Hero Stones / Nadukarkal / Veeragallu / நடு கற்கள் / Sati Stones , at Chikkahole, - Talakad Heritage walk.

17^th June 2018.

During our visit to Talakad on 17^th June 2018, planned to visit Choza Period temples and some heritage sites. One the way to Talakad, had seen many hero stones erected for various purposes. Hope the people of the villages had the practice of erecting hero stones in remembrance of  the deceased, who had done some extraordinary brave activity. Depends on the bravery of the deceased, the relief scene of the hero stones are chiseled. Almost all the villages we traveled  from Thalavadi to Talakad, has such hero stones. It is a paradise for the researchers and enthusiasts to study on the hero stones. At one stage we had seen some hero stones without stepping out of the car. In this blog, I will cover the hero stones of three villages and their importance.

In the Village Chikkahole, there are three hero stones found about 100 meters off main road, inside a palm grove. Out of three,  two are three tier hero stones and one is of single tier. The details with photos are..

LOCATION:  ( purposely not given )

It is believed that the hero stone belongs to Gangar period, considering the style of reliefs and the weapon used. The three tiers hero stone was  erected for a warrior, who died in the process of fighting. The hero is fighting with his opponent with bow & arrow,  but whereas the opponent holds a shield and a sword of unusual shape. In the second tier the hero is being taken to the heaven by the angels, In the third tier the hero is shown worshiping Lord Shiva in sitting posture. The hero’s headgear ‘turban’, and the other warrior’s sword are worth to note.

The second one is a Sati stone. In the first tier the hero is fighting with his opponent. Both are holding shield and sword symmetrically shown like mirror image. The hero’s wife is not shown in the first tier, but both hero and his wife are shown in the second tier. Hero and his wife who took sati after her husband’s death are taken to heaven by the angels. In the top tier both hero and his wife are worshiping Lord Shiva in sitting posture.

The third nadukal is a simple hero stone of single tier. Holding sword and shield.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi Temple, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

15^th June 2018.

This is the first temple exclusively built for Goddess Sri Prathyangira Devi in Chennai, founded by Sri Prathyangira Swamigal ( Sri Atharvana Vedha Sri Peedathipathi, Sri Garuda Kuhha ) in the year 1998 and kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1999, with the blessings of Sringeri Sarathapeedam and Sri Kanchikamkodipedam.  

Main deity : Sri Prathyangira Devi

Some of the important details of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with an entrance from North Side. The Temple and the 2 tier Rajagopuram are built in kerala architecture style. Sri Varahi Amman sannadhi is immediately after the north entrance.

There are sub sannadhis  around Varahi Amman and Sri Prathyangira Devi. The Sub sannadhis are Sri Manthira Varahi amman, Sri Akarshana Sarabeswarar. Sri Samunda Patrakali, Sri Indradevi, Sri Nagaraja Dharbar with 108 nagars, Sri Neela Saraswathi, Sri Sani Bhagwan, Sri Iyappan, Sri Uchishta Ganapathy, Sri Lakshmi Hayagreevar, Sri Siva Sakthis, Sri Annapoorani, Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Iyswarya Eswar ( Stucco ) with Kuberan, Sri Dakshinamurthy, Sri Balamurugan, Sri Panchamuga Anjaneyar, Sri Gayathri, Sri Kala bhairava, Sri Durga, Sri Suryan, Sri Agni bhagwan ( Stucco ), Sri Abirami sametha Amirthakadeswarar, Sri Sornakarshana bhairavar, Sri Karkodaka Swamy ( Both Stone and Stucco), Sri Heramba Ganapathy, Sri Dhanvantari, Sri Rishi eswar, Sri Lakshmi narasimhar & Garudan.

The Lion faced Pratyangira Devi is in sitting sukhasana posture keeping her right leg down on a Lion with a fierce look. A soolam is on the right hand. It is believed that all obstacles and fear in the life will be removed if one prays Sri Prathyangira Devi.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, Sri Prathyangira Devi came from one of the wings of Sarabeswarar ( a form of Lord Shiva to pacify Narasimhar who killed Hiranyakashipu ). When Sri Prathyangira Devi sat on the laps of Sri Narasimhar, he became calm.

POOJAS, CELEBRATIONS AND SERVICES

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Navaratri Days, Onam. Regular medical camps is also conducted. Annadhanam is being served on Sundays.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs and on Sundays the temple closes 13.00 hours instead of 12.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Land line and mobile numbers are : 044-24501404, 24501716 & 9444691404.

Temple web site: http://www.sholinganallurprathyangira.com/index

HOW TO REACH :

The temple is on the banks of of Buckingham canal, between old and New Mamallapuram roads.

The temple is about a KM from distance from Sholinganallur Junction on Old Mahabalipuram Road ( OMR ).

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Pathrakali with Stucco image on the back 

 Sri Agni Devar  

Sri Prathyangira Devi (PC: temple web site ) 

 Shiva Shrine 

 Stucco image of Varahi sitting on eagle 

 Sri Madurai Veeran on the left side of entrance Rajagopuram 

Sri Vedali on the right side of entrance Rajagopuram 

The temple complex  in the midst of Housing colony - view from a distance  

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Then Kailayam and Vada Kailayam, The Sub Shrines of Thiruvaiyaru Aiyarappar Temple, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

12^th June 2018

THEN KAILAYAM

This north (West) facing shrine was built by Panchavan Madevi, wife of Rajendra Chozha. In memory of the Victory over the Nulambas, a part of Kannada region. After the victory, the 46 numbers of lathe turned & intricate carved pillars, made of soap stone supports the prakaram, was brought from Nulamba region. The story behind this 46 pillars goes like this…. Only 45 pillars were brought and one was made by the Chozha sculptures within two days, without any difference between original and duplicate. (  in my opinion, it may not be true since soap stones are not available in any part of Tamil Nadu region, then how could it be possible.? ). The temple was built with padabandha adhisthana and deva Koshtams supported by the pilasters on both sides. Sri Subramaniar, Agnidevar, Shiva, Durga are in koshtam and Brahma is in sitting posture. The koshta moorthys are defaced. The shrine has only one inscription which speaks about the donation given to this temple by a lady called Adhikarachi Muthana Pon Nangai, who worked under the King Rajendra Chozha.

As per the legend, Appar wants to have the darshan of Lord Shiva at Kailash. So he walked alone from Kasi after taking bath in ganges. At one stage he could not walk and crawled with blood bleeding from hands and legs. On seeing Appar’s devotion Lord Shiva crated pond at Mount Himalayas and asked him to take a dip and promised to give darshan at Thiruvaiyaru. When he came out of the pond and had the darshan of Lord Shiva with his consort and devaganas at this Then Kailayam Temple.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

  Brahma in sitting posture in koshtam   

VADA KAILAYAM

This shrine was built by Sakthi Vidangi also called as Logamadevi, wife of Rajaraja Chozha – I. Hence the Lord Shiva of this temple is called as Logamadeeswaramudaiar and the temple is called as Loga Mahadevi Eswaram. There are more than 10 inscriptions of Rajaraja ( with his full title ) period and one inscription belongs to Rajadhiraja-I, which speaks about the gifts made to the temple in terms of land, sheep and gold ornaments, vessels towards daily poojas, burning of perpetual lamps and maintenance of this temple. In one of the inscriptions Rajarajan’s wife is referred as Nambiratiyar Danti Sakti Vidanki.

This shrine was built like a temple with padma bandha adhisthana. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, Arathamandapa and mukha mandapa. Yazhi vari is shown above kumudham and bhootha vari is shown below kabotham. The kabotham has nasis with motifs. The Bhitti / sanctum walls has the koshtas with pilasters on both sides and makara thorana on the above. In the makara thorana cute miniature sculptures are carved. In between the koshtas, there are empty koshtas with Vishnu kantha a pilasters. The koshta murthis Dakshinamurthy and Brahma are original and in defaced condition.  A special miniature sculpture is on one of  the north side koshta is the kuda koothu, similar to the one at Thanjavur, Rajarajecharam and Thiruvellarai. This represents that Thirumal danced Kuda koothu to save Aniruthan, the son of Kaman from asura Vaanan.  It is believed that Kuda koothu is the fore-runner of Karakattam, a form of South Indian folk dance.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 The title of Rajaraja Chozha in the inscription 

Kuda koothu

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

A Chozha period ruined Shiva Temple at Kallapuliyur, near Vandavasi, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

03^rd June 2018.

