Wednesday 28 September 2011

Sri Viruthapureeswarar Temple/ Pazhampathinathar Temple, Thirupunavasal Shiva Temple, Sri Adhi Rathneswarar Temple, Thiruvadanai, Swarnakaleeswarar Temple, Kalayarkoil / Thirukanaper and Sri Athmanathar Temple, Avudayarkoil / Thiruperundurai - Padal Petra Sthalangal of Pandiya Nadu..

 28, September 2011
After Completing the Darshans of Paadal Petra Sthalangal of NADU NAADU, on 23rd and 24th  September 2011, had been to the Paadal Petra Sthalangal  of Pandya Naadu. Out of 14 Temples, I had covered 5 temples already when I was working  for M/s  SPIC, Tuticorin Fertilizer Plant. ( Tirunelveli, Courtallam, Madurai  Aalavai, Thiruparankundram, Rameswaram ). Had been to Thiruchuli, but I did not gone to the temple, long back and not aware of it.

This time I had been to Three Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Pandya Nadu and Thiruvasakam Paadal Petra Sthalam, Thiruperundurai ( Avudayarkoil) The details I gathered and the photos I had taken through my mobile are enclosed.

251/7. SRI VIRUTHAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUPPUNAVASAL.


(Since I reached the temple about 7.00 o’ clock night I could not take clear day light pictures, through my mobile.)
This is the 251st Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the banks of river Pambaru ( Sarba nadhi ) and 7th sthalam of Pandya Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

( Night view of the Dakshinamoorthy sannadhi with Stucco image above )

Moolavar    : Sri Viruthapureeswarar, Sri Pazhampathi Nathar, 
                   Sri Mahalingeswarar.
Consort      : Sri Bhiruntha Nayaki, Sri Periya Nayaki.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram.  In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy ( in yoga posture ), Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. Vishnu and Anjanayer are installed instead of Lingothbavar. It is believed to be 3000 years old and Lord Shiva is called as Pazhampathi Nathar. 

ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. The Moolavar Vimana is taller than the Rajagopuram.

It was told that the temple at Thanjavur was constructed by seeing this temple. To prove this the Moolavar Lingam is 9 feet high  and avudayar is 33 feet circumference & 5.5 feet high  and komugi is 3.5 feet.

LEGENDS
It is believed that Worshiping Shiva in this temple is equal to worshiping of all 14 temples of Pandya nadu ( 14 Lingams are installed ).  The Vinayagar is Aakanda Vinayagar ( Aakandan – Indra -worshiped the lord).

Kudaivarai Kali ( aroopam ) temple is on the north east corner of the temple premises, which we can see only through a mirror.

HOW TO REACH :
Buses available from Avudayarkoil, Aranthangi and Thiruvadanai.
Taxi to pick up and drop available from Avudayarkoil, ( they may charge Rs 600.00 to Rs 1000. ( The road is toooooo  bad ).

CONTACT DETAILS :
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Moolavar Vimanam )
Moolavar vimanam 

253/9. SRI ADHI RATHNESWARAR TEMPLE, 
THIRUVADANAI


Now this place is called Thiruvadanai. This is the 253rd  Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 9th  Sthalam in Pandya nadu. ThirugnanaSambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

(The 9 tier  Rajagopuram.)

Moolavar    : Sri Aathirathneswarar, Sri Ayagajaeswarar
Consort      : Sri Snehavalli, Sri Anbayeravalli.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 130 feet high, nine tiers Rajagopuram. Balipeedam Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In the prakaram Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Murugan, Somaskandar, Lakshmi and Sabha mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar Lingam is made out of Blue Rathinam. 
  
Ambal is in a separate sannadhi in chathurbhuja posture facing east. Corridor is beautifully constructed  with rock pillars with many sculptures. 

LEGENDS
As per the legend, due to curse of Durvasa muni, Varunan’s son Vaaruni has got the Elephant body with goat's head ( ஆடு + ஆனை = ஆடானை ). By worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple the curse was removed and he got the original form. Hence this place is called as Thiruvadanai.

It is believed that Suryan installed and worshiped the moolavar.

HISTORY 
The temple is under the control of Ramanathapuram Rajah’s family.

HOW TO REACH : 
Buses from Karaikudi ( 20 KM ), Devakottai ( 10 KM) to Thondi passes through this place Thiruvadanai. 
Buses from Trichy, Madurai to Thondi passes through Thiruvadanai.

