Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Ettukudi Shanmugar


The temple is famous for Shanmuga and the temple in Ettukudi shares Sthala Puranam with Ennkann and Puravacheri. The Shanmuga statue was sculpted by the Sculptor without a thumb. 

The 3 stone statues of the Shanmuga on the peacock in Ennkann Ettukudi and Puravacheri were made by the same Sirpi (sculptor). According to Sthala Puranam, Mutharasu Chozhan ordered the sculptor to make the statue of Shanmuga in Puravacheri. Struck by the beauty of the statue and in an attempt to prevent the sculptor from making a similar statue, the king ordered the sculptor’s thumb to be cut off. However the sculptor went on to make the replica of the Shanmuga in Ettukudi without thumb also. Mutharasu Chozhan then removed the Sirpi’s eyes as punishment. Aided by Ambal who came in the form of a small girl who guided the Sirpi, the Sculptor went on to make the third replica of the Shanmuga statue in Ennkann without eyes and thumb. On completing the statue in Ennkann, Lord Muruga gave salvation to the Sculptor after returning the sculptor’s thumb and eyesight. Mutharasu Chozhan also realized his mistake and repented for his mistake.

The striking feature in the three identical statues is the intricacy of the details depicted. One can see the venation in the peacock’s legs and the plumage in full flourish. Needless to say, the three statues are of the same height, width etc. When we recall the physical challenges with which the sculptor completed the statues, one cannot fail to admire the divine intervention which made the feat possible.

The name of the Eswaran is Soundareswarar and the name of his consort - Anandhavalli. The other deities include those of Saneeswarar, Vanmiga Sidhdhar, Siddhi Vinayakar and Natarajar. The temple is open from 5.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Monday, August 22, 2011

Puravacheri Shanmugar


The main Shiva Lingam is Sundareswarar and the name of the Ambal is Meenakshi. Interestingly, Dakshinamurthy is in Ambal’s Sannidhi and the deity of Idumban is with Kavadi. The other deities include Yoga Narasimhar, Sakthi Vinayakar, Annadaana Pillayar, Sri Singaravelar, Dandayudhapaani, Krithikkai Pillayar and Navarathri Amman. 

The 3 stone statues of the Shanmuga on the peacock in Ennkann Ettukudi and Puravacheri were made by the same Sirpi (sculptor). According to Sthala Puranam, Mutharasu Chozhan ordered the sculptor to make the statue of Shanmuga in Puravacheri. Struck by the beauty of the statue and in an attempt to prevent the sculptor from making a similar statue, the king ordered the sculptor’s thumb to be cut off. However the sculptor went on to make the replica of the Shanmuga in Ettukudi without thumb also. Mutharasu Chozhan then removed the Sirpi’s eyes as punishment. Aided by Ambal who came in the form of a small girl who guided the Sirpi, the Sculptor went on to make the third replica of the Shanmuga statue in Ennkann without eyes and thumb. On completing the statue in Ennkann, Lord Muruga gave salvation to the Sculptor after returning the sculptor’s thumb and eyesight. Mutharasu Chozhan also realized his mistake and repented for his mistake.

The striking feature in the three identical statues is the intricacy of the details depicted. One can see the venation in the peacock’s legs and the plumage in full flourish. Needless to say, the three statues are of the same height, width etc. When we recall the physical challenges with which the sculptor completed the statues, one cannot fail to admire the divine intervention which made the feat possible.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Ennkann Shanmugar


This temple is 12 kms from Tiruvarur. The Shivan in this temple is Brahmapureeswarar and the name of the Ambal is Brihannayaki. 

There is a story linking the Shanmuga in Ennkann, Ettukudi and Porvacheri . The 3 stone statues of the Shanmuga on the peacock in Ennkann Ettukudi and Puravacheri were made by the same Sirpi (sculptor). According to Sthala Puranam, Mutharasu Chozhan ordered the sculptor to make the statue of Shanmuga in Puravacheri. Struck by the beauty of the statue and in an attempt to prevent the sculptor from making a similar statue, the king ordered the sculptor’s thumb to be cut off. However the sculptor went on to make the replica of the Murugar in Ettukudi without thumb also. Mutharasu Chozhan then removed the Sirpi’s eyes as punishment. Aided by Ambal who came in the form of a small girl who guided the Sirpi, the Sculptor went on to make the third replica of the Murugar statue in Ennkann without eyes and thumb. On completing the statue in Ennkann, Lord Muruga gave salvation to the Sculptor after returning the sculptor’s thumb and eyesight. Mutharsu Chozhan also realized his mistake and repented for his mistake.

