Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ மீனாட்சி சுந்தரேஸ்வரர் கோயில், குமரன் குன்றம் on Kumaran Kundram, Hasthinapuram, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

20^th April 2019.

I wasn’t aware that there is a Shiva temple on Kumaran Kundram where Sri Balasubramania Swamy temple is situated on the top of the hill. After Visiting the Siva Vishnu temple at Adambakkam, went to this temple.

 Meenakshi Kalyana Stucco images at the entrance arch

Moolavar   : Sri Sundareswarar

Consort     : Sri Meenakshi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The 5-tier Rajagopuram on the roadside is common for both Shiva and Sri Balasubramania Swamy temples. Sri Arunagirinathar mandapam is immediately after the Rajagopuram, Marriages, discourses, and Temple festival will be conducted here. Vahanas are also kept here. Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Navagrahas, and Jayamangalathamma  Kali sannathis are on the left Shiva Temple is on the left side of the 50^th steps.

The temple faces North with an entrance Arch. Stucco images of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam. Vishnu, Meenakshi, Shiva, Brahma, Nandhi, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The main sanctum is on an elevated level. On Moolavar Shiva linga image of Shiva is engraved.In Koshtam Vinayagar, Rishabanthikar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Durga. The Shiva Sannadhi is with Gaja Prishta Vimana.

In prakaram sannadhi for Amman Meenakshi, Urchavars, Natarajar, Sarabeswarar, Soman ( Chandran ), Siva Suriyan, Naalvar and Bhairavar. Natarajar is called Thanpada Thookiya  Natarajar, in dance posture with right foot up.   Sri Meenakshi Amman is in a separate sannidhi facing east.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS 

The available inscription details are given below. Both Sri Balasubramania Swamy temple and this Shiva temple cannot be separated, since most of the thirupani are common to both. This temple belongs to the 20^th Century and even before that a Spear was kept and worshiped ( from when is not known). On 10^th December 1958, Kanchi mutt  Sri  Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal told that a Subramaniar Temple will come on this hill during his visit to Chrompet.

On 9^th December 1975, when Sri Sankaracharya Swamigal was camped at Nanganallur, he mentioned that he was very happy about worshiping a spear installed on the top of the hill. Further, he blessed the intention of building a Sri Balasubramania Swamy Temple on the top of the hill and appealed to all the devotees to donate liberally. On 3^rd Feb 1983, Kanchi Mutt Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal laid the stone for conducting Samprokshanam after thirupani for Navagrahas, Shiva, and Ambal sannidhi.   

On 5^th December 1986, the steps were constructed and opened by Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetam Sri Sankaracharya Bharathi Tirtha Swamigal. On  15^th Aug 2003, front concrete flooring and steps Kavi painting was done through a donor Saroja and Balan Family. On 09^th Feb 2014, Jinorthana Ashta Bandhana Kumbabishekam was conducted for Sri Balasubramania Swamy, Parivara sannadhis, and Rajagopuram in the presence of Pujya Sri Sri Brahma Yogananda and Pujya Sri Sri Niranjanananda Giri Swamigal. On the same date, Dwajasthambam was also installed. In that function, HR & CE Minister and Officials also participated

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept open between 06.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The Kumaran Kundram temple is at Hasthinapuram a part of Chromepet.

Town buses S8, S4, M18G, and 500 A  ends at Hasthinapuram and stops near the temple.

Chromepet Sub Urban Railway Station is about  1.6 KM from the Temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

The Gajabirushta vimana is on the back of Meenakshi Amman sannidhi Vimanam

The provision of a lock is also followed here as a part of prayer. 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple / Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple / குமரன் குன்றம் முருகன் ஆலயம், Kumaran Kundram, Chrompet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

20^th April 2019.

Being a holiday on Saturday, 20^th April 2019, after visiting a Shiva Vishnu Temple at Adambakkam, had been to this temple. This temple is dedicated to Sri Subramaniya Swamy. Moolavar is called by different names. A Shiva Temple is also in the middle of the hill. Originally a Vel was worshiped as the presiding deity. The same was placed by Kanchi Maha Periyava Sri Sankaracharya Swamigal.

Moolavar: Sri Swaminatha Swamy aka Sri Aiswarya  Murugan.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces North with steps starting from the east. A 5-tier Rajagopuram is on the roadside. Sri Arunagirinathar mandapam is immediately after the Rajagopuram, Marriages, discourses, and Temple festival will be conducted here. Vahanas are also kept here. Vinayagar, Navagrahas, Jayamangalathamma, and Kali sannidhis are on the left. Urchavars in a glass room are on the right at the starting point of the steps. 

