Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Thagam Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Eraiyur, Cuddalore

Thagam Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Eraiyur, Cuddalore
Thagam Theerthapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Eraiyur Village in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thagam Theerthapureeswarar and Mother is called as Annapoorani. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. Eraiyur was called as Thirumaranpadi in ancient times. This Temple is situated very close to Thiruvattathurai (Thirunelvayil Arathurai) Paadal Petra Sthalam.


Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
Though this temple in Eraiyur (or Thirumaranpadi) was not sung by Moovar, one of the very young and important Shaivite Nayanmar Thirugnana Sambandar has stayed in this temple overnight. Thirumaranpadi is cited at least in 4 places in Periya Puranam when Saint Poet Sekkizhar was trying to narrate the stories of Nayanmar.


The Temple
This Temple is a small east facing ancient Temple. The Temple has only one prakaram enclosing all the shrines and sanctum. There is an entrance arch with a stucco image of Rishabaroodar flanked by Lord Vinayaga and Lord Murugan. Nandi housed in a small Mandapam and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. There is no Dhwaja Sthambam in this Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Thagam Theerthapureeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.


Narthana Ganapathi, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Annapoorani. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing her shrine. There is a separate shrine for Arathurai Nathar and Sambandar in the Temple premises.


There are shrines for Vinayaga, Gaja Lakshmi, Naalvar (Sundarar, Appar, Sambandar & Manickavasagar), Navagrahas, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Saneeswarar, Bhairavar, Chandran, Surya, Srinivasa Perumal and Varadaraja Perumal in the Temple premises. The Temple pond is situated opposite to the entrance. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam (Aegle marmelos).


Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.30 PM to 08.30 PM.
Festivals
Masi Maha Shivaratri, Panguni Uthiram, Kanda Sashti, Navaratri and Margazhi Month Pooja are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.
Literary Mention
The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sambandar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 2nd Thirumurai in 39th Patikam in 3rd Song.
அட்டானமென் றோதிய நாலிரண்டும்
அழகன்னுறை காவனைத் துந்துறைகள்
எட்டாந் திருமூர்த்தியின் காடொன்பதுங்
குளமூன்றுங் களமஞ்சும் பாடிநான்கும்
மட்டார்குழ லாள்மலை மங்கை பங்கன்
மதிக்கும் மிடமாகிய பாழி மூன்றும்
சிட்டா னவன் பாசூரென் றேவிரும்பாய்
அரும்பா வங்களா யினதேய்ந் தறவே
Contact
Thagam Theerthapureeswarar Temple,
Eraiyur – 606 111
Cuddalore District
Mobile: +91 94439 13912
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Eraiyur Sugar Mill Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thiruvattathurai, 4 Kms from Pennadam, 11 Kms from Thitagudi, 22 Kms from Virudhachalam, 82 Kms from Cuddalore, 103 Kms from Puducherry, 106 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 110 Kms from Trichy Airport, 236 Kms from Chennai Airport and 255 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated towards southwest of Virudhachalam on the Thittakudi road.

Thagam Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Eraiyur – Legends

Thagam Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Eraiyur – Legends
Thagam Theerthapureeswarar:
It is believed that after worshiping the lord Sri Pralaya Kaleswarar at Pennaagadam, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed overnight at Maranpadi (Eraiyur). He was hungry. The Mother Parvathy came to him and gave food. When he was eating, he got hiccups. It is then the Lord Shiva appeared and created a pond for him to drink. Since, Mother Parvathy gave food to him. She came to be called as Annapoorani. Since, Lord Shiva gave water and quenched his thirst, he came to be called as Thagam Theerthapureeswarar.
Lord Shiva of Thiruvattathurai offered Muthu Chivigai to Sambandar:
During his stay here, Lord Shiva of Thiruvattathurai appeared in Thirugnana Sambandar's dream and told him that Thirugnana Sambandar does not have to walk anymore as he is just a child. In addition, Lord Shiva told Thirugnana Sambandar that he had arranged a Muthu Chivigai (cart carried by humans in their shoulders) decorated with pearls. Later, Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of a business man in Thiruvattathurai or Thirunelvayil Arathurai and asked him to provide Thirugnana Sambandar with  a Muthu Chivigai.
Next day in the morning, Thirugnana Sambandar did not wait for the "Muthu Chivigai" to arrive. He started his journey. A big surprise awaited on his way for him. As promised by Lord Shiva, the business man from Thiruvattathurai sent a Muthu Chivigai for Thirugnana Sambandar. They met Thirugnana Sambandar at a place called Koodalur. From there on, Thirugnana Sambandar travelled to many places in Muthu Chivigai and also sang hymns on Lord Shiva of  Thiruvattathurai.
Eraiyur:
Eraiyur means God’s Village (Irai – God & Oor – Village).

Annamalaiyar Temple, Ezhuthur, Cuddalore

Annamalaiyar Temple, Ezhuthur, Cuddalore
Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Ezhuthur Village near Thozhuthur in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Annamalaiyar and Mother is called as Unnamulai Amman.

The Temple
This is an east facing Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Annamalaiyar. He is facing east and housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Only the basement of the Maha Mandapam remains in front of the sanctum. There is an idol of Vinayagar at the entrance of the sanctum. Mother is called as Unnamulai Amman. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the left side of the sanctum.
There is a shrine for Vinayaga in the south west corner of the Temple. There is a shrine for Navagrahas in the north east corner of the Temple premises. Mars (Chevvai) can be seen with moustache. There is also a shrine for Bhairavar in the Temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Thozhuthur, 18 Kms from Thittagudi, 33 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 92 Kms from Trichy Airport, 104 Kms from Cuddalore, 225 Kms from Chennai Airport and 247 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on Chennai to Trichy Highway near Thozhuthur.
Location

Sundareswarar Temple, Edaiyur, Cuddalore

Sundareswarar Temple, Edaiyur, Cuddalore
Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Edaiyur Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi.

The Temple
The Temple is east facing. There is an entrance arch in the north side with Rishabaroodar stucco image on top of it. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar. He is facing east and housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Artha Mandapam and Mahamandapam are located in front of the sanctum. Nandi in a small Mandapam and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Nardana Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.
Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Idols of Vinayaga, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Maha Lakshmi and Vehicles can be found in the cloister Mandapam on the western side of the temple premises. There is Navagraha Mandapam located on the north east corner of Temple premises. Sthala Vriksham, Vanni Tree and Theertham Well can be found at southern corner of temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 13 Kms from Thalanallur Railway Station, 14 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 20 Kms from Thittagudi, 78 Kms from Cuddalore, 126 Kms from Trichy Airport, 225 Kms from Chennai Airport and 247 Kms from Chennai.

Monday, June 29, 2020

Mariamman Temple, Edaiyur, Cuddalore

Mariamman Temple, Edaiyur, Cuddalore
Mariamman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located at Edaiyur Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. There are two Jain Theerthangar idols at the entrance of the sanctum. Idols are believed to be from 10th Century A.D.




The Temple is located at about 13 Kms from Thalanallur Railway Station, 14 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 20 Kms from Thittagudi, 78 Kms from Cuddalore, 126 Kms from Trichy Airport, 225 Kms from Chennai Airport and 247 Kms from Chennai.

Agastheeswarar Temple, Deevalur, Cuddalore

Agastheeswarar Temple, Deevalur, Cuddalore
Agastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Deevalur Village near Virudhachalam Town in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu.

History
Deevalur Village dates back to Chola Period. Thamattan Nayinar, a renowned clan from this village were in charge of collecting taxes from nearby villages from Chola Period. Even their position was not changed during Vijayanagara period also. A Vijayanagara King wanted to marry the daughter of the clan’s head. The clan did not accept the proposal and also wanted to avoid the confrontation with the King. Hence, the clan decided to vacate the place and settled in Nayinar Kuppam near Karunguzhi, the place where Vallalar attained Mukthi. The Temple was believed to be built by this clan.

The Temple
This is a small east facing temple. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar. He housed in the granite sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is facing east. Vimana over the sanctum is of brick construction. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in its usual location. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. Dakshinamoorthy and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Remaining Koshtams are empty. Mother is housed in an east facing shrine.

Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Thalanallur Railway Station, 5 Kms from Sathiyavadi, 9 Kms from Virudhachalam, 10 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 11 Kms from Pennadam, 73 Kms from Cuddalore and 137 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Thitagudi Route.

Mahalingeswarar Temple, Devangudi, Cuddalore

Mahalingeswarar Temple, Devangudi, Cuddalore
Mahalingeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Devangudi Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Mahalingeswarar and Mother is called as Maragadambikai.
Legends
As per legends, this place was ruled by King Narendran. He had a son named Sarangathevan. King’s youngest wife Chitrangi had a crush towards prince. Pious prince refused her immoral wish. Queen got offended and informed King that prince approached her for illegal relationship. She also requested King to cut off his hands and legs as a punishment. Prince got back his hands and legs by praying to seven Shiva Temples located on the banks of Vellaru River. This Place was called as Saranga Thevan Kudi and later got corrupted to Devangudi.
The Temple
This is a small east facing temple with an entrance facing southern direction. Presiding Deity is called as Mahalingeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodhbava, Brahma, Durga and Muthukumaran are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Maragadambikai. She is housed in a separate shrine facing south. There is a shrine for Kudamuzhuku Vinayagar at the entrance of the Temple. There are shrines of Kala Bhairavar and Navagrahas in the Temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kammapuram, 11 Kms from Srimushnam, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam, 16 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 16 Kms from Sethiyathope, 63 Kms from Cuddalore and 146 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Sethiyathope Route. Devotees has to take a right turn at Kammapuram and travel for another 2 Kms to reach this Temple.

Brihadeeswarar Temple, Chithur, Cuddalore

Brihadeeswarar Temple, Chithur, Cuddalore
Brihadeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chithur Village in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Brihadeeswarar and Mother is called as Brihannayaki.
The Temple
This is a small east facing Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Brihadeeswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is facing east. Lord Vinayaga and Lord Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Mother is called as Brihannayaki. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. There are shrines of Chandikeswarar, Bhairava, Surya, Chandran and Two Bana Lingams can be found in the temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Veppur, 14 Kms from Virudhachalam, 15 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 78 Kms from Cuddalore and 119 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Salem Route.

Chidambareswarar Temple, S. Naraiyur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple, S. Naraiyur, Cuddalore
Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at S. Naraiyur Village near Veppur in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar / Thiru Brahmeeswaramudaiyar.



History
There are inscriptions in the temple talks about the donations made to the Temple by the merchants during Rajaraja Chola I period. This Village was called as Maladagiya Jananatha Valanaattu Naraiyur Kootrathu Naraiyur as attested by the inscription dated to Rajathiraja Chola I. This inscription clearly states that this village was headquarters for the nearby villages in ancient times.


The Temple
This is a small west facing Temple. The Temple was in complete ruins. The Sanctum Sanctorum is having Mukha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Nandi can be found in the Mukha Mandapam facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar / Thiru Brahmeeswaramudaiyar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is facing west. Mother Name is unknown. She is housed in the east facing shrine. Her Shrine is situated on the right side of the sanctum. There is an inscription slab on the northern side of Temple premises.


Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Chinnasalem, 24 Kms from Veppur, 26 Kms from Thalaivasal, 37 Kms from Thitagudi, 45 Kms from Virudhachalam, 45 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 108 Kms from Cuddalore and 119 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Salem Route after Veppur Town.
Location

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is situated near Kumbakonam Court at the junction of three roads.
The Temple
The Temple is east facing with three tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar. He is housed in the east facing sanctum in the form of small Linga. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Navagrahas, Bhairava, Sani, Suryan, Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam – Connectivity

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam – Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station. Kumbakonam is well-connected by road and rail with the rest of India. Kumbakonam is located at about 6 Kms from Thirunageswaram, 8 Kms from Patteeswaram, 9 Kms from Thiruvidaimarudur, 9 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 15 Kms from Papanasam, 34 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 35 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 40 Kms from Thanjavur, 42 Kms from Thiruvarur, 88 Kms from Trichy, 101 Kms from Trichy Airport and 283 Kms from Chennai.
By Road:
There are regular government and private bus services to Chennai, Thanjavur, Mannargudi, Trichy, Chidambaram, Tiruppur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Coimbatore, Palani, Thoothukudi, Madurai, Sivagangai, Puducherry and Tirunelveli. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates daily services from Bengaluru and Mysuru to Kumbakonam. 
By Train:
Kumbakonam is connected by rail with most important towns and cities in South India. The Mysuru – Mayiladuthurai Express connects Kumbakonam with Mysuru and Bengaluru. There are regular express trains that connect Kumbakonam with major cities in the state like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy. There are passenger trains that connect Kumbakonam with Thanjavur, Trichy, Chidambaram and Mayiladuthurai.
By Air:
The nearest domestic and international airport is located at Trichy.

Ekambareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam – The Temple

Ekambareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam – The Temple
The Temple is facing west with three tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Ekambareswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Nandhi, Dwajastambam and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum.

Mother is called as Kamakshi Amman. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine in Maha Mandapam. She is in standing posture. Generally, Lion Vehicle can be seen in front of Mother shrine, but Nandi can be found in front of Mother shrine. As Mother appears in Shiva Sakthi Swaroopa in this temple, Nandi is before her instead of Lion. Even the Maha Magam festival is represented by Kamakshi only.
Though, the temple is dedicated to Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman, it is better known for the Rahu Kala Kali Shrine. Hence most of the local people call this temple as Rahu Kala Kali temple. Rahu Kala Kali is also called as Kalika Parameswari. She is housed in a separate north facing shrine. Mother appears with her eight hands to kill the demon with weapons on each hand and praised as Ashtabuja (eight hands) Kali, holding sword, armour etc.
Vinayaga and Nagas can be found at the entrance of her shrine. Ashtalakshmi Mandapam is situated in front of Rahu Kala Kali shrine. There are shrines for Raja Ganapathi, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar. There is a separate shrine for Poonjolai Mariyamman in the northern side of Temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa Tree.