Shiva Thandeswarar Temple, Sendurai, Ariyalur

Shiva Thandeswarar Temple, Sendurai, Ariyalur

Shiva Thandeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Sendurai Town in Sendurai Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is also called as Sendurai Mahadevar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Shiva Thandeswarar / Theerkapureeswarar and Mother is called as Prashanna Nayagi. The Temple conducts 4 rituals daily. This temple is administrated by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department Tamilnadu.

Legends

Theerkapureeswarar:

Once, a forest near this place was called as Neivanam. A Maha Siddha used to live in this forest. Hence, the village came to be called as Siddhar Thurai. Later it got corrupted to Sendurai. It is believed that the Siddha created a lake and named as Siddhar Eri. Now the same lake was called as Siddheri. It is also believed that the Siddhar installed a Shiva Linga under a Vilwam tree and started worshipping Lord Shiva. He acquired Ashtama Siddhi due to his intense prayers. People from the nearby areas visited him for his blessings.

A local chieftain from Pazhuvettaraiyar clan ruling the surrounding area came to know about the Siddhar. He visited him. On seeing the Chieftain, Siddhar instructed him to build a Shiva Temple for child Boon. As instructed, chieftain built this temple by obtaining permission from his overlord Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola and worshipped Lord Shiva sincerely. Later, he was blessed with children. Jeeva Samadhi of the Siddhar is located at the backside of the Temple on the North Street. Since, Lord Shiva fulfilled the wishes of chieftain, he came to be called as Theerkapureeswarar, now he is called as Shiva Thandeswarar.

Sendurai:

The place was abounded with red sands and water resources. Hence it came to be called as Thanpozhil Sendurai. Later got corrupted to Sendurai.

Kaaraikaattu Thanda Naadu:

In ancient times, a part of this place was a forest containing Vela, Tamarind, Karungali, Vanni, Illupai, Vila and Karai Trees. Hence, it came to be called as Kaaraikaattu Thanda Naadu as per the inscriptions of Vikrama Chola.

History

The Temple is believed to be built by a local chieftain from Pazhuvettaraiyar clan who was ruling over the surrounding area. The Temple is believed to be built before the construction of Thanjavur Big Temple. There were about five inscriptions and two copper plate inscriptions, which talks about the antiquity of this Temple. It is also believed that Kundavai Nachiyar, sister of Rajaraja Chola, visited during the construction of this Temple and named the Lord as Mahadevar.

The Temple

The Temple is situated on the north east corner of the town. This is an east facing Temple with five tiered Rajagopuram of about 81 feet high. The Temple has two prakarams. Nandi, Bali Peedam and Dwajastambam can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram. There is an inner gopuram, serves as gateway to the inner prakaram. Yagasala Mandapam and Vahana Mandapam can be found in the area between Rajagopuram and Inner Gopuram. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found on each side of the inner gopuram.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Shiva Thandeswarar / Theerkapureeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy. Sun Rays will fall on Lord Shiva on 1st day of Chithirai at 06.05 AM. Vinayaga, Nataraja and Utsava Idols can be seen in the Maha Mandapam. Sanctum Sanctorum is surrounded by cloistered Mandapam. Mother is called as Prashanna Nayagi. She is housed in separate south facing shrine. Chandikeswarar Shrine is situated between sanctum and Mother Shrine.

Madapalli, Sthala Vriksham (Vanni Tree) and Shrines of 63 Nayanmars & Saptha Mathas can be found in the western side of inner prakaram.  Kodi Vinayagar, Naalvar, Shiva Lingam, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Sokkanathar, Vishwanathar, Pancha Lingams and Gaja Lakshmi can be found in the northern side of the inner prakaram. Nataraja Sabha can be found in north east corner of the inner prakaram. Navagraha Shrine is situated next to Nataraja Sabha. Bhairavar, Suryan and Chandran in the form of Lingam can be found in the eastern side of inner prakaram.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM.

Festivals

10 days Panguni Brahmotsavam, Chithirai Tamil New Year, Vaikasi Visakam, Aani Uthiram, Aadi Pooram, Purattasi Navaratri, Karthigai Deepam, Somavaram, Margazhi Thiruvadhirai, Thai Poosam and Monthly Pradoshams are celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Sendurai Bus Stand, 1 Km from Sendurai Railway Station, 20 Kms from Ariyalur, 20 Kms from Udayarpalayam, 24 Kms from Jayamkondam, 34 Kms from Gangaikonda Cholapuram and 105 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Chennai – Trichy Railway Line. Bus facilities are available from Ariyalur, Chennai, Trichy, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Jayamkondan, Thittagudi and Pennadam.

Location | Photos

Choleeswarar Temple, Vikramangalam, Ariyalur

Choleeswarar Temple, Vikramangalam, Ariyalur

Choleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Vikramangalam Village in Udayarpalayam Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Choleeswarar and Mother is called as Poornachandirakalambikai / Pirainiyammai. Beautiful Jain and Buddha sculptures of Chola period is also preserved in this village.

History

Vikramangalam came into existence during the reign of Emperor Rajendra Chola – I (1012 – 1044) and was called as Vikkiramacholapuram, after a surname of the king. The Temple is believed to be built by Rajendra Chola I. The Temple was named as Rajendra Cholisvaram after him. Marudhai River flowing nearby this village was called as Vikrama Chozha Peraru during Rajendra Chola I Period. During the Chola period, Vikkiramacholapuram was also a famous trade and mercantile centre of the itinerant trade guilds. Beautiful Jain and Buddha sculptures of Chola period is also preserved in this village.

Inscriptions of Vikrama Chola, Kulothunga Chola – I, Kulothunga Chola – II and Kulothunga Chola – III indicate that this place was a sub capital for the Chola kings who resided in the royal palace in this place and issued royal orders granting lands to many temples in the Chola country. Presence of such palaces were attested by the inscriptions in Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Keezh Pazhuvur, Thirupulivanam, Achirupakkam, Brahmmadesam, Ayyanpettai and Alangudi.

There are also one bronze plate inscriptions in this Temple. As per the copper plate inscriptions and stone inscriptions, presiding Deity is called as Choleeswarar and Mother is called as Pirainiyammai. The Village was under Kadaram Konda Chozha Valanaattu Maduranthaga Valanadu division during Chola Period. The Gopurams and Prakarams are built during Nayakkar period. The Temple had its recent Kumbabhishekam in 1912 A.D.

The Temple

This is an east facing temple with five tiered Rajagopuram. The temple has two corridors (prakarams). The inner prakaram is crowned with another three-tiered gopuram. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Choleeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Paintings in the roof of Mahamandapam belongs to Vijayanagara and Nayakkar Period.  A sculpture of Rasi Mandalam can be seen on the roof of Maha Mandapam. There are bronze idols belongs to Chola period can be seen in this temple. Mother is called as Poornachandirakalambikai / Pirainiyammai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine.

There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan, Chandikeswarar, Saneeswarar, Bhairavar in the Temple premises. The Temple Tank, Ganga Theertham, is situated outside the temple was believed to be excavated during Chola Period. There is well in the inner prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam Tree.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

Vinayagar Chathurthi, Aippasi Annabishekam, Shiva related festivals and monthly Pradoshams are celebrated here.

Prayers

Devotees perform Archana to Saneeswarar here on Saturdays with Arali Flower and lit Sesame Deepam in his shrine. By worshipping Saneeswarar here will get relief from Navagraha Dosha, relief from marriage obstacles and will be blessed with child boon. By worshipping Bhairavar, devotees can overcome problems from their enemies.

Contact

Choleeswarar Temple,

Vikramangalam,

Ariyalur District – 621 701.

Phone: +91 4329 228 649

Mobile: +91 90925 54154 / 88258 23382

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Sripuranthan, 13 Kms from Govindhaputhur, 22 Kms from T. Palur, 20 Kms from Udayarpalayam, 26 Kms from Keezha Pazhuvur, 23 Kms from Ariyalur, 25 Kms from Ariyalur Railway Station and 105 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Ariyalur to Govindhaputhur Route.

Location

Kambali Swamy Madam, Puducherry

Kambali Swamy Madam, Puducherry

Kambali Swamy Madam is a religious mutt located behind Thattanchavady Industrial Estate in Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. This Mutt houses various Jeeva Samadhis of Madathipathis of this prestigious Mutt.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2020/03/kambali-swamy-madam-puducherry-history.html

The Madam

The Madam complex has an entrance on the southern side. The complex is situated amidst groves. A pond with a large stucco image of Shiva Shakthi Thandava on lotus Peedam in the centre can be seen immediately after the entrance. Idols of Hanuman and Krishna can be found near this pond. There is an entrance arch guarded by two Simha can be found immediately after the Pond.

The sanctum faces east. Nardana Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. The main structure consists of long corridor, front Mandapam and Sanctum. Classrooms for conducting Yogas and office room are situated to the right side of the corridor. The Wall of the office room contains a stucco image of Rishabaroodar guarded by Dwarapalakas.

Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the front Mandapam facing the sanctum. Another big Nandi with a portrait of Kambali Swamy can be found in the same Mandapam facing the sanctum. Jeeva Samadhi of Kambali Swamy is housed in the sanctum. A Linga has been installed over the Samadhi.

Sanctum structure includes a Nandi facing the Lingam. This Nandi placed over the Jeeva Samadhi of Ambalavana Swamigal, chief disciple of Kambali Swamy. Jeeva Samadhi of Gitananda Swamy is situated to the right side of Sanctum and close to the big Nandi. The structure is housed in a thatched hut. Stucco image of Saraswathi can be found near the Samadhi. 

Stucco images of dancing Vinayaga and Vinayagi, Linga under the serpent hood on lotus Peedam and Nandi, Nagas & Balipeedam facing the Lingam can be found on a platform, before the main entrance.

Stucco image of Horse and Naga idols can be found at the right side of main entrance. 

Stucco images of Agastya and Thirumoolar can be found before the entrance. Both the idols facing west i.e. facing the sanctum.

There is an east facing shrine for Anandha Ganapthy on the right side and Gitananda Arumugam on the left side behind sanctum with their respective vehicles mouse & peacock and Balipeedam. There is another south facing shrine for Lakshmi on the left side besides the sanctum. Elephant and Balipeedam can be found facing her shrine. There is a dilapidated structure behind the sanctum can be seen in the premises.

Jeeva Samadhis:

Jeeva Samadhis of other Madathipathis are located in an open area adjacent to the sanctum. It is situated to the left side of Sanctum with an entrance from sanctum area. Divine vehicles of Hindu Gods like Nandi, Mouse, Peacock and Dog can be found in a group in the Jeeva Samadhi area near to Sri Sankaragiri Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi.

Sri Subramanya Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi:

This is the first Jeevasamadhi in the Jeeva Samadhi complex. It is of square shape.

Sri Manicka Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi:

This is the second Jeevasamadhi in the Jeeva Samadhi complex immediately after Sri Subramanya Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi. It is of round shape.

Sri Shanmuga Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi:

This is the third Jeevasamadhi in the Jeeva Samadhi complex immediately after Sri Manicka Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi. It is of star shape.

Sri Sankaragiri Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi:

This is the fourth Jeevasamadhi in the Jeeva Samadhi complex behind Sri Shanmuga Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi and beside Sri Velu Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi. It is of star shape.

Sri Velu Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi:

This is the last and fifth Jeevasamadhi in the Jeeva Samadhi complex behind Sri Shanmuga Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi and beside Sri Sankaragiri Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi. It is of triangle shape.

Madam Opening Time

The Madam remains open from 05.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 03.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

Sri Kambali Gnana Desika Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Margazhi Amavasai.

Sri Ambalavana Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Aadi Amavasai.

Sri Manicka Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Aani, Moolam Nakshatram.

Sri Shanmuga Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Masi Amavasai.

Sri Velu Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Margazhi Shashti.

Sri Subramanya Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Aadi Amavasai.

Sri Sankaragiri Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Vaikasi, Pooradam Nakshatram.

Sri Gitananda Giri Swamigal – Guru Pooja on Margazhi Amavasai.

Contact

Kambali Swamy Madam,

Thattanchavady, Puducherry – 605 009

Priest No: +91 98436 73412

Madathipathi: +91 98423 11433

Connectivity

The Madam is located at about 1 Km from Muruga Theatre Signal Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 4 Kms from Puducherry Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 149 Kms from Chennai Airport and 152 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to JIPMER (Gorimedu) Bus Route. Devotee can get down at Muruga Theatre Signal Bus Stop.

All the Buses coming from Chennai (either through ECR nor via Tindivanam) stops at Muruga Theatre Signal Bus Stop. The Temple is located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this temple from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location

Ilangali Amman Temple, West Mambalam, Chennai

Ilangali Amman Temple, West Mambalam, Chennai

Ilangali Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located in West Mambalam in Chennai City in Tamilnadu. This Temple is also called as Nava Durga Devi Temple. The temple belongs to mid-20th century.

The Temple

This temple is facing north with a 3 tier Raja gopuram. Soolam, Palipeedam and Simha Vahanam are in the mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Ilangali Amman. Amman seems to be old and in sitting posture. Nava Durga was installed on a 9-base pedestal with a sthambam and a stucco image of an elephant on the top. Perumal is in reclining posture on the south side entrance Arch. There are shrines for Aiyappan, Navagrahas, Anjaneyar and Vinayagar, Nagars under peepal / Bodhi tree in the Temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 05.30 PM to 08.30 PM.

Connectivity

The temple is situated on the Jothi Ramalingam Street of Ellai Amman Koil Street in West Mambalam. Also, it is situated very close to Srinivasa Theatre. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Srinivasa Theatre Bus Stop, 1 Km from Ayodhya Mandapam, 2 Kms from Ashok Pillar, 1.5 Kms from Saidapet Railway Station, 1 Km from Mambalam Railway Station, 2 Kms from Ashok Nagar Metro Station, 1 Kms from T Nagar Bus Terminus, 2 Kms from T Nagar, 13 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 9 Kms from Koyambedu Mofussil Bus Terminus, 9 Kms from Egmore Railway Station and 10 Kms from Chennai Airport.

West Mambalam is served by Mambalam Railway station (the busiest station after Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram), providing access to Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore and Tambaram. The nearest bus terminus is T. Nagar. The bus service connects the area to K.K. Nagar, Vadapalani, Iyappanthangal, Poonamallee, T. Nagar and Broadway (via Postal Colony), Mylapore and Vallalar Nagar (via Rangarajapuram) and Saligramam (via Brindavan Street), West Saidapet and Besant Nagar (via Mettupalayam). Other less frequent services connect the area to Taramani, Guindy Industrial Estate, Pattabiram, Tollgate and Kundrathur. Addition to that Small bus operated between Ashok Pillar to Liberty via 4th and 7th avenue of Ashok Nagar, Ayodhya Mandapam, Rangarajapuram. Nearest Metro Rail Station is Ashok Nagar.

Location

References:

https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2017/11/sri-ilangali-amman-nava-durga-devi.html

Ayodhya Mandapam, West Mambalam, Chennai

Ayodhya Mandapam, West Mambalam, Chennai

Ayodhya Mandapam is a very popular landmark in West Mambalam area in Chennai, the gateway city to South India. Ayodhya Mandapam is common meeting hall type of building-structure specifically made for the purpose of Sath-Sangham (Association of like-minded or common interest on religious development/discourses). The mandapam is managed by Sri Ram Samaj. who also operate Mithilapuri Kalyana Mandapam - a marriage hall, Sri Sitaram Vidyalaya school and Gnanavapi - a place for conducting funeral rites.

History

The Mandapam was constructed in 1964 and initially it was thrown open to the Iyers of Mambalam (a set of Brahmin Community). Later it was made available for all the other communities. Till now it is known for the association/meeting point for Brahmin community. In January 2014, this society was taken over by HR & CE department of Tamil Nadu Government. After protest by the General public, the Chief Justice of Madras High Court stayed the proceedings of the Tamil Nadu Government.

Ayodhya Mandapam

Ayodhya Mandapam is a public hall meant for religious gathering, conducting Hindu rituals/functions and conducting Vedic/Puranic discourses. Ayodhya Mandapam was built in 1964. The main shrine of Mandapam has the bronze idols (Utsava idols) of Ram, Lakshman and Sita. The picture depicting the Pattabhisheka ceremony of Ram is also placed in the main shrine. There are also two small shrines for Hanuman and Shankara Paduka. Steel foldable chairs have been placed in neat rows to seat all those who come every evening at five to chant Vishnu Sahasranamam. This chanting has been going on every evening without fail for very many years.

Activities

Periodic discourses on Vedas and Upanishads as well as several cultural meet-outs are handled throughout the year. In the month of March–April of every year, programmes in connection to Rama Navami Maha-Utsavam is very special at Ayodhya Mandapam.

Contact

Ayodhya Ashwamedha Maha Mandapam,

47, Arya Gowder Road,

West Mambalam, Chennai – 600 033

Phone: +91 44 2489 3077 / 2345 1600 / 04

Email: sriramsamaj@gmail.com

Web: www.sriramsamaj.org

Connectivity

The Mandapam is located in Arya Gowder Road, West Mambalam, Chennai. The Mandapam is on the main road near Ayodhya Mandapam Bus Stop. The Mandapam is located at about 1.5 Kms from Ashok Pillar, 2.5 Kms from Saidapet Railway Station, 1 Km from Mambalam Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Ashok Nagar Metro Station, 1.5 Kms from T Nagar Bus Terminus, 5 Kms from Guindy, 2 Kms from T Nagar, 11 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 8 Kms from Koyambedu Mofussil Bus Terminus, 8 Kms from Egmore Railway Station and 10 Kms from Chennai Airport.

West Mambalam is served by Mambalam Railway station (the busiest station after Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram), providing access to Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore and Tambaram. The nearest bus terminus is T. Nagar. The bus service connects the area to K.K. Nagar, Vadapalani, Iyappanthangal, Poonamallee, T. Nagar and Broadway (via Postal Colony), Mylapore and Vallalar Nagar (via Rangarajapuram) and Saligramam (via Brindavan Street), West Saidapet and Besant Nagar (via Mettupalayam). Other less frequent services connect the area to Taramani, Guindy Industrial Estate, Pattabiram, Tollgate and Kundrathur. Addition to that Small bus operated between Ashok Pillar to Liberty via 4th and 7th avenue of Ashok Nagar, Ayodhya Mandapam, Rangarajapuram. Nearest Metro Rail Station is Ashok Nagar.

Location

Karkodeswarar Temple, Kamarasavalli – The Temple

Karkodeswarar Temple, Kamarasavalli – The Temple

The temple faces the east. This temple may be assigned to the period of Sundara Chola with later additions. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam, Mukhamandapam and Sanctum. The Artha Mandapam measures 24 feet length. Mukha Mandapam might be of later addition. The Ardhamandapam projects 24 feet (7.3 m.) forward. There is a later mukha-mandapa. There is a large idol of Vinayaga can be found at the entrance. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found on a high pedestal facing the sanctum.

Presiding Deity is called as Karkodeswarar / Soundareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vimanam over the sanctum is of three tiers and the shikara is of round shape. The foundation and the sanctum is of granite construction but the superstructure over the sanctum is of brick and mortar. The sanctum is of square shape with 16 feet. There are two central projections on each side of the outer wall of the sanctum.

The central devakoshta is enclosed by two pilasters adorned with koshta pancharas on either side. The kumudam is octagonal. There is a bhutagana frieze below the cornice and a Yali frieze above it. Nataraja, Ganapati, Dakshinamurti and Agastya (in the southern side); Ardhanarishvara, Lingodbhava and Gangalamoorthy (on the western side); Kalasamhara, Brahma, Bikshadana and Durga (on the northern side) are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Balambika / Valambal. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. She is in standing posture. There are shrines for Vinayaka, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi and Navagrahas in the Temple premises.

The temple has a separate west facing Mandapam, houses Lord Nataraja and his consort Shivagami. There is a west facing shrine for Lord Bhairava can be found near Nataraja Sabha. He is without his Jwalakesa and his vehicle dog. There are many stone images of serpents where devotees pray for relief from the adverse effects of serpent planets (Raghu and Ketu - Sarpa Dosha).

There is a beautiful metal (Aimpon - an alloy of bronze, copper, etc) idol of Rathi Devi in this temple, in the posture of begging Lord Shiva seeking boon to save her Mangal Sutra (in local language Thaali or Mangalyam). There are beautiful sculptures and bronzes of Chola period in this temple. The temple has a sculpture in which Karkodaga is seen performing puja for Lord Shiva, with Vinayaka and Nandi (bull). It is said that people of the Cancer zodiac sign should pray here for relief. 

Every pillar is studded with sculptural beauty. The miniature sculptures (friezes) around the main shrine are examples of fine workmanship.  The temple has many palm sized miniatures representing Siva Lila. There is a beautiful bronze idol of Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) with cymbals in his hand. Theertham associated with this Temple is Sundara Theertham. Sukran Eri is situated on the back side of the temple.