Aiyarappar Temple / Sri Panchanatheswarar Temple / ஐயாறப்பர் கோயில், திருவையாறு, Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 105^th  Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 51^st Sthalam on the North side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. It is believed that this place obtained the name of Thiruvaiyaru due to the 5 rivers, Arisalaru, Vennaru, Vettaru, Kudamurutti River, and Kaveri, flowing near the temple. This temple is one of the temples equivalent to Kashi and is also called Thenkailayam.

 

Thirugnanasambandar visited twice to this temple. The first time he visited this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirupazhanam and the Second time, after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirupoonthuruthi and Thiruneithanam.  

கோடல் கோங்கும் குளிர்கூவிளம் என்னும் திருப்பதிகக் குலவு மாலை

நீடுபெருந் திருக்கூத்து நிறைந்ததிரு உள்ளத்து நிலைமை தோன்ற

ஆடுமாறு அதுவல்லான் ஐயாற்றுஎம் இயற்றும் ஐயனே என்று நின்று

பாடினார் ஆடினார் பண்பினொடும் கண்பொழி நீர் பரந்து பாய 

மாடு புனல்பொன்னி இழிந்து வடகரையில்

நீடுதிரு நெய்தானம் ஐயாறு சேர்ந்து இறைஞ்சிப்

பாடு தமிழ் மாலைகளும் சாத்திப் பரவிப்போய்

ஆடல் புரிந்தார் திருப்பழனம் சென்று அணைந்தார்

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Sundarar, Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar, and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thirugnanasambandar sang 2 hymns during his first visit and 3 hymns, on the second visit. Both are given below.

புலனைந்தும் பொறிகலங்கி நெறி மயங்கி அறிவழிந்திட்டு ஐம்மேல் உந்தி

அலமந்த போதாக அஞ்சேல் என்று அருள்செய்வான் அமரும்கோயில்

வலம் வந்த மடவார்கள் நடமாட முழவதிர மழையென்றஞ்சிச்

சிலமந்தி அலமந்து மரமேறி முகில் பார்க்கும் திருவையாறே

...... திருஞானசம்பந்தரின்  முதல் தரிசனதின் போது

கலைஆர் மதியோடு உரநீரும்

நிலைஆர் சடையார் இடமாகும்

மலையா ரமுமா மணிசந்தோடு

அலைஆர் புனல்சே ரும்ஐயாறே

........ திருஞானசம்பந்தரின் இரண்டாவது தரிசனதின் போது

மாதர்ப் பிறைக் கண்ணி யானை மலையான் மகளொடும் பாடிப்

போதொடு நீர்சுமந்து ஏத்திப் புகுவார் அவர்பின் புகுவேன்

யாதும் சுவடு படாமல் ஐயாறு அடைகின்ற போது

காதல் மடப்பிடி யோடும் களிறு வருவன கண்டேன்

கண்டேன் அவர்திருப் பாதம் கண்டறியாதன கண்டேன்

......... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

பரவும் பரிசுஒன்(று) அறியேன்நான் பண்டே உம்மைப் பயிலாதேன்

இரவும் பகலும் நினைந்தாலும் எய்த நினைய மாட்டேன்நான்

கரவில் அருவி கழுகுண்ணத்ந்தெங்கங் குலைக்கீழ்க் கருப்பாலை

அரவந் திரைக்கா விரிகோட்டத்(து) ஐயா(று) உடைய அடிகளோ

.......... சுந்தரர்

குந்தி நடந்து குனிந்தொரு கைகோலூன்றி

நொந்திருமி நுரைத்தேறி – வந்துந்தி

ஐயாறு வாயாறு பாயா முன் நெஞ்சமே

ஐயாறு வாயால் அழை

......... ஐயடிகள் காடவர்கோன்

                                                                                --“ பண்பகன்ற

வெய்யாற்றில் நின்றவரை மெய்யாற்றில் ஏற்று திரு

வைய்யாற்றின் மேவிய என் ஆதரவே

........... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Panchanatheswarar, Sri Aiyarappar,

                  Sri Sembonsotheeswarar.

