திருவஹீந்த்ரபுரம் - ஸ்ரீ தெய்வ நாயக பெருமாள்

கோவிலுக்கு செல்லும் வழி:

நடு நாட்டுத் திருப்பதிகளில் முதன்மையான இந்த திவ்ய ஷேத்திரம், கடலூர் நகரத்திலிருந்து சுமார் 5 கி மீ தொலைவில் உள்ளது. மேலும் சென்னை-திருச்சி மெயின் லைன் இல் திருப்பாதிரிபுலியூர் ரயில் நிலையத்திலிருந்து மேற்கில் 3 மைலில் உள்ளது.


ஸ்தல வரலாறு:

ஒரு காலத்தில் தேவர்களுக்கும், அசுரர்களுக்கும் கடும்போர் மூண்டு யுத்தத்தில் அசுரர்கள் வென்றனர். தோல்வி கண்ட தேவர்கள், நாராயணனை துதித்து உதவி புரிய வேண்டுமென்று விண்ணப்பிக்க, அவர்களுக்கு உதவ எண்ணி, பெருமாள் அசுரர்களுடன் போரிட்டு தனது சக்ராயுதத்தால் சகல அசுரர்களையும் அழித்தார்.

அச்சமயம் அசுரர்களுக்கு உதவ வந்த சிவன் சக்ராயுதத்திற்கு எதிராக தனது சூலாயுதத்தை ஏவ, அதுவும் சக்ரத்திற்கு எதுவாக அதற்க்கு ஓர் அணிகலன் போல் நின்றது. அதை அடுத்து, பெருமாள் சிவனுக்கு தனது மும்மூர்த்தி வடிவத்தை காண்பித்தார். இதைக் கண்ட அரன், பெருமாளை துதிக்க எம்பெருமான் சாந்தமுற்று எல்லோருடைய வேண்டுகோளின்படி அவ்விடத்திலேயே கோவில் கொண்டு அருள்பாலித்தார்.

அவ்வமயம் தாக சாந்திக்கு நீர் கேட்க, கருடன் ஆகாயத்தின் மீது பறந்து விரஜா தீர்த்தத்தையும் , ஆதிசேஷன் தரை இறங்கி பூமியை பிளந்து பாதாள கங்கை தீர்த்தத்தையும் கொணர்ந்தனர். இறைவனும் தாகம் தீர்ந்தார்.

இவ்வாறு ஆதிசேஷனால் திருவாகிய பூமியை வகிண்டு நீர் கொண்டு வரப்பட்டதால், திரு+வகிண்ட+நீர் = திருஹிந்தபுரம் எனப் பட்டது.


மூலவர்:

தெய்வ நாயகன், கிழக்கு நோக்கி திரு முக மண்டலம், நின்ற திருக்கோலம். தேவர்க்கு நாதனாக இருந்து, எம்பெருமான் யுத்தம் செய்தமையால் தேவ நாதன் என்றும் அழைக்கப்பட்டார்.

உற்சவர்:

மூவராகிய ஒருவன், தேவ நாதன், திவிஷந்நாதன், விபுதநாதன், தாசசத்தியன், அடியவர்க்கு மெய்யன்.

தாயார்:

வைகுண்ட நாயகி, ஹேமாம்புஜவல்லித் தாயார். பார் அனைத்தையும் காக்கும் தன்மையால் பார்கவி என்றும் திரு நாமம் பெற்றார்.

விமானம்:

சந்திர விமானம், சுத்த சத்வ விமானம்.

காட்சி கண்டவர்கள்:

கருடன், ஆதிசேஷன், அரன், தேவாசுரர்கள்.

தீர்த்தம்:

கருட நதி, சந்திர தீர்த்தம், சேஷ தீர்த்தம்.


ஸ்தல விசேஷங்கள்:

கோவிலுக்கு அருகில் ஔஷதகிரி என்ற குன்றின் மேல் ஹயக்ரீவர் எழுந்தருளியுள்ளார். கோவிலுக்குள் இருக்கும் தேசிகன் சந்நிதி மிகவும் பிரசித்தி பெற்றது.

இங்கு புற்றுக்கு பால் தெளிக்கும் பழக்கம் அல்லாமல், கோவில் பிராகாரத்திற்குள் இருக்கும் சேஷ தீர்த்தத்தில் தான் பால் தெளிக்கும் வழக்கமுள்ளது. இங்குள்ள சேஷ தீர்த்தம் நிவேதன்த்திர்க்கும், கருட தீர்த்தம் திருமஞ்சனதிர்க்கும் உபயோகபடுதப்பட்டு வருகிறது.

இத்திருத்தலத்தில் எழுந்தருளியுள்ள ஹயக்ரீவர் நல்ல கல்வி அருளை வழங்குகிறார்.


உற்சவங்கள்:

புரட்டாசி மாதத்தில் மலை உற்சவமும், தீர்த்த வாரியும் தேசிகருக்கு நடை பெறுகிறது.

ஒவ்வொரு சித்திரை மாதத்திலும் தெய்வ நாயகருக்கு ப்ரஹ்மோத்ஸவம் நடை பெறுகிறது.

மார்கழி மாதத்தில் வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசியை ஒட்டி, பகல் பத்து மற்றும் இராப் பத்து உத்சவம் நடை பெறுகிறது.

மாசி மகத் திருவிழாவும் சிறப்பாக நடத்தப்படுகிறது.

Thirukkarambanoor - Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple

கோவிலுக்கு வழி :


திருக்கதம்பநூர் எனும் இந்த திவ்ய ஷேத்திரம் திருச்சியிலிருந்தும் ஸ்ரீரங்கதிலிருந்தும் திருவெள்ளறை செல்லும் வழியில் அமைந்துள்ளது.


மூலவர் : புருஷோத்தமன், புஜங்க சயனம், கிழக்கே திரு முக மண்டலம்.

தாயார் : பூர்வாதேவி, பூர்ணவல்லி.

தீர்த்தம் : கதம்ப தீர்த்தம்

ஸ்தல வ்ருக்ஷம் : கதலீ வ்ருக்ஷம் ( வாழை மரம் )

விமானம் : உத்யோக விமானம்

ப்ரத்யக்ஷம் : கதம்ப முனி, திருமங்கையாழ்வார், உபரி ஸரவஸூ, ஸநக ஸநந்தந ஸநத் குமாரர்கள்.


ஸ்தல விசேஷங்கள்:

முன்னொரு காலத்தில் தன்னை போல ஐந்து தலைகள் ப்ரம்ஹ தேவனுக்கும் உள்ளது சகியாமல் சிவா பெருமான், ப்ரஹ்மநின் ஐந்தாவது தலையை கிள்ளி எறிந்தார். அதனால், சிவனுக்கு ப்ரஹ்மஹத்தி தோஷம் ஏற்பட்டது. அந்த தோஷத்தின் காரணமாக கபாலம் ஒன்று அவரது கையில் ஒட்டி கொண்டது. சாபம் தீர்க்க சிவன், விஷ்ணுவை வேண்டினார். விஷ்ணுவும் மனமிரங்கி, சிவன் கையில் ஒட்டிக்கொண்ட கபாலத்தில் மகாலக்ஷ்மியைக் கொண்டு பிக்க்ஷையிட செய்து சிவனின் சாபத்தை தீர்த்தார்.


சிவன், விஷ்ணு, ப்ரஹ்மன், மூவரும் தத்தம் தேவியருடன் இத்தலத்தில் எழுந்தருளியுள்ளனர்.


இந்த ஷேத்திரத்தில் சிவ பெருமான், பிக்க்ஷாடன மூர்த்தியாக தம் குடும்பத்தோடு எழுந்தருளிருப்பது கூடுதல் சிறப்பாகும். எனவே இத்தலத்திற்கு பிக்க்ஷாண்டார் கோவில் என்னும் பெயரும் உண்டு.


கதம்ப முனிவருக்கு பிரத்யக்ஷமாய் இங்கு பெருமாள் எழுந்தருளிருப்பதால், இத்தலத்திற்கு கதம்ப ஷேத்திரம் எனும் சிறப்பு பெயரும் உண்டு. மேலும் மும்மூர்த்திகளும் ஒரு சேர காட்சி அளிப்பதால், இவ்வூர் கடம்ப ஷேத்திரம் என்று அழைக்கப்பட்டதாகவும் சிலர் கூறுவர்.


ஆவணி மற்றும் சித்திரை மாதங்களில் நடக்கும் உற்சவங்கள் இங்கு மிகவும் சிறப்பு வாய்ந்தவை.

ThiruKoozhi (Urayur - Nachiar Koil)

History : From the heredity of Dharmavarma Cholan came a King called Nandha Cholan, ruling the Chola Dynasty with Urayur as Capital. He was also an adorn devotee of Lord Ranganathar. He ruled his Dynasty in a prosperously and every citizen there was happy and the Dynasty was prosperous. Only the King has a problem that he doesn’t have child. Lord Vishnu asked Goddess Mahalakshmi to become the child of King Nandha Cholan. Once when King Nandha Cholan went for hunting he heard a child’s cry. He went in search of it and at last found a child on the lotus in a pond. He brought the child as his child and named her as Kamalavalli as She came come Lotus. When the Kamalavalli was grown up, She went to festival at Sri Rangam and admired the beauty of Lord Ranganathar and pledged to marry Him. Lord Ranganathar appeared in the dream of King Nandha Cholan and told him that his child is none but the Goddess Mahalakshmi , so send her to Sri Rangam and Lord Ranganathar will marry Her. King Nandha Cholan was delighted that Lordess Mahalakshmi was his daughter and Lord Ranganathar is going to be his Son-in-law. He dressed Kamalavalli as bridegroom and took Her to Sri Rangam Ranganathar Temple. When Kamalavalli went near Lord Ranganathar, she vanished and Lord has accepted Her. King Nandha Cholan came to Urayur and built a temple in memory of the marriage of Lord Ranganathar and her daughter Kamalavalli. Lord Ranganathar here is called as Azhagiya Manavaalan.(Beautiful Bride). But this temple went inside the Earth when Lord Shiva opened His Third Eye and destroyed the entire Urayur. After this the Chola Dynasty moved its capital to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The present temple was later on built by an unknown king from the Chola Dynasty on knowing this instance.

Architecture : The main deity here is Azhagiya Manavaalan is in the standing pose carrying conch and chakra in his hands. As Lordess Kamalavalli went to Sri Rangam and married the Lord Ranganathar, there is no separate prakaram for thayar Kamalavalli Nachiyar. She is here along with the Mulavar carrying the Lotus on Her hands in the sitting position as bridegroom. Kalyana uthsavam is celebrated on Panguni (March-April) Pooram day when Sri Rangam Ranganathar Temple utsavar will be brought here for the marriage (There is hence no Utsavar for the main deity here). Avathara Sthala of Tirupannazhwar for whom there is a seperate sannidhi.

Approach : It is located inside the town Trichy. It is around 3 kms from the Trichy Station. The temple is located on the roadside. There are plenty of buses from Trichy Bus Stand to Woriyur via Nachiyar Koil.

Mulavar : Azhagiya Manavaalla Perumal Thayar : Kamalavalli Nachiar Theertham : Kalyana Theertham,Suryapushkarni, Kudamurutti Vimanam : Kalyana Vimanam Special Information : Birth place of Thiruppaan Alwar. Azhvaar Mangalaasaasanam: Thirumangaiaazhvaar -1762 Kulasekaraazhvaar - 667 Kalyana Utsavam here starts on Revathi Natchatiram in Panguni month and lasts for 10 days.

THIRUSEINJALUR ( Senganur ) - Sri Sathyagireeshwarar Temple

Thiruseinjalur, also known as Senganur, is a holy shrine special for the Moorthy, the Thalam and the Theertham.

Location :
Located in the Tanjore district, Thiruvidaimarudur taluk. On the way from Kumbakonam to Anaikarai, at a distance of 12km, this village is located in the southern direction. The village is surrounded by beautiful fields and crops. Near to this temple, Sri Kailasanathar temple is also located.

Significance :

Once there was fight between VAAYU ( God of Air ) and AADISESHAN ( God of Snakes ) as to who is strong. Aadhiseshan held the Merumalai tightly. Vaayu blew heavily to shake Merumalai. During that time, 9 peaks fell from the mount. Among which Kandamadhanam was one from which again 7 peaks fell in different parts of the country. One of which was Peak Sathyam which fell in this village. Hence the village and the God was so named.

This village is also called Kumarapuram, Sandeswapuram and Asumaadhagavanam. It is believed that many saints and Gods reside here in the form of plants, trees and hills.

Main God : Sri Sathyagireeshwarar
Theertham : Sathya Pushkarani and Kumaratheertham

THIRUPPERUNTHURAI

Thirupperunthurai - Oh! what a lovely, heavenly place - is an attraction for the people as in architecture. Thirupperunthurai - commonly known as Avudaiyarkoil - is located in the east coastal area of Tamil Nadu in Pudukkottai District, near Arantangi - about 15 km. It can be reached either by train or by bus from Mayiladuthurai or from Tiruchirapalli. This lovely village town is surrounded by a river, water tanks, lakes and paddy fields.

Main God : Sri Athmanathaswamy (Lord Siva)
Main Goddess : Sri Yogambigai (Goddess Shakthi)

Sri Athmanathaswamy temple is unique in nature. There is no idol or image or statue on the main shrine. It is believed that Lord Siva is emerged in formless form in this temple. The Shakthi Peedam is also formless.

Lord Siva emerged as Guru in human form and taught Gnana to saint Manickavachakar. It is also believed that this temple was constructed by Saint Manickavachakar - the author of the eighth Thirumurai, the famous Thiruvachakam - in early Pandavas style.

The architecture and sculptures in this wonderful temple is breath-taking. It is worth to note, watch and study the sculptures of Veerabatra, Urthuvamoorthy, Narasimha moorthy, Kali, Maravan, Village girl and of-course the world famous Granite Kodungai. Those who are interested in architecture, will have a wonderful time for their studies, if they visit this temple.

Sri Prasanna Varadharajar Temple -Aminjikarai- chennai

In this Aminjikarai, a Varadharajar temple and infront of this, Sri Ekambareshwarar temple is also found. Sri Varadhar and Sri Ekambareshwarar temple are found in the same sthalam which is Kancheepura divyadesam, so it can be best suited that if we call Aminjikarai as another for of Kancheepuram.

Moolavar:


The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Prasanna Varadharajar who is giving his seva in Nindra thirukkolam facing his thirumugham along East direction.

Along the Pragharams (sides) of the Moolavar Sannadhi, idols of all Alwars and Aacharyas are found. The perumal is also named as "Sri Varadharajan, Sri Devarajan and Arulalan. The Utsavar is Perarulalan and all kinds of utsavams are done.

Thaayar:
The Thaayar of this temple is Sri Perundevi Thaayar who has her own separate sannadhi. Here Manjal (Turmeric) is given as the "Prasadham" to the Bhaktas.

About the temple:

In the front, we can see a huge vimaanam (Gopuram) which is found in 5 Nilais (Partitions), where lots of Architectural works are found in a beautiful manner.

