Temples of Tamilnadu - 23 - Navagraha Temples

The  Navagraha temples are situated in and around Kumbakonam. They can be covered in a day keeping Kumbakonam as the base. 

Keezaperumpallam Naganathan Temple – Kethu sthalam

Timings : 6.00 - 12.30 3.30 - 8.30  

Contact : 91- 4364 260 582, 275 222, 260 088, 260 424,94435 64642, 95004 16171

Lord Anugraha Vinayaka graces in the temple from His separate shrine.  Kethu known for his wisdom and benevolence, with his serpent head and human body faces west seated on simham with hands folded worshipping the Lord.  The devotees of  his Rasi who pray for excellence in education and family prosperity are blessed with it.  When faced with adverse aspects, The first prayer  with red flowers is to Lord Naganatha and then Kethu, offering horsegram rice – Kollu sadham – as nivedhana and lighting Saptha deepams. 

Pujas are performed to planet Kethu at Rahukalas and Yemakanda Kala times approx 90 mins time. 16 types of abishekam and homas with a nivedhana made of gram powder, salt and pepper in rice are done besidees  Vastras offered in different colours.  Lamps with gingely oil are lit.  The nivedhana should be distributed in the temple to visitors and never be taken home.   People pray to planet Kethu for general family welfare and prosperity, success in litigations, progress in trade, avoidance of accidents, freedom from fear of death etc. Vasuki (the serpent used as rope to churn the milk ocean) festival is celebrated in Panguni (March-April).  On the 3rd day of the festival, the event of Lord Shiva granting Darshan to Kethu is celebrated.  Planet Kethu comes in procession on this day and on the Rahu-Kethu transition days.

On the Rahu-Kethu transition day, a special Homa is organized. 

There is no Navagraha shrine in the temple as Kethu retains all the prominence.  There are two Sun idols and a Saturn idol in the temple.  Pujas are performed to one Sun during the Utharayayanam covering January-February to June-July and to the other Sun during the Dakshinayanam covering July-August to December-January.

During the churning of the milk ocean, when serpent Vasuki used as the rope for the purpose got exhausted and split its venom,   Devas ran to Lord Shiva for protection who the poison and protected the world.  Vasuki regretted having made Lord Shiva to swallow its poison, performed penance seeking Lord’s pardon.  When th eLord gave darshan admired its sense of sacrifice and on Vasuki’s request,   Lord agreed and stayed here named after the serpent - Naganathar. 

Sri Swedaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu – Budhan Temple

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

Phone :  04364-256424

Swadharanyeswarar (presiding deity), Brahmavidya nayaki (his consort) Nataraja, Agoramurthy, Brahmavidyambal, Swetha Mahakali and Maha Durga are the deities seen here. Of the 64 Muthras of Lord Shiva, the Agoramurthy form is present here and the Lord performed Six of them. As in Chidambaram we find Vishnu has a place near the Nataraja. Indira, Iravadham, Vishnu, Suryan, Chandran & Agni (fire) worshipped here. Bhudan faces North East and opposite is the temple for Chandran.

Thiruvengadu has been praised by four nayanamars, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. 

Demon Maruthuvan after receiving boon tortured the devas who surrendered to the Lord who asked them to live in disguise in Thiruvengadu.  Shiva sent Nandhi who defeated the demon but was injured. Furious Shiva’s anger took the form of Agoramurthy. The demon sought his pardon and requested that those worshiping Agoramurthy should have no enemies.

Achuthagapanar took the holy dip in the three tanks, Prayed to Thiruvengadar and was blessed with a child who was known as Meikandar and became the chief of Santhana Kuravars who gave Saiva Sidhanatha.

When a Brahmin named Vedarasi placed his bundle of food in the hollow of a tree, a snake spewed poison on it. Unaware, Vedarasi gave this food to a vedic priest, who died consuming it thereby causing Brahmahathi Dhosham which was absolved by worshipping Lord Siva of Thiruvengadu.

When Thirugnanasambandar reached Thiruvengadu, he felt the whole place was sivalingams filled Sivalokam and hesitated to put his foot on. When he prayed Goddess Periyanayaki appeared there and took him as child on her hips. The idol of Periyanayaki with Thirugnanasambandar is found installed in the temple.

Thiruvengadar, the son of Sivanesan and Gnanambigai, with the blessings of a Siva  came to be called Pattinathu Adigal.

Indra having killed Virudhasura, worshiped Lord Thiruvengadar and was absolved of his sins.

Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indra who in his vanity threw it towards the elephant Iravadam who stamped it under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indra who realizing his folly created a tank and worshipped Lord Siva Linga and was absolved of his sins.

Suwedakedu who was destined to die at eight worshipped Lord here. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly and Yama could not perform his duty.

Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Pooja to Bhudan on Wednesdays is rectifes Bhuda Dhosham. Praying at Thiruvengadu provides relief from puthira dosham, difficulties in studies, mental instability and nervous disorders. Knowledge, music, astrology, math, sculpting, medicine, language skills are the beneficial aspects of Bhudan.

Full green moong dhal, white flowers and green cloth are the offerings to Budhan by devotees.

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Timings : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. 

Phone : 04368-236630,236504

When the sages wanted the lord to suggest a suitable place on earth for Satra yaga, He rolled out a Chakra [nemi] made of darbha [Kusa grass] which stopped at a forest [aranya] which came to be known as Naimisharanya. The name is also believed to be due to destruction of Asuras in a flash of a minute [Nimisham].

In Naimisharanya, God exists as water, with a view to providing the sages with shade, nutrition and fruits so they could listen uninterruptedly to divine teachings and stories un affected by hunger or thirst. Lava and Kusa, the twin sons of Sri Rama sang the Ramayana here. Sage Parasara's son was conferred the title of Veda Vyasa. Balarama was hailed by the sages for destroying Asura Balvanan and Srimad Bhagavata was retold at the commencement of KaliYuga by Sage Suka.

There are many puranic stories associated with the sacred tanks of Darbharanyeswara.

The king of Kalinga was cursed to turn into of a wild elephant along with his queen and prince due to unintended slight he caused to Sage Bhagava. To recover from the curse, Sage Narada intercession directed them to go to Darbharanyeswara and ensure that even a drop of the water fall on his body from the head of a pilgrim who just had taken a dip in the sacred Brahma Thirtha.

When they followed his advise, King, his Consort and son were transformed to the original form. 

Nala the handsome and brave king of Nishadha was married to Damayanthi.  Shani vowed to ruin Nala and to bring about their separation. He waited for twelve long years and when Nala erred in the performance of his morning ablutions on a certain day Shani gained control over him causing immense sorrow, unhappiness, separation from wife and loss of Kingdom. Finally When Nala got back everything, he was advised by Bharadwaja at Vriddhachalam to take a dip in Tirunallar where, he regained his mental peace, prosperity and old glory

He spent a few days at the shrine, dug a tank which was named Nala Teertham after him and got the temple renovated. Whoever has a bath in this tank will be blessed and be blessed by Sani.

King Thooyakanda, ruler of Vedavarthana situation on the bank of the river Godavari, did a putrakameshti yajna, begot a son and did thanam of riches and cows to the Brahmins who conducted the yajna for him

One of the Two Brahmins who found that the other had got a bigger cow, became jealous,  quarrelled and in the course of exhange of blows, one struck the cow which died instantaneously. Gohatya or the sin of killing a cow, though unpremeditated, caused the Brahmin to immediately become a low class blind human being.

The unfortunate Brahmin on the advice of Sage Romasha, prayed to Darbharaya to seek redemption for his sin from the Lord after taking a bath in the Hamsa Tirtha. When a drop of water from the head of a woman pilgrim who had just bathed in tank and was drying her hair landed on him, he got back his Original Form and sight, absolving him from the sin of killing the Cow.

Uruchi, the King of Avanti, requested the Sage Bharadwaja to advice him as to which is the most superior form of charity. This sage suggested Annadana or serving food to the starving when performed in Darbharanya Kshetra the donor would be immensely benfited. When he followed the advise and prayed here, appreciating his sincere prayers,  The Lord appeared and offered him a boon. The king sought the Lord’s Grace at all times and the means to offer food to all those who approached him. The King then remained in this Sacred Place for long devoting Himself to the Service of the poor and Feeding and Hungry.

Two sons of a merchant with the same name of Agnivannar got into immoral ways and lost their fortune to become penniless.

To fend for themselves and the necessity of keeping their body and soul together, they turned into robbers, waylaying and killing travellers and seizing their possessions.

Once a sage happening to pass their way was also subjected to the treatment by them. The sage gave them wise counsel, lead them to Darbharanya where the brothers attained salvation after taking a bath in the Hamsa Dirtha and worshipping the Lord. 

Alangudii Guru Temple

Timings : 6 .00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.  

Contact : +91-4374-269 407

Presiding deity Aabathsahayeswarar is a Swayambulinga Murthy. It’s the sthalam where Lord Dakshinamurthy praised as Guru Baghwan has great and hence the place is regarded as Guru sthalam. Sage Viswamitra, emperor Mushukunda and Veerabadra had prayed to the Lord here. Mother Parvathi performed penance and had Lord Shiva as Her Lord. Scars of measles are found in the idol of Saint Sudarar.

Located in the centre of Aalangudi, The aesthetically designed main tower (Rajagopuram) is of five tiers. There are shrines for other deiteies in the shrine. 

