Masilamaneeswarar Temple / Sri Gomuktheeswarar Temple , Thiruvaduthurai, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

27^th July 2019.

The second time visit to this Arulmigu Masilamaniswarar temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyakay"- யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27^th and 28^th July 2019.  This post has the additional details of History and inscriptions. The details of my previous visit  to this Arulmigu Masilamaneeswarar Temple was recorded in this same blog.

 

This is the 153^rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam  and 36^th Sthalam on the south  side  of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Moolavar    : Sri Masilamaniswarar, Sri Mahalingeswarar,

  Sri Gomuktheeswarar

Consort      : Sri Oppilamulaimmai, Sri Athulyakujambigai.

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

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank is in front. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and a big Stucco Nandhi is in front of sanctum sanctorum. A 3 tier second level Rajagopuram is after the Nandhi. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. A vesara vimana is over the sanctum. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Ambal worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of Cow. Shiva performed maha thandavam  and the same is called as Sundara nadanam.

In prakaram 63var, Kanni Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Gnanambigai, Sri Kalatheeswarar, Konganeswarar, Saraswathy, Meenakshi, Chokkalingam, Mahalakshmi, Viswanathar, Natarajar, Sera Lingam, Shaniswar, Bhairavar, Pancha Lingas and Suryan with his wives. There is no Navagrahas. Separate temple for Thyagesar and moortham for Thyagesar, Sempon thyagesar, Puthrathyagesar, Swarnathyagesar.

After conducting pooja to Thirumaligai thevar pooja to be done for  Namasivaya Murthy. Cheraman Peruman Nayanar, Vikrama Pandya worshiped the Lord of this temple.

Kings Thirumaligai thevar and Narasingan  was chased away by the Nandhis and hence there is no Nandhi stucco image on the walls.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple was constructed during Pallava period and latter expanded during Chozha period. The temple also had the contributions from Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagaras.

Parantaka Chozha donated 500 Kalanju gold  to construct stone sanctum above adhistanam, by Katralipichan.

A Pallava period inscription speaks about construction of artha mandapam by  Pallava Mahadeviyar Sivakamu.

Rajendran-I’s wife Thirailokiya Mahadeviyar’s mother Abhimana Kongiyar donated  Gold Kollai, Vellithaligai, 410 Kalanju weight Kudinjaikal.

Rajathirajar’s Periyavelathu Aloyan anukki donated 27 Gold flowers, Sengazhunir flower 36 and a Mango sapling, a Pichadanar Kandakarai and a Porkai Eechopi.

During Kulothunga Chozha-I period there  were Mutts like Thirunilavidangan Madam, Thiruveethi Madam, Narpathonaayiravar Madam and many dancing schools functioned.

In addition to this an inscription near Durgai’s sannathi mentions the name of Kavirikarai Kanda Karikala Chozha thevar. This refers whom is not known.

LEGEND: 

Thirugnanasambandar received gold from Lord Shiva to perform velvi of his father. Sundarar got cured from a decease.

This is the Nandhi Sthalam  of Thiruvidaimaruthur’s parivara sthalangal. Lord Shiva sat under Deva’s “Padar arasu“

Thirumoolar had done dhabas in this place  and written Thirumanthiram. Boga siddhar’s disciple  Thiru Maligai Thevar had done many siddhus.

Child was born to Mukuntha King after praying Lord Shiva of this temple. Tharu mahadevathai has became  a vahana to Lord Shiva. Samadhi of Thirumoolar and Thirumaligai thevar are in this village.

FUNCTIONS AND CELEBRATIONS:

Annual 7 days festival was celebrated during Puratasi.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH :

This is on the bus route Kumbakonam to Mayiladuthurai.

CONTACT DETAILS:

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

  Rishaba mandapa

 Dwarapalaka

  Pillar reliefs

Sculpture on the mandapa pillar written as Narasinga King -May be the donor of this mandapa or who constructed it

Loose Sculptures

 Loose Sculptures

 Loose Sculptures

 Loose Sculpture - Jyeshtadevi / Thavvai

 Loose Sculptures

A Pallava Lion Pillar

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Nageswara Swamy / Nageswaran Temple, Kudandhai Keezh Kottam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

27^th July 2019.

The second time visit to this Sri Nageswara Swamy Temple, Kudanthai Keezh Kottam was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyaakay"- யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27^th and 28^th July 2019.  This post has the additional details of History and inscriptions. The details of my previous visit  to this Sri Nageswaran Temple was recorded in this same blog.

 

This is the 114^th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 27^th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Moolavar  : Sri Nageswara Swamy, Sri Naganathar, Sri Nageswaran 

Consort    : Sri Birukandha Nayaki, Sri Periya Nayaki

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

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are before sanctum entrance arch. Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. In Koshtam Dakshinamurthy and Arthanareeswarar. A Vesara vimana is over the sanctum.

In prakaram Valanchuzhi Vinayagar, Iyanar, Saptamatrikas, Subramaniyar, Saptha Lingas, Vaitheeswaran, Suryan, Somaskandar, Navagrahas, Chandikeswarar, Shiva lingas representing Veethi Vidangar ( Thiruvarur ), Cholinganathar ( Thirukkuvalai ), Kannaayiranathar ( Thirukaravayil), Vaimurnathar ( Thiruvaimur), Maraikatchi Nathar ( Vedaranyam ) and  Dharbaranyeswarar ( Thirunallar ) and Natarjar Sabha. 

A Separate temple like sannadhi for Ambal with sanctum, artha mandapam and Vesara Vimanam. A Separate sannadhi for Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramanian and Padai Veetu Amman.

Nataraja sabha is called as perambalam, in the shape of ratham. stone wheels with Suryan images on both sides and 2 horses and 4 elephants statues  in pulling posture.

It was learned that Padagacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal  done kumbhabhishekam during the year 1923 through begging in the streets  with chembu hanging from his neck. His stucco image is on the inner side of the east Rajagopuram 1^st level.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There are about 54 inscriptions recorded from this temple starts from Aditya Chozha to Vijayanagara empire. This stone temple was built during Chozha King Athithan-I’s period. The Chozha kings, Adhithan-I, Parantaka Chozha, Adhitha Karikalan, Sundara Chozhan, Uthama Chozhan, Rajendran-I, Rajathirajan-I, Kulothunga-III,  inscriptions speaks about donation of Goats, Lands, Sinhalese Coins, Gold, etc, towards burning of perpetual lamps, Naivedyam, to install a Nataraja idol and pooja etc. 

 

 Padakacheri Ramalinga Swamigal stucco image on the Rajagopuram and he is responsible for the construction of the Rajagopuram

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs

CONTACT DETAILS : 

Land line number is +91 435 243 0386

HOW TO REACH : 

Private Town buses are available from Bus stand up to Uchi Pillayar Koil.  From there, walk-able distance.

On Kaliamman Koil street, near Sri Someshwar Temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar Vimana with extended nasi

 Rajagopuram ceiling paintings

 Rajagopuram entrance ceiling paintings

  Padakacheri Ramalinga Swamigal Sannadhi

   Saba mandapa pillars

 Veena Dhakshinamurthy on the Vimana

   Chozha beauties 

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 Gangandharar

 The Wheel of Sabha mandapa with 12 Suryan bas-reliefs

A Stone horse

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

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.

The Third Visit to this temple was a part of Divya Desam Temples Visit, near Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, organized by Culture Circuits.  Thanks to Mr Balakumaran. 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Jains Tirthankaras - Bas reliefs at Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Sendalai, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

27^th July 2019.

The visit to this Sendalai temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyaakay" - யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27^th and 28^th July 2019. This place Sendalai is on the banks of river Kudamurutti, a tributary to River Kaveri.

The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram was built on a upa pedam and patha bandha  adhisthana. The prastaram is of kapotha style with nasis. The walls are supported by pilasters. The koshtas / niches are formed between pilasters. The niches are empty. The front side pilasters has the reliefs of Tirthankaras in sitting posture and a Parshvanath. 

The Rajagopuram was reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. How come Jain Tirthankaras, Parshvanath bas-reliefs on the pilasters came to a Shiva Temple is not known. Historians/ researchers may give different opinion/reasons, but we are not interested to probe in to this. This article is to show that the Jain Tirthankaras on the pilasters of a Shiva Temple, Rajagopuram.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Sri Veetrirundha Perumal Temple / Sri Veetriruntha Perumal Temple, Veppathur near Thiruvidaimaruthur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

27^th July 2019.

The Visit to this Veppathur Veetrirundha Perumal Temple   was a par of  Kumbakonam Heritage walk organised by “Yaaooyakay” – யாஊயாகே and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27^th and 28^th July 2019.  In this walk 13 temples were covered, which includes 6 Padal Petra Shiva Temples. Will be postings the details of the temples which are  not covered during my previous visits/ Paadal Petra Sthalangal Visit. The place Veppathur is on the banks of river Kaveri and in between Kaveri and river Palavar. 

HISTORY:

This Veppathur Village  was once a Vedic learning center compared to University of Prayag ( Allahabad ). This was mentioned by Maha Periyava in Deivathin Kural. He said the small hillock lying in the village is a submerged Vishnu temple of Pre-Pallava Period ( 560 AD) and wished someone to come forward for the renovation of this temple. As per Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal, this Vishnu temple “Vittirunda Perumal Koil”  might be belonging to Pre Mahendra Varman ( 560 CE ) Period.   This brick temple constructed without using stone  indicates its early phase  and the remains of Pallava mural painting traces can be seen on the sanctum inside walls. 

The Veppathur Village was once a well established Chathurvedi Mangalams, that flourishes during Pallava, Chozha and Vijayanagara Period.   This may be only known Pallava period brick temple in Chozha mandalam. Latter this temple was patronized by the Chozhas and Vijayanagaras. Chozhas converted all the brick temples  with stone temples, but this was untouched. The traces of Mural paintings of the three rulers may be seen on the sanctum inside walls, one over the other.

As per the Rajendra-I ( 1021 CE ) inscription ( ARE 292 of 1908 ) at Thirukazhitittai, Sri Vedapurisvara Temple an Adjacent Village mentions this place Vempattur also called as Cholamartandachadurvedi Mangalam. Some people claims that this place was also called as “Avani Narayana Chaturvedi mangalam” and the temple was called as “Avani Narayana Vinnagar”.

The original stucco seated Vishnu idol was replaced with stone idols during 17^th Century Vijayanagara period, probably the original idol found damaged. Latter why the temple was abandoned is not known. It was told by the villagers that the idols were brought down and kept in a small temporary temple during beginning of 20^th Century. The idea of shifting the idols to another temple was abandoned by the Villagers as per the advice of Kanchi Maha Periyava during his visit in 1990.  He also advised the villagers to explore the possibilities of rebuilding the temple. The re-construction works has been started by R.E.A.C.H Foundation under the head of Dr Sathyamoorthy, the founder and  the former ASI Official.

   

The sanctum and Vimana was rebuilt using specially made bricks and binding were done with lime mortar. The Original vimana inner core was bonded with lime and the outer core was bonded with a thin layer of mud, to look like joint less metal mould finish appearance. The present re-construction of the temple also adopted the same old ancient method. Due to this, whenever there were external shear thrust on the Vimana the outer core moved without transforming the force to the inner core.  The newly rebuilt Vimana is about 90 feet high with 5 tiers.

HOW TO REACH:

Veppathur is about 4.5 KM from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 10 KM from Kumbakonam and 57 KM from Thanjavur.

Nearest railway station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Traces of Mural paintings

Traces of Mural Paintings 

Some more information & Comments from my Face Book page

Ramachandran Guruswamy Omitted to mention that Veppathur Thiruvisalur Idavai combined known as Vembil Fort. Vembil Fort was bone of contention between Maran Parankusan and Dantivarman. Sivaliganathar Koil and Karkateshwar koil were dear to Cholas up to Rajendra I. Rajaraja made neerkadan at Tiruvalanchuli and Tiruvisalur. Temple surrounded by moat was common. Sivalokanathar temple now in ruins is also having remniscene of moats
Most of early Perumal Temple were Sudhai
Our family had house at South Street for at least 250 years and my father's maternal grandmother in the absence of male heir donated house to Perumal temple. Hence the present Venkatachalapathi temple would have evolved at least 300 years. Kaiassnathar temple lies north east. Veetriirntha Perumal Temple lies to South West of present village nearer to Palavaru
Incidentally the Agraharam in Tiruvisalur with house of Sri Sridara Ayyaval is nearer to river Cauvery. Most historians omit one thing most of the habitations of Cholas were away from rivers. (Kumbakonam/Thiruvidaimarudur Mayiladuthurai etc.,) while new habitations of Vijayanayagar were near the river(eg., Yagasalai street David street Vijayendra Swamigal Mutt Kumbakonam Tiruvisalur present agraharam Tiruvalangadu present agraharam Mahadhana street Tiruvidaimarudur Mayiladuthurai etc.,
If the legacy of Veetriiuntha Perumal Temple is to be brought forth extensive excavation from Kovilacheri to old Tiruvisalur has to be done to trace VEMBIL FORT

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  Veludharan Thanks for all the information - I will Copy and paste in the post of my blog..

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  Ramachandran Guruswamy Veludharan Thanks

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA----