Sri Vedhapureeswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ வேதபுரீஸ்வரர் கோயில், பனையூர் / Panaiyur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

After Visiting Manimangalam Jyeshta Devi and Sri Varam Tharum Perumal Temple at Keel Padappai, my plan was to Visit Sri Nallinaikeswarar Temple at Ezhichur.  On the way happened to see this temple with a Gajabrushta Vimanam. During my visit nobody was there to throw some light on this temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Vedhapureeswarar

Consort    : Sri Kamatchi Amman

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with an entrance gate from west side. Balipeedam and rishabam are in front of sanctum sanctorum.  The temple tanks is on the south side of the temple with a street with houses in between. The sanctum is about 3 feet higher than the ground level. Only Durgai’s image is in the koshtam.  Maha Ganapathi, Chandikeswarar and Ambal sannidhi are in the praharam. Ambal is in standing posture facing east.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple is with sanctum sanctorum, antarala and a meta-colour sheet mukha mandapam. The adhisthan is on a upana  and jagathy, Vrutha Kumudam and Pattika. The Bhitti is supported with brahma kantha pilasters. The valapi, kapotham  are on the prastaram. An ekathala Gajabrushta Vimanam with 5 Kalasams is on the top of prastaram. Stucco images of Lord Shiva with Parvati, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the greeva koshtam. Thala Vahana is in the greevam. There is image in the lalada nasi. The total temple was built with bricks and cement.

HISTORY

It was learnt that the original brick Gajabrushta Vimanam temple was reconstructed as it was  before. It is claimed that the original temple belongs to Pallava Period and there is evidence to prove its antiquity.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala pooja, special poojas are conducted on pradosham and Maha Shivaratri days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Sine oru kala poojas is conducted the opening and closing time are unpredictable.

HOW TO REACH

The temple at Panaiyur is about 500 meters off Ezhichur Road and Panaiyur is about 5 KM off from Tambaram to Kanchipuram viz Padappai. All the buses to Kanchipuram will stop at Kandigai.

The temple is  27 KM from Tambaram, 6.4 KM from Oragadam Industrial Hub, 31 KM from Kanchipuram and 58 KM from Chennai.

Nearest railway station is Tambaram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

An abandoned Rishabam

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sridevi Bhudevi Samedha Varam Tharum Perumal Temple / ஸ்ரீதேவிபூதேவி சமேத வரம் தரும் பெருமாள் கோயில், கீழ் படப்பை /, Keel Padappai, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

After Visiting the Veeratteswarar Temple of keel Padappai on 6^th March 2022, ( no significant progress was made in renovation of the temple ), on the way to main road, happened to see this Maha Vishnu Temple with unique construction.

Moolavar  : Sri Varam Tharum Perumal

Thayar     : Sridevi and Bhudevi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Stucco images of Hanuman, Thiruman with Sangu Chakra and  Garudan are on the top. Garudalwar sannidhi is in front of sanctum  sanctorum. Moolavar Varam Tharum Perumal is in the sanctum sanctorum with Sri Devi and Bhudevi. Utsavars are in front of moolavar. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s Dasavatharam is in the mukha mandapam.

On the top of mukha mandapam stucco image of Hanuman, Thayar, Perumal with Sridevi & Bhudevi, Hayagreevar and Garudan. In praharam, Thayar, Ramar and Hanuman.

ARCHITECTURE

The Sanctum sanctorum is of square on Upanam, Adhistanam is with jagathy, vrutha kumuda and Pattigai. The bhitti starts with vedhika. The Bhitti is supported with brahma kantha pilasters contains kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai, veerakandam and vettu tharanga pothyal. The prastarm consists of valapi, kapotam and bhoomi desam., In koshtam, Thumbikai alwar, Narasimhar, Maha Vishnu and Hayagreevar. The sanctum sanctorum from Upanam to prastram, constructed with stone.

The 2 tier stucco vimanam is on the prastram. Maha Vishnu’s various forms are on the two tiers and greevam. From greevam to  Sigaram, built in dravidian style, with 4  maha nasis and 4 alpa nasis.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It was told this temple’s moolavar was unearthed, near this temple during an excavation about 50 years before and believed that an old Vishnu temple might have been existed near Keel Padappai Shiva temple. Perumal devotees believe that he came as swayambhu from earth after hundreds of years. A New temple was built and Maha samprokshanam was conducted in Feb 2022 and mandala abhishekam was held on 1^st April 2022.  

LEGENDS

Perumal is a varaprasadhi, will fulfill all the wishes of his devotees. Hence Perumal is called as Varam Tharum Perumal. Hayagreevar is in a separate sannidhi in the prakaram. It is believed that worshiping Hayagreevar will excel in studies, education, knowledge etc.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala pooja special poojas are conducted on Vaikunda ekadasi, Rama navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Navaratri etc. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between    07.30 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.30 hrs to 20.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple trustee Panneerselvam’s mobile number +91 994149 2779 and Bhattar’s mobile number +91 9790035442 may be contacted  for further details and darshan.

HOW TO REACH

Padappai is on Tambaram to Kanchipuram bus route and Keel Padappai is on the part of Padappai. All busses from Chennai to Kanchipuram via Tambaram will pass through this place Padappai.

The temple is 750 meters off main road, 12 KM from Tambaram, 14.2 KM from Oragadam Industrial Corridor, 42 KM from Kanchipuram and 39 KM from Chennai.

Nearest railway station is Tambaram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Buddhas..! Buddhas…!!, in Sri Kachabeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Buddha bas-reliefs at Sri Kachabeswarar Temple at Kanchipuram was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi at Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. It was planned to meet at this temple as a First Heritage walk of new year 2022. Thanks to தொண்டை மண்டலம் வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்.

Rajagopuram inner side 

It is believed that the Buddha statues & Buddhism sculptures unearthed in and around Kanchipuram belongs to 6^th to 7^th Century, during that period Buddhism was peak in Tamil Nadu. But as per the experts the Buddha statues unearthed at CM Subbaraya Mudaliar School, Karukkinil Amarthal Temple, Kanchipuram Police Station, Pallur, belongs to 9^th to 11^th Century. This indicates that, even-though it is claimed that the Buddhism declined due to the raise of Bhakthi movement through, Sundarar, Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Buddhism was patronized by the Chozha and Pandya Kings, till 14^th Century. As per the History most of the temples were closed without poojas during Sultan’s and Muslims Rule. After Vijayanagaras came to power the temple activities were revived once again, with the construction of Mandapams joining the  existing sanctum sanctorum, some of the temple are rebuilt completely, construction of Raya Gopurams / Raja Gopurams. As per the experts the Buddhism related bas-reliefs found in the Temples Mandapam pillars and Rajagopuram are due to the freedom given to the sculptors and not that they were brought from the dilapidated or destroying the Buddhist temples.

In the above context, some bas-reliefs are found in Sri Kachabeswarar Temple Mukha mandapam pillars and Rajagopuram prastram Nasi kudus. In the bas-reliefs, Buddha is shown in meditation posture, except one. In that Buddha is shown in Bhoomi sparsa hastam.

Rajagopuram front side on the left

On Mandapa Pillar

On Mandapam Pillar

On Mandapam Pillar

Kachabeswarar Shiva Temple

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Hero Stones at Purisai, Thiruvannamalai District and Anumanthandalam in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to these Hero Stone at Purisai and Anumanthandalam  was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi at Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Babu Mano, Mr Manoj  L Chakravarthy, Mrs Ruth, சுகுமார் அருள் and the members of “தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்” for taking me to all these Temples and Heritage sites. 

HERO STONES AT PURISAI.

There are two Hero Stones installed at the entrance of Sri Ellai Amman Temple at Purisai. In these two Hero stones, one is smaller and the other one is little bigger.

In the smaller hero Stone, the hero is in three bhanga standing posture looking straight. He is holding a sword in the right hand and a shield in the left hand. Legs are shown as that the hero is marching forwards on the left side. A Dress is shown below his waist. He is wearing ornaments on the neck and ears.  Dress is shown below his waist. A Vijayanagara style tuft is shown on his head. The hero may be warrior.

In the bigger  hero stone, the hero is in a three bhanga standing posture. He his holding a sword in the right hand and a bow in the left hand. Legs are shown as that the hero is marching forward on the left side. A Dress is shown below his waist. He is wearing ornaments on the neck and ears. A Vijayanagara style tuft is shown on his head. The Hero may be killed during a war or in the process of saving his cattle ( Anirai meetal ). 

Both the hero stones may belongs to 16^th to 17^th Century.   

LOCATION OF THE HERO STONE : CLICK HERE

HERO STONE AT ANUMANTHANDALAM

This hero stone is installed in the midst of this Village. The Hero is shown in three bhanga standing posture holding a Sword in the left hand and shield in the right hand. The sword looks similar to Gangar period Swords. A Straight tuft is shown on his head and wearing ornaments on his neck and ears. His legs are shown such that he is marching towards his right direction. Also from holding the sword, we may presume that the Hero is a left hander. He might have died in a war.

This hero stone belongs to Gangar period 08^th – 09^th Century CE.

LOCATION OF THE HERO STONE : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Kotravai and Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai sculptures at Kilkolathur and Anumanthandalam, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Kotravai and Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai sculptures at Kilkolathur and Anumanthandalam was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi at Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Babu Mano, Mr Manoj  L Chakravarthy, Mrs Ruth, சுகுமார் அருள் and the members of “தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்” for taking me to all these Temples and Heritage sites. 

KOTRAVAI AT ANUMANTHANDALAM

This Kotravai / Durgai Amman is sculpted on a boulder in the form of a bas-relief.  This Kotravai is in samabhanga standing posture with 8 Hands. Her lower hands are in abhaya and kadi hastam and rest of the hands are holding various weapons including Conch and Chakra.  She is wearing ornaments on the  neck and ears. Dress with frills below her waist and marbukachu is also shown. A man offering his head / navakandam is on the right side and another man with sword is on her left side.

This Kotravai belongs to 9^th Century Pallava period.

LOCATION OF THE KOTRAVAI      : CLICK HERE

THAVVAI / JYESHTA DEVI at ANUMANTHANDALAM

This  Thavvai is installed on the road side at the entrance of the Village Anumanthandalam. She is without her son Mandhan and daughter Mandhi. She is with two hands, while the right hand is in abhaya hastam and left hand is  holding a small bowl. She is shown with flabby belly big thighs and breast. A karanda makuda is shown on her head and wearing ornaments on her neck and ears.  This Thavvai / Jyeshta Devi belongs to 8^th – 9^th Century CE.

It was told that the Villagers worships this Thavvai as Nookul Amman and annual festival will be conducted in the month Aadi and Koolvaarpu also done. 

   

KOTRAVAI AT KILKOLATHUR

This Kotravai sculpture is on the way to Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Kilkolathur.  In this kotravai is in samabhanga standing posture  with eight hands. The lower hands are in abhaya and kadi hastam. The rest of the hands are holding various weapons. She is wearing ornaments on the neck and ears. Dress with frills below her waist and marbukachu is also shown. An antelope and a Tiger is shown of the top of the sculpture. A person in cutting his head / navakandam is on her right and a Lady devotee is shown on her left side. 

This kotavai belongs to 8^th - 9^th Century Pallava period.

LOCATION OF THE KOTRAVAI      : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Saptamatrikas & Saptha Kannis Temples for Village Deities at Orathur and Siruvanjur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

The visit to these Village deities of Saptamatrikas & Saptha Kannis Temples at Orathur and Siruvanjur, was a part of Shiva and Vishnu temples visit  from Old Perungalathur to Chettipunyam on the east and west side of GST Road on 14^th November 2021. The purpose of documenting is to show the difference between Saptamatrikas and Saptakannis.

SAPTAMATRIKAS TEMPLE AT SIRUVANJUR

These saptamatrikas  are in a Kali Temple facing east. These Saptamatrikas are not with Vinayagar and Veerabhadra and the usual iconography is not Followed. The Varahi is not with usual Varahi face. All the 7 Saptamatrikas are in sitting posture with 4 hands. The upper hands holds the respective weapons / articles and the lower hands are in abhaya & Varadha hastam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

SAPTHA KANNI TEMPLE

This Saptha Kanni Temple is on the way to Orathur from Padappai. This temple is facing east with sanctorum and a mandapam. Stucco image  of Lord Shiva is with 7 Kannis. All the 7 Kannis are in three bhanga standing posture with two hands. The right hand holds a flower and the left hand is in dola hastam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Nithya Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple/ Srinivasa Perumal Kovil / ஸ்ரீ நித்ய ஸ்ரீநிவாச பெருமாள் கோவில், Kolapakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Nithya Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Kolapakkam near Vandalur was a part of Shiva and Vishnu temples Visit on the east and west side of GST Road from Old Perungalathur to Singaperumal koil, on 14^th November 2021. This place Kolapakkam is on the Vandalur to Kelambakkam road, on the back side of Vandalur ZOO.

 

Moolavar  : Sri Nithya Srinivasa Perumal

Thayar     : Sridevi and Bhudevi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

This temple is facing east with an old Deepa Sthambam, balipeedam and garudan. Moolavar Srinivasa Perumal is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Thayar Lakshmi is on Moolavars chest. There is no separate sannidhi for Thayar. In Koshtam Narasimhar, Varahar, Hayagreevar and Danvanthiri.  Dwarapalakas Jayan and Vijayan are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum.

In Praharam Vinayagar as Kannimoola Ganapathi and Hanuman. 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam and an open Mukha mandapam. The temple was built with Brick and cement.  Hope the temple was re-constructed during recent years. A two tier Vesara Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is claimed that the temple is more the 300 to 400 years old. To our observations the Garudathoon  / Deepa Sthambam seems to be of old one. The temple was reconstructed during recent years.    

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, Special poojas are conducted on  Vaikunta  Ekadasi, Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Margazhi months, Purattasi Saturdays and on all important Vaishnavite functions.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 08.00 hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Contact Telephone  / Mobile number s +91 9884710199 &  +91 8144453153

Sridhar

HOW TO REACH

This Sri Nithya Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Kolapakkam is just back side of Sri Agastheeswarar Temple and 350 meters off from Vandalur to Kelambakkam main road.

The temple is 2.2 KM from Vandalur ZOO south side Gate, 10 KM from Tambaram  and 28 KM from Chengalpattu, 37 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest Sub Urban Railway station is Vandalur and bigger Railway station is Tambaram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---