Sri Kamesuwarar Temple / Thirukkameshwarar Temple / Thirukkamiswarar Temple, Kappalur, Near Polur, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

27^th November 2016.

This Kappalur Heritage visit was arranged by R.E.A.C.H Foundation for it’s 7^th batch Epigraphy students. Since I am also an alumni of the Epigraphy class, Mr Ramanath  included me for this Visit. As planned we, 38 heritage enthusiasts started from Chennai  through 2 vans and a car around 05.45 hrs. Total journey was around 4.30 hours, on 27^th November 2016. We reached Kappalur  from Chennai via Uthiramerur, Vandavasi, Polur . On the way we had our breakfast under a  road side tamarind tree. Mr Ramanath had taken much pain to carry from Tindivanam.  It was a pleasant journey  with lot of information pouring in from Mr Ramachandran,  Mr Vakula Varadharajan and  Mr Madhusudhanan of our group also added flavor to it. Learned a lot throughout the journey and from the field visit.

The Village Kappalur is a heritage treasure. It has 20 temples, Nadukal, Hero stones, Komarikal, Vijayanagara period granite panel slabs erected in 4 corners of the village and many. The main aim of this field visit was to learn to read the inscriptions and hand on experience of taking estempage of the  inscriptions. Mr Ramachandran encouraged the students to read  the inscriptions. From the inscriptions it was learnt that the original name of the Village was “Kamapullur”  and has the contributions of Pallava, Chozha, Early period Chozhas, Rashtrakutas, Latter period Pandyas,  Sambuvarayar and Vijayanagar  rulers. We started our field visit from  Sri Kamesuwarar Temple.

SRI KAMESUWARAR TEMPLE

Moolavar    : Sri Kamesuwarar

Consort      : Sri Kadina Kujambal.

Some of the important features are..

The temple is facing east with  balipeedam and  Rishabam mandapam. Even though the we enter through mottai Gopuram Main entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is from east. Dwarapalakas are at the east side immediately after the main entrance on the both side of a granite jolly work. Moolavar is on a round avudayar. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy ( installed separately not installed in the niche), Vishnu in place of Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. In the maha mandapam, Urchavars, Suryan and Vinayagar. 

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Naalvars,  Two Vinayagars, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Shiva Lingam & Ambal,  Annapoorani, Natarajar Saba ( with a separate vimanam ), Chandikeswarar, Bairavar and Navagrahas. The bell is in the north east corner of the outer prakaram.

ARCHITECTURE

The main entrance to the sanctum Sanctorum. The temple consists of Sanctum, artha mandapam and a maha mandapam. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi with front mandapam on the right side of  moolavar sannadhi, may be reconstructed during Vijayanara Period. Their emblem is on one of the Pillar. 

 The emblem of Vijaya Nagaras ( at the entrance of Ambal sannadhi )

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION:

The inscriptions are there around sanctum adhistanam ( base). There is a separate Rajendra Chozha two side inscription granite slab measuring 185 cm x 138 cm, on the north west corner. The inscription records that Chief of army Rajaraja Bhiramarayan’s son donation of ninety goats   for burning a perpetual lamp, land donated to nandhavanam ( Garden ), and land donated for pooja with naivedyam to Dakshinamurthy.

The Pillars of the mandapam bears the inscription about the donation made for burning the lamp.

Rajendra Chozha two side inscription granite slab measuring 185 cm x 138 cm ( North side )

Rajendra Chozha two side inscription granite slab measuring 185 cm x 138 cm ( south side )

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept open between 09.00 Hrs to 10.00 Hrs and 16.30 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mr B Raghupathy may be contacted on his mobile 9442810617

HOW TO REACH:

About 5 KM from Polur. Since the frequency of the bus is limited, hire a taxi  from Polur.

LOCATION :CLICK HERE

 

 

....... to be continued ( Sapthamathirika Temple )

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

“THIS BRIDGE” – A British period monument at Saidapet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 19^th November 2016

This protected monument inscription starts with “This Bridge” is between Saidapet and Nandanam  separately fenced in the PWD vehicles repair shop ( Arasu Pannai Gramam ). This was originally  built with obelisk, which is missing now. This was built on the surplus water channel  from a large tank, which once  existed along the western edge of Mount Road, starting at Saidapet and curving along the Nungambakkam High Road. The water in the channel flows between the present Tod Hunter Nagar and Pern Pet.  This memorial pillar is under the control of  Tamil Nadu Archaeological  Department as protected monument.

This monument was erected in the year 1786 CE, by a  merchant called Adrin Fourbeck ( 1712 to 1783 CE ).  As per his  will, Chief Engineer of Madras ( Government ) Let. Col.  Patrick Ross built this bridge for the benefit of the general public under the guidance of his secretaries Thomas  Pelling, John de Fries and Peter  Bodin.  The four sides of the pillar has the same message inscribed in Tamil, English, Latin and Persian.

The inscription in English  reads as...

1. This Bridge
2. Erected as a Public Benefit
3. From a Legacy
4. By Bestowed
5. Mr. Adrian Four Beck
6. A Merchant of Madras
7. Is a monument
8. Useful as lasting
9. Of the Good citizen's
10. Munificent – liberality
11. It was erected
12. By his executors
13. T. Pulling I Defries & P. Bodkin
14. From the plan
15. and under the direction
16. Lieut:t col:L Pat:K Ross
17. Chief Engineer
18. In the year of our lord
19. 1786
20. Maj:r Gen:1 Sir Arch:d Campbell
21. Knight of the most Honble
22. Being then order of the batch
23. Governor of Fort St. George

For further reading, a post by Mr Venkatesh, writer and the Historian on the face book click here. Thanks for the Details.

The "other bridge" we may have to miss on the walk. As early as 1772, citizens led by free merchant Andrew Ross offered to build “a Bridge over the Brook at Mamelon”. This, in fact, was the Surplus Channel of the Long Tank which once existed all along the western edge of Mount Road, starting at Saidapet and curving along Nungambakkam High Road.

The Bridge was eventually built in 1786 according to the instructions left in Adrian Fourbeck’s will. Fourbeck, who was born “in the East” in 1712, became a member of the Gunroom Crew in Fort St George as soon as he was old enough. He was discharged on a disability pension of Pagodas 1-14-0 in 1740. He then teamed with Samuel Troutback and became a success in business.

He died in 1783 and his Executors Thomas Pelling, John de Fries and Peter Bodin ensured that the terms of his will were honoured. The bridge was built under the direction of Lt. Col. Patrick Ross, the Chief (Government) Engineer of Madras at the time a four-sided pedestal with the remains of an obelisk atop it. The panels on the four sides bear the same message, English, Latin, Persian and Tamil versions each occupying a side and stating, among much else, “This bridge, erected as a public benefit from a legacy bestowed by Adrian Fourbeck, a merchant of Madras, is a monument … (to) the good citizen’s munificent liberality.” The memorial, is one of the few dating to the British period that is on the list of protected monuments of the Tamil Nadu Government’s Department of Archaeology. 

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

  

  ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 20^th November 2016

The temple is in Velachery, previously called as Vedhasreni. The story is very much associated to Sri Dhandeeswarar Shiva temple Temple ( 4 Vedas relieved from dosham after worshiping Lord Shiva ).

Moolavar   : Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy

Thayar      : Sri Amirthabalavalli

Some of the important features are..

The temple is facing west with a 3 tier Rajagopuram and balipeedam and Dwajasthambam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. In the maha mandapam, sannadhi for alwars. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the maha mandapam and Artha mandapam. In the artha mandapam, Urchavars Bhaktavatsala Perumal with Bhoodevi and Sridevi, and Vedanarayana Swamy is with prayoga chakra.  In Sanctum moolavar is Sri Narasimha Swamy in sitting yoga posture.

In koshtam moorthams of Perumals avataras.and below reliefs of Narasimhar’s various postures like Jwala, Sathra vada, Paravana, etc.. Prakalath sannadhi is on the opposite of moolavar instead of Garudalwar.

Thayar Amirtha Balavalli is in a separate sannidhi on the right side facing east and Chakkarathalwar and Kothandaramar  with Anjaneyar sannadhi are on the left side near the Rajagopuram also facing east. Bodhi tree with Nagars are on the right side of the dwajasthambam. 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and maha mandapam. The original temple was built with simple pada banda adhishtanam. The Adhistanam is on a raised Upanam. The new temple was built with granite from adhistanam to prastaram. The super structure 2 talas above prastaram was built with brick. The Sanctum walls has the bas-reliefs of Maha Vishnu's various avatars. A exquisitely carved jala is also on the wall. 

  

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS 

The temple is believed to be of  1300 years old and constructed during the same period of Sri Dhandeeswarar and Sri Selliamman. The temple has the contributions of Rajaraja Chozha, Dhandi varma the Pallava King in terms of land  and money for performing regular Poojas and functions. 

The temple was rebuilt recently by the Prahlada Kainkarya trust through public money and Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 2016. The temple was rebuilt completely with granite stone. The original temple’s base – Kumudam- is installed separately, which has inscriptions.

The old base of the original temple with inscriptions 

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 Hrs to 10.30 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The Battar Sri Ramanujar wants the devotees to come directly instead of contacting him over his phone.

HOW TO REACH:

The Temple is on the way from Gurunanak College and Vijayanagara Bus stop in Velachery immediately after Selliamman Temple and Sri Dhandeeswarar Shiva temple.

All the Town buses to Velachery passes through this temple and Bus stop is called as Dhandeeswaram.

LOCATION :CLICK HERE

 The west side 3 tier Rajagopuram

 Thayar      : Sri Amirthabalavalli Sannadhi

 Kothandaramar sannadhi 

 East side entrance 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu - In Search of History – Kongu Nadu – A Heritage Walk.

 13^th November 2016.

We, six history enthusiasts M/s Srinivasan. Raja, Nandhakumar, Santhosh and Vijay trekked the Tiruchengode hill through steps, in which the 7^th century poet and one of the Nayanmar Thirugnanasambandar trekked the hill to have the darshan of Sri Ardhanareeswarar. Even though the hill temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Chengottu Velavar, Sri Subramanya Swamy is given more importance.

  

The Tiruchengode hill was called as Kodimadachengundram during 7^th century and Nayanmars also mentioned in their hymns. Even though I had been to Sri Ardhanareeswarar temple number of times, this time we had seen the temple and the hill in  a different perspective. From start  of the steps to the Sanctum we had seen Chozha, Kongu Chozha,  Pandya, Vijayanagars, Kettimudali, Udayars, Nayaks and Britishers contributions. Yes Britishers too contributed to this temple.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS:
We have inscriptions  from 10^th century on the hill by the side of the steps. The Kings and individuals who contributed to this temple are  Chozha King 1^st Rajendran ( 1032 CE),  Chozha King Rajakesari Varman ( 10^th century), Chozha King ( Kongu - 13^th Century), Chozha King 3^rd Rajendran ( may be Kongu Chozha )( 13^th century ),  Pandya king 2^nd Sadaiyavarma Sundaran ( 13^th century),  Kongu Chozhan Veera Rajendran ( 13^th century ), Vijayanagar ( 16^th century), Veerapradhaba Krishnaraya Maharayar,  Krishnadeva Maharayar, Sadasiva Maharayar, Nallathambi Kangeyan, Athappa Nallathambi Kangeyan, Athappa Irumudi Nallathambi Kangeyan ( 17^th century ) Kumaraswamy kangeyan, Nayakkar  Viswanatha Chokkalingan, Vijayanagara ( 17^th century )  Nayakar Chokkanathan, Narashima Udayar, Nayakkar Boththu 9 18^th Century ). Of the above Chozha King 3^rd Rajendran has the maximum number of contributions.  ( for the copy of the inscriptions …. Please CLICK HERE ).

The inscriptions mainly speaks about gold, land, coins, mandapas, ponds to store water donated to Lord Shiva for the naivedyam, poojas, Thirumanjanam, Annathanam, Burning of perpetual lamp, celebrating functions and chanting of Vedas & hymns.  Now it is very sad to note these inscriptions are being destroyed by cutting of snake reliefs in the name of pariharam.

 Inscriptions - Near the Nagar Temple 

 Inscriptions - Near the Nagar Temple 

 Inscriptions - Near the Nagar Temple 

 Inscriptions between 325 to 365 steps 

 Inscriptions between 325 to 365 steps - see how do the people destroyed the inscriptions by cutting Nagars  

 Inscriptions between 325 to 365 steps - see how do the people destroyed the inscriptions by cutting Nagars 

 Inscriptions near 60 steps 

 Inscriptions near 60 steps 

There is no separate inscription of the Britishers. Davis W D ( 19^th century ) an acting collector of Salem renovated the Vigneswarar Mandapam and his relief is on one of the pillar and also on the rock near the Sanctum. ( He also constructed a mandapam and a marriage hall for Sri Sukavaneswarar temple in Salem Town ).

 DAVIS, W D ( 19th century )The Salem collector since 1923 to 1926. He constructed the Vigneswarar sannadhi mandapam, whose relief is also on one of the pillar  

LOCATION :CLICK HERE

FOR MORE PHOTOS AND INSCRIPTIONS ON GOOGLE :CLICK HERE 

 Cutting the nose of the defeated kings soldiers – a relief  - Mainly available in Salem dist temples 

 The person killing the tiger and his dog also biting the tiger.

 Jeyshta Devi- or the Thavvai Thai still in worship

  Ayyanar 

 Bell structure was donated by the Britishers and the supporting rail was imported from UK during 1910

 Bell structure was donated by the Britishers and the supporting rail was imported from UK during 1910

Old bell  donated by and individual of course not used now 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---