- Kulipaka Someswara Swamy temple:
The place is now known as Kolusupaka. the temple is Veera saiva Kshetram in Aleru mandal, Nalgonda District, AP. Its about 80 kms from Hyderabad city. 6kms from Aleru.
The temple is very old one and there are stone inscriptions of kings who have donated lands, cow, gold etc, to the temple during the period 1070-1126 for maintanance and nithya pooja. Chalukya architecture decorates the structure of the temple.
The main deity is Swayambu linga known as Someswara lingam and his consort goddess sakthi matha chandikamba. The temple is taken care by Veera saiva dharma samsthapanam. Veera Saiva lingodhbawa moorthy is seen at the back of Someswara swamy inside the main sanctum.
Moon worshipped Siva of this place to get rid of his curse by Guru. Naradha, Rama, Agyasthaya muni, and others have worshipped siva of this place. We see many idols in the temple as a proof.
The temple is full of carved stones and pillars with stone carvings in three segments. First we see a Maha Dwaram with Kakathiya style.
We see Ganesha near the entrance to one side and a Nandi in lower level to the ground. As we enter there is Dwajasthambam with nandi at the top. Hanuman is there to the front of dwajasthamba. Ganapathy and subramanya swamy is seen to either side near Hanuman.
From the main entrance to the second segment we have a big corridor on either sides with full of beautiful sculptures of all gods and goddess on a platform which catch your eyes.
There is a Linga here known as Nayalinga, where villagers settle their disputes by touching the linga and solve their problems.
Near the door to the second segment on either side we seeVeerabadhra and Subramannya swamy. Here we see Linga and a big Nandi known as Bavishya nandi.
Now we enter into the third segment which is a big hall known as Navaranga mandapam and the main garbhagraham of Swayambu Someswara swamy in the form of lingam, and at the back, we see Sri Jagadhguru Renukacharya lingothbava moorthy.
In the Navaranga mandapam we see a big Siva lingam with panchalokha trimoorthy with kavacham and a big nandi in front.
Goddess chandikamba sannidhi is attached to main Someswara swamy. To the side of the temple we see Kotilingam and nandi in front of him.
- Veera narayana swamy temple:
This temple is also situated in the same place Kolunapaka, near Someswara swamy temple. This temple is also very old one. Chalukyan style is reflated on this temple built around 1104 AD.
Inside the premises we see Mahalakshmi and Sita Ramar in different sanctum. At the back of the temple there is a Shiridi baba temple.
- Jain mandir: Sri Swetharambar jain tirth mandir.
Location: Kolanapakka, Nalgonda District, Andhra pradesh.
This temple is about a kilometer away from someswara swamy temple.
In the jain mandir beautiful images of Thirthankaras are seen. The impressive image of Mahaveera is carved entirely out of precious jade.
They say the temple is as old as 2000 years, and it was last renovated some 100 years back when it was discovered. Now the renovation work is going on for the past 20 years.
The temple is of marble stones and pillars.The complete temple is with beautiful carvings to the side’s pillars and roof. There is a huge bell at the entrance of the temple.
This time our trip was to visit temples around north of Chennai. It was three day trip. As usual we were not able to cover all places according to our plan. I am happy to share my visit with every one, in my few posts.
- Veda Narayana Perumal Temple
The place is 25 Kms from Tirutani.
Main Deity is Veda Narayana Perumal in standing posture.
Importance: Only temple for Machya avatharam. There is no padadarshan of the deity here, because the leg is under the ground. We see Hanuman, Lakshmi Hayagreevar, and Kodhanda Ramar sannidhi in a row in the mandapam outside the main sanctum. The other end of the mandapam we see Hanuman in separate sanctum.
- Nemili: Vishnu temple.
The place is about 11 Kms from Tirutani to Nagalapuram.
Main Deity is Vaikunda perumal in sitting posture.
Importance: Vaikunda perumal holding paddy in his left hand. When they perform pooja in large scale they say we can see the main deity sweating. One can worship and do pooja here to get suitable alliance.
This time our tour was to Thirchirappalli for four days from january 9- 2008. The place is one of the important junctions well connected to Airways, Railways and Roadways. We stayed at Mayavaram Lodge, 87, Vanappattarai Street, Teppakulam Post, and Thiruchirappalli-620002. Phone number: 0431-2704089, 0431-2722400.
The accommodation was reasonable and service rendered was good. It was homely. They have car for rents also. The car driver Kuzandhaivelu was very coperative and helpful.
Our tour was mainly to visit Old important temples of Siva, Vishnu, and few temples on the way. We were unable complete all temples of our choice, due to temple timings.
My next few posts will be about our places which we covered in and around Trichy.
- Naganadhaswamy temple
The temple is in Nandikoil Street, near theppakulam. Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam.
Teertham is Siva teertham.
Main Deity is Swayambu linga known as Naganadhaswamy and his consort Anandhavalli ambikai in different sanctum.
Some munie's due to ego thought they can live on their own, without the blessings of god. To awaken them Siva fought with them, and they diverted snakes, against Siva. In turn Siva wore the snakes as ornaments, hence the name Naganadhar.
Importance: The temple is below the ground level. Siva is facing east and Amman sannidhi to south. We can watch both deities at the same time from one place. There is a small tank in front of Amman sannidhi.
Scvandhi nadhar and Saramamuni worshipped Siva of this place with sevandhi flowers.
Navagraha sannidhi is different here we see only sun with wives and rest alone.
The other deities we see are Ganesha, Subramanya swamy, Dandayudha pani, Somaskandhar, and Bairavar.
- Krishna temple: The temple is in Nandhi koil Street. It is a Small temple with Krishna as main deity. There is a separate sanctum for Anjaneya near the entrance to right.
- Nandi temple: The temple is in Nandi street.
Importance:There is a huge Nandi here. This Nandi belongs to Thayumanar temple.Once upon a time the whole place was belonging to temple. Now houses have built inbetween and Nandi is seperated from main temple
- Malai kottai: Ganesha and Lord Siva temple.
This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam temples.
The place is about 5 kms from Trichy and half km from chattram bus stand.This temple is a fort temple and there are 3 temples here.
Teertham: cauveri, Siva gangai, and Brahma teertham.Sthala vruksham is Vilvam. The temple is known as Dakshina kailasam.
Main Deities: Mannika vinakar once you enter the temple. Mathruboodheswarar or Thayumanavar, and his consort Mattuvarkuzali, or Sugandhakundalambikai, in different sanctum and it is half the way to the top hill. Uchhi pilliar Ganesha on the top hill.
Importance: The height of the temple is 275’ and there are nearly 420 steps to climb. Siva took care of a girl during pregnancy and delivery time in the form of the girl's mother, hence he is known as Thayumanavar.
Agasthya, Arjuna, Hanuman, Rathnavathi, Rama, Saptha Kanniar, Saptha Rishi, Sarama muni and chittar worshipped Siva of this place.
There is a big hall before entering Siva temple which is full of paintings and pillars have beautiful carvings. We see a chain hanging in the roof made of single stone. The roof of the hall is also fully painted.
Sarma muni worshipped Siva with chevandi flowers brought from naga lokha and hence he is called as Chevandhi nadhar also. One of 64 Siva moortham known as gangala moortham is seen here. There are two caves in the temple.
Navukkuarasar and Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva of this place.
Purana of ucchi pilliar Veebishana was taking the idol of Ranganadhar to Srilanka,on his return. He was cautioned not to keep the idol down if so he will not be able to remove it and take. He agreed to the condition.
On his way he gave the idol to Ganesha to hold for some time to finish his evening ritualas. Ganesha agreed, and after a while he placed the idol down and went to the top of the hill.
Veebishana saw the idol down when he returned and he failed in lifting up the idol. He returned back to his place without the idol. Ranganadhar agreed to face south, towards the dirrection of srilanka
[siva devarasthalam} [Divya Desam] [sakthi sthalam][Divya Desam]
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.
- Kumbeswarar Temple:
This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalams.
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Kumbeswarar and Mangala nayaki. Prithivi sthalam. The top portion of ling is sharp.(kuda mukku)Teertham: is Mahamaga teertham and Surya pushkarani.
Importance: when the end of universe was happening a pot of nectar was floating, Siva took the form of kratha and destroyed the pot and he opted to stay in the place where the main temple is now says sthala purna. This place is one of the sakthi peetam and Goddess is known as Manthra peedeswari.
Kumba mela is once in 12 years. At that time kumeswara in rishba vahana and pancha moorties visit the mahamaha tank. Purana says that all the rivers are present in tank at that auspcious time. This is one of the saptha sthana sthalam.
Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Siva.
- Nageshwarar:
One of 275 important temples of Siva.
Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Nageshwarar and Periya nayaki. The base of linga is huge. Sthala vruksham is Vilvam.
Importance: The pot of nectar when it was broken to pieces vilva formed as a siva linga and known as Nageshwarar. Adi seshan was unable to bear he weight of the universe. He approached Siva who asked him to worship here, and gained strength. The nataraja mantapa is in the form of charriot with 2 horses and 4 elephants.
Sun pays, his homage to Siva on April 11, 12,and 13 and these days sun light falls on main deity Siva.
Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva.
- chakkrapani temple: Vishnu temple.
Main deity: chakkrapani iw seen with 8 hands holding, sanku, chakkra, bow, axe, shovel, gadai, stick, and lotus. Chakkrapani and his consort vijayavalli thayar are seen in standing posture. We see chakkra at the back of god.
Suns haughtyness about his brightness was subdued by lord chakkrapani. Agni and Brahma worshipped vishnu here. Chakkrapani here is an example for siva vishnu tathvam.
- Banapureeswarar: Siva temple.
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Banapureeswarar and Soma kamalambikai.
Importance: Siva as Kradha moorthy broke the pot of nectar by his arrow in this place, hence the name banadurai.
- Adi kambatta Viswanadhar temple: This temple is near Adi Kumbeswara temple.
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Viswanadhar and his consort Ananda Nithyammi.
Importance: During Nayaka period coin minting was here so the temple is known as Kambatta Viswanadhar.
- Maruda nallore:
This is one of 275 important siva temple. Previously the place is also known as Thiru karrukadi. It is about 8kms from Kumbakonam.
Main deity: Karukkudi nadhar and Sarvalankara Ambikai. Teertham is Yama teertham.
Importance: sthala ganesha known as Valamburi ganesha. Linga is of mud and small in size. Impression of hands are visible on linga. Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva.
- Someswarar:
One of the 275 important temples of Siva. The temple is near portamari kulam (pond).
Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Someswara and his consort Soma sundari.
Importance: Moon worshipped Siva here and hence the name Someswarar. In the month of february / march on he day of Maga star all 9 river goddess meet here. When they all come goddess embraces god out of fear. Hence the Siva is known by name Kayaroganar. The hanging (uri) fell in this place so he is called as sikkaserar.
Sambandhar sang hymns on siva.
- Kasi Viswanadhar: Siva temple.
This temple is to north of mahamaga pond.
Main deity is Kasi Viswanadhar and Visalakshi amman.
Importance: All 9 river goddess Kaveri, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Narmada, Krishna, Godavari, Tungabadra, and Sarau are in temple. This is the only temple where we see all of them together.
Purana says they are waiting there to take a dip along with Siva. Agastyar asked Rama to worship Siva here to overthrow Ravana and Rama did as per wishes of muni and Siva was pleased with him. Rudra amsa was given to Rama, hence siva is known as Kayarogaranar.
- Abimukeswarar: Siva temple.
This temple is to the east side of mahamaga pond.
Main deity: Swyambu linga known as Abimukeswarar and his consort Amudha valli.
Importance: During the dooms day Siva took the form of hunter and broke the pot of nectar at that time the coconut fell here and swayambu linga and coconut plant came up hence the name Narikesaran.
The temple is important place for thula rasi people. When Nava kanniyar river goddess came siva turned around to give darshan for them so he is known as Abimukeswarar.
- Gowthameswarar: Siva temple.
The temple is to south west of mahamaga pond.
Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Gowthameswarar and his consort Souandra nayaki. Teertham is Gowthama teertham.
Importance: The thread around the kumba fell here and linga formed and known as Gowthameswaran. Gowthama muni to get rid of the sin due to killing of a cow he worshipped siva here and made a pond.
- Vedanarayana perumal: Vishnu temple.
Importance: Perumal Vishnu in the form of Brahma with Saraswathi and Gayatri known as Vedanarayana swamy in standing posture Here Brahma is with 4 faces. Narashimar is also seen here.
- Koranattu karuppur:
Siva temple and Petti kali amman. The place is about Kumbakonam to Annaikarai 3kms is Karrupur Or patalavanam.
Main deity: Sundareswarar and his consort Abhirami ammi
Importance: Petti kali amman came floating shore in this place. She was kept in temple and worshipped. The box is opened only once in a year with all rituals.
- Sarangapani temple:
One of 108 Divya desam. The temple is near Portamari kulam.
Main deity is Sarangapani in sleeping posture and his consort Komalavalli thayar. Teertham is Hema pushkarani.
Importance: There are 2 main doors known as utharayana and dakshinayana doors. uthsava vigraha has bow in his hand hence the name Sarangapani. The main gopuram is third highest one of vishnu temple 150 feet. The temple has vasantha mandapam and 100 pillar mandapam. Other deities like Sreenivasar, Krishna, Andal Gopalan, and Garuda are there. Lakshmi got married to perumal in the name of Komala valli the daughter of Hema muni.
- Ramaswamy Temple:
The temple is in Kumbakonam Town near Kumbeswarar Temple.
The main raja Gopuram is of five stories with single prakaram.
There is a big corridor with beautiful sculptured pillars. Every piece of work is really amazing. The temple was renovated during Raghu Nayakar period.
The main deity is Sri Ramar with his consort Seetha, his brothers, Lakshmana, Baratha, Sathrugna and Hanuman in pattabishekam form.
[Siva Devarasthalam tagname][Sakthi Peetam][Vishnu temple][Divya Desam]
- Thiru Velliankudi: Vishnu temple.
This is one of 108 divya desam temple.
The place is about 20kms from Kumbakonam. Town buses are available.
Main Deity: Kolavalvil Raman and Maragadha valli thayar. The main deity is in sleeping posture. Utsavar: Srungara sundarar.
Teertham: chakra, Brahma, Indra and Parasara teertham
Sthala vruksham: Kadali.
Importance: Garuda with sanku and chakra. Sukra, Brahma, Indra and Parasara muni have seen vishnu of this place.
- Thiru Mangalakkudi:
This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam.
The place is about 2kms from Adudhurai.
Main Deity is swayambu Lingam known as Prananadheswarar and Mangla nayaki amman.
Teertham: Mangala teertham and Cauveri. Sthala Vruksham: Kongilavalam.
Importance: The accountant of King used the money for temple building and renovations without the permission of King. Regarding this the accountant was asked to meet the King. He dare to meet the king and committed suicide. King asked his workers to remove the dead body away from the town. Wife of the accountant appealed to Goddess Mangala nayaki for justice. Her prayer was answered and her husband came to life. This is the place were navagraha’s worshipped and got rid of their sins.
Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang about Siva.
- Sooryanar temple:
Lord Siva and Navagraha temple.
The place is about 2kms from from Aduthurai.
Main Deity: Viswanadhar and his consort Visalakshi ammai.
Teertham: Surya teertham. Sthala Vinakar: Kolteertha vinakayar.
Importance: Navagraha's have separate sanctum in this place and there are constructed around Surya in their respective place. Navagraha’s here are without their Havana and weapon as Anugraha moorties.
Kalava muni suffered of leprosy for his sin, but he was helped by navagraha’s in changing his time of sin. Brahma was not happy with navagaraha’s action and punished them.
To get rid of their sin Navagraha‘s worshipped Siva of Thirumangalakkudi Prananadeswarar. So one has to worship in both Surayanar temple and Thiru Mangalakudi Siva also for full effect.
Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva as well as navagraha’s.
- Melmaruthuvakudi: Siva temple.
The plaace is about a 1km to Adhudurai.
Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Iravadeswarar and his consort Abhirami.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilva. Teertham: Chandra, Yama, Agani, Agastiya, Brahma, Kasyapa, Gowthama and Sesha teertham.
Importance: The linga portion is white in colour and mud sort of material so abishekam is performed with kavacham on linga portion. Iravadham worshipped in this place and was blessed.
A learned Brahmin who was too greedy and stared taking til dhana which fetches more money because the person will be transferring his sin also. Over a period the Brahmin became black and huge ugly figure due to sins he accumulated. To get back to normal form he started penance in the middle of fire for 12 years. Siva was pleased with his worship and granted boons. Again he started troubling everyone.
Indra was afraid of Brahmin and he worshiped Iravadeswara of maruthuvakudi. Siva sent Akoramurthy to punish brahmin and to take him in custody. . Since he was a devotee Siva excused him for his sin and made him incharge for nandavanam.
Vinayaka here is known as Vrichaka Vinayaka. One can see numerous scorpio like thing engraved on Ganesha all over. Ganesha like this is no where.
[Siva temple][Vishnu temple][Navagraha temple][Divya Desam]
- 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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