Renugambal Temple, Padavedu
Padavedu
is one of the most important ‘Sakthi Sthalas’ in Thondainadu. Goddess
Renugambal is self-manifested in this place, indicating "Sakthi is
everything in this world" and offering her blessings along with Brahma,
Vishnu and Lord Siva. In this place a number of sages performed penance &
attained salvation. The existence of Banalingam and Nanakarshna Chakra
consecrated by Adi Sankarar is the specialty of this place. This is the most
popular temple of Padavedu and is usually crowded on holidays.
This is
the place where Saint Jamathakni did penance and attained Mukthi
(salvation). Here as blessed by Lord Siva, Mother Renugambal kept her
Sirasu (head) for performing pooja by devotees and to offer them her blessings.
She took her body to Swarka Loga (Heaven) along with Saint Jamathakni.
Legends
Birth of Uma Devi as Renugai:
With the
blessings of Brahma, the Mother of all worlds Uma Devi was born to Eraivadha
Maharaja, the king of Vidharba Desam. The child named as Renugai grew and
attained marital age. Permitted by her father and according to the customs of those
times, Renugai traveled the whole world accompanied by her friends and an
army in search of a suitable husband. At last, she arrived at Kundalipuram,
where saint Jamathakni was doing penance. Since Renugai camped near the Ashram
with her soldiers, the sacred place was named "Padai Veedu" (army
encampment). "Padaiveedu" is now called as "A.K.Padavedu (Amman
Koil Padavedu)". Here, Renugai saw Saint Jamathakni.
Kamandala Nadhi (River):
At that
time a war broke out between the disciples of the Saint Jamathakni and the
soldiers of Renugai. Durga alias Chamundeeswari who accompanied Renugai,
effected havoc by the fire appeared from her third eye. Hearing this, the
Saint Jamathakni brought all the Theerthas available in three worlds in his
kamandalam (water jug used by ascetics) and dropped it. The water from
kamandalam transformed into a huge river and extinguished the fire brought by
Chamundeeswari. This river is known as "Kamandala Nadhi".
Renugai marrying Saint Jamathakni:
She
learnt through a voice from Heaven that Saint Jamathakni would be her
husband. Renugai requested the saint to marry her. Saint Jamathakni
agreed and both of them got married. They gave birth to a child 'Parasuramar',
a Vishnu Avatar.
Parasuramar chopping off Renukadevi Head:
Renukadevi,
daughter of King Raivada married Sage Jamadagni and delivered Parasurama. Padavedu
is the place where Sage Jamadagni, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, lived with his
wife Renuka, an Incarnation of Parvathi and son Parasurama, the avatar of
Vishnu. Sage Jamadagni and Sage Vishwamitra grew together. The Sage used to
perform Yagna daily to which mother Renuka used to bring water in a pot just
made that day. One day the Mother saw a Gandharva flying and lost her mind on
that due to the Maya or the play of the great Shakti. She was late for the
yagna and felt ashamed.
The Sage,
knowing this, asked his sons to chop off mother’s head but none came forward.
Only Parasurama, to abide his father, came forward and did it and also cut his
hand. Nearby Dhobis (Cloth washers) came to rescue the mother but Parasurama
killed all of them. The sage was pleased and asked Parasurama’s wish and he
rightly wanted his mother back.
Sage
agreed and asked Parasurama to join the head and the body and sprinkle holy
water over them. Parasurama did so and his mother came to life and also the
dhobis who died in the fight. But, alas, his mother’s head was attached to a
dhobi woman’s body and vice versa while doing it in an anxiety. But then
Universal mother might have wanted this way only and she then made that dhobi
woman, her close maiden. She is also worshipped here.
All
these happened in Padavedu. There is a river nearby where dhobis washed the
clothes. The Holy ash given in the temple is the one from the sage Jamadagni’s
yaga Gunda which still exists.
Parasuramar slaying Kshatriyas:
Karthaveeryarjunan
stole the Kamadenu cow of Jamadagni after killing him. Renukadevi
accompanied her husband in death. However, as rain fell, she
appeared with burn injuries and neem leaf clothing and met her son
Parasurama. Parasurama pursued Karthaveeryarjuna and killed him and
recovered the Kamadenu and began destroying the Kshatriya
community.
Lord
Shiva appeared before Parasurama and said that what happened was the act of
destiny and asked him to end the anger. While Renukadevi’s head
alone stayed in Earth, the body accompanied Jamadagni to higher worlds. This is
how, Renuka’s head alone stayed and now a swayambu in the Padavedu temple.
Greatness
of Temple
The
Prasadam offered in the temple is sand dug from a pit from a place a little
away where an ashram of Sage Jamadagni – husband of Renukadevi – is
believed to have existed. It seems that the sand is ever
filling. It is taken on Aani Thirumanjanam day in June-July. People
mix it in water and consume for child boon and cure from stomach
pain. Many say that this is very effective.
The
sanctum sanctorum is very different in the temple. Mother Renukadevi is a
swayambu with head alone. All the three Lords are also believed to
be in the sanctum without forms. Acharya Sankara had installed a
Banalinga and idol head here. The full form of Amman also
is in the form of a sculpture on the wall along with the idol of Sage
Parasurama. It is believed that many great souls had performed
penance in this region. Of the Shakti Peetas in the Thondai Mandalam
region, this temple is one.
The
place also gains importance as the birth place of Sage Parasurama born to Sage
Jamadagni and Mother Renukadevi, hence praised as Parasurama Kshetra. Ganapathi
Muni had performed penance here. The temple has beautiful
sculptures.
Temple
Speciality
Amman in
the temple is a swayambumurthy - head alone. This is one among the Shakti
Peetas. Against the kumkum Prasadam offered in Shakti temples, only sand is
offered here. Though an Amman temple, three are no lion paintings on the walls
but only cows. Also against a lion or Yazhi (belonging to lion family) vahanam
in Amman shrines, there is a bull here.
To prove
that everything is under the power of Shakti, it is believed that three Lords,
Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva are in the sanctum sanctorum formless. Worshipping
Ambica means worshipping all the Gods and 30 crore Devas of the celestial
world.
Temple
Structure
East Raja Gopuram:
The main
entrance of the temple is facing east. The Rajagopuram on the main
entrance has three storeys and five kalasams (finials). Beautiful stucco
figures of Parasuramar, Renugai, Lakshmi, Saint Jamathakni, Meenakshi,
Subramaniar and Brahma are found on the Rajagopuram.
Corridor with Flag staff:
From the
inner side of the main entrance there is a long corridor with pillars on both
sides which leads to flag staff, Nandi and Balipeetham. Bell tower and Temple
Kitchen are at the left side of this entrance. Vahana Mandapams and temple
office are situated at south Prakaram.
Shrines of Vinayagar & Subramaniya Swamy:
Moving
through south Prakaram we can see the Vinayagar shrine at south west and Subramaniar
shrine (with his consorts Valli and Deivanai) at North West. Both the shrines
are facing east. Devotees used to assemble at the small front mandapams
of these shrines to perform austerities.
Artha Mandapam:
Renugai
Amman Moolavar Sannathi is east facing. In front of Sanctum Sanctorum is Artha
Mandapam. Stainless steel pipes are fixed to enable the devotees to come
in queue and offer their heartfelt prayers to Goddess Renugambal. A
temple Hundi is also kept in this Mandapam.
Maha Mandapam:
Next to Artha
Mandapam, there is a spacious Maha Mandapam. Two "dwarapalagis"
guard the entrance of Ardhamandapam. Beautiful Sculptures depicting
various scenes from Puranas are found on the pillars of Maha mandapam.
Utsavar Sannadhi:
Utsavar
Sannadhi is located at the Northern side of Maha mandapam facing south. Few
stone steps from Mahamandapam lead us to Utsavar Sannathi. Inner side of the
eastern walls of Mahamandapam carries stone inscriptions. Colourful paintings
portraying the story of goddess Renugambal are fixed on the eastern walls.
Nanakarshna Chakram:
The
Nanakarshna Chakram consecrated by Adi Sankarar is found at eastern side of
Mahamandapam facing the Goddess Renugambal Amman.
Arts
& Inscriptions
The
temple is built using stone blocks. Beautiful sculptures are engraved on
the outer walls of the temple depicting puranic legends and works of art. An
impressive sculpture showing Goddess Renugambal blessing Lord Rama is found on
the northern walls of the temple. In one portion of the temple wall, the figures
of 108 women dancers are beautifully engraved. The specialty of this
sculpture is that the women are in different postures and minute gaps (pin
holes) are found in between the dancing women.
Such
works of art are available in abundance. This shows the growth of art in
the reign of Sambuvarayas. The pillars of Maha Mandapam carry interesting
scenes from Puranas.
Inscriptions:
The
stone inscriptions found on the walls near the western entrance mention the
following details:
·
Appointment
of two persons as Vilakku Kudi (person to light the temple) by Somanatha Deva
Nainar.
·
Appointment
of Eswara Naicker as Vilakku Kudi
·
Appointment
of Elaya Perumal and one other as Vilakku Kudi
· The
king's order to Ayya Nayanar for bringing garlands to this temple from
Somanatha Garden.
Inscriptions
are also found on the southern outer wall of the sanctum and on inner eastern
walls of Maha Mandapam.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is opened for devotees during the following timings;
Morning
|
6.30 A.M. to 1.00 P.M
|
Evening
|
3.00 P.M. to 8.30 A.M
|
During Festival Days
|
5.00 A.M. TO 9.00 P.M
|
Pooja
Timings
Pooja
|
Timings
|
Kalai Santhi (Morning Pooja)
|
8.00 A.M.
|
Uchi Kalam (Noon Pooja)
|
11.00 A.M.
|
Sayaratchai (Evening Pooja)
|
6.00 A.M.
|
Pooja
Fees Structure
S.No
|
Details of Pooja
|
Rate
|
1.
|
Abishegam
|
850.00
|
2.
|
Archanai
|
3.00
|
3.
|
Permission Fee for Tonsuring head
|
10.00
|
4.
|
Permission Fee for carrying idols
|
15.00
|
5.
|
Permission Fee for Anka Prathatchanam (Rolling the
body)
|
5.00
|
6.
|
Permission Fee for Veppam Seelai (Clothing neem
leaves)
|
5.00
|
7.
|
Permission Fee for Ear boring
|
50.00
|
8.
|
Dedicating Pair of Eyes model
|
5.00
|
9.
|
Uruvam
|
5.00
|
Yearly
Pooja Schedule
Tamil Months
|
As per English Calendar
|
Pooja Details
|
Chithrai
|
(April - May)
|
Special pooja on the first day of the month
|
Chithra Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Vaikasi
|
(May - June)
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
Aani
|
(June - July)
|
Aani Thirumanjanam
|
Collecting sacred ash (Vibhuthi) special pooja
|
||
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Aadi
|
(July - August)
|
Sukra Vaara Festival (Friday)
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Aavani
|
(Aug - Sep)
|
Sukra Vaara Festival (Friday)
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Purattasi
|
(Sep - Oct)
|
Navarathri pooja
|
Vijaya Dasami Parivettai Utchavam
|
||
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Iyppasi
|
(Oct - Nov)
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
Karthigai
|
(Nov - Dec)
|
Deepa Thirunaal Pooja
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Markazhi
|
(Dec - Jan)
|
Thanoor month Pooja (Early morning)
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Thai
|
(Jan - Feb)
|
Pongal Pooja
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
||
Maasi
|
(Feb - Mar)
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
Panguni
|
(Mar - April)
|
Pournami (Full Moon Day) Pooja
|
Kattalais
S.No
|
Kattalai
|
Details
|
Rate (Rs)
|
1.
|
Monthly Archanai Kattalai
|
Performing Archanai on a particular day of a month
opted by devotees and sending Prasadam
|
1500
|
2.
|
Yearly Abishegam Kattalai
|
Performing Abishegam on a particular day of the year
opted by devotees and sending Prasadam
|
3000
|
3.
|
Annadhana Kattalai
|
Performing Annadhanam (Gifting cooked rice) on a
particular day opted by devotees
|
5000
and above |
Festivals
All
Fridays in Aadi month are festive days in the temple in July-August drawing
huge crowds. Purattasi Navarathri is the other great festival of the temple in September
– October. First day of each Tamil month, Margazhi pujas in December – January,
Fridays of Thai month covering January – February, Tamil and English New Year
Days, Thanoor Month Festival, Deepavali, Pongal are also celebrated with
special pujas and aaradhanas.
Facilities
Marriage Hall:
A
spacious Temple Kalyana Mandapam (Marriage Hall) is situated on the northern
side of the North Mada Street. This Mandapam is given for rent to
devotees who wish to solemnize their marriages in this sacred place.
Other Facilities:
Adjacent
to the Kalyana Mandapam are common bath rooms and a Mandapam for hair
offerings. To facilitate cooking Pongal even during rainy days a roofed structure
with fire wood stoves are available for devotees.
The
temple has excellent facilities for devotees like accommodation, protected
drinking water supply etc.
Prayers
& Benefits
Significance of Vibhuthi (Sacred Ash):
The
sacred ash distributed to devotees in this temple is not prepared using
conventional methods. During Aani Thirumanjanam, the sacred ash is
collected once a year from a place where Saint Jamathakni performed penance on
the banks of Kamandala River.
Those
who wear this sacred ash are cured of Chickenpox, small pox and all other
ailments; they are also relieved of the ill effects caused by black magic.
Benefits Accrued to Devotees:
This is
a famous Prarthana Sthala (sacred place to make prayers and offerings). Goddess
Renugambal not only grants required boons to her devotees but also offers all
kinds of wealth besides curing the ailments.
Those who pray for spouses are getting married soon, issueless parents beget children. Through prayers the devotees get relieved of their physical and mental sufferings. After fulfillment of their prayers, devotees visit this temple to make offerings.
Those who pray for spouses are getting married soon, issueless parents beget children. Through prayers the devotees get relieved of their physical and mental sufferings. After fulfillment of their prayers, devotees visit this temple to make offerings.
People
affected with small pox come to the place, stay here for a few days observing
some regulations and get cured within 3 or 4 days. They also spill
the water on the body offered in the temple. They also consume the
Veppilai theertham-water mixed with neem leaves. Devotees also pray
for child, wedding boons. Majority of the devotees pray for cure
from small pox and eye related problems.
Realizing
their wishes, devotees offer coins equal to their weight. This is called Tulaabaaram.
They light ghee lamps and offer small metal pieces – copper or silver with limb
symbols, eye in particular and Saris. They use only neem leaves made covering
as clothing and circumambulate the temple. Tonsuring is also followed. Ear
boring, placing cradles, donating cocks, animals are the main commitments
followed by devotees.
For
removal of pimples in faces, people offer jaggery and pepper. Kodi Deepam –
lighting one crore lamps – is a great undertaking. People prepare Prasad, offer
to deity and distribute it to others. Feeding-Annadhanam also is organized by
some devotees.
Contact
Arulmigu
Renugambal Amman Temple
Padaiveedu
– 606 905
Thiruvannamalai
District, Tamilnadu
Phone: +91- 4181 - 248
224, 248 424.
Connectivity
The
location of Arulmigu Renugambal Amman Temple is serene and awe inspiring.
Situated at the foot of the mountain chain (Jawadhu hills) the temple
is surrounded by trees on all sides.
Padavedu
is 8 km far from the branch road of Chandavasal lying on the Thiruvannamalai
highway. Bus facilities are available to Padavedu from Kancheepuram, Vellore, Polur,
Arcot and Arani. The place is 42 km from Vellore, 52 km from Thiruvannamalai,
22 from Arani, 150 km from Chennai and 23 km from Polur.
Nearest
Railway Station is located at Kalambur, Arani. Nearest Airport is located at
Chennai.
References
https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/padavedu/