A Wandering Heritager

Monday, 23 September 2019

“SATHYA GNANA SABAI” – TEMPLE OF WISDOM" ALSO CALLED AS "SUTHA SANMARKKA SATHYA GNANA SABHAI " - RAMALINGA ADIGALAR / RAMALINGA SWAMIGAL, VADALUR IN CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

14^th & 15^th September 2019.

ArutperunJothi ArutperunJothi ThaniperunKarunai ArutperunJothi

அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி தனிப்பெருங்கருணை அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி

It was a long wish to visit Ramalinga Adigal’s “Sathya Gana Sabai – Temple of Wisdom” also known as Sutha Sanmarkka Sathya Gnana Sabhai at Vadalur. I was introduced Sri Ramalinga Adigal’s teachings and Yoga when I was at Tuticorin in 1980’s ( Thoothukudi) and didn’t practiced seriously. After I shifted my job to Chennai, I had the opportunity of visiting Vallalar's House at Seven Wells, during one of our heritage walks. I was also allowed inside the room where he stayed, since I was pure vegetarian for the past 30 year. This visit urged me to Visit the Sathya Gana Sabhai, where Ramalinga Adigal merged with Jothi. Ramalingam is called in different names Like, Vallalar, Ramalinga Swamigal, Ramalinga Vallalar, Thiruvart Prakasa Vallalar, etc,.

Ramalinga Adigal was born as a 5^th child to Ramiah Pillai and Chinnamani in a small village called Marudur near Chidambaram on 5^th October 1823AD. Chroniclers record miraculous happenings before and after the birth of Ramalingam. When he was taken to Chidambaram Nataraja temple, he laughed loudly on seeing the camphor aarathi shown to Natarajar. After the demise of his father, Chinnammai and Ramalingam moved to elder brother Sabapathy’s residence at Seven Wells area Chennai, then Madras in 1825AD.

Ramalingam was sent to Kanchipuram for formal study from MahaVidvan Sabapathy. Since he was not interested, returned back to Madras. After returning from Kanchipuram frequently he went to Sri Kandasamy temple. This created a conflict between him and his brother and instructed his wife not to give food. He also went to Thiruvotriyur Shiva Temple. He stayed in the 1^st floor and started meditating with a lamp & a Mirror. One day he was forced to perform an Upanyasam from "Periyapuranam" - the life history of 63 Nayanmars - Shiva Devotees, which was supposed to be performed by his brother. On hearing his brilliant exposition and uninterrupted flow of words while enunciating the verse, it was highly appreciated by the audience and his brother also acknowledged. In the process of meditation Ramalingam had seen Sri Murugan as Arumugar in the mirror. In the meantime he was forced to marry his elder sister Unnamamulai’s daughter, Dhanakodi. ( There are no much details available about his married life ). From 1825 to 1858 AD, 33 years Ramalingam lived in Madras, the present Chennai.

Since his teachings focused mainly on Jeevakarunyam ( not killing animals for food ) and against illogical caste systems. வாடிய பயிரைக் காணும்போதெல்லாம் வாடினேன்.என்று கூறுவார். So He established “Samarasa Sutha Sanmarga Sathya Sangam” in 1865AD. He also shifted from Madras ( Chennai ) to a place called Karunguzhi, in South Arcot District and stayed at Munshi Thiruvenkadam’s house. He also started “The Sathya Dharma Salai” on a donated land measuring 80 kani from Parvathipuram people, in a place called Vadalur, to feed food for all irrespective of caste and creed. From then onwards Ramalingam was called as Vallalar. His plan of starting a School and Publishing house to publish journals with the help of Kadhar Sahib which was not taken up.

His works were published as “Thiruvarutpa”. This went in to controversial with Arumuga Navalar from Srilanka, where he published “Marutpa” and defamation suit was filed against Vallalar. Judgement came in favour of Vallalar. Ultimately, it was a victory of truth and Vallalar carried on his teachings and works undeterred like this minor challenges. On 22^nd October 1873AD, he delivered his last and most famous discourse at Mettukuppam “Siddhi Vilakam” residence.

On 30^th January 1874AD, on the Thaipoosam day his physical form came to an end. He kept the lamp out side, before entering the room and locked inside. He instructed his disciples to continue the meditation and not to open the door. The door never opened after some days and Vallalar also didn’t came out & merged with Jothi without leaving physical body. The passing away of Ramalinga Adigal created rumors and forcing Govt. to act. 5 months after his merger with Jothi, in May the door of the room was forced open, in presence of authorities. The room was empty and found nothing suspicious. The Madras Gazetteer published by the South Arcot District in 1906 records his disappearance. During his physical life he was a Saint, Siddhar ( who practiced Navakanda yoga also ), a Philosopher and a good humanitarian too.

"SUTHA SANMARGA SATHYA GNANA SABHAI" was designed and constructed in octagonal shape by Vallalar. The front mandapa was built by Tamil Nadu Govt in 2010. At the centre of the Gnana Sabhai there is a mandapa supported by 4 pillars and inside there is a 12 pillar mandapa. The perpetual Lamp is kept at the centre. The lamp is 6.75 feet high and 4.75 feet wide. A mirror is kept to reflect light is called the Jothi. This was lit initially by Vallalar, on 25^th January 1872AD. On every Thaipoosa day Jothi dharshan is conducted 6 times ie 6.30 hrs, 10.00 hrs, 13.00 hrs, 19.00 hrs, 22.00 hrs and 5.30 hrs on the following day. On the third day after the Thaipoosam devotees are allowed to have the dharshan through the window.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

ArutperunJothi ArutperunJothi ThaniperunKarunai ArutperunJothi

அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி தனிப்பெருங்கருணை அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி

Sunday, 22 September 2019

SRI NITISWARASWAMI / SRI NITHEESWARA SWAMY / NITISVARA SWAMY / NITYESVARA ( Udaiyar Koil ) TEMPLE SRIMUSHNAM IN CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

14^th September 2019.

Visit to this temple was a part of Temples Visit in and around Sirkazhi, on 14^th and 15^th of September 2019. Srimushnam is also called as Tirumuttam. This Shiva Temple is just behind the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple. How this place obtained the name as Srimushnam ?. The answer may be, Mustha in Sanskrit means, the Korai root ( கோரைக்கிழங்கு - Cyperus Rotundus ) which is a favorite food of boar / Varaha. This mustha / Mustam added with Sri and called as Srimustam, which latter corrupted as Srimushnam. This Shiva temple is under the control of Archaeological survey of India ( ASI ).

Moolavar : Sri Nitiswaraswami / Sri Nitheeswara Swamy / Niteswara Swamy / Nityesvara

Consort : Sri Brihan Nayaki / Periya Nayaki

Some of the important features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a temple tank Nityapuskarani with Neerazhi mandapa at the centre. ( the temple tank of Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy ). A mottai gopuram or the entrance arch is at the entrance. The Sanctum sanctorum complex consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a muka mandapam. At the entrance of muka mandapam Nandhi, Dwajasthambam and balipedam. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Umamaheswarar, Agasthiyar, Dhakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Arthanareeswarar and ashtabhuja Durgai.

In prakaram Armugar ( damaged ), Sandikeswarar Navagrahas, Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar, Vinayagar, Bhairavar, Suryan and the recovered idols. Out side the temple sannadhis for Sri Haripureeswarar, Sri Valli Devasena Shanmugar and Ambal Brihan Nayaki / Periya Nayaki. Ambal is in a separate temple with Sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and mukamandapam. Nandhi and balipedam are in front.

ARCHITECTURE:

The sanctum sanctorum is on a simple pathabhanda adhisthana built with stone up to prastharam. Bhoothaganas are in valabi and yazhivari is above the prastharam. The sanctum sanctorum and arthamandapa pillars are of cylindrical/ virutha type. The front mandapa is of Vavvalnethi style was built by the Marathas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple may be existed since 9^th – 10^th Century ie before Kulothunga Chozha – I ( 1070 – 1120 AD ). The earliest inscription belongs to Rajakesarivarman Kulothunga Chozha-I’s 30^th year rule. This inscription mentions about the gift of the Village Sangantavirattachozha Nallur ( named after Kulothunga-I ) and Adivaraha Nallur to the temples of Tirumuttam Udaiya Mahadevar and Sri Varaha Alwar ( Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple ). These Villages are in Mudikonda Chozha nallurin Vilandaiyur Kootram, a subdivision of Irungolappadi, by the king when he was seated on the throne called Sedirajan in his palace at his camp at Tirumaluvadi in Poigainadu.

Kulothunga Chozha’s, 32 year rule another inscription mentions that at the instance of Kulothunga Chozha Sauvarnadhiraja and another, the separation of the above two Villages was ordered, when he was at Ayirattalai which was also called as Minavanai Venkonda Chozhapuram.

The Rajarajan-III’s 6^th year rule inscription of Kulothunga Chozha Kadavarayan, speaks about reduction / remission of padikaval and other levies due to the donor from the devadana lands, for worship to the god at Srimushnam also known as Tirumuttam in Vilandai-kootram ( Kurram ), a subdivision of Merka-Nadu Irungolappadi in Virudarajabhayankara Valanadu by Alappirandan Elisaimogan alias Kulottunga Chozha Kadavarayan, a Palli having the kani-right in Urumur alias Cholapandya Chaturvedimangalam alias Erumbur, for the merit of himself and his family (See also A.R. No. 137 of 1900).

Another inscription dated at 1100 by Kulothunga Chola-I (1070–1120AD ) mentions a gift of a village to the temple, where the presiding deity is referred as Varaha Azhwar.

The 44^th year rule of Kulothunga-I, mentions the gift of three kasus for burning of perpetual lamps at Tirumuttam Udaiyar by Anantisan Adavallan of Suravalundur ( ARE236 of 1916). In addition to this there are inscriptions belongs to Vikrama Chozha ( 1118 – 1125 AD ) and Vijayanagaras.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

Orukala puja is conducted. Since the temple is under the control of ASI, kept open during day time.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is 36 Km from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Ulundurpet and 72 KM from District head quarters Cuddalore and nearest Railway station is Uldundurpet.

Srimushnam can be reached through the Anaikarai to Meensurutty road.. divert Vadalur on Chennai route at Sethiyathope. You will reach Chozhatharam and from there Srimushnam is about 12 KM on Virudhachalam road.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

Sri Haripureeswarar

Ambal Temple

Nandhi in mandapa in front of Ambal shrine

Vinayagar

Umamaheswarar

Dhakshinamurthy

Sanakatha maharishis

Arumugar

Brahma

Arthanareeswara

Ashtabhuja Durga

maratha paintings

Kudakoothu

mahalakshmi in makara thorana

Brick wall may be Nayak period construction

Entrance mottai gopuram

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Saturday, 21 September 2019

BHU VARAHA SWAMY TEMPLE, SRIMUSHNAM IN CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.

14^th September 2019.

This temple’s visit is a part of in and around Sirkazhi Temples visit on 14^th and 15^th September 2019. We had covered 20 temples and some of them are covered earlier. The Details will be posted one by one. Srimushnam is also called as Srimuttam. The Korai root ( கோரைக்கிழங்கு - Cyperus Rotundus ) which is a favorite food of boar / Varaha is called as Mustha / mustam in Sanskrit and this Root’s powder is given as Prasad in this temple. May be this mustha / Mustam added with Sri and latter corrupted as Srimushnam.

Moolavar : Bhu Varaha Swamy

Thayar : Ambujavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple is facing west with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. A Haruda thoon and a 4 Pillar mandapa is in front of the Rajagopuram. The north side Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers will be kept open only on Vaikunda Ekathesi also called as Paramapatha vassal. The balipeda, Dwajasthamba and Garudalwar are after the Rajagopuram under the 100 pillared Mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum complex consists of Sanctum, Antarala, arthamandapa, Udayar mandapa, Hundred pillared mandapa, Pushpa sukta mandapa ( in the form of Ratha ) and Sevakala mandapa. The Sanctum niches/ Deva Koshtas are empty.

Mulavar Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy is with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, in standing posture keeping both hands on the hips and face turned towards south slightly up lifted. The Vimana is called as Bhavana vimana. Mulavar is made of Salagrama and it is daily anointed. Utsavamurti Bhoga Narayanaswami with his consorts, Yagnavaraha and his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are facing west in Arthamandapa.

In parakara / cloister sannadhi for Thayar Ambujavalli, Srinivasa Perumal, Andal, Udayar, Venugopalan, Vishvaksenar, Yaga Sala, Vedanta Desikar, Thirumangaimannan, Manavala mamunigal, Kuzhandai Amman, Saptamartrikas ( stucco images of Saptamatrikas are on the parapet wall of the sanctum ), Nammalwar, Chakravarthi Thirumahan ( Sri Rama with Sita and Lakshman, Bharata, Satruka and Anjaneya ), Anjaneyar, Lakshmi Narayana and Asvatha Narayanaswami ( Puja rights are vested with Madhva Brahmanas ).

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the Tamil Nadu Govt Cuddalore web site the temple had received contributions from 10^th century medieval Chozhas and latter expanded by the Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak. The inscription at Shiva temple on the back side indicates gifts by Virarajendra Chola (1063–1070 AD) to this Varaha shrine. Another inscription dated at 1100 by Kulothunga Chola-I (1070–1120AD ) mentions a gift of a village to the temple, where the presiding deity is referred as Varaha Azhwar. An inscription of the Vijayanagara king, Virupaksha - II dated 1471 A.D is found on the walls of the temple speaks about gift of a village to this temple and called this temple as Adivaraha Nayanar Koil.

Even though it is believed that the temple exists from ancient period records are only available from 16^th Century in the form of inscriptions ( in this temple walls ) and copper plates. As per the inscriptions this Temple was expanded in 17^th Century during Vijayanagara period by the Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak (1560 – 1614 AD). And further expanded with Mandapas, Gopuras, Prakaras / cloisters by their feudatories and Viceroys. They also donated jewels, lands, Villages etc for conducting daily pujas and festivals. Mohul king Ferukshiar had made large gifts of villages to this temple. Svarup Singh of Maratha from Gingee also patronized this temple.

In 1926 under the approval of British East India Company hereditary Dharmakartas/ Trustees celebrated various festivals and lands were gifted to this temple.

In 1928 AD as per the orders ( OS No 27 / 1912) of the District Court of South Arcot, Trustees has been appointed by the Court. But from 1951AD, the management was taken over by Hindu Religious Endowment board and the same was revised in 1968AD.

ARCHITECTURE:

The sanctum sanctorum was built completely with stone up to prastharam ( upana, Adhisthana, bitti ( wall ) and has Vimana, greevam and Kalasam. The Vimana is called as Bhavana Vimana. The mandapas are rare classical example of Vijayanagara Architecture. Dancing postures, images of Deities are carved on the side walls of Rajagopura. The sculptured hall, the pushpa Sukta mandapa where the mantras are chanted to be noted for its architectural treasure. Shaped like a chariot/ ratha/ it is replete with carvings of figures or warriors mounted on horses, and elephants. The Ceilings are carved with lotuses, parrots and other varieties of birds. The Yazhi pillars are carved nicely. The Kodungais of the pushpa sukta mandapa is worth to see, since it looked very similar to Thiruperundurai Shiva temple mandapa. Nayak kings and queens are sculptured along with the pillars.

LEGENDS:

The puranas Skanda, Sribhagvata, Maha bharata and Padma Purana presents a vivid account of the advent Bhagavan, the adorable Lord from Srivaikunda into the mundane world in Krtayuga of 28^th chaturyuga of Vaishnava manvantara of Svetavarahakalpa. In this incarnation Bhagavan as Sri Varahamurti / boar killed the demon Hiranyaksha and rescued Bhumi Devi ( Mother earth ) from the bottom of the seas in Pathala Loka, wherein the asura had kept her concealed. Elaborate descriptions of these events and of the spiritual merit of the holy waters of this kshetra are found in the puranas.

Brahma and Rishis worshiped Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy of this temple. It is believed that People pray Kuzhanthai Amman for child boon.

PUJAS AND CELEBRATIONS:

During Panchaparva, five seasonal festivals and other occasions the Lord is taken round in processions. Puja service has been rendered by Vaishnavas of Southern sect ( Thenkalai ) as per Pancharatra agama. Mantrapushpa, Vedaparayana and adhyay bhaga are performed by both sects ie Vadakalai and Thenkalai. In addition to this Madhva Brahmins has the right to participate in Vedaparayana. The reciting of Madhva Purana and reading of Gajendra Moksha are the special privileges of madhvas.

9 days Brahmotsava is conducted twice in a year during Tamil month masi. The Urchava Deity will be taken in procession to sea at Killai near Chidambaram about 3o miles from Sri Mushnam. When it passes through the Dargah, Muslims used to offer flowers and fruits.

Friday festival at Sri Ambujavalli Thayar sannadhi, Annual Celebration at Udayar Sannadhi, Krishna Jayanthi at Venugopalan Sannadhi, In the month of Aipasi ( October / November ) Puradam – the jayanti at Vishvaksenar Sannadhi, Every month sravana, the idol of Vedanta Desika is taken out in procession, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Navarathri, Illumination ceremony known as Tiruvandikkappu at 100 pillared mandapa, Ramanavami at Chakravarthi Thirumahan sannadhi 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 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The temple may be contacted on the landline 04144 245 090 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is 36 Km from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Ulundurpet and 72 KM from District head quarters Cuddalore and nearest Railway station is Uldundurpet.

Srimushnam can be reached through the Anaikarai to Meensuruti road.. divert Vadalur on Chennai route at Sethiyathoppu. You will reach Chozhatharam and from there Srimushnam is about 12 KM on Virudhachalam road.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE