Bhuminathaswamy Temple / Sri Thirumeninathar Temple Tiruchuzhi / Tiruchuli, Sri Pushpavaneswarar Temple, Tiruppuvanam, Sri Edaganathar Temple, Thiruvedagam, Appudayar Temple / Sri Rishabareswarar Temple, Thiru Appanoor / Sellur and Thiru Aalavai Temple / Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai.

 09, October 2011

On 6^th October 2011, had been to Tiruchuzhi, Thirupuvanam, Thiruvedagam, Thiru Appanur and Madurai Aalavai ( Meenakshi amman Temples. The route I followed is as given below. Really I had a tough journey.

Chennai – Madurai – Aruppukottai – Tiruchuli ( 15 Kms ) – Thirupuvanam ( Via Manamadurai ( 50 Kms)- Thiruvedagam ( Via Madurai ) – Thiru Aappudayar Koil ( Near Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple ) – Back to Chennai.

256 /10. BHUMINATHASWAMY TEMPLE, SRI THIRUMENINATHAR TEMPLE, TIRUCHUZHI / TIRUCHULI 

This post has been up dated with Thevaram hymns, History, Inscriptions, Architecture, Legends etc. For the details of the up dated post please click this Link. 

This is the 256th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam  and  12^th  sthalam of Pandiya Naadu near Aruppukottai, Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

  

 ( Temple front view- Left Ambal sannadhi Rajagopuram and right is Shiva's sannadhi )

Moolavar    : Sri Thirumeninathar, Sri Chuzhikesar,
                   Sri Piralayavidangar, Sri Bhuminathaswamy, 
                   Sri Manakola Nathar

Consort      : Sri Thunai Maalaiammai, Sri Shahayavalli, 

                   Sri Muthumaalaiyumayal.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram with a mandapam and Temple tank are in front. Moolavar is swayambhu on a square Avudayar. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai.

In prakaram Sannadhis  for Sthala Vinayagars ( Thaavara Vinayagar, Bodhi Vinayagar, Arasu Vinayagar, Veladi Vinayagar, and Tharumathaavara Pillayar ), Natarajar saba ( Natarajar, Sivakami, Pathanjali, Viyakrabathar ). Usha, Prathyusha, Suryan, 63var, Santhanachariyar, Saptamatrikas, Gowthama, Agalika. Somaskandar, Kasi Viswanathar, Chuzhikai Govindar with Boomineela devi.

Ambal is in a separate Temple like sannadhi facing east. Ambal is in thiripanka style with hip, neck, left leg are in slanting posture. Sri chakra is chiseled on the stone ceiling of the Ambal sannathi.  Rasis are also chiseled on the stone ceiling in places of the mandapam. 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and Artha mandapam. Sanctum sanctorum is in the form of Moat /Agazhi. 

It is a big temple and with long corridor with unique feature like Pandya Nadu Temples. Architecture is very amazing. Viyagrapadar statue is in the Saba mandapam must be seen. 

The spout of the outlet water from the roof top  is channeled through a stone pipe (big) on either side for the rain water outlet of the Sanctum to be watched. 

LEGENDS

When Sundarar was in this place, Shiva came in Sundarar’s dream and asked him to come to Thirukkanaper ( Kalayarkoil ) in the form of Kalai ( Young age ) with a chentu in one  hand and Chuzhi in the forehead.  This is also the birth place of Ramana maharishi.

It is believed that Shiva created piralayam and sent to Kavvaikadal Theertham.

HOW TO REACH 

From Aruppukottai lot of buses are available.

Buses from madurai to Manamadurai  goes via Thiruchuli.

