Sri Agastheeswarar Temple /ஸ்ரீ அகஸ்தீஸ்வரர் கோயில், கிளியன்னவூர் /கிளியனூர் / Kiliyanur, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 276^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam at Kiliyannavur and 33^rd Paadal Petra Sthalam of Thondai Nadu. This was identified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam at the beginning of 20^th Century. Now this place is called as Kiliyanur, in  Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu. This place Kiliyannavur is close to the ThiruArasili near Pondicherry, one of the Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam.

 

In Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar records that, Thirugnanasambandar went to Thillai after worshiping Lord Shiva of ThiruArasili. He didn’t mentioned this temple in particular, but mentioned as other temples on the way. Since This place is very close to ThiruArasili, experts are of the opinion that he might have visited this temple also and sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.  

In the hymns Thirugnanasambandar mentioned the association of Agasthiyar with Lord Shiva. As per J V Goplayyer, the hymns was published in 1932 in 5^th of Sidhanantham Magazine. Also this figures on the page 405, Volume -1, of Thirugnanasambandar’s thevara Panmurai collection Published by the Pondichery Indalogy Institution in the year 1984.  

பன்னி நின்ற பனுவல் அகத்தியன்

உன்னி நின்று உறுத்தும் சுகத்தவன்

மன்னை நாகம் முகத்தவர் ஓதலும்

முன்னில் நின்ற கிளியன்ன வூரனே

...... Thirugnanasambandar

Moolavar  : Sri Agastheeswarar

Consort    : Akilandeswari

Sthala Vruksham : Vanni.

Theertham : Agni.

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

The temple is facing West with an entrance arch / Mandapa on the east and west sides. On the west side entrance arch Stucco image of Lord Shiva & Parvati with Agasthiyar and Thirugnanasambandar in worshiping posture at the centre. Stucco images of Vinayagar is on the left and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar is on the right.  The Mandapa is used to store vahanas. Rishabam and balipeedam are in front of the ardha mandapam which has an entrance on the South side. A stone jala / Jolly is provided in front of Rishabam to face Moolavar. Moolavar is of Swayambhu. At the entrance of sanctum sanctorum, Dwarapalakas wearing padre kumdala, Vinayagar on the left and Thandayuthapani is on the right.

In koshtam, Pichandanar / Bickshadanar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu ( in Lingothbavar’s place), Brahma and Durgai.

In prakaram  Maha Vinayagar, Agasthiyar, Gajalakshmi, Valli Devasena Arumugasamy, Krodha bhairava ( Holding Changu / Conch, Chakra and a Shiva Linga is an unique feature in this temple ). Kala Bhairava, Nalvar, Navagrahas, Suriyan and Chandran and some loose sculptures of old Dakshinamurthy, Jyeshta Devi, Nagars, etc,.

It was told that Urchavars are kept in the village for safety reasons ( It was taken away by the thieves and latter the same was recovered).

Ambal is  in a separate sannidhi facing east at the south side entrance of Maha mandapam. The Ambal is in standing posture with hands are in abhaya and varada hastam. The Nandhi opposite to Ambal is little lower than the ground level. It is believed that Nandi Devar used to circumambulate and worship Ambal on Mahashivratri day.

ARCHITECTURE.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. The entrance to the ardha mandapam is from the south side with a mandapam. The Adhisthanam is prathi bandha adhisthana with padma jagathy, Virutha Kumuda and a Yazhi vari. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from adhisthanam to prastaram. The prastaram is of kapotha style with Nasikood. Bhuta Ganas are in the valabi. Yazhi vari is on the bhoomi desam. Two thala Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum. Stucco images of Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the greeva Koshtam. The Vimana is of Vesara style.

 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION

The name “Killi” was a common name among the Chozha Kings and some of the Chozha Kings are called as Killivalavan, Nedungkilli. These names figures in the Sangam literatures too. So this place might have been called as Killiyanallur and the same might have got corrupted to the present name of Kiliyanur.

The loose sculptures like Jyeshta Devi and Chandikeswarar  installed on the back side of the temple belongs to pallava Period. Hence this temple might have been constructed during Pallava period and reconstructed as a stone temple during Chozha period.

