Wednesday 29 May 2019

SRI NEELAMEGA PERUMAL TEMPLE, THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU - 108 DIVYA DESAM

10th May 2019.
This is one of the 108 Divya Desa Vishnu Temples on the banks of River Vennaru. There are three temples forms one Divya Desa  Temple, which are 200 meters to 300 meters apart from each other called as Thanjaimaamani Koyil. Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai alwar, Nammalwar and Bhoodhathalwar. The other two are Sri Narasimha Perumal Temple, Yazhi Nagar and Sri Manikundra Perumal temple, Manikundram. In ancient days this place was called as Parasara Kshetram, Vambulancholai, Azhahapuri, Garudapuri, Sameevanam and Thanjai Yazhi Nagar. 

Moolavar : Sri Neelamega Perumal
Thayar    : Sri Sengamalavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipedam and Garudalwar are immediately after the Rajagopuram. Immediately after the Rajagopuram sannadhi for Lakshmi Hayagirivar on the left and Alwars mandapam on the right.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala and arthamandapam. A Muka mandapam was built in the recnt years. Moolavar Sri Neelamega Perumal is in sitting posture with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Thayar Sengamalavalli is facing east in a separate temple like sannadhi (with sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam). In the arthamandapam Thiruvikrama Perumal, Sri Varaga Perumal, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Andal and Visvaksenar. Urchavar is Naryanar with Baton in his hand. Vishnu gave dharshan to Parasura Maharishi.

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE: The temple is being built before 7th Century and reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. The sanctum was built with upanam and Adhistanam, Padman, Three face Kumudham. The Koshtam are found empty. In the prastharam Kabotham without nasi. The sikaram is of round shape. The Vimana over the Sanctum is called as Soundarya Vimanam.

LEGEND: As per the legend  Parasara Maharishi with his disciple lived in the ashram on the banks of river Manimutha river now called as Vennar. The demons Thanjaka, Thandaka and Tharakasura gave troubles to the Sage Parasara Maharishi  and his yagam. So Maharishi requested Lord Shiva to protect them from demons. Lord Shiva in turn sent Kali ( another avathar of Sri Parvati ). Tharakasura was Killed by Kali but couldn’t kill Thanjaka and Thandaka. When the sage Parasara approached Vishnu, He took the form of Narasimhar ( with lion’s Face – Yazhi face ) and Killed Thanjaka. As per his request Sri Narasimhar stayed in Yazhi Nagar. On seeing this Thandaka, hide himself in the pathalaloga. Now Vishnu took the form of Varaha ( Boar ) and killed the demon Thandaka. After Killing the demons Lord Vishnu gave dharshan in the form of Neelamega Perumal to Sage Parasara Maharishi. Lord Vishnu bless us in three different names in three temples close to each other. In Neelamrgaperumal Temple Lakshmi is sitting on the left lap of Perumal but in Yazhi Nagar Goddess Lakshmi is sitting on the right side since Lord Vishnu looks ferocious.

Apart from Regular poojas, Narasimhar Jayanthi and annual 10 days Bramortsavam is celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH :
The Temple is on the main road -on the way from Thanjavur to Thiruvaiyaru, 5 KM from Thanjavur. Get down after Kodiamman Temple.

LOCATION  : CLICK HERE





---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Tuesday 28 May 2019

SRI THANJAI MANIKUNDRA PERUMAL TEMPLE, THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU.

10th May 2019.
This is one of the 108 Divya Desa Vishnu Temples on the banks of River Vennaru. There are three temples forms one Divya Desa  Temple, which are 200 meters to 300 meters apart from each other called as Thanjaimaamani Koyil. Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai alwar, Nammalwar and Bhoodhathalwar. The other two are Sri Narasimha Perumal Temple, Yazhi Nagar and Sri Neelamega Perumal temple. In ancient days this place was called as Manikundram.

Moolavar : Sri Manikundra Perumal
Thayar    : Sri Ambujavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple was built like a madakoil, little above the ground level.  It was told that this temple was built on a small hill ( Kundru). Dwajasthambam, Palipedam and Garudalwar are immediately after the entrance arch.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala and arthamandapam. Moolavar Sri Manikundra Perumal is in sitting posture with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Thayar Ambujavalli is facing east in a separate sannadhi with a small vimana. The Sannadhi is abutting the south wall of the arthamandapa. Reliefs of Garudalwar and  Anjaneyar are at the entrance of the sanctum arthamandapam. The Paramapatha Vayil is on the north side with steps. Perumal gave dharshan to Markandeyar.

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE: The temple is being built before 7th Century and reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. The sanctum was built with upanam and Adhistanam. The Koshtam are found empty. In the prastharam Kabotham with nasikoodu. The sikaram is of round shape. The Vimana over the Sanctum is called as manikoodam.