Consort    : Sri Dharmasamvarthini, Sri Aramvalartha Nayagi.

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

The temple faces east with a 7-tier Rajagopuras as the main entrance and 3 more entrances on all other three sides with Rajagopuras. Vallabha Ganapathi and Dhandayuthapani are in the mandapam. The inner & 2^nd level Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are after the three-tier 2^nd level Rajagopuram. Stucco Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is of swayambhu Prithvi covered Kavasam. A Soolam / Trident and a Cow bas reliefs are on the Kavasam, hence called as “Thirisooli” - “வடிவேறு திரிசூலம் தோன்றும் தோன்றும்”-  as per Thirumurai. Since moolavar is of Prithvi, no Abhishekam is done and punuku is applied without touching the Lingam, a Theenda Thirumeni. The outside Sanctum is in the form of a moat/akazhi. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy with Jadabaram, hence circumambulation is restricted in this Dakshinamurthy prakara.  

In the outer prakaram, Surya Theertham with Neerazhi Mandapam, Kungiliya Kundam, Atkondar Sannadhi, Then Kailayam with Appars’s image & Shiva Linga, Vinayagar Sannadhi, Vada Kailayam Ulokamadevicharam.

After the outer prakaram, next prakara do not have any sannadhis. On one place on the wall is marked for making the sound “Aiyara”. The Sound resonates many times. This reminds the Appar’s thevaram as.... “ஓசை ஒலியெல்லாம் ஆனாய் நீயே”. 

Before the Sanctum Sanctorum, a mandapam, in which Maragatha/Emerald Linga, Spatika Linga and spadika Ambal are kept in a safety Locker. Poojas will be done during the morning hours. Special poojas will be performed on the 5^th day of the Chithra festival.

In the inner praharam, Murals of Shiva stories are painted on the walls, Bhavani Nathar Shiva Linga, Adhi Vinayagar, Navagrahas, Pancha Bhoota Linga, Chandrasekar, Adhi Vinayagar. There is a step leading upstairs to see the sculptures.

In the next prakara Siddhi Vinayagar, Viswanathar Visalakshi, Dhandapani, Dhanusu Subramaniyar/Villenthiya Velan, Selva Vinayagar, Avudai Vinayagar (Avudayar as pedestal), Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Durgai as Durgathamman, Chandikeswarar ( is like a temple with Vimana. Succo images of Milk pot abhishekam on one side and on the other side Lord Shiva blesses Visara Sarumar with Chandikeswarar Position ), Natarajar Sabha, SaptaSthana Sthala Shiva Lingas except this temple, Jurahareswarar, Meikandar, Umapathi Sivam, Arul Nandhi Sivam,.  

In addition to the main temple, there are two Shiva temples Then Kailayam and Vada Kailayam on the south and north sides.

THEN KAILAYAM

This north (West) facing shrine was built by Panchavan Madevi, wife of Rajendra Chozha. In memory of the Victory over the Nulambas, a part of the Kannada region. After the victory, 46 numbers of lathe-turned & intricately carved pillars, made of soapstone to support the praharam, were brought from the Nolamba region. The story behind these 46 pillars goes like this…. Only 45 pillars were brought and one was made by the Chozha sculptures within two days, without any difference between original and duplicate. ( in my opinion, it may not be true since soap stones are not available in any part of Tamil Nadu region, then how could it be possible.?). The temple was built with padabandha adhisthana and deva Koshtams supported by pilasters on both sides. Sri Subramaniar, Agni Devar, Shiva, and Durga are in koshtam and Brahma is in a sitting posture. The koshta murtis are defaced. The shrine has only one inscription which speaks about the donation given to this temple by a lady called Adhikarachi Muthana Pon Nangai, who worked under King Rajendra Chozha.

Corridor with Nulamba Pillars

Pillar Reliefs

Pillar Reliefs

Bhairavar & Vinayagar

Lord Shiva & ...?

Brahma

Murugan &  Ambal

VADA KAILAYAM

This shrine was built by Sakthi Vidangi also called Logamadevi, wife of Rajaraja Chozha – I. Hence the Lord Shiva of this temple is called Logamadeveecharamudaiar and the temple is called Loka Mahadevi Eswaram. There are more than 10 inscriptions of Rajaraja ( with his full title ) period and one inscription belongs to Rajadhi Raja-I, which speaks about the gifts made to the temple in terms of land, sheep, and gold ornaments, vessels towards daily poojas, burning of perpetual lamps and maintenance of this temple. In one of the inscriptions, Rajarajan’s wife is referred to as Nambiratiyar Danti Sakti Vidanki.

This shrine was built like a temple with Padma bhandha adhisthana. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, Arathamandapa and mukha mandapa. Yazhi vari is shown above kumudam and bhuta vari is shown below kapotam. The kapotam has Nasi Kudus with motifs. The Bhitti / sanctum walls have the koshtas with pilasters on both sides and Makara torana on the above. In the makara thorana cute miniature sculptures are carved. In between the koshtas, there are empty koshtas with Vishnu kandha pilasters. The koshta murtis Dakshinamurthy and Brahma are original and in defaced condition.  A special miniature sculpture on one of the north side koshta is the kuda koothu, similar to the one at Thanjavur, Rajarajecharam and Thiruvellarai. This represents that Thirumal danced Kuda koothu to save Aniruthan, the son of Kaman from Asura Vaanan.  It is believed that Kuda koothu is the forerunner of Karakattam, a form of South Indian folk dance.

Special poojas are conducted on Adhirai nakshatra day in the month Chithirai at Vada Kailayam and Then Kailayam.

 

Ambal Dharmasamvardhini as Aram Valartha Nayaki is in a separate temple facing east. Dwajasthambam, Rishabam, and Balipeedam are in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Ambal is a little big and tall with abhaya hastham and the other hand in dola hastham. In the prakara Suryan, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar and Chandikeswari. The front mandapa was built at a later stage by Nattukottai Nagarathars. The mandapa pillars have a number of bas-reliefs which include, Bharatha Matha and Mahatma Gandhi.

There is a bathing ghat at the end of the street opposite South Rajagopuram with steps on river Kaveri. The Appar Kulam now called “Uppangulam” can be reached through West Rajagopuram, at the end of the right side street.  On the Way to kailash Lord Shiva instructed Appar to ... “பழுதில் சீர் திருவையாற்றில் காண்”. It is believed that Appar came out of this Tank and Lord Shiva gave darshan with Parvati as Rishabaroodar. Abeeshta Varadha Maha Ganapathy and Viswanathar with Visalakshi Temples are opposite to the Tank. In Vinayagar temple the legend of Appar comes out of the Tank and Lord Shiva gives darshan is painted on the wall.  

The 15^th Century Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of  Lord Muruga of this temple.

திரிபு ராதிகள் தூளெழ வானவர்

        திகழ வேமுனி யாவருள் கூர்பவர்

   தெரிவை பாதியர் சாதியி லாதவர்           தருசேயே

        சிகர பூதர நீறுசெய் வேலவ

    திமிர மோகர வீரதி வாகர

        திருவை யாறுறை தேவக்ரு பாகர      பெருமாளே

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The Original temple existed before the 7^th Century and was later reconstructed during Pallavas, Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagaras, and Nattukottai Nagarathars.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belong to Aditha-I, Aditha Karikalan-II, Rajarajan-I, Vikrama Chozhan, Pandya King Sundara Pandyan, King Veeramukkan Udayar’s son Veerasaravana Udayar and Achutha Nayak, who ruled Thanjavur. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called Thiruvaiyarudaya Mahadevar and Ambal was called Ulakudaya Nachiyar. This place was under Rajendrasinga Valanattu Poikainattu Thiruvaiyaru during Rajarajan-I period, Thirubhuvana Muzhuthudaiya Valanattu Poikainattu Thiruvaiyaru during Kulothunga Chozha-II period and Rajarajavalanattu Poikainattu Thiruvaiyaru during Sundara Pandyan period.    

