22-12-2012, SATURDAY & 23-12-2012, SUNDAY
For this month’s
yatra, 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 the first day. This time, thought of using only public transport, instead of
hiring a taxi. On the first day, I was 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 the 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 spent waiting for the bus and walking to the temples from the main roads. In this yatra, many
people helped me to reach the temples through their motorcycles.
With the 9 temples
covered in this yatra, 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 darshan.
22-12-2012, SATURDAY - DAY - 1.
164/47.
SRI AMIRTHAKADAESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUKADAIYUR.
This
place is now called 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 faces 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 a little large and called 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 open 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 are available from Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, etc.
The back side of Moolavar Vimanam - Stucco images of Shiva Parvathi's marriage
Rishabam / Idabam, balipeedam, and Dwajasthambam view
Entrance to 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 Thiru Mayanam. This is the 165th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 48th 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 Brahmapureeswarar.
Consort :
Sri Malarkkzhal Minnammai, Sri Ammalakuja Nayagi,
Sri Amalakkuya Minnammai.
Some of the important features of this temple are as follows.
The
temple faces west with a newly built Rajagopuram. An entrance arch is
before that. Balipeedam and Rishabam/Idabam are After the Rajagopuram. In Kostam Durgai,
Dakshinamurthy, Narthana Vinayagar, Arthanareeswarar, and Kalyana Sundarar.
In
prakaram Sannadhi for Bhairavar, Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Singaravelar with
bow. ( to be seen ).
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam.
Ambal is
in a separate temple like sannadhi in standing posture and facing east.
The artha mandapa is of Vavval nethi style.
LEGEND:
Brahma worshiped Shiva at
this temple. Brahma was made to water and later 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 the 49th 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 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 faces 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 a little taller. In kostam Dakshinamurthy and Durgai.
In
praharam, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Punnaivananathar, Gajalakshmi, Saastha,
Naalvar, Bairavar, Suryan, and Chandran. Urchava
Murtis are Lord Shiva, Ambal, Veduvan, and Veda Nayagi. “Kadaladu
Vizha“ is celebrated, since it is believed that Ambal belongs to the fishers community.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam.
HOW TO REACH :
On the
Bus route from Tharangambadi to Nagapattinam a 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, and Subramaniyar sannadhi
Rishabam mandapam with dwajasthambam
Moolavar sannidhi
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 the 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 faces 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 and looks
cute. Dwarapalakas legs are on the singamugasurar’s head. In Koshtam,
Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.
In praharam 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, and Somaskandar. Pradosha Vinayagar, with Ambal is a
special one here.
Images of Mahalingam/Brahma Lingam-Brahma worshipped, Rajalingam-Amreesan
worshiped Shiva Lingam, and Baskara Lingam- since Suriyan worshiped are in the praharam.
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 a part of
Karaikkal city, about half a km from the bus stand on the Thirunallar bus route.
Moolavar sannadhi entrance stucco images
Rajagopuram in daylight
168/51. SRI
YAZHMURINATHAR TEMPLE, DHARUMAPURAM.
This is the 168th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 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 on 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 birthplace of ThiruNeelakanda Yazhpanar. Thirugnanasambandar could not sing for the music of
Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar and the Yazh was broken (hence Shiva is called 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 slanting 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 the 80th Sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar
have 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 faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram and Temple
tank Sri Lakshmi theertham with Neerazhi mandapam in front. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam, and Rishabam / Idabam are at 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 praharam 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 the entrance to the upper level ( Hope this is not being used nowadays). This is one of the Mada Temples built by Ko Chenkat Chozhan.
In Ambal sannathi paintings of the 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 a snake bite in Rajagopuram can be seen.
HOW TO
REACH :
The
temple is on the bus route from Thiruvarur to Mayiladuthurai.
Buses
available from Nannilam, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai.
Buses are available from Nagore to Mayiladuthurai via Thittacheri.
Moolavar vimanam
Lakshmi Theertham with neerazhi mandapam
South entrance opposite 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 vruksham a variety of banana plantain yield
198/81. SRI AYAVANTHEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUCHATHAMANGAI/
SEEYATHAMANGAI.
Now
this place is called Seeyathamangai. This is the 198th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 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 faces west with a 5-tier Rajagopuram and a temple tank is in front. Balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are in
front of the 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 vahana), 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, and Subramaniyar. Ambal with
four hands in standing posture Looks cute in a parrot green colour saree. Rishabam / Idabam is at 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 the 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 (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.
Roadside 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 faces west and there is a small Dwajasthambam. The Rajagopuram was built recently with an
entrance arch on the roadside. 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 the Sanctum wall near Koshta Ganapathy, where Dakshan worships 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 a 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 the 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 a mini bus to this temple.
3 KM from Sembanarkoil It will take 45 minutes on a normal walk.
Newly constructed Rajagopuram of 5 tiers
Lingothbavar - Vishnu and Brahma on both sides
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 the 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 of this temple are as follows…
The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and 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 the 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 from Mayiladuthurai to Poraiyar and 6
KM from Mayiladuthurai.
East side Rajagopuram
Ambal sannadhi
Moolavar sannadhi
( Moolavar vimanam )
Monkey bas-relief 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 both sides
of the arch
156/39.
SRI MAYURANATHAR TEMPLE, MAYILADUTHURAI.
This is
the 156th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 39th Sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar
have 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 faces 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 of the
outer praharam).
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 Chandran & Suryan worshiped Lingam, Mayilammai,
Pathanjali, Viyakrapadar, Sekkizhar, Nalvar, Saptamatrikas, Subramaniar,
Kuthambai Siddhar, Vinayagar, Sahasrara Lingam, Pancha Lingas (Indran, Agni,
Vayu, Varuna, Yama worshiped Lingas), 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 the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam. The Vimanam is on a simple pada bandha adhistanam with 3 patta kumuda. An eka tala vesara vimana is on the sanctum.
LEGENDS
Ambal worshiped the lord of this temple in the form of Peahen. Indran, Brahman, Guru, Agasthiyar, Saptamatrikas, and 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