Sri Gauthameswarar Temple / Sri Gouthameswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ கௌதமேஸ்வரார் கோயில், கும்பகோணம் / Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Gauthameswarar Temple at Kumbakonam,  was a Part of “Kumbakonam Temples Visit” - on 09^th March 2024. This one of the Shiva Temple around the Mahamaham Tank and one of the 12 Shiva temples, participates in Mahamaham theerthavari festival, which happens once in 12 years.

Moolavar  : Sri Gauthameswarar

Consort    : Sri Soundrayanayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Kodimara Vinayagar, Dwajasthambam, balipeedam are after the Rajagopuram under the Mukha mandapam. Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. Moolavar is on a round avudayar. In koshtam, Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Ambal Soundara Nayaki is in a separate sannidhi in ardha mandapam facing south. Nalvar is also in the ardha mandapam.

In paraharam Sri Upaveetha Natheeswarar, Soundarya Nayaki, Gautama Maharishi, Maha Ganapathi, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, Saniswaran, Suriyan, Chandran, Bairavar and Nagars.

Durga

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a adhistanam without any regular features. Brahma kantha pilasters with pushpa pothyal is on the bhitti. The Vimanam above the Bhumidesam was built with bricks. Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are on the tala and greeva koshtam. The sigaram is of Vesara style.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is believed that the original temple belongs to Chozha period and reconstructed during the Thanjavur Nayakas and Maratas.

This is one the temple, which participates in the Mahamaham Theerthavari festival. The inscriptions records that this temple participated in 06^th March 2004 and 2016 Mahamaham theerthavari festivals.

Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 09^th September 2015.

A New Chariot was made and trial procession was conducted on 07^th February 2024.

LEGENDS

It is believed that Gautama maharishi worshipped Shiva of this temple and has got boons.

Gautama Maharishi

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

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

This is one of the 12 Shiva Temple, that participates in Mahamaham Theerthavari festival, which occurs once in 12 Years. The 12 Shiva temples and 5 Vaishnava temples of Kumbakonam used to join  and celebrate this Mahamaha festival.

Shiva Temples are…

1.          Kasi Viswanathar Temple,

2.          Adi Kumbeswarar Temple,

3.          Someswarar Temple,

4.          Nageswaraswamy Temple,

5.          Kalahasteeswarar Temple,

6.          Gauthameswarar Temple,

7.          Kodeeswarar Temple,

8.          Amirthakadeswarar Temple,

9.          Banapuriswarar Temple,

10.      Abhi Mukheswarar Temple,

11.      Kambatta Viswanathar Temple and

12.      EkambareswararTemple.

The Maha Vishnu Temples are…

1.          Sarangapani Temple,

2.          Chakrapani Temple, 

3.          Ramaswamy Temple,

4.          Rajagopalaswamy Temple, and

5.          Varaha Perumal Temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 2.00 hrs,

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

The Gauthameswarar Temple is about 1 KM from Kumbakonam Railway Station and Kumbakonam Bus Stand and about 300 meters from mahamaham Tank.

The temple is about 36 KM from Thiruvaiyaru, 44 KM from Thanjavur, 47 KM from Thiruvarur and 282 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Nalvar

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Chozheeswaramudaiyar Temple / திருநீலக்குடி சோழீஸ்வரமுடையர் திருக்கோயில், Thiruneelakudi, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Chozheeswarar Temple / Chozheeswaramudaiyar Temple at Thiruneelakudi, was a Part of “Kumbakonam Temples Visit” - on 09^th March 2024. This Sri Chozheeswaramudaiyar Temple at Thiruneelakudi is about 600 meters from Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple, one of the Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalam of Chozha Nadu. 

Moolavar  : Sri Chozheeswarar

Consort    : Sri Vedantha Nayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple facing east with an entrance arch on the east side. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in-front of sanctum sanctorum, under open mukha mandapam. Vinayagar and Balamurugan are at the entrance of antarala. Moolavar is old on a newly made avudayar. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga. Stucco images of Shiva, Parvati are on the top of the mandapam.

In praharam Suriyan, Saniswaran, Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi facing south. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and an open mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a adhistanam with Padma jagathy, vrudha kumudam, Pattika and Kapotam. The pilasters are of Vishnu kantha pilasters with square base and naga bandham, malai thongal, thamarai kattu, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai, poo mottu pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi with lotus petals, kapotam with nasi kudus, and viyyalavari. The one tala brick vimanam with greevam and vesara sigaram is above the bhumi desam.  Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma are in the greeva koshtam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple may belongs to 12^th to 13^th Century Chozha period. The temple was in a dilapidated condition before 2013, the ardha mandapam had fallen down, avudayar was found broken, Rishabam was moved to a house near by, the temple surroundings are encroached and patta was also issued to them by the local authorities.

With the great effort of Mr Mullaivendhan, Thiruneelakudi Panchayat Union President, new houses are built for the encroachers and patta was transferred to the temple’s name and renovation works were started. The banam was moved to Ardha mandapam and oru kala pooja was started. In 2013, renovation works are started in full swing. Much care was taken not to alter or damage the structures and sculptures of the temple and it took almost an year. In 2014, Ambal sannidhi renovation was started and in June 2014, maha mandapam works are also started. The circumambulatory path was re-laid and compound wall was also constructed. The koshta images are made new. With tireless effort of Mr Mullaiventhan the Rishabam was moved back to the temple.

After completion of renovations the Jeernodharana Ashta bandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 26^th January 2015, between 7.05 to 7.25 hrs.  

LEGENDS

As per the legend, a Chozha king killed Eranda Munivar accidentally. Due to this he was affected by the brahma hathy dosha. He has relieved from the dosha, he took bath in Nattaru near Vittalur and worshipped Thiruvidaimarudur Sri Mahalinga Swamy temple Gopuram. As a part of thanks giving, the Chozha King constructed this temple.

This place Thiruneelakudi was mentioned in Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal’s hymns as….

கல்லி னோடுஎனைப் பூட்டி அமண்கையர்

    ஒல்லை நீர்புக நீக்கஎன் வாக்கினால்

நெல்லு நீர்வயல் நீலக்குடியரன்

    நல்ல நாமம் நவிற்றி உய்ந்தேனன்றே

In another  legend Markandeya Maharishi stayed here worshipped Shiva and attained the Siranjeevi. As a part of thanks giving, he carried Shiva in a palanquin to Ilanthulai, Enathimangalam, Thirunageswaram, Thirubhuvanam, Thiruvidaimarudur, Maruthuvakudi, etc,. To remember this even, the Chithirai thiruvizha is conducted every year in this temple.  

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular  poojas, special poojas are conducted on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Kiruthigai, Theipirai ashtami, Adi Fridays, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Annabhishekam on Aippasi Pournami, Gokulashtami, Navaratri, Maha Karthigai Deepam, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Mr Mullaivendhan, Thiruneelakudi Panchayat Union President may be contacted on his mobile number +918056220511 & +919443091965 for further details.

Web site http://www.chozheeswaram.in

HOW TO REACH

Town buses are available from Kumbakonam Bus stand.

15 KM from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam to Karaikal bus route.

The Temple is 15 KM from Kumbakonam, 44 KM from Karaikal, 26 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 57 KM from Thanjavur and 300 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Junction is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 PHOTOGRAPHS BEFORE RESTORATION

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Kailasanathar Temple / Ammangudi Durga Devi Temple / அம்மன்குடி துர்காதேவி திருக்கோயில், Ammangudi, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Ammankudi, was a Part of “Kumbakonam Temples Visit” - on 09^th March 2024. Since I couldn't join the Thukkachi Kumbhabhishekam & Heritage walk organized by கும்பகோணம் வட்டார வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம், 2^nd and 3^rd September 2023, visited this temple, previous day of the Saptha Mangai Temples Visit, on 10th March 2024. 

Even-though the temple is dedicated to Shiva, Durga has become famous and called as Durga Temple. Important festivals are celebrated related to Durga. 

Moolavar  : Sri Kailasanathar Temple

Consort    : Sri Parvati

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

The temple facing east with balipeedam and rishabam. There is an entrance arch on the south side also. Yoga Sarasvati and sthala Shiva Lingam are on both side entrance of ardha mandapam. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of antarala. Moolavar is on a square avudayar. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. In ardha mandapam, Bairavar, Shani and Suriyan.

Ambal Sri Parvati is in a separate sannidhi facing South. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

Durga Amman sannidhi is also in the ardha mandapam. Durga is with 8 hands / ashtabhuja, holding various weapons. Mahisan’s image is at her feet. A Simha vahanam is in front of sannidhi. Stucco image of Durga is on the compound wall. 

In praharam, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, A Shiva Linga banam with Rishabam, Chandikeswarar and Sthala vruksham.

 Maha Vishnu and Brahma

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam, adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha kumudam and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedika. Vurudha pilasters are on the bhitti with kalasam, kudam, palakai and tharanaga pothyal. The deva koshtas  are padra Kostas. The prastaram consists of valapi with bhuta ganas, kapotam with nasi kudus and viyyalavari. The Vimanam above bhumidesam was built with bricks, Consist of a tala, greevam and sigaram. The sigaram is of vesara style. Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma are on the tala and greeva kostams. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to Chozha period and received contributions from Vijayanagaras, Thanjavur Nayakas and Maratas. 10^th to 11^th Century Chozha period inscriptions are found on the adhistanam and pillars. The temple authorities claims that the temple was built during 944 CE and the temple was also called as Rajarajeswaram. It was the birth place of Rajaraja Chozha’s Chieftain Krishnan Raman, Brahmarayan ( who constructed the outer praharam of Thanjavur Rajarajecharam. 

In general the inscription mainly records the endowments created for burning the lamps and donations made to the temple.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, after Mahishasura was killed by Durga, the Shiva Lingam from Mahishan’s neck was brought and installed at this temple by Durga. To get rid of Brahmahathi dosha, Durga did a penance and worshipped Shiva of this temple. Hence this place is being called as Ammankudi, since Durga did a penance, this place was called as Devi Thabovanam. The temple tank is on the north side of the temple, where Durga washed the blood of Mahisan and took bath. Since Durga acted as a head of all Grahas, there is no separate sannidhi for navagrahas.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on pradosham, Maha Shiva Ratri days, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Theipirai Tuesdays, Valarpirai ashtami, Chaturthi which follows Tuesdays, Amavasya, Pournami, etc,.

Rahu and Sukran dosha parihara poojas are conducted in this temple. Devotees worships Durgai Amman to get rid of all doshas and child boon.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs. to 11.00 hrs. and 17.00 hrs. to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

This place Ammangudi is on the Thiruneelakudi road, between Thiruneelakudi and River Arasalaru.

The temple is about 4 KM from Thiruneelakudi, 18 KM from Kumbakonam and 60 KM from Thanjavur.

Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

A Shiva Linga Banam

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---