Shri Prasanna Varadharaja Perumal Kovil/ ஸ்ரீ பிரசன்ன வரதராஜ பெருமாள் கோயில், Aminjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Shri Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Kovil, Aminjikarai was a part of “Shiva and Maha Vishnu Temples Visit” in Aminjikarai, Arumbakkam, Ayanavaram and Konnur, Villivakkam” on 04^th September 2022. This temple is on the back side of Sri Ekambareswarar Temple. Also this is one of the Maha Vishnu Temples built on the north banks of River Cooum.

Moolavar  : Sri Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal

Thayar     : Sri Perundevi Thayar.

Some of the special features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The first level has the balcony on both sides. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam / Kodimaram and Garudan are after the Rajagopuram. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Maha Vishnu’s Dashavatar are on the top of the mukha mandapam. Two images of elephants are at the east side entrance of the temple. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum Sanctorum. Moolavar in the sanctum Sanctorum is in standing posture and Utsava murti with Sridevi and Bhudevi are in antarala.

In the outer paraharam Perundevi Thayar ( Turmeric powder is offered as a Prasad ), Sudarsana with Narasimhar, Paramapatha vassal Andal, Krishna, Srinivasa Perumal, Kothanda Ramar, Sri Ranganathar ( Maha Vishnu in Sayana kolam and utsava murtis are in front ) and Kalyana mandapam. Stucco images of Maha Lakshmi, Maha Vishnu with 16 Hands, and Narasimhar are on the north side wall of sanctum sanctorum.  Paramapatha vassal is on the right side of the east side entrance of the Maha mandapam / Temple.

 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and Maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is with a three anga Vimanam, built with bricks. A 3 tier Dravida Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s various forms are on the Vimanam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the Historian Sri Muthiah, this temple was built about 150 years before. But one of the inscription, records that the temple was constructed by L K Ayyavu Naidu, the owner of Lakshmi Talkies. Since Lakshmi Talkies was started in the year 1939, the temple may be built in 1940s and not as claimed as 100 – 150 years old.

Jeernotharana ashta bandhana maha samprokshanam was conducted for Rajagopuram  on 05^th February 1976.

Jeernotharana ashta bandhana maha samprokshanam was conducted to Ramar Sannidhi and Dwajasthambam on 16^th September 1985.

Jeernotharana ashta bandhana maha samprokshanam was conducted for Srinivasa Perumal Sannidhi, Vimana Moola Utsavar, Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Sannidhi on 29^th April 1999.

On 10^th December 1982, start stone was installed for the inner prakaram.

Andal Sannidhi front mandapam was constructed by M A Ethiraajulu Naidu and M E Devaraj.

An inscription records the endowment of Srinivasa Perumal Moolavar & Utsavar, paving of granite floor, fixing of granite slabs in side wall, Rajagopuram kalasam, wooden doors, Grill gates, Glass Rooms, electric lightings, Moolavar prabai etc was donated by various peoples.

13^th May 2004, Jeernotharana ashta bandhana maha samprokshanam was conducted.

LEGENDS

It is believed that Maha Vishnu as Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal will appear and bless the devotees, who prayed with true love and prayers. Devotees prays Perumal, Krishnar and Thayar for Child boon and remove the marriage obstacles.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanthi, Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Dussehra, Vasantha utsavam, all Saturdays in the month Purattasi with Unjal seva on 4^th Saturday, etc. Annual brahmotsavam will be held for 10 days during Tamil month Vaikasi,  in that Garuda seva will be held on 3^rd day and car festival on the 7^th day.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Battachari Ki. Parthasarathy’s mobile number +91 978902388 may be contacted for Tamil archana and land line number +914426649243 for further details.

Temple website : https://hrce.tn.gov.in/hrcehome/temple_more_info.php?tid=158

HOW TO REACH

Can be reached through town bus route nos 27, 24, 14A, 15B, 15D, 15C, 15M, 15F, 101, 159, 59A, 59B and nearest bus stop is Lakshmi Theater.

The temple is 1.1 KM from Pachaiyappa Metro Station, 2.1 KM from Chetpet Railway Station, 5.8 KM from Koyambedu, 5.5 KM from Chennai Central Station.

Nearest Railway station is Pachaiyappa Metro Station.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Ekambareswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ ஏகாம்பரேஸ்வரர் கோயில், Aminjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Ekambareswarar Temple at Aminjikarai was a part of “Shiva and Maha Vishnu Temples Visit” at Aminjikarai, Arumbakkam, Ayanavaram and Konnur, Villivakkam” on 04^th September 2022. This temple is in front of Sri Prasanna Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Also this is one of the Shiva Temples built on the north banks of River Cooum.

Moolavar  : Sri Ekambareswarar

Consort    : Sri Kamakshi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Vinayagar and Murugan are on the aadhi thalam of Rajagopuram. Stucco images of Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar, Ambal and Chandikeswarar, Ambal embracing and worshiping Shiva Lingam  are on the top of the mukha mandapam. Balipeedam, kodimaram and Idabam / Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram.  Vinayagar and Murugan are on both side of the sanctum sanctorum. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In the  inner prakram, Pichadanar, Chandikeswarar, Bairavar and Navagrahas.  Stucco image of Nataraja with Sivagami and Manickavasagar are in the Vinayagar sannidhi mandapam. In the outer prakaran, Vinayagar, 63var, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Nagars under Peepal tree.

ARCHITECTURE

The rajagopuram is with many Stucco images Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, Kannappar puranam, Markandeya Puranam, Vinayagar with his consorts, Maha Vishnu with his consorts,

Vinayagar and Murugan sannidhis are built like separate temples with mukha mandapam.

The layout of the temple is very similar to Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple, Mango tree is as sthala vruksham. Hence this Temple is called as Vada Kanchi. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This temple was built about 350 years before, by Sri Sengalvaraya Mudaliar, a staunch devotee of Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar. He used to visit Kanchipuram frequently. When he grew older, he found very difficult to go to Kanchipuram. So his family built this temple in front of Sri Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Till 1953, Sengalvarayar Mudaliar family was maintaining the affairs of the temple. In 1953 this temple was handed over to HR & CE, due to lot of problems in handling the temple in good manner by P Shanmuga Mudaliar, the decedents of Sengalvaraya Mudaliar. As a part of unity of Saivam and Vainavam, on annual festival day both temple’s Utsavars will be taken in procession in the Mada veethis.   

Jeernotharana Ashtabandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was  conducted to Rajagopuram through Jagatrakshaka Thevara Thiruppugazh Saba on 07^th February 2001. The thirupani with door and kalkaram was contributed by L Kesavalu Naidu family and 16 others, most of them are Doctors.

Punavartharana Jeernotharana Asha Bandhana maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 09^th February 2014. Jagatrakshaka Thevara Thiruppugazh Saba played main role for conducting this Kumbhabhishekam.

Vahana mandapam was donated by Selva Vedagiri, Mohanambal and Velmurugan institution.

On 16^th year of Jagatrakshaka Thevara Thiruppugazh Saba, Saba mandapam was built. Jeernotharana Ashta bandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam  was conducted after thirupani to Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar sannidhis on 24^th April 1970. Saba mandapam was declared opened by Sri Thirumuruga Kirupananda Variyar.

Dwajasthambam / Kodimaram was installed and Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 14^th July, 1986.  Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar temple inner prahara entrance was opened on 31^st December 1987. The Subramaniyar Sannidhi was constructed through the contribution made by Purasai C. Munisamy Nayakar.

Vinayagar Sannidhi mukha mandapam was built and kumbhabhishekam was conducted through the contribution made by A K Ramanjulu Naidu and 6 others.

West side gopuram was constructed and kumbhabhishekam was conducted through contributions made by 10 people on 07^th February 2001. 

In 2001, 63 var, Shanmugar and 5 tier Rajagopuram was built and maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted and 2014 repainting was done.

Arunachala Mudaliar has gifted a land for conducting Pradosham in the name of “Arunachalam Mudaliar Trust”.

LEGENDS

It is believed that, Ekambareswarar will cure after surgery and Doctors also visits this temple to pray before doing complicated Surgeries. They also contributed to the up keep of this temple. 

It is believed that Ambal Kamakshi will remove marriage obstacles, grants Child boon etc. After the prayer is fulfilled, devotees offer bangles garland to Ambal.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas, pournami, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Vaikasi Visakam, Vinayagar Chaturthi are celebrated in a grand manner. Thevara Thiruppugazh sabha recites Thevaram and Thirupugazh on every Monday. On Tamil New year day Somaskandar will be taken in procession around the Temple. Special abhishekam will be done to Muruga on Bharani nakshatra day and will be taken in procession on karthigai nakshatra days around mada veethi. Panguni Utsavam and Brahmotsavam are celebrated in a grand manner.

On Agni Nakshatra day devotees will carry palkudam from this temple to Aminjikarai Mangali / Maha kali Amman Temple for abhishekam, with bare foot. In the evening Thiruveethi Ula will happen, in that Maha Kali Amman will be taken in procession. It is believed that, the rain will come for the benefit of raising crops. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Chandrasekaran +91 9080019021 and P Rajesh +91 9952056571 may be contacted for further details. Alternatively the Land line number +91 44 26640243 may be contacted. 

The temple website : http://aminjikaraisivankoil.com/main.html

HOW TO REACH

Can be reached through town bus route nos 27, 24, 14A, 15B, 15D, 15C, 15M, 15F, 101, 159, 59A, 59B and nearest bus stop is Lakshmi Theater.

The temple is 1.1 KM from Pachaiyappa Metro Station, 2.1 KM from Chetpet Railway Station, 5.8 KM from Koyambedu, 5.5 KM from Chennai Central Station.

Nearest Railway station is Pachaiyappa Metro Station.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Kampahareswarar Sivan koil / ஸ்ரீ கம்பஹரேஸ்வரர் சிவன் கோவில் / Sri Nathamuneeswarar Temple / Sri Dharmasamvardhini sametha Gambahareswarar, Venkatachalapathy Street, Aminjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Kampahareswarar Temple at Aminjikarai was a part of “Shiva and Maha Vishnu Temples Visit” at Aminjikarai, Arumbakkam, Ayanavaram and Konnur, Villivakkam” on 04^th September 2022. Even though this temple was not in my list, on the way to Ekambareswarar Temple, the Stucco image of Shri Shiva on the wall, made me curious to know more about this temple. This is one of the Siva Temples built on the banks of river Cooum.

Moolavar  : Sri Kampahareswarar & Nathamuneeswarar

Consort    : Sri Dharmasamvardhini alias Aram valartha Nayaki

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with an Entrance arch on the South Side. Stucco images of  Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar, Vinayagar, Murugan, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati and a big size Shiva in Sitting posture is on the arch and wall. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in the mukha mandapam. Again Stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Vinayagar, Murugan, Ambal worshiping a Shiva Lingam is on the east side entrance. Vinayagar and Murugan sannidhis are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. stucco Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Dakshinamurthy Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai are in kostas.

In the outer parakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Hanuman, Navagrahas, Kala Bairavar, Nathamuni Swamigal  and Thandu Mariamman. Ambal is facing south in the ardha mandapam with dwarapalakis, balipeedam with simha vahanam are at the entrance of Ambal sanctum sanctorum.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and  a Mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on an adhistanam with prastaram ( A 3 anga Vimanam ). An eka thala Nagara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Stucco images of Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the greeva koshtam. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is believed that the original temple was built about 250 years back and the same was re-constructed during recent years with brick.

Originally in this temple, about 250 years back, a Shiva Linga was installed by Nadha Muni Siddhar and worshiped. The real life history of this Siddhar is not known. He  started a madam and tried to teaches the athma gnanam to his devotees. Initially Nadhamuni Siddhar teached not to fear about the happening in life ( நடுங்கக்கூடாது ). A very few people followed his path. He also did medical aid to his devotees. After he attained Jeeva samadhi, his followers constructed a Shiva Temple. Now the Nadhamuni Siddhar was not given importance and name of the Shiva was also changed as Kampahareswarar, after shifting the old Shiva in one corner of the sanctum sanctorum. But still in the arch it is written as Nadhamuneeswarar Temple and Kampahareswarar Temple. It is believed that Nadhamuni Siddhar's jeeva Samadhi is in this temple and there is a sannidhi for Nadhamuni Siddhar with his image. 

LEGENDS

Devotees prays Shri Shiva, Ambal and Murugan for Child boon, to remove marriage obstacles, problem in building House, to get rid of debt, problem in the property / lands, to get rid of deceases etc,.  

The meaning of Kampahareswarar is, Shiva who removes the Shivering –நடுக்கத்தை நீக்குபவர். Hence Devotees worships Shiva to get rid of all deceases.  

The Legend associated with the Kampahareswarar Temple of Thirubhuvanam is also applicable to this temple. As per the legend, the asuras Achchuvagreevan, Vidabagreevan and Vyalagreevan did a penance on Lord Shiva and obtained the boon of not destroyed by Devas or any body. With the boon they built forts of Gold, Silver and Iron and tortured Devas and Maharishis. Fearing of three Asura’s torture, Devas and Maharishis were Shivering ( நடுங்கினர் ) and surrendered to Lord Shiva. For their request Shiva destroyed the three forts and the Asuras with his laugh.

In the Same way, after destroying  Hiranya, Narasimhar has got the asura character and started torturing the living things of this Universe and they were shivering ( நடுங்கினர் ). This time Shiva Took the form of Saraba bird and destroyed the asura character of Maha Vishnu.  Hence Lord Shiva is called as Kambahareswarar.

It is believed ( Hearsay ) that Nadhamuni Siddhar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple and attained mukti.

Since Athi /pig tree is near the Kala bairavar Sannidhi, this temple is believed to be a parihara sthalam for Sukran  and Pariharm may be done to get rid of marriage obstacles.   

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala pooja special poojas are conducted on Pournami, Pradosham, Theipirai ashtami, Maha Shivaratri, Hanuman Jayanthi, Navaratri, Sashti, Thaipoosam, Navaratri, Vinayagar Chaturthi, New Year days etc,. .

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 08.30 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 18.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Face book : https://www.facebook.com/sivantemple/

Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile +91 8754553578 for further details, Homams and prayers.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is about 300 meters from EVR Road / Poonamallee High Road, Aminjikarai bus stop.

The temple is about 5.2 KM from Chennai Central, 6.6 KM from Koyambedu,

Nearest Railway station is 850 meter Pachaiyappa’s Metro Station and 1.7 KM from Nungambakkam Sub Urban Railway Station.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sumai thangi, Kempanaickenpalayam / K N Palayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to the Sumai Thangi was a part of “Hero Stones and Megalithic Monuments Visit in and around Gundri”, in Erode District on 29^th August 2022. This sort of Sumai thangis are installed on the road side, is in memory of pregnant ladies who lost their lives during delivery. This sumai Thangis are installed till 70s to 80s. When the transport was not available, people used carry goods purchased from the market as head loads. They unload the goods on these sumai thangis and take rest.

 

This Sumai thangi was installed in beginning of 20^th Century. As per the inscriptions this sumai thangi was installed Kasi… Chettiar’s son Venkitarama Chettiar. The reason for erecting this is not known. Chakra and Conch are engraved on the top and Sun and Moon are engraved on the bottom. This means that this endowment should continue till Sun and Moon Exists.

The original Inscription reads as…

1. …. …………  … வருடம்
2. ….. பங்குணி மாதம்
3. 18 தேதி கெம்ப
4. நெயக்கம்பா
5. ளையம் காசிப
6. த செட்டியார்
7. குமாரன் வெ
8. ங்கிட்டராம
9. செட்டியார்
10. ரால் போட
11. ப்பட்டது

LOCATION OF THE HERITAGE MONUMENT : CLICK HERE

GPS Co-ordinates:  11°31'55.8"N 77°18'03.6"E

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Anjaneyar Temple, On the way to Gundri from Kadambur, in Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to the Anjaneyar Temple was a part of “Hero Stones and Megalithic Monuments Visit in and around Gundri”,  in Erode District on 29^th August 2022.

Deity : Sri Anjaneyar

The Anjaneyar is in the form of bas-relief, chiseled on a boulder. The style of Anjaneyar bas-relief looked like Vyasarajar created on many places. The Anjaneyar is looking on the right side and his tail is bent over his head. A bell is tied on the tail. Anjaneya is holding a gatha in his right hand and a neelothpala flower in the left hand. Lot of Trishul  and curved sickles are kept as an offer to Anjaneyar. The Anjaneyar is under worship.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE          :     CLICK HERE

GPS Co-ordinates: 

 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Megalithic Monuments, Cairn Circles, Gundri, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Megalithic Monuments at Gundri was a part of “Hero Stones and Megalithic Monuments Visit in and around Gundri”, in Erode District, on 29^th August 2022. This megalithic site is not figured in ASI or Tamil Nadu archaeological Department’s list, under protected monument. It was told that more than 70 Cairn circles are found few years before, but most of them are disturbed and converted in to cultivation lands. The stones are dumped as bunds for the fields. The Cairn Circles and the stone tools unearthed in the Village shows that human settlement in this area more than 8000 years before.

 

This megalithic monument consists of Cairn circles in various diameters with Cist at the center. The cist is at the center of the Cairn circle and longer side is on North – South Direction.

  

Cist at the center

LOCATION OF THE MONUMENT    : CLICK HERE

GPS Co-ordinates:  11°39'00.0"N 77°24'46.8"E

Cist side stone slabs are dumped on bunds

A Tree House

Me on the top

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---