CONTACT DETAILS:

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE



( Front mandapam pillars )

254/10. SWARNA KAALEESWARAR TEMPLE, 
KALAYARKOIL - ( THIRUKANAPER )  


This place is now called as Kalayarkoil. This is the 254th  Thevaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 10th  sthalam in Pandiya Naadu. Thirugnanasambandar & Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple. 

( Rajagopuram's view )

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with Two 9 Tier and 5 Tier Rajagopuras. There are Three sanctum and Centre one is the Padal petra Sthalam. All the three sannadhis has the  Balipeedam, Nandhi and Dwajasthambam.
Moolavar                     Consort
Swarna Kaaleeswarar       Sri Sornavalli
Sri Somesar                     Sri Soundaravalli
Sri Sundaresar                 Sri Meenakshi

Some of the important features of this temple are....
There are three Shiva Sannadhi with two Rajagopuram in a single premises.  The sanctum sanctorum is  few feet below the ground level. 
The center Swarna Kaleeswarar is old and Paadal Petra swayambu lingam.
  
It was told that Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple Rajagopuras can be seen from the Tallest rajagopuram.  There is a local kummi -கும்மி song available for this Rajagopuram.  "மதுரை கோபுரம் தெரியக் கட்டிய  மருதுபாண்டியன்   வாராண்டி " ).

HISTORY
During Britisher's period Maruthu Pandiyar saved the Rajagopuram by surrendering himself and latter he was killed by the Britishers. 

LEGENDS
As per the legend Goddess Kali worshiped Shiva and turned to sornam ( Gold colour ) from black.

In Sundarar’s dream, when was at Thiruchuli,  Lord Shiva came in  the form of Kalaimadu with sendu in one hand and Chuzhi on the forehead and said he is in Kanaper. Since Lord Shiva came in the form of Kaalai madu the place is called as Kalayar Kovil.

HOW TO REACH:
Buses available from from Karaikudi, Sivagangai, Devakottai, Madurai to this place.
On the train route get down at Nattarasankottai on the Chennai to Rameswaram and Trichy to Manamadurai.

CONTACT DETAILS :

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( A mandapam )
Moolavar vimanam
( Inner corridor )
( Someswarar sannadhi entrance arch )
( Sorna keeswarar sannadhi Rajagopuram - Entrance is not through this )


SRI ATHMANATHAR TEMPLE,  AVUDAIYARKOIL /THIRUPERUNTHURAI

This is one of the Thiruvasagam, by Manickavasagar Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam.   

Moolavar    : Sri Athmanatheswarar, Sri Guruswamy, 
                   Sri Paramaswamy,   Sri Athmanathar
Consort      : Sri Yogambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a Mukha mandapam. The Rajagopuram is of seven tiers, which is visible from a long distance. There is no Rishabam, Dwajasthambam / Kodimaram and balipeedam. Only Avudai is in the temple, in place of Shivalinga is called as Avudayarkoil. In this temple both Lord Shiva and Ambal  has no idols, since both are in aroopam state.

This temple is famous for its sculpture and architecture. Kodungai of the mandapams were made in a single stone shaped to small thickness and joined together. ( even to day the sculptors used to enter in an agreement for constructing anew temple, “Kodungaikal will not be similar to Avudaiyarkoil “). Bullet marks by the Britishers can also be seen.  It is amazing to see the stone statues on the pillars and the stone chains hanging from the roof.

The naivedyam is boiled rice satham kept on the stone slab in front of the Avudayar. Only steam from the satham is the naivedyam. The vegetables offered in the temple are Bitter guard, spinach / Keerai, which are not offered in any other temples. ( To teach vedam to Anthanar children, Lord Shiva was offered keerai, bitter guard by the Anthanars).
  
Sthala vruksham is Kurantha Maram, under which Lord taught Manickavasagar. The specialty of the tree leaves is, they have three different smells. 

HOW TO REACH:
Frequent buses available from Aranthangi on Aranthangi ( 14 KM ) to Mimisal.
Buses are available to Aranthangi from Thanjavur, Madurai, Chennai, Karaikudi, Trichy etc.

