Tuesday 12 February 2013

Chathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple at Poovanur, Pamani Naganathar Temple at Pamani, Vandurainathar Temple at Thiruvanduthurai, Sri Agneeswarar Temple at Thirukollikadu, Sri Vellimalai Nathar at Thiruthangur, Sri Nellivana Nathar Temple at Thirunellikaval, Kaichinam Kaichineswarar Templeat Kaichinam, Sri Ponvaithanathar Temple, at Thiruchitremam/ Sithamoor, Sri Vaimoornathar Temple at Thiruvaimur, Sri Brahmapureeswarar temple at Thirukolil / Thirukkuvalai, Sri Kozhundeeswarar Temple at Kottur / Mela Kottur -Paadal Petra Sthalangal Near Thiruthuraipoondi and Mannargudi.

 11, February 2013
Being a holiday for the second Saturday on 09-02-2013, in my new office  ( After my retirement in the principal office of M/s SPIC Limited ) wished to undertake my Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal yathra nearer to Thiruthuraipoondi and Mannargudi. This yathra was also a one and a half day yathra. Since some of the places I could not locate in the google map, I Started with the known places. After seeing three temples on Saturday morning I was little worried for not covering more temples. There was a Change / miracle happened in my original plan after the third temples darshan. ( The meikavalar of the temple at Thiruvanduthurai guided me to go to Thirukollikadu, instead of my original plan of visiting to Kottur ). This made me to have the darshan of 11 temples in this yathra, than I expected.

I was just in for the Uchi Kala Pooja at Kottur, which was delayed by ½ hour. I might have disappointed, if I missed the darshan at Kottur. For many temples I walked  from one place to other  with out food and water. My only aim was to cover more temples. Really I was  fortunate enough to see 11 temples using only the public transport system. In many places I had to wait long time for the bus. I was really very happy when I started from Kottur to Chennai  after completing  this yathra with lot of experiences.

09-02-2013. SATURDAY – DAY -1.
The details of the temple I had the dharshan and the route I followed are as follows. As usual I reached Thiruvarur  around 04.30 Hrs. It was too early and it was too dark. No shops were open in the bus stand.  Checked in at Hotel Selvis, since I had booked the room in advance.  After taking bath started my Yathra from Mannargudi to POOVANUR, which is on the way to Needamangalam form Mannargudi. The Temple is about 1 KM off main road. The rajagopuram is visible from main road. After darshan returned back to Mannargudi to go to PAMANI. There were two buses available for this temple. On return, a motorcyclist dropped me near the bus stand. This saved me little time to go to  THIRUVANDURAI. To reach this temple also I walked around 1 KM from Vadivaikal. After the Uchi kala pooja,  thought of going to Kottur for the evening darshan. But the meikavalars guided me to go to Thirukollikadu which is about 5 KM from there, since being a Saturday, the temple will be open throughout the day. Luckily around 12.45 hours boarded a bus. The bus dropped us about 2 KM before temple. All the passenger walked to the temple at THIRUKOLLIKADU. Since this temple Saneeswarar is Pongu Sani, people offered prayer for Sani Bhagavan.

On seeing my face and my enquiry of the way to THIRUTHENGUR, the temple authorities asked me to have the annadhanam at the temple it self and proceed to my next target. The Town bus from Thiruvarur to Thirukollikadu arrived around 14.45 hours and reached Thiruthangur temple. The temple main gate was open, but the main entrance was opened around 16.30 Hrs and had the dharshan. Slowly walked to THIRUNELLIKAVAL which was about 1.5 KM from Thiruthangur. The temple was opened for evening pooja and had the darshan of Sri Nellivananathar.

After darshan reached "Naal road " to catch the bus to KACHANAM.  This temple is also about 1 KM from Kachanam Junction.  Another 2 KM evening walk  up and down. People at the temple suggested me to take an auto to THIRUCHITREMAM ( Sithaimur ), which will be difficult to go by public transport. The Auto driver Kumar ( 9843548124) at Kachanam Junction asked  me Rs 180/- and finally agreed for Rs 150.00 to drop me back at Kachanam Junction. Since I was happy of completing my  260th  Paadal Petra Sthalam, I gave him the amount he asked.  Returned to Thiruvarur around 20.30 Hrs.

220/103.  CHATHURANGA VALLABHANATHAR TEMPLE / SRI PUSHPAVANESWARAR TEMPLE, POOVANUR


This is the 220th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 103rd sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 ( Ambal sannadhi vimanam with Rajagopuram view )

Moolavar    : Sri Pushpavananathar, Sri Sathurangavallaba Nathar.
Consort      : Sri Karpaka Valli, Sri Rajarajeswari

Some of the important features of this temple are………
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Under Rajagopuram Dhandayuthapani and Gopura Vinayagar. Rishabam, balipeedam and Dwajasthambam are after the Rajagopuram. Rishaba mandapam is covered with brass. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Annamalaiyar as Lingothbavar ( Brahma and Vishnu on both sides.), Brahma, Arthanareeswarar, Durgai, Pichadanar, Chandikeswarar.

In The mandapam, Natarajar Saba, Somaskandar ( Chembu Nandhi in standing posture, in  front believing  as Thiyagarajar ).There is no Natarajar in Natarajar Sannadhi.

Sannadhi for Karpagavalli, Rajarajeswari, Vinayagar, Lakshmi Narayanana, Kasi Viswanathar, Vasusena mannan, Agasthiyar, Iyannar, Naalvar, Kothandaramar, Valli devasena sametha Subramaniar, Mahalakshmi, Pasupatheeswarar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas and Suryan.

A Sannadhi in front mandapam  is for Samundeeswari in sitting posture with soolam. Special poojas are conducted for Sri Devi Chamundeeswari Aadipooramman ( Only Ayyappan Picture is there), Rajarajeswari Amman and Karpagavalli Amman.

ARCHITECTURE
The second level Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam.

LEGENDS
Lord Shiva played sathurangam with Ambal and married after winning. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Sathuranga vallava Nathar.

A  herbal root is given for poisonous bites as a medicine on Sundays.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The mobile numbers are : 94423 99273 and 94423 99172

HOW TO REACH :
On the bus route Mannargudi to Needamangalam   and  get down at  Poovanur bus stop/ bridge  and from there 1 KM after crossing the river. From the main road the Temple Rajagopuram is visible.
A-67 Town bus  from Mannargudi to Kalacheri runs through this village.
Poovanur is on the way from Mannargudi to Ammapettai or Mannargudi to Valangaiman.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLECLICK HERE

 ( Temple complex view )
 ( Moolavar vimanam ) 
 ( Shiva appearing from Shiva Lingam a bas-relief on the pillar)
 ( The 5 tier Rajagopuram )



221/104. PAMANI NAGANATHAR TEMPLE, PAADHALECHURAM - PAMANI. 


This place is now called as Pamani about 3 Km from City. This is the 221st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri and 104th sthalam in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

 Rishaba mandapam with dwajasthambam

Moolavar    : Sri Sarpapureeswarar, Sri Naganatha Swamy
Consort      : Sri Amirtha Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with an entrance Arch. Stucco images of Shiva’s family in the arch. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of sanctum sanctorum. One level Rajagopuram is at the entrance of Sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is of putru and having three parts  and on left side Dhanajaya Munivar. In koshtam Narthana Ganapathy, Guru Bhagavan, Annamalaiyar, Brahma and Durgai.

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Ganapathy, Nagaraja, Mumoortis, Kalingeswarar, Subramaniyar, Pancha Lingeswarar, Durgai, Durvasa, Sastha, Sthala Vinayagar, Gajalakshmi,  Lakshmi, Gnana Saraswathy, Kala Bhairavar, Shaniswarar, Navagrahas, Naalvar, Chandran and Suriyan. Guru Bhagavan is sitting on a Lions mandapam as Pillar. Simha Dakshinamurthy.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Rajarachozhan period Tamil inscriptions are found. Nattukottai Chettiar’s Thirupani. Sri Lakshmanan Chettiar and his wife sirpam are in the front mandapam.

LEGENDS
Adiseshan came out of paadhalam as Dhanajaya munivar and worshiped lord Shiva of this temple. Hence this place is being Padhaleechuram. Sukala munivar also worshiped lord Shiva of this temple

HOW TO REACH :
To temple road is passing by the side of Fertilizer factory.
Town bus A-37 from Mannargudi and and a Mini bus from Mannargudi to Rishiyur passes through this temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Dhakshinamoorthy with Sanakatha munivars)
 ( Narthana Vinayagar in Koshtam )
( Dakshinamurthy mandapam on the lions )
 Durgai in Koshtam


Entrance arch

229/112. Vandurai Nathar Temple, Thiruvanduthurai / Tiruventhurai / Thiruvendurai. 


Now this place is called as Thiruvanduthurai ( Vanduthurainathar Thirukovil ). This is the 229th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 112th Shiva Sthalam on the south side of River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

 Moolavar vimanam  with Mandapam

Moolavar  : Sri Madhuvaneswarar, Sri Barmeswarar, 
  Sri Bramapureeswarar, Sri Vendurainathar.
Consort    : Sri Sathyathaayathakshi, Sri Brahathambal, 
  Sri Vel Nedunganni.

Some of the important features of this temple are……
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar as Rishabandhikar ( hand on Rishabam) in place of lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. 

In prakaram Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Chandikeswarar and prakaram Ambal and Pichadanar.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala,  artha mandapam and a open mukha mandapam. An open mandapa was built around sanctum at a latter date. 

LEGENDS
Brunki munivar worshiped lord Shiva by making holes on the body of  Shiva Without worshiping Ambal, hence he got curse of being a vandu / bee. Hence Lord Shiva obtained the name of Vandurainathar. We can hear the “vandu reengaram / bee sound“ placing the ear on the Komukham.

Vidhyadharar, Brahman, Dhuruvan, Thirumal worshiped Lords Shiva of this temple.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line number is  04367 294 640

HOW TO REACH :
Town bus from Mannargudi to Veeraki passes through this place.
Town bus from Mannargudi to Senthangudi passes through this place.
On the bus route Mannargudi to Thiruthuraipoondi get down at Veeraki diversion road.
On Mannargudi to Thiruthuraipoondi get down at Vadivaikal and from there 2 KM.
About a KM from Mazhavarayanallur & Thattankovil

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Dakshinamurthy mandapam on the lions
 Temple complex view
 Temple complex  front view
  Rishabam mandapam with dwajasthambam.
 Arthanareeswarar in Koshtam in place of Lingothbavar
East side 3 tier Rajagopuram


232/115. SRI AGNEESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUKOLLIKADU.

 
Now this place is called as Thirukollikadu. This is the 232th  Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 115th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Back side view of moolavar vimanam

Moolavar    : Sri Agneeswarar
Consort      : Sri Miruthu Paatha Nayagi, Sri Panjin Melladiammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are.....
The temple is facing west with an entrance arch. The temple tank with Lotus flowers on the left side. The Arch has the Shiva Linga on the top. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam are in the newly built Mandapam. Moolavar is of slight red in colour and short. In koshtam Brahma, Lingothbavar (Brahma and Vishnu on both sides ), Dhakshinamoorthy, Vinayagar and Durgai.

In prakaram Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Valli Devasena sametha Villenthiya Subramaniar ( Urchavar is not in this temple ), Mahalakshmi, Sani Bhagavan, Bhairavar, Nalvar and Navagrahas. ( They are installed in U shape ).

Urchavars are Natarajar, Sivakami, Saneeswarar with his vahana and Vinayagar.

Thiripura Chakravarthy  worships Lord Shiva bas relief  on the sanctum wall to be watched.

There is separate Sannadhi for Sani Bhagavan and special poojas are performed on Saturdays and Sani Bhagavan is called as Pongu Sani in this temple. The temple is kept open through out the day.

Preparations are in progress for Kumbhabhishekam during my Visit.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. An ekathala vesara Vimana is on the sanctum.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The land line number is : 04369 237 454

HOW TO REACH :
On the bus route Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi take diversion to Thirunellikaval, Thengur  - Keeralathur and Kallikkadu.
A12 Town bus from Thiruvarur to Thirukollikadu.


LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

 Temple front view
 Thiripura Chakravarthy worshipping Lord Shiva a bas-relief on Sanctum Sanctorum wall
 Lingothbavar with Brahma and Vishnu on both sides
 Devotees offering prayers
 Dakshinamurthy sannidhi
Temple pond

233/116. Sri Vellimalainathar Temple / Thiruthangur Vellimalai Nathar Temple / SRI RAJATHAGREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUTHENGUR / Thiruthangur 


Now this place is called as Thiruthangur. This is the 233rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 116th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 
Moolavar    : Sri Rajathagreeswarar, Sri Vellimalai Nathar
Consort      : Sri Birugantha Nayagi, Sri Periya Nayagi

Some of the important features of this temple are ......
The Temple is facing east without entrance arch or  Rajagopuram. balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of mandapam. Moolavar is little tall with accamanimalai, vibuthi pattam and silver pirai looks beautiful. In koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In Prakaram Naalvar, Somaskandar, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas worshiped Shiva Lingas, Navagrahas Nayagan Saneeswarar, Navagrahas worshiped Lingams, Maha Bhairavar and Suryan. Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi.

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

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION
Inscriptions of  3rd Rajarajan, 3rd Kulothungan, 3rd Rajendran periods are found on the sanctum walls.

LEGENDS
Mahalakshmi got rid of sabam  by worshipping Lord Shiva of this temple. Thiru = ( Thirumagal), Thengur = ( staying / living place ) and this place is called as Thiruthangur )

CONTACT DETAILS 
Administrative officer of this temple mobile number is 9443753808. 
And these numbers may also be contacted  94443 54461 & 04369 237 454

HOW TO REACH  
On the bus route Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi get down at Nellikka and from there 2 Km
Town bus A12 from Thiruvarur to Thirukollikadu passes through this village.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

 Temple front view with sthala vruksham coconut tree
 Back side vimanam view
 Front entrance view
 ( Vinayagar in the artha mandapam swayambhu - head not visible )

234/117.  Sri Nellivana Nathar Temple, Thirunellikaval / Nellika.


This is the 234th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 117th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

 The 5 tier Rajagopuram, Nandhi mandapam and dwajasthambam

Moolavar  : Sri Aamlavaneswarar, Aamlakeswarar,
  Sri Nellivana Nathar, Sri Nelli Natheswarar
Consort    : Sri Aamlakeswari, Sri Mangala Nayagi

Some of the important features of this temple are ….
The temple is facing west with 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam and Dwajasthambam are after the Rajagopuram. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Brahma and Durgai.

In prakaram Naalvar, Gajalakshmi, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Saneeswarar, Nellivananathar under the Nelli tree, Bhairavar and Navagrahas. In mandapam roof  Navagrahas, 12 Rasi, Ambal’s Avatharam paintings to be seen.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS
The temple exists before 8th Century and the same was reconstructed during Chozha period and latter expanded during Pandyas and Vijayanagara period.  Inscriptions of Rajaraja Chozha period are found on the sanctum walls.

LEGENDS
Suryan, Brahman, Thirumal, Chandran, Saneeswarar ( facing Moolavar ), Gantharvar, Durvasa worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line numbers are 04369 237 507 and 04369 237 438 

HOW TO REACH : 
On the train route Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi,  Nellikka is one of the station.
On the bus route Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi after (14 KM) Pudur, ThiruNellikaval.
Town bus is available from Thiruvarur to Thirukollikadu passes through this village.
1.5 KM from Thiruthangur and 3 KM from Thiruvarur to  Thiruthuraipoondi  main road and the junction is called as Naal Road. ( Share Autos are available up to Naal Road)

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Stucco images in front of main shrine entrance
 Out side view on right hand side
Ambal sannadhi  vimanam
 Moolavar vimanam
 Ambal's avathara paintings on the ceiling
 Sthala viruksham with Nellikkai ( Amla tree )
5 tier Rajagopuram 
( Sign board at Naal Road on Thiruthuraipoondi to Mannargudi  main road)

239/122. KAICHINAM KAICHINESWARAR TEMPLE, KAICHINAM - KACHANAM.  


This place is now called as Kachanam. This is the 239th Devaram Paadal petra Shiva Sthalam and 122nd sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in  Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Rajagopuram view from inside temple

Moolavar    : Sri Kaichineswarar, Sri Karachinaeswarar
Consort      : Sri Suvedhavalai Nayagi , Sri Velvalai Nayagi

Some of the important features of this temple are ……..
This is one of the Mada Temple built by Ko Chenkat Chozha. The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam and Dwajasthambam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. In Koshtam Dakshinamurthy is as Rishabaroodar,

Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Vidhooman worshiped Vidhoo Shiva Lingam,  Subramaniyar, Ambal, Perumal, Kasi Viswanathar, Agasthiya Lingam,  Arumuga Perumal,  Gajalakshmi, Navagrahas, Bhairavar, Vinayagar, Saneeswarar, Kangu Vana nathar   and Suryan. Somaskandar as Sri Thyagaraja In a separate Sannadhi. Jyeshta Devi  ( Thavvai ) moortham also available.

Ambal is in a separate temple sannadhi.

ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum Sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. A Vesara Vimana is on the sanctum. 

LEGENDS
Thirunavindhu, Indiran, Agasthiyar ( got cured from Brahmahathi dosham ) worshiped lord Shiva of this temple. Indiran made this lingam with sand hence his hand marks are called as Kaichinnam.

