The Great Living Chola Temples

The Magnificent Chola Temples [in Tamil Nadu] not sung by Nayanmars but famous for their architectural splendour are:

1.  Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar temple, Thanjavur
2.  Temple of Gangaikonda Chola Puram
3.  Dharasuram near kumbakonam
4.  3.Thirubhuvanam near kumbakonam [ also famous for the silk sarees]

 Temples 1,3,4  are in Thanjavur district, and the 3rd temple , namely Gangaikonda Chola Puram is in Perambalur district . All these four temples have the same architecture.

1.  Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar temple,

The celebrated Saiva temple at Thanjavur, appropriately called Brihadeeswara and Daksinameru, is the grandest creation of the Chola emperor Rajaraja (AD 985-1012). It was inaugurated by the king himself in his 19th regnal year (AD 1009-10) and named it after himself as Rajesvara Peruvudaiyar. Architecturally, it is the most ambitious structural temple built of granite. It has been regarded as a ‘landmark in the evolution of building art in south India’ and its vimana as a ‘touchstone of Indian architecture as a whole’. The temple is within a spacious inner prakara of 240.9 m long (east-west) and 122 m broad (north-south), with a gopura at the east and three other ordinary torana entrances one at each lateral sides and the third at rear. The prakara is surrounded by a double-storeyed malika with parivaralayas. The temple with its massive proportions and simplicity of design provided inspiration for future designs in constructions not only in south India but also in south-east Asia.

The sikhara, a cupolic dome, is octagonal and rests on a single block of granite, a square of 7.8 m weighing 80 tons. The majestic upapitha and adhishthana are common to all the axially placed entities like the ardha-maha and mukha-mandapas and linked to the main sanctum but approached through a north-south transept across the ardha-mandapa which is marked by lofty sopanas. The moulded plinth is extensively engraved with inscriptions by its royal builder who refers to his many endowments, pious acts and organisational events connected to the temple.

The brihad-linga within the sanctum is 8.7 m high. Life-size iconographic representations on the wall niches and inner passages include Durga, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Bhikshatana, Virabhadra, Kalantaka, Natesa, Ardhanarisvara and Alingana forms of Siva. The mural paintings on the walls of the lower ambulatory inside are finest examples of Chola and later periods which depict the contemporaneous scenes with legendary ones.

Sarfoji, a local Maratha ruler, rebuilt the Ganapati shrine. The celebrated Thanjavur School of paintings of the Nayakas is largely superimposed over the Chola murals. The temple is rich in iconography as well as inscriptions which provide an account of events showing achievements, financial arrangements, donations and bearing an impression of contemporary society.

Two great Chola Temples of the 11th and 12th centuries have been added to the 11th century Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, inscribed in 1987. The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of South India and the neighbouring islands. The site now includes the three great 11th and 12th century Chola Temples: the Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram, the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram and Thirubhuvanam near kumbakonam .



The Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram, built by Rajendra I, was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. It has six pairs of massive, monolithic dvarapalas statues guarding the entrances and bronzes of remarkable beauty inside. The Airavatesvara temple complex at Darasuram, built by Rajaraja II, features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The temples testify to the Cholas brilliant achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.Admission is free.





No fee for still photography/ videography with handheld cameras.
For all other types of photography and videography, the Superintending Archaeologist, A.S.I ,Chennai Circle, Chennai-9 may be contacted (Ph. 044- 25670396/25670397)


Hours of opening: 0630 hrs to 2030 hrs on all days


Approach: Tanjavur is about 330 km from Chennai which is well connected by rail and
road.

2.  Brihadeeswara temple, Gangaikonda Chola Puram, Dist. Perambalur

 
 

 
[A magnificient temple built by Rajendra Cholan (the most ambitious of the Cholas) in the 11th Century AD to commemorate his victory over the kingdoms of the Ganga ]

Rajendra I (AD 1012-1044), the illustrious son of the great Chola king Rajaraja I (AD 985-1014) chose this location to build a new a great capital city for the Chola Empire most probably during the first quarter of 11th century in order to commemorate his conquest over northern territories. Nonetheless, he not only built a city, now in ruins and excavated partially but also a great temple for Siva. The Brihadisvara at Tanjavur had influenced this temple in many ways like the vast conception of the lay out and massive proportion of the elevation.

The lay out – the sanctum with its axial units, the Chandikesvara shrine, the cloister mandapa with the subsidiary shrines and a gopura is similar to Tanjavur. The location of two smaller shrines – The South and North Kailasa (now the Amman shrine) are different. But the architect of this edifice has shown remarkable intelligence to correct some of the shortcomings in the design of the Brihadisvara at Tanjavur like the provision for erecting a wooden scaffolding in the masonry of the sanctum, the pleasing elevation by appropriately changing and placing the hara elements etc.

[the nandhi at gangai konda cholapuram at tamilnadu is made of stucco work at it is said to reflect the daylight straight into the sanctum scantorum during the noon as there is no openings for the sanctum scantorum..it should've been white washed with lime in the past. now the brightness is faded due to ageing]

The inscription recording accurately the donations to the God of the temple is missing here. In fact, there is no inscription of Rajendra himself. The earliest inscription is that of his son, but recording the donations of his father.

                 

                       
                   [Stone inscriptions in Tanjavur Temple. Dates back to 1010 AD.]

The temple has sculptures of exceptional quality like the dancing Ganesa, Ardhanari, Dakshinamurthi, Harihara, Adavallan (Nataraja) (on south wall niches), Gangadhara, Lingodhbhava, Vishnu, Subrahmanya, Vishnu-anugrahmurthi (west wall), Kalanthakamurthi, Durga, Brahma, Bairava, Kamantaka (north wall). But the most outstanding sculptures are found in the niches by the side of the northern entrance steps to the sanctum. They are the Chandesanugrahamurti and Sarasvati. The bronzes of Bhogasakti and Subrahmanya are masterpieces of Chola metal icons. The Saurapitha (Solar altar), the lotus altar with eight deities is considered auspicious.





A British officer in 19th century considered this temple as the best source for stones for the construction of a weir across the river Kollidam and therefore ordered its demolition. But the temple was not demolished due to protest by the locals.


Admission is free.


No fee for still photography/ videography with handheld cameras.


For all other types of photography and videography, the Superintending Archaeologist, A.S.I, Chennai Circle, Chennai-9 may be contacted (Ph. 044- 25670396/25670397)


Hours of opening: 0630 hrs to 2030 hrs on all days.


Approach: Gangaikonda Chola Puram is about 250 km from Chennai on the road to Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is connected with Chennai by rail and road.

3.  Dharasuram Temple near kumbakonam

 
Airateswara Temple is a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE, along with the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and are are referred to as the Great Living Chola Temples.

Darasuram or Dharasuram [Tamil:தாராசுரம்] is a panchayat town located 3 kilometres from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district,Tamil Nadu. According to the 2001 census, the town had a population of 13,027. The town is known for the Airavateswara Tample constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century AD. The temple is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage monument.

Built by the Chola king Rajaraja II (AD 1143-1173), this temple is a gem of Chola architecture. Though much smaller in size when compared to the Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, this temple is different as it is highly ornate in execution. The temple consists of a sanctum without a circumambulatory path and axial mandapas. The front mandapa known in the inscriptions as Rajagambhiran tirumandapam, is unique as it was conceptualised as a chariot with wheels. The pillars of this mandapa are highly ornate. The elevation of all the units is elegant with sculptures dominating the architecture.

A number of sculptures from this temple like the full set of Bhikshatana with rishi patnis is various moods, are now preserved in the Tanjavur Art Gallery. They are the masterpieces of Chola art. Remaining ones like Nagaraja, Agastya, dancing Martanda Bhairava, Sarabhamurti, Ganesa etc., are equally gracious. The labelled miniature friezes extolling the events that happened to the 63 nayanmars (Saiva saints) are noteworthy and reflect the deep roots of Saivism in this region. In fact, the king made donation for the singing of hymns from Thevaram, the Saivite sacred book in Tamil, in this temple.

The construction of a separate temple for Devi, slightly later than the main temple, indicates the emergence of Amman shrine as an essential component of the south Indian temple complex.


Admission is free.


No fee for still photography/ videography with handheld cameras.


For all other types of photography and videography, the Superintending Archaeologist, A.S.I Chennai Circle, Chennai-9 may be contacted (Ph. 044- 25670396/25670397)


Hours of opening: 0630 hrs to 2030 hrs on all days.


Approach: Darasuram is a suburb of Kumbakonam and is about 290 km from Chennai. Kumbakonam is connected with Chennai by rail and road.


4.  Thirubhuvanam near kumbakonam

This town is about 8 miles from Kumbakonam in the east on the road leading to Mayiladuthurai. This place is equally famous for its Silks sarees as Kanchipuram and the street leading to the temple is flanked by shops exhibiting lustrous silk sarees.

The great Chola Monarch Kulotthunga III (1178-1218 A.D.) had the title Thirubuvana and it was built by him and got this name .A chola king killed a Brahmin inadvertently and he got Kampa-shivering. He prayed to this god and got rid of his shivering -kampa. Hence the temple is also known as Kampahareshvarar.


In the south there are temples of glory with stately vimanas, Rajarajeswaran at tanjore built by Raja Raja I, Gangaikonda Cholapuram built by Rajendra, Kampharesvaraat thirubuvanam built by Kullotunga III and Darasuram built by Raja Raja II. In all these temples one will find he Vimana (The structure above the sanctum) dominating, while the gopura is insignificant. All these Vimanas were copied from the Tiruvadikai temple which in turn copied the Kailas the abode of Siva .But in later times the Vijayanagara Kings to leave their stamp, built tall gopurams at the entrance. The height of the Vimana here is 126 ft.


The temple faces east and is visble for many miles around. This is under the custody of Dharmapuri Mutt.Kulotthunga III was a devote Siva baktha. In fact the inscriptions call him on Ekha-Baktha and like RajaRaja I was influenced by sivacharyas. The consequence of this temple was done by Guru Someswara, and authority on Saiva Dharsana, 18 vidyas and Upanishads


The temple has two Prakaras each pierced by a Gopura of Small height. In the inner yard are the sanctum, the Devis shrine Chandesa and Saraba. The subsidary shrine face North and the South side this shaped like a Chariot.The main Sactum is tapped by a six tired vimana. The flight of steps and either side leads to the Ardhamandapam. The Muka mandapa too can be reached by flight of steps from the south-east and portigo open to the South.The base of the Karpa-Griha and the Ardha mandapa are decorated with dancing poses.



The sarabas shrine is located to the North-East of the main central shrine and it faces south . The legend of Sarabha is very interesting.Narashimha after killing the Hiranya became very ferocious and could not be controlled even by Devas. The devas turned to Siva for Protection and he assumed Saraba's from to Subdue Narashimha.In various niches in the south wall are Chattainathar, Dakshnamoorthy etc.



Wielding gadha in his left hand apraising his right hand having snake as his waist band and nude, stands Chattainathar. The very beautiful figure is he. For Dakshnamurthy there are no sages. Even the Banyan tree is not original. It has been attained subsequently in stucco.It is practically impossible to describe in words the charm of some sculptures. See the ladies! one with one of her legs bend at the knee adorns herself with flowers.The slender waist, the heavy hips and the seemingly. Swaying torso raped in cloth of superb designs - a true materpiece!


Another masterpiece is lingodbava at the real wall of the sanctum on the outside. In a huge Linga is Siva seem only upto his knees. Vishnu in the form of a Varaha is seen digging the earth to find out the extremity of Siva, while Bhramma as a swan is at the top exploring the top tip of Siva! The Jata Makuta is worked up delicately to form a halo round his head.It is 6 1/2 feet tall and forces a majestic view.

The place now occupied by Saraba must have sheltered Nataraja once. The real portion of Saraba is fashioned like an linga.Near the Dakshnamurhty is a Rare sculpture two animals,an elephant and a bull with one head !.The head of the Elephant is dexterously carved that it looks like a bull's head also.The tusk becomes the horn. The eyes are common after carving so many figures of deities, the artist perhaps took some fancy to chisel this fantastic figure!


This temple near Kumbakonam is the last of this series of four Chola masterpieces.  The front Mandapam here is again built in the form of a huge Charriot.  The Vimanam here is larger than that of Darasuram and is about 120 ft. in height.  Sculptural panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana adorn this temple. 


These four temples described here stand out from the others in that it is only in these that the Vimanam towers over the entrance Gopuram.  After these four temples, the Cholas went back to their traditional style of building temples with larger Gopurams and smaller central Vimanams.  These four temples are fitting memorials to the glory of the rulers that built them, as well as monuments of piety and the committment to art and architecture!

Lord Shiva's Mayanams / Temples

Mayanam means cremation ground . SIVA is told to be in mayanams generally. But these following temples are told to have highest spiritual importance. Mayanams here are nothing but temples

The following are Shiva's Mayanams:

• 1.  Kachi Mayanam   [ Kachi in tamil is Kancheepuram]
• 2.  Kazhi Mayanam   [ Kazhi is Sirkazhi]
• 3.  Veezhi Mayanam [ Veezhi is Thiruveezhimizhalai]
• 4.  Nallur  Mayanam  [ Near Kumbakonam]
• 5.  Kadavur Mayanam[Kadavur is Thirukadaiyur]

1.  Kachi Mayanam:  Ekambareswarar Temple, Kancheepuram (Kachi Ekambam)

Known as the "City of Temples", Kancheepuram is one of the seven great holy centers of ancient India. It was a royal capital once, a flourishing Buddhist and Jain center mentioned in the Tamil Epic Manimekalai, was intimately associated with Pallava and Chola Kings and was connected with the lives of saints. During the Chola period it was a seat of art, religion, education and trade. The Chola kings built several temples in and around Kancheepuram, also known as Kanchi.

Ekambaranathar temple [ஏகாம்பரநாதர் கோயில்] is situated in this holy town of Kancheepuram, one of the Panch Bootha Sthalangal of God Shiva. This vast temple covers an area roughly 40 acres. It is one of ancient temple reported to be in existence from the year 600 AD. Pallava, Chola and Vijanagara Kings have contributed to the building of this temple. The presiding deity Shiva is worshipped here as Prithvi Lingam (Lingam of Earth). There is no seperate shrine for the Female deity as is customary in all the Shiva Temples found in Kancheepuram. All the 4 famous Saivite Saints, Appar, Sambandar, Manickavasgar and Sundarar have sung the glory of this temple.