After participating the 54^th Ahimsa walk, organized by the Tamil Jains, we, 4 people alone went to this ruined Shiva Temple near the Kallapuliyur Jinalaya.

This west facing Shiva Temple with a Rishabam in front, is in dilapidated condition. 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The entrance to the main shrine is through the mandapa on South side. The Arthamandapa pillars are neatly carved. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha adhisthanam.

The Vimanam was built with brick and mortar is now no more. The first level keerthi mukas only remains, speaks the glory of the past. There is also a mandapa on the north side in ruined state. Koshta and parivara sannadhi statues are kept separately.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The front mandapam may be built during Nayakas period and brick wall was constructed abutting the pillars to form a closed mandapam at a latter period. The inscriptions from late Chozha period- (12^th century) to the recent period are found on the sanctum wall and base / adhistanam. The temple might have  been reconstructed once or twice. 

Since Lord Shiva is  still in worship, request HR&CE  and well wishers to carry out the renovations to extend the life and worship.

HOW TO REACH:

Kallapuliyur is about 16.5 KM from Senji and 29.4 KM from Vandavasi.

From Gingee, can be reached via Desur-Pennagar-Gingee Rd, Kallapuliyur.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

1008 Sri Adiswarar / Adinath / Rishabhadeva Jinalaya at Ayalavadi Village near Vandavasi, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu .

03^rd June 2018.

After the 54^th Ahimsa walk at Vedal, we had been to this Sri Rishabhadeva Jinalaya at Ayalavadi on the way to Chennai. It was told that this jinalaya is about 200 to 300 years old. Before constructing this jinalaya, people used to visit Thensenthamangalam for worship.

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Balaipedam and Manasthambam with stucco images of Tirthankaras are at the base ( Manasthambam was built with brick and mortar),  immediately after the entrance.

The jinalaya was built with sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. During our visit the temple was preparing for the Pancha kalyan function / Kumbhabhishekam. Moolavar Sri Adinath ( Rishabhadeva) and Yakshi images are kept in the mandapam and poojas are conducted for consecration. Metal images of Tirthankaras, Yaksha and Yakshi, Navdevda, Nandeeswarar deepa, Sruthaskandam are kept in the artha mandapam under safe custody. Navagrahas are on the north east corner of the jinalaya.

HOW TO REACH:

Ayalavadi is about 12 KM from Vandavasi.

Buses are available from Arani, Chetpet and Gingee.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

வெடாலில் நடந்த 54வது அஹிம்சை நடைக்குப்பின்பு சென்னைக்குத் திரும்பும் வழியில் இக்கோவிலுக்குச் சென்று இருந்தோம். இந்த ஜீனாலயம் சுமார் 200 ஆண்டுகட்கு முன்பு கட்டப்பட்டதாகவும், இதற்கு முன்பு தீர்த்தங்கரர் வழிபாட்டுக்காக தென்சேந்தமங்கலத்திற்கு சென்று கொண்டு இருந்ததாகவும் கூறினர்.

ஜீனாலயம் கிழக்குநோக்கி உள்ளது. உள்ளே நுழைந்த உடன் பலிபீடமும் செங்கற்களால் கட்டப்பட்ட மானஸ்தம்பமும் உள்ளன. நாங்கள் சென்று இருந்தபோது பஞ்சகல்யாண் எனும் கும்பாபிசேக நிகழ்வுகள் நடந்து கொண்டு இருந்தன. மூலவர் ஆதீஸ்வரர் கருங்கல்லால் செய்யப்பட்ட சிற்பம் மற்றும் யக்ஷி சிற்பமும் மண்டபத்தில் வைக்கப்பட்டு பிரதிஷ்டை செய்வதற்கான பூஜைகள் நடந்து கொண்டு இருந்தன. உலோக தீர்தங்கரர்கள், நித்ய பூஜைக்கான உலோக உற்சவர்கள், பார்சுவநாதர், பாகுபலி,  ரிஷபம், சிம்ம சிலைகள் மண்டபத்தில் வைக்கப்பட்டு இருந்தன. நவகிரகங்கள் கோவில் பிரகாரத்தில் வட மேற்கு மூலையில் ஒரு மேடையில் நிர்மானிக்கப்பட்டு இருந்தது.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Parswanath Jinalaya & Foot prints, Kallapuliyur, near Senji, Villupuram District Tamil Nadu.

03^rd June 2018.

After the Vidal, Jains learning centre cave, our destination was to Kallapuliyur. It was told that the Sri Parshwanath Jinalaya belongs to 15^th to 16^th century. and renovations were carried out during recent years.

The Jinalaya is facing east with Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipedam and Manasthamba are immediately after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. In sanctum Sri Parshwanath is in standing posture with 5 headed hood of snake, whose tails extends up to base. Dharanendra and Padmavathi Yaksha and Yakshi’s sannadhi are in the mandapam facing south. In the mandapam Tirthankaras metal icons kept under safe custody. Navagrahas are on the north east corner of the temple. During 1976. Sri 108 Nirmal sagar adigalar visited this jinalaya.

After the darshan of Sri Parshwanath, villagers took us the Pathams / foot prints on a padma peetam carved from a green stone installed under a tree. Seems to be of old and the period is not known.

The Villagers took us to a place where two set of foot prints carved in the recent years ( 1962 ) on a rock. It was told that these are belonged to the persons who took sallekhana ( fast until death ) and the foot prints are carved in memory of those persons.

 Sri Pad in green stone 

Padam of a person who took sallekhana

HOW TO REACH:

Kallapuliyur is about 16.5 KM from Senji.

Can be reached via Desur-Pennagar-Gingee Rd, Kallapuliyur

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

பெண்களுக்கும் பெண் துறவியால் கல்வி கற்பிக்கப்பட்ட வெடால் கிராமத்தில் அமைந்துள்ள இயற்கையான குகையில் நடந்த 54வது அஹிம்சை நடையின் நிகழ்வுக்குப் பின்பு எங்கள் பயணம் கள்ளப்புலியூர் கிராமத்தை நோக்கி.

மதிய உணவிற்க்குப் பின்பு அந்த ஊரில் உள்ள 15 – 16ம் நூற்றாண்டைச் சார்ந்த ஸ்ரீ பார்சுவநாத் கோவிலுக்கு சென்றோம். கோவில் கிழக்கு நோக்கி அமைந்துள்ளது. கொடிமரம் பலிபீடம் மற்றும் மானஸ்தம்பம் மண்டபத்தின் முன்பு.  ஜீனாலயம் கர்பகிருகம், இடைநாழி, அர்த்தமண்டபம் மகாமண்டபம் என்ற அமைப்பில் கட்டப்பட்டு உள்ளது. அர்த்த மண்டபத்தில் தர்மேந்திரர் மற்றும் பத்மாவதி யக்ஷன் யக்ஷிக்கான சன்னதி தெற்கு நோக்கி உள்ளது. தீர்த்தங்கரர் மற்றும் பூசைக்கு உரிய உலோக சிலைகள் பாதுகாப்புடன் வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்தன. மூலவர் ஸ்ரீ பார்சுவநாதர் நின்ற நிலையில் ஐந்து தலை நாகத்தின் கீழ். நாகத்தின் வால் அடி வரை நீண்டு காணப்படுகின்றது. பிரகாரத்தின் வட கிழக்கு மூலையில் நவகிரகங்கள் அவரவர் வாகனங்களுடன் மேடையில் நிர்மானிக்கப்பட்டு உள்ளனர்.

ஸ்ரீ பார்சுவநாதரின் தரிசனத்திற்க்குப் பின்பு  கிராமத்தார் பள்ளிக்கூடத்தின் பின்புறம் ஒரு மரத்தடியில் உள்ள பாதத்தைக்காண அழைத்துச்சென்றனர். பாதம் பத்ம பீடத்தின் மீது பச்சைக்கல்லில் செதுக்கப்பட்டு இருந்தது. இது யாருடைய பாதம் என்று அறியக்கூடவில்லை. அதற்க்குப்பின்பு ஒரு பாறையில் வெட்டப்பட்டு இருந்த இரு பாதங்களைக் காட்டினர். அது சல்லேகனை நோன்பு இருந்தவர்களின் பாதங்கள் எனவும் அவைகள் அவர்களின் ஞாபகார்த்தமாகச் செதுக்கப்பட்டவை எனவும் கூறப்பட்டது.

 Navagrahas

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA—