Sri Gaurisvara Temple, Yelandur, Karnataka.

07^th December 2017.

Apart from Hero stones at Thalavadi, this time we planned to visit some of the old temples of Karnataka. on 7th December 2017, Morning session we had spent by visiting the temples at Yelandur, Muguru and Somanathapura. Yelandur and Somanathapura temples has excellent & elegantly carved  Sculptures, Pillars and Vimanas.

YELANDUR Sri Gaurisvara, 16th century Vijayanagara Dynasty temple is still in worship and maintained by the Karnataka state Archeological Department. The Sanctum Sanctorum Consists of Sanctum, Artha mandapa  and a open mukha mandapam. In the prakara, sannadhi for Ambal, Pancha lingas, small mandapa with a inscription tablet over which a Stucco Nandhi is sitting and the front Entrance mandapam.

  

 Pichadanar Panel 

Moolavar is about 6 feet below the outside ground level, facing east. In the artha mandapam images of Vishnu, Shanmukha or the Arumugam sitting on a peacock, Parvati, Mahishamardini, Bhairava, Durga, Virabhadra, Hero stones and Ganapathi.

This 1590 CE  temple was built by Singedeva Devabhupala, a ruler of Handinadu, a feudatory of Vijayanagara Dynasty. The front entrance mahadwara is called Bale Mandapa with Vijayanagara Period Sculptures. The adhisthana is simple  and walls  around are embellished  with beautiful  groups of reliefs Andhakasura mardana, Bhikshatana murti, Bairava, Kalimardana, Dakshinamurthy, Siva, Narasimha, Krishna leela, Mahishamardini panel, Vishnu’s various forms,  animals, monkeys, etc,. This mandapa is decorated with chains of 1 feet diameter stone rings at the four corners. The Pillars has the reliefs of various avatars of Vishnu.

 Lord Shiva Panel 

HOW TO REACH :

This Yelandur may be reached via Thalavadi ( 40 KM )  from Tamil Nadu and Chamarajanagar ( 44 KM ) from Karnataka.

Buses are available from Thalavadi and Chamarajanagar.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Mandapam corner Stone Chain rings 

 Mandapam ceiling 

 Vishnu Panel  

Natarajar  

 Mahisamardini 

 Vishnu 

 Arumugar 

Hero Stone 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Sri Poornambigai & Sri Pushkalambigai Sametha Ayyanarappa Swamy Temple, at Erode, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

11^th December 2017.

It was a long pending visit to this temple, since the opening time of the temple and my visit to Erode was not matched. The temple opens only two days in a week. Last week Friday ie 08^th December 2017, afternoon visited this temple.

Moolavar    : Sri Ayyanarappan

Consort      : Sri Poornambigai and Pushkalambigai.

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

The temple is facing north with a mandapam at the entrance on the banks of Erodai ( Kalingarayan Channel ). Stucco horses Neelaveni and Sri Panchavarnam immediately after the entrance. Swing and Thulasi madam are in front of Mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. Guru Parasuramar is in the mandapam. 4 pillars with hanuman reliefs are in the mandaam.  Ayyanar is with Poornambigai and Pushkalambigai on both sides. Hanuman is in worshipping posture at the base of Ayyanar.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Sri Vellai amman & Sri Bommi Amman sametha Sri Madurai Veeran ( Stucco images ), Muthu Karuppana Swamy, Irulappan, Pechi Amman, Sangili Karuppan, Mamundi Periya Swamy, Ayyanar Kutti Poojari, Raja Ganapathy, Sri Palla karuppa Swamy, Sri Natrayan, Sri Santhana Karuppu, Sri Uthandi karuppu, Sri Akasa Karuppu, Vandiyur Karuppu, Muniyappan, Sri Pambatti Muni, Sri Vaalmuni, Sri Pormuni, Sri Kongalamman, Nagars, Kannimar and palipedam.

It was told that the temple belongs to 11^th to 12^th century and constructed with bricks. To prove it's antiquity  of the temple there is a “Kazu maram” and worshiped as Kathavarayan. With this the temple must exists much before 11^th Century. It was told that during Saiva and Jains ( Samanars ) religions conflict this kazhumaram was used to kill the persons who lost in the debate or defeat ( கழுவேற்றம் ) as a punishment. It is also believed that the dead man's athma lives in the kazhumaram. This kazhumaram was made of Palm tree. This kazhuvetra punishment is available as sculpture in many temples. But experts of the opinion that there is no evidence to prove this Kazhuvetra punishment was given after defeat, especially to the Jains or Samanars during Saiva and Jains conflict. 

A 7 days festival, from Maha ShivaRatri in Tamil Masi Months will be celebrated in grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs on Monday and Friday. And on No moon day  06.30 hrs to 13.00 hrs and 16.00 to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Poojaris K Mari muthu 9788973849 and V Mariappan 9842646368 and general numbers 9345408873 and 9488336639 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is on the banks of Erodai at Marapalam, Erode.

About 3 KM distance from Erode Bus Terminus.

Autos are available from Erode Bus Terminus.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

 View of the temple through the entrance mandapam arch

 Sri Pambatti Muni, Sri Vaalmuni, Sri Pormuni

 Is this Lion Pillar belongs to Pallava Period?

Kazhumaram (கழு மரம் ) as Sri Kathavarayan

Kazhuvetram ( கழுவேற்றம்) – reliefs from Chidambaram Sri Natarajar Temple 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Kondathu Kaliamman Temple / ஸ்ரீ கொண்டத்து காளியம்மன் கோயில், Vairamangalam, near Bhavani, ( Kanchi koil Nadu Kongu Mandalam ), Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

11^th December 2017.

Had been to my native in connection with a personal work and during spare time went to this Sri Kundathu Kali Amman temple near Erode on the banks of river Bhavani. This Amman is a Kuladheivam to my in laws. An old custom is being followed in marriages of our Community. We belongs to Kuruppa Nadu ( During Chozha period  Kongu mandalam was divided in to 24 nadus and one such nadu is the Kuruppa nadu ). The near by nadu is the Kanchi Kovil Nadu.  Mainly marriages will be held between these two nadus and occasionally with other Nadus also, But not within the same Nadu.  Within the same Nadu the boys and girls will become brothers and sisters.

Main Deity    : Sri Kaliyamman

Some of the important details are as follows...

The temple is small facing east with a balipeedam, deepa sthambam and about 40 feet length kundam  ( used for  fire walk  during annual festival) are in front. The temple’s arch is on the road side.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of a sanctum and a mandapam. Amman is in sitting posture with damaru and trishul in the upper hands and lower hands are in abhaya and vara hastham.  In the prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar and on a common platform Valli Devasena Sametha Subramaniar, Two Amman and Manickavasagar ( What is the connection of Manickavasagar, is not known? ).

HISTORY - PRESENT STATUS

The temple control  was handed over to Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department, due to conflicts between two sections of the Community.

LEGENDS

Annanmar Periyannan, Chinnanan, Nalla Thangal, Saptamatrikas,  Karuppanna Swamy are on the left side of the main sanctum with a separate entrance. It Seems the regular Nallathangal story is not applicable here and Periyannan holds a parrot in his hand and the real story is not known. ( During annual festival goats are sacrificed for Karuppanna Swamy ).

 Periannan and Chinnanan 

  

Painting on the wall (If any body knows this story may please explain) 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Annual festival is conducted during the months of March-April. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Regular poojas are conducted on Tuesdays and Fridays. Pooja will be conducted throughout the day on No moon day.

CONTACT DETAILS

Poojari ( An engineer turned poojari ) Kannan may be contacted for further details on his mobile 8903274051.

HOW TO REACH

About 2 KM from Thalvaipet and about 5 KM from Bhavani, near Erode.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:CLICK HERE

 Nail cheppal used during the festival     

 Kali relief on the Deepa Sthambam

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---     

Navasakthi Pidari Sri Kaliyamman Temple, One of the 8 Mambalam Village Guarding Deities, Ashoka Nagar, Mambalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

10^th December 2017.

During conversation with the Gurukkal C Subramaniyam of Sri Muthalamman Temple, at West Mambalam, he told that this Pidari Sri Kaliamman Temple is also one of the 8 Village Guarding deities  of Mambalam and more than 300 years old. This temple is at Ashok Nagar, once a part of Mambalam Village. After darshan of Sri Muthalamman, went to this temple. Morning abhishekam was in progress during my visit  and had the darshan of Pidari Sri Kaliyamman.

Main Deity : Navasakthi Pidari Sri Kaliyamman  

Some of the important details are as follows....

This temple is facing north with an entrance arch. Naagars under a peepal tree is at the entrance of the temple.

The Sanctum sanctorum consists of  sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam.  Simha vahanam, balipeedam and soolam are in the mukha mandapam. Suthai dwarapalakis Sandi and Samundi are at the entrance of the sanctum. Vinayagar and Subramaniar drawings are above Dwarapalakis.  In koshtam two Amman moorthams. Amman is in sitting posture on pedestal with damaru, soolam are in hands.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Kumara Vinayagar facing east, Panels of Annamar & Kannimar and Navagrahas.

POOJAS & CELEBRATIONS:

Apart from daily poojas, Annual festival is being celebrated during Tamil month Aadi.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is at the left side entrance of Police training institute in Ashok Nagar on Natesan Street and back side of Hot chips.

About 50 meters from Chennai metro Railway Station.

About 100 meters from Ashok Pillar bus stop, Fire station and Post Office of Ashok Nagar.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Nagars under Peepal / Bhodhi tree

 Kumara Vinayagar 

 Annanmar 

 Saptha kannis

Navagrahas

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Sri Rama Anjaneyar Temple / ஸ்ரீ ராம ஆஞ்சநேயர் கோயில் , West Mambalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

10^th December 2017

During my search of Mambalam Village guarding deities.. came across this small temple  on Lake View Road, West mambalam.

Moolavar : Sri Ramar with Sri Anjaneyar.

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

The temple entrance with an arch is facing north. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the temple. Vinayagar sannathi is on the left side. Sri Ramar with Seetha and Lakshmana sannadhi is facing east and Anjaneyar is facing Sri Ramar.  In between Ramar and Anjaneya sannidhi Sri Krishnar sannidhi facing north. There is a namaskara mandapam, a small in size, devotees used to do namaskaram. Stucco images are on the three sides of parapet walls of the temple. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple is  more than 55 years old, as per Mr Nagaraj Sridhar one of the resident of the same street. 30th year celebration inscription plaque was erected in 2015. 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Devotees gather in large numbers on Saturdays, Hanuman jayanthi and Ramanavami days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is on the lake view Road and about 1 KM from Sub-Urban Railway station.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

Sri Krishnar sannadhi

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Muthalamman Temple, one of the Mambalam Village Guarding Deities, West Mambalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. ST MAMBALAM, CHENNAI.

10^th December 2017.

During my  search for the Mambalam Village Guarding 8 deities, came across this  300 years old Sri Muthalamman Temple on the south end of Lake view Road. The Gurukkal was preparing the pooja when I visited. Went along with him and told that he is doing pooja for the past 30 years in this temple. He told me that this is one of the 8 Mambalam Village boundary ( ellai ) guarding deities. He also claimed that this temple was once  a Pallipadai Temple similar to Pamban Swamigal temple, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Pondy Bazar Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Appar Swamigal Temple. For the proof he showed me the Hero Stone and a Muthalamman Stone installed at the back side of the sanctum.  In the course of time the old temple was ruined and this new temple was built on the same place with Amman as a presiding deity.

Main Deity : Sri Muthalamman

Some of the important details are as follows…

The temple is facing east with out any entrance arch or Rajagopuram. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala and Artha mandapam. Amman is seated on a 4 feet pedestal under Cobra snake hood. Amman is holding Damaru, soolam, Sword and Kapala in four hands. Under the base Amman’s head statue, which was  found out from the near by lake. Simha vahana and balipeedam are in the mandapam. In koshtam Gowmari, Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Brahmi and Durgai. At the entrance of the sanctum Ganapathy and Valli Devasena Subramaniyar on both sides.

In the prakaram Sannadhi for Kathavarayan, Veerabhadra are  at the entrance Gate, Bala Ganapathy & Balamurugan, Anjaneyar, Hero stone and Navagrahas.  Nagars are under the peepal tree. 

Interestingly happened to see a Kanthu ( believed to be the male  consort of Amman ) and a stone  at the entrance of the Temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There is an interesting story, that the Amman statue was made  for a Singapore temple and some how stayed at harbor. Latter installed at this temple. It was also learnt that some devotees from Singapore visits this temple even now.  

Two  panels consists of Amman face and Hero stone are installed at the back side of the sanctum. Gurukkal claimed that originally this temple might have been built for a person, who  died in a war and temple was built with a small Amman’s head as a presiding deity. In the hero stone the hero is riding on a horse with a sword on his hand. 

  

 The reliefs of Muthalamman and Hero Stone

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

It is a temple for Poosam nakshatra. Special poojas are conducted on Kiruthigai, Shashti, Navaratri. Annual serving of millet porridge - கூழ் வார்த்தல் - festival is also conducted on 4^th Sunday of Aadi month.

  

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs. Timings may change during festival and Fridays.

CONTACT DETAILS:

C Balasubramania Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile 9444462116 and his address is 5/1B, Kavarai street, West Mambalam.

HOW TO REACH :

This temple is on the south end of Lake view street, in West Mambalam,  

The nearest bus stop is MettuPalayam, Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple and Postal Colony.

The nearest Sub-Urban Railway station is Mambalam and the temple is about 3 KM.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 The Sthala Vruksham with nagars

 Navagraha Sannidhi 

Kanthu 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---