Sri Bhoothagreeswarar Temple / Bhoothagiriswarar Temple, Sirudavoor/ Siruthavur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

During my last visit in 2013, this Shiva temple was under reconstruction. Originally there was an entrance from the south side. However, during renovation, an additional entrance was created on the east side. The Moolavar and Ambal are kept outside under the temporary shed. The Moolavar is white in color. Rishaba’s head is facing the side  ( almost 90 degrees which is unusual ) There was a mandapam in dilapidated condition. Again I made a Visit on 24^th August 2020.

Moolavar    : Sri Boothagireeswarar

Consort      : Sri Aaranavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with a Balipeedam and Rishabam, whose head is almost turned 90 degrees towards the south side. Vinayagar with his Vahana is under a Peepal tree. The Temple tank is on the south side. 

In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Lingothbavar. The koshta images belong to recent years.

In the outer prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Chandikeswarar, and Shiva Linga is open to sky on a platform, Navagrahas and Bhairavar.

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bhanda adhisthana with three patta kumuda. The Vimana is of Gajabirushta style. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum antarala, artha mandapam, and open mukha mandapam. Moolavar is of swayambhu, white in color.

The original temple has an entrance from the Temple tank ie from the South. The same was altered and the entrance was provided on the east side.  For the same east side inscription stones were cut and the inscriptions will not have continuity. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

A Vishnu Temple in the same Village was built during the Pallava Period and this temple may also belong to Pallava Period, ie 8^th to 9^th Century. The inscriptions available belong to the Chozha period in the 11^th to 12^th Century and the Vijayanagara Period. During the recent renovation, the front mandapa was completely modified and the east side wall was also removed. The Inscription stones are not placed in their original positions and do not have continuity. As per the inscriptions, this place was called Narasinga Chaturvedi Mangalam, and Lord Siva was called Sri Bhootheeswarar.

Rajaraja-I period ( 991 CE ) inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual Lamp by Jayangonda Chozha mandalathu Kiliyur Nattu Karimangalamudayan. For the same 90 sheep/ Goats were gifted.

Kulothunga Chozha-II's 4th reign year inscription records the endowment of morning pooja by Kulothunga Chozha Thagadur Nadazhalwan, for the same he had donated land.

The 1108 CE and 1117 CE inscriptions record the lighting of lamps by an individual and a village accountant, for the same gold was gifted.

Kulothunga Chozha-III's period ( 1189 CE ) inscription records the pooja of Uchikala pooja and the Village sabha confirms the donation of lands after the exemption of Taxes. In that Lord Shiva was called Thiruvegambamudayar.

Kulothunga Chozha-III's period another inscription records the endowment of burning perpetual lamp by the Andhanar Porpurathu Periyandan Battan. For the same 90 Sheep/Goats were gifted. 

Vijayaganda Gopalan period ( 1253 CE ) inscription records the endowment of the gift of the Villages Sirudavur and Amoor as Devadghanam by Chozhaman  Brahman Otriyan alias Theluganrayan and his two brothers. The lands were given as leases and taxes were collected and given to this temple.

Veera Pandyan period ( 1275 CE ) inscription records the endowment of prayer to the Vaduga Pillayar by Azhagiya Chokkan, for the same land was purchased and gifted to this temple as Thirunamathu kani.

Neelagangaraiyan, one of the regional kings has given the taxes for the Thevadhana lands of Thirumadam alias Kondambakkam and Sirudavur, to this temple.

Sundara Pandyan period ( 1311 CE ) inscription records that the lands obtained from the Villagers and gifted to Sri Aranavalli Nachiar's pooja and changes were made on taxes to the gifted lands.

Raja Narayana Sambhuvarayan Period ( 1349 CE ) inscription records that changes were made on the taxes of lands to enable to carry out the repair & maintenance of this temple. 

1470 CE inscription records that Koothadum Devar ( Natarajar ) mandapam by Bhuvaneka Veeran. Maha mandapam was built during Vijayanagara period. An individual called Thai Soolan had established the Vinayagar and erected pillars also. During the Mallappa Nayaks period, Agrahara was created for Andhanars who do the pooja to this temple. A Village called Agaram was gifted to this temple.

Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in Feb 2020.

Chozha period inscriptions

Chozha period inscriptions

Inscriptions - 12th to 13th Century

POOJAS & CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosam, Maha Shivaratri, and some important functions.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 08.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The following mobile numbers +91 98405 18826, +91 90922 12767, and +91 94448 80118 may be contacted for further details. 

HOW TO REACH :

The temple is 1.5 KM away from The Thirukazhukundram main road.

On Thiruporur  to Thirukazhukundram road, 5 KM from Thiruporur is the Sirudavoor Village.

The place Sirudavoor is 7.5 KM from Thiruporur, 15.2 KM from Thirukazhukundram, 28 KM from Chengalpattu, and 50 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Chengalpattu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:  CLICK HERE

Rishabam looks different and the head is completely turned to south 

Old pillar 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Periyandavar Temple, Thirunilai, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

                திருநீற்றை மருந்தாக்கி

                உறுநோயை போக்கிட்ட

                குருவான பெரியாண்டவா

                கருக்கொள்ள வரம் வேண்டி

                வருகின்ற மாந்தர்க்கு

                தருகின்றாய் மகவல்லவா

                உமையாளின் கோபத்தால்

                உருமாறி திரிந்தோடி

                திருநிலையில் அமர்ந்தீரய்யா

                எமையாளும் ஈஸ்வரனே

                எந்நாளும் உனைமறவா

                நிலையெனக்கு தருவீரய்யா

.. Kannappan Teacher Manampathy.

This is a unique Shiva temple at Thirunilai, near Thirukazhukundram, where Lord Shiva is in the form of a Human and doing Dhyana.  He gave darshan in the form of Light. Lord Shiva and Parvati have equal powers and bless the devotees.

Moolavar : Sri Periyandavar

Consort   : Thirunilai Nayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with a recently built mini Rajagopuram. The Temple Pond Siddhamirtha is in front. Lord Shiva’s Dhyana posture murti is installed on a lotus pedestal. Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. The Sanctum Sanctorum is open to the sky at the center. Moolavar is of swayambhu. Both Moolavar and Ambal's footprints are in the sanctum Sanctorum. There is a half wall between the parakara and sanctum.

In the prakara Stucco images of 21 Ganas, Dakshinamurthy, Nandhi, Lord Shiva with Parvati, Lord Shiva as Periyandavar, Angala Parameswari also called as Thirunilai Nayagi,  ( al are in the human form ), Bhairavar. Pattinathar and Vallalar are in the front mandapa.

HISTORY

It is believed that the temple is 300 years old and the structures were built during recent years. The Moolavar is open to the sky and the top is covered with a transparent sheet.

LEGENDS

As per the sthala purana Lord Shiva was  roaming  around the earth in the form of a Human, due to the curse of Ma Parvati. Didn’t stay anywhere wandered without a stable mind and lost his balance of mind. So this universe behaves abnormally without control. Shiva came to this place where Ma Parvati’s Trident landed. He stayed here and started dhyana.  

In another legend, when Ambal’s Soolayutham falls on the ground, the 21 Shiva ganas came out in the form of mud balls and worshiped lord Shiva of this temple.  

Ma Parvati, Dakshinamurthy, Nandhi, and 21 Shiva Ganas, Siddhars, and saints  worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.  

Devotees especially ladies do the Panner abhisheka to the Lord Shiva as Dhyana Periyandavar  installed in front of the temple. People pray to Ma Thirunilai Nayagi as Angala Parameswari for child boon ( They have to do Abhishekam for 6 weeks ), Chronic diseases, etc,. 

 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas, abhishekams, and homas  are conducted on all Sunday Evenings, Pradosham, full moon, new moon days, Mahashivaratri, Karthigai Deepam, Tamil and English New Year Days, Chithirai 1^st Day, September 12 every year Devara hymns recital and all important festival days. Annadhanam will also be served on that day. People also conduct the ear boring Ceremony, Marriages, and Tonsuring in this temple.   

A Siva Gana pooja is an elaborate one. The pooja starts from Siddhamirtha Kula pooja to Vinayagar, Tow Kalasas a with holy water mixed with Elakkai, Lavangam, Pachchai Karpooram, Lemon, and 1 rupee coin for Lord Shiva and tied with white towel, covered with coconut. The  Kalasam has to be prepared in the form of neem leaves and tied with a red towel. Both should be brought to the Sanctum. 21 mud balls to be prepared and placed in a rectangular fashion and pooja to be performed as per the procedure. A long list of materials is required for Lord Shiva’s abhishekam and Shivagana’s pooja, as specified by the temple authorities.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs without break.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mr G Egaseelan, The temple trustee may be contacted on his mobile  no +91 98427 40957, for further clarifications and details.

The Temple website:  http://www.periyandavar.com/index_e.html

e-mail address: egaseelan29@gmail.com

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is in the middle of the Village.

From Chengalpattu town bus routes Nos T11 and T75 and a private minibus Saraswati are available.  

The Village Thirunilai is 8 KM from Thirukazhukundram, 14 KM from Chengalpattu, 12 KM from Thiruporur.  

Nearest Railway station is Chengalpattu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

 

Moolavar Lord Shiva and Nandhi with Rishabam

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Athulya Nadheswarar Temple / Atulya Nadeswarar Temple / அதுல்யநாதேஸ்வரர் கோவில், Arayaninallur / ArakandaNallur - Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 44^th  Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the north bank of ThenPennai River and 12^th  Sthalam Nadu Nadu. This place was called as Araiyaninallur during Thevara times, has got corrupted to the present name of Arakandanallur. There are different version about the name of this place as Arayaninallur and this may be an opt version -Arai+Ani+Nallur = Rock + Decorative, beauty, wear  + Nallur, hence Lord Shiva is also called as “Arayani Nathar”.

 

Sekkizhar in his Periya Puranam mentions that Thirugnanasambandar from Thirukovilur on the way to Thiruvannamalai, had the darshan of Atulyanadheswara of  Araiyaninallur / Arakandanallur. Further Thirugnanasambandar had seen the Thiruvannamalai Temple Gopuras after his disciples pointed out.

    சீரின் மன்னிய பதிகம்முன் பாடி அத்திரு அறையணி நல்லூர்

    வாரின் மல்கிய கொங்கையாள் பங்கர் தம்மலை மிசை வலம் கொள்வார்

    பாரின் மல்கிய தொண்டர்கள் இமையவர் நாள்தொறும் பணிந்து ஏத்தும்

    காரின் மல்கிய சோலை அண்ணாமலை அன்பர் காட்டிக் கண்டார்

Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple and Vallalar also mentions in his Thiruartpa.

    பீடினாற்பெரி யோர்களும் பேதமை கெடத் தீதிலா

    வீடினாலுயர்ந் தார்களும் வீடிலாரிள வெண்மதி

    சூடினார்மறை பாடினார் சுடலை நீறணிந் தாரழல்

    ஆடினாரறை யணிநல்லூர் அங்கையால் தொழுவார்களே

.... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

                                                        “ஆவலர்மா

    தேவா இறைவா சிவனே எனுமுழக்கம்

    ஓவா அறையணிநல்லூர் உயர்வே”

.... திருஅருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri  Athulya Nadheswarar, Sri Oppilaa                                                 Maneeswarar, Sri Arayani Nathar

Consort    : Sri Soundara Kanagambikai, Sri Arul Nayagi,  

                 Sri Azhakiya Ponnammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing west. The total temple complex was built on a rocky mount.  The 7 tier Rajagopuram is on the banks of ThenPennai River. Ulakalantha Perumal Temple and Sri Veerattaneswarar temples can be seen from this temple.  Moolavar is swayambhu. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. There are two Rishabas  in front of sanctum sanctorum and one is leaned to right side to facilitate Thirugnanasambandar’s darshan. While one rishabam is facing Lord Shiva and the other is facing on the opposite direction. Balipeedam and dwajasthambam are out the sanctum sanctorum. The entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is from the south.

In prakaram Sthala Vinayagar, Thirugnanasambandar with Thalam, Arumugar with Sri Valli Devasena ( A soorasamharam murti ), Kasi Viswanatha Lingam with Visalakshi, Shaniswarar keeping a ling on his vahana crow, Navagrahas, Bhairavar without his vahana dog, Narayanar ( on a flat stone), Narthana Ganapathy, Maha Vishnu with conch and Chakra, Hanuman,  Saptamatrikas, Naalvar, Ramana Maharishi, Jyeshta Devi, Natarajar Sabha, Valampuri Vinayagar.

In the out side prakaram Thirugnanasambandar’s feet ( After seeing Tiruvannamalai from here he circumambulate on the spot and worshiped Annamalaiyar. The foot prints are formed on the spot ), Annamalaiyar Sannadhi, and Ambal Sannadhi and a Nadana mandapa ( There is an interesting fact behind this mandapa, which is given in the History and inscription part ).

Sri Ramana Maharishi  on the way to Thiruvannamalai on 30^th August 1896  boarded the train at Villupuram. He had only money to buy the ticket up to Mambalapattu. Walked on the track and found this temple. After worship of Lord Shiva sat in the prakara, where Thirugnanasambandar’s idol is now installed and started meditation. During meditation as an young felt that a light emerged from the sanctum sanctorum and enveloped him with its golden warmth. He was in that state till the light disappeared. A Ramana maharishi's image is installed in front of Nalvar.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS

It  is believed that the original temple was constructed during 7^th Century Pallava period, before Thirugnanasambandar’s Visit. Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 2003.

As per the inscription this place was under Rajaraja valanattu Pennai Vadakarai Udaikattu Nattu Thiruaraiyani Nallur and Lord Shiva was called as Opporuvarumilla Nayanar or Oppillamanisvarar.

An Inscriptions records endowment of worship and offerings and for the same the Village Sembiyan Mahadevi was gifted to this temple Oppillamanisvara Temple. Another Koperunchingan’s 3^rd year reign inscription records the gift of Sembiyan Mahadevi village to this temple, by Chozhathunga Pallavaraiyan Sri Baladevan Marudanthalwar alias Rajaraja Sri Balan. Whether both are same or not do not Know. 

 

The Vikrama Pandyan’s 8^th year reign inscription ( AR 380 of 1902 ), records the endowment of Pooja ( Evening ) and maintenance of Shrine constructed on his name for which 50 % of the nanjai and Punjai tax free gifted as iraiyili.

Kulothunga Chozha’s 32^nd year reign inscription ( AR 387 of 1902 ) records the  construction of stone temple  by Pandyamandalathu Vada Vellarukoorrathu Aththampur Aththampoorudaiyan Thirukalathi udaiyan aduvan Pattanasamy ( the inscription is incomplete ).

Kulothunga Chozha’s 31^st year reign inscription ( AR 388 of 1902 ) records the endowment of lighting 3 perpetual lamps   for Aragalur Rarajadevan Ponparappinan Magathai Peruman idol, by Periya Perumal Pandiyarayan.

The Kulothunga Chozha’s 22^nd year reign inscription  ( AR 389 of 1902 ) records the endowment of 3 perpetual lamps for which 1500 kuli land was donated by Kiliyur Malayaman Iraiyuran Rajaraja Sethiyaraian’s son Periya udayan alias Kovalarayan.

Kulothunga Chozha’s 11^th year reign inscription ( AR 390 of 1902 ) records the endowment of 3 perpetual lamps to Lord Shiva and Ambal Temple constructed by him  for which a land of 3000 kuli, measured by 14 adi ( feet ) Vilakkadi kol by Kiliyur Malayaman Aththimallan alias Ethirili Chozha VanaKularayan.

Vikrama Pandyan’s 8^th year reign Inscription ( AR 391 of 1902 ) records the endowment of pooja, Naivedyam and Aadi month festival for which lands of Nanjai and Punjai with all trees and Wells, at Pandya nallur, by the king himself ( The inscriptions mentions that the endowment was on his name ). 

Sundara Pandya’s 10^th year reign inscription records that during the construction of the nadana mandapa ( Dance Hall ), collapsed many times. One of the Devaradiyar  Pon Aandai’s son Ilamvenmathi soodinan prayed that he will give navakandam ( offering his head ) if the mandapa is constructed without collapse. After completion of Mandapa and the gopuram he took the navakandam by cutting his head. His family was offered 1000 kuli land for the same act. The original inscription is reproduced as below.

    

 கல்வெட்டு:

1.கோமாற பன்மர் திரிபுவனச் சக்கரவத்திகள்ஸ்ரீ சுந்தர.

2.பாண்டிய தேவர்க்கு யாண்டு பத்தாவது இந்தத் திருமண்டப

3.ம் தட்டோடு இட்ட இதுக்கு இவ்வாண்டை திருவைகாசித் திருநாளில்

4.இவூர் தேவரடியாரில் பொந்நாண்டைமகன் இளவெண்

5.மதி சூடினான் தலை அரிந்து கொள்ளுகையில் இவனுக்கு உதிரப்பட்

6.டியாக எல்லைக்காலில் தென்னகோன் தரங்குழி குரம்பில்

7.சண்டேசுர நாயனார்(க்)கு கொடு(த்)தருளின குழி ஐநூறும் இப்பற்றில்

8.நாட்டவர் இவூரில் குடிப்பற்றில் குடுத்த குழி ஐநூறும் ஆகக்குழி ஆயிரம்

9.மும் சந்திராதித்தவரை இவன்வழி உள்ளார் அனுபவித்துக்

10.கொள்ளக்கடவார்கள் பன்மா கேசர ரஷை.

11.இதுக்கு இலிங்கணம் சொன்னவன் தாய்க்குத்தானே மணவாளன்.

LEGENDS

The sanctum sanctorum door of this temple was made open by Lord Shiva for Thirugnanasambandar's hymns, which was kept blocked with boulders by Samanar / Jains.

Mahavishnu in his Vamana avathar as Thiruvikrama killed King Mahabali by placing the third step on his head. To get rid of the sin or dosha prayed Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva advised him to go to Bhoolok and worship him in the form of swayambhu. Mahavishnu came to Arayani Nallur and worshiped the swayambhu Shiva Linga on the banks of Thenpennai River. Lord Shiva blessed Mahavishnu and obsoled him from his sins. Maha Vishnu praised Lord Shiva as Athulyanadheswara  or Unique and Superlative Lord.  

There is a rock cut 5 cell cave near the Rajagopuram ( scooped during Pallava period and there is nothing inside. ) It is believed that Panchapandava’s during their exile stayed here and  prayed Lord  Shiva and got back their statue. After they won the war and Pattabhishekam came here and worshiped Lord Shiva.   Hence people pray Lord Shiva of this temple to get back their lost wealth, property, status, etc,.

POOJAS & CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Mahashivaratri,  10 days Vaikasi Brahmotsavam ( May – June ) and Thirukarthigai.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10 Hrs and 16.00 hrs to 18.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS: 

The mobile numbers +91 9965144849 and +91 93456 60711 may be contacted for further details.   

HOW TO REACH : 

Buses also available from various places like Panruti, Virudhachalam, Panruti and Villupuram.

The temple is 2 KM from Thirukovilur, 39 KM from Villupuram, 37 KM from Thiruvannamalai, 37 KM from Villupuram and 200 Km from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Junction is Arakandanallur and Railway Junction is Villupuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Thirugnanasambandar patam- PC Web site

Bhairavar with out his vahana

Nalvar - PC - web site

Pillar reliefs - PC Web site

Pancha Pandavar Cave - PC Web site

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---