11 October 2012

Shiva Temples-Pancha Aranya Sthalams - Thirukarugavur

The Five Shiva Temples which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams are:

Name
Location
Vanam
1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple
Tirukkarugavur
Mullai
2.  Sri Satchi Nathar Temple
Avalivanallur
Paadhiri
3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple
Tiru Aradaipperumpazhi
Vanni
4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple
Tiru Erumpoolai[Alangudi]
Poolai
5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple
Tirukkollampudur
Vilvam

Lord Shiva

These Temples signify the Five Temples of Lord Shiva,  surrounded by forest. 

Pancha - 5 , Aranyam,Vanam - Forest

It is believed that one should see all the five Pujas in these five temples in a single day and get the Blessings of Lord Shiva.   One can make a tour of these temples called PANCHA ARANYA STHALANGAL. in a single day by keeping to the following timings:  


  • 6.00 am – Mullaivananathar—Thirukkarugavur.
  • 8.00 am – Satchinathar swamy –Aavalivannallur
  • 12.00 pm – Paathaaleswara swamy—Tiruaradai Perumpazhi [Haridwara Mangalam]
  • 5.30 pm –Aapathsahayeswarar Temple, Tiru Erumpoolai [Alangudi]
  • 8.30 pm – Vilvavaneswarar- thirukkollampudur

 More on this temple[Thirukarugavur] which falls first among the five Panch Aranya Sthalams.


1.  Thirukarugavur




Thirukarugavur

About the Temple 


Thirukarugavur is the abode of Goddess Garbharakshambika and Lord Mullaivana Nathar. Garbharakshambika means “The Mother Who Protects the Womb”. The name of the place itself brings out the significance of the temple. A remarkable feature of the temple which distinguishes it from the innumerable other shrines of our land is that the Goddess Sri Garbharakshambika not only protects the unborn child, but also blesses people who long for a child, people who have pregnancy related problems and pregnant women who come to the temple praying for an easy delivery.

The other presiding deity is Lord Mullaivana Nathar [Lord of the Jasmine Garden]. Worshiping this God will cure all kinds of skin diseases. People who are afflicted with incurable diseases come to this temple.

Presiding dieties

Among the numerous shrines in Tanjore District the temple at Thirukarugavur is a unique one. The presiding deities of the temple are Lord Mullaivananathar and Goddess Garbharakshambika. Lord Mullaivananathar is Lord Shiva himself and Goddess Garbharakshambika is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati is the embodiment of Shakti [Power]. She has the power to give or empower. She is perhaps the most loved and undoubtedly the most giving of her love. In her we have the true celebration of Hindu womanhood.

Architecture

The Shri Garbharakshambika Sameta Shri Mullaivana Nathar temple is spread over a wide expanse with huge towering Gopurams and a beautiful water tank in front of it. The temple is surrounded by tall coconut - palms, the whole atmosphere is very calming and serene and lends the place sanctity.
Once you walk past the temple tank, you reach into the temple complex of Shri Garbharakshambika Sameta Shri Mullaivana Nathar.
There is a main Raja gopuram on the east and the temple has also got an entrance on the south side.
Both the shrines of Lord Mullaivana Nathar and Goddess Garbharakshambika are situated in the outer Prakaram, which is the main Prakaram facing the east direction.
The main sanctum of this temple has the Shiva lingam and Goddess Garbharakshambika is situated to the left of the Shiva temple. It is believed that the Nandi at this temple is in Swayambhu vigraham [Self manifested] and so is the Karpaga Vinayagar inside the temple, and as such commands unique devotion from the worshippers. There is also a shrine for Lord Subramanian.
Devotees pay their respects to the presiding deity, Shri Mullaivana nathar [Lord Shiva] first, as is the custom that is followed in Shiva temples anywhere in TN and then to Goddess Garbharakshambika.

Beauty of the Goddess

GGarbarakshambigai Temple 2oddess Garbharakshambika is the supreme personality of Motherhood and the sanctum sanctorum [Garba Graha] of Her temple is filled with the presence of Her beautiful idol , which is about 7 feet tall and decked in beautiful kanjeevaram sarees and exquisite jewellery. She is adorned with fragrant, colourful flowers which are offered in abundance increasing Her beauty. The Goddess has the most radiant smile on Her face depicting positivity and a ray of hope. For the thousands who throng to Her abode She is not just an idol, She is their only remaining hope.
Even a casual visitor cannot fail to be thrilled by the motherly grace and the imposing look of the Goddess here.

Garbarakshambigai Temple History

The Gopuram and the huge compound walls tell the story of more than a thousand years. The Sthalapuranas which are in Sanskrit and Tamil are preserved in manuscript forms and show the antiquity of the temple. The Sthalapurana gives a detailed account of the origin of this Kshetram and the various persons who obtained Divine Grace at this place.There are also ancient inscriptions on the walls inside.
Inscriptions from King Raja Raja Chola’s period who ruled between 985 and 1014 AD; as well as those from Parantaka Chola’s period [early 10th century AD] are seen inside the temple. There is evidence that Beema, Garkiyar, Gouthamar and a lot of ancient kings worshipped the God in this temple.

Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar, the three famous Nayan-mars [Saints] have celebrated the glory of the God and this temple in soul-stirring verses [pathigams] of rare beauty and charm.

The three Nayan-mars visited these temples along with their followers in spite of the inconveniences they faced while travelling the nook and corner of Tamilnadu in search of these temples. There are instances when God Shiva himself had directed them and shown the way to some of the temples so that the above Nayan-mars could visit these temples and compose Pathigams. These Pathigaams composed in the classical Tamil language are of immense value to Tamil literature.

Lord Mulaivana Nathar

Lord Shiva is mainly worshipped in the form of a Shiva linga.
The shiva lingam of the presiding deity, Lord Mullaivana Nathar in the main sanctum of this temple is a Swayambu [self-manifested] Lingam, it is one out of the 64 in the world.
In the Shiva lingam one can see even today the impression of jasmine creepers which once covered the Shiva lingam. The place must have been a jasmine garden once upon a time. Hence the Shiva at this place is called as Mullaivana Nathar [Lord of the Jasmine Garden].

Mullai [Jasmine flower] also known as Madhvi or Vasanti in Sanskrit, is the favourite flower of this deity.

The Sthala Vriksham in this temple is the Mullai creeper
[Every South Indian temple has its own tree – the sthala vriksham. The names of each temple’s tree are included in the agamas, descriptive texts]

The Lingam of Lord Mullaivana Nathar is made up of ant hill mud. Therefore there is no water abhisekam for this Lord. Instead, the Lingam is merely pasted with a kind of musk called “Punuhu” in Tamil.

It is said that worshipping the main deity Lord Mullaivana Nathar [God Shiva] will cure all kinds of skin diseases.
People who are afflicted with incurable diseases come to this temple, offer “Punuhu Chattam” to the Lord and get themselves relieved of their diseases
Here is the story of Goddess Garbharakshambika [an incarnation of Goddess Parvati] and why she is known as the protector of the womb.


Goddess Garbarakshambika


Story of Garbarakshambika

Once there lived a Rishi called Nidhruva who lived with his beautiful wife Vedhika in an Ashram. He spent his life praying to the Lord and performing holy rites. They were very happy, except that they didn’t have a child, so they prayed fervently to the lord to be blessed with a child.

After many prayers Vedhika became pregnant. Everything was going on well and the couple were eagerly expecting their first born child. One day Nidhruva left to visit Lord Varuna by travelling through the skies. The rishis in those days had many powers. Vedhika was in the third trimester of her pregnancy, When he was gone, Sage Urdhvapada visited the Ashram. Vedhika was alone in the ashram and since she was in an advanced state of pregnancy and very tired after the daily household chores, she was lying down and taking rest. Vedhika didn't notice the Rishi or hear him, therefore, she failed to respond and unwittingly failed to offer, due hospitality to the guest. Urdhvapada felt terribly insulted and unaware of her pregnancy got incensed at her conduct and cursed her for not paying due respects to him. He cursed that she should suffer from a disease called “Rayatchu”, as a result of which poor Vedhika was struck with a foul disease, which began to eat into the very vitals of not only herself but also the child in her womb.


Vedhika realized the effect of the curse and that the baby in the womb had become disformed because of this curse. The helpless Vedhika fervently prayed for relief to Goddess Parvati who in the plentitude of her mercy appeared before Vedhika, the Goddess offered protection to the embryo by keeping it in a divine pot till it bloomed into a full-fledged child. The foetus that was saved by Goddess Parvathi develops into a beautiful healthy male child called Naidhruvan, who receives blessings from Lord Shiva [Mullaivana Nathar] and Goddess Parvati. The holy cow Kamadhenu gives its milk to the newborn baby thus blessing and nourishing the baby.


When sage Nidhruva returned and heard what had happened, he was overwhelmed by the grace of the Almighty. He prayed to Lord Shiva [Mullaivana Nathar] and Goddess Parvati [Garbharakshambika] that they should shower their blessings to all devotees praying to them. He fell at the feet of Goddess Parvati and prayed that she should take a permanent abode at the place and continue to offer protection to future generations of women also. Thus we find this prayer being fulfilled even to this day.


Since the Goddess Parvathi appeared in the form of a savior to protect Vedhika’s unborn child, she was known as Shri Garbharakshambika [The one who protects the unborn child or the one who protects the womb]. To this day, pregnant women visiting this temple at Tanjore and praying to Shri Garbharakshambika have a peaceful delivery and it is believed that the Devi takes care of them and vouches safety to women during pregnancy and childbirth, just as she took care of Vedhika.

Popularity of the temple

Goddess Garbharakshambika is one of the most popular form of Shakti in Tamilnadu. She is the lovely embodiment of womanhood and in this avatar as Garbharakshambika she has been ever gracious upon all womanhood to be the Goddess responsible to take care of women with uterus related disorders and pregnancy.

The fame of this temple rests largely upon the Goddess Shri Garbharakshambika [an avatar of Goddess Parvati] who offers protection to the human embryo. And it is no wonder that this temple draws worshippers from all sects.


It is believed that childless people who worship here with devotion and faith are blessed with pregnancy and pregnant women with safe deliveries. Unmarried women also pray here for their marriages. Special prayers are conducted by people on behalf of their pregnant relatives or friends.


The uniform experience of the people of these parts bears unfailing testimony to the said characteristic attributed to the Deity. The inhabitants of the village vouch the fact, that within living memory, there has been no case of fatality to the mother or child during confinement. Pregnant women from elsewhere come here and pray to the God and Goddess for a safe child birth. No one in this place has ever had a miscarriage or pregnancy problem. It is at a place like this that one can understand what "Divine Presence" is.

Location of Garbarakshambigai Temple


This temple is located in the fertile land of Thanjavur also known as the 'Rice Bowl of India'. The exact location of the temple is in Papanasam taluk of Thanjavur district and it is 20 Kilometers east of Thanjavur town and 20 Kilometers South west of Kumbakonam.

How to reach Garbarakshambigai Temple


There are trains to Thanjavur from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Eranakulam etc. After reaching Thanjavur or Kumbakonam devotees can reach Garbarakshambigai temple either by bus, autos or taxis. In my experience I have found the number of busses plying to the temple to be very few. Auto and taxi are a better option. It costs about Rs. 400 two ways for the auto including waiting time of about 2 hours. Taxi is more expensive at about Rs. 550 two ways and waiting charges could be added to this



Temple Timings:

7 am to 12 pm and 4.30 pm to 9 pm

Temple Telephone Number:

04374 273423



Garbarakshambigai Temple Address



The Executive Officer
Arulmigu Mullai Vananathar Thirukkoil
Thirukkarugavur [P.O]
Papanasam Tk.
Thanjavur Dt. 614 302
Tamil Nadu

Shiva Temples-Pancha Aranya Sthalams- Avalivanallur

The Five ShivaTemples which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams are:

Name
Location
Vanam
1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple
Tirukkarugavur
Mullai
2.  Sri Satchi Nathar Temple
Avalivanallur
Paadhiri
3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple
Tiru Aradaipperumpazhi
Vanni
4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple
Tiru Erumpoolai[Alangudi]
Poolai
5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple
Tirukkollampudur
Vilvam



Lord Shiva

These Temples signify the Five Temples of Lord Shiva,  surrounded by forest. 

Pancha - 5 , Aranyam,Vanam - Forest

It is believed that one should see all the five Pujas in these five temples in a single day and get the Blessings of Lord Shiva.   One can make a tour of these temples called PANCHA ARANYA STHALANGAL. in a single day by keeping to the following timings:  

  • 6.00 am – Mullaivananathar—Thirukkarugavur.
  • 8.00 am – Satchinathar swamy –Aavalivannallur
  • 12.00 pm – Paathaaleswara swamy—Tiruaradai Perumpazhi [Haridwara Mangalam]
  • 5.30 pm –Aapathsahayeswarar Temple, Tiru Erumpoolai [Alangudi]
  • 8.30 pm – Vilvavaneswarar- thirukkollampudur

More on the temple[Avalivanallur] which falls second among the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams.

2.  Avalivanallur



Avalivanallur
Avalivanallur is the second among this group of temples to be visited between 9.30 and 10a.m..

It was once situated in a forest of Trumpet Flower trees called Pathiri Vanam in Tamil.  This is an ancient temple and according to the Sthala Puranam, Lord Shiva was worshipped here and at Haridwaramangalam nearby during his avatar as Varaha- the Boar.

Name of the Temple: Satchi Nathar Temple, TiruAvalivanallur


Period of origin: Before 6 th Century. Appar and Thirugnanasambandar had sung in Devaram.

Name of deity
Moolavar[ Lord Shiva also known as]: Satchi Nathar

Ambal[Female Deity]:Soundaranayagi

Sthala TheerthamChandra Theertham

StalavrikshamPaadhiri [Trumpet Flower trees]

Sthalapuranam

One of the Pancha Aranya Sthalam known to be "Paadhiri Vanam" the Second in order.

Once the priest of this temple soon after his marriage, decided to visit Kashi, leaving his wife behind. Meanwhile, his wife fell sick, and her sister arrived to assist her. When the priest returned home after number of years, he saw two women in the house one sick and the other a healthy, resembling his wife. He immediately assumed that the healthy one was his wife. Lord Shiva realised the mistake of his devotee, and appeared in front of the priest, informed him about his wife's illness, and explained that the healthy one was his sister-in-law, not his wife.

Since Shiva is said to have played the role of a witness in resolving the marital dispute of priest family he is named Sakshi Nathar . The priest, his wife, and his sister-in-law are all immortalized in the temple, with their statues in the prahar along with the other deities.

This temple is known to be the 100 th in the series of Devara Stalams in the Chola region south of the river Kaveri. 

Images of Shiva and Parvati on the Rishabha vaahanam are seen behind the Shivalingam in the sanctum.

This east facing temple has a south facing ambal shrine. It has no Rajagopuram, Vinayagar, Atkondar and voikondar near the sanctum are seen.

Inside the premises Vinayagar, Nalvar, Kanava muni with paravai, Veerabathirar, Saptha Kanniyar, 63 nayanmars.

The procession idols Somaskandhar, Vinayagar, Sivagami, Nalvar, Arumugar, Mahalakshmi are there.

The shrine for Natarajar, Kumaralingam, kasiviswanathar, Visalakshi, Tapas Ambal, Kala Bairav, Suriyan, Chandikeswarar and Navagraha are seen.

In Kostham Agasthiyar, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothpavar, Brahma and Durga are seen. 

Thai Amavasai, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Mahasivarathri are the major festivals celebrated here.

Location of the Temple: ThiruAvalivanallur.


Temple Timings:

6.30 am to 11.30 am and 4 pm to 7 pm
Temple Address:

Arulmigu Sakshinathar Alayam.
Avaliyanallur [P.O]
Valangaiman [Taluk]
Tiruvarur [Dist]
Tamilnadu
India.

Shiva Temples - Pancha Aranya Sthalams--Haridwarmangalam

The Five Shiva Temples are which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams are:



Name
Location
Vanam
1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple
Tirukkarugavur
Mullai
2.  Sri Satchi Nathar Temple
Avalivanallur
Paadhiri
3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple
Tiru Aradaipperumpazhi
Vanni
4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple
Tiru Erumpoolai[Alangudi]
Poolai
5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple
Tirukkollampudur
Vilvam


Lord Shiva

These Temples signify the Five Temples of Lord Shiva,  surrounded by forest. 

Pancha - 5 , Aranyam,Vanam - Forest


It is believed that one should see all the five Pujas in these five temples in a single day and get the Blessings of Lord Shiva.   One can make a tour of these temples called PANCHA ARANYA STHALANGAL. in a single day by keeping to the following timings:  

  • 6.00 am – Mullaivananathar—Thirukkarugavur.
  • 8.00 am – Satchinathar swamy –Aavalivannallur
  • 12.00 pm – Paathaaleswara swamy—Tiruaradai Perumpazhi [Haridwara Mangalam]
  • 5.30 pm –Aapathsahayeswarar Temple, Tiru Erumpoolai [Alangudi]
  • 8.30 pm – Vilvavaneswarar- thirukkollampudur

More on the temple[Haridwaramangalam] which falls third among the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams.

Haridwaramangalam

3.  Haridwaramangalam

Haridwaramangalam is the third among this group of temples to be visited between 11am and Noon.

Name of the TempleArulmigu Paathaaleswarar Alayam 

Period of origin: 
Before 7 th Century. Thirugnanasambandar had sung in Devaram.

Location of the Temple: Tiruaradai Perumpazhi[Haridwara Mangalam]


Name of deity:

Moolavar[Lord Shiva known as] : Paathaaleswarar

Ambal [Female Deity] Alangara Nayagi

Pathigam: Sambandar


Sthala TheerthamBrahma Theertam

Sthala vrikshamVanni

Sthalapuranam:



This place is one of the Pancha Aaranya Sthalam known to be VANNIVANAM.


It is believed that Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar [wild boar] went deep into the earth searching for the feet of Shiva. Finally, not finding it, he gave up and returned to this place and meditated on Lord Shiva.  There is a pit[now closed] outside the sanctum which is believed to have been made by Vishnu while coming out and hence called as Hari-dwara-mangalam. [hari = Vishnu dwara = Pit].

This temple was once in a forest of Vanni trees and today you will find that there is only two trees standing in the temple premises testifying itself as the Sthala Virksham.  

You will find that this temple has a three stage Rajakopuram east facing, Natarajar sabai, Pathanjali, Viyakabathar with sivagami are seen.
Inside the premises Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Dhaksinamoorthy, Gajalakshmi and Ambal Shrines are there. On can find Two Vannimaram on both end of temple.


How to Reach:

This Sivasthalam Temple is situated 3 kms to the east of another Paadal petra sthalam at ThiruAavalivanallur and about 24 kms from Thanjavur.  Town Bus services is available from Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.  

Temple Timings:

7 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm

Temple Address

Arulmigu Paathaaleswarar Alayam
Haridwaramangalam
Haridwaramangalam [P.O]
Kumbakonam[Taluk]
Thanjavur[Dist]
TamilNadu

India.

Shiva Temples-Pancha Aranya Sthalams - Alangudi

The Five Shiva Temples which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams are:


Name
Location
Vanam
1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple
Tirukkarugavur
Mullai
2.  Sri Satchi Nathar Temple
Avalivanallur
Paadhiri
3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple
Tiru Aradaipperumpazhi
Vanni
4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple
Tiru Erumpoolai[Alangudi]
Poolai
5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple
Tirukkollampudur
Vilvam

Lord Shiva

These Temples signify the Five Temples of Lord Shiva,  surrounded by forest. 

Pancha - 5 , Aranyam,Vanam - Forest


It is believed that one should see all the five Pujas in these five temples in a single day and get the Blessings of Lord Shiva.   One can make a tour of these temples called PANCHA ARANYA STHALANGAL. in a single day by keeping to the following timings:  

  • 6.00 am – Mullaivananathar—Thirukkarugavur.
  • 8.00 am – Satchinathar swamy –Aavalivannallur
  • 12.00 pm – Paathaaleswara swamy—Tiruaradai Perumpazhi [Haridwara Mangalam]
  • 5.30 pm –Aapathsahayeswarar Temple, Tiru Erumpoolai [Alangudi]
  • 8.30 pm – Vilvavaneswarar- thirukkollampudur


More on the temple[Alangudi] which falls fourth among the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams.



Alangudi Temple

4.  Alangudi

Alangudi is the fourth among this group of temples to be visited on the same day as the rest of the Aranya Sthalams.  

Name of the Temple: Aapathsahayeswarar Temple-Tiru Erumpoolai[Alangudi] Temple.

Location of the Temple:  Tiru Erumpoolai - now known as Alangudi. 

Period of origin:

Before 6 th Century.Appar, Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar had sung Devaram. It is believed that during the period of Kulothunga Cholan and Vikrama Cholan in 1131 AD, lot of lands and gold donation has been done.   

Name of deity: 
Moolavar[Lord Shiva known as] :Aapathsahayeswarar 

Ambal[Female Deity]: Elaalakaambaal, Elavaar Kuzhaliammai

Sthala Theertham: Amirth Pushkarani

Sthalavriksham: ErumPoolai

Pathigam:  Sambandar


Sthalapuranam:
Alangudi has attained fame due to its position as the Guru Sthalam among the Navagraha temples. It is also a part of the Pancha Aranya Sthalams, and is, interestingly, also among the Parivara Sthalams. While the deity who attracts the maximum crowd at Alangudi is Guru Bhagavan, or Dakshinamoorthy, the main deity in the temple is Shiva as Aapathsahayar - the one who aids his devotees in troubled times. The goddess is named Elavarkuzhali. In the temple premises is housed a smaller sanctum to Ganesha, who, it is believed killed the demon Gajamukhasuran at this holy place, and is called "Kalangaamal Kaatha Vinayakar". The forest associated with this temple is the Poolai Vanam, or forest of Silk Cotton trees, though there is not a single one left in this much-visited temple any more.

According to the legend, the temple at this Shiva Sthalam was built by Amuthohar, a minister of Musukanda Chkaravarthy who ruled Tiruvarur. The minister was asked to share with the King the Punniya he earned by being an ardent Shiva devotee. The minister refused to do so and was beheaded. The king got rid of "Brahmahathi Dosham" he got by killing his minister by worshipping Lord Shiva Aapathsahayar at this sthalam
.
The temple occupies an area of about 1.25 acres with high walls on all the 4 sides. There are shrines to Sun God Sooriyan, Somanathar, Saptarishi Nathar, Someswarar, Vishnunathar and Bhrameesar, Kaasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi. Sage Viswamitrar is said to have worshipped Shiva here.


Guru Bhagawan in "Gold Kavacham"
on Guru Peryarchi--Alangudi
The temple attracts very large crowds every year during the transit of Jupiter [known in Tamil as Gurupeyarchi] from one zodiac sign to another zodiac sign. There are separate shrines for Guru [Jupiter] at 2 other Paadal Petra Sthalams Thenkudithittai and Tiruvalidaayam.
Guru - the preceptor is the fifth of the Navagrahas. While Brihaspathi, the preceptor of the gods, is generally the one depicted as the graham, it is also Shiva himself as Dakshinamoorthy, who imparted the supreme knowledge to the sages and the gods, is regarded the "Guru" and takes his position on the south facing wall of the sanctum of every Shiva shrine in the south. It is believed that Shiva as Dakshinamoorthy preached to the Devas while they were swooning from the poison that emanated from the ocean during the churning. He also absorbed all the poison, earning the name Aapathsahayeswarar - the one who protects us from trouble. The main deity in this temple is Aapatsahayeswarar, and Dakshinamoorthy as guru has his shrine outside the main sanctum. Thursdays are special for guru, and every Thursday, the temple is extremely crowded.

Legend has it that Rishi Viswamitra, Ashtathikku Balagargal, Agasthiyar, Pulasthiyar,Kagapujandar, Sugarbramma Magarishi and Adhi Shankara have worshipped this sthalam.

Alangudi is also called as Kasi Aranyam and Thiru Erumpoolai.

One can see Five stages Rajakopuram , Kalangamar Katha Vinayagar, Ambal shrine in first prahar.


Route

1.  17 kms from Kumbakonam[aprox].
2.  39 kms from Thanjavur via Needamangalam on Tiruvarur road[approx].

How to reach the temple:


This temple is located at Alangudi, a tiny village on the Kumbakonam - Needamangalam road in Tiruvarur District. It is situated about 17 Kms South of Kumbakonam, 35 Kms East of Thanjavur and 6 Kms from Mannargudi. This sthalam is one of the 9 Navagraha Sthalams and is associated with Guru [Jupiter].

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

6 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8.30 pm

TEMPLE TELEPHONE NUMBER:

04374 269407

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Arulmigu Aapathsahayeswarar Temple,
Alangudi
Valangaiman Taluk
Thiruvarur District
Tamil Nadu
India.

Shiva Temples-Pancha Aranya Sthalams- Tirukkollampudur

The Five Shiva Temples which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams are:

Name
Location
Vanam
1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple
Tirukkarugavur
Mullai
2.  Sri Satchi Nathar Temple
Avalivanallur
Paadhiri
3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple
Tiru Aradaipperumpazhi
Vanni
4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple
Tiru Erumpoolai[Alangudi]
Poolai
5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple
Tirukkollampudur
Vilvam


Lord Shiva

These Temples signify the Five Temples of Lord Shiva,  surrounded by forest. 

Pancha - 5 , Aranyam,Vanam - Forest


It is believed that one should see all the five Pujas in these five temples in a single day and get the Blessings of Lord Shiva.   One can make a tour of these temples called PANCHA ARANYA STHALANGAL. in a single day by keeping to the following timings:  

  • 6.00 am – Mullaivananathar—Thirukkarugavur.
  • 8.00 am – Satchinathar swamy –Aavalivannallur
  • 12.00 pm – Paathaaleswara swamy—Tiruaradai Perumpazhi [Haridwara Mangalam]
  • 5.30 pm –Aapathsahayeswarar Temple, Tiru Erumpoolai [Alangudi]
  • 8.30 pm – Vilvavaneswarar- thirukkollampudur

More on the temple[Thirukkollampudur] which falls fifth among the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams.

5.  Thirukkollampudur
Thirukollampudur Temple


Name of the Temple :  Arulmigu Vilvavaneswarar Alayam

Period of origin: 
Before 7 th Century. Thirugnanasampanthar had sung in Devaram. 

Name of deity:

Moolavar[ Lord Shiva known as]: Vilvavaneswarar

Ambal[Female Deity]:Soundaryanayaki

Sthala Theertham: Brahma Theertham, Agasthiya Theertham, Kandiba Theertham and Vettaru

Stalavriksham: Vilvam 

Sthalapuranam

One of the Pancha Aranya Sthalam known to be "Vilvavanam" the Fifth in order. Arthajamam [Puja performed in the Night] is very famous in this sthalam.



Legend and Points of Interest:

1. The Vilva trees are said to represent splashes of the celestial nectar Amritam.

2.  Legend is said to have blessed Durvasa Muni with a vision of the Cosmic Dance here.

3.  Arjuna worshipped Shiva here.


Legend has it that Thirugnana Sambandar made a visit to the Pancha Aranya Sthalam, but due to some unfortunate reasons, was not able to get there ontime. To reach this temple he had to cross the river. As the river was flooding , the coracle's man[coracle is a light-weight boat] left the place early. Thirugnana Sambandar was struck and got worried that he could not reach the temple for Arthajama puja, hence he prayed to Lord shiva and took a coracle by himself without pedals and sung hymns. When the coracle reached the next bank, he got the darshan of the lord. Even till this day, in the month of Ippasi [Tamil month] the Oda Thiruvizha is celebrated here. 


One can see the Five Tiered Rajagopuram. In first praharam, shrines for Vinayagar and Subramanyar are seen. In the second praharam you can see Brahma Theertham, Mahalakshmi shrine, Sambandar in coracle sculpture; Inside the premises are Nalvar, Valampuri Vinayagar, Somaskanthar, Gajamugatheswarar, Mullaivananathar, Katchinatar, Pathaleswarar, Mahalingar, Vinayagar, Gangaiamman, Dhakshinamoorhty, Saraswathi, Visalaktchi, Arumugaswamy, Mahalakshmi, Bairavar, Navagraham, Sani Bhagavan and Suriyan Shrines are there.

In khostam Narthanavinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga shrines are there for worship.

Temple Timings:

8.30 am to 11.30 pm and 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Temple Telephone Number:

04366 295569

Temple Address

Arulmigu Vilvavaneswarar Alayam
Thirukkollambudhoor
Thirukkollambudhoor[P.O]
Koradachery [Via]
Thiruvarur [Dist]
Tamil Nadu
India


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