We visited all 5 Jyothirlingams of Maharashtra in last November (2019) .
It was a 4 days trip . This trip too we planned it through Sanjay tours .
What is the difference between jyotirlinga and shivling? Basically a “Linga” is an Image of Lord Shiva . For the sake of his devotees , Shiva manifested himself as Jyotirlingas . A Jyotirlinga generally means pillar of light and it contains the Athma of that supreme Lord residing in it. The Legend of the “Jyotirlinga” is mentioned in the Shiva Purana . When Lord Vishu and Lord Shiva were debating over who is supreme, Lord Shiva had produced a vast pillar of light and asked both of them to find the end of the light in both directions. To which, Lord Brahma lied that he found the end, but Lord Vishnu accepted defeat. Lord Shiva then cursed Lord Brahma that even though he is the creator of the Universe, he won’t be worshipped. And the Jyotirlingas here are believed to have appeared from that infinite pillar of light produced by Lord Shiva.
First we visited Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam as it consisted of 330 steps we had to get down those steps, both the sides there were shops , selling pooja articles, spiritual books, sweets , flowers and even chat items . The steps were wide and we could easily get down .
The Bhimashankar Temple is located in the Sahyadri region of Pune, Maharashtra.
It lies on the banks of Bhima River and is considered to be a source of this river. The legend about the existence of this Jyotirlinga is related to Kumbhakarna’s son Bhima. When Bhima learned that he was the son of Kumbhakarana who was annihilated by Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Lord Ram, he vowed to avenge Lord Vishnu. He performed penance to please Lord Brahma who granted him immense power. On achieving this power , he started creating havoc in the world . He defeated the staunch devotee of Lord Shiva- Kamrupeshwar and put him in the dungeons . This angered the Lords who requested Lord Shiva to descend Earth and put an end to this tyranny. A war ensued between the two and Lord Shiva ultimately put the demon to ashes. All the Gods then requested Shiva to make that place his abode. Shiva then manifested himself in the form of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. It is believed that the sweat which poured from Lord Shiva’s body after the battle is what formed the Bhima River .
After having the divine dharshan ( we were able to do milk abhishegam and put vilvam leaves by ourselves to this Jyothirlingam) of this Jyothirlingam we had to climb up the 330 steps , which we felt little exhausted as most of them were above 50 years . Our tour organizer Mr. Manivannan Krishnan said that is the reason I choosed this Jyothirlingam visit to be the first ,”As this is the first day of the trip all of u will get down and climb up with full josh later u may feel tired “.
Entrance of Bhimashankar jyothirlingam In front of the temple Backside view of the temple
That day night our stay was put up in Hotel Krushna inn walkable distance to Triambakeshwar Jyothirlingam at Nasik .
Next day we got up early, freshened up and were waiting for the temple doors to be opened in Triambakeshwar . As only few people stood with us we succeeded within 10 minutes after they opened the temple .
We were able to see the Nirmalya ( before keeping the silver head on the Lingam ) dharshan of this Jyothirlingam . This Jyothirlingam has 3 small lingam formations within it , after abishegam ( a ritual done for the lingam before they decorate with flowers and clothes ) they cover it with a silver head . These 3 formations are considered as Lord Shiva Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma . Water was over flowing from the linga .
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is located about 30kms from Nasik in Maharashtra near the mountain named Brahmagiri from the river Godavari flows. This temple is considered to be a source of the river Godavari which is known as “Gautami Ganga”- the most sacred river in South India. According to the Shiva Purana, it is on the earnest request of River Godavari, Gautam Rishi and all the other Gods , Lord Shiva decided to reside here and assumed the name Trimbakeshwar. Gautam Rishi earned a boon from Varuna in the form of a pit from which he received an inexhaustible supply of grains and food. The other Gods were rendered jealous by him and they send a cow to enter the granary. The cow was mistakenly killed by Gautam Rishi who then asked Lord Shiva to do something to purify the premises. Lord Shiva asked Ganga to flow through the land to make it pure . Everyone thus sang praising the Lord who then resided beside Ganga in the form of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga . Hindus believe that this Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra is the one which fulfils everyone’s desires .
Triambakeshwar jyothirlingam temple This is how the main deity looks this was at the entrance of the temple See the 3 lingas within the hollow
After this we visited Shirdi sammadhi mandir of Saibaba it was VIP dharshan arranged by our tour organizer.
By evening we saw Girishneswar Jyothirlingam temple .
The Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located in a village called Verul , which lies 20 km from Daulatabad , near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Located near this temple is the famous tourist site – Ajanta & Ellora caves. This temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar who also rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The Ghrishneshwar temple is also known by other names like Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara, Grushmeswara and Grishneswara. According to the Shiva Purana, a couple named Sudharm and Sudeha resided on the Devagiri Mountain. They were childless, and thus Sudeha got her sister Ghushma married to Sudharm. They bore a son who rendered Ghushma proud and Sudeha jealous of her sister. In her jealousy, Sudeha threw the son in the lake where Ghushma used to discharge 101 lingams. Ghushma prayed to Lord Shiva who ultimately returned her the son and told her of her sister’s deeds. Sudharm asked Lord Shiva to emancipate Sudeha which left Lord Shiva pleased with his generosity. On Sudharm’s request, Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of the Jyotirlinga and assumed the name Ghushneshwar .
As photography prohibited we took this pic with the help of temple photographer
We travelled to Aundh Nagnath as our stay was put up there that night . We reached by midnight .
Early morning milk abhishegam was arranged by our tour organizer and we gathered in the temple before 7am . They charged rs.500 per couple after milk abhishegam we all did archana to this Jyothirlingam telling our name , naksthram and gothram .
The twelve jyotirlingas are the most significant places of pilgrimage for Hindus in India. Five of them happen to be in Maharashtra. Shiva has been worshipped in these places for centuries. The entrance of this main deity is only 2 feet height , one could not stand inside . We should crawl and go inside and sit .We as couples went performed abhishegam and came out then the next couple went inside .
Aundha-Nagnath is one of them. Anudha Nagnath is in the Hingoli District . This pilgrim center is of great significance , since it is considered to be the Eighth (adya), of the 12 jyotirlingas. It is believed that Dharmraj (eldest of Pandav) has constructed this beautiful temple while they were expelled for 14 years from Hastinapur . The temple of Nagnath has exquisite carvings . We were offered vibhoothi (hindus apply on their fore head) and panchamirtham ( mixed fruit offered to the Lord ) and milk .
Aundh Nagnath abhishegam After alangaram Aundh Nagnath Inside the temple of Aundh Nagnath Aundh Nagnath Aundh Nagnath Aundh Nagnath Aundh Nagnath
After breakfast we started to Parle Vaijnath , the last Jyothirlingam in our Maharashtra Jyothirlingam trip .
We reached by evening 4pm and had the dharshan of this Jyothirlingam .
Legend Of Parali Vaijnath Temple (some say this as jyothirlingam others Vaidyanath in Jharkhand ) It is in Parali Vaijnath Lord Vishnu successfully helped the Devas to obtain Amrit. Therefore, this place is also known as ‘Vaijayanti”.
Once the Demon King Ravana went to Kailasa mountain and did a severe penance to please Lord Shiva . Put up with cold, heat, rains and fine and even then when Lord Shiva did not appear before him, he began to cut his head off in order to offer it to the Shiva Linga . Then the Lord appeared after Ravana tried to offer his tenth head . He restored all of Ravana’s heads and granted him boons. Ravana expressed his desire to take Lord Shiva to Lanka as a boon. He said, “I want to take you to Lanka”. Lord Shiva , who is very soft hearted to His devotees, agreed to accompany Ravana to Lanka. He told Ravanan, “You must carry my Linga with care and devotion, but do be careful not to put it down on the earth until you reach your destination, or else, it will stay at whichever place you put it down” Lord Shiva cautioned .
Lanka King Ravana began the journey homeward carrying the Shivalinga . On the way, he wanted to relieve himself by urination . He bid a cowherd boy to hold the Linga while he relieved himself. The cowherd was not able to bear the weight of the Linga and when he could no longer hold it , he put it down on the earth. And the Shiva Linga put there stayed as Lord Shiva already ordained and came to be known as Vaidyanatheswar.
Here, the gods were sad about Ravana taking away Shiva to his Lanka. They requested saint Narada to do something . Narada met Ravana and said to him by way of praising his penance and Tapas . “You made a mistake in trusting Lord Shiva. Believing Lord Shiva’s word was wrong. Go to him and slander him and get your way. Go to Kailasa and move it entirely. Your success will be gauged by your art of moving Kailasa from there”. Ravana was tricked into believing Narada . Ravana promptly carried out Narada’s bidding . Lord Shiva saw the ego driven mischieves Ravana and told him: “A unique power is soon going to born which will destroy your pride in the strength of your arms”. Narada informed the Gods of these tidings and his success in his mission. The gods were relieved and were happy. In the meanwhile, Ravana too was happy with the boon he received from Lord Shiva. He returned and was in a trance and was under the influence of Lord Shiva’s mythical power. He was heady and drunk with power. He decided to conquer the entire universe. To subdue his ego only God had to descend on the earth in the Avatar of Rama .
Parli Vaijnath Parli Vaijnath Parli Vaijnath
Next day we visited Kolhapur Mahalakshmi , Sattara (vada Chidambaram) and returned back back to Pune airport .
Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Satara Vada Chidambaram
Though we had to travel from one Jyothirlingam to other atleast 300 kms per day had divine dharshan of all 5 Jyothirlingams .With a contented happiness we returned home safely .
This temple is 7kms from Srirangam and it is also one of the divyadesham (Cholanadu) .
It’s the birth place of Thiru Parthanpalli alwar .
The only temple Thayar facing North .
The moolavar name is Azhaghiya manavalan Thayar name is kamavalli Thirumangai alwar and Kulasekara alwar has sung praising this Lord.
The story The Chozha King Nanda Chozhan had been childless. Pleased with his prayers , Lord Ranganathar asked Goddess Lakshmi to be born as the King’s daughter at Uraiyur . Being born out of the Lotus , the Goddess here is called Kamalavalli Nachiyar [Kamala means Lotus] . As years went by , Kamalavalli grew into a beautiful young girl. One day while she was out with her friends , her eyes fell on a handsome young man and instantly she fell in love with him. The man was none other than Lord Ranganathar of Srirangam .
King Nanda Chozhan was in a fix as his daughter had fallen in love with the man , who had blessed the king with the child . Once again , the Lord accepted the king’s prayers and accepted her as his bride . Delighted at this , King Nanda Chozhan built a temple at Uraiyur to celebrate the (home) coming of Lord Ranganatha to Uraiyur to take the hand of his daughter .
This is a Cholanadu divyadeshams in Trichy and near to Srirangam .This place is also known as Thirukarambanoor .
Moolavar name is Purushothamar and Thayar is Poorvadevi .
Plantain tree being the sthalam vritcham .
As per mythological story , to kill Brahma’s ego Lord Shiva had plugged off his fifth head . As he removed one head from Brahma Lord Shiva got a Brahmahati Dosha and the skull of the Brahma’s head got attached to Shiva’s hand .Lord Shiva came in the form of beggar and Sri Maha Laxmi offered food for that beggar. As Maha Laxmi offered a food on the skull , Shiva got cured from his Dosha in this place .
Lord Brahma did Thirumanjanam ( a pooja ritual ) to Lord Vishnu who was in the form of kadamba tree .
Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu also grace from their respective shrines with their consorts. This is the only temple where all the three Lords grace devotees together.
Nathan Kovil or Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple in Nathan Kovil, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam . This is one among the 40 Cholanadu divyadeshams .
Moolavar is Jaganatha Perumal in sitting posture. Thayar Shenbhagavalli . Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord.
Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva , is believed to have got his curses relieved by worshipping Lord Vishnu here and hence the place is called Nandipuram. All the shrines and water bodies associated with the temple are named after Nandi .
Shrines in the temple As per Hindu legend , Nandi , the sacred bull of Shiva , did not respect the Dwarapalakas, the gatekeepers of Vishnu . They cursed Nandi that his body would suffer oppressive heat . Nandi informed it to his lord Shiva, who advised him to do penance in Shenbakaranyam ( also called Nadhivanam ), a forest near modern-day Kumbakonam . It is the place where Lakshmi , the consort of Vishnu was doing penance to get into the chest of Vishnu . Vishnu was impressed by the penance of Nandi and got his curse relieved . It is also believed that king Sibi worshiped Vishnu at this place .
As per another legend, Lakshmi did penance at this place to seek a place in Vishnu’s chest. Vishnu was impressed by her devotion and took Lakshmi her in his chest. The image of Lakshmi in the form of Shenbagavalli faces west indicating the legend. Devotees worship Shenbagavalli of the temple during the Tamil month of Aipasi and believe that their wishes will be fulfilled .
Kolavili Ramar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located 19 km away from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India on the Kumbakonam-Chennai highway .
It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Kola Valvill Ramar and his consort Lakshmi as Maragathavalli .
The great King Bali, was donating 3 steps to Lord Vamana (who was in the guise of a brahmana boy) , Shukra , King Bali’s guru , identified that the dwarf brahmana was none than the Lord Vishnu and instructed King Bali to not donate. Inspite of that instruction , King Bali was greatly happy to donate to the Lord Himself . Hence , Shukra , immediately took a from of a small bee , blocks the kettle mouth (Kamandalam) of King Bali while donating 3 steps . At that time , Lord Vamana pierces the bee’s eye with His darbha (kusha grass), so that the donating process is completed (by letting the water fall three times) . For this act of the Lord , Shukra loses His eyesight and falls down from the Kamandalam .
Hence Shukracharya performed penance in this place and got back his lost eyesight.
On the request of Indra, Mayan, Markandeya, Shukra, Brahma and Parashara, the Lord handed over his conch and discus to His devotee Garuda and blessed them the vision in Kalyana Tirukkolam or Marriage Ceremonial Alankara.
Hence even now, one can see these two divine Ayudas of the Lord, in the hands of Garuda. In the whole world, this is the only temple where one can see Garuda with four arms in the rising posture. Hence Garuda here is known as Chaturbhuja Garuda.
Thiru Adhanur near Kumbakonam is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu . Andalakkun ayyan temple here is one of the Vaishnava navagraha parihara sthalams around Kumbakonam. It is a Guru parihara sthalam.
The main deity in this temple is Andalakkumayyan. He is present here facing East in Kidantha Kolam and Bujanga sayanam. He has been worshipped here by Brighu Maharishi, Kamadhenu, thirumangai Azhwar and Agni. His consort here is Ranganayaki Thayar also known as Kamalasini .The utsavar is Ranganathar.
According to legend , there was an affluent devotee who also wished to partake in religious endeavour of serving Lord Ranganathar . Some of those who worked under him exploited his bhakti to their advantage and swindled all his money , making him penniless . Pleased with his devotion , Vishnu appeared in his dream and promised to help him out of the situation. He instructed the devotee to bring along a marakkal and his workers, who cheated him, to the bank of the Kollidam , where he promised to pay the workers their dues. The Lord , in the guise of an old man , gave each of them a measure of sand from the bank of Kollidam according to the work done by them . Much to their surprise , it turned into precious stones for those who toiled and it stayed the same for those who shirked work . The workers who did not get anything were enraged and started chasing the old man. At this juncture , the Lord appeared in his original form and made the workers realize their mistakes . It is also believed that the presiding deity appeared for Kamadhenu , the holy cow and also for Thirumangai alwar .
As per another legend , the celestial deities Indra and Agni worshiped Vishnu at this place . Indra once insulted the sage Bhrigu when he placed the divine garland offered to him on his elephant Airavata . Bhrigu cursed him to lose all the powers . Indra did severe penance in the place to regain the powers . Agni, the fire god , was affected with Brahmbhathi Dosha , a curse inflicted on account of burning the head of Brahma handed over by Lord Shiva. He was propitiated off his curse by offering worship at this temple .
This temple is 22 kms from Trichy and it’s one among the Cholanadu divyadeshams .
Moolavar is Sundaraja Perumal Thayar name is Sundaravalli .
Once Lord Brahma ( the creator) thought that he is the sole reason for the world living beings being beautiful. Lord Vishnu advised to brahma but still his ego didn’t go. So Lord Vishnu cursed him to go to earth and take a birth of a normal human being. Lord Brahma who born as a human at earth went to many temples and worshipped to get rid of his curse. At that time he saw a very handsome man who crossed him. Brahma thought that he never saw such a beauty. Later he realized that man was none other than Lord Vishnu, who came down to show him that the beauty is not stable and ego will demolish one’s life. As Lord Vishnu showed mercy on Brahma and showed his full form at this place, it is called as Anbil (Anbu means love in Tamil).
As per Hindu legend, sage Suthaba was doing penance at this place. He had to powers to reside both in water and land. He did not observe sage Durvasa , who was waiting for him. Durvasa got irritated and cursed Suthaba to become a frog called mandukam in Sanskrit . Suthaba requested Durvasa on the penance he had to do to get relieved off the curse . Durvasa explained him that the curse was on account of the sin he committed in his previous birth and Vishnu would appear to him to relieve him . Suthaba , as a frog , continued his penance under water in the Manduka Theertham in the temple and Vishnu appeared to him as Sundararajan . Hence, this place is called Manduka (Frog) Puri .
This temple is located in Kumbakonam and along the coast of Cauvery. It’s one among the Pancha ranga sthethram . It’s one among the Cholanadu divyadeshams .
The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Sarangapani. Aara Amudhan, Abayaryaapthamiruthan and Utthanasayi are the other names of Moolavar. Prathyaksham for Hema Maharishi. Moolavar is in Udhyoga sayana posture (ie) he appears as though is getting up from sleeping position.
Thayaar: Sri Komalavalli Thayar. Also called as “Padi Thanda Pathini” ie thayaar would never (leave out) or leave away from her chamber. She has her own seperate sannadhi in this temple.
Pushkarani: Hema Pushkarani (Potramarai Kulam). Cauvery Nadhi. Arasalaaru.
Vimanam: Vaidega Vimaanam.
As per Hindu legend, the main deity, Lord Sarangapani , an incarnation of Lord Vishnu , appeared for a sage Hema Rishi , who performed penance in the bank of Potramarai tank . Once sage Bhrigu wanted to meet Vishnu at his residence , Ocean of Milk (Thiruparkadal) . The sage did not get the attention of Vishnu and in his anger , he kicked Lord Vishnu on his chest . Mahalakshmi who resides in Vishnu’s chest got angered as Vishnu did not show his anger towards the sage . She left Vaikunta and reached earth and took the form of Padmavathy . Lord Vishnu followed and married her . Padmavathy got her memories and was still angry with Lord Vishnu . To avoid her anger , Lord Vishnu resided in the underground chamber in the temple as Pathala Srinivasa . Meanwhile, the sage Bhrigu sought his apology and requested Mahalakshmi to be born to him as Komalavalli in his next birth . The sage was born as Hemarishi and performed penance to attain Mahalakshmi as his daughter . Lord Vishnu was pleased by the penance and he wished the sage to get Lakshmi as his daughter . Lakshmi emerged from the Potramarai tank among thousand lotuses and was thus named Komalavalli (the one who emerged from lotus) . Vishnu descended to earth as Aravamudhan in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from his abode Vaikuntam . He stayed in the nearby Someswaran Temple to convince Lakshmi to marry him and the couple eventually got married . The name Sarangapani (“one who has the bow in his hand”) derives from the Sanskrit word Sarangam meaning bow of Vishnu and pani meaning hand .
Thiru Saranathan Perumal temple at Thirucherai , is a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu , is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu . Its one of the Cholanadu divyadeshams . This temple is about 24 Km from Kumbakonam town on the way to Thiruvarur and is very near to Nachchiar Koil . Thirucherai – Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam is one of the temples, located near Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu, about 24 Km, from Kumbakonam on the way to Thiruvarur and 10 Km, from Nachiar Koil.
There was a dispute between Ganga and Cauvery as to who was superior . They approached Brahma for a solution . During the Thrivikkrama Incarnation, the feet of Perumal extended upto Sathyalogam . As Ganga performed Thirumanjanam to the feet of the Lord , it flooded into Ganges. Hence Ganga said that she was Holy . Cauvery, who became sorrowful hearing the account of Ganga , performed rigorous penance under a tree at Sarapushkarani. Lord Perumal on the day of the Poosam star in Thai , appeared as a baby and began to crawl . Cauvery looking at the incomparable brightness of one crore Suns , worshipped the baby calling it Perumal . Thirumal appeared equipped with the chakra and the conch flanked by Sri Devi , Bhoomadevi , Neeladevi , Mahalakshmi and Saranayagi. He blessed ‘Cauvery as holier than Ganges’. There is a separate shrine for Cauvery here. In this shrine Markandeya attained eternity.
Moolavar is Sri Saranatha Perumal
Thayar name Sri Saranayagi.
Moorthy : Saranathar.
Theertham : Sarapushkarani.
Temple Tree : Shenbagam.
Thirumangai alwar has sung praising this Lord .
This is a pancha sara kshetram: Kshetram – Sarakshetram; Temple tank – Sarapushkarni; Vimanam – Saravimanam; Lord – Saranatha; Goddess – Saranayaki. Saram in Tamil means “essence” or “concentrate”.
This temple is one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one among Cholanadu divyadeshams . Lord Vishnu is worshiped as Soundararaja Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Soundaravalli . Lord Soundararaja Perumal is believed to have appeared for sage Markandeya , Dhuruva , Saleesan and the Hindu god Bhoomadevi . The present day Nagapattinam is believed to have been a forest , historically named Sundararinyam . It is believed that two eunuchs , Kandan and Sukandan , attained physical fitness after having a holy dip in Sara Pushkarani , the temple tank . Lord Brahma , started worshiping Vishnu at this place . Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared on the auspicious day of Masi Maham on the banks of Sarapushkarani . On account of the glow emanating from Masi Maham, Vishnu at this place was called “Azhagiyan”. Since he had a glittering skin , he was called “Soundara Rajan”, meaning the most beautiful and his consort was called Soundaravalli . Since the king of Nagars (snakes) , Adhiseshan worshipped Lord Vishnu at this place , the place was called Nagar Pattinam , the place of Nagars .
As we stayed in Mayavaram , we started early and saw Vishwaroopa dharshan in this temple .
Thirumangai Alwar has sung imagining himself as a lady and Lord Soundaraja Perumsl as his lover .
At a distance of 9 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station , Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located at Thirunaraiyur village of Kumbakonam .
The shrines in this temples are Naraiyur Nambi Vanjulavalli thayar (same sannadhi as the lord) Kal Garuda Yoga Narasimha Hanuman Sri Ram Chakrapani Lord Brahma is in standing posture in this temple .
The temple tank is known as Mani mukthi nadhi theertham while the vimanam is named after the lord as “Srinivasa Vimaanam” This temple is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu , who is worshipped as Srinivasa Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Nachiyar .
This temple is the place where god Vishnu is believed to have initiated Pancha Samskara (religious initiation) to Thirumangai Azhwar.
Pancha Samaskaaram – The identity of a real Vaishnavite: 1 . 12 Thiru Namam on the body (fore head, arms, chest, on the back) 2 . To include the name of an Acharya in one’s name 3 . To have the ‘chakra’ seal inscribed on the left hand 4 . To first serve the Lord with food every day 5 . To understand and utter the Thiru Mandhiram
This is the only Divyadesam where Perumal came as a Guru and offered Mudrasthanam to a devotee.
According to the legend , sage Medhavi wanted Goddess to be born as his daughter and undertook penance on the banks of the Manimuthar River. Pleased with his penance, Goddess was born under the Vanjula tree and the Rishi brought her up as Vanjulavalli. Lord Mahavishnu came to Thirunaraiyur in five forms as Sangarshanan , Pradyumnan , Anirudhan , Purushothaman and Vaasudevan. Perumal expressed his desire to the sage to marry his daughter. The sage accepted Lord’s wish on one condition that his daughter would have all powers in all matters. Perumal agreed to the condition and had the hands of Mother. Named after Mother-Nachiar, the place came to be known as Nachiar Kovil.
Only in 3 divyadesham temples the Thayar is given priority over the Lord
Presiding deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu known as Naraiyur Nambi and Goddess Lakshmi as Nachiyar Thayar (Vanjulavalli Thayar). The sanctum also houses the images of Brahma, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, Sankarshana and a set of gods, who are depicted attending the wedding. The festive idols of Srinivasa, Vanjulavalli (Lakshmi) and Bhudevi are housed in the same shrine.
Kal Garuda is the most prominent feature of the temple. As per local legend, the sculptor who sculpted the idol of Garuda got frustrated as the bird flew away each time, a new image was prepared. In frustration, he threw a stone at Garuda, who got injured and decided to stay in the temple as Kal Garuda. The image of Kal Garuda is made of saligrama and is housed in the shrine outside the main sanctum .
The significance of Kal Garudan is during the festival they start with 4 members as the weight increases likewise 8 ,16 ,32, 64 ,128 members r needed to lift the Garudan during procession similarly while returning back to temple 128 , 64 , 32 ,16 , 8, 4 members as the weight decreases . It is said one can see the sweat drops on the lord’s face during this procession . ( Kal Garuda Sevai )
We went to Srilanka recently (December 2019) it was a funfilled trip with Sanjay tours about 32 peoples accompanying us . The places we covered are Ramayana places , Arupadai veedu murugar temples , Pancha Eswara sthalams , Paadal petra Shivalayam 2 , Sakthi peedam 3 , Ella forest , Rhamboda and Ella falls . Colombo city tour . Kathirkamam murugan temple . We reached katunayake airport by 2pm . A guest house was arranged for us to sleep .
After getting freshen up in the guest house we got up in a mini van and by 8 am reached Madhambe Murugar temple . One batch went for morning breakfast and the another to temple .
Madhambe Murugar temple It’s a temple for Lord Murugar in Chillaw , with a huge Lord Murugar statue at the entrance gate and huge colourfull idols of Lord Shiva Goddess Parvathi Lord Anjineyar run by a private entity .
Manavari After killing Lanka King Ravana on his return to Ayodhya Lord Rama felt a shadow following him . When the Lord came to this place , he realized the shadow had stopped . He prayed Lord Shiva to relieve him from (Brahma hathi dosham) . Lord Shiva suggested to Lord Rama to install 4 lingam in and worship . Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Lord Rama and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. This lingam is made up of sands (manal in tamil) hence the name Manalvari got corrupted as Manavari . Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in the world named after Lord Rama .
Munneswaram Legend: Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana’s Vimanas . He felt he was being followed by Bramahathi Dosham as he killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stopped the Vimana at this juncture because he felt at this place the “ Bramahathi Dosham ” was not following him. He descended from the Vimana and asked God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install and pray four lingams in Manavari, Munneswaram, Thiruketheeswaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the Dosham.
Thiruketheeswaram Thiruketheeswaram is one of the five Shivan temples in the Island (Pancha Eswara sthalams) as well as Paadal petra Shivalayam . The giant Shivalingam carved out of granite stone which was excavated by archaeologists in Thiruketheeswaram temple area in the fifties is believed to have been buried when the Portuguese destroyed the temple during their invasion of Mannar in the 16th century. The temple which was in ruins was gradually rebuilt to its pristine glory during the British period with Hindu elite from Jaffna playing a major role in the reconstruction. Now renovation works are being done .
Sangupiddy bridge The Sangupiddy Bridge that connects the A-32 road from Mannar to Jaffna across the lagoon is the shortest land route to Jaffna from Colombo. The A-32 road is 120 kilometers shorter than the way through the main A-9 Jaffna-Kandy highway. Through the Sangupiddy Bridge the traveling time to Jaffna will be reduced by three hours. Is a awesome place surrounded by water with a bridge and breezy air definitely one should not miss this place .
Nallur kandaswamy temple It’s one of the arupadai veedu of Lord Muruga in Srilanka. The Nallur Kandaswamy temple is an important relic of Sri Lanka, which has been praised in many ancient texts from around the world. As such a visit is a must to properly understand the glory of ancient Hindu Temples .
With this we completed our first day of the itenary. Our night stay and dinner was put up in Hotel Gnanam.
On the second day by 8.30 am (after a early breakfast) we started to Naina theevu to Goddess Naghabhoosani Amman temple which is one of the sakthi peedams ( its said Ammans right leg anklet fell in this place ) . We a members of 32 people occupied a boat . It was an half an hour travel . It is a big temple . Nainativu Nagapoosani Amman Temple is an ancient and historic Hindu temple located 36 km from the ancient capital of the Jaffna kingdom , Nallur , SriLanka . It is dedicated to Parvati who is known as Nagapooshani or Bhuvaneswari and her consort, Shiva who is named here as Rakshaseshwar ( Nayanair ) .
Then we went to Naguleswaram . This is one of the Pancha Eshwara sthalam . Thousands of years ago a Sage named Nagul had come here . Due to a curse his face had become like that of a mongoose . Deity Shiva advised him that for mitigation of the curse he should bath in the pond created from the Keerimalai spring in Lankapuri . He complied after which He regained the human form . In gratitude as an offering unto the Holy feet of Deity Shiva Sage Nagul installed a Shivalinga there and worshiped it . Even today hundreds of people bath in this Keerimalai pond to get rid of skin diseases .
Thondamanaru Selvasannithiyan This is also a murugar temple .The main deity there is no idol of Lord Murugar only the Vel His weapon is kept and worshipped . This temple is considered to be like Thiruchendur temple of Tamilnadu as it is near beach coast and a gnayi kinaru is present . It is one of the arupadai veedu of Srilanka .
Mavitapuram Kandaswamy temple A shrine dedicated to Lord Skanda or Murugan , god of war and the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Kovil is located close to Kankesanthurai , which was formerly known as Gayathurai . However , since the image of Lord Skanda, also known as Kankesan, first arrived in Gayathurai , it is believed that the name changed to Kankesanthurai . Maviddapuram, the place where the temple is situated translates to ‘the holy city where the horse face was removed’ ( Ma – horse, vidda –removed and pura – holy city ). It is believed that this legendary temple temple was built by a Chola Princess from Tamil Nadu . According to history princess Maruthapuraveegavallli , had a disfigured face resembling that of a horse . It is said that Maviddapuram is the place where the gods answered her prayers and transformed her appearance to that of a woman .
Inuvil kandaswamy Arunagirinathar koil This is another arupadai veedu of Lord Murugar temple in Srilanka .
Manchavanapathy Murugar This is also one of the arupadai veedu Lord Murugar temple in Srilanka .
” Vel ” the weapon of Lord Murugar is only worshipped in most of the Lord Murugar temples in Srilanka . Though there is idol kept adjacent to it .
With this we finished 5 temples of ” arupadai veedu ” and returned to Gnanam Hotel for night stay and dinner .
Morning checked out our rooms and with a early breakfast at Hotel Gnanam we started our 3rd day trip .
Sangathaanai Bhairavaswamy Kandaswamy koil This is also one among the arupadai veedu of Lord Murugar in Srilanka . Had divine dharshan of all 6 abodes of Lord Murugar .
Thiruvasaka Aranmanai The Moolavar here being Lord Dakshinamoorthy and at the entrance is a 21 feet granite chariot with Poet Manickavasagar idol in it . All 658 poems of Thiruvasagam has been carved on granite slabs and 108 Lingam installed with a bell around the corridor and neatly maintained . This temple has been established by a Hindu couple settled in Australia and the carvings being done by Bharathipuram Vinod .
Kanniya Hot springs legend about Kanniya’s origin is that this is the place where King Ravana carried out the last rites for his mother. When he was unable to find water to perform the rituals , he pierced with his Trishula into the ground seven times . Water started gushing out immediately. The very hot water cooled down to the present degree when Ravana’s anger calmed down . The temperature of the water is different .
Sri Lakshmi Narayanan temple The temple is located on the Nilaveli road about 10 Kms from Trincomalee town. There is ample parking space . The bus stop is also very close to the temple . Most of the bus operators will know the place by name . The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narayanan – Vishnu. You will not miss the temple when you are on the Nilaveli road. it is on the left as you go from Trincomalee. It is painted gold on the top and the walls blue. They have a beautiful lengthy hall to stand and pray in front of the god. Place is very clean and serene. Felt at peace when I visited the temple. Such was the impact. There is also idols of all the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu on the left hand side of the main sanctum . If you visit temples and if you are in Trincomalee do take time to visit this temple . It is worth a visit .
Mariamman temple and Vinayagar temple . Mariamman koil – Trincomalee is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman , a form of the Goddess Kali Amman in Trincomalee Eastern Province , Sri Lanka . The Kali temple of the ancient Trincomalee Koneswaram Temple Compounds , a large complex of connected shrines in the Trincomalee Konesar Malai area , the temple is located close to the Trincomalee Hindu College. Near it is Lord Vinayagar temple . Both the temples has beautiful sculptures and carvings .The gopuram and the colourfull carvings are a visual treat to our eyes as photography was allowed we clicked pictures in our mobile as much as we can .
Koneswaram Next was our visit to Koneswaram another Paadal Petra Shivalayam and one of the Pancha Eswara sthalams . Adjacent to it is Goddess Sankaridevi Amman and it is one of the Sakthi peedams . Thiru Koneswaram was built by Rishi Agastya on the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. This place is unique in this respect because the Lord built a temple for his devotee as a reward for his devotion . Lord Rama is believed to have offered his prayers here in order to get rid of the malediction of killing Ravana who was a Brahmin , meaning Brahmahasthi Dosham . Adjacent to Koneswaram temple there is another small shrine ; with some significance for Hindu pilgrims . The original Shankari Devi temple, said to be built by Ravana , was the first in the list of Ashtadasha ( 18 ) Shakti Peedas written down by Adi Shankara , but its whole cliff was destroyed by Portuguese cannon balls. Only a pillar for commemoration is placed on that spot now . And it is believed that the original idol of the Goddess has been preserved and replaced, being venerated now in this nearby new Shankari Devi temple .
Ravanan vettu There are many stories relating to King Ravana and Koneswaram Temple . It is believed that King Ravana who was known to have a virulent temper was subdued by Lord Shiva . Apparently , when his mother was suffering from ill health the King wanted to take Koneswaram Temple to her . As he was lifting the rock Lord Shiva had made him drop his sword creating a great cleft , which came to be known as Ravana Vettu. Another story regarding the same is that King Ravana’s mother wanted him to denounce violence and as such he had thrown his sword thus creating the cleft in the rock . This great cleft can be seen just before the entrance to the Temple .
With this we finished our third day of Srilanka trip . Our night dinner and stay was arranged in Green garden resorts .
We proceeded to Habarana on the way we saw Sigiriya Fort and lake . In addition to Dambulla tourist attractions , this rock outcrop in Sigiriya which is an easy half an hour drive away , is a wonderful trip for those looking for a taste of adventure . A 30-minute hike along steep steps and boulders rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding area and the best view of Sigiriya Lion Rock . The hike through dense forest is thrilling , and the mesmerising views at the top make it worth all the effort . You need to go through an ancient Buddhist temple before beginning the ascent . A sunrise hike is recommended for the breathtaking views and tranquil setting . As many of them were senior citizens did not show interest as we had to climb 1337 steps that too without any balancing wall or support .
Dambulla Golden temple There are 5 caves (shrine rooms) in Dambulla temple . All of these caves arc full of statues of Buddha and various personages of the Buddhist Order or History . There are 150 Buddha images in these caves . Cave No. 5 (the last in order) has no historical value as it was done in the second decade of this century . All of the other caves contain statues and paintings representing various epochs of Sinhalese sculpture and painting .The early paintings of Dambulla are believed by some to belong to the 8th century A. C. But this cannot be proved at all because of over painting . Nevertheless this place is a mine of decorative designs , the patterns of which resemble those of Sigiriya . To a student of the history of Buddhism a careful study of the paintings of Dambulla provides a good deal of source material . One has to climb atleast 800 steps to reach the caves statues and paintings of Lord Buddha are there .
Then to a spice garden they cultivate and sell herbal oils and spices it was over priced .
Mostly our afternoon lunch was at Buddha Vihar packed by morning itself from the Hotel we stayed .
Patini Amman This is also considered as one of the Shakthi peedams in Srilanka . Hindus Budhists and Muslims worship here . The main diety is a Lakshmi painting on a canvas , no idol is present .
Night halt and dinner was arranged in kothmallee Holiday resort .
Next day was my birthday 2nd of December as our tour organizer has informed in group ( wats up ) all the co passengers wished me and i was gifted 2 boxes of chocolates by Manivannan Krishnan which I distributed to all .
After breakfast we started to Rhamboda there is a Lord Hanuman temple established by Chinmaya Mission . It is said Lord Hanuman kept his first foot in this place in Srilanka . The temple has a 100 steps and neatly painted the view from top is scenic .
On the way to Seetha Elliya we saw and spent an hour in Ella falls .
Seetha Elliya Location : Seetha Eliya on Nuwara-Eliya – Welimada Road Legend A temple for Lord Rama , Seetha Devi , Luxshmana and Hanuman built on the sides of the stream where Seetha Devi bathed .
Ashoka Vatika Legend The Ashok Vatika is the place where Ravana kept the Sita captive . Ashok Vatika is a garden that is present in the Seetha Elliya in Sri Lanka . Some of the interesting findings here include the rock on which Sita used to sat and meditate . Seetha Elliya also have the only Site Temple in the world . The idols of Seetha was excavated from here 100 years ago .
Next visited Ravana falls awesome place . Its said Ravana was hiding in the caves above this falls after abducting Seethadevi .We did some roadside shopping there .
As tea cultivation is famous in Srilanka our next destination was to a tea factory name blue field . Within the tea estate they had a retail shop where we all bought tea of our beloved taste and we were served with black tea with lime , which tasted yummy .
Then after lunch we crossed Ella forest on the way we saw more than 5 to 6 elephants crossing .
Divurumpola Location : It is situated 15 km from Seetha Eliya on Nuwara-Eliya – Welimada Road.
Legend : This is the place where Seetha Devi underwent “Agni Pariksha” (test). It is a popular place of worship among locals in this area. Divurumpola means place of oath in Sinhala. The legal system permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple while settling disputes between parties. It is occupied by Buddhists and they have built a temple for Goddess Seethadevi too .
Reached kathirkamam by 6pm , we saw chella kathirkamam vinayagar temple . This temple was surrounded by river Manicka Ganga and we had to walk in 1 feet of water to reach the temple .
Next we visited Kathirkamam Lord Murugar temple . Legend: This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmasthra aimed by King Ravana which other wise would have weakened Lord Rama. The benefit was one of the most powerful weapon brahma asthra aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya.
Then to Hotel Samwill Holiday resort for night dinner and stay .
Asusual early morning breakfast then we visited Devinuvara The god Upulvan is considered as a guardian deity of Lanka and protector of Buddhism. The word upulvan depicts the color of blue water lily and the God’s complexion is also blue. So that it leads to a confusion that god Upulvan and God Vishnu in Hinduism are identical. But they are considerd as two separate gods. This dedicated shrine for god Upulvan situated not too far from Matara town, only 6 km from Matara town towards Tangalle. This town is known as Devinuvara in Sinhala which has the meaning of “city of gods”, one of the oldest city in old Lanka. The 3 story blue color building is elegantly constructed. It is said that its roof is made by copper tiles. The walls are decorated with intricate floral designs. The roof is ways covered by pigeons. The interior also beautifully decorated with marvellous paintings. Taking photographs is strictly prohibited inside the shrine. The temple ground also consists of ancient monument which take your mind to guess its heyday.
Thondeshwaram One if the Pancha Eswara sthalams is also adjacent to it . There are seperate shrines for Lord Murugar Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vinayagar. Here only Nandhi is worshipped and a big Lord Buddha idol has been installed .
Then after having lunch we proceeded to Colombo . We saw old parliament and new Parliament building .We did shopping in the House of fashions a 4 storeyed building after dinner we started to Colombo airport with sweet memories of our Srilanka trip .
Madhambe Murugar temple Madhambe Murugar temple Manavari Ramalinga templeMunneswaram Thiruketheeswaram Renovation works going on this huge Lingam is to be installed Sangupiddy bridgeSangupiddy Nallur kandaswamy koil Nallur kandaswamy koil Boat travel to Naina island Entrance of naghabhoosani amman it was drizzling wen we entered In front of Naghabhoosani amman temple Inside the temple Side view of the temple Naghabhoosani amman temple The idol of this temple The other side of the temple Returning back to boat NaguleswaramSelva sannidhiyan kandaswamy koil The ” VEL” is the main diety This is the Gnayi kinaru Mavitapuram kandaswamy koilInuvil kandaswamy arunagirinathar koilSangathaanai kandaswamy bhairavaswamy koil Lakshmi Narayanan temple DevinuwaraThiruvasaka Aranmanai Main deity DakshinamoorthyThe stone chariot in front The sides of the corridor with 108 lingams and a bell on top of each (Thiruvasakam carved on granite slabs)The entire viewBuddha vihar Kanniya hot springs Lord Vinayagar temple Goddess Mariamman temple Koneswaram temple This pic was taken in front of Shankari devi shakthi peedam Ravanan vettu Ravanan statueAt the beach near koneswaram temple Dambulla Golden temple Patini amman temple Spice Garden Rhamboda Hanuman temple steps Entrance of Hanuman temple Lord Hanuman Seetha elliya temple Ashoka vatika Hanuman foot Seetha agnipravesha sthalam Blue field tea estate Rhamboda fallsElla falls Chell kathirkamam vinayagar Kathirkamam murugar temple
We had an opportunity to visit this temple in January 2017 . It was a month before the Kudamuluku (kumbhabhishegam) a ritual done after renovating a temple .
After reading Ponniyin selvan a book written by author Kalki who is famous in historical stories with fictional characters added to make it more interesting to read .Ponniyin selvan tells the story of “Arulmozhi” Varman later known as “Rajaraja Cholan”.
Before reading this book I got a chance to see Brihadeeswarar temple . Waiting for next chance to visit that temple again .
This temple is in Jayamkondan in Ariyalur district.
This temple was built by King Rajendra Cholan , son of King Rajaraja Cholan who built Brihadeeshwarar temple ( Thanjai Periya Koil ) .
Rajendra cholan was named as Gangai Kondan after his victory of Ganges . He shifted his capital to 70kms of Thanjavur and named it as Gangai konda Cholapuram .
This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is magnificent and has lingam of 13 feet with a huge Nandi in front .
There are seperate shrines for Periyanayaki Amman Durgai chandikeswarar and Bhairavar .
Awestruck by the carvings and enormous temple we spend almost more than an hour being it a cloudy breezy day .
The temple well with a lion face is another architectural marvel and known as simhakeni .
Gangai konda Cholapuram temple view from entrance The big NandiThe tall GopuramThe side view of the temple The side entrance Preparations for kudamuluku List of the rituals Beautiful carvings on the temple wall
Kovil means temple and Adi means old or first and hence the Koviladi. The Moolavar is Appakudathan and the Urchavar is Appala Ranganathar. His Consort (Thayar) is known by the names Indira Devi and Kamalavalli. The sthala vriksham is Purasa tree or Vilva maram. The holy water or theertham is Indira Pushkarni or Mrityu Vinasini Theertham. Periazhwar, Tirumazhisai Azhwar and Tirumangai Azhwar have sung in praise of the Lord here.
The lord faces the west and is in the lying down posture with his hand on the appa kudam raised to bless King Ubarishravas who is seated below. Bhumadevi thayar is found kneeling near his foot .The utsava vigraham has a balakrishnan and people pray here for begetting children .
Appam is prepared as a daily offering to the deity here.
There is a separate shrine for Kamalavalli Thaayar The thayar is in an east facing sanctum which is in the first praharam itself.. There are also shrines for Ganesha, Nammazhwar, Ramanujar, Lakshmi Narayanar and Venugopalan. .
The Legend connected to the temple is King Upamanyu or Ubharisaravasu was a pious king was in deep meditation . Sage Durvasa known for his short temper was passing by. Since the King was in meditation he did not take notice of the Sage. The Sage felt insulted and cursed the King to lose all his powers . The King immediately asked for his forgiveness and the Sage asked him to go to Thirupernagar which was then called Palasavanam because it was richly populated with Palasa maram , and feed one lakh people there. The King accordingly shifted his base to Thirupernagar and started the annadanam. One fine day , the Lord decided to test the resoluteness of the King , He appeared there as an old Brahmin and consumed all the food that was prepared for the day. However , the King remained calm and asked the old man reverently if he wanted anything else . The Lord who was in guise of the old man replied that He wanted at pot full of appam (a sweet preparation). The King organised the same at the earliest possible time and gave it to the old man . As soon as the Lord received the Kudam (pot) full of appam , the King was absolved of his curse and the Lord gave the King His darshan . Since the Lord asked the King for a kudam (pot) of appam , He is known as Appakudathan . The Lord can be seen holding on to a pot with His right hand in this temple . Appam is the offering made to the Lord at this temple . Even we tasted the appam from madapalli .
Sage Markandeya was saved from death by Lord Shiva at Thirukadaiyur. His fear of death however remained and haunted him . Lord is said to have driven out the fear of death from Sage Markandeya at Koviladi . The theertham here is therefore known as Mrityu Vinasini theertham .
Worship benefit at Appakudathan Temple, Koviladi includes progeny, absolution of sins, removal of all obstacles in attaining your desires, relief from malefic effects of adverse planetary positions, and development of a pleasant and humble personality.
It is one of the Pancha Rangams and ranks next to Adirangam at Srirangapattinam near Mysore, which is the first of the Pancha Rangams. The Pancharangams in order are
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Srirangapattinam, near Mysore
Sri Appakudathan Temple, Koviladi near Trichy
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Srirangam
Sarangapani Temple at Kumbakonam
Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple at Indalur, Mayiladuthurai
Appakudathan temple Front entrance Inside the temple Inside the temple GoddessGarudanOur tour organizer
This temple is also known as ” Dakshina Dwaraka “. Here Lord Krishna is worshipped as Rajagopalaswamy and there is a big statue of Krishna in the sanctum . The large temple premises consists of majestic gopurams, seven halls along with several small shrines .
As per the legends, Lord Krishna appeared in the dreams of sages Gopillar and Gopralayar. This led to the creation of this beautiful temple.
The Lord appears here as a shepherd boy with whip on one hand and butter on the other hand wearing dhothi and turban . Wearing earrings bangles and ornaments in his hip and key bunch with a cow and calf near his legs .
Rajagoplaswamy temple has not been glorified by Alwars, though it is classified as one of the Abimana Sthalam which are considered holy temples in Vaishnavite tradition .
When cruel Kamsa put his own sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva in prison , Lord Vishnu appeared before them and assured that he would be born to them .This is his first Leela-divine play Krishna Leela .
The procession deity is also called Rajamannar, hence the name of the place Mannargudi.
Kamsa engaged a wild elephant named Kuvalaya Peetam to kill Balarama . Lord Krishna killed that elephant . Remembering the event, Lord is holding a tusk in his left hand.
Lord Krishna arranged a competition among the Gopikas bathing in Yamuna River . The contest was that they should dress properly and wear the jewels after the bath . One Gopika could not find one of her ear ring . They found it at last in the ear of Krishna and were excited with joy to see its beauty in his ears . Based on this event, Lord in the temple has a Thadanga – ear ring in one ear and Kundalam – ring in the other ear .
During the Krishnavatara , there were two sages in the south named Gopilar and Gopralayar . Hearing the Leelas of Lord Krishna they set out to see him in Dwaraka . Maharshi Narada met them on the way and told them that Krishnavatara had ended and Lord had returned to his abode . The sages fell fainted on hearing this news . Maharshi Narada woke them up and consoled them . As advised by Narada, they began penance to have lord’s darshan. Lord appeared before them as Krishna in all his 32 Leelas . As requested by the sages , Lord stayed in this place . These 32 forms are displayed in a colourful form around the main Sannidhi at this temple .
It is said that Thirumangai Azhvaar did visit this place . He came up to the entrance of the temple , lifted the Dwaja Sthambam (Flag Post) at the entrance of the temple that was lying on the floor and went away .
It is said that the Lord gave darshan to Brahma , Brighu Maharishi and Goddess Mahalakshmi in Tretha Yugam , to Agni, Gopila and Gopralaya Rishi (children of Rishi Vahnimugar) in Dwapara Yugam and to King Rajasekhar in Kali Yugam .
In the Mahabharata , Pulasthya tells Bheeshma that anyone staying for a night at Mannarkoil earns the merit of having gifted a 1000 cows , such is the significance of this .
This temple elephant Shengamalam is famous for its hair do .
Mannarkudi Srirajagopalswamy Rajagopuram The temple elephant Sengamalam
Chidambaram is famous for its Lord Natarajar temple and it’s one of the pancha Sabha , known as kanaga Sabhai .
This temple ranks among the 108 Divyadesams of Lord Perumal . The Temple follows Vaikanasa Agamam . As Lord Narayana poses as Nila Thingal Thundan Perumal having inside the Ekambareswar temple premises in Kanchipuram , here at Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja Temple , he poses as Govindaraja Perumal near Lord Natarajar Sannadhi . Presiding Deity is called as Govindaraja Perumal . Govindaraja Perumal’s shrine faces east , while Nataraja’s shrine faces south .
Lord Govindaraja is in a separate temple with his flag post in the temple known as Chitra Sabha. Lord Vishnu’s shrine has its own circumambulatory passage and a set of towers . Standing in the front mandapam , the devotees can have the joint darshan of Lord Nataraja , Lord Govindaraja and Lord Brahmma on his naval chord simultaneously . This Shiva – Vishnu – Brahma darshan is available for the devotees in this temple only .
Lord is in Bhoga Sayanam (Reclining Posture) . Presiding Deity has Sangu and Chakram in his hands . He is accompanied by his consorts Sridevi , Bhudevi and Neela Devi at his feet . Adhishesha is seen with 7 heads and Perumal is wearing Salagrama Malai and Dasavathara Belt . Lord Brahmma with his four faces generally appears in a sitting posture on the naval chord of Lord Vishnu , here he appears in standing posture .
Of the Pancha Bhooda Sthalas – Space – Akash, Fire, wind, water and Prithvi the earth – this place belongs to Akash. Lord Govindaraja Perumal is facing Akash. The Vimana above the sanctum sanctorum is called Sadvika Vimana . Procession deity Devadhi Devan / Parthasarathy is in a sitting posture with Mothers. Another procession deity , Chitrakoodathullan, in a standing posture is with presiding Lord near his feet .
The speciality of this Temple is Lord can be seen in all postures . Utsava Idol Parthasarathy is in sitting posture , another Utsava Idol , Chitrakoodathan is in standing posture and Presiding Deity is in Sleeping posture . Mother is called as Pundarikavalli . Mother Pundarikavalli graces from a separate shrine. There is a shrine for Lord Rama can be seen in his Vanavasa Kolam (i.e poses as in his forest surroundings) in the Temple premises.
The Padukas of Lord are in a shrine in the prakara ensuring salvation to the devotees. Garuda Baghwan holding the devotee elephant Gajendra, Lord Narasimha , Venugopala and Maharshi Patanjali , Sri Andal and Sri Anjaneya also grace the devotees from their shrines in the prakara. There are also shrines for Chakkarathalwar , Udayavar , Narasimhar with Shanku chakram , Yoga Narasimhar , Koorathazhwar , Vishwaksenar , Alwars and Acharyas in the Temple premises .
In earlier days , there seems to have been separate temples for Vishnu and Shiva. This can be seen in Alwar’s praise of Thillai Chitrakoodam . There is said to have been a Nataraja temple known as Chitraambalam . Siru Ambalam signified that the Nataraja temple was small and Chitrakoodam (the Vishnu Lord) was the bigger temple . Chozha kings are believed to have destroyed the Vishnu temple and reconstructed the Nataraja temple and then positioned the Vishnu temple inside .
This sthalam is situated in Chennai , Tamil Nadu . This Kshetram is considered to be more divine in Thondai Naadu divyadesham temples .
Specials : The great seven Munis (Saptha Rishis) – Brighu , Atthiri , Mareeshi , Markandeyar, Sumathi , Jaabali and Saptharomar performed Tapas (thavam) here and as a result of this , the sthalam is also called as ” Brindaranyasthalam “. This sthalam is also known as ” Pancha Veerathalam”.
Lord Vishnu appeared here as ” Sri Parthasarathy ” for King Thondaimaan .
The Lord is installed by Vyasar and Devoted by Aathreyar .
Thirumazhisai Alwar met first Three Alwars (Poigai, Pei and Bhutham) in this sthalam.
The Deities :
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Venkata Krishnan . Along with Rukmani Piratiyar , he holds sword in one hand , Varadha Muthirai on the other hand and his brother Balaraman on his right , Sathaki on his left , son Prathyumnan , Grand son Aniruthan are also found near the Moolavar. This is one of the Sthalam where the Perumal shows his seva along with his three generations. He is found in standing (Nindra thirukkolam) position and facing his Thirumugham towards East direction.
The Thayaar of this Allikeni sthalam is Vedavalli Thayaar.
Sannadhis :
Sri Ramar Sannadhi.
Aranga Nathan Sannadhi.
Moolavar Sannadhi.
Thaayar Sannadhi.
Sri Varadharajan Sannadhi.
Azhagiyasingar( Narasimhar).
Sri Andal Sannadhi.
Mangalasasanam :
Thirumangai Alwar – 10 Paasurams.
Pei Alwar – 1
Thirumazhisai Alwar – 1
– Total 12.
Sri Ramanujar, Sri Manavala Mamunigal has also done mangalasasanam here.
Pushkarani : The Main pushkarani of this Sthalam is Kairavini Saras. Some other theerthams like Agni theertham , Soma theertham , Meena theertham , Indra theertham , Vishnu theertham are also found in this Sthalam. Due to lots of Alli (LILLY) flowers in the pond , this Kshetram is so-called as ” Alli keni “.
Vimanam : The Vimaanam is said to be found of Five Nillays with Seven Kalasams on it. The Five Nillays are :
Ananda
Pranava
Pushpaka
Sesha and
Thaivagai vimanam
Sri Parthasarathy Temple (Divya Desam) This is one of the 108 Divya desams. The name of the place came from the term – Allikkeni , meaning the temple tank of Alli flowers called Kairavinisaras. Per Legend, Thiruvengadamudayan gave dharshan as Krishnan to Chola king Sumathirajan per his request and so the deity is called Venkatakrishnan and the vigraha was installed by Attreya maharishi . The main deity is in the form of charioteer and so has a big moustache and the whole family of Krishnar – consort Rukmani , elder brother Balaramar , younger brother Satyaki , son Pradhyumna and grandson Anirudha are present in main shrine which can not be seen anywhere else. Since Krishnar promised not to take any weapons in His hands during the Mahabharatha war , He is seen here with Sangu only ( without the Chakra ) . The Utsava vigraham bears scars supposed to be from the arrows of Bheeshmar , when he was the charioteer to Arjuna in the Mahabharatha war .
The special significance of the temple being that the perumals of the 5 divya desams – Thirupathi Venkatesa Perumal , Srirangam Ranganathar , Kancheepuram Varadarajar , Ahobilam Narasimhar and Ayodhi Ramar – are present in separate shrines . As a rarity there are two dwajasthambams one for Sri Parathasarathy and the other for Sri Narasimhar. Also during Brahmosthavams , the temple car will run twice.
Ramanujar’s father AasuriKesavacharyar conducted a yagna here and got Ramanujar as his son. Thyagarajar, Muthuswamy Dhikshithar and Bharathiar lived here. Viveknandhar has also visited this temple.
Main entrance of the temple Moolavar UrtsavarParamapatha vaasal
Located about 8kms West of Nagapattinam, off the Nagapattinam- Thiruvarur Highway, is Damodara Narayanan Divya Desam in Thiru Kannangudi, which is also part of the Pancha Krishna Kshetram. This is the final point of Krishnaranya Kshetram, which begins at Naachiyar Koil in Thiru Naraiyur and passes through Thiru Cherai, Kannamangai and Kannapuram.
Sage Vashishta and Lord Krishna The story goes that, Lord Krishna, pleased with Vashishta’s penance, appeared before the sage in the form of a kid. While the Sage was immersed in thoughts of the Lord, Kannan picked up the butter, swallowed it in one go and gave Vashishta the run.
With Vashishta giving him a chase, young Kannan runs through the Krishnaranya Kshetram until he came upon the rishis, who were undergoing penance here. Thrilled to see Kannan come their way, the rishis blocked him.
Explaining his hurry, Kannan wanted them to ask for one wish. By this time, Vashishta too had caught up with the Lord and he fell at his feet. The rishis wanted the Lord to provide darshan to other devotees in this same standing posture at this place. Hence this place came to be called Kannankudi.
4 Interesting stories relating to ThiruMangai’s experience at Thiru Kannangudi
1. Thirumangai’s praise of the Tamarind tree Thirumangai Azhvaar who was to build the huge walls of Srirangam temple came to Nagai to pick up the golden statue of Buddha. On his way back, a tired Thirumangai wanted rest and lay under a Tamarind tree at Thiru Kannankudi. Placing the gold in the pit there, Thirumangai asked the tree to wake him up if someone came there. The next morning when the owner of the plot arrived to resume work, the tamarind tree dropped its leaves on Thirumangai to wake up the Azhvaar.
2. Pending cases at Kannangudi Thirumangai and the owner of the plot argued about its ownership. Thirumangai defended himself saying his papers were in Srirangam and that he would come back in a day or two with the papers. Thirumangai never came back and the case is said to have remained pending. Disputes in ThiruKannangudi don’t see a quick decision.
3. Dry Wells at Thiru Kannangudi A thirsty Thirumangai is said to have walked up to the ladies near the well and asked for water. Having heard about his arguments regarding the ownership of the plot, they were worried that he would fight with them on the ownership of the well and hence refused him a pot of water. An angry Thiru Mangai Azhvaar pronounced a curse stating that the water would not fill up in the well. To this day, wells in Thiru Kannankudi are seen dried up. Even when it fills up, it tastes salty.
4. Lord quenches Thirumangai’s thirst The Lord of Thiru Kannankudi is said to have come and presented a tired and thirsty Thiru Mangai with food and water. With Thiru Mangai finishing his food, the Lord is said to have disappeared. Left wondering, Thirumangai, on his way back, met a man who seemed like one with conch and chakra but disappeared almost immediately. It is believed that Thirumangai had earlier answered the Lord’s enquiry about his background saying he was a vagabond. Hence, the Lord is believed to have given him just one quick glimpse of his full vision and then disappeared.
Pancha Krishna Kshetram Thiru Kannangudi is part of the Pancha Krishna Kshetram, the others being Kapisthalam, ThiruKovilur, Thiru Kannamangai and Thiru Kannapuram.
Garuda’s Posture at ThiruKannangudi Unlike in other Divya Desams where Garuda is seen with folded hands, he is seen here with his hands around his body.
Another unique feature at this temple is the similarity of the Moolavar and Utsavar idols of Goddess, not seen in any other Divya Desam.
Moolavar is Lord Loganathan East facing and in standing posture Goddess Loganayaki Utsavar Damodara Narayanan Thirumangai Azhvaar (10 paasurams) has sung the glory of this Lord .
Located 20kms North West of Nagapatinam (20kms East of Tiruvarur, 30kms South of Kumbakonam and Mayavaram), this is one of the 5 Krishnaranya Kshetrams. Lord Narayana himself re-incarnated as Sowri Rajan at Kannapuram and it is one of the 108 Divya deshams (Cholanadu) .
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Neelamega Perumal. Moolavar is in nindra (standing) thirukkolam facing the East. Utsavar Sowriraja perumal is decoared with false hair and taken out in procession during Brahmotsavam festival The Lord gave dharshan for Kanva munivar, Garudan, Thandaka maharishi
The Thayaar in this sthalam is Kannapura Nayaki and has a separate sannadhi
Mangalasasanams The temple is revered by the verses of Tirumangai alwar,Perialwar,Aandaal,Kulasekara alwar,Nammalwar
History of Sowriraja Perumal Temple
This is the temple where the Lord showed Vibheeshana, brother of Ravana, his walking beauty. After seeing the sleeping beauty of Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam, Vibheeshna wanted to see the walking beauty of the Lord, upon which he was directed by the Lord to his “Keezh(akku) Veedu’ (Eastern Gateway of the Lord).
Sowri Rajan – An extra growth of hair on the Lord The legend behind the temple is that once an archahar, (bhattar,priest)called Ranga bhattar, due to poverty, was recycling used garlands to decorate the Lord. Once when the king visited, he noticed a strand of hair in the garland. The angered king asked the priest how a human hair could have got into the garland meant for Narayana. Flustered priest blabbered saying that it was the hair of the Lord Himself. The priest promised the king to show the Lord’s hair the next day. Fearing death penalty, the priest surrendered to the Lord. To save the poor priest Ranga bhattar, Lord appeared with thick hair and gave darshan to the king. Hence he is known as Sowriraja perumal ( Sowri – hair).
In another incident, a devotee named Munaitharaiyar wanted to offer the delicious pongal to the Lord before he would eat it. As it was late in the night, the temple was closed and he could not get in. He stood outside and sincerely imagined of he offering the Pongal to the Lord. Suddenly, there were chimes from the temple bell inside and a fragrance of hot ghee pongal came out of the temple, signifying that the Lord had accepted his offering. Till this day, pongal as nivethyam is offered during the Arthajama pooja ( night pooja) and is called “Muniyodharam Pongal” named after the devotee.
“Om Namo Narayana” is the Thirumandiram and Thirumangai Azhwar was taught by Lord Neelamega perumal itself. This sacred mandiram consists of eight syllables and here Sriman Narayanan is said to live in each syllable and hence this place is also called “Srimathasthakshara Maha Manthira Siddhi Kshetram”.
Here the deity appears as if seeking alms,signifying that He is receiving our hardships on Himself to keep the human kind happy. The Chakra in his hand is Prayoga chakra and appears ready to destroy the evil.
Sri Neervannaperumal Temple, Thiruneermalai is one among the 108 Divyadesams found in Chennai near Tambaram (Thondai Nadu).
In this Sthalam, the Perumal is found in various positions as Nindraan, Irunthaan, Kidanthaan and Nadanthaan Thirukkolam.
This Sthalam is situated in Tamil Nadu, Chengulpet District. We can reach the temple by travelling around 4 Kms from Pallavaram Railway Station, which is about 7 Kms from Chennai.
This Thiruneermalai Kshetram is also called as “Thoyagiri Kshetram” and also as “Thothadri”. Thoya means “Water” and Adhiri means “Mountain” (malai). Since the mountain is surrounded by water, this sthalam is named as “Thiru Neermalai”.
Specials :
The Perumal shows his 4 sevas in this temple (ie) – Nindra, Iruntha, Kidantha and Nadantha Thirukkolmas.
It is said that once Thirumangai Alwar came here to get the Dharshan of the Perumal. At that time, the mountain was fully surrounded by water and he waited for six months to worship the Perumal. After all the water drained, he went up the mountain and worshipped the Perumal. The place where Thirumangai Alwar stayed is called as “Thiru Mangai Alwarpuram”.
Moolavar and Thaayar:
The Perumal gives his seva in four different positions.
Sri Neervannar – Nindra Thirukkolam.
Lord Narasimhar – Irundha Thirukkolam.
Lord Ranganathar – Kidantha Thirukkolam.
Lord Thiruvikraman – Nadantha Thirukkolam.
The Neervannar is found in Nindra (standing) thirukkolam facing his Thirumugham towards East direction. He is also named as Neelamugil Vannan. Prathyaksham (seva) for Thondaimaan, Brighu Munivar and Maarkandeyar.
Lord Ranganathar is found in Kidantha (lying) position facing his thirumugham towards South direction and the Sayana kolam is referred to as “Manicka Sayanam”. He is lying on the Aadhiseshan under Ranga Vimaanam.
Thaayar The Thayaar of this sthalam is Sri Animaa Malar Mangai and found in a separate Sannadhi.
Adivaram temple is Neervannar in nindra kolam . One has to climb about 210 steps to Malai koil to see iruntha , kidantha , nadantha kolam of the Lord . According to Thirumangai Alwar, Thiruneer Malai is referred to:
Thirukoviloor – Ulagalanthaan (ThiruVikrama kolam) Thus, in Thiruneermalai Divyadesam, we can see all the four forms of the Perumal together. In this temple, Muni Valmiki worshipped Eari Kidantha (Aranganathan), Iruntha (Narasimar), Nadantha (Thiruvikraman) Kola seva of the Perumal. After worshipping all the 3 sevas, he came down from the mountain to worship Lord Rama. Knowing this Lord Vishnu gave darshan as Sri Ramar and Lakshmi Piratti as Seetha and Aadisesha as Lakshman and Sangu and Chakram as Baratha chatrukanan. Lord Vigneshwar as Sugreev and Garudan as Hanuman.
Pushkarani: Kshri includes Karunya, Sidha and Swarna Pushkarani.
Kshri Pushkarani for Kidantha Perumal.
Karunya Pushkarani for Nindra Perumal.
Sittha Pushkarani for Ulagalantha Perumal.
Swarna Pushkarani for Veetruntha Paramapatha Emperuman.
The Pushkarani is found along with the Neerazhi Mandapam.
In Kulakarai, Vasantha Mandapam is found.
Vimanam:
Ranga Vimaanam – Sri Ranganathar.
Santha Vimaanam – Lord Narasimhar.
Thoyagiri Vimaanam – Ulagalantha Perumal.
Hill temple Nindran Neervanna Perumal Irunthan sitting posture Sri Narasimhar Nadanthan in walking posture Ulagalantha Perumal Kidanthan in reclining posture Sri Ranganathar
Sri Jagath Rakshaka Perumal temple, Thirukudalur, Tamil Nadu .
Jagath Rakshaka Perumal Temple or Thirukudalur (locally called Aduthurai Perumal Temple) is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi as Padmasanavalli.
The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. A brick wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and bodies of water.
Jagath Rakshaka is believed to have appeared to sage Nandaka and King Ambarisha. In this temple v can see a sangu (conch) naturally formed in a jack tree.. during our visit to cholanadu divyadeshams we were lucky enough to see the aani thirumanjanam .
As per Hindu legend , King Ambarisha who immersed himself in the worship of Lord Vishnu , failed to strengthen his army and lost his kingdom . While worshipping , he also did not observe the sage Durvasa who went along that way . The sage got irritated and cursed the king . The king went to Lord Vishnu for rescue , who sent his discus to chase the sage. The sage surrendered to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness . The king Ambarishan is believed to have built the temple and hence the presiding deity is also called Ambarisha Varadhar at this place .
As per another legend , all rivers come to river Kaveri for cleansing themselves . Kaveri wanted to cleanse herself and approached Lord Brahma . She is believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this place and got relieved . A parrot which was devoted to Lord Vishnu was shot down in the nearby forest . Lord Vishnu rescued the parrot and appeased him of his previous birth . Thus it is believed that Vishnu descends here for all forms of life . Lord Vishnu is also believed to have appeared for sage Nandaka . Since all sages came here and prayed to Lord Vishnu , the place is called Koodalur ( Koodal means group ) .The temple is called Vaiyam Katha Perumal as the presiding deity is believed to have saved the world .
Inside the temple Standing in front of the Jack tree u can see the conch applied with turmericEntrance of the temple
Located about 15 kms South of Mayavaram is the Kripa Samudran(Arumakadal) Divya Desam in Sirupuliyur where the Lord is seen as a small kid in sleeping posture (Bala Sayanam).
This is one among the 40 cholanadu divyadeshams.
Moolavar: Kripasamudra Perumal in a south-facing Bhujanga Sayana posture
Thaayar: Thirumaa Magal Nachiyar
It is believed that that the Lord originally gave darshan to the Rishis as Lord Ranganatha (like in Srirangam) in his full form. Because of their old age, the rishis could not see, clearly, the big image of the Lord and hence the Lord gave darshan in a smaller form known as ‘Bala Sayanam’. The Lord Kripa Samudran can be seen as a small kid in sleeping posture. Being the Lord in small form, this place is called Siru (small) Puliyur.
A special feature of this temple is that this is one of the only two Divya Desams where the Lord in sayana kolam (sleeping posture) is facing the Southern direction, the other being Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.
Sthalapuranam: Gauthama Maharishi was the son of Madhiya Nandhana Maharishi. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva. To offer pure and sweet fruits and fine flowers he requested Lord Shiva to grant him eyes in his hand finger tips and claws like tiger. And he got the name Viyakirapadha rishi. Then he married Vashits Maharishi’s sister and bore upamanyu Maharishi as his son. Once Padanjali, the son of Aadhishesha came to Chidambaram and joined the Maharishi to enjoy the graceful dance of Lord Shiva and attained the eternal happiness in the process. Lord Shiva ordered Vyakrapadha rishi to do penance at Srirangam requesting Lord Vishnu to give him place in Sri Vaigundam. Because of their poor eyesight, the Rishis instead went southward, lost their way and reached Krupa Samudram (present name Sirupuliyur). Here, they prayed to Lord Vishnu saying that they were to come to Srirangam to invoke his blessings but have now lost their way and that he grant them Moksham. It is believed that the Lord originally gave dharshan to the Rishis as Lord Ranganatha (like in Srirangam) in his full form. Because of their old age, the rishis could not able to see the big image of the Lord clearly and hence the Lord gave dharshan in a smaller form known as ‘Bala Sayanam’. The Lord Krupa Samudran (means Ocean of Grace) can be seen as a small kid in sleeping posture. Being the Lord in small form and the saint who worshipped was in the form of a Tiger; hence this place is called Siru (small) Puli (Tiger) yur (Living place). He has also got a place under the lotus feet of the Lord in the Moolavar Sannathi. It’s been said the perumal of this place gave protection to the snake Aadhiseshan from his enemy Garuda. The Lord here is small in size. Thirumangaialwar worried about this. So, Perumal asked him to come to Thirukannamangai to view his very big statue. A special feature of this temple is that this is one of the only two Divya Desams where the Lord in sayana kolam (sleeping posture) is facing the Southern direction, the other being Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Garuda does not fly over this place because of an interesting story:
Fight between Garuda and Adhiseshan
Once Garuda(the Vehicle of the Lord) and Adiseshan (on whom rests the Lord) got into an argument as to who was more powerful and devoted to the Lord. Seeing Garuda a little arrogant, Lord Vishnu went in favour of the Serpant God. Worried that Garuda might be angered at this, Adiseshan seeks Lord’s protection, upon which Lord asks him to roll himself and lie under him. It is said that as a result of this anger, Garuda never flies over this place. There is another story that that Adiseshan won the argument and since snakes were sworn enemies of garuda, Adiseshan hid himself under the waters of the temple tank. There is since been a temple for Adisesha. A separate shrine for Sri Adhiseshan is present near to the pushkarani – known as Ananthalwar Temple. It is said that one will be relieved of Naaga Dosham if one visits this place. Unmarried people and childless couple can also visit this temple for solution.
This sthalam is a village which is situated in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu.
It lies in between Mayavaram junction and Kuttralam station on the main railway line between Chennai to Tanjore.
This temple can also be reached by travelling around 7 Kms from Kuttralam and about 8 Kms from Mayavaram.
This Divyadesam is also called with other names such as Azhundoor, Azhundhai, Therazhunthur.
Sthala Puranam:
Uparisaravasu was the king of Sethi Kingdom and was the student of Devaguru Bhragaspathi. He got a chariot from Lord Indra , which floated in the sky .
Once he settled a dispute between the rishi’s and devas and favour it in the Deva’s side.
The rishi’s got angry and cursed the king that his chariot would not fly in the sky.
So as an effect to the curse, his chariot got stuck in this place and the king fell infront of the lord. Henceforth this place is called as Therazhunthur (Ther means Chariot).
Lord Narayana sent Garudan and helped him to fly back. As Lord helped the person loved by deva’s who was a human he was called Devaadirajan from then on.
Moolavar Devaadirajan is of 10 feet tall having Lord Gauruda to his left and prahalatha along with Markanteya Maharishi to his right. He has Gadhayudham (his weapon) in his left hand. River Cauvery too is there kneeling at his lotus feet.
Utsavar Aamaruviappan stands with a very beautiful calf along with his two wives.
Cow and calf belong to the Deva group, buffulo’s belong to Asura group and sheep’s belong to Mankind. Lord Krishna thus saves all the living things. As Jeevatma becomes a tamed cow before Lord Krishna and he too behaves as a tamed cow infront of a pure heart, he is called as Aamaruviappa (ie) Aaa means cow (person who is as soft as a cow). Thus the Lord Aamaruviappa is said to inherit the qualities of Lord Krishna (ie) (he contains Lord Krishnas Amsam).
There is a tale regarding Aamaruviappan’s arrival at this place. Once Lord Brahma stole all the cows of Ayarpadi which were under Lord Krishna’s custody and locked them at Theruzhunthur. Lord Krishna came to know this through his Yoga maya and created a whole new herd of cows. Lord Brahma then asked Lord Krishna to forgive him. He asked Lord Krishna to stay permenantly at this place and bless all the people who seeked his help.
There’s a beautiful unjal Mandapam (Unjal – Joola – Swing) in this temple.
Inside the Rajagopuram, poet kamban and his wives images are beautifully carved. (Poet Kamban was born here only) there are also many beautiful images which are in a demolished state.
Manavala Maamunigal has done Mangalasasanam to his place. Utsavar is brought for Thirumanjanam (ceremony of bathing the lord) in river cauvery many times during the festivities .
Moolavar has golden (helment) Kreedam, Sagasranama necklace, Dasavathara Udhara Malai, Golden anklet, godess Alarmel mangai in his heart diamond Thiruman (sacred symbol of Vaishnavities).
This Sthalam is the birth place of the Great Tamil Poet, Kambar who has created “Kamba Ramayanam”.
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Devaadi Rajan. He is giving his seva in Nindra (Standing) Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Dharma devadai, Uparisaravasu, River Cauvery, Garudan and Agastiyar.
The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Sengamalavalli Thaayar.
The Utsavar found in this sthalam is Aamaruviappan.
This temple is located on the Chennai to thirupathi highway .
The temple is one among the 108 divya desams of vaishnavas and a part of tondai naadu divyadesams. Amavasya days are believed to be auspicious for visiting this temple.
The presiding deity Veera raghava perumal is in a reclining position in the temple. The lord’s right hand is positioned on Salihothra Munivar’s head while the left hand is in the Gnana Mudra position indicating the teaching of the four Vedas to the Lord Brahma.
A sage named Salihotra had his hermitage in this place. He used to grind rice for a living and offered half of the flour to the seekers and used to consume the rest himself. He was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. To test his devotion, Vishnu appeared as a guest to him one day. He requested Salihotra to offer him food, which the sage did. The guest felt hungry and requested the sage to offer more food. The sage offered the other half portion of the flour which he used to consume himself. The guest asked a place to rest and the sage readily offered his hermitage. On arriving at the hermitage, the guest revealed his true form and blessed the sage.
As per another legend, Vishnu appeared in the place to marry Lakshmi, who was born as the daughter of Dilipa, the king of Dharmasenapura. He appeared in the place and married her .The place is also called Thiruevvul and Veshranniem.
As per yet another legend, Shiva was not invited by Daksha, the father of Dakshyani and wife of Siva for a big yagna (sacrifice). Siva, in his anger, opened his third eye out of which Virabhadra was created. He was directed by Siva to kill Daksha and he followed his orders. Siva incurred Brahmahatti Dosham on account of the execution. He was directed to the sacred tank of the temple to propitiate himself off the sins. The shrine of Siva in the form of Theertheswarar on the northern banks of the temple is believed to be place where Siva cleansed himself.
Hrith paapanasini-The temple’s Pond A dip in this holy water is capable of purifying even sins committed by mind.
The temple is one among the 108 divya desams of vaishnavas and a part of thondai naadu divyadesams. Amavasya days are believed to be auspicious for visiting this temple.
The presiding deity Veera raghava perumal is in a reclining position in the temple. The lord’s right hand is positioned on Salihothra Munivar’s head while the left hand is in the Gyana Mudra position indicating the teaching of the four Vedas to the Lord Brahma.
A sage named Salihotra had his hermitage in this place. He used to grind rice for a living and offered half of the flour to the seekers and used to consume the rest himself. He was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. To test his devotion, Vishnu appeared as a guest to him one day. He requested Salihotra to offer him food, which the sage did. The guest felt hungry and requested the sage to offer more food. The sage offered the other half portion of the flour which he used to consume himself. The guest asked a place to rest and the sage readily offered his hermitage. On arriving at the hermitage, the guest revealed his true form and blessed the sage.
As per another legend, Vishnu appeared in the place to marry Lakshmi, who was born as the daughter of Dilipa, the king of Dharmasenapura. He appeared in the place and married her .The place is also called Thiruevvul and Veshranniem.
As per yet another legend, Shiva was not invited by Daksha, the father of Dakshyani and wife of Siva for a big yagna (sacrifice). Siva, in his anger, opened his third eye out of which Virabhadra was created. He was directed by Siva to kill Daksha and he followed his orders. Siva incurred Brahmahatti Dosham on account of the execution. He was directed to the sacred tank of the temple to propitiate himself off the sins. The shrine of Siva in the form of Theertheswarar on the northern banks of the temple is believed to be place where Siva cleansed himself.
Here is the list of the Navagraha temples located in Chennai .
Kollapakkam Sri Agastgeeswarar temple Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Suryan
Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Chandran
Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Uthara Vaidheeswaran Koil) Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Angaaragan
Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar Temple Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Budhan
Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Uthara Raameswaram) Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Guru
Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Sukran
Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Vada Thirunallaaru) Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Saneeswarar
Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Kethu
Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar Temple (Vada Thirunaageswaram) Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Raahu
All these temples are of historic importance and recently Tamilnadu Tourism has started operating package trip to these Chennai Navagraha temples .
KOLLAPAKKAM AGASTHEESWARAR This temple is devoted to Surya Bhagwaan and is said to be built over 1300 years ago . The main deities here are Sri Agatheeswarar (also called Sri Vaakeesa Mahadhevar) and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli . According to legend , Surya Bhagwaan used to worship Lord Shiva here. The shrines of all other deities face the shrine of Lord Surya . Legend also says that along with Surya Bhagwaan , Sage Agasthiyar also worshipped Lord Shiva here. Thus , the temple is called Sri Agatheeswarar .The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is ” Arasa Maram ” (Peepal tree) and Theertham is called “Amirtha Pushkarani ” which is found adjacent to the temple and is less maintained .
The color of Vasthram (clothing) meant for Sri Surya Bhagavan is Red. The Dhaanyam (grain) dedicated to Him is Wheat and the auspicious day to worship Sri Surya Bhagavan is Sunday. Worshipping Sri Surya Bhagavan on Sunday, by offering red cloth, red flowers and wheat gives success to one in all his deeds. Also, it is said that worshipping Sun God makes one gain the Thejas
SOMANGALAM SOMANADEESWARAR Somangalam lies at about 35 kms south west of Chennai city. One can take the route from Tambaram via Kishkinta to reach Somangalam. The better alternative is to take the road from Pallavaram going to Kunrathur. After reaching Kunrathur junction, one has to take left (towards south) to reach Somangalam. Somangalam is about 10 kms from Kunrathur. Also plenty of busses ply from Porur directly to Somangalam.
Somangalam is an ancient, beautiful village having a temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Somanaadheeswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi Amman.
This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God). According to legend , Sri Chandra Bhagavan (also called Soman) is said to have got cursed by Dhakshan . As a result , he lost his divine charm and forgot all 16 form of arts he acquired . To come out of this , He is said to have created a pond here called Soma Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here . After this , he got back his beauty and wisdom . As Sri Soman (Sri Chandra Bhagavan) worshipped the Lord here , Lord Shiva here is called Somanaadheeswarar and the place came to be known as Somangalam .
This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for those having any Dhosham related to Chandra Bhagavan . Sri Chandra Bhagavan has a separate shrine in the temple , facing west .
POONTHAMALLEE VAIDHEESWARAR Poonthamallee is about 25 kms from Chennai city and has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva , which is more than 1000 years old . The main deity here is Sri Vaidheeswarar and Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi .
This temple is very similar to the Vaidheeswaran Koil temple near Kumbakonam , which is one of the Navagraha Sthalam for Angaaragan ( Mars in English or Chevvaai in Thamizh ).
This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Angaaragan . It is said that Sri Angaaragan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place .
Sri Angaaragan’s Paadham (foot mark) is found in the temple just outside the sanctum under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted on stone. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for Chevvaai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan .
The temple is so huge with very vast praakaarams . The main deity is facing east in the form of Shiva Lingam. Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi is facing south.
In the inner praakaaram Sri Dhakshinamurthy , Sri Brahma, Sri Subramanyar, Sri Sandigeswarar and Sri Durgai are seen . There are 3 Chakras installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar in the Praakaaram called Sri Chakram , Subramanya Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram .
On the northern praakaaram there is a Baana Lingam installed facing the entrance .
Though there is an entrance at the eastern side , the temple has its main entrance and Rajagopuram facing north .
There are some beautiful carvings on either sides of the entrance.
The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is Thaazhi Panai Maram (Palm tree). The temple pond (called Vinai Theertha Kulam) is located on the eastern side of the temple , which needs attention .
Surya Pooja happens in this temple in the Thamizh month ” Maasi “. On the 21st , 22nd , 23rd , 24th and 25th of Maasi , Sun’s rays directly fall on the main deity around 6 am in the mornings . This amazing act happens only on these 5 days of the year and never repeats again .
This temple is also called ‘Uthara Vaitheeswaran Koil’. A wonderful temple with amazing architecture .
KOVUR SRI SUNDARESWARAR Kovur is a small town situated about 22 kms from Chennai, on the road going from Porur towards Kunrathur. The temple is located about 200 meters off the main road.
Kovur has a massive temple for Lord Shiva built by Kulothunga Chozha .The main deity of this temple is Sri Sundhareswarar (also called Thirumaeneeswarar) and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai (also called Thiruvudai Naayagi).Sri Sundhareswarar temple in Kovur is one of the Navagraha sthalams around Chennai. This is the Budhan Sthalam in Chennai.
The temple is located close to 4 kms from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman temple . Kovur is a about 10 kms from Pallavaram , on the road going from Kunrathur towards Porur. The temple is located about 200 meters off the main road – narrow roads . The temple has a beautiful tall Rajagopuram . Main deities – Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai. The Lord is also called Thirumaeneeswarar. Other deities are Sri Veerabadhrar , Sri Subramanyar and Navagraha .
According to legend , Goddess Kamakshi was performing thapas on Panchagni (fire) in Maangaadu praying Lord Shiva to marry Her . Her penance was so intense that the whole surroundings became too hot and all living beings suffered because of enormous heat . But Lord Shiva was meditating deeply with His eyes closed . Sages and Devas worshipped Lord Vishnu to save the world from the heat of the penance. Lord Vishnu directed Sri Mahalakshmi to save the world.
Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi came down here to this place in the form of a cow and worshipped Lord Shiva to make Him open the eyes , so that the world is saved . Pleased with Her prayers, Lord Shiva opened His eyes , after which the heat of the place subsided and became cooler .
As Sri Mahalakshmi worshipped here in the form of a cow , the place came to be known as Kopuri ( In Thamil , Ko means cow ) and later corrupted to become Kovur . At later stages Kulothunga Chozha had built this temple beautifully .
The temple is facing south with a beautiful 7 tiered Rajagopuram . The entire Sannadhi street itself is so beautiful with shady trees and ancient houses .
This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Sri Budhan (Mercury) .
Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai are said to be so beautiful here and hence they are called so . It is said that , by worshipping Sri Sundhareswarar , one will be cured of many ailments . The temple has undergone Kumbhabhishekam ( consecration ) recently and looks fresh and new .
Other deities present in the temple are Sri Veerabadhrarb, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and Navagrahams . All 63 Naayanmaars are also present in this temple .
Saint Thyagaraja has visited this temple on his way to Thirupathi . It is said that Saint Thyagaraja traveled on a palanquin towards Thirupathi and passed through this place . He also visited this temple on his way . A local headman called Sundharesan asked the saint to compose and sing some songs on him . Thyagarajar refused and said that he won’t sing praise of any individual and he will sing praise of God only and left Kovur .
While going from Kovur, his palanquin was obstructed by a group of bandits who threw stones on the palanquin and his servants to stop him from going further . The saint Thyagaraja stopped and got down from the palanquin to explain the bandits that he was not so rich to be robbed and also he was on a pilgrimage to Thirupathi . The bandits came near Thyagaraja and asked him who threw the stones back at them . Thyagaraja told them that there were no other people with them except the carriers of palanquin . But the thieves told that they saw 2 youngsters furiously throwing back the stones on them to save Thyagaraja . Saint Thyagaraja realized that they were none other than Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana who came to his rescue .
Saint also realized that there is some holy power to this place and again came back to Kovur temple and sung 5 compositions ( Keerthanas ) called ” Kovur Pancharathnam ” . The local headman was too proud thinking that Saint Thyagaraja sung in praise of him only . But the saint explained him that the 5 compositions were made in praise of the Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and not the individual called Sundhareswaran . The Kovur Pancharatnams are “Ee Vasudha” (Sahaana Raagam), “Kori Sevimpa” (Karaharapriya Raagam), “Sambo Mahadeva” (Pantuvarali Raagam), “Nammi Vachina” (Kalyani Raagam) and “Sundareswaruni” (Sankarabharanam Raagam).
Most of the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja are in praise of Lord Rama only. This is one of the few places where he had composed Keerthanas on other Gods.
Sri Sekkizhaar , who was born in the nearby place ” Kunrathur” started writing ” Periya Puranam ” from this temple only.
Another rarity of this temple is the Sthala Viruksham called Maha Vilvam tree . The Maha Vilvam of this temple is a very rare one that each stalk of Maha Vilvam has 27 leaves to it. This Maha Vilvam also has many medicinal properties in it .
The Theertham for this temple is called Siva Gangai Theertham. This temple also has a beautiful chariot which requires renovation .
PORUR RAMANAADHESWARAR This temple is located in Porur, very near to Porur junction , on Kunrathur Road.
This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana period. According to the history, Sri Rama on His way to Sri Lanka rested here in this place which was then a forest . While resting under an Amla tree ( “Nelli” in Thamizh ) , He realized that there was a Shiva Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly .
Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham as He had touched the Lingam with His feet . So he undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his food , to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam . Lord Shiva pleased with Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa Dharshan to Sri Rama .
Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Sri Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakama Sundhari .
This temple Sri Rama with sincere prayers worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru and got to know the directions to reach the place where Sri Sita was kept under custody of Raavana and headed towards Sri Lanka .
As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (Thondai Mandalam ) . Here Lord Shiva Himself is worshipped as Sri Guru Bhagavan .
Also this place is called Uthara Rameswaram , as Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here , similar to Rameswaram . Also according to temple sources , it is said that Porur was called as Uthara Raameswaram in ancient days . It is also said that , this temple is equivalent to Rameswaram and those who are not able to go pilgrimage to Rameswaram can visit this place and be blessed by the Lord.
The main deity Sri Ramanatheeswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated , facing east . This huge deity is a Swayambhu Lingam (self evolved) . Goddess Sivakaama Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple .
The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or Thoongaanai Maadam (தூங்கானை மாடம்) type which is popular in Chozha temple architecture. Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy and other Koshta Murthies are found around the sanctum. This temple does not have Rajagopuram at the entrance and Vimanam above the sanctum.
Nandhigeswarar is found on the outer praakaaram facing the sanctum.
Here Sri Sandigeswarar is seen in a peculiar position near Nandhi facing south.
The practice of offering Theertham and Sadaari are generally seen only in Vishnu temples. But, this is probably the only Shiva temple, where Theertham and Sadaari are offered to the devotees.
The Sthala Viruksham is Vembu ( Neem tree ) which is seen on the southern side of the praakaaram . Lord Brahma is seen under the tree facing north . A small Shiva Lingam is kept facing east with Nandhi , adjacent to Lord Brahma . The Neem tree is dressed up with a nice saree which looks like a beautiful woman .
Pournami , Pradhosham , Sivarathri and Guru Peyarchi are celebrated well in this temple .
One can’t stop admiring the beauty of Sri Ramanatheswarar and His magnificence at this temple.
MAANGAADU SRI VELLEESWARAR Maangaadu is a small beautiful village located at the outskirts of Chennai near Poondhamalli . While going from Chennai city on Mount Poondhamalli road, one has to take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Maangaadu .
This temple is located very close to Maangaadu Sri Kamakshi Amman temple. This is a very ancient and beautiful temple for Lord Shiva . The main deity here is Sri Velleeswarar . There is no Ambaal in this temple, as Sri Kamakshi Amman is present nearby .
According to the legend , when Goddess Sri Kamakshi performed Thapas here in Maangaadu , Lord Shiva came down to earth to give dharshan to Her and marry Her. It is said that , Sri Sukran (Venus) worshipped Lord Shiva here . When Sri Kamakshi came here to have dharshan of Lord Shiva, she saw Sri Sukran worshipping the Lord . The Goddess went back as She did not want to disturb the prayers of Sukran .
Later Lord Shiva directed the Goddess to come to Kanchipuram and married Her there. As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also called as Sri Bhaargaveswarar .
This temple is Sukran Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai ( Thondai Mandalam ) . Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth , prosperity , good family , vehicles , fame and social status .
The main deity Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very grand , facing east . Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance of the sanctum . Lord Ganesha here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called ” Maangani Vinayagar ” .The place Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast Mango forest .
Lingothbavar is seen on the outer wall behind the sanctum . Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are present on either side of Lingothbavar worshipping Him .
There is a separate shrine for Sri Veerabadhrar behind the sanctum . Sri Veerabadhrar is said to have got created from the sweat of Lord Shiva to defeat Dhakshan .
Sri Subramanyar shrine is present at the North West side of the outer praakaaram. Sri Subramanyar is so beautiful and seen with His consorts Sri Valli and Sri Dhevasena. All the 3 deities are made of a single stone. Lord Muruga’s Vaahanam peacock is present outside the shrine facing the shrine .
A beautiful Nandhi is present outside the sanctum , facing towards west. It is said that people visiting Sri Kamakshi Amman temple should also have dharshan at Sri Velleeswarar temple and Sri Vaikunda Perumaal temple in Maangaadu , as all these three temples are interconnected with the history of Sri Kamakshi Amman .
Those having eyesight problems worship this Lord to get clear vision .
POZHICHALUR AGASTHEESWARAR Pozhichalur is about 3 kms from Pallaavaram Railway station off the road towards Kunrathur .
It has an ancient Shiva temple belonging to Chozha period .
The main deity here is Sri Agatheeswarar and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli .
This beautiful temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) dedicated to Lord Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan .
According to legend , Lord Shiva directed Sri Agasthiyar to go towards south to balance the earth during His wedding at Mount Kailash . As per the God’s direction , Sage Agasthiyar came down to the southern part to balance the weight of the earth. While he was on his way to Podhigai hills , he stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord Shiva , a Swayambhu (self evolved) Lingam at this place .
Sage Agasthiyar had a boon that wherever he worships Lord Shiva , he will get the dharshan of the Lord’s marriage with Goddess Parvathi . Sage Agasthiyar is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here and got His dharshan in this place .
Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here . As Sri Saneeswara had been giving ill effects to people , he had gained Dhosham out of it. Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan , wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams , prayed Lord Shiva for help .
Lord Shiva asked Sri Sani Bhagavan to come to this place and worship Him . As directed, Sri Sani Bhagavan came to this place, created a pond called ” Sani Theertham ” and worshipped Lord Shiva and got relieved of his problems.
Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no dhoshams or ill effects . People having problems because of Sani ( Saturn ), worship here to reduce the ill effects. This place is also called “Vada Thirunallaaru “.
The main deity , Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing the east and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli facing south . The temple is facing north and does not have Rajagopuram .
Sri Sani Bhagavan is facing west towards the main deity in the sanctum. This temple is also a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu and Kethu .
This temple had been renovated during Chozha period . The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam) shape .
Lord Ganesha ( Vinaayagar ) is seen under a peepul tree at the south west corner of the temple. At southeast of the sanctum, Lord Anjaneyar (Sri Hanuman) has a separate shrine .
The Sthala Viruksham for this temple ” Maa Maram “( Mango tree ) is at the north western side of the temple .
There is a beautiful Shiva Lingam under the Mango tree along with Sri Nandhi .
The Theertham of this temple is called ‘Sani Theertham’ which is located a little away from the temple . This pond is in a very poor state with encroachments all around.
Raahu Kaalam , Pradhosham , Aarudhra Dharsanam , Sivarathri , Sani Peyarchi and Karthigai Deepam are few of the special days in this temple .
KUNRATHUR NAGESHWARAR Kunrathur is located about 25 kms from Chennai city . One can reach Kunrathur by taking the road off GST road from Pallavaram . One can also take the road from Porur junction leading to Kunrathur .
Kunrathur has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva which is over 800 years old . The main deity is Sri Naageswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi .
This temple was built by the famous poet Sri Sekkizhaar who wrote the popular ” Periya Puranam “. Sekkizhaar was born in Kunrathur itself . Once Kulothunga Chozha II wanted to know his intellect and tested him with his questions . Sekkizhaar answered the king perfectly and the king was amazed .
The king made Sekkizhaar his minister at his capital. Sekkizhaar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was regularly worshipping Lord Shiva at Thirunaageswaram near Kumbakonam .
During later stages , Sekkizhaar built a temple for Lord Shiva at Kunrathur which is very similar to the Thirunaageswaram temple . He installed the deity ( Shiva Lingam ) with Naagaabaranam ( snake as an ornament ) around the Shiva Lingam and named the Lord as Sri Naageswarar .
This temple is also popularly called as Vada Thirunaageswaram .
This temple is considered the Raahu Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) . The Naagar around the deity is considered the ” Raahu ” for worship. Parihaarams (remedial worship) for Raahu are done here, especially during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi and also during Raahu Kaalam ( 4.30 pm to 06.00 pm ) on Sundays .
The temple is very huge and wonderful . The vast praakaarams add beauty to the temple . Sri Naageswarar is seen facing east and Goddess Sri Kamakshi is facing south . Sri Sekkizhaar also has a separate shrine inside the temple .
A magnificent Dwajasthambham is located on the eastern side of the temple , straight to the entrance .
Sri Nandhigeswarar is seated in a small stone mandapam and is facing east towards the sanctum .
Sthala Viruksham ( holy tree ) for this temple is ” Shenbaga Maram ” and Theertham is ” Surya Pushkarani ” . Surya Pushkarani is very large and beautiful which is seen outside the temple on the south eastern side .
The temple definitely showcases the dedication of Sri Sekkizhaar toward Sri Naageswarar .
GERUGAMBAKKAM NEELAKANDESWARAR Gerugambaakkam is located about 20 kms west of Chennai. While going from Porur towards Kunrathur , one should take left to reach Gerugambaakkam .
Gerugambaakkam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva , which belongs to Chozha period . The main deity is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi .
This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Kethu Bhagavan . There is a separate shrine for Kethu Bhagavan on the southern side of the sanctum . Special Poojas and Homams are performed to Sri Kethu Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi . This is also a Parihaara Sthalam for people having ill effects in their lives because of Kethu’s position in their Horoscope .
The main deity Sri Neelakandeswarar is situated in a small and beautiful sanctum . The Lord got His name Neelakandeswararv , as he swallowed the Aala Kaala Poison which evolved during the churning of the ocean, after which His neck turned blue . In Thamizh ‘Neela’ means blue and ” Kanda ” means neck .
It is said that the Nandhi in front of the Lord is so powerful , as he absorbs the poisonous breath of the Lord after He consumed poison .
Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is present just outside the main sanctum , facing south. Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is tall and looks very beautiful. She is said to be the first among 5 forms of Kamakshi .
Navagraham is present at the north east side corner of the temple. There are carvings of image of snake on the ceiling of Navagraha shrine , which indicates that this temple is a Parihaara Sthalam.
Along with these temple we also had a divine dharshan of Kundrathur Murugar temple too .
Recently , Tamilnadu Tourism has made arrangements to organize package tour to all 9 Navagraha Sthalams around Chennai and hence the turnout of people is gradually increasing here .
Kunrathur Murugar temple Kollapakkam Agastheeswarar temple Kollapakkam Agastheeswarar temple suryan sthalam Route map of navagraha temples in Chennai Somangalam Somanadeeswarar temple chandran sthalam Puthan sthalam Sri Sundhareswarar temple Poonthamallee Vaidheeswarar temple Angaaragan sthalam Sri Velleeswarar temple Sukran sthalam Slogan for left eye Slogan for right eye in Velleeswarar temple List of navagraha temples in Chennai Kunrathur Nageshwarar temple raghu sthalam Pozhichalur Agastheeswarar temple sani sthalam Gerugambakkam Adhikandeshwarar temple Kethu sthalam Kethu sthalam Porur Ramanaadheswarar temple guru sthalam Pozhichalur Agastheeshwarar temple
Thiru Ninravur(திருநின்றவூர்)- Sri Bakthavatsala Perumal Sri Baktavatsala Perumal temple is in the suburbs of Chennai, in a small town called Thiruninravur. It is one among the 108 divyadesams. The place derives its name from Goddess Mahalakshmi – Thiru means Lakshmi and Ninravur is the place where she stands forever. The moolavar of this temple is Sri Baktavatsala Perumal and the Goddess lakshmi here is known as ‘Ennai Petra Thayar’
According to the legend, Lord Samudrarajan (King of the Ocean) was longing for a child and his desire was that Goddess Mahalakshmi should be born as his daughter. He prayed to her for many years after which the Goddess appeared before him and granted his wish. One day, he found a beautiful girl child in the middle of a lotus flower in the ocean. Thanking the Goddess Lakshmi he exclaimed ” Ennai Petra Thaaye” (Mother who gave birth to me ) naming the child as Ennai Petra Thaayar.
The little girl grew up into a beautiful young lady and it was time to get her married. But Samudrarajan was not willing to part with his daughter whom he had got after praying for so many years and so when Lord Narayanan came asking for her hand in marriage, he laid a condition that he should stay with them in their house for which the Lord agreed.
The seven feet Bhaktavatsala perumal in Kalyana Thirukolam (wedding attire), and with the words ” Maam Ekam Charanam Vraja” (Take refuge in me alone) written on his right hand (only other place you can see this is in the hand of Uppiliappan in Kumbakonam), is a scintillating sight to watch.
In front of the moolavar is the utsavar (procession deity) called Patharaavi and is accompanied by two consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi.There is a separate sannidhi for Ennai Petra Thayar also called Sudhavalli. The temple also has separate sannidhis for Andal, Chakkarathazhwar, the Alwars and Sri Ramanuja.
Thiruninravur Temple The temple was built during the Pallava era, and is estimated to be 1500 years old. The temple has a 5 tier gopuram at the entrance.
There is a separate sannidhi for Ennai Petra Thayar also called Sudhavalli, the consort of Lord Bakthavasala. On the banks of a lake a few meters behind this temple is another temple for Lord Rama. In this temple there is a beautiful statue of Hanuman lifting Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders. The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department of Tamil Nadu government. H.H Pedda Jeeyar of Tirupathi is the permanent trustee of the temple.
Inside the praharam When Tirumangai Alwar came to Tiruninravur he did not sing any paasuram about Bhakthavatsala perumal here in this place. As per the legend , when Thirumangai Alwar came here to get the darshan of the Perumal , Lord did not notice him , as He was talking with Periya Pirattiyaar. Annoyed at being ignored , Thirumangai Alwar just worshipped him without doing Mangalasasanam . He then went to Tirukkadalmallai (Mamallapuram) to worship Sthalasayana Perumal. Bhakthavatsala , anxious for his devotee to sing about him , followed him and appeared to the Azhwar in Tirukkadalmallai as Bhakthavatsala Perumal and it is there that the pasuram about Tiruninravur was sung.
Lakshmi Pooja yantra
Lakshmi Pooja As the name suggests , this is the temple for wealth , prosperity and all the wealth in the world . There is a nine squared matrix drawn in front of the Ennai Petra Thaayar Sannathi as shown in the picture , which has specific numbers . By repicating this matrix in your pooja room and placing one rupee coins ( or any coins such as quarters if you are out of India ) on each of the squares, and praying for nine days , it is proven that once prayers and wishes are granted.
The pooja can be performed by drawing the Yantra in the pooja room on a flat surface using white kolam powder or with the card that is sold in the temple. Pooja should be done for nine days by placing one rupee coins ( any coins of same denominations) in each of the boxes, applying sandal paste,Kumkum and flowers on the the matrix and reciting the Lakshmi ashtotram. The coins of the previous day are then removed and stored safely and new set of coins are used the next day. After completing nine days of pooja the 81 coins along with thambulam for nine sumangalis are taken to the temple. The temple priest places the coins at the Thaayaar’s feet and performs archana. The first Thambulam is then offerred to the Goddess. After that, he gives the coins back to the devotee who then deposits the coins in the Hundi outside the shrine. The remaining thambulams are given to other women in the temple.
It is preferrable to start the pooja on Friday. If the Friday happens to be a Full moon day, it still more auspicious.
Temple locationThiru Nindravur,( Chennai suburb) Tiruvellore District
How to reach? Going along the Poonamalli High road from Chennai take right turn towards Thiruvallur. It is around 4 kms on that road. Alternatively you can also take MTH road leading to Chennai – Tirutani highway. There is a flyover connecting towards the temple as you approach the Tiruninravur town.
Other interesting places around Tiruninravur Hridayaleeswarar Temple dating back to the 6th century is nearby. As also the temple of Eri Katha Ramar is very nearby .
Sri Vanjiyam is about 35 kms south east away from Kumbakonam after Nachiyar koil on the road to Tiruvarur . It is about 5 kms before Nannilam . It can also be reached from Tiruvarur the road to Mayavaram .
Legends Of the Temple: Lord Yama was tired that he was being cursed by all for taking lives he wanted a break and to be regarded with love not hate he complained to Shiva at Tiruvarur and was directed here to pray to Lord Shiva who being pleased with him absolved him of curses and built a temple here for him . The honour of first seeing him before seeing the lord is also afforded to him here . Ganga was feeling very dirty after washing all the sins of people hence she sought refuge in the lord who directed here to the pond where she was rejuvenated the pond is called Guptha Ganga as she is still believed to be in hiding here . Lord Surya lost his lustre after attending Daksha’s yagna he prayed to Shiva here to regain his lustre . There is a seperate Shani sannidhi and sannidhi for Rahu and ketu .There is no seperate Navagraha sannidhi here Mahavishnu ( Sri ) did payers to Shiva here wanting to please him to get help to marry Mahalakshmi here hence the name Sri Vanjiyam Those born of Magam, Pooram, Sadayam and Bharani Stars and belonging to Aries ( Mesha ) , Aquarius ( Kumba ) and Leo (Simha) Rashis or Lagna pray here for any adverse planetary problems faced by them . Also those who had lost jobs , aspiring promotions and transfers , separated couples for re-union pray here on Karthika Sundays after a bath in Gupta Ganga in November – December . During the eclipse times the doors of the temple are open though as a tradition in other Shiva temples they are closed. Special abishekam is performed to Lord of Sri Vanjiam during this time. The sthala vriksham is sandal wood and instead of Bhilva leaves sandal leaves are used for archana here The present temple was built by Rajendra Chola in the year AD 850 .There is a 11 tiered Rajagopuram . Once you enter this you have to first wash at the Guptha Ganga on the right . Then you proceed to the Yaman sannidhi which is seen on the far right side . Lord Yama is standing in the sannidhi with his assistant Chitraguptha. After this you proceed to the main temple . In the main temple the presiding deity is Vanchinathan which is a Swayambhu (Self Manifested) Lingam, along with his consort Mangalambikai. Sandalwood is the Stala Vriksham here and Sandal leaves are used to perform pooja to the Lord .
Ranjus travel blog 
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