Friday, June 29, 2018

Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Puduvayal, Thiruvallur

Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Puduvayal, Thiruvallur
Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Puduvayal near Ponneri in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vijayaraghava Perumal and Mother is called as Kamalavalli Thayar. The temple is said to be more than 1200 years old. The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama.

Legends
Kanva Maharishi:
Sage Kanva (He is the foster father of Shakunthala of Kalidasa's great epic) build an ashram on the Banks of Aranya River and worshipped Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been commissioned by Kanva Maharishi and, therefore, is called the Sri Kanva Rishi Kshetram. Sri Kanva Maharishi is believed to have performed the Pratishthapana and Tiruvaradhana of Sri Vijayaraghava at Puduvayal. Sri Kanva Maharishi's samadhi is believed to be somewhere in Puduvayal vicinity, on the banks of River Brahma Aranya.
Shakuntala married King Dushyanta here:
Shakuntala is said to have met and married King Dushyanta here in the Gandharva tradition. Disputes that dogged Shakuntala's early marital life and the amnesia that afflicted King Dushyanta were settled and cured here after Shakuntala's vow to Sri Kamalavalli Thayar was fulfilled. Shakuntala's son, Bharat, is supposed to have been born here.
Presence of Sage Vaikasana in Sanctum:
Long ago there was a Gandharva named Sumali. He became a Demon due to curse. In the demon form, he was known as Nivdan. He used to create obstacle in the Yagnas done by sages and he used to trouble the Sages. The worried sage Kanva did penance and appeased Bramha Deva. Then Brahma told him that Sage Kashyapa who was the disciple of sage Vaikanasa was in Naimisaranya, go to him and take his advice and please Lord Vishnu. Then the Lord Veeraraghavan did the Samhara of Sumali. Due to this, Sumali got the Sapa Vimochana and Sage Kanva got the grace of Lord Vishnu. Since Sage Vaikanasa helped Sage Kanva, in token of recognition, He (Vaikanasa) is worshipped in the form of Vigraha Roopam in the Sanctum.
Brindaranya Shetram:
This Shetram is one among the hundreds of sacred Shetram and this Shetram is known as Brindaranya Shetram now it is known as Pudhu Vayal.
The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Vijayaraghava Perumal. Lord Vijayaraghava is housed in the sanctum in seated posture with his Consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi by his sides (Veetrirunda Thirukolam). He is in sitting in Bhoga asana Posture facing East. He is having four hands, holding Shanku and Chakra in two hands. In Other two hands, one is showing Abhayahastha and other one appears as if he is calling us and telling come seek refuge in me. Vimanam is Vijayakoti Vimanam.
Periya Thiruvadi (Garuda) and Siriya Thiruvadi (Anjaneyar) are found facing the sanctum and in front of the Dhwaja Sthambam. There is a small space dedicated to Vikhanasa Maharishi, the preceptor of the Vaikhanasa Agama inside the sanctum. Mother is called as Kamalavalli Thayar. There is a separate shrine for Kamalavalli Thayar. She is called Swatantra Lakshmi or Swarajya Lakshmi in her Utsavar form. Goddess Vimanam is Kamalakruti Vimanam.
There is a Shrine of Venugopala Swamy behind the sanctum inside the temple premises. He is gracing the devotees along with Rukmini and Satyabhama from the shrine. He is with four hands, Shanku and Chakra in two hands and with other two hands holding his flute. Then, at his feet is a cow is prostrating. It looks as if it is doing Saranagathi at lord's feet. Childless Couples come here and pray to lord Venugopal and give milk as Naivedya and then they partake it and they are blessed with Children.
There is a shrine for Andal in the Temple premises. There is a mandapam called Kalyana Mandapam with full of beautiful sculptures. Theertham associated with this Temple is Kamala Theertham and is situated exactly behind the Lord's sanctum, again a very rare occurrence. Sthala Vriksham is Krishna Thulasi plant. This is so because of the presence of Lord Venugopala Swamy Shrine.
Prayers
Women want to get married pray to Andal of this Temple. Women who seek children and are unable to beget them are known to get children by praying to Venugopala Swamy. Thayar is famous for granting a favorable resolution of not only marital disputes but of all legal disputes. She also confers mental health and peace to all Her devotees. Vijayaraghava Perumal bestows on his devotees victory in all their undertakings. He ensures that His devotees achieve and maintain excellent physical health. Devotees who undertake vows to the Vijayaraghava Perumal temple at the Divya Desam of Thiruputkuzhi, but are unable to fulfill them there can complete their vows at Puduvayal.
Contact
Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple,
Puduvayal – 601 206
Thiruvallur District,
Phone: +91 44 26182143
Connectivity
This temple is located 650 meters from Puduvayal Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 8 Kms from Ponneri, 9 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 13 Kms from Cholavaram, 43 Kms from Thiruvallur, 35 Kms from Chennai and 48 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated in North of Chennai in Chennai - Calcutta Highway. In olden days this was the route of Kashi – Rameshwaram known as Raj Pattai (Raja Markham).

Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri, Thiruvallur

Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri, Thiruvallur
Agastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Ponneri Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and Mother is called as Anandhavalli. Sage Agasthya had installed and worshipped 108 Shiva in various places around Ponneri. Ponneri Agastheeswarar temple is the 107th and the 108th is Ashtothreeswarar or Nootru Ettu Easwarar temple 1 Km from Ponneri in Chinna Kavanam. 








Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.
Contact
Agastheeswarar Temple,
Ponneri – 601 204
Thiruvallur District
Mobile: +91 88254 10107
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Ponneri Market Bus Stop, 750 meters from Ponneri Bus Stand, 1 Km from Ponneri Railway Station, 2.5 Kms from Chinna Kavanam Nootreteeswarar Temple, 9 Kms from Thatchur Koot Road, 13 Kms from Minjur, 20 Kms from Pulicat, 21 Kms from Redhills, 55 Kms from Thiruvallur, 37 Kms from Chennai and 50 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is located at a walkable distance from the Ponneri Bus stand. From Chennai, one has to drive past the Padi junction on Chennai - Kolkata highway to reach Thatchur cross roads (Koot road). From Thatchur cross road junction, one has to take right turn and drive about 9 Kms to reach this Temple.

Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri – Legends

Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri – Legends
When Sage Agasthya was sent to the southern region to balance the level of the Earth as Shiva Parvathi wedding took place in the Himalayas and all Devas and Devotees gathered there. During his journey towards in the south Agasthya Visited many holy temples and performed Pooja. At times he consecrated many Shiva Linga in the places where there were no Shiva temples. One among such temple is Ponneri.
Sage Agasthya was caught with severe stomach pain. He found a Linga in this place and worshipped the lord. Lord Shiva appeared before him and relieved him from his pain. The sage stayed here worshipping the Lord for many years. Therefore, the Shiva was known as Agastheeswarar. Sage Agasthya is also known as Kumbamuni, as he once collected the whole of river Cauvery into his holy pot (Kamandalam).
Since he stayed here in this place for many years this place came to be known as Kumbamuni Mangalam. It is said that Sage Agasthya installed and worshipped about 108 Shiva Lingas in various places here and the 108th Shiva Linga being Ashtothreeswarar (or Nootreteeswarar which means 108th Shiva) at Chinnakkaavanam near this town Ponneri.

Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri – The Temple

Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri – The Temple
This temple faces east and has a 3 tired Rajagopuram with two praharams. The temple is built in the Gajabrushta Style. The Temple was Constructed by Raja Raja Chola on 2 acres of land. There is a temple tank in front of the Rajagopuram and 16-pillared stone mandapam with wonderful sculptures in between. There is a grand Dwajasthambam (flag post) at the outer praharam of the temple after entering the temple. There is an ancient Nandhi in a small mandapam just in front of the Dwajasthambam facing the west towards the sanctum.



There is a stone mandapam with multiple pillars and meticulous carvings is present in front of the Nandhi. The outer praharam is huge and peaceful. All the walls of the outer praharam are painted with lots of Thamizh hymns in praise of various Gods. The entire temple is very neat and maintained well. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and is facing east. The Lord Agastheeswarar is present in the sanctum with divine silence and excellent vibrations. The sanctum is built in Gajabrushta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam), which is in the shape of the back of a sleeping elephant.


This type of architecture is seen in many of the temples built by the Chozha kings. Ganesha, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhavar, Durgai and Brahma are the niche idols located on the sanctum walls. Lord Dhakshinamoorthy (Guru) is seen facing south on the outer wall of the sanctum. On the outer wall of Sanctum Sanctorum, behind the shrine, on either side of the central section, are relief sculptures of Plough. In local language Tamizh, plough is called as 'Eeru'. Gold is called as Pon in Tamil. Gold Plough would be Pon Eru which eventually became Ponneri, the name of the town.



Mother is called as Anandhavalli and is facing east. Goddess Anandhavalli is seen adjacent to the sanctum with a motherly smile showing lots of grace and mercy to the worshippers. The goddess shrine on the right side of the lord shrine is a specialty here. The Dwarapalakis statues are found guarding the Goddess’s shrine near the entrance on either side. There are sculptures of Raja Raja Chola I on the pillars. 


There are also sculptures of Rajendra Chola and Mummudi Chola on the pillars. This shows that these Cholas have visited the temple and had offered grants to the temple. There are sculptures of Kannappa Nayanar in 2 places. One near the sanctum sanctorum and another in the mandapa outside the temple. There is also a sculpture of one of the later Vijayanagara Kings which is present on the pillars of the mandapam. This temple also has received various grants and patronage by Vijayanagara kings.


In one of the pillars, sage Agasthiar is also carved to mark his stay here and his penance towards Lord Agastheeswarar. There are shrines of Bhairavar, Surya, Ganesha, Navagrahas, Naalvar, Nataraja, Sivakami, Veeerabadhra, Kalahasthishwarar, Abithagujambal, Nagas, Gnanapoongothai and Valli Devasena Samedha Lord Murugan in the temple premises. All the gods here face the east.


There is a beautiful pond outside the temple which is called Agasthya Theertham which serves as the Theertham for the temple. It is believed to be created by Sage Agasthya. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam (Aegle marmelos). This temple has received many donations in form of lands and gold during the Chola period.


Muthukumaraswamy Temple, Perumbedu, Thiruvallur

Muthukumaraswamy Temple, Perumbedu, Thiruvallur
Muthukumaraswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Perumbedu Village near Ponneri in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. The temple is in a village surrounded by ponds and greenery and is one of the three popular Murugan temples in this region. The other two being Siruvarpuri and Andarkuppam.




History
Around 30 years back, the idols of Lord Subramaniyar with his consorts were found by the villagers during ploughing within the current temple complex (and the place has been earmarked now). Later the current temple has been built.



The Temple
This is an east facing with an entrance arch. The Subramanyar and his consorts Valli and Deivanai are about 6.5 feet tall. Lord Shiva and his consort are having a separate shrine next to the Subramanyar shrine. A merged Neem and Peepal Tree can be seen here. The temple atmosphere is beautiful with a mammoth tree inside and vast empty space in the outer praharam. There is small Navagraha shrine also.



Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Ponneri, 9 Kms from Ponneri Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 62 Kms from Thiruvallur, 45 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. From Ponneri while going to Chinnakavanam (Pulicat), immediately after crossing the river bridge, you have to take a right to Perumbedu (if you go straight you will enter Chinna Kavanam village). For the most part till Perumbedu, the road goes along the bank of the river Arani.

Imuktheeswarar Temple, Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur

Imuktheeswarar Temple, Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur
Imuktheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Moongilpattu in Periyapalayam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Imuktheeswarar / Agastheeswarar and Mother is called as Annapoorani. This temple lies on the banks of Arani river and other side of the river bank famous Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman Temple located.





Legends
Imuktheeswarar:
Since Pancha Bhoota Prithvi, Appu, Theyu, Vayu, Agayam are worshipped the lord here, so lord Siva is called as Imuktheeswarar.
Agastheeswarar:
Lord Shiva of this Temple was worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and hence he is called as Agastheeswarar.
Sage Valmiki worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is believed that Sage Valmiki stayed here and worshipped the Lord Shiva.
The Temple
This is a west facing temple with a 3 tier Rajagopuram on the west. Presiding Deity is called as Imuktheeswarar / Agastheeswarar and is facing west. Mother is called as Annapoorani. There are shrines of Navagrahas, Vinayaga, Ayyappa, Srinivasa Perumal, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Saneeswara, Bairavar, Veerabhadra, Suryan and Chandran in the Temple premises.






Connectivity
The Temple is located close to Periyapalayam Bus Terminus. The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman Temple, 17 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 20 Kms from Ponneri, 25 Kms from Redhills, 14 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 40 Kms from Chennai and 53 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated in Chennai - Kolkata Highway. The temple is situated on the banks of the Arani river. Before turning to cross the bridge, the small entrance can be seen on the left of the road. Buses ply to Periyapalayam from Ambattur (563), T Nagar (592, 547), CMBT (514, 514x, 92), Thiruvallur (505A) etc.  Also, it is well connected from Redhills and Ponneri.

Bhavani Amman Temple, Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur

Bhavani Amman Temple, Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur
Bhavani Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani located at Periyapalayam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is busy throughout the year and people visit the temple with their families to seek the blessings of Bhavani Amman. People throng here in thousands on weekends and in the month of Aadi and Avani. The Bhavani Amman temple is possibly the most popular one in this region. The Temple is well maintained and well organized to help the devotees to have a memorable Dharshan of Sri Bhavani Amman.



Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Bhavani Amman / Periyapalayathamman. Bhavani Amman is seen with the Sangu Chakram in the upper part of her hands. A sword and Amirtha Kalasam are seen on her lower hands. Kumkumam and Theertham are offered as Prasadham, which is known to cure many ailments in the human body.



Shrines of Arputha Sakthi Vinayagar and Sarva Sakthi Mathangi Amman can be found near the entrance of the temple inside temple premises. There are shrines of Subramaniyar, Srinivasa Perumal with Mahalakshmi, Anjaneyar, and Parasurama (one among the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) and Naga Sannidhi in the Temple premises.



Temple Opening Time
·        Angapradakshinam: 05.00 AM – 09.00 AM
·        Vaepanjalai:  05.00 AM – 12.00 Noon & 04.00 PM – 06.00 PM
·        Karagam: 05.00 AM – 12.00 Noon
Festivals
The temple attracts thousands of people during the Tamil months of Adi and Avani especially during the weekends. The first Friday in the auspicious Tamil month of Aadi, is grandly celebrated here. Every year on the 4th week of Aadi, the oonjal Sevai for the Urchava Moorthy is performed. Thousand and eight Sahasra Nama Archanai is performed on every Friday morning during the auspicious month of Aadi. Chithira Pournami, Vinayagar Chathurthi, Vijayadasami, English New Year, Tamil New Year, Hanuman Jayanti, Pongal, Thai Poosam and Pournami Urchavam are the other festivals celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare.
Prayers
Bhavani Mata wipes off the sins of devotees who wear Margo leaves round their waist and go around her temple day and night. It is enough if her Abhisheka water is sprinkled on couple. All diseases will be cured by the merciful Bhavani Mata who is another form of Sri Krishna himself. Devotees offer prayers in different forms like head shaving, going with just neem leaves around, lifting the pot with fire, Angapradakshina, coconut rolling etc. People come in tractors, vans and carts with full equipments including gas cylinders for cooking, stay here and do their rituals.
Contact
Bhavani Amman Temple,
Periyapalayam – 601 102
Thiruvallur District
Mobile: +91 94444 87487
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman Temple Bus Stop, 700 meters from Periyapalayam Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 20 Kms from Ponneri, 25 Kms from Redhills, 14 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 40 Kms from Chennai and 53 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated in Chennai - Kolkata Highway. Buses ply to Periyapalayam from Ambattur (563), T Nagar (592, 547), CMBT (514, 514x, 92), Thiruvallur (505A) etc.  Also, it is well connected from Redhills and Ponneri.