1. Avudayar temple:
   
   
   The temple is 14 kms from Aranthangi of Pudhukottai District and dates back to 8th century AD.
   
   
   
   Interesting facts about the temple…
   
   * Although the main deity is Athmanadhar and Sivalokanayaki Amman, there is just a platform,{avudayar} in the main sanctum.
   
   
   
   * Another interesting fact about this temple is that, there is no Dwajasthambam, Nandhi and Chandikeswarar, which are common in any other regular temple. There is a small pot like thing on the Avudayar which appears like a Linga.
   
   
   
   * At the back of Avudayar we see 27 stars in the form of light. After the pooja, offering of Rice and Bittergourd is placed the on the small platform in the front inside the sanctum, and the steam from it is the offering for God.
   
   
   
   * Goddess Sivalokanayaki is seen in separate sanctum. Here again, in this sanctum we see avudyar with paadam on it. We can have a darshan from outside through small ventilators in the wall.
   
   
   
   * It is said that Lord Siva took the place of a Guru and preached Panchakshara manthra to Vadhavoorar in this temple. He has been known as Manikkavachakar, ever since. He also attained his mukthi at this place.
   
   
   
   * As we enter the temple, we see Manikkavachakar idol placed to left in small, slightly raised sanctum. We need to follow a particular sequence for worship in this temple. We pray to Manikkavachakar first, then main deity and finally we come to Manikkavachakar sanctum again. As we go around, we see Vinayakar, Veerabadharar, Natarajar, and Subramanyar.
   
   
   
   Story Behind Construction of this Temple.
   
   
   
   King Arimardhana Pandian asked his minister Thirvadhavoorar to buy Arabian horses and gave him money. He reached a place called Perunthurai to buy horses. (There is a dock and hence the place is known as Perunthurai.) There was a veda patasala in this place and ThirVadhavoorar was impressed by the guru and the way they were reciting Vedas. He forgot his mission. He felt that the God himself was like a Guru in this place. He started clearing his doubts about many things. He felt God is nothing but some power which is (omnipresent) everywhere, and not bound by time or kaala. Vadhavoorar asked the means to reach god? Guru did not reply to his question.
   
   
   
   One has to search, and feel the presence of eternal power. One day when he saw the Guru he saw the Aura behind him. He felt the Aura like thing that appears is the Almighty. He utilized the money (with which he was supposed to buy horses) to construct the temple.
   
   
   
   Initially, only a platform like thing was built and offering of rice was kept on the platform. The steam was considered as God (Siva) for him. It is the same platform which still present inside the sanctum and the same rituals are still followed. In the later years, Pandaya kings extended the temple with beautiful sculptures and pillars. The pillar sculptures reflect the richness, clothing style, ornaments and culture of those days.
   
   
   Important aspects about the temple
   
   
   
   * Teertham is Brahama narayana teertham.
   
   * Sthala vruksham is Kurutha maram. Sthala purana says by applying mud near the sthala vruksham leprosy can be cured.
   
   * Manikkavachakar sang hymns on the Lord Siva of this place.
   
   * Arunagirinadhar sang on Lord Murugan here.
   
   * This is the same place where Thiruvachakam was sung by
   Manikkavachakar. This is considered as 8th Thirumurai in saiva madham
   
   * There is carving of a monkey and udumbu to the top of the shelter which means our mind is a monkey and it should be controlled. Our thought about god should be firm like the grip of udumbu. We see many sculptures which convey some meaning, one can visit, feel and enjoy all this only in person
   

1. Virali malai Murugan Temple:
   
   
   The place is 42 kms from Pudhukottai. The temple is on the top of a small hill.
   
   
   
   
   
   The deities seen here are Sivalinga known as Vswanadhar, Goddess Visalakshi .Lord Subramanyar as Aumugha perumal, with 16 hands is seen on peacock. Valli and Devayanai are along with him to either side.
   
   
   Teertham is saravana Poigai which is in the ground level. Sthala vruksham is Kura tree.
   
   
   As per purana Muni’s are worshipping Lord here in the form of Kura tree and hence the name Virali for this place. On our way to temple we have the darshan of Idumban, and Siva in the form of Linga known as Meenakshi sunderaswarar in a cave temple.
   
   
   
   Kasyapa muni, Vasishtar and Naradha muni worshipped the Lord here to get rid of there sins and were blessed.
   
   There is idol for Naradha muni in this place and during festival times they take him on procession which is unique.
   
   
   Other deity’s presnt in the temple are Vinayakar, Arunagirinadhar, Chandikeswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Natarajar, Dandayudhapani, and Navagraha.
   Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Subramanyar of this place

1. Thirupunavoil:
   
   
   This is one of 275 Siva Devara temples.
   
