Pillayarpatti Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Pillayarpatti, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

 24, May 2011

Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is one of the oldest Cave Temples (Rock Cut) temples of Tamil Nadu and situated at Pillayarpatti, which is between Pudukkottai and Karaikudi. 

The town of Pillayarpatti is named after 'Pillayar' - the Tamil name for Ganesha, and this ancient temple houses rock cut images of Shiva, Lingothbavar and others as well as several other shrines. Steeped in the tradition of Agamic texts the temple bears testimony to the vibrant temple culture of the Tamil people, passed down through centuries.

View of front mandapam with east side Rajagopuram in front of Shiva's sannadhi    

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Antiquity: Over 15 inscriptions are found within the temple, that help establish the age of the temple. The Sthalapuranam published by the temple classifies the growth of this temple into three distinct stages.

The first stage goes back in time by about 1600 years. During this period, the innermost rock cut shrines housing Karpaka Vinayakar and Tiruveesar came into being. The uniqueness of the image of Ganesha is one factor testifying this date; the characters used in the temple inscriptions also help establish this date. The pillars within the shrine are of pre-Pallava origin.

The Pallavas were prolific builders of rock cut temples (Mahabalipuram, Mahendravadi, Mamandur, Mandagapattu, Seeyamangalam, Namakkal, Tiruchi, Narthamalai, Kudumiyanmalai, Thirukokarnam, Thirumeyyam, Peraiyur, Malayadipatti, Thirukolakudi, Kundrakudi etc.). A number of these can be traced to Mahendravarman I (615 - 630 CE ) and Narasimhavarman I (630 - 668 CE ). However, the inscriptions at Pillayarpatti date further back to the 4th century CE. Also, given the location of the temple in the Pandya kingdom it would only be logical to associate Pandya patronage to this temple, especially in the light of Pandya patronage at the Kazhugumalai temple not too far from here. There are several inscriptions within this temple that date back to the period between 1091 CE and 1238 CE, making it apparent that the Pillayarpatti Nagarattar became the custodians of the temple during the 13th century AD during the second growth phase of this temple, when Vimanams and Rajagopuras were built.

The third phase of growth is much more recent and it involved the repair, rebuilding and refurbishment of the entire temple complex, including the renovation of the temple tank. The tank and the two Raja Gopuras provide an attractive approach to the temple, in this rather remote town of Pillayarpatti.

DEITIES

Karpaka Vinayakar or Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar is the presiding deity here, and he is portrayed with two arms and a trunk curled towards his right in the valampuri mode. This 6 feet tall mammoth image of Ganesha is a bas-relief in an excavated cave, off of a hill in the precincts of the temple. Scholars says that Lord Vinayaka is the Lord of wisdom, which is confirmed by the head of elephant in the shape of sacred mantra "OM". When we draw a line from the broken left tusk, starting upward, then turning left to wards right ear and after passing through the bend of the left tusk up to the tip of trunk, Tamil alphabet "O" appears. The Lingam in the hand indicates the alphabet "M". Together they form "OM". This is confirmed by the lord here "Valampuri Pillayar". As Vinayagar satisfies the wishes of his devotees like Karpagam tree, he is also known "Karpaga Vinayagar".

Here Lord Vinayaka appears with 2 hands unlike in other places where he is seen with 4 hands. Also he is seen seated without Pasa Angusa, with his legs folded and stomach not touching the Asanam in the form of "Ardha Padmasana".

The word Vinayaga means "Incomparable Leader" Devotees worshiping Valampuri Vinayagar seated facing towards north, will be blessed with all wealth. Chanting of sacred mantras by the student learning Vedas and agamas in the Vedagama School create a divine atmosphere.

( Entrance of east side Rajagopuram )

SHIVA TEMPLE INSIDE THE PREMISES OF PILLAYARPATTI.

The deity of this temple is known as "Marudeeswarar" as Marudha tree (In Sanskrit Arjuna Viruksha, The Botanical name is Termanalia Arjuna) worship is followed in this temple which indicates that this temple in an ancient temple. The sculptor of Pasupatheeswarar, "A cow worshiping Lord Siva by offering his milk" is the special feature of this temple. Also kubera the Lord of wealth had worshiped at this temple.

To illustrate the information that one where controls his five senses will be able to understand God, a sculpture of five headed snake wearing a Lingam on its neck is found here. The five head of the snake indicate the five senses while the Lingam indicates God. Also adding to the spirituality Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durgai are found together at the same sport.

