Temples of Tamilnadu - 17 - Pancha kosha Kshethram - D - Papanasam

 

Narambunathaswami Temple, Thirupudaimaruthur

Temple Timings : 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.  4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 04364 287244 96262 90350

Location : 32 kms from Tenkasi

Nearest town         : 23 Kms from Tirunelveli

Important days : Thaipoosam,  Panguni uthiram, Adi-pooram, Vinayaga chathurthi, Navarathri, THirukarthigai, Mahasivarathri, Panguni Uthiram

Important for         :  Obstacles in marriage, Evil eyes on children. Cure from prolonged illness. Family problems. Prosperity. Academic excellence. Business prosperity

Moolavar is Narambunathar and Ambal is Gomathi.

Situated on the right bank of the Tamiraparani river, this 6 acre temple with around 600 feet compound wall, combines four important styles of temple architecture that of Pandyas,Cheras,Cholasand Vijayanagara dynasty. Its one of the three temples that has Arjuna tree (marudha Maram) as the sthala vriksham, the other two being Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvidaimarudhur near Kumbakonam. The name comes as the Lord appeared from the true Marudham tree. Mother Gomathi Amman here is the healer of diseases and drives away evil spirits possessed by woman. The Lord and the Ambal are swayambu 

This temple has five prakaram including Car and Mada streets. After Dwajasthambam. Nandhi, Suryan, the nayanmars, Agasthyar and other Gods in granite grace the temple. In this temple scenes glorifying Ramayana and mahabharatha and elegant paintings of Saivite mythology are seen

Indra the king of devas once felt very proud and insulted the Deva Guru Birhaspathi by ignoring when he entered the sabha which made the Guru sad and went out of sight. With no Guru, the Devas became weak and without much option, Indira requested the learned Asura Viswarupa, son of Dhuvashta to be his Guru. Indira, cunning he is, started suspecting viswarupa due to his Asura lineage and  killed him treacherously. Hearing this Duvashta became furious and conducted a yajna and from that rose the Asura Vrithasura who was instructed to Kill Indra who with the help of Mahavishnu, killed him too and incurred the Brahmahathi Dosham. Indra hidden in a flower in the theertham  and his wife Indrani who came to this sthalam, took a dip in Theertham on the banks of Tamirabarini and in the form of a Maruda tree, performed penance on Lord Shiva who gave darshan from a hole in the tree and got him relieved of the sin.

When Karuvur Chithar came to worship Shiva, Tamirabharini was in spate and hence could not cross and reach the temple. It appears when he expressed his anguish, lord just leaned on a side to hear Chithar clearly keeping his hand on the ears and prodded him to just cross the river which he did with the divine grace.

When Devas wanted the Lord to show them a place equal to kasi Varanasi. Lord placed his Brahmmadanda which moved towards River Tamirabharini and stopped at Tirupudaimarudhur.

When King Veeramarthanda went hunting in a region filled with Marutha tree, he aimed for a deer which hid itself in a tree hole. When the tree was cut to get the deer, blood oozed out and there was a Shivalinga hit on the head by the instrument. A divine voice directed him to build the temple. 

Since there are scars on the head and chest of the Lord caused by injuries of sickle cut and horns of a deer, only an oil application is done instead of Abhishekams.

Giant carved wooden doors with panels of wooden carvings are a feast to the eyes. on them. Beautiful carving. The idol of Ambal is made up of  Rudraksha and her shrine is on right hand side of Shiva. There is a separate shrine of Nataraja dancing with his consort  and the idols are made of perfume ‘Punugu’ and hence called Punugu Sabhapathi shrine.

Vanniyappar Temple, Alwarkurichi

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.  5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m

Phone         : 04634 283 058, 97904 01895 / 96599 66003 / 96981 76089 

Location : 32 kms from Tenkasi

Nearest town         : 23 Kms from Tirunelveli

Important days : Thaipoosam, Panguni uthiram, Navarathri, Thirukarthigai, Mahasivarathri

Important for         :  Obstacles in marriage, Child birth

Moolavar is Vanniyappar and Ambal is Sivakamasundari

This large temple spread across an acre, is considered to be more than 1000 years old and is practically in ruins. Built by a Pandya king Maravarman, it comes as the third largest temple after Papanasama and Tenkasi temples

The big sized Shiva Linga is revered as Agneeswara. The shrine is facing the east direction with a Nandi idol facing the main shrine. Ganesha is at the entrance of the Ardha Mandapa with goddess Sivakami in a separate shrine facing the south. The main shrines are located on a raised platform.

There are many pillars in the area between the tower and the main temple with idol of Yali,  bali peedam, Nandi and the Kodisthambam.  Natarja has a big shrine dedicated to him.The temple has two prakaras with one of them in the outer side badly maintained. 

Murtis and idols of Sapta Matas, Suryan, Chandran, Bhairavar, Nagas and 63 Nayanmars are seen. Sub-shrines of Vinayaka, Subramanya with consorts- are in the inner prakaram. Smallbas-relief images of Yoga Narasimha and Brahma, which are obviously later additions, arefound on either side of Dakshinamurti.

Kalyani Amman is worshipped here when seeking boon for. The other devi in pregnant form called as ‘Garbha Rakshambikai’ is believed to grant child boon. 

The Sapta Rishis due to their anger on Agni, they cursed him to lose his power who disguised as a fish hid himself inside the tank opposite to this temple. He worshipped Shiva Linga by installing in this shrine and got ultimately rid of his sins. In due course, the site became a forest full of Vanni trees and a temple was constructed by a rich devotee Vijeyendra Bhoopati Mudaliar and since it was located inside the Vanni forest, the temple became vanniyapper temple and the deity, Vaneeswarar.

Traditionally Navagrahas are in separate shrine in Shiva temples but here they are in the form of Yantras on the roof before the Lord’s shrine.

Nityakalyani Amman Temple, Kadayam

Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.  5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 04634 241384 240385 94430 03562

Location : 18 kms from Tenkasi

Nearest town         : 55 Kms from Tirunelveli

Important days : Mahasivaratri, Chithirai car festival, Theppam, Navaratri, Thai Ammavasai, Aasi Amavasai, Kantha Sashti

Important for         :  For Vamsa Vriddhi

Moolavar is Vilva vananatha swamy / Vilvaranyeswarar and Ambal is Nitya Kalyani

The temple’s main Raja Gopuram is seven storeys with three prakarams and the Peetam is a Dharani Peetam.

 “Kadayam” is a variant of the term “Kedayam” meaning the form of a war shield. It is believed that  years ago, Goddess Parvathi as Nithya Kalyani displayed her ‘roudra swaroopa’ as the villagers sought material benefits instead of observing their religious rights and dharmic duties which resulted in successive deaths of the priests designated to perform the Daily Puja for Her. After the death of seven priests on seven successive days, when the villagers sought her forgiveness,  her anger subsided, she threw her “kedayam” which fell at a place 4 miles away prompting the villagers to migrate to the spot and the village location was called Kadayam. Another legend say that the people were originally living around the kalyani amman temple and the goddess could not tolerate the noise created by the inhabitants surrounding her. She pulled out a kadagam (Bracelet in ancient Tamil) threw it to a distance and asked the inhabitants to go and reside round the spot where the bracelet fell. Thus this place was known as Kadagam, which later came to be known as Kadayam. 

Another belief is that she was not happy with the Poojas as it did not conform to the norms. Performed. There were some events that lead the people to stay away from the temple. Proper appeasement poojas were done by a Brahmin from Sringagiri or Shrungagiri which pacified the Goddess and Her powers rested in the peetam and a new south facing sanctum sanctorium was constructed. Since then the Goddess has been all merciful showering wealth, happiness, wellbeing to the people who worshipped her and hence came to be known as Nithya Kalyani. (One who bestows well-being to everybody)

Kadayam is associated with the eminent poet and freedom fighter Subramania Bharati who once lived in Kadayam as his wife was a native of Kadayam. It is believed that many of his classic compositions have been done in this place. 

Another legend states that Dasaratha was travelling to temples all over India to be blessed with Children. In doing so he came to the “Bilwa” forest in Kadayam, and found a “Suyambu Lingam” and offered prayers to Lord Shiva who came to be known as “Bilwa Vana Nathar” i.e. Lord of Bilwa forest. This over a period of time became Sree Vilvaranyeswarar. Vilva tree is the sthala vruksham and if the Vilva fruit from the sthala vruksham is broken, one can find a Lingam shaped formation inside, which is not seen in any other Vilva fruit. 

Sri Sivasailanathar Paramakalyani Amman Temple, Sivasailam

Temple Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 04634 241384 240385 94430 03562

Location : 12 kms from Papanasam

Nearest town         : 47 Kms from Tirunelveli

Important days : Poosam Theppotsavam. Ladies Rathotsavam. Offering of vastrams  turmeric pooja

Important for         :  fulfilment of wishes 

Moolavar is Sivasailanathar and Ambal is Parvati.

Surrounded by hills, The huge Sivasailam Temple with many mandapams and pillars. has a Swayambu Lingam in the Sanctum who is also called as Sadaiappar as on the back of the statue, there are lines that appear like hair which can be seen during the time of Aarthi on the back side of the Lingam viewed through a hole while strolling around the sanctum. 

Raja gopuram has five stories and is exquisite with numerous carvings and statues. It is believed that when the huge statue of Nandi was sculpted, it was so beautiful that it came of life and lift off and the sculptor had to stroke on its back so that it remained seated which can be seen today. Vinayakar, Murugan, 63 Nyanmars, Dakshina Moorthy, and Natarjar grace the temple with a separate shirine for Goddess Paramakalyani which is situated next to the main sanctum.

Sri Papanasanathar  Temple, Papanasam

Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.  4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Phone         : 04634-293757

Location : 15 kms from Ambasamudram

Nearest town         : 47 Kms from Tirunelveli

Important days : Chithirai festival

Important for         :  Cure of Diseases, Adoption of children by God for relief in horoscope

Moolavar is Papanasanathar and Ambal is Ulagammai

Saint Agasthiyar and his wife Lopamaudhra got the Kalyana dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvati here

Uniquely the Shiva lingam here is completely made up of Rudraksha. Papanasam is the first kshethram of the Navakailasam temples and since associated with Sun God, the place is known as Surya Kshetram or Surya Kailasam. There is a separate shrine for Natarajar in Ananda Tandavam near the Main tower 

Indra the king of devas once felt very proud and insulted the Deva Guru Birhaspathi by ignoring when he entered the sabha which made the Guru sad and went out of sight. With no Guru, the Devas became weak and without much option, Indira requested the learned Asura Viswarupa, son of Dhuvashta to be his Guru. Indira, cunning he is, started suspecting viswarupa due to his Asura lineage and  killed him treacherously. Hearing this Duvashta became furious and conducted a yajna and from that rose the Asura Vrithasura who was instructed to Kill Indra who with the help of Mahavishnu, killed him too and incurred the Brahmahathi Dosham. Indra hidden in a flower in the theertham  and his wife Indrani who came to this sthalam, took a dip in Theertham on the banks of Tamirabarini and in the form of a Maruda tree, performed penance on Lord Shiva who gave darshan from a hole in the tree and got him relieved of the sin. Hence this place is Papanasam and Swami is Papanasanathar.

This is the first of Navakailasam temple and dedicated to Suryan.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 17 - Pancha kosha Kshethram - A - Kumbakonam

 Kumbakonam Pancha Krosham 

The temples in Kumbakonam Pancha krosham are Tirunageswaram, Swamimalai, Thiruvidaimarudur, Darasuram and Koranattu Karuppur. 

Sri Airavateswar temple, Darasuram

Temple Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m

Phone         : 91- 435- 241 7157

Location : Myladuthurai  42 km Thanjavur 40 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 4 kms

Important days : Prathosham

Important for          : Architectural wonder. Unesco World heritage site. 

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

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

The southern west corner has a mandapam with four shrines, one for Yama. Huge stone slabs with carved image of seven celestial nymphs are seen.

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

Sri Swaminatha swamy temple, Swamimalai

Temple Timings : 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Phone         : 91- 435- 245 4421

Location : Myladuthurai  41 km Thanjavur 34 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 7 kms

Important days : 10 day Chithirai Brahmotsavam, Vaikasai Visakam, Navaratri, Aipasi Kandha Sashti, Thiru Karthigai, Margazhi Thiruvathirai,Thai poosam, Panguni Valli Kalyanam

Important for : Married life, Child boon. Prosperity, Long life, wisdom, Higher education. Removal of Life obstacles

Swamimalai is fourth among the aaru padai veedu dedicated to Lord Muruga The temple has three ‘Gopurams' with three ‘Praharams'. The  five storey south ‘Gopuram' is decorated with statues while the other have no towers.

The unique arrangement of the Praharam shows that first is at the base of the hill, the second halfway up and the last at the top & surrounds the sanctum. You then reach the shrine of Goddess Shakti at the base. There are also other shrines for various other deities and the well with ‘vajra Teertha'.

Taking the steps, on reaching half way up the hill there is a small area where beautiful statues depicting the legend associated with this temple are found. Further above is the second Praharam. Then we go up to the level where the shrine for Lord Swaminathan is built. 

The temple of Swaminatha is very ancient one and is believed to exist in the 2nd century BC. It is also said that Parantaka Chola I built the temple. During the Anglo-French War it was damaged and rebuilt later.. The presiding deity here expounded the meaning of the Pranava mantra OM to his own Father Lord Siva Himself.

Saint Bhrugu before commencing his penance, got a boon that anybody disturbing him will forget all his knowledge. The power of the penance  was so severe that it frightened devas who prayed to Lord Siva. When the Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint's head by hand, He lost all his knowledge due to the curse. He is said to have regained by learning the Pranava mantra from Lord Muruga at this shrine.

Once when Brahma, the lord of all creations could not explain the meaning of the Pranava OM, Muruga imprisoned him bringing all creations to a standstill. Requested by the Devas, Lord Siva asked Muruga to release Brahma. When Muruga refused to heed, Lord Siva asked him whether he himself knew the meaning of the  Pranava OM. Lord Muruga said that he can explain to the latter only if he can be considered as the Guru. Accepting the condition, Lord Siva listened to explanation of  OM as a disciple.  Hence the place came to be known as Swamimalai and the presiding deity as Swaminathan.

The temple is built on a 60 ft artificial hillock laid with 60 laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years – that leads to the Lord . In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarer and Goddesss Meenakshi.

Hymns on the presiding deity have been sung by Nakkeerar in Tirumurukatrupadai and Arunagirnathar in Tiruppukazh.

Sri Sundareswarar temple, Koranattu karuppur

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

Phone         : 0435 2443460

Location : Myladuthurai  35 km Thiruvarur 42 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 5 kms

Important days : Pournami, Amavasya, Ashtami and Navami

Important for          : Material Prosperity, Knowledge

Koranattu Karuppur also known as Thirupatalavanam was earlier called Karambai Naadu, which over time became Koranadu. The Moolavar is Sundareswar and the mother in Abhirami.

The suffix Karuppur is seen across several places in the immediate vicinity. This perhaps derives from the black (Karuppu) box in which Kali was found (see below).

Siva is said to have revealed His handsome form to the Devas when they came to worship him and hence is called Sundareswarar 

This place was once a forest of pathiri trees and hence called Tiruppatirivanam or Tiruppatalavanam.  When Brahma prayed for upadesam to acquire knowledge and enlightenment, as directed by Lord Shiva he installed a Lingam at this place and worship Him under the pathiri tree and was blessed. 

Sages Agastyar  and Vakkilliyar worshipped Sundareswarar here and were blessed.  Kubera worhsipped and was blessed with the task of guarding the 9 nidhis – Navanidhi; besides appointed as one of the ashta digpalakas – guardians of the eight directions).

King Surathan associated with Kubera was bless here and hence the sthalam become a prarthana sthalam for those seeking material prosperity. Hence devotees sometimes undertake a Lakshmi-Kubera yagam at this temple.

Several centuries ago, when a wooden box came floating down the river Kaveri and the locals upon opening it, finding an ancient wooden murti of the upper half of Kali were puzzled. An young girl among them, suddenly started speaking in Malayalam and Prakrit. It was then concluded that she was conveying the guidance from Kali, on her worship. The box with the murti originally kept in a thatched shed, was later moved to this temple. The Kali found in a box has since been revered as Petti Kali Amman, and the temple by the name of Petti Kali Amman.

She is depicted with eight arms out of which four right hands hold the soolam (trident), aruval (bill hook / blade), a parrot, and the udukkai (drum). On the left are the paasam (noose), shield, bell and kapalam (skull). She is seen with fangs (kora-pal), but since she is of extraordinary beauty, called Sundara Mahakali.

She is taken out of the box only a year, during the Uttarayanam period and taken in procession by devoteesAccompanied by wind instruments and drums. Pournami, Amavasya, Ashtami and Navami are her pooja days. Uniquely, Devotees offer something called Pallayam, a mix of boiled rice, curd, sugar, in addition to other offerings like as Kumkum, lemons, flowers, etc and they are not distributed to devotees.

The core temple is said to be extremely ancient and has not been dated and regarded as work of Chola dynasty.  It is believed that the major part of the main structure was renovated during the 12th century

Sri Mahalingaswamy temple, Thiruvidaimaruthur

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

Phone         : 0435 2460660, 9790525781

Location : Myladuthurai  28 km Thanjavur 52 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 10 kms

Important days : Adipooram, Amavasya, Krithigai,  Pournami, Thiruvathirai, Skanda sashti, Thai poosam

Important for        : Magnificence of the temple, Centre of all Shiva temples in the region

There are 3 temples where the Marudhu tree is considered special as the sthala vriksham.  When listed from north, They are Srisailam (Med-idai-maruthur) , Tiruvidaimaruthur (Idai-maruthur) and Tiruppudaimarudhur (Kadai-maruthur). Worshipping at Thiruidaimaruthur is considered equivalent to worship at Kasi.

Once the whole world went dark when Parvathi playfully closed Siva’s eyes, Tiruvidaimaruthur stood illuminated by Lord Siva with his radiating brilliance, as Jyoti Mahalingam.

The moolavar is a huge impressive Lingam called Maha Lingam, a Swayambhu murti. Agasthyar and the saptha rishis once prayed here for dharshan of Parvati when Parvati descended and began worshipping Siva. Pleased, Lord Siva followed and presented His divine form to Parvati and Agasthyar and the Saptharishis. To impart the proper way of  worship of the Lord, Siva Himself offered worship to the Lingam here. Hence Siva is Primary at this temple with the first worship offered to him and not Ganesha. Hence there is no specific name for the swami here and called Mahinga swami.

Sage Markandeyar was blessed by the Lord here as Arthnareeswarar. It is believed that Sridhara Ayyaval of Tiruvisanallur attained jeeva samadhi here, merging with the Jyoti in the garbhagriham at this temple.

There are several puranams and interesting stories about this temple. These include the story of Varaguna Pandyan and brahmahathi dosham, the story of the fisherman, and the story of Pattinathar and his disciple. They are posted separately here.

This temple is part of another group of temples  with 4 temples around this temple –  Atmanathar, Viswanathar, Rishipureeswarar and Sundareswarar – together are called Panchalinga sthalams.

As per the sthala puranam, this temple is the focal point of all the Siva temples in the region. The Sapta Vigraha sthalams associated with this temple are Chidambaram, Senganur, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Sirkazhi, Swamimalai, Suryanar koil and ALangudi.

There is a belief that Tiruvidaimaruthur is the central point of an exceptionally large Siva temple and the various Parivara devatas that are normally part of a Siva temple, are associated in their own might with separate Shrines. 

A massive 20 acre temple with three prakarams and prathakshanam of the innermost Ashwamedha Prakaram is believed as equivalent to circumambulation of Mount Meru and is done in counts of 7, 12, 24 or 108. While the second prakaram is called the Kodumudi Prakaram and going around is considered equivalent to visiting Kailasam, Circumambulation of the third Pranava Prakaram, gives salvation to devotees.

While the temple has 27 separate Siva Lingams by 27 stars, Agastya Lingam, Romesa Lingam, Kashyapa Lingam, Chola Lingam, established by others after whom the Lingams have been named.

The temple has 32 Teerthams and its own tank called the Simha Kinaru as in Gangai Konda Cholapuram and Virinchipuram. Rama created  Bana Teertham and the Pandava theertham by the Pandavas. The Parachara Teertham is scared for a dip in the Margazhi (December-January). The Kalyana Teertham is believed to be the Kaveri river itself, where the temple’s murtis are bathed during the Thai Poosam festival.

Parvati as Mookambikai here is considered to be extremely powerful and is considered as one of the Sakti Peethams with a Maha Meru chakram installed inside. Her shrine is to the right of the moolavar, representing the kalyana kolam.  Vinayakar rules the place.

Sri Nageswarar temple, Thirunageswaram

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

Phone         : 0435-2463354

Location : Myladuthurai  33 km Thanjavur 47 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 6 kms

Important days : Rahu Kalam on Sundays

Important for          : Naga Dosham

On the night of Maha Sivaratri, Nagaraja (lord of the nagas) worshipped Lord Siva at four 4 temples– in 4 jamams of the night in the sequence of Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam, Nageswarar temple at Tirunageswaram, Seshapureeswarar temple at Tirupampuram, and Naganathar temple at Nagore. This place used to be called Champakavanam (or Shenbagaranyam), as it was dominated by the Champaka (Shenbagam) trees.  Seikkizhar performed the inaugural recital of his epic Periya Puranam here.

When Sukarma (the son of Sage Suseelar) was bit by Takshaka the snake and was cursed to be born as a human, He approached Sage Kashyapa for redemption and was asked to install a Lingam and  worship Lord Siva, at this place. He was then blessed by Siva and relieved from his curse.

On account of the above, Rahu considered this place appropriate to move permanently here with his wives Simhi and Chitralekha. He is in is benevolent form and bestowing devotees with his abundant Kindness. Hence this  is considered a navagraha sthalams as well as being a sarpa dosha nivritti sthalam. It is believed that the milk offered to Rahu for abhishekam during rahukalam time, turns blue.

During the churning of the ocean, when it was determined that only the Devas would receive the amirtham, one asura disguised himself as a Deva and received it.  When Suryan and Chandran brought this to Vishnu’s attention, he tapped the asura with the ladle used for distribution and severed the asura’s head. When the asura prayed to Lord Siva, he gave the two parts of him a place among the planets, as celestials – they  are Rahu and Ketu. So they  get their occasional revenge on Suryan and Chandran by causing solar and lunar eclipses!

The deity here is called as Nanganathar or Nageswarar as several Nagas including Takshaka, Rahu, Karkotakan and Adhiseshan have worshipped here.

Adhering to the request of Sage Bringhi, Amman, Lakshmi and Saraswati are in meditation together in the same sannidhi – a rare occurrence with Maha Bhairavar guarding and assisting them. Girigujambigai Amman at this temple is said to be a swayambhu murti and so no abhishekam is performed for the murti. Indira worshipped her to be relieved from the Curse of Sage Gautama.

Sage Bhagirata, Nala and Nandi offered worship here. Nandi received the title Nandeeswaran. Vinayakar received the title of Ganapati here.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 17 - Pancha kosha Kshethram - C - Thirumanancheri

Thirumanancheri Pancha Krosham

The temples in Thirumanacheri Pancha Krosham are Thirumanancheri, Edhirkolpadi, Thiruvelvikudi, villanallur  and Kuttalam.

Sri Udhvaganathar temple, Thirumanancheri

Temple Timings :  6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon  5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         : 04364-235002

Location : Tiruvarur 46 km Nagappattinam 46 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 8 kms Myladuthurai 32 kms

Important days : Chithirai Wedding festival, Prathosham, Aadi Pooram, Thiruvathirai, Thirukarthigai,

Important for         :   Wedding boons

This is considered the place where Siva and Parvati were married and where Parvati met the Lord prior to their wedding. 

Apart from moolavar Lingam, there is a separate shrine for Siva as Kalyana Sundareswarar, with His bride Kokilambika, in Nitya kalyana kolam and dressed in a wedding attire. Both are depicted holding hands and Parvati is depicted with her head bent, like a shy bride! For this reason, like many other temples associated with the Siva-Parvati wedding, this temple of Kalyana Sundareswarar is a prarthana sthalam for those wanting to get married. 

There is another story of two women who promised to get their two children married. While one had a beautiful girl, the other’s boy was born with the head of a tortoise. When the girl’s mother refused to keep her promise, the boy’s mother worshipped Lord Siva hereby whose grace, the boy’s head became human. Then the marriage took place as the two women had agreed.

Kama (Manmadhan) was burnt to ashes by Siva at Korukkai, for disturbing his tapas and  get Him interested in Parvati. When Rati prayed to Shiva and got his Pardon, Kama came to this temple to worship the Lord who blessed Kama that he would regain his status in the celestial world.

The temple tank is called the Sapta Sagara Teertham, as it represents the seven seas of the world that attended came to witness the celestial wedding. This is a highly auspicious place as the Siva-Parvati wedding happened here and hence there is no Navagraham shrine here. Interestingly, this place has Vanni and Kondrai as Sthala Vriskshams apart from Karu Oomathai is considered the main sthala vriksham of this temple.

Sri Airavarteswarar temple, Mela Thirumanancheri

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

Phone         : 04364 235487 Senthil Kumar Gurukkal: 80121 60621

Location : Tiruvarur 46 km Nagappattinam 61 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 32 kms Myladuthurai 9 kms

Important days : Karthigai Mondays. Margazhi thiruvathirai

Important for         :   Wedding boons

The Lord is Airavateswarar and the Ambal is Kunthalambigai

Indra, for having defeated the asuras, was given a Garland by Sage Durvasa which had been used for Siva puja. Indra received with little respect and put it on his elephant, Airavata who shook it off and trampled it. Angry Durvasar cursed both Indra and Airavata.  Indira was to have his head sliced by the sword of a king; which was modified on Indira expressing remorse to his crown would fall down and save his neck.  Airvatam sought refuge under Lord and worshipped here, where he got redemption. The name of the moolavar is due to Airavata worshipping here.

This is the temple in the vicinity that is connected to the story of Siva’s marriage to Parvati. 

This is the place where Vishnu, as Parvati’s brother, welcomed all the wedding guests, for the celebrations. Hence Even today, for the annual Tirukalyanam festival at Tirumananjeri, the seeru from Parvati’s family side goes from Ethirkolpadi to Tirumananjeri.

The ancient name of this place – Ethirkolpadi – is derived from: Ethir=opposite (face-to-face), kol=see, and padi=place. 

Also Sage Bharatha was the head priest who conducted the wedding of Lord and Mother at Tiruvelvikudi. He  invited them to his place Tirumananjeri and arranged a grand reception to the divine couple and welcomed (Ethir Kollal in Tamil) the divine couple with due honours.  Hence, the place is named as Ethirkol Padi.  It is also known as Melakoil.

Hence in harmony with the sthala puranam, the garbhagriham here is large enough for an elephant to circumambulate the Lingam which is housed on a square avudai. 

The core structural temple here is built by Kulothunga Chola. 

Sri Kalyanasundareswarar temple, Velvikudi, Nagappattinam

Temple Timings :  7.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon  4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         : Vaidyanatha Gurukkal: 04364 235462

Location : Tiruvarur 44 km Nagappattinam 59 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 31 kms Myladuthurai 8 kms

Important days : Maha Sivarathri  Panguni Uthiram

Important for         :  Wedding boons

Velvi refers to sacrificial yajnas. This is the location where the pre-wedding yajnas were conducted before the wedding at Tirumanancheri. Siva performed the gangadharanam to Parvati, Brahma was the chief priest and Vinayakar performed self-sankalpam (and hence known as Sankalpa Vinayakar).  There is also a belief that Velvikudi is the wedding location and not Tirumananjeri.

Sundarar (the Nayanar) who was afflicted with a disease was cured after taking a bath in the temple pond. 

An unconfirmed  story of a wedding between prince and princess, was cancelled due to death of  princess suddenly before wedding. On the prayer by the Prince, Lord Siva instructed to revive the princess and get her ready for the wedding. 

Worshipping at this temple gives marriage boon.

There is a mural depicting the wedding procession of Siva and Parvati. The Ardhanareeswarar murti here shows Parvati to Siva’s right (normally the left is where the bride is positioned). It is believed that Siva granted half his body to Parvati in this place and therefore the concept of Ardhanareeswarar originated here.

In view of the celestial wedding, This is a mangala sthalam and hence the Navagrahas are absent. Another interesting version is that the Navagrahas went to Tirumananjeri for the wedding. Also, Since Lord Siva Himself is in the isana moolai (northeast corner) of the temple, He is the adipathi for all the Navagrahams in any case. (appears as an after thought explanation).

Sri Uktavedeeswarar temple, Kuttalam

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

Phone         : 

Location : Tiruvarur 43 km Nagappattinam 58 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 29 kms Myladuthurai 9 kms

Important days : Maha Sivarathri, Panguni Uthiram

Important for         :   wedding boon

Uthrasanman wanted to go to Kasi to worship Lord Siva. Siva wanted to impress on him that this place was no less than Kasi and deputed one of his ganas to scare the devotee in the form of a serpent. But Uthrasanman invoked the Garuda Mantram and humbled the Gana, Then Lord Siva as a snake charmer provided relief to the snake.

Realizing that power of Siva in nullifying the effect of Garuda Mantram, Uthrasanman prayed to Him here as he would at Kasi. This incident is depicted in this temple to the right of Dakshinamurti. 

This is one of the temples in the vicinity that is connected to the story of Siva’s marriage to Parvati. 

When prior to the wedding, it was hot and not wanting to be affected by heat, wore footwear and brought the Uddala tree for shade, with Him from Indra’s abode. After the wedding his footwear and the Uddala tree remained here. Once can see an image of footwear by the tree, the temple’s sthala vriksham, believed to be those worn by Siva. 

Since Lord Siva kept His word that He would marry Parvati on earth, so he goes by the name Sonnavaaru Arivaar (the one who keeps his promise).

The ancient name of this place is Tiruturutti. Turutti denotes a mound or an island and the place is located between the Kaveri river and the Manjalaru river. The name of the place today – Kuttalam – derives from the Uddala tree.

Agni worshipped Siva here and was blessed to have become a useful form of energy. Vikrama Chola‘s wife – Komala was cured of small pox after worshipping at this temple. Parvati came to be born here accompanied by Vinayaga and hence known as Thunai Vanda Vinayakar.

Sundaramurti Nayanar regained his complete eyesight which he had lost after  Sangili Nachiyar‘s cursed him. 

Sri Kaleeswarar temple, Villiyanallur

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

Phone         : 

Location : Tiruvarur 55 km Nagappattinam 65 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 44 kms Myladuthurai 13 kms

Important days : Prathosham  Mahasivarathri

Important for         : Clear Marriage obstacles. Wedding & Child boons. Health. To make ancestors happy

The Lord is Kaleeswarar Or Brahmpureeswarar.  The Amman is Sivakami. The temple is also known as Brahmpureeswarar temple

It is believed that before the Wedding, Lord Siva performed a homam in the banks of the temple pond conducted by Ganesha. Therefore the Pond came to be known as homakulam. The Pond has an Irattai Vinayagar.

The usual deities and arrangement in Siva temples and prevalent here. 

Uniquely the Chandikeswarar is near Nandi. There is a theertham opposite to the east-facing temple which has no gopuram. Last kumbabhishekam was done in July 2014. 

The temple has a welcome arch over the gate, with a stucco of Siva and Parvati with a bali peetham followed by the mandapam.

Nandi faces Siva. There is a Nandi on the left, facing Abhirami Amman. In the Sanctum the Lingam is tilted slightly to the left. The Vinayakar on the left at the entrance to the garbhagriham is divine

There are shrines for Dakshinamurti and Durga. In the prakaram, there is a shrine for Murugan and consorts Valli and Deivanai. Chandikeswarar is present in his shrine. No Navagrahams but an image of Suryan is found.

The temple is generally beautiful and well maintained

The temple is open with no specific closure times and the locals nearby will be able to help locate the keys to open the gates even if locked.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 17 - Pancha kosha Kshethram - B - Pazhaiyarai

 

Pazhaiyarai Pancha Krosham 

The temples in this Pazhayarai Pancha Krosham are Keezha Pazhayarai, Patteeswaram, Avoor, Sathimutram and Thiruvalanchuzhi

Sri Kapardeeswarar temple, Thiruvalanchuzhi

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

Phone         : +91 435 245 4421, 245 4026.

Location : Tiruvarur 36 km Thanjavur 35 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 8 kms Swamimalai 2 kms

Important days : Rahu Kalam on Sundays

Important for         : Naga Dosham

The Moolavar is Kapardeeswarar and the ambal is Pariynayaki, Brihannayaki.

When the Kaveri river was liberated by Vinayaka and started flowing towards Chola naadu, King Haridhwajan received her with respects. The river circumambulated Lord Siva (valan-chuzhi) and entered a hole near the Lord (called the piladwaram). After unsuccessful attempt to block her, the king took the help of sage Herandar, who as ordained by Lord Siva became a bee and blocked the hole. Then the Kaveri started flowing again, out of the earth up from here and this place is called Melakaveri. 

The Vellai Pillaiyar Vinayaka here was made the froth from the ocean when parkadal was churned. Indra carried the Vinayakar to many Shiva temples  to get rid of the curse he received from Ahalya. In this place Vinayakar wanted to stay here and requested Lord Siva who appeared as a small boy and Indra requested the boy to carry the Vinayaka till he returned. The boy kept the murti on the ground as soon as Indra left and when Indira returned, he found the murti under the bali peetham and could not move it.. Then Vinayaka told him to worship him every Vinayaka Chathurthi day and It is believed that Indra visits even today.

Since Vinayakar is made of sea froth, abhishekam is done here only with camphor.

When a visiting King ordered abhishekam to be done, The priest refused and prayed to the Lord to save him who cursed the king to be dissolved in abhishekam waters. When The king realized his mistake and sought pardon, He was directed to erect a mandapam before night fall to be relieved of the curse. Thus came into being the Mannipu manadapam.

It is believed that the temple’s association extends to the legend that His marriage was solemnized here! Kamalambal (born from the eyes of Lord Vishnu) and Vani (born from the speech of Brahma), said to be Siddhi and Buddhi are his consorts.

During a yagna by Sage Durvasa, many of the sages present, installed lingams on their own and worshipped as seen from the many lingams here in the outer prakaram.

Adiseshan comes through the piladwaram on Maha SIvaratri day  to worship the Lord Siva at this temple besides Tirunageswaram, Tirupampuram and Nagai Karonam.

Astha-bhuja-kali and Bhairavar are considered special here. To reduce his malevolent effects, the Bhairavar’s murti here is slightly cracked, on purpose.

Sri Kalyanasundareswar temple, Nallur

Temple Timings :  7.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon  5.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone         : 04374 222863  - Kannan

Location : Tiruvarur 49 km Thanjavur 30 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 13 kms Ariyalur 42 kms

Important days : Magam star

Important for         : Dip in the holy waters for sin redemption

When Kunti was cursed for having borne the children of the pancha boothas, She sought relief and Narada advised her to bathe in the seven oceans. As this was impossible, she was advised to pray to Kalyanasundareswarar at this temple. Lord Shiva ordered Narada to the waters of all the seven oceans here, and Kunti bathed in that water on Magam star day (her birth star) in the month of Masi which is said as equivalent to bathing at Kumbakonam’s Mahamaham tank.

Lord Siva is called Panchavarneswarar as the idol presents itself in five different colors during the day – copper, pink, gold, emerald and another unidentifiable colour. Another unique happening is  that on the day of the Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam, the Lord Siva as Linga sweats, and is fanned to keep Him cool. The Linga also has many holes / spots, believed to have created by Sage Bringhi when he tried to bore through between the male and female aspects of Lord Siva and Parvati as Ardhanari.

Lord Siva and Parvati gave Agastar a vision of their kalyana kolam here. Agastyar installed a Lingam behind the main Lingam here for worship and hence behind the main idol is a limestone form of Lord Siva and Parvati in kalyana kolam, Periya PuranamAmaraneethi Nayanar, was blessed here. 

Appar received Siva’s pada darsanam  and Deeskha here. Hence in this temple the devotees are blessed by placing the sadari (representative of the Lord’s feet) on their heads (a practice is followed only at Perumal temples).

When Vayu and Adiseshan’s fought over Kailasam, two parts of Kailasam a part of is said to  have fallen here and the other at Avoor (Pasupateeswarar temple).

We can see two unique representations of Lord Siva’s 64 forms –  Mahasadasivam (with 25 faces, and 52 arms); and eka-pada Trimurti depicting Lord Siva on one leg, with Brahma and Vishnu emerging from either side. Siva – as Gananatha – is said to reside in the form of the Balipeetam as in Kasi.

Ashtabhuja MahaKali (with eight arms) is seen in the outer prakaram

Full Circumambulation is not allowed in this temple as it is believed that the jata mudi (locks of matted hair) of Lord Siva is at the rear of the temple, and worship and prayers for pitrs are done here. 

Sri Pasupateeswarar temple, Avoor

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

Phone         : 04374 222863  - Kannan

Location : Tiruvarur 44 km Thanjavur 30 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 11 kms Ariyalur 47 kms

Important days : Magam star Shivarathri in Vaikasi Thiruvathirai

Important for          : Smooth Progress of Marriage alliance. Progress in Education

Kamadhenu, along with her children Nandini and Patti, living in mullai vanam (Tirukarukavur), used to collect flowers for Lord Siva”s puja. Patti did the same at Patteeswaram. The cows assembled in Avoor where they grazed became go-iruntha-kudi (Govindakudi). Patti created a Lingam here, prayed everyday with her milk and requested Lord Siva to bless her and stay here permanently. Hence the Lord is known as Pasupateeswarar.

When Parvati undertook prayers to the Lord here, All the rishis and devas became trees and vines and stayed praying to the Goddess. Pleased, Lord Siva appeared with his jatamudi, and blessed her and hence he is also known as Kapardeeswarar.

Kamdhenu, who was cursed by Brahma, came here and was relieved of her curse.

It was King Dasaratha who saw the Lord alone, installed the murti of Parvati called as  Pankajavalli. When doing so, a heavenly voice told the king about five Bhairava murtis buried under the ground. He unearthed them and installed them opposite the goddess, and is  worshipped even today. Dasaratha is seen praying to Lord Siva here

Murugan at this temple is seen in the form of a hunter, with a bow in his left hand and arrow in his other hand instead of the usual Vel.

Sri Thenupureeswarar temple, Pateeswaram

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

Phone         : 91- 435- 2416976

Location : Tiruvarur 43 km Thanjavur 35 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 7 kms Myladuthurai 46 kms

Important days : Ashtami. Karthigai

Important for         : Relief from Rahu/Kethu effects, Child /wedding boons

Kamadhenu had four daughters who worshipped at four temples in different directions – Patti worshipped at Keezhthali (east) which is Patteeswaram (the place is named after her, and this is the temple she worshipped at); Vimali worshipped at Vadathali (north) ; Sabali at Metrali (west) and Nandhini at Thehthali (Muzhayur) (south). 

When Parvati wanted to undertake penance here to please Lord Siva, The devas and rishis joined her taking the form of various plants.  Patti was sent by Kamadhenu to assist Parvati. Siva, pleased with Parvati’s penance appeared with his long, flowing hair as Kapardeeswarar. The Inspired Patti made a Lingam out of sand and prayed by offering her milk. Pleased, Siva gave her darshan and stayed on forever in the Lingam created by Patti. Hence the Lord became Pattesar / Patteeswarar, and the village also was so named.

When Sambandar  reached Tirusakthimutram near Patteeswaram and found it difficult to walk because of the heat, The Lord erected a pandal made of pearls, to make him comfortable. The 5 Nandis between the eastern entrance and the main sanctum, were asked by him to move a bit, so that He could have a vision of Sambandar coming into the temple. Hence these Nandis are off alignment.

The Cholas worshipped Ambal as Gnanambikai as their prime deity and during later times, Durga (just another form of Sakti) took prominence.

Rama was relieved of Sayagathi dosha for killing Vali here. Parvati performed penance here. Vishwamitra was acknowledged as Brahmarishi. Navagrahas here face Suryan and are positioned as per the Agama vidhi. (not the Vedic tradition).

Sri Sivakozhundeeswarar temple, Sivasakthi Muttram

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

Phone         : 91- 435- 2416976

Location : Tiruvarur 43 km Thanjavur 34 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 7 kms Myladuthurai 45 kms

Important days : Muthu Panthal, Ratha Sapthami, Karthigai

Important for         : Early wedding. Reunion of Separated couple

Parvati performed a penance at Sakthi Mutram near the Kaveri river bank, on one leg. To test her the Lord did not appear for long and gave darshan as a jyoti and knowing it was the Lord, Parvati embraced the jyoti. There is a separate shrine for Parvati depicted doing penance standing on one leg and embracing the Lingam. Hence the place is called Sakthi Muttram. The Lord here enables timely marriage and removes the misunderstanding between couples.

He is Swambhu murti. The Natarajar and Sarabeswarar here are worshipped with great fervour.

The Vinayakar is with his other half and as Uchishta Ganapati .

Sri Someswarar temple, Pazhaiyarai

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

Phone         : 91 - 98945 69543

Location : Tiruvarur 41 km Thanjavur 31 kms 

Nearest town         : Kumbakonam 6 kms Myladuthurai 45 kms

Important days : Aipasi Pournami. Thirukarthigai  Mahasivarathri

Important for         : Marriage. Excellence in Arts. Cure from illness

The Lord is Someswarar and the Ambal is Somakamalambigai. 

Pazhaiyarai was once the capital city of the Cholas. This is a maadakoil built by early chola in the shape of a chariot, and remodelled by the later Cholas.

The lord is a Swambhu murti. Chandra got relief from kayarokam, afterwhich his radiance increased by they day and his breathing problems.

Garuda was carrying the nectar obtained from Indra for the cure of his mother. On the way he had to fight with the demons, during which, three drops of nectar fell on the ground. One drop became Lord Siva, another became Parvati, and the third became a holy spring. Garuda took bath in the spring and won over the demons. The spring made by Garuda is called Jatayu Theertham.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 17 - Pancha kosha Kshethram

Pancha Krosha Kshethram

A krosham was considered as a distance of about 1.3 miles (about 2.08 km) in current day’s measurements.  Pancha Krosham refers to a distance equivalent of 5 kroshams, or 6.5 miles (approximately 10.4607 km). During the old times, some temples were identified as being within that range (Just to show proximity and evince interest to visit more places of worship). Even today it is considered a practice to visit all those temples of any Pancha Krosham group on the same day meaning within a day.  

In many cases there have been various numerical references to temples like saptha vidanga sthalam or Ashta veeratta sthalam. They all refer to the number of temples within that specific group. There are many groups of temples referred in a similar manner. However, in this case the reference is more to the distance within which the temples are situated and hence a unit of distance. Moreover, there need not be a restriction on the number of temples falling with each Krosha group. So, the number of temples in each Krosha group can vary and need not be the same for all groups

Over a period of time, there has been a number of temples that have been built. Hence in current scenario, there are likely to be more number of temples within a shorter distance, or there may be other temples within the distance of five kroshams of a given central point.  We have to realise that these temples specifically identified as pancha krosha sthalam temples, suggests that these were perhaps really old temples that existed at the time of classification and before other modern temples came over a period of time.

Hence the nomenclature of Pancha Krosham is restricted to those temples that have been referred over centuries and have retained their glory over time. It is considered highly auspicious if we are able to have darshan at all temples in a Pancha Krosham within a day.

There Pancha krosha temple groups are all over india and many different groups are being put forward. For our immediate reference, I am going to touch upon four groups which are in tamilnadu:

Kumbakonam Pancha Krosham - Tirunageswaram, Swamimalai, Thiruvidaimarudur, Darasuram and Koranattu Karuppur. 

Pazhayarai Pancha Krosham - Keezha Pazhayarai, Patteeswaram, Avoor, Sathimutram and Thiruvalanchuzhi

Thirumanacheri Pancha Krosha  - Thirumanancheri, Edhirkolpadi, Thiruvelvikudi, villanallur  and Kuttalam

Papanasam Pancha Krosham – Tirunelveli District - Papanasam, Azhwarkurichi, Sivasailam, Kadayam and Thirupudaimarudurn

Temples of Tamilnadu - 14 - Adisheshan's Shiva Kshethrams

When Lord Vinayaga offered worship to his father Lord Shiva in Mount Kailash, Vasuki (Nagaraj), the king of serpents, around Lord Shiva’s neck, in his arrogance, considered that the worship was for him, He was cursed by Lord Shiva resulting in the serpent community losing their strength and powers.

When the eight great serpents Ananthan, Vasuki, Thatchakan, Karkodakan, Sankapalan, Kulikan, Padman and Mahapadman begged Lord Shiva for forgiveness they were advised to worship him on the night of Maha Shivratri.  The serpents headed by Adhisheshan offered worship on the four parts of the Mahasivarathri night in four different temples in each of the 4 kaalams to Lord Shiva and were blessed with his grace. 

These four temples are as follows:

Sri Nageswarar at Kumbakonam,

Sri Naganathar at Thirunageswarm,

Sri Sheshapureeswarar at Thiruppampuram and

Sri Naganathar at Nagore.

Sri Nageswarar temple, Kumbakonam

Temple Timings     : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Phone            : 0435-243 0386

Location    : 293 kms from chennai 1 km from Kumbakonam

Nearest town            : kumbakonam

Important days    : Rahu Kalam on the evening on Sundays.

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

The temple initially was surrounded by bushes.  Padagacherry Ramalingaswamy, a shiva devotee collected funds by begging with a tied brass bowl around his neck and renovated the temple with the funds so collected and also did the consecration of the temple.  This was followed by the next consecration took place in 1959 and last one happened in 1988.  

Lord Nageswara, small in size,  is seated on a big Avudayar.  Surya Bhagawan prays to him with his rays on 11,12 & 13th Of Panguni.  Praying to Lord Nageswara on Mondays and Thursdays provide relief from the adverse aspect of serpent planet Rahu which delays marriage and child boon.  Mother Periyanayaki graces the devotees with Her Abhaya Karam.  The Pralayakala Rudra Shrine-Sannidhi here is famous.

Divine serpent Adisesha who was bearing the whole weight of earth, was feeling exhausted as the weight increased due to the increasingly committed sins, begged Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash to bestow upon him adequate energy to carry out his responsibilities.  Lord promised him the energy to hold the earth with a single head (Adiseaha has 1000 heads) and with his blessings Adishesha came to this part of Kumbakonam where one leaf of Vilwa fell from the nectar pot.  He installed a Linga here and worshipped the Lord he came to be known as Nageswarar as he was worshipped by Nagaraja.

The place where the Vilwa fell from the nectar pot floating through floods, was called Vilwa Vanam.  Lord is also praised as Vilwa Vanesar, Padala Beeja Nathar, Madanthai Bagar and Selva Piran.

Naganathaswamy temple, Tirunageshwaram

Temple Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m 

Phone         :+91- 44 - 2478 0436, 93828 89430

Location : Thirupampuram 23 kms

Nearest town         : Nagappatinam 48 kms

Important days   : Shivrathri in February-March; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Brahmotsavam Panguni Utsav in March 

Important for          : Salvation of Property, Sight, Gold, Land, Vehicle

The presiding deity of the temple is Arulmigu Giri Gujambika Sametha Naganathaswamy. It is believed to have been built by Aditya Chola I in the 9th century AD. The inner mantapa was built by Seikkizhar, and the outer mantapa was built by Govinda Dikshitar (17th century AD) a minister to Acchuthappa 

Here Rahu Bhagawan can be seen with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni together. Sri Naganathaswamy Temple is one where Lord Shiva was worshipped by Rahu and got relieved of a curse. A unique feature of the temple is that Rahu Bhagawan is seen with human face. Usually in other places, Rahu is seen with a serpent face.

Those afflicted by this dosha, participate in this ritual, also perform abishek during Raghu Kala time, by offering Ulundhu dal and the preparation is available in the temple itself.  

Mother Kamakshi graces on Her Lion Vahan and Rose water abishek is performed to on Thai Fridays in January-February.  A 10 day Brahmmotsavam is celebrated with Chitra Poornima (Full Moon day) in April-May.   The wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi is celebrated on Chitra Poornima day.  During the festival, Lord comes in procession on snake vahan.

It is believed that by doing milk abhishekam here for Rahu during Rahu kalam the delay in getting married, childlessness, troublesome married life, ill-effects of Kalasarpa Dhosha and Sarpa Dhosha are all cured. An important aspect of Rahu Temple at Thirunageswaram is that during milk abhishekam, the milk when poured over the idol turns blue which is clearly visible.

The annual Brahmotsavam is observed in the month of Kartika while the Sekkizhaar festival is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi. Large number of pilgrims visits the temple during these occasions.

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 Pamburam who then created a theertham here observed his 12 year penance and got relieved of the curse.

Thilothama created by Brahma considered him as her father and when went round him in worship, he 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 relieved 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 darshan and relief in 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 repentance, 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 Thiruppamburam 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 for Podhigai hill for the growth of Tamil.

Agni got relief from the curse for attending the yagna by Dakshan by praying to the Lord at Thiruppamburam.  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 Thiruppamburam 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 Thiruppamburam temple. Surya took a holy dip in the Ganges at Kashi, then worshipped Lord Shiva at Mayiladuthurai and then reached Thiruppamburam. 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 Vasishta, 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 leukoderma, 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 Naganathar temple Nagoor

Temple Timings  : 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon.  4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Phone         : 91 98652 69553

Location : 295 kms from chennai 13 kms from Karaikal

Nearest town         : Nagappattinam 7 kms

Important days    : Mahasivarathri, Pradosham, Karthikai deepam, 13th Day of full moon or new moon fortnights

Important for      : Rahu – Kethu Kala sarpa dhosha Nivarana sthalam. Mangalya Dosha, Putra Dosha

Nagoor Sri Naganathar Temple is a very ancient temple of Shri Nagavalli sametha Shri Naganathar. During the visit of Adiseshan (Nagarajan) to the four Naganathar temples at Kumbakonam, Thirunageswaram, Thirupampuram and Nagapattinam, He split the Maha Shivarathri evening and night into slots of 3 hours each (jamams). This is the last temple of the visit.

This is a Rahu Ketu Parikara sthalam. When Nagarajan was spending time with his queens, he noticed a five year old Brahmin boy Sambudattan playing in the vicinity and since he felt his privacy violated, in anger bit the boy who died. 

The boy’s father feeling that his boy was innocent, in a fit of anger cursed Nagarajan to lose his powers and roam alone in the forest. When sought forgiveness and prayed for a 1000 years, his father Kashyapa Maharishi guided him to have darshan of Naganathar in the four temples at Kumbakonam, Thirunageswaram, Thirupampuram and Nagapattinam, splitting the Maha Shivarathri evening and night into slots of 3 hours each (jamams). Nagarajan came here for the last segment, had Snaan in the Chandra Pushkarni and worshipped Shiva here and got relieved from the curse. Therefore the Lord and the Mother are called Naganathar and Nagavalli Ambal, respectively. Never ever a snake bite has been reported in this place.

Vishnu got darshan of the Lord on the Vaikasi Pournami ( May-June). Chandra worshipped on the Aani Pournami (June-July) and the theertham created by him is called the Chandra Theertham. Indra worshipped during Maha Shivarathri.

The sthala vruksham is Punnai. Hence earlier this place was referred to as Punnakavanam. So holy place is this place that performing the rituals for the Pithrus is equivalent to doing the same at Gaya. It is equal in importance and as holy as Chidambaram.