There is a sacred mango tree inside the temple which is supposed to be more than 3000 years old. This tree is the Sthala Vruksham (Temple Tree) of this temple. The four branches of this tree represents the 4 Vedhas and the tree bears 4 different type of mango fruits in 4 different seasons. Goddess Parvathi, once seperated from her husband, came to Kancheepuram and made a Sivalingam out of sand and installed it under a mango tree on the banks of a river and worshipped it and got Shiva's hand in marriage.

Location of the temple:  Located in Kancheepuram Town - about 2 Kms. from Kancheepuram bus stand.



Lord Shiva known as Ekambaranathar, Ekambareswarar


Female deity known as Kamatchi Amman


Pathigam
Thirunavukarasar, Sambandar, Sundarar


How to reach the Temple:


Kancheepuram is well connected by train and road from Chennai, the Capital City of Tamilnadu and also from other parts of the state. It is situated at a distance of 80 Kms from Chennai by road. Kancheepuram railway station is on the Chengalpattu-Arakkonam section of the Southern Railway.


Temple address


Arulmighu Ekambareswarar Temple
Kancheepuram
Kancheepuram district
PIN 631502



2. Kazhi Mayanam [ Kazhi is Sirkazhi]Bhramapureeswarar Temple, Sirkazhi

Sirkazhi Temple is located at Sirkazhi near Mayiladuturai and the deity worshipped here is Shiva. It is a highly revered shrine with 71 (the most number of known) Tevara Patikams and is located in the vicinity of Vaitheeswaran Koyil near Chidambaram. Sirkazhi is considered to be the 14th of the Tevara Stalangal located to the North of the river Kaveri in the Chola region of Tamilnadu. It is a center for Bhairava worship, and the site of authorship of several works.

Sirkazhi is known mostly by its association with Sambandar. West of Sirkazhi is Tirukkolakka where Sambandar was blessed with a pair of golden cymbals, south of Sirkazhi is Tirunanipalli the home of his mother, and north of Sirkazhi is Aachaalpuram where Sambandar attained beatitude.

The well-known Sirkazhi Govindarajan who has rendered several recordings of Tevaram hymns hails from here. This well maintained temple is under the able administration of the Dharumapura Adhinam.


With this, my Posting on Mayanams [Temples] of Lord Shiva comes to a close.  More of other interesting Sthalams to follow soon.

The Temple: This is a vast temple complex with three different Shiva Shrines. The Bhramapureeswarar shrine is housed in the lower level, the second level houses Periyanakar with Periyanayaki on a `Thoni` and hence the name Thoniappar. Sattainathar/Vatukanathar who is also housed here. From the steps leading to the Toniappar and the Vatukanathar shrine, one can grasp the entire layout of this vast temple and its towers and mandapams. There are 22 Theerthams associated with this shrine. Three different forms of Shiva are worshipped here, the Shivalingam (Bhrammapureeswarar), a colossal image of Uma Maheswarar (Toniappar) at the upper level, and Bhairavar (Sattanathar) again at the upper level.

The temple has three vast courtyards with high walls of enclosure. There are two sets of seven tiered gopurams in the outer walls of the enclosure. The original shrine during the period of the Nayanmars included the shrine of Bhrammapureeswarar, on the southern bund of the temple tank; the Toniappar shrine on a mound west of the central shrine, and the Sattanathar shrine in the second floor reached from the southern prakaram of the Toniappar shrine by a flight of steps. The enlargement of the original temple happened during the period of Kulottunga I, Vikrama Chola, Kulottunga II and III (as in Chidambaram – 11th through the 13th centuries).

Legends: During the great deluge, Shiva 64 arts with him on a raft, he name Toniappar, and Tonipuram. Bhramma Brhama worshipped Shiva here, hence the name Bhrammapureeswarar.. Bhairavar or Sattainathar(quelled the arrogance of Trivikramar, who showed his dominance over the three worlds) is worshipped here each Friday night.


Sambandar as an infant is said to have been fed with the milk of wisdom by the divine mother Parvati on the banks of the temple tank just prior to the commencement of his authorship of the anthology of Tevaram hymns commencing with Todudaiya Seviyan.

Festivals: Special worship services to Bhairavar (Sattanathar) are carried out on Friday nights. The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai, and on its second day, the Tirugnanasambandar festival is celebrated. Festivals for Ambaal are celebrated in the month of Aadi and during Navaratri.


3.  Veezhi Maayam: Nethrarbaneswarar Temple, Tiruveezhimizhalai

Tiruveezhimizhalai Temple is the 61st in the series of Tevara Stalams located south of the river Kaveri.


Legends: Parvati was reborn as Katyayani and married Shiva here. Shiva had used this Chakrayudam to destroy Jalandarasuran at Tiruvirkudi Veerattam. A panel depicts the divine marriage behind the Shivalingam; the temple is regarded as the Vimanam brought by Mahavishnu. Shiva blessed Appar and Sambandar with material resources after a bad drought.

Temple: This temple has three prakarams and covers an area of four acres. The entrance has a seven tiered Rajagopuram. The 100-pillared hall has 25 theerthams. The Nandi mandapam is also beautiful. The Rajagopuram and the Vinnizhi Vimanam over the sanctum are important. The Vowalottimandapam (100 pillared hall) has beautiful pillars and images. Appar and Sambandar established their mutts at Veezhimizhalai. Inscriptions from the period of Parantaka I (early 10th cent) are found here.

Festivals: The annual Brahmmotsavam is observed in the month of Chittirai. Other festivals include Arudra Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam, Skanda Sashti, Sivaratri, Aadi Pooram, Aavani Moolam and Navaratri.


Location of the temple Tiruveezhimizhalai
Lord Shiva known as Nethrarbaneswarar
Female deity known as Brahat Sundarakusambikai
Pathigam Thirunavukarasar, Sambandar, Sundarar

How to reach the Temple:


This sivasthalam is located near Peralam and Poonthottam. It is located about 10 Kms from Poonthottam on the north bank of river Arasalaru. Nearest railway station is Poonthottam. Another paadal petra sthalam Tiru Anniyur is located at a distance of 3 Kms to the north from here.


 
4.  Naallur Mayanam [ Near Kumbakonam]
 

 
Sri Kalyanasundareswarar temple is an ancient Shiva shrine. The Lingam is made of a shining metal which changes colour five times a day. The images of Shiva and Parvati on Rishaba with Vishnu and Brahma are worshipped in the sanctum. Masi Magham (Feb-March) is a major festival. Nallur has another temple dedicated to Sri Adi Kesava Perumal.

