Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – The Temple

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – The Temple

This temple is facing towards west with an entrance arch on the southern side. The entrance arch has stucco images of Linga being worshipped by Rahu & Ketu flanked by Peedathipathis of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt. Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mukha Mandapam. Sub Shrines of Vinayaga and Murgan can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum.

Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar / Merku Kailasanathar / West Kailasanathar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam with sixteen stripes (Shodasa Lingam). Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location.

The shrines of Vadakku (North) Kailasanathar and Therku (South) Kailasanathar can be seen on the left and right side of the sanctum respectively. Both the shrines are facing towards east. Both the shrines house a Shiva Linga with 8 stripes. There are shrines for Saneeswarar, Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar and Nalvar in the temple premises.

Theertham associated with this temple is Raahu Ketu Theertham. It is situated to the north of the temple. Two wells can be seen inside this Theertham. Shrines of Kulakarai Vinayagar, Raahu and Ketu can be seen at the banks of the Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Arasa Maram (Peepul tree). Large number of Naga Idols can be seen below the Sthala Vriksham.

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – Legends

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – Legends

As per legend, Devas and Asuras churned the milky ocean (Parkadal) to obtain Amirtha that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever. When the Amirtha emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the Amirtha only to the Devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed Amirtha.

Realizing this, Svarna Bhanu, one of the asuras, with the help of the Asura guru Sukracharya, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. The Sun God and the Moon God noticed him, and they informed Mohini, however, by that time Svarna Bhanu had already become immortal. Vishnu as Mohini cut off Svarna Bhanu's head with Sudarshan Chakra. He could not die but his head was separated from his body and his head came to be known as Rahu, while his body came to be known as Ketu.

Both of them came here, created a Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva for forgiveness. It is believed that Lord Shiva had restored them by giving snake body to Rahu and snake head to Ketu. Lord Shiva also blessed them and gave them a place among the nine planets. Hence, this temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Rahu Ketu.

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – Connectivity

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5.5 Kms from Kanchipuram Bus Stand, 6.5 Kms from Kanchipuram East Railway Station and 7 Kms from Kanchipuram Railway Station. This temple is situated on Kanchipuram to Vandavasi route close to Sevilimedu Narasimha Perumal Temple. Kanchipuram is located at about 18 Kms from Walajabad, 31 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 40 Kms from Chengalpattu, 60 Kms from Chennai Airport, 67 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 72 Kms from Chennai.

By Road:

Kanchipuram is most easily accessible by road. The Chennai – Bangalore National Highway, NH 4 passes the outskirts of the city. Daily bus services are provided by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Villupuram, Salem, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Tindivanam and Pondicherry. There are two major bus routes to Chennai, one connecting via Poonamallee and the other via Tambaram.

The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu. Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an air-conditioned bus service numbered Z576 from 5.00 AM to 6.00 PM, which departs from the T-Nagar bus terminal every hour. Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

By Train:

The city is also connected to the railway network through the Kanchipuram railway station. The Chengalpattu – Arakkonam railway line passes through Kanchipuram and travellers can access services to those destinations. Daily trains are provided to Pondicherry and Tirupati, and there is a weekly express train to Madurai and a bi-weekly express train to Nagercoil. Two passenger trains from both sides of Chengalpattu and Arakkonam pass via Kanchipuram.

By Air:

Nearest domestic as well as international airport is Chennai International Airport.

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu, Kanchipuram

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu, Kanchipuram

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sevilimedu village near Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram Taluk in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. This temple is also called as Merku Kailasanathar Temple / West Kailasanathar Temple. The place was called as Shiva Linga Medu in ancient times and got corrupted to Sevilimedu to the present day.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/06/erikarai-kailasanathar-temple-sevilimedu-legends.html

History

The temple is believed to be around 1000 years old built by Pallavas. The temple was completely lost due to nature’s fury. The area was covered under bush and Lingam got buried in the earth. Locals in 20^th century found the Lingam and built this temple under the guidance of Kanchi Maha Periyava of Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam. The temple was consecrated by Maha Periyava in 1989.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/06/erikarai-kailasanathar-temple-sevilimedu-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 09.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Religious Significance

Sevilimedu has 4 Shiva Lingas namely West (Merku) Kailasanathar, East (Kizhakku) Kailasanathar, North (Vadakku) Kailasanathar and South (Therku) Kailasanathar. Out of these three Shiva Lingas, three of them namely West (Merku) Kailasanathar, North (Vadakku) Kailasanathar and South (Therku) Kailasanathar are housed in Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple. The remaining Lingam namely East Kailasanathar is housed in a separate temple called Kizhakku Kailasanathar temple, situated in the midst of the Village.

Prayers

This temple is considered as Rahu Ketu Parihara Sthalam. Devotees worship here for relief from Pitru Dosha, & Kalathira Dosha, child boon, relief from diseases and relief from family problems.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/06/erikarai-kailasanathar-temple-sevilimedu-connectivity.html

Location | Photos

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Third Prakaram

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Third Prakaram

This prakaram is the outermost prakaram of this Temple. It is also called as Alwar Pradakshinam.

Chakrathazhwar Shrine:

There is a shrine of Chakrathazhwar on the eastern side of the temple tank. The shrine is believed to have been built during the reign of Kulothunga Chola III in 1191 CE by Ilavazhagan Kalingarayan of Nettur as per the inscriptions in the temple. The later additions are presumably made by Vijayanagara Kingdom during the 13^th or early part of 14^th century. The kings also added pillared columns in the leading hall sculpted with figures from Ramayana and various forms of Lord Vishnu.

This shrine houses an image of Chakrathazhwar (Sudarsana) with 16 hands holding conch and discus with Narasimha on the back side. There are two entrances to the shrine as the two images are considered to be separate. There festival image of the temple has seven different images of Sudarshana depicted within the same Chakra.

100 pillared Hall:

There is a 100 pillared hall (Nuttrukkal Mandapa) immediately after the Rajagopuram. The pillars of this mandapa are adorned with sculptures depicting Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture. Stone chains sculpted in a single stone adorn the hundred pillared halls are the best examples of architectural prowess of Vijayanagara sculptors.

Athi Varadar:

Lord Varadaraja Perumal made of Athi tree is said to have been damaged during the Muslim invasion. As a damaged deity could not be worshipped, it was immersed in the temple tank. The current presiding deity is made of granite and was brought from Pazhaya Seevaram at about 20 Kms from Kanchipuram. There are two long Mandapas under the tank north of the 100 pillared Mandapam in the temple where this image of Athi Varadan is preserved in a silver casket.

Athi Varadan is taken out once in 40 years and placed outside for public worship for a period of 48 days after which it is immersed in the water and stored for the next 40 years. This event took place last in 2019. It is believed that there is a heavy downpour after the idol is immersed to fill the tank.

Other Shrines:

There are shrines for Ranganatha, Nammalvar, Manavala Mamunigal, Ramanuja, Vedanta Desikar, Azhwars and Acharyas in the outer prakaram.

Nandavanam:

The temple garden, Nandavanam, is situated in the outer prakaram.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Second Prakaram

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Second Prakaram

The second prakaram is called as Yamunai Thuraivar Thirumutram. It is also called as Madaipalli Pradakshinam as the temple’s kitchen is situated in this corridor. The entrance leads to the outer prakaram is known as Thondaradi Podi.  

Perundevi Thayar Shrine:

Mother is called as Perundevi Thayar. Her shrine is situated in the second prakaram. She is housed in her shrine in sitting posture. Her idol is about 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. The Vimana over her shrine is called as Kalyana Koti Vimana. It is customary for devotess to visit her shrine first before visiting the sanctum.

Krishna Shrine:

There is a shrine for Lord Krishna situated next to Perundevi Shrine in this prakaram.

Thulabharam Mandapas:

There are four small pillared halls identical in structure called Thulabharam Mandapas built during the 1532 CE for a ceremony of Achyuta Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Mirror Room:

The Mirror room where Lord Perumal gives darshan during festival seasons is situated in this prakaram.

Other Shrines:

Shrines of Lord Rama Ananthalwar and Karu Manikka Varadar are situated in this prakaram.

Other Mandapas & Facilities:

Yajna Sala, Madapalli, Abhisheka Mandapam, Mandapas for housing mounts (Vahanas), and thousand pillared Mandapam are situated in this prakaram.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – First Prakaram

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – First Prakaram

The first prakaram is situated on the Hasthigiri hill. It houses the sanctum and the two co-axial walled mandapams. This prakaram is also called as Thiru Malai Pradakshinam / Senaiyar Kon Thirumutram.

Sanctum:

The Sanctum is situated on the top of a 10 metre tall small hillock called Athigiri (Hasthigiri). The Hastagiri is about 360 m (1,180 ft) long by 240 metres (790 ft). It can be accessed through flight of 24 steps. The 24 steps represent the number of letters of Gayatri Maha Mantra. The hillock is encircled with double-storied, covered verandas with a terrace which takes the form of a beautiful courtyard around the shrine.

Presiding Deity is called as Varadaraja Perumal / Perarulaalan / Athigiri Arulala Perumal Kari Varadar / Giri Varadar / Devathiraja Perumal / Deva Raja Perumal and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in standing posture with four arms (Chatur Bhuja). He is about 10 feet (3.0 m) tall and made of granite. The idol of Varadaraja Perumal is believed to be the second largest idol and the largest idol being Tirupati Balaji idol.

Sun’s rays fall directly on Lord Varadaraja Perumal at the time of dusk on the 15^th day after Chitra Purnima (full moon day in Chithirai). During winter, Lord Varadaraja Perumal wears a sweater to protect him from cold. Sacred bath for the Lord during this period takes place with hot water / milk. There is a belief that Lord Brahma comes here once a year on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) around mid-night, for a darshan of Varadarajan.

On this day, it is the practice for the priests to place food inside the sanctum and to wait outside for 24 minutes. At the end of this, the food is said to smell sweeter. The Vimana over the sanctum is called as Punya Koti Vimana. The Utsava Idol is housed in the glass mandapam. He is with fire wound scars on his face. It was told that the scars are due to the emergence of Perumal from the fire of Yagna performed by Lord Brahma. It has murals on the ceiling dating back to Vijayanagara period.

Narasimha Shrine:

There is a shrine for Lord Narasimha / Azhagiya Singar beneath the sanctum. It is said that the Narasimhar shrine is first shrine to be built in this complex. The origin of the mask of Narasimha is mysterious and believed to possess inexplicable powers. He is found along with Arithra Devi Thaayar. The Vimana over his shrine is called as Guha Vimana.

Lizard Carvings:

There are two beautifully carved lizard on the ceiling of the sanctum. One lizard is gilded with gold and another lizard is gilded with silver along with the figures of Sun and Moon. It was believed that Lord Indra installed after he was relieved from the curse of Goddess Saraswathi. Devotees touch these lizard figures; as per the belief, it will relieve them from their diseases and problems.

Malayala Nachiyar Shrine:

There is a shrine for Malayala Nachiyar beneath the sanctum in this prakaram. Malayala Nachiyar is considered as Kerala consort of Lord Varadaraja Perumal. It is said to have been built by Chera Kings in 14^th Century CE.

Dhanvandhri Shrine:

There is a shrine for Dhanvandhri, god of medicine, beneath the sanctum in this prakaram.

Other Shrines:

Shrines of Periya Thiruvadi (Garuda). Andal and Vishwaksena can be found at the entrance of the sanctum.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Religious Significance

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Religious Significance

Divya Desams:

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7^th – 9^th century Vaishnava canon. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Lord Varadaraja Perumal of this temple was praised by Thirumangai Alwar in 4 pasurams, by Bhoothath Alwar in 2 pasurams and by Peyalvar in one Pasuram.

Sapta Puri:

Kanchipuram to regarded as one of the seven holiest cities in India, the Sapta Puri, that can bestow salvation (Moksha) as per Garuda Purana. The other cities are Ayodhya, Madura, Haridwar, Kasi, Ujjain and Dwaraka.

Holiest among the Vaishnava Temples:

Among Divya Desams (most prominent Vaishnava Temples), Koil (Temple) means Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Thirumalai (Hill) means Tirupati Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Thiruvengadam) and Perumal Koil (Vishnu Temple) means Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple. 

Mumurtivasam:

This Temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram are popularly called as Mumurtivasam (abode of trio).

Umbrella:

The temple is famous for its huge umbrella used during festive occasions.

Vadabathira Kali Amman Temple, Sannapuram, Thanjavur

Vadabathira Kali Amman Temple, Sannapuram, Thanjavur

Vadabathira Kali Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali located in Sannapuram Village near Kumbakonam Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. It is believed that Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I worshipped Sannapuram Vadabathira Kali regularly during his life time.

Legends

Emperor Rajaraja Chola I used to visit the places in his kingdom in night times in disguise to check the welfare of his subjects. When he used to visit Thirubhuvanam, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Thirunageswaram and Aduthurai areas, his family deity Vadabathira Kali guided him in his visit. He realised it in many times and worshipped her. Sometimes, She used to fly in front of him in the form of parrot.

Rajaraja Chola I was eager to have darshan of Kali in her original form instead of parrot. One day, when he was taking rest under a tree, the parrot appeared before him. The parrot started talking to him and said that she was living in Sannapuravanam where the sound emanated from rice pounder and plunger will not be heard. She further said before starting any work, worship her to have success in all endeavours.

The parrot flew away after talking to emperor. Next day, Emperor embarked to Sannapuravanam along with his entourage. He found the idol of the Vadabathira Kali amidst the forest. He worshipped her and left to the palace. During his stay in Pazhayarai, he never started any works nor went to war without worshipping her.

The Temple

This is a small east facing temple. She looks ferocious with protruding tongue. She is having 16 hands holding various weapons. A demon can be seen at her foot. She was tormenting the demon with her Trisula. There is another idol of Vadabathira Kali on the left side of the sanctum. Varahi Amman can be seen under the Peepal Tree.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 12.00 Noon to 02.00 PM in all days except Friday. On Fridays, the temple remains open from 01.00 PM to 09.00 PM.

Festivals

Aadi Fridays are celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 2.5 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thirunageswaram, 4 Kms from Thirubuvanam, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam, 9 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 50 Kms from Thanjavur and 104 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thiruvidaimarudur – Thirunageswaram – Nachiyar Koil Route. Mini Buses are available from Kumbakonam. Auto facilities are available from Thirunageswaram.

Location

Kampaheswarar Temple, Thirubuvanam – The Temple

Kampaheswarar Temple, Thirubuvanam – The Temple

The temple is facing towards east with 7-tiered Rajagopuram and has two prakarams. The Temple covers an area of about 5.5 acres. Kambatthadi Vinayagar, Dwajastambam, Balipeedam and Nandhi can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram. There is a three-tiered Gopuram at the entrance of the inner prakaram. Adhikara Nandhi is situated on the left side of this entrance. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala, Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam and Somaskandar Mandapam.

The Sanctum Sanctorum is built over a raised platform similar to Mada Kovil style. The Sanctum is square on plan. Presiding Deity is called as Kampaheswarar / Kampahareswarar / Nadukkam Theertha Nayagan / Thirubhuvana Eswarar / Thirubhuvana Mahadevar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Murthy. Bikshadana, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.

The Vimana is about 126 feet high with 7 tiers. An unusual feature of the temple is that the vimana is extremely high unlike other South Indian temples. The architecture of the temple is similar to the Big Temple at Thanjavur, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram and Gangai Konda Chola Puram temples. The distinct features of all the temples is the vimana, the structure over the sanctum, being taller than the gateway tower, which is an unusual feature in south Indian temples.

Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini / Aram Valartha Nayaki. She is housed in an east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. Mother graces the devotees with Abhaya Mudra ensuring protection with one hand and holding lotus flower and Akshamala in other hands in a standing posture.  The peeta (dais) is called Odyanapeeta and Padma Peeta. 

There is a separate shrine for Sarabeswarar, a fusion of man, eagle and lion, in the temple premises. This Shrine is situated opposite to Mother shrine. He is facing towards south. Utsava (metallic) idol, Sarabeswarar is situated in this shrine. Sarabeswarar will normally be seen only in pillars in all the temples. This is the only place where he is having a big and exclusive shrine. This Shrine is considered as Adhi (first) Sarabeswarar Shrine.

Sarabeswarar is seen with his consorts Soolini and Prathiyangara. He is about 7 feet tall. The deity is believed to have relieved the devas (celestial beings) from the fury of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha after he slayed Hiranyakasipu. He is seen with three legs, with body and face of a lion and a tail. It has four human arms, the right upper hand holds axe, noose is held in the lower right hand, the deer in the upper left hand and fire in the lower left hand.

Narasimha is shown with eight arms, flaying and struggling under the feet of Sarabeswarar. The shrine has sculptures of Sridevi and Bhudevi, the consorts of Vishnu. Dwarapalakis can be found at the entrance of this shrine. He gives relief from bad evils, fear, court cases, debts and other difficulties. Sunday Ragu kalam (4:30 to 6 PM) is the best time to worship him.

There are shrines for Sapta Matrikas, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Nataraja, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar and Navagrahas in the temple premises. Few loose sculptures can be found in the temple premises. There are sculptures of different Bharatanatyam poses in the southern side of the Somaskandar mandapam.

Yali, a mythical creature with the face of a lion, which is otherwise considered a symbol of Nayak architecture has its earliest representation in Chola art in the temple. There are numerous paintings and sculptures in the temple depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. There are about nine Theerthams associated with this Temple. The most prominent among them is Saraba Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa tree.