Friday 23 August 2019

SRI APATHSAHAYAR TEMPLE, THIRUPAZHANAM, THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

27th July 2019.
The second time visit to this Sri Apathsahayar  Temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyaakay" - யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27th and 28th July 2019.  This post has the additional details of History and inscriptions. The details of my previous visit  to this  Sri Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam  was recorded in this same blog.
This is the 104th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 50th sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan : Sri Apathsahayar
Iraivi    : Sri Periyanayagi

Some of the important features of this temple are….
There are two Rajagopurams. The front one is with 5 tiers and inner one is 3 tiers. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam. The sanctum from adhitanam to the first level Vimana was built with stone. The Vimana is of Nagara style. In the 1st level of the Vimana, on all the 3 sala koshtas images of Shiva’s forms Shiva in Sukasana, Dhakshinamurthy and Gajasamkaramurthy. In the second level sala koshtam Brahmi, Kaumari, Varahi and Maheswari.  On the Makaranasi kottam Shiva with Uma, Veena Dhakshinamurthy, Chandrasekarar. Devas in Panchara pathi and ladies in Karnakoods. In sanctum moolavar is swayambu. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing east standing on an Aavudai.

Navagrahas are opposite to Ambal. In that all the eight grahas are facing Suryan and Suryan is facing Ambal ( West). On the left Murugan idol with six faces looks cute.

HISTORY AND INCRIPTIONS
Eventhough the original temple belongs to Pallava Period, latter re-constructed by Aditya –I. The temple has about 87 inscriptions, belongs to Aditya-I, Parantaka-I, Pazhuvettarayars, Vijayanagars, Chitrameli Periyanattar’s, Mutharaiyars. The inscriptions mainly speaks about donations made to this temple towards burning of perpetual lamps and ( Fruits ) Poojas.  Amman temple was constructed and consecrated during Parantaka-I period.  As per one of the inscription this place comes under Vikrama Chozhavalanadu. Ambal was called as Thirukama kottamudaiya Periya Nachiyar.

LEGEND:      
This is the second sapthasthana sthalam. Lord Shiva helped  to a Brahmin boy / Andhana Siruvan  from Yemadharmaraja, hence he is called as Apathsahayeswarar.

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 DETAILS:
Archakar may please be contacted through his mobile  9994389328. 
Another land line number is +91 4362 326 668

HOW TO REACH :
Town buses are available from Thiruvaiyaru and Kumbakonam.
The temple is on the main road to Kumbakonam to Thiruvaiyaru.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE











 Vinayagar image in place of Gajalakshmi at the entrance of the sanctum


A merchant kalvettu 
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Thursday 22 August 2019

SRI KODEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUKKODIKAVAL, THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

27th July 2019.
The second time visit to this Sri Kodeeswarar Temple, Thirukodikaval was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyaakay"யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27th and 28th July 2019.  This post has the additional details of History and inscriptions. The details of my previous visit  to this Sri Kodeeswarar Temple was recorded in this same blog. 

Now this place is called as Thirukodikaval. This is the 91st Deavaram paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 37th Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of the temple. This temple is  a Vaduga Bhairavar Temple.

Iraivan: Sri Kodeeswarar, Sri  Kodinathar
Iraivi   : Sri Thiripurasundari, Sri Vadivambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram.  Balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are in a mundapam abutting the 2nd level Rajagopuram of 3 tiers. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and Arthamandapam. The arthamandapam is of Vavvaknethi style built during Maratha period. Moolavar on a square pedam and little taller.  In Koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Natarajar with Sivakami, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Astabuja Durgai with Arikanda and navakanda sculptures, Pichadanar, Agasthiyar, Arthanareeswarar. The sanctum out side is like a moat /agazhi style.

In the inner prakaram, sannadhi for Karaiyetrum Vinayagar, Mayil vahanar, Sivalingamurthy, Gajaakshmi, Jyeastadevi, Kalabhairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Bala Shaniswarar, Dhurvasar, Sundarar with his wives Paravai & Sangili Nachiyar, Viswanathar & Visalakshi, Ekambareswarar & Kamakshi and Kahaneswarar.

As per Legend Karaikkal Ammaiyar came to this temple through head.

ARCHITECTURE
The Vimana over the sanctum is of Dravida style. The outer floor was raised and adhisthana is hidden. The upana is of Vedipathra with Dancing ladies Kudakoothu, Ramayana and Siva purana inch sculptures.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS
As per the inscriptions  Vadakarai Brahmadeya  Nallatrur Nattu Thirukodikavalakiya Kannamangalam. The temple was believed to be constructed by Nandhivarman-III. This temple has the inscriptions of Nandhivarman-III, Niruthungvarman, Prantakar, Uthama chozha, Rajaraja Chozha-I, Rajendra-I, Vikrama Chozha, Kulothunga, Rajarajan-III, Komaranchadaiyan, Kovilanga Mutharaiyar, Kadavarkon Kopperunjinga. One of the inscriptions mentions about the dilapidated  temple was reconstructed and the old inscriptions are inscribed once again. The inscriptions mainly speaks about donations made to this temple in terms of land, gold, Goats / sheep  towards burning of Perpetual lamps and function of regular poojas.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS: 
Mobile number is 94866 70043

HOW TO REACH :
The temple is on the bus route Kumbakonam to Kathiramangalam.
Mayiladuthurai  to Kathiramangalam via Kuttalam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE







  Inch bas-reliefs Manuneethi Chozha's story

  bas-reliefs at the rajagopuram entrance

  Inch bas-reliefs
  Inch bas-reliefs
  Inch bas-reliefs
  Inch bas-reliefs
  Inch bas-reliefs
 Inch bas-reliefs
 Ashta buja Durga
Jyesta Devi - Thavvai
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Wednesday 21 August 2019

SRI KOKILESWARAR TEMPLE ( KOZHAMBANATHAR TEMPLE ), THIRU KOZHAMBAM.

27th July 2019.
The second time visit to this Sri Kokileswarar  Temple/ Sri Kozhambanathar Temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyaakay"யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27th and 28th July 2019.  This post has the additional details of History and inscriptions. The details of my previous visit  to this Sri Kokileswarar Temple / Sri Kozhambanathar Temple  was recorded in this same blog.

Now this place is called as Thiru kozhambam near Melaagalangan Village. This is the 152nd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 35th Stalam on the south side of river Kaveri. This temple has got the Thirugnanasambandar and Appar’s Devara Pathigam.

Iraivan: Sri Kokileswarar, Sri Kozhambanathar.
Iraivi   : Sri Soundaranayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are.....
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch with stucco images of Shiva & Parvati, Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar. There is a three tier Rajagopuram in front of sanctum sanctorum. Nandhi and Balipedam are after the Rajagopuram. An ekathala Vesara Vimana is over the sanctum. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Agasthiyar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Natarajar, Pichadanar, Arthanareeswarar and Durgai.

In the prakaram Kannimoola Ganapathy, Appar ( Thirunavukkarasar ), Murugan, Chozha Lingas, Gajalakshmi, Bhairavar, Suryan and Sandikeswarar.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS
The temple was built during Parantaka Chozha’s period, expanded by Kulothunga Chozha and maintained by Vijayanagara Nayaks. Eventhough this temple was believed to be constructed by Parantaka-I, the earliest inscription belongs to Uthama Chozha. Rajaraja-I, Rajendran-I, Rajathirajar and Kulothunga period inscriptions also there.  As per the inscription Lord Shiva was called as Peravur Nattu Thirukozhamba Mahadevar.  In one of the Koshta a sculpture of a lady worshiping Lord Shiva. As per Historians she may be Uthama Chozha’s daughter.
LEGEND : Scar Impression of cow's   leg is found on the Aavudayar ( Archakar’s son showed me the same). Sri Parvati was cursed by Lord Shiva to born as a Cow at Thiru Kozhambam  and marry him after curse period is over.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS : 
Land Line numbers are : +91 4364 232 055  and +91 4364 2320 005

HOW TO REACH : 
On the bus route Kumbakonam to Karaikal, get down at S. Pudur ( near Melaagalangan Village )and the temple is 1 Km.
Can be reached from Thiruvidaimaruthur also.  ( Thiruvalangadu) The distance is 5 Km.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :  CLICK HERE







 Makara thorana relief
Makara thorana relief
 Makara thorana reliefs above koshta





 Adhisthanam
 A Kulothunga period inscription
A Dwarabalaka
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Tuesday 20 August 2019

ARULMIGU MASILAMANEESWARAR / SRI GOMUKTHEESWARAR TEMPLE. THIRUVADUTHURAI.

27th July 2019.
The second time visit to this Arulmigu Masilamaniswarar temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyakay"யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27th and 28th July 2019.  This post has the additional details of History and inscriptions. The details of my previous visit  to this Arulmigu Masilamaneeswarar Temple was recorded in this same blog.
This is the 153rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam  and 36th Sthalam on the south  side  of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Iraivan     : Sri Masilamaneeswarar, Sri Mahalingeswarar,
  Sri Gomuktheeswarar
Iraivi        : Sri Oppilamulaimmai, Sri Athulyakujambigai.

Some of the important features of this temple are.....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank is in front. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and a big Stucco Nandhi is in front of sanctum sanctorum. A 3 tier second level Rajagpuram is after the Nandhi. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a muka mandapam. A vesara vimana is over the sanctum. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Ambal worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of Cow. Shiva performed mahathandavam  and the same is called as Sundara nadanam.

In prakaram 63var, Kanni Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Gnanambigai, Sri Kalatheeswarar, Konganeswarar, Saraswathy, Meenakshi, Chokka Lingam, Mahalakshmi, Viswanathar, Natarajkar, Sera Lingam, Shaniswar, Bhairavar, Pancha Lingas and Suryan with his wives. There is no Navagrahas. Separate temple for Thyagesar and moortham for Thyagesar, Sempon thyagesar, Puthrathyagesar, Swarnathyagesar.

After conducting pooja to Thiru maligai thevar pooja to be done for  Namasivayamoorthy. Seraman Peruman Nayanar, Vikramapandiyan worshiped the Lord of this temple.

Kings Thirumaligai thevar and Narasingan  was chased away by the Nandhis and hence there is no Nandhi stucco image on the walls.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The temple was constructed during Pallava period and latter expanded during Chozha period. The temple also had the contributions from Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagaras.

Paranthaka Chozha donated 500 Kazhanju gold  to construct stone sanctum above adhisthanam, by Katralipichan.

A Pallava period inscription speaks about construction of arthamandapam by  Pallava Mahadeviyar Sivakamu.

Rajendran-I’s wife Thirailokiya Mahadeviyar’s mother Abhimana Kongiyar donated  Gold Kollai, Vellithaligai, 410 Kazhanju weight Kudinjaikal.

Rajathirajar’s Periyavelathu Aloyan anukki donated 27 Gold flowers, Sengazhunir flower 36 and a Mango sapling, a Pichadanar Kandakarai and a Porkai Eechopi.

During Kulothunga Chozha-I period there  were Mutts like Thirunilavidangan Madam, Thiruveethi Madam, Narpathonaayiravar Madam and many dancing schools functioned.

In addition to this an inscription near Durgai’s sannadhi mentions the name of Kavirikarai Kanda Karikala Chozha thevar. This refers whom is not known.

FUNCTIONS AND CELEBRATIONS:
Annual 7days festival was celebrated during Puratasi.

LEGEND: Thirugnanasambandar received gold from Lord Shiva to perform velvi of his father. Sundarar got cured from a decease.
This is the Nandhi Sthalam  of Thiruvidaimaruthur’s parivara sthalangal. Lord Shiva sat under Deva’s “Padar arasu“
Thirumoolar had done dhabas in this place  and written Thirumanthiram. Boga sidhar’s disciple  Thiru Maligai Thevar had done many siddhus.
Child was born to Musukuntha King after praying Lord Shiva of this temple. Tharumadevathai has became  a vahana to Lord Shiva. Samadhi of Thirumoolar and Thirumaligai thevar are in this village.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH :
This is on the bus route Kumbakonam to Mayiladuthurai.
CONTACT DETAILS:

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE






 Nandhi mandapa
 Dwarabalaka
  Pillar reliefs
Sculpture on the mandapa pillar written as Narasinga King -May be the donor of this mandapa or who constructed it
Loose Sculptures
 Loose Sculptures
 Loose Sculptures
 Loose Sculpture - Jyestadevi - Thavvai
 Loose Sculptures
A Pallava Lion Pillar
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---