Wednesday 13 March 2013

Sri Neeneri Nathar Temple at Thandalai Neeneri, Sri Parijatha Vana Nathar at Thirukkalar, Sri Mandhirapurieswarar Temple at Thiruvusathanam / Kovilur, Sri Karpakanathar Temple at Kadikulam, Sri Sarguna Nathar Temple, at Idumbavanam, Sri Vedaranyeswarar Temple at Thirumaraikkadu / Vedaranyam, Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Agasthian Palli, Sri Kodi Kuzhagar Temple at Kodiyakarai - Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal darshan near Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Vedaranyam.

  12, March 2013
On 9th and 10th March 2013, after a gap of one month I, had undertaken this this Yathra. This was   a 1 and ½ day yathra. This time I stayed at Thiruvarur  and went to the temples using the public transport. Hence most of my time was spent towards waiting for the bus. For the two temples at Thirukalar and Kovilur, I had taken a bi- cycle for rent, after  producing my ID card. This was the special yathra to me. The reasons are...

 9th March 2013, is a Sani Prathosam day.
10th  March, 2013, is the Maha Shiva Rathri.

Covering 8 temples in this yathra and the total Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal has crossed to 271.( The remaining are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Indraneela Parvatham and 2 temples in Sri Lanka ).

The yathra was very pleasant and Lord Shiva gave darshan in all the temples. I enjoyed to participate the Sani Pradosam at Kovilur ( preparation for the Prathosam ), Kadikulam ( Abhishekam and Pooja for Nandhiam peruman ) and Idumbavanam ( After Nadhi devar’s abhishekam and Pooja, the procession in the prakaram and around Nandhiamperuman ),  of Lord Shiva Parvathi ). On Mahashivratri day worshiped Lord Shiva at Vedaranyam, Agasthiyam palli and Kodikkarai.

09-03-2013, SATURDAY, DAY – 1.
The details of the temples which are narrated below is  as per the order I went to the temples. On the first day I had been to Thandalai Neelneri, Thirukalar ( on the bus route Thiruthuraipoondi to Mannargudi,  there is a place called Thiruppathur and  from there, I took a bi-cycle for rent and traveled for about 4 KM, off main road ) and  Muthupettai Kovilur ( To this temple also,  I had taken a bi-cycle for rent for a distance of 3 KM. On return I had seen  a lot of ladies and gents rushed to the temple to see the pradosham). Then by mini bus from Muthupettai / Muthupet to Kadikulam ( Karpaganatharkulam ) and Idumbavanam ( Since this temple is about 1 KM from Karpaganatharkulam on short route, I walked to reach the temple. On seeing me walking, a cyclist offered me a lift, which I denied and for the last half KM a motor cycle devotee came forward to drop me near the temple. I was fortunate to see the Lord’s procession, otherwise I would have missed. Thanks to the devotee ).

227 /110. SRI NEENERI NATHAR TEMPLE, THANDALAI NEENERI - THANDALACHERI. 


Now this place is called as  Thandalacheri. This is the 227th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 110th 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

Moolavar    :  Sri Stharaputheeswarar,  Sri Neelneri Nathar.

Consort      :  Sri Ganambigai.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Sannadhi for Adhikara Rishabam at the entrance arch and the temple has no dwajasthambam. Balipeedam and Rishabam are on an elevated level. In Koshtam Dakshinamurthy and Durgai.

In prakaram Vinayagar, Shiva Lingam, Subramaniyar, Navagrahas, Viyakrapadar &  Patanjali worshiped Lingams, Suyan, Chandran and Arivatta Nayanar. Bas relief of Sthala purana of Arivatta Nayanar, tried to cut his head and Lord Shiva blesses Arivatta Nayanar is on the prakaram wall. Nalvar and Kochengat Chozha idols are also in the artha mandapam.

Urchavars Natarajar, Naalvar, Arivatta Nayanar with his wife, Pathanjali, Viyakrapadar are in the mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. An ekathala vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. The adhi thalam is raised up to greevam, such that it looks like 1st Thalam.  

In navagrahas, the positions are inter changed and suryan is facing west towards  moolavar. The positions of Navagrahas are

Kethu
Chandran
Chevvai
Sukran
Suryan
Budhan
Rahu
Guru
Sani

LEGENDS
Arivatta Nayanar's story is in the form of bas-relief and a separate sannidhi.

  Bas-relief of Lord Shiva in Rishaba vahanam gave darshan to Arivatta Nayanar
A Pudai sirpam of  Arivatta Nayanar try to kill self.
 Arivatta Nayanar sannadhi

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Mobile number is 98658 44677

HOW TO REACH : 
17 KM from Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi and 3 KM before Thiruthuraipoondi. The temple is on main road.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Navagrahas are not positioned in standard position

 Vinayagar sannidhi
Rishabam and balipeedam are in a elevated level
  Bas-relief sirpam of Viyakrapadar worshiping Lord Shiva
  Bas-relief of Patanjali munivar worshiping Lord Shiva
Entrance arch 

222/105. SRI PARIJATHA VANA NATHAR TEMPLE. / KALARMULAI NATHAR TEMPLE THIRUKKALAR.


Now this place is called as Thirukkalar. This is the 222nd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 105th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 5 Tier Rajagopuram

Moolavar    : Sri Parijathavaneswarar, Sri Kalarmulai Nathar
Consort      : Sri Amutha Valli, Sri Ilam Kombanaiyal, Sri Azhakeswari.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. There is a 3 tier second level Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipedam and Nandhi are in between these two Rajagopuram. 

In prakaram Navagrahas, Chandran, Brahma and Vishwakarma worshiped Shiva Lingams, Naalvar, Moshatruvareswarar, Somaskandar, Sthala Vinayagar, Natarajar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Natarajar, Perumal, Suryan,  and Ashtabhuja Durgai in outer mandapam. Ambal is in a separate sannidhi, facing east.

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

LEGENDS
Lord Shiva gave brahma dhandava darshan to Durvasa in the mandapam. Parasara munivar, Kala Bhairavar, Durvasa worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The land line number is 04367 279 374

HOW TO REACH :
Town mini bus available from Thiruthuraipoondi.
The place Thirupathur is on the Thiruthuraipoondi to Mannargudi and from there 4 KM off main road.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 View of Rajagopuram with 2nd stage 3 tier gopuram
 Old painting on the mandapam top wall portion
 Entrance of moolavar sannadhi


 Gopuram with entrance for Ambal sannadhi ( Usually kept locked )
Stucco images of Rajagopuram 

224/ 107. Sri Mandhirapurieswarar Temple / Mandirapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvusathanam / Tiruvusaattaanam - Muthupettai Kovilur 


Now this place is called as Vadakadu Kovilur or Muthupettai Kovilur. This is the 224th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 107th 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 Rajagopuram

Moolavar     : Sri Manthira Pureeswarar
Consort       : Sri Birukantha nayagi,  Sri Periyanayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The second level rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam are before the second level Rajagopuram. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Moolavar is on a square avudayar white in colour.

Ambal is in a separate temple.

In prakaram  Suryan, 63var, Ijvarakeswarar, Katchi Kodutha nayagar with Ambal, Saptamatrikas, Saptha Kannis, Veerabhadra, Kaali, Kasi Viswanathar,  Suthavana Lingam, Somaskandar, Varunan, worshiped Lingams, Ramar, Markandeyar,  worshiped Lingams, Annapoorani, Valli devasena Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Sarasvathy, Navkanniyar, Shani Bhagavan, Bairavar and Chandran.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. A 2 Thala Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Inscriptions of Vikrama Chozha, 3rd Kulothungan, Sundara Pandyan period are recorded from this temple.

 Inscriptions around Sanctum Sanctorum 
 Inscriptions around Sanctum Sanctroum 

LEGENDS
Lord Shiva gave dance darshan to Viswamithirar. Shiva preached manthiram to Sri Ramar for constructing the bridge to Sri Lanka. Indiran, Viswamithran, Ramar, Lakshmanan, Jabavan, Sugreeva,  Hanuman worshiped lord shiva of this temple.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line and Mobile numbers are 99420 39494 and 04369 262 014

HOW TO REACH :
3 KM from Muthupettai after crossing national hi-way.
Buses available from Mannargudi, Thiruthuraipoondi, Vedaranyam, Pattukottai to Muthupettai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
 
 View of inside temple from rajagopuram
 Inside view of the rajagopuram
 Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam
 Side view of second level gopuram
 View of mandapam with moolavar vimanam
 Ambal temple with main rajagopuram - view from main temple
 Stucco images on the inner prakaram wall
 Natarajar sabha stucco images on the prakaram wall


 Moolavar vimanam
 Old paintings
 63var
 63var
Entrance to main sanctum  

226/ 109. SRI KARPAGANATHAR TEMPLE, KADIKULAM - KARPAGANATHARKULAM. 


