Kulasekara Swamy Temple, Sithamalli, Thiruvarur

Kulasekara Swamy Temple, Sithamalli, Thiruvarur

Kulasekara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Sithamalli Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kulasekara Swamy and Mother is called as Abhirami Amman. This Temple is also considered as sacred as Palani. The historical name of the place was ‘Munnoothi Mangala Agraharam. This Temple is situated western part of the Sithamalli on the bank of Deva Kulam (The Tank of Deva).

Legends

Parihara Temple for Mental Illness:

Pandavas were in a mental depression during their vanavasa and by worshipping the Kulasekara Peruman here, they came to normalcy; hence the name Sithamalli. The temple is considered to be a good parihara temple for mental illness / depression.

Scar Mark on Lingam:

Arjunan sent an arrow on the Shiva lingam since he was upset in not getting the darshan of Lord Shiva. The scar mark due to the arrow strike can be seen.

Siddhars worshipped Shiva here:

Shiva here was worshipped by the Siddhars.

History

Sithamalli called as Munnuthimangalam Agraharam in Mahabharata and "Suthamalli Sathurvethi Mangalam" in some inscriptions. The temple is considered more than 2000 years old. Kulasekara Pandyan built the temple in the 11^th Century and was subsequently patronized by Rajaraja Chola III and Nayak kings.

The Temple

The Temple is having three tiered Rajagopuram and is facing west. The temple complex is huge and has beautiful artwork. Presiding Deity is called as Kulasekara Swamy and Mother is called as Abhirami Amman. The deity is said to calm minds seething with confusion and worries (Sidhdhathai Theliya Vaikkum Eesan) and hence the village was called Sidhdhamalli. Special pujas are performed to mark the event of the rays of the Sun falling on the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Kulasekhara in the evening, from February 15 to March 15.

There are niches for Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, Dhakshinamoorthi, Bhairavar. Dhandayuthapani is located in a separate Mandapam. This Dhandayuthapani Statue is made of single stone is very special and beautiful here. When you strike the Dhandam in his hand it sounds like bell metal. Narthana Vinayaga statue is there with Snake on its waist with dancing pose. Such type of Vinayaga is very rare to see in this world. Many people are praying this Vinayaga for remove their "Dosha".

There are shrines for Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, Dhakshinamoorthi, Bhairava, Surya, Ganesha, Baladandayuthapani, Subramanya with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas and Narthana Vinayaga in this temple. Sithamalli Ground water is salt and not suitable for drink. But, this temple well water is very tasty. This is called as "Adhisaya Sunai" by local people. There are also Sri Devi, Boodevi samedha Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple and Sri Kalyana Vinayagar temple here.

Adishtanam of Sri Subramanya Yatindra:

Adjacent to the temple is the adishtanam of Sri Subramanya Yatindra, a scholar. This is the birth place of Poojya Sri Subramanya Yatindra Swamigal of Benares Hindu University and a Sanskrit Scholar, who was one of the Gurus and a Vedic teacher of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal; he attained Samadhi here in 1933. A disciple of Mahamahopadyaya Raju Sastri, Yatindra was one of the several pandits who trained Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi in Vedas, Upanishads and vyakarnam when he took over as the 68th pontiff of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.

An ardent devotee of Paramacharya, Sri Yatindra looked after the administrative affairs of the Math. A trusted lieutenant of the sage, the latter commended him for his deep knowledge. He called him Eka Sandgrahi (after a single reading or hearing he could recall verbatim the contents) referring to his exceptional memory. Oh Yatindra request, Paramacharya bestowed him abadsanyasam. On November 9, 1933, Subramanya Yatindra attained Samadhi. His body was buried on the western side of Sri Kulasekara Swami temple and the adishtanam became a place of worship.

Festivals

Vaikasi Visakam was celebrated with great fanfare.

Contact

Kulasekara Swamy Temple,

Sithamalli, Thiruvarur District

Phone: +91 – 4367 – 2815 2533

Mobile: +91 – 9840053289

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 24 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 30 Kms from Mannargudi, 8 Kms from Muthupettai, 29 Kms from Pattukkottai and 112 Kms from Trichy. Buses from Mannargudi and Muthupettai stop at Sithamalli. The temple is 10 minutes away on foot. Nearest Railway Station is located at Muthupettai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

Kottur Kozhundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Kottur Kozhundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Kottur Kozhundeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kottur in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Kozhundeeswarar / Sameevaneswarar / Akraparameswarar and is facing west. Mother is called as Mathupaashini / Thenar Mozhiyal / Thenambal / Madhura vachanambika and is facing east. The historical name of the place is Indirapuram. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar.

There are two temples in this village; the one on the west side has been glorified by the Thevaram while the other is praised by Thiruvisaippa (Keezhkotur Mani Ambalam). This is the 228^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 111^th Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. This Shivastalam is located in the vicinity of Thirukkalar. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni tree. There are nine Theerthams for the temple, like Mulliaru, Sivagangai, Brahma, Siva, Amudhu, Indra, Vishwakarma, Mandai and Aramba Theertham.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/07/kottur-kozhundeeswarar-temple-legends.html

The Temple

The Temple is having three tiered Rajagopuram and is facing west. There are two inner corridors, Prakara in this temple. At the entrance, Dwajasthambam and Nandi in front facing main sanctum can be seen. Presiding Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Kozhundeeswarar / Sameevaneswarar / Akraparameswarar and is facing west. Mother is called as Mathupaashini / Thenar Mozhiyal / Thenambal / Madhura vachanambika and is facing east. Shiva faces West and Ambal faces East in the Upadesam Sannidhi formation.

The Pradosha Kala Murthy (time between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is observed as Pradosha kala according to Hindu almanac) is in a separate shrine in the form of an idol. The Arthanareeswara (half Shiva-half Ambica) form will be visible on the Linga when milk abishek is performed on Masi Magam day during February-March. Narthana Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothpavar, Brahma, Durgai and Sandeswarar are the Koshta Idols.

Natarajar, Sivakami and Manickavasagar Idols are found in the Sabha Mandapam. These Idols are found in a village Mayilaerupuram during ploughing. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni tree. There are nine Theerthams for the temple, like Mulliaru, Sivagangai, Brahma, Siva, Amudhu, Indra, Vishwakarma, Mandai and Aramba Theertham.

There are shrines for Vinayaka, Muruga, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Vishnu with his consorts, Chandran, Naalvar, Lord Muruga, Rambha in penancing style, Gajalakshmi, Bhairava, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodhbava, Akoraveerabadra, Nandikeswara, Vallaba Ganapathi, Nataraja, Brahmma, Mahishasuramardhini, Navagrahas Umamaheswarar, Arthanareeswarar, Meenakshi Sundareswarar and Chandikeswarar.

At around 1 km east of this temple there is a Thiruvisaippa temple, sung by Karuvur Thevar. The main deity is called Iravatheeswarar. This is the place where the bell of Airavatam, the elephant fell. Aani Pournami is the day on which the Lord performed his dance.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Festivals

Six worship services are offered in this temple each day. Vaikasi Visakam Brahmmotsavam (May-June), Aadi Pooram (July-August), Navarathri (September-October), Karthikai (November-December) and Vaikasi Visagam are the festivals celebrated in the temple. An image of Arthanareeswarar can be seen on the Shivalingam when it is bathed with milk, during festival days such as Maasi Magam.

Singers

The temple is worshipfully mentioned by Saint Thirugnana Sambandar in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 228^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 111^th Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu.

Prayers

Rituals for ancestors can be performed in this place. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord.

Contact

Kozhundeeswarar Temple,

Kottur, Thiruvarur District

Phone: +91 – 4367 – 279 781

Mobile: +91 – 97861 51763

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 15 Kms from Mannargudi, 10 Kms from Thirukollikadu, 7 Kms from Thirukkalar, 28 Kms from Thiruvarur and 108 Kms from Trichy. This place is located on the main road from Mannargudi to Thiruthuraipoondi. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruthuraipoondi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. 

Kottur Kozhundeeswarar Temple – Legends

Kottur Kozhundeeswarar Temple – Legends

Indra made Vajrayudha from the back bone of Sage Thatheesi:

Demon Vruddhasura was harassing the Devas in a terrible way. Their king Indira appealed to Lord Brahmma for protection. He said that Indira had to get the back bone of Sage Thatheesi, make a Vajrayudha weapon of it and should apply it on the demon and that alone could kill him. Lord Brahmma also explained the secret of the strength of the back bone of the sage. Before joining the churning the milk ocean, all the Devas entrusted their weapons with the sage.

The sage simply put all their weapons safely in his mouth and continued his penance then. All the weapons melted and merged with his back bone making it miraculously strong. When Indira approached the sage and expressed his purpose and wish, the sage calmly parted with his back bone. Indira killed the demon with the weapon but incurred the Brahmahatti Dosha the impact of the highest sin. Indira approached his Guru for solution. 

He advised him to go to earth and perform Shiva puja and that he would find a Shivalinga at a place under a Vanni tree made of drops of nectar. Guru also advised Indira to create a spring and perform abishek to Lord with the water then. Indira followed the advice of the Guru scrupulously and freed himself from the sin. As Indira worshipped Lord here, the place was named Indirapuram and also Kottur as his white elephant Iravadham drew a line (kodu in Tamil) in the place.

Celestial Dancer Ramba performed severe penance here:

Noted dancer of the celestial world Ramba was cursed to go to Earth for some wrongs she committed. She performed severe penance facing the Lord of the temple pressing her left leg, bending the right and placing the left hand on the right leg and the right hand on the head surrounded by burning fire to go back to her place.  

Worshipped by Devas, Brahma, Indra, Airavatam and Indrasena

Airaavateeswaram:

The divine elephant Airavatam is associated with this temple and hence the name Airaavateeswaram.

Brahmma worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Brahma worshiped Lord Siva under Vanni tree, which is Sthala Vriksham of the temple, and he was blessed by Lord Siva.

Indrasenan worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Indrasenan worshiped Lord here, to pardon him for having ill-treated Brahmins.

Pithru Parihara Sthalam:

Sthala Purana says rituals for ancestors can be performed in this place.

Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kunniyur, Thiruvarur

Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kunniyur, Thiruvarur

Kamakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi located at Kunniyur Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be 200 years old. The Swayambu Vigraham is originally known by the name Seethala Parameswari but later came to be hailed as Kamakshi. There is a village in east of Mannargudi known as Madhuvana Kshetra, north of Agasthya River and south of Harichandra River named Kannipuri. Presently, it is called Kunnipuri / Kunniyur.

The Temple

The Temple has a Vimanam, Maha Mandapam and a three-tier Rajagopuram. Goddess is a Swayambumurthy in the temple. Goddess Kamakshi graces here as "Seethala Parameswari." Kama means Love. Akshi means Eyes. Kamakshi means the Goddess with Loving Eyes – Graceful Eyes. Other meaning is Ka means Saraswathi the Goddess of Wisdom. Ma means Mahalakshmi, Goddess of Wealth. Mother Kamakshi has both as her eyes.

The idol of Goddess Kamakshi is small in size as a Swayambu 200 years ago. Goddess Kamakshi appears in a sitting form with her right leg folded and the left hanging. What once was a small palm or coconut leaf tent, has grown into a famous temple today. As the Goddess is Swayambumurthy, with due respect to her, people passing through the temple walk very softly as Adi Pradikshina (going round the temple softly step by step) and would never walk roughly with fast steps.

Any auspicious function in a family begins in this place with a prayer known as "Pachai Poduthal". It begins with abishek and Lalitha Sahasranama puja. At night, they bring Goddess on a plank called Padi Chattam dressed gracefully and begin the function. They will spread rice measuring six Marakkals, place coconuts and fruits, vegetables, betel leaves and nuts as Nivedhana (a food offering).

Also a Pujari (priest) as representative of the Guardian Deity Kathavarayan will bring a wooden club named Sukkumandhadi as that of Anjaneya. The top of the club would be round and big. Devotees offer fruits, flowers, neem leaves, green coconut and its yellowish young leaves, cigars, tobacco etc. This is called "Pallyam Poduthal." Then a hand drum (Udukku) will be sounded with blessing words – Arul Vakku. Finally, the family goes to the temple for doing the tattoo ceremony. It is believed that the function would go smoothly and would help them to decide the future course of action.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 12.00 p.m.

Festivals

The Thee Midhi festival - walking on the fire pit - is celebrated in the month of Chithirai (April-May). Devotees and Pujaris (priests) personify the Goddess in a pot of water, carry them and walk on the fire pit.

Prayers

Devotees pray to Goddess for removal of obstacles in marriage alliance talks, for child boon and progress in education. Devotees perform abishek to Goddess and offer Vastras-clothing.

Contact

Kamakshi Amman Temple,

Kunniyur, Mannargudi Taluk, 

Thiruvarur District

Mobile: +91 93813 30019

Email: krvraman@gmail.com

Connectivity

Kamakshi Amman temple is located in the village of Kunniyur, about 12 kms to the east of Mannargudi in Thiruvarur District, on Thiruthuraipoondi / Vedaranyam bus route, was in a state of disrepair. The temple is just half a kilometer from the Chathirathadi bus stop on the Mannargudi-Vikravandi town bus route. The other way is the route on Mannargudi - Thiruthuraipoondi bus route. The visitor should get down at the Kammakudi stop and reach the temple 1 km from Kammakudi. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mannargudi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

Gnanapureeswarar Temple, Thirumakkottai, Thiruvarur

Gnanapureeswarar Temple, Thirumakkottai, Thiruvarur

Gnanapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Thirumakkottai Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Gnanapureeswarar / Meignanamudaiyar. Mother is called Periyanayagi Amman. Lord of this temple is Swayambu Moorthy. The place was once a forest of Parijatha trees which is endemic flower plants having sweet-smelling. Hence this place is called as Parijatha Vanam.

It is believed that Sage Vasishtar worshipped Shiva here. This village is related to history of Ramayana. History says, Sri Rama visited this village to meet his guru (master) Rishi Vasishtar while travelling to Lanka to get Sita back. Gnanapureeswaram, Parijatha Vanam, Thirumeignanapuram are the historical names of this place. The temple has 3 praharams. The temple was believed to be built by the Chola King Kiruthasekaran. He kept Thirumakkottai as his capital.

The famous of this temple is the deity is surrounded by 16 Vinayagar (Pillaiyar) in different locations and positions. This is only one places in the world such a divine setup established. Chola, Pandiya and Vijayanagara inscriptions can be seen in this temple. Theertham of this Temple is Gnana Theertham and a dip in this Theertham will cure 'Ven Kushtam' i.e. white leprosy. Sthala Vriksham is Parijatham.

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms to the south of Mannargudi, 25 Kms to the north east of Pattukottai, 43 Kms from Thiruvarur, 28 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi and 107 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mannargudi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

Ambaravaneswarar Temple, Koohur, Thanjavur

Ambaravaneswarar Temple, Koohur, Thanjavur

Ambaravaneswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Koohur Village in Thanjavur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Ambaravaneswarar. Mother is called as Parvathavarthini / Mangalambikai. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The village is also known as Koorur or Nalla Koorur or Koovur. The Temple is situated on the banks of Thirumalai Rayan Pattinam River.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2019/08/ambaravaneswarar-temple-koohur-legends.html

History

The Temple was believed to be built around 10^th Century AD. The temple was built by Aditya Chola. Hence Lord is also called as Aaditheswaram. The village was called as Thirunaraiyur Naattu Koorur in the inscriptions. The Temple has been extensively renovated by Later Cholas. Adhi Rajendra Chola was suffering some unknown disease during his third year of rule. Devaram Hymns were sung two times daily in this Temple for his speedy recovery. There was an inscription attesting this incident in this Temple. Arunachala Chettiyar had done renovations to this Temple in 20^th Century AD. The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 26.09.2014.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2019/08/ambaravaneswarar-temple-koohur-temple.html

Festivals

All Shiva related festivals and monthly pradoshams are celebrated here with much fanfare.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar and Sambandar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 2^nd Thirumurai in 39^th Patikam in 1^st Song by Sambandar.

ஆரூர்தில்லை யம்பலம் வல்லந்நல்லம்

வடகச்சியு மச்சிறு பாக்கம் நல்ல

கூரூர் குடவாயில் குடந்தை வெண்ணி

கடல்சூழ் கழிப்பாலை தென்கோடி பீடார்

நீரூர் வயல்நின்றியூர் குன்றியூருங்

குருகா வையூர் நாரையூர் நீடுகானப்

பேரூர்நன் னீள்வயல் நெய்த்தானமும்

பிதற்றாய்பிறை சூடிதன் பேரிடமே

Contact

Ambaravaneswarar Temple,

Koohur P.O – 612 602

Nachiyar Koil Via,

Kumbakonam Taluk,

Thanjavur District

Phone: +91 435 242 0336 / 246 7919 / 294 1752

Phone: +91 435 294 1752 / 266 7919

Mobile: +91 97901 16062 / 89038 67919

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 9 Kms from Kudavasal, 13 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Kumbakonam, 16 Kms from Nannilam, 35 Kms from Thiruvarur, 51 Kms from Thanjavur, 110 Kms from Trichy and 112 Kms from Trichy Airport. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kumbakonam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Nagapattinam Route visa Nannilam. Bus going in this route will stop at Koohur. Also, Town Buses 28 and 39 plies from Kumbakonam passes through this village.

Location | Photos