Sunday, 16 May 2021
Saturday, 15 May 2021
Hero Stones / Nadukal / Veerakallu /நடுகற்கள் - Navakandam and Pulikuthi Hero Stones at Perumanallur, Koduvai, Perunthozhuvu of Kongu Nadu in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.
The
visit to these Hero stones is a part of the “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit of
Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in
Tiruppur District.
Hero Stone (
Navakandam ) at Sri Kondathu Kaliamman Temple, Perumanallur.This Kondathu Kaliamman temple at
Perumanallur is more than 1000 years old and a lesser-known Temple of Kongu
Nadu. Perumanallur is on the Erode to Coimbatore bus route, in the Kongu region.
This place was called Perum Pazhanam ( Perum – big or abundance, and
Pazhanam – green fields or full of green trees ) during the Chozha Period. This
Perumpazhanam or Perumpazhanallur got corrupted to the present name of
Perumanallur.
During Ancient times the Romans and
Greeks called Yavanars had done trades in the Kongu region through the Palghat
passage. One of the Trade routes that went to Thondai Nadu through Perur, Coimbatore
Avinashi, Vijayamangalam, Salem, and Tindivanam called “Kongu Peru Vazhi- கொங்கு பெரு வழி”.
This place Perumanallur is on the trade route between Avinashi and Vijayamangalam. The Tamil Traders Thisai Ayirathu
Ainootruvar & Nanadesikars and Valanjiyars had done trades with these
Yavanas. This place was once a trade center with a materials exchange market and the Trader's military also stayed here. They also established Bhagavathy, and Kaliamman Temples on the trade
route and this is one of the temples.
This
hero stone is erected in a small shrine called Yogi Muthukumarasamy Sannidhi.
The Hero’s right hand is shown as he cuts his head with a Knife and holds a
bow in his left hand. It was a practice in which Some soldiers sacrificed themselves
for many reasons like to get Victory in a war, to get cured of some disease
for themselves or their family members, for the well being their family, or the
King, etc,. This type of sacrifice is mentioned in the Sangam literature like “Kalingathu
Parani”.
அடிக்கழுத்தின்
நெடுஞ்சிரத்தைஅரிவ ராலோஅரிந்தசிரம்
அணங்கின்கைக் கொடுப்ப ராலோகொடுத்தசிரம்
கொற்றவையைப் பரவு மாலோகுறையுடலம்
கும்பிட்டு நிற்கு மாலோ.....
கலிங்கத்து பரணி கோயில் பாடியது-22
Since
this temple is on the trade route and this hero's stone is in front of a Kali
Temple, the hero might have sacrificed himself in the form of Navakandam,
before this Kali Amman, for some unknown reason. Experts are of the opinion that
this Navakanda sculpture is more than 1000 years old.
LEGENDSThere
is a legend about this Navakanda sculpture. This hero is called Yogi
Muthukumarasamy. He was born in Kanchipuram about 300 years ago. He came to
Kongu Nadu and settled at Sevur near this place. He engaged himself in
spiritual activities, hence called Yogi Muthukumarasamy. His belongings, an Ambal statue, and a Sword are kept in safe custody still and there is a copper
plate that praises his spiritual activities. During his final stage, he cuts his head and dies. His samadhi is Sevur. Locals worship him as a God and carry out
functions during Margazhi. The Perumanallur Mariamman temple Utsavam will begin
only after getting the nod from this Muthukumarasamy.
LOCATION: CLICK HEREபுலிக்குத்தி கற்கள் என்பது தாங்கள் வளர்க்கும் ஆடு மாடுகளை காப்பாற்ற
அதைக்கொன்று சாப்பிடவரும் புலிகளை கொல்வதும் அப்படி கொல்லும் போது அந்த மனிதன் மரணம்
அடைந்தால் அந்த வீரனின் நினைவாக நடப்படும் கற்களே புலிக்குத்திக் கற்கள் எனப்படும்.
ஒருகாலத்தில் காங்கயமும் அதைச் சுற்றி இருந்த இடங்களும் வனமாகவும் அதில் சிங்கம் புலி
போன்ற மிருகங்களும் இருந்து இருக்கின்றன. அக்காடுகளில் உள்ள கிராமங்களில் ஆடு, மாடுகளை
வளர்த்து வந்தனர். அதற்கு சாட்சியாக இப்போது இருக்கும்
பெருந்தொழுவு என்ற கிராமமும் அங்கு உள்ள புலிகுத்தி கல்லும். தமிழில் ஆடு மாடுகளைக்
கட்டும் இடத்தை தொழுவம் என்று அழைக்கப்படும். அவ்வாறு அழைக்கப்பட்ட ஊர்களில் ஒன்று
தான் பெருந்தொழுவு.
We had seen 3 Pulikuthi Hero
stones in a radius of 15 KM around Kangayam, still, some may be
there unexplored. Since Kangeyam is surrounded by small hills like SivanMalai,
Chennimalai, etc., this place might be a thick forest with and lot of
wild animals. In the forest small hamlets with cattle used to graze. One
of the Village Peruntholuvu, where we had seen a Pulikuthikal,
indicates that there might be a big place to keep the cattle in large
numbers during those days. In the process of protecting the cattle from tigers
some of the men would have lost their lives. In remembrance of those deceased, these
Pulikuthikals / Pulikuthi Hero Stones were erected.
KODUVAI.This
hero stone is found lying in front of Sri Nageeswarar Shiva Temple. The Hero is shown
killing the Tiger with a spear holding in both hands. The spear pierced through
the chest and came out on the back. The hero wears ornaments and a Sannaveeram.
His tuft is shown on the backside. He is wearing a half dress and Kattar on
his waist. This Hero stone was erected by the Hero’s mother for her son
“Muthan” and his father's name was mentioned as Muthu Bhuvana Vanaraya. The
inscriptions are given below...
கொடுவாயில் முத்து (ப்) புவன வாணராயன் மகன் முத்தனுக்குத் தாய் வெட்டுவித்த கல்“
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
PERUNTHOLUVU.This Pulikuthikal is in good shape erected on the roadside, with
inscriptions on the top. The hero is facing straight to the Tiger. He tries to
Kill the Tiger with his left hand and holds short words on the right hand.
It seems that he is going to hit with a right-hand sword. The hero wears
ornaments on his neck. His tuft is shown on the backside. He is wearing a half
dress and Kattar is shown on his waist. Local People worship this Pulikuthikal.
The Hero stone was erected by his wife and the inscription is as given below.
- பேரூறுப்ப முர்க்கிணிய மகாணா
- வானவன் ஊர் மன்று ஆறுப்பாடி புலி
- குத்திப்பட்டான் மண வாட்டிய
- பட்டி கோன்மகள் கோ....கோ
- ணத்தி தொறு விடுவிச்சு
- ங் கரையர்
- ங்கயர் கட்டுவிச்சார்"..
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
This Pulikuthikal is in front of a Perumal temple at Peruntholuvu
( பெருந்தொழுவு ), is
found half buried. Since this is in front of the Perumal temple, The Hero is shown
killing the Tiger with a sword holding on his right hand and a knife in his left
hand. The sword pierced through the neck and came out on the back. The hero
wears ornaments on his neck. His tuft is shown on the backside. He is wearing
a half dress and Kattar is shown on his waist. Local people applied thiruman on
the hero and the Tiger.
LOCATION: 11.044636, 77.432622
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
- பேரூறுப்ப முர்க்கிணிய மகாணா
- வானவன் ஊர் மன்று ஆறுப்பாடி புலி
- குத்திப்பட்டான் மண வாட்டிய
- பட்டி கோன்மகள் கோ....கோ
- ணத்தி தொறு விடுவிச்சு
- ங் கரையர்
- ங்கயர் கட்டுவிச்சார்"..
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Labels:
Heritage Visit,
Hero Stones,
Kongu Nadu,
Tiruppur,
Tiruppur District
Friday, 14 May 2021
Sri Neeliamman alias Nisumbasuthani Temple, Muthiyanerichal. Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.
The
visit to this Sri Neeli Amman Temple at Muthiyanerichal near Kangayam was a
part of the “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta
Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. This Neeliamman is a
Village guarding Deity.
Deity
: Sri Neeliamman
Some
of the salient features of this temple are...
This
temple faces North under a banyan tree. The sanctum sanctorum is of a simple Village type construction.
Neeli Amman is with a ferocious look sitting in Uthkudi asana. Neeliamman alias Nisumbasoothini
is with 8 hands holding various weapons. The right lower hand holds the Trishul and
kills Nisumbha. The
sculpture is in the form of a bas relief which is eroded heavily due to age.
A Shulam is erected in front of the temple and Kannimars are under the banyan
tree. As per the experts, this Neeliamman belongs to 12 to 13th
Century.
LEGENDS
Usually, Neeli Amman's story will be related to a ghost-like to take revenge on
somebody, who was cheated in her previous birth. But, When asked the local
people they do not know any such story behind this Neeli Amman. But as per the
iconography, the Experts believe, that this Neeli Amman is a Nisumba Soodhani.
In
Sri Devi Mahatmyam, it is stated that ma Sakthi took the Avatars to kill the demons Madhu & Kaidama as Durga, Mahishasura as Mahishamardini and Sumban
& Nisumban as Nisumba Soodhani. Since She took the avathara to Kill the
demons, She is shown with a ferocious face and the Demon is under her feet. The
Villagers believe that this Female deity Neeliamman alias Nisumbasoothini will
guard their Village from evil forces. Since She is believed to be avathara
of Sakthi, the consort of Lord Shiva, Mahashivaratri day will be celebrated in
a grand manner.
POOJAS AND
CELEBRATIONS
Apart
from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Masi
month Maha Shivaratri days.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
Since
the poojas are conducted by a lady and the time is unpredictable.
CONTACT
DETAILS
The
Lady Mrs Selvi, who does the poojas may be contacted on her mobile at +91
9943985758, for further details.
HOW TO REACH
The
temple is under a banyan tree, which will not be visible from the roadside.
The
place Muthiyanerichal is 7 KM from Avinashipalayam, 10 KM from Kangayam, 21 KM
from Palladam, 24 KM from Tiruppur, 58 KM from Coimbatore, and 477 KM from
Chennai.
Nearest
Railway Station is Tiruppur.
LOCATION OF
THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Thursday, 13 May 2021
Sri Nattur Nathar Temple / நட்டூர்நாதர் கோயில், Sri Madhyapureeswarar Temple, Paranjervazhi, பரஞ்சேர்வழி, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.
The
visit to this Sri NatturNathar Temple at Paranjervazhi near Kangayam was a
part of the “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta
Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. Hope this temple was in
the center of the Village during the Thevara period, So Lord Shiva was called Natturar and is now in the Northeast of the Village.
This
is one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam. Sekkizhar records that Thirunavukkarasu
Swamigal has sung many types of Thandaga hymns like Thani Thandagam, and Adaivu Thandagam when he was staying at
Thirupoonthuruthi.
பல்வகைத்
தாண்டகத்தோடும் பரவும் தனித் தாண்டகமும்அல்லல்
அறுப்பவர் தானத்து அடைவுதிருத்தாண்டகமும்செல்கதி
காட்டிடப் போற்றும் திருஅங்க மாலையும் உள்ளிட்டுஎல்லை
இல் பன்மைத் தொகையும் இயம்பினார் ஏத்தி இருந்தார்
Thirunavukkarasu
Swamigal had mentioned this temple as “Parapalli” in his hymns Adaivu
Thiruthandagam when was stayed at
Thirupoonthuruthi. In Adaivu Thiruthandagam
the words give different meanings.
In this Hymns ( 6 – 71 ) he uses the word-“Palli” ie the place ends
with Palli.
பொருப்பள்ளி
வரைவில்லாப் புரமூன் றெய்து புரந்தழியச்
சலந்தரனைப் பிளந்தான் பொற்சக்கரப்பள்ளி
திருக்காட்டுப்பள்ளி கள்ளார் கமழ்கொல்லி
யறைப்பள்ளி கலவஞ்சாரற்சிரப்பள்ளி
சிவப்பள்ளி செம்பொன் பள்ளி செழுநனி
பள்ளிதவப் பள்ளி சீரார்பரப்பள்ளி யென்றென்று பகர்வோ ரெல்லாம் பரலோகத்
தினிதாகப் பாலிப் பாரே .......
திருநாவுக்கரசு
சுவாமிகள் Moolavar :
Sri Nattur Nathar / Sri MadhyapureeswararConsort :
Sri Suguntha Kunthalambigai
Some of the salient features of this temple
are.....The temple faces east with a Deepasthambam and
entrance mandapam. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance mandapam. In
koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma.
In Parakaram Bayira kula Vinayagar, Vizhiya Kula
Vinayagar, Nagar, Othala Kula Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar,
Chandikeswarar and Bhairavar
ARCHITECTUREThe Temple complex consists of the sanctum sanctorum Ardha
mandapam. The adhistanam is of simple pada bandha adhistanam with three patta
Kumudam. From adhisthana to prastaram was built with stone and Nagara Vimanam was built with brick. In Vimana Koshta images are found in grivam. Ambal temple is also of similar construction. HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONSBased on the architecture the original temple was
built by Kongu Chozhas and later expanded by Vijayanagaras. As per the
inscriptions, this place was called Paranjer Palli, and Lord Shiva was called Natturamarnthar and Natturamarntha Nayanar.
Kongu Chozha Vikrama Chozha-II’s ( 4 + 1 ) 5th
reign year 1261 CE inscription records that Karai Nadu, Adikeezhthalam Pathinen
Bhoomi Maheswaras gave mantru pichchai (
payment to the guard/watchman). The Villagers have to give 2 Panam/ per year for burning Sandhya Deepam, and 5 panam/ per year for Naivedyam. This endowment was by Vellalan Velayarakalaththa Pillan Aththani alias
Narpathennaayira Velan...
Another Kongu Chozha Vikrama Chozha-II’s 1st
reign year inscription is the gift of Paranjer Pidakai to
Lord Shiva of this temple. Pidakai ( Village and Landa )- Kombapadi and a Kulam
/ Tank and lands both wet and dry in the 4 territories of the Village.
LEGENDSIt is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva of this temple will be relieved
from all troubles and reach Swargaloka.
POOJAS
AND CELEBRATIONSApart
from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami ( full moon days
), Amavasai ( new moon days ), Karthigai Deepam, Pradosham, and Maha Shivaratri.
TEMPLE
TIMINGSThe Temple will be kept open between 09.00 hrs to
11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs
CONTACT
DETAILSArchakar Prabhu may be contacted on his mobile at +91
98428 69207 for further details.
HOW TO
REACHThe
temple Sri Natturar Temple at Paranjervazhi is on the north side of the Village.
The
temple is 10.6 KM from Kangayam Bus
stand, 30 KM from Koduvai, 42 KM from Palladam, 31 KM from Tiruppur, 43 KM from
Dharapuram, 90 KM from Coimbatore and 447 KM from Chennai. Nearest
Railway Station is Tiruppur.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
.......
திருநாவுக்கரசு
சுவாமிகள்
Consort :
Sri Suguntha Kunthalambigai
Wednesday, 12 May 2021
Sri Mandheswarar Temple / மாந்தீஷ்வரர் கோவில், Valliarachal / வள்ளியரச்சல், Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu.
The
visit to this Sri Mandheswarar Temple at Valliarachal near Kangayam was a part
of the “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi
Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. Sri Varadharaja Perumal
Temple is on the south side of the Shiva Temple. This place was once called
Mandkapuri. This is the 2nd temple of the 12 Shiva temples of
Kangeya Nadu, considered as a Kuladeiva
Temple of the Vellalar Community. This temple is in the Rasathivalavu territory.
Moolavar : Sri MandheswararConsort : Sri Periyanayaki
Some of the salient features of this temple are...The
temple faces east with a Deepasthambam. The Deepasthambam has the bas-
relief of a Golden Monitor lizard worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple on one
side. The entrance arch has stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvati as
Rishabaroodar, Vinayagar, and Murugan. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the
entrance arch and before Mukha mandapam. In Koshtam, Dakshinamurthy,
Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In
parakaram Nalvar, Nirutha Vinayagar, 9 Vinayagars with a Nagar are in a
mandapam ( which belongs to 9 Sects of Kongu Vellalar Community ), Valli Devasena
Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suriyan, Chandran. Ambal
is in a separate temple with Rishabam and Balipeedam. Ambal Temple is also
facing east on the left side of the Main deity.
ARCHITECTUREThe
main temple is on an elevated level like mada koil. The main temple consists of
sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha open mandapam. The
sanctum sanctorum is on an Upa pedam and adhisthana with three patta Kumuda. Up
to prastaram stone is used and the Vimana is of Ekathala vesara Vimana built
with bricks.
Ambal
temple is also of similar construction but with Nagara Vimana. On
the back side, a separate mandapa was built for 9 Vinayagars using the original
temple Pillars extended during the Vijayanagara period. The pillars have the
bas-reliefs of Vinayagar, Rishis, Ladies forms ring, Veerabhadra, Veenadharar,
Kinnarar, birds, Bird with human body, Hanuman, etc,.
HISTORY AND
INSCRIPTIONSThe
original temple belongs to Chera’s period and the earliest inscription in Vattezhuthu belongs to the 11th to 12th Century. The
temple was
reconstructed in recent years. Pillars with old Vattezhuthu inscriptions
and stones were dumped on the back side of the temple. The inscriptions are
damaged on many portions and could not find the content of it. Some of the dismantled Vijayanagara period
pillars are used for constructing a mandapa for Vinayagars. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called Manthali Eswarathu Mahadevar, Ambal was called Kamakotta Nachiyar. and the place was called Vallierichal.
Vikrama
Chozha-III’s 11th reign year ( 1284
CE ) Inscription records the name of Vellalan Kesan Mookkan. The other
details are not known.
Kongu
Chozha Veera Chozhan’s 6th reign year ( 942 CE ) inscription records
the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Mangalyan Modan Podhuvan’s wives (
Pavai and Pavai Padari ) of Valli Erichal. For which 12 kalanju gold was gifted
to this temple.
The
13th Century inscription without the King's name and year records has gifted an ardha mandapa pillar ( inscribed on the pillar ) by one of the
Vellalan Maniyars called Vandran Marayan alias Thennavan Mooventha Velan of
Muthur Village.
Another 13th-century inscription inscribed on the pillar records the gift of
the pillar by Vellalan of Kadan Kulam ( ?) called Adan Puliyan alias Uthama
Chozha Tamil Velan.
Another
18th Century Vijayanagara King Sri Veeravijaya Pokkana Udayar
followed with a date mentioned. The details are not known.
Another 13th-century inscription without the King's name and year records the
Ambal’s name as Thirukamakotta Nachiar and gift of rice Nazhi uri and paddy Anjirendinal padi.
The
Pandya King Veera Pandian’s 12th reign year ( 1277 CE ) inscription records the endowment of Nnaivedyam
by the Vellalar of Valli Erichil for
which 3 Maththirai land was gifted to this temple.
ச்சுக.... தாகவும் ய்து கு ..... இவை தி யான் நாரா.. தியா.ய மேய் தண்டிச்சுக் .... நிற்கச் செய்து குடு ச்சே...... டையான் நாராய் மேய் சந்..... நிற்க. கல்வெட்டுவிச்சோம்
LEGENDSIt
is believed that a Golden monitor Lizard was also worshiped Lord Shiva of this
temple, which is considered as a good
sign of wealth. This basrelief is on the base of the Deepasthambham. The Deepa Sthamba also has
Vinayagar, Ambal, and a Hero who holds a Sword in his right hand keeping his left hand
on a dhanda, which is a peculiar feature of this temple.
This
is a parihara sthalam for mandhi dosha. People worship Lord Shiva to get rid
of Mandhi dosha on Saturdays between 09.00 hrs to 10.30 Hrs.
As
per the legend, the Chera king Mandharajeral, to control the Kirathakathi Communities
brought the Vettuvar community from Kalahasti. Later they also started giving
trouble. So The Chera King with the help of Vellalars controlled the Vettuvars
and the Pandiyas who helped them. In memory of that, he installed Sathan alias Natrayan. The Chera King named this place Mandhapuri and also Built this
Temple in his name as Mandheswarar temple.
POOJAS AND
CELEBRATIONSApart
from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami ( full moon days
), Amavasai ( new moon days ), Karthigai Deepam, Pradosham, Saturdays Mandhi
poojas and Maha Shivaratri.
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe
temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to
19.00 hrs
CONTACT
DETAILSThe
Temple authorities at +91 94451 57829, +91 97882 97829, and +91 93642 50259 may be
contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACHThe
temple Sri Mandheswarar Temple at Valliarachal is about 2.5 KM away from the
Village. The
temple is 19.6 KM from Kangayam Bus
stand, 39 KM from Koduvai, 51 KM from Palladam, 49 KM from Tiruppur, 51 KM from
Dharapuram, 91 KM from Coimbatore and 453 KM from Chennai. Nearest
Railway Station is Tiruppur.
LOCATION OF
THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Kongu
Chozha Veera Chozhan’s 6th reign year ( 942 CE ) inscription records
the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Mangalyan Modan Podhuvan’s wives (
Pavai and Pavai Padari ) of Valli Erichal. For which 12 kalanju gold was gifted
to this temple.
ச்சுக.... தாகவும் ய்து கு ..... இவை தி யான் நாரா.. தியா.
ய மேய் தண்டிச்சுக் .... நிற்கச் செய்து குடு ச்சே...... டையான் நாரா
ய் மேய் சந்..... நிற்க. கல்வெட்டுவிச்சோம்
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