Gangadeeswarar Temple ( Nandhi Theertham)/ கங்காதேஸ்வரர் கோவில் ( நந்தி தீர்த்தம் ), Thakkolam, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple at Thakkolam, was a Part of “Shiva & Vishnu Temples and Hero Stones of Tiruvallur District Visit” on 21^st October 2023.

This temple is on the banks of river Kosasthalaiyar  river, one of the 7 ancient temples of Thakkolam and behind one of the Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva temple of Thakkolam, Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple. This place Thakkolam played a main role which changed the History of Chozhas, were the Chozha king Rajadhithan also called as - யானை மேல் துஞ்சிய தேவர் - was Killed in a war with Rashtrakutas.

During rainy season water used to come from the Rishabha’s mouth, which is on the back side of the sanctum sanctorum. ( During my visit no water was coming ). A Rishaba’s head with a water spout is installed in the temple tank and water from the borewell is made to flow.

It is believed rather the temple authorities claims, that Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns of this Shiva of this temple as Umapatheeswarar. ( Since This temple and Jalanatheeswarar temple are on the banks of Kosasthalaiyar River and during Thiruganasambandar’s visit both temples might have been without compound wall and in the same complex. How the Jalanatheeswarar obtained this name has to be studied further, since Moolavar was made of sand Stone and abhishekam will not be performed ).

மாறில் அவுணர்அரணம் அவைமாயஓர் வெங்கணையால் அன்று

        நீறெழ் எய்தஎங்கள் நிமலன் இடம் வினவில்

தேறல் இரும்பொழிலும் திகழ்செங்கயல் பாய்வயலும் சூழ்ந்த

        ஊறல் அமர்ந்தபிரான ஒலியார்கழல் உள்குதுமே

... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் தேவாராம்

Sekkizhar, records that Thirugnanasambandar after worshipping Shiva of Thiruvirkolam ( Cooum ), came to this temple. In that he also mentions that the Devar’s Guru Vyazhan’s brother ( Ilaval ) Samvardha muni’s penance was appreciated by Shiva of this temple.

தொழுது பலமுறை போற்றிச் சுரர்குருவுக்கு இளையமுனி 

        வழுஇல்தவம்புரிந்து ஏத்த மன்னினார் தமை மலர்ந்த

பழுதுஇல் செழும் தமிழ்மாலைப் பதிகஇசை புனைந்து அருளி

        முழுதும் அளித்தவர் அருளால் போந்தனர் முத்தமிழ் விரகர்.

திருத்தொண்டர் பலர் சூழ்த் திருவிற்கோலமும் பணிந்து

        பொருள்பதிகத் தொடை மாலை புரம் எரித்த படிபாடி

அரும்புகழி ஆண்டகையார் தக்கோலம் அணைந்தருளி

        விருப்பினொடும் திருவூறல்மேவினார் தமைப் பணிந்தார்.

…… சேக்கிழார். பெரிய புராணம் ( 1006 ) 

This temple is also one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam sung by Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal. 

உஞ்சேனை மாகாளம் ஊறல் ஒத்தூர்

    உருத்திர கோடி மறைக்காட் டுள்ளும்

மஞ்சார் பொதியின்மலை தஞ்சை வழுவூர்

    வீரட்டம் மாதானங் கேதா ரத்தும்

வெஞ்சமாக் கூடல்மீ யச்சூர் வைகா

    வேதீச்சுரம் விவீச்சுரம் வெற்றி யூரும்

கஞ்சனூர் கஞ்சாறு பஞ்சாக் கையுங்

    கயிலாய நாதனையே காண லாமே.

.... Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal Kshetra Kovai - 06-71-08

Moolavar  : Sri Gangadeeswarar / Umapatheeswarar

Consort    : Sri Mohanavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a temple tank with a rishaba’s head ( water is made to flow through its mouth ). Moolavar is on a square avudayar. There is no Kostas, hence there is no images.

In the inner praharam Sri Mohanavalli, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar and the rishabam ( water used to come through it’s mouth ).

Ambal Mohanavalli’s sannidhi is facing east on the right side of the moolavar sannidhi. Ambal is in standing posture with upper hands are holding Pasa angusam and lower hands are in abhaya varada hastam.  

In the mukha mandapam Karpaga Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar & Visalakshi  and Annapoorani.

Annapoorani

ARCHITECTURE

We do not know the architecture of the old temple. The present structure  was rebuilt during recent period. The stones are not matching with each other and some ceiling beams are used on the wall. A moat was constructed around sanctum sanctorum, through which the water from Rishaba’s mouth flows to the Temple Tank.

This reconstructed temple consists only with sanctum sanctorum. The prahara is supported with pillars and vettu pothyal and covered completely. 

A nagara stucco vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Shiva with Parvati, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the greeva kostam.  

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Shiva of this temple ( as claimed by Temple authorities – both this temple and Jalanatheeswarar temples  might have been in the same premises, during Thirugnanasamandar’s Visit ), this temple may be constructed during Pallava period 8^th to 9^th Century.

Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted during the month of September 2023.

LEGENDS

It is believed that the Shiva Lingam installed in the mukha mandapam was worshipped by Uthitha Maharishi. As per the legend Uthitha munivar’s son Theerkathar Munivar lost his eyes due to the Curse of Kamadhenu. Hence Uthitha Muivar came to this place Thakkolam on the banks of river Kosasthalaiyar River, installed as Shiva Linga and Rishabam  and worshipped, to get rid of his son Theerkathar Munuivar’s curse. After taking bath from the Ganga water from Rishaba’s mouth, Theekathar Munivar’s curse from Kamadenu’s Curse. It is believed that the water comes out from Rishaba’s mouth is from the river Ganga.

Rishaba’s head - no water is coming - water will come during rainy season ( On the back side of sanctum sanctorum )

Water from Rishaba's mouth ( Made to fall )

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala poojas, special poojas are conducted on pradosham, maha Shivaratri days.

 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

Bus facility is available from Poonamallee, Koyambedu, Arakkonam and Kanchipuram.  

The Temple is 16 KM from Arakkonam, 28 KM from Kanchipuram, 54 KM from Ranipet, the district head quarters, 61 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Arakkonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

May be vali Sugriva fight - damaged during this renovation

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Arulmigu Sri Valeeswarar Swamy Temple / Sri Valeeswara Mudaiyar Temple / அருள்மிகு ஶ்ரீ வாலீஸ்வரர் ஸ்வாமி திருக்கோவில், Thakkolam, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Valeeswarar Swamy Temple at Thakkolam, was a Part of “Shiva & Vishnu Temples and Hero Stones of Tiruvallur District Visit” on 21^st October 2023.

This temple is on the banks of Kosasthalaiyar River and there is no proper path to access. We have to walk about 500 meters from Thakkolam to Thiruvalangadu road, through the fields. It will be very difficult during rainy season and during cultivation periods. This is one of the 7 ancient temples of Thakkolam.

Moolavar  : Sri Valeeswarar Swamy / Sri Baneeswarar Temple

Consort    : Sri Dhatchayani

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with only Rishabam. Sanctum sanctorum is  little lower level compared to out side. Moolavar is on a round avudayar. No images are found in the Kostas.

A Sand stone Murugan is on the left side of the entrance of ardha mandapam. Two sand stone beheaded rishabams are under a neem tree on the back side of the temple.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The complete temple was built with sandstone. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha adhistanam with vrudha kumudam and pattika. The bhitti starts with vedika. Brahma kantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, plain mandi, palakai and Vettu pothyal. The niches / Deva kostas are of padra kostas with Padma jagathy, kadaka kumudam and yazhivari. Sculptures can be seen partially above the Kostas. The prastaram consists of valapi with lotus petals, kapotam with nasi kudus and viyyalavari. ( no full sculpture of viyyala is seen ). A recent period eka tala vesara vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are on the greeva Kostas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Considering the architecture, sand stone used and the sanctum sanctorum ( without Somaskandar on the back of the Sanctum sanctorum wall, this temple may be constructed during the end of Pallava period or during the beginning of Chozha period. ( As per the display, this temple belongs to 11^th century ). 

As per the details displayed by the Tamil Nadu archaeological Department at the temple premises, this place was called as Thirupaalural- திருப்பாலூரல் - and Shiva was called as Valishwaramudayar and Mummalai Eswaramudayar.

One of the Rajendra Chozha-I’s period inscription records the endowment of palabhishekam – milk abhishekam for the benefit of Rajendra Chozha’s mother Tribhuvana Madevi. For the same 32 cows are gifted to the temple.

As per the inscriptions, it was understood that Uma Maheswarar and Vinayagar metal / cheppu / copper images are worshipped in this temple.

The Sand stone Murugan idol in the mukha mandapam belongs to 11^th Century Chozha period.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

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

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted, the opening and closing times  are unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS

Balaji +91709494152516 and Jagan +919597811050 may be contacted for darshan.

HOW TO REACH

Bus facility is available from Poonamallee, Koyambedu, Arakkonam and Kanchipuram.  

The Temple is 16 KM from Arakkonam, 28 KM from Kanchipuram, 54 KM from Ranipet, the District head quarters, 61 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Arakkonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Beheaded Rishabams - made of sand stone

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Kanchaneswarar Temple / Jyoti Linkeswarar Temple / Kanchanagiri shivan malai / Thiru Kanchanagiri Devasthanam / Murugan Temple, காஞ்சனகிரி சிவன் மலை, Lala Pettai, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Kanchanagiri Hill temples, was a part of Gajaprishta / Gajabrushta Vimana Shiva Temple and Kanchanagiri Temples Visit around Walajapet, on 15^th October 2023. Thanks to Ramesh Krishnamurthy, who took me to these places. The Hill consists of Jyoti Lingeswarar Temple, Murugan Temple, Sri Kanchaneswarar / 1008 Adi Swayambhu Lingas and a Bell rock.

SRI KANCHANESWARAR TEMPLE /1008 ADI SWAYAMBHU LINGAS

Moolavar  : Sri Swambhu Sri Kanchaneswarar

Consort    : Sri Kanchaneswari

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

Temple also called as Vettaveli Parabrahmam.  This temple is open to Sky with Various Shapes of Shiva lingas in Green Stones. It was told that these Shiva Lingas are collected from this hill by Sri Siva Gnana Swamigal, whose Samadhi is in front of this open to Sky temple.

HISTORY AND LEGENDS

About 80 years before ie in 1938, an industrialist of Malesiya Sivagnanam, latter called as Sri Sivagnana Swamigal came to this Kanchanagiri, spent everything that he earned for this Kanchanagiri Hill.  He built the Murugan temple, Temple Tank, Saptakannis Sannidhi and Anjaneyar sannidhi. He attained Samadhi in 1973. After he attained Samadhi, his disciple Gengammal looked after these temples. It was told that the present trustees are her descendents.  

It is further believed that the blood spilled on this hill turned in to a Shiva Lingam. These Shiva Lingams on the hill, are collected and installed at this place. The Siddhar Sri Sivagnana Swamigal’s Samadhi is in front of this temple.  

Sri Sivagnana Swamigal Samadhi

Sri Sivagnana Swamigal's painting on the south side wall of Dandayuthapani's sannidhi

THE STHALA PURANAM 

The Rishaba in the inner prakara and Stucco Rishaba are facing the same direction as moolavar of Sri Vilvanatheswarar Temple of Thiruvalam. There is an interesting legend behind this. The Demon Kanchan was an ardent devotee of Shiva. He did a penance on Shiva of Thiruvalam. Shiva didn’t gave darshan. Disappointed Demon, tortured the Gurukkal who brought water to Shiva’s abhishekam from this Kanchanagiri - the hill is just opposite to Sri Vilvanatheswarar Temple. When the same was reported to Shiva, Shiva ordered Rishabam to take care of the Gurukkal. Rishabam, killed the demon, tore him in to pieces and throw the pieces around the Hill. The Village names are being called in the names of the Demon’s parts of the body ( Legs – Thengal & Vadagal,  Hands - Maniyambattu, Eeral / Liver / Eerakulai  - Avarakarai, Heart – Lala Pettai, Head – Sikarajapuram, Hip – Kugaiyanallore, Chest / Marbu – Maveri ). The atma of Kanchan begged Shiva to pardon him. Shiva pardoned him and named the hill as Kanchanagiri. 

Also the Rishaba at the temple faces the Hill, to watch the demon, shouldn’t come again. Hence the Rishabas are facing east. This Sthala puranam in Stucco is in the Mukha Mandapam and there is bas-relief carved on the mandapam pillar also.

Sthala puranam Basrelief from Thiruvalam Sri Vivanatheeswarar Temple 

Sthalapurana bas-reliefs

Sthala purana bas-reliefs

Rishabam kills the demon Kanchan - the sthala puranam

Sthala purana bas-reliefs- The priests are carrying water for Moolavar abhishekam

The Rishabam - looking opposite direction 

The Kanchan, A Demon related to sthala puranam

JYOTI LINGESWARAR TEMPLE.

Moolavar : Sri Jyoti Linkeswarar / Jyothi Lingeswarar 

Some of the Salient features of this temple are….

This temple is on the flat surface of the Hill under a metacolour sheet shed. A Stucco Rishabam is in front of the Shed. A Big Shiva Linga is inside the Shed. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are around the Big Shiva Lingam. A Small Shiva Linga ie Jyoti Linkeswarar is in front of the Big Shiva Lingam.

Maha Vishnu - on the back side of Big Shiva Lingam

SRI SUBRAMANIA SWAMY TEMPLE / MURUGAN TEMPLE

This temple is on the South side of the Jyotir linga Temple and the temple tank created by Sri Sivagnana swamigal is in front of Temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Subramaniar

Consorts  : Sri Valli Devasena.

Some of the Salient features f this temple are..

The temple is facing east with a Vel, balipeedam and Peacock vahana are in front of sanctum sanctorum. In Sanctorum, Sri Subramaniar is with Sri Valli Devasena.

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum and a mukha mandapam. A two tala dravida stucco Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Stucco images of Murugan’s Various forms along with Sri Valli Devasena.

BELL ROCK, KANCHANAGIRI.

A flat stone on the top of the hill is called as Bell rock. Since the stone gives musical notes like bronze bell when tapped with a small stone. It is believed that this flat stone is the throat of the Demon Kanchan.

The Link to the Video 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS IN ALL THE TEMPLES.

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Mutrum Othuthal on Sundays from 09.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Thaipoosam, Kiruthigai, Pournami Poojas. Annadhanam will be served on all the above days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temples will be kept opened for darshan from 09.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Trustees Lion K Balakrishnan +919043011007, +91 9443247459, +916369144099, Secretary L C Subramani +916381899831 and Treasurer R Vadivel +917010826286 may be contacted for annadhanam and further details.

HOW TO REACH

The Temple is just opposite to Sri Vilvanatheswarar, Temple at Tiruvalam and can be accessed from Lala Pettai. A 4 KM Tar topped road is provided from the base of the hill up to the temple.

The hill base is about a KM from Lala Pettai. The Hill is about 8.7 KM from Thiruvalam Shiva Temple, 9.6 KM from Ranipet, 16.3 KM from Arcot, 28.4 KM from Vellore and 127  KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Ranipet.    

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

Temple Tank 

 Nagars with Vinayagar under cannon ball tree

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---