Sunday, 16 May 2021
Saturday, 15 May 2021
Hero Stones / Nadukal / Veerakallu /நடுகற்கள் - Navakandam and Pulikuthi Hero Stones at Perumanallur, Koduvai, Perunthozhuvu of Kongu Nadu in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.
The visit to these Hero stones are a part of “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit of Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District.
Hero Stone ( Navakandam ) at Sri Kondathu Kaliamman Temple, Perumanallur.This Kondathu Kaliamman temple at Perumanallur is more than 1000 years old and a lesser known Temple of Kongu Nadu. Perumanallur is on the Erode to Coimbatore bus route, in Kongu region. This place was called as Perum Pazhanam ( Perum – big or abundance, and Pazhanam – green fields or full of green trees ) during Chozha Period. This Perumpazhanam or Perumpazhanallur got corrupted to the present name of Perumanallur.
During Ancient times the Romans and Greeks called Yavanars had done trades in the Kongu region through the Palghat passage. One of the Trade route which went to Thondai Nadu through Perur, Coimbatore Avinashi, Vijayamangalam, Salem and Tindivanam called as “Kongu Peru Vazhi- கொங்கு பெரு வழி”. This place Perumanallur is on this trade route between Avinashi and Vijayamangalam. The Tamil Traders Thisai ayirathu Ainootruvar & Nanadesikars and Valanjiyars had done trades with these Yavanas. This place was once a trade centre with materials exchange market functioned and the Traders military also stayed here. They also established Bhagavathy, Kaliamman Temples on the trade route and this is one of the Temple.
This hero stone is erected in a small shrine called Yogi Muthukumarasamy Sannidhi. The Hero’s right hand is shown as he cuts his head with a Knife and holding a bow in the left hand. It was a practice that Some soldiers sacrificed themselves for many reasons like to get Victory in a war, to get cured from some decease for himself or to his family members, for the well being his family, or to the King, etc,. This type of sacrifice is mentioned in the Sangam literatures like “Kalingathu Parani”.
அடிக்கழுத்தின் நெடுஞ்சிரத்தைஅரிவ ராலோஅரிந்தசிரம் அணங்கின்கைக் கொடுப்ப ராலோகொடுத்தசிரம் கொற்றவையைப் பரவு மாலோகுறையுடலம் கும்பிட்டு நிற்கு மாலோ..... கலிங்கத்து பரணி கோயில் பாடியது-22Since this temple is on the trade route and this hero stone is in front of a Kali Temple, the hero might have sacrificed himself in the form of Navakandam, before this Kali Amman, for some unknown reason. Experts of the opinion that this navakanda sculptures is more than 1000 years old.
LEGENDSThere is a legend about this Navakanda sculpture. This hero is called as Yogi Muthukumarasamy. He was born in Kanchipuram about 300 years before. He came to Kongu Nadu and settled at Sevur near this place. He engaged himself in spiritual activities, hence called as Yogi Muthukumarasamy. His belongings, Ambal statue and a Sword are kept in a safe custody still and there is a copper plate which praised his spiritual activities. During his final stage he cuts head and died. His samadhi is Sevur. Locals worships him as a God and carry out functions during Margazhi. The Perumanallur Mariamman temple utsavam will begin only after getting nod from this Muthukumarasamy.
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
புலிக்குத்தி கற்கள் என்பது தாங்கள் வளர்க்கும் ஆடு மாடுகளை காப்பாற்ற அதைக்கொன்று சாப்பிடவரும் புலிகளை கொல்வதும் அப்படி கொல்லும் போது அந்த மனிதன் மரணம் அடைந்தால் அந்த வீரனின் நினைவாக நடப்படும் கற்களே புலிக்குத்திக் கற்கள் எனப்படும். ஒருகாலத்தில் காங்கயமும் அதைச் சுற்றி இருந்த இடங்களும் வனமாகவும் அதில் சிங்கம் புலி போன்ற மிருகங்களும் இருந்து இருக்கின்றன. அக்காடுகளில் உள்ள கிராமங்களில் ஆடு, மாடுகளை வளர்த்து வந்தனர். அதற்கு சாட்சியாக இப்போது இருக்கும் பெருந்தொழுவு என்ற கிராமமும் அங்கு உள்ள புலிகுத்தி கல்லும். தமிழில் ஆடு மாடுகளைக் கட்டும் இடத்தை தொழுவம் என்று அழைக்கப்படும். அவ்வாறு அழைக்கப்பட்ட ஊர்களில் ஒன்று தான் பெருந்தொழுவு.
We had seen 3 pulikuthi Hero stones in a radius of 15 KM around Kangayam, still some may be there unexplored. Since Kangeyam is surrounded by small hills like SivanMalai, Chennimalai, etc., once this place might be a thick forest and lot of wild animals. In the forest small hamlets with cattle which used to graze. One of the Village Peruntholuvu, where we had seen a Pulikuthikal, indicates that there might be a big place to keep the cattle in large numbers during those days. In the process of protecting the cattle from tigers some of the men would have lost their lives. In remembrance of those deceased these Pulikuthikals / Pulikuthi Hero Stones were erected.
KODUVAI.This hero stone is found lying in front of Sri Nageeswarar Shiva Temple. The Hero is shown killing the Tiger with a spear holding in both hands. The spear pierced through the chest and came out on the back. The hero wears ornaments and a sannaveeram. His tuft is shown on the back side. He is wearing a half dress and kattar on his waist. This Hero stone was erected by the Hero’s mother for her son “Muthan” and his father name was mentioned as Muthu bhuvana Vanaraya. The inscriptions is as given below...
கொடுவாயில் முத்து (ப்) புவன வாணராயன் மகன் முத்தனுக்குத் தாய் வெட்டுவித்த கல்“
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
PERUNTHOLUVU.This Pulikuthikal is in good shape erected on the road side, with inscriptions on the top. The hero is facing straight to the Tiger. He tries to Kill the Tiger with his left hand and holding a short words on the right hand. It seems that he is going to hit with right hand sword. The hero wears ornaments on his neck. His tuft is shown on the back side. He is wearing a half dress and kattar is shown on his waist. Local People worships this Pulikuthikal. The Hero stone was erected by his wife and the inscription is as given below.
- பேரூறுப்ப முர்க்கிணிய மகாணா
- வானவன் ஊர் மன்று ஆறுப்பாடி புலி
- குத்திப்பட்டான் மண வாட்டிய
- பட்டி கோன்மகள் கோ....கோ
- ணத்தி தொறு விடுவிச்சு
- ங் கரையர்
- ங்கயர் கட்டுவிச்சார்"..
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
This Pulikuthikal is in front of a Perumal temple at Peruntholuvu ( பெருந்தொழுவு ), is found half buried. Since this is in-front of Perumal temple, The Hero is shown killing the Tiger with a sword holding on the right hand and a knife in the left hand. The sword pierced through the neck and came out on the back. The hero wears ornaments on his neck. His tuft is shown on the back side. He is wearing a half dress and kattar is shown on his waist. Local people applied thiruman on the hero and the Tiger.
LOCATION: 11.044636, 77.432622
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
- பேரூறுப்ப முர்க்கிணிய மகாணா
- வானவன் ஊர் மன்று ஆறுப்பாடி புலி
- குத்திப்பட்டான் மண வாட்டிய
- பட்டி கோன்மகள் கோ....கோ
- ணத்தி தொறு விடுவிச்சு
- ங் கரையர்
- ங்கயர் கட்டுவிச்சார்"..
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Friday, 14 May 2021
Sri Neeliamman alias Nisumbasuthani Temple, Muthiyanerichal. Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.
The visit to this Sri Neeli Amman Temple at Muthiyanerichal near Kangayam, was a part of “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. This Neeliamman is a Village guarding Deity.
Deity : Sri Neeliamman
Some of the salient features of this temple are...
This temple is facing North under a banyan tree. The sanctum sanctorum is of a simple Village type construction. Neeli Amman is with a ferocious look sitting in Uthkudi asana. Neeliamman alias Nisumbasoothini is with 8 hands holding various weapons. The right lower hand holds the soolam and killing Nisumbha. The sculpture is in the form of a bas relief which is eroded heavily due to age.
A soolam is erected in front of the temple and Kannimars are under the banyan tree. As per the experts this Neeliamman belongs to 12 to 13th Century.
LEGENDS
Usually Neeli Amman story will be related to a ghost, like to take the revenge of somebody, who was cheated in her previous birth. But, When asked the local people they do not know any such story behind this Neeli amman. But as per the iconography, the Experts are of the opinion, that this Neeli Amman is a Nisumba Soodhani.
In Sri Devi Mahatmyam, it is stated that ma Sakthi took the avataras to kill the demons Madhu & Kaidama as Durga, Mahishasura as Mahishamardini and Sumban & Nisumban as Nisumba Soodhani. Since She took the avathara to Kill the domens, She is shown with ferocious face and the Demon is under her feet. The Villagers believes that this Female deity Neeliamman alias Nisumbasoothini will guards their Village from the evil forces. Since She is believed to be avathara of Sakthi, the consort of Lord Shiva, Mahashivaratri day will be celebrated on a grand manner.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Tuesdays, Fridays and Masi month Maha Shivaratri days.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
Since the poojas are conducted by a lady and the time is unpredictable.
CONTACT DETAILS
The Lady Mrs Selvi, who does the poojas may be contacted on her mobile +91 9943985758, for further details.
HOW TO REACH
The temple is under a banyan tree, which will not be visible from the road side.
The place Muthiyanerichal is 7 KM from Avinashipalayam, 10 KM from Kangayam, 21 KM from Palladam, 24 KM from Tiruppur, 58 KM from Coimbatore and 477 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Tiruppur.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Thursday, 13 May 2021
Sri Nattur Nathar Temple / நட்டூர்நாதர் கோயில், Sri Madhyapureeswarar Temple, Paranjervazhi, பரஞ்சேர்வழி, Tiruppur Dist, Tamil Nadu.
The visit to this Sri NatturNathar Temple at Paranjervazhi near Kangayam, was a part of “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. Hope this temple was in the centre of the Village during Thevara period, So Lord Shiva was called as Natturar and now on the North east of the Village.
This is one of the Thevara vaippu sthalam. Sekkizhar records that Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal has sung many types of Thandaga hymns like Thani Thandagam, Adaivu thandagam, when he was staying at Thirupoonthuruthi.
பல்வகைத் தாண்டகத்தோடும் பரவும் தனித் தாண்டகமும்அல்லல் அறுப்பவர் தானத்து அடைவுதிருத்தாண்டகமும்செல்கதி காட்டிடப் போற்றும் திருஅங்க மாலையும் உள்ளிட்டுஎல்லை இல் பன்மைத் தொகையும் இயம்பினார் ஏத்தி இருந்தார்
Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal had mentioned this temple as “Parapalli” in his hymns Adaivu Thiruthandakam, when was stayed at Thirupoonthuruthi. In Adaivu Thiruthandagam the words which gives different meanings. In this Hymns ( 6 – 71 ) he uses the word-“Palli” ie the places ends with Palli.
பொருப்பள்ளி வரைவில்லாப் புரமூன் றெய்து புரந்தழியச் சலந்தரனைப் பிளந்தான் பொற்சக்கரப்பள்ளி திருக்காட்டுப்பள்ளி கள்ளார் கமழ்கொல்லி யறைப்பள்ளி கலவஞ்சாரற்சிரப்பள்ளி சிவப்பள்ளி செம்பொன் பள்ளி செழுநனி பள்ளிதவப் பள்ளி சீரார்பரப்பள்ளி யென்றென்று பகர்வோ ரெல்லாம் பரலோகத் தினிதாகப் பாலிப் பாரே ....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் Moolavar : Sri Nattur Nathar / Sri MadhyapureeswararConsort : Sri Suguntha Kunthalambigai
Some of the salient features of this temple are.....The temple is facing east with a Deepa sthambam and entrance mandapam. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance mandapam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma.
In Parakaram Bayira kula Vinayagar, Vizhiya Kula Vinayagar, Nagar, Othala Kula Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar and Bhairavar
ARCHITECTUREThe Temple complex consists of sanctum sanctorum ardha mandapam. The adhisthana is of simple padabandha adhisthana with three patta Kumuda. From adhisthana to prastaram was built with stone and Nagara Vimana was built with brick. In Vimana Koshta images are found in grivam. Ambal temple is also of similar construction.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSBased on the architecture the original temple was built by Kongu Chozhas and latter expanded by Vijayanagaras. As per the inscriptions this place was called as Paranjer Palli and Lord Shiva was called as Natturamarnthar and Natturamarntha Nayanar.
Kongu Chozha Vikrama Chozha-II’s ( 4 + 1 ) 5th reign year 1261 CE inscription records that Karai Nadu, Adikeezhthalam Pathinen Bhoomi Maheswaras gave mantru pichchai ( payment to the guard / watchman ). The Villagers has to give 2 Panam/ per year for burning Sandhya Deepam, 5 panam/ per year for naivedyam. This endowment was by Vellalan Velayarakalaththa Pillan Aththani alias Narpathennaayira Velan....
Another Kongu Chozha Vikraa Chozha-II’s 1st reign year inscription the gift of Pranjer Pidakai lands both wet and dry to Lord Shiva of this temple. Pidakai ( Village and Landa )- Kombapadi and a Kulam / Tank and lands both wet and dry in the 4 territories of the Village.
LEGENDSIt is believed that those who are worshiping Lord shiva of this temple will be relieved from all troubles and reach Swargaloka.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami ( full moon days ), Amavasai ( new moon days ), Karthigai Deepam, Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri.
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe Temple will be kept opened between 09.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs
CONTACT DETAILSArchakar Prabhu may be contacted on his mobile +91 98428 60207 for further details.
HOW TO REACHThe temple Sri Natturar Temple at Paranjervazhi is on the north side of the Village.The temple is 10.6 KM from Kangayam Bus stand, 30 KM from Koduvai, 42 KM from Palladam, 31 KM from Tiruppur, 43 KM from Dharapuram, 90 KM from Coimbatore and 447 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway Station is Tiruppur.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்
Consort : Sri Suguntha Kunthalambigai
Wednesday, 12 May 2021
Sri Mandheswarar Temple / மாந்தீஷ்வரர் கோவில், Valliarachal / வள்ளியரச்சல், Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu.
The visit to this Sri Mandheswarar Temple at Valliarachal near Kangayam, was a part of “Kongu Nadu Heritage Visit to Temples, Hero stones, Ayyanar and Jyeshta Devi Sculptures around Kangayam” in Tiruppur District. Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple is on the south side of the Shiva Temple. This place was once called Mandkapuri. This is the 2nd temple of the 12 Shiva temples of Kangeya Nadu, considered as a Kuladeiva Temples of Vellalar Community. This temple is in the Rasathivalavu territory.
Moolavar : Sri MandheswararConsort : Sri Periyanayaki
Some the salient features of this temple are...The temple is facing east with a deepa sthambam. The deepa sthambam has the bas- relief of Golden Monitor lizard worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple on one side. The entrance arch has the stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar, Vinayagar and Murugan. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance arch and before Mukha mandapam. In Koshtam, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In parakaram Nalvar, Nirutha Vinayagar, 9 Vinayagars with a Nagar are in a mandapam ( which belongs to 9 Sects of Kongu Vellalar Community ), Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suriyan, Chandran. Ambal is in a separate temple with Rishabam and Balipeedam. Ambal Temple is also facing east on the left side of the Main deity.
ARCHITECTUREThe main temple is on an elevated level like mada koil. The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha open mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a Upa pedam and adhisthana with three patta Kumuda. Up to prastharam stone is used and the Vimana is of Ekathala vesara Vimana built with bricks.
Ambal temple is also of similar construction but with Nagara Vimana.On the back side a separate mandapa was built for 9 vinayagars using the original temple Pillars extended during vijayanagara period. The pillars has the bas-reliefs of Vinayagar, Rishis, Ladies forms ring, Veerabhadra, Veenadharar, Kinnarar, birds, Bird with human body, Hanuman, etc,.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSThe original temple belongs to Chera’s period and the earliest inscription in vattezhuthu belongs to 11th to 12th Century. The temple was reconstructed during recent years. Pillars with old vattezhuthu inscriptions and stones were dumped on the back side of the temple. The inscriptions are damaged on many portions and could not find the content of it. Some of the dismantled Vijayanagara period pillars are used for constructing a mandapa for Vinayagars. AS per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as Manthali Eswarathu Mahadevar, Ambal was called as Kamakotta Nachiyar. and the place was called as Vallierichal.
Vikrama Chozha-III’s 11th reign year ( 1284 CE ) Inscription records the name of Vellalan Kesan Mookkan. The other details are not known.
Kongu Chozha Veera Chozhan’s 6th reign year ( 942 CE ) inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Mangalyan Modan Podhuvan’s wives ( Pavai and Pavai Padari ) of Valli Erichal. For which 12 kalanju gold was gifted to this temple.
The 13th Century inscription without Kings name and year records that has gifted a ardha mandapa pillar ( inscribed on the pillar ) by one of the Vellalan Maniyars called Vandran Marayan alias Thennavan Mooventha Velan of Muthur Village.
Another 13th Century inscription inscribed on the pillar records the gift of the pillar by Vellalan of Kadan Kulam ( ?) called Adan Puliyan alias Uthama Chozha Tamil Velan.
Another 18th Century Vijayanagara King Sri Veeravijaya Pokkana Udayar followed with date is mentioned. The details are not known.
Another 13th Century inscription without Kings name and year records the Ambal’s name as Thirukamakotta Nachiar and gift of rice Nazhi uri and paddy Anjirendinal padi.
The Pandya King Veera Pandian’s 12th reign year ( 1277 CE ) inscription records the endowment of naivedyam by the Vellalar of Valli Erichil for which 3 maththirai land was gifted to this temple.
LEGENDSIt is believed that a Golden monitor Lizard was also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple, which is considered as a good sign of wealth. This bas relief is on the base of the deepasthambham. The Deepa Sthamba also has Vinayagar, Ambal and a Hero who hold sword in his right hand keeping left hand on a dhanda, which is a peculiar feature of this temple.
This is a parihara sthalam for mandhi dosha. People worships Lord Shiva to get rid of Mandhi dosha on Saturdays between 09.00 hrs to 10.30 Hrs.
As per the legend, the Chera king Mandharajeral, to control the Kirathakathi Communities brought Vettuva community from Kalahasti. Latter they also started giving troubles. So The Chera King with the help of Vellalars controlled the Vettuvars and the Pandiyas who helped them. In memory of that he installed Sathan alias natrayan. The Chera King named this place as Mandhapuri and also Built this Temple in his name as Mandheswarar temple.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami ( full moon days ), Amavasai ( new moon days ), Karthigai Deepam, Pradosham, Saturdays Mandhi poojas and Maha shivaratri.
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs
CONTACT DETAILSThe Temple authorities +91 94451 57829, +91 97882 97829, +91 93642 50259 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACHThe temple Sri Mandheswarar Temple at Valliarachal is about 2.5 KM away from the Village.The temple is 19.6 KM from Kangayam Bus stand, 39 KM from Koduvai, 51 KM from Palladam, 49 KM from Tiruppur, 51 KM from Dharapuram, 91 KM from Coimbatore and 453 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway Station is Tiruppur.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Vinayagar and Guarding deity of related to Sthala purana..?
ச்சுக.... தாகவும் ய்து கு ..... இவை தி யான் நாரா.. தியா.ய மேய் தண்டிச்சுக் .... நிற்கச் செய்து குடு ச்சே...... டையான் நாராய் மேய் சந்..... நிற்க. கல்வெட்டுவிச்சோம்---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Kongu Chozha Veera Chozhan’s 6th reign year ( 942 CE ) inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Mangalyan Modan Podhuvan’s wives ( Pavai and Pavai Padari ) of Valli Erichal. For which 12 kalanju gold was gifted to this temple.
Vinayagar and Guarding deity of related to Sthala purana..?
ச்சுக.... தாகவும் ய்து கு ..... இவை தி யான் நாரா.. தியா.
ய மேய் தண்டிச்சுக் .... நிற்கச் செய்து குடு ச்சே...... டையான் நாரா
ய் மேய் சந்..... நிற்க. கல்வெட்டுவிச்சோம்
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