Monday 19 March 2012

Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvarur Araneri, Achaleswarar Temple, Thiruvarur Araneri, Sree Thoovainathar Temple Thiruvarur Paravaiyunmandali, Vilamal Patanjali Manohar Temple Thiruvilamar, Abhimuktheeswarar Temple, Thirupperuvelur, Karavera Nathar Temple, Karaveram, Sri Nardana Pureeswarar Temple, Thalayalangadu, Sri Vanchinadha Swamy Temple, Srivanjiyam, Sri Koneswarar Temple, Kudavasal - PAADAL PETRA SHIVA STHALANGAL – IN AND AROUND THIRUVARUR. - KAVERI THENKARAI - CHOZHA NADU

 19, March 2012
On 17th March 2012, I had been to Thiruvarur for attending my friend Mr Madhavan’s daughter marriage. Utilizing this opportunity  went to  9 Paadal Petra Shiva sthalangal. My yatra started from Thiruvarur ‘Paravyunmandali’ ( Thiruvarur Temple ), near the Thiruvarur Thiruther at about 07.00 hrs. During that time one or two devotees were came for darshan. The temple is under the control of  Thiruvarur Thiyagarajar temple and needs maintenance.

The temple  Rajagopuram and compound walls crying for attention. Then went  to Thyagaraja temple, which is about 300 meters away from Thiruvarur Temple. It is a very big complex. The temple complex  consists of two Paadal petra Shiva sthalangal ( Thiruvarur ( Thyagesar ) and Thiruvarur Araneri ), in addition to this there are many small temples/ sannadhis, mandapams, Pillars to erect kottagai during festivals. It took me around 2 hours to get some idea. ( again 1 hour  on 18th march 2012 went again  to get more information and Sunday’s dharshan ). It was belief that  After worshiping Shiva’s face at Thiruvarur one has to worship the feet of Shiva  at ‘Vilamal‘ ( a small village ) about 4 km away from the city. The archakar explained all the details. To worship feet of shiva one ( Males ) has to remove shirt and banian.

Then I had been to ‘ThirupPeruvelur’ on the way to Kumbakonam from Thiruvarur. One has to get down at Ayyampettai ( Manakkal ) and walk to a distance of  1 Km, off main road,  on the dusty road. It is mada Koil about 17 steps to climb  to worship Lord Shiva. “Karaveram” was my next target, got down at ‘Vadakandam’, (Vettartruppalam ) and the temple is about 50 meters from the main road and the entrance is 500 meters from main road. It was about 11.00 hours ( Moolavar and Ambal are little bigger than the other temples ) when I  had the dharshan and decided to go back to Thiruvarur for the evening darshan. After feeling the heat of the sun decided to proceed to “Thalaiyalangadu” which is about 5 km from Karaveeram, instead of going back to Thiruvarur.

My journey started once again. Landed at ‘Thalaiyalangadu’  at about 13.00 Hrs and Gurukal’s son ( a small boy ) helped me for the dharshan. It was understood  that  Gurukal is making effort for the kumbhabhishekam. On seeing tiredness on my face Gurukal offered me idly with milakaipodi ( ate the same at Srivanchiyam ) and water to quench my hunger and thirst. At the start of my yathra, decided to cover up to ‘Thalaiyalangau’ Shiva temple ( 7 temple ) in this trip and also I was not prepared, the routes and locations of the other Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal. At Gurukal’s residence they advised me to see ‘Srivanchiyam’. This gives me a boost to proceeded  my yathra.

Reached ‘Kudavasal’ ( Without knowing this is also a Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam ). Boarded in a bus to Nannilam and got down at “Srivanchiyam“ at about 14.30 Hrs. Had a chat with the retired temple Gurukkal up to 15.30 Hrs. The temple opened around 15.30 Hrs and to my surprise there are a few peoples waiting for the dharshan ( reason is, there is small temple for Yama Dharmaraja. Fear of Yeman will be removed on worshiping Yama Dharmaraja ). After darshan, I had my breakfast & lunch at 16.00 hrs ( Idly with Milakaipodi, given by “Thiruvalangadu” temple Gurukkal. May Lord Shiva shower his blessings on them).  I have  to wait up to 17.30 Hrs to get a bus to Kudavasal. During my waiting period, happened to go through my map and found that there is a Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam at Kodavasal also.

