- Kadali: Kapotheeswara swamy.
The temple dates to 15-16th century. It is 95 kms from Kakinada and 71Kms from Rajamandry of east Godavari district.
Main deity: Swayambu Siva lingam known as Kapotheeswara Swamy.
Importance: something unique about the temple is we see the impressions of head, wings and tail of "Dove" on Siva lingam, to both side’s front and back, which is only one of its kinds. Subramanyar is in the form of Nagar here.
There is a pond in front of the temple which is known as Kapotha kundam where Ganges flows as Antharvahani. The place is considered as “Dakshina Kasi”, because even here there is a burial ground near the temple, like Kasi kshetram.
The other deities which we see while going around the temple are Ganesha, veera Badrar & Badra kali to one sanctum, Valli Devasena sameda Subramanaya Swamy, Kumara swamy, Sita Ramar Durgai, Navagraham, Kala bairavar and Soorya Narayanar in linga form in different sanctums. Janardhana Swamy if Kshetra palakar and he is in a small separate sanctum.
Importance: Sri jagadguru Adi sankaracharya visited the temple and he has installed "Sri chakra sahitha Sri Bala thripura sundari devi".
Purana says once a hunter was out for hunting and that day it was raining and the weather was chill and he was unable to proceed. He was hungry and he rested under a tree. On the branches of the tree there were two doves sitting.
They saw the hunter who took shelter under the tree. They thought he is their guest and wanted to do the needful. They picked bark pieces and made fire out of it and they dropped their nest and fell into it. They did so, to be meal for the hunter who is their guest.
Hunter was moved by their act and he lit fire and fell into it. Lord Siva was happy with the birds thinking , and he revealed himself, to the doves and gave them siva kaivalyam.
The dove requested for the life of hunter and Lord Siva to stay in the place and bless mankind. Siva did as per dove’s request. Here we see the imprint of doves head stomach and tail on Siva lingam to both sides. This is some thing unique.
There is a seperate temple for Sri Devi, BhooDevi, sahitha "Sathyanarayana Swamy". In front of him we see Suvarchala sahitha Anjaneya swamy in small sanctum.
[Dove][Dakshina Kasi][Antarvahini][Siva Kaivalyam][srichakkram][adi sankarar]
- Dandu marriamman Temple:
It’s a marriamman temple in the coimbatoore city. Small miniature parts of body are available here. People who have ailments worship goddess and offer particular parts to get rid of their ailment. They believe in this ritual. Annual celebrations of the temple falls in the month of April.
- Palani: Subramanya Swamy temple.
The place is about 57 kms from Dindukkal. Teertham is known as Vaiyapuri teertham.
Sthala vruksham is Nelli maram.{amla}
Main deity is Bala Dandayudhapani.
Importance: The idol is made of navabashanam by chittar called Bogar and installed by him. Bogar ashram is there in this place.
Story is once Siva had a mango and he said the mango will be given to one ie: Ganesha or Subramanya, who goes around the world first.
Murugan started with his vahana peacock started to take a round, while Ganesha went around Siva and Parvathi. Since they are the supreme power and creator it is equal to going around the universe. Siva was pleased with Ganesha’s reply and gave the mango to him.
When Muruga turned up he saw the mango in hands of Ganesha he got angry and he left the place and came to Palani and stayed back in this place at down hill
- Idumban koil:
This is near palani malai. The temple is on the top of hill and there 670 steps to reach the top. One has to visit this temple before visiting palani murugan.
Importance: The sculpture is huge in size and holding thulabaram made of bamboo to the shoulder. Idumban is a rakshas who fought with murugan and was defeated. He requested murugan that he should be remembered in history.
Another story is Idumban was asked to carry two mountains Siva giri and sakthi giri to either side on his shoulder. After sometime he was tired and he rested the mountains here. From that day onwards the habbit of taking Kavadi started says purana.
Kozumam or Sankrama nallore: Siva temple.
The place is about 18 kms from Udamalaipettai of coimbatore. Teertham is Amaravathi teertham.
Main Deity is Swayambu lingam known as Sozieeswarar or Thandeeswarar and his consort known as Bruhan nayaki amman.
Importance: This is one of the oldest temples of Kongu nadu. Nataraja of this place is unique and it is huge in size made of stone.
[mariamman][subramanya swamy][mariamman][subramanya swamy]>[Devara Sthalam]
We visited Palghat for Kumbabishekam of sreenivasa perumal temple at Noorani village on 22 of April 2007. We availed the opportunity to visit temples of coimbatore and near by places.
Our tour started from 23 april and it was 5 day trip. Summer was horrible, so we had to skip some places according to our plan. We were 5 in number and we hired a taxi to go around.
We covered almost 300 kms on an average daily.Our taxi fare was Rs per head without our stay and food. We spent only a day in hotel. Our thanks, to my friend’s sister for hospitality, shown to us. We did enjoy our stay at their place.
- Bannari: Siva temple.
The place is about 14 kms from Sathya mangalam, is Vengaivanam.
Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Bannareeswarar and Marriamman.
Sthala vruksham isVengai tree. Teertham is sakthi teertham.
Importance: Linga is near the padam of Amman.
- Venugopala swamy:
This temple is in Sathyamangalam and it is 800 years old.
We see Kalyana Vinakar, Sudarshnar, Yoga Narashimar, Ranganadhar, Kalyana Lakshmi, Iyappan, Lakshmi Narayanar, Veera Anjeyanar and Vinaya Anjeyanar in temple premises.
- Bhavaneeswarar temple: Siva temple.
Main deity: Bhavaneeswarar and Bhavani Sankari.
Importance: All deties in this temple including Navagraha are too big in size. 5’height Pancha muka Eramba Ganapathi in sukha asana on Simha vahanam. Arumugan on peacock, Sahasra linga with a big nandi in front of him.
We see sculpture of Lakshmi, Annapurani and Saraswathi with intricated work. Navagra’s are with there wife on their vahanas. Maintance of the temple is good.
- Punseipuliampatti: Sakthi peetam. Amman here is santha swaroopam.
- Pongaloore: Vishnu temple in Avinasi taluk.
Main deity: Sree devi Bhoodevi wdith Varadaraja perumal.It is 700 year old temple.
- Annoor: Vishnu temple.
The place is about19 kms from Avainasi.
Main deity: Kari varadaja perumal and Andal in different sanctum.
- Annoor: Siva temple.
The place is about 19 kms from Avinasi, and 30 kms from coimbatore
Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Mannieswarar and his consort Arunthavaselvi.
Importance: one of the Siva temple were sanctum is facing west. The temple is in low level. As we enter the temple we see Ganesha to left and Nataraja with Sivakami ammai.
Main deity swayumbu linga is big in size and the base known as avudai is attached to the linga portion. Linga has wings which the archaka show if we ask for the importance of the deity.
Purana says linga portion came down flying and rested at this place which was found when an hunter was trying to remove sweet potato from the ground, he saw blood and he found the linga which was installed by the king later.
There is mark on the top of the linga. Normally the wings are not seen because of the alankara. The siva linga was called as Manneesar.
After coming out of the temple on the top of the gopuram we can see the replica of the main deity manneesar which looks like a penguin in shape with wings to the sides.
Goddess Arunthavaselvi is seen in different sanctum. Other deities like Subramanya, Dakshina moorthy, Bairava, Soorya and Chandra are there.
- Avinasi:
This is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.
The place is 41kms from Coimbatoore.
Main deity isSwayambu linga knowdn as Avinasi Appar and his consort Perum nayaki amman. Teertham is Naga Kanni teertham. Sthala vruksham is Padari tree.
Vinasi means huge destruction. Avinasi means which protects from huge destruction. The old name of the temple is Thirupu kulioor.
Importance: There is a 70’height single stone deepa sthamba with sculptures of Vinayaka and Sundarar. We see a pond in front of the temple and a Padari tree.
Sthala purana says root of Kasi kshetra Linga is upto this place, and the Linga is formed on it. Brahma worshipped hence the name Brahmapureeswarar.
Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on subramanya of this place. We see a well inside the temple known as Kasi well.
The purana says ganges of kasi is in the form of well here. The Linga here was worshipped by Parvathi and she did her penance. Siva was pleased and he gave her place, to the right side of body. So the Goddess sanctum is to the right side of Siva sanctum.
The temple belongs to 10th century. Brahma worshipped and got rid of his sin. Others who worshipped Siva of this place are Iravath, Thadagai, Naga kannagai, and Rama who were blessed.
Sundarar and Navukkarasar sang hymns about Siva.
- Mondi pallyam: Vishnu temple.
Main deity is Venkateswarar Swamy on plantain flower.
- Kumaran kundram: Subramanya swamy known as Kalyana Subramanyar.
- Then Tirupathi:
The temple is a private one of recent time. They temple owned by Annor Govinda swamy Naidu. The temple construction is according to agama sastra. Well maintained and every day Kalyana utswam for Lord Venkateswara.
The place is surrounded with plants and trees which are useful for pooja. We reach the main sanctum after climbing few steps.
- Idugam palayam: Anjeyanar temple.
Main deity: Hanumantharayar and we have Ganesha sculpture in one single stone and in the same stone there is a Lingam, sarpam at either sides, Surya, Chandra Mushikam.
At the back of Ganesha we see Nandi to the same stone.
- Mettupalayam: Vana Durgai temple.
Durga temple were we have Nelliappar sannadhi and Kanthi amman sannadhi also.
- Kurutha malai: Subramanya swamy temple.
The place is about 18 kms from Mettupalayam.
Importance: It is a small hillock. Subramanya swamy seen here as a small child and known as Velayudha perumal. This is one of the hillock were Muruga played as a small boy.There are many such hillocks in Kongu nadu were Muruga has played.
[SivaDevarasthalam][subramana swamy][mariamman][vishnu temple][Divya Desam]
- Thiruvalidhayam
This is one of 275 important Siva temples.
The place is about 15 kms from channai. Channai to Ambatoore via paadi and this is the stop to reach the temple.
Main deity: Arul migu Thiru valinadhar and Jagandhambal also known as Thayammai in different sanctum.Teertham is Baradwaja teertham. Sthala vruksham is Padiri.
Importance: The architecture of the main temple is known as Gajaprushta because the shape of the sanctum is like the back of elephant, and it is also known as toonganai madam.
Other deities like Durgai, Vishnu, Dakshinamoorthy, Ganapthy and Subramanya are there. In front of Goddess there is a kodimaram and Simha vahanam.
Sthala purana says Ganapathy got married to kamalai and vimalai daughter of Brahma in this place. Brahaspathi, Vishnu, Hanuman, Sugreeva, Rama, Agystiar, Vayu, Indra, Agni, Surya and Chandra worshipped Siva of this place.
Baradwaja muni worshipped siva in the form of black bird known as valian hence the name Validhayam.
Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva here.
- Thiru Vadamullaivayil
This is one of 275 important Siva temples.
The place is about 20 kms to NW of Channai. Busses and train facility are available from chennai to Ambattoor. The temple is 2kms inside from Ambattoor station.
Teertham is Subramanya teertham and palar river. Sthala vruksham is Mullai.
Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Masilamaneeswarar and Arul migu Kodiedainayaki in different sanctum.
Importance: Siva linga here, known as Teenda thirumeni nadhar, so no abishekam to deity. Once in a year sandal powder kappu is performed. Vimanam is gajaprushta vimanam.
Purana says asuras Vanan, Kandan and Onaan were living in a palace near malathi vanam, and the doors of the palace had brass bell, coral palquin and Vellerukku pillars. The asuras were worshipping Bairava.
Once the king went for hunting and he came near the palace of asuras. It was night and the asuras were closing the palace gates and the bell made a noise and the king who heard it, assumed he was close to some temple and started moving towards the dirrection with his men.
Looking at king with his men, asuras thought they were comming to fight with them, and Asuras attacked the king and he was defeated. Since this was unexpected king escaped into the garden full of mullai plant. The place was so thick with the plant, the king had to cut the plant and make way for him to enter in.
Suddenly he saw blood stains on is knife and was worried for his act, and wanted to punish himself by cutting his head and to his surprise he saw Siva and Parvathi on rishba vahana and they blessed him. Siva asked nandi to help king in his fight against asuras.
So nandi in the temple is facing towards the gate to protect. King in turn constructed a temple for Siva here with the same woodden doors and bells with vellerukku pillars. King made a corol palquin for God. We can see the pillars even today in the temple supporting the roof.
Sundarar sang hymns on Siva here.
[Siva Devarasthalam]
Temples of Kanchi Town:
The place is 75kms from chennai, bus and train services available.
- Kanchi Kamakshi temple:
This is known as Adi sakthi peetam and one of pancha boodha kshetram.Sthala vruksham is Sanbagam.
Importance: The temple is known as Kamakottam. Brahma Vishnu and Rudra were creations of her eyes, hence the name Kamakshi. Here kamakshi is in sitting posture with four hands and penancing. Adi Sankara has kept Srichakra in front of kamakshi to cool her.
Inside the main sanctum we see Klla perumal, Soundra lakshmi and Arupa lakshmi. The kumkum prasadam should be first put in front of Arupa lakshmi and then we should take it from there. After worshipping Kamakshi when we come out in front we see Annapoorani.
Kalla perumal inside the kamakshi sanctum is one of 108 important vishnu sthalam. When we go around the temple in front of the pond we see vishnu in different temple in three posture sitting, standing and sleeping.
- Ekambaranadhar Temple:
one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam.
Here Siva is in the form of linga known as Ekambaranadhar and his consort Elavarkuzhali ammai. Teertham is Siva ganga teertham and Kamba river.
Sthala vruksham is 3600yrs old mango tree with 4 branches, related to vedas. Unfortunately the tree is no more in now.
Importance: this is one of the Pancha boodha kshetram. The linga is made of sand. The main Raja gopuram was constructed by krishna devarayar
There other deities like vikata chakra vinayakar, Arumugar, 1008 and108 lingas, Vellai kambar, kallakambar, nallakambar, 63 nayanmars, Markendeyar, Bikshadanar, Nataraja, Nilathunda perumal, pralayankattha ammai and Navagraha.
As per Purana, once parvathi closed the eyes of Siva for fun and the whole universe went dark and Siva was angry with her for doing so. She was punished for her act. She chose the place near Kamba river and made a lingam of mud, placed it under Ekamba tree and started her worship. One day due to flood the whole town was of water and she embraced Siva linga to protect him from dissolving in flood water and started doing her worship. Siva was pleased with her devotion and he agrees to marry her.
We can see both Siva and parvathi together at the back of linga in main sanctum.
Vellakambar worshipped by Brahma, kallakambar by Vishnu and Nallakambar by Rudra.
Sambandhar, Navakkuarasar and Sundrar sang hymns on siva here. Arunagirindhar sang Thirupugazh on Subramanya.
On Ratha sapthimi day sunrays falls on Siva here. Ganapathy near gopura vasal is on peacock which is different here.
- Nilathunda perumal:
One of 108 important Vishnu sthalam.
Main deity is Neelathunda perumal standing posture with sapthagnaga.
The deity is to north east side of Ekambereswarar within the temple premises
Importance: At the time of churnning of occan to get nectar, the God of occan Vishnu’s body became warm and to cool himself he does penance here and the moon rays from Siva’s head falls on vishnu.
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.
- Malayappa naloore. Ganapathy or vinakaya under banayan tree.
It’s a very old banayan tree and its roots falling to ground, had multiplied into numerous trees.
The trees have grown so close it looks like cave. Ganesha which was kept long back is now seen under the shelter of tree, as a room protecting him from rain and sun.
The main tree is in ruins and supported by its roots the stands majestically.
- Sivapuram: Siva Devara sthalam
one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The place is about 7kms from Kumbakonam.
Main Deity is Swayambu linga known as Sivapuranadhar and singaravalli.Sthala vruksham is Sanbakam. Teertham is Chandra pushkarani and Surya teertham.
Importance: Vishnu worshiped Siva in the form of Varaha. Guru and; Rahu are together in this place which is a rare combination. symbal of Bairava is dog. Here the left ear of dog which is near Bairava is lifting up as if your prayers are heard by him and forwarded.
Sambandhar, and Navukkuarasar sang about Lord Siva. here
- Azagaputhoor: Siva temple
one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalams. the place is about 10kms from Kumbakonam,and 3kms from Nachiayar koil.
Main Deity:Swayambu linga known as padikasualitha paraman and Amman Azagammi
Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham is known as Arasalaaru.
Importance: Pugazahthunai nayanar worshipped and attained eternity. Lord Muruga in the form of Vishnu.
- Theperumanallore:
Siva temple. The place is about 8kms from Kumbakonam.
Main Deity: Viswanadhar. Annadhana Dakshinamoorty is important here.
- Thripuvanam:
Siva temple one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.
Main Deity is Swayambu lingam known as Kambakareswarar or Saranadhar and Aramvalartha nayaki. Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham known as Saraba teertham.
Importance: Lord Vishnu took the form of Narashima to kill Hiranyakasyap and he became too ferocious and un controlable. Indra and others were worried. They requested Siva to help in cooling down Narashima.
Siva took the form of Saraparavai and he started pokeing Narashima and drank the blood, doing so he was cooled and became normal. Lord Sarabeswara has a separate sanctum for him in the temple. Worries of Devas was taken care by Lord Siva hence the name Kambakareswarar.
Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh.
[Siva Devarasthalam][Vishnu temples][Subramanya swamy][Divya Desam}
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