Monday 24 June 2019

SRI MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE ON KUMARAN KUNDRAM, HASTHINAPURAM, CHROMPET, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU.

20th April 2019.
I didn’t aware that there is a Shiva temple on Kumaran Kundram where Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy temple is situated on the top of the hill. After Visiting the Siva Vishnu temple at Adambakkam, head been to this temple.

Iraivan      : Sri Sundareswarar
Iraivi         : Sri Meenakshi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The 5 tier Rajagopuram on the road side is common for both Shiva and Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy temples. Sri Arunagirinathar mandapam is immediately after the Rajagopuram, Marriages, discourses, Temple festival will be conducted here. Vahanas are also kept here. Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Navagrahas, Jayamangalathamma  Kali sannadhis are on the left Shiva Temple is in the left side of 50th steps.

The temple is facing North with an entrance Arch. Sudhai sirpam of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam. Vishnu, Meenakshi, Shiva, Brahma, Nandhi, Lakshmi and Saraswathy. The main sanctum is on an elevated level. On Moolavar Shiva linga image of Shiva is engraved.In Koshtam Vinayagar, Rishapanthikar, Dhakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and durgai. The Shiva Sannadhi is with Gajabirushta Vimana.

In prakaram sannadhi for Amman Meenakshi, Urchavars, Natarajar, Sarabeswarar, Soman ( Chandran ), Siva Suryan, Naalvar and Bairavar. Natarajar is called as Thanpatha Thookkiya  Natarajar, in dance posture with right foot up.   Sri Meenakshi Amman is in a separate sannadhi facing east.

History: The available inscription details are given below. Both Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy temple and this Shiva temple cannot be separated, since most of thirupani are common to both. This temple  belongs to 20th Century and even before that a Spear was kept and worshiped ( from when is not known). On 10th December 1958, Kanchi  mutt  Sri  Chandrasekarenthara Saraswathy Swamikal told that a Subramaniyar Temple will come on this hill during his visit to Chrompet.  On 9th December 1975, when Sri Sankaracharya Swamikal was camped at Nanganallur, he mentioned that he was very  happy of worshiping a spear installed on the top of the hill. Further he blessed the intention a building a Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy Temple on the top of the hill and appealed all the devotees to donate liberally. On 3rd Feb 1983, Kanchi Mutt Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamikal laid the stone for conducting Samrokshanam after thirupani for Navagrahas, Shiva and Ambal sannadhis.   On 5th December 1986, the steps were constructed and opened by Sri Sringeri Saradhapedam Sri Sankaracharya Bharathi Thirtha Swamikal. On  15th Aug 2003, front concrete flooring and steps Kavi painting was done through a donor Saroja and Balan Family. On 09th Feb 2014, Jinorthana Ashtabandhana Kumbabhishekam was conducted for Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy, Parivara sannadhis  and Rajagopuram in presence of Pujyasri Sri Brahmayoganantha and Pujyasri Sri Niranjanantha Giri Swamikal. On the same date Dwajasthambam was also installed.  In that function HR&CE Minister and Officials are also participated

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:
The Kumaran Kundram temple is at Hasthinapuram a part of Chrompet.
Town buses S8, S4, M18G, 500 A  ends at Hasthinapuram stops near the temple.
Chrompet Sub Urban railway station is about  1.6 KM from the Temple.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Meenakshi kalyanam sudhai sirpam at the entrance arch





AThe Gajabirushta vimana is on the back of Meenakshi amman sannadhi Vimanam
The providing of lock is also followed here also 
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sunday 23 June 2019

SRI SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE ( SRI SWAMINATHA SWAMY TEMPLE AT KUMARAN KUNDRAM, CHROMPET, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU.

20th April 2019.
Being a holiday on Saturday, 20th April 2019, after visiting a Shiva Vishnu Temple at Adambakkam, had been to this temple. This temple is dedicated to Sri Subramaniya Swamy. Moolavar is called in different names. A Shiva Temple is also these on middle of the hill.

Moolavar   : Sri Swaminatha Swamy aka Sri Aiswarya  Murugan.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing North with steps starting from east. A 5 tier Rajagopuram on the road side. Sri Arunagirinathar mandapam is immediately after the Rajagopuram, Marriages, discourses, Temple festival will be conducted here. Vahanas are also kept here. Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Navagrahas, Jayamangalathamma  Kali sannadhis are on the left and Urchavars in a glass room are on the right at the starting point of steps. Totally it will be 100+ steps constructed with granite and the cost are borne by the donors, whose names are inscribed. In the ¼ portion of the steps on the right is the Idumban sannadhi. Almost middle of the steps is a Shiva Temple ( will be written in a separate post). At the end of the steps is Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple.

The temple is facing North with a Kodimara Vinayagar, Plaipedam, Dwajasthambam and Elephant vahana. A 3tier Rajagopuram is at the entrance of Sanctum Sanctorum. After Climbing 16 steps we can reach the sanctum of Sri Swaminatha Swamy. The sanctum is at an elevated level with Jayan and Vijayan as Dwarabalakas. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and mukamanadapam. Palipedam and Elephant vahana are in front of the sanctum. In the sanctum Sri Swaminatha Swamy is in standing posture holding a staff on his right hand. In koshtam different posture of Murugan and Durgai. In the mandapam top Sudhai sirpam of Sri Baladhandayuthapani, on both sides are Lord Shiva and Parvathi.  Urchavar and Arunagirinathar are in kept in the mandapam.

Important festivals like, Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthiram, Aadi and Thai Kiruthikai, Vaikasi Visakam, Kandha Shasty are celebrated in a grand manner. Devotees used to Circumambulate the Hill on pournami ( Full moon) day.

History: This temple  belongs to 20th Century and even before that a Spear was kept and worshiped ( from when is not known). On 10th December 1958, Kanchi  mutt  Sri  Chandrasekarenthara Saraswathy Swamikal told that a Subramaniyar Temple will come on this hill during his visit to Chrompet.  On 9th December 1975, when Sri Sankaracharya Swamikal was camped at Nanganallur, he mentioned that he was very happy of worshiping a spear installed on the top of the hill. Further he blessed the intention a building a Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy Temple on the top of the hill and appealed all the devotees to donate liberally. On 3rd Feb 1983, Kanchi Mutt Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamikal laid the stone for conducting Samrokshanam after thirupani for Navagrahas, Shiva and Ambal sannadhis.   On 5th December 1986, the steps were constructed and opened by Sri Sringeri Saradhapedam Sri Sankaracharya Bharathi Thirtha Swamikal. On  15th Aug 2003, front concrete flooring and steps Kavi painting was done through a donor Saroja and Balan Family. On 09th Feb 2014, Jinorthana Ashtabandhana Kumbabhishekam was conducted for Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy, Parivara sannadhis  and Rajagopuram in presence of Pujyasri Sri Brahmayoganantha and Pujyasri Sri Niranjanantha Giri Swamikal. On the same date Dwajasthambam was also installed.  In that function HR&CE Minister and Officials are also participated.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:
The Kumaran Kundram temple is at Hasthinapuram a part of Chrompet.
Town buses S8, S4, M18G, 500 A  ends at Hasthinapuram stops near the temple.
Chrompet Sub Urban railway station is about  1.6 KM from the Temple.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE







---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Saturday 22 June 2019

SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLES AT MUTHIAL REDDY NAGAR, ADAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI.

20th April 2019.
I used to see a small entrance with a name board as Shiva Vishnu Temple on Jawaharlal Nehru Road (  A Link Velachery to Airport), during my morning walking. On the way to KumaranKundram, at Chrompet on 20th April 2019, had been to this temple.
  1. Sarva Sidhdhi Sri Lakhmi Vinayagar
  2. Sri Nandheeswarar
  3. Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar
  4. Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Kubera Subramaniyar

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and other hindu deities.  It has a entrance with arch on south and North side. The Complex has the sannadhis for Sarva Sidhdhi Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar ( In koshtam Gana Saraswathy, Maha Lakshmi, Annapoorani). Sri Nandheeswarar ( facing east with a palipedam and Rishabam. In koshtam only Dhakshinamurthy ),  Sri Valli Devasena samedha Kubera Subramaniyar,  Amirthavalli Thayar, Sri Lakshmi Narashimhar, Anjaneyar, Andal, Navagrahas, Kalabairavar and Vishnu Durgai. Sarva Sidhdhi Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar, Sri Nandheeswarar and Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Sannadhis are facing east and built in a row.

The temple land measuring 1140 sqft was donated  by Mr E Ponnurangam Nayakar of Adambakkam Village with the support of  Po Murthy. The temple was constructed in two phases spread in an area of 5862 Sq ft. The required fund was raised through public contribution. In the first phase Sarva Sidhdhi Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar, Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar & Vishnu Durgai  sannadhis are constructed and Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 27th Aug 2004. In second phase Sri Valli Devasena Kubera Subramaniyar  sannadhi & Navagrahas are constructed and kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 10th August 2006. The rest of the sannadhis are added art a latter date.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:
The mobile numbers 9344651332 & 8939378829 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is on the Jawaharlal Road, ie the link road along the MRTS elevated Railway track between Velachery and St Thomas Mount Railway Station ( under construction )
The mini buses from Velachery to Madipakkam passes through this temple.
T Nagar to Puzhuthivakkam  bus 51 passes near the temple.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE




---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Friday 21 June 2019

SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHAR TEMPLE, ANTHILI IN VILLUPURAM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

08th June 2019.
Visit to this temple was a part of in and around Villupuram Temples visit on 08th June 2019. After Sri Athulyanatheswarar dharshan at Aragandanallur, we had been to this temple. It was around 18.00 hrs and the sun was about to set on the west. This place Anthili is on the northern side banks of river Then Pennai.

Moolavar : Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a palipedam and Deepasthambam converted in to a Dwajasthambam. There are 13 steps to climb up the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and a mandapam. The total temple was built on two rocks, which looks like Garuda’s wings when viewed from east.  In sanctum Lakshmi is on the left lap of Sri Narasimhar.

LEGEND:
When Hiranyakasibu asked whether his lord Narayana will be there in this Pillar. Bhakatha Prahalad replied Yes. To prove the same Lord Vishnu Came out of the pillar in the form of Narasimhar. Considering the Prahald’s request Narasimhar came without his vahana, Garudan. Garuda was disappointed.  He came to this place Anthili  and started penance / thabas on Sri Narasimhar. Sri Narasimhar gave dharshan to Gaduda. As per Garuda’s request Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar stayed in Anthili.

From another legend, The temple is existing since starting of three yugas. Sri Viyasaraja, who was Sri Ragavendra in his next birth came to know the sanctity of this temple through his extra sensory power and came to this temple. He happened to see from east that the temple was built on Garuda’s wings and worshiped Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. He stayed for some time in this temple. The Hanuman was installed by him.

As per history, the temple is about 1600 years old and no proof is available to prove its antiquity.

Poojas are performed as per Madhwa sampradaya. Some of the sculptures are matches with Karnataka iconography.  Apart from regular poojas Swathi Thirumanjanam, Narasimha jayanthi, Hanuman Jayanthi and Vaikunta Ekadesi are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hars and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is about 3 KM from Aragandanallur, 195 KM from Chennai, 33 KM from Thiruvannamalai, 40 KM from Villupuram. 

LOCATION: CLICK HERE






---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Thursday 20 June 2019

SRI ARDHANAREESWARAR TEMPLE RISHIVADIYAM, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT TAMIL NADU.

09th June 2019.
After the dharshan of Sri Vennayappar / Sri Swarnakadeswarar of Thirunelvennai,  we thought of  winding our Villupuram temples visit with this Rishivandiyam Shiva temple, considering the distance to be traveled back to Chennai. It was around 18.00 hrs when we landed Rishivandiyam Temple. Rishis worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence the ancient name of Rishi Vantha vanam was corrupted to the present name of Rashivadiyam.

Iraivan     : Sri Arthanaresswarar
Iraivi        : Sri Mukthambigai.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a 5  tier Rajagopuram. A Nandhi with a mandapam is in-front of the Rajagopuram. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandi are immediately after the Rajagopuram.  On the left is the Vasanthamandapam ( with musical Pillars )  and on the right is the vahana mandapa ( there are two Yazhi pillars, in one of the Yazhi’s mouth a stone rolling ball was carved by the sculptor. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala, arthamandapam and a mahamandapam. Moolavar is swayambu. ( Parvati in standing posture can be seen duing honey Abhishekam on the shiva Linga. A two tier Vimana is on the sanctum. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. The Urchavars are in the arthamandapam.  Bhairavar, Suryan, Natarajar, Palliyarai and Vinayagar are in arthamandapam.

In prakaram sannadhi for 63var, Vinayagar, Agastheswarar & Agastheswari, Nagars, Sndikewarar, Viswanathar & Visalakshi, Annamalaiyar,  Unnamulaiammai, Sri Valli devasena subramaniyar Stucco image of Arthanareeswarar and Navagrahas.

Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi. The temple consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandapa. A Nandhi mandapam is in front of the sanctum. The stucco image of Sthalapurana, in which a Shiva Lingam with Parvati inside in standing posture. Since Ambal Mukthambiga gives Mukthi, She is being called by that name.

LEGEND: Indira had done abhishekam only Lord Shiva ignoring Sri Parvati.  Parvati got angry and complained to Shiva. Lord Shiva in turn offers his left side of his body. While doing the Abhishekam, Indra had seen Parvati on the left side of the Shiva Linga. Realizing the mistake he had done, he sought forgiveness from Sri Parvati.
   
In another Legend, Agasthiyar was sent to South to balance the earth, during Shiva’s marriage with Parvati marriage. Since he couldn’t attend the marriage, Shiva gave Kalayana kola Dharshan in this temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION:
The temple was built by Jadavarma Sundara Pandyan  in 1282AD and latter contributions by the Vijayanagaras and Nayaks. Mahakumbhabhishekam was done in 2007.

Apart from regular poojas, important functions like, Mahashivarathiri, In Aani month 10 days annual festival will be celebrated in a grand manner.

This temple is famous for the marriage boon and children could not speak, do abhisheka with honey and the honey to be consumed for speech.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT:
Mr. Somu Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile +919865369493  for further details.

HOW TO REACH:
Rishivandiyam is about 26 KM from Thirukoyilure, 73 KM from Villupuram, 25 KM from Kallakurichi and 250 KM from Chennai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE




 Arthanareeswarar Stucco image 
The Mandapa opposite to Ambal's Sannadhi. on the top stucco image of Parvati on Shiva Linga
 Yazhi Pillars
 Yazhi Pillars 
 The rolling ball in Yazhi's mouth
The musical pillars
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Wednesday 19 June 2019

SRI VAITHEESWARAR TEMPLE / SRI VAIDYANATHAR ( VIKRAMA CHOZHAN TEMPLE ) , CHINTHAMANI, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

8th June 2019.
The visit to this temple was a part of Villupuram temples visit on 8th June 2019. It was planned to visit this temple after the Dharshan of Sri Brahmapureeswarar at Brahmadesam. It was around 13.00 hrs when we reached the temple.  Since there is no compound wall, we are able to go round the temple and few devotees also came for worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan     : Sri Vaitheeswarar / Sri Vaidyanathar
Iraivi        : Sri Thaiyal Nayaki.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with our entrance arch or Rajagopuram. There is no Compound wall too. Palipedam and Nandhi are in front of muka mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a open  muka mandapam. In sanctum moolavar is little tall on a round avudayar. The arthamandapa pillars are worth to see. A vesara vimana is over the sanctum. A Moat is around the sanctum. The adhistana is with Upanam, Jagathi, Three face Kumuda,  Kabotham. Bootha ganas are under the kabotham and yazhivari is above the prastharam.  In Koshtam, Pickshadanar, Vinayagar with samara & Venkotrakudai, Oorthuva Thandavar ( Natarajar ), Dhhakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai, Bhairavar and Shiva with Parvati as alingna murthy.  The Koshta moorthams are master pieces of Chozha sculptures. 


Ambal Sri Thaiyal Nayaki is in a separate temple like sannadhi with sanctum and a mukamandapam.  Ambal is facing east. In prakaram sannadhi for Anjaneyar/ Hanuman, Navagrahas, Suryan, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar and Jeeva Samadhi of a Siddhar. In the Samadhi, Panchabhootha Lingas, Nagars and Vinayagars are installed.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION:
The temple was built during Kulothunga period and the Lord Shiva was called as  Kulothunga Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar and the place was called in the name of first Kulothunga Chozha’s wife's name was Madhranthaki also called as Thina Chintamani and now called as Chinthamani. On the South side jagathi there is a Vikrama Chozha’s inscription with his title as “Poomathu punara… “.

Apart from regular poojas, Important functions like pournami pooja pradhisham, Maha Shivarathri are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT:
The mobile number of the priest +94427 79895, may be contacted for further details.   

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is about 500 meters off Chennai to Trichy GST Road.
Chinthamani is about 10 KM before Villupuram,  68 KM from Pondicherry, 32 KM from Tindivanam and 189 KM from Chennai.
All the buses  on GST road will stop at Chinthamani.
Nearest Railway station is Villupuram.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE


 Arthamandapa pillars are worth to watch
 Siddhar's Jeeva samadhi with Nagars and Vinayagar



 Vinayagar
 Oorthuva Thandavar
Vikrama Chozha inscriptions

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Tuesday 18 June 2019

SRI ABATHSAHAYESWARAR ( VAANILAI KANDEESUVARAMUDAYAR ) TEMPLE AT SENTHAMANGALAM / SENDHAMANGALAM, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT TAMIL NADU.

08th June 2019.
Visit to this Shiva temple was a part of  Temples Visit in and around Villupuram. It was a two days trip organized by Mr Manoj, aimed to cover 21 old, very old and Historical temples, which includes Thevaram Padal Petra Sthalangal and 108 Divya Desa sthalangal and we are able to cover 16 temples. Out of 16 Temples, I had covered 11 temples already and  are recorded in my blog. The rest of 5 temples will be posted one by one. This post will cover a Shiva temple built during 13th Century. The temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ) and reconstruction is in progress. The place Sendhamangalam is on the south bank of river Kedilam.

Iraivan : Sri AbathsaHayeswarar/Sri Vanilai Kandeesuvaramudaiyar
Iraivi    : Sri Periyanayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….
This temple is facing east with a two Rajagopuram base. A pandal pillars with a Palipedam is at the centre. On the right side a mandapa reconstruction is in progress. Nandhi is in-front of sanctum sanctorum in a mandpam. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam, Mahamandapam and a muka mandapam.

Bothside steps are provided between arthamandapam and maha mandapam. A two tier stucco nagara Vimana is over the sanctum. The Koshtams are empty now. The respective idols are kept inside the mahamandapam. The Idols are Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Ashtabhuja Durgai, Ashtabhuja Bairavar, Lingothbavar and some sculptures are also kept in the mahamandapam.

The prakaram is on a raised platform and Ambal Sannadhi is facing south on the north east corner of the corridor.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION: The Kadava King Koperunsingan’s  father  Ezhisai Mohana Manavala Perumal ( 1200 – 1211 AD) ruled this region keeping  Sendhamangalam as capital. In 1231 AD Rajaraja-III, was defeated by the Pandya Kings and fled out of Thanjavur. At Thellaru near Vandhavasi Koperunsingan attacked ( 1231AD) and took him with all his wife and children as prisoners. Rajarajan-III with his family was lodged at this place in a prison.  He was released after his relative and Hoysala King Viranarasimham came with his army.

The inscriptions belongs to Kadava King  Koperunsingan ( 1229 – 1278 AD), Vijayanagara King   Hariharan-II are found in this temple.    An inscription speaks about donation of  Land, Gold to a person’s family called Peththan Nayakar who sacrificed his life through navakandam for the un-interrupted functioning of temple activities even during war.

LEGEND:  It is believed that Panchapandavas, during their 14 years exile, came to this place and worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
There is no fixed time of opening and closing. Hence readers are advised to confirm your visit with Gurukkal. Since the temple is under renovation by the ASI, outside can be seen during day time.

CONTACT DETAILS:
The Gurukkal Mohana Sundaram may be contacted on his mobile 9442774505 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is about 2 KM off from the GST Road.
The place Sendhamangalam/ Senthamangalam is on the Chennai to Trichy GST road.
Sendhamangalam is about 13.8 KM from Ulundurpet, 26 KM from Villupuram and 195 KM from Chennai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Entrance base of Rajagopuram with rebuilt Palipedam 
 A well
 Sanctum View with Dhakshinamurthy on the left 

A Corridor view 



 A Stone jolly / window
Outer prakara under reconstruction
 Relief on the ceiling 
Similar to Chozha period architecture 
 Similar to Chozha architecture 
 Recent period inscription
13th century Inscription
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---