CONTACT DETAILS:

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Temple entrance arch
Front mandapam with Rajagopuram view
Front mandapam kodungaikal ( roof side )
Lord Shiva's oorthava thandavam - Pillar sculpture in front mandapam
Lord Shiva as Rishabanthigar sculpture on the pillar  in the front mandapam
Lord Shiva's another posture
Rajagopuram side view
One of the shrine's vimanam
( mandapam arch Stucco images )
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Sri Padaleeswarar Temple, Cuddalore / Thirupathiripuliyur, Sri Mangalapureeswarar Temple, Thiruchopuram, Sri Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple / Sivakkozhuntheeswarar Temple Theerthanagiri/ Thiruthinai Nagar and Sri Vamanapureeswarar Temple, Thirumanikuzhi, Cuddalore District Tamil nadu.

 20, September 2011
On 17th September 2011, went to ( last leg of Nadu Naadu Temples ) the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal near Cuddalore. Really I enjoyed this trip, since I traveled  in all mode, walking to a distance of 3 Kilometers, pillion rider on the motor cycle, then on the Mahindra / TATA kutti yanai, town bus, share auto. etc. There are 4 temples near Cuddalore. With this I had completed all the 22 Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Nadu Naadu. The route I followed is as follows.

Chennai to Tindivanam ( about 2.30 Hrs by bus from Guindy )- Tindivanam to Pondy by Private bus (which goes inside the villages ( Reader/ devotees do not travel by type of transport )- Pondy to Cuddalore - Thirupathiripuliyur Padaleeswarar Temple ( By walk from bus stand &  return to bus stand by walk- Thiruchopuram by Town bus ( Parangipettai) - got down at Thiruchopuram - Thiruchopuram to Alapakkam - (By   mahindra mini transport vehicle - From Alapakkam to Mettupalayam by Town bus - From Mettupalayam to Thiruthinai Nagar ( Theerthanagiri ) - half way by Motor cycle and half way by town bus - Theerthanagiri to Mettupalayam by Mahindra Mini lorry  - from Mettupalayam to Cuddalore by Town bus- From Cuddalore to Thirumanikuzhi by Town bus and walk to about 1.5 Km by walk - From Thirumanikuzhi to Thiruvanthipuram by pillion rider on TVS mopet and Thiruvanthipuram to Cuddalore by share auto. - from Cuddalore to Chennai by bus via Tindivanam Tambaram. The private vehicles do not charged me any thing. Hence I extend my sincere thanks to those drivers to carry me to complete the darshan yatra.

50/18. PADALEESWARAR TEMPLE, 
THIRUPATHIRIPULIYUR

 
This is 50th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 18th sthalam of Nadu Naadu on the banks of river Kedilam. Thirunavukkarasar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram view from inside temple

Moolavar    : Sri Padaleeswarar, Sri  Sri Karaiyearteeswarar.
Consort      : Sri Bruhindanayagi, Sri Periyanayagi, 
                   Sri Aruvantha Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
Architecture of the temple sculptures are  very nice and beautiful. Ambal sannathi is built separately. 

LEGENDS
Thirunakkarasu  Swamigal was thrown in to sea with stone tied on his body  by Samanars. By Gods grace Thirunavukkarasar came to shore (Kadal karai ), hence Shiva is called as Karaiyearteeswara).

Viyakkarapatha Munivar ( Pulikal Munivar ) worshiped in the temple hence the place  end with puliyur ( Thirupathiripuliyur ).

HOW TO REACH
It is centre of the new Town Cuddalore and very near to bus-stand and railway station.
Frequent buses are available from  all the major cities of Tamil Nadu to Cuddalore.

CONTACT DETAILS
The land line number is +91 4142  236 728.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE CLICK HERE

Vimanas of the prakaram sannadhis
Stucco images of the rajagopuram
View of the front mandapam with rajagopuram 

38/6. MANGALAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUCHOPURAM
This is the 38th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 6th sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
  
Moolavar  vimanam

Moolavar    : Sri Mangalapureeswarar, Sri Thiruchopuranathar.
Consort     : Sri Thyagavalli ( Near by place is called a Thiyagavalli),
                   Sri Velnedinganni,  Sri Sathyakshi.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Once the temple was completely submerged in the sand and latter the same was renovated by Madurai Ramalinga Yogi. 

Inscriptions belongs to  Chozha and Pandya’s period. There is no Rajagopuram and the temple is facing west.

LEGENDS
From the history after removing the sand it was observed that the lamp near the Shiva deity was burning. This shows that regular pooja was conducted by Devas/ Munivars even though the moolavar was completely covered with sand.

HOW TO REACH : 
Town bus going to Parangipettai goes via Thiruchopuram.
Cuddalore to Chidambaram road, get down at Alapakkam  and 2 KM from main Road.
Very near to  Nagarjuna Oil refinery, which is under Construction.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The mobile number is +91 94425 85845.

LOCATION  :CLICK HERE

Saba mandapam vimanam
( Entrance of the temple with bell maadam  on the top )

37/5. SIVAKKOZHUNTHESWARAR TEMPLE, THEERTHANAGIRI - THIRUTHINAI NAGAR


Now the place is called as Theerthanagiri. This is 37th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam  and 5th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.

Moolavar vimanam

Moolavar    : Sri Sivakkozhuntheswarar, Sri Shivalingeswarar
Consort      : Sri Neelathakshi, Sri Oppila Nayagi, Sri Karuthadanayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are.....
HISTORY
As per Sivanadiyar Ramalingam Vairakannu the present name of "Theerthana giri" is a changed name  from the ancient name of "THEERTHA NAGARI" This information is from the British manual, a book of inscriptions of Madras presidency.

LEGENDS
The name Thiru Thinai Nagar called by devotees  is from a story, which is chiseled in the form of relief available on the temple wall. The story is,  Lord Shiva in the form of Vellalar, sowed the millet Thinai and grown. Lord Shiva on the rishaba vahana gave darshan to the vellalars.

CONTACT DETAILS 
Archakar Subramania Aiyar can be contacted for darshan  on 9047140464, 9150151195 & 04142 278324
Alternatively this mobile may be contacted 94434 34024.

HOW TO REACH  
Town Bus route No 34  available from Cuddalore. For more details please refer the comments.
Town bus roué No 39 available from Mettupalayam ( Mettupalayam is about 20 KM from Cuddalore to Chidambaram route ) starts from Kurinjipadi.

LOCATION  :CLICK HERE

Bus stop at Mettupalayam to Theerthanagiri Map : CLICK HERE

Sthala purana bas-reliefs sculptures on the wall
Sthala purana bas-reliefs sculptures on the wall
Narthana vinayagar in koshtam
Rajagopuram view from Dwajasthambam
Ambal temple view from Dwajasthambam 


49/17. VAMANAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, 
THIRUMANIKUZHI
This is the 49th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 17th sthalam on the banks of river Kedilam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Temple complex view from moolavar vimanam

Moolavar    : Sri Vamanapureeswarar, Sri Uthavinayagar,
                   Sri Manikkavarathar
Consort      : Sri Ambushakshi, Sri Uthavinayagi, Sri Manikkavalli.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
LEGENDS
As per hear say  this temple is the 1st  among 1008 Shiva temples.  This is the only Shiva Sthalam, where one can have darshan with the help of Archakar. It is believed that Shiva is always with Ambal and is guarded by Sivagana Bheema Rudhra  ( also known as Beemangaran  printed on the front screen). Hence aarathi will be shown first to Beemarutharar to get permission and then to Shiva. After aarathi  screen will be closed. Since Shiva is always with Ambal there is no palliyarai in this temple. 

It is believed that Thirumal worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple at the end of Vamana Avathar ( to remove sin caused by killing Mahabali Chakravarthy ). 

Also it is believed that by worshiping Shiva in this temple will be equal to worshiping of 16 times Kasi, 3 times Thiruvannamalai and 3 times Chidambaram. 

Sthala puranam is chiseled on the front entrance of sannathi.
 
Sthala puranam bas-reliefs sculptures in front of moolavar sannadhi
Sthala puranam bas-reliefs sculptures in front of moolavar sannadhi 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
SPIC- PHARMA, Cuddalore employees also participated in the lighting of main temple. Thanks to their service.

HOW TO REACH :
Cuddalore to Panruti bus 16 & 16 are going through Thirumanikuzhi. ( 1.5  Km walk and cross the river bridge ).

CONTACT DETAILS: 
Archakar can be contacted for darshan  Gurukal Natarajan  +919486387154
Alternatively this land lime may also be contacted +91 4142  224 328.

LOCATION : CLICK HERE

Rajagopuram side view
Moolavar vimanam
---OM SIVAYA NAMA ---

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Sri Sudarkozhundeesar Temple / Pralayakaleswarar Temple, Pennadam, Sri Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunelvayil Arathurai, Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple, Erukkattampuliyur / Rajendrapattinam, Sri Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple, Koodalaiyathoor, and Sri Virudhagireeswarar Temple, Virudhachalam, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

07, September 2011.
On 4th September 2011, went to 5 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal  of Nadu Naadu near Virudhachalam. Except Virudhachalam and Pennadam, I could not get the clear idea of travelling by public transport. Hence I hired a Taxi and went to the temples. Even-though I hired a taxi I could complete only 4 temples in the morning session.

34/2. SUDARKOZHUNDEESAR TEMPLE, ( PRALAYAKALESWARAR TEMPLE ), PENNADAM


This is the 34th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 2nd sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram with Rishabam  Mandapam

Moolavar    : Sri Sudarkozhundeesar, Sri Piralayakaleswarar
Consort      : Sri Aamothanambal, Sri Kadanthai Nayagi , 
                   Sri Azhakiya Kathali.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Rishabam is in a mandapam immediately after the entrance arch. A 5 tier Rajagopuram is at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and a Rishabam are in front of the mukha mandapam. 

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The Vimanam is of Gajabrushtam style of construction, ie back of elephant and hence  this temple also called as Thoonganai Mada Kovil. 
 
Gajabirushta vimanam with Chandikeswarar sannadhi

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The original temple is believed to be constructed during 7th to 8th Cenrtury and latter received contributions from Chozhas, Vijayanagaras. The sanctum walls are full of inscriptions.

Pennadam is the birth place of Kalikamba Nayanar  and Marai Gnanasambandar. Appar got the symbol of  soolam and Idabam from lord Shiva of this temple.

LEGENDS
Devakanniyar, Kamadhenu and White elephant worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple, hence Siva of this temple is called as Pen+ Aa + dagam.  The Rishabam is viewing out side the temple  to stop flood in the Vellar river.

HOW TO REACH :
17 Km from Virudhachalam and  frequent buses are available from Virudhachalam

CONTACT DETAILS :
The landline and mobile numbers are : +91 4143 222 788 and +91 98425 64768

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Mada Koil - (Kept locked )
Kodimaram with Nandhi Mandapam
Back side view of Moolavar vimanam ( Tamil epigraph are found on the wall of karuvarai)
Ambal sannadhi Vimanam
Entrance Arch with stucco images 

33/1. THEERTHAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, 
THIRUNELVAYIL ARATHURAI

This is the 33rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 1st sthalam in Nadu Nadu on the banks of river Neeva. Moovar Padal petra Shiva sthalam. This village is now called as Thiruvatturai / Thiruvathurai.
  
5 tier Rajagopuram

Moolavar    : Sri Anandeeswarar, Sri Theerthapureeswarar
Consort      : Sri Amandha Nayagi, Sri Thiripura Sundari, 
                   Sri Arathurai Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. There is an entrance arch for the sanctum sanctorum. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Subramaniar sannadhis are in the prakaram.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam.

Colourfull moolavar vimanam

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION
It is believed that the original temple belongs to 7th to 8th Century and reconstructed as a stone temple during Chozha period. The Kumbhabhishekam was conducted recently.

LEGENDS
The Nandhi’s head is up and turned to right to stop flood in the river Nevaa.  Gnanasambandar has got Muthu palanquin/ Pallakku and Muthu Kodai (Umbrella) in this Temple

HOW TO REACH : 
Just 5 Km from Pennadam on the Thittakudi Road. 
22 Km from Virudhachalam

CONTACT DETAILS:
The Land line number is :  +91 4143 246 467

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Entrance arch with kodimaram / Flag staff
Amman sannadhi entrance arch Stucco images


36/4. NEELAKANDESWARAR TEMPLE, RAJENDRAPATTINAM, 
ERUKKATTAMPULIYUR.

Now this village is called as Rajendra Pattinam which has no relation to the original name. This is the 36th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 4th Sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

5 Tier rajagopuram

Moolavar    : Sri Neelakandeswarar, Sri Swetharanyeswarar
Consort      : Sri Abeethakuja Nayagi, Sri Neelamalar kanni, 
                   Sri Neelorbalaambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and Temple tank is in front.  Ambal sannathi is on the left side, both Lord Shiva & Ambal are facing the same east direction. 

ARCHITECTURE 
The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, ardhamandapam and mukha mandapam. A Vesara Vimana is over the sanctum sanctroum.

Lot of white Erukku ( calotropis gigantea - Sthala  vruksham ) plants at the back of the temple. The temple Vimana is not maintained properly. We can see lot of weeds and plants on the Vimana.


