VELUDHARAN TEMPLES VISIT

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Sri Padaleeswarar Temple, Cuddalore / Thirupathiripuliyur, Sri Mangalapureeswarar Temple, Thiruchopuram, Sri Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple / Sivakkozhuntheeswarar Temple Theerthanagiri/ Thiruthinai Nagar and Sri Vamanapureeswarar Temple, Thirumanikuzhi, Cuddalore District Tamil nadu.

20, September 2011

On 17th September 2011, went to ( last leg of Nadu Naadu Temples ) the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal near Cuddalore. Really I enjoyed this trip, since I traveled in all mode, walking to a distance of 3 Kilometers, pillion rider on the motor cycle, then on the Mahindra / TATA kutti yanai, town bus, share auto. etc. There are 4 temples near Cuddalore. With this I had completed all the 22 Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Nadu Naadu. The route I followed is as follows.

Chennai to Tindivanam ( about 2.30 Hrs by bus from Guindy )- Tindivanam to Pondy by Private bus (which goes inside the villages ( Reader/ devotees do not travel by type of transport )- Pondy to Cuddalore - Thirupathiripuliyur Padaleeswarar Temple ( By walk from bus stand & return to bus stand by walk- Thiruchopuram by Town bus ( Parangipettai) - got down at Thiruchopuram - Thiruchopuram to Alapakkam - (By mahindra mini transport vehicle - From Alapakkam to Mettupalayam by Town bus - From Mettupalayam to Thiruthinai Nagar ( Theerthanagiri ) - half way by Motor cycle and half way by town bus - Theerthanagiri to Mettupalayam by Mahindra Mini lorry - from Mettupalayam to Cuddalore by Town bus- From Cuddalore to Thirumanikuzhi by Town bus and walk to about 1.5 Km by walk - From Thirumanikuzhi to Thiruvanthipuram by pillion rider on TVS mopet and Thiruvanthipuram to Cuddalore by share auto. - from Cuddalore to Chennai by bus via Tindivanam Tambaram. The private vehicles do not charged me any thing. Hence I extend my sincere thanks to those drivers to carry me to complete the darshan yatra.

50/18. PADALEESWARAR TEMPLE,
THIRUPATHIRIPULIYUR

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions and Legends. For the details of the updated post please Click this Link )

This is 50th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 18^th sthalam of Nadu Naadu on the banks of river Kedilam. Thirunavukkarasar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram view from inside temple

Moolavar : Sri Padaleeswarar, Sri Sri Karaiyearteeswarar.

Consort : Sri Bruhindanayagi, Sri Periyanayagi,

Sri Aruvantha Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

Architecture of the temple sculptures are very nice and beautiful. Ambal sannathi is built separately.

LEGENDS

Thirunakkarasu Swamigal was thrown in to sea with stone tied on his body by Samanars. By Gods grace Thirunavukkarasar came to shore (Kadal karai ), hence Shiva is called as Karaiyearteeswara).

Viyakkarapatha Munivar ( Pulikal Munivar ) worshiped in the temple hence the place end with puliyur ( Thirupathiripuliyur ).

HOW TO REACH

It is centre of the new Town Cuddalore and very near to bus-stand and railway station.

Frequent buses are available from all the major cities of Tamil Nadu to Cuddalore.

CONTACT DETAILS

The land line number is +91 4142 236 728.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Vimanas of the prakaram sannadhis

Stucco images of the rajagopuram

View of the front mandapam with rajagopuram

38/6. MANGALAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUCHOPURAM

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions and Legends. For the details of the updated post please Click this Link )

This is the 38th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 6^th sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar vimanam

Moolavar : Sri Mangalapureeswarar, Sri Thiruchopuranathar.

Consort : Sri Thyagavalli ( Near by place is called a Thiyagavalli),

Sri Velnedinganni, Sri Sathyakshi.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Once the temple was completely submerged in the sand and latter the same was renovated by Madurai Ramalinga Yogi.

Inscriptions belongs to Chozha and Pandya’s period. There is no Rajagopuram and the temple is facing west.

LEGENDS

From the history after removing the sand it was observed that the lamp near the Shiva deity was burning. This shows that regular pooja was conducted by Devas/ Munivars even though the moolavar was completely covered with sand.

HOW TO REACH :

Town bus going to Parangipettai goes via Thiruchopuram.

Cuddalore to Chidambaram road, get down at Alapakkam and 2 KM from main Road.

Very near to Nagarjuna Oil refinery, which is under Construction.

CONTACT DETAILS :

The mobile number is +91 94425 85845.

LOCATION :CLICK HERE

Saba mandapam vimanam

( Entrance of the temple with bell maadam on the top )

37/5. SIVAKKOZHUNTHESWARAR TEMPLE, THEERTHANAGIRI - THIRUTHINAI NAGAR

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions and Legends. For the details of the updated post please Click this Link )

Now the place is called as Theerthanagiri. This is 37th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 5^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.

Moolavar vimanam

Moolavar : Sri Sivakkozhuntheswarar, Sri Shivalingeswarar

Consort : Sri Neelathakshi, Sri Oppila Nayagi, Sri Karuthadanayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are.....

HISTORY

As per Sivanadiyar Ramalingam Vairakannu the present name of "Theerthana giri" is a changed name from the ancient name of "THEERTHA NAGARI" This information is from the British manual, a book of inscriptions of Madras presidency.

LEGENDS

The name Thiru Thinai Nagar called by devotees is from a story, which is chiseled in the form of relief available on the temple wall. The story is, Lord Shiva in the form of Vellalar, sowed the millet Thinai and grown. Lord Shiva on the rishaba vahana gave darshan to the vellalars.

CONTACT DETAILS

Archakar Subramania Aiyar can be contacted for darshan on 9047140464, 9150151195 & 04142 278324

Alternatively this mobile may be contacted 94434 34024.

HOW TO REACH

Town Bus route No 34 available from Cuddalore. For more details please refer the comments.

Town bus roué No 39 available from Mettupalayam ( Mettupalayam is about 20 KM from Cuddalore to Chidambaram route ) starts from Kurinjipadi.

LOCATION :CLICK HERE

Bus stop at Mettupalayam to Theerthanagiri Map : CLICK HERE

Sthala purana bas-reliefs sculptures on the wall

Narthana vinayagar in koshtam

Rajagopuram view from Dwajasthambam

Ambal temple view from Dwajasthambam

49/17. VAMANAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE,
THIRUMANIKUZHI

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions and Legends. For the details of the updated post please Click this Link )

This is the 49th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 17^th sthalam on the banks of river Kedilam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Temple complex view from moolavar vimanam

Moolavar : Sri Vamanapureeswarar, Sri Uthavinayagar,

Sri Manikkavarathar

Consort : Sri Ambushakshi, Sri Uthavinayagi, Sri Manikkavalli.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

LEGENDS

As per hear say this temple is the 1^st among 1008 Shiva temples. This is the only Shiva Sthalam, where one can have darshan with the help of Archakar. It is believed that Shiva is always with Ambal and is guarded by Sivagana Bheema Rudhra ( also known as Beemangaran printed on the front screen). Hence aarathi will be shown first to Beemarutharar to get permission and then to Shiva. After aarathi screen will be closed. Since Shiva is always with Ambal there is no palliyarai in this temple.

It is believed that Thirumal worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple at the end of Vamana Avathar ( to remove sin caused by killing Mahabali Chakravarthy ).

Also it is believed that by worshiping Shiva in this temple will be equal to worshiping of 16 times Kasi, 3 times Thiruvannamalai and 3 times Chidambaram.

Sthala puranam is chiseled on the front entrance of sannathi.

Sthala puranam bas-reliefs sculptures in front of moolavar sannadhi

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

SPIC- PHARMA, Cuddalore employees also participated in the lighting of main temple. Thanks to their service.

HOW TO REACH :

Cuddalore to Panruti bus 16 & 16 are going through Thirumanikuzhi. ( 1.5 Km walk and cross the river bridge ).

CONTACT DETAILS:

Archakar can be contacted for darshan Gurukal Natarajan +919486387154

Alternatively this land lime may also be contacted +91 4142 224 328.

LOCATION : CLICK HERE

Rajagopuram side view

Moolavar vimanam

---OM SIVAYA NAMA ---

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Sri Sudarkozhundeesar Temple / Pralayakaleswarar Temple, Pennadam, Sri Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunelvayil Arathurai, Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple, Erukkattampuliyur / Rajendrapattinam, Sri Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple, Koodalaiyathoor, and Sri Virudhagireeswarar Temple, Virudhachalam, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

07, September 2011.

On 4th September 2011, went to 5 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal of Nadu Naadu near Virudhachalam. Except Virudhachalam and Pennadam, I could not get the clear idea of travelling by public transport. Hence I hired a Taxi and went to the temples. Even-though I hired a taxi I could complete only 4 temples in the morning session.

34/2. SUDARKOZHUNDEESAR TEMPLE, ( PRALAYAKALESWARAR TEMPLE ), PENNADAM

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions, Legends etc,. For the details of this updated post please Click this Link )

This is the 34th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 2nd sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram with Rishabam Mandapam

Moolavar : Sri Sudarkozhundeesar, Sri Piralayakaleswarar

Consort : Sri Aamothanambal, Sri Kadanthai Nayagi ,
Sri Azhakiya Kathali.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Rishabam is in a mandapam immediately after the entrance arch. A 5 tier Rajagopuram is at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and a Rishabam are in front of the mukha mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The Vimanam is of Gajabrushtam style of construction, ie back of elephant and hence this temple also called as Thoonganai Mada Kovil.

Gajabirushta vimanam with Chandikeswarar sannadhi

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple is believed to be constructed during 7th to 8th Cenrtury and latter received contributions from Chozhas, Vijayanagaras. The sanctum walls are full of inscriptions.

Pennadam is the birth place of Kalikamba Nayanar and Marai Gnanasambandar. Appar got the symbol of soolam and Idabam from lord Shiva of this temple.

LEGENDS

Devakanniyar, Kamadhenu and White elephant worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple, hence Siva of this temple is called as Pen+ Aa + dagam. The Rishabam is viewing out side the temple to stop flood in the Vellar river.

HOW TO REACH :

17 Km from Virudhachalam and frequent buses are available from Virudhachalam

CONTACT DETAILS :

The landline and mobile numbers are : +91 4143 222 788 and +91 98425 64768

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Mada Koil - (Kept locked )

Kodimaram with Nandhi Mandapam

Back side view of Moolavar vimanam ( Tamil epigraph are found on the wall of karuvarai)

Ambal sannadhi Vimanam

Entrance Arch with stucco images

33/1. THEERTHAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE,
THIRUNELVAYIL ARATHURAI

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions, Legends etc,. For the details of this updated post please Click this Link )

This is the 33rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 1st sthalam in Nadu Nadu on the banks of river Neeva. Moovar Padal petra Shiva sthalam. This village is now called as Thiruvatturai / Thiruvathurai.

5 tier Rajagopuram

Moolavar : Sri Anandeeswarar, Sri Theerthapureeswarar

Consort : Sri Amandha Nayagi, Sri Thiripura Sundari,
Sri Arathurai Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. There is an entrance arch for the sanctum sanctorum. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Subramaniar sannadhis are in the prakaram.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam.

Colourfull moolavar vimanam

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION

It is believed that the original temple belongs to 7th to 8th Century and reconstructed as a stone temple during Chozha period. The Kumbhabhishekam was conducted recently.

LEGENDS

The Nandhi’s head is up and turned to right to stop flood in the river Nevaa. Gnanasambandar has got Muthu palanquin/ Pallakku and Muthu Kodai (Umbrella) in this Temple.

HOW TO REACH :

Just 5 Km from Pennadam on the Thittakudi Road.

22 Km from Virudhachalam

CONTACT DETAILS:

The Land line number is : +91 4143 246 467

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Entrance arch with kodimaram / Flag staff

Amman sannadhi entrance arch Stucco images

36/4. NEELAKANDESWARAR TEMPLE, RAJENDRAPATTINAM,

ERUKKATTAMPULIYUR.

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions, Legends etc,. For the details of this updated post please Click this Link ).

Now this village is called as Rajendra Pattinam which has no relation to the original name. This is the 36th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 4th Sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

5 Tier rajagopuram

Moolavar : Sri Neelakandeswarar, Sri Swetharanyeswarar

Consort : Sri Abeethakuja Nayagi, Sri Neelamalar kanni,
Sri Neelorbalaambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and Temple tank is in front. Ambal sannathi is on the left side, both Lord Shiva & Ambal are facing the same east direction.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, ardhamandapam and mukha mandapam. A Vesara Vimana is over the sanctum sanctroum.

Lot of white Erukku ( calotropis gigantea - Sthala vruksham ) plants at the back of the temple. The temple Vimana is not maintained properly. We can see lot of weeds and plants on the Vimana.

LEGENDS

Munivar Viyakrapathar (Legs are Tigers leg shape) worshiped lord Shiva of this temple. There are 5 more Padal Petra sthalangal the name ending with Puliyur.

HOW TO REACH :

On the way to Virudhachalam to Srimushnam route via Karuveppilai Kurichi. The Village is on the main road and the temple is about a KM from the main road.

12 Km on the Jayankondam route.

CONTACT DETAILS :

The land line and mobile numbers are : +91 4143 243 533 and +91 93606 37784

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Ambal sannadhi Vimanam

Moolavar sannadhi vimanam

35/3. NARTHANA VALLABESWARAR TEMPLE.

THIRUKOODALAIYATHOOR.

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions, Legends etc,. For the details of this updated post please Click this Link ).

This is the 35th Devaram paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the junction of rivers Vellaru and Manimuthar and 3rd Sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar vimanam

Moolavar : Sri Narthana Vallabeswarar, Sri Nerikkattu Nathar

Consort : Sri Parasakthi, Sri Ganasakthi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a newly built 3 tier Rajagopuram. In koshtam Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Ashtabhuja Durgai. There is no navagraha sannidhi and only Sani bhagavan moortham is available.

There are two Ambal Sannathis in this temple. Vibhuti is given in Sri Parasakthi Ambal Sannidhi and Kungum is given in Ganasakthi ambal sannadhi.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar vimanam is of two tiers.

The temple is under renovation and preparing for the Kumbhabhishekam during my Visit. This is a reconstructed temple after it was washed away by the flood from Manimukhaaru.

LEGENDS

On the way to Thirumdhukundram Lord Shiva in the form of andhanar directed him the way to this temple as “Koodalaiaartrirku vazhi ikthu “ and disappeared.

HOW TO REACH

Nearly 5 km from Srimushnam. Rarely mini bus is available.

20 Km from Chidambaram to Sethiyathope route.

Town bus from Chidambaram to Kaavalaadi passes through this village

CONTACT DETAILS

Land line number : +91 4144 208 704

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Ambal sannadi

Rajagopuram under construction

41/9. VIRUDHAGIREESHWARAR TEMPLE, VIRUDHACHALAM - THIRUMUDUKUNDRAM

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions, Legends etc,. For the details of this updated post please Click this Link ).

The present name is Virudhachalam and it is a Sanskrit word. This is the 41st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 9^th sthalam in Nadu Naadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram on east side

Moolavar : Sri Virudhagireeshwarar, Pazhamalai Nathar

Consort : Sri Viruthambigai, Periya Nayagi, Balambigai.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with a 5 Tier Rajagopuram. Ambal is in a separate temple facing east with Rajagopuram. on the outer Prakaram at North side of Rajagopuram entrance.

In the Vanniadi prakaram sannadhi for Pancha Lingams, Vallabha Ganapathi, Meenakshi Chokkalingam, Vishwanatha Lingam, Arumugar, Sahasra Linga, Ekambra Lingam, Jambu Lingam, Annamalaiyar.

On the way to Periyanayagi Amman sannadhi, sannadhi for Navagrahas, Dhandapani.

In the third parakaram sannadhi for 63var, Naalvar, Vinayagar, Rishabaroodar, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Saptamatrikas, Rudra, Matruraitha Vinayagar, Varuna Lingam, Mooppilayar, Dakshinamurthy, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Vallabha Ganapathi, Chinna Pazhamalai Nathar, Bindu Madhava Perumal, Mayura Murugan.

In Ilamai Nayaki Amman Temple sannadhi for Gajalakshmi, Bairavar, Surya Lingam and Suryan.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple is in a huge complex consisting of 5 Rajagopurams and 5 Prakarams. Bas-Reliefs of 72 Bharatanatyam dance karanas/styles are available in the 16 pillar mandapam, in front of east side Rajagopuram.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

72 Tamil inscriptions were traced so far and there are many more inscriptions available in this temple. These inscriptions are from 10th century.

LEGENDS

The temple sthala vruksham is Vanni Tree and the same is believed to be of older than 3000 years. The temple is believed to be on the hill, of very old ( Pazhamalai ). The hill is below the present temple. It is believed that departed human soul will be soothed by Lord Shiva and Ambal with the Shivaya nama mandhiram.

CONTACT DETAILS

The land line number is +91 4143 230 203

HOW TO REACH

23 KM from Ulundurpet on Chennai to Madurai High way.

Frequent buses available from Chennai and major cities of Tamil Nadu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

erotic Stucco images in small temple Rajagopuram on the outer prakaram

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Veerattaneswarar Temple at Thiruvathigai, Swarnakadeswarar Temple at Neivanai / Thirunelvennai, Shista Gurunathar Temple at Thiruthuraiyur, Bhaktajaneswarar Temple at Thirunavalur - Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal of Nadu Nadu

07, September 2011.

On 31^st August 2011, I went to the four Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal. The route I followed is as given below. Chennai – Ulundurpet ( Thirunel Vennai ) – Kedilam – Thirunavalur – Panruti – Thiruthuraiyur – Panruti – Thiruvathigai and back to Panruti.

39/7. VEERATTANESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVATHIGAI

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, History and Inscription, legends etc. For the details of this updated post please click this Link )

This is the 39th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 7th sthalam of Nadu Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan : Sri Veerattaneswarar, Sri Veeratanatha and Sri Athigainathar

Iraivi : Sri Thiripurasundari..

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank and a mandapam is after the Rajagopuram. A 5 tier Rajagopuram is on the second level to the sanctum sanctorum. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are immediately after the second level Rajagopuram. Moolavar is big and made of 16 flat surfaces.

This is the 3^rd Veerata Shiva sthalam out of eight Veerata Shiva sthalangal in Nadu Naadu. The moolavar gopuram of Thanjavur and Kanchepuram Kailasanathar temple was built after seeing this temple. One of the special attraction of this sanctum Vimana is there are lot of stucco images / suthai sirpangal around sides, which we cannot find any other temple, looks like thiruteir (Chariot).

It is believed that this temple is older than Thanjavur Rajarajecharam/ Peria Temple. Similarly the entrance steps of the sanctum sanctorum, also from both sides, similar to other two temples.

Appar returned to Hinduism from Jainasim after he recovered from soolai Noi ( Soolai decease ) through his sister Thilagavathiyar after drinking holy water of this temple well. There is a separate sannadhi for Appar. Sundarar did not entered the temple and stayed away in a madam, since Appar was doing seva in this temple.

In latter stage the temple was used by the French Govt, Arcot Nawabs, Marathis and Britishers for storing arms and as fort.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is 2 Km from Panruti bus stand, town buses, Auto and share autos are available.

It is on the bus route from Panruti to Cuddalore, so through this route buses also can reach.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Mobile number is + 91 98419 62089

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Inside mandapam with east side Rajagopuram )

(Mandapam arch on the north side after 16 pillar mandapam )

Sudhai sirpangal around Karuvarai wall and moolavar vimanam

Temple complex view

Thirunsvukkarasu Swamigal sannadhi

42/10. SWARNAKADESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRU NELVENNAI/ NEIVANAI .

( The details of this has been updated with Thevara hymns, History, Inscriptions and Legends. For the updated post please click this Link ).

The place is now called as Neivanai, 14 KM from Ulundurpet. This the 42nd Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 10th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan: Sri Swarnakadeswarar, Sri Vennaiappar and
Sri Nel vennai Nathar.

Iraivi : Sri Neelamalar Kanni and Sri Purukanthanayaki.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

There is no dwajasthambam and Rajagopuram. The outer Nandhi near pali peedam is facing down. Separate sannadhis for Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar. Ambal is in a separate Temple like sannadhi.

The flooring work out side sannathi are in progress during my visit due to Archakar’s effort.

It is believed that the temple was built during Chozha period.

HOW TO REACH :

A mini bus is available to this village, but details like time, route etc., are not known.

Share auto is available from Ulundurpet.( While traveling in the share auto I was able to count my bones in my body. )

CONTACT DETAILS:

Land line and mobile numbers are +91 4149 - 291 786 and +91 7826090451

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Moolavar sannadhi Vimanam

Moolavar vimanam with Dhakshinamoorthy sannadhi and Vinayagar sannadhi

Entrance arch

47/15. SHISTA GURUNATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUTHURAIYUR

( The details of this has been updated with Thevara hymns, History, Inscriptions and Legends. For the updated post please click this Link )

Now this place is called as Thiruthalur. This is the 47^th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 15th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu Naadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan : Sri Shista Gurunathar, Sri Pasupatheeswarar.

Iraivi : Sri Shivaloga Nayagi, Sri Poongothai Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a RajaGopuram base / Mottai Gopuram at the Main entrance and 1^st prakaram entrance. The temple is facing east. The temple is on the north bank of river Pennai. A Two tier Vesara Vimana is above the sanctum. Ambal sannathi is in the same complex near the main entrance.

From Sundarar’s hymn, during his period the river was flowing on southern side of the temple. ( Now it flows on the opposite side – The water course changed due to flood ).

LEGEND :

In this temple Sundarar obtained the spiritual power from Lord Shiva along with Ambal as Rishabaroodar, witnessed by Sri Vinayagar. Since Shiva teaches to Sundarar as guru, Iraivan is called as Shista-Gurunathar.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Landline and mobile numbers are +91 4142 - 248 498 and +91 94448 07393.

HOW TO REACH:

This Village is 8 KM from Panruti

4.5 KM from Kandarakottai near panruti on the Villupuram to Panruti route.

Town bus route No 19, from Panruti Akkadavalli through this Village Thiruthuraiyur.

Town bus route No 25 is going the Korathi from Panruti through Thiruthuraiyur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar vimanam

Entrance mottai gopuram

Arunanthi Sivachariyar Thirukkoil under the control of Thiruvaduthurai adheenam - this temple is about 3 meters opposite to Shiva temple

40/8. BHAKTAJANESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUNAVALUR

( The details of this has been updated with Thevara hymns, History, Inscriptions and Legends. For the updated post please click this Link )

This is the 40th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 8th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This is the birth place of Sundrarar.

Iraivan: Sri Bhaktajaneswarar, Sri Thirunavaleswarar

Iraivi : Sri Manonmani , Sri Sundra Nayagi , Sri Sundarambigai. .

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are immediately after the Rajagopuram. The temple is big with lot of Teak wood trees grown in the outer prakaram. Separate temples for Lord Shiva and Ambal both are facing east.

There is a separate sannathi for Vishnu in the same Temple complex and the details of construction is not known. Sannadhis for Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar. Sthalapura bas relief is on the wall of prakaram.

From the inscriptions available, the main temple was constructed by Paranthaga Chozha-I’s son Rajathitha Chozha.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Mobile and land lines are +91 94861 50804 and +91 4149 224 391.

HOW TO REACH :

Share autos are available from Kedilam stop ( 2 KM ). ( Kedilam is near Villupuram on the NH 45 route to Trichy )

Buses plying to Panruti from Villupuram passes through Thirunavalur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE