Sri Killa Srinivasa Perumal Temple / ஸ்ரீ கில்லா சீனிவாசபெருமாள் ஆலயம், Kosapalayam, Arani, Tirvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Killa Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Kosapalayam, Arani was a part of Gajaprishta Vimana Temples Visit in Thiruvannamalai and Ranipet Districts. Thanks to Mr Vijayan sir, for taking me to these temple in and around Arani.

Since this temple was maintained by an army Personnel, served in a rank called “Killa” during Jagirthar period. ( கில்லோதார் என்றால் கோட்டைத் தலைவர் என்று பொருளாகும் ). Hence Perumal of this temple is called as killa Srinivasa Perumal.

Moolavar  : Sri Killa Srinivasa Perumal

Thayar     : Sri Alarmelu mangai / Sri Alamelu Mangai

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

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Vinayagar sannidhi is on the left side of Rajagopuram. Stucco image of Ramar, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, Srinivasa Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Krishnar with bhama & Rukmani are on the top of Mukha mandapam. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudan are after the rajagopuram. Moolavar Sri Killa Srinivasa Perumal  and Utsavar are with Sridevi and Bhudevi are in the sanctum sanctorum.  Andal and Utsava murtis are in the ardha mandapam. The Koshtas are without images.

In the praharam, Thayar Sri Alarmelu Mangai, Thulasi madam with Nagars, Sundara Varadharaja Perumal, Hanuman Temple and vahana mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple was built on upanam. From adhisthanam to Prastaram, the temple was built with stones. A three tier stucco Salakara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Maha Vishnu’s various avataras are on the Tala and greeva koshtams.

The Thayar sannadhi was built with the stones brought from Padavedu, after dismantling the Amman temple.  The pillars has the bas reliefs of the epic Ramayan. The mahara thorana has the bas relief of Bhuvarahar, Periya Thiruvadi carrying Maha Vishnu etc,.

Thayar Sannidhi Koshtam Sculptures

Thayar Sannidhi Koshtam Sculptures

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to Vijayanagara period. The temple was maintained directly by a person with a rank called “Killa” during Jagirthar period. The cannon ball mark can be seen on the north side wall of the main sanctum sanctorum.

The Rajagopuram is about 80 feet Tall, built during 20^th Century. An inscription on the Rajagopuram records the service of Akkammal’s son Thandavaraya Mudaliar. Another Inscription also mentions the contribution of the service by Seshapillai’s son Appasamy Pillai.  The Rajagopuram work was started in Kaliyugan 4992, Thai month.

Thirumadappalli punarutharanam was held on 05^th December 2012.

Jeernodharana ashta bandhana maha samprokshanam maha kumbabhishekam was held on 9^th February 1996, in presence of Sri Jeyendra Saraswati Swamigal and Jeeyar Swamigal.  Again Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 26^th Feb 2007. Previously the Maha samprokshanam maha kumbhabhishekam same was held on 09^th February 1941.

A New Temple Chariot procession was held after 100 years in September 2022.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on   Thiruvona utsavam, Ratha sapthami ( Utsavar will be taken procession in 7 Vahanas ), Vaikunda Ekadasi, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

This temple is at Kosapalayam, a part of Arani, is about 1.7 KM from Arani Bus stand.  

This place Arani is about 29 KM from Arcot, 32 KM from Ranipet Rly Station, 43 KM from Vellore, 64 KM from Thiruvannamalai District head Quarters and 145 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Ranipet.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

 Thayar Sannidhi

Thayar Sannidhi

Thayar Sannidhi Pillar Sculptures

Thayar Sannidhi Pillar Sculptures

Thayar Sannidhi Pillar Sculptures

Thayar Sannidhi Pillar Sculptures

Thayar Sannidhi Pillar Sculptures

Thayar Sannidhi Pillar Sculptures

Thayar Sannidhi Pillar Sculptures

 Cannon Ball Hit mark during Muslims invasion

 Nagaras with thulasi madam

 Deeapa sthambam

 Vinayagar sannidhi is on the left side of rajagopuram

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

தீபாஞ்சம்மன் கோயில் / Sati Stones / Hero Stones, Arani, Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to these Theepanchamman Temple and Sati Hero / memorial stones at Arani was a part of Gajaprishta Vimana Temples Visit in Thiruvannamalai and Ranipet Districts. Thanks to Mr Vijayan sir, for taking me to these temple in and around Arani.

