SRI SIDDHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE AND SRI BALAMBIGAI TEMPLE AT SPIC NAGAR, MUTHIAHPURAM, THOOTHUKUDI

29^th June 2019.

This Siddhi Vinayagar Temple was constructed  inside the SPIC Nagar Township, for the exclusive SPIC Nagar residents worship. The SPIC Nagar is a part of M/s Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd ( SPIC LTD ), A Joint Sector factory to produce Urea and DAP, chemical fertilizers for  Agriculture. The Factory was founded by Dr. M.A. Chidambaram,  a South India’s leading Industrialist,  in 70s. Latter it was managed by Dr AC Muthiah and now its being managed by his son Ashwin C Muthiah.

Moolavar : Sri Siddhi Vinayagar

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch on the south side. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum and a mukamandapam. In koshtam, Dhakshinamurthy and Durgai.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Sri Venkateswara Perumal ( Photo), Iyappan (Photo), Srinivasa Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Hanuman, Kasi Viswanathar, Nagars, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar. Sri Anandha Natarajar, Bana Lingeswara, Ashta Lakshmi panel and Navagrahas.

HISTORY 

The foundation stone for this temple was laid by Mr Ramnath Srivatsa on  22^nd June 1973 and the temple was consecrated on 3^rd May 1974 by Dr M.A. Chidambaram, then Chairman of SPIC.  ( On the occasion of Kumbhabhishekam, It was a miracle that drizzled from the sky without much rainy clouds.) Latter astabandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekams are performed on 30^th June 1980, 24^th August 1994, 2^nd May 2004 and 4^th Sep 2016.

The shrines for Sri Visalakshi Samedha Sri Kasi Viswanathar, Sridevi and Bhudevi Samedha Srinivasa Perumal and Sri Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniyar are added in the prakaram and maha kumbhabhishem was also performed on 24^th August 1994.

After 1996, Sannadhis for Nagars, Sri Anandha Natarajar, Bana Lingeswara and Ashta Lakshmi panel are added.

The Balambigai Temple was constructed and Kumbhabhishekam was performed  on 1^st July 1982, just opposite to SPIC factory out gate, after facing some accidents. And Latter Kumbhabhishekams are performed on 24^th Aug 1994, 2^nd May 2004 and 14^th Sep 2016.

ARCHITECTURE.

Even though the temple was constructed in 20th Century, the ancient method of constructions was followed. The adhisthana  is simple padabandha adhisthana with jagathi and tripatta kumuda. Stones are used for walls up to prastharam. The walls are supported by Brahmakantha pilasters. Niches / Koshtas are not provided at the time of Construction, so Dhakshinamurthy and Durga are installed separately.   

POOJAS

Apart from regular poojas Pradhosham,  Navarathiri and Vinayagar Chathurthi are  celebrated in a grand manner.  The Vinayagar Urchavar will be taken in procession on the Sector Main roads of SPIC Nagar Township and Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals Township.  Siddhi Vinayagar is very powerful. 

LEGEND:

The SPIC Employees sons and daughters after completion of their  professional education like Engineering, Doctors, etc.,  settled in various parts of this Globe. They were born and educated  in SPIC Nagar Township, of course with the grace of Sri Siddhi Vinayagar.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Since it is private temple a prior approval is required.

SPIC Nagar is about 8 KM from Thoothukudi and is on Thoothukudi to Thiruchendur Road.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Moolavar Sannadhi The paintings of Sri Murugan and Sri Iyappam was drawn by Mr Ramaswamy one of the former Employee

 Sri Venkatesa Perumal and Sri Iyappan Sannadhi

 Sri Kasi Viswanathar

 Nagars

 Natarajar sannadhi

Sri Durgai

 Navagrahas

 Sri Hanuman Sannadhi

 Sri Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniyar Temple with Temple Chariot

 Natarajar

 Sri Banalingeswara

Ashta Lakshmi Panel

  

I am a former Employee of SPIC and had the dharshan of Sri Siddhi Vinayagar with sandal wood paste decoration during my recent visit to SPIC Nagar, on 29^th June 2019. I Extend my thanks to Mr Nallamuthu and Mr Bharaneetharan for providing me the inscription details for this article.

                                     ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

ARULMIGU SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE ALSO CALLED AS THIRUCHENDUR MURUGAN TEMPLE, THIRUCHENDUR, THOOTHUKUDI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

30^th June 2019.

This Thiruchendur Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy is always close to my hearts. During my 25 years of stay at SPIC, Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), had been to this temple “N” number of times. During 80s we, in a group used to go to Thiruchendur, once in a month, by walk. It was golden days. On 30^th June 2019, when I went to Thoothukudi to attend one of my friend daughter’s Marriage, I do not want to miss a chance of visiting the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple after a long period.  With some few structural  changes out side and the “Q” system arrangement, my Subramaniyar looks cute.

The Inscriptions and Sangam litreatures  Tholkappiyam, Purananuru, Agananuru, Thirumurukaatruppadai and latter period Pamban Swamikal  mentions this place Thiruchendur  in different names. This place was called as “Thirucheeralaivaai”, Thiruchenthil, Thiruchenthiyur, Jayanthipuram, Chinthipuram, Thirupuvanamathevi Chathurvedhimangalam. The name Thiruchendur came after Arunagirinathar mentions in his hymn.

Moolavar : Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy also called as Thiruchendur Murugan

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with two prakaras. Entrance is from the South side. Starts from South side entrance both prakaras are completely covered. The 9 tier Rajagopuram is on the West ( which will be opened for a day in a year for Lord Murugan’s procession and devotees are not allowed through this entrance ) and a small 3 tier Rajagopuram is on the east side between outer and inner prakara. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala and arthamandapa. In koshtam, Guru Dhakshinamurthy, Bala Subramaniya Swamy and Mayura Nathar.  There is a Pancha linga Sannadhi abutting the north side of the sanctum with a separate entrance. A Dwajasthamba is in 2^nd parakara and another Dwajasthamba with peacock is in the inner prakara.

In the inner prakara Bhairavar, Saneeswara, Natarajar, Kattabommu worshiped Jakkamma, Sri Shanmugar Chandrasekarar, Somaskanthar, Sandikeswarar, Devasena, Sri Valli, Shasti mandapa, 63var, Sankara Narayanan, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Vedhapureeswarar, Ekambaranathar.

In the outer prakara a Dwajasthamba, Sri Venkatachalapathy in a Cave, Sthala purana photos, Vallaba Ganapathy, Arunagirinathar, Vanmikanathar, Jalakandeswarar, Arunachaleswarar  with Unnamulai Amman, Thiru Kalatheeswarar, Uma Maheswarar, Somanathar with Meenakshi, Thirumoolanathar, Aanmalinga, Manonmani Amman, Banukeswarar, Sura Samhara murthy, Sakthi Ganapathy, 108 Lingam, Vallabai Ganapathy and Kodimara Kalyana Vinayagar.

Out side the Temple are the Mandapas, Nazhi kinaru, Golden Chariot and Valli Cave.

LEGEND OF THE TEMPLE:

As Per the Legend, this is one of the Arupadai Veedu, where asura Surapadma was killed by Thiruchendur Murugan. The Asura Surapadma gave frequent troubles to Devas. When they complained to Lord Shiva,  he created 6 children through his third eye. Sri Parvathi made them in to a single boy with 6 faces and 12 hands also She gave the lance / Vel to fight with Surapadman. After 5 days of fight with Surapadman, Lord Muruga killed him on the 6^th day. Surapadman transformed in to a mango tree and the lance pierced in to two, of one piece turned to Peacock and another piece turned to Cock. Lord Muruga took Peacock as Vahana and cock as his flag.

THE IDOLS LEGEND: As per the legend The Dutch East India Company used the temple as garrison between 1646 to 1648 AD, during the conflict with Portuguese. As per the order of Madurai Nayaks they vacated the temple and took away the Urchavar ( Thinking that the idols were made of gold )  and Nataraja. In the middle of the see the ship which carried the idols met the gale and storm. So the Dutch officers  dropped the Idols in to the sea and immediately the sea became calm. Lord Muruga came in the dream of Vadamalaiyappa Pillai an ardent devotee, where the idols was dropped. With the help of Adhitha Nadar the idols were retrieved and installed back. This story photos/ paintings are hung in the outer prakara.

Actual History of the Idols: But in actual story from the Dutch records was different. They took away the idols to Dutch Ceylon and asked 1lakh reals as ransom to return back. In 1650AD,  A delegation of Hindu and Muslims of Kayalpattinam went Ceylon to retrieve back. In the meantime Ravi Varma of Travancore had a secret deal to buy the idols. In 1651AD the idols were sent back to Kayalpattinam along with the merchant Van der Meijden,  offering to sell for  30000 to 25000 reals. Since nobody came forward for that amount the merchant returned back to Galle of Ceylon. After that the Dutch records are silent. From the 1653 AD inscription in the mandapa  the idols were installed back in presence of Thirumalai Nayak and Vadamalaiyappa Pillai, then Governor of Tirunelveli.

HISTORY & TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE:

Since the actual period of Construction is not known, it is believed that the temple was built by Pandyas & Cheras with sand stone, during 6^th to 8^th Century. The earliest inscription of 875AD belongs to Varaguna Pandyan. The front mandapa, prakara, were extended in 16^th - 17^th Century by Vijayanagara Nayaks. In 1650 AD the Rajagopuran was constructed by Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam. Further expanded by Maharaja Marthandavarma (1729-58 AD ). The structures were damaged heavily due to sea salt laden wind and sea water, since the sea waves used to hit the temple when they are rough. With the effort of Mouna Swami, Desika Murti Swami and Kasi Swami the sand stones were replaced by granite stones. The work continued for about 72 years and a lot of money was incurred. Finally the work was completed and Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1941 AD. Further Kumbhabhishekams were performed in 1959, 1971 and 1983.

In one of the inscription it was mentioned that Moolavar Vigraha was replaced in 1984 AD, by the trustees Thirumalaikozhunthu Pillai and S Vedha Murthy Mudaliyar and paradhista ashta pandhana kumbhabhishekam was performed. In that inscription  Chozha mandalam, Chera mandalam, Thondaimandalam and Eezhamandalam are mentioned. 

        

FESTIVALS:

Apart from daily poojas, Annual festivals like Vaikasi Visakam, a 10days Avani festival, 7 Days Skanda Sasti festival, 12 days Masi festival and Panguni Uthiram  are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between  05.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs without break.  Male Devotees are not allowed to wear baniyan or shirts. ( This practice may be followed from 18^th Century Maharaja Marthandavarma period, who had contribution to this temple ).

CONTACT DETAILS:

The Land line numbers 04639 -242221, 242270 and 242271 may be contacted for further details.

E-mail address : tiruchendurmurugan@tnhrce.org

Temple web site: http://www.tiruchendurmurugantemple.tnhrce.in/festival.html

HOW TO REACH:

Bus facility is available from all the district head quarters.

Thiruchendur is about 40 KM from Thoothukudi, the district head quarters, 55 KM from Tirunelveli, 180 KM from Madurai and 640 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Thiruchendur and other express train Tirunelveli.

Nearest Airport, Thoothukudi and Madurai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 West side Rajagopuram with South side entrance gopura

East side Rajagopura

 West side Rajagopura with Peacock with peahen 

 West side Rajagopura with Mandapa

Painting of Dutch looting the idols

 Surapadman

 Sura Samharamoorthy

 Once wells are there along the east wall- The Pandya King's daughter took bath and changed her face from Horse in to Beautiful face- the inscription stone. 

The inscription of Moolavar change in 1984. 

 Pandya inscriptions

Pandya inscriptions

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE, NAZRATHPETTAI, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU.

21^st April 2019.

Last week, with the elections combined, there are 4 days spared for my personal works. Thought of spending usefully. Had been to Villupuram for Koovagam Koothandavar Temple’s annual festival.  On 21^st April 2019, thought of visiting old Shiva and Vishnu temples around Nazarathpettai & Meppur, near Poonamallee. During my earlier visit all the 4 planned temples were found  closed. So on Sunday, started little earlier in the morning  to try my luck. In this visit able to cover Two Shiva temples and a Vishnu Temple. First Visited the Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple at Nazarathpettai.

Iraivan      : Sri Kasi Viswanathar

Iraivi         : Sri Kasi Visalakshi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch on the south side. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are in front of sanctum sanctorum. A snake relief is on the left side of the Rishabam. It was told that karkodaka Maharishi installed and worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antaralka and arthamandapam. A Sudhai small Rajagopuram was constructed during the recent renovations. Beautiful dwarabalakas are at the entrance of the sanctum. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Srivalli Devasena Subramaniyar with Urchavars, Nagars, Veerabhathirar, Naalvar, Navagrahas, Suryan, Chandran, Natarajar, Sandikeswarar and Ambal are in the inner prakaram. A Nandhiamperuman’s statue is in the arthamandapam, before dwarabalakas. There is a separate sannadhi for Somaskandhar.

In the outer parakaram sannadhi for Seva Ganapathy, Iyappan, A maha mandapam and Sani Bagavan. Nagar and Vinayagar are under the Vilva tree.

Apart from regular Poojas, Maha Shivarathiri, 10days Masi Urchavam  will be celebrated in a grand manner.

Based on the structure, the temple may be 500 to 600 years old. The pillars of the arthamandapam and mahamandapam  may belongs to Vijayanagara period. On 1^st June 2014, renovation were carried out and Punaraavatha jinothaarana ashtabhandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted.

As per the legend Karkodaka maharishi, son of Kubera Vamsa Munthikeswarar 9 One of the Ashta thikku Balakas – Kubera Vamsa m) worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. To signify this there is a snake relief on the Rishabam. Shiva gave dharshan to one of the disciple of Sri Dharma Sivachariyar’s 1000 students. It is believed that this temple is equivalent to Kasi in all respects.  5 days in the month of Tamil month Panguni, sun light falls on moolavar.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between07.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is on the junction of Gandhiji Street and Eswaran Koil Street.

About 550 to 600 meters from Nazarathpettai Bus stop on Chennai to Bengaluru Highway.

All the city buses from Chnnai via Poonamallee to Kanchipuram and Sriperumbudur stops at the Nazarathpettai bus stop.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Nandhiyam Peruman and Dwarabalaka

 Dwarabalaka

 Kumba panjaram

Since Karkodaka Maharishi worshiped Lord Shiva of this Temple, He is shown in the form of snake at the base of Rishabam

                                     Mandapa Pillar reliefs - Vishnu

Mandapa Pillar reliefs - Shiva 
 ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

SRI PACHAI VARNA PERUMAL TEMPLE, AGARAMEL, POONAMALLEE, TAMIL NADU.

21^st April 2019.

After Sri Kasi Viswanathar dharshan,  had been to this temple. During my earlier Visit, the temple was closed  on that day. This Perumal temple in Agaramel, Adjacent to Nazarathpettai about 500 Meters from Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple. Mudaliandan was the nephew of Sri Ramanujar. and his original name was Dasarathi.This village was named after him as Dasarathipettai and later corrupted to Nazratpet. Mudaliars of this village are called Pettai Mudaliars including former Chief minister Sri M.Bakthavatsalam. All of them are strong Vaishnavites..

Moolavar   : Sri Pachai Varna Perumal

Thayar      : Sri Amirthavalli Thayar

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Anjaneyar Sannadhi is at beginning of the street. A 4 pillar Nayaka period mandapam is in front of Rajagopuram.  Karudathoon, Palipedam, Dwjasthambam and Garudalwar are immediately after the Rajagopuram. On the right there is mandapam for vahanas and urchava umbrellas. Inside is the sannadhi for Ramar, Setha and Lakshman.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a muka mandapam. Moolavar Pachai Varna Perumal is in sitting posture with  Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Urchavars are also in the sanctum. Alwars are in antarala. Mudaliyandan sannadhi is in the arthamandapam. In the mukamandapam pillars has the vaishnava deity reliefs. Below the reliefs the details are inscribed in Telegu and Tamil.

In the prakaram snnadhi for Anjaneyar, Nagar and Paramapatha vassal. There are two 4 Pillar mandapas. Thayar  is in a  separate temple like sannadhi, on the south west corner of the temple complex. The sannadhi consists of Sanctum and arthamandapam. The sanctum is with Padmabandha adhistanam. Thayar is in sitting Posture.

As per the Thayar snnadhi inscriptions, the temple may belongs to 12^th to 13^th Century. But there is no inscriptions found in the moolavar sanctum, may be reconstructed during latter period. On 10th May 1963, renovation works was  inaugurated by the Chennai Govt. Finance and Education Minister Mr M Bhaktavatsala Mudaliyar. The renovation was funded through Sembakkam Nattu, Elavappa Mudaliyar Trust and after completion samprokshanam was conducted on 29th Aug 1965.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is in Agaramel  and about 200 meters from Agaramel bus stop ( On MGR Road ) .

About 1 KM from Nazarathpettai Bus stop on Chennai to Bengaluru / Mumbai Highway.

All the city buses from Chennai via Poonamallee to Kanchipuram and Sriperumbudur stops at the Nazarathpettai bus stop.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Thayar Sannadhi 

 Vahana mandapa with Rama, Seetha and Lakshman 

Vamana Avathars ( details inscribed below in telegu & Tamil ) 

  Pillar Reliefs ( details inscribed below in telegu & Tamil ) 

 Lakshmi Narasimha ( details inscribed below in telegu & Tamil ) & Pillar Pothyal

Dwarabalaka

Anjaneyar Sannadhi

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---