Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – Religious Significance

Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – Religious Significance

Maha Maham Festival:

Shiva Temples:

Twelve famous Shiva temples in and around Kumbakonam participate in the famous Maha Maham festival during which Theerthavari happens in the Mahamaha Tank. This festival is celebrated once in 12 years in Kumbakonam.

These 12 Shiva temples are:

1. Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Kumbakonam

2. Aadhi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam

3. Someswarar Temple, Kumbakonam

4. Nageswarar (Vilvavaneswarar) Temple, Kumbakonam

5. Kalahasteeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam

6. Gauthameswarar (Upaveethanathar) Temple, Kumbakonam

7. Koteeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur

8. Sakkottai Amirthakalasa Nathar Temple, Kalayanallur

9. Banapureeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam

10. Abhimukeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam

11. Aadhi Kambatta Visvanathar Temple, Kumbakonam

12. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam

Of them 10 temples are in Kumbakonam. The processional deities of these temples come to this tank during festival days.

Vishnu Temples:

Also, 5 Vaishnava temples from Kumbakonam also participate in this festival. However, the Theerthavari happens in the river Kaveri instead of the Theerthavari in Mahamaha tank.

These Vaishnava temples are:

1.    Saarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam

2.    Chakrapani Temple, Kumbakonam

3.    Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam

4.    Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam

5.    Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

Sapthasthana Temples of Kumbakonam:

The Sapthasthana temples of Kumbakonam are;

1.    Aadhi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam

2.    Amirthakalasa Nathar Temple, Sakkottai

3.    Valanchuzhinathar Temple, Tiruvalanchuzhi

4.    Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, Thanjavur 

5.    Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai

6.    Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur

7.    Kailasanathar Temple, Melacauvery

Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – Festivals & Religious Practices

Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – Festivals & Religious Practices

Religious Practices:

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 7:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 11:30 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. and Arthajama at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram(decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Koteeswarar and Pandhadu Nayagi.

Festivals:

There are weekly rituals like Somavaram (Monday) and Sukra Varam (Friday), fortnightly rituals like Pradosham and monthly festivals like Amavasya (new moon day), Kiruthigai, Pournami (full moon day) and Chathurthi. Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Avani (Aug-Sept), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov), Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan), Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) and Arrow festival during Purattasi (September - October) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – The Temple

Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – The Temple

Kodeeswarar Temple is an east facing temple with five tiered Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram is about 60 feet high. The Temple has two corridors and is surrounded by granite walls. The Temple has a rectangular plan covering an area of 1 acre (0.40 ha). The granite images of Nandi (the bull and vehicle of Shiva), a tall flag staff and a Balipeedam, the place of offering, axial to the sanctum. There is a separate shrine for Vinayagar and Murugan on both sides of the entrance to the sanctum.

Presiding Deity is called as Kodeeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). The main Shivalingam in this temple looks as it is formed out of the fruits of a caster plant. In other words, its texture resembles a jack fruit. Another important feature of this lingam is that water droplets can be seen coming out of its top. This symbolizes the legend that the Ganges resides in Lord Shiva’s head.

Narthana Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar, 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 Pandhadu Nayaki / Kanthuga Greedambal. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. She is depicted in a playful posture. Mother Goddess Pandhadu Nayaki (Goddess playing with a ball) is so named as she is tossing a ball under her feet, indicating that she would toss the sufferings of her devotees as that of a ball.

Mother shrine has a separate corridor. This corridor has many beautiful carvings engraved on its walls. Also, there are many beautiful sculptures in various places in this temple. A beautiful relief depicting the story of Chola king Manu Neethi, who kept his son under his chariot’s wheels and ran over his body to give justice to a cow, can be seen in the second entrance of this temple.

Lord Murugan is praised as Kodi Subramaniyar and can be seen with his consorts Valli & Deivanai in the inner corridor. Lord Murugan (in the name of Dhandayudhapani) can be seen at the entrance of the temple. The idol of Vinayakar here contains many small images of Vinayakas on it. This Vinayakar is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu) and is praised as Kodi Vinayakar. It is believed that at the time of renovation, the idol could not be removed. Even after digging for 20 feet, its base could not be found.

The Utsava Vinayakar with his consorts resembles that at Tiruvalanchuzhi which is also located close by. Goddess Durgai is depicted with eight hands (Ashtapuja Durgai) and her right leg a step forward. There is a separate shrine for Heranda Maharishi in the front hall where he is seen in a meditative posture.