As we enter the Gopuram Vaasal, we can see the Dwajasthambam (Kodi Maram) which is raised to a big extent. To the Right of Kodimaram, Sannadhi for Ramathoodan, Aanjaneyar Sannadhi is found. After worshipping if we go further, we can reach the Sri Krishnar sannadhi, where the perumal is found along with the flute and giving his seva in Nindra thirukkolam.

As we move on furhter, a mandapam with lots of pillars are found. On these walls, Thiruppavai is carved on the white Marble stones. To the end of this Mandapam, the thaayar sannadhi is found and after getting her seva, are going around the temple, we can see the sannadhi of Sri Andal. During 30 days in Maargazhi month, special poojas and thiruppavai are said in this sannadhi.

Going further from Andal sannadhi, we can reach "Sri Srinivasar sannadhi" where both Sri Srinivasar Moolavar and Utsava Murthi are found.

After getting the seva of Sri Srinivasar, one has to go further towards right hand side to see "Sri Ranganathar sannadhi". Next to Sri Ranganathar sannadhi, a special room, the Kannaadi Arai is found. During Utsavams, the Utsavar are taken to this Kannadhi Arai and the seva is so beautiful that one can see the perumal in various angles.

Next to the Kannadi Arai, is a sannadhi for "Sri Kodhanda Ramar" is found. He is found along with Seethapiratti and Lakshmanar. To the straight opposite of Ramar Sannadhi, Aanjaneyar sannadhi can be seen.

சேங்காலிபுரம் கோவில் 6

பெருமாளின் ஒரு காலில் ஆறு விரல்கள் உள்ளன . இப்பெருமாளை சேவிப்பதால் பிதுர் சாபம் நீங்குவதும், புத்திர பாக்யம் ஏற்படுவதும் , சர்பதோஷம் நீங்கி எல்லோரும் இன்பமாக வாழ அருள் புரிகிறார் . இன்றும் இங்கு எழுந்தருளியுள்ள ஜெய காரிய சித்திகர ஆஞ்சநேய சுவாமிக்கு பிரார்த்தனை செய்து பலர் வேண்டிய பலன்களை பெற்று வருவதும் ஒரு சான்று ஆகும்.

மேலும் ஸ்ரீ ருக்மிணி சதயபாமா சமேத ஸ்ரீ ராஜகோபால சுவாமி மிகவும் வரப்பிரசாதியாக விளங்கி வருகிறார். பல ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு நடந்து வந்த பிரம்மோஸ்ச்வம் ஸ்ரீ ராம மூர்த்தி அய்யர் த்வஜஸ்தம்பம் பிரதிஷ்டை செய்தும் ஸ்ரீ கல்யாண ராம பட்டாச்சாரியார் , ஸ்ரீ ராஜகோபல பட்டாச்சாரியார் முயற்சியால் மாசி மாதம் திருவோணத்துடன் மிகவும் சிறப்பாக நடந்து வருகிறது.

சேங்காலிபுரம் கோவில் 5

அங்கே மனநிலை சரியில்லா ஒருவன் அங்கு அசுத்தம் செய்ய கூடாது என்று எல்லோரையும் தடுத்து வந்தான் . பிறகு ஒரு நாள் ஊரிலுள்ள அனைவரும் விதை முகுர்த்ததிற்கு போகும் சமயம் எல்லோரையும் வழி மறித்து இங்கு சுவாமி உள்ளது அதை பார்க்க வாருங்கள் என்று எல்லோரையும் அழைத்தான். முகுர்த்த நாளை தடுத்தால் கோபத்துடன் மண்மேட்டை வெட்டி பார்த்து சுவாமி இல்லை என்றால் உன்னை அங்கு புதைத்து விடுவோம் என்று கூறி தோண்ட துவங்கினார்கள் . அது சமயம் ஆதி கேசவனுடைய தலை தெரிய துவங்கியது . மிகவும் ஆச்சர்யம் அடைந்த மக்கள் அந்தணர்களே தோண்ட வேண்டும் என்று சொன்னதால் அந்தணர்கள் ஒரே நாளில் பாம்பு படுக்கையில் மூன்று சுற்று வரை தோண்டினார்கள். இருட்டி விட்டதால் வீடு திரும்பினார்கள்.

இரவில் எல்லோருக்கும் இதற்கு மேல் என்னை தோண்டி பார்க்க வேண்டாம் என்று கனவு வந்தது. ஆதலால் அப்படியே வைத்து ஆலயம் கட்டினார்கள். இந்த வரலாறானது சுமார் ௨0 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன் சேங்காலிபுரம் ஸ்ரீ அனந்த ராம தீக்ஷதர் அவர்களுடைய பெரிய தந்தை ஸ்ரீ சுவாமிநாத தீக்ஷதர் , இப்பொழுது உள்ள ஸ்ரீ கல்யாண ராம பட்டசார்யாரின் தந்தை ஸ்ரீ பாலகிருஷ்ண பட்டசார்யாரிடம் நேரில் கூறினார். சுமார் 400 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்னாள் இது நடந்ததாகவும் அவர் சொன்னதாகவும் பட்டாச்சாரியார் கையால் எழுதப்பட்டுள்ளது.

சேங்காலிபுரம் கோவில் 4

துவாபர யுகத்தில் ஜனமேஜயன் தன் தந்தையை பாம்பு கடித்த துன்பத்தினால் சர்பயாகம் என்ற வேள்வியை செய்தான் . அதனால் அவனுக்கு சர்ப தோஷம் ஏற்ப்பட்டது , அதனால் அவனுக்கும் அவன் குடும்பத்தார்க்கும் , சந்ததிகளுக்கும் கை, கால், முதலிய பாகங்கள் சுருட்டினாற் போல் ஆயிற்று . அதனால் மிகுந்த வேதனை அடைந்தான். வியாசர் முதலிய முனிவர்கள் இசேத்திரத்தின் பெருமைகளை விளக்கி கூறி தங்கி வழி படுமாறு கூறினார், அதன்படி பிரகலாத தீர்த்தத்தில் நீராடி ஸ்ரீ வரதராஜ பெருமாளையும், ஸ்ரீ பரிமள ரெங்கநாத பெருமாளையும் குடும்பத்துடன் சேவித்து , சர்ப தோஷம் விலகி மிகுந்த ஆரோக்யத்தை பெற்றான். இதனால் மூன்று யுகமாக இந்த பெருமாள் இருப்பதாக விளங்குகின்றது.

பிறகு துவாபரயுகம் முடியும் தருணம் இவ்வாலயம் , ஸ்ரீ சுவாமி எல்லாம் பிரளயம் ஏற்பட்டு மண்ணால் மூடப்பட்டுவிட்டது. பிறகு அந்த மண்மேட்டில் சப்பாத்தி செடிகள் முளைத்து இருந்தது....

சேங்காலிபுரம் கோவில் 3

க்ருத யுகத்தில் நரசிம்ம அவதாரம் செய்து ஹிரண்ய கசிபுவை வதம் செய்த பிறகு பிரகலாதனுக்கு பித்ரு ஹத்தி [தந்தையை கொன்ற ] பாவம் வந்து விட்டது. அந்த தோஷத்தை போக்கி கொள்ள முனிவர்கள் சொன்னபடி சேங்காலிபுரம் ஸ்ரீ சக்ர தீர்த்தத்தில் நீராடி ஸ்ரீ வரதராஜ பெருமாளையும் , ஸ்ரீ பரிமள ரெங்கநாதரையும் சேவித்து சில தினங்களிலேயே அந்த தோஷம் நீங்கி பிரகலாதன் புணியவனாக விளங்கினான்.

