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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Sasivarneswarar Temple, Sivaganga

Sasivarneswarar Temple, Sivaganga
Sasivarneswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Sivaganga Town in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Sasivarneswarar and Mother is called as Periyanayaki. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa. Urchavar of this Temple is Somaskandar. Aagama of this Temple is Shivagama.

Legends
The Sanskrit words Sasi and Soman mean Chandra the Moon. Moon got relieved from some adverse effects by worshipping Lord Shiva. As the Lord graced the Moon, He is praised as Chandrasekhara and Somasekhara.  The temple was built by a king and named the Lord Sasivarneswarar. The temple is under the administration of the Devasthanam of Sivaganga Samasthanam.
The Temple
Presiding deity is called as Sasivarneswarar and Mother is called as Periyanayaki. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa. Urchavar of this Temple is Somaskandar. Mother Perianayaki is all graceful.  As a tradition, Mother Durga is on the wall of Shiva shrine facing north. Mother Durga is in a separate shrine facing south with two hands the left leg bent and pressed on a demon in this Temple. She is facing south.  
This is a small temple without tower. There is a Linga in the Prakara under a Naga-snake. There are shrines for Sun, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Kala Bhairava and Moon.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is generally open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m and 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On Tuesdays, based on Rahu Kalam time, the second shift would be from 3.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On Fridays, it is open from 5.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the first shift.
Festivals
New Moon day in July-August- Aadi Amavasya, Masi Magam and Shivrathri in February-March, Navarathri in September-October are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Special pujas are performed for Ambica.  Vilakku Puja (lamp puja) is performed on the first day of Chithirai falling almost on April 14 or a day before or after rarely. Lord comes in procession that day. 
Prayers
Pregnant women of this place pray to Mother Perianayaki for safe delivery. For this, they perform a ceremony called Marundhu Kudippu (taking medicine). They perform milk abishek to Mother and consume it as medicine. Where the woman is unable to visit the temple personally, her family members come to the temple for this prayer.
Some children never stop crying. Some never cry. Both are a matter of concern. Parents come to Mother for a remedy in both cases. They perform abishek to Mother, take the abishek water to the temple complex with the child and bathe the child there. They believe that this would solve the problem.
Women also pray to Mother Periyanayaki for wedding boon, for cure from monthly disorders and for girls not attaining puberty despite age. They offer garlands of red flowers (Sevvarali) and light lamps in lime cups.  They also go round (circumambulating) the prakara 27 times.   Lakshrachana (chanting the name of Mother with one lakh names and offering flower for each name) is performed to Mother on Masi Magam.
Those facing problems due to adverse aspect of snake planets, obstacle in wedding matters and problems of the health of spouse called Kalathra dosha pray here on Sundays between 4.30 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. – Rahu Kalam for remedy performing abishek with turmeric powder and milk. This prayer is also undertaken in the Nagar shrine under the Vilwa tree.
Contact
Sri Sasivarneswarar Temple,
Sivagangai – 630 561
Mobile: +91-98439 39761
Connectivity
The temple is very near the Sivaganga bus stand. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sivaganga and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.
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Rudra Koteeswarar Temple, Chaturvedimangalam, Sivaganga

Rudra Koteeswarar Temple, Chaturvedimangalam, Sivaganga
Rudra Koteeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Chaturvedimangalam in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Rudra Koteeswarar and Mother is called as Atma Nayaki. Sthala Viruksham is Lime Tree. Theertham is Surya and Chandra Theertham. Historically this place was called as Mattiyur. During the Tamil months Aavani and Masi, Sun God worships Lord Shiva for a week by placing his rays on Lord. 

Legends
During a debate between sage Durvasa and Brahmma on the procedures of a yajna, the former cursed the latter. For relief from the curse, Brahmma travelled through many places on earth to worship Lord Shiva. He met Sage Angirasa. As suggested by the sage, Brahmma installed a Shiva Linga in this place and got relieved from the curse. He also married Mother Saraswathi, Goddess of Wisdom with Lord Shiva as witness. 10 million Rudras (one crore) attended this function and worshipped Lord Shiva here. They also assist Brahmma in his creation job. They worshipped Lord with all abishek. As Lord Shiva was worshipped by one crore Rudras, He is praised as Rudrakoteeswarar.
The Temple
There is a hill near this place called Aravan Malai in the form of a snake.  It is said that Brahmma, is in this hill form to worship Lord Shiva forever. Siddhi Vinayaka adores this temple with its 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dosa, a popular dish of Tamilnadu is the nivedhana to Lord. This is the place where princes Lava and Kusha (Lord Rama’s sons) performed the Aswamedha Yajna. 
The place qualifies the five aspects of Murthy, Sthala reputation, Theertham, Sacred Tree and Sacred Bird. Ten million Rudras worshipped Lord Shiva here; hence prayer in this temple ensures total salvation to the devotee from the cycle of births and deaths. 
Lord Sarabeswarar graces from a separate shrine, whom devotees pray for noble successive generations and removal of hardships in families. Nandhi is big in size.  Navagrahas are in sitting form. During the months of Aavani (August-September) and Masi (February-March) the rays of Sun fall on the Lord for a week. The place was originally offered as Dhanam (donation) to Scholars of Four Vedas – Chatur Vedas, hence called Chatuvedi Mangalam.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 5.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Festivals
10 day Masi Brahmotsavam is grandly celebrated in the temple. Devotees can perform special pujas in Tamil Margazhi month –December-January.
Singers
The temple is praised by Saint Muthu Vaduga Chithar in his hymns.
Prayers
People pray here for child boon and relief from ailments. Devotees perform abishek to Mother on full moon days and light lamps, and offer bangle contribution. For Lord Sarabeswara, devotees offer pulse porridge nivedhana.
Contact
Sri Rudrakoteeswarar Temple,
Chaturvedimangalam, Sivaganga District
Phone: +91 – 4577 – 246170 / 242981
Mobile: +91 – 94431 91300 / 98420-82048
Connectivity
Chatur Vedha Mangalam is a historical place located 6 km east of Singampunari and 17 km west of Thirupputhur. This village comes under Kundrakudi Adikalar Devasthanam. Buses running between Dindigul and Tirupathur pass through this place. Nearest Railway Station is located at Karaikudi and Sivaganga. Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.
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Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple, Ilayankudi, Sivaganga

Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple, Ilayankudi, Sivaganga
Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ilayankudi Town in Ilayankudi Taluk in Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra Chozheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambigai. This Temple is considered as Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Ilayankudi Maranar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The place was called as Indira Avathara Nallur in ancient times.


Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/04/rajendra-chozheeswarar-temple-ilayankudi-legends.html
History
It is believed that this temple was originally a Buddha Vihara but later got converted to Jain Temple and subsequently into Hindu Temple when Buddhism and Jainism lost its relevance among the local populace. The adjacent pond to this Temple is called as Thevoorani. This pond derives its name from Therar Oorani (Therar means Buddhist Monk). Jains from this place was eliminated by Shaivites in 10th Century and established this Temple. There is an idol of Mahaveerar kept outside of the Temple.
The Temple
This is an east facing temple with an entrance arch. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra Chozheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Gnanambigai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Utsava Idol is Somaskandar. Lord Dakshinamoorthy in the Goshta wall appears with only two disciples.
There is a shrine for Lord Muruga, located in the front Mandapam of sanctum. He is gracing the devotees without Mother Valli. As Indira installed the Shivalinga and worshipped here, it is said that his daughter Deivanai alone is with Lord Muruga. There are separate entrances for the shrines for Lord Shiva, Mother Gnanambigai and Lord Muruga.
Saint Ilayankudi Maranar has a shrine in the temple. He was praised by the people as Annadhana Prabhu. His service to Lord Shiva was through this service to society. He is praised as healer of Hunger. Maranar’s home and the land he cultivated are near the temple. His land is praised as “Mulai Vari Amudhu Alitha Nattrangal” meaning, the land that produced rice for nivedhana to Lord.
There is a shrine for Venkatachalapathi behind the sanctum. There are shrines for Mahaganapathy, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, Suryan and Chandran in the prakara. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam Tree. Theertham associated with this temple is Deiva Pushkarini.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Festivals
Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Aipasi Annabishekam and Skanda Sashti in October-November; and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Mara Nayanar and his wife Punithavathi come in procession in the same Chapparam along with Lord and Mother on Guru Puja day. This is an important event in the temple. Palak with stems – Thandu Keerai in Tamil, is offered as nivedhana to Lord.
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 7th Thirumurai in 39th Patikam in 1st Song.
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Prayers
People pray here for food security and to cultivate in them the traits of being selfless and helpful to society. Those aspiring excellence in education and academic pursuits pray in Mother’s shrine. As Nayanar attained salvation through his Annadhanam service, people follow this nivedhana practice as a prayer commitment.
Contact
Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple,
Ilayankudi – 630 702
Sivaganga District
Phone: +91 4564 268 544
Mobile: +91 98651 58374
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Ilayangudi Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Paramakudi, 12 Kms from Paramakudi Railway Station, 13 Kms from Paramakudi Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Kalayarkoil, 32 Kms from Sivaganga, 62 Kms from Karaikudi, 74 Kms from Madurai and 81 Kms from Madurai Airport. The Temple is situated on Paramakudi to Karaikudi Route.
Location | Photos
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Pulvanayaki Amman Temple, Paganeri, Sivaganga

Pulvanayaki Amman Temple, Paganeri, Sivaganga
Pulvanayaki Amman Temple is located at Paganeri at a distance of 6 kms from Madagupatti in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. Thala Vriksham is Neikotta Maram. The Temple is 500 years old.

Legends
A proud demon, with a fund of boons acquired by him, was harassing people on earth.  People prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. Lord planned to kill the demon through Ambica. When Ambica covered the eyes of the Lord with her hands as a joke, she had to be born on earth. She fought with the demon who played many magic to conquer the mother. He took the form of a grass to cheat the mother, but was swallowed by her taking the form of a deer. People were happy to see the deer but could not go near, as it ran away and hid in the ground. People dug the place and found the idol of Mother.  Pulvai in Tamil means deer. Hence, mother is so named. A temple came into being. The temple is under the administration of Sivaganga Samasthanam Devasthanam.
The Temple
There is a panchaloka (made of five metals) idol of Mother Chamundeeswari in a furious form which she took while destroying a demon. As her look cannot be absorbed by humans, the idol is kept in the sanctum sanctorum. The Goddess is brought out in procession only on a festival in Aani month (June July).  To protect the people from her view, the eyes are set to look at the ground only. Newly wedded couples and pregnant woman would be allowed to see the deity in procession.
Jallikattu is followed as a prayer commitment in the temple. The spring before the temple is considered very sacred as it contains a creature as insets or germs. This has a strange characteristic of becoming a stone in course of time called Saligrama. Hence a dip in the tank is a must. Agni Ambal – Goddess of Fire is under the sacred tree Neikotta tree in the form of a Peeta-seat. Devotees worship her with Kumkum and turmeric.
Great Indian spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, Leader of the Freedom Movement Mahatma Gandhi, Shakespeare’s romantic personalities as Romeo and Juliet, famous Tamil Singer M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and actress T.R. Rajakumari occupy the tower of the temple. Outside the temple, under the tower is the shrine for Lord Kainthavakala Ganapathy. The statues that were in the car (rath) of the temple are installed under the tower. There are shrines for Bhairava, Muneeswara and Saneeswara Bhagwan.
Those faced with injustice, punished for an offence not committed by them, cheated by others come here and embrace the Kodimaram submitting their grievances and seek justice. They come here after a dip in the tank outside the temple and do the prayer. It is believed that Mother Pulvanayaki hears them and renders justice.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Festivals
Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Aadi Fridays in July-August and Thai Fridays in January-February are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Persons hurt by others unjustly seek the grace of Mother by embracing the Kodimaram in the temple. Devotees on realizing their wishes execute their prayer commitment in a novel way. During the festivals in the temple, they organize Jallikattu (bull fight) and fulfill their commitment. The practice still exists.
Connectivity
Madagupatti is 24 km from Sivaganga. Paganeri is 6 km from Madagupatti. Buses are available only at specific hours. Nearest Railway Station is located at Manamadurai and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.
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Ponnazhagiamman Temple, O. Siruvayal, Sivaganga

Ponnazhagiamman Temple, O. Siruvayal, Sivaganga
Ponnazhagiamman Temple is located at O. Siruvayal Village in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Ponnazhagiamman. Urchavar is called as Azhagiya Nayagi. Thala Vriksham is Magizham. Theertham is called as Ambal Theertham. Mother Ponnazhagi Ambal is a swayambumurthy. 

Legends
The region was a dense forest in days of yore. When people were digging the ground to take out roots, they found one root bleeding. Shocked people informed the matter to all in the village. They found Ambal as a Swayambumurthy and built this temple.
The Temple
Mother Ponnazhagi Ambal is on a rock in the form of a Linga. Her neck is slightly turned on the right side with weapons in Her 8 hands killing demon Mahishasura. A battle axe cut scar is still visible. Near the flag post is a Vedalam – a spirit – like creature generally soft in nature. Guardian deity Kalluchi Amman is in front of the temple as a small idol. Devotees pray to her with Kumkum archana. 
Sri Anjaneya is generally seen in temples either with an Abhaya Hastha-assuring hand or with Anjalai Hastha-worshipping Lord Rama with palms held together. Anjaneya in this temple is holding the feet of Lord Sri Rama in ‘surrender’ form.  We can see this Hanuman in this form in the Sri Rama-Mother Sita shrine in the prakara.  Devotees offer cosmetic oils to Sri Rama and Mother Sita and Sendhuram – a red powder and sandal to Sri Hanuman.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
10 day Chithirai Brahmotsavam is grandly celebrated in the temple in April-May.
Prayers
It is believed that brothers separated due to some problems will be blessed with a happy re-union if they pray here. They also conduct a ritual called adoption in the presence of Mother Ponnazhagi Amman - Thathu Koduthal in Tamil. After this ceremony, they pray to Lord Rama who is an outstanding example of brotherhood for total understanding between brothers and ensuring peace. This ritual is done even for new born babies. 
Vada, a popular dish of Tamilnadu is offered as nivedhana to the deity. Devotees offer silk vastras to Ambal with Sandal abishek for ending delays in marriages. People pray in Sri Ramas’s shrine for freedom from enemy fears and for cultivating traits of humility. Devotees offer silk vastras to Ambal with Sandal abishek.
Contact
Sri Ponnazhagiamman Temple,
O. Siruvayal, Sivaganga District
Phone: +91- 4577 - 264 778
Connectivity
O Siruvayal is 5 km far from Karaikudi. Mini buses are available to reach the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Karaikudi and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.
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Karpaka Vinayakar Temple (Pillaiyar Patti Pillaiyar Temple), Thiruppatthur, Sivaganga

Karpaka Vinayakar Temple (Pillaiyar Patti Pillaiyar Temple), Thiruppatthur, Sivaganga
Karpaka Vinayakar Temple (Pillaiyar Patti Pillaiyar Temple) is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to Ganesha, located at Thiruppatthur (1 km from Thiruppatthur bus stand or Thiruppatthur Tiruthali Nathar Temple (One of the Thevara temples), Sivaganga district in the state of Tamilnadu, India. In the cave temple, there are rock-cut images of Siva and other gods as well as several shrines. The Agama texts found on stones in the temple help date the temple between the years 1091 and 1238. A unique Tamil image of Pillaiyar found in the temple helps to verify this dating.




The presiding deity of the temple is Karpaka Vinayakar. As of today, the Pillayarpatti Nagarathar worshipers are involved in conducting daily worship services in the temple, as well as maintaining it. People from all over the state come to the temple for the worship of Pillayar, the Lord of Wisdom. It is one of the 9 temples of the Nagarathar Chettiar community of Chettinad, Tamilnadu. The Kozhukkattai nivedhana is made from 18 measures of rice on the Vinayaka Chathurthi festival day.




Pillaiyarpatti temple is a rock – cut temple located about 12 km’s from Karaikudi on the Karaikudi Madurai road. It was built after hewing a hillock by the early Pandiya kings and the image of Karpaga Vinayaka and that of a Siva Linga were carved out of a stone by a sculptor called Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan who put his signature on a stone inscription found even today in the sanctum. He put his signature in Tamil Language which was in use between 2nd and 5th century AD. It can be concluded that the icon of Karpaga Vinayaka must have been carved around 4th century AD.




The Ganesh Chathurthi / Vinayaka Chathurthi festival is celebrated for 10 days in a grand manner every year during the months of August and September. During that time, great numbers of pilgrims gather and participate in the Car Festival. Like all Shaivite temples, Pillayarpatti temple also has Lord Shiva as its presiding deity. The lord's name is Arjuna Pureeswarar. This temple is most Karpaga Vinayagar Koil is one of the oldest cave temples or rock cut temples in Tamilnadu.




This lovely temple is in Pillayarpatti, which is flanked by Pudukkottai and Karaikkudi. Pillaiyarpatti town derives its name from 'Pillayar' - the Tamil name for Lord Ganesha. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple’s presiding deity is Karpaka Vinayakar or Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar and he is depicted with two arms and a trunk bent towards his right in the Valampuri mode. The image of Ganesha is massive, towering at 6ft, and is a superb bas relief in an excavated cave. The temple’s inner sanctum is bathed in golden light thanks to the flickering oil lamps that illuminate the sacred space. The magnificent idol is covered in gold but one can only see the complete idol in all its glory during the Abhishekam or holy bath.




Karpaga Vinayagar Koil is also home to rock cut images of Shiva, Lingodbhava and many others and there are quite a few other shrines. There are at least 15 inscriptions within, which help establish the temple’s antecedents. The temple is steeped in the agamic tradition and is a great illustration of the rich temple culture of the Tamilians which has endured through the ages.   




History
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/08/karpaka-vinayakar-temple-pillaiyar.html
Greatness of Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/08/karpaka-vinayakar-temple-pillaiyar_31.html
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/08/karpaka-vinayakar-temple-pillaiyar_36.html
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Pooja Timings
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/08/karpaka-vinayakar-temple-pillaiyar_39.html
Festivals
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/08/karpaka-vinayakar-temple-pillaiyar_9.html
Prayers
Devotees pray here for removal of obstacles in marriage proposals, for child boon and for good education. Devotees perform abishek to Lord Vinayaka and offer vastras.
Contact
Karpaka Vinayakar Temple,
Pillaiyarpatti, Sivagangai District,
Tamilnadu – 630 207
Phone: 04577-264240, 264241, 264182, 264797
Email: pknktrust@yahoo.com
Email: pknkkai@bsnl.in
Accommodation
Around 47 cottages (including A/C cottages & western toilet facilities) are maintained by the trust for the benefit of pilgrims. Cottages can be booked well in advance through phone: 04577-264240, 264241, 264182, and 264797
Booking Time 7.00 A.M To 9.00 P.M. Cottage are available for rent only for pilgrimages purpose.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/08/karpaka-vinayakar-temple-pillaiyar_13.html
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