Brahmapureeswarar Temple / Brahma Temple / பிம்மபுரீஸ்வரர் கோயில் / திருப்பட்டூர், Thirupattur, Tiruchirappalli Dist, Tamil Nadu.

அம்மானே ஆகமசீலர்க்கு அருள் நல்கும் பிரம்மானே

        பேரருளாளன் பிடவூரன் தம்மானே

தாந்தமிழ் நூற்புலவானர்க்கோர் அம்மானே

        பறவியூன் மண்டலி அம்மானே.

…Sundarar Praises Brahma

The visit to this Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple at Thirupattur was a part of structural and Rock Cut cave  Shiva and Vishnu temples visit in Tiruchirappalli, Pudukottai and Sivaganga Districts, on 21^st November 2021. This is one of the Brahma sthalam and there is a separate sannidhi for Brahma.

 

Moolavar  : Sri Brahmapureeswarar

Consort    : Sri Brahma Sampath Gauri/ Brahma Nayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple…

The temple is facing east with a mukha mandapam. Stucco image of Vinayagar, Brahma worshiping a Shiva Linga, Lord Shiva and Murugan are on the entrance arch. The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam / kodimaram and Rishabam / Idabam are in the mandapam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam and nandavanam, Brahma is in a separate sannidhi, Maha Vishnu, Saptamatrikas, Pazhamalai Nathar, Patanjali Munivar Jeeva samadhi, Kandapureeswarar, Sri Valli Devasena Shanmugar, Pathala eswarar, Chandikeswarar, Vahanas, Suryan, Chandran, ShodasaLingam with 16 flat surfaces, Brahma worshiped 12 Shiva Lingas ( Moolavar Brahmapureeswarar, Pazhamalainathar, Sri Pathala eswarar, Sri Thayumanavar, Sri Manduganathar, Sri Ekambareswarar, Sri Arunachaleswarar, Sri Kailasanathar, Sri Jambhukeswarar, Sri Kalathinathar, Saptharishiswarar and Sutharathneswarar ), Saptamatrikas, Kala Bhairavar, Gajalakshmi  and Navagrahas.

Brahma is in sitting in padmasana - meditation – posture on a Lotus pedestal.

Brahma ( PC - Website )

Brahma

Bhaktha Nandi with his consort.

Vinayagar with Bhairavar

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upana with lotus petals, Jagathi, Kadaka Kumuda and Pattigai. The Bhitti starts with Vedhigai. Saknadakantha pilasters supports the walls. The pilasters are with square base, Nagabandam, kal, thamarikattu, kalam, thadi, mandi ( lotus petals) palakai and Pushba pothyal. The Koshtas are protruding out as padra sala.  In one Mandapa complete  Narasimha avathara is sculptured. 

Brahma is in sitting in padmasana - meditation – posture on a Lotus pedestal.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the construction style of the present temple, the temple  might have been constructed during Vijayanagara period ie 15^th to 16^th Century. But the temple claims that it is more than 1000 years old. This place was called as Tirupedavur during ancient times.

LEGENDS

This Legend is associated with Lingothbavar. Maha Vishnu and Brahma had an argument regarding who is great. To decide, Lord Shiva gave a solution. Who ever found out the start and end of Lord Shiva will be greatest. Lord Shiva stood in the form of Column of fire. Brahma flew to top in the form of an anna bird and Maha Vishnu took the form of Varaha, went down. Maha Vishnu accepted his defeat and Brahma lied by saying he had seen the top of Lord Shiva  by showing a Thazhampoo as a proof. Lord Shiva cursed Brahma that he should not have any temples. To get rid of the curse Brahma installed 12 Shiva Lingas and worshiped. This Shiva Linga is one of the 12 ( Dwadhasa ) Shiva Lingas. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Sri Brahmapureeswarar.

In another legend,  Brahma with the 5 heads the creator of this universe, over proud of his powers and behaves that he is more powerful Than Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva plucked the fifth head and made him to be powerless. Realized his mistake, prayed to Lord Shiva to pardon him. As advised, Brahma came to this place Thirpattur installed 12 ( Dwadasa Lingas ) Shiva Lingas and worshiped him. Satisfied his worship Lord Shiva gave back his powers of creation.

Devotees worships Brahma, whose bad destines to change for good, people with lesser sins will be corrected, attack of decease will change, pregnant woman will get normal delivery without surgeries, to avoid waste expenses, a student habitually failing will shine.

It is believed that Patanjali munivar attained jeeva Samadhi in 10 places and this is one them and his jeeva Samadhi is in this temple. It is believed that he is still preaching Yoga sutras.   

It is also believed that Suryan also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. To prove, sun rays falls on moolavar at 06.00 hrs to 6.45 Hrs on 15,16,and 17 of Panguni Month every year.   

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Tamil New Years Day Chithirai 1, Aadi Pooram, Maha Shivaratri, Vinayagar Chathurthi, Puratasi navaratri festival, Aipasi pournami, Karthigai deepam and Panguni Pooram nakshathra day. Daily abhishekam will be performed for Brahma at 7.30 Hrs and on Thursdays at 05.00 hrs for which prior registration is required.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs and on Thursdays temple will open 05.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Temple Land line number +91 4312909599, Executive officer +91 94431 82278, Clerk +91 9843237991 may be contacted for further Details.

Temple website: http://brahmatemple.tnhrce.in/

HOW TO REACH

The Brahmapureeswarar Temple is 4.3 Km Tirupattur Bramma Temple Pirivu on GST Road, 31 KM from Perambalur, 36 KM from Tiruchirappalli Junction and 300 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Mahavir Tirthankara / Om Thai Amman Temple / ஓம் தாய் கோயில் / மகாவீர் தீர்த்தங்கரர், கரமாமோடு / Karamamodu, Pudukottai District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Mahavir Tirthankara sculptures in a Shiva temple at Karamamodu in Pudukkottai District was a part of structural and Rock Cut cave  Shiva and Vishnu temples visit in Tiruchirappalli, Pudukottai and Sivaganga Districts, on 21^st November 2021.  During a visit like this we used to couple some heritage sites. This Place Karamamodu is a lesser known heritage Jain site, which is not frequently visited even by Tamil Jains community.

On the way to Tiruchirappalli from Pudukkottai, had seen many Yellow boards installed by Jains to mark Tirthankara idols or Jains heritage sites. Jainism was once flourished in Pudukkottai area.  On seeing this Yellow board, which showed direction to Tirthankara idol in Shiva temple, decided to visit this place through Google map route. Since it was a rainy day, the path was very slushy, slippery and some place water also stagnated. We could travel through our car up to 300 meters before a Shiva temple. Reached the Shiva temple after negotiating and wading through a pool of water.

A Square banam on a round Avudayar Shiva Linga.

The Tirthankara is installed along with a Shiva Linga and an Omthai Amman, a Kula deivam for a Kanthalur Kulam, Pangalikal ( Chithappa-Periyappa ) of Chinna Salem in Salem District.

The Tirthankara is in ardha padmasana posture. Mukkudai, ashoka creepers are shown above his head. Two samaratharis are shown on both sides of Tirthankara.     

CONTACT DETAILS

A Mobile number is written on the wall reads as +91 8524979499, may be poojari of this temple.

HOW TO REACH

This Shiva temple is about 900 meters off the Outer ring Road, which Joins at Thuvakudi ( Thanjavur Road ), 21 KM from Tiruchirappalli, 50 KM from Pudukkottai and  347 KM from Chennai.

Nearest railway station is Tiruchirappalli

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Kundrakudi Rockcut Cave Temple / ThennaRRu Nayanar Temple / Masilicchuram / Mayil Malai Eswaran Koil, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Kundrakudi Rock Cut Cave Temple at Kundrakudi near Karaikudi was a part of the structural and Rock Cut cave, Shiva, and Vishnu temples visit in Tiruchirappalli, Pudukottai, and Sivaganga Districts, on 21^st November 2021. This Rock Cut Cave is one of the 41 Rock Cut Caves excavated in Pandya country.

A Chandikeswarar bas-relief is carved before the cave. He is sitting in padmasana posture, keeping both hands on his thigh. The right palm is open and facing up, seems that he is holding something.  He wears padra kundala, Rudraksha, and Yagnopaveetham.

The Cave Nos 2 and 3 are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Cave is with sanctum sanctorum and Ardha mandapam. The ardha mandapam is supported by 2 square pillars and 2 pilasters. The steps leading to the sanctum are of Ardha Chakra shape/Sobanam. In the sanctum sanctorum, Shiva Lingas are excavated from the mother rock. Shiva Lings are on a square avudayar. Rishaba is in front of the middle Cave.  Dwarapalakas are on the side of the front ardha mandapam. The Dwarapalakas are in three bangha standing posture keeping one hand on the thandam and a snake coiled around it. The other hand is in Kadi hastam. A makuta is shown on their head, wearing Padra Kundala, Sarapalli, Tholvalai, Uthra bandham, and yagnopaveetha. A Sword holder is shown on his hip.

In the next panel, Mahavishnu with 4 hands is shown along with Garuda. Maha Vishnu is not in the usual posture. While the upper hand holds Changu / conch and Chakra, Maha Vishnu rests his left hand on Garuda and holds something in the right hand. He wears Kundala, Sarapalli, Tholvalai, bangles, and Yagnopaveetham. Garudan is in folding hands which is an unusual posture.

Bhairavar, Raishabam, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar are in front of the Cave. There is a Vinayagar Sculpture carved on the right side of the rock. Out of 41 Rock Cut caves in Pandya country, 18 Caves have Vinayagar sculptures and this is one of the caves.

The First cave with panels of Murugan, Dwarapalaka, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Sankara Narayanan, and Natarajar in Chathura Nadanam with 4 hands and two Shiva ganas playing musical instruments to Natarajar’s dance,  Kotravai with 8 hands holding various weapons. Two Navakanda and Arikanda sculptures are shown below. All the original sculptures are finished with lime motor and colorful painting was done. Some of the Pictures are downloaded from the website and FB. My sincere thanks to Saravanamaniyan P A and the unknown Photographers.

The rock cut Cave was extended with a structural mandapam, in which two shrines were also during the Vijayanagara Nayakas period.  Part of Saptamatrikas and Jyeshtadevi / Thavvai/ Mootha Devi  Sculptures are kept in front of a shrine.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This rock-cut cave was excavated during the early 8th-century Pandya period. Pandya period Tamil Vattezhuthu inscriptions are found on the pillars. Later maintained and extended during Chozhas and Vijayanagara’s period. One of the Pandya period Vattezhuthu inscriptions mentions the name of  this rock-cut cave as “Masilicchuram” which means “Mayil Malai Eswaran Koil”

The Chozha period inscriptions recorded from this Rock Cut Cave Temple belong to Rajraja-I and Kulothunga Chozha-I. Kulothunga Chozha-I, defeated Pancha Pandya Kings ( 5 Pandya Kings ) and Pandya Country was brought under the fold of Chozhas. Out of 5 to 6 Titles, the title starts with “‘புகழ்மாது விளங்க’… is very much popular. As per his inscription the Pandya, Country was called “Rajraja Pandya Mandalam”.  This place was called “ThennaRu” ( ..?) and Lord Shiva was called “ThennaRRu Nayakar” ( .. ?), “ThirukkunRakkudi Thirumalai Udaya Mahadevar”. The inscription reads as …  ( Thanks to Pon Karthikeyan )

1. ஸ்வஸ்தி ஶ்ரீ புகழ்மாது விளங்
2. க ஜயமாது விரும்ப நிலமகள் நி
3. லவ மலர்மகள் புணர உரி
4. மையிற் சிறந்த மணிமுடி சூடி மீநவ
5. ர் நிலை கெட வில்லவர் குலை தர விக்க
6. லன் சிங்கணன் மேல் கடல் பாய திக்
7. கனைத்துந் தன் சக்கர நடாத்தி விஜய
8. (ப)பிஷேகம் பண்ணி வீர ஸிம்ஹாஸ
9. நத்து அவநி முழுதுடையாளோடு
10. ம் வீற்றிருந்தருளிய த்ரிபுவன சக்கரவத்திகள்
11. ஶ்ரீ கொலோத்துங்க சோழ தேவ
12. ற்கு யாண்டு நாற்பதாவது இராஜரா
13. ஜ பாண்டி நாட்டு இராஜேந்த்ர சோ
14. ழ வளநாட்டு தெநாற்றுப் போக்குத் தி
15. ருக்குந்றக்குடித் திருமலை உடைய ம
16. ஹா தேவற்கு நாட்டாந் வீரசேகரநாந
17. விருதராஜ பயங்கர அதலையூர் நாடா
18. ழ்வாநேந் தெநாற்றுப் போக்கில்
19. எந் ஜீவிதமாய்யுள்ள ஊர்கள் திருக்கு
20. ந்றக்குடியிலும் வேழவூர்ரிலும் படை
21. காணியிலும் வெட்டங்குடியிலும் மகா
22. ஞ்சிரங்குடியிலும் சாழியிலும் பாதிரி
23. க்குடியிலும் பாரிவயர மங்கலதும்
24. மேற் கண்ண மங்கலத்தும் இத்தே
25. வர் தேவதாநமாய்யுள்ள நிலங்களெ
26. ல்லாம் இவ்வாண்டு முதல் எற்றைக்கு
27. ம் இறைய் தவிர்த்துக் குடுத்துக் குடுத்
28. தமைக்குக் கல்வெட்டிக் குடுத்தேந்
29. விருதராஜ ப(பு) யங்கர அதலையூர் நா
30. டாழ்வாநேந் திருக்குந்றக்குடித் திருமலை
31. உடைய மகாதேவக்கு இது பந்
32. மஹேஸ்வர ரக்ஷை”

HOW TO REACH

This rock-cut cave is on the west side of the hill, Kundrakudi Murugan Temple.

Kundrakudi is 14 KM from Karaikudi, 40 KM from Pudukkottai, 47 KM from Sivagangai, 88 KM from Tiruchirappalli, and 414 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Karaikudi.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Aatkondanathar Temple / ஆட்கொண்டநாதர் கோயில், இரணியூர் / Iranikkovil, Iraniyur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Atkondanathar Temple at Iraniyur near Tirupattur was part of the structural and Rock Cut cave Shiva and Vishnu temples visit in Tiruchirappalli, Pudukottai, and Sivaganga District on 21st November 2021. This is one of the 9 Shiva temples constructed by Nattukottai Nagarathars after they shifted from Thiruvarur, and about 3800 families belong to this temple. 

 

Moolavar  : Sri Atkondanathar

Consort    : Sri Sivapuradevi.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with Ashta Lakshmi Mukha Mandapam. Stucco images of Vinayagar, and Lord Shiva with Parvati as Rishabaroodar and Murugan are on the mukha mandapam parapet wall. The Rajagopuras on the east side and South side are 5 Tiers. Moolavar is of swayambhu. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are in maha mandapam in front of ardha mandapam. Utsavars and Natarajar are in ardha mandapam. Dwarapalakas are in-front of the ardha mandapam. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy is on a pedestal supported by 4 lions, Lingothbavar and Durgai.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi that faces south with 2 hands in abhaya varada hastam. Bhairavar is also in a separate sannidhi adjacent to Ambal Sannidhi. In praharam Natarajar, Suryan, Chandran, Navagrahas, Somaskandar, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar/Murugan ( all the three are in a sitting posture on Peacock Vahana), Gajalakshmi and Chandikeswarar.

Kali, Vayu, Rathi, and Manmathan

Kalyana Sundarar, Varuna and Maha Vishnu & Narasimhar

Murugan, Manickavasagar, Indran and Tripurantagar

Venkadamudayan, Agni, Durvasa and Narthana Vinayagar

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, Maha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam. Ashta Lakshmi sculptures are in the Mukha mandapam in front of Rajagopuram. Ashtalakshmi Sculptures are on the pillars. The Mukha mandapam ceilings are painted with floral designs, Lord Shiva, Parvati, 12 rasis etc,.

The maha mandapam pillars are with exquisitely carved more than 200 big sculptures which include, Nava Durgai, Murugan, Vinayagar, Pickshadanar, Veerabhadra,  Rishabaroodar, Thiripurantagar, Lord Shiva with Parvati’s marriage, Ardhanareeswarar, Brahmi, Saraswati, Kala Samhara Murthy ( the veins on the legs are carved very beautifully ), Mahishamardini,  on the Rajagopuram Hiranya Kashibhu Vadham by Narasimhar. On the Rajagopuram base front side has the bas reliefs of Vinayagar, Murugan/Subramaniar as Mayil Vahana, Manickavasagar, Indran, Tripurantaka,  Maha Vishnu, Agni, Durvasa and Narthana Vinayagar,

A stone pipe arrangement was made on both sides of the Sanctum Sanctorum to drain rainwater from the roof. The interconnecting beams of the pillars have floral designs, including Mahatma Gandhi, Rattai, etc.  

The sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam, and maha mandapam are at a raised level of about 3 feet from the praharam level.  The sanctum sanctorum is on a padabandha adhistanam with Jagathy, Threepatta Kumudam, and Pattika on an Upanam with lotus petals and kapotam. A 3 tier stucco vimana is over the sanctum sanctorum. Provision has been made in the ardha mandapam to view Various levels from Shiva & Parvati, Kalasam of Moolavar vimanam, and Lord Shiva’s darshan.

Ardhanareesawarar as Rishabanthigar and Durgai

Durgai & Shiva & Parvati Marriage

 Veerabhadra & Pichadanar

Ashtalakshmi Mandapam

Stone pipe for rainwater disposal

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the temple website this Iraniyur temple was handed over to Nattukottai Nagarathars in the year 714 CE. Hence the original temple belongs to the 8^th century.

This temple belongs to 3800 families residing in 34 Villages of Sivagangai District. As per Nattukottai Nagarathar’s history, 502 families lived in Kaveripoompattinam East Street, accepted Pandya King’s request, and settled at Ilayathangudi. During the 7^th Century, in 502 families, two brothers came to this place to renovate and expand Sri Aatkonda Nathar temple. 

This Village Iraniyur was called Irani, Iraniyam during ancient times. Maha Vishnu after killing Hiranyakashipu, came to this temple and worshipped Shiva to get relieved from Brahma Hatya dosha. Hence this place is being called Iraniyur.

This is one of the nine temples of Nagarathars. Shiva is called Atkondanathar in Tamil and Narasimeswarar in Sanskrit. Ambal is called as Sivapura Nayagi. The temple has two Praharas and a wall. The pillars opposite Ambal's sannidhi have images of 9 Durgas and opposite Shiva’s sannidhi, images of 12, which include Veerabhadra, Markandeswara, Rudra Murthy, etc. The sculptures are made like molded with cement.

Iraniyur has more than 1500 Years old history. Iraniyur had the connection of 12^th -13^th Century Pandya Kings Sundara Pandya, Kulasekara Pandya and Veera Pandya. The 16th-century inscriptions are also found in Iraniyur. Iraniyur was under Nayakas in the 17^th Century and Sivaganga Kings in the 18^th Century.

The 16th to 19th-century inscriptions in the Village record the name of Shiva as Iraniyur Aatkonda Eswaramudaiyar and the donations made to this temple. Further, the inscriptions record the gift of Bhadra Kaliamman and Ashtra Devar to this temple. Also, they mention the names of some officials and ladies and their duties.   

The Iraniyur Sasanam records that, Sengai Amman, Thiruvetpoorudaiyar Urani was excavated by Kalvasal Nattu Ilayathangudi alias Kulasekara Purathu Thiruvetpoorudaiyar, a sect of Nagarathars. The Oorani was constructed with Laterite stones and the Shiva temple Oorani is called Kakoorani, which was further expanded in the 18^th Century.

Veerapandya's 11th reign year inscription records that as per the order of Gangeyan, an official  1/2 ma land was gifted to the Oorani, for which taxes are exempted. The order was executed by the officials Mooventha Velalan, Singalarayan, and Villavarayan. The same Official's other order records that one ma land Alangudi alias Jananatha Chaturvedi Mangalam Narasinga Bhattan's son Arulala Bhattan. The land was measured in Kudi Thangi Kol. After receipt of the Land Arulala Bhattan has to carry out the endowment.

Kulasekara Pandya's 3rd reign year inscription records that, as per the order of Gangeyan, an official, land was gifted to a Mudaliar as Guru Dhakshina. 

 

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandiyan's 16th reign year inscription records that Iraniyur Mudaliar's disciple Dhakshinamurthy Sethi Sivan bought land in the name of Gangeyan alia Senavaraiyan and gifted to the temple (by the side of Madapuram). Sabha exempts the tax on this land. This order was certified by the officials, Vadagangai Gomap Pallavatharaiyan, Thamilp Pallavathraiyan, Soorangamap Pallavatharaiyan, Gandan Kuraiparan, Gangaikonda Choha Pallavatharaiyan, and Nattu Velan.

Sundara Pandya's 15th reign year inscription records that Gandan Uthaiyan Seithan alias Gangaiyan exempts the tax for land gifted to the temple. The land was bought by Tiruppatur Sriraman Thiruthalikoothan from Sankaranthi Devan and Peruman.  The same person Gangaiyan, also figures in Sundarapandiya's 3rd reign year inscription.

The Bhadrakali Amman Temple's  1501 CE inscriptions record the gift of Bhadrakaliamman Temple and Moola Vedakam by the Kalvasa Nattu Ilaiyathangudi alias Kulasekapuram Thiruvetpudaiyars. Thiruvetpudaiyars are one of the sects of Ilaiyathangudi Temple.    

திருப்புத்தூர் வட்டம் இரணியூர்

கீழச்செவல்பட்டியிலிருந்து மேற்காக 3 மைல் தொலைவிலும், திருப்புத்தூரிலிருந்து வடக்காக 7 மைல் தொலைவிலும், இளையாத்தக்குடியிலிருந்து 2 மைல் தெற்காகவும் அமைந்துள்ளது இச்சிறிய கிராமம். இரணியூர் என்பதே இன்றைய வழக்கு பெயராக இருப்பினும் பண்டைய நாளில் இரணி, இரணியம், பாண்டியர்கள் ஆட்சியின் போது இராசநாராயணன் என்ற ஒரு மன்னரின் விருது பெயரால் இராச நாராயணபுரம் என்று அழைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. நரசிம்ம பெருமாள் பக்தபிரகலாதன் தந்தையான ஹிரண்யனை கொன்ற பிறகு பிரம்மஹத்தி தோஷத்தினைப் போக்குவதற்காக லிங்க பூஜை இவ்விடத்தில் செய்தமையால் இவ்வூர் இரணி மற்றும் இரண்யம் என்று அழைக்கப்படலாயிற்று எனக் கூறப்படுகிறது. 12 ஆம் நூற்றாண்டுகளில் இருந்து இவ்வூர் இரணியூர் என்றே ஆவணப்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது. 

ஒன்பது நகரத்தார் ஆலயங்களில் இவ்வூரில் உள்ள ஆலயமும் ஒன்றாகும். இறைவன் ஆட்கொண்டநாதர் என தமிழிலும், நரசிம்மேஸ்வரர் என சமஸ்கிருதத்திலும் இறைவி சிவபுர அம்மாள் என்றும் அழைக்கப்படுகிறார். இவ்வாலயம் இரண்டு பிரகாரத்துடன் மதிற்சுவர் கொண்டு உள்ளது. இறைவிக்கு எதிர்புறமுள்ள தூணில் ஒன்பது துர்க்கைகளின் உருவம் பொறிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதேபோன்று இறைவனுக்கு முன்பாக வீரபத்திரர் மார்க்கண்டேசுவரர் ருத்ரமூர்த்தி போன்ற 12 சிலைகள் உள்ளன. இவைகள் அனைத்தும் சிமெண்டினால் வார்ப்பு செய்யப்பட்டதைப் போன்று நேர்த்தியாகச் செய்விக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இரணியூர் 1500 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முற்பட தொன்மை வாய்ந்த ஊராகும். கி.பி. 12,13-ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் பாண்டிய மன்னர்களான சுந்தரபாண்டியன், குலசேகர பாண்டியன், வீரபாண்டியன் ஆகியோரது வரலாற்று தொடர்பினைப் பெற்று விளங்கிய இவ்வூரில் கி.பி. 16-ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் இப்பகுதியை ஆட்சி செய்த மன்னர் மரபினரது கல்வெட்டுகளும் இவ்வூரில் உள்ளன. கி.பி. 17-ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் இரணியூர் பகுதி நாயக்கர் மன்னர்களது ஆட்சியிலும், கி.பி. 18-ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் சிவகங்கை மன்னரது ஆளுகையிலும் இருந்து வந்துள்ளது.

இவ்வூரில் உள்ள கி.பி. 16-19-ஆம் நூற்றாண்டினைச் சேர்ந்த கல்வெட்டுகளில் இரணியூர் ஆட்கொண்ட ஈசுவரமுடையார் கோயிலுக்கு அளிக்கப்பட்ட நிலக்கொடையைப் பற்றியும். இறைவனுக்கு அளித்த நிவந்தங்கள் பற்றியும், பத்திரகாளியம்மன் அஸ்திரத் தேவர் ஆகிய தெய்வ சிலைகளை கோயிலுக்கு செய்தளித்தமை பற்றியும் விரிவாக குறிக்கிறது. மேலும் இக்கல்வெட்டுகளில் பல்வேறு அரசியல் அதிகாரிகள் பெண்களும், அவர்களது பணிகளும் விரிவாக குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளது.

மேலும் இவ்வூரில் உள்ள அம்மன் சேங்கை என்று அழைக்கப்படும் திருவேட்பூருடையார் ஊருணி கி.பி. 1501-இல் கல்வாசல் நாட்டைச் சார்ந்த இளையாத்தங்குடியான குலசேகரபுரத்து திருவேட்பூருடையான் என்னும் நகரப் பிரிவினர் உருவாக்கியதாக இரணியூர் சாசனம் குறிக்கிறது. இதேபோல் பெருமாள் கோயில் ஊருணி முழுவதும் செம்பராங்கல்லைக் கொண்டு கட்டப்பட்டு நகரத்தார் காலத்திய கட்டடக்கலைக்குச்சான்றாக விளங்குகிறது. சிவன் கோயில் ஊருணி, "கல்லூரணி" என்ற பெயரில் வழங்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது. இவ்வூரணி கி.பி. 18-ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் இரணியூர் நகரத்தாரால் விரிவுப்படுத்தப் பட்டுள்ளது.

Ref:

1. Sivagangai Mavatta Tholliyal Kaiyedu, Published by Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department in 2011.

2. Sthalapurana book on this temple, published by Vanathi Pathipagam.

3. Iraniyur Temple website

LEGENDS

This is one of the Ashta Bhairava Kshethram and Bhairavar is Kala Bhairavar, and Vinayagar is Viththaka Vinayagar.  Kubera and Vayu Bhagwan appeared on a horse vahana and worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

To get rid of the sin caused by to killing of Hiranyakashipu, Maha Vishnu Came to this temple and worshiped, hence this place obtained the name of Iraniyur. Since Lord Shiva, blessed Lord Maha Vishnu and relieved him from sin, Hence Lord Shiva is called Atkondanathar.  When Maha Vishnu took the Narasimha avatar/incarnation in a furious form, Ambica, the sister of Maha Vishnu also took 9 furious forms as Nava Durgai. The same is sculptured on the pillars of the maha mandapam. Students pray to Kala Bhairavar to achieve high ranks in their studies.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Kubera Poojas, Thirukarthigai ( November – December ), Kandar Sashti, Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( December – January ), Maha Shivaratri ( February – March ), Masi Magam star Day in the months ( February - March ) are celebrated in a grand manner.

Due to the presence of Kala Samsara Moorthy, People celebrate their 60^th birthdays (Sashtiapthapoorthi) and 80^th birthdays (Sathabhishekam), Kanakabhishekam, Bhima Ratha Shanthi, Ayush Homam, Kanakabhishekam, in this temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs to 16.30 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The landline and mobile numbers of Viduthi + 914577 265645    +9198424809309, the Manager at +91 97506 36636 and +91 9443947997, and Mani Gurukkal at +91 909521840.. may be contacted for further details.

The Official website http://www.iranikovil.org/about-us.php

HOW TO REACH

The temple at Iraniyur is about 14 KM from Tirupattur, 18 KM from Thirumayam,  26 KM from Karaikudi,  86 KM from Tiruchirappalli, and 412 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Karaikudi.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Kala Samhara Murthy

Hiranyakashipu vatham

Moolavar, Moolavar Vimanam, kalasam darshan

Mahatma Gandhi

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---