Satyabhinava Theertharu Brindavana, Nachiyar Koil, Thanjavur

Satyabhinava Theertharu Brindavana, Nachiyar Koil, Thanjavur

Satyabhinava Theertharu Brindavana is a Hindu burial shrine of Satyabhinava Theertharu, 21^st pontiff of the Shri Uttaradi Matha, located in Nachiyar Koil in the outskirts of Kumbakonam Town in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu.

History

Satyabhinava Tirtha (1706 CE) was a Hindu philosopher, saint, scholar and theologian. He served as the pontiff of Shri Uttaradi Math from 1673 to 1706. He was the 21^st in succession from Madhvacharya. He is known for his great works Durghata Bhavadipa on Bhagavata Tatparya Nirnaya and Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya Vyakhyana, a commentary on Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya of Madhava.

According to hagiographies, He was born as Keshavacharya into a Kannada-speaking Deshastha Madhava Brahmin family. Satyabhinava Tirtha who was born with a 'Madhavi Rishi hamsa' had occupied the pontificate with distinction for 32 years, 6 months and three days. Satyadhisha Tirtha was the first and Satyadhiraja Tirtha was second disciple. Both these died within a year of their ordination.

Later he ordained Kolhapur Krishnacharya as the next pontiff as Sri Satyapurna Tirtha. After his death in 1706, his mortal remains were enshrined in the mutt at Nachiyar Koil, which is few miles away from Kumbakonam. He was succeeded by Satyapurna Tirtha. Three works have been attributed to Satyabhinava. His Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya Vyakhyana is a commentary running up to 3,220 granthas on Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya of Madhava. 

Duraghatabhavadipa is a commentary running up to 8,160 granthas on Madhva's Bhagavata Tatparya Niryana which, apart from elucidating the concepts of the source text, criticises the allegations against Madhava raised by some scholars and grammarians. His work Sri Satyanatha Guru Stuti is a praise poem in honour of his guru Satyanatha Tirtha. According to Sharma, "Almost on every page of his gloss in his Bhagavata, we find certain criticisms on the Bhagavata Tatparya Nirnaya of Madhava repudiated.

The determination and persistence with which he pursues these critics show that Bhagavata Tatparya Nirnaya had been severely criticized by some later-day commentators probably Advaitic of unknown identity. The commentary throws light on many knotty points. It's special interest lies in hunting up the criticisms against the Bhagavata Tatparya and silencing them".

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Nachiyar Koil Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 11 Kms from Kumbakonam, 47 Kms from Thanjavur and 107 Kms from Trichy Airport. Nachiyar Koil is situated on Kumbakonam – Thiruvarur Route. Buses are available from Kumbakonam every 15 minutes on this route.

Location

Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Madam, Thiruvotriyur, Chennai

Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Madam, Thiruvotriyur, Chennai

Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Madam is a Hindu religious Mutt located at Thiruvotriyur, well known locality in Chennai City in Tamil Nadu. It also houses the Adhishtanams of 55^th and 61^st Pontiffs of Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Madam. Thiruvotriyur is famous mainly because of the magnificent temple of Thyagaraja (Lord Shiva) and Vadivudai Amman. This Madam is located closed to Thyagarajar Temple on the South Mada Street.

Adi Shankara is believed to have camped here and was responsible for stopping human sacrifices and codified the practices to be followed in the Thiruvotriyur Thyagaraja Temple. There is an ancient building next to the temple on the south side where we can find his statue with two sishyas. This building is now under the custody of the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt and functions as the Kanchi mutt office.

It houses the Adhishtanam (Jeeva Samadhi) of the 61^st pontiff, Shri Mahadevendra Saraswathy III. He was previously known as Narayana. It was during his pontificate that Athma Bodha wrote his commentary Susama on the Gururatna Malika. He attained Mukti at Thiruvotriyur, now a part of Chennai on Sukla Navami in the month of Jyeshta of the cyclic year Krothana (1746 AD). His pontificate was for 42 years.

It houses the Adhishtanam (Jeeva Samadhi) of the 55^th pontiff Sri Chandrchuda III. He was a native of Asmachala near Manimuthar river in south Arcot district. He was the son of Purari and Shrimathi. His former name was Arunagiri. He was a Dravida Brahmin and he died in the year Swabhanu, Mina Shukla Ekadasi (In the year 1524 A.D). His pontificate was for 17 years.

Contact

Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Madam,

No.32, South Mada Street, Thiruvotriyur,

Chennai – 600 019

Phone: +91 44 2599 3365

Mobile: +91 98402 87293

Connectivity

This Madam is located closed to Thyagarajar Temple on the South Mada Street. The Madam is located at about 600 meters from Theradi Bus Stop, 300 meters from Thyagarajar & Vadivudai Ambal Temple, 600 meters from Thiruvotriyur Railway Station, 2 Kms from Thiruvotriyur Bus Depot, 4 Kms from Wimco Nagar Railway Station, 10 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 12 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 24 Kms from Koyambedu Mofussil Bus Terminus and 32 Kms from Chennai Airport.

There are buses operated from here to all over Chennai and also a few limited services which run to various parts of the Tamil Nadu state. There is a bus available to Parrys corner for every 10 minutes through different routes.  Thiruvotriyur is located at the Chennai Central – Gummidipoondi suburban line of Chennai. The number of train services on this route are quite frequent. Thiruvotriyur has two rail stations, one at Thiruvotriyur and the other at Wimco Nagar. Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at Meenambakkam.

Location

References

https://drlsravi.blogspot.com/2010/06/adhishtanams-in-thiruvotriyur-chennai.html

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Singirikudi, Cuddalore

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Singirikudi, Cuddalore

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Singirikudi in Cuddalore District of Tamilnadu. Singirikudi Narasimha Swamy temple is one among the four Narasimha temples of this region. The others being Anthili, Poovarasan Kuppam and Parikkal. The Three Narasimha Temples of Parikkal (Near Villupuram off the Trichy National Highway), Poovarasan Kuppam (off the Panruti Highway) and Singiri Kudi are in a straight way from West to East. It is considered very auspicious to visit these three temples on the same day. Lord Narasimha at Singirikudi faces the West towards the other two Narasimha temples at Poovarasankuppam and Parikkal.

Also, this is one of the 8 temples in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Narasimha provided darshan after killing Hiranya.

1)   Singirikudi near Pondicherry/Cuddalore,

2)   Anthili near Thiru Kovilur,

3)   Parikkal near Kedilam,

4)   Sholinghur

5)   Namakkal

6)   Singa Perumal Koil near Chengalpattu

7)   Sinthalavadi.

8)   Poovarasan Kuppam 

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2018/08/lakshmi-narasimha-swamy-temple-singirikudi-legends.html

History

This temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha belongs to Chola period, identified as Azhwar of Singavezhkundram (1051 A.D.). There were inscriptions in the temple, informs about the donations offered by Chola Kings and Krishnadevaraya to Lord Narasimha. Markandeya purana describes this holy Kshetra in Narasimha Vana Purana. There is Brindavan for 4th Peetathipathi of Sri Ahobila Mutt here.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2018/08/lakshmi-narasimha-swamy-temple-singirikudi-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Festivals

Ten days Brahmotsavam during Narasimha Jayanthi, 9 days prior to Narasimha Jayanthi on the Swati Star day with car festival in Chithirai (April-May), Brahmmotsavam begins with flag hoisting. Theerthavari is celebrated in Masi Magam (February-March) in Puducherry sea. Pavithra Utsavam is celebrated in Aipasi (October-November). Opening of the Paradise Gate (Sorgavasal) on Vaikunda Ekadasi day (11th day from the new moon) in December-January, Garuda Seva in the evening of the day and Theerthavari on Mattupongal day falling generally on January 15 or the day next in some years, are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

Those mentally distressed, facing debt burdens and threats from enemies, obstacle in marriage proposals, affected by adverse planetary effects pray to the Lord in the temple. They also light ghee lamps on Tuesdays and perform Archana with Tulsi leaves. Devotees, on realizing their boons perform Tirumanjanam to Lord and Mother offering Vastras and feed the visitors. Feeding the devotees is the main prayer commitment followed in this temple.

Contact

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple,

Singiri Kudi,

Cuddalore – 605 007

Phone: +91 413 261 8759

Connectivity

The Temple is situated 2 Kms West of Thavalakuppam off the Pondicherry-Cuddalore National Highway. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Singirikoil Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Cuddalore, 20 Kms from Cuddalore Port Railway Junction, 8 Kms from Villianur, 9 Kms from Villianur Railway Station, 11 Kms from Puducherry, 11 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 14 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 164 Kms from Chennai and 158 Kms from Chennai Airport.

Around 11 kms from Pondicherry en route Cuddalore. Cross Ariyankuppam, Sunnambar, and Arvind Eye Hospital. Immediately after Arvind Eye Hospital, you will encounter a 4-way crossing and there you take right and go further for about 2 Kms to reach the temple. Take the Pondicherry – Cuddalore Bus. Get down at Thavalai Kuppam (9 Kms from Pondicherry). Take an auto from here to reach Singiri Kudi.

Location | Photos

Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Shenbakkam, Vellore

Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Shenbakkam, Vellore

Raghavendra Swami Mutt is an ancient Hindu religious mutt located at Shenbakkam Village near Vellore Town in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Palar river. This Mutt houses the Navabrindhavans of Madhava saints. Navabrindhavans (Nava = 9 + Brindhavana = holy shrine) is defined as a place where Nine Moola Brindavanas of Sri Madhava saints are found/buried under earth. This place was once a hub for teaching Sastras/Vedas/Patta/Pravachan which spread the uniqueness of Tatvavaadha philosophy. This is the same place where Madhava Saints, Kings, Muslim (Mughal) rulers all did their Yatha Shakthi Seva to the living Saints here.

There are three famous Navabrindhavans in South India as follows:

1.    Anegundi Navabrindavana near Hampi, Karnataka

2.    Nava Jeeva Brindhavana of Erode, Tamilnadu

3.    Shenbakkam Navabrindavana, Vellore, Tamilnadu

Legends

Kambalur Ramachandra Theertha:

A miracle happened in the life of Sri Kambalur Ramachandra Theertha, is when he was engrossed in meditation, Nanjundayya, his ideological adversary who could not win over him in the tharkas tried to hurl a heavy stone at him. Saint Vadiraja who learnt of it while doing penance, made the stone stay in the air. Theertha asked his disciples to preserve the stone and keep it on top of his Brindavanam (which was built in 1632).

Rayavelur:

Thimmappa Nayakar and his son Sevappa Nayakar, started to built fort at Vellore. A portion of wall used to collapse regularly whenever they start their construction activities. Tired of this incident, they approached Sathyathiraja Theertha. He gave them a stone and instructed to drop it in the moat. Also, he advised them to build brindavanas on the walls of the fort. After following his instruction, the fort construction was completed without any mishaps. As Sathyathiraja Theertha gave a stone for successful completion of Vellore Fort, Vellore came to be called as called Rayavelur (Rayi means stone in Telugu).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/raghavendra-swamy-mutt-shenbakkam-history.html

Nava Brindavanams

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/raghavendra-swamy-mutt-shenbakkam-nava-brindavanams.html

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/raghavendra-swamy-mutt-shenbakkam-festivals.html

Contact

Guru Raghavendra Brindhavana Seva Trust,

Dhakshina Navabrindhavan,

Sri Madhvavijaya Nagara, 

Shenbakkam, Vellore District – 632 008

Mobile: +91 94431 04959 / 94866 21440 / 99945 82779

Connectivity

The Mutt is located at about 2.5 Kms from Mullipalayam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Vellore Town Railway Station, 3 Kms from Vellore Old Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Vellore, 3.5 Kms from Vellore New Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Vellore Cantonment Railway Station, 9 Kms from Katpadi, 12 Kms from Virinjipuram, 139 Kms from Chennai and 131 Kms from Chennai Airport.

Shenbakkam is situated on the Bangalore – Chennai highway. While going from Chennai to Vellore, you will come across a bridge at the entrance of Vellore Town. Travel down the bridge and take a right turn at the third intersection to reach the mutt.  

Location

Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple, Nathan Kovil, Thanjavur

Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple, Nathan Kovil, Thanjavur

Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Nathan Kovil, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Nathan Koil is one of the Vaishnava Navagraha Sthalams around Kumbakonam. It is associated with Chandran (Moon). The Only Divya Desam named after Nandi, Lord Shiva's Vehicle. As this temple resembles the Puri Jagannatha temple, it is also known as Dakshina Jagannatham.

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7^th – 9^th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Azhwar in ten hymns. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. This Temple is considered as one of the 40 Divyadesams in Chozha Nadu. It ranks 21 among the 40 Divya Desams. The temple is currently owned and maintained by Vanamamalai Mutt.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/03/thiru-nandipura-vinnagaram-temple-nathan-kovil-legends.html

History

The Temple was believed to be built by the Pallava King Nandivarman. The temple is currently owned and maintained by Vanamamalai Mutt.

The Temple

This is a west facing temple with 5 tiered Rajagopuram. Since Nandi got relieved of his curse here, the names of the temples bodies are named after Nandi; the temple tank is called Nandi Theertham, the place called Nandipuram and other water body as Nandi Pushkarini. The main sanctum houses the image of the presiding deity, Srinivasa Perumal / Nadanadhan. He is in a sitting posture, with sword, bow, chakram (discus), Sangu (conch) and Dhandam (stick) in his hand, under the Mandara Vimanam facing west. He is flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

The metal image of the festival deity, Jagannatha / Vinnagara Perumal is also housed in the sanctum. The temple is a symbol of unity between the two sects of Hinduism, namely, Vaishnavism and Saivism and Nandhi the sacred bull Shiva and image of Brahma are depicted in the main sanctum. There is a separate shrine for Shenbagavalli Thayar. Sthala Vinayakar is Siddhi Vinayakar. Sthala Vriksham is Shenbaga tree. The rectangular walls around the temple enclose all the shrines and some of seven water bodies associated with the temple.

The temple is maintained and administered by the Vanamamalai Mutt. Nathan Kovil is where Kaliyan Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeer, the 20^th Jeer of Vanamamalai Math, attained Samadhi. His Brindavanam has also been erected near the temple. The idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar, worshipped by Vanamamalai Jeers, is also installed in a temple nearby and pujas are performed every day.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Poojas & Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/03/thiru-nandipura-vinnagaram-temple-nathan-kovil-poojas-and-festivals.html

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/03/thiru-nandipura-vinnagaram-temple-nathan-kovil-religious-significance.html

Literary Mention

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7^th – 9^th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Azhwar in ten hymns. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. This Temple is considered as one of the 40 Divyadesams in Chozha Nadu. It ranks 21 among the 40 Divya Desams. Saint Thirumangai Azhwar had compressed the glory of Lord picked from scriptures as Srimad Bhagavatam so melodiously in a single verse in his Mangalasasanam hymn.

Prayers

People pray for timely wedding, reunion of couples separated for some reason or other, child boon, favorable court verdicts in litigations and cure from neurology problems. Devotees believe that their wishes would be granted with their participation in the abishek to Mother on Aipasi Fridays. Sri Sooktha Homam is performed here on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami days. Performing this Homam on eight consecutive Shukla Paksha Ashtamis will result in the devotee being blessed with prosperity, fulfillment of desires and overall happiness. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Perumal and offer vastras.

Contact

Jagannathan Temple (Nandipura Vinnagaram),

Nathan Kovil, Kumbakonam Taluk,

Thanjavur District – 612 703

Phone: +91 435 241 7575

Mobile: +91 98430 95904 / 94437 71400

Mobile: +91 99434 42100 / 94424 21035

Mobile: +91 98436 08738 / 95782 55870

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Udaiyalur, 3 Kms from Pazhayarai, 4 Kms from Patteeswaram, 4 Kms from Marudanallur, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 37 Kms from Thanjavur and 96 Kms from Trichy Airport. Nathan Kovil is a remote village and is situated in historic Pazhayarai area, ancient capital of imperial Cholas. The buses to this place are not very frequent. The devotee has to reach Muzhaiyur. Buses from Kumbakonam running Via Patteeswaram pass through Muzhaiyur. Nathan Kovil is about 3 Kms from Muzhaiyur. Autos are available from Muzhaiyur to reach the Temple.

Location | Photos