CONTACT DETAILS 
The mobile number is : 94865 33293

HOW TO REACH 
The place Kaichinam is on the route Thiruvarur to

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE

 Nataraja with Sivagami
 Temple Complex view
 Natarajar Sannadhi only painting inside
Rishabam 
 Rajagopuram with Dwajasthambam

223/106.  PONVAITHANATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUCHITREMAM - SITHAMOOR. 


Now this place is called as   Sithamoor. This is the 223rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 106th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Rajagopuram view from inside

Moolavar    : Sri Swarna Sthabaneswarar, Sri Ponvaithanathar
Consort      : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the important features of this temple are as follows.
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Urchavars are Velavar, Somaskandar, Aadipoora Amman, Pradosha Nayagar, Chandrasekar, Sambandar and a Chettiar with his wife.

In prakaram Kanni Vinayagar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Brahmarishi, Iyannar, Bairavar, Shani Bhagwan, Suryan and  Viswanathar.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam. A two tier vesara Vimana is on the sanctum. 

LEGENDS
There is story of Lord Shiva helped for livelihood in the form of gold coin for a Chetti Lady whose husband was away on Business. When her husband was suspected she proved that she was innocent. For this Lord Shiva Changed the place of Sthala Vruksham and balipeedam. The doors of the main shrine was opened after Artha jama pooja by itself.

The king who ruled Muthrasapuram excavated Shiva Lingam from the earth where the milk was poured. Moolavar has a scar which was hit during excavation.

Honey comb is seen in the artha mandapam. It is believed that Brahma Rishi worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple as honey bee.

HOW TO REACH :
On the bus route Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi get down at  Alathambadi from there  Sithamoor  is 3 KM.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Moolavar vimanam
 Rajagopuram view after dusk 

10-02-2013, SUNDAY – DAY -2.
After vacating the hotel boarded a bus to Vedaranyam for my second ½ day’s Yathra. Since I had  collected the details of buses to Thiruvaimur, reached THIRUVAIMUR with out much difficulty. after crossing Thirukkuvalai and Ettukudi. After morning pooja darshan  a motorcyclist dropped me at ETTUKUDI, a murugan temple. Luckily I got a bus to THIRUKUVALAI and I was fortunate enough to see the Vidanga darshan and Abhishekam. It was a long wait for me at Thirukkuvalai, about 2 hours to get a bus to  Thiruthuraipoondi. Finally I reached the last targeted temple of KOTTUR on the main road. ( about 1 KM off Main road to Thenambal Temple as per local people).  Here also I was fortunate enough  to have the Uchi Kala pooja darshan. The total temples covered in this second day’s yathra was  3  and my total score reached 263.

Thanks to Lord Shiva for the Darshan of all the temples.

241/124. SRI VAIMOORNATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUVAIMUR.


This is the 241st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 124th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

The East side 3 tier Rajagopuram 

Moolavar    : Sri Vaimoornathar
Consort      : Sri Sheerobavasani, Sri Paalin nanmozhiyal.  

Some of the important features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are immediately after the rajagopuram. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, hand is  on Rishabam, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

This is one of the saptha vidanga sthalam ( Vidangar – Neela Vidangar, Nadanam – Kamala Nadanam, seat – Rathna Simhasanam ).

In prakaram Naalvar and Bhairavar. In the inner prakaram Vinayagar, Valli Devasena sametha Subramaniar, Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas ( all are in one row ), Neela Vidangar, Vedaranyeswarar, Nalvar, Avudayar, Sathyanarayani Amman, Agora Bhairavar, Ananda Bhairavar, Uthanda Bhairavar,  Bala Bhairavar, Siva Suryan and Chandran. A bas relief of Valmiki Maharishi worshiping Lord Shiva is above the jolly/ window. 

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The Adhistanam is of simple pada bandha adhistanam with three patta kumudam. An Ekathala Vesara Vimanam is over the sanctum Sanctorum. The First Thala is extended up to greevam. Koshatas are in the Greevam.  

LEGENDS
Lord Shiva asked Appar to follow him to Vaaimur by saying “Vaimuril iruppom thodarnthu vaa“. வாய்முயூரில் இருப்போம்  தொடர்ந்து வா- There is a Shiva Sannadhi in parallel to Moolavar sannadhi called “Apparukku Kaatchi Kodutha  Shivan“ ( Lord Shiva Who gave darshan to Appar. ). Suryan  also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

CONTACT DETAILS :
More details may be obtained through this mobile 97862 44876.

HOW TO REACH :
The place is in the road diversion to Ettukudi on the Nagapattinam to Thiruthuraipoondi.
Thiruvarur to Vedaranyam bus passes through this village

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Sri Vanmiki Siddhar worshiping Lord  Shiva a bas-relief on the Sanctum Sanctorum wall ( It is not the siddhar - But the King who built this temple... 
 Narthana Vinayagar in Koshtam
 Dakshinamurthy in koshtam sitting on Rishabam with out sanagatha munivars
 Moolavar vimanam
 Front side view
 Agora Bhairavar and Ananda Bhairavar
 Moolavar Vimanam

240/123. SRI BRAHMAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUKOLILI - THIRUKKUVALAI


Now this place is called as Thirukkuvalai. This is the 240th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 123rd Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Main shrine entrance

Moolavar  : Sri Brahmapureeswarar, Sri Kolilinathar,
  Sri Kolili Natheswarar.
Consort    : Sri Vandamarpoonguzhali.

Some of the important features of this temple are ……
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The sthala purana stucco image is on the Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam are in a mandapam. In koshtam Arthanareeswarar, Brahma, Durgai, Umamaheswarar, Natarajar, Narthana Ganapathy, Pichadanar, Dakshinamurthy, Thirumal with sangu and chakram.

In Prakaram Sundarar with his wife Paravai, Thyaga Vinayagar, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Indira Pureeswarar, Chokkalingam, Annamalaiyar, Naalvar, Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas ( all are facing south direction in a single row).

This temple Thyagarajar is the second to Thiruvarur Thyagarajar. This is also one of the saptha vidanga sthalam ( Avani Vidangar and Dance is Birunga Nadanam ).

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam images in the form of arch at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. A ekathala stucco vesara vimanam is on the sanctum. 

LEGENDS
Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. To get rid of dosham ( Brahmahathi dosham) by killing Bahasuran, Beeman worshiped Lord of this temple. The sthala vruksham is  "Thetha maram".

Moolavar is of white sand and always covered with Kuvalai and hence this place is called as Thirukkuvalai.

CONTACT DETAILS :
More details may be obtained by dialing this mobile 97862 44876.
Land line number is 04366 245 412

HOW TO REACH :
On the bus route Thiruvarur to Ettukudi –before Ettukudi.
Thiruvarur to Vedaranyam bus passes through this village.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  CLICK HERE

 Moolavar vimanam
 Sri Durgai with Sri Uma Maheswarar and Sri Pichadanar
 Dakshinamurthy with sanagatha munivars
 Navagrahas in a single row
 Sundarar with Paravai Nachiyar
 Sthala Vruksham "Thetha maram"
 Temple complex view
 The inner Rajagopuram
The east side 5 tier Rajagopuram 

228/111. SRI KOZHUNDEESWARAR TEMPLE /AKRAPARAMESWARAR TEMPLE, KOTTUR /Mela Kottur.


This is the 228th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 111st sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Front view of the temple with Dwajasthambam

Moolavar    : Sri Kozhundeeswarar, Sri Sameevaneswarar
Consort      : Sri Mathupaashini, Sri Thenar Mozhiyal, Sri Thenambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing west with an entrance arch. A 3 tier Rajagopuram with a mandapam is in front of sanctum sanctorum. In between the two Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam. In Koshtam, Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In Prakaram Chandran, Mahavishnu with Bhudevi and Sridevi, Naalvar, Subramaniyar, Akoraveerabathrar, Arambai is in Penance posture ( Standing on one leg ), Umamaheswarar, Arthanareeswarar, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Vallabha Ganapati, Gajalakshmi, Suryan and Chandikeswarar.

Pradhosa moorthy is also the Moola moorthy is a special in this temple. In Saba, Natarajar, Sivakami and Manickavasagar ( These moorthams are found in a village Mayileru puram during ploughing ). 

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam. A mandapam was built around the sanctum.  

LEGENDS
Arambai and Iravatham worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple. There are Nine theerthangal.

CONTACT DETAILS :
Mobile and Land line numbers are : 97861 51763 and 04367 279 781

HOW TO REACH :
This place is on the main road from Mannargudi to Thiruthuraipoondi.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  CLICK HERE

 Moolavar vimanam with mandapam
 Dakshinamurthy with sanagatha munivars
 The 3 tier Rajagopuram view from inside
 Main shrine entrance Rajagopuram
 Front arch and Sivachariyar is leaving after uchikaala Pooja
  The musician is preparing leather for his mathalam 
The arch on the road side 
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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