The visit to this Sri Bharadwajeswarar Temple was a
part of “Gajaprishta Vimana Temples Visit”, on the banks of the Palar River. This
is one of the Shadaranya Kshetram, in and around Arcot.
Moolavar : Sri
Bhradwaj Eswarar
Consort :
Sri Dharmasmvardhini, Sri Aramvalartha Nayagi.
Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple faces east with Nagar and Rishabam. The
entrance arch is like a mini gopuram with stucco images of Shiva and Parvati as
Rishabarooder, Nandi, Kannappar, and Bharatwaj Maharishi. Moolavar is of
Swayambhu on a round avudaiyar. Rishabam, A pada, Bharatwaj Maharishi, Rishabam, and Bairavar are in the ardha mandapam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy,
Maha Vishnu, Brahma, and Durgai.
Ambal Dharsamvardhini /Aram Valartha Nayagi is in
a separate sannidhi facing south. Natarajar is on the top of the mandapam, above
the entrance to the Ardha mandapam.
In the praharam, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar,
Nagars, Chandikeswarar, and some loose sculptures of Navagrahas and Maha
Vishnu.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple was built in the Gajaprishta style from
adhistanam to sigaram. The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and
ardha mandapam. The temple was constructed with stone from adhistanam to
prastaram. The adhistanam consists of jagathy, three patta kumudam, and
pattikai. The bhitti is plain without pilasters. The prastaram consists of
valapi, kapotam, and vyyalavari. A two-tier brick vimanam is on the prastaram.
Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma are on the tala
and greeva koshtams. In addition to koshtams, various Hindu deities are on the
talas.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
A 10th to 11th Chozha period
inscription is found on the jagathy. Since the temple was reconstructed, a fragment inscription is found only on the adhistanam jagathy. Based on the
style of construction and the Chandikeswarar, the original temple may belong
to the Pallava period; the latter Chozhas extended their contributions. The temple
might have been reconstructed in recent years.
LEGENDS
This
Sri Bharadwaj Eswarar temple is one of the Shadaranya Kshetram (7 Aranya
/forest), in and around Arcot. This place was once a Mango (Sootha Vanam)
forest. Bharadwaja Maharishi established the Shiva Linga and worshipped it. It is
believed that the 7 Rishis worshipped Shiva in the 7 forests. (The Maharishis are Valmigi Maharishi, Vasishter, Bharartwajar, Athiri Maharishi, Agasthiyar,
Gowthama Maharishi, and Khasyappa Maharishi. The temples are...
1. Sri Valmikiswarar Temple at Mel Visaram (Vishavrukshavanam-Ettimaram),
2. Sri Kashyabeswarar Temple at Avarajkarai / Navlock,
3. Sri Vasishteswarar Temple at Veppur (Nimbavanam – Neem Trees),
4. Sri Gauthameswarar Temple at Kaarai (Kaarai Vanam – Kaarai trees), 5. Sri Barathwajeswarar Temple at Pudupadi (Soothavanam – Mango Trees),
6. Sri Agastheeswarar Temple Vannivedu (Sameevanam – Vanni Trees), and
7. Sri Thiruvantheeswarar Temple at Gudimallur (Gudamallikavanam – Koda malli).
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular oru kala poojas, special poojas
are conducted on pradosham and Maha Shivaratri days.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
Since the oru kala pooja is conducted, the opening and closing times are unpredictable. Hence, the devotees are advised to contact the
Gurukkal for darshan in advance.
CONTACT DETAILS
The Gurukkal’s mobile number, +919786133957, and the
Arangavalar Mr Balasundaram, +919791279923, may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH
The temple is on the State Highway from Arcot to
Kalavai, Cheyyar, and Vandavasi.
The temple is about 6.3 km from Arcot bus stand, 14
km from Walajah Road Junction, 23 km from Ranipet, 33 km from Vellore, 35 km from
Arani, 36 km from Sholinghur, and 47 km from Kanchipuram.
The nearest Railway Station is Walajah Road
Junction.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Maha Vishnu.
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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