Saturday, 30 April 2022

Sri Nanmadhia Perumal Temple / ஶ்ரீ நான்மதிய பெருமாள் கோயில், Thalachangadu, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu.

The Heritage visit to this Sri Nanmathiya Perumal Temple at Thalachangadu was a part of “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organised by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022.   Thanks to V Ramachandran, Tahasildar of Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples. This place was called as Thali Sanga nanmadhiyam, which was got corrupted to the present name of Thalachangadu.


This is one of the 108 Divya desam and mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai alwar in his periya thirumozhi.

கண்ணார் கண்ணபுரம் கடிகை கடிகமழும்
தன்னார் தாமரைசூழ் தலைச்சங்க மேல் திசையுள்
விண்ணோர் நான்மதியை விரிகின்ற வெஞ்சுடரை
கண்ணாடரக் கண்டு கொண்டு களிக்கின்றதின்
கென்று கொலோ... ( 1736 பெரியதிருமொழி 8-9-9 )

மன்னுமணிமாடக்கோயில் மணாளனை
நல்நீர்த் தலைச்சங்கநான்மதியை.. ( பெரிய திருமடல் 132 )
.... திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்
Thirugnanasamandar also mentions this place Thalaisangai in his hymns on Thalachangadu Shiva temple.

நலச்சங்க வெண் குழையும் தோடும் பெய்தோர் நால்வேதம்
சொலச்சங்கை இல்லாதீர் சுடுகாடு அல்லால் கருதாதீர்
குலைச் செங்காய்ப் பைங் கமுகின் குளிர்கொள் சோலைக்குயிலாலும்
தலைச்சங்கைக் கோயிலே கோயிலாகத்தாழ்ந்தீர்.
.... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்
Moolavar  : Sri Nanmathiya Perumal
Utsavar    : Sri Vensudar Perumal
Thayar     : Sri Thalai Sanga Nachiyar / Chengamalavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are …..
The Temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Stucco images Maha Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are on the top of the arch. Periya Thiruvadi and Siriya Thiruvadi with poorna kumbham are below that.  Moolavar in the sanctum is in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Utsavar with his consorts are in front of moolavar.    

Lakshmi and Narashimahar are in the mandapam facing North. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s dasavatharam images are inside the Vavval nethi mandapam. In the praharam Thayar Thalai Sanga Nachirar, Hanuman, Garudalwar, Andal and Senai mudhalvar.




ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and Mukha mandapam. Mukha mandapam centre portion is of vavval nethi / Vandikoodu mandapam may be constructed during Maratha period.

The Mukha mandapam can be accessed from both sides with 7 steps. The Sanctum sanctorum is on the lower level. Since Lover level is not visible ( filled with construction ) and upper level  Jagathi is only Visible.The upper level is on a pratibandha adhistanam with padma jagathy, vrutha kumudam and Viyyalavari. The Bhitti starts with vedigai. The Bhitti and vimanam above vedigai was constructed with brick.  

Ekatha Vesara Vimanam called called as Chandra Vimanam. The Koshtams on the bhitti are empty. The Greeva koshtams are like Salai extended up to sigaram. Nasis are between greeva koshtams. Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the greeva koshtam along with periya thiruvadi.



HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Since mangalasasanam of this temple was done by 8th Century Thirumangai Alwar, the original temple might have been existed before 8th Century. Also it is believed that the original temple was constructed by Ko Chengat Chozha.

Latter the temple received contributions from Chozhas and Marathas. Chozha period inscriptions found on the adhistanam kumudam and Padma jagathi.  

Maha samprokshanam was conducted on 13th June 2002 and again on 11th September 2014.

Solar Lights are installed by Jaisai solar solutions from Trichy and Erode, who are blessed by the Ahobila mutt 45th and 46th pattam Azhagiya Singar, at a cost of Rs.184150.00 in 2019.




LEGENDS
It is believed that this place might have obtained it’s name from the flower called Sangu, which was grown in this are during ancient times. Sri Nanmadhiya Perumal gave darshan to Chandran, Devaprunthagar, Devas and Nithyasuris.

As per the Legend, Chandra was the brother of Maha Lakshmi and considered as powerful next to Sun. Chandra Conducted a Rajasurayagna where he was attracted by Dhara, wife of Guru. Dhara and Chandra had a son called Budhan through illict affair. Guru complained to Maha Vishnu and cursed to affect by the leprosy. Chandra worshiped Maha Vishnu to get rid of the curse.

As per the legend, Chandra married 27 daughters of Daksha, but he was more affectionate with Rohini. So the others complained to their father daksha, who cursed Chandra to loose his power. To get relieved from the Curse, Chandran came to this place created a theertham and worshiped Sri Nanmadhiya Perumal. Perumal relieved Chandran from the curse. Hence this temple’s Vimanam is called as Chandra Vimanam and theertham is called as Chandra pushkarani.   

In another legend while Vinayagar was returning from a feast with kubera, a snake crossed their way. The vahana moonchuru got frightened and started ran in amok. Due to this Vinayagar had fallen down and vomited what he ate. Seeing this Chandra laughed. angered Vinayagar cursed Chandra to loose his power.  The two legend also connected with Lord Shiva in which he will loose his power for 15 days due to curse and regained the power 15 days as a boon from Lord Shiva in this case from Maha Vishnu.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from oru kala pooja, special poojas are conducted on all Vaishnavite important days, like Pavithrotsavam in the month Purattasi, Rama Navami, Krishna Jayanthi, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Navaratri, New Year Days, etc,.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 09.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs and 15.00 to 17.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The mobile number of Varadharajan Bhattar, who come from Mayiladuthurai  +91 99652 73712  may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
The Temple is about a KM from the place Thalachangadu and 18.6 KM from Sirkazhi, 23 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 30 KM from Karaikal, 50 KM from Nagapattinam and 255 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Sirkazhi.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE      : CLICK HERE




--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Friday, 22 April 2022

Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple / Vandamarum Poongulalal Temple/வண்டமரும் பூங்குழலால் டெம்பிள் / Keelaiyur / கீழையூர், Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.

The Heritage visit to this Sri Arnachaleswarar Temple at Keelaiyur was a part of “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organised by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022.   Thanks to V Ramachandran, Thasildar of Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples.


This is one of the Thevara Vaippu Sthalam and Sundarar has mentioned this place as Keezhaiyur, in his hymns *( 7-12-7 ) along with other places.

ஈழநாட்டுமா தோட்டம் தென்னாட் டிராமேச்சரம்
சோழ நாட்டுத் துருத்திநெய்த் தானந் திருமலை
ஆழி யூரன நாட்டுக்கெல் லாம் அணி யாகிய
கீழை யில்லர னார்க்கிடங் கிள்ளி குடியதே
…. சுந்தரர்
Moolavar  : Sri Arunachaleswarar
Consort    : Sri Vandamarum Poongulalal

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with an entrance mandapam. Stucco images of Vinayagar, Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar and Murugan are on the top of the mandapam. Vinaitheertha Vinayagar is on the left side of the entrance mandapam. Balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam with a mandapam are in front of entrance mandapam. Stucco dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar in the sanctum is little Tall. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy and Durgai.

In praharam Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Ambal Sannidhi, Two Chandikeswarar and ( 5 idols are inside, seems to be memorial stones in Anjali hastam, Moovar, Pichadanar,.. ), Suriyan, Agastheeswarar, Somanathar, Bairavar and Chandran. Ambal is in standing posture in a separate temple like sannidhi. The sannidhi is with Sanctum sanctorum and a mukha mandapam. Dwarapalakis are in front of sanctum sanctorum.

Right 2 are memorial stones ... ?



ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, Maha mandapam. 5 steps are provided to climb up the maha mandapam. Ardha mandapam and maha mandapam are built during Thanjavur Nayaks / Maratha period. Both mandapas are with two rows of pillars which divides the mandapas in to three sections. These mandapas are called Vavval nethi / vandi koodu mandapas.

The sanctum sanctorum is on a raised upanam with kapotham. The adhistanam on the upanam is of prati bandha adhistanam with Jagathy, muppattai Kumudam, prathi vari. The Bhitti starts with vedhika. Vishnu kantha pilasters with square base and Naga bandham, malai thongal, kalasam, thadi, kudam, mandi ( Lotus petals ), palakai veera kandam and vettu poo mottu pothyal. The prastram consists of valapi with lotus petals, kapotham has the karukku in the nasis, Chandra mandalam and Bhumidesam. The Vimanam above the bhumidesam is of stucco without any images in the salai koshtam. The greeva koshtas has the images of Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Lord Shiva with Parvati. The Sigaram is of vesara style with lotus petals, kannadi sattam and stupi. Mahanisis are on the cardinal directions and alpha nasis are in between maha nasis.



HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The original temple is believed to be constructed by Ko Chengat Chozha and the same was reconstructed during Chozha Period, and latter contributions are from Thanjavur Nayakas and Marathas.

The ardha mandapam pillars, sanctum sanctorum walls has the inscriptions of Rajarajan- I, Rajendran – I, Kulasekara Pandyan, and Parakrama Pandya. As per the inscription this place was called as Arumozhitheva valanattu Alanattu Keelaiyur. The inscriptions mainly records the Endowments established in the temple and land, money gifted to carryout the worship.



POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri days, Deepavali, Navaratri, Thirukarthigai, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH
This place Keelaiyur is on the Nagapattinam – Velankanni- Thiruthuraipoondi bus route.
This temple is about 22.7 KM from Nagapattinam Railway station, 41 KM from Karaikal,  30 KM from Thiruvarur,  41 KM from Mannargudi and 324 KM from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Nagapattinam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE








--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Thursday, 21 April 2022

Arulmigu Ranganatha Perumal Temple /அருள்மிகு ரங்கநாதா பெருமாள் டெம்பிள்/ ஸ்ரீ ரங்கநாதர் பெருமாள் கோவில் "கீழரெங்கம்", கீழையூர் / Keelaiyur, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.

The Heritage visit to this Sri Ranganatha Perumal Temple at Keelaiyur in Nagapattinam District was a part of “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organised by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022.   Thanks to V Ramachandran, Tahasildar of Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples. Apart from Shiva temples, Ko Chengat Chozha built mada temple to Maha Vishnu also and this is one of them.  

Moolavar  : Sri Ranganatha Perumal
Thayar     : Sri Ranga Nayaki / Athiroopavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple is facing South with a three tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Kodimaram are after the Rajagopuram on a platform and mukha mandapam is with 3 steps from front platform. Thiruman, Sangu and Chakra are on the top of the entrance to mukha mandapam. At the lower level Alwars Thirumangai Alwar, Vedanta desika, alwars are in the vavval nethi mandapam / vandi koodu mandapam. Hauman, Chakkarathalwar & Narasimhar, Thumbikai Alwar and Vishwaksenar are in Praharam.  

On the upper level, Arulmigu Sri Sesha Sayana Perumal, Thayar Ranganayagi and Andal.  Moolavar Ranganatha Perumal is in sayana kolam on Adhiseshan. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. Thayar Ranganayagi  is in standing posture facing east.



ARCHITECTURE
The temple is of mada style with an empty floor/ வெற்று தளம் raised to a height of 2.64 meters supported by Brahmakantha pilasters & vettu tharanga pothyals, prastaram  and a parapet wall. The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The maha mandapam and mukha mandapam are of Vavval nethi mandapams / vandi koodu may be built during Maratha period. Garudan is at the centre of the 3 entrances of mukha mandapam. 

The sanctum sanctorum is in rectangular shape measuring  5.83 meters on South – North direction and 7.38 meters on east – west direction. This is to accommodate Sri Ranganatha Perumal in sayana kolam keeping head on west side. Moolavar is wearing  silk dress, Mahara kundalas. Bhudevi is in sitting posture near Perumal’s feet. On the floor are Markandeyar in ardha padmasana. Adhiseshan’s head and and tail are shown on east side. Utsava murti is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Andal is holding a flower in the right hand.  

The Koshtas are empty now. A 3 tier salakara Vimanam with 5 kalasams is on the sanctum sanctorum. From base to prastram was built with stone and the super structure Vimanam was built the bricks. The Vimanam do not have stucco images except on the koshtas.      






HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It is believed that the original temple was constructed  by the Chozha King Ko Chenkat Chozha.  Since Chozha’s capital Kavipoompattinam was destroyed due to Tsunami – azhi peralai-to save from the tsunami the temples along the sea shore are built as a mada Temple. Latter received contributions from Pallavas, Chozhas  and Vijayanagaras. No old inscriptions are found in this temple.

Jeernodhara Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 14th July 1968.

Thirupani to Moolavar and other sannidhi Vimanams, mandapams, madapalli and inner compound wall  were carried out and maha samprokshanam was carried out on 14th June 1971.

Again maha samprokshanam was carried out on 27th August 2015 after forming KSRP Trust. During that time, renovation and reconstruction of Yagasalai and mandapam was done by Sri K S Srinivasan his Son, Rama Sreenivasan daughter in-law,  S Kumar Srivatsan grand son Sri kumar Srikanthan grand son in loving memory of   Late Sri Paravasthu K R Sowrirajan Iyengar and late Smt Rajalakshmi Sowrirajan.  Thirupani to Vishwaksenar  Vimanam was done by Dr Sa. Parthasarathy from Raja annamalaipuram, Chennai. Electrification of the Complete temple was done by Sankaran Ramamurthy from Nagapattinam, Thayar Sannidhi Vimanam thirupani was done by Smt Manjula and Sri Nagarajan  family of ( Abu Dhabi ), Chennai, Thirupani to Ranganayagi Thayar Vimanam was done by Smt Poongavanam ( Singapore ), and Kodimaram thirupani was done by G Kumaradevan Nagapattinam.

நள வருசம் சித்திரை (புலைசு) படைவீடு அம்பாசய்ய(ன்) இரங்கப்பராசா வேங்கடாத்திரி 106 உத்திராபதி ராசா ரெங்கப்பராசா தன்மம் (வா)வரதயா சதா சேர்வை 

ஸ்வஸ்திஸ்ரீ சகர வருசம் (1540) மேல் ஸ்ரீ சித்திரை புலை (6...) (அச்சம்?) மயிலவேங்கப்பைய.. வேங்கடாத்திரி ராசா அய்யாவு ராசா (2) லிங்கராசா தன்மம் க்ருஷ்ணந் சதாசேர்வை


POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from oru kala pooja, special poojas are conducted on Tamil and English new years, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rama navami, Hanuman jayanthi, and all important function related to Maha Vishnu.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The Mobile no of Bhattar +91 9786962538 may be contacted for darshan.

HOW TO REACH
This place Keelaiyur is on the Nagapattinam – Velankanni- Thiruthuraipoondi bus route.
This temple is about 22.7 KM from Nagapattinam Railway station, 41 KM from Karaikal,  30 KM from Thiruvarur,  41 KM from Mannargudi and 324 KM from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Nagapattinam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE




















--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---