Tuesday 1 October 2024

Ayyanar and KoRRavai Sculptures /Sri Ayyanarapan Temple/ஶ்ரீ அய்யனாரப்பன் கோயில், அரசூர் /Arasur, Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu

The visit to these Ayyanar and Kotravai sculptures in the paddy field at Arasur Village, which is about 10 KM South of Viluppuram city and  Chennai to Trichy GST Road, was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” - on 11th August 2024. These Ayyanar and Kotravai are under neem trees, in the paddy fields on the South side of Arasur Village, near Viluppuram.  


AYYANAR
This Ayyanar sculpture is in the midst of paddy fields, about 1 KM east of Arasur to Paraiyur road. This Ayyanar is in the form of a bas-relief on a flat stone, installed facing west. Elephant vahanas are in front of Ayyanar. In addition to Ayyanar, a Rashtrakuta-style Chandikeswarar sculpture on a flat stone is also there.  As per the experts, this Ayyanar belongs to the 07th to 08th Century CE, Pallava period.

Going by the Iconography, this Ayyanar was sculpted similarly to the Rashtrakuta style and is believed to belong to the 10th century CE. Ayyanar is in Maharajaleelasana, sitting posture. The left leg is on the pedestal and the right leg is hanging. A yogapatti holds the left leg, which goes around the body.  The left hand is on the left leg knee and hanging ( similar to Pallava hastam ) and the right hand is resting on an unidentified cylindrical object. 

His hair is tied to form a tuft ( straight up upwards ) called Jadabaram. Ayyanar wears a padra kundala in the right ear and a mahara kundala in the left ear. He also wears yagnopaveetha. An Elephant and a horse are shown on the top. A person is holding an umbrella below the Elephant and a lady is holding a whisk, below the horse. A thindu is shown on his backside. A Dog with a vessel is shown below Ayyanar.  

As per the local people, this Ayyanar is under worship, and special poojas are conducted in a grand manner on Pournami ( full moon days ) days.




Rashtrakuta style Chandikeswarar
Elephant Vahanas offered as prayer

KOTRAVAI / KORRAVAI.
This Kotravai is in the form of a bas-relief on a flat stone and is about 500 meters before the Ayyanar. This Kotravai is also in the form of a bas-relief, installed facing east direction. This Kotravai is also called Durgai Amma.

Kotravai is with 8 arms, lower right hand in abhaya hastam and left hand in ooru hastam. The other hands are holding, Shankha, prayoga chakra, Sword, bow, Arrow, and Shield. An arrow holder ( ambara ) is shown on the back. She wears padra kundala in the elongated earlobes, and ornaments over the neck. A bra / Marbu kachu is also shown. She wears a dress below her hip.

There are two men shown on both sides of her leg. One man is offering his head to Kotravai in the form of Navakandam and the other is in worshipping posture. This Kotravai may belong to the 07th to 08th Century CE, Pallava Period.



LOCATION OF THE AYYANAR AND KOTRAVAI: CLICK HERE.

Kotravai- under the Neem Tree
Ayyanar is on this island
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA --- 

Monday 30 September 2024

Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar Temple / ஶ்ரீ கோடி கொடுத்த நாதர் கோயில், Orukodi, Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu

The visit to this Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar Temple, at Orukodi is about 10 KM west of Viluppuram city was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” - on 11th August 2024.


Moolavar   : Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar
Consort     : Sri Olai Paditha Nayagi/ ஸ்ரீ ஓலை படித்த நாயகி

Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The Temple faces east with Balipeedam and Rishabam. Mollavar in the Sanctum is on a round avudayar. Dakshinamurthy is alone in the koshtam.

In the outer praharam, Vinayagar, Murugan, a dilapidated Sannidhi, Chandikeswarar, and Nagars. In addition, to the above Jyeshta Devi, Dakini, Kotravai / Mahaishasuramardini are in the form of bas-reliefs on flat stones installed on the east side of the temple.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi in the ardha mandapam, facing south. A Balipeedam is installed in the outer praharam, facing Ambal Sannidhi. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.



 Chandikeswarar
 Dakshinamurthy

ARCHITECTURE
The whole temple was built with bricks. The temple was not built as per any temple architecture. The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum and Ardha mandapam. An Eka tala Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum Sanctorum. There are no images in the Greeva koshtas. The ardha mandapam is of vavval nethi style.

