Sri Valeeswarar Temple, Kuranganilmuttam, Kanchipuram District Tamil Nadu - Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Thondai Nadu.

 4, March 2014.

( I used to up date my posts in a day or two after visiting the temples. This time it was delayed due to a road accident, in which my right leg small bone got fractured near the ankle and joint also dislocated. A surgery was performed and recovering now. I do not know when the next Temples visits will happen. Hope Lord Shiva will bless me for doing further. Sorry for the delay.

This week end on 15-02-2014, planned to visit 2 more temples around Kanchipuram. Kuranganilmuttam on Cheyyar route and Thirumarperu on Arakkonam route. This time there was not much crowd. I was able to get a seat from Poonamallee to Kanchipuram.  After reaching Kanchipuram took a Vandavasi private bus  to Dusi, which is about 8 KM from Bus stand. There was no cycle shop kept open to get a bicycle on rent. Hence started walking to KuranganilMuttam which is about 2 KM from Dusi main road. The climate was not hot and it was cloudy. Slight drizzling was also there.

On reaching Kuranganilmuttam, found out the Sivachariyar’s residence and informed my arrival for darshan of Lord Shiva. The Sivachariyar opened the door and had the good darshan.

06 – SRI VALEESWARAR TEMPLE, KURANGANILMUTTAM

( This post was updated with Thevaram Songs, History with Inscriptions, Legends and Sthalapurana. For the details of the updated post please click this link )

This is the 6^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar    : Sri Valeeswarar, Sri Koyyamalai Nathar

Consort      : Sri Irayar Valliammai

Some of the important details of this temple are …..

The temple is facing west and the sanctum sanctorum is small and moolavar is also small. The temple is constructed on the rocky surface.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar, Murugan, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Durgai, Brahma, Navagrahas, Thirumal, Bhairavar, Naalvar, Saptamatrikas and Chandikeswarar.

The Ambal sannadhi is at front facing south, originally Ambal sannidhi was out side and latter shifted to the present place.

A Pallava period Rock cut cave Temple / Kudaivarai Kovil in the village to be seen. The Monument is under the control of ASI and key is available in the  opposite house.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS

The temple has Sri Krishnadevaraya period old Tamil inscriptions. which gives the message of Sri Krishnadevaraya had donated  the Pallavapuram village for the pooja expenses.

 Krishnadevaraya Period Tamil Inscriptions

Sthala Puranam

A stone with Tamil inscriptions standing in front of the temple on the road side

LEGEND:

It was believed that Vaali in the form of monkey (குரங்கு), Inthiran in the form of Squirrel ( அணில் ) and Yama in the form of crow (முட்டம் or காகம்) worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Sculpture is available at the entrance of the shrine.

 Indiran and Eman in the form of Crow (முட்டம் - காகம்  ) worshiping Lord Shiva 

 Vaali is worshiping in the form of monkey (குரங்கு )

CONTACT DETAILS.

The Sivachariyar’s house is very near to the temple. Sridhar Gurukkal 9445642409 may be contacted for details and Pooja.

After darshan, visited the  Pallava Period Rock cut Temple or kal mandapam. The details are written in a separate post after covering the temples. 

HOW TO REACH :

The place Dhusi is on the bus route from Kanchipuram to Vandavasi / Cheyyar, from there 2 KM on the south side.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Temple complex in a distance view

 Relief at the right side entrance,  Brahma worshiping Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva & Parvati on the Rishabam

Rishabam

Sri Vishnu in the koshtam

Nagars  in the outer prakaram 

......................Thirumarperu and Thirukkachi Ekamban continued in the next post

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Thalapureeswarar Temple at Thirupanangadu, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu - Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal of Thondai Nadu.

 11, February 2014.

A continuation to the previous post.....

After dharshan returned back to Cheyyar bus stand and crowd was swelling. People were fighting  to get a seat and some reserve seats  before the bus enters in to the bus stand. Since the bus to Kanchipuram from  Cheyyar  is limited waited for an hour, watching the peoples behavior.  After Vembakkam the bus dropped me a diversion road to Thiruppanangadu.  The temple is about 1.5 KM off main road with tamarind trees on both sides.

On the way I also visited the theerta tank. Iron grills are erected to guard the same. It is believed that Lord Shiva created this water source for Sundarar after he gave kattamuthu. It is only a hearsay.  But this is not mentioned in Periyapuranam written by Shekkizhar. When I reached the temple Urchavar arrived after thiruveethi uzha.

09 – SRI THALAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUPPANANGADU / VANPARTHAN PANANGATTUR. 

This post has been updated with Thevara Hymns, History & Inscriptions, Sthalapurana and Legends. For the updated post Please Click this Link.

Now this place is called as Thiruppanangadu. This is the 9^th Devaram paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondainadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 

Rajagopuram with Dwajajasthambam on both sides and the entrance arch

Moolavar    : Sri Thalapureeswarar

Consort      : Sri Amithavalli

Agasthiyar worshiped.

Moolavar    : Sri Kirubanathesswarar

Consort      : Sri KirupaNayaki.

Pulathiyar worshiped.

Some of the important features of this temple are…

There are two Shiva sanctum sanctorum  with separate Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam ( in an elevated position ). The Rishabam's horn in front of Kirubanatheeswarar sannadhi is very small. There is an entrance arch and there is no Rajagopuram. But there is a 2^nd level 3 tier Rajagopuram after Rishaba mandapam. There is no sannadhis in the outer prakaram.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Ambal Amirthavalli, Ambal Kiruba Nayaki, Palliayarai in between, Devakottai Periya Ekappachettiyar’s statue ( who had done a lot of thirupani to this temple ), 63var, Naalvar, Vinayagar, Meenakshi samedha Chokkalingar, Sthala Vrukshama stone sculpture, Mahalingam, Gajalakshmi, Valli Devasena samedha Subramaniyar on peacock vahana ( face of the peacock is on the right instead of left ), Navagrahas with their vahanas, Chandikeswarar by the side of Sri Kirupanatheswarar, Natarajar Saba, Bairavar, Chandran and Suriyan.

In koshtam of Sri Thalapureeswarar sannadhi, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy ( like a separate sannadhi ), Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In koshtam of Sri Kirubanatheeswarar, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu and Brahma.( No Durgai ).

Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Sri Thalapureeswarar sannadhi.

Dwarapalakis are painted in front of both Ambal sannadhis.

Relief of  Vali and Sugriva fight, Nagalingam, Egapadamurthy, Garudalwar, Vishnu, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Anjaneyar, Agasthiyar, Pulathiyar, Sthala vruksham ( at the entrance of Kirubanatheeswarar sannadhi ) are chiseled on the pillars looks cute.

Both Shiva sannadhis vimanam are of gajabirushtam type. Kottai Muneeswaran temple is in front of Shiva Temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple is kept open between 07.00 Hrs. to 12.15 hrs. and 16.30 Hrs. to 20.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS.

Sivachariyar Devaraja sharma may be contacted  through his mobile 9843568742 for details and pooja. 

HOW TO REACH:

From Kanchipuram to Cheyyar bus via Vembakkam passes through this place.

Chetpet – Peramanallur – Cheyyar – Kanchipuram via Vembakkam passes through this place.

Kanchipuram to Kalavai bus Passes through this place.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Theertha kulam on the way to Temple. It was said that the theertham was did not dried up even during the peak of  summer 

 A sign board to the temple 

Temple Complex view from out side 

Temple complex view from out side 

Rajagopuram with Dwajasthambam

Rishabam  in front of Thalapureeswarar

Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Subramaniyar - Peacock's face is on the right side 

Sri Chokkanathar, Sri Meenakshi and the sthala Viruksham

Dakshinamurthy in Sri Thalapureeswarar temple  koshtam.

Naga Lingam - a relief

Vaali & Sugriva are  fighting - A relief

A relief of Vishnu

Agasthiyar ? or Pulathiyar ?

Hanuman - a relief

Hanuman - relief

Devakottai Ekappa Chettiyar who had done thirupani to this temple

Lord Shiva as Neelakandewarar and Ambal - thiruveethi uzha  during this Masi Maham festival - A rare occasion to see.

Ambal

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple at Thiruvothur / Cheyyar, Paadal Petra sthalam of Thondai Nadu, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

 11^th , February 2014.

A Continuation of the previous post ........

After darshan, I had to deviate from my original plan of going to Thiruvothur directly. Since there is no direct route to Thiruvothur from Magaral, I had taken the route via Kanchipuram.  When I reached Thiruvothur preparation are on for Swamy’s thiruveethi uzha with Kailaya vathiyam. It was interesting to note that the  instruments are being played by the young children.  This is the first time I had  seen that Natarajar is taken out for thiruveethi uzha as urchavar. There were  many temporary shops erected for this Masi Magam festival along the street.

8 – SRI VEDAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVOTHUR.  

( This post was updated with Thevara Hymns. Legend, History, Sthalapurana and Architecture. For the updated post please click this Link ).

It is part of Cheyyar, also called as Thiruvathipuram. This is the 8^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan : Sri Vedapureeswarar, Sri Vedhanathar.

Iraivi    : Sri Balakujambigai, Sri IlamulaiNayagi.

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

The temple is facing east with a 6 tier Rajagopuram. A mandapam with Balipeedam, dwajasthambam and Rishabam are at the front.  Rishabam is facing opposite to moolavar.  ( The story behind this is Lord Shiva sent Nandhi  along with King Thondaiman to conquer a king called  Visvavasu. To represent this Nandhi is facing opposite to moolavar ). In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In the inner prakaram, sannadhi for Vinayagar, Balamurugan, Veerabhadra, Vinayagar, Nagalingam, Lingam, 108 Lingam, Naalvar, 63var, Valampuri Vinayagar, Lingangal, Naagars, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Murugan sudhai sirpam, Bhairavar, Suryan,  Thirumal and Chandran.

In the front mandapam impon urchava murtis are kept. Some of them are  Pickshadanar, Ambal with Chandrasekar, Arumuga Peruman with Valli Devasena looks cute. A Perumal / Vishnu statue is installed in front of Durgai. The Chakra is  in vertical position against horizontal.

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for  Sthala Vruksham, Thillai Sivaperuman, Sandeswarar, Thiru Kalathi Nathar, Thiru Aanaikka, Thiru Annamalai, Thirukachi Ekambam, Ambal sannadhi, Palliyarai, Navagrahas and Santhana kuravargal.

On the left of the entrance, moortham of Thirugnanasambandar with Shiva and Sthala vruksham are in the form of stone. Ambal sannidhi is like a separate temple  with Koshta  moorthangal. Ambal is in sitting posture.

Standing at one place in the front mandapam, we can have the view of Moolavar, Ambal, Vinayagar, Murugan, Navagrahas, Sthala Vruksham ( partially visible – obstruction due to sannadhis )

INSCRIPTION:

There are old tamil inscriptions found around sanctum sanctorum walls. Kulothungan, Rajendran, Vikrama Chozha period inscriptions are found around karuvarai walls.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple is  kept open between 06.00 Hrs. to 12.00 Hrs. and  16.00 Hrs. to 20.30 Hrs.  And the poojas are 08.00 Hrs. 12.00 Hrs.  16.00 Hrs. and 20.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Mr. Ashok, an office clerk 9842416402 and Sivachariyar Dakshinamurthy  9688612660 may be contacted for pooja and other functions.

HOW TO REACH :

Govt. buses are available to Cheyyar from Kanchipuram, Chennai, Thiruvannamalai, Salem, etc. and the temple place Thiruvothur is about 1.5 KM from bus stand.

Private buses and Govt. Town buses are also available  from Kanchipuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

The 5 tier Rajagopuram 

Inner view of the second level Rajagopuram with mandapam 

Ambal sannadhi vinmanam

Moolavar Vimanam

Sthala viruksham 

Temple Complex view with Dwajasthambam and nandhi mandapam

Nandhi is facing opposite to moolavar

Arumugaperuman - Peacock is facing on the right side 

Urchavar with Ambal 

Chandikeswarar with mazhu on the right hand 

Thirugnanasambandar, Shiva Lingam & Sthala Vruksham Palm Tree

Lord Shiva with bow and arrow - a relief on the mandapam pillar

Swamy's purapadu to Thiruveethi uzha

Natarajar is taken for Thiruveethi uzha a rare sight to see.

Ambal 

Kailaya vathiyam - children too are playing 

Continued in the next post.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Thirumakaraleeswarar Temple. Magaral, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu - Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal of Thondai Nadu.

 11, February 2014.

I was fortunate  enough to have Lord  Shiva’s dharshan during Masi ( A Tamil month ) thiruvizha / Bramotshavam at Magaral, Thiruvothur and Vanparthan Panangattur  ( Thiruppanangadu ) on 09-02-2014. It was a tough journey to all three places.  Since the Sunday was a muhurtham ( Marriage ) day, crowd, crowd everywhere. All most throughout my journey,  I had to travel by standing.

The Journey route was Guindy – Poonamallee – Kanchipuram – Magaral – Kanchipuram – Cheyyar( Thiruvothur ) – Thiruppanangadu ( Via Vembakkam ) – Kanchipuram – Poonamallee - Guindy.  From the Bus stand / Bus stop to Temple preferred to walk.  Under the scorching sun, found very difficult to walk,  also did not took any food, since morning to evening. It aggravated further and I got completely  exhausted.

Even-though I had been to these temples earlier twice, want to make it, again to take photographs and to get  Lord Shiva’s blessings too.  Before start of this travel I had collected details of these temples and Phone numbers.  Since I was able confirm the temple will be kept open for Bramotshavam at Thirupanangadu, hence decided to keep it in the afternoon session.   In all the three places I could not take the full view photograph  of the Rajagopurams due to pandal ( Kottakai in Chettinadu ) erected  for urchavam. The details of the temples are written below as per the order I visited.

7 – THIRUMAKARALEESWARAR TEMPLE, MAGARAL.

( This post was updated with Thevara hymns, Sthalapuranam, architecture, Legend, History and inscriptions. For the updated post click this link ) 

This is the 7^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar : Shiva is called by 12 names different names and they are 

Sri Adaikalam Thantha Nathar ( Parikara name),

Sri Maham Vaazhvithavar, Sri Udumbeesar, Sri Paarathazhumbar, 

Sri Putridangondaar, Sri Nilaiyitta Nathar, Sri Mangalangathavar, 

Sri Parinthukathavar, Sri Agastheesar, Sri Abathsahayar,

Sri Maakaraleeswarar, Sri Thaduthatkondavar.

Consort   : Sri ThirupuvanaNayagi, Sri BhuvanaNayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Sthala Vruksham is lemon tree and theertham is Agni Theertham. The moolavar Vimanam is of gajabirushtam type and the sanctum sanctorum is in the form of moat /agazhi.

  

The moolavar is like ( monitor Lizard )  Udumbu's tail. As per Gurukkal, Moolavar was made out of navapashanam ( 9 - poisonous medicinal herbs / natural materials ).  In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma  and Durgai. Urchava idols/moorthams are kept in the artha mandapam.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Arumugasamy ( sitting on peacock vahana (Peacock’s face is on the right side, is an unusual one ), Adhikara Nandhi along with 63var, Valampuri Vinayagar, Mahavishnu, Valli Devasena sametha Subramaniar, Ambal sannadhi, Arthanari Bhairavar ( back side of Ambal sannadhi ), Murugan is on white elephant ( story with picture is up loaded below ). 

LEGEND

The temple is about 1500 years old  and Lord Shiva gave dharshan to king Rajendra Chozhan in the form of golden Udumbu (உடும்பு  = a Monitor Lizard  ).

After Murugan killed Surapadman, he married Devasena. On that occasion,  Indran asked Murugan to sit on his white elephant Iravatham in presence of Thirumal. Also it is be noted that elephant was his vahana before Peacock.

  

Agasthiyar and the two asuraras called Maaharan & Maalayan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

CONTACT DETAILS.

Shanmuga Sundara Gurukkal may be contacted through his mobile 9444810396     for poojas, Pariharam, etc., and his residence is nearby.

HOW TO REACH :

Ilayanar velur – Kanchipuram – Perungkattur bus passes through this place Magaral.

Buses from Kanchipuram to Uthiramerur via Orikkai passes through this place Magaral

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE

Gajabirushata Vimanam - Dwarapalakar

Subramaniyar is sitting on peacock. Peacock's face is on the right side 

Sri Muruga peruman is on the white elephant. Closer look of Sri Muruga peruman on white elephant

( Arthanari... ? ) Bairavar

View of Front mandapam, Dwajasthambam, Rishaba mandapam

Stucco images on the mukha mandapam

Rishabam in mandapam - facing moolavar

Another view of the temple complex

The 5 tier Rajagopuram

Thiruvothur and Vanparthan Panangattur details are written in the next posts.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---