The inscriptions on the sanctum Sanctorum walls do not have continuity. Some of the portions were damaged during renovations. As per the inscription this place was called as Jayankonda Chozhamandaalathu Oyma Nadu Brahmadeya Kiliyanallur. During Chozha Kings rule this place was under Keralanthaga Chaturvedi mangalam and Vijaya Rajendra Valanadu.  Lord Shiva was called as Thiruvagniswaram Udayar. The 9^th Century inscriptions, records the donations made for conducting the regular poojas and burning of perpetual Lamps and Naivedyam. One of Chozha King’s ( name was found damaged ), period, Ambalavan Kandradithan alias Kavalayam Gangaraisar had established an endowment and the details are not known.

The Chozha King Koparakesari’s ( Parantaka-I ) 10^th reign year inscription records the endowment of special Naivedyam with 4 nali rice offered during worship on the Amavasya and Sankranti day by one Parasaran Thayan Sathan.

Rajendra Chozha’s 3^rd reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by a Brahmin lady for the same 90 goats  were gifted to this temple. 

Kulothunga Chozha period inscription records the endowment of  special poojas to Pichadanar / Bhikshatana and burning of perpetual lamps.

The damaged Vikrama Chozha’s inscription starts with his mei keerthi as “Poomathu.....”. records a land was gifted by Kiliyanur alias Ulakuyyakonda Chozha Chaturvedi mangalam Villagers.

Rajathi Rajan’s 28^th reign year inscription starts with his mei keerthi as “Thingalertharu...”, records that a land was sold for Naivedyam for Thiruvagniswaramudayar by the Keralanthaka Chaturvedi mangalam Village sabha. 29^th Reign Year inscription records that another land was sold for Naivedyam.

Kulothunga Chozha’s 3^rd reign year inscription records that Ulakuyyavanda Chozha Chaturvedi mangalam alias Kiliyanur sabha exempted Tax to some of the Lands. Also the inscription mentions the interest for the capital deposited in the treasury and Pichadevar / Bickshadanar.

A Mallikarjuvarayar, Vijayanagara Period inscription ( 1372 CE ) ( on a separate stone near the madapalli ), records the rectification of Mathagu / water regulator of the Eri and rectification of Eri damaged due to cyclone by Virupparaya Gangeyan’s son Vijayaraya Gangayan. In that this place was mentioned as Kilivalanallur.

    

LEGENDS

As per the legend, Suka Muni ( Kili -Parrot faced Muni – கிளி  in Tamil ), worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence This place obtained the name as Kiliyanur.    

It is believed that the Moolavar was installed by Agathiyar and worshiped by Suka Muni, Adhiseshan, Kalava Maharishi. Since Adhiseshan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple, this temple is considered as one of the Rahu & Ketu parihara sthalam. When Kalava Maharishis two daughters were suffering from a chronic decease, Kalava prayed to Lord Shiva and both were got relieved from the decease.

Devotees worships Lord Shiva and Akilandeswari to get relieved from Marriage obstacles, to excel in studies, to get relieved from Stomach pain, etc,.  It is believed that Nandi devar worships Ambal on Maha Shivaratri days.

With the presence of Kalabhairava, this temple is considered equivalent to Kasi.          

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas will be conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Annabhishekam in the month Aippasi, Pournami, Amavasya and Ashtami days and Fridays.

Special poojas are offered on Rahu and ketu Peyarchi / Transition days.

CONTACT DETAILS  

For darshan  P. Harihara Gurukkal may be contacted through his mobile 9976440754.

HOW TO REACH   

The Village Kiliyanur is on the Tindivanam to Pondicherry bus route and 18 KM from  Tindivanam. The Temple is on the bus route Brahmadesam main road within the village about a km from Kiliyanur bus stand.

The Temple is 18 KM from Tindivanam, 24 KM from Pondicherry, 56 KM from Villupuram and 143 KM from Chennai.

Nearest railway Station is Tindivanam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Pallava Period Jyeshta devi and Chandikeswarar

Dwarapalakas

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

108 Divya Desams - Nadu Nattu Divya Desams

S L No	Temple Name / Details	Place / Ancient Name	Present Name
41	Sri Devanathaswamy	Thiruvaheendrapuram	Thiruvanthipuram
42	Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal	Thirukkovalur	Thirukovilur, Kallakurichi

Hero Stones of Chozha Nadu, Nannimangalam, Allur Nakkan Koil, Thudaiyur, Nangavaram, and Thiruvasi, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

Hero Stone at Nannimangalam, Sri Sundareswarar Temple...

The Hero is shown facing front, holding a sword in the right hand and a shield in the left hand. Two arrows are shown, pierced through his rib bones between shoulder and hip. His legs are shown such that, he is marching towards front. He wears half dress below his hip,  ornaments and Yagnopaveetha.   

The inscription on the sides are inscribed in a mixture of Tamil and Sanskrit. Since most part of the inscription was damaged, many interpretations are made by different authors..

Interpretation -1

As per the AR No 144 of 1928- 29, The inscription record is engraved on a hero stone bearing the figure of a Brahman being pierced by an arrow near the neck. It is dated in the 21^st year of Nandipottaraiyar “who obtained the kingdom after defeating ( his enemies at ) Telleru”. The Inscription is damaged and it refers to a certain Mavali ( ie a Bana Chieftain ) and to a raid  causing the destruction  of a matha, in saying which a Brahmin hero named SattimuRRattevan met with his death. The records mentions the temple of Arindigai Iswaram built at Parantakapuram, which must have been respectively named after the Chozha Kings Arinjaya and his father Parantaka-I, who flourished a century latter. From palaeography also the record may be assigned to the 10^th Century AD. It there fore appears to be a latter copy of the original record. This mention of a Bana Chief outside the Bana territory is note worthy.

Interpretation -2

Nandhivarma Potharayar, who got Victory in Thellaru war, 21^st reign year inscription records that SakthimuRRattevan of Valluva Nadu was killed, when he tried to stop killing of his teacher of a math by Poosakan Bhatran. This hero stone was erected by his teacher. The inscription also mentions this place as Parantakapuram and the temple name as Arinjigai Eswaram.  But the South Indian Inscription gives a different meaning 

Interpretation -3

In another interpretation, during Samana & Saiva conflict  the person SakthimuRRathu Devan a Kuravar ( samanar – Jain ) who guards this temple was killed. His teacher established this Hero stone in the memory of the student. 

Interpretation -4.

In this a person called Battaran who was removed from the job wants to take a revenge on Sevanar. When Battaran tried to kill Sevanar, his student ( Brahmin ) SakthimuRRathu Devan of Valluva Nadu was killed and Sevanar erected this hero stone.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

INSCRIPTION
ஸ்வதிஸ்தி ஸ்ரீ தெள் / ளாற்றெறிந்து / ராஜ்ய(மு)ங் கொ / ண்ட நந்திப் /  பொத்தரையர்(க்) / கு யாண்டு இரு / பத்தொன்றாவது /  பராந்தக புரத் / து அறிந்தி / கை ஈஸ்வர க்ர / ஹம் ஸரஸ்த / தாலுடையொ / ரும் - - - / - - -  தளி / யிலாதாகி நின்ற ( ப )ட்டரென் மாவலியநி / (த ) ஸ்தாந மாள்வான் செ(வணற்குண்டு) கொ / ண்டு வந்து மடமுஞ் சுட்டுக் காத்த ஷி...ர / வரையு மெறிந்து இவர் ஷிஷ்யந் ஒரு ப்ராம் / ஹனன் சத்திமுற்றத் தேவந் றுண்டு ப / ட்டான் வல்லுவ(னாட்)டான்

Pattan Kal - Allur Thoongan Swami Temple ( Near Shiva Temple )

There is an Thoongan Swami Temple near the Allur Nakkan Koil Sri Pasupatheeswarar Shiva Temple. In that there is a flat stone installed and identified as “Pattan Kal”. Pattan means, a person died due to some heroic action. This memorial stone might have been installed for a Hero who was killed in some heroic action.

LOCATION  : CLICK HERE

Hero Stones / Memorial Stones / Pattan kal - Thudaiyur

These hero, Memorial and Pattan kal are erected in front of a Kalingayi Amman Temple, which is on the back side of the Thudaiyur Shiva temple. In this there are two sets of Male and female and single persons statues. All males are shown with sword on the right hand and the left hand are with shield. These may be Hero stones or memorial stones.

LOCATION  : CLICK HERE

Navakandam Hero stone - Nangavaram

This Navakanda statue is installed on the left side of the entrance arch of the Sri Sundareswarar Shiva temple. The hero is standing with left foot firm on the ground and looking straight. His right hand is shown holding a sword, on the back side of his neck and left hand is resting on a sword. Wearing a half dress below the hip and one end is shown like flying due to the wind. He is wearing ornament on the neck and shoulder. He do not have mustache and tuft is shown on his right side of the Hero. As per the iconography this Navakanda Hero stone may belongs to 16^th to 17^th Century.   

LOCATION  : CLICK HERE

Navakandam Hero Stone – Thiruvasi

The Navakanda statue is installed in the Sri Matrurai Varadeeswarar Temple, one of the 276 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam. The hero is shown cutting his head with a sword and left hand is holding the tuft. The hero is keeping his left knee on the ground and the right knee is up.  He is wearing half dress below his hip up to leg bottom. He is shown with big mustache. This navakanda statue may belongs to 16^th to 17^th Century. 

LOCATION  : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Vada Jambunathar Temple / Adhi Jambunathar Temple / வடஜம்புநாதர் குடைவரைக் கோயில் / A Shiva Rock Cut Cave Temple / திருவெள்ளறை / Thiruvellarai, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this temple was a part of “Trichy Heritage Walk” organised by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20^th & 21^st March 2021. Even-though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular. This temple gains its popularity after Maha Siddhar Sri Sivaprakasa Swamigal atma peedam and sunai Murugan temple are established.  

Moolavar  : Sri Jambunathar  

Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari  

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

The Rock cut cave temple is facing west. Stucco image of Ambal and an elephant ( Devasena ) worshiping Lord Shiva and Jambu Maharishi’s penance under a tree are on the entrance  arch. Main cell is with a Shiva Linga. The depth of the other two cells less. The cave is with Sanctum and a mandapam. The front mandapa was extended latter. Moolavar is on a square avudayar. Rishabam and Balipeedam are in front of the cave temple. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Mukha mandapam. Stucco image of Lord Shiva with Parvathi are on the top of the entrance. Smaller cells has Vinayagar, Jambukeswarar in the form of bas-relief and Jamburishi. In another cell, Vinayagar, Maha Vishnu and Dakshinamurthy. Navagrahas, Suriyan and Chandran are in the mandapam. Vinayagar and Sri Valli Subramaniyar, Athmanayaki ( Devasena ) Sannidhis, are in front of the cave temple. Ambal Akilandeswari is in a small shrine just opposite to the cave. Ambal is in standing posture with Abhaya varada hastham.

  

ARCHITECTURE

The Rock Cut cave consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. Mukha mandapam was built at a latter date. Dwarapalakas are in front of the mukha mandapam entrance. 2 smaller cells are also scooped on both sides of the sanctum. A Stucco nagara Vimana was built on the rock just above the Sanctum sanctorum.  

The Dakshinamurthy belongs to early Chozhas’ period. Dakshinamurthy is with Jadabaram and sitting in Veerasana posture on a simhasana wearing pathra kundala, Rudraksha mala and Yagnopaveetha. A Crescent moon is shown on the Jadabaram. The upper hands hold Snake and deer and lower left hand hold the chuvadi / palm leaves bundle and right hand is in Chin mudra. The Banyan tree behind Dakshinamurthy was sculptured beautifully. Squirrel, snake, akkamala and Pokkanam are shown on the banyan tree,  

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the inscriptions recorded, this place was called as Thiruvellarai and Lord Shiva was called as “Sriyanaikkal Perumanadigal”.  The Shiva rock cut cave was scooped during Nandhivarman. Earliest inscription of Thiruvellarai Shiva ( Thiruvaanaikkala Perumanadigal ) - rock cut cave temple belongs to Pallava king Nandhivarman-III ie 9th century.

