Kalikamba Nayanar Temple, Pennadam, Cuddalore

Kalikamba Nayanar Temple, Pennadam, Cuddalore

Kalikamba Nayanar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Kalikamba Nayanar, a venerated Shaivite Nayanmar, located at Pennadam Town in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. This Temple is considered as Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Kalikamba Nayanar.

History

Kalikamba Nayanar is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the forty-third in the list of 63 Nayanars. His hagiography speaks about how he cut the hand of his wife, who did not help in serving a Shaiva, devotee of the god Shiva. The primary account of Kalikamba Nayanar's life comes from the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12^th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.

Kalikamba Nayanar was born and lived in Pennagadam, also known as Tirupennagadam, currently situated near Virudhachalam the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for Sudarkozhundeesar Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism. In Kalikamba Nayanar's times, Pennagadam was part of the Chola kingdom. Kalikamba was a Vaishya, the merchant caste that flourished in Pennagadam. He was a devotee of Shiva and used to serve the devotees of Shiva (Shaivas).

Every day, he welcomed them, washed their feet, and worshipped them. He also served lunch to the devotees and offered them money and gifts. Once, when the devotees gathered for lunch at Kalikamba's house, he started with his daily ritual of pada-puja (washing of feet to show respect) of the devotees. His wife helped him in the service. The wife would pour water from the pot, as Kalikamba washed the feet. When Kalikamba was about to wash the feet of a devotee, she recognized the devotee as their former servant and hesitated from pouring water from the pot.

Kalikamba felt that the wife has desecrated the sacred service. He took the pot from her hand and cut off the hand by his sword. He continued to wash the feet of the devotees and served them food, a duty generally performed by his wife. For his act of devotion, he attained the grace of Shiva. The tale of Kalikamba Nayanar is also recalled in the 13^th century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha with some variation. The devotee is recognized the son of their servant Mallandu or Malla. He had refused to serve Kalikamba and left Kalikamba's house and become a Shaiva mendicant.

The wife refuses to serve a son of a slave and advises her husband not to do so, however Kalikamba considers every Shaiva as a manifestation of Shiva and refuses to pour water to wash his feet. Kalikamba considers this as an insult of Shiva and cuts both her hands as a punishment. The account ends by saying that Kalikamba attained moksha (salvation) by the grace of Shiva. Kalikamba Nayanar receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals.

The Temple

This is a Small temple with an entrance arch. Sanctum houses an idol of Kalikamba Nayanar. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Pennadam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thittakudi, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Srimushnam, 29 Kms from Thozhuthur, 34 Kms from Neyveli, 39 Kms from Ulundurpet, 42 Kms from Sethiyathope, 48 Kms from Kurinjipadi, 50 Kms from Gangai Konda Cholapuram, 60 Kms from Chidambaram, 78 Kms from Cuddalore, 97 Kms from Puducherry, 106 Kms from Trichy, 114 Kms from Trichy Airport and 257 Kms from Chennai.

The Temple is located on Virudhachalam to Thittakudi Route. Frequent Bus facilities to reach this temple are available from both ends.  There is a railway station at Pennadam which is on the Virudhachalam – Tiruchirappalli section of the Southern Railway. Pennadam Railway Station is located at about 3 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Virudhachalam (21 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry, Chennai and Trichy.

Location

Baleswarar Temple, Thiruthalaiyur, Thiruvarur

Baleswarar Temple, Thiruthalaiyur, Thiruvarur

Baleswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruthalaiyur Village in Nannilam Taluk in Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Baleswarar / Pasupathinathar and Mother is called as Parvathi. This Temple is considered as Avathara as well as Mukthi Sthalam of Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple.

Legends

Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar  was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is the 16^th of 63 Nayanar saints of Hinduism. The life of Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar  is described in Periya Puranam written by Sekkizhar (12^th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars. One of the most prominent Nayanars, Sundarar (8^th century) venerates Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar  in the Tiruthondar Thogai. 

Pasupathi Nayanar was a learned Brahmin devotee who practised chanting of the Shri Rudram Chamakam, a Vedic hymn dedicated to Rudra (a form of Shiva). Therefore, he is known by the name Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar.  Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar was born in a pious Brahmin family in the small village of Thiruthalaiyur, now located in Nannilam Taluk in Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu. Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.

He used to go to the water tank in the early morning and evening and chant Shri Rudram Chamakam hymn with folded hands raised above his head. The hymn hails Shiva as the Supreme Being and is believed to accord the reciter Shiva's grace. The vibration of the intense prayer of the Nayanar is described to reach the abode of Shiva, who pleased with the Nayanar's devotion grants him salvation. Tamil month Purattasi – Ashwini star is widely celebrated as Guru Puja Day of Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple with an entrance arch. Presiding Deity is called as Baleswarar / Pasupathinathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Mother is called as Parvathi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are idols and shrines of Vinayaga, Murugan, Navagrahas, Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar and Lingas in the Temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Kollumangudi, 7 Kms from Peralam, 7 Kms from Peralam Railway Stattion, 11 Kms from Nedungadu, 11 Kms from Koothanur, 22 Kms from Karaikal, 31 Kms from Thiruvarur and 138 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kollumangudi to Karaikal route via Nedungadu.

Location

Veerattaneswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Veerattaneswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Veerattaneswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Konerikuppam in Kanchipuram Town in Kanchipuram Taluk of Kanchipuram District. Presiding Deity is called as Veerattaneswarar / Veerattagaseshwarar. The Temple is also called as Sakya Nayanar Temple and Veerattagasam Temple. The Temple is considered as Avathara as well as Mukthi Sthalam of Sakya Nayanar. This is one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/04/veerattaneswarar-temple-kanchipuram-legends.html

History

The Temple was built by Pallava King Parameshwara Pallava II. There is an inscription dated to 1136 AD talks about a donation of perpetual lamp by a lady called Sivanai Muzhuthum Udaiyal. Another inscription dated to 1168 AD during Rajaraja Chola II talks about donation of 32 cows by a devotee Sethirayan. Also, another inscription dated to 1181 AD during Kulothunga Chola III talks about temple maintenance. The Temple was renovated by Vijaya Kampana in 1360 AD. Shankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt built the outer compound wall of the Temple.

The Temple

This is a small west facing temple without Rajagopuram. There is an entrance arch facing south. Few broken sculptures can be found immediately after the entrance. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala and an Artha Mandapam. There is an idol of Vinayagar on the left side of Artha Mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found nearby.

Two sets of Lingam can be found in the Artha Mandapam. One set is facing east, and other set is facing west. Also, two set of feet carved on the stone is kept nearby. It is believed that it belonged to Lord Nataraja and his consort Shivagami. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvathi carved on a stone slab can be found in the Artha Mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Veerattaneswarar / Veerattagaseshwarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Adhi Lingam is kept in the Maadam behind the presiding deity. Lot of scars were seen on the surface of Adhi Lingam. It is believed that these scars were due to the stones threw at him by Sakya Nayanar.

There is an idol of Sakya Nayanar holding a big stone can be found near Vinayaga Idol. He is facing the sanctum. He is in pose as if he is going to throw stone at Lord Shiva. There is another Nandhi, sitting on a raised platform, can be found on the west side in the outer prakaram. There is a Shrine for Chandikeswarar in his usual location. Except Chandikeswarar Shrine, there is no other shrine in the outer prakaram.

Festivals

Pournami and Pradoshams are celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/04/veerattaneswarar-temple-kanchipuram-connectivity.html

Location

References:

https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2014/08/paadal-petra-shiva-sthalangal.html

Vanrondareeser Temple, Perumangalam, Nagapattinam

Vanrondareeser Temple, Perumangalam, Nagapattinam

Vanrondareeser Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Perumangalam Village in Sirkazhi Taluk in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vanrondareeser and Mother is called as Abhirami. The Temple is considered as Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Eyarkon Kalikkama Nayanar.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/04/vanrondareeser-temple-perumangalam-legends.html

The Temple

The Temple is situated on the southern limits of Perumangalam Village. This is an east facing temple. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Vanrondareeser. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location.

Mother is called as Abhirami. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is located on the right side of the sanctum. She is gracing the devotees in standing posture. Idols of Vinayaga and Murugan can be found immediately after the entrance. There is a shrine for Eyarkon Kalikkama Nayanar in the western prakaram.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM.

Contact

Vanrondareeser Temple,

Perumangalam, Tirupunkur via,

Sirkazhi Taluk,

Nagapattinam District – 609 112

Mobile: +91 4364 279 028

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thiruppungur, 4 Kms from Vaitheeswarankovil Railway Station, 4.5 Kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Vaitheeswarankovil, 12 Kms from Sirkazhi, 12 Kms from Sirkazhi Railway Station, 34 Kms from Chidambaram, 66 Kms from Nagapattinam and 143 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Vaitheeswarankovil to Manalmedu Route.

Location

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Enanallur, Thanjavur

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Enanallur, Thanjavur

Brahmapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Enanallur Village in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Brahmapureeswarar and Mother is called as Karpagambal. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is considered as Avathara as well as Mukthi Sthalam of Enathi Natha Nayanar. The Temple conducts single Kaala Pooja. The Temple is situated very close Marudhanallur Sarguna Lingeswarar Temple, a Devara Padal Petra Sthalam. The place was called as Eyinanur during ancient times.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/04/brahmapureeswarar-temple-enanallur-legends.html

The Temple

The Temple covers an area of about 0.5 acres. The Temple is east facing. Presiding Deity is called as Brahmapureeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Vishnu are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Karpagambal. She is housed in a south facing shrine.

There is a separate shrine for Enathi Natha Nayanar in the Temple premises. He is gracing the devotees along with his wife. His Guru Pooja is conducted on Purattasi Uthiradam Star day. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan and Lakshmi in the Temple premises. There is a Bhairavar Idol in the north east corner of the temple.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 11.00 AM to 12.00 Noon.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Periyapuranam written by Sekkizhar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 12^th Thirumurai in 15^th Patikam in 1^st Song.

புண்டரிகம் பொன்வரைமேல்
   ஏற்றிப் புவியளிக்கும்
தண்தரள வெண்கவிகைத்
   தார்வளவர் சோணாட்டில்
வண்டறைபூஞ் சோலைவயல்
   மருதத் தண்பணைசூழ்ந்
தெண்திசையும் ஏறியசீர்
   எயின்மூதூர் எயினனூர்

Contact

Brahmapureeswarar Temple,

Enanallur, Kumbakonam Taluk,

Thanjavur District – 612 402

Mobile: +91 99444 51850 / 99444 51850 / 97517 34599

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Karuvalarcheri, 2.5 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 3 Kms from Marudhanallur, 7 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam, 11 Kms from Patteeswaram, 45 Kms from Thanjavur and 103 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Marudhanallur to Nachiyar Koil Route.

Location

Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar Madam, Sivaganga

Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar Madam, Sivaganga

Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar Madam is a Hindu Shrine considered as final resting place of Ilayankudi Maranar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. It is located in Ilayankudi Town in Ilayankudi Taluk in Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu. This place is considered as Mukthi Sthalam of Ilayankudi Maranar. The place was called as Indira Avathara Nallur in ancient times. The Madam houses shrines of Kasi Viswanathar along with his consort Visalakshi flanked by Lord Vinayaga & Lord Murugan and Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar with his wife.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/04/rajendra-chozheeswarar-temple-ilayankudi-legends.html

Connectivity

The Madam is located at about 350 meters from Ilayangudi Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Paramakudi, 12 Kms from Paramakudi Railway Station, 13 Kms from Paramakudi Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Kalayarkoil, 32 Kms from Sivaganga, 62 Kms from Karaikudi, 74 Kms from Madurai and 81 Kms from Madurai Airport. The Madam is situated on Paramakudi to Karaikudi Route.

Location | Photos