12, March 2013
On 9th and 10th March
2013, after a gap of one month, I had undertaken this Yatra. This
was a 1 and ½ day yatra. This time I stayed at Thiruvarur and went to the temples using public transport. Hence most of my time was
spent waiting for the bus. For the two temples at Thirukalar and
Kovilur, I had taken a bi-cycle for rent, after producing my ID card. This was a special yatra to me. The
reasons are...
9th March 2013, is a Sani Prathosam day.
10th March 2013, is the Maha Shiva Rathri.
9th March 2013, is a Sani Prathosam day.
10th March 2013, is the Maha Shiva Rathri.
Covering 8 temples in this yatra the total Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal has crossed to 271. (The remaining are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Indraneela Parvatham, and 2 temples in Sri Lanka).
The yatra was very pleasant and Lord
Shiva gave darshan in all the temples. I enjoyed participating in the Sani
Pradosam at Kovilur (preparation for the Pradosam), Kadikulam (Abhishekam and
Pooja for Nandhiam Peruman), and Idumbavanam (After Nadhi Devar’s abhishekam
and Pooja, the procession in the praharam and around Nandhiamperuman), of Lord Shiva Parvati). On Mahashivratri day worshiped Lord Shiva
at Vedaranyam, Agasthiyam Palli, and Kodikkarai.
09-03-2013, SATURDAY, DAY
– 1.
The details of the temples are narrated below as per the order I went to the temples. On the first day, I went to Thandalai Neelneri, Thirukalar (on the bus route Thiruthuraipoondi to Mannargudi, there is a place called Thiruppathur and from there, I took a bi-cycle for rent and traveled for about 4 KM, off main road ) and Muthupettai Kovilur ( To this temple also, I had taken a bi-cycle for rent for a distance of 3 KM. On return I had seen a lot of ladies and gents rushed to the temple to see the pradosam). Then by minibus from Muthupettai/Muthupet to Kadikulam (Karpaganatharkulam) and Idumbavanam (Since this temple is about 1 KM from Karpaganatharkulam on a short route, I walked to reach the temple. On seeing me walking, a cyclist offered me a lift, which I denied, and for the last half km, a motorcycle devotee came forward to drop me near the temple. I was fortunate to see the Lord’s procession, otherwise I would have missed it. Thanks to the devotee ).
227 /110. SRI NEENERI NATHAR TEMPLE, THANDALAI NEENERI - THANDALACHERI.
The details of the temples are narrated below as per the order I went to the temples. On the first day, I went to Thandalai Neelneri, Thirukalar (on the bus route Thiruthuraipoondi to Mannargudi, there is a place called Thiruppathur and from there, I took a bi-cycle for rent and traveled for about 4 KM, off main road ) and Muthupettai Kovilur ( To this temple also, I had taken a bi-cycle for rent for a distance of 3 KM. On return I had seen a lot of ladies and gents rushed to the temple to see the pradosam). Then by minibus from Muthupettai/Muthupet to Kadikulam (Karpaganatharkulam) and Idumbavanam (Since this temple is about 1 KM from Karpaganatharkulam on a short route, I walked to reach the temple. On seeing me walking, a cyclist offered me a lift, which I denied, and for the last half km, a motorcycle devotee came forward to drop me near the temple. I was fortunate to see the Lord’s procession, otherwise I would have missed it. Thanks to the devotee ).
227 /110. SRI NEENERI NATHAR TEMPLE, THANDALAI NEENERI - THANDALACHERI.
Now this place is called Thandalacheri. This is the 227th Devaram Paadal Petra
Shiva Sthalam and the 110th 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
Consort : Sri Ganambigai.
Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple faces east with an entrance arch. Sannadhi for Adhikara Rishabam at the entrance arch and the temple has no dwajasthambam. Balipeedam and Rishabam are on an elevated level. In Koshtam Dakshinamurthy and Durgai.
In praharam Vinayagar, Shiva Lingam, Subramaniyar, Navagrahas, Viyakrapadar & Patanjali worshiped Lingams, Suyan, Chandran, and Arivatta Nayanar.
Urchavars Natarajar, Naalvar, Arivatta Nayanar with his wife, Pathanjali, and Viyakrapadar are in the mandapam.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam. An ekathala vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. The adhi thalam is raised up to greevam, such that it looks like 1st Thalam.
In Navagrahas, the positions are interchanged and suryan is facing west towards Moolavar.
Kethu
|
Chandran
|
Chevvai
|
Sukran
|
Suryan
|
Budhan
|
Rahu
|
Guru
|
Sani
|
LEGENDS
Arivatta Nayanar's story is in the form of a bas-relief and a separate sannidhi.
Bas-relief of Lord Shiva in Rishaba Vahana gave darshan to Arivatta Nayanar
A Pudai sirpam of Arivatta Nayanar try to kill self.
Arivatta Nayanar sannadhi
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The Mobile number is 98658 44677
The Mobile number is 98658 44677
HOW TO REACH :
17 KM from Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi and 3 KM before Thiruthuraipoondi. The temple is on the main road.
Navagrahas are not positioned in their usual positions
Vinayagar sannidhi
Rishabam and balipeedam are on an elevated level
Bas-relief sirpam of Viyakrapadar worshiping Lord Shiva
Bas-relief of Patanjali Munivar worshiping Lord Shiva
Entrance arch
222/105. SRI PARIJATHA VANA NATHAR TEMPLE. / KALARMULAI NATHAR TEMPLE THIRUKKALAR.
Now
this place is called Thirukkalar. This is the 222nd Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 105th Sthalam on the south side
of river Kaveri. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of
this temple.
5 Tier Rajagopuram
Moolavar : Sri Parijathavaneswarar, Sri Kalarmulai Nathar
Consort : Sri Amutha Valli, Sri Ilam Kombanaiyal, Sri Azhakeswari.
Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. There is a 3 tier second-level Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipedam, and Nandhi are in between these two Rajagopuram.
Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. There is a 3 tier second-level Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipedam, and Nandhi are in between these two Rajagopuram.
In
prakaram Navagrahas, Chandran, Brahma and Vishwakarma worshiped Shiva Lingams,
Naalvar, Moshatruvareswarar, Somaskandar, Sthala Vinayagar, Natarajar, Valli
Devasena Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Natarajar, Perumal, Suryan, and
Ashtabhuja Durgai in the outer mandapam. Ambal is in a separate sannidhi, facing east.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam. Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum Sanctorum.
LEGENDS
Lord Shiva gave Brahma dhandava darshan to Durvasa in the mandapam. Parasara Munivar, Kala Bhairavar, and Durvasa worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
CONTACT DETAILS :
CONTACT DETAILS :
The
landline number is 04367 279 374
HOW TO REACH :
HOW TO REACH :
Town
minibus is available from Thiruthuraipoondi.
The
place Thirupathur is on the Thiruthuraipoondi to Mannargudi and from there 4 KM
off the main road.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
View of Rajagopuram with 2nd stage 3-tier Rajagopuram
Old painting on the mandapam top wall portion
Entrance of moolavar sannadhi
Gopuram with entrance for Ambal sannadhi (Usually kept locked)
Stucco images of Rajagopuram
224/ 107. Sri Mandhirapurieswarar Temple / Mandirapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvusathanam / Tiruvusaattaanam - Muthupettai Kovilur .
Now this place is called Vadakadu Kovilur or Muthupettai Kovilur.
Front view of Rajagopuram
Moolavar : Sri Manthira Pureeswarar
Consort : Sri Birukantha Nayagi, Sri
Periyanayagi.
Some of the important features
of this temple are…
The temple faces east with
a 5-tier Rajagopuram. The second-level Rajagopuram is of 3-tiers.
Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam, and Rishabam are before the second-level Rajagopuram. In
koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai. Moolavar
is on a square avudayar white in colour.
Ambal is in a separate temple.
In praharam Suryan, 63var, Ijvarakeswarar, Katchi Kodutha
nayagar with Ambal, Saptamatrikas, Saptha Kannis, Veerabhadra, Kaali,
Kasi Viswanathar, Suthavana Lingam, Somaskandar, Varunan, worshiped
Lingams, Ramar, Markandeyar, worshiped Lingams, Annapoorani, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Sarasvathy, Navkanniyar, Shani Bhagavan, Bairavar, and Chandran.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam. A 2 Thala Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Inscriptions
of Vikrama Chozha, Kulothunga Chozha-III, and Sundara Pandyan period are recorded from this temple.
Inscriptions around Sanctum Sanctorum
Inscriptions around Sanctum Sanctroum
LEGENDS
Lord Shiva gave dance darshan to Viswamithirar. Shiva preached Mantra to Sri Ramar for constructing the bridge to Sri Lanka.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
The landline and Mobile
numbers are 99420 39494 and 04369 262 014
HOW
TO REACH :
3 KM from Muthupettai after
crossing the National Highway.
Buses are available from Mannargudi, Thiruthuraipoondi, Vedaranyam, Pattukottai to Muthupettai.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
View of the temple inside from Rajagopuram
Inside view of the Rajagopuram
Dwajasthambam, balipeedam, and Rishabam
Side view of second-level Rajagopuram
View of mandapam with Moolavar vimanam
Ambal temple with main Rajagopuram - view from Main temple
Stucco images on the inner praharam wall
Natarajar sabha stucco images on the praharam wall
Moolavar vimanam
Old paintings
63var
63var
Entrance to Main sanctum
226/ 109. SRI KARPAGANATHAR TEMPLE, KADIKULAM - KARPAGANATHARKULAM.
Now this
place is called Karpaganatharkulam. This is the 226th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 109th Shiva
temple on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Rajagopuram view with Rishabam with balipeedam
Moolavar : Sri Karpaganathar, Sri Karpakeswarar.
Consort : Sri Soundara Nayaki, Sri Bala Soundari
Some
of the important features of this temple are….
The temple faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram. A pradosha Rishabam is in front of the Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In Sanctum Moolavar banam is of eight faces dhara lingam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.
In prakaram Sannadhi
for Naalvar, Sthala Vinayagar, Murugaperuman, Gajalakshmi, Saneeswarar,
Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Navagrahas, and Kalabhairava.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land Line number is 04369 240 632 HOW TO REACH :
Minibus available from Muthupettai.
Buses are also available from Voimedu
Idumbavanam is about 1.5 KM from Karpakanathar Kulam
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Sannadhi at the back of Moolavar
Moolavar vimanam with lemon tree
Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannadhi
Sani pradosam - pooja is in progress for Rishabam
View of the short cut link road between Idumbavanam and Kadikulam (A frightening route with Mayanam for walking after sun set)
225/108. SRI SARGUNA NATHAR TEMPLE, IDUMBAVANAM.
This
is the 225th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 108th Shiva
Stham on the south side of River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Moolavar and Thiagarajar sannadhi vimanam
Moolvar : Sri Sarguneswarar, Sri Sarguna Nathar,
Sri
Manakola Nathar, Sri Kalyanewarar,
Sri Idumbavanewarar.
Consort : Sri Mangalavalli, Sri Mangala Nayaki,
Sri
Kalyaneswari.
Some
of the important features of this temple are…..
The
temple faces east with a Three-tier Rajagopuram and a mandapam. The temple
tank is in front of the temple. Balipeedam Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are in front
of Rajagopuram on the road side. In koshtam
Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.
In
praharam Suryan, Agasthiyar, Idumban, Vinayagar, Saneeswarar,
Gajalakshmi, Murugan, Bhairavar, Naalvar, Chandran, Suryan, and Agasthiyar. Thiagarajar
in a separate Sannadhi facing east. Vinayagar is made of sea sponge (கடல் நுரை).
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and Artha mandapam. A 3-tala Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Tamil inscriptions of Marata Kings period are found on the wall.
LEGENDS
Lord
Shiva gave the Kalyana Kola darshan to Agasthiyar and idols of Lord Shiva and
Parvati are at the back of moolavar. Idumban worshiped Lord Shiva of this
temple.
This
sthalam is one of the pithur moorthy sthalam.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The landline Number is 04369 240 349
HOW TO REACH :
The
town bus from Thiruthuraipoondi to Thondiyakadu passes through this place.
Mini
bus available from Muthupettai.
Buses are also available from Vaimedu
Idumbavanam
is about 1.5 KM from Karpakanathar Kulam.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK
HERE
Swamy's procession
Front view
Swamy's procession
Entrance of the Main shrine
Dakshinamurthy with Sanakatha Munivars
Beautiful view after sunset
10-03-2013, SUNDAY, DAY-2.
On the second day, I was able to reach Vedaranyam only by 8.45 Hrs,
even though I, started at 5.00 hrs (early
morning), from Thiruvarur, due to non-availability of the bus
and slow running (at one point the driver took 2 ½ hours to cover a distance
of 35 km).
After Vedaranyam I,
had been to Agasthiyan Palli and Kodi Kuzhakar (Kodikkarai) Temples. Since the
frequency of the bus was limited, I was forced to wait for 2 hours.
242/ 125. SRI VEDARANYESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUMARAIKADU - VEDARANYAM
This
place is now called Vedaranyam. This is the 242nd Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 125th Sthalam on the south side
of River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Shiva
of this temple.
View of the front mandapam
Moolavar : Sri Maraikkateesar, Sri
Vedaranyeswarar,
Sri
Vedhavanesar, Sri Vedaranyeswarar.
Consort :
Sri Veenavadhavidhushini, Sri Yazhaipazhitha
Mozhiammai.
Some
of the important features of this temple are…
The
temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipedam, and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and
Durgai.
