SRI NAGESWARASWAMY / NAGESWARAN TEMPLE, KUDANDHAI KEEZH KOTTAM.

27^th July 2019.

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

This is the 114^th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 27^th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. 

Iraivan     : Sri Nageswaraswamy, Sri Naganathar, Sri Nageswaran 

Iraivi        : Sri Birukandha Nayaki, Sri Periya Nayaki

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are before sanctum entrance arch. Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam. In Koshtam Dhakshinamurthy and Arthanareeswarar. A Vesara vimana is over the sanctum.

In prakaram Valanchuzhi Vinayagar, Iyanar, Sapthamatrikas, Subramaniyar, Saptha Lingas, Vaitheeswarar, Suryan, Somaskandar, Navagrahas, Sandikeswarar, Shiva lingas representing Veethi Vidangar ( Thiruvarur ), Cholinganathar ( Thirukuvalai ), Kannaayiranathar ( Thirukaravayil), Vaimurnathar ( Thiruvaimur), Maraikatchi Nathar ( Vedharanyam) and  Dharbaranyeswarar ( Thirunallaru) and Natarjar Sabha. 

A Separate temple like sannadhi for Ambal with sanctum, arthamandapam and Vesara Vimanam. A Separate sannadhi for Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniyar and Padai Vettu Amman.

Nataraja sabha is called as perambalam, in the shape of ratham. stone wheels with Suryan images on both sides and 2 horses and 4 elephants statues  in pulling posture.

It was learned that Padakacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal  done kumbhabishekam during the year 1923 through begging in the streets  with chembu hanging from his neck. His stucco image is on the inner side of the east Rajagopuram 1^st level.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There are about 54 inscriptions recorded from this temple starts from Adhitha Chozha to Vijayanagara empire. This stone temple was built during Chozha King Adhithan-I’s period. The Chozha kings, Adhithan-I, Paranthaka Chozha, Adhitha Karikalan, Sundara Chozhan, Uthama Chozhan, Rajendran-I, Rajathirajan-I, Kulothunga-III,  inscriptions speaks about donation of Goats, Lands, Singhalese Coins, Gold, etc, towards burning of perpetual lamps, Naivethyam, to install a Nataraja idol and pooja etc.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs

CONTACT DETAILS : 

Land line number is +91 435 243 0386

HOW TO REACH : 

Private Town buses are available from Bus stand up to Uchipillayar Koil.  From there, walk-able distance.

On Kaliamman Koil street, near Sri Somesar Temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Moolavar Vimana with extended nasi

 Padakacheri Ramalinga Swamigal stucco image on the Rajagopuram and he is responsible for the construction of the Rajagopuram

 Rajagopuram ceiling paintings

 Rajagopuram entrance ceiling paintings

  Padakacheri Ramalinga Swamigal Sannadhi

   Saba mandapa pillars

 Veena Dhakshinamurthy on the Vimana

   Chozha beauties 

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 An Inch sculpture of Ramayana epic

 Gangandharar

 The Wheel of Sabha mandapa with 12 Suryan bas-reliefs

A Stone horse

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

JAINS TIRTHANKARAS AS BAS RELIEFS AT SRI MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE, SENDALAI, THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

27^th July 2019.

The visit to this Sendalai temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyaakay" - யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27^th and 28^th July 2019. This place Sendalai is on the banks of river Kudamurutti, a tributary to River Kaveri.

The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram was built on a upa pedam and patha bandha  adhisthana. The prastharam is of kabotha style with nasis. The walls are supported by pilasters. The koshtas / niches are formed between pilasters. The niches are empty. The front side pilasters has the reliefs of Tirthankars in sitting posture and a Parshvanath. 

The Rajagopuram was reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. How come Jains Tirthankaras, Parshvanath bas-reliefs on the pilasters came to a Shiva Temple is not known. Historians/ researchers may give different opinion/reasons, but we are not interested to probe in to this. This article is to show that the Jain Tirthankaras on the pilasters of a Shiva Temple, Rajagopuram.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

SRI VEETRIRUNTHA PERUMAL TEMPLE, VEPPATHUR, NEAR THIRUVIDAIMARUTHUR IN THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

27^th July 2019.

The visit to this Veppathur Veetriruntha Perumal Temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized by "Yaaooyaakay" - யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27^th and 28^th July 2019.  In this walk 13 temples were covered, which includes 6 Padal Petra Shiva Temples. Will be postings the details of the temples which are  not covered during my previous visits/ Paadal Petra Sthalangal Visit. The place Veppathur is on the banks of river Kaveri and in between Kaveri and river Palavar.

HISTORY:

This Veppathur Village  was once a Vedic learning center compared to University of Prayag ( Allahabad ). This was mentioned by Maha Periyava in Deivathin Kural. He said the small hillock lying in the village is a submerged Vishnu temple of Pre-Pallava Period ( 560 AD) and wished someone to come forward for the renovation of this temple. 

As per Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamikal, this Vishnu temple “Vittirunda Perumal Koil”  might be belonging to Pre Mahendra Varman ( 560 CE ) Period.   This brick temple constructed  without using stone  indicates its early phase  and the remains of Pallava mural painting traces can be seen on the sanctum walls. The Veppathur Village was once a well established Chathurvedi Mangalams, that flourishes during Pallava, Chozha and Vijayanagara Period.   This may be only known Pallava period brick temple in Chozha mandalam. Latter this temple was patronized by the Chozhas and Vijayanagaras. Chozhas converted all the brick temples  with stone temples, but this was un touched. The traces of Mural paintings of the three rulers may be seen on the sanctum inside walls, one over the other.

As per the Rajendra-I ( 1021 CE ) inscription ( ARE 292 of 1908 ) at Thirukazhitittai, Sri Vedapurisvara Temple an Adjacent Village mentions this place Vempattur also called as Cholamartandachadurvedi Mangalam. Some people claims that this place was also called as “Avani Narayana Chathurvedi mangalam” and the temple was called as “Avani Narayana Vinnagar”.

The original stucco seated Vishnu idol was replaced with stone idols  during 17^th Century Vijayanagara period, probably the original idol found damaged. Latter why the temple was abandoned is not known. It was told by the villagers that the idols were brought down and kept in a small temporary temple during beginning of 20^th Century. The idea of shifting the idols to another temple was abandoned by the Villagers as per the advice of Kanchi Mahaperiyava during his visit in 1990.  He also advised the villagers to explore the possibilities of rebuilding the  temple. The re-construction works has been started by R.E.A.C.H Foundation under the head of Dr Sathyamoorthy, the founder and  the former ASI Official.

   

The sanctum and Vimana was rebuilt using specially made bricks and binding were done with lime mortar. The Original vimana inner core was bonded with lime and the outer core was bonded with a thin layer of mud, to look like joint less metal mould finish appearance. The present re-construction of the temple also adopted the same old ancient method. Due to this, whenever there were external shear thrust on the Vimana the outer core moved without transforming the force to the inner core.  The newly rebuilt Vimana is about 90 feet high with 5 tiers.

HOW TO REACH:

Veppathur is about 4.5 KM from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 10 KM from Kumbakonam and 57 KM from Thanjavur.

Nearest railway station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Traces of Mural paintings

Traces of Mural Paintings 

Some more Information from my Face book page 

Ramachandran Guruswamy Omitted to mention that Veppathur Thiruvisalur Idavai combined known as Vembil Fort. Vembil Fort was bone of contention between Maran Parankusan and Dantivarman. Sivaliganathar Koil and Karkateshwar koil were dear to Cholas up to Rajendra I. Rajaraja made neerkadan at Tiruvalanchuli and Tiruvisalur. Temple surrounded by moat was common. Sivalokanathar temple now in ruins is also having remniscene of moats
Most of early Perumal Temple were Sudhai
Our family had house at South Street for at least 250 years and my father's maternal grandmother in the absence of male heir donated house to Perumal temple. Hence the present Venkatachalapathi temple would have evolved at least 300 years. Kaiassnathar temple lies north east. Veetriirntha Perumal Temple lies to South West of present village nearer to Palavaru
Incidentally the Agraharam in Tiruvisalur with house of Sri Sridara Ayyaval is nearer to river Cauvery. Most historians omit one thing most of the habitations of Cholas were away from rivers. (Kumbakonam/Thiruvidaimarudur Mayiladuthurai etc.,) while new habitations of Vijayanayagar were near the river(eg., Yagasalai street David street Vijayendra Swamigal Mutt Kumbakonam Tiruvisalur present agraharam Tiruvalangadu present agraharam Mahadhana street Tiruvidaimarudur Mayiladuthurai etc.,
If the legacy of Veetriiuntha Perumal Temple is to be brought forth extensive excavation from Kovilacheri to old Tiruvisalur has to be done to trace VEMBIL FORT

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  Veludharan Thanks for all the information - I will Copy and paste in the post of my blog..

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  Ramachandran Guruswamy Veludharan Thanks

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---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---- 

SRI MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE, SENDALAI, THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

27^th July 2019.

The visit to this Sendalai temple was a part of Kumbakonam Heritage Walk organized  by "Yaaooyaakay" - யாஊயாகே”  and "Celebrate Kanchi" on 27^th and 28^th July 2019.  In this walk 13 temples were covered, which includes 6 Padal Petra Shiva Temples. Will be postings the details of the temples which are  not covered during my previous visits/ Padal Petra Sthalangal Visit.  This place Sendalai is on the banks of river Kudamurutti, a tributary to River Kaveri, near Kumbakonam.

Iraivan     : Sri Sundareswarar

Iraivi        : Sri Meenakshi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. Kambathadi Vinayagar. Balipedam and Nandhi are after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam, mahamandapam and a Mukamandapam. Dwarabalakas are at the entrance of antarala. In Koshtam only Dhakshinamurthy. Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi with sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam.

In the prakaram, Sapthamatrikas panel, Murugan, Gajalakshmi, Navagrahas ( all the Navagrahas are not in usual position),Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Sandikeswarar, Vinayagar, Durgai, Vishnu, Hanuman, Vageesar, Dhakshinamurthy, Brahma, Natarajar, Bhairavar, Shanishwar and Shiva Lingas. Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Sri Vinayagar and Dwarabakas are in the Mukamandapam.

ARCHITECTURE:

The sanctum sanctorum is on a simple patha bandha adhithana. A Two tier vesara Vimana is over the sanctum. Brahma and Vishnu are with their consorts. Tha rajagopuram wall pilasters has the Jains Tirthankara reliefs. The details will be posted separately.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This temple is believed to be built 7^th to 8^th Century during early Pallava / Chozha Period. The pillars has the Pallava & Mutharaiyar period Grantha inscriptions. As per the inscriptions this place was called as Chandralekai Chathurvedi mangalam, latter corrupted to the present name of Sendalai.

This place was in the Mutharaiyar Nadu before Chozhas and was ruled by Perumbidugu Murtharaiyan-II ( 705 – 745 AD). Experts of the opinion that Sendalai may be the Capital of Mutharaiyars.

A pillar inscription speaks about construction of a temple in this Village for Pidari, by Mutharaiya King Suvaranmaran. The Pillar inscriptions are in the form of Songs, mentions the titles of Perumbidugu Mutharaiyan as Sri Maran, Sri Chathuru Kesari, Sri Kalvarkalvan, Sri Adhisahasan etc.

The songs are composed by the poets. 1. கோட்டாற்று இளம்பெருமானார், 2.பாச்சிள்வேள் நம்பன், 3.கிழார் கூற்றத்து பவதாயமங்கலத்து அமருண்ணிலை ஆயின குவாவங்காஞ்சன் மேலும் 4.ஆசாரியார் அநிருத்தர். One songs mentions the hills are like stalked dead bodies of their enemies and received the gifts as Elephants which moves on paddy hill. Another poem indirectly mentions that Chozha King Vijayalaya was defeated by Sruvaran Maran.

The Pillar inscriptions mainly speaks about the glory of Mutharaiyar Kings, Pandya King Maransadaiyan's ( 775AD) order, Nandhipothraiyan’s order, and Rajakesari’s 18^th year rule ( 889AD) orders. Since Maran Nedusadaiyan’s name was mentioned, experts of the opinion that the temple might have been constructed before him. Rajendra-I period inscription also there.

The pillar inscriptions also mentions the donation of gold, lands, etc, towards Burning of Lamps and Neivdhyam by Nandhivarman-III, Videlvidugu Mutharaiyan, Adhithya Chozha-I, Narikudi Narayana Maran ( Pandya King MaranSadaiyan’s period),  Kaasavan of Ambar Nattu Thirukadavur  during Paranthaka Chozha Period. 

This place was under Arcot Kootram till Pandyan Thalaikonda Koparakesari Adhitha Chozha. After Rajaraja-I, this place came  under Pandya Kulanasinivalanadu. Kulothunga-I gave donation to this temple for butter kappu to Lord Shiva and Neivedhyam. Hoysala King Viramathevar also donated to this temple.

Kumbhabhishekam was conducted during 1994AD ( partial ) and 2000AD.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

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

HOW TO REACH:

This place Sendalai is on the banks of river Kudamurutti on the way to Thiruvaiyaru to Thirukattupalli.

This place Sendalai is about 17 KM from Thiruvaiyaru, 24 KM from Thanjavur and 4.7 KM from Thirukattupalli.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Dwarabalakas

                                       Dhakshinamurthy

 Vageesar

 Vageesar

                                                  Vageesar

 Brahma

 Saptha Matrikas panel

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---