The idols in the Navagraham here are big in size, very beautiful and unique. All the lords are depicted along with their respective mounts. Suryan and Chandran are seen on chariots pulled by horses. There are shrines and idols of Gajalakshmi, Nataraja, Somaskanda, Mahalakshmi, Bhairavar, Jurakeswarar, Saneeswarar, Suryan Chandran, Lingams, Maha Sastha, Naalvar and Pancha Lingam can be seen in the corridors.

Sthala Vriksham is Castor Oil Plant (Aamanakku). Theertham associated with this Temple are River Cauvery and Kodi Theertham (Amudha Well). This temple’s holy water (Kodi Theertham / Amudha Well) is believed to have been created by Sage Heranda for the purpose of the Lord’s Abhishekam. This well never dries up. Devotees believe that sprinkling water from this well on their body will purify their mind and cure many diseases.

Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – Legends

Kodeeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam – Legends

Maha Pralayam:

According to Hindu mythology, at the end of every Yuga, there is a huge flood called Maha Pralayam occurs and the whole world immerses in a deluge on account of the wrath of Hindu god Shiva for the sins committed by humans in earth. Lord Brahma prepared himself for the next cycle of creation. He put all the seeds from which creation would sprout in amrita (the elixir of immortality) along with four Vedas and Puranas and kept them together in a clay pot. On top of the pot, he placed a coconut with mango leaves and wrapping around the pot’s neck a sacred thread. He then placed the pot on the peak of Mount Meru in the Himalayas.

When the Maha Pralayam started, it destroyed all living creatures on the earth. The Amutha Kalasa also got displaced and started floating on the seas for years. Eventually when the Pralayam stopped, the Kalasa settled in Kumbakonam. Then Lord Shiva took the form of a hunter (Kirata Murthy) and split open the pot with his arrow. The life on earth started flourishing again. It is believed that when Lord Shiva opened the pot with his arrow, the pot broke and fell in various places across the earth. Each of these items became Shiva Lingas and temple has been established later.

These Temples are;

1. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple (place where the Amrutha Kalasa stayed). It is believed that Lord Kirata Murthy (Lord Shiva) himself made a Shivalingam with the broken pieces of the Kalasa by mixing nectar and sand with it. He worshiped this lingam and stayed back in this place. The Shivalingam is in the shape of the neck of a pot (Kudamukku in Tamil).

2. Someswarar Temple (place where the string (Uri/Sikkam) fell.

3. Nageswarar Temple (place where the Vilva leaves tied to the Kalasa fell).

4. Abhimukeswarar Temple (place where the Kalasa’s coconut fell).

5. Gauthameswarar Temple (place where the sacred thread of Kalasa fell).

6. Koneswarar Temple, Kudavasal (place where the rim of the Kalasa fell)

7. Sakkottai Amirthakalasa Nathar Temple (place where the mid-portion of the Kalasa fell). Since the pot (locally called kalayam) arrived here, it was called Kalayanallur. 

8. Banapureeswarar Temple (place where Lord Shiva broke the Kalasa with his arrow).

9. Aadhi Kampatta Viswanathar Temple (place where the flowers of the Kalasa fell).

10. Kalahastheeswarar Temple (place where Chandan of the Kalasa fell).

11. Ekambareswarar Temple (place where the balance items of Kalasa feel).

12. Kottaiyur Kodeeswarar Temple (place where some drops of the nectar fell). It is believed that some drops of the nectar fell in a well in Kottaiyur Koteeswarar temple. This well came to be called as Amutha well.

Prince Suruchi got relieved of his curse:

As per Hindu legend, Suruchi, a prince from Thirihartha kingdom (a kingdom in the north), son of king Sathyarthi, was cursed by Sage Bathra Yogi to become a devil. This curse was given to him as he disrespected the sage and disturbed his penance in the Himalayas. As advised by Sage Vyasa, the king brought his son to this place to worship Lord Shiva. The prince took a dip in the temple’s Theerthams and worshiped Lord Shiva. It is believed that he was absolved of his sins. It is believed that the king stayed here for some time, renovated this temple and made some endowments for the temple maintenance. He got his original form and the belief is followed in modern times, where ladies take a holy dip to get a better appearance.

Kottaiyur:

It was believed that Lord Shiva (in the form of a Shivalingam) appeared here in the midst of Castor plants (Aamanakku (Kottai) plant) (In Tamil it is called Erandam). The main Shivalingam in this temple looks as it is formed out of the fruits of a castor plant. In other words, its texture resembles a jack fruit. Hence, Lord came to be called as Kodeeswarar and the village came to be called as Kottaiyur.

Koteeswarar:

It is believed that Sage Bathra Yogi, in order to regain his spiritual power, visited many Shiva temples. When he reached this temple, Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and blessed him by appearing in the form of one crore (Kodi in Tamil) images of himself, along with one crore images each of Vinayakar, Goddess Parvathy, Murugan and Chandikeswarar. This was done as a way to bless him with the benefit of visiting one crore Shiva temples. Hence the lord here is praised as Koteeswarar and the place gets the name Koteeswaram. It is believed that any good deed (Punniyam) or bad deed (Pavam) done here will be multiplied one crore times.

Pandhadu Nayaki:

Mother Goddess Pandhadu Nayaki (Goddess playing with a ball) is so named as she is tossing a ball under her feet, indicating that she would toss the sufferings of her devotees as that of a ball.

Heranda Maharishi performed penance here:

As per another legend, sage Herandar (Atreya) is believed to have worshipped Shiva at this place. Herandam means Castor plant. The sage gets his name because he had performed penance under the castor plants in this place. There is a separate shrine for Heranda Maharishi in the front hall where he is seen in a meditative posture.

Heranda Maharishi brought back River Cauvery from Pathala Loka:

As per legend, once in Thiruvalanchuzhi, Adiseshan came out from the Pathala Logam (underworld) on a Shivarathri day to worship Lord Shiva. A huge hole (Bhila Dwaram) formed at the place where Adiseshan came out. Since river Cauvery was flowing through this place, she entered this hole and fell into the underworld. The Chola king who ruled from Kumbakonam, Harithuvajan got worried about this and prayed to Lord Shiva. It is believed that at this point the lord’s divine voice was heard saying that a king or a sage has to sacrifice his life by entering into the hole so that the river can come back to earth.

The king also sought the advice of Sage Heranda Maharishi who was performing penance in this place. The sage confirmed the divine voice. When the king decided to get into the hole for the welfare of the people, the sage stopped him and he himself entered into the hole and brought Cauvery back to earth. The place where the river came back to earth is called Mela Cauvery, near Kumbakonam. Although he entered into the underworld at Thiruvalanchuzhi, it is believed that he came back to the earth in Thiruvalampuram. He worshiped the lord there for some time and attained salvation.

Legend of Ganges:

Another important feature of this lingam is that water droplets can be seen coming out of its top. This symbolises the legend that the Ganges resides in Lord Shiva’s head.

No relief for the sins committed here:

There is no relief for the sins that are committed here. A proverb related to this place goes like this – “Kottaiyuril seitha paavam kattaiyode” meaning those placing their feet in Kottaiyur will become Kattai (dead) meaning that sinners cannot enter this place. Those who commit a sin here will have to live with its repercussions for the rest of their life. If they do so, their sins multiply to a crore. The benefits of good deeds also would multiply in crores. As many wicked people were afraid to come to the temple, it is said that Goddess Pandhadu Nayaki assured them protection by tossing their sins as a ball and reform them. Now, many people come here with the obvious aim of seeking the pardon of the Goddess for what they did in the past and lead a righteous life.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that Sage Heranda, Bathra Yogi, Lord Ram, Brahma, Indra, Prince Suruchi, King Sathyarthi, Sage Narada and Sage Markandeya have worshiped the lord here.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Cholapuram, Thanjavur

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Cholapuram, Thanjavur

Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Cholapuram near Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. This is an ancient Chola Temple dating back to medieval Cholas.

The Temple

The Temple is in complete ruins. The Temple is built with granites except the brick Vimana. Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Viswanathar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Mukha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Only sanctum and Artha Mandapam survives. Mukha Mandapam is in ruins. There are Koshta Idols on the Koshta around the sanctum walls.

There is an idol of Lord Murugan seated on Elephant can be found on the Koshta of Vimanam. He is called as Gaja Vahanar / Gajaruthar. Elephant is also considered as one of the Vahana of Lord Murugan. His Elephant is called as Pini Mugam. He is having four hands. Two hands holding Vajrayudha & Cock in his two hands and Other two hands showing Varada and Hasta Mudra.  This Type of depiction of Murugan can be found only in olden Temples.

There are two idols of big Bhooda Ganas blowing conch can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Idol of Vinayaga and many other broken idols can be found in the temple premises. There are sculptures of Lion, Bhoodagana, a King and a Bhoodagana blowing conch can be found on the sanctum wall. There is an ancient big Chandikeswarar Idol in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Thirupananthal, 8 Kms from Thiruvisanallur, 10 Kms from Thirubhuvanam, 10 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 11 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 50 Kms from Thanjavur and 104 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Chennai Road. The Temple is well connected to Kumbakonam by buses.

Location

Kailasanathar Temple, Cholapuram, Thanjavur

Kailasanathar Temple, Cholapuram, Thanjavur

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Cholapuram near Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Sivapoorani Ambal. This is an ancient Chola Period Temple hidden between buildings in Cholapuram.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple with a Mottai Rajagopuram. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar. He is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Sanctum is situated in a little elevated position. Vinayaga, Adhi Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Brahma and Lingodbhava are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location.  Mother is called as Sivapoorani Ambal. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. There are shrines of Vinayaga, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Chandran, Suryan, Saneeswarar and Bhairavar in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Thirupananthal, 8 Kms from Thiruvisanallur, 10 Kms from Thirubhuvanam, 10 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 11 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 50 Kms from Thanjavur and 104 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Chennai Road. The Temple is well connected to Kumbakonam by buses.

Location | Photos

Bhairaveswarar Temple, Cholapuram, Thanjavur

Bhairaveswarar Temple, Cholapuram, Thanjavur

Bhairaveswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Cholapuram near Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Bhairaveswarar / Maha Bhairaveswarar and Mother is called as Bhairaveswari. This temple is considered as the Moola Sthaanam (Birth Place) of all the different forms of Bhairavas in the whole universe. The ancient name of this place is Bhairavapuram.

Legends

Origin of Bhairavas:

Cholapuram is the Adi Peetam of Bhairava manifestations.  This is the place where 64 Bhairavar had originated. There are 64 Peetas and it is believed that all the 64 forms of Bhairavars sit here and do the penance and Poojas. 64 Bhairavas worshipped Bairaveswarar of Cholapuram in 64 directions.

Birth of Kuligan:

Ravana got enormous power due to the intense penance on Lord Shiva. Arrogant Ravana tied Lord Saneeswarar and other Navagrahas. Lord Saneeswarar prayed to Lord Shiva here. Kuligan (Mandhi) was born to Lord Saneeswarar here and the time of birth of Kuligan was the right time for Sri Rama to kill Ravana and he did so.

Padagacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal did Bhairava Pooja here:

It is believed that Bhairava Upasagar Padagacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal did Bhairava Pooja here.

Siddhars & Saints worshipping Lord Shiva here in Aroopam form:

All the Bhairava Upasaga Siddhars, Aadhi Sankarar, Rishis and Yogis come here during the Ashtami star days and do the pooja in Aroopam.

The Temple

This is an ancient Chola granite temple with high sculptural value. The approach road and the surrounded areas are completely encroached by the locals. There is no proper entrance to the temple. Only the basement of the Mukamandapam remains. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Bairaveswarar / Maha Bairaveswarar. Lord Shiva here is the Moola Moorthy of all the Bhairavars and so he is called as Bairaveswarar.

Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). He is housed in the sanctum in the form of big Lingam. He is facing east.  Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Vinayaga, Nataraja, Gangalamoorthy, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma, Alinganamoorthy, Durga, Ashtabuja Bhairava are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.

Dwarapalakas can be found guarding the sanctum. A Linga can be seen along with one of the Dwarapalaka. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Bairaveswari. Her shrine is facing south. Dwarapalakis can be found guarding her shrine. Currently the deformed (possibly during the Mughal invasion) statue of Bairaveswari is kept in Thanjavur Museum.

Festivals

Abhishekams, Homam and Annadhanam are grandly done here on Krishna Paksha Ashtami.

Prayers

Bhairavar protects from all Pitru Dhoshams, enemy problems, untimely accidents / deaths, evil effects of Pilli, Sunyam, Mantrikam etc., People worship Maha Bairaveswarar on Saturday, Sunday, full moon days and Theipirai Ashtami by lighting ghee lamps. All kind of Bhairava Dhoshams will be cured and reduced by worshipping the god/goddess in this temple. Since this Bhairavar is the Guru of Lord Saneeswarar, all the ill effects of Lord Saneeswarar will get nullified by worshipping Bairaveswarar on Saturdays.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Thirupananthal, 8 Kms from Thiruvisanallur, 10 Kms from Thirubhuvanam, 10 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 11 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 50 Kms from Thanjavur and 104 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Chennai Road. The Temple is well connected to Kumbakonam by buses.

Location | Photos