Yogalingeswarar and Hanumantheeswarar Temples, Sarva Theertham Kulam, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

21^st February 2020.

The list of Shiva temples in and around Kanchipuram with link to Google Photos, Location link on Google Map and Location QR Code are posted already in this blog. The visit to the Sri Yogalingeswarar and Hanumantheeswarar Temples on the banks of Sarva Theertham  Kulam was as a part of 2020 Maha Shivaratri Temples Visit, on 21^st February 2020. These are the 12 Shiva temples found around the Sarva Theertham. Thanks to Babu Mano for providing the photographs.

The 18^th Century Sri Sivagnana Swamigal, who had written the sthala purana of the temples around Sarva Theertham has not specifically written some of the temples.  The original Text in Tamil about the importance of sarva theertham goes like this...

1635 சருவ தீர்த்தப் பெருமை

      தந்தையைச் செகுத்த பாவம் தணந்தனன் பிரக லாதன்

      முந்தையோர்ச் செகுத்த பாவம் வீடணன் முழுதுந் தீர்ந்தான்

      மைந்துடைப் பரசி ராமன் வரீரை வைதத்த பாவஞ்

      சிந்தினன் சருவ தீர்த்தச் செழும்புனல் குடைந்த பேற்றால் 

1636   அருச்சுனன் துரோண மேலோ னாதியர்ச் செகுத்த பாவம்

      பிரித்தனன் அசுவத் தாமன் பெறுங்கருச் சிதைத்த பாவம்

      இரித்தனன் உலகில் இன்னும் எண்ணிலர் சருவ தீர்த்தத்

      திருப்புனல் குடைந்து தீராக் கொலைவினைத் தீமை தீர்ந்தார் 

1637   சிலைநுதல் மகளிர் மைந்தர் இன்றுமத் தெண்ணீர் மூழ்கின்

      கொலைவினைப் பாவந் தீர்வார் குரைகடற் பரப்பென் றெண்ணித்

      தலைவரு முகிலின் கூட்டந் தனித்தனி வாய்ம டுக்கும்

      அலைபுனல் சருவ தீர்த்தப் பெருமையார் அளக்கற் பாலார் 

Moolavar  : Sri Yogalingeswarar

Moolavar  : Sri Hanumantheeswarar

Some of the important details of these temples are...

Both temple are in a same complex with separate sannadhis on the eastern banks of Sarva Theertham Kulam. The entrance arch is on the south side. Hanuman stucco images are on the top of the arch.

The temples are small with sanctum sanctorum and a small vimanam, built not to compile to the agama. Navagrahas and Nagars are in the prakara. The Yogalingeswarar temple is said to be old. It was told that Hanuman temple was not mentioned in Kanchi purana, this temple might have been built at a latter date, may be Vijayanagara period.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The opening time is unpredictable and also the temple in under the renovation.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is about 500 meters from Kanchipuram bus Stand. 3 KM from Kanchipuram railway Station.

The temple is about 26 KM from Arakkonam Railway Junction and 77 KM from Chennai Central Station.

Nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram and Nearest Railway Junction is Arakkonam.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

HANUMANTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

SRI YOGA LINGESWARAR TEMPLE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple / Kakkalur Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple, Kakkalur, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

10^th November 2019.

வானர சேனையின் தலைவனாம் அவன்

வானோர்க்கெல்லாம் பிரியனாம்

வந்தவர்கெல்லாம் அருள்வானாம்

வடைமாலைக்கு அவன் மகிழ்வானாம்        ( வா )

வெண்ணையும் தேனும் அபிஷேகம்

சென்றோர்க்கெல்லாம் அங்கு ஆனந்தம்

செந்தூரமே நமக்கு அங்கு பிரசாதம்          ( வா )

வெற்றிலை மாலையும் கேட்பானாம்

வெற்றியும் அருளும் கொடுப்பானாம்

வேண்டிய வரம் நமக்கு அளிப்பானாம்

வேண்டியபோது வந்து களிப்பானாம்          ( வா )

வருக வருக என்று அழைத்தாலே அவன்

வந்து நிற்பான் நம் முன்னாலே              ( வா )

காகசுரம் என்னும் பட்டினமாம் அங்கு

காகாசுரனை வென்றனராம் இன்று

காக்களூர் என்ற பெயரிலே வந்து

நமக்கு அருள் அவன் தந்தனனே             ( வா )

அத்திரி முனிவரும் வந்தனரே அங்கு

அற்புதங்கள் பல கண்டனரே

அகஸ்திய முனிவரும் வந்தனரே அவன்

அழகைக் கண்டு மகிழ்ந்தனரே               ( வா )

நாமும் அவன் அடிபணிவோமே அவன்

சக்தியை என்றும் பெறுவோமே              ( வா )

…………….பூஜ்யாய ராகவேந்திரர்

This Anjaneyar Temple is at Kakkalur Village once, now it is a part of Tiruvallur / Thiruvallur city. The place Kakkalur is on the banks of Holy river Cooum. Kakkalur was called as Kakasuram. Tiruvallur was called as Thiruevvul during 6th to 9th Century. As per the sthala purana of Sri Vaidhya Veeraghava Swami Temple, this place obtained the  name of  Thiruevvul, which got corrupted to the present name of Tiruvallur.

Moolavar : Veera Anjaneya Swami

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east. A Vinayagar Temple is on the right side and neem & Peepal tree is in front. Under this is the nagars. The sanctum sanctorum is built with sanctum, antarala and a open mukha mandapa.  

Moolavar Sri Veera Anjaneyar is about 8 to 9 feet high made out of granite stone. The Veera Anjaneyar is the combination of Idol  and bas relief.  He is facing north and the tail goes above his head and bell is tied at the end. He wears kangana on both hands. The right hand is in abhaya hastha and left hand holds Sowgandhika flower. He wears 3 ornaments over his neck. The tuft is neatly tied. The positions of the foots are seen forward, ever ready to help us.

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE.

It is believed that the Veera Anjaneya idol was installed by Vyasaraja (1460 – 1539 CE ) also known as Chandrikacharya and Vyasatirtha. He was a Madhva scholar and a poet,  who follows  Dvaita  school of Vaishnavism.  He was also a patron of Vijayanagara empire. During Vijayanagara empire rule he visited many places of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and installed 732 Anjaneyar idols and this is one of the them.  Also it was a practice that Vijayanagara kings established Anjaneyar Temples wherever they go. 

Poojyaya Raghavendra Tirtha ( 1595 to 1671 CE ) also visited this temple and worshiped Veera Anjaneyar. He composed hymns in praise of Anjaneyar and the hymns is written at the beginning of this article.

As per the 10-02-1989 inscription, maha samprokshanam was conducted along with donation of Urchavar through Chennai Mint Street, Sri Ramar Koil Kaingarya Bhaktha Jana Saba.

The 14-06-2009 inscription mentions Anjaneyar as Sanjeevi Rayar alias Anjaneyar and Kumbhabhishekam was performed.

The temple is being maintained by the local Madhwa community  and poojas are done as per Madhva tradition. In addition to this the Vinayagar temple also maintained by them with the income from the devotees.

LEGEND:

As per the legend Veera Anjaneyar killed Kakasuran, a demon, hence the place obtained the Name as Kakkalur.

FESTIVALS:

Hanuman jayanthi is celebrated in a grand manner apart from regular festivals.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs and 15.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The mobile number +919789292700 and land line number +9144 27661624 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is 3 KM from Sri Vaidya Veeraraghava Swamy temple of Tiruvallur   and about 750 meters from Putlur Railway station of Chennai to Arakkonam Train route.

The temple is 38 KM from Arakkonam Junction, 45  KM from Chennai and 55 KM from Kanchipuram.

The Nearest Railway Junction is Arakkonam and Local Trains will stop at Tiruvallur and from there Kakkalur is about 3 KM.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Kottai Muniyappan Temple, Kottai Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple, Kottai Veera Anjaneyar temple, Kottai Mariamman Temple, Kottai Vinayagar Temple, Sri Veeramathi Amman temple & Kottai Choleeswarar Temples at Perundurai, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

3^rd June 2019.

After worshiping our Kula Deivam Sri Veeramathi Amman at Talguni near Kolappalur, on the way to Chennai visited these Kottai Mariamman, Kottai Veera Anjaneyar, Kottai Vinayagar, Kottai Veeramathi Amman, Kottai Muniyappan, Kottai Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal & Kottai Sri Choleeswarar Temples  at Perundurai.  Even-though I had seen all these temples from out side, for the past 40 years didn’t ventured inside the temple. I was little curious to know, why these temples are added with Kottai like initials. All the temple are surrounding the new Bus Stand. The details of the Kottai Sholeeswarar Shiva Temple temple was covered in one of my post.

As per the history it is a fact that a Kottai / Fort existed in this place and who constructed is not Known. Some claims that the Fort was constructed by a Representative of Mysore King Wodeyar and Somebody claims that the fort existed since the  early  Cheras and Chozhas. Early Chera King Kanaikal Irumporai  ruled this region with Karur as Capital. Chozha King Chenganan ( Ko chengat chozhan ) defeated Chera King  at Kozhumam and Poonthurai Nattu Perundurai and lodged him at Kudavayil prison. He was ill treated in the prison and even drinking water was not given. He wrote his condition in the form of poem to Poigaiyar, a friend and a renowned poet. Poigaiyar composed the Kalavali Narpathu ( 41 stanzas ) praising Chozha’s war against Chera King. Chozha King Chenganan pleased by the poem and released Chera King. Quoting this history some claims that the fort might have existed since early Cheras / Chozha’s period.  Hence the temples bears Kottai as title.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

All the temples will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Perundurai is on the way to Coimbatore to Erode bus route. Frequent buses are available from various parts of Coimbatore and Erode District.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

SRI KOTTAI MUNIAPPAN TEMPLE

Now the Kottai Muniyappan Temple is at an elevated level with 21 steps and it was told that the original temple was constructed on the boundary wall / rampart of the Fort. The temple was reconstructed in the recent years. At the base, a Muniappan is in standing posture with a sickle on the right hand. A number of  trisools are   erected in front of Sri Muniappan. During Ipasi month an 8 day festival will be celebrated in which goats and cocks are sacrificed to   Sri Muniappan. It was told that spirit /arrack also offered.

The top temple is facing North with a sanctum and a mukha mandapam. In front is a oonjal. On the east side abutting the Mukha mandapa there are three Muniappan Stucco images. All the three are holding sickle in their hands.

Bottom Sri Muniappan 

KOTTAI SRI PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL TEMPLE.

This Perumal Temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Deepa  Sthambam and Thulasi Madam are in front. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum and a mukha mandapam. In the sanctum moolavar Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. The sanctum was built with stone up to prastaram and a three tier Vimana is on the sanctum.  There is no murthis in the Koshtam. Nagars are under a Peepal tree. Samprokshanam was performed about 3 years before. Out side the sanctum was paved with granite slabs and trees are also grown.

The Bhattar told that he is the 6^th Generation doing pooja to this Perumal. The period of construction is not Known and as per Bhattar the temple may be more than 500 to 600 years old. This temple is under the Control of Kottai Choleswarar Temple, which is on the east side of the Bus Stand.

KOTTAI  SRI VEERA ANJANEYAR TEMPLE.

This Anjaneyar temple was originally  a small temple and was reconstructed in the recent years, The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and a mukha mandapam. In the sanctum  Anjaneyar is in the form of a Bas-relief, in Vijayanagara Style. The present Bhattar claims that 4  generations are doing pooja to this Anjaneyar. The original temple may be Vijayanagara Period ie 400 to 500 years old.

SRI KOTTAI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE.

This Kottai Mariamman Temple bears a new look with granite sanctum. Amman is in sitting posture facing North.  An ekathala Nagara Vimana is over the sanctum.  The out side prakara is under construction. During November  annual festival will be celebrated in a grand manner.

SRI VEERAMATHI AMMAN & SRI KARUPANASWAMY  & KOTTAI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE.

Do not know this Sri Veeramathi Amman is very old or not. This Amman is a Kuladheivam for a particular Community. Saptha Kannis are in a small sannadhi. Amman is in sitting posture.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Panchamukha Anjaneyar Temple / தரமணி பஞ்சமுக ஆஞ்சநேயர் கோயில், Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

15^th January 2019.

When I was searching an old Shiva Temple in Taramani area on 15^th January 2019, I came across this Temple built like a 3 storied flat with small gopuras on the top with saffron flags. For almost 5  and odd years I used to travel on this Erikarai street to reach my office, not went inside the this temple. To day I had the opportunity of visiting this temple.

The presiding deity : Sri Panchamukha Anjaneyar.

The Anjaneyar is in kneeling position with his right knee touching the ground. The Faces are Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha and Hayagriva. Anjaneyar has 10 hands holding weapons Kumbh, Soolam, axe, chakra, Sword, Shield, Thanda, and a pot. Lower right hand in abhaya hastha and left hand holds a curved knife.

The temple is being maintained by the BhaktiVedanta Trust, having it’s headquarters at Bhadrak, Orissa, but conducts programs throughout India. This Bhaktivedanta Ashram was founded by His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada  for the purpose of propagating sanatana dharma as taught by Lord Krishna. The main activities of the ashram includes distribution of food to the poor and educating people in general public in the understanding of Spiritual life. The Ashram believes that if physical hunger is removed, then it will be possible for the mankind to focus internally towards spiritual advancements.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was born in 1896 in Calcutta and got initiated by his Guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami in 1922. From 1950 Swamiji retired from his married life and stayed at Vrindavan. He took Sannyasa in 1959 and began his work on Bhagavatham and written spiritual books based on Bhagavatam. He travelled may countries. Swamiji was the instrumental in establishing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness,  more than one hundred ashrams, schools, temples, institutes and farm communities. Swamiji attained siddhi in 1977.

The Temple is being managed by one Canada national Mr Parker who changed his name as Nithaidass. The Panchamukha Anjaneyar sannidhi is in ground floor, where as the Madapalli or the kitchen is in the first floor and the persons who does pooja are staying in the second floor. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple timings are 05.30 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The Mobile number 8300181008 may be contacted for further details.

e-mail address : bvashram@gmail.com

HOW TO REACH:

About 500 meters from Taramani Link Road on Erikarai / Erikarai street

About 500 meters from Taramani bus station ( Town bus route no 5C).

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Amanan Kuttai, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu.

A featured post on Indiblogger

23^rd December 2018.

The visit to this temple was a part of our Vellore heritage walk held on 23^rd December 2018, organized by the History of Vellore Facebook Friends Group. This Temple is adjacent to the Sathukara Madam Sri Sathu Pichanoor Jeeva Samadhi at the foot hills of Gajendra Giri.

Moolavar    : Sri Kasi Viswanathar

Consort      : Sri Visalakshi

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east ( Bhagavathy Hills ) with balipeedam and Rishabam are in front.  Entrance to the Temple is from west. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam/ mukha mandapam.  In koshtam, Durgai, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy and Lingothbavar. A more than 100 years old Iluppai tree as Sthala vruksham.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Visalakshi, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Mahalakshmi, Subramaniyar, navagrahas, Naalvar, Saraswathy, Agasthiyar, Bairavar, Inthiran, Suryan Vishnu with Sridevi & Bhudevi, Valampuri Vinayagar and Saneeswarar.

A little up there is an Anjaneyar bas-relief facing north on a boulder / rock believed to be carved during Vijayanagara period.  Little south from Anjaneyar bas-relief there is a 11 feet ant hill. Devotees offer Egg and Milk believing that a snake will come and drink. There is also a small cave and it was told that this cave passage leads in side the temple pond.

 Hanuman / Anjaneyar bas-relief  believed to be of Vijayanagara period

LEGENDS

Though there is no particular legend about this temple, believed that Agasthiyar, Siddhars, Saints worshiped lord Shiva of this temple. As per Gurukkal the temple is more than 1000 years old. Going by the architecture the temple, the temple  may belongs to Nayak period.

Pray Lord Shiva of this temple to attain moksha.  In Aadi month People used to tie kangan in this temple  for Aanaikulaththamman.  The Kumbhabhishekam was performed  in 2002 after so many years.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Salaven Pet,  Saidapet, Kosapet are close to this Temple.

8 KM from New Bus stand through Vellore Fort, Kosapet and Salaven pet.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 The 11 feet high ant/ termite hill with nagars

 The 11 feet high ant/ termite hill

The offering - Egg and milk 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---