Saturday 29 August 2015

Sri Devi Karumari Amman Temple, annual festival, Sastri Nagar, Kakkan Bridge, West Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

29th August 2015
The annual festival of Sri Devi Karumari Amman temple is being celebrated during the first week of Avani , Tamil Month. A hill like structure has been erected and  an Amman statue is installed is the main attraction of this temple this year.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE 

Temple entrance
Sri Devi Karumari Amman Statue with hill like  structure
Vinaygar LED Display 
Amman LED Display – Technology is changed from incandescent bulb to LED bulbs
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Thursday 27 August 2015

Vel Patha Yathra to Nadupalani - 2015, from Maraimalai Nagar, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

27th August 2015.
This is an Open Invitation to those who would like to take Patha Yathra from Maraimalai nagar to Nadu Palani a place near Acharapakkam on Chennai to Trichy National High way. This Sri Dhandayuthapani Temple is between Palani and Vadapalani ( Chennai ), so this is called as Nadu Palani.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

To See my previous Posts :2012,  2012,   2014

The following are the Invitation and schedule.  



நல்லதே நடக்கும் நடுபழநி நாதன் அருளால் 
---ஓம் சிவாய நம :---

Saturday 22 August 2015

Madras Week 2015, a Lecture by Mrs Chitra Madhavan on Temples in and around Madras / Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

22nd August 2015.
As a Part of Madras week 2015, attended the  lecture “Temples in around Chennai “ by Mrs Chitra Madhavan at Tattvaloka, Theynampet on 21st August 2015.  I am one of the 20 and odd participants, in that our Mam Padmapriya was also there. ( It shows that world is too small and we cannot  miss a person who was already known). In the lecture she covered the Shiva temples of Coovam ( Thiruvirkolam, Thirupachur, Ilumbayankottur. All the three temples are Padal petra sthalangal.  ( For details of my temples visit …..CLICK HERE )  She also touched the temples of Kapaleeswarar,  where the images Tripurantaka  story is available in the Rajagopuram.

The lecture’s the main subject was Tripurantaka the urchavar of Thiruvirkolam. The moorthams may be in  forms metal ie  Panchaloha, brass or  Stucco ( in the Kapaleeswarar temple Rajagopuram ) were explained. The images of Tripurantaka is  also available in various temples like Tanjore, Kailasanathar temple at Kanchipuram   and Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh too. Lord Shiva Killed the three  sons of a demon through Vishnu as Arrow and Brahma as charioteer.  The other devas participated as bow, chariot, etc.  She told that the Gajabirusta Vimanam, belongs to Chola period, to support she quoted the inscriptions available at the temple.  Probably the base on the temple was constructed by  Pallavas and latter Gajabirusta vimanam was added or renovated by Cholas.  In the Back side of the moolavar, deva koshtam  we can see that Vishnu instead of Lingothbavar in many temples. This shows that the temples are very old.  This statement may not hold good for all the temples, since I had seen some of the temples in around Madras  with Vishnu in Devakoshtam,  which are constructed in the recent years. ( This may be an unite effort of Shiva & Vishnu devotees may and this statement may not be correct too…)

She also explained  the Shiva temple  at Mappedu, where Veena Hanuman is installed. Quoted the other temples which has similar moortham at Kumbakonam Sri Ramaswamy Temple ( Raghunatha veena ) and Villivakkam Sri Damodara swamy temple. Lord Shiva gave darshan  to one of his Shiva Gnana Singi at this temple, hence Shiva is called as Sri  Singeeswarar. ( During Shiva’s dance at Thiruvalangadu , Singi could not see, hence Shiva gave darshan at this temple  to Singi’s prayer). 

Totally the lecture was very nice and I could learn many things. Thanks to Chitra and Tattvaloka for arranging such a wonderful program.  Since the Photography was restricted I could take only three slides of Lord Shiva as Tripurantaka. 



--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Wednesday 19 August 2015

UZHAVARAM

STATE/ DISTRICT
PLACE
DESCRIPTION
Chennai Dist Linghi Chetty St Sri Sivakami Samedha Sri Natarajar Temple
Chennai Dist Linghi Chetty St  Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple
Chennai Dist Triplicane Thiru Vetteeswarar temple
Kanchipuram Dist Kunrathur Sri Nagechara Swamy Temple
Kanchipuram Dist Palur
Kanchipuram Dist Somangalam Sri Somanatha Eeswarar Temple
Kanchipuram Dist Villiambakkam
Thiruvallur Dist Nandambakkam Sri Kothandaramar Temple
Thiruvallur Dist Thiruninravur Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple
Thiruvallur Dist Thiruvallur 
Thiruvallur Dist Vilangattupakkam 
Tiruvallur Dist Panambakkam Sri Janame Jaya Eeswarar Temple

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple / Sri Swarnambigai / Sornambigai Sametha Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. - the Temple that lost it's identity.

 18th August 2015
This temple is at Villivakkam a part of Chennai City and close to  Bus terminus and Railway station. This temple is believed to be one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam sung by  Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal.

நாடகமா டிடநந்தி கேச்சுரமா காளேச்
        சுரநாகேச் சுரநாக ளேச்சுரநன் கான
கோடீச் சுரங் கொண்டீச் சுரந்திண் டீச் சுரங்
        குக்குடேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரங்கூறுங்கால்
ஆடகேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரமய னீச்சுர
        மத்தீக்சுரஞ் சித்தீக்சுர மந்தண் கானல்
ஈடுதிரை யிராமேசசுர மென்றென் றேத்தி
        யிறைவனுறை சுரம்பலவு மியம்பு வோமே.
….. திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் ( 6-71-8 )

Moolavar Gajabirusta Vimanam 

Moolavar    : Sri Agastheeswarar
Consort      : Sri Swarnambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The main entrance is from south with a Mottai Rajagopuram and the arch above was built in recent years.

Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are at the east entrance in the outer prakaram. Sannadhi for Nagars, Lingas, Vilvambigai,  Aadhi Sankarar and Navagrahas.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Surayan, Nandeeswarar ( with nandhi head ), Naalvar, Ganapathy, Urchavars, Kasi Viswanathar, Agasthiyar, Palani Andavar, Lakshmi, Saraswathy, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bairavar and Chandran.

Vinayagar and Subramaniar are at the entrance of sanctum.  Dwarapalakas are little big in size and cute.

In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. Sanctum is of Gajabrushta type and Agazhi / Moat type of construction ( may be due to raise of ground level ). Moolavar is in an elevated position. In nagabharanam looks cute.

Ambal sannadhi is in the same prakaram facing south.  Lord Shiva permitted Ambal to give darshan to Agasthiyar  with gold ornaments, hence Ambal is called as Sri Swarnambika.  This sthalam is one of the 108 Sakthi sthalam.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, Maha mandapam and Mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum to Sigaram, the temple was built in Gajaprishta/ Gajabrushta style with two talas. The adhistanam is with jagathy, Threepatta kumudam and Pattigai. the Bhitti starts with vedika. The Pilasters are of Vishnu kantha pilasters with square base, kalasam, kudam Lotus petals mandi, palakai, and poo mottu pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasi kudus. The Open mukha mandapa pillars has exquisitely carved pillars.   

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The temple has Chozha Period inscriptions and proves that the temple exists  more than 1000 years. ( A separate post is written about the inscriptions ). The original temple may be built with bricks. It is believed that the temple was constructed with stone during Kulothunga Chozha. 
 
The stones with inscription ( only a portion of the epigraph) on the wall in the inner prakaram. Could not identify, in which language it was written.  With little light I found that the stone was kept up side down.  Some of inscription blocks  are used for the out side wall. We cannot trace under whose period the temple was constructed. Totally it was a mesh. There are some inscriptions on the base of Ambal sanctum also in a unreadable condition.
  
Epigraph details are not mentioned in the temple web site also.  In the name of renovation, with out knowing the importance of the epigraph details the identity  and authenticity of the  temple was destroyed and the future generations  will be kept in dark. Here are some of the epigraphs / inscriptions...

This is inscription stone is kept up side down. 
The inscription on the base of Ambal sanctum base
The inscription on the base of Ambal sanctum base
This inscription is on the outside wall 
LEGENDS
The history says that Agasthiyar Killed demons Vilvalan and Vatapi. To get rid of brahmahathi dosha Sri Veerabhadra helped Agasthiyar and got relieved.  Hence Sri Veerabhadra's sannadhi is opposite to South side entrance and facing north.

Mars created a spring and worshipped Lord Shiva.  Naagars are around Neem and Peepal tree on a raised platform. Devotees worship during Aadi Tamil month.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The temple is kept open between 06.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs with 4 Kala poojas.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The telephone number is 044 26172326
TNHRCE Dept Executive officer 9790996743 & Clerk 9952038155
Temple web site  

HOW TO REACH :
Villivakkam is well connected with various parts of Chennai city and a KM from Bus terminus and Railway station.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

The south side entrance of the temple 
The south side entrance of the temple  Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam  on east side small entrance from Temple tank  
Moolavar Gajaprishta Vimanam - an another view  
Temple tank 
Devotees worship Nagars under Neem and  peepal /Arasa trees. 

From the previous post
SRI SORNAMBIGAI SAMEDHA SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE INSCRIPTIONS – VILLIVAKKAM.
On 16th August I had been to Purasawalkam Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple  and had the darshan of Sri Gangadeeswarar and Sri Oondreswarar ( Sri Oondreswarar of Thiruvenpakkam, where Lord Shiva gave Oontrukol to Sundarar when he lost his eyes. The original moorthams were brought to this temple while constructing the Poondi reservoir.  Lord Shiva wishes  to stay  here itself  even after constructing a new temple at Thiruvenpakkam, the present Poondi. ( For details of my Thiruvenpakkam Visit -CLICK HERE )
  
After darshan of Sri Gangadeeswarar and Sri Oondreswarar, thought of worshiping  Sri Agastheeswarar  at Villivakkam. I had been to this temple once and we used to cross the temple  around 05.00 Hrs on the way to Thirupathi Patha yathra every year on 1st January.  The temple looks new and lot of renovations has been carried out.  Since the temple was old searched for epigraph around sanctum wall. But I could not find any.

To my surprise  a stones with inscription ( only a portion of the epigraph) on the wall in the inner prakaram. Could not identify, in which language it was written.  With little light I found that the stone was kept up side down.  Some of inscription blocks  are used for the out side wall. We cannot trace under whose period the temple was constructed. Totally it was a mesh. There are some inscriptions on the base of Ambal sanctum also in a un readable condition.
  
Tried to get the sthala puranam, (  for knowing epigraph details ) but the book  shop was not open.  Epigraph details are not mentioned in the temple web site also.  In the name of renovation, with out knowing the importance of the epigraph details the identity  and authenticity of the  temple was destroyed and the future generations  will be kept in dark. Here are some of the epigraphs / inscriptions...

This epigraphic stone is kept up side down. 
The epigraph on the base of Ambal sanctum base
The epigraph on the base of Ambal sanctum base
This epigraph is on the outside wall 
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple, Purasawalkam & Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 17th August 2015
On 16th August I had been to Purasaiwakkam Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple . This visit  was planned  to worship Sri Oondreswarar of Thiruvenpakkam, where Lord Shiva gave Oondrukol to Sundarar when he lost his eyes. The original moorthams were brought to this temple while constructing the Poondi reservoir.  Lord Shiva wishes  to stay  here itself  even after constructing a new temple at Thiruvenpakkam, the present Poondi. ( For details of my Thiruvenpakkam Visit. 

From Guindy to Egmore went through  Train and from Egmore  Railway station walked up to temple.  The route was Egmore Railway station – Poonamallee High Road- Dr Alagappa Chettiar Road – Sri Gangadeeswarar temple Road.

SRI PANGAJAMBAL SAMEDHA SRI GANGADEESWARAR TEMPLE – PURASAWALKAM.
This temple is at Purasawalkam, a part of Chennai City close to Egmore.

The 5 tier Rajagopuram.

Moolavar    : Sri Gangadeeswarar
Consort      : Sri Pangajambal

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam are at the front side.

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Urchavar Mandapam with 63var,  Siddhi Vinayagar, Vaitheeswarar, Sri Balasubramaniar, Kuruntha Malleeswarar ( North Indians do abhishekam on their own hands), Ambal Temple Simha vahanam with balipeedam and Dwajasthambam,  Sathya Narayana Perumal, Bana lingam without avudayar, Yaha salai, Navagrahas and Sri Ramalinga Vallalar.

In the outer prakaram walls sudhai reliefs of Shiva’s leela. They are Shiva’s anandha thandavam, Carried mud to stop the water of vaigai for Pittu, Shiva kicking  Yama for Markandeyar, Kannappar applying his eyes of Shiva, Burning Muppuram / Tripurantaka, Ravana lifting Kailash, Shiva gave darshan to Karaikal Ammaiyar.

The sthala puranam stucco images are Bhakirathan not respecting  Narathar and Narathar gave curse/ sabam, Bhagirathan worshiping Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva gave darshan to Bhagirathan.


The temple sthala puranam -  Bhakirathan’s  court where Ladies are dancing and Narathar was respected when he visited Bhakirathan’s court. Narathar gave him sabam to get the decease of mega noi.  (மேக நோய் )

The temple sthala puranam -   Bhakirathan Worshiping Lord Shiva – Ganga flowed from Shiva’s head and Bhagirathan got relieved from the decease. ( In another version Bhakirathan got Ganga water to get rid of his ancestors sin )

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Ambal, Naalvar, Maha Ganapathy, Nagars, Bhagirathan, Kasi Viswanathar, Sekkizhar, Kulachirai Nayanar, Suryan, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Uchishta Ganapathy, Sri Oondreswarar, Minnoli ammai, Shanmugar, Durgai, Bhairavar, Dakshinamurthy,  Palliyarai,  Bhairavar, Chandran, Suryan, Natarajar Saba.

Nalvar reliefs is on the pillar in front of Moolavar sannidhi. Once this place was with large number of Purasu trees, hence this place was called as Purasawalkam

Around the Sanctum is in the form of moat/ agazhi type. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy,  Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per the inscriptions this place was in  Puliyur Nadu a sub division in Jayangonda Chozha mandalam during Chozha period. ( Ref: Chennai mavatta kalvettukal, Tamil Nadu, Archaeological Department ) 
 
The 13th Century inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp at Jayangonda Chozhamandalathu Puliyur Nattu Thiruvanmiyur Ulakaludaya Nayanar Temple, by Neelakangaraiyan.

The 15th Century Vijayanagara period inscription ( may be Devarayar ), is found much damaged. the letters like kanda kanda, Samudrathi, Kesavettai, Sri Veeraprathapa,  Raya maha rayar etc. The details couldn't be identified. 

The 16th Century Vijayanagara period inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp daily, for the same Kong.... kon Azhagu Perumal, one of the mandradis kudi amarthappattathu ( may be given to this temple ), belongs to Jayangonda Chozha mandalam. 

Another 16th Century Vijayanagara period  inscription is much damaged and words like taxes, Kanikkai are mentioned. 

LEGENDS
The legends like, Tripura samharam, Ravana Lifting Mount Kailash, Vinayagar get Gnana pazham, Bakiratha's penance to bring Ganga river are in the form of stucco images on the wall. 
 
Stucco relief of Shiva’s Leela – burning of  Muppuram 
Sudhai relief of Shiva’s Leela – Churning the par kadal – Vasuki the  snake – as thread and Mount meru as mathu  
The story of Gnana pazham (ஞான பழம் )
Stucco image of Shiva’s Leela-Ravana Lifting Kailash 

POOJA TIMINGS:
The temple is kept open for darshan between 07.00 Hrs to 11.00 Hrs and 16.30 Hrs to 21.00 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :
The office telephone number is 044 26422487
The temple web Site

HOW TO REACH :
Bus facility is available from various parts of the city.
2 KM from Egmore station via Gandhi Irvin road – Nair Road – Dr Alagappa Chettiar Road – Gangadeeswarar temple road.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE 

Entrance view of the temple after Rajagopuram
Moolavar Vimanam 
Lord Shiva’s Sudhai  statue – Bhagirathan is worshiping Lord Shiva.  It was said that there is a light and show about the history of the temple after 19.00 Hrs 
This set  of idols /moorthams belongs to  Thiruvenpakkam

This set  of idols /moorthams belongs to  Thiruvenpakkam, presently called as Poondi,  Shiva temple. While constructing the Poondi Reservoir Moolavar  Sri Oontreeswarar, Ambal Minnoli Ambal, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Bairavar were brought and kept in this temple. After some years the moorthams were installed in this temple itself. After completion of the Poondi reservoir the present temple at poondi was reconstructed  and when asked to shift the original moorthams, Lord Shiva has not given permission and stayed here itself.  One of the nandhi's horn is in broken condition due to hitting of Sundarar's oontrukol, which can be seen. The Sivachariyar  told that 6 kaala poojas were performed at Thiruvenpakkam and now one Kaala Pooja is performed ( For my Thiruvenpakkam visit - Please Click link for the updated post,  AND   Please Click this link for my first Visit without Up date).

After darshan, thought of worshiping  Sri Agastheeswarar  at Villivakkam. I had been to this temple once and we used to cross the temple  around 05.00 Hrs on the way to Thirupathi Patha yathra.  Lot of renovations has been carried out  and kumbhabhishekam was also performed recently ( Due to renovation the temple lost it’s identity, how ? written separately ). Walked to the temple from Villivakkam bus- stand. Tried to get the sthala puranam, (  for knowing epigraph details ) but the book  shop was not open.  Epigraph details are not mentioned in the temple web site.   

SRI SWARNAMBIGA SAMETHA SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE - VILLIVAKKAM ( Written in a separate post... for the details please click this Link ).

This temple is at Villivakkam a part of Chennai City and close to  Bus terminus and Railway station. This temple is believed to be one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam sung by  Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal.

நாடகமா டிடநந்தி கேச்சுரமா காளேச்
        சுரநாகேச் சுரநாக ளேச்சுரநன் கான
கோடீச் சுரங் கொண்டீச் சுரந்திண் டீச் சுரங்
        குக்குடேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரங்கூறுங்கால்
ஆடகேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரமய னீச்சுர
        மத்தீக்சுரஞ் சித்தீக்சுர மந்தண் கானல்
ஈடுதிரை யிராமேசசுர மென்றென் றேத்தி
        யிறைவனுறை சுரம்பலவு மியம்பு வோமே.
….. திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் ( 6-71-8 )

Moolavar Gajabirusta Vimanam 

Moolavar    : Sri Agastheeswarar
Consort      : Sri Swarnambika

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The main entrance is from south with a Mottai Rajagopuram and the arch above was built in recent years.

Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are at the east entrance in the outer prakaram. Sannadhi for Naagars, Lingas, Vilvambigai,  Aadhi Sankarar and Navagrahas.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Surayan, Nandeeswarar ( with nandhi head ), Naalvar, Ganapathy, Urchavars, Kasi Viswanathar, Agasthiyar, Palani Andavar, Lakshmi, Saraswathy, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bairavar and Chandran.

Vinayagar and Subramaniar are at the entrance of sanctum.  Dwarapalakas are little big in size and cute.

In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. Sanctum is of Gajabrushta type and Agazhi type of construction.  Moolavar is in an elevated position. In nagabharanam looks cute.

Ambal sannadhi is in the same prakaram facing south.  Lord Shiva permitted Ambal to give darshan to Agasthiyar  with gold ornaments, hence Ambal is called as Sri Swarnambika.  This sthalam is one of the 108 Sakthi sthalam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The temple has Chozha Period inscriptions and proves that the temple exists  more than 500 years. ( A separate post is written about the inscriptions ).
 
The stones with inscription ( only a portion of the epigraph) on the wall in the inner prakaram. Could not identify, in which language it was written.  With little light I found that the stone was kept up side down.  Some of inscription blocks  are used for the out side wall. We cannot trace under whose period the temple was constructed. Totally it was a mesh. There are some inscriptions on the base of Ambal sanctum also in a un readable condition.
  
Epigraph details are not mentioned in the temple web site also.  In the name of renovation, with out knowing the importance of the epigraph details the identity  and authenticity of the  temple was destroyed and the future generations  will be kept in dark. Here are some of the epigraphs / inscriptions...

This epigraphic stone is kept up side down. 
The epigraph on the base of Ambal sanctum base
The epigraph on the base of Ambal sanctum base
This epigraph is on the outside wall 
LEGENDS
The history says that Agasthiyar Killed demons Vilvalan and Vatapi. To get rid of brahmahathi dosham Sri Veerabhadra helped Agasthiyar and got relieved.  Hence Sri Veerabhadra's sannadhi is opposite to South side entrance and facing north.

Mars created a spring and worshiped Lord Shiva.  Naagars are around Neem and Peepal tree on a raised platform. Devotees worship during Aadi Tamil month.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The temple is kept open between 06.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs with 4 Kala poojas.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The telephone number is 044 26172326
TNHRCE Dept Executive officer 9790996743 & Clerk 9952038155
Temple web site  

HOW TO REACH :
Villivakkam is well connected with various parts of Chennai city and a KM from Bus terminus and Railway station.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

The south side entrance of the temple 
The south side entrance of the temple  Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Nandi  on east side small entrance from Temple tank  
Moolavar Gajabirusta Vimanam - an another view  
Temple tank 
Devotees worship Nagars under Neem and  peepal /Arasa trees. 
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---