Friday 15 August 2014

Ona Kantheeswarar Temple, Ona Kanthan Thali, Sri Sathyanatheswarar, Kachinerikkaraikkadu and Sri Veerattaneswarar Temple / Sakkiya Nayanar Temple , Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. - Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Thondai Nadu.

 15,August 2014
Celebrated this year’s independence day 15th August 2014, by visiting Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal in Kanchipuram of  Thondai Nadu. On hearing this Mr. Adalarasan ( He does the thirupani to the Shiva temples based at Velachery Chennai, with a work force of 200 to 300, all are volunteers in and around Chennai ) suggested me to visit to Sri Veerattaneswarar ( Sakkiya Nayanar Temple ) very near to Railway station.  Also he told that  he will be visiting to this temple on 15th evening in connection with Uzhavarapani.  Hence I made up mind to visit this temple after Ona kanthan thali.  When I landed at Sri Veerattaneswarar temple  to my surprise, Mr. Adalarasan was there, making arrangement  for Sunday’s Uzhavarapani.  After darshan proceeded to Kachinerikkaraikkadu through an auto after dropping him at bus stand. While getting down he gave me a packet and told me that it is only a prasadam. When I opened the packet after darshan of Sri Sathyanatheswarar, it was a coconut rice for the breakfast. Hope he handed over to me which he brought for himself.  Iraivan has given me this food in the form of prasadam through Mr Adalarasan.  ( But what he had done for his breakfast,  O, God! – Hope Lord might have arranged for him also ).

3. ONA KANTHEESWARAR TEMPLE, ONA KANTHAN THALI. 

This temple is in Panchupettai a part of Kanchipuram. This the 3rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.  Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord shiva of this temple.

Shri Oneswarar sannadhi moolavar vimanam

Moolavar: Sri Ona Kantheeswarar, Sri Kantheswarar & Jalandhareswar.

Some of the important features of this temple are.....
There is a small three tier Rajagopuram with Rishabam and Balipeedam on the east side with out Dwajasthambam. Lord Shiva and Parvati’s Kalyanakola sculpture is on the back of moolavar. The entrance to moolavar sannadhi is small with Stucco Dwarapalakas on both side.

In Ona Kantheswarar sannadhi koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Vishnu Durgai. There is no Koshta moorthangal in Sri Kantheeswarar Sannadhi. Oneswarar is of swayambhu and big in size with irregular surface  with vibhuti pattai alangaram looks cute.

In the outer prakaram Sannadhi for Vayiruthari Pillayar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar ( Kumara Velan ), Sapta nagakannis, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan, Agora Veerabhadra and Chandikeswarar. Naalvar is in the front mandapam.

There is also another Shiva sannadhi by name Sri Jalandhareswarar worshiped by Jalandharan with inter connecting door from Onakanthan Thali Temple. There is no Koshta  images also in this temple.

LEGEND:
Vanasuran’s captains Onan and Kaanthan worshiped Lord shiva of this temple. Hence the two Shiva Linga sannadhis are after their name. When Sundarar sung hymns, Iraivan  gave him  Tamarind fruits  in to Gold.

The temple Sivachariyar calls himself as Siddhar and he tells kuri குறி சொல்லுதல் ) ( about the person and future happenings - like astrology ). It is interesting to  hear and note the history of the temple through his actions. 

CONTACT DETAILS :
The mobile number is 98944 43108.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is very near to Panchupettai electrical substation part of Kanchipuram and a KM from Sri Ekambareswarar temple and 2 KM from Railway station. 
Can be reached through an auto from Sri Ekambareswarar temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

The three tier Rajagopuram 
Shri Vayiruthari Pillayar ( ஸ்ரீ வயிறுதாரி பிள்ளையார் )
Sri Saptha Nagakannikal
Shri Kantheswarar sannadhi on the left and Shri Oneswarar Sannadhi moolavar gopuram on the right 
Shri Salanthareswarar sannadhi (way )
Shri Jalanthareswarar Sannadhi 
Shri Jalanthareswarar sannadhi front entrance 

