Thursday 20 October 2011

Arulmigu Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple, Thirukoshtiyur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

20, October 2011.
Visited this temple second time on Jan 7th 2023 and long wish of worshiping Maha Vishnu of the Middle and top level was fulfilled. This is one of the 108 Divyadesam of Vishnu Temples. Mangalasasanam was done by Peyalwar, Thirumazhisai Alwar, Periyalwar and Thirumangai Alwar.


வண்ண மாடங்கள் சூழ்  திருக்கோட்டியூர்
கண்ணன் கேசவன்  நம்பி பிறந்தினில்
எண்ணெய் சுண்ணம்  எதிரெதிர் தூவிடக்
கண்ணன் முற்றம்  கலந்து அளறு ஆயிற்றே. (2)
…… Periyalwar Thirumozhi
எங்க ளெம்மிறை யெம்பிரா னிமையோர்க்கு நாயகன், ஏத் தடியவர்
தங்கள் தம்மனத்துப் பிரியா தருள்புரிவான்,
பொங்குதண் ணருவி புதம்செய்யப் பொன்களே சிதறு மிலங்கொளி,
செங்கமல மலரும் திருக்கோட்டி யூரானே.(2) 
…… Thirumangal Alwar
குறிப்பெனக்குக் கோட்டியூர் மேயானை யேத்த.
குறிப்பெனக்கு நன்மை பயக்க, - வெறுப்பனோ
வேங்கடத்து மேயானை மெய்வினைநோ யெய்தாமல்,
தான்கடத்தும் தன்மையான் தாள்
……..Thirumazhisai Alwar Nanmukhan Thiruvanthathi
விண்ணகரம் வெஃகா விரிதிரைநீர் வேங்கடம்,
மண்ணகரம் மாமாட வேளுக்கை. மண்ணகத்த
தென்குடந்தை தேனார் திருவரங்கம் தென்கோட்டி,
தன்குடங்கை நீரேற்றான் தாழ்வு. 62
…… Peyalwar MoonRRam Thiruvanthathi

Moolavar  : Sri Uragamellanaiyan aka Panna Mrithu Sayi & 
                 Sowmya Narayana Perumal
Thayar     : Sri Thirumamagal
 
Some of the important features of this temple are…..
The Temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank is in front of the temple. Sannadhi for Emperumanar both moolavar and Urchavar, Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal,  Shiva Sannadhi, Bhavishyath Acharyamurthy  ( worshipped by Nathamuni and Yamuna Muni ), Chakkarathalwar, Alwars sannadhi,  Narthana Krishna with Rukmini & Sathyabama,

Kannan, Narasimhar and Ramar sannidhi are on the back side. There is also a sannadhi for Narasimhar with Hiranyakasipu. Narasimhar is with ashtabujam / eight arms. Ramanujar’s idol is on the top of the Vimanam facing Thirukoshtiyur. From that point Thirukoshtiyur Nambi’s residence can be seen.

Ramanujar Idol on the Ashtanga Vimanam, from where Ramanujar announced the OM Namo Narayana mantra which he learnt from Thirukoshtiyur Nambi - PC Website

On the northern side of  Thayar Sri Thirumamagal and sannadhi for Sridevi & Bhoodevi Samedha Sri Narasimhar with 4 hands. Also sannadhi for Srinivasa Perumal and Varadharajar. In the prakaram Sannadhi for Andal, Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal, Ramanujar, Ramar, Yoga Narasimhar and  Mahamaha well is on the esanya direction in the temple complex. Two Chariots are in this temple.

The Vimana is constructed in three levels. The Perumal is in these three levels, ie Nintran, Irunthan & Kidanthan.  In the Lower level Maha Vishnu is reclining posture like Thiruparkadal, keeping the head on the south side with Sridevi and Bhudevi. In the same sanctum Brahma is with his three consorts Savithiri, Gayathri and Saraswati, Kadamba Maharishi, the Demons Madhu and Kaidabar are at his feet, Indra, Kasi Maharaja, Chandra’s grand son Pururava Chakravarthi, Garudan and Naradar.

PC - Web site

In the middle level, the sannadhi of Upendra Narayana with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing posture.  Only thaila kappu will be done instead of abhishekam and the walls are with beautiful paintings.
 
Upendra Narayana with Sridevi and Bhoodevi

And in the third level sannadhi for Sridevi and Bhoodevi Samedha Sri Para Vasudevan also called as Paramapatha Nathar.

Stucco image ofSridevi and Bhoodevi Samedha Sri Para Vasudevan on the Vimanam

The Utsava murti is called Sowmya Narayana Perumal. Hence the temple called in the name of Utsavar.

Utsavar on the 10days Vaikunda ekadasi celebration

ARCHITECTURE
The temple measures 472 feet by East- West and 270 feet by South – North. The Rajagopuram is 85 feet high and Ashtanga moolavar vimanam is 96 feet high. The golden Kalasa is 6 feet 9 inches circumference. The temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum, Ardha mandapam and  a Mukha mandapam with Kannadiariai in which Urchavars Anjaneyar, Ramachandra Murthy with  Sita and Lakshmana are kept. Ekadasi mandapam is in front of maha mandapam. Dwajasthambam, balipedam and Garudalwar sannadhi are in front of Ekadasi mandapam.

Old Photo Thanks to The Hindu




The ashtanga Vimana is above the sanctum Sanctorum. The second and third level are one above the other. Each level was constructed like individual sannadhis with adhisthanam, Bhitti and prastram. The top level the area is reduced compared to the first two levels. From greevam to sigaram was constructed with brick. The second and third level sannidhis are with circumambulatory path santharam around the sanctum sanctorum and jalas are provided for ventilation and  lighting. Looking from out side, it is like floors over the floors, with koshtas, Vishnu kantha pilasters, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palagai and pushpa pothyal. Kunjara stambas are shown between pilasters. It seems that the temple was reconstructed during Vijayanagara period.



Shiva’s sannidhi is at the entrance of  Perumal temple, which has  Dwajasthambam / kodimaram and Rishabam, inside the complex.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per Sivaganga District tholliyal Kaiyedu published by Archaeological department, the temple existed before 8th – 9th Century may be during early Pandyas. The Natrinal Two hundred eleven ( 211 ), was composed by Nallanthaiyar, who belongs to this Place thirukoshtiyur. The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Pandyas, Chozhas, Vijayanagaras and Thanjavur Kings.

This Vatteluttu inscription ( SII – XIV, No. 49. A.R. No. 287 of 1923 ) record which is let into the wall of the store-room and is kept bottom up, is dated in the 2 + 1st year of Sadaiya-Maran. The secondary i loop is attached to the top of the respective consonants and not to the side. The record which may be assigned to the time of Rajasimha must have belonged to Siva temple at the village, though it is now found embedded in the wall of the Vishņu temple. It registers a gift of a perpetual lamp by a certain Anukki-Sundaravalli of Kaņņikudi in Kil-Iraniyamuttam to the god Periya-Srikōyil-Bhatara of Tirukkõțțiyür.

Above this record is another short one registering a gift of cows and sheep for a lamp by a merchant named Kandan-Sankaranaranan, and belonging to about the same period. The damaged portion consisting of a few Sanskrit verses is not decipherable, and as only a few words are legible here and there, such as Śrīgoshthinātha in line 6, no continuous sense can be made out.

The 9th Century vattezhuthu inscription is the earliest, which belongs to Srimara Srivallaban. The inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by a Lady, who belongs to Kannikudi of Kiliranyamuttam. Inscriptions are also found on the pillars of Nachiyar Temple. As per the 12th Century inscription Perumal on the lower level, was called as Kerala Singa Perumal. During 13th Century, latter period Pandyas, the temple was flourished once again and Perumal was called as Chokka Narayana Perumal. The Nattars who belongs to this place  ensured the poojas to Perumal through the income from distribution.

During Sundara Pandya period endowment was created to recite Thirumozhi in the month of Margazhi, for which donations were made.

During Veerapandya period an endowment was created to conduct 5 days Vasantha utsavam by one Sadagoban.

Jatavarman Srivallabha’s ( SII – XIV - No. 233, A.R. No. 285 of 1923.) reign 13th  year inscription on a pillar in the mandapa of nachiyar Shrine, of whose historical introduction is summarised in the words 'Sri-meykīrttikku mēl' and registers the gift of taxes amounting to 100 panam by the nittavar of Sõlapāndya-valanādu, a sub- division of Keralasinga-valanādu, for burning two lamps in the temple of Sokka- nārāyaņa at Tirukkötțiyür. This amount was agreed to be paid annually from nälluviniyogam along with the nalluvari.

Jatavarman Srivallabha’s 13th region year ( SII – XIV – No 234, A.R. No. 291 of 1923 ) inscription on the east wall of the store room and was issued from the throne called Kalingattaraiyan in the Alagiyapāndiyan-kūdam. From it we learn that the natal star of the king was Chittirai and that the king remitted certain taxes on Andür alias Nättärmangalam and Purkuli in favour of the temple of Alagiya- manaväjälvär in the east of the Perivalövil at Tirukkoshtiyar for the conduct of a nine-day festival in the month of Aippasi, ending with the day of the king's asterism, Chittirai.
 
The temple tank was excavated by Thandavaraya Pillai who was working with Sivaganga King as Minister and astrologer.  Hence the tank was called as josiyar kulam.

The inscription in the Shiva Sannidhi ( drd SS1601 – 1679 ), records the gift of Lands to this temple by Raghunatha Thirumalai Sethupathi.

Ref: 
Sivaganga District tholliyal Kaiyedu published by Archaeological department.
South Indian Inscriptions Volume XIV
   
May be Pandya inscription on the steps leading to 2nd Level
Vijayanagara period inscription

LEGENDS 
The sthala purana is the story of Killing Hiranyakasipu by Vishnu in the form of Narasimhar. Hiranyakashipu got a boon, that he  should not be killed in day or night, inside or outside the room, the killing person should not be a man or animal. Hence Vishnu took the form of Narasimhar ie the with the Lion head, sitting on the door frame of a room at the time of dusk and killed him with his bare hands.  Since Maharishis in the form of crowd or “Koshti”  went and gave complaint to Vishnu, hence this place was called as Koshtiyur.

Hiranyakasibhu fights with Narasimhar
Narasimhar tearing Hiranyakasibhu

It is believed that Shiva, is in the form of sarabeswarar, who tried to calm down Maha Vishnu after Killing Hiranyakasibu.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regualar poojas, special poojas are conducted on 10 days Vaikunda ekadasi. During that time Prumal will be taken in procession through the “paramapatha vayil”. Ramanujar will join in  the Mukha mandapam.

Paramapatha vayil, which will be opened during 10 days vaikunda Ekadasi celebration

In addition to this, Masi month Teppa utsavam, and Navaratri are celebrated in grand manner. During Teppa Utsavam, devotees lit lamps  and take it to their houses and worships daily. It is believed that, by doing so, the family will be happy and prosperous.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Madhavan Swamy 9443341163, Ramanujan 9443924925 and Raja +91 4577 261103 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple at Thirukoshtiyur is on the main road between Thirupathur and Sivaganga and all the buses stops near the temple.
Thirukoshtiyur is 9 KM from Thirupathur and  29 KM from Sivaganga and 63 KM from Madurai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE



Sannidhis on the southeast corner view from the ashtanga Vimanam
Thirupallithama medai - Garland making platform
Krishna with Bama Rukmini
May be Chakrathalwar .. or Suryan
First Sannidhi immediately after the Rajagopuram
A Dravida Vimana from Adhisthanam

Sculptures on the Rajagopuram
Sculptures on the Rajagopuram
Sculptures on the Rajagopuram
 Rajagopuram
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Sri Kudunkundranathar Temple / Sri Kodunkundreeswar Temple, Piranmalai / Kodunkundram and Sri Thiruthalinathar Temple at Tirupattur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu,

 19, October 2011
The last two temples of  Pandya nadu was covered in this trip on 17th of October 2011. To cover the Paadal Petra Sthalangal darshan at Tirupattur and Kodunkundram ( Piranmalai ). I followed the route given below

Karaikudi - Tirupattur - Singampunari - Piranmalai - Tirupattur - Thirukoshtiyur  ( Bonus this is one of the  108 Divya Desam Perumal temple ) - and back to Karaikudi. Really I had a good darshan. For all these three temples went through buses, of course for getting the bus I have to wait a long time. Other wise it was an wonderful journey.

249 / 5. KODUNKUNDRANATHAR TEMPLE, 
PIRANMALAI ( KODUNKUNDRAM ), கொடுங்குன்றம் ( பிரான்மலை )

This is the  249th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 5th Shiva Sthalam of Pandiya Nadu. Nalvar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 
 
 ( Second level Rajagopuram )
Base:               Moolavar    : Sri Kodunkundranathar
(Pathalam)       Consort      : Sri Kuilamutha nayagi, Sri Amirtheswari.

Middle :           Moolavar    : Sri Viswanathan
(Boologam)      Consort       : Sri Visalakshi

Top:                 Moolavar    : Sri Mangai bakar, Sri Umamaheswarar
(Kailayam)        Consort      : Sri Thenambigai, Sri Thenambal

Some of the important features of this temple are....
This place is now called as Piranmalai.  Thirugnanasambandar called the Shiva of this temple as  “Embiram” and hence the place latter called as Piranmalai. This is one of the hill shrine after Thiruparankundram in Pandya naadu. The temple is in three stages. Pathalam, Boomi and Kailayam. The Rajagopuram was built at a latter state. 

The outer prakaram of the base temple is similar to Rameswaram temple with long corridor. The Navagrahas are in sitting posture. 

Statue of Pari King who donated his chariot to mullai/ jasmine in this place is in the middle of the hill and during his period the place was called as “Pareesuram”.

There is a separate sannadhi with out dog for Bhairavar  in the middle stage. Artha jama Pooja is special in this temple. 

The upper stage Kailasam temple sanctum sanctorum was built with out separate pillars, known as Rock cut cave / kudaivarai type. Lord Shiva and  Devi Parvati are in Kalyana kolam to give darshan to Agasthiya munivar. There is no Dwajasthambam and Rishabam in front of moolavar sannadhi. 

The Sthala vruksham is Uranga Puli, which leaves do not sleep during night and also there is tree for which the name is not known yet. This temple is also under the control of Kundrakudi Ponnambala Adigalar. 

HOW TO REACH 
Town bus is available from Tirupattur ( Frequency is Limited )
Buses available from Singampunari ( Better than Tirupattur).
Buses from Madurai to Ponnamaravathi passes through this place.

CONTACT DETAILS
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 ( Mandapam at second level - Sudhai sirpam of Pari vallal who gave his chariot to grow for the mullai creeper )
 ( A second level Bairavar temple )
 ( Top level Temple  A Kudaivarai Kovil )
 ( Second level temple )
 ( Ground level Temple corridor )
 ( Second level Rajagopuram )
(First level Shiva Temple View through Mandapam leading to Second level Temple ) 


250 / 6. SRI THIRUTHALINATHAR TEMPLE, 
TIRUPATTUR  (திருப்பத்தூர்)


This is the 250th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 6th Sthalam in Pandiya Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 
 
 ( Moolavar sannadhi vimanam )

Moolavar    : Sri Srithaleeswarar, Sri Srithalinathar, Sri Thiruthalinathar
Consort      : Sri Sivakami.

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedaam, Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. Since the place is also called as Srithali / Thiruthali  and Lord Shiva is called as Thiruthalinathar. Another special in this temple is all the Navagrahas are in sitting posture.

ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and Ardha mandapam. The Sabha mandapam kodungai is made of stone similar to Avudayar Kovil. There is a separate sannidhi for Bairavar. Nataraja is made out of stucco. Nataraja dance in this temple is Gowri Thandavam / Lakshmi Thandavam. 
 ( Saba mandapam - Kodungai  similar to Avudayar koil looks beautiful )

 ( Bairavar Temple )
 ( Pillar with kodungais are beautiful )

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The maha mandapam was built by Maruthu Pandyas and latter the Rajagopuram was built. The temple is estimated  to be of more than 1300 years old. The temple is under the control of Kundrakudi Ponnambala Adikal. Protective coatings has been applied to Bairavar Sannathi.

LEGENDS
Lord Shiva  in the form of Bhairavar destroyed the  asuras Anthakasuran and Sambakaasuran. To remove sin Shiva performed pooja in this temple as a Yoga Bairavar with lingam in one hand. No dog for this Bhairavar with a separate beautiful temple / sannadhi. Special Pooja is performed every day ardha jamam.
  
Lord Shiva gave darshan to Valmiki when he  was under dhabas in a putru, hence this place is called  as Tiruputrur and latter changed as Tirupattur.  

Nataraja dance in this temple is Gowri Thandavam / Lakshmi Thandavam. He performed this dance for Devi Lakshmi. 

HOW TO REACH : 
Tirupattur is well connected  to major cities like  Madurai, Karaikudi, Devakottai, Sivagangai etc.
CONTACT DETAILS :

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 ( Bairavar temple vimanam )
 ( Bairavar Temple )
 ( Ambal Sannadhi Rajagopuram - Normally closed  )
 ( Moolavar Rajagopuram and the name of the entrance is Nambiyandar Nambi Vayil)
( Stucco images on the wall- Normally this type Rishabam with bootha ganam will be at the corner of the wall )
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---