandhi.  This dance took place at the Pradosham time.  Lord Vishnu’s Mohini Avtar took place a little before this time.  This Vishnu darshan is available to the devotees on Pradosham day only.  

Emperor Dasaratha came to know that Planet Saturn would be splitting the Rohini star causing severe famine in his country.  He planned to fight Saturn to prevent him from doing so.  Sun God advised Dasaratha to drop his plan but to beg Saturn to change his transit route in public interest.  Saturn also admired the earlier plan of the emperor to meet him in war for the sake of his subjects without any selfish motive personally.  The planet yielded to the emperor’s wish.  Remembering this event, all the planets (Navagrahas) in the temple are facing west-the Lord. 

Fisherman Athipathar was a staunch Shiva devotee.  When he went for fishing, he would offer the first to Lord Shiva.  At a stage, he was getting only one fish each day but did not break away from his commitment.  He offered them to Lord and returned without any catch.  He got a golden fish one day.  Though every one prevented him from throwing it into the sea, Athipathar resolutely stood by his commitment and threw it into the sea.  He was awarded with salvation and a place among the 63 Nayanmars. The event is celebrated on the Ayilyam star day in Aavani month (August-September).  Athipathar goes in catamaran when fishermen place two gold fishes in the net as if caught in the net.  Lord Shiva will appear on the sea shore.  Athipathar performs pujas to Lord Shiva with the golden fishes.  Shiva will grace darshan to Athipathar.  So goes the festival grandly. 

As a child adamantly demanding the mother to get its wish, there was a Siddha in the place called Azhuguni Chithar – crying adamantly for a wish.  He used to cry in the shrine of Mother Neelayadakshi demanding salvation.  He was the disciple of Gorakka Siddha.  He stayed in the temple, cried for getting his demand.  Mother spoke to Lord Shiva of the issue.  Lord granted salvation to Azhuguni Chithar.   His Jeeva Samadhi is in this temple.  Special pujas are performed to Siddha on Vaikasi Visakam day.  Also special pujas are performed here offering porridge (Payasam in Tamil) as nivedhana on poornima –full moon – days. 

Lord Vinayaka graces His darshan wearing a serpent around His body with another one another one above His head as an umbrella.  He is worshipped as Nagabarana Vinayaka.  Those facing adverse serpent planet effects perform milk abishek to Nagabarana Vinayaka at Rahu Kalam times.  Also during the transit of these planets in the zodiac circle, special pujas are performed here to please the planets. 

Lord Bhairava, usually appearing with His dog vehicle, has Lion – Simha as his vahan.  When Sage Pundarika worshipped Lord Shiva here, Holy Ganga sprang up in this place along with Lord Bhairava.  He is gracing as Kala Samhara Bhairava in this temple.  The Simha vahan is behind Him. It is believed that Lord Shiva Himself is gracing the devotees who hit Yama the God of Death.  As Lord Kala Bhairava is facing South, devotees pray to him for longevity.  As He looks furious, two smiling Vinayakas are installed before Him. 

There is a shrine for Mother Ashta Bhuja (eight hands) Kali in the temple. 

The deities for the eight directions have their due place in the temple.  Mother Gajalakshmi in Her sitting form graces the devotees with two elephants offering abishek.  Lord Dakshinamurthi is in the ghoshta wall with His four disciples.  As the temple is on a sea shore, it is said that Lord Shiva is ruling the region as a king, hence the name Shiva Rajadhani –capital of Shiva Kingdom. 

The temple is greatly praised by the three celebrated saints Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar in their Thevaram hymns.  Sundarar received gifts of pearl and diamond chains, a horse and cosmetic things. Sages Markandeya, Gauthama, Vasishta, Kashyapa, Pulasthya, Agasthya and Angirasa (Saptha Rishis) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. 

Behind the Linga in the sanctum sanctorum is the Somaskanda form of Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva comes to the sea for a bath on the Masi Magam day in February-March. 

The idol of Lord Muruga is made with 12 hands with weapons.   He is praised in the Tirupugazh hymns of saint Arunagirinathar.  The Zodiac circle is in the Mandap.  People pray from here for relief from planetary problems. The event of sage Pundarika entering the shrine of Lord Shiva and merging with Him is celebrated during the Arthajama Puja (the last puja of the day) on the Ayilyam star day in the month of Aani-June-July.  Sri Chandikeswara shrine is on the side of prakara.

Sage Pundarika as advised by Sage Kanwa performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking salvation.  Granting His darshan, Lord embraced the sage and granted salvation.  As a rule, the soul merges with the Lord attaining salvation.  But in this case Lord embraced with the body (Kayam in Tamil) with that of Sage (Aaroganam).  Hence Lord is named Kaya (body) Aarogana (embracing) Easwarar-Lord – Kayaroganeswarar. 

King of serpents prayed to Lord and got a girl child.  It had three breasts in birth itself.  The king was sad to see this abnormality.  Lord Shiva assured the king that one breast will disappear when a king of Surya dynasty visited his place.  When king Shalisuhan came there, one breast of the girl disappeared.  Happy Naga king gave his daughter to Shalisuhan in marriage.  As Naga king worshipped here, the place came to be known as Nagai Karonam.  Now it is Nagapattinam.

Sri Nagarajaswami temple, Nagercoil 

Temple Timings : 4.00  a.m. to 11.30 a.m..  5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Phone         : +91-4652-232420, 9443992216

Location : 100 kms from Thiruchendur 82 kms from Tirunelveli 

Nearest town         : Kanyakumari 20 kms

Important time : Arthajama Pooja, Rahu Kaalam

Important for         : Serpent dosha

The temple is situated at a distance of 20km from Kanyakumari amidst paddy fields and many serpents live around the temple with no fatal case of snake bite reported ever. The earthen prasad taken from the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Nagaraja has never diminished in quantity, even after is use for centuries.

Originally called as Kottar, the Nagercoil city got its name from the Nagaraja Temple while the former name slowly vanished. From Valmiki Ramayan, the Mahendragiri mountain in the district is mentioned as the place of inhabitation of Nagas. Sri Nagaraja Temple is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to the Lord Nagaraja  - serpent king who is a swayambumurthy.  People who face inauspicious aspects of snake planets worship here.

It is important to note that usually there are no dedicated temples built for mounts or vahanas of the Gods while as an exception Sri Nagaraja temple is dedicated to the Nagas (serpent). The serpents move through the dirt and dust, but still nothing touches, hurts, sticks or stays on its body. It is believed that although our life is surrounded by family, loved ones, materials and wants one should be nor influenced by them and lead a life without emotional attachment.

The main deity Nagaraja offers his blessings from the sanctourm sanctorum with a graceful five headed posture. The protectors or dwarapalakas are Darnendran and Padmavathi of this temple. The santum of this temple is provided with thatched roof made with a plant material (as straw). The thatched roof is redone every Aadi by the temple administration. The surface of the Sanctum is made of loose material consisting of grains of rock and moisture and offered as prasadham to the devotees.

Kasi Viswanathar and Kannimoola Ganapathi are found in separate shrines here in this temple. The 'Arthajama poojai' (last puja of the day) is performed to Lord Anantha krishna and not to the presiding deity of Nagaraja besides the kodimaram or dhavajastambha (the holy flag post) is also dedicated to Sri Anantha krishna. The Nagalinga flowers fill the garden here. The durgai here is Theertha Durgai as it it is found amidst a holy natural spring. During Raahu Kalam, Devotees seeking resolution from difficult planetary positions of Rahu – Kethu pray to the Goddess who is with devotion and lovingly addressed as Ammachi Durga.

It is believed that Arulmigu Sri Nagaraja Thirukkoil was earlier a Dravidian (Tamil) Jain site, which is substantiated by the presence of the images of Lord Mahavira (Vardhamana) and Lord Parshvanath, Tirthankaras and Lord Parshvanath on the columns. There is the influence of Chinese architecture on the entrance way. The sthala vriksham is Odavalli and the temple tank is Naga Theertham. 

Devotees perform Abhishekam to the serpent lord by pouring milk and turmeric powder. Paal paayasam (milk porridge) as is offered as Naivedyam . There is also a practice to install small Naga idols in the temple complex as a part of their prayers.

Kargotaka Kshetra, Kodakanallur, Triruneleveli District, Tamilnadu

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.  4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Phone         : 96597 28621

Location : 10 kms from Thirunelveli

Important days : Monday, New moon day, Full moon day Shiva Ratri, Pradosham.  In this unique feature of this temple is all the days of the year are special.  Vrichikam. Mesham

Important for         : Reunion with spouses, Child boon. Adverse effects Planet Rahu

Those afflicted by the notes in the second and eighth houses, worship Lord Kailasanathar here who was worshipped by the divine serpent Kargotaka to get rid of the sin of killing the grand son of Arjuna. Kailasanthar temple kodaganallur

The third Kailasam Kodaganaloor (கோடகநல்லூர்) is also known as “Kaarkodaga Shethiram” (கார்கோடக சேத்திரம் ) and “Kodanoor” (கோடனூர்). Since the place was lush with Arjuna Trees and fertile green paddy fields, it was a preferred summer destination for royalty and the common man alike. Hence this place came to be known as “Kodaganaloor”(கோடைக்கு நல்ல ஊர் கோடகநல்லூர் ) which literally translates to “Ideal place to spend summer”.

Long ago, a sage was doing penance in deep woods with his son performing all the duties for him picking up the firewood required for the penance. Once the son of king Parijath, who happened be near the sage’s abode, called him but the sage who was in deep tapas didn’t notice him.

The angered prince wanting to humiliate him, draped a dead snake around his and walked away, The son who had a divine vision of the disgrace to his father cursed the Prince’s father to die of Snake bite and miseries to befall him. 

The prince realising his foolishness, took his father to a secure stage on a ship, after crossing the seven seas and seven mountains. As no living being can escape fate, the  snake king Karkodagan entered a fruit as a worm and waited. When the fruit ripened and Parijath Maharaja began to eat it, He was bitten and lost his life.  Karkodagan had to bear the curse as a result of its sins.

Once Karkodagan caught in a forest fire was rescued by Nala Maharaja, when he was wandering in the forest after losing his wife and children. However as the fate would be, he was bitten by snake and marred by the venom, He lost his regal looks. 

Though he joined his uncle Veeman’s household as a charioteer with his lost looks, his wife Dhamayanthi identified him by his exemplary charioting skills who sent her kids to get acquainted with their father. Nalan too identified his wife. After seven years, when Karkodagan bit Nalan once again, he regained his old self. Though it was for a good cause, Karkodagan still suffered the results of its sin.

When he wanted to get rid of the sin, he was advised to worship and perform penance on Lord Vishnu on the banks of the River Thamirabarani. He did accordingly and the Lord pleased with its devotion, appeared before the snake and freed it from its sins. This place came to be known as “Kaarkodaga Naloor”

It is believed that worship of  Goddess Sri Aananda Gowri Ammal at this temple, by lighting a lamp every day, relieves from the sufferings due to Sevvai Dosham. Several and the devotees will be blessed and are freed from their doshams.

Uniquely  the ritual of Thirukalyanam is performed daily for Nandi and not for goddesses.  By performing this ritual many have been blessed with marital bliss. Devotees also pray a good career, education, employment etc and once realised, they tie a bell around Nandi as gratitude.

Modest in size with a small elegant tower, the inner courtyard and usual deities are absent. The Naga Theertham is in the east and the magnificent Nandi faces west.

We find the beautiful paintings of the Thirukalyanam with the Lord Shiva and consort Parvati on Nandi and Lord Vishnu rescuing Gajendran adorn the walls while the picture of Sri Sundara Swamigal is on the left wall of the .   

The Goddess is Sri Sivagami Ammal and the Lord is Kailasa Nathar who takes on the features of the Mars God and hence this temple is suited for Vrichikam and Mesham signs. 

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu

Temple Timings : 6.00  a.m. to 11.30 a.m..  3.30 p.m. to  6.30 p.m

Phone         : +91 4288 255 925

Location : 47 kms from Salem 36 kms from Namakkal 

Nearest town         : Erode 25 kms

Important days : Sathayam star days

Important for      : Serpent dosha

Associated with Adhiseshan, On the Nagagiri hills, Lord Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar, adorns the sanctum.  We can find a divine water spring and a 60 feet long snake carved on the hill. The ambal is Bagampiriyal and the theertham is Deva Theertham.

Referred as ‘Kodimada Chenkundrur‘ in the Thevaram verses, The temple on the hillock at a height of about 2000 feet, facing west is a famous place of worship of Lord Shiva. Sengodu refers to “the hill appears red in colour and by climbing 1250 steps or through paved road with rest mandapams on the way, one can reach the top. 

The north side 5-tier Raja Gopuram is grand and inspiring with high walls surrounding running across a length of 260 feet east-west and 170 feet north-south around the temple. By entering this side, walking down about 20 steps and reach the outer praharam. The tower on the western side has three levels. Going by the Puranas, Goddess Shakti meditated here and attained the honour of being a part of Lord Shiva’s body (Ardhanareeshwara). At the bottom of the hill is the temple of Sri Kailashanathar’

The main deity, a swayambu, addressed as ‘Ardhanareeswarar’ or ‘Mathorubagan’,  stands imposing at 6 feet, half-man and half-woman, has an imposing presence. With the matted locks bundled to look a crown, the adorned head with the silvery moon, Strands of Rudrasha and the glowing Thaali shows she is married), Mathorubagan is armed his Dhandaayudham. To show oneness of Shiva and Shakti, the deity is draped in dhoti on the right and a saree on the left with an anklet on the left foot.

The Deva Theertham spring under the Lord’s feet never dries. Thirukkalyanam, the celestial marriage ceremony of the Lord is conducted on vaikasi visakam day. The priests pose as Swami and adorn Ambal with the ‘thali’, the nuptial thread since there is no separate idol for Amman.

For the Sengottu Velavar, Lord Muruga standing facing east, there is a daily pooja at ucchikaalam (noon) with abhishekam and special offerings. The grand mandapam in front of the Velavar sandhi shows uniquely carved pillars, with intricately carved sculptures, demonstrating the skill of the sculptors.

The Lingam worshipped by Amman to become one with the Lord is inside the main sanctum. This divine lingam is brought and worshipped along with Ardhanareeswarar mainly during the three main rituals of the day – morning, noon and evening poojas with the goddess herself considered to be performing the pooja. Shiva at Thirucchengodu was worshipped by Maha Vishnu, Adiseshan and many other gods. Hence while climbing the steps one can see the enshrined Naagar (the snake god), carved on rock who is  believed to very powerful and attracts devotees who are seeking remedy from Naaga dosham.

MahaVishnu as Adi Keshava Perumaal has an exclusive temple here. During the auspicious days of Brahmotsavam, Adikeshava Perumal is venerated with an extravagant 10-day festival, that commences with flag-hoisting and culminates in Kalyana Vaibhavam and the car festival. On Shivaratri, Nalu-kala pooja are offered. On the 11th day of the lunar cycle (ekadashi), Adikeshava Perumal blesses his devotees with Garuda Sevai.

Since Lord Ardhanareeshwarar is considered to be the Lord of the birth star, Sadhayam, special pooja is offered on these days. Devotees born on Sathayam star offer their prayers to the Lord on this day to overcome any misfortune.

The 30 monolithic granite pillars with exquisitely sculpted statues of soldiers riding horses and yaalis (mythical half-lion and half-elephants creatures supposed to be of immense power) and the mantapam opposite to velavar sannidhi with unique and noteworthy monolith sculptures of Veerabhadrar, Manmathan, Rathi, Kali are stunning. 

The rock carvings of a lotus bent over its stalk, parrots, chains and chain links on the roof top of the Mandapam are amazing. While the Lord stands adorned divine looking sculptures, the adjoining mantapam adjoining shows warrior statues on horses, yaalis, similar to the outer corridor.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 31 - Pancha Aranya Sthalam

 

Pancha Aranya sthalams, near Kumbakonam, are the five temples considered to be surrounded by forests and visited as a pilgrimage within one day in the order of 

1. Thirukarugavur (Early Morning)

2. Avalinallur (Morning Pooja)

3. Haridwaramangalam (Midday)

4. Alangudi (Evening)  & 

5. Thirukollampudur (Arthajamam)

The total driving distance is about 36km and Thirugnanasambandhar, visited the 5 temples in a day (around 30 km) by foot.

Sambandhar started the day at Thirukkaruggavoor, had his darshan and proceeded to Avalivanalloor before ending the morning session at Haridwaramangalam by noon.

He started the evening by having his darshan first at Alangudi. From there when he proceed to Thirukollambudhur, the river got flooded. He split the river by singing a pathigam to pave way for him and reached the temple for his darshan of the Lord.

Mullaivananathar  Temple, Thirukarugavur

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Phone         : 04374 273423

Location  : 26 kms from Thanjavur  49 kms from Thiruvarur

Nearest town         : 20 Kms from Kumbakonam  10 kms from Papanasam

Important days : Prathosham Shivarathri

Important for        :  Safe child birth. All planets face Sun God. Swayambu made of Sand

Moolavar is Mullaivananathar and Ambal is Garbharakshambigai / Karukaathanayaki

Lord appeared as  Swayambu murti in the jasmine forests and hence named Mullai-vana-nathar. Since the Lingam is made of hard sand, no abhishekam is done to the Lord; only punugu oil is applied. Since the Lord was found entwined in the mullai plants, one can see the marks of Mullai vines on him.

Nithruva lived with his pregnant wife Vedikai here and both were utterly devoted to Lord Shiva and Parvati. One day Sage Urdhavar came when Nithruva had gone out, Vedikai was sleeping and knocked at the door. Since there was delay in opening the door, due to her condition, the angered sage cursed that her pregnancy would not fructify.  Both upset, Nithruva and Vedikai prayed to Goddess Parvathi, who took the cursed foetus in a pot and ensured the child’s safety and hence this place is             Karu-kaa-voor (place where foetus was protected) and the Goddess is Garbarakshambikai (one who protected the foetus / womb). Hence devotees pray for safe bearing children and delivery, and as gratitude after childbirth.

Lord Vinayaka and Nandikeswarar are also swayambu murtis made of stone.

Uniquely, All the planets stand facing Suryan in this temple.

Satchinathar  Temple, Avalivanallur

Temple Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.  4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m

Phone         : 04374316911/ 275441

Location : 47 kms from Thiruvarur

Nearest town         : 20 Kms from Kumbakonam  12 kms from Alangudi 

Important days : Prathosham Shivarathri  Thai Amavasya

Important for         :  Skin diseases. Poor eye sight

Moolavar is Satchinathar and Ambal is Soundaryanayaki

A temple priest left for Kasi for Lord Shiva’s darshan after marrying a good-looking girl who got affected by smallpox and lost her eyesight. She was nursed by her beautiful younger sister.  The husband returned and he refused to accept the sick girl as his wife and insisted that the sister was his wife. When the sick wife prayed to the Lord Shiva, He appeared with Parvathi and made the husband realise that the sick girl was the real wife and the sister was not. As blessed by the Lord, wife took a dip in the temple tank on the Amavasya (new moon) day in the month of Thai (January-February and regained her beauty. As he stood witness for the wife, the Lord is called Satchinathar (Satchi / Sakshi means witness).

Lord Vishnu prayed here and was pardoned for digging the earth near the Lord’s feet at Haridwaramangalam

Vilvaranyeswarar  Temple, Thirukollampudur

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.  6.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Phone         : 04374316911/ 275441

Location : 23 kms from Thiruvarur

Nearest town         : 21 Kms from Kumbakonam  9 kms from Alangudi 

Important days : Boat festival in AIpasi

Important for         :  Mental Illness

Moolavar is Vilvaranyeswarar and Ambal is Soundaryanayaki

When Sambandar reached this place,he found river vettaru in spate and the boatmen could not take him across the river. Hence he took the boat himself and reached the other bank and spent the night at the temple before proceeding further. This event is part of the boat festival.

Lord Brahma was rid of his Brahmahathi dosham here. Shiva gave a display of his Tandavam to Durvasa.

Praying at this temple and having a dip in the temple tank is said to be helpful in curing mental illness

The temple’s sthalam virksham vilvam or koovilam that gives the place its name – Koovilampudur – which became Kollampudur. It is believed that Amirtham drops  manifested into its leaves.

Paathaleeswarar Temple, Haridwaramangalam

Temple Timings : 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon   4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 04374 264586/275441 / 9442175441

Location : 38 kms from Thiruvarur

Nearest town         : 18 Kms from Kumbakonam  Alangudi 9 kms

Important days : Mahashivarathiri, Vaikasi Visakam, Margazhi Thiruvathirai, Prathosham

Important for :  Legend of Lord Shiva as Pillar of fire. Equivalent to worship at Hardwar. Solving Devotee’s debts

Moolavar is Paathaleeswarar and Ambal is Alankaravalli

When Vishnu and Brahma had an argument about superiority, They decided to locate the bottom-most and topmost points of the pillar of fire form of Shiva respectively. While Brahma travelled upwards in the form of a swan, Vishnu as a boar dug into the earth, but was unable to see the base of the pillar of fire even after reaching the patalam, and accepted his defeat. Since Hari dug into the earth at this place making a pit, this place was named Haridwaramangalam, and Lord Shiva came to be named Paathaleeswarar. There is a stone slab near Lord Shiva’s feet on the place where Lord Vishnu dug up the earth. It is believed that Lord Shiva had broken the horn of the Boar and is seen to be wearing it on his chest.

The day Lord Vishnu dug up the earth and finally accepted his defeat is the 14th day of the waning moon period and celebrated as Mahashivarathri. It is believed that the tunnel that is at the base of the Avudai of the Shiva Lingam, goes all the way to Haridwar.

Interestingly it is said that Shiva was reluctant to marry Parvati and hid in a hole in the ground which led to Haridwar. Lord Vishnu – Parvati’s brother in the form of a boar, chased Lord Shiva, and brought him back here and convinced him for the wedding. 

Abatsahayeswarar temple, Alangudi 

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

Phone         : 04374 269407

Location : 30 kms from Thiruvarur Thanjavur 37 kms

Nearest town         : 17 Kms from Kumbakonam  

Important days : Thursday. Chithirai Pournami Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram

Important for         :  Guru Pariharams. Relief from Influence of Snake planets. Obstacle in marriage, Academic excellence

Moolavar is Abatsahayeswarar and Ambal is Umayammai. Elavaar Kuzhali

Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala here when the Paarkadal was churned and hence he is Abatsahayeswarar (the Lord as protector or one who saves from danger) and the name became Aalan-kudi, where halahala was drunk.

When Sundarar wanted to pray to the Lord but was unable to cross the river due to heavy floods, Lord Shiva helped Sundarar cross the river, thereby taking the name Abatsahayeswarar. When the boat hit against a rock while crossing, Vinayaga ensured the safety and became Kalangamal Kaththa Vinayagar.

The Amman Sannidhi is followed by Lord’s and then that of Dakshinamoorthy to adhere to the traditional ranking of Mata, Pita, Guru.

This temple is the Guru sthalam among the Navagraha sthalam.  Here Dakshinmaurthy is prominent even compared to the moolavar (Abatsahayeswarar) and Thursday worship is special.

Parvathi worshipped here for repentance of attending Dakhsa yagam and to marry Lord Shiva on rebirth. Daksha with the head of goat is outside the main temple.

The image of Sundarar is with chicken pox marks on the face. It appears that the King impressed with the beauty of Sundarar took it to Tiruvarur for installation. But the priest to save the idol, hid in a piece of cloth as if carrying a child and told the checking soldiers that the child was suffering from chicken pox to keep them away. Astonishingly the following morning, the idol had developed marks on the face to indicate chicken pox.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 30 - Pancha Bhaskara Sthalam

 

Sri Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayaru, Sholavaram 

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Phone         : +91 44 2902 1016

Location : 25 kms from Chennai

Nearest town         : Ponneri 11 kms

Important days : Sunday

Important for         :   Surya Parihara sthalam. Relief from family issues, cure from eye diseases

Moolavar is Pushparatheswarar and Ambal is Swarnambika

Lord Surya was separated from his wife Chaya Devi and did penance from the chithirai month on the banks of the lotus pond towards Lord Pushpa Ratheswarar and got united with his wife.

In the Vamana avatharam, when Lord Vishnu sought three feet of land from Maha Bali, Sukracharya, his Guru, to protect Maha Bali, took the form a huge bee and blocked the flow of water form kamandalam and tried to stop the Dhanam. 

Sukrar who lost his sight when Vamanar pierced the spout with a dry grass, worshipped Surya here and got back his eye sight. The water in the pond here is sacred and cures skin and eye ailments.

This temple was built by a chola kind who saw this pond with lots of lotuses and had a vision of the Shiva Linga. There are sannidhis for Kamala Vinayakar, MuruganKasi Viswanathar and Sangili Nachiar.

Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are on the outside wall of the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord. Rose, a flower, has been assigned the status of a holy tree.  In addition, a tree is seen with Thiruvodu as a fruit

Kutram Porutha Nathar, (Thirukarupariyalur) Thalaignayiru, Mayiladuthurai 

Temple Timings : 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon  5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 91- 4364 - 258 833

Location : 15 kms from Myladuthurai 9 kms Vaitheesaran koil

Nearest town         : Serkudi 39 kms

Important days  : Sunday. Vinayaga Chathurthi, Skanda sashti. Thirukarthigai, Sivarathri, Pradosham and Panguni Uthiram

Important for         :   Surya Parihara sthalam. Relief from family issues, cure from eye diseases. Child Birth. Education

Moolavar is Sri Kutram Porutha Nathar, Sri Aparadha Kshameswarar, a Swayambumurthy and Ambal is Sri Kolvalai Nayagi, Sri Vichitra Balambikai. Sthala Vriskham is Kokdui Mullai

The place is also known as Mela Kaazhi as it lies on the western direction to Sirkazhi. 

The east facing poorly maintained temples has two corridors and a 3 tier rajagopuram. 

When Indra went to Kailasam, Lord shiva wanted to test him and appeared as a gana. Not knowing, Indira attacked him and realising later sought pardon. The Lord forgave him for his haste and hence known as Aparadha Kshameshwar or Kutram Porutha Nathar and the place became Karma Nasa Puram

Returning from Lanka, Rama wanted to worship Lord Shiva for relief from the sin of Brahmahathi and Hanuman was sent to get his Shiva idol. After a wait, Sita made a Sand lingam and Rama did his prayers as advised by Agasthiya. Since Hanuman was disappointed, Rama installed the Lingam in another place.

Hanuman eager to take the sand lingam with him, got his tail cut when he tried to uproot with it. Since it was considered a sin, a Shiva Aparadham, He went on pilgrimage to shiva temples for relief and was finally relieved of the sin when he prayed here.

When Indrajit was travelling in the Pushpaka vimanam in the sky, it stopped when flying over this temple. Realising the presence of Lord here, He worshipped the Lord after a dip in the theertham. Overcome by the divinity of the Lingam, he tried to shift it to his abode but dropped unconscious. Ravana realising his folly, prayed to the Lord who forgave him to continue the travel. Hence the Lord is worshipped as Kutram Porutha Nathar.

It is believed that the name Thalai Gnayiru has evolved because this the first where the Sun God wroshipped him. This sthalam also gets the name Adithyapuri.

When King Vichithiraraangan and his wife were blessed with a kid by the grace of the Lord, he built the temple out of devotion and gratitude.

Vasishtar installed a lingam and worshipped here which was also worshipped by other 72 rishis on their way to Mukthi. They gained the highest of wisdom from Lord shiva here.  

Siddhi Vinayagar, Murugan with Consorts, Mahalakshmi and other Gods grace the temple. Besides them, around the sanctum we find Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Chanidkeswarar is with his consort.

Uniquely there is a malaikoil with two floors inside this temple with Moolavar on ground floor. Umamaheswar on first and Sattainathar on the second floor. We get divine darshan of Garppa Gnaneswar and Garppa gnana Parameswari here. 

Offering prayers at this place bless the devotees of salvation and the relief from re-birth and hence it is called Karu pariyalur. The mandapam shaped like the forehead of a bat is unique. It is believed that there are 8 thirthams associated with the temple.

Sukshma Pureeswarar temple, Serukudi Tiruvarur 

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

Phone         : 91- 4364 - 258 833

Location : 19 kms from Myladuthurai 45 kms from Nagappattinam

Nearest town         : Thalaignayiru 39 kms

Important days :  Parathosham, Sivarathri, Thirukarthigai

Important for         :   Reunion of Estranged couples. Sevvai Parihara sthalam

The Lord is Sukshma Pureeswarar / Magalanathar and the Mother is Mangalanayaki/Managalambigai. He is here as a Santosha Lingam. 

When the Lord and Mother were playing and she was winning, Lord disappeared making her go in search of him and reach this Vilva forest whose  serenity and beauty enthralled her.  When she prayed making a Lingam out of the river sand (saikata Lingam), Lord Siva appeared and told her that it was his prank as she was winning.  Hence it is considered the secret  or sukshmam  that yielding to wife gives ultimate happiness and hence he is called Sukshmapureeswarar. 

Here uniquely Sun and Sani are close to each other.

Pranannatheswarar temple, Thirumangalagudi

Temple Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 91- 435 247 0480.

Location : 39 kms from Serkudi

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 17 kms  2kms From Aduthrai

Important days :  Panguni uthiram Bhrahmotsavam. Navaratri, Wedding boons, . 11 consecutive sundays worship offering curd rice. Aani Thirumanjanam, Navarathri, Vinayagar chathurthi, Thiruvathirai, Bhairavar pooja

Important for         :   removing obstacle in Marriage. Longevity of Married life

The Lord is Prananatheswarar / Pranavaratheswarar and the mother is Mangal nayaki. Lord is Swayambumurthi. The Banam of the Lingam is big and taller than the Avudayar.

An east facing temple with 2 corridors and 5 tier main tower. 

People Visiting Suryanar koil should visit here first before proceeding there. This place Mangalakudi is popularly known as Panchamangal Kshetram. 

When Alaivaanar, a minister of King Kulothunga Chola-I built this temple using the tax revenues without King’s approval, he was asked by the King to be beheaded. While he accepted the punishment with a request to be buried here, His wife prayed to the goddess who gave him life when his body was brought to this place. Since the minister got his life back, the goddess is hailed as “Sri Mangalanayaki” (the one who returned the mangalyam) and the lord is praised as “Sri Praananatheswarar” (“Praanam” means life in Tamil).

Sage Kalva when he came to know that he would soon be affected by leprosy disease, to prevent it,  performed rigorous penance and prayed to the Navagrahas. It is believed that the Navagrahas informed Sage Kalava of their inability as it is not in their hands/powers to grant such protection. The angered sage cursed the Navagrahas to be  affected by the same disease when the Navagrahas worshipped him for 11 consecutive Sundays and Lord Shiva appeared and relieved them of the curse. 

The place of Navagrahas penance is now the Suryanar Koil and it is now custom that the devotees before seeking darshan there, have to do so only after worshipping the lord here. 

There is a Maragatha (emerald) Lingam in Lord Natarajar’s shrine. Matha river Cauvery has an idol in this temple. 

Suryan and Chandran are in the form of theertham in this temple.  

The Mangalya charade tied in the hands of the goddess is offered as prasadam to women. 

The unique procession mount (Vahanam) in this temple (a mix of human, animal and bird) is called Purusha Mirugam. 

Performing pooja to Agasthiya lingam on new moon day relieves one from the sins and curses of the previous birth.

Bhaskareswarar, Parithiappar Koil, Thanjavur

Temple Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 04372 256910

Location : 59 kms from Thirumangalakudi  Mannargudi 27 kms

Nearest town         : Thanjavur 19 kms  

Important days :  Akshaya Thrithiyae, Masi Ratha Sapthami

Important for :   Pitru Dosha Parihara Sthalam. Longevity. Sashtiapthapoorthi, Bheema ratha shanthi and Sathabishekam are celebrated here

Swami is Bhaskareswarar and the Mother is Mangalambikai. 

Suryan, the sun god, when he was cursed by Veerabhadra for attending Daksha Yagam was relieved of the curse at this temple. Since the Sun God worshipped at this temple, in the month of Panguni (March-April), on 3 days, the sunlight directly falls on the Moolavar.

When Sibi Chakravarti renounced royal life and was on a pilgrimage to Siva temples, He arrived here and asked his men to gather grass for the horses. During such a process, they stuck something hard and on further digging, the object was identified as a Suryan Lingam which was  installed and a temple built. The scar on the Lingam, indicated hit by the  implement. 

It is believed that Markandeyar continues to pray here as Aroopa. 

Unqiuely eventhough there is a nandi / rishabham near the dwajasthambam, it is Suryan whose idol is in a standing posture, in front of the Lordin the moolasthanam (a place normally reserved for nandi). There are 3 Chandikeswarars instead of one to the north of the garbhagriham. Maha Vishnu and Anjaneyar have separate sub-shrines.