29,
April 2013
It
was little uneasy to me when the Sunday approaches. Also
I had planned to carry out some domestic work on Sunday. Since my wife agreed
to follow up with the contractor, planned to visit some of the Shiva
Temples. In this visit I want to test my self and my bullet bike,
(which I transferred to my son.) Prepared the list of
temples from Poonamallee to Thakkolam. Even
though I had been to these temples already, thought of making it
once again.
Filled
petrol for 4oo rupees and checked the air in the Tyre after Porur, reached
first to POONAMALLEE Sri Vaitheeswaran
Temple. There was no crowd at 07.00 Hrs and the archakars were
preparing for the abhishekam. Had the dharshan and proceeded to MAPPEDU. In
this temple also Archakar was called from his house and opened the main shrine.
From there I went to KOOVAM and had a peaceful
dharshan. My next visit was Elumiyankottur. On the way I
had been to NARASINGAPURAM Perumal
temple. Luckily the archakar’s residence is in the temple
premises at ELUMIYANKOTTUR and he opened the
temple (disturbed him from his morning sleep after breakfast around
11.00 Hrs ). During my last visit I had seen some of the students were
practicing the vedas. But this time nobody was there in the temple
premises. The road between Koovam and Elumiyankottur was
really tough also there was no traffic on this village route. On the
way to Thakkolam purchased vegetables from the roadside vendor. ( Purchased
brinjal, Ladies finger each Rs 10 for ½ Kg. and drum stick 6 nos at a cost of
Rs 10/- ). It was around 11.30 Hrs when I reached THAKKOLAM and
the temperature was too hot. After darshan returned to Chennai through PERAMBAKKAM. The
temple at Perambakkam was closed and the side gate was found opened. Along with
a local devotee went round the prakaram.
When
I reached Chennai around 13.45 Hrs, I was completely exhausted,
since I had skipped my breakfast and temperature was too high. The total
distance I traveled was 133 Km and my bike didn’t gave any
trouble. Lord Shiva was with me throughout my travel and Thanks
Lord.
I
am splitting this post in to Two, one is for the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams in THONDAI NADU and other for
the rest of the temples.
PAADAL
PETRA SHIVA STHALAMS – THONDAI NADU
14.
SRI THIRIPURANTHAKESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVIRKOLAM / KOOVAM.
Now
this place is called as Koovam. This is the 14th Devaram Paadal Petra
Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of
Lord Shiva of this temple.
Gajabirushta Vimanam
Moolavar :
Sri Thiripuranthaswamy, Sri Thiruvirkolanathar
Consort :
Sri Thiripura Sundarai, Sri Thiripuranthagi
Some
of the important features of this temple are…
The
5 tier Rajagopuram is on the south side, constructed during recent years. The
temple is facing east with sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar is of
sand under rudraksha mandapam and theenda thirumeni. Abhishekam is done only
for avudayar. Moolavar vimanam is of Gajabirustam type. In koshtam
Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Sannadhi
for Ganapathy and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar at the entrance of
Rajagopuram.
The
Ambal is in a separate temple at the entrance of Rajagopuram. There are
two Dwajasthambam, one is in front Shiva Temple and other in front of Ambal (
Simha vahanam in front of Ambal instead of Nandhi ) Temple. Natarajar Saba is in
a separate sannadhi and the dance is called as rasha Nadanam.
In
the prakaram Brihadeeswarar, Achirutha Vinayagar, Shanmuganathar, Balasubramaniar,
Chokkanathar with Meenakshi, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar with out dog
and Navagrahas.
In
old days the moolavar colour used to change depending on the natural calamities
like flood, war etc.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
For
more details Mr Balasubramanian of Nalvar Iraipani Mandram may be contacted on
his mobile 9444808886.
HOW
TO REACH :
Bus
frequency is unpredictable. Hence, get down at Koovam junction on the way to
Poonamallee to Thakkolam / Arakkonam route from there 1 KM.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK
HERE
5 Tier Rajagopuram
Ambal Sannadhi
Raja Gopuram with Ambal Sannadhi Entrance
Urchava Moorthangal
Urchava Moortham - Chandrasekar
It is not the National High way - The state highway between
Poonamallee & Thakkolam - forest on both sides.
Another stretch of highway with banyan trees on both side looks
cool to pass through
13.
SRI DEIVANATHESWARAR TEMPLE / SRI ARAMBESWARAR SWAMY TEMPLE. ILAMBAIYANKOTTUR.
