Monday 29 April 2013

Sri Thiripuranthakeswarar Temple at Koovam, Sri Deivanatheeswarar Temple at Elumiyankottur, Sri Jalantheeswarar Temple at Thakkolam, Sri Vaitheeswarar Temple at Poonamallee, Sri Singeeswarar Temple at Mappedu and Soleeswarar temple at Perambakkam, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu - Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Thondai Nadu.

 29, April 2013
It was little uneasy to  me  when the Sunday approaches. Also I had planned to carry out some domestic work on Sunday. Since my wife agreed to follow up with the contractor,  planned to visit some of the Shiva Temples.  In this visit I want to test my self and my bullet bike, (which I transferred to my son.)  Prepared the list of temples  from Poonamallee to  Thakkolam.  Even though I had been  to these temples already, thought of making it once again.

Filled petrol for 4oo rupees and checked the air in the Tyre after Porur, reached first to POONAMALLEE Sri Vaitheeswaran Temple.  There was no crowd at 07.00 Hrs and the archakars were preparing for the abhishekam. Had the dharshan and proceeded to MAPPEDU.  In this temple also Archakar was called from his house and opened the main shrine. From there I went to KOOVAM and had a peaceful dharshan.  My next visit  was Elumiyankottur. On the way I had been to NARASINGAPURAM  Perumal temple.  Luckily the archakar’s residence is in  the temple premises  at ELUMIYANKOTTUR and he opened the temple  (disturbed him from his morning sleep after breakfast around 11.00 Hrs ). During my last visit I had seen some of the students were practicing the vedas. But this time nobody was there in the temple premises. The road between Koovam and Elumiyankottur was really tough also there was no traffic on this village route.  On the way to Thakkolam purchased vegetables from the roadside vendor. ( Purchased brinjal, Ladies finger each Rs 10 for ½ Kg. and drum stick 6 nos at a cost of Rs 10/- ). It was around 11.30 Hrs when I reached THAKKOLAM and the temperature was too hot. After darshan returned to Chennai through PERAMBAKKAM.  The temple at Perambakkam was closed and the side gate was found opened. Along with a local devotee went round the prakaram.

When I reached Chennai  around 13.45 Hrs, I was completely exhausted, since I had skipped my breakfast and temperature was too high. The total distance I traveled was 133 Km and my bike didn’t gave any trouble.  Lord Shiva was with me throughout my travel and Thanks Lord.

I am splitting this post in to Two, one is for the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams in THONDAI NADU and other for the  rest of the temples.

PAADAL PETRA SHIVA STHALAMS – THONDAI NADU

14. SRI THIRIPURANTHAKESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVIRKOLAM / KOOVAM.


Now this place is called as Koovam. This is the 14th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Gajabirushta Vimanam

Moolavar    : Sri Thiripuranthaswamy, Sri Thiruvirkolanathar
Consort      : Sri Thiripura Sundarai, Sri Thiripuranthagi

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The 5 tier Rajagopuram is on the south side, constructed during recent years. The temple is facing east with sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar is of sand under rudraksha mandapam and theenda thirumeni. Abhishekam is done only for avudayar. Moolavar vimanam is of Gajabirustam type. In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Sannadhi for Ganapathy and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar at the entrance of Rajagopuram. 

The Ambal is in a separate temple at the entrance of Rajagopuram. There are two Dwajasthambam, one is in front  Shiva  Temple and other in front of Ambal ( Simha vahanam in front of Ambal instead of Nandhi ) Temple. Natarajar Saba is in a separate sannadhi and the dance is called as rasha Nadanam.

In the prakaram Brihadeeswarar, Achirutha Vinayagar, Shanmuganathar, Balasubramaniar, Chokkanathar with Meenakshi, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar with out dog and Navagrahas.

In old days the moolavar colour used to change depending on the natural calamities like flood, war etc.

CONTACT DETAILS :
For more details Mr Balasubramanian of Nalvar Iraipani Mandram may be contacted on his mobile 9444808886.

HOW TO REACH : 
Bus frequency is unpredictable. Hence, get down at Koovam junction on the way to Poonamallee to Thakkolam / Arakkonam route from there 1 KM.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE 

5 Tier Rajagopuram
 Ambal Sannadhi
 Raja Gopuram with Ambal Sannadhi Entrance
Urchava Moorthangal 
 Urchava Moortham - Chandrasekar 
It is not the National High way - The state highway between Poonamallee & Thakkolam  - forest on both sides. 
 Another stretch of highway with banyan trees on both side looks cool to pass through


13. SRI DEIVANATHESWARAR TEMPLE / SRI ARAMBESWARAR SWAMY TEMPLE. ILAMBAIYANKOTTUR.  


Now this place is called as elemian Kottoor or Elumiyankottur. This is the 13th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 
 Dwajasthambam with front mandapam

Moolavar    : Sri Arambeswarar Swamy, Sri Deivanayakeswarar,
    Sri Chandrasekarar
Consort      : Sri Kanaga Kujambigai, Sri Kodenthu Mulaiammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east and there is no Rajagopuram, only entrance from west.

The Dwajasthambam is standing separately without kavasam. Nandhi and Balipeedam are at the ground level under a small mandapam. Moolavar is Theenda Thirumeni and covered completely with Nagabaranam. Through vibhuti hole the red colour of the moolavar is visible. In koshtam Nirutha Ganapathy, Yoga Dakshinamurthy ( Right hand on the left chest – a rare moortham ), Maha Vishnu ( in place of Lingothbavar ) Brahma and Durgai.

There are two Ambal sannidhi one is in the inner prakaram and other is outer prakaram. In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Ambal ( Kanaga Kujambigai ), Suryan and Chandran.  In the Outer prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar and Subramaniyar.

CONTACT DETAILS 
Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile  9600043000 and 9444865714. 

HOW TO REACH : 
From Koovam Elumiyankottur is 5 KM via Narasingapuram. Route is little tough and there is no proper road.
Auto is available from Perambakkam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

 Front mandapam
 Rishabam with balipeedam
 Un installed damaged statutes


12. SRI JANANTHEESWARAR / JALANATHEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUVOORAL  


Now this place is called as Thakkolam. This is the 12th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Three tier Rajagopuram of west side 

Moolavar    :Sri Jalanatheeswarar / Sri Jalantheeswarar
Consort      :Sri ThirirajaKannigambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are …..
The Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers on the west side and the temple is facing east. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, antarala, artha mandapam and maha mandapam. Moolavar is of sand ( prithvi ) Theenda Thirumeni. Abhishekam is not done to moolavar.

In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu  ( in place of Lingothbavar ), Brahma and Durgai ( In standing like Kannan playing flute ). Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu and Brahma are in sitting posture very rare to see.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Saptamatrikas, Nalvar, Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniar, Ganapathy, Ganapathy with 10 hands ( One hand found broken), Bhairavar, Mahavishnu, Suryan and Chandran.

The main entrance to maha mandapam is from south side and Sannadhi are for Natarajar Saba, Navagrahas, Dharma Sastha and Subramaniyar.  In outer prakaram Subramaniar Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, Nandhi and Ambal Sannadhi. 

Stucco images of Lord Shiva kicking Yaman for Markandeyar is worth to see.

LEGENDS: 
The place is called as Thakkolam, because, Thakkan cried ( oolam -ஓலம்  ) by sensing the end of his life.

HOW TO REACH 
Direct bus is available from Poonamallee bus stand.
Arakkonam bus from Chennai passes through Thakkolam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE 


 Maha Vishnu in sitting posture - in place of Lingothbavar - Right hand abhaya hastham and left hand on his thigh.
 Vinayagar one hand was damaged - with sidhi on his left side
 Brahma  also in sitting posture beautiful to look
Vishnu  Durgai - watch the standing posture - like kannan  playing flute
 Un-installed damaged statues
 Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Nandhi - granite stone window to see moolavar
 Front entrance of Main shrine
 Entrance of Ambal sannidhi

SHIVA & VISHNU TEMPLES BETWEEN POONAMALLEE & THAKKOLAM 

SRI VAITHEESWARAN TEMPLE - POONAMALLEE

Moolavar    :  Sri Vaidheeswarar
Consort      :  Sri Thaiyal Nayagi

Some of the important Features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east and Sun worships Lord Shiva during Tamil Masi Month ( dates  21, 22, 23, 24 and 25.). The temple tank is in front. The Rajagopuram  is on north side and there is a Shiva Lingam at the entrance near compound wall. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are at the entrance of Maha mandapam. In koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu in place of  Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In the inner Navagrahas, Urchavars, Veeran, Ganapathy, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Kumbeswarar, Kailasanathar, Annapoorani, Mahalingeswarar, Adhisankarar installed Srichakram, Shiva Chakkaram and Shanmuga Chakkaram, Subramaniyar, Mahalakshmi. Natarajar Saba, Bhairavar, Naalvar, Chandran and  Suriyan.

Ambal is in a separate sannadhi. In the outer prakaram has only Ko-sala.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Contact Phone number is 044 26491444. 

HOW TO REACH :
The  temple is .5 Km off from main road before bus stand.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE

 View of temple complex from the north side Rajagopuram
 Dwajasthambam with maha mandapam
 East side 3 tier mini Rajagopuram
 Bas-reliefs on the entrance wall of Rajagopuram

 North side Rajagopuram

SRI PUSHPAKUJAMBIGAI SAMEDHA SRI SINGEESWARAR TEMPLE – MAPPEDU

The Place Mappedu was originally called as Meipedu.


Moolavar    : Sri Singeeswarar
Consort      : Sri Pushpakujambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The 5 tier Rajagopuram is on the south side and the temple is facing east. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam  are on the east side entrance of main shrine but the entry to the sanctum is from south side. In koshtam Rudhra Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy ( Mahavishnu in place of Lingothbavar), Brahma and  Vishnu Durgai.

There is a Dakshinamurthy moortham on the left side of the Rajagopuram entrance. In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Aasthana Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Adhikesava Perumal, Veerapaleeswarar, Bhairavar, Veena Anjaneyar ( A veena is on the hands ) and Suryan. Natarajar Saba is in Maha mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. On moolavar vimanam, stucco image of Shiva’s Narthanam, Gajasamkara moorthy, Veena Dakshinamurthy, Pichadanar, Naalvar, Kannappar, Egapadamurthy, on the east side Shiva and Parvati on the Rishaba Vahanam are worth to see. 

HISTORY 
It was believed that the temple was constructed during Chozha King Aditya Karikalan (AD 967).

LEGENDS
Why Shiva is called as Singeeswarar - refer my latest post on Tripurantaka lecture by Chitra Madhavan ....CLICK HERE

CONTACT DETAILS :
Sivachariyar Sridhar Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile 9444943644 and 94443225093.

HOW TO REACH :
The Mappedu is on the bus route Poonamallee to Thakkolam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE

 East side view of temple complex
 Dwajasthambam with balipeedam and Rishabam

 Entrance to the main shrine
 5 tier Rajagopuram
 Moolavar Vimanam
Stucco images on the moolavar vimanam 
Bas reliefs at the entrance of Rajagopuram - The lengthy one with Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma with their vahanas. 


SRI MARAGATHAVALLI SAMETHA SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE - NARASINGAPURAM

The Village is named after the Lord of this temple. 

Moolavar    : Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
Consort      : Sri Maragatha valli.

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers and the temple is facing east. Lot of cows are in front of Rajagopuram. Moolavar is Narasimhar (one of the avatar of Lord Vishnu ) in sitting posture and Sri Lakshmi on his left thigh. In the maha mandapam Alwar’s thirumenikal. At the entrance of Rajagopuram Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudalwar.

Thayar is in a separate temple/ sannadhi facing east in standing posture. There is also a separate temple/ sannidhi for Aandal. In prakaram Moortham of Ashta Lakshmis constructed separately.

HOW TO REACH :
2 KM before Perambakkam on Poonamallee to Thakkolam / Arakkonam bus route.
Mid way between Koovam to Elumiyankottur and 2 KM from Koovam after colony. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Moolavar Vimanam

 Main entrance
5 tier Rajagopuram 

SRI KAMAKSHI SAMEDHA SRI SOLEESWARAR TEMPLE - PERAMBAKKAM
This place was called as perumbakkam and latter corrupted to the present name of Perambakkam.

Moolavar    : Sri Soleeswarar
Consort      : Sri Kamakshi Ambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch on the south side. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are on the east side. In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Ambal sannidhi is in maha mandapam. In outer prakaram, sannadhi for Sakthi Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar, Sri Subramaniar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan, Chandran, Iyappan and Pradhosha Lingam.

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

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
There are about 14 inscriptions in this temple. As per the inscriptions the temple was built during 12th Century, Kulothunga Chozha –I period and the Lord Shiva was called as Kulothunga Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar and now called as Soleeswarar.  The temple also had the contributions from Vijayanagar Dynasty.

HOW TO REACH : 
Perambakkam is about 33 KM from Chennai on Poonamallee to Arakkonam route and 5 KM before Thakkolam. ( The Place is not on the main road )

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 South side entrance
 Dwajasthambam with balipeedam and Rishabam - No entrance from east side
 Moolavar Vimanam
 Dakshinamurthy
Brahma in Koshtam 
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Velliangiri Andavar Temple / வெள்ளியங்கிரி ஆண்டவர் கோயில் / “THEN KAILAYAM” - Velliangiri Hills, Poondi in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. YATRA 2013.

08, April 2013
I was instructed by our Chairman to inspect the maintenance jobs carried out at his personal Ooty Guest house. Since the inspection was planned during first week of April, decided to undertake this Velliangiri Yatra. When I called my friend Mr Azhagesan, to join this trip, he readily accepted and some of his office friends also expressed their willingness to join with us. When we announced our plan of  going  during day time others withdrawn from the yathra.

As usual I stayed at our Company’s guest house  ( Now I retired from SPIC )  and by 07.00 hrs , on 6th April 2013, started our yathra. Up to Isha  Yoga centre We could able to get the bus and from there 1.5 KM we walked to Poondi, the foot hills of Velliangiri. When we reached the base temple there were lot of devotees returning  from top after darshan, who had under taken their yathra on the previous night. After base temple darshan we started climbing up  around 08.00 Hrs. 

It took 1 hour to reach Vellai Pillayar sannadhi at the  top of the first hill. After crossing the bamboo forest in the second hill and reached the third hill. There were tall grass on both sides  of the third hill. There was no shade to rest on the 4th, 5th and 6th hills. But about 20 shops were put on the en-route. The path was up and down and we are able to get the first sight of THENKAILAYAM SHIVA’s CAVE from the 5th and 6th hills.  It was too hot than we expected. We could see the plastic papers, biscuit covers chocolate wrappers strewn along the route up to 4th hill. ( Too bad ).

 View of  Top hill from 6th hill with greenery on the background

We found extremely difficult to climb  the 7th hill in the scorching sun and we exhausted completely. Around 13.00 Hours finally reached the top. There was no crowd on the top. The temperature was also normal. Usually it will be too chill and cold breeze will be  from western Ghats. After peaceful darshan and a  rest of about 30 minutes, started climb down and reached to the foot hill around 19.00 Hours. ( planned to reach by 18.00 hrs ). While climbing down also we had taken the same time of 5 Hours due to halt at many places.  I got pain in the left leg, otherwise it was okay. We had seen  few birds,  squirrels and lot of monkeys during our yathra.

 Route on 6th hill

 Vinayagar  temple in the 7th hill route open to sky
View of temple entrance from 7th hill route

  Vinayagar sannadhi

 Ambal sannadhi

 Velliangiri Andavar

 Top hill view  from down side


SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR THOSE WHO WISHES TO UNDERTAKE THIS VELLIANGIRI YATRA.
  • Take at least 2 litres of water  in case if you take day time yathra or otherwise 1 litre of water is okay. ( Water is available at Aandi sunai ( spring ), Kaithatti sunai and at 6th hill – water may contains some contamination hence it is not preferred. But many people consumes – I had a severe stomach disorder during my 3rd Yathra, after that I avoid that  murky water)
  • Some Fruits to boost energy ( Grapes is okay ).
  • Food – may be curd rice will reduce the heat of the body.
  • Some chocolates ( Candy man will do.)
  • Glucose powder one packet.
  • Torch light ( a small 2 battery cell torch will do ) .
  • A practice of walking without chapel for about 15 days at-least will help for smooth climb ( Some peoples climb with foot wear, and shoes – It will be your belief – nobody stops you climb with foot wear ).
  • Bamboo stick, which is available at the base temple at a cost of Rs 20.00 ( difficult to climb up/ down without that)
  • There are about 20 shops on the en-route, where you can get Soda, Lemon soda ( opposite to Vellai pillayar ), Mango, snacks, Sukku Coffee with out milk,  Kambu ( a millet ) koozhl. Shops are available up to base of the seventh temple. These shops will be open  only during season of 15 days before and after Chitra pournami ( Full moon day ) ie APRIL .
  • There are some shops sells the medicinal herbs /plants too.
  • Wants to do abhishekam & archana ?, materials has to be taken from the base temple.
  • A mandapam is there at the base temple to take rest, wants to stay in the night also possible.
  • Head tonsuring and bathing is possible at the base temple.
  • Please do not throw plastics covers on the hill please bring back to base.
  • Many people take bath at the starting of seventh hill. ( It is your choice ).
  • Many people likes to take yathra during night to avoid sun heat. ( Sun rise will be a beautiful from the top hence it may be preferred).
  • Wishes to enjoy the beauty of the hill, cloud floating under your feet may like to travel during day time.
  • People undertake yathra during Maha Shivaratri and less during monthly Amavasai ( No moon day )
  • Try to take knife, bandage cloth, band aid -  may not help for self, but may be helpful for the other devotees.
  • Ladies – ( Like Sabarimala) are restricted to undertake the yathra.
  • The yathra will be pleasant if you carry less luggage. The back bag is preferred, since the hands will be free.
  • Try to undertake yathra in group, which will be helpful  during emergencies. 
Velliangiri Yatra 2019  My Experience : CLICK HERE
Velliangiri Yatra 2018  My Experience : CLICK HERE
Velliangiri Yatra 2017  My Experience : CLICK HERE
Velliangiri Yatra 2016  My Experience : CLICK HERE
Velliangiri Yatra 2015  My Experience : CLICK HERE
Velliangiri Yatra 2012  My Experience : CLICK HERE
Velliangiri Yatra 2011  My Experience : CLICK HERE
Velliangiri Yatra 2011  My Experience : CLICK HERE 


 Devotees dig for vibhuthi

Devotees dig for Kungumam ( The soil colour changes within 10 meters )



Wayside shops -Medicinal herbs for sale 

Sparrow - very cute  

 Nature's twist
--- OM SIVAYA NAMA ---