Udayagiriswarar Temple, Kunnathur, Madurai

Udayagiriswarar Temple, Kunnathur, Madurai

Udayagiriswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kunnathur Village in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. This is a Rock Cut Cave Temple, situated on the eastern side of the Kunnathur Hill i.e. the direction of sunrise. Hence the presiding deity came to be called as Udayagiriswarar. Kunnathur has two caves one is Udayagiri (rising sun) and other is Ashtagiri (setting sun). The sun rays fall on the Shivalingam everyday morning and evening on the Udayagiri and Ashtagiri respectively. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple.

History

This cave temple is dated to 8^th century CE. Historically, the village was called Thirukavalur. 

The Temple

This rock-cut temple is found very near to the Jain cave at the eastern slope of the Kunnathur hill. Presiding Deity is called as Udayagiriswarar. The Central shrine is housed with Shiva Linga carved in the natural rock. He is facing east. A small mukhamandapa is also seen. There are two Dwara Palakas carved one both sides of the entrance of the Garbha Griha. Jain beds with Brahmi inscriptions can be seen at top of this cave temple.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6^th Thirumurai in 71^st Patikam in 9^th Song.

கந்தமா தனங்கயிலை மலை கேதாரங்

காளத்தி கழுக்குன்றங் கண்ணார் அண்ணா

மந்தமாம் பொழிற்சாரல் வடபர்ப் பதம்

மகேந்திரமா மலைநீலம் ஏம கூடம்

விந்தமா மலைவேதஞ் சைய மிக்க

வியன் பொதியின் மலைமேரு வுதய மத்தம்

இந்துசே கரனுறையும் மலைகள் மற்றும்

ஏத்துவோம் இடர்கெடநின் றேத்து வோமே.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Varichiyur, 11 Kms from Silaiman Railway Station, 14 Kms from Thirupuvanam, 18 Kms from Madurai, 19 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 32 Kms from Sivaganga and 28 Kms from Madurai Airport. The Temple is situated on Madurai to Sivaganga Route.

Location

Asthagiriswarar Temple, Kunnathur, Madurai

Asthagiriswarar Temple, Kunnathur, Madurai

Asthagiriswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kunnathur Village in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. This is a Rock Cut Cave Temple, situated on the western side of the Kunnathur Hill i.e. the direction of sunset. Hence the presiding deity came to be called as Asthagiriswarar. Kunnathur has two caves one is Udayagiri (rising sun) and other is Ashtagiri (setting sun). The sun rays fall on the Shivalingam everyday morning and evening on the Udayagiri and Ashtagiri respectively. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple.

History

This cave temple is dated to 8^th century CE. Historically, the village was called Thirukavalur. 

The Temple

This rock cut temple consists of small garbhagriha and open front mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Asthagiriswarar / Somanathar. The Central shrine is housed with Shiva Linga carved in the natural rock. He is facing west. A small Nandhi Idol can be found facing the sanctum. A Sketch of a structural temple is engraved on the front wall of this Temple.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6^th Thirumurai in 71^st Patikam in 9^th Song.

கந்தமா தனங்கயிலை மலை கேதாரங்

காளத்தி கழுக்குன்றங் கண்ணார் அண்ணா

மந்தமாம் பொழிற்சாரல் வடபர்ப் பதம்

மகேந்திரமா மலைநீலம் ஏம கூடம்

விந்தமா மலைவேதஞ் சைய மிக்க

வியன் பொதியின் மலைமேரு வுதய மத்தம்

இந்துசே கரனுறையும் மலைகள் மற்றும்

ஏத்துவோம் இடர்கெடநின் றேத்து வோமே.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Varichiyur, 11 Kms from Silaiman Railway Station, 14 Kms from Thirupuvanam, 18 Kms from Madurai, 19 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 32 Kms from Sivaganga and 28 Kms from Madurai Airport. The Temple is situated on Madurai to Sivaganga Route.

Location

Navaneetha Krishnan Temple, Madurai

Navaneetha Krishnan Temple, Madurai

Navaneetha Krishnan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Madurai City in Madurai District of Tamilnadu. The temple is located near Thavittu Chanthai. Presiding Deity is called as Navaneetha Krishnan and Mother is called as Mahalakshmi.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Navaneetha Krishnan. Lord Navaneetha Krishna as a little smiling boy graces the devotees from sanctum sanctorum with butter in both hands. Mother Mahalakshmi gracefully appears from the right chest of the Lord. Procession deity is also nearby, but he does not go in procession. Special pujas are dedicated to Lord on each Rohini Star day. During the Krishna puja in the mornings, 27 Star Deepas and 108 Deepas are lit for Aaradhana.

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Lord Srinivasa Perumal and Mother Alarmelmangai are behind the sanctum sanctorum. During the months of Masi, Panguni and Chithirai covering the English months from middle February to middle May, the rays of Sun fall on Lord Srinivasa in morning hours. Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshmana graces from the front mandapam. Anjaneya is before them in a worshipping posture.

Lord Maha Ganapathi found during the construction of the temple graces from the front mandapam. Garuda Baghwan and Anjaneya appear as Dwarapalakas in left and right sides respectively on a pillar before the sanctum sanctorum. Jaya and Vijaya are in the other pillar. The Guardian deity of Madurai Karupusamy is shown in the form of a whip outside the temple.

There are some Salagrama stones in the temple brought from Kandaki River. Milk abishekam is performed to these stones and the Jadari-the Paduka plate daily. It is the staunch belief of the devotees that this darshan will ensure a place for them in Vaikunta, the Abode of Lord Vishnu. Generally, there are no shrines for Navagrahas in Vishnu temples. However, as Lord Kannan danced on the head of serpent Kalinga and granted salvation, serpent planets Rahu and Ketu are in the temple in idol forms.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Festivals

Gokulastami, Navarathri, Vaikunda Ekadasi and Vinayaka Chaturthi are celebrated in the temple. Gokulastami-the birth day of Lord Krishna is grandly celebrated in the temple. Chanting of Bhagwat Gita is followed the next day evening.

Prayers

Those facing adverse planetary aspects pray to the serpent planets Rahu and Ketu and perform turmeric abishek to Nagar in the prakara. Those concerned with the welfare of children pray to Lord Navaneethakrishna with butter and sweet pudding –sarkarai Pongal.

Contact

Navaneetha Krishnan Temple,

Pandhadi 5^th Street, Lamp Post,

Madurai – 625 001

Mobile: +91 92451 45226

Connectivity

This Temple is situated near Tirumalai Naicker Mahal in Pandhadi 5^th street in Madurai. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 1.5 Kms from Madurai Koodal Azhagar Temple, 1.5 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Madurai Railway Station, 6 Kms from Madurai Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus and 10 Kms from Madurai Airport. Bus Routes – 11,11A,17 & 38 from Periyar Bus-stand. Madurai being a popular tourist center is well connected by railways and has daily flights to Colombo (Sri Lanka), Mumbai Bangalore and Chennai.

Location

Aadhi Chokkanathar Temple, Simmakkal, Madurai

Aadhi Chokkanathar Temple, Simmakkal, Madurai

Aadhi Chokkanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Simmakkal to the North of Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai City in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Aadhi Chokkanathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. Of the 64 divine events (Tiruvilayadal) described in the sacred epic Tiruvilayadal Puranam by Saint Paranjothi Munivar, this temple is about marking the boundaries of Madurai.

The place is also called as Vada Thiru Aalavai. Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Madurai refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Pancha indicates five, Bhoota means elements, and Sthalam means place. Of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams in Madurai, this temple represents Agayam-Sky. Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Madurai are as follows;

·        Sellur Aappudayar Temple (Water)

·        Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, West Masi Street (Land)

·        Theppakulam Muktheeswarar Temple (Air)

·        Simmakkal Chokkanathar Temple (Sky)

·        Then Thiru Aalavai Temple South Masi Street (Fire)

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/aadhi-chokkanathar-temple-simmakkal-madurai.html

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Aadhi Chokkanathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. Sthala Vriksham is Kadamba Tree. Theertham associated with this Temple is Pottramarai Kulam.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Festivals

Aipasi Poornima-full moon day in October-November; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Navarathri in September-October and Poornima-full moon day Santhabishekam and special pujas are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

It is the firm belief of the devotees that their prayers for wedding and child boon would be responded by Lord within 48 days – a Mandalam. Those seeking relief from Budha planet adverse aspects, offer a preparation made of green corn – Pasi Payaru in Tamil – as Nivedhana, green clothing and Marikozhundhu garland – all green.

Contact

Adhi Chokkanathar Temple,

Simmakkal, Madurai

Madurai District – 625 001

Phone: +91 452 234 4360

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Simmakkal Bus Stop, 600 meters from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 2 Kms from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 2 Kms from Periyar Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 2 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 9 Kms from Thiruparankundram and 12 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Town buses are available from Periyar Bus Stand and from Mattuthavani Bus Stand. 

Location

Ramana Mandhiram, Madurai

Ramana Mandhiram, Madurai

Ramana Mandhiram is located at Chokkappa Naicken Street exactly opposite to the South Chithirai street entrance, after about 10 houses from the entrance. Ramana maharishi was born in Thiruchuzhi, about 55 Kms from Madurai but he moved to his uncle’s house here after his father’s death. This is the place where he got the famous “death (self-realization) experience” for 20 minutes.

The building is clearly marked. It is near the south gate of the Temple. There are several places for meditation in this house. There is a big room downstairs where it looks like most people stop and sit and meditate. Upstairs, though, is the actual room of Ramana’s famous 20-minute ‘death experience.’

Ramana Mandhiram is located at about 100 meters from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 1 Km from Periyar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 2 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction and 11 Kms from Madurai International Airport. It is very easy to reach the temple as it is situated very near to both the bus stand and the railway station. 

Location

Puttu Chokkanathar Temple, Puttu Thoppu, Madurai

Puttu Chokkanathar Temple, Puttu Thoppu, Madurai

Puttu Chokkanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Puttu Thoppu near Arappalayam in Madurai City in Madurai District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Puttu Chokkanathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is Administrated by The Hindu Religion Charitable Endowment Department.

Legends

Most of Lord Shiva’s Tiruvilayadal (Holy Play) happened in Madurai. Lord played his 63rd Tiruvilayadal here in Puttu Thoppu. This Temple is the venue where Lord Shiva has done one of his Thiruvilaiyadalgal (a way of testing the faith of his devotees by creating a trouble and then blessing them after they prove their faith). As per the myth, once, the Pandiya King ordered every household in Madurai to offer one person for putting sand on the banks of the river Vaigai to control flood.

An old lady, who sold Puttu (a kind of rice pudding) to make a living, had none whom she can send for the flood control work. Lord Shiva disguised as a youth approached the old lady with a deal. He will do the work for the lady and in return she has to give him Puttu every day and hence the name "Puttukku Mann sumantha Thiru Thalam" meaning - place (Thiru Thalam) where Shiva carried (sumantha) sand (mann) for 'Puttu'.

The agreement is, she need not give him the 'Puttu' which is in good shape, but only the left-overs. The old lady agreed. But Lord Shiva, with his magical powers, made each of the 'Puttu' she cooked as a shapeless unsellable left-over and ate everything. And worse, he didn't do any work in the river Vaigai either but he chose to sleep under a tree. The King, who was supervising the work, found the lazy man and beat him at the back with a stick.

As per the myth, everyone including the king felt the pain in their back. Then the king came to know that the lazy man is none other than Lord Shiva and apologized. Even now, to mark this event, on September 4 of every year, a function is held in the river bank of Arappalayam and 'Puttu' is cooked in every household.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Puttu Chokkanathar. Mother is called as Meenakshi. Lord and Mother are housed in separate shrines. Puttu Chokkanathar Temple was perhaps built during the period of Thirumalai Nayak as the architecture of his palace is similar to the 36-pillared mandapam in Puttu Thoppu. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Tree. Theertham associated with this Temple is Vaigai River.

There are shrines for Vinayaga, Bala Murugan, Meenakshi Sundareswarar in marriage Posture, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Sundaranthar, Durga, Veerabhadra, Saptha Kanniyars, Kalyana Vinayagar, Appar, Gnana Sambandar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Kaliya Nayanar, Ayyappan, Kanni Moola Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Lingodhbava, Chandikeswarar, Irattai Kala Bhairavar, Anjaneya and Navagrahas in the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 A.M to 10.30 A.M and 05.00 P.M to 08.30 P.M.

Pooja Timings

·        Pradhosha Pooja (3.00 P.M to 8.30 P.M)

·        Ragukala Pooja (3.00 P.M to 8.30 P.M)

Festivals

Avani Pooradam, Puttu Thiruvizha, Monthly Pradoshams, Shivarathri, Tamil New Year, Pournami are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Puttu Thiruvizha:

In remembrance of this incident, people celebrate Puttu Thiruvizha during the month of Aavani even today. Though the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment made attempts to take over the temple, the Puttu Utsava Kattalai Trust has restored the temple under custody. The trust founder, Mariappa Chettiar of Vaania Vysya Chettiar community, along with his relatives belonging to 18 villages, jointly bought about six acres of land of coconut groves, which was earlier called Arappalyam Village.

The temple was built on one-fourth of the area roughly and the remaining land was leased out to people, who were required to pay rent for the site but could build their own houses. The Puttu festival is conducted even now with much fanfare with the rent collected from the tenants now. The unique feature of the Puttu festival is that Goddess Meenakshi, Lord Shiva from Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Murugan from Thiruparankundram visit the temple.

Contact

Puttu Chokkanathar Temple

Puttu Thoppu Main Road, 

Arappalayam, Madurai – 625 016 

Mobile: +91 9942361461 / 9842157457 / 9942360796 / 8973559558 

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Arappalayam Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 2 Kms from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 2 Kms from Periyar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 9 Kms from Thiruparankundram, 2 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction and 13 Kms from Madurai International Airport. It is very easy to reach the temple as it is situated very near to both the bus stand and the railway station. 

Location