Sri Vasishteswarar Temple, Thenkudi Thittai, Sri Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi, Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Veerasingampettai, Odhavaneswarar Temple / Sri Chotruthurai Nathar Temple, Thiruchotruthurai, Alanthurai Nathar Temple / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Thirupullamangai, Sri Chakravageswarar Temple, Chakrapalli, Sri Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam, Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur, SRru Dayanidheeswarar Temple, Vadakurangaduthurai, Aiyarappar Temple / Sri Panchanatheswarar Temple, Thiruvaiyaru, Sri Alanduraiyar Temple / Vadamoolanathar Temple, Keezh Pazhuvur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

132/ 15. SRI VASISHTESWARAR TEMPLE, THENKUDI THITTAI

This post was updated with Thevera Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This place is called as Thittai. This is the 132^nd Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 15^th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar    : Sri Vasishteswarar
Consort      : Sri Ulaga Nayagi Ammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a temple tank in front. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam, In sanctum A drop of water is falling on moolavar every 24 minutes ( 1 Naazhigai  in Tamil ). This is due to the Suryakantha kal and Chandra Kantha kal which transforms the atmospheric moisture in to water. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi. There are 4 lingams installed on the four corners of this temple keeping the moola Lingam at centre  and hence this temple is called a Pancha Bootha sthalam. The vimanam is built with complete stone.

Guru Parihara sthalam. There is a separate sannadhi between moolavar temple and Ambal temple for Guru with a sword in his hand. Vashishta rishi  worshiped moolavar  as Rajaguru.

Thittai in Tamil is “medu - மேடு”. Lord Shiva liked 28 temple where he wants to stay, of which 26 were submerged during uzhikalam. The remaining are Sirkazhi and this temple Thenkudi Thittai.

10^th to 12^th century Tamil inscriptions are found.

HOW TO REACH :

Town bus is available from Thanjavur. But frequency is limited Planning to be done suitably.

10 KM north of Thanjavur.  

CONTACT DETAILS:

Land line number is +91 4362 252 858

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

( Moolavar vimanam )

( குரு  சன்னதி )

131 / 14.  SRI VEDAPURISWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVEDHIKUDI

This post was updated with Thevera Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This is the 131^st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 14^th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Appar and Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

   

Moolavar    : Sri Vedapuriswarar, Sri Vazhai Madu Nathar

Consort      : Sri Mangayarkarasi.

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a a 3 tier Rajagopuram. balipeedam, Rishabam and Dwajasthambam are after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and ardha mandapam. The complete sanctum from adhistanam  to the sikaram was built stone. 108 lingas are also installed.

There is a separate temple  for Ambal out side main temple, which has no compound wall. The mandapam between Main temple and Ambal temple is in bad condition and crying for attention. 

As per the inscription the place is also called as Chaturvedi Mangalam.

The temple is few feet below the outside ground level. It was believed that moolavar came from banana madu.

Parihara sthalam for removing obstacles  to the Marriages.

HOW TO REACH :

Only mini bus is available to this village, which is 3 to 4 KM from Kandiyur and the frequency is unpredictable.

The best option is to take an auto from Kandiyur, ( Thirukandiyur, which is also a Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam )

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mobile and land line numbers are +91 93451 04187 and +91 4362 262 334

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Dakshinamurthy )

( Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannadhi )

( Maha mandapam )

( Corridor - prakaram )

( Ambal temple in front of main temple )

( Short Rajagopuram )

VEERASINGAM PETTAI

This temple is on the way to Tirupullamangai ( Pasupathikoil )  from Thiruvedhikudi. The temple 

Moolavar    : Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy 

Consort      : Sri Valambigai. 

The age and history of the temple is not known. There are 276 Shiva Lingas were installed in rows. As per temple authorities these Shiva Lingas were found during excavation  for a new temple. Temple authorities requested me to write and publish photos of this temple so that many devotees can visit to the temple. 

( Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannadhi )

( Shiva lingams 273 nos installed- found during excavation )

( Temple complex view )

( Ambal sannadhi vimanam)

130/13. ODHAVANESWARAR TEMPLE /  SRI CHOTRUTHURAI NATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUCHOTRUTHURAI

This post was updated with Thevera Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This is the 130^th  Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 13^th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.   

Moolavar    : Sri  Chotruthurai Nathar, Sri Odhavaneswarar and
                    Sri Tholaya Selva Nathar.

Consort      : Sri Anna poorani, Sri Tholaya selvi.

Some of the important features of this temple are……

The temple is facing east without Rajagopuram or entrance arch. Balipeedam and Rishabam with a small Dwajasthambam is in front. A Mini Rajagopuram is after Rishabam and balipeedam.

It is believed that Arunagiri Nathar, Brahma, Vishnu, Indiran, Gautama Maharishi and Suryan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. It is also believed that Shiva  gave food for the people who  suffered due to drought  through Arulalan. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Chotruthurai Nathar.

During Nandhiyamperuman's marriage Thiruvarur Aaroorar visits this temple.

HOW TO REACH :

Town bus is available from Thiruvaiyaru.

From Thanjavur via Kandiyur is 19 KM

CONTACT DETAILS :

Mobile number is +91 99438 84377

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy  sannadhi )

( Bas-relief of Shiva as - Kala samhara moorthy )

( Ambal sannadhi vimanam )

( Entrance stucco images of Shiva on Rishaba vahanam )

( Temple entrance )

The Only available Hero stone of Thanjavur region. Erected in memory of a Hero who died in a war. In the first &  second tier, the hero is fighting with the opponent riding on a horse. In the Third tier the hero is taken to heaven by angels. In the third tier the hero is worshiping lord Shiva. The details and comments are in Facebook. 

 
SRI PASUPATHEESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUPULLAMANGAI / PASUPATHIKOIL 

This post was updated with Thevera Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This place is now called as Pasupathikoil. This is also believed to be the 133^rd Devara Paadal petra Shiva Sthalam and 16^th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord shiva of this temple. The Paadal Petra Sthalam is on the west side of the road near river Kaveri. For Details Alanthurai Nathar Temple please CLICK HERE ( With Thevara Hymns & Legends ) for the up dated post 

Moolavar   : Sri Pasupatheeswarar, Sri Pasupathy nathar,         

                   Sri Brahmapureeswarar, Sri Alanthurai nathar.

Consort     : Sri Soundara nayagi.

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

The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam and Dwajasthambam are after the Rajagopuram. A small rajagopuram is at the entrance of Sanctum sanctorum. The sanctorum was built with moat. In the Sanctorum Moolavar is swayambhu.

Durgai & Mahishasura mardini with stone umbrella. Standing on buffalo/ ‘erumai head’. With sangu chakkaram, sword, gathai, soolam, kedayam and Angusam. Kamadhenu performed  abhishekam with milk. The temple was built by Chengat Chozhan. This is one of his Mada Koil . where  spider and elephant worshiped Moolavar..

Tamil inscriptions are found which describes the Chozha Period renovations. The temple was little damaged during war.

HOW TO REACH :

The village Pasupathikoil is on Thanjavur to Kumbakonam main road and the temple is 1 KM off the main road, (south side ).

14 KM from Thanjavur.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Mobile number is + 91 97914 82102.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Stucco image of sthala puranam )

(3 tier Rajagopuram )

( Madakoil - Moolavar and Ambal temple vimanam )

 ( Maada Koil entrance )

134/17 SRI CHAKRAVAGESWARAR TEMPLE, CHAKKARAPALLI.

This post was updated with Thevera Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This place is now called as Ayyampet. This is the 134^th  Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 17^th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.   

Moolavar    : Sri Chakravageswarar

Consort      : Sri Deva Nayagi

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

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance arch. On the right is the Ambal sannadhi. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar is Swayambhu. A moat was formed around the sanctum since the out side ground level was raised.

The moolavar was worshiped by Sayanthan, Devars, Chakra Vila bird and Saptamatrikas.  Thirumal got  Chakra / disc after worshiping Ambal.

HOW TO REACH :

The village Ayyampet is on Thanjavur to Kumbakonam main road and the temple is 1 KM off the main road, (south side ).

16 KM from Thanjavur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Entrance arch )

( Entrance arch Stucco image )

I am sorry to say that, ( I doubt) poojas are not conducted regularly. The temple is always kept closed and the Sivachariyar is also  not living within the Village.  Whether Hindu religious & endowment board will look in to the same ?, so that the devotees should not get disappointment when they travels from distant places to get the darshan of Lord Shiva. 

Second time visited to this temple on 12-08-2013. This time I was lucky to get the mobile number of the Gurukkal which was written on the wall. The Gurukkal responded to my call and had Lord Shiva's darshan. The details of the temple and photographs are up loaded in that post. For the details please click the link given below.

                                  CLICK HERE

104 / 50. SRI APATHSAHAYAR TEMPLE, THIRUPAZHANAM

This post was updated with Thevara Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This post was Up dated and click Here to see

This is the 104^th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 50^th sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Apathsahayar

Consort    : Sri Periyanayagi

Some of the important features of this temple are….
There are two Rajagopurams. The front one is with 5 tiers and inner one is 3 tiers. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum from adhisthanam to the first level Vimana was built with stone. In sanctum moolavar is swayambhu. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing east standing on an Aavudai.

Navagrahas are opposite to Ambal. In that all the eight grahas are facing Suryan and Suryan is facing Ambal ( West). On the left Murugan Moortham with six faces looks cute.

     

This is the second saptasthana sthalam. Lord Shiva helped  to a Brahmin boy / Andhana Siruvan  from Yamadharmaraja, hence he is called as Apathsahayar.

HOW TO REACH :

Town buses are available from Thiruvaiyaru and Kumbakonam.

The temple is on the main road to Kumbakonam to Thiruvaiyaru.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Archakar Raja Gurukkal may please be contacted through his mobile  +91 9790207773.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

                                         ( Dakshinamurthy with sanagatha munivars)

( Moolavar vimanam stone architecture )

( Second level Rajagopuram  no side walls )

                                                               ( Entrance Rajagopuram )

KAILASNATHAR TEMPLE,  THINGALUR  ( DEVARA VAIPPU STHALAM )

This is one of the Devara Vaippu sthalam. Appar visited this place and worshiped the temple’s Iraivan. In this temple the dead child came alive when Appar sang a song, who was bitten by snake. After this incident, It is believed that  there is no body died due to snake bite.

Moolavar: Sri Kailasanathar.
Ambal    : Sri Periya Nayaki

This is also a Parihara sthalam. There is a separate sannadhi for Chandran. Chandran is worshiped by many devotees daily and it attracts devotees from far off places too. 

( Rajagopuram )

( Entrance mandapam stucco image )

103 / 49. SRI DAYANIDHEESWARAR TEMPLE, VADAKURANGADUTHURAI

This post was updated with Thevera Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This place is now called as Aduthurai Perumal Koil. This is the 103^rd  Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 49th sthalam on the North side of River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Moolavar    : Sri Dayanidheeswarar, Sri Kulai  Vanangeesar,               

                   Sri Vaali Nathar, Sri Chittilingeswarar

Consort      : Sri  Jada Makudeeswari,  Sri Azhagu Sadai mudiammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. A balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are in front. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. In the sanctum moolavar is swayambhu. The Vimana above the sanctum is of three tiers. The sikaram is of vesara style with Maha nasi. Vaali worshiped lord Shiva ( Sudhai sirpam is on the Vimanam ).

In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. In addition to this there are some moorthams installed in niches. It is beautiful to see the Arthanareeswarar.

It is believed that Lord Shiva made to bend and gave coconut for a Chetti pregnant lady.  Chittu kuruvi (a Bird ) also worshiped Lord Shiva.

HOW TO REACH :

Town buses and private buses are available from Thiruvaiyaru.

The temple is  little inside from main road.

CONTACT DETAILS :

The Land line numbers are + 91 4374 240 491 and +91 4374 244 191.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Rajagopuram )

( Moolavar vimanam - In first level right side Vaali is doing pooja to Shiva ) 

( Ardhanareeswarar  as Rishabnthigar- in koshtam )

105/51. AIYARAPPAR TEMPLE / SRI PANCHANATHESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVAIYARU 

This post was updated with Thevera Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends. For the up dated post details please click this link.

This is the 105^th  Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 51^st Sthalam on the North side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord shiva of this temple.

Moolavar    : Sri Panchanatheswarar, Sri Aiyarappar,
                   Sri Sembonsotheeswarar.
Consort      : Sri Dharmasamvarthini, Sri Aramvalartha Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing east with Rajagopurams on all 4 sides. Lord Shiva gave Kailash darshan to Appar. (There is a separate temple  in the same complex. On the South side and there is  a temple on the north of Main temple.

It was believed that Shiva came and done pooja to himself in the form of Sivachariyar. Dwarapalakas  are made out of stucco. There is no Abhishekam for Shiva Lingam and only punuku is applied with out touching the Lingam. Theenda Thirumeni. 

Ambal is in a separate temple. Ambal is little big and tall with one hand in Abhayahastham.  Ambal sannadhi was built separately facing east. Front mandapam was built at a latter stage. The mandapam pillars has number of bas-reliefs which include, Bharatha Matha and Mahatma Gandhi.

HOW TO REACH :

Lot of buses available from district capitals.

Buses to Thanjavur passes through Thiruvaiyaru.

Town buses available from Thanjavur and Kumbakonam. 

CONTACT DETAILS :

Land line number is : +91 436 2260 332

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

( Moolavar Vimanam is not visible much due to higher wall )

                                                 ( Wall Paintings - repainting in progress)

                                                      ( Stucco images on the wall )

                                                         ( Stucco images on the wall )

(Temple entrance view )

( Bas-reliefs of Ambal on a pillar - in Ambal sannadhi )

( Bas-reliefs of of Ambal on a pillar - in Ambal sannadhi )

( Natarajar Bas-relief sirpam on a pillar in Ambal sannadhi )

109 / 55. SRI ALANDURAIYAR TEMPLE / VADAMOOLANATHAR TEMPLE,  PAZHUVUR / KEEZHAPALUR / PALUR.

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

The place is now called as Keezh/ Keel Pazhuvur. This is the 109^th   Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 55^th Shiva sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.   

Moolavar    : Sri Alanduraiyar, Sri Vadamoolanathar,

                   Sri Yogavaneswarar.

Consort      : Sri Arunthavanayagi, Sri Yogathabasvini and

                   Sri Mahathabasvini.

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and ardha mandapam. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. The Vimana is of Vesara style on the sanctum. In sanctum Moolavar is swayambhu. Putru – hence there is no abhishekam.

A separate moortham of Ambal doing dabas on single leg for the benefit of world’s peace.

For the Kayamugasuran’s  samkaram Vinayagar danced as Narthana Vinayagar. A bronze moortham of Chandikeswarar doing Shiva Pooja is available in the temple along with lot of Urchavar moorthams.

Parasuramar worshiped lord Shiva for the sin caused due to killing of his mother. Parasuramar’s  sleeping posture image is available above the  sanctum entrance . 

On Tamil month Panguni 18^th day Suryan worship Lord Shiva through his light. Kalyana Pariharam at Kalyana Durgai sannadhi.

The Dwarapalakas are made of suthai. There is no Navagraha shrine.

Tamil inscriptions of 10^th  to 12^th  century are found out side sanctum walls and prakaram walls.

HOW TO REACH :

The  temple is very near to the junction of  Thanjavur to Ariyalur and Kumbakonam to Trichy.

The temple is few yards from the Junction and facing east. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

 ( Gajasamkaramurthy in koshtam )

( Ambal sannadhi Vimanam )

( Ambal sannadhi Vimanam - with Durgai Amman sannadhi )

( Rajagopuram )

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---