In
Praharam 63var, Veerahathi Vinayagar, Kumaran, Chera Chozha Pandiya
Lingams, Nasikethu, Suvedha Kethu idol, Katchi Kodutha Nayanar, Arumugar, Ijavarakeswarar, Sani Bhagavan, Saraswathi without Veena (idol is
little big in size), Annapoorani, Durgai, Chozheeswara lingam and Navagrahas (all are in a straight line). Ambal is in a separate Sannadhi facing south.
Natarajar
saba is Deva sabai. Vidangar is in a separate box under custody.
Very old paintings
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam, and a Mukha mandapam.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Maratha-period paintings of Lord Shiva’s various forms are on the sanctum walls.
LEGENDS
This
is the birthplace of Paranjothi Munivar and Thayumanavar. Agasthiyar,
Musukunthan, Gautama, Vishwamitra, Vasistar, Narathar, Brahma, and Manmathan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
Lord Shiva gave kalyana kola Dharshan to Agasthiyar and moola idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati are on the back of Moolavar with Santhana kappu (Sandal paste applied).
Agasthiyar sannadhi
HOW TO REACH
Buses are available from various parts of the state, Tamil Nadu, and the temple is about
200 meters from bus-stand.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Moolavar vimanam
Very old paintings
Very old paintings
Very old paintings
Very old paintings
Saraswati is without veena, a big size image
Sthala vruksham vanni tree with Nagars
Rishabam with Bell tower
Another view of the temple
5-tier Rajagopuram
243/ 126. SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE. AGASTHIYAN PALLI.
Now this place is called Agathiyar Koil or
Agasthiya Palli. This is the 243rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva
Sthalam and the 125th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in
Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of
this temple.
A beautiful view of the Rajagopuram through the side entrance arch
Consort : Sri Mangai Nayagi, Sri
Bagampiriyal.
Some of the important features of this temple are…
Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple faces east with 3-tier Rajagopuram
with an arch on the roadside. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar
is a little higher. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy
only.
In prakaram Agasthiyar, Siddhi Vinayagar, Valli DevaSena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Shanieswarar, Moovar, Iyannar, Suryan, Rudhra Ganapathy. There is a separate temple for Agasthiyar. Many Naagars under sthala Vruksham Vanni tree.
HOW TO REACH :
In prakaram Agasthiyar, Siddhi Vinayagar, Valli DevaSena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Shanieswarar, Moovar, Iyannar, Suryan, Rudhra Ganapathy. There is a separate temple for Agasthiyar. Many Naagars under sthala Vruksham Vanni tree.
HOW TO REACH :
3 KM from Vedaranyam to Kodikkarai. Buses are available from Vedaranyam.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Agasthiyar sannadhi
Moolavar vimanam
Moolavar vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannadhi
Valli Devasena Subramaniar
Rishabam mandapam.
Ambal sannadhi vimanam
View of the temple entrance
Ambal sannadhi
3-tier Rajagopuram.
244/127.
SRI KODI KUZHAGAR TEMPLE. THIRUKODI - KODIYAKARAI .
Now
this place is called Kodiyakarai, Kodi Kuzhagar Kovil.Shiva Temple
The 5 tier Rajagopuram
Moolavar : Sri Amuthakadeswarar, Sri Kodi Kuzhagar
Consort : Sri Anjanakshi, Sri Maithadanganni.
Some
of the important features of this temple are…
The
temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In koshtam Dakshinamoorthy,
Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.
In
Praharam Amirtha Vinayagar, Suryan, Chandran, Subramaniyar with one face with
six hands, and Ganapathy Lingam. Navagrahas are in a single row. Kuzha Munivars idol
is in the maha mandapam.
In the front mandapam sannadhi for Ambal and Kaadu Kizhal.
Arunagiri Nathar has sung “Thiruppugazh” in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple. Suvedha Munivar’s son Braman, Siddhars, Narathar, Indiran, Kuzhka Munivar, and latter Cheraman Peruman, Sundarar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
In the front mandapam sannadhi for Ambal and Kaadu Kizhal.
Arunagiri Nathar has sung “Thiruppugazh” in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple. Suvedha Munivar’s son Braman, Siddhars, Narathar, Indiran, Kuzhka Munivar, and latter Cheraman Peruman, Sundarar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The temple was built during Chozha's period and latter contributions from
Pandyas (embalm is on the Rajagopuram entrance) is, Vijayanagaras/Nayaks.
LEGENDS
Amutham spilled was turned to Shiva Lingam.
HOW TO REACH :
HOW TO REACH :
Ambal sannadhi vimanam
Moolavar vimanam
Arunagirinathar's Thiruppugazh Murugaperuman sannadhi
Temple complex another view
Main shrine entrance view
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---