NADUKARKAL - HERO STONES ( VEERAKALLU ), NAVAKANDAM, ARIKANDAM AT GUDIMALLAM, RAMAGIRI, APPALAYAGUNTA OF ANDHRA PRADESH.

12^th May 2019.

During our Gudimallam ( Ramagiri, Nagalapuram, Narayanavanam, Suruttapalli and Appalayagunta ) Temples Visit on 12^th May 2019, we came across Hero stones ( Virakallu ) erected in temple premises. These Hero stones belongs to 16^th to 17^th Century. Usually Hero stones also called as Nadukarkal are erected for a Hero who sacrifices his life, by cutting his head and offer to Kali to get Victory in the war, to get cured from chronic deceases, for a King’s well being, died in the process of stealing or recovering cattle of enemies. These types of  Nadukarkal comes under Navakandam / Arikandam Catagorey. Nadukarkal also erected for the Hero or warriors / soldiers who died in the war or died in the process of stealing or recovering the cattle.

HERO STONE AT GUDIMALLAM

This hero stone is erected in front of Gudimallam Sri Parasurameswar Temple’s South entrance. The hero’s legs are in marching position and head turned towards his left side. The Hair style and the tuft looks similar to Vijayanagara / Nayak period. The tuft is tied with a cloth and the ends are shown. The hero wears ornaments on his ears and neck. A half dress is shown below his hip. The hero holds a sword in his right hand and a shield in the left hand. This confirms that the hero died in war.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

NAVAKANDAM / ARIKANDAM AT RAMAGIRI.

This Navakanda/ Arikanda Nadukal was found in front of Sri KaalaBhairavar temple at Ramagiri. In the Nadukal, the hero is shown standing in straight ( samabanga ) position. The hero holds a sword in both hands. The Hair style and the tuft is very much similar to Vijayanagara / Nayaks period hair style. He wears ornaments on his neck and ears.  The hero also wearing an Yaknopavithira. A Half dress is shown below his hip. Full detail couldn’t seen due to apply of  oil on which dust deposited on the hero stone. The Hero might have cut his head to get a victory in the war or for a King or for to get cured from chronic decease.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

HERO STONE AT APPALAYAGUNTA.

This hero stone is erected in the premises of a Vinayagar Temple opposite to Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple, Appalayagunta.  The hero is standing in threebanga. The hero holds a sword in his right hand and a spear on the left. The hero wears a half dress below this hip.  A knife or a kattar is shown on his hip. The hair style with tuft belongs to Vijayanagara / Nayak period. Cattle are shown on the bottom of the spear. This clearly shows that the hero might have died in the process of cattle stealing or recovering ( ஆநிரை கவர்தல் அல்லது ஆநிரை மீட்டல் ).

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

HERO STONE AT GUDIMALLAM IRAGALLAPPA CHELAM TEMPLE.

After lunch, Mr Loganathan, a Lawyer by profession from a Village near Gudimallam, took us to a Shiva Temple on the base of a Hill. The Villagers worships this Hero stone as Lord Shiva with a Parvati statue on the left. As per the experts this is a Hero stone erected for the hero who is riding on a Horse. The hero holds a sword in his right hand. There is a lady also shown with bow and arrow in her hands, which means, she is also a hunter.  There are two animals like pig, Deer, Goat is shown. Finally on the top a Shiva Linga is shown. The Shiva linga represents that the hero attained Shivalok after death.  It was told that the hero might have died in the process of hunting. 

  

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

IRAGALAPPA CHELAM TEMPLE AT GUDIMALLAM, ANDHRA PRADESH.

12^th May 2019.

After Gudimallam Sri Parasurameswara Temple’s visit, on 12^th May 2019 the a homely lunch was hosted by Mr Lokanathan, a Lawyer by profession and friend of Mr Manoj.  An unforgettable south Indian lunch ( not the Andhra meals with hot…). After Lunch, Lokanathan, took us to a temple about 3 KM from the Village on the base of a small hill. The temple was constructed in a Village style. 

Moolavar    : Sri Iragalappa Chelam.

Consort       : Sri Parvati

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

A Shiva’s statue at the center of a newly constructed pond. A Navagraha Sannadhi is on the right side of the temple. The temple is facing east with a Trisool, Palipedam, a Deepasthambam ( on the base  images of Conch,  chakra, Garudan and a man in worshiping posture ) and a Nandhi in the shed. The sanctum sanctorum  consists of sanctum and a mandapam. Moolavar is little different from Shiva Linga. On the Moolavar the relief of a horse rider with a sword in his right hand, a Lady with bow and an arrow, Two animals ( boar, Deer or Goat )  and a Shiva Linga on the top. ( looked like a hero stone and details will be  posted separately ) A Dhandam made of wood is also kept near. A Parvati Statue is on the right side.

It was told that Lokanathan’s ancestors worshiped this a Lord Shiva. Apart from regular Poojas Pournami ( full moon day ), Maha Shivarathri are celebrated in a grand manner. On Pournami day annadhanam will be served to 200 to 250 devotees and about 50 devotees used to stay in the temple itself during night. Mr Lokanathan told that by the grace of Lord Shiva of this temple, he is the only person surviving after his mother gave birth to 5 Children. His father/ Grand father stayed in this temple worshiped Lord Shiva at the time his delivery.  He quoted many miracle happened in his own life and other devotees life after worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

There is no fixed time for this temple opening & closing and a care taker is staying adjacent to the temple.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mr Lokanathan a practicing Lawyer at Madras High Court may be contacted on his mobile 9444266717 for further help.

HOW TO REACH:

About 5 KM from Gudimallam Sri Parasurameswara Temple. 

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

Navagrahas Sannadhi

 Deepa Sthambam

 Nagars

 Shiva's statue in the middle of a pond

 ( looked like a hero stone and details will be  posted separately ) 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

SRI PARASURAMESWARA SWAMY DEVASTHANAM, GUDIMALLAM IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

12^th May 2019.

It was a long wish to visit this Sri Parasurameswara Shiva Temple at Gudimallam, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh which has the earliest Shiva Linga belongs to 2^nd Century BC. Thanks to Mr Manoj for organizing this Visit. In addition to this temple, we had been to  Appalayagunta, Nagalapuram, Narayanavanam Vishnu  temples and Ramagiri Sri Kala Bhairava & Sri Valeeswara Temple and Sri Pallikondeeswrar Temple at Suruttapalli.

Moolavar    : Sri Parasurameswara Swamy

Consort       : Sri Anandavalli / Sri Parvati.

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with an entrance Rajagopuram base on the west on the banks of river Swarnamuki. The Tamil inscription tablets are installed ( in the outer prakaram ) on the right immediately after the entrance.  In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Sri Anandavalli, Suryan ( life size ), palipedam, dwajasthambam and Nandhi.

An open mandapa is at the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum on the south side. The sanctum sanctorum consists of an apsidal sanctum ( semi circular shape), antarala and arthamandapa.  As per the leaflet issued by the temple, the Moolavar  is 7 feet tall represent “Thri-Murthies” – “Lord Brahma” in the yaksha roopam, “Lord Vishnu” in Parasurama avatharam and “Lord Shiva” in Purusha Linga akaaram.  

Explanation of the relief on Shiva Linga : The relief on the Linga facing front is Standing Shiva with two hands. The right hand holds a ram by the hind legs, with head is hanging downwards.  The left hand holds a globular pot and an Axe ( parasu – used in the battle field), which rests on the left shoulder. The Shiva Linga is installed within a pair of stone rings. Lord Shiva is standing on the shoulders of a crouching dwarf yaksha, who is seated on his knees. Ornaments are shown on neck, ears and hands. The hair style seems to be Pallava style.  The above details may be seen during abhishekam only and rest of the time Shiva Linga will be  completely covered with flowers and garlands.