Unlike other places the three Lingams Thiruveesar, Marudheesar and Senchadeswarar and the three Goddess Sivagami Amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman and Soundara Nayagi Amman all appear together at the same place and bless the devotees.

It is believed that by worshiping Kathyayini amman at this temple women get relived from sevvai dosham which prevent them from getting married. "Saptamatrikas" whom importance due to changing time are provided with a separate sannadhi known as Sakthi sannidhi at this temple.

HOW TO REACH :

Frequent buses are available from Karaikudi.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Temple complex view with temple tank

Ambal Sannadhi vimanam 

Rajagopuram in front of Vinayagar sannadhi 

A small sannadhi on a rock 

Daughter sitting in front of a mandapam near Vinayagar sannadhi Rajagopuram 

 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Tiruchirappalli / Trichy District, Tamil Nadu.

 24^th, May 2011.

114/60 -  SRI JAMBUKESWARAR TEMPLE - THIRUVANAIKAVAL 

This post was updated with Thevara hymns, History, Inscriptions, Legends, Sthala purana and architecture. For the updated post details please click this link. 

This is the 114th Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 6th shiva sthalam  on the banks of River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu, Vadakarai. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Mandapam before 3rd level Rajagopuram -on the top stucco images of sthalapuranam

Moolavar   : Sri Jambukeswarar, Sri Appu Lingeswarar,

                 Sri Vennavalesar,  Sri Jambunathar,

                 Sri Aanaikka Annal, Sri Neerthiral Nathar.

Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari

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

This is one of the pancha bootha sthalangal and called Appu sthalam ( Water ). To signifies water is coming from the base of the lingam even during summer. Moolavar is facing west. The Iraivan was worshiped by Brahma, Spider, Elephant, Ashtavasukkal, Ambal, Parasarar, Ko Chenkat Chozhan. There is a 9 way salaram in front of moolavar and we cannot enter straightly to karuvarai like any other temples, instead we have to enter through side way. 

Ambal is in a separate temple facing Iraivan ie east direction. Since Ambal worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple, archakar used to do the uchi kala pooja wearing sari. Sri Sakkathodukal  given by Sri Adhi sankarar is still is being used for Ambal.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE :

Thiruvanaikoil is a beautiful small urban village at Tiruchirappalli district ('Trichy', 'Thiruchirappalli', 'Tiruchinopoly', 'Tiruchi') in Tamil Nadu of Southern India. Thiruvanaikoil is also familiarly known as Thiruvanaikoil, Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruanaikaa. Thiruvanaikoil is around 3 Kms away from the heart of Trichy city and adjacent to Srirangam another small historic town and one of the holy places in India. Thiruvanaikoil and Srirangam are in the banks of river Cauvery. Literally these two places form an island, surrounded by river Cauvery and river Coleroon. 

This ancient temple dedicated to Shiva (Jambukeswara) and Parvati (Akhilandeswari) is one of the foremost Saivite shrines in Tamil Nadu. This large temple celebrates Shiva as Jambukeswara, an embodiment of the element water and is often referred to as Appustalam and is hence one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, the other four being Tiruvannamalai (fire), Chidambaram (Space), Kanchipuram (Earth) and Kalahasti (Air) respectively. The Sri Jambukeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and has five concentric walls and seven gopuras. It is built around a Shiva lingam partly submerged in water that comes from a spring in the sanctum sanctorum. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

According to the legend there was once a forest of jambu trees in the place of modern Tiruvanaikka. Nearby was a tank called Chandratheertha which was filled by water from the river Kaveri. Lord Shiva appeared as a Lingam under one of the trees. The lingam came to be called the Jambulingam.

Due to a curse, the two  Shiva ganas Pushpadanta and Malyava, were born in the forest as a white elephant and as a spider. The elephant worshiped the Lingam with flowers and with water brought in its trunk. The spider too worshiped the Lingam, spinning out a web over the Lingam to prevent leaves of the tree from falling on it. The spider's web appeared to be unclean for the elephant and it destroyed the web. This lead to big clash between the two and ultimately resulted in their death. Lord Shiva granted Moksha (salvation) to both. The spider was born in a royal Chola family as the great king Ko Chenkannan, a Chozha King who built about 70 temples (Madakovil) including the temple of Jambukeswarar at Tiruvanaikka. Because the king remembered about his earlier birth, he built the temples in a such way that no elephant can enter the sanctum sanctorum and come near the Sivalingam. The temple at Thiruvanaikaval is a big one covering an area of about 18 acres with high walls and gopurams on all the 4 sides. The temple has 5 prakarams. The main sanctum sanctorum (the 5th prakaram) can be reached by entering a series of Gopurams (Towers). The shrine for female deity Akilandeswari is situated in the 4th prakaram.

