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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query srirangam. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query srirangam. Sort by date Show all posts

Saturday 23 November 2013

Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Island of Kaveri

Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy:-



Tiruchy was originally known as Tiruchirappalli. It is on the bank of the river Cauvery. Tiruchy is a one of the important place of heritage and tradition. Most famous Landmark is Srirangam and Rock fort. In the puranas Ramayana is closely related to the Tiruchy place. Then, in the historical day, Woraiyur was the capital city of Cholas.  So many Tourist spot and temples are in and round Tiruchy.

Srirangam has the distinction of housing the first of the eight shrines of Lord Vishnu. These self-manifested temples are known as Swayam Vyakta Kshetras in Hindu mythology. This shrine of Lord Vishnu at Srirangam is not only the first among the lot but is also considered the main shrine of all the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Vishnu shrine is huge in size and has been built over an area of 156 acres.


The setting of the temple is also unique; the temple has been constructed in an island created by the rivers Kaveri and Coleroon. There are seven enclosures in the temple, and the devotees make it a point to walk through all the enclosures that are referred to as ‘prakaras’ in local language. The enclosures consist of thick and enormous walls that run in a circular pattern around the sanctum. The enclosures have 21 towers that stand out majestically. The entire structure of the enclosures is an architectural marvel.

According to Sri Vaishnava philosophy, the eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras of Lord Vishnu are Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligram, Naimisaranyam, Totadri, Pushakara and Badrinath Temple.

Trichy Srirangam Temple is also known by the names Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam. Sri Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam lies on an island, enclosed by the Kaveri River and Kollidam River. Lord Vishnu is enshrined as Ranganatha - the reclining position of Lord Vishnu over the Shesha Nag (serpent Adisesha). It is believed that this is the form in which Lord Mahavishnu is open to listening to all of his devotee's woes, and blesses them. Lord Ranganatha or Ranganathar is also called by various names such as Nam-Perumal and Azhagiya Manavalan by the devotees.

Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, Sri Rangam Temple is a major shrine that receives millions of visitors and pilgrims every year. Lord Ranganatha is a reclining form of Lord Vishnu on the Shesha Nag. Sri Rangam Temple is also known as Sri Ranganathar Kovil. In the Tamil Language, "Kovil" stands for temple and it is used by many Vaishnavites. The presiding deity of Lord Ranganatha is extolled by various names like Nam-Perumal and Azhagiya Manavalan by his devotees.

Apart from the main shrine of Ranganathar, the temple has several shrines dedicated to various forms of Lord Vishnu like Sakrathazhvar, Narasimha and Rama. In the company of these, there are numerous shrines that are dedicated to some of the renowned saints of the Vaishnava cult. From morning to evening, the temple observes various worship rituals every day. People from all over the globe come to Srirangam Mandir to pay their obeisance to the Lord.

 Divyadesams are those temples where the alwars have sung songs or pasurams in praise of the presiding deity. All of them together form the naal ayiram divya prabandam. Sri Ranganatha temple of Srirangam is the first among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and one of the oldest temples. It is a part of the choza naadu divyadesams. It is spread over an area of 156 acres and has 7 prakarams with 21 gopurams. There are huge walls surrounding the periya kovil. In the main sannadhi is Lord ranganatha in a reclining pose on the serpent bed. The utsavar in the main sannadhi is known as Namperumal. The temple is also called Booloka Vaikuntam.

 The seven streets in the 7 prakarams are called

1) Dharma Varman Thiruchuttru
2) Raja Mahendran thiruveedhi
3) Kulasekaran Thiruveedhi
4) Aalinaadan Thiruveedhi
5) Agalangan Thiruveedhi
6) Thiru vikraman thiruveedhi
7) Chitthirai Thiruveedhi

Sthalapuranam of srirangam:-

Srirangam is one of the eight Svayamvrutha Kshetram:-

Many years ago, lord Brahma performed penance on lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, by seeing lord Brahma's devotion, appeared in front of him and gave an option to ask for a boon (varam). Lord Brahma, being a pure devotee, asked for an idol of 'shree ranganaadhar' (the sleeping posture of lord Vishnu on Adhi shEsha) for his worship. So lord Vishnu granted the boon.


Many years after this, ikshvaaku the forefather of raghu dynasty,  performed a very long penance on lord Brahma. So lord Brahma was pleased with the king ikshvaaku's devotion and gave an option to ask for a boon. So king ikshvaaku asked for Sri  Ranganathar's  idol which Brahma had and he was worshipping. But still lord Brahma gave that Sri  Ranganathar's  idol to King ikshvaaku, since the penance was sincere

So Sri  Ranganathar's idol was passed to his descendants and at last came in to the hands of king dhasharatha and finally to his son Sri Rama. Hence the idol was worshipped by the entire raghu dynasty and finally stayed at Sri Rama's hands.

After the completion of war between Sri Rama  and Ravana, VibheeShana and all other accompanied Rama in VibheeShana's   Pushpaka Vimaanam, Then Sri Rama' Coronation took place. In the End  shree Rama asked vibheeShana to request a boon since he was his devotee

Now it was shree VibheeShana's turn. He took the chance and asked the idol of shree ranganaadhar, which was worshipped by shree Rama himself. shree Rama granted his wish and handed over shree ranganaadhar idol by warning that if the idol should not be kept down until he reaches Sri Lanka  . If he places it down then , it will remain there itself.

When shree vibheeShana was taking the idol to sri Lanka, he wanted to perform sandhya vandhanam, as it was evening. By that time he was in Srirangam and on the banks of river kaaveri And Kollidam. And then appeared lord Vigneshwar in the disguise  of a cowherd boy, and stood in front of  vibheeShana. By seeing the cowherd boy, shree vibheeShana requested him to hold the idol until he finishes the sandhya vandhanam, and he should not keep it down. The cowherd  accepts and puts  a condition that if he is not able to hold the idol due to its weight then he will call  vibheeShana three times . And after calling three times , and if  vibheeShana doesn't come, he will place the idol down. Our cowherd boy calls shree VibheeShana's name 3 times continuously and immediately places shree ranganaadhar idol on the banks of river kaaveri.

vibheeShaNar becomes so anger on our cowherd boy and tries to hit him. But the cowherd boy ran and sat on top of the near by small hillock  and takes his own form -Vigneshwar,  vibheeShana chases and , hits on the head of Vigneshwars head, where even now we can see a slight bump on Vigneshwars idol there (uchchi pillayaar koil).

shree vibheeShana returns to the place where shree ranganaadhar idol was placed and felt very sad that he was not able to even lift the idol from that place. At that time, Sri Rangarajar  appeared before him and said that whatever has happened is for the sake of world's good and there is no need to worry and also shree ranganaadhar says that though he is in this Bhartha kandam, he will be watching his land - sri lanka. And every day it is said vibheeShana comes to Srirangam in the night to do pooja and returns to Lanka in the morning.

A chola ruler by name Dharmavarma is said to have created a temple here.

Among the Alwars Thondaradippodi Alwar did Nandavana Pushpa Kanikaryam and Our Thirumangai Alwar also known as Kaliyan did Thiru Madill Kanikaryam.

Here Kavi Chakravarthi Kambar did the Ramayana Arangentram  in the Mandapam, Then Azagiasingar  ( Narasimha Murthy) He is said to have blessed  him, this Metu Azagiasingars Sannidhi  is  near Thayar Sannidhi .

It is the place where Lord Ranganatha Conferred the tittle of Udayavar to Bhagavan Ramanuja. It is the same place where Swami Desikan was Conferred the Kavitharki Simham and Sarvathantra Swathantrar.

It is the place where Manavala Ma Munigal was asked by Nam Perumal to do the Thiruvai Mozi Kalashepam , then Nam Perumal came in form of a child and recited Sri Saila Dayapatram Dhaniyan on Manavala Munigal.

History of Sri Ranganathar Temple:-


Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu . It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, Bhogamandabam. In the Vaishnava parlance the term "KOIL" signifies this temple only. The temple is enormous in size. The temple complex is 156 acres in extent. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. this temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.

The temple of Sri Ranganathaswami at Srirangam boasts an historic past of great kingdom and a civilization thousands of years old. The reign of the Pallavas was marked by the creation of a solid religious foundation, for example the encouragement given by the dynasty appears to have contributed to the growth of Aryan institutions in Southern India more particularly in the Carnatic. Cholas reigned for about three hundred years over the Coromandel Coast and the greater part of Eastern Deccan, where they helped an advanced Hindu Culture to flourish.

The cholas were defeated in the thirteen century by the Pandyas of Madurai and Hoysalas of Mysore. Hoysalas had taken particular interest in the building of the Temple of Srirangam, leaving behind both the inscriptions and buildings. The Hoysalas were then driven away by the Pandyas in the early part of fourteenth Century. Later, the Mohammedans began frequently raiding the Deccan facing strong resistance from the Hindu Kingdom, which was established in Vijayanagar in 1336. The Kingdom maintained its independence until 1565.

During this time, the Europeans had appeared in the south of India. In the sixteenth century a number of foreign travelers and traders passed through but taking least interest in the hinterland except for the routes it provided for their trade with the Kingdom of Vijayanagar. In 1600, the English East India Company was formed, and 1664 the French company.

In 1680, King Aurangazeb (1658-1707), launched a campaign in western Deccan. After long sieges and a great loss of life, the fortress cities of Bijapur and Golconda fell to him, and the campaign lasted until his death.

In Europe, however, the war of Austrian succession set the English and the French at each other’s throats. Duplex captured Madras (1746), which was given back to the English two years later. The French were forced to surrender in 1752 and Duplex was disavowed and recalled in 1754.

In 1760, a further French attempt, led by Lally-Tollendal, was unsuccessful and the French trading post was dismantled in 1763. From then on, the English Company gradually annexed the whole of the territory of India. Though the French came near to victory, later on they were defeated in 1798 by the English led by Wellessley and who invaded Mysore and in 1799 captured the fortress of Srirangapatnam. There after all of the Southern India came under the supremacy of England. The Carnatic was included in the direct administration of the Madras Presidency where it remained.

Legend:-


 In Srirangam, myths, legends and history are inextricably blended into apocryphal stories, which the residents tell you as you walk down the corridors of the enormous temple. At one spot, for instance, there are five strange holes drilled into the solid stone floor, in front of a pair of elegantly carved feet.
Once, the story goes, Ranganatha decided to dress himself as Thayar and appear before his devotees because he wanted to understand why people only appealed to him through his wife. As he came down the corridor, dressed like a woman, Thayar is said to have stood in that corner of the passage hidden by the wall. As he neared, she inserted her fingers into those holes for grip and bent to peer around the wall to watch him coming.
The Lord of Srirangam has been endowed with some very human traits, which make it easier for the devotees to identify with him. During festive celebrations, for example a unique quarrel is enacted between the Lord and Thayar at the Woraiyur temple close by.

 According to legend it is said that weeks before the day, which had been fixed for their marriage, Sriranga (Ranganatha) was nowhere to be seen. Thayar, heard stories of his wandering around, meeting other women and so, when he finally appeared on their wedding day, she became very angry and threw out all the fruit and butter and eatables prepared for the feast. He, however, finally pacified her and convinced her that he had only gone hunting and that a wild animal made the scratches on his back.


About Temple:-


 The gigantic temple of Sri Ranganatha, occupying 613,000 sq meters (156 acres), is the pride of this island.  It has seven prakaras or enclosures.  These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum.  The temple has a number of firsts to its credit, the latest being the 73 metre (240 feet) tall, 13 tiered Rajagopuram, built in the 1980s, said to weigh nearly 25,000 tonnes.  There are 20 other gopurams in this temple complex, and as many shrines.  For ‘Vaikunda Yekaadesi’ pilgrims come from all over the World, it’s a 20 days celebration. Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras)  of Lord Vishnu.


      At the rear end is the shrine of the divine consort, Sri Ranganayaki.  There are a number of shrines in the huge courtyard, including one for Sri Rama and another for Vibishana.  A side entrance leads to another massive courtyard, at the end of which is yet another towering gopuram. The various vahanas for the annual Brahmotsavam are kept in a mandapam here.  The pillars in the mandapam are rich with sculptures.  The front of the mandapam is embellished with those Vijayanagar Nayak specialty horsemen fighting lions.  So detailed are the sculptures that the craftsmen have left nothing to the imagination.  The carvings above and below this tapestry in stone are equally rich in detail.  The base depicts women in various postures.  One of the pillars shows a rider, with the horse reared up, while below are a number of foot soldiers.


      It is said that this is the only temple in India to have seven prakaras.  The seven prakaras (enclosures), represent the seven centers of yoga the seven elements that make up the human body, at the heart of which is the soul.  The seventh is the outer wall, more like a fort, built in the aftermath of the Islamic invasion.  The Sri Venugopala Krishanan shrine is in the fourth court.  The walls are adorned with carvings of women in various attire.  There is also a museum here.  To the couth is the Sesharayar Mandapam, opposite of which is the 1000 pillared hall, which has exquisite sculptures of gods and goddesses, alwars and acharyas.  In the first prakaram dwells the Lord in his famous reclining posture.   The moolavar faces south.  He goes by several names, though He is famously known here as Sri Ranganathaswamy.


      This Srirangam temple, as well as the Jambukeswaram shrine, suffered terrible blows during the Muslim invasions of the 14th century.  The first one was in 1311 by that iconoclast general of the Khiljis, Malik Kafur.  The second one was in 1323 under Ulugh Khan (the later Mohammed Bin Thuglak), the son of Ghiyasuddin Thuglak.  The two Muslim raids crippled the temple to such an extent that worship ceased.  The 1323 invasion was particularly devastating.  Worship was restored only in 1371 when the forces of Vijayanagar stormed the temple complex.  From then on for the next 350 years the Vijayanagar kings and the Nayaks lavished their riches on the temple, which has been hailed as Bhoolaka Vaikuntam (Heaven on Earth). Many are the savants and saints who have sung in praise of this deity.


Shrines:-

The vimanam (shrine over the sanctum sanctorum), the Ranga vimana is shaped like omkara (om symbol) and is plated with gold. Sri Ranganthar reclines on Adisesha, the coiled serpent, and at his feet sits Ranganayaki. Images of Vibhishana, Brahma, Hanuman, Garuda, the symbols of Vishnu – conch and discuss are seen inside the sanctum. Ranganayaki shrine is in the second precint of the temple. The common reference to the goddess is padi thaanda pathni, meaning lady who doesn't cross the boundaries of ethics. Literally, the festival deity of Ranganayaki also does not come out of the shrine and it is Ranganthar who visits Ranganayaki. There are three images of Ranganayaki within the sanctum.

The complex houses shrines of dozens of forms of Vishnu including Chakkarathazhwar, Narasimha, Rama, Hayagreeva and Gopala Krishna. There are separate shrines for Ranganayaki and the major saints in the Vaishnava tradition, including Ramanuja. The Venugopala shrine in the south-west corner of the fourth enclosure of the temple is the work of Chokkanatha Nayak. An inscription of 1674 specifies this Nayak king as the patron. The exterior of the vimana and attached mandap (hall) have finely worked pilasters with fluted shafts, double capitals and pendant lotus brackets. Sculptures are placed in the niches of three sides of the sanctuary walls; maidens enhance the walls in between. The elevation is punctuated with secondary set of pilasters that support shallow eaves at different levels to cap larger and smaller recesses. The sanctuary is crowned in the traditional fashion with a hemisphrical roof. The double-curved eaves of the entrance porch on the east side are concealed in a later columned hall. Dhanvantari, a great physician of ancient India is considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu – there is a separate shrine of Dhanvantari within the temple.

Halls:-

Hall of 1000 pillars with sculptures of riding horses

The Hall of 1000 pillars (actually 953) is a fine example of a planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, "Sesha Mandap", with its intricacy in sculpture, is a delight.[according to whom?] The 1000-pillared hall made of granite was constructed in the Vijayanagara period (1336–1565) on the site of the old temple. The pillars consists of sculptures of wildly rearing horses bearing riders on their backs and trampling with their hoofs upon the heads of rampant tigers, seem only natural and congruous among such weird surroundings. The great hall is traversed by one wide aisle in the centre for the whole of its greater length, and intersected by transepts of like dimension running across at right angles. There still remain seven side aisles on each side, in which all the pillars are equally spaced out.The Garuda Madapa (hall of the legendary bird deity of Vishnu, garuda) located on the south side of the third enclosure is another Nayak addition. Courtly portrait sculptures, reused from an earlier structure, are fixed to the piers lining the central aisle. A free-standing shrine inside the hall contains a large seated figure of garuda; the eagle-headed god faces north towards the principal sanctum. The Kili mandapa (Hall of parrot) is located next to the Ranganatha shrine, in the first enclosure of the temple. Elephant balustrades skirt the access steps that ascend to a spacious open area. This is bounded by decorated piers with rearing animals and attached colonettes in the finest 17th-century manner. Four columns in the middle define a raised dais; their shafts are embellished with undulating stalks. The most artistically interesting[according to whom?] of the halls that the Nayaks added to the complex is the Sesha Mandap on the east side of the fourth enclosure. The hall is celebrated for the leaping animals carved on to the piers at its northern end.

Gopurams:-

Vellai gopurams(tower):-

There are 21 gopurams (tower gateways), among which the towering 236-feet Rajagopuram (shrine of the main gateway) is the second tallest temple tower in Asia. The 73m high 13- tiered rajagopuram was built in 1987 by Ahobila Mutt and dominates the landscape for miles around, while the remaining 20 gopurams were built between the 14th and 17th centuries. The gopurams have pronounced projections in the middle of the long sides, generally with openings on each of the successive levels. The Vellai gopura (white tower) on the east side of the fourth enclosure has a steep pyramidal superstructure that reaches a height of almost 44m.

Rajagopuram (Main tower):-

The structure of the rajagopuram remained incomplete at the base ('kalkaram', 17 meters high), for over 400 years. Started during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya of Vijayanagar, the construction was given up after the king's death and apparently was not resumed owing to some political preoccupations or crisis. The Rajagopuram (the main gopuram) did not reach its current height of 73 m. until 1987, when the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt initiated the process with the help of philanthropists and others. The whole structure was constructed in a span of eight years. The Rajagopuram was consecrated on 25 March 1987. The length and breadth at the base of the Rajagopuram is 166 feet and 97 feet, while the length and breadth at the top is 98 feet and 32 feet. Befitting the gargantuan dimensions of the structure, every one the 13 glistening copper 'kalasams' atop the tower weighs 135 kg and measures 3.12m (height) by 1.56m (diameter).

srirangam Temple Timings:-

Viswarooba seva 06.00 am to 06.30 am
Seva 6.30 am to 7.30 am
* Pooja time - No seva 07.30 am to 08.45 am
Morning Seva 08.45 am to 1.00 pm
Pooja time – No seva 1.00 pm to 2.30 am
After noon Seva 2.30 pm to 4.15 pm
* Pooja time – No seva 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm
No seva after 9.00 pm
Viswarooba seva – Rs.200/- per head
General Entrance – Free in all Seva time
Special Entrance – Rs.50/- per head


Festivals:-

Jestabishekam:-


Celebrated in Tamil month Aani (June-July) in order to rid the accumulated impurities. In that day sanctum sanctorum is being cleaned, specially made herbal oil prepared in the temple is being applied on Periya perumal. Namperumal and Goddesses golden plates (Kavacham or Angil in Tamil) are being cleaned by goldsmith. More priests and devotees visit to Cauvery to take holy water in Gold and Silver pots. Gold pot is brought over the elephant. Gold pot has been donated by Vijayaranga Chokka Nayakar in 1734. In meanwhile it was looted by some robbers, then by gods grace it was recovered. This inscription has been engraved in Telugu language in this gold pot. More silver pots being filled up with Holy Cauvery water and brought to the temple. On the way from Cauvery to temple Vedas are being recited. Then pots are put in the Western side, all the idols installed in “Thiruvennaiyali Praharam”. Golden plates removed from the idols and handed over to Jeer Swamiji and Vadhula Desikar Swamy. Then plates are being cleaned by goldsmith. After public worship plates are being fixed up in evening.

Pavithrothsavam:-

Celebrated in Tamil month Aani (August –September) dedicated to the sacred thread worn by the Lord and for removing blemishes in daily rituals. First day the 365 times thiruvaradhanam is conducted to the utsavar in yagasalai and in the second day 1008 times thiruvaradhanam is condutced in the sanctum sanctorum for all the deities and are fully covered with holy thread which is named as boocandi sevai(Angobanga Sevai). This festival is to rectify the defects happened in daily poojas performed to Lord. This festival being conducted in Cheranai vendran mandabam alias Pavithra mandabam. This mandabam was established by Jadavarma Sundarapandian. After Muslim invasion Lord and goddesses entered after 60 years in 1371. Sanctum sanctorum goddesses installed in the above mandabam. This function first started by Brahma. Due to this festival Holy Cotton thread Garland (pavithram) being worn to all idols.

Sri Jayanthi:-

Lord Krishna’s birthday being celebrated in all Krishna temples, which are inside of Sri Ranganathaswamy temple campus. Particularly in Kili Mandaba Krishna temple, that idol Krishna with his parents, father Nandagopan, his mother Yasodha and Rohini will be installed in presence of temple. Sacred water is being poured. Krishna and Namperumal procession in the four Chithrai streets. Due this function Namperumal visits to Sri Pandaram. Their Thirumanjanam is being performed to Namperumal.

Oonjal:-

Held in Tamil Month Aipasi (October-December) to remove possible blemishes in the Swing. This festival is known as Dolothsavam. This festival was started in 1489 by Kandhadai Ramanujar. Now it is celebrated 9 days festival. In 1st and 7th day Lord comes to cradle with goddess, remaining days god alone in the cradle. In the presence of Lord daily Arayar recites songs, Last day Lord visits to Chandrapushkarani, theerthvari being performed. Then Namperumal comes to Oonjal mandabam, Thirumanjanam being performed. Then night goes back to sanctum sanctorum. This oonjal festival commences eight days before Ekadesi during the dark fortnight of the month Aipasi. The last day festival comes on Ekadesi day.

Kaisiga Ekadesi:-

This festival is being celebrated before thirty days of Ekadesi. Lord comes to Santhana mandabam, Thirumanjanam is being performed. Then evening goes back to sanctum sanctorum. Again in night Lord comes to Arjuna mandabam. Here 365 poojas being performed. 365 garments are adorned to Lord. Kaisika puranam is being recited in Midnight. While return to Sanctum Pacchai Karpooram (Refined camphor) will be sprinkled, and then entered to sanctum sanctorum.

Ekadesi:-

The most important festival celebrated for full twenty one days during Tamil month Margazhi (December-January), is divided to two ten days as pagal pathu and ra pathu, with all pomp and pageantry.On Ekadesi day, Lord Ranganatha, attired in splendid garment, proceeds in a magnificient procession through Paramapada Vasal, arrives at Thirumamani Mandapam in the Thousand in a pillared hall to the thrill and joy of the devotees gathered in lakhs who have come from all over India and abroad. This occasion is the peak point of all festivals conducted in the Temple, on this day of days; Sri Ranganatha becomes a virtual king and is known as Sri Rangaraja. He holds his Divine Durbar in that huge hall which is further extended by a specially erected and tastefully decorated pandal, throughout the day Nalayira Dhivyaprabandham is recieted, and gets back to the Temple only late in the night. Milling crowds of devotees constantly keep moving from dawn to midnight. Teams of devotees, engaged in non-stop bhajans, fast throughout the day and keep endless vigil during the whole night, singing and dancing to the beat of cymbals. Verily, it is the sight for the gods to see. A paradise on Earth indeed!

Viruppan ( Chithirai Ther ):-

Grand Festival in Tamil month Panguni (March-April), which can purify the professional blemishes. In the Vijayanagara dynasty one of the king name Viruppanna udayar established the Chithrai festival in 1383. After Muslims invasions Lord Ranganatha brought to sanctum sanctorum in 1371 (17th day Vaikasi month). In that time temple was under very much dilapidated condition. On 1377 the King Viruppannan donated Seventeen thousand gold coins for renovation of temple. In the year of 1383 after renovation Chithrai festival started after 60 years. Viruppannan handed over 52 villages for Temple welfare. In 1383 Chithrai festival being celebrated nearest villagers thronged in the Srirangam. In this festival 8th and 9th days are being celebrated by villagers very much. Villagers used to donate more number of cattle and cereals from their fields. This festival starts eight days earlier to Revathy asterism. The Chithrai car festival is being celebrated on that day.

Ankurarpanam (Sprouting the seeds):-

The Vishvaksena (Chief of the Lords’army) and Anjaneya brought to the Thayar sannathi accompanying some priests. They perform poojas under the Vilva tree sand some priests go to the river bed to take sand with “BHUSUKTA” both sands are mixed in the stage of moisten kept in the pots. Seeds are sowed in that pots and then kept in Yagasala. Within few days it gets sprouted.

Nagarasothanai (Street Investigation):-

Vishvaksena is being brought to all the four Chithirai streets. He inspects the entire four streets before Lord Visits. This inspection is to ensure that there is no untoward incidents happened. It called as Nagarasothanai.

First day (Flag hoisting):-

In the first day the flag (Garuda picture drawn in the Canvas cloth) is brought to the four Chithirai streets in early morning. Then it is hoisted in the presence of Lord to indicate temple festival going on. After the flag hoisted Lord is brought to the Mirror Chamber (Public worship can be allowed only in 1st and 7th day of the festival). In the evening the Lord with Ubayanachiyar brought to the Chithirai streets. In presence of Lord Poigaialwar songs are being recited.

Second day:-

Namperumal is being brought in Palanquin in four Chithra streets in morning. In the same day evening Namperumal comes in Karpagavritcham (A wish yielding tree) vahana in four Chithra streets. In presence of Lord Boodhathalwar songs are being recited.

Third day:-

In Morning used Leonine (Simha) Vahanam and evening in Yali (Imaginary animal) vahanam. In presence of Lord Peyalwar songs are being recited.

Fourth day:-

Morning Namperumal brought in Double prabha vahanam and in the evening in Garuda vahanam. In presence of Lord Thirumazhisaialwar songs are being recited.

Fifth day:-

Morning Namperumal brought in Serpentine (Sesha vahanam), evening in the Hanumantha vahanam. In presence of Lord Nammalwar songs are being recited.

Sixth day:-

Morning Namperumal brought in the Hamsa (Cygnet) vahanam, and in the evening coconut water being offered to Lord then Namperumal being brought in the Elephantine vahanam. In presence of Lord Nammalwar songs are being recited.

Seventh day:-

In the morning devotees allowed to have seva in the Mirror chamber. In the evening Namperumal with goddesses visit Thirukottaram (Granary) heaps of paddy being verified as a customary practice. Then Lord takes procession in the Chitra streets and reaches Thayar sannathi Thirumanjanam being performed. Then reach the Mirror chamber in midnight. In presence of Lord Thirumazhisaialwar songs are being recited.

Eighth day:-

In the morning Lord comes in the Silver Equestrian (Horse) vahanam. And in the evening Lord comes in the Golden Equestrian vahanam. When it comes near Chithra car shed unique event being witnessed, Namperumal seated on horse ridden in galloping speed. In presence of Lord Thirumangaialwar songs are being recited.

Ninth day (Car Festival):-

Early morning Namperumal is installed in Chithra car, car being pulled in the four Chitra streets. Then Lord brought to the Revathy mandabam, thirumanjanam being performed. In presence of Lord Thirumangaialwar songs are being recited.

Tenth day (Sabthavaranam):-

Morning in Sandhanu mandabam Thirumanjanam is being performed to Lord. In the evening Namperumal’s procession takes place in quite manner (avoiding musical instruments being used for the obvious reason) of Lord hearing Ramanuja’s songs. Namperumal visits to Ramanuja’s temple, there cordially welcomed by Ramanuja. And Ramanuja offers coconut water to Namperumal. After Namperumal offered it’s being offered to Ramanuja.

Eleventh day:-

Morning in Garuda mandabam Thirumanjanam is being performed to Lord. In the evening Namperumal’s procession takes place in the decorated palanquin with full of flowers rounds in Chitra streets.

This festival narrates Lord will bless not only human being but animals also. An elephant named Gajendra daily picks flowers from a pond then it offers to lotus feet of Lord and prays without any expectation. Elephant is very much fond in this service. So it doesn’t ask anything from god Lord Vishnu likes the elephant very much. Unfortunately one day elephant’s leg was caught severely by crocodile while it picks flowers. Even though elephant is not able to tolerate the pain it feels worried the absence of service to Lord. It begs the Lord to do service continually, but it didn’t ask the Lord to relive from the pain and pangs. Lord rushed to the spot and pierced the crocodile and blessed the elephant. This incidental memorandum is being performed in the holy Cauvery river bed.

Celebrated in Tamil Month Chithirai (April–May) in order to cleanse the impurities of the flowers used in adorning the Lord.

Even though this festival being celebrated as a memorandum of Incarnation of Rama, In Srirangam being celebrated distinguishes. One of the alwar and disciple of Rama Kulasekaralwar made wedded lock his daughter to Ranganatha. This festival is being performed in Arjuna mandabam. Lord Ranganatha and Cherakulavallinachiar (daughter of Kulasekaralwar) both are seated near and Thirumanjanam is performed to them.

Celebrated in the Tamil month Vaikasi (May-June). In Vijayanagara dynasty the name of the king Annappa Udayar established Vasantha Mandabam in 1444. Mallidevan puthur village has been donated to conduct Vasantham festivals.Vasantham festival starts 8 days before Pournami (Full moon day) In Pournami festival comes to end Lord comes in Equestrian vahanam rounds in Chitra Streets then comes to Vasantha mandabam. Thirumanjanam will be performed in the vasantha mandabam. First and Seventh day of festivals Lord accompanies two goddesses visit to vasantha mandabam. Remaining days Lord alone visits the vasantha mandabam. When Lord comes back to sanctum sanctorum everyday he visits Kambar mandabam. Everyday alwar songs are being recited in the presence of Lord. In the Goddess Ranganayaki temple also the Vasanthothsavam is being performed.

How to reach:-

By Air:-
The nearest airport is at Trichy (10-km).

By Rail:-
Srirangam is an important railway junction on the meter-gauge of Southern Railway and is well connected with the towns and cities of the state.

By Road:-
Srirangam situated on the National Highway No.45 on Tiruchirapalli-Madras route is well connected by road with the major towns and cities within and beyond the state. For local transportation taxis, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and city buses are available.

Monday 25 November 2013

Thirupper Nagar - Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple,Tiruchi


Apakudathan Temple:-


The appakudathan temple is one of the 5 rangams along the Cauvery, the others being Srirangapatna, Srirangam, Kumbakonam sarangapani temple and Mayiladurai Indaloor temple. This temple is called the Madhya rangam. Koviladi is in the southern bank of Kollidam and can be reached from Kallanai dam easily and can also be reached from Anbil via Sengariyur and Poondi. For both Tiruchirapalli should be the main starting point. If one goes by a four wheeler, without break at Kallanai, cross the road over the dam and take the route to Koviladi. Only heavy vehicles cannot pass through this road over the dam. Those who take the bus should get down at Kallanai, cross the road over the dam and on reaching the other side, proceed on the road behind the Karikal cholan statue, which is the road leading to Koviladi. The bus stand is nearby and buses from Kallanai to Thirukattupalli via Koviladi, Poondi is to be taken and it is only 10 minutes drive from kallanai. For those, going via Anbil, the route is Lalgudi, Anbil, Sengariyur and Poondi.

This is one of the 108 Divya desams and is also called as Thirupernagar. The Lord is known as Appalarenganathar and Thayar is Kamalavalli. The perumal is in a lying posture on adiseshan and with the left hand bless Indra and chandra and right hand blesses Markendeya Maharishi. A Saligrama garland adorns him. Bhoomadevi is seated at his feet. A little distance away from the right hand is the appakudam, which is fairly large. The Neivedyam of Appam is offered from this kudam every evening. In the garbha graha, there is santhanagopalan.

Those seeking child boon, freedom from fear of death, to develop qualities of humility, for relief from adverse planetary aspects, sins and curses, facing endless problems, pray to Perumal for solutions.

The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu who is better known as lord Ranganatha here and is one of five such Vishnu temples that are all built on the banks of the river Kaveri collectively known as the Pancharangas. The other temples and sites being the “Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam”, “the Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam”, “Sri Appakkudathan Temple in Trichy” and the “Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple in Indalur, Mayiladuthurai”.

Sthala Puranam:-

The Emperuman here in this sthalam says that he will not go out from the hearts of his devotees and as well as from this sthalam. ("Peyarthal means getting out"). So this sthalam is called as "Thirupper Nagar".

Lord Shiva gave Thirupparkadal as milk, when Rishi Ubamanyu was in his childhood crying due to hunger. This is explained in "Siva Puranam".

Thirupparkadal is the place that belongs to Sri Vishnu. But, When Lord Shiva is giving dharshan to his devotee Rishi Ubamanyu, Sri Vishnu is helping him out to give the complete fulfilment of dharshan of Lord Shiva.

To explain more about this, the position of Shri Vishnu in this temple clearly explains how he helped out Lord Shiva. He is giving seva as Ranganathan (In sleeping position) and his right hand is in a position as giving to Rishi Ubamanyu as "Aranga Varadhan" in Kidantha Thirukkolam.
Appam, which is one of the delicious food item done in interior parts of Tamil Nadu. It will be very sweetful if it is taken along with Milk. Sriman Narayanan is giving Appam which is kept inside kudam (A small vessel) which is full of Milk. He is giving this Appam to Ubamanyu Rishi by hugging him along his right hand.

Once when a King called Ubharisaravasu was in penance on Lord Vishnu in a Purasai Forest, Saint Dhurvaasar came by that side. Since Ubharisaravasu was in penance he had not noticed the coming of Saint. Dhurvaasar got angry and cursed him to loose all his strength and power. Ubharisaravasu immediately came to know about it and begged Dhurvaasar to pardon him. Saint Dhurvaasar asked King Ubharisaravasu to go to Palasavana Kshethram near Cauvery River and perform Annadhaanam to 1 Lakh peoples. King immediately left to that place with a battalion of Cook. The population of that place was only few hundreds, so he thought of distributing food to whoever comes to that village. Every Day he was able provide to food for people in thousands. The king was also happy. One Day early morning, an old man came to king and told him that he is very hungry. The king performed his poojas very fast and served food to the old man. The old man ate the complete food prepared for thousands of people and still felt hungry. The king requested the old man to wait for some time to cook again and asked the old man whether he required any snacks in the mean time. The old man asked king to get him Appam in a pot. The Appam was made very fast and king brought it a pot full and gave it to the old man. While eating the Appam old man became Lord Vishnu and removed the curse of king given by Saint Dhurvaasar and laid down there with the pot full of Appam. So the Lord here was called as "Appakkudathaan” and "Appala Ranganathan".

The Good advice given by Sriman Narayanan in this shetram is "There is only one God". So don’t fight for it and avoid Racism.

Since, Lord Emperuman gave Appam to Ubamanyu, the prasadham here for the lord is Appam for evening pooja for Him.

The activity of Sriman Narayanan, who gave the appam was seen in Gnyna Dhirusti of nammalwar who is Thirukkurugoor Biran Sadagopan has compared Thirumaliruncholai and Thiruppernagar and sung 11 paasurams in Thiruvaaimozhi.

In that paasurams, he is explaining how Vishnu is getting out of Thirumaaliruncholai and the way he gives seva to all the people in Thiruppernagar. He has lot of appams in his stomach and gives to all the persons, who are suffering from hunger. Because of this, he doesn't want to get out of Thiruppernagar and sung as "Aara Vayitrinai Adangap Pidithen".

Also, from this shtalam only, Nammalwar started his way to reach Paramapadham.
Thiruvarangam is popularly called as "Periya Kovil". To explain the speciality of Srirangam, here Sriman Narayanan has given the seva as "Appakkundathan". Since, the Sthalam is situated on Cauvery banks and the Lord is in sleeping posture, this place is called as "Kovil Adi". To memorise the situation of Srirangam, the theertham here is Kollidam.

About Temple:-




The temple has inscriptions from the 18th year of the regime of Aditya Chola.The recorded inscriptions in this temple are numbered 283, 300, 301 and 303 of 1901. As per Nammazhwar, the place was home to Vedic scholars of he time. The inscriptions in the temple indicate donations to build the main hall. During the Anglo-French war in the regions surrounding Tiruchirapalli, Koviladi was one of the focal points. There are no records on the contributions or damages caused by these wars.

The temple has a three-tiered rajagopuram facing west and an elevated structure approached through 21 steps. The Moolavar (presiding deity) of the temple, "Appala Rangan", is seen in Bhujangasayanm (a reclining posture) facing west and is surrounded by Bhooma Devi and Kamala Valli Thaayar. The image of the central deity is depicted in reclining posture, called pujanga sayanam and he is seen holding the holy pot in his right hand. The sanctum also contains the image of Upayamanyu and Dhurvarsa. The central deity is called Appala Ranganathar as he is located away from (appal) the Ranganathar in Srirangam.The temple has a prakaram (precinct) around the sanctum.


Moolavar:-

The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Appakkudathaan. He is also called as “Appalaa Ranganathan”. Prathyaksham for Ubamannyu and Parasarar(Bhattar). Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam and in bhujanga sayanam facing west direction.

Thayaar:-

The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Indira Devi. Also called as “Kamala Valli”.

Mangalasasanam:-

    Periyalwar – 2 Paasurams.
    Thirumangai Alwar – 19 Paasurams
    Thirumizhisai Alwar – 1 Paasuram.
    Namaalwar – 11 Paasurams.
    Total – 33

Temple Timings:-

The temple is open from 8.30 a.m. and 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. and 8.00 p.m

Festivals:-

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for the presiding deity. The worship is held amidst religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals.

  
The chariot festival is the most prominent festival of the temple and also for the villages around. It is celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (April–May) and devotees from various places pull the chariot round the streets of Koviladi. Verses from the Nalayira Divya Prabandham are recited by a group of temple priests amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument). Vaikunta Ekadashi during December–January, Navarathri during September–October and butter pot breaking ceremony (locally called uri adi) are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.
       

How to reach:-

By Road:-

Tiruchi is well connected road from various cities in Tamilnadu.

By Rail:-

Tiruchi is an important railway Station of Southern Railway and is well connected with the towns and cities of the state.

By Air:-

Nearest Airport is Tiruchi.
 

Tuesday 19 November 2013

'Appu Lingam' which is made with Water at Jambukeswaram



 'Appu Lingam' (Parvathi’s Penance):-

Once Devi Parvati mocked at Lord Shiva’s penance for betterment of the World. Lord Shiva wanted to condemn her act and directed her to go to the earth from 'Kailayam' and do penance. Devi Parvathi (Akilandeswari) as per Shiva's wish found 'Jambu' forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. Devi made a Lingam out of water of river Cauvery (also called as river 'Ponni') under the 'Venn Naaval' tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. So, the Lingam is known as 'Appu Lingam' (Water Lingam).


Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. Devi Parvati took 'Upadesa' (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing West. So as the temples idols are also installed in the same direction. Such places are known as 'Upadesa Sthalams'. As the Devi was like a student and the Lord like a Guru in this temple, there is no 'Thiru Kalyanam' (marriage) conducted in this temple for Lord & the Devi, unlike the other Shiva temples. As Akilandeswari worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, even today at noon the 'Archakar' (priest) dresses like a female and does Pooja to Lord Shiva and 'Ko Maatha' (Cow). This noon pooja is very famous and pilgrims wait for this pooja every day. For the purpose of this pooja the temple is growing a 'Karam Pasu' (complete black color cow). Annabhishekam to Lingam (Abishekam with cooked rice) is a daily ritual at Thiruvanaikoil

Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated 2 kms east of Srirangam, The temple is named after the elephant which is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as water.

The Legend :-


As one of the pancha bootha sthalas, a lot of significance is attached to this pilgrim centre. The deity is said to have been installed by Goddess Akilandeswari , one of the forms of the Goddess Parvathi To signify that the devi worshipping the lord, even today the priest wears a saree and performs the noon pooja.
Jambukeswara, Lord shiva in Lingam form , is depicted sitting under a Jambu tree . Therefore the lingam came to be called as the Jambulingam . The Lingam grows over a small stream that engulfs the deity during the rainy season.
According to the legend there was once a forest of Jambu trees in the place of modern Thiruvanikkaval. Nearby was a tank called Chandratheertha which was filled by water from the Cauvery river. Due to a curse, two of shiva ganas Pushpadanta and Malyava, were born in a forest as a white elephant and a spider. The elephant worshipped the lingam with flowers and with water brought in its trunk. the spider too worshipped the lingam, spinning the web over the lingam to prevent leaves if the tree falling on it. the spider’s web appeared to be unclean for the elephant and it destroyed the web. This lead to big clash between the two and ultimately resulted in their death. Lord shiva granted Mokshas to both. The spider was born in a royal Chola family as the great king Ko. Chenkannan , who built 70 temples , including the Jambukeswarar Temple at Tiruvanaikaval. Because the king rememberred about his earlier birth, he built the temple in such a way that no elephant can enter the sanctum sanctorum and come near the Sivalingam.Since an elephant worshipped the Shivalingam here, the place is known as Tiruvanaivakaval (Aanai in tamil means Elephant).
The Massive outer wall, known as the Vibudi Prakara, stretches over a mile long, Legend says that the wall was built by Lord Shiva , working along with the labourers.


The Myth is known as Pittukku Mann Sumatha kathai :-


At the time of constuction, the king decreed that every household shall send one man to work on the temple’s construction. An old lady of the village, with no male relatives requested a vagabond known to her to serve in her honor in exchange for a sweet dish called Puttu. The vagabond was actually Lord Shiva in disguise, who reluctantly accepted the offer. At the construction site of the Prakara, Shiva sang and danced without working, irritating the constuction supervisor whipped shiva on his back, an infliction of pain that was felt immediately by all people in the world and left the mark of spine on the backs of humanity. Henceforth , the supervisor and the king realised the folly and begged his forgiveness.

Goddess Akilandeswari Sannathy :-


The sannathy of Akilandeswari and prasanna Vinayaka are in the shape of the pranava manthram Called “OM”. It is believed that people who go round the sannathy twelve times and for on efull mandalam (48 days) will get the blessings and have a good , healthy and wealthy life.

History of the Temple:-


Legend of the temple in a Sculpture in a Pillar in the temple

Once Devi Parvati mocked at Lord Shiva’s penance for betterment of the World. Lord Shiva wanted to condemn her act and directed her to go to the earth from ‘Kailayam’ and do penance. Devi Parvathi (Akilandeswari) as per Shiva’s wish found ‘Jambu’ forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. Devi made a Lingam out of water of river Cauvery (also called as river ‘Ponni’) under the ‘Venn Naaval’ tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. So, the Lingam is known as ‘Appu Lingam’ (Water Lingam).

Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. Devi Parvati took ‘Upadesa’ (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing West. So as the temples idols are also installed in the same direction. Such places are known as ‘Upadesa Sthalams’. As the Devi was like a student and the Lord like a Guru in this temple, there is no ‘Thiru Kalyanam’ (marriage) conducted in this temple for Lord & the Devi, unlike the other Shiva temples.
[Temple Archakar dressed like Devi Akilandeswari is going in procession to perform Shiva Pooja] As Akilandeswari worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, even today at noon the ‘Archakar’ (priest) dresses like a female and does Pooja to Lord Shiva and ‘Ko Maatha’ (Cow). This noon pooja is very famous and pilgrims wait for this pooja every day. For the purpose of this pooja the temple is growing a ‘Karam Pasu’ (complete black color cow). Annabhishekam to Lingam (Abishekam with cooked rice) is a daily ritual at Thiruvanaikoil.

The Legend of the Name:–


 ‘Thiru Aanai Kaa’:-

There were two Siva Ganas (Siva’s disciples who live in Kailash) by name ‘Malyavan’ and ‘Pushpadanta’. Though they are Shiva Ganas they always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or other. On top of all in one fight ‘Malyavan’ cursed ‘Pushpadanta’ to become an elephant in earth and the latter cursed the former to become a spider in earth.

Both the elephant and the spider came to Jambukeshwaram and continued their Shiva worship. The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted Abhishekam to the lingam under the Jambu tree daily. The spider constructed his web over the lingam to prevent dry leaves from dropping on it and prevent Sunlight directly felling on Shiva.


When the elephant saw the web and thought that as dust on Lord Shiva and tore them and cleaned the Linga by pouring water. This happened daily. The spider became angry one day and crawled into the trunk of the elephant and bit the elephant to death killing itself. Lord Siva, moved by the deep devotion of the two relieved them from one other curse.

As an elephant worshipped the Lord here, this place came to be known as ‘Thiru Aanai Kaa’ (Thiru – Holy, Aanai – Elephant, Kaa (Kaadu) – Forest). Later the actual name ‘Thiruaanaikaa’ become ‘Thiruvanaikaval’ and ‘Thiruvanaikoil’.

In the next birth the Spider was born as the King Ko Chengot Chola and built 70 temples and Thiruvanaikoil is the one among them. Remembering his enmity with the elephant in his previous birth, he built the Lord Shiva ‘Sannathi’(Sanctorum) such that not even a small elephant can enter. The entrance on the sanctorum of Lord Shiva is only 4 foot high and 2.5 foot wide.

About Deity:-


he presiding deity is Lord Siva as Kalahasteeswarar. The Siva Linga here is one of the five supreme Lingas representing the five elements (Panchabutha Lingams): water (appu), fire (tejas), air (vayu), ether (akash) and earth (prithivi). The Linga form in Kalahasti is believed to represent vayu. Even today the flame placed in Garbhagraha inside the temple flickers indicating the presence of the wind while there is no entry of wind to disturb the flame. The air is just sufficient to breathe in. This according to a belief is the existence of Shiva in the temple.


According to the legend there was once a forest of jambu trees in the place of modern Tiruvanaikka. Nearby was a tank called Chandratheertha which was filled by water from the river Cauvery. Lord shiva appeared as a Lingam under one of the trees. The lingam came to be called the Jambulingam. Due to a curse, two of the shiva ganas Pushpadanta and Malyava, were born in the forest as a white elephant and as a spider. The elephant worshipped the Lingam with flowers and with water brought in its trunk. The spider too worshipped the Lingam, spinning out a web over the Lingam to prevent leaves of the tree from falling on it. The spider's web appeared to be unclean for the elephant and it destroyed the web.

This lead to big clash between the two and ultimately resulted in their death. Lord shiva granted Mokshaa (salvation) to both. The spider was born in a royal Chola family as the great king Ko Chenkannan who built about 70 temples (Maadakovils) including the temple of Jambukeswarar at Tiruvanaika. Because the king remembered about his earlier birth, he built the temples in a such way that no elephant can enter the sanctum sancotrum and come near the Sivalingam.


Architecture of the Temple:-



Chola King “Ko Chengot Cholan” (He is also called as Chenkannan) constructed this temple in 1st Century B.C. Ko Chengot Chola had built 70 other Shiva temples all over Tamil Nadu and he is one among the 63 “Nayannmars” (Holy Saivite saints). Thiruvanaikoil temple was built according to 'Saiva Aagama Sasthra'. According to Saiva Agamam, the temple reflects the human body and the idol of Lord Shiva is considered as the soul. Many other kings like Pandiyas and Nayakars of Madurai later renovated this temple.

The 2nd and 3rd praharams were built in 13th century A.D. and the 4th Praharam was constructed in the late 13th century A.D.

There is eight other “Kodi Maram” (flag masts) in this temple in the 3rd praharam. Apart from the main huge “Kodi Maram” in front of the Lord and one in front of Devi Akilandeswari. Thiruvanaikoil temple was built in an area close to 18 acres and measures 2500 feet by 1500 feet. The temple has five “Praharams”. All the temple “Madhils” (wall) are 35 ft. high and 6 ft. thick and measures 2436 feet by 1493 feet. The “Swami” (Shivalinga) is installed facing West and “Ambaal” (Akilandeswari) facing East.

View of the 3rd praharam in the temple, an example for Thiruvanaikoil temples architectural marvel
There are many mandapams in the temple, a 1000 Pillar (This Mandapam is on the North West corner of the 3rd praharam. To be precise its on your left when you enter the temple) and a 100 Pillar Mandapam (this is on the North East corner of the 3rd Praharam), Vasanta mandapam (The mandapam is surrounded by pool of water where Lord Shiva and Goddess Akilandeswari are worshipped on summer evenings), Somaskandha mandapam, Nataraja mandapam, Trimurthi mandapam, etc. The thousand-pillared mandapam looks like a chariot.

Gopurams Raja Gopuram:-


This is the Gopuram in the West 5th Praharam (the main entrance). The other 3 entrances of 5th praharam have no Gopurams.

Sundarapandiyan Gopuram:-


The East Gopuram on the 4th praharam. Pandiya King Jadavarman Sundarapandian constructed this.

Mallappan Gopuram:-



This is the West Gopuram in the 4th Praharam. King Sandhirabendiran son of King AdhithayDevan built this in 1435 A.D.

Karthigai Gopuram:-



This Gopuram is the West Gopuram after Mallapan Gopuram. This was constructed in the early 13th century (at the period of Third KulothungaChola)

Vibhoothi Praharam:-


There are many interesting legends in this temple. When the king “Thirruneetru Sundara Pandiyan” was constructing the 5th Praharam wall on the East Side, he was running out of money to pay to the laborers for the next day of work. On that night in the Kings dream Lord Shiva asked him to continue the work. As per the Lords wish the King continued the construction and at the end of that day a Sanyasi (saint) came there and he gave the laborers pinches of sacred ash. That sacred ash turned into gold equivalent to the work done by them. Then only the King and others came to know that the Sanyasi is none other than the Lord himself. Because of this instance the East Side praharam is known as “Vibhoothi” (sacred ash) praharam.

Theerthams :-


 There are nine theerthams near the temple:-


1. Sreemath Theertham
2. Rama Theertham
3. Chandra Theertham
4. Agni Theertham
5. Indira Theertham
6. Akasthiya Theertham
7. Jambu Theertham
8. Surya Theertham
9. Brahmma Theertham


There are nine Theerthams in this temple, all of which held very sacred.

Brahma Theertham:-


 This is in the South side of 4th Praharam (South Car Street)

Indhira Theertham:-


 This is in the 3rd Praharam opposite to Kasi Viswanatha Swami sannathi.

Jambu Theertham:-


 This is in the South West 3rd Praharam near the old Jambukeshwara temple (Opposite to Sangareshwarar temple and opposite to Kubera Linga)

Rama Theertham:-


 This is outside the temple. Just directly opposite to the temple across the G.S.T Road. You can see this on the way to the Srirangam. This is where the “Thai Poosam theppam” festival is celebrated. This Theertham is full of beautiful Lotus flower plants.

Srimath Theertham:-


 This is nothing but the water spring oozing inside the Sanctorum of Lord Shiva.

Agni Theertham:-


 This is the well in the South East corner of 3rd Praharam. Just opposite on the side of Vasantha Mandapam and temple Nandhavanam.

Agathiya Theertham:-


 This is the small well opposite to Amman sannadhi and close the “Palli Arai”

Soma Theertham:-


 Its believed that this the “Chandra Pushkarni” in the Srirangam Sri Ranganathasami temple (adjacent to Sri Rama sannadhi)

Soorya Theertham:-


 This is in the South West corner of the 4th praharam. Just opposite to the 1000 pillar mandapam. This Tank is architecturally beautifully built with two stories of Mandapams around the tank. Each mandapam built with 100 pillars. “Theppam” festival is celebrated in this tank in the Tamil month “Aadi” on “Pooram” day (the day when the star is Pooram, which is the star of Akilandeswari).

Places around Tiruchinapalli:-

Rockfort Temple:-


Rockfort is a collection of three temples: Maanikka Vinayakar temple at the foot, the Ucchi Pillayar koil at the top of the hill, and the Taayumanavar (Siva) koil at the midway point. Six worship services are offered every day. The preferable time to visit is early morning or evening and on a light stomach, as there are steep steps and climbing is involved. It will take 30-45 minutes to reach the top so it is advised to carry water and first aid items. Allocate a minimum of 3 hours for your visit so you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top of the hill.

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple:-


This temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a manifestation of Sakthi Kali.  Sakthi Kali is a mother Goddess, provider of prosperity and health, curing all health ailments, including recovery from small pox and chicken pox. Several worship services are offered throughout the day. Offerings include salt, jaggery, lentils and jewels.

This temple is extremely popular attracting thousands of Devotees every day. Be sure to decline unwanted services or “offers of help/escorts” and take good care of your personal belongings. Travel as a group and stay with each other-caution is recommended

Tiruvarangam Srirangam Temple:-


Tiruvarangam Srirangam is located 15 kilometres from Tiruchi. This is the foremost of the 108 Vishnu Shrines and is the largest temple in India. Ranganather is the presiding Deity. Thayar is Sri Rangannayaki and Thertham is Chandra Pushkarani.

The area enclosed by the outer walls is about 100 acres. A total of 21 towers adorn the temple, 7 concentric prakarams surround the shrine and an elaborate protocol of worship is offered throughout the day. In the month of Margazhi grand Adhyyamotsavam is celebrated involving recitations in the thousand pillar hall. Also in Srirangam is the Dasavatharam temple, the only one of its kind in India, enshrining the ten incarnations of Vishnu along with Lakshmi Narasimhar and Vishwaksenar.

Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayakar Temple:-


This is one of the oldest cave temples in Tamil Nadu. Pillayarpatti is situated in between Pudukottai and Karaikudi and is about 90 kilometeres, about a two hour drive, from Tiruchi. The town is named after Pillayar. The temple houses a rock cut image of Ganesha, a mammoth image of six feet portrayed with two arms and a trunk in valampuri style. It is believed that merely standing in front and looking at him is adequate, and the answers and solutions for your problems will be forth coming, for He understands his devotees more than anyone.

Each day 5 worship services are offered commencing at 6am and closing at 9pm. The Nagarather community has been traditionally involved with the temple, patronising the maintenance of this temple and in the scrupulous conduct of worship services.

Temple Timings:-


5.30 a.m. to 1.00 a.m. and
3.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Poojas:-


At Thiruvanaikoil temple daily Pooja is conducted in five different times in any normal day
Usha Kalam (Early Morning Pooja) – 06:45 AM – 07:15 AM
Kala Sandhi (Morning Pooja) – 08:00 AM – 08:45 AM
Uchchi Kalam (Noon Pooja) – 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Sayaratchai (Evening Pooja) – 05:00 PM – 05:45 PM
Artha Jamam (Night Pooja) – 09:00 PM
During Uchchi Kalam the ‘Archakar’ (Priest) dresses like a lady and conducts pooja at Jambukeshwara Sannadhi and also perform ‘Ko Pooja’ (Cow Pooja). This Pooja is conducted to represent Devi Akilandeswari’s Pooja to Lord Jambukeshwara . This particular pooja draws hundreds of pilgrim and devotees daily.

Festivals:-


Pancha Praharam (Brahmotsavam):-


A number of festivals take place in this temple throughout the year The Mandala 'Brahmotsavam', celebrated in the Tamil months of Panguni and Chithirai (March- April), lasts for 40 days and attracts thousands of devotees from surrounding places.

The myth behind this is, once Lord Brahma (the Creator) became very proud on himself as a creator and he fell in love with one of the beautiful girl he has created and because of this he began to lose his powers and people created by him turned vicious and died an early age. Then Brahma realizing his mistake prayed to Shiva to wash out his sin. He came to this “Jambu Vanam” and started to do penance on Lord Siva.

He created a “Theertham” (Spring) and took a dip every day before pooja. His Shiva pooja lasted for One “Mandalam” (40 days). The Theertham created by him is called “Brahma Theertham” (which you can see at the 4th Praharam South Car Street).

Shiva wanted to test him whether he could be distracted again from his duty as a creator. Siva and Parvathi exchanged their dresses and appeared before Brahma. Brahma recognized Siva and prayed to him to forgive his sins and so did Shiva.

That Brahmotsavam is still celebrated in the month of 'Panguni'. On the 37th day of the Brahmotsavam the Pancha-Prakara (5 Praharams) festival is conducted. In this festival Shiva is dressed like a Parvathi and Parvathi as Shiva were taken out in procession in all the five praharams (enclosures) of the temple. This procession lasts for one night and one day. This is the only day Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi were taken in procession on the 5th praharam.

Aadi Pooram:-


“Aadi Pooram” is another sacred festival in this temple. It’s a ten days festival. The tenth day will fall on the star “Pooram” which is the star of Annai “Akilandeswari”. On all these ten days Akilandeswari will be taken out as procession in the 4th praharam. Each day Akilandeswari will come in different “Vahanams” (like Rishabha, Pushpa Pallakku, Annapakshi, etc.,). Aadi pooram is celebrated for 12 days.

Aadi Velli:-


Tamil month “Aadi” is a auspicious and only in this month you will come across five Fridays. All these Fridays are very auspicious for Annai Akilandeswari. Hundreds of thousands of devotees will visit and pray to Akilandeswari on those Fridays. You can see non-stop crowd from the dawn to the dusk in the temple.

Thai Poosam:-


Like “Pancha Praharam” another important festival is “Thai Poosam”. On the day when the star is “Poosam” in the Tamil month of “Thai” (January – February); The Lord and Devi are taken as a procession to the “Poosa Mandapam” on banks of river “Cooleron” for “Theerthawari” [Cooleron is a river branched from river Cauvery at Mukkombu just few kilometers West of Srirangam-Thiruvanaikoil island and again merges and splits at “Grand anaicut” (Kallannai)]. Thai Poosam is the only day when the Lord and Devi leave away from 5th Praharam.

Vasantha Urchavam:-


Vasantha Urchavam (Autumn festival) is celebrated for 10 Days in the month of 'Vaikasi' (May - June).

Navarathri:-


Navarathri is celebrated for 10 days in the month 'Purattasi'.

Thai Theppam:-


Theppa Urchavam (Float Festival) is celebrated for 12 days in the month of 'Thai' (January-February).

Pidari Amman festival:-


'Pidari' Amman Thiruvizha is celebrated for 7 days in the month of 'Maasi' (February-March).
Panguni Ther (Car Festival).

Monday 25 November 2013

Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple in Indalur, Mayiladuthurai

Parmila Rangan Perumal Temple:-


Parmila Rangan Perumal Temple is a Pancha Ranga Kshetram. With Adhiseshan on top, Lord Parimala Rangan can be seen in a grand sleeping posture with 4 hands, Goddess Cauvery by the side of his head, to his right and Goddess Ganga by the side of his leg.

Argument between Thiru Mangai Azhvaar and Lord Parimala Rangan:-

The story goes that Lord Parimala Rangan shut the door on ThiruMangai Azhvaar, who had come for his darshan, reasoning that he was late. Upset at this, ThiruMangai Azhvaar gets into an argument with Lord Parimala Ranganathar.

When a friend keeps a thing that we want and does not want to share with us, we typically say ‘ keep it to yourself’ in jest. Similarly, here, with the Lord not allowing Thirumangai Azhvaar an entry into the temple, the Azhvaar asked Parimala Rangan to keep all his beauty to himself and to enjoy it on his own.

ThiruMangai Azhvaar goes on to argue that the world will talk about the Lord in bad light as he shut the door on the Azhvaar. The Lord ignores this comment of the Azhvaar saying that he need not worry about it and that he will take care of any ill feelings.

Despite repeated attempts to impress the Lord to allow him an entry, Parimala Rangan maintains his silence. A dejected and frustratedThiru Mangai Azhvaar decided that he would leave the place as the Lord was stubborn at not allowing Darshan to the Azhvaar.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Paasuram(1331) says ‘Vaasi Valleer Indhalureer Vazhnthey Pomneerey….’ to mean that ‘ I am leaving, you yourself live here and enjoy life’.

Sensing that Thiru Mangai Azhvaar may leave the place without praising him enough, Lord Parimala Rangan tries to prolong the argument and asks him to sing praise of him. Thiru Mangai Azhvaar replies saying “How can I shower praise on you when you do not allow me to see you”. Lord Parimala Ranga says “ You who have sung praises of other Lords, sitting in your place, do sing praise of me too so I can listen to your sweet songs.” ThiruMangai Azhvaar finally falls for it and composes 10 Paasurams.


Indhu means moon. As perumal received Chandra (Moon) from his curse, this place is known as Indhaloor. Lord Narayana gave dharsan as Vennchudar perumal in the standing posture to the Moon god in Thalaisangaadu. But here at this place he is in Veera Sayanam posture.There he was full of light being as Vyomajyothi piran. But here he is full of fragrance (Parimalam) and hence he is called as Parimala Rangan. He has 4 hands here. River Cauvery is under his feet here. As he promised river Cauvery to increase here status, he made her as his bed at Srirangam, took her as his mother at Thirucherai and here at Thiru Indhaloor, he has taken river Cauvery above his head. Thus gave her the status of river Ganges who is on the head of Lord Shiva.
As the perumal of this place, converted the position of river Cauvery and Lord Chandra into a pious state, Thirumangaialwar calls him as a Brahmin. The vedas were created to instruct rules for human beings to lead a happy life. The Surya and Chandra revolve around the world to give prisperity (like wheels ie Chakra). Hence the vimaana of this place is called as Veda Chakra Vimaanam. Sri Rangam is known as Aadhi Arangam (first) while Thirukudanthai is Madhiya Arangam (Middle) and Thiru Indhaloor is known as Andiya Arangam (Last).

Temple History:-

Being one among the celebrated Divya Desas, the temple with its five tier Rajagopuram is built on a land area measuring 350 feet in length and 230 feet in breadth. Planet Moon got relieved of his curse here after a bath in the sacred spring. Chandra-Moon worships the face of the Lord, Sun the feet and Lord Brahmma the naval. Mother Cauvery worships Perumal on His head side while Mother Ganga His feet. Yama and Ambarishan also worship the Lord at His feet. Mother Cauvery has greater importance in this place than Mother Ganga.

Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple (Thiruindhalur), Mayiladuthurai - Divya Desam 23
The history of the temple speaks the greatness of Ekadasi Vrata-fasting, that is the devotee committed to this prayer should spend the whole day only with thoughts of Lord without consuming even a drop of water. King Ambarishan was following this practice meticulously. The devotee should take food only the next day-Dwadasi the 12th day of New Moon or Full moon at an auspicious time. And that was the 100th Ekadasi-Dwadasi for king Ambarisha. People of his country and those in the palace were happy that their king will be completing a century and there were necessary arrangements for the celebrations.

But, people in the celestial world were unhappy because, Ambarishan may be elevated to their status if his 100th fasting went successfully. They did not want to lose their position for a human. They approached Sage Durvasa to undo his fasting and help retaining their positions. The sage, noted for his temperament assured the Devas to help them and came down to earth. By then, the king had finished the Ekadasi fasting. The fasting would become complete only if he took his food before the prescribed time the next day-Dwadasi. If the time ends, the fruits of the fasting also would be lost. The king did not know that the sage had come with an evil plan.

Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple (Thiruindhalur), Mayiladuthurai - Divya Desam 23
The king was about to take his food when Sage Durvasa entered his palace. The king was doubly glad to have a guest in Sage Durvasa and requested him to accept his hospitality-dining with him. The sage cunningly told him that he accepted his invitation and would be back to be with him for the lunch after a bath in the river. His plan was to fail the king. The time was fast nearing.

The king was afraid of the curse of the sage if he ate without him. He consulted the pandits in his court. The chief pandit said that if he simply consumes of few drops of water, he would complete the fasting in order. King did this and was waiting for the sage to have the full food.

Knowing this through his powers, Durvasa created a ghost to kill the king. When the ghost began chasing him, Ambarisha sought asylum at Lord’s feet. Perumal looked at the ghost angrily. The ghost began to retreat and disappeared. Realizing the devotion of the king and the power of his fasting, sage Durvasa sought the pardon of the Lord. The sage was pardoned.

When asked by the Lord of his wish after completing 100 Ekadasi fastings, king Ambarisha begged the Lord that He should stay at this place and bless the devotees. Pleased with the king’s request, Lord Vishnu-Perumal is blessing His devotees from this temple as Parimala Ranganathar.

Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple (Thiruindhalur), Mayiladuthurai - Divya Desam 23
Another story goes that Chandran (Moon God) fell in love with his preceptor Brihaspati’s wife Tara and eloped with her, in the absence of his Guru. When Brihaspati found his wife missing, he sought the help of Brahmma who asked Tara to return to her husband.

Later, when Tara’s pregnancy came to light, a furious Brihaspati cursed Chandra to deformity saying that the biggest sin of life is to caste one’s eyes on another’s spouse and that Chandran would have to undergo the full severity of the curse for having cast his eyes wrongfully on another's wife.

Another story goes that Dakshan was so taken in by Chandran’s handsome features that he decided to make him the suitor for his 27daughters. However, Chandran was interested only in one of the daughters, Rohini and mockingly ignored the others.

Dakshan found that the handsome looks had made Chandran too arrogant and cursed him to immediately lose his youth and his strong luring features.

Repenting for wrongly casting his eye on another man’s wife, Chandran requested Brihaspati to provide him an opportunity for performing parikara that could help him cleanse his grave sins.

3Phased Parikara: As part of the 3 fold parikara, Chandra undertook penance here at Thiru Indhalur after bathing at the sacred Theertham, invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Answering his prayers, Lord appeared before him and agreed to liberate him from part of the sins.

(The story goes that Chandran went to Thalai Changa Naan Mathiyam, another Divya Desam about 15 East of Thiru Indhalur, where he was fully liberated from his curse and dosham).

Pleased with being partly liberated from his curse, Chandran (another name of Chandran is Indhu) requested that this place be called Indhalur in his memory.

As the temple is noted for its Ekadasi importance, it is suggested that those desirous of undertaking the fasting, may start the practice from this temple.

Temple:-

From the birth of holy river Cauvery to its end, there are five Ranganathars (Pancharangams) on its bank and this temple is one of them; the other four being Srirangapatnam (Karnataka), Srirangam, Koyiladi (Anbil, near Trichy) and Kumbhakonam.
While Srirangam is known as Aadhi Arangam, Kumbakonam as Madhya Arangam, this kshetram is known as Andhiya Arangam.
The moolavar Parimala Ranganathar, an imposing 12 feet long sculpture of green stone, is in a reclining posture with four hands.
The Dwajasthamba mantapam and the Garuda mantapam have exquisitely carved pillars and images of Dasa avatarams. There are sannidhis for Santhana Gopalan, Yoga Narasimhar, Ramar, Anjaneyar, Surya and Chandran.
Worship to Santhana Gopalan in this temple will bless the couple to beget children.

Theertham:-

 Indu (Chandra) pushkarini

Vimanam:-

 Vedachakra Vimanam.

Main Deity:-


 Parimala Ranganathar, Sleeping Posture, East Facing.

Utsavar:-

 Maruviniya Mainthan(also called Sugantha Vana Nathan).

Goddess:-

 Parimala Ranganayaki- Sugantha Naayaki(Separate Sannidhi).

Mangalasaasanam:-

 Thirumangai Azhvaar – 10 Paasurams.

Name Indhalur:-

Chandran (The Moon God) undertook penance here and was liberated, from his curse, by the Lord here. Chandran (another name of Chandran is Indhu) requested that this place be called Indhalur in his memory.

River Cauvery:-

The Lord promised river Cauvery after her prayers and penance to improve here status. He made her as his bed at Srirangam, took her as his mother at Thirucherai and here at Thiru Indhaloor, he has taken river Cauvery above his head. Thus River Cauvery attained the status similar to that of river Ganges who is on the head of Lord Shiva.

Thirumangai alwar called him as a Brahmin, in his hymn as the Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal of this temple, converted the position of river Cauvery and Lord Chandra into a pious state. Sri Rangam is known as Aadhi Arangam (first) while Thirukudanthai is Madhiya Arangam (Middle) and Thiru Indhaloor is known as Andiya Arangam (Last).

Reputation:-

Belonging to the 108 Divyadesa temples, this is one with a five-tier tower measuring 350 feet long and 230 feet wide. The Chandra Pushkarani spring is in front of the temple. Planet Moon had a dip in the spring and got relieved of his curse. Chandra the moon worships the face of the Lord; Sun the feet and the naval Brahma. Cauvery worships the head; Ganga, King Ambarisha and Yama the lord of death worship the feet of the Lord here. Cauvery is considered more holy in this place than Ganga.

Temple Timings:-

06:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 05:00 p.m. and 08:30 p.m.

Festivals:-

The Lord comes in procession on the Tamil New Year day, almost falling on April 14 of each year. During the month of Adi (July-August) Adi Pooram is celebrated for 10 days. In Avani month (August-September) a five day celebration is observed for Lord Kannan. Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Thula Brahmmotsavam in Ipasi (October-November), 20 days Vaikunda Ekadasi in Margazhi (December-January) Sankranti or Pongal in Thai (January-February), Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April) are the important festivals in the temple. The daily Puja time is 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Month Long Festival in Aipasi:-

It is believed that a bath in the Cauvery here during Aipasi is said to be more sacred than bathing at the Ganges. During this month, the temple attracts devotees from across the country.

It is believed that King Ambarish built this temple. There are several beautiful sculptures inside this temple.

Temples in & around Mayiladuthurai :-

Mayooranathar Temple:–

The Mayooranathar Temple, also called the ‘big temple’ is a temple dedicated to Shiva where Thevaram is recited.

Vallalar Temple:–

Vallalar Temple in the northern bank of river Cauvery is a famous Shiva temple known for its Guru shrine.

Ayyarapper Temple:–

Ayyarapper Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the center of the city. Thula Festival is famous in this temple and it is celebrated in the month of October.

Navagraha temples are situated around this town. There are many famous temples in Mayiladuthurai’s vicinity, most important amongst which is Vaitheeswarankoil. The temple complex is known to house many astrologers employing a method of fortune telling called Nadi Jyothidam. The town also has a Medhaa Dakshinamurthi temple. Other temples of importance include the Sukran Temple and a temple in Tirukkadavur is dedicated to Lord Amirthakadeswarar and Goddess Abirami.

Senthangudi Durga Temple:– 

Durga Temple is also famous and is 2 km from Mayiladuthurai.

Tirupambupuram Temple:–

Tirupambupuram is a very ancient Shiva temple. It is known as Dakshina Kalahasti. It is located near peralam (7 km west).

Thirumanancheri Temple:– 

Thirumanancheri Temple is very famous very near from mayiladuthurai.

Kannagi Temple:–

The Kannagi Temple is in Melaiyur which is located around 24 km from Mayiladuthurai.  Poompuhar is 4 km from Melaiyur.

Punugiswarar Temple:–

The Punugiswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva & consort santha nayaki.Situated at koranad.Workshipped by civet cat.

‘Sri Vanamutti Perumal,Kozhikuthy(located 5 kms outside the town in Kumbakonam Road) near Mayavaram,is a Unique Temple,having its main God Lord Srinivasa Perumal(Fondly “Vaanam-mutti” Perumal-since He kept on Growing) standing for 16 ft. Bold textheight.The most special Feature is that the entire Idol Is carved out of Single Fig Tree with its real roots going underneathItalic text even today.Over the Wood the idol is marvellously coated With Ajanta Paintings which is attractive even today though the Temple is built during Chola Period around 1500 yrs ago.The Temple is a rich source of Architectural Excellence as well as the home of Divine Lord.