Mahaveerar Jain Idol, Chettipatti, Pudukottai

Mahaveerar Jain Idol, Chettipatti, Pudukottai

Mahaveerar Jain Idol is a ninth century idol of Mahaveerar, a Jain Thirthankara located in Chettipatti Village in Kulathur Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. Chettipatti is also known as Samanar Kundu. Chettipatti was a flourishing medieval Jain center.

The Jain Idol

The image of Mahaveerar is found in seated posture. He is flanked by chauri bearers and found under an umbrella. The image is decorated with the semi-circular prabhavali and creeper designs. A stone slab containing inscription dating back to the reign of Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola can be seen next to the idol. 

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Sooriyur Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Thuvakudi, 15 Kms from Keeranur Railway Station, 18 Kms from Kulathur, 21 Kms from Trichy Airport, 30 Kms from Trichy and 43 Kms from Pudukkottai. The temple is situated at about 7 Kms to the east of Sooriyur Bus Stop on the Kulathur to Thuvakudi route.

Location

Jain Temple, Chettipatti, Pudukottai

Jain Temple, Chettipatti, Pudukottai

Jain Temple is a dilapidated ancient Jain Temple located in Chettipatti Village in Kulathur Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is locally called Vattikoil. Chettipatti is also known as Samanar Kundu. Chettipatti was a flourishing medieval Jain center.

History

This temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE. An inscription dated in 10^th century can be seen on the basement of this ruined temple. It records names of two persons namely Dayapaiar and Vadiraya as two disciples of Matisagaracarya. It might be inferred that Matisagaracarya was the principal monk looking after the administration of the temple.

The Temple

The temple is completely in ruins. Only, the base structure remains intact. The other components of the temple were completely lost to the vagaries of time. The temple might have consisted of sanctum and mandapa. Both these structures might have been enclosed by a prakara wall. Sculptures of Mahavira, Parsvanatha and chauri-bearers which once adorned the niches of the temple can be seen in the temple premises.

There are two pillars with a lion base that might have supported the roof of the mandapa can be found in the temple premises. Some of the notable sculptures found in the temple premises are Mahavira and head of Parsvanatha. There are also three partially carved individual sculptures of chauri-bearers and lion, the mount of Ambika Yakshi can be seen among the ruins.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Sooriyur Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Keeranur Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thuvakudi, 17 Kms from Kulathur, 20 Kms from Trichy Airport, 29 Kms from Trichy and 39 Kms from Pudukkottai. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms to the east of Sooriyur Bus Stop on the Kulathur to Thuvakudi route.

Location

Rock Cut Shiva Cave Temple, Thirumayam, Pudukottai

Rock Cut Shiva Cave Temple, Thirumayam, Pudukottai

Rock Cut Shiva Cave Temple is a Hindu Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thirumayam Town in Thirumayam Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is situated in the higher level inside the Thirumayam fort.

History

This cave temple might have been excavated in 6^th century CE by the Pallavas.

The Cave Temple

This cave is excavated on the western facade of the hill. It is situated at about 10 metres height from ground level. The cave can be reached through a ladder provided by ASI. It is a simple cell with its entrance door having three bands with rectangular bordered panel at the jambs. There is a rectangular panel located to the north of the door. This panel is probably for the label inscription similar to the one found in the Satyagireeswarar Cave Temple. However, the label inscription is absent here. The cell enshrines a rock cut Shiva Linga placed over a square avudaiyar, excavated from the mother rock. The water outlet spout is situated in the north and is supported by a bhoothagana.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Thirumayam Bus Stand and 1.5 Kms from Thirumayam Railway Station. Thirumayam is located at about 10 Kms from Kanadukathan, 14 Kms from Viralimalai, 19 Kms from Pudukkottai, 22 Kms from Karaikudi, 25 Kms from Tirupattur, 28 Kms from Ponnamaravathi, 37 Kms from Aranthangi, 62 Kms from Trichy Airport and 72 Kms from Trichy. Thirumayam is situated on Pudukottai to Karaikudi route.

Location

Sundareswarar Temple, Ariyur, Pudukottai

Sundareswarar Temple, Ariyur, Pudukottai

Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ariyur Village in Illupur Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The temple is one of the protected monuments in Tamil Nadu declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. Balipeedam and Nandi can be seen in front of the temple facing towards the sanctum, The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Sundareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in mukha mandapam on the right side. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Ariyur Market, 11 Kms from Pudukottai, 13 Kms from Pudukkottai Railway Station, 16 Kms from Narthamalai, 18 Kms from Illupur, 33 Kms from Viralimalai and 46 Kms form Trichy Airport. The temple is situated at about 1.5 Kms to the south west of Ariyur Market on the Pudukottai to Viralimalai route.

Location

Jain Tirthankara Idol, Annavasal, Pudukottai

Jain Tirthankara Idol, Annavasal, Pudukottai

An Idol of Tirthankara of Jainism can be seen in Annavasal Town in Illuppur Taluk in Pudukottai District in Tamil Nadu. The image is dated to 9^th century CE. It is one of the protected monuments in Tamil Nadu declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Idol

The image is found seated in padmasana posture under a peepal tree with curved branches forms like pandal. The bells are shown hanging from the pandal. He is flanked by attendants and found under triple umbrella. The image is decorated with the semi-circular prabhavali and creeper designs. A pillow arrangement is shown on the back of Tirthankara. The head of the tirthankara is defaced. Currently, the idol is kept on platform constructed by ASI. Remains of ancient temple can be seen nearby.

Connectivity

The idol is located at about 1 Km from Annavasal Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Illupur, 11 Kms from Narthamalai, 16 Kms from Kulathur, 16 Kms from Pudukkottai, 18 Kms from Pudukkottai Railway Station, 26 Kms from Viralimalai and 41 Kms from Trichy Airport. The idol is situated at about 1 Km to the north west of Annavasal Bus Stand on the Pudukkottai to Viralimalai route.

Location

Agastheeswarar Temple, Alathur, Pudukottai

Agastheeswarar Temple, Alathur, Pudukottai

Agastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Alathur Village in Illupur Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Agastheeswarar and Mother is called as Dharmambikai. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance mandapa. The entrance mandapa has four pillars. Stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Vinayaga and Murugan can be seen at the top of this mandapam. Balipeedam, Dwaja Sthambam and Nandi can be seen immediately after the entrance mandapam facing towards the sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam.

Presiding deity is called as Agastheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. Bikshadana, 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 Dharmambikai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapam on the right side.

Shrines of Vinayagar, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Bhairavar, Nalvar (Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar & Manickavasagar), Sekkizhar and Navagrahas can be seen in the temple premises. There is a sacred well situated in the temple premises. A Mahaveer Jain idol sculpted from stone and measuring about 1 metre in height is kept in an open area under a tree near to this temple.

Contact

Agastheeswarar Temple,

Alathur, Illupur Taluk,

Pudukottai District – 622 001

Mobile: +91 94438 07873

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Illupur, 5 Kms from Illupur Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Viralimalai, 28 Kms from Pudukkottai, 30 Kms from Ponnamaravathi, 31 Kms from Pudukkottai Railway Station and 42 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated on Illuppur to Ponnamaravathi route.

Location

Agneeswarar Temple, Chithur, Pudukottai

Agneeswarar Temple, Chithur, Pudukottai

Agneeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chithur Village in Ponnamaravathi Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is under the control of Archaeological survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple is believed to be built by Gandaraditya Chola. Chithur was called as Chitrayur in ancient times. There is an inscription dated to the fourth regnal year of Gandaraditya Chola can be seen on the northern wall of the shrine. There is another inscription dated to Rajaraja Chola recording a gift of perpetual lamp to the presiding deity can be seen in the walls of the shrine.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing towards the sanctum in the platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum is octagonal in shape. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Agneeswarar in the form of Shiva Lingam. Loose sculptures of Brahma, Vishnu, Chandikeswara, Durga, Sapta Matrikas and defaced deities can be seen in the temple premises. Ruins of subsidiary shrines can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Peraiyur, 13 Kms from Pudukkottai, 15 Kms from Pudukkottai Railway Station, 15 Kms from Pudukkottai Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Thirumayam, 27 Kms from Ponnamaravathi, 55 Kms from Trichy Airport and 65 Kms from Trichy. The temple is situated on Pudukottai to Ponnamaravathi route via Peraiyur.

Location

Rajendra Choleeswarar Temple, Ponnamaravathi, Pudukottai

Rajendra Choleeswarar Temple, Ponnamaravathi, Pudukottai

Rajendra Choleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Ponnamaravathi Town in Ponnamaravathi Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Tamil Nadu declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to have been built by Rajaraja Chola II in memory of his great grandfather Kulothunga Chola I. There are four inscriptions dating back to the Cholas and Pandyas in the temple. The Chola inscription records the construction of the sanctum and the consecration of the Shiva Linga named Rajendra Choleeswara Udaiyar Mahadevar by a local chieftain. Ponnamaravathi is said to be situated in Puramalai Naadu, in Rajendra Chola Valanadu, a district of Rajaraja Pandi Nadu as per the inscriptions in the temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. Balipeedam and Nandi housed in mandapam can be found outside the temple facing towards the sanctum. There is a mukha mandapam attached to the main entrance. The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Rajendra Choleeswarar / Rajendra Choleeswara Udaiyar in the form of Shiva Lingam.

There are niches around the sanctum walls. The southern niche enshrines an image of Gnana Dakshinamoorthy and the northern niche enshrines an image of Brahma. The western niche is empty. Chandikeswara shrine can be seen in his usual location. The goddess Parvathy is enshrined in a south facing shrine in maha mandapam. The bronze image of Somaskanda in this temple belongs to Later Cholas period.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Ponnamaravathi Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Singampunari, 27 Kms from Tirupattur, 28 Kms from Thirumayam, 30 Kms from Thirumayam Railway Station, 35 Kms from Pudukkottai, 48 Kms from Karaikudi, 77 Kms from Trichy Airport, 81 Kms from Trichy and 81 Kms from Madurai. The temple is situated on Pudukkottai to Singampunari route.

Location

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Ammankurichi, Pudukottai

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Ammankurichi, Pudukottai

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ammankurichi Village in Ponnamaravathi Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding deity is called as Sundareswarar / Chokkanathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The temple was constructed by Madurai Nayak Dynasty. The temple is one of the protected monuments in Tamil Nadu declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with three tiered rajagopuram. There is a mukha mandapam in front of the rajagopuram. There is a pillared mandapam connecting the rajagopuram with the inner prakaram. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandi can be found in this mandapam facing towards the sanctum. The pillars of this mandapam has sculptures of Ganesha, Urdhava Thandava Moorthy, Kali, Veerabhadra, Yalis etc. The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam.

Presiding deity is called as Sundareswarar / Chokkanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. There is a shrine for Subramanya in the inner prakaram. There is a cloistered mandapa in the inner prakaram running around the compound wall. There is a pillared mandapa in the inner prakaram supported by lion capitals.

There is an inscription recording the wages of the temple officials and administration activities of the temple in this mandapam. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the maha mandapam. The pillars in the mandapa have sculptures of Nayak Kings and their queens. There is inscriptional stone slab on the left side of the entrance to the temple. It records the endowments made to this temple by the Nayak Kings.

Festivals

Pradoshams and Somavarams (Mondays) are celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Koppanapatty, 6 Kms from Koppanapatty Bus Stop, 9 Kms from Ponnamaravathi, 21 Kms from Thuvarankurichi, 30 Kms from Singampunari, 32 Kms from Thirumayam, 36 Kms from Pudukkottai, 39 Kms from Pudukkottai Railway Station, 68 Kms from Trichy Airport and 72 Kms from Trichy. The temple is situated at about 6 Kms from Koppanapatty on Pudukottai to Ponnamaravathi route.

Location