A Small opening measuring 6 inches x 3 inches is on the east side wall. Usually, an opening or a jala will be provided in front of Rishabam, if no entrance is provided on the wall between Sanctum Sanctorum and Rishabam. Moreover, the priest will keep the temple closed after the poojas. Naturally, if anybody comes for the darshan, they have to worship through this hole. Shiva Devotees make this a special feature of this temple. 




HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Based on the iconography of Jyeshta Devi, Chandikeswarar, and Kotravai, experts believe that the Original temple belong to Pallava Period ie the 07th to 08th century. The original brick structure was also maintained, and not much modification was carried out.   

Kotravai
Dakini
Jyeshta Devi - Thavvai
LEGENDS
It is believed that One Core Siddhars or saints did penance and installed in this forest. They also left sealed Palm manuscripts and invaluable treasures before Shiva and Ambal. Shiva in this temple. Hence this place is called Orukodi. It is believed that anybody who came and worshiped Shiva would get wealth and prosperity equivalent to Cores. Hence Shiva is called Kodi Kodutha Nathar.    

Later, it is believed that manuscripts were obtained from the locked wall and golden manuscripts found disappeared. It is further believed that the Golden manuscripts are in the well. The stone-hitting metal sound will be heard if a stone is dropped into the well. Ambal is called Olai Paditha Nayagi – ஓலை படித்த நாயகி- the ability to read manuscripts.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Only oru kala pooja is conducted and no other special poojas are conducted.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
Since oru kala pooja is conducted, the opening and Closing Times are unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS
Priest A. Murugan may be contacted at his mobile number, +919047110381, and may be contacted for Darshan.

HOW TO REACH
This Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar Temple is, away from the Village of Orukodi, About 8.6 KM from the Viluppuram Railway Station, 8.0 KM from the New Bus Stand, 45 KM from Tindivanam, and 173 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram. ( The Venkatesapuram, a small railway Station is about a KM from the Temple ).

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE





--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sunday 29 September 2024

Sri Kailasa Nathar Temple / ஈஸ்வரன் கோயில்/ Perumbakkam, Viluppuram Dist, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Kailasanathar Temple, at Perumbakkam is about 10 KM west of Viluppuram city was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” - on 11th August 2024.


Moolavar   : Sri Kailasanathar
Consort     : Sri Kamakshi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple faces west with an entrance Gate. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the temple. Moolavar is on a square avudayar. No images are found in the koshtas. Durgai is in the Ambal sannidhi koshtaam.

In the outer praharam Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Pallava period Subramaniar, a Donor and Navagrahas.

Ambal Sannidhi is in ardha mandapam, facing South. A Rishabam is in the outer praharam facing Ambal sannidhi. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.



Pallava period Subramaniar

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. The Sanctum Sanctorum was constructed with stone from adhistanam to prastaram. The adhistanam is of pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, threepatta kumudam and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are Brahma kantha pilasters. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam with Nasikudus. An eka tala Vesara Vimanam is over the prastaram and was built with bricks. There are no koshta images in greevam.




HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Considering the Pallava period Subramaniar, the temple might have been built during the Pallava period and later reconstructed during the Nayaka period.

LEGENDS
As per the legend, the Dhurvasa Muni gave the garland, which was adorned with Shiva, to Indra. Indra took the garland with Angusa and kept on the head of the Iravata, his white Elephant vahana. The Elephant took the garland and threw it on the floor. Angered Dhurvasa Muni cursed Indra to lose all his wealth and his position as the Head of Devas. Indra went to Maha Vishnu and sought his help to get rid of Dhurvasa’s Curse. Maha Vishnu advised Durvasa to drink amirtha to get rid of the Curse. 

Indra with the help of Devas and Asuras churned the milk ocean. Manthara Hill as maththu, keeping on Maha Vishnu as Turtle ( Koorma avatar ) and Vasuki as rope. In the process of churning, Vasuki couldn’t bear the pressure and vomited the poison. Shiva took the poison and tried to drink. In the meantime, ma Parvati held the poison with her hands and stopped at Throat itself. The poison at the throat changed the color into blue, hence Shiva is called Thiruneelakandar. Shiva came to this place Villupuram and stayed as Sri Kailasanathar.       

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Oru kala regular pooja is conducted and no other special poojas are conducted.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will kept open always since a priest is staying inside the temple.
CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH
This Sri Kailasanathar Temple is in the middle of the Village. This temple is about 8.6 KM from the Viluppuram Railway Station, 8.0 KM from the New Bus Stand, 45 KM from Tindivanam, and 173 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE




--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Saturday 28 September 2024

Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple / Pasupatheeshwarar Temple / பசுபதீஸ்வரர் ஆலயம், Keezperum Pakkam, Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple in Viluppuram city was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” - on 11th August 2024.


Moolavar   : Sri Pasupatheeswarar
Consort     : Sri Arulambigai

Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple faces east, with Balipeedam and Rishabam. Stucco Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Sanctum Sanctorum. Moolavar is about 6 feet tall on a round avudayar. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, and Durgai.

In praharam 63var, Simha vahana Vinayagar, Vetri Murugam ( Pallava Period ), Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai  ( Pallava Period ), Ambal Arulambigai, Aiyyappan, Bairavar, Navagrahas, Chandran, Suriyan and Hanuman.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi facing South. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

 Vetri Murugan 
 Jyeshta Devi - Thavvai
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum and ardha mandapam. The whole temple was constructed with bricks and cement concrete. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam and adhistanam with Padma jagathy, and Vrudha Kumudam. The Bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Vishnukantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, palakai, and Vettu pothyal. The Prastaram consists of valapi and Kapotam with Nasikudus.  The superstructure of Vimanam was built with bricks. The vesara Vimanam is of two talas. Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma are in tala and greeva koshtas.



HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Based on the iconography of Jyeshta Devi and ( Vetri ) Murugan, the original temple belongs to the 07th to 08th Century CE, Pallava period. The details of the old temple were not known. The present structure was built about ( 2010 ) 14 years before.  

LEGENDS
In one legend, Shiva and Parvati were playing a game ( Chokkatan ) at Mount Kailash in the presence of Maha Vishnu. In the game, Ma Parvati foul played and the same was correct as per Maha Vishnu. Angered Shiva cursed Ma Parvati to become a Cow on the earth and Maha Vishnu as a herder. Ma Parvati worshipped Shiva with milk from her madi. Satisfied with Ma Parvati's prayer, Shiva married her. Hence Shiva is called Pasupatheeswarar.

As per another legend, the divine cow Kamadhenu was cursed and Kamadhenu landed on the earth at this place and came to this temple to get rid of the curse. Since Kamadhenu worshiped Shiva, Shiva is called Pasupatheeswarar. Kamadhenu worshiping Lord Shiva bas-relief is one of the pillars of the mandapam.

Devotees pray to Shiva and Ambal of this temple to get rid of debt, chronic disease, and obstacles in marriage, Child boon, promotion in professional career, etc. 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Pournam, Amavasya Days, Theipirai Ashtami, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Navaratri, Aadi Pooram,  Deepavali, Kiruthigai, Thaipoosam, Sankadahara Chaturthi, Tamil month 1st day, New Year Day, Hanuman Jayanthi, Thaipoosam, Masimaham, Panguni Uthiram, Chitra Pournami, Vaikasi Visagam, Adi Amavasya, Saraswati Pooja, Vijayadhasami, Annabhishekam, Ashtami Theipirai, Arudra darshan, etc.

Special poojas with Thukkanivarana Homam will be conducted on Amavasya days to Jyeshta Devi

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The Gurukkal Sri Vijayasekar’s mobile number +918825475448 and Managing Trustee R Srinivasan’s mobile number +919443228303, may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
This temple is in Keezperum Pakkam, a part of Viluppuram City. The temple is about 1.7 KM from the Railway Station, 4.4 KM from the New Bus Stand, 39 KM from Tindivanam, and 168 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE


 Main sanctum Sanctorum with stucco Dwarapalakas
View with Rishaba mandapam
Ambal Sannidhi
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Friday 27 September 2024

Sri Kailasanathar Temple / ஶ்ரீ கைலாசநாதர் ஆலயம், Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Kailasanathar Temple in Viluppuram city was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” - on 11th August 2024.


Moolavar   : Sri Kailasanathar
Consort     : Sri Brihan Nayagi / Sri Periya Nayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram on the west. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are on the east side of the entrance. Stucco Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Maha Mandapam. One Chozha period Dwarapalaka is on the South side entrance to the maha mandapam. Moolavar is a little big on a round avudayar. In koshtam, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, and Brahma.

In praharam Arumugar, Bairavar, Saniswarar, Somaskandar ( Nalvar, two Pichadanars, and Veerabhadra are in ardha mandapam and ( all the three belong to Chozha period ), Ambal temple and Navagrahas.

Ambal Periyanayagi is in a separate temple with sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam, faces west. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

 Out of two dwarapalakas, only one is available now
Chozha Period Pichadanar
 Chozha Period Pichadanar


ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, Maha mandapam, and Mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a Prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha Kumudam, and prativari. The Bhitti starts with Vedikai. The pilasters are of Vishnukantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, palakai with lotus petals, poomottu pothyal. The Prastaram consists of valapi with bhutavari, Kapotam with Nasikudus and viyyalavari. The temple from adhistanam to prastaram was built with stone. The Vesara Vimanam, above Bhumidesam, is of Two Talas, was built with bricks. Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma are in tala and greeva koshtas.





HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The original temple belongs to the 11th to 12th Century Chozha Period. The mandapas are expanded during Vijayanagara period. An underground room was found in this temple in recent years.

During the Nrupathunga Pallava period, this place was called Vijaya Nrupathonga Cheyathangi chaturvedi Mangalam, and during Rajaraja Chozha period, Jananatha Chaturvedi Mangalam, and Jayangonda Chozha Mandalam.

Also called Vizhuparaiyapuram, which has been corrupted to the present name of Viluppuram. Maravarman Sundara Pandyan period ( 1265 CE ) inscription records this place was called Viluppuram. Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple Dwajasthambam inscription records as Viluppuram alias Janagapuri.

The recorded inscriptions belong to Koperunjingan, Kulothunga Chozha, Rajanarayana Sambhuvaraiyar, Sadaiyavarman, Viruppanna udaiyar, Saluva Narasinga udaiyar, Narasinga Nayaka, Krishna devaraya, Achuthadeva Maharaya, and Sadasiva Devaraya.

The temple was damaged during 15th Century Vijayanagara period due to flood and the same was reconstructed.   

Ambal Periya Nayagi Temple Thirupani was started in the Tamil year - பிரசோற்பத்தி - Prachorpaththi, Karthigai Month ( Salivahana sakaptham 6790 ) and Completed in Thai month of Angirasa Year, ( Two years ) by Somanatha Saravana Mudaliar. The Mudaliar belong to Thondai mandalam. In this inscription, Ambal was called Sakala Bhuvaneswari alias Periyanayagi.

Ambal temple inscription




LEGENDS
As per the legend, the Dhurvasa Muni gave the garland, which was adorned with Shiva, to Indra. Indra took the garland with Angusa and kept it on the head of the Airavata, his white Elephant vahana. The Elephant took the garland and threw it on the floor. Angered Dhurvasa Muni cursed Indra to lose all his wealth and his position as the Head of Devas. Indra went to Maha Vishnu and sought his help to get rid of Dhurvasa’s Curse. Maha Vishnu advised Durvasa to drink amirtha to get rid of the Curse. 

Indra with the help of Devas and Asuras churned the milk ocean. Manthara Hill as maththu, keeping on Maha Vishnu as Turtle ( Koorma avatar ) and Vasuki as rope. In the process of churning, Vasuki couldn’t bear the pressure and vomited the poison. Shiva took the poison and tried to drink. In the meantime, ma Parvati held the poison with her hands and stopped at Throat itself. The poison at the throat changed the colour into blue, hence Shiva is called Thiruneelakandar. Shiva came to this place Viluppuram and stayed as Sri Kailasanathar.        

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, maha Shivaratri, Pournami, Amavasya, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Navaratri, Aadipooram, New Year, Thai Pongal, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The Temple’s mobile number is +919787104244, may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
This temple is on Thiru Vi Ka Street, in Kamala Nagar, a part of Viluppuram City. The temple is about 1.6 KM from the Railway Station, 3.3 KM from the New Bus Stand, 37 KM from Tindivanam, and 166 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE






Ambal temple


bas-relief on Arumugar Temple wall 
bas-relief on Arumugar Temple wall 
An Elephant and a camel bas-relief on Arumugar Temple wall 
bas-relief on Arumugar Temple wall 
bas-relief on the Arumugar Temple wall 
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---