Happened to see these Sati stones on the way to Kosapalayam Sri Killa Srinivasa Perumal Temple. One set of Sati Stones are in a small temple called Theepanchamman Temple. Another set of two Sati stones are under a neem tree. Both are under worship. Mr Vijayan told that there are some more Sati Stones on the way to Devikapuram from Arani. Both Theepanchamman and sati stones belongs to Vijayanagara Period, may be 16^th to 17^th century.

 

The Sati Stones under the Neem tree.. In both Sati Stones, the Males and their wives are in anjali hastam. A Shiva Lingam and a Rishabam are shown on the top of the sati stones. Which means that they reached the Shiva loka after death. In right side Sati stone, the Hero is shown with two wives. They wears ornaments in the elongated earlobes and on the neck. The Vijayanagara style tuft is shown for the hero and their wives. Since, all are shown in anjali hastam, the hero might have died naturally and their wives took sati after their husband’s death.

LOCATION OF THE SATI STONES         : CLICK HERE

Theepanchamman Temple

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Sanarpandai Sivapuram, near Manguppam, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Sundareswarar Temple at Sanarpandai, Sivapuram near Ratnagiri Murugan temple, Arcot, was a part of Gajaprishta Vimana Temples Visit in Thiruvannamalai and Ranipet Districts.

 

Moolavar  : Sri Sundareswarar

Consort    : Sri Meenakshi

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

The temple is facing east with a temple tank.  Balipeedam and Rishabam are in mukha mandapam. Moolavar is on a square avudayar. Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Vinayagar and Murugan sannadhis are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum.

Ambal Sri Meenakshi is in a separate sannidhi facing east on the right side of the Shiva’s sannidhi. In praharam Chandikeswarar, Bairavar and Navagrahas. A Shiva Lingam with Rishabam is about 5 feet below the ground Level is on the left side of  main temple. The walls has the images of 63 Nayanmars, ashtadikpalas, Shiva’s various forms, 27 nakshatras, Rudras, Vasus, Indran, 30 crores devas, etc,.    

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is in Gajaprishta shape on an adhisthanam ( Grameeya Style ). The temple was constructed with stone from adhisthanam to prastaram. The eka tala Gajaprishta vimanam was built with bricks above prastaram. Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the Greeva koshtam. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The present structure was built during recent years ie 2017. But it was told that the Shiva Linga and rishabam are unearthed at the same place where the temple was constructed, while clearing bishes. The temple was constructed in Gajaprishta style, since it was told that the Moolavar and Rishabam belongs to Pallava period.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on every pradosham, maha Shivaratri days, etc,.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Temple will be kept opened during morning hours and The pujari may be contacted for darshan.

 

CONTACT DETAILS

Shri Thukkaraman may be contacted on his mobile number +916381193550  and M Palani, one of the Trustee +91 9952363372,  for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is about a KM off from the Village Sanarpandai Sivapuram, near Manguppam.

The temple is about 2.4 KM off from Chennai Vellore / Bangalore Road, 3.5 KM from Ratnagiri Murugan temple, 12.6 KM from Arcot Bus Stand, 17 KM from Ranipet, 128 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Ranipet.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Puthrakamaeshwarar Temple / Puthira Kamateshwarar Temple / புத்திர காமேஷ்வரர் கோயில் / அருள்மிகு பெரியநாயகி உடனுறை புத்திரகாமேட்டீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில் புதுக்காமூர் / Pudhukamoor, Arani / ஆரணி, Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Sri Puthrakameshwarar Temple at Pudukamoor, a part of Arani was a part of Gajaprishta Vimana Temples Visit in Thiruvannamalai and Ranipet Districts. Thanks to Mr Vijayan sir, for taking me to these temple in and around Arani.