HOW TO REACH:

Frequent Buses are  available from various parts of  Tamil Nadu.

Frequent Town buses are available from Main guard gate, Malaikottai Thayumanavar temple tank and 8 Km from main bus stand, 

CONTACT DETAILS :

Land line Number  +91 431 2230257.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( A Rajagopuram at the back side )

A small mandapam on the parakaram

Third level Rajagopuram

Mallappa gopuram

( Neerazhi mandapam  near the first Rajagopuram )

First 7 tier Rajagopuram on the west side 

----- OM SHIVAYA NAMA -----

Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, Rock Fort, Tiruchirappalli / Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

24, May 2011.

Tiruchirappalli was earlier known as Thirisirapuram, because a Rakshasa called Thirisiran worshipped Lord Shiva here. Legend has it that since there are three peaks on the Rock Fort hill, occupied by three Gods, Shiva, Parvathi & Vinayagar (Uchi Pillayar), the place was named Thiri-sikarapuram and later called Tirisirapuram. This place was also known as Sirappalli, Rishabachalam & Dakshina Kailasam during ancient days. The Rock Fort hill is believed to be formed hundreds of thousands of years back, according to archeological sources.

According to mythology, once there was a great tussle between Adhiseshan and the wind God Vayu, about who was more powerful. Adhiseshan encircled the Mahameru hill (Himalaya) and challenged Vaayu to take the Himalayas off his powerful grip. Vaayu tried very much to free them, but to no avail, and eventually accepted his defeat. It is said that during the fight, there had been a lot of natural calamities like floods and cyclones. And three pieces of the mountain broke off and landed in different places. Out of the three pieces that broke off is the Rock fort at Trichy. The other two are at Trincomalee (Ceylon) and Srikalahasti (Andhra Pradesh). also ply from both Central & Chatram bus stands of Trichy. One can alight at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach the temple.

123/ 6. THAYUMANASWAMY TEMPLE,  ROCKFORT, TRICHY 

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

This is the 123rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the banks of river Kaveri, a Chozha Nattu thenkarai shiva sthalam. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple

Iraivan : Sri Mathrubootheswarar, Sri Thayumaneswarar, 
             Sri Thayumanavar.

Iraivi    : Sri Mattuvar Kuzhali, Sri Sukunthakundhalambigai.

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

Manikka Vinayagar sannathi at the base of the hill temple. The main shrine is 258 steps from the base. Uchi Pillayar is on the top of the hill. Sannadhi for 63var, Kambthadi Vinayagar, Arumugar, 63var Urchava murtis,  Sevvanthi Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar, Moolavar is of big in size and  facing west.  While climbing up we can see a Pallava period rock cut cave on the left side.

LEGEND & History of the temple.

Arulmigu Thayumanavar Swamy temple (also known as 'Chevvandhinadhar') is situated on the Rock Fort en-route to the Uchi Pillayar. Temple on the hill top, at the heart of the present day city of Trichy. According to legend, there was a woman living on the other side of river Cauvery, who visited this temple everyday. She had been visiting the temple for many years, which she continued to do even during her pregnancy. One day after she finished the Darshan, she found that the river was flooded and impassable. As she waited for the river's flow to subside, she developed a severe labour pain. Since she was in labour, people around stopped her from going back home. But the woman was desperate to go back home to her mother, who was the only person she trusted enough to help her get through the labour pains.

Lord Shiva came to her, disguised as her mother, and helped her deliver the child safely and then disappeared. Later when her actual mother came asking for her, the woman realized that it was Lord Shiva who came to her rescue in disguise. As Lord Shiva himself served her devotee as her mother, here the main deity is called as "Thayumanavar" (God, who is also the "Mother") This incident is also celebrated as a special event called "Chettipen Maruthuvam" on the fifth day of the Chithirai Festival at the temple. The name of the Ambaal is "Mattuvarkuzhali".

After climbing around 200 steps from foot hill of the "Malaikottai", one can reach the Thayumanavar temple. The temple is said to have been built during the 3rd century by Pallavas. This temple was occupied by Jain Saints and later was destroyed by Mahendravarman, who then constructed a Shiva Temple in its place. Pregnant women and their husbands pray to Lord Thayumanavar for a safe delivery and offer plantains to the God after delivering healthy baby. One can see people carrying "Vazhaithar" all the way up to the temple, and after offering to Thayumanavar, they distribute it among other devotees in the temple.

CONTACT DETAILS

Landline numbers are  +91 431 2704621 and  +91 431 2710484 

HOW TO REACH :

Trichy is well connected by ample trains and buses from Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. 

Buses also ply from both Central & Chatram bus stands of Trichy. One can alight at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach the temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Rock cut caves under the temple

Rajagopuram and moolavar vimanam is above the roof

Ambal sannathi vimanam is partially visible

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Valli Malai Sri Murugan Temple, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu.

14, May 2011

On May 14, 2011, I and my wife went to VALLI MALAI. Had a peaceful darshan of Lord Sri Subramania Swamy. The details of the journey is as follows.

Base Murugan Temple 

After reaching Koyambedu bus stand , got a bus ( Bus no 144 ) going to Chittoor, via Walajapet, Ranipet, Thiruvalam ( In thiruvalam there is  Shiva Temple, on the banks of the river. The Temple is one of the  Thondai Mandalam  Padal Petra sthalam. The temple was covered already, hence this time we have not gone there.) . We got down at Serkadu or the Koot road of Valli malai. From there we got an Auto and reached Valli Malai foot hill. From SerKadu Vallimalai is about 7 KM. We had a peaceful darshan at Bottom Temple and Top.

Moolavar vimanam on the rock 

The Top Murugan Temple is under the Control of Archaeological department. The temple is not a regular temple, but it is a Kudaivarai Kovil, similar to Thiruparankundram. The climbing is not  difficult. The steps are neatly paved through donations received from the Devotees, whose names are inscribed  at the front face of the steps. Since it was very hot we climbed down after finishing our breakfast at top of the temple which we carried. On return, we do not want to stand in the bus up to Chennai, So we came through Katpadi, Vellore ( Bus No 102, via Poonamallee, which bypasses Walajah & RaniPet ).

HOW TO REACH : 

Bus no 144 from Chennai Koyambedu to Chittoor, via Walajapet, Ranipet, Thiruvalam get  down at Serkadu or Vallimalai koot road. From there share autos are available upto the foot hills. From SerKadu to Vallimalai is about 7 KM.

Town bus is also available from Vellore.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temple will be kept opened between 07.30 Hrs to 12.30 Hrs  and 14.30 Hrs to 18.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS : 

The land line  04172 - 252 295 may be contacted for further details.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 

Temple tank with neerazhi mandapam, at the beginning of Hill steps

Steps to Hill

Resting mandapam at the middle of the steps. In this mandapam they tried to remove a slab for renovation, under that they found the Munivars are in meditation, so they closed back ( சொல்ல கேள்வி )

Steps after the mandapam 

A Vimana was built  over the sanctum Sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum is of rock cut cave / kudavarai koil and Mukha /front mandapam was built abutting the cave 

Mandapam, Palipedam and Dwajasthambam

Base temple back side view 

Base Murugan temple  front view 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Sangameswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ சங்கமேஸ்வரர் கோயில், Bhavani and Kalyana Vigirtheeswarar / Sri Kalyana Vikirtheswarar Temple, Venjamagudalur, Erode and Karur Districts paadal Petra Temples of Kongu Nadu.

04, May 2011.

After Velliangiri Yatra thought of visiting some Siva Temples. Fortunately, I had two days' leave while I was in my native place ( Near Erode ). There are seven Siva Temples in Kongu Nadu, which are Devaram paadal Petra sthalangal. Already I covered  Avinashi, Thirumurugan Poondi, Tiruchengode, and Thirunana ( Bhavani ). Thought of completing all the seven temples. On 25th and 26th April 2011, covering the balance Shiva Temples Kodumudi, Karur & Venjamangudalur. Really it was a great experience. All the temples are very big and are maintained neat and clean.

261/3. SRI SANGAMESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRU NANA - BHAVANI   
( This post has been updated with more details, Thevara Hymns, Sthala Purana, Thirupukazh, History, and Inscription. Please click here for the updated post )

The place is now called Bhavani. This is the 261st Devara Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 3rd sthalam in Kongu Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

North side Rajagopuram with Rishaba mandapam

Moolavar    : Sri Sangamuga Natheswarar, Sri Sangameswarar

Consort      : Sri Vedhambigai

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

Since the temple is located at the junction of rivers Cauvery and Bhavani, Iraivan is called Sri Sangameswarar. Rishabam is in a mandapam in front of 5-tier Rajagopuram. At the entrance sannidhis are Kottai Vinayagar, Rajaganapathy, and Muthukumarasamy sannidhi.

Sri Soundara Nayaki udanurai Sri Adhikesava Perumal and Yoga Narasimhar sannidhis are at the entrance of Rajagopuram with a mandapam.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for 63var, Pancha Bhoota Lingams, Sani Bhagavan, Kasi Viswanathar, Arumugasamy, Jurageswarar, Sahasra Linga.

HISTORY 
There is a story of Ambal's Oonjal made of elephant ivory tusk. The same was donated by the British ruler by the name of W Garo after he was saved by Ambal from the collapse of the rest house/ bungalow. After that, he used to worship Ambal through a hole made in the compound wall.

LEGENDS

Pariharam is conducted for Naga dosha. People will gather in large numbers and take a bath in the junction of rivers during Aadi Perukku day.

HOW TO REACH :

Frequent buses are available from ERODE, Mettur

Town buses are also available from Erode, Perundurai.

CONTACT DETAILS :

The Landline and mobile numbers are 04256 230192 and 98432 48588.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:    CLICK HERE 

North side Rajagopuram

Moolavar Vimanam view from Sthalaviruksham Ilanthai maram

Temple complex view

Moolavar Vimanam view from Sthala vruksham another view

Sahasrara lingam Sannadhi

Rajagopuram on the south side - Riverside

Sunset  - Bhavani river

Northside Rajagopuram after sunset

263/5. SRI KALYANA VIGIRTHEESWARAR TEMPLE, VENJAMANGUDALUR

(This post has been updated with Thevara Hymns, Sthala Purana, History, and inscriptions details. Please Click the link for the updated post )

This is the 263rd  Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 5th sthalm in Kongu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

  Vinayagar and Subramaniyar sannadhis  are on both side of the 5 tier Rajagopuram

Moolavar    : Sri Kalyana Vigirtheeswarar, Sri Vigirthanatheswarar

Consort      : Sri Mathurabhashini, Sri Pannormozhiammai, 

                   Sri Vikirthanayaki.

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

The temple is located at the junction of a branch river of Amaravathy joins with the Amaravathi River and Kudakanaru. The temple is about 4 feet below the 5-tier Rajagopuram and the temple faces west. Vinayagar and Sri Subramaniar sannidhis are on both side of Rajagopuram.

There is a Deepasthambham or Vilakkuthoon in front of Rajagopuram. In the outer praharam sannidhi for Suryan, Chandran, Pancha lingas, Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniar ( One leg on the peacock Vakanam is to be noticed ). In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Navagrahas, Bairavar, Nambiyandar Nambigal, Sekkizhar and 63var & Natarajar Saba.

At the entrance of Moolavar sannidhi bas-reliefs of all the seven Kongu Nattu Paadal petra Shiva Sthalangal murtis are to be watched. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Ambal is facing east. Urchava murtis Somaskandar, Pallakku Chokkar, and Subramaniyar are to be worshiped.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Also, the place was ruled by a king named Venjaman, hence this place is called Venjamangudalur. The temple was washed away by the flood in the Kudakanaru river. The same was rebuilt in 1982. 

CONTACT DETAILS  

Prabhu Gurukkal +91 9600291218 or +91 4324 262010 or    +91 9943527792.

This temple is under the control of Karur Shiva temple details may be obtained from them also.

HOW TO REACH : 

The town bus from Aatru Medu to Karur passes through this village.

The regular buses from Karur to Dindigul pass through this village. 

THE LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:  CLICK HERE

Ambal sannadhi vimanam

Temple complex view from the compound wall

Temple complex view from the compound wall

Vilakku Thoon ( விளக்கு தூண் ) in front of the temple - Deepam will be lit on Karthikai Deepam day

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---