The striking feature in the three identical statues is the intricacy of the details depicted. One can see the venation in the peacock’s legs and the plumage in full flourish. Needless to say, the three statues are of the same height, width etc. When we recall the physical challenges with which the sculptor completed the statues, one cannot fail to admire the divine intervention which made the feat possible.

It is believed that Brahma also offered prayers to regain the creation job.

The Sirpi’s Samadhi is in Ennkann. Other deities in this temple include Kasi Viswanathar and Navagrihas. Kumbabhishekam was performed on April 25th 2010 in this temple. The temple is open from 6.30 a.m - 12.30 p.m and from 4.30 p.m - 8 p.m. The sthala vriksham is Vannimaram. 

It is recommended that people having Sevvai Dosham or eyesight problems visit this temple to get relief. 




Thursday, August 4, 2011

Divya Desams in Kanchipuram

This note is to provide information about visiting Divya Desams in Kanchipuram.

We started at  2:30 p.m from Chennai and reached Kanchipuram at 3:45 p.m (about 73 kms). The temples listed in Part 1 below were covered in one evening (4.30 p.m - 7.30 p.m). The temples in Part 2 were visited in the following morning (8 a.m - 11 a.m).

Part 1

Part 2
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple - Adi Varaha Perumal
  • Pachchai Varna Perumal
  • Pavazha Varna Perumal
  • Ekambreswarar Temple -  Nila Thunda Perumal
  • Pandava Dhoothar Perumal 
  • Vaikunta Perumal: The temple has Perumal in Nindra, Amarndha and Saayndha kolams i.e, standing, sitting and lying positions. The Perumal in standing and lying posiitons can be seen only on Ekadasi.


Tiruputkuzhi - another Divya Desam, is about 8 kms from Kanchipuram on the Chennai - Bangalore Highway towards Bangalore. 

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Kanchipuram Ulagalanda Perumal

This Temple is a unique in that there are 4 Divya Desams in this temple itself. 

The Ulagalanda Perumal Moolavar shows Perumal with one foot on Maha Bhali’s head and another in the air. Near the Moolavar sannidhi one can see the Perumal as Adisesha or Ooragathan. In the outer Praharam, one can find Neeragathan (Nindra Kolam) of Tiruneeragam, Karagathan (Amarndha Kolam on Adisesha) and Kaanavarna Perumal (in Nindra Kolam with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi). The name of the Thayar is Aaranavalli Thayar.

The temple is open from 7.30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. 

Friday, July 15, 2011

Kanchipuram Azhagiya Singar

This temple is a Divya Desam (74th/108) and also known as Tiruvellukai. 

The name of the Moolavar is Azhagiya Singar or Yoga Narasimhar. He came to protect His devotees during the yagna that was performed by Lord Brahma and stayed back to protect all His devotees from Asuras. The name of the Thayar is Amrutavalli. The name of the lake is Kanaka/ Hema Saras. The Lord became Pratyaksha to Sage Brighu.

Kanchipuram Deepa Prakasar

This temple is a Divya Desam that is famous for the Moolavar and Utsavar of Vedanta Desika. The Sthalam is called Thirutanka and is in Little Kanchi. The name of the Moolavar is Deepa Prakasar and that of the Thayar is Maragathavalli. 

According to Sthala Puranam, Lord Bramha performed a yagna without His wife Goddess Saraswathi.  On knowing that, Goddess Saraswathi was enraged and in an attempt to disrupt the sacrifice, took away all the lights and the entire area was engulfed in darkness. When Lord Brahma prayed to Lord Vishnu for help, Perumal then came to the rescue as Deepa Prakasar or Vilakku Oli Perumal and returned light and brightness and to the area. The yagna then continued and then the murthi of Lord Varadaraja Perumal appeared.

Praying to the Deepa Prakasar Perumal by lighting lamps is said to safeguard the devotee from fire accidents, remove ailments of the eye etc.

The temple is open from 10 am to 11.30 am and from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Kanchipuram Yadothkari Perumal

The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and is located in the lane opposite to the lane of Ashtabhuja Perumal temple in Kanchipuram. The name of the Thayar is Komalavalli Thayar. The Perumal is in the lying position on Adisesha.

According to Sthala Puranam, Brahma performed a yagna without His wife Saraswathi. On knowing that, Goddess Saraswathi was enraged and took the form of a rapidly flowing river - River Vegavathi in an attempt to wash away the yagna. However, Lord Vishnu came to the rescue of Brahma’s yagna and lay down in the path of the river - obstructing the flow of Vegavathi river. The river was unable to flow beyond the lying Perumal and disappeared into the earth. The Sthalam is hence called Thiruvekka. 

Thirumazhisai Azhwar sung praises of this deity so beautifully that the king who heard the verses wanted Thirumazhisai Azhwar to sing praises of the king too. Refusing to sing praises of anybody but the divine Lord, Thirumazhisai Azhwar decided to leave the town and asked the Yadothkari Perumal to also leave with him. Perumal left the town with Adisesha also along with Azhwar. When the king realized his mistake and pleaded with Thirumazhisai Azhwar to return, Perumal also returned but lay down in the reverse position. The head of Pallikonda Perumal is typically to the left when one enters the Garba Griham. However in this temple, the head of the Perumal is on the right. Since Perumal did what he was told to, He is called “Sonna Vannal Seidha Perumal” or “Yadokthakari”.

This is also the place where Poigai Azhwar is said to have taken Avatar.



Monday, July 11, 2011

Kanchipuram Ashtabhuja Perumal

Pushpavalli Thayar sametha Ashtabhuja Perumal is also known as Adikesava Perumal. The temple is the 75th Divya Desam.

The name of the Theertham is Gajendra Pushkarani. It is in this lake that the tale of Gajendra Moksham unfolded. Gajendra was an elephant who was attacked by a crocodile in a lake. The elephant called out to Perumal as Aadhimoolam for help, offering Him a lotus. Perumal came at once to Gajendra's rescue, killed the crocodile with his Chakra and granted Salvation to the elephant. Gajendra in his previous life was a king called Indradyumna. Indradyumna was cursed by Sage Agastya to take the form of an elephant. Similarly the crocodile was also a cursed Gandharva. The crocodile also obtained Salvation on being vanquished by Perumal.

The Ashtabhuja Perumal has Lotus, Sword, Arrow and Chakram in his right hands. The left hands bear Mace, Shield, Bow and Conch.

The temple is open from 6.30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal


The Moolavar of this temple is Devarajaswamy and the name of the Thayar is Perundevi Thayar. The roof of a Sannidhi has a Golden Lizard, a Silver Lizard, Sun and Moon. Touching the Lizards is supposed to help remove one’s sins and secure a place in Vaikuntam. The Utsavar Moorthi is placed in a Room of mirrors. There are also Sannidhis for Azhagiya Singar, Dhanvanthri and Malayala Nachiyar. This is the temple in which Saint Ramanujar was instructed to go to Tirukoshtiyur. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams.

According to Sthala Puranam, Lord Bramha performed a yagna without His wife Goddess Saraswathi.  On knowing that, Goddess Saraswathi was enraged and attempted to disrupt the sacrifice. When Lord Brahma prayed to Lord Vishnu for help, Perumal then came to the rescue. The yagna then continued and then the murthi of Lord Varadaraja Perumal appeared.

There is a story about the Golden Lizard and Silver Lizard in the temple. There were two disciples for sage Gouthama - Heman and Shuklan who once brought water for performing pooja in a pot without realising that there was a lizard in the pot. They were cursed to tun into lizards for their carelessness. When Heman and Shuklan prayed for forgiveness, they were told that they would be released from their curse when Indra came to offer prayers to Varadaraja Perumal. When Indra came to this sthalam to get relief from the curse of Goddess Saraswathi, Heman and Shuklan also were granted relief from their curses. 

Additional details can be accessed at www.kanchivaradarajartemple.com. Sarva darshanam is from 7 am to 11 am, from 12 pm to 12.30 pm and from 5 pm to 8.30 pm. Kattana Seva is from 11 am to 12 pm and from 3.30 pm to 5 pm. Kattana seva is at a nominal fee for devotees. The temple is currently seeking donation for renovating the temple. The temple is about 4 kms from Ulagalanda Perumal temple.

This temple is also supposed to be of special significance for Krittikai Nakshatra, Uthradam Nakshatra people.

In the Tamil month of Adi (month of July/ August), Ananthazhwar Sevai is conducted on Valarpirai Dasami and Theipirai Ekadasi. The significance of these two days is that Adiseshan (or Anantha Azhwar) is supposed to visit the temple for worshipping Varadaraja Perumal on these two days. So if we worship Perumal on these two days, we will get relief from Naga Dosha.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Mayavaram Vadanyeswarar




Medha Dakshinamurthy
Mayavaram or Mayiladathurai is about 260 kms from Chennai. The temple of Vadanyeswarar is in Mayavaram or Mayiladuthurai. Situated across a petrol bunk, this temple can be identified by an arch at the entrance and is locally referred to as Vallalar temple.

Siva Lingam in this temple is called Vadanyeswarar and his consort is Gnanambikai. This temple is famous for the Medha Dakshinamurthi. This Sthalam is the place where Dakshinamurthi gave advice to Nandhi who had become vain in his capacity as Lord Shiva's vehicle. In all other places Dakshinamurthi is the yoga mudra posture. However in this Mayavaram temple Dakshinamurthi is in the "Upadesa Posture".

Vallalar Temple Entrance

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Tirumanalmedu Mrigandaeswarar




Tirumanalmedu is about a kilometer from Tirukadaiyur. One can find the temple for Mrigandeswarar in this village.

Mriganda Maharishi and his wife Maruthavathi Devi were a childless couple. Mriganda Maharishi performed penance to Lord Shiva who gave him the option of having either a brilliant and devout son who would live only for 16 years or  a foolish son who would live for 100 years. Mriganda Maharishi opted for the former and Markandeyan was born to
them.

When Lord Yama came to take the life of Markandeyar when the boy turned 16, the boy prayed to Lord Shiva who rescued Markandeyar and made him an ever-16 Chiranjeevi.

In this temple one can find the place where Mriganda Maharishi performed penance to Lord Shiva and the actual Lingam also under Arasu and Vembu maram along with Pillayar and Rahu.there is also a Sannidhi with Rettai Pillayar behind the Arasu Vembu Maram.

The name of the Lingam is Mrigandeswarar and tthe name of the Ambal is Maruthavathi Ambal. There is also a Sannidhi for Markandeyar.

This temple can be visited by people seeking children, good health/life etc.

Tirumanalmedu Temple Entrance

Friday, July 1, 2011

Tiruvidaikazhi Balasubramaniar


Thiruvidaikazhi or Thirukuravadi is 6 kms from Tirukadaiyur and is a Rahu Kethu and Sevvai parihara sthalam.

According to Sthala Puranam, Lord Balasubramanian killed Surapadman in Tiruchendur and  then killed Surapadman's son Hiranyasuran in this Sthalam. After the batlle Lord Murugar offered prayers to Lord Shiva or Papavinasamurthi to wash away His sins and get the blessings of His father. In the Moolavar Sannidhi, one can see the Spatika Lingam in front of the Murugar Moolavar and another Shiva Lingam behind the Moolavar too.
Balasubramaniar
Goddess Parvathi however stayed back in Tharangampadi (Thayangi nindravoor, Thayangam padi). So there is no Sannidhi for Her in this temple. Deivaanai is also in the "Thapas Kolam" performing penance to marry Lord Murugar. In the inner and outer prahaarams, one can find more Siva Lingams so that a visit to this temple is equivalent to seeing Lingams in four Siva temples. In the outermost praharam, one can find the Adi Lingam under a tree. The temple Sthala Vruksham is Kura Maram.

The temple Gopuram illustrates stories from Kandha Puranam. Another interesting feature is that the Dwajasthambam has both Pillayar and Murugar seated next to each other at the base. Normally, one will find only Pillayar at the base of the Dwajasthambam.

It is also said that Rahu offered prayers to the Murugar in this temple. Devotees come in Padayatra from Chidambaram in the Tamil month of Purattasi and devotees come in Padayatra from Sikkal (where Lord Murugar got Shakthivel from Ambal) in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.

Tiruvidaikazhi Temple Entrance

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Tirukadayur Amrithakadeswarar


The town is about 22 kms from Mayavaram or Mayiladathurai.

The Siva Lingam is called Amrithakadeswarar in this temple and the Utsavar is called Kaala Samhara Murthi. Goddess Parvathi appears as Abirami here. Pillayar is called Kalla Pillayar. There is also a small Sannidhi for Muneeswaran at the entrance of the temple.

Sthala Puranam
At the time of churning the ocean to get nectar, the Devas and Asuras did not offer prayers to Pillayar who is the remover of obstacles. So Pillayar stole the Amrita Kalasam and hid it away earning the name Kalla Pillayar (Kallan means thief in Tamil). Realizing the mistake, appropriate prayers were offered to Pillayar and Shivan in the form of Amrithakadeswarar received the Amrita Kalasam from Pillayar in this Sthalam.

Mriganda Maharishi and his wife Maruthavathi Devi were a childless couple. Mriganda Maharishi performed penance to Lord Shiva who gave him the option of having either a brilliant and devout son who would live only for 16 years or  a foolish son who would live for 100 years. Mriganda Maharishi opted for the former and Markandeyan was born to them.

Lord Yama came to take the life of Markandeyar when the boy turned 16. The boy prayed to Lord Shiva who rescued Markandeyar and made him an ever-16 Chiranjeevi. It is in this Kshetra that Lord Shiva killed Lord Yama and earned the name "Kaala Samhara Murthi". At the same time, Bhooma Devi began to suffer due to the continuing births and increasing population. In the absence of Yama,  the there were no deaths, so the weight that Bhooma Devi had to shoulder became oppressive. She Prayed to Kaala Samhaara Murthi for help and He in turn blessed Yama with life and rescued Bhooma Devi.

There is also a tale for the Ambal - Abirami in this Sthalam. Abhirama Bhattar was an ardent devotee of Abhirami. When Abhirama Bhattar was immersed in thoughts of the Goddess, the ruling king asked Bhattar for the Tithi (day in the lunar calendar). Bhattar replied that it was Pournami (full moon) instead of Ammavaasai (new moon). Enraged, the king asked Bhattar to show the full moon or face death. Goddess Abirami intervened and threw her ear-ring which became the full moon. Thus she rescued her devotee. It is at this place that Abhirama Bhattar composed Abhirami Andhadhi in praise of the Goddess.
 
Special Features
As is evident from the Sthala Puranam, the deities in this Sthalam have rescued their devotees from death and blessed them with long life instead. Some devotees celebrate important milestones in life like Sashtiapthapoorthi(60th birthday), Bheema Ratha Shanthi(70th birthday) Sadabhishekam (80th birthday) etc. in this Sthalam.

Tirukadayur Temple Entrance

Monday, June 27, 2011

Vaitheeswarankoil


This town is 3 kms from the town of Sirkazhi and is about 245 kms from Chennai.

The Shiva Linga in the Vaitheeswarankoil temple is called Vaidyanatha Swamy and the Ambal - Thaiyalnayaki. Within the Sannidhi of Vaidyanatha Swamy, one can find Muthukumaraswamy, Dakshinamurthi, Navagrihas in a straight line, Durgai, Sattanathaswamy, Jatayu Kundam, Valanchuzhi Pillayar and Utsava Murthi of Angaragan. In the outer Praharam, one can find a separate Sannidhi for Angaragan or Sevvai and Pazhani Andavar.

This temple is considered to be Sevvai Sthalam and for devotees to pray for good health. As evident from the name of the Moolavar Himself, Vaidyanatha Swamy is like a Divine Doctor blessing devotees with good health. Muthukumaraswamy prepares the medicines for Vaidyanatha Swamy. One can get Saandhurundai (small balls of Vibhuthi) from the Swamy Sannidhi and this prasadam is taken like a medicine by devotees.

In this temple, devotees also offer salt and pepper to the Lord asking for good health. They also dissolve small bits of jaggery in the temple kulam so that their diseases also are washed away.

The temple is considered to be kula deivam by many families who trace their ancestry to Thanjavur-Mayavaram area. This town is also famous for "Nadi Josiam". In Nadi Josiam, a person's thumb print is used to identify "Ola Chuvadi" (scripts on parchments) which give details of a person's lineage, previous birth details etc.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Tiruporur Kandaswamy


Tiruporur is a town on Old Mahabalipuram Road about 40 kms from Chennai city and is famous for its Murugar temple.

The main deity of the temple is Kandaswamy and is Swayambhu. The other deities include Durgai, Deivayaanai, Valli and Pillayar. In this temple one can see the Sevvai Chakram. This temple serves as a Sevvai Parihara Sthalam like Vallakottai Murugar temple also. The Sthala Vriksham is Vannimaram.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Mammiyur Mahadevan


Mammiyur is within a mile from Guruvayoor temple and generally, a trip to Guruvayoor is considered incomplete without a visit to the Mahadevan temple in Mammiyur. 

In the Mammiyur Mahadevan temple, one can see the Sannidhis of Mahadevan (or Shiva) and Vishnu adjacent to each other. Poojas for both the deities are performed in this temple with equal fervour. Other deities in this temple include Subramanya, Ganesha, Ayyappa and Parvathi Devi. More details can be accessed from the temple’s website: http://www.mammiyurdevaswom.com/

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Manavaalanallur Kozhanjiappar


Manavaalanallur is a couple of kilometers from the town of Vridhachalam. This village is famous for its Murugar temple.

The main deity in the Murugar temple in Manvalanallur is called Kozhanjiappar and the Moolavar is Swayambhu. The Moolavar is called Kozhanzhiappar because the deity’s form was revealed through the hoofs (Kozhumbu) of a cow. There is a Vinayagar Sannidhi beside the Kozhanjiappar Sannidhi.

There is also a Sannidhi for Muneeswaran who is considered to be a Guardian deity insitde the temple to the right of the temple entrance. Opposite the Sannidhi is a tree surrounded by spears with petitions (Praadhu or prayers) submitted by devotees. The belief is that prayers  written as a petition and tied to the tree for a predetermined number of days (30 days, 90 days etc.) after paying the dakshina (dependent on the number of days) are fulfilled by Kozhanjiappar. Devotees whose prayers are fulfilled then perform Archanai for the deity as a token of thanks.

Behind the temple one can feed vegetables/ fruits to deer in an enclosure. Further details can be accessed at http://kolanjiappertemple.com/index-1.html.

Kozhanjiappar Temple Entrance




Tuesday, June 7, 2011

SriMushnam Bhoovarahaswamy


Sri Mushnam or Thiru Muttam as it was previously known, is about 15 kms from the town of Vridhachachalam. The town is famous for the temple dedicated to the the third avatar  - Varaha vatar of Lord Vishnu.  

The Moolavar is Swamyambu and is named Bhoovarahaswamy. The Moolavar is very small - only about 1.5 feet tall and the face is in the Southern direction with the hands near the waist - hiding the Conch and Chakram.  The reason for the secrecy is to deceive the Asura Hiranyaksha from whom Varaha Swamy rescues Bhoomi (Earth). While the Moolavar is in the form of Varaha (boar), the Utsavar appears in the normal form as Perumal Himself and named Yogavarahaswamy. The Ambal is called Ambujavalli Thayar.

Sthala Puranam






Bhoovarahaswamy Temple Kulam
Hiranyaksha was an ardent devotee of Vishnu who captured Bhoomi Devi and held her captive. Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha to fight the Asura. If the Asura saw the Conch/ Chakram and recognized that it was Vishnu who had
appeared as Varaha Swamy, the Asura would then fall at the feet of the Lord making it difficult for Him to destroy Hiranyaksha and rescue Bhoomi Devi. After all, the Lord is a Sharanagathavatsala or the protector of those seeking refuge under Him. 

The sweat from the Lord after the fight with the Asura formed the pool at the temple - Nithyapushkarini.  There is also an interesting tree and a Tulasi Madam in this temple. On observing the branches of the tree, one can observe the form of Varaha swamy in the way the branches appear. The mandapam around the tree has Asvatha Narayana, Madwacharya, Garuda and Hanuman Murthis. 





This Sthalam is a Saligrama Sthalam i.e. the Moolavar itself is made out of Saligramam. There are 8 Swayambhu 

Arasu Maram

Saligrama Sthalams in India - 4 in North India (Saligramam, Naimisaranyam, Badrinath and Pushkar) and 4 in South India (Tirupathi, Srirangam, Sri Mushnam and Nanguneri or Vaanamamalai).
These 8 Kshetrams are also called as Swayam Vyaktha Kshetrams with each Kshetram representing one syllable of the Ashtakshara Mantra - Om Namo Narayana.

Childless couples seeking children perform pariharam in this Sthalam and are supposed to get good results within 90 days.  The prasadam at this temple is Korai kizhangu (Cyprus Rotandus) Urundai and has many medicinal properties.




Bhoovarahaswamy Temple Entrance

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Vridhachalam Vridhagireeswarar


Vridhachalam is 235 kms from Chennai city. Vridhachalam can be easily accessed via TIndivanam-Ulundurpet route. 

Vridhachalam is also known as Thirumudhukundram and is claimed to be one of the places that survived Pralayam. The other places that survived Pralyam are supposed to be Kanchi, Sirkazhi, Tiruneedur and Tirupurampayam. There are some interesting pieces of information that can be gleaned from the temple’s walls. There are few places that ease the path to attaining salvation.

 Place or Sthalam
Action to attain Mukthi
Tiruvarur
Birth
Kanchipuram
Living
Tiruvannamalai
Remembering
Thillai
Darshan
ThiruKasi
Death

The main deity of this temple is Vridhagireeswarar and the name of the Ambal is Vridhambikai. The temple has four Gopurams

The Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Maram. According to Sthala Puranam, Ambal Herself places the body of those who passed away in this place on Her lap and wipes the body with her saree while Vridhagireeswarar chants the mantras for comforting the departed soul.

The temple is open from 6 am to 11.30 am and from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Padavedu Renukambal


Padavedu is about 35 kms from Vellore and the temple can also be accessed through a 7 km road near Sandhaivaasal from Tiruvannamalai. The Lingam in this Sthalam is called Somanathalingam.

Sthala Puranam:
Lord Parasurama (one of the Dasavathars of Vishnu) obeyed His father - Rishi Jamadagni’s command and severed the head of his mother Renuka Devi. In the course of killing His mother, Lord Parasurama happened to sever the head of a washerwoman too.

When granted a boon by Rishi Jamadagni, Lord Parasurama asked for His mother to be returned to life. The Rishi asked Lord Parasurama to join the severed head with the body. However, the head of His mother was joined with the body of the washerwoman and the head of the washerwoman with the body of His mother. The severed head of Renuka Devi with the body of the washerwoman is worshipped in Padavedu as Renukambal. The body of Renuka Devi with the head of the washerwoman is worshipped in Periyapalayam as Periyapalayathamman. 



Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar


Tiruvannamalai is a town about 185 kms on NH45 from Chennai. Sthalas are associated with the 5 natural elements of fire, water, wind, land and sky. Tiruvannamalai is associated with Agni or fire and is considered to be an Agnitheertham. It is said that one can attain Mukthi or Salvation by just thinking of TIruvannamalai.

The main shrine of the Tiruvannamalai temple is Arunachaleswarar and his consort Tiru Unnamulai amman. Rudraksha beads from the Naagam adorn the Siva Lingam. Other shrines include those of Selva. Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Parasakthi, Kala Bhairava, Patala Linga and Gajalakshmi. The temple is also the place where Siddhar Sri Edaikkadar attained his Jeeva Samadhi. Any temple having Patala Linga Sannidhi reportedly also has one or more Jeeva Samadhis. Arunagirinathar a devotee of Lord Muruga attained salvation after falling off from a gopuram in this temple and being rescued by Lord Muruga Himself. 

A lot of Siddhars are said to be in visible (sometimes in the form of parrots) and invisible forms in the hill. Girivalam on Pournami (full moon day) is famous in Tiruvannamalai. There are reportedly as many as 360 Theerthams and 400 Lingams in the eight mile circuit of the hill. Kaarthigai Deepam is also famous in this temple and is celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December). People with Sukran in 7th place from Lagnam are considered to have “Kalathra Dosha" affecting the marital life. Pariharam for such people involves Girivalam in Tiruvannamalai. 

Ramana Maharishi performed penance in this temple’s Patala Lingam sannidhi before going on to establish Ramana Ashramam in Tiruvannamalai.


This is also considered to be the place where Brahma and Vishnu went in search of Lord Shiva’s head and feet in a test of their prowess. Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jothi/ Light. While Vishnu returned accepting that He was unable to find Lord Shiva’s feet, Lord Brahma conspired with the Thazhampoo flower that fell from Lord Shiva’s head to falsely claim victory in the test. Enraged by the false testimony of Thazhampoo, the flower  was cursed by Lord Shiva and lost its ability to be used for Lord Shiva’s worship.


Friday, May 27, 2011

Madurai Koodal Azhagar


Ashtanga Vimanam

The Koodal Azhagar temple is at the heart of Madurai city - close to Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This temple is the 47th Divya Desam and is one of the three temples with Ashtanga Vimanam - the other two in Uthiramerur and Tirukoshtiyur.

Moolavar is called Koodalazhagar and Utsavar is Sundararaja Perumal. The name of the Thayar is Maduravalli Thayar. The Moolavar is in the Amarndha Kolam. There are two more Perumal murthis and they can be seen by climbing the stairs leading to the Vimanam. Surya Narayana Perumal is in the Nindra Kolam at the base of the Vimanam and Sheerapthi Perumal is in the Pallikonda position or Kidandha Kolam further up the Vimanam.

The Navagrihas in the temple are noticeably bigger in size. The temple is open from 6 am - 12 pm and from 5 pm - 9 pm.

Vimanam -  A closer look


Koodal Azhagar Gopuram

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Pazhamudir Cholai Subramanya Swamy

Pazhamudir Cholai is the 6th Arupadai Veedu and is at the hilltop near Kallazhagar Temple in Madurai. The temple is very small and the Subramanya Swamy murthi itself is small. Sri Valli and Sri Deivayanai appear alongside Subramanya Murthi. 



Golden Chariot

Temple Entrance

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Madurai Kallazhagar


Kallazhagar temple is the 91st Divya Desam and Azhagar Koil Main Road leads straight to this temple. The Azhagar Temple is at the base of a hill with Pazhamudir Cholai Murugar temple further up the hill.

The name of the Perumal is Sundararaja Perumal and the name of the Thayar is Kalyani Sundaravalli Thayar. One of the famous festivals for this temple is the Chitrai Tiruvizha when the Kallazhagar Perumal goes for a dip in the Vaigai river. The sight of Perumal on the horse in procession to Vaigai is very beautiful.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Thirumogur Kaalamega Perumal

Yaanaimalai
Thirumogur is famous for its Perumal temple (46th Divya Desam) and is located close to the Madras High Court 
branch in Madurai, near Othakadai. One can see Yaanai Malai ( hill shaped like an elephant) on the way to this temple. In fact there is also a Narasimhar temple at the foothills of Yaanaimalai.



