Saturday, January 30, 2021

Thiruvaduthurai Madam, Kanchipuram – History

Thiruvaduthurai Madam, Kanchipuram – History

Sivagyana Munivar:

Sivagyana Munivar (1730 – 1785 CE) was a Saivite sage and scholar from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. Sivagyana Munivar was born as Mukkala Lingar to Anandha Koothan and Mayilammai at Vikrama Singapuram in Thirunelveli District. His spiritual guru was the Head (Ilaya Pattam – Perur ) of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam’s Suchindram Branch. He was well versed in both Tamil and Sanskrit. He translated several Sanskrit works into Tamil. He was also known as Sri Madhava Sivagyana Munivar.

He had about 12 disciples and his prime disciple is Kachiappa Munivar. He attained Mukthi in 1785 CE at Kanchipuram. His Jeeva Samadhi is situated on this mutt. Sivagyana Munivar authored several texts and translated many. His magnum opus work remains the Sivagnana Mapadiam, an elaborate and critical interpretation of Sivagnanabodham, the work of the 13th century CE scholar Meikanda Devar. In his commentary to the Nannul, he revised and expanded the work of Shankara Namachivayar.

His works are Tholkappiya Paayira Vruddhi, Maapaadiyam, Tiruthondar Tirunamakkovai, Tirumullaivoyil Anthadhi, Kulatthur Padhittrupatthu Anthadhi, Somesar Mudhumoli Venba, Ilasai Padhittrupatthu Anthadhi, Tiruvegamparandhadhi, Kachi Anandha Rudresar Pathikam, Anandha Kalippu, Kanchi Puranam, Mudharkaandam, Kalaisai Padhittrupatthu Anthadhi, Kalaisai Senkaluneer, Vinayagar Pillai Tamil, Amudhaambikai Pillai Tamil and Akilandeshwarar Pathikam. His translated works were Siddhanka Prakasikai, Sloka Panchagam, Tharkka Sankragam and Sivathatva Vivegam.

Kachiappa Munivar:

Kachiappa Munivar (1740 – 1790 CE) was born in Thiruthani. He was a great scholar and poet associated with the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition in Tamil Nadu. He was named as Kachiappar. His parents name was not known. During childhood, he stayed at a famous Shiva Mutt associated with Siratha Thambiran Namasivayamurthi. He received Deeksha from Vellappa Desikar. Sivagnana Yogiswarer, an authority on Shaiva Siddhanta, was his Guru.

Thiruthanikai Kanthappa Munivar, author of Thiruthanikai Sannadhimurai, was one of his disciples. He attained Mukthi in 1790 CE. His Jeeva Samadhi is situated on south west corner of this mutt. His literary works are Vinayaka Puranam, Chennai Vinayakar Pillai Tamil, Kanchi Puranam, Kanchinanda Rudresha Vandu Viduthu, Panchakshara Andadi, Kanchinanda Rudresha Patirru Pattu Andadi, Thiruvanaikka Puranam, Puvalur Puranam, Tiruttanikai Puranam and Tiruttanikai Patirru Pattu Andadi. 

Thiruvaduthurai Madam, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

Thiruvaduthurai Madam, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

The Mutt is located at about 2 Kms from Kanchipuram Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Kanchipuram East Railway Station and 3 Kms from Kanchipuram Railway Station. The Mutt is situated in Pudupalayam street in Pillaiyarpalayam area of Kanchipuram close to Rudrakodeeswarar temple and Chidambareswarar temple. Kanchipuram is located at about 18 Kms from Walajabad, 31 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 40 Kms from Chengalpattu, 60 Kms from Chennai Airport, 67 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 72 Kms from Chennai.

By Road:

Kanchipuram is most easily accessible by road. The Chennai – Bangalore National Highway, NH 4 passes the outskirts of the city. Daily bus services are provided by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Villupuram, Salem, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Tindivanam and Pondicherry. There are two major bus routes to Chennai, one connecting via Poonamallee and the other via Tambaram.

The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu. Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an air-conditioned bus service numbered Z576 from 5.00 AM to 6.00 PM, which departs from the T-Nagar bus terminal every hour. Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

By Train:

The city is also connected to the railway network through the Kanchipuram railway station. The Chengalpattu – Arakkonam railway line passes through Kanchipuram and travellers can access services to those destinations. Daily trains are provided to Pondicherry and Tirupati, and there is a weekly express train to Madurai and a bi-weekly express train to Nagercoil. Two passenger trains from both sides of Chengalpattu and Arakkonam pass via Kanchipuram.

By Air:

Nearest domestic as well as international airport is Chennai International Airport.

Rudrakodeeswarar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram

Rudrakodeeswarar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram

Rudrakodeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pillaiyarpalayam, a well-known locality in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Rudrakodeeswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. The temple is situated opposite to Chidambareswarar Temple.

Legends

As per legend, it is believed that one crore (Kodi in Tamil) Rudras, followers of Lord Shiva, worshipped Lord Shiva here.

History

The temple was believed to be built by Pallavas and extensively renovated by Vijayanagara Kings.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch followed by a single tiered Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after Rajagopuram facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and frontal porch. Presiding Deity is called as Rudrakodeeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

There are no Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi Kamakshi temple is considered as the consort of Lord Shiva. A standing lion (Vyala) sculpture from Pallava period can be seen in the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 08.00 am to 10.00 am and 05.00 pm to 07.00 pm.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/01/rudrakodeeswarar-temple-pillaiyarpalayam-connectivity.html

Location

Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, Kanchipuram

Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam is a branch mutt of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, located in Pillayar Palayam, a well-known locality in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. This Mutt houses shrines of Sivagnana Munivar, Meikandar, Kachiappa Munivar and Ekambaranathar. The Mutt is situated close to Rudrakodeeswarar temple and Chidambareswarar temple.



History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/01/thiruvaduthurai-madam-kanchipuram-history.html

The Mutt

This Mutt is a branch mutt of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam. Shrines of Sivagnana Munivar, Meikandar and Kachiappa Munivar can be found immediately after the entrance arch. The Shrines of Sivagnana Munivar and Kachiappa Munivar are considered as their respective Jeeva Samadhis. There is a shrine for Ekambaranathar inside the mutt. This Shrine is facing towards east. Balipeedam and Nandi can be seen facing the shrine. Presiding deity is called as Ekambaranathar. He is housed in the shrine in the form of Lingam. This Shiva Linga is considered to be from Pallava era. There is no vimana over the shrine. 

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/01/thiruvaduthurai-madam-kanchipuram-connectivity.html

Location

Monday, January 25, 2021

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

Sunday, January 10, 2021

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 (12th 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 13th 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

Sundareswarar Temple, Panaiyandur, Cuddalore

Sundareswarar Temple, Panaiyandur, Cuddalore

Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Panaiyandur Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The Temple covers an area of about 0.5 acre. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance arch facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Dvarapalas can be seen on either side at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. There is an inscription dated to Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I in the northern wall of the sanctum and another inscription dated to Veera Rajendra Chola in the southern wall of the sanctum. Lord is mentioned as Brahmeeswaramudaiyar Nayanar in the inscriptions.

Vinayaga, 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 Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine consists of Mukha Mandapam and Sanctum. Her shrine is situated on the left side of sanctum. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum.

There is a shrine for Lord Murugan behind the sanctum. It is said that sun rays fall on Lord Murugan on 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st of Tamil Month of Aadi at 08.00 A.M. to 08.15 A.M. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan, 63 Nayanmars, Navagrahas, Bhairavar and Suryan in the temple premises. Idols dated to Rajendra Chola I period are kept in a separate Mandapam.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Korakkavadi, 8 Kms from Koogaiyur, 17 Kms from Aragalur, 18 Kms from Chinna Salem Railway Station, 19 Kms from Thozhuthur, 19 Kms from Thozhuthur Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Thittagudi and 100 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Thozhuthur to Aragalur Route and then take a diversion road at Korakkavadi towards Nainar Palayam to reach this temple.

Location

Poomalai Appar Temple, Neivasal, Cuddalore

Poomalai Appar Temple, Neivasal, Cuddalore

Poomalai Appar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to village deity Poomalai Appar located in Neivasal Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deities are Poomalai Appar, Semmalai Appar and Muthu Karuppan. The temple is situated on confluence of Chinnaru River and Vellaru River.

Legends

As per legend, once, seven fisherman from Pennadam came here to catch fish at confluence of the rivers. They came at midnight thinking it as early morning. It is believed that gods from this temple used to venture out for hunting and play. When the gods noticed the fishermen, they got angry and cursed them to lose their eyesight. Realizing their folly, the fishermen and begged for forgiveness to the gods. The gods felt pity and restored their eye sight. In memory of this event, their heirs installed the idols of seven fisherman in this temple. Even to this day, their heirs worship Poomalai Appar and offer fishing net every year.

The Temple

The temple is situated amidst groves at the confluence of Vellaru and Chinnaru Rivers.  Presiding Deities are Poomalai Appar, Semmalai Appar and Muthu Karuppan. Poomalai Appar and Semmalai Appar are considered as brothers. All the gods are housed in their respective shrines. There are shrines for Konga Karuppu, Siddhanathar, Kulla Karuppu, Pachaiyamman and Murugan in the temple premises.

There is a shrine for Veeranar outside the temple premises. He is considered as the guardian deity of this temple. This Shrine is situated at about 50 meters from the main temple. Devotees need to worship him first and then only enter the main temple. The temple has seven idols of fisherman in its premises.

Festivals

Mondays are Fridays are considered as auspicious days for worship.

Prayers

People pray to Muthu Karuppan to get relief from diseases, for child boon, to get back the lost items and to get relief from legal disputes.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Avinankudi Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Pennadam, 9 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 9 Kms from Thittagudi, 86 Kms from Cuddalore and 107 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Thozhuthur Route. Share Autos are available to reach this temple from Avinankudi Bus Stop.

Location

Pasupatheeswarar Temple, T. Pudaiyur, Cuddalore

Pasupatheeswarar Temple, T. Pudaiyur, Cuddalore

Pasupatheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in T. Pudaiyur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called Pasupatheeswarar and Mother is called as Akhilanda Nayagi. Tevasthana Pudaiyur was the original name but the village is shortly called as T. Pudaiyur. This Temple is situated on the north east corner of this Village.



History

The Temple was believed to be built during 16th Century A.D. Kovai Sivaprakasa Swamigal started the renovation works for this Temple. Unfortunately, he cannot finish the works due to paucity of funds. Now the local villagers had renovated the temple with the available resources. The Temple is under the control Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu.



The Temple

This is an east facing Temple with an entrance arch on the eastern side, but the main entrance is from southern side. Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called Pasupatheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Brahma, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Inscriptions can be found in the sanctum walls. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be found facing the sanctum.



Mother is called as Akhilanda Nayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Lord Vishnu along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the Maha Mandapam. Navagraha Shrine can be found opposite to Lord Vishnu Shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan, Bhairavar and Suryan in the Temple premises.


Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kandhappankurichi, 11 Kms from Veppur, 14 Kms from Thalanallur Railway Station, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 81 Kms from Cuddalore, 119 Kms from Trichy Airport, 219 Kms from Chennai Airport and 240 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Veppur Route. Devotees has to take a turn towards southern direction before Kandhappankurichi and travel for 4 Kms to reach this Temple.

Location

Chidambareswarar Temple, N. Naraiyur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple, N. Naraiyur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in N. Naraiyur in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and a modern Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga in standing posture can be seen in the Koshta in sanctum wall.

Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. She is in standing posture and is about 4 feet tall. Few Lingams and an idol of Bhairava can be found in the temple premises. There is a Navagraha Shrine in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Naraiyur Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Veppur, 6 Kms from Veppur Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Town Railway Station, 20 Kms from Virudhachalam, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 84 Kms from Cuddalore and 112 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Virudhachalam to Veppur Route for 19 Kms, take a left turn towards Naraiyur and travel for another 1.5 Kms to reach this temple.

Location