1) Sri Thuoovai Nadhar Temple.
This temple is in Keezai Veedi of Thiruvaroore Thayagesar Temple opposite to chariot shed. This is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams. The historical name of the temple is Paravayul maandali. The temple was under the sea as a sand temple.
Sthala Vruksham is Jack Tree, and Teertham known as Akasha Teertham. The location of the tank to south east corner is something special according to Vastu rules.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Thooai Nadhar and his consort known as Panjinmeladi Ammai. Urchavar of the temple is known as Sathyavakeeswarar. There is an eye symbol on Siva Lingam which is visible at the time of Abishekam.
Vinayakar in the temple graces here, as Siddhi Vinayakar. It is said that all idols in the temple were made by Viswakarma the Devine sculptor.
Sthala Purana says when the tides of sea burst and threatened destruction of the world, Devas and Sages worshiped Lord Siva for protection. Lord Siva told them if a tank is dug to the Agni Corner of southeast. Then Prayers to be performed so that tides would subside and lives would be saved. Durvasa maharishi did everything according to the instructions. Pleased with devotee’s prayers Lord Siva absorbed the fury of the sea and lives were saved. Lord Siva is also known as Durvas Nayanar.
Saint Sundarar regains his vision in this temple. One who has problem regarding eyes, if the tank dip in the tank and worship Lord Siva with (red) Sevarali Garland there problem regarding eyes will be solved says Sthala Purana.
Saint Sundarar made a promise to his second wife Sangili Nachiyar that he would never part with her at any instance. Once he wanted to see his first wife Paravai Nachiyar, and he left for Thiruvaroore. By violating the promise to his second wife Sangili Nachiyar he lost his vision. Sundarar started visiting temples and worshiped Lord Siva to restore his eyes. He praised Lord Siva with Hymns in the temples which he visited. When he reached Ekambareswarar temple of Kancheepuram he was blessed by Lord Ekambareswarar with his left eye sight with the recommendation of his consort Goddess Kamakshi.
When Sundarar reached Thiruvaroore and offered his prayers to bless him, his vision. Lord asked him to take a dip in the tank and then worship Lord Siva in the temple. Sundarar did as he was instructed by Lord, who graced Sundarar his right eye sight here in this place. The eyes seen on Siva Lingam is considered as an evidence of Sundarar getting back his vision
Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this Temple.
2) Thiru Oogai Perayur: Jagadeeswarar Temple.
The place is about 3kms from Kamala Puram, which is about 20 kms from Thiruvaroore to Manarkudi route via Lakshmankudi. This temple is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams.
Main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers and single prakaram facing east.
Teertham is Agni teertham seen in front of the temple. Sthala vruksham is Naarthai (citric Tree).
Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Jagadeeswarar and his consort known as Jagan Nayaki / Penamirtha Nayaki.
As we go around the prakaram, deities seen in the temple are Karpaga Vinayakar, Murugan, Dakshina Moorthy, Lingothbavar, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Ayyanaar, Bairavar, Natarjar, Soorya and Chandran.
Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Lady poet Muruvalar, who belongs to this place has sung Hymns which is added to Kurunthogai and Purananooru.
Thiru Needoore: Arulmigu Somanadhar temple.
The place is about 5kms to north of Mailaduthurai. The place is also known as Vakularanya Kshetram.
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This temple is one of the, Devara Sthalam temple of Nadu Nadu.
The temple Raja Gopuram and we see two prakarams in the temple. Vimanam over the main sanctum is of two layers.
Nandi is seen in a mandapam.
Sthala Vruksham is Magizha Maram (Tree) and there are nine teertham for the temple.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Somanadhar and his consort known as Veyuru tholi Ammai / Veda Nayaki Amman. Urchavar, in the temple here is known as Soma Skandar.
As we go around the prakaram we see Kailasa Nadhar, Siva Lokanadhar, Kasi Viswanadhar, Murugan, Vinayakar, Saptha Kanniyar, Natarajar and Aanandha Thandava Moorthy.Vinayakar here is known as Siddhi Vinayakar.
Vinayakar is seen in three forms as big, old and wise which are represented as Chintamani Vinayakar, Selva Maha Vinayakar and Sivaandha Vinayakar. Before starting any new work people come here worship Vinayakar and with his guidance they start the work.
Sthala Purana says once when Indran came down to Bhoolokam he was not able to find a Siva Lingam to do his daily morning worship of Lord Siva. He collected sand from the Cauveri River bed and made a Siva Lingam and performed his pooja. He sang a song to have darshan of Lord Siva dancing. Lord Siva was pleased with his song and gave darshan for him as he wished. So Lord Siva here is also known as Gana Nardhana Sankaran. When he left the place, he left the Siva Lingam here. We can see the finger prints on the Siva Lingam.
King Danmadha Sudhan due to his Karma in previous birth was born as a crab in his next birth. The King approached Sage Naradha who guided him to worship Lord Siva in this place to get rid of his karma and gain Moksha. The king took bath in River Cauvery and worshiped Lord Siva as he was guided by Naradha Muni. Lord Siva appeared and blessed the king. Lord Siva made hole in the Lingam and the Crab (King) entered inside this hole and attained Moksha. The hole is there in the Siva Lingam.
Lord Sooryan worshiped Goddess here hence she is known as Adithya Abhya varadha Ambikai. Sani Bagwan is seen in the mandapam in front of Goddess. One who worships Goddess here in this place gets rid from the power of Sani Dosha.
Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.
Thiruvamathoor: Sri Abirameswarar Temple.
This is one of the Devara sthalam of Nadu Nadu. The place Amathoore is also known as Vanni Vanam which is about 6kms from Vizhupuram.
The temple tower is of five tiers. There are two prakarams in the temple.
As we enter into the temple we see Dwajasthambam and Bali peetam.
Here we see a big Nandi known as Maha Nandi.
Hear we see padala Nandi also.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Abirameswarar is facing east and his consort known as Muthambikai facing west, in separate temple.
Sthala Vruksham is Kondrai and Vanni Vruksham seen inbetween the sanctum of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy.
Teertham is a well, known as Thanda Teertham, and pushkarani known as Aambalam.
Sthala Purana says long back cows were without horns. They were attacked by wild animals so the cows worshiped Lord Siva in this place. Lord was pleased and blessed them with horns. Hence the place was known as AAmathoore and Lord Siva in this place known as Abirameswarar.
Other deities seen in the temple are Maal Thuyar Teertha Vinayakar, Subramanyar, Dakshina Murthy, Lingothbavar, Natarajar, Brahma, Durgai, Pichaadanar, Sahasra Lingam, Kasi Viswanadhar, Chatta Nadhar, Arunachaleswarar, and Saptha madhar, Chandeeswarar, Navagraham, Bairavar, Nalwar and 63 Nayanmars.
Sri Rama worshiped Lord Siva in this place with Thanda Teetham to get rid of Brahmahathi dosha by killing Ravana. Lord Murugan worshiped Lord Siva and Parvathy here before he left for war against Soorapaduman. Parvathy bestowed Lord Murugan with her Sakthi Vel here in this place.
Brungi Muni worshiped Lord Siva and neglected Goddess Parvathy. Parvathy did not like his attitude, so he was cursed by Parvathy to become Vanni Vruksham. Later he worshiped both Lord Siva and Parvathy and was blessed by them.
To south west corner of temple premises we Sathya mandapam known as Vatta palagai.
Stone inscriptions of first Rajaraja Cholan, Rajendra Cholan, Veera Rajendran and first Kulothunga Cholan are seen.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Thiru Navukkarasar and Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Abirameswarar of this temple. Arunagirinadhar has sung Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple. Thiruvarutpa by Vadalore Ramalinga Swamigal and Thiruvamathur Kalpagam by Irattai Pulavar are rendered to Lord Siva of this temple.
Omampuliur: Pranavapureeswarar Temple.
The temple is about 6kms to south from Kaanattam puliur.
This One of the Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalam.
The temple was under renovation we went. Ygnasalai seen in temple
for the kumbabishekam
The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers facing east.
Gopuram View of main sanctum
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Pranava Vyaghya
Pureeswarar, and his consort known as Poongkodi Nayaki Amman.
Teertham is river Kollidam
Sthala vruksham is Ilandhi tree
Vyagyapadhar worshiped Lord Siva here. Hence the name Vyagyapureeswarar
for Lord Siva here in this temple.
Importance: of the temple: Guru is given importance in this
temple. Guru Dakshina Moorthy preached about Pranava Mantra to Goddess Uma
Devi. Guru is Swayambu Moorthy in this temple. The sanctum of Guru Dakshina
Murthy is in-between Ambaal sanctum and Lord Siva, in Maha Mandapam. This place
is considered as one of the Guru Sthalams. We do not find Navagrahas in the
temple. We find Guru and Natarajar have exchanged their place in this temple unlike
other temples.
Sthala Purana says Vygyapadhar worshipped Lord Siva here,
before he left for Chidambaram to grace him Dance Darshan of Thillai Natarajar.
Once Goddess requested Lord Siva to explain her meaning of Pranava Mantra OM.
When Lord Siva was explaining to her she lost her concentration in listening to
Him. Lord Siva punished Uma Devi to be born on earth. Goddess Uma Devi stayed
in this place Omaampuliur and worshiped Lord Siva here. Lord Siva as
Dakshina Moorthy gave upadesam of Pranava Mantra to Godddess Uma Devi here.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.
Chidambaram
Temple: Cuddlore District.
The place Chidambaram / Thillai is about 44 kms from
Cuddlore. This is One of the Nadu Nadu Devara sthalam, and one of the Pancha
Boodha Sthalam which denotes Space/ Akashya.
Raja Gopuram is of seven tiers. There are four prakaram in
the temple.
Sthala Vruksham is Thillai Maram. Once the place was dense
with Thillai tree and hence the name was Thillai. Now we do not find these
trees here. There is a Thillai tree, made of stone seen in west prakaram of Thiru
moolattanaar sanctum
Teertaham is Siva Gangai, Anantha teertham, Brahma teertham,
Vyaghyapadhar teertham, and Thiru parkadal.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Thiru Moolattaneswarar
and his consort known as Sivakami Amman in Seperate temple with two prakaram
near the tank.
To inner prakaram we see sanctums of Polla Pillyar, Murugan,
Kala Biravar, Spatika Lingam, Maragadha Lingam, Sundaresar, Durgai, Govinda
rajar, Navagraham,
Greatness of the temple: Natarajar in Thillai is more
important. Thandavam here known as Ananda Thandavam. Next to him a there is a small
sanctum which is covered by screen. During Aarathi time they remove the screen
where we see only a Thiruvasi to which a garland of golden Vilva is hung. This
denotes God is in the form of space (Akasha) which has neither the end nor the
beginning. This is what known as “Chidambara Rahasyam”
King Chola and Nambiandaar Nambi worshipped Pollaa pillayar
of Thiru Narayoor. They were blessed by Pillayar and came to know the place as
Thillai, where Hymns sung and signed by Sundarar, Thiru Navukkuarasar and Thiru
Gyana Sambandhar were collected and kept. When they searched in that place they found
Hymns were fully covered by Puttru (mud). Many of them were damaged and rest
they preserved carefully.
Govinda Raja perumaal sannidhi is near Natarajar Sannidhi.
There is a separate dwajasthambam for perumal temple. Govinda raja perumal is
one 108 Divya Desa perumal. In front of
the perumal if we stand on the platform we can darshan of Perumal, Natarajar
and Lord Brahma.
Periya puranam of Sekzhiar was inaugurated in thousand
pillar mandapam of this temple
Nanadnar a staunch devotee of Lord Siva wanted to visit the
temple. Nandanar was a dalit farm worker. His master (upper class) denied grant
him leave, since he was not entitled the previlage of worship. Nandanar did not leave his hope. Finally one
day when he came to Chidambaram he was not allowed to enter inside the Temple. He tried to get the glimpse of Lord Siva from
the entrance. Since Nandi was in front of Lord Siva, he was not able to view
Him. Lord Siva was happy with his devotion and Nandi was asked to move to a
side, for Nandanar to have darshan. Nandanar attained salvation here and he
merged with Lord Siva.
There are Five Sabhas in the temple namely Chittrambalam,
Ponnambalam, Perambalam, Nirudha Sabha and Rajtha Sabha.
Sages Patanjali and Vyagyapadar were blessed to view the
dance of Lord Siva in Kailas. They were happy
and they wanted people on earth also to be blessed like this. They penanced for
this purpose to Adhimoolar. Lord was happy with their selfless penance and responded.
Lord Siva along with 3000 sages came to this place and performed Dance Darshan
in the month of Thai (Jan-Feb) at 12 AM. on Poosa Nakshtra. These 3000 sages
then came to known as Thillai Moovayiravar.
It is said there is a similarity in the design of Natarajar
sanctum and human body.
Nataraja shrine has 21,600 golden tiles engraved with
NAMASHIVA Mantram which is equal to number of times one breathes each day.
There are 72,000 nails used which represent the nerves of human body. The 9
entrances represent the 9 conveniences in the body which activate our
movements. The five steps denote NA Ma SHI VA YA Mantra. There are 64 wodden
supports which represent 64 arts. There are 96 windows which refer to 96
philosophies. The 16 pillars denote Pancha Boodham, 6 Sastras and 4 Vedas.
Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Sundrar and Thiru Navukarasar sang
Hymns on Lord Siva. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugan.
Sangameswarar Temple / Thiru Nanaa :
The temple is situated at confluence spot of River Bhavani and River Cauvery. This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam. The place is about 60kms from Salem.
Here River Cauveri, River Bhavani and River Amudha join together. River Amudha flow as Antharvahini, just like Sarasvathy at Triveni Sangamam of Allahabad. The place is also known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam.
This place is known as Padhuma Giri which is surrounded by Naga Giri, Veda giri, Sanga Giri and Mangala Giri.
It is good to have bath at Sangama Kshetram. They have provided rooms for changing wet cloths. Near the sangamam ghat there is a Aswattha tree under which Nagar is installed. This place is considered good for any type of pariharam. Rituals for ancestors are performed here. On the day we went here lot of devotees were performing rituals and pariharam.
There is a big Aswattha tree and a Siva Lingam known Koteeswarar is installed under it.
We see a small sanctum for Amirtha Lingeswrar.
Amirtha Lingeswarar is placed on an Avudai, which is mobile and it is removed and given in the hands of couple, who come here to perform pooja for sake of child. The couple should have bath in sangamam,and they carry Amritha linga in hand and go around the sanctum three times and place it back on Avudai.
Illandhai Tree is Sthala Vruksham of this temple.
The sweet fruit of illandhi from tree is offered to Lord Siva after pooja everyay. The fruit is given as prasadam for the couple who come and worship forsake of child. This fruit is consumed by ladies for fertility.
As we go further there is a separate sanctum for Sahasra Lingeswarar. Sthala purana says Ravana worshiped sahsralingeswarar here.
We see a small Gopuram leading inside the temple premises from west side.
Main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers facing North.
Here in this Kshetram we see Lord Siva, as well Perumal within the same premises.
As we enter from the main Raja Gopuram there is a sanctum for Perumal is seen to right. Main deity here is sri Adi Kesava Perumal in standing posture. There is another sanctum for Sri Venugopalan to the right side of sri Adi Kesava Perumal.
Next to Adi Kesava perumal we see seperate sanctum for Sri yoga Narashimar with Lakshmi as santha swaroopam.
Next to sri Yoga Narashimr we find Soundara Valli Thayar sannidhi.
There is small sanctum for Siddhi vinaykar.
Here the sanctum of Lord Siva, Ambal, and Subramanya is in the form of somaskandam. This is side entrance of sri sngameswarar temple.
Main sanctum of Sri Sangameswararis facing east side.
We find Dwajasthambam in front of the main dwaram of Sri Sangameswarar sanctum We find Vinayakar and Subramanian in small sannidhi, to either side of the main entrance.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Sri Sangameswarar / Alagesan.
Thiru Gyanasambandhar Sang Hymns on Lord Sri Sangameswarar.
As we go round we see Dakshina Moorthy. This is the picture of sri sangameswara sanctum gopuram.
Subramanya Swamy is seen in separate sanctum. This sanctum is seen in between Lord Siva and Ambal Sanctums. Arunagirindhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Subramnya of this temple.
There is a mandapam, in which where we see Stone pillar to the centre with Ganesha to a side and Cow with calf to other side which looks very attractive.
Next we come to Veda Nayaki Amman sannidhi.
Here in the main sanctum, we see Vedanayki Amman in standing posture.
There is a mandapam where, we see beautiful carvings to the pillars.
We see beautiful Carvings, to the inner ceiling hall in front of Ambal sannidhi.
Importance is during the month of February sun light falls for three days on Sri Sangameswarar, Vedanayki and Subramanian.
We see sanctum for Navagrahas.
We see separate Sanctum of Bairavar here.
There is a Separate sanctum for Saneeswarar here in this kshetram.
Sthala purana says once Kuberan was visiting places. When he was crossing this place, he saw lot of Rishi, and Muni penancing here. All animals were friendly with each other. He felt good vibration of this place and started penancing here. Lord Siva and Perumal were pleased with Kubera, and as a result swayambu Lingam came under the Sthala Vruksham.
Kubera heard a voice which said he can ask for a boon. Kubera wished the place to be known as Alagesan and the sthala should be a blessing place and fulfil the wishes of devotees. Vishnu also stayed in this place as Adi Kesava Perumal.
Thiru Naganadhar temple: Thiru Nagoore, Nagapattinam.
The place Nagoore is about 5 kms from Nagapattinam. The Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five tiers and a prakaram. The temple is dates back to some 2000 years.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Naganadhar and his consort, known as Nagavalli Amman.
The place is known as Punnaga Vanam. Sthala vruksham is Punnai. Teertham here, known as Chandra Teertham.
In Tamil month of Vaigasi (May/ June) full moon day Sri Naganadhar emerged under the Punga Vruksham in presence of Lord Vishnu.
Brahma Indran, Chandran, Saptha Rishi, Durvasa Muni, Samudra Rajan, and a Brahmin named Rudhirasanman worshiped Sri Naganadha Swamy of this place..
To the inner prakaram, there is a separate sanctum with mandapam for Sri Raghu Bagawan. Inside the sanctum we see Sri Naga Valli, Sri Nagakanni Ambal samedha Sri Kanni Raghu Bhagwan.
Sthala purana says he was been worshiped by these persons in all four yugam. In Tamil month of Ani (June / July) full-moon day for ten days, as Brahmotsawam, Chandran worships Lord Siva and he was blessed.
In Tamil month of Masi (Feb/March) full-moon day for ten days as Brahmotsavam, Indra worshiped Lord Siva and was blessed by Sri Naganadhar.
A Brahmin known as Sambudattan with, his wife and son was living in forest. He was living in forest to penance. One day the small boy while playing in the forest happen to see the mating of Takkan (king of Serpents)with his wife. Takkan realized the boy has witnessed this action; due to his karma Takkan chased the boy. He was bitten and lost his life. In the mean time Brahmin’s wife was worried about the where about of his son. She asked her husband to go in search for the child.
When Sambudattan went in search of his son he found him dead. Brahmin with his superficial power came to know the cause of death. He cursed Takkan to abandon from Naga Lokha, and he will be alone in the forest on earth. Takkan will loose his intelegence and power. Takkan was worried and he prayed to Brahmin, for solution to get out of the curse. Brahmin said after a period 1000 years, when Takkan meets his father Kasyap, he will be out of his curse.Takkan (Naga Raja) worshiped Lord Siva here in Tamil month of Masi (Feb/ March)on Sivarathri day.
On Sivarathri day Lord Siva is worshiped four times. Thakkan performed first time pooja in Sri Nagandha swamy temple of Vilvaranya kshetram at kumbakonam, Second Kala pooja at Thiru Nageswarm temple Sri Nagandhar of Champakranya Kshetram, third kala pooja at Thirupampurm temple Sri Nagandhar of Vanni Vanam, and finally fourth kala Pooja at Sri Nganadha Swamy of Punnaga Vanam. He got rid of his curse and attained Mukthy at the feet of Sri Naganadha swamy of Punnaga Vanam, Thiru Nagoore.
Sthala purana says one who has Raghu Dosha, they can worship Kanni Raghu of this temple. By worshiping Naganaddhar here one is blessed with Gyanam. This is a prihara sthalam for Raghu.
The place Nagoore is about 5 kms from Nagapattinam. The Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five tiers and a prakaram. The temple is dates back to some 2000 years.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Naganadhar and his consort, known as Nagavalli Amman.
The place is known as Punnaga Vanam. Sthala vruksham is Punnai. Teertham here, known as Chandra Teertham.
In Tamil month of Vaigasi (May/ June) full moon day Sri Naganadhar emerged under the Punga Vruksham in presence of Lord Vishnu.
Brahma Indran, Chandran, Saptha Rishi, Durvasa Muni, Samudra Rajan, and a Brahmin named Rudhirasanman worshiped Sri Naganadha Swamy of this place..
To the inner prakaram, there is a separate sanctum with mandapam for Sri Raghu Bagawan. Inside the sanctum we see Sri Naga Valli, Sri Nagakanni Ambal samedha Sri Kanni Raghu Bhagwan.
Sthala purana says he was been worshiped by these persons in all four yugam. In Tamil month of Ani (June / July) full-moon day for ten days, as Brahmotsawam, Chandran worships Lord Siva and he was blessed.
In Tamil month of Masi (Feb/March) full-moon day for ten days as Brahmotsavam, Indra worshiped Lord Siva and was blessed by Sri Naganadhar.
A Brahmin known as Sambudattan with, his wife and son was living in forest. He was living in forest to penance. One day the small boy while playing in the forest happen to see the mating of Takkan (king of Serpents)with his wife. Takkan realized the boy has witnessed this action; due to his karma Takkan chased the boy. He was bitten and lost his life. In the mean time Brahmin’s wife was worried about the where about of his son. She asked her husband to go in search for the child.
When Sambudattan went in search of his son he found him dead. Brahmin with his superficial power came to know the cause of death. He cursed Takkan to abandon from Naga Lokha, and he will be alone in the forest on earth. Takkan will loose his intelegence and power. Takkan was worried and he prayed to Brahmin, for solution to get out of the curse. Brahmin said after a period 1000 years, when Takkan meets his father Kasyap, he will be out of his curse.Takkan (Naga Raja) worshiped Lord Siva here in Tamil month of Masi (Feb/ March)on Sivarathri day.
On Sivarathri day Lord Siva is worshiped four times. Thakkan performed first time pooja in Sri Nagandha swamy temple of Vilvaranya kshetram at kumbakonam, Second Kala pooja at Thiru Nageswarm temple Sri Nagandhar of Champakranya Kshetram, third kala pooja at Thirupampurm temple Sri Nagandhar of Vanni Vanam, and finally fourth kala Pooja at Sri Nganadha Swamy of Punnaga Vanam. He got rid of his curse and attained Mukthy at the feet of Sri Naganadha swamy of Punnaga Vanam, Thiru Nagoore.
Sthala purana says one who has Raghu Dosha, they can worship Kanni Raghu of this temple. By worshiping Naganaddhar here one is blessed with Gyanam. This is a prihara sthalam for Raghu.
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