Sri Samayeeswarar Temple, Pulicat / Pazhaverkadu, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

 16^th March, 2016

After the Light house visit  reached this Shiva temple. It was told that the temple was built during Chozha Period. The renovation is in progress. It was happy to see that materials like lime, etc are used for renovation.

SRI SAMAYEESWARAR TEMPLE – PAZHAVERKADU.

Moolavar    : Sri Samayeeswarar

Consort      : Sri Anandavalli

Some of the important details are as follows….

The temple is facing east with Rishabam and balipeedam  are at outside the sanctum sanctorum. 

Ambal is in a separate temple facing east with two sannadhis on the back side on the left side of the man sanctum sanctorum.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple was built with sanctum, artha mandapam and maha mandapam. There is a mandapam adjacent to Ambal sannidhi may be used for urchavams and celebration of festivals.

The front entrance   to the temple  is dilapidated condition with trees grown on it. The roots came up to ground  and formed like another pillars. The roof  is supported by wooden pillars and  the terrace is of madras type terrace. The sub sannidhis are with out idols may be kept inside and during our visit, we could not see them.

It is worth look at the reliefs chiseled on the pillars. In the front mandapam  on the ceiling in addition to the regular symbolic representation of reliefs of Solar and lunar eclipse. There are bas-reliefs of lizards and fish with wings. The mandapam beams also has the reliefs of Shiva and  munivars.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS :

Since one kala pooja is conducted  the time of opening is unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Sivachariyar Ganesha Gurukkal may be contacted for further details and his mobile number is 8682821200

HOW TO REACH :

Town buses are available from Ponneri, Red hills to Pazhaverkadu and the temple is about a KM from the Pazhaverkadu bus stop.

LOCATION :CLICK HERE

 Back side of Ambal temple

 Front side of Ambal temple

 Mandapam may be used for functions 

 Vahana mandapam

Pothiyal and beam reliefs 

 Pothiyal and beam reliefs 

 Ceiling reliefs – Solar and Lunar eclipse with Lizard reliefs 

Beam reliefs 

 Beam reliefs 

 Pothiyal and beam reliefs 

 Pothiyal Monkey relief – a rare sculpture 

Pothiyal Monkey relief – a rare sculpture 

 Pothiyal Monkey relief – a rare sculpture 

 The king or the donor who helped to construct the mandapam 

Beam reliefs 

 Kannappar story 

 Sankarar  

 Many places this relief is found – Monkey eating a jack fruit. 

Entrance arch with Madras terrace type roof – the vegetation will crumble the structure soon

The person who takes care of the Dutch Cemetery  told us there is a Adhi Narayan Temple near the big mosque and also it is too old. We tried our best to reach the temple but could not do so due to the thorny  bush and  high vegetation grown  along the path. Only the Anjaneyar sannadhi is on the road side. The main renovated and abandoned   due to High court order vimanam can be seen from a long distance.  We tried to see from the back side but could not see due high growth of vegetation.

We do not know  for whom Adhi narayanan is waiting for ?.

 --- OM SHIVAYA NAMAHA:---

........... To be continued with Dutch Cemetery

Light House, Pulicat, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

15^th, March 2016.

After darshan of Sri Chinthamaneeswar we continued our travel through the sea shore road.  The Light House is located  in an island, which has the road connectivity with the main land Pazhaverkadu with a new bridge. The bridge was constructed recently and before construction of the bridge, people living  in the Pulicat island depends on the boat services or cross Kosasthalaiyar river by walk. The light house is constructed and commissioned on 25-08-1986 on small sand hill.  The structure is in the shape of  hexagon  and is visible about 5 km  from land. The detailed technical specification is as follows.

The elevation of focal plane          :53.5 meters above M.H.W.S

No of service lamps two in Arrays : Seven  arrays with 2 lamps/ array

Voltage                                       : 100 V AC  - 12 V DC

Speed of Rotation is                     : 6 RPM

Flashing white                            : 5 second  duration of flash 0.25 sec

Effective beam intensity               : 1,050,000 CDS to -38,000 CDS

Geographical range                      : 9.3 Nautical miles

Commissioned on                        : 28-08-1986.

It is a historical monument  and at the time of construction it was the highest Light house  in South Asia.  Before this there was an old light house with brick masonry of height 20 meters which was constructed during 1859. There was a Time chart to switch ON and Switch OFF  depending on the month.  The equipment of fourth order optic PV lighting  was  re used in the present tower  till 1910 with modification. Then after that  few years before the whole array of PV lights were replaced with the present lighting system and UPS system.  Apart from this there is a DG set to care of power failure. The Glass room at the top where the Lights are  located  used to cover with white screen cloth  during day time and night it will be removed.

LOCATION :CLICK HERE

 Light House details 

 Timing chart for switching ON & OFF of the Light house 

 Light house stairs looking from Looking from top 

Light house stairs looking from bottom  

  Pazhaverkadu  with new bridge  

 North side of Light House Panoramic view 

 North side of Light House Panoramic view 

  North side of Light House Panoramic view 

 South side of Light House Panoramic view 

 South side of Light House Panoramic view   

 Portuguese Church with Pulicat lake  

 Portuguese Church with Pulicat lake  

 Pulicat lake  - merging point of river Kosasthalaiyar with sea

                 Pulicat lake  - merging point of river Kosasthalaiyar with sea

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMAHA:---

Sri Chintamaneeswarar Temple / Chinthamaneeswarar Temple at Karungali / Pulicat - A Travel to Chozha period Temples and and Dutch Heritage Sites

 15^th, March 2016.

Once during usual conversation  in our  office, one of my colleague told me that he studied his Plus 2 at Ponneri and his mother’s sister is working at Pazhaverkadu Light house.  So I asked him to take me to Pazhaverkadu to see the light house and some of the Shiva temples in and around Pazhaverkadu.  Thought of visiting the Shiva and Vishnu temple, which once came in the  media  about the reconstruction and our R.E.A.C.H Foundation and Temple revival team also associated with that. It happened long back.  During the beginning of this month once again I reminded my Colleague.  He accepted to take me on 13^th March 2016. I was little thrilled  to see the light house and Pazhaverkadu Dutch cemetery and some of the Shiva temples in and around Pazhaverkadu. Since he is staying at Kathivakkam, a part of North Chennai and asked me to come to Kathivakkam railway station.

Started around 04.30 Hrs from Home at West of Velachery via Guindy, Park and central  reached Kathivakkam  through Nellore Passenger train around 07.30 Hrs.  My friend Mr Boominathan was waiting since 06.00 hrs and  took me to all the places through a loaned  Bullet Motor cycle  from his brother. While starting he asked me to ride, politely said ‘No’ and preferred  as a billion rider, since I am only  accustomed to the old Bullets which has brake on the left and gears on the right ( after the leg injury  both of my old bullets are idle at home and a bullet lover, is a different story  ).

We went through Kamarajar Port, North Madras Thermal Power station ( ETPP), L&T Ship building Yard / Port, Kattupalli, ABENGOA Sea water desalination Plant, Kalanji, Karungali and finally reached Pazhaverkadu. The route is along sea shore and the road was too bad to ride.  The road went through forest in some areas with  out any human habitations. On the way about 5 KM before  Pazhaverkadu  ( Karungali ) we could see the  reconstructed  Shiva temple  on the banks of River Kosasthalaiyar River ( Some people mention this as river Arani?. )

SRI CHINTAMANEEWSWARAR TEMPLE  

( CHINTHAMANEESWARAR TEMPLE ) AT KARUNGALI.

During our visit the temple was closed and few Devotees were  waiting for the monthly / annual rituals to their ancestors.   And do not know, when the Gurukkal will arrive for the pooja. This Part was written as a combined post along with other temples and please click this link for the details of my earlier post. 

Moolavar    : Sri Chintamaneeswarar

Consort      : Sri Sivakamavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple occupies between the river Kosasthalaiyar river  and Sea  with out any human habitation  2 KM around the temple on the sand. The temple is facing east  with out even compound wall with old temple pillars are used as fence posts. 

Sannadhi for Kalabhairavar, Navagrahas   are out side the sanctum sanctorum  and Vinayagar, Subramaniyar are named after Chinthamani.

  

Lord Shiva is with five faces  and they are Isanam, That Purusham, Vamadevan, Sathyojaatham and Agoram.  This temple represents the Agoram. All the five temples are are on the banks of this river Kosasthalaiyar River (Brahmarayanya) and this temple is on the place where the river merges with sea.

HISTORY 

The original temple  is very  old and it was told that the temple was built during Chozha’s reign. The temple has been reconstructed recently  with concrete completely altered the old structure. The sanctum vimanam is of Gajabirushtam type. The Locals discovered this temple, when  the kalasam was protruding through sands. It is believed that the temple was created by Sattaimuni and latter constructed by the Chozha Kings about 1000 years before.

LEGENDS

It is believed that the temple is equivalent to Kasi and Rameswaram.  And it is a best place to  give rites to the ancestors on full moon day and no moon day.

This temple Shiva is a Kula deivam for the local fishermen community and Chitra Pournami is celebrated in a grand manner.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temple  timings are not known and one kala pooja is conducted.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Gurukkal Shanmugam may be contacted through his mobile 98402 14130 for further details.

