22-12-2012, SATURDAY & 23-12-2012, SUNDAY
For this month’s
yathra, I had planned to cover the Shiva temples in and around Mayiladuthurai
and Thirukadaiyur, Since Mayiladuthurai was left out in my previous visits. As
usual on Friday night started my yatra from Chennai and landed at
Thirukadaiyur. My plan was to cover the temples up to Thirumarugal, camping at Thirukadaiyur
on first day. This time, thought of using only the public transport, instead of
hiring a taxi. On first day I could able to cover 7 temples including
Thirukadaiyur.
On Sunday,
after vacating the lodge, proceeded to Thirupariyalur. I, tried to cover 4
temples including Vazhuvur, one of the Veeratta Sthalam. When I completed
my darshan at Mayiladuthurai, the time was around 12.00 Hrs, so dropped the
idea of going to Vazhuvur, since planned to catch bus to Chennai after lunch.
Also I had lost about 2 hrs at Thirupariyalur, waiting for the temple to open.
During this time most of the time was consumed for waiting for the bus and
walking to the temples from the main roads. In this yathra many
people helped me to reach the temples through their motor cycles.
With the 9 temples
covered in this yathra, the total Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal list has grown
to 242. The details of the Temples and the photographs are
uploaded in this post as per the order of the dharshan.
22-12-2012, SATURDAY - DAY - 1.
164/47.
SRI AMIRTHAKADAESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUKADAIYUR.
This
place is now called as Thirukadaiyur. This is
the 164th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 47th Sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord
Shiva of this temple.
Centre- moolavar vimanam - an early morning view
Moolavar :
Sri Amithakadeswarar, Sri Amirtha Lingeswarar
Consort : Sri Abirami
Some of
the important features of this temple are …..
This
temple is facing west with a 7 tier Rajagopuram and there is a 5 tier
Rajagopuram on the east side also. On the west there is a second level 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are after
the 2nd level rajagopuram. Moolavar is little large and called
as Kala samhara moorthy, there is a scar on the moolavar.
In Kala samhara moorthy
Sannadhi, at the base of Moolavar scene of Eman on the floor after he was
kicked by Lord Shiva bas relief is on a silver plate. This will be shown to the devotees during
pooja. On the opposite side a sannidhi of Yema worshiping Lord Shiva.
Markandeswarar,
Naganatheswarar, Subramaniyar, Gajalakshmi, Natarajar saba, Pancha Lingas,
Santhana Kuravarkal, Kungkuliyakalaiya Nayanar, Minister and the Merchant,
Virabhadra, Brahmi, 63var, Somaskandar, Urchavars, Palliyarai and there is
no Navagrahas.
Ambal
is in a separate temple facing east with Dwajasthambam, Simham and Balipedam. Abirami
Andhadhi was sung by Abirami Pattar in praise of Ambal Abirami.
ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum antarala, artha mandapam and a maha mandapam.
LEGENDS
This is
one of the Attaveerattam temples where Iraivan kicked Eman by his left leg for
Markandeyar. The Lord of this temple was worshiped by Agathiyar, Pulathiyar,
Vasuki and Durgai. Kungiliya kalaya Nayanar, Kaari Nayanar has served and got
mukthi in this temple. This is the 108th Shiva Sthalam where Markandeyar
worshiped Lord Shiva.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00
hrs to 21.30 Hrs.
HOW TO REACH :
It is
on the bus route from Mayiladuthurai to Tharangambadi.
Buses
available from Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, etc.
Back side of moolavar vimanam - Sudhai sirpangal of Shiva Parvathi marriage
Rishabam / Idabam, balipeedam Dwajasthambam view
Entrance of the main shrine
East side Rajagopuram
West side Rajagopuram - Veena Dakshinamurthy is in standing posture
165/48.
SRI BRAHMAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUKADAIYUR MAYANAM.
Now this place is
called as Thiru mayanam. This is the 165th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 48th Sthalam on south side of
river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of
this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Brahmapureeswarar.
Consort :
Sri Malarkkzhal Minnammai, Sri Ammalakuja Nayagi,
Sri Amalakkuya Minnammai.
Some of the important features of this temple are as follows.
The
temple is facing west with a newly built Rajagopuram. An entrance arch is
before that. Balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are After the Rajagopuram. In koshtam Durgai,
Dakshinamurthy, Narthana Vinayagar, Arthanareeswarar, Kalyana
sundarar.
In
prakaram Sannadhi for Bhairavar, Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Singaravelar with
bow. ( to be seen ).
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam.
Ambal is
in a separate temple like sannadhi in standing posture and facing east.
The arthamandapa is of Vavval nethi style.
LEGEND:
Brahma worshiped Lord of
this temple. Brahma was made to water and latter he got the life by the grace
of Shiva.
HOW TO
REACH :
After
reaching Thirukadaiyur, this temple is 2 Km on the back side of Sri
Amirthakadeswarar temple.
Bairavar in koshtam
Vimanam under renovation
Dakshinamurthy
Main shrine entrance with bell mandapam
Munivar stucco images ready for installation
Rajagopuram under construction
166/49.
SRI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUVETTAKUDY.
This is
the 166th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 49th Sthalam
on south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns
in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamoorthy and Subramaniyar sannadhi
Moolavar : Sri Sundareswarar, Sri Thirumeniyazhagar.
Consort : Sri Soundaranayagi, Sri
Shanthanayagi.
Some of
the important features of the temple are….
The
temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram with beautiful stucco images,
in addition to an arch on the Main road at Varichakudi. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam / Idabam are in a
mandapam. Moolavar is little taller. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy and
Durgai.
In
prakaram, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Punnaivananathar, Gajalakshmi, Saastha,
Naalvar, Bairavar, Suryan and Chandran. Urchava
moorthy are Lord Shiva and Ambal as Veduvan and Veda Nayagi. “Kadaladu
Vizha“ is celebrated, since it is believed that Ambal belongs to
fishers community.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam.
HOW TO REACH :
On the
Bus route Tharangambadi to Nagapattinam place called Poovam, after
Poovam get down at Varichakudi and for there 1.6 KM on the east
side.
Bas-reliefs kandam of Upanam- playing miruthangam to the dance
Gajalakshmi, Subramaniyar sannadhi
Rishabam mandapam with dwajasthambam
Moolavar sanndahi
Rishabam in the mandapam
East side Rajagopuram
Temple arch at Varichakudy main road ( Chidambaram to Karaikal main road after poovam )
167/50.
SRI PAARVATHEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUTHELICHERI.
This is part of
Karaikkal, called Kaarai, Kil Pathu. This is the 167th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 50th sthalam on the south side
of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of
Lord shiva of this temple.
Front arch with Rajagopuram - a night view
Moolavar : Sri Paarvatheeswarar,
Sri Sameevaneswarar
Consort : Sri
Parvathyammai, Sri Sakthyammai,
Sri Suyamvarathabasvini.
Some of the important
features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing
west with an entrance arch and a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam
and Rishabam / Idabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is under a silver mandapam looks
cute. Dwarapalakas legs are on the singamugasurar’s head. In Koshtam,
Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In prakaram Sannadhi
for Siva Subramaniar, Lakshmi, Durgai, Suryan, Saneeswarar, Bairavar,
Vanni Lingam, Dakshinamurthy, Narthana Ganapathy, 63var, Lingothbavar,
Natarajar, Ambal worshiping Lord Shiva, Sri Veda Roopam, Pidari Amman, Giratha
moorthy & Ambal, Somaskandar. Pradosha Vinayagar, with Ambal is a
special one here.
Images of Mahalingam/ Brahma Lingam, since Brahma worshiped, Rajalingam, since Amreesan
worshiped, Baskara Lingam, since Suriyan worshiped are in the prakaram.
LEGENDS
This place is
suitable for doing dhabas. Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
There is a separate Temple for
Karaikkal Ammaiyar in the same city.
HOW TO REACH :
This is part of
Karaikkal city, about half a Km from bus stand on Thirunallar bus route.
Moolavar sannadhi entrance stucco images
Rajagopuram in day light
168/51. SRI
YAZHMURINATHAR TEMPLE, DHARUMAPURAM.
This is the 168th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 51st 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
Dharmapureeswarar, Sri Yazhmurinathar.
Consort : Sri
Mathura minnammai, Sri Thenamurutha Valli.
Some of the important features of this temple are …..
The first level
Rajagopuram was under construction during my Visit. The 2nd level
Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. Stucco image of Thiruneelakanda Yaazhlpanar with his
wife, near that Thirugnanasambandar. Balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are in between the Two. In koshtam Narthana Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy ( Head is
in a slanting position to hear the Yazhl isai.), Lingothbavar, and Durgai.
In Prakaram Sannadhi for Sri Vinayagar, Sri Subramaniar,
Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar. Urchavar Yazhmurinathar (On one
side Thirugnanasambandar and the other side Thiruneelakanda Yazh Panar) and
Yeman.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. An ekathala vesara Vimana is on the sanctum. A mandapam was built around Sanctum.
LEGENDS
This is the birth place of ThiruNeelakanda Yazhpanar. Thirugnanasambandar could not sing for the music of
Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar and the Yazh was broken ( hence Shiva is called as
Yazhmurinathar ).
Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. The mistake of taking
the life of Markandeyar by Eman worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple to get rid
of sin.
Banana Plantain is also the Stha Viruksham of this temple.
HOW TO REACH :
3 Km from Karaikal. Can go by auto also.
Moolavar vimanam with mandapam
Dakshinamoorthy is slanding on one side hearing the Yazhl isai
Main shrine
Inner level 3 tier Rajagopuram
Inner 3 tier rajagopuram with Rishabam and balipeedam
The Rajagopuram under construction
197/80.
SRI RATHNAGIRISWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUMARUGAL.
This is the 197th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 80th sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
East Rajagopuram and Marriage medai with Vanni maram ( Chetti woman Marriage was conducted by Thirugnanasambandar )
Moolavar :Sri Manikkavannar, Sri Rathnagiriswarar.
Consort :Sri Vanduvaar Kuzhali, Sri
Aamothalanayagi.
Some of
the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram and Temple
tank Sri Lakshmi theertham with neerazhi mandapam is in front. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are in ground level.
Moolavar
is swayambhu and looking good. In
Koshtam Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In the
first level there is a sannadhi for Sani Bhagavan ( on the right side of Ambal
Sannadhi ).
In
prakaram Sannadhi for Somaskandar, Nalvar, 63var, Prathana Vinayagar,
Parasarar worshiped Lingam, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Mahalakshmi, Natarajar
saba, Navagrahas, Bairavar, Chandran, Suryan, Nagar, Chettippen and Chetti
Pillai in one pedam on the inner prakaram.
In the
ground level prakaram sannadhi for Suram theertha Vinayagar, Santhana
Vinayagar, Marugalurudayar & Soundaranayagi and Yamuna Chandikeswari
near Ambal sannadhi.
ARCHITECTURE
There is Nel Kalanjiyam ( Paddy storage on the left side of entrance to the upper level ( Hope this is not being used nowadays). This is one of the Mada Temple built by Ko Chenkat Chozhan.
In Ambal sannathi paintings of Kusakethu kings story. In saba paintings of Patanjali, Viyakrabathar, Chetti’s son.
LEGENDS
The Stucco
image of chetti’s son who came alive by Thirugnanasambandar's Devara hymns,
after death due to snake bite in Rajagopuram can be seen.
HOW TO
REACH :
The
temple is in the bus route Thiruvarur to Mayiladuthurai.
Buses
available from Nannilam, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai.
Buses
available from Nagore to Mayiladuthurai via Thittacheri.
Moolavar vimanam
Lakshmi Theertham with neerazhi mandapam
South entrance opposite to Ambal sannathi
Suram theertha Vinayagar in the ground prakaram
Ambal sannathi vimanam
Beautiful Rishabam
Front mandapam top stucco images viewing through Rishabam's head.
A bas-relief on the pillar of the front mandapam - Top Vinayagar bottom singam ( Lion )
Sthala viruksham a variety of banana plantain yield
198/81. SRI AYAVANTHEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUCHATHAMANGAI/
SEEYATHAMANGAI.
Now
this place is called as Seeyathamangai.This is the 198th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 81st Sthalam on the south side of
river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of
Lord Shiva of this temple.
Shrine entrance arch with Rishabam mandapam and balipeedam
Moolavar : Sri Ayavantheeswarar, Sri
Brahmapureeswarar
Consort : Sri Ubaya
Pushpaviloshini, Sri Irumalarkkannammai.
Some
of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing west with a 5
tier Rajagopuram and a temple tank is in front. Balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are in
front of sanctum sanctorum. In Koshtam Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar,
Brahma, Arthanareeswarar as Risabanthikar ( One hand on Rishabam head ), Agasthiyar, and
Pitckshadanar.
Sannadhi
for Chandran, Sani Bhagavan, ( one leg on the crow vahanam), Saptamatrikas,
Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Mahalingam, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Sri Valli Deivasena Sametha Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Nalvar, Thiruneelanakka Nayanar with his
wife, Somaskandar and Maha Ganapathy.
In
prakaram sannadhi for Mahavishnu, Mahaganapathy, Subramaniyar and Mahalakshmi.
Saptamatrikas are facing north near the temple outer prakaram wall.
Ambal
in a separate temple with Suryan, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar. Ambal with
four hands in standing posture Looks cute in parrot green colour saree. Rishabam / Idabam is in a little elevated level. Nattukottai
Chettiar's thiruppani.
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam with a stucco arch at the entrance. A Mandapam was built around sanctum in recent years by Nagarathars.
HOW TO REACH :
2
KM from Thirumarugal on Thirumarugal to Nagore bus route.
ko mugam / pranala
Dakshinamoorthy - very live image
Aalinganamoorthy
Chettiar Thirupani
158/41.
SRI VEERATTESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUPARIYALUR.
Now this place is
called as (கீழ் -Keezh ) Parasalur. This
is the 158th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 41st Sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri in
Chozha nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord
Shiva of this temple.
Road sie arch with Main Rajagopuram of 5 tiers
Moolavar : Sri Veeratteswarar,
Sri Dakshapureeswarar.
Consort : Sri Ilamkombanayal.
Some of the features
of this temple are as follows.
The temple is facing
west and there is a small Dwajasthambam. The Rajagopuram was built recently with an
entrance arch on the road side. Balipeedam,
Small Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are in a newly built mandapa. This is one of the
Atta veeratta sthalam, there is a bas relief on Sanctum wall near Koshta Ganapathy, where Dakshan worshiping Lord Shiva. Moolavar is swayambhu on a square avudayar. In Koshtam
Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar Brahma and Vishnu on both
sides ), Brahma and Durgai.
In prakaram Sannadhi
for Vinayagar, Senthil Andavar, Mahalakshmi, Kasi Viswanathar, Kala Bhairava,
Narthana Ganapathy, Chandikeswarar, KshethraPalaka, Sivasuriyan, Karpaga
Vinayagar and Nalvar.
Urchavar Veerabhadra with 6 hands. Dakshan is under the feet of Lord Shiva ( Covered - to be seen. )
In front of Veerabhadra Dakshan with goat’s head and his wife. Silaroopam
for Murugan, Somaskandar, Vinayagar and Pradosha Nayagar. Artha jama pooja is
conducted only for Bairavar.
HISTORY
& INSCRIPTION:
There are tamil inscriptions of
Sundara Pandyan Period found on the sanctum wall, but painted during the
recent thiruppani, difficult to read
CONTACT DETAILS :
Gurukkal may be contacted through his mobiles 9943348035 and 9443785616
HOW TO REACH :
7 Km east of Mayiladuthurai. After reaching Sembanarkoil can get mini bus to this temple.
3 KM from Sembanarkoil It will take 45 minutes on normal walk.
Newly constructed Rajagopuram of 5 tiers
Lingothbavar - Vishnu and Brahma on both side
Dakshan is doing pooja - bas-relief on the sanctum sanctorum wall
Newly installed dwajasthambam with Rishabam & balipeedam
Urchava moorthangal - Chandrasekar
Recently constructed Rajagopuram - Veena Dakshinamurthy in standing posture
157/40. SRI
THURAI KATTUM VALLAL. THIRU VILANAGAR.
This is the 157th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 40th sthalam on the south
side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns
in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar vimanam- weeds are damaging the vimanam and mandapam
Moolavar : Sri Thurai kattum Vallal, Sri Usiravaneswarar.
Consort : Sri Veyurutholi.
Some of the important features on this temple are as follows…
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In Koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Thirumal is in place
of Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In Prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar, Arumugar, Nalvar,
Arunachaleswar, Gajalakshmi, Saneeswarar, Navagrahas, Suryan and Bhairavar.
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Except moolavar sanctum and other structures are built with bricks. A two tier vimana is on the sanctum.
LEGENDS
Lord
Shiva showed the way to cross the river to Arulvithan Anthanar and Thirugnanasambandar.
Even though this temple is under the control of Dharmapuram Adheenam
the temple is in a bad shape and thiruppani has to be done.
HOW TO REACH
The temple is on the bus route Mayiladuthurai to Poraiyar and 6
KM from Mayiladuthurai.
East side Rajagopuram
Ambal sannadhi
Moolavar sannadhi
( Moolavar vimanam )
Monkey bas-relief / pudai sirpam the kodungai on Dakshinamurthy mandapam
Back side of moolavar vimanam
Arch
at the south side entrance, since the arch is facing Ambal sannadhi Simam ( சிங்க வாகனம் ) on the both side
of the arch
156/39.
SRI MAYURANATHAR TEMPLE, MAYILADUTHURAI.
This is
the 156th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 39th sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Mayuranathar
Consort : Sri Abayambigai
Some of
the important features of this temple are as follows.
The
temple is facing east with a 9 tier Rajagopuram and there is an entrance on the
north side too. There are two Dwajasthambam. ( Three temporary Dwajasthambas
are also seen on the three sides in the
outer prakaram).
In
koshtam, Narthana vinayagar, Natarajar, Alingnamurthy, Mouna
Dakshinamurthy ( Dakshinamurthy is Medha Dakshinamurthy/mouna (மௌன ) and gave upadesam to Rishaba devar in yoga posture),
Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai, Gangavijarsanar and Pitchadanar.
In
Prakaram Sannadhi for Chandran & Suryan worshiped Lingam, Mayilammai,
Pathanjali, Viyakrapadar, Sekkizhar, Nalvar, Saptamatrikas, Subramaniar,
Kuthambai Siddhar, Vinayagar, Sahasrara Lingam, Pancha Lingas (Indran, Agni,
Vayu, Varunan, Eman worshiped lingams), Mahavishnu, Mahalakshmi, Gajalakshmi,
Arunachaleswarar, Navagrahas, Saniswaran, Bhairavar and Suryan.
Temples
for Sundareswarar, Mahaganapathy too big in mandapam ), Natha sarma,
Abayambigai, Aadhi Mayuranathar. See the
saree for the Lingam in the Anavidhyambigai sannadhi.
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The Vimanam is on a simple pada bndha adhistanam with 3 patta kumuda. An eka thala vesara vimana is on the sanctum.
LEGENDS
Ambal worshiped lord of this temple in the form of Peahen. Indran, Brahman, Guru, Agasthiyar, Saptamatrikas, Umadevi worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
HOW TO REACH :
Bus
facilities are available from all the cities in Tamil Nadu.
Natarajar - in Koshtam
Mouna Dakshinamurthy ( Medha Dakshinamurthy )
Dwajasthambam with Rishabam view from second Rajagopuram
Ambal in the form of Peahen worshiping Lord Shiva - East side Rajagopuram entrance bas-relief
