Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Mutt, Thiruvisainallur, Thanjavur

Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Mutt, Thiruvisainallur, Thanjavur

Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Mutt is a Hindu mutt, located in Thiruvisainallur Village near Kumbakonam Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The mutt was established by a Saivite saint Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval who lived and preached here in the late 17^th century CE.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/04/sri-sridhara-ayyaval-mutt-thiruvisainallur-history.html

The Mutt

This is a small Mutt established by Sridhara Ayyaval. There is a photo of four saints Sri Sridhara Ayyaval, Sri Bodhendra, Sri Marudhanallur Swamigal and Sri Brahmendral on top of the Viswanatha mandapam. There is dining hall called Annapurna hall in the Mutt. The mutt also organizes philanthropic activities and holds pujas during major Hindu festivals.

Festivals

Prabodhanam, Parayanam, Nitya Pooja, Naama Sankirthana, Dolothsavam, Ekadashi Divya Namam Bhajan, Mahanyasa Rudrabhishekam on Amavasyas are conducted here. Every year on the New moon day of Karthigai month around 10,000 people throng the madam and take a dip at the well.

Contact

Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Mutt,

Thiruvisainallur, Via Veppathur,

Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk

Thanjavur District – 612 105 

Phone: +91 435 246 1616

Email: sriayyaval@gmail.com

Connectivity

The Mutt is located at about 1 Km from Thiruvisanallur, 2 Kms from Veppathur, 4 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 5 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 5 Kms from Thiruvidaimarudur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 48 Kms from Thanjavur and 102 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Mutt is situated on Kallanai to Poompuhar Route. Government Buses (Nos 2, 2 A, 2 B & 38) and Private Buses (Green & Tajudeen) from Kumbakonam Bus Stand ply to this Village.

Location

Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Mutt, Thiruvisainallur – History

Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Mutt, Thiruvisainallur – History

The trinities of Dakshina Bajan Sampradaya Sri Bodhendra Swamigal, Sri Sridhara Ayyavargal and Marudhanallur Sri Sadguru Swamigal publicized that Nama Sankirthana is the simplest form of worship of Lord,  attain salvation in this Kaliyuga.  Sridhara Ayyaval was born in Mysore. His name was Sridhara Venkateswara Shastrigal but respectfully addressed as Sri Ayyaval. His father Lingarayar was working under the Mysore Kingdom. Sridhara Ayyaval was offered with Dewan post in Mysore Kingdom after his father death but he refused the offer due to his devotion to Lord Shiva. He undertook religious Yatra and visited various places.

When he came Trichy, a Vaishnava Nayagar was ruling Trichy and few Brahmins, who were jealous of Ayyaval informed to the King that Ayyaval was preaching Shaivism. The King wanted to test Ayyaval by himself. Hence, he dressed Lord Shiva of Rockfort temple as Krishna and arranged for a street procession. Ayyaval on seeing Lord Krishna sang the Krishnathvasa Manchari sthothram. The King was very happy seeing his unconditional love towards Lord Krishna without any discrimination. He further saved a child from death during his stay in Trichy.

The King requested Ayyaval to stay permanently in his Kingdom but Ayyaval didn’t want to end up in Trichy. He left Trichy same night itself. He travelled to many places like Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Thirubhuvanam, Thirunageswaram and finally reached Thiruvisainallur. He settled in Thiruvisalur in an Agraharam established by Shahaji, the then ruler of Thanjavur. Once, Sridhara Ayyaval was preparing to conduct a Sradha for his ancestor. Sridhar Ayyaval was returning from Cauvery after his oil bath and saw a hungry person was about to die because of starvation.

Ayyaval brought the person to his house and offered the food, that was meant for Sradha. As the food meant for Sradha should not be offered to other people till the ritual was over. He then did the purificatory rituals as per vedic rules, cooked Sradha meals again and invited the Brahmins. The Brahmins refused to participate in his Sradha and excluded him from the caste. Sridhara Ayyaval, then completed the Sradha by placing the Koorchams in place of the Brahmins and completed the Sradha. It is a practice allowed when a person conducting Sradha did not able to get brahmins.

When the next year Sradha approached, Sridhara Ayyaval was unable to convince the Brahmins despite several requests. Then he asked for some remedy for his act and the Brahmins suggested to take a bath in Ganga to cleanse himself off from the sin. As only few days left, it was impossible for Ayyaval to take a dip in Ganga. He proclaimed that he will bring Ganga to the well at his house itself. The Brahmins laughed at him and expected that he will just take a dip in the well water and say that the Ganga was present in the well. But Sridhara Ayyaval stated that he will bring the Ganga to the well to the acceptance and full view of everyone, but no one believed.

Then Ayyaval went to the well in his house and sang the hymns of Gangashtakam. The Ganga flowed out from the well to the Agraharam street and the whole village. The Brahmins understood their mistake and requested him to stop the Ganga from flowing out immediately. Ayyaval sang a hymn and requested the Ganga to stay in the well permanently for the benefit of the people. This incident took place on the New moon day of the Karthigai month. Sridhara Ayyaval is reported to have vanished after entering the sanctum sanctorum of Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalingeswarar Temple.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Thiruvisainallur, Thanjavur

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Thiruvisainallur, Thanjavur

Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruvisainallur Village near Kumbakonam Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. This is a small east facing temple situated on the northern banks of Cauvery River. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thiruvisanallur, 2 Kms from Veppathur, 4 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 5 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 5 Kms from Thiruvidaimarudur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 48 Kms from Thanjavur and 102 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kallanai to Poompuhar Route. Government Buses (Nos 2, 2 A, 2 B & 38) and Private Buses (Green & Tajudeen) from Kumbakonam Bus Stand ply to this Village.

Location

Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruloki, Thanjavur

Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruloki, Thanjavur

Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thiruloki Village in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated on northern banks of Pazhavaru, a branch of River Cauvery. The Temple is situated to south east of Thiruloki Sundareswarar Temple.

Legends

Lakshmi performed penance here to get permanent abode in Lord Chest:

Once, Lord Vishnu came to earth urgently thinking of his devotees leaving Sri Lakshmi alone. Sri Lakshmi could not be alone without Lord Vishnu even for a second. She felt sad and performed penance in this place for never being left alone at any point of time. It is believed that Lakshmi took bath in this Theertham and performed penance under Vilva Tree to get permanent abode in Lord Chest. Devotees pray here to clear any misunderstanding between the married couples (or) any problems between them.

Sukethu got rid of head ache here:

Sukethu got rid of chronic head ache by taking bath in Lakshmi Theertham.

History

Emperor Rajaraja Chola 1’s wife is Thirailokkiya Maadevi, the village is named after her. The Village was called as Rajendra Simha Valanaattu Manninattu Emanalluragiya Thirailokkiya Mathevi Chathurvedhimangalam during Emperor Rajendra Chola I Period. The Temple is believed to be built by Karuvur Thevar. The Temple is extensively renovated by Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/04/ksheerapthi-sayana-narayana-perumal-temple-thiruloki-temple.html

Prayers

The temple is considered special to create intimacy between the couples. So, if any misunderstanding / problems arise between the married couples or if the couples are separated, they can worship the Thaayar here to get relief for their problems.

Contact

Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple,

Thiruloki, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,

Thanjavur District – 609 804

Phone: +91 435 245 6432

Mobile: +91 94425 30392 / 94871 31630

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thugili, 5 Kms from Thiruppanandal, 6 Kms from Kanjanur, 9 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 9 Kms from Suriyanar Kovil, 11 Kms from Aduthurai, 11 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 11 Kms from Narasingampettai Railway Station, 22 Kms from Kumbakonam, 22 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 62 Kms from Thanjavur and 110 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thiruppanandal to Aduthurai Route. Bus facilities are available from Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Thiruppanandal.

Location | Photos

Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruloki – The Temple

Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruloki – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. There is an Anjaneya Shrine facing the Rajagopuram on the banks of the pond. Garudalwar Shrine can be seen right opposite to the Sanctum. He is found in standing posture. He is offered with Kozhukattai as a special neivedhyam. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal.

He is in sleeping posture on 5 headed Adi Sesha with head towards south, feet towards north and face towards east. He is four-armed holding Shanka and Chakra on his hands and the other two hands showing Varada and Abhaya Hastha. Lakshmi can be found near his head and Bhoodevi can be found near his feet. Lord Brahma can be seen emerging from his navel.

His reclining posture is similar to the one he is found in Tirupaarkadal. The idol is a stucco image made of sand, Punugu, Javvadhu, Sambirani and several herbal products. No Thirumanjanam is performed to him, only Thaila Kaappu (special oil) will be applied. Special Thirumanjanam is performed on Vaikunda Ekadasi and Purattasi Saturdays to this Perumal.

Mother is called as Ksheera Nayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her Shrine is situated to western side of southern prakaram. There is a separate shrine for Vishnu Durga found in Maha Mandapam. It is believed that south facing Durga is said to be more powerful. Vishwakasena and Yoga Narasimha can be found after the Vishnu Durga Shrine. Idols of all 12 Azhwars can be found in the southern side of Maha Mandapam.

There is a south facing shrine for Varadaraja Perumal in north side of Maha Mandapam. He is found in standing posture in this shrine. There is another shrine for Abhaya Varadha holding Shanka and Chakra in the temple. During Vaikunda Ekadasi and Purattasi Saturdays, special pooja are performed. There is a shrine for Andal can be seen in the temple.

Theertham associated with this Temple is Lakshmi Theertham. It is found in front of the temple. It is situated behind the Anjaneya Shrine. It is also called as Ksheera Theertham and Parkadal Theertham. Sthalam Vriksham is Vilva tree. Archanais are performed with Vilva leaves. It is unusual to have Vilva tree as Sthala Vriksham to Vishnu Temple as Vilwa tree is closely related with Lord Shiva.

Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Keela Suriya Moolai, Thanjavur

Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Keela Suriya Moolai, Thanjavur

Surya Koteeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Keela Suriya Moolai Village near Thiruloki in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Surya Koteeswarar and Mother is called as Pavalakkodi Amman. The Temple is situated on the southern banks of Pazhavaru, a branch of River Cauvery. The Temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Pitru Doshas.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/04/surya-koteeswarar-temple-keela-suriya-moolai-legends.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/04/surya-koteeswarar-temple-keela-suriya-moolai-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Monthly Pradoshams are celebrated here with much fanfare.

Prayers

Those facing adverse aspects of Sun, perform abishek to Lord with green coconut for relief. Devotees pray here for relief from eye related diseases. Devotees light lamps to Lord Surya Koteeswarar during the Pradosha time, perform abishek and offer vastras. People also pray to Lord Bhairava for relief from debt burdens and wants. The Temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Pitru Doshas.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Thiruloki, 7 Kms from Thiruppanandal, 8 Kms from Suriyanar Koil, 10 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 10 Kms from Aduthurai, 13 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 21 Kms from Kumbakonam, 22 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 60 Kms from Thanjavur and 114 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam – Kanjanur – Thiruloki Route. Take a bus to Thiruloki from Kumbakonam via Kanjanur and the bus stops near the temple itself.

Location | Photos

Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Keela Suriya Moolai – Legends

Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Keela Suriya Moolai – Legends

Surya Koteeswarar:

As per legend, Lord Surya was sad that he could not participate in the Pradosha Pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva because Pradosha time happens in evening when Sun has to be on duty. He consulted with his disciple Sage Yajnavalkya, who learnt all Vedas and Sastras from Sun. Sage Yajnavalkya encased all his yogic powers gained by reciting mantras from Vedas in Bhaskara Chakra he made and submitted at the feet of Lord Shiva of this Temple which grew into an Illuppai Tree.

He also created a forest of Illupai Trees in this place. He crushed the seeds of Illuppai tree to produce oil. He used to light 1 crore deepas daily from the oil crushed to worship Lord Surya Koteeswarar to bless his Guru, Surya. This worship took place during the twilight hours. This almost coincides with Pradosha time also. Thus, Surya, Sun God had the darshan of all these deepas and derived the benefits of Pradosha worship.

Lord Surya regained his brightness here:

As per legend, Lord Surya lost his brightness due to Lord Shiva’s anger by attending Daksha Yagna. On his Guru advice, he came to this place amidst Illuppai forest and found Lord Shiva in the form of divine light occupying the entire place. He worshipped Lord Shiva and regained his brightness back.

Sage Agastya taught Aditya Hridya Mantra to Lord Rama here:

It is also believed Sage Agastya taught several slokas from Hridya Manthra to Lord Rama in the Srilanka battle field. After getting the knowledge of this powerful Mantra, Lord Rama was able to win the war and got Sita back. Also, on Lord Rama request, Sage Agastya taught Aditya Hridya Mantra on peaceful Shuba Hora times. It is believed that he taught these Mantras to Lord Rama in this Temple.

Lord Surya worshipping Lord Shiva in Sushma form here:

It is believed that Lord Surya is worshipping Lord Shiva of this temple in Sushma form from dawn to dusk. Normally, in all other temples, the sanctum and the shrines will be dark due to the absence of natural sun light. But in this temple, it is vice versa. If you take a mirror inside the temple, its reflection can be seen on the walls.

Sukracharya got his eyesight back here:

Sukracharya visited several temples and performed Poojas to get back his lost eyesight. He performed Hridya Manthra Homa Pooja to Lord Shiva of this Temple in the presence of Sage Agasthya. He got back his eyesight.

Keezh Surya Moolai:

As Lord Shiva gave the Moola Dhara Sakthi to Lord Surya, this place came to be called as Surya Moolai. As this temple is situated to the north east of Suriyanar Koil, the village came to be called as Keezh Surya Moolai.

Lord Surya got relief from leprosy here:

It is believed that Lord Surya got relieved of leprosy here by worshipping Lord Shiva of this Temple.

Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Keela Suriya Moolai – The Temple

Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Keela Suriya Moolai – The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. There is no Rajagopuram as it might obstruct the rising sun. Nandi and Balipeedam, housed in a Mandapam can be seen immediately after the entrance facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Surya Koteeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. 

Sun God is worshipping Lord Surya Koteeswarar each day from morning to dusk. The shadow of Lord falls on the wall as a proof of this belief. Shrines of Bhairavar and Surya can be found in the northeast corner of Maha Mandapam. Mother is called as Pavalakkodi Amman. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. The right leg is slightly ahead of her left leg as if she is walking towards us. She has her toe ring only in one leg.

There is a shrine for Lord Bhairava called as Swarna Bhairava in the temple. It is noteworthy that during Aarati, a small red ray appears on his neck. It is said that by the movement of the coral light on the neck, devotees believe that he relieves the adverse aspects of Sun and Moon Gods. There is a shrine for Sundara Maha Lakshmi in the temple premises. She is in Padmasana posture. She is having six toes in her right foot. 

There is a shrine for Navagrahas with their vahanas (vehicles) in the northwest corner of the temple premises. All the planets are facing sun. There are shrines for Ananda Dakshinamurthy, Shakti Vinayaka, Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Durga, Nagalingam and Chandikeswarar in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Illuppai Tree.

Manikeswara Swami Temple, Sivapurani, Thanjavur

Manikeswara Swami Temple, Sivapurani, Thanjavur

Manikeswara Swami Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruloki Village in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Manikeswara Swami and Mother is called as Sivapoorani / Maragadambikai. The village was named after the Mother of this temple.

The Temple

This is a west facing temple. It is of brick construction and is situated on elevated position. The Temple was completely in ruins. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Manikeswara Swami. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Nandi was housed in a Mandapam, facing the sanctum in the outer prakaram.

Mother is called as Sivapoorani / Maragadambikai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Only Lingam and Vinayagar Idol remains intact. Rest all the other idols were vandalized. Head of the Nandi was broken, Crown of the Mother idol was damaged and other idols currently in the temple premises are also damaged.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thiruloki, 6 Kms from Thiruppanandal, 8 Kms from Kanjanur, 10 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 10 Kms from Suriyanar Kovil, 12 Kms from Aduthurai, 12 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 12 Kms from Narasingampettai Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 16 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur Railway Station, 22 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 24 Kms from Kumbakonam, 62 Kms from Thanjavur and 116 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple can be reached from Thiruppanandal via Thiruloki.

Location