SRI RISHABAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, MELSEVUR, IN VILLUPURAM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

08^th June 2019.

After Visiting Sri Aatcheeswarar Swami Shiva Temple at Acharapakkam, one of the Thevara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam, it was planned to Visit Sri Rishabapureeswarar temple at Melsevur in Villupuram District. It was around 11.30 Hrs when we landed and found the temple was closed. To our request the in-charge of the temple, was kind enough to  open the door and had the dharshan of Lord Shiva. Thiyagarajar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple. Claimed that it is also a Vaipu sthalam and hymn was sung by Sundarar.

Iraivan     : Sri Rishabapureeswarar

Iraivi        : Sri Mangalambigai also known as Sri Gunasmvardhini

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is on the south bank of river Sangarabarani and facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram on the west side ( back side ).  A Vinayagar Sannadhi is after the Rajagopuram abutting the prakaram wall.  A palipedam, Nandhi and Dwajasthambam are   in front of sanctorum under a mandapam  with 2 Pallava style squatting lion pillars.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, Arthamandapam   and a muka mandapam. The Adhistana is with a virutha kumudham and Yazhivari. Kabotham with nasi is in the prastharam. In Sanctum the moolavar is swayambu, with a scar on the moolavar ( believed that Rishabam worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple ). A 2 tier Vimana with vesara sigaram is on the sanctum. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In the inner prakaram Somaskandar ( empty ), Sapthamathas with Veerabhathirar and Vinayagar, Flower garland making platform, Shiva lingas of Kaalamuki, Thathpurusar, Agoramurthi, Sathyojatha murthy, Kasi Viswanathar, Sahasra Lingam, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Sambandar, Bhairavar, Suryan, Bas relief panel of Vishnu Durgai, Vijayanagar Nayak period Donors and Sandikeswarar.

In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Vinayagar, Navagrahas, Alangara & Vahana mandapas and Mangalambigai. Sri Mangalambigai is in standing posture with 4 hands  in a separate temple like sannadhi with Koshta moorthams. The alangara mandapam also has two Pallava  style squatting lion pillars.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS:

Eventhough it was claimed that the temple was built during Pallava period ( 850 BC ), as per inscription the temple was built by Paranthaka Chozha ( 928 AD) and latter contributions by Chozhas and Vijayanagara Nayaks. Pallava period mixture of Tamil and Grantha inscriptions are found on the Kumudam. Adhithya Chozha-I ( 898AD), Rajaraja-I ( 985 – 1014 AD), Rajendra Chozha-I,  Kulothunga Chozha-I, Samburayars  and Vijayanagara period inscriptions are found on the walls. As per the inscription the place was called as Jayangonda Chozhamandalathu Uthama Chozha valanttu Sevur and Iraivan was called as Than Thontreeswarar. The inscriptions mainly speaks about donation of land, cattle to burn perpetual lamps and daily poojas.

MYTH:

The east entrance was kept closed. The story behind that is, many times during heavy rain the flood in the Sarangabani river flows up to feet of Ambal. To the request of the people Ambal Mangalambigai changed the direction of the river and the east entrance was permanently kept closed.

It was told that there was an under ground passage  from this temple to Gingee Fort and the queen used to visit and worship lord Shiva of this temple.

Sandikeswara was cursed by Durvasa, born as Kamala Muni and worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. When the Shiva linga was covered by the anthill, Nandhikeswarar removed with his hoop which hits Lord Shiva and blood was oozed out and flowed as Sangarabarani river. 

CELEBRTIONS: Apart from regular poojas, Maha Shivarathri, Pradhosham, Annual festival during Chithirai (April-May), Panguni Uthiram, Thaipoosam,   are conducted in a grand manner.

  

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

Since orukala pooja is conducted the temple will be kept opened in the morning hours.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The mobile numbers may be contacted for further details

+91 99621 72565, 97877 20215, 99433 22152

HOW TO REACH:

The place Melsevur can be reached from Vallam to Kongarapattu bus and from Gingee.

17 KM from Gingee, 48 KM from Villupuram and 151 KM from Chennai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Arthamandapa

 Vahana and Alangara mandapa

 Sanctum architecture

 Inscriptions- telegu

 Inscriptions

Vijayanagara Nayak Period Donors

 Vishnu Durgai panel

 Sapthamathas

Veerabhathirar

 Pallava style squatting Lion Pillars

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

KOTTAI MUNIYAPPAN, KOTTAI PRASANNA VEKATESA PERUMAL, KOTTAI VIRA ANJANEYAR, KOTTAI MARIAMMAN, KOTTAI VINAYAGAR, KOTTAI VEERAMATHI AMMAN & KOTTAI SRI CHOLEESWARAR TEMPLES AT PERUNDURAI, ERODE DISTRICT ( KONGU NADU )

3^rd June 2019.

After worshiping our Kula Theivam Sri Veramathi Amman at Talguni near Kolappalur, on the way to Chennai visited these Kottai Mariamman, Kottai Vira Anjaneyar, Kottai Vinayagar, Kottai Veeramathi Amman, Kottai Muniyappan, Kottai Prasanna Vekatesa Perumal & Kottai Sri Choleeswarar Temples  at Perundurai.  Even-though I had seen all these temples from out side, for the past 40 years didn’t ventured inside the temple. I was little curious to know, why these temples are added with Kottai like initials. All the temple are surrounding the new Bus Stand. The details of the Kottai Sholeeswarar Shiva Temple temple was covered in one of my post.

As per the history it is a fact that a Kottai / Fort existed in this place and who constructed is not Known. Some claims that the Fort was constructed by a Representative of Mysore King Woodayar and Somebody claims that the fort existed since the  early  Cheras and Chozhas. Early Chera King Kanaikal Irumporai  ruled this region with Karur as Capital. Chozha King Chenganan ( Ko chengat chozhan ) defeated Chera King  at Kozhumam and Poonthurai Nattu Perundurai and lodged him at Kudavayil prison. He was ill treated in the prison and even drinking water was not given. He wrote his condition in the form of poem to Poigaiyar, a friend and a renowned poet. Poigaiyar composed the Kalavali Narpathu ( 41 stanzas ) praising Chozha’s war against Chera King. Chozha King Chenganan pleased by the poem and released Chera King.  Quoting this history some claims that the fort might have existed since early Cheras / Chozha’s period.  Hence the temples bears Kottai as title.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

All the temples will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Perundurai is on the way to Coimbatore to Erode bus route. Frequent buses are available from various parts of Coimbatore and Erode District.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

SRI KOTTAI MUNIAPPAN TEMPLE

Now the Kottai Muniyappan Temple is at an elevated level with 21 steps and it was told that the original temple was constructed on the boundary wall of the Fort. The temple was reconstructed in the recent years. At the base, a Muniappan is in standing posture with a sickle on the right hand. A number of  trisools are   erected in front of Sri Muniappan. During Ipasi month an 8 day festival will be celebrated in which goats and cocks are sacrificed to   Sri Muniappan. It was told that arrack also offered.

The top temple is facing North with a sanctum and a muka mandapam. In front is a oonjal. On the east side abutting the Muka mandapa there are three Muniappan Stucco images. All the three are holding sickle in their hands.

Bottom Sri Muniappan 

KOTTAI SRI PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL TEMPLE.

This Perumal Temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Deepa  Sthambam and Thulasimadam are in front. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum and a muka mandapam. In the sanctum moolavar Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal is with Sri Devi and Bhudevi. The sanctum was built with stone up to prastharam and a three tier Vimana is on the sanctum.  There is no murthis in the Koshtam. Nagars are under a Peepal tree. Samproskshanam was performed about 3 years before. Out side the sanctum was paved with granite slabs and trees are also grown.

The Bhattar told that he is the 6^th Generation doing pooja to this Perumal. The period of construction is not Known and as per Bhattar the temple may be more than 500 to 600 years old. This temple is under the Control of Kottai Choleeswarar Temple, which is on the east side of the Bus Stand.

KOTTAI  SRI VIRA ANJANEYAR TEMPLE.

This Anjaneyar temple was originally  a small temple and was reconstructed in the recent years, The sanctum sanctroum consists of sanctum and a muka mandapam. In the sanctum  Anjaneyar is in the form of a Bas-relief, in Vijayanagara Style. The present Bhattar claims that 4  generations are doing pooja to this Anjaneyar. The original temple may be Vijayanagara Period ie 400 to 500 years old.

SRI KOTTAI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE.

This Kottai Mariamman Temple bears a new look with granite sanctum. Amman is in sitting posture facing North.  An ekathala Nagara Vimana is over the sanctum.  The out side prakara is under construction. During November  annual festival will be celebrated in a grand manner.

SRI VEERAMATHI AMMAN & SRI KARPPANASWAMY  & KOTTAI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE.

Do not know this Sri Veeramathi Amman is very old or not. This Amman is a Kulatheivam for a particular Community. Saptha Kanniyars are in a small sannadhi. Amman is in sitting posture.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

SRI KANAKA CHOLEESWARAR TEMPLE ( SRI PON PARAPPINA ESWARAMUDAYAR TEMPLE ) KANIYAMUR / KANIYAMOOR, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

02^nd June 2019.

This temple visit was not planned during our Ahimsa Walk. Mr Mahatma SelvaPandiyan, guided us to this temple which is about 5 KM off  on Salem Ulundurpet National Highway.  To our request, the temple priest was kind enough to open the door and had the dharshan of Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the small King ( Kurunila mannan ) Vanakovaraiyan under Kulothunga Chozha-III. He assumed the title of Pon Parappina in front of his name Vanakovararaiyan. As per the history He was the instrumental for the fall of Chozha Dyanasty in Tamil Nadu.

Iraivan : Sri Kanaka Choleeswarar, Sri Pon Parappina Eswaramudayar

Iraivi    : Sri Soundara Nayaki. 

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a small entrance. Only Nandhi and palipedam are in front of sanctum sanctorum. There was a mention about a Dwajasthamban in the inscription but it is not in its place. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam. The sanctum is on a simple patha pandha adhistana. The prastharam has the Kabotham and below the Kabotham ( Valabai ) lotus flower as adhama padmam and Yazhivari is over the Kabotham. The kabotham has the Nasi with kood. Various reliefs are in nasi koodu. 

The walls/ bitti and corners  are supported by pilasters of Vishnukantha pillars consisting of malai thongal, thamaraikattu, Kalasam, Kumbam, Pali, Palakai, kandam and Pothyal. Nandhis are on four corners of Prastharam. The total Vimana was constructed with stone from Adhistanam to the tip of the Kalasam. The Karnam has the niches with images of Dhakshinamurthy, Narasimhar and Brahma. The Sikaram is of 8 faces with padmam on the top. The Architecture reminds the Thirunthuthevankudi Sri Karkadeswarar Temple.  In Koshtam, Nirutha Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and durgai. A Kabotham is also on the Koshtam.

In the prakaram loose sculptures of Suryan, Bhairavar, Dhakshinamurthy ( to replace old damaged one in the Koshtam ), Nalvar, Vinayagar, Shiva Linga, A Nagar with Vinayagar,  Sri Valli Devasena Arumugar and Sandikeswarar.  Ambal Sri Soundara Nayaki is in a separate sannadhi, built with brick may be added latter.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION:

The temple was built by the small King regional King( kurunila mannan ) Vanakovaraiyan under Kulothunga Chozha-III ( 1178 – 1218AD) in 13^th Century.  The inscriptions belongs to Chozhas and Pandyas.  The inscriptions mainly speaks about donation of 3000 kuzhi land for the temple by Vanakovaraiyan Villavarayan and the income to be utilized for the daily poojas and celebrations. During Rajaraja-II period Devaradiyars had given donation for creating a nandhavanam and construction of Stone temple ( may be a part of this temple ) . The Sundara Pandyan, who defeated Rajarajan-III ( 1216- 1256AD) inscription speaks about celebration of 9 day festival and first respect to be given on the temple to the weaver Community.

The temple is under Palalayam and renovation works was halted due to lack of Villagers support. The sad part of this temple is the approach path. The path is being used as public open toilet. It was learned that the temple land is  in  dispute between the Villagers and the temple authorities for construction of a Community Hall. Lord Shiva only has to wake up to solve this problem.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

Since Oru kala pooja is done in this temple, opening and closing times are un predictable. The Kurukkal may be contacted before visiting the temple.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Gurukkal N Rajappan may be contacted on this mobile +91 9443621844 and +91 8144280846.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is about 5 KM off Main Road on Salem to Villupuram High way after Chinna Salem.

13.9 KM from Kallakuruchi, 93 KM from Salem and 284 KM from Chennai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 An 8 face Vimana with girivam, Sikaram and stupi

 Ambal sannadhi

Kabotham above Koshtam

 Interior view of Vimana

 Old      Dhakshinamurthy      New 

Inscription about donation of land

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

NADUKARKAL AT ARAGALUR & AMBAAYIRAMMAN TEMPLE PERIYERI, SALEM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

02^nd June 2019.

Utilizing the opportunity of 66^th Ahimsa walk organized by the Tamil Jains at Aragalur, Mr Mahathma Selvapandiyan took us to the Ambaayiramman Temple where  the Hero stones, Navakanda Nadukarkal and memorial stones are erected. These Nadukarkal belongs to 13^th to 16^th Century.

In 13^th Century a regional King Vanakovayarai, under the Chozha King Kulothunga-III ( 1178 – 1218AD), ruled this area around Aragalur and calling himself as a King of Magathai Dynasty. ( The history says that Vanakovaraiyan also responsible for the down fall of Chozha Dynasty ). During his rule he established his capital similar to Chozha’s capital. He encouraged for the religious activity which includes Buddhism and Jainism.

Temples, Buddha Vihars, Jinalayas were built around the Capital City of Aragalur. He worshiped Kali and Nisumbasuthani, like Chozhas. Before starting of any war he used to sacrifice   buffalos to Nisumbasuthani of this Ambaayiramman Temple. Even soldiers also offer themselves in the form of Navakandam. The culture of erecting Nadukarkal, Hero stones, Navakanda Statues are also followed. In addition to this temple has the Memorial stones for those who died in the process of some heroic actions.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

The method of erecting an inscription stone is also followed in place of memorial stone. 

We also happened to see a Navakanda Nadukal near the Sri Kamanatheswarar Shiva Temple of Aragalur.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---