Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar Temple / ஶ்ரீ கோடி கொடுத்த நாதர் கோயில், Orukodi, Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu

The visit to this Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar Temple, at Orukodi, which is about 10 km west of Viluppuram city, was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” on 11^th August 2024.

Moolavar   : Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar

Consort     : Sri Olai Paditha Nayagi/ ஸ்ரீ ஓலை படித்த நாயகி

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with Balipeedam and Rishabam. Moolavar in the Sanctum is on a round avudayar. Dakshinamurthy is alone in the koshtam.

In the outer praharam, Vinayagar, Murugan, a dilapidated Sannidhi, Chandikeswarar, and Nagars. In addition to the above, Jyeshta Devi, Dakini, Kotravai / Mahaishasuramardini are in the form of bas-reliefs on flat stones installed on the east side of the temple.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi in the ardha mandapam, facing south. A Balipeedam is installed in the outer praharam, facing Ambal Sannidhi. Ambal is in a standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

 Chandikeswarar

 Dakshinamurthy

ARCHITECTURE

The whole temple was built with bricks. The temple was not built according to any temple architecture. The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum and ardha mandapam. An eka tala vesara vimanam is over the sanctum Sanctorum. There are no images in the greeva koshtas. The ardha mandapam is of vavval nethi style.

A small opening measuring 6 inches x 3 inches is on the east side wall. Usually, an opening or a jala will be provided in front of Rishabam if no entrance is provided on the wall between Sanctum Sanctorum and Rishabam. Moreover, the priest will keep the temple closed after the poojas. Naturally, if anybody comes for the darshan, they have to worship through this hole. Shiva Devotees make this a special feature of this temple. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Based on the iconography of Jyeshta Devi, Chandikeswarar, and Kotravai, experts believe that the original temple belonged to the Pallava Period, ie, the 07^th to 08^th century. The original brick structure was also maintained, and not much modification was carried out.   

Kotravai

Dakini

Jyeshta Devi - Thavvai

LEGENDS

It is believed that one Core Siddhars or saints did penance and was installed in this forest. They also left sealed Palm manuscripts and invaluable treasures before Shiva and Ambal. Shiva is in this temple. Hence, this place is called Orukodi. It is believed that anybody who came and worshiped Shiva would get wealth and prosperity equivalent to Cores. Hence, Shiva is called Kodi Kodutha Nathar.    

Later, it is believed that manuscripts were obtained from the locked wall, and the golden manuscripts found disappeared. It is further believed that the Golden manuscripts are in the well. The stone-hitting metal sound will be heard if a stone is dropped into the well. Ambal is called Olai Paditha Nayagi – ஓலை படித்த நாயகி- the ability to read manuscripts.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Only oru kala pooja is conducted, and no other special poojas are conducted.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted, the opening and Closing Times are unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS

Priest A. Murugan may be contacted at his mobile number, +919047110381, and may be contacted for Darshan.

HOW TO REACH

This Sri Kodi Kodutha Nathar Temple is, away from the village of Orukodi, about 8.6 km from the Viluppuram Railway Station, 8.0 km from the New Bus Stand, 45 km from Tindivanam, and 173 km from Chennai.

The nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram. (The Venkatesapuram, a small Railway Station, is about a km from the Temple).

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Kailasa Nathar Temple / ஈஸ்வரன் கோயில்/ Perumbakkam, Viluppuram Dist, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Kailasanathar Temple, at Perumbakkam, which is about 10 km west of Viluppuram city, was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” on 11^th August 2024.

Moolavar   : Sri Kailasanathar

Consort     : Sri Kamakshi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces west with an entrance gate. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the temple. Moolavar is on a square avudayar. No images are found in the koshtas. Durgai is in the Ambal sannidhi koshtam.

In the outer praharam Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Pallava period Subramaniar, a donor, and Navagrahas.

Ambal sannidhi is in the ardha mandapam, facing South. A Rishabam is in the outer praharam facing the Ambal sannidhi. Ambal is in a standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

Pallava period Subramaniar

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum was constructed with stone from adhistanam to prastaram. The adhistanam is of pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, threepatta kumudam, and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are Brahma kantha pilasters. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam with nasi kudus. An eka tala vesara vimanam is over the prastaram and was built with bricks. There are no koshta images in greevam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Considering the Pallava period, Subramaniar, the temple might have been built during the Pallava period and later reconstructed during the Nayaka period.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, the Dhurvasa Muni gave the garland, which was adorned with Shiva, to Indra. Indra took the garland with Angusa and kept it on the head of the Iravata, his white Elephant vahana. The Elephant took the garland and threw it on the floor. Angered, Dhurvasa Muni cursed Indra to lose all his wealth and his position as the Head of Devas. Indra went to Maha Vishnu and sought his help to get rid of Dhurvasa’s Curse. Maha Vishnu advised Durvasa to drink amrita to get rid of the Curse. 

Indra, with the help of the Devas and Asuras, churned the milk ocean. Manthara Hill as Maththu, keeping on Maha Vishnu as Turtle (Koorma avatar) and Vasuki as rope. In the process of churning, Vasuki couldn’t bear the pressure and vomited the poison. Shiva took the poison and tried to drink. In the meantime, Ma Parvati held the poison with her hands and stopped at the throat itself. The poison at the throat changed the color into blue, hence Shiva is called Thiruneelakandar. Shiva came to this place, Viluppuram, and stayed as Sri Kailasanathar.       

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Oru kala regular pooja is conducted, and no other special poojas are conducted.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open always since a priest is staying inside the temple.

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

This Sri Kailasanathar Temple is in the middle of the village. This temple is about 8.6 km from the Viluppuram Railway Station, 8.0 km from the New Bus Stand, 45 km from Tindivanam, and 173 km from Chennai.

The nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple / Pasupatheeshwarar Temple / பசுபதீஸ்வரர் ஆலயம், Keezperum Pakkam, Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple in Viluppuram city was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” on 11^th August 2024.

Moolavar   : Sri Pasupatheeswarar

Consort     : Sri Arulambigai

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east, with Balipeedam and Rishabam. Stucco Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is about 6 feet tall on a round avudayar. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, and Durgai.

In praharam 63var, Simha vahana Vinayagar, Vetri Murugam (Pallava Period), Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai  (Pallava Period), Ambal Arulambigai, Aiyyappan, Bairavar, Navagrahas, Chandran, Suriyan, and Hanuman.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi facing South. Ambal is in a standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

 Vetri Murugan 

 Jyeshta Devi - Thavvai

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum and the ardha mandapam. The whole temple was constructed with bricks and concrete. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam and adhistanam with Padma jagathy, and vrudha kumudam. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Vishnu kantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, palakai, and vettu pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam with nasi kudus.  The superstructure of vimanam was built with bricks. The vesara vimanam is of two talas. Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma are in tala and greeva koshtas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Based on the iconography of Jyeshta Devi and (Vetri) Murugan, the original temple belongs to the 07^th to 08^th century CE, Pallava period. The details of the old temple were not known. The present structure was built about 2010, 14 years ago.  

LEGENDS

In one legend, Shiva and Parvati were playing a game (Chokkatan) at Mount Kailash in the presence of Maha Vishnu. In the game, Ma Parvati fouled, and the same was correct as per Maha Vishnu. Angered, Shiva cursed Ma Parvati to become a Cow on the earth and Maha Vishnu as a herder. Ma Parvati worshipped Shiva with milk from her madi. Satisfied with Ma Parvati's prayer, Shiva married her. Hence, Shiva is called Pasupatheeswarar.

As per another legend, the divine cow Kamadhenu was cursed, and Kamadhenu landed on the earth at this place and came to this temple to get rid of the curse. Since Kamadhenu worshiped Shiva, Shiva is called Pasupatheeswarar. Kamadhenu worshiping Lord Shiva bas-relief, which is one of the pillars of the mandapam.

Devotees pray to Shiva and Ambal of this temple to get rid of debt, chronic disease, obstacles in marriage, Child boon, promotion in professional career, etc. 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Pournam, Amavasya Days, Theipirai Ashtami, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Navaratri, Aadi Pooram,  Deepavali, Kiruthigai, Thaipoosam, Sankadahara Chaturthi, Tamil month 1^st day, New Year Day, Hanuman Jayanthi, Thaipoosam, Masimaham, Panguni Uthiram, Chitra Pournami, Vaikasi Visagam, Adi Amavasya, Saraswati Pooja, Vijayadhasami, Annabhishekam, Ashtami Theipirai, Arudra darshan, etc.

Special poojas with Thukkanivarana Homam will be conducted on Amavasya days to Jyeshta Devi

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs, and from 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Gurukkal Sri Vijayasekar’s mobile number +918825475448 and Managing Trustee R Srinivasan’s mobile number +919443228303 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This temple is in Keezperum Pakkam, a part of Viluppuram City. The temple is about 1.7 km from the Railway Station, 4.4 km from the New Bus Stand, 39 km from Tindivanam, and 168 km from Chennai.

The nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

 Main sanctum Sanctorum with stucco Dwarapalakas

View with Rishaba mandapam

Ambal Sannidhi

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Kailasanathar Temple / ஶ்ரீ கைலாசநாதர் ஆலயம், Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Kailasanathar Temple in Viluppuram city was a part of the “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit in and around Viluppuram” on 11^th August 2024.

Moolavar   : Sri Kailasanathar

Consort     : Sri Brihan Nayagi / Sri Periya Nayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram on the west. Balipeedam, dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are on the east side of the entrance. Stucco Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the maha mandapam. One Chozha period Dwarapalaka is on the South side entrance to the maha mandapam. Moolavar is a little big on a round avudayar. In koshtam, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, and Brahma.

In the praharam, Arumugar, Bairavar, Saniswarar, Somaskandar (Nalvar, two Pichadanars, and Veerabhadra are in the ardha mandapam, and all three belong to the Chozha period), Ambal temple, and Navagrahas.

Ambal Periyanayagi is in a separate temple with sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam, which faces west. Ambal is in a standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

 Out of two dwarapalakas, only one is available now

Chozha Period Pichadanar

 Chozha Period Pichadanar

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam, and mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha kumudam, and prativari. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are Vishnu kantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, palakai with lotus petals, and poomottu pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi with bhutavari, kapotam with nasi kudus, and vyyalavari. The temple from adhistanam to prastaram was built with stone. The vesara vimanam, above bhumidesam, is of two talas and was built with bricks. Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma are in tala and greeva koshtas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to the 11^th to 12^th Century Chozha Period. The mandapas are expanded during the Vijayanagara period. An underground room was found in this temple in recent years.

During the Nrupathunga Pallava period, this place was called Vijaya Nrupathonga Cheyathangi Chaturvedi Mangalam, and during the Rajaraja Chozha period, Jananatha Chaturvedi Mangalam, and Jayangonda Chozha Mandalam.

Also called Vizhuparaiyapuram, which has been corrupted to the present name of Viluppuram. Maravarman Sundara Pandyan period (1265 CE) inscription records that this place was called Viluppuram. Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple Dwajasthambam inscription records Viluppuram alias Janagapuri.

The recorded inscriptions belong to Koperunjingan, Kulothunga Chozha, Rajanarayana Sambhuvaraiyar, Sadaiyavarman, Viruppanna Udaiyar, Saluva Narasinga Udaiyar, Narasinga Nayaka, Krishna Devaraya, Achuthadeva Maharaya, and Sadasiva Devaraya.

The temple was damaged during the 15th-century Vijayanagara period due to a flood, and the same was subsequently reconstructed.   

Ambal Periya Nayagi Temple Thirupani was started in the Tamil year - பிரசோற்பத்தி - Prachorpaththi, Karthigai Month (Salivahana sakaptham 6790) and completed in the Thai month of Angirasa Year, (Two years) by Somanatha Saravana Mudaliar. The Mudaliar belongs to the Thondai mandalam. In this inscription, Ambal was called Sakala Bhuvaneswari alias Periyanayagi.

Ambal temple inscription

LEGENDS

As per the legend, the Dhurvasa Muni gave the garland, which was adorned with Shiva, to Indra. Indra took the garland with Angusa and kept it on the head of the Airavata, his white Elephant vahana. The Elephant took the garland and threw it on the floor. Angered, Dhurvasa Muni cursed Indra to lose all his wealth and his position as the Head of Devas. Indra went to Maha Vishnu and sought his help to get rid of Dhurvasa’s Curse. Maha Vishnu advised Durvasa to drink amrita to get rid of the Curse. 

Indra, with the help of Devas and Asuras, churned the milk ocean. Manthara Hill as Maththu, keeping on Maha Vishnu as Turtle (Koorma avatar) and Vasuki as rope. In the process of churning, Vasuki couldn’t bear the pressure and vomited the poison. Shiva took the poison and tried to drink. In the meantime, Ma Parvati held the poison with her hands and stopped at the throat itself. The poison at the throat changed the colour into blue, hence Shiva is called Thiruneelakandar. Shiva came to this place, Viluppuram, and stayed as Sri Kailasanathar.        

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Pournami, Amavasya, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Navaratri, Aadipooram, New Year, Thai Pongal, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs, and from 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple’s mobile number is +919787104244, and may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This temple is on Thiru Vi Ka Street, in Kamala Nagar, a part of Viluppuram City. The temple is about 1.6 km from the Railway Station, 3.3 km from the New Bus Stand, 37 km from Tindivanam, and 166 km from Chennai.

The nearest Railway Station is Viluppuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Ambal temple

bas-relief on the Arumugar Temple wall 

bas-relief on the Arumugar Temple wall 

An Elephant and a camel bas-relief on the Arumugar Temple wall 

bas-relief on the Arumugar Temple wall 

bas-relief on the Arumugar Temple wall 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---