The main deity of this temple is Kaalamega Perumal who appears with Sridevi and Bhoodevi by His side wearing Saligramam garland. The name of the Thayar is Mohanavalli Thayar who is also a Padi Thaandaa Pathni - meaning that She does not step out of the temple for any processions and the only function is in Panguni Uthram when Perumal comes to Thayar's Sannidhi for Kalyana Vaibhavam (divine wedding).

This is the Kshetram where Sridevi and Bhoodevi prayed to the resting Pallikonda Perumal to help the Devas get Amrit (nectar) at the time of churning the milky ocean. One can see the Devis in the Prarthana Seva posture in the Pallikonda Perumal's Sannidhi. The Lord answered Devis' prayers and took the form of Mohini to get the Amrit for Devas by duping the Asuras. Since Perumal took the form of Mohini in thisSthalam, this place is called Mohana Kshetram or ThiruMogur.

The Chakrathazhwar and Kaalamega Perumal of this temple have the powers to remove the fear of Death. Devotees can offer prayers at this temple to overcome mortal fear.

The temple is normally open from 7 am - 12 pm and from 4 pm - 8 pm. On Saturdays, the temple is open for extended hours - from 5.30 am - 1 pm and from 4pm - 8.30pm.

Thirumogur Temple Entrance

Monday, May 23, 2011

Tirupparankundram Murugar

Tirupparankundram is 7 kms from Madurai city and is famous for one of the Arupadai Veedu temple here. The temple can be reached by taking the Tirupparankundram Road and following the route to Thyagaraja College of Engineering.

According to Sthala Puranam, Lord Murugar married Indra's daughter Deivayanai after Surasamhaaram in this Kshetram. Near the entrance of the temple, there is a statue of Murugar marrying Deivayanai. Devotees usually resolve to garland this statue as a token of thanks for marriage being fixed for their near and dear ones.

In this temple, one can offer milk for performing Abhishekam for the Vel. The Moolavar is in the marriage scene that is engraved/ sculpted on the walls of the hill.

The temple is currently in Balalayam with Kumbabhishekam being planned for June 6th 2011.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Vairavanpatti Bhairavar


The town Vairavanpatti is about 2 kms from Pillayarpatti and as the name suggests, famous for its Vairavar or Bhairavar temple.

Special poojas and homams are performed on Krishnapaksha Ashtami for Bhairavar. The name of the Siva Lingam is Valar Oli Nathar and the name of the Ambal is Neelavadivudai Amman. The temple is well decorated with paintings and also stories from Ramayana. In this temple, one sees Lord Rama expressing gratitude with folded hands in front of Anjaneya on hearing news about Sita.



Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Sikkal Singaravelan


Location: 
The temple is located in the town of SIkkal - 58 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to Nagapattinam route.

Temple: 
The temple’s main deity is Navaneetheswarar. His wife Vel Nedukanni Amman gives the Shakthivel to Murugan for killing Surapadman in Tiruchendur. Murugan is blessed with powers of solving all his devotees’  problems and is present only as a Utsavar murthy here.

The temple is known for a divine miracle during the Kanda Shasti festival in the Tamil month of Aipasi (October/November). On the 5th day, Sikkal Singaravelan  receives the Shakthivel from Ambal. Overnight, the walls of the room where the Utsava murty is kept, becomes damp - supposedly due to the sweating of Singaravelan on receiving the weapon from His Mother. 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Singaperumal Koil


Location:
Singaperumal Koil is the name of a small town located on GST Road. The temple is located on a small hill and is located within minutes from the highway.
Temple:
The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimhar - one of the Dasavatharam of Lord Vishnu. The temple has the Dasavatharams on the gopuram of the temple.

The main idol Lakshmi Narasimhar is believed to have appeared in the Swayambu form at this kshetra.  Pleased with Jabali Maharishi’s penance the Lord gave darshan to the Rishi.  

Additional information about the temple can be accessed from the temple’s website.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Poonamallee Vaidyanatha Swamy

Location
This temple is located in Poonamallee, close to the bus depot.
Temple
Vaidyanatha Swamy in the town Vaideeswaran Koil is famous for blessing devotees with good health. In fact, the temple is also considered to be a Navagriha Kshetra for “Sevvai” or “Mars”

The Vaidyanatha Swamy temple in Poonamallee is dedicated to the same deity as in Vaideeswaran Koil and is pretty much a replica in terms of the deities. Vaidyanatha Swamy is in the form of a Linga. Thaiyalnayaki is the name of his consort. Other deities include Muthukumaraswamy, Vishnu Durgai, Natarajar and Navagrihas.


Board in Mangadu Velleeswarar Temple showing Poonamalle Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple as  Sevvai Sthalam