CONTACT DETAILS

Archakar may be contacted through + 91 4566 282644

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE    : CLICK HERE

 ( Middle level Rajagopuram )

 ( Murugan sannadhi )

 ( Front Mandapam )

 ( Thirukulam / Temple Tank with neerazhi mandapam )

 Distant view of the temple

( Bas-relief on one of the pillar  Krishna with flute and cow )

Rain water pipe

255/9. SRI PUSHPAVANESWARAR TEMPLE, TIRUPPUVANAM

This post has been up dated with Thevaram hymns, History, Inscriptions, Architecture, Legends etc. For the details of the up dated post please click this Link. 

This is the 255^th  Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the banks of river Vaigai and 11^th sthalam in Pandiya Nadu.  Moovar  has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.  Moovar worshiped Shiva from the opposite bank of Vaigai River, since they saw Siva lingam in each and every sand of the river.

 

( Arch in front of Ambal sannadhi ) 

Moolavar    : Sri Pushpavaneswarar, Sri Poovananathar.

Consort      : Sri SoundaryaNayagi,   Sri Minnanayal.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam / Idabam are in a mandapam after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The Nandhi is not straight to the moolavar an tilted some degrees so that all the three saints had Shiva's darshan from the opposite side of the river. There is a mandapam called Moovar mandapam.

Nataraja is little big and beautiful look. Shiva had done sidhu of rasavatham and gave Gold to Woman Devotee called Ponnayal for making Shiva Lingam. After making the Shiva Lingam, she pinched Lingam by admiring the beauty. Still a scar can be seen on the moolavar.

HISTORY

Tamil inscriptions of Pandya King Kulasekara's period is available in this temple. He was made as king in this temple.

LEGEND

This temple is considered as equivalent to Kasi since the river Vaigai flows towards north and also a parihara Sthalam.

HOW TO REACH : 

Town buses available from Mattuthavani Bus stand.

Buses from Madurai to Manamadurai passes through Thirupuvanam.

Thirupuvanam is on the Madurai to Manamadurai Train route.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Archakar may be contacted  on + 91 4575 265082, 265084, 94435 01761.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

 (Moolavar vimanam )

 ( 5 tier Rajagopuram )

248/4. SRI EDAGANATAR TEMPLE, THIRUVEDAGAM

This post has been up dated with Thevaram hymns, History, Inscriptions, Architecture, Legends etc. For the details of the up dated post please click this Link. 

This is the 248th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam on the banks of river Vaigai and 4^th sthalam of Pandiya Naadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung the hymn starts with  'Vazhka Anadhanar'.

   

Moolavar    : Sri Edaganatheswarar, Sri Edaganathar

Consort      : Sri Ezhavaarkulazhi, Sri Sukuntha Kuntalambigai.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

At the entrance of temple stone pillars are installed and this may be the remains of old Rajagopuram. The temple is facing east with a 4 tier Rajagopuram. balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam / Idabam are in a mandapam after Rajagopuram. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In prakaram sannadhi for 63var, irattai Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Nagalakshmi, Durgai, Sakthi Vinayagar and Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, Vallabha Ganapati, Saastha, Chandran, Suryan, Karthikai. Urchavars are SomasKandar, Thirugnanasambandar, Edaka Nathar, Elavar Kuzhali Amman, ArumugaSamy.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The sanctum sculpture, Gnanasambandar statue in Ambal temple pillar with Chandikeswari and the Malaysia made bell are the main attraction of this temple.

Ambal is also in a separate temple with 5 tier Rajagopuram facing east. Built with sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam.

LEGENDS

Thirugnanasambandar's hymn the "edu" reached the shore after swimmed against the flow of the Vaigai during vatham with Samanars.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATION

Once in a year on Vijayadasami day Urchavar is taken to near by village called Thachampattu for dasara celebration.

HOW TO REACH :

Town buses are available from Periyar bus stand to Chozhavanthaan. 25.2 Km from Madurai.

