Friday, April 10, 2009
Valuable information about Mayiladuthurai and surroundings
மயிலாடுதுறை மாற்றங்களுக்குள் தன்னை முழுவதும் தொலைத்துவிடாமல் மெதுவாக வளர்ந்துக்கொண்டிருக்கும் நகரம்.
மாயூரமாக இருந்து மாயாவரமாக மருவி தமிழறிஞர்களின் வேண்டுகோளின்படி மயிலாடுதுறையாகியது.
தமிழகத்தலைநகரிலிருந்து சரியாக 285வது கி.மீ அமைந்துள்ளது.
ஆன்மீக வரலாறு
காவிரியின் தென்புறத்தில் பெரியகோயில் பார்வதி மயில் வடிவில் சிவனை வழிப்பட்ட தலம் சிவன் இங்கு ஸ்ரீமாயூரநாதராகவும் அம்பாள் அபயாம்பிகையாகவும் காட்சியளிக்கும் திருக்கோயில் கோயில் மிகவும் தொன்மை வாய்ந்தது. நான்கு பக்கச் சுற்று மதில்களும் கிழக்கே பெரிய கோபுரமும் ஏனைய மூன்று பக்கங்களிலும் மொட்டைக் கோபுரங்களுமாக இந்த ஆலயம் 378913 சதுர அடி பரப்பில் அமைந்திருக்கிறது இந்த ஆலயத்தின் மண்டபத் தூண்களில் அமைந்திருக்கும் சிற்பங்கள் தமிழர்களின் சிற்பத்திறனுக்கு ஒரு கூடுதல் எடுத்துக் காட்டாகும்.
காவிரியின் வடபுறத்தில் வள்ளலார் கோயில் என அழைக்கப்படும் வள்ளலகரத்தில் அமைந்துள்ள திருக்கோயில் சுவாமி வேதாண்யேஷ்வரர் அம்பிகை ஞானம்பிகை கோவிலின் முக்கிய பிரமுகர் ஸ்ரீ மேதா தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி அருள் பாலித்துக்கொண்டிருக்கிறார்
தொடரும்…!
Mayiladuthurai alias Mayuram is a compact town, situated on the banks of Cauvery. It is 280 kms south of Madras and can be reached by trains going via Main line and also through road. Mayiladuthurai is one of the major junctions in Southern railway with lines branching off to Madras, Trichy, Thiruvarur and Tharangampadi. The town was in the composite Thanjavur district but now it is part of Nagappattinam district. It is the headquaters of an Educational district and is one of the 40 parlimentary constituencies in TamilNadu.
Legends say that due to a curse, Goddess Parvathi took birth as Peacock and worshiped Lord Shiva ( Mayuranathar ). Mayuram means peacock in sanskrit and it was later translated as Mayiladuthurai in tamil. Lot of sidhars have lived here. Even today we find an area called Sidharkaadu, a suburb of Mayuram. Legends also tell that it was a part of Tharukavanam.
“Ayiram Anaalum Mayuram Agaadhu” is a old saying. Maha Vidhwan Meenakshi Sundaram pillai lived in Mayuram. Tamil Grandpa U.Ve. Swaminadha Iyer was a student of Meenakshi Sundaram pillai. Mayuram Vedanayakam Pillai, who wrote “Prathaba Mudaliyar Charithiram” , the first Tamil Novel was a Munsif here. Amarar Kalki Ra.Krishnamurthy studied in Municipal high school, Mayuram. Renouned Carnatic musician Madurai Mani Iyer , Mayuram Rajam Iyer , Violin artist Mayuram Govindaraja pillai ( disciple of kumbakonam Rajamanikkam pillai ) were citizes of Mayuram. Sri Gopala krishna Bharathiyar who wrote “Nandanar Sarithiram” lived in Anandathandavapuram, 5 kms from Mayuram. One of the institutions that was formed for the flourishing of Saivam and Tamil, Dharmapuram Adhinam ( Mutt ) is in the eastern part of Mayuram.
Navagraha Temples
Nine temples, which are famous for each of the Navagraha are situated around Mayiladuthurai. One can visit all the 9 temples in a day, starting from Mayuram and it has become quite a popular tourist circuit today.
Suriyanar koil - Sun - SuriyanThis is about 20kms west of Mayuram, near Aduthurai. Surya resides with his wives Chaya and Suvarcha in this holy place. With Surya at the centre, temples of the other Grahas are around Surya.
Thingaloor - Moon - ChandiranThis is about 40 kms west of Mayuram, near thiruvaiyaru. Mentally disturbed people come here to get cure get rid of their sorrows and sufferings.
Vaidheeswaran Koil - Mars - AngarakanThis temple is 12 kms north-east of Mayuram, on the way to Chidambaram. This town is also called as Pull-irukku-Veloor. Jadayu - the eagle who made a gallant attempt to stop Ravana from proceeding to Lanka with Sita, got relieved of his wings by Ravana, fell down here and eventually got Moksha. Even today we can see the place where Jadayu was cremated - ‘Jadayu Kundam’.
Vaidheeswaran koil is a crowd puller for many reasons along with the Angarakan. Vaidyanadha Swamy ( shiva ) is believed to cure illness of the ardent devotees. Lot of people throng here everyday, offer their prayers for regaining their health with the grace of the deity. Ambal is called Valambika alias Thaiyal Nayaki.
Kiruthigai is an auspicious day here with special poojas performed for SelvaMuthuKumara Swamy ( Murugan ). Nayanmars, Arunagiri Nadar, kumaraguruparar, kalamega pulavar have visited this temple and sung in praise of the deity. Separate sanctorum for Angaraka is a speciality out here as you cannot find it elsewhere.
Thiruvenkadu - Mercury - BudhanThis is about 24 kms east of Mayuram. Lord Shiva resides here in the name of Swetharanyar. This temple is referred in ‘Saiva Thirumurais’ and Sastras. This place is similar to Kasi with all the Snana Ghats. One can do all the karmas here, that is supposed to be done in kasi. We can find a separate sanctum sanctorum for bhudan. Bhudan holds the portfolio of Education and Arts and it is the next popular place students prefer to go after Tuition centers.
Alangudi - Jupiter - GuruThis is about 40 kms from Mayuram near Needamangalam. The speciality here is that Lord Guru is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol.
Kanjanur - Venus - SukranKanjanur is near Suriyanarkoil. People come here for getting the blessings of Sukran, to get themselves ‘Sukra Dasa’, who is believed to get them wealth.
Thirunallaru - Saturn - ShaniThis is the most sought Navagraham, which is about 30 kms east of Mayuram on the way to Thiruvarur. There is a separate sanctum sanctoram for Lord Shani. This is the place where Shani left from the body of Nala Maharaja. This is one of the ‘Sapta Vidanga Kshetras’ ( where Musukunda Chakravarthy installed the deity of Thyagaraja ). It is believed that holy dip in the tank ( Nala Theertham ) will help people to escape from the woes of Sani.
Thirunageswaram - RaguThis is about 30 kms from Mayuram , near Kumbakonam. The main deity’s name is Nageshwarar and Ambal’s name is Girigujambikai. She is decorated as a small girl in the Mornings, as young lady in Noons and as lady in evenings. Thirunageswaram is referenced in Lalitha Sahasranamam. Here Ragu resides with his wife and everyday, during Ragu kalam, when Milk is poured over Ragu idol, it miraculously changes to blue colour. People having Ragu dosha come here during Ragu kalam and perform Abishekas.
Keezhaperumpallam - KethuThis temple is about 20 kms from Mayuram, near Thiruvenkadu. Here there is a separate sanctum sanctorum for Kedhu. Those who are affected by Kedhu dosha come here for rectification.
Our predecessors formed a master temple formation with certain temples at various places, having Thiruvidaimaruthur as center. Such formations are also there in Andrapradesh ( Makllikarjunam ) and North India. Thiruvidaimaruthur is the Shiva temple of the Master temple formation. Thiruvalanchizhi is the vinayaka temple, Swamimalai is the Muruga temple, Senganur is the Chandikeshwarar temple, Chidambaram is the Nataraja temple, Sirkali is the Bhairavar temple, Thiruvavaduthurai is the Nandhi temple, Thiruvalankadu is the Dakshinamoorthy temple, Ammankudi is the Durga temple and Suriyanarkoil is the Navagraha temple of this master temple formation.
ThiruvidaimaruthurThis is about 25 kms from Mayuram on the way to kumbakonam.. Jyothir Mahalingam is the name of Lord Shiva and Mookambikai and Brigadgujambika are the Ambals in this temple. Here Thai Poosam is a famous festival. This temple is praised by Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. Here the Brahmahathi dosha of Chola king was rectified. This temple has famous corridors (Praharam). There are three corridors.
(i). Aswamedha pradhakshina praharam - Going around this will give the effect of doing Ashwamedha yaga.
(ii) Kodumudi praharam - Going around this will give the effect of going to Kailas.
(iii) Pranava praharam - Going around this will give Moksha.
ThiruvalanchuzhiThis is about 37 kms from Mayuram, near kumbakonam. The Swetha Vinayaka here is peculiar with having his trunk in his right direction. We can see an architectural splendor in the form of “Karungal Palagani” - Granite window.
SwamimalaiThis famous temple is 5 kms from kumbakonam. The hill here is not a natural one but constructed for building the temple. Here Swaminada ( Lord Muruga ) preached Pranava mantra “OM” to Lord shiva. The 60 steps to the temple indicate the 60 years of the Tamil calender. This temple is praised by Arunagirinadar. Every Thursday, Lord Swaminada is decorated with ‘Diamond Vel’ ( a form of spear ).
SenganurThis is the birth place of the first Adiyar of lord Shiva, Chandesa Nayanar. This is near Aduthurai.
