Sacred Heart Shrine,Idaikattur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

10^th May 2019.

This  19^th Century Sacred Heart Church is also in the list of places to be visited during our Idaikattur Visit. This Gothic style architecture Church was built by a French Missionary Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ, who took charge of Idaikattur Church in 1878 CE. He passed away on 29th Dec 1899 CE at the age of 59 and his bones are transferred to this Church on 13th June 1911. CE. The present Church was  built  a replica of Rheims Cathedral of France.  This Church was declared as a tourist spot by the Tamil Nadu Government.

HISTORY AND LEGEND

Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ, wanted to built a new Church to accommodate 1000 people, since the old thatched roof church was very small. To mobilize the required fund he went to his native country, where he met the French Anglican lady Mary Anne. She got cured from her severe heart ailment through prayer of Jesus. As a token of her gratitude to the sacred heart of Jesus, she gave 2000 franks and requested Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ to built a church similar to Rheims Cathedral of France. When the Church was solemnized is not known. The Church was renovated and solemnized on 07th July 2007. The person Arulanandham Pillai who was helpful in constructing this Church was passed away on 29th December 1896 at the age of 76. 

LEGAL BATTLE:

In the process of construction and miscalculation Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ, encroached a land measuring 1500 sqft which was objected by the adjacent land owner.  When Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ, came to know about this, told the adjacent land owner, that a mistake was happened and the structure also cannot be altered at that stage. When Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ told that, he was ready to pay the cost of the land for which the Villagers didn’t agreed. The Villagers filed a suit in Madras High Court against  Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ. The civil case prolonged for about 26 years. 

A Commission was appointed by the Judge to  resolve this problem. The head of the commission got a dream of angles constructing the Church, on the previous day night of visit to this place. When the commission personnel  visited the spot and the head of the Commission was shocked to see the similar Church which he had seen in his dream. The head of Commission convened a meeting with the Villagers.  The 26 years long legal battle came to an end when the villagers had agreed to donate a land of measuring 25 x 150 feet, which was above the encroached area.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Since the Church was said to be built by the angles Fr R P Ferdinandus Celle SJ, erected 153 stucco images of angles, which are brought from France. 4o saints relics in four elliptical shaped wooden bowls   are also installed in the alter.

ARCHITECTURE

Even-though this Church was said to be the replica of Rheims Cathedral of France, it has some additional features.  The Church was built with 200 different types of bricks with lime mortar. The inner  columns / pillars are embedded with Gothic style of arches, which rises  raises up to the vaulted roof. The arches are decorated with rows of beads, flowers, garlands made of terracotta. The hallow bricks are used to reduce the heat. Also there is a vacuum gap between the inner vaulted roof to reduce the sun heat, inside the shrine.

The stained glass has the art work of events happened in Jesus life. The stucco work of Saints, angles, Jesus foster father St. Joseph, mother of sorrows and the Holy family  are the great beauty and best example of French ancient art work.

The Historical event of Kilavan Sethupathi’s son in-law Kattayadevan conversion to Christianity is shown in the form of stained glass art work. The main alter depicts the doctrine of the Christianity  ie, the father, the Son Jesus and the holy spirit are shown clearly.

Special prayers are offered for heart ailments & cancer, to remove obstacles for marriage,  to get success in operation,  to get rid of debt, etc,. Apart from regular prayers special prayers are conducted on Sundays, First Friday and Saturday of every month.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The land line +91 4574 267212 may be contacted for further details.

The e-mail address sacredheartblessings@gmail.com

The website address:   www.shsi.org 

     

HOW TO REACH:

Town bus route nos  99F from Periyar bus stand, 99M from Mattuthavani bus stand  stops at Muthanenthal and from there share autos are available to Idaikattur.  

All the buses to Manamadurai from Madurai stops at Muthanenthal.

Nearest Railway station is Manamadurai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Manikandeswarar Temple, Idaikattur Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

10^th May 2109.

I was invited to attend a marriage on 10^th May 2019,  at Idaikattur near Manamadurai near Madurai.  The  fb  friends posts with  the temple’s  inscriptions created interest further. The Village Idaikattur, has a Perumal Temple, Ayyanar Temple, Idaikadar Siddhar Temple and a 19^th Century Church too. The Marriage was  happened at this Shiva Temple.

Moolavar   : Sri Aazhi Manikandeswarar 
                 (This Aazhi was added in the recent years only )

Consort     : Sri Soundrambal.

