Sri Vadamalleeswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ வாடாமல்லீஸ்வரர் கோயில், Oragadam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

வஞ்சித்துறை

புராதனர் பூதிதேகர்

சரோருகர் மாற்குமரியர்

நிராமய நீடிருப்பார்

ஒரேகடத் தீசராமே

The visit to this Sri Vadamalleeswarar Temple at Oragadam near Thirukalukundram in Chengalpattu District was a part of  Maha Vishnu and Shiva Temples visit at Singaperumalkoil, Kolathur ( Appur, Vembakkam ), Mettu Pudupakkam  and Pon Vilaintha Kalathur, on 24^th October 2021.

Moolavar  : Sri Vadamalleeswarar

Consort    : Sri Amirthavalleeswari

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east on a small Hill with nearly 100 steps to climb up. The entrance to the temple from west side. Lord Shiva in meditation posture is on a small rock A small deepasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam / Idabam are in-front of the temple. Moolavar in the sanctum sanctorum looks cute in alangaram. In Koshtam, Nirai Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. In the  makara thoranam above the Koshtams, the  bas reliefs of Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma and Durgai with her Vahana Lion / Simham. The Koshta images are installed at a latter date. Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of ardha mandapam.

Lord Shiva’s stucco image, Ambal Sannidhi, Nalvar, Chandikeswarar, Suriyan and Chandran are in the praharam. Ambal is in a separate Temple like sannidhi facing east on the north of the main temple.  Ambal’s images are in the Koshta niches.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple was constructed with Gajabirushta Vimana style. The Adhistana is of simple padabandha  adhistana on a Lotus petals pedestal as upana. The Adhistana consists of jagathy, Threepatta kumuda and Pattigai. The walls starts with vedigai and the walls are supported by Vishnukantha pilasters with Veetu pothiyal. The Prastaram consists of Valabi, kapotham and vyalavari. Lotus petals are in the valabi. The Kapotam has the nasikudus with various images. An ekathala Gajabirushta Vimana with three kalasas is on the sanctum sanctorum. A Temple structure with Lord Shiva is in the lalada Nasi. Stucco images of Natarajar with Sivakami, Vinayagar and Dakshinamurthy are in the South side Greeva koshtam, Maha Vishnu is in the West side Koshtam and Brahma, Saraswati and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar are in the north side greeva koshtam.

The front mandapam  was built during Vijayanagara Period. Subramaniyar, Vinayagar, Nandhiyam peruman, Maharishis, Donors of this Mandapam, Sanganidhi,  Krishna with Yasodha, Maha Vishnu as Varahamurthy, Herder,  sculptures are on the mandapam pillars. At the entrance both side Columns of the ardha mandapam has the bas reliefs of  Vyagrapadar, a King ( May be Chozha ), Ambal as Cow worshiping Lord Shiva, Ayyanar, Vinayagar and Murugan

A Lotus medallion is at the centre of the ceiling. In addition to that two lizards are also carved. Stucco image of Lord Shiva with Parvati as Rishabaroodar is on the top of the Mukha mandapam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original Gajabirushta Vimana style temple  was constructed during 7^th Century Pallava King Nandivarman-II, Period and latter reconstructed as a stone temple during Chozha period, between 10^th to 12^th Century. Rajarajan-I and Rajendra-I's period inscriptions are much damaged.

The Pallavamalla’s 7^th reign year ( 731 - 796 CE ) inscription found on the rock is much damaged. This inscription belongs to Nandivarman -II. ( ARE 251 of 1913 ). As per the inscription this place was mentioned as Urodam alias Pallavamalla Chaturvedimangalam and the same was got corrupted to the present name of Oragadam. Pallavamalla is one of the title of Nandivarman-II.

Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 25^th November 2018 after laying paver blocks and metacolour sheet shed in the praharam.

As per the HR & CE records, this temple has a land property of 2.55 hectares. The temple is under the control of Hindu Religious & Chartable Endowments Department.

PC : Website

LEGENDS

As per the legend, Rama did a penance on Lord Shiva for his darshan. Even after many years Shiva didn’t gave darshan and further Lord Shiva asked to do pooja with various flowers. Will give darshan, when worshiped with a flower which didn’t shrink even after days or loose its fragrance. So Rama worshiped Lord Shiva  with various flowers and finally Lord Shiva gave darshan when Rama worshiped with Jasmine flower. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Vadamalleeswarar.

Devotees worships Lord Shiva with Jasmine flowers to get Child boon ( Husband and wife to take bathe in the temple tank, carries Jasmine flowers bundled in the saree and worship Lord Shiva ), to get their wishes fulfilled, to get flourish in the business, to get rid of problems between husband and wife, uterus problems,  etc,.

