28, January 2013
After completion of my Official work at
Thirukadaiyur on Friday 25-01-2013, thought of spending Saturday and Sunday (26-01-2013 & 27-01-2013) to visit Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal from
Nagapattinam. I had prepared already the list of temples to be visited from
Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur.
26-01-2013. SATURDAY. DAY -1.
Early morning, it was too dark when I started my
journey from Thirukadaiyur to Nagapattinam. When I reached NAGAPATTINAM,
it was around 07.30 Hrs the temple was just opened for darshan. After Dharshan
proceeded to SIKKAL. In Sikkal I expected a lot of crowd in Sikkal
Singaravelan sannadhi, since one day was left for Thaipoosam function. The
crowd was thinner than I expected. Had a good darshan and reached Kizhvelur which
is on the way to Thiruvarur. From there I had been to THEVUR. This
is on the way to Thiruthuraipoondi from Kizhvelur.
My next planned temple visit was to Koil Kannapur.
When I inquired, the temple people suggested me go to VALIVALAM and
from there, since it is easy to go to Koil Kannapur. After completing my darshan at
Valivalam, understood that Kanrappur is about 4 KM from Valivalam and there is
no proper bus facility to that village. On seeing the disappointment on my face,
Temple Gurukkal advised me to take his cycle and leave the same after darshan.
It was around 14.30 Hrs when I reached Koil Kannapur and the temple was
closed. The Meikavalar on OFF duty ( 15 Days on rotation between two peoples )
advised me to go to ThiruNattiyathankudi first and come back to Koil Kannapur. It
was about a 15 KM Journey by cycle and I found it very tough. The bag on my back was
also pulling me down. The loneliness also discouraged me a lot. Finally, I
knocked on the door of the THIRUNATTIYATHANKUDI Temple. The
Gurukkal’s son was kind enough to open the door for me. After darshan returned
back once again to Koil Kannapur and had the darshan.
After returning the bicycle try to reach Thirukkarayil via
Kachanam before 17.30 Hrs to see the abhishekam for Maragatha lingam. It was
too late when I reached. Had the darshan of Sayaratchai and Artha Jama pooja.
Closed my day’s darshan and reached Thiruvarur for the night stay.
27-01-2013. SUNDAY. DAY – 2.
As per my schedule, there are two temples left out.
Unfortunately, both are in opposite directions of Thiruvarur. If I left Thirupalli Mukkudal I have spent one more day or I have to make one more
visit to cover the place. The previous night itself collected the bus availability to PEAREYIL and
Thirupalli Mukkudal. It was too early when I reached PEAREYIL and waited
for the temple to open. When I contacted Gurukkal over his mobile, he told me that
he would come only by 11.00 Hrs and also he suggested me have the darshan
with the help of a maligai shop owner, who has the gate keys. Had the darshan
through the grill from Maha Mandapam. Returned to Thiruvarur by motorcycle (in
pillion) and bus.
Then I proceeded to THIRUPALLI MUKKUDAL by
Minibus. Walked 2 KM from the main road and reached the temple.
Fortunately, the Temple was open and Gurukkal was present. Had the
darshan and walked once again to the main road.
It was around 11.30 Hrs when I reached Thiruvarur.
Calculated in mind for the next temple’s visit considering the chance of
getting a bus to Chennai in the evening. (Due to three three-day holidays there was a heavy rush to Chennai from all the places. It was noticed that People are
ready to travel by standing from Thiruvarur to Mayiladuthurai and from
Mayiladuthurai to Vadalur). Decided to return back to Chennai and boarded a
bus which started at 12.15 Hrs and reached Chennai around 22.00 Hrs. We lost about 2 hours at Vadalur due to a traffic jam. (Heavy rush as expected
at Vadalur Thaipoosam and Jyothi darshan).
Thanks to Lord Shiva for his Darshan in all the
temples and the Gurukkal & Meikavalars for helping me with the
darshan.
199/82. SRI KAYAROHANESWARAR TEMPLE. NAGAI KARONAM / NAGAPATTINAM
Now this place is called Nagapattinam. This is
the 199th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 82nd Sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in
praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
5 Tier Rajagopuram with Stucco Rishabam Mandapam
Moolavar :
Sri Kayarokaneswarar, Sri Aathipuranar
Consort : Sri Neelayathakshi
Some of the important features of this temple
are….
