Sri Brahmeshwarar Temple / Eswaran Temple, Brahmadesam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

 03^rd February, 2020.

This Brahmeshwarar Temple’s Visit was a part of Heritage Visit to temples, Hero stones and Heritage sites around Anthiyur and Athani, scheduled on 03^rd February 2020. During Chozha’s rule, a Village gifted to a temple was called as  Brahmadesam. By seeing the name of the Village as Brahmadesam, we thought that there must be an old temple, built during Chozha period. But to our disappointment, we landed in this temple and couldn't found antiquity, since the temple was reconstructed many times and original structures are not maintained.

Moolavar  : Sri Brahmeshwarar

Consort    : Sri Brahmeshwari

Some of the important details are …

The temple is facing east with a Balipeedam and Nandhi.   The sanctum sanctorum niches / koshtas are empty, But Dakshinamurti, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai are installed in-front of Koshtas. The thorana, above the niches are with Bootha gana heads with protruding teeth & various expressions. Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi facing east. A simha vahana is in front of the Ambal sannadhi.

In Prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Saneeswarar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan and Chandran.

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum of Shiva and Ambals temples are constructed with padabandha adhisthana. Sanctum sanctorum, antarala and arthamandapama are on the adhisthana. The koshtas depth are less to accommodate the images. The thoranas above the Niches / niches are carved with bhoota ganas with various face expressions & protruding teeth. The prastaram is simple with alpanasis and without images in the koodu. A Two thala Nagara vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Going by the architecture of the temple, the temple may be 300 to 400 years old and re-constructed in the recent years. 19^th -20^th century inscriptions are found on the walls of artha mandapam. Two times renovations has been carried out in 1999 and 2011 and kumbhabhishekam was conducted.

A 19th to 20th century inscriptions

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

Since oru kala pooja is conducted the opening and closing times are unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile 6381646716 and 7502845238 for further clarifications.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is about 250 meters from the Village.

Brahmadesam is about 21 KM from Bhavani, 34 KM from Erode,  124 KM from Coimbatore and 421 KM from Chennai

Nearest Railway station if Erode.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Anthiyur Gurunatha Swamy Vanam Temple / குருநாதர் கோவில் / VANAKOVIL, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

                                                                            03^rd February 2020.

This Sri Gurunatha Swamy Temple’s Visit was a part of Heritage Visit to temples, Hero stones and Heritage sites around Anthiyur and Athani, scheduled on 03^rd February 2020. This is one of the 800 and odd years old temples  of Erode District. An Unique market for the Horses. Happened to see some abandoned  horses roaming on the street, which are not sold during festival. This article deals with the temple that one at Vanam ( வனம் - காடு ) and not the one in the Village.

    

 Sivagurunatha Swamy

Moolavar  : Gurunatha Swamy

Some of the important features of this temple…
This is an unique temple in which a boulder is worshiped as Lord Shiva and Muruga as Moolavar Gurunatha Swamy. It is believed that Muruga taught / உபதேசம் panchatcharam mantra to Shiva, hence called as Gurunatha Swamy.

The other deities Sri Kamakshi Amman, Vishnu, Veerabhadra, Nava Kanniyars, Anjaneyar, Pavalamalai Eswaran, Siddheswarar, Bhandheswarar, Kundrudayar, Pancha Pandavas, etc, are in the form of Stones.

FESTIVAL
The annual 4 days festival will be held in the month of August ( Aadi month ). During that time a cattle market with indigenous breeds of cows and horses will be sold. People from various parts of our country will attend. Breeds such as Alambadi and Bargur will also be on display. Dwarf cows from Andhra Pradesh, goats, buffaloes, Ox will be sold. The locals will also gather to buy domestic goods. The local agricultural products will also in display. Some of horses which not sold and are not worth to take back will be left behind.   

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs. This VanaKovil will be open always.

HOW TO REACH:
This temple is about 2 kilo meters from Anthiyur Bus Stand.
Anthiyur is 18.5 KM from Bhavani, 25 KM from Erode, 23.8 KM from Gobichettipalayam, 108 KM from Coimbatore and 400 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Erode.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Pancha Pandavas

 Vishnu & Anjaneyar

 Navakanniyar

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Anthiyur Chelliswarar Temple / Sri Chelleeswarar Temple, Anthiyur, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

03^rd February 2020.

This Sri Chelliswarar Temple’s Visit was a part of Heritage Visit to temples, Hero stones and Heritage sites around Anthiyur and Athani, scheduled on 03^rd February 2020. This is one of the 800 and odd years old temples  of Erode District. This temple has an inscription, in which The King had issued an order in favor of a community to abolish the restrictions imposed on them, by another community.

Moolavar  : Sri Chelliswarar

Consort    : Sri Chelliswari

Some of the important features of this temple…

The temple is facing east with a balipeedam and Nandhi.  Vinayagar and Nagars are under a tree  on the out side of  the temple complex. The temple complex is about 3 feet below the out side ground level. Dakshinamurthy, Brahma and Durga are not inside the koshtam, but kept outside.

In prakaram Suryan, Chandran, Kannimoola Ganapathi, Arumuga Subramaniyar with Sri Valli DevaSena, Veera Kala Bhairavar and Saneeswaran, Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi facing east like moolavar.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The 2 thala vimana is on the simple padabandha adhisthana and Vedhika.  Since this temple was reconstructed many times, we do not know the original construction of this temple. The present temple looks like a 16^th to 17^th Century temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There are two inscriptions recorded in this temple.  The 13^th Century Kongu Pandyar Veerapandian period inscription on the west side wall records the abolition on restrictions imposed on 5 sections of Kammalars ( Acharis / Viswakarmas / Asaris ),( கொல்லர், தச்சர், கன்னார், கற்சிற்பி, பொற்கொல்லர் ) by an another community. The King’s order permits the 5 sections of Kammalars /  Acharis can wear footwear, plastering of their houses, to blow conch on Good and bad events /functions and playing drums ( பேரிகை ). The copy of this inscription is also available at Perur, Gudimangalam, Karur, Kadathur, Modakkur, Pariyur and Avinashi temples.

Another 13^th Century Kongu Pandyar Veerapandyan’s 11^th year rule  period inscription records the donation of 10 panam ( money ) towards burning of Sandhya deepam by Vadakarai nattu Anthiyur Narambarkal Nattu Kamindan and Kasiba kothra Periya Thevan Pillai Theva Narayana Narpathennayira Nambi.

The 16^th Century Ummathur Veerananjarayar period inscription records the donation of Land to this temple. It mentions that Ponnankattiyar Venkadanathar’s farm land after his death was sold to and purchased a new land for 20 panam and a Samadhi was built for him. The new land with Samadhi was donated to this Shiva temple. This was done by 5 persons, whose names are also inscribed.

Inscriptions on the adhisthana

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

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

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is about 500 meters from Anthiyur Bus Stand.

Anthiyur is 18.5 KM from Bhavani, 25 KM from Erode, 23.8 KM from Gobichettipalayam, 108 KM from Coimbatore and 400 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Erode.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Veerabhadrar Temple / Sri Veerabhadra Temple, Anthiyur, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

 03^rd February 2020.

This Veerabhadra temple’s visit was a part of Heritage Visit to temples, Hero stones and Heritage sites around Anthiyur and Athani, scheduled on 03^rd February 2020. When we are looking for a Hero stone, landed in this  temple. The Hero stone is installed in the temple complex, on the right side of the entrance with a separate entrance. The details of the Hero stone will be written separately. 

 Vimana with Suka nasi ( extended maha nasi above antarala )

Moolavar : Sri Veerabhadra 

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with a Nandhi in-front of the sanctum. Moolavar is Lord Shiva as Veerabhadra in standing posture. A stucco image of Veerabhadra is on the top of the front mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE

This is an old temple, renovated during recent period and Kumbhabhishekam was also conducted. The new temple is with sanctum sanctorum, antrala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam ( a meta colour sheet shed ). The sanctum adhisthana was built like typical Kongu Village temple.  There is no koshtas in the sanctum walls. The Vimana is of eka thala vesara Vimana and east side maha Nasi is extended. The extended nasi has the image of Veerabhadra and 5 kalasas in addition to that one at the centre. Stucco images of Dakshinamurthy and Brahma are in the Vimana.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple may belongs to Vijayanagara Nayaks  period or even earlier to that,  ie, 300 to 400 years old. The mandapa pillars, Capital or pothyals are strewn around the temple. The Pothyals are of pushpa pothyals. 4 Pillars with a Shiva Linga and Ambal are kept out side along with a Japanese Kubera / laughing Buddha. The Pillar omam or the base has beautiful images of Kali, Lord Shiva, Shiva Linga, Saints, etc,. In addition to this, there are  many stone balls scattered around this makeshift structure for Lord Shiva and the purpose is not known.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 10 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is about 500 meters from Anthiyur Bus Stand.

Anthiyur is 18.5 KM from Bhavani, 25 KM from Erode, 23.8 KM from Gobichettipalayam, 108 KM from Coimbatore and 400 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Erode.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Old temple's pillars - On the right is the Kubera Buddha

 Old Temple pillar capital / Pothyal

Old temple pillar capitals / Pothyals

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Kariyakaliamman Temple / ஸ்ரீ கரியகாளியம்மன் கோயில், Patlur, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

03^rd February 2020.

This Sri Kariyakali Amman Temple’s visit was a part of Heritage Visit to temples, Hero stones and Heritage sites around Anthiyur and Athani, scheduled on 3^rd February 2020. This temple is about 2 KM from Patlur. When we are in search of a Hero stone, happened to land in this temple. Many interesting features are found in this temple. As per the inscriptions this place was called as Pattil Oor, which has got corrupted to the present name of Patlur. 

Moolavar : Sri Kariyakali Amman.

Some of the interesting features of this temple are…

This Kariyakali Amman is a Village guarding deity facing north. This temple also faces north, without any entrance arch / Rajagopuram.  A Terracotta Muneeswaran is before the entrance of the temple.

An asbestos sheet shed is in front of the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and an artha mandapam. At the entrance of sanctum sanctorum the Dwarapalakas both Male and female, are made of terracotta. In addition to this there are two terracotta horses donated by the devotees on a platform. Under the front asbestos sheet shed, an oonjal and a balipeedam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

In addition to this there is a Pulikuthi Sati stone, a Nadukal ( the details will be posted separately ) and an Amman’s  Head. A broken Kali statue, is lying on the west side of the sanctum. The Pulikuthi sati stone belongs to 16^th to 17^th Century. The Compound walls are built with stone stacked in an excellent manner. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and an artha mandapam. At the entrance of sanctum sanctorum the Dwarapalakas both Male and female, are made of terracotta. As per the experts, Terracotta Dwarapalakas signifies that this is an extension of ancient worship. Hence considering the Terracotta Dwarapalakas, Pulikuthi Sati stone and broken Kali statue, the temple might be more than 500 hundred years old.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
15 days Annual festival will be celebrated during the month of Aani. The celebration will begin with Poochatu on Wednesday and ends with Manjal Neerattu. Theemithi thiruvizha ( Fire walk - தீமிதி திருவிழா ) will be held on the previous day of Manjal Neerattu. 

 

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

Since oru kala pooja is conducted by the poojari a non Brahmin the opening and closing times are unpredictable.  

HOW TO REACH:

This temple at Patlur is on the Bhavani to Vellithiruppur Road about a KM from Anthiyur – Ammapettai Road Junction.

The temple is 22 KM from Bhavani, 40 KM from Erode, 120 KM from Coimbatore and 400 KM from Chennai.   

Nearest Railway station is Erode.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

Terracotta Dwarapalaka & Dwarapalaki

 Terracotta Horse

 A Beautiful wall

 Terracotta Ayyanar / Muneeswaran 

 A Kali sculpture broken in to pieces

 Terracotta Vinayagar

 ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Chendraya Perumal Temple / ஸ்ரீ சென்றாய பெருமாள் கோயில், பட்லூர் / Patlur, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

03^rd February 2020.

This Chendraya Perumal Temple’s visit was a part of Heritage Visit to the temples, Hero stones and Heritage sites around Anthiyur and Athani, scheduled on 03^rd February 2020. This temple is very close to Sri Vageeshvarar Shiva Temple of Patlur. As per the inscriptions of the Shiva Temple this place was called as Pattil Oor, which has got corrupted to the present name of Patlur. 

Moolavar : Sri Chendraya Perumal.

Some of the important details are….

This temple is facing east with a dilapidated mandapa is in-front. The mandapa is a typical Village type house built with brick and sloped roof paved with mangalore tiles. A Kongu style Deepa sthamba with a mandapa is after the front entrance mandapa. Nagars ( Includes Shiva Linga and Krishna ) and donor sculptures are in front of the artha mandapam entrance.  Perumal is in standing posture. There is no images in the koshtam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam. Garudan is in the artha mandapam. The total temple was built with brick on the stone pathabhandha adhisthana. This temple is very much similar to Sri Vaagheeshvarar Temple, which is 10th to 12th Century. The original temple may belongs to 10th to 12th Century and the Nayak period donor bas-reliefs on the pillars indicates that this temple may be extended / renovated during 16^th to 17^th century. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

Since oru kala pooja is conducted the opening and closing times are unpredictable.  

HOW TO REACH:

This temple at Patlur is on the Bhavani to Vellithiruppur Road, about 500 meters from Anthiyur – Ammapettai  and Bhavani – Vellithiruppur Road Junction.

The temple at Patlur is 22KM from Bhavani, 40 KM from Erode, 120 KM from Coimbatore and 400 KM from Chennai.   

Nearest Railway station is Erode.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Naga bandham

 Nayak period Donors on the mandapa pillars - 

 Donors

Nagars & Donors

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---