Wednesday 7 September 2011

Sri Veerattaneswarar Temple at Thiruvathigai, Swarnakadeswarar Temple at Neivanai / Thirunelvennai, Shista Gurunathar Temple at Thiruthuraiyur, Bhaktajaneswarar Temple at Thirunavalur - Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal of Nadu Nadu

                                                                           07, September 2011.
On 31st August 2011,  I went  to the four Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal.  The route I followed  is as given below. Chennai – Ulundurpet ( Thirunel Vennai ) –  Kedilam – Thirunavalur – Panruti – Thiruthuraiyur – Panruti – Thiruvathigai and back to Panruti.

39/7. VEERATTANESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVATHIGAI


This is the 39th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 7th sthalam of Nadu Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan : Sri Veerattaneswarar, Sri Veeratanatha and  Sri Athigainathar
Iraivi    : Sri Thiripurasundari..

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank  and a mandapam is after the Rajagopuram. A 5 tier Rajagopuram is on the second level to the sanctum sanctorum. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are immediately after the second level Rajagopuram. Moolavar is big and made of 16 flat surfaces. 

This is the  3rd Veerata Shiva sthalam out of eight Veerata Shiva sthalangal in  Nadu Naadu. The moolavar gopuram of Thanjavur and Kanchepuram Kailasanathar temple was built after seeing this temple. One of the special attraction of this sanctum Vimana is there are lot of stucco images / suthai sirpangal around sides, which we cannot find any other temple, looks like thiruteir (Chariot). 

It is believed that this temple is older than Thanjavur Rajarajecharam/ Peria Temple. Similarly the entrance steps of  the sanctum sanctorum, also from both sides, similar to other two temples.
   
Appar returned to Hinduism from Jainasim after he recovered from  soolai Noi  ( Soolai decease ) through his sister Thilagavathiyar after drinking holy water of this temple well.  There is a separate sannadhi for Appar. Sundarar did not entered the temple and stayed away in a madam, since Appar was doing seva in this temple. 

In latter stage the temple was used by the French Govt, Arcot Nawabs,  Marathis and Britishers  for storing arms and as fort.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is 2 Km from Panruti bus stand,  town buses, Auto and share autos are available.
It is on the bus route  from Panruti to Cuddalore, so through  this route buses also can reach.

CONTACT DETAILS :
Mobile number is + 91 98419 62089

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Inside mandapam with east side Rajagopuram )
(Mandapam arch on the north side after 16 pillar mandapam )
Sudhai sirpangal around Karuvarai wall and moolavar vimanam
                               Sudhai sirpangal around Karuvarai wall and moolavar vimanam 
  Sudhai sirpangal around Karuvarai wall and moolavar vimanam
  Sudhai sirpangal around Karuvarai wall and moolavar vimanam
  Sudhai sirpangal around Karuvarai wall and moolavar vimanam
  Sudhai sirpangal around Karuvarai wall and moolavar vimanam
Temple complex view
Thirunsvukkarasu Swamigal sannadhi

42/10. SWARNAKADESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRU NELVENNAI/  NEIVANAI . 


The place is now called as Neivanai, 14 KM from Ulundurpet. This the 42nd Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam  and 10th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Iraivan: Sri Swarnakadeswarar, Sri Vennaiappar and 
            Sri Nel vennai Nathar.
Iraivi   : Sri Neelamalar Kanni and Sri Purukanthanayaki.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
There is no dwajasthambam and Rajagopuram.  The outer  Nandhi near pali peedam is  facing down. Separate sannadhis for Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar. Ambal is in a separate Temple like sannadhi.

The flooring work out side sannathi are in progress during my visit due to Archakar’s effort.

It is believed that the temple was built during Chozha period.

HOW TO REACH :
A mini bus is available to this village, but details like time, route etc.,  are not known.
Share auto is available from Ulundurpet.( While traveling in the share auto I was able to count my bones in my body. )

CONTACT DETAILS:
Land line and mobile numbers are +91 4149 - 291 786 and +91 7826090451

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLECLICK HERE

Moolavar sannadhi Vimanam


Moolavar vimanam with Dhakshinamoorthy sannadhi and Vinayagar sannadhi
Entrance arch 

47/15. SHISTA GURUNATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUTHURAIYUR


Now this place is called as Thiruthalur. This is the 47th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 15th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu Naadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan : Sri Shista Gurunathar, Sri Pasupatheeswarar.
Iraivi    : Sri Shivaloga Nayagi, Sri Poongothai Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east  with a RajaGopuram base / Mottai Gopuram at the Main entrance  and 1st prakaram entrance.  The temple is facing east. The temple is on the  north bank of  river Pennai. A Two tier Vesara Vimana is above the sanctum. Ambal sannathi is in the same complex near the main entrance.

From Sundarar’s hymn,  during his period the river was flowing on southern side of the temple. ( Now it flows on the opposite side – The water course changed due to flood ).

LEGEND
In this temple Sundarar obtained the spiritual power from Lord Shiva along with Ambal  as Rishabaroodar,  witnessed  by Sri Vinayagar. Since Shiva teaches to Sundarar as guru,  Iraivan is called as  Shista-Gurunathar.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Landline and mobile numbers are +91 4142 - 248 498 and +91 94448 07393.

HOW TO REACH: 
This Village is 8 KM from Panruti 
4.5 KM from Kandarakottai near panruti on the Villupuram to Panruti route.
Town bus route No 19,  from Panruti Akkadavalli through this Village Thiruthuraiyur.
Town bus route No 25  is going the Korathi  from Panruti through Thiruthuraiyur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar vimanam

Entrance mottai gopuram
Arunanthi Sivachariyar Thirukkoil under the control of Thiruvaduthurai adheenam - this temple is about 3 meters opposite to Shiva temple 

40/8. BHAKTAJANESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUNAVALUR


This is the 40th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 8th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This is the birth place of  Sundrarar. 

Iraivan: Sri Bhaktajaneswarar, Sri Thirunavaleswarar
Iraivi   : Sri Manonmani , Sri Sundra Nayagi , Sri Sundarambigai. .

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi  are immediately after the Rajagopuram. The temple is big with lot of Teak wood trees grown in the outer prakaram. Separate temples for Lord Shiva and Ambal both are facing east.

There is a separate sannathi for Vishnu in the same Temple complex and the details of construction is not known. Sannadhis for Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar.  Sthalapura bas relief is on the wall of prakaram.

From the inscriptions available, the main temple was constructed  by Paranthaga Chozha-I’s son Rajathitha Chozha.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Mobile and land lines are +91 94861 50804 and +91 4149  224 391.

HOW TO REACH : 
Share autos are available from Kedilam stop ( 2 KM ). ( Kedilam is near Villupuram on the NH 45 route to Trichy )
Buses plying to Panruti  from Villupuram passes through Thirunavalur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Moolavar vimanam with Dhakshinamoorthy sannadhi
Moolavar vimanam with sandikeswarar sannadhi
Sthala purana  reliefs / sirpangal
Ambal sannadhi
Perumal  Sannadhi in the same premises
Temple complex view with palipedam , Dwajasthambam and Nandhi mandapam
The east side 5 tier Rajagopuram 
 --- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Sri Marundeeswarar Temple at T. Edayar, Sri Sivaloganathar Temple, Gramam / Thirumundeeswaram and Sri Kripapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvennainallur , Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

17, August 2011
On 14th August 2011,  went to the following PAADAL PETRA SHIVA STHALANGAL  and had a good dharshan. For this journey,  I would like to thank Mr Srinivasan of Adyar House and his friend Mr RAVI, who took me to all the three temples through his motor cycle. These three temples are located on the southern side of Pennai River.   

45/13. MARUNDEESWARAR TEMPLE / IDAIYATTRUNATHAR TEMPLE,  THIRI IDAYARU, ( T. EDAYAR )


Now the place is called as T. Edayar. This is the 45th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 13th Sthalam of Nadu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
    
Ambal sannadhi entrance

Moolavar    : Sri Marutheswarar,  Sri Idayarteesar
Consort      : Sri Ganambigai, Sri Sitridai Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple facing west with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Only Balipeedam with out dwajasthambam and Rishabam mandapam without Rishabam. Maharishi Sukar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.  

A small sannathi of Sukar is also there in this temple. ( In my earlier post we had seen the Sugavaneswarar  temple at Salem. The statue is very much similar to this with a parrot face ). Ambal is facing east in a separate entrance from east.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctroum, antarala, ardha mandapam and Maha Mandapam. The adhistanam is of simple pada bandha adhistanam. An ekathala Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. 

CONTACT DETAILS 
Telephone and mobile numbers are - + 91 4146 216 045 and 94424 23919. 

HOW TO REACH :
The bus  from Villupuram going to Thirukovilur  via Thiruvennainallur passes through Idayar and the temple is on the road side which can be located very easily. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE 

Moolavar vimanam
3 tier Rajagopuram
Balipeedam and Rishabam mandapam without Rishabam



51/19. SIVALOGANATHAR TEMPLE, GRAMAM 
/ THIRUMUNDEESWARAM


Now this place is called as Gramam. But the Panchayat Board is known as Thirumundeeswararm.This is the 51st Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 19th Shiva sthalam of nadu nadu. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Moolavar vimanam with Subramaniyar sannadhi on the left

Moolavar    : Sri Sivaloganathar, Sri Mudeeswarar, Sri Mundeesar.
Consort      : Sri Soundarya Nayagi, Sri Kanaar Kuzhalali, 
                   Sri Selvanayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are ....
The 5 tier Rajagopuram was built at a latter stage. There is no Dwajasthambam (Kodimaram). In the prakaram Sannadhi for Sri Vinayagar and Sri Murugan. Thindi and Mundi  of Lord Shiva’s bhuta ganas worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
From the inscriptions ( By 24th Koprakesari Varman of Madurai ) available in the temple that the place Thirumudeeswaram was once the Capital city of Mudiyur Nadu. Please note that there is connection with the Salem Sugavaneswarar  temple inscription of Madurai Koprakesari Varman.

CONTACT DETAILS
The telephone number is + 91  4146 206 700

HOW TO REACH
Town bus from Villupuram to Thiruvennainallur passes through this Gramam village.  Rout No 5E.
Private bus also available from Villupuram  ( For heavens shake do not try this mode of transport.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE 

5 tier Rajagopuram

46/14. SRI KRIPAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, 
THIRUVENNAINALLUR


This is the 46th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 14th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu nadu. Sundarar has sung his first hymn in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Sundarar’s first Thevaram Hymns/song “Pitha Pirai Soodi Arulala“ paadal petra sthalam. And also Lord Shiva  thaduthankonda  sthalam for Sundarar.  Sundarar is seen with Palm leaf  in this temple.


Moolavar    : Sri Kripapureeswarar, Sri Venupureeswarar, 
                   Sri Aruturainathar,  Sri Thaduthatkonda Nathar
Consort      : Sri Mangalambigai, Sri Verkanniammai

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. A small Sundarar sannathi is opposite to Raja Gopuram.  Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. Sannadhis for, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Nalwar, 63var, Saptamatrikas, Chandikeswarar and some some loose sculptures with Ayyanar.

In this temple Lord Shiva gave a dharshan as Rishabaroodar to Sundarar. It is believed that the Lord Shiva’s “Padha Koradu” is available in this temple. Lord Shiva after the  case /Vazhakku  entered in to the sanctum after leaving the Padha Koradu in front of the temple and disappeared. There is a separate mandapam  called Vazhakku theertha mandapam in front of Main temple. The jeeva samadhi of Meikanda Nayanar is very close to the temple.

CONTACT DETAILS :  
Mobile number  + 91 9345660711

HOW TO REACH : 
Town bus route no 5D and 5E are available from Villupuram Town.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE 

Temple complex view
Moolavar vimanam  like a mada koil
Mandapam - in which the Vazhakku  between Shiva and Sundarar was conducted
5 tier Rajagopuram and Sundarar Sannadhi in front
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Monday 25 July 2011

Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, Thirukovilur and Sri Athulya Natheswarar Temple, Arayaninallaur / Arakandanallur, Kallakurichi District, Tamil Nadu.

 25, July 2011.
On 24-07-2011 went to Thirukovilur and had a darshan of Sri Veeratteswarar  temple, one of the 276 Paadal Petra sthalangal. Some of the photos are  from the new chariot below.

43/11. SRI VEERATTESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUKOVILUR 


This is the 43rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 11th Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram with kodimaram an inside view

Moolavar    : Sri Veeratteswarar
Consort      : Sri Sivanthavalli, Sri Periyanayagi

Some of the features of this temple are....
The temple is on the south bank of Pennai river. The temple is facing west with a 4 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. Shiva and Ambal Sannathi are built as separate Temples with separate entrances. This is one of the atta veeratta sthalam.

Legends
Anthakasuran samhara sthalam. Natarajar's posture with thirisoolam is to be seen.  A relief of this story is carved on the wooden chariot. Meiporul Nayanar lived and had done seva at this temple. Avvaiyar has sung the famous “Vinayagar Agaval” starts with “ Seetha kalaba chenthamari poompatha Silambu  pala Isai pada …..சீதகலப செந்தாமரைப் பூம்பாதச்சிலம்பு பல இசை பாட... ”, in this temple. Hence Avvaiyar reached kailash  before Sundarar through Vinayagar's trunk.

It was  learned that Chozha King Rajaraja Chozhan was born in this place.

HOW TO REACH 
Lot of buses are available from Villupuram, Thiruvannamalai, Panruti.  

CONTACT DETAILS 
Mobile number +91 93456 60711

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE 

Natarajar saba mandapam  vimanam  looking from prakaram  wall
Vinayagar sannadhi vimanam
Temple Chariot sculptures
Chariot a relief of Anthakasuran vatham.
Temple chariot Reliefs 

On 24th July 2011 went  to ThiruKovilur  and had the  darshan of Sri Athulya Natheswarar. Of Aryani Nallur. Now this place is called as Araganda Nallur.

44/12. ATHULYA NADHESWARA TEMPLEARAYANINALLUR ( ARAKANDA NALLUR - THIRUKOVILUR )


This is the 44th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the north bank of river Pennai and 12th Sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Temple complex view from a distance

Moolavar    :Sri  Athulya Nadheswara, Sri Oppilaa Maneeswarar,   
                  Sri Aryani Nathar
Consort      :Sri Soundarya Kanakambigai, Sri Arul Nayagi,  
                  Sri Azhakiya Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing west. This temple is built on a mount like rock ( Paarai ).  The 7 tier Rajagopuram is on the south side on the banks of river Pennai. The sanctum sanctorum door of this temple made open by Lord Shiva for Thirugnanasambandar's song, which was locked by samanars. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Sri Veeratteswarar Temple's can be seen from this temple.

Sri Ramana Maharishi  had done meditation before going to Thiruvannamalai, which is 30 KM from this temple. A Ramana maharishi's Statue is also installed in front of Nalvar.

CONTACT DETAILS: 
Mobile number : +91 9965144849  

HOW TO REACH : 
Buses also available from various places like Panruti, Vridhachalam, Panruti.
Lot of buses are available from Villupuram which is 39 KM, get down at Thirukovilur Railway Station and also called as Araganda Nallur. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Rajagopuram 7 tier
Moolavar vimanam
Ambal sannadhi vimanam with Rajagopuram 
 ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Sri Abirameswarar Temple at Thiruvamathur, Sri Panamgatteswarar Temple at Panayapuram and Sri Panchanatheeswarar / Vadugunathar Temple at Thiruvandarkoil- Paadal Petra Sthalangal Darshan in and around Nadu Nadu, near Villupuram.

 12, July 2011.
In Continuation to my Paadal Petra sthalangal darshan,  I had been to  the following three Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal  (in Nadu Naadu) near Villupuram on 09-07-2011.

53/21. SRI ABIRAMESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVAMATHUR


Now this place is called as Thiruvamathur. It is  the 21st  Moovar Paadal Petra sthalam  of Nadu Naadu.

Iraivan: Sri Abirameswarar, Sri Azhakia nathar
Iraivi   : Sri Multhambigai, Sri Azhakia Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are ....
The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. Balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. This is one of the temple where the Ambal temple is facing west, separately built opposite to Shiva temple.  There are two Nandhis. One is big and is made of sudhai / Stucco and the other one is stone located in a Pit. Purpose of Nandhi in a pit is to pray Shiva to get rain, by immersing Nandhi in water.

Vattaparai Amman Sannathi is famous here, which is south west corner of the Ambal temple. To find out the truth of a guilty person, the person will have to do sathyam  in front of the Amman. It is believed that Ambal will give punishment to the guilty. Now only Shiva lingam is installed in place of Ambal.

HOW TO REACH : 
Town buses are available from Main bus stand. Route nos 22,8C, 32, 6E and 18. Buses going to Mel Gudalur  and Elu Sempon  is going via this temple.
Mini bus also available from the old bus stand.
To catch bus, better to wait at Hospital Stop signal, Villupuram ( Chennai buses also pass through this stop )

CONTACT DETAILS:
Telephone and mobile numbers are +91 4146 223379 and +91 98430 66252

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar Rajagopuram with kodimaram and Ambal temple on the other side of the road Rajagopuram is also visible
A big Sudhai nandhi  and a small ( Stone ) kal nandhi below the ground level under the mandapam

View of Shiva Temple Rajagopuram  with Ambal temple gopuram view from Ambal temple

52/20. SRI PANANGATEESWARAR TEMPLE, PANAYAPURAM 
( PURAVAR PANANGATTUR ) 


This temple is 20th  Paadal Petra  Shiva  sthalam of  Nadu Naadu. Saint Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple,   Now this place is called  as Panayapuram.

Iraivan : Sri Panangateeswarar
Iraivi   :: Sri Sathyambigai, Sri Puravammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 4 tier Rajagopuram. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are immediately after the Rajagopuram. It is one of the five Shiva temples, in which Palm Tree as sthala vruksham. There are separate sannadhis for Ambal and Sri Murugan, both are are facing East. 

This temple was under threat of shifting to give way for road expansion and the road alignment was changed after public protest.
This temple was built by Chola King  Kulothungan -I.

HOW TO REACH :
From Chennai to Villupuram get down at Mundiambakkam. The buses  going to Pondicherry  via Mundiambakkam  is going through  Panayapuram.
From Chennai to Neyveli, Panruti, Thanjavur, 2 KM after Vikravandi get down at Panayapuram.
Auto/ Share autos are available from Mundiambakkam Sugar Factory opposite side. 3 KM from Mundiambakkam.

CONTACT DETAILS 
Mobile number is +91 9942056781

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Moolavar vimanam  with Vinayagar sannadhi
Siva Lingam under the Palm tree the sthala viruksham
( Ambal sannadhi vimanam )
Ambal sannadhi entrance
Front view of the temple with Dwajasthambam
Arumuganar with Lakshmi
Rajagopuram 4 tier 


48/16. PANCHANATHEESWARAR TEMPLE/ VADUGURNATHAR TEMPLE, VADUKUR - THIRUVANDARKOIL


It is a 16th  Temple in Nadu Nadu Saint Thirugnanasambandar Paadal Petra sthalam. Now the place is called as Thiruvandarkoil.  

Iraivan        : Sri Vadugeeswarar, Sri Vatugunathar, Sri Vatugurnathar
Iraivi           : Sri Thirupurasundari, Sri Vadukirkanni

Some of the important features of this temple are ....
The temple is facing east with a Balipeedam and Rishabam. The temple do not have the Dwajasthambam and Rajagopuram. A base of a mandapam is on the right side of the Nandhi & Palipedam. The Koshtams has the Chozha period statues. In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Subramaniar.

This temple was  built by Chozha Kings, similar to Thanjavur Rajarajecharam /  Peria Temple but not to the size. The temple complex is under the control of archaeological department.ASI. 

Legend: It was believed that Vadugu Bhairavar worshiped Lord Shiva to get rid of the sin caused by killing  demon / Asuran Mundakan.

CONTACT DETAILS
Sundara Moorthy Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile number  +91 9698886111, for further details.

HOW TO REACH : 
All the buses from Villupuram to Puducherry pass through Thiruvandarkoil. The temple on the road side opposite to Food Corporation Go-down.
After visiting Panayapuram Panagateeswarar, Via Koliyanur koot road, we can reach this temple, through bus to Puducherry.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Stone velaipadu moolavar vimanam
Vinayagar sannadhi
Moolavar vimanam
Aalingana moorthy installed at a latter stage in one of the nitch of the koshtam
Palipeedam with nandhi there is no Dwajasthambam (kodimaram)
Temple entrance with nandhi mandapam 
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---