Some of the Salient features of this temple are….

At the entrance of the temple Gate on the left is a Vinayagar sannadhi and on the right is the Idumban sannadhi. The temple is facing east with a balipeedam and a Rishabam / Idabam. There is no dwajasthambam for Shiva Temple. Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Nataraja ( stone ), Kalabhairava, Chandran and Suriyan.  In koshtam Dakshinamurthy and Durgai.

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Kannimoola Ganapathy, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar  ( The sannadhi is like a Temple with Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Peacock vahana – The local people refers this Shiva Temple as Subramaniar Temple, Chandikeswarar and Ambal Soundarambal Temple. The Ambal is facing east in a Temple like Sannadhi with sanctum, antarala  and a Artha mandapam. 

ARCHITECTURE

The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam.  A 2 tier Vimanam is on the sanctum.

 

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS:

The temple existed before 13^th century CE. The latter period 13^th Century Pandyas inscriptions mentions this place as Keeranur Nattu Idaikattur alias Azhakiya Pandiyanallur. There were two  Shiva Temples in this Village named as  Thirumanikandeswarar Kovil, Varakunisuvarar Koyil. The Varakunisuvarar temple was destroyed Completely. It was also told that a Jain School existed with a Tirthankara statue and both are not there now. During Pandiyas Rule this place was Administered by Kalavazhinadalwan, a Village Chief. Inscriptions also mentions that there were two merchant’s streets called “Mandalikembeeran Peruntheru”. A land was donated to  Kalayar Kovil Thiruvarur Dakshina Kokila madam ( Saiva Sikamani madam ). In addition to this there was a Saiva madam in this village.

The temple was reconstructed during Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-I, and the old inscriptions are copied and inscribed again after reconstruction. On birth days of Sadaya Varman Sundara Pandyan-I, Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I ( 1207 CE ), special poojas are performed and donations were also made for this. The Inscriptions also mentions there was a conflict with Devaradiyars. Also there was a scale to measure the lands inscribed on the adhisthana.

The inscriptions mainly speaks about abolition of Taxes, donation of Lands with boundaries, to create Nandhavanam, food for the Thiruvarur Keezhai Saiva Madam, the paddy to be supplied to the temple in lieu of the land received. 

Readers are advised not to trace the inscriptions at the temple. The inscriptions are recorded in the Avanam 1997. After that renovations were carried out and the inscriptions were completely wiped out. Now the temple looks like a new one. 

  

 Sri Subramaniyar Temple

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be opened between 08.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs  and evening is unpredictable.

HOW TO REACH:

On Madurai to Dhanuskodi national Highway get down at Muthtanenthal before Manamadurai. From there share autos are available to Idaikattur.

Nearest Railway station is Manamadurai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

Subramaniyar sannadhi

 Vinayagar Sannadhi before the entrance

 Nataraja - Stone

 Idumban sannadhi with Agnukundam 

 Dwarapalaka & Dhakshinamurthy

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Arulmigu Karuvaludaya Ayyanar with Purana & Pushkala Temple at Idaikattur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

10^th May 2019.

This Ayyanar temple is in the midst of sugarcane field at Idaikattur one of ancient village of Sivaganga District in Tamil Nadu.  Usually Ayyanar with Elephant as Vahana is called as Sastha or Sathan. He used to sit in a Rajaleelasana ie keeping left leg up with a yoga band ( yoga patti which passes through his hip ). He also holds a Chattai / Chentu ( crooked stick ) in his right hand. The worship of Ayyanar started since 3^rd Century. The worship of Ayyanar  and its Iconography took different forms in latter periods. At one stage the Ayyanar with his consorts Purana & Pushkala disappeared from worship, but still some temple Ayyanar is worshiped as Ayyappan.

Usually  in Villages the Ayyanar temples will be at the end of the Village, worshiped as a guarding deity of the Village. Ayyanars will be in pair with ferocious look holding long swords in their hand. In Kongu area they are used to called as Chinna Annan and Periya Annan. Animals are also sacrificed for these Ayyanars. The guardians are Maduraiveeran, Pavadairayan, Karuppaswamy, etc.

Due to intrusion of  sanskrit  the worship of Ayyanar and Iconography also changed in large extent. Ayyanar has become Saththan and latter Sastha. Slowly from 12^th Century, Ayyanar has become Ayyappan.

 

IDAIKATTUR ARULMIGU KARUVALUDAIYA AYYANAR TEMPLE:

The Ayyanar temple  is facing east with two gigantic  horses on that Karuppaswamy and Maduraiveeran are sitting. Dwarf assistants are shown at the base of the horse.  The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. Elephant vahana with balipeedam are in the mandapam. Dwarapalakas, Vinayagar and Balamurugan are at the entrance of the sanctum. Ayyanar with his consort Purana Pushkala are in the sanctum. In Koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai. A two tier Vimana is on the sanctum.  The Vimana has the stucco images of Shiva forms. 

In the outer prakaram Sannadhi for Periya Nachi Amman, Siriya Nachiamman, Irulappa Swamy, Irulayi, ChinnaKaruppan, Periya Karuppan, Thottichi Amman, Samayan, Mariappan, Rakkayi Amman.

The original temple may belongs to 12^th Century and reconstructed to the present form and Jinortharana ashtabhandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 24^th May 2015. Some sect of the people worships this Ayyanar as their Kula Swamy.

HOW TO REACH:

Town bus route nos  99F from Periyar bus stand, 99M from Mattuthavani bus stand  stops at Muthanenthal and from there share autos are available to Idaikattur. 

All the busses to Manamadurai from Madurai stops at Muthanenthal.

Nearest Railway station is Manamadurai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Idaikadar Temple at Idaikattur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

10^th May 2019.

When we were in search of temples of Idaikattur, the local people directed us to this Navagraha temple. We are very curious to know more about this temple and the relation to Siddhar Idaikadar. The temple is very small with a shrine for Siddhar Idaikadar and Navagrahas  at the centre.

LEGEND

The Sthala purana was inscribed on 4 tablets and erected on the side of the entrance. Idaikadar is one of the 18 siddhars who lived during 2^nd century in this Village. Hence this place, obtained the name as Idaikattur. Ilango, Seethalai Sathanar, Kabila Muni and Paranar are also lived in the same period. Idaikadar used to worship Lord Shiva Sri Manikandeswarar of Idaikattur. Idaikadar was shepherd and a astrologer also. He predicted the drought will prevail for 12 years. During the draught most of the animals were wiped out. Idaikadar made his cattle to eat “erukku”, which leads to itching on their body. The cattle rubs their body on the walls which are plastered with millets. Siddhar Idaikadar survived with the millets and the milk during drought period.

The Navagrahas, passed through this place and found the cattle are healthy and wants know the reason. Idaikadar gave them millets and milk. The Navagrahas went to sleep for a while and Idaikadar utilized this opportunity. He rearranged the Navagrahas so that the drought will happen after 60 years. Immediately this place got rain and plants started growing  and all the reservoirs were filled up. During his final stage he went to Thiruvannamalai and attained jeeva Samadhi.

Idaikadar - PC: Website

CONTACT:

M Siva Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobiles +919655776014 and +919655968438 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

Town bus route nos  99F from Periyar bus stand, 99M from Mattuthavani bus stand  stops at Muthanenthal and from there share autos are available to Idaikattur.  

All the buses to Manamadurai from Madurai stops at Muthanenthal.

Nearest Railway station is Manamadurai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Thirumarainathar Temple and Manickavasagar Temple, Thiruvathavur, Madurai, Madurai HIRUVATHAVUR, NEAR MADURAI, TAMIL NADU.

10^th May 2019.

Visit to this temple was not planned earlier. After attending a marriage at Idaikattur, the plan was changed and  I was left with two options of either returning to Chennai on the same day or to visit Thiruvathavur Shiva Temple which was long pending.  The place Thiruvathavur is at the starting point of Upparu river. Even-though the temple will be opened in the evening, decided to wait and do the Darshan of Sri Thirumurai Nathar. Reached Thiruvathavur around 13.30 hrs and 2 hours before opening the temple.

Urchavars during Vaikasi 10 day annual celebration

Thiruvathavur is one of the Thevara Vaippu sthalam.  This is also a birth place of Kabilar, who was praised by Sundarar in his Thevaram as Poiadimai Illatha Pulavar. On the way had seen Sri Manickavasagar's temple, where he was born. It was the second day of Vaikasi thiruvizha and the Urchavar was kept in front of the temple, when I landed. It was told that Urchavar will return to the temple on the 10^th day after Thirukalyanam and Chariot procession.

Moolavar    : Sri Thirumarainathar

Consort      : Sri Vethanayaki

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram.  The temple tank / Bairava Theertham is in front of Rajagopuram. Adhikara Nandhi with his consort is in the rajagopuram  niche. In the sanctum moolavar is swayambhu and foot print of the cow can be seen on the top, to signify that a Cow worshiped Lord Shiva. Utsavars, Dwarapalakas, balipeedam, Rishabam / Idabam, Palliyarai and Saraswati are in artha mandapam. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai. The Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are in the mukha mandapam. Siddhi Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar are in the mukha mandapam.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Moolai Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Naalvar, Manikkavasakar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Bhairavar ( without dog and soolam ), Navagrahas, Natarajar, Shiva linga, Chandran and Suriyan.  

ARCHITECTURE

The Temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. There is  second level mini rajagopuram. The adhistanam is the combination of Kabotham and padmam. The kumudam is of Salangai. A 12 pillared mandapam is on the right side immediately after the Rajagopuram. It is believed that Lord Shiva danced in this mandapa and the sound was heard. 

Ambal is in a temple like sannadhi with Sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam.

 Shiva Danced in this 12 pillar mandapa

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS.

The temple existed before 7^th Century, built by the early Pandyas, since whose period the temple was built is not known and also one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam. Manickavasagar worked as a Chief Minister under Varakuna Pandyan-II ( 862 – 885 CE ) also called as “Thennavan Brahma Rayan“. The 100 pillar mandapa was constructed during Manaikkavasakar’s period, with beautiful pillars and kodungai.

A fragment stone with incomplete inscription refers Lord Shiva as Thirumarai Nathar and  land gifted to the temple. Only 16^th to 17^th century partial inscriptions are found in the front mandapa in unreadable condition. The temple has the Vijayanagara Nayaks contributions. The temple was renovated completely  during the years 1999, 2014 and the fate of old inscriptions are not known.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, during the war between Devas and Asuras, Vishnu gave asylum  to Devas and Bhrigu muni gave asylum to Asuras. When Vishnu asked to handover demon/ asuras Bhrigu muni refused. So Vishnu chopped the head of Bhrigu muni’s wife. Bhrigu Muni cursed Vishnu to take many births and he should separated from his wife Lakshmi during the births. To get rid of the curse, Vishnu came to this place and found out the Shiva Linga, which was worshiped by a cow by milking,  from the pond.

By the grace of Lord Shiva of this temple, Sani Bhagavan got cured from Rheumatism / arthritis, due to curse of Mandavya Muni, Bhairavar got back his vahana Dog ( Bairavar will be without Dog and Soolam ), Agni got back his power due to Bhrigu Muni’s curse, Thirumal was made to realize that Shiva himself is the Vedha.

This temple is a prarthanai sthalam for Rheumatism / arthritis.  To get cured, who are affected used to come to this temple and do abhishekam to Shiva with Oil. The abhisheka oil has to be taken back to home and applied on the affected leg and hands, and the same will be cured.

People pray Lord Shiva for Child boon,  marriage, debt, and flourish in business, especially in Iron business,  etc. People also pray Bhairavar to  get rid of pilli soonyam, eval  / black magic.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 to 11.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The town bus 66   from Mattuthavani bus terminus ( MGR bus terminus ) to Thiruvathavur.

Thiruvathavur is about  9.5 KM from Melur, 20 KM from Mattuthavani Bus Stand ( MGR Bus Terminus ) Madurai.

Nearest railway station is Madurai about 25 KM.

  

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

Manikkavasagar Urchavar

 Adhikara Nandhi with his consort

 Manickavasagar Sannadhi

a beautiful mandapa

THE MANICKAVASAGAR’S BIRTH PLACE TEMPLE

This temple is about 500 meters from Sri Thirumarainathar Temple, facing east. This has entrance from east and west with arches. Stucco images of Manikkavasagar getting upadhesam from Lord Shiva as a guru is on the back side arch and Nalvar ie Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar are in the front arch. The temple was built with sanctum and a open muka mandapa. In the sanctum Manickavasagar is in standing position. A 2 tier  Vimana is on the sanctum. The  stucco images of Nalvar and Munis standing & sitting postures are on the Vimana.

LOCATION: 

 Lord Shiva as Guru, Manikkavasagar getting upadhesam

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---