Friday, 23 April 2021

Vaimoornathar Temple / Thiruvaimurnathar Temple / வாய்மூர்நாதர் திருக்கோயில், திருவாய்மூர், Thiruvaimur, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 241st Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 124th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. In Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that when Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal was sleeping at Thirumaraikadu, Lord Shiva asked to follow him to this temple at Thiruvaimur, since he is staying there.

மன்னும் செல்வ மறைக்காட்டு மணியின் பாதம் மனத்தின்கண்
உன்னித் துயிலும் பொழுதின்கண் உமைஓர் பாகம் உடையவர்தாம்
பொன்னின் மேனி வெண்ணீறு புனைந்தா கோலப் பொலிவினோடும்
துன்னி அவர்க்கு வாய்மூரில் இருப்போம் தொடரவா என்றார்.


Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

பாட அடியார் பரவக் கண்டேன்
பத்தர்கணங்கண்டேன் மொய்த்தபூதம்
ஆடல்முழவம் அதிரக்கண்டேன்
அங்கை அனல்கண்டேன் கங்கையாளைக்
காடல் அரவார் சடையிற்கண்டேன்
கொக்கின் இதழ் கண்டேன் கொன்றைகண்டேன்
வாடற்றலையொன்று கையிற் கண்டேன்
வாய்மூர் அடிகளை நான் கண்டவாறே
....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்
-“நீளுலகம்
காய்மூர்க்கரேனுங் கருதில் கதி கொடுக்கும்
வாய்மூர்க்கமைந்த மறைக்கொழுந்தே
....... திரு அருட்பா
Moolavar  : Sri Vaimoornathar
Consort    : Sri Sheerobavasani, Sri Paalinum Nanmozhiyal.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy right hand is on Rishabam, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. Thiagarajar Sannidhi is adjacent on the south side of moolavar sannidhi. Understood that abhishekam will be conducted two times in a day ( around 6 AM and 6 PM ).

In prakaram Nalvar and Bhairavar. In the inner prakaram Siva Suryan Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas ( all are in one row ), Neela Vidangar, Vedaranyeswarar, Nalvar, Avudayar, Sathya Narayani Amman, Agora Bhairavar, Ananda Bhairavar, Uththanda Bhairavar,  Bala Bhairavar ( Guru Bairavar Chanda Bhairavar, Krothana Bairavar and Kapala Bairavars are in the form of Thandam ), Siva Suriyan and Chandran. A bas relief of Vanmiki Maharishi worshiping Lord Shiva is above the jolly/ window ( The King may be Rajaraja-III or Kulothunga Chozha-III, is worshiping Lord Shiva, wrongly written as Vanmiki Maharishi ). Ambal is in a separate temple like Sannidhi facing east with sanctum sanctorum and Mukha mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE
The Sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala and ardha mandapam. Even-though this is claimed as a Mada temple, this temple is on ground level only. The Sanctum sanctorum is on a simple padabandha adhistanam with jagathy, muppattai kumudam and pattika. The Bhitti starts with vedika, Vishnu kantha pilasters ( with square base, malaithongal, kalasam, thadi, kudam, lotus petals mandi, Palagai, Vreerakandam and Poomottu pushpa pothyal. The prastram consists of valapi ( lotus petals ), Kapotham and Bhoomi desam. Viyyalavari is in the Bhoomi desam.

The super structure above Bhoomi desam, 1st thala, grevam and sigaram are constructed with brick. No images are in the 1st Thalam and Greeva koshtas has the images of Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma.   





HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This is one of the Mada Temple constructed by Ko Chenkat Chozhan. Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might have existed before 7th Century and the same was reconstructed as a stone temple by Chozhas and further extended by Pandyas and Vijayanagara Nayakas.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Rajarajan-III, Rajendra Chozha-III, Kulothunga Chozha-III and Vikrama Chozha. As per the inscriptions this place was called as Rajendra Chozhavalanattu Vandazhai Velur Kootrathu Thiruvaimur, Chozha Pandya Chaturvedi Mangalam, Rajendra Chozhavalanattu Vandazhai Velur Kootrathu Kattimankudi alias Chozha Pandya Chaturvedi Mangalam,    

Lord Shiva was called as Thiruvaimur Udayar, Thiruvaimur Udaya Nayanar and Thiruvaimurudaya Perumanadigal.

Kulothunga Chozha-III’s 33rd reign year inscription records that during Thiruvizha Thiruvaimurudaya Nayanar will be taken in procession to Thiru Thoppu. The King who attended the Thiruvizha found that the street was very narrow. So as per the King’s order Lands were given for widening to Thiruvaimur Udaya Nayanar Temple, Adhi Chandeswarar by the Thiruvaimur Perunguri Sabha. They also agreed to rectify the 4 Mangala streets.

Kulothunga Chozha-III’s 12th reign year inscription records that Rajendra Chozha valanattu Idayalanattu Eechanur alias Parameswara Chaturvedi Mangalam Sabha has given a tank / Kulam and land as irayili for creating a “Narpathonnayiravar Thirunandhavanam” to Thiruvaimur Udayar Temple Adhi Chandeswarar.

Rajaraja-III’s 20th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a Perpetual lamp by a Thevaradiyal Vadugi Vambazhuththal alias Thiruvaimur Manickam, for the same a donation was made ( the details are not known ). The interest earned to be utilized for supplying the oil. This endowment was done during Kulothunga Chozha-III’s 38th reign year. Since this was not inscribed at that time, the same was inscribed now.

Most of the Chozha period inscriptions records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps with an ulakku oil, 91 nazhi oil per year, Naivedyam, sacred bath,  etc,. For the same money, paddy, Gold and lands were donated to this temple. Some of them are received by the Siva Brahmins / bhattars of the temple and one inscription mentions as “kaniudaya Muppathu vattathu kaniudaya sivabramins”.  These inscriptions records that lands are hold by the Siva Brahmins as Irayili ie Tax free. Also there was a madam existed in the village and donations also made to establish images of the Monks.



LEGENDS 
Lord Shiva asked Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal to follow him to Vaaimur by saying “Vaimuril iruppom thodarnthu vaa - வாய்முயூரில் இருப்போம்  தொடர்ந்து வா” - There is a Shiva Sannidhi in parallel to Moolavar sannidhi called “Apparukku Kaatchi Kodutha  Shiva“ ( Lord Shiva who gave darshan to Appar ).

எங்கே என்னை இருந்து இடம் தேடிக்கொண்டு
அங்கே வந்துஅடை யாளம் அருளினார்
தெங்கே தோன்றும் திருவாய்மூர்ச் செல்வனார்
அங்கே வாஎன்று போனார் அதுஎன் கோலோ

As per the legend,  Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal’s hymns, to open the temple doors of Thirumaraikadu, he has sung hymns and stayed at the temple. He was little upset that the doors are opened only after he completes 10 poems of the hymns. But the doors closed for one poem of Thirugnanasambandar’s Hymns. In that night Lord Shiva came in his dream and told him to follow him, since he is at Thiruvaimur. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal followed Lord Shiva and reached Thiruvaimur. In the mean time Thirugnanasambandar, searched Appar. He also came to this temple. Lord Shiva gave darshan to both.

திறக்கப் பாடிய என்னினும் செந்தமிழ்
உறைப்புப் பாடி அடைப்பித்தா ருந்நின்றார்
மறைக்க வல்லாரோ தம்மைத் திருவாய்மூர்ப்
பிறைக்கொள் செஞ்சடையார் இவர் பித்தரே

It is believed that there were Ashta Bhairavas in this temple, but there are only 4. For the rest, Dhandas are kept. It is believed that Indra’s son Jayanthan was relieved from the curse due to grace of Bhairavas. Special “Jayanthan poojas” are conducted on Chithirai month first Friday, since it is believed that Jayanthan worshiped on that day. Suriyan also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

This is one of the saptha vidanga sthalam ( Vidangar – Neela Vidangar, Nadanam – Kamala Nadanam, seat – Rathna Simhasanam ). The Legend goes Like this.. Maha Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva and Parvati with Kandar as somaskandar  aka Thiyagarajar ( bur actually it is a shiva Linga.. ? )  form for child boon. Devendra obtained the Murti and worshiped. Devendra wanted to gift something to Muchukunda Chakravarthy for helping him to win the war with Valasuran. When Muchukunda Chakravarthy was asked, what he want..?. Muchukunda told that he wants only the Thiyagarajar. Devendra made 6 more replica of Thyagaraja, and told, if he identifies the original, he will give away all the 7 Vigrahams. Muchukunda Chakravarthy identified the original and obtained all the 7 Vigrahams. He installed one in this temple at Thiruvaimur. The other temples details are... ( The others are Thiruvarur – Veedhi Vidangar, Ajapa Natanam, Nagapattinam ( Nagai karonam), - Sundara Vidangar, Vici Nadanam, Thirukaravasal – Adi Vidangar, Kukkuda nadanam, Thirukkuvalai ( Thiru kolili ) – Avani Vidangar, Brunga nadanam, Thirunallar – Nagara Vidangar, Unmatha nadanam, Thiruvaimur – Nlla Vidangar, Kamalana nadanam  and Vedaranyam ( ThirumaraiKadu) – Bhuvai Vidangar, Hamsapada nadanam.  

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikasi Visakam in the month Vaikasi ( May – June ), Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani ( Aug – Sept ), Annabhishekam in the month Aippasi ( Oct – Nov ), Thirukarthigai in the month Karthigai ( Nov – Dec ), Thiruvathirai in the month Margazhi ( Dec – Jan ), Thaipoosam in the month Thai ( Jan – Feb ), Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi ( Feb – March ) and monthly pradoshams.

Special poojas are also conducted on Ashtami days for Bhairavas. Special Abhishekam will be done to Thiagarajar on 1st day of Aippasi month. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The mobile number +91 97862 44876, may be contacted for further details. Gurukkal +91 9487992974 may also be contacted.

HOW TO REACH
The place is in the road diversion to Ettukudi on the Nagapattinam to Thiruthuraipoondi.
Thiruvarur to Vedaranyam bus passes through this village
The temple at Thiruvaimur is 18 KM from Thiruthuraipoondi, 27 KM from Thiruvarur, 30 KM from Nagapattinam, 37 KM from Vedaranyam 45 KM from Mannargudi and 328 KM from Chennai 
Nearest Railway station is Thiruthuraipoondi and Junction is Thiruvarur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE








Dhandas as Bhairavas
It is a King and not the Munivar














--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

The  second Heritage visit to this Sri Manathunai Nathar Temple at Valivalam was a part of “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organised by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022.   Thanks to V Ramachandran, Thasildar of Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples. 

Thursday, 22 April 2021

Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple / Thyagarajasamy Temple / பிரம்மபுரீஸ்வரர் கோயில் / கோளிலிநாதேஸ்வரர் கோயில், Thirukolili –Thirukkuvalai / திருகுவளை, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 240th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 123rd Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Now this place is called as Thirukkuvalai. This is one of the temple where, moovar has sung Lord Shiva of this temple. This temple is popularly known as “Thirukkuvalai Thyagaraja Temple”.

In Periyapuranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar   came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thiruvalivalam. In Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal puranam Sekkizhar didn’t mentioned this temple in particular but he visited this temple on the way to Thiruveezhimilali from Thirumaraikadu.

மல்லல் நீடிய வலிவலம் கோளிலி முதலாத்
தொல்லை நான்மறை முதல்வர் தம் பதிபல தொழுதே
எல்லையில் திருப்பதிகங்களால் பணிந்து ஏத்தி
அல்லல் தீர்ப்பவர் மீண்டும் ஆரூர்தொழ அணைந்தார்
...... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்
Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

நாளாய போகாமே நஞ்சணியுங் கண்டானுக்கே
ஆளாய அன்புசெய்வோம் அடல்நெஞ்சே அரநாமம்
கேளாய்நம் கிளைகிளைக்கும் கேடுபடாத் திறம் அருளிக்
கோளாய நீக்கும் அவன்கோளிலிஎம் பெருமானே
..... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்
மைகொள் கண்ணுமை பங்கின் மான்மழுத்
தொக்க கையினன் செய்யதோர் சோதியன்
கொக்க மர்பொழில் சூழ்தரு கோளிலி
நக்க னைத் தொழ நம்வினை நாசமே
....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்
கொல்லை வளம்புறவில் திருக் கோளிலி மேயவனை
நல்லவர் தாம்பரவும் திருநாவல வூரன்அவன்
நெல்லிட ஆட்கள்வேண்டி நினைந்து ஏத்திய பத்தும்வல்லார்
அல்லல் களைந்துலகில் அண்டர் வானுலகு ஆள்பவரே
..... சுந்தரர்
கோளிலியப்பர் குணமூன்று டையார் தம்
தோளிலுலாமாலை சூட்டுதற்கு – வாளவுணன்
கற்பக வேல் தொட்ட கடவுட்கு முன்வந்த
கற்பகத்தின் பொற்கழல்கள் காப்பு
.... திருக்குவளை தியாகரஜசுவாமி உலா- விநாயகவணக்கம்
                                                                            -“நெற்சுமக்க
ஆளிலை என்று ஆரூரனார் துதிக்கத் தந்தருளுங்
கோளிலியின் அன்பர் குலங்கொள் உவப்பே”
..... திரு அருட்பா
Moolavar  : Sri Brahmapureeswarar, Sri Kolilinathar,
                  Sri Kolili Natheswarar.
Consort    : Sri Vandamarpoonguzhali.

Some of the salient features of this temple are ……
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The sthala purana stucco image is on the Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are in a mandapam. Stucco images in the form of arch at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is of swayambhu made of sand. In koshtam Arthanareeswarar, Brahma, Durgai, Umamaheswarar, Natarajar, Narthana Ganapathy, Pichadanar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu with sangu and chakram.

In Prakaram Sundarar with his wife Paravai, Thyaga Vinayagar, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Indira Pureeswarar, Chokkalingam, Annamalaiyar, Nalvar, Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas ( all are facing south direction in a single row ) and Shivaloka Vinayagar (who showed Siva loka to Hemakantha Munivar ).

This temple Thyagaraja is the second to Thiruvarur Thiyagarajar. This is also one of the saptha vidanga sthalam ( Avani Vidangar and Dance is Birunga Nadanam ). Utsavar is Chandrasekarar.

The temple complex consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. A ekathala stucco vesara vimana is on the sanctum

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This is one of the Mada Temple constructed by Ko Chenkat Chozhan. Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might  have been existed before 7th Century and the same was reconstructed as a stone temple by Chozhas and further extended by Pandyas and Vijayanagara Nayakas.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Chohas and Pandyas. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as “Thirukolili Udaya nayanar” and Thiagarajar was called as “Avani Vidanga Thyagar”. The temple’s north street was called as “Thirumaraikadan Street”. This place was in Rajendra Chozha valanattu Idayalanattu Vendalai Velur Kootram.

During Jadavarman Sundara Pandyan period, the Maha mandapa was built by VadavallathuIrukudiyan Indrapathinallur Uyyavanthan Chiyyalai Pillai alias Jayathungavarman.

The Pandya king Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan’s 8th reign year inscription records that, due to flood in the Chandramouli river, the south bank was breached and the water entered in to the Temple on the north thiruveedhi. To drain the flood water, Palaikuruchi Udayar Thirumaraikadudayan diverted the river water by making noth banks as south bank at the limit of Kundaiyur Village. Due to this the thirunamathukani land belongs to the temple was taken for diversion. To compensate the same, he had given a gift of  2 veli land belongs to him, which was at Parameswara Chathurvedi mangalam. The Thiruveedi and the Vaikal / channel was named after him as “Palaikuruchi Udayar Thirumaraikadudayan”.

Rajaraja Chozha –III’s 4th year reign inscription records that Athipaththanayanar image / idol was established by Alan, who belongs “Sivanbadavar” ( Chembadavar Community ). For the same 2100 kasu was collected ( begging ) from his community and the money was handed over to Ayyanaippa bhattan’s son Dhamothara bhattan. From the interest earned 2 nazhi paddy to be arranged for Athipaththa nayanar’s image worship and naivedyam. 

"ஸ்வஸ்திஸ்ரீ திரிபுவனச்சக்கரவத்திகள்
ஸ்ரீராஜராஜ தேவர்க்கு யாண்டு 4 ஆவது
மார்கழி மாதத்தொருநாள் உடையார்
திருக்கோளிலி உடையார் கோயிலில்
முன்னாளில் சிவன்படவரில் ஆலன்
எழுந்தருளிவித்த அதிபத்த நாயனார்க்கு"

Rajendra Chozha-III’s 35th reign year inscription records the endowment Thiruveethiuzha / procession, on his birth star kettai day, by Pandya nadu Chozha Pandya mandalathu Mathurothayavalanattu, Palaikuruchi Udayan Akayan Thirumaraikadudayan. After procession the Utsavar will be kept and Pooja will be conducted in the “Thirumaraikadudayan mandapam”. For that days naivedyam, Sathupadi, burning lamps, Thirupallithamam / Garland, donations are made and details are not known since the inscription was damaged on that portions.  

Most of the Chozha period inscriptions records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps with a ulakku oil, 91 nazhi oil per year, Naivedyam, sacred bath,  etc,. For the same money, like 1000 kasu, 800 kasu, 140 kasu, 260 panam, 100 panam, paddy, Gold and lands were donated to this temple. Some of them are received by the bhattars of the temple and one inscription mentions as “kaniudaya Muppathu vattathu kaniudaya sivabramins”. These inscriptions records that lands are hold by the Siva Brahmins as Irayili ie Tax free. Also there was a madam called “Thirugnanasambandar madam” existed in the village.

This is one of the temples under the administrative control of Dharmapura Adheenam. Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in January, 1999.

The Maragatha Lingam, is one of the saptha Vidanga Lingas ( believed that it was brought by Rajendra Chozha  from an east Asian Country.  The Maragatha Linga was stolen and the same was recovered back by the Tamil Nadu Police. 

LEGENDS
Moolavar is of white sand and always covered with Kuvalai and hence this place is called as Thirukkuvalai. Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, Agathiyar, Musukunthan, Pancha Pandavas, Navagrahas and King Hemantha.

It is believed that all Vidanga Shiva Lingas are gifted by Indra to Musikunta Chakravarthy and he installed in 7 temples around Thiruvarur. Vidanga means made without using chisel. This is one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams. The details are... ( The others are Thiruvarur – Veedhi Vidangar, Ajapa Natanam, Nagapattinam ( Nagai karonam), - Sundara Vidangar, Vici Nadanam, Thirukaravasal – Adi Vidangar, Kukkuda nadanam, Thirukkuvalai ( Thiru kolili ) – Avani Vidangar, Brunga nadanam, Thirunallar – Nagara Vidangar, Unmatha nadanam, Thiruvaimur – Nilla Vidangar, Kamalana nadanam  and Vedaranyam ( Thirumaraikadu ) – Bhuvai Vidangar, Hamsapada nadanam.

Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. To get rid of dosham ( Brahmahathi dosha ) by killing Bahasuran, in continuation to the Lingothbavar episode, Brahma was cursed. Due to this the creation was stopped and the actions of Navagrahas are also paralysed. Brahma came to this temple, created the Brahma Theertha and worshiped Lord Shiva to get relieved from the curse. Hence Lord Shiva is praised as “Brahmapureeswarar”    

Beeman worshiped Lord of this temple to get rid of the Brahmahathi dosha by killing the demon Bahasuran. The stucco image of Bahasuran and Brahmahathi are in the Rajagopuram. The sthala vruksham is "Thetha maram".

As per Sundarar’s hymns and Sekkizhar’s Periya Puranam, Sundarar used to do annadanam at Thiruvarur. Kundaiyur Kilan used to offer paddy to Sundarar. One he do not have anything to offer. So he prayed Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva gave him the paddy in the form of hill. Sundarar again prayed Lord Shiva and got persons to shift the paddy to Thiruvarur.

நீள நினைந்தடியேன் உனை நித்தலும் கைதொழுவேன்
வாளன கண்மடவாள் அவள் வாடி வருந்தாமே
கோளிலி எம்பெருமான் குண்டை யூர்ச்சில நெல்லுப் பெற்றேன்
ஆளிலை எம்பெருமான் அவை அட்டித் தரப்பணியே

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani ( Aug – Sept ), Navaratri in the month Purattasi ( Sept – Oct ), Annabhishekam in the month Aippasi ( Oct – Nov ), Thirukarthigai in the month Karthigai ( Nov – Dec ), Thiruvathirai and Sundays in the month Margazhi ( Dec – Jan ), Thaipoosam in the month Thai ( Jan – Feb ), Masi mahan “Nel atti chillum thiruvizha”, Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi ( Feb – March ), Musukuntha archana, Vasantha Utsavam  and monthly pradoshams.

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 number +91 97862 44876 and the Land line number +91 4366 245 412 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
On the bus route Thiruvarur to Ettukudi –before Ettukudi.
Thiruvarur to Vedaranyam bus passes through this village.
The temple at Thirukkuvalai is 16 KM from Thiruthuraipoondi, 23 KM from Thiruvarur, 35 KM from Mannargudi, 45 KM from Vedaranyam and 328 KM from Chennai 
Nearest Railway station is Thiruthuraipoondi and Junction is Thiruvarur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE











Navagrahas are in a single row

The Maragatha Linga ( which was stolen and recovered back )
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---