The sanctum is about 4 feet below the Antarala. Due to this the village was called as Gudipallam, which got corrupted to the present name of Gudimallam. It is believed that Swarnamuki river water  touches the moolavar once in 60 years and it last happened on 4^th Dec 2005.

A Stucco Gajabirushta Vimana is over the sanctum. The space between sanctum and the prakaram forms a moat.  The sun rays falls on moolavar during Sun’s movement from Uthrayanam to Dhakshinayanam ie. North to South.

Apart from regular poojas Abhishekam to Sri Anandavalli goddess will be done on every Friday between 8.00 hrs to 09.00 hrs followed by Kungumarchana from 10.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs.  Problem of delay in marriage and Childless will be relieved by performing Swamy Abhishekam.

HISTORY& INSCRIPTIONS:

The sanctum walls and the adhistana bears  the inscriptions of Pallavas / Banas ( 842 to 904 AD) /  Chozha  and Vijayanagara ( Yadavaraya 1346AD)  period and mentions Shiva as Parasurameswarar. The inscriptions mainly speaks about donation / gifts made to this temple in terms of money, Cow towards functioning of regular poojas and burning of perpetual Lamps. During Vikrama Chozha period 1126AD the old temple was reconstructed. The temple is being maintained by Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ).

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs continuously.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The following mobile numbers +919490181917 and +919030029200 may be contacted for further details.
Temple website: http://www.gudimallamtemple.com/index.php

HOW TO REACH:

Gudimallam is about 20 KM from Tirupati and direct buses are limited.

Gudimallam is about 3.6 KM from Papanaidupet and frequent buses are available from Renikunta up to Papanaidupet which is about 10 KM.  

Share autos are available from Papanaidupet.

Nearest Railway station is Renikunta.

LOCATION:  CLICK HERE

 Moolavar with decoration

Moolavar ( PC - Web site )

Anandavalli ambal shrine

 Muka mandapa

 Subramaniyar Sannadi

 adhistanam- moat form

 Pillar with inscriptions

Loose sculpture - Jyesta Devi - Thavvai

 Inscriptions

Inscriptions stones 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

SRI PRASANNA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, APPALAYAGUNTA, ANDHRA PRADESH.

12^th May 2019.

This is one of the Vishnu temples ( Sri Vedhanarayana Perumal at Nagalapuram and Sri Kalyanavenkatesa Perumal at Narayanavanam ) covered during our Kudimallam Temples Visit.

Moolavar    :  Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy

Thayar        :  Sri Padmavathy

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with Sri Anjaneyar sannadhi. The temple tank is between the temple and Anjaneyar sannadhi. Temple car is kept on the left of the entrance. A 3 tier Rajagopuram is in front of sanctum sanctorum. Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudalwar is immediately after the Rajagopuram.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a muka mandapam.  Moolavar Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy is special here, since his lower right hand in abhaya hastha unlike in other temples. Hence it is believed that Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy bless us all. Alwars are in arthamandapa. In the prakaram sannadhi for Sri Padmavathy Thayar and Sri Andal. There is a Sannadhi for Vayu. It is believed that, worshiping Vayu will relieve from all chronic deceases.

The sanctum  adhistana is simple pathabandha adhistana with three face Kumudha. The niches provided are empty.  Ceiling is built with kabotham & Nasis. Reliefs are also found in nasikoodu. The two tier stucco nagara vimana & Vesara is above the sanctum. The stucco  images of Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu and Brahma looks like Shiva Temple  and  is different from the other Vishnu temple vimanas.

The temple is under the control of TTD ( Thirumal Thirupathi Devasthana ) since 1988. Apart from regular poojas, Friday abhishekam is a special one in this temple. The important functions are  Ugadi, Rathasaptami, deepavali, Anivara Ashtagam and Vaikunda Ekadesi. The 10 days annual Bramortsavam is celebrated in a grand manner during the month April & may ( Jyesta in Telegu ).