Nandi is with a tiger skin, which was once presented by Lord Shiva, which is an unique feature of this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular oru kala poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri and Amavasya days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The priest will open the temple during morning and evening and the time is unpredictable. ( The timing should be 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.30 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs )

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple may be contacted on the mobile number +91 9444346970 for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The Village Oragadam is about temple is about 3.2 KM from Chengalpattu to Thirukalukundram Road, 6 KM from Thirukalukundram, 12 KM from Chengalpattu, 43 KM from Tambaram and 70 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Chengalpattu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Nandi devar

Hayagreevar

Donors of the Mukha Mandapam

Durgai in Makara Thorana with Lion as Vahana

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA --- 

Sri Thulasiswarar Temple / Sri Thulaseeswarar Temple / ஶ்ரீ துளசீஸ்வரர் கோயில், Kolathur, Vembakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Thulaseeswarar Temple at Kolathur Vembakkam near Singaperumal Koil was a part of  Maha Vishnu and Shiva Temples visit at Singaperumal koil, Kolathur ( Appur, Vembakkam ), Mettu Pudupakkam  and Pon Vilaintha Kalathur, on 24^th October 2021.

Moolavar  : Sri Thulaseeswarar

Consort    : Sri Vilvanayagi

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

The temple is facing east. Balipeedam and Rishabam / idabam are in front of the temple under metacolour sheet mandapam. Moolavar in the sanctum is little big. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam Pidari a Village deity as Kalyana Durgai Amman, Vinayagar, Agasthiyar ( Standing and sitting ), Suriyan, Chandran, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Bhairavar, Ambal Vilvanayagi, Chandikeswarar, Nagars under the neem tree and Navagrahas.

ARCHITECTURE

The Main temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandpam and a metacolour sheet mukha mandapam. This temple was reconstructed during recent years with brick. The Construction do not follow any of  architecture  or agama.  A Stucco Ekathala Vimana is over the sanctum sanctorum.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION

The original temple belongs to Chozha period and  Vikrama Chozha’s inscription stone is installed on the north side of the compound wall. The inscription records the endowment of burning perpetual lamp for which donations was made to this temple.

It was told that Kalyana Durgai Amman was a Pidari deity, a Village Guarding deity with an entrance from west near the temple. Local people usedto offer Non-vegetarian and animal sacrifice. This was stopped during recent years and the access to this Pidari temple was removed. In addition to that the name of the Pidari Amman was also changed as Kalyana Durgai Amman.

During recent periods, after reconstruction jeernodharana ashtabandhana maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 22^nd August 2010.

LEGENDS

During the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva with Parvati all the Deities, Devas and Maharishis assembled at Mount Kailash. Due to this the north side of this went down and south side raised. Lord Shiva asked Agasthiyar to go to south to balance it. On the way to Podhigai Hills, sage Agasthiyar, came to this place created a pond and Worshiped Lord Shiva on Puratasi Pournami day / Full moon day with Thulasi and Kondrai flower. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Ardhanareeswarar and gave darshan to Agasthiyar. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Thulaseeswarar.

Devotees worships Lord Shiva for a good relationship between husband and wife. Devotees with an adverse effect due to Chandra, has to worship Lord Shiva on Monday in Chandra horai to get rid of the adverse effect.

A Pidari Deity worshiped as Kalyana Durgai and temple above 

Chozha period Chandikeswarar and Chandran

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS:

Apart from oru kala poojas, special poojas are done on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri and Mondays.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.30 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple trustee Secretary Mr Ramesh on his mobile number +91 9444022133 or Gurukkal Sridhar on his mobile number +919444812001 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place Kolathur ( Appur ) is about 1.5 KM from Singaperumal Koil to Walajabad Road,  5 KM from Singaperumal Koil, 13.5 KM from Chengalpattu, 27 KM from Tambaram and 60 KM from Chennai central.

Nearest Railway station is Chengalpattu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Pataladhri Narasimhar Thirukovil / ஶ்ரீ பாடலாத்ரி நரஸிம்ஹர் திருக்கோவில் / அருள்மிகு பாடலாத்ரி நரசிம்மபெருமாள் திருக்கோயில், Singaperumal Kovil, Singaperumal Kovil.

The visit to this Sri Padalathri Narasimhar Temple also called as Singaperumal koil, was a part of  Maha Vishnu and Shiva Temples visit at Singaperumal koil, Kolathur ( Appur, Vembakkam ), Mettu Pudupakkam  and Pon Vilaintha Kalathur, on 24^th October 2021. This is an 8^th Century Pallava period Rock cut cave Temple. Since this rocky hill is red in colour, Perumal is called as Padalathri. This place was derived its name from the shrine of Narasimha Swamy ( Nara – Man, Simha – Lion ) as Singaperumal Koil.

Moolavar  : Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar

Thayar     : Sri Ahobilavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a 5 Tier Rajagopuram and a 4 Pillar mandapam. Deepa sthambam, balipeedam, Dwajasthambam / kodimaram and Garudan are after the Rajagopuram. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s 10 avatharas are on the top of east wall. Sorga vassal with a Mandapam and Stucco image of Narasimhar is also on the East wall.  The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Narasimha Swamy. Utsavar is called Prahaladavaradhan with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha with Vishwaksena are in a small shrine near Sanctum Sanctorum. Alwars, Ramanujar, Manavala mamuni are in the Pillared mandapam. Garuda the periya Thiruvadi is facing straight after the balipeedam and Anjaneyar, siriya thiruvadi is in a separate shire at the end of the street.

Since Sanctum sanctorum is of Rock cut cave, circumambulation is done around the hill called “Giri pardakshinam”. Steps are constructed on necessary places. Tirupati Venkatesa Perumal, Lakshmi Narasimhar are in the circumambulatory path.

 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple comprises of sanctum sanctorum and an ardha mandapam. Square Pillars and Pilasters with Tharanga pothyal supports the mandapam.  Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is sculptured from the mother rock.  Moolavar is about 8 feet tall in sitting posture with Maha lakshmi on his Chest, wearing Saligrama mala.  Moolavar is with 4 hands. The upper hands holds Changu / Conch and Chakra and lower right hand is in abhaya hastam and left hand is on his hip. The right leg is folded on the pedestal and left leg is touching the ground. The Urchavar is Prahalatha Varadar is along with Sridevi and Bhudevi. There is a third eye like Lord Shiva is carved on the forehead, which is usually covered by the Thiruman. During Arathi Bhattar lifts the thiruman shows the third eye.

Thayar Maha Lakshmi, in this temple as Ahobilavalli is in a Sanctum similar to Ahobilam, on the right side of the moolavar and Andal sanctum is on the left. Both are constructed with stone and facing East. Circumambulatory path is provided to do pradakshina around these two sanctums.

Even-though the Sanctum sanctorum was excavated as Rock Cut Cave, the structures like Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Alankara  Mandapam, 16-pillared Mandapam, etc, were added. Latter.  

Vimanams were constructed above the sanctum sanctorums on the rock. The  2 tier Nagara style vimanam of moolavar is called "Sri Pranava Koti Vimanam". The Sthala Viruksham of this temple is "Parijatham". The Theertham is called "Suththa Pushkarani". Ankobilavalli Thayar and Andal sannidhi vimanas are of single tier / Eka thala Vesara style.

Makara thorana of Andal sannidhi

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The rock cut cave was scooped during reign of Pallava King Mahendravarman, 8^th Century.  The temple covers an area of 2 acres. Chozha period inscriptions and latter period inscriptions are found in this temple. The earliest inscription found in this temple belongs to the Chozha King Rajaraja-I ( 985 – 1014 CE ). As per the inscriptions This temple was called as Narasinga Vinnagar and Perumal was called as Aazhwar Narasinga Vinnagar Devar and this Singaperumal Koil was Called as Chengundram.

Rajaraja-I’s 990 CE inscription records an endowment of maintenance of this temple by a person called Senda Kutti, for which 26 sheeps were gifted to Azhvar Narasinga Vinnagara Devar.

Rajaraja-I’s 993 CE inscription records the registration of Gift of Land to this temple by a person called Ayyaran Nakkan for burning of two Lamps and Naivedayam to Narasinga Vinnagar Azhvar

Another inscription of the same King ( 993 CE ), behind the Andal Sannidhi  is found damaged and incomplete. It refers some gift made by an individual to God Narasinga Vinnagara Azhwar of Chengundram.

A much damaged, 11^th Century inscriptions found on the lower portion of a Pillar and details couldn’t made out clearly. This may also records some endowment by the King or by some individuals.

The 1^st July, 1912, ( Parithabi Year Aani 18 ) inscription on the well records that the well was excavated and gifted by Sriman  Nallanchakravarthy Venkatacharya’s disciple Chennapattinam ( Present Chennai ) Uppudoor Perumal Chetty’s son Uppudoor Ramanujam Chetty.

The 20^th May 1916, inscription the 16 Pillar mandapam was records that ThirumalaiLinjumur Veeraraghava Venkatachariyar’s wife had constructed this 16 Pillar Mandapam. In Continuation of the same inscription, it records  the Paving of Cuddaph stone and the brick structure above the mandapam was constructed by the Chennai Vaisikas. During 1916, This place was Under Chengalpattu District.

On 21^st June 1991,  Jeenotharana Ashtabandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted after 1. Rectification of ceilings of all sannidhis and Compund wall, 2. Renovation of Moolavar Vimanam and 3. Ronovation of Thayar sannidhi vimanam. 

On 10^th May 2002, Ashtabandhana maha samproshanam was conducted. For the same the following works were carried out. Repair and maintenance of  Moolavar Vimanam, Thayar sannidhi, anjaneyar sannidhi, Laying of marble flooring in Moolavar and Thayar sannidhi, Maintenance of Lakshmi Narashimhar Sannidhi, Electrical wiring, Thirukalyana utsavam, Sayanthivasam and Voshbaroopam, Yagasala materials, flowers and Paintings of all Vimana and temple.

The Office building was constructed in the year 2003.

Maha samprokshanam for Andal sannidhi Vimana was conducted on 10^th February, 2006 after construction.  On 14^th May 2007, kodimaram / Dwajasthambam was installed and kumbhabhishekam was conducted for the same.

On 19^th March 2014, maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted  by HR & CE.

On 15^th March 2021, Rajagopuram was constructed and maha samprokshanam was conducted.

The annual income of the temple as per the records of HR & CE is: for Fasli 1402 - Rs. 39, 266/-; for Fasli 1403 - Rs.57,972/ - and for Fasli 1404 - Rs.57, 729/-. A Board of three trustees appointed by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department manages the affairs of the temple; one of these is hereditary; of the other two, one is generally from the Vysya Komti Chetty community.

Pillar Inscription 

The inscription mentioned 4 Pillar and 16 Pillar mandapa

The inscription mentioned 4 Pillar and 16 Pillar mandapa

LEGENDS

This is one of the Purana kshethra mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana. During Maha Vishnu’s Narasimha avathara this place was surrounded by the forest. The Maharishi Jabali did a penance of Maha Vishnu for his darshan. Maha Vishnu took the avathara as Narasimhar ( Simha head and Human body ) to the request of Bhakta Prahalada. Broke the Pillar, came out  and killed Hiranyakashipu, the demon King. With the same avathara, as Ugra Narasimhar, gave darshan to Saint Jabali on a pradosham day. Hence it is considered the pradosham day is auspicious to have the darshan of Lord Narasimhar after Thirumanjanam / sacred bath.   

There is tree called Angolam alias Azhinjil tree is on the circumambulatory path. The specialty of the tree is mention in Andal’s 44^th pasuram as –ஆயரும் அஞ்சிட பூத்த நிலக்கடம்பேரி புகழ் பாய்ந்து. It is believed that this tree is rare and is considered as a sacred one. Hence to get the marriage, Child boon and to excel as genius, Devotees has to take out 2 strands of thread from their dress  and tie it to the tree after applying Kungum and Turmeric powder. After this prayer, it is believed that with the grace of God, the wishes will be fulfilled.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular 4 Kala poojas as per Vaikanasa agama, special Poojas are conducted on Chithirai ( April – May ) month Brahmotsavam, Narasimhar Jayanthi, Ramanujar Jayanthi, Jyeshtabhishekam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Vajraangi Seva to Utsavar and Muthangi Seva to Moolavar and Pavithra utsavam in the month Aani ( June – July ), Thepotsavam / Float festival in the month Masi ( February – March ) and on minor festivals line, Uthiram, Swati, Ekadasi, Pradosham, Amavasai ( New Moon Day ), Pournami Days. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The Temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.30 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs.

The Devotees are allowed only after the Moring Abhishekam and Poojas, may be after 09.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Land line number +91 44 2746 4325, may be contacted for further details. Alternatively the priest V. Gopalakrishna Bhattar +91 93801 14686 / +91 44 2746 4441 may be contacted.

Temple web site : https://hrce.tn.gov.in/hrcehome/index_temple.php?tid=1843

HOW TO REACH

The temple is about 1 KM off from the Chennai to Trichy GST Road.

The temple is 1 KM from Singaperumal koil Sub Urban Railway Station, 10 KM from Chengalpattu, 25 KM from Tambaram, 50 KM from Kanchipuram and  50 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Singaperumal Koil and Junction is Chengalpattu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

Thulabaram

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---