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, Sri Veeranarayana Temple tours, Visit Sri Veeranarayana Temple of Andhra PradeshSri 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

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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)


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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 Darbhasayanam, Visit Darbhasayanam of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Darbhasayanam, Religious place of TamilnaduLocationTiruppullaani 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, Visit Parthasarathy Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Parthasarathy Temple, Religious placeParthasarathy 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.

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Krishnapuram Temple

Krishnapuram Temple, Visit Krishnapuram Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Krishnapuram Temple, Religious place 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


Kaliyar Koil Temple, Visit Kaliyar Koil Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Kaliyar Koil Temple, Religious place
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).

Kaliyar Koil Temple, Visit Kaliyar Koil Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Kaliyar Koil Temple, Religious place 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.

Innambar Temple

Innambar Temple, Visit Innambar Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Innambar Temple, Religious place of TamilnaduInnambar lies 5-km to the north west of Kumbakonam. The temple covers an area of about 2 acres. Agasthyar was thought Tamizh (grammar of Tamil) at this temple and he brought it to the world. A very big Garbhagraham, which could allow an elephant to perform puja can be seen here. Airavatam, the mythological elephant is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. A five-tiered RajaGopuram adorns the entrance to this temple with 2 Prakarams, while a Gajaprishta Vimanam with 5 Kalasams crowns the sanctum. Stucco images on the Vimanam illustrate the Stala Puranam.The ShivaLinga and the entrances to the sanctum are huge and the Nataraja image is of great workmanship. Nityakalyani Amman is situated to the right of Lord Shiva, while there is a separate shrine for Sugandha Kundalambal in the outer Prakaram. Nityakalyani Amman's shrine located close to Lord Shiva's shrine is said to represent the Kalyanakkolam of Lord Shiva. Inscriptions from the Chola and Vijayanagar periods are found in this temple. Four worship services are offered each day here. Some volunteers who belonged to "Thaayumaanavar Narpani Manram", Trichy, renovated the temple.

Murugan Temple (Tirupporur)

Murugan Temple, Visit Murugan Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Murugan Temple, Religious place of TamilnaduTirupporur (place of the sacred war) is one of the 33 major temples of Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Muruga, situated 25-km away from Chingleput and 45-kmfrom Chennai. Tirrupporur is an ancient temple dating back to the Pallava period.

Tirupporur is known by different names like Poriyur or Yuddhapuri or Samarapuri. It is believed that after vanquishing Soorapadman at Tiruchendur, Skanda destroyed the rest of the demons at Tirupporur.

There are many legends related to Tirupporur according to one, Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi were subjected to the curse of Kanva rishi. In order to liberate them from its effects Lord Shiva came to this place and relieved them from its effects.

Hence Tirupporur temple has a lot of significance where Lord Shiva and his son Muruga (also spelt as Murugan) are worshipped. The Sthalapurana also discloses that Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted protection to devas and expounded the meaning of Pranava to Agastya Muni at this place.

According to legend, Skanda enunciated the principle of pranava or reality to the devas here. The very concept of Pranavam is said to have worshipped Skanda here, and the hill behind the temple is known as "Pranava Malai". Legend also has it that Vishnu worshipped Shiva on the Pranava Hill. Legend also has it that Skanda worshipped Shiva as "Vanmeekeswara" to rid himself of the sin of having killed Soorapadman. Another legend has it that Skanda enunciated the principle of pranava or reality to the devas here. The very concept of Pranavam is said to have worshipped Skanda here, and the hill behind the temple is known as "Pranava Malai". Lord Vishnu worshipped Shiva on the Pranava hill.

Legend also has it that Skanda worshipped Shiva as Vanmeekeswara to rid himself of the sin of having killed Soorapadman.

Inscriptions dating back to the early 10th century as well as from the period of Vikrama Chola of the 12th century can bee seen in the temple. Tirupporur flourished but faded into oblivion for some time.

But Tirupporur was rediscovered and renovated by Chidambara Swamigal in the middle of the seventeenth century. Tirupporur was who is said to be a descendant of one of the poets of the "Tamil Sangam" of Madurai. Previously this place was a forest covered totally by Palmyra trees.

Murugan Temple, Visit Murugan Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Murugan Temple, Religious place of TamilnaduThe image of the Lord Muruga (also spelt as Murugan) is believed to be as "Swayambhu Murti", which lay covered up by an anthill. Chidambara Swamigal is said to have discovered the image of 'Skanda' in the anthill, and then rebuilt the temple and reinstalled the image.

The temple was later on looked after by the decedents of Chidambara Swamigal and brought it to the present day fame.

About The Temple
This temple enshrines Skanda in several forms relating to legends from the Skanda Puranam. The foremost of these is the depiction of Skanda as a warrior, "Samhara Subramanya". He is also enshrined in the form of a child, expounding the meaning of the oneness of creation Om to his father Lord Shiva.

On the eastern side of the temple is sanctum sanctorum wherein one can see the 'Palmyra' tree and the anthill under it wherein is "Kanda Perumal" with "Valli" and "Devayanai" on a small Peetha. Chidambara Swamigal used to perform Abhishekam to these images. The image of the lord in the anthill is covered with Kavacha and other jewels but no Abhishekam (also spelt as Abhisheka) is performed for this deity.

There is a 24-pillared hall and a 30-pillared circular hall in this temple. There is a shrine to "Vembadi Vinayaka" under a Neem tree. The two sacred Teerthams (also spelt as Teerthas or Theertahs), "Saravana Poigai" and "Valliyar Odai" are on the southern side of the temple. On the eastern side of the Teerthams, there is a Mandapam of four pillars. There is also another Teertham by name "Pranavamritam".

Lord Veeraraghava Temple (Tiruvallur)


Lord Veeraraghava Temple, Visit Lord Veeraraghava Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Lord Veeraraghava TempleTiruvallar is glorified by the location of a famous Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Sri Veeraraghava Swami. The deity of Veera-raghava is Lord Vishnu lying on Adi Sesa, with Lord Brahma coming out from his navel. The Goddess is known as "Kanakavalli" or "Vasumati".

The temple has a huge intricately carved Gopuram. It is a marvelous sight to see the glorious specimens of Dravidian art in sculptures depicting the mythological legends of Hindu scriptures in the pinnacles of the Gopurams. It is believed that Lord Vishnu killed the demons Madhu and Kaitabha here at Veeksharanya Kshetram.

Tiruvallur was also known as "Bhikshwaranyam" (the forest where sages lived on alms) in ages gone by. During January 1960, Kumbhabhishekam was performed in this temple after all the Gopurams were renovated and repainted.

The legend connected with the origin of this temple shows that once upon a time, in Krita Yuga, a sage by name Purupunyar lived with his wife Satyavati in Badarikashram. They had no children. Purupanyar performed a Sali Yajna (Putrakameshti Yaga) with great fervor and devotion. The sage offered 1,000 'Ahutis' (oblations of ghee to the sacrificial fire after chanting the mantra each time) every day, for one full year. On the last day, when Purnahuti (the final offering) was performed, Lord Narayana was pleased with the austerity of the ritualistic observances of the sage, and appeared in the sacrificial fire in a blissful mood to offer boons. The sage prayed for a noble son.

The boon was granted with the condition that he should be named after the name of the Yajna as Salihotran. With this blessing, Lord Narayana disappeared. Then the sage collected the ash strewn around the Yajna Peetha and gave a handful of it to his consort to take in with great veneration as Prasadam.

In the tenth month after that, a glorious son was born to Sage Purupunyar. The child was named Salihotran as ordained by Lord Narayana. With the growth of years, the child showed signs of precocity and started on a pilgrimage-visiting temple after temple. On Pushya Amavasya day (New Moon day in January-February), he reached Tiruvallur where he found that Lord Brahma, other Devas and great sages like Vasishtha, were engaged in taking bath in the Hrittapanasini tank.

Next year, on the same Pushya Amavasya day, he completed one year of penance and took a holy bath in the Hrittapanasini tank and observed his morning prayers. As he was fasting for one year without food or drink, he collected on that day some paddy and prepared prasadam out of that. He divided it into three parts; the first part was offered to Lord Narayana. The second part was kept for offering as charity and the third for his own consumption.

At this juncture, Lord Narayana took the form of an old Brahmin and came the way where Salihotran was waiting to offer the share to a guest. When Salihotran saw the old Brahmin, he immediately requested him to grace his hermitage. He respectfully offered to the Brahmin the prasadam meant for the guest. Quickly the Brahmin ate up the offering and Salihotran felt from his facial appearance that he was not satisfied.

On inquiry, he learnt that the old Brahmin had had no food for the last 4 or 5 days and his hunger was not fully satisfied. At this, the second portion that he kept for himself was offered to the guest. The guest was satisfied and left the place. Salihotran commenced another year's penance without food and drink. Again, on the day of Pushya Amavasya at its close, he took his holy bath in the tank and noticed many unusual good omens on his way. After finishing his morning rituals, he procured some paddy and prepared oblations. Like the previous year, he offered a portion to Lord Narayana and was waiting for a guest to offer the second portion, leaving the last portion for him.

This time also, Lord Narayana took the form of an old Brahmin and was coming by that way. Salihotran-welcomed him and while accompanying him to the hermitage, the old Brahmin expressed that he was feeling extremely hungry and thirsty and needed a place for rest also. In the hermitage, Salihotran offered the entire prasadam meant for the guest as well as for himself. The old Brahmin was greatly pleased and asked Salihotran, for a place to lie down. Salihotran arranged for a bed too.

Later that night Salihotran saw a beautiful princess passing by his hermitage. The prince was so charmed by the beauty of the princess that he voluntarily expressed that he, a prince was on the lookout for a bride. The princess advised the prince to go and worship Lord Veeraraghava in the temple situated on the northern bank of Hrittapanasini tank, if he wanted to marry her.

But the prince did not move, but argued that if the mutual love was real, God Himself would come down to approve of it. The princess then sent for her parents. Arriving there, they enquired about the prince's lineage but the prince would not divulge his identity.

However, he swore by Lord Veeraraghava that after his marriage with the princess, he would stay there. This being a very sound proposal, the marriage was fixed; and performed. Following the traditional custom of offering prayer at the temple after marriage, by the newly wedded couple, the prince and princess, accompanied by the parents and the invited guests, went to the temple of Lord Veeraraghava.

When they approached the sanctum sanctorum, to the utter amazement of all present, the newly married couple merged into the deity and stood transformed as Lord Veeraraghava, and his divine consort Kanakavalli, who blissfully blessed the parents and the assembly to attain salvation after their preordained, stay in the world.

Kudumianmalai Temple

Kudumianmalai Temple, Visit Kudumianmalai Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Kudumianmalai Temple, Religious place Kudumianmalai is located at a distance of 20-km from Pudukkottai. The presiding deity is Sikhagireeswara. There are beautiful sculptures and a thousand pillar-hall in the temple. The temple is noted for numerous inscriptions. Remarkable among them is the one relating to a musical treatise of the Mahendra Varma Pallavan, who experimented the Sapthaswara in a Veena called "Parivadini" with 8 strings. There is also a rock-cut cave temple called "Melakkoil", which was excavated during the time of Mahendravarma Pallavan. The Anna Agricultural Farm and Agriculture Research Institute are the other interesting features of this place.

Lord Varaha Temple (Tiruvadantai)


Lord Varaha Temple, Visit Lord Varaha Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Lord Varaha Temple, Religious place of TamilnaduMythologically, the third incarnation of Vishnu was in the form of Varaha, the Boar. There are a number of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the aspect of this incarnation. One of such famous temples is at Tiruvadantai, 27 miles from Chennai towards south on the way to Mahabalipuram.

The main deity is 3m (9 ft) tall and is called "Sri Lakshmi Adi Varaha". He is also known as "Sri Nritya Kalyana Perumal'. The Lord holds a conch in his upraised right hand and the disc in his left. The name of the Goddess is "Akhilavalli Ammal". The Goddess is seated over the left thigh of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha aspect, His left hand encircling Her waist, while Her feet are held in His lower right hand palm. Only the right leg of Varahaswami is touching the floor.

The deity is decorated with a garland formed of 108 saligrams around the neck. The legend goes that one Hariseka Maharaj, the ruling chief of Mahabalipuram, possessed this garland originally. He was a great devotee of Adi Varahaswami and it was his daily routine to visit the temple and pay homage. When he became old and was physically unable to move, he presented the garland to the presiding deity.

There are four Utsavamurtis (processional deities), namely, Nitya - kalyanaswami, Kottukar, Palpo Perumal and Spathanaperam. On festive occasions the processional deities are taken around the temple.

Once upon a time there lived a sage named Kalava at Tiruvadantai. He had 360 daughters. Tiruvadantai was a great city in those days and had 360 Agraharam (streets where Brahmins lived). As the sage was greatly honoured and respected, one daughter was taken up by each of the 360 streets to be respectfully maintained and looked after. Time rolled on. In due course, when the girls came of age it became a great anxiety for the sage how to get them married suitably. Praying fervently, the sage resigned himself to God.

Lord Varaha Temple, Visit Lord Varaha Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Lord Varaha Temple, Religious place of Tamilnadu
Lord Vishnu elected to take the form of a 'Brahmachari' (bachelor) and appeared in the first Agraharam and broached the subject of marriage with the first daughter and then married her. It is customary with newly married Hindu couples to visit the village temple and pay their homage to the presiding deity and receive blessings for their future life. When the Brahmachari visited the local Varahaswami temple with his newly - wedded wife, he and his wife both mysteriously vanished in the sanctum sanctorum.

On the second day, Vishnu again took the form of another Brahmachari and proposed marriage with the second daughter in the second Agraharam and married her too. After marriage when the couple visited the local temple they too disappeared. Likewisely, mysteriously, a new Brahmachari used to be performed with one of Kalava Maehashi's 360 daughters. And when the newly married couples visited the Varahaswami temple, they just vanished.

When all the 360 girls vanished in this manner, the episode reached Maharshi Kalava. He was bewildered and agitated and wanted to know from God Himself the whereabouts of his daughters and sons-in-law.


Lord Varaha Temple, Visit Lord Varaha Temple of Tamilnadu, Temple tour of Lord Varaha Temple, Religious place of Tamilnadu
When the Sage entered the, sanctum sanctorum of the temple with the object of knowing from the Lord's mouth the where abouts of his daughters, Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Varaha, the Boar, holding all the 360 daughters on lap. Lord Varahaswami embraced all the 360 daughters of Maharshi with his left hand and pressed all the 360 souls into single soul of Lakshmi, His consort, making her sit on his raised thigh. The merging of the souls of his daughters with that of Goddess Lakshmi enlightened the Sage.

The sage was greatly elated that Goddess Lakshmi considered him fit enough to be her father. As the marriage episode continued day after day for the 360 days of the year, the presiding deity was fondly named "Nityakalyanaswami" (Nitya means daily, Kalyana means marriage). Gradually the place gained in importance.

Amaravati Temple (Amaravati)

(Amaravati)
AMARAVATI has made Andhra statue a byword among the plastic arts of the world, since the Amaravati Buddhist sculptures are world-famous as the most perfect example of what is called the Andhra or the Amaravati type of sculpture.

Amaravati Temple, which is situated in Sattenapalli Taluk of Guntur District, is also well-known as the seat of a temple to Lord Siva wor- shipped here as Lord Amareswara.

Amaravati is situated twenty miles northwest of Guntur and is connected with it by a high-quality motorable road.

One can arrive at Guntur by getting down at Vijaya- wada, which is a main Junction in the Madras-Delhi and Madras-Calcutta line and from which excellent buses take one to Guntur.

There are good bus associations from Guntur to Amaravati. At Amaravati, there is a Public Works Department Travelers Bungalow, some choultries and sheds for pilgrims' stay.

Amaravati Temple, Amaravati Temple tours, Visit Amaravati Temple of Andhra Pradesh, Temple tour of Amaravati Temple

Devi Puram Temple

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Devipuram temple complex located near Visakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Belonging primarily to the Shakta school of Hinduism, it is dedicated to the goddess Sahasrakshi ("she who has a thousand [infinite] eyes"; a form of Lalita Tripurasundari or Parvati); and her consort Kameshwara (Shiva).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/