Reached Kudavasal at 18.00 Hrs and went to the Shiva Temple about 500 meters from bus-stand. The temple is on the main road with a big tank in front of the temple and facing west. The temple is of mada koil type and same was built by ‘Ko - Chengat - Chozhan’, who built no of temples, like Thiruvanaikaval, at Trichy. There are 24 steps to reach the sanctum and worshiped Shiva. At temple  had a chat with a Shiva devotee about shaivam and astrology. As usual lights went off at 19.00 Hrs and  walked to bus-stand and returned to Thiruvarur. 
  
Some of the Photographs taken through my  mobile will be up loaded with the details of the temples in this post.

THYAGARAJA TEMPLE ( SRI PUTRIDANGONDAR TEMPLE), THIRUVARUR


This is the 204th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 87th  Stalam on south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This is one of the saptha vidanga sthalam. The place Thiruvarur was called in 11 different names.


Moolavar    : Sri Thyagaraja Swamy, Sri Putridangondar, 
                   Sri Vanmika Nathar.
Consort      : Sri Kamalmbigai, Sri Alliagothai,  Sri Neelothbaalambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are.....
The temple has 5 prakarams and seven Rajagopurams of which east gopuram is 118 feet. Important deity is Thyagaraja and the dance is Ajaba dance. The moolavar is of PUTRU and abhishekam is not performed. Gopurams architecture is amazing with single stone pillars at the entrance of Rajagopurams. The Navagrahas are in single line.

There are three important mandapams, Chitra saba mandapam, Maha mandapam and 1000 pillar mandapam. “Kal ther / Chariot”  Stone chariot- made of stone ( entry ticket is Rs 10.00.)

The temple has two Ambal sannadhis and number of small sannidhis. There are many pillars erected to erect kottagai during functions. Lot of murals are painted around and roof  of the outside sanctum, which are worth to see. ( It will take at least a day to see all the important features.)

The temple tank area is equal to  the  area ( 5 veli) of the temple and has a temple at the center.

Annual Chariot festival, Evening pooja  and Maragatha Linga abhishekam are special in this temple. 5 Nayanmars has done service in this temple.

HOW TO REACH 
There are lot of buses available from cities like Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Thanjavur etc.
The temple is at the center of the city.

CONTACT DETAILS
The land line number is +91 4366 - 242 343. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE     :CLICK HERE

( East side Rajagopuram 118 feet high )


( Stucco images on the entrance gopuram )


( Mural / paintings out of Sanctum Sanctorum ceiling )
( Mural / paintings out of Sanctum Sanctorum ceiling )
 ( Mural / paintings out of Sanctum Sanctorum ceiling )
(Pillars to erect pandhal for the important functions) 
( The Yali statue  not a regular one - Thumbikai Yazhi )
( Paintings on the roof of the 1000 pillar mandapam )
( Paintings on the roof of the 1000 pillar mandapam )
( Paintings on the roof of the 1000 pillar mandapam )
( 1000 Pillar mandapam )
                                                     (Temple Tank Kamalaya Kulam)
( kal ther / chariot)
  
ARANERI ACHALESWARAR TEMPLE THIRUVARUR ARANERI


This is the 205th Devaram Paadal petra Shiva sthalam and 88th sthalam on the south side of Cauvery in Chozha Naadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This temple is within the Thiruvarur Thiyagarajar temple complex,  on left side when we enter from east Rajagopuram. There are murals painted on the walls of the inner side prakaram.

Moolavar     : Sri Akileswarar, Sri Achaleswarar
Consort       : Sri Vandaar kuzhali, Sri Bhuvaneswari

CONTACT DETAILS :
The land line number is : +91 4366 - 242 343. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Moolavar vimanam )
( Old paintings in the artha mandapam )
                                                               ( Moolavar vimanam )
                                                              ( Moolavar vimanam )
( Moolavar vimanam )

206/89. SREE THOOVAINATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUVARUR PARAVAIYUNMANDALI


This is the 206th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 89th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple. 

