Shri Raghunath Temple, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir

The visit to this Shri Raghunatha Temple at Jammu was a part of AMARNATH JI yatra on 05th July 2014. This was a continuation Yatra to Kailash and Chardham ( Yamunothri, Gangothri, Badrinath and Kedarnath ), with the same Group with the change of Travel agency. Our team consists of 20 members. All the arrangements were made by Mr TSR Prabhakaran.  The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah - Attari border Ceremony and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

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The presiding deities        : Sri Ram as Raghunath, Sri Sita
                                        and Sri Lakshman

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
Shiva Lingam with Parvati ( a big size Shiva Lingam, phallic form of Lord Shiva including Spadikam and Saligrams in Natarajar Sannadhi ), Suriyan, Sri Saibaba. Stucco images of various forms of Hanuman and the heroes of Epic Ramayana are in the praharam.

Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Hanuman’s big size images are at the entrance of the temple Complex.

The temple complex also has a School with a huge library, which houses more than 6000, rare books and manuscripts, in Sanskrit  and other languages.  

The main sanctum Sanctorum walls adorns with 15 painted panels depicts the epic, Ramayan, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Geeta. Out of 15 paintings, some are secular paintings depicting Kabir, a saint engaged in weaving, and army personnel of Dogra and Sikh Communities. These paintings depicts the Culture, customs, weapons  prevalent during that time.

  

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ARCHITECTURE
One of the Largest temple Complex in North India consists of 21 individual and small Shrines, with lofty Vimanas around the Main Shrine. The kalasas on the top of Vimanas / Shikaras are gold plated. These structures are built with brick and lime mortar. These Vimanas ( Shikara – mountain peak ) architecture  followed the North Indian style of architecture especially Sikh. The Presiding Deities sanctum sanctorum was not with Vimanam, but with a dome style shikara was constructed. Also some of the structures followed Mughal style of architecture. The structures has the stucco intricately carved sculptures, lotus medallions, motifs and arches. The niches / koshtas  ( about 300 ) contains the various images of Hindu deities, particularly Maha Vishnu’s avatars of Rama and Krishna.

The interior walls of 3 shrines are covered with Gold plated sheets, which includes the presiding deities shrine.

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HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The temple was built during Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Maharaj Ranbir Singh’s period ie 1853 – 1860 CE. But as per the inscription at the entrance of the temple, the temple ws built by Maharaja Gulab Sing and his brother Dhyan Singh  in the year 1827, in honour of Mahant Jagannath.
 
The temple was subjected due to fidayeen – (  militants ) terrorist attack on 24^th November 2002, resulting  about 10 deaths and injuring several devotees. Hence a tight security was posted then and all the Devotees are screened before entering the temple complex.

The temple was renovated / restoration at a cost of Rs 40 lakhs during 2020, 30 years after demolition ( may be after terrorist attack.  

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LEGENDS
It is believed that the presiding deity is the family Deity of then King and Dogra people.  

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular morning and evening Aarti poojas, special poojas are conducted on Rama navami day, Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali, Dasara, Hanuman jayanthi, etc,. 

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TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
Web site : http://raghunathtemple.com/

HOW TO REACH
The temple is at Fatthu Chaugan Dhaki, Majhini, Jammu and Kashmir.
Nearest Railway Station is Jammu Tawi about 3 KM and Air port is Jammu, about 8 KM.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE    : CLICK HERE

 

Main Entrance

Vimanans view from the street

Shiva sannadhi vimanam

GENERAL & SOME OF THE OBSERVATIONS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Throughout Kashmir army vehicle with armed personnel  are stationed

Before construction of this bridge lot of accidents happened

 After constructing the Bajranki Baba temple accidents has came to Zero

Lot of memory stones, plaques with inscription of the demised relatives installed on the side of the road. Number of such memory stones are quite common in Jammu & Kashmir area.

 

... OM SHIVAYA NAMA ...

Sri Kamakshi Samedha Sri Soleeswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ காமாக்ஷி சமேத சோழீஸ்வரர் கோயில், பேரம்பாக்கம் / Perambakkam, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Soleeswarar Temple at Perambakkam was a part of Temples Visit in Tiruvallur District, before attending the Uzhavarapani at Janamejaya Eswarar temple at Panambakkam and Palalayam function at Senji Panambakkam  Sri Kailasanathar Temple.This place was called as Perumbakkam and latter corrupted to the present name of Perambakkam.

Moolavar  : Sri Soleeswarar

Consort    : Sri Kamakshi Ambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch on the south side. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam / idabam are on the east side. Moolavar in the sanctum is on a round avudayar. In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Ambal sannidhi is in maha mandapam. In outer prakaram, sannadhi for Sakthi Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar, Sri Subramaniar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan, Chandran, Iyappan and Pradhosha Lingam.

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a padabandha adhisthanam with Jagathy, Muppattai kumudam and pattigai.  The prastaram is of kapotha style. An ekathala vesara Vimanam is above the bhoomi desam. Stucco images of Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in greeva koshtam along with thala vahanas. Lord Shiva, Maha Vishnu, Brahma are with their consorts. 

The temple was completely painted colorfully with Dark blue and couldn’t distinguish between stone and brick structure.

 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There are about 14 inscriptions in this temple. As per the inscriptions the temple might have been built during 12^th Century, Kulothunga Chozha–I period and the Lord Shiva was called as Kulothunga Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar and now called as Soleeswarar. The temple also had the contributions from Vijayanagar Dynasty.

Kulothunga Chozha –I period inscription records the gift of the Village Perambakkam alias Irattaipadi konda Chozha Nallur in Pagasalai nadu (… please Check ) of Manavil Kottam as a devadhana Village, after exempting Taxes, by Pagaiyaruttu Konda Chozhar Velaikarar. 

Kulothunga-I period another inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Kuttadi Thakkaraisan Telungarayan.

Three inscriptions belongs to Rajaraja-III. One inscription records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps by Arumbanayaka Pallavarayan for the same money was gifted towards oil. The second inscription is about grant of Nayathars of the Village  gifted 3 Veli of land in Anaikattaputhur after exempting taxes. The Third inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp by Thirumudi Chozha Pallavarayan Udaiya Pillai, one of the member of the Village Nyadharar, for the same 3 kasus was gifted. 

Kulothunga Chozha-III’s period three inscriptions are recorded. The first inscription records the donation of money by a lady to Lord Shiva of this temple. The second inscription records the gift of lamps by Sankranthi Pallavarayan a member of the Miyayam of Perumbakkam. The third inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp by another member of Miyayam of Perumbakkam.

Inscription ... manavil kottam---மணவில்கோட்டம்

LEGENDS

It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva will get relieved from nerve related ailments and this is a parihara sthalam for nerve related ailments.  It is believed that nerves can be seen on moolavar while doing abhishekam.

As per the legend, Lord Rama made a big bow with big arrow killed Ravana at this place, Hence this place was called as Perambakkam ( Perambu + akkam ).

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas special poojas are conducted on Kiruthigai, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Pradosham, Pournami, Theipirai ashtami, Uthiram, Vaikasi Visakam, Tamil and English new year days, Arudra darshan, Maha Shivaratri, Vinayagar Chathurthi, Thai Pongal, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 09.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile numbers +91 94431 08707 and +91 94451 27892 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH : 

Perambakkam is about 33 KM from Chennai on Poonamallee to Arakkonam route and 5 KM before Thakkolam. ( This temple is about 500 meters off from the main road )

Nearest railway station is Arakkonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

--- OM  SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Janamae Jaya Eeshwarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ ஜனமேஜெய ஈஸ்வரர் கோயில், பனம்பாக்கம் ( செஞ்சி )/ Panambakkam ( Senji ), Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Janamejaya Eswarar Temple at Panambakkam was a part of Temples Visit in Tiruvallur District, before attending the Uzhavarapani at Janamejaya Eswarar temple at Panambakkam and Palalayam function at Senji Panambakkam  Sri Kailasanathar Temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Janamejaya Eswarar
Consort    : Sri Jegathambal / Sri Kamakshi Amman

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with Balipeedam and Rishabam. Rishabam is in a mandapam with main temple’s adhistanam architectural style. Moolavar is of 16 fluted surface Dhara lingam. Ambal Jegathambigai and Chandikeswarar and Durga as loose sculptures / damaged are kept in the maha mandapam.  Since sanctum sanctorum was damaged, moolavar was shifted to Ardha mandapam. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Brahma. All Koshta images are made of Green stone. 

There are two more sannadhis on the back side of the sanctum sanctorum, built for Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, are without images now.

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and Maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a padabandha adhistanam with vrutha kumuda. The adhistanam is little elevated with upanam, built like a mada temple.

Yazhihastha sobhanam with 6 steps is to climb up to maha mandapam on both sides. Mangala symbols are on the top of the entrance. Maha mandapam Pillars has the Malai thongal and dancing ladies. The pothyals are of Vettu / poo mottu pothyal with design. The Pothiyals of the mandapam are of different styles like Vettu, Tharanga and Poo mottu pothyals. The centre portion has various designs.

Deva Koshtas are of padra kostas with Jagathy, threepatta Kumuda, kapotham and viyyalavari. The mahara thoranas has the bas reliefs of Lord Shiva and parvati as Rishabandhikar, Kannappa Nayanar, Natarajar, Umasakithar, Kaman & Rathi and Prithvi, Ganga Avatharana karanam, Uma Maheswarar, dancing girls with two females acrobat etc,.

The bhitti starts with vedhika and Brahmakantha pilasters are with Malai thongal, thamaraikattu, kalasam, thadi, kudam, mandi, palagai, veerakandam and Vettu pothyals. Panjaras are in between salaipathi and karnapathi. Kuda panchara with a snake is on the ardha mandapam outer wall. The Maha mandapam out walls also has the koshtas.

The prastaram is with valapi, kapotham and viyyalavari. Bhuta ganas with different postures are in the valapi.  The kapotam is with Nasikoodus and kodipalai karukku. Nethra Nasis are in the Karnapathi. Bhuta gana faces with various expressions are in the Nasikoodus.

The stucco Vimanam above bhoomi desam is of two tiers. The stucco images are not visible.

PRESENT CONDITION OF THE TEMPLE
The temple is in bad shape and trees are grown on the Vimanam and mandapams. It is not sure that the tree roots are holding the Vimanam or Vimanam is holding the trees. Fearing of sanctum may crumble at any time, Moolavar was shifted to ardha mandapam. The Maha mandapam beams above the Pillars are in broken condition, due to the pillars sinked below.

Ambal was housed once in a separate sannidhi, now remains only with a wall.  Efforts are on to reconstruct the temple to spring back to its original glory, by the local politicians and Villagers.

Uma Maheswara

Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabanthikar

Kannappar puranam

acrobat

Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar

Dancer and Musicians bas-reliefs on Malai thongal

Nataraja

Snake as rope

Mandapam Ceiling - Pillar pothyal and the beam crack

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Based on the inscriptions this temple was assigned to 10^th Century Chozha period. The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Vikrama Chozha, Kulothunga Chozha-III and Rajaraja Chozha-III. As per the inscriptions this place was in Jayangonda Chozha mandalathu Manavil Kottathu Manavil nattu senji and Lord Shiva was called as Jayamatheeswaramudaya Mahadevar. ( Thanks to Anbu Vanthiya Devan, Pon Karthikeyan and Saikumar ).

Vikrama Chozha's 10^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning two sandhi lamps by NagangkoRRan Aruveliyan's daughter and Naduvinmalai Perumoor Nattu Venbakkam KoRRamangala Kilan Vadavayirselvan's wife, for the same 2 Kasu was gifted. The same was received by Sivabrahmin Kavusigan Madhurantakadeva Battan, Kavusiga Kuzhaintha battan, Kausika Arulveli battan and Athrayan Eru (Sevaka) bhattan and agreed to carryout this endowment till sun and moon exists. The original inscription reads as.... 
 
வீரஸிம்ஹாஸனத்து முக்கோக்கிழாநடிகளோடும் வீற்றிருந்தருளிய கோப்பரகேசரி பந்மரான திரிபுவனச்சக்கரவத்திகள் ஸ்ரீ விக்ரம சோழ தேவற்கு யாண்டு பத்தாவது ஜயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலத்து உடையார் திருவேகம்பமுடையார் தேவதாநம் மணவிற் கோட்டத்து மணவில் நாட்டு செஞ்சி ஜயமதீஸ்வரமுடைய மஹாதேவர்க்கு நாகங்கொற்றன் அருவேலி(ய)ன் மகள் நடுவின்மலைப் பெருமூர் நாட்டு வெண்பாக்கத்து கொற்றமங்கலங் கிழான் வடவாயிற் செல்வன் அகமுடையாள் கம்படி நங்கை வைத்த ஸந்தி விளக்கு இரண்டு இரண்டும் வைத்த பரிசாவது இக்கோயிலிற் காணி உடைய சிவபிராஹ்மணந் கவுசிகன் மதுராந்தகதேவ பட்டனும் கவுசிக குழைந்த பட்டனும் கவுசிக அருள்வேலி பட்டனும் ஆதிரயன் எறு(சேவக) பட்டனும் பக்கல் குடுத்த காசு இரண்டு இக்காசு இரண்டுங் கைக்கொண்டு இவர்களும் இவர்கள் வம்ஸத்தாரும் சந்திராதித்தவரை இந்த விளக்கு (இக்)காசிற் பொலிசை கொண்டு விளக்கு எரிக்கக் கடவர்களானமைக்கு"

Kulothunga Chozha-III’s 28^th reign year inscription records endowment of burning sandhi lamp at Manavil kottathu Udayar Thiruvekambamudayar Thevadhanam Senji Janamatheeswaramudaya Nayanar, by Thiruvan selvan, one of the   Nagan Kootran Vasudevan alias Kaduvettikal, for the same 2 pazhangasu / money was received by the Siva Brahmins Nattal Perumal Avimuktha Nayaka Thirutta Peruman and agreed to lit till the sun and moon exists from the interest. This was recorded by the Thiruvekambamudayar Temple Kanakku / accountant Uthiramerurudayan sana Thevan Thiruvekambamudayan.

Rajaraja-III’s 8^th reign year inscription records the endowment of payment for the people preparing the thirupallithamam / Garland to Thiruvekambamudayar manavil Kottam  as per Veeranarasingathevar alias Yadhavarayan’s thirumukapadi. All the taxes such as weaving machine taxes / Saliyathari, Uchchathari Parayar thari kasus etc paid to the pandaram has to be utilized for the above purpose.

Rajarajan –III’s 11^th reign year inscription records the endowment of pooja and Naivedyam a land at Yadhavarayar Paadur as thevadhanam. This was given in the form of order / thirumukapadi on a palm leaf by Veeranarasingathevar alias Yadhavarayan to the Paadur Village people. The land measures 5 veli with periphery limits are mentioned. The income from the above land has to be utilized for the above purpose. The Sivabrahmana’s name was mentioned as Kuthanda Nayakka Nambi.

Rajaraja Chozha-III’s 16^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a Sandhi lamp by Kunthalalwan, one of the  NagangoRRan JagathaNda Nayagan Velan Pillais, for the same 2.5 pazhangasu was received by Siva Brahmanan  Kausigan Kunichan Perumal Bhattan and the temple Avimuktha nayagan  Thirunattapperumal.  

Rajaraja Chozha-III’s 18^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a sandhi lamp by Komugan alias Pallavaraiyan, of one of the  NagangoRRan Adhinathan Velan pillais.

Jadavarman Sundara Pandyan’s 14^th reign year ( 1250 – 1268 CE ) inscription records the endowment of burning Sandhi lamp and maadai ( ..?) at this Janametheeswaramudaya Nayanar temple by Panambakkam Nachialwan for the same Siva Brahmanars Era Kausikan Avimuththa Nayakan and Kavuthaman Bhattan Pillai.  received money accepted to carryout.

LEGENDS
As per the legend Janamejayan was the son of Pareetchithu who ruled the Gurskehtra for 24 years. Due to curse of a Brahmin he was killed by the bite of Nagarajan Dakshan of Dakshaseelam. Angered Janamejayan, took an vow / oath to kill Nagarajan Dakshan within a week. So he conducted a sarbamedha yagna. The purpose is that all the Nagas will fell in to the kundam and die.  All the Nagas were died except Karkodakan and Nagarajan Dakshan. Nagarajan dakshan wound on the wheels of surya and escaped. Karkodakan went and hid behind Lord Shiva, who gave asylum. Karkodakan promised that he will not bite anybody in this place and even if he bit people will not die due to poison. To get rid of this sin Janamejayan installed this Shiva Lingam and worshiped.   

Since Janamejayar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple to get relieved from the sin caused due to the killing of Nagars, this temple is a Rahu, Ketu, Sarpa doshas, Naga dosham and Pitru dosha parihara sthalam. 

As per hearsay Lord Shiva was called as Harihara Eswarar and Janamejayar worshiped both Lord Shiva and Parvati with equal importance.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from oru kala pooja special poojas and Brahmotsavam are conducted on rishaba vahanam through the devotees sponsorship.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS
Since oru kala pooja is conducted,  the opening and closing times are unpredictable. Only sanctum sanctorum will be kept locked, out side temple and architecture can be seen at any time. 

CONTACT DETAILS
Trustee Parasuraman +91 9092903312 and Pravin Bhattachariyar +91 8122191689 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH 
This temple is about 2.6 KM from Senji Panambakkam, Railway Station ( Share and Autos are available ),  4.4 KM from Manavur Railway Station, 6.2 KM from Perambakkam ( Autos are available and City buses are available from Poonamallee ), 25 KM from Arakkonam, 17 KM from Tiruvallur Railway Station, 40 KM from Poonamallee and 61 KM from Chennai Central.
Nearest Railway station is Senji Panambakkam.  

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 

ANOTHER VISIT

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---