According to the legend, at Thiruvanaikaaval, a spider and an elephant both prayed to Shiva, in their own way. While the elephant poured water on the lingam in the day, the spider covered the lingam with its web in the night. Every morning, the elephant would be angry to see the spider webs on the lingam he had cleaned the day before, and the spider would be angry to see the web destroyed every morning. Finally, when they both left their bodies and passed on, the spider was born as a king, and remembered his past life. He spent his life building temples where elephants would never be able to enter the sanctum.. Other temples built the same way are at .Kudavasal, Nannilam, Chaayavanam, Thalaichangadu, Valivalam, Ambar (Ambal) and Thiruveezhimizhalai. The main deity is Kalyana Sundarar, for Shiva is believed to have granted Sage Agasthya a vision of his marriage here. Behind the lingam are the images of Shiva and Parvati shown getting married, with Brahma performing the rites of marriage on the left, and Vishnu, giving away his sister Parvati in marriage, on the right. The lingam itself is unique, for it is made of an unknown material and changes colours five times a day, and is thus also known as Panchavarneswarar. The lingam has 3 portions – the lower portion which joins the Avudaiyar, and is smooth, the middle portion, which is rough, and the top, which is again smooth, and is the most prominent part of the lingam. Each of these parts changes colour every 2 ½ hours. We were in the temple for about a half an hour, and we could sense the slight change in colour even in that short time. If you plan to visit the temple, give yourself at least 3 hours for this temple alone, so that you can really see the colour changes. To aid you all, I have taken a photo of the notice on the temple wall indicating the colours of the lingam at various times.

Location of the Temple: East of Papanasam 5 kms

God : Kalyana Sundareswarar
Goddess : Kalyana sundari
Sacred Tank : Saptha Sagaram
Sacred Tree : Vilvam
Other Names : Tirunallur, sundara giri.



5.  Kadavur mayanam ( kadavur is Thirukkadaiyur )

Tirukkadavur [Kadavur Mayanam] is one of the Attan Veerattana Sthalams of Lord Shiva.  Shiva vanquished Yaman, the Lord of Death, at this sthalam to save the life of Markandeya.

Sage Mrikandu and his wife prayed to Shiva for a child. Shiva gave them a choice  they could have a foolish son with a long life, or a short lived, but intelligent child. They chose the latter, and soon had a smart child, who came to be known as Markandeya. When, just before his 16th birthday, he learnt that he would die soon, he left home, and stayed in the temple, praying to Shiva, who was the one who had brought him to life. At the appointed hour, Yama (or Kaala) arrived to take his soul, and threw his noose of death over the child. Markandeya at once embraced the Shiva lingam, and the noose fell over the lingam. Shiva was furious and came out of the lingam, kicking Yama to death, thus stopping all death and saved Markandeya. However, with Yama�s death, there were no more deaths on earth, and Bhoomi Devi could bear the burden no more. Finally, Shiva yielded to their prayers, resurrecting Yama, and giving Markandeya eternal youth.

Thirukkadaiyur is the holy place where this legend is believed to have taken place, and here, the main deity is called Amritaghateswarar � the lord with the pot of nectar, who can confer immortality. The legend is depicted in the form of the bronze statue of Kaala Samhara Moorthy - Markandeya embracing the lingam out of which Shiva appears and kicks Yama. The lower portion of the statue showing the actual Samharam or killing of Yama is kept closed and opened only during the Aarti. Right opposite the sanctum of Kaala Samhara Moorthy is the sanctum of Yama, who is believed to be thanking the lord for allowing him to live.The goddess here is Abirami, who is believed to have answered the prayers of a great devotee of hers, Abirami Bhattar, by bringing the full moon to the sky on a new moon night. It is believed that at this temple, all the Navagrahas and even Yama owe their allegiance to Shiva, and hence prayers to Shiva can solve all problems, and in particular, increase the life span of people. The temple is at all times filled with multitudes of people who arrive to perform special pujas and homams on their birthdays, especially their 60th and 80th birthdays. Homams are conducted all day long, all around the pragaram and inside the sanctum yet there are waiting lists. This is among the most popular temples in the area.

Devotees perform here Sasthiaptha Purthi (61st. birthday, Ukratha shanthi, Bheemaratha shanthi (70th birth day), Sadhabishekam (80th birth day) birth star days, Ayush Homan (prayer for longevity) are performed in this temple. To perform pujas and prayers on these important days in life, people come here not only from Tamilnadu but from all states. Also from other countries.

Devotees visit the temple to pray on the 50th anniversary of their wedding day and for relief from planetary problems according their horoscopes. Abirami Amman is both powerful and merciful. The devotees are blessed with prosperity, marriage alliances etc. She blesses them with children and wisdom. The Kalasamharamurthy blesses the devotees with longevity; health, remedy from ailments and the devotees will be free from the fear of death. Thirukadayur is a place noted for remedies from many problems in life.

People roll around (Angapadhikshanam) the temple as a prayer commitment. Those awaiting marriages offer garlands called Kalyanamalai. Devotees also offer children in adoption so that they get child in turn. People offer Rudrabishaka for children and Sankabisheka for remedy from illnesses and those suffering from cardiac problem perfer Mrutyanja Homam for relief. Many had survived attacks after the Mrutyanja Homam. People offer Dhoti and Sari for the Lord and the Mother. They offer abisheks in turmeric powder, in water mixed with cosmetic powders, milk, curd, tender coconut, panchamirtham, lime, honey, sandal etc. People also feed (annadhanam) to the visitors. The wealthy offer liberal donations for the maintenance of the temple and its renovations taken up from time to time.

Kallapillayar

During the churning of the milk ocean to extract the Nectar, the Devas stole a bit without the knowledge of anybody and without praying to Lord Ganapathy and hid it in a secret place. To teach a lesson to Devas for ignoring him in their haste, Lord Vinayaka simply changed the place of the Nectar pot. When they searched for it, they could not get it back. Lord Shiva advised the Devas to apologise to Lord Vinayaka to get back the nectar pot. After getting the pot, the Devas went for a bath. When they returned, they could not get the pot. It has become a Shivalinga. And that Shiva Ling is Amirthakadeswarar, the presiding deity of Thirukadayur.

Jathi Malli

When Markandeya was performing Abisheka to Lord Amirthakadeswarar with Ganga Water, Ippinjilam flowers too came with the water. Ippinjilam is a flower also called Jathi Malli (Jasmine that blossoms throughout the yea).) This flower is used only for the God and should not be used for human purposes. An archana with a single flower is considered equal to 1008 archanas.

The Lingam is swayambu. The temple is west facing. If one observes closely, they could see another Linga too.

When the Lord of Death Yama, spread the rope on the Sivalinga, it caused a scar on the Sivalinga. It is still visible on the Linga. Of the 8 Attaveeratta holy temples, Thirukadayur is one because the God defeated Yama here. The Lord in the form of Kalasamaharamurthy, in the copper idol, looks furious, majestic,waving the Shoola on Yama and hit him by the left leg.

Many Siddhas performed penance here of whom, Pampatti Siddhar was one.

The nine planets have no power here, all devotees coming here perform pujas to the KalasamharaMurthy only. There will be no Rahu effects in Thirukadayur. It is also said that Goddess Abirami came from the Jewel of Mahavishnu. Brahma, Agasthya, Pulasthiya, Durga worshipped the Lord here.

Of the 63 Nayanmars, Kari and Kungiliakalaya Nayanar lived here and served the Lord. This is the holy soil that gave birth to Abirami Pattar. Thirugnansambandar sings Thirukadayur, Appar and Sundarar praised in the Saivite World as Moovar Mudaligal.

Thirukadayur administration officer can be reached on telephone No. 91-4268-287429.

Thirukadayur is 22 kms from Mayiladuthurai, 30 from Sirkali. There are many lodges in Thirukadayur for staying conveniences charges ranging from Rs. 250 to Rs. 600. In the district quarters Nagapattinam, people can choose Hotel Tamilnadu 044365-22389 - charges are very nominal.

Thirukadayur lies on the Nagapattinam-Chidambaram route. Bus conveniences are available from Karaikal, Sirkali and Mayiladuthurai. Nearest Railway station is Mayiladuthurai and airport Trichy.

Festivals:

Yama Samharam festival is celebrated for 18 days in the Tamil month Chithirai (April-May). During Mondays in the month of Karthikai (November-December) 1008 Sankabishekam is very famous. Purattasi Navarathri and Margazhi Vidhi Padam are

one-day festivals. Adipooram, Navarathri, Poornimas, are very devotionally observed in the temple. Skanda Sashti, Mahasivarathri, Panguni Uthiram, Abirami Andhadhi recitation, monthly Pradosha days, Tamil and English New Year days, Pongal speical pujas are performed in the temple.

Presiding deity Amirthakadeswarar
Speciality Swayambu
Reputation Attaveerattasthalam
Goddess Abirami Amman
Vinayaka Kallavinayakar


With this, my Posting on Lord Siva's Mayanams[Temples] comes to a close.  More of other interesting Sthalams /Temples to follow soon.

Temples at Par with KASI.

Six Shivasthalams on the banks of river Cauvery are said to be the most sacred and on par with KASHI [Varanasi/ Benares]. They are:



1. Thiruvengaadu
2. Tiruvaiyaru
3. Chaayaavanam
4. Mayiladuthurai
5. Tiruvidaimarudur
6. Tiruvanchiam

1. Sri Swedaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvengadu

This Shivasthalam is one of the 6 most sacred places on the banks of river Cauvery which is considered as equivalent to the temple at Varanasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are Tiruvaiyaru, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.
Indiran, Airavatam, Budhan, Sun God Sooriyan and Moon God Chandiran are said to have worshipped God Shiva here. From the stone inscriptions found inside this temple, it is seen that the earlier chola kings Aditya Chola and Rajaraja Chold have made a lot of contributions to this temple. There are several shrines of significance in this well visited temple, including those to Durga and Kali. The image of Natarajar here is of great beauty. Worship to Aghoramurthy - (Veerabhadrar) is said to be of significance on Sunday nights in this temple. As found in Chidambaram, there is also a shrine for Lord Vishnu near the shrine for Natarajar.

The present structure of the temple as well as the beautiful bronze images in this temple are a contribution of the Great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I. Some of these bronzes were recovered in treasure troves unearthed here. The Ardhanareeswarar and Chandeswarar bronzes are now housed in the Chennai Museum. Natarajar, Somaskandar, Devi are housed in the temple, while images of Subramanyar, Rishabhavahanadevar, Bhikshatanar, Kalyanasundarar, Kannappar and others are housed in the Thanjavur Art Gallery.

Here everything is three – the presiding deity, holy water and the holy tree. Of the nine planets, Thiruvengadu belongs to Mercury. This is one among the 51 Sakthi Peethas. Thiruvengadu has the pride of being sung by the Great Four, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Sundarar and Manickavasagar. Of the 64 Murthas of Lord Shiva, the Agoramurthy form is here. Here the Lord performed Six dances. This is also called Adhi Chidambaram. The Chidambara Rahasya is also here. Vishnu has a place near the Nataraja here as in Chidambaram. Indira, Iravadha (the white elephant) Vishnu, Sun, Moon, Agni (fire) worshipped the Lord. It is in Thiruvengadu Pattinathar had Sivadiksha, ascesticismThe Budhan Sthalam at Thiruvengadu lies about 20 Kms from Mayiladudurai towards Poompuhar, where the Kaveri flows into the sea. This is one of those temples where Shiva danced his Tandavam, and the main deity here is Swetaranyeswarar. There are a number of legends connected to this temple, the foremost being the story of the Rishi Swethaketu being saved from the clutches of death by Shiva.

Separate Sannidhi for Mercury


Of the nine planets, Mercury is the lord to bless with good education, knowledge, eloquence, music, astrology, mathematics, sculpture, medicine, scholarship in languages. A temple for Chandra (moon) the father of Mercury is just opposite to the Mercury with Chandra Pushkarani theertha. If mercury is not favourably placed in a horoscope, the native may not have children. Also he/she will have nervous debility and lack of knowledge. They have to propitiate Lord Mercury. Musicologists and film makers worship Mercury.

Pillai Idukki Amman:


When Thirugnanasambandar reached the borders of Thiruvengadu, the whole place looked like Sivaloka and the sands Sivalingas. He hesitated to place his legs on this holy land and cried Amma (Oh! Mother). On hearing his voice, Goddess Periyanayaki appeared there and took the child on her hips. The idol of Periyanayaki with Thirugnanasambandar is majestically installed in the temple.

History:

The demon Maruthuvan, with the boons gained from Brahma misused it torturing the Devas. The Devas went to Shiva for freedom from the demon. The Lord advised the Devas to go to Thiruvengadu and live there in disguise. Shiva sent his vehicle Nandhi and defeated the demon. The demon, without losing heart, performed penance, got the trident (Soolayudham) and injured the Nandhi, which is still visible on the idol. Infuriated by the injury on the Nandhi, Lord Shiva converted his anger into the Agoramurthy form. On seeing the Lord, the demon surrendered at his feet and begged his pardon. He also prayed that those worshipping Agoramurthy would not have enemies at all.

The goddess here has a separate temple to herself, and is known as Brahma Vidayambigai, the goddess of knowledge. Just outside her sanctum is the shrine to Budhan, the graham known to preside over knowledge.

It is also believed that it was here that Shiva took the fierce form of Aghoramoorthy to vanquish the demon Maruttuvan. There is a shrine to Aghoramoorthy with a huge image which is at once beautiful to look at, in terms of the artistry, and yet, terrible, as suits this, one of the most angry forms of Shiva. Here is a photograph of Aghoramoorthy, as depicted on one of the gopurams of the temple.

Presiding deity: Swadharanyeswarar, Nataraja, Agoramurthy

Holy water: Agrni, Suriyan and Chandra theerthas
Goddess: Brahmma Vidyambal, Swetha Mahakali, Maha Durga
Hymns: Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar
Place: Thiruvengadu
District: Nagapattinam

General Information:


6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 5.30 to 9.30 p.m. are the Puja timings. Thiruvengadu is in Nagapattinam district. It is 10 Kms southeast of Sirkali on the Poompuhar road. Buses are available from Sirkali. Nearest Railway station is Sirkali and the airports Trichy and Chennai.


Festivals


Every month is a festival month. There will be flag hoisting on Tamil Masi Month (February-March) on the Punarvasu star day and continues for 10 days.


