Hero Stone / Nadukal / Veerakallu / செங்கம் நடுகற்கள், worshiped as Ayyanar, at Periakolapadi, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

28^th October 2018.

Participated in the Chengam Nadu Karaikal Heritage visit near Thiruvannamalai, organized by Thiruvannamalai District Centre for Historical Research ( TCHR). The first Visit was to the Hero stones at Periakolapadi.  After the visit, while the other participants are busy in taking breakfast, near a Village Temple, few of us peeped inside that temple. So far we had seen that the hero stones are worshiped as Vediappan, But here it is different. The Villagers told that the temple is called as Ayyanar temple and the hero stone is worshiped as Ayyanar. An Ayyanar with Purna & Puskala statues are also kept on a pedestal under open to sky. It was told that, as per Ayyanar’s wish roof should not be provided. Ayyanar’s vahana, elephant(s) in stone are kept in a row offered by the devotees.

Found two more small shires for Ayyanar and Ayyappan. Since Ayyanar with vasthiram seemed to be odd, on a flat stone slab, we are curious to know the sculpture. The Village boys came to our rescue. They removed the vasthiram and shown the sculpture. To our surprise, it is a Pallava period Hero stone. The hero is in a standing posture and his head turned towards his left side with typical pallava period hair style.  The hero holds a katar ( Kuruval) in his right hand and a bow in the left hand.  Kendy  or the toddy pot is shown on the left side of the hero. A beautiful half dress with frills is shown from hip to knee. In addition to this there are two toranas shown on the top of the hero. This signifies that the hero must be a Chieftain or a small king under Pallava Dynasty.  A Shiva linga with sun and moon are shown on the top of the hero stone. It was told that this hero stone may belongs to 6^th to 7^th Century. But look in to the details like sun, Shiva  Linga, moon on the top and the  size of the bow, the hero stone might belongs after 16 - 17th century. 

It was told that a festival will be celebrated in the Tamil month Adi either on 1^st or 2^nd Friday from 18.00 hrs to mid night. Goats, cocks and pigs are sacrificed  to this Ayyanar.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Hero Stone / Nadukal / Veerakallu / செங்கம் நடுகற்கள், at Anandavadi, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

A featured post on Indiblogger

28^th October 2018.

After Thorapadi Hero stones visit, we proceeded to Melchengam, Anandavadi Reserve forest.  After 2-3 Km from the main road stopped at Senkeni Amman Temple for the noon meal. Both vegetarian  and non-vegetarian food prepared at the temple and served. It was nice to eat in the middle of the forest. Had a rest for a while and started trekking to the Anandavadi Nadukal, which is about 1.5 KM from Senkeni Amman Temple. Since forest path was very narrow, van could not venture in the forest.

HERO STONE

The Hero stone is in the middle of the reserve forest. The hero stone is broken in to three pieces and are kept with a support from the side. The hero’s head turned towards left with a typical Pallava  hair style. The hair is tied with cloth and the end of the hair is shown on the back of the hero.  The Hero holds a katar in right hand and a bow in the left hand. A half dress from hip to knee is shown and the end of the cloth is shown like waving in the wind. He is also wearing an ornament in his neck. Simizhl and Kendy / toddy pot with spout are shown on the both side of the hero.

The 7^th Century Pallava King Parameswara Varman’s Period Tamil Vattezhuthu inscriptions are inscribed on the top and side portions of the hero stone. The inscription speaks about hero belongs to Kovilur and was killed in the process of recovering the cattle. Mr Poongundran explained in detail about this hero stone and also he mentioned that the Sangam period Tamil literature words are used in the inscriptions is a special one.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Chenkeni Amman temple

 Saptamatrikas 

Mr Poongundran explains the details of Hero stones

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Hero Stones / Nadukal / Veerakallu / செங்கம் நடுகற்கள் as Nondi Vediyappan / நொண்டி வேடியப்பன் at Thorapadi, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

A featured post on Indiblogger

28^th October 2018

From Padiagragaram we proceed towards Thorapadi. Stopped the vans at the beginning of the Village Thorapadi and walked for about 500 meters to the Nondi Vediyappan Temple, since the concrete road was used to dry the paddy. Two hero stones are erected in east- west direction, facing each other.  The Nondi Vediyappan temple is open to sky under a 200 to 300 years old tamarind tree. Both the hero stones are under worship. The west facing Hero stone was cleaned and vibhuti was applied for reading the inscriptions.

Already the Villagers are fighting for the Govt’s. 8 lane road project and our actions triggered further. Nondi Vediyappan came on a lady and a man. Both were running towards the temple with one leg   ( Nondi ) and told, if anything done to the hero stones, that person’s hands and legs will break. It was frightening. After taking the photographs, we moved quietly.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

HERO STONE FACING WEST.

The Hero is in a standing position and his head turned towards left with typical Pallava hair style. The ears are elongated. The hero holds a sword in his right hand a shield in left hand.. A half dress is shown  with a katar tied on the hip. A simizhl is shown on the back of Hero.

Vattezhuthu inscriptions are inscribed on the top portion of the hero stone.  As per the inscription this hero stone belongs to 7^th Century Narasimhavarman-I’s 12^th year rule. Kongani king’s son Vaa…cahan was attacked by Siriganga king. In that war Siriganga king’s soldier Kotravinarra Kundranar was killed. The inscriptions reads as….

1. கோவியைய நரைசிங்க பருமற்கு யாண்டு (பன்)
2. னிரண்டாவது கொங்கணி அரசர் மகன் வா…
3. ச்சன் மேற்சென்று சிரிகங்கரைசர் செ…
4. வோர் எறிந்த ஞான்று பட்டார் சிரிகங்கரைசர் சேவ
5. கர் கொற்றவிணற்ற குன்றனார் கல்.

HERO STONE FACING EAST.

In this hero stone, the hero’s head turned towards left side with a typical pallava hair style. The hero holds a straight sword in his right hand and shield in left hand. Simizhl and kendy are shown on both sides of the Hero. A half dress is shown from Hip to knee of the hero. The excess cloth of after the knot is shown like waving in the wind. This expresses the moving speed of the  Hero towards his opponent. Two thoranas are also shown above the hero’s head which signifies that the hero must have hold a higher position.

Tamil Vattezhuthu inscriptions are inscribed on the left side of the Hero’s image. As per the inscription, the hero stone was erected during 6^th Century, Pallava King Mehendravarman’s 10^th year rule. When Ganga king’s sons Ponnanthiyaar declared war against  Perumugai, Ganga King’s Soldier / Chieftain  Kundrakkanniyar, who ruled Raatroor was killed. The inscriptions reads as…

1. கோவிசைய மயேந்திர
2. பருமற்கு (பத்து) ஆவதுக
3. ங்கரைசரோடு புறத்து கங்
4. கரைசரு மக்கல் பொன்
5. னந்தியாரு பெருமுகை
6. எறிந்த ஞான்று கங்க
7. ரைசரு சேவகரு எறிந்து
8. பட்டாரு ராராற்றூ ஆண்ட
9. குன்றக்கண்ணியார்
10. கல்

( பத்து என்பதை றண்ணு என்றும் புறத்து என்பதை பவ்வது என்றும் சில ஆய்வாளர்கள் படிக்கின்றனர் ).

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Hero Stone / Nadukal / Veerakallu / செங்கம் நடுகற்கள் as Vediyappan at Padiagraharam, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

28^th October 2018.

After visiting the Vediyappan Temple at Melapunjai our next destination was to Padiagraharam, which was mentioned as Narasinganallur wrongly. The vans went till the end of Village roads and beyond, we walked through barren lands and fields after crossing Cheyyar River, a tributary to Palar river & an Ayyanar Temple.  It will be very difficult to venture alone to see these hero stones without proper guide. We are very lucky to Join with Thiruvannamalai District Center for Historical Research (TCHR). 

The two Hero stones and an eri inscription stones are erected in 90 degrees and 3 side walls are also constructed.  The structure is facing north with an opening. A round avudayar and Shiva linga is kept at the entrance of the structure.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

HERO STONE -1

This hero stone is facing west. The hero is in standing posture with head facing straight. The typical Pallava hair style is shown. The hero holds a sword in his right hand and shield in the left hand. The kendy and simizh are shown on both side of the hero. A half dress is shown  from hip to knees with a knot on the hip. The excess cloth of the knot is shown like waving due to wind. This can be taken as the hero is running fast towards his enemy. In addition to this  a single thorana is shown on the right side of the hero. This shows that the hero might have hold a higher position in the army.

The Tamil vattezhuthu inscription are found above part of the hero stone.  The hero was the son of the army’s captain. This Hero stone belongs to 6^th Century ( 587AD), Pallava King Simhavishnu’s 33^rd year rule. The inscriptions read as…

1. கோவியைய சிங்கவிண்ணபருமற்கு முப்பது
2. மூன்றாவது கங்கதி அரைசரு மக்கள் மேல் விண்ணன்னா
3. ர் சேவகர் தொப்புரவருப்பாடி ஆ(ள்கி)ன்ற பசிரப்
4. பண்ணன் குறட்டாதன்… வரமு கொண்ட ஞான்
5. றெரிந்
6. து பட்டா
7. ன் கந்த
8. பருபேன்
9. னாதியார்
10. மகன் க
11. ல்

HERO STONE – 2.

This hero stone is facing north. The hero is looking straight. The hero holds a sword in his right hand and shield in the left hand. The kendy and simizh are shown on both sides of the hero. A half dress is shown  from hip to knees with a knot on the hip. The excess cloth of the knot is shown like waving due to wind. This can be taken as the hero is running fast towards his enemy. In addition to this  a single thorana is shown on the right side of the hero. This shows that the hero might have hold a higher position in the army.

The Tamil vattezhuthu inscription are found above and side part of the hero stone.  This Hero stone belongs to 6^th Century ( 587AD), Pallava King Simhavishnu’s 33^rd year rule.  The hero was killed in the process of recovering the cattle.The inscriptions read as…

1. கோவிசைய சிங்க விண்ண
2. பரு… யாண்டு முப்பத்து மூன்றாவது
3. சேவகர் மகனார் முக … சேவகர்
4. ---- பட்ட
5. சரையர்
6. ஆன் தொறு
7. எறிந்து
8. பட்டா
9. ருகல்

 The North facing hero stone

 Eri inscription stone

 Cheyyar River  

Ayyanar temple, on the way to Vediyappan Temple

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Heri Stones / Nadukal / Veerakallu /செங்கம் நடுகற்கள், as VEDIAPPAN, Melapunjai, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

A featured post on Indiblogger

28^th October 2018.

Our next destination was to Melapunjai Vediyappan Temple, where a hero stone is worshiped Vediappan, a part of Chengam Nadukarkal. The big bats hanging from Tamarind and Peepal trees welcomed us when we landed in the Village. The Vediyappan temple was in side a eri, of course with little water. Terracotta / “suduman” horses are in front of the temple along with stone elephants offered to Vediappan by the devotees. The temple is very small with sanctum and artha mandapam. The Hero stone is worshiped as Vediappan in the sanctum. In front mandapa there are two wooden statues and the villagers called as Small Vediappan and Big Vediappan. On the back of sanctum saptha mathas ( Village stones as idols ). There are two Etti trees inside the temple with fruits. In addition to this there is also a hero stone under a tree. The details are....

The hero is in standing posture with the head turned towards left side. The hero holds a sword in the right hand and a shield in the left hand. A dress from the hip to the knees is shown. Simizh, kendy and lamp are shown on the left side of the hero. Sine the hero holds a shield, the hero was a soldier.

The hero stone belongs to 6^th Century  Pallava King Mandhaparman's 11th year rule. As per the inscription the hero was a Soldier by name OduKanaayar of Siriganga King and he was killed in the war between two small kings Kongani king and Siriganga King of that area. The inscription reads as...

1. (மா)ந்தபருமற்குப் பதி
2. னொன்றாவது கொங்க
3. ணி அரைசரு படை ஓடுசிரி
4. கங்ரைசரு சங்கமலத்
5. தெறிந்த ஞான்று சிரிகங்கரைசரு
6. சேவகர் ஓடுகனாய
7. ர் எறிந்து பட்ட கல்.

LOCATION: lati 12 deg 15' 13.00 & long 78 deg 42' 32.03

 Hero stone worshiped as Vediyappan

Periya Vediappan

 Chinna Vediappan

 Saptamatrikas 

 Horse with stone elephants 

 Etti Tree with fruits at the temple

Bats hanging from tree

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Hero Stone / Nadukal / Veerakallu / செங்கம் நடுகற்கள், Periakolapadi, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

28^th October 2018.

This is my second Visit to the Chengam Nadukarakal (Hero stones ) organised by Thiruvannamalai District Center for Historical Research (TCHR).  During our previous  visit ( Avanam Conference ),  we could visit Hero Stones at 8 places. Since the places  planned in this Heritage visit was not covered during our previous visit, joined with TCHR. After visiting the places, it was felt that without the help of the local people it will not be possible to see these hero stones. Some hero stones are in a remote places, where we have to walk about a km in the fields and some extend of co-ordination is also required to see the hero stones worshiped as Vediappan  inside the temples. Thanks to TCHR team for the excellent arrangement both transport with good food and bringing Mr R Poongundran, for his  expert commentaries  with Historical & literature facts on Hero stones. Thanks to the Researchers and enthusiast participants.

PERIAKOLAPADI

This group comprises of  3 hero stones and a Soolakal firmly erected on a platform facing west  in open to sky Vediappan temple. Out of 5, two are in good condition and rest are broken parts of hero stones.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

HERO STONE-1.
The Hero is shown in standing posture with head turned to left. Katar is shown on his right hand and bow is shown on his left hand. A half dress up to knees with knot on the hip is shown. The images of kendy ( toddy pot), simizh and mirror are also shown along with Hero’s image.

The hero stone has the 8 line inscription in Tamil Vattezhuthu, above the image of Hero. As per the inscription the hero stone belongs to Pallava king Mahendravarman-I’s 11^th year rule ( 601CE ). As per the inscription the hero stone was erected for sevakan Sakkai Parayan’s younger Son Eran. The inscription in Tamil reads as...

1. கொவியைய மயேந்திரபருமற்கு
2. யாண்டு பதினொன்றாவது கீழ்வேணாட்
3. டுத் துடரி மேல் விலக்குமிறை
4. யார் வந்த ஞான்று பெரும்பா
5. ண்ணரையர் மருமக்கள் அம்கோ
6. ட்டையார் சேவகன் சாக்கை ப்
7. றையனார் இளமகன் ஏறன்
8. எறிந்து பட்டான்.

HERO STONE-2.

A portion of a hero stone is available. The Hero’s head turned towards his left. A bow is shown on his left hand and a katar is shown on his right hand. A simizh is shown on his right leg side. The Tamil vattezhuthu inscriptions are inscribed above the image of the hero. The left portion of the inscription was found damaged. As per the inscription this hero stone  was erected during Pallava king Eswaravarman’s 2^nd ..? year rule.  The hero stone was erected for a hero called Koththi Nath....., who was killed in a war. The inscription reads as...

1. ...(யை)ய ஈச்சு
2. ...ற்கு உஆண்டி
3. ...டாவது கீழ்
4. ...(ணு)ட்கி நின்
5. ...(பெ)ரும் போத்த....
6. ...ள் மறுச்சேந்..
7. ...(ர்) கொத்தி நத்..
8. ...(ப)ள்ளி

THE OTHER BROKEN HERO STONES

Soolakkal in front of hero stones 

..............To be Continued.. Hero Stones of Melpunjai

In addition to the above had seen a Temple in which a Hero Stone is being worshiped as Ayyanarappan. Ayyanar with Poorna Pushkala idols and Ayyappan sannidhi are in the temple. The details will be posted separately. 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Anjaneyar Temple / Thirumayilai Anjaneyar Temple / திருமயிலை ஆஞ்சநேயர் கோவில் , Kosapet, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. ENNAI, TAMIL NADU

29^th October 2018.

Mylapore is very famous for temples and historical places. Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Thevara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam, Saptha Sthana shiva Temples, Anjaneya Temples, Amman temples are in Mylapore. The poet Thiruvalluvar was from Mylapore. There are three Anjaneyar temples in Mylapore and this Thirumayilai Anjaneyar Temple-திருமயிலை ஆஞ்சநேயர் கோவில் is on Royapettah High Road. This Anjaneyar Temple is also known as “Thanneer Thurai Anjaneyar Koil”, near Thanneer thurai vegetable market. The land mark Sanskrit college and Appar Swamy ( a Siddhar ) jeeva Samadhi temple are very close to this Anjaneyar temple.

Moolavar : Sri Anjaneyar

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

The temple is facing west with a recently built 3 tier Rajagopuram. Keeping Anjaneyar sanctum at centre, on the left is Urchavars, and on the right is the Sri Kothandaramar Sannadhi. Anjaneyar’s various leela's are painted around the sanctum. Anjaneyar wears kundalam and anklets.

In the prakara Sannadhi for Sri Kothanda Ramar. The outer walls has the bas-reliefs covered with golden plated copper plates of Vishnu’s various Avatara. In addition to Urchavars Krishna with Thayars, stucco images of Anantha Sayana Perumal, Sri Venkatesa Perumal with Padmavathi.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It was told that many saints and famous personalities had visited this temple, which includes Kanchi mutt Periyava, who conducted Chandramouleeswara Pooja, Kirubananda Variyar Swamigal ( discourses ) and Rajagopalachari, the last Governor General of India. It was also told that the manuscript of “Chakravarthi Thirumagan” ( The epic Ramayan in Tamil – which appeared as a serial in Kalki magazine between 23^rd May 1954 to 6^th Nov 1955 and latter published as a book which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958 ) was submitted first at the lotus feet Sri Anjaneyar, of this temple.

As per the temple authorities, the temple was built by the "Shalivahana community"( potters – kuyavars )  also called as ‘chettiars’, migrated from Mysore in 18^th century. Hence this place was called as Kosapet. The temple was constructed in the land gifted by Arcot Nawab. The moolavar was unearthed during the excavation for constructing a Vinayagar temple. The Sri Kothandaramar Temple was constructed in 1954 CE.  The temple is being maintained by the Shalivahana Community under Sri Sundara Vinayagar, Sri Selva Vinayagar and Anjaneyar Trust/ Devasthanam.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between  06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hr to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The trust office maybe contacted through the following land line and mobile numbers. 044 24980132 / 24660380 and 7010528851.

HOW TO REACH:

About a KM from Thirumayilai  and Mundaka Kanni Amman MRTS Railway stations.

Town buses are available from Various part of the City and bus stop names are Luz Corner bus stop / Sanskrit college/ Thiruvalluvar Statue.

About 300 meters from Sanskrit College.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Palandi Amman Temple / ஸ்ரீ பழண்டி அம்மன் கோயில், Perumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

21^st October 2018.

Had a chance to visit this temple on Sunday the 21^st October 2018.  As per gurukkal this Amman is one of the guarding deity of the Village Nookampalayam. Due to urbanization of south  part of Madras City, Nookampalayam has lost its address and the road name  Nookampalayam road only reminds the Village.

The presiding deity : Sri Palandi Amman

The present temple was re-constructed in the recent years keeping the old presiding deity. The temple is facing east  with a sanctum and a front open mandapam. Unlike other Amman temples the vimana over the sanctum  is of Dravidian style with single kalasam.  A Part of Saptamatrikas  are in koshtam as  koshta devthas  in standing postures. Head  size Amman is below the presiding deity. Sri Palandi Amman is in sitting posture, while the upper hands holds the damru and pasam, the lower hands holds knife and atchaya pathiram.  Murugan and Vinayagar Sannadhis are on the back side of the Amman Sannadhi. A Temple tank is also on the back side of the Amman Temple.

The temple complex consists of a Perumal temple and an unfinished / under construction Shiva temple.   The Perumal is in standing posture with Sridevi  and Bhoodevi. The sanctum sanctorum consists of a sanctum and a mukha mandapam.  The 3 tier Rajagopuram is  in front of the Perumal temple.

The Shiva temple is under Palalayam. The Shiva Linga of Sri Meenakshi samedha Sri Perumbakka Eswaran  is kept in side a shed. On the back side there is a Adhi Shiva Linga under the clutches of peepal tree’s roots. The construction of the new  Shiva temple was stopped for want of money. It was planned to construct separate sannadhis for Sthala Vinayagar, Bala Murugan, Amman Sannadhi, Bairavar, Navagrahas, Iyappan, Vishnu, Somaskandar, Suryan, Chandran, Natarajar, Annapoorani, Chandikeswarar and 5 tier Rajagopuram.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The trustee Mr A Rajasekar may be contacted on his mobiles 9841082724 and 8056109893 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

Perumbakkam is on the south part of Chennai and about 2 KM from Medavakkam Junction.

Town buses are available from various points of the Chennai City.

Nearest Railway station is MRTS Velachery is about 12 KM.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---