11,
August 2013
During
my earlier visits to Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal, in and around
Kumbakonam Shiva asked me to come once again for the darshan at
Thiruvisanallur, Chakkarapalli and Neithanam ( Thillai sthanam ) near
Thiruvaiyaru. There was a three days continuous leave from Friday to
Sunday ie from 9th Aug to 11th Aug 2013.
Utilising this opportunity I had made this visit to Kumbakonam. This
time I did not stayed in a Lodge. Straightly went to my friend’s
brother Mr Ramanathan ‘s house ( Nattukottai Nagarathar ), which
is in front of Thiruvisanallur Shiva Temple. He is also taking care of
the Shiva Temple’s activities.
97
/ 43. SRI SIVAYOGINATHAR TEMPLE. THIRUVISANALLUR
Now
this place is called as Thiruvisanallur or Thiruvisanallur. This is the 97th Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 43rd Shiva Sthalam on the north
side of river Kaveri Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva
of this temple.
The 5 tier Rajagopuram - preparing for renovation
Moolavar : Sri Yoganandheeswarar, Sri Purathaneswarar,
Sri
Vivaranyeswarar
Consort : Sri Santhanayagi , Sri
Soundara Nayagi
Some
of the important details are …
The
temple is facing east with a 5 tier
Rajagopuram. Rishabam and balipeedam are after the Rajagopuram. There is a second
level Rajagopuram, The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam.
Chozha period Tamil inscriptions are found on the adhisthana and walls. A Sun
dial is on the south side compound wall.
Sadayu
worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. This is the birth place of Uyyavantha
Nayanar, who wrote the Thiruvunthiyar.
There
are 4 Bhairavars namely, Gnana Kala Bhairavar, Swarna akarshana Bhairavar,
Unmatha Bhairavar and Yoga Bhairavar are in north east corner along with Bala
Saneeswarar. ( Also this place is a parikara sthalam for Shaniswarar ). People worship Chathur ( four ) Kalabhairavas for Child boon, To
get rid of poverty, Navagraha dosha, to get back the lost property, to
get married, etc.
A
rare moortham of Sri Lakshmi Narayanan is in the outer prakaram. People worship
on Thiruvonam Nakshatra, Ekadasi tithi and Saturdays. Anusha Panchami
festival is celebrated on when Anusham Nakshatra joins with
Panchami tithi.
It
is believed that still Agasthiyar come to this sthalam during Shivaratri day
to worship Shiva after having bath in theerthams. This
sthalam is also a Guru and Rishaba Parihara sthalam.
HOW
TO REACH :
Mini
bus available from Kumbakonam bus stand to Veppathur, get down at
School stop from there temple is 1 KM. ( Karkadeswarar another Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam is just 2 KM from here. )
King and his wife worshiping Lord Shiva
Tamil inscriptions on the karuvarai wall - maximum damaged
Moolavar vimanam with Dhakshinamoorthy sannadhi
Sri Lakshmi Narayanan
Chandikeswarar
Chatur kala Bhairavas
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls
Ashta Lakshmi's old paintings on the Ambal sannathi mandapam walls
After Darshan at Thiruvisanallur Mr Ramanathan has arranged an
Auto for my temples visit. First we went to PAZHAYARAI. The
temple was kept open and the renovation was in progress with earth
movers. Had the Dharshan. The sannadhi is is of Mada temple type,. There
is a Rajagopuram in the second level and the main Rajagopuram is still a
mottai gopuram and renovation has to be started.
PAZHAYARAI - KEEZHIL THALI ( பழையாரை கீழ்தளி )
This post was updated with Thevara hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, legends, etc. For the details of the updated post, please click this link.
The 3 tier Rajagopuram after the main entrance
Moolavar : Sri Someshar
Consort : Sri Somakalambigai
Some
of the important features of this temple are :…
The
temple is facing east with a mottai gopuram. The second level Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. This is one of the
mad temples. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam
and a mukha mandapam. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma
and Durgai. The Adhisthana and the prastaram
has the kapotham. The Vimana is of two tiers.
Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi. The front mandapa is like a chariot pulled by the Horses. The Adhisthana has the story of Bhaktha Prahalada story in the form of reliefs.
Garudan
and Adhiseshan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Appar
made Shiva Lingam appeared after he prayed on fast, which was hidden by Jains (
samanars ). This is the birth place of Mangaiyarkarasiyar and Amarneedhi Nayanar.
HISTORY
This
place was once called as Arunmozhidevechuram. King Rajendran was brought up
under the care of Queen Kundavai in this place. Also this place was once
capital for the Chozha King Manimudi devar. He was the instrumental to appear the
Shiva Lingam to Appar. Chozhars had done renovations to this temple.
HOW
TO REACH :
This
temple is very near to Patteeswaram, about 3 KM.
Lot
of Town buses are available up to Patteeswaram from there Auto facility is
available.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK
HERE
Entrance to the main shrine is in chariot type
Moolavar vimanam
Arthanareeswarar in place of Lingothbavar- the Rishaba's direction is changed from the usual.
Main shrine a mada type koil
Vishnu''s Narasimha avatars a relief in front of Ambal sannadhi
Vishnu''s Narasimha avatar a relief in front of Ambal sannadhi
Mottai Gopuram
Then we tested our luck for the darshan of Sri Vimalanayagi
samedha Sri Dharmapureeswarar of Muzhaiyur, Pazhayarai Vada Thali. To our bad luck the temple was closed this time also and when we
contacted the Archakar ( Mobile number 9789610836 ) he said the temple will be
opened only after 17.00 Hrs. This temple is attached to Swamimalai Murugan
temple.
Then we proceeded to Patteeswaram. Had the darshan of Sri
Ganambigai Samedha Sri Patteechurar. This is my second visit to this temple.
Since the day happened to be a Friday lot of people thronged for the
Darshan of Durgai Amman. The Durgai Amman is in a separate temple and the
whole temple is called as Durgai Amman temple. The details of this temple
were already written in my earlier post. The Photos taken are uploaded in this
post.
PATTEESWARAM
West side 5 tier rajagopuram with temple tank
The 7 tier Rajagopuram with Rishaba mandapam, balipeedam and Dwajasthambam
A relief at the entrance of south side rajagopuram. The stone is not strong .
The south side Rajagopuram
SRI AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE, DARASURAM
Then we went to Darasuram, Airavatesvara Temple. I came earlier to this temple a few years ago, when the renovation was in progress. The temple is under the control of ASI and Protected by UNESCO. Recent thirupani was done by the present Prince of Marathi king Babaji Rajah Bhonsle.
The temple is maintained neat and clean with
landscape out side. Lot of foreign tourists visits this temple. ASI
allowed for the regular pooja to moolavar. Photography was allowed in
this temple. Lot of relief on the walls, ceilings and pillars are found.
In one pillar complete story of Lord Shiva’s marriage was chiseled on
all four sides of the pillar. The Shiva and Ambal moorthams are very beautiful.
Different sounds are observed when tapped on various parts of the moortham of
Ambal. It was a wonderful experience to see the details of the statues made in
a stone. We have to appreciate to crafts man who had chiseled on the stone.
After clicking the minute details and statues left for Swamimalai.
Arthanareeswarar - see the three heads like brahma an unusual sculpture..
Mandapam is like chariot type construction
Entrance
Annapoorani
Closer look, the face with sharp nose, a master piece - Annapoorani
See the details of hand, fingers and nails - observed different sound when tapped on atchaya pathiram, lotus flower and the head. - Annapoorani
See the details of the right hand holding the lotus flower - Annapoorani
See the saree foldings and the design of wearing - Annapoorani
See the beautiful smile on the face of Annapoorani
Lord Shiva and Parvathi's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar.
Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar.- Ambal's Dhabas and below, worshiping Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar. - Lord Shiva came in the Rishaba vahanam
Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar.- See the Navagrahas attending the marriage with their vahanas.
Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage relief on the 4 sides of the pillar- Lord Shiva gives darshan after the marriage.
Lord Shiva as Gajasamhara moorthy. - see the left leg's padam
Oorthava thandavam where Lord Shiva danced at Thiruvalangadu - a relief on the pillar.
Dancer - a relief on the pillar
one of the Relief on the base - dancing to drums - who damaged this sculpture?
Relief also available in the ceiling also
Adhikara nandhi an amalgamation of Shiva on the left and Vishnu on the right. Adhikara nandhi holding a sword
Lord Shiva in sitting posture holding Shield (Kedayam ) and sword in a pair of hands and bow & arrow in a pair of hands.
Dakshinamoorthy
Closer look of Dhakshinamoorthy see the jadamudi curling and the ear ring on left ear.
Right hands with Chin mudra and rudraksham in the other hand
Lingothbavar - Vishnu and Brahma on both sides
Temple complex view.
Vishnu Durgai - in koshtam
See the smiling face with abhaya hastham
Temple complex view
Temple complex view
Moolavar Vimanam
Temple complex view
The king Raja kambeera Mamannan Raja Raja II ( 1146 AD ) in the gallery
Sandal wood paste making stones - in the gallery
Sri Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniar - in the gallery
Arthanareeswarar and old painting - on the gallery wall
Old painting - may be Thiagarajar - on the gallery wall
An old painting - on the gallery wall
Bairavar in koshtam - finished like metal
Rishaba mandapam
Tamil old inscriptions
Entrance view of the Darasuram temple with Rishaba mandapam
SWAMIMALAI
SRI MURUGAN TEMPLE:
It
was 13.30 Hrs when we left for Swamimalai and went to My friend Mr Raju’s home
at Melaveethi. After lunch had a small nap. Evening around 18 Hrs Self
and Mr Raju went to Swamimalai Murugan temple. This temple is one of the
6 abodes of Lord Subramaniar/ Murugan. The temple was constructed in
three levels. In the ground level Vallabha Ganapati is at the east side
entrance. The moolavar is facing east and main entrance with Rajagopuram is on
the north side. There is a Shiva and Ambal sannathi at the ground level.
To reach the first level we have to climb 30 steps and again 30 steps to third
level. These 60 steps signifies the Tamil years of 60. Every year special
pooja will be conducted for these steps. The dwajasthambam is covered with
gold plate donated by a devotee and was glittering through light and
protected in a glass enclosure.
Moolavar
is little large in standing posture with right hand in abhaya hastham. I was
fortunate to witness the aarathi taken to moolavar and had the peaceful
darshan. After darshan visited a Shiva temple at the east side of
the main temple.
North side Rajagopuram looking from second first level
Top Moolavar vimanam
Model of Swamimalai temple
North side Rajagopuram
North side entrance arch
While we are returning to home after dharshan Mr Raju took me to a
vigraham mould shop and the crafts man explained how the vigraham
are made. Also Mr Raju took me to Poompuhar after crossing the Kaveri river bridge to see the statues and vigrahams on display. Since
the day was a holiday ( Ramzan ) the show room was closed. But we could
see a large size Natarajar and Ambal statue in front of show room. It was very
cute. It was amazing to see the details on the metal.
Lord Shiva as Natarajar and Ambal
See the clear face
The details of nails
the details of snake and drum ( உடுக்கை )
Ambal statue - the folding of stomach
After
breakfast on 10th Aug 2013, Mr Raju accompanied with me to the Bus stand to
THIRUVALANJULI, which is about a KM from his house after crossing the rivers
Arasalaru and Kaveri river. On the way we had seen a mandapam on the road side
and outer wall was in collapsed condition and the debris were dumped on the
opposite side of the road. The mandapam looks very old and might have been used
for the Swamy’s procession halting place once and latter abandoned.
dilapidated condition of the mandapam on the way to Thiruvalanjuli from Swamimalai
Thiruvalanchuzhi is also a Paadal Petra Shiva
Sthalam, I had visited during my earlier yathra and the details with
photographs are up loaded in the earlier post. I am uploading the photos taken
in this trip also in this post.
Since today’s plan was to visit Chakkarapalli and Neithanam ( both second time
), peeped inside the THIRUVALAMCHUZHI temple and Prayed Valamchuzhi Vinayagar
to remove the obstacles for the darshan at above places.
THIRUVALANJULI
See the beauty of the jolly work in front of Vellai Pillayar - The crafts man would have spent his precious time with patience to chisel this work.
The kodungai - similar to Avudayar Koil
Beautifully carved pillars
Entrance to the main shrine
Also we had the Darshan of Bairavar temple in the outer prakaram. The temple must be very old and lot of Tamil inscriptions epigraphy was found around the karuvarai wall. It was sad to see the front portion was removed. (might have been fallen down due to age .)
old Tamil inscription on the Bairavar Sannadhi Sanctum Wall
old Tamil inscription on the Bairavar Sannathi Sanctum wall
Bairavar Sannadhi
134/
17. SRI CHAKARAVAGESWARAR TEMPLE,
CHAKKARAPALLI.
CHAKKARAPALLI.
This
is the 134th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and
17th Shiva Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri.
Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This
temple is under the control of Swamimalai.
Main shrine entrance
Moolavar : Sri Chakravageswarar.
Consort : Sri Devanayagi
The
important features of this temple are ….
The
temple is facing east with an entrance arch In the arch stucco image of Shiva and Parvati are in Rishaba vahana. Rishabam and Balipeedam are in front and Dwajasthambam was removed ( may be damaged ). In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. The Sanctum sanctorum is about 3 feet of the temple is below the out side ground level.
