Thursday 30 November 2023

Suddha Ratneswara Temple / Suttharathnesvarar Temple / Suddha Rathneswarar Temple / Panjanathanar Natarajar Koyil / ஊட்டத்தூர் சுத்தரத்தினேஸ்வரர் கோயில் / பஞ்சநாதனர் நடராஜர் ஊட்டத்தூர் கோயில், Urraththur / Oottathur, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Suttarathnesvarar Temple at Oottathur, in Perambalur District was a part of “Perambalur & Ariyalur Districts Heritage Walk” organised by Aatrupadai - ஆற்றுப்படை A Tours and Heritage group on 4th and 5th , November 2023. This place Oottathur is on the banks of river Nandhai.


This temple is also called as Pancha Nathana Natarajar temple. Since moolavar was made of Purest Gem Ruby, called as Suddha Rathneswarar – சுத்த ரத்னேஸ்வரர். This temple is also one of the Thevara Vaippu Sthalam. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal has sung hymns in praise of Shiva of this temple.

நறையூரிற் சித்தீச் சரம்நள் ளாறு
    நாரையூர் நாகேச்சரம் நல்லூர் நல்ல
துறையூர் சோற்றுத்துறை சூலமங்கை
    தோணிபுரந் துருத்தி சோமேச்சரம்
உறையூர் கடலொற்றி யூரூற் றத்தூர்
    ஓமாம் புலியூர் ஓர் ஏட கத்துங்
கறையூர் கருப்பறியல் கன்றாப் பூருங்
    கயிலாய நாதனையே காண லாமே
… Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal ( Kshetra kovai -6-70-10 )

பிறையூருஞ் சடைமுடியெம் பெருமா னாரூர்
    பெரும்பற்றப் புலியூரும் பேரா வூரும்
நறையூரும் நல்லூரும் நல்லாற் றூரும்
    நாலூருஞ் சேற்றூரும் நாரை யூரும்
உறையூரும் ஒத்தூரும் ஊற்றத் தூரும்
    அளப்பூரோ மாம்புலியூ ரொற்றி யூரும்
துறையூருந் துவையூருந் தோழுர் தானுந்
    துடையூருந் தொழஇடர்கள் தொடரா வன்றே 
… Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal ( Adaivu Thiruthandagam -6-71-4 )

Moolavar  : Sri Suttharathneswarar
Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the salient features of this Temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and rishabam are under a mukha mandapam. Brahma Theertham is before the entrance of ardha mandapam. There is a rishabam facing the Brahma Theertha well / Ootru / Spring through a ardha mandapam hole. Dwarapalakas Dindini, Mundini, Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is little big on a round avudayar. ( Moolavar is made of Ratha – a ruby stone and glitters during Camphor harati ). In kostam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam two Amman, Chandikeswarar, Rishabam, Sri Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Panchanadhana Stone Nataraja, Sivakami ( face is tilted towards Natarajar to see the dance ), Veerabhadra, Adhikara Nandhi ( Human  form with Rishabam head ) and Natarajar Sabha.

Ambal is in a separate Temple facing east on the left side of moolavar. A Rishabam is in front of the temple. Dwarapalakis are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum entrance. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam. Ambal’s various forms are in the kostam. Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Chandikeswari are in the praharam.




Brahma Theertham


ARCHITECTURE
The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. A spring Well also called as Brahma Theertham is before the maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, muppattai kumudam and Viyyalavari. The bhitti starts with vedika.

Since renovation is in full swing, we do not know the exact location of the sannidhis. The present Natarajar was in a big mandapam, which is empty now. The mandapam was built with various sizes, shapes, period pillars. Some of the Pillar palakai above the kudam are very big, similar to Rashtrakuta / chalukya Style, which is not commonly available in Tamil Nadu Temples.

The Natarajar was made of a variety of stone called Panchanadhana stone, which has the property of absorbing sun rays ( some of the other variety stones are Aalinganadhanam, Singanadhanam, Yaanainadhanam and Yazhinadhanam ). This Panchanadhana stone will emit ohm sound when it is tapped.  

Panchanadhana Natarajar
Sivakami- See the head position tilted towards Nataraja
Dakshinamurthy Mandapam

 
Old Sabha Mandapam
Old Sabha Mandapam

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This original temple exists since 7th – 8th century Pallava period and the same was reconstructed as a stone temple during Rajaraja-I’s period and also another temple called Chozheeswarar Temple was built in the same Village. About 42 inscriptions, which include, Rajaraja Chozha-I, Rajendra Chozha and his son Rajadhiraja’s inscriptions are recorded from this temple.

The earliest inscription belongs to Rajaraja Chozha-I’s 24th reign year. Since the inscription was found in damaged condition only few official’s names like Vel Mutharaiyan, ThiruveNNavallalan, are only readable.

Rajendra Chozha-I’s period inscription records an important message. Suruthiman Nakkan Chandran alias Rajamalla Mutharaiyan of Ootrathur was died during a war with Chalukya, when he was trying to kill the Chalukya king Sathriyasiriyan. In memory of him his brother established an endowment of burning a lamp at this temple.



Kulothunga Chozha-I’s period inscription records that Kashyapa Munivar did an yagna and idangai Group, came from Yagna kund to destroy Asuras. They were taken to new Agara along with King and the Munivars. They were also allowed to carry their Cheppal / foot wear and umbrella. This Indangai 98 Groups were made to settle at Thiruvellarai, Pachil, Thiruvasi, Thirupidavur, Ootrathur, Chennivala Kootram, Keeraikadu villages. Since they step down from the Chariot, on the left side of the Munivars, they were called as Idangai. These 98 group understood their early life and entered in the King 40th reign year. They agreed that all the group will cooperate with each other and live like brothers. During their meetings they should show their symbols of Kombu / horn, Kalam / an air musical instrument.  Also they were advised to wear Crane’s feather, loose hair and conch should be blown before them. If any body acts against these rules will be treated as enemies. This document was written by Thirunallurudaiyan Ilaiyakoil, Thiruchitrambalamudaiyan of Ainthu Nattar row.

Rajaraja Chozha-III’s period inscription records the sale of land. Rajaraja valanattu Ootrathur Araiyan Mallan alias Bramatharaya Mutharaiyan’s Meikavalar  ( Agambadiyar ), purchased a land from Sruthiman Nayan Choran alias Nerkulam Irungol for 6000 Narkasus. 

Ref : A Hand book issued during Heritage walk


LEGENDS
As per the legend during Rajaraja Chozha’s visit to this area, the shrubs and creepers on the path was cleared. In the process, the tool spade hits a Shiva Linga made out of a purest Gem- ruby, which was hidden in the shrubs. Blood was oozing out from the Shiva Lingam and the same was reported to the king. Rajaraja Chozha constructed a temple on the same place and called as Suddha Rathneswarar. The Shiva Linga will glitter like a Rathna / ruby in the Camphor harati. Still we can see a hit marks on the moolavar.

It is believed that the Lingodbhava form of Shiva is one way connected to this temple. To get rid of the sin caused due to lying, as advised by Shiva, Brahma created a spring and brought all the holy water to the spring / Ootru and worshipped Shiva. Hence the theertham is called as Brahma Theertham. It is believed that the Chozha King Rajaraja Chozha came to this place, when he was ill. The holy water was sprinkled on him and got relieved from the illness.

It is believed that Natarajar is made of herbals. Vetiver garland ( with 48 pieces ) is to adorn Natarajar and abhishekam will be performed. It is further believed that the abhisheka water will cure the kidney ailments, if one takes it for 48 days ( one mandala ).

During his Visit this place, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, found that the stones to this Village resembles like Shiva Linga. So he stayed near a Village and sang hymns in praise of Shiva of this temple. Hence that place was called as Padalur, which is about 5 KM from this place.

It is believed that Suriyan worships Shiva of this temple. The Sun Rays used fall on moolavar on Masi month 12, 13 and 14.


POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Arudra darshan, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Theipirai Ashtami, Valarpirai Panchami, Dakshinamurthy worship, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
Sri Pancha nathana Natarajar abhishekam will be from 10.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
Nataraja Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile +91 9788062416 or Kathikeyan +91 8883852198 & +91 8015402683 for further details.

HOW TO REACH
This Place Oottathur is 4.5 KM off from Perambalur to Trichy Main Road. 
The temple is about 23 KM from Perambalur, 35 KM from Ariyalur, 47 KM from Trichy, 68 KM from Thanjavur and 297 from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Ariyalur.
 
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE


Dwarapalakas
Chandikeswarar & Dakshinamurthy
Donor & Brahma
Brahma 
Rishabam looks Brahma Theertham through a Hole 
Nandhi in Human form with bull head

Bairavar 
Veerabhadra

Dwarapalakis
May be Manickabasagar
Errotic sculpture
Vamana
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Wednesday 29 November 2023

Sri Virudhachaleshwarar Temple / Sri Viruthachaleswarar Temple / Pazhamalai nathar Temple / ஸ்ரீ விருதாச்சலேஸ்வரர் கோவில் / அருள்மிகு விருத்தாஜலேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில், வெங்கனூர் / Venganur / Venganoor, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Virudhachaleshwarar Temple at Venganoor, in Perambalur District was a part of “Perambalur & Ariyalur Districts Heritage Walk” organised by Aatrupadai - ஆற்றுப்படை A Tours and Heritage group on 4th and 5th, November 2023. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Mahatma Selvapandian for guiding us this beautiful Shiva temple.


This temple is on the banks of Swetha River. This place Venganoor is also called as Vengaimanagar. The 17th Century ThuRaimangalam Sivaprakasa Swamigal has sung Thiruvengai Kalambagam, Thiruvengai Kovai, Thiruvengaiula and Thiruvengai Alangaram in praise of Shiva of this temple. He records this place as Thiruvengai / Vengaimanagar and Shiva as Pazhamalai Nathar.

பொன்னுலவும் வெங்கை புனிதற் கடியேனும்
உன்னுங் கலம்பகப்பாட் டோதுகேன் - தன்னைநிகர்
முத்திதரு மன்னோன் முழுதருளி னாற்பூத்த
அத்திதனைக் கண்டவத னால்.

எழிலிகண் படுக்கும் பொழில்புடை சூழ்ந்த
வெங்கையம் பதிவா ழெங்க ணாயக
பழமலை நாதநிற் பரவுவன் விசும்பின்
அரையனுக் கரைய னாகுமந் நிலையும்
நினைகிலன் றமியே னின்னடி யவர்கட்
கென்று மடியவ னாகும்
ஒன்றொரு வரமு முதவுதி யெனவே.     

Moolavar  : Sri Viruthagiriswarar / Virudhachaleshwarar
                 Sri Pazhamalai Nathar
Consort    : Sri Balambigai / Periyammai Nachiyar

Some of the salient features of this Temple are...
Mottai Gopuram is on the east side of the temple with stucco images of Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar on the Peacock vahana, Mahalakshmi.  Vahana mandapa is on the left side of the temple. Pathala Ganapathi ( about 15 feet depth ) sannidhi with a Vimanam on the ground level and Vasantha mandapam is on the right side. Brahma, Maha Vishnu ( sitting under Adiseshan’s hood, Shiva, Vipad Siddhu Munivar and Valampuri Vinayagar are under the Sthala vruksham vanni tree in front of Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers.

Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. Vinayagar and Murugan are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is on a round avudayar. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi with Dwarapalakis on both sides of the entrance. Ambal is in standing posture facing east with abhaya varada hastam.

In praharam 63var with paintings of their stories above the images, Visalakshi, Viswanathar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Natarajar, Navagrahas, Bairavar, Saniswaran, Chandran and Suriyan.



ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The Vimanam or the sanctum sanctorum is of suddha vesara style, ie round in shape. The Adhistanam is of padma bandha adhistanam with padma jagathy, vrutha kumudam and pattika. The Bhitti starts vedika. Additional Kostas are provided in between the Deva Kostas, which are empty now. Kumbha panjaras are between Deva Kostas. These Kumbha panjaras are intricately carved. The Panjaras has the sculptures of animals, warriors fighting, elephants, Soldier killing a tiger, etc,. The Vimanam above the prastaram is not visible since, the prahara was completely covered.












The vasantha mandapam ceilings has the paintings of Navagrahas, Krishna Leela, Dancing ladies, 12 Rasis, etc are on the ceiling.





Nayanmars and their History - Paintings

Kazhuvetram


HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This temple was built during Vijayanagara King Venkatapathy Devamaharayar period. This place was called as Magathamandalathu Kanni Valanattu Vannadu alias VeNbar nattu VeNkanoor – வெண்கனூர் during Vijayanagara period, which has got corrupted to the present name of Venganur – வெங்கனூர். Also Shiva was called as Pazhamalai Nathar, also changed to Virudhagireeswarar ( A Sanskrit form ).

As per the inscriptions, the complete temple with Sanctum Sanctorum for Pazhamalainathar and Periammai Nachiyar, Ardha mandapam, Maha Mandapam, nritha mandapam, inner praharam, 2nd praharam, Gopuram are built by Thuraiyur Palaiyakarar Erama Reddiyar’s son Linga Reddiyar. He also arranged for the Brahmins for doing Poojas and officials for the administration of Porpandaram and Maligai.

During Venkatapathi Thevar Maharayar period, this place was under Venkappa Nayaka of Gingee. Linga Reddiar as a Palayakarar ruled this area under Venkappa Nayaka as Naattadimai. Linga Reddiar was born in Panda kula, son of Vallakol Eramureddiyar. The word Vallakol in kannada means Belagola – Shravanabelagola. From this it is understood that Thuraiyur Palaiyakara Reddiars came from Karnataka. 

Ref : A Hand book issued during Heritage walk



LEGENDS
Some of the specialities of this temple are…
The temple is famous for three.. ie Murti, Thalam and Theertham. The saying of “Venganur Velaiyazhagu – வெங்கனூர் வேலையழகு– is for the Temple constructed like “ஓம்” with beautiful with intricately carved sculpture workmanship, The temple is constructed with two praharas, Siva Prakasar Paadal Petra sthalam, The Pathala / aazhaththu Vinayagar, Shiva bless the Devotees with all wealth & Children, since the marriages are conducted with parihara poojas,  all monthly celebrations are conducted in  grand manner, especially the 3 Somavara pooja in Karthigai month. 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Masi maham, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Karthigai Month Somavara poojas, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH
This Place Venganoor is on Perambalur to Attur main road. ,
The temple is about 23 KM from Perambalur, 55 KM from Ariyalur, 87 KM from Trichy, 96 KM from Thanjavur and 283 from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Ariyalur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE














Some more architectural features 

Kumbha panjara sculptures 
Kumbha panjara sculptures 
Kumbha panjara sculptures 
Gap between two palakai are joined with a jala
Kumbha panjara sculptures 


Pathala Vinayagar shrine
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---