Yougananda Lakshmi Narashima Swamy  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Yogananda Lakshmi Narashima Swamy temple:


    Main Deity is Yogananda Lakshmi narashima Swamy.


    The temple is on the bank of River Krishna. It is situated at 10 Kms from Chillakallu on National high way No.9 from Vijayawada to Hyderabad.



    Importance: Here the Lord is existing in five forms different from each other known as Pancha Narashima Moorthy.


    Namely Jwala Narashima on vedasikara of the mountains, Saligrahma Narashima in the River Krishnaveni.

    Yogananda Narashima erected by sage Rishya Sringar, as Lakshmi Narashimar on his own peetam.


    Veera Narashimar on garudadri situated at a distance of 5kms from east to Vedadri.


    The Brahma Purana says Somasura stole the Vedas from Brahma, and hid himself into the ocean. Lord Brahma approached Lord Vishnu to help him out to get back the vedas from the asura.


    Sriman Narayanar took the form of fish {mathsaya avatara} and entered deep into the ocean and rescued Vedas from asura. The Vedas took human form and thanked Lord Vishnu, and asked Lord to stay with them on their heads. Lord agreed to stay till the time comes and he asked them to stay in River Krishnaveni as saligrama stone.



    After Hirnaya kashapa vadam Lord Narayanar who incarnated himself as Narashimar, stayed as Jwala Narashimar on the mountains head at vedadri in fulfillment of his words to veda purushas.


    Lord Brahma requested Jwala Narashima to stay at sathya lokha as saligrahama, and Lord Narashimar obliged to do so. Even before Lord Brahma could offer his prayer to Lord, sathya lokha was consumed in flames.


    Lord Brahma personally brought the Saligrahma moorty to the River Krishnaveni and erected it on the saligrahma mountain.

    Krishnaveni prayed to Narayanar, to allow her to worship him daily. Here Lord Lakshi Narshimar the incarnation of Sriman Narayanar fulfilled the desire of both veda purusha and river Krishnaveni.

Sri Ranganadhar temple, Jiyaguda, Hyd.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Ranganadhar temple:


    Sri Ranganadhar temple of Jiyaguda is 4kms from Afzalgung, Hyderabad. the temple is 500 years old.


    As we enter we see Dwajasthambam and Garuda azwar in front of the main deity in the main hall. There is a beautiful bunch of brass lamp






    Main deity: Ranganadhar in sleeping form on Adiseshan with Goddess Sridevi, Boodevi, Neeladevi beside him and Brahma in lotus.


    He has rested his head to one hand, one to side, third one holding sanku and fourth one holds chakkra. The main deity is small in size.


    There are 2 small sets of brass idols of Narayanar with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing posture. Abishekam is performed for vishnu in saligrama form which is in the main sanctum.


    We find brass sudarshanar inside the sanctum. seperate urchava vigram is also there.
    As we go around the main sanctum, we see Thayar in different sanctum known as Lakshmi.



    The main deity was installed by Vanamamalai jeeyer. There is a well in the temple premises in which the water is clear and one can see the bottom.


    There are some brass idols in different small sanctum of which one exclusive piece is Ranganadhar idol exactly like the main deity.


    we find Anjaneyar in seperate sanctum and Navagraha is also seen which is a rare thing in vaishnava temples.






Thiruvadanai, Vekambatoore, Kalayar koil and Natrasan Kottai Temple. Sivagangai District..  

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  1. Thiruvadanai:



    One of 275 important siva Devara Sthalam.
    The temple is at a distance of 24 kms to south of Devakottai.







    Main Deity: Swayambu Linga known as Adi Rathneswarar and his consort Goddess Sneha Valli Amman. Teertham is Manimuktha River, and Surya pushkaram. Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam.



    Purana says Soorya worshipped Lord Siva here with blue beeds, hence the name of Lord Siva is Adi Rathaneswarar.



    Varuni son of varunan did not respect Durvasa Muni, and he was cursed by him. He had goat’s head and body of elephant. Varuni realized his mistake and he worshipped Lord Siva of this place, and he was blessed. So the place is known as Adanay .



    Importance: This place is considered good as Sukra dosha nivruthi sthalam.



    Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugan of this place. Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.



  2. Thiru vekambathoore:



    This place is 14 kms west of Thiruvadanay







    main Deity is in Linga form known as Ekambaranadhar.



  3. Kalayar Koil:




    This temple is 18 kms distance to east of Sivagangai. The temple has two main Gopurams. There are three main deities inside the temple in different sanctums.








    Main Deity: Siva Linga known as Lord Somaysar, and Goddess Soundarayanayaki.
    Siva Linga known as Lord Kaleesar, and his consort known as Goddess Swarna valli.
    Siva linga known as Sundareswarar, and Goddess Meenakshi ammai.