In
the inner prakaram Naalvar, Chandran, Suryan, Bhairavar and a Bana lingam are
in Mandapam. In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Ganapathy, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Chandikeswarar. Ambal is in a separate temple facing
south.
HISTORY:
Old
Tamil inscriptions are found on the karuvarai wall and are not readable.
( It belongs to Kulothunga Chozhan ‘s 12th year and the same
was about the eligibility and period of the member of the village Saba – 40
years of age and period is 10 years )
Thirumal
worshiped Lord Shiva and got the Charayutham. Also
Chakkavala bird worshiped Lord Shiva.
Old Tamil inscriptions - see the condition - nothing is readable
HOW
TO REACH :
The
Ayyampettai is on the way from Kumbakonam to Tanjore bus route.
The
temple is at Chakkarapalli is about 1 KM from Ayyampettai bus stop.
IMPORTANT NOTE.
As
per gurukkal the renovation will be started for Kumbhabhishekam
soon.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
Ganesan
Gurukkal may be contacted for the details of donation / contribution –
mobile number 9791482102 and 8056853485.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK
HERE
Entrance arch
Dwajasthambam is missing with balipeedam and Rishaba mandapam.
Ambal sannadhi
Moolavar Vimanam
The king worshiping Lord Shiva
The temple base is about 3 feet below the ground level. Over all ground level has raised.
Mr
Ganesha Gurukkal dropped me at mini bus stand to catch the bus
KANDIYUR. My next proposed visit was to NEITHANAM. This place is
presently called as Thillaisthanam. Boarded a mini bus to Kandiyur and
Thillai sthanam is about 3 KM fro Thiruvaiyaru. The bus traveled through
Thiru pullamangai , a Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam , ( since I had visited
earlier through AUTO, skipped this time ) and
Veerasingam Pettai. ( Covered both places in my earlier post ). This
time I was lucky enough to enter in to the temple before the
Archakar close the doors. This time I had a peaceful darshan and went around
the inner prakaram. ( This was closed during my earlier visit ).
106/52 – SRI NEIYYADIAPPAR TEMPLE. THILLAISTHANAM - THIRUNEITHANAM.
Now
the place is called as Thillaisthanam
Moolavar Vimanam - built with stone
Moolavar : Sri Neiyadiappar, Sri Kiruthapureeswarar
Consort : Sri Balambigai.
Some
of the important features of this temple are :
The
temple is facing east with 5 tier Rajagopuram. In
koshtam Dakshinamoorthy and Lingothbavar, There are two Dakshinamoorthy. One
moortham is standing another is in sitting posture, one behind the another
in the same niche. The adhistana is a simple pathabhandha adhisthana. The
prastharam is of kapotha. The eka thala vimana is of stone up to greevam and the sigaram is of stucco.
In
the inner prakaram Kannivinayakar, Sri valli devasena Subramaniar,
Saneeswarar, Nagakannis, Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, Chandikeswarar and
Durgai. Navagrahas are in the mandapam.
Kamadhenu
and Saraswati worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. There
is no sannadhi in the outer prakaram. Ambal sannathi is facing south with
sanku ( Conch ) and chakkaram.
This
is one of the saptha sthana sthalam, linked to Thiruvaiyaru.
Thiruvaiyaru Sri Ayyanarappan will pass through this temple before
conducting the marriage to Sri Nandhiam Peruman at Thirumazhapadi.
Tamil
inscriptions are found around the Sanctum, that too in the window also.
Lots of Tamil old inscriptions on the windows too.
Tamil inscription on the base of the karuvarai
LEGEND:
Since
the Milk milked by Kamathenu turned in to gee, hence moolavar
is called as Neiyadiappar.
HOW
TO REACH :
Town
buses are available from Kandiyur. The route number are 23, 13 and 5.
CONTACT
DETAILS :
The
Gurukkal Sankar can be contacted on the Land Line 04362 – 260553
THE
TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The
temple timings are 10.30 Hrs to 11.30 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 19.00 Hrs.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK
HERE
Dhakshinamoorthy - one moortham is standing and the other is in sitting posture
Entrance to the main shrine
5 tier Rajagopuram
River cauvery view from padithurai at Thillai sthanam
After darshan reached Thanjavur to catch the bus to Chennai. SETC
people advised me to go to Kumbakonam to get a bus to Chennai. When I reached
the other bus stand, There was an empty bus to Chennai. Only two people purchased
ticket to Chennai. At Kumbakonam, the conductor transferred us to the other bus
which starts earlier. At 21.30 Hours reached Perungalathur bus stop and
from there reached home around 22.30 Hrs safely.
---- OM
SIVAYA NAMA:----
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