The temple faces east with a 7-tier
Rajagopuram. Moolavar is a little big and the back of Lord Shiva and Ambal are in thirumana kolam. In koshtam
Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai,
Arthanareeswarar, Pichadanar. Thiagarajar is a Sundara vidangar. Nadanam is called Baaravaratha ranga nadanam. Arumugasamy
murti is with 12 hands.
In praharam Athipatha Nayanar, Vallabha Ganapathi,
Agora Veerabhadra, Athma lingam, Pillayar, Palani Andavar, and Idumban.
In the inner praharam Suryan, 63var,
Maavadi Pillayar, Vennaipiran, Arunachaleswar, Bhairavar, Gajalakshmi, Navagrahas, and Saneeswarar. In Navagrahas sannadhi all are facing Shiva in three rows. In
Urchava murti, Pichadanar, Natarajar, Sivakami, and Kaatchi Kodutha Nayagar.
In the outer praharam Vinayagar, Arumugar with Valli and Devasena, Kasi Viswanathar, Bhairavar, Anukoola
Anjaneyar, Bathrakali Amman, Agora Veerabhadra, Athipatha Nayanar, and Azhuhini
Siddhar Jeeva Samadhi.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, Antarala, and Ardha mandapam. The Rishabam is made of stucco. Madapams are Vavvalnethi style of construction.
LEGENDS
This is one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalam. Lord Shiva gave marriage kola darshan to Agasthiyar. This is the birthplace of Athipatha Nayanar.
HOW TO REACH :
Bus and Train available to Nagapattinam. The
temple is in the heart of the city.
Agora Veerabhadra
Sri Azhugini Siddhar Jeeva Samadhi Peedam
Kannappa Nayanar Story in the Rajagopuram entrance Rajagopuram bas-relief
200/83. SRI
NAVANEETHESWARAR TEMPLE. SIKKAL.
This is the 200th Devaram Paadal
Petra Shiva sthalam and 83rd 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 Navaneetheswarar, Sri Vennai Nathar,
Sri
Vennaichapiran.
Consort : Sri Sathyathaatchi, Sri Vel Nedunganni
Some of the important features of this temple
are……
The temple faces east with a 7-tier
Rajagopuram. Moolavar is a little small on square avudayar. In Koshtam Vinayagar,
Dakshinamurthy, Sani Bhagavan, Brahma, and Durgai.
In praharam Vinayagar, 63var, Saneeswarar, in sanctum
wall Vasittar, with his students worship Kamadhenu, Karthigai Vinayagar,
Viswanathar, Gajalakshmi, Arumugar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan, and Chandran.
A Separate sannadhi for Thiagarajar. Sani
Bhagavan is also in the koshtam along with the usual Murtis. Nattukottai Nagarathar’s thiruppani. In the front mandapam pillars, basreliefs of Sri Alagappa Chettiar
and his wife.
ARCHITECTURE
This is one of the Maada Koil and is big in size. The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. Singaravelar sannadhi is famous in this temple. Kolavamana Perumal is in a separate Temple.
HOW
TO REACH :
This place is on the bus route from Thiruvarur to Nagapattinam.
Dakshinamurthy without Sanagatha Munivars
Rajagopuram preparing for the kumbhabhishekam
Temple Mandapam entrance view
201/84.
SRI KEDILIAPPAR TEMPLE. KIZH VELUR - KEEZH VELUR / KILVELUR
Now this place is
called Keezh Velur. This is the 201st Devaram Paadal Petra
Shiva Sthalam and 84th 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 Kediliappar, Sri Akshayalingeswarar.
Consort : Sri Sundara Kujambal, Sri Vanamulai Nayagi
Some of the important features of this temple are………
In the Thiagarajar Sannadhi Vimanam
Dakshinamurthy is Veena Dhakshinamoorthy in a sitting posture. Moolavar is of swayambhu and baanam is small and avudayar is big. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Veena
Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Vishnu, and Natarajar.
Stucco Rishabam is very big under a mandapam. In outer
praharam Vinayagar, Agasthiyar, Aalungoveeswarar, Gajalakshmi,
Jambukeswarar, Kailasanathar, Bragatheeswarar Annamalaiyar, Ekambareeswarar,
Chozheeswarar, Kalahastheeswarar, Viswanathar, and Aalunkoveswarar (In the form
of balipeedam). Special poojas are conducted for 5-Vattatthu Amman. Ambal is in a separate temple.
ARCHITECTURE
This is one of the Maada Koil built by Ko Chenkat Chozhan with Rajagopuram and a Vasantha mandapam. The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. The temple was built with stone from adhistanam to stupi.
Kaali is made of stucco, hence only punuku and sambrani thailam is
applied.
LEGENDS
Shiva gave Pada darshan to Agathiyar in this temple. Shiva danced here
like Madurai (Kaal maari Aadiya idam) Under his feet Agathiyar, Pathanjali,
Viyakrapadar, Brahma (Playing thaalam) and Vishnu
(Playing Mathalam).
Adhiseshan, Markandeyar, and Muruga Peruman worshiped Lord Shiva of
this temple.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept open between
07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The landline number is: +91 4366 276 733
HOW TO REACH :
This place is on the bus route from Thiruvarur to Nagapattinam.
Sthala Vruksham - Jujubee/Ilanthai tree
202/85. SRI DEVA PUREESWARAR TEMPLE. THEVUR
This
is the 202nd Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 85th 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 Devapureeswarar, Sri Kathali vaneswarar,
Sri Devagurunathar.
Consort : Mathrapashini, Sri Thenmozhiammai
Some
of the important features of this temple are………
The temple faces east with a Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are on the ground level
after the Rajagopuram. Rishabam is on the left side of the Rajagopuram
entrance.
In
praharam 63var, Valampuri Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, and Ahalya worshiped Shiva of this temple.
In
the base Indra, Murugan, and Vinayagar. In the upper level Somaskandar, and Moolavar. Muyalakan is not under the feet of Dakshinamurthy. Ambal is in a separate temple in a standing posture.
ARCHITECTURE
It is one of the Maada koil built by Ko Chenkat Chozhan. The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam.
LEGENDS
Since Devas worshiped Shiva, the place is called as Thevur. Gouthamar, Viyazha Bhagavan, Indra, Kuberan, Suriyan, and Viradan with his daughter Uthirai worshiped Shiva at this Temple.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The landline and mobile numbers are 94862 78810 and 04366 276 113
HOW
TO REACH :
On
the way from Keevalur to Thiruthuraipoondi route.
The town bus from Thiruvarur to Valivalam passes through this place.
Agasthiyar worshiping Shiva in the Artha mandapam
Shiva and Ambal images on the southeast corner of the temple in open sky /space
Natarajar sabha mandapam
Temple entrance view after Rajagopuram
3 tier Rajagopuram
238/121. SRI MANATHUNAI NATHAR TEMPLE. VALIVALAM.
This
is the 238th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 121st 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 Idhayakamalanatheswarar, Sri Manthunai Nathar
Consort : Sri Valaiyanganni, Sri Angayarkanni.
Some
of the features of this temple are……
The
temple faces east with an entrance arch. Lord Shiva is on the “Chenkundrin” top. Rishabam and balipeedam are in front of the sanctum sanctorum.
In praharam Valampuri Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Lakshmi, Kasi Viswanathar, Navagrahas,
63var, and Pidari kovil.
ARCHITECTURE
This is one of the Maada Temples constructed by Ko Chenkat Chozhan. The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. A two-level Vesara Vimana is on the sanctum.
LEGENDS
The Thevara hymn starts with “Pidiyathan Uru Umai kol’’, belongs to this
temple. Karanama Munivar, Suryan, and Karikuruvi (Valiyan) worshiped Shiva
at this temple.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The landline number is 04366 205 636
HOW TO REACH :
Thiruvarur
to Thiruthuraipoondi bus route via Keevalur.
On the Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi road, we can reach through Pulivalam and
Maavur.
Moolavar and Thiagarajar sannadhi vimanam
Moolavar Vimanam
Temple entrance view after front entrance arch
235/118. SRI MANIKKAVANNAR TEMPLE / RATHNAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUNATTIYATHANKUDI.
This
is the 235th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 118th Sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri, in Chozha Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in
praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Manikkavannar, Sri Rathnapureeswarar,
Sri Kari Naleswarar,
Sri Nattiyathu Nambi.
Consort : Sri Mangalambigai
Some
of the important features of this temple are…….
The
temple faces east with a three-tier Rajagopuram. At the entrance of the
temple sannidhi for Kaikaattiya Vinayagar for Sundarar. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In koshtam
Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, and Brahma. Maratha/Nayak period paintings are on the back side of the Sanctum Sanctorum.
In praharam Vinayagar, Murugan, Viswanathar, Gajalakshmi, Navagrahas, and Kotpuli
Nayanar.
ARCHITECTURE The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, Antarala, and artha mandapam
LEGENDS
The dispute between the two brothers
for the diamonds is solved by Lord Shiva, hence called Rathnapureeswarar. Shiva
and Parvati as farmers gave darshan to Sundarar through Vinayagar, who
pointed his finger in the direction of Shiva.
This
is the birthplace of Kotpuli Nayanar.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The mobile and telephone numbers are
94438 06496 & 04367 237 707
HOW TO REACH :
On
the bus route from Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi get down at Mavur Koot road and
from there, the temple is on the way to Vadapathimangalam.
Lingothbavar - Annamalaiyar
Dakshinamurthy with Sanagatha Munivars
Old wall paintings/murals behind Moolavar Sannidhi
Kattikodutha Vinayagar for Sundarar sannadhi in front of main temple Rajagopuram
The 3-tier Rajagopuram
237/120.
SRI NADUTHARIAPPAR TEMPLE, KANTRAPPUR - KOILKANAPOOR.
Now
this place is called KoilKanapoor. This is the 237th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 120th Sthalam on the south side of
river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Shiva of
this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Vasthambapureeswarar, Sri
Naduthariappar,
Sri Nadutharinathar.
Consort : Sri Valli nayagi, Sri Madhumaiammai.
Some
of the important features of this temple are …..
The
Rajagopuram is of 3-tiers. Balipeedam and Rishabam are at an elevated level.
In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, and Durgai.
In
praharam Vinayagar, Pidari Amman, Subramaniyar, Chandran, Suryan,
Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, Naalvar (2 Appar and 2 Thirugnanasambandar –
Manickavasagar and Sundarar are not there), and Three Bhairavas.
In
the sanctum base
miniature sculptures of 63var. Nattukottai Chettiar’s thiruppani.
LEGEND
On Moolavar there is a scar on the square avudayar. (There was a story for the
scar – a difference of opinion between a Saiva lady and a Vaisnava husband in
worshiping Lord Shiva. Saiva's wife worshiped an AAPPU – ஆப்பு ( Wedge ), which is used to tie cattle treated as
Shiva Lingam.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The mobile and landline numbers are +91 94424 59978 and +91 4365 204 144
HOW
TO REACH :
On
the bus route Nagapattinam to Thiruthuraipoondi, Sattiyakudi, and from there Athamangalam
then to Koilkanapoor Koot road from there 1 KM.
On
the Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi bus route get down at Mavur Koot Road and
from there Maruthur and from there Koilkanapoor Koot Road and 1 KM
Rishabam and balipeedam are on an elevated peedam
Brahma in koshtam - see the posture - not straight - three bangha
Navagrahas with a separate Shani Bhagavan on the right side
Three Kaala Bairavas
The three-tier Rajagopuram
236/119. SRI KANNAYIRANATHAR TEMPLE. THIRUKKARAYIL - THIRUKKARAVASAL.
Now this place is called Thirukkaravasal. This
is the 236th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 119th 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 Kannayiranathar, Sri Kannayiramudayar
Consort : Sri Kailasa Nayagi
Some of the important features of this temple
are….
The temple faces east. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam, and Rishabam are after the entrance. In koshtam Dakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu,
Brahma, and Durgai.
In praharam Sundarar, Vinayagar, Many Shiva Lingas, Maha Vishnu, Arumugasamy, Sarasvathy, Gajalakshmi, and Bairavar. Maragatha
Lingam is in the Silver Pezhai.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam.
LEGENDS
In Thiagarajar sabha Peruman Aathividangan is a little elevated level. Aasanam is Veerasinga asanam. Nadanam is Kukkuda Nadanam.
Opposite Thiyagarajar saba Moolavar Sundarar sannadhi (But now the moortham
is kept in front of Thiagarajar). Urchavar Katchi thantha Nayanar
with Rishabam and Ambal.
Lord Shiva gave darshan to a Thasi, hence Shiva is called Katchi Kodutha Nayagar, and Gave eyesight to a lady, hence called Kannayiramudayar.
In Koshtam olai suvadi/Palm leaf in
Dakshinamurthy’s hand. Natarajar and Mariamman are in outer
prakaram. To cure eye-related diseases Oil ( Thailam ) and Aththi fruit are
given as a prasad in this temple.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
The mobile and landline numbers are 944 03391 and
04366 247 824
HOW
TO REACH :
On the bus route from Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi,
Thiruvarur to Thirunellikaval town bus passes
through this place.
Frequent buses are available from Thiruvarur and
Thiruthuraipoondi.
Rishabam Mandapam
Dwarapalakar in front of artha mandapam
Dakshinamurthy with Sanagatha Munivars
231/114. SRI JAGADEESWARAR TEMPLE. PEREYIL/OGAI PERAIYUR.
Now this place is called Ogai Peraiyur, Vengaramberaiyur. This is the 231st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 114th Sthalam
on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Appar has sung hymns in
praise of Shiva of this temple.
The tree-tier Rajagopuram
Moolavar :
Sri Jagadeeswarar
Consort : Sri Jagan Nayagi
Some of
the important features of this temple are.....
The
temple faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram. Palipedam and
Nandhi are in the open mukha mandapa. In Koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, and Durgai.
In praharam Karpaga Vinayagar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Aiyanar, Suryan, and Chandran. The temple tank with lotus is on the left side of the temple.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam, and a mukha mandapam.
HISTORY
Nattukottai Chettiar’s Thiruppani and Sculptures of Valliammai Achi of Muthupattinam, Karaikudi is in the front mandapam.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
The
telephone number is 04367 237 692
HOW TO REACH:
On the
bus route from Thiruvarur to Mannargudi, after Kamalapuram, Moolangudi from there we
can reach Perayil. From Maavur Road to the Vadapathimangalam route, also we can reach this temple.
Town
buses available from Thiruvarur Bus stand and the route nos are 353- from Thiruvarur to Vikrapandiyam/Kottur, and bus route no A32, from Thiruvarur to
Vadivaikkal.
Vinayagar sannadhi & Moolavar vimanam with outer mandapam - Nattukottai Nagarathar thiruppani
Temple entrance view
Temple tank in front of Rajagopuram
203/86. THIRUNETHRANATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUPALLI MUKKUDAL
Now this place is
called Thirupalli Mukkudal or Kuruvi Rameswaram. This is the 203rd Devara
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 86th Sthalam on the south side
of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of
this temple.
Moolavar : Sri Mukkona Nathar, Sri Nethra Nathar,
Sri Mukkoodal Nathar.
Consort : Sri Anjanatchi Amman, Sri Maimmevu kanni.
Some of the important
features of this temple are….
The temple faces east with an entrance arch. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy,
Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the
sanctum. There is no Rajagopuram and Dwajasthambam.
In praharam Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Gajalakshmi, Suryan & Chandran (In one
place), Nagar, Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, and Sri Valli. Ambal is in a separate
sannadhi, facing east.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. A two-tier Vimanam is over the sanctum.
LEGENDS
Lord Shiva brought Ganga, Kasi, and Rameswaram in a single theertham for
Jadayu. Stucco images of Ramar, Jadayu, Vinayagar, and Subramaniyar, in front of Sanctum Sanctorum.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The Mobile and
landline numbers are 98658 44677 and 04366 244 714
HOW TO REACH :
From Thiruvarur Kadai Veethi reach Kekkarai and from there 2 KM (The place is called Ramake
Road)
There are two mini
Buses (Thiruvarur to Pallivaramangalam and Pallivaramangalam to Peruntharakudi
via Bus stand) available from the Thiruvarur Bus stand.
Brahma in koshtam
Rishabam and balipeedam on an elevated place with Rishabam's head turned to the side to hear our prayers
Suryan and Chandran are nearer to each other.
Sri Subramaniar is on the right side of the Rajagopuram niche
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
