Thiru Kaziseerma Vinnagaram  

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  1. Thiru Kaziseerama Vinnagaram:


    The temple is one of 108 Divya Desam temples.


    The place is about 21 kms NE of Mailaduthurai, also known as Paadaleeka vanam, between Kollidam and Uppanaru.








    The temple has a Raja Gopuram of three storeys with two prakarams. There is a Maha mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Main sanctum for the temple.



    Main Deity is known as Thadalan in standing posture, and his consort Sri Lokanayaki Thayar in separate sanctum. Urchavar is known as Thiruvikraman and Thayar Mattarizh Kuzali.



    We see other deities like Andal, Ramar, Krishnan, 12 Azwars and Garuda in a small sanctum.  Teertham is Sanga Pushkarani and Chakkra teertham.



    Bramanda Purana says Romesa Muni had darshan [pratyaksham} of Lord Vishnu here as Trivikraman, lifting up his left leg high. Brahama was proud about his life span. In this place Romesa muni told Brahma, his life span is equal to a hair falling from his body. On hearing Romesa muni’s word Brahma felt ashamed for being proud about his life.


Thiru Kattupalli Temple  

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  1. Thiru kattupalli:



    Keezahi Thirukattuplli / Aaranyeeswaram temple is a Kilometer away from Thiruvenkadu with single prakaram.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Aranya Sundareswarar and his consort known as Akilanda Nayaki. Teertham is known as Amirtha Poigai.



    Purana: Vridhasuran was killed by Devandran who suffered of Hathi dosha. Devas worshipped Lord Siva here, for Dosha nivarthy of Devandran,


    Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.



Thiru Chaikadu temple  

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  1. Melayoor / Thiruchaikadu:



    The place is also known as Chayavanam. This temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.
    The place is about 3 kms to Thiruvenkadu, and 15 kms SE, of Seergazhi Town.









    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Chayavaneswarar facing east and his consort Sri Kuilinum nunmozhi Ammai, facing South. Cauvery and Iravadam are teertham of the temple.



    Chai means korai in Tamil. The place was full of these type of grass, and hence the name Chayavanam / Chaikadu. This is one among, six places considered equal to Kasi.



    As we go around the temple we see a mandapam, resembling a chariot, with chakra and horses attached to the main temple. The Vimanam of the mandapam is Indra Vimanam. Inside the sanctum in the maha mandapam we see Lord Murugan with Vel. Archakar of the temple said, the idol of Lord Murugan was found in the sea.




    Purana: Indra’s mother worshipped Lord Siva of this place daily. Indra tried to take the Swayambu Lingam to his place Indralokam, by doing so his eye sight started diminishing. Eyarpagai Nayanar was blessed  by (Prathyaksham) Lord Siva here.

    Indra as Iravadam worshipped Lord Siva, here. Upamanyu muni worshipped Lord Siva.
    The Iravada teertham is seen in front of the temple.



    Sambandhar and appar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.



Pallavaneecharam temple, poompuhar.  

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  1. Pallavaneecharam:



    This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The place is also known as Kaveripoom pattinam, and Poompuhar. This place is about 16 kms SE of Seergazhi, 4 kms south of Thiruvenkadu, and about ½ kilometer distance from Thiruchaaikadu. The temple has a Raja gopuram of five storeys with single prakaram facing east.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Pallavaneeswarar and his consort known as Sri Soundara Nayaki Amman. Sthala Vruksham is mullai (jasmine). Teertham is known as Janavi, which is in front of the temple and sangam.



    Palllava king’s worshipped Lord Siva here hence the place is known as pallavaneecharam. Kalava muni worshipped Lord Siva of this place. This is birth place of Eyarpagai Nayanar.



    Purana says Sivanesa chettiar and his wife Gyanabalambikai, had a son named Thiruven kadar, who was in Gurukulam of Sivachariyar of Thiruvenkadu. Thiruvenkadar had his Siva Deeksha from Sivachariyar and worshipped Lord Siva.



