Showing posts with label Vellore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vellore. Show all posts
Wednesday 5 January 2022
Friday 17 July 2020
Vilvanatheswarar Temple / Sri Vilvanatheswarar Temple / Vilwanatheswarar Temple, Thiruvalam / Tiruvalam -திருவலம் – Vellore District, Tamil Nadu.
Now this place is called as Thiruvalam – திருவலம். This is
the 10th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the banks of
River Ponnai / Bahuda River ( There is also another name “neevaa ( நீ வா ) ” to this river
– The river changed it's direction and came nearer, when Lord Shiva asked ) in
Thondai Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of
this temple.
எரித்தவன் முப்புரம் எரியின் மூழ்கத்
தரித்தவன் கங்கையைத் தாழ்சடைமேல்
விரித்தவன் வேதங்கள் வேறுவேறு
தெரித்தவன் உறைவிடம் திருவல்லமே.
அன்றிய அமணர்கள் சாக்கியயர்கள்
குன்றிய அறிவுரை கூறாவண்ணம்
வென்றவன் புலன்ஐந்தும் விளங்க எங்கும்
சென்றவன் உறைவிடம் திருவல்லமே
கற்றவர் திருவல்லம் கண்டு சென்று
நற்றமிழ் ஞானசம் பந்தன் சொன்ன
குற்றமில் செந்தமிழ் கூறவல்லார்
பற்றுவர் ஈசன்பொற் பாதங்களே
Moolavar : Sri Vilvanatheeswarar, Sri Vallanathar
Consort : Sri Thanumathyambal, Sri Vallambigai.
எரித்தவன் முப்புரம் எரியின் மூழ்கத்
தரித்தவன் கங்கையைத் தாழ்சடைமேல்
விரித்தவன் வேதங்கள் வேறுவேறு
தெரித்தவன் உறைவிடம் திருவல்லமே.
தரித்தவன் கங்கையைத் தாழ்சடைமேல்
விரித்தவன் வேதங்கள் வேறுவேறு
தெரித்தவன் உறைவிடம் திருவல்லமே.
அன்றிய அமணர்கள் சாக்கியயர்கள்
குன்றிய அறிவுரை கூறாவண்ணம்
வென்றவன் புலன்ஐந்தும் விளங்க எங்கும்
சென்றவன் உறைவிடம் திருவல்லமே
குன்றிய அறிவுரை கூறாவண்ணம்
வென்றவன் புலன்ஐந்தும் விளங்க எங்கும்
சென்றவன் உறைவிடம் திருவல்லமே
கற்றவர் திருவல்லம் கண்டு சென்று
நற்றமிழ் ஞானசம் பந்தன் சொன்ன
குற்றமில் செந்தமிழ் கூறவல்லார்
பற்றுவர் ஈசன்பொற் பாதங்களே
நற்றமிழ் ஞானசம் பந்தன் சொன்ன
குற்றமில் செந்தமிழ் கூறவல்லார்
பற்றுவர் ஈசன்பொற் பாதங்களே
.... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் தேவாரம்
Moolavar : Sri Vilvanatheeswarar, Sri Vallanathar
Consort : Sri Thanumathyambal, Sri Vallambigai.
Some of the salient features of this temple are…….
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch on
the south side. The First level Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers and the
second level Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. The
Gowri Theertha kulam with neerazhi mandapam is on the right side between
1st and 2nd level Rajagopurams. At the 2nd level
Rajagopuram, on both side murtis of
Valampuri Vinayagar and Aathmalingeswarar. Immediately after the 2nd level
Rajagopuram Kalabhairava on the right.
In the outer prakaram ( 100 pillar mandapam
) sannadhi for Kasi Viswanathar, Chandramouleeswarar, Annamalaiyar, SadhaShiva,
Anandhar, Neelakandar, Ambikeswarar, 1008 Mahalingam / Sahasra Lingam, Sri
Valli Devasena Subramaniar Gurueswarar, Vishnueswarar, VidhAtharaeswarar, 1300
years old Mango tree and Kani Vangiya Vinayagar ( கனி வாங்கிய விநாயகர் ). Also separate temples for Adhi Vilvanathar ( with Chozha
period inscriptions all around ) and Sundareswarar with Meenakshi.
