Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple, Thiruparankundram, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

 22^nd April, 2015

Continuation to the earlier post ( CLICK HERE to see the details )

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE THIRUPARANKUNDRAM

This temple is 1050 feet above the sea level on the top of Thiruparankundram Hill. Lord Sri Kasi Viswanathar is facing west and Ambal is facing south. It is believed that one of the 18 Siddhar Sri Machamuni lives in the form of jeeva jothi. But at the temple a white fish is called as Sri Machamuni in the pond. Devotees in large numbers circumambulate the hill on full moon day to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is believed that  this temple is the cause for writing the ‘Thirumurugatrupadai’ a Tamil literature by Nakkeerar. The story goes like this….

East side entrance to the temple 

LEGENDS

Once up on a time a booth called Karki Muni got a varam from Lord Shiva to live without death, after killing 1000 Munivars. Karki muni managed to kept 999 munivars in the cave of a relief. When Nakkerar came that side and was doing pooja to Shiva under a banyan tree. The karki muni  diverted his attention through a banyan leaf on the shore of the saravana poigai. – one half as bird and other half as fish. Since the attention was diverted his pooja to lord Shiva was not completed. So Nakkeerar was also put in the cave. Before killing all, Nakkeerar sung the hymn of ‘Thirumurugatrupadai’. Lord murugan appeared and saved all munivars. To get rid of the sin caused  due to this incident Nakkeerar want to take bath in Ganges. Lord Muruga created a pond on the ( Panchatcharam parai ) hill through his ‘Vel’ and the Ganges water flowed in it. In remembrance of this incident local villagers worship the ‘Vel’, on Puratasi, Friday every year.

MY EXPERIENCE IN TREKKING THE HILL.

After visiting the Pandya Period Rock cut temple on the south side of the Thiruparankundram hill, happened to see the direction board of Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple on the top of the hill. The steps were neatly paved. Considering the height, sun heat and hunger ( Morning I had taken only prasad as breakfast at Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple – a small quantity )  skipped and landed at Railway gate bus stop through Mini Bus. From there I walked towards  Sri Murugan temple bus stop to get a bus to Madurai ( Latter understand that bus to Madurai town is available at the Railway gate itself ). On the way again I had seen the direction sign board of Sri Kailasanathar temple ( North side ). The Kailasanathar Temple can be reached from south and North side.

Sri Palani Andavar Temple. The trek starts from here. There is Jain monument inside the temple which I could not see, since the temple was closed at that time

Assuming that the ’OHM’ sign board with a temple like structure is the Sri Kailasanathar temple, started climbing up the hill. The steps are not uniform. In some places steps are not there. On reaching the structure understand that, that is not the temple and it is a Karthigai Deepam pillar structure.

 

Karthigai deepam pillar structure.

The North side path joins with south side steps

Steps  starts steeper 

Devotees visits this place too, to light lamps during normal days. Again started trekking up the hill asking the way to Kasi Viswanathar Temple from down coming people. After that the path was steep without steps. Steps are  cut on the rock on many places ( Valukkuparai ). 

Valukkuparai with no steps for about a KM stretch

Found very difficult to cross the 2 Km stretch, trekking alone in the hot sun. The muslims also trek up to Dargah. There is a Muslim cemetery near Dargah, from there the route diverts to Shiva Temple.

Muslim cemetery  

Dargah on the top of this hill 

After ½ Km from the cemetery the route joins with the south side steps. Here the steps also very steep. A group of 10 people joined from there. Monkeys too followed us on seeing their bags.  After darshan of Sri Kailasanathar, had the darshan of Sri Machamuni in the form of white fish and offered  curd in the Panchatcharam Parai pond. Annadhanam was served by some devotees. Had the annadhanam also since I was too hungry and tired.

Reliefs of Shiva Ganapathy, Machamuni on the Panchatcharam Parai

After taking rest for a while, trekked down the hill. Carefully climbed down and no one joined with me except Sri Kasi Viswanathar. At last around 15.30 Hrs reached the base safely.

   

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS : 

The temple is kept open between 08.30 Hrs to 17.30 Hrs 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

An abandoned mandapam 

Trekking up the hill 

View of the Thiruparankundram Shiva/ Murugan Temple Rajagopuram from Karthigai deepam pillar structure.

Last leg of steps cut on parai 

From top Mandapam descending, here too there is no steps.

West side view of the temple 

 ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---

Thiruparankundram - a Pandiya period Rock Cut Cave Temple on the back side of Thiruparankundram Shiva / Murugan Temple, Thiruparankundram, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

 22^nd April, 2015

Continuation to the earlier post ( CLICK HERE to see the details )

The Cave temple is just back side of the Thiruparankundram  Sri Murugan/ Shiva Temple. After darshan of Lord Shiva  tried to get an auto near the temple. Since there was no vehicle or  mini bus available at that time, started walking up to the cave. I was shocked to see the damages done to the sculptures during Jain – Brahmical conflict. Now the site is under the control of ASI.

 Pandya Period Cave temple 

The rock cut temple is an early Pandya period and is seen used medieval times. It also suffered damages during this stage. This cave temple is datable back to 8^th century AD. The temple comprises of a Sanctum for Arthanareeswarar and a Hall. In the Hall A Natarajar in standing Posture.( below the chest was completely damaged ). On the right Sri Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniar. On the right side wall inscriptions are found.

In the front Ganesha on the left and Bhairavar on the right. Jain monks reliefs are also chiseled during Jain period.

LOCATION OF THE CAVE:   CLICK HERE

 The view of the Thiruparankundram Hill 

 Entrance steps to cave temple

 Ganapathy on the left and Saints on the right

 Epigraph 

 Epigraph 

 Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar 

Natarajar – Murgan on the peacock and Ganapathy on the top – The maximum extend of vandalism – below the chest of Natarajar was chopped off. 

 Arthanareeswarar in side the sanctum 

 Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar and Appar Swamigal

 Bairavar

 Saints / monks

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---

Sri Koodal Alagar Temple, Madurai, Sri Kallalagar Temple Alagarkoil, Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

 22^nd April, 2015

Continuation to the earlier post ( CLICK HERE to see the details )

KOODAL AZHAGAR TEMPLE ( ARULMIGU KOODAL AZHAGAR PERUMAL TEMPLE AT MADURAI

This is one of the 108 Diva Desams and It has the mangalasasanam by Thirumalisai Alwar and hymns by Thirumangai Alwar and  Perialwar. This post was up dated with Pasurams, History, Legend, Architecture etc. Please click this link for the updated post. 

The 5 tier Rajagopuram

Moolavar : Sri Koodalagar

Thayar    : Sri Amirthavalli Thayar.

Some of the important features of this temple are :

The temple facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam is at the entrance of the Moolavar sanctum. There are two 4 pillar mandapam on both sides of Dwajasthambam. In sanctum moolavar Koodal Alagar is with Sri Devi and Bhudevi. Thayar is in a separate temple and both are facing east.

The moolavar sanctum is of magnificent in construction. The Vimanam shadow will not fall on the ground like Tanjore Periya Kovil. The stucco images on the vimanam  are beautiful.  Chakrathalwar sannidhi is at the centre. Moolavar shrine is with artha mandapam and maha mandapam.  Poojas for Urchavar are performed in the maha mandapam.

In prakaram Vahana mandapam, Lakshmi Narasimhar ( a relief in a stone slab ),  Navagrahas. In the Outer prakaram sannadhi for Andal and Manavala Muni.

In the temple nandhavanam, Krishnan and sthala vruksham is Plantain tree.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple is kept open between 05.30 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 21.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

The telephone number is 0452 – 2338542

E-mail address is : arulmiguperumal@yahoo.co.in

The temple web site is : http://www.koodalalagarthirukkoil.org/structure.php

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar Vimanam 

ARULMIGU KALLALAGAR TEMPLE, ALAGAR KOVIL

This is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Sri Vishnu in Pandiya Nadu. 6 Alwars has sung   one hundred twenty three  hymns  in praise of Thirumal of this temple. This part of this post was written as a separate post along with Architecture, History & Inscriptions and Pasurams.