Most of the inscriptions record the endowment of burning Perpetual lamps, Poojas, and the donations made. Some of the inscriptions record some special details also.

AS PER THE DISPLAY OF THIS TEMPLE HISTORY......    

This temple’s thirupani was done by a king belonging to Surya Vamsam. During the 1^st Century BCE, the Chozha King Karikala Peruvalathan created this Chozha Country after transforming the forest. One day while he was crossing Thiruvaiyaru his chariot wheel got struck up at this place. When he dug the ground to remove the chariot wheel, He found, A swayambhu Shiva Linga and the images of Sakthi, Vinayagar, Murugan, Saptamatrikas, Chandikeswarar, and Suryan. All the idols were covered by the hair/viri sadai of Agapei Siddhar called Niyamesar, who was under deep meditation. The Chozha king fell on his feet and worshiped him. The Siddhar said that these images are worshiped by Devas and Nandikeshwara. He asked King Karikala Peruvalathan to build a temple at this place. The Siddhar gave him a Dhanda, ( the holder cannot be conquered by anybody) and told him that the money required would be available at Nandhi’s feet. The King constructed the temple and gave donations to the temple for worship. It was believed that the Siddhar was none other than Aiyarappar, and his virisadai is spread on the back of sanctum sanctorum, hence it is advised not to circumambulate the inner prakara. The image of the King and his wife are in Chembian mandapa also known as Cheppesa mandapa.   

The original structure was constructed before the Pallava King Thellarerintha Nandhi Varman ( 825 – 850 CE ). The present structure of the sanctum sanctorum, Dwarapalakas, and Yazhi pillars belongs to the Pallava period.

In 982 CE, Venki King Vimalathitha Thevan reconstructed some structures and gave donations to this temple. In 1006 CE Rajaraja-I, ( 985 -1014 CE ) and his wife Ologamadevi, constructed the Vada Kailayam also known as Ologamadeecharam and established Ologa Veethi Vidangar also known as Somaskandar, donated Vinayagar and Pancha Murtis. During Rajendra Chozha's period (1014 to 1042 CE ) his wife Panchavan Madevi renovated the then Kailayam, which was found in dilapidated condition. This prakara was constructed by Krishna Raja Udayar. The Pillars are brought from Chalukya Country as war trophies.

During the Vikrama Chozha period ( 1118 – 1135 CE ), 3^rd and 4 prakara, Prakara wall, East Rajagopuram, 100 Pillar mandapa base ( why it was stopped the reason is not known ). Mandapa and walls are constructed during Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan ( 1381 CE ) and Sendalai Karuppur, Kachi Veeraperuman’s daughter. The 3^rd Prakara east side Rajagopuram was constructed by Vikrama Chozha. 

During 1350 CE, Achuthappa Nayak completed the Dhandapani Temple mandapa with 144 pillars. During his period Idaimarudhur Anaiyappa Pillai and his brother Vaidyanathar constructed the west Rajagopuram, 1^st Prakara with Thirunadaimaligai, South Gopuram in the 3^rd Prakaram, Temple Tank, Kaveri pooja Padithurai, Kalyana sindhu mandapam and Chariot Mandapa which pulled by horses.     

In 1784 CE, Pachaiyappa Mudaliar constructed the Mukha mandapam of 3^rd Prakaram. His bas-relief along with his wife are on the Pillars.

 

In 1937, in Amman temple, marble flooring was done by Nattukottai Nagarathar Meyyappa Chettiar.  Maha Kumbhabhishekam was also conducted on 2^nd May 1937 CE.

In 1971, Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted by Thiru Kailaya Parambarai, 25^th Guru Maha Sannidhanam Kailai Sri-la-Sri Subramania Desika Gnana Sambanda Paramacharya Swamigal, on 31^st March 1971. During the 26^th Guru Maha Sannidhanam Sri-la-Sri Shanmuga Desika Gnana Sambanda Swamigal, period, Major renovations were carried out including Vimana, Prakaras, 63var Cheppu idols, and Arches. Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 07^th February 2013.

Achuthappa Nayak’s inscriptions record the donation made to Srirangam Big temple, cthe onstruction of breached Kaveri banks, Pooja padithurai with steps, and named Kalyana Sindhu.

The images of Achutha Nayak with his wife were at West Rajagopuram found in damaged condition. But the stone images in the first prakara west side is in good condition. Also, the images of Pachaiyappa Mudaliar and his wives are in Pachaiyappa Mudaliar Mandapa pillars.

The Somaskandar Temple was built during the Chozha period. Kodungai has with intricate design to be appreciated. The Veera Saravavana Udayar period saka 1303 ie 1381 CE inscription records that the compound wall of the mandapa was reconstructed by Pandya Kulanasini Valanattu Sendalai Karuppur Kachi Veeraperuman’s son. 

Konerimai Kondan period inscription records the donation of 108 veli land to this temple.

Kochadaya barmar Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Sundara Pandyan period inscription records the donation of 6 and some fraction  Makani land by  Suthamalli Valanattu PAmpunikootrathu PAmpunikizhAn Mallandan alias Cherasekaran.

Then Kailayam

There were 7 inscriptions recorded from this temple. That one belongs to the Vijayanagara period and the rest of Chozhas. Rajendra Chozha's 31st-year reign inscription is the earliest one. This inscription records that this stone temple was built by Rajendra Chozha’s wife and Queen Panchavan Madevi. 

The inscription is in the form of a song on the east wall, in that Lord Shiva was called PanchanadhivaNan and Ambal was called Anjalai.

Rajendra Chozha’s second son Vijaya Rajendran's period inscription records that his wife and Queen Thirailokkiyamudayar gifted ornaments and jewelry to Natarajar & Sivakami. The names of the ornaments mentioned for Thirukkai/hands as ThirukkaikArai, Thirukazhuthu / neck as SanbangArai, and Thiruvadi / legs-ankles as ThiruvadikkArai. A single mangalsutra was gifted to Sivakami.  Ear ornament was called as KAraikAndi.

The Maha mandapa west side inscriptions of Rajaraja ( II or III) and Kulothunga period record the endowment of burning perpetual lamps.  The Southside prakara was built during Krishnadevaraya.

Vada Kailayam  also  known as Ulagamamadeveecharam.

This complete stone Temple was built by Rajaraja-I’s first wife and queen Thanthi Sakthividangi alias  Ulagagamadevi. The inscriptions recorded from this temple belong to Rajarajan-I, Rajendran-I, and Rajathirajan-I, of these Rajarajan’s 21st-year inscription is the earliest one.

The Queen established the Ulagamadevichara mudayar, Ulagavidanga thevar / Thyagaraja, his consort, Vinayagar, Murugan, Natarajar, and Chandikeswarar. The inscription further records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps, sandhi lamps, Naivedyam as Paruppamuthu, Kariyamuthu, Ponagam, Poriyamuthu, Thayiramuthu, Chakkaraiamuthu for four kala poojas. Also celebrated is The king's birth star Sathaya days 12 nos in a year and Chithirai Perum Thiruvizha.

She also donated jewelry and the weights are also mentioned. For Dance 32 persons were appointed with the title of Thalaikoli.  Musical instruments such as Damru, Uvachan thalaiparai, kandai, Thimilai, Mathalam, Veena, Karadigai etc, were played during pooja and Thiruvizha. She also gifted 102 Veli land to this temple situated at Rajendra Singavalanattu Mirai Kootrathu Kalavaithalai Village and the land is on the north side of Kunjaramalli channel feeding to Veeranarayana Chaturvedi Mangalam 

The latter period inscriptions in front of Adhi Vinayagar record the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp with 8 strands of wick, for which donations are made. Further,  records that if any default occurs, this may be intimated to address given, to take further corrective steps. 

The inscription in front of the sanctum sanctorum records the endowment of Daily poojas for Panchanadeeswarar, Annadhanam, and Maheswarar Pooja at Madurai Thirugnanasambandar Adheenam and education of Hindu religion children and teaching of English, appointment of qualified teacher and salary by Vallal Pachaiyappa Mudaliar. To meet the endowment one lakh varakan was deposited as a first instalment and the interest earned from the deposit was to be used for the above endowment.

LEGENDS

Indra, Maha Lakshmi worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

When Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal came from Thirukandiyur, the Kaveri River was flooded and they couldn’t cross. To his Prayer Lord Shiva asked Kaveri to give them a way to reach this temple.

As per the legend, Appar wants to have the darshan of Lord Shiva at Kailash. So he walked alone from Kasi after taking a bath in Ganges. At one stage he could not walk and crawled with blood bleeding from his hands and legs. On seeing Appar’s devotion Lord Shiva created a pond at Mount Himalayas and asked him to take a dip and promised to give darshan at Thiruvaiyaru. When he came out of the pond and had the darshan of Lord Shiva with his consort and Devaganas at this Thenkailayam Temple.

As per Thirumurai, it is believed that Ambal is in the form of Maha Vishnu, hence there is no sannadhi for Maha Vishnu. There is an Anjaneyar shrine opposite Ambal sannathi at Bhavasami Agraharam. The same is mentioned in the thirumurai as......

அரியலால் தெவியில்லை

ஐயன் ஐயாறனார்க்கே.

The reason for calling moolavar Panchanatheswarar is as follows...  This Legend is associated with Nandhikeswarar. Sage Siladha, who belongs to Andhanakuruchi near Thiruvaiyaru prayed Lord Shiva for a Child. Lord Shiva gave him a male child. On that day evening, Lord Shiva called Rishabam and arranged for a sacred bath with Surya Theertha, Chandra Theertha, the foam water which drips from Nandhi’s ( Rishaba ) mouth,  Kaveri river water and the milk from Ampal’s breast. He was given the title of “Adhikara nandhi’ and made him in charge of the Temple. The next day on Punarpoosam nakshatra time Lord Shiva arranged a Marriage for Nandhikeswarar at Thirumazhapadi. To remind this, “Ezhur Thiruvizha” is celebrated in the month of Chithirai.

Nadhikeswarar marriage is celebrated in all the 7 temples. Aiyarappar will start with Nandhikeswarar from Thiruvaiyaru, on Viska Nakshatra day after the full moon day in the month Chithirai. On that day all the Saptha Sthana Temple’s Urchavars will welcome Lord Shiva of this temple at Thiruvaiyaru.   

In another legend, one of the priests went for Kashi and could not return as scheduled. This was reported to the Local Chieftain. When he came personally to check, he found that the priest was performing the abhishekam. But the actual priest came on the next day. The Chieftain and the priest realized that the pooja was done by Lord Shiva himself in the absence of the original priest. This reminds Manickavasagar's hymns as... “ஐயாறு அதனில் சைவனாகியும் “.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Kailaya katchi day in the month Adi new moon day, Special poojas at Then Kailayam and vada Kailayam in the month Chithirai, Ezhur Thiruvizha in the month in the month Chithirai, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi and all important Hindu functions.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Landline number +91 436 2260 332 and mobile number +91 94430 08104 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH :

Bus facilities are available from various parts of Tamil Nadu. Buses to Thanjavur pass through Thiruvaiyaru. City buses are also available from Thanjavur and Kumbakonam. 

The Temple is 13.5 KM from Thanjavur, 35 KM from Kumbakonam, 56 KM from Tiruchirappalli, and 329 KM from Chennai.

Nearest railway Station is Thanjavur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Ayyanar

Saptamatrikas

Ashthradevar

Nandhikeswara & His Consort Susambika

Maybe a king/donor

West side Rajagopuram

The Fourth Visit to this temple was a part of the Divya Desam Temples Visit, near Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, organized by Culture Circuits.  Thanks to Mr Balakumaran. 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---