Adhi Vilavanathar shrine
100 pillar mandapam
In Mukha mandapam, Balipeedam
Dwajasthambam, Adhikara Nandhi/ Rishabam, Big Stucco Rishabam ( Installed by
Sri La Sri Sivananda Mouna Swamigal ), Mouna Swamigal Murti, Navagrahas. Adhikara
nandhi with balipeedam, in the inner prakaram are facing east along with
moolavar. There is also a special feature about the Gopuram of Saba Mandapam.
The Stucco images of 27 Nakshatras are around the gopuram.
27 Nakshathras
Navagrahas with Stucco Rishabam
In the inner prakaram Idols /murtis of
Brahmi, Vishnu, 63var ( in ஐம்பொன் - Impon and stone –
installed in 2 rows ), Chandikeswarar and Nagar.
Nayanmars
The moolavar is of swayambhu and little
inclined to north looks majestic. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy,
Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai ( Not standing on mahishasuran ).
In the artha mandapam Vishnu, Urchavars
( the beauty of Sakthi and Pichadanar / Bhiksahadanar are to be seen ),
Chandrasekarar. Standing in one place we can have the darshan of Lord Shiva
and Vishnu.
The Dwarapalakas are not a regular murtis.
The left side Dwarapalaka is some what, a regular with usual mudra
( The index finger – susi ). The right side
dwarapalaka is like dancing with a beautiful smile on his face. (
Thanks to the Sivachariyar and his son, who gave permission to take photographs
of Dwarapalakas ).
Dwarapalakas
Ambal Sri Thanumathyambal is
in a separate Temple in the outer prakaram and she is also called as
"Theekali Ambal" with anger/ ukram on her face. It is believed
that Adhi Shankara had changed the anger in to a peace/
Shantham. In koshtam Vinayagar, Annapoorani, Ambal with
Abayavaram and Durgai.
On the left, Temple for Sri
Rajarajeswari. Also there is a copper plate inscription installed by
Sri la Sri Sivanatha Mouna Swamigal (The inscription details are posted seperately ). Sri la Sri Sivananda mouna Swamigal jeeva
samadhi is on the left side of Temple arch. He had done lot of
thirupani to this temple. He had cured many deceases through vibhuti and vilva / Bilva leaves. He spent all the donations for the thirupani. ( A copper plate with
inscriptions can be seen one left side near Sri Ambikeswari samedha
Sri Raja Rajeswarar temple between the two Rajagopurams ).
Arunagirinathar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Murugan of this Temple in his Thiruppugazh.
நசையொடு தொலுந் தசைதுறு நீரும்
நடுநடு வேயென் புறுகீலும்
நலமுறு வேயொன் றிடஇரு கால்நன்
றுறநடை யாருங் குடலூடே
விசையுறு காலம் புலனெறி யேவெங்
கனலுயிர் வேழந் திரியாதே
விழுமடி யார்முன் பழுதற வேள்கந்
தனுமென வோதும் விறல்தாராய்
இசையுற வேயன் றசைவற வூதும்
எழிலறி வேழம் எனையாளென்
றிடர்கொடு மூலந் தொடர்வுட னோதும்
இடமிமை யாமுன் வருமாயன்
திசைமுக னாருந் திசைபுவி வானுந்
திரிதர வாழுஞ் சிவன் மூதூர்
தெரிவையர் தாம் வந் தருநட மாடுந்
திருவுலமேவும் பெருமானே
Beautifully engraved stone bowl with Girls Kolattam
HISTORY AN INSCRIPTIONS
The temple has lot of
Tamil inscriptions. The inscriptions belongs to Koprakesari Rajendra
Chozhan, Ko Rajakesarivarman Raja mahendran, Kulothunga–I, Kulothunga –III., Chozha
Booban’s son Veerasamban and many other king’s period inscriptions
are found. As per the
inscriptions this place was called as Theekali Vallam during Rajaraja Chozhan ( 991 CE ) period, as
Thiruvalam during Arunagirinathar’s Thiruppugazh period and as Vanapuram during Nandhivarman period ( 793 CE). The Lord Shiva is
called in different names. Nandhivarma Pallavan-III ( 863 CE ) period as
Theekali Vallamudaya Parameswarar, Mahavali Vaana bana Raja (
Vikramathiya I) ( 888 CE ) period as Theekkali
Perumanadikal, Rajaraja Chozhan - I ( 991 CE ) period as
Thirutheekkali Alwar, Rajendra Chozhan (1015 CE ) period as Thiruvallamudayar,
Vikarama Chozhan (1123 CE ) period as
Thiruvallamudaya Mahadevar and Kulothunga Chozhan III (1212 CE ) period as Thiruvallamudaya Naayanar.
The
Nandhivarman –II, (793 CE ) inscription records that during Mavali
Vanavarayar’s rule a gold smith called Aridiran son of Madan donated land to
this temple and the same was confirmed by Mavali Vanavarayar during personal
visit.
NandhiVarman-III ( 863 CE ) period inscription records that at the request of Mavali
Vanarayan alias Vikramaditta Vanavarayan, the clubbing of Villages Aimbuni,
Vilattur and Amarunri to fom a single Village called Videlvidugu Vikramaditta
Chaturvedimangalam and donated to this temple. The Village saba has to pay 2000
kadi of paddy and 20 kalanju gold, which was paid earlier by the village
Amarunri mangalam, to this god Paramesvara of Tikkali-vallam. From the 2000
Kadi paddy received, 600 kadi for food offering, 500 Kadi for the Siva Brahmins, who offer worship, 500 kadi
for the musicians ( drums etc)during sri-bali ceremony, and 400 kadi
paddy to be paid to different service men who includes those picking of flowers,
for temple garlands, sing tiruppadiyam (hymns). The gold to be utilized for the
burning of perpetual lamps, anointment, incense and repairs.
Nandivarman –III
( 863 CE ) period another inscription records the gift of four patti land by
Vinaiyadityan, son of Monaiyar from Village Ilaiyanur in Ilaiyanur Nadu to god
Tikkaliyadigal, to provide rice for naivedyam and one alakku ghee as olukkavi
offerings and tondaopu for worship. The land was under the care of 4 persons.
Rajaraja Chozha
–I’s 4th year reign inscription ( 299 of 1897) records the
construction of Rajarajeswarar sanctum sanctorum and burning of 2 perpetual
lamps 2000 kuzhi land was donated by an official called Eerayiravan
Pallavarayan.
Rajendra Chozha
–I’s ( 1050-62 CE ), 3rd year reign inscription ( 75 of 1889 )
records the gift of 25 Kalanju gold from an official under him and the same was
given to Dikshitar / priest. Another
inscription ( 92 of 1889 ) of the same
period Vanapura land 1000 kuzhi was sold
to Vaithumba Somanathan and the same was gifted to this temple.
KoRajakesari
Varman-I’s 7th year reign inscription ( 8A of 1890 ) records
the endowment of making Ambal’s idol (
metal ? ) and burning of perpetual lamps by a Brahmin and for the same 1700
kuzhi land, which was purchased from Thooinattu manthiram sabha. The same King’s 16th
year reign inscriptions ( 11 of 1890 ) records the sale of 700 kuzhi land to
Shankaradevan and the same was gifted to this temple.
Korajakesari Varman Raja Raja’s 20th
year reign inscription (1415 of 1890 ) records the donation of 90 goats and 3rd
year reign inscription records the
income from the Village Kukkanur of
Thooi Nadu to this temple.
Vanaraya’s period Saka 810, ie 888 CE
inscription (1B of 1890 ) records the A Parpanan ( Brahmin ?) of Edkur Village,
received 25 Kalanju gold. The interest earned was spent for burning of
perpetual lamp.
Vijayakanda Gopalan’s 3rd
year reign inscription records ( 79 of 1889 ), Azhakiya Pallavan period
Rajarajan-III Nilamaniyakarar ( a village official ) exempted the tax of 1.16
%.
Inscriptions on the adhistanam
Vijayanagara Dynasty emblem- a proof of their contribution
LEGENDS
It is believed that the Vinayagar has
got the Mango fruit after circumambulating Lord Shiva and Parvati in this temple,
hence he is called a “Kani Vangiya Vinayagar ( கனி வாங்கிய விநாயகர் )“ and Vinayagar is facing north. Hence the place is also called as
Thiruvalam. Sri Vinayagar
is sitting on his vahana –moonchuru/ mooshika holding mango in the right hand, The bas-reliefs
associated with the history of this temple are highlighted in the front mandapa
pillar during the recent renovation.
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 Gurukkal who
brought water to Shiva’s abhishekam from this Kanjanagiri - the hill is
just opposite to Sri Vilvanatheswarar Temple, was obstructed by Kanjan, a
Demon. When the same was reported to Shiva, Shiva advised Rishabam to take care
of the Gurukkal. Rishabam, killed the demon, tored the demon in to pieces and
throw the pieces of the body around the Hill. The Village names are in the
names of the Demon’s parts of the body. 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.
Sthalapurana bas-reliefs
Sthala puranam bas-reliefs
Rishabam kills the demon - the sthala puranam
Sthala puranam bas-reliefs- The priests are carrying water for Moolavar abhishekam
The Rishabam - looking opposite direction 
A Demon related to sthala puranam
THE TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The temple will be kept open between
06.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS.
For pooja and other details the
Sivachariyar Umapathi can be contacted over his land line 0416 –
2236088 and mobile 9894922166.
Also Mr Sivan 9245446956 can be
contacted over his mobile.
HOW TO REACH:
From Arcot town bus is available to
Thiruvalam.
The place Thiruvalam is on the bus
route Chennai to Chittoor ( Route No 144 ), after Ranipet. Alternatively From
Chennai to Vellore get down at Muthukadai after Walaja and catch a bus to
Thiruvalam.
Thiruvalam
is 14 KM from Arcot, 18 KM from Katpadi,
20 KM from Vellore, 59 KM from Arakkonam and 120 KM from Chennai.
The nearest
railway Junction is Katpadi.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Stucco Rishabam
Kannappa nayanar puranam
Arjunan fights with Lord Shiva
Narasimhar and Pichadanar
Gandaberunda - an emblem of Hoysalas
Gangalar
Temple Chariot
Nandi Deva playing Mridangam - a relief of the Chariot
Gangalar
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
Adhi Vilavanathar shrine
100 pillar mandapam
In Mukha mandapam, Balipeedam
Dwajasthambam, Adhikara Nandhi/ Rishabam, Big Stucco Rishabam ( Installed by
Sri La Sri Sivananda Mouna Swamigal ), Mouna Swamigal Murti, Navagrahas. Adhikara
nandhi with balipeedam, in the inner prakaram are facing east along with
moolavar. There is also a special feature about the Gopuram of Saba Mandapam.
The Stucco images of 27 Nakshatras are around the gopuram.
27 Nakshathras
Navagrahas with Stucco Rishabam
Nayanmars
In the artha mandapam Vishnu, Urchavars
( the beauty of Sakthi and Pichadanar / Bhiksahadanar are to be seen ),
Chandrasekarar. Standing in one place we can have the darshan of Lord Shiva
and Vishnu.
Dwarapalakas
Beautifully engraved stone bowl with Girls Kolattam
The temple has lot of
Tamil inscriptions. The inscriptions belongs to Koprakesari Rajendra
Chozhan, Ko Rajakesarivarman Raja mahendran, Kulothunga–I, Kulothunga –III., Chozha
Booban’s son Veerasamban and many other king’s period inscriptions
are found. As per the
inscriptions this place was called as Theekali Vallam during Rajaraja Chozhan ( 991 CE ) period, as
Thiruvalam during Arunagirinathar’s Thiruppugazh period and as Vanapuram during Nandhivarman period ( 793 CE). The Lord Shiva is
called in different names. Nandhivarma Pallavan-III ( 863 CE ) period as
Theekali Vallamudaya Parameswarar, Mahavali Vaana bana Raja (
Vikramathiya I) ( 888 CE ) period as Theekkali
Perumanadikal, Rajaraja Chozhan - I ( 991 CE ) period as
Thirutheekkali Alwar, Rajendra Chozhan (1015 CE ) period as Thiruvallamudayar,
Vikarama Chozhan (1123 CE ) period as
Thiruvallamudaya Mahadevar and Kulothunga Chozhan III (1212 CE ) period as Thiruvallamudaya Naayanar.
Vanaraya’s period Saka 810, ie 888 CE
inscription (1B of 1890 ) records the A Parpanan ( Brahmin ?) of Edkur Village,
received 25 Kalanju gold. The interest earned was spent for burning of
perpetual lamp.
Inscriptions on the adhistanam
Vijayanagara Dynasty emblem- a proof of their contribution
Sthala puranam bas-reliefs
Rishabam kills the demon - the sthala puranam
Sthala puranam bas-reliefs- The priests are carrying water for Moolavar abhishekam
The Rishabam - looking opposite direction
A Demon related to sthala puranam
Stucco Rishabam
Kannappa nayanar puranam
Arjunan fights with Lord Shiva
Narasimhar and Pichadanar
Gandaberunda - an emblem of Hoysalas
Gangalar
Temple Chariot
Nandi Deva playing Mridangam - a relief of the Chariot
Gangalar
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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