Pages

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Melamaruthuvakudi, Thanjavur

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Melamaruthuvakudi, Thanjavur
Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Melamaruthuvakudi Village near Aduthurai Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated on the southern bank of Veera Cholan River.



The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has a stucco image of Lord Shiva & Parvathy on Rishaba on top. Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Viswanathar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Visalakshi. She is housed in separate south facing shrine. There is a shrine for Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai in the temple premises.



Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Aduthurai Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 13 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 24 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 56 Kms from Thanjavur and 109 Kms from Trichy Airport. Aduthurai Town is situated on the Mayiladuthurai – Kumbakonam highway, and buses are available from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam. Various private and government long haul buses stop here connecting this town with major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.
Location

Kalangamal Katha Vinayagar Temple, Aduthurai, Thanjavur

Kalangamal Katha Vinayagar Temple, Aduthurai, Thanjavur
Kalangamal Katha Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in Aduthurai Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. It is a very small temple. The Temple is situated on the southern banks of Veera Cholan River. The face of Sugriva (monkey face) can be seen on the tree situated before the Vinayagar Shrine.


Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Aduthurai Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 55 Kms from Thanjavur and 108 Kms from Trichy Airport. Aduthurai Town is situated on the Mayiladuthurai – Kumbakonam highway, and buses are available from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam. Various private and government long haul buses stop here connecting this town with major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.
Location

Jaya Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Aduthurai, Thanjavur

Jaya Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Aduthurai, Thanjavur
Jaya Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located in Aduthurai Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. It is located in the heart of the town. The Temple is situated in Krishnan Kovil Street adjacent to a large pond.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Aduthurai Bus Stand, 1 Km from Aduthurai Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 55 Kms from Thanjavur and 108 Kms from Trichy Airport. Aduthurai Town is situated on the Mayiladuthurai – Kumbakonam highway, and buses are available from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam. Various private and government long haul buses stop here connecting this town with major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.
Location

Bhavana Maharishi Temple, Aduthurai, Thanjavur

Bhavana Maharishi Temple, Aduthurai, Thanjavur
Bhavana Maharishi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Bhavana Maharishi located in Aduthurai Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is built in the North Indian style. Bhavana Maharishi is considered as the successor to Markandeya Maharishi. Bhavana Maharishi is the community god of the Padmasaliyar community. It is situated in the middle of Krishnan Koil street in Aduthurai. Maha Shivarathri festival is celebrated in a grand manner for 10 days every year.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Aduthurai Bus Stand, 1 Km from Aduthurai Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 55 Kms from Thanjavur and 108 Kms from Trichy Airport. Aduthurai Town is situated on the Mayiladuthurai – Kumbakonam highway, and buses are available from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam. Various private and government long haul buses stop here connecting this town with major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.
Location

Airavateshwarar Temple, Melamaruthuvakudi – The Temple

Airavateshwarar Temple, Melamaruthuvakudi – The Temple
The Temple is facing east with five tiered Rajagopuram. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the outer prakaram facing the sanctum. Nandi is located slightly away from its original position. The Nandi is called as Bana Nandi. One can see small holes / pores on the body of Nandi. It is believed the Nandi was injured with Maruthuvasura's arrows and protected his master Shiva.


Presiding Deity is called as Airavateshwarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Lingam is believed to made of white clay and considered as Swayambhu (self-manifested). Hence, the abishekam is performed to the Kavacham which covers the Linga. Mother is called as Abhirami Amman. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine.


There is a shrine for Vinayagar in the south west corner of the temple premises. Lord Vinayaga is called as Viruchika Vinayagar as his trunk resembles Viruchika (Scorpion). The idol is carved with images of scorpion (Viruchika) all over the body. He is believed to be able to heal poisonous insect bites of those who worship him.


There are two more Vinayaga idols in the temple. One idol is situated at the entrance near Nandi and the other idol is situated below Vanni tree along with Naga Idols in the prakaram. Also, Two Lingas can be found below this tree. Shrine of Naalvar and few ancient idols can be found in the temple premises.


There is a Navagraha Shrine on the North East corner of the temple premises. All the planets are present with their respective vehicles (Vahanas). There is a separate shrine for Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai. Sthala Vriksham is Vilva Tree. Theerthams associated with this Temple are Chandra, Yama, Agni, Agastya, Brahma, Kashyapa, Gowthama and Sesha Theertham.


Airavateshwarar Temple, Melamaruthuvakudi – Legends

Airavateshwarar Temple, Melamaruthuvakudi – Legends
Airavateshwarar:
Lord Indra, King of Heaven and his white elephant Airavata were cursed by Sage Durvasa for throwing a garland given to them by Lord Brahma through Sage Durvasa. Indra lost his Kingdom and Airavata turned black. Indra and Airavata worshipped Lord Shiva here and got relieved from the curse. Hence, Lord came to be called as Airavateshwarar.
Parihara Sthalam for Viruchika Rasi:
As per legend, Lord Chandran was facing the curse of Daksha Prajapathi and losing his brightness. Lord Chandran came to this place for getting relief from the curse. He created Chandra Theertham and worshipped Lord Vinayaka of this Temple. Pleased with his prayers, Vinayaka advised him to pray to Lord Shiva of this temple. Chandran followed the instructions and got relief. As he got relief on the Anusha star which falls in the Viruchika Rasi (Zodiac sign), the belief is that those who are born in Viruchika Rasi should offer prayers here and all their problems will be resolved. Hence, the temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Viruchika Rasi.
Bana Nandi:
One can see small holes / pores on the body of Nandi. It is believed that when Marutthuvasura fought with Lord Shiva, Nandi came in between Lord Shiva and Marutthuvasura in saving Lord Shiva from the arrows of Marutthuvasura. The arrows landed on the body of Nandi and got the pores (holes) in its body. Hence, Nandi came to be called as Bana Nandi (Bana means arrow).
Nandavanam:
There is a story behind the temple Nandavanam (garden).  Once a learned Brahmin got lot of powers due to his devotion to the Lord.  Unfortunately, he became too greedy and started demanding Dhanam (donations) from everyone. It is believed that when the dhanam is received, the sins of the giver also get transferred to the receiver.  Over a period of time, the accumulated sin made the body of the Brahmin into black. In order to get relief, he did penance for 12 years standing in the midst of fire.
Pleased with his prayers, Lord gave him back his normal body. But once again he started his harassments and finally Indra complained to the Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva sent Agoramurthy to punish the Brahmin and to take him into custody. When he was brought before the Lord, the Brahmin realized his mistakes and pleaded for mercy. The Lord pardoned him and to change his mind set, made him in charge of the Nandavanam.
Lord Krishna prayed to Lord Shiva to get married to Rukmini:
As per legend, Lord Krishna prayed to Lord Shiva here to get married to Rukmini. He got married to Rukmini as per his wish.
Maruthuvakudi:
It is the place where Lord Shiva slew the demon Marutthuvasura. Hence, the place came to be called as Maruthuvakudi.
Adiseshan worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Adiseshan, King of Nagas, prayed to Lord Shiva here and got the power to hold the earth. 
Relief from Insect / Snake Bites:
It is also believed that when one prays in this shrine, he is cured of the after effects of any insect or snake bite.
Sage Agasthya worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is believed that Sage Agasthya worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni
Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Suruli Malai near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Bhoodha Narayana Swamy. Suruli Malai was also called as Suruthi Malai in ancient times. The Temple is located close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Andavar Temple. The hill has many water resources with rich medicinal properties coupled with religious importance.



Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
The Temple is situated close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Andavar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Bhoodha Narayana Swamy. He is gracing the devotees in standing posture. There are shrines for Lords Ugra Narasimha, Dakshinamurthy, Vallabha Ganapathy and Navagrahas in the prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is Pulichi Tree and Theertham associated with this Temple is Surabi Theertham.


Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. in the mornings to 6.00 p.m. in the evenings.
Festivals
Three weeks Chithirai festival in April-May is the main festival of the temple. Special pujas and abishekams are dedicated to Lord on the Aadi new moon day in July-August, Thai new moon day in January-February, Tamil New Year day in April and Chitra full moon day in April-May.
Prayers
Bathing in Surabi River and worshipping the Lord cleanses people from all sins promising a peaceful life. They get their wishes fulfilled and cured of all ailments. Those unable to visit Kasi or Rameswaram to perform the ceremonies for their ancestors, do it here. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and offer garlands with coconuts, fruits etc. as nivedhana.
Contact
Bhoodha Narayana Swami Temple,
Suruli Malai, Uthamapalayam Taluk,
Theni District – 625 521
Phone: +91 4554 276 715
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Suruli Falls, 9 Kms from Cumbum, 10 Kms from Cumbum Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Uthamapalayam, 26 Kms from Chinnamanur, 29 Kms from Kuchanur, 47 Kms from Theni, 48 Kms from Theni Railway Station, 124 Kms from Madurai and 141 Kms from Madurai Airport. There are buses and share autos available from Cumbum to reach this place.
Location

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Suruli Malai – Legends

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Suruli Malai – Legends
Bhoodha Narayana Swamy:
Ravana performed severe penance on Lord Shiva and acquired the power of keeping all the 14 worlds, their subjects, planets and the 12 zodiac routes, 27 stars under his single command. He harassed every being. All of them reached Lord Vishnu through a mysterious path and submitted their prayers for relief from the cruelties of Ravana. Ravana found all had left. He sent Saturn to find them who only returned with an empty message.
He ordered Sage Narada to find the Devas. Narada on his way met a sage performing penance among anthills and enquired him if he knew where Devas were then. The sage told Narada the place where they were discussing with Lord Vishnu. Knowing their whereabouts, Ravana set out with his huge army to capture the Devas and others.
Lord Vishnu in a huge form covering both earth and sky combining the powers of water, earth, space, fire and air (Pancha Bhoodas) blocked the march of Ravana and his men. He was all furious spitting fire. Ravana could not stand the Bhooda Rupa of Lord and simply retreated to protect himself. Devas came to Lord Vishnu, offered him rice food with their prayers. Lord was softened. That Lord Bhoodha Narayana is protecting us from this holy land.
Equivalent to Kashi / Rameshwaram:
As the Suruli falls is the confluence of three rivers - Suruli, Venni and Kannimar, this place is considered a Triveni Sangamam (similar to Prayag in Allahabad).  Hence the local people who are unable to go to Kashi / Rameswaram for performing rites for their ancestors, perform the rituals in this place. 
Neduvel Kundram:
According to history, Kannagi of Silapathikaram fame, left the Pandya capital Madurai after furiously burning it travelled through Suruli Malai then known as Neduvel Kundram and reached Gudalur Vannathiparai. The hill had mention in the celebrated Tamil epic Silapathikaram.
Place for performing penance:
Siddhas, Sages and Devas in the celestial world chose this place for performing penance.

Suruli Dargah, Suruli Malai, Theni

Suruli Dargah, Suruli Malai, Theni
Suruli Dargah is a Muslim religious place located in Suruli Malai near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. The Dargah is an important worship place for some Muslims. This is named after Abubacker Masthan who lived in 16th Century AD in this area. It is believed that dargah is the burial place of Abubacker Masthan. Suruli Dargah is located close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Andavar Temple.

The Dargah is located at about 400 meters from Suruli Falls, 9 Kms from Cumbum, 10 Kms from Cumbum Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Uthamapalayam, 26 Kms from Chinnamanur, 29 Kms from Kuchanur, 47 Kms from Theni, 48 Kms from Theni Railway Station, 124 Kms from Madurai and 141 Kms from Madurai Airport. There are buses and share autos available from Cumbum to reach this place.
Location

Kodi Lingam Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni

Kodi Lingam Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni
Kodi Lingam Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Suruli Malai near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasa Lingam and Mother is called as Parvatha Vardhini. The Temple is located close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Velappar Temple. The hill has many water resources with rich medicinal properties coupled with religious importance.









The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Kailasa Lingam and Mother is called as Parvatha Vardhini. This Temple is housing around 30,000 Lingas in the premises. The Temple authorities also planned to have one crore Lingas in near future. Hence, the temple authorities encourages devotees to install Linga if their prayers are answered. There is a Nava Bhashana Linga and a 70 feet high Dyana Linga in the Temple premises.









Contact
Kodi Lingam Temple,
Suruli Malai, Uthamapalayam Taluk,
Theni District – 625 521
Mobile: +91 94426 85076 / 83442 43892
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Suruli Falls, 8 Kms from Cumbum, 9 Kms from Cumbum Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Uthamapalayam, 25 Kms from Chinnamanur, 28 Kms from Kuchanur, 46 Kms from Theni, 47 Kms from Theni Railway Station, 123 Kms from Madurai and 140 Kms from Madurai Airport. There are buses and share autos available from Cumbum to reach this place.
Location

Suruli Velappar Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni

Suruli Velappar Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni
Suruli Velappar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Suruli Malai near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Suruli Velappar / Suruli Andavar.  The Temple is also called as Suruli Andavar Temple. This is a hill temple.





Suruli Malai was also called as Suruthi Malai in ancient times. The Temple is located close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Bhooda Narayana Swamy Temple. The hill has many water resources with rich medicinal properties coupled with religious importance. The place is historically known as Neduvel Kundram, Hill of Lord Muruga.




The Temple
This is a cave temple situated in Suruli Malai. The cave is of OHM mantra letter shape with a rock having the foot lines-rekhas of dancing Kannimars. Presiding Deity is called as Suruli Velappar / Suruli Andavar. Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Vinayaka are in the sanctum sanctorum along with Lord Velappar. There are shrines for Agasthya, Saptha Kannigais, Naga Devatas, Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Santhana Krishna, Valli and Veerabahu in the Temple premises.





There are many caves here as Vibhuthi Guhai, Sarpa Guhai, Pattaiya Guhai, Krishnan Guhai and Kannimar Guhai. Each cave has a holy spring-Theertham. The wet sand when dried becomes Vibhuti the sacred ash. A tree had become rock due to the perennial flowing of water on it. Tree leaves and stems become a rock if placed under water for 48 days. No rock is slippery despite water flowing on them forever. Theertham associated with this Temple is Surabi Theertham.




Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. in the mornings to 4.00 p.m. in the evenings
Festivals
Chithirai Utsavam in April-May; Aadi 18 celebrations in July-August; New Moon days in Aadi and Thai month (July-August and January-February respectively) Thai Poosam in January-February; Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January; Shivrathri in February-March, Aadi Pooram, Vaikasi Visakam, Purattasi Mahalaya Amavasya and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
For freedom from sins committed, devotees carry milk pots, perform special abishekam to Lord, tonsure and bathe in Surabi River gaining benefits of a peaceful life. All physical problems and diseases will disappear. The river has rich herbal properties. It is the faith of the devotees that they would attain salvation if they perform penance here. People perform special abishekam to Lord and feed the poor – Annadhanam. Sweet pudding-Sarkarai Pongal is offered as nivedhana to Lord Muruga here.
Contact
Suruli Velappar Temple,
Suruli Malai, Uthamapalayam Taluk,
Theni District – 625 521
Mobile: +91 73733 62838 / 97903 55234
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Suruli Falls, 9 Kms from Cumbum, 10 Kms from Cumbum Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Uthamapalayam, 26 Kms from Chinnamanur, 29 Kms from Kuchanur, 47 Kms from Theni, 48 Kms from Theni Railway Station, 124 Kms from Madurai and 141 Kms from Madurai Airport. There are buses and share autos available from Cumbum to reach this place.
Location