Nanjundeshwara Temple / Srikanteshwara Temple - Nanjangud

Nanjangud -close to Mysore - is famous for its Nanjundeshwara (Shiva) temple. A 1000+ year old temple from the days of Ganga's. And seems to have had major royal patronage all through. It reflects in the grandeur of the temple, exquisite sculpture, two big wooden chariots, and idols of numerous kings & queens.

This Nanjangud temple is dedicated to Nanjundeshwara or Srikanteshwara, who is Lord Shiva and He is called so as Lord Shiva swallowed the poison which originated while Great Churning of the Ocean. The temple had been under frequent expansion in phases and contributions from different rulers of the region for about 10 centuries by Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Krishnadevaraya, Dalavoys and Wodeyaras from 9th century to 19th century.  When Tippu Sultan's Royal elephant had lost its eyesight, he worshiped Lord Nanjundeshwara and had faith in Him. The eyesight of the elephant got recovered and Lord Nanjundeshwara was called as "Hakim Nanjundeshwara" by Tippu Sultan. Tippu Sultan then donated a Shiva Lingam made of jade (precious green stone) along with an emerald necklace to the temple. Hakim means doctor, Lord Nanjundeshwara is also called as "Vaidya Nanjundeshwara" and is even today said to be a healer for his devotees.

This temple is situated on right banks of Kapila (Kabini) River and is one of the oldest temples in India. The Shiva Linga in the temple is believed to be installed by the sage Gauthama who had stayed here for some time. This Shiva Linga was also worshiped by Parashurama when he had stayed for some time in this town on his journey to get cleansed from the sin of beheading his mother.

A major event in the pilgrim town is the Rathotsava or the Chariot festival of Nanjundeshwara held twice every year, locally known as Dodda Jathre and Chikka Jathre. Idols of Lord Nanjundeshwara, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subramanya and Lord Chandikeshwara are kept in five separate chariots and a traditional puja's are performed to the idols early in the morning on the day of Jathre. After the puja chariots are flagged off. Thousands of devotees pull the Chariots carved in the wood, through the streets of the old city.

Nanjangud Temple Timings:

Morning: 6am to 1pm
Evening: 4pm to 8pm.
Temple will be open from
Morning 6am to Evening 8pm
on Special Days and Mondays. 

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.

Murugan Temple (Tirupporur)

Tirupporur (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.

The 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".

Udayanapuram

Udayanapuram enshrining Subramanya is located near Vaikom and is closely associated with the Vaikom Mahadevar temple and the Kumaranallur Bhagawati temple. It is believed that worship at the famed Vaikom Mahadevar temple is complete only after a visit to Udayanapuram. Udayanapuram is also closely tied to the grand Ashtami celebration at the Vaikom temple.

Udayanapuram is considered to be equivalent to Palani in Tamilnadu.

Legend has it that the Bhagawati temple at Kumaranallur nearby was originally intended for Subramanya and that this temple was intended originally for Bhagawati and was known as Udayanayakeepuram. It is believed that Bhagawati occupied the temple intended for Kumaran, and hence her temple town took on the name Kumaran-alla-ooru (not for Kumaran). In conjunction with this legend, Bhagawati Sevai is conducted at the Subramanya temple at Udayanapuram.

In terms of structure, it does resemble the Vaikom Mahadevar temple. The temple boasts of several beautiful carvings and paintings.

Thai Poosam in the month of Capricorn, is celebrated in great splendour here, when hundreds of Kaavadis line up here in procession. These Kaavadis make their way to Vaikom first and then find their way to Udayanapuram.

The most interesting of festivals here is the Vaikkattu Ashtami, the 12th day of the annual festival in the month of Scorpio. This day witnesses a spectacular victory procession of Subramanya from Udayanapuram to Vaikom, symbolizing Kartikeya's victory over the demons, and his greeting Shiva at Vaikom on the occasion. Also accompanying this procession are deities from several other neighboring temples.

This three hour long procession with the accompaniment of music and elephants reaches the Vaikom temple, where an image of Shiva on a beautifully decorated elephant greets the procession. This meeting is followed by a farewell, and Subramanya is taken back in procession to Udayanapuram.

Interestingly, no food offerings are made at the Vaikom temple sanctum during this festival, as it is believed that Shiva himself fasts, for his son's success in the battle against the demons, while thousands are fed within the temple precincts.

The Kidangoor Skanda temple: At Kidangoor in this area, there is a Subramanya temple. Legend has it that this temple was originally constructed for Vishnu, but a sequence of events involving local legends caused this to be consecrated as a Subramanya temple (in a manner similar to the Kumaranalloor temple). The annual festival at Kidangoor is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. Kartikai and Thai Poosam are the other festivals celebrated here.

The Thottagam Skanda temple: Located in Thalayazham near Vaikom, this Subramanya temple celebrates its annual utsavam for 8 days from Chathayam to Rohini in Dhanur month.

Haripad

Haripad is located north of Kollam and is home to the Subramanya temple. The other well known shrine dedicated to Subramanya in Kerala is at Udayanapuram. Also near Haripad is Mannarsala, where a serpent grove is held in great reverence.

This temple enshrines an imposing image of Subramanya said to have been worshipped by Parasurama. Much of the temple is a result of renovations carried out in the 20th century.

This temple celebrates annual festivals in the tamil months of Aavani (Aug-Sep), Maargazhi (Dec - Jan), Chittirai (Apr-May). Kaartikai Deepam and Thai Poosam are also celebrated here. Kaavadi dances are offered in this temple as with Murugan temples in Tamilnadu.

The annual festival commences on the first day of the malayala new year Vishu. Paraphernalia for Vishu celebrations here are brought from the Kalarickal temple at Karuvatta near Mavelikara, and gifts from the Haripad temple are reciprocated.

Vayalur

This is one of the well known abodes of Skanda, and is located at a distance of about 9 km from Tiruchirappalli. Traditionally most temples to Skanda are hill temples; this is a well visited Murugan temple located amidst fields. This temple has been revered by the hymns of Arunagirinathar and is rich in legend, history, tradition and festivals.

(Also see Sree Rangam, Tiruvanaikkaval, Uraiyur , Tirukkozhi and Uttamar Koyil in and around Tiruchirappalli.)

In a sense, Vayalur is considered to be the most important of all Skanda temples, given the fact that Arunagirinathar commenced his Tiruppugazh here, upon the behest of Subramanya (despite his having composed the first poem Muttaittaru at Tiruvannamalai). Legend has it that Subramanaya summoned Arunagirinathar to Vayalur. The Tiruppugazh hymn Kaittala Nirai Kani, is addressed to Poyyaa Ganapati at Vayalur.



Arunagirinathar

Historically the Subramanyar temple at Kumaravayalur dates back to the period of the Cholas, as testified by the inscriptions seen here. Vayalur is also known as Aadi Vayalur, Agneeswaram and Vanni Vayalur. Shiva is referred to as Agneeswarar (and as Tirukkatrali Perumaanadigal in inscriptions), and Parvati is referred to as Poorvasti Nayaki.

Of great beauty is the Vairavel adorning Subramanyar. This temple also enshrines a bronze image of Nataraja in a unique posture with both his feet on the ground.

The outermost prakaram enshrines the Vanni tree stalavriksham. The second prakaram enshrines Agneeswarar, and behind him Shanmukhar. Also in this prakaram are other shrines.

Festivals: As with all Murugan temples, Sashti and the Kartikai asterism each month are of great significance. Panguni Utthiram is celebrated in great splendour here, when Subramanyar is taken out in procession on a silver mayil vaahanam. Skanda Sashti and Kartikai Deepam are also of significance here. Also important is the annual festival culminating in Vaikasi Visakam. The Arunagirinathar festival is celebrated in the month of Aani.

Marudhamalai Temple (Coimbatore)

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

About 12-km away from Coimbatore railway station is the Marudhamalai temple of Lord Muruga. The temple is situated on the Marudamalai (Maruda is the colloquial form of Marunthu which means medicine; Malai means mountain) mountain and is one of the most visited temples in the region, the reason being that the presiding deity, known as "Dandayuthapani" is believed to have performed several miracles here.

In the course of the epic fight to kill Ravana, Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, was hit by Ravana's son, Indrajit, by a 'Nagastra' (also spelt as Nagashastra), probably by arrows dipped in snake-poison or by an arrow delivering a number of serpents. When Lakshmana was lying unconscious, Rama, much perturbed at heart, requested Anjaneya to fly to the Kailas (also spelt as Kailash) Mountain in the Himalayas to bring Sanjeevini, the medicinal herb and an antidote to all poisons.

Anjaneya reached the mountain but was unable to locate the particular herb wanted. So, instead of coming back empty handed, he uprooted the Gandamarutha Mountain and carried it with him, so that the required medicine could be taken, from it. It is said that while he was carrying the mountain, a chip of it fell down at this spot and it is known today as "Marunthu - Malai".

The peculiarity of this hill is that, even now, during the rainy season, many kinds of medicinal herbs, largely used in the preparation of medicines in Ayurvedic pharmacopea, grow on it. People believe that even the bitter leaves of trees and the ordinary grass that is found on the mountain tastes sweet when cooked. Anjaneya installed a Linga (also spelt as lingam) on this mountain, which is to this day devoutly visited and worshipped by pilgrims.

Melaikkodumalur

The Kumaraian temple is located at Melakodumalur, 24 km from Manamadurai and is held in great reverence locally. Javvaduppulavar has sung of this shrine. In addition, this temple has been glorified by the works of Nallamuthu Pillai of Mudukulattur (Pillaittamizh and Kuravanji).

Deity: The presiding deity Subramaniar is worshipped in the form of an imposing 6 feet high image in a standing posture. The temple has a single prakaram. It is believed that the image of the presiding deity was discovered under a tree and then installed in the temple.

Festivals: Panguni Uthiram is the annual festival celebrated. Muppazha Tiruvizha is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi.

Kazhugumalai

Kazhugumalai is one of the ancient murugan temples in Tamilnadu known for its rock-cut images. Kazhugumalai has been revered by the Thirupugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar. Kazhugumalai is located on the road between Sankaran koil and Koilpatti near Tiirunelveli.

The Karnatic Music composer Mutthuswamy Deekshitar has sung in praise of this shrine. There are several literary works in praise of this shrine. The Ettappa Nayakar cheieftans are associated with several of the renovation efforts and endowments to this temple.

Kazhugaachalam is also known as Ten Palani. The presiding deity here is Kazhugachalamurthy (Aarumugaswami ) enshrined as a beautiful rock-cut image in a cave. The temple and the picturesque tank are located at the foothills of the 300 feet high hill. The temple dates back to the 8th century, of the early pandya kings as testified by inscriptions . However, the shrine to shiva and several other mandapams date back to the period of the king of Ettaiyapuram of the 16th century.

Legend has it that a Pandya ruler by name Adi Madhura Pandyan built this temple, upon seeing a cow empyting the contents of its udder into an anthill on this hill, where an image of Skanda on a peeacock mount was discovered.

Legend also has it that Rama performed the last rites to Jatayu at Pullirukkuvelur). Sambaadi, the brother of Jatayu regretted his inability to do the same, and upon Rama's direction worshipped Skanda at Kazhugumalai after bathing in the Aambal river. Legend also has it that Rama rested at Chaayamalai (Vaanarampatti) enroute to Srilanka with the army of Vaanaras.

Legend also has it that Agasthyar rested here enroute to Potikai Malai, and that Murugan's shrine faces southwest towards Potikai in acknowledgement of his worship.

The sacred ash is offered on a leaf as in Tiruchendur. The peacock mount is seen to the left of Skanda unlike the usual position on right.

Also enshrined here are Jambukeswarar and Akhilandeswari. There are also shrines to Somaskandar, Bhikshadanar, Veerabaahu, Natarajar, Manikkavaacakar and others. The water in the temple tank Valli Sunai is considered to be of medicinal value. The sculptural work in the Mahamandapam is of great value.

The Vettuvan koil (Vinayakar koil) is found on top of the hill. Several Jain carvings are seen on the hill.

Festivals: Six worship services are carried out each day here. Skandasashti is celebrated with great splendor. Thai poosam, panguni uttram and Vaikasi Visakam are the annual festivals celebrated here. Cattle fares in the vicinity