Showing posts with label Thevara Vaippu Thalangal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thevara Vaippu Thalangal. Show all posts

Friday 29 December 2023

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple / நெமிலிச்சேரி அகத்தீஸ்வரர் கோயில், Nemilichery / Nemilicherry, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

This visit to this Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Nemilichery,  in Chromepet, as a part of Shiva and Amman Temples in Chromepet, Old Pallavaram and Madipakkam Visit, on 20th November 2022. This place was also called as Zaminrayapet a part of Chromepet. 

 
 
It is believed that, this is one of the 108 Shiva Lingas installed and worshiped by the  Sage Agasthiyar in Thondai Nadu. It is also believed that, this is one of the “Thevara Vaippu sthalam”, sung by Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, in praise of Shiva of Agatheechuram along with Nandhikechuram, Mahalaechuram, Nagechuram, Kodeechuram, Kondeechuram, Kukkudechuram, Akkeechuram, Adakechuram, Ayaneechuram Aththeechuram, Siddheechuram and Ramechuram. 

நாடகமா டிடநந்தி கேச்சுரமா காளேச்
        சுரநாகேச் சுரநாக ளேச்சுராநன் கான
கோடீச் சுரங் கொண்டீச் சுரந்திண் டீச் சுரங்
        குக்குடேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரங்கூ றுங்கால்
ஆடகேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரமய னீச்சுர
        மத்தீக்சுரஞ் சித்தீக்கர மந்தண் கானல்
ஈடுதிரை யிராமேச்சுர மென்றென் றேத்தி
        யிறைவனுறை சுரம்பலவு மியம்பு வோமே
…. திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் ( 6-71-8 )
Moolavar  : Sri Agastheeswarar
Consort    : Sri Anandavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Stucco image of Shiva with Parvati as Rishabaroodar, Vinayagar and Murugan are on the entrance arch. Temple tank is on the right side of the temple. Nagar and Vinayagar are in front of entrance arch. Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum.Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the ardhaa mandapam. Stucco image of Shiva and Parvati as rishabaroodar is on the entrance of ardha mandapam entrance top. Moolavar is on a square avudayar. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.  

Utsavars, Chandrasekarar with Parvati, Natarajar with Sivakami and Manickavasagar are in the ardha mandapam. Ambal is in a separate sannidhi facing south in the ardha mandapam. Ambal is standing posture, the upper hands are holding  pasa angusam and lower hands are in abhaya varada hastam. Special feature in this temple is, Suryan, Chandran and Bairavar are in a common sannidhi.

The temple is under renovation. Hence Navagrahas, Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran are not installed. Chandikeswarar is on the north side of the sanctum Sanctorum.

PC Website
 PC Website
ARCHITECTURE
The complete temple was built with bricks and cement. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on padabandha adhistanam. An eka tala vesara vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are on the greeva kostam.




HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It is believed that this temple is one of the Thevara Vaippu sthalam, sung by Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Hence the temple might have existed during his period, ie 7th to 8th century. As per Gurukkal, the  tiles were laid on the inscriptions. The temple received contributions from Zamindars. 

During latter part of 19th century, the temple was destroyed due to natural calamity.

As per the news paper cutting pasted on one of the pillar, The temple was reconstructed with new Ambal sannidhi and Vimanas, 1930 by Kodaa Munuswamy Iyer and maha kumbhabhishekem was performed. He also donated 1 acre and 49 cents of land for the maintenance of this temple and service. With the gifted land by Kodaa Munusamy Iyer, the temple had 4 acres and 55 cents of land. But the temple received no income from the land. After Kodaa Munuswamy Iyer, the poojas are discontinued due to want of fund for the poojas and maintenance.

In 1991, Thangaiah, an Executive officer of HR & CE Department, native of this place and an ardent devotee of Sri Agastheeswarar, arranged for oru kala pooja through HR & CE Department. In July 1991, Mr S Venkatraman another devotee, started the renovation works on 5th September 1991, encouraged by Thangaiah. After completion of renovation Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 11th July 1993.

"Sri Anandavalli Samedha Agastheeswarar Peravai" was started and Maha Kumbhabhishekam also conducted on 25th June 2007 after completion of renovation works.  

Now the temple is under reconstruction with the guidance of Padmashri Ganapathy, sthapathi from Andhra Pradesh. The renovation cost is estimated around 16.5 lakhs. It is proposed to construct sannidhis for Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Navagrahas, Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Palliyarai, Natarajar Sabha, Rajagopuram, Maha mandapam and Utsava murthis.


LEGENDS
It is believed that this place was once inside a thick forest with lot of peacocks. “Nemili – Peacock - நெமிலி செருவுcalled as Nemili Cheruvu, which has got corrupted to the present name of Nemilichery.

As per the legend, during celestial wedding of Lord Shiva with Parvati, all the Devas, sages, maharishis, Munis assembled at Mount Kailash. So the earth on the north went down and south rose up. Seeing this Lord Shiva asked Agasthiyar to go to south to balance the earth. On the way to Podhigai hill Agasthiyar installed and worshiped Shiva Lingas on various places. After installing a Shiva Linga at Nemilichery, the sage Agathiyar prayed Lord Shiva for the darshan of Lord Shiva with Parvati’s kalyana / marriage kolam. Immediately Lord Shiva gave darshan to Agasthiyar in kalyana Kolam.

It is believed that, by worshipping Shiva and Ambal, devotees will get relieved from chronicle deceases.
    


POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on monthly pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Sankatahara Chathurti, Navaratri, monthly sashti, Pournami, Deipirai Ashtami, Karthigai Somavara Sangabhishekam, Arudra darshan, Adipooram, Navaratri, Panguni Utram, Margazhi month Ayilya nakshatra day to Agasthiyar, etc,.



TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.30 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
Jagadish and Sathish are contacted through their mobile number +9199414, 99506 and +91 9884706265 for further details.

HOW TO REACH
The temple in Nemilichery / Nemilicherry, on Thoraipakkam to Chromepet radial road, after crossing Keelkattalai / Kilkattalai Lake, turn left and the temple will be about 2 KM off  Radial road.
The temple is 4.4 KM from Chromepet Railway Station, 11 KM from Tambaram and 27 KM from Chennai Central.
Nearest railway station is Chromepet Sub Urban Railway Station. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE











--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Thursday 14 December 2023

Sri Velveeswarar Temple, Valasaravakkam / ஸ்ரீ வேள்வீஸ்வரர் கோயில் & ஸ்ரீ அகஸ்தீஸ்வரர் கோயில், வளசரவாக்கம், Sri Agastheeswarar & Sri Velviswarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this ancient Sri Velveeswarar Temple & Sri Agastheeswarar Temple ( Twin Temples in the same complex ) at  Valasaravakkam was a part of “Lesser known Vishnu, Shiva, Amman Temples of Chennai Visit”, on 23rd October 2022. Most of the temples were reconstructed during recent years and some retains their original structure. All these temples have long history of Pallava, Chozha, Vijayanagaras..


It is believed that, this is one of the 108 Shiva Lingas installed by  Sage Agathiyar in Thondai Nadu. This temple is believed to be one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of Agatheechuram along with Nandhikechuram, Mahakalaechuram, Nagechuram, Kodeechuram, Kondeechuram, Kukkudechuram, Akkeechuram, Adakechuram, Ayaneechuram Aththeechuram, Siddheechuram and Ramechuram.

நாடகமா டிடநந்தி கேச்சுரமா காளேச்
        சுரநாகேச் சுரநாக ளேச்சுரநன் கான
கோடீச் சுரங் கொண்டீச் சுரந்திண் டீச் சுரங்
        குக்குடேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரங்கூறுங்கால்
ஆடகேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரமய னீச்சுர
        மத்தீக்சுரஞ் சித்தீக்சுர மந்தண் கானல்
ஈடுதிரை யிராமேசசுர மென்றென் றேத்தி
        யிறைவனுறை சுரம்பலவு மியம்பு வோமே.
….. திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் ( 6-71-8 )

Moolavar  : Sri Agastheeswarar and Velveeswarar
Consort    : Sri Tripura Sundari

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple facing east with a Temple tank, Sukra Theertham. The Rishabam / idabam and balipeedam are under a meta colour dome style mandapam.  Sri Agastheeswarar Temple and Sri Velveeswarar temple are side by side.

Agastheeswarar Temple… A small balipeedam and a Rishabam are in front of sanctum sanctorum. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy and Durgai.

Sri Velveeswarar Temple… The  sanctum sanctorum is about 3 feet above the ground level. Moolavar is little big. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam Vinai theertha Vinayagar, Natarajar, Utsavar, Anjaneyar, Kothanda Ramar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bana Pureeswarar ( without Avudayar ), Ambal Sannidhi and Navagrahas.

Ambal Tripura Sundari is in a separate temple facing south, in standing posture. Ambal is in Abhaya varada hastam. Dwarapalakis are on both sides, balipeedam and Simha vahana are in front of sanctum sanctorum. An eka tala salakara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum.


ARCHITECTURE
The Agastheeswarar Temple is completely constructed with bricks and cement concrete. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a open mukha mandapam. An eka tala vesara vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum.


The Velveeswarar Temple is little larger than the Agastheeswarar Temple. The Adhistanam is on a upa peedam with Lotus petals. The Adhistanam consists of Jagathy, Muppattai kumudam and pattikai. The Bhitti starts with vedika. The upanam and adhistanam are constructed with stone. Bhitti / walls, prastaram, two tala Vimana are constructed with bricks and cement mortar. Stucco images of maha Vishnu and Brahma in the tala and greeva koshtas are with their consorts.
   

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Compared to Sri Agastheeswarar temple, this temple is the oldest. As per the inscription the temple was existed before 12th century.

The Chozha King Vira Rajendran period inscription ( 1063 CE – 1070 CE ) is on the west side adhistanam. As per the inscription this place was in Puliyur Kottam of Jayangonda Chozha Mandalam. The inscription records the endowment of regular pooja and maintenance, by Jayangonda chozha Brahmathirayan, a Siva Brahmana of Kozhumadi vakkam, has donated some wealth.

During Chozha period this place was called as Vallisurapakkam, which has got corrupted to the present name of Valasaravakkam.

Ashta bandhana maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 22nd January 1984, on 09th July 1992 ( Pancha kota Vigrahas, Rishaba Mandapam, Chandikeswarar Vimanam and Koil Vimanam ) and on 05th September 2010.



ஜெயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலத்து புலியூர் கோட்டத்து ... குலோத்துங்க...

LEGENDS
As per the legend during celestial wedding of Sri Shiva with Parvati, all the Devas, Maharishis assembled at Mount Kailash. Due to this the North side of the earth went down and south side raised up. Sri Shiva asked Agasthiyar to go to South to balance this earth, believed to be to Podhigai Kutralam Hills with an assurance that Shiva and Parvati will give marriage / kalyana kola darshan when ever Agasthiyar wants. On the way to Podhigai, Agasthiyar installed and worshiped many Shiva Lingas  on various places. It is believed that this Agastheeswarar Shiva Linga was installed by Agathiyar.

It is further believed that Sukran also came to this place, created a theertham called Sukra Theertham, took bath and worshiped Shiva of this temple, to get rid of sin and get back the eye sight. Hence this is a Parihara sthalam for the adverse effect due to the planet Sukran.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, monthly Shivaratri, Chatruti, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Skanda sashti, Annual festival, Navaratri, etc.
Abhishekam will be done at 07.30 hrs.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The mobile number 9444407257 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
The temple is on the south side of Arcot road, in Valasaravakkam.
This Shiva temple is 5 KM from Vadapalani Murugan temple, 7.4 KM from Koyambedu Bus terminus and 14 KM from Chennai Central.
Nearest Railway station is Vadapalani Metro station.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE









--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Thursday 30 November 2023

Suddha Ratneswara Temple / Suttharathnesvarar Temple / Suddha Rathneswarar Temple / Panjanathanar Natarajar Koyil / ஊட்டத்தூர் சுத்தரத்தினேஸ்வரர் கோயில் / பஞ்சநாதனர் நடராஜர் ஊட்டத்தூர் கோயில், Urraththur / Oottathur, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Suttarathnesvarar Temple at Oottathur, in Perambalur District was a part of “Perambalur & Ariyalur Districts Heritage Walk” organised by Aatrupadai - ஆற்றுப்படை A Tours and Heritage group on 4th and 5th , November 2023. This place Oottathur is on the banks of river Nandhai.


This temple is also called as Pancha Nathana Natarajar temple. Since moolavar was made of Purest Gem Ruby, called as Suddha Rathneswarar – சுத்த ரத்னேஸ்வரர். This temple is also one of the Thevara Vaippu Sthalam. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal has sung hymns in praise of Shiva of this temple.

நறையூரிற் சித்தீச் சரம்நள் ளாறு
    நாரையூர் நாகேச்சரம் நல்லூர் நல்ல
துறையூர் சோற்றுத்துறை சூலமங்கை
    தோணிபுரந் துருத்தி சோமேச்சரம்
உறையூர் கடலொற்றி யூரூற் றத்தூர்
    ஓமாம் புலியூர் ஓர் ஏட கத்துங்
கறையூர் கருப்பறியல் கன்றாப் பூருங்
    கயிலாய நாதனையே காண லாமே
… Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal ( Kshetra kovai -6-70-10 )

பிறையூருஞ் சடைமுடியெம் பெருமா னாரூர்
    பெரும்பற்றப் புலியூரும் பேரா வூரும்
நறையூரும் நல்லூரும் நல்லாற் றூரும்
    நாலூருஞ் சேற்றூரும் நாரை யூரும்
உறையூரும் ஒத்தூரும் ஊற்றத் தூரும்
    அளப்பூரோ மாம்புலியூ ரொற்றி யூரும்
துறையூருந் துவையூருந் தோழுர் தானுந்
    துடையூருந் தொழஇடர்கள் தொடரா வன்றே 
… Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal ( Adaivu Thiruthandagam -6-71-4 )

Moolavar  : Sri Suttharathneswarar
Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the salient features of this Temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and rishabam are under a mukha mandapam. Brahma Theertham is before the entrance of ardha mandapam. There is a rishabam facing the Brahma Theertha well / Ootru / Spring through a ardha mandapam hole. Dwarapalakas Dindini, Mundini, Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is little big on a round avudayar. ( Moolavar is made of Ratha – a ruby stone and glitters during Camphor harati ). In kostam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam two Amman, Chandikeswarar, Rishabam, Sri Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Panchanadhana Stone Nataraja, Sivakami ( face is tilted towards Natarajar to see the dance ), Veerabhadra, Adhikara Nandhi ( Human  form with Rishabam head ) and Natarajar Sabha.

Ambal is in a separate Temple facing east on the left side of moolavar. A Rishabam is in front of the temple. Dwarapalakis are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum entrance. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam. Ambal’s various forms are in the kostam. Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Chandikeswari are in the praharam.




Brahma Theertham


ARCHITECTURE
The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. A spring Well also called as Brahma Theertham is before the maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, muppattai kumudam and Viyyalavari. The bhitti starts with vedika.

Since renovation is in full swing, we do not know the exact location of the sannidhis. The present Natarajar was in a big mandapam, which is empty now. The mandapam was built with various sizes, shapes, period pillars. Some of the Pillar palakai above the kudam are very big, similar to Rashtrakuta / chalukya Style, which is not commonly available in Tamil Nadu Temples.

The Natarajar was made of a variety of stone called Panchanadhana stone, which has the property of absorbing sun rays ( some of the other variety stones are Aalinganadhanam, Singanadhanam, Yaanainadhanam and Yazhinadhanam ). This Panchanadhana stone will emit ohm sound when it is tapped.  

Panchanadhana Natarajar
Sivakami- See the head position tilted towards Nataraja
Dakshinamurthy Mandapam

 
Old Sabha Mandapam
Old Sabha Mandapam

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This original temple exists since 7th – 8th century Pallava period and the same was reconstructed as a stone temple during Rajaraja-I’s period and also another temple called Chozheeswarar Temple was built in the same Village. About 42 inscriptions, which include, Rajaraja Chozha-I, Rajendra Chozha and his son Rajadhiraja’s inscriptions are recorded from this temple.

The earliest inscription belongs to Rajaraja Chozha-I’s 24th reign year. Since the inscription was found in damaged condition only few official’s names like Vel Mutharaiyan, ThiruveNNavallalan, are only readable.

Rajendra Chozha-I’s period inscription records an important message. Suruthiman Nakkan Chandran alias Rajamalla Mutharaiyan of Ootrathur was died during a war with Chalukya, when he was trying to kill the Chalukya king Sathriyasiriyan. In memory of him his brother established an endowment of burning a lamp at this temple.



Kulothunga Chozha-I’s period inscription records that Kashyapa Munivar did an yagna and idangai Group, came from Yagna kund to destroy Asuras. They were taken to new Agara along with King and the Munivars. They were also allowed to carry their Cheppal / foot wear and umbrella. This Indangai 98 Groups were made to settle at Thiruvellarai, Pachil, Thiruvasi, Thirupidavur, Ootrathur, Chennivala Kootram, Keeraikadu villages. Since they step down from the Chariot, on the left side of the Munivars, they were called as Idangai. These 98 group understood their early life and entered in the King 40th reign year. They agreed that all the group will cooperate with each other and live like brothers. During their meetings they should show their symbols of Kombu / horn, Kalam / an air musical instrument.  Also they were advised to wear Crane’s feather, loose hair and conch should be blown before them. If any body acts against these rules will be treated as enemies. This document was written by Thirunallurudaiyan Ilaiyakoil, Thiruchitrambalamudaiyan of Ainthu Nattar row.

Rajaraja Chozha-III’s period inscription records the sale of land. Rajaraja valanattu Ootrathur Araiyan Mallan alias Bramatharaya Mutharaiyan’s Meikavalar  ( Agambadiyar ), purchased a land from Sruthiman Nayan Choran alias Nerkulam Irungol for 6000 Narkasus. 

Ref : A Hand book issued during Heritage walk


LEGENDS
As per the legend during Rajaraja Chozha’s visit to this area, the shrubs and creepers on the path was cleared. In the process, the tool spade hits a Shiva Linga made out of a purest Gem- ruby, which was hidden in the shrubs. Blood was oozing out from the Shiva Lingam and the same was reported to the king. Rajaraja Chozha constructed a temple on the same place and called as Suddha Rathneswarar. The Shiva Linga will glitter like a Rathna / ruby in the Camphor harati. Still we can see a hit marks on the moolavar.

It is believed that the Lingodbhava form of Shiva is one way connected to this temple. To get rid of the sin caused due to lying, as advised by Shiva, Brahma created a spring and brought all the holy water to the spring / Ootru and worshipped Shiva. Hence the theertham is called as Brahma Theertham. It is believed that the Chozha King Rajaraja Chozha came to this place, when he was ill. The holy water was sprinkled on him and got relieved from the illness.

It is believed that Natarajar is made of herbals. Vetiver garland ( with 48 pieces ) is to adorn Natarajar and abhishekam will be performed. It is further believed that the abhisheka water will cure the kidney ailments, if one takes it for 48 days ( one mandala ).

During his Visit this place, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, found that the stones to this Village resembles like Shiva Linga. So he stayed near a Village and sang hymns in praise of Shiva of this temple. Hence that place was called as Padalur, which is about 5 KM from this place.

It is believed that Suriyan worships Shiva of this temple. The Sun Rays used fall on moolavar on Masi month 12, 13 and 14.


POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Arudra darshan, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Theipirai Ashtami, Valarpirai Panchami, Dakshinamurthy worship, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
Sri Pancha nathana Natarajar abhishekam will be from 10.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
Nataraja Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile +91 9788062416 or Kathikeyan +91 8883852198 & +91 8015402683 for further details.

HOW TO REACH
This Place Oottathur is 4.5 KM off from Perambalur to Trichy Main Road. 
The temple is about 23 KM from Perambalur, 35 KM from Ariyalur, 47 KM from Trichy, 68 KM from Thanjavur and 297 from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Ariyalur.
 
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE


Dwarapalakas
Chandikeswarar & Dakshinamurthy
Donor & Brahma
Brahma 
Rishabam looks Brahma Theertham through a Hole 
Nandhi in Human form with bull head

Bairavar 
Veerabhadra

Dwarapalakis
May be Manickabasagar
Errotic sculpture
Vamana
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---