Monday 12 August 2013

Sri Sivayoginathar Temple Thiruvisanallur, Pazhayarai Keezhil Thali, Patteeswaram, Darasuram, Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Sri Chakravageshwarar Temple, Chakkarapalli, Sri Neiyadiappar Temple, Thillaisthanam / Thiruneithanam - Paadal petra Shiva Sthalangal near Kumbakonam.

11, August 2013
During my earlier visits to Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal, in and around Kumbakonam  Shiva asked me  to come once again for the darshan at Thiruvisanallur, Chakkarapalli and Neithanam ( Thillai sthanam ) near Thiruvaiyaru.  There was a three days continuous leave from Friday to Sunday ie from 9th Aug to 11th Aug 2013.  Utilising this opportunity I had made this visit to Kumbakonam. This time  I did not stayed in a Lodge. Straightly went to my friend’s brother   Mr Ramanathan ‘s house ( Nattukottai Nagarathar ), which is in front of Thiruvisanallur Shiva Temple. He is  also taking care of the Shiva Temple’s activities. 

97 / 43. SRI SIVAYOGINATHAR TEMPLE. THIRUVISANALLUR 


Now this place is called as Thiruvisanallur or Thiruvisanallur. This is the 97th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 43rd Shiva Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

The 5 tier Rajagopuram - preparing for renovation 

Moolavar   : Sri Yoganandheeswarar, Sri Purathaneswarar,
  Sri Vivaranyeswarar
Consort     : Sri Santhanayagi , Sri Soundara Nayagi

Some of the important details are …
The temple is facing east with a 5  tier Rajagopuram. Rishabam and balipeedam are after the Rajagopuram. There is a second level Rajagopuram, The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. Chozha period Tamil inscriptions are found on the adhisthana and walls. A Sun dial is on the south side compound wall.

Sadayu worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. This is the birth place of Uyyavantha Nayanar, who wrote the Thiruvunthiyar.

There are 4 Bhairavars namely, Gnana Kala Bhairavar, Swarna akarshana Bhairavar, Unmatha Bhairavar and Yoga Bhairavar are in north east corner along with Bala Saneeswarar. ( Also this place is a parikara sthalam for Shaniswarar ). People worship Chathur ( four )  Kalabhairavas  for Child boon, To get rid of poverty, Navagraha dosha,  to get back the lost property, to get married, etc.

A rare moortham of Sri Lakshmi Narayanan is in the outer prakaram. People worship on Thiruvonam Nakshatra, Ekadasi tithi and Saturdays. Anusha Panchami festival is celebrated on  when  Anusham Nakshatra  joins with Panchami tithi.

It is believed that still Agasthiyar come to this sthalam during Shivaratri day to worship Shiva after having bath in theerthams. This sthalam is also a Guru and Rishaba Parihara sthalam.

HOW TO REACH : 
Mini bus available from Kumbakonam bus stand to Veppathur,  get down at  School stop from there  temple is 1 KM.  ( Karkadeswarar another Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam is just 2 KM from here. )

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  CLICK HERE 

King and his wife worshiping Lord Shiva
Tamil inscriptions on the karuvarai wall - maximum damaged
Moolavar vimanam with Dhakshinamoorthy sannadhi
Sri Lakshmi Narayanan
Chandikeswarar
Chatur kala Bhairavas
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls

After Darshan at Thiruvisanallur Mr Ramanathan has arranged an Auto  for my temples visit. First we  went to PAZHAYARAI. The temple was kept open and the renovation was in progress with earth movers.  Had the Dharshan. The sannadhi is is of Mada temple type,. There is a Rajagopuram in the second level and the main Rajagopuram is still a mottai  gopuram and renovation has to be started. 

PAZHAYARAI - KEEZHIL THALI ( பழையாரை கீழ்தளி )

This post was updated with Thevara hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends, etc. For the details of the updated post, please click this link.

