Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Sri Dhatreeswarar Temple at Sitharkadu, Sri Shiva Nandeeswarar Temple, Thirukallil / Thirukandalam, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

 23, September 2013
This week end  on 23-09-2013, I had been to Sitharkadu Shiva temple. After knowing the  temple is a swathi star temple ( my son’s birth star is swathi ), thought of visiting the temple. As usual started early in the morning  reached Pattabiram by train and reached the temple through share auto  and walking to a distance of about a KM from the national hi-ways bridge. Since Sitharkadu is a small village, purchased pooja materials from  Pattabiram. When I reached the temple,  the temple was not opened, The temple is under renovation  and Swamy is kept in a separate mandapam.  Swamy Looks cute and small. Sivachariyar came around 8.45 Hrs ( His house is opposite to the temple ). In the mean time spending the time by looking the reliefs carved on the pillars at the entrance and in the mandapam. Reliefs  also chiseled on the beams of the mandapam,  is an unique  of  this temple.    Since the day happened to be Sunday, the main shrine was kept closed  due to holiday to the workers, who are doing the renovation  jobs.

SRI DHATHREESWARAR TEMPLE, SITHARKADU

5 tier Rajagopuram after renovation

Moolavar    : Sri Dhathreeswarar
Consort      : Sri Prasuna Kundhalambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are ….
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. At the entrance to the main temple Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishaba mandapam. The entrance arch  for the sanctum sanctorum with stucco images are under construction, Somaskandar is at centre. In the outer prakaram Nagars and a small Amman sannadhi. The Moolavar and Ambal are kept in a mandapam facing west.

ARCHITECTURE
There is a stone pillared mandapam on the right side of the entrance where we could find lot of relief and some siddhars too on the pillars. The mandapam beams are also chiseled with relief looks beautiful. The temple is under renovation. 

HISTORY
Sitharkadu Shiva Temple is believed to be constructed by Pandya king Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan-I (King  of  Pandyan Dynasty) dating back to 9th Century on the banks of sacred river Cooum. The main temple entrance was constructed with bricks must be belongs to Chozha Period.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The temple is kept open between 08.00 Hrs 10.30 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Sivachariyars Viswanathan 9444562335 and Kumaran 9444793942 and T P Ramesh 9445603942 can be contacted for further details.
Email addresstsbjst@gmail.com / tnkumaran8@gmail.com 

HOW TO REACH :
Pattabiram is on the Chennai to Thiruvallur main road and also on the railway route.
From Pattabiram at the end of the bridge on the south side Share autos are available up to National hi-way bridge.
Sithukadu is about 1.5 KM from the bridge.
Poonamallee to Pattabiram bus route nos 54C passes through Pattabiram.
From CMBT Bus terminus route no 153 passes through Pattabiram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

5 tier Rajagopuram after renovation
Ambal sannadhi vimanam
Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Nandhi mandapam

Nagars
View of the temple from south side
Relief on the dwajasthambam
Relief on the dwajasthambam
Relief on the dwajasthambam
Relief on the ceiling of the mandapam
Siddhar
Ambal
Relief on the beams too
Reliefs on the pillar - Kinnarar
Siddhars on the Pillars
Symbolic representation of solar and lunar eclipse
Relief on the ceiling at the entrance of rajagopuram 
Siddhar
 Relief of Nagabandham on the entrance pillar

After darshan at Sitharkadu returned back to Pattabiram around 10.00 Hrs. Thought of trying my luck  for the darshan of Lord Shiva at the temple THIRUKKALLIL, which is about 20 KM from Pattabiram. During patha yathra to Thirupathi I used to think of making a visit to this  Shiva Temple, when we pass Kannigaipair.  Since there is no direct bus from Pattabiram,  reached Kannigaipair Via Periyapalayam.  Through a share auto reached the temple around 12.00 Hrs, from Kannigaipair. To my luck the temple was kept open. Learnt that the Sivachariyar is staying in that temple and sleeping in a house in the village. He must be 90+ years but very much active. The Locals told me that he is 100+.

Had the darshan of Lord Shiva and the Sivachariyar used the coconut from his stock and gave me the prasadam.  After darshan  he asked me to wait in the mandapam, I do not know why?.  After few minutes the temple housekeeper gave me coffee prepared by the Sivachariyar. Since morning I had not taken any food, hence the coffee was  like Lord Shiva’s gift to me. The secret of getting the rain is due to Sivachariyars, like him,  who does this type of service to Lord Shiva and his devotees.
    
18 – SRI SHIVA NANDEESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUKKALLIL


Now this place is called as Thirukandalam. This is the 18th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Temple view from South side - please note that the bell tower is being supported by bhuta ganas

Moolavar    : Sri Shiva Nandeeswarar
Consort      : Sri Ananthavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are …
The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers and the temple is facing east with a Temple Tank in front. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam Moolavar vimanam is of Gajabirushtam type and Rishabam mandapam are at the front in outer prakaram. In koshatam Natana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Vishnu Durgai.

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Nalvar with Sekkizhar and Suryan, Sri Anjaneyar, Nagars under Nelli ( amla ) tree, Sundara Vinayagar, Kaalathi Nathar,  Balasubramaniar without usual Valli devasena, Chandikeswarar, Sri Sakthi Dakshinamurthy, Kaala Bhairavar and Navagrahas. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing east.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION
Most of the sannadhi and mandapam are built  in recent years. There are many inscription found at the base of the sanctum of that one belongs to Vikarama Chozha.

HOW TO REACH :
The Place Kannigaipair is on the way to Chennai to Periyapalayam. And from there Thirukandalam is about 3 KM.
Share auto is available from Kannigaipair.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Sri Sakthi Dakshinamurthy

Gajabirushta type vimanam

Entrance view

Rishabam mandapam

5 tier Rajagopuram

Stucco dwarapalakas on the Rajagopuram Right and Left side.

Nalvar

Nalvar with Sekkizhar and Suriyan

Sri Sakthi Dakshinamurthy



After darshan of Lord Shiva at Thirukkallil ( Thirukandalam ), started back to Kannigaipair. It was too hot and I do not know  when the share auto will come.  So walked slowly. After reaching half of the distance a passerby gave me a lift on his TVS 50 up to auto stand at Kannigaipair. Reached home via Guindy via Redhills and Koyambedu. 

Had been to this temple again on 25th February 2017,  in connection with the Pulicat Heritage visit. For the details  Click here
---OM SIVAYA NAMA---

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple / Sri Bakthavachaleswarar Temple, Thirukazhukundram Kumbhabhishekam 15-09-2013, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. THALANGAL - THONDAI NADU,

 16, September 2013
When I went to Thirukalukundram, Sri Bakthavachaleswarar temple, two weeks before, the temple authorities gave me an invitation to the Kumbhabhishekam, which is scheduled on 15-09-2013. I am not a frequent visitor to the temples on Kumbhabhishekam day, fearing the rush. For this I made up my mind to be present at Thirukalukundram on Kumbhabhishekam day. There was lot of devotees gathered inside the temple, even from far off places too.

On reaching the temple I selected a spot, where I could see the maximum Rajagopuras and Vimanas, especially Moolavar vimanam, on the east side. Really it was very interesting to watch the holy water was poured on the kalasams of  Vimanas and Rajagopuras at the same time by lot of Sivachariyars, amids of the chanting of "Om Namasivaya" and the  Thirukkayilaya vathyam played by one section of devotees. Now I feel that I had lost many opportunities like this.  Any way I will try to attend in future for the kumbhabhishekam.  Really it was worth to visit  to the temple. Thanks to Lord Shiva for given me this wonderful opportunity.

 Entrance mandapam with Rajagopuram to the main shrine from east side

 The 5 tier Rajagopuram  in the second level on east side

 Moolavar vimanam with Somaskandar sannidhi on the right






Shiva blesses Manickavasagar at Thirukazhukundram 



--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Friday, 6 September 2013

Sri Arasaleeswarar Temple, Thiru Arasili, Sri Mahakaleshwarar Temple, Irumbai, Sri Chandra mouleeswarar Temple, Thiruvakkarai, Murugan Temple at Mailam, Sri Aatcheeswarar Temple, Acharapakkam, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

    05, September 2013
In this week end Temple’s visit on 08-09-2013,  thought of covering the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal near Tindivanam. This is the second visit to these temples. So prepared the details once again for the three temples Thiru Arasili, Irumbai Mahalam and Thiruvakkarai. Landed Tindivanam Bus stop got a direct bus to Ozhinthiyapattu (Thiru Arasili ).

31. SRI ARASALEESWARAR TEMPLE,  THIRU ARASILI 
Now this place is called as Ozhinthiyapattu. This is the 31st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam in Thondai nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

East entrance mandapam with Rajagopuram 

Moolavar    : Sri Arasilinathar, Sri Aswatheswarar, Sri Arasaleeswarar
Consort      : Sri Periyanayagi, Sri Azhakiyanayagi

Some of the special features of this temple are …..
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam with Rishabam are facing moolavar in the front mandapam through a Jala / salaram / window.  Moolavar is very short and avudayar is also at the lower level. In koshtam Dhakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Vishnu durgai and Vaishnavi.

In the outer prakaram Naalvar Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar, Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniar, Navagrahas, Kala bairavar and Suryan. There are lot of stucco images and paintings around the entrance and prakaram walls.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The adhistanam is very simple pada bandha adhistanam with three patta Kumudam.The prastaram consists of Valapi, Kapotal and Viyyalavari. An ekathala Vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum santorum. We have enter to the artha mandapam through south side entrance. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing south with simha vahanam.

Moolavar Vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannidhi
HISTORY:
There are many old tamil inscriptions around the Sanctum Sanctorum walls. These Tamil inscriptions belongs to  Vikrama Chozha, Kulothunga Chozha period. As per the inscriptions this place was called as “Oymanattu Thiruarasili” and “Jayangonda Chozhamandalathu Oymanattu Vijaya Rajendra Chozhavalanattu Peruvembur Nattu Thiruarasili”.

Old Tamil Inscriptions 

LEGENDS
The temple was built by the kings of Chalukyas. Chalukyas, Vamadeva Munivar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Chalukyas worshiped Lord Shiva in a Pradosham day, hence Pradosham is famous here.

There is a Thirugnanasambandar madam built by "Srimathi Jayalakshmi” on the left side of the temple and seventh day’s   festival is sponsored  through the interest  from a deposit made by her.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line number is 04147 - 235 472.

HOW TO REACH : 
From Tindivanam to Pondicherry bus route get down at Ozhunthiyapattu “ Junction from there the temple is about 2 KM ( Bus route via Kiliyanur – the last Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam – and Thailapuram)

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Entrance to the main shrine 

Sri Valli devasena sametha Sri Subramaniar sannai
Durgai Amman sannadhi with moolavar vimanam
Vishnu Durga in Koshtam
Ambal Sri Periyanayagi
Ambal simha vahana

32 – SRI MAHAKALESHWAR TEMPLE, IRUMBAI (THIRU IRUMBAI MAAHALAM )
Now this place is called as Irumbai. This is the 32nd and last of the Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. There are 3 maahalam where Shiva gave darshan, of these this the center of the three ( North – Ujjain, south Ambar Mahalam and this is at the center  ). Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

South side entrance arch

Moolavar    : Sri Mahakaleshwar, Sri Mahalanathar
Consort      : Sri Madhu Sundara Nayagi, Sri Kuyil Mozhi Ammai

Some of the important features of this temple are …….
There are two arches on the east and south side. Paintings are also done all round the Vinayagar and Subramaniyar Sannadhi. Moolavar is of three pieces bounded by a brass / pithalai plate.  ( The story behind this given below. When we enter through the south arch, in the outer prakaram wall murals of sthala puranam and Paintings  ). Ambal is in front of south entrance in standing posture ). In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Vishnu Durgai.

We have to enter through south side entrance to the inside mandapam. All round the walls covered with pethal sheets with engravings . Siddhar Kaduveli siddhar’s relief is  engraved in the mandapam and right side of the karuvarai entrance.

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Vayu Lingam, Hanuman, Chandikeswarar, Kala Bhairava, Navagrahas ( With vahanam and their concerts ).

CONTACT DETAILS:
The temple is open From 07.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.30 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs on all the days and there is no specific phone number to contact.
More details may be obtained from the temple’s web site  http://irumbaimaakaleswarar.com

HOW TO REACH :
There is a place called Thiruchitrambalam Koot Road on the bus route Tindivanam to  Pondy, from there Irumbai is 3 KM after crossing the National Highways ( By pass road ).

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar Vimanam with Dakshinamurthy sannadhi
Vinayagar sannidhi with Sri Subramaniar sannadhi
Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam with Rishabam mandapam 

The Sthala Puranam of this temple connected with moolavar  crack / pieces goes like this ......

Once Kaduveli Siddhar was in penance under a peepal tree. He used to stretch his hand  to get the leaf falling from the tree for food. That was his food during the penance. Due to the penance the heat generated not allowed to rain in the area.  People suffered with hunger.



When the king Kulothungan came to know about this,  he announced that who ever  make awake Siddhar from his penance will get the reward. So a Thasi by name Valli gave food when the siddhar stretched his hand for leaf. The Siddhar to get conscious after eating the normal food.


After that, while he was watching the dance of  Valli,  her angelet ( Kolusu / salangai ) was  untied by itself and the siddhar tied the same.
 


By seeing this the people  talked low of Siddhar. He got angry  and sung a song. By this the moolavar was  exploded in to three pieces.


The song is as follows 

"வெல்லும் பொழுது விடுவேன் வெகுளியை 
செல்லும் பொழுது செலுத்துவேன் சிந்தையை 
அல்லும் பகலும் உன்னையே தொழுவேன் 
கல்லும் பிளந்து கழுவெளியாமே "

The people realized the power of Kaduveli Siddhar and begged to forgive them. Again siddhar sang another song and the two pieces joined together

His song to join the pieces is follows 

"எட்டும் இரண்டும் அறிந்த எந்தனை 
எட்டும் இரண்டும் அறிந்த உந்தனை 
எட்டும் இரண்டும் ஒன்றதாகுமே "


Kaduveli Siddhar was blessed by Lord Shiva and the siddhar entered in to the jothi of Iraivan.

King and Kaduveli siddhar
Raining
Paintings of Shiva at the south side entrance. 
Kaduveli Siddhar had done his penance under this tree

Navagraha Sannidhi : Suryan – Usha Brat Isha,  Chandran – Keerthika, Angarakan – Sakthi Devi, Budhan – Gana Devi, Guru – Dhara Devi,   Sukran - Sirungini Devi, Shani – Jyeshta Devi, Raghu – Singi Devi and Kethu – Chithra leka .


On return a devotee asked me  to come along with him to Panchavati Hanuman Temple and also he promised me to drop back at Thiruchitrambalam koot road. Hearing my plan of going to Thiruvakkarai he dropped me at the koot road to get a bus to Perambakkam where I can get share autos to Thiruvakkarai. Reached Thiruvakkarai around 12.00 Hrs thinking that the temple might be closed, if  I make delay. After reaching, I learned that the temple will be kept open through out the day.  I had my lunch at the temple’s annadhanam ( Lord Shiva gave me food once again ).

30 – SRI CHANDRAMOULEESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUVAKKARAI

This is the 30th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. People quickly knows if you call it as Thiruvakkarai Vakrakali Amman Temple.

Vakkarakali Amman Sannadhi Vimanam with Rajagopuram on the back

Moolavar    : Sri Chandramouleeswarar, Sri Chandrasekreswarar
Consort      : Sri Amrutheshwari, Sri Vadivambigai

Some of the important details are ………
The rajagopuram is of 7 tiers. When we enter through rajagopuram Vakrakali Amman is in front with Vakkara Lingam Sannadhi ( worshiped by Vakkarasuran ). The half of the Rishabam is only visible out side. After the Vakrakali Amman temple on the right Vasantha mandapam. Once it was in a dilapidated condition and now looks beautiful after  reconstruction and renovation. 

On the left Balipeedam with Rishabam mandapam in front of 2nd level Rajagopuram ( Kili Gopuram ). Rishabam is little large in size. On the left of second level Rajagopuram Dwara Ganapathi and Murugan on the right.

Moolavar is not of regular type  and has three faces. Front side Shiva and Brahma & Vishnu faces are both sides. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, ( Thayar on the opposite side ), Brahma, Durgai. Brahma is in the niche and others are in the ground level since they are big in size. In the artha mandapam Chandran, Suryan, Vinayagar, Dwarapalakas ( second level ), Arumuga and Veerabhadra. 

In the outer prakaram Ambal temple is on the right  and on the left  images of Saptamatrikas, Kundalini  Muni’s jeeva Samadhi / sannadhi )with a Shiva Lingam on the top. ( In koshtam  Dakshinamurthy, Thirumal), Sannadhi  Varadharaja Perumal ( Facing west ) and Garudalwar  and Hanuman are in opposite ), Navagrahas ( Shani’s vahana is facing south ) and Murugan sannadhi.

We can reach inner prakaram after crossing the big size Dwarabalakars with simha vahana. In the inner prakaram Sannadhi for  Naalvar ( Here also there is no kireedam for sundarar ), Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Vathapi Ganapathy, Pichadanar, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Bhairavar, Arthanareeswarar, Durgai, Kundalini Munivar, Nageswarar, Kalabairavar, Chandikeswarar, Agasthya Lingam, and Natarajar Saba ( Kept locked  - Nataraja dance is vakkara dance with leg above hip ). In the front mandapam sannidhi for Vinayagar, 16 faces  Dhara Shiva Lingam, Veerabhadra with 8 hands.

Old Tamil inscriptions are found around Sanctum sanctorum walls.

LEGEND:
The  Kundalini muni’s generation Vakkarasuran ruled that area and was killed by Kali after worshiping Sri Chandrasekar ( Lord Shiva ). 

HOW TO REACH:
Town buses are available from Tindivanam bus stand.
There is place called Perumbakkam on the Pondy to Tindivanam bus route via Mailam ( a Famous Murugan Temple ). From there Thiruvakkarai is about 6 KM. Share autos are available.

TEMPLE TIMINGS.
The temple is kept open from 07.00 Hrs to night 20.30 Hrs throughout the day with out lunch break.

CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land Line number is :0413 - 268 8949

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE

An arch erected at Perampakkam about 6 KM from Thiruvakkarai 
View of the Rajagopuram from the entrance of the street
Vakra Lingam  Rishabam half submerged
Vasantha mandapam built like chariot - horse pulling the chariot
Simha pillars - see the carvings of open mouth with teeth  and hair
Vasantha mandapam - reconstructed after dilapidated condition 
A big size Rishabam in front of 2nd level


Second level 3 tier Rajagopuram 
Entrance arch after second level Rajagopuram 
Kundalini Siddhar Jeeva samadhi 

Moolavar Vimanam 
Lakshmi Ganapathy on the north side compound wall
Old Tamil Inscriptions 

After darshan at Thiruvakkarai returned to Perampakkam through a share auto. From there through a Private bus reached Mailam.

MAILAM MURUGAN TEMPLE .
The temple is on a small hill with neatly paved stone steps. It has a concrete route for the vehicles to climb. The rajagopuram is of 5 tiers. Even though it was a Sunday after noon there was not much of crowd. Since this is the marriage season I could see lot of newly wedded couples seeks blessings of Lord Murugan. The temple used to kept open with out lunch break. 
Entrance arch - at end of steps 
the 5 tier rajagopuram on the east side
Vasantha mandapam
Moolavar vimanam

Mandapam while climbing down - Stucco image of Palani Andavar 

After Mailam Murugan’s blessings reached Tindivanam through a Town bus. Got down at the beginning of the bridge and reached  the Chennai bus stop under the bridge. Boarded  a bus to Acharapakkam after seeing the name was written behind the bus. Otherwise I would have choose to reach Chennai.  I did not collect details of Acharapakkam temple before starting this  week  end visit. The temple is about 2 KM off main road. This is my second visit to this temple.

29 – AATCHEESWARAR TEMPLE ( AKSHEESWARASWAMY  TEMPLE ) ACHIRUPAKKAM ( ACHARAPAKKAM ) 

Now this place is called as Acharapakkam. This is the 29th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rishabam Mandapam with Dwajasthambam

Moolavar  : Sri Aatcheeswarar, Sri Aatchikondanathar,
                 Sri Paarkapureeswarar,  Sri Sthiravarapureswarar,
                 Sri Mullaikkanamudayar.
Consort    : Sri Ilangiliammai, Sri Sundaranayagi,
                  Sri Balasukambigai,  Sri Athisundarambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are as follows…..
The Achirutha Vinayagar sannadhi is on the east mada street just before the main temple. The story behind the temple is, when Lord Shiva went to destroy the three puram ( Tharagan, Kamalatchan, Vidhvan mali  who ruled at Thiruvadhigai near Panruti ) ie Devas as ratham, Suryan and Chandran as wheels, The four vedas as Horses, Meru as bow, Vasuki as string, Thirumal as arrow and Brahma as sarathy, without given any the part to Sri Vinayagar.  So vinayagar has played his role as usual by breaking the  axle. Realizing this Lord Shiva  blessed Vinayagar and proceeded to Thiruvadhigai  and destroyed three puram.

The main temple is facing east with 5 tier Rajagopuram. There are two Shiva sannadhi. The Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are facing Aatcheeswarar ( Emai Aatcheeswarar ). But the main entrance is towards Umai Aatcheeswarar sannadhi. There is an interesting story behind this. The Pandya king who found out the Lord Shiva’s moortham after following the udumbu in side Kontrai tree asked the minister to built a Shiva temple. So the Minister built the temple on his name as Emai Aatcheesar. The king got angry on the minister, so the minister has built another sannadhi and told the King that one is Umai Aatcheesar.

On the right side of dwajasthambam Ambal  Ilangilammai is in a separate Sannadhi. On the left Saptamatrikas,  Nagars, Kondraiadi Eeswarar, and Navagraha  Sannadhi.

In the inner prakaram on an elevated level from left are Polla Pillayar with Sidhdhi & Pudhi,  Naalvar, 63var in stone, Alamelu Mangai Thayar, Srinivasa Perumal, Umai Aatcheesar ( Shiva and Parvati Thirumana Kolam in sitting posture behind moolavar) with his concert Uma Parvati, Palani Andavar, Sri Lakshmi, Durgai, Sarasvathy, Arumugar with valli devasena,  63var in Cheppu idol, Urchava moorthangal, Natarajar saba, Arunagiri Nathar in north east corner, Bhairavar with brhama kapala mala,  and Suryan.

In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, and  Durgai.  Lot of old Tamil inscriptions found around the karuvarai wall.

Moolavar Emai Aatcheesar is short on  short Avudayar.  As per the history the artha mandapam from where we used to pray was a well and was closed with stone  slabs. 

The Temple chariot  construction is in progress.

The temple outside and inside was not kept neatly. Lot of vegetation has grown in the outer prakaram and inner prakaram behind umai Aatcheeswaear sannadhi.

HOW TO REACH:
Achrapakkam is on the National highway  Chennai to Villupuram before Tindivanam. The temple  is about 1.5 KM off main road.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE 

Achirutha Vinayagar Sannadhi
The 5 tier Rajagopuram 
Entrance to the main shrine
Emai Aatcheesar Vimanam ( Lot of vegetation has grown )
Umai Aatcheesar sannadhi vimanam 
Kondrai adi Eeswar -Shiva under Kondrai tree
Old Tamil inscriptions
Wooden carvings for chariot
Yazhi - Wooden carvings for chariot
Wooden carvings for chariot
Wooden carvings for chariot ( Please note the hair curls ) 

In this week end temple visit I was able to cover 4 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal and a Murugan temple. After darshan of  Aatcheesar walked back once again to Acharapakkam National hi-way bus stop  to catch bus to Chennai. Reached home around 20.30 Hours, through Perungalathur – Tambaram by bus and from Tambaram to Guindy by Train, since I had my return ticket to Guindy. From Guindy by Motor cycle which I had left in SPIC Office, where I worked earlier. 

--- OM SIVAYA NAMA---