   
   
   The place is 25 kms from Avudayar koil.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is huge Swayambu linga known as Pazampadhi nadhar and his consol Katchani mulammai. The Lingam is next to Bragadeeswar temple lingam in its size.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sthala vruksham is Punnai and teertham is Lakshmi teertham. There is a big Nandi in the front of Dwajasthambam. The temple has huge ground and as we go around we see Pancha Vinayakarunder separate roof, Chaturmukha lingam kapila muni with his sons under different roof.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Dakshina murthy is different here, by keeping his both legs down. There is a separate sanctum and gopuram. We see Ganapathy in a small sanctum as we go around the temple. We see Vishnu and Anjaneyar as koshta deivam at the back of Siva temple. Opposite to Lord Subramanya with Valli and Devany.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we procced we see chathurdasa lingam under a roof and Navagraha in different. Goddess in separate sanctum is seen. To the corner of the temple premises we see kali.
   
   
   
   Sundharar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Subramanyar of this temple. Thirumal, Brahma, Parvathy, Indra, Surya, Chandran, Yama, Vayu, Agasthiyar have worshiped Siva of this place.
   
   

1. Pudhukottai Bhuvaneswari Avadhootha vidyapeetam.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This is a place we see Adishtanam of Sri Sadhasiva Brahamendra Saraswathy swamigal known as Sri Judge Swamigal. The Adishtanam which we see now was developed to this extent by Srimad Santhanandha Swamigal deciple of Judge Swamigal. The place has gained popularity as Bhuvaneswari peetam. Lot of Yaga and Yagnams were performed here by Srimad Santhanandha Swamigal.
   
   
   
   Here the idols of all deities are huge. Bhuneswari devi and big Sri Chakkra in front is seen as we enter.
   
   
   There are deities like Abeeshta varadha ganapathy, Sidhargal, Pancha mukha Heramba ganapathy, Parahamsa sadhguru santhanandha Swamigal, Pancha mukha brahma, Dharma Sastha, Gyana Skandhan, Dakshina moorthy, dakshina kali, Kasi Viswanadhar and Kaivalyanandha Swamigal.

1. Thiru Gokarnam:
   
   
   The place Thiru Gokarnam is in Pudhukottai, which is 57 kms from Trichy.
   
   
   This is cave temple. The temple was built by Mahendra Pallavan which was later improved. It’s a big temple with a long corridor and the sanctums are in different levels. we see beautiful sculpture to pillar in the corridor. It was something different from normal temples.
   
   
   There are two Siva lingams installed by Kapila Muni and chandran.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity here is Gokarnaeswarar and his consort Bragadambal. We find another deity known as Magizhavanayser and Amman Mangalambikai.
   
   
   
   Inside the temple we see Vinayakar, Kasi lingam, Veerabadhrar, Sapthamadhar, saptha Lingam, Brahaman, and Bairavar. We see Mangala teertham near Amman sannidhi.
   
   
   
   We have to climb few steps to reach Subramanyar sanctum. Here we get darshan of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswthy and Pazani Andavar.
   
   
   
   As per Purana, once Brahma was thinking he was the supreme power. Lord Siva was not happy about his thought and he disqualified Brahma from his work creation. This led to lot of confusion, and Brahma realized his mistake and he requested Lord Siva to resque him.
   
   
   Lord Siva asked him to do meditation at Thiru Gokarnam and get back his power of creation. Goddess Sridevi and Bhoodevi also worshipped Siva of this place.
   
   
   
2. Ettiathali:
   
   
   
   This village is about 8kms from Aranthangi of Pudhukottai district. The temple dates back to some 2000 years.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord Siva of this place was worshipped by Agasthaya muni.
   Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Agastheeswarar and his consort Akilandeswari.
   
   
   
   Purana says once Agasthyar was traveling from kasi to Rameswaram, he had to perform his daily rituals so he stopped at this place, to do his Siva pooja. There is a pushkarani near by. He performed pooja and he had to stay back for the night in the temple.
   
   
   At the same time King Kalingarayan was there with his force in the same village in a matt. As per his fate he was in the grip of Ashtama sani period and he performed pooja at Rameswaram, and Lord Sani pooja at Thirunallaru as per guidance of his jyothish.
   
   
   On his way back as it was night he stayed in this village for that day. King and Agasthya muni when they met here, to get rid of Lord Sani’s grip on him, King was asked to built a temple for the Siva lingam, in this place. He asked him to install Navagrahas. Here Sani is placed visible to Agastheeswarar from inside to NE direction.
   
   
   
   Another unique thing is Ragu and Kethu are exchanged there place unlike the normal trend.
   
   
   We see Goddess Akilandeeswari in a sanctum near the main Deity Agastheeswarar, and the Goddess Akila near the Navagraha.
   
   
   
   Purana says Lord Siva had Kalathra dosha and when Agasthya muni worshipped Lord Siva, he was out of the dosha. So, Muni installed Goddess Akilandeswari near the main sanctum. Goddess Akila, known as Navagraha Nayaki is near the Navagraha, so the grahas are considered powerful.
   
   
   As per purana Kalathra dosham and Sani dosham can be rectified by worshipping Lord Agastheeswarar of this place.

1. Thiru Meyyam:
   
   
   
   This is a cave temple about 20 kms from Pudhukottai.
   This temple is one of 108 Divya Desam.
   
   
   
   Pudhukottai District is the only district where we find lot of cave temples in Asia. All the temples were mostly to pallava regime. Here we find temple for Lord Vishnu and a temple for Lord Siva also in the same mountain in two different caves. Here the mountain itself is considered as Vishnu and Siva, which is one more example for Siva and Vishnu are one and the same.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple was built by Narashima Pallavan. The temple is older than Sri Rangam temple and hence it is known as Adi Rangam.
   
   
   Main deity is Sathyagiri nadhan in standing posture, and his consort Senbagavalli or Uyavandha Nachiayar. Utsavar is known as Meyappar.
   
   
   Jack fruit tree is sthala vruksham of the temple. As we go around, we see Chakkratzwar, Andal, Krishna, Lakshmi, and Narashimar sanctums.
   
   
   
   Inside the cave here we see Anantha sayanam of Vishnu Moorthy, carved to the mountain rock. Here we find Perumal in relaxing posture which is about 30’ length and this is supposed to be the lengthier idol in Asia.
   
   
   He is relaxing on 5 headed snake known as Adiseshan, and at the back to the rock we see Garuda, Chitrguptan, Markandeyar, Brahma, Devas, Rishi, Kinnaras, and rakshasas Madhu, kaitabar. Bhooma devi is seen sitting under the leg, Lakshmi Devi on his chest with his left hand holding her close to him, and the right hand on Adiseshan in the form of patting him.
   
   
   
   Purana says Madhu, Kaitabar came to attack Vishnu, Bhoodevi and Sridevi were afraid of asuras and we see Bhoodevi hiding under his leg and Sridevi to the chest. Adiseshan in anger spelled out poison air and defeated them. This incidence is also carved beautifully in the cave temple.
   
   
   
2. Sathyagereeswarar temple, Thiru Meyyam.
   
   
   Lord Siva temple was built by Mahendara Varma Pallavan.
   
   
   
   This was the first cave temple he built immediately after his change from Jainism to Hinduism. Main deity here is Sathyagirieswarar and his consort Sri Veuvaneswari.

1. Seethanchery
   
   
   
   This is our home town. The temple here is Siva temple.
   The village is 25 kms from Kancheepuram. This is the only big temple to nearby villages.The temple was renovated and Kumbabishekam was performed some 3 years back. Recently families who belong to the village are showing interest in developing. Regular pooja’s are taking place in recent years. The temple was constructed during Pandya period.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as "Sree Kaleeswarar" and "Goddess Sivakama sundari".
   
   
   
   There are beautiful stone carvings to the main entrance pillar. We see dwajasthambam and nandi in front facing main deity Lord Siva. We find pillars with neat and peculiar carvings on a platform to both side of the main entrance of the sanctum.
   
   
   As we go around the inner prakaram, we see "Vinayakar, Subramanayar", and "Goddess Sivakama Sundari" in prakaram."Dakshina moorthy", "Lingothbavar", and "Brahma" are seen on side walls of main sanctum.
   
   
   There is a carving of a cow delivering a calf from the side of neck. This sculpture is relating to purana of the temple.
   
   
   As we go around the outer circle of the temple we see Sthala Vruksham Mani punga with Nirtha Vinayakar and a tank for the temple.
   
   
   Purana says once a merchant was passing through that place which was like a forest and he happen to see the cow delivering calf from neck and milk pouring down to ground.
   
   This was peculiar and not a normal thing. He informed the village people about it. They came and started looking around the place where milk was poured and they found a Siva Lingam which was named as Sree Kaleeswarar.
   
   
   As per purana "Lord Krishna" worshiped Lord Siva of this place.

1. Kuram: Sri Adi kesava perumal.
   
   
   
   The place is about 10kms from Kancheepuram. There are mini buses plying from kancheepuram. The place is on the route from Arakonam to Kancheepuram. We come across Kuram gate halt and from there the place is 3 kms.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is Adikesava perumal in sitting posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There is separate sanctum for Pankajavalli thayar to right and Andal sannidhi to right.
   
   
   There is a separate sanctum for Chakratazwar and Anjaneyar within temple premises. There is a separate temple for Kurathazwar in the same premises.
   
   
   
   As per purana says kurathazwar is avatara of Lord Vishnu in kaliyuga. Srivatsangamithrar {Kurathazwar} was ruling Kuram. He was devotee of Lord Varadaraja perumal of Kanchi and used to help needy people and Annadhanam was performed for pilgrims who visited Kanchi.
   
   
   The palace main door has bell hanging to it, and the sound of the bells can be heard till Kanchi. Normally the door of the palace is closed only after the doors of the Varadaraja swamy doors are closed.
   
   
   One day there was a delay in closing the temple door, and the doors of the palace door was closed before. Goddess Perundevi Thayar heard the bell sound and enquired about the sound to Perumal Varadarajar.
   
   
   When she came to know about the sound she wanted to meet the King. Thiru Kachi Nambi went to Kuram to inform about the invitation of Thayar. Srivatsangamitrar was surprised to hear this, and there was a transmission in this time and he left all the wealth and took to sanyasa ashram to dedicate his life for the service of Lord.
   
   
   
   Lord Srirama as Azwar in this Yuga was able to render his service to Lakshmana who dedicated himself to Sri Rama in Tretha yugam.
   Purana says by worshipping Kurathazwar here in this place any ailment of eye, is cured.
   
   
   This year upto 2010 is celebrated as 1000year of his birth anniversary.
   
   
   
2. There is Lakshmi Hayagreevar temple and Andavan Ashram adjecent to Adi Kesava perumal temple.
   

1. Damal, Varaheeswarar Siva temple:
   
   
   Damal village is on Banglore, Chennai high way. It is about 14 kms from Kancheepuram Town and 85 kms from Chennai.
   
   
   The temple architecture resembles to Chola, Pallava and Vijayanagara dynasty Period.The temple is under renovation now, so we were not able to see fully.
   
   
   As per purana the temple was renovated during 11th and 12th century.
   The entrance of the temple is not fully finished. The arch of the temple is of stone with Ganga and yamuna Devi sculptures.
   
   
   
   There is a separate sanctum for Ganapathy, Subramanyar. A four pillar mandapam is seen.
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is Varaheeswarar and his consort known as Goddess Sornambika. Sri Sarabeswarar is also there to bless devotees who come there.
   
   
   
   As per purana, Lord Vishnu after his varaha avathara he did not return back to vaikundam. Devas requested Lord Siva to help them. Lord Siva in the form of hunter pierced his arrow on Varaha and then Vishnu realized his reason of Varaha avatara.
   
   
   
   
   
   Here Vishnu is in the form of Lingam to get rid of his sin in killing Hiranyakshan. They say we can see Sanku and Chakkra on Siva lingam during harathi time. They say it is Kethu parihara sthalam. On Maha Sivarathry day Sun rays fall on Siva lingam in the evening {4.30-6.00}.
   
   
   
   
   There is another new Siva temple seen near this temple.

1. Panapakkam:
   
   
   Mayura Nadhar, Siva temple. This place is about 14 Kms NW from Kancheepuram.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is Swayambu lingam known as Mayuranadhar and his consort known as Goddess Sowandaranayaki. Sthala vruksham is palm tree.
   
   
   Goddess Umadevi worshipped Siva in the form of peacock, hence the name Mayuranadhar.
   
   
   
   
   Nandi devar worshipped Lord Siva in the form of tiger. We see 63 Nayanmars in the temple prakaram.
   
   
   
   
   Others who worshipped and blessed by Lord Siva are Nandi Devar, Brahma, Indra and Agyasthiyar.
   
   
   
   
   The place is also known as Mayurapuri, Indrapuri, Brahmapuri and pulioor.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Kallathy Nadhar Siva temple:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is Lord Siva in the form of Linga known as Kallathynadhar and his consort known as Goddess Gyanapoongkodhay.
   
   
   
   
   There is a four pillar mandapam near the gate with beautiful sculptures.
   As we enter we see Dwajasthambam. Other deities seen in the temple are Ganesha, Dakshinamoorthy, Bairavar, Nalvar and Shkeyzhar.
   
   
   
3. Lakshmi Narayana perumal temple:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple is under renovation. There is 16 pillard mandapam with sculptures.

Srirangam Saptha prakara parikrama:

We came to know that every year Saptha prakara parikrama is organized by Mrs. Saraswathy and Mr. Sripathy in coordination with “Pejawar matt.”


This year it was on 22, 23 and 24th of October 2009. We availed this opportunity and joined them on 24th October for parikrama. They have arranged stay and food for everyone at “kodiyalayam chattram” at “Srirangam”. Anyone can join for parikrama, and food was arranged separately for Brahmin and others.


This is the contact number for details about saptha prakara parikrama 0431-2436502.



They arranged for sankalpam for cauvery snanam by a prohit, at 3Am and, thereafter every one of us went to River cauveryby van. 20Rs per head was charged for van. After the bath we came back to chattram, for changing our clothing. Then they guided us to starting place of Prakara parikrama.







Srirangam Ranganadhar temple has seven prakaram relating to saptha lokas.
1) Bhoolokam Full of houses and shops.

2) Bhuvarlokam Thiruvikraman Thiru veedhi.(street)

3) Suvarlokam Kili chozan or Agalangan Thirvedhi. (Street)

4) Maharlokam Thirumangaimannan street or Alinadan Thiruveedhi..

5) Janolokam Kulasekaran Thiru veedhi.

6) Thapolokam Rajamahendr chozan Thiru veedhi.

7) Sathyalokam (Garbha graham) Dharmavarma chozan Thiru veedhi.



Main deity Sriranganadhar facing south side, so the parikrama also starts from south entrance of 7th prakaram. Pandit was there along with us till the end of parikrama. He recited mantras which we were asked to repeat and do namaskaram before starting at that place.


We were asked to stop at all corners of four roads, and to the middle of all four roads in front of the gopurams in all seven prakarams which represent Ashtadikbalakars. He recited some namavali and we bowed at all the places.

There is lot of small sanctums, all along the parikrama rounds. We visited only few, but I am trying to give you some more which are important. This we can make it only if we go on our own and not with the group.

7th prakaram of Srirangam temple.


Our parikrama stared mid way of South Chittirai veedhi”,” Kattai gopuram” entrance. This is to mid way of the road. The road is full of shops. There is a mandapam in which there is a small sanctum in basement with deity known as padhala Kannan”.


We took a turn towards west and the street is known as chittrai thiru veedhi or Raja veedhi. We find houses to both sides of the roads. We enter to north Side Street known as Mela chittrai veedhi. Here we see a Hanuman temple in this street.


We enter east side road known as North chittrai veedhi. In the starting of the road we see “Hayagrivar and Desikar” sanctums, and the building looks like a matt.


Next we took a turn towards south and it is known as South chittirai veedhi. We find a ratham which looks like a pushpaka vimana known as Goratham“.

Now we enter into 6th prakaram, from south entrance of kattai gopuram. Sankam and Chakkram are kaval deivam of this gopuram. The street is named after choza raja, as Thiru Vikraman veedhi There are shops in these roads and it is a commercial business centre.


We took a turn towards west. The road is also known as “utthira veedhi”. We find a ratham here and archakar’s houses. Here the houses are to one side and to the other side of the road we find a big wall.


We took a turn to north side which is named as “Mela uttira veedhi”. Next we turned towards east side and the road is known as“North uttrai veedhi”. We find Sriranga Narayanar Jeeayar matt in this road.


We turned towards south side, road is known as Keezai uttirai veedhi”. We have darshan of Hanuman temple. At the end of the road we turn south and this is South uttira veedhi. There is a matt with Manavala Mamunigal sanctum. Half way of the road we reach Nanmugan kottai vassal
.

We started our 5th Prakaram

Two Devas Dharmathyakshar and Niyantha are kaval deviam, {security}. The street is also known as Agalanganin thiru chuttru”. Here we start from north side and we see a mandapam with four pillars. To one pillar we see Kavi arasar Kambar in standing posture. To left of this mandapam there is a sanctum for Nadha muni, his deciple Thiruvaranga perumalariarum, and Alavandhan grand son of Nadha muni.


We see Andal sanctum and we next come to Venuganan sanctum, which is very old one. We find Ranga vilas of Nayakar’s contribution which is full of beautiful sculptures. We take a turn to west and as we pass, we find Chakkratazwar sanndhi. At the back of the sanctum we see small ventilator through which we can have darshan of “Narashimar”.


We proceed towards north and we come across Vasantha mandapam Here we cross a grill gate and enter inside and we see Ranganayaki Thayar sanndhito left. We find Hanuman to a pillar near the entrance of the sanctum and we take a round and enter the temple.


The main deity is also known as padidanda pathini”, hence all the festivals concern to her are celebrated within the temple only. We see urchava vigram in the front and 2 main deity at the back.

Old moolavar was hidden under the Vilava tree during Muslim invasion. After the war, they were unable to locate and find out and new Thayar idol was installed. After sometime they found the old one and they installed it in the main sanctum. We take a round inside Thayar sannidhi and once again start with prakara parikrama.



We see a four pillared mandapam known as Kambar mandapam. In the year 885AD, Ramayana was inaugurated. There is a sanctum for Nigamantha Desikan” near the compound. “Narashigaperumal” sanctum is seen nearby.


From here we walk towards east side and we come across a grill gate, we enter and step inside thousand pillar mandapam. In the centre of thousand pillar mandapam we see “Thiru mamani mandapam”.



As we come out of this mandapam, we walk a while to reach a small mandapam known as Kanumandapam. As we proceed towards west side we see Sesharayar mandapam with beautiful sculptures related to Vijayanagara history.



Next to this we see pillai Lokacharayarsanctum, adjacent to it is kannan temple where main deity is in “Geethopadesa” posture. As we go around we come across Udayavar sannidhiWe find other sanctums like Thirupanazwar, Vittala Krishnan, Thondaradipodi azwar, and Kooratth Azwar sanctum is seen.


Here we enter to our 4th prakara parikrama

This Prakara parikrama is known as Thirumangai mannan chuttru” or “Aali nadan chuttru”. Two Devi’s Ganga and Yamuna are protecting this Gopuram. Here we enter into a big mandapam, in which we see huge Garuda with snakes as garland on him. As we walk out we see “Nammazwar” sanctum with Thirumangai mannan and “Madhura kavi azwar”.


As we go around to west side we come across “Mela Pattabhiraman” sanctum. Other deities in different sanctums are “Mudhalazwar, Teertha perumal” known as “Vasudevan”, and after climbing few steps “Danvanthry” Bagwan. We come across Chandra pushkarani and sthala vruksham “Punnai” tree.


When we go around the pushkarani we see “Santhana gopala Krishnan, Varaha perumal, varadharaja perumal, Sri Kodanda Ramar and Paramapadha nadhan Sriman Narayanar with Bhoodevi and Neeladevi”. We proceed the same way and reach Garuda mandapam. Here we see a sanctum for Thirukachhi Nambi and little further we come to an end of this prakaram and here we enter third prakaram.


The 3rd prakaram round is known as “Kulasekaran chuttru”.

The enterance is known as Aryabhatar vasal. Here “Garuda and Chakkra perumal” are Kaval deivam (security). As we enter we see Dwajasthambam covered with gold plated sheet.


As we go clockwise, we see Pavithrotsava mandapam to left. The mandapam was constructed by King Kulasekaran. “Saraswathy and Hayagrivar” are seen in this mandapam. We come across another mandapam constructed by Vijayaranga Chokkanadhar. They say Viraja River flows under this mandapam. To left side we see “Paramapadha vassal”.

We continue with our parikrama and we come across “Dolotsava mandapam or Uonjal Mandapam” and “Hanuman”. With this we come to an end of this prakaram.



The 2nd prakaram round is known as “Chozha mannan Rajamahendran chuttru”.


Front side of the main entrance, is taken care by “Badhran and Subadhran”, back side of the main entrance is taken care by “Sanganidhi and Padumanidhi”.

In this round we come across Sanctum for “Vishvaksenar, Hanuman and Vebeshanar” is seen. Near this place “Arjuna mandapam” is seen. To NW side of our round Nachiayar” sanctum is seen. We come across “Revathy mandapam”, “Kili Mandapam” {parrot}, “Chandana mandapam” {sandal}.



We take step to east side known “Yalzhisteps, and enter into the main sanctum round. There are 8 steps here known as “Ashtakshara” steps.


Entrance of 1st prakaram is known as “Thiru Anukan thiru vassal”.

This round is known as “Dharma varma chozan chuttru”. “Jaya Vijayan” is dwarabalakar here. The mandapam with 24 pillars known as “Gayatri mandapam or Ranga mandapam”, they say 24 pillars represent 24 letters of Gayatri mantra. There is lot of painted pictures depicting stories of Ramayana.


The main entrance leading inside is known as “Kulasekaran” steps. Here we have the darshan of Lord Sri Ranganadhar.



We thank Mrs.saraswathy and Mr. Sripathy for their wonderful arrangement and we feel happy for the great opportunity, to join them and enjoy. With all these strain and effort we put and enter into the temple, and buy a ticket of Rs 50, we are thrown out in no seconds from the sanctum. It is real painful thing by the time our vision gets adjusted we are forced to come out. This is only the grief of the public who come, there to have the darshan of Sri Ranganadhar. Many of us, came once again in the evening to have a darshan...

1. Ayodhya:
   
   
   This is one of 108 Divya Desam. Birth place of Lord Sri Rama.
   
   
   
   Ayodhya is situated on the bank of River Sarayu. This place is 7 kms from Faizabad. This is a popular pilgrimage centre. The ancient city of Ayodhya according to Ramayana was founded by Manu. This is one of the seven sacred cities
   
   
   
   According to Purana. Ayodha is famous for its close association of Ramayana. It’s a city full of sacred temples and historical significance. Atharvana Veda describes Ayodhya as “a city built by Gods and being prosperous as Paradise itself”. Various faiths have grown and prospered simultaneously in different periods. Jains consider that 5 tirthankars were born in Ayodhya and the first Tirthankar Rishabadev is one amoung them.
   
   
   
   
2. River Sarayu:
   
   
   
   The River was full of water and water flow was wild. We did enjoy the dip in the river. Some sort of arrangements is made for changing dress. There is lot of cows with panda’s standing there to do the godhan pooja for pilgrims.
   
   
   
   
3. Hanuman Gadi
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This is temple of Hanuman and it is most popular temple of Ayodhya. The temple is in center of the town. One has to climb about 70 steps to reach the main sanctum. The main temple there is statue of Anjana Devi with Bal Hanuman on lap. Legend says Hanuman stays here and guarded the Ramkot. The faithful belief is that all the wishes are granted with a visit to the temple.
   
   
   
   
4. Kanaka Bhavan:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This is the palace of Sri Rama. We climb few steps and enter into a big hall. Here we get to have darshan of Rama’s Paduka. This was the place from where Rama climbed into the chariot, to leave Ayodhya for vanavasam
   
   
   
   There is another mandapam in which we have the main sanctum. Here we see Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana. There are two sets of idols we see here, one is the main idol and the other was worshipped by Sri Krishna. This is the place where Rama and Janaki matha lived. Main deity is decorated so well we hardly feel like leaving the place.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Sri Ram Janma Bhoomi
   This is the main place of worship in Ayodhya. This is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot which stands on the elevated ground in the western part of the city. Lot of checking is there. We are not allowed to take anything inside. One has to walk a lot to reach the main place. They have kept the idol of Seetha Sri Rama and Lakshmana. It is so far we hardly get to see clearly and has to imagine and feel happy. We have the darshan of Hanuman to the side
   
   
   
6. Janma Bhoomi Karyalaya:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This is the place where the work is going on for the construction of Sri Rama mandir. There is a model of the temple is exhibited. Pillars with carvings, designed ceiling material, doors and all the designed stones to the sides of the walls are ready. They intend erecting the temple with these ready materials by year 2013.

Allahabad


This place is about 135 KMS from varanasi.
Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, blessed by gods, came to be known as 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad'. Foreseeing the sanctity of the place, Lord Brahma also called it as 'Tirth Raj' or 'King of all pilgrimage centres.' The Scriptures - Vedas and the great epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata, refer to this place as Prayag.

1. Thriveni sangamam
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The sacred Sangam, is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu mythology Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. At the Sangam, the waters of the Ganges and the Yamuna can be distinctly seen to merge into one. Once in 12 years Kumba mela takes place attracting people from all over the country.
   
   
   
   
2. Hanuman Mandir
   
   
   The temple is in kila ghat, near the Sangam.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This temple is unique in North India. Here the 20’ big idol of Lord Hanuman is seen in a reclining posture. When the Ganga is in spate, this temple gets submerged.
   
   
   
   
3. Sankar Viman Mandapam
   
   
   
   The mandapam is 130 feet high with three floors. Near the entrance gate we see the idols of Kumarila Bhattar and Jagatguru Shankaracharya, meeting and to the other side, discussion between Mandana misrar and Adi sankarar.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As you enter the temple we see Kamakshi Deviin sitting posture (with 51 Shaktipeethas around). On the outer wall of Kamakshi sanctum, we see Panchamukha gayathri, Moogmbikai, Durgai, Vindhyavasini , Ganga matha and saraswathy Tapas Kamakshi sculptures and paintings of life history of Adi sankarar.
   
   
   
   In the second floor Vishnu as balaji and veni Madhavar in front of him. We see 108 saligrahma in the sanctum. As we go around we can see the sculptures of Narashimar, Vamana etc. All around the wall beautiful paintings from Ramayana is seen.
   
   
   
   In the third floor Yoga sahastra Linga is seen made of one single stone. We can see 1008 small lingas in one big lingam which weighs 10 tones. There is a Rudrakshra mandapam for sahasra lingam in the sanctum. In this floor around the sanctum we see Dwadasa Lingam Pichadanar, Somaskandar, Dandayudhapani, Ardhanreeswarar, sankara Narayanar idols, and Siva leela paintings to the walls.
   
   
   
   The temple doors are made of sandal wood with beautiful carvings. As we come outside we have the darshan of Sowbaghya Ganapathy.
   
   
   
4. Akshyavat:
   
   
   The immortal tree within the Patalauri temple, has found mention in the description of several ancient scriptures, writers and historians. The tree stands in a deep niche above an underground shaft, which is said to lead to Triveni.We are not allowed inside, so we did not visit the place.

From Varanasi we went to Vindhyachal, sakthi peetam.

1. This place Vindhychal is about 60 kms from Varnasi and 8 kms from Mirzapur. Its on the rail road of Allahabad to Mogalsarai. There is a station by vindhyachal and also Mirzapur.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This is one of the sakthi peetam and goddess if known as Vindhyavasini. Sathi devi's left Leg thumb fell here and it is considered as one of the sakthi peetam.
   
   
   Goddess Durga after having killed demon Mahishasura etablished herself here. In later years she defeated Sumba and Nisumba.
   
   
   
2. Sitakund
   
   This is one of the popular attractions at Vindhyachal. It is said that when Sri Ram, Sita and Lakshman were returning home after their exile, Sita became very thirsty at this place. Since water was not easily available, Lakshman pierced an arrow and immediately a fountain of water came out.
   
   
   In memory of Ram, Sita and Lakshman and Goddess Durga a temple was constructed. One can quench their thirst here at the Sitakund. After climbing 48 steps to the Sita Kund the track leads to another low hillock, where the AshtabhujaTempleis situated.
   
   
   
3. Ashtabuja
   This is supposed to be the main sakthi peetam.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As purana says she is supposed to be Maha maya Kali whom Kamsa lifted up thinking that it was Devki's 8 th child.
   
   
   Near Ashtabhuja temple, there is another cave temple with a narrow path. The cave roof is so low and the passsage is too narrow, one has to bow down and enter into in single row, to have a glimpse of the Goddess Kali.
   We see bairavar to the side near by.
   
   
   Besides these temples there are many more temples at Vindhyachal. In Ramgaya there is one more Jagadamba ashtabuja devi temple, and Ramanadhar temple. This place is aboout 3 kilometer away from vindhyavasini temple There are also the Brahmakund and Agastyakund whose waters are very sacred and it is believed that bathing in these water can relieve one from their sins. Besides, there is also an Ashram of Anandamayee Ma.
   
   
   
4. Mirzapur temples
   
   
   Budhenath temple
   
   The temple is in Mirzapur town. This is Siva temple and the main deity is known as Bhudeswar. We see Bairvar near the entrance of the temple.
   
   
   
5. Thadakeswaranath temple
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple is near district court of Mirzapur town. Main deity is Thadakeswarar in Linga form.

Kasi being the oldest city of the world This is an importnt piligrimage center, it attracts large number of people from all over the world.

Varnasi is famous for Hinduism, spirtualism, mysticism and Indian Philosophy. These are reflected in temples ashrams, ghats and numerous sects.


Kasi town is full of narrow lanes, and without a guide it is not possible to visit the temples. The temples look like a house and the lanes are too confusing.

Kasi is very old town with lot of temples. Visiting all the temples is not possible in short stay. I am giving information about the temples which we visited.


Invaders destroyed the old Viswanadhar temple, and the present Viswanadhar temple was constructed by Queen Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore in the year 1776.


Once again Aurangzeb destroyed the temple to replace it with gayanvapi mosque. However, one can see the remnants of the temple in the intricate and fine artwork of the western wall of the Mosque.


Viswanadhar temple and the gyanvapi Mosque are adjacent to each other. The temple is in a narrow lane. Lot of security measures is taken and we cannot take anything inside the temple. Shopkeepers are taking care of your belongings.

1. Viswanadhar temple is one of the Jyothir Lingam.
   
   
   The temple is like a mandapam with four side’s door.
   
   
   Main deity Viswanadhar is to a side in this hall. Reason for this is as per Akashvani information they were asked to keep camphor in the main mandapam and it would light on its own and the main deity was supposed to be installed in that place. From outside the temple looks like a house and the gopuram (sikaram), can be viewed only from inside.
   
   
   The main gopuram was gold plated by Maharaja Ranjeet sing.
   First we come across, darshan of Dundi Vinayakar. There are about eight Vinayakar around the temple out of which he is important.
   
   
   Viswandhar Lingam is smooth black stone seated in a silver plinth. We have darshan of Avimuktheswar, Bhavani, subramanyar, and Mahakal {Bairavar}.
2. Visalakshi temple
   
   The temple is in different place. The goddess is seen in sitting posture.
   
   
   Annaporna Devi temple is of marble stones. Here Goddess Annapurna
   has a container and in another hand she has Agappai {spoon}.
   
   We see Srichakkra Meru yantram in front of Annapoorani Devi installed by Adi Sankarar.
   
   We see Bikshadanar in silver near her. To either sides of Annapoorani we see Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The center mandapam is in octogen shape.
   
   In front of Annapoorani we have the darshan of Sri Sathya Narayanar.
   
   
   Golden Annapoorani darshan is only for three days during Deevali festival. There are two main entrances known as Dharma Dwaram and Biksha Dwaram.
   

1. Vyasa Kasi (Ram Nagar)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple is to the other bank of the river. Here we visit Palace, Vyaseswarar temple, Vyasar, Sukar and Vyaseswarar in linga form. We have the darshan of Rameswarar on our way to Vyaseswarar temple. All these are inside the palace premises.
   
   
   We reach the temple by passing through subway {Cave} like thing. We see surya chakra as we get down from vysar and sukar temple
   
   
   
2. North Durgai Amman temple:
   
   
   The temple is a kilometer away from the palace. This area is known as Vyasa kasi. The temple dates back to 8th century. It is built in Nagara style and its one of the most important temple of the city.
   
   
   The “Sikara” of the temple consists of several small spires layered one above the other. "Sri Chakkra" is installed in the main sanctum. She is known as Shima Vahini, and also as Jagadatri.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   In front of main sanctum we see Lion sculpture facing goddess.
   
   
   We see small temple for Chinnamastha (one form of sakthi) in the temple compound. This is marble idol. Even here we had our darshan through grill and it was dark. We had darshan with torch light.
   
   
   On the day we went there there was RathYatra of goddess.