Moolavar    : Sri Thoovainathar
Consort      : Sri Alliangothai

Some of the important features of this temple are....
This temple is on the Keezha veethi, near Thiru Thers / Chariots.  on the main road facing east. The temple is called as Thurvasar temple. This is under the control of Thiruvarur main temple. It seems that kumbabishekam has been performed long back and both Rajagopuram and the outer walls crying for attention.

The temple is facing east with a 3 tier dilapidated Rajagopuram. Nandhi and balipeedam are after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. A Vesara vimana is over the sanctum. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.  Ambal is in a separate shrine facing south. Anjaneyar, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar Sannadhis are in the prakaram.

HOW TO REACH :
The temple is very near to Thyagaraja temple east Raja gopuram on the Raja Street or the Keela Ratha Veethi on the Thanjavur Road.  

CONTACT DETAILS :
Mobile and land line numbers are : +91 99425 40479, +91 4366 - 240 646. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Moolavar vimanam )
( Dakshinamurthy )

( Mukha mandapam )
( Rishabam mandapam and back side Ambal sannathi )
( Rajagopuram )

207/90.  VILAMAL PATANJALI MANOHAR TEMPLE 
( PATHANCHALI MANOHAR TEMPLE, VILAMAL), THIRUVILAMAR


This temple is in a small village and now called as Vilamal. This is the 207th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 90th 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 Pathanchali Manohar
Consort      : Sri Mathurabhasini.

Some of the important features of this temple are.….
The Temple is facing east with an entrance arch / base of the Rajagopuram.  Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance arch. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Moolavar is made of sand and hence there is no abhishekam to moolavar.  Temple tank is in front of the temple. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing south. Patanjali and  Viyakrabathar statues are in maha mandapam. A Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Subramanian and Chandikeswarar Sannidhis are in the prakaram

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

LEGENDS
To have the darshan of Shiva’s feet we have to remove shirt and banian.

There is an unwritten statement that one has to visit this temple for Shiva’s feet darshan after the  face darshan of Thyagaraja at Thiruvarur. 

HOW TO REACH : 
The temple is village Vilamal is on the Thiruvarur to Thanjavur Road, 4 KM from Thiruvarur.
Long route buses will not stop, we have to depend one town bus which goes to  medical college.
Better to take an auto from Thiruvarur bus-stand.

CONTACT DETAILS : 
The mobile numbers are : +91 98947 81778 and +91 94894 79896.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE



( Entrance arch )

ABHIMUKTHEESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUPPERUVELUR


Now this place is called as Manakkal Ayyampettai. This is the 209th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 92nd Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
  
( Moolavar vimanam )

Moolavar    : Sri Abhimuktheeswarar, Sri Priya Eeswarar, 
                   Sri Seshapureeswarar.
Consort     : Sri Abhinambigai, Sri Alavar Kuzhali.

Some of the important features are…
The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam.  In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. In prakaram sannadhi for Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Vinayagar and Vishnu.  Ambal is in a separate sannadhi in Veerasanam sitting posture.

Mirukandu Maharishi’s statue is one of the koshta moortham. Lord Muruga worshiped Shiva, hence this place is called as Peruvelur. It is believed that this temple place is a part of hill, which had fallen down during the war between Vayu and Adhiseshan. Thirumal got back his male appearance after mohini's appearance to destroy asura by worshiping Shiva of this temple.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple was built by Ko-chengat-Chozhan of Mada Koil type with 17 steps and about 10 feet above the ground level A Single tier vesara vimana is over the sanctum Sanctorum. The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and a Vavval nethi ardha mandapam. 
   
HOW TO REACH: 
This temple is in Ayyampettai ( Manakkal) on Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam road. 
All the buses  from Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam passes through this village called Manakkal Ayyampettai.
From main road one has to walk  to a distance of 1 Km.
CONTACT DETAILS :

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( 3 Tier Rajagopuram )

( Moolavar and Ambal Sannadhi vimanas )
( Perumal sannadhi in the ground level prakaram )

( Kodimaram, balipeedam and Rishabam are at ground level )

KARAVERA NATHAR TEMPLE, KARAVERAM


Now the place is called as Karayapuram ( Vadakandam). This is the 208th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 91st sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 
  
( Moolavar vimanam )

Moolavar    : Sri Karavera Nathar 
Consort      : Sri Prathyakshaminnammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with and entrance arch.m Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance arch. TIn koshtam there is no statues. Moolavar and Ambal are little big, both facing east. Alari is the sthala vruksham.

ARCHITECTURE
he temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and  a Vavval nethi mandapam. A Nagara Vimana is over the sanctum. Moolavar vimanam is  little taller like rajagopuram.  

HOW TO REACH : 
This temple is on the Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam main road.
The Village name is called as Vadakandam on the Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam road. The place where to get down at Vadakandam Vettartrupaalam.

CONTACT DETAILS : 
The land line number is +91 4366 21978

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Ambal sannadhi vimanam )

( Rishaba mandapam, Maha mandapam ( Vavval nethi mandapam with Rajagopuram )
( View through entrance arch )
( Entrance arch )

210/93. SRI NARDANA PUREESWARAR TEMPLE,
THALAIYALANGADU.


This is the 210th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 93rd sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
   
Moolavar vimanam - Recently the Kumbhabhishekam was conducted with full effort of gurukkal)

Moolavar    : Sri Nadana Pureeswarar, Sri Adalvallanathar
Consort      : Sri Umadevi

Some of the important features of this temple are …
The Temple is facing east with a balipeedam and Rishabam and the entrance is from south side. Dakshinamurthy is in the koshtam. Moolavar facing east. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing south.

Rishabam is in a small mandapam. In prakaram sannadhi for Bhairavar, Sani Bhagavan and Nalvar.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. A single tier vesara vimanam is over the sanctum. The moolavar artha mandapam and Ambal Sannathi mandapam are of Vavval nethi type. 

LEGENDS
Kabila Muni worshiped this temple ShivaIn this temple Lord Shiva crushed the back bone of Asuran Muyalagan and danced.

HOW TO REACH :
Thalaiyalangadu is 18 km from Thiruvarur on the way to  Kumbakonam.
5 KM from Peruvelur one of the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam.
From bus-stand and cross a small bridge of two canals to reach this temple. 

CONTACT DETAILS: 
Gurukal residence is in front of the temple and can be reached over his mobile 9443500235

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE



(Bairavar and  Sani Bhagavan are in a small sannadhi )

( Rishabam Mandapam and Ambal sannidhi is at the back)


VANCHINADHA SWAMY TEMPLE,  SRIVANCHIYAM


This is the 187th Devaram Paadal petra Shiva Sthalam and 70th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
   

Moolavar    : Sri Vanchinadha Swamy, Sri Vanji Lingeswarar.
Consort      : Sri Mangala Nayagi, Sri Vazhavantha Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with a 5 Tier Rajagopuram. In the outer prakaram,  temple tank is on the right and Yama Sannadhi in the agni moolai. In koshta Dakshinamurthy and a mandapam was built. Both Moolavar and Ambal Temples are facing east. There are lot of stucco images on both Vimanas, painted colourfuly. Both Ambal and moolavar little large.

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

HISTORY
From the inscriptions Chozha kings had done thirupani to this temple.

LEGEND
It is believed that “Yama fear “ will be relieved when worshiped Yama Dharmaraja of this temple. This temple is considered to be equal to Kashi. Brahma, Indiran, Parasarar, Athiri worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

HOW TO REACH : 
The temple is midway between Kudavasal to Nannilam and buses are available  from Kudavasal, which is also Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam bus route.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Mobile and land line numbers are : +91 94424 03926, +91 4366 - 228 305

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE


( Moolavar vimanam )


( Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers  )

KONESWARAR TEMPLE, KUDAVASAL.


Now the place is called as Kudavasal. This is the 211th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 94th  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 Koneswarar
Consort      : Sri Periyanayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing west with an entrance arch  and the temple tank in front. Moolavar is little big. Ambal is facing west in separate sannadhi. There is a Separate sannadhi for Chandikeswarar.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar  vimanam is of Vesara style and Stucco / suthai images are very nice. 

There are  24 steps to reach sanctum. This is one of the mada Koil built by Ko-chengat-Chozhan. Latter the temple received contributions from Chozhas, Pandyas and Vijayanagaras.

LEGENDS
Biruku Muni, Thiruna bindu muni worshiped lord of this temple.
Banana tree is the sthala vruksham of this temple.

HOW TO REACH : 
The temple is in Kodavasal city on the road side about 500 meters from bus-stand.
Kudavasal is almost half way between Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam.

CONTACT DETAILS:
The mobile number is : +91 94439 59839.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Front side Temple Tank with entrance gopuram )
  ( Moolavar vimanam and sthala vruksham - banana tree )
( Moolavar vimanam )
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Tuesday 6 March 2012

Uyyakondan Thirumalai Temple / Sri Ujjeeva Nathar Temple, Uyyakondan Malai, Karkudi, Nedungalanathar Temple, Thirunedungulam, Erumbeeswarar Temple, Thiruverumbur, Sri Adhimooleswarar Temple, Thirupalathurai / Thiruppaatrurai, Sri Agneeswarar Temple / Melai- Thirukkattupalli, Sri Aamra Vaneswarar Temple, Thirumanthurai, Anbil Sathyavageeswarar Temple, Anbilanthurai, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu. - Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal of Chozha Nadu.

 05, March 2012
On 3rd and 4th March 2012, I continued my Phase II  Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal Yathra, in around Trichy. In Phase II, I had been to  Uyyakondan Thirumalai ( Karkudi ), Thirunedungulam, Thiruverumbur Erumbur, Thirupatrurai, Thirukattupalli on 3rd March 2012 and  Thirumandurai & Thiru Anbil on 4th March 2012. I really enjoyed the journey and the dharshan. For all the places I went through Town buses based from Trichy central bus-stand / Chatram bus-stand. In all the village temples, oru kaala pooja is conducted and it will be around 10.00 Hrs. So yathra timings to be restricted up to 11.30 Hrs  to 12.00 Hrs. The photos were taken through my Sony Ericsson mobile X10, Mini

121/4. UYYAKONDAN THIRUMALAI TEMPLE, 
SRI UJJEEVANATHASWAMY TEMPLE, KARKUDI


This place is now called as Uyyakondan Thirumalai on the way to Vayalur Murugan Temple. This is the 121st, Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam  and 4th  Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri of Chozha Nadu.   Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

( Rajagopuram of 5 tiers)

Moolavar    : Sri Ujjeevanatha Swamy, Sri Uchinathar, 
                   Sri Muktheeswarar.
Consort      : Sri Balambikai ( facing East), Sri Anjanaakshi Amman  

The followings are important features of this temple.
The temple is on a small Hill with a 5 tier Rajagopuram at the base. After Rajagopuram  we have to climb steps to reach this small hill shrine. balipeedam,  Dwajasthambam and Rishabam / Idabam are in front of the sanctum.  In sanctum moolavar is Swayambhu and facing west. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma and Durgai.

There are Two Ambal Sannadhis. ( Since, the lotus was damaged in one Ambal’s hand,  a New Ambal was installed ). In Prakaram sannadhis for for Idarkathaar,  Bairavar, Saniswaran, Suriyan.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and Artha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum was built like mada temple on the rocky surface. The sanctum Sanctorum is on a pada bandha adhistanam. An eka thala bricks vesara vimana is over the sanctum.
 

LEGENDS
In this temple Lord Shiva promised for his long life ( endrum pathinaru ) to Markandeyar, Lord Shiva came out of the temple and left his foot print on the south side of the entrance, near the Dwajasthambam,  to threaten Yamadharman.

  
( Kodimaram and Rishabam one level below Moolavar sannadhi with Shiva's Pada )

CONTACT DETAILS :
The mobile numbers are  + 91 94431 50332 and +91 94436 50493

HOW TO REACH : 
Town buses from Trichy Chatram bus stand to Voyaloor passes through this place and Temple is on road side.
From Central bus stand  one has to get down at Govt Hospital to catch bus to Voyaloor.
The distance from Central bus-stand is 5 Km on the south west direction.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE


( 2nd Rajagopuram on the hill )
( Gopuram at the starting of steps to top level )

125/8. SRI NEDUNGALANATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUNEDUNGULAM


This temple is 125th Devara Paadal petra Shiva sthalam and 8th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri of Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Lord Shiva “kallathanamaka  Iraiviyai kaipatriayathal  Iraivi “ hide in this place ( இறைவியை இறைவன் கள்ளத்தனமாக கை பிடித்ததால் இறைவி ஒளிந்து கொண்ட இடம் ).
 
( Second prakaram rajagopuram )

Moolavar    : Sri Nidhya Sundareswarar, Sri Nedungalanathar,
Consort      : Sri Mangala Nayagi, Sri Oppilanayaki

The salient features of this temple are.
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The stucco/ suthai sculptures, depicting the sthala purana of this temple are on Rajagopuram. The second level Rajagopuram is of  3 tiers. In between the two are the Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam. Urchava Murtis are in artha mandapam looks very beautiful. Including bronze horse. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma and Durgai. Valampuri Vinayagar Sannathi is slightly tilted towards north.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Saptamatrikas, Naalvar + Sekkilar, Bhairavar, Bhudevi Sridevi sametha Varadharaja Perumal and Agasthiya Lingam.

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

( Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannathi )

CONTACT DETAILS :
The land line number is +91 431 252 0126

HOW TO REACH  : 
Trichy to Mangavanam town bus from Trichy bus stand passes through this temple. Frequency is very limited.
From Chatram bus stand buses available up to Vazhavanthan Kottai, from there it will be about 2 km ( After Thuvakudi ). Frequency is very limited and      this option may not suitable.
Buses available up to   Thuvakudi. From there autos available for the temple and they charges  around Rs 150.00.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE


( 5 Tier Rajagopuram ) 

124/7. ERUMBEESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVERUMBUR

 
Now this place is now called as Thiruverumbur. This is the 124th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 7th  Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri of Chozha Nadu. Appar ( Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal ) has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Moolavar    : Sri Pipilikeswarar, Sri Erumbeeswarar,
                   Sri Erumbesar,   Sri Mathuvaneswarar,
                   Sri Manokoodachalapathy, Sri Manicka Nagar.
Consort     : Sri Soundara Nayagi, Sri Madhuvaneswari,
                   Sri Rathinambal.

The important features of the temple are...
The temple is on a small hill  with 100 steps. A Rajagopuram is in front of sanctum sanctorum. In Sanctum koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Sankaranarayanan, Brahma and Durgai.  Ambal Sannadhi was built separately with a nagara vimana out side main prakaram and Ambal is facing south.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Navagrahas with their wives. This temple is also called as South Kailash.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and Artha mandapam. The pillars of the Artha mandaban to be watched for its beauty. 

( Ambal temple vimanam )

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It seems that the temple was reconstructed due to damage caused by the Moguls. Latter the temple was used for  stay during British and French wars.
Lot of 10th to 12th century Tamil inscriptions are  found.

LEGENDS
It is believed that Rishis and Devars worshiping  Lord Shiva in the form of  Erumbu ( Ant ). To climb up easily for the ants lord tilted side to certain angle. The Shiva lingam has become an ant nest and no abhishekam is performed. 

CONTACT DETAILS
Mobile number is +91 98429 57568

HOW TO REACH
All the town buses  to Thuvakudi, BHEL, NIT passes through this temple and the temple is on the road side.
Thiruverumbur is on the Trichy to Thanjavur main road about 11 KM from central bus stand.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Entrance gopuram to moolavar sannadhi )

( Rishabam mandapam )

( Ambal )
( Entrance full view of the Shiva's Temple )

113/59. SRI ADHIMOOLESWARAR TEMPLE, TIRUPPAATRURAI - THIRUPALATHURAI


Now this place is called as Thirupalathurai. This is the 113th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 59th  sthalam on the banks of river Kedilam and north side of river Kaveri of Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 
  
( Dakshinamurthy with Sanagatha munivars sudhai sirpam on the compound wall)

Moolavar    : Sri Adhimooleswarar, Sri Aathi Moolanathar.
Consort      : Sri Megambihai, Sri Moganayagi, Sri Nidhya Kalyani.

The followings are important features of the temple.
The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after Rajagopuram entrance. A Stucco image of Rishabarooder  is front entrance of the sanctum. There is a entrance of the south side which is not used. In sanctum moolavar is swayambhu. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma and Durgai.  

Ambal is in a separate temple like sannidhi and facing south.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Artha mandapam is called as Deva Sabai and the pillars are very beautifully chiseled and worth to see. The Main sanctum Sanctorum is on a padabandha adhistanam. An Ekathala Vesara vimana is on the sanctum Sanctorum. Ashtadikpalakas are in the greevam. 
  
( Ambal temple vimanam)

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Believed to be built during 10th & 12th century Chozha period  and inscriptions are found  on the walls. Latter Pallathur Chettiars had done Thiruppani to this temple.

LEGENDS
When Markandeyan visited this temple  and he has nothing to offer. To his true prayers milk was flowing from the head of Shiva Lingam, hence this place was called as Tiruppaatrurai.

( Stucco images on the entrance of maha mandapam )

CONTACT DETAILS : 
The Land line number is +91 431 246 0455

HOW TO REACH : 
The temple is 10 KM from Thiruvanaikaval.
Town Buses 2,  26  from Trichy Bus stand  to Kallanai passes through the Village Panayapuram ( From panayapuram  one has to take  bullock cart path towards Kollidam river bank. On the Kollidam river bank, the dusty road/ path  (negotiate with  sand lorries ) leads to Tiruppaatrurai. Total distance from Panayapuram to temple is 3 KM. ( My journey was my own Nataraja  service in the scotching sun at 14.00 Hrs on the bumpy and dusty road. )

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Rajagopuram )
( Bhuta gana with Rishabam )
( Full of paddy straw in front of the south side small entrance )


126/9. SRI AGNEESWARAR TEMPLE, ( MELAI ) THIRUKATTUPALLI


Now the place is called as Thirukattupalli. This is the 126th  Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 9th  Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri of Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

( Rajagopuram back side view )

Moolavar    : Sri Agneeswarar, Sri Theeyadiappar
Consort      : Sri Soundara Nayaki, Sri Azhagammai

The followings are important features of this temple.
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam and a small Dwajasthambam are in the newly constructed mandapam after the Rajagopuram. In the koshtam Vinayagar, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Brahma and Durgai. 

In the prakaram  Naalvars, Bairavar and Navagrahas. In Navagrahas all are facing to Sun.

In the outer prakaram sannadhis for Valampuri Vinayagar, Sri Visalakshi sametha Viswanathar, Unnamulai Amman, Sri Valli Devasena sametha Subramanya Swamy, Sri Bhudevi, Sridevi sametha Srinivasa Perumal, Gajalakshmi, Saraswati and Sattainathar. 

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam.  The Sanctum Sanctorum is 4 steps below the ground level and the entrance is too small.

Ambal is in a separate sannadhi with Vesara Vimanam. On the Ambal temple Mandapam top stucco images of Shiva deities, Shiva, Parvathi, Murugan, Brahma, etc,.
 
( Ambal sannadhi vimanam )

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
10th to  12th century inscriptions are available on the walls of inner prakaram.

LEGENDS
One of the story about this temple goes like this. The King whose capital was Uraiyur send flowers from Nandavanam to his two wives. The first wife at Thirukattupalli offered the flowers to Lord Shiva and the other wife used for herself. Latter the Uraiyur was completely submerged with sand during piralayam and  Thirukattupalli was stayed with out any problem.

CONTACT DETAILS:
The mobile number is +91 94423 47433

HOW TO REACH: 
Buses are available from Thiruvaiyaru ( 25 KM ), Thanjavur, Thirukkandiyur, and Kallanai.
The temple is very near to Thirukattupalli bus stand. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( 5 Tier Rajagopuram)
( Dakshinamurthy sannathi mandapam in the outer prakaram )




112/58. SRI AAMRA VANESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRU MANDURAI.


This place is now called as Manthurai. This is the 112th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 58th  sthalam on the northern side of river Kaveri of Chozha Nadu.  Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
 
( Rajagopuram )

Moolavar    : Sri Aamra Vaneswarar, Sri Suthrathaneswarar, 
                   Sri Aathirathneswarar
Consort      : Sri Azhagammai, Sri Balambigai

The followings are the important features of the temple.
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai.  Adhi Sankarar  is also in the koshta moortham.

Navagrahas are facing the SUN and Sun with his wives Samukya and Saya devi. In the prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar.

ARCHITECTURE
The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and Artha mandapam. Moolavar vimanam sikaram is of vesara style and  has beautiful stucco images. 

(மூலவர் கோபுரம் அற்புதமான வேலைப்பாடு . மற்ற கோபுரங்களில் இருந்து மாறுபட்டு கட்டப்பட்டது  ஒரு சிறப்பு )

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per the Inscriptions of Rajaraja Chozha-I, King had waived the tax, when the peoples  tried to vacate their villages due to drought.

LEGENDS
Mango trees were found around the temple in those days, hence this place was called as Mandurai. ( Aam – Mango in Sanskrit). Saaba vimosana sthalam for Brahma,  Suryan, Chandran, Samudhra Rajan,  Maruthanthagan  for Sukola munis’ son.

Lord Shiva turned to be a mother for the orphaned young deer, whose parents were killed by the hunter in this area.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Mobile numbers are + 91  99427 400562 and +91 94866 40260

HOW TO REACH : 
15 KM away  from Trichy
3 KM before Lalgudi from Trichy to Lalgudi bus route.
Frequent town buses are available from Trichy.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( மூலவர் கோபுரம் அற்புதமான வேலைப்பாடு . மற்ற கோபுரங்களில் இருந்து மாறுபட்டு கட்டப்பட்டது  ஒரு சிறப்பு )


111/57. ANBIL SATHYAVAGEESWARAR TEMPLE, ANBILANTHURAI /ANBIL.


This place is called as ANBIL ( Anbil – has three mel – Middle – Keel and the temple is in keel Anbil. This is the 111th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam  and 57th  Sthalam on the northern side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar  & Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

( 5 Tier Rajagopuram )

Moolavar    : Sri Sathyavageeswarar, Sri Bramapureeswarar, 
                    Sri Alanthuraiyar
Consort      : Sri Soundaranayagi

The followings are important features of this temple.
The temple is facing east with a 5 Tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is Swayambhu. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In the prakaram Ambal is in a separate sannadhi. Sannadhi also for Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar and Navagrahas. All the navagrahas are facing Sun.

“Sevi saitha Vinayagar” –( செவி சாய்த்த வினாயகர் )  is seen in hearing posture with head turned  to receive the hymns of Thirugnanasambandar and he is also called as ‘Samaveda Vinayagar’, since Jaimini families  had done sama veda parayanam  in front of Vinayagar. 

ARCHITECTURE
Architecture of the temple is very beautiful and worth to  be seen. The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. A vesara Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum. There many sculptures on the front mandapa pillars. Some of them are, Two snakes worshiping Shiva, Snake tail on one side and head on the other side of the pillar.
A moat/ agazhi type formation is around the sanctum Sanctorum.

( Moolavar and Ambal temple vimanam )

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The  Temple might have reconstructed in latter state by Nayaks or Nattukottai Nagarathar. Middle entrance might have been built during 10th to 12th century. This is found from the inscriptions. The temple is madakoil believed to be built by Ko chengat Chozha and latter reconstructed as stone temple during Paranthaga Chozhan period. 

HOW TO REACH : 
Town buses are available from Trichy Chatram bus stand -28 Km.
Town buses also available from Lalgudi and the distance is- 8 KM.
About 3 KM from Mandurai.

CONTACT DETAILS :
Land line number is +91 431  254 4927

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Two snakes worshiping Shiva Lingam )



( Bas-reliefs of snake head one side and tail on one side on a pillar in front mandapam )
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---