Kanchi Temples
We happen to read a book written by sri. J.c.Murali about old temples of south india.We were inspired and planned to visit as many temples as possible.Our thanks to him, for inspiring, our attention towards the age old temples.
Every temple as its own importance and many a places it is in Swayambu linga form. 275 Siva temples are known as Devara sthalam were Navakkuarsar, Manikkavachakar, Appar and Sundarar (who are known as saiva kuravas) ardent devotees of Siva sang hymns on siva.
There are 108 vishnu temples which are important known as Divya desams. Our first such tour was to Kanchi, south india and places around. We planned to visit important Vishnu temples also which are nearby. The temples date back to 8 and 9th century. It was a 6 day tour from 21st feb 2006.
Kanchi: During pallava times it was their capital. The place is well known for temples and silk sarees. We started our tour from chennai . We were able to cover 90% only, due to temple timinges.
Bus facility is available to all the places except few. Some places are too small villages, were nothing is available for tourists. We made our trip by taxi so that we can cover many places. We were 5 in number and our cost worked out to Rs2500 per head including room and food.
- Thiruvanmayoor:
One of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalams. The temple is to south coast of chennai city about 8kms.
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Marundeeswarar and Tripura Sundari.
Sthala vruksham Vanni. Teertham is Papanasini teertham.
Valmiki muni worshipped Siva and hence the name Vanmeeka nadhar.Kamadenu worshipped and he was known as Palvanna nadhar.Agysthta worshipped and preached about Oushadha, (muligi) their importance, nature, and cure. So he is called as Oushadeeswarar. Devas worshipped and he is known as Vedapureeswarar.
Importance: The main deiy is about 1’ height slightly slanting and hooves marks on the linga. Goddess Tripurasundari in different sanctum standing posture with abaya vardha mudra. "Srichakra" is there in front of her.
Sthala purana says there are 5 teertham Janma nasini, Kama nasini, papa nasini, Gyana dhayini and Moksha nasini which are from jada mudi of Siva.
Navakkuarasar and Sambandar sang hymns on Siva.Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugan of this place. Saint Thyagaraja idol is noted one in temple. We see Subramanya with right leg on peacock with bow in his hand.
- Solinganallore:
On our way to Thiruvidanthy we visited this place. we saw Manthra varahi, Neela Saraswathi, and Prathyangira devi. All the idols are big in size
- Thiruvidanthy:
One of 108 Divya Desa Temples of Vishnu. The place is on the way from chennai to Mahabalipuram via (Kovalam) about 40kms distance from chennai.
Main deity is Lakshmi Varaha perumal standing posture.Utsavar is Nithya kalyana perumal and Komavalli thayar. Teertham is Kalyana teertham and Varaha teertham.
Importance: Varha perumal married 360 daughers of Klava maharishi and he is known as Nithya Kalyana perumal. All 360 were united into one, and named as Lakshmi who is seen on his lap, hence the name Thiru Vidanthay.
- Thiru poroor:
This is Siva temple and well known for Subrayamanya swamy.
The place is about 25kms from chengalpet.
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Vanmeega nadhar and Swayambu Subramaniyar with Valli and Devanai. Teertham is Saravana pogzhai.Sthala vruksham is Vanni.
Vishnu to overcome the curse of and Kanva muni, worshipped Lord Siva here and was blessed. Subramanya fought with asuras and preached gyana in this place.
- Thiru kadal mallai:
One of 108 Divya desams temple. The place is about 60kms from Chennai or 15kms from Thiru vidanthai.
Main deity: Sthala sayana perumal sleeping posure, bujanga sayanam with his right hand on his chest as upadesa mudra.
- Mahabalipuram:
It is sea shore 50 kms from chenni. We have a temple, five charriots made of stones with rich carvings, stone elephant, etc. Holiday resorts are there.
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