Sri Raghavendra Temple / Sri Sri Raghavendra Avatara Sthala Mruthika Brindavan / Sri Raghavendra Swami Birth Place Temple, Bhuvanagiri in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

14^th and 15^th September 2019.

“Poojyaaya Raghavendraya satya Dharma Rathaayacha

Bhajataam Kalpa Vrukshaaya Namathaam Kaamadhenave”

The visit to Sri Sri Raghavendra’s Avatara sthala  was a part of Temples Visit in and around Sirkazhi on 14^th and 15^th September 2019. After visit to Vadalur Sutha Sanmarkka Sathya Gnana Sabai, had been to this Sri Sri Raghavendra’s avathara sthalam. During my Jyotirlinga darshan’s visit, had been to Mantralayam where Sri Raghavendra went in to Jeeva Samadhi. And now had the chance of visiting the his avathara sthalam Temple. During our visit the temple was under balalayam. The present brick shrine, constructed in side a mandapa, planned to reconstruct with stone.

A brief history of Sri Raghavendra…. In 1595 CE, Sri Raghavendra was born as Venkatanatha  in a small town Bhuvanagiri in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu to Timmanacharya and Gopikamba, a Kannada Brahmin Family of scholars & musicians, who are the followers of Madhva sect of Vaishnava. His great grand father  Krishna bhattar was a tutor to Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya. After the fall of Vijayanagara empire, Timmanacharya with his family migrated to Kanchi. Venkatanatha took his formal education through his brother-in-law Lakshminarasimhacahrya. 

After his father’s demise he was subsequently got married to Saraswati Bhai in 1614 CE. After marriage they moved to Kumbakonam, where he studied Dvaita vedanta, grammar and literary works under the guru Sudhindra Tirtha, the erstwhile pontiff of Kumbakonam Mutt. After seeing Venkatanatha’s triumph  in debates and wanted him to become his successor. After the demise of Sudhindra Tirtha in 1623AD, Venkatanatha took as pontiff of Kumbakonam Mutt and was called as Raghavendra Tirtha. ( Saraswati Bhai wanted to see her husband Venkatanatha’s face before renunciation to Sanyasa. Since she couldn’t see, ends her life by jumping in to an abandoned well. Latter she was given moksha by Raghavendra Tirtha).

Sri Raghavendra traveled a lot, length and breadth of the Country, which includes Udupi, Kolhapur, Bijapur, etc. Latter he settled down at Mantralaya which was given as gift by the Governor of Adoni. He knows that he was the incarnation of Bhakta Prahlada and wanted to settled down where Prahlada offered yagnyas to Lord Rama during Dwapara yuga. When a fertile land was offered, Sri Raghavendra preferred to stay in a dry land around Mantralayam on the banks of river Tungabhadra.

After delivering his last speech Sri Raghavendra Swami, went in to dhyana, where he wants to go in to Samadhi in 1671 CE. He asked his disciples  construct his Samadhi on all the sides and close the top when his  finger stop rolling the japamala beads. Before and after the Samadhi, Sri Raghavendra performed many miracles.

He was a saint, sidhar, Philosopher and a good musician also. His literary  works includes  Tantradipika is an interpretation of Brahma Sutra, Bhavadipa a commentary on Jayatirtha’s Tattva Prakasika Purva Mimamsa and Vyakarana  on Vyasatirtha’s Tatparya Chandrika, which runs up to 18000 stanzas, Commentaries on Upanishads first three chapters of Rig veda & Bhagavad Gita and commentary on Jaimini Sutras called Bhatta Sangraha.

REQUEST:

Since the re-construction of Sanctum Sanctorum mandapa ( 25 lakhs ) and a mandapa ( 3.85 crores ) for various purposes are progress, Devotees are requested to donate liberally. 

CONTACT DETAILS:

The land line 04144 240500 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

Bhuvanagiri is 10.2 KM  from Chidambaram and 50 KM from District Head quarters Cuddalore.

Nearest Railway Station is Chidambaram.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

“Sathya Gnana Sabai - Temple of Wisdom also called as "Sutha Sanmarka Sathya Gnana Sabai" - Ramalinga Adigalar / Ramalinga Swamigal, Vadalur in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

14^th & 15^th September 2019.

