Nanjundeswarar Temple, Karamadai – The Temple

Nanjundeswarar Temple, Karamadai – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. Deepa Sthambam can be seen in front of the temple facing the Sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen in the Mukha Mandapam, facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Nanjundeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Lingam is made of granite and appears red in colour. The top of the Lingam is flat unlike the curved surfaces in other temples.

The Linga is carved in red stone instead of the black granite used in other temples.  Besides the usual Avudayar holding the Shivalinga, there is also a carving of another Avudayar on the floor. This is a rare formation nowhere to be seen. The sanctum is designed in a unique way with eight elephants supporting the Vimana over the sanctum similar to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Hence, the Vimana is called as Ashta Gaja Vimana. These elephant sculptures are about 6 feet tall.

The outer walls of the sanctum houses the sculptures of Nardana Vinayaga, Subramanya, Veerabhadra, Rishbhantika, Palani Andavar, Mahishasura Mardhini, Anjaneya, Nataraja, Lakshmi Narayana, Pradosha Moorthy, Kali in dancing posture, Lord Shiva as hunter, Parvathy as dancer, Macha Vallabha emerging out of fish, soldier armed with sword and a goat worshipping Lord Shiva. There are also sculptures of living beings like cow, goat, elephant, swan, fish, snake, Yali horse, pig, tiger and bull.

Lord Dakshinamurthy appears without disciples. Abishekam is performed here at Guru Hora on Thursdays between 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 a.m. There is a sculpture showing planets Rahu and Ketu. Those afflicted by the adverse aspects of these planets worship here and the Linga nearby. The metal image of Chandrasekara is unique that the full image of Ganga is sculpted unlike the other temples where Shiva is sported with crescent alone. Mother is called as Ulagambikai / Ulaganayagi / Loka Nayagi. She is housed in separate east facing shrine.

Her Shrine is situated to the northern side of the sanctum. Her idol, Thiruvachi (the frame outside the idol) and the lotus flower in her hands are made out of a single stone. There is a shrine for Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena in the temple premises. This Shrine is situated in between the Sanctum and Mother Shrine thus making the Somaskanda form. Lord Murugan is depicted with 12 hands.

All the three Shrines (Sanctum, Murugan Shrine and Mother shrine) are situated in a row facing the east direction. There are two Vinayakas in this temple. Sthala Vinayaga is praised as Shenbaga Vinayaka. Lord Padala Vinayaka is in the prakara wall of Lord Shiva shrine. Worship of other deities is followed only after worshipping Padala Vinayaka according to tradition.

There is no shrine for Navagrahas (the nine planets) in the temple premises. There are shrines for Kalabhairava and Suryan in the temple premises. Lord Ranganatha is in a separate temple on the left side. The sacred spring for both temples is common behind the temples. The priests of both temples take the water from here for pujas during the Margazhi (December-January) morning pujas. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa tree.

Nanjundeswarar Temple, Karamadai – Legends

Nanjundeswarar Temple, Karamadai – Legends

During the churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthana), Mount Mandara was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, a Nagaraja who abides on Lord Shiva's neck, became the churning rope. During the churning process, the Halahala poison escaped from the mouth of the serpent king Vasuki. This terrified the gods and demons because the poison was so powerful that it could destroy all of creation. Despite this, the Devas and the Asuras pulled back and forth on the snake's body alternately, causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean.

The Devas then approached Lord Shiva for protection. Lord Shiva consumed the poison. As Lord Shiva drank the poison (Nanju), he came to be called as Nanjundeswarar. Lord Shiva was suffering intense pain due to the Halahala poison. Mother Parvati immediately places a hand on his throat, stopping the poison to flow any further, and by her Maya stopped it forever.

As a result, his throat turned blue and he was henceforth called Neelakantha (the blue-throated one; Neela – blue, Kantha – throat in Sanskrit). The timely intervention of Mother Parvathy prevented the Halahala poison entering Lord Shiva body beyond his throat. Thus, she saved Lord Shiva and thereby the world. Hence, she came to be called as Loka Nayagi.

Nanjundeswarar Temple, Karamadai, Coimbatore

Nanjundeswarar Temple, Karamadai, Coimbatore

Nanjundeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Karamadai Town in Mettupalayam Taluk in Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Nanjundeswarar and Mother is called as Ulagambikai / Ulaganayagi / Loka Nayagi. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2022/01/nanjundeswarar-temple-karamadai-legends.html

History

This temple is believed to be built by Kongu Cholas. A copper plate inscriptions dated to 1479 AD belonged to this temple records a grant of the village named Poosarpalayam to the Brahmins. The endowment was made by Iswara Deva Raja, the general of Krishna Deva Raya. The temple was extensively renovated by Vijayanagara Kings and Nayak Kings during 16^th Century AD.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2022/01/nanjundeswarar-temple-karamadai-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on all days except during new moon days when the temple remains open full day.

Festivals

Shivaratri festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June) and Aippasi Annabishekam in Aippasi (October - November) are the most prominent festivals celebrated here. As Lord Shiva consumed the poison at the dusk time called Pradosha time, special puja is performed at this time. Those affected with poison problems, pray to the Lord on Pradosha days (13^th day either from full moon or New Moon day) and also any day – dusk time for cure. On the 10^th day of Navaratri, Lord Ranganatha with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi from the adjacent Karamadai Ranganathar temple visits this temple to invite Lord Shiva for the arrow festival.

Prayers

Devotees seek wedding boon and relief from afflictions due to snake planet aspects by offering vastras to Lord, Mother and Mother Shiva Durga. Realizing their prayers, devotees perform special abishekam to Lord and Mother.

Contact

Nanjundeswarar Temple,

Karamadai – 641 104,

Mettupalayam Taluk,

Coimbatore District

Phone: +91 4254 272 318 / 273 018

Mobile: +91 94420 16192

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 300 metres from Karamadai Bus Stand, 350 metres from Karamadai Railway Station, 7 Kms from Mettupalayam, 7.5 Kms from Mettupalayam Railway Station, 7.5 Kms from Mettupalayam Bus Stand, 27 Kms from Coimbatore and 29 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. Karamadai is situated on the way to Mettupalayam from Coimbatore. All the service and town buses will stop at Karamadai.

Location

Vanabadra Kaliamman Temple, Mettupalayam – Legends

Vanabadra Kaliamman Temple, Mettupalayam – Legends

Story of Aravalli Sisters:

As per legend, the place was called as Nellur Pattinam during Mahabharata era. Nellur Pattinam was ruled by seven sisters Aravalli, Sooravalli, Veeravalli etc. They were experts is witchcraft and black magic. They were very powerful and captured the rulers of the surrounding region using black magic. Lord Krishna requested Pandavas to wage a war against the tyrannical sisters and save innocent lives from them. Bheema agreed to wage the war against them and set out to Nellur Pattinam.

The Aravalli sisters heard this new through sage Narada. The sisters tried witchcraft against him but was overcame by Bheema. Finally, the sisters invited him for a competition and defeated him. Bheema was taken as a prisoner and was put in prison. However, Bheema successfully escaped, returned to Pandavas and informed about the tactics of Aravalli sisters. Aravalli sisters criticized the cowardly escape of Bheema.

On the advice of Lord Krishna, Pandavas deputed Allimuthu to conquer the sisters. Before going to battle, Allimuthu visited Vana Bhadra Kaliyamman Temple, offered his prayers and sought blessings of Kali to win over the sisters. The Goddess gave him a sword, sacred ash and wished him success. He fought a bitter war and won over the Aravalli Sisters. The Aravalli sisters decided to win him through treachery.

They begged him to pardon their mistakes and offered their daughter Palvarisai to Allimuthu for marriage. He readily accepted but informed them that he would return back to his place and marry her after getting the consent of Pandavas. He forgot the sacred ash given by the goddess and started back his journey along with Palvarisai. He felt thirsty and fell unconscious. Palvarisai cut a lime given by her mother and gave him the juice without knowing the treachery.

Allimuthu died after consuming the lime juice. Palvarisai was grief stricken and informed Pandavas. On hearing the news of his death, Pandavas set out to Nellur Pattinam to annihilate the sisters once for all. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu went to the heaven met Indra and with his help brought back the soul. He put his soul in a small locket and reached the place where the body of Allimuthu was kept. The soul merged with the body and Allimuthu got his life back.

The Pandavas sought the blessings of Vana Bhadra Kaliyamman in their war with Aravalli sisters. Six sisters were captured, lodged in prison and finally died. One of the sisters escaped, went to Kerala and became Goddess famously called as Kambhalathu Bhagawati Amman. Pandavas offered their prayers to goddess Kali and returned to their place. They renamed Palvarisai to  Valamma and got married to Allimuthu.

Bakasura:

As per legend, once, a demon named Bhagasura lived in a fort on the west side of Neelamalai. He was considered equal to Bheema and Duryodhana in strength and valour. He troubled the villagers for food as he eats lot. Once, he ordered the villagers that they should send him a cart full of foods every day. When he found the food brought to him was not sufficient, he would devour the man and bulls of the cart who brought the food.

When Pandavas visited the village, the villagers complained about the demon to the Pandavas. Bheema took the responsibility of carrying the foods to the demon the following day. He started his journey towards the fort carrying the foods, but he stopped the cart at a little distance before the fort. He started eating the foods meant for the demon. The demon got angry on seeing Bheema eating the foods meant for him.

A fight ensued between them. Bheema finally annihilated the demon. The demon realized his mistakes on his deathbed and sought forgiveness from Goddess Kali. He also requested Kali with a place in her temple as a security guard. The Goddess accepted and made Bakasura as security guard for her temple. Thus, huge statues of Bheema and Bakasura can be seen in the temple.

Vana Bhadra Kaliyamman:

As per legend, it is believed that Mother Shakti came to this forest (Vana) to perform penance on Lord Shiva to kill demon Mahishasura. As She performed penance in Vana (the forest), She came to be called as Vana Bhadra Kaliyamman.

Vanabadra Kaliamman Temple, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore

Vanabadra Kaliamman Temple, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore

Vanabadra Kaliamman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in Nellithurai Village on the outskirts of Mettupalayam Town in Mettupalayam Taluk in Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated on the banks of Bhavani river.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2022/01/vanabadra-kaliamman-temple-mettupalayam-legends.html

The Temple

The Temple is situated amidst sylvan surroundings on the banks of river Bhavani. The Nellimalai is situated adjacent to the temple along with the Nellithurai village. The sanctum enshrines Vana Bhadra Kaliyamman. She is a Swayambhu Moorthy. Bhagasura temple is facing towards Vana Bhadrakali temple and is located at about 200 feet away. Aravalli Temple can be seen between the Vana Bhadrakali Temple and Bhagasura Temple.

An idol of Muniyappa can be seen near to the Bhagasura Temple. Shrines of Nellaiappar and Kandhimathi Amman shrines can also be seen in the temple premises. There is an Annadhana Mandapa in the temple premises for conducting Annadhana. Sthala Vriksham is Thothi tree. Theertham associated with this temple is Bhavani river.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 6.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M. on all days and on Amavasai days, remains open from 5.00 A.M. to 8.30 P.M.

Pooja Timings

·        Kala Santhi (06.00 A.M)

·        Uchikalam (12.00 P.M)

·        Sayarakshai (06.00 P.M)

·        Arthajamam (08.00 P.M)

Festivals

Aadi Kundam is the grand festival celebrated every year during the month of July - August. This festival is celebrated for 15 days. The Pookundam (fire pit) is formed on the second Tuesday of Aadi Month, The fire pit is 36 feet long. The fire pit is kept alive during the festival days. It draws around 2 lakh devotees. Aadi Amavasya, Monthly Amavasya, Saraswathi Pooja, Thiru Karthigai, Deepavali, Pongal, Margazhi Thirupalli Ezhuchi, Maha Shivaratri, Tamil New Year day and English New Year day are the other festivals celebrated here. Devotee throng this temple during Tuesdays and Fridays.

Prayers

People pray to goddess Vana Bhadra Kali for relief from witchcraft, spells and black magic. Devotees tie a stone on the Thothi Maram (the sacred tree of the temple) for child boon. Women used to put their mangal sutras in the hundi if their wishes are realized. Those starting a trade or beginning marriage proposals use to place white and red flowers in separate packets and seek the permission of the Goddess. If they get the flower of their choice, it means the permission is granted. Devotees walk on the fire pit as a prayer commitment. The temple is known for the sheep animal sacrifice. This sacrifice is undertaken on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is believed that the lemons from lemon garlands of Vana Bhadra Kali is said to have cure for all diseases.

Contact

Vana Bhadra Kaliyamman Temple, 

Devikottam, Thekkampatti, Nellithurai (Post), 

Mettupalayam – 641 305

Coimbatore District

Phone: +91 4254 – 222 286 / 225 510

Mobile: +91 82209 46575 / 97884 43737 / 90470 58787

Email: bathirakaliammanmpm@tnhrce.org

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Nellithurai, 6 Kms from Mettupalayam, 6 Kms from Mettupalayam Railway Station, 6 Kms from Mettupalayam Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Coimbatore and 42 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. The Temple is situated on Mettupalayam to Nellithurai route. Bus Nos 7, 8, 8A,1B & 8C from Mettupalayam Bus Stand takes you to this temple.

Location

Virundheeswarar Temple, Vadamadurai, Coimbatore

Virundheeswarar Temple, Vadamadurai, Coimbatore

Virundeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Vadamadurai near Thudiyalur in Coimbatore North Taluk in Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Virundheeswarar and Mother is called as Vishwa Nayagi. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legends

Virundheeswarar:

As per legend, Sundaramurthy Nayanar was on religious pilgrimage in Kongu region. He came to this place after worshipping Lord Shiva at Avinashi. He was very tired and hungry due to his tedious journey. He prayed to Lord Shiva to come to his rescue. An elderly couple came to this place where Sundarar was resting and fed him with delicious food made of drumstick leaves and fruits. Sundarar regained his strength and found that the couple offered him the food was none other than Lord Shiva and Parvathy. As Lord Shiva offered Virundhu (hosting the guests with food), he came to be called as Virundheeswarar.

Adhikara Nandi:

It is said that Lord Shiva granted his equal power to his mount Nandhi at this temple, hence this Nandi is called Adhikara Nandi, the concept of Adhikara Nandi is originated from this temple.

Other Names:

Vadamadurai was known as Ganeswaram, Agasthya Nallur and Gandhamapuri in different Yugas. 

History

The Temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE. The last consecration ceremony was held on 11 July 2019.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa, ardha mandapa and mukha mandapa. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the mukha mandapa facing towards sanctum. There is a south facing shrine for Nataraja in the maha mandapam. Normally, Lord Nataraja is depicted with his long hair flying wide but in this temple, he is depicted with his hair well dressed. Adhikara Nandi can be found in the maha mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Virundheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The sanctum actually enshrines two Shiva Lingams. The Swaymbhu Linga is situated at the back and a small Lingam in the front. It is said that sun rays fall on the Shiva Linga on 17^th of Panguni month every year. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Vishwa Nayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. There is a separate shrine for Lakshmi Narayana Perumal in the temple premises. There are shrines for Kannimoola Ganapathy, Subrahmanya, Suryan, Chandran, Anjaneya, Saneeswarar, Kala Bhairavar and Navagrahas in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vana Murungai (Drumstick). Theertham associated with this temple is Vidagara Theertham.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 1.00 PM and from 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM.

Festivals

Thai Poosam, Margazhi Arudhra darshan, Maha Shivrathri, Panguni Uthiram, Ganesh Chaturthi, Hanuman Jayanti, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Kala Bhairavar Ashtami and monthly pradoshams are celebrated here.

Prayers

It is a general belief that performing abhishekas to the Adhikara Nandi in this temple during pradoshas brings lot of fortunes to the devotee. Devotees pray to Lakshmi Narayana Perumal of this temple with Tulsi for harmony in married life and reunion of couples, who are separated for some reason.

Contact

Virundheeswarar Temple,

Mettupalayam Road, K. Vadamadurai Post,

Near Thudiyalur, Coimbatore North Taluk,

Coimbatore District – 641 017

Mobile: +91 94428 44884

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 metres from Vadamadurai Bus Stop, 500 metres from Thudiyalur, 10 Kms from Coimbatore, 11 Kms from Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Coimbatore Junction Railway Station, 13 Kms from Ukkadam Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. The Temple is situated on Coimbatore to Mettupalayam road.

Location