    Sambandhar, Navukkuarasar and Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Kaleesar of this temple.



    All the three deities are in different sanctums and Goddesses are also in separate sanctums. Lord Kaleesar temple is in the middle, we see Lord Somayser to right side
    and to the left we see Lord Sundareswarar.



    There are many sacred teerthams for the temple and gaja pushkarani, is one amoung these.We see Sahasra Linga in the temple in big size.



    Agyasthyar. Ashtadik balakars, thirumal, Veerasena Pandiyan, varaguna Pandiyan, and vikrama Pandiyan worshipped Lord Siva of this place.



    Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.



  4. Nattrasan kotai: Amman Temple.



    Main Deity: Kannudaya Nayaki Amman in sitting posture with eight hands. There is a belief that all eye problems get cured by worshipping the Goddess here,
    The temple construction is of stone, and inside we see huge stone pillars with beautiful sculptures.







    There is a Lord Siva temple which was closed by the time we went there.


    A kilometer away we see Kamabar Samadhi in a huge compound with a Siva Lingam installed.There is a Hanuman sanctum near by.

Temples in Rameswaram  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Peruvayal: Murugan temple.

    The temple is 6 kms to SW of Devipattnam.



    Main Deity is Swayambu Linga known as Peruvyal Nadhar and his consort goddess Parvathi Devi


  2. Uppur: The place is known as Lavanapuri.


    Main deity: Swayambu Vinayakar, whom Lord Rama worshipped for, success of his mission to get back Sita. There is no roof for the temple so he is known as Veyilluku ugandha Vinayakar.


  3. Ekantha Ramar Temple:

    The temple is located at Tangachi madam.


    Here the waves are calm because Lord Rama is in ekantham{alone} There is a well in the temple which is known as Amirthavapi. There is Villoorani teertham also.


    Purna says Lord Rama marked on the earth with his bow Kodandham, water pierced from there and it is known as Villoorani teertham. The water is sweet inspite of the sea nearby.


  4. Gandhamanam: This is 3 kms to west of Ramanadhapuram.
    Purana says Lord Rama climbed the mandapam on sandy elevation and decided about constructing a bridge to cross the sea and reach Lanka. We see Ramar Padam here. The place is well connected by good road. When we climb we get beautiful view of the island.


  5. Danushkoti:

    This is a place where we see the meeting point of Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean which is in the shape of bow and hence it is known as Danushkoti.







    This place is considered to be holy to have a dip and pay homage to fore fathers.

Devipatnam, Darbhasayanam Temple, Ramanadhapuram District.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Devipattinam:


    This place is about 15 kms from Ramanadhapuram. It is to the sea shore, and here the sea is without noisy wave’s looks like a lake.







    Here Lord Rama has installed 9 stones, which is known as Navabashanam and they represent Navagraha’s. There is a Siva temple,and the main deity is known as Thilakeswarar and Soundranayaki.



    The purana says Rama did thila tharpanam for his parents. The sea waves were disturbing Lord Rama in worshipping Navagraha, so he prayed to Jaganadhar to help him and he was blessed. That’s the reason the sea looks like a big lake over here.



  2. Thirupullani / Dharbasayanam: Jaganadha perumal.
    This place is 6 kms from Sethu karai.


    Main Deity : Kalyana Jaganadhar in standing posture and Lord Sri Rama in relaxing posture, Goddess is Kalayana valli and Padamasini thayar.



    Importance: Vebeeshana surrendered himself to Lord Rama in this place.
    Here Lakshmana is in the form of Adiseshan on whom Lord Rama is relaxing in different sanctum.



    Purana says Pullar worshipped Lord by Astakshara mantra under the Aswatha vruksham and he was blessed, hence the place is known as Pullaranyam.



    We find Chakkra teertham in front of the temple. The teertham is also known as Hamsa teertham, because Lord gave upadesham to Brahma in the form of Hamsa pakshi [bird}

Mana madurai, Amaneeswaram temple Sivagangai District.  

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Temples of Sivagangai District and Ramanadhapuram District


  1. Manamadurai: Siva Temple.


    The temple is 18 kms from Sivagangai.






    Main Deity is Swayambu lingam known as Arulmigu Somanadhar, and his consort known as Ananda valli Amman in different sanctum. Teertham of the temple is Vaigai, and sthala vruksham is Vilvam.


    The monkeys were hungry and without their knowledge they were dropping vilvam on Sivalingam, the lord was happy with their act and he blessed them hence the place was known as Vanara Madurai and changed into Manamadurai over a period


    Purana says Lord Chandra worshipped Siva of his place, to get rid of his curse and he felt happy, so the place is known as Chandra pattinam, and Goddess as Ananda valli.



    Mannikavachakar worshiped Lord Siva of this place and sang hymns on him.
    Other deities seen in the temple are, Vinayakar, Subramanayar, Natarajar, Mahalakshmi, Navagraham and Bairavar.



  2. Illayankudi: Siva sthalam,


    The place is 11 kms from Paramakudi of Sivagangai district.


    Main Deity is Siva Lingam known as Rajendra Choleeswarar and his consort known as Goddess Gyanambikai.


    Importance: This is birth place of Maranayanar, who is one of 63 Nayanmars. Lord Siva wanted to reveal the greatness of Maranayanar’s service towards the followers of Saivam.


    One day it was raining heavily, Lord Siva, as a sadhu tapped the door of Maranayanar’s house in the night and asked for biksha to spare him. Maranayar was liberal in spending his wealth, which he had, towards his service to followers of Saivam.


    They had nothing to spare, for sadhu at that hour. Maranayanars wife asked her husband to get the paddy, which they have sowed in the field on that day. Maranayanar was happy to hear this and he asked sadhu to sit and relax a while.


    He went to get the paddy from the field. Nayanar’s wife cooked he paddy he brought, and served it to sadhu. Siva was happy with their act and he reveled his original form as Lord Siva with Uma devi on Rishba vahana and blessed them.


  3. Amaneeswaram:


    This Siva sthalam is 9 kms from Ilayankudi.






    Main Deity : Swayambu Linga known as Yamaneeswarar.
    Yamadharma raja worshipped Lord Siva of this place hence the Lord is known as yamaneeswarar.

Uttrakosamangai, Rameswaram temple.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Uttrakosa mangai:




    The temple is one of 275 Important Siva Devera sthalam.


    The place is 15 kms SW of Ramanadhapuram.







    Main deity: Swayambu Linga known as Arul migu Mangala nadhar and his consort known as Goddess Mangaleswari Ammai.



    Sthala Vruksham of the temple is Ilayandhi and teertham Agni.



    Importance: Lord Siva preached the secret of vedagamas to Goddess Parvathy here and hence the place is known as Uttrakosamangai.



    Purana says thousands of muni’s penanced on Lord Siva in jyothi form. Mannikka vachakar was born in this place. There is a small sanctum for mannikka vachakar in front of Agni teertham.



    Inside the temple we see Maragadha Natarjar who is always covered with sandal paste. We can have, darshan of Natarajar without sandal paste on Thirvadirai day, in a year and abishekam is done only on that day which is unique.



    Instead of Navagrahas we see only Saneeswarar in this temple which is something different from the normal pattern.



    Mannikka vachakar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place, and Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Subramanyar of this place.



  2. Rameswaram:



    This is one of 275 Devara sthalam and one of 12 Jyothir Lingas.



    The place is 52 kms from Ramanadhapuram. This is an island. The temple dates back To Lord Rama’s time. Originally it was a tatched shed. The present structure that we see is the contribution of number of persons spread over centuries. The main sanctum was built in 12th century. The pride of the place goes to Sethupati of Ramanad.







    Main Deity is Lord Siva in the form of Linga known as Ramanadhar and his consort known as Goddess Parvathavardhini ammai.Teertham is Koiti teertham, Agni teertham, and Danushkoti are important ones.



    Purana says the Siva Linga in the main sanctum is of mud made by Sita for Rama to do Siva pooja. Hence the main deity is known as Ramanadhar. We find another Linga known as Viswanadhar which was brought by Hanuman from Kasi on request of Rama.



    The story is Lord Rama, to get rid of his brahamahathi dosha, due to the killing of Ravana, who is an ardent devotee of Lord Siva. He requested Hanuman to bring a Siva lingam from Kasi to perform the pooja.



    Hanuman was late, in getting the Linga and the auspicious time was coming to end, so Rama installed the Linga made by Sita and performed the pooja. Hanuman when he came with Siva lingam, he was not happy about what has taken place and he tried to remove the Lingam.His efforts were waste.



    He realised his foolishness, and to cool down Hanuman, Rama was kind enough to place the Linga Moorthy and named as Viswanadhar. He said one has to have darshan of the Viswanadhar first and then Ramanadhar. Even the temple pooja is performed in the same manner.



    As we enter the temple to right side we see Hanuman and Viswanadhar is seen inside the same sanctum.



    Importance: One who visits the temple fetch holy water of Koti teertham and do abishekam for Viswanadhar at Varanasi, and fetch water from Kasi and do the abishekam for Ramanadhar to complete the holy visit.



    There are about 64 teerthams around the temple. The bath here refreshes the mind and body. The water has medicinal values here. There are 22 teerthams in wells representing Devatas. One who visits the temple takes bath in all the teerthams and then they worship Lord Siva in the main sanctum.



    There is a spatika Linga for which they perform abishekam in the early morning hours only, and one has to purchase ticket for this seva. The corridor of Rameswaram is world famous. The corridor is supposed to be lengthy one, with pillars to either side in a row and it’s in Guiness Records.


Thirupattore and Piran malai temples, Madurai.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Thirupatoore:



    One of 275 important Devara sthalam of Lord Siva. Location: It is 20 kms west of Karaikudi. The place was ruled by Parivallal



    Main deity is Swayambu lingam known as Thiruthalinadhar and Goddess Sivakami ammai, in a seperate sanctum. Sthala vruksham is Kondrai and teertham is Garudateertham.







    Importance: Lakshmi worshipped Siva in this place. This was the place where he performed Gowri Thandavam for Sivakami ammai. Agyasthayar penanced here, under the sthala vruksham. Bairavar here is known as Yoga Bairavar.




    Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place and Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this place.




    We find other deities like Vinayakar, Subramanayar, Natarajar, Vairavar, Sapthamadhar, Thirumal, Nageswarar, Agyasthya lingam, and Navagraham.


  2. Piran malai:



    One of 275 important Siva Devara sthalam.
    The place is 24 kms to NE of Thiruppathore, and it is known as Thiru Nedug kundram. The temple is of three segments as padalam, Bhoomi and Kailasam.



    Padalam is where we see the main deity Swayambu linga known as Thiru Kodung kundra Nadhar, and goddess Kuilamudha Nayaki. Subramanya swamy here was worshipped by Arunagirinadhar and he sang a Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan.








    The centre segment is Bhoomi where we see main deity in the form of linga known as Viswanadhar and Goddess Visalakshi. Here we see Bairavar in different sanctum who is in Nirvana form which is considered as important.



    The final and third segment is Kailasam where the main deity in Linga form known as Arulmigu Mangayarbagan. This is a cave temple. Sthala vruksham is Jack fruit.




    According to purana there are 108 Teertham over here. Brahama, Vishnu, Indra, worshipped Lord Siva of this place. Peacock penanced and worshipped Subramanaya of this place, to get rid of the curse by Murugan and it got blessed.



Thirusuzhi, Kanchana malai, Muktheeswrar, Tirupachety and Vembatore Temple. Madurai and Sivagangai District.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Thirusuzhi:



    This is One of 275 Important Devara Sthalam



    The place is 45 kms to south of Madurai.







    Main Deity: Swayambu lingam known as Thirumeny Nadhar and his consort Thunaimalai Nayaki,in different sanctum. Sthala Vruksham is Punnai. Teertham is Kovvaikadal.



    Importance: Ramana Maharishi’s birth place. His house near the temple and a room in his house is dedicated for Ramanar with his photos. Bhomi Devi worshipped Lord Siva here and hence he is known as Bhoominadhar.



    Other deties in the temple are Bhodi Vinayakar, Subramanyar, Pralayavidangar, Palani andavar and Navagraham.



    Sundrar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place


  2. Kanchana malai temple:



    This temple is close to Meenakshi temple Madurai.


    Main Deity: Soma sundereswarar in the form of Linga. Teertham is known as Azhukadal.



    Purana says Kanchana malai is mother of Thadathagai {Meenakshi}.
    She wanted to have a dip in the seawater, so Sunderaswarar by his power brought seven type of sea water into a small tank. Hence the place is known as Azhukadal. The tank is no more and the city has developed.



  3. Muktheeswarar:


    The Siva temple is known as Vayu sthalam of Madurai district, and the temple is located near Theppakulam. The temple is a very old one, but the extended construction which we see now is 400 years old.



    Main Deity is Siva linga known as Muktheeswarar and Goddess Maragadha valli Thayar.



    Sthala puranam: Due to the curse of Sage Durvasa, Iravadham became a wild elephant, later on it worshipped Lord Siva of the place and got rid of its curse and was back to normal stage. Soorya rays fall directly on the Siva lingam to denote the worship of Surya.So, there is no Navagraha in this temple. Here we se Vilva Vinayakar in the temple.


  4. Thirupachety:



    This is a Siva temple of 1800 years, and located at !0 kms distance from Thirupoovanam








    Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Thiru Nokum Azhaghiya nadhar, and Goddess Marunokum Poongkuzhali ammai in a separate sanctum. Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham is Lakshmi teertham.



    Importance: The temple was constructed by the King Nala Maharajan. Naladiyar hymns Composed by Jaina muni was found in this place. Sambandhar when he came to this place all the mud near the temple looked like Siva Lingas ,so he did not enter into the temple and he worshipped Lord siva from outside itself.



    We find Nandi devar to a side her leaving way for Sambandhar to worship Lord Siva. The palm leaves which were placed by the jains in the river during the punal vadham time was, seen at this place near the river bed.



    Thirumal worshipped Lord Siva in this place with thulasi leaf, and he wore the remaining thulasi leaf as a garland. Here we see bairavar with two dogs to either side which is rare.



    There are two Maragadha Linga's in the temple to which the abishekam is done in the noon pooja time. Other deities in this place are, Valampuri Vinayakar, Subramanayar, Natarajar, Nalvar, Patanjali Muni, Vyagyapadhar muni, Thirumal, Lakshmi and Navagraha


  5. Vembathur: It’s a perumal temple.



    Main deity: Sundara raja perumal and goddess Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
    The temple is near Thirupachety, Lord Siva temple.
    Other deities in the temple are, Lakshmi Hayagreevar, Lakshmi Narashimar, and Anjaneyar.

Marriamman, Veera ragava perumal, Madapuram Badrakali and Thirupoovanam Temple. Madurai.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Marriamman: This temple is near Theppakulam 4 kms from Madurai.






    Main deity: Marriamman. The temple is Ellai kattha Amman {the temple to the boundary of a town}. In front of the temple there is a big tank which was constructed by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1645.


    They say Mukkuruni Vinayakar which is seen in Meenakshi Temple was found here during the construction time of the tank.


  2. Veera Ragava Perumal:


    The temple is located at Vandiyoor, Madurai.



    Main Deity: Veera Ragava perumal with Goddess Sridevi and Bhudevi.
    Chkkratawzar and Navagraha Sannidhi are seen in the temple.



    Importance: On the day of Chitra pournami Kalazagar visits this temple.


    Purana says Mandooka Maharishi got rid of the curse and was blessed by Azagar here, so the place is known as Mandoor originally, and name changed to now as vandioor.


  3. Madapuram Badrakali Temple:


    This temple is near to Thirupoovanam temple.


    Here Badrakali is in standing posture with 8 hands to destroy evil deeds. We see huge horse idols made of mud and Iyannar idol near th emain Badrakali idol. There is no sanctum as such its in the open ground exposed to all conditions of weather.


  4. Thirupoovanam:


    The temple is one of 275 Siva Devera sthalams.



    The temple is in Sivagangai District, 19 Kms from Madurai.


    Main Deity: Arul Migu Poornanadhar Goddess Soundra Nayaki in separate sanctum.



    Sthala Vruksham is Jack Fruit. Teertham is Mnikarnigai River and Vaigi River.



    Importance: Dharmayagnan wanted to mix his father’s ash in Sethuk karai. As he was proceeding he happened to cross this place where the ashes turned to flowers. This place is considered equal to Kasi {Varanasi}.



    The other deities seen in the temple are Baskara Vinayakar, Subramanya Swamy, Sooryan, Nalwar, Saptha madhar, 63 Nayanmars, Mahalakshmi, Dakshina Moorthy, Patanjali Muni, Vyagyapadhar muni, Chandran, and Navagraham.




    Brahma, Thirumal, Surya, Naradha, Thirumagal, and Nala Maharaja worshipped Lord Siva of this place.



    Sambandhar, Navkkuarasar, and Sundarar sang hymns on Siva of this place.


kundrakudi and Vairavan temple, Thirupathore, Madurai.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Kundrakudi: Subramanya Swamy Temple.


    The temple is 9 kms to east from Tirupathoore. The temple is on a hillock and in the main sanctum, shanmuga nadhar is seen with 6 faces and 12 hands.







    Main Deity: Shanmuga nadhar.


    Brahma, indra, Suryan, Naradhar, Vasishtar, and Pandavas worshipped Subramanya of this place. Peacock penanced and worshipped Murugan of this place to get rid of his curse and was blessed.


    Arunagiri nadhar sang Thiruppugazh on Murugan of this place.


    Other deties seen in the temple are Swarna Ganapathy, Natarajar, Bairavar, Navagraham, Nalvar, Veerabaghu, Somaskandar, viswanadhar and Visalakshi. There is a beautifully carved wooden chariot for the temple.


  2. Vairavanpatti: Bairavar temple.
    The temple is 7 kms NE toThiruppatur, and 2 kms from Pillayarpatti.







    Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Valarolinadhar and Goddess Vadivuda ammai.



    Importance: Though Bairavar is Parivara deviam he is important here and called as Raja Marthanda vairavar.



    As per Purana, for vairavar, Tiruppathur is considered as Home town and Vairavan patti is Idyasthanam{heart) and Illupaikudi as padasthanam.


    The temple belongs to tretha yugam period. The temple was taken care by Pandya Kings and in 14th century the temple was handed over to Nagarathar {Nattukotai chettiars who settled in Pandya kingdom in718 AD.


    Pandya King handed over 9 temples to Nagarathar of which one is Vairavanpatti. Origanally the construction of temple was of mud, in 1864 Nagarathar changed it into stone construction. The main front hall is of beautifully sculptured pillars. The temple is well maintained with beautiful sculptures, carvings and paintings.


    Sthala Vruksham: Erazinchil tree. One thing unique about the tree is fruit of the tree when it falls down it sticks back to the tree once again. Once the place was full of this tree and now of course we do not find it. They have started cultivating the tree once again. We find stone sculpture of the tree in the temple.



    Teertham is vairava teertham. The greatness of the place is noted for Moorthy sthalam and teertham.




Madurai temples continuation  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan in , , ,

  1. Arul migu Immayil Nanmaitharuvar Temple:


    One of the pancha boodha sthalam of Madurai district.


    Main Deity: Siva linga known as Immayil Nanmaitharuvar and Goddess Naduvoor Nayaki.Sthala vruksham is Vilvam and teertham is Siva teertham in this temple.



    Importance: According to Thiruviladayal puranam this is the place where Siva played a role as bangle merchant.


    Sthala purana says, Lord Siva and sakthi made a Linga and worshipped in this place, so we see Lord Siva and Parvathi sculpture at the back of the Lingam in the form of worshipping, which is something unique in this place.


    Purana says one who worship Lord Siva of this place, attain mukthi in the same birth, hence he is known as Immayil Nanmaitharuvar.


    Brahma, Thirumal, Sakthi and Devas worshipped Lord Siva of this place.


  2. Madana gopala Swamy:


    The temple is in melamasi veedhi, Madurai.



    Main deity: Madhana Gopala swamy and goddess Maduravalli thayar. Sthala Vruksham is Plaintain.


    Sthala purana says Lord Siva worshipped and penenced in front of a sivalinga which he installed. The intensity was too much for the living beings in the world, so Vishnu played his flute to divert Lord Siva’s attention and he was able to get the thing done. They say one who wants to become well versed in music worship Madhana gopala swamy and get the blessings of Lord.


  3. Azagar Temple or Koodal Azagar:



    This is One of 108 Divya Desam. The temple belongs to krutha yugam. The temple is between Kruthamala River and Vaigai River







    Main Deity: Koodal Azagar in sitting posture known as Vuga Sundarajar, Vaikundanadhan and Goddess Madura valli Nachiyar, in different sanctum.
    Sthala Vruksham is Kathali. {Plaintain}. Teertham is Hema Pushkarani.



    Importance: The main sanctum vimanam here known as Astanga Vimanam which means eight sides and it represents eight letters Narayana. The temple is of three floors and we see koodal Azagar in three different forms.


    As we enter we see the main deity in standing posture known as Koodal Azagar, Second floor he is in standing posture as Soorya Narayanar and in third floor in sleeping posture as Ranganadhar. We see Navagrahas in the temple which is a rare thing in Vishnava temples.



    Purna says Deva architect Viswakarma designed and constructed the temple in Krutha yugam.



    Name: once there was heavy rainfall and living beings suffered a lot. They prayed almighty and he was pleased with the prayer and sent four clouds which joined in four directions, in this place and protected them. Hence the place is known as Thiru koodal.


  4. Thuvarimaan Agraharam:


    The temple is 10 kms distance from Madurai. This place is considered as South Dwaraka.


    Main Deity: Ranganadha perumal in standing posture. This place is Avathara sthalam of Machya Avathara Moorthy. It is on the bank of Kruthamala River. We find jeeyar madam next to the temple.


  5. Cholavandhan: Siva temple.


    Main deity: Siva linga known as Pralaya Nadhar and Soundara Nayaki.
    The place is 26 kms NW of Madurai.Teertham is vaigai River.



    Name: Lord Siva helped to control the flood in the River Vaigi, so the main deity is known as Pralaya Nadhar. The Lingam is Bana lingam, and Goddess Pushpakesi Amman.




    Janaka penenced here and Lord was pleased with his prayer, and his wish was fulfilled. Janaka wanted Narayanar to become his son-in-law, and this was fulfilled during Ramavatharam.



    Other deities in the temple are Ganesha, Subramanyar, Natarajar, Dakshina moorthy, Nalvar, Navagraham and Mannikavachakar sannidhi.



  6. Chitra Radha Vallabar: Perumal temple. The temple is at Kuruvithurai, Madurai







    Main Deity: Sri Vallabar, and Goddess Sanbaga Devi.



    Importance: There is a separate temple for Guru Bhagavan in front of chitra radha vallabha perumal temple. Guru is in meditating form.



    We see chakkrathazwar beside him in the sanctum which is unique. Teertham is Vaigai River.



    Purana says Deva Guru’s son Kanchan went to Asura Guru Suckracharya to learn the Mridhasanjeevini mantra. Kanchan was arrested by asuras when they came to know he was Deva Guru’s son. So Deva Guru mediated and prayed Lord Sriman narayanar to help him in getting his son released from Asura’s.


    Lord Narayanayar asked Chakkrat Azwar to help Guru in his mission. This is the reason we see them both in same sanctum.


  7. Jaya Veera Anjaneyar: Anaypatti, Madurai.



    Main deity: Veera Anjaneyar.



    Sthala purana says Beeshmacharayar of Dwapara Yugam worshipped Hanuman of this place.


  8. Iravadeeswarar temple:



    This temple belongs to 9th century, and it’s well maintained.The temple is Anaiyoor, near Usilampatti.



    Main deity: Swayambu Linga known as irabadeeswarar And Sivakami Ammai in separate sanctum.


    Importance: Iravadam worshipped Siva here and was blessed. We see sculpture of Jeshta Devi with Mandi and Agni.

Pattamangalam and Pillayarpatti temple, Thirupatore, Madurai  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Pattamangalam:

    Siva temple as well as noted for Guru Bagwan also.

    The place is 4 kms from Thiruppathore.







    Main Deity is Siva in lingam form known as Sundereswarar and his consort known as Goddess Meenakshi ammai. There is a separate sanctum for Guru Bagwan in this place. At the back of Guru temple we see a group of Banayan trees and pushkarani.


  2. Pilliarpatti: Valampuri Vinayakar cave Temple.


    The temple dates to tretha yugam. Stone inscriptions say the temple was constructed by Narashima varman in 5th Century and handed over to Nagarathar n 7th century.
    The temple is located at 8 kms east from Tiruppathoor, 74 kms from Madurai and 16 kms from Karaikudi.




    Siva in the temple is known as Marudeesar and his consort known as goddess Vadamalar mangai in different sanctums.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Valampuri vinayakar of 6’ height. He is known as Karpaga Vinayakar. Vinayakar has two hands in the right hand he holds a siva linga and the left one is folded to his stomach.



    Other deities in the temple are Thiru Veengaikudi Mahadevar, subramanyar, Mahalakshmi, Chandikeeswarar, Bairavar, Suryan, chandran, and Nalvar.
    Navagrahas are in sitting posture here. There is a big near the temple.



Thiru vadhavoor and Thiru Koshitur, Melur, Madurai.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Thiru Vadhavoor:


    Vaippu sthalam of Lord Siva.
    The place is 9 kms from Melur, and 19 kms to NE of Madurai.



    Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Thirumarai nadhar and his consort Goddess Thirumarai nayaki in a separate sanctum.Magizha maram is sthala vruksham in this place. Teertham is Baragava teertham and Kapila teertham.







    Importance: This is birth place of Manickavachakar, one of samaya kurvar nalvar.



    Purana saya Vayu bagwan worshipped Siva here for blessing of a child.
    Sani bagavan was relieved of muscle pain, after worshipping Lord Siva of this place.
    Here Sani Bagwan is in separate sanctum folding one of his legs and seated on his vahana.



    This is the place, were Nandi Devar was born and named as Thiruvadhavooran.
    With the blessings of his guru he was called as Manikavachakar.Siva leela story of fox transforming to horse is related to this place.


    Other deities in the temple are Chintamani Ganapathy, Murugan, Kaliswarar, Viswanadhar, Natarajar, Vyagyapadha muni, Patanjali muni, bairavar, Manikkavachakar and sundarar.


  2. Thiru koshtioor: One of 108 Divya Desam.


    The place is about 10 kms from Thirupatoore.


    Main Deity: Uragamellanian in reclined posture, urchavar Sowmyanarayana perumal in standing posture and Goddess Thiru Mamagal Nachiar.Teertham is Deva pushkarani.








    Importance: The temple is of four floors. Main deity is in sleeping posture in first floor, to the second and third floor we see deities in sitting and standing posture, and the final fourth floor is the terrace from where Ramanajur announced the secret moola mantra of OM NAMO NARAYANA for the benefit of one and all.



    We see Ramanujar and Thirukoshitur Nambi sculptures facing the city in front. Indra and Kadamba muni were blessed by lord of this place.



Anamalai and Thiru Mogur temple, Madurai.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Anaimalai: Narashima perumal and Narasinga valli thayar".


    The temple is a cave temple. The place is on Trichy highway, 2 kms from Melur and 12 kms from Madurai. The temple dates back even before 6th century.







    There is no dwajasthambam in the temple, so urchavar is not taken outside the temple for rounds. The main door has beautiful carvings of gods


  2. Thiru Mogur: Kalamega perumal temple.


    One of 108 Divya Desam. The temple is 13 kms from Madurai, and 9 kms south of Melur. Here the Pushkarani is known as Swetha pushkarani and vilwam is sthala vruksham of the temple.


    Main Deity: is Kala mega perumal and his consort known as Mohana valli thayar"



    Sthala puranam says Vishnu took, mohini roopam to distribute the nector to devas, and the place was originally known as Mohanoor.



    Importance: Nammazwar attained moksha after worshiping Kalamega perumal here. Chakkratazwar is something unique here. Manthras are incarnated on it, and the thiruvadi {padam} is rotating, which means at any point, he is ready to help one who worships him.


    Chakkratazwar represent Sudarshanar. At the back of Sudarshanar we see Narashimar and he is called as Narashima sudarshnar.


    Near the entrance of the temple, in a separate sanctum, we see pallikonda nadhar {Sleping posture} known as ksheerabdhi nadhar, both Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar are seen near the leg side with their hands near the foot of perumal in praying posture.




Thiru Appanoor temple, Madurai.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan in , , , , ,

  1. Jaya veera Anjaneyar temple:



    The temple is located at Simhakal, Madurai.
    Main deity is swayambu Anjaneyar.


    Inside the main sanctum we see a small Vinayakar, garuda, and Yoga lakshmi Narashimar. We see Navagraha sannidhi here and vibudhi is distributed in this temple which is something different.


    Sthala vruksham: Illupai maram is sthala vruksham in this temple which is 300 years old.
    We see growth on the trunk of the tree which resembles Hanuman.


  2. Thiru Appanoore



    One of 275 important Siva Devara sthalam.The temple is located to north of Madurai at 2 Kms distance.







    Main deity: Swayambu linga known as "Thiru Appanooriswarar and goddess Kuravantamar Kuzalamai" in different sanctum. Teertham is Idapa teertham.



    The purana says during crises period there was no rice to cook and do prasadam, for Lord Siva. The archaka used mud to make the prasadam for Lord which, when it was cooked turned out to be cooked rice, and hence Siva here known as Annavinodhan.



    Lord Nataraja here is of stone, and Sivakammai idol is of copper. The other deities seen in the temple are Anugnai vinayakar, Nalwar, Pichadanar, Natarajar, Shanmugar, Sundra vinayakar, Kasi viswanadhar, Palaniandawar, Bairavar and Navagrahas.


    Sambandharsang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.


yadagiri gutta Secunderabad AP.  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan in ,

Lakshmi Narashima Swamy:


This is a cave temple on the top of a hill 60 Kms away from Hyderabad,6 kms away from Raigiri railway station.






Main Deity: Swayambu Lakshimi Narashima Swamy.


Once the sage Rishyasringa muni's son Yadagiri, who penanced here in the cave with the blessings of Anjaneyar on this hill between Bhongiri and Rayagiri in Nalgonda district hence the place is known as Yadagiri Gutta.


Lord was pleased with his devotion and appeared in five different forms. Yadarishi sought to see him with his consort Lakshmi on his lap.


We have to go through an entrance which narrows itself into a dark cave, to have the darshan of the main deity Lakshmi Narashima Swamy. Lord Narashima is found sculpured to the rock.


Alwars are seen worshipping Lord here. The rock formation in the hill are considered as Jwala Narashima and Yoga Narashima respectively.






On the hillock there is a Siva temple also.



Down the hill a kilometer away there is Narashima swamy temple which was the first place Narashima reveled himself.





As we climb few steps we see padam which denotes to Narashima climbed up to gutta from there.


Puranic knowledge city near Yadagiri gutta.





The place is still under construction and its going to get opened shortly.
Near the entrance we see a big statue of pancha muka Hanuman and pancha mukha Siva.



Janakay Temples, Madurai  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

  1. Janakai Marriamman temple: This is 1600 years old.
    The temple is in cholavandhan, 28 kms from Madurai.



    Main deity: Swayambu Janakai mari in sitting posture. Sthala vruksham is vembu or neem tree.



    Importance: It is on the bank of vigai river. Parasurama was asked to cut the head of his mother by his father Jamadagni. Parasurama, did as he was asked, and Jamadagni muni felt happy and granted him boon.




    Parasurama asked for his mother’s life. His father asked to place the head and body together. Parasurama in his anxity placed the head to some other body, Jamadagni muni sprinkled water on the body and she came alive.



    The anger was there in Renuka devi, and to cool down her, Mari appeared and stayed here. We see Renuka devi in standing posture at the back of Marriamman. She is known as chanda marri.


  2. Janakai Narayana perumal:






    Main deity is Narayana perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing posture. we see Janakavalli thayar and Andal in different sanctums. The temple is in Cholavandhan adjecent to Marriamman temple.


    importance: King Janaka penenced here. He wanted Lord Vishnu to be his son-in-law. We find Jaya veera Anjaneyar. We find good sculptures to the pillars of main mandapam of the temple.