HOW TO REACH :

This temple can be reached through road ( many parts  are not motorable ) via, Ennore Port, L & T Ship Building Yard/ Port, Kattupalli.

Alternatively up to Kattur by bus and from Kattur by boat to cross the river.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---

………….To be continued ( Pazhaverkadu Light House ). 

Sri Sivayoganathar Temple / Thiruvisanallur Sivayoginathar Temple, Thiruvisanallur / Thiruvisalur, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. HIRUVISANALLUR - MAHAMAHAM 2016, KUMBAKONAM TAMIL NADU.

 10^th March, 2016.

After the darshan of  Sri Someswarar, Kumbakonam Friends  took me to their house for lunch and taken rest for about an hour. My next destination was to Thiruvisanallur to attend Pradosham. Mr Madhan  dropped me at Thiruvisanallur Shiva Temple all the way from Kumbakonam.

SRI SIVAYOGINATHAR TEMPLE, THIRUVISANALLUR

Inside view of  Rajagopuram, balipeedam Dwajasthambam and Rishabam

Moolavar    : Sri Sivayoginathar

Consort      : Sri Soundaranayagi.

This is one of the Devaram Paadal petra Shiva Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery ( For details of my earlier visit .CLICK HERE.).  The temple was built during Parantaka I, Rajaraja Chozha I and Rajendra Chozha II.  The front mandapam with sanctum was reconstructed during 1929 by Devakottai Nagarathars and Parakara mandapam  was also reconstructed using the same stones with inscriptions.  There is a solar clock  fixed on the south side of the temple compound wall which shows the accurate time. Between 06.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs. 

There are 4 Bhairavars  for each yuga,  called Chathur kala bhairavas  in this temple. For worshiping Bhairavas on ashtami day people used to throng in this temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE 

 

Back side of 2^nd level Rajagopuram painting with stucco images 

 Preparing for the abhishekam to Rishabam 

Temple front view with metal sheet mandapam 

Ambal sannadhi 

Kailaya vathyam – by the local group is taking training for prathosam 

abhishekam to  Rishabam 

 Solar Clock – The time of Photo taken was 17.10 Hrs 

 Solar Clock – The time of Photo taken was 17.50 Hrs 

Rajagopuram view after sunset 
---OM SHIVAYA NAMAHA---

Sri Someswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu,

 10^th March, 2016.

Had the darshan of Sri Someswarar also during this MAHAMAHAM 2016. The compound wall separates Sri Sarangapani Temple and Sri Someswarar temple.

This post was sup dated with Devara Hymns, Architecture, History, Inscriptions, Legends etc,. For the details of the updated post, please click this link. 

SRI SOMESWARAR TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and constructed adjacent to Sri Sarangapani Temple. This is the 28^th Thirugnanasambandar’s Devara paadal petra Shiva sthalam on the south side  of river Kaveri.

Moolavar     : Sri Someswarar

Consort       : Sri Somasundari, Sri Thenmozhi

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

The temple is facing west with a kattai Rajagopuram at the entrance and a second level small Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are in between the katti Gopuram and second level small Rajagopuram.  Moolavar is swayambhu and worshiped by Soman- moon.

There is a small Siva sannidhi called Sri Mallikeswarar temple. It was believed that Vishnu worshiped lord Shiva of this temple. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

POOJAS & CELEBRATIONS

This is one of the 12 Shiva Temples, that participates in Mahamaham Theerthavari festival, which occurs once in 12 Years. The list of 12 Shiva temples and 5 Vaishnava temples of Kumbakonam used to join  and celebrate this Mahamaha festival are given below.

Shiva Temples are…

1.          Kasi Viswanathar Temple,

2.          Adi Kumbeswarar Temple,

3.          Someswarar Temple,

4.          Nageswaraswamy Temple,

5.          Kalahasteeswarar Temple,

6.          Gauthameswarar Temple,

7.          Kodeeswarar Temple,

8.          Amirthakadeswarar Temple,

9.          Banapuriswarar Temple,

10.      Abhi Mukheswarar Temple,

11.      Kambatta Viswanathar Temple and

12.      EkambareswararTemple.

The Maha Vishnu Temples are…

1.          Sarangapani Temple,

2.          Chakrapani Temple, 

3.          Ramaswamy Temple,

4.          Rajagopalaswamy Temple, and

5.          Varaha Perumal Temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temple is kept open between 06.30 Hrs  to 12.30 Hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.30 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :

The land line number 0435-2430349 may be contacted for further details.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishaba Mandapam 

2^nd level 3 tier Rajagopuram 

Sanctum vimanam 

The tallest Tower is the Rajagopuram of Sri Sarangapani Temple 

Ambal sannadhi 

..............To be continued.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMAHA---