Balakradeswarar Temple, Pazhankovil, Thiruvannamalai

Balakradeswarar Temple, Pazhankovil, Thiruvannamalai

Balakradeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Pazhankovil Village in Kalasapakkam Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Balakradeswarar and Mother is called as Balambigai. This Temple is considered as one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar.

Legends

Balakradeswarar:

It is said that a King who lost his hand prayed to this Lord Shiva and got his hand back. Hence, Lord Shiva got his name as Balakradeeswar since he gives back lost energy to the devotees.

Saptha Karai Kanda Sthalams and Saptha Kailaya Sthalams:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/saptha-karai-kanda-sthalams-and-saptha-kailaya-sthalams.html

History

The Temple was built by Maduranthaga Uthama Chola (969 AD – 985 AD). Some Panchaloha Idols and Stone Idols has been excavated from the well during the Kumbabishekam held in 2001. Also, Poondi Mahan initially lived here and then only relocated to Poondi due to the disturbances caused here.

The Temple

The Temple is facing east with 5 tiered Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Pradosha Nandhi are found after the Rajagopuram facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Balakradeswarar. Lingam is Shodasa Lingam. Idols of Gnanasambandhar, Appar and Siddhi Vinayagar can be found near the sanctum. Dhakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar is located on his usual position.

There is a 4 pillared Mandapam in the sanctum after the Artha Mandapam. Huge Dwarapalakas are situated in front of this Mandapam. Mother is called as Balambigai. Mother is housed in a separate shrine. She is facing east in standing posture. Mother Shrine is equipped with Antharalayam, six pillared Mandapam, Dwarabalakis fit for a separate temple.

There are Shrines for Nataraja, Kali, Naalvar, Vinayagar, Venugopala with his consorts Rukmini and Sathyabama and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai in the Temple premises. There is an ancient well belonged to Chola period in the north-east corner. Inscriptions of Uthama Chola period can be found in the temple.

Festivals

All Shiva related festivals are celebrated here with much fanfare.

Contact

Balakradeswarar Temple,

Pazhankovil, Kalasapakkam Taluk,

Thiruvannamalai District – 606 751

Mobile: +91 90476 15588 / 96556 76224 / 98948 93088

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Kalasapakkam Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Agaram Sibbandi Railway Station, 9 Kms from Poondi, 8 Kms from Narthampoondi, 15 Kms from Polur, 17 Kms from Kadaladi, 12 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 17 Kms from Kanji, 32 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 31 Kms from Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, 174 Kms from Chennai Airport and 182 Kms from Chennai. Buses regularly ply between Thiruvannamalai and Kalasapakkam. The Temple can be conveniently reached from Kalasapakkam Bus Stand.

Location | Photos

References

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

Kailasanathar Temple, Thenpallipattu, Thiruvannamalai

Kailasanathar Temple, Thenpallipattu, Thiruvannamalai

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thenpallipattu Village in Kalasapakkam Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Kanakambigai. This Temple is considered as one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar. Cheyyar River flows here towards North and hence this place is considered equivalent to Kasi.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/saptha-karai-kanda-sthalams-and-saptha-kailaya-sthalams.html

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Kanakambigai. Lord and Mother are housed in separate shrines. Mahan Sabapathi Swamigal also lived here and had done many miracles. His adhishtanam is also nearby.

Contact

Kailasanathar Temple,

Thenpallipattu, Kalasapakkam Taluk,

Thiruvannamalai District – 606 751

Mobile: +91 99439 35048 / 98431 44261

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kalasapakkam Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Kalasapakkam, 5 Kms from Agaram Sibbandi Railway Station, 6 Kms from Poondi, 6 Kms from Narthampoondi, 26 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 27 Kms from Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, 170 Kms from Chennai Airport and 179 Kms from Chennai. Buses regularly ply between Thiruvannamalai and Kalasapakkam. The Temple can be conveniently reached from Kalasapakkam Bus Stand.

Location

References

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

Kailasanathar Temple, Narthampoondi, Thiruvannamalai

Kailasanathar Temple, Narthampoondi, Thiruvannamalai

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Narthampoondi Village in Polur Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Periyanayagi / Umai Ammai. This Temple is considered as one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar.

Legends

Narathar Poondi:

This temple is mentioned in Skanda Mahapurana. King Daksha, known for his enmity with Shiva, wanted to develop his three sons equal to him but Narada imparted Shiva Upadesha to the sons and made them good. Angry Daksha cursed Narada as he prevented his sons to come his way. Muni Narada performed penance for 12 years in Narthampoondi on Lord Kailasanathar. Lord Shiva appeared on his Rishaba (bull vehicle of Lord Shiva) with his Panchamurthis and relieved Narada of his curse. Narada was also elevated as the head of the rishis. The place was known in early days Narathar Poondi after Muni Narada and in the days followed the name changed to Narthampoondi.

Saptha Karai Kanda Sthalams and Saptha Kailaya Sthalams:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/saptha-karai-kanda-sthalams-and-saptha-kailaya-sthalams.html

History

The temple received patronage from Sambuvarayar, Hoysala and Vijayanagara Kings. The Temple faced huge destruction during the South Indian invasion of Malik Kafur.

The Temple

The Temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram. The Temple has Mahamandapam, Alankara Mandapam for Nataraja, Artha Mandapam before the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Periyanayagi / Umai Ammai. Mother is housed in separate shrine. There is a Mahamandapam in front of Mother Shrine. Vinayagar, Murugan, Nalvar, Saptha Kannikas can be found in the Mahamandapam.

There is a shrine for Vinayaga called Kothalathu Vinayagar / Kottai Kaatha Vinayagar on the western side inside the temple premises. It is believed that Lord Vinayaga saved a King from losing his kingship. Hence the Vinayaga got this name. There is a separate shrine for Varadaraja Perumal along with his consorts Sridevi and Boodevi in the temple premises. There are shrines for Dhakshinamoorthy, Vinayagar and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai in the Temple premises.

The Sthala Vriksham is Ilandhai Tree and it is believed to be 4000 years old. There is a shrine under the Ilandhai Tree where an Idol of Narathar worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai in the Temple premises. This shrine explains the mythology related to this Temple. Next to Thiruvannamalai, this temple has the highest no of inscriptions from Sambuvarayar Kings, Vallala Kings and Vijayanagara Kings.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Festivals

Brahmmotsavam, Kiruthigai in November-December, Masi Magam in February-March, are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

Devotees seek removal of obstacles in marriage alliances, child boon and distinction in education through their prayers to the Lord. Devotees offer abishek and vastras (clothing) to the Lord.

Contact

Kailasanathar Temple,

Narthampoondi, Polur Taluk,

Tiruvannamalai District – 606 802

Mobile: +91 74184 12660

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Narthampoondi Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Naidu Mangalam Koot Road Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Agaram Sibbandi Railway Station, 19 Kms from Polur, 15 Kms from Kadaladi, 10 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 14 Kms from Kanji, 26 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 27 Kms from Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, 178 Kms from Chennai Airport and 187 Kms from Chennai. Buses are available to Narthampoondi from Thiruvannamalai. Take Vellore bound Bus from Thiruvannamalai and get down at Naidu Mangalam Koot Road Bus Stop. The Temple is situated at about 5 Kms from this place. Autos are available to reach the Temple from this Bus Stop.

Location | Photos

References

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

Agneeswarar Temple, Thamaraipakkam, Thiruvannamalai

Agneeswarar Temple, Thamaraipakkam, Thiruvannamalai

Agneeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thamaraipakkam Village near Parvatha Malai in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agneeswarar and Mother is called as Thiripura Sundari. This Temple is considered as one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/saptha-karai-kanda-sthalams-and-saptha-kailaya-sthalams.html

History

10^th Century Inscriptions belonging to Cholas can be found in the Temple. From these inscriptions, it is clear that the temple was built by Kulothunga Chola.

The Temple

The Temple is famous for sculptural beauty. Presiding Deity is called as Agneeswarar and Mother is called as Thiripura Sundari. Lord and Mother are housed in separate shrines. Mother is in standing posture. Narthana Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingodhbava, Brahma, Lakshmi Narayana and Durga are the niche idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar in this Temple is very big. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Nandhi are found facing the sanctum. There is a sperate shrine for Perumal with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the temple premises. All the vimanams of shrines are shining with gold plating.

Contact

Agneeswarar Temple,

Thamaraipakkam,

Thiruvannamalai District – 606 802

Mobile: +91 94446 88734 / 96265 07082

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4.5 Kms from Thenmathimangalam, 5.5 Kms from Kanji, 11 Kms from Parvathamalai, 5.5 Kms from Kadaladi, 14 Kms from Poondi, 15 Kms from Agaram Sibbandi Railway Station, 28 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 26 Kms from Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, 186 Kms from Chennai Airport and 190 Kms from Chennai. There are regular buses from Tiruvannamalai to Parvathamalai via Kadaladi and Thenmathimangalam. Devotees can get down at Kadaladi and take an auto to reach this place.

Location | Photos

References

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

Aatkondeeswarar Temple, Vasudevanpattu, Thiruvannamalai

Aatkondeeswarar Temple, Vasudevanpattu, Thiruvannamalai

Aatkondeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Vasudevanpattu Village in Chengam Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Aatkondeeswarar / Bakthachaleswarar and Mother is called as Soundarya Nayagi / Baagampriyal / Akilandeswari. This Temple is considered as one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/saptha-karai-kanda-sthalams-and-saptha-kailaya-sthalams.html

The Temple

There is no Rajagopuram but there is an entrance on the South Side. The Entrance arch has stucco images of Vinayaga, Somaskanda, Murugan, Nandhi Devar. There is a 12-pillared hall after the entrance. Saptha Kannigal has been sculpted beautifully on the pillars of this Hall. After the 12-pillared hall, there is 4-pillared hall housing the Dwarapalakas and Nandhi facing the Lord. There are Idols of Nalvar, Kasi Lingam, Bhairavar and Dhakshinamoorthy near this Hall.

Presiding Deity is called as Aatkondeeswarar / Bakthachaleswarar. Mother is called as Soundarya Nayagi / Baagampriyal / Akilandeswari. Mother is housed in a separate shrine. She is facing east and gracing the devotees with four hands. There are shrines of Vinayaga, Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai and Navagrahas in the temple premises. There are shrines for Chithragupthan and Vichithragupthan in the north-eastern corner of the Temple.

Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam Tree. The place was named in memory of the King Vasudevan who ruled this place. There are remains of ruined fort, 8 feet tall Veera Anjaneyar Idol and Veera Narayana Perumal Temple in this Village. There is also another Shiva Temple called Margasahayeswarar Temple on the northern bank of Cheyyar in Vasudevanpattu.

Prayers

Chithragupthan and Vichithragupthan had worshipped Lord Shiva here since they made some mistakes in the birth / death records they keep. By worshipping them devotees are blessed with long and healthy life.

Contact

Aatkondeeswarar Temple,

Vasudevanpattu, Chengam Taluk,

Thiruvannamalai District – 606 704

Mobile: +91 84890 86309 / 96774 13824

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Padiagraharam, 10 Kms from Kanji, 13 Kms from Kadaladi, 24 Kms from Chengam, 23 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 24 Kms from Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, 196 Kms from Chennai Airport and 205 Kms from Chennai. Take the Bus T 22 (Timings: 5.00a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 6.30p.m.) from Tiruvannamalai to Padi Agraharam and get down at Vasudevanpattu. The Temple is walkable distance from the Bus Stop.

Location | Photos

References

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Rudhragangai – Legends

Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Rudhragangai – Legends

Mada Kovil:

Kochengat Chola was a Chola king and one of the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints) of Saivism. He is believed to have attained spiritual rebirth of a spider that fought with an elephant in its previous birth over the worship of the Hindu god Shiva. He had red eyes during birth as he remained in his mother’s womb a little longer. His mother, looking into the babies red eyes said Kochengkannano (in Tamil Ko=king, Cheng=red, Kan=eyes), which literally means king with red eyes and hence he was named Kochengat Cholan. After becoming a king, he followed Saivism and built 70 Maadakovils, temples with elevated structure where elephants cannot reach the sanctum, in the Chola empire. It is believed that this is one of the temple built by him.

Rudra Gangai:

Bhaskarar, Vyakarapadhar and Patanjali performed severe penance on Lord Shiva for salvation. Patanjali attained salvation at Chidambaram. Vyakarapadhar attained salvation at Thiruvarur. But Bhaskarar did not attained salvation. So, he built an ashram amidst Vilva Forest on the banks of Arasalaru River and continued his penance on Lord Shiva. At the same time devas and sages were continuously troubled by Tarakasuran. All the sages and Devas went to Lord Brahma and expressed their grievances.

Lord Brahma informed them that Son of Lord Shiva would kill this Asura at right time and would save the devas and sages in due course of time. Also, advised them to go to Lord Shiva. On seeing them, Lord Shiva assured them that their wish will be fulfilled soon. Goddess Parvathy was born to Imavan and was living in the earth waiting for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in the form of Brahmin came to earth in order to marry her. Since Ganga was in her head, Lord Shiva felt it might create problem in marriage.

So, he planned to leave Ganga in Bhaskara Ashramam till his return. Sage Bhaskara agreed to Lord Shiva plan. Hence, Lord Shiva proceeded towards Kasi. One day, Sage Bhaskara went to river to take bath. He forgot to take the Pooja Vessels, so he asked Ganga to bring him the vessels and he started taking bath. Ganga came with vessel and did not find the sage as the sage was inside the river. On seeing water, she merged with Arasalaru and disappeared.

Sage was upset and sad over the disappearance of Ganga. He was dumbstruck how to convey this incident to Brahmin. At the same time Lord Shiva married Parvathi. Lord Murugan born and slayed Tarakasuran. Lord Shiva in the form of Brahmin came back to Sage Bhaskarar and asked him to give back Ganga. Sage Bhaskarar started crying by hugging the Shiva Linga of his carelessness.

Lord Shiva came out from the Linga and provided him darshan in wedding posture. He started to bless devotees as per the request of Sage Bhaskarar. Bhaskara Muni attained salvation here.  Since Rudran’s (Lord Shiva) wife Ganga lived in this place. Hence the place was called as Rudra Gangai.