Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Halepuram, Dharmapuri

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Halepuram, Dharmapuri

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Halepuram Village in Pennagaram Taluk in Dharmapuri District of Tamil Nadu. It is said that Dharmapuri Sheshachari wrote the Narasimha Satakam. a collection of poems on the Lord of this temple.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Brahma installed the idol of Narasimha at this place after completing his Yagna in Hogenakkal.

History

The Temple is believed to be built in 15^th century CE. There is an inscriptional slab dated to 1534 CE during the reign of Vijayanagara King Achyuta Deva Raya.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of sanctum, antrala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum enshrines an eight-armed Ugra Narasimha. He is depicted annihilating the demon Hiranyakasipu and is about three feet tall. He is depicted holding with the head of demon in one hand & another hand holds the leg and his other two hands tore his stomach & take his intestine and wear it like a garland.

His other hands hold Shanka & Chakra and showing varada and hastha posture. Prahalada can be found near him in standing posture. Shrines of  Lord Rama with his consort Sita & his brother Lakshmana and Hanuman can be seen in the maha mandapam. There is a Swarga Vaasal in this temple, opened once in a year. There is a shrine for Kala Bhairava at the entrance of the temple.

Festivals

Narasimha Jayanti and Vaikunda Ekadasi are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Contact

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple,

Halepuram, Pennagaram Taluk,

Dharmapuri District – 636 701

Mobile: +91 99429 60352

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Pennagaram, 4 Kms from Pennagaram Bus Stand, 16 Kms from Hogenakkal, 37 Kms from Dharmapuri, 37 Kms from Dharmapuri Railway Station, 44 Kms from Mecheri, 74 Kms from Salem, 99 Kms from Hosur, 138 Kms from Bengaluru and 169 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The Temple is situated on Dharmapuri to Hogenakkal route. Share Autos and Buses are available from Pennagaram to reach this temple.

Location

Chozheeswarar Temple, Sirupakkam, Cuddalore

Chozheeswarar Temple, Sirupakkam, Cuddalore

Chozheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sirupakkam Village in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chozheeswarar and Mother is called as Kamalambigai. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old and belonged to Chola Period.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east, but the entrance arch is facing towards west. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be seen facing the sanctum. Nandi is facing the sanctum through window. The entrance to the sanctum is from southern side. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Chozheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum wall. Mother is called as Kamalambigai. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. Her shrine consists of Sanctum and Artha Mandapam.

Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen facing her shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan and Chandran in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa tree. There is a stucco image of Lord Shiva can be seen below the Vilwa tree. An inscription dated to 1128 CE belonged to Vikrama Chola can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 200 metres from Sirupakkam Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Veppur, 21 Kms from Thozhuthur, 23 Kms from Chinna Salem Railway Station, 28 Kms from Thittagudi, 39 Kms from Virudhachalam and 108 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Salem route.

Location

Thirukaram Thondreeswarar Temple, Kattumayilur, Cuddalore

Thirukaram Thondreeswarar Temple, Kattumayilur, Cuddalore

Thirukaram Thondreeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kattumayilur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thirukaram Thondreeswarar and Mother is called as Thirupurasundari. The Temple is believed to be built by Cholas.

Legends

As per legend, Sage Bharatama wanted Mother Parvathi to be born as his daughter. He performed severe penance to achieve his wish. Mother Parvathi was born to him as he wished. She grew and attained marriageable age. Once, she made a Shiva Lingam out of sand in the banks of the River and stared worshipping daily. One day, a hand raised from the sand Linga and held Mother Parvathi hand for marriage. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Karam Thondreeswarar.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Vinayaga and Murugan. The Temple covers an area of about 2 acres. Nandi housed in a Mandapam and Balipeedam can be found in front of the entrance arch, outside the temple premises. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance facing the sanctum.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Stucco Dvarapalas can be seen at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Thirukaram Thondreeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Mother is called as Thirupurasundari. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the left side of the sanctum. There is a 100 years old Vanni tree on the left side immediately after the entrance. Two Vinayagars and Naga Idols can be seen beneath this tree. There are shrines for Selva Vinayagar, Annamalaiyar, Vishnu, Navagrahas and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Seppakkam, 8 Kms from Veppur, 12 Kms from Koothakudi Railway Station, 22 Kms from Thittagudi, 25 Kms from Ulundurpet, 27 Kms from Virudhachalam and 109 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Veppur to Ulundurpet route.

Location

Chidambareswarar Temple, Thachur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple, Thachur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thachur Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. The Temple is situated on the eastern banks of Thachur Lake.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The path to the temple is encroached by miscreants. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. The Temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Ezhuthur, 5 Kms from Thozhuthur, 5.5 Kms from Thozhuthur Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Veppur, 20 Kms from Thittagudi, 34 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station and 92 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated at about 3 Kms from Ezhuthur off Thozhuthur to Veppur route.

Location

Thatha Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi, Virudhachalam, Cuddalore

Thatha Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi, Virudhachalam, Cuddalore

Thatha Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi is a Hindu burial shrine dedicated to Thatha Swamigal located in Virudhachalam Town in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. This Jeeva Samadhi Temple houses Jeeva Samadhis Thatha Swamigal, Nirvana Muthukumara Swamigal and Sivapalani Gnani Swamigal. The temple is situated on the southern banks of Manimutharu River opposite to the District court.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Virudhachalam Town Railway Station, 2 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 3.5 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 19 Kms from Neyveli, 31 Kms from Sethiyathope, 46 Kms from Chidambaram, 63 Kms from Cuddalore and 206 Kms from Chennai Airport. Virudhachalam is situated on Cuddalore to Salem highway. Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station is situated on Chennai - Madurai Line.

Location

Viswanathar Temple, Pinjanur, Cuddalore

Viswanathar Temple, Pinjanur, Cuddalore

Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pinjanur in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Viswanathar and Mother is called as Visalakshi. The Temple is situated on the northern banks of Manimuktha river.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east surrounded by wall made by remaining blocks of stones from the existing grand temple. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Viswanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Sanctum is of granite construction.

Mother is called as Visalakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Dakshinamoorthy, Vinayaga and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena in the temple premises at the back of the sanctum. There is a dilapidated idol of Jyeshta Devi in the temple premises. The presence of this idol shows the antiquity of this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Koothakudi Railway Station, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 18 Kms from Ulundurpet, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 78 Kms from Cuddalore and 202 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Mangalampettai to Elangiyanur Route via Idaichittur.

Location

Kailasanathar Temple, Siruvarappur, Cuddalore

Kailasanathar Temple, Siruvarappur, Cuddalore

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Siruvarappur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Parvathy. The temple is situated on the banks of Manimutharu River.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Lord Shiva, Mother Parvathy, Murugan, Vinayaga, Nandi and Narada. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing east.

He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Parvathy. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Srimushnam, 14 Kms from Sethiyathope, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 24 Kms from Neyveli, 32 Kms from Chidambaram, 61 Kms from Cuddalore and 144 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Chidambaram route.

Location

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukkuvalai – The Temple

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukkuvalai – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with five tiered rajagopuram. There is a second level three tiered gopuram at the entrance of the inner prakaram. A mandapam connects the rajagopuram with the second level gopuram. Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be seen immediately after the rajagopuram in this mandapam, facing towards the sanctum. Vasantha Mandapam can be seen immediately after the rajagopuram on the right side.

The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Brahmapureeswarar / Kolilinathar / Kolili Natheswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The Lingam is said to have made of white sand and always covered with Kuvalai. Thaila Kappu is applied to the Lingam only on every Amavasya (new moon days).

Nardana Ganapathy, Dakshinamoorthy, Bikshadana, Nataraja, Vishnu, Uma Maheswarar, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. The vimana over the sanctum is of single tier and follows vesara style. Mother is called as Vandamar Poonguzhali / Brihannayaki. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is like a separate temple.

Thyagaraja Shrine is situated on the right side of the sanctum. The sanctum and Thyagaraja shrine shares the maha mandapam. This shrine is considered as one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams. Thyagaraja of this shrine is called as Avani Vidangar / Oozhiparan. The dance form associated with the Thyagaraja is  Birunga Nadanam / Vandu Nadanam. The Abhishekam is performed every day at 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM. 

Agastheeswarar Shrine is situated between the sanctum and Mother shrine. It is said that the Linga was worshipped by Sage Agastya. This shrine consists of sanctum and ardha mandapam. There is a shrine for Shivaloga Vinayagar on the south western corner of the inner prakaram. Navagrahas can be seen standing in the same row facing towards south in the Navagrahas shrine. It is unusual to see Navagrahas in this arrangement.

Shrines & Idols of Sundarar with his wife Paravai Nachiyar, Nataraja, Sundara Vadivelan, Thyaga Vinayagar, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Indrapureeswarar, Chokkalingam, Annamalayar, Naalvar, Mahalakshmi, Chandran and Suryan can be seen in the inner prakaram. Vahana Mandapam is situated in the inner prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is Thetra Maram (Clearing Nut Tree).

Theertham associated with this temple is Brahma Theertham, Chandra Nadhi, Indra Theertham, Agastya Theertham and Sakthi Theertham. Brahma Theertham is situated in front of the temple. Chandra Nadhi is flowing near to the temple. Indra Theertham is situated on the southern side of the temple and Agastya Theertham is situated on the western side. Sakthi Theertham is situated in the Parvati shrine in the form of well.