LEGENDS
Munivar  Viyakrapathar (Legs are Tigers leg shape) worshiped lord Shiva of this temple. There are 5 more Padal Petra sthalangal the name ending with Puliyur.  

HOW TO REACH :
On the way to Virudhachalam to Srimushnam route via Karuveppilai Kurichi. The Village is on the main road and the temple is about a KM from the main road.
12 Km on the Jayankondam route.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The land line and mobile numbers are : +91 4143 243 533 and +91 93606 37784

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Ambal sannadhi Vimanam
Moolavar sannadhi vimanam


35/3. NARTHANA VALLABESWARAR TEMPLE.
THIRUKOODALAIYATHOOR.


This is the 35th Devaram paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the junction of rivers Vellaru and Manimuthar and 3rd Sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar vimanam

Moolavar    : Sri Narthana Vallabeswarar, Sri Nerikkattu Nathar
Consort      : Sri Parasakthi, Sri Ganasakthi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a newly built 3 tier Rajagopuram. In koshtam Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Ashtabhuja Durgai. There is no navagraha sannidhi and only Sani bhagavan moortham is available.

There are two Ambal Sannathis in this temple. Vibhuti is given in Sri Parasakthi Ambal Sannidhi and Kungum is given in Ganasakthi ambal sannadhi.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar vimanam is of two tiers. 

The temple is under renovation and preparing for the Kumbhabhishekam during my Visit. This is a reconstructed temple after it was washed away by the flood from Manimukhaaru.

LEGENDS
On the way to Thirumdhukundram Lord Shiva in the form of  andhanar directed him the way to this temple as “Koodalaiaartrirku vazhi ikthu “ and disappeared.

HOW TO REACH  
Nearly 5 km from Srimushnam. Rarely mini bus is available.
20 Km from Chidambaram to Sethiyathope route.
Town bus from Chidambaram to Kaavalaadi passes through this village

CONTACT DETAILS  
Land line number : +91 4144 208 704

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE


Ambal sannadi
Rajagopuram under construction

41/9. VIRUDHAGIREESHWARAR TEMPLE, VIRUDHACHALAM - THIRUMUDUKUNDRAM

The present name is Virudhachalam and it is a Sanskrit word. This is the 41st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and  9th sthalam in Nadu Naadu.  Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram on east side

Moolavar    : Sri Virudhagireeshwarar, Pazhamalai Nathar
Consort      : Sri Viruthambigai, Periya Nayagi, Balambigai.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 5 Tier Rajagopuram. Ambal is in a separate temple facing east with Rajagopuram.   on the outer Prakaram at North side of Rajagopuram entrance. 

In the Vanniadi prakaram sannadhi for Pancha Lingams, Vallabha Ganapathi, Meenakshi Chokkalingam, Vishwanatha Lingam, Arumugar, Sahasra Linga, Ekambra Lingam, Jambu Lingam, Annamalaiyar. 

On the way to Periyanayagi Amman sannadhi, sannadhi for Navagrahas, Dhandapani.

In the third parakaram sannadhi for 63var, Naalvar, Vinayagar, Rishabaroodar, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Saptamatrikas, Rudra, Matruraitha Vinayagar, Varuna Lingam, Mooppilayar, Dakshinamurthy, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Vallabha Ganapathi, Chinna Pazhamalai Nathar, Bindu Madhava Perumal, Mayura Murugan.

In Ilamai Nayaki Amman Temple sannadhi for Gajalakshmi, Bairavar, Surya Lingam and Suryan.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple is in a huge complex consisting of  5 Rajagopurams and 5 Prakarams. Bas-Reliefs of 72 Bharatanatyam dance karanas/styles are available in the 16 pillar mandapam, in front of east side Rajagopuram.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
72 Tamil inscriptions were traced so far and there are many more inscriptions available in this temple. These inscriptions are  from 10th century. 

LEGENDS
The temple sthala vruksham is Vanni Tree and the same is believed to be of older than 3000 years. The temple is believed to be on the hill, of very old ( Pazhamalai ). The hill is below the present temple.  It is believed that departed human soul  will be soothed by Lord Shiva and Ambal  with the Shivaya nama mandhiram.

CONTACT DETAILS 
The land line number is +91 4143 230 203

HOW TO REACH 
23 KM from Ulundurpet on Chennai to Madurai High way.
Frequent buses available from Chennai and major cities of Tamil Nadu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE



erotic Stucco images in small temple Rajagopuram on the outer prakaram
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---