 ArutperunJothi ArutperunJothi ThaniperunKarunai ArutperunJothi

அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி தனிப்பெருங்கருணை அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி

It was a long wish to visit Ramalinga Adigal’s “Sathya Gnana Sabai – Temple of Wisdom” also known as Sutha Sanmarga Sathya Gnana Sabhai at Vadalur. I was introduced Sri Ramalinga Adigal’s teachings and Yoga when I was at Tuticorin in 1980’s ( Thoothukudi) and didn’t practiced seriously. After I shifted my job to Chennai, I had the opportunity of visiting Vallalar's House at Seven Wells, during one of our heritage walks. I was also allowed inside the room where he stayed, since I was pure vegetarian for the past 30 year. This visit urged me to Visit the Sathya Gnana Sabhai, where Ramalinga Adigal merged with Jothi. Ramalingam is called in different names Like, Vallalar, Ramalinga Swamigal, Ramalinga Vallalar, Thiruvarut Prakasa Vallalar, etc,.

Ramalinga Adigal was born as a 5^th child to Ramaiah Pillai and Chinnamani  in a small village called Marudur near Chidambaram on 5^th October 1823 CE. Chroniclers record miraculous happenings before and after the birth of Ramalingam. When he was taken to Chidambaram Nataraja temple, he laughed loudly on seeing the camphor aarti shown to Natarajar. After the demise of his father, Chinnammai and Ramalingam moved to elder brother Sabapathy’s residence at Seven Wells area Chennai, then Madras in 1825 CE.

Ramalingam was sent to Kanchipuram for formal study  from MahaVidvan Sabapathy. Since he was not interested, returned back to Madras. After returning from Kanchipuram frequently he went to Sri Kandasamy temple. This created a conflict between him and his brother and instructed his wife not to give food. He also went to Thiruvotriyur Shiva Temple. He stayed in the 1^st floor  and started meditating with a lamp & a Mirror. One day he was forced to perform an Upanyasam from "Periyapuranam" - the life history of 63 Nayanmars - Shiva Devotees, which was supposed to be performed by his brother. On hearing his brilliant exposition and uninterrupted  flow of words while enunciating the verse, it was highly appreciated by the audience and his brother also acknowledged. In the process of meditation Ramalingam had seen Sri Murugan as Arumugar in the mirror. In the meantime he was forced to marry his elder sister Unnamamulai’s daughter, Dhanakodi. ( There are no much details available about his married life ). From 1825 to 1858 AD, 33 years Ramalingam lived in Madras, the present Chennai.

Since his teachings focused mainly on  Jeevakarunyam  ( not killing animals for food ) and against illogical caste systems. வாடிய பயிரைக் காணும்போதெல்லாம் வாடினேன்.என்று கூறுவார். So He established “Samarasa Sutha Sanmarga Sathya Sangam” in 1865 CE. He also shifted from Madras ( Chennai ) to a place called Karunguzhi, in South Arcot District and stayed at Munshi Thiruvenkadam’s house. He also started “The Sathya Dharma Salai” on a donated land measuring 80 kani from Parvathipuram people, in a place called Vadalur, to feed food for all irrespective of caste and creed. From then onwards Ramalingam was called as Vallalar. His plan of starting a School and Publishing house to publish journals with the help of Kadhar Sahib which was not taken up.

His works were published as “Thiruvarutpa”. This went in to controversial with Arumuga Navalar from Sri Lanka, where he published “Marutpa” and defamation suit was filed against Vallalar. Judgement came in favour of Vallalar. Ultimately, it was a victory of truth and Vallalar carried on his teachings and works undeterred like this minor challenges. On 22^nd October 1873 CE, he delivered his last and most famous discourse at Mettukuppam “Siddhi Vilakkam” residence.

On 30^th January 1874 CE, on the Thaipoosam day his physical form came to an end. He kept the lamp out side, before entering the room and locked inside.  He instructed his disciples to continue the meditation and not to open the door. The door never opened after some days and Vallalar also didn’t came out & merged with Jothi without leaving physical body. The passing away of Ramalinga Adigal created rumors and forcing Govt. to act. 5 months after his merger with Jothi, in May the door of the room was forced open, in presence of authorities.  The room was empty and found nothing suspicious. The Madras Gazetteer published  by the South Arcot District in 1906 records his disappearance.  During his physical life he was a Saint, Siddhar ( who practiced Navakanda yoga also ), a Philosopher and a good humanitarian too.

       

"SUTHA SANMARGA SATHYA GNANA SABHAI" was designed and constructed in octagonal shape by Vallalar. The front mandapa was built by Tamil Nadu Govt in 2010. At the centre of the Gnana Sabhai there is a mandapa supported by 4 pillars and inside there is a 12 pillar mandapam. The perpetual Lamp is kept at the centre. The lamp is 6.75 feet high and 4.75 feet wide. A mirror is kept to reflect light is called the Jothi. This was lit initially by Vallalar, on 25^th January 1872 CE. On every Thaipoosa day Jyothi darshan is conducted  6 times ie 6.30 hrs, 10.00 hrs, 13.00 hrs, 19.00 hrs, 22.00 hrs and 5.30 hrs on the following day. On the third day after the Thaipusam devotees are allowed to have the darshan through the window.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

     

ArutperunJothi ArutperunJothi ThaniperunKarunai ArutperunJothi 

அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி தனிப்பெருங்கருணை அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி

Sri Nitiswaraswami Temple / Nitheeswara Swamy Temple / Nitisvara Swamy Temple / Nityesvara Temple / Udaiyar Koil, Srimushnam, in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

14^th September 2019.

Visit to this temple was a part of Temples Visit in and around Sirkazhi, on 14^th and 15^th of September 2019. Srimushnam is also called as Thirumuttam. This Shiva Temple is just behind the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple. How this place obtained the name as Srimushnam ?. The answer may be, Mustha in Sanskrit means, the Korai root ( கோரைக்கிழங்கு - Cyperus Rotundus ) which is a favorite food of boar / Varaha. This mustha / Mustam added with Sri and called as Srimustam, which  latter corrupted as Srimushnam. This Shiva temple is under the control of Archaeological survey of India ( ASI ).

Moolavar : Sri Nitiswaraswami, Sri Nitheeswara Swamy, 

                Niteswara Swamy, Nityesvara.
Consort   : Sri Brihan Nayaki / Periya Nayaki

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a temple tank Nityapuskarani with Neerazhi mandapa at the centre. ( the temple tank of Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy ). A mottai gopuram or the entrance arch is at the entrance. The Sanctum sanctorum complex consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. At the entrance of mukha mandapam Nandhi, Dwajasthambam and balipeedam. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Umamaheswaran, Agasthiyar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Arthanareeswarar and ashtabhuja Durgai.

In prakaram Armugar ( damaged ), Chandikeswarar Navagrahas, Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar, Vinayagar, Bhairavar, Suryan and the recovered idols. Out side the temple sannidhis for Sri Haripureeswarar, Sri Valli Devasena Shanmugar and Ambal Brihan Nayaki / Periya Nayaki. Ambal is in a separate temple with Sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Nandi and balipeedam are in front.

ARCHITECTURE:

The sanctum sanctorum is on a simple pathabhanda adhisthana built with stone up to prastaram. Bhuta Ganas are in valabi and yazhivari is above the prastaram. The sanctum sanctorum and artha mandapa pillars are of cylindrical/ virutha type. The front mandapa is of Vavvalnethi style was built by the Marathas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple may be existed since 9^th – 10^th Century ie before Kulothunga Chozha – I ( 1070 – 1120 CE ). The earliest inscription belongs to Rajakesarivarman Kulothunga Chozha-I’s 30^th year rule. This inscription mentions about the gift of the Village Sangantavirattachozha Nallur ( named after Kulothunga-I ) and Adivaraha Nallur to the temples of Tirumuttam Udaiya Mahadevar and Sri Varaha Alwar ( Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple ). These Villages are in Mudikonda Chozha nallurin Vilandaiyur Kootram, a subdivision of Irungolappadi, by the king when he was seated on the throne called Sedirajan in his palace at his camp at Tirumaluvadi in Poigainadu.

Kulothunga Chozha’s,  32 year rule another  inscription mentions that at the instance of Kulothunga Chozha Sauvarnadhiraja and another, the separation of the above two Villages was ordered, when he was at Ayirattalai which was also called as Minavanai Venkonda Chozhapuram.

The Rajarajan-III’s 6^th year rule inscription of  Kulothunga Chozha Kadavarayan, speaks about reduction / remission of padikaval and other levies due to the donor from the devadana lands, for worship to the god at Srimushnam also known as Thirumuttam in Vilandai-kootram ( Kurram ), a subdivision of Merka-Nadu Irungolappadi in Virudarajabhayankara Valanadu by Alappirandan Elisaimogan alias Kulottunga Chozha Kadavarayan, a Palli having the kani-right in Urumur alias Chola Pandya Chaturvedi mangalam alias Erumbur, for the merit of himself and his family (See also A.R. No. 137 of 1900).

Another inscription dated at 1100 by Kulothunga Chola-I (1070–1120 CE ) mentions a gift of a village to the temple, where the presiding deity is referred as Varaha Azhwar.

   

The 44^th year rule of Kulothunga-I, mentions the gift of three kasus for burning of perpetual lamps at Thirumuttam Udayar by Anantisan Adavallan of Suravalundur ( ARE236 of 1916). In addition to this there are inscriptions belongs to Vikrama Chozha ( 1118 – 1125 CE ) and Vijayanagaras.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

Oru kala puja is conducted. Since the temple is under the control of ASI, kept open during day time.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is  36 Km from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Ulundurpet and 72 KM from District head quarters Cuddalore and nearest Railway station is Ulundurpet.

Srimushnam can be reached through  the Anaikarai to Meensurutty road.. divert Vadalur on Chennai route at Sethiyathope. You will reach Chozhatharam / Sozhatharam and from there Srimushnam is about 12 KM on Virudhachalam road.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

                                     Sri Haripureeswarar

  

 Nandhi in mandapa in front of Ambal shrine

 Vinayagar

                                      Umamaheswarar

 Dhakshinamurthy

  Sanakatha maharishis

 Arumugar

 Brahma

 Arthanareeswara

 Ashtabhuja Durga

                                  maratha paintings

 Kudakoothu

 mahalakshmi in makara thorana

 Brick wall may be Nayakas period construction

 Entrance mottai gopuram

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Srimushnam in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

14^th September 2019.

This temple’s visit is a part of in and around Sirkazhi Temples visit on 14^th and 15^th September 2019. We had covered 20 temples and some of them are covered earlier. The Details will be posted one by one. Srimushnam is also called as Srimuttam. The Korai root ( கோரைக்கிழங்கு - Cyperus Rotundus ) which is a favorite food of boar / Varaha   is called as Mustha / mustam in Sanskrit and this Root’s  powder is given as Prasad in this temple. May be this mustha / Mustam added with Sri and latter corrupted as Srimushnam.

Urchava murtis

Moolavar : Bhu Varaha Swamy

Thayar    : Ambujavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple is facing west with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. A Haruda thoon and a 4 Pillar mandapa is in front of the Rajagopuram. The north side Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers will be kept open only on Vaikunta Ekadasi also called as Paramapatha vassal. The balipeda, Dwajasthambam and Garudalwar are after the Rajagopuram under the 100 pillared Mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum complex consists of Sanctum, Antarala, ardha mandapa, Udayar mandapa, Hundred pillared mandapam, Pushpa sukta mandapa ( in the form of Ratha ) and Sevakala mandapa.  The Sanctum niches/ Deva Koshtas are empty.

Mulavar Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy is with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, in standing posture keeping both hands on the hips and face turned towards south slightly up lifted. The Vimana is called as Bhavana vimana. Mulavar is made of Salagrama and it is daily anointed. Utsava murti Bhoga Narayanaswami with his consorts, Yagnavaraha and his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are facing west in Arthamandapa.

In parakara / cloister sannadhi for Thayar Ambujavalli, Srinivasa Perumal, Andal, Udayar, Venugopalan, Vishvaksena, Yaga Sala, Vedanta Desika, Thirumangai Mannan, Manavala mamunigal, Kuzhandai Amman, Saptamatrikas ( stucco images of Saptamatrikas are on the parapet wall of the sanctum ), Nammalwar, Chakravarthi Thirumagan ( Sri Rama with Sita and Lakshman, Bharata, Satruka and Anjaneya ), Anjaneyar, Lakshmi Narayana and Asvatha Narayanaswami ( Puja rights are vested with Madhwa Brahmins ). 

ARCHITECTURE:

The sanctum sanctorum was built completely  with stone up to prastaram ( upana, Adhisthana, bitti ( wall ) and has Vimana, greevam and Kalasam. The Vimana is called as Bhavana Vimana. The mandapas are rare classical example of Vijayanagara Architecture. Dancing postures, images of Deities are carved on the side walls of Rajagopuram. The sculptured hall, the pushpa Sukta mandapa  where the mantras are chanted to be noted for its architectural treasure. Shaped like a chariot/ ratha/ it is replete with carvings of figures or warriors mounted on horses,  and elephants. The Ceilings are carved with lotuses, parrots and other varieties of birds. The Yazhi pillars are carved nicely. The Kodungais of the pushpa sukta mandapa is worth to see, since it looked very similar to Thiruperunthurai Shiva temple mandapa. Nayak kings and queens are sculptured along with the pillars.

       

 The 100 pillared Hall/ Mandapa

 The 100 pillared Hall/ Mandapa

 A Ceiling Carving - Parrots

 A Kodungai

 A Yazhi Pillar

 A Pillared pillar

 Kodungai

 Nayak King and Queen

 Nayak King and Queen

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the Tamil Nadu Govt Cuddalore web site the temple had received contributions from 10^th century medieval Chozhas and latter expanded by the Thanjavur Nayak king Achutappa Nayak. Another inscription dated at 1100 by Kulothunga Chola-I (1070–1120 CE ) mentions a gift of a village to the temple, where the presiding deity is referred as Varaha Azhwar.  An inscription of the Vijayanagara king, Virupaksha - II dated 1471 CE is found on the walls of the temple speaks about gift of a village to this temple and called this temple as Adivaraha Nayanar Koil.

Even though it is believed that the temple exists from ancient period records are only available from 16^th Century in the form of inscriptions ( in this temple walls ) and copper plates. As per the inscriptions this Temple was expanded in 17^th  Century during Vijayanagara period by the Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak (1560 – 1614 CE ).  And further expanded with Mandapas, Gopuras, Prakaras / cloisters by their feudatories and Viceroys. They also donated jewels, lands, Villages etc for conducting daily pujas and festivals. Mohul king Ferrukshiar had made large gifts of villages to this temple. Svarup Singh of Maratha from Gingee also patronized this temple.

In 1926 under the approval of British East India Company hereditary Dharmakartha/ Trustees celebrated various festivals and lands were gifted to this temple.

In 1928 CE as per the orders ( OS No 27 / 1912)  of the District Court of South Arcot, Trustees has been appointed by the Court. But from 1951CE, the management was taken over by Hindu Religious Endowment board and the same was revised in 1968 CE.

  inscriptions

LEGENDS:

The puranas Skanda, Sri Bhagavata, Maha bharata and Padma Purana presents a vivid account of the advent Bhagavan, the adorable Lord from Srivaikuntam into the mundane world in Krta Yuga of 28^th chaturyuga of Vaishnava manvantara of Svetavarahakalpa. In this incarnation Bhagavan as Sri Varahamurti / boar killed the demon Hiranyaksha and rescued Bhumi Devi ( Mother earth ) from the bottom of the seas in Patala Loka, wherein the asura had kept her concealed. Elaborate descriptions of these events and of the spiritual merit of the holy waters of this kshetra  are found in the puranas.

Brahma and Rishis worshiped Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy of this temple. It is believed that People pray Kuzhanthai Amman for child boon.

PUJAS AND CELEBRATIONS:

During Panchaparva, five seasonal  festivals and other occasions the Lord is taken round in processions. Puja service  has been rendered by Vaishnavas of Southern sect ( Thenkalai ) as per Pancharatra agama. Mantrapushpa, Vedaparayana and adhyay bhaga are performed by both sects ie Vadakalai and Thenkalai. In addition to this Madhwa Brahmins has the right to participate in Vedaparayana. The reciting of Madhva Purana and reading of Gajendra Moksha are the special privileges of madhvas.

9 days Brahmotsavam is conducted twice in a year during Tamil month masi. The Urchava Deity will be taken in procession  to sea at Killai near Chidambaram about 3o miles from Srimushnam. When it passes through the Dargah, Muslims used to offer flowers and fruits.

 

Friday festival at Sri Ambujavalli Thayar sannidhi, Annual Celebration at Udayar Sannadhi, Krishna Jayanthi at Venugopalan Sannadhi, In the month of Aippasi ( October / November ) Pooradam – the jayanthi at Vishwaksena Sannadhi, Every month  sravana, the idol of Vedanta Desika  is taken out  in procession, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Navarathri, Illumination ceremony known as Tiruvandikkappu at 100 pillared mandapam, Ramanavami at Chakravarthi Thirumagan sannadhi are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The temple may be contacted on the landline 04144 245 090 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is  36 Km from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Ulundurpet and 72 KM from District head quarters Cuddalore and nearest Railway station is Ulundurpet.

Srimushnam can be reached through  the Anaikarai to Meensuruti road.. divert Vadalur on Chennai route at Sethiathoppu. You will reach Chozhatharam and from there Srimushnam is about 12 KM on Virudhachalam road.

 

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Moolavar Bhu Varaha Swamy 

 Bhavana Vimana

 Kuzhandhai Amman Sannadhi and North Gopura - Vaikunta Vasal

 A Panoramic view of the Temple Complex 

 Saptamatrikas

  The Rajagopuram entrance ceiling 

 The Rajagopuram entrance ceiling 

 Rajagopuram entrance side wall reliefs

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---