Therazhundur Vedapureeswarar Temple – Legends

Therazhundur Vedapureeswarar Temple – Legends

Shiva cursed Parvathi:

Once, Parameswara and Mahavishnu played dice game with Parvati as the umpire. At one phase, there arose a doubt regarding the number of the dice. The umpire Parvati supporting Perumal found fault with Siva. The infuriated Siva cursed Parvati to become a cow. Lord Vishnu felt that because of him only Parvati became a cow and so incarnated as a cowherd in this place. So, the name of the Perumal of this sacred place became ‘Aamaruviappan’. 

Parvati who became a cow went to several sacred places, prayed and finally came to this holy place, worshipped Lord Siva and got back her beautiful figure. She was called ‘Soundaryanayaki’. Those who want their beauty to be liked by others can receive Grace from this Ambal. Lord Siva regretted for having cursed Parvati as a cow, came here and taught Veda to the priests - hence the holy name of the Lord, ‘Vedapureeswarar’. The mandapam where Lord Siva and Vishnu played dice game is still there.  

Jnanasambanda Vinayakar:

As a child when Tirugnanasambandar came to this place, two temples were seen high on two sides and there arose a doubt in him which of these was the Siva temple. At that time, Lord Vinayaka of this place pointed to a temple, “that is the temple of Easwara”. Hence, this Vinayaka is known as “Jnanasambanda Vinayakar”.  

Therazhundur:

Sage Agastya was worshipping the Lord of this place. King Urthuvaradan, without knowing this, was driving his car along the sky-space. The car paused and did not move. Hence, this holy place came to be known as ‘Therazhundur’.

Nandi denied entry to Ashtadhik Balakas:

During the period when Siva and Shakti were separated, Indra and other Devas came here to meet them. But, Nandi did not allow them to meet Lord Siva. So the Ashtadhik Balakas installed Lingam around the city and worshipped. The Lingas are still seen here. 

People worshipped Shiva here:

Kaveri and Sage Agastya were relieved of their curses here. So they have separate Sanctum. The Lord of this sacred place was worshipped by the Vedas, Devas, Ashtadhik Balakas and sages.  

Naanmadiya Perumal Temple (Thalai Sanga Nanmathiyam), Thalaichangadu, Nagapattinam

Naanmadiya Perumal Temple (Thalai Sanga Nanmathiyam), Thalaichangadu, Nagapattinam

The Naanmadiya Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Thalaichangadu, near Akkur in Nagapattinam district of Tamilnadu. The presiding deity is the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars. Of the 108 Divya Desas of Perumal, Thalaichangadu ranks 25.

Thalaichangadu was once a commercial hub. It is believed that Conches were special at this place now wears almost a deserted look. This place is located 12 kms East of Sirkazhi on the Nagapattinam State Highway, this historical temple said to be over a 1000 years old has connections with the Srirangam and Thiru Indhalur temples.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/01/naanmadiya-perumal-temple-thalai-sanga.html

The Temple

In this Divyadesa Temple, Perumal appears with crescent moon on his head as Lord Shiva facing east with Thalaichanga Nachiar and in a standing form and was having an invaluable conch.  Hence, the name of Perumal is Naanmadiya Perumal and Chandra Shaba Harar, one who released Chandra from his curse. The Vimana – tower above the sanctum sanctorum is known as Chandra Vimanam.

Utsavar Deity is Venchudar Piran with Chenkamala Valli Thayar. Theertham of this temple are Amirtha Pushkarani & Markandeya Theertham. The Shangu (conch) held by the Lord is very beautiful here. It is also said that this place was a leading centre for Shangu (conch) production. Therefore it was called Talai (Head) + Sangam (Conch) in the ancient period (Sangam Period).

The conch held in the hand of the Lord is priceless. This place is described in the epic Silappathikaram. To this day, the sacred water (Theertham) tastes special here at this temple. Andal is seen in a standing posture, next to Lord Narayanan, with her head slightly tilted to the left.

Temple Opening Time

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Festivals

Pavitrotsavam in September – October and Vaikunda Ekadasi are the festivals celebrated with much fanfare. Navarathri Utsavam was started in 2008 after a gap of several decades.

Singers

The Lord of this Divyadesa temple is praised in the Mangalasasanam hymn of Tirumangai Azhwar.

Thirumangai Azhvaar’s Praise:

Lured by the beauty of the Lord, Thirumangai, sitting in Thirukannapuram (south west of this temple), sings:

‘Kannar Kannapuram Kadigai, Thannar Thamari Soozh
Thalai Changa Vinnal Naan Mathiya
Veriginra Ven Sudaraal Kannara Kandu Kandu
Kali Kinrandu Ingu Endugola’

In the Siriya Thiru Madal, Thirumangai refers to the special sacred water at this temple:

“Mannum Mani Mada Koil, Manaalana Naneer
Thalai Changa Naan Madiyanaai”

Prayers

Those facing adverse aspects of planet Moon are advised to come to this temple and worship Lord and Mother for relief. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Lord and Mother with archanas with Tulsi leaves.

Contact

Sri Naanmadiya Perumal Temple,

Thalaichanga Naanmadiyam,

Thalaichangadu – 609 107,

Nagapattinam District

Mobile: +91 – 99947 29773 / 99652 73712

Connectivity

Thalaichangadu is 15 km from Sirkali on the Karaikal road. The temple is ½ km far from the bus stop. The Temple is located at about 2 kms East of Poompuhar Entrance, 16 kms from Mayavaram via Poompuhar Entrance and 20 kms from Mayavaram via Aakkur Junction. Lot of Buses is available on the Sirkazhi – Poompuhar – Nagai route as well as on the Mayavaram – Aakkur – Nagai route. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

Naanmadiya Perumal Temple (Thalai Sanga Nanmathiyam), Thalaichangadu – Legends

Naanmadiya Perumal Temple (Thalai Sanga Nanmathiyam), Thalaichangadu – Legends

Chandra, elder brother of Lakshmi:

When Devas and the demons churned the milk ocean for nectar, Chandra appeared before Sri Mahalakshmi, hence enjoys the status as her elder brother. He occupies the second place next to Sun in the planetary line.

Guru curse on Chandra:

The other story is that Moon was born to Sage Athiri and his wife Anusuya, according to Puranas. Moon is handsome and is the disciple of Jupiter and well versed in scriptures. He conducted a yajna called Raja Suya which was attended a huge number of Rishis and Dhara wife of Jupiter. When they looked at each other in the event, they began to love each other. 

Shocked Deva Guru Jupiter reported this to Lord Vishnu and cursed his disciple with leprosy. Meantime, a son was born to Moon and Dhara named Bhuda, also a planet called Mercury. As advised by Lord Vishnu, Moon returned Dhara to his Guru. Budha hated his father for his misdeed, performed severe penance and became a planet.

Daksha curse on Moon:

Moon committed the next mistake. He married the 27 daughters of Daksha promising him that he would treat each one with equal love. But he did not. He was very fond of Rohini alone and ignored others. The aggrieved daughters approached their father-Daksha and narrated their condition. Angry Daksha cursed that his handsome face will depreciate day by day. Full moon began to face the impact of the curse.

Chandra relief from the curses:

Chandra had to suffer a double curse. He surrendered at the feet of Lord Vishnu for relief.  Perumal advised Chandra to visit Srirangam, Tiru Indalur and Thalaichanga Naanmadiyam, have a dip in the sacred springs there and perform penance on him for relief. Chandra meticulously followed Lord’s advice and got the relief at this place – Thalaichanga Naanmadiyam. Lord granted darshan to Chandra and also wore him as an ornament on his head.

Vishnu worshipped Shiva here:

Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva to acquire the famous conch, Panchajanyam. There is a famous Sayavaneswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the same village, where Lord Vishnu is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Mayiladuthurai

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Mayiladuthurai

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruvenkadu Village in Sirkazhi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Swetharanyeswarar / Venkaattu Nathar and Mother is called as Brahma Vidyambigai. The temple is known for its shrine dedicated to Aghora Moorthy, a unique incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state.

The temple is noted for its three Shivas (Swetharanyeswarar, Nataraja & Aghora Moorthy), three Sakthis (Brahma Vidyambigai, Swetha Maha Kaali & Durga), three Sthala Vrikshams (Vadavaal, Kondrai & Vilwam trees) and three theerthams (Surya, Chandra & Agni Theerthams). The temple is considered one among the Saptha Vana Sthalams and Pancha Aranya Sthalams around Poompuhar. This temple is considered as one of the 51 Sakthi Peedams of Tamil Nadu. This temple is considered one among the Thiruvasaga Sthalams.

This temple is considered as one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram hymns. This temple is the 65^th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 11^th sthalam on the north side ofriver Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. This temple is considered as one of the 44 Paadal Petra Sthalams where the Moovar (Thirugnana Sambanthar, Appar and Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams. Thiruvenkadu is also praised as Adhi Chidambaram because Lord Nataraja is said to have danced first at this temple before dancing at Chidambaram.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/01/swetharanyeswarar-temple-thiruvenkadu.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2023/05/swetharanyeswarar-temple-thiruvenkadu-history.html

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/01/swetharanyeswarar-temple-thiruvenkadu_49.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 04.00 PM to 09.00 PM.

Festivals

The annual festival of the temple called Indra Vizha is celebrated for 13 days during the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar). Laksharchana is performed to Lord Agoramurthy in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr). Agora Pooja is performed during midnight on the third Sunday in the Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec) to Lord Agoramurthy. The incident of Airavata, the mount of Lord Indra getting relief from its curse is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-Jun). The legend of Saint Pattinathar receiving the Shiva Deeksha from Lord Shiva is celebrated during the Tamil month of Aadi (Jul-Aug).

Shiva Thandava festival is celebrated here similar to the one in Chidambaram Nataraja temple. 10 days Aadi Pooram (Jul-Aug), Avani Vinayakar Chaturthi (Aug-Sep), Purattasi Navratri (Sep-Oct), Aippasi Skantha Shashti & Annabishekam (Oct-Nov) and Margazhi Thiruvadhirai (Dec-Jan) are the festivals celebrated here. Special Poojas are performed during Tamil New Year day, English New Year day, Pongal and Deepavali. Pradoshams and Sani Pradoshams are observed in a grand manner. Wednesdays are crowded here as poojas and abishekams are performed for Budhan.

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/01/swetharanyeswarar-temple-thiruvenkadu_28.html

Literary Mention

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2023/05/swetharanyeswarar-temple-thiruvenkadu-literary-mention.html

Prayers

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/01/swetharanyeswarar-temple-thiruvenkadu_89.html

Contact

Swetharanyeswarar Temple,

Thiruvenkadu, Sirkazhi Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai District – 609 114

Phone: +91 4364 256 424

Mobile: +91 89399 79621 / 94438 99511

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 250 metres from Thiruvenkadu Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Mangaimadam, 5 Kms from Nangur, 7 Kms from Poompuhar, 14 Kms from  Sirkazhi, 14 Kms from Sirkazhi Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil, 16 Kms from Sirkazhi Railway Station, 23 Kms from Tharangambadi, 24 Kms from Mayiladuthurai and 163 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated on Sirkazhi to Poompuhar route via Mangaimadam.

Location

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu – The Temple Complex

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu – The Temple Complex

This temple is facing towards east with five tiered rajagopuram. There is another five tiered gopuram on the western entrance. The temple covers an area of about 12 acres and has five prakarams (pancha prakarams). The temple is completely enclosed within compound walls. Kodimara Vinayagar, Balipeedam, Dwaja Sthambam and Nandi can be found immediately after the rajagopuram facing towards the sanctum. Nandi has nine scars on its body.

The face is turned towards the sanctum and the ears are cocked towards the Brahma Vidyambigai shrine. Thus, Nandi is ready to receive the orders from the divine couple impartially. There is a mandapam in front of the entrance to the inner prakaram. This entrance has single tiered gopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Swetharanyeswarar / Venkaattu Nathar and is facing east.

He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). Nardana Ganapathi, Bikshadana, Nataraja, Medha Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, Ganga Jadathara, Durga and Ardhanareeswarar are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Each of these nine koshtas is crowned by an ornamental makara torana. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. The vimana is of single tier. The griva and shikara of the vimana are circular. 

Brahma Vidyambigai Shrine:

Mother is called as Brahma Vidyambigai. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the north west corner of the outer prakaram. Her shrine consists of sanctum, antrala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum enshrines a four armed image of Brahma Vidyambigai. Her front rear hands holds lotus and aksha mala while her front hands shows abhaya and varada hastha.

Bhudhan Shrine:

There is a separate shrine for Bhudhan (mercury) in the temple premises. This shrine is situated on the left side of the Brahma Vidyambigai shrine. This temple is considered as one of the Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu due to the presence of this shrine. Chandra Theertham is situated opposite to this shrine.

Aghora Moorthy Shrine:

The temple is known for its shrine dedicated to Aghora Moorthy, a unique incarnation of Lord Shiva. This shrine is situated in the north western side of the main prakaram. The image of the Aghora Moorthy is around seven feet tall and is eight armed. He is depicted with the head of a beast and with body of a bird. It is said that Lord Shiva took this form to kill a demon named Maruthuva Asura under the Vanni tree. This Vanni tree could be seen near this shrine. The Vilva tree is without thorns. Utsava idol of Aghora Moorthy is housed in a separate shrine nearby.

Nataraja Shrine:

There is a separate shrine for Lord Nataraja in the north western side of the main prakaram. The image of Nataraja holds seven instruments and weapons called Vethalam, Kadagam, Udukku, Mani, Kedayam, Kapalam and Trisulam. Six abishekams are performed for Lord Nataraja in a year. The Chidambara Rahasyam (the secret of the formless and infinite divinity) and Spadika Lingam similar to the Chidambaram Temple are also found in this temple. Abhishekams are performed four times every day for the Spadika Lingam.

The poojas and festivals for Lord Nataraja here are similar to those in Chidambaram. Thiruvenkadu is also praised as Adhi Chidambaram because Lord Nataraja is said to have danced first at this temple before dancing at Chidambaram. It is said that Lord Nataraja performed seven forms of Tandavas called Ananda Tandava, Sandhya Tandava, Samhara Tandava, Tripurantaka Tandava, Urdhva Tandava, Bhujanga Tandava and Lalita Tandava here. There is a shrine for Swethavana Perumal near the shrine of Nataraja similar to Chidambaram Temple.

Pillai Idukki Ambal Shrine:

There is a unique shrine for goddess Parvati in the prakaram of Brahma Vidyambigai shrine. She is praised as Pillai Idukki Ambal (mother carrying a child). There is a shrine for Sukravara Annai nearby.

Vallabha Ganapathi Shrine:

There is a shrine for Vallabha Ganapathy in the temple premises. He is present with his wife Vallabha Devi in this shrine. This shrine looks like an ancient traditional house. It is actually a granary for storing grains.

Ashta Lakshmi Shrine:

The Ashta Lakshmis (eight forms of Lakshmi) are enshrined in two shrines. Each shrine houses four forms of Lakshmi.

Navagrahas Shrine:

There is a separate shrine for the Navagrahas in the temple premises. Navagrahas are placed in a row instead of the general square arrangement.

Other Shrines:

Shrines and idols of Vinayaga, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena,  Idumban, Angalaparameswari, Swetha Maha Kaali, Bhairavar, Suhasana Murthy, Pancha Lingams, Nageswarar, Veerabhadra, Viswanathar with his consort Visalakshi, Brahma, Arumugam, Gajalakshmi, Nalvar, 63 Nayanmars (both metal and stone), Nalvar, Sattanathar, Solaiyappan Mudaliar with his minister, Periya Varana Pillayar, Somaskandar, Dhana Vinayakar, Kasi Thondi Vinayagar, Meikanda Nayanar, Durga, Saneeswarar, Suryan, Swetha Lingam, Katchi Nayanar, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Sapta Matrikas, Lingam worshipped by Chandran and Nagas can be seen in the temple premises.

Hundred pillared mandapam:

There is a hundred pillared mandapam situated in the western prakaram. The pillars of the mandapa are beautifully carved.

Rudra Padam:

The foot print of Lord Shiva (Rudra Padam) can be found under Vadavaal (Peepal) tree. This Rudra Padam is similar to the Vishnu Padam in Gaya. Performing rituals like Shrardha and Tharpanam to the ancestors here are considered to be very auspicious.

Bronze Images:

Bronze images of Nataraja, Somaskanda, Devi, Bhoga Sakthi are housed in the temple, while images of Subramanyar, Rishabhavahana Devar, Bikshadana, Kalyana Sundarar Kannapar and others are housed in the Thanjavur Art Gallery. Bronze images of Ardhanareeswarar and Chandeswara belonged to this temple are now housed in the Chennai Museum.

Theerthams:

Theerthams associated with this temple are Surya, Chandra and Agni Theerthams. Chandra Theertham is situated opposite to the Bhudhan shrine. There is a procedure in taking bath in the theerthams of this temple. Devotees need to take bath first in Agni Theertham, then Surya Theertham and finally in Chandra Theertham.

Sthala Vrikshams:

Sthala Vrikshams are Vadavaal, Kondrai and Vilwam trees. The Sthala Vriksham, Vadavaal (Peepal) tree is situated near to Chandra Theertham. The Vanni tree is situated near the Aghora Moorthy shrine. The Vilva tree is without thorns.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu – Prayers

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu – Prayers

The temple is known for its worship of fiery form of Lord Shiva called Agoramurthy on Sundays night. Couples who have lost children through miscarriages or infant mortality name their surviving son as Agoram to take away the evil eye. People worship Agoramurthy for relief from witchcraft, sorcery & black magic, legal disputes and family disputes. Devotees worship Lord Shiva here for removal of sins accrued in their previous births, wedding boon and child boon.

This temple is considered as famous parihara sthalam for Budhan (Mercury). Devotees perform poojas to Budhan on Wednesdays to get relief from malefic influences of Budhan (Mercury) in a person’s horoscope. People pray to Budhan for relief from respiratory problems like asthma & bronchitis, speech impediments, nervous disorders, excellence in education, business development, oratory excellence, knowledge and wisdom. Childless couples worship Pillai Idukki Ambal for child boon.

Devotees pray to Vallabha Ganapathi for removing poverty, marriage obstacles and reunion of couples. Devotees worship Rudra Padam in this temple for excellence in education and relief from debts burden. Unmarried worship Durga for marriage boon. It is generally believed that whomever takes bath in the three theertham of this temple will be free from their problems like diseases, delay in marriage, etc.