Kalikamba Nayanar Temple, Pennadam, Cuddalore

Kalikamba Nayanar Temple, Pennadam, Cuddalore

Kalikamba Nayanar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Kalikamba Nayanar, a venerated Shaivite Nayanmar, located at Pennadam Town in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. This Temple is considered as Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Kalikamba Nayanar.

History

Kalikamba Nayanar is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the forty-third in the list of 63 Nayanars. His hagiography speaks about how he cut the hand of his wife, who did not help in serving a Shaiva, devotee of the god Shiva. The primary account of Kalikamba Nayanar's life comes from the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12^th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.

Kalikamba Nayanar was born and lived in Pennagadam, also known as Tirupennagadam, currently situated near Virudhachalam the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for Sudarkozhundeesar Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism. In Kalikamba Nayanar's times, Pennagadam was part of the Chola kingdom. Kalikamba was a Vaishya, the merchant caste that flourished in Pennagadam. He was a devotee of Shiva and used to serve the devotees of Shiva (Shaivas).

Every day, he welcomed them, washed their feet, and worshipped them. He also served lunch to the devotees and offered them money and gifts. Once, when the devotees gathered for lunch at Kalikamba's house, he started with his daily ritual of pada-puja (washing of feet to show respect) of the devotees. His wife helped him in the service. The wife would pour water from the pot, as Kalikamba washed the feet. When Kalikamba was about to wash the feet of a devotee, she recognized the devotee as their former servant and hesitated from pouring water from the pot.

Kalikamba felt that the wife has desecrated the sacred service. He took the pot from her hand and cut off the hand by his sword. He continued to wash the feet of the devotees and served them food, a duty generally performed by his wife. For his act of devotion, he attained the grace of Shiva. The tale of Kalikamba Nayanar is also recalled in the 13^th century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha with some variation. The devotee is recognized the son of their servant Mallandu or Malla. He had refused to serve Kalikamba and left Kalikamba's house and become a Shaiva mendicant.

The wife refuses to serve a son of a slave and advises her husband not to do so, however Kalikamba considers every Shaiva as a manifestation of Shiva and refuses to pour water to wash his feet. Kalikamba considers this as an insult of Shiva and cuts both her hands as a punishment. The account ends by saying that Kalikamba attained moksha (salvation) by the grace of Shiva. Kalikamba Nayanar receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals.

The Temple

This is a Small temple with an entrance arch. Sanctum houses an idol of Kalikamba Nayanar. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Pennadam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thittakudi, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Srimushnam, 29 Kms from Thozhuthur, 34 Kms from Neyveli, 39 Kms from Ulundurpet, 42 Kms from Sethiyathope, 48 Kms from Kurinjipadi, 50 Kms from Gangai Konda Cholapuram, 60 Kms from Chidambaram, 78 Kms from Cuddalore, 97 Kms from Puducherry, 106 Kms from Trichy, 114 Kms from Trichy Airport and 257 Kms from Chennai.

The Temple is located on Virudhachalam to Thittakudi Route. Frequent Bus facilities to reach this temple are available from both ends.  There is a railway station at Pennadam which is on the Virudhachalam – Tiruchirappalli section of the Southern Railway. Pennadam Railway Station is located at about 3 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Virudhachalam (21 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry, Chennai and Trichy.

Location

Sundareswarar Temple, Panaiyandur, Cuddalore

Sundareswarar Temple, Panaiyandur, Cuddalore

Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Panaiyandur Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The Temple covers an area of about 0.5 acre. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance arch facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Dvarapalas can be seen on either side at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. There is an inscription dated to Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I in the northern wall of the sanctum and another inscription dated to Veera Rajendra Chola in the southern wall of the sanctum. Lord is mentioned as Brahmeeswaramudaiyar Nayanar in the inscriptions.

Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, 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 Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine consists of Mukha Mandapam and Sanctum. Her shrine is situated on the left side of sanctum. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum.

There is a shrine for Lord Murugan behind the sanctum. It is said that sun rays fall on Lord Murugan on 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, 19^th, 20^th and 21^st of Tamil Month of Aadi at 08.00 A.M. to 08.15 A.M. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan, 63 Nayanmars, Navagrahas, Bhairavar and Suryan in the temple premises. Idols dated to Rajendra Chola I period are kept in a separate Mandapam.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Korakkavadi, 8 Kms from Koogaiyur, 17 Kms from Aragalur, 18 Kms from Chinna Salem Railway Station, 19 Kms from Thozhuthur, 19 Kms from Thozhuthur Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Thittagudi and 100 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Thozhuthur to Aragalur Route and then take a diversion road at Korakkavadi towards Nainar Palayam to reach this temple.

Location

Poomalai Appar Temple, Neivasal, Cuddalore

Poomalai Appar Temple, Neivasal, Cuddalore

Poomalai Appar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to village deity Poomalai Appar located in Neivasal Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deities are Poomalai Appar, Semmalai Appar and Muthu Karuppan. The temple is situated on confluence of Chinnaru River and Vellaru River.

Legends

As per legend, once, seven fisherman from Pennadam came here to catch fish at confluence of the rivers. They came at midnight thinking it as early morning. It is believed that gods from this temple used to venture out for hunting and play. When the gods noticed the fishermen, they got angry and cursed them to lose their eyesight. Realizing their folly, the fishermen and begged for forgiveness to the gods. The gods felt pity and restored their eye sight. In memory of this event, their heirs installed the idols of seven fisherman in this temple. Even to this day, their heirs worship Poomalai Appar and offer fishing net every year.

The Temple

The temple is situated amidst groves at the confluence of Vellaru and Chinnaru Rivers.  Presiding Deities are Poomalai Appar, Semmalai Appar and Muthu Karuppan. Poomalai Appar and Semmalai Appar are considered as brothers. All the gods are housed in their respective shrines. There are shrines for Konga Karuppu, Siddhanathar, Kulla Karuppu, Pachaiyamman and Murugan in the temple premises.

There is a shrine for Veeranar outside the temple premises. He is considered as the guardian deity of this temple. This Shrine is situated at about 50 meters from the main temple. Devotees need to worship him first and then only enter the main temple. The temple has seven idols of fisherman in its premises.

Festivals

Mondays are Fridays are considered as auspicious days for worship.

Prayers

People pray to Muthu Karuppan to get relief from diseases, for child boon, to get back the lost items and to get relief from legal disputes.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Avinankudi Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Pennadam, 9 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 9 Kms from Thittagudi, 86 Kms from Cuddalore and 107 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Thozhuthur Route. Share Autos are available to reach this temple from Avinankudi Bus Stop.

Location

Pasupatheeswarar Temple, T. Pudaiyur, Cuddalore

Pasupatheeswarar Temple, T. Pudaiyur, Cuddalore

Pasupatheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in T. Pudaiyur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called Pasupatheeswarar and Mother is called as Akhilanda Nayagi. Tevasthana Pudaiyur was the original name but the village is shortly called as T. Pudaiyur. This Temple is situated on the north east corner of this Village.

History

The Temple was believed to be built during 16th Century A.D. Kovai Sivaprakasa Swamigal started the renovation works for this Temple. Unfortunately, he cannot finish the works due to paucity of funds. Now the local villagers had renovated the temple with the available resources. The Temple is under the control Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple with an entrance arch on the eastern side, but the main entrance is from southern side. Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called Pasupatheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Brahma, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Inscriptions can be found in the sanctum walls. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be found facing the sanctum.

Mother is called as Akhilanda Nayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Lord Vishnu along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the Maha Mandapam. Navagraha Shrine can be found opposite to Lord Vishnu Shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan, Bhairavar and Suryan in the Temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kandhappankurichi, 11 Kms from Veppur, 14 Kms from Thalanallur Railway Station, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 81 Kms from Cuddalore, 119 Kms from Trichy Airport, 219 Kms from Chennai Airport and 240 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Veppur Route. Devotees has to take a turn towards southern direction before Kandhappankurichi and travel for 4 Kms to reach this Temple.

Location

Chidambareswarar Temple, N. Naraiyur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple, N. Naraiyur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in N. Naraiyur in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and a modern Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga in standing posture can be seen in the Koshta in sanctum wall.

Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. She is in standing posture and is about 4 feet tall. Few Lingams and an idol of Bhairava can be found in the temple premises. There is a Navagraha Shrine in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Naraiyur Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Veppur, 6 Kms from Veppur Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Town Railway Station, 20 Kms from Virudhachalam, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 84 Kms from Cuddalore and 112 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Virudhachalam to Veppur Route for 19 Kms, take a left turn towards Naraiyur and travel for another 1.5 Kms to reach this temple.

Location

Vilvavaneswarar Temple, Nallur, Cuddalore

Vilvavaneswarar Temple, Nallur, Cuddalore

Vilvavaneswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nallur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vilvavaneswarar / Nallanaygar / Dharmeswarar and Mother is called as Brihannayagi / Periyanayaki. Nallur Village is surrounded by fiver rivers namely Manimutharu River, Gomukhi River, Mayura River and other two rivers.

Legends

Dakshina Prayag:

The Temple is situated at the confluence of three rivers namely Manimutharu River, Gomukhi River and Mayura River similar to Prayag (Thiruveni Sangam) in Uttar Pradesh, situated at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswathi. Hence, Nallur came to be called as Dakshina Prayag.

Lord Murugan got relief from Veerakathi Dosha here:

It is believed that Lord Murugan was afflicted with Veerakathi Dosha on killing Asuras. He got relief from his Dosha by worshipping Lord Shiva of this Temple.

Pandavas stay in Nallur during their exile:

It is believed that Pancha Pandavas stayed in this village during their Vanavasa.

History

The temple is believed to be built during Chola period. The Temple was renovated by Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings and Nayak rulers. There is a fish symbol on the Vidhana of the Mukha Mandapam confirming the renovation works done by Pandya Kings.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/01/vilvavaneswarar-temple-nallur-temple.html

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 meters from Nallur Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kandhappankurichi, 10 Kms from Mukhasa Parur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Veppur, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Town Railway Station, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 84 Kms from Cuddalore and 211 Kms from Chennai Airport. Devotees need to travel in Virudhachalam to Veppur Route, take a right turn at Kandhappankurichi and travel for another 5 Kms to reach this temple.

Location | Photos

Vilvavaneswarar Temple, Nallur – The Temple

Vilvavaneswarar Temple, Nallur – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. The Temple is situated at the confluence of three rivers namely Manimutharu River, Gomukhi River and Mayura River. Manimutharu River flows in the northern side, Gomukhi River flows in the eastern side and Mayura River flows in the southern side of the Temple. The Temple is situated in an elevated area at the confluence of these three rivers.

Marriage Halls and Mukha Mandapam can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram. The Temple consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. There is a fish symbol on the Vidhana of the Mukha Mandapam. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be found in the Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Vilvavaneswarar / Nallanaygar / Dharmeswarar and is facing east.

He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Madhava Perumal, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Brihannayagi / Periyanayaki. 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, Artha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam.

There is a Dhwaja Sthambam facing her shrine. Kriya Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi and Brahma Sakthi are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls of Mother Shrine. Veera Bhadra Shrine can be seen in the Mukha Mandapam of Mother Shrine. His Shrine is facing towards south. Shrines of Navagrahas, Bhairava and Surya can be found in the north east corner of the temple premises.

Idols and Shrines of 63 Nayanmars, Pranathiyaga Lingam, Dhandapani, Lakshmi Narayana and Maha Lakshmi can be found in the inner prakaram around the sanctum There is a north facing shrine for Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai in the temple premises. Inscriptions can be found in the pillars of Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam.

Nadanapureeswarar Temple, Chinna Parur, Cuddalore

Nadanapureeswarar Temple, Chinna Parur, Cuddalore

Nadanapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chinna Parur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Nadanapureeswarar / Thiru Nadanam Purintha Mahadeveswarar and Mother is called as Umadevi. The Temple is believed to be around 700 years old. The temple is situated on the banks of Manimutharu River.

The Temple

The Temple was in complete ruins. Presiding Deity is called as Nadanapureeswarar / Thiru Nadanam Purintha Mahadeveswarar and is facing east. He is housed in a temporary shed near the temple ruins. Mother is called as Umadevi and is facing south. Idols of Mother, Vishnu, Vinayaga and Chandikeswarar can be seen in the shed. Remains of ancient temple can be found scattered around the ruined temple. The remains include Avudaiyar, stone windows, pillars, broken idols, stone blocks etc.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Mukhasa Parur Railway Station, 2 Kms from Mukhasa Parur, 13 Kms from Virudhachalam Town Railway Station, 13 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 76 Kms from Cuddalore and 125 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel from Virudhachalam to Mukhasa Parur, then travel towards Mukhasa Parur Railway Station to reach this Temple.

Location | Photos

Mudhu Kundreeswarar Temple, Mudanai, Cuddalore

Mudhu Kundreeswarar Temple, Mudanai, Cuddalore

Mudhu Kundreeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mudanai Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Mudhu Kundreeswarar / Pazha Malai Nathar and Mother is called as Periya Nayaki. The temple is situated on the banks of the lake to southwest side of the Village. Mudanai was called as Mudal Nei in ancient times.

Legends

Kachirayar:

One of the leaders of Kadava family called Kachirayars was living in this Mudhunei village during the 12^th century. He was visiting Virudhachalam each day to worship Lord Vriddhagiriswarar. He could not able to visit due to his older age. He was praying to Lord Shiva for his inability to visit Virudhachalam. Pleased with his devotion, it is said that Lord Vriddhagiriswarar granted darshan to the old man with Mother Periya Nayaki and the devotee built the temple at the same spot where he had the darshan.

Mudanai:

It is believed that Ghee used in Karthigai Deepam in Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple used to be sent from this village. The villagers used to travel to Thiruvannamalai by walk to offer the first ghee to light lamps in Karthigai Deepam. Hence, the village came to be called as Mudhal Nei and later got corrupted to Mudanai.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/01/mudhu-kundreeswarar-temple-mudanai-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 09.00 a.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m.

Festivals

Chitra Poornima in April-May; Vaikasi Visagam in May-June; Aavani Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November; Karthika Deepam in November-December; Thai Brahmotsavam in January-February (Vel dipping) and Masi Magam in February-March are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Besides the above, the temple conducts Somavara (Mondays) and Pradosha pujas regularly.

Prayers

Devotees seek boons from Lord and Mother to realize various wishes they have in mind.

Contact

Mudhu Kundreeswarar Temple,

Mudanai, Virudhachalam Taluk

Cuddalore District – 607 804

Mobile: +91 97876 92379

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Neyveli, 56 Kms from Cuddalore and 146 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Virudhachalam to Neyveli Route and take a left diversion road at Arasakuzhi, then travel for about 8 Kms to reach this Temple.

Location | Photos