Padikasu Nathar Temple / Sri Swarnapureeswarar Temple / படிக்காசுநாதர் திருக்கோயில், அழகாபுத்தூர், Alagaputhur / Arichirkaraipputthur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 183^rd Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri and 66^th sthalam of Chozha Nadu. This place was called as Then Thiruputhur, Arichirkaraiputhur, Arichil Thenkarai Alagar Thiruputhur during Thevra period and Alagar Thiruputhur during 10th to 12th Century. Now called as ALAGAPUTHUR, before Nachiyar Koil. 

In Periyapuranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirunaraiyur.

பாடும் அரதைப் பெரும் பாழியே முதல் ஆகச்

சேடர் பயில் திருச்சேறை திருநாலூர் குடவாயில்

நாடியசீர் நறையூர்தென் திருப்புத்தூர் நயந்து இறைஞ்சி

நீடுதமிழ்த்தொடை புனைந்து அந் நெடுநகரில் இனிது அமர்ந்தார்

...... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal has mentioned this place as “Kadivaikkarai Thenputhur” and he was fortunate for having the darshan of Lord Shiva.

மின்னும் சடைமேல் இளவெண் திங்கள் விளங்கவே

துன்னும் கடல்நஞ்சு இருள்தோய் கண்டர்தொல்மூதூர்

அன்னம் படியும் புனலார் அரிசில் அலை கொண்டு

பொன்னும் மணியும் பொருதென் கரைமேல் புத்தூரே

....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

முத்தூ ரும்புனல் மொய்யரி சிற்கரைப்

புத்தூ ரன்அடி போற்றி என் பார்எலாம்

பொய்த்தூ ரும்புலன் ஐந்தொடு புல்கிய

மைத்தூ ரும்வினை மாற்றவும் வல்லரே

...... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

மலைக்கும்மகள் அஞ்ச மதகரியை உரித்தீர் எரித்தீர் வருமுப் புரங்கள்

சிலைக்குங் கொலைச் சேவுகந்து ஏறுஒழியீர் சில்பலிக் கில்கள்தோறும் செலவுஒழியீர்

கலைக்கொம்பும் கரி மருப்பும் இடறிக் கலவம் மயிற்பீலியுங் கார் அகிலும்

அலைக்கும் புனல்சேர் அரிசில் தென்கரை அழகார் திருப்புத்தூர் அழகனீரே

....... சுந்தரர்

                                                  -“காட்டும்

பரிசிற்கரைப்புற்றோர் பாங்குபெற ஓங்கும்

அரிசிற்கரைப் புத்தூரானே”

...... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Swarnapureeswarar, Sri Padikasu Nathar.

Consort    : Sri Soundaryanayagi, Sri Azhakambigai.

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

The temple is facing west with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Kambathadi Vinayagar, Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are immediately after the Rajagopuram in side a newly constructed mandapam. Stucco image of Rishabaroodar is on the top of the front mandapam. Moolavar is taller on  a square avudayar, under rudraksha mandapa. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Pichadanar, Lingothbavar Brahma and Durgai.

In Prakaram and mandapam, Vinayagar, Gajalakshmi, Sri Valli Devasena Arumugar ( Arumugar is with 12 hands with mayil / peacock vahana, holding sanghu  is worth to see ), Navagrahas, Sundarar with Paravai Nachiyar, Chandikeswarar, Siddhi Vinayagar, Swarna Vinayagar, Kumbhakarna Vinayagar, Natarajar, Chandran, Musukunda Chakravarthi, Roma Rishi, Sunda Devar Nalvar, Sekkizhar, Dakshina Kailasanathar, Uthira Kailasanathar, Arunachaleswarar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Saraswati, Suryan, Shaniswarar and Bhairavar.  Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing south.

Nalvar - Sundarar with Paravai Nachiyar

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal has sung in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might have been existed before 7^th Century. The same was reconstructed as a stone temple during Chozha period. The present structure belongs to nattukottai Nagarathar thirupani.

It is believed that the temple was constructed by Ko Chenkat Chozhan and latter expanded by Chozhas, Thanjavur nayaks and Nattukottai Nagarathars. One of the inscription records this  place as Kulothunga Chozha Valanattu Azhagar Thiruputhur.

Rajaraja-I’s 7^th reign year inscription records that 1300 kuzhi land was gifted to Paramaswami for worship by Thiruputhur Udayar. The sanctum was reconstructed as a stone temple. This place was mentioned as Thirunaraiyur nattu Brahmadeyam Parathayakudi. 22^nd reign year inscription records the gift of 3 ma land for burning a perpetual lamp. Again 28^th reign year inscription records the endowment of a Lamp. The Same king’s period inscription records that a shrine was constructed for Suriyan. For the same 6 ma land and 30 kasu was gifted  for worship, by Melvembaa Nattu Nallarkudiyinan.

Kulothunga Chozha-I’s period inscription records the gift of Land for worship. Vikrama Chozha’s period inscription records the gift of money for burning a lamp at Thiruputhur Azhagiya Devar.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, Lord Shiva and ma Parvati stayed here. Ma Parvati brought the Ganga to this place and worshiped Lord Shiva with Ganga water and Gold. Hence Lord Shiva is praised as "Sri Swarnapureeswarar" or "Sri Sempon Nathar".

In another legend The a Chozha King was constructing a temple for Thyagesar at Thiruvarur.  One of his minister, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva was assigned the task of procuring materials required for the temple. It was dusk, when he reached this place. He used to worship Lord Shiva before taking the dinner. Since he couldn't find any Shiva Temple near by, with the hunger and tired, he started sleeping under a tree. So Lord Shiva gave darshan in the form of a Shiva Linga.

 

The Minister wanted to built a temple for this Shiva Linga. He diverted some of the materials meant for Thiruvarur Temple. The King happened to see and admired the the beauty of the temple, asked the minister to give him the “Good Karma”, that he earned by building this temple. Since the Minister didn't accepted the same, the King beheaded the Minister. The Last word uttered by the minister was “Andavare”. Hence this place was called as “Andavankoil”. A bas relief is on one the pillars depicting this legend.      

It is believed that, sage kashyapa, Roma maharishi, Musukunda chakravarthi His minister and Thirugnanasambandar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Pukazhal thunai Nayanar attained mukti in this place. This is a Parihara sthalam for poisonous bites.

Bhairavars

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted Aadi pooram in the month Aadi ( July – Aug ), Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Aavani ( Aug – Sept ), Navaratri in the month of Purattasi ( Sept – Oct ), Skanda Sashti and Annabhishekam in the month Aippasi ( Oct – Nov ), Thiru Karthigai in the month of Karthigai ( Nov – Dec ), Thiruvathirai in the month Margazhi ( Dec – Jan ), Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi ( Feb – March ), Panguni Uthiram in the month Panguni ( March – April ) and monthly pradosham days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS 

The phone numbers 0435 2466939 & 9943178294 may be contacted for darshan. Alternatively Durai Gurukkal +914374  265130 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH 

On Kumbakonam to Nachiyar Koil ( Natchiyarkoil ) bus route, Thirunariyur before Nachiyar Koil.

The Place Alagaputhur is 2 KM from Thirunariyur, 2.7 KM from Nachiyarkoil, 5 KM from Thiruppandurai, 7 KM from Kumbakonam, 35 KM from Thiruvarur, 41 KM from Mayiladuthurai and 301 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Thanks to my friend Madhan of Kumbakonam, who had given the day light photographs

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Siddhanatheswarar Temple / Sri Siddha Natheswarar Temple / சித்தநாதேஸ்வரர் கோயில், திருநரையூர் / Thirunaraiyur / Thirunariyur / Thirunariyurchitheecharam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 182^nd Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 65^th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Now this place is called as THIRUNARIYUR. 

In Periyapuranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Kudavayil.

பாடும் அரதைப் பெரும் பாழியே முதல் ஆகச்

சேடர் பயில் திருச்சேறை திருநாலூர் குடவாயில்

நாடியசீர் நறையூர்தென் திருப்புத்தூர் நயந்து இறைஞ்சி

நீடுதமிழ்த்தொடை புனைந்து அந் நெடுநகரில் இனிது அமர்ந்தார்

...... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்

Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

ஊர்உ லாவு பலிகொண்டு உலகேத்த

நீர்உ லாவு நிமிர்புன் சடை அண்ணல்

சீர்உ லாவு மறையோர் நறையூரில்

சேரும் சித்தீச் சரம்சென்று அடை நெஞ்சே

........ திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

நீரும் மலரும் நிலவும் சடைமேல்

ஊரும் அரவும் உடையான் இடமாம்

வாரும் அருவி மணிபொன் கொழித்துச்

சேரும் நறையூர்ச் சித்தீச் சரமே

........ சுந்தரர்

                                                           -“ஏணுடன்கா

ஈட்டும் பெருநறையா றென்ன வயலோடி

நாட்டும் பெருநரையூர் நம்பனே”

....... திருஅருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Siddha Natheswarar

Consort    : Sri Soundaranayaki

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

The temple is facing West with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Kambathadi Vinayagar, Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is of swayambhu. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. In addition to this the bas reliefs of Gorakkar, Sri Medhavi Maharishi and "Sri Naranarayana Pakshi" worshiping Lord Shiva are on the sanctum sanctorum wall.

In Parkaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar and Chandikeswarar. Sri Mahalakshmi ( Sri Vanjula Devi )  in stucco image. Sri Mahalakshmi’s avathara sthalam. Valampuri Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Siddha Lingam, Rina Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Tejas Lingam, Jyothi  Lingam, Nagammal, Suriyan, kala Bhairavar, Veera Bhairavar, Nalvar with Karaikal Ammaiyar and Shaniswarar are in the maha mandapam and prakaram.

Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi. The face of  Ambal looks like childish.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. The mandapas are of Vavval nethi, are added at a latter stage, may be during Thanjavur Nayaks.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in  praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might have existed before 7^th Century. The same was reconstructed as stone temple during Chozha Period and extended during Thanjavur Nayaks / Marathas.

The inscriptions recorded  from this temple belongs to Chozhas starting from Rajaraja-I to Kulothunga Chozha-III ( Rajaraja-I, Veerarajendran-II, Kulothunga Chozha- I,II,III, Vikrama Chozha, Rajarajan-II, Rajathirajan-II ).  Of these Vikrama Chozha’s inscriptions tops in the list. As per the inscriptions this place was under Kshatriya Sigamani Valanattu Thirunaraiyur Nattu Thirunaraiyur and Kulothunga Chozha Vaalanattu Thirunaraiyur and Panchavan Mahadevi alias Chathurvedimangalam Thirunaraiyur. Lord Shiva was called as Siddheeswaramudayar.

Rajaraja-I’s period inscription starts with his meikeerthi records the endowment of Naivedyam at  Manalinga Devar and Anavadiya Devar sannathis, for the same 52 veli land was gifted by the King Rajaraja. The temple was also called in his original name as “Arumozhtheva Eswaram”. This order was directly issued by Rajaraja.

Rajaraja-I’s 2^nd reign year inscription records the gift of a silver plate Plate, Pot and a Chowry with golden handle by Udaiyapirattiyar Sembiyan Mahadeviyar alias Pirantakam Mahadevadigalar to this temple Siddheeswaramaudaya Mahadevar at Thirunaraiyur in Thirunaraiyur nadu. 

The inscriptions records the endowment of Naivedyam to Pichadanar for which gold was gifted, A  land was gifted by Manni Nattu Karuppur Udayan for feeding Sivayogiyar daily and lands were gifted for burning lamps at this temple and a Pidari Amman Temple.

