Thiru Vedikudi Temple: Lord Vedapureeswarar..
The place Thiru Vedikudi is about 7kms North to Tanjore on the banks of River Vettaru. This temple is one of the Devara sthalam. This temple is one of the Ezhoor temples visited by Lord Iyarappar of Thiruvaiaru, in the Tamil month of Chiittarai (April/ May).
The temple has Raja gopuram of three storey, and single prakaram.
Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is Veida teertham.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vedapureeswarar and his consort known as Mangayarkarasi Amman. Sun rays falls on 13,14 and 15 of tamil month Panguni (March/ April).
As we go round the prakaram deities seen in the temple are Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar, 108 Siva Lingam, Dakshina Moorthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Durgai, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Natarajar, Lakshmi Narayanar and Hanuman is seen at the feet of Him, Saptha Sthana Lingams.
Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Siva here hence the name Vedikudi for the place. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed. Vinayakar enjoys listening to chanting of Vedas; hence he is known as Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar / Veda Vinayakar. The temple Vimanama construction is of stones. Nandi is seen to four sides of Temple Vimanam, represting four Vedas. Ardhanareeswarar form here is unusual in this temple. Here Ambal is seen to the right side of Ardhanareeswarar who is seen as Koshta Deivam at the back of main sanctum.
Sthala purana says once Vedas were taken away from Brahma by the Asuras and it was hidden under the ocean. The Vedas were brought back by Lord Narayanar. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva to get rid of their Dosha of being with Asura. The Vedas were blessed by Lord Siva. On request of Vedas Lord Siva stayed back in this place as Vedapureeswarar.
Thiru Navukkarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva here. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.
Stone inscriptions of Rajakesri Varman and Koparakesari Varman period are seen in the temple they say the Lord is known as Thiru Vedikudi Mahadevar and Para kesari Chaturvedi mangala Mahadevar.
Thiruvakkarai Vakarakali Amman Temple.
The place is about 22 kms to south of Thindivanam on the banks of River Varaha.
This is one of the Devara Sthalam of Nadu Nadu.
Main entrance of the temple.
The Raja gopuram of the temple. There are three prakarams in the temple.
We see Dwajasthambam and Nandi which are not in straight line to Lord Siva of main sanctum.
Main Deity is in the form of Lingam known as Arulmigu Chandra Mouleeswarar is seen with three faces only here, in this temple and his consort known as Vadivambikai Amman. Face in the lingam which faces east is known as That purdam, the one facing north is known as Vamadevam and south facing face is known as Akora mukam to which there is teeth (Korai Parkal) seen out at the ends of mouth. This is visible only during the milk abishekam is performed to Lord Siva.
Vakra kali Amman sanctum is seen to a side near the main Raja Gopuram itself. Here in the temple Kali Matha is seen with eight hands with weapons. The garland is of skulls hanging from one shoulder in cross. Child skull is her earings.
Sthala purana says Samharam of Vakrasuran was done by Lord Vishnu. Dunmuki sister of Vakrasuran was pregnant. As per Dharma Sastra, Kali cannot kill a pregnant woman. Kali took the child from Durmuki womb and wore it as an ornament in her ear and then killed Dhunmuki. Kaali is known as Vakrakaali here and she was with furious temper, after killing Durmukhi. Acharyar Adi Sankarar installed Sri Chakkra on left leg of Kaali. She turned out to be Santha Swaroopam after this.
Opposite to Vakra Kaali temple we see Athma Lingam which is also known as Kanda Lingam which was worshipped Vakrasuran. It is said the Lingam is cool during summers and during rainy season water drops are seen on the top of Lingam.
Lord Murugan with twelve hands, is seen seated on Peacock along with Valli and Devani.
Kundalini Siddhar jeeva Samadhi is there within the temple premises.
There are many things contradictory to tradition. The temple tower, Dwajasthambam, Nandi and main deity Siva Lingam are not in straight line. They are from one another. The chakkra, which Varadarajar holding in his hand is different from usual one. Sani Bagavan Vahan crow is seen to left side of him instead of right side.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.Arunagitinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan.Here in the temple Stone inscriptions of First Aditya Cholan and Chembian Madevi is seen.
The place Atthili is about 2 kms from Araganda Nallore which is in-between Vizhupuram and Thirukoiloore (30 kms distance) on the bank of River Pennai.
The temple is small one with main sanctum. Pooja is performed according to Panchrathra Agamam.
Sthala Vruksham is Bodhi Vruksham.
Main Deity here is Lakshmi Narashimar. The main sanctum is constructed on a Garuda shaped Rock.
Sri Vyasarajar of Madhva Siddantha Mahan visited this place hearing the glory of the temple. Purana says in his next birth he wasHis Holiness Sri Ragavendra of Madhava Peetam. He stayed in this place and worshiped Lord Narashimar. Anjaneyar in separate sanctum was installed by His Holiness Sri Ragavendrar.
The Purana says in Narashimar avatharm, Lord Vishnu had to rescue his devotee Prahladha with out much delay. He had to be present in everything, to make the words of Prahlada come true.Lord Vishnu did not wait for Garuda his Vahan.
Garuda was unhappy and he went in search of Lord Vishnu. He could not find Lord Narashimar. Finally Garuda reached Atthili where he started his penance on a rock. His penance was so severe; heat generated due to this was felt in Kailash and Vaikundam also.Devas approached Lord Vishnu to protect them. Lord Vishnu appeared before Garuda and blessed him. Lord Vishnu granted boons to him. Garuda wanted Lord Vishnu to bless him in the form of Narashimar. He requested Lord Narashimar to stay back and protect mankind in the same way as he did for Prahladha.
This is the reason for the rock to be in the form of Garuda and Lord Narashimar is seen here with Lakshmi Devi on his lap.
Stone inscription it is believed, during the boom period of Vijayanagr Samrajyam, 300 Madva families of Vedic Pandits resided here.
Thiru Edaiyaru: Arulmigu Marundeesar Temple.
The place Edaiyaru is about 16 SE of Thiru Koiloore. The place is in-between River Malattaru and River Penna, hence the place is known as Edayaru.This place is one of Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalams
The place is known as Edayaru and the temple is known as Thiru Maruthanthurai.
The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers with single Prakaram facing west.
Teertham is Chitridai Teertham in the form of well. Sthala Vruksham is Marudham.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Marundeesar / Edaiyatru Nadhar with his consort known as Gyanaambikai Amman in standing posture is seen in separate sanctum.
Other deities seen in the temple are Bala Ganapathy, Murugan, Durgai, Dakshina Moorthy, Nalwar, Saptha Kanniyar, Chandekesar, Navagraham, Agasthiyar and Suka Muni.
Bala Ganapathysanctum is seen in-betweem Lord Siva and Goddess Gyanambikaisanctum. NormallyLord Subramanya is seen in this form which is known as Somaskanda moortham. This is something unique. Bala Ganapathy is seen with four hands. He is holding Sweet and Jack fruit in his two upper hands and in one of the lower hand he is holding Sugarcane and the other one is in the the form of Abhaya Hastham.
Suka Muni, Brahma, Agasthiyar, Sundarar and Marai Gyana Sambandhar worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Agasthiya Muni installed a Siva Lingam and worshiped and he was blessed by Lord in this place. We see the Lingam worshiped by Agasthiya muni is known as Agasthiya Lingam. There is a sculpture of Sage Agasthiya in the temple. Lord Murugan of this place is known as Kaliyuga Ramapillayar. This is the birth place of Thiru Marai Gyana Sambandhar.
Sukabrahma Rishi worshiped Lord Siva in this place and attained Mukthi. We find Sukar statue under the Marudha Vruksham. We see lot of Parrots in the temple here.
Sthala Purana says A muni in the form of Parrot overheard Siva Rahyasam, while Lord Siva was preaching it Goddess Parvathy. The muni was cursed by Lord Siva to take birth on earth with parrot face. Muniworshiped Lord Siva and asked for solution to get out of the curse. Lord Siva said he would be born to Veda Vyasa as his child and asked him to worship him at Thiru Marundhurai/ Edaiyaru under the Marudha Vruksham. The Muni had the face of Parrot and hr performed penance as told by Lord Siva under the Marudha Vruksham of Edaiyaru. He learnt about Brahamam and attained Mukthi. Hence he was known as Sukhabrahama Rishi.There are about 18 Stone inscriptions are seen in the temple.
Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.
The temple is about 16 kms from Arani.
The place is also known as Kanakagiri, Deviampathi, Devikizhipuram and Narayanavanam.
There is a temple on the top of hill for Lord Siva. One has to climb about 320 steps to reach the temple. Pooja is performed only once in the morning time so the temple is opened only during morning hours. We missed due to our visit to temple was in the evening hour.
Here Swayambu Siva Lingam is known as Ponmalai Nadhar. There is a sanctum for Lord Murugan. Teertham is Agni Teertham and Sthala Vruksham here is Magizha Maram.
In the town, there is a temple for Goddess, with seven tier Rajagopuram and three prakarams
As we enter in we see beautiful sculptures to either sides of walls near the main door.
We see huge mandapam leading us to another inner gopuram. To the front of it Dwajasthambam and Nandi is seen.
There is a huge pillar mandpam with beautiful sculpture to the pillar on it.
Main Deity is Periya nayaki Amman in this temple. She is one of the goddess of 64 Sakthi Peetam.
Teertham is Sivagangai and Sthala Vruksham is Banyan Tree.
There is a separate sanctum for Arumugan. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugzh on Lord Arumugan of this temple.
As we go around we see a separate sanctum for Kaameswarar with his consort Kokilambal.
Durgai seen as koshta deivam during our prakara valam
Sthala puranam of the temple: King Ugrasenan penanced here and he was blessed with female child, whom he named as Devaki. Hence the place was known as Devaki puri, which is now known as Devikapuram.
Once a person belonging to Irular sect was plucking root vegetables by digging the ground. This was his job. One day when he was digging under a banian tree on a mountain his axe fell on root and blood started oozing out. He was frightened and fell down unconscious state. That day Lord Siva reveled to him in his dream, about his presence as Linga roopam in that place. Irulan started worshiping Siva Lingam from that day.
Once Pallava King was passing through the place and came to know the details of this Siva Lingam here. He decided if he wins the war against his enemy he would construct a temple for Lord Siva in this place. Pallava King won the battle and he constructed the temple on the hill.
Stone inscriptions are seen in the temple.
Agastheeswarar temple: Agathiyan Palli, Nagapattinam.
The place Agathiyan palli is about 48 Kms from Nagpattinam and about 3 Kms from Vedaranyam. This is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers.
Main Deity is swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Agatheeswarar and his consort known as Mangi Nayaki / Bagam piriyaal. Lord Siva is facing east and Ambal is facing towards west.
Agasthya Muni sanctum is seen next to Ambal sannidhi.
Sthala Vruksham is Atthi and Teertham known as Agni Pushkarani.
As we go around we see sanctum of Vinyakar,and Dakshina Moorthy, and Navagraham.
Importance of the temple is Yama, Worshiped in this place and attained Mukthi. The Navagraha’s are in a line facing towards same direction
Sthala Purana says Agasthiyar was asked to go towards Southern side during the marriage of Lord Siva and Parvathy to balance the earth. Agyasthiyar was blessed by Lord Siva to visualize the marriage ceremony of Lord Siva any time he thinks so.
Agathiyan Palli is one of the places where, Muni made a Siva Lingam and worshiped Lord Siva, Hence the main deity is known by his name as Agastheeswarar.
Kulasekara Pandian celebrated utsavam for Lord Siva, and he was cured of his ill health.
Stone inscriptions of Chola, Pandya, and Thirupuvana Chakkravarthy Veera Pandya Devar period are seen.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.
The place Agathiyan palli is about 48 Kms from Nagpattinam and about 3 Kms from Vedaranyam. This is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers.
Main Deity is swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Agatheeswarar and his consort known as Mangi Nayaki / Bagam piriyaal. Lord Siva is facing east and Ambal is facing towards west.
Agasthya Muni sanctum is seen next to Ambal sannidhi.
Sthala Vruksham is Atthi and Teertham known as Agni Pushkarani.
As we go around we see sanctum of Vinyakar,and Dakshina Moorthy, and Navagraham.
Importance of the temple is Yama, Worshiped in this place and attained Mukthi. The Navagraha’s are in a line facing towards same direction
Sthala Purana says Agasthiyar was asked to go towards Southern side during the marriage of Lord Siva and Parvathy to balance the earth. Agyasthiyar was blessed by Lord Siva to visualize the marriage ceremony of Lord Siva any time he thinks so.
Agathiyan Palli is one of the places where, Muni made a Siva Lingam and worshiped Lord Siva, Hence the main deity is known by his name as Agastheeswarar.
Kulasekara Pandian celebrated utsavam for Lord Siva, and he was cured of his ill health.
Stone inscriptions of Chola, Pandya, and Thirupuvana Chakkravarthy Veera Pandya Devar period are seen.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.
Thiru Kondeecharam
The temple Thiru Kondeecharam is about three Kms East of Nannilam, on the River Bank of Mudikondan. This temple is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam.
The temple is facing east with single Prakaram.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Pasupathy Nadhar, and his consort known as Santha nayaki Amman. There is a deep mark on the top of Siva lingam.
Teertham, of the temple is known as Ksheera Pushkarani and Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam tree.
Sthala purana says once Umadevi was in the form of a cow. She was searching for Lord Siva, and grazing. Here in this place her horn hit on a Siva lingam and blood started oozing. As a cow, she was helpless and started pouring milk on the Siva lingam to stop the blood. The deep mark made by her horn is still there on the Siva Lingam says Archakar.
Here, we see the pillar sculpture of the cow worshiping Lord Siva related to sthala purana. Kamadenu worshiped Lord Siva in this place.
As we go around the temple prakaram, we see sanctums of Vinayakar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Sooryan, Chandran, Bairavar and Jurahareswarar.
Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Stone inscription of King Krishnadevarayar period is seen
[Kamadenu]
[stone inscriptions] [Krishnadevarayar][Umadevi]
The temple Thiru Kondeecharam is about three Kms East of Nannilam, on the River Bank of Mudikondan. This temple is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam.
The temple is facing east with single Prakaram.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Pasupathy Nadhar, and his consort known as Santha nayaki Amman. There is a deep mark on the top of Siva lingam.
Teertham, of the temple is known as Ksheera Pushkarani and Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam tree.
Sthala purana says once Umadevi was in the form of a cow. She was searching for Lord Siva, and grazing. Here in this place her horn hit on a Siva lingam and blood started oozing. As a cow, she was helpless and started pouring milk on the Siva lingam to stop the blood. The deep mark made by her horn is still there on the Siva Lingam says Archakar.
Here, we see the pillar sculpture of the cow worshiping Lord Siva related to sthala purana. Kamadenu worshiped Lord Siva in this place.
As we go around the temple prakaram, we see sanctums of Vinayakar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Sooryan, Chandran, Bairavar and Jurahareswarar.
Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Stone inscription of King Krishnadevarayar period is seen
[Kamadenu]
[stone inscriptions] [Krishnadevarayar][Umadevi]
Koil Thiru Maagalam:
The place Thiru Maagalam is about 4 kms south of Peralam, of Thiruvarore District.
The temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The main Raja gopuram is of five storeys with two prakarams facing east.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Maakalanadhar and his consort known as Achamtavirtha Nayaki.
Tertham is Maagla Teertham and Sthala Vruksham is Marudha maram.
We see sanctums of Achamtavirtha Vinayakar, Murugan, Kaali, Thyagesar, Naga kannigai, Nayanmars, Madhanga Muni, Subramanyar, Maha Lakshmi, Durgai and Chandekesar.
Kali worshiped Lord Siva in this place, hence the place is known as Maaglam. “Madhanga muni” worshiped Lord Siva in this place. He was blessed to have “Umadevi”as his daughter. “Somasi Nayanar” performed a yaga here in this place. Lord Siva was pleased and appeared in person to have the havirbagam and blessed him.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar have made a mention about the place in their hymns.
Stone inscriptions of 1st Kulothungan and Vikrama Cholan period are seen in the temple.
The place Thiru Maagalam is about 4 kms south of Peralam, of Thiruvarore District.
The temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The main Raja gopuram is of five storeys with two prakarams facing east.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Maakalanadhar and his consort known as Achamtavirtha Nayaki.
Tertham is Maagla Teertham and Sthala Vruksham is Marudha maram.
We see sanctums of Achamtavirtha Vinayakar, Murugan, Kaali, Thyagesar, Naga kannigai, Nayanmars, Madhanga Muni, Subramanyar, Maha Lakshmi, Durgai and Chandekesar.
Kali worshiped Lord Siva in this place, hence the place is known as Maaglam. “Madhanga muni” worshiped Lord Siva in this place. He was blessed to have “Umadevi”as his daughter. “Somasi Nayanar” performed a yaga here in this place. Lord Siva was pleased and appeared in person to have the havirbagam and blessed him.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar have made a mention about the place in their hymns.
Stone inscriptions of 1st Kulothungan and Vikrama Cholan period are seen in the temple.
Vadakadu / Koiloore
The place Vadakadu is about three kms to north of Mutthupettai. Now the place is known as Koiloor. This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.
Renovation work is going on in the temple. The main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five storeys with two prakaram. There is a mandapam outside the temple premises with beautiful sculptures
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Mantharapureeswarar which is white in colour and his known as Perriyanayaki Amman.
Teertham of the temple is Hanuman, Markandeya and Gowthama teertham and sthala Vruksham is Mango tree. Vinayakar is known as Suthavana Vinayakar and we see Jurahareswarar as we go around the prakaram.
Sthala purana says “Ramar, Hanuman, Sugreeva and Lakshmana” worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Sri Rama had Manthra Upadesam from Lord Siva of this place, hence the name “Manthrapureeswarar” for Lord Siva here. Sri Rama discussed about constructing bridge over sea, with Lord Siva here, hence the place is known as “Usathanam.”
Viswamithrar had darshan of Lord Siva’s dance here. Varunan was cured of leprosy and blessed by Lord Siva here in Vdakadu. Markandeya worshiped Lord Siva in this place after having a dip in the Yama Teertham which was dug by him. When Yama tried to catch Markandeya, impressions formed on his body. This was cleared when Markandeya worshiped Lord Siva here.
Adiseshan worshiped Lord Siva here. When Garuda was flying with Amudha Kalasam drop of nectar fell on Siva Lingam here, which turned out to white in colour says sthala purana.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Stone inscriptions belonging to the period of Vikrama Chola Devar, Sundara Pandiyan, 3rd Rajendra Cholan, 3rd Kulothunga cholan are there.
[Markendeya][Amudha Kalasam][Garuda][Manthra Upadesam][Nectar][Stone inscriptions]
The place Vadakadu is about three kms to north of Mutthupettai. Now the place is known as Koiloor. This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.
Renovation work is going on in the temple. The main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five storeys with two prakaram. There is a mandapam outside the temple premises with beautiful sculptures
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Mantharapureeswarar which is white in colour and his known as Perriyanayaki Amman.
Teertham of the temple is Hanuman, Markandeya and Gowthama teertham and sthala Vruksham is Mango tree. Vinayakar is known as Suthavana Vinayakar and we see Jurahareswarar as we go around the prakaram.
Sthala purana says “Ramar, Hanuman, Sugreeva and Lakshmana” worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Sri Rama had Manthra Upadesam from Lord Siva of this place, hence the name “Manthrapureeswarar” for Lord Siva here. Sri Rama discussed about constructing bridge over sea, with Lord Siva here, hence the place is known as “Usathanam.”
Viswamithrar had darshan of Lord Siva’s dance here. Varunan was cured of leprosy and blessed by Lord Siva here in Vdakadu. Markandeya worshiped Lord Siva in this place after having a dip in the Yama Teertham which was dug by him. When Yama tried to catch Markandeya, impressions formed on his body. This was cleared when Markandeya worshiped Lord Siva here.
Adiseshan worshiped Lord Siva here. When Garuda was flying with Amudha Kalasam drop of nectar fell on Siva Lingam here, which turned out to white in colour says sthala purana.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Stone inscriptions belonging to the period of Vikrama Chola Devar, Sundara Pandiyan, 3rd Rajendra Cholan, 3rd Kulothunga cholan are there.
[Markendeya][Amudha Kalasam][Garuda][Manthra Upadesam][Nectar][Stone inscriptions]
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