Saptha Vidanga Sthalams / Temples - Tirukkaaraayil [Now known as Tirukkaaraavasal], Thanjavur]

Tirukkaaraayil [Now known as Tirukkaaraavasal] is the 7th Saptha Vidanga Sthalam.

This paadal petra sthalam is situated 13 Kms to the south from Tiruvarur at Tirukkaaraavasal village on the way to Tiruthuraipoondi. The temple is located by the side of the main road itself.

Other Paadal Petra Siva Sthalams in the vicinity are Tirukollili, Tirunellikka, Tirukkaichinam.

Lord Shiva known as Kannayiranathar. Female[Goddess] deity known as Kailaya Nayagi

Thrirukkaravasal is about 13 Kms from Thiruvarur on the way to Tiruthuraipoondi. The main deity here is Sahasra Nethra Natha Swamy alias Kannayiranathar, and his consort is Kailaya Nayaki. Tirukkaaraayil is one of the Sapthavidanga sthalams of Lord Thyagarajar. The Vidangar here is Aadi Vidangar and His dance is " Kukkuda Nadanam". The Abhishekam is performed everyday at 9:30AM and 6:30PM. This again is a lingam substituted for the original, which has been long lost. This one was installed by the Paramacharya of Kanchi during a visit. There is a beehive in the sanctum of "Goddess Abishekavalli Thayar".

An interesting shrine in this temple is the one of Mahalakshmi, where she faces 3 Bhairavars. There is also an image of Dakshinamoorthy with the kundalini represented on top of the head, which is rare. He is known as Gynaana Guru.

Other temples/Shrines around Thiruvarur are Lord Veerateswarar in Thiruvirkudi; Sri Bhaktavatsala in Thirukkannamangai[8Km]; Mannargudi Sri Raagopalaswamy; Sri Gnanapuriswarar in Thirumakkottai; Murugan Temple in Ettukudi; Vinayaka Temple in Thiruchenkattankudi; Sikkal Singaravelar or Murugan; Ammayar in Karaikal; Goddess Lalithambika Shrine in Thirumeychur[Peralam].

With this, my Blog on the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams comes to an end. I must mention here that it is possible to cover all of these temples in a day, juggling a little in order to see as many lingams as possible. To see all the lingams, it might take, at the most, a couple of days, depending on the time you spend at each temple. One should plan the trip in such a way, so as,not miss the abhishekams at Thiruvarur and Thirunallar, as they are the best and really worth seeing. Thiruvarur is the most ideal place to keep as your base, to see all these temples.

Saptha Vidanga Sthalams / Temples - Vedaranyam [Thanjavur]

Vedaranyam considered very sacred, second in sanctity only to Rameswaram. The place is very much distinguished on four aspects.

They are:

1] It is one of the seven sacred places of Siva[Saptha Vitanka Sthalams].

2] The main Deity is adored by the three renowned Saiva Saints, out of twelve Thirumurais the Lord is hailed by the Saints in seven Thirumurais.

3] Both the name of the Deity and the name of the town are woven with numerous legendary and mythical stories.

4] The very important incident Salt Sathyagraha during the time of freedom moment took place here only. Hence the place occupies an intelligible identity in the history of modern India.

Vedaranyam is in Nagapattinam District and is 35 Km. South of Thiruthuraipoondi. It is situated in the sea coast of Bay of Bengal. According to the legendary and mythical stories the place is attributed with several names. Such as: – 1.Maraivanam 2.Vedavanam 3.Sathyagiri 4.Aadisethu 5.Thenkailayam 6.Thirumaraikkadu 7.Vedaranyam.

Though the place got various names both in literature and inscriptions, the place is familiarly called as Thirumaikkadu in Tamil and Vedaranyam in Sanskrit.

The Maragatha Lingam enshrined near the Thyagesar shrine is known as "Bhuvanin Vidangar" and His dance is "Hamsa Paada Natanam".

The presiding Deity is attributed with several names.They are: 1.Vedaranyeswarer 2.Vedaranyanaadhar 3.Vedavanesar 4.Maraikatteesar The Deity is in the form of Siva Lingam. Behind the Siva Lingam, a panel adorns the inner side of the back wall of the sanctum. Curiously enough to our surprise, the panel represents Lord Siva and Parvathi in Sukhasana pose sitting with comport. The Deity is called as ‘Maraikkatturayum Manalan' in Tamil, meaning the bridegroom who resides at Vedaranyam. Siva Lingam in front and Lord Siva and Parvathi panel in the back wall of the sanctum, both are simultaneously considered as the principle object of veneration.

Here also a mythical story is narrated. To see the Divine marriage (Thirukalyanam) of Siva and Parvathi at Kailasam, the Devas, Rishis and other celestial beings went towards north.It is said that, when all of them went towards north, the northern part of the earth slopped down and the southern part went upwards. The Whole earth was in confusion.At that moment, knowing about the chaotic condition of the earth, Lord Siva asked the Rishi Agasthiar to travel and go towards south. To one's astonishment the earth automatically came to a balance and both sides became equal. But Agasthiar was not happy because he missed to see the Divine marriage. However Lord Siva blessed him that he will witness the Divine marriage in a place at south. He selected Vedaranyam, where the four Vedas worshipped the Lord Siva. Hence to his promise Lord Siva gave special darshan of his marriage with Goddess Parvathi in Vedaranyam. The Divine marriage, which occurred here, is depicted through a panel in the niche of the back wall behind the main Deity Siva Lingam in Sanctum. Here Lord Siva as bridegroom and Goddess Parvathi as bride are portrayed in a sitting posture. In commemoration of this sacred and spiritual incident, every year during the month of Chithirai (April – May) on the Sapthama Thithi, Suklapaksha, when the star is Punarpoosam, the Divine Marriage is celebrated in a grand manner. The Images of the Divine couple are consecrated (Thirumanjanam) at noon.

After this sacred bath, sandal paste is applied fully to both the idols and that will remain in tact throughout the year. It will be removed only the next year when the marriage ceremony is performed in the temple. Hence the Deity is familiarly called as ‘Maraikkatturaiyum Manalar'which means the Bridegroom who resides at Vedaranyam.

For the Goddess, there is a separate shrine in the eastern side of the main shrine. She is known as Veenavada Vidhusini in Sanskrit and Yazhaipazhithamozhiyal in Tamil, meaning that one who challenged the melody of the veena of Goddess Saraswathi. This name is attributed to her because her voice is said to be so musical, melodious and pleasant to the ears even that of the melody of the Veena. Here it is interesting to note that the image of Goddess Saraswathi in side of the temple is seen without Veena but with a palm leaf in her hand in a yogic posture. Goddess of Vedaranyam is one of the Sakthi Peeta Sthalams. 1. As usually seen in other Saptha Vitanka Sthalams, the Navagrahas are seen in one row all facing the same direction. But here the Grahas are seen in sitting posture as per the day order. They are situated in the outer Corridor. 2. There is a separate shrine for Saneeswara (Saturn) in the inner Prakara. In the same Prakara there are two images, one is Surya and the other is Chandra. 3. In the outer Prakara we come across the Idol of Goddess Saraswathi, but is seen without Veena. She is in Yogic posture with Japamala in one hand and Palmleaf in other hand. 4. The Sthala Vinayakar is Veerahathi Vinayakar.There is a separate shrine in the outer Prakaram near the western Gopuram. He is also known as Chinthamani Ganapathi.A bronze idol which is considered as the processional idol and is familiarly called as Katchikodutha Nayanar.

5. The Goddess Durga is another famous deity of the place. She is considered to be the guarding deity facing south side in a Thribhangi posture.

In this temple, for the Vidangar[Bhuvani Vidangar], the abhishekam is performed at 8:30 AM and 6:30PM everyday. Festivals on Full Moon day in Adi [uly/Aug] and Thai [Jan/Feb] attract a number of devotees.

If you happen to visit Vedaranyam, a visit to Kodikkarai will be ideal as this is the easternmost point of our country, also known as Point Calimere, 11 Kms from Vedaranyam. The sea is absolutely wonderful, and one must experience going on a boat ride; It will be a wonderful experience indeed, with the beach so full of sea-shells!!. There is also a bird and deer sanctuary nearby the beach which will add flavour to your visit. Vedaranyam is a place not to be missed.

Saptha Vidanga Sthalams / Temples - Thiruvaimur [Thanjavur]

Thiruvaimur is on the road from Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi, about 5 Kms from Thiruvarur. Neelothpalambika is the Goddess. The main deity in this temple is Vaimurnathar. The lingam is extremely small, and is always kept covered with a kavacham.

This is the place where Sri Thyagarajaswami is known as "Neela Vidangar" and His dance is " Kamala Natanam" and the Abhishekam is performed at 9:30AM everyday.

However, this again is not the original one, but an emerald one substituted very many years back, for the one that was stolen. In addition to this, a Spatika lingam has also been installed. If any of the devotees want to have a peep at the Lingam, the priest in the temple offeres to show the lingam , even though it is not abhishekam time, for a token fee.

An interesting thing about this temple is the presence of Ashta Bhairavars – eight forms of Kala Bhairavar. There are special shrines for Natarajar and Navagrahas also. Rishaba Dakshinamurthi, a rare idol, is enshrined in this temple.

Saptha Vidanga Sthalams / Temples - Thiruvarur [Thanjavur]

Thiruvarur is located at a distance of 55 Km from Thanjavur. The principal deity in this temple is Sri Vanmikanathar, a Swayambu Lingam, enshrined in an ant-hill. His consort is Somakulambigai. She is never taken out of the temple precincts. To the right of the sanctum is the shrine of Sri Thyagaraja.

The Thyagaraja idol [Veedhi Vidangar] and that of His consort Kondi, sitting on an artisitc Ratna Simhasanam is very impressive. The Processional Deity is known to perform "Asaba Natanam". The Saptha Lingam is kept in a golden box inside the shrine. The Nandhi is in standing posture.

One can also find the images of Saint Sundarar, His wife Paravai Nachiyar and Cheraman Peruman installed in this temple.

Navagrahas are placed in a row, opposite to the sanctum, in a shrine. The Rudra Durga shrine, in the second prakaram, attracts a large number of devotees, for the Rahukala Puja, in particular.

The Sthala Vinayaka in the innermost prakaram is called Vathapi Ganapathi, which has been brought from Vathapi.

The image of Goddess Nilothpalambika, in a standing posture, is in a separate shrine. She is depicted as Blessing the child,Muruga , with Her left hand. There is an inscription and sculptural representation of the story of King Manu Neethi Chola who ordered his son to be crushed under the wheels of a Ratha or Chariot because he killed a calf by driving his carriage negligently over it. Lord Shiva is said to have intervened and revived the boy and the calf.

Kamalalayam, the much celebrated Tank, is on the western side of the temple and in the middle, is the shrine of Sri Naganathaswamy. Here is a rare musical instrument called "Panchamukha Vadhyam" [with five faces of Shiva], and also a Shiva Lingam made of Sapphire, known as "Maragatha Lingam".

Thiruvarur is the birth place of the Great Musical Trinity, Sri Thyagaraja, Sri Shyama Sastri and Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar. During the festival, the idol of Sri Thyagaraja, is taken round the streets in a magnificient Ratha called "Azhi Ther"

This is the most important of the Vidangar Temple, and one should not miss to watch the abhishekam to this beautiful lingam. As the milk flows over the translucent green stone, amid the chanting of mantras, even the atheist will feel some kind of attraction which might actually be devotion and faith. The Vidangar abhishekam timings is at 8:30AM and 5:30PM everyday. One can go there an hour earlier and engage a priest. You can see the other deities in the temple and stay for the abhishekam, which takes a few minutes only. This is a unique event and devotees should go early, and, see to it that they do not miss this rare abhishekam.

This is the only temple celebrating ‘Nithya Pradosham’. In all Shiva temples, the Pradosha puja on the specific days during the evening is a special puja, when the lingam is bathed with various materials. Here, this abhishekam takes place everyday at evening during the Pradosham time.

Opposite the temple is a lake with a temple in the centre. Every day, after 5:30PM, the lingam in the temple is worshipped to. From 5PM, a boat service is available to take devotees to this temple.

This is a beautiful temple, worth the money spent and also the efforts taken.