LEGEND: As per the legend  Parasara Maharishi with his disciple lived in the ashram on the banks of river Manimutha river now called as Vennar. The demons Thanjaka, Thandaka and Tharakasura gave troubles to the Sage Parasara Maharishi  and his yagam. So Maharishi requested Lord Shiva to protect them from demons. Lord Shiva in turn sent Kali ( another avathar of Sri Parvati ). Tharakasura was Killed by Kali but couldn’t kill Thanjaka and Thandaka. When the sage Parasara approached Vishnu, He took the form of Narasimhar ( with lion’s Face – Yazhi face ) and Killed Thanjaka. As per his request Sri Narasimhar stayed in Yazhi Nagar. On seeing this Thandaka, hide himself in the pathalaloga. Now Vishnu took the form of Varaha ( Boar ) and killed the demon Thandaka. After Killing the demons Lord Vishnu gave dharshan in the form of Neelamega Perumal to Sage Parasara Maharishi. Lord Vishnu bless us in three different names in three temples close to each other. In Neelamrgaperumal Temple Lakshmi is sitting on the left lap of Perumal but in Yazhi Nagar Goddess Lakshmi is sitting on the right side since Lord Vishnu looks ferocious.

Apart from Regular poojas, Narasimhar Jayanthi and annual 10 days Bramortsavam is celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :
The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH :
The Temple is on the main road -on the way from Thanjavur to Thiruvaiyaru, 5 KM from Thanjavur. Get down after Kodiamman Temple.

LOCATION  : CLICK HERE









---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Monday 27 May 2019

SRI ANNAN PERUMAL TEMPLE ( SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE), THIRUVELLAKULAM, IN NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

May, 2019.
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desa Temples dedicated Lord Vishnu at Thiruvellakulam in Nagapattinam District. Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar. The presiding deity is called as “Annan Perumal”, since Thairumangai Alwar has quoted Perumal as “Annan” in all his pasurams. Hence the Moolavar obtained the name as “Annan Perumal”.

Moolavar : Sri Annan Perumal also called as Kannan Narayan.
Thayar    : Sri Alarmelmangai.

Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. The Temple tank with lotus flowers  is in-front and a neerazhi mandapam is at the centre. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudan are in the newly built mandapa. Moolavar Annan Perumal is in Standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. In front is Urchavar Sri Srinivasa Perumal and Thayar Alarmelmangai. Thayar Alarmel Mangai is in a separate temple like sannadhi. There is a sannadhi for Hanuman also.  108 Divya Desa temple sthala purana painting are on the walls of the prakaram.

There is a separate sannadhi for Thirumangai Alwar’s consort Kumudhavalli Nachiyar. As per the legend She was from Celestial world. She lost her power when she came for plugging Lotus from the pond. After seeing her Neelan a Chieftain wished to marry. Both married after Neelan agreed to fulfill all the conditions, including feeding of Vishnu Devotees laid by Kumudhavalli. On seeing this Vishnu was pleased, elevated him as one of the Alwar and gave dharshan for both of them.

ARCHITECTURE : The original sanctum might be existed before 7th Century. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum antarala and arthamandapam. The arthamandapam was built during Maratha period with Vavvalnethi style. The adhistana is with upana, jagathi, Kumudham. The Vimana consists of square in shape above prastharam, girivam, sikaram and kalasam. The sikaram with nasi is of vesara style. The Vimana is called as Swetha Vimana.

HISTORY & LEGEND: As per the legend Swethan was the son of Dhundumaran. Sage Vashistar predicted that Swethan will die at younger age. So he advised Swethan to recite / chant Mrutyanja Mantra under the Vilva tree on the banks of this temple tank. Lord Vishnu appeared and blessed him for a long life.  Devotees used to celebrate their 60th , 70th and 80th birthdays in this temple for long and healthy life. In turn devotees offers Thulabaram. People considers this temple as Then Thirupathi. Those who couldn’t go to Thipathi, they can offer in this temple also for their prarthanai /prayer. Vishnu gave dharshan to Ekadesa Rudhirar and Swetha Maharajan.

Apart from regular poojas & festivals, annual Bramotsavam is celebrated in the month of Puratasi, summer festival in Vaikasi, Vishnu’s marriage festival  in last Friday of Aadi are celebrated in a grand manner. Those are having fear of death may pray to this Vishnu, to get rid of it.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs and 17.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Madhava Bhattar may be contacted on his land line  +91 4364 266534 and mobile number +919489856554 and e mail: madhavabhatter68@gmail.com

HOW TO REACH:
The Place Thiruvellakulam is about 5 KM from Sirkazhi. Since there is direct facilty, one can hire auto from Sirkazhi.
The place Thiruvellakulam is about 20 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 30 KM from Chidambaram and 58 KM from Kumbakonam.
Nearest Railway station is Sirkazhi.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE


---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sunday 26 May 2019

ARULMIGU KALAMEGAPERUMAL TEMPLE, THIRUMOHUR, MADURAI, TAMIL NADU.

10th May 2019.
On 10th May 2019, afternoon plan was to visit Sri. Thirumarainathar Temple at Thiruvathavur. I didn’t know that the bus will pass through Thirumohur and happened to see the Vishnu’s Temple arch on the road side. Decided to visit this Perumal Temple also, since this is one of the 108 Divya Deasam temples.  Mangalasasanam was done by Namalwar, Thirumangaialwar On return to Madurai dropped at Thirumohur. To suit the name of Perumal, it was rained for about 15 minutes when I was in the temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Kalamega Perumal
Thayar     : Sri Mohanavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are..
The Temple is facing east. A 5 tier Rajagopuram with a front mandapam is on the east side. The Kambathadi mandapam built by Maruthu brothers abutting the second level Rajagopuram. Palipedam and Dwajasthambam are in the mandapam. On the left there is a dilapidated mandapam.  In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Thayar Mohanavalli, on the back Chakkarathalwar, Pallikonda Perumal, Hanuman, Navaneethakrishnan and Andal.

Chakkarathalwar temple is a special one in this temple. The vimana over the Chakkarathalwar is covered with copper plate with gold plating. The original Chakkarathalwar temple was constructed during 13th Century Pandya Period, Since the temple was dilapidated, this temple was constructed inside the prakaram. The old Chakkarathalwar is with 16 hands holds 16 weapons.  In sanctum Perumal is in standing posture where as, Sridevi and Bhoodevi are in sitting posture.

ARCHITECTURE: The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, Arthamandapam and mahamandapam (Garudamandapam ). The adhistana has the combination of  Upanam, Padmam, Kabotham with nasi kood, Kumudhan , wall, Pirastharam, Girivam, Sikaram and Stupi. etc. On the top Prastharam has kabotham with simha nasi, Yazhivari. The 2 stage Vimana is the combination of Nagara and on the top is in round Vesara shape with Nasi. The sanctum walls are with Koshtam, Pillasters, Kumbapancharam. Sanctum Vimana was built during Vijayanagara period.

Two side entrances are provided at arthamandapa and Mahamandapa. After Pandya, maximum contributions were done by the Vijayanagara rulers. The 1st and 2nd prakara walls are raised like fort during Viijayanagara period. Mahamandapam, Garudamandapam, Kambathadi mandapa also constructed during Vijayanagara period.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS:
Even though the temple exists since 1st Century, the inscriptions are available from 13th  Century. The inscriptions belongs to Pandya Kings,  Sadayavarman Sundarapandyan-I ( 1251- 1271 AD), Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I ( 1268- 1311 AD) Sadyavarman Sundara Pandyan ( 1304 – 1319 AD), Komaravarman Konerinmai Kondan and Vijayanagara dynasty  Rajamaraja Vittaladeva Maharayar ‘s officers Vasavana Nayak and his son Thimmappa Nayak, ( 1551AD).  As per the inscriptions the place was called as Theparappu Nattu ThiruMohur, the temple as Paramaswamikal Koil and Perumal as Kalamegaperumal.

The inscriptions mainly speaks about donation of land, Villages Sirukundrathur, Bramadeyam Aalodupattan Poomaarapavithra Chathurvedhimangalam, Viranarayana Chathurvedhimangalam after bifurcating Theiruedakam, renovation of Temples, Creation of nandhavanam  after abolishing  Taxes and paddy towards conducting regular poojas, neivethiyam ( food offered to God ).

Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 1924, 1979, 1990 ( Palli Konda Perumal Kumbhabhishekam with new Vimana ) and 2009. From 1897 The temple was under the control of Madurai District Devasthana Committee and from 1948 HR&CE took over. Till 1980 the temple was with Arulmigu Kallazhakar Temple and from 1981 a special officer was appointed.

LEGEND & MYTHS
As per the legend Dhurvasa Maharishi cursed Indira, to loose all his wealth, when he was not given respect. Due to this the devas lost their strength and the Asuras regained. As per the advice of  Vishnu Devas and Asuras churned the Thiruparkadal to get the nectar ( Amruth). An aalakala poison came first and the same was consumed and kept in the throat by Lord Shiva. After that Jyesta Devi, Lakshmi and finally nectar has come. The Devas and Asuras fight each other to consume first. Vishnu took the form of Mohini and gave it Devas after mesmerize the Asuras. The place where Vishnu gave to Devas was this place Thirumohur. Initially it was called as Mohana Kshethram latter corrupted to Mohiniyur and then Mohiyur and to the present name Thirumohur.

In puranas Biramanda Purana and Mathsiya purana this place was called as Mohanakshethram.

Sri Chakkarathalwar is more powerful than Perumal of this temple. The sannadhi vimanam is covered with copper plate with gold plating. People used to worship Chakkarathalwar for Child boon, Marriage, to get rid of Pilli sunyam, eval, Debt, etc, to flourish in the business.

Important functions: Every month Thiuvonapurapadu, Achariyars Nakshathiram, and day, Vaikasi 10 days festival with car procession & theerthavari, Chakkarathalwar Nakshathiram Ani Chitra day Sudharsana Homam are conducted. Apart from this Muppazha Thirunal, Sri Andal Thirunal, Navarathri, Deepavali thailakappu for moolavar, Vaikunda Ekathesi, Gajendra Moksham, Panguni Thirukkalyanam are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
  
CONTACT DETAILS
The land line numbers +91 452 2423227 and +91 452 2423444 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:
Town buses route nos 712, 716, 718 , 66  are passes through this place and special buses will be operated during festival days.
Nearest Railway station is Madurai.
10 KM from Madurai, 2KM from Melur and 152 KM from Trichy.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE




 Chakkarathalwar Sannadhi Vimanam- copper with gold plated

Architectural marvel  
 Architectural marvel 

 Temple tank with temple view

Chinnamaruthu & Periyamaruthu
  Front mandapa reliefs
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Saturday 25 May 2019

ULAGALANTHA PERUMAL ( THIRUVIKRAMA PERUMAL ) TEMPLE, THIRUKOVILUR, VILLUPURAM DIST, THAMIL NADU

May , 2019.
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desa Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana Avathara – as Thiruvikrama at Thirukovilur, on the Southern bank of Thenpennai river. Mangalasasanam was done by Poigaialwar, Bhoothathalwar, Peiyalwar and Thirumangai Alwar. This is one of the three Divyadesams, where Ulagalantha Perumal as a Presiding deity. ( The other two places are at Kanchipuram and Sirkazhi). This is also one of the Panchakanna ( Krishnaranya )  Kshetrams ( The other places are in and around Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam ).

Moolavar  : Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal / Ulagalantha Perumal
Thayar     : Sri Poongothai, Pushpavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a 11 tier 192 feet tall Rajagopuram, one of the tallest Rajagopuram next to Srivilliputhur and Srirangam Ranganathar Temple. There are 6 nos of taller 4 Pillar Mandapas and a 16 Pillar mandapa in front of Rajagopuram.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and mahamandapam.  The Vimana over the Sanctum is called as Sri Hara Vimana. It is believed that the moolavar Ulagalantha Perumal is made of “Tharu wood”. Thiruvikrama Perumal holds Conch on the right hand and Chakkra on the left hand ( different from usual posture ) and the right leg is raised, ready to keep the step on the third place posture. In the prakara sannadhi for Venugopala, Krishna ( made of Salagram ),  Lakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Raghava, Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Rama, Vira Anjaneya, Sri Andal, Sukrachariyar, the Guru of Asuras. Thayar Sri Poongothai Nachiyar is in a separate temple like sannadhi. It was told that the Vishnu Durgai is special here, since Durgai is swayambu and normally seen at Shiva temples.

LEGEND: There are many legends associated with this temple. It is believed that  The Sangam period poet Avvayar arranged marriage for two Chieftains. Also Kapilar found two suitable grooms for King Pari’s daughters Angavai and Sangavai and set himself in fire. Parasurama and Agasthiyar worshiped Lord Thiruvikrama of this temple.

As per Bhagavatha Purana, Mahabali ( Grand son of Prakalath) took the forcible control of Indiralokam. To give back to Indira Vishnu took the avathar of Vamana ( Dwarf Brahmin ), and asked him three feet of Land. Mahabali agreed to give, in-spite of Guru Sukrachariyar’s warning not to give.  The Vishnu – the Vamana took the Vishwaroop and measured Land and sky in two steps.  When Vishnu asked for the third place, Mahabali showed his head. Vishnu kept his foot on Mahabali’s head and blessed him with immortality.

In another legend,  It was a dark night and was raining out side. Poigai Alwar  first find a place for hide out and laid down. After some time there comes Bhoodathalwar. Both Sit together. Then came Peyalwar. He too was accommodated and all the three stands. In the Lighting the three Alwars, sensed that there is a 4th person also standing  along with them. Poigai Alwar wished to see Perumal continuously, composed a song in which he mentions earth be big pot of lamp burning with ghee, which gives light as sun. Vishnu gave dharshan to all the three Alwars. It was believed that all the three Alwars attained mukthi in this place.

Another legend is associated with Mrugandu Rishi. When Vishnu came to their Ashram, at Thirukoyilur  in the form of a hungry Brahmin. When Mrugandu Rishi  asked his wife to arrange food. Since she couldn’t arrange, prayed to Vishnu, the vessel was filled with food. When they came out to offer  to the Brahmin, Vishnu appeared before them with Conch and Chakkra. Mrugandu Rishi requested Vishnu to show him the Vamana avathara and stay at Thirukovilur.

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE:
Even though this temple was mentioned in Sangam literatures ( 3rd Century BC to 3rd century CE), When and by whom the temple was built are not known. The Original temple was built with brick and the same was replaced  with a stone temple by Virarajendra Chozha ( 10563 – 70 AD) period, Chieftain Ranakesari Raman. The available inscriptions belongs to Chozha Kings Rajadhiraja (1018- 1054AD), Rajendra Chozha-II (1051-1063AD), Pandya Kings Vikrama Pandya, Pallava King Koperunsingan and Vijayanagara Kings Narasimha Devaraya ( 1485- 1491AD) and Sadasiva Raya ( 1542- 1570 AD). The inscriptions speaks about construction of sannadhis, grants  given to the temple for poojas and festivals. The temple was expanded during Vijayanagara and Nayak periods. During carnatic wars the temple was used as a bunker by the British and was attacked by Hyder Ali.

FESIVALS:
Apart from regular poojas, Masi Magam, Sri Rama Navami, Visaka Garudaseva, Nammalwar Sathumurai, Adi festival to Andal, Sri Jayanthi in Avani, Manavala Mamunikal 10days festival, Vaikunda Ekadesi  and 15days Brammotsavam in Panguni are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 12.30 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.15 hrs.

CONTACT:
The mobile number 948627990 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:
The temple is about 500 meters from bus stop
Thirukovilur is about   36 KM from Thiruvannamalai, 48 KM from Villupuram, 206 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Thirukovilur Railway station and bigger one is Villupuram.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE





---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Friday 24 May 2019

SRI DEVANATHASWAMY TEMPLE, THIRUVANTHIPURAM, CUDDALORE, TAMIL NADU – 108 DIVYA DESA TEMPLES

This DevanathaSwamy temple is one of 108  Divyadesam, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar. The temple is on the banks of river Kedilam. Since Aheendiran ( Ananda Azhvaan Aadhisheshan ) worshiped, Perumal of this temple, hence this place was called as “Aheendirapuram” which latter corrupted to the present name of (Thiru)Vandhipurm.  

Moolavar : Sri Devanathaswamy
Thayar    : Sri Lakshmi Hemabhujavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are..
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipedam and Garudalwar are immediately after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a muka mandapam. The sanctum was built in Dravidian architecture. In the sanctum Sri Devanathaswamy is in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There are Sannadhis for Ramar and Vedhantha Desikar ( who lived and done seva for about 40 years in this temple).

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS.
The temple was believed to be built during medieval Chozhas and further expanded by Pandyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagaras. The temple has about 50 inscriptions belongs to Chozha Kings Kulothunga Chozha-I (1070 -1120AD), Vikrama Chozha ( 1118 – 1135 AD), Rajaraja Chozha-III ( 1216-1256AD), Pandya Kings Jadavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1268 AD), Vikrama Pandya, Vira Pandya-III, Vijayanagara King Achutha Deva Raya ( 1529 – 1542 AD) and Koperunsingan. The inscriptions mainly speaks about grants like land, money given to this temple for the regular poojas and burning of Lamps. The Rajagopuram was constructed by Koperunsinga.

LEGEND: Lord Vishnu gave dharshan to Adhisheshan, Markandeyan and Indiara. Even though the main temple is dedicated to Vishnu, a small Hayagriva temple on a small hill opposite to  the main temple, is famous. Urchavar is called as Moovaragiya oruvan ie, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It was believed that Indira got the Vajrayutham from Vishnu to fight with demons / asuras in this place. This is the prarthana Sthalam from Good education. Arjuna had done penance on this hill and the hill was a piece fallen down while Hanuman carried the Oushatha hill.

Apart from regular poojas, Krishna jayanthi, Ramanavami, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Deepavali, Adipooram and 10 days Chithrai festival will be conducted with Chariot procession during April - May.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:
The Bhattars may be contacted on landline +91 4142 287575.

HOW TO REACH:
Thiruvanthipuram is about 5 KM from Cuddalore bus Terminus and Route No 16 passes about 500 meters from the temple.
The temple is 30 KM from Pondicherry, 39 KM from Villupuram and 180 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station id Cuddalore and all the express trains used to stop here.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

  Painting at Lakshmi Hayagirivar Temple

 Hayagirivar Temple Vimana
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Thursday 23 May 2019

SRI SIDDHESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, SIDDHALA KONA ( SIDDHALAIAH KONA / SIDDHALAYA KONA / SIDDHULAYYA KONA ), NEAR SYDAPURAM & GUDUR, ANDHRA PRADESH.

05th May 2019.
The visit to this Siddheswara Swamy temple was a part of Ahimsa Walk organized by Tamil Samanars on a Small hill  near Gudur. This temple  history is has historic facts and myths of Sarangatharas life history.  This place was in Chalukya territory  ruled by King Rajaraja Narendran.  This temple is linked with his son Sarangadhara, who had become a Siddhar in his 10th re-birth. The myth was, how he become a Sidhhar and worshiped. Sarangadhara is an epic story during the reign of Rajaraja Narendra. Gurajada Apparao wrote the story in long poetic form in English and published in "Indian Leisure Hour" in 1883. It was a favorite Telugu drama and films produced in South Indian languages Telegu, Tamil, etc,.

Presiding Deities are:   Sri NavaKodi Siddheswara
                                          Sri Navanatha  Siddheswara
                                          Sri Sarangadhara

Some of the salient features of this temple are..
The temple is facing east. Actually the temple means a natural cave with a open muka mandapa built during recent years.  The cave is at the middle level. On the base there are big size stucco images of Lord Shiva, Saraswathy, Shiva and Parvathy, Dhakshinamurthy and sannadhis / temples for Navagrahas ( Navagrahas are with their consorts  and sannadhis are built individually ), Shirdi Saibaba, Amman and Nagars.

At the beginning of steps Vinayagar sannadhi is on the left and Subramaniyar sannadhi is on the right side. Before the step starts,  a panel with Monitor Lizard (Udumbu), Tiger, Snake and three foot prints / pathams of    the above Siddhars is installed on a platform. It is believed that all the three worshiped Siddhars of this cave Temple. In the middle of the steps there is Hanuman sannadhi.

The natural cave front side is closed  with brick wall. Two doorways are provided. Since this is a natural cave, rain water entry was restricted by cutting the edges of the rock, during Jain monks occupation. To match this  a stucco image of a big snake was built. Two dwarabalakas in worshiping posture are installed at the one entrance. Inside the floor is paved with tiles.  In the east side wall of the cave there are statues of Vinayagar,  Hanuman, Amman, Nagars and a horse hero.

On the south side  a platform was constructed  and three Siddhars ( actually – first two are Jain Tirthankaras )  Sri NavaKodi Siddheswara, Sri Navanatha  Siddheswara and Sri Sarangadhara. The first two Tirthankaras are in sitting posture with mukkudai above their heads. Vibhuthi and kungum are applied on forehead and body. A kavi Vastharam also put on their shoulders. Thiruvasi is fitted individually for all the Siddhars.

Little above the middle level cave there is also a cave on the upper level. In the upper level cave, A Shiva Statue, Shiva Linga  and a Rishabam are installed on a raised platform. The floor also paved with tiles and all the three sides are covered with brick wall. The steps are built with granite neatly. On the top of the hill there is a OM symbol is mounted, which is visible from a long distance.

THE LEGEND AND STHALAPURANA.
The Chalukya King Rajaraja Narendran ( has a marital and political relationship with Thanjavur Chozha Kings.) decided to arrange a marriage for his son Sarangathara. He got various countries princess pictures. On seeing the beauty of Chithrangi daughter of the King Bhoja, the King Rajaraja Narendra married her as a second wife. Chithrangi was against to marry the King and since she fallen love with Sarangadhara. When the King was gone on a hunting for a week, Chithrangi wants to uses this opportunity. To her luck,  Sarangathara’s pigeon landed in Chithrangi’s palace. To get the pigeon, Sarangadhara went inside, without minding his friend’s advice. Chithrangi told him the she loves him and wanted him to continue relationship with her. Since Sarangadhara was not inclined, she told the King that Sarangadhara tried to rape her. Without proper enquiry, the King ordered to chop his legs and hands and throw him in the forest. It was too late, when the  King came to know the allegations against his son was false. In the mean time Chithrangi couldn’t face the shame on her and died.

Sarangadhara cried due to pain and prayed god Lord Siva to take away his life. The Navakodi Siddheswara and Navanatha Siddheswara from the cave, came for his rescue. They made him a beautiful man than before.  100 and 1000 Years passed.  In his 10th re-birth, Sarangadhara was born as a Hunter, whose main job is to hunt the animals. When he was inside the forest in search of animals to hunt, the Two Siddhareswarars wants him to join with this birth. So they created a peacock and sent to him. On Seeing the peacock he aimed to shoot. But the peacock acted quickly and came in to the cave. After searching inside the forest, he heard the omhara mantra emanating from the cave. Seen a tiger, Snake and Monitor Lizard were listening the Omhara, lying close to each other. To him it was very strange and couldn’t find the peacock. Heard a voice from the cave not to kill or hurt the animals. He prayed and wanted to see from where the voice came. The two  Siddhars, Navakodi Siddheswara and Navanatha Siddheswara appeared before him  and told him about his previous births and this will be the 10th and last. The Siddhars also told him that he shouldn’t reveal anything happened in this cave. If he reveals, immediately he will die. From then on wards Sarangadhara wear only saffron clothes and pray the Two siddhar images he made. He live in the forest some time. When he came home as true devotee of Siddheswaras.  On watching his behavior, the villagers asked him, what happened in the forest. When his answer was not satisfied, they complained to the Samandha King. The King too was also not satisfied with the answers, he said if he didn’t reveal the truth, he will be killed tomorrow. Finally Sarangadhara, told to prepare a funeral fire with sandal wood and will tell the truth.

Next day Sarangadhara came and told everything that happened in the cave to the King. Immediately his adhma / soul liberated from his body. The adhma went around the hill and finally disappeared inside the cave. On seeing this, the king also went to the cave and worshiped. When asked to construct a temple, on this place was declined. The King don’t have children, he asked for a child boon. He got a negative answer and was told that in his previous birth he killed Cow and due to this curse he will not get Child boon in this birth. Sarangadhara’s statue was made and kept along with the Siddheswaras.

Every year on each Monday of Kartheekam (a Telugu month) devotees used to gather on this hill to Worship Siddheswara Swamy. The 2nd and 3rd Mondays  of each month people came to this temple. People offer flowers having any desire in their mind will be kept on the Mukkudai / crowns of the statues. A priest blew the conch and prays for grant of "boon / varam". How soon the flowers fall will decide the result.

சித்துலகொன மலையின் தல புராணம்… சாளுக்கிய வம்சத்தின் அரசர் ராஜராஜ நரேந்திரரின் ( சோழ மன்னர்கள் குடும்பத்துடன் சம்பந்தப்பட்டவர்கள் ) மகன் சாரங்கதாரா. மகனுக்கு மணமுடிக்க போஜ மன்னன் மகள் சித்ராங்கி என்ற பெண்ணை பார்த்த அரசர் அவளின் அழகில் மயங்கி அவளையே தன் மனைவியாக்கிக் கொள்கின்றார். இதில் சித்ராங்கிக்கு விருப்பம் இல்லை, மேலும் சாரங்கதாராவின் மீது காதல் கொள்கின்றாள். ஒரு நாள் மன்னன் ராஜராஜ நரேந்திரர் வேட்டைக்குச் சென்ற சமயம் சாரங்கதாராவின் புறா ஒன்று சித்ராங்கியின் அந்தப்புரத்திற்கு சென்று விடுகின்றது. அதை வாங்கச் சென்ற சாரங்கதாராவை, சித்ராங்கி தான் அவனைக் காதலிப்பதாகவும், தனது ஆசைக்கு இணங்கும்படியும் கூறுகின்றாள். ஆனால் சாரங்கதார மறுக்கவே, அவன் மீது அரசனிடம் கற்பழிக்க வந்ததாக பழி கூறுகின்றாள். கோபமடைந்த அரசர் விசாரணை ஏதுமின்றி சாரங்கதாராவின் கால்களையும் கைகளையும் வெட்டி காட்டிற்குள் வீச உத்தரவு இடுகின்றார். பின்பு உண்மை தெரிந்து தடுக்க முயலும் போது தண்டனை நிறைவேற்றப்பட்டு விடுகின்றது. காட்டில் ரத்தவெள்ளத்தில் கிடந்து வலியால் துடித்து சிவனை தன் உயிரை எடுத்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டுகின்றான். நவகோடி சித்தேஸ்வரரும், நவநாத சித்தேஸ்வரரும் சாரங்கதாராவை மீண்டும் அழகானவனாகச் செய்து அரசாளவைக்கின்றனர். இதனிடையே சித்ராங்கி உண்மை தெரிந்துவிட்ட அவமானத்தால் தன் உயிரை மாய்த்துக் கொள்கின்றாள்.

சாரங்கதாராவின் பத்தாவது பிறவியில் வேடனாக பிறக்கின்றான். காட்டில் வேட்டையாடுவதே தொழில். நவகோடி சித்தேஸ்வரரும், நவநாத சித்தேஸ்வரரும் சாரங்கதாராவை சோதனைக்கு உள்ளாக்கி தங்களுடன் இணைத்துக் கொள்ள முடிவு செய்கின்றனர். அதன்படி ஒரு  மயிலை உருவாக்கி காட்டிற்குள் விடுகின்றனர். சாரங்கதாரா அன்று வேட்டையாட எதுவும் கிடைக்காத சோர்வில் இருக்கும்போது மயிலைக் கண்ட உடன் அதனை வேட்டையாட துரத்துகின்றான். மயில் இந்த குகைக்கு வந்து மறைந்து விடுகின்றது. மயிலை எங்கும் காணாமல் குகையை வந்தடையும் போது அங்கு ஒரு புலி, பாம்பு, உடும்பு அமைதியாக குகையில் இருந்து வந்த ஒம்கார நாதத்தைக் கேட்டுக்கொண்டு இருந்தன. சாரங்கதாரா குகையில் தேடிய போது அசரீரியாக மிருகங்களைக் கொல்லக்கூடாது என்று கூறுகின்றது. மேலும் அவர்கள் யார், என்று வேண்ட சித்தர்கள் இருவரும் அவன் முன் தோன்றி அவனின் முற்பிறப்புகளையும் கூறி ஆசிர்வதிக்கின்றனர். இதை யாரிடமும் கூற வேன்டாம் எனவும் அப்படிக் கூறினால், உன் ஆத்மா உன் உடலைவிட்டு உடனே பிரிந்துவிடும் என்று கூறி மறைந்து விடுகின்றனர்.

சித்தர்களைக் கண்ட நாள் முதல் சாரங்கதாரா நவகோடி சித்தேஸ்வரர் மற்றும் நவநாத சித்தேஸ்வரர் இருவரின் உருவத்தையும்  செய்து காசாயம் உடுத்தி வழிபாட்டில் ஈடுபடுகின்றான். வேட்டைக்கும் செல்வது இல்லை.. குடும்பத்தாரும் கிராமத்தாரும் அவன் நடவடிக்கையில் சந்தேகம் கொண்டு உண்மையைக் கூற வேண்டுகின்றனர். அவன் கூறிய விளக்கங்கள் அவர்களுக்கு திருப்தி அளிக்காததால் அப்போது இருந்த சாமந்த ராஜாவிடம் புகார் அளிக்கின்றனர். மன்னரின் விசாரனையும் திருப்தி அளிக்காததால் நாளைக்குள் உண்மையைக் கூறாவிடில் உயிர் துறக்க நேரிடும் என்று உத்தரவு இடுகின்றார். சாரங்கதாரா வேறு வழியில்லாததால் மன்னரிடம் தான் நாளை உண்மையைக் கூறுவதாகவும், அப்போது தன்னை சந்தன மரம் கொண்டு தன்னை எரியூட்ட ஏற்பாடு செய்ய வேண்டுகின்றான். மறுநாள்.. தான் நவகோடி சித்தேஸ்வரர் மற்றும் நவநாத சித்தேஸ்வரர் இருவரையும் சந்தித்த நிகழ்வுகளைக் கூறுகின்றான். கூறிய உடன் சாரங்கதாராவின் ஆத்மா அவன் உடலை விட்டு பிரிந்து ஒளி  வடிவாக மலையைச் சுற்றி வந்த பின்பு குகைக்குள் சென்று மறைந்து விடுகின்றது. அன்றிலிருந்து  நவகோடி சித்தேஸ்வரர், நவநாத சித்தேஸ்வரர் மற்றும் சாரங்கதாரா ஆகிய மூவரையும் அப்பகுதி மக்கள் கடவுளாக வழிபடுகின்றனர்.

பூக்கேட்டல்… சாம்ந்த மன்னர் தன் தவறை உணர்ந்து, தானும் சித்தர் வழிபாட்டில் ஈடுபடுகின்றார். மன்னர் அந்த குகையை மாற்றி கோயில் கட்ட வினவ, குகை அப்படியே இருக்கவேண்டும் எனவும், திங்கட்கிழமைகளில் மட்டும் வழிபட்டால் போதும் எனவும் உத்தரவு வந்தது. சாமந்த மன்னர் தனக்கு குழந்தை வரம் வேண்டி பூக்கேட்க, அவன் முன் பிறவியில் ஒரு பசுமாட்டைக் கொன்ற பாவத்திற்க்காக இப்பிறவியில் குழந்தை பாக்கியம் கிடையாது என உத்தரவு வந்ததாக செவிவழிச் செய்தி. இன்றும் தீர்த்தங்கரர்கள் / சித்தர்கள் மீது பூக்கள் வைத்து பூக்கேட்கும் நிகழ்வு நடந்து கொண்டு இருக்கின்றது.

CONTACT DETAILS:
The Poojari Parkav may be contacted on his mobile 9441779294 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:
The Hill is at Siddhala Kona / Siddhaliya Kona and not mentioned in Google Map near Sydapuram.
The temple is about 10 Km from Syapuram and 29 KM from Gudur in Andhra Pradesh.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Shiva's stucco image
 Vinayagar sannadhi on the left and Subramaniyar sannadhi on the right
 Monitor Lizard, Tiger and snake and three foot prints / pathams and the entrance arch of the cave temple


 Steps - mandapam with Anjaneyar Sannadhai
 Siddhars ( actually – first two are Jain Tirthankaras )  Sri NavaKodi Siddheswara, Sri Navanatha  Siddheswara and Sri Sarangadhara. 

 A horse rider
Nagars
Navagraha Temples
 Suryan with his vahana
 Shiva as Dhakshinamurthy
 Saraswathy
Shiva and Parvathy
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---