CONTACT DETAILS: 

Archakar may be contacted through +91 4543 259311

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

 ( Nandavam view with Rajagopurams)

 ( Bootha Ganam with Rishabam / Idabam on the prakaram wall )

( Vaigai river - Edu crossed the river for Thiruganasambandars pathikam ) 

   

246/2. APPUDAYAR TEMPLE, SRI RISHABARESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRU APPANOOR - SELLUR - (THIRU APPUDAYAR  KOIL )

This post has been up dated with Thevaram hymns, History, Inscriptions, Architecture, Legends etc. For the details of the up dated post please click this Link. 

This is the 246^th  Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 2^nd sthalam of Pandya nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.  This temple is on the north bank of river Vaigai and the place is called as Sellur.

Moolavar    : Sri Idaburesar ( Rishabaresar ), Sri Annavinodhan, 

                    Sri Aappudayar.

Consort      : Sri Kuravangazhl kuzhali

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a Rajagopuram. In the Prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Natarajar. Natarajar is made out of single stone looks cute. This is the sub Temple of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha adhistanam, with three patta kumudam. A two tier vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. 

LEGENDS

Iraivan gave Darshan to King Chozhanthagan  in the form of AAPPU when he tried to kill himself for killing a man, whose wife worshiped Aappu as lingam. As per the legend Lord Shiva converted the sand to Annam for the anthanar. 

HOW TO REACH: 

Town bus Route No 17  from Periyar bus stand to Sellur. Get down at Thiru Apudaiyar Koil Bus stop.

Town bus to Chozhavanthan  to Mattuthavani passes through Thiruvedagam and Sellur,

CONTACT DETAILS: 

Archakar can be contacted  +91 452 2530173 & 9443676174

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 ( Navarathiri Lighting of Moolavar vimanam )

( Mandapam during Night ) 

245/1. THIRU AALAVAI TEMPLE ( MADURAI MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE
 

A Separate was written with Thevara Hymns, History with inscriptions, architecture and Legends. Please Click this link  for the details of the up dated post. 

Since I went at night, this time I could not had the darshan due to Sunday & Vijayadasami heavy rush. Earlier I had good darshan on many occasions. I  will post the details Latter. Hence I am posting some of the photos taken during this visit. 

 ( Murals on the wall on the side of Potramarai kulam )

 ( Murals on the wall on the side of Potramarai kulam ) 

 ( Murals on the wall on the side of Potramarai kulam ) 

 ( Navratri festival lighting around potramarai kulam )

  ( Navratri festival lighting around potramarai kulam - with Rajagopuram view ) 

( Navratri festival lighting around potramarai kulam ) 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Viruthapureeswarar Temple/ Pazhampathinathar Temple, Thirupunavasal Shiva Temple, Sri Adhi Rathneswarar Temple, Thiruvadanai, Swarnakaleeswarar Temple, Kalayarkoil / Thirukanaper and Sri Athmanathar Temple, Avudayarkoil / Thiruperundurai - Padal Petra Sthalangal of Pandiya Nadu..

 28, September 2011

After Completing the Darshans of Paadal Petra Sthalangal of NADU NAADU, on 23^rd and 24^th  September 2011, had been to the Paadal Petra Sthalangal  of Pandya Naadu. Out of 14 Temples, I had covered 5 temples already when I was working  for M/s  SPIC, Tuticorin Fertilizer Plant. ( Tirunelveli, Courtallam, Madurai  Aalavai, Thiruparankundram, Rameswaram ). Had been to Thiruchuli, but I did not gone to the temple, long back and not aware of it.

This time I had been to Three Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Pandya Nadu and Thiruvasakam Paadal Petra Sthalam, Thiruperundurai ( Avudayarkoil) The details I gathered and the photos I had taken through my mobile are enclosed.

251/7. SRI VIRUTHAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, THIRUPPUNAVASAL.

This post was updated with Thevara hymns, Architecture, history, Inscription, Legends etc,. For details of the updated post please Click this Link. 

(Since I reached the temple about 7.00 o’ clock night I could not take clear day light pictures, through my mobile.)

