Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple / ஸ்ரீ பாலசுப்பிரமணிய சுவாமி கோயில், பாகசாலை/ Sri Murugan Temple, Pakasalai / Pagasalai, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

ஈளை சுரங்குளிர் வாத மெனும்பல
     நோய்கள் வளைந்தற           ...... இளையாதே
ஈடு படுஞ்சிறு கூடு புகுந்திடு
ஈடு படுஞ்சிறு கூடு புகுந்திடு
     காடு பயின்றுயி                ...... ரிழவாதே

……திருபுகழ்

The visit to this Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Pagasalai was a part of the temples visit in Tiruvallur District, before attending the Uzhavarapani at Janamejaya Eswarar temple at Panambakkam and Palalayam function at Senji Panambakkam  Sri Kailasanathar Temple. I was not aware of this Murugan temple before my visit. This is one of the Thirupugazh Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Moolavar: Sri Murugan as Brahma Sastha

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram. Kodimaram, Balipeedam, Vahana Peacock are in front of maha mandapam entrance. Bas reliefs of Murugan with his vahana peacock and Vinayagar are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar Lord Muruga is in standing posture holding akka mala and Kamandalam in the upper hands and lower hands in abhaya varada hastam.

In praharam Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Yaga salai, Chandikeswarar…?, Arunagirinathar,  Anjaneyar (believed to be installed by Vyasaraja), Pamban Swamigal, Chidambaram Swamigal who installed Thiruporur Murugan and Kumaragurubarar in Vinaiyarukkum Vel mandapam. Stucco images of Muruga are on the parapet wall of the sanctum sanctorum.

The Hymns sung by Arunagirinathar, Pamban Swamigal, Kumara Gurubarar, Kandha Puranam, Kandhar Sashti Kavacham, etc, are fixed in the form of tablets on the sanctum walls.

The 15^th Century Saint Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple. In that, he mentioned this Pagasalai as Pagai.

ஈளை சுரங்குளிர் வாத மெனும்பல

     நோய்கள் வளைந்தற                               ...... இளையாதே

ஈடு படுஞ்சிறு கூடு புகுந்திடு

ஈடு படுஞ்சிறு கூடு புகுந்திடு

     காடு பயின்றுயி                                          ...... ரிழவாதே

மூளை யெலும்புகள் நாடி நரம்புகள்

மூளை யெலும்புகள் நாடி நரம்புகள்

     வேறு படுந்தழல்                                         ...... முழுகாதே

மூல மெனுஞ்சிவ யோக பதந்தனில்

மூல மெனுஞ்சிவ யோக பதந்தனில்

     வாழ்வு பெறும்படி                                      ......மொழிவாயே

வாளை நெருங்கிய வாவியி லுங்கயல்

வாளை நெருங்கிய வாவியி லுங்கயல்

     சேல்கள் மறிந்திட .                                    ..... வலைபீறா

வாகை துதைந்தணி கேதகை மங்கிட

வாகை துதைந்தணி கேதகை மங்கிட

     மோதி வெகுண்டிள                                     ...... மதிதோயும்

பாளை நறுங்கமழ் பூக வனந்தலை

பாளை நறுங்கமழ் பூக வனந்தலை

     சாடி நெடுங்கடல்                                           ...... கழிபாயும்

பாகை வளம்பதி மேவி வளஞ்செறி

பாகை வளம்பதி மேவி வளஞ்செறி

     தோகை விரும்பிய                                       ...... பெருமாளே.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone. An Ekathala stucco Nagara Vimana is above the sanctum sanctorum.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Based on the Arunagirinathar’s hymns, the original temple might have existed before the 15^th century.

Ashta bandana Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 24^th June 1988 after completing the thirupani (works started on 29^th November 1985) at Rs 3.61 lakhs, in the presence of Kanchi Thondaimandala Adheenam Kayilai Punithar Gnanaprakasha Desika Paramachariya Swamigal,

Under Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy Vazhipattu mandram, the construction of Rajagopuram, installation of Kodimaram, and other thirupani works were started on 20^th April 2000 at Rs 20 lakhs. After completion of thirupani Jeernodharana Ashtabandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 28^th June 2006, in the presence of Thondaimandala Adheenam Sri-la-Sri Thiruvambala Desika Gnanaprakasha Paramacharya Swamigal. 

LEGENDS

Usually, Murugan will be with Sri Valli Devasena. It is rare to see Murugan alone as a Moolavar and this is one of the temples where Murugan is Brahma Sastha with Akshara mala and Kamandalam. Similar Moolavar is found at Voyalanallur. As per the legend, the creator, Brahma is supposed to know the meaning of the Pranava mantra. When Muruga asked the meaning of the Pranava Mantra, Brahma couldn’t give the meaning. So Muruga imprisoned Brahma and took charge of the creation of this universe. And also holds the attributes of Akshara mala and Kamandalam of Brahma.

This place Pagasalai / Pakasalai Murugan temple is on the banks of river Kosasthalaiyar River and the river flows from south to North as Utharavahini in this place. Any place with a river flowing from South to north is considered as the holiest place and equivalent to Ganga. This river Kosasthalaiyar’s specialties are mentioned in the Matsya Purana, Koorma Purana, Linga Purana, Bhavishya Purana, and Markandeya Purana.

It is believed that the Devas, Lord Brahma, Chitragupta, Narada, Sage Agasthiyar, and saints like Adi Sankara, and Guru Raghavendra Swamy visited this temple.  

In another legend, during the British period, a collector passing through this place happened to see Lord Muruga as his religion Padhiriyar (Christian priest) from a long distance  during one of his travels. Since other religious people are allowed to enter into a Hindu temple, he couldn’t go nearer. On that Night, Murugan came into his dream in the form of a Christian priest and took him to this temple. Hence Local Christians refer to Lord Muruga as Padhiri Ayya. They used to offer prayers and break coconuts.

It is believed that worshiping Lord Muruga will answer all the prayers. Devotees used to lit ghee lamps for 48 days / one mandala to fulfill their wishes. In some cases, the wishes are fulfilled even before the completion of 48 days due to the grace of Lord Muruga. As a part of Thanksgiving devotees used to offer abhishekam after doing Angapradakshinam or 108 times circumambulation of the sanctum sanctorum.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Kiruthigai, Sashti, Panguni Uthiram, Tuesdays, Amavasya days, etc,. Annual Brahmotsavam will be held in the month of Masi (Feb – March).

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 07.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 18.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile numbers of the Gurukkal are +91 8110949465 and +91 9176529893 may be contacted for further details.   

HOW TO REACH

The temple is about 6 km from Perambakkam (Autos are available at Perambakkam and to Perambakkam, city buses are available from Poonamallee, Thakkolam), 5 km from Manavur, 20 km from Arakkonam,  24 km from Tiruvallur,  40 km from Poonamallee and 58 km from Chennai Central.

The nearest Railway station is Manavur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA --- 

Kotravai & Durgai, கொற்றவை / துர்கை அம்மன், at Valarpuram and Chinnamandalai in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to these Kotravai sculptures at Valarpuram and Chinna Mandalai in Tiruvallur District was a part of the temples visit in Tiruvallur District, before attending the Uzhavarapani at Janamejaya Eswarar temple at Panambakkam and Palalayam function at Senji Panambakkam  Sri Kailasanathar Temple. The details are as follows….

Kotravai / Durgai, Valarpuram.

This Kotravai / Durgai  is in the form of a basrelief on the flat stone installed facing east. Kotravai is standing on Mahishan’s head in a samabhanga posture. She is with 8 hands holding shankha, Chakra, Sword, Chavukku / whip, Shield, bow, and a weapon, which is not known. The left lower hand is in Kadi hastam. Marbu kachu / chest band and half dress below the waist with knots and frills are shown. Wearing ornaments on ears, hands, neck, sannaveeram, and arrow holders (ambura) are also shown on the back. The deer’s head is shown on the right side. Two devotees are shown at her feet. One devotee is in Navakandam posture and the other devotee is in anjali hastam.

Considering the iconography, experts are of the opinion that this Kotravai belongs to the 8^th to 9^th Century Pallava period.  

LOCATION OF KOTRAVAI:    CLICK HERE

KOTRAVAI AT CHINNAMANDALAI

This Kotravai panel was installed inside Sri Niranjeeswarar Temple at Chinnamandali and was called Sirumanavai during the Chozha period. The Kotravai is in standing posture with jwala mukuda (flame). She is with 6 arms holding various weapons like a dragger, bow, and a parrot in one of her left hands. The lower right hand is in kadi hastam. Her vahana deer is shown behind her legs. A Devotee in Navakandam (offering his head by cutting)  relief is shown on the right side of her leg.

As per the iconography, the experts believe that this Kotravai may belong to the 6^th Century Pallava period.

LOCATION OF KOTRAVAI      : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Beemeshwarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ பீமேஸ்வரர் கோயில், வளர்புரம் / Valarpuram, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Beemeswarar Temple was a part of the Temples Visit in Tiruvallur District, before attending the Uzhavarapani at Janamejaya Eswarar temple at Panambakkam and Palalayam function at Senji Panambakkam  Sri Kailasanathar Temple. The main purpose of a visit to this temple is to see a Pallava period Kotravai near the temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Beemeshwarar

Consort    : Sri Maragathavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east on the banks of Valarpuram Eri. Since the temple is very small, there is no prahara. All the deities are installed inside the compound. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Vinayagar and Sri Valli devasena Subramaniar are on the left and right side of Sanctum Sanctorum. There is no murtis in koshtam. Ambal Maragathavalli is in a separate sannidhi facing south. Chandikeswarar and Chandran (but wrongly written as Suryan) are on the southeast and northeast corners of the compound abutting the wall.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam, and mukha mandapam. The eri bund is above the sanctum sanctorum adhistanam. So couldn’t asses the type of adhistanam. There is no Vimanam above the sanctum sanctorum. The front mandapam pillars are of a square base with Nagabandham and vettu pothyal. The Pillars have the bas reliefs of Donors, Cow worshiping Lord Shiva, Kalinga Nardhanar, Monkey, Bhuta Ganas, Munis, Krishna, Solar / Lunar eclipse, etc,.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is claimed that the temple is more than 2000 years old, but there is no evidence to prove the same. As per the iconography of Rishabam and Chandran, the temple may belong to the 15^th to 16^th century and may be reconstructed during the Nayakas period.    

LEGENDS

It was told that this temple’s legend is associated with the Epic Mahabharata. The Pancha Pandavas during their exile, lived around this place and Beema worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. Hence Lord Shiva is called Beemeshwarar. Also further said that some of the villagers around this place are in the names of  the characters of Epic Mahabharat.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala special poojas are conducted on pradosam and Maha Shivaratri days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted, the closing opening times are unpredictable. (During my visit, the temple was kept open after the Poojas around 08.00 hrs)

CONTACT DETAILS 

The mobile number +91 9025602544 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This Place Valarpuram is on the Poonamallee to Thakkolam Road via Perambakkam. All the City buses will stop at Valarpuram and the Temple is about 400 meters from the bus stop.

The temple is 5.6 km from Mannur Junction, 10.00 km from Sriperumbudur, 14 km from Poonamallee, 28 km from Koyambedu, and 32 km from Chennai Central.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sculptures

1. Thavvai / Jyeshta Devi

2. Kotravai /Korravai, Mahishasuramardini / Durga

3. Ayyanar

4. Saptamatrikas / Saptha Kannis

Saptamatrika and Saptha Kannis Sculptures

TN - DISTRICT	PLACE	DESCRIPTION
Chengalpattu Dist	Sogandi	Saptamatrikas
Chennai Dist	Korattur	Padalathri Sri Seeyathamman Temple
Cuddalore Dist	Kanisapakkam	Saptamatrikas and Sapthakannis
Erode Dist	Thingalur	Saptamatrikas and Thavvai at Shiva Temple
Erode Dist	Vijayamangalam	Saptamatrikas at Nageswarar Temple
Kanchipuram Dist	Angambakkam	Saptamatrikas Saravathamman Temple
Kanchipuram Dist	Orathur	Saptha Kannis Temple
Kanchipuram Dist	Sembulam	Saptamatrikas - Ponniamman Temple
Kanchipuram Dist	Siruvanjur	Saptamatrikas Temple
Kanchipuram Dist	Thenneri	Saptamatrikas
Kanchipuram Dist	Vayalakkavoor	Saptha Kanniyars & Enthirakal
Mayiladuthurai Dist	Sirkazhi	Sri Kazhumalaiamman Temple
Ranipet Dist	Thirumalaicherry	Saptamatrikas
Thiruvannamalai Dist	Kappalur	Saptamatrikas Temple
Thiruvannamalai Dist	Sirupakkam	Saptamatrikas and Inscription stone
Thiruvannamalai Dist	Ukkamperumbakkam	Shiva Temple & Saptamatrikas
Tiruchirappalli Dist	Thudaiyur	A Saptamatrika Temple
Tiruvallur Dist	Pakasalai	Saptamatrikas Temple
Tiruvallur Dist	Panabakkam	Chamundi
Villupuram Dist	Chemmaneri	Saptamatrikas & Saptha kannis
Villupuram Dist	Perani	Saptamatrikas  at Eshwaran Temple
Villupuram Dist	Munnur	Saptamatrikas