"ஸ்வஸ்தி ஶ்ரீ பாரத்வா...லக ப்ரந்மாக்ஷத்ரு குலோத்பவ ப

ல்லவ மஹாராஜ.... ரமேஸ்வரநாகிய ஶ்ரீ தந்தி ந

ந்தி வர்ம..."

Rajakesarivarmar’s 25^th reign year ( Adithya Chozha ) inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which  a gift of 30 cows were gifted by Sembiyan Mazhava nattu KoRRan.

Kovi Rajakesarivarmar’s 2^nd reign year inscription of the wall of the cave records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp at Thiruvanaikalil Bhattarakar 25 kalanju Gold was endowed by Marudan Achchan of Sankarapadi Village Thiruvellarai.

Parantaka-I’s period inscription records the gift of a land purchased from a Brahmadeya Village by an individual to Lord Thiruvanaikal Perumanadigal of Thiruvellarai for prayer and offerings.

Another Kovi Rajakesarivaraman’s period inscription records the endowment of Naivedyam  and to feed the same to a Brahmin well versed in Vedas after pooja on every noon by Sathuvay Kanjan Damodharan for which 70 Kalanju Gold was gifted.

The Pandya King Maranjadayan period inscription records the endowment of the king by himself for burning 2 perpetual lamps for which 120 Kalanju Gold was gifted to this temple.

The Koparakesarivarman’s 9^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 25 Kalanju Gold was gifted to this temple by   Kumaran Kon of Idaikattur in Kiranur Nadu a division of Pandya nadu, who was an officer under Chozha King.

The Koparakesarivarman’s 9^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which a land was gifted to the temple after purchase for 3 Kalanju Gold to God Ambar Nattu Ambar Thirumakalathu Mahadevar, by Vanarayan Arangan Madevan.

     

LEGENDS

This legend is related to Devasena, wants to have special place in the heart / Chest of Lord Muruga Peruman, similar to Mahalakshmi did a penance and got a place on the chest of Maha Vishnu. Also She was little upset over the Marriage of her with Muruga is not celebrated like Valli marriage with Muruga. So Devasena requested Muruga peruman the way to fulfil her wishes.  Lord Muruga told that the best place to do Thabas / Penance is a cave where Lord Shiva blesses his devotees in Bhooloka.

So Devasena came to Bhooloka in the form of ordinary woman and worshiped Lord Shiva of many temples. She was not happy till She reached Thiruvanaikaval. There She had seen Ma Parvati was doing milk abhishekam to a Shiva Linga kept in the open ground. The milk from cows udder was flowing freely. Devasena fallen down at the feet of ma Parvati. Ma Parvati blessed her and told that her half of her penance will be completed if She found out the Devotee, where Lord Shiva wants to rest in his heart. So Devasena continued towards north. When She was taking bath in Kaveri, had seen a bright light or the jothi which comes from a cave. On reaching there She found a Maharishi was doing a Penance. When She was about to wake him, the maharishi opened his eyes. Devasena fallen down at the feet of maharishi. The Maharishi immediately realised that she is none other than Devasena and called her as “Athma Nayagi”. The Vennaval Thondan Maharishi fallen down at the feet of Devasena.

The Maharishi told that as per Lord Shiva’s instruction, he is  doing this penance. The penance will be completed once he was touched by shadow of an Uthama Pathni. He further told that his wish was fulfilled by the consort of Lord Muruga Devasena’s shadow touched him. Immediately Lord Shiva with Parvati, Lord Muruga and Devas appeared before them and blessed Devasena. Lord Muruga gave her a place in his chest.

The Maharishi was originally called as Vennaval Thondan. After this incidence he was called as “Jambu Maharishi”. Since Jambu Maharishi worshiped Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva of this rock cut cave is called as Jambukeswarar. Jambu maharishi did this penance on Lord Shiva to attain Mukthi. Lord Shiva and Parvathi gave darshan and Mukthi to the Jambu Maharishi.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular Poojas special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 10.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 18.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

This cave Temple is about 1 KM and just back side of the Thiruvellarai Maha Vishnu temple and the Swastika Well.

The Rock Cut cave temple is about 19 KM from Main Guard Gate, 26 KM from Tiruchirappalli, 69 Km from Thanjavur,  100 KM from Kumbakonam and 321 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---