Showing posts with label Madurai District. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madurai District. Show all posts

Tuesday 25 October 2022

Kallalagar Temple / Arulmigu Kallalagar Temple / கள்ளழகர் கோயில், Alagar Kovil, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

This Kallalagar Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Sri Maha Vishnu in Pandiya Nadu and 93rd Divya Desam. 6 Alwars has sung   one hundred twenty eight (127.. 126..?)  pasurams in praise of Thirumal of this temple. Periyalwar-34, Sri Andal – 11, Sri Thirumangai Alwar – 22, Sri Nammalwar – 46, Bhoothathalvar – 3 and Peyalwar- 1. This is an updated post, to the earlier Combined Poost along with Koodala Azhagar Temple. 

 


சுற்றி நின்று ஆயர் தழைகள் இடச்  சுருள்பங்கி நேத்திரத்தால் அணிந்து
பற்றி நின்று ஆயர் கடைத்தலையே  பாடவும் ஆடக் கண்டேன்  அன்றிப் பின்
மற்று ஒருவர்க்கு என்னைப் பேசலொட்டேன்  மாலிருஞ்சோலை எம் மாயற்கு அல்லால் 
கொற்றவனுக்கு இவள் ஆம் என்று எண்ணிக்  கொடுமின்கள் கொடீராகிற் கோழம்பமே. 3-4-5
….…. பெரியாழ்வார்
நாறு நறும் பொழில் மாலிருஞ்சோலை நம்பிக்கு நான்
நூறு தடாவில் வெண்ணெய் வாய் நேர்ந்து பராவி வைத்தேன்
நூறு தடா நிறைந்த அக்கார வடிசில் சொன்னேன்
ஏறு திருவுடையான் இன்று வந்து இவை கொள்ளும் கொலோ–9-6-
…………. ஸ்ரீ ஆண்டாள்
திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையானே ஆகிச் செழுமூவுலகும் தன்
ஒரு மா வயிற்றினுள்ளே வைத்து ஊழி ஊழி தலை அளிக்கும்
திருமால் என்னை ஆளுமால் சிவனும் பிரமனும் காணாது
அருமால் எய்தி அடி பரவ அருளை ஈந்த அம்மானே

Moolavar  : Sri Paramaswamy
Utsavar    : Sri Kallalagar, Sri Sundararaja Perumal
Thayar     : Sri Sundaravalli, Kalyana Sundaravalli, Sridevi

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The Rajagopuram is at front  with Anjaneyar and 18 ( steps) padi Karuppanna Swamy. There is no  entrance through the Rajagopuram. In front of shrine There is a big mandapam and Udyavar Sannadhi is on the left. Dwajasthambam with balipeedam is on the way to main sanctum.  Big size Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Maha mandapam. Moolavar is in standing posture holding Changu / Conch, Chakra, Gatha, Bow and Sword.

In the outer prakaram Sannidhi for Chakkarathalwar, Palliyarai, Yoga Narasimhar, Sri Bhoomi urchavar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Lakshmi Narayanar, Andal, Garudalwar, Rangamannar, Parthasarathy, Naga Devathai, Andal ( Sitting posture only in this temple ), Viswaroopa Krishnan, Thirumalai Andaar, Rukmani, Venugopalan, Sathyabama, Yaga salai, Mahavishnu’s 7 avathara from Machcha to Kalki and Krishnan Sannadhi. There  are many mandapams in front of Rajagopuram and inside the temple complex. All are constructed with stone.
 
Sridevi, Bhudevi, Srinivasa Perumal and Yoga Narasimhar are in the inner prakaram. Cheppu Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum.

ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, artha mandapam and Maha mandapam.  In Sanctum Sri Sundaraja Perumal is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. The sanctum is of elongated round type with stucco images at the bottom level. In the prakaram wall also has the stucco images. The Sanctum Sanctorum is on a prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha kumudam and yazhivari.

The vimanam is covered with gold plate. The Vimanam is called Sri Somasundara Vimanam, since, the vimanam is in the elongated round form. As per the architectural style and on the basis of thalasoothra, the scholars classified this Vimanam as Ayutha Vesara Vimanam.  Nammalwar mentions this Vimanam as Nangal Kundram.





HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per the inscriptions this place Alagarkoil was called as “Thirumaliruncholai”, “Thirumalirun Kundram”, “Irunkundram”, “Solaimalai” and “Thiruvarai” is a religious centre from Sangam age. Perumal of this temple was called as Paramaswamy and was praised in Nalayira divya prabandham by, “Bhuthathalawar”, “Nammalwar”, “Thirumangai Alwar”, “Periyalwar” and “Andal”.  The inscriptions recorded from this temples belongs to Rajaraja-I, Pandya Kings Maravarman sundara Pandyan-I, Jatavarman Sundara Pandya-I, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagaras. Most of the inscriptions are in damaged condition and available as fragments during recording. As per Santhalingam, the sanctum sanctorum was dismantled and reconstructed by Vanathirayars, a Kurunila Kings ruled this area. 


A 13th Century latter Pandya period inscription records that the Thondaiman Gopuram was constructed by Kalingarayan’s son Thondaiman, in his name and the Gopuram is still called in the same name.

The 13th century, Pandya period inscription records that the Alangara mandapam was built by Ponpatriyudaiyan Monnaipiran Virathamudiththa Perumal alias Munaiyatharayan of Mizhalai KooRRathu NaduvirkooRRu Village called Pullurkudi.

A 13th Century Muniyadharayan period inscription records the construction of a mandapam in his name, called as Muniyadharayan Mandapam.

A Mandapam called Sundara Pandya Kuradu was constructed by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-I ( 1216- 1238 CE ).


Sundarapandian's (1222CE ) reign inscription records the endowment of burning 8 Perpetual lamps by his wife Thiruvudayal. For the same a land measuring 10 at called Vilakkupuram, which was in Alanattu Raja Choolamani Chaturvedi mangalam

The inscription on the south base of the Sundara Pandyan mandapam records that a Village Vilathur and its hamlets Ilongoneri In Solapandya Valanadu  for meeting out the expenses of sacred bath and offerings etc, of the Alagar and his consort seated in the Sundara Pandyan Mandapam, every month, on the day of Uthiram the natal star of the King’s elder Brother ( Annalvi ). It is clear that the Mandapam was constructed at latter state.

The inscriptions engraved on the pillars records about the contribution made by the individuals for setting up of the pillars. Kuttan Attiyur alias Sundara Pandya Vilupparayan a Vellala residing at ThirumalirunCholai Venkurugur Nagaran Bhattan are the names of some donors that we can trace from these inscriptions.

An inscription of this temple records the provisions made for the recitation of the “Kothai Pattu” ( Pasurams of Andal ), before the deity. Another inscription records the remission of taxes at the instance of Ayyan Malavarayan, on the lands granted as devadana in Vanavan Madevi Chaturvedi Mangalam situated in Venbunadu for the offerings  and other expenses of the god on the day of Sathayam in the month of Mina ( Panguni ) the natal Star of the Annalvi ( Elder brother ) Sokkandar.

Konerimai Kondan’s 20+3 year inscription records the endowment of offering to a sandhi in the name the donor by  Thadanganni Chitrurudayan alias Choran Uyya NonRRaduvan alias Gurukulatharayan, for the same a land was gifted. The inscription was inscribed a sculptor called Kathangoyilasiriyan.    

A 15th Century Thirumaliruncholai Ninra Mavali Vanathirayar, a small king/ Chitrarasan inscription records that entrance with step to Thondaiman Gopuram was built by him.

The Vanathiraya’s period ( 1464 CE ) inscription records that the main sanctum Sanctorum was reconstructed from Adhistanam to finial.

A Hoysala King Veera Someswaran Period inscription records that a one kala sandhi pooja called “Veerasomeswaran sandhi”, was established on the king’s name.

Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya’s 1513 CE inscription is in the North Rajagopuram. Based on this, the rajagopuram might have been constructed  during Vijayanagara period.

The 16th Century Viswanatha Nayaka’s period inscription records the gift of a Village Amanji in Kunrathur Seermai, including the people lived in this Village as Thiruvidaiyattam to this temple.

The Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya had come to this temple and stayed here for a period 3 days.

The Third prakara wall and Thirumalai Nayakar mandapam was constructed during the reign of the  popular king “Thirumalai Nayakar”. The mandapam looks like a theatre and all religious Ceremonies are conducted in this mandapam. The temple vimanam was gold plated by the Pandya King Sundarapandian during 13th century CE and latter Thirumalai Nayak added features to this temple.

Madurai Nayaka’s period ( 1605 CE ) inscription records the endowment of Thiruvaradhanai at Thiruvenkadamudayar installed at the Village Appan Tirupati, on the way from Alagar Kovil to Madurai by Appayyangar’s son Rangaiyangar. For the same the merchants of 63 Desam, agreed to collect and pay in the Azhagar temple Pandaram. The Taxes was levied depends on the materials sold. ( Azhagar Kovil Kalvettukkal – 299 / 2003  ). The Same person Appayyangar’s son Rangaiyangar’s another inscription, records the endowment of offering Coconut, Tender Coconut, Banana and mango as Naivedyam  to kallazhagar for the same the thoppus gifted as Thiruvidaiyattam at Thenur Setchi, Narinchi, Vandiyur and Silaiman Villages.

An inscription belongs to Madurai Nayakas  ( 1608 CE ), records the endowment of Naivedyam of full Coconut, tender coconut, Mango on Chithirai Thiruvizha day by Appayangar’s son  irangai…. Ayyan. For the same farms  ( ThoppukaL ), at Thenur, Setchi, Narinji, Vadiyur Villages are gifted to this temple as thiruvidaiyattam.  ( Thanks to Vicky kannan )
மதுரை நாயக்கர் காலத்தைச் (பொ.ஆ.1608)சேர்ந்தது.‌ அதில், 'சித்திரை திருவிழாவில் அழகர்‌ திருவமுது செய்கிறபோது முழு தேங்காய்‌, இளநீர்‌, வாழைப்பழம்‌, மாங்காய்‌ ஆகியவற்றை அளிப்பதற்காகத்‌ திருவிடையாட்டமாகத்‌ தேனூர்‌, செட்சி, நரிஞ்சி, வண்டியூர்‌, சிலைமான்‌ முதலிய ஊர்களில்‌ உண்டாக்கப்பட்ட தோப்புகள்‌ அளிக்கப்பட்டன. இதனை அளித்தவர்‌ அப்பையங்கார்‌ மகன்‌ இரங்கை . . . அய்யன்‌ ஆவார்‌' எனப்பதிவு செய்கின்றது. .

Another Latter period Pandya’s inscription records the endowment of celebration of Thiru Aadi Thirunal, Aippasi Thirunal and Chithiraithirunal, by Kappalur alias Ulagalantha Chozhanallurudayan Siru Munaiththarayar. For the same 2.25 veli lands are separated from the separated from the Village lands and renamed as சுந்தரத்தோளுடையான்விளாகம்‌" and gifted to Thirumalirunjolai Nindraruliya Paramaswami of this temple as Irayili. The lands are at Thirukanaper also called as Kalayarkoil.
பிற்கால பாண்டியர்கள் காலகல்வெட்டு, "திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை நின்றருளிய பரமஸ்வாமிகளுக்கு நடைபெறும்‌ திருவாடித்‌ திருநாள்‌, ஐப்பசித்‌ திருநாள்‌, சித்திரைத்‌ திருநாள்‌ முதலானவற்றிற்கு மடப்புற இறையிலியாக இடப்பட்ட 2 1/4 வேலி நிலம்‌ பற்றிய செய்தியினைத்‌ தெரிவிக்கிறது. இந்நிலத்தை வழங்கியவர் கப்பலூரான உலகளந்த சோழநல்லூருடையான் சிறு முனையதரையர் என்பவர். இந்நிலம்‌ உள்ள பகுதியினை பழைய ஊரிலிருந்து பிரித்து புதிய பெயரான “சுந்தரத்‌ தோளுடையான்‌ விளாகம்‌" எனப்‌ பெயரிடப்பட்டது எனக் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த இறையிலி நிலம் திருக்கானப்பேர் இராஜராஜநல்லூரில் இருந்ததாக தெரிகிறது. திருக்கானப்பேர் இராஜராஜநல்லூர் என்பது தற்போதைய காளையார் கோவில் ஆகும். 






The mandapam behind the Rakkayi Amman's temple was built by Krishnadevarayar, whose image is in the mandapam 

LEGENDS
Once the Hill was controlled by the Jains. Tamizhi scripts are available in the caves of the hill. A story of Shiva’s Rishabam / Idabam  and cow sent by Jain monks relates to this Alagar hill and Nandi Hill.

Kallars ( Thieves ) worships Perumal of this temple before going to robbery and half of the share will be given to Perumal. Hence Kallazhagar has become the Ishta Devda for Kallars.

As per the legend, Manduga Maharishi, did a penance on Perumal on the banks of river Vaigai for his darshan. One day an young and beautiful boy riding on a horse came to the river for drinking water. Manduga Maharishi asked him who are you…?. The Young boy replied that his is Sundara Tholinan, the leader for the Kallars, comes from Vrupaksalam hill alias Cholaimalai. The Young boy asked the Mandugar, who is he and what he is doing standing in the river half in the water and half outside. Mandugar replied that, he is Mandugar ( Frog ), doing penance to have the darshan of Maha Vishnu. Further asked that, you came on the horse like Prince and I know who you are..?. Please give me your Divya roopa darshan, like in the temple. Perumal gave the Kallazhagar darshan wearing ornaments, Pattu, Peethambaram, and Srivadsam on the chest to Manduga Maharishi.


POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Chithirai Thiruvizha, Azhagar will go to Madurai to attend Meenakshi Sundareswarar marriage. From Vaigai river he will return back. During that Thiruvizha, Ethir Seva at Tallakulam, Vandiyur Temple and Dashavatar seva, etc, will be conducted.  Temple car festival will be conducted on Aadi month pournami. Vaikunta Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali, Pongal are also celebrated in a grand manner.

Kallalagar

TEMPLE TIMINGS 
The temple is kept open between 06.00 Hrs to 12.30 Hrs and 15.30 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :
Telephone number : 0452 – 2470375  or 0452 2470228 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
Town Bus Route No 44 is available from Madurai Periyar Bus stand. There are buses from other bus stands also.
Nearest Railway Station is Madurai

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE




Some of the PIC and Inscription Photos are taken from web and books 
--- Om Shivaya Nama ---

Sunday 23 October 2022

Murugan Temple / Pazhamudircholai / Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple / பழமுதிர்ச்சோலை முருகன் திருக்கோவில், Alagar Hills, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

This Murugan Temple is one of the 6 abodes of Shri Muruga. As per hearsay that the original temple was at Alagar Kovil and the same was shifted to the present place during Thirumalai Nayakar‘s period.  Large number of people visits the temple by trekking. Van facility is available from the base and they charges Rs 10/- for one way as a donation. During my visit I had seen Children and youngsters climbed the by jogging and roller skating.


This temple was praised in sangam literatures Silapathikaram, Pathupattu and Ettuthogai. The 15th Century Saint Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple. Since Arunagirinathar praised both Nupura Gangai alias Silambaru and Solai malai, this is considered as the 6th padai veedu of 6 padai veedu / Six abodes of Sri Murugan. Basically, Padai veedu is that one related to war, where the Soldiers used to stay and weapons will be kept. It is believed that the purana of Killing Demon Soorapadman is also associated with this place.

வாரண முகங்கி ழிந்து வீழவு மரும்ப லர்ந்து
         மால்வரை யசைந்த நங்கன்                                                    ...... முடிசாய
வாளகிரி யண்ட ரண்ட கோளமுற நின்றெ ழுந்த
    மாதவ மறந்து றந்து                                                                    ...... நிலைபேரப்
பூரண குடங்க டிந்து சிதகள பம்பு னைந்து
    பூசலை விரும்பு கொங்கை                                                          ...... மடவார்தம்
போக சயனந் தவிர்ந்து னாடக பதம்ப ணிந்து
    பூசனைசெய் தொண்ட னென்ப                                                     ...... தொருநாளே
ஆரண முழங்கு கின்ற ஆயிர மடந்த வங்கள்
    ஆகுதி யிடங்கள் பொங்கு                                                            ...... நிறைவீதி
ஆயிர முகங்கள் கொண்ட நூபுர மிரங்கு கங்கை
    யாரமர வந்த லம்பு                                                                       ...... துறைசேரத்
தோரண மலங்கு துங்க கோபுர நெருங்கு கின்ற
    சூழ்மணிபொன் மண்ட பங்கள்                                                      ...... ரவிபோலச்
சோதியின் மிகுந்த செம்பொன் மாளிகை விளங்குகின்ற
         சோலைமலை வந்து கந்த                                                       ...... பெருமாளே.
….  திருப்புகழ்
Nakkeerar also praised Murugan of this temple as “Pazhamudircholai Malaikizhavone – பழமுதிர்சோலை கிழவோனே”. And Nachchinarkiniyar “Pazham muRRina Cholai – பழம் முற்றின சோலை”.

Main Deity    :  Sri Murugan

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The 3 tier Rajagopuram is at front and the same was constructed during recent years. There are three sanctums, they are  Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar  ( In Arupadai Veedu temples this is the only temple where Lord Muruga is with Sri Valli and Devasena ) and Gnanavel ( This Vel / spear is made of stone and worshiped from ancient times, considered as moolavar ).

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. In the mandapam Gold plated Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Palliyarai. Vahana mandapam and rest halls are in the outer prakaram.


HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Even-though this Murugan temple was referred in ancient texts, it is believed that a temple was existed at Alagar Kovil and the same was shifted to the present place. But this existing present structure was built during 20th to 21st Century.
The temple under the control of Tamil Nadu HR & CE Department.

LEGENDS
The story of Avvaiyar, the Tamil poet with Sri Murugan  for the ‘sutta pazham’ and ‘sudatha pazham’ is believed to be happened  at this place. On a hot sunny day, Avvaiyar was travelling on this way, had taken rest under a Naaval tree. Lord Muruga appeared as shepherd boy, wanted to play with her Tamil literature skill. So he asked her whether she wants roasted or raw fruit. Avvaiyar didn’t aware the Shepherd boy is none other than Lord Muruga. Avvaiyar asked the boy, to give her roasted fruit. Muruga made to fall ripped Naaval fruits, which felled on the sand and sticked with the  fruit. Avvaiyar  took the fruit, blew with her mouth and ate. Lord Muruga asked Avvaiyar whether the fruit is very hot. Then only Avvaiyar realized that the Shepherd boy is none other than Lord Muruga. Muruga appeared in original form and blessed her.

In this temple, Sri Valli is considered as Ichcha akthi, Devasena as Kriya Sakthi and Lord Muruga himself as Gnana sakthi.

As per Kachchiappa Sivachariyar, in Kanda Puranam, Muruga requested his brother Vinayagar to come in the form of elephant to get married with Valli.

The Sthala Vruksham Naaval tree will yield fruit in the month Aippasi, against the seasonal months of Aadi or Avani.
 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on important days like Panguni Uthiram in March, Kanda Sashti, Aadi Krithigai, Vaikasi Visakam, Tamil New year day, Avani Pooram, Thirukarthigai, Fridays with special naivedyam etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple is kept open between 06.00 Hrs to 18.00 Hrs without break.

CONTACT DETAILS
The landline Telephone number +91 452 2094720 or +914522470228 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
Town bus route No 44 is available from Periyar bus stand and buses also available from Anna Bus Stand up to Base of the hill ie up to Alagar Kovil.
From base of the Hill, van facility is provided ( Donation Rs 10/- for one way) by Devasthanam.
Nearest Railway Station is Madurai Junction.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE


---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---