02 April 2012
On
31st March and 1st April 2012 made a short trip to Thanjavur and had a
darshan of Lord Shiva in 8 temples of both Kaveri Vadakarai and
Thenkarai, in Chozha Nadu. This time it was a wonderful journey full of thrill and excitement. As usual, I had prepared the schedule, Map, and
details of the temples and phone numbers. Two days in advance booked a room at
Hotel Karthik for Saturday. From Koyambedu got a bus to Thanjavur and
reached at about 5.00 Hrs.
31-03-2012 -
SATURDAY
After
taking a rest for an hour went to THIRUKANDIYUR (Kandiyur).
The gurukal opened the temple at about 09.00 Hrs. After darshan got a city bus
to THIRUPOONTHURUTHI, which is about 3 km from Kandiyur. The
temple was kept open. The watchman and the servant maid helped me with Lord
Shiva’s darshan and Appar Madam. My next darshan temple was THIRUVALAM POZHIL,
which is about 1 km from Thirupoonthuruthi. Since there was no bus at that time
walked to the temple, where I also could not find the Gurukal, but the temple
was kept open for Lord Pushbavaneswarar’s darshan. Next, my plan was to go
to THIRUKKANUR, for which I had already confirmed with the
Gurukal about my arrival at Thirukattupalli. He advised me to reach
Thirukattupalli before 11.00 Hrs. The temple is in a remote place, about 5 km from Thirukattupalli, and no proper transport is available. Initially
thought of going by bicycle, but finally, Gurukul gave me his TVS XL. Went
along with Gurukal’s son. There are no houses near the temple, and there are heaps of sand around the temple. The temple is kept neat and clean.
One kala pooja is conducted by the Gurukal with devotion, and the
darshan is around 13.00 Hrs.
My
next destination was THIRUMAZHAPADI. When
I inquired at the Thiruvaiyaru temple, 2 days before the start of
this yatra, they told me that Lord Ayyarappan would go to Thirumazhapadi on 31-03-2012 to conduct Nandhiyam Peruman’s marriage. Utilizing this opportunity, decided to
be present during the function. From Thirukattupalli returned to
Thiruvaiyaru and reached Thirumazhapadi through Thirumanur around 15.30
hours. Had a good darshan of Shri Vaidyanathaswamy. When I was in the
temple, there was a heavy wind with rain, but it stopped before the
marriage function. There was a very heavy rush to see the marriage function, and
this was conducted during the Tamil Month Panguni, Punarpoosam nakshatra every year.
It is believed that Young girls and boys who attend this function and pray to
Nandhiam Peruman will get married soon. The complete Thirumazhapadi and
the nearby villagers celebrated this festival since the bridegroom is
a native of Thirumazhapadi (The story is given in the details of
Thirumazhapadi). The marriage function was over by 21.00 Hrs and
reached Tanjore around 23.00 Hrs, with great difficulty in getting a bus. I
was very happy to be present at the marriage function, and it was a
wonderful experience.
01-04-2012 –
SUNDAY.
I
planned to reach Chennai before 21.00 Hrs, so I limited my Yathra to 3
temples. First, I went to PARUTHIYAPPAR KOIL, which
is on the way to Pattukkottai from Thanjavur. Got down at Mela Ulur. There
is a limited bus service to this temple village. The temple is about 3 KM from the Mela Ulur temple’s arch. Luckily, I got a Town bus ( Route 64) from the Temple’s
entrance arch. Since the temple is a Pithru Dosha Parikara sthalam, I could
find some devotees in this temple. I had a good darshan of Sri Baskareswarar.
The temple was preparing for the annual chariot festival on
Panguni Uthiram day. After a good darshan, I reached Thiruvaiyaru and proceeded
to PERUMPULIYUR, which is about 3 km from Thillaisthanam on the Thirukattupalli route. Since there was no bus service during that time, I decided to walk up to the temple. When I was halfway, a motorcyclist gave me a
lift up to the Temple.
The temple was found locked, and Gurukal’s madam was kind enough to open the
doors and explain the features of the temple.
Returned to THILLAISTHANAM and went to Neiadiappar Temple.
During the return journey also a motorcyclist gave me a lift to reach Thillaisthanam. When I reached the temple, it was locked, but the main gate and
grill gates were kept open. I had a darshan of Sri Neiadiappar through the grilled gate and doors, around 11.00 Hrs. Since I could not reach Keezhapalur, another paadal petra Shiva
sthalam (1/2 hour journey from Thiruvaiyaru on Ariyalur route) before the closing
time of 11.30, I returned to Chennai through Ariyalur, Perambalur, Ulundurpet,
Villupuram.
The
details of the temple and the Photos taken are uploaded in this post.
129 / 12. KANDEESWARAR TEMPLE / BRAHMASIRAKANTEESWARAR TEMPLE. KANDIYUR - THIRUKANDIYUR
Now
the place is called Kandiyur. This
is the 129th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 12th sthalam on the south of the River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and
Appar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Brahmasirakanteeswarar, Sri
Veerateswarar,
Sri Brahmanathar, Sri Aathivilvanathar
Consort : Sri Mangalambigai
Some
of the important features of this temple are...
This temple faces west with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam, and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. A stucco entrance arch is in front of the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala, and artha mandapam. Moolavar is of Swayambhu, and the sanctum is without Dwarabalakars. In koshtam, Raja Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, and Durgai. Mandapams are of Vavval nethi type.
Ambal sannadhi is on the left side of the moolavar. Separate sannadhis for Brahma & Saraswathy, Durgai. 5 lingams and Sri Mangalambigai shrines are on the outer praharam built at a later stage.
This
is one of the eight Veeratta Sthalam and the fifth in Saptha Sthana Sthalam. Lord Shiva chopped (கொய்தது ) the fifth
head of Brahma with his thirisoolam (திரி சூலம்).
Lord Shiva showed the pradohsam for the Muni Sadha. The temple is at a lower level than the
road.
Tamil
inscriptions were found at the base of the sanctum.
CONTACT DETAILS :
Landline numbers are: +91 4362 261 100, and +91 4362 262 222
HOW
TO REACH :
There
are a lot of buses available from Thanjavur and Thiruvaiyaru.
The
temple is on the Main road, 3 km from Thiruvaiyaru.
128
/ 11. PUSHPAVANA NATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUPPOONTHURUTHI
Now the place is called Melapoonthuruthi. This is the 128th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva
Sthalam and 11th Sthalam on the north of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu.
Thirunavukkarasu has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Paadal
Petra Shiva Sthalam in Chozha Naadu.
Moolavar : Sri Pushpavana Nathar, Sri Aathipuranar, Sri Poyieliyar.
Consort : Sri Soundra Nayagi, Sri Azhakalamarthanayagi
Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Rishabam and balipeedam are between the first 5-tier Rajagopuram and the sanctum sanctorum entrance mini Rajagopuram. Nandhi and balipedam are not straight to the moolavar. Paintings of Thirunavukkarasar's life are on the praharam walls.
To get Lord Shiva’s darshan for Thirugnanasambandar, Rishabam moved to the left side. When Thirugnanasambandar came to this place, Thirunavukkarasar was carried through a pearl palanquin/ muthu sivigai.
Thirunavukkarasar Swamigal had done thirupani in this temple
and built a madam. (Koil servant opened the madam for Thirunavukkarasar Swamikal’s darshan). Thirugnanasambandar did not enter this temple, since
Appar had done the thirupani. Appar Moortham is in a sitting posture. Dakshinamurthy is Veena Dakshinamurthy.
Lord Shiva asked Ganga to come from the well for Kasiba
Munivar. Bhoomagal worshiped the lord, hence this place is called Poonthuruthi.
A little elevated place between two rivers is also called Thuruthi. Moorthys of Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, with his two wives, Paravai
Nachiyar and Sangiliyar, Saptamatrikas are in the prakaram. All Navagraghas are facing Suryan. Painting of Thirunavukkarasu’s biography on the walls of the outer prakaram. Separate sannadhi for Durgambigai, Kasi Viswanathar. Shiva Lingams of associated temples in the outer prakarm, and it is
believed that to worship the Shiva Lingams here is equivalent to worshiping
Shiva Lingams without going there.
Sri Pushpavaneswarar - Thiruppoonthuruthi
Sri Kiruthapureeswarar - Thiruneithanam
Sri Panchanatheeswarar -
Thiruvaiyaru
Sri Aapath Sahayeswarar -
Thirupazhanam
Sri Othavana Eeswarar - Thiruchortruthurai
Sri Vedhapuri Eeswarar - Thiruvedhikkudi
Sri Brahma Sira Kandeswarar -
Thirukandiyur
CONTACT DETAILS :
Mobile number +91 94865 76529.
HOW
TO REACH :
Buses are available from Kandiyur (Kandiyur is 3 km from
Thiruvaiyaru)
3 km from Kandiyur on the way to Thirukattupalli. The place is
called Mela Poonthuruthi.
( Paintings on the south side wall )
( Paintings on the south side wall )
( Rishabam and balipeedam are - left side moved for the darshan to Thiruganasambandar )
( Rajagopuram )
127/10. ATHMANATHESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVALAMPOZHIL
Now this
place is called Thiruvalampozhil. This is the 127th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 10th Sthalam on the South side of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirunavukkarasar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of
this temple.
Moolavar :
Sri Vadamoolanathar, Sri Aathmanatheswarar
Consort : Sri Ganambigai
Some of
the important features of this temple are.....
The temple faces west with a 4 tier vimana on the main road. Balipedam and Rishabam are in front of the sanctum. The sanctum
sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala, and Artha mandapam. In the sanctum, moolavar
is swayambhu. A vesara vimana is over the sanctum. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, and Durgai. Ambal is in a separate
temple, like a sannadhi with a vesara vimana. Ambal sannadhi is facing south.
In the praharam sannadhi for Pancha lingams, Kasi Viswanathar and Kasi Visalakshi.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Landline number is +91 4365 - 284 573.
HOW TO REACH :
The
temple is on the main road and 4 km from Kandiyur.
1 km from
Thirupoonthuruthi, one of the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam.
( Rajagopuram view from back )
( Moolavar Vimanam )
( Chandikeswarar sannadhi with stucco images on top )
( Ambal sannadhi Vimanam )
110
/56. SRI KARUMBESWARAR TEMPLE / TIRUKKAANOOR SEMMENINATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUKKANUR
This
place is now called Manal Medu. This is the 110th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 56th Sthalam on the North side of the river Kaveri in
Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar :
Sri Karumbeswarar, Sri Semmeninathar
Consort : Sri Sivaloka Nayaki
Some of
the important features of this temple are.....
The
temple faces east with a two-tier Vimana.
Solar and lunar eclipses are shown in the form of the Sun, Moon, and Snake on the ceiling of Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of
the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala, and
artha mandapam. In the sanctum, Moolavar is swayambhu. In koshtam Pitchadanar,
Kalabhairavar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, and Durgai. A vesara vimana is over the
sanctum. Moorthis of Naagar, Vishnu,
Dharmasastha, Naalvar, Chandran, and Suriyan are in the Artha mandapam. In praharam sannadhi for Sri Valli Devasena sametha Subramaniar, Vinayagar, and Chandikeswarar.
Ambal is
in a separate temple facing south with a
vesara Vimana. There are no murthis in the koshtam. Iraivan appeared as fire in
this temple for Ambika’s dhabas. Hence, Lord Shiva is called Semmeninathar.
Once the
temple was completely covered with sand, and sugar cane was grown on the top
of the sand heap. The temple was discovered after removing the heap of sand, and
hence, the Iraivan is called Karumbeswarar.
Karikal
Chozhan hid in this place with his mother. Later, Elephant garlanded him and led him to Uraiyur.
To remove
the sin caused by to killing of Karthaveryarsunan by Parasuraman and
worship this temple, Lord Shiva.
Inscriptions
are found (completely painted, not visible much) back side wall of Moolavar Sannadhi.
The
Gurukal is maintaining the temple in very good condition.
CONTACT DETAILS :
Before going to this temple, it is necessary to go along with Gurukkal, who has the key. Thirukkattupalli (Market area) Murugan Temple Gurukkal temple is looking after this Thirukkanur Shiva Temple also (Residence is very near the Murugan temple). Phone number: 04362 320067 and mobile: 9345009344.
HOW TO REACH :
The
temple is about 5 km from Thirukattupalli. There is no proper transport to reach this temple. The nearest village
is Vishnampettai.
From
Thirukattupalli, one can reach the temple by rented cycle. From
Thirukattupalli, hire an auto to go to the temple.
( Ambal temple entrance )
( Rajagopuram view with Rishaba mandapam )
( Moolavar vimanam )
( Small Rajagopuram at the entrance )
( Lunar eclipse)
108
/ 54. SRI VAIDYANATHASWAMI TEMPLE, THIRUMAZHAPADI
This is
the 108th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 54th
sthalam on the north side of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this
temple.
Moolavar :
Sri Vaidyanathaswami, Sri Vajrathamba Nathar
Consort : Sri Azhagammai, Sri Sundrambigai, Sri Balambigai
Some of
the important features of the temple are......
The
temple faces east with a 4-tier Vimana. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the
Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala, and
Ardha mandapam. The Stucco Dwarapalakas
are huge in size.
In
koshtam, there are two Dakshinamurthy and two Rishabas, and two Ambal
sannadhis. Somaskandar is made up of a single stone and looks very beautiful. In front of this, there are two Vinayagars of one in a standing posture and the other in a sitting
posture.
In the
prakaram sannadhi for Vishnu & Saraswathy, Sundarar & Paravai Nachiyar,
Mahavishnu & Mahalakshmi, Jureswarar, Gajashamkaramoorthy, Sabthakanniagai.
There is no Navagraha sannathi.
Ambal Balambigai
is in a separate temple, like a sannadhi with sanctum and artha mandapam. Two-tier
mandapam along the outer walls with Nattukattai nagarathar thirupani.
Lord
appeared in Sundarar’s dream and called him to this temple. Purusha
Miruga Rishi brought the lingam from Sathyalogam and was unable to
remove it after worshiping, hence called as “Vairathoonoo” -'வைரதூனோ '.
Rajaraja
Chozhan period inscriptions are on the moolavar outside walls. Land donated to this temple is found in the
Eengoimalai (near Trichy) temple kalvettu.
The inscriptions speak about Pallava, Chozha, and Hoysala kings' contributions.
Once a
year, in the Tamil month Panguni (Punarpusam), Nandhiyam Peruman’s marriage is
celebrated in this temple in front of Sri Aiyarappar from Thiruvaiyaru.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Landline and mobile numbers are: +91 4329 292 890, and +91 97862 05278.
HOW TO REACH :
Bus
facility is available from Trichy and Thanjavur.
Bus
facility is also available from Thirumanur, which is 6 km from Thiruvaiyaru on
Ariyalur road.
( Moolavar vimanam )
( Moolavar vimanam )
(Second-level Rajagopuram)
( Chariot Sculptures )
( Chariot Sculptures )
( Chariot Sculptures )
( Sri Nandhiyam Peruman's Marriage utsavam )
( Sri Nandhiyam Peruman's Marriage utsavam )
To
watch Nandiamperuman's Marriage Video: CLICK HERE
218/ 101 – SRI BHASKARESWARAR TEMPLE / PARITHIAPPAR TEMPLE, PARITHINIYAMAM
Now
the place is called Paruthiyappar Koil. This temple is the 218th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 101st Sthalam on the south of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar :
Sri Bhaskareswarar, Sri Parithiappar
(
Parithi is another name of Suriyan, who worshiped Lord Shiva).
Consort : Sri Mangala Nayagi, Sri Mangalaambigai.
Some
of the important features of the temple are......
The
temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Thuja Vinayagar, Dwajasthambam, balipeedam, and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum
sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala, and artha mandapam. A vesara vimana
is over the sanctum. In koshtam
Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Durgai. In addition to this
Gaja Samhara Moorthy and two more statues. Suryan's idol is installed in front of
Moolavar. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing east.
In
the inner praharam sannadhi for Vinayagar, Gajalakshmi, Sri Valli Deivanai
Sametha Subramaniyar, and Chandikeswarar. In the outer prakaram. In the outer
praharam, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Kalabhairavar, Suryan, and Chandran. The positions of Sri Suryan and Sri Chandran are interchanged (Left Suryan & Chandran on the left).
