Temples in and Around Trichy - The Brahmapureeswarar Temple-Thiruppattur

The Brahmapureeswarar Temple is a  Hindu Temple located in Tirupattur, Tiruchirapalli, India.  Some believe that a person can change his fate by seeking the blessings of Lord Brahma at Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirupattur. Contrary to general impressions, there is more than one Lord Brahma temple in India.

The Brahmapureeswarar Temple -Thiruppattur

About the Temple:

Mythological references recount Lord Brahma's overwhelming pride as the Creator of the Universe. Lord Brahma felt that He was more prevailing than Lord Shiva – since He had the supremacy of creation.

This sense of pride provoked Lord Shiva, who destroyed Lord Brahma's Fifth Head, and also cursed Him that He would lose His power of creation.

To relieve himself of this curse, Lord Brahma started out on a pilgrimage of Lord Shiva Temples.

During the course of His pilgrimage, Lord Brahma also visited this temple and installed 12 Shiva Lingams around Brahmapureeswarar and worshipped Lord Shiva here for a considerable time.

View of the Temple Vimanam

Being moved by Lord Brahma's prayers, Lord Shiva, on Devi Parvathi's  appeal, gave him Darshan under the Magizha tree and liberated Him from His curse. Lord Shiva also restored the power and responsibility of creation to Lord Brahma.

Lord Shiva also blessed Lord Brahma that He would have a separate shrine at this temple. He also advised Lord Brahma that since Brahma himself had His destiny rewritten here; He should rewrite the destiny of His devotees visiting this temple.

Lord Brahma in Brahmapureeswarar 
Temple

Since the fate of Lord Brahma, the Creator, Himself was changed by Lord Shiva at Tirupattur, one can expect a turning point in life by praying at this temple.

The temple is under the administration of The Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments Department, Government of TamilNadu.

The presiding deity is Lord Brahmapureeswarar in the form of Swayambu Lingam.  

The presiding deity is Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri.

There is a separate shrine for Lord Brahma. The idol of Lord Brahma is in meditative pose sitting in Padmasana  on a lotus.

The Temple complex consists of the 12 Shiva Lingams, installed and worshipped by Lord Brahma.

The Shiva Lingams worshipped at the
Brahmapureeswarar Temple

The 12 Shrines of Lord Shiva:

There are 12 Shiv Lingams in the Temple complex, which includes the garden adjacent to the temple. These Shiva Lingams were installed and worshipped by Lord Brahma.

Most of these Shiv Lingams are housed in separate shrines, which are situated around the Brahma Theertham.

Brahma Theertham is the pond from which Lord Brahma took water for performing puja to Lord Shiva.

The temple complex also has the Jeeva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the author of Yoga Sutras. 

These 12 shrines of Lord Shiva which comprise the Bramhapureeswarar Temple complex are: 

• Sri Brahmapureeswarar Presiding Deity
• Sri Pazhamalai Nathar
• Sri Pathala Eswarar
• Sri Thayumanavar
• Sri Manduga Nathar
• Sri Ekambareswarar
• Sri Arunachaleswarar
• Sri Kailasa Nathar
• Sri Jambukeshwarar
• Sri Kalathi Nathar
• Sri Sabthagereswarar
• Sri Sudharaneswarar

Location of the Temple

Thiruppattur is located 30 km from Trichy in Tamil Nadu in on the Trichy Chennai National Highway 45.

Temple in and Around Trichy - Sri Kalayana Pasupatheeswarar Temple

Sri Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple-
Namakkal

Located in the heart of Karur town,Sri Kalyana Pasupathinathar Temple [Pasupatheeswarar Temple] devoted to Lord Shiva in the form of Pasupathinathar is considered as the first and foremost of the seven Shiva Shrines of the Kongu region. It is said that the holy cow Kamadhenu worshipped Lord Shiva at this place and hence the deity got the name Aanilaiappar [Aa means cow] and then Pasupathinathar which means 'Lord of all living beings'.

The temple structure built on 2.65 acres of land has two gopurams [tower]. The 7 tier front Rajagopuram is 120 feet high and is adorned with stucco images of mythological characters. The other gopuram is a 5 tier one. Inside the temple there are 2 corridors. The main attraction of the temple is its100 pillared mandapam with inscriptions of Chola and Pandya. The temple complex has a holy tree called Vanji and a holy spring called Thadaagai Theertham.

The 5 feet high idol, which can be seen in a slanting position is a swayambu murthy [self-created image] and it is kept in the main shrine [Moolvar]. This idol representing Pasupathiswaralingam is bathed by the milk oozing from the udder of a cow. It is said that 3 days in a year during the Tamil month of Panguni [March 15 to April 15] the sun's rays falls directly on this lingam. Apart from the main shrine, there are two shrine for the female deity's. One is for Sundaravalli [Soundaranayaki], which is facing south and the other for Alankaravalli, facing east.

Daily 6 traditional kaala poojas are performed here. Archana, Sagasranama Archana, Ashtothra Archana , Abishekam are some among them. It is believed that those who surrender at the feet of Lord Pasupathinathar is blessed with a complete peace of mind. The devotees offer oil, milk, curd and tender coconut to the Lord and mangalsutra , jewels and sari to the Goddess.

The main festivals of this temple are Brahmotsavam in the month of Panguni [March-April, which include Soundranayaki Ambal’s marriage] and Arudra Darshan or Thiruvadirai in the month Margazhi [December-January]. Both these festivals are celebrated for 13 days. Besides these, festivals like Eripaththa Nayanar Utsavam, Navarathri and auspicious days like Pradosha days, Jupiter transit day, Saturn transit day and full moon days are celebrated with great devotion.  

View of the Sri Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple
-Karur

General Information:

Karur is 100 kms far from Salem, 76 from Trichy, 113 from Coimbatore and 144 from Madurai. The temple administration authorities can be contacted on phone No. 04324 – 262010.

Comfortable lodging facilities are available in Karur, the charges ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500. As the temple is situated in the heart of Karur Town, conveyance facilities also available in short frequencies.. Nearest railway station is Karur and airport Trichy.

Temples in and Around Trichy - Sree Narasimhar Temple-Namakkal

Lord Narasimhar Temple-Namakkal

The legend that is associated with this temple is that after lifting the Sanjeevi Parvatham [The Herbal Mountain] and keeping it back in place. Lord Hanuman, bathed in the river Gandaki in Nepal and He got the sacred stone called Saaligramam, that is considered the equivalent of Lord Vishnu. The Saaligramam that Lord Hanuman was unique that it had Lord Narashima and Lord Ranganathar sculptures in the same stone. So Lord Hanuman thought of taking it back to the South, when He was getting back to Srilanka.

When He was enroute, it was dusk [Sandhya time - Sandhya means meeting point] so Lord Hanuman had to offer his prayers during dusk to his Guru - The Sun. But the Saaligramam could not be kept in the land as it is considered so sacred. So he was searching for a person. And then, He found Goddess Lakshmi doing penance in the sacred pond called the Kamalaalaya Theertham. So Lord Hanuman request Goddess Lakshmi to hold the Saaligramam for a while so that he can complete the Sandhya Vandhanam [Evening prayers].  Goddess Lakshmi agreed and asked Lord Hanuman to be back soon.

Lord Hanuman offered his prayers and started meditating so gradually it got very late. And Lord Hanuman rushed to see Goddess Lakshmi, by then a huge mountain had grown. When He asked Goddess Lakshmi about what happened. Goddess Lakshmi told that as it got very late for Hanuman to get back, she could not bear the weight of the Saaligramam, so She kept in on the ground and it grew to be a mountain. The Saaligramam being a rare one having both Lord Narshima and Lord Ranganathar, Hanuman tried lifting the mountain, but it did not budge. Then Lord Hanuman heard the voice of Lord Narashima, saying that it was His wish to stay there and it is the because of the penance of Goddess Lakshmi at Kamalaalya Theertham that He wished to stay here. And this holy place be called the Namagiri, the Kamalaalaya Theertham be called the Namagiri Theertham and Goddess Lakshmi be called Namagiri Thaayaar. And after the Rama Avataram was over, Lord Hanuman came here and stood worshipping Lord Narashima and He is still blessing the devotees who come to Him.

Narasimha provides darshan to Anjaneya and Lakshmi

Lord Narsimhar providing Darshan to
 Anjaneya and Lakshmi

The speciality of this temple is that this is the temple where all the three prime Gods - the Thrimoorthy - [Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramha] are found in one shrine. The temple has no Vimanam, because to build one it has to cover the entire Namagiri mountain. As, Lord Narashima does not have a Vimanam, Lord Hanuman vowed to stand in the open space without Vimanam roofing. And He still does to this day, all attempts to build a roof failed, so he stands outside. The Lakshmi Narashima temple is under the maintenance of Archaelogical Society of India [ASI] whereas the Hanuman temple outside is under the control of the state government. And nearby the temple is the Namagiri Theertham [Kamalaalaya Theertham].

The temple is open during most of the day time. One more interesting fact is that the Lord Narashima's feet and Lord Hanuman's eyes are at the same height position as Lord Hanuman worshipping Lord Narashima's lotus feet.

[Anjaneyar Worshipping
Lord Narasimha's Lotus Feet]

The mandapams were erected by the Pallavas and there is a rock fort on the top that was built by Tippu Sultan. The temple is very serene and tranquil that it captivates the minds of the people who visit it and makes them to come for more of Lord Narashima's and Goddess Lakshmi's blessings.

On the other side of the Lakshmi Narashima temple is the Lord Ranganathar temple. It is said that the Lord Ranganathar statue is bigger than the one at the great Srirangam. And the temple is open only during early morning and early evening for around 4 hours a day. The experience is so exciting that you find your mind to be in peace and tranquility once you visit the temple.

A few more interesting information was available to us from our guide:

1]  One can see all 3 different forms [Thirukolam / posture] of Lord Vishnu.

• Irundha [Sitting] - Lord Lakshmi Narashimar
• Kidantha [Sayana] - Lord Ranganatha
• Nindra [Standing] - Lord Varadharaja [aka Malai Varadharajar]

2.   Usually Lord is seen sleeping on Adiseshan. But here it is Karkodagan [i.e Snake body with lions head]. So, its special.

3.  The perumal temple and Hanumar temples are built in such a way that Narashimar's feet are at the same level of Hanumar's eyes.  

View of the Temple Hill atop the Rock Fort
 called "Namagiri"

Located about 55kms from Salem off the Bangalore- Kanyakumari NH 7 is the Narasimha temple at the Saligrama Cave Hill in Namakkal. Opposite the Narasimha temple is the Anjaneya temple where he is seen in a standing posture facing Lord Narasimha. Behind the Narasimha temple on the Eastern side is the Ranganatha temple, where the Lord is seen in a Karkodaya Sayana posture.

Temple Time: 7.30am-1.00pm, 4.30pm-8.30pm
Contact phone number: V. Raja Bhattar @ 94437 2307

Next to Narasimha inside the Sanctum are sculptures of Vaikunta Narayanan, Hiranya Samharam, Vamana, Trivikrama and Varaha, all said to be 13th Century work of the Pallavas.

The Viman of the Narasimhar Temple

As per her direction, Anjaneya unleashed his tail to pick up the Saligrama Mountain only to find a sparkling light emanating from the mountain. It was Lord Vishnu providing darshan, in his Narasimha posture, to both Mahalakshmi and Anjaneya.

Since Anjaneya brought the Saligrama to this place and helped create this place, Lord Narasimha asked him to remain here facing the Saligrama hill and provide darshan to the devotees a tall standing posture without a Gopuram

Namagiri Thayaar - Lord Narasimhar Temple-
Namakkal

As Goddess Lakshmi undertook penance here by chanting his ‘Naama’ [On Namo Narayana’] and the hill was created after she placed the Saligrama on the ground, Lord Narasimha named this hill as ‘Naama Giri’ and referred to her as Naama Giri Thaayar. Given her contribution to this place, he gave her the first priority at this temple. Devotees are to first visit Naama Giri Thaayar before they enter the Narasimha Sannidhi.

At the Narasimha Sannidhi, one finds Narasimha in the middle flanked by Shiva on his right and Brahmaa on his left. Also, inside the sanctum are Sanaka and Sanaathana, Brahmma’s sons. One finds Surya and Chandra fanning Lord Narasimha.

Lord Ranganathar-Namakkal

To the East of the hill and behind the Narasimha Temple is the Ranganatha temple, where Lord Ranganatha is seen in a special Karkodaga Sayana Posture with his head resting South and his feet directed towards the North.

King of Snakes ‘Karkodagan’ undertook penance here and requested the Lord to rest on him. Hence, the posture here of Lord Ranganatha is referred to as Karkodaga Sayanam. While he is seen sleeping on top of the Snake, a unique feature here is that the face of the Snake Karkodagan is that of a roaring lion.

There are three entrances to the Ranganatha temple. The entrance in the middle is the one that is opened every day, while the other two entrances are opened only on Vaikunta Ekadesi day. One has to climb 100 steps to reach the sannidhi.

Sri Lakshminarasimha:

The Cave Temple of Lord Narasimhar-
Namakkal

The other part of saligramam is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha which is inside the same cave temple. The lion faced swami is holding the dying demon Hiranyakasibu. The posture is called veerasana and he faces west. There is fire in his eyes. It is an expression of anger, bravery, victory and annihilation. He holds conch and chakra. He has a punishing wand on his hand for the evil doers. Lord Siva, Brahma and other rishis are there witnessing the annihilation. On the prayers of Sri Lakshmi his rage subdued and he became cool and calm. So he has been called Sri Lakshmi Narasimha.

Sculpture:

The temple is bestowed with some pieces of precious art: Lord Sankaranarayana- right half Lord Siva and left half Lord Vishnu.
This is a very rare sculpture expressing the oneness of the great philosophies of Saivam and Vaishnavam.

Pujas and festivals:

The pujas are performed as per vaikanasa agama. Thayar is offered with jewels, sarees and garlands in abundance by devotees. The three festivals of importance are Dasara festival for ten days in Purattasi; Car festival is the main attraction with all colors and festivities drawing thousands of devotees from all over Kongu region; Anjaneya Jayanthi is another famous celebration during Margazhi.

History of temple:

The cave temple was believed to be originally carved out by the Adhiyaman clan; later further improved by Pallavas and Madurai Nayakar kings.This temple is taken over and maintained by Archaeological department under monuments and sites act 1958.

Thaligai for Lord Narasimha

On the occasion of his Thiru Kalyanam, Devas wanted to feed Thirupathi Srinivasa, who referring to this place as ‘Mel’ Ahobilam, asked them to feed the Lord here. Hence, presenting Thaligai to Lord Narasimha here is very special and is equivalent to feeding Thirupathi Lord Srinivasa.

On Pradhosham, presenting Thaligai and Paanagam [sweet drink made with jagery] will liberate one from all troubles.

Sculpture at its Best 

How to reach Namakkal

Chennai-Salem Yercaud Express[Salem arrival 5am] or Chennai Egmore-Salem Express [Salem arrival 6am]
Direct Trains also from Coimbatore and Bangalore to Salem
From Salem, one can take a one hour bus trip to Namakkal
Buses every 5minutes from Salem

Temples in and Around Trichy - Sree Anjaneyar Temple. Namakkal

The very mention of Namakkal brings to one's memory the gigantic figure of Lord Hanuman.  The deity stands 18-feet-tall, commanding awe and veneration.  The Maha Kumbabishekam for the temple was performed on November 22, 2009.  

Namakkal Anjaneyar

Namakkal Anjaneyar temple has more than 1500 Years history . The fort of Namakkal is guarded by a giant Anjaneya. The idol is so famous that it has been known as Namakkal Hanuman.Anjaneya is in Digambara temple [with sky as the roof] facing and worshipping Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and the Saleegramam. The Anjaneya in this kshethra is eighteen feet tall and is having dharshan of the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha about 250 feet [76 m] away. The eye of Anjaneya is in straight line with the patha [lotus feet] of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. 

One can witness Anjaneya having the dharshan of Lord's Lotus feet from the Garudalwar sannathi even today. The imprint of the footsteps of Anjaneya Swami is seen in the Kamalalam tank steps.There was also a rumour in namakkal that the anjaneyar grows in height each and every year.They did some poojas and made Anjaneya to be calm because there should not be any disaster in the world.As time passes many would have been forgotton about this rumours.  

The principal deity worhsipped here is a beautiful carved murti of Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Naraimha Swami. The beautiful murti and the ancient cave temple are carved out of an imposing hill.There is a separate shrine for Goddess Namagiri Lakshmi. The 18ft tall murti of Hanuman in Namakkal is an awe inspiring sight to watch. Anjaneya is in a 'digambara temple' [with sky as the roof] facing and worshiping Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and the Salagramam. The Anjaneya in this kshethra is eighteen feet tall and is having dharshan of the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha about 250 feet away. The eye of Anjaneya is in straight line with the lotus feet of Lord Lakshmi Nrusimha. One can witness Anjaneya having the dharshan of Lord's Lotus feet from the Garudalwar sannathi even today.

Worshipping Lord Narasimha

About Temple :

Namakkal is famous for the huge, life-size  Hanuman Statue [Anjaneynar] carved out of a single stone. The city lies at the foot of a huge rock, upon which there is a fort. The name Namakkal immediately brings to mind ‘Namakkal Anjaneyar’ – the temple of Hanuman at Namakkal. The idol of Hanuman is 18 feet or so in height, and stands under the open sky. Opposite to the Hanuman is a temple of Narasimha.

The Greatness of Lord Anjaneya:

It is said that Lord Anjaneya brought the Salakrama Hills from Nepal as instructed by his guru Narasimha Murthy and named it as Namakkal. The Lord presents Himself in Vishwarupa Dharshan with His hands worshipping in the open terrace, exposing Himself to natural calamities like flood, hot sun and storm. It is believed that He keeps on growing height wise. The people of Namakkal pray to the Lord for blessing them with good sense, health, boldness, success, wealth and fine speech.

History:
Sri Hanuman played a vital role in Lord Sri Rama’s kingdom. He had served Lord Sri Ram in all possible ways, as a servant in personal life, as a Minister in political operations, as a knight in his military role etc.,  Hence, he decorated himself with silk clothes, gold and diamond ornaments and short sword suitable to all his roles and responsibilities. With this same attire,togethe with jewels and decorations, Sri Hanuman came to Namakkal to serve  the Lord Sri Narashima. 

Sri Hanuman stands in all His splendour,  here in Namakkal.  

One more specialty of this temple is as follows: Lord Sri Hanuman does not have  a roof over Him, and He would prefer to stay in open sky. In the past centuries, people tried many times to build roof for Sri Hanuman, but Lord Hanuman did not accept it. It is said that Lord Hanuman appeared in one of the devotees dreams and declared as follows:

 “My supreme master Lord Sri Narashimha stays inside the cave. There is no roof for him as Hill is the natural roof by itself. Since, my master does not have the roof, I do not want to stay under the roof. Let me live under the open sky and do the service for Lord Narashimha for ever”.

Pallava kingdom built numerous stone sculptures in this temple, but could not build a roof for Sri Hanuman. This is the proof that Lord Sri Hanuman did not allow anyone to build a roof for him. Even ten years before, when the temple renovation was completed, the square portion of where Sri Hanuman stands, is left to the  open sky.  

Lord Anjaneyar 

See all 7 videos
[Courtesy: youtube]


Devotees are said to frequent this temple day and night and offer their worship Sri Hanuman in all respects.  With the great Anugraham of Lord Hanuman, they get relief for all the problems. Devotees surrender to Sri Hanuman, who always takes care of his devotees with special attachment.

Devotees coming from all over the World to have Dharsan of this temple, offer sacred tulasi garlands, sweet-scented betel garlands and flower garlands for decorating Sri Hanuman. Devotees offer milk, ghee, honey, sugar and nuts with full of devotion.

Contact Details:

Executive Officer,

Arulmigu Narasimma Swamy Temple,

Kottai Naamakkal - 637 001

Ph : 04286 - 233999

How to reach Namakkal:

By Air:

Trichy and Coimbatore is the nearest Airport from Namakkal.

By Train:

Namakkal can be reached by Train from all Cities in Tamilnadu.

By Car / Bus:

Namkkal can  be reached by cars and buses from Trichy, Coimbatore, Karur, Thanjavur and Yercaud.

Temples in and around Trichy - Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Tiruvarangam is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Vishnu located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandham,  the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE and is counted as the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.

 Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple,
Srirangam-Trichy

It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India rich in legend and history. Its location, on an island in Cauvery river, has rendered it vulnerable to natural disasters as well as the rampaging of invading armies - Hindu, Muslim and European – which repeatedly commandeered the site for military encampment.  The main entrance, known as the Rajagopuram [the royal temple tower], rises from the base area of around 13 cents [around 5720 sq ft] and goes up to 237 feet [72 m], moving up in eleven progressively smaller tiers. 

The annual 21 day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margazhi [December–January] attracts 1 million visitors. Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu Temple in the world, the still larger Angkor Wat being the largest existing temple. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres [631,000 m] with a perimeter of 4,116m [10,710 feet] making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world.

For more on SriRangam Temple, you may see my earlier posting:

http://divyadarisanams.blogspot.com/2010/01/bhooloka-vaikuntam.html

Temples in and around Trichy - Jambekeswara Temple - Thiruvanaikaval

Thiruvanaikaval [ Tamil: திருவானைக்காவல்] [ also Thiruvanaikal, Jambekeswaram] is a famous Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli [ Trichy], in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was built by Kocengannan [Kochenga Chola], one of the Early Cholas, around 1,800 years ago. It is located in the Srirangam island, which has the famous Ranganathaswamy temple. 

Sree Jambekeswarar Temple-
Thiruvanaikaval

Thiruvanaikaval is one of the five major Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu  [Panchabhoota Sthalams] representing the Mahabhuta  or five great elements; this temple represents the element of water,  or neer in Tamil. The sanctum of Jambukeswara has an underground water stream and in spite of pumping water out, it is always filled with water.

It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all of the four most revered Nayanars [Saivite Saints] have sung glories of the deity in this temple. The temple has inscriptions from the Chola period.

Legend also says that Adi shankarar has offerred Sri Chakra as Thaadanga [ear rings] for devi. The other legend says that Devi made the Lingam out of water particles and offerred prayers to Lord Shiva. She took Upadeshas from the lord and hence this place is also known as Upadesa Sthala.

More on this temple can be read in my earlier Posting :  

http://divyadarisanams.blogspot.in/2011/04/our-visit-to-srirangam-temple-and.html

Temples in and around Trichy - Samayapuram Mariamman Temple

Samayapuram Sree Mariamman Temple-Trichy

About the Temple:

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple in Samayapuram near Trichy in Tamil Nadu, India. The main deity, Samayapurathal or Mariamman is made of sand and clay like many of the traditional Mariamman deities, and hence unlike many other Hindu deities there are no abhishekams [sacred washing] conducted to the main deity, but instead to the small stone statue in front of it. It is believed by the devotees that the Goddess has enormous powers over curing illnesses and hence, it is a ritual to buy small metallic replicas, made with silver or steel, of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box. Devotees also offer mavilakku, [Tamil – மாவிளக்கு] a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee.The temple attracts hundreds of devotees on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, the holy days for Mariamman. Offerings of raw salt is also made to the Goddess by the rural devotees.Also samayapuram is the second most wealthy(in terms of cash flows) temple in tamilnadu after palani.

History
The Maariamman Temple at Samayapuram in the vicinity of Tiruchirappalli (see below), is one of the well visited shrines in Tamilnadu, dedicated to Maariamman, a manifestation of the primeval energy Shakti as the mother Goddess. Local variations of the worship of Shakti, the mother Goddess are seen throughout the Indian subcontinent. Mariamman is a form of Shakti worshipped in Tamilnadu, and is associated with prosperity and health. Local beliefs associate this deity with cures for diseases such as small pox and chicken pox.

Samayapuram Sree Mariamman 

Legend has it that Shiva created Kali, out of the poison that he had swallowed, and decreed that he kill Daarukaasuran. Having originated from the Kaalakoota poison, she assumed the name Kaali. Mariamman is believed to be a form of Kaali, and is also known as Mahamaayi or Seethala Gowri. Samayapuram was a local capital of the Vijayanagar rulers in the vicinity of Tiruchirappalli, and was known as Vikramapuram. This temple has separate shrines for the processional image of Mariamman and the moolavar in the sanctum. There is also a shrine to Karuppannasaami a local deity

History of the temple is unclear. In early 18th century, King Vijayaraya Chakkaravarthi built the present day form of the temple.There is scant history of the period before that though it is believed that the locals worship the Goddess for many centuries before building the current temple. One legend says that the present deity was at the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, and one of chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused him illness and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. It is a common belief in that part of the region that such local Gods have immense powers and they must always be satisfied by proper offerings and sacrifices. The idol was moved outside Srirangam, and later found by some of the passerby who built a temple named, the Kannanur Mariamman temple.

During that period [around 17th century CE], Trichy was ruled by the Vijayanagar kings and the area was used as an army base. It is believed that they made a commitment to build the temple if they win the war and after attaining success they built a shrine for the Goddess. Originally it was under the management of the Thiruvanaikaval temple, a popular one in the region. Later, the control was split and currently Samayapuram is under an independent trust monitored by the Government of Tamil Nadu, which also monitors the annadanam distribution [an act of offering food to the devotees].

Festivals

• Thai Poosam, usually occurring in the Tamil month of Thai.Like most Tamil temples the main festival is during the start of the summer, generally in April. During this time, the temple chariot processions and theppams take place.  
• All the Fridays in the Tamil months of Aadi [July 15 – Aug17] and Thai [Jan 15 – Feb 15] are celebrated in a grand manner.

View of the Temple Entrance

Significance of the temple
Samayapuram is a significant symbol of the native culture in rural Tamil Nadu and there a number of unique practices concerning the Mariamman temples. Samayapuram has been used a model to describe rural folklore in a number of research works on sociology and religion.

During festivals, it is not unusual to find people doing extreme things to make their bodies suffer as an act of sacrifice including, walking over a red-hot bed of charcoal and holding hot mud-vessel in bare hands.

Heritage of Samayapuram outside India
The legacy of Samayapuram is well spread beyond Tamil Nadu and even after centuries of emigrating from India, many people in Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa and Fiji still maintain their loyalties to the temple and try to create similar temples and environment in their new country, raising both a cause of concern and an appreciation of diversity.

Temples in and around Trichy - Sree Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Koil-Gunaseelam

Located on the Bank of river cauvery on its north Bank and 24 km far away from trichy, it is seen in the way towards Musri. Lord Vishnu is the deity here and it is an important temple for vaishnavaites. 

About Temple:

A 5000 year old temple that helps cure all kinds of diseases and rehabilitates mentally challenged people .Lord is said to protect devotees from evil forces and is believed to instil positive energy.

Sree Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Koil-
Gunaseelam-Trichy

Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal koil in Gunaseelam is located about 25kms North West of Srirangam on the Trichy- Namakkal- Salem highway on the Northern banks of Cauvery near the Upper Anaicut [Mukkombu].

Location

Gunaseelam, a small hamlet, about 16 Kilometers away from Tiruchirapalli, on the Salem – Tiruchirapalli Road, is the site where the rishi performed penance. This brought none other than Lord Venkatachalapathy himself to the Banks of the Cauvery to reside in a place which came to be known by the very name of the saint.

History:

Saint Gunaseela was the disciple of Saint Sreethalpya. He was such an adept at serving his Guru that he was bestowed with all the superior knowledge that the Guru possessed. Once Gunaseelar went on a pilgrimage to the Seven Hills and had darshan of Lord Venkateswara. So moved was he that he pleaded with the Lord to go with him to his Ashram, as he felt that he could not stay away from Him anymore. The Lord who is ever moved by the true love of his devotees spoke to Gunaseelar and told him that as he was in a state of debt, he could not leave Tirumala. He directed Gunaseelar to return to his Ashram on the banks of the Cauvery and do penance. The Lord told the saint that none other than Vaikuntavasa Shri Narayana would appear.

The Lord at Gunaseelam

Gunaseelar did as the Lord had directed and many years later in Krtha Yuga on Saturday in the month of Purattasi on the day of the star Sravana, Venkatachalapathy appeared in the Ashram of Gunaseelar as a Swayambhu. Gunaseelar was overjoyed and spent his days performing pujas to his Lord. At the time, his guru Sreethalpya wanted to go to Badrinath and perform penance. He however didn’t feel like parting from his dear disciple Gunaseela. Gunaseela could feel the desire of his Guru and also his dilemma. But he was himself in the horns of a dilemma: Whether to go with his Guru and in the process forsake his dear Lord who came to his abode or to forsake his Guru and stay with his Lord? The ever-compassionate Narayana was so moved at seeing the predicament of his devotee that when he prayed to Him to clear his mind and make him do the right thing, the Lord blessed his devotee and bade him to serve the guru. Since Venkatachalapathy cleared his mind, Gunaseela made a prayer that all those who pray to win at Gunaseelam should be rid of illusions and delusions and be blessed with clarity of mind. This is why there is a belief that praying at this temple is a cure to insanity and madness.

Gunaseela left the Lord after appointing a small boy to take care of the vigraha and do the daily pujas. Unfortunately the small boy grew quite scared of the wild animals and the swirling waters of the Cauvery inspate, that he abandoned the Lord and ran away. In the flux of time on anthill grew over the vigraha of Venkatachalapathy and serpents lived in it. At that time one of the local kings Gnana Varman, who had his capital at Uraiyur, had established his cowshed near the present Gunaseelam. One day the cowherds noticed that the level of milk in the milk jugs had gone down mysteriously. The puzzled cowherds reported this to the king and he himself witnessed the mysterious disappearance of the milk. At that point an old Brahmin appeared and told the kind that if the anthill was dissolved with milk, the king could see the Lord himself. The anthill was dissolved with milk and Venkatachalapathy with a couch, discus, whip and sceptre was revealed. The Lord blessed the King who immediately took upon himself the job of constructing a temple. The Lord here is known as “Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal” and it is believed that those who are not able to visit Tirumala can obtain the grace of Venkatachalapathy here.

Utsavar in Gunaseelam

Speciality

The most important feature in this temple is the special grace that the lord bestows on the mentally unsound. The temple priests splash holy water on all the devotees, first on the mentally unsound, twice a day to cure them of their problems, and then on the others. The pujas are done here as per the Vaikanasa tradition.

Curing of Diseases

One of the special features of the Gunaseelam temple is the power of Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal to cure people from all kinds of diseases. The Lord is also said to help childless couples, if they bathe in the Cauvery and offer prayers for 48 days at Gunaseelam. It is believed that the Lord protects devotees from evil forces and keeps away enemies with the stick he wields in his right hand. Belief also is that sincere prayers to Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal will help remove any negative energy in devotees who visit here.

Festival

• Puratasi 11 day Brahmotsavam including 9 day Chariot festival
• Chitrai Theppotsavam
• Aavani 3 day Pavitrotsavam

Temple Timings : 830am-1pm, 4pm-830pm
Contact Person : KR Pichumani, Hereditary Executive Trustee
Telephone No. : 04326 275210/ 275310 or 94863 04251

How To Reach

Devotees from Chennai can conveniently reach Tiruchirappalli by rail and take a direct bus to Gunaseelam. The temple has three ‘choultries’ and one for the mentally unsound to stay. It is believed that staying for 48 days and taking the “Theertham” twice a day will cure insanity. The beauty of the deity beckons one and all.