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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

Tiruneer Malai Perumal

Location

Tiruneer Malai is about 25 kms from Chennai and can be accessed by GST Road. The temple is at the hilltop and offers scenic views of the burgeoning Chennai suburbs.

Temple

Lord Vishnu appears in Kidandha (lying), Nindra (standing), Irundha (seated) and Nadandha (walking) positions in various temples. In Tiruneer Malai temple, Sriranganatha Perumal appears in the Kidandha position.

The main deity of Tiruneer Malai temple is Sriranganatha Perumal - lying on Adisesha with Chaturbhuja Bramha appearing from the navel of the deity. Sridevi and Bhoodevi are seated at the feet of the lord. This temple is one of the 108 Divyadesam. It is claimed that offering prayers at this temple is equivalent to offering prayers at the famous Srirangam, Trichy.

This temple celebrated Samprokshanam in December 2010.

Entrance for steps leading to the Temple

Mangadu Vaikunta Perumal

Location:

This temple is located in Mangadu - on the way to Poonamallee, 2-3 kms from the highway. 

Temple:

The temple’s main deities are Vaikunta Perumal and his consort Kanakavalli Thayar. The Perumal has a green emerald (maragatham) ring in His palm for the marriage of His sister - Mangadu Kamakshi. Sreedevi and Bhoodevi are beside the Vaikunta Perumal.

People light oil lamps in this temple to safeguard their families. Prayers for removal of obstacles in marriage are offered to this Perumal. Other deities in the temple include Garuda, Anjaneyar and Andal.

Mangadu Velleeswarar

Location

This temple is located in Mangadu - behind the famous Mangadu Amman temple.

Temple

The main deity of this temple is that of Velleeswara who has Bilva Leaf, Chandra prabhai and Surya  This temple’s pond is called Sukratheertham.

The other deities include Sidhi Vinayakar, Veerabhadrar, Valli Deivanai sametha Subrahmanyar, Kaalasamharamurthi Balambika, Durga, Chandigeswara and Navagriha.

Board in this temple showing Navagriha temples around Chennai

Kunnakudi Shanmuganathar

This town is famous for its Shanmuganathar temple and is about 6 kms from the old bus stand in Karaikudi. The Shanmuganathar temple itself is at the top of a small hill and the only way up is to walk up the steps carved out of the hill. There is also a Sannidhi for Pazhani Andavar at the base of the hill.

According to legend, Lord Muruga changed Surapadman, whom he had vanquished in Tiruchendur, into the form of a peacock for use as a Vahanam in Kunnakudi. Valli and Deivanai are on the wall in the Moolavar Sannidhi. Devotees can see Valli and Deivanai only in the Utsavar murthi. One can also see the Sannidhis of Swarna Ganapathy and Kuzhandai Vadivelar in this temple.

The temple is open from 4 am - 12.30 pm and from  4 pm - 8 pm.

Ariyakudi Perumal

Ariyakudi is a town about 4 kms from Karaikudi. There is a Perumal temple in this town which is about 400 years old and this temple is called Then Thirupathi (Tirupathi of the South). The Perumal is called Thiruvenkatavudayan and Thayar is Alarmelmangai.

The temple is open from 7.30 am to 12 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8 pm.

Pillayarpatti Karpaga Pillayar

Pillayarpatti is about 17 kms from Tirukoshtiyur. This temple is famous for the Pillayar koil. The Pillayar here is called Karpaga Pillayar and has the powers to grant wishes to His devotees like a Karpagavriksham.

The Siva Lingam in this temple is called Marudeeswarar Arjuna Vaneswararand the Ambal is called Vaadamalar Ashoka Kusumambal. In this temple's Murugar Sannidhi, Valli and Deivaanai are both seated on the peacock. Navagrihas are peculiarly in the seated position. There is also a Sannidhi for Sivagami.

The temple is open from 6 am - 12.30 pm and from 4pm to 8.30 pm. The contact number(s) for the temple office are 04577 264240/264241/264797/264182.

Tirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal

Location:

The town of Tirukoshtiyur is about 33 kms from Thirumayam near Pudokottai. The Soumya Narayana Perumal temple of Tirukoshtiyur is the first Divya Desam.

Temple:

In this temple, Perumal appears as Koothadiyan (as Nardhana Krishna in Bhooloka), Kidandhan ( as Pallikonda Bhoomi Neela Sametha Soumya Narayana in Devaloka), Nindran ( as Upendra Narayana in Indraloka) and Amarndhan ( as Paramapadanathan in Vaikunta). The last two Perumal Sannidhis can be accessed through the stairs leading all the way up to the Gopuram. The name of the Thayar in this Sthalam is Thiru Ma Magal Thayar.

There are also three forms of Narasimhar in this temple. He appears as Ugra Narasimha in the outer Praharam of the temple. The Ugra Narasimhar appears in the Yuddha pose (fighting with Hiranyakashipu) and Vadham (killing Hiranyakashipu) pose protecting Prahlada. Near the Dwajasthambam one can find Yoga Narasimhar. Lakshmi Narasimhar is at the base of the flight of stairs leading upto the Gopuram. Thus one can find Narasimhar with increasing levels of composure as one proceeds from the temple exterior to the Gopuram.

There are only three places where the Temple Gopura Vimanam is constructed as Ashtanga Vimana to match the Ashtakshara Mantra  - Uthiramerur, Koodalazhagar temple and Thirukoshtiyur. Among the three, Thirukoshtiyur temple's Vimanam has the special "Divya" taga and its Vimanam is Ashtanga Divya Vimanam. A statue of seated Saint Ramanujar can be found today near the Astanga Vimana from where He preached the Ashtakshara Mantra.

Sthala Puranam:

According to Sthala Purana, Brahma, Vishnu and Sivan met as a "Koshti" (group) in this place to discuss how Narasimha Avatar should take place. That is how the place got its name.

Saint Ramanuja learnt the Ashtakshara mantra for reaching Vaikunta - "Om Namo Narayanaya" from His Guru. The Guru had instructed Saint Ramanuja to keep the mantra a secret failing which, Saint Ramanuja would be severely punished. However, Saint Ramanuja immediately went to the Thirukoshtiyur temple gopuram and preached the mantra to everybody. His reasoning was that even if He - Saint Ramanuja,was punished, others who heard the mantra would reach Vaikunta.

The temple is open from 7.30 am - 12.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8 pm.

Tirukoshtiyur Temple Entrance

Thirumayam Perumal

Location:

The town of Thirumayam is about 69 kms from Trichy in the direction of Pudukottai. The Perumal temple over here is 40th of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple and the surrounding areas appear to be protected by the Archaelogical Society of India

Perumal Temple:

The main Sannidhi shows Vaikunta katchi engraved on the wall. Thirumeyyar Perumal is on Adisesha as Pallikonda Perumal -  much bigger than the Sriranga Perumal Himself. The Perumal is surrounded by Chitragupta, Dharmaraja, Brahma from His navel, Devas, Rishis and Asuras. Bhooma Devi is at the Lord's feet.

The name of the Thayar is Ujjeevana Thayar and is in a separate Sannidhi. Other Sannidhis include those of Chakrathazhwar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Andal, Krishnar, Sathyamurthy Perumal, Garuda, Viswaksenar, Ramar and Anjaneyar.

The temple is open from 6.30 am - 12.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.15 pm.

Thirumayam Perumal Temple Entrance

Vayaloor Subramanya Swamy

Vayaloor is about 7 kms from Trichy. The place is famous for its Murugan temple.

The Siva Lingam and Ambal are called Adinathar and Adinayaki. The Sthala vriksham is Vanni Maram. The temple dates back to the Chola period. Vayaloor Murugar is called Subramanya Swamy. Arunagirinathar wrote Tiruppugazh after being called to Vayaloor and blessed by Vayaloor Murugar. One peculiar feature in the Navagriha Sannidhi of this temple is that Suryan is in the centre with his wives Chaya and Samya. All other members of the Navagrihas face Suryan - a rarity.

The temple is open from about 6.30 am to 1 pm and from 3.30 pm to 9 pm. On the days of Krittika star, there is a special procession at 8 pm (if the Krittika star  prevails at that time) and the temple is kept open through the day. A lot of fresh vegetables from the surrounding farms are sold at the temple entrance.

Trichy Uchchi Pillayar and Thayumanavar

One of the famous landmarks in the city of Trichy is the Rockfort temple. There are two famous temples in the same place.

As one climbs up the staircase carved out in the hill, one crosses the samadhi of the Mouna Guru and then reaches the Thayumanavar Swamy. The Lingam in the temple is Swayambu. The name of the Ambal is Maettuvar Kuzhalamman.

According to Sthala Varalaru, Ratnavati was a pregnant devotee who was awaiting the arrival of her mother at the time of delivery. However, due to the swelling of waters in the River Cauvery, Ratnavati's mother was unable to make it on time to assist her daughter. Thayumanavar Swamy appeared beside Ratnavati in the form of her mother with the required medicines to ease the delivery of pregnant Ratnavati. This fact came to light after Ratnavati's mother finally managed to cross the river to reach her daughter. To this day, pregnant mothers and loved ones on their behalf pray to Thayumanavar Swamy for safe

delivery.

Verses 1 - 49 of Soundarya Lahari are apparently inscribed in the Grantam script in the temple.

On climbing some more steps from the Thayumanavar temple, one reaches the Uchchi Pillayar temple. The view of the city, Cauvery, Kollidam and the Srirangam temple from the top of the hill is fantastic.

Sloka for pregnant women  - to be chanted 3 times daily before namaskaaram:
Hey Sankara Smarahara Pramaadhi Naatha
Mannadha Saamba SashiSooda Hara Trishoolin
Shambho SukhaPrasavakrut BhavaMe Dayaalo
Shri MaathruBhootha Shiva Paalayamaam Namaste

Woraiyur Nachiyar

Woraiyur is about 4 kms from Trichy. There are a few Perumal temples in this small town and the one we visited is locally referred to as the Nachiyar temple - also the second of 108 Divya Desam.

The main deities of this temple are Azhagiya Manavaala Perumal and Kamalavalli Nachiyaar. The Perumal is in the Nindran pose and in Kalyana Kolam with the Thayar in the same Sannidhi. The Perumal's chakram is in the ready-to-use position and hence there is no Utsava murthy for this Perumal.

People born in the stars Aayilyam, Kaettai and Moolam having difficulty in getting married can perform Archanai for the Thayar in this Sthalam as Pariharam. Couples are supposed to obtain marital happiness by praying to the Thayar in this temple. On Vaikunta Ekadasi, only the Utsava Murthy of the Thayar crosses the Swarga Vaasal. 

The temple timings are from 6.45 am - 12 pm and from 5 pm - 8 pm.

Koviladi Appakudathan

Location:

The town of Koviladi is about 12 kms from Lalgudi in the direction of Anbil. The town of Koviladi can also be accessed from Trichy on the route to Kallanai. Koviladi is about 8 kms from Kallanai. On the drive to the temple in Koviladi, one can see farmlands and banana plantations making the scenery very picturesque. The temple is in Thirupernagar in the town of Koviladi.

Appakudathan Temple:

The main deity of this ancient temple is Appalaranganathar (or Appakudathan) and his consort Kamalavalli Thayar. This temple is said to have been established even before the Srirangam temple and hence called Adirangam. Praises of this deity have been sung by Nammazhwar about 5500 years ago and by Thirumazhisaiazhwar in Dwaparayuga.

The Perumal is in the Kidandhan (lying down) pose on Adiseshan with left hand blessing Lord Indra and Chandra. The right hand blesses Markandeya Maharishi. Bhoomi Devi is seated at the feet of Perumal. Saligramam garland adorns the deity. There is a Kudam (Pot) near the right hand of the deity in which the Neivedyam of Appam (Sweet) is offered every evening around 5 pm. The Perumal is supposed to have protected all the oceans, lands and universe in his stomach during the Pralaya  Kaalam. The Utsava murthy and Santhana Gopala murthy are also in the Garba griham itself.

Five temples are said to constitute "Pancharangam". Appalaranganathar temple is called the Madhyarangam. Panguni Uthram festival is special for this deity as Appakudathan is said to have originated in Uthram star. Similarly, Sri Ranganathar arose in Revathi star, Parimala Ranganathar in Uthram star and Saranganathar in Chitra star.

The temple timings are from 7.30 am - 1 pm and from 4 pm - 8.15 pm. Eating the Appam that was offered as Neivedyam to Appakudathan is said to be beneficial for those seeking to have children.

Appakudathan Temple Entrance

Gunaseelam Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal

Location:

Gunaseelam is a town located about 27 kms from Trichy on the route to Musiri. Musiri is 15 kms from Gunaseelam. 

Perumal Temple:

The main deity in the temple at Gunaseelam is Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal and this temple itself was established in early times by a Rishi. The name of the temple lake is PapaVinasa Theertham. There is no separate Sannidhi for Thayar in this temple - just like in Tirupathi temple. Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal has "Sengol" in His hand to protect the mental health and well being of His devotees. The main shrine is also adorned with 108 Saligramam garland. It is believed that any Moolavar Perumal shrine's powers are increased by adorning

with a Saligramam garland.

In the South, there are two temples very famous for helping devotees seek mental well being - Chotanikarai Bhagawathi Amman temple in Kerala and Gunaseelam temple in Tamil Nadu.

There are welfare houses for the mentally ill devotees just outside the Gunaseelam temple itself.

View of the Temple Entrance

Tiruvanaikoil Panchamukeswarar

The temple housing a Lingam with 5 faces is situated behind the Sankara Mutt - a few buildings awaya from the North entrance of Jambukeswarar Temple. The North entrance is close to the Akhilandeswari Sannidhi of Jambukeswarar temple in Tiruvanaikoil.

Tiruvanaikoil Jambukeswarar

Tiruvanaikoil is a small town across the river Cauvery from Trichy and adjacent to Srirangam. The town houses the famous temple of Jambukeswarar and Akhilandeswari. This temple also has big Praharams and many Sannidhis.

The temple is considered to be "Appu Sthalam" as the Lingam was created from water by Ambal herself. According to legend, the lingam situated underneath a "Ven Naaval" tree was worshipped by Ambal, an elephant, a spider and Jambu Muni. Since the Lingam was worshipped by Ambal, even today, the Gurukkal of the Ambal’s Sannidhi dresses up as a lady during the Uchchi Kaala Pooja for Jambukeswarar.

Paintings in the temple stress the benefits of Go Pooja (Cow Pooja).

This temple is also supposed to be of special significance for Bharani Nakshatra people.

Srirangam Kaatu Azhagiya Singar

A visit to Ranganathaswamy temple is considered by some to be complete only on visiting the Kaatu Azhagiya Singar Temple which is within 0.5 kms from the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimhar and is located next to a cremation ground. The temple is said to be kept open till there is at least one cremation in the nearby ground. One can see a number of pictures of Lord Narasimhar in various temples across the state.

View of the Gopuram

Srirangam Ranganathar

Location:

The town of Srirangam is across the city of Trichy separated by the Cauvery River. 

Ranganathar Temple:

The famous temple has Perumal in the Kidandhan(lying) pose. The temple is huge with big Praharams and many Sannidhis. One of the Gopurams of this ancient temple had to be recently repaired/ reconstructed. This temple is also considered to be "Sukra Sthalam". From the Car Parking area, one can enter the temple through the Karthigai Gopuram.

On entering the main temple, one can see an enormous Garuda sannidhi. Garudar is also known as Periya Thiruvadi and Pakshi Raja. People with Naga Dosham or Pakshi Dosham can get relief by praying  to Lord Garuda. The body of Lord Garudar is adorned by eight snakes.

Name of the Snake.	Body part of Garudar
Ananthan	Left Arm
Vasuki	Poonal/ Sacred Thread
Dakshagan	Aranal/ Hip Chain
Karkotakam	Garland
Padman	Right Ear Ring
Mahapadman	Left Ear Ring
Sangan	Hair
Kuligan	Chest

Adjacent to the Garuda Sannidhi, is also the Lakshmi Hayagriva Sannidhi, Varahar and Saraswathi. Varahar is the third avatar who rescued Bhoomi Devi from the clutches of Hiranyaksha. People wishing to regain lost wealth can get good results by praying to Lord Varahar.

Other Sannidhis include those of Senkamala Thayar, Vasudevar, Pattabhiramar, Danvanthri, Kothandaramar, Chakrathazhwar and Maetu Azhagiya Singar. Ranganayaki Thayar Sannidhi can be accessed from the outer Praharam of Perumal Sannidhi.

There is also a Vasantha Mandapam dedicated to Saint Ramanujar who attained salvation at this very place at the age of 120. The 1000th birth anniversary of Saint Ramanujar will be celebrated in 2017. He is considered to be an incarnation of Adisesha. Once in 6 months, a paste of "Pachchai Karpooram" and Saffron is applied to the murthi of Ramanujar. One can also see the Perumal idol worshipped by Saint Ramanujar in addition to the murthi of His Guru in this place.

Sthala Puranam:

According to legend, Vibheeshana carried an idol of Perumal from India to Lanka. On the way he rested on the banks of Cauvery to finish his prayers. However when he tried to take the Perumal idol again, he was not able to even move it. It was the wish of Lord Perumal to rest on the banks of River Cauvery itself and He has remained here ever since to protect his devotees.

Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar

Location:

The town of Tirupattur can be reached from Padalur which is about 25 kms from Perambalur on the route from Chennai to Trichy. After crossing Padalur and Nedungur, take a right at the junction (about a couple of kms from Nedungur) for M. R. Paalayam and Sirugur.  In about 5 kms, one can reach the temple of Bramhapureeswarar. A visit to this temple is said to guarantee not only removal of obstacles but also rewriting of one’s fate. The temple is famous as Bramha himself worshipped the Siva Lingams in this temple.

Brahmapureeswarar Temple Entrance

Sthala Puranam:  

Bramha is entrusted with duties of creation. As a five headed member of the divine trinity (others being Shiva and Vishnu), Lord Bramha became vain. Hence, He lost one of His heads and was cursed by Shiva to lose His Creation powers. As penance, Lord Bramha roamed the lands, established Siva Lingams for worship. On reaching Tirupaatur, Lord Shiva in the form of Bramhapureeswarar, pleased with Bramha’s penance, returned Bramha’s Creation powers to Him. Ambal in the form of Bramha Sampath Nayaki or Bramhanayaki returned Bramha’s lost lustre. Lord Brahma was also blessed with the powers of rewriting the fortunes of those who worshipped Him in this temple.

The 12 Lingams worshipped by Bramha are in this temple and are: Bramhapureeswarar, Pazhamalainathar,

Pathala Eswarar, Suddha Rathna Eswarar, Thayumanavar, Saptharishi Eswarar, Kalahatheeswarar, Jambukeswarar, Kailasanathar, Arunachaleswarar, Ekambreswarar and Mandookanathar.

Special Features:

The Jeeva Samadhi of Patanjali Munivar is in this temple on the Southern front. Apparently a temple which has Patala Eswarar (in the North front of the temple), will also have a Jeeva Samadhi.  Patanjali Munivar is credited with developing the Patanjali Yoga Sutra and is considered by some to be a form of Adisesha - other instances of  Adisesha forms being Lakshmana and Ramanujar.

On 3 days in the year, sun’ s rays fall directly on the Lingam. Although the Garba Griham is about 100 mts from the Temple entrance, the Garba Griham still enjoys natural lighting. Additional details can be accessed from http://www.brahmatemple.org.in/ .

Bramha

There is also a Kasi Viswanathar temple in the town of Tirupattur with the samadhi of Vyagrapadhar Sidhar . The Sidhar established a tank in this temple. It is supposed to be very benenficial to perform Upanayanam in this town.

Siruvachur Madurakaliamman

Siruvachur is a small town on the road from Chennai to Trichy near Perambalur. The temple for Madurakaliamman is very famous in this place.

Madurakaliamman temple is open only on Mondays and Fridays of a week. The main deity of this temple used to be Chelliamman who gave away the position/honour to MaduraKaliamman, her guest. Even today, the arathi is first shown for Chelliamman before the arathi for Madurakaliamman. 

Devotees offer prayers at this temple by preparing "Maavilakku Maavu" (lamp is lit in rice flour mixed with jaggery, milk and ghee). The flour Is however freshly prepared only using mortar and pestles available at the temple.

Madurakaliamman Temple Gopuram