Pachottu Avudayar Temple / Sri Aruthra Kabaleeshwarar Temple / Arudra Kapaleeswarar Temple / அருள்மிகு பச்சோட்டு ஆவுடையார் திருக்கோயில், மடவிளாகம் / Madavilagam, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Arudra Kapaleeswarar Temple at Madavilagam Village near Koduvai, was a part of “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. Sri Raghupathi Narayana Perumal Temple is on the south side of the Shiva Temple. This place is also called as Parpathyur.

Moolavar  : Sri Arudra Kapaleeswarar / Arudra Kapaleeswarar

                /Pachottu Avudayar

Consort    : Sri Prakala Nayaki / Periya Nayaki

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

The temple is facing east with a a Deepa sthambam. A bas relief of Lizard worshiping a Shiva Lings is at the base of the Deepa Sthambam. Vinayagar and Nagars are  under a Peepal tree is also in front of the temple. A mandapam is at the entrance of of the temple. Stucco image of Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar, Vinayagar and Murugan are on the top of the mandapam. The temple complex is about 3 feet below the out side ground level. Balipeedam Dwajasthambam and nandhi are in-front of the temple. In Sanctum Sanctorum Moolavar is believed to be of swayambhu. Pradhana vinayagar and Nalvar are in the artha mandapam. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In Prakaram Kannimoola Ganapathi, Kalyana Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Ambal Periya nayaki, Saneeswarar, Nagars with sthala Vruksham, Navagrahas, Utsava mandapam, Thanthondreeswarar, Kala Bhairavar, Chandran, Suriyan, Temple tank and Chandikeswarar.

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The Temple is about 2 feet higher than the inside ground level. The Adhistanam is of simple pada bandha adhistanam with threepatta kumudam.  A 3 tier stucco Nagara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the two tiers of the Vimanam.

The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone up to prastaram. The Sanctum walls are supported with Brahma kantha pilasters with Kalasam, kumbam, palakai, and veetu pothyal. The prastaram is with Nasikudus. An viyyalavari / Yazhivari is shown above the prastaram. The padmam is shown in the valapi. Bas relief like a Child coming out of crocodile’s mouth ( The sthala puranam of Avinashi Temple ) are on sanctum walls.

    

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Kongu Pandiyas, Kongu Chozhas and Vijayanagara King Devaraya. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was mentioned as “Pachottu Avudayar”, “Pachottu vudayar”, “Pachottu Aludayar” and “Parpathyur udaya Nayanar”.

Vijayanagara King Devaraya-I’s 1408 CE, year inscription records that this insction belongs to his son Kumara Ariraya Udayar ( Hariharan-III ). The Kangeya nattu Alambadi Village full ( Taxes of Housing plots, House Taxes to Kanikkai vari / Tax – amount to be paid to the King and his officials ) and Veera Chozha Valanattu ( Then/ south Kuruppa Nadu ) Katrankanni Village lands ( nearly 5 ma Thadi – paddy field  / fertile lands  with periphery limits are also given )were gifted to Parpathy Pachottu udayar. Pappini and Madavilagam was a single Village during that period. Now Pappini has become a separate village.

This inscription without King’s name and year is in the form of a song, which praises Kangeya nattu Karaiyur Pattakaran Chakkarai Uthama Kaminda mandradiyar. This song is in the form of a lady who loves the hero and tells his glory to her friends. In the song She compares him with Rama and he was worshiped by his enemies and he didn’t offered his two shoulders. Now see, the cold breeze is blowing…. The breeze will destroy me like a garland in the hands of a monkey.

சரங்கொண்டிலங்கை சமைத்தபெற் றான்டரி யாரிறைஞ்ச

உரங்கொண்ட காரைமன் னுத்தம சோழன் னுபையபுய

மிரங்கும் படியரு ளான்மட வீரினி யென்னுயிரைக்

குரங்கின்கை யிற்ப்பட்ட பூமாலை யாக்குங் குளிர்தென்றலே

This inscription is similar to the first inscription belongs to Vijayanagara King Devaraya-I, ( 1408 CE ), This inscription records that the gift was by the King himself. The tax in the name of Devaraya levied on Ezhukarai Nadu and Pathinen Vishayam. One Panam and Mirasu kalathilamuthu padi to this temple by each Village Big Village Small Village  Kalpattur. Pattali vaddakai Villages also to give one panam per year.

The 12^th Century Rajakesari Tribhuvana Chakravarthi ( Kongu Chozha ..?),’s 12^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a Sandhya Deepam  at Vinayagar temple at Parpani, by the Rajarajapuram ( Dharapuram ) officials ( Perumal Urimaiyar )  gifted an achu and the same was received by Sivabrahmins.

The 13^th Century Kongu Pandiyar Veera Pandiyan period inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp at this temple after receiving ( money … ?) from Chozhiyan Sivan Perundevi by the Siva Brahmins.

The 18^th Century inscription on the Deepa Sthamba mandapam, records that the Deepasthambham was installed on 19^th day of Margazhi Month Ananda Year,  during Vangarayar period by Kangeya Nattu Damodara Mudaliar’s son Vaidhyalinga Mudaliar.      

Inscriptions

LEGENDS    

The Lord Shiva is worshiped as the Kula Deivam by the Kongu Vellalars of  Sub Sects Thodai, Kadai, Keerai and Kannanthai Kulam.

It is believed that Ambal as parvati did a penance at this place Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Pichadanar, holding an unbaked mud pot. Hence called as Pachai- odu Avudayar – Pachottu Avudayar. Ambal as Annapoorani gave food to Lord Shiva.

As per the experts Madavilagam  means a place where army soldiers stayed and Madams / Mutts existed in this place. The mutt belongs to Pasupata sect of Shiva worship. The Gangar’s ruled Kongu during 6^th Century. So it is believed that Pasupata sect of worshiping Lord Shiva came during their period. The places where the Pasupatha mutts functioned in Kongu regions are Karaithozhuvu, Perur near Coimbatore and Sevur.

As per the legend the temple tank was created by Lord Shiva through his leg nails scratch. Once in 12 years an unbaked mud pot will appear filled with Vibhuti. Hence Lord Shiva is called as “Pachchai Ottu Avudayar”. Here Pachchai is not means the Colour, but pot made up of mud mixed with water, wet and unbaked.

But as per the other legend, Lord Shiva plucked the 5^th head of Brahma and head ( Kapalam – மண்டை ஓடு  in Tamil ) sticked with his hand. With that head hanging Lord Shiva found very difficult and couldn’t do any thing. As per the advise of Maha Vishnu, ma Parvati sprayed food on the street. The head left Shiva’s hand and started eating. Before the head completes eating Lord Shiva had taken bath in the temple tank and the head couldn’t stick back.

The arudra refers here as nakshatra ( There are different version of Rudra, one says Rudras are one form of Lord Shiva, another says they are sons of Kashyapa and Aditi and in Vamana purana they are son of Brahma and Surabhi and they are Nirrti, Shambhu, Aparajita, Mrigavyadha, Kapardi, Dahana, Khara, Ahirabradhya, Kapali, Pingala and Senani ). This Arudra is added to Kapala ( the head of Brahma ) and Lord Shiva is holding the wet Kapala of Brahma, Lord Shiva is called as “Arudra Kapaleeswarar” in Sanskrit. And in Tamil as “Pachchottu Avudayar” and “Pachcottu Aludayar”. ( பச்சை+ஓடு+கபாலம்- பச்சைஓட்டுகபாலம் – பச்சோட்டு கபாலம்- பச்சோட்டு கபாலீஸ்வரர் ) 

Believed that a pot with vibhuti appears in this tank once in 12 years

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas special poojas are conducted on Pournami ( full moon days ), Amavasai ( New moon days ), Maha Shivaratri,  Karthigai Deepam,

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The Temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs to 19.00 Hrs. 

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile numbers 

HOW TO REACH

The temple Sri Arudra Kapaleeswarar Temple is at Madavilagam.

The temple is 8 KM from Kangayam Bus stand, 26 KM from Koduvai, 40 KM from Palladam, 36 KM from Tiruppur, 40 KM from Dharapuram, 80 KM from Coimbatore and 460 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Tiruppur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Reference : http://kongukalvettuaayvu.blogspot.com/2018/05/

Avinashi Temple sthala purana ( a boy comes out of the mouth of crocodile )

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Aivar Rajakkal Swamy Temple / Aivar Rasakkal Temple / அருள்மிகு ஸ்ரீ ஐவர் ராஜாக்கள் சுவாமி திருக்கோயில், Pappini, P. Pachapalayam, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Aivar Rajakkal Swamy Temple at Pappini Village near Koduvai, was a part of “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. This place is also called as “Parpathy – பாற்பதி”   

Moolavar  : Sri Aivar Raja Swamy

Consort    : Sri Poonguzhali

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

An Arch is on the road side. The temple is facing east. Sri Aivar Raja Swamy is on the left and Sri Poonguzhali sannadhi is on the right. Stucco Dwarapalakas are in front of the sanctum and Dwara Palakis are in front of Poonguzhali sannadhi.  A Horse is in-front of Sri Aivar Raja and an elephant is in front of Poonguzhali. Both sannadhis are in side by side. In artha mandapam, Sri Ponnu Puthu Raja Swamy, Sri Bhuma devi, Sri Malai Amman Swamy, Sri Ezhuper kumarathikal ( Saptha kannis ), Sri Ezhu KumararkaL Swamy, Sri Pothuraja Swamy, Sri Pandiya Raja swamy, Sri Panni Devan Swamy and Sri Maha Ganapathy.

In praharam, Sri Thannasi Swamy ( A saint ) sannadhi, Kannimar Swamigal, Sri Kalingaraja Swamy, Sri Kundu Thadi karuppanna Swamy, Sri Madurai Veeran Swamy and Stucco images of Horse, Cow and some images offered for the wishes fulfilled.   

ARCHITECTURE

The Aivar Raja swamy and Sri Poonguzhali sannadhis are built side by side with common 2 tier Gopuram like Vimana. Sri Aivar Raja is considered as Lord Shiva and Dakshinamurthy stucco images are on the Gopuram. No Noches are provided for koshtam. The Maha mandapam is built with Metacolor sheet.

In maha / Mukha mandapam Stucco Dwarapalaka is on the left and Dwarapalaki is on the right.

HISTORY

The temple was constructed and Maha kumbhabhishekam was performed in the year 2019. The temple belongs to Kailasar Kula Nadars and Namvazhiyar Kulla Nadars. Basically these people are migrated from Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi areas. They worships Sri Aivar Raja Swamy as Kula Deivam.

LEGENDS     

The Core theme of this legend is associated with the Kannadiyar war with the Pandyas. Based on this war, some of the stories like “Pancha Pandiyar Story”, “Vettum Perumal Kathi”, “Kannadiyan Padai War”, etc,. These stories staged in the form of Villu pattu, Drama, folk songs, etc. There  were number of evidences found in Tirunelveli region to prove that this was happened in these areas. The Kannadiars here means the Vijayanagaras, who ruled major part of Tamil Nadu. The 5 Rajakkal of Pandyas was mentioned by the Chozha King Kulothunga. The Kannadigas came to south mainly eradicate the rule of Sultans.

Pancha Pandiyas ie 5 Pandyas as brothers ruled the Tirunelveli region 1370 to 1422 CE called as Tenkasi Pandyas. The Kulasekara Pandya ruled Valliyur Region with a fort built ( 1226 CE, the year contradicts the real story of Pandyas. Experts are of the opinion that the hero of this legend also a Kulasekara Pandya may be of 16^th Century ).

The Aivar Rajakkal story revolves around Kulasekara Pandya, His 4 brothers and the Daughter of the Kannadiga King. The names of the 4 brothers are Muthum Perumal, Mukilam Perumal, Mukilam Perumal, Mudi soodum Perumal and Pandya Perumal. During 1^st war The Kannadiyas were defeated. Kulasekara Pandya gave the Valliyur fort to one Kalinga to take care and went to Madurai. During his absence lot of confusions were happened and the officials also mis behaved. At that time Veenathi Veenan took charge of the Fort.

In the mean time, knowing the braveness of Kulasekara Pandya the Kannadika King’s daughter wanted to marry him. So the Kannadika King had sent  his messenger to get the willingness of Kulasekara Pandya. When this was declined, The Kannadika King came to Valliyur with his army and the Valliyur fort was sieged. The Kannadigas sealed the entry and exist of the fort. They also closed the drinking water inlet to the fort, which they came through one of the buttermilk selling lady. The 5 brothers don't have any other choice except fight with Kannadigas. During the war his 4 brothers were Killed and Kulasekara Pandya was captured and taken to their country. On the way Kulasekara Pandya suicided himself and died. On knowing this, the Kannadika King’s daughter took sati, by jumping in Kulasekara Pandya’s funeral fyre.      

( The Above story is based on the Book Aivar Rajakkal Story Written by N Vanamamalai, Madurai University ).

Based on this The Tirunelveli region Nadars worships Kulasekara Pandya as Aivar Rajakkal and Kannadiya King’s daughter as Ambal. They started built temple’s where they settled  for business and other purposes.

Kundu Thadi Karuppa Swamy

Elephant in front of Amabal Sannidhi and Horse in front of Aivar Rasakkal ( Look between the legs of Elephant )

POOJA AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas special poojas are conducted on Pournami ( full moon days ), Amavasai ( New moon days ) and Avani month Friday and Saturday with 100 betel nut leaves, Karthigai koombu suthu, etc.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The Temple will be kept opened between 07.00 to 17.00 hrs, There is no Compound wall and can pray at any time.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile numbers +91 93626 93737 and +91 98653 07667 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is at Aivar Rasakkal is at Pappini and little away from the Village.

The temple is 500 M from Pappini Village, 9.5 KM from Kangayam Bus stand, 28 KM from Koduvai, 41.5 KM from Palladam, 38.4 KM from Tiruppur, 41 KM from Dharapuram, 78.2 KM from Coimbatore and 459 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Tiruppur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple/அகஸ்தீஸ்வரர் கோயில், Akilandapuram / அகிலாண்டபுரம், Kangeyam, Tiruppur Dist, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Akilandapuram a part of Kangayam Town, was a part of “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. The place was name after the Ambal Akilandeswari of his temple as Akilandapuram.

This temple is believed to be one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam sung by  Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal. It is believed that, this is one of the 108 Shiva Lingas installed by  Sage Agasthiyar in Thondai Nadu and a Thevara Vaippu sthalam. Thirunavukkarau Swamigal has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of Agatheechuram along with Nandhikechuram, Mahalaechuram, Nagechuram, Kodeechuram, Kondeechuram, Kukkudechuram, Akkeechuram, Adakechuram, Ayaneechuram Aththeechuram, Siddheechuram and Ramechuram.

நாடகமா டிடநந்தி கேச்சுரமா காளேச்

        சுரநாகேச் சுரநாக ளேச்சுரநன் கான

கோடீச் சுரங் கொண்டீச் சுரந்திண் டீச் சுரங்

        குக்குடேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரங்கூறுங்கால்

ஆடகேச் சுரமகத்தீச் சுரமய னீச்சுர

        மத்தீக்சுரஞ் சித்தீக்சுர மந்தண் கானல்

ஈடுதிரை யிராமேசசுர மென்றென் றேத்தி

        யிறைவனுறை சுரம்பலவு மியம்பு வோமே.

….. திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் ( 6-71-8 )

 

Moolavar  : Sri Agastheeswarar
Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the salient features of this temple are...
The temple facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the sanctum sanctorum under a mandapam. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam Chandikeswarar, Nirutha Ganapathy, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Natarajar, bhairavar, Chandran, Suriyan, Shaniswaran, Navagraha, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Garudan, Anjaneyar and Vinayagar with Nagars.

Ambal Akilandeswari is on the left side of the moolavar in a separate temple similar to moolavar.

ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam. Ambal temple is also similar to moolavar temple. Both are interconnected with a common maha mandapam. A two tier Nagara Vimana is on the top of the sanctum sanctorum. The Adhisthana is of Padmabandha adhisthana. The Adhisthana and walls are painted with black colour. Couldn’t identify the original structure.     

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It is believed that the temple was built by Kongu Chozhas / Pandyas. The temple was completely reconstructed during recent years without leaving any trace of antiquity.

A Soolam with an inscription stone is installed in front of the School and temple and white washed on both sides.

The Vijayanagara Veerasayana Udayar’s 16^th Century inscription records that Kangeyam and the people agreed to give the required paddy and one Panam per month for the night pooja.  The ompadaikilavi in this inscription is little different. It says that the person who stops this endowment will become sapling for 7 rebirths in the Naraga lok.

A 16^th century inscription records the construction of a tub  to collect water from the Pranala / Gomukha water, by Pillai Cheraman friend Thondaiman of Chenganna Kulam of Kongu Vellalar.

Kongu Pandiyar Sundara Pandya’s 8^th reign year inscription records the construction of  Ardha mandapa Mukhavanai (..?) by Chengali’s wife Puliyammai  of Vettuva caste Pattali Kavalar Kurumpillar Kulam.

The inscription without Kings name and period records the installation of artha mandapam door frame pillars  by Pillaiyalvi alias Piraisoodum Perumal who belongs to Anthai kulam of Kongu Vellalar.

Another inscription without king’s name and year records the installation of Sanctum Sanctorum door frames pillars Seyyalvan Devan alias Thondaiman of Kaval Venkotrar Kulam of Kongu Nattu Vettuvar Kulam.

The flat stone installed in front of the school inscription belongs to Vijayanagara King Achutha Thevar’s ( 10^th January 1533 ) period. The inscription records that his works were carried out by Then mandala official (Dakshina Bhujam ) Vaalayatheva Maharaja. The same person also holds an official post during Krishnadevaraya’s period. During his period Kangayam citizens and Chandrasekarar Piravikku nallar assembled at Chariot mandapa. During that time Madavilagam Palur Devar  Devan  Devar Deivasigamani had done the following Charity. He made the waters of three tanks, Kangeyam Chengulam, Vannan vaavi, Andichi Kuttai Channeled in to the Big tank and the lands which uses this water was donated to this temple.  

Vijayanagara period inscription

LEGENDS
As per the legend, during celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, all the Devas and Maharishis assembled at Mount Kailash. Due to this, the south side of earth raised up and north went down. To balance, Lord Shiva asked Agasthiyar to go to south, believed to be Pothigai hills. On the way Agasthiyar installed many Shiva Lingams and worshiped. It is believed that this is one of the place where Agasthiyar installed a Shiva Lingam and worshiped. Hence Lord Shiva is praised as Agastheeswarar. A Bas relief of Agasthiyar worshiping a Shiva Lingam is on the base of the Deepa Sthambam. 

Agasthiyar doing pooja

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular Poojas special poojas are conducted on Pournami ( full moon days ), Amavasai ( New moon days ), Monthly pradosham, Kiruthigai, Ashtami, Sashti and Maha Shivaratri.

Celiestal wedding 

12 - Rasis

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The Temple will be kept opened between 07.10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 Hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH
The temple is at Akilandapuram a part of Kangeyam.
The temple is 2 KM from Kangayam Bus stand, 20.5 KM from Koduvai, 33 KM from Palladam, 30 KM from Tiruppur, 32 KM from Dharapuram, 72 KM from Coimbatore and 441 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Tiruppur. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Lord Muruga    ..?

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---