Now
this place is called as elemian Kottoor or Elumiyankottur. This is the 13th
Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung
hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Dwajasthambam with front mandapam
Moolavar : Sri
Arambeswarar Swamy, Sri Deivanayakeswarar,
Sri
Chandrasekarar
Consort :
Sri Kanaga Kujambigai, Sri Kodenthu Mulaiammai.
Some
of the important features of this temple are….
The
temple is facing east and there is no Rajagopuram, only entrance from west.
The
Dwajasthambam is standing separately without kavasam. Nandhi and Balipeedam are
at the ground level under a small mandapam. Moolavar is Theenda Thirumeni and
covered completely with Nagabaranam. Through vibhuti hole the red colour of
the moolavar is visible. In koshtam Nirutha Ganapathy, Yoga Dakshinamurthy (
Right hand on the left chest – a rare moortham ), Maha Vishnu ( in place of
Lingothbavar ) Brahma and Durgai.
There
are two Ambal sannidhi one is in the inner prakaram and other is outer
prakaram. In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Ambal ( Kanaga Kujambigai ),
Suryan and Chandran. In the Outer
prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar and Subramaniyar.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
Gurukkal
may be contacted on his mobile 9600043000 and 9444865714.
HOW
TO REACH :
From Koovam Elumiyankottur is 5 KM via Narasingapuram. Route is little tough and
there is no proper road.
Auto
is available from Perambakkam.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK
HERE
Front mandapam
Rishabam with balipeedam
Un installed damaged statutes
12.
SRI JANANTHEESWARAR / JALANATHEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUVOORAL
Now
this place is called as Thakkolam. This is the 12th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva
sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord
Shiva of this temple.
Three tier Rajagopuram of west side
Moolavar :Sri
Jalanatheeswarar
Consort :Sri ThirirajaKannigambal.
Some
of the important features of this temple are …..
The
Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers on the west side and the temple is facing east. The
sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, antarala, artha mandapam and maha mandapam.
Moolavar is of sand ( prithvi ) Theenda Thirumeni.
In
koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu ( in place of
Lingothbavar ), Brahma and Durgai ( In standing like Kannan playing flute ).
Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu and Brahma are in sitting posture very rare to see.
In
the inner prakaram sannadhi for Saptamatrikas, Nalvar, Valli Devasena Sri
Subramaniar, Ganapathy, Ganapathy with 10 hands ( One hand found broken), Bhairavar,
Mahavishnu, Suryan and Chandran.
The
main entrance to maha mandapam is from south side and Sannadhi are for
Natarajar Saba, Navagrahas, Dharma Sastha and Subramaniyar.
Stucco images of Lord Shiva kicking Yaman for Markandeyar is worth to see.
LEGENDS:
The place is called as Thakkolam, because, Thakkan cried ( oolam -ஓலம் )
by sensing the end of his life.
HOW
TO REACH :
Direct
bus is available from Poonamallee bus stand.
Arakkonam
bus from Chennai passes through Thakkolam.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK
HERE
Maha Vishnu in sitting posture - in place of Lingothbavar - Right hand abhaya hastham and left hand on his thigh.
Vinayagar one hand was damaged - with sidhi on his left side
Brahma also in sitting posture beautiful to look
Vishnu Durgai - watch the standing posture - like kannan playing flute
Un-installed damaged statues
Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Nandhi - granite stone window to see moolavar
Front entrance of Main shrine
Entrance of Ambal sannidhi
SHIVA & VISHNU TEMPLES BETWEEN POONAMALLEE
& THAKKOLAM
SRI VAITHEESWARAN TEMPLE - POONAMALLEE
Moolavar : Sri Vaidheeswarar
Consort : Sri
Thaiyal Nayagi
Some
of the important Features of this temple are…
The
temple is facing east and Sun worships Lord Shiva during Tamil Masi Month (
dates 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25.). The temple tank is in front. The
Rajagopuram is on north side and there is a Shiva Lingam at the
entrance near compound wall. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are at the
entrance of Maha mandapam. In koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy,
Mahavishnu in place of Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In
the inner Navagrahas, Urchavars, Veeran, Ganapathy, Kasi Viswanathar,
Visalakshi, Kumbeswarar, Kailasanathar, Annapoorani, Mahalingeswarar, Adhisankarar installed Srichakram, Shiva Chakkaram and Shanmuga Chakkaram,
Subramaniyar, Mahalakshmi. Natarajar Saba, Bhairavar, Naalvar, Chandran
and Suriyan.
Ambal
is in a separate sannadhi. In the outer prakaram has only Ko-sala.
CONTACT DETAILS :
The
Contact Phone number is 044 26491444.