த்ரேதா யுகத்தில் தசரத மன்னனுக்கு மூன்று மனைவியை அடைந்தும் மக்கட்பேரு இல்லாத போது வசிஷ்டர் முதலிய முனிவர்களால் சொல்லிய படி திருசேறைக்கும் , திருக்கண்ணபுரத்திற்கும் , கிழக்கு சமுத்திரம் உள்ள மேற்கு திசையில் சுமார் ௨0 கி.மீ தூரத்தில் உள்ள இந்த ஸ்ரீ பரிமள ரெங்கநாத பெருமாளையும் சுமார் ஒரு வருட காலம் சேவித்து வந்தார். அப்பொழுதும் அவருக்கு பெருமாள் அருள் கிடைக்கவில்லை என்று வருத்தத்துடன் அயோத்யை திரும்புவதற்காக புறப்படும் முன் இரு தாயார்களை பார்த்து கை கூப்பும் சமயம் இரு தாயாரும் வா என்று அழைத்தார்கள் . ஸ்ரீ பெருமாளும் ஒரு கையால் தலையை ஏந்தி மன்னனை பார்த்து அஸ்வமேத யாகம் செய் நானே குழந்தையாக அவதாரம் செய்கிறேன் என்று சொன்னார். இன்றும் நாம் இந்த பெருமாளை சேவிக்கலாம்.

சேங்காலிபுரம் கோவில்2

மேற்கு திசையில் கௌதம தீர்த்தம் என்னும் புஷ்கரணியும் கிழக்கு திசையில் சிவகங்கா தீர்த்தம் என்னும் புஷ்கரணியும் தென் திசையில் பிரகலாத தீர்த்தம் என்றும் சகர தீர்த்தம என்றும் புராணம் போற்றும் புஷ்கரணி உள்ளது. இந்த புஷ்கரணியின் வடகரையில் ஸ்ரீதேவி, பூமிதேவி, ஸ்ரீ வைகுண்ட நாதர் கோவில் உள்ளது. இதை காவலர் முனிவரும் , பராசர முனிவரும் தவம் செய்ததின் பேரில் இங்கு கோவில் கொண்டு எழுந்து அருளி உள்ளார்.

ப்ருது என்னும் மன்னன் ஸ்ரீ ரெங்கநாதரை குறித்து தவம் செய்தார் . அவர் முன் காட்சி கொடுத்த நிலையிலேயே இன்றும் ஸ்ரீ ரெங்கநாத பெருமாள் ஆதி சேஷனை படுக்கையாக கொண்டு எழுந்தரூளியுள்ளார். தலை பாகத்தில் ஸ்ரீ தேவியும், கால் பாகத்தில் ஸ்ரீ பூமி தேவியும் அமர்ந்த கோலத்தில் முழு உருவாய் சேவை சாதிக்கின்றனர்.

sholingar- Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal

This divya desam, also known as Sholingar, is situated in Madras-Bangalore Rail line. Easy way is to take brindaavan from Madras to Arakonam Junction and take Bus from there. Sholingar Railway station is 9 miles from the temple. One can take a direct bus from Madras as well. It has some moderate facilities including a big Kalyana Mandapam for organized group tours, a chattram for over night stay and several "Mess" facilities. This divya desam is also known as kadikaachalam.

It is believed that if one stays at this kshethram for atleast one kadigai (about half an hour), that person is gaurenteed mokshama. This is the only divya desam dedicated to Sri Narasimhar in Tamil Nadu. This divya desam is visited by many seeking His blessigns. He is teacher to His bhaktas who seek the removal of ignorance and a doctor to those who seek cure for various health problems.

Sri Amirtha Valli thaayaar

Sri Yoga Narasimhar

Sri vishnu purraanam and paathma puraanam offers details about this sthalam. It is believed that Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar came to this palce after hiranya vatham and stayed here for ever in this Yoga sayanam posture. It is well kown that Srinarasimha avathaaram took place at Sri Ahobilam. However, since munivars requested the presence of Sri Narasimha here on an endless timescale, The Lord Narasimha chose to stay here for ever. This is also confirmed by thirumangai aazhwaar's reference to thakkkaanai in his paasuram presented in this article. Among all the other avathaarams this and the vaamana avathaaram are the most significant becuase of the fact that they both accomplished the misssion instantly. Many of the LAkshmi Narasimha bakthaas believe that by praying to this Lord (who is an instant acccomplisher), their prayers are fulfilled instantly if not atleast an instant relief is offered without delay by this Lord.

It is a belief that, One, would attain Moksham simply by staying here for one Kadigai (period of time) ie approximately half hour in this shekthram. Hence it is named Thiruk kadigai. It is believed that Saint Vishvaamitrar meditated for one kadigai on Lord Narasimhar and obtained his title Bramha Maharishi here. The Saptha Rishis and vaamathEvar came to this place and and started penance to have darshan of Narasimha Avathaaram, and the Lord fulfilled their wish within one kadigai of penance. Hence this hill is known as Kadikaachalam.

Sage Durvaasa once sought the thiruth thuzhaay maalai (ie thulasi garland) of this perumal and danced with great joy by sporting this maalai on his own shoulder and and sirasu. There were many saadhus present at that time and were witnessing this event. Buthan or mercury one of the Nava grahams was also present in the form of a saadhu and he laughed at this sage's act. Sage Thurvaasa cursed him and lord budhan had to stay here in this sthalam and served all those sages who came with great pleasure to this shrine after taking bath in the paandava theerththam and got his curse (spell) cured or removed.

On the way to hills Garuda Aaaroodar Varadha Raaja perumal sannithi is there. It is believed that Kaanchi Varadhar offered Garuda Vaahana Sevai to Maha Achaaryar known as Thottaachaaryar here. (as he was not able to goto Kanchi that year and instead did meditate on this Lord to offer that darshn there itself). Even to-day this event is observed in Kaanchi and simulatneously here as a puase is kept at the entrance of this temple during the bramotsavam and garuda sErvai such that the Lord goes to kadigai for that instant to offer sEvai to thottaach chaaryaa. Similarly erumbiyapa was also one of the great mahaans lived in this place and served the Lord. This place is also used to be very fertile like chola naadu and was hence called as Chola Simha puram which became sholinga puram later. In pattinap paalai, it is refeerred that, Cholan karikaalan peruvaLaththaan called this district as kadigaik kOttam; when he subdivided his kingdom into 48 distritcs. This place is also one of the 74 simhaasanam established by Sri Raamaanuja in his 74 simhhaasanaas outlining the principles of Sri vishitaahthvaitham.

Similar to Gunaseelam near Trichy, this place is also known for relief from possessing, Billi Sooniyam, etc. People come here and do Vratham for many days, take bath in Thakkaan kulam which is believed to have the essence of many Mooligais and climb the hills every day to pray anchaneYaa and Lord Narasimhar and get their Pini or Diseases or Theeraatha nOykaL cured here.

This place is also known for the presence of many Siththars similar to Thiruvannaamalai, Kollimalai, and Kutraalamalai. It is believed that the administration of this temple is under the Aatheenam of Sthala aachaarya purushaals of Thottaachaaryar clan.

This malai or hill is also known as Ekasilaa parvatham meaning that the entire hill is made of one stone, which is true and one can see that when they visit this shrine. There are unique methods or procedures attributed to each of the 108 sthalam as vazhipaatu niyamanam. At thiruppathi having the hair shaved and having a supra paatha darshanam are the best, in oppiliappan koil observing sravana vratham (without salt) on sravanms is the ideal. In this temple, it is the desire of the Lord that his bakthas climb the steep footsteps (which are similar to the parama patha Sobaanam) and pray the Lord.

SreeKooram Aadhikesava Perumal

SreeKooram, an ancient temple near Kancheepuram, is so named after one of the chief disciple of Sri Ramanjunar, Sri Koorathaalwar. The main deity here is Aadhikesava Perumal but this temple is famous for the aalwar. This temple stands as an example for the aalwar's pure devotion to his guru Ramanujar......

SreeKooram, an ancient temple near Kancheepuram, is so named after one of the chief disciple of Sri Ramanjunar, Sri Koorathaalwar. The main deity here is Aadhikesava Perumal but this temple is famous for the aalwar. This temple stands as an example for the aalwar's pure devotion to his guru Ramanujar.

During ancient times when there arouse conflicts between saivism and vaishnavism, the Chola king wished Saivism should rule the world. So he decided to propagate his religion throughout the southern region. Ramanujar was a Veera Vaishnavar. So the king decided to get rid of Ramanujar. Koorathaalwar heard this and he disguised himself as Ramanujar and went to the palace where the king decided to pluck his eyes since he was not ready to give up vaishnavism and accept saivism.

Koorathaalwar himself plucked his eyes for his guru before the king could do so. Ramanujar and others heard this news and started praying to Vishnu to get back the aalwar's eyes. Lord Vishnu gave back aalwar's eyes in this place, which was converted to temple later. Till date, people believe that the God and the Aalwar together can cure any sort of eye problems.

Koorathaalwar was born during the tamil month Thai, with star Hastham. So every year, utsavams are conducted during his birthday. Adding to the color, 2009 happens to be the beginning of 1000th birth year of the aalwar, which the temple management have decided to celebrate in a very grand manner.

Main Deity : Aadhikesava Perumal
Thaayaar : Pankajavalli Thaayaar

Temple Location : Very near to Kancheepuram on Kancheepuram-Arakkonam Road. Buses available from Kancheepuram and Arakkonam.

சேந்கலிபுரம்

chengalipuram

சேங்காலிபுரம் கோவில்1

சேங்காளிபுரம் என்னும் கிராமமானது புராண வரலாறு வாய்ந்த மிக மிக புராதனமான கோவில் ஆகும். பவிச்யோதர புராணம், சாம்ப புராணம், பிரம்மாண்ட புராணம் இவைகளில் விவரமாக உள்ளது. புராணங்களில் பாடலிவனம், புண்ணாக வனம், சிவகாளிபுரம் இம்மூன்று ஊரும் சேர்ந்ததே சேங்காளிபுரம் ஆகும்.

Uthiramerur Sri Sundara Varadhar

Uthiramerur village is located about 85 kms from Chennai off the GST Road. This is an ancient village well known for its temples, architecture, sculptures and stone inscriptions.

The main temple here is for Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal which is said to be built in 750 AD during Pallava rule. A king called Nandivarma Pallavan has donated this whole town to 1200 vedic scholars who settled down here. Those days this place was called as Uthiramerur Chaturvedhimangalam.

Later it has been renovated by Rajendra Chola in 1013 AD and again renovated by Krishnadevaraya in 1520 AD.

Lord Vishnu is generally seen in either of the 3 forms, Ninraan (நின்றான் - Perumal in standing posture), Irundhaan (இருந்தான் - Perumal in sitting posture) or Kidandhaan (கிடந்தான் - Perumal in reclining posture like Ranganathar)

This is one of the few temples where you can have dharshan of Perumal in all his 3 forms.

The sanctum is built in such a way that all 3 forms of Lord Vishnu are set one above the other as 3 levels or floors.

The presiding deity is Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal here in standing posture along with Sri Devi and Bhoodevi in the first level.

There is a staircase on which one can climb with much ease to go to the next floor, just above the main sanctum. In this next level Sri Vaikunda Varadhar is seen in the sitting posture.

While climbing up to the next level there is Sri Parthasarathy preaching Gita to Arjuna on the outer wall facing south. Lord Narasimha is present on the outer wall facing west and Sri Varaha Perumal with Lakshmi facing North. Here Varahar is in sitting posture with Sri Lakshmi sitting on his lap looking at Varahar's face in a praying gesture.

There is also Sri Dhakshinamurthy on the tomb facing south which is unusual in Vaishnavite temples.

In the third (upper most) level the Lord is in reclining posture on Aadhiseshan as Sri Ranganathar. Lord Brahma is seen on a Lotus emerging from Ranganathar’s navel. Lord Shiva is seen near the feet of the deity with the Deer and Mazhu (a weapon) on his hands.

Lord Ranganatha is seen blessing Markandeya Rishi with his right hand. Bhoodevi is in a praying gesture standing opposite Markandeya.

Other than these three, there are other deities called Achudha Varadhar, Aniruddha Varadhar and Kalyana Varadhar in the 3 sides of the prakaaram.

It is said that Pandavas during their Agnanavaasam where they hid themselves and roamed around in forests have visited here and worshipped Lord here. It is said that Sundara Varadhar was worshipped by Yudhishtira, Vaikunda Varadhar by Bheema, Achudha Varadhar by Arjuna, Aniruddha Varadhar by Nakula and Kalyana Varadhar by Sahadeva.

All the above 5 Gods are the principal deities here, though Sundara Varadhar remain the main deity.

It is also said that Pandavas lost their power and wisdom and after worshipping here, they gained all their power back.

This is one of and most ancient and wonderful temples filled with architectural brilliance with great sculptures all around.

Uthiramerur is also known as the birth place of democracy. The stone inscriptions in this town explains how constitutions were laid for democratic administration and also about electoral systems etc., People here have followed the election system called “Kudavolai” system for electing their favorite leaders in the local elections and the rules for nominating in elections and the voting systems which is the fore runner for today’s electoral systems.

Aazhwaars like Thirumazhisai Aazhwaar, Thirumangai Aazhwaar, Poigai Aazhwaar & Peyazhwaar have composed hymns on this temple.

Uthiramerur is well connected by road with buses plying from Chennai and Kanchipuram.

A must visit place for the lovers of temples, culture and heritage.

uthiramerur- Varadarajar Perumal Temple Info

Uthiramerur, 32Km from Kanchippuram and 85 km from Chennai, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is called the SriSundaravaradaraja Perumal temple.

The presiding deity,Sundaravaradaraja(also known as Soundarya Varadaraja) Perumal,who is in a standing Posture,is flanked by Sri Devi and Bhoodevi.

The three-tiers that house the shrines for the presiding deity in different postures have the sanctum sanctorums built one above the other with immediate inner prakarams for the devotees to go around.

In the second tier, Lord Vishnu called Vaikunta Varadar also known as Paramapatharathan in sitting posture, is facing the east. The daily and special aradhanas arefirst performed to this deity. as one comes out of this shrine and goes around from right are Krishna and Arjuna with the avatar preaching the Bhagawad Gita to the Pandava. They face the south. Then there is arasimha in meditative posture facing the west. And Varahar is seen showering His benediction on lakshmi, who is seen praying to Him. The Lord's eyes are resting on ``Thayar'', the goddess. Here Vishnu is also called Bhuvaharagar. The deities face the north.

The third-tier has Ranganatha in a lying posture. He is lying on his right. Facing the Lord is Nanmuga Brahma. From the lotus navel of Ranganatha,Brahma is seen emerging. Near Ranganatha's feet is Lord Siva with a deer and `mazhu' (a weapon). Ranganatha blesses Markandeya with his right hand. Bhoomidevi is placed opposite Markandeya.

Uthiramerur - land of democracy

Uthiramerur Sundaravaradaraja Perumal Temple

Uthiramerur Sundaravaradaraja Perumal

The temple town of Uthiramerur, situated between Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram, dates back to 750 AD. Besides the presence of myriad temples, this town is of historical importance. Uthiramerur has the distinction of having been ruled by many dynasties: Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar kings and Pallavas. The kings contributed to the growth of the town and left an indelible imprint by building many temples each having a distinct identity of its own. The sculptures in the temples are identified with a particular period. Uthiramerur is supposed to be the name of a Goddess. In 750 AD, Nandivarma Pallavan donated this town to 1,200 Vedic scholars who settled down there. This temple town is also called Uthiramerur Chaturvedimangalam.

One of the famous temples here is Sundaravaradaraja Perumal temple which has three tiers. There are three main sanctum sanctorum, one on top of the other.

In the lowest tier, the deity Sundaravaradar is in standing posture with his consort and the utsava murti - also called Sundaravaradar - poses with his consort, Anandavalli.

In the second tier, the God, Vaikunta Varadar, is in sitting posture, and in the third and top-most tier, he is in the sayana thirukolam (reclining posture) and is called Ananthasayanamurti.

Lord Anjaneya, with a gadhai in his hand, and left leg put forward, as if ready to leap, poses effulgently in a separate enclosure opposite the temple.

It is the general belief that keeping the right foot forward while walking denotes mangalakaram. But in this temple, Anjaneya is ready to take off putting his left foot forward, which is not a good omen. The temple priest has an interesting interpretation.

Anjaneya is ready to leave for Lanka to rescue Sita. Is he not setting foot in his enemy’s land? Ravana, who abducted Sita, should be vanquished and Sita should be rescued. Thus, to create havoc, he is putting his left foot forward to proceed to Lanka. Is Anjaneya not justified in this posture?

Uchhi Pillayar Temple - Trichy

Rockfort or Ucchi Pillayar koil, is a combination of two famous 7th century Hindu temples, one dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the other dedicated to Lord Shiva, located atop a small rock in Trichi, India. Geologically the 83m high rock is said to be one of the oldest in the world, dating over 3 billion years ago, and mythologically this rock is the place where Lord Ganesh ran from King Vibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam. The name rockfort comes from the fact that the place was used for military fortification first by the Vijayanagar emperors and later by the British during the Carnatic wars.

The temple complex is composed of two parts - A shiva temple (Thayumanaswamy) carved in the middle of the rock and a Pillayar (Ganesh)temple at the top portion of the rock. The Shiva temple is the bigger one, housing a massive stone statue of Shiva in the form of Linga along with a separate sanctum for goddess Parvati. The temple is mystic in its nature with an awe-inspiring rock architecture. The Ganesh temple is much smaller with an access through steep steps carved on the rock and provides a stunning view of Trichi, Srirangam and the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam. Due to its ancient and impressive architecture created by the Pallavas, the temple is maintained by the Archaeological department of India.

Sri Veeranarayana Temple (Warangal)

Sri Veeranarayana Temple is constructed in the Chalukyan style around 1104 AD. Located between Hyderabad and Warangal, Kolanupaka is famous for the 2000 year old Jain Mahavir Mandir, with its 1.5 meters high image of Mahavira. Besides the Jain temple, other temples at Kolanupaka are the Shree Veeranarayan temple, and the Shree Someshwara temple.

SreeKooram - Aadhikesava Perumal

SreeKooram, an ancient temple near Kancheepuram, is so named after one of the chief disciple of Sri Ramanjunar, Sri Koorathaalwar. The main deity here is Aadhikesava Perumal but this temple is famous for the aalwar. This temple stands as an example for the aalwar's pure devotion to his guru Ramanujar.

During ancient times when there arouse conflicts between saivism and vaishnavism, the Chola king wished Saivism should rule the world. So he decided to propagate his religion throughout the southern region. Ramanujar was a Veera Vaishnavar. So the king decided to get rid of Ramanujar.

Koorathaalwar heard this and he disguised himself as Ramanujar and went to the palace, where the king decided to pluck his eyes since he was not ready to give up vaishnavism and accept saivism. Koorathaalwar himself plucked his eyes for his guru before the king could do so.

Ramanujar and others heard this news and started praying to Vishnu to get back the aalwar's eyes. Lord Vishnu gave back aalwar's eyes in this place, which was converted to temple later. Till date, people believe that the God and the Aalwar together can cure any sort of eye problems.

Koorathaalwar was born during the tamil month Thai, with star Hastham. So every year, utsavams are conducted during his birthday. Adding to the color, 2009 happens to be the beginning of 1000th birth year of the aalwar, which the temple management have decided to celebrate in a very grand manner.

Main Deity : Aadhikesava Perumal
Thaayaar : Pankajavalli Thaayaar

Temple Location : Very near to Kancheepuram on Kancheepuram-Arakkonam Road. Buses available from Kancheepuram and Arakkonam.

Tirukkachoor temple info

This Shivastalam is located in the vicinity of Chennai, near Singaperumaal Koyil near Chingleput. This is the 26th of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region of South India.

Legends: In his Koorma Avataram Vishnu is said to have worshipped Shiva, seeking the celestial nectar Amritam - hence the name Amrita Tyagar. The name Kachur comes from the Kachaba (tortoise) form with which Vishnu worshipped Shiva. The image above is that of a panel at the Kachabeswarar Temple at Kanchipuram where a similar legend prevails. Shiva is said to have collected alms and offered a feast to Sundarar here, and hence the name Virunditta Eesar. The Ashwini twins are said to have worshipped Shiva to receive the knowledge of medicinal herbs, hence the name Marundeeswarar.

The Temple: There are 2 temples here , a Tyagaraja shrine, which is not one of the Saptavitanka shrines. This shrine is also known as Kachur Aalakkovil for the Aalamara stalavruksham .There is also a a Marundeesar temple atop a hill here. The shrine on top of the hill (Oushadamalai) is known as Aalakkovil while the one at the bottom is Taazhakkovil.

Tirukkachoor near Chennai, Chingleput (Tondai Naadu)
Shiva: Virunditta Eesar, Kachabeswarar
Ambal: Kanniyumaiyal, Anjanakshi
Theertham: Koorma Theertham
Patikam : Sundarar
Travel Base: Chennai

Kurangaaduturai Temple

Ten Kurangaaduturai (Aaduturai) and Vada Kurangaaduturai are the two important Shivastalams, where Sugreevan and Vaali are believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Vada Kurangaduturai is known so because of its location, north of the river Kaveri, near Tiruvaiyaru. Ten Kurandagudurai gets its name from its location south of the river Kaveri.

Hanuman and Sugreeva worshipped Lord Shiva here, and Shiva is said to have revealed a vision of his cosmic dance to Sugreeva. It is also believed that Rama killed Vaali at Ten Kurangaaduturai. It is believed that Hanuman who is said to have lost his tail at Rameshwaram regained it at Vada Kurangaaduturai.

Ten Kurangaaduturai was rebuilt by Sembiyan Mahadevi - the Chola queen (10th century); in the rebuilt structure, earlier inscriptions from the older structure were re-engraved. This temple with 2 Prakarams has a large RajaGopuram. The niche images here are those of Vinayaka (also spelt as Vinayak), Nataraja, Agastya, Dakshinamurti, LinGodbhava, Bhrama, Bhikshatana, Alinganamurti (Lord Shiva and Parvati) and Durga. The sun's rays illuminate the sanctum for three days in a year. Festivals celebrated here include Arudra Darisanam, Navaratri and Shivaratri.

Vada Kurangaaduturai was adminstered by the Thanjavur Royal Palace. A 5-tiered RajaGopuram adorns the entrance to this temple with 2 Prakarams and a spacious front courtyard. Stucco figures representing the legends associated are seen in this temple and a stone image of Vaali worshipping Lord Shiva adorns the sanctum. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period are seen in this temple. Stone images of Nataraja and Shivakami adorn the Natarajar Sabhai shrine also known as "Aadi Chidambaram, Naalikeravanam".

Kumari Amman Temple (Kanyakumari)

Picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, this temple and the nearby ghat attract pilgrims from all over India to worship and to bathe. According to legend, Devi did penance here to secure siva's hand in marriage. When she was unsuccessful, she vowed to remain a virgin (kanya). The temple is open daily from 4.30 to 11.45 am and from 5.30 to 8.30 pm, but non-Hindus are not allowed into the inner sanctrum. Men must remove their shirts, and everyone their shoes on entering the temple.

The Temple
The main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate though the deity is facing east. The eastern entrance is kept closed except on special occasions when the deity is taken out for ceremonial bath.

Three corridors surround the sanctum. The outer corridor has no special shrines, but after a walk round it the devotees cross the 'Navarathiri mandapam' and a pathway leads to the second corridor encircling the shrine. There stands the flag mast or 'Kodisthambam'. From here you can have a clear view of the Goddess. A move further forward will take you in front of the sanctum.

Main Festivals

Opening Times :
The main festivals are held in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May/June) and the Navarathri festival in September/October.

The temple is open to the public from 4.30 AM to 11.45 AM and 5.30 PM to 8.45 PM. Male worshippers are required to remove their shirts before entering the temple.

Legends :
Kanyakumari is a railway terminus and can be reached from any part of the country by rail via Trivandrum or Thirunelveli. There are buses from all cities in Tamilnadu and some places in Kerala state. The nearest airport is in Trivandrum about 86 Km away.

Darbhasayanam

Darbhasayanam LocationTiruppullaani is located near Ramanathapuram. Tiru means 'sacred', Pula the great sage named Pula Maharshi and Ani means 'forest', the sacred forest abode of Pula Maharshi. The other name of the place is "Pullaranyam" (pull-shrub of grass, aranyam--forest: the forest of grass). This place is known by a third name too, "Darbhasayanam" (darbha means sacred grass and sayanam means a bed to rest on).

Darbhasayanam is one of the Sethu Stalams, on the coast of Tamil Nadu, linked with the Ramayana. It alludes to the incident in Sri Rama's life when he took rest on the sacred grass during his penance, for three days and nights, in this particular place.

The Deities
The main deity worshipped here is Kalyana Jagannathan or Aadi Jagannathan in a standing posture facing east and the Goddess worshipped here are Padmasini and Kalyanavalli. There is a shrine of Lord Rama in the Darbasayana pose, signifying his resting here and invoking Varuna for help in crossing the ocean, enroute to Sri Lanka in search of Sita.

About The Temple
This temple with two Prakarams covers an area of about 1.5 acres and is crowned with a 120 feet high Gopuram. In this temple the image of Sri Vishnu, in the reclining posture, on his couch of Adi Sesha, is very imposing to see. The place is rich with antiquities connected with divine persons, sages and saints. The Ramanathapuram royal family has patronized the temple.

Pullaranyam was a marshy land full of grass and Sri Rama chose a bed of Darbha grass, which is held very sacred by all the Hindus. The grass is used on all sacred occasions during the performance of propitiatory rituals in honour of Gods and one's ancestors.

THE TEERTHA'S AT THE PLACE

Hamsa Teertha
In front of the Peepal tree where Mahavishnu gave his darsan to Rishi Pullar, there is a big tank, which is very holy. It is surrounded by a number of hermitages. In this tank Sri Narayana assumed the shape of a swan and gave Veda Upadesam to Brahma and hence it is called "Hamsa Teertha" (Hamsa means Swan).

There lived in ancient times three mighty demons by name Mali, Sumali and Malyavan. Of the three, Mali and Sumali were very cruel and they troubled the hermits, Devas and others very much. In order to put an end to the sufferings of the Devas and the hermits, Vishnu repaired on his Garuda to slay them. By using the ordinary arrows he was not able to kill them.

So, he used Sudarsana Chakra, which did away with the Rakshasas (demons). Since the Chakra became impure, Vishnu asked the Chakra to bathe in the Hamsa Teertha (also spelt as Tirtha or Teertha) and wash away all its sins. After the bath the Chakra returned to Vishnu's right hand. The tank got the names of Chakra Teertha, Dharma Teertha and Varuna Teertha also.

Agastya Teertha
Sage Agastya once got very angry and made the mighty ocean flow into his right palm and drank it off in a gulp. He installed a Teertha there and took his bath in it. Then, for the sake of his forefathers, he offered Pindapradana and performed Tarpana. From that day onwards, it is called "Agastya Teertha".

It is on the western side of Chakra Teertha. On the banks of this, Hiranya performed tapas and received powerful boons.

Once a hermit by name Tevalar, who was well versed in the Vedas, performed tapas in this forest. One day seven Deva Kanyakas, who were enamoured of the beauty of the place, played under the shades of trees and bathed in the tank nearby, leaving their clothes on the bank. Then Tevalar came there to take his bath. The Kanyakas, unmindful of the hermit, continued their Jalakreeda (water-sport) without any dress on. The hermit, getting offended with the Kanyakas, cursed them and they changed into mortals.

The Kanyakas, however, begged of him to have mercy on them and save them from the curse. Tevalar told them that there was a sage by name Pullar in the forest. He was a devout Vishnubhakta. If they went to him, he would indicate to them the manner of redemption. Hearing this, the Kanyakas went to the hermitage of Pullar.

They related to him their past and present history and prayed to him to save them from the curse. Pullar took pity on them and promised to help them to regain their original status. He said that Mahavishnu would take the Avatar of Sri Rama and if the Kanyakas would get darshan of him, they would be absolved of the curse. The Kanyakas were anxiously waiting for the arrival of Sri Rama.

On the northern side of Pullaranyam was the abode of Kanwa Maharshi. In front of it flows a holy river. The hermit used to bathe in the river and pray to Lord Vasudeva for divine bliss. Sage Kanwa heard a divine voice that, when Raghava (Lord Rama) came to the forest, his desires would be fulfilled. From that day onwards, the hermit too was anxiously waiting for Sri Raghava.

In due course Rama with his army of monkeys arrived at this place. He chanced to see the seven Kanyakas, who immediately got released from their curse and turned into Deva Kanyas again. A hunter who accidentally came there saw Lord Rama and received his blessings.

Rama asked him to turn the place into a hamlet, construct a temple in that forest and watch the bridge Setu. Sri Rama gave the name of "Setu Palaka" to the hunter.

The Festival
In commemoration of Sri Adi Jagannatha's darshan to Sage Pula and Sri Rama, a great festival is celebrated in the month of Panguni (March-April) and Brahmotsava is conducted in the month of Chithirai (April-May) to commemorate the two visits of Sri Rama and the incarnation of Maha Vishnu or Adi Jagannatha.

Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple situated at Triplicane is one of the two famous and ancient shrines in Chennai. The temple is said to have existed 1200 years ago. Triplicane is also known as "Thiruvallikeni", one of the 108 Divya Desams, renovated by a king of Pallava Dynasty. "Brindaranya" is the traditional Puranic name of Thiruvallikeni. While dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as Krishna, the Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane enshrines images of the five incarnations of Vishnu including that of a wounded Krishna.

The deity is called "Parthasarathy", as he was the charioteer (sarathy) for Arjuna (Parththan) during the great Kurukshetra war described in the Mahabarata (also spelt as Mahabharatha) epic. Lord Krishna undertook not to take part in the war but agreed to be the charioteer to Arjuna. Bhishma, from the opposing side in order to break Krishna's undertaking, shot arrows at his face. Devotees believe that the marks on the face of the idol in this temple are the wounds sustained in that war. Krishna after the war came here to rest next to a beautiful pond full of 'Alli' flowers thus giving this place the Tamil name 'Thiru-alli-kerny'.

The temple is referred to in the ancient Vaishnavite works of the Alwar saints. The temple covers an area of 1.5 acres and one can see the inscriptions, which date back to 8th century Pallavas (Tondaiman Chakravarti). A number of fine carvings adorn the temple. The present structure of the temple is largely based on the renovations and additions carried out in the 16th century.

The Vijayanagar rulers made several endowments to the temple. The gold image of Tirumaal Nachiyaar, adorning the chest of Venkatakrishnar is a rare work of art. This shrine is considered equivalent to Tirupati.

In the temple complex there are shrines dedicated to Sri Ranganatha, Venkatakrishnaswamy, Sri Rama with his brothers and his consort Sita, and Sri Andal. Sri Hanumar can be seen facing the shrine of Sri Rama. The Azhwars and Archaryas of the Vaishnavite tradition are given pride of place in this temple.

The Deity
The Lord's name here is "Venkatakrishnan". Sri Parthasarathy in the sanctum sanctorum is in a standing posture facing east holding in his right hand and the divine conch called the "Panchajanyam"(He dosen't hold the usual chakra called Sudharshana here). His left hand is in Dana Mudra indicating His Divine feet.

He is seen with his consort Rukmani on his right and his brother Sri Balaraman on his left along with his younger brother Sadyagi, his son Pratumnan and his grandson Aniruthan. It is a rare sight to see the divine Lord with the members of His family. It is believed that Venkateswara of Tirupati manifested himself as Parthasarathy here and hence the name Venkatakrishnan.

Festivities
The important festivals conducted here are the Brahmotsavam in the month of Chithirai (April/May), Thiruaadipooram held for 10 days in the month of Aadi (July/August), and in the month of Markazhi (December-January) the festival called Neerattu Utsavam culminating with Thirukkalyanam.

Palaniandavar Temple (Vadapalani)

aniandavar Temple (Vadapalani)

Palaniandavar Temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya worshipped, as Pazhani Andavar is located in Vadalapani, northern part Chennai. A picture of Lord Subramanya was brought here from Palani that became a very potent divinity, thus acquiring the name Vadapalani.

The legend has it that a devotee of Lord Subramanya by name Annaswamy Nayagar saw a beautiful picture of Lord Subramanya during his visit to Palani displayed in one of the shops. He did not have the money to buy the picture. One day Lord Subramanya appeared in the shopkeeper's dream and directed him to give the picture to Annaswamy Nayagar (also spelt as Annaswami). Annaswamy Nayagar was ecstatic to receive the picture, which he brought to his home in Chennai.

He installed this picture in his house and prayed to Lord Subramanya with this picture as the icon. Slowly he started to exhibit special powers and quickly gained an enormous following of disciples.

After the death of Annaswamy Nayagar one of his disciples by the name of Ratnavel Chettiar took over the task of continuing the work of Annaswamy Nayagar. He converted the house into a shrine and ministered to the devotees. After Ratnavel Chettiar, Bagyalinga Tambiran took over the task of maintaining the temple and the daily worships. It was during his tenure that the present temple was built. The tombs of all these three can be seen near the temple.

Krishnapuram Temple

Krishnapuram is a small village in Tirunelveli district at a distance of about six miles from Tirunelveli town. In spite of the innumerable and wonderful temples in Tamil Nadu, Krishnapuram's temple holds its own, as far as sculptural splendour goes. Astonishing is the fact that 300 years later, the figures look alive and young. Interestingly, the Arulnigu Venkatachalapati temple houses statues of deities, as well as scenes from court life. Some of its pillars emanate interesting sounds, when tapped.

Lord Venkatachalapati has been installed here with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Pujas and abhishekam are being conducted to the Lord daily and some important festivals are celebrated every year. There are a good number of images and idols of sculptural interest in the temple, attracting hundreds of visitors.

There is a Mandapam known as "Veerappa Naick Mandapam" on the northern side of the temple. There are two beautifully carved elephants adorning the entrance of this Mandapam. The six pillars at the centre of the Mandapam bear images of exquisite beauty depicting scenes from the Puranas.

Any visitor will be impressed by the dexterity with which each image in the Mandapam has been carved out. They are so life-like and their features and expressions so natural and real that a person will be under the impression that he is actually in front of living beings. Such beautiful idols can hardly be seen elsewhere. The stone for carving out the idols has been selected with such care that they produce melodious musical sounds when struck at different places. There are many good images of ingenious and rare workmanship in the Mandapam, which is just opposite the presiding deity.

Representation Of The Story Of The Adventure Of Bhimasena With Purushamrigam
One of the pillars represents the story of the adventure of Bhimasena with Purushamrigam. To fulfill the ritual at an important yaga, Yudhishthira required the milk of Purushamrigam, a half-man, half-beast denizen of the forests, this creature is a devoted Shiva bhakta and Bhimasena achieved his purpose when it was in deep penance. But it's highly developed mental faculties found out the desecration committed by Bhima and it gave an angry chase.

Lord Krishna, without whom Pandavas would have been nothing, handed Bhima three stones, each of which was cast by him one after another. At each stone, a Shiva shrine sprang up and consequently Purushamrigam, being a sensitive Shiva bhakta, paused to offer worship to Lord Shiva and was consequently delayed in the pursuit of Bhima.

In spite of these efforts, the Pandava prince was captured when, with one foot already out of the forest, he was about to reach civilization again. Bhima could not escape the powerful grip of Purushamrigam and they both entered into an argument of jurisdiction and Purushamrigam, oddly enough consented to an arbitration of the dispute by Yudhishthira.

The latter took the responsibility for the whole act, granted the creature's right to act as it pleased in the forest region, and offered half his body in lieu of that part of Bhima's which was within the jungle when he was caught. Deeply touched by the devotion of Yudhishthira to Dharma, Purushamrigam freed Bhima and changed its cannibal.

Kaliyar Koil Temple

n the territory ruled by kings of the Pandya dynasty, there were 14 sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, which have been visited by the three great Tamil saints, Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar. Of these fourteen places Tirukanapper, presently known as "Kaliyar Koil" is an important shrine and is known by many other names.

Kaliyar Koil is situated in Devakottai town, five miles away from Shivaganga on the railway line from Karaikudi to Rameshwaram. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, in temple is known as "Kaleesar". The Gopuram of the temple is not only gigantic in stature but also immensely imposing, being visible from a great distance. As the Gopuram has become very old, devoted people have joined together to renovate it, which is being done now.

It is said that Sage Agastya came to this place and took bath in the holy Teertha of Shivaganga, where he visualized the real form of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva once cursed Parvati Devi for closing his eyes out of jest and throwing the entire universe into complete darkness, which caused untold sufferings to the people. As a result of the curse, she had to spend her time on the earth in the form of Kali, worshipping Lord Shiva.

At that time, there was a demon by name Chandasuran who was harassing all the Devas (Gods) including Vishnu, Brahma and Indra. All of them approached Lord Shiva for help and according to his advice they approached Kali.

The Mother of the Universe took pity on them and killed the demon in a fierce battle and relieved them of their sufferings. The place where the Devas first met the Devi, came to be known as "Kandadevi" (Kanda means 'seen' in Tamil', - The fort which was built by the Devas for the Devi to reside in is known as "Devakottai" (Kottai means fort).

The present town of Devakottai has derived its name thus. The place where the demon was conquered is known as "Vetriyur" (Vetri means victory); the place where the flag-mast of the Demon's chariot was broken into two is known as "Kodikulam" (Kodi means flag and Kulam means tank); the place where flowers were showered by the Devas on the Devi returning with victory after killing the Demon, is known as "Poongudi" (Poo - means flowers).

After the terrible fight with the Demon, Kali reached this holy place, worshipped Lord Shiva and at last got back her original form of Parvati and attained re-union.