Kodimara Vinayagar, balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Elephant vahana are in-front of the temple. A 3 tier Rajagopuram is at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. After Climbing 16 steps we can reach the sanctum of Sri Swaminatha Swamy. The sanctum is at an elevated level with Jayan and Vijayan as Dwarapalakas. In the sanctum, Sri Swaminatha Swamy is in a standing posture holding a staff in his right hand. In koshtam different postures of Murugan and Durgai. In the mandapam top Sudhai sirpam of Sri Bala Dhandayuthapani, on both sides are Lord Shiva and Parvathi.  Urchavar and Arunagirinathar are in kept in the mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum and mukha mandapam. Balipeedam and Elephant vahana are in front of the sanctum. 

Totally it will be 100+ steps constructed with granite and the cost is borne by the donors, whose names are inscribed. In the ¼ portion of the steps on the right is the Idumban sannidhi. Almost in the middle of the steps is a Shiva Temple ( will be written in a separate post). At the end of the steps is Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This temple belongs to the 20^th Century and even before that a Spear was kept and worshiped ( from when is not known). On 10^th December 1958, Kanchi mutt  Sri  Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal told that a Subramaniar Temple will come on this hill during his visit to Chrompet.

On 9^th December 1975, when Sri Sankaracharya Swamigal was camped at Nanganallur, he mentioned that he was very happy to worship a Vel installed on the top of the hill. Further, he blessed the intention of building a Sri Balasubramania Swamy Temple on the top of the hill and appealed to all the devotees to donate liberally. On 3^rd Feb 1983, Kanchi Mutt Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal laid the stone for conducting Samprokshanam after thirupani for Navagrahas, Shiva, and Ambal sannidhis.   

On 5^th December 1986, the steps were constructed and opened by Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham Sri Sankaracharya Bharathi Tirtha Swamigal. On  15^th Aug 2003, front concrete flooring and steps Kavi painting was done through a donor Saroja and Balan Family. On 09^th Feb 2014, Jinorthana Ashta Bandhana Kumbabhishekam was conducted for Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy, Parivara sannadhis, and Rajagopuram in the presence of Pujya Sri Sri Brahma Yogananda and Pujya Sri Sri Niranjanananda Giri Swamigal. On the same date, Dwajasthambam was also installed.  In that function, the HR & CE Minister and Officials are also participated.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Important festivals like Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthiram, Aadi and Thai Kiruthigai, Vaikasi Visakam, and Kandha Sashti are celebrated in a grand manner. Devotees used to Circumambulate the Hill on Pournami ( Full moon) day.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept open between 06.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The Kumaran Kundram temple is at Hasthinapuram a part of Chrompet.

Town buses S8, S4, M18G, and 500 A  ends at Hasthinapuram and stops near the temple.

Chrompet Suburban railway station is about  1.6 KM from the Temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Shiva Vishnu Temples / சிவா விஷ்ணு கோயில் at Muthial Reddy Nagar, Adambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

20^th April 2019.

I used to see a small entrance with a name board as Shiva Vishnu Temple on Jawaharlal Nehru Road (  A Link road from Velachery to Airport), during my morning walking. On the way to Kumaran Kundram, at Chrompet on 20^th April 2019, had been to this temple.

1. Sarva Siddhi Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar
2. Sri Nandeeswarar
3. Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar
4. Sri Valli Devasena Sameட்ha Kubera Subramaniar

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and other hindu deities.  It has a entrance with arch on south and North side. The Complex has the sannadhis for Sarva Siddhi Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar ( In koshtam Gana Saraswathy, Maha Lakshmi, Annapoorani). Sri Nandeeswarar ( facing east with a balipedam and Rishabam. In koshtam only Dakshinamurthy ),  Sri Valli Devasena sameட்ha Kubera Subramaniar,  Amirthavalli Thayar, Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar, Anjaneyar, Andal, Navagrahas, Kala bhairavar and Vishnu Durgai. Sarva Siddhi Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar, Sri Nandeeswarar and Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Sannidhis are facing east and built in a row.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple land measuring 1140 sq ft was donated  by Mr E Ponnurangam Nayakar of Adambakkam Village with the support of  Po Murthy. The temple was constructed in two phases spread in an area of 5862 Sq ft. The required fund was raised through public contribution. In the first phase Sarva Siddhi Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar, Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar & Vishnu Durgai  sannadhis are constructed and Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 27^th Aug 2004. 

In second phase Sri Valli Devasena Kubera Subramaniyar  sannadhi & Navagrahas are constructed and kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 10^th August 2006. The rest of the sannadhis are added art a latter date.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The mobile numbers 9344651332 & 8939378829 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is on the Jawaharlal Road, ie the link road along the MRTS elevated Railway track between Velachery and St Thomas Mount Railway Station ( under construction )

The mini buses from Velachery to Madipakkam passes through this temple.

T Nagar to Puzhuthivakkam  bus 51 passes near the temple.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple / ஸ்ரீ லக்ஷ்மி நரசிம்மர் கோயில், Anthili in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

08^th June 2019.

Visit to this temple was a part of in and around Villupuram Temples visit on 08^th June 2019. After Sri Athulyanatheswarar darshan at Arakandanallur, we had been to this temple. It was around 18.00 hrs and the sun was about to set on the west. This place Anthili is on the northern side banks of river Thenpennai.

Moolavar : Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a balipeedam and Deepasthambham converted in to a Dwajasthambam.  In sanctum Lakshmi is on the left lap of Sri Narasimhar.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum and a mandapam. The total temple was built on two rocks, which looks like Garuda’s wings when viewed from east. here are 13 steps to climb up the sanctum.

HISTORY

As per history, the temple is about 1600 years old and no proof is available to prove its antiquity.

LEGENDS

When Hiranyakasipu asked whether his lord Narayana will be there in this Pillar. Bhaktha Prahlada replied Yes. To prove the same Lord Vishnu Came out of the pillar in the form of Narasimhar. Considering the Prahald’s request Narasimhar came without his vahana, Garudan. Garuda was disappointed.  He came to this place Anthili  and started penance / dhabas on Sri Narasimhar. Sri Narasimhar gave darshan to Garuda. As per Garuda’s request Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar stayed in Anthili.

From another legend, The temple is existing since starting of three yugas. Sri Vyasaraja, who was Sri Ragavendra in his next birth came to know the sanctity of this temple through his extra sensory power and came to this temple. He happened to see from east that the temple was built on Garuda’s wings and worshiped Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. He stayed for some time in this temple. The Hanuman was installed by him.

POOJAS & CELEBRATIONS

Poojas are performed as per Madhwa sampradaya. Some of the sculptures are matches with Karnataka iconography.  Apart from regular poojas Swathi Thirumanjanam, Narasimha jayanthi, Hanuman Jayanti and Vaikunta Ekadasi are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hours and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is about 3 KM from Arakandanallur, 195 KM from Chennai, 33 KM from Thiruvannamalai, 40 KM from Villupuram. 

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ அர்தநாரீஸ்வரர் கோயில், Rishivandiyam, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

09^th June 2019.

After the darshan of Sri Vennayappar / Sri Swarnakadeswarar of Thirunelvennai, We thought of  winding our Villupuram temples visit with this Rishivandiyam Shiva temple, considering the distance to be traveled back to Chennai. It was around 18.00 hrs when we landed Rishivandiyam Temple. Rishis worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence the ancient name of Rishi Vantha vanam was corrupted to the present name of Rashivandiyam.

Moolavar  : Sri Arthanareeswarar

Consort    : Sri Mukthambigai.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a 5  tier Rajagopuram. A Rishabam with a mandapam is in-front of the Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is swayambhu. ( Parvati in standing posture can be seen during honey Abhishekam on the Shiva Linga. A two tier Vimana is on the sanctum. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. The Urchavars are in the artha mandapam. Bhairavar, Suryan, Natarajar, Palliyarai and Vinayagar are in artha mandapam.

In prakaram sannadhi for 63var, Vinayagar, Agastheeswarar & Agastheeswari, Nagars, Chandikeswarar, Viswanathar & Visalakshi, Annamalaiyar, Unnamulai Ammai, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar Stucco image of Arthanareeswarar and Navagrahas.

Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi. The temple consists of sanctum, antarala and ardha mandapa. A Nandhi mandapam is in front of the sanctum. The stucco image of Sthala purana, in which a Shiva Lingam with Parvathi inside in standing posture. Since Ambal Mukthambigai gives Mukthi, She is being called by that name.

ARCHITECTURE

The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, Antarala, artha mandapam and a maha mandapam. 

On the left is the Vasantha mandapam ( with musical Pillars )  and on the right is the vahana mandapa ( there are two Yazhi pillars, in one of the Yazhi’s mouth a stone rolling ball was carved by the sculptor.

 

 Yazhi Pillars

 Yazhi Pillars 

 The rolling ball in Yazhi's mouth

The musical pillars

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION:

The temple was built by Jadavarma Sundara Pandyan  in 1282 CE and latter contributions by the Vijayanagaras and Nayaks. Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted during 2007. 

LEGENDS

Indra had done abhishekam only Lord Shiva ignoring Sri Parvati. Parvati got angry and hide all the pots. Lord Shiva offers his left side of his body. While doing the Abhishekam, Indra had seen Parvati on the left side of the Shiva Linga. Realizing the mistake he had done, he sought forgiveness from Sri Parvati.

   

In another Legend, Agasthiyar was sent to South to balance the earth, during Shiva’s marriage with Parvati marriage. Since he couldn’t attend the marriage, Shiva gave Kalyana kola Darshan in this temple.

This temple is famous for the marriage boon and children could not speak, do abhishekam with honey and the honey to be consumed for speech.

POOJAS & CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, important functions like, Mahashivaratri , In Aani month 10 days annual festival will be celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT:

Mr. Somu Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile +919865369493  for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

Rishivandiyam is about 26 KM from Thirukovilur, 73 KM from Villupuram, 25 KM from Kallakurichi and 250 KM from Chennai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Arthanareeswarar Stucco image 

The Mandapa opposite to Ambal's Sannadhi. on the top stucco image of Parvati on Shiva Linga

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Vaitheeswarar Temple / Sri Vaidhyanathar Temple / Vikrama Chozha Temple, Chinthamani, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

8^th June 2019.

The visit to this temple was a part of Villupuram temples visit on 8^th June 2019. It was planned to visit this temple after the Darshan of Sri Brahmapureeswarar at Brahmadesam. It was around 13.00 hrs when we reached the temple.  Since there is no compound wall, we are able to go round the temple and few devotees also came for worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Vaitheeswarar / Sri Vaidyanathar

Consort    : Sri Thaiyal Nayaki.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with our entrance arch or Rajagopuram. There is no Compound wall too. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of mukha mandapam. In sanctum moolavar is little tall on a round avudayar. In Koshtam, Pichadanar / Pichadanar, Vinayagar with samara & Venkotrakudai, Oorthuva Thandavar ( Natarajar ), Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai, Bhairavar and Shiva with Parvati as alingna murthy.  The Koshta moorthams are master pieces of Chozha sculptures. 

Ambal Sri Thaiyal Nayaki is in a separate temple like sannadhi with sanctum and a mukha mandapam.  Ambal is facing east. In prakaram sannadhi for Anjaneyar/ Hanuman, Navagrahas, Suryan, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar and Jeeva Samadhi of a Siddhar. In the Samadhi, Panchabhuta Lingas, Nagars and Vinayagars are installed.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a open  mukha mandapam. The ardha mandapa pillars are worth to see. A vesara vimana is over the sanctum. A Moat is around the sanctum Sanctorum. The adhistanam is with Upa peda, Jagathi, Three face Kumuda,  Kapotham. Bhuta ganas are in the valapi and yazhivari is above the prastaram. 

 

 Artha mandapam pillars are worth to watch

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION:

The temple was built during Kulothunga period and the Lord Shiva was called as  Kulothunga Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar and the place was called in the name of first Kulothunga Chozha’s wife's name was Madhranthaki also called as Thina Chintamani and now called as Chinthamani. On the South side jagathy there is a Vikrama Chozha’s inscription with his title as “Poomathu punara… “.

Apart from regular poojas, Important functions like pournami pooja pradosham, Maha Shivarathri are celebrated in a grand manner.

Vikrama Chozha inscriptions

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT:

The mobile number of the priest +94427 79895, may be contacted for further details.   

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is about 500 meters off Chennai to Trichy GST Road.

Chinthamani is about 10 KM before Villupuram,  68 KM from Pondicherry, 32 KM from Tindivanam and 189 KM from Chennai.

All the buses  on GST road will stop at Chinthamani.

Nearest Railway station is Villupuram.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Siddhar's Jeeva samadhi with Nagars and Vinayagar

 Vinayagar

 Oorthuva Thandavar

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---