Mandapam with Rajagopuram 

Moolavar : Sri Kallalagar  Sundararaja Perumal

Thayar    : Sri Kalyana Sundaravalli

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The Rajagopuram is at front  with Anjaneyar and 18 ( steps) padi Karuppanna swamy. There is no  entrance through the Rajagopuram. In front of shrine There is a big mandapam and Udyavar Sannadhi is on the left. Dwajasthambam with balipeedam is on the way to main sanctum.  Big size Dwarapalakas at the entrance of Maha mandapam.

In the outer prakaram Sannadhi for Chakkarathalwar, Palliyarai, Yoga Narasimhar, Sri Boomi urchavar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Lakshmi Narayanar, Andal, Garudalwar, Rangamannar, Parthasarathy, Naga Devathai, Andal, Viswaroopa Krishnan, Thirumalai Andaar, Rukmani, Venugopalan, Sathyabama, Yaga salai, Thirumal’s 7 avatharangal from Machcha to Kalki and Krishnan Sannadhi. There  are many mandapams in front of Rajagopuram and inside the temple complex. All are made of stone.

Sridevi, Bhudevi, Srinivasa Perumal and Yoga Narasimhar are in the inner prakaram. Cheppu Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum.

ARCHITECTURE

The main temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, artha mandapam and Maha mandapam.  In Sanctum Sri Sundaraja Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi. The sanctum is of round type with stucco images are at the bottom level. In the prakaram wall  there are stucco images also. The vimanam is covered with gold plate. The temple vimanam was gold plated by King Sundarapandian during 13^th century CE and latter Thirumalai Nayak added features to this temple.

Moolavar Vimanam  with Gold Plating 

Moolavar Vimanam with stucco images 

LEGENDS

Once the Hill was controlled by the Jains. Tamizhi scripts are available in the caves of the hill. A story of Shiva’s Rishabam / Idabam  and cow sent by Jain monks relates to this Alagar hill and Nandi Hill.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temple is kept open between 06.00 Hrs to 12.30 Hrs and 15.30 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :

Telephone number : 0452 – 2470375

e-mail address : alagarkovilmadurai@gmail.com  and kalalagar@tnhrce.org

Official web site : http://www.alagarkovil.org/menu_pg.php?id=72&s_id=nil&vt=2

HOW TO REACH :

Town Bus Route No 44 is available from Madurai Periyar Bus stand. There are buses from other bus stands also.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Front Mandapam with 2^nd Level Rajagopuram 

Udayavar sannidhi 

Front Mandapam with 2^nd Level Rajagopuram 

Moolavar Vimanam with stucco images

Mottai Gopuram 

  stucco images of Vishnu with Thayar and Krishna – at Surya Nagar on the main road to Alagar Kovil to Madurai city 

Stucco image of Vishnu with Thayar and Krishna – at Surya Nagar on the main road to Alagar Kovil to Madurai city 

PAZHAMUDIRCHOLAI MURUGAN TEMPLE

This is one of the 6 abodes of Lord Murugan. The original temple was  at Alagar Kovil and the same was shifted to the present place during Thirumalai Nayakar‘s rule.  Large number of people visits the temple by trekking. Van facility is available from the base and they charges Rs 10/- for one way as a donation. During my visit I had seen Children and youngsters climbed the by jogging and roller skating.

The three tier Rajagopuram 

Main Deity    :  Sri Murugan

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The 3 tier Rajagopuram is at front and the same was constructed during recent years. There are three sanctums, they are  Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar  and Gnanavel.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. In the mandapam Gold plated Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Palliyarai. Vahana mandapam and rest halls are in the outer prakaram.

LEGENDS

The story of Avvaiyar, the Tamil poet with Sri Murugan  for the ‘sutta pazham’ and ‘sudatha pazham’ was happened  in this place.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temple is kept open between 06.00 Hrs to 18.00 Hrs with out break.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Telephone number is : 0452 2094720.

HOW TO REACH:

Town bus route No 44 is available from Periyar bus stand and buses also available from Anna Bus Stand up to Base of the hill ie up to Alagar Kovil.

From base of the  Hill, van facility is  provided  ( Donation Rs 10/- for one way) by Devasthanam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

 The mandapam view on the right of Rajagopuram 

The mandapam view on the left of Rajagopuram 

Mandapam with Dwajasthambam inside view 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---

Thiru Aalavai Temple / Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Sri Parangirinathar Temple / Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram, Sri Edaganathar Temple, Thiruvedagam, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

 21^st April, 2015 

While I was browsing the South Indian Railways official web site for the seat availability, found that  there were no seats available on Friday to Sunday to distant places. So planned this month’s tour well in advance and booked the Trains after registering the Web site.  During this April 2015 all the Saturday and Sunday  I was away from home either on official visit or Personal visit to temples. In this month’s temples visits Madurai on 18^th April 2015  and Velliangiri 2^nd May 2015 are planned. ( Last year I could not do the same due to leg injury. This time hope Velliangiri Andavar will help me to do this yathra ).

During 18^th and 19^th April 2015, I had the darshan of Madurai Aalavai ( Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple ), ThiruparanKundram and Thiruvedagam. All the three temples are Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal. In addition to this I had the darshan of Sri Kasi Viswanathar on the Thiruparankundram Hill top, Koodal Alagar, Sri Kallalagar Sundararaja Perumal and Lord Muruga of Pazhamudircholai. I also Travelled to the 13^th century Rock Cut cave temple  of Pandya Period on the back side of Thiruparankundram temple.

18^th April 2015.

Reached Madurai through Nagercoil express on 18^th morning 07.00 Hrs. After taking bath had the darshan of Sri Aalavai Peruman with Sri Meenakshi Amman. Since the camera was not allowed to take inside the temple, I had taken some of the pictures through my Samsung Mobile camera. Noted important details for this post and left for Thiruparankundram.  From Periyar Bus stand I could get a bus up to the temple. Had the darshan of Lord Shiva and Thiruparankundram Murugan.

My next plan was to go to Thiruvedagam. From the web site I had seen the Rock cut temple is at the back of the hill, so I had been there also by walk. ( Autos reluctant to came there  and mini bus was also not available at that time) ( Details are written in a separate post - For Details CLICK HERE ).   After the visit  of Rock cut temple I had seen a sign board of Sri Kailasanathar Temple at the top of the hill with neatly paved steps to climb. Seeing the height skipped and returned to the front side ( North ) of the hill through Mini bus, which dropped me  near the railway gate.

When I walked towards Thiruparankundram Murugan’s temple from Railway gate  happened to see once again the direction & sign board  of Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple. ( Kasi Viswanathar Temple can be reached  from North and South side ). Details of the temple’s visit is written in a separate post.  After Darshan of Sri Kasi Viswanathar and MachaMuni  proceeded to Thiruvedagam through Periyar Bus Stand. Thiruvedagam is on the way to Chozhavandhan. This time  the temple was kept open  ( This is the second visit to this temple ) and had the darshan of Sri Edaga Nathar.  There is separate temple / shrine for Thirugnanasambandar. After darshan returned to Madurai.

On landing Periyar Bus stand, Sri Koodal Alagar called me to the temple by showing his glittering vimanam.  Since the temple is very near to the Periyar Bus stand reached the temple by walk.  First time I had seen the temple of magnificent construction  and it is unique in nature. For Details CLICK HERE . Being a Saturday lot of devotees came for the dharshan. After darshan returned to Lodge.

19^th April 2015.

To day I have to leave for Chennai through Madras Link Express from Guruvayur  around 11.15 Hrs.  So planned for  visiting Alagar Koil and Pazhamudircholai. Through town bus no 44 from Periyar bus stand reached Alagar Koil. Considering the time to take for trekking to Pazhamudircholai, utilized the van service of Devasthanam. The crowd was not much. Had the peaceful darshan of Lord Murugan returned to Base of the hill for Sri Kallalagar darshan. After darshan reached Madurai Railway station  to catch the Train. Around 21.00 Hrs reached home safely with the blessings of Lord Shiva, Murugan and his uncle Sri Vishnu. For Details CLICK HERE

245/ 1. THIRU AALAVAI TEMPLE ( MADURAI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE ), MADURAI.

( This post has been up dated with Thevara Hymns, Architecture, History, Legends, inscriptions, etc. For the details of this up dated post Please click this Link. )

This pace is now called as Madurai. This is the 245^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 1^st Sthalam in Pandiya Nadu on the banks of river Vaigai. Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Manickavasagar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

          Temple complex view from inside with potramarai kulam

Moolavar    : Sri Somasundarar, Sri Chokkalinganathar, Sri Chokkesar, 

                    Sri Aalavai Annal, Sri Chokkanathar.

Consort      : Sri Meenakshi, Sri Angayarkanni

Some of the important features of this temple are…

When we enter through East Rajagopuram in front of Amman sannadhi, the mandapa is called as Ashta shakthi  mandapam. Meenakshi Sundareswarar kalyanam in sudhai sirpam,  eight sakthi moorthangal on eight pillars. Thiruvilayadal  puranam themes are in this.

The next is Nayakkar mandapam. Lights are very beautiful. Thiruvasi is glittering through the lights.

Next is the Potramarai Kulam. Indran plucked golden Lotus flower in this pond. Thirukkural was proved as one of the sanga nool from this Pond. On the north bank of the pond Eight sanga Pulavars moortham on the pillars. On the south bank wall thirukkural are inscribed  and the walls. 

Unchal mandapam  with mirrors is on the west side of  Potramarai ( Golden Lotus ) Pond.   On Fridays Lord Shiva and Ambal Ponnoosal is performed.

Next one is the Kilikootu mandapam. Sculptures to be watched. Sirpams of Pandavas, Vaali, Sugriva, Draupadi, Purusha Mirugam  are in this mandapam.  On the ceiling Gods different postures and Meenakshi kalyanam are painted.

In the prakaram of Ambal sannadhi  Stucco images of Thirumalai Nayak with his two wives, Koodal Kumaraswamy with Valli Devasena, Vinayagar. There is a six pillar peedam  and it was believed that Kumaraguruparar swamay’s Sri Meenakshi Pillai Tamil was introduced on this peedam.

In the maha Mandapam, sannadhi for Airavata Vinayagar and Murugan Peruman. On the outer side wall top Meenakshi Amman’s history reliefs.

In sanctum Ambal in standing posture with a parrot in her hand. On Fridays alangaram is done with Golden kavasam with Vira crown.

After crossing Kilikoottu Mandapam and  gopuram – Mukkuruni Vinayagar is on the way to Swamy sannadhi. Vinayagar is little big of 8 feet high. There is painting of circulating Lingam on the ceiling. The lingam avudai circulates when you circulate.

Kambathadi mandapam is in front of Swamy sannidhi.  Golden Flag, Balipeedam and Rishabam are at the centre. Beautiful sculptures on the 8 Pillars. Some of them are Sankaranarayanar, Somaskandar, Arthanareeswarar, Thirumal’s 10 avatar sirpangal and the Meenakshi Sundareswarar marriage are worth to see. Near the kambathadi Mandapam Sri Agni Veerabhadra,  Agora Veerabhadra, Oorthuva Thandavar, Kali’s sila roopams on the pillars.

Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the sanctum. Next is the 6 pillar peedam, ( in which the Thiruvilayadal Puranam was introduced ).

In the outer prakaram of Swamy  Sannadhi, Kambathadi Mandapam, Naalvar, Paramasivam, Lingas, Sanga Pulavar’s sannadhi , Kalatheeswarar, Kalyana Sundareswarar, Dhyana mandapam, Kariya Manicka Perumal mandapam, Navagrahas.

In the inner prakaram Suryan with his concerts, Sekkizhar, 63var, Sankara Lingam, Ekadasa lingam, Shoda lingam, Saraswathy, Sabtha mathakkal, Meenakshi, Soma Sundarar, Subramaniyar, Panchamuga Lingam, Muthuskandar, Jwara Linga, Pichadanar, Kasi Viswanathar, Vishalakshi, Ellam Valla Siddhar, ( separate Sannadhi), Akshara Lingam, Mahalakshmi, Rathna Saba, Bairavar, Pancha Bootha Lingas, Chandran with his consort.

In Koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Durgai.

After darshan of silver ambala Natarajar ( Danced after changing his leg ie left foot on the ground )  we have to enter Sri Somasundara Peruman sannadhi.   The vimanam of the sanctum is supported by eight elephants on eight direction, 32 Lions, 64 Bootha ganas. Moolavar  is Shiva Lingam.

There is a 1000 Pillar mandapam, Chakra which denotes the Tamil 60 years,  Kuravan Kurathi, Nirutha ganapathy, Saraswathy, Arjunan, Rathi, Mohini, manmadhan, Kalipurudan are worth to see.

Mangayarkarasi mandapam is near to 1000 Pillar mandapam In this Koon Pandiyan,  Mangayarkarasiyar, Thirugnanasambandar, Kulachirayar and a Shiva Lingam.

Servaikara mandapam built by Maruthu Pandiyar  and kalyana mandapam are next to that.

The 22 Musical Pillar is on the north side Rajagopuram.

On the opposite side of east Rajagopuram there are Vasantha mandapam ( Pudhu mandapam ), Built by Thirumalai Nayak. In this sirpams of Thadathakai Pirati, Meenakshi kalyanam, Thirumalai Nayak, Stone elephant ate sugar cane, Ravana lifting the Kailash. On the opposite Rajagopuram is in incomplete state.

LEGENDS

This is one of 5 Pancha sabai ie Silver sabai. For Varaguna Pandian Iraivan has danced changing his leg. Sri Meenakshi as Thadathakai ruled this place.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple opens for darshan between Morning 5:00am to 12:30 pm and Evening 4:00 pm to 10:00pm.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Temple Telephone Numbers: 0452-2344360 (office) and 0452-2341777(fax)

e-mail ID: info@maduarimeenakshi.org

Temple Official Website: www.maduraimeenakshi.org

http://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/do.php

HOW TO REACH :

Madurai is on the railway route and all the trains to Rameswaram, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari passes through Madurai.

Bus Facility is available from all the district head quarters.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

  South side Rajagopuram 

The east side Rajagopuram 

East side Rajagopuram Preparing for the chithirai thiruvizha

 North side Rajagopuram 

  South side Rajagopuram view from inside with potramarai kulam

  Oonjal Mandapam with mirrors.

Oonjal Mandapam ceiling mural painting.

 Oonjal Mandapam ceiling mural painting.

Oonjal Mandapam ceiling mural painting.

 Mural Painting on the North wall of Potramarai Kulam 

 Mural Painting on the North wall of Potramarai Kulam 

 Mural Painting on the North wall of Potramarai Kulam 

Oonjal Mandapam ceiling mural painting.

 Statues on the Ashta Sakthi mandapam Pillars

 Statues on the Ashta Sakthi mandapam Pillars 

Statues on the Ashta Shakthi mandapam Pillars ( Dwarapalakas- the shop peoples )

 Statues on the Kambathadi Mandapa Pillars. – Sri Kala samhara Moorthy 

 Statues on the Kambathadi Mandapam Pillars. – Sri Chandrasekar 

 Statues on the Kambathadi Mandapam – Sri Nandhi mandapam  

 Statues on the Kambathadi Mandapam Pillars. – Sri Somaskandar glittering  in the sodium vapour lamp  

 Statues on the Kambathadi Mandapa Pillars. – Sri Rishaparoodar 

 View of Prakaram ( looks like mini Rameswaram temple prakaram )

Musical Pillars

 Natarajar in the 1000 Pillar mandapam museum

1. Sri Sundareswarar Sannadhi, 2. Sri Meenakshi Amman sannadhi, 3. Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, 4. Nayakar Mandapam, 5. Chithirai Gopuram, 6. Potramarai Kulam, 7. Oonjal mandapam, 8. Kambathadi Mandapam, 9. 1000 Pillar Mandapam, 10. Kalyana Mandapam

247/3. SRI PARANGIRINATHAR TEMPLE, ( ARULMIGU SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE )

THIRUPARANKUNDRAM

This post was up dated with Thevara hymns, History, inscriptions, Architecture, Legends etc. For the details of the up dated post please click this link. 

This is the 217^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 3^rd Sthalam of Pandya Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

 Front mandapam 

Moolavar    : Sri Parangirinathar

Consort      : Sri Avudai Nayaki

Some of the important features of this temple are .

Even though this is a Shiva Temple, this is the Lord Murugan’s first abode of the  six abodes ( Arupadai Veedu ). Murugan married Deivayanai in this place.  Abhishekam to Gana vel is a special here. Nakkeeran, Parasaran’s  son, Sibi King and Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

At the entrance ( first Level ) mandapam Karuppana Swamy Sannidhi and on the pillars reliefs of Natana Ganapathy, Parvathy, Shiva, and Parvathy with Perumal ( in Kalyana Kolam ), Rani mangammal, Mahavishnu, Viyakrabathar, Patanjali Muni, Vishnu Durgai, Natarajar, Sivakami, Kala Bairavar, Maha kali, Vetri Vinayagar, Vasantha mandapam is on the way to Temple Tank.

In the 2nd level mandapam Vallabha Ganapathi, Vahana mandapam, Subramaniyar, Deivanai, Golden Chariot mandapam, on the ceiling 12 Rasis. On Pillar Relief of Thadathagai Pirattiyar, Valli Deivanai Murugar, Aalavai Annal & Dwarapalakas.

In the 3rd level mandapam 4 Pillar mandapam, Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam, Rishabam / Idabam & on both side Peacock and moonjuru, Andaparanar, Anikai Vinayagar, Parasarar Maharishi, Ugra moorthy, Sivachariyar, ( Meikandar, Arul Nandhi, Umapathy, Marai Ganasambadar) and Urchavar Sannadhi.

In the 4th Level mandapam Panchabhuta Lingas, Saneeswarar, Senthil Andavar, Garudalwar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Jwradevar, 63var, Arumugar Urchava mandapam,Nayakars relief, ( On the pillars).

In the 5th level Urchavars, Natarajar, Veera Surar, Veerakesari, Veeramarthandar, Veerabahu, Veerabhadra, Dakshinamurthy, Chandran and Suriyan with their concerts. Kovarthanambigai in a separate sannadhi.

In 6th level is the sanctum. In Arumugam’s sannadhi, moolavar is in marriage posture with Deivanai along with Narathar.

A Vishnu Sannadhi in line with the other two, Suryan and Chandran.

Sri Parangirinathar  sannidhi is of Kudaivarai temple – Rock cut temple facing east. On the back of Moolavar is the Kalyana Sundareswarar bas-relief.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple was built during 8th century by Pandyas as rock cut – temple ie Kudaivarai Kovil. Later during Nayaks ( 1559 to 1736 AD) gopurams were constructed. The front mandapam with 48 sculptured pillars were installed during Pandya and Nayak Period.

There are 11 inscriptions found in this temple. One of the epigraph gives the detail about Muthu Karuppan Kumaran Chetty who fought with  European  and died after he fall down from Rajagopuram. For which land was gifted to his family.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temple is kept open between 05.00 Hrs to 13.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 21.00 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :

The telephone number is 0452 2484359.

http://www.thiruparankundrammurugantemple.tnhrce.in/pooja-time.html

HOW TO REACH :

It is one of the Railway route.

Town Buses are available from bus stand. Since few buses are going near the temple, we can reach the temple through the Thirumangalam buses. Get down at  Railway gate and it is walk-able distance to the temple.

Buses are available from state capitals of Tamil Nadu up to Madurai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Rajagopuram

Gold plated Dwajasthambam and Nandhi, Peacock and Moonchuru 

Vasantha mandapam

Thirukulam 

Chariot 

248/4. SRI EDAGANATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUVEDAGAM

This post was up dated with Thevara hymns, History, inscriptions, Architecture, Legends etc. For the details of the up dated post please click this link. 

This is the 248^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 4^th Sthalam of Pandya Nadu.. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Rajagopuram.- 5 tiers  

Moolavar    : Sri Edakanathar

Consort      : Sri Elavarkuzhali, Sukuntha Kunthalambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are…

Brahma, Thirumal, Garudan, Vyasar, Parasarar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

The temple is facing east with 5 tier Rajagopuram separately for  Lord Shiva and Ambal.

In Kambathadi mandapam, Balipeedam and Dwajasthambam ( Is not in line at an elevated level to match the sanctum level of 9 steps). 

Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of the shrine. Moolavar Edakanathar is of Shiva Lingam in a Sanctum sanctorum with beautiful architecture. The Dwarapalakas are big and beautiful and installed in front of the wall.

In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai.

In Prakaram 63var, Urchavars ( Edaka nathar, Elavar Kuzhali amman, Vinayagar, Arumuga Swamy, Somaskandar, Thirugnanasambandar ), Rettai Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Nagalakshmi, Durgai, Sakthi Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar,  Pancha Lingas, Saptamatrikas, Navagrahas, Vallabha Ganapathi, Sastha, Chandran & Suryan with their consorts, Karthikai, Bairavar,  Natarajar Saba ( Natarajar in stone and Cheppu ).

Ambal  is in a separate Temple and the bell in front was brought from Malaysia ( is not now ). Thirugnanasambandar’s relief with out thalam on the mandapa pillar. In Koshtam Sakthis, icha, Kiriya etc.

In prakaram Vinayagar and Palliyarai. Nandhi is in and elevated level to match Ambal sanctum of 7 steps.

LEGENDS

Samanar ( Jains ) challenged Sambandhar to 'anal vadham' (hot dispute)  at Thirunallar where he wrote  pachai pathigam. The Samanar ( Jains ) were defeated by Sambandhar in the anall vaadham, they got down to punal vadham near this temple. The Samanars wrote 'Athi Naathi' on a palmyra leaf and floated it down the river Vaigai, while Sambandar wrote in Tamil:

'வாழ்க அந்தணர் வானவர் ஆனினம்...வீழ்க தண்புனல் வேந்தனும் ஓங்குக....ஆழ்க தீயதெல்லாம் அரன் நாமமே.....சூழ்க வையக முந்துயர் தீர்கவே'  

and floated it down the Vaigai. The palm leaf that Sambandhar floated reached the bank on the other side where there lies an idol of Lord Ganesha who is known as "vaathu venra Vinayagar" .

Sambandar was feeling happy called the place as 'Edu Senranai Tharum Edagam' which came to be known as Thiruvedagam. The palmyra leaf which the Samanars left was swept away by the river and reached 'Thirupasethi'( thiru + pa + serthal) later to be known as thirupachetty.

There is a shrine of Thirugnanasambandar on the main road facing east/ Temple.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple is kept open between 06.30 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.30 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :

Mobile No : 99432 61487

E-Mail:edaganaathaswami@gmail.com

Web site : http://thiruvedagamedaganaathar.tinfo.in/

HOW TO REACH :

Thiruvedagam is on the way to Chozhavanthan from Madurai.

Town buses  numbers are 68A, 54R and 29A from Periyar Bus stand, 93 A from Mattuthavani, 28 A & 93 from Anna Bus stand,

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

The temple arch on the Main Road 

Shrine mottai gopuram

Ambal Temple Rajagopuram  

Dwajasthambam Palipedam Nandhi 

Ambal Temple second level Rajagopuram  

Durgai Silamoortham in the prakaram ( not in the koshtam )

Thirugnanasambandar Sannadhi on the main road 

Thirugnanasambandar 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---