Hari Muktheeswarar Temple, Ariyamangai, Thanjavur

Hari Muktheeswarar Temple, Ariyamangai, Thanjavur

Hari Muktheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Ariyamangai in Papanasam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Hari Muktheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambika. The place is also called as Harimangai. This Temple is one of the 7 shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Madhas / Mangais) around Ayyampettai / Pasupathi Koil area in the Thanjavur – Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route. This Temple is associated with Mother Maheswari.

Legends

Ganga Darshan:

In this temple, Mother Parvathi accompanied by Maheswari (Another Mother form which came out of Lord Shiva and She holds Trident and wears Chandran on her head), worshipped Shiva and had the Ganga Darshan. This happens every year on the second day of Navarathri (Dwithiyai).

Ariya Mangai:

Once Mahalakshmi came to this place, had bath in the Sathya Ganga Theertham (now called Hari Theertham), did severe penance to Shiva and was eating only the Arunellikai fruit. Her goal was to get a boon from Shiva that she should be always by the side of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva gave her the Boon. Since Hari Mangai refers to Mahalakshmi, this place came to be called Hari Mangai which over a period of time, became Ariya Mangai. 

Hari Muktheeswarar:

Since Lord Vishnu also worshipped this Lord, he is called Hari Muktheeswarar.  

Mother appeared as a young girl to Nadha Sharma Couple:

In this temple, the Mother appeared as a young girl of school going age to the Nadha Sharma couple. 

The Temple

The temple is very small and is situated in a slightly elevated place. Presiding Deity is called as Hari Muktheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambika. There is a separate shrine for Lord Varadaraja with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There are also shrines for Murugan and Vinayaga in the Temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Nelli (gooseberry) and the Theertham is Hari Theertham. The association with Lord Vishnu is confirmed by both the name of the Lord and the Theertham.  

Festivals

Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 08.30 p.m.

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/06/hari-muktheeswarar-temple-ariyamangai-religious-significance.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Manakkadu Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Kovilady Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mangudi Road Bus Stop, 1 Km from Ayyampet Railway Station, 10 Kms from Papanasam, 18 Kms from Thanjavur, 14 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 13 Kms from Thingalur, 11 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 24 Kms from Kumbakonam and 71 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road.

Location

Hari Muktheeswarar Temple, Ariyamangai – Religious Significance

Hari Muktheeswarar Temple, Ariyamangai – Religious Significance

Saptha Mangai Sthalams:

There are 7 shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Madhas / Mangais) around Ayyampettai / Pasupathi Koil area in the Thanjavur – Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route and the temples are:

1. Chakramangai (Abhirami),

2. Arimangai (Maheswari),

3. Soolamangai (Kaumari),

4. Nandimangai (Vaishnavi),

5. Pasumangai (Varahi).

6. Thazhamangai (Mahendri) and

7. Pullamangai (Chamundi)

Navarathri Worship:

As per Hindu Mythology, Mother Parasakthi visits these temples to have the dharshan of various parts of Lord Shiva during the nine Navarathri days:

Day 1:

On Day 1 of the Navaratri, the Universal Mother along with Sri Brahmi Devi offered worship at the Chakramangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Third Eye – Siva Netra Chakra Darshan.

Day 2:

On Day 2, She, along with Sri Maheswari Devi offered worship at Arimangai and got the darshan of the divine Ganga on Lord Shiva’s head – Siva Ganga Darshan.

Day 3:

On Day 3, She, along with Sri Kaumari Devi offered worship at Soolamangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Trident – Siva Trisula Darshan.

Day 4:

On Day 4, She, along with Sri Vaishnavi Devi offered worship at Nandimangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Leg Ornament – Siva Kazhal Darshan.

Day 5:

On Day 5, the Universal Mother along with Sri Varahi Devi and Mother Kamadenu, offered worship at Pasumangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Hand Drum – Siva Udukkai Darshan (Damaruka Darshan).

Day 6:

On Day 6, She, along with Sri Indrani Devi also known as Mahendri offered worship at Thazhamangai and got the darshan of the Crescent Moon on Lord Shiva’s Head Drum – Siva Pirai Chandra Darshan.

Day 7:

On Day 7, She, along with Sri Chamundi Devi offered worship at Thirpullamangai and got the darshan of the Divine Serpents on Lord Shiva’s Neck – Siva Naga Bhooshana Darshan.

Day 8:

On Day 8, She, along with Sri Vajreswari Devi (one of the Aadhi Moola Dwara Palaki gate keepers of the Mother) offered worship at the Thiruchelur Machapureeswarar temple.

Day 9:

On Day 9, She, along with Sri Makuteswari Devi (one of the Aadhi Moola Dwara Palaki – gate keepers of the Mother) offered worship at the Melattur Unnathapureeswarar temple.

Jambukeswarar Temple, Nallicheri, Thanjavur

Jambukeswarar Temple, Nallicheri, Thanjavur

Jambukeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Nallicheri in Papanasam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamilnadu. The place is also called as Nandi Mangai. Presiding Deity is called as Jambukeswarar / Jambunathar and Mother is called as Akilandeswari. This temple is one of the 7 shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Madhas / Mangais) around Ayyampettai / Pasupathi Koil area in the Thanjavur – Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route. This Temple is associated with Mother Vaishnavi.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/06/jambukeswarar-temple-nallicheri-legends.html

The Temple

The Temple is facing west but the temple can be entered through southern entrance only. This is the only Temple faces west in all of the Saptha Mangai Sthalams. Presiding Deity is called as Jambukeswarar / Jambunathar. Generally, in Shiva temples, the shrine faces East; here the Lord faces West. This is also believed to be a Kshetram offering Mukthi, like Kashi. Hence the temple faces the cremation ground.

On the Sankata Hara Chaturthi day (fourth day in the waning period of the moon) in the Tamil month of Panguni, Surya’s rays fall on the Lord. Mother is called as Akilandeswari. Ambal is facing South as is the usual practice in most of the Shiva Temples. She is in standing posture. Vishnu Durga shrine in this temple is very popular.  Irattai Vinayagars can be found at the entrance of the Temple.

There are beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings of the Vowvaal (owl) mandapam. The Sthala Vriksham is Naval tree (Jambu) and this could be another reason for the name of the Lord Jambukeswarar. Theertham is Devakatha Theertham.  In addition to this Theertham, there is also one more well near the Lord’s shrine. 

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM.

Festivals

Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am.

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/06/jambukeswarar-temple-nallicheri-religious-significance.html

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Mathur Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pasupathikoil Railway Station, 3 Kms from Pasupathikoil Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Ayyampet Railway Station, 15 Kms from Papanasam, 13 Kms from Thanjavur, 12 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 16 Kms from Thingalur, 14 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 29 Kms from Kumbakonam and 75 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road. The temple is located at Nallicheri on the road which branches left from the Ayyampettai – Thanjavur road past the Pasupathi Temple. It is near both Soolamangalam and Ayyampettai.

Location

Jambukeswarar Temple, Nallicheri – Legends

Jambukeswarar Temple, Nallicheri – Legends

Lord Shiva feet Darshan:

This temple is associated with Vaishnavi (This form of Matha was out of Vishnu and hence holds Shanku, Chakra and Mace in her hands to show her origin), one of the Saptha Mathas. She is believed to visit this temple with Parasakthi on the fourth day of Navarathri (Chaturthi).  Here Sakthi and Vaishnavi had darshan of the Feet of the Lord as well as the attendant closest to Shiva, Shri Nandeeswarar.

Lord Shiva kept his lotus feet on Nandhi:

Once the Kazhal (the ornament worn on the leg, similar to Kolusu) worn by Shiva, brushed against Nandi. Nandi went into ecstasy by the mere touch of the ornament. Then he started imaging how it would feel if the feet of the Lord touched him. In order get this favour from the Lord, Nandi performed 1008 Pradosha Poojas (Pradosha Pooja is generally performed on the 13^th day of the fortnight and it is a special Pooja for Nandi.  In this temple, Nandi did 1008 Pradosha Pooja to the Lord).  Pleased with his devotion, the Lord kept his lotus feet on Nandi. The Nandi Pooja episode is nicely presented in the form of a Sudhai work.

Mother appeared as a young lady to the Nadha Sharma couple:

In this temple, Ambal appeared as a young lady to the Nadha Sharma couple.  

Nandikeswarar penance to obtain Panchakshara Siddhi:

Nandikeswara worshipped the deity and did penance here to obtain Panchakshara siddhi, which he could not get at Thiruvaiyaru.

Nandi Mangai:

This village originally called Nandi Mangai according to Sthalapuranam, is now known as Nallicheri.

Jambukeswarar Temple, Nallicheri – Religious Significance

Jambukeswarar Temple, Nallicheri – Religious Significance

Saptha Mangai Sthalams:

There are 7 shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Madhas / Mangais) around Ayyampettai / Pasupathi Koil area in the Thanjavur – Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route and the temples are:

1. Chakramangai (Abhirami),

2. Arimangai (Maheswari),

3. Soolamangai (Kaumari),

4. Nandimangai (Vaishnavi),

5. Pasumangai (Varahi).

6. Thazhamangai (Mahendri) and

7. Pullamangai (Chamundi)

Navarathri Worship:

As per Hindu Mythology, Mother Parasakthi visits these temples to have the dharshan of various parts of Lord Shiva during the nine Navarathri days:

Day 1:

On Day 1 of the Navaratri, the Universal Mother along with Sri Brahmi Devi offered worship at the Chakramangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Third Eye – Siva Netra Chakra Darshan.

Day 2:

On Day 2, She, along with Sri Maheswari Devi offered worship at Arimangai and got the darshan of the divine Ganga on Lord Shiva’s head – Siva Ganga Darshan.

Day 3:

On Day 3, She, along with Sri Kaumari Devi offered worship at Soolamangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Trident – Siva Trisula Darshan.

Day 4:

On Day 4, She, along with Sri Vaishnavi Devi offered worship at Nandimangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Leg Ornament – Siva Kazhal Darshan.

Day 5:

On Day 5, the Universal Mother along with Sri Varahi Devi and Mother Kamadenu, offered worship at Pasumangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Hand Drum – Siva Udukkai Darshan (Damaruka Darshan).

Day 6:

On Day 6, She, along with Sri Indrani Devi also known as Mahendri offered worship at Thazhamangai and got the darshan of the Crescent Moon on Lord Shiva’s Head Drum – Siva Pirai Chandra Darshan.

Day 7:

On Day 7, She, along with Sri Chamundi Devi offered worship at Thirpullamangai and got the darshan of the Divine Serpents on Lord Shiva’s Neck – Siva Naga Bhooshana Darshan.

Day 8:

On Day 8, She, along with Sri Vajreswari Devi (one of the Aadhi Moola Dwara Palaki gate keepers of the Mother) offered worship at the Thiruchelur Machapureeswarar temple.

Day 9:

On Day 9, She, along with Sri Makuteswari Devi (one of the Aadhi Moola Dwara Palaki – gate keepers of the Mother) offered worship at the Melattur Unnathapureeswarar temple.

Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam, Thanjavur

Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam, Thanjavur

Keerthivageeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Soolamangalam in Papanasam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Keerthivageeswarar / Kari Uritha Nayanar and Mother is called as Alankara Valli. This temple is one of the 7 shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Madhas / Mangais) around Ayyampettai / Pasupathi Koil area in the Thanjavur – Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route. This Temple is associated with Mother Kaumari. This Temple is also considered as Thevara Vaipu Sthalam. Appar had visited this place and in one of his Thevarams, he made a reference to this place. 

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/06/keerthivageeswarar-temple-soolamangalam-legends.html

The Temple

This is relatively a large temple with a three-tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Keerthivageeswarar / Kari Uritha Nayanar. The Lord is a Swayambumurthy, is always covered with a Kavacham perhaps to signify the Elephant skin episode. Dakshinamurthy on the Koshtam is also different here.  Generally, he sits below the Kallala Tree. Here he appears without the tree and his hair is present in the form of Jata Mudi.  

Mother is called as Alankara Valli. This temple is having a special shrine which is not seen in any other temple.  It is that of Lord Astra Deva, the weapon maker for the deities.  He prayed to the Lord here and got lot of benefits. Though he is a weapon maker, those who worship in this shrine, feel removal of enmity and negative feelings. His idol which is in worshipping position, is around 4.5 feet and is present near the entrance of the temple.

Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam and Theertham is Soola Theertham. It is believed that the Theertham was created by the Lord using his Trident (Soolam). Hence some people believe that the name of the place became Soolamangalam after this Theertham. There are inscriptions belongs to Kulothunga Chola III, Sundara Pandyan, Hoysala Kings talks about the grants and social life of bygone era.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 08.30 p.m.

Festivals

Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am.

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/06/keerthivageeswarar-temple-soolamangalam-religious-significance.html

Literary Mention

This Temple is also considered as Thevara Vaipu Sthalam. Appar had visited this place and in one of his Thevarams, he made a reference to this place. 

நறையூரில் சித்தீச்சரம் நள்ளாறு நாரையூர் நாகேச்சரம் நல்லூர் நல்ல
துறையூர் சோற்றுத்துறை சூலமங்கை தோணிபுரம் துருத்தி சோமேச்சரம்
உறையூர் கடல் ஒற்றியூர் ஊற்றத்தூர் ஓமாம்புலியூர் ஓர் ஏடகத்தும்
கறையூர் கருப்பறியல் கன்றாப்பூரும் கயிலாய நாதனையே காணலாமே.

--திருநாவுக்கரசர் தேவாரம்

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Soolamangalam Road Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pasupathikoil Bus Stop, 1 Km from Pasupathikoil Railway Station, 4 Kms from Ayyampet Railway Station, 12.5 Kms from Papanasam, 17 Kms from Thanjavur, 15 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 14 Kms from Thingalur, 12 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 27 Kms from Kumbakonam and 71 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road.

Location

Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam – Legends

Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam – Legends

Keerthivageeswarar:

As per Sthala Puranam, Shiva defeated Gajasuran in this place and used the Elephant Skin as his dress.  Hence, Lord Shiva of this Temple got the name Keerthivasan or Keerthivageeswaran.  The Lord, is a Swayambumurthy, is always covered with a Kavacham perhaps to signify the Elephant skin episode.

Astra Deva worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Lord Astra Deva, the weapon maker for the deities.  He prayed to the Lord here and got lot of benefits. 

Trisula Darshan:

The Sapthamadha Kaumari (This Matha Roopam represents the powers of Subramanya or Kumara. Hence, she holds the spear in her hand) along with Parasakthi, visit this temple on the third day (Tritiya) of Navarathri and worship the Lord.  Here they had the Trisula Darshnam of the Lord. The name of this place could be on account of this visit. This is also borne out by the fact that there is an idol of a lady with Soolam above her head near the entrance. 

Lord Vishnu won the war against demon Kalanemi:

Thai Amavasya (Jan-Feb) is observed as a special day in this temple.  Vishnu worshipped Shiva on that day and won the war against the demon Kalanemi.

Brahma got relief from stomach pain by praying to Lord Shiva here:

Brahma got relief from severe stomach pain by praying on that day.  Soola Vratham is observed on that day and those who worship the Lord are relieved of enmities, poverty and illness.  

Mother appeared as adolescent girl to the Nadha Sharma couple:

Ambal appeared as an adolescent girl to the Nadha Sharma couple in this temple.