5. SRI SATHYANATHESWARAR TEMPLE, KACHINERIKKARAIKKADU

Now this place is called as Thirukalimedu a part of Kanchipuram. This is the 5th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rishabam Mandapam, Dwajasthambam and balipeedam

Moolavar                  : Sri Sathyanatheswarar.
Consort ( Urchavar ) : Sri Brambarambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing west with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. At the entrance of sanctum Dwara Ganapathy on the left and Subramaniyar on the right. Rishambam, Balipedam and Dwajasthambam are after the entrance. Moolavar is of swayambhu  little large and high with slight red in colour. In the sanctum idol of Ambal Bhrambarambigai. In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. 
 
In the inner prakaram sannadhi for  Natarajar Saba, ( Nataraja with Sivagami ), Nalvar, Indiran, Budhan, Bairavar,  Valli devasena Subramaniar,  Gajalakshmi, Neelakanda sivachariyar and Lakshmi sametha Thirumalavan. Urchavars for Somaskandar, Chandeswarar, Chandrasekaran, Pradosha Nayagar and  Naalvar. In the outer  prakaram sannadhi for Navagrahas, Budhan and Sani Bhagavan.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This, Sri Sathyanatha Swamy temple is one of the Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam, believed to be reconstructed as stone temple during Rajendra Chozha period and the original temple was constructed during Pallava period. The  adhistanam has the inscriptions of Rajendra Chozha – I, his son Rajathirajan, who died on the elephant in Thakkolam war, with title “thingalortharu thanrongkal”, Rajendra –II, who defeated Melai Chalukyas in Koppam war with title as “Thirumathu puviyenum”, Rajendra Chozha's grand son and the last King of Chozha empire Athirajendran with the title as “Thingaler malarnthu venkudai”

LEGEND
Indiran and Budhan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line and Mobile numbers are 044 - 2723 2327, 2722 1664.

HOW TO REACH :
The temple is on the Thirukalimedu a branch road from Railway road opposite to Head Post office. 
Town buses available only up to Head Post office and 1 KM distance from there.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
 
The three tier Rajagopuram with Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Nandhi mandapam 
The three tier Rajagopuram
Shri Maha Ganapathy - big in size
Back of moolavar Shiva Lingam and Nagars
Shri Lakshmi Sametha Shri Thirumalavan
Nalvar, Bairavar, Budhan, Indiran and Suryan
Sri Neelakanda Sivachariyar
Lingothbavar 
Shri Dakshinamurthy
Stone window opposite to Natarajar Saba.

SRI VEERATTANESWARAR  TEMPLE,  SAKIYA NAYANAR TEMPLE.

Sanctum Sanctorum
Moolavar :  Sri  Veerattaneswarar

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing west, small without Rajagopuram but with Rishabam and Balipeedam. The Rishaba is sitting on a raised platform on the west side. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala and an artha mandapam.

In the artha mandapam mandapam Lingas, Shiva Parvati, and Sakiya Nayanar. Except Chandikeswarar there is no sannadhi in the outer prakaram.

LEGEND
The Lord was worshiped by munivars and Siddhars.  A munivar by name Konganeswarar want to test Shiva by placing  a kulikai on the Shiva Idol which will turn to water. Instead it was observed by Shiva Linga moortham. After that Konganeswarar worshiped lord and attained mukti.

This  Lord of This temple was worshiped by Sri Sakkiya Nayanar, one of the 63var. Even though he belongs to Sakiya Religion ( One of the sub sect of Buddhist religion )  he worshiped Lord Shiva by throwing stone on Shiva Lingam. One day with out throwing stone he sat for the lunch. Suddenly he remembered and came out for throwing stone on Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva with Parvati gave kailaya darshan.

HISTORY
The temple has old inscriptions. These inscriptions belongs to various periods. First the temple was built around 1049 AD by 2nd Pallava king Parameswaran. In 1136 AD a lady by name “Sivanai Muzhuthum Udayal” had donated a Lamp. In 1168 AD A devotee Sethirayan had donated 32 cows during 2nd Rajathi Rajan period. In 1181 AD the temple was maintained by 3rd Kulothungan. In 1360 the temple was renovated by Vijayakammban.  Sri Sankarachariyar has built outer compound wall.

Old Tamil inscriptions on the base of moolavar sanctum

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is at the back side of SR Theater, by the side of Railway station in Konerikuppam . 
At the end of the Apparao  street opposite to Maria Ackchiliam girls school. (1 KM )  

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE

Entrance to the main temple 
un installed and damaged statues and pillars
Damaged uninstalled statues
Rishabam  is sitting on a raised platform 
 Iraivans pathams
 Shiva Linga moorthams in the artha mandapam. 
 Somaskandar Panel 
Sakya nayanar one of the 63var
History is kept in frame
Ekambareswarar temple east small entrance. ( Always kept locked ). On the way to Sri Veerattaneswarar temple from Ona kanthan thali
Periyandavar kovil on the same street. It was believed that Shri Arjunan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple 
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Tuesday 29 July 2014

Sri Metraleeswarar Temple, Thirukachimetrali, Sri Anekadhangavadeswarar Temple, Kachi Anekathangavatham and Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Thondai Nadu.

 29,July 2014
After the accident ( break in one of the bone and angle joint dislocated ) on my right leg, well wishers advised me to go to Magaral, the 7th Paadal petra Shiva sthalam, of Thondai Nadu  near Kanchipuram. Even though, I had been to this temple twice and this is my third visit 0n 29th July 2014. After confirmation with the gurukkal ( Shanmuga Sundara Gurukkal 9444810396 )  of the temple reached the temple around 07.45 Hrs with a empty water bottle to get the abhisheka water. It was believed that the holy water will cure many deceases. Utilizing this opportunity had Lord Shiva’s dharshan at Thirumetraleeswarar and Thirukachi Anekathangavatham. Also visited Sri Kailasanathar Temple near Thirukachi Anekathangavatham.

2. SRI METRALEESWARAR TEMPLE,  THIRUKACHI METRALI 
திருக்கச்சி மேற்றளி )
 
This is the second Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai nadu. Now called as Thirumetraleeswarar Koil and is in Pillayar Palayam, part of Kanchipuram. Thirunavukkarasar and Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Moolavar vimanam 

Moolavar    : Sri Metraleeswarar, Tirumetralinathar.
Consort      : Sri Metrali Nayagi

Some of the important features of this temple are …..
The temple is facing west with a 3 tier Rajagopuram on the east side. Balipedam and Rishabam are in the prakara. In Otha urugesar Sannadhi thiruvadi of Thirumal is in front of Lord Shiva. Moolavar is facing west. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and  Durgai.  Urchava moorthams are kept in the mandapam. In Natarajar Saba, Natarajar is painted and the original idol/ moortham is kept at Kachabesar Temple.

In the inner prakaram Sannadhi for  Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Kasi Viswanathar and Bhairavar.

In the outer prakaram Sannadhi for Navagrahas. Balipeedam with Nandhi are in front of Sanctum. Ambal sannadi in this temple was constructed at a latter state, since for  all Kanchipuram Shiva Temples Ambal is only Sri Kamakshi Amman. Jyeshta Devi’s statue is in the open ground with manthan and mandhi and ghost  reliefs.

During Kachabesar Urchavam Ambal will be brought to this temple and poojas will be conducted in the mandapam.

LEGEND
Thirumal worshiped Lord Shiva and got back his Shiva Swaroopam after Thirugnanasambandar came and sung the pathigam, till Thirumal was in Dhabas. Thirugnanasambandar’s sannidhi is at the end of the street. It was believed that Lord Shiva  came here and listened to Thirugnanasambandar’s hymns. Hence there is a Sannadhi available at the middle of the street by the name “Utrukketta Muthesara”.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS
Old Pallava, Sambuvarayar, Vijayanagara period Tamil inscriptions are found. These inscriptions gives the message of collecting Tax /fund from Sengunthars for running the temple. During my visit, Preparation was in progress for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam on 31-08-2014

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple is kept open between 07.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 21.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The temple may be contacted through mobile numbers 9865355572 and 9994585006

HOW TO REACH
The temple is about 2 KM from bus stand. Can be reached through auto.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Painting at Natarajar Saba ( The original Natarajar is kept at Kachabesar temple, Kanchipuram )
 Palalayam -Thirumal's thiruvadi also can be seen 
 Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar Sannadhi 

 New mandapam with Stucco images are in progress

Entrance to the shrine
  Rishabam in mandapam
 Three tier Rajagopuram 

 Utruketeeswarar Temple 
 Utruketeeswarar Temple 
 Utruketeeswarar Temple 
 Utruketeeswarar Temple Rishabam 
 Thirugnanasambandar Sannadhi ( at the end of the street )

4. SRI ANEKADHANGAVADESWARAR TEMPLE,/ KACHI ANEKATHANGAVATHAM / ( கச்சி அநேகதங்காவதம் ), KANCHIPURAM. 
This is the 4th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Balipeedam, Rishaba mandapam with moolavar shrine view from east

Moolavar : Sri Anekathankavadheswarar

Some of the important features of this temple are …
The  Temple is facing east with an entrance mini Rajagopuram on the north side. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala and Artha mandapam. A Shed is in front acts as a mukha mandapa. Rishabam and Balipeedam are in front of the temple. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga.

In the Prakara, Sri Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Chandikeswara. The adhisthana is a simple padabandha adhisthana.

LEGEND
Anekam – Elephant faced lord Sri Vinayagar  installed and worshiped. The Lord Shiva was also worshiped by Kuberan.

There was a lot of change in the temple between my first visit and this visit. Kumbhabhishekam was performed after constructing the moolavar vimanam, Naalvar sannadhi, Ganapathi and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar sannadhi. There was also an arch constructed near the main road leads to Sri Kailasanathar Temple. The entrance mini rajagopuram was not touched and kept as it was.

Tamil inscriptions are found at the base of the Sanctum Sanctorum.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple is kept open between 08.00 Hrs to 11.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The land line number is 044-2722 2084. 

HOW TO REACH
This temple is before Sri Kailasanathar temple on the left side.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE 
 
 Moolavar vimanam 
 Vinayagar sannadhi
 Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar sannadhi
 Moolavar Vimanam with Chandikeswarar sannadhi 
 Front mini Rajagopuram 
Newly built arch on the left of main road

SRI KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE

The temple is an architecture marvel, built by Pallava king Narasimha Varman –II, during 8th century. The temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India. The stone and statues were damaged badly due to age and were reconstructed by ASI. It also attracts foreign tourists.  Daily poojas are conducted.

LEGEND
When the date was finalized for the kumbhabhishekam, Lord Shiva asked to change to date to some other day, since he is attending the kumbhabhishekam of a temple built by Poosalar one of Nayanmar at Thiruninravur.

There are very small entries and exit passages around moolavar sanctum sanctorum. Going in and coming out through the passage signifies that people will get rid of the pain caused due to birth and death.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple is kept open between  08.30 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 18.00 Hrs.

HOW TO REACH.
The temple about 2 KM from bus stand and autos charges Rs 60.00.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Front view from Rishaba mandapam
Rishabam with mandapam Lion pillars 
Temple front entrance - The First Rajagopuram 
Inside mandapam  
Entrance view from back side with corridor
Dwarapalakas - on both sides are not identical
 View of the corridor

Moolavar vimanam - the super structure was also built with stone 
 Mahishasuramardini 
 Shiva with Parvati ( old paints also can be seen  near heads ) 


 Kala samhara moorthy
Gajasamhara murthy
 Pot for collection of abhisheka water
 Old Pallava period inscriptions 

----- OM SHIVAYA NAMA -----