How to reach the Temple:


The temple is 10 Kms by road from Sirkazhi on the way to Poompuhar. Town Bus facilities are availbale from Sirkazhi. It is also one of the Navagraha Sthalangal and has a seperate shrine for Budhan (Mercury)


Temple address

Arulmighu Swetharanyeswarar Temple Tiruvenkadu
Tiruvenkadu Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Nagapattinam District.
PIN 609114


2.  Panchanatheeswarar- Thiruvaiyaaru [Dakshina Kailasam]

Thiruvaiyaru is about 15 Kms from Thanjavur and got its name due to the 5 rivers that flow through this town. The five rivers are the tributaries of the Kaveri and form a sort of network around this town. The main temple here is to the lord who shares the name with the town � Panchanadeeswarar in Sanskrit, or Ayyaarappan in Tamil. The story of how the temple came into being is an interesting one. A king�s chariot once got embedded in the ground. While digging around the wheels of the chariot to get it out, they chanced upon a lingam. A wise minister advised them to dig further, but carefully, and they were rewarded for their efforts with the idols of the goddess Dharmasamvardhini, Vinayaka, Muruga, and also a Nandi. To top it all, they also found a Siddhar (saint) deep in meditation underground. The saint advised the king to build a temple at the same place, and also told him to dig under the hoofs of the Nandi where he would find the wealth needed for building the temple.

 
[View of Thiruvaiyaru temple's Rajagopuram from inside the temple, the abode of Sri Panchanatheswarar (also called as Aiyarappar) and Sri Aram Valartta Nayaki (also called as Dharma Samvardhini) Amman]


This Shivasthalam is one of the 6 most sacred places on the banks of river Cauvery which is considered as equivalent to the temple at Varanasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are Thiruvenkaadu, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.

Tiruvaiyaru is one of the big and famous temple for God Shiva and is known as Dakshina Kailasam. Covering an area of nearly 15 acres with 5 prakarams and a 7 tier Gopuram (Tower), the sculptural work in this temple is of special importance. More than 70 stone inscriptions from the Chola period have been found inside the temple. The samadhi of Saint Tyagarajar, one of the foremost composers of Carnatic music is in Tiruvaiyaru.

Thirunavukarasar went on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash to have a darshan of God Shiva. In view of the hardships faced on his way, Tirunavukarasar found it very difficult to continute his journey to Mount Kailash. With his divine intervention, god Shiva made Tirunavukarasar to submerge himself in a pond and asked him to take his bath in the pond. When Tirunavukarasar emerged from the pond, he was transported miraculously to Tiruvaiyaru and god Shiv a blessed Tirunavukarasar with a vision of Mount Kailash at Tirvaiyaru.

The Thiruvaiyaru temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva�s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favoured deity, Shiva. Shiva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. These seven temples are: 1. Thiruvaiyaru, 2. Thiruchotruthurai, 3. Thiruvedikudi, 4. Thirupponnthuruthi, 5. Thillaisthanam, 6. Kandiyur and 7. Thiruppazhanam. All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru (see the map) and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

Location of the temple : Tiruvaiyaaru

Lord Shiva known asIyaarappar, Panchanatheeswarar
Female deity is known as Dharmasamvardhini, Thiiripurasundari
Pathigam:Thirunavukarasar

How to reach the Temple:


This temple is located 10 Kms to the north of Thanjavur. Town bus Bus facilities from Thanjavur are available.

Temple address

Arulmighu Iyaarappar Temple
Tiruvaiyaaru Post
Tiruvaiyaru Taluk
Thanjavur district
PIN 613204


3. Chaayaavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchaaikkadu (Chaayavanam)

The temple in this Sthalam is one among the six temples which are compared as equivalent to the temple in Varanaasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are Thiruvenkaadu, Tiruvaiyaaru, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.

This temple is one of the Maadakovil built by Kochengat Chozhan. The temple is facing east and the temple tank is in front of the east entrance. The sanctum sanctorum of the main deity Chaayavaneswarar is at an elevated site (Maadakovil). The Sannidhi for Sooriyan, Devendiran and Iyarpagai Nayanar along with his wife are located in the outer prakaram. The Sannidhi for the female deity is also located in the inner prakaram along with the main sanctum for Lord Chaayaavaneswarar.

Temple history: Athithi, mother of Indira was harbouring a desire to come to earth and worship Chayavaneswarar. Therefore, she landed on the earth. Indira was searching for the missing mother and found that she had come to earth. To fulfill the desire of the mother, Indira wanted to take the temple to his place pulling it through his white elephant Iravadha. While he made the attempt, Mother Parvathi made a sound that was sweeter than that of a nightingale, hence the name to the Goddess. Lord Shiva also appeared before Indira and told him to drop the idea of taking the temple to his place and advised him to do the worship on Earth itself and be blessed.
Iyarpagai Nayanar: Iyarpagai Nayanar is one the 63 celebrated devotees of Lord Shiva. Iyarpagai means doing something against established customs. This devotee had an abnormal trait of parting anything belonging to him to others. It is here, the devotee-attained salvation.

The Story goes like this. Lord Shiva once came to Iyarpagayar in the guise of a Shiva devotee and demanded his wife to be sent with him. Without any hesitation, the devotee offered him his wife. The wife also did not disobey the husband nor opposed his decision. The Lord said, that his relatives or others can intercept and attack Him on the way and therefore, Iyarpagai Nayanar should escort Him until He crossed the borders of the place. Iyarpagayar obliged and escorted the Lord with a sword on hand. The devotee defeated those who came to oppose. Reaching the border, the devotee was asked to return as the danger was over. While turning to go back, Iyarpagayar saw the Lord with Parvathi asking him to go back with his wife, live happily for years and come back to HIM at the end of his life. It is in this holy soil, Chayavanam, the miracle took place.

Also it is here, that Lord Muruga holds the bow and the arrow instead of his usual weapon Velayudham, readying for the war against Soorapadman. It is also said that the idol of Lord Muruga was found in the sea and taken from there to the temple. Muruga also wears the Veeragandamani (anklet) in his right leg, presented by Father Lord Shiva. Those who have fear of enemies, worship this Muruga for freedom from enemy fear. While Mother Shakthi offered the Vel to Muruga, the Lord gave him the Veeragandamani. Those who come and worship here sum up all courage to advance in life.

The temple is open for darshan from 7-00 AM to 12-00 Noon and from 4-00 PM to 7-30 PM.


The temple puja time is from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Temple Telephone No. 04364-260151.

How To Reach the Temple:

Chayavanam is located in Sirkali Taluk in Nagapattinam district. Chayavanam can be reached by road on buses from Sirkali to Poombuhar. The nearest railway station is Sirkali and the airport is Trichy.
Tiruchaikkadu can also be reached from Mayiladuthurai. The temple is located about 24 Kms. from Mayiladuthurai.


Location of the temple: Tiruchaaikkadu (now known as Chaayavanam)

Lord Shiva known is known as Chaayaavaneswarar
Female Deity is known as Kuyilinim Nanmozhiammai

Temple address


Arulmighu Chaayaavaneswarar Temple
Chaayavanam Kaviripoompattinam Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Nagapattinam District.
PIN 609105



4.  Mayuranathar Temple, Mayiladuthurai

The temple in this Sthalam is one among the six temples which are compared as equivalent to the temple in Varanaasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are Tiruvenkaadu, Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam and Tiruvidaimarudur.



Arulmigu Mayuranathar Temple is located here. According to the Hindu mythology, Annai Parasakthi danced in the form of a peacock and hence the place is called Mayiladuthurai. Devotees after worshipping Mayuranathar can travel from here to all the places of Navagrahas and other important temples by bus. The festival of Holy bath known as Kadai Muzhukku in the river Cauvery is celebrated in the month of Ippasi.

Mayuram means peacock in sanskrit and it was later translated as Mayiladuthurai in tamil. Lot of sidhars have lived here. Even today we find an area called Sidharkaadu, a suburb of Mayuram. Legends also tell that it was a part of Tharukavanam.
 

 
The legend goes that Daksha did not invite his daughter Parvati, and his son-in-law Lord Siva to the sacrifice he conducted. Being vexed at the disrespectful attitude of Daksha towards him, Lord Siva sent Veerabhadra, a minor deity, to go and desecrate the sacrifice conducted by Daksha. Lord Siva at the same time instructed Parvati Devi not to attend the yaga. However, the Devi attended the yaga, disobeying her Lord's prohibition. While Veerabhadra was desecrating the yaga, a peahen got injured and it immediately ran to Parvati Devi and took refuge under her. After everything was over, Parvati Devi repented very much for having disobeyed the Lord. To wash off the sin, she entered the fire. At the time of entering the fire, she was thinking about the peahen to which she gave refuge and so in the next birth she took the form of a peahen and came to this place. The Devi conducted penance for many years and at last attained re-union with Lord Siva. Hence the place came to be known as Mayuram or Mayavaram (Mayuram means peahen). The Lord of the temple came to be known as Mayuranatha.
 
The other names by which this place is known are Sudavanam, Sikliandipuram, Brahmapuram, and Brahmavanam etc. The Devi is known as Abhayapradambika, Abhayambika, Anjalanayaki, Anjalai, etc., meaning one who gave refuge to the peahen

The temple is a unique blend of fine sculpture and exquisite architecture; it is designed with a beautiful tank and features several gopurams and mandapams. The temple has a nine-tiered 165 ft high Rajagopuram with 5 prakarams. There are 14 vimanas with numerous stucco images.

The sculptures of Lord Ganesh, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Shiva-Uma-Alinganamurti, Lingodbhavar, Brahma, Ganga Visarjanamurti, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi (10th century) have been well preserved in the niches.

Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period can be found in the temple.

Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June).


Tula Utsavam, celebrated here, attracts thousands of devotees from far and near.

Festivals: Thousands of pilgrims converge here during the Thulaa (Libra) festival. A noteworthy feature of the Mayuranathar temple is the daily processional ritual to the banks of the Kaveri throughout the monsoon month of Libra. Shiva’s dance is enacted at the Aadi Sabhai on the 7th day of the grand festival in the month of Libra. The annual festival Bhrammotsavam is observed in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.


How to reach the Temple

This sivasthalam temple is located at Mayiladuturai, also known as Mayavaram and Mayooram. One of the 108 Divya Desam shrines of Lord Vishnu is also located in Mayiladuthurai and is more popularly known as TiruIndalur Parimala Ranganathan temple.


5. Vaanchinathar Temple, Tiruvaanchiyam

Six Shivasthalams on the banks of river Cauvery are said to be the most sacred and on par with Varanasi (Benares). They are Tiruvengaadu, Tiruvaiyaaru, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.  Out of these, Tiruvanchiam is "one-sixteenth" more sacred than Varanasi. Lord Shiva is said to have told Parvati that he loves this place the most. The presiding deity of this sacred temple Vanchinathar is a Swayambu Lingam and the oldest among the 64 in the world.

This is one of the largest temples in Tanjavur district measuring 558 feet in length and 320 feet in breadth, with 3 gopurams (towers), three prakarams and a 5 tier main gopuram. A prominent feature of this temple is that Yama, the God of Death is having s separate shrine for Him and is given preference in the daily worship. There is a separate shrine for Bhairavar also in this temple in the inner prakaram. Bhairavar is in yoga posture, without his usual mount, the dog, is another rare feature of this temple. Next to the shrine of Bhairavar is the shrine for Rahu-kethu, both carved out in one composite sculpture which is another unique feature of this temple. Milk poured over this Rahu-Kethu sculpture turns blue. Performing prayers and worship at this shrine are said to bless devotees with marriage and progeny and cure nervour disorders.


There is no Navagraha shrine in this temple and Saneeswaran (Saturn) is housed in a separate niche.

The inner prakarams houses the images of 63 saivite saints (Nayanmars), a separate shrine for Goddess Mahalakshmi and another shrine for Goddess Mahishasuramardhini, standing beside her simha vahana. Worshipping Her with 108 lotus flowers during Rahu kalam is considered special.

The 3 sacred tanks at Tiruvanchiam temple - Lakshmi Theeratham, Naga Theertham and Chakra Theertham - were created by Lakshmi, Adiseshan and Chakrathazhwar. A holy dip in Lakshmi Theertham is said to reunite a person with his estranged family. A holy dip in Naga Theertham is said to liberate one of all Naga Doshas. It is said that by taking a holy dip in Chakra Theertham, one is absolved of Brahmahatti dosham.


Devotees are cured of illnesses after a bath in the Gupta Ganga, on the northern side of the outer prakaram. According to Puranas, a holy dip in Gupta Ganga is equivalent to one in Varanasi, Rameswaram and the Maha Maham tank in Kumbakonam. Lord Vinayakar on the banks of Gupta Ganga is to be worshipped first before taking the holy dip.

God of Death, Yama (who decides Heaven or Hell for the human beings according to their good and bad deeds) was pretty worried about Himself. He was wary and heavy with all the sins (or so, He thought) of taking away lives and wondered what he could do to atone for this. Well, Brahma allayed Yama's fears and sorrow and asked Him to scan the earth, saying, "Go ahead and see if you can spot a place by the banks of the Cauvery, where you find Sandal Trees growing in abundance; that is the holy place where you should sit for penance. Meditate on Lord Shiva and He will give you the answer."

So, Yama went and found this place called Gandhaaranyam (the fragrant forest) and sat there to do His penance. True, Lord Shiva appeared to Yama and asked Him to build a Temple . Yama built the Temple (Purana has it that Mayan built this.) and also stayed on as the vehicle for the Lord here. Lord Vanchinatha or Vancheeswarar is a Swayambu Lingam, the most ancient of the 64 Swayambhu Siva Lingams in the country. The Lord also told Yama that there will be a Temple for Him also here and that the people who visit the Lord should first offer prayers to Yama. So, we have the Temple or a Sannidhi to the Lord Yama in the first Prakaram. As you enter through the Raja Gopuram, there is the Gupta Ganga Temple Tank on your right and the Temple for the God of Death to your left. A dip in the tank is supposed to be a blessing and clears you of all the sins and a rebirth. The Sthala Vriksham is the Sandalwood tree. And the deities are worshipped with Sandal leaves and not Vilva.

The shrine for Yama is a small one where He is seated facing the South. There is a Moorthy of Kubera, in a standing posture near Him. We worship Him and enter the second prakaram. This has Vinayaka and Bala Muruga. As we enter the inner court we can see among other structures, the Sannidhi for Goddess Sugandha Kundalaambikai. There is the Kodi Maram, Bali Peetha and Nandhikeswara. In the third gopuram entrance, there are the Twin Ganeshas and Adhikara Nandhi. Inside, in the Garbha Graha the Lord Vanchinaatha gives us His darshan. There is a relief sculpture in a pillar in the first prakara; He is called the Vennai (butter) Pillayar and people with stomach ailments smear butter on His bulging stomach. One has to visit the Temple here to experience the spirituality and enjoy the beauty of the Sculptures and architecture. The style of architecture ranges from the Chola to the Nayakkar era. The Sundays of the month of Karthikai are supposed to be very blessed.


This Temple is supposed to be a very important one and the main Moorthy-Lingam is supposed to be a thousand times greater than the Holy Kasi. Here, even a Death in this small place does not have any impact on the routine Poojas conducted in the Temple. (In most other places, if there is a death in the village, the Temple remains closed until the Last Rites are conducted) .

Location of the temple: Tiruvaanchiyam


Lord Shiva known asVaanchinathar, Vanchi Lingeswarar
Female deity is  known as Mangalanayagi
Pathigam: Thriunavukarasar, Sambandar and sundarar

How to reach

This temple is located 35 Kms from Kumbakonam. This sthalam is located near Achutamangalam which is located on the Kumbakonam - Natchiarkovil - Nannilam bus route. Srivanjiyam is about 2 kms. from Achutamangalam. Nearest town is Nannilam. It can also be reached from Tiruvarur.
6.  Mahalingeswarar Temple, Tiruvidaimarudur

The Shivasthalam at Tiruvidaimarudur on the banks of river Cauvery is one of the 6 most sacred places on par with Varanasi (Benares). The other 5 sivasthalams are Tiruvengaadu, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvaiyaaru, Tiruchaaikkadu[Chaayaavanam] and Tiruvanchiam.

This Shiva temple at Tiruvidaimarudur is about 1200 years old and is a big temple with lofty gopurams and lengthy corridors. This sivasthalam is popularly known as Madhyaarjunam. The term Madhyaarjunam tranlates into "Idaimarudhu" in Tamil language. Arjunam refers to Marudhamaram, the sthalavriksham of this temple. The temple has 3 prakarams [ corridors] and according to many legends associated with the temple, it is considered highly auspicious to do a pradakshinam [a circumambulatory walk through the corridors] on these 3 corridors.

• Aswamedha praharam: This prakaram or corridor is the outermost prakaram and doing pradhakshinam in this praharam will give the effect of doing Ashwamedha yagam.
• Kodumudi praharam: This is the middle corridor and doing pradakshinam in this prakaram will give the effect of visiting Mount Kailash - the Abode of Lord Shiva.


• Pranava praharam: This the innermost corridor and doing pradakshinam in this prakaram will give mokshaa (salavation).

This temple is also known as Panchalinga Sthalam as the main deity is surrounded on four corners by temples dedicated to Vishwanathar, Aatmanathar, Rishipureeshwarar and Chokkanathar.

Because of the glory and importance of the temple at Tiruvidaimarudur, some nearby temples in the vicinity of Tiruvadiamarudur are referred as Parivara Devatha shrines. They are

• Tiruvalanchuzi - Vinayakar
• Swamimalai - Murugar (one of the 6 Abodes of Lord Muruguar)
• Tiruvarur - Somaskandar
• Chidambaram - Natarajar
• Alangudi - Dhakshinamoorthy
• Tiruvavaduthurai - Nandhikeshwarar
• Tiruchaignallur - Chandikeshwarar
• Srikazhi - Bhairavar


• Sooriyanar Koil - Navagrahams

Significance: This temple is associated with the life of King Varaguna Pandian of Pandiya Naadu. The king was once returning to his capital after a hunting trip to nearyby forests. It was after sunset and the king was riding on a horse. He unwittingly killed a brahmin riding over him. Thus he was afflicted with Brahmahathi dosham (the sin of killing a brahmin) and further was possessed by the spirit of the dead brahmin. The king was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and offered prayers to the God to free him from the Brahmahathi Dosham. One day Lord Somasundarar of Madurai appeared in his dreams and advised him to visit Tiruvidaimarudur. Accordingly the king Varaguna Pandian visited Tiruvidaimarudur and when he entered the temple, the spirit of the dead brahmin did not have the courage to enter the sanctum of Lord Shiva and stayed behind hoping to catch the king once again when he came out of the temple. But the king was directed by Lord Shiva to exit through the west gate of the temple and was thus relieved from the Brahmahathi dosham. Even today the practice of entering the temple through the main entrance and exiting through the west gate is followed by all the visitors and devotees to the temple.

Lord Shiva gave darshan and appeared in the form of Arthanareeswarar to sage Markandeyar as desired by the sage at this sivasthalam. A separate shrine for Mookambikai, situated to the south of the shrine for presiding female deity, is of special importance at this temple. It is to be noted that shrines for Goddess Mookambikai are only at two places in India, one at Tiruvidaimarudur and the other one second at Kollur in Karnakata state.

                                      
Great Saints like Agasthyar, Adi Shankaracharya, Pattinathar, Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval, Bodhendra Saraswathi (59th Peedathipathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam), Badragiriar, Arunagirirnathar had visited this shrine and worshipped the lord. It is believed that when Adi Shakara worshipped, the Lord Mahalingeshwarar uttered "Sathyam Advaitham" three times. It is also believed that Sridhara Ayyaval a great Shiva bhatka has merged with the Lord as a joyti (light). Sri Bodhendra Saraswathi's jeeva samadhi is also situated in Govindapuram near Tiruvidaimaruthur.

There are two Puranams. Sthala purana written by Sivakkolundu Deshika of Kottaiyar Marudavana Puranam. There is an Ula written by Mahavidvan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai. The Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, Thiruvidaimarudur Mummanikkovai, Thiruppazh, Thiruvidaimaurudur Pathirruppathanthathi, Thiruvidaimaurudur Kalambakam, Thiruvidaimarudur Nondi Natakam contain sufficient information about the temple. Kandapuranam, Lingapurana, Brahmavaivartham and Sivarahasya mention the glory of the Lord.
This temple is maintained by Thiruvavadudurai Adheenam. His Holiness Seervalarseer Sivaprakasha Deshika Swamigal (23rd Gurumagasannidhanam), adorns the throne of the Adheena and doing all kinds of spiritual (Sivatthondu and Tamilthondu) and social service.
Location of the temple: Tiruvidaimarudur

Lord Shiva known asMahalingeswarar, Marudhappar
Female deity is known as Bruhath Sundarakusaambaal, Nanmulainayagi, Perunalamulainayagi
Pathigam: Thirunavukarasar, Sundarar

How to reach the Temple:
 
This famous Sivasthalam is located 9 Kms from Kumbakonam en route to Mayiladuthurai. Town bus facilities are available from Kumbakonam. There is also a railway station at Tiruvidaimarudur on the Kumbakonam - Mayiladuturai section of the Southern Railway.
 
With this, my Posting on "Temples at Par with KASI" comes to a close.  More to follow soon.