Now this place is called as Karpaganatharkulam. This the 226th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 109th Shiva temple on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram view with Rishabam with balipeedam

Moolavar    : Sri Karpaganathar, Sri Karpakeswarar.
Consort      : Sri Soundara Nayaki, Sri Bala Soundari

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. A pradhosha nandhi is in front of the Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In sanctum Moolavar banam is of eight faces dhara lingam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In prakaram Sannadhi for Naalvar, Sthala Vinayagar, Murugaperuman, Gajalakshmi, Saneeswarar, Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Navagrahas, Kalabhairava.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land Line number is 04369 240 632 

HOW TO REACH :
The town bus from Thiruthuraipoondi to Thondiyakadu passes through this place.
Mini bus available from Muthupettai.
Bus also available from Voimedu
Idumbavanam is about 1.5 KM from Karpakanathar Kulam

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Sannadhi at the back of moolavar
 Moolavar vimanam with lemon tree
 Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannadhi
 Sani prathosam - pooja is in progress for Rishabam
View of the short cut link road between Idumbavanam and Kadikulam ( A frightening route with mayanam for walking  after sun set )

225/108. SRI SARGUNA NATHAR TEMPLE, IDUMBAVANAM.


This is the 225th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 108th Shiva Stham on the south side of River Kaveri  in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Moolavar and Thiagarajar sannadhi  vimanam

Moolvar    : Sri Sarguneswarar, Sri Sarguna Nathar,
  Sri Manakola Nathar, Sri Kalyanewarar,
  Sri Idumbavanewarar.
Consort    : Sri Mangalavalli, Sri Mangala nayaki,
  Sri Kalyaneswari.

Some of the important features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing east with a Three tier Rajagopuram and a mandapam. The temple tank is in front of the temple. Balipeedam Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are in front of Rajagopuram on the road side.  In koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai.

In prakaram Suryan, Agasthiyar,  Idumban, Vinayagar, Saneeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Murugan, Bhairavar, Naalvar, Chandran, Suryan and Agasthiyar. Thiagarajar in a separate Sannadhi facing east. Vinayagar is made of sea sponge ( கடல் நுரை ).

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and Artha mandapam. A 3 thala Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Tamil inscriptions of Maratha Kings period are found on the wall.

LEGENDS
Lord Shiva gave the Kalyana Kola darshan to Agasthiyar and idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati are at the back of moolavar. Idumban worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

This sthalam is one of the pithur moorthy sthalam.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land Line Number is 04369 240 349 

HOW TO REACH :
The town bus from Thiruthuraipoondi to Thondiyakadu passes through this place.
Mini bus available from Muthupettai.
Bus also available from Vaimedu
Idumbavanam is about 1.5 KM from Karpakanathar Kulam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
 Swamy's  procession
 Front view
 Swamy's procession

 Entrance of main shrine

 Dakshinamurthy with sanakatha munivars


Beautiful view after sunset

10-03-2013, SUNDAY, DAY-2.
On second day I could be able to reach Vedaranyam only by 8.45 Hrs, even though I, started by 5.00 hrs (early morning),  from Thiruvarur, due the non availability of the bus and slow running ( at one point the driver took 2 ½ hours to cover a distance of 35 KM ).

After Vedaranyam I, had been to Agasthiyan palli and Kodi Kuzhakar ( Kodikkarai ) Temples. S1nce the frequency of the bus is limited, I was forced to wait for 2 hours.   

242/ 125. SRI VEDARANYESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUMARAIKADU - VEDARANYAM 


This place is now called as Vedaranyam. This is the 242nd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 125th sthalam on the south side of River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

 View of the front mandapam

Moolavar  : Sri Maraikkateesar, Sri Vedaranyeswarar,
  Sri Vedhavanesar, Sri Vedaranyeswarar.
Consort    : Sri Veenavadhavidhushini, Sri Yazhaipazhitha
                  Mozhiammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipedam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. 

In Prakaram 63var, Veerahathi Vinayagar,  Kumaran, Chera Chozha Pandiya Lingams, Nasikethu, Suvedha Kethu idol, Katchi Kodutha Nayanar,  Arumugar, Ijavarakeswarar, Sani Bhagavan, Saraswathi without Veena ( idol is little big in size ), Annapoorani, Durgai, Chozheeswara lingam and Navagrahas ( all are in a straight line ). Ambal is in a separate Sannadhi  facing south.

Natarajar saba is Deva sabai. Vidangar is in a separate box under custody.

 Very old paintings

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam.  

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Maratha period paintings of Lord Shiva’s various forms are on the sanctum walls.

LEGENDS
This is the birth place of Paranjothi Munivar and Thayumanavar. Agasthiyar, Musukunthan, Gautama, Vishwamitra, Vasistar, Narathar, Brahma, Maanthatha worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Lord Shiva gave kalyana kola Dharshan to Agasthiyar and moola idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati are on the back of moolavar with santhanakkappu ( Sandal paste applied ).

 Agasthiyar sannadhi

HOW TO REACH
Buses available from various parts of the state, Tamil Nadu and the temple is about 200 meters from bus stand. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar vimanam 
 Very old paintings
 Very old paintings
 Very old paintings
 Very old paintings
 Saraswati with out veena,  a  big in size image  
 Sthala vruksham vanni tree with naagars
  Rishabam with bell tower
 Another view of the temple
 5 tier Rajagopuram

243/ 126. SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE. AGASTHIYAN PALLI.


Now this place is called as Agathiyar Koil or Agasthiya palli. This is the 243rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 125th stham on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

 A beautiful view of the Rajagopuram through Road side entrance arch 

Moolavar    : Sri Agastheeswarar.
Consort      : Sri Mangai Nayagi  Sri Bagampiriyal.

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with 3 tier Rajagopuram with an arch on the road side. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is little higher. In koshtam  Dakshinamurthy only.

In prakaram Agasthiyar, Siddhi Vinayagar, Valli DevaSena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Shanieswarar, Moovar, Iyannar, Suryan, Rudhra Ganapathy. There is a separate temple for Agasthiyar. Many Naagars under sthala Vruksham Vanni tree.

HOW TO REACH : 
3 KM from Vedaranyam to Kodikkarai. Buses available from Vedaranyam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Agasthiyar sannadhi
 Moolavar vimanam
 Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannadhi
 Valli Devasena sametha Subramaniar
  Rishabam mandapam.
 Ambal sannadhi vimanam
 View of the temple entrance
 Ambal sannadhi
 3 tier rajagopuram.

244/127. SRI KODI KUZHAGAR TEMPLE. THIRUKODI - KODIYAKARAI .


Now this place is called as Kodiyakarai, Kodi Kuzhagar Kovil. This is the 244th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 127th Shiva Temple on the south side of River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu.  Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

The 5 tier Rajagopuram 

Moolavar    :  Sri Amuthakadeswarar, Sri Kodi Kuzhagar
Consort      :  Sri Anjanakshi, Sri Maithadanganni.

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

In Prakaram Amirtha Vinayagar, Suryan, Chandran, Subramaniyar with one face with six hands, Ganapathy Lingam. Navagrahas are in a single row. Kuzha Munivars idol is in the maha mandapam.

In the front mandapam sannadhi for Ambal and Kaadu Kizhal.

Arunagiri Nathar has sung “Thiruppugazh” in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple. Suvedha Munivar’s son Braman, Siddhars, Narathar, Indiran, Kuzhka Munivar, and latter Cheraman Peruman, Sundarar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The temple was built during Chozha period and latter contributions from Pandyas ( embalm is on the Rajagopuram entrance ) is, Vijayanagaras/ Nayaks.

LEGENDS
Amutham spilled was turned to Shiva Lingam.

HOW TO REACH 
Buses available from Vedaranyam and the distance is 12 K M.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  CLICK HERE

 Ambal sannadhi vimanam
 Moolavar vimanam 

 Arunagirinathar's Thiruppugazh Murugaperuman sannadhi 
 Temple complex another view 
 Main shrine  entrance view 
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---