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 ---