LEGENDS

As per the legend Mahalakshmi as a small girl came from Sage Medhavi's Yagna was brought up by him at Thirunaraiyur. She was married to Maha Vishnu of Nachiyar Koil. To Commemorate this marriage, every  year on Pongal and Deepavali days  the tradition of sending gifts is followed from the parental home ie from Thirunaraiyur to Nachiyar Koil. On Vaikunta Ekadasi day Urchavars of Lord Shiva and Parvati will be carried in procession to Nachiyar Koil Maha Vishnu Temple. 

As per another legend, siddhar Korakkar one of 18 Siddhars worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple to get relieved from the curse. Hence Lord Shiva is called as "Sri Siddheeswarar" and the place is being called as Siddheecharam. There is a bas relief depicts this legend on the sanctum wall.

As per the sthala purana, sage Durvasa visited this temple worshiped Lord Shiva to get relieved from the sin. Lord Shiva gave darshan and relieved him from the sin. He also attained mukti at this place.

In another sthala purana, the sages named Naran and Narayanan, worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. When the maharishi Durvasa came to this temple he was not given proper  reception to the maharishi. Angered Durvasa cursed both to become birds / Naarai. Both sages worshiped Lord Shiva to get relieved from the Durvasa’s curse. Lord Shiva relieved from the curse and restored both to the old form. There is a bas relief on the wall depicting this legend. Hence, this place was called as Thirunaraiyur.

It is believed that Murugan, Brahma, Maha Vishnu, Kuberan, the sage Markandeya, Arjunan, Gandharvas, Siddhars, Saint Sundarar and Thirugnanasambandar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. 

   

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted on 10 days brahmotsavam in the month Margazhi ( Dec – Jan ), Aani Thirumanjanam in the month Aani ( June – July ), Aadi pooram in the month Aadi ( July – Aug ), Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Aavani ( Aug – Sept ), Navaratri in the month of Purattasi ( Sept – Oct ), Skanda Sashti and Annabhishekam in the month Aippasi ( Oct – Nov ), Thiru karthigai in the month of Karthigai ( Nov – Dec ), Thiruvathirai in the month Margazhi ( Dec – Jan ), Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi ( Feb – March ) and monthly pradosham days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

The phone numbers +91 435 2467343 & 2467219 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH :

The place is on the Kumbakonam to Nachiyar Koil ( Front of Nachiyarkoil is Thirunariyur ).

The Place Thirunariyur is 1 KM from Nachiyarkoil, 3 KM from Tirupandurai, 9 KM from Kumbakonam, 37 KM from Thiruvarur, 37 KM from Mayiladuthurai and 303 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Sivanandeswarar Temple, Tirupandurai / சிவனந்தேஸ்வரர் கோயில் / Thiruppandurai / திருபந்துறை / ( Penu Perundurai – பேணுபெருந்துறை ), Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 181^st Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri and 64^th temple of Chozha Nadu. Now this place is called as  TIRUPANDURAI / Thiruppandurai. The temple is on the southern banks of river Arasalaru. Hence called as Perunthurai ( Perum – big, Thurai – a place provided with steps to access the river ). This place was called as Penu Perundurai during ancient times.

In periyapuranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thiruveezhimizhalai. After Penuperundurai Appar returned back to Thiruveezhimizhalai after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thilathaipathi.

ஓங்கு புனல்பேணு பெருந்துறையும் உள்இட்ட

பாங்கு ஆர்திலதைப் பதிமுற்றுமும் பணிந்து

வீங்குஒலிநீர் வீழிமிழலையினில் மீண்டு அணைந்து

ஆங்கு இனிது கும்பிட்டு அமர்ந்து ஒழுகும் அந்நாளில்

Thirugnanasambandar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

பைம்மா நாகம் பன்மலர் கொன்றை பன்றிவெண் கொம்பு ஒன்று பூண்டு

செம்மாந்து ஐயம்பெய்க என்று சொல்லிச் செய்தொழில் பேணியோர் செல்வர்

அம்மான் நோக்கிய அந்தளிர்மேனி அரிவையோர் பாகம் அமர்ந்த

பெம்மானல்கிய தொல்புகழாளர் பேணு பெருந்துறையாரே

........திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

                                                  -“மந்தணத்தைக்

காணு மருந்துறையிக் காமர் தலம் என்றெவரும்

பேணு பெருந்துறையிற் பெம்மானே”

....... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Sivanandeswarar, Sri Branaveswarar

Consort    : Sri Mangalambigai, Sri Malaiarasi.

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

The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front. Moolavar is of Swayambhu. In koshtam, Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga.

Dhandapani is in dhyana posture with chin mudra. Image of Pichadanar is worth to see. Very old Sri Murugan is in moolavar sannadhi.

In prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Nalvar, Lakshmi Narayanar, Three Vinayagars, Viswanathar Visalakshi, Navagrahas, in that Suriyan is in an elevated level with his wives.

Ambal is in a separate sannathi, facing south. Chozha King with his wife is also in prakaram.

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. A Vesara vimana is on the sanctum.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might have existed before 7^th century and the same was reconstructed as Stone temple during the Chozha period by Karikal Chozha and latter extended during Vijayanagaras / Marathas.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Karikal Chozhan, Madurai Konda Parakesari, Rajaraja Chozha and Pandya king Veera Pandya. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as Sri Penu Perunthurai mahadevar and Ambal was called as Sri Malai Arasi Ammai.

Maduraikonda Koparakesari’s 22^nd reign inscription records this place was was under Thirunaraiyur Nattu Penu Perundurai and Lord Shiva was called as Penuperundurai Mahadevar.

The Rajarajan’s 14^th reign inscription records the endowment of  taking Asthra Devar, Amman & Periya Devar in procession and theerthavari in Arasalar river  by  Araisooral of Pandya Kulanasini Valanattu Arcot Kootram on Amavasai day ( new moon day ) for which land was gifted to this temple.

Veerapandya’s 6^th reign year inscription records the gift of Urchavar of Swami by Nallurudayan Vazhuthooran. 

LEGENDS

As per the Legend, Lord Muruga imprisoned Brahma for not able to explain the meaning of Pranava mantra. Lord Shiva advised Muruga to go this place and worship him to get relieved from the sin caused due to imprisoning of Brahma and the  after effects. Lord  Muruga came to this place and worshiped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased by the prayers of Muruga and relieved him from the sin Hence Lord Shiva is called as "Sri Pranaveswarar" – Lord of pranava mantra.

It is believed that Brahma, Vinayagar, Muruga and Umadevi worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Vaikasi Visakam in the month Vaikasi ( May – June ),    Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Aavani ( Aug – Sept ), Navaratri in the month of Purattasi ( Sept – Oct ), Skanda Sashti and Annabhishekam in the month Aippasi ( Oct – Nov ), Thirukarthigai in the month of Karthigai ( Nov – Dec ), Makar Sankranti and Thaipoosam in the month Thai ( Jan – Feb ), Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi ( Feb – March ), Panguni Uthiram in the month Panguni ( March – April ), Amuthu Padayal on Bharani star day to Pichadanar in the month Chithirai  and monthly pradosham days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Gurukkal K Nagaraj may be contacted on mobile and land line numbers +91 9443650826 & +91 435 2448138, for further details.

HOW TO REACH : 

On the bus route from Kumbakonam to Karaikal ( nearby place called Eravanchery, 1 KM after Nachiyar Koil  on Eravanchery road )

The place Tirupandurai is 12 KM from Kumbakonam,  32 KM from Thiruvarur, 22 KM from Nannilam, 38 KM from Mayiladuthurai and 306 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---