The procession deities – Big sized Vinayaka, Subramanya, Chandeswara, and Kalyanasastha are seen. Procession deity Dakshinamurthy graces with four Sanakathi rishis.

Special abishekam and pujas are conducted for Guru Dakshinamurthy on Thursday in the month of Masi – February - March. Married women change their Mangalsutra thread and those of marriageable age are blessed with long married life. This day has great significance in Guru related issues. 

As there is no separate Jupiter shrine, Lord Dakshminamurthy here, the authority for the planet is worshipped here and graces with four Sanakathi rishis. Sage Viswamitra worshipped here.

Aalam is the high intensity posion which sprang up first while churning the milk ocean. When the whole world – earth, pathala the world below and the one above the earth – was threatened with total destruction, Lord Shiva came forward and consumed it to protect the universe. Since he drank the Aalam, hence the name Aalangudian.

The belief is in this place none is affected by any poison problem as the Lord protected the world by consuming the Alam poison while churning the milk ocean.

Alangudi is regarded as one of the Pancha Aranya Sthalas – (Pancha-five, Aranya-forest covered). Alangudi is considered as one of the subsidiary temples of thiruvidaimarudur. Worshipping in this temple on Thursdays blesses one with good things in life. Those afflicted by snake planet aspects get relief here. The unique feature is in this temple Lord Dakshinamurthy is taken in car procession.

Daksha, father of Mother Parvathi, with a goat head, can be seen. The idol of sundarar is small and a little damaged. Once taken to Tiruvarur once by a king, was brought back to Alangudi by a priest. To escape the palace guards,  the priest told them that he was taking his measles afflicted child. When the priest unfolded the idol on reaching Alangudi, he found small-pox scars on the statue too which are visible even now.

Friday (Sukravaram) is attributed to the worship of Mother-Goddess and hence bearing the same name, Sukravara Ambica graces from a separate shrine.

The temple structure embodies the Matha (Mother) Pitha (Father) and Guru (Teacher) philosophy. Entering the temple, we first have Mother-Ambica Shrine, followed by the presiding deity and the Guru-Dakshinamurthy.

When saint Sundarar was caught in the floods while coming to Alangudi, Lord Shiva Himself came to his rescue in a boat and Lord Vinayaka protected the boat from capsizing and therefore the Vinayagar is named Kalangamal Katha Vinayaka. 

Thingaloor kailasanathar temple – Chandran Sthalam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thirunageshwaram

Timings :  6.00 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m 

Phone : +91- 435-246 3354, 94434 – 89839 0435-2463354

Lord Sri Nageswarar is a swayambumurthi. It is amazing that while performing  the abishekam to Raagu, the milk turns blue in colour. The three Mothers Girigujambikai, Maahalakshmi and Saraswathi grace from a single shrine in the temple. While Raagu appears in a snake form with human head in other temples, he is in total human form here. 

Highly sanctified by its Moolavar, sthalam and theertham and also sung by Thirugnana sambanda Swamigal, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Sundaramoorthy Swamigal, it is considered the most divine place for worship besides of legendary importance according to Sekkizar. 

Raagu Bagavan is seen with his two consorts Ngavalli and Nagakanni and bestows his kindness. Devotees who seek fulfillment of their prayers here meet with success. In this Lord Siva was worshipped by Raagu Bagavan and got relieved of a curse.

Lord Siva has narrated to Umadevi about Shenbagaraniyam, now called Thirunageswaram and he is known as Shenbagaran Eswaran siting under the shenbaga tree and blessing devotees. Nandi worshipped the Lord here and got the status as Nandeesan and Vinayaga as Ganapathi (the Head of Ganas). Indira worshipped Goddess Girigujambikai (one adorned with heightened breasts) with Punugu (a rare scent variety) and got relieved of the bad smell emanating from all over his body. Sages Gowthama, Vashista, Parasarar, and Kings Nala, Pandavas and Bageerathan have worshipping Sri Naganatha Swami here for various benefits and relief. Aadisesha, Thakshagan and Karkotagan were blessed by the Lord here.

Raagu Bagavan can be seen with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni together and it is believed that prayers for fulfillment of desires at this shrine are favorably considered by him. Raagu worshipped Lord Siva her and got relived of a curse. 

Raagu Bagavan is believed to help one's good position, status, business, faithfulness, winning over opposition, to be debt-free, travel over seas and for other power.

Suriyanar koil

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

Phone : +91- 435- 2472349

Lord Sun graces in the temple facing west with a Lotus on both hands accompanied by His consorts Ushadevi on the left and Pradhyushadevi on the right. The Navagrahas (nine planets) are without their vahanams.

Sun occupies the first place among the nine planets and hence the  Devotees pray him to protect them from their adverse aspects in their lives.  Those undergoing the seven and half years Saturn period come to the temple seeking relief. The practice is to stay in the temple for 12 Sundays called Thala Vasam covering about two and half months (78 days) from the morning of first Sunday. Bathing in the sacred springs known as Nava theerthas, observing fast and worshiping of the Lord Tirumangalakudi Prananatha and Mother Mangala Nayaki and other deities in the place offers peace and relief.   

Devotees perform a ritual called Nadi Pariharam, Navagraha Homas and Surya Archana, Abhishekam and archana with sugar pudding (Sarkarai pongal) which is considered important here. Wheat, jaggery and their farm yields are offered equal to their weight – a ritual called Tulabaram. Those seeking child boon tie cradles. 

There are only two temples in India dedicated to Sun God, one at Konark in North where there is no idol worship and this in South.  This temple follows idol and as  Sun is noted for His scorching heat, to cool down the effect, planet Guru (Jupiter) is just opposite the shrine, facilitates His worship under a bearable temperature.  Sun’s Horse vehicle is also before Him, as Nandhi is before Lord Shiva.

This is a temple dedicated for the nine planets – Navagrahas as presiding deities.  In other temples, the planets are sub-deities and the speciality is that Sun God graces with His consorts in wedding form.  He is calm and graceful.   Every planet has its own shrine and are calm and beneolant in nature offering solace to the devotee.  The Planets are without heir Vahanams. 

Sage Kalava Muni was suffering from severe leprosy worshipped all the planets begging total cure and was blessed.  Lord Brahmma strongly objected as the planets were to give the effects of good and evil deeds of the individuals and giving direct boon is a violation.  The planets came to a white wild flower jungle (Vellerukku vanam) and performed penance on Lord Shiva for relief.  Lord appeared before them and said that the place belonged to them and allowed them to grace the devotees worshipping them enduring a variety of hardships.

Agniswarar temple - Kanjanoor - Sukran

Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon - 5.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m

Phone : +91-435-247 3737 

On the bank of the river Ganges, Sages like Sounagar started the holy sacrifice sathrayaagam. Mahapouraanigarsoothamaha munivar took abode, after the completion of the twelve years of holy sacrifices. Sounakaathi saints served and worshipped him and welcomed him by saying that he is the one who is able to make the earth get rid of all the sins and they also declared that the place become very sacred after his arrival. 

Soothamaha munivar told them there is a specialized place better that this Ganges River nears the Vadacauvery which removes all the sins and provides luxurious life. 

The Unqiueness of this temple are that the Parasaara saint had been cured of his paranoa, Albinism of Agni God, Kamsarajan had been cured from all his diseases, Chandran, Sithirasenan, Indiran had been relieved from all their sins, the hunter Kalakandan attained his heavenly bliss, Lord Vishnu had got comforted from Shukradhosha.  The holy sacrifice that is done in this temple is equal to the thousand Sathrayaga.

Taking a dip once in this Vadacauvery give benefit of a dip for twelve years in Ganges River. Pooja done for ancestors equals those that are prepared in Kashi. 

Once upon a time, during the war of Devas and Asuras, Mahavishhnu used his discuss to kill the hiding asuras soon as Shukra had gone out of his ashram. The chakra also killed Shukra's wife Shukeerthi.  Shukram broght back the entire dead alive and cursed Vishnu to be born on earth. Mahavishnu thought of fulfilling the curse to do good things on earth with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Some of the Vaishnavas were stating that Mahavishnu is everything by Veda's and  they disrupted Shiva devotees and Shiva Festivities. Vishnu wanted to teach lesson to them and was born as a son for Vasudevar, who is a panjarathira Vainavar. Named sutharsanar, he started to recite "Shiva shiva" and started going to  Agneeshwara temple. He was admonished many times, but he went along with Shiva devotees to the Agneeshwara temple. His father did Ubanayam at proper age and also performed Gayathri Mandhira Ubadesam. He also said to Sutharsanar that he should recite Narayana Namam along with Gayathri and pray at Varatharaja Temple.

But, Sutharsanar went one again to Agneeshwara temple and did Maathiyanigam in Agni Theertha along with Gayathri Mandhra and Panjatcharam other than this he also worshipped Lord Shiva and Karpagambal. His father Vasudevacharyar got anger and threw him out from home. So, he reached Agneeshwara temple and heard Shiva nama parayanam. Soon, he slept. At midnight, Agneeshwara appeared as Thankshinamoorthy before the little boy Sutharsanar and made him to know all the Myth's and Ithihasas besides he also named him as Haratattar.

Getting all the knowledge, Haratattar took a holy dip bath in Cauvery in the morning and went to his house. Looking at him  withVibuthi and Ruthiraksham and stating Shiva is everything by Veda's and Shastra's, His father Vasudeva didn't accept his debate and wanted to eliminatel him. When he was asked to prove it by standing in the fired iron pedestal, Haratattar stood in the fired iron pedestal and recited said Shivaparathuvam before many scholars, pundits and Saiva Vainava Followers. Agneeshwara along with Karpagambigai appeared before Haratattar.

Years passed and Haratattar was married to Pangajavalli, daughter of Supratheepar. They both give birth to 9 children namely Mahadeva, Neelakandar, Shankarar, Chandireshekarar, Saambashivan, Mahalingam, Komuktheesan, Karpagam and Meenakshi. He daily his holy dips twice in Cauvery River and also prerformed panjatcharajabam and shivapooja. He decided to make everyone to know about the greatness of Lord Shiva and hence did many Miracles.

There was a old Brahmin named Devasambu in this temple. Once, he carried bunch of Grasses to his cow. Unfortunately, the tied bunch of Grass fell over the calf and it dies. Devasamba was stunned and called out as Shivashiva. He asked the vedic Brahmins for a solution to get rid of gohathiDosha. They asked him to take a holy dip in Ganges River and since he was poor, he could not go to Ganga. So he asked solution to Haratattar who said it was an unfortunate happening and when he called out Shivashiva, you had got rid from it. The calf also got Narkathi as it had heard Shivashiva while being dead. But, the other Brahmins  did not accept this. Haratattar asked Devasambu to give a grip of grass to Nandhikesavar and as a miracle,  Nandhikesavar ate that Grass. From that day, Nandhikesavar has also been called as "PullundaNandhi".

Gangatharan is the son of Haratattar's sister and had an abnormal growth. As he wanted to go Ganges,  Haratattar asked him to get dipped in Cauvery. Gangatharan also did it as per his words and surprisingly, he rose in Ganga and worshipped Vishvanathan and Visalakshi. When Gangatharan wanted to return to his hometown, He didn’t know the way. On that Occasion, a Shiva saint preached Gangatharan about panjaksharam and asked him to dip in Ganga and the saint disappeared. He took a dip in ganga and rose in Cauvery. 

After reaching Kanjanoor, Gangatharan worshipped Agneeshwarar and developed a Theertha on the southwestern side and named it as Manikarnigai. He also built a temple for Vishwanathar and Visalakshi and also built parivaram for Vinayagar, Subramaniyar and separate channidhi for Suyamprakashmoorthy, who preached Pankajsharam for him. After many years and on the day of Akshayathiruthi, he reached Shivaloka by getting the blessings from Suyamprakashamoorthy. when people had the habit of adding Sheekaikai with porridge. Haratattar took that Sheekaikai mixed with porridge to take a purifactory bath in Cauvery. At that time, Agneeshwarar appeared as an old Shiva devotee and told to Haratattar that he is in hungry who gave that porridge to that Shiva devotee.

Haratattar after returning home, after felt very bad for giving it without remembering that it had sheekakai.  Haratattar prayed whole heartedly for his health to Lord Shiva. At that time Shivalingabupathi, a king  was doing  Nivedanam and Annadanam in Shiva pooja's. Shiva appeared in the dream of Shivalingabupathi and said that his Nivedanam and Annadanam won't be on par with Haratattar's porridge. From that day, the king became the disciple of Haratattar. Haratattar reached Heaven on a panjami day in Thai month by seeing the Agneeshwarar who appeared as a Rishabarudar along with Karpagambal, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar and Sandikesar.

Sri Vaidyanathar temple, Vaitheeswaran koil – Mars Temple

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

Phone ; 91- 4364- 279 423.

Punugu a cosmetic paste, borneol (pachai Karpooram in Tamil) sandal, lime, rosewater and flowers offered to Lord Muthukumarswami for the Arthajama puja with milk rice nivedhana.  Aabishekam is one with sandal and Sari offered for Mother Thaiyal Nayaki.  For Lord, they perform abishek with rice flour, turmeric powder, cosmetic powders and oil, milk, curd, sacred ash, rose water, green coconut, panchamirtha, lime fruit, honey, sandal etc.

Tonsuring is a popular offering here.  Ear boring ceremony is also done.  Lighting of Maa Vilakku made of rice flour and ghee, offering of mangal sutras and god symbols is a prayer of commitment.  They place salt, pepper and mustard and silver eye symbols in the Goddess Ambica shrine.  Annadhanam is also arranged by many.  Distribute the neivethiyams to visiting devotees is a familiar sight. Many generously contribute for the renovation of the temple.

The nectar used for the abishek is mixed with the holy spring. It is believed that 18 theerthas are mixed in this tank that cures ailments people suffer from.  When Sage Sadananda was performing penance here, he saw a snake trying to devour a frog.  Since he cursed them no snake or frog comes near this tank. 

The place is also known as Pullirukkuvelur. Pul means Bird-here the eagle king Jatayu the noblest character in Ramayana in the service of Lord Sri Rama, Irukku the Rig Veda, Vel-Lord Muruga and Oor the place make the name Pul Irukku Vel Oor = Pulirukkuvelur.

It is believed that the place is the headquarters of medical science that offers cure for innumerable diseases. It is the faith of the devotees that Lord Vaidyanatha cures not only the physical pains of the people but also liberates them from rebirth in addition to fulfilling the wishes of people on jobs, wedding, children, mental peace, relief from planetary problems etc.   Both Lord Aadhi Vaidyanatha in the entrance and the presiding deity Vaidyanatha face west.  Lord Muruga is to have got His Vel weapon from this place.  Lord Sri Rama worshipped here.

This parihara sthalam of Mars - Sevvai in the horoscope of a person decides his/her wedding prospectus and other living conditions.  People with adverse effects do special pujas by praying to Angaraka-Sevvai-Mars for success in deals, freedom from financial burdens and muscle and bone related issues in the body.  Praying on Kruthika star days and Tuesdays is considered special.

There is the Jatayu Kundam pit here.  Jatayu the eagle engaged in a battle with Ravana to prevent him from abducting Mother Sita and lost his life in the service of Sri Rama.  As requested by him, Sri Rama performed the last rites for him in the Vibuthi Gundam here.  King Veerasenan came here with his tuberculosis afflicted son, bathed in the theertha and offered sweet nivedhanas and also consumed them.  His son was cured completely.  

As a beloved son of Lord Vaidyanatha and Mother Thaiyal Nayaki, Lord Muruga in the temple is praised as Chella Muthukumaraswami – meaning beloved.   The Prasad containing items used in the Arthajama Puja as described above is believed to be an effective medicine for various ailments.  Lord Muruga enjoys all prominence in the temple and all festivals are dedicated to Him.

Pujas to Lord and Mother are offered only after pujas to Lord Muruga.  This place offers importance and belongs to Mars-Angaraka.  He blesses the devotees on his Goat Vahan on Tuesdays

Lord Muruga worships His divine Father and Mother in the temple.  The Navagrahas are behind the presiding deity here.  

Temples of Tamil Nadu - 24 - Unique temples

 

This collection captures details about some of the temples in tamilnadu who have got certain unique features which may not be found in other temples. These special features talks about the greatness of our culture. Many of them have gone unnoticed and not so many of us are aware about these wonderful aspects that have been embedded in the life of our ancestors who lived in those periods

Gangaikonda cholapuram – Brihadeeswarar temple

Timings ; 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 pm. 

Phone : 97513 41108

1. Took Nine years to construct. Will shortly reach the millennium.

2. The Shiva Linga in this temple is the biggest among the Lingas in Tamilnadu temples. 

3. Its of a single lime stone and placed 200 metres far from the sanctum sanctorum on the ground. 

4. Sun light falls on the Nandhi each day reflecting on the Linga. Even if there no lights in the sanctum, The devotees can be seen the Lord in the sunlight. 

5. The shadow of the Kalasams on the tower does not fall on ground. 

6. A rare and unique Chandrakanta stone is installed under the Linga which has the characteristic of making the sanctum sanctorum cool in summer and warm in winter. This has been the experience of the priests

7. Mother Periya Nayaki is 9.5 feet tall. 

8. Navagrahas the nine planets are seen made of a single stone on Lotus design peeta. The planets are around the who is seen on a Rath drawn by 7 horses. Aruna is the Ratha Sarathi.  It is unique that that devotees cannot circumambulate the Navagras due to the structure because it is believed that they go round the world and human race should not go round them.

9. Mothers Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi are in a meditation form and they are revered as Gnana Saraswathi and Gnana Lakshmi.  

10. During Panguni festival, around 500 pots of milk are used forthe abishekam of Mother Durga.

11. The Shiva Linga in the temple is 135 ft tall and palced on an Avudayar of 60feet circumference while that at Thanjavur temple is 12.5 feet tall with an on an Avudayar of 55 feet circumference.

12. The Thanjavur Linga is masculine with pounding stone design (Ural in Tamil) while here is feminine in nature with Udukkai design.

13. The Nandi bull is bigger than what we see in thanjavur and made of limestone and installed on the ground.  The Nandhi in Thanjavur is made of  single stone and placed on a higher platform.   In Thanjavur, the Nandhi is 100 meters away from the sanctum, in this temple, the distance is 200 meters. 

14. One speciality is the Annabishekam that is performed and celebrated in the temple on Aipasi full moon day by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Mutt for many years starting from 9.00 a.m. and going on till 4.00 p.m. The Annabisheka Linga darshan is available for public from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.  Loads of bags of rice are cooked to cover the Shiva Linga.  Nivedhanas of Vegetables and fruits are also offered. As a tradition this Anna-rice gets dissolved in rivers later.  In this temple, the same taken from the Avudayar part is offered as prasad.  The rice on the Linga is considered loaded with power that it is not offered to public. Those who consume this Prasad is blessed with Child boon.

15. Mother Periya Nayaki, as is tall and big in size and the devotee has to look up to have the  darshan of Her divine face.  

16. Kanchi Periyava had installed a Sri Chakra at the feet of the Mother. 

17. Mother Durga graces as a 9 year old pretty little girl in all smiles with 20 hands killing demon Mahishasura.  

18. She is the family deity of King Rajendra Chola praised as Mangala Chandi.  She is generous in her boons for wedding and child birth, employment and other requests of devotees

19. On Sundays devotees offer their first prayers in Durga Shrine before praying to Lord Shiva. This is because the chola king used to worship Mother Durga first and then the Lord.  

20. Once Rajendra Chola called for accounts for the temple construction and  Minister who was unable to submit the account correctly, prayed to Lord Vinayaka who restored his memory.  Hence, this Ganesha came to be known as Kanakku Vinayaka (accountant Vinayaka) presently revered  as Lord Kanaka (Gold) Vinayaka and appears with a pen (Ezhuthani in Tamil) in His right hand. 

21. Elaborate carvings depicting the Shiva mythology is seen on the walls flanking the side entrances and includes the panels that talks about Chandikeshwara

22. Guarded bya Lion, A circular well is found northeast of the vimana.

23. As followed  in Thanjavur, the tower was built only after installation of Lord.  

24. The 216 feet tall Tanjore Tower is on a single base going up gradually in an even manner.  The 180 feet tall tower in Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple has a base of 100 feet width up to 100 feet height and subsequently the gets reduced to 80 feet width after this level.  The shadow of the tower does not fall in the ground.  

25. The Vimana-tower above the sanctum in the temple is the second biggest next to Thanjavur.

This is a sthalam one should not miss seeing in his life. The magnificence of this place can be felt and admired only if seen.

Airavatheeswarar Temple, Darasuram

Timings  : 6 a.m. to 10 pm  

Ph : 0435 241 7157

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

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

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

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

Sri Vasishteswarar temple, thittai

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

Phone : 91-4362 252 858, 94435 86453

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Padikasu Nathar temple (Sornapureeswarar)

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

Phone : 91- 435 - 246 6939, +91-99431 78294.

The  three tier tower is above the sanctum sanctorum. Lord Swarna Vinayaka blessing from a separate shrine and as per tradition he gets the first worship before the Lord. Pugazh Thunai Nayanar with his spouse Lakshmi and Sundarar with his spouse Paravai Nachiar are seen.   There are two Bhairavas in the temple.  

Lord Shiva planned to send Lord Murugan to curb the demons and he along with the Devas offered many powerful weapons to Him.  Lord Vishnu gave His discus and conch.  With these weapons, Murugan destroyed the demons and he appears here fully armed with the weapons.  Discus and Conch are the main the weapons He holds.  Seem sitting on the Indira Peacock with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, He is Kalyana Sundara Shanmuga Nathar.  The Tiruvatchi – a metal frame around the deity – is shaped OHM.  Here we find Mother Mahalakshmi and Murugan are next to each other.

Pugazh Thunai Nayanar, a devotee used to carry water for the abishek of Lord Shiva.  Though not well off, he was determined to continue his puja to Lord.  There was severe drought and famine but he continued with his service. Starving and weak, when trying to carry the abishek water,  fell fainted on the Shivalinga with the abishek water one day.  Lord appeared in his dream and asked what he wished.  When Nayanar begged the Lord to help him continue his Shiva puja and protect the people from famine, he promised to give him one coin every day to help the people and continue the puja.

Pugazhthunai Nayanar continued his pujas and after long service to Lord and the people, he attained salvation in this place.  He was made a celebrated Nayanar.

The temple is situated on the southern side of River Arasalaru.   In this temple, Sun & Moon are face to face.  In the nine small pits opposite the shrine, the planets are believed to be in the form of Vayu.  Those unable or fail to do the rituals regularly to their ancestors, perform pujas to Sun and Moon in this Navagraha shrine and light lamps in the pits.

As per tradition, The heirs of Pugazh Thunai Nayanar are the priests of this temple generation after generation.  When Devotees place two coins at the feet of Lord Padikasu Nathar, they take one back with them.

During His visit to Mount Kailash, when Lord Brahmma bypassed Lord Muruga and wanted to proceed, he was intercepted by  Murugan and wanted to know who He was.  Brahmma introduced Himself as the creator of the world and when Murugan questioned under what Mantra power He was doing it, Brahmma replied OHM.  When Lord Brahmma could not explain the meaning of OHM, Murugan hit Brahmma on the head and terminated His job.

Lord Shiva then asked Muruga to return the job to Brahmma which Murugan respectfully declined.  When Lord Shiva demanded the meaning and explanation from him, He offered perfectly and then returned Brahmma His post.  Though He was right, Lord Muruga regretted his action and to make amends, performed penance in this place.  Lord Shiva appeared before Muruga and advised that it was right to question anyone but wrong to punish when he/she commits a mistake

Sri Abhi Mukheswarar temple

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

Phone : 91 435-2420187

Gooseberry is the sacred tree of this temple and is said to have high medicinal properties to cure diseases of any severe nature.  Here People offer gooseberry to Lord for a healthy life.

Lord Abhi Mukheswarar is one of the 12 Gods present during the Mahaa Magam festival,.  He is said to have became a Linga from a coconut. Mother Amirthavall is all merciful granting boons to devotees.   The idol of Lord Bhairava has special importance in the temple and is taller than the Bhairavas in the 12 Maha Magam temples.  Lord Yoga Dakshinamurthi appears in a sitting posture with one leg down.  People believe that adverse aspects of Planets would be nullified if they pray here by lighting Dhil Oil lamps on saturdays in the shrine  The Dwara Palakas (security men) in Lord Abi Mukheswara shrine are in dancing posture similar to Lord Nataraja.

When the Pralaya floods destroyed the world, Lord Brhamma did not know how and from where to start His re-creation job and approached Lord Shiva for advice.   Lord Shiva advised the Creator, asking him to go many holy places, gather the sands of the places, mix nectar and make a magic pot.  Then place the Srushti Beeja (seed of creation ) in the pot and a coconut on the top and dress it with mango leaves and cover with threads circled on the pot.  Then he said that it should be placed then on a hanging cradle carefully so that it does not oscillate and fall down in the floods and further the pot should be worshipped with Vilwa leaves with Shiva mantras.  Then the  pot would travel towards south..” Explaining thus, Lord Shiva assured him that He would himself be present at the place.  The Kumba was floating.  The coconut broke to pieces from which appeared Lord Shiva as Abhimukheswara.  Abhi Mukham means straight look and the temple stands looking straight at the Maha Magam tank.

This is the only temple where Lord Bhairava is taller than in other temples and Sani Bhagwan in the Navagraha shrine is taller than other 8 planets. 

Sri Mahalingam temple, Thiruvidaimaruthur

Timings : 6.00 am to 11.00 am 5.00pm to 8.00 pm.  

Phone : 91- 435- 2460660.

There are four Vinayaka temples in the corners of the four streets, At theradi is the Vinayaka temple, Viswanatha temple in east street,  in the West Street is the Rishipureeswarar temple, Aatmanaatha temple in the south and the North Street has the Chocknaatha temple.  Lord Mahalingeswarar rests sits in the middleof these temples.  Hence, this holy place is identified as “panchalinga sthalam”.  The Vinayakar here is known as “Aanta Ganapati” and the place is called “ Pachalinga Sthalam”.

The deity here when prayed with sincerity and devotion bestows many boons, Relief from difficulties, good marriage and child boons to the devotees.

The Mookambigai is as famous and powerful like the  Kollur Mookambigai.  Other Than Kollur, only in Thiruvidaimaruthur,  Mookambigai shrine is seen;.  In this temple, the Mookambigai sanctum is on the southern side and the inner sanctum of this temple is similar to a North Indian temple structure with the powerful Maha Meru Srichakram installed here.

Lord Mahalinga Swamy remains as the central Prime Deity in this temple,   surrounded by other deities which is a very significant feature.

Reaching the temple and circling the inner way of the first wall, to worship the Lord Marudapperumaan is known as ‘Aswamedha pratakshinam’. Before embarking upon this, one should worship Lord Muruga . While there is a limitation to the prayer duration, the going around is also stipulated. Praying on the Thirukarthigai Deepam and during the Thai month festival is considered powerful  Next to this is the ‘Kodumudi prakaaram’.  It is believed that going around this prakaraam is equal to going round the Mount Kailas. 

Pattinathaar has rendered many songs on the Lord Maruthavaanar.  His disciple is Badragiriyaar, from being a king, renounced everything, became the disciple of Pattinathaar and went on a pilgrimage with him.  While the disciple had a begging bowl and a dog,  Pattinathaar had none.  When the Lord sought alms disguised as a siva devotee, Pattinathaar told him that he was a beggar and he should approach the family man near the west tower of this temple.”  The Lord went to Badragiriyaar, who realized that the begging bowl and the dog had made him a family man.  Thinking so, when he threw the bowl on the dog, it borke and the dog died. The Lord then appeared and granted moksa to Badragiriyaar and the dog.  The place is called the ‘Naayatiyaar Koil’ in the East Maada Street and can be seen.

Situated  between Mallikaarjunam Sri Sailam in the North and Thiruputaimaruthur (Putaarjunam) of the Tirunelveli District in the South, and is called ‘Idaimaruthu’ (Madhyarjunam) which in Sanskrit, ‘Arjunam’ means ‘maruda tree’.  In all these three places the Sacred tree is the maruda tree.   Saturn and Moon worshipped here and Lord Marudavaanar has appeared as child Krishna fro sage Kashyapa.  There are about 32 theerthams (holy water) for the 27 stars, there are 27 lingams.

The four Nayanmaar, Appar, Tirujnanasambandar, Sundarar and Manickvaasagar have praised tis temple in the ‘Thevaram’ songs. Arunagirinaatar has celebrated this place in his ‘Tiruppugazh’. It is believed that this a relief kshetra for  ‘Anusha’ star people with  afflictions.

Sage Agasthya, along with the other sages came to Itaimaruthur and had darshan of Goddess Umadevi.   The sages requested that they would like to see the Lord. Umadevi, for the sake of the sages, went in Sivatapasya and the Lord granted Her wish and appeared before Her and the sages and began worshipping the ‘Jothi Lingam’.  When asked about worshipping self, The Lord replied: “Uma Devi!  We worship and accept worship. The sages have forgotten to worship us and hence I’m worshipping myself.”   The sages realised,performed worship and received great benefits. 

Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalinga Swamy Temple is a Panchakrosha Sthalam and The Deity is Mahalinga (Great Linga) because Siva worshipped Himself. His consort is Perunalamamulaiammai. There is an awesome stucco sculptured Nandi highly decorated measuring 50 ft in height. This place is named as Idaimarudur as it is in between Srisailam and Ambasamudram also called Shanbagaranya, Saktipura, Tapovana, Muktipura etc.

Agasthiya Linga, Kasyapa Linga, Chola Linga , Chera Linga, Sahasara Linga, Panchabhuta Linga, a cluster of 27 Lingas are behind Chokkanathar.

Varaguna Pandiya’s horse accidentally caused the death of a Brahmin and hence the brahma hathi sin followed him. The king came to this temple and the Brahmahathi could not enter and waited outside. The king went out by another entrance and was relieved of his sin. It is believed that the Brahmahathi is waiting outside still. People inflicted with mental disorders are made to go round the circumambulatory path and get relief

In the first prakaram around the sanctum, there are shrines for Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthi, Subramanyar, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeswarar apart from the stucco-sculptured hill with the granite idols of Marudhavanar and Anbirpriyalamman. One can also see the figure of Ravana trying to lift the hill.

Sri Veezhinatheswarar temple

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

Phone : 91-4366-273 050, 94439 24825

Pleased with the penance of Muni Kathyayana and his wife for a boon of a child, Mother Parvathi showered her blessings by Herself being born to them.  When she attained marriageable age, the sage Narada prayed to Shiva to  marry her.  Responding Lord Shiva took the hands of Parvathi on the Magam Star day in the month of Chithirai (April-May).  As requested by Narada, The Lord appeared in the Wedding Form (human form).

Once this place was dense with many trees, sandal, shenbagam, Jack and Vila all collectively called Veezhi Mizhalai Kurumbar, a hunter and a devotee of Lord Shivaoffered him the Vila fruit for nivedhana.  Pleased with him, the Lord taught him the 8 great lessons called Ashtamasiddhi.  The Vila fruit is still found at the feet of the Lord in the temple.  Hence, the place came to be known as Thiru+Veezhi+Mizhalai as a combination of the fruit and the devotee hunter.

Thiruveezhimizhalai once passed through a dry period with severe famine.  Gnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar prayed to the Lord through their hymns to tide over the famine condition and restore fertility in the land.  The Lord gave each a gold coin each day to buy food and feed the suffering people. He gave the coin to Gnanasambandar on the eastern side and the other at the western side to Tirunavukkarasar.  This is called Padikkasu (equivalent of allowance money)and this peetam also is still in the temple.

It so happened that demon Chalandaran took of the disc of Vishnu who went to Lord Shiva to get it back from him.  Lord Shiva told Lord Vishnu that since he was  among the Veezhi plants in Earth, he had to worship him there to get back the disc.  Vishnu, In this place, made a pond in his name and worshipped Shiva with this theertham and lotus flowers. When it was short by one flower, Vishnu made up by taking off his own eye to worship Shiva.  From this day onwards, the practice of offering eye symbols carved in silver, gold or copper came into being. Lord Shiva pleased with the puja of Vishnu gave him back His disc.  The eye offered by Vishnu is still at the feet of Lord Shiva.

Sri Vanchinathar temple

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

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

Built by Rajendra chola, The 110 feet tall five tier Rajagopuram is facing east.  

A separate temple for Yama the Lord of Death on the left side of the entrance,  Shrines for Lord Vinayaka and Subramania (Muruga) are in this temple.  Lord vinayaga is Abayankara Vinayaka.  After the inner entrance, the shrine of Mother Mangala Nayaki is seen and she in Her standing posture. 

Sri Adhikara Nandhi is on the left side.  The procession deities are in a mandap.   Vennai Pillayar, Murugan, Panchabhooda Lingams, Jeshtadevi and Sani Bhagawan shrines are in the inner corridor-prakara.

Those born of Magam, Pooram, Sadayam and Bharani Stars and belonging to Aries (Mesha), Aquarius (Kumba) and Leo (Simha) Rasis or Lagna pray here for resolution of issues faced by them.  Career related issues, couple with marital issues pray here on Karthika Sundays after a bath in Gupta Ganga in November-December.

The doors of this temple is open during eclipse though as a tradition in other Shiva temples they are closed and Special abishekan is done.   Mother Ganga once wanted to cleanse Herself of the sins left on Her by those who bathed in the river.  Lord directed Her to pray at a place where the God of Death was blessed by Him.  Accordingly, it is said that Ganga left just a small power of Her in the original Ganga and merged with the sacred spring here with the remaining 999 parts of Her holiness.  The Theertha is so called Gupta Ganga.    This Theertha is considered holier than Ganga.  It is also known as Muni Theertha.  

To punish those who participated in Daksha’ Yajna, Lord Shiva sent Veerabadra to destroy the Yajna.  Sun-Surya,one of the participants, lost his shine due to Lord’s anger and sought pardon.  He performed rigorous penance here and regained his brightness with the blessings of Lord Shiva. 

Lord Vishnu desirous (Vaanchithal in Tamil) of Mahalakshmi (Sri) sought the help of Lord Shiva to realize His wish. Hence the place came to be known as Sri Vaanchiam.  As Lord Shiva is all dominant in the temple, there is no shrine for Navagrahas.  Yama and his assistant Chitra Gupta are in a same. Devotees worship Yama with vada malas.  People also conduct pujas and homams seeking longevity.  Mother Mahishasuramardhi with Her eight hands is blessing the devotees in the temple.

When Yama the God of Death felt very sad that he was assigned the job of taking the life of people when there are jobs that can be done with joy,  He went to Tiruvarur and prayed to Lord.  Lord Shiva directed him to go to Sri Vanchiam and pray there and hence.  When Yama performed penance, Lord Vanchinadheswarar was pleased and assured him that in future, people would attribute the cause of death due to diseases, age and accidents and they would not blame him.  

Lord also instructed Yama that he should permit only those who are less sinners and they should not have rebirth and make their end peaceful.  Since He granted him the status of Kshetra Palaka and the devotees worship him first and then only at Lord’s shrine.  Accordingly, the first puja is dedicated to Yama in this temple.

Koothanur Saraswathi temple

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

Contact : 91- 4366- 273 050, 238445, 99762 15220

The  beautiful broad “Harisol” rivulet branches off from the Kaveri at Kumbakonam amd flowing north to south in koothanur which is lined with a few holy shrines. 

Many sages and savants chose the banks of the river in Koothanur to perform their penance in absolute peace. People in ancient times are believed to have had their bath in river Harisol, and taken flowers from Poonthottam for worship.

It is said that Goddess Saraswathi did her penance towards Lord Brahma and conferred her blessings on her devotees for ages in this sthalam. Devotees offer their puja with lovely flowers that are known to be acceptable to the Goddess.

ottakoothar sought the blessings of the Goddess Saraswathi and Lord Pillayar (Arul Gnana Vinayakar) to grant him the gift of the ability to compose poems. Bathing in the river Harisol daily and offering floral poojas to Devi, he was blessed with the boon fulfilled when the Goddess appeared in a boat in the river as a beaufiul woman and blessed him. 

It is said that along with Goddess Saraswathi, Goddesses Lakshmi and Parvathi also came by in this river and thereby we get the divine grace of all Shakthis. Blessed by the Goddess, Ottakoothar became a poet with the ability to compose rhythmic poems.

His fame spread far and King Vikrama Chola,who invited him to his court and was pleased with ability of Ottakoothar and  gifted this land to Ottakoothar. Thus Ambalpuri came to be known as Koothanur.

This place was known as “Ambalpuri even before poet Ottakoothan was born. Ottakoothar and his grandson Ovathakoothar, established the beautiful temple for Goddess Maha Saraswathi.

Goddess Saraswathi, in a penance performing posture, confers Her blessings as the prime deity in this temple. A beautiful three eyed form, with one leg folded in a yogasana pattern, is a treat for the eyes. Another special feature is that the Devi is seen sans her Veena. 

Sseated on a white lotus and attired in white silk, She symbolizes learning with a palm script in her hands. The other hand has the ‘Chinmudra’, blessing devotees. Another hand has the ‘Akshamala’, signifying penance. The fourth palm has the nectar pot, conferring happiness and spiritual bliss to devotees. 

With her benevolent smile and eyes, Her third eye giving us the ultimate form of spiritual knowledge. In all she gives absolute bliss while giving us education, knowledge, intelligence and welfare.

Sri Adhi Vinayagar temple, Thialatharpanapuri - Sethalapathi

Timings 06:00 am to 12:00 pm 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm. 

Phone : 91- 4366 - 238 818, 239 700, 94427 14055.

This place is also called Sri Muktheeswarar Temple, in Poonthottam, Mayavaram District. It goes by other names like "Thilatharpanapuri" and sethalapathi

Thilatharpanapuri (Til - Seasame, Tharpanam - Performing Last Rites, Puri - Place) – A place to perform last rites for the deceased.

In India Kasi, Rameswaram, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam, Srivanchiyam, Thiruvenkadu & Thilatharpanapuri are the 7 places considered as special or important place for performing Last Rites.

Here the lord is called as Sri Muktheeswarar (Mukthi - Attaining Moksham/salvation)

Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana, performed last rites at various placesto his Father Dasaratha & to the Bird King Jatayu. The Pindams turned into worms each time.

Lord Shiva then advised Rama to go to mantharavanam (earlier name of this place), take bath in the Arasalar river before performing the Pitru Tharpanam (Last rites to Ancestors). When Rama did, the Pindams remained intact and lo1 they became 4 lingams

Dasaratha Maharaja and King Jatayu both attained mukthi (salvation) and hence the deity here is Muktheeswarar. It is believed that performing the Pitru Tharpanam here absolves you of all your Pitru Sabams (ancestral curse) and Pitru Doshams (ancestral sins). 

In the outer praharam Rama performing the tharpanam and also the four lingams known as Pitru Lingams can be sseen. 

The other Specialty of this temple is the Lord Vinayaga with Human Head and hence called as "Adhi Vinayagar". Also called Nara Mukha Vinayagar, his shrine is just outside the main temple. 

When Lord Shiva beheaded Naramukha Vinayaka created by Parvathi, on the request of Parvathi, instructed his troops to fetch the head of anyone found sleeping with his head placed towards North who found an elephant and brought its head. Shiva named the boy Ganapati – meaning commander of his troops and granted a boon that Ganapati shall be worshipped by everybody before starting anything new.

This is the only type of Vinayagar where He has a human face. This is supposed to be the first Vinayagar that Goddess Parvathi created.

The uniqueness of the temple is 

1. Naramuga Vinayagar

2. Dakshinamurthy in this temple

3. Rarely blooming flower

4. Sun and Moon together meaning everyday is amavasya and hence tharpanam can be done on any day

5. It is believed that the forefathers receive the benefit of Tharpanam directly here

6. Mahavishnu in 3 different postures

Sri Mehanadhar temple, Thirumeeyachur

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

Phone : 91-4366-239 170, 94448 36526.

Lord Meganathaswami is a swayambulinga.  Chanting Lalitha Sahasranama and Lalitha Navarathna Mala in the Mother’s shrine are blessed. This is the birth place of Garuda, Aruna the charioteer of Sun, Vali, Sugriva, Yama and Saneeswara.  Hence, this temple is known for performing Ayush Homa and Mrutyunjaya Homa for long life.  

Easting Pirandai Rice nivedhana placed on a lotus leaf to Lord leads to cure from diseases.

Sun worshipped in the temple and got back His glittering power and relieved from his curse.  Mother Kali had worshipped Lord and Mother here.

When Sage Kashyapa’s two wives Vinatha and Karthru prayed to Lord Shiva, he gave them an egg each to be kept safe for a year.  Garuda was born from the egg of Vinatha and became the Vahan for Lord Vishnu.  As nothing came out from her egg, Karthru hurriedly broke it to find a disfigured child and hence sought the pardon of Lord Shiva for her hasty action.  Lord Shiva blessed the child to become the charioteer of Sun named Aruna and the Sun rise would be called Arunodhaya.  Aruna became a Shiva devotee and performed severe penance for His darshan.  Sun mocked Aruna for his physical defects that he cannot reach Kailash for Darshan.  Aruna did not give in his efforts and succeeded finally and Lord Shiva granted darshan to Aruna and cursed Sun to lose his shining.  Remorseful Sun placed Lord Parameswara and Mother Parvathi worshipped them on an elephant and got back his shining power.  That Lord Shiva is Lord Meganatha in this temple with the Gajabrushta Vimana designed as the back part of an elephant.  There are three Kalasas on the Vimana.  The name of the place is the story of Sun recovering his shining power. 

Presiding deity Meganatha Swami is facing east.  Mother Lalithambika, as Soundarya Nayaki is seated majestically on the Sri Chakra throne as an empress.

Similar to Mother Meenakshi in Madurai and Sri Andal in Srivilliputhur, Mother Durga in this Meeyachur temple holds a parrot which is very rare and seen only in Tirusuhula Nathar temple in Chennai Tirishulam and in Chinnamanur Manickavasagar Temple in Theni.  Mother Durga with 8 hands is praised as Sukha Brahma Durga Devi.  It is believed that the name is after the name of Sukha Brahmma Rishi, son of vyasa with a parrot nose.  With a smiling looks she stands on demon Mahishasura – as Shanta Swarupini.  It is believed that the parrot takes the prayers of the devotees to the Mother through Durga Matha.  Amazingly, devotees can see a parrot flying from Durga shrine to Lalithambika shrine during evening every day.

Lord Hayagriva, the disciple of Mother Lalithambika, taught the greatness of Lalitha Sahasranama to Sage Agasthya.  When asked, Hayagriva said that the sage should visit a place where Mother graces as Manonmani to recite it.  Sage, with his devout wife Lopamudra came to Tirumeeyachur and chanted Lalitha Sahasranama before Mother Lalithambika who was pleased and appeared in the form of Navaratnas-nine precious stones.  Sage Agasthya also worshipped Mother with his own hymn Lalitha Navaratna Mala.

Of the two Lingas,  Saint Tirugnana Sambandar had sung the glory of Lord under the Rajagopuram and Saint Tirunavukkarasar praised the Lord in the Ilankoil in the north prakara of the temple.  

Yama the God of death whose star is Sathayam with power of granting longevity, worshipped Lord Shiva performing abishek with 1008 conches. Yama brought the sacred plant Pirandai belonging to the creeper category to earth and offered rice nivedhana prepared with this pirandai to Lord.  Today devotees for relief from diseases and for longevity follow this ritual.

Mother Lalithambika was dressed with all jewels as an Empress with one jewel,  anklets at Her feet was absent.  A devotee woman who had a dream of fixing the anklet to Mother, offered the anklets to mother.  Now, devotees seeking wedding, child and education boons offer anklets to Mother Lalithambika. 

one can have the darshan of the shrines of Lords Brahmma,Vishnu and Lingodhbava (Shiva) standing in between the two Vimanas.  Lord Chandikeswara with four faces graces the shrine and the sculpture of Kshetra Puraneswara is very exquisite.  IT is unique that the mother appears angry from one side and smiling from the other side. 

Dreaded demon Pandasura was harassing sages and Devas who surrendered to the Mother Parasakthi. Responding, Devi as lalithambika rose from Yaga Gunda, mounted on the Sri Chakra Rath and destroyed the demon. Since she was  remained furious,.  Lord Shiva asked Mother to go to Earth as Manonmani, do tapas and shed her fury.   Accordingly Mother in this place became soft and merciful.  She created Vak Devathas - Vasini, Kameshwari, Modhinee, Vimala, Aruna, Jayinee, Sarveshwari, Koulini. - deities ruling words – to sing Her praise with 1000 names.  This became the holy Lalitha Sahasranamam beginning with the words, “Sri Mathre” meaning “Mother of prosperity”.

Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. Rays of Sun fall on Lord from Chithirai 21 to 27 in April-May. Surya Puja is performed during these days in the temple.

Temples of Tamilnadu - 13 - Around Vandavasi

 Temples around Vandavasi

These temples are closer to chennai and without much of long travel, there is an opportunity to visit such wonderful temples. Most of them appear to be unexplored and hence it will be nice to visit the temples, pray and get the blessings.

Do not forget to give your inputs after you travel so that we can make the blog more useful for future travellers.

Sri Pandurangan temple, Thennangur

Temple timings :  6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. 

Phone : 91-4183-225 808.

An unique temple. A 12 feet tall Lord Panduranga is in the sanctum sanctorum. 

- Resembles the design of Puri Jagannath temple

- 120 feet tall tower, Gold Kalasams of 9.5 feet with Sudarsana Chakra above and a saffron flag flying

- 16 pillared Maha Mandap.  

- Baghwan Garuda in centre

- Lord Govindaraja Perumal graces the kalyana utsavam on all days except on Saturdays.

- An unique temple with a 12 fee tall Lord Panduranga in the sanctum made of saligrammam

- The orthodox system of South and the Bajan Sampradaya of North are given equal  prominence here 

The Brindavan of His Holiness Gnanananda Swamigal adds more sanctity to the temple. It is unique deities related to Sri Chakra – Maha Shodasi, Rajarajeswari, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Brahmma, Vishnu, Rudra, Easwara, Vinayaka, Bala, Annapoorani, Ashwaruda, Rajamadhangi, Varahi, Pratyangara, Sarabeswara, Chakkarathazhwar, Yoga Narasimha, Agoramurthy, Vanadurga, Parasaraswathi, Medha Dakshinamurthy, Subramanya, Chandi Mahalakshmi, Brahmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Mahendri, Chamunda, Mahalakshmi are in the temple in idol forms.

Mother Raghumayee’s beauty is a sight to behold.  Lord Panduranga appears as King of Mathura on Sundays, in a simple form showing His Lotus feet on Thursdays, with silver coverings on Fridays and as Lord Thirumalaivasa on Saturdays.

Lord blesses in fruit decoration called Vishu Kani utsav on the Tamil New Year day. On Gokhulashtami day, Sri Vaishnava Muthagi Sevai is followed.  It is a treat for the eyes that Panduranga blesses the devotees in many captivating appearances as Rajagopala, Giridhari holding the Govardhana Hill, as Geethacharya, as Parthasarathy and Radhakrishna.  It is believed that the Lord played his flute under the Thamala tree (the sacred tree of the temple) in Dwapara Yuga drawing Radha to Him.  Its amazing that this Thamala tree has been brought to South.  Panchaloka Dwarapalaka idols are not to be missed. 

The structure of the temple resemble Maharashtra’s Pandaripuram temple. Lord Panduranga with Mother Raghumayee blessing devotees.  The temple was built by His Holiness Haridasgiri Swamigal, the disciple of His Holiness Gnanananda Swamigal and managed by His Holiness Namanandagiri Swamigal..

All the deities related to Sri Chakra worship are in this temple.  It is the uniqueness  of the temple that Nama Sangeerthana principles are followed in worship here as without doubt Music is the route God.

Venguneswarar Temple at Vengundram

This Shiva temple is a km from Thennangur, enroute to Vandavasi Found atop a big and steep hill, the temple is visible from the road..

It’s a tough hill to climb most part of it don’t have proper steps. It will be an adventure to climb this touch hill without proper steps. For safety reasons, better to trek as a group. Weak and children should avoid this climb. A person comes once in a month to this open temple to conduct pooja for the Shivalingam but other than there is not a soul seen and nothing is available.  Murugan, Vinayagar and some other deities are seen. Better to visit in the very early part of the day.

Seeyamangalam Kugai Kovil, Seeyamangalam,

Timings : 7 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.

Phone : 9578160058

Built by Mahendravarman I, this rocku cut emple has Lord Shiva as Deity facing west,who is known as Thoon Andar or Stambeshwara meaning Lord of Pillars Name comes due to the presence of two pillars in front of this cave temple with two dwarapalakas with Trisula prongs guarding the entrance to the Sanctum sanctorum. Do not miss Lord Shiva carved in the temple pillars as Lord Nataraja and Lord Vrishbhantika froms. This temple has Lord Natarajar without the dwarf Muyalaka.

In the Vandavasi-Chetpat road, once you reach Mazhaiyur cross road, turn left turn and after travelling for around 7 kms via Desur, we can reach the awesome Seeyamangalam cave temple facing west. Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara dynasty have added structuresSome Jain relief works are found in the slopes of hillock near the temple, believed to be of Pallava age

Thirumalpadi Sri Ranganathar (Hill) Temple

Timings : 7.00 am to 10.30 a.m.  5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Phone :  99429 37169 / 98654 54998

East facing Ranganathar temple constructed in the 12th century atop a hill of 100 steps  is located south-west of Seeyamangalam. 

Moolavar : Sri Ranganathar

Thayar    : Sri Ranganayaki

Some of the important features of this temple are...

There is a 3 tier Rajagopuram is on the south with the urchava mandapam on left.  The mandapam is said to be 500 years old with relief on pillars on Krishna, Iyannar, Vinayagar, dancing ladies etc,.

While the sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a mahamandapam, Sri Ranganathar is seen reclining on Adhisheshan. Thayar’s symbol,  a triangle is on Sri Ranganathar’s chest and his head is resting on a marakal similar to  Srirangam. His right hand's three fingers are touching the head while the other two fingers are in folded condition. His face looks a  little inclined towards devotees,  in a blessing posture called Boga syanam. Sridevi & Bhoodevi are seen bu his side while Bhaktha Prahalatha and Sukabrahma Rishi are in prayers. Urchava Perumal with Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Lakshmi are seen in front of moolavar.

There are separate sannidhis for Thayar Sri Ranganayaki, Andal, Anjaneyar and Alwars.  Bramhothsavam is not conducted and only important functions like Chitra Pournami, Garuda seva, Krishna Jayanthi, Karthikai Deepam, Vaikundaekathesi are celebrated. Pongal is also observed. No Vahanas are found in this temple and Urchavar are taken on procession during festivals.

Madam Shiva temple – Thadagapureeswarar temple  

Phone :  9942264556/9443131119/9344871762

Located 5 kms away from Thirumalpadi Ranganathar temple, this big temple with five tiered damaged Gopuram and Nandhi has sahasra and 108 lingam.  

A madam was constructed for the benefits of devotees and holy men who were on pilgrimage towards tiruvannamalai. Over a period of time, the place came to be called as madam. 

The temple has two prakarams, Balipeedam and Dwajasthambam. While the Sanctum sanctorum has the Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Sanctum.

Many dynasties including Cholas and Pandias besides others have contributed to this temples. Nandavanams and lands have been endowments of these kings.

Madam Temple is also called as Thadagapureeswarar temple. The main deity is Thadagapureeswarar and the mother is Brihannayagi. The main deity also goes by Agneeswaramudaiyar, Srikulathai Andar and faces south. Mother is in a separate shrine holding lotus in one hand where as the other gives Abhayam and Varada hastha. When there was an initiative to dig a pond, during the process the Lingam was found and hence the name of the Lord. 

Around the sanctum, we can find Vishnu, Brahma, Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy with veena and other Koshta idols. A 88 pillared Vasantha mandapam can be seen. One can see Nataraja, Ganesha  and Muruga with 6 faces and 12 hands and his consorts in the temple.

Moorthies of karakandeswarar, Ulaganthaar, Vilvanathar, Sahasra, Suyambu and 108 lingams, Saptha matha Saambandar, kamakshi are seen

The Navagraham sannidhi is built during recent times.

Yoga ramar temple, Nedungunam

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

Phone ; 6380947204 94452 15776

Badhri Bhattachar 94452 15776

One of the biggest, this temple was built by kings about 700 years ago and is a representation of several periodical specialties and uniqueness. Sri Rama sits as 'Yoga Ramar' without bow and arrow and with the right hand positioned close to his heart in a 'Gnana Muthirai'.

This is also one of the biggest Vaishnav temple of Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts. Separate sannadhis for Sri Sengamalavalli Thayar, Sri Anjaneyar, Sri Sudarsanar with Sri Narasimhar and Srivenkatesaperumal are seen.

It is only in this temple that Rama can be seen looking calm in a sitting posture, hand on the chest, eyes closed and without any weapons. While Mother Sita with a lotus in the right hand and left points to the feet of Rama guiding the  devotees that they seek refuge safe at His feet. Lakshmana is standing by the right side of Sri Rama and Hanuman is seen chanting the Vedas with all respects sitting before the Lord.

There is a very tall  Rajagopuram and a tall Kiligopuram present in the temple. The  mountain present in front of the temple looks like a head of a parrot which coincides with Sugabramha maharishi.

Pleased with the penance of Sugabrahma Maharishi for his darshan, Sri Rama while returning to Ayodhya, spent a day with Him. In his honour, the second gopuram called Kili Gopuram stands as a hill adjacent to the temple. This hill which looks like a head of a parrot, is called Dheergachala (long hill). Sri Padham of Lord Rama along with Sanku Chakram (Conch and Discus) can be found on the top of the hill, as a testimony that Lord Rama gave darshan to Sukabrahma Maharishi.

One of the ancient Ramar temple in Tamil Nadu and  built by Krishnadeva Raya in 8 acres area.

Performing abishek with milk, curd, turmeric cosmetic powder, honey, sandal paste etc and offering garlands made of Tulsi, Dhoti. Sari, flowers, jewels etc. to mother is a practice. 

Sri Dheerkajaleswarar temple, Nedungunam

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 10 a.m.  5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dheerkajaleswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located in Nedungunam Village in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is situated at the Esanya corner of Nedungunam village near the Yoga Ramar Temple. The Presiding Deity is called as Dheerkajaleswarar and Amman (Thayar) is called as Balambika.  The temple is very ancient. Since The Lord appeared as a hill, he is called Dheerkajaleswarar

Sri Varadaraja perumal temple, Alliyandal

Timings : 91 94440 22548,99625 22548

Yajna Samrakshana Ramar Temple located at Injimedu has the Rama, Lakshmana, Seetha, Garuda and Hanumar sculpted 1500 years ago. Madabhushi Bharadwaja Gotras, the purvikas of the village performed many yajna all round the year. Please with this, Ramar along with Lakshmana Seetha, Garuda and Hanuman appeared and blessed the villages that he will stay in this village for the Yajna Samrakshana.

Ramar has since been known as “Yagna Samrakshana Kalyana Ramar”. It is unique and found only in this place that the Bow top head is molded with “Narasimhar’s face” (Lion face). The Hanuman here, though a brahmachari, is famous for solving marriage issues, Issue less etc. Sashta Parankusha Yatheendra Maha Desikan of Srimath Ahobila renovated and reconstructed this village and temple along with constructing the “Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Sannathi”. He also gave another name as “Narasimha Puram”. 

Despite  many rulers and Invaders ransacked these temples, the Ramar temple alone was left intact. This is the birth place of two Jeeyars of Sri Ahobila Math: the 34th Pontiff Sri Satakopa Ramanuja Yatheendra Mahadesikan and the 42nd Pontiff Sri Sriranga Satakopa Yateendra Mahadesikan. HH 42nd Azhagiyasingar  of Sri Ahobila Mutt, Sri Sri Ranga Sadagopa Yatendra Mahadesikan later renovated the existing temple in addition to  constructing a new temple for Sri Perundevi Nayaki Sameta Sri Varadarajar in 1950s.

People born in Moola, Aayilyam stars  can get the issues resolved by visiting this sthalam. Though earlier known as Yagnamaedu, as the days progressed, this sthalam came to be known as "Injimedu". 

Sri Tirumanicherai Udayar Temple temple, Injimedu

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

The place is considered sacred for performing Srardham for the departed ancestors. 

Sage Silathiar had the boon from Lord Shiva to reach Kailash in human form.  Devarishi Naradha advised that his ancestors were wandering here and there in space for food and water, without Srardham being offered.  Silathiar immediately picked up the Ilanji grass (Darba grass) and did the pooja for his ancestors and hence the place is called Injimedu and the practice of offering shrardhas to departed elders began here.

Abishek to Navapashana Linga is performed with the spring water only.

There was a mountain as tall as the Himalayas called Peria Malai in South which sank when sage Agasthya placed his feet on its peak.  Later, a sage was doing penance on Lord Shiva here.  When he was in his meditation, an elephant brought water from nearby spring and spilled on him.  Since he was not disturbed, the animal tried to reach the sage but was stopped by a fire circle.  Pleased, when  Lord Shiva appeared before him,  The sage sought that the Lord should stay here and grace people.    Then he made the Navapashana Linga and installed it here. 

Sri Thirukarai Easwara temple, peranamallur

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Phone : +91 94867 26471

The name of the place derives from the story that two kings fought against the other in this place.  This place was Peranimallur in the beginning and change in due course of time, to  Peranamallur.  It is also said that as a dam was later built across the Panai River, it was named Peranamanallur.  During his journey to Pazhayarai, Chola King had stayed here briefly.  During chola times, this was the capital for many surrounding villages.

Lord Shiva, as a swayambumurthy graces from a shrine of Gajabrushta design.  There is a story that a spider with the blessings it earned from Lord Shiva, was born as Kochengat Chozha.  That the temple was built by him is evidenced from the spider and elephant symbols on a pillar.  The sacred tank also is named after the king.  The pillars contain many epigraphic details.  There are Naga figures on the upper wall of the Vidhana.   The main entrance of the temple is on the southern side.  The lamp post outside the temple, has trident of Lord Shiva, besides Sun, Moon, Nandhi and Vinayaka and Lord Muruga sculptures.   There is also an idol of Kamadenu pouring its milk on Lord Shiva.

There is also a Vinayaka sculpture very ancient belonging to Pallava period in a sitting form.  Aipasi Annabishekam takes place in October-November.  Special pujas are performed on full moon and pradosha days.  In the corridor-prakara of Lord Shiva, are shrines for Lord Muruga, Navagrahas the nine planets, Bhairava.  Sri Jeshtadevi, sister of Mahalakshmi also appears as a carved sculpture in a sitting form.  She is holding the crow flag and donkey vahan.  

Panaiaru river was flowing through this place dense with trees and the chola king built the temple on the banks of the river.  A shrine was also built for Mother Tiripurasundari.  As the temple is on a river karai (bank) and also treated as the destination for a devotee to reach the shores of salvation, Lord Shiva is named as Tirukarai Easwarar.

Sri Varada Anjaneyar temple, Pernamallur

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

The temple enjoys an equal reputation of Girivalam – circumambulating the hill – as in Tiruvannamalai, which devotees feel very important for their wellbeing.  They undertake this commitment on the new moon day to gain mental courage, relief from adverse Sani Bhagwan aspects and fulfilment of other wishes.  

A farmer couple living in this beautiful and natural environment was sad as they had no child for years after marriage.  While tilling his land, the farmer’s plough  stuck at a point and he could not move it further.  Digging the place, he found an idol of Sri Anjaneya.  He installed the idol with the help of the villagers and began worshipping Him and were blessed with a child next year.  

Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Peramanallur

Sridevi Budevi Sameadha Sri Veetrirundha Perumal Temple is situated in the Pernamallur town, Vandavasi taluk of Thiruvannamalai district. The temple is nearly 800 years old built in chola’s temple archi-style with a Karbhagraha, Kalmandappam, Kal-garuda, Palipeetam and a unique 24 ft. high single stone Deepasthampam (deepam pillar).

The name of the place derives from the story that two kings fought against the other in this place.  This place was Peranimallur in the beginning and change in due course of time, to  Peranamallur.  It is also said that as a dam was later built across the Panai River, it was named Peranamanallur.  During his journey to Pazhayarai, Chola King had stayed here briefly.  During chola times, this was the capital for many surrounding villages.

The temple is east facing with a single prakaram comprising of sanctum sanctorum and the shrtine.

Vaikunta ekadesi is the most unique festival of this temple. On the day of Vaigunda Egadesi (dec-jan of every year) Sri Veetrirundha perumal with sridevi and bhudevi will offer his blessings to the devotees of pernamallur in each and every streets of the locality. Annadhaanam and Special Poojas will also happen on this day.

Nava Narasimhar Temple, Avaniyapuram – Dhakshina Ahobilam

Timings : 6.00 a.m. -12 noon  3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Mobile: +91 9486046206 / 9629540448 / 9941756271

Nava Narasimhar Temple also called Dakshina Ahobilam, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Avaniyapuram Village in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu.. It is a small hill with temples with 2 tiers and about 200 steps than can be scaled easily. 

The steps are painted with colorful painting and the either side of the walls are marked with Narayana tiru Namam in blue background adding to its beauty one climbs 70 steps to reach the first deity, Lord Narasimha found in a small cave (Kudavarai koil), and ascend another 114 to have a Dharshan of Lord Venkateswara.

The first tier has Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar, Alarmel Mangai Thayar and Pancha Narasimhar Sannadhis with. Lord Narashima in a sitting posture and Mahalakshmi Thayar seated on his left thigh. His left arm is around his consort and his right hand is in abhaya Hastha position. The Chakra is in his upper hands holding the chakra and conch. Here Lord has no face and Thayar having the Lion Face which she got from the Lord and is celebration event once in 60 years. Another Narasimhar can be found below the Moolavar. 

For Brighu maharishi, Lord Narasimhar is said to have appeared here in the form of five Divyadesam lords. The Uthsava Moorthy of lord Narasimhar had a face of lion. with four hands and in standing position, he is flanked on either side by Sri Devi and Bhoodevi. The small Garuda Sannadhi is inside the temple and while Anjaneya Sannadhi is outside the main Sannadhi in the first tier. On the right side of the prakaram, here is a “Pancha Narashimar” enclave. The small temple for Siriya Thiruvadi can be found in the mid-way while climbing steps.

The second tier has Sannadhis for Lord Srinivasar, Sholingur Narasimhar, Varadaraja perumal and Ranganatha perumal. Similar to Tirupathi, where Lord Venkateshwara is in Tirumala and Alarmelmangai Thaayar is at Tiruchanur, here Lord Venkateshwara is in the first tier, while the Thaayar is found at the lower tier. Lord Venkateswara is a Swayambhu Moorthy standing armed with chakra and conch. 

There are totally nine Narasimhars here (out of which five are in a row) like Ahobilam and hence is called Dakshina Ahobilam. Behind the Srinivasa Perumal temple, there is a separate sannidhis in a cave - Lord Ranganatha with his Consort Ranganayaki on his Serpentine bed, Sri Perundevi Sametha Sri Varadaraja Perumal, Sri Yoga Narasimhar and Sholingur Yoga Narasimha is in a sitting position along with Amirthavalli Thayar. Thus once can have darshan of all the main Pancha Divya Desa moorthies – Ahobilam, Kanchi, Sholingur, Srirangam and Tirumala.

There was a huge rock formation in the form of a lion with face, eyes, nose, mane and a raised right leg. The temple is believed to have been built during the Pallava regime. The shrine is well maintained

Avaniyapuram Avaneeswarar temple

Avaneeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Avaniyapuram Village in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. This temple has Maragatha Lingam installed by Aadhi Sankarar. Located at the base of the Avaniyapuram hill at about 16 kms away from Arani, located on the Vandavasi - Arani highway.