Sangameshwarar Temple, Bhavani – The
Temple
The
temple is spread over an area of approximately 4 acres on the northern banks of
the Triveni Sangamam. The temple has two major gates or entrances. The
Rajagopuram in the north has 5 distinct tiers and 7 kalashas. The colorful,
five-tiered Rajagopuram gopuram is decorated with figures from the
puranas. The local belief is that every inch of ground under the temple
has one Shivalingam.
There
are shrines of Kottai Vinayagar in Left and Kottai Anjaneyar in right side of
the Rajagopuram. Behind the Tower, Raja Vinayagar at the western side and
Muthukumaraswamy at the Eastern side are also there. Kodimaram, Palipeedam and
lighting monolithic stone pillar is a visual treat. The temple is unique in
many ways. The whole temple is considered to be a Shiva Linga and therefore the
Nandi is found outside the temple near the car park in a separate mandapam
facing the temple.
During
the rule of the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas, it is said that there was an
underground connection between Chidambaram and Sangameshwarar temple. Till
date, pujas are performed at the same time in both temples. The Temple has a
huge hall for social events, a beautiful river side garden, round boat ride,
swimming and bathing area in the confluence of Kaveri & Bhavani River, and
an elephant too. Here Kaveri River, Bhavani River and Amudha
River join together. River Amudha flow as Antharvahini, just like Saraswathy at
Triveni Sangamam of Allahabad. The place is also known as Dakshina Triveni
Sangamam.
The
rampart on the eastern side has now moved close to the Cauvery, and the three
rectangular holes (one below the other) drilled in the wall, to have the view
of the Dwajasthambam and the deity. This Temple is also known as Parihara Sthalam.
So, in the south of the temple in the place of koodudurai the purohits
(priests) performing poojas i.e; parikara like Nagadoshas, Sevvaidhosa,
Marriage Dosha, Navagraha Dosha and other Doshas.
The
temple stands as an example for and is a testimony to the unity of the Saiva /
Vaishnava cults, by being the abode of Lord Sangameshwarar and Goddess
Vedanayaki as well as that of Sri Adi Kesava Perumal and his consort,
Sundaravalli Thaayar.
Sanctum:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Mother Shrine:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Jwarahareswarar Shrine:
There is
a shrine for Lord Jwarahareswarar (Lord of Fever) inside the temple premises.
This shrine is situated adjacent to the shrine of Murugan. Lord Jwarahareswarar
has three heads, three arms and three legs, an image found only in a few
temples in Tamil Nadu. Interestingly the Dwarapalakas in this shrine also have
three heads, arms and legs. To be relieved of fever and other ailments,
devotees believe that an offering of boiled rice, Pepper Rasam (dhal soup) and
Ara Keerai Koottu will be effective. Worshipping him with Bilva leaves, while
offering pepper and cumin seeds is said to relieve people of chronic gastric
ailments.
Lord Murugan Shrine:
Lord Subramanya Swamy is housed in a separate Shrine
situated to the right of Vedanayaki shrine. This Shrine is situated in between
Lord Siva and Mother Sanctums representing Somaskanda form. Arunagirinathar
sang Thirupugazh on Lord Subramanya of this temple.
Nayanmars Shrine:
Idols of
the 63 Nayanmars, the Shaiva saints can be found to the south of Vedha Nayagi
Shrine. The southern hallway hosts the idols of the 63 Nayanmars (Bronze
Statues) in a Golu-mandapam type of arrangement. The procession idols of all
the 63 Nayanmars are beautifully arranged on a few steps (displayed like a
Navratri Golu). Surprisingly, Thiru Muruga Kirupananda Variyar Swamy, a modern-day
storyteller who is famous for his Kathakaalakshepam (musical storytelling)
finds his place as the 64th Nayanmar.
Pancha Bootha Lingams:
The
circumambulatory path, behind the sanctum houses Pancha Bhootha Lingams, the
representations of the five elements.
Saneeshwara Shrine:
Almost
all of the Kongu Ezhu Sthalangal (Seven Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Temples of
Kongu Naadu) including Bhavani boast of an exclusive sannidhi for Lord
Saneeshwara. Devotees believe the Bhavani Saneeshwara to have great divine
power.
Sahasralingeswarar Shrine:
There is
a separate Shrine for Sahasralingeswarar in the Temple premises. This
Sahasralingam (one Shivalingam containing 1008 small lingams) is said to have
been worshipped by Ravana, the Lord of Lanka. There is a popular belief
that performing abhishekam to this Sahasralingam is said to rid one of Rahu -
Kethu Dosha.
Amirthalingeshwarar Shrine:
Amirthalingeshwarar
in this temple is placed on a seat called Avudayar according to Saiva
principles. It is a mobile one that can be removed and placed on the seat
again. The Amirthalingam is in the southern entrance of the temple. After the
churning of the ocean, Sage Parasara is believed to have filled the pit
containing the remaining nectar with the waters of all the holy rivers and made
a Shivalinga with it. This Linga has been called as Amirthalingeshwarar.
Lord
Shiva appeared in the Linga and promised to remove the sins of those who
worshipped him in that form and grant their genuine desires. Those seeking
child birth, come to the Amirthalingeshwarar shrine, and perform abhishekam.
Then with wet clothes, the woman carries the Amirthalingam around the shrine
thrice and place it back on Avudai. Then the devotee offers sweet Pongal to the
Lord. It is believed that childbirth is definitely granted.
Palliyarai:
Palliyarai
is situated on the northern side of the Mahamandapam. There is a Cradle hanging
from the Ceiling. This cradle has been donated by an European collector William
Garrow on January 11, 1804. It was made of Ivory (the tusk of elephant) and was
presented to Vedanayaki Amman and he has signed on the frame of cradle.
Gayathri Lingeswarar Shrine:
There is
a Linga called Gayathri Lingeswarar situated near the banks of the river i.e. meeting
point of the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani. It is believed that Sage Viswamithra
installed the lingam here and worshipped it, chanting the Gayathri Mantra and
hence the name, Gayathri Lingeswarar. One can see devotees performing special
poojas and making offerings as pariharam here for peace and success.
Vaishnava Shrines:
This
predominantly Shaivite Temple has shrines for Lord Vishnu, as Adhi Kesava
Perumal and his divine consort, Sri Soundaravalli Thayar. There are also
shrines for Lord Rama, Alwars, and Lord Venugopal, with Bhama and Rukmini. The
Adhikesava Perumal Temple was originally in Kalingarayan Pudur lying south of
the Cauvery, and was in a dilapidated condition. Puliyur Gounder (as per
inscription) took the initiative to install Adhikesava Perumal with his
consorts in the temple built by him close to that of Vedanayaki Amman. Besides,
he built shrines for Lakshmi Narasimhar and Soundaravalli Thayar in the same
row.
A
significant factor at the Adhikesava Perumal temple is the Ranga Mandapam noted
for the sculptural work on its 24 pillars in Taramangalam style. Adhikesava
Perumal Shrine is located immediately after the Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity, Adi
Kesava Perumal is in standing posture. On the northern side of the Ranga
Mandapam and to the right of Adhikesava Perumal Shrine, there is a separate
shrine for Venugopala Swamy with his consorts, Rukmini and Sathyabama. This
shrine is said to have been built by the Wodeyar family of Mysore.
There is
a separate shrine for Yoga Narasimhar with Lakshmi as Santha swaroopam and Santhanagopalan
with his consorts near to the Adhikesava Perumal Shrine. Soundara Valli Thayar
Shrine is situated next to Yoga Narasimhar Shrine. There is also a small shrine
for Siddhi Vinayakar situated nearby. The cow behind the Vishnu
statue reminds us of the harmony between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Other Shrines:
There
are shrines of Jothilingam, Kasi Viswanathar, Nagars under the Ashwatha tree
near bathing Ghat, Visalakshi, Gajalakshmi, Lakshmi and Jeshtadevi in the
temple premises. There is a big Aswatha tree and a Siva Lingam known
Koteeswarar is installed under it.
Sthala Vriksham:
Sthala
Vriksham is Ilandhai Maram (Jujube Tree). It is situated at the south-west
corner of the temple premises. It is a belief that the divine scriptures,
Vedhas, reincarnated themselves as the holy tree here for protecting the
sanctity of the place. It is under this tree that Lord Shiva appeared before
Kubera as a Swayambu Lingam. It is surprising to find that the tree is
still bearing a lot of fruit.
The
Lingam seems extremely ancient. There are separate shrines for Shani Bhagavan
and Dattatreya near the Kubera Lingam. The sweet fruit of Ilandhai from tree is
offered to Lord Siva after pooja every day. The fruit is given as prasadam for
the couple who come and worship forsake of child. This fruit is consumed by
ladies for fertility.
Theerthams:
Theerthams
associated with this Temple are Kaveri River, Bhavani River, Amirtha River,
Surya Theertham and Gayatri Theertham. The Temple is situated at the confluence
spot of the Kaveri and Bhavani Rivers, known as Kooduthurai. The pond near the
Eastern Compound is called Suriya Theertham. The pond near the Gayathri Lingam
is named Gayathri Theertham.
