Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal Kovil / Chozha Kerala Vinnagaram, Salukkai, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal Temple at Salukkai was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi, Hero Stones, Buddha bas-reliefs at Kanchipuram, 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. 

Moolavar  : Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal

Thayar     : Sri Sugunthavalli Thayar

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a Deepa sthambam ( bas-reliefs of Anjaneyar and Garudan are at the base ) and an entrance arch on the south side with Maha Vishnu’s dasavathara stucco images.  An Anjaneyar Sannidhi is facing main temple. After a small entrance, balipeedam, Thulasi madam, kodimara base and Garudan. Moolavar is believed to be of swayambhu. Moolavar is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. There is no images in the koshtam. Utsava murtis are in antarala. Thayar Sugunthavalli and Andal are in ardha mandapam.

In praharam Sri Varadaraja Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Alwars, Garudan and Balipeedam. 

 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a Pratibandha adhisthana with Vrutha kumuda.  Koshtas, Salaipathi, Karnapathi are separated by vishnu kantha pilasters. The pilasters are with Kalasam, kudam plain mandi, palagai and vettu pothyal. Pancharas are in between Salaipathi and Karnapathi. Sala koshtas are protruding outside as padra sala. The mahara thoranas are plain and no images found.

The Bhitti starts with vethigai. The prastaram is with valapi, Kapotham with nasi kudus, and Bhoomi desam. Vyalavari is missing may be missing during renovations. A  stucco vesara Vimana is over the Bhoomi desam.  The Vimanam do not have images except in the salas.

The Front mandapam was built during Vijayanagara period. The Temple was reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. And their inscriptions are found in the adhisthanam. 

   

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to 1069 CE Chozha period.  Chozha Keralan was the Second son of Rajendra Chozha –I. His original name was called as Manukulakesari ( from the inscriptions Manukulakari is available with Chozha Keralan. Manukulakesari means .. the descendent of Manuneethi Chozha and Kesari – like a Simham ). In 1018 CE, he was appointed as ruler of Kerala, hence called as Chozha Keralan. Chozha Keralan alias Jayamallan ( a title, since he conquered Chalukya King Jayasimhan, in 1021 CE war ) was died before 1033 CE, may be in a war after 1021 CE. As per Ila Thiyagarajan, The Jayamalleeswaram at Vashitapuram is a pallipadai temple of Chozha keralan.  The historians like V G Srinivasa Rao, V Rengachari and Kudanthai N Sethuraman differs, who was Chozha Keralan. As Per Ila Thyagarajan, the fragment inscription recorded from Vashistapuram and considering the period of Kalithindi war, Chozha Keralan was the Second Son of Rajendra Chozha-I and younger brother to Rajadhirajan – I and Veera Rajendran. 

This place was called in different names such as Salukkai alias Chozhakeralapuram, a business Town, Salukki Kulakalapuram and  Manukulakesarinallur,  in memory of Chozha Keralan.  The Maha Vishnu Temple was called as Chozha kerala Vinnagar.  This Maha Vishnu temple was constructed during “Veerarajendran” also called “Chozha Lingeswaran”,  the third brother of Chozha keralan, in memory of his brother.

Krishnadeva Maharaya's saka year 1441, year inscription at Sri Manukulakesari Iswaram Udayar temple, records the remission of Tax of 20 pon as sarvamanya  to the two temples ie. to this shiva Temple and The Chozha kerala Vinnagaram Emperumanar of Salukkai alias Chozha Keralapuram, from the administrative control of Vandavasi Sirmai to Veerabhadraraya sirmai. for the expenses connected to offerings, worship and festivals in these two temples.

The Pandya King Maravarman alias Thirubhuvana Chakravathi Kulasekara deva's 40th reign year inscription records the gift of lands as Tax free in the Village as KudiningadaTiruvidayattam to the God Chozha kerala Vinnagaram Emperuman by the residence of Salukkai alias Chozha keralapuram.

The Pandya King Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan's ( 13+1 ), 14th reign year inscription records endowment of naivedyam for Kothandaraman sandhi  for the same in the 4 periphery limit of Veerambakkam village, lands which  includes Nanjai and Punjai after exempting the taxes like Keetruvari, Ponvari, nattuvari, Thattarpattam, etc,.

The Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Rajendra Chozha Deva's 8th reign year inscription records that the Pondai Matrupuli of Venkundra Kottam consecrated the images of Chozha Kerala Vinnagaram Emperuman of Western temple, Manukula mahadeva Iswaram Udaiyar of Sri Kailayam ( Temple ), Veerakeralap Perumpalli ( Uttara Devi ) and Ambala Nangai as a protection for the City ( Salukkai ) and Made Provision for the worship, offering, Lamps and nandavanam / flower Garden in the first two temples mentioned above and also made Gift of land to all the temples assigning the Villages of Erumbur, Kurumbur Veeraperumbakkam and Illuppai. The servants required for these temples were also given with house sites. 

One of the 16^th Century Vijayanagara Period inscription records the construction of Thirumandapam, Sobanam Thiruvasal / entrance. In that Maha Vishnu’s name is clearly mentioned as Chozha Kerala Vinagaraperumal.

LEGENDS

It is believed that Suga Brahmarishi and Bharadwaja worshiped Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal of this temple.

Devotees worships Perumal and Thayar for child boon. And as a part of thanksgiving thulabharam is offered in this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Vaikasi, Purattasi Saturdays, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Pavithrotsavam in the month Thai, etc,. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Srinivasa Bhattacharya  may be contacted on his mobile numbers +91 9486369874, +91 9677084196 and +918610140553 for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place Salukkai is about 2 KM off from Tiruvannamalai to Kanchipuram Main Road, 7.2 KM from Vandavasi, 21 KM from Cheyyar,  39 KM from Kanchipuram,  57 KM from Chengalpattu and 113 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Sri Varadaraja Perumal

--- 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 ---

Manukula Mahadeva Eswarar Temple / Manukula Kesari Eswaram / Lord Siva Temple, Salukkai, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Manukula Mahadeva Eswarar Temple at Salukkai was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi, Buddha bas-reliefs at Kanchipuram, 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.

Moolavar  : Sri Manukula Mahadeva Eswarar

Consort    : Sri Maragathavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple….

The temple is facing  east with an entrance arch. Stucco image of Vinayagar, Lord Shiva with Parvati as Rishabaroodar and Murugan are on the  top of the entrance arch. Vinayagar, balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance arch. There is also another entrance (with Vinayagar and Murugan on both sides ) on the south side just opposite to Ambal sannidhi. Stucco dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Ambal sannidhi is in the ardha mandapam. Moolavar is of swayambhu on a round avudayar. Rishabam,  balipeedam, Nalvar  are in the ardha mandapam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam Vrahi, Varasiddhi Vinayagar, Pichadanar, Rishabam, Lingas, Chandikeswarar, Nagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Bhairavar and Navagrahas.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha Mandapam / Sobana mandapam. The entrance to the ardha mandapam is  from east and South directions. The Adhisthana is  on a raised upana. A pirathibandha adhisthana is on a the upana, with jagathy, vrutha Kumuda, kapotham and Viyyalavari. A Pancharam is in the  Aharai or the saleelantharam ( Between salaipathi and karna pathi ). The Pancharam is on a padma bandha adhisthana.  The Bhitti  salaipathi and karna pathi are separated by Vishnu kantha pilasters with square base malai thongal, thamarai kattu, kalasam, kudam, thadi mandi ( Lotus petals ), palagai, veerakandam and Vettu pothyals.

The prastaram is with utharam valapi, kapotham and yazhivari / vyyalavari. Bhuta ganas are in the valabi. The first level Vimanam was built with stone, which includes thala vahana. The greevam and the Dravida sigaram with 8 faces was built with stucco. Maha nasis are in the cardinal direction. The salai and Greeva koshtas are with the images of Lord Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma.

The Temple was reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. And their inscriptions are found in the adhisthanam.

    

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to 1069 CE Chozha period.  Chozhakeralan was the Second son of Rajendra Chozha –I. His original name was called as Manukulakesari ( from the inscriptions Manukulakari is available with Chozha Keralan. Manukulakesari means .. the descendent of Manuneethi Chozha and Kesari – like a Simham ). In 1018 CE, he was appointed as ruler of Kerala, hence called as Chozhakeralan. Chozha Keralan alias Jayamallan ( a title, since he conquered Chalukya King Jayasimhan, in 1021 CE war ) was died before 1033 CE, may be in a war after 1021 CE. As per Ila Thiyagarajan, The Jayamalleeswaram at Vashitapuram is a pallipadai temple of Chozha keralan.  The historians like V G Srinivasa Rao, V Rengachari and Kudanthai N Sethuraman differs, who was Chozha Keralan. As Per Ila Thyagarajan, the fragment inscription recorded from Vashistapuram and considering the period of Kalithindi war, Chozha Keralan was the Second Son of Rajendra Chozha-I and younger brother to Rajadhirajan – I.  

This place was called different names such as Salukkai alias Chozhakeralapuram,a business Town, Salukkai Kulakalapuram and Manukulakesarinallur,  in memory of Chozhakeralan.  The Shiva temple was Manukulakesari Eswaram. This Shiva Temple was constructed during “Veerarajendran” also called “Chozha Lingeswaran”,  the third brother of Chozha keralan, in memory of his brother. The name of Lord Shiva as “Manukesari eswaram was maintained till 16^th Century Vijayanagara period.

The Tribhuvana Chakravarti Rajendra Chozha Deva's 8th reign year inscription records that the Pondai Matrupuli of Venkundra Kottam consecrated the images of Chozha Kerala Vinnagaram Emperuman of Western temple, Manukula mahadeva Iswaram Udaiyar of Sri Kailayam ( Temple ), Veerakeralap Perumpalli ( Uttara Devi ) and Ambala Nangai as a protection for the City ( Salukkai ) and Made Provision for the worship, offering, Lamps and nandavanam / flower Garden in the first two temples mentioned above and also made Gift of land to all the temples assigning the Villages of Erumbur, Kurumbur Veeraperumbakkam and Illuppai. The servants required for these temples were also given with house sites. 

Vikrama Chozha's 4th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a sandhi lamp, Naivedyam Milakamuthu, Neiyyamuthu, Thayiramuthu, Adaikayamuthu, Beetle nut leaves  10 nos,  for the same 4 kasu for naivedyam and 2 Kasu for Sandhi lamp gifted by Thiruvalavayudayan. 

Krishnadeva Maharaya's saka year 1441, records the remission of Tax of 20 pon as sarvamanya  to the two temples ie. to this shiva Temple and The Chozha kerala Vinnagaram Emperumanar of Salukkai alias Chozha Keralapuram, from the administrative control of Vandavasi Sirmai to Veerabhaadraraya sirmai. for the expenses connected to offerings, worship and festivals in these two temples.

The Pandya King Maravarman alias Tribhuvana Chakravarti Kulasekara Deva period inscription records the gift of the Village Murukkeri in SalikkaippaRRu as a Tax free Devadhana  to this temple of Aludayar Manukulakesarieswaram udaya Nayanar for worship and Thirupani / repair works.

Kulothunga Chozha-I's 49th reign year inscription starts with meikeerthi as "புகழ்மாது விளங்க...." records the sale of 2 Veli land as devadhana by the merchant guild of Chozhakeralapuram, a city of Venkunra nadu a division of Venkundra Kotta, in Jayangonda Chozha Mandalam to Sundari Udayanjeyda alias Puvendiya Chozha Manikkam, a dancing girl attached to this templeManukulakesari iswaram udayar,  for setting up the image of Tiruppalliyarai Nampiratiyar and for offering to and for burning a perpetual lamp before the image.

An incomplete inscription of Rajakesarivaram Thiribhuvana Chakravarti alias Kulothunga Chozha's 3rd reign year inscription starts with his mei keerthi as "பூமேவி வளர..." records the sale of a land.    

The present trustee, who has spent around 11 Lakhs  from his personal fund towards maintenance of this temple.

LEGENDS

Devotees prays Lord Shiva and Ambal for removing marriage obstacles and marriage boon.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on pradosham and Mahashivaratri days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 09.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Gurukkal Balakrishnan may be contacted on his mobile +919786376572 for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place Salukkai is about 2 KM off from Tiruvannamalai to Kanchipuram Main Road, 7.2 KM from Vandavasi, 21 KM from Cheyyar,  39 KM from Kanchipuram,  57 KM from Chengalpattu and 113 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Chandikeswarar

Maha Vishnu and Bhairavar

Bhairavar

Chandikeswarar

Varahi

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple / Lord Siva Temple, Kilkolathur, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Kilkolathur, in Thiruvannamalai District was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi at Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. This temple is little away from the village in the midst of the Sugarcane and Paddy fields. 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.

Moolavar  : Sri Agastheeswarar

Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the salient features of this temple are…..

The temple is facing east with balipeedam and a Rishabam. Thee is no entrance arch or Rajagopuram and Compound wall. The entrance to the sanctum is from the south side with a mukha mandapam. Stucco image of Lord Shiva with Parvati are on the top of the Mukha mandapam. Moolavar is little large. In Kodhtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

Old Rishabam and balipeedam are kept out side the temple. Bhairavar, an Amman ( A Bhutaki and Ayyanar is installed as Koshta murtis ), Navagrahas, Nagars aloose sculpture of Dakshinamurthy ( Chozha Period )and Chandikeswarar are out side the temple. Ambal is  in a separate sannidhi in the Ardha mandapam. Amman is in standing posture with abhaya and varadha hastam.

ARCHITECTURE

The original temple was belongs to Chozha period and the same was reconstructed during recent years with out following any temple structure norms.

The sanctum sanctorum is on a three anga adhisthana. A two tier stucco vesara Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum. Stucco images of Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Ardhanareeswarar, Nandi Bhagwan, Lingothbavar, Vinayagar, Murugan are in the Greeva koshtam. Agasthiyar stucco image with Raishabams on both sides in on the Ardha mandapam parapet wall to remind the name of Lord Shiva as agastheeswarar.

The Ardhamandapam is on a simple padabandha adhisthana. A Hole is provided on the east wall for Rishabam to view Moolavar. The Mukha Mandapam and Ardha mandapam are built using the old stones removed from the original temple. The walls are supported by brahmakantha pilaster with vettu pothyal without any ornamental work. The South side mukha mandapa pillars are original.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to Rajaraja Chozha-II ( Rajendra Chozha’s son ) and the same was reconstructed during recent years. During reconstruction, the inscription stones are used in different places, hence there is no continuity. The Chozha period and Vijayanagara period inscriptions records the gift of Lands etc, for poojas, naivedyam and burning lamps.   

Ashtabandhana maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 18^th February  2019 after renovations.

LEGENDS

In another legend, It is believed that this is one the 108 Shiva Lingas installed and worshiped in Thondai mandalam by Agasthiyar on the way to Pothigai Hills to balance the earth during Shiva and Parvati’s celestial wedding.

The devotees worships Lord Shiva for removing Marriage obstacles, Child boon etc,.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

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

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since orukala Pooja is conducted the temple will be kept opened during Morning hours and the time is in predictable.

CONTACT DETAILS

 

HOW TO REACH

The Village Kilkolathur and the Temple is about 2 KM off Cheyyar- Vandavas – Polur Road, 9.8 KM from Cheyyar, 18.5 KM from Vandavasi, 40 KM from Kanchipuram, 58 KM from Chengalpattu and 114 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest railway station is Kanchipuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Agasthiyar in place of Bhutagana

Moolavar sanctum sanctorum

Chozha period Dakshinamurthy

Ayyanar

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---