This is the 251st Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the banks of river Pambaru ( Sarba nadhi ) and 7th sthalam of Pandya Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

( Night view of the Dakshinamoorthy sannadhi with Stucco image above )

Moolavar    : Sri Viruthapureeswarar, Sri Pazhampathi Nathar, 
                   Sri Mahalingeswarar.

Consort      : Sri Bhiruntha Nayaki, Sri Periya Nayaki.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram.  In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy ( in yoga posture ), Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. Vishnu and Anjanayer are installed instead of Lingothbavar. It is believed to be 3000 years old and Lord Shiva is called as Pazhampathi Nathar. 

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. The Moolavar Vimana is taller than the Rajagopuram.

It was told that the temple at Thanjavur was constructed by seeing this temple. To prove this the Moolavar Lingam is 9 feet high  and avudayar is 33 feet circumference & 5.5 feet high  and komugi is 3.5 feet.

LEGENDS

It is believed that Worshiping Shiva in this temple is equal to worshiping of all 14 temples of Pandya nadu ( 14 Lingams are installed ).  The Vinayagar is Aakanda Vinayagar ( Aakandan – Indra -worshiped the lord).

Kudaivarai Kali ( aroopam ) temple is on the north east corner of the temple premises, which we can see only through a mirror.

HOW TO REACH :

Buses available from Avudayarkoil, Aranthangi and Thiruvadanai.

Taxi to pick up and drop available from Avudayarkoil, ( they may charge Rs 600.00 to Rs 1000. ( The road is toooooo  bad ).

CONTACT DETAILS :

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Moolavar Vimanam )

Moolavar vimanam 

253/9. SRI ADHI RATHNESWARAR TEMPLE, 
THIRUVADANAI

This post was updated with Thevara hymns, Architecture, history, Inscription, Legends etc,. For details of the updated post please Click this Link. 

Now this place is called Thiruvadanai. This is the 253^rd  Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 9^th  Sthalam in Pandya nadu. ThirugnanaSambandar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

(The 9 tier  Rajagopuram.)

Moolavar    : Sri Aathirathneswarar, Sri Ayagajaeswarar

Consort      : Sri Snehavalli, Sri Anbayeravalli.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with a 130 feet high, nine tiers Rajagopuram. Balipeedam Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In the prakaram Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Murugan, Somaskandar, Lakshmi and Sabha mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Moolavar Lingam is made out of Blue Rathinam. 

  

Ambal is in a separate sannadhi in chathurbhuja posture facing east. Corridor is beautifully constructed  with rock pillars with many sculptures. 

LEGENDS

As per the legend, due to curse of Durvasa muni, Varunan’s son Vaaruni has got the Elephant body with goat's head ( ஆடு + ஆனை = ஆடானை ). By worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple the curse was removed and he got the original form. Hence this place is called as Thiruvadanai.

It is believed that Suryan installed and worshiped the moolavar.

HISTORY 

The temple is under the control of Ramanathapuram Rajah’s family.

HOW TO REACH : 

Buses from Karaikudi ( 20 KM ), Devakottai ( 10 KM) to Thondi passes through this place Thiruvadanai. 

Buses from Trichy, Madurai to Thondi passes through Thiruvadanai.

CONTACT DETAILS:

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( Front mandapam pillars )

254/10. SWARNA KAALEESWARAR TEMPLE, 
KALAYARKOIL - ( THIRUKANAPER )  

This post was updated with Thevara hymns, Architecture, history, Inscription, Legends etc,. For details of the updated post please Click this Link. 

This place is now called as Kalayarkoil. This is the 254^th  Thevaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 10^th  sthalam in Pandiya Naadu. Thirugnanasambandar & Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple. 

( Rajagopuram's view )

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with Two 9 Tier and 5 Tier Rajagopuras. There are Three sanctum and Centre one is the Padal petra Sthalam. All the three sannadhis has the  Balipeedam, Nandhi and Dwajasthambam.

