VELUDHARAN TEMPLES VISIT

Friday 1 November 2024

Sri Krupa Samudhra Permual Temple / Sri Arumakadalamudhan Temple / சிறுபுலியூர் ஶ்ரீ கிருபா சமுத்திர பெருமாள் கோயில், Sirupuliyur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Krupa Samudhra Perumal Temple also known as Sri Arumakadalamudhan Temple at Sirupuliyur was a part of Rajendra Chozha War Trophy Trail, a Heritage walk organised by the Kumbakonam Vattara Varalatru Aayvu Sangam - கும்பகோணம் வட்டார வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம் on 28^th and 29^th September 2024.

This place was called as Bala Vyagrapuram and Salasyanam, since Pulikal Munivar also known as Vyagrapada worshipped Maha Vishnu of this Temple. Vyagrapada worshipped temples / place names ends with Puliyur. ( Examples are PerumpaRRapuliyur, Pathiripuliyur, Erukathampulur, Omampuliyur etc.). Also Maha Vishnu gave darshan in Syanam Kolam, in a place, surrounded with abundant water fields, hence called as Salasayanam / Jalasayanam.

This is 11th Divya Desam of 108 Divyadesams and mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar in Periya Thirumozhi, Ezhampaththu, 9^th Thirumozhi.

கள்ளம்மனம்விள்ளும்வகை கருதிக்கழல்தொழுவீர்

வெள்ளம்முதுபரவைத் திரைவிரிய கரையெங்கும்

தெள்ளும்மணிதிகழும் சிறுபுலியூர்ச்சலசயனத்

துள்ளும் எனதுள்ளத்துளும் உறைவாரையுள்ளீரே. 1628

…… திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார், பெரிய திருமொழி, ஏழாம்பத்து, ஒன்பதாம் திருமொழி.

Moolavar : Sri Arulmakadalamuthan,

Utsavar : Sri Krupa Samudra Perumal

Thayar : Thirumamakal

Thayar Utsavar: Sri Dhayanayaki

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces South ( Similar to Srirangam) with a 5-tier 75 feet tall Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam, and Garudan are after the Rajagopuram. The second level Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers, 25 feet tall. The Moolavar is in Sayana posture facing South with Sri Devi and Bhudevi are near the leg. (The Sayanam is called Bhujanga Sayanam / Bala sayanam). Brahma is on lotus, and the stem emanates from Maha Vishnu’s naval. At the feet of Maha Vishnu, Pulikal Munivar, and Kanvamunivar are also in a sitting posture. Maha Vishnu's 10 avatar murtis, and Perumal's Pada are in the inner praharam. Maha Vishnu’s various postures and Vishnu Durgai are in the koshtam. Perumal’s pada is in the inner praharam. Vishwaksenar and Palliayarai are in the maha mandapam. Maha Vishnu’s Dasavatar paintings are on the Vavvaknethi mandapam ceiling.

In outer Praharam Thiruvaimozhi Mandapam, Vahanas, Chokkattan Mandapam, Rajagopala Swamy, Thayar Dhayanayaki, 12 Alwars, Anjaneyar, Andal, and Palliyarai. Ananthalwar is on the banks of the temple tank.

Thayar is in a separate temple facing east. Thayar is in a sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam. Utsava murti is in front of Thayar.

Manavala Mamunigal is in a separate temple faces west, in front of the Main Temple Rajagopuram. The temple was built with a 3 tier Rajagopuram, Sanctum Sanctorum, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Manavala Mamunigal in the sanctum is under a snake umbrella.

Perumal pada

Manavala Mamunigal

ARCHITECTURE

The temple spreads 142 feet East-West and 255 feet South- North. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum antarala, ardha mandapam, and maha mandapam. The Sanctum sanctorum is rectangular in shape to accommodate Moolavar’s Sayana posture facing South. The Sanctum Sanctorum is on an upanam, and simple pada bandha adhistanam with Jagathy, Threepatta kumudam, and Pattikai. The Bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Brahma kantha plasters with kalasam, kudam, mandi palakai and poomottu. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam. The superstructure Vimanam is of one tala with stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s various avatars/forms. The Vimanam is of Salakara style. Vimanam is called Nandhiyavartha Vimanam ( Since the Vimanam looks like Nanthyavartha flower ).

The temple was built with stone from Adhistanam to prastaram. And above that was built with bricks. The mandapas are vavvalnethi style built during Nayakas / Marathas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original Temple belongs to the Chozha period and the same was reconstructed during the Vijayanagaras / Maratas period. During Semangudi Subbaraya, Trustee's period Maha Samprokshanam was conducted on 30th April 1896.

Manavala Mamunigal Sannidhi, Circumambulatory mandapam, madapalli, and maha mandapam flooring and Jeernodharanam was done by Chennai Ra. Soodamma Estate Trustees, and Thiruvenkadamudaiyan yayatha Ranganayaki Amma, at a cost of Rs 5000, under the direction of High Court Order. The Thirupani was completed on Kali 5036, Chithirai 1st, ie 30th June 1936.

After thirupani to Moolavar Vimanam and Thayar Temple Vimanam, Maha samprokshanam was conducted on 17th May 1936.

Mercury Lamp was installed on the Rajagopuram on 06th December 1954.

Jeernodharana maha samprokshanam was conducted on 14^th September 1973.

As per the Sthala Purana booklet released in 1954, the temple had 42 veli Najai Land and given on lease. The annual income will be around 30 thousand Rupess and Rs 275-2-8, will be received from government as a Mohini amount. The Jewels worth of Rs.1500. The temple was taken over by the HR & CE Department since 30th May 1946.

LEGENDS

Suriyan, Anandhan, Dhurvasar, Vyagrapada Muni, Kanvamunivar, Manavala Mamunigal, Pillai Perumal, and Thirumangai Alwar, worshipped Jalasayana Perumal of this temple.

Garuda and Adiseshan also called as Anandhan had a dispute with each other, which ends in a fight. Fearing Garuda, Anandhan came to Sirupuliyur and did penance on Maha Vishnu. Satisfied his penance, Maha Vishnu gave darshan on Masi Month valarpirai Ekadasi day. Also Maha Vishnu, kept him for his Sayana kolam. Adiseshan also become bhujanga Sayanam for maha Vishnu and gave up the fear of Garudan. After searching Adiseshan on many places, came to Sirupuliyur and found Adiseshan was under Maha Vishnu. Adiseshan asked Garuda, How are you..?. Garudan relied that, it will be safe when any body under the care of Maha Vishnu. Since Adiseshan had become the bed for Maha Vishnu, this temple has become a naga dosha parihara sthalam.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, New Year Days, Hanuman Jayanthi, Navaratri, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.30 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

This Divya Desam at Sirupuliyur is about 2 KM from Kollumangudi, which is on Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur Bus Road.

The temple is about 18.0 KM from Mayiladuthurai and Nannilam, 34 KM from Kumbakonam, and 41 KM from Thiruvarur.

Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

PC: website

Pc : Website

PC: Website

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Monday 28 October 2024

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple/ஸ்ரீ நாகநாத சுவாமி கோயில், Manambadi, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Naganathaswamy Temple at Manambadi was a part of Rajendra Chozha War Trophy Trail, a Heritage walk organised by the Kumbakonam Vattara Varalatru Aayvu Sangam - கும்பகோணம் வட்டார வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம் on 28^th and 29^th September 2024. The temple is in dilapidated condition. The stones above the adhistanam are scattered around the temple.

Moolavar : Sri Naganathaswamy

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east, only with adhistanam. The Shiva Lingam, Balipeedam, and Koshta images are shifted to the Shed. The Koshta images are Vinayagar, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Rishabanthigar, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai, Ganga Visarjanar, Pichadanar, and Maha Vishnu.

The Parivara deities Chandikeswarar, Chandran, Suriyan, Bairavar,

ARCHITECTURE

The dilapidated temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam. The adhistanam is only exists now. The Sanctum Sanctorum is ona pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, three vrudha kumudam and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The Koshtas are padra Koshtas.

The temple facing east comprises of a Sanctum Sanctorum, ardha mandapam (quasi-pavilion), and mukha mandapam (facade pavilion). The devakostas (niches) of the temple contained images of Pichadanar, Nataraja, Vinayaka, and Dakshinamurthy. Lingodbhava, Brahma, Durga, and Gangadharamurthy. The makara torana over the northeastern niche contains the image of an elephant offering puja to Shiva. The Shiva Lingam is shaded by a tall tree and the same is identified to be the jamun tree (naval maram). On the rear side of the Shiva Lingam is shown a female image who is identified as river Kaviri.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

முதலாம் இராஜேந்திரசோழன் காலத்தில் கட்டப்பட்ட இக்கோயில் திருக்கைலாயம் எனும் நாகநாத சுவாமி கோயிலாகும். இங்கு முதலாம் இராஜேந்திரசோழனின் ஆறு கல்வெட்டுக்கள் மற்றும் முதலாம் குலோத்துங்கனின் மூன்று கல்வெட்டுக்களும் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளது. முதலாம் இராஜேந்திர சோழனின் ( பொயு 1012 முதல் 1044 வரை ), கல்வெட்டொன்றில் இவ்வூர் இழஞ்சிக்குடி வீரநாராயணபுரம் என்று அழைக்கப்பட்டது. எனவே இக்கோயில் சுமார் 1000 ஆண்டுகள் பழமையான கோயில் எனலாம். இங்கு இக்கோயிலின் தென்புறம் கோஷ்டத்தில் உள்ள நடராஜரை இராஜேந்திரசோழன் வணங்குவது போன்று காணப்படுகின்றது.

இக்கோயில் கருவறை, அர்த்தமண்டபம். முன்மண்டபம் என்ற அமைப்பில் கிழக்கு நோக்கி கட்டப்படு உள்ளது. தேவகோஷ்டங்களில் பிச்சாடனார், நடராசர், விநாயகர், தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி, லிங்கோத்பவர். பிரம்மா, துர்க்கை, கங்காதரமூர்த்தி அகிய சிற்பங்கள் உள்ளன. இதில் வடகிழக்கு மூலையில் உள்ள கோஷ்டத்தில் மேலுள்ள மகரத்தோரண அலங்காரத்தின் மையத்தில் யானை ஒன்று சிவலிங்கத்தை பூஜிப்பது போல உள்ளது. சிவலிங்கத்தின் பின்னால் ஒரு நீண்ட மரம் ஒன்று உள்ளது. இதுவே நாவல்மரமாக குறிப்பிடப்படுகிறது. இதன் பின்பகுதியில் மரத்தை ஓட்டி நின்ற நிலையில் பெண் உருவம் ஒன்றும் உள்ளது. தமிழ்நாடு அரசு தொல்லியல் துறை இந்த பெண் சிற்பத்தினை இதுவரை கிடைத்த காவிரி சிற்பத்தோடு ஒப்பிடப்படுகிறது.

The temple was constructed during the time of Rajendra Chola-I. It is also known as Thirukailayam. The 6 inscriptions belong to Rajendra Chola-I, reign, and 3 inscriptions belong to Kulothunga Chola-I’s period. One of the inscriptions of Rajendra Chozha-I, ( 1012- 1014 CE ), records this place as Ilanjikudi Vira Narayanapuram. The portrait sculpture of Rajendra Chola-I with his queen located on the southern side of the mukha mandapa is represented in the act of worshipping Nataraja enshrined in the niche (devokosta), on the plan.

INSCRIPTIONS

Kulothunga Chozha-I’s 18^th reign year inscription ( ARE on the north wall of the central Shrine commences with the introduction of his meikeerthi Pugalmadu vilanga, etc. Registers a grant of land in Nagappadi as authorities to küttütluk kani by the Nagarattar and the temple Vikkiramādittan Tirnmudukunran alias Virudarajah bayankara-Acharyan, for enacting the Tamulakkattu on five occasions during the Chittirai festival in the temple of Kailasamudaiya-Mahadeva at Viranārāyanapuram in Milalai nādu.

Kulothunga Chozha –I’s 8^th reign year inscription ( ARE 91 / 1932 ), on the north wall of the central Shrine, Commences with the introduction virame tunaiyagavum, etc. Records gift of some land by the Nagarattar of Viranārāyanapuram, for the expenses of the tiruvidi festival of the god in the month of Chittirai.

Two fragmentary inscriptions ( ARE 92/ 1932 ) on the north wall of the central shrine each containing a portion of the introduction of Rajendra Chola I commencing with the words Tirumanni valara', etc.

Rajakesarivarman Thiribhuvana Chakravarthikal Kulothunga Chozha Deva’s 36^th reign year damaged inscription ( ARE 93 / 1932) of the North and west Walls of the central Shrine, Commences with the introduction Pugalsülnda punari …. Registers a gift of land by purchase making it tax-free by payment of a consolidated amount to the assembly of Viranārāyanapuram in Milalai-nādu, by a merchant of the village, for offerings etc., during the seven days of the Chittirai festival.

Parakesarivarman Thiribhuvana Chakravarthikal Kulothunga Chozhadeva’s ( year lost ) inscription (ARE 94/1932) on the west wall of the central shrine, Commences with the introduction Pugalmādu vilanga, etc.. of Kulõttunga-I. Records an agreement given by the Sivabrahmanas and the sthanattar of the temple to measure 111 kalam of paddy annually as interest on 444 kalam endowed by the merchant mentioned in No. 93 above in addition to the gift of the same land for the festival. Provision was also made for the enactment of akuttu and for feeding the devotees in the Baktagalbakta-matha.

Parakesarivarman Thiribhuvana Chakravarthikal Kulothunga Chozhadeva’s 36^th reign year inscription (ARE 95/1932) on the west and south walls of the central shrine, Registers the order (sammada-niyōga) issued by the Nagarattar of Viranārāyanapuram to the devakanmis and the Müheśvaras of the temple of Śri-Kailäsa Mudaiyar, permitting the latter to supply daily during the seven days of the festival mentioned above. 2000 lilies from the tank called 'Nambinangai”. Mentions the Maheśvara Mānambadi-Pichtcher,

Rajakesarivarman Chakravartigal Kulothunga Chozhadeva’s 23^rd reign year inscription ( ARE 96 / 1932) on the South wall of the Central shrine, begins with the introduction of Pusalsülnda punari, etc. Ends of lines built in. Registers the agreement given by the Sivabrahmanas of the temple of Kailasamudaiya-Mahādēva to feed the Apûrvi Maheśvaras (pilgrims) in the temple with the interest on the paddy received by them from a merchant of Gangaikonda-Cbõlapuram.

Rajakesarivarman Rajendra Chozha’s 5^th reign year inscription ( ARE 97/1932), on the South wall of the central Shrine, Commences with the introduction of Tirumanni valara etc. Damaged at the end. Records the agreement made by the Śivabrāhmanns of the temple of Śri-Kailasamudaiyar in Ilaichchikudi alias Viranārāyanapuram situated in Milalai-nādu, a division of Vadagarai Rajendrasimha-valarādu, to burn three perpetual lamps for the money received by them from Maraikkādan Patanjali Bhatāra of Nängür, who was doing the Devaranayakam of Rajendra-Choladeva, i.e. the king.

Rajakesarivarman Rajendra Chozha’s 4^th reign year inscription ( ARE 98/1932), on the South wall of the central Shrine, Registers a grant of land, free of taxes, by the Nagarattār of Ilachchikkudi alias Viranārāyanapuram for forming a flower-garden called after the king, for the temple.

Annual Report on South Indian Epigraphy, Year Ending 31^st March 1932.

The temple is under the control of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. It was said that the temple would be reconstructed, in the future once the fund is allotted by the Tamil Nadu Government.