HOW TO REACH :
The temple
is .5 Km off from main road before bus stand.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
View of temple complex from the north side Rajagopuram
Dwajasthambam with maha mandapam
East side 3 tier mini Rajagopuram
Bas-reliefs on the entrance wall of Rajagopuram
North side Rajagopuram
SRI
PUSHPAKUJAMBIGAI SAMEDHA SRI SINGEESWARAR TEMPLE – MAPPEDU
The Place Mappedu was originally called as
Meipedu.
Moolavar :
Sri Singeeswarar
Consort :
Sri Pushpakujambigai
Some of the important features of this temple are…
The 5 tier Rajagopuram is on the south side and
the temple is facing east. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are
on the east side entrance of main shrine but the entry to the sanctum is from south
side. In
koshtam Rudhra Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy ( Mahavishnu in place of
Lingothbavar), Brahma and Vishnu Durgai.
There is a Dakshinamurthy moortham on the left
side of the Rajagopuram entrance. In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Aasthana
Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Adhikesava Perumal, Veerapaleeswarar, Bhairavar,
Veena Anjaneyar ( A veena is on the hands ) and Suryan. Natarajar Saba is in Maha mandapam.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. On moolavar vimanam, stucco image of Shiva’s Narthanam, Gajasamkara moorthy, Veena Dakshinamurthy, Pichadanar, Naalvar, Kannappar, Egapadamurthy, on the east side Shiva and Parvati on the Rishaba Vahanam are worth to see.
HISTORY
It
was believed that the temple was constructed during Chozha King Aditya
Karikalan (AD 967).
LEGENDS
Why
Shiva is called as Singeeswarar - refer my latest post on Tripurantaka lecture
by Chitra Madhavan ....CLICK
HERE
CONTACT
DETAILS :
Sivachariyar Sridhar Gurukkal may be contacted on
his mobile 9444943644 and 94443225093.
HOW TO
REACH :
The Mappedu is on the bus route Poonamallee to
Thakkolam.
LOCATION OF
THE TEMPLE : CLICK
HERE
East side view of temple complex
Dwajasthambam with balipeedam and Rishabam
Entrance to the main shrine
5 tier Rajagopuram
Moolavar Vimanam
Stucco images on the moolavar vimanam
Bas reliefs at the entrance of Rajagopuram - The lengthy one with Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma with their vahanas.
SRI MARAGATHAVALLI SAMETHA SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE - NARASINGAPURAM
The
Village is named after the Lord of this temple.
Moolavar :
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
Consort : Sri Maragatha valli.
Some
of the important features of this temple are….
The
Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers and the temple is facing east. Lot of cows are
in front of Rajagopuram. Moolavar is Narasimhar (one of the avatar of Lord
Vishnu ) in sitting posture and Sri Lakshmi on his left thigh. In the
maha mandapam Alwar’s thirumenikal. At the entrance of Rajagopuram Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudalwar.
Thayar
is in a separate temple/ sannadhi facing east in standing posture. There is
also a separate temple/ sannidhi for Aandal. In prakaram Moortham of Ashta
Lakshmis constructed separately.
HOW TO REACH :
2
KM before Perambakkam on Poonamallee to Thakkolam / Arakkonam bus route.
Mid
way between Koovam to Elumiyankottur and 2 KM from Koovam after colony.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Moolavar Vimanam
Main entrance
5 tier Rajagopuram
SRI KAMAKSHI SAMEDHA SRI SOLEESWARAR TEMPLE -
PERAMBAKKAM
This
place was called as perumbakkam and latter corrupted to the present name of
Perambakkam.
Moolavar :
Sri Soleeswarar
The
temple is facing east with an entrance arch on the south side. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are on the east
side. In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
Ambal
sannidhi is in maha mandapam. In outer prakaram, sannadhi for Sakthi Vinayagar,
Kasi Viswanathar, Sri Subramaniar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan, Chandran,
Iyappan and Pradhosha Lingam.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. An ekathala vesara vimana is on the sanctum.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
There are about 14 inscriptions in this temple. As per the inscriptions the
temple was built during 12th Century, Kulothunga Chozha –I period
and the Lord Shiva was called as Kulothunga Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar and
now called as Soleeswarar. The temple
also had the contributions from Vijayanagar Dynasty.
HOW TO REACH :
Perambakkam
is about 33 KM from Chennai on Poonamallee to Arakkonam route and 5 KM before
Thakkolam. ( The Place is not on the main road )
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK
HERE
South side entrance
Dwajasthambam with balipeedam and Rishabam - No entrance from east side
Moolavar Vimanam
Dakshinamurthy
Brahma in Koshtam
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
