Mathaleswarar Temple, Melachery, Villupuram

Mathaleswarar Temple, Melachery, Villupuram

Mathaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Melachery Village near Gingee Town in Gingee Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was called as Shikari Pallaveswaram in ancient times. Presiding Deity is called as Mathaleswarar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The temple was called as Sri Shikarai Pallaveswaram as per the inscription on the northern wall of the cave temple. Though the name of the temple has Pallava in it, the cave temple did not follow any of the Pallava architectural style. The inscription mentions a king named Chandraditya. This King is not identified with any Pallava Kings. He might be the vassal of Pallava King. Shikari mentioned in the inscription might be the wife of the Pallava Vassal, Chandraditya. She would have excavated this cave temple named after his Pallava Overlord.

The Temple

This cave temple is excavated in the western face of a small granite boulder, located to the north of the village. The Temple is popularly known as Mathaleswarar Temple by locals. This cave temple is facing towards west. A stone Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found outside facing the sanctum. The rock cut cave shrine is hidden by a newly built Mandapam from the ruins of an earlier Mandapam.

The Sanctum Sanctorum (Cave Temple) consists of Sanctum and Mukha Mandapam. The Mukha Mandapam consists of two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars and pilasters are square in shape. This arrangement divides the cave into three partitions of equal size. Presiding deity is called as Mathaleswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

The Lingam and Avudaiyar are carved from the living rock, a feature never seen in Pallava Cave temples. There is a lotus carved on the ceiling just above this Lingam. There are no Dvarapalas guarding the sanctum. Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi and is facing south. She is carved on the northern wall of the cave and housed inside a niche. This carving looks like later addition.

There is a carving of Lord Ganesha in the southern wall of the cave temple. There are few shrines built opposite near to this cave temple. There are shrines for Lord Murugan, Ganesha and few other gods facing the cave temple. There is a huge pond in front of the cave temple. A newly built Murugan temple can be seen in the nearby hill top.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Singavaram, 6 Kms from Gingee, 6 Kms from Gingee Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Malaiyanur, 34 Kms from Thindivanam, 35 Kms from Thindivanam Railway Station, 41 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 47 Kms from Villupuram and 139 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is situated on Gingee to Malaiyanur route.

Location

Yama Dhandeeswarar Temple, Alagramam, Villupuram

Yama Dhandeeswarar Temple, Alagramam, Villupuram

Yama Dhandeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Alagramam near Thindivanam Town in Thindivanam Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Yama Dhandeeswarar and Mother is called as Thirupurasundari. The Temple is believed to be around 1500 years old and built by Pallavas. The Temple is situated on northern banks of Thondi River.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2021/07/yama-dhandeeswarar-temple-alagramam-legends.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2021/07/yama-dhandeeswarar-temple-alagramam-temple.html

Festivals

Lord Shiva gave boon to Sage Markandeya to be ever youthful in Magam Star day in Chithirai Month. This event is celebrated in this temple. Monthly Pradoshams, Somavara Pooja, Maha Shivaratri and other Lord Shiva related festivals are celebrated here.

Prayers

This temple is considered as the best place for conducting marriages, Shastiapthapoorthi, Bheemaratha Santhi, Sathabishegam and Mrityunjaya Homam. This temple is also considered as Parihara Sthalam for Kala Sarpa Doshas.

Contact

Yama Dhandeeswarar Temple,

Alagramam, Thindivanam Taluk,

Villupuram District – 604 302

Mobile: +91 97870 83707

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Mailam Railway Station, 4.5 Kms from Kutteripattu Junction Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Thindivanam Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Thindivanam, 14 Kms from Thindivanam Railway Station, 33 Kms from Villupuram, 39 Kms from Puducherry and 121 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kootteripattu junction on Thindivanam – Villupuram Road.

Location | Photos

Nidheeswarar Temple, Annamputhur, Villupuram

Nidheeswarar Temple, Annamputhur, Villupuram

Nidheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Annamputhur Village in Tindivanam Taluk in Villupuram District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Nidheeswarar and Mother is called as Kanaga Thirupurasundari. The Temple was believed to be built by Pallavas and later renovated by Cholas. The Temple is considered as Guru Parihara Sthalam.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

Monthly Pradoshams, Pournami, Thiruvadhirai, Sankatahara Chathurthi, Krithikai, Sashti, Valarpirai Ashtami, Theipirai Ashtami, Chathurthi, Akshaya Tritiya, Navaratri, Diwali, Skanda Sashti, Aippasi Annabishekam, Karthigai Somavaram, Karthigai Deepam, Thai Poosam, Shivaratri, Masi Magam, Panguni Uthiram and Aadi Pooram are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-prayers.html

Contact

Nidheeswarar Temple,

Annamputhur, Tindivanam Taluk

Villupuram District – 604 304

Mobile: +91 91501 31138 / 95007 27892

Mobile: +91 70105 28137 / 89391 29293

Mobile: +91 94440 36534 / 94440 36532

Email: info@Srinidheeswarar.com / srinidheeshwarar@gmail.com

Web: http://sntt.net

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Varagupattu Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Omandur, 9 Kms from Tindivanam, 9 Kms from Tindivanam Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Tindivanam Railway Station, 13 Kms from Mailam, 13 Kms from Perumukkal, 14 Kms from Kiliyanur, 34 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 35 Kms from Puducherry, 114 Kms from Chennai Airport and 136 Kms from Chennai.

There is a government Bus (No: 26 - 05:30 AM & 07:40 AM) plying from Tindivanam (near Vasanth & co) to Annamputhur. There is private bus (Lakshmi Krishna - 07:40 AM, 09:05 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:50 PM, 02:40 PM, 04:30 PM, 06:30 PM & 08:15 PM) plying from Tindivanam Depot to Annamputhur. From Tindivanam, devotees should take Tindivanam to Puducherry road and take a left turn at Varagupattu. Proceed for another 5 Kms to reach this Temple.

Location | Photos

Kailasanathar Temple, Thoravi, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple, Thoravi, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thoravi near Panayapuram in Vikravandi Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki. This Temple is situated close to Panayapuram Panangatteswarar Temple, a Devara Padal Petra Sthalam.

History

The Temple is believed to be around 1300 years old built by Pallavas and was later extensively renovated by Cholas. This Village was part of Panaiyur Nadu under Rajendra Chola Valanaadu during Chola period. The village was gifted to Shaivite ascetics (Thuravi) by Chola Kings. Hence, the village called as Thuraviyur in ancient times. Now, got corrupted to Thoravi. Local villagers still remember the visit of Kanchi Maha Periyava to this temple while he went to Pagandai for learning Vedas from Villupuram. This temple is currently reconstructed by Enandhinatha Nayanar Trust, Puducherry.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance on the southern side. The temple is under construction. The older temple was completely lost except the idols. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam are open to sky as the construction is not yet completed.

Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki. The original idol was lost, and a new idol is kept under balalaya in the temple premises. It is said that the new idol is sourced from Kanyakumari. Nandi, Murugan with his peacock vehicle and Mother idol are kept in a thatched roof near the entrance of the temple.

Sculpture of Lord Vinayaga carved on a stone tablet can be seen on the left side at the entrance of the thatched shed. Another Sculpture of Lord Murugan carved on a stone tablet can be seen on the right side at the entrance of the thatched shed. Both these sculptures are dated to 7^th century CE. There is a Naga idol kept near to the Murugan sculpture. Locals consider this Idol as Ragu Ketu and worship it for relief from Ragu Ketu Dosha.

Prayers

Devotees pray here for relief from serious illness and relief from Ragu Ketu Dosha.

Contact

Kailasanathar Temple,

Thoravi, Vikravandi Taluk,

Villupuram District – 605 601

Mobile: +91 90252 65394

Saravanan, a Sivanadiyar is taking caring and overseeing the reconstruction of this temple. It is said that even he sold his properties for the reconstruction of this temple. I urge Shiva devotees to visit this temple and help them in their reconstruction activities.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Panayapuram, 2.5 Kms from Panayapuram Panangatteswarar Temple, 9 Kms from Thirukanur, 14 Kms from Villupuram, 15 Kms from Villupuram Junction Railway Station, 15 Kms from Villupuram Old Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Villupuram Bus Stand, 31 Kms from Puducherry, 34 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 138 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is situated on Villupuram – Thirukanur – Vazhudavur bus route. Buses are available from Villupuram and Puducherry to reach Thoravi. The temple is situated on the main road itself.

Location

Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Villupuram Town in Villupuram Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki / Brahandha Nayagi. This Temple is situated in the heart of Villupuram Town.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2020/11/kailasanathar-temple-villupuram-legends.html

History

Villupuram was called as Vijaya Nriputunga Jayanthangi Chathuvedhi Mangalam during Pallava era. This name clearly states that Villupuram was named after the Pallava King Nriputunga Varman (869 A.D. – 880 A.D.). Villupuram was called as Jananatha Chathuvedhi Mangalam during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I. During the later Cholas period, Villupuram was called as Vizhuparayapuram named after its local chieftain Vizhupparaiyan. Villupuram was called as Vizhuppuram (Janakapuri) in 1265 A.D during the reign of Jadavarman Sundara Pandyan as evidenced by the inscription in Villupuram Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple.

Kailasanathar Temple was in existence even before the rule of Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. The temple received extensive patronage from Kulothunga Chola I, Kadava Emperor Kopperunjinga, Rajanarayana Sambuvarayar,  Jadavarman Sundara Pandya, Viruppanna Udaiyar, Saluva Narasingaraya Udaiyar, Narasinga Nayakar, Krishnadevaraya, Achuthadeva Maharayar, Sadasiva Devaraya, and Sriranga Devar II. The Temple faced destruction during heavy floods in 15^th Century AD and the subsequently renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2020/11/kailasanathar-temple-villupuram-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 am to 11.00 am and 05.00 pm to 08.30 pm.

Festivals

10 days Chithirai Brahmotsavam, 10 days Vasantotsavam during Vaikasi, Aani Thirumanjanam, Avani Vinayagar Chathurthi, 10 days Navaratri during Purattasi, Aippasi Annabishekam, Karthigai Deepam and Margazhi Arudhra Dharshan are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

Unmarried light ghee Deepams for 11 weeks and offer lemon garland to Durga for marriage alliances. Unmarried also light ghee deepams for 4 weeks to Guru Dakshinamoorthy to remove obstacles in marriage.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Villupuram Junction Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Villupuram Old Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Villupuram New Bus Stand, 42 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 148 Kms from Chennai Airport. This Temple is situated in the heart of Villupuram Town.

Location

Ramalingeswarar Temple, Kanjanur, Villupuram

Ramalingeswarar Temple, Kanjanur, Villupuram

Ramalingeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanjanur Village in Kanai Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Ramalingeswarar and Mother is called as Soundaranayaki. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The place was called as Vada Kanjanur in ancient times because there was another Kanjanur, a Paadal Petra Sthalam, in present day Thanjavur District.

Legends

It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple. Hence, the Lord came to be called as Ramalingeswarar.

The Temple

This is a small east facing Temple. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dwajastambam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Ramalingeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swaymbhu Moorthy. Sun rays will fall on the presiding deity during Chithira and Aippasi Months. Lingothbhavar, Brahma, Dakshinamoorthy, Durga and Ganesha are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Mother is called as Soundaranayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There is a separate shrine for Saneeswaran in the Temple premises. His shrine is situated near the sanctum. He is keeping his right leg on his crow Vahana. There is a beautiful Nataraja Idol in the Temple. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Bhairavar and Navagrahas in the Temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Nelli Tree. There is a big Vellerukku plant in the temple.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 7^th Thirumurai in 12^th Patikam in 8^th Song.

நாளும் நன்னிலம் தென்பனை

யூர்வட கஞ்சனூர்

நீள நீள்சடை யான்நெல்லிக்

காவும் நெடுங்களம்

காள கண்டன் உறையும்

கடைமுடி கண்டியூர்

வேளார் நாட்டு வேளூர் விளத்தூர்

நாட்டு விளத்தூரே

Prayers

By worshipping Lord Saniswaran of this Temple, difficulties caused due to Ukkira Sani or Ucchi Sani will be reduced. Further he also removes Pitru Dosham.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Thumbur, 13 Kms from Mundiyampakkam, 13 Kms from Mundiyampakkam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thiruvamathur, 16 Kms from Vikravandi, 18 Kms from Kanai, 19 Kms from Viluppuram, 19 Kms from Villupuram Junction Railway Station, 20 Kms from Villupuram Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Gingee and 147 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Villupuram to Gingee Route.

Location