Moolavar                     Consort

Swarna Kaaleeswarar       Sri Sornavalli

Sri Somesar                     Sri Soundaravalli

Sri Sundaresar                 Sri Meenakshi

Some of the important features of this temple are....

There are three Shiva Sannadhi with two Rajagopuram in a single premises.  The sanctum sanctorum is  few feet below the ground level. 

The center Swarna Kaleeswarar is old and Paadal Petra swayambu lingam.

  

It was told that Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple Rajagopuras can be seen from the Tallest rajagopuram.  There is a local kummi -கும்மி song available for this Rajagopuram.  "மதுரை கோபுரம் தெரியக் கட்டிய  மருதுபாண்டியன்   வாராண்டி " ).

HISTORY

During Britisher's period Maruthu Pandiyar saved the Rajagopuram by surrendering himself and latter he was killed by the Britishers. 

LEGENDS

As per the legend Goddess Kali worshiped Shiva and turned to sornam ( Gold colour ) from black.

In Sundarar’s dream, when was at Thiruchuli,  Lord Shiva came in  the form of Kalaimadu with sendu in one hand and Chuzhi on the forehead and said he is in Kanaper. Since Lord Shiva came in the form of Kaalai madu the place is called as Kalayar Kovil.

HOW TO REACH:

Buses available from from Karaikudi, Sivagangai, Devakottai, Madurai to this place.

On the train route get down at Nattarasankottai on the Chennai to Rameswaram and Trichy to Manamadurai.

CONTACT DETAILS :

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

( A mandapam )

Moolavar vimanam

( Inner corridor )

( Someswarar sannadhi entrance arch )

( Sorna keeswarar sannadhi Rajagopuram - Entrance is not through this )

SRI ATHMANATHAR TEMPLE,  AVUDAIYARKOIL /THIRUPERUNTHURAI

This is one of the Thiruvasagam, by Manickavasagar Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam.   

Moolavar    : Sri Athmanatheswarar, Sri Guruswamy, 

                   Sri Paramaswamy,   Sri Athmanathar

Consort      : Sri Yogambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a Mukha mandapam. The Rajagopuram is of seven tiers, which is visible from a long distance. There is no Rishabam, Dwajasthambam / Kodimaram and balipeedam. Only Avudai is in the temple, in place of Shivalinga is called as Avudayarkoil. In this temple both Lord Shiva and Ambal  has no idols, since both are in aroopam state.

This temple is famous for its sculpture and architecture. Kodungai of the mandapams were made in a single stone shaped to small thickness and joined together. ( even to day the sculptors used to enter in an agreement for constructing anew temple, “Kodungaikal will not be similar to Avudaiyarkoil “). Bullet marks by the Britishers can also be seen.  It is amazing to see the stone statues on the pillars and the stone chains hanging from the roof.

The naivedyam is boiled rice satham kept on the stone slab in front of the Avudayar. Only steam from the satham is the naivedyam. The vegetables offered in the temple are Bitter guard, spinach / Keerai, which are not offered in any other temples. ( To teach vedam to Anthanar children, Lord Shiva was offered keerai, bitter guard by the Anthanars).
  

Sthala vruksham is Kurantha Maram, under which Lord taught Manickavasagar. The specialty of the tree leaves is, they have three different smells. 

HOW TO REACH:

Frequent buses available from Aranthangi on Aranthangi ( 14 KM ) to Mimisal.

Buses are available to Aranthangi from Thanjavur, Madurai, Chennai, Karaikudi, Trichy etc.

CONTACT DETAILS:

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Temple entrance arch

Front mandapam with Rajagopuram view

Front mandapam kodungaikal ( roof side )

Lord Shiva's oorthava thandavam - Pillar sculpture in front mandapam

Lord Shiva as Rishabanthigar sculpture on the pillar  in the front mandapam

Lord Shiva's another posture

Rajagopuram side view

One of the shrine's vimanam

( mandapam arch Stucco images )
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---