Kailasanathar Temple, Cheyyur, Chengalpattu

Kailasanathar Temple, Cheyyur, Chengalpattu

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Cheyyur Town in Cheyyur Taluk in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Shivanandha Valli. This Temple is situated on north eastern corner of the town close to Cheyyur Kandaswamy Temple.

History

The Temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE by Cholas. Inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Kulothunga Chola I, Vikrama Chola, Kulothunga Chola II, Rajaraja Chola II, Rajadhiraja Chola II and Kulothunga Chola III can be found in the temple walls. The Temple was dismantled for renovation activities and abandoned due to lack of sufficient funds. Cheyyur was known as Jayamkonda Chola Nallur and Virarajendra Nallur during Chola period.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala and maha mandapam. The Temple was dismantled for renovation and the renovation activities were stopped for unknown reason. The roofs of the sanctum, antrala and maha mandapam were fallen down. Nandi, Kailasanathar (Shiva Linga) and Mother Shivanandha Valli are kept under a shed and is currently under worship. Inscriptions are found around the sanctum walls.

Contact

Kailasanathar Temple,

Cheyyur – 603 302

Chengalpattu District

Mobile: +91 90954 77090 / 76394 85005 / 80128 57282 

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Cheyyur Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Cheyyur ECR Junction Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Alamparai Fort, 23 Kms from Melmaruvathur, 23 Kms from Melmaruvathur Railway Station, 27 Kms from Maduranthakam, 50 Kms from Mahabalipuram, 50 Kms from Chengalpattu, 57 Kms from Puducherry, 102 Kms from Chennai Airport and 104 Kms from Chennai. Direct buses are available from Maduranthakam to reach Cheyyur. Devotees can also take ECR bound buses to Puducherry and need to get down at Cheyyur ECR Junction Bus Stop or Ellaiamman Bus Stop after Koovathur. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms from this Bus Stop. Share Autos are available from this Bus Stop to reach the temple.

Location

Arunachaleswarar Temple, Edaikazhinadu, Chengalpattu

Arunachaleswarar Temple, Edaikazhinadu, Chengalpattu

Arunachaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Edaikazhinadu Town in Cheyyur Taluk in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Arunachaleswarar and Mother is called as Abithagujambal. This Temple is famously associated with Idaikattu Siddhar. 

Legends

Idaikattu Siddhar is considered as one among the 18 Siddhars in Tamil tradition. He authored verse 54 of the Tiruvalluva Maalai. He stayed in Edaikazhinadu for some time. He is said to have predicted a famine 12 years before its occurrence. It is said that he rearranged the positions of the Navagrahas at this temple to bring rainfall and end the famine ravaging this region. The Navagrahas in this temple are placed in unusual position and facing different directions. He used to meditate on a small islet called Idaiyan Thittu in the sea near Alamparai fort. It is believed that the Siddhar still lives in Idaiyan Thittu in aroopa form and comes to worship Lord Shiva in this temple every full moon day.

History

Edaikazhinadu dates back to the Sangam period spanning from 6^th century BCE to 3^rd century CE. Edaikazhinattu Nallur Naththathanar, author of Sirupanatrupadai in the Pathupattu anthology of the Sangam literature, was born in Nallur Village close to Edaikazhinadu. There is a memorial for him in his native village built by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is believed to be around 1000 years old.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandi can be found immediately after the entrance arch, facing towards sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Arunachaleswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of 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. Mother is called as Abithagujambal. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the left side of the sanctum. Shrines of Vinayaka, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Navagrahas and Bhairava can be seen in the temple premises. The Navagrahas are placed in unusual position and facing different directions in a circle around Sun.

The Navagraha shrine is circular in shape. Idols of Ganesha, Vishnu and Nagas can be found under the Neem and Peepal Tree. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam Tree. The Temple tank is situated at front side of the temple. Carvings of Anandha Sayana Vishnu, Oordhuva Thandava Moorthy, Kali, Damodara, Anjaneya, Kamadhenu worshipping Lingam with its milk and animals like peacock, rabbit, bull, lion & elephant can be seen on the walls of the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kadapakkam Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Thenpakkam, 9 Kms from Cheyyur, 19 Kms from Marakkanam, 33 Kms from Melmaruvathur, 37 Kms from Melmaruvathur Railway Station, 47 Kms from Puducherry, 47 Kms from Tindivanam, 47 Kms from Tindivanam Railway Station, 60 Kms from Chengalpattu, 100 Kms from Chennai Airport and 105 Kms from Chennai. Edaikazhinadu is situated on ECR road connecting Chennai and Puducherry. Buses connecting Chennai and Puducherry on ECR stops at Kadapakkam Bus Stop. Autos are available from this bus stop to reach this temple.

Location

Alamparai Fort, Edaikazhinadu – History

Alamparai Fort, Edaikazhinadu – History

Alamparai was an ancient seaport during Tamil Sangam period and finds mention in Sangam Literature, Sirupanatrupadai. Alamparai was also called as Idaikazhinadu, Alamparva and Alampuravi. The fort was built during the Mughal era between 1736 and 1740 CE. The fort was initially under the control of the Nawab of Arcot, Doste Ali Khan and was later given to the French. It was the primary port of trade for the Arcot Nawabs.

The Arcot Nawabs had a mint in this fort. Dumas, the French Governor General for Pondicherry and Reunion, requested the Nawab of Arcot for help in establishing a mint in Pondicherry. The Nawab sent the people from the mints of Alamparai to Pondicherry to establish the mint in Pondicherry. It was a regular port of call on the Coromandel Coast on its heydays.

The other contemporary ports were Pulicat, Madras, Mylapore, Sadras, Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Porto Nova, Tharangambadi, Karaikal, and Nagapattinam. Alamparai is mentioned in several places in the diaries of Ananda Ranga Pillai, Dubash to Dupleix, Governor General of French India. The French lost the control of the fort to the British after the Carnatic wars.

The fort came under the direct control of the British and was demolished in 1760 CE. The fort experienced further damages during the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and portions of the dilapidated fort remains under the sea. The coins minted during the rule of Nawabs and the arms and ammunition used by the Nawabs and French were also found during the excavations carried out in the fort.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) listed the fort as one of twenty lesser known tourist spots in the state. The Corporation listed the fort in the international tourism fair held at Berlin. The fort is pictured in several commercials and cinema. Portions of Pithamagan, a 2003 Tamil film, starring popular actors Suriya and Vikram, was shot in the fort. This fort is under the control Archaeological Survey of India.

Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Pudupakkam – The Temple

Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Pudupakkam – The Temple

The Temple is situated on top of the Gajagiri Hills and can be accessed through flight of 108 steps. Road facility is also available to reach the temple at the hill top. This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch at the foot of the hill. The entrance arch has stucco images of Lord Rama along with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana flanked by Garuda and Anjaneya. Colossal images of Garuda and Hanuman can be seen before the entrance arch on either side.

There is a shrine for Sarva Siddhi Vinayaga at the foot of the hill near the starting point for the steps. Navagrahas shrine can be seen next to the Vinayagar shrine. The sanctum enshrines a 6 foot tall bas relief image of Veera Anjaneya in standing posture. His face is turned towards north, but the body faces east. His right foot rests on the ground firmly and his left foot is raised as if he is ready to fly. One of his hands shows abhaya mudra and other hand is resting on the hip.

There is a bell at the end of the tail raised above the head. There is the Lotus symbol on his naval. There is a bronze utsava idol of Veera Anjaneya can be seen in the sanctum. It is unique to see Anjaneya in Abhaya mudra as he is generally depicted with Anjali mudra. The outer walls of the shrine are painted with the images of Hanuman in different postures and his exploits in Ramayana.

There is a separate shrine for Lord Rama along with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana can be seen opposite to the sanctum. Shrines of Sapta Matrikas, Shiva and Vishnu can be seen one after another on the road leading from the foot hill to the temple at the hill top. There is a large lamp made of concrete can be seen on top of the hill for Karthikai Deepam. The hill offers a panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Pudupakkam – Legends

Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Pudupakkam – Legends

Lord Anjaneya performed his Sandhya Vandanam here:

As per legend, Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama was badly wounded by Indrajit, son of Ravana during the battle in Lanka. Lakshmana was nearly killed and fell unconscious. To resurrect Lakshmana, Hanuman was called upon to fetch Sanjeevini herb from the Mount Dronagiri (Gandhamardan / Mahodaya) on the slopes of Himalayas. Upon reaching Mount Dronagiri, Hanuman could not able to identify the Sanjeevini herb.

So, he lifted the whole mountain and started travelling back to the battlefield. On his way back, Hanuman got down in Gajagiri hills to perform his Sandhya Vandanam (evening prayers). Later, a temple was built on top of the hills in memory of this event. It is believed that Lord Hanuman performs Girivalam around this hill during night time on Pournami days here.

Vyasa Pradishta Hanuman Idols:

It is believed that the Anjaneya idol in this temple was installed by Madhwa Saint Vyasatirtha, the previous avatar of Saint Raghavendra Swamy. This Idol is one of the 732 Vyasa Pradishta Hanuman idols in India. All of Anjaneya Idols installed by him are identical in the fact that they are turning towards north, with a lotus flower in one hand, and bell at the end of their tail.

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kathiruppu – Literary Mention

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kathiruppu – Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 7^th Thirumurai in 12^th Patikam in 4^th Song and 7^th Thirumurai in 47^th Patikam in 6^th Song.

7-12-4:

தேங்கூ ருந்திருச் சிற்றம்

பலமுஞ் சிராப்பள்ளி

பாங்கூர் எங்கள் பிரான்உறை

யுங்கடம் பந்துறை

பூங்கூ ரும்பர மன்பரஞ்

சோதி பயிலும்ஊர்

நாங்கூர் நாட்டு நாங்கூர்

நறையூர் நாட்டு நறையூரே

7-47-6:

தாங்கூர் பிணிநின் னடியார் மேல

அகல அருளாயே

வேங்கூர் உறைவாய் விளமர் நகராய்

விடையார் கொடியானே

நாங்கூர் உறைவாய் தேங்கூர் நகராய்

நல்லூர் நம்பானே

பாங்கூர் பலிதேர் பரனே பரமா

பழனப் பதியானே

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kathiruppu – Religious Significance

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kathiruppu – Religious Significance

Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams and Shiva Peedam Temples:

This Temple is considered as one of the Thirunangur Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams and Shiva Peedam Temples. The Temples are ;

1. Sundareswarar Temple, Annappanpettai (Rudra Peedam)

2. Amirthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Soma Peedam)

3. Airavatheswarar Temple, Perunthottam (Ugra Pirana Peedam)

4. Bhaktavachaleswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Mahadeva Peedam)

5. Kailasanathar Temple, Thirunangur (Beema Peedam)

6. Sundareswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Bava Peedam)

7. Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kaathiruppu (Sathyajotha Peedam)

8. Mathangeeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Thathpurusha Peedam)

9. Naganathar Temple, Sempathaniruppu (Sarva Peetam)

10. Yogeeswarar Temple, Mangaimadam (Vamadeva Peedam)

11. Nayanavaratheswarar Temple, Nainipuram (Agora Peedam)

Thevara Vaippu Sthalam:

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about this Temple.

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kathiruppu – Legends

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kathiruppu – Legends

Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams & Ekadasa Divyadesams:

As per legend, Lord Shiva performed his rudra thandava at Thirunangur after the death of his consort Sati in the Daksha Yajna. His dance was so aggressive that whenever a lock of hair from Lord Shiva touches the ground, a Rudra, form of Lord Shiva, emerged from the ground. Eleven forms of Lord Shiva emerged and were performing rudra thandava around Thirunangur.

The eleven places where Lord Shiva performed rudra thandava are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are;

1. Sundareswarar Temple, Annappanpettai (Rudra Peedam)

2. Amirthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Soma Peedam)

3. Airavatheswarar Temple, Perunthottam (Ugra Pirana Peedam)

4. Bhaktavachaleswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Mahadeva Peedam)

5. Kailasanathar Temple, Thirunangur (Beema Peedam)

6. Sundareswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Bava Peedam)

7. Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kaathiruppu (Sathyajotha Peedam)

8. Mathangeeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Thathpurusha Peedam)

9. Naganathar Temple, Sempathaniruppu (Sarva Peetam)

10. Yogeeswarar Temple, Mangaimadam (Vamadeva Peedam)

11. Nayanavaratheswarar Temple, Nainipuram (Agora Peedam)

The celestial beings were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. Hence, they prayed to Lord Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. Lord Shiva’s anger got subsidized on seeing Lord Vishnu. Further, Lord Shiva requested Lord Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. Acceding to his request, Lord Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur.

The eleven places where Lord Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are;

1. Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram (Kudamudakoothan Perumal Temple)

2. Thiruchemponsey (Perarulaalan Perumal Temple)

3. Thirukkavalampadi (Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple)

4. Thirumanikkoodam (Varadaraja Perumal Temple)

5. Thirumanimadam (Narayanan Perumal Temple)

6. Thiruppaarthanpalli (Thamaraiyaal Kelvan Perumal Temple)

7. Thiruthetriyambalam (Palli Konda Perumal Temple)

8. Thiruthevanarthogai (Madhava Perumal Temple)

9. Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram (Vaikunta Nathan Perumal Temple)

10. Thiruvanpurushothamam (Purushotama Perumal Temple)

11. Thiruvellakkulam (Annan Perumal Temple)

Shiva Peedam Temples:

Once, Sage Mathanga, Maanseeka Putra of Lord Brahma came to earth during a maha pralaya. He found the earth was flooded with water and was searching for a suitable place to perform penance. He could not able to find a suitable place and sought the help of Sage Narada. Narada suggested him to go to Swetha Vanam. He found a place and started his intense penance. To test his devotion, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini (enchantress) came to this place and tried to disturb his penance.

Angered by his act, Sage Mathanga cursed Lord Vishnu to be in feminine form forever. Lord Vishnu sought his pardon and asked for relief from the curse. Sage Mathanga advised Lord Vishnu to worship Lord Shiva just like him for relief. As advised Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva in ten places, Those ten places are considered as Shiva Peedam Temples.

The Shiva Peedam Temples are;

1. Sundareswarar Temple, Annappanpettai (Rudra Peedam)

2. Amirthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Soma Peedam)

3. Airavatheswarar Temple, Perunthottam (Ugra Pirana Peedam)

4. Bhaktavachaleswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Mahadeva Peedam)

5. Kailasanathar Temple, Thirunangur (Beema Peedam)

6. Sundareswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Bava Peedam)

7. Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kaathiruppu (Sathyajotha Peedam)

8. Mathangeeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Thathpurusha Peedam)

9. Naganathar Temple, Sempathaniruppu (Sarva Peetam)

10. Yogeeswarar Temple, Mangaimadam (Vamadeva Peedam)

11. Nayanavaratheswarar Temple, Nainipuram (Agora Peedam)

Swarnapuram:

As per legend, Sundarar came to this temple for requesting gold coins from Lord Shiva. He sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva for gold coins, but Lord Shiva hid from Sundarar. Sensing the playful nature of her husband, Goddess Parvathy blessed Sundarar with lots of gold coins. As Goddess Parvathy gifted Sundarar with gold coins, the place came to be called as Swarnapuram, Lord Shiva came to be called as Swarnapureeswarar and Goddess Parvathy came to be called as Swarnambigai. In memory of the event, Kanakabhishekam is performed to Sundarar with coins on Vaikasi Visakam. 

Kathiruppu:

As per legend, Sage Kathyayana and his wife together performed intense penance here on Lord Shiva to bless them with a child. Pleased with their prayers, Goddess Parvathi herself was born as their daughter. The couple named her as Katyayini. When she attained marriageable age, the sage prayed to Lord Shiva that he should marry her. Lord Shiva appeared before the Sage Kathyayana and assured that he would marry his daughter at Thiruveezhimizhalai.

Later, when Katyayini came to her birthplace along with Lord Shiva, she brought with them the Vilam Pazham given to her by Mizhalai Kurumbar. She planted the fruit and it became a tree. This tree is the current Sthala Vriksham of the temple. As Katyayini waited for Lord Shiva till his marriage here, the place came to be called as Kathiruppu.

Parihara Sthalam for Naga dosham & Kala Sarpa dosham:

As per legend, Vasuki, the serpent king, lost all his strength due to the curse of Mayura Vinayaga. Vasuki sought the advice of Lord Vishnu to regain its lost strength. Lord Vishnu advised Vasuki to install a Shiva Linga at the banks of Cauvery river at this place and worship Lord Shiva of this temple for regaining the lost strength. Vasuki did as advised and regained its strength. Hence, this temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Naga dosham and Kala Sarpa dosham.

Chandra got relief from Gautama rishi curse here:

Once, Gauthama Rishi cursed Lord Chandra for helping Lord Indra for his immoral activity. Lord Chandran came here and worshipped to Goddess Parvathy for relief. Pleased with his worship, Goddess Parvathy provided relief to his curse. Thus, the crescent can be seen adorning the head of the goddess Parvathy here.