It
is believed that Lord Shiva was worshiped by Suryan. Even today, 3 days of
sunlight fall on moolavar during the Tamil month Panguni.
The
devotees throng the temple for the Pithru dosham nivarthi.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The landline number is +91 437 256 910
HOW
TO REACH :
The
village Mela Ulur is very near to Paruthiyappar Koil and is on the Thanjavur to
Pattukottai / Orathanadu main road.
The
Paruthiyappar temple is 3 km from Mela Ulur.
Town
bus route no 64 is available from Mela Ulur.
( Moolavar Vimanam with Vinayagar sannadhi )
( Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy mandapam )
( Rajagopuram 5-tier view )
( Chariot Sculptures )
107/
53. PERUMPULIYUR VYAGRAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE,
- PERUMPULIYUR
This
temple is the 107th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 53rd
Sthalam on the north side of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Viyagrapureeswarar, Sri Puliyur Nathar
Consort : Sri Soundara Nayagi, Sri
Azhagammai.
Some of
the important features of this temple are.....
This
temple faces east with a three-tier Rajagopuram. balipeedam and Rishabam are
in front of the Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum,
antarala, and ardha mandapam. Sanctum is raised from the ground level. The
sanctum adhistanam is Padmabandha adhishtanam with Jagathi, Padma, Kumudam, Yazhivari. A ekatha Vesara Vimana with mahanasi is in the sanctum. In koshtam
Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma, and Durgai. In the Navagrahas, all are facing Suryan.
Ambal is
in a separate temple, like a sannadhi with a sanctum and a muka mandapam facing
east. In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena
Subramaniar.
This is
also one of the 5 temples in which Viyagrapatha Munivar worshiped Lord Shiva.
Hence, this place is called Perum Puliyur.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Mobile numbers are +91 94434 47826 and +91 94427 29856.
HOW TO REACH :
The town bus
is available from Thiruvaiyaru up to Thillaisthanam (2 km), a Paadal Petra
Shiva sthalam on the Thiruvaiyaru to Thirukattupalli main road.
3 KM from
Thillaisthanam on the north side.
( Moolavar vimanam on a Padma peedam )
( Ambal temple vimanam )
(3-tier Rajagopuram with Rishabam and balipeedam )
106
/ 52. THILLAISTHANAM NEIYYADIAPPAR TEMPLE, NEITHANAM / THILLAISTHANAM
The place
is now called Thillaisthanam. This is the 106th Devara Paadal
Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 52nd sthalam on the south side of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Thirugnanasambandar have
sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Neiyyadiappar, Sri Kiruthapureeswarar
Consort : Sri Balambigai, Sri
Ilamangaiammai.
Some of
the important features of this temple are......
The
temple faces east with two numbers of 5-Tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam, and Rishabam are in front of the Sanctum sanctorum. The Nandhi and balipeedam are in a
mandapa constructed in recent years. A mini single-level Rajagopuram is the entrance
for the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala, and artha mandapam. A Vesara Vimana is in the sanctum. In koshtam
Dakshinamurthy (in standing posture), Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai.
Ambal is
in a separate temple on the left of the second-level five-tier Rajagopuram. The
temple has with sanctum, muka mandapam. A
vesara Vimana is in the sanctum. Sundarar was attracted by the beauty of the Ambal and in his hymn called her “eanthila
Mangai “.
Kamadhenu
poured milk on the Shiva lingam and worshiped. The milk turned to Nei (Ghee )
due to Sun’s heat and rain, hence Shiva is called Neiyyadiappar, and the place
is called Neithanam. It is believed that Saraswati and Gautama Rishi worshiped lord Shiva in this temple.
Inscriptions
are found around the sanctum wall. The inscriptions mainly speak about donations
made to the temple for Naivedyam and lighting of perpetual
lamps.
CONTACT DETAILS :
Land line number is + 91 4362 260 553
HOW TO REACH :
Town
buses are available from Thiruvaiyaru.
2 KM from
Thiruvaiyaru.
The
temple is on the main road.
( A Shiva temple near Perur Shiva Temple with Rishabam in place of Rajagopuram )