    Thiruvenkadar got married to Sivakalai and with blessings of Lord Mahadevar he had a son named Marudhavanar. Once after his trading, Marudhavanar returned home in his ship, full of husk. His father was unhappy by this act. Marudhavanar gave a box to his mother, with a note in it, and he disappeared.




    Madhuvanar took, Sanyasa ashram and composed songs, about Lord Siva, in the name of Pattinathaar. We see a separate sanctum for him, in this temple.This is the birth place of Pattinathaar and in Thiruvotriyoor we see his Siva Samadhi.



    There are Stone inscriptions seen in the temple. Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.



Putradi Mariamman, and Thiru Kalikkamoor temple.  

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  1. Putradi Mariamman:







    The temple is in west Raja veedhi of Bramapureeswarar temple, Seergazhi.
    The temple is small and it is on the main road. It is marriamman temple. They say the mariamman is very powerful deity.



  2. Thiru Kalikkamoore / Thennampattinam:



    This temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The place is about 3 kms to south of Thirumullaivoil, on the bank of River Uppanaru.







    Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Kalikameswarar and his consort known as Azhagammai facing east in a separatae sanctum. Teertham is known as Ambuvi.




    Purana says Parasara muni worshipped Lord Siva of this place, and he was blessed.



    Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva. In his hymns he says by worshipping Lord Siva here one can get rid of their previous birth sins, ill health, and gain wealth.


    There is a separate sanctum for Vilwvaneswarar and his consort Akilandeswari amman.


Bramapureeswarar temple, Seergazhi.  

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  1. Seergazhi, Brahmapureeswarar:



    This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam. Brahamapuram, Seergazhi, is about 21 kms NE of Mailaduthurai. The temple has Raja gopuram to all four sides with two prakaram.









    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Brahmapureeswarar facing east and his consort Thiru Nila Nayaki Amman, in separate sanctum facing east side. Teertham is known as Brahma teertham seen near Ambal sannidhi. Sthala Vruksham is Bamboo.









    The temple is of three different stages. First we enter into Main deity Bramapureeswarar temple. There is Dwajasthambam and nandi in front. As we go around the main sanctum we see  Vinayakar, Murugan, 63 Nayanmars, Saptha madhar, Gaja Lakshmi,Devandra Lingam, Bairavar, Sooryan, Kalapureeswarar, Somaskandar, Natarajar, Dakshina Moorthy, Lingothbhavar, Durgai and Navagraham are seen.








    To the side we have to climb few steps to have the darshan of Thoniappar and Chattai Nadhar in their sanctums. They charge to visit the place. In the sanctum of Thoniappar, We see huge sculptures of Lord Siva and Parvathy in the sanctum. At the end of the yugam, everything gets submerged. Lord Siva with Parvthy sail in the Pranava Thoni (Boat) and stayed in this place. That is why we see a separate sanctum of Thoniappar
    Here in the temple.




    As we go around the sanctum of Thoniappar, we see pictures painted about the evolution and how it continues, and finally the end of yugam. Inside Thoniappar sanctum we find few steps to climb to have darshan of Chattai nadhar








    There is a separate sanctum for Ashta Bairavar, which is considered a Yoga sthanam near the south entrance of the temple tower. The temple is opened only on Ashtami days and Fridays.








    There is a separate sanctum for Sambandhar in this temple. Seergazhi is the birth place of Gyana Sambandhar. He received milk from goddess parvathy and attained Gyanam. His first hymn on Lord Siva was sung by him at the age of three in this place.


    Sundarar and Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of Seergazhi. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan. Few others like Manikkavachakar, Pattinathar, Gananadhar, Nambiandar Nambigal, and Sekizhar, have contributed to hymns on Lord Siva. Arunachala Kavirayar sang sthala puranam of this place.



    The temple is maintained by Thiru kaiyala Thiru Dharmapura Adeenam.



Thiru Kurukkai temple.  

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  1. Kurukkai:


    This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam and one of Attaveeratta Sthalam.
    The place is about 8 kms NW of Mailaduthurai, on the banks of River Kollidam.
    The main Raja Gopuram of this temple is of five storey and two prakarams.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingm known as Arul Migu Veeratteswarar, facing west and his consort, Gyanambakai Amman facing south side. Sthala Vinayakar is known as Kurukkai Vinayakar seen in separate sanctum to outer prakaram. The hands of Vinayakar are small in size. Sthala vruksham is known as Kadukkai tree. Teertham is soola teertham in front of the temple.



    The place is known as Kaduvanam, due to sthala Vruksham Kadukkai. Lord Siva was alone here in Yoga Dyanam and the place is known as Yogeesa puram. Manmada vadham took place here and the place is known as Kamadhana puram.



    Purana : Muni Deeryavagu came to this place and he extended his hands to collect Ganga water for, Abishekam purpose to Lord Siva. At this point his hands became short and the place was called as Kurukkai.



    This is one of eight Veeratta Sthalam of Lord Siva. This was the place were Kama Dahanam happened, in which Kaman (Manmadhan) was turned into ashes, by Lord Siva.


    On the top of Main sanctum of Lord Siva, we see sculptures of Lord Siva as Yogeeswarar, Poorani Ammai, Manmadhan and Rathi. This is known as Kamanaganasini sabha.







    As we go around we see Sthala vruksham at the back of the temple. Here under the sthala vruksham we see small nandi, in a small mandapam, facing Lord Siva. This is something unique in this place.



    Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Vidwan Meenkshi Sundaram has written sthala puranam in poetic form.



Thalai Jnayeru Temple  

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  1. Thiru karuppariyaloore / Thalai Jnayeru:



    This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. Thiru Karuppariyaloore is about 14 kms
    North of Thiru Mailaduthurai, on the banks of River Pazavaru.








    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Kuttram porutha Esar and his consort known as Kolvalai Nayaki. River Pazavaru is known as Vinayaka Teertham. Sthala Vruksham is Mullai Plant. We see Adi lingam under the plant.



    There is a sanctum for Chattai nadhar and Uma Maheswarar in this temple. As we go around at the back of main sanctum we see the sanctum of Chattai Nadhar and Uma Maheswarar in the first floor. Sooryan worshipped Lord Siva in this place, hence the name Thalai Jnayeru.



    Purana says Vasishta Maharishi installed a Siva Lingam and attained Gyanam. Lord Siva excused Indra for his mistake, hence the name Kuttram porutha Nadhar, for him in this temple.



    Sambandhar and Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. The temple is opened from 6-8 in the evening.


Thiru Kurakkaval and Thiru valputhur temple  

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  1. Thirukurakkaval:


    This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The place is about three kms from Thiruparialoore / Thalai Jayeru on the bank of River Pazhva / Ganapathy River.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Kondala Nadeswarar and his consort Sri Kundala Nayaki Amman.




    Purna says Hanuman worshipped Lord Siva in this place, hence the name Kurakkaval. There is a separate sanctum for Anjaneyar in this temple.



    Navukarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.


    Villagers say even now, in a year monkeys come there and stay for few days in the temple. At that time, the main sanctum is kept open for monkeys to worship Lord Siva.
    Since few years the monkeys hesitate to enter into the temple. The kids are throwing stones and troubling the monkeys.


  2. Thiruvazh koli puthur / Valoli putroore:



    This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. Thiruvalaputhur is about 10 kms north of Mailaduthurai, on the banks of River Kollidam. The temple has a Raja Gopuram of five storeys with three prakarams.








    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Manikkavannar and his consort known as Vandar Poongkuzhali Ammai. Teertham is known as Brahma teertham and sthala Vruksham is known as Vagai.



    Purana says Arjuna worshipped Lord Siva here. Lord was pleased with his prayers, who helped him to hide his sword, in a putru (ant hill), during their one year period of Agnayatha vasam, hence the name Valoli putroor for this place. Vasuki worshipped Lord Siva of this place and it was blessed by Lord Siva gained a place as an ornament of decoration for him.



    There are five lingam seen here, which was worshipped Pancha Pandavas, and Valampuri Vinayakar worshipped by Drowpathy, in this place. Brahma, Indra, Doorvsa muni worshipped Lord Siva and were blessed by "Him" in this place.



    Sambandhar and Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.


Thiru Meeyachoor Temple.  

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  1. Thiru Meeyachoor: Lalitha Parmeswari.


    The place is about two kms from Peralam. There are two Deities which are considered as two different Devara Sthalam. One is known as Thiru Meeyachoor and the other is Thiru Meeyachoor Elang koil. The temple is big one, with five storeys Raja Gopuram and two prakarams.







    Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Meganadhar and his consort known as Soundara Nayaki Amman/ Lalitha Parameswari in separate sanctum. Teertham is Soorya Pushkarani. Sthala Vruksham is Vilwam.




    The purana says Sooryan worshipped, Lord Siva with his consort residing on elephant. The main sanctum Vimanam is like the back of Elephant. This is known as Gajaprishta Vimanam. Soorya worships Lord Siva of this place in the second week of May every year. Other deities, seen in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan with bow, Pancha Boodha Lingam, Ashta dikbalars, Saptha madhar, and Kalyana sundrar.







    Kshetra puraneswarar is seen as Koshta devatai. We see Ambal and Lord Siva together with Lord Siva’s hand holding Ambals Chin. The Ambal face in this sculpture is carved in such a way if we see it from right side it looks, as though she is angry and from left it appears as smiling face.








    We see Chandra Shekarar, Rishabarudr, Bairavar and Durgai with a peacock in her hand. They have kept a board which says any wish presented in front of Durgai will be reported to Lord Siva and it is fulfilled. It says parrot is the media of transporting our prayers at Durgai, to Lord Siva.



    Lalitha parameswari is seen in different sanctum. The sanctum is so peaceful and we loose ourselves in front of Lalitha Devi. This is the sanctum were Lalitha sahasranam was recited first. They say everyday they were a new anklet (Golusu) for Ambal here. They have written Lalitha sahasranam to wall in side the sanctum.



    Chandran, Agni and Yama worshipped Lord Siva of this temple. Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva (Megandhar) here.
  2. Meeachoor Elang koil:



    Elang koil means the deity is shifted to another place before the temple is renovated.
    It is also known as Balalayam. This is to north side of Meeyachoor main sanctum



    As we go around the temple we see Arulmigu Sakala Bhuneswarar and his consort Mekalambal. This deity is for the second Devara sthalam of Meeyachoor Elang Koil.



    Appar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.



Thiru Vallam temple. (Koneriraja Puram)  

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  1. Thiru vallam / Koneri Rajapuram.


    This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam. The place Thiru vallam is about 6 kms from Thiruvavaduthurai, and 10 Kms to SE of Thiru Vedaimarudhur. The temple has a Raja Gopuram of three storey and two prakarams.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Uma Maheswarar / Bhoomi Nadhar and his consort known as Mangala Nayaki Amman. Teertham is known as Mangala teertham and Sakthi Teertham. Sthala vruksham is Poopul tree.



    Importance: There is no Nandi in this temple. Bhoodevi worshipped Lord Siva, of this place, hence the name Bhoomi Nadhar. The place is also known as Bhoomiswaram.


    Natarajar of this place is Swayambu idol. The Natarajar here is famous. They say the nerves are visible in the idol. He is seen in separate sanctum in Maha Mandapam




    Purana says King Pururavas worshipped Lord Siva here in this place. He was blessed by Lord Siva and was relieved of his sufferings, due to Leprosy.



    Sambandar and Appar have sung hymns on Lord Siva of this place.


This is a small place, and we reached the place at 10 AM. The temple was open and the, gurukkal came to temple for morning pooja when we were about to leave the temple.
At the sight of Gurukkal we were happy, we will be able to see Natarajar sanctum which was locked. The system here is two persons have to operate their keys together.
Gurukkal was ready to do but the other person who was incharge did not show any interest. We waited for ½ hour in the mandapam for him to open the sanctum.



A group of art students entered for their project work in the temple at that time. The person, who was in charge, started running after the group that came and simply refused to open the sanctum. I think it was our bad luck; we had to skip and leave the temple. The whole mood of our trip on that day was spoiled. We do plan and start visiting temples, once we happen to skip any temple due to any inconvenience, we do not know when we will be able to visit the place once again.


We only hope by Lord Siva’s grace we will be able to make up with this particular temple Konerirajapuram and have a glimpse of Natarajar.


Thiru Vaigal Madak Koil  

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  1. Thiru Vaigal MadakKoil:


    This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthlam.







    The place is about 4 kms NW of Koneriraja puram, 4 kms south of Mailaduthurai is, Thiru Neelakudi  and from there, travel 5 kms towards SE, one can reach Thiru Vaigal temple. It is a small village, and we mised the other temple there. We hardly find the temples open in small places. One has to enqire and get hold of archakar and have darshan. Sometimes this is not possible due to various reasons.




    Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Vaigal Nadheswarar and his consort known as Kombiyal Kodai. Sthala Vruksham is Sanbagam. Teertham is known as Sanbaga teertham.




    Other deities seen in the temple, as we go around the prakaram, are Vinayakar, Murugan, Varadaraja perumal, Gaja lakshmi, Bairavar and Sooryan in different sanctums.




    Purana says Thirumal worshipped Lord Siva of this place and married Thirumagal, (Lakshmi). Brahma, Indran, Agastiyar, and Elephant worshipped Lord Siva of this place.



    Sambandhar hymns on Lord Siva of this place.


Thiru Kozhambam / Karuppur temple  

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  1. Thiru Kozhambam / Karuppur:


    This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.
    The place Thiru Kozhambam is 3 kms south of Thiruvavduthurai. The temple has main Raja gopuram of three storey, and a single prakaram








    Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Kokileswarar and his consort known a Soundara Nayaki Amman. Teertham is known as Madhu teertham.




    Purana: Vidhyadharan named Chandan was cursed to become Koyal by Devandran. Chandran worshipped Lord Siva of this place, who blessed him, and turned him to his original human form.



    Uma Devi as a cow was worshipping Lord Siva in many places, to get rid of her curse.She reached this place on her way to Thiruvavaduthurai and worshipped Lord Siva here.



    When the hoof of cow hit to, a hard surface, Swayambu Lingam was seen there. It is the same Lingam, which we see now inside the main sanctum as Kokileswarar. Even now, there is the mark of cow hoof seen on the Avudayar of Siva Lingam and hence the name Thiru Kozhambam.



    Appar and Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.



Thiruvavaduthurai temple  

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  1. Thiruvavaduthurai: One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.


    The place is about 16 kms SW of Mailaduthurai, on the banks of River Cauvery. The main Raja gopuram is of five storey and three prakarams inside.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Gomuktheeswarar and his consort known as OPilA Ammai. Sthala vruksham is Palm tree. Teertham is Gomukhi teertham.



    Purana says Uma Devi worshipped Lord Siva in this place in the form of a cow. She was blessed by Lord Siva and she turned into her original form, and took her in him.



    Importance: Devas and Muni’s requested Lord Siva, to bless them by performing his Siva Thandavam, in which they were interested. Lord Siva fulfilled their wish here under the Sthala Vruksham. Muni’s and Brahma got their Upadesam of Siva Gyanam in this place.
    Chittars were granted Athama Siddhi.



    According to Sthala Puranam, Thiru Moolar composed 3000 hymns known as "Thiru Mandiram" in this place.



    Thiru Gyana sambandhar, Sundarar, and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.



    The temple is under Thiru Kailaya Thiruvavaduthurai Adeenam. The building of Adeenam is adjacent to the temple.


Thiru virkudi temple  

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  1. Thiru Virkudi:



    This temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam and One of Atta veeratta sthalam. The place is about 10 Kms SE of Nanilam on the banks of  RiverVettaru. The temple has Raja gopuram of five storeys and two prakaram.







    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul migu Veerattaneswarar and his consort,known as Elavar Kuzhali ammai.


    There are two pushkarani known as Shanku teertham and Chakkra teertham. Tulasi plant is sthala vruksham, seen in front as we enter inside the temple.



    Importance: Jalanda Suran was killed by Lord Siva, in this place hence it is known as Veeratta sthalam. We see Samhara murthy in Maha mandapam, with chakkram as yantram in his hand.


    Purana: Brinda is wife of Jalandaran. After the death of Jalandasuran, Lord Vishnu went to his place like Jalandaran and stayed with Brinda, who was not aware of Jalandaran’s death. When she knew the truth she cursed Lord Vishnu. To get out of his curse, Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Siva, of this place and he was blessed. Brinda changed herself as Tulasi plant in this place.


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



Thiru Pugaloore and Thiru Kannapuram Temple.  

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  1. Thiru Kannapuram Siva temple.


    This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalams.

    The place Thiru Ramanatheechram is on the banks of River Mudikondan about 11 kms from Nanilam. The temple has a Raja gopuram and two prakarams.








    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Ramanadeeswarar and his consort
    Karuvar kuzhali ammai.




    Sri Rama worshipped Lord Siva of this place, hence the name Ramanadeecharam. Other deities seen in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan, Gaja Lakshmi, Kala biravar, Nalwar, Sooryan, Dakshina Moorthy, lingothbhavar, and Durgai.


    Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.


  2. Thiru Pugaloore, and Thiru Vardhamaneecharam

    These two temple is considered as two different Siva Devara sthalam of 275 Devara sthalam
    . They are seen in the same temple compound.








    The place Punnaga Vanam is about 7 kms to east of Nanilam. The temple is big with five storey, Raja gopuram and two prkarams. We see urchava idols of Nayanmars, Agni, Natarajar in the artha mandapam of the temple.



    Main Deity of Thiru Pugaloore is Swayambu Lingam known as Agneeswarar and his consort Manonmani Ammai. Teertham is known as Agni teertham. Punnai is Sthala vruksham of the temple.



    Main deity of vardhamaneecharm is Swayambu Lingam known as Sarnya pureeswarar and his consort known as karuthandar Kuzhali.



    Importance: Agni Bhagawan and Baradwaja muni worshipped Lord Siva of this Place. Thiru Navukkarasar attained Mukthy in this place. This is the birth place of one of the nayanar known as Muruga Nayanar.


    This was the place where ordinary bricks which Sundarar, kept in the night, turned out to be Gold Bricks.



    Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Sundarar, and Thiru Navuakkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.



Sowriraja perumal, Thiru kannapuram.  

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  1. Thiru Kannapuram Sowriraja perumal temple:


    Thiru kannapuram is one of 108 Divya Desa temples. The temple is one of five Krishnaranya Kshetram. The place is about 8 kms east of Nanilam, located in-between River Thirumalaryan and Vettaru.



    The main Raja Gopuram is seven storeys and pushkarani is seen in front of the temple. Steps are provided to all four sides of pushkarani for devotee’s convenience.







    Main Deity is Thiru Neelamega perumal in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar to either Side. Urchavar is known as Sowriraja perumal.
    Kannapura Nayaki thayar is seen in separate sanctum.



    As we go around the main sanctum we see Azwar, Veebishanan, and Sri Raman sanctum. There is a separate sanctum for Udayavar to north side of Pushkarani.



    Importance: This is one of five Krishnaranya Kshetram . The rest four are Thirukovaloore, Thiru kannankudi, Thiru kavithalam, and Thiru Kannamangi.



    The place is also known as "Srimadha shadakshra maha mantra siddhi kshetram". This place is considered as one of Mukthy giving sthalam and known as Keezhai Vedu by Pandits of olden days. Thirumangai Azwar was blessed with Thiru Mantra Upadesam.



    Purana says King Upasarivasu performed Aswameda yaga and was blessed with a female child, who was named as Padmini. As she grew, she turned out to be a beautiful girl. Padmini meditated in this place to seek the hands of Perumal as her life partner. Sowriraja Perumal was happy with her devoation and dedication. He fulfilled her wish.




    There is story related to Perumal. One day Archakar of the temple, as a gesture handed over the garland which was on Sowriraja Perumal, to the King who visited the temple. The King saw a lengthy hair string to the garland. He was surprised and questioned about this. Archakar said it was the hair of the perumal.




    King did not believe it and asked his men to check and find the truth. Kings men tried to pluck the hair of Perumal in main sanctum. When they did so blood splashed, and King worried for his act. He prayed to perumal of this temple to forgive him. Perumal protected his devotee the Archakar, by proving his words as truth. From then, perumal here is known as Sowriraja Perumal.




    Sowriraja perumal is seen with prayoga chakra in his hands. The place is considered as Bhoolokha vaikundam. There is no separate door/ entrance, in the temple as Swarga vassal and there is no vimana darshanam in the temple.



Thiru Chengattangkudi  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan in , , , , , ,

  1. Thiru Chengattangkudi:


    Thiruchengattan kudi is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.







    The place is known as Ganapatheecharam, which is on the banks of River Mudikondan. It is about 2 kms distance SW from Thiru kannapuram. The temple has five storeys Rajagopuram.



    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Ganapatheeswarar / Utharpadeeswarar, and His consort, known as Thiru Kuzhalammi. Teertham is known as sathya pushkarani, which is in front of the temple. Sthala vruksham is Atthi (Fig tree).



    Other deities seen in the temple are, Vathapi Vinayakar, Murugan, Sathya shoda Lingam, Natarajar, Seerala devar, and Sandana Mangai, in different sanctums.


    Purana says Lord Siva came to Siruthonda Nayanar’s house as Biravar. Nayanar greeted him and asked him to have his lunch at their place. Lord agreed and he said he wants the food to be served with the flesh of a small boy cooked as a dish and included in the menu. Siruthondar agreed to do so by the time Lord Siva finishes his day’s routine work.



    Seeralan asked his wife to cook the flesh of his son, who is a small and young. When lunch was served for Lord Siva, he asked them for their son. Seeralan had to admit what he has done. Lord Siva was pleased with their devotion and dedication in feeding disciples. Lord Siva asked them to call their son by his name and the boy walked inside the house. They were blessed by Lord Siva.



    Vinayakar killed Gayasuran and to get rid of his sin he worshipped Lord Siva here. Vatapi Vinayakar which is seen in the temple is from Vatapi brought by Siruthondar, when he went for war with Chalukya at Vatapi.



    Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva, and Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.


Thiru Marugal Temple  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan in , , , ,

  1. Thiru Marugal


    Thiru Marugal is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.


    Thiru Marugal is about 6 kms from Thirupugaloore and 5 kms from Thittacheri on the banks of River Puttharu. This is a maddakoil.








    The temple has a big Raja gopuram of five storeys. There is a big Nandi seen on a platform as we enter through the main entrance.



    Vinayakar is known as Vidanteertha Vinayakar. We have to climb few steps to reach Maha mandapam. Here we see paintings relating to the sthala purana. Amman sannidhi is seen in Maha mandapam to a side.




    From there we enter into Artha mandapam where we see huge Dwarabalakar near the entrance to main sanctum on either side.


    Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Maanikkavannar and his consort Vanduvar Kuzhali. Teertham is known as Maanikka teertham / sivagangi, and Sthala vruksham is Plantain. Pushkarani, seen in front of the temple. Marugal means a variety of Plantain.




    Sthala purana: Once a Vaisya named Daman gave word his sister, about giving one of his daughter’s hand by marriage, to her son kumaran. He got 6 of his daughter married to, outsider other than Kumaran. The last daughter was worried and she was not happy with her father’s attitude. She left the house to, marry kumaran her cousin.



    They left the place and wanted to go somewhere, far from the place. During their travel when they reached the place Thiru Marugl, it was dark and they had to spend the night in a safe place. They decided to stay in the temple that night. Due to snake bite, Kumaran lost his life that night and the girl was left alone. She was confused and started crying.



    Thiru Gyana Sambandhar was passing through the village and he heard the cry of the girl. He asked them, about the girl and learned about the mishappenning. He pleaded to Lord Siva and sang hymns on Siva asking for a judgment, for the death that occurred within the compound premises of his temple.



    Lord Siva was pleased and blessed him. He gave life to kumaran. Sambandhar got them married in the temple. We see a separate mandapam in the temple relating to the story.


    Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva and Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan.