Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Hayagriva Temple), Chettipunnyam – The Temple

Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Hayagriva Temple), Chettipunnyam – The Temple

Though the main deity of this temple is Varadharaja Perumal, many people throng here to worship Yoga Hayagrivar. One can see that the temple is always filled with school and college students coming here to worship Yoga Hayagrivar, as he is the believed as the God for education, knowledge and wisdom. It is said that, originally this temple had Sri Varadharaja Perumal only. Later during 1848, the idols of Sri Devanaadha Perumal and Sri Yoga Hayagrivar have been brought here from Thiruvaheendrapuram (near Cuddalore) to safe guard them from invaders.

Now, the main deity here is Varadharaja Perumal and Goddess Hemambuja Nayagi. The Urchavar of this temple is Devanaadha Perumal. Devanaadha Perumal is seen here with Prayoga Chakra on his right hand, which is a rare sight. Usually Hayagrivar is seen along with Sri Lakshmi in many places. But here unusually, he is seen meditating in Yogic posture with his legs folded without Sri Lakshmi. Yoga Hayagriva is a rare form of idol and the idol is short. Dhwajasthambha is made of stone here on which Sri Garuda is seen facing the Lord, towards the sanctum.

An Azhinjal tree is present at the northern side of the temple, where people tie a thread or a piece of cloth and pray the Lord for marriage, children and also to fare well in examinations. The idol of Varadaraja is found along with his two consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. There are also separate shrines for Andal, Alwars, and Garuda. In the corridor surrounding the main shrine (prakaram), you can find the idols of Hayagriva and Nagaraja.

There is a big shrine for Lord Rama (Kothanda Raman), where he is found along with Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman/Anjanayar. In the recent time, the popularity of this temple has increased as people started bringing their school going children to this temple (as Hayagriva is considered as the God of Knowledge). The prakaram is beautifully maintained with garden and found very neat.

A big bell is found hanged onto the iron, but not encouraged to touch it, as it is found cracked. Looks like the bell is very old and also there is a mention above it on the wall as “Got Donation Rs 200 from Rajaram Naidu in 1920. It is difficult to take one's eyes off the images at this temple, not only those of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Anjaneya, but also those of Lord Devanathan, Goddess Hemambujavalli, Yoga Hayagriva, Lord Varadaraja and Andal.

The temple is under the control of the HR and CE Department. It owns landed property donated by philanthropists and a house gifted by the Mudumbai Ramaswamy Iyengar family, who brought the idols of Rama, Sita and others from the Serfoji palace at Thanjavur. A beautiful temple, especially granting wishes for students.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Hayagriva Temple), Chettipunnyam – History

Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Hayagriva Temple), Chettipunnyam – History

Though known as Hayagriva Temple, it originally had only the Moolavar and Utsavar images of Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram. The temple's history dates back to 400 years though it could have existed even before that. The village got the name of Chettipunnyam as Chettiar weavers and dyers lived there in large numbers and they used to dry the dyed yarn and cloth in the nearby hill.

It was in 1848 that the idols of Hayagriva and Devanathan, which were worshipped in underground chambers at Thiruvaheendrapuram, one of the 108 holy places near Cuddalore, were brought by Dewan Rangachariar to this village to be safeguarded during alien invasion. Though not mentioned in the Azhwar's hymns, the idols, as they were brought from Thiruvaheendra Puram, are considered no less holy. The Hayagriva idol, though small in size, is said to have been the personal deity of either Ramanujacharya or Appullar.

In Thiruvaheendrapuram, Sri Vedanta Desika recited the Garuda Mantra taught to him by his uncle, Sri Kidambi Appullar and was initiated into the worship of Hayagriva by Garuda. Sri Vedanta Desika composed the Hayagriva Sthothram in 33 verses. Apart from the `phalasruti' there are 32 verses. There is a reason for Desika writing the Sthothram in 32 verses. The Brahma vidyas are 32 in number. His composing the Hayagriva Sthothram in 32 verses is to show that Hayagriva is the repository of all vidyas. 

The 32nd verse of the Hayagriva Sthothram which is the 'Dhyana Sloka', speaks of Hayagriva’ s right lower hand as 'Vyakhyamudra' - the elucidating pose and the left lower hand holds a book. Desika says that Sri Saraswati, Sri Dakshinamurthy and sages like Vyasa reflect a fraction of Lord Hayagriva's effulgence). 

It may be mentioned that the other beautiful images of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya at Vaduvur were also unearthed at Thalainayar during the rule of Serfoji. He later enshrined them in the temple at Vaduvur. `Sita Kalyanamu,' a work in Telugu and Sanskrit, composed in praise of Lord Rama at Chettipunnyam by Shahji Maharaj of the Serfoji dynasty is said to be preserved in the Saraswathi Mahal Library at Thanjavur. 

The idols of Sri Rama, Sri Sita, Sri Lakshmana and Sri Hanuman were brought to Vandalur in Chennai, in the year 1868, on Oct 5, by Mudumbai Ramaswamy Iyengar, from the Tanjore Palace. When Ramaswamy Iyengar migrated to Bangalore, he had all these Gods installed in the Sri Devanatha Swamy Temple, since Chettipunnyam, was his native village. As per the legends, the first Mysore Dewan Veeravalli Rangachariar (1831-1883) also hailed from this village. 

Viswanathar Lingam, Sarva Theertham, Kanchipuram

Viswanathar Lingam, Sarva Theertham, Kanchipuram

Viswanaathar is one of the 12 Dwaadasa lingas. This linga has been brought from Kaasi and therefore also called Kaasi Linga. This is found on the western side (Melakarai) of the holy Sarva Theertham Tank.

Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Virupaksheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Kanchipuram Town in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Virupaksheeswarar. This Temple is located near the Keerai mandapam in Kancheepuram. The history of this temple is unknown.

Vilvanaadheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Vilvanaadheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Vilvanaadheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Kanchipuram Town in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Vilvanaadheeswarar. The Vilvanaadheeswarar temple was worshipped by Bilva. This temple was worshipped by Thiruganasambhandar. Some say that the dry leave which fell from a Bilva tree together turned into a stone linga for the sake of a devotee. This temple is behind the Sambandhar temple.

Vijaya Varadha Perumal Temple, Baburayanpettai, Kanchipuram

Vijaya Varadha Perumal Temple, Baburayanpettai, Kanchipuram

Vijaya Varadha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Baburayanpettai Village near Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 4 kms from Perumber Kandigai. This is a massive 16th century Perumal Temple in a highly dilapidated condition, now under renovation. The temple tree here is the Pathiri tree.

Presiding Deity is called as Vijaya Varadharajar and Mother is called as Vijayavalli Thaayaar. This temple occupies an area of 16 acres, was constructed in the form  of Garuda (Divine bird, being the carrier of Lord Vishnu). This fact  can be ascertained even today, if one takes the aerial view of the temple.

There are two Theerthams in this temple, Sri Vijaya Pushkarini  in the inner praharam and Kamala Theertham, in the outer praharam of the temple. Thulasi and Red Lotus (Senthamarai) are the two flowers preferable for any pooja to be performed in this temple. Vahana Mandapam and Thirumanjana Mandapam are in a much damaged condition. Impressions  in gold and silver of a lizard, as found In Sri Varadharaja temple of Kanchipuram, can be seen and worshipped  in this temple also. 

There are many other Sannathis in this temple.

1. Sri Venugopalan with Radha Rukmini Sannidhi

2. Sri Ramar with Sri Seetha Devi and Sri Hanuman Sannidhi

3. Sri Garudan Sannidhi

4. Azhvaar Sannathis. 

It is said that Babu Raya, a noble soul, constructed this temple in 16th Century, under the divine instructions from Lord Vishnu himself. Those who belonged to that family, and later, kings belonging to Nayakkar Dynasty had seen to that all the festivals, celebrations and daily rituals of this temple were carried out without any break. Unfortunately, during the last 50 years, no one took steps.

As a result, the temple got much damaged and at present, is  in need of immediate attention.  Even though there is enormous wealth,  the temple is remaining uncared.  It  is now under the control of HR & CE Department, with  pooja  being performed once every day. This temple is located at a distance of 7 Kms to the west of Thozhuppedu,  a small town  in Chennai – Tiruchy Highway. Autos are available from Thozhuppedu to this temple. 

References

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/around-chennai-south/

Agastheeswarar Temple, Vembedu, Chengalpattu

Agastheeswarar Temple, Vembedu, Chengalpattu

Agastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Vembedu Village in Thiruporur Taluk in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and Mother is called as Vedavalli / Vedanayaki. This Temple is situated close to Kattur Uthira Vaidhya Lingeswarar Temple.

Legends

As per the legend, as all the celestial beings went to Himalayas to attend the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the earth lost its balance. To balance the earth, Shiva asked the sage Agastya to travel towards the southern direction. Due to greatness of this sage, he was equivalent to all the celestial beings and as soon as he moved to the southern direction, the earth was balanced back.

Agastya did not want to miss the wedding. With the help of Lord Shiva, he got the divine sight and watched the divine marriage in many sites in South India. This temple is one such site where he got the darshan of divine marriage. It is also said that Shiva Linga was installed by him. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Agastheeswarar.

History

This Temple is believed to be built by Pandyas as the ceilings of Maha Mandapam has carvings of fish, an emblem of Pandyas.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance gate. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen in the Mukha Mandapam facing the Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, 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 Vedavalli / Vedanayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam to the left side of the Sanctum. Carvings of Pandyas emblem fish, Lunar and Solar eclipse can be seen on the ceilings of Maha Mandapam. The Maha Mandapam is supported by 20 granite pillars.

There are shrines for Kanni Moolai Vinayagar, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Padithurai Vinayagar and Navagrahas in the temple premises. The temple tank is situated on the north side of the temple. Sthala Vrikshams are Vanni tree and Vilwam tree. There is a newly built Anjaneya temple with a huge idol of Anjaneya adjacent to this temple.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 05.00 am to 09.00 am and 05.00 pm to 07.00 pm.

Contact

Agastheeswarar Temple,

Vembedu,

Thiruporur Taluk,

Chengalpattu District – 603 110

Mobile: +91 94440 07963 / 9677007842 / 98847 24093

Mobile: +91 99620 93688 / 99626 87717

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 50 meters from Vembedu Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Thiruporur, 8 Kms from Thiruporur Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Manampathy, 22 Kms from Chengalpattu, 24 Kms from Chengalpattu Junction Railway Station, 31 Kms from Tambaram, 38 Kms from Chennai Airport and 50 Kms from Chennai. MTC Bus No 551 from Velachery to Manampathy passes through this place. MTC Bus No 555M from Tambaram to Thiruporur passes through this Village Vembedu and Mambakkam. Buses and Share Autos are available from Mambakkam Junction and Thiruporur.

Location

Veera Varanathar Temple, Kinar, Kanchipuram

Veera Vara Nathar Temple, Kinar, Chengalpattu

Veera Vara Nathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kinar Village in Maduranthakam Taluk in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Veera Vara Nathar / Veeravaneswarar / Nethrapureeswarar and Mother is called as Amba Nayagi / Kamba Nayagi. The temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Thirugnana Sambandar had a mention about this temple. The temple is situated between Palar river and Kiliyar river.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2022/10/veera-vara-nathar-temple-kinar-legends.html

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Pallava King Veera Varman (375 – 400 CE). He is said to have built this temple to commemorate his victory over Kanchipuram and surrounding region. He named the temple as Veera Varmeswaram and the presiding deity as Veera Varma Eswarar after his name. Later, the name of the presiding deity got corrupted to Veera Vana Nathar. The place was called as Thirukannar / Nethrapuram during ancient times. The temple was extensively renovated by the Cholas and Vijayanagara Kingdom. There are two inscriptions dating back to the Vijayanagara kingdom can be seen in the entrance mandapam.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2022/10/veera-vara-nathar-temple-kinar-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 09.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 07.30 PM.

Festivals

Panguni Uthiram is the most famous festival celebrated here. Pancha Moorthy procession will be conducted during this festival. Monthly pradoshams are also observed here.

Literary Mention

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2022/10/veera-vara-nathar-temple-kinar-literary-mention.html

Prayers

Devotees worship Lord Shiva on Fridays to remove obstacles in the marriage alliances. People worship Lord Shiva to get relief from eye related problems.

Contact

Veera Vara Nathar Temple,

Kinar – 603 303

Maduranthakam Taluk,

Kanchipuram District

Phone: +91 44 2759 8259

Mobile: +91 94421 77959

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Karunguzhi Railway Station, 5 Kms from Karunguzhi Junction Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Maduranthakam Railway Station, 8 Kms from Maduranthakam, 8 Kms from Maduranthakam Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Thirukazhukundram, 26 Kms from Chengalpattu, 70 Kms from Chennai Airport and 87 Kms from Chennai. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms to the east of Karunguzhi Junction Bus Stop on Chennai to Trichy highway. Town bus No T 3 from Madurantakam to Thirukazhukundram passes through this village.

Location