Moolavar  : Sri Puthrakameshwarar

Consort    : Sri Periyanayagi

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

The temple on the banks of River Kamandala nadhi, where it changes its course from West - east  to North - South. Both Anjaneyar and Padithurai Vinayagar are on the padithurai facing each other ( This signifies that any activity should begin with Vinayagar worship and ends with Anjaneyar worship ). Nagars and Sri Dhasratha Maha Raja sannidhis are in front of the temple ( The King Dhasratha looks like rishi performing yagna, holding Kamandala and rudraksha mala ).

The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthamabam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. The Entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is on the south side with a mukha mandapam. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the ardha mandapam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. Nalvar is in the ardha mandapam. Vinayagar, Murugan and Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of antarala.

In praharam, 63var, Vinayagar, A Shiva Lingam with Ambal, Sahasra Lingam, Veerabhadra, Sri Valli devasena Subramaniar, Ambal, Shaniswaran, Navagrahas, Suryan and Chandikeswarar.

Ambal Periya Nayagi is in a separate temple on the left side of the Main temple, facing east with Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and vahanam. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam. Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum.  

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a Pada bandha adhisthanam with jagathi, three patta kumudam. The Adhisthanam alone was built with stone. The sanctum sanctorum and Vimanam are built with bricks and lime mortar is applied.

The Koshtas are sala type ( padra salas  - protruding out side ) and the pilasters are of Brahmakantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, plain mandi, palaka, and tharanga pothyal. The squatting lions are shown on the corner of the padra koshtas. The prastram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasi kudus. Bhuta ganas, are with birds, animal’s faces. The Two tier brick vesara vimanam is above the prastaram. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva, ashtadikpalaka’s stucco images are on the tala & koshtams.

The plastering on many portions of the wall was found peeled off and the brick work can be seen. The brick of the pilasters are made specially to the required forms can be seen on the peeled off portions.

Bhuta ganas, are with birds, animal’s faces

Bhuta ganas, are with birds, animal’s faces

Bhuta ganas, are with birds, animal’s faces

 Sri Vinayagar Koshtam

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original brick temple belongs to Pallava period and latter mandapas are added during Viajayanagara’s period. A two line Pallava grantha inscription on the lintel of sanctum sanctorum,  records the name of the temple as “Jeyathirechura Gruham”. அந்த இருவரி கல்வெட்டு இந்த கோயிலின் பெயரை (ெ)ஜயதிரேச்சுர கிருகம் என்ற அழைக்கின்றது.

The Vijayanagara period inscription are on the ardha mandapam wall and Kumudam. Since continuous white washing was done, nothing is legible to read.

 Pallava grantha inscription on the lintel

LEGENDS

As advised by Kula Guru Vasihta maharishi , the king Dasratha came to this place, established a Shiva lingam on the banks of Kamandala river and performed Puthrakameshti yaga for Child boon. The 4 sons Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Sathrugna are born after this Puthrakameshti yaga. Hence Shiva of this temple is called as Puthrakameshwarar or Puthrakamati Eshwarar.

 

King Dhasarath Maharaja

King Dhasarath Maharaja's Shrine

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are done on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Lighting of one lakh lamps on Swati nakshatra day in the month Aadi, Navaratri, etc.

Puthrakameshti yaga is performed for the Childless Couples, as a pariharan for Child boon. The childless ladies has to observe a set of procedures for 6 Mondays and finally conduct the Puthrakameshti yaga.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Mobile numbers +91 9159158683 and +919791995668 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This temple is at Pudhukamoor, a part of Arani and about 1.8 KM from Arani Bus Stand, 31 KM from Ranipet Railway Station, 37 KM from Arcot, 42 KM from Vellore, 66 KM from Thiruvannamalai and 144 KM from Chennai central Station.

Nearest railway station is Ranipet.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

Ambal Temple 

Ambal Temple 

Veerabhadra - Chandikeswarar

 Maha Vishnu

Anjaneya and padithurai Vinayagar sannidhi

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---