Chidambaram
This temple which is the most important temple for Saivaits is 44 kms north east of Mayuram in the way to Madras. The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam and hence is one of the Pancha Boodha Kshethras. This is also called as Puliyur, Thiruchitrambalam.
The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. This temple is sung by many Nayanmars. King Raja Raja Chola I recovered the Saiva Thirumurais here. In Margazhi month, Arudra Darisanam is given. One can see both Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja perumal from the same place in this temple. The phrase “Chidambara Ragasiyam” is very famous. Chidambara ragasiyam is nothing but Golden Vilva leaves which is very special for Lord Shiva. In Chidambaram, a dance contest between Kali and Nataraja was held. Nataraja performed Urthuvathandavam and won.
The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brought together all the prominent dancers of India present there with an enchantment and elation, which shone in their eyes and evocative abhinaya as they offered their dance to the great divinity, Lord Nataraja. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja himself, whose padams and varnams they often dance upon creating an imaginary figure of the Lord. The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the temple. In the lighter side, people use to enqire if one’s home is Chidambaram ( Husband rule ) or Madurai ( Wife rule )
SirkazhiSituated 21 kms from Mayuram, this is a historical place which has played important role in Saiva history. Here only goddess Parvathi gave Gnana milk to Thirugnana Sambandar when he was a child. After this, he sang the famous Devaram “Thodudaya Seviyan..” which was his first song. Lord Shiva as Thoniappar resides in a boat ( Thoni - boat ). The boat symbolizes that Thoniappar helps people cross their sea of birth. Every year during Thiruvadirai Nakshatra of Sithirai month, the famous Thirumulaippal Utsav is held. When Deluge happened, Lord Shiva came in a boat to this place and creates living beings. Lord Bhairavar resides here in the name of Sattainadhar.
KoothanoorThis place is near Poonthottam on the banks of river Mudikondan, 20 kms from Mayuram on the way to Thiruvaroor. “Aya kalaikal arupathunaanginaiyum aeya unarvikkum en ammai” - Saraswati devi, who is the goddess of knowledge and arts resides here in a separate temple. Ancient Tamil poet Ottakoothar lived in this place. When Kumaraguruparar went to Kasi, for being triumphant in a debate, he prayed this Saraswathi devi with “Sakalakala valli malai”. This is the native place of Smt. M.L.Vasanthakumari a Carnatic Music legend. Every year Saraswathi Pooja and VijayaDasami festival is celeberated grandly. During VijayaDasami day, parents start education ( Aksharabhyasam ) for their children here.
ThirupungurThis temple is near Vaitheeswarankoil, 14 kms from Mayuram. Sivaloganatha swamy temple is a famous temple in which the an incredible incident happened. Poet Nandanar was a lower cast man and such people were not allowed inside temples in that period (untouchability). Standing outside the temple, Nandanar could’nt see Lord Shiva as Nandi was obstructing his view and hence prayed God. Lord Shiva ordered Nandi to move a bit, so that he can see his baktha. So, in this temple we can see the Nandi that has moved a bit in haste.
PoompuharThis historical town is situated 24 kms west of Mayuram. Kaviripoompattinam is another name for this town as the holy river Cauvery reaches the Bay of Bengal only here. As written in the epic Silappathikaram, written by Ilangovadigal, Kovalan and Kannagi lived in this town. We can witness “Silappathikara kalaikkodam”, a panorama of sculptures depicting scenes from Silappathikaram in poompuhar. This had been the capital of Cholas and was a great commercial centre, which can be known from Pattinappalai, a tamil literature.
KurumaanakudiThis is about 8 kms from Mayuram on the way to Vaideeswarakoil. Something special in the KannAyiramUdaiyar temple is that the Navagrahas are sculptered on the roof of the temple. Special prayers are held during Sundays of Karthigai month.
Sri Mayuranathaswami templeThis is also called the ‘Big temple’ of the town, and the goddess here protects her devotees who surrender and worships her. Hence she is called Abayambikai alias Anjal Nayaki ( Abayam means giving protection ). Famous poets like Appar, Sambandhar, Arunagiri nadhar have rendered songs in praise of the deity. Sri Muthuswamy Dikshidar and Saint Thyagaraja who were among the famous Sangeetha Mummoorthis, met in this temple and sang in praise of the god. Dikshidar has rendered nine krithis on Abayambikai called Navavarna krithis. This temple is under the control of Thiruvavaduthurai Adhinam and Dharmapuram Adhinam.
Sri Ayyarappar templeThis temple is one of the oldest temple and is of Archeological interest. This temple houses many Stone inscriptions of Kulothungha chola period. Ambal’s name is Dharmasamvardhani ( one who helps the growth of Dharma ).
Sri Vadhanyeshwarar templeOn the northern bank of the Cauvery, in Uttara Mayuram, is situated the lovely temple familiarly called Vallalar koil. The beautiful and panoramic view of the Cauvery with the Rishaba mantabam in the middle draws pilgrims and tourists alike.
The main deity is Sri Vadhanyeshwarar and the Goddess goes by the name of Gnanambika. On the southern side of the sanctum sanctorum is situated the shrine of Sri Medhaa Dakshinamurthy. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed usually as a yogi under a banyan tree, His right hand held in gnana mudra, imparting wisdom silently to the aged Sankartha munis.
Medhaa Dakshinamurthy is seen sitting in yogaasana, with the right hand depicting the chin mudra and the left holding a book. The remarkable feature of this Dakshinamurthy is that He is seated on Nandi. According to the legend, Once upon a time, long long ago, so long ago, when nobody knew how long ago, Rishaba Deva ( Nandi Deva ) felt proud that he was carrying Lord Shiva on his back. The Lord somehow sensed this feeling and wanted to teach him a lesson. So one day, he placed a lock from his matted hair on Rishaba Deva. Unable to bear the weight, Rishaba Deva felt vrushed and immediately realised his mistake. He prostrated before the Lord and craved his pardon. The Lord not only pardoned him but also initiated him into the mysteries of Divine Wisdom. So, even when the Lord took the form of Gurumurthy, Rishaba Deva was permitted to serve as His mount.
The Lord goes by the name of Vallalar or Vadhanyeshwara meaning one who gives abundantly to his devotee, the seeker. The Lord is also known as kai Kaattum Vallalar, the Lord who shows His hand in the gnana mudra.
The Lord obliged and made Nandi Deva stay at Mayuram , in the middle of the Cauvery. He directed that Ganga and other rivers should flow into Cauvery on New moon day in the Tamil month of Aipasi. Hence, the river at the spot came to be known as Rishaba theertham. Goddess Ganga Devi is carried on a makara (crocodile) vahanam on the Aipasi New Moon day.
‘Uttara Mayura Mahatmiyam’ in Sanskrit, gives the history of the place in 20 chapters. ‘Tirisirapuram maha Vidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai has sung the history of the temple in tamil. As the temple is attached to the Dharmapura Adheenam, it has been patronised by the mutts, heads. Every year in the month of karthigai, a grand Mahabishekam is performed for Medhaa Dakshinamurthy. Every year, the transit of the planet Guru from one rasi to another is celebrated grandly in this temple.
Sri Punukeeswarar templeThis temple is situated in Koorainadu in the western part of Mayuram. This is named after Punuku siddar who got Moksha here. Koorai means clothe. During a typical South Indian marriage, a typical South Indian bride (notwithstanding mixed marriages!) wears a saree, which is called Koorai saree. In olden days such sarees were woven only in koorainadu and this is the reason behind the name ‘koorai pudavai’.
Sri Parimala Ranganatha swamy temple
From the birth of holy river Cauvery in ThalaCauvery to its end in Poompukar, there are five Ranganathas and one of them is Sri Parimala Ranganathar in Thiruindhalur on the banks of Cauvery. Alwars (Vaishnavite poets) have sung on the greatness of Parimala Ranganatha. This temple is among the 108 vaishanava Thirupathis. Perumal (Lord Vishnu) in this is Parimala Ranganathan (Maruviniya Maindhan, Sugandavana Nathan) in veerasayanam pose facing East. Thaayar (Goddess) is called Parimala Ranganayaki, Chandra-shapa-vimochanavalli and Pundarikavalli
Chandran got his curses absolved by Thaayar in this place. This is the reason why Thaayar got that name ‘Chandra-shapa-vimochanavalli’. Perumal in Sayana posture has Chathur bujha and Caverydevi and Gangadevi can be seen near the head and foot of Perumal.
Sri Kasi Vishwanatha swamy templeThis temple can conviniently be called as a branch of Kasi Vishwanatha temple. Pilgrims, who cant go to Kasi, can worship here and get the same effect. This is in the thula ghat ( Laghatam ) on the banks of Cauvery. Dhondi vinayaka and Bhairava are also seen in this temple.
FestivalA month-long festival called ‘Tula Utsavam’ is held every year in the Iyppasi month (Thula month ). People in and around Mayuram throng on the banks of Cauveruy during the festival. The last day of the month is celeberated as Kadaimugam. On the holy day of Kadaimugam, it is believed that river-goddesses Ganga , Yamuna and Saraswathi come and take a holy dip in Cauvery to get rid of their sins and rejuvenate themselves to collect sins from pilgrims who take a holy dip in those rivers. The day before kadaimugam, car festival ( Rath ) is celeberated where cars from Vallalar temple, Big temple and Ranganatha temple go around in their car streets. The whole town wears a festive look for atleast a fortnight, with all the crowd hanging around, seasonal shops opening up, where kids and ladies freq-out shopping till they get fed up.
Courtesy : http://mayila.wordpress.com/about/
மாயூரமாக இருந்து மாயாவரமாக மருவி தமிழறிஞர்களின் வேண்டுகோளின்படி மயிலாடுதுறையாகியது.
தமிழகத்தலைநகரிலிருந்து சரியாக 285வது கி.மீ அமைந்துள்ளது.
ஆன்மீக வரலாறு
காவிரியின் தென்புறத்தில் பெரியகோயில் பார்வதி மயில் வடிவில் சிவனை வழிப்பட்ட தலம் சிவன் இங்கு ஸ்ரீமாயூரநாதராகவும் அம்பாள் அபயாம்பிகையாகவும் காட்சியளிக்கும் திருக்கோயில் கோயில் மிகவும் தொன்மை வாய்ந்தது. நான்கு பக்கச் சுற்று மதில்களும் கிழக்கே பெரிய கோபுரமும் ஏனைய மூன்று பக்கங்களிலும் மொட்டைக் கோபுரங்களுமாக இந்த ஆலயம் 378913 சதுர அடி பரப்பில் அமைந்திருக்கிறது இந்த ஆலயத்தின் மண்டபத் தூண்களில் அமைந்திருக்கும் சிற்பங்கள் தமிழர்களின் சிற்பத்திறனுக்கு ஒரு கூடுதல் எடுத்துக் காட்டாகும்.
காவிரியின் வடபுறத்தில் வள்ளலார் கோயில் என அழைக்கப்படும் வள்ளலகரத்தில் அமைந்துள்ள திருக்கோயில் சுவாமி வேதாண்யேஷ்வரர் அம்பிகை ஞானம்பிகை கோவிலின் முக்கிய பிரமுகர் ஸ்ரீ மேதா தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி அருள் பாலித்துக்கொண்டிருக்கிறார்
தொடரும்…!
Mayiladuthurai alias Mayuram is a compact town, situated on the banks of Cauvery. It is 280 kms south of Madras and can be reached by trains going via Main line and also through road. Mayiladuthurai is one of the major junctions in Southern railway with lines branching off to Madras, Trichy, Thiruvarur and Tharangampadi. The town was in the composite Thanjavur district but now it is part of Nagappattinam district. It is the headquaters of an Educational district and is one of the 40 parlimentary constituencies in TamilNadu.
Legends say that due to a curse, Goddess Parvathi took birth as Peacock and worshiped Lord Shiva ( Mayuranathar ). Mayuram means peacock in sanskrit and it was later translated as Mayiladuthurai in tamil. Lot of sidhars have lived here. Even today we find an area called Sidharkaadu, a suburb of Mayuram. Legends also tell that it was a part of Tharukavanam.
“Ayiram Anaalum Mayuram Agaadhu” is a old saying. Maha Vidhwan Meenakshi Sundaram pillai lived in Mayuram. Tamil Grandpa U.Ve. Swaminadha Iyer was a student of Meenakshi Sundaram pillai. Mayuram Vedanayakam Pillai, who wrote “Prathaba Mudaliyar Charithiram” , the first Tamil Novel was a Munsif here. Amarar Kalki Ra.Krishnamurthy studied in Municipal high school, Mayuram. Renouned Carnatic musician Madurai Mani Iyer , Mayuram Rajam Iyer , Violin artist Mayuram Govindaraja pillai ( disciple of kumbakonam Rajamanikkam pillai ) were citizes of Mayuram. Sri Gopala krishna Bharathiyar who wrote “Nandanar Sarithiram” lived in Anandathandavapuram, 5 kms from Mayuram. One of the institutions that was formed for the flourishing of Saivam and Tamil, Dharmapuram Adhinam ( Mutt ) is in the eastern part of Mayuram.
Navagraha Temples
Nine temples, which are famous for each of the Navagraha are situated around Mayiladuthurai. One can visit all the 9 temples in a day, starting from Mayuram and it has become quite a popular tourist circuit today.
Suriyanar koil - Sun - SuriyanThis is about 20kms west of Mayuram, near Aduthurai. Surya resides with his wives Chaya and Suvarcha in this holy place. With Surya at the centre, temples of the other Grahas are around Surya.
Thingaloor - Moon - ChandiranThis is about 40 kms west of Mayuram, near thiruvaiyaru. Mentally disturbed people come here to get cure get rid of their sorrows and sufferings.
Vaidheeswaran Koil - Mars - AngarakanThis temple is 12 kms north-east of Mayuram, on the way to Chidambaram. This town is also called as Pull-irukku-Veloor. Jadayu - the eagle who made a gallant attempt to stop Ravana from proceeding to Lanka with Sita, got relieved of his wings by Ravana, fell down here and eventually got Moksha. Even today we can see the place where Jadayu was cremated - ‘Jadayu Kundam’.
Vaidheeswaran koil is a crowd puller for many reasons along with the Angarakan. Vaidyanadha Swamy ( shiva ) is believed to cure illness of the ardent devotees. Lot of people throng here everyday, offer their prayers for regaining their health with the grace of the deity. Ambal is called Valambika alias Thaiyal Nayaki.
Kiruthigai is an auspicious day here with special poojas performed for SelvaMuthuKumara Swamy ( Murugan ). Nayanmars, Arunagiri Nadar, kumaraguruparar, kalamega pulavar have visited this temple and sung in praise of the deity. Separate sanctorum for Angaraka is a speciality out here as you cannot find it elsewhere.
Thiruvenkadu - Mercury - BudhanThis is about 24 kms east of Mayuram. Lord Shiva resides here in the name of Swetharanyar. This temple is referred in ‘Saiva Thirumurais’ and Sastras. This place is similar to Kasi with all the Snana Ghats. One can do all the karmas here, that is supposed to be done in kasi. We can find a separate sanctum sanctorum for bhudan. Bhudan holds the portfolio of Education and Arts and it is the next popular place students prefer to go after Tuition centers.
Alangudi - Jupiter - GuruThis is about 40 kms from Mayuram near Needamangalam. The speciality here is that Lord Guru is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol.
Kanjanur - Venus - SukranKanjanur is near Suriyanarkoil. People come here for getting the blessings of Sukran, to get themselves ‘Sukra Dasa’, who is believed to get them wealth.
Thirunallaru - Saturn - ShaniThis is the most sought Navagraham, which is about 30 kms east of Mayuram on the way to Thiruvarur. There is a separate sanctum sanctoram for Lord Shani. This is the place where Shani left from the body of Nala Maharaja. This is one of the ‘Sapta Vidanga Kshetras’ ( where Musukunda Chakravarthy installed the deity of Thyagaraja ). It is believed that holy dip in the tank ( Nala Theertham ) will help people to escape from the woes of Sani.
Thirunageswaram - RaguThis is about 30 kms from Mayuram , near Kumbakonam. The main deity’s name is Nageshwarar and Ambal’s name is Girigujambikai. She is decorated as a small girl in the Mornings, as young lady in Noons and as lady in evenings. Thirunageswaram is referenced in Lalitha Sahasranamam. Here Ragu resides with his wife and everyday, during Ragu kalam, when Milk is poured over Ragu idol, it miraculously changes to blue colour. People having Ragu dosha come here during Ragu kalam and perform Abishekas.
Keezhaperumpallam - KethuThis temple is about 20 kms from Mayuram, near Thiruvenkadu. Here there is a separate sanctum sanctorum for Kedhu. Those who are affected by Kedhu dosha come here for rectification.
Our predecessors formed a master temple formation with certain temples at various places, having Thiruvidaimaruthur as center. Such formations are also there in Andrapradesh ( Makllikarjunam ) and North India. Thiruvidaimaruthur is the Shiva temple of the Master temple formation. Thiruvalanchizhi is the vinayaka temple, Swamimalai is the Muruga temple, Senganur is the Chandikeshwarar temple, Chidambaram is the Nataraja temple, Sirkali is the Bhairavar temple, Thiruvavaduthurai is the Nandhi temple, Thiruvalankadu is the Dakshinamoorthy temple, Ammankudi is the Durga temple and Suriyanarkoil is the Navagraha temple of this master temple formation.
ThiruvidaimaruthurThis is about 25 kms from Mayuram on the way to kumbakonam.. Jyothir Mahalingam is the name of Lord Shiva and Mookambikai and Brigadgujambika are the Ambals in this temple. Here Thai Poosam is a famous festival. This temple is praised by Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. Here the Brahmahathi dosha of Chola king was rectified. This temple has famous corridors (Praharam). There are three corridors.
(i). Aswamedha pradhakshina praharam - Going around this will give the effect of doing Ashwamedha yaga.
(ii) Kodumudi praharam - Going around this will give the effect of going to Kailas.
(iii) Pranava praharam - Going around this will give Moksha.
ThiruvalanchuzhiThis is about 37 kms from Mayuram, near kumbakonam. The Swetha Vinayaka here is peculiar with having his trunk in his right direction. We can see an architectural splendor in the form of “Karungal Palagani” - Granite window.
SwamimalaiThis famous temple is 5 kms from kumbakonam. The hill here is not a natural one but constructed for building the temple. Here Swaminada ( Lord Muruga ) preached Pranava mantra “OM” to Lord shiva. The 60 steps to the temple indicate the 60 years of the Tamil calender. This temple is praised by Arunagirinadar. Every Thursday, Lord Swaminada is decorated with ‘Diamond Vel’ ( a form of spear ).
SenganurThis is the birth place of the first Adiyar of lord Shiva, Chandesa Nayanar. This is near Aduthurai.
Chidambaram
This temple which is the most important temple for Saivaits is 44 kms north east of Mayuram in the way to Madras. The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam and hence is one of the Pancha Boodha Kshethras. This is also called as Puliyur, Thiruchitrambalam.
The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. This temple is sung by many Nayanmars. King Raja Raja Chola I recovered the Saiva Thirumurais here. In Margazhi month, Arudra Darisanam is given. One can see both Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja perumal from the same place in this temple. The phrase “Chidambara Ragasiyam” is very famous. Chidambara ragasiyam is nothing but Golden Vilva leaves which is very special for Lord Shiva. In Chidambaram, a dance contest between Kali and Nataraja was held. Nataraja performed Urthuvathandavam and won.
The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brought together all the prominent dancers of India present there with an enchantment and elation, which shone in their eyes and evocative abhinaya as they offered their dance to the great divinity, Lord Nataraja. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja himself, whose padams and varnams they often dance upon creating an imaginary figure of the Lord. The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the temple. In the lighter side, people use to enqire if one’s home is Chidambaram ( Husband rule ) or Madurai ( Wife rule )
SirkazhiSituated 21 kms from Mayuram, this is a historical place which has played important role in Saiva history. Here only goddess Parvathi gave Gnana milk to Thirugnana Sambandar when he was a child. After this, he sang the famous Devaram “Thodudaya Seviyan..” which was his first song. Lord Shiva as Thoniappar resides in a boat ( Thoni - boat ). The boat symbolizes that Thoniappar helps people cross their sea of birth. Every year during Thiruvadirai Nakshatra of Sithirai month, the famous Thirumulaippal Utsav is held. When Deluge happened, Lord Shiva came in a boat to this place and creates living beings. Lord Bhairavar resides here in the name of Sattainadhar.
KoothanoorThis place is near Poonthottam on the banks of river Mudikondan, 20 kms from Mayuram on the way to Thiruvaroor. “Aya kalaikal arupathunaanginaiyum aeya unarvikkum en ammai” - Saraswati devi, who is the goddess of knowledge and arts resides here in a separate temple. Ancient Tamil poet Ottakoothar lived in this place. When Kumaraguruparar went to Kasi, for being triumphant in a debate, he prayed this Saraswathi devi with “Sakalakala valli malai”. This is the native place of Smt. M.L.Vasanthakumari a Carnatic Music legend. Every year Saraswathi Pooja and VijayaDasami festival is celeberated grandly. During VijayaDasami day, parents start education ( Aksharabhyasam ) for their children here.
ThirupungurThis temple is near Vaitheeswarankoil, 14 kms from Mayuram. Sivaloganatha swamy temple is a famous temple in which the an incredible incident happened. Poet Nandanar was a lower cast man and such people were not allowed inside temples in that period (untouchability). Standing outside the temple, Nandanar could’nt see Lord Shiva as Nandi was obstructing his view and hence prayed God. Lord Shiva ordered Nandi to move a bit, so that he can see his baktha. So, in this temple we can see the Nandi that has moved a bit in haste.
PoompuharThis historical town is situated 24 kms west of Mayuram. Kaviripoompattinam is another name for this town as the holy river Cauvery reaches the Bay of Bengal only here. As written in the epic Silappathikaram, written by Ilangovadigal, Kovalan and Kannagi lived in this town. We can witness “Silappathikara kalaikkodam”, a panorama of sculptures depicting scenes from Silappathikaram in poompuhar. This had been the capital of Cholas and was a great commercial centre, which can be known from Pattinappalai, a tamil literature.
KurumaanakudiThis is about 8 kms from Mayuram on the way to Vaideeswarakoil. Something special in the KannAyiramUdaiyar temple is that the Navagrahas are sculptered on the roof of the temple. Special prayers are held during Sundays of Karthigai month.
Sri Mayuranathaswami templeThis is also called the ‘Big temple’ of the town, and the goddess here protects her devotees who surrender and worships her. Hence she is called Abayambikai alias Anjal Nayaki ( Abayam means giving protection ). Famous poets like Appar, Sambandhar, Arunagiri nadhar have rendered songs in praise of the deity. Sri Muthuswamy Dikshidar and Saint Thyagaraja who were among the famous Sangeetha Mummoorthis, met in this temple and sang in praise of the god. Dikshidar has rendered nine krithis on Abayambikai called Navavarna krithis. This temple is under the control of Thiruvavaduthurai Adhinam and Dharmapuram Adhinam.
Sri Ayyarappar templeThis temple is one of the oldest temple and is of Archeological interest. This temple houses many Stone inscriptions of Kulothungha chola period. Ambal’s name is Dharmasamvardhani ( one who helps the growth of Dharma ).
Sri Vadhanyeshwarar templeOn the northern bank of the Cauvery, in Uttara Mayuram, is situated the lovely temple familiarly called Vallalar koil. The beautiful and panoramic view of the Cauvery with the Rishaba mantabam in the middle draws pilgrims and tourists alike.
The main deity is Sri Vadhanyeshwarar and the Goddess goes by the name of Gnanambika. On the southern side of the sanctum sanctorum is situated the shrine of Sri Medhaa Dakshinamurthy. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed usually as a yogi under a banyan tree, His right hand held in gnana mudra, imparting wisdom silently to the aged Sankartha munis.
Medhaa Dakshinamurthy is seen sitting in yogaasana, with the right hand depicting the chin mudra and the left holding a book. The remarkable feature of this Dakshinamurthy is that He is seated on Nandi. According to the legend, Once upon a time, long long ago, so long ago, when nobody knew how long ago, Rishaba Deva ( Nandi Deva ) felt proud that he was carrying Lord Shiva on his back. The Lord somehow sensed this feeling and wanted to teach him a lesson. So one day, he placed a lock from his matted hair on Rishaba Deva. Unable to bear the weight, Rishaba Deva felt vrushed and immediately realised his mistake. He prostrated before the Lord and craved his pardon. The Lord not only pardoned him but also initiated him into the mysteries of Divine Wisdom. So, even when the Lord took the form of Gurumurthy, Rishaba Deva was permitted to serve as His mount.
The Lord goes by the name of Vallalar or Vadhanyeshwara meaning one who gives abundantly to his devotee, the seeker. The Lord is also known as kai Kaattum Vallalar, the Lord who shows His hand in the gnana mudra.
The Lord obliged and made Nandi Deva stay at Mayuram , in the middle of the Cauvery. He directed that Ganga and other rivers should flow into Cauvery on New moon day in the Tamil month of Aipasi. Hence, the river at the spot came to be known as Rishaba theertham. Goddess Ganga Devi is carried on a makara (crocodile) vahanam on the Aipasi New Moon day.
‘Uttara Mayura Mahatmiyam’ in Sanskrit, gives the history of the place in 20 chapters. ‘Tirisirapuram maha Vidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai has sung the history of the temple in tamil. As the temple is attached to the Dharmapura Adheenam, it has been patronised by the mutts, heads. Every year in the month of karthigai, a grand Mahabishekam is performed for Medhaa Dakshinamurthy. Every year, the transit of the planet Guru from one rasi to another is celebrated grandly in this temple.
Sri Punukeeswarar templeThis temple is situated in Koorainadu in the western part of Mayuram. This is named after Punuku siddar who got Moksha here. Koorai means clothe. During a typical South Indian marriage, a typical South Indian bride (notwithstanding mixed marriages!) wears a saree, which is called Koorai saree. In olden days such sarees were woven only in koorainadu and this is the reason behind the name ‘koorai pudavai’.
Sri Parimala Ranganatha swamy temple
From the birth of holy river Cauvery in ThalaCauvery to its end in Poompukar, there are five Ranganathas and one of them is Sri Parimala Ranganathar in Thiruindhalur on the banks of Cauvery. Alwars (Vaishnavite poets) have sung on the greatness of Parimala Ranganatha. This temple is among the 108 vaishanava Thirupathis. Perumal (Lord Vishnu) in this is Parimala Ranganathan (Maruviniya Maindhan, Sugandavana Nathan) in veerasayanam pose facing East. Thaayar (Goddess) is called Parimala Ranganayaki, Chandra-shapa-vimochanavalli and Pundarikavalli
Chandran got his curses absolved by Thaayar in this place. This is the reason why Thaayar got that name ‘Chandra-shapa-vimochanavalli’. Perumal in Sayana posture has Chathur bujha and Caverydevi and Gangadevi can be seen near the head and foot of Perumal.
Sri Kasi Vishwanatha swamy templeThis temple can conviniently be called as a branch of Kasi Vishwanatha temple. Pilgrims, who cant go to Kasi, can worship here and get the same effect. This is in the thula ghat ( Laghatam ) on the banks of Cauvery. Dhondi vinayaka and Bhairava are also seen in this temple.
FestivalA month-long festival called ‘Tula Utsavam’ is held every year in the Iyppasi month (Thula month ). People in and around Mayuram throng on the banks of Cauveruy during the festival. The last day of the month is celeberated as Kadaimugam. On the holy day of Kadaimugam, it is believed that river-goddesses Ganga , Yamuna and Saraswathi come and take a holy dip in Cauvery to get rid of their sins and rejuvenate themselves to collect sins from pilgrims who take a holy dip in those rivers. The day before kadaimugam, car festival ( Rath ) is celeberated where cars from Vallalar temple, Big temple and Ranganatha temple go around in their car streets. The whole town wears a festive look for atleast a fortnight, with all the crowd hanging around, seasonal shops opening up, where kids and ladies freq-out shopping till they get fed up.
Courtesy : http://mayila.wordpress.com/about/
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Five Faced Lord SHIVA
Check this site for all about Lord Shiva
http://shivadarshana.blogspot.com/2008/01/forms-of-shiva-ii.html
http://shivadarshana.blogspot.com/2008/01/forms-of-shiva-ii.html
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sri Panchamukha Jaya Aanjeneyar Temple
Panchavadi is located on the Pondicherry-Tindivanam Road on the outskirts of Pondicherry .
Sri Panchamukha Jaya Aanjeneyar Temple, Panchavadi is run by Sri Jaya Maruthi Seva Trust. Sri Aanjaneyar ia depicted here as "Viswaroopam" with five faces viz., Anjaneyar, Narasimhar, Varahar, Hayagreevar and Garudar. The Garudar face is on the back side of the Viswaroopam.
The Anjaneya idol is carved out of a single boulder, weighing 150 tonnes, obtained from the hills of Pazhaiyaseevaram, seat of the beautiful Narasimha Temple and which is visited by Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram on the day following "Thai Pongal" as it was from here that the stone was obtained for carving out the centuries-old Varadaraja Moolavar idol in the Kanchipuram temple.
The actual height of the Anjaneya idol is 30 feet while the Peedam is six feet high and the Upapeedam has a height of three and a half feet. It has a girth of 15 feet and after installation the actual height of the idol touches 40 feet. A 64-feet high Vimanam is built over the sanctum sanctorum.
The Anjaneya idol has 10 hands with sword, shield, Suvadi or manuscript, Ankusam, Amrita Kalasam, mountain, plough, snake, tree and Kadvangam (the leg of a cot).
A three-foot long "Panchamukha Hanumath Yantram" is installed on the Peedam. The Yantram, incidentally was taken to many holy places, including Tirupati and Ahobilam. Angatha and Sugreeva are the Dwarapalakas.
Besides the main door there is a door at the rear to enable devotees to worship Garuda. Five Pradakshinams and five Namaskarams is the norm.
Courtesy : http://www.godakshin.com/travel-guides/sri-panchamukha-jaya-aanjeneyar-temple-669.html
Check http://www.thepondicherry.com/puducherry/main.php?page=Panchavadi&vmpage=Tourism for more details.
Need to check the making of Panchamuka Anjaneya http://www.pbase.com/avb/ppa&page=1
Panchamukha Hanuman
Sri Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami was the main deity of Sri Raghavendra Swami. The place where he meditated on this five-faced form of Hanuman is now known as Panchamukhi, wherein a temple for him has been built. There is also a shrine for Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. A 40 feet (12 m) tall monolithic green granite murti of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed in Thiruvallur, also in Tamil Nadu. This place was known as Rudravanam in olden times when many saints and seers had blessed this place with their presence. The Panchamukha Hanuman Ashram itself was established by a saint called Venkatesa Battar.
Hanuman assumed this form to kill Mahiravana, a powerful rakshasa black-magician and practitioner of the dark arts during the Ramayana war. Mahiravana had taken Lord Rama and Lakshmana captive, and the only way to kill him was to extinguish five lamps burning in different directions, all at the same instant. Hanuman assumed His Panchamukha form and accomplished the task, thus killing the rakshasa, and freeing Rama and Lakshmana.
This form of Hanuman is very popular, and is also known as Panchamukha Anjaneya and Panchamukhi Anjaneya. (Anjaneya, which means "son of Anjana", is another name of Hanuman).
A 67 foot Murti of Lord Hanuman Ji has been installed at Sankat Mochan Shri Hanuman Mandir, located in the Punjab town of Phillaur.
A 40 foot Murti of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed at Tiruvallur, near Chennai, India.
A 36 foot Murti of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed at Panchavatee,Pondicherry, called as Viswaroopa Jayamangala Panchamukha Sri Anjaaneyaswamy.
A 32 foot Murti of Adhivyadihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswamy,Nanganallur,Chennai which is molded out of a single rock.
A 3 foot Murti of Sri Panchmukha Hanuman has been installed at OKapi farm 15.7 kms west of Lusaka Zambia from New Mumba Road. While the mandir is under construction, daily puja is offered in the mornings and evenings.
Every Face of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has significance —
Sri Hanuman faces east. He grants purity of mind and success.
The Narasimha faces south. He grants victory and fearlessness.
The west facing Garuda removes black magic and poisons.
The north facing Varaha, showers prosperity, wealth.
The Hayagriva mukha faces the Sky. But since we cannot see it, it is usually tilted and shown above Hanuman's face. Hayagriva gives Knowledge and good children.
(1) Eastward looking face : HanumAn (NaivEdhyam: Kadalai )
(2) Southward looking face: Narasimhan ( NaivEdhyam: Paanakam)
(3) Westward looking face: Veda Moorthy Garudan (Offering : Honey)
(4) Northward looking face: VarAha Bhagavan ( Sugar Rice & vadai)
(5) Face over the HanumAn's face: Lord HayagrIvan , VidhyA moorthy
Sri Panchamukha Jaya Aanjeneyar Temple, Panchavadi is run by Sri Jaya Maruthi Seva Trust. Sri Aanjaneyar ia depicted here as "Viswaroopam" with five faces viz., Anjaneyar, Narasimhar, Varahar, Hayagreevar and Garudar. The Garudar face is on the back side of the Viswaroopam.
The Anjaneya idol is carved out of a single boulder, weighing 150 tonnes, obtained from the hills of Pazhaiyaseevaram, seat of the beautiful Narasimha Temple and which is visited by Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram on the day following "Thai Pongal" as it was from here that the stone was obtained for carving out the centuries-old Varadaraja Moolavar idol in the Kanchipuram temple.
The actual height of the Anjaneya idol is 30 feet while the Peedam is six feet high and the Upapeedam has a height of three and a half feet. It has a girth of 15 feet and after installation the actual height of the idol touches 40 feet. A 64-feet high Vimanam is built over the sanctum sanctorum.
The Anjaneya idol has 10 hands with sword, shield, Suvadi or manuscript, Ankusam, Amrita Kalasam, mountain, plough, snake, tree and Kadvangam (the leg of a cot).
A three-foot long "Panchamukha Hanumath Yantram" is installed on the Peedam. The Yantram, incidentally was taken to many holy places, including Tirupati and Ahobilam. Angatha and Sugreeva are the Dwarapalakas.
Besides the main door there is a door at the rear to enable devotees to worship Garuda. Five Pradakshinams and five Namaskarams is the norm.
Courtesy : http://www.godakshin.com/travel-guides/sri-panchamukha-jaya-aanjeneyar-temple-669.html
Check http://www.thepondicherry.com/puducherry/main.php?page=Panchavadi&vmpage=Tourism for more details.
Need to check the making of Panchamuka Anjaneya http://www.pbase.com/avb/ppa&page=1
Panchamukha Hanuman
Sri Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami was the main deity of Sri Raghavendra Swami. The place where he meditated on this five-faced form of Hanuman is now known as Panchamukhi, wherein a temple for him has been built. There is also a shrine for Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. A 40 feet (12 m) tall monolithic green granite murti of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed in Thiruvallur, also in Tamil Nadu. This place was known as Rudravanam in olden times when many saints and seers had blessed this place with their presence. The Panchamukha Hanuman Ashram itself was established by a saint called Venkatesa Battar.
Hanuman assumed this form to kill Mahiravana, a powerful rakshasa black-magician and practitioner of the dark arts during the Ramayana war. Mahiravana had taken Lord Rama and Lakshmana captive, and the only way to kill him was to extinguish five lamps burning in different directions, all at the same instant. Hanuman assumed His Panchamukha form and accomplished the task, thus killing the rakshasa, and freeing Rama and Lakshmana.
This form of Hanuman is very popular, and is also known as Panchamukha Anjaneya and Panchamukhi Anjaneya. (Anjaneya, which means "son of Anjana", is another name of Hanuman).
A 67 foot Murti of Lord Hanuman Ji has been installed at Sankat Mochan Shri Hanuman Mandir, located in the Punjab town of Phillaur.
A 40 foot Murti of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed at Tiruvallur, near Chennai, India.
A 36 foot Murti of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed at Panchavatee,Pondicherry, called as Viswaroopa Jayamangala Panchamukha Sri Anjaaneyaswamy.
A 32 foot Murti of Adhivyadihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswamy,Nanganallur,Chennai which is molded out of a single rock.
A 3 foot Murti of Sri Panchmukha Hanuman has been installed at OKapi farm 15.7 kms west of Lusaka Zambia from New Mumba Road. While the mandir is under construction, daily puja is offered in the mornings and evenings.
Every Face of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has significance —
Sri Hanuman faces east. He grants purity of mind and success.
The Narasimha faces south. He grants victory and fearlessness.
The west facing Garuda removes black magic and poisons.
The north facing Varaha, showers prosperity, wealth.
The Hayagriva mukha faces the Sky. But since we cannot see it, it is usually tilted and shown above Hanuman's face. Hayagriva gives Knowledge and good children.
(1) Eastward looking face : HanumAn (NaivEdhyam: Kadalai )
(2) Southward looking face: Narasimhan ( NaivEdhyam: Paanakam)
(3) Westward looking face: Veda Moorthy Garudan (Offering : Honey)
(4) Northward looking face: VarAha Bhagavan ( Sugar Rice & vadai)
(5) Face over the HanumAn's face: Lord HayagrIvan , VidhyA moorthy
The Vaishnavas evolved a syncretic form of Hanuman with five heads and ten arms, incorporating in the composite image five important Vaishnavite deities:
At the center a monkey's face (Hanuman).
A lion's visage representing Narasimha gazing southwards.
An eagle's head symbolizing Garuda facing west.
A boar head of Varaha (north).
A horse's face for Hayagriva (facing the sky).
Each head signifies a particular trait. Hanuman courage and strength, Narasimha fearlessness, Garuda magical skills and the power to cure snake bites, Varaha health and exorcism and Hayagriva victory over enemies.
At the center a monkey's face (Hanuman).
A lion's visage representing Narasimha gazing southwards.
An eagle's head symbolizing Garuda facing west.
A boar head of Varaha (north).
A horse's face for Hayagriva (facing the sky).
Each head signifies a particular trait. Hanuman courage and strength, Narasimha fearlessness, Garuda magical skills and the power to cure snake bites, Varaha health and exorcism and Hayagriva victory over enemies.
Courtesy : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Trip to Chennai between 20-Mar-2009 to 01-Apr-2009
N A V A G R A H A T E M P L E S
1. SURYA(THE SUN) - SURIYANAR KOIL ( 3 Kms. from Aduthurai which is on the Kumbakonam- Mayiladuthurai Road)
Kumbakonam to Suriyanar Koil - 15 Km Sri Kasi Viswanathar Phone No: 0435 - 2472349
2. CHANDRA(THE MOON) - THINGALOOR (1.5 Kms. from Thirupayhanam which is on the Kumbakonam-Thiruvayyaru Road)
Kumbakonam to Thingalloor - 30Km Sri Kailasanathar - 04362 2360936/262499
3. ANGARAKA(SEVVAI)( THE MARS) - VAITHEESWARAN KOIL (4 Kms. from Mayiladuthurai on the Chidambaram Road).
Kumbakonam to Vaitheswaran Kovil - 49Km Vaitheeswaran Kovil - Sri Vaitheeswarar Phone No: 04364 - 279423
4. BUDAN(THE MERCURY) - TRIVENKADU (10 Kms. SouthEast of Sirkali).
Kumbakonam to Thiruvenkadu - 60Km Thiruvenkadu - Sri Swatharanyeswarar Phone No: 04364 - 256424
5. GURU (THE VYAZHAN)(JUPITER) - ALANGUDI (About 15 Kms. from Kumbakonam on the way to NeedaMangalam).
Kumbakonam to Alangudi - 17Km Alangudi - Sri Aabhatsakayeswarar Phone No: 04374 - 269407
6. SUKRAN(VELLI)(THE VENUS) - KANJANOOR ( An interior village on the Mayiladuthurai - Kathiramangalam Road).
Kumbakonam to Kanchanoor - 20Km Kanjanoor - Sri Agneeswarar Phone No: 0435 - 2470155
7. SANI(THE SATURN) - THIRUNALLAR ( on the way to Peralam- Karaikkal. 5 Kms. from karaikkal .
Kumbakonam to Thirunallar - 48Km Thirunallaru - Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Phone No: 04368 - 236530
8. RAGHU - THIRUNAGESWARAM (About 7 Kms. from Kumbakonam-Karaikkal Road).
Kumbakonam to Thirunageswaram - 5Km Thirunageswaram - Sri Naganathar Phone No: 0435 - 2463354
9. KETHU - KEEZHAPERUMPALLAM (Near PoomPuhar. on Mayiladuthurai- Poompuhar road).
Kumbakonam to Kizhapperumpallam - 59Km Keezhaperumpallam - Sri Naganathar Phone No: 04364 - 260582
Tour Guide to Navagraha Temples:
LIST OF TEMPLES AND THEIR LOCATION
1. http://www.kumbakonamonline.com/listoftemples.html
2. http://www.marskarthik.com/navagraha.html
3. http://www.navagrahatour.com/
4. http://www.templepages.com/maps.html
5. http://www.templepages.com/vaipu.html
6. http://www.templepages.com/details.html
7. http://www.trichytravels.com/temple.htm
8. http://platial.com/map/Chennai-Navagraha-Temples/104164
9. http://www.palanitemples.com/english/legend_ofmuruga.htm
10. http://msabhiblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/abathsahayeswarar-temple-alangudi.html
11. http://sivavishnutemplesguide.com/
12. http://paadal-petra-sthalangal.blogspot.com/
13. http://members.tripod.com/~navagraha/navagrahatemplestour.html
14. http://madantalks.blogspot.com/2006/07/navagraha-sthalas-near-chennai.html
15. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajushanthi/3235251391/
Thanjavur - Brihadisvara Temple
The Big Temple. Rajaraja Cholan, the Great Chola king built Bragatheeswarar Temple. Big Temple is an example for the Indian sculptural architecture greatness. Temple is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut river on the other side. This temple is unique to have the tallest tower over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples. It is 216 feet tall. The stupa at the top is made of bronze.The walls of the sanctum are covered, with the wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods, comparable to the famous Ajanta cave frescoes
Brihadisvara temple is the only high-rise building in the town rising up by fourteen stories and 216 feet. It is called Brihadisvara or The Big Temple
The Gopuras of Thanjavur Temple. See how far away is the third and tallest thirteen story towerThe first impression of the temple is entirely dominated by its three gopuras. Rising steeply beyond a wide enclosure, the brownish sandstone structures of the tallest tower stands up distinctly with its uncommon, pyramidal shape. The temple is almost like a fort. Its outer wall is a good 10 feet high and stands behind a trench built along the wall. The entrance to the temple, which is tall on its own but dwarfed by the main tower, is marked by a gopura embellished with various gods. Surprisingly, the ubiquitous market lanes outside the temple of such size, selling pooja paraphernalia is missing completely and is substituted by just a couple of flower vendors. Entering through the main door leads to a wide-open area covered with green grass that is typical of places managed by the Archeological Society of India. I left my footwear at the Chappal stand, bought a booklet on Thanjavur and started my explorations. A search for guides who could show me around and explain was not successful but the booklet I had bought made up for it with its detailed explanation of architecture and history.Beyond the main entrance is another high wall separating the inner courtyard. The sandstone wall is decorated with small statues of Nandi at uniform intervals along the perimeter, adding up to a few hundreds of them. I walked along the wall marveling at the high rise of the temple and the enormous effort that would have been spent to build it. Behind the temple is a peaceful tamarind grove that is completely isolated from rest of the world by the large temple enclosure, and gives a feeling of calmness and seclusion. I picked a few fallen fruits of tamarind and chewed the sweet and sour fruit in pleasure. The leafy trees are haunted by a few parakeets that burst into a ruckus every now and then.I was enchanted by the atmosphere and loathed to move on and into the temple's inner courtyard. But the greed to see more overcame the indulgence of the moment, and I pulled myself forward. The huge inner courtyard has a few smaller shrines situated around the main temple. There is a giant Nandi guarding the shrine, said to be the third largest Nandi statue in the country. I presume that obviously translate to third largest in the world; can we expect a super-sized Nandi statue anywhere else but in India? The roof of the Nandi Mantapa has brightly colored frescoes of floral patterns giving me a glimpse of Thanjavur's famous frescoes. None of the structures in the temple stand anywhere close in size to the main gopura. The tower has a crown of 80 tonne stone and there have been speculations on how it was lifted all the way up. The lingam in sanctum stands high like the tower it is under, and measures 13 feet.The insides of the main temple is said to have sections with frescoes that are now closed for visitors to prevent possible damages. Inner walls of the temple courtyard have a few paintings that are in various stages of decay and it looks like ASI has given up on these. Only few of these are in reasonable condition but plaster on the wall has peeled off from most of the paintings, and shockingly, many paintings have been ruined by mindless graffiti. The roof of Amman temple has painted murals but there seems to be some repainting attempts done by untrained hands in the recent years, which has only helped in degenerating them. Most of the temple's visitors are tourists and busloads of children on school trips. They usually walk around the temple quickly and head out. Fortunately, despite the oversized temple, Thanjavur is not a well-known pilgrimage center. It is not associated with any mythological incidences that so often binds our temples and nor has it any special significance that would attract devout people in hoards. That means the temple is generally quiet, devoid of any major pooja activity, events or the otherwise ever-present loudspeakers, allowing one to explore the place in peace. Brihadisvara temple was built by Raja Raja Chola during early years of the eleventh century AD, in the heydays of his kingdom. Later rulers made further additions to the main shrine with contributions from the Nayaks and Marathas post 16th century. Now the temple complex includes an Amman temple next to the Nandi, and a Murugan temple and Ganapathi temple to either sides of the main shrine. The famous Thanjavur style paintings were inscribed inside the temple by the Cholas and enhanced by Nayak rulers.I spotted the young and active temple elephant as I was heading out. I watched the charming elephant accept donations and bless a few devotees and could not help approaching her myself. Picking up a dozen Bananas, I offered them to the pachyderm, which swallowed them all in seconds as I patted her trunk. As I was about to retreat, the Mahout asked me to bow in front and receive its blessings, to which I obliged. It graciously lifted its trunk and gently rested the tip of it on my head, splattering a few drops of saliva on me! I prodded its trunk and wondered on how strong and tough are the trunks that actually appear soft and agile.My next stop was the Thanjavur palace which is a fifteen minute walk from the temple. The palace was built by Nayak rulers in 16th century and subsequent additions were made by the Marathas. While the Brihadisvara temple is in a good condition and is well managed, the palace is in shambles. A part of the palace complex is converted into a school. As I walked towards the palace, a few kids bumped into me struck a friendly conversation and posed for pictures. There is some digging and construction activity within the palace courtyard, and there are no signs or information to help visitors about where to go. The interiors are dusty, poorly maintained and cry from neglect.
Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple, Swamimalai
Location
Swamimalai is a sylvan village, situated about five kilometers west of Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery. The temple is situated very close to the bus stand and the railway station is about two kilometers away. It is well connected to and surrounded by important places like Kumbakonam, Tiruvidaimarutur, Mayiladuthurai, Papanasam, Tanjavur etc.
Mythology and History
Swamimalai is fourth among the six padai veedu or sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga. The presiding deity here expounded the meaning of the Pranava mantra OM to his own Father Lord Siva Himself.
Mythology says that saint Bhrugu before commencing an arduous tavam or penance, got the boon that anybody disturbing his mediation will forget all his knowledge. Such was the power of the penance that the sacred fire emanating from the head of the saint reached up to the heavens, and the frightened devas surrendered to Lord Siva praying for his grace. The Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint's head by hand. With the saint's penance thus disturbed the Lord became oblivious of all his knowledge and is said to have regained them by learning the Pranava mantra from Lord Muruga at this shrine.
Once when Brahma, the lord of all creations was proceeding to Kailasa, the ever-playful child Lord Muruga asked him for the meaning of the Pranava OM. When Brahma admitted his ignorance, the Lord imprisoned him. With Brahma imprisoned, all creations came to a standstill and the devas prayed to Lord Siva to get Brahma released. When Muruga insisted that the imprisonment was a just punishment for the ignorance of Brahma, Lord Siva asked him whether he himself knew the meaning of the primordial Pranava OM. Lord Muruga said that he knew the meaning of OM and can expound it to the latter only if he can accept him as guru and listen to the exposition as a devoted disciple. As Lord Siva acceded to the request of Lord Muruga and heard the exposition of OM as a disciple, the place came to be known as Swamimalai and the presiding deity as Swaminathan.
The temple is built on an artificial hillock of about sixty feet height with sixty beautifully laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years - leading to the Lord . In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarer and Goddesss Meenakshi.
Hymns in praise of the presiding deity have been sung by saint Nakkeerar in Tirumurukatrupadai and by Saint Arunagirnathar in Tiruppukazh.
Sri Thirupungur Shiva Temple, Thanjavur
Moolavar (Sanctum Sancoturm) : Shivalokanathar
Goddess : Soundaranayaki
Famous for : Stays few steps away from its original position
Nayanmar : Nandanar
Sthalvriksham : Punkam
Speciality : Swayampu Putru
Where it is : Thiruvazhuvur, Nagapattinam District
Sthalapuranam
Nandanar was born in Mela Adhanur village in a low-caste family. He was a great Shiva Bhakta. He was working as a 'Coolie' in the nearby paddy field and devoting most of his time with pure devotion to Lord Shiva. He was keen to worship Lord Shiva at the famous Chidambaram (Nataraja) temple and waiting for right opportunity to go there. However, he did not get permission from the land-owner and kept postponing his holy trip everyday, this earned him the 'nick name' of "Thirunalaikku povar" - meaning "he will go tomorrow".
Unexpectedly, by the Grace of Lord Shiva, he was granted permission one day. He comes to Thirupungur Shiva Sthal enroute to Chidambaram, but was stopped at the entrance to have a darshan of Majestic Shiva inside. This is because he was an 'outcaste'. He decided to worship Lord Shiva from the Dwajasthampam (flagstaff) and tried many times to see the Lord, but could not succeed as Nandi's (Holy Bull's) presence in front of him prevented his vision. Brushing aside the insult, he sang hymns, Prayed Ambika-Naathan, most Benevolent Neelakanta, informing Him of his plight.
The Dwarabhalakas [in between Nandi and Main Deity at the Sanctum Sanctorum] inform Lord Shiva that Nandanar has come to see him and standing outside. Lord Shiva was pleased with the true devotion of His Bhakta, directs Nandi to step aside to allow him to see without hindrance. Nandi moved few steps away. With tears rolling out on his cheeks, Nanadar takes a full darshan of Lord Shiva. This is the specialty of this Holy Place. (even now Nandi is not directly sitting in front of the Lord and Dwarabhalakas' face is tilted as they inform the news to Lord).
Highlights
Removing Naga dosha and poorva janma sins in this temple. Worshipping Shivalokanathaswamy for marriage hurdles, unemployment, poverty, unhappiness. He removes these hurdles and fulfils the wishes of Aasthikas. The main deity at the Sanctum Sanctorum is anointed with Vibuthi, Lime Juice, tender coconut, milk, Dravya powder abhishekams. Devotees perform special puja by offering Neyvedhyams and distribute to the visitors.
MAIN DEITY
This temple is called Thirupungur because the temple was surrounded by Punga trees and Shivlingam and Nandi surfaced from an anthill (small mud mountain) [Putru]' which added glitter to the already glowing Lord. Everyday at 8.30 pm, even today, a special pooja is performed by dalbing Punugu chattam to the Lord, worshipped by many.
PANCHA LINGAMS
The story goes that once upon a time, there was an interesting debate between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi as to who looks more charming, Lord took out a Darbhai and made three 'knots', throwing down the earth, Swami added wherever this Darbhai falls, I will make a statement on your beauty. The Darbhai fell on the ground and got converted as 'Pancha lingams'. These 'Panchalingams' are situated in this temple is something special to worship. According to legends, worshipping these Panchalingams removes marriage problems, serpent related sins.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON THIS TEMPLE
Nandanar story is famous in this Shiv sthal. Lord Shiva asked Nandi (holy Bull) to step aside to pave way for Nandanar to see HIM directly (as he was not allowed inside temple due to his caste) In most of the temples, Nandi will have tongue, in this temple Nandi does not have a tongue. In all the temples, Dhwarabalakas at the entrance will be standing straight, but in this holy temple, Dhwarabalakas' face is slightly tilted and positioned diagonal. This is so because Dhwarablakas inform the Lord that "Nanadanar has come to have a darshan and is waiting outside to see YOU" Mahaganapathi is called "Kulam vettiya Vinayagar" (The God who dug pond), and the pond is believed to have been dug up by Lord Ganesh by using his Gana-boothas overnight for Nandanar to take bathe.
HOW TO GO AND WHERE IT IS LOCATED It is in Tamil Nadu, Near Mayiladuthurai Nearest Railway station : MayiladuthuraiNearest Airport : TrichyLocation :10 kms from Mayliduthurai and 60 kms from Nagapattinam.Where can we stay : We can stay in Mayiladuthurai, various good lodges are available.
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Courtesy : http://www.samasya.com/religion/states/tamilnadu/thirupungur/index.html
Sri Kalyanasundara swamy Temple Thirumananchery
To overcome obstacles relating to marriage paying pilgrimages to places such as Konerirajapuram, Thirumanancheri, Sundaraperumal Koil yield rich results.
MARRIAGES
1. KOHILAMBAL SAMETHA SRI KALYANA SUNDARAR – THIRUMANANCHERI
2. MAPPILAI SWAMY – THIRUVEELIMAZHALAI
3. SRI NEELAKANDAR – THIRUPAINJAILI
4. VEEPA VILVA MARAM & SIVALAYAM – THIRUVADI CHOOLAM (CHENGALPET TO THIRUPORUR)
5. SRI RAJAMATHANGI – THIRUNANGOOR – PARVATHY SWAYAMVARA HOMAM CAN BE DONE
6. RAHU – THIRUNAGESWARAM
7. RAHU & KETHU – THIRUPAMPURAM
8. KETHU – KILAPERUMPALLAM
9. THIRUKODIKA – CHITTIRAGUPTAR SANNATHI
10. CHEVAAI – VAITHEESWARAN KOIL
11. PRANAVAR & MANGALAMBIGAI – THIRUMANGALAKUDI
12. PANCHAVARNESWARAR – THIRUNALLUR ( NEAR SWAMIMALAI)
13. SIVAN - THIRUVEDIKUDI (NEAR THIRUVAIYARU)
14. KAL GARUDAN – NACHIYARKOIL
15. SIVAN TEMPLE – KONERIRAJAPURAM - THIRUVELVIKUDI
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: Thirumananjeri is located 3 kilometer to the west of Kuthalam, Thanjavur district in the state of Tamilnadu. This place is 15 kilometer from Mayiladuthurai. HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE: Sri Umamangai Devi Prayed to Lord Siva at Kailash Himalayas to remarry Her in the earth. Lord Siva granted the boon to remarry her in the forthcoming Brahma Karpam . Since she was granted longer duration to fulfill her wish Uma mangai Devi was little indifferent to the lord Siva.
Lord Siva was unhappy with Sri Uma mangai Devi and cursed her to live as a cow in earth. She repented on her action and to absolve of her curse, goddess prayed to Lord Siva. Lord Siva controlled his anger and blessed Her by changing Tirumagal, Kalaimagal & Indirani as cows and to accompany Sri Umamangai Devi in the earth. Pleased by the milk showered on his body by Sri Uma mangai Devi as cow Lord Siva Married her at Thirumananjeri.
DIVINESS OF THE TEMPLE: Many Nayanmars have sung devotional songs in this temple to Lord Siva as Sri Kalyana sundaramoorthy who married Goddess Kokilambal in this place, hence it is called Thirumananjeri ( Thirumanam means wedding) Once up on a time two women promised to get marry their off springs with each other. Later, it was found that delivered by one was a turtle. They were astonished and prayed to Lord Siva at Tirumananjeri. Lord Siva was pleased with their Prayers and blessed the turtle to be a child.
AUSPICIOUS TIMES : Every year in the Tamil months of Chithrai , Poosam star, Lord Siva’s wedding Mahorchavam is done with great pomp and show for three days. Daily poojas are also performed.
POOJAS TO BE PERFORMED FOR Unmarried boys and girls and devotees whose Marriage are being delayed should perform pooja in this temple and it is believed that offering pooja to Lord Kalyana sundharamoorthy will help them get married at the earliest.
POOJA OFFERINGS Devotees performing pooja to the lord Kalyana sundharamoorthy should offer betel leaves and nuts, coconut, three garlands, two lemons.
The procedure in doing Pariharam is We have to start from Selva Vinayagar and after worshipping him, we have to lit deepams in Parihara Mandapam Circumsphering the sanctum Sanctorum of Sri Udhvaaganathar(Udhvagam-Marriage)
The ghee deepams provided outside in most of the temples is not the original one and I suspect if there is any DALDA content is present in it .May the Shop keepers atleast can change their course of action a wee –bit
But it remains in one’s sincerity to buy Original Ghee and some clay lamps to have a soul-filling pariharam in most of the temples
Now…………
Intially I have litted all the Lamps but later it was denoted in the wall painting to start from selva Vinayagar
After finishing this I was told to sit in a queue to perform archanas and pariharams concerned. Hence I waited After Doing Sankalpams Archanas were performed to the deities en-masse(i.e the archana sets collected from various people are placed before the Kalyanasundarar and Kohilambal ) and the rest of the procedures are carried out
The garland which was given by the devotee was adorned to god and was thrown over the neck of the devotee as god’s prasadam ,which he is not supposed to take-off till he leaves the premises .Their will be a lemon given by the priest to the devotee which he should consume after crushing it and make It to a juicy content after the devotee reaches home .The garland should be stored in a yellow bag and not in plastic bags and the same should be carried back to the temple after the marriage gets accomplished
The marriaged couple should take this garland to the temple and the same old procedure will be carried out
There is a Sannidhi for MANGALA RAAHU in front of which Ghee deepams should have to be lit
Now the nmost important points are :There is no RAAHU KALAM,YAMAGANDAM,ASTHAMI,NAVAMI associated with these temple ,Since lord is in holy union with Ambal ,hence all hours here are considered to be auspicious
The working hours of this temple is 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m and from 3:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M and during this hours pariharams are done
Sri Parimala Renganatha Perumal Temple, Thiruindalur
Sri Kalyanasundara swamy Temple Thirumananchery
To overcome obstacles relating to marriage paying pilgrimages to places such as Konerirajapuram, Thirumanancheri, Sundaraperumal Koil yield rich results.
MARRIAGES
1. KOHILAMBAL SAMETHA SRI KALYANA SUNDARAR – THIRUMANANCHERI
2. MAPPILAI SWAMY – THIRUVEELIMAZHALAI
3. SRI NEELAKANDAR – THIRUPAINJAILI
4. VEEPA VILVA MARAM & SIVALAYAM – THIRUVADI CHOOLAM (CHENGALPET TO THIRUPORUR)
5. SRI RAJAMATHANGI – THIRUNANGOOR – PARVATHY SWAYAMVARA HOMAM CAN BE DONE
6. RAHU – THIRUNAGESWARAM
7. RAHU & KETHU – THIRUPAMPURAM
8. KETHU – KILAPERUMPALLAM
9. THIRUKODIKA – CHITTIRAGUPTAR SANNATHI
10. CHEVAAI – VAITHEESWARAN KOIL
11. PRANAVAR & MANGALAMBIGAI – THIRUMANGALAKUDI
12. PANCHAVARNESWARAR – THIRUNALLUR ( NEAR SWAMIMALAI)
13. SIVAN - THIRUVEDIKUDI (NEAR THIRUVAIYARU)
14. KAL GARUDAN – NACHIYARKOIL
15. SIVAN TEMPLE – KONERIRAJAPURAM - THIRUVELVIKUDI
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: Thirumananjeri is located 3 kilometer to the west of Kuthalam, Thanjavur district in the state of Tamilnadu. This place is 15 kilometer from Mayiladuthurai. HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE: Sri Umamangai Devi Prayed to Lord Siva at Kailash Himalayas to remarry Her in the earth. Lord Siva granted the boon to remarry her in the forthcoming Brahma Karpam . Since she was granted longer duration to fulfill her wish Uma mangai Devi was little indifferent to the lord Siva.
Lord Siva was unhappy with Sri Uma mangai Devi and cursed her to live as a cow in earth. She repented on her action and to absolve of her curse, goddess prayed to Lord Siva. Lord Siva controlled his anger and blessed Her by changing Tirumagal, Kalaimagal & Indirani as cows and to accompany Sri Umamangai Devi in the earth. Pleased by the milk showered on his body by Sri Uma mangai Devi as cow Lord Siva Married her at Thirumananjeri.
DIVINESS OF THE TEMPLE: Many Nayanmars have sung devotional songs in this temple to Lord Siva as Sri Kalyana sundaramoorthy who married Goddess Kokilambal in this place, hence it is called Thirumananjeri ( Thirumanam means wedding) Once up on a time two women promised to get marry their off springs with each other. Later, it was found that delivered by one was a turtle. They were astonished and prayed to Lord Siva at Tirumananjeri. Lord Siva was pleased with their Prayers and blessed the turtle to be a child.
AUSPICIOUS TIMES : Every year in the Tamil months of Chithrai , Poosam star, Lord Siva’s wedding Mahorchavam is done with great pomp and show for three days. Daily poojas are also performed.
POOJAS TO BE PERFORMED FOR Unmarried boys and girls and devotees whose Marriage are being delayed should perform pooja in this temple and it is believed that offering pooja to Lord Kalyana sundharamoorthy will help them get married at the earliest.
POOJA OFFERINGS Devotees performing pooja to the lord Kalyana sundharamoorthy should offer betel leaves and nuts, coconut, three garlands, two lemons.
The procedure in doing Pariharam is We have to start from Selva Vinayagar and after worshipping him, we have to lit deepams in Parihara Mandapam Circumsphering the sanctum Sanctorum of Sri Udhvaaganathar(Udhvagam-Marriage)
The ghee deepams provided outside in most of the temples is not the original one and I suspect if there is any DALDA content is present in it .May the Shop keepers atleast can change their course of action a wee –bit
But it remains in one’s sincerity to buy Original Ghee and some clay lamps to have a soul-filling pariharam in most of the temples
Now…………
Intially I have litted all the Lamps but later it was denoted in the wall painting to start from selva Vinayagar
After finishing this I was told to sit in a queue to perform archanas and pariharams concerned. Hence I waited After Doing Sankalpams Archanas were performed to the deities en-masse(i.e the archana sets collected from various people are placed before the Kalyanasundarar and Kohilambal ) and the rest of the procedures are carried out
The garland which was given by the devotee was adorned to god and was thrown over the neck of the devotee as god’s prasadam ,which he is not supposed to take-off till he leaves the premises .Their will be a lemon given by the priest to the devotee which he should consume after crushing it and make It to a juicy content after the devotee reaches home .The garland should be stored in a yellow bag and not in plastic bags and the same should be carried back to the temple after the marriage gets accomplished
The marriaged couple should take this garland to the temple and the same old procedure will be carried out
There is a Sannidhi for MANGALA RAAHU in front of which Ghee deepams should have to be lit
Now the nmost important points are :There is no RAAHU KALAM,YAMAGANDAM,ASTHAMI,NAVAMI associated with these temple ,Since lord is in holy union with Ambal ,hence all hours here are considered to be auspicious
The working hours of this temple is 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m and from 3:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M and during this hours pariharams are done
Sri Parimala Renganatha Perumal Temple, Thiruindalur
Indhu means moon. As perumal received Chandra (Moon) from his curse, this place is known as Indhaloor. Lord Narayana gave dharsan as Vennchudar perumal in the standing posture to the Moon god in Thalaisangaadu. But here at this place he is in Veera Sayanam posture.There he was full of light being as Vyomajyothi piran. But here he is full of fragrance (Parimalam) and hence he is called as Parimala Rangan. He has 4 hands here. River Cauvery is under his feet here. As he promised river Cauvery to increase here status, he made her as his bed at Srirangam, took her as his mother at Thirucherai and here at Thiru Indhaloor, he has taken river Cauvery above his head. Thus gave her the status of river Ganges who is on the head of Lord Shiva.
As the perumal of this place, converted the position of river Cauvery and Lord Chandra into a pious state, Thirumangaialwar calls him as a Brahmin. The vedas were created to instruct rules for human beings to lead a happy life. The Surya and Chandra revolve around the world to give prisperity (like wheels ie Chakra). Hence the vimaana of this place is called as Veda Chakra Vimaanam. Sri Rangam is known as Aadhi Arangam (first) while Thirukudanthai is Madhiya Arangam (Middle) and Thiru Indhaloor is known as Andiya Arangam (Last).
Recovery of Vedas
From the puranas we learn that Brahma, Chandra, Yama, Ambareesha and Viswamitra were offering their daily workship here. Brahma was tutored to do his creation by Lord Ranganatha. But the two demons Madhu and Kaitaba, stole away the Vedas and disappeared into the sea. Brahma complained to the Lord who took Mastyavathar- fishform and retrived the Vedas. In order to restore the original fragrance to them, the Vedas did penance to the Lord and the place was converted into “Sugantharanyam”. The Lord took his abode there and He came to be known as Parimala Ranganathar. The Goddess came to be known as Parimala Ranganayaki.
The river cauvery, in order to get supremacy over river Ganga, offered penance to Lord Ranganatha here and was granted a boon. Just like Srirangam and Kumbakonam, this place also became famous. The Ganga is said to flow into the Cauvery during the Tula festival to rid herself of her pollution which she takes over from the people who take their bath in the river. Hence the Cauvery here a bath in equals a bath in the Ganga.
Another interesting episode is connected with the life of Chandra the Moon. He was suffering from consumption because of the sabams given by Dwajapathy and Dhatchan and was losing his form slowly. He was asked to take his bath here in the cauvery and offer worship to Lord Ranganatha. He was eventually cured of his disease and the place came to be known as Indupuri and the Theertham Indu pushkarani.
In the Tamil month of Aiypasi on all the 30 days, the deity is taken to the banks of the river. On the first day of the month and Amavasai, Lord Ranganatha comes on Garuda Vahana.
There are three prakarams in the temple. The little image of Kannan familiarly known as Santhanagopalakrishnan promises children for the issuless. The plates that adorn the walls of the sannidhi have intricate workmanship on them.
Viswaksena, Yoga Narasimhar and Chandra have Moolavigrahams. In the shrine dedicated to Sri Rama one can see the stone as well as bronze images of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and small idols of Bharatha and Satrugna. Thirumangai Azhwar has sung in praise of the Lord here. Following in his footsteps Sri T.Narasimhachariar composed the “Indalur Erratai Mani Malai”.
History
The temple dedicated to Lord Parimala Ranganatha at Tiruindalur, Mayiladuturai. This temple is one of the Pancha Rangams, the others being Srirangapattinam, Srirangam, Adirangam (Koiladi) and Kumbakonam. The idol which was hitherto believed to be made of brick and mortar for over many centuries was found to be made of a single beautiful green stone of granite measuring 12 feet by 5.5 feet with intricate workmanship in minute detail on the jewels, the kireetam, peethambaram. One sees even the nails in the hands and feet sharp and in lovely shape. The Seshasayanam, the five-headed serpant, has been fixed separately, over the head of the deity and it has also been made of stone. Brahma is seen near the wall in a line with the nabhi-naval and at the feet is seen Santhanagopalakrishnan. The images of Sridevi and Bhoodevi are on either side of the idol on the floor.
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