The 3 tier Rajagopuram after the main entrance

Moolavar    : Sri Someshar
Consort      : Sri Somakalambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are :…
The temple is facing east with a mottai gopuram. The second level  Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. This is one of the mad temples. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma and Durgai. The Adhisthana and the prastaram  has the kapotham. The Vimana is of two tiers. 

Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi. The front mandapa is like a chariot pulled by the Horses. The Adhisthana has the story of Bhaktha Prahalada story in the form of reliefs.  

Garudan and Adhiseshan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Appar made Shiva Lingam appeared after he prayed on fast, which was hidden by Jains ( samanars ). This is the birth place of Mangaiyarkarasiyar and Amarneedhi Nayanar.

HISTORY
This place was once called as Arunmozhidevechuram. King Rajendran was brought up under the care of Queen Kundavai in this place. Also this place was once capital for the Chozha King Manimudi devar. He was the instrumental to appear the Shiva Lingam to Appar.  Chozhars had done renovations to this temple.

HOW TO REACH :
This temple is very near to Patteeswaram,  about 3 KM.
Lot of Town buses are available up to Patteeswaram from there Auto facility is available.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Entrance to the main shrine is in chariot type
Moolavar vimanam
Arthanareeswarar in place of Lingothbavar- the Rishaba's direction is changed from the usual.
Main shrine a mada type koil
Vishnu''s Narasimha avatars a relief in front of Ambal sannadhi
Vishnu''s Narasimha avatar a relief in front of Ambal sannadhi
Mottai Gopuram

Then we tested our luck for the darshan of Sri Vimalanayagi samedha Sri Dharmapureeswarar of  Muzhaiyur, Pazhayarai Vada Thali. To our bad luck the temple was closed this time also and when we contacted the Archakar ( Mobile number 9789610836 ) he said the temple will be opened only after 17.00 Hrs. This temple is attached to Swamimalai Murugan temple. 

Then we proceeded to Patteeswaram. Had the darshan of Sri Ganambigai Samedha Sri Patteechurar. This is my second visit to this temple. Since the day happened to be  a Friday lot of people thronged for the Darshan of Durgai Amman. The Durgai Amman is in a separate temple and the whole temple is called as Durgai Amman temple.  The details of this temple were already written in my earlier post. The Photos taken are uploaded in this post.

PATTEESWARAM 
West side 5 tier rajagopuram with temple tank
The 7 tier Rajagopuram with Rishaba mandapam, balipeedam and Dwajasthambam
A relief at the entrance of south side rajagopuram. The stone is not strong .
The south side Rajagopuram

SRI AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE, DARASURAM
Then we went to Darasuram, Airavatesvara Temple. I came earlier to this temple a few years ago, when the renovation was in progress. The temple is under the control of ASI and Protected by UNESCO. Recent thirupani was done by the present Prince of  Marathi king Babaji Rajah Bhonsle.  

The temple is maintained    neat and clean with landscape out side. Lot of  foreign tourists visits this temple. ASI allowed for the regular pooja to  moolavar. Photography was allowed in this temple. Lot of relief on the walls, ceilings and  pillars are found. In one pillar complete  story of Lord Shiva’s marriage was chiseled  on all four sides of the pillar. The Shiva and Ambal moorthams are very beautiful. Different sounds are observed when tapped on various parts of the moortham of Ambal. It was a wonderful experience to see the details of the statues made in a stone. We have to appreciate to crafts man who had chiseled on the stone. After clicking the minute details and statues  left for Swamimalai.
Arthanareeswarar - see the three heads like brahma an unusual sculpture..
Mandapam is like chariot type construction
Entrance
Annapoorani 
Closer look, the face with sharp nose, a master piece - Annapoorani
See the details of hand, fingers and nails  - observed different sound when tapped on atchaya pathiram, lotus flower and the head. - Annapoorani
See the details of the right hand holding the lotus flower - Annapoorani
See the saree foldings  and the design of wearing - Annapoorani
See the beautiful smile on the face of Annapoorani
Lord Shiva and Parvathi's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar.
Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar.- Ambal's Dhabas and below, worshiping Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar. - Lord Shiva came in the Rishaba vahanam
Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar.- See the Navagrahas  attending the marriage with their vahanas.
 Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar- Lord Shiva gives darshan after the marriage.
Lord Shiva as Gajasamhara moorthy. - see the left leg's padam
Oorthava thandavam where  Lord Shiva danced at Thiruvalangadu - a relief on the pillar.
Dancer - a relief on the pillar
one of the Relief on the base  - dancing to drums - who damaged this sculpture?
Relief also available in the ceiling also
 Adhikara nandhi an amalgamation of Shiva on the left and Vishnu on the right. Adhikara nandhi  holding a sword 
Lord Shiva in sitting posture holding Shield (Kedayam ) and sword in a pair of hands and bow & arrow in a pair of hands. 
Dakshinamoorthy
Closer look of Dhakshinamoorthy  see the jadamudi curling and the ear ring on left ear.
Right hands with Chin mudra and rudraksham in the other hand
Lingothbavar - Vishnu and Brahma on both sides 
Temple complex view.
Vishnu Durgai - in koshtam
See the smiling face with abhaya hastham
Temple complex view
Temple complex view
Temple complex view
 Moolavar Vimanam

The king  Raja kambeera Mamannan Raja Raja II ( 1146 AD ) in the gallery
Sandal wood paste making stones  - in the gallery
Sri Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniar - in the gallery
Arthanareeswarar and old painting - on the gallery wall
Old painting - may be Thiagarajar - on the gallery wall
An old painting  - on the gallery wall
Bairavar in koshtam - finished like metal
Rishaba mandapam 
Tamil old inscriptions
Entrance view of the Darasuram temple with Rishaba mandapam

SWAMIMALAI SRI MURUGAN TEMPLE:
It was 13.30 Hrs when we left for Swamimalai and went to My friend Mr Raju’s home at Melaveethi. After lunch had a small nap. Evening around 18 Hrs  Self and Mr Raju went  to Swamimalai Murugan temple. This temple is one of the 6 abodes of Lord Subramaniar/ Murugan.  The temple was constructed in three levels. In the ground level  Vallabha Ganapati is at the east side entrance. The moolavar is facing east and main entrance with Rajagopuram is on the north side.  There is a Shiva and Ambal sannathi at the ground level. To reach the first level we have to climb 30 steps and again 30 steps to third level. These 60 steps signifies the Tamil years of 60. Every year special pooja will be conducted for these steps. The dwajasthambam is covered with gold plate donated by a devotee and was glittering  through light and protected in a glass enclosure.

Moolavar is little large in standing posture with right hand in abhaya hastham. I was fortunate to witness the aarathi taken to moolavar and had the peaceful darshan.  After darshan  visited a Shiva temple at the east side of the main temple.

North side Rajagopuram looking from second first level
Top Moolavar vimanam
Model of Swamimalai temple
North side Rajagopuram
North side entrance arch 

While we are returning to home after dharshan Mr Raju took me to a vigraham mould shop and the crafts man explained how the vigraham are made. Also Mr Raju took me to Poompuhar  after crossing the Kaveri river bridge to see the statues and vigrahams on display. Since the day was a holiday ( Ramzan ) the show room was closed.  But we could see a large size Natarajar and Ambal statue in front of show room. It was very cute. It was amazing to see the details on the metal.

Lord Shiva as Natarajar and Ambal
See the clear face
The details of nails
the details of snake and drum ( உடுக்கை  )
Ambal statue - the folding of stomach 

After breakfast on 10th Aug 2013, Mr Raju accompanied with me to the Bus stand to THIRUVALANJULI, which is about a KM from his house after crossing the rivers Arasalaru and Kaveri river. On the way we had seen a mandapam on the road side and outer wall was in collapsed condition and the debris were dumped on the opposite side of the road. The mandapam looks very old and might have been used for the Swamy’s procession halting place once and latter abandoned.
 
dilapidated condition of the mandapam on the way to Thiruvalanjuli  from Swamimalai

Thiruvalanchuzhi is also a Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, I had visited during my earlier yathra  and the details with photographs are up loaded in the earlier post. I am uploading the photos taken in this trip also in this post. 

Since today’s plan was to visit Chakkarapalli and Neithanam ( both second time ), peeped inside the THIRUVALAMCHUZHI temple and Prayed Valamchuzhi Vinayagar to remove the obstacles for the darshan at above places. 

THIRUVALANJULI
See the beauty of the jolly work in front of Vellai Pillayar - The crafts man would have spent his precious time with patience to chisel this work.
The kodungai - similar to Avudayar Koil
Beautifully carved pillars
Entrance to the main shrine 

Also we had the Darshan of Bairavar temple in the outer prakaram. The temple must be very old and lot of Tamil inscriptions epigraphy was found around the karuvarai wall. It was sad to see the front portion was  removed. (might have been fallen down due to age .) 

old Tamil inscription on the Bairavar Sannadhi  Sanctum Wall
old Tamil inscription on the Bairavar Sannathi  Sanctum wall
Bairavar Sannadhi 

134/ 17.  SRI CHAKARAVAGESWARAR TEMPLE, 
CHAKKARAPALLI.


This is  the 134th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam  and 17th  Shiva Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This temple is under the control of Swamimalai.

Main shrine entrance

Moolavar    : Sri Chakravageswarar.
Consort      : Sri Devanayagi

The important features of this temple are ….
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch In the arch stucco image of Shiva and Parvati are in Rishaba vahana. Rishabam and Balipeedam are in front and Dwajasthambam  was removed ( may be damaged ).  In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. The Sanctum sanctorum is about 3 feet of the temple is below the out side ground level.

In the inner prakaram Naalvar, Chandran, Suryan, Bhairavar and a Bana lingam are in Mandapam. In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Ganapathy, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Chandikeswarar. Ambal is in a separate temple facing south.

HISTORY:
Old Tamil inscriptions are found on the karuvarai wall and are not readable.  ( It belongs to   Kulothunga Chozhan ‘s 12th year and the same was about the eligibility and period of the member of the village Saba – 40 years of age and period is 10 years ) 

Thirumal worshiped Lord Shiva and got the Charayutham. Also Chakkavala bird worshiped Lord Shiva.
 
Old Tamil inscriptions - see the condition - nothing is readabl

HOW TO REACH :
The Ayyampettai is on the way from Kumbakonam to Tanjore bus route.
The temple is at Chakkarapalli is about 1 KM from Ayyampettai bus stop.

IMPORTANT NOTE.
As per gurukkal the renovation will be started for Kumbhabhishekam  soon. 

CONTACT DETAILS :
Ganesan  Gurukkal  may be contacted for the details of donation / contribution – mobile number 9791482102 and 8056853485.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Entrance arch 
Dwajasthambam is missing  with balipeedam and Rishaba mandapam.
Ambal sannadhi
Moolavar Vimanam
The king worshiping  Lord Shiva
The temple base is about 3 feet below the ground level.  Over all ground level has raised.

Mr Ganesha Gurukkal  dropped me  at mini bus stand to catch the bus KANDIYUR. My next proposed visit was to NEITHANAM.  This place is presently called as Thillaisthanam.  Boarded a mini bus to Kandiyur and Thillai sthanam is about 3 KM fro Thiruvaiyaru. The bus traveled through Thiru pullamangai , a Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam , ( since I had visited earlier through AUTO,   skipped this time ) and Veerasingam Pettai.  ( Covered both places in my earlier post ).  This time I was lucky  enough  to enter in to the temple before the Archakar close the doors. This time I had a peaceful darshan  and went around the inner prakaram. ( This was closed during my earlier visit ).

106/52 – SRI NEIYYADIAPPAR TEMPLE. THILLAISTHANAM - THIRUNEITHANAM.


Now the place is called as Thillaisthanam. This is the 106th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 52nd Shiva Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Moolavar Vimanam - built with stone 

Moolavar    : Sri Neiyadiappar, Sri Kiruthapureeswarar
Consort      : Sri Balambigai.

Some of the important features of  this temple are :
The temple is facing east with 5 tier Rajagopuram. In koshtam Dakshinamoorthy and Lingothbavar, There are two Dakshinamoorthy. One moortham is standing another is  in sitting posture, one behind the another in the same niche. The adhistana is a simple pathabhandha adhisthana. The prastharam is of kapotha. The eka thala vimana is of stone up to greevam and the sigaram is of stucco.

In the inner prakaram Kannivinayakar, Sri valli devasena Subramaniar, Saneeswarar, Nagakannis, Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, Chandikeswarar and Durgai. Navagrahas are in the mandapam.

Kamadhenu and Saraswati worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. There is no sannadhi in the outer prakaram.  Ambal sannathi is facing south with sanku  ( Conch )  and chakkaram.  

This is one of the saptha sthana sthalam,  linked to Thiruvaiyaru. Thiruvaiyaru  Sri Ayyanarappan will pass through this temple before conducting the marriage to Sri Nandhiam Peruman at Thirumazhapadi.

Tamil inscriptions are found around the Sanctum, that too in the window also.

Lots of Tamil old inscriptions on the windows too.
Tamil inscription on the  base of the karuvarai 

LEGEND:
Since the Milk milked by Kamathenu turned in to gee, hence moolavar  is called as  Neiyadiappar.

HOW TO REACH :
Town buses are available from Kandiyur. The route number are 23, 13  and 5.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Gurukkal Sankar can be contacted on the Land Line 04362 – 260553

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The temple timings are 10.30 Hrs to 11.30 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 19.00 Hrs.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  CLICK HERE

Dhakshinamoorthy - one moortham is standing and the other is in sitting posture
Entrance to the main shrine
5 tier Rajagopuram
River cauvery view from padithurai at Thillai sthanam 

After darshan reached Thanjavur to catch the bus to Chennai. SETC people advised me to go to Kumbakonam to get a bus to Chennai. When I reached the other bus stand, There was an empty bus to Chennai. Only two people purchased ticket to Chennai. At Kumbakonam, the conductor transferred us to the other bus which starts earlier. At 21.30 Hours reached Perungalathur bus stop  and from there reached home around  22.30 Hrs safely.
---- OM SIVAYA NAMA:----

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Sri Devi Bhavani Amman Temple Annual Festival 2013, Ramakrishna Nagar, Adambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 05-08-2013
The three day annual festival of Sri Devi Bhavani Amman, Bhavani Amman Koil Street, Ramakrishna Nagar, Adambakkam, Chennai – 88,  was celebrated from 02-08-2013 to 04-08-2013. Like any other temple usual poojas are conducted. In addition to this devotees submitted their offerings in the form of walking on the fire with fire pot in their hand and head ( பூ சட்டி - fire pot ). Some devotees walked on the fire with tri sool / vel pierced through their mouth ( alagu kuthuthal ). This year’s special was a devotee offered garland and done pooja to Amman hanging from a rope supported with alaku pierced on his back and thigh/ cough muscle. It was a painful event which he had not performed earlier. The photos taken are uploaded. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  CLICK HERE

 Fire is being being prepared for the fire bed with logs of wood
 Urchava Amman for the procession
 First devotee walking on the fire bed with fire pot on his head.
 Devotee came with alaku ( அலகு ) pierced through out his body
 Devotees  with alaku ( அலகு )pierced through their mouth
  Devotees  with alaku pierced through their mouth
A devotee garlanding Amman hanging from a rope with the support of alakus pierced  on his back, thigh and cough muscles is this year's special 
---ஓம் சிவாய நம :---