29,
April 2013
It
was a little uneasy for me when Sunday approached. 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. On this visit, I want to test myself 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 the first POONAMALLEE Sri Vaitheeswaran
Temple. There was no crowd at 07.00 Hrs and the Archakars were
preparing for the abhishekam. Had the darshan 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
darshan. My next visit was to Elumiyankottur. On the way, I
had been to the 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 saw some of the students 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
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 open. Along with
a local devotee went around the Praharam.
When
I reached Chennai around 13.45 Hrs, I was completely exhausted,
since I had skipped my breakfast and my temperature was too high. The total
distance I traveled was 133 Km and my bike didn’t give me any
trouble. Lord Shiva was with me throughout my travel and Thanks, Lord.
I
am splitting this post into Two, one is for the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams in THONDAI NADU, and the other is for
the rest of the temples.
PAADAL
PETRA SHIVA STHALAMS – THONDAI NADU
14.
SRI THIRIPURANTHAKESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVIRKOLAM / KOOVAM.
Now
this place is called 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 of Shiva Temple and the other in front of Ambal (
Simha Vahana in front of Ambal instead of Nandhi ) Temple. Natarajar Saba is in
a separate sannidhi and the dance is called Rasha Nadanam.
In
the prakaram Brihadeeswarar, Achirutha Vinayagar, Shanmuganathar, Balasubramaniar,
Chokkanathar with Meenakshi, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar with out dog
and Navagrahas.
In the old days the Moolavar color used to change depending on natural calamities
like floods, war, etc.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
For
more details, Mr Balasubramanian of Nalvar Iraipani Mandram may be contacted on
his mobile at 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 Highway - The state highway between
Poonamallee & Thakkolam - forest on both sides.
Another stretch of highway with banyan trees on both sides looks
cool to pass through
13.
SRI DEIVANATHESWARAR TEMPLE / SRI ARAMBESWARAR SWAMY TEMPLE. ILAMBAIYANKOTTUR.
Now
this place is called 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 faces east and there is no Rajagopuram, only an entrance from the 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 is covered completely with Nagabaranam. Through the Vibhuti hole, the red color 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 at 9600043000 and 9444865714.
HOW
TO REACH :
From Koovam Elumiyankottur is 5 KM via Narasingapuram. The route is a little tough and
there is no proper road.
Auto
is available from Perambakkam.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK
HERE
Front mandapam
Rishabam with balipeedam
Uninstalled damaged statutes
12.
SRI JANANTHEESWARAR / JALANATHEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUVOORAL
Now
this place is called 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 faces 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 sannidhi 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 are worth seeing.
LEGENDS:
The place is called Thakkolam, because, Thakkan cried ( oolam -ஓலம் )
by sensing the end of his life.
HOW
TO REACH :
Direct
bus is available from the 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 hasta and left hand on his thigh.
Vinayagar one hand was damaged - with Siddhi 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 Rishabam - granite stone window to see moolavar
Front entrance of the 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 faces 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 the north side and there is a Shiva Lingam at the
entrance near the 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 the main road before the bus stand.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
View of the temple complex from the north side of 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 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 faces east. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are
on the east side entrance of the main shrine but the entry to the sanctum is from the south
side. In
koshtam Rudhra Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy ( Mahavishnu in place of
Lingothbavar), Brahma, and Vishnu Durgai.
There is a Dakshinamurthy murti 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 a 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 Singeeswarar - refer to my latest post on the Tripurantaka lecture
by Chitra Madhavan ....CLICK
HERE
CONTACT
DETAILS :
Sivachariyar Sridhar Gurukkal may be contacted on
his mobile at 9444943644 and 94443225093.
HOW TO
REACH :
The Mappedu is on the bus route from Poonamallee to
Thakkolam.
LOCATION OF
THE TEMPLE: CLICK
HERE
East side view of the 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. A lot of cows are
in front of Rajagopuram. Moolavar is Narasimhar (one of the avatars 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 a standing posture. There is
also a separate temple/ sannidhi for Aandal. In praharam Moortham of Ashta
Lakshmis constructed separately.
HOW TO REACH :
2
KM before Perambakkam on Poonamallee to Thakkolam / Arakkonam bus route.
Midway 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 Perumbakkam and later corrupted to the present name of
Perambakkam.
Moolavar :
Sri Soleeswarar
The
temple faces east with an entrance arch on the south side. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam 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 eka tala 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 the 12th Century, Kulothunga Chozha –I period, and the Lord Shiva was called Kulothunga Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar and is now called 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 the east side
Moolavar Vimanam
Dakshinamurthy
Brahma in Koshtam
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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