LEGEND:

It was believed that Perumal stayed here before marrying Padmavathy Thayar. After the Marraiage Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal gave the Kalyana kola dharshan to siddhar Sri  Siddheswara and his disciples. It is also believed that Andal was installed by Brahma and  was named as Sri Vedhanayaki.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS:

As per the inscription this temple belongs to 13^th Century, built by the king Karvetinagaram Sri Venkata Perumalraju Brahmadeva Maharai in 1232 AD. Kumbhabhishekam was conducted during 2018.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 05.45 Hrs to 20.00 hrs without lunch break.

HOW TO REACH:

Limited Bus facility is available from Tirupati.

This place Appalayagunta is about 17 KM from Tirupati, 116 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Tirupati.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Temple car shed

 Padmavathy Thayar sannadhi

Dhakshinamurthy stucco image on the vimana 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

SRI KAALABHAIRAVA & SRI VAALEESWARARA TEMPLES AT RAMAGIRI, ANDHRA PRADESH

12^th May 2019.

During our Patha Yathra to Tirupathi from Chennai, we used to pass Ramagiri around 18.00 hrs after closure of the temple, so couldn’t had the dharshan of Sri Vaaleeswara and Kalabairava. On 12^th May 2019, on the way to Gudimallam Sri Parasurameswara Temple’s visit, we had the opportunity of visiting this temple. Basically this complex has two temples one for Sri Kalabairava and the other for Sri Vaaleeswara. This Temple is one of the Devara vaipu sthalam and hymn was sung by Sundarar. During devara period this place was called as Thiukaaraikarai.

SANTHANA PRAPTHI KAALABHAIRAVA

Moolavar    : Sri KaalaBhairava

Some of the important features of this temple are…

An un-finished Rajagopuram or a ruined Rajagopuram base, common for both temples is on the south side. The Temple tank Nandhi theertham is on the left, immediately after the Rajagopuram base structure. The Nandhi theertham gets water through the mouth of a nandhi from the Hill. The water was not dried out even during peak of the summer.

This temple is facing east with a sanctum, arthamandapam. In the sanctum Kalabairavar is in standing posture. In front is his vahana Dog. A Vesara vimana is above the sanctum. Opposite to the temple Dog sculptures are standing open to sky with a Navakanda Sculpture ( a Consolidated post will be written on Gudimallam Visit hero stones ).

LEGEND:

At the end of Ramayana war, the Ravana, a Brahmin was killed by Rama, due to this Rama got the Brahmahathi Dosha. ( Even though Ravana belongs to Asuras, his father Vishrava was a Brahmin). To get rid of this he wanted to worship Lord Shiva and asked Hanuman to Bring a Shiva Linga from Kashi. When Hanuman is heading to Rameshwaram with the Shiva Linga, Bhairava wants to install the same in this Ramagiri hill.  So he asked Surya to radiate more heat and Bhairava created a pond with water, to quench the thirst and reduce the body heat of Hanuman. Due to heat Hanuman got exhausted and wants to drink water. So he landed in this place. Without knowing a small boy is the Bhairava of this temple, Hanuman gave the Shivalinga  and asked him not to keep the  Shiva Linga on the ground. When Hanuman was taking bath in the pond Bhairava disappeared after kept the Shiva Linga on the ground. After a bath Hanuman came out and found the Shiva Linga was on the floor and boy was also missing.

Hanuman  attempted many times to lift with hand and couldn’t do so. Finally Hanuman coiled his tail ( vaal - வால் in Tamil) around the  Shiva Linga and tried to pull. Hanuman failed in the final attempt also, in turn the Shiva Linga inclined to some angle. The tail’s Coil impression can be seen on the Shiva Linga and firmly stayed on the ground. Hence Lord Shiva obtained the name as "Vaaleeswara ". ( In the mean time Seetha made Shiva Linga from the sand and Rama did pooja  is a separate story ).

It is believed that this Bhairva bless the childless couple of Child boon. The childless couple  has to come to the temple early morning with out taking food, take bath in the  Nandhi theertham, with the wet dress pray Bhairava and light 8 deepams. The couple has to feed the dogs roaming in side the temple.  The Gurukkal will give them a stone puppy and the couple has to Circumambulate the temple 8 times.  After their wish fulfilled, the couple with the Child has to come to the temple  pray Sri Bhairava  with performing Abhisheka.

Devotees in large numbers throng at Ramagiri to worship Bhairava on theipirai ashtamy day ( the 8^th day after the full moon ) between 09.00 hrs to 11.45 hrs. 

  

HISTORY:

The original temple belongs to Pallava period and renovated during Chozha King Vira Rajendra.  From the inscriptions it was learnt that A Sangama Kula Virupaksharaya of Vijayanagara tried to construct the Rajagopuram  and same was stopped in midway, the reason is not known.

Bhairava 

SRI VAALEESWARA TEMPLE:

Iraivan        : Sri Vaaleeswara Swamy

Iraivi           : Sri Maragathambigai

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

This temple is facing north with an entrance on the east side. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, Antarala, Arthamandapam with a corridor around the sanctum. The sanctum  is on a pathabandha adhistana and a stucco vimana is on the top. At the entrance of the sanctum, Dwara Vinayagar and  Chandra Mouleeswarar Shiva Linga. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. In the arthamandpam Nandhi and Hanuman, on the opposite to moolavar, which is a rare feature in a Shiva Temple. 

In Prakaram sannadhi for Saptha mathas, Virabhathirar, Sandikeswarar, Suryan, Anjaneyar, Iyyappan, Dhakshinamurthy, Durga, Ganapathy as Gajamuka, Virabhathira in sitting posture, Agasthiyar with peculiar headgear and Appar. Ambal Maragathambigai is in a separate sannadhi facing south.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 11.45 Hrs and 15.00 hrs to 27.45 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Sivachariyar Shankarswamy may be contacted on his mobile 9490008887 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is about 3 KM off Chennai Tirupathi main road.

Share autos are available from Nagalapuram and Pichatur.

The place Ramagiri is about 6 KM from Nagalapuram, 4.6 KM from Pichatur, 70 KM from Tirupati and 77 KM from Chennai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Nandhi Theertham

 Water from Nandhi's mouth 

 Virabhathira

Sandikeswara

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

SHREE SANKESHWER PARSVANATH 72 JINALAYA TIRTH - JAIN TEMPLE NEAR GRADDAGUNTA & AKKAMPETA, IN NELLORE DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH.

05^th May 2019.

After 65^th Ahimsa walk on 05^th May 2019, at Siddhalaya Kona near Sydapuram and Sanganapalle, on the way to Chennai had been to this Jainalay for our Lunch. The Jinalay spreads over 9 acres. The New Jinalaya is being built with white marble. It was told that, this is being constructed similar to that one at Mount Abu. The Marbles with intricate carvings are being brought from Rajasthan and assembled at site.  The construction is in progress with beautiful north Indian style architecture and Shikaras. The Temple complex houses main shrine and 72 sub shrines with Shikaras  24 Tirthankaras, Jain monks. The complex caters both dharmasala and Bhojanalay for the Jain pilgrims.

Moola Bhagwan  : SHREE SANKESHWER PARSVNATH.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Landline : 044-42189141,  and  Mobile No:: 094440-46945

Contact Person: MANOHARMAL GALADA

Email:  SHREEMAHAVEERJAINMANDALTRUST@GMAIL.COM

HOW TO REACH:

About a KM off from Nellore- Chennai National Highway near Graddagunta and Akkampeta.

The Jinalay is about 14 KM from Sullurupeta, 75 KM from Chennai,  108 KM from Nellore.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---