Tamilnad temples - Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikaksha Perumal temple

This article is to give details about the Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikasha Perumal Temple. The temple is in a village named Vellarai near Trichi in Tamilnad. It is an important temple of worship for the Vaishnavaites of India. They have 108 Divya desams (holy or sacred places) and Thiruvellarai Perumal temple is one of them. 

Thiruvellarai Pundarikaksha temple

This is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and deity here is called as Pundareekakshan. The name of the temple as Thiruvellarai was due to the fact that it is on a hill at a height of about 100 feet of white stones. In Tamil Thiru is a used as salutation to divine, royal or other leaders. Vellarai means Vella (white) arai (hill) or white hill. So the name of the temple is temple on white hill. Vellarai is in Trichy district. There is a reason for calling the Lord here as Pundareekakshan. There was a yogi by name Pundareekan. He made a garden in this place and worshipped the Lord with the Tulsi leaves he had grown in the garden. The Lord was pleased with his Bhakti and worship and gave darsanam to Pundareekan. From that time the Lord was known as Pundareekakshan. 

Two entrances to Thiruvellarai Pundarikasha Perumal temple

The temple has two entrances to the sanctum sanctorum or the Moolasthanam (place of principal deity) of the deity.  Normally only one door is open by turn. The procedure is to use one door during the ‘Utharayana’ time (from middle of January to middle of June of the English calendar) and the other during ‘Dakshinayana’ time (from mid June to Mid January).  The doors are known as Utharayana vaasal – door and Dakshinayana vaasal.  It is the belief of the people here that the 2 entrances or doors represent (1) entering of the life and (2) coming out of the life. While going through either of the doors the devotees are to feel the existence or the presence of the god or Paramaatman.  To remind this principle or make it understandable to the devotees the Lord of the temple resembles to Surya Narayanan during Utharayan and as Govindan during Dakshinayan. There are certain beliefs about Dakshinayan (6 months from middle of Jul to middle of Jan of English calendar) when no auspicious activities like marriage or setting up of home etc are supposed to be done. Similarly death during this period is supposed to be inauspicious. In Utharayan period (6 months from mid Jan to mid Jul) it is good to perform all auspicious activities. Death happening during this period is supposed to be very good. But for doing auspicious activities during Dakshinayana period there is a way out by offering worships to Surya Narayan before starting the intended activities.  

Though officially the temple is having 2 doors as mentioned above, there is supposed to be a third door known as ‘Naazhi kettan vaasal’ meaning door for late coming. The story behind is that once when the Lord came very late, his consort asked him why he was s late. For that he replied that he tried to come through the Naazhi kettan vaasal. 

Main deity of the Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikaksha temple

The main deity or Moolavar is called as Pundarikashan but also known as Thamaraikannan and Maayavan (at the end of Dakshinayan period) etc. He is also called as "Thai Maatha Naayagan" meaning the leader of the Tamil month Thai (Jam 15 to Feb 15). He is in standing position facing East direction.  The Lord here is supposed to represent the ‘Vedas’ which is supposed to be white in colour. The temple gives sevai (service) to the deity along with his consort called Thamarai (lotus) Selvi (beloved daughter, also identified as goddess Lakshmi) periya (large – big) Pirattiyar, in nindra (standing) sevai (worship). Since the king Sibi saw a boar which resulted in the construction of this temple, the moolavar is Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) incarnation.

In the sanctum there is a separate sannidhi for the thayaar (literal meaning is mother but here referred to the goddess – the universal mother) the consort of the Moolavar of this temple. She is known as Shenbagavalli (also called Periya Pirattiyar, Lakshmi Devi).  The Utsava Moorthy (idol used in temple processions and outside Poojas etc) of the goddess is known as Pangajavalli. 

Other structures of the Sri Pundarikaksha temple

The temple is having a big compound wall all around to it. The Pundarikasha temple of Vellarai is having 7 temple ponds or Pushkarinis or Theerthams. These 7 Theerthams are also within the temple compound wall.  The 7 Theerthams or Pushkarinis are known by the names Divya Theertham, Kanda kshree Theertham, Chakra Theertham, Chakra Theertham, Pushkala Theertham, Padma Theertham and Varaha Manikarnika Theertham. There is a vimanam known as the Vimalakruthi Vimanam in the temple. 

Hoy Vaishnav Hymns about the deity of Thiruvellarai temple

There are some Mangalasasanams (hymns or verses praising the Lord Vishnu or his different incarnations and aspects) prepared and sung by some of the Alvars. Alvars are Vaishnav Bhaktas (acharyas - staunch devotees of Lord Vishnu) and many of them are so deeply devoted that they have nothing else in their minds except the Lord and his wondrous deeds. Some of them have written prose and some others hymns about the Lord and Goddess of various Vaishnav temples. One of them known as Periyalwar had 11 hymns written another by name Thirumangai Alwar had written 13 and Vedantha Desikar has written Hamsa Sandesam (message of the swan) in which also some Mangalasasanams on Sri Pundarikaksha of this temple.  

Steps leading to the Sanctum of Lord Pundarikashan

There are 22 steps to be climbed to reach to the temple. The first 18 steps are supposed to represent the 18 chapters of the Bhagavath Geetha and the next 4 steps are supposed to represent the four Vedas.  This place is having the Balipeetam (place where offerings are offered to the Bhootha ganas of the deity). After offering the worship here cross the 5 steps representing ‘Pnacha boothas’ (the booth thathwas of life namely fire, water, space – ether, air and earth) to the two entrances. Take the appropriate entrance (Dakshinayan door) during Dakshinayan period and Utharayan door during Utharayan period) to have darsan (view) of the Lord Pundarikashan also known as Thamaraikannan, Maayavan and Thai Maatha Naayagan of Vellarai.  

 

Some Specialties of Thiruvellarai

1.        1.       Swami Engalazhwan, a great Vaishnav Acharya and a Disciple of Sri Ramanuja and Thirukurukai Piran Pillan and teacher of Sree Bhashyam and Sri Nadaa thooram Aalukku oppatra pungai Maalai was born here. Nadaathoramaal means Bhakthan – devotee who was an epitome of Bhakthi (devotion to Lord) on the God. There is a story related as to how the name "Nadaathoramaal" was given to Engalazhwan.  He used give milk everyday to Emperumaan (Lord Vishnu is addressed as Emperumaan in respect). He was so devoted to the Lord that he used to blow the milk with air from mouth to cool the milk if it happens to be hot so that the Lord does not have any inconvenience. 

2.   Another staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu Bhakthar Uyyakondaar was born here and he along with Sri Ramanujar Acharya stayed in this place and explained about Vaishnavam to spread Vaishnav cult.The temple is on a white rock hill of about 100 feet high.

3. If any sound is made in front of the big pillar of this temple, it replicates and echoes within the temple. For this reason some of the paasurams (verses praising the Lord) in Divya prabhandhams (holy scriptures) are recited 2 or 3 times so that it replicates, reverberates or echoes within the temple complex. This is due to the fact that there are some rooms built around in stones which cause the echoes or the feeling of repetition of the sounds made. 

5.       4.      The Raja Gopuram (main entrance) of the temple is an incomplete structure. While the construction of the Gopuram was going on there was a mishap and the work was stopped. The work to complete the Gopuram was not taken up again till today. 

6.      5.              Lord Vishnu is also Sriman Narayanan and Surya Narayan. By his rays he gives light, security and heat for the life. Because of him it rains in the world; it is because of him plants grow; his heat will destroy the adverse forces which affect the lives; and his rays make life in the universe. 

Symbolism about the 2 doors

The Utharayana door is to symbolize the entrance of all living beings (Jeevathmas) into the world which supposed to be the place under Lord Kuberan (god of Wealth). The Dakshinayana door is to symbolize the entrance to the world after death which is the place of Lord Yama (the king of Swarga and Naraka. Irrespective of wealth persons who are good and do good deeds will go to the Lord and merge with him. 

Other deities in Pundarikasha Perumal Temple

As is the custom in Vaishnav temples, idol of his vehicle the Garudan (golden eagle) can be found. He is known as Periya (big) Thiruvadi (sacred feet) normally. 

There are other images of Sibi chakravarthy, Bhoomi Piratti (representing mother earth and second consort of the lord), Maarkandeya Maharishi, Lord Brahma, Rudhran (Lord Shiva).   All the idols and images of this temple namely Sri Pundareekakshan, Bhoomi Piratti, Periya Piratti, Suriya and Chandiran and Aadisheshan (the serpent king who is a constant companion of the Lord) all are made in the form of human beings. 

Legend about the Pundarikasha Perumal Temple

The legend is related to the great Chakravarthy (emperor) Sibi. He is one immortal ruler like Satya Harishchandra.  Sibi Chakravarthy was known for his daan (deserving gifts. He cut a portion of his thigh to save the life of a pigeon from a Vulture. This great ruler once went to a forest to hunt with his warriors. They made tents for camping in the forest. While taking rest in the tent he saw a white boar crossing through the front side of his tent. He went after the boar. At a particular point the boar went inside a hole and disappeared. In spite of trying all possible means he could not find the boar afterwards. Near to this place Saint Markandeya was under penance. The king went to the saint and explained the incident to him and wanted to know the meaning. The saint suggested to the king to do milk abhisheka to the hole. When the abhisheka was going on the Lord Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them and disappeared. Saint Markandeya suggested to the king Sibi to bring 3700 Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu). The king went to North and brought 3700 devotees of the Lord and made them to settle down here and built a temple for Lord Vishnu.  During the process one of the Vaishnavaites died and the king was very sad that the number is reduced. At that time the Lord Vishnu appeared as a Vaishnavite and told the King to count him as one vaishnavite so the number is the full 3700. 

How to reach Thiruvellarai

Thiruvellarai is near to Trichy (formerly known as Thiruchirapalli) in Tamilnad. The village is on the route from Trichy to Thurayur at a distance of about 27 km from Trichy. Bus facilities are available from Trichy and Sri Rangam.  Nearest place with lodge facility is Trichy.

Other references about Thiruvellarai Sri Pundareekaksha Temple

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Tamilnad temples - Kalyana Sundarar Temple, Tiruvelvikkudi

Why the name Tiruvelvikkudi?

Tiruvelvikkudi means thiru (a salutation attached to divine or holy or great personalities) velvi (wedding or marriage) kudi (house, dwelling place, temples). The temple place where a holy marriage took place. Whose marriage was that, that took place here? The earthly marriage of Lord Shiva as Kalyanasundarar and goddess Parvathy (goddess Uma) as Parimalasugandha Nayaki was the one referred. Kalyanasundarar means handsome personality in marriage attire. Parimalasugandha Nayaki means the great fragrant female personality. Parimala and sugandha means same thing as fragrance, scent. 

The place of earthly marriage of Lord Siva and goddess Uma

Though the name suggests that the marriage of the Lord Kalyana Sundarar (Siva) and goddess Parimalasugandha Nayaki (Uma) took place here, the marriage was performed at a nearby place called Thirumananjeri. However, the pre wedding Vedic rituals mainly of Homa related to wedding were done in the place Tiruvelvikkudi for the marriage of the divine couple – the Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy. A temple was built in the place as it was sanctified by the Homa done which purified this place. Those who built the temple wanted the benefit of the divinity of the place to be available to all devotees who come here to offer worship. This is one of the ancient Siva temples in whose honour praising songs were composed and sung by the great Siva devotees Sambandar and Sundarar who along with about 64 are known as the ‘Nayanmar’.  Naturally the main deities of this temple are the Kalyanasundarar and Parimalasugandha Nayaki. 

Kalyana Sundarar temple structure

The temple is not a huge one as the temples around this village. It is a medium one with 3 tiers Gopuram (main entrance structure). Tiruvelvikkudi temple has 2 prakarams, an inner one and an outer one. A prakaram is an outer part to the Sanctum (the holy shrine where the deities are installed). This can be a closed one or an open one. While many temples have a closed one, some are having open prakaram or pragaram and some will have partially closed one. The Prakaram will have a path for circumambulation (walk around the shrine) for the devotees.  It will also have normally at least a partially closed (wall and roof but not fully enclosed) place for doing namaskarams (prostrations), chanting stotras, cooking the offerings to the deities, dress chanting place for the Archaks (priests, poojaris), an office or counters for offering/prasad tickets etc. In addition to this prakaram there is also an outer pragaram (outer pathway around the temple complex) which is open around the prakaram around the shrine.  The outer walls of the sanctum have the carved images of the sub deities of the temple, Lord Ganapathy, Agasthya Maharishi, Dakshinamurthy (an aspect of Lord Siva representing the planet Guru - Jupiter), Lingodhbhavar (manifestation as Linga the symbol of Lord Siva), Chandrasekharar (Lord Siva with the crescent moon) and Ardhanareeswar (half woman and half man form of the Lord Siva symbolizing the unity of Siva and Sakti (power – energy). The temple walls have the inscriptions from the periods of Sembian, Mahadevi, Rajaraja and Parantaka Cholas.

Tiruvelvikkudi temple location 

As mentioned this temple is located near the Thirumananjeri temple about 5 km from Ktthalam on the Mayiladuthurai – Kumbakonam Road. Buses are available to Tiruvelvikkudi temple from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam. At Kuththalam autos are available for this place and other nearby temples either on single place basis or packages. 

Postal address of the temple

Sri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple
Tiruvelvikkudi, Kuththalam Post
Mayiladuthurai Taluk, Nagapattinam District
PIN code: 609801

Tamilnad temples - Rare temple of Lord Siva with 2 consorts

Normally deities in the temples of Lord Siva will the lord with his consort Parvathy in the same name. Gauri, Girija, Dakshayani or Uma etc all different manifestations of goddess Parvathy. There is one temple where Lord Siva is seen with goddess Parvathy on one side and goddess Ganga on the other  side. The lord is in the posture of sitting in Padmasana. The temple is in a village called Devampadi Valas near Pollachi, Coimbatore District in Tamilnad.

Tamilnad temples - Navagraha Suryanar - Sun temple at Thirumangalakudi

Suryanar  - Sun temple 

 As per the astrology the sun placed in favorable position in the horoscope gives intelligence, perception, strength and character, endurance, stamina, vitality, positive spirit, courage, confidence and leadership. If the placing is not correct then the result will be dullness of intellect and perception, weak will and character, eyes and head  troubles. The Surya's worship benefits us by giving strength, health, good eyesight, intelligence, relief from skin ailments and longevity of life.The worship include among other things abhishek (sacred bathing) by cool water, offerings of wheat and archana with lotus of red color to please the lord Suryanarayan. Those of the devotees who are unable to go to the other Navagraha temples or the problems from other planets may offer the necessary worship or parihara pooja to the respective planets in their respective shrines in this temple. The best way is to go to the temples dedicated to the respective planets which are withing 50 km from here. Preferable days to worship here is Sundays. Reciting Surya mantras, Surya gaythri etc are good.

First worship Prananatheswarar and Mangalambigai at Thirumangalakudi

Before worshiping at the Suryanar temple the devotees have to go to worship Prananatheswarar and Mangalambigai at Thirumangalakudi. Long back the place where this temple situated was a forest of Vellerukku (white Calotropis gigantea of the Asclepiadaceae plant family). Now there is no forest but still the Erukku plants are there. The Suryanar temple is situated in the same village at a distance of about one km. After offering worship at the Prananatheswarar and Mangalambigai at Thirumangalakudi the devotees are to proceed to the Suryanar koil (temple).

 Procedures of worship at the Suryanar temple

Before worshiping at the main deity other procedures are to be followed.  In the Suryanar koil (temple) first we worship lord Ganapathi in his shrine. Here the Lord Ganapathi (Ganesha) is known as the Kol Vinai theertha vinayakar. Vinai theertha means one who removed the sins. It is the legend that the Navagrahas gave relief to a muni who had sinned and the Lord Brahma cursed him to be afflicted with disease. When the Navagrahas cured the muni suffering from the curse of Brahma, Brahma got angry and cursed in turn the Navagrahas to contract the disease cured by them in the muni. The muni now was upset as also the Navagrahas, as for his sake the Navagrahs had to suffer. He along with the Navagrahas prayed to Brahma for relief to him and the Navagrahas. Brahma advised them to go to Vellerukkakadu (Velle means white, erukku means Calotropis gigantea of the Asclepiadaceae plant family and kadu means forest - forst of white calotropis giganta plants) at Thirumangalakudi village and worship the lord Prananatheswarar and his consort Mangalambigai for release from the curse and cure. Accordingly they went to Thirumangalakudi and worshipped there. After this they went to a place little away from here and installed an idol of Lord Ganapthi and offered penance to please him. Lord Ganapthi (Ganesh) was pleased with them and they got the papa vimochan (release from the effect of curse - salvation). The muni as a mark of gratitude to the Navagrahas who suffered for his sake built a temple in this place where they had done the penance. Since worshiping to the lord Ganapathi gave them release from the sin - curse the lord was named as Kol Vinai Theertha Vinayakar.

After offering worship at this Vinayagar shrine, we go to the narthana (dance) mantapa (hall) and worship the Natarajar there. From here proceed to the sanctum of the main shine of Suryanar. There on the left to the entrance, offer worship to the idols of deities of Kasi Viswanathar (in lingam form) and Visalakshi. Proceed from here to the Deity of Suryanar (sun god) offer worship and after that offer worship to Guru bhagavan (Bruhaspathi) whose idol is facing the Sun deity. After this come out and go to the shrines of other Navagrahas in anti clock direction and worship Saneeswaran (Saturn), Budhan (Mercury), Angarakan (Mars), Chandra (Moon), Kethu, Sukran (Jupiter) and Rahu. From there proceed in clockwise direction and return to the Kol Vinai Theertha Vinayagar. There are sign broads placed to guide the devotees correctly. These are to be carefully observed and followed. 

The sthala vriskham (holy tree of the temple) is Vellai Erukku (white mandar - Calotropis gigantea). It is considered that idol of Pillayar (Ganesha, Vinayaga) made out of Vellerukku is very auspicious. Such idols are sold in shops here. The only problems is there are also duplicate idols painted like vellerukku idols.

Andhra temples - Lord Siva in rare Sayana (lying down) posture - Surutapalli Pallikondeeswar

 Place of Surutapalli Pallikondeeswar Temple

This is an article giving the details of the deities of the shrine and deities of the Surutapalli Pallikondeeswar temple, the specialities of this temple, the legends associated with this place and deities here. 

There are many temples where Lord Vishnu can be seen in sayana (reclining - lying down) pose. The Lord can also be seen in sitting and standing postures. But it is very rare to find any other god or goddess in the lying down (palli konda kolam or kidantha kolam) posture. One such rare temple where the Pallikonda eeswar (pallikonda means lying down and eswar means god) Lord Siva is in a village Surutapalli in Chittoor District of Andra Pradesh on the border of Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is about 56 km from Chennai on the Chennai - Thirupathy route via Uthukottai.

Surutapalli Temple with many shrines

Maragathambigai shrine

The shrine of Goddess Maragathambigai has to be visited first which is between the shrines of the Valmikeeswar on to the left side of entrance to the complex. On to the right side of the Gopuram is the Pallikondeeswar shrine, the main deity of this Surutapalli temple. The garbha griha (sanctum) of the shrine of Maragathambigai is guarded (dwarapalaka) by Lord Kubera (God of wealth) with his consort Sanganidhi on left side and with his another consort Padumanidhi on the right side.  Since Kubera is the keeper of Wealth praying to him first before entering to the shrine of Maragathambigai is considered as appropriate. The goddess inside is standing with Kamadhenu and Karapaha Viruksham on one side each of the goddess to symbolize prosperity. 

There are some other images of Gods like Varasidhi Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha), Sri Venugopala Swami (Lord Krishna), Kasi Vishwanathan with Visalakshi and others present in the inner praharam of the temple. 

Valmikeeswar shrine

After offering worship to goddess Maragathambigai one has to offer worship at the Valmikeeswar shrine which is to the left of the shrine of the goddess.  The idol is in the form of Linga as is the case in most of the Siva temples. But here the Linga is in triangular shape. The deity of this temple is believed to have been installed by the Sage Valmiki to invoke blessings of Lord Siva before his starting to write the great epic Ramayana during the life time of Sri Rama itself. Hence the name.  At the Valmikeeswar shrine offer worship to Lord Valmikeeswr. The Valmikeeswar is a Swayamboo (self manifested - came into being on its own) Linga.

Ramalingeswar shrine

Opposite to the Valmikeeswar shrine is the shrine dedicated to Ramalingeswar. The idol here is believed to have been installed by Sri Rama on his return from Lanka after killing Ravana. He wanted to offer prayer to Lord Siva and he installed this Linga and hence the shrine got the name Ramalingeswar shrine. The Valmikeeswar and the Ramalingeswar are face to face to each other. This is a specialty in this temple that the idols of Lord Siva face each other whereas in most of other Siva temples there will be a Nandi facing the lord in front of Siva Linga.  

In the sanctum on one side Sri Ram and Seeta Devi and on the other side idols of Bharatha and Satrugna are found. There is an idol of Anjaneya (Hanuman) facing Bharatha and Satrugna which is another specialty as Hanuman (Anjaneya) will always be looking at and praying to Sri Rama and Seeta Devi.  The Hanuman's posture may be in appreciation/admiration for what Bharath & Satrugn (brothers of Sri Rama) have done for his master (Hanuman's master Sri Rama) and consort even  though they were in a most advantageous position to enjoy the wealth and power for themselves.

Dakshinamoorthy idol 

On the South side wall of the Valmikeeswar shrine on the outside, an idol of Dakshinamurthy (Lord Siva as Guru Bhagavan - Jupiter) with his consort Tara is installed. This beautiful idol of Dakshinamurthy called by some as dampathya Dakshinamurthy is another specialty in this temple as this may be the only Dakshinamurthy idol with his consort. The posture of the Lord Dakshinamurthy is also special in that the left is kept in raised and the knee folded in such a way that the feet is resting on the seat itself and the Lord's right leg is pressing the mischievous demon on the ground as usual. The consort Tara is standing behind the Lord and her face is seen as if peeping. Worshiping this Lord on Thursdays will help to have the devotees' desires fulfilled, have marriage with good partner and a peaceful life.

The main deity of Pallikondeeswar shrine

The shrine of the main deity - the Pallikondeeswar - of Surutapalli temple is on the right to Valmikeeswar's shrine is the shrine for Pallikondeeswar (Palli konda = lyingdown, Eswar = god) or kidantha (lying down - reclining) eswar  shrine.In the sanctum of the shrine the idol of the deity of Lord Siva (huge 16 feet) is in a reclining posture having his head on the lap of goddess Parvathy (known here as the goddess Sarva Mangalaambigai)  just like the Ranganatha temples where Loard Vishnu will be in reclining position keeping the head on the lap of goddess Lakshmi.The specialty of this deity is that the same is in human form and in reclining position, unlike the usual Linga form found in almost all other Siva temples. The Lord's consort Parvathy is in siting pose with the Lord's head on her lap. On to the either side of the goddess Parvathy are the idols of Kamadhenu (the celestial cow) and Karpaka Viruksham (Holy tree known for granting boons to) which came out of the palaazhi (milky ocean) manthan (churning). There are several other deities inside the sanctum. The idols of Sun and Moon gods are found on either side of the goddess Sarva Mangalaambigai. Other gods namely Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Laxmi, Sage Maarkandeyar, Sage Agasthair, Valmiki, Indran, Sage Naradhar, Lord Subramaniyam with His consorts Valli and Devayani and Lord Ganapati are also seen here to know the well being of the Lord and to pay their respects to the Lord for his courageous act of protecting the Universe by holding the Haalaahala poison in his throat.

Many other Gods in the Surutapalli Pallikondeeswar Temple

There are  several other idols of saintly persons and gods found in this temple of the Pallikondeeswar or kidantha eeswar at Surutapalli. They are the idols of Valmiki (sage who wrote the great epic Ramayan), Appar, Sambandar, Sudarar, (all the 3 are greatest devotees who spent their lives writing and singing the hymns of the lord Siva) Varasiddhi Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar with consort Visalakshi Thai, Sri Venugoplar, Nandi, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, Saptarshis and other gods.  

 There is a shrine for goddess Rajarajeswari known as Rajamathangi. Local people here feels that there is an underground tunnel (cave way) leading to the famous Siva Temple known popularly as the Kalahasthi Temple on the way to Thirupathi. The tunnel is closed according to the local people.

Specialties of the Surutapalli Pallikondeeswar Temple

In almost all the Siva temples Vibhhooti (Bhasm - holy ash) is given as prasad. Here Vibhooti is not given and only the holy water collected from the abhishek (water used for sacred bath) is given as prasad.Just as in the Vaishnav temples the blessings of the lord is given by touching the 'Chadri' (a metal crown like thing) on the heads of the devotees.

The main deity is in form of human being reclining pose and this is the only exception of this kind in Siva temples. All other Siva temples will have only Linga as the idol of the deity except for the Utsavamurthy (idol taken in procession during temple festivals) of the temple which will have form other than Linga. This pose is found only in the temples of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ranganath

Unlike other temples there is no separate shrine for Lord Ganapathi.

Most of the deities in this temple are with their respective consorts. For example Pallikondeeswar with Sarva Mangalambigai, Valmikeeswar with Maragathambigai, Vinayagar (Gnapathi) with Siddhi and Buddhi, Saastha with Poorna and Pushkala, Kubera with Sanganidhi and Padmanidhi, Dakshinamurthy with Tara, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi and Subramanya (Karthikeya) with Valli and Devayani. Other gods like Sri Rama is seen with Seeta, Vishnu and Mahalakshmi, Brahma and Saraswati are others.

Normally all shrines of Siva will have a Nandi (carrier - vehicle of lord Ox) facing the idol of Linga in the front. Here instead of this normal position the Nandi is outside. It is placed in such a way that the Nandi will be facing the Valmikeeswar through the grills fixed in the walls of Ramalingeswar shrine. Abisheka to the Nandi will be done during Pradhoshas.

Lord Dakshinamurthy will normally be alone where as here he is with his consort. The only other place where Dakshinamurthy with consort is found in the temple of Sakthi Dakshinamoorthy’ in Thirukallil. The pose of the idol is also unique here as mentioned earlier.

Lord Subramanya is facing South (the direction of Lord Yama the god of death). Hence people believe that worshiping Lord Subramanya here removes the fear of death.

The shrines of Valmikeeswar and Ramalingeswar are opposite to each other and the Lingas of these two shrines face each other. The reason for the twin shrines are said to be for the reason that Valmiky and Sri Ram prayed together at the same time to Lord Siva.

The idol of the deity of Lord Ganesha is made out of Salagrama

In front of the Valmikeeswar shrine at the left side there is a stone which has imprints of footprints of kids. It is believed to be that of the twin sons of Sri Rama and Seeta Devi, the Lava and Kusha.This stone was lying buried in the temple premises without anybody knowing about it. During the year 1976 the Maha Periyavar (great sage) of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peeddham Sri Sri Chandrasekhar Saraswathi came and camped for about 40 days. During this period the Swamiji suggested to dig a particular place and on digging the place the stone with the foot prints of Lava and Kusha was found and kept the same in the present place. This gives the hint that the Lava, Kusha might have been brought up here while Seeta Devi was exiled and which further suggests that Sage Valmiky had his 'Ashram' here.

At present there are several deities in the shrines and are overcrowded to a great extent. The temple management is planning to create separate shrines for some of the deities like Ganesh, Subramanya, Sapthamaathaas (7 sacred mothers) and Navagrahas etc. The Rajagopuram is a small one and it is to be made a bigger one with 5 tier.

Most important days are Pradosha days (Thrayodasees - 13th Sayam Sandhyas of the Lunar months)

Legends abut the Surutapalli Pallikondeeswar temple

The legend about the Pallikondeeswar is that during the churning of the milky ocean several valuable items came out. The Kamadhenu and Kalpa Vruksha found on either sides of the Maragathambigai  in the shrine also came from the churning of the ocean. These 2 items are powerful enough to give any boon to those whom these 2 feels like giving. But the first thing happened was that the serpent king Vaasuki which was used as the rope to bind the Meru Parvath for churning the milk, was about to vomit a deadly poison which if touches the ground will destroy the entire universe with all the living thing. When they wanted solution, Lord Vishnu suggested to seek the help of Lord Siva and accordingly the gods and the demons jointly prayed to Lord Siva. Siva promptly took the poison which came out of Vaasuki in his mouth. Goddess Parvathy saw this and felt that the lord will be reduced to ashes if the poison reaches the stomach due to the strength of the poison. So to prevent this pressed the throat of the lord with her hands to prevent the poison reaching the stomach. The poison got stuck to the throat and his throat turned into blue color due to the poison. For this reason Lord Siva is called Neelakantan (one whose throat is blue). When the throat was pressed, the poison was about to fall from Siva's mouth which would have been disastrous. To prevent this Lord Vishnu covered Siva's mouth with his hand resulting his becoming dark bluish in color and the poison sticking to the Siva's throat.

The poison was taken by Lord Siva on the dasami day (10th day of the Lunar month). Due to the effect of the poison he swooned in this place and goddess Parvathy (as the Sarva Mangalambigai) sat here and kept the head of the lord on her lap during his rest. This is the reason attributed to the peculiar pose of Lord Siva in reclining state with the head on the lap. The idols of all the gods present here indicate their coming here to inquire about the well being of the lord and to thank his for protecting the universe. The gods and holy persons came here and waited for the lord to recover from the swoon. He recovered on the thrayodasi day (13 the day at the Sayam Sandhya time - 4 to 6 pm) and was pleased with the presence of all gods and holy persons and danced with joy in between the horns of the Nandi. That is the reason for the importance of Pradosha time (dusk of 13th day of Lunar months). The Pradosha of Makara month is the Mahasivarathri day.

Address:
Trust Board, Sri Pallikondeswara Swamy Devasthanam,
Surutapalli, Dasukuppam Post, Nagalapuram M.D.,
Chittoor District Pin-517 588 (A.P.)

Darshan Time:
Morning : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Evening : 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Pradosham days morning 6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Sani Pradosham is especially important

Since it is not very far from Chennai (about 55 km) people can stay at Chennai where accommodations are plenty.

Tamilnad temples - Mandaikadu Bhagavathiamman Temple

Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple

There is a Bhagavathi (goddess) temple which is for the women like the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple of Kerala is for men. It is known as the Ladies Sabarimala temple. This temple is in a place known as Mandaikadu (also pronounced as Mondaikadu) in the sea coast. The shore is covered with coconut trees. It is near to the Colachel Port on the North East side. It is temple of 7^th century, a temple of 14 centuries (1400 years) old. As the name suggests the temple is dedicated to Bhagavathi Amman. Women go to this temple with ‘vratha’ (a set of rituals to be observed by devotees) and at the end of the ‘vratha’ they carry an ‘iru mudi kettu’ (a cloth bundle with two bag like pouches) containing the Pooja items and offerings, to the Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman, on their heads just as men do in their worships to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. As per the local people the temple was renovated thrice. 

Peculiarity (specialty) of Mandaikadu Bhagavathiamman Temple 

The deity in this temple is special and rare – it is in the form of an ant hill (puttu) with 5 heads. At present the height of the ant hill is about 12 feet and the belief of the local people and others connected with the temple is that the ant hill is growing gradually. The face of the goddess is at the upper end of the ant hill. There is a Srichakra (holy disc) near the ant hill on ground level. It is a temple built in Kerala temples style though it is in Tamilnad. It may be because the entire District of Kanyakumari was in Kerala and at the time of States reorganizations parts of the areas were exchanged between Kerala and Tamilnad. If I remember correctly this area went to Tamilnad and the Malabar area which was under Tamilnad was released to Kerala. The Mandaikadu Bhagavathiamman Temple is a very simple styled one unlike most of the temples of Tamilnadu with the clay (mud) tile roof. 

Offerings at Mandaikadu Bhagavathiamman Temple

Those who want t get married with good spouse or where there is delay in marriages, the devotees offer silk cloths and mangalsutra to the goddess with a prayer. 

Those who are handicapped offer limbs made of silver to the deity for their cures.  

Those who go with the prayer for children offer cradles for their getting the blessings from the goddess for children. 

Those who feel that they are affected by evil looks of bad persons offer crackers for relief from the effects of evil looks.  

Devotees suffering from incurable or terrible headaches offer an item like a kind of pudding made out of rice flour, sugar/jaggery and water called Mandaiappam and take part of it as prasadam. 

Some devotees place the food on the floor and eat it after Pooja as prasadam. This prasadam and offering is called the ‘man soru’ eating. Man means mud and soru means cooked rice. 

The general belief f the devotees is that the goddess do not disappoint those who go to her with sincere devotion with the requests. 

Festivals of Mandaikadu Bhagavathiamman Temple

The annual festival is known as the Mandaikadu Kodai. This falls in the month of March – April of the English calendar. The festival is celebrated for 10 days known as the Masi (Masi is the name of a Tamil calendar month) festival. During the festival the Tamilnad Tourism Department arranges photographic exhibition and other programs. This festival draws huge crowds of around 10 lakh people.

Apart from the above festival, Pournamis (Poornima), Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays are important days in this temple. 

Poojas are performed 4 times a day and the timings are

Morning	-	5.00hrs
Noon	-	12.30hrs
Evening	-	18.30hrs
Night	-	20.30hrs

The Holy trees for this temple are Bo Tree (peepal) and Neem tree.

How to reach Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman temple

The temple is situated in Mandaikadu village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnad on the sea shore neat to the Nagarcoil – Colachel State Highway. It is about 4 km from Colachel, 5km from Thingalnagar, 22 km from Nagarcoil, 41 km from Kanyakumari, 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 100 km from Tirunelveli.

Bus facilities are available from Nagarcoil. Nearest Railway Station is Iranial and Nagarcoil.

Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai.

Accommodation facilities

The temple complex is having facility for staying. Charge may be around Rs 100. At Nagarcoil lodges are available for charges ranging from Rs. 250 to Rs. 400

Legend about the Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman temple

His Holiness Sri Sanklaracharya was performing pooja to the Sri Chakra here with his devotees. One day the Srichakra did not turn as was the custom after the pooja was over. The Acharya stayed back here and he attained Samadhi in this place. The present ant hill grew in the place where the Srichakra existed at that time. Over a period of time the place was deserted and became like a forest area. Once when some children were playing in the area and hit the ant hill and they were injured. This news went to the then ruler of the area the King Marthanda Varma of Travancore kingdom. He came to know of the incidents and he ordered a temple to be built in this place and arrange for Poojas regularly. Gradually the temple became famous with the satisfied devotees becoming its advertisers.

Tamilnad temples - Jvarhareswar - Lord Siva where jeera and pepper are Offered for fever cure

Sangameswrar/Jvarahareswar

There is a Siva temple in Tamilnad where the special offerings are black pepper and cumin (jeera). The temple is in Bhavani a place in Erode district of Tamilnad. The Siva temple is dedicated to Lord Siva in the form of Lord Sangameswara (Lord of sangam - joining - uniting). This may be probably due to the joining of the rivers Kaveri and Bhavani at this place. Just as at Allahabad (Prayag) a third river but invisible to the eyes, Saraswati (flowing underneath) is joining with the Ganga (Ganges) and Yamuna to make the sangama, at Bhavani a 3rd river invisible (flowing underneath), Amuda River is joining the the other 2 rivers of Kaveri and Bhavani. This place of the temple of Sangameswara is also known as the Southern Prayag (Dakshina Prayag) due to the confluence of the 3 holy rivers. The principal deity of the temple,  Sangameswara is facing river Kaveri. There are sub shrines for upa devathas namely Lord Ganesh, Lord Dakshinamurthy (a form of Lord Siva), Lord Subrahmania, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Lord Venugopala (Sri Krishna), Goddess Durga and Lord Nataraja (another form of Lord Siva), Lord Saneeswarar. Next to Lord Saneeswarar there is a shrine with Jvarahareswar in it. Besides there are special place for the 63 Nayanmars (staunch devotees of Lord Siva who can visualize the Lord and who have sung many verses in praise of the lord which are codified and made stotras. The consort of the presiding deity is powerful Goddess Veda Nayagi and has a shrine for her in the complex. On the bank of the river there is a Peepal tree and beneath the tree there are naga devathas.

This place is  holy place as explained as the same is considered as the Dakshina Prayag. Pilgrims come here take bath in the river and offer their worship to the deities here. The Jvarahareswar (jvara means fever and hareswar means the lord who eradicate = remover of fever) deity is considered as a very powerful deity. Patients with mental trouble may get relief from their mental problem by offering special offerings like 'abhisheaka' (sacred bath) to the Jvarahareswar with cooling items and offer cooked rice, black pepper, jeera, rasam, leaf vegetables etc with praying to the Lord with archana of Bilva dala (Bael leaves). The belief of the devotees is that by heartfelt prayer to the Jvarahareswara will relieve the patients of their diseases especially the fever.

How to reach Sangameswrar/jvarahareswar Temple

The temple is 16 km away from the Erode Railway Station. Nearest airports are Coimbatore and Trichy.

Bhavani Town is the nearest town from where and Erode Town plenty of buses are plying to this place.

Accommodation: Nearest place with accommodation is Erode and the hotels may of budget type hotels.

There are many other temples around Erode.

Tamilnad temples - Navapashana Navagraha temple in sea water - Devipattinam

Navagraha temples

There are several temples independent or within the complexes of other famous temples dedicated to Navagrahas (9 celestial planets). For Hindus Navagraha is very important as they believe that the Navagrahas play a vary important role in one's life. Depending on the position of the Navagrahas, people experience all round prosperity, health, education, property and life partner etc. Similarly if the Navagrahas or some of them are in bad position/s the persons concerned will suffer from various problems regarding health, wealth and life situation etc. There are literature suggesting various appeasement rituals to pleas the lords controlling the Navagrahas to increase prosperity or to remove the difficulties due to the positions of the navagraha (9 planets).

Devipattinam Navapashana Navagraha Temple

There is a special temple dedicated exclusively for the Navagrahas in  Tamilnad. The temple is near to the famous Rameswaram Sri Ramanatha Swamy temple. The Navagraha temple is known as Navapashanam temple. The temple is situate in Devipattinam village near Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram (Ramanad) District of Tamilnad. The specialty of this temple is that the 9 deities of the Navagrahas are installed in the sea near to the shore in the village. It is believed that the stone idols of the Navagrahas were installed by Lord Sri Rama to appease the Graha devathas (planetary deities) by fixing 9 stones (rock pieces) a few meters into the water of the sea near to the shore before he went  to Lanka to wage war against the demon king Ravana in order to rescue his wife Sitha from the demon king. After installing the deities Sri Rama worshiped the Navagrahas installed by him along with Lord Siva for removal of the troubles from his life. It was not much known earlier may be due to the deficient conveyance facility and infrastructure facilities of the place as it is a very small village on the coastal area in Devipattinam. Now most of the devotees who come to the famous Rameswaram Temple also come here and worship the Navagrahas. The idols may not be visible at all times depending on the water level in the sea, the Bay of Bengal. During low level of water at low tides the idols will be clearly visible. Some of them very much above water level as the height of the stones are not identical. During the periods when water level in the sea is high the idols may not be visible as they are under water. There is a bathing ghat here close to the Thilakeswar Temple which is also known as Navagraha temple.This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva in the form of Thilakeswar with goddess Parvathy (known as Soundaryanayagi). There is also an idol of Goddess Durga with eight arms with weapons in each of the arms. The deity is worshipped with ellu - tila or gingelly seeds. 

This is a very important center for performing Tarpan (offering of water with till seeds) to the ancestors.

The Navagraha Navapashana (also pronounced as Nava bhasanam) temple at Devipattinam  is  about 15 kms from Ramanathapuram town. Buses going to Karaikudi stop at Devipattinam very near to the temple. 

The water used to be very good. But now due to the greatly increased flow of devotees who come here to worship liter the place and the sea with garbage and is increasingly getting polluted as the days go by.

Karnataka templese - Mahimapura Garuda Ranganathaswamy hill temple

Mahimapura Garuda Ranganatha Swamy temple is a temple very near to Bengaluru City. It is about 52 km. The temple is in a small village actually a hamlet. The temple is on rocky hill. The hill is about 300 feet in height. There are steps made by cutting notches n the rocky hill. On both the side of the steps steel railings are fixed to hold as support for climbing. But the climb is a bit steep with around 300 steps to the top of the hill. The temple is small and is on top of the hill. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of the deities Lord Ranganathaswamy, his consort goddess Lakshmi and the Lord’s vehicle/carrier the Garuda (golden eagle – Krishna Parunthu).

The uniqueness of this Mahimapura Garuda Ranganathaswamy hill temple is that the main deity the Lord Ranganatha is in the form of a jaggery mound (Nirakari). The Lord is like the Lord Venkataramana with Shankhu (conch shell), Chakra (discuss) in two hands and the other two hands in the posture of Abhaya and Varada. The idol of the deity of Garuda is also in the Garbha Griha along with his master. Here Garuda is equally important as his master. Normally in other temples of Lord Vishnu, the Garuda will be present in the dwajasthamba (flag pole) or as a sub deity or as a carrier fixed in from of his master ready to carry his master wherever his master wants to go.

From Bangalore city there are 3 trips of bus service. But there is more bus service from the town of Nelamangala a town in the Bangalore district on the way to Mahimapura Garuda Ranganathaswamy hill temple village from Bangalore city.

It being a hamlet there may not be food facility there. But if only 3 – 4 people are there in the group, if intimated to the family of the priest of the temple in advance, they will make vegetarian food for about Rs 40 per head. If the group is having more members, the priest has to be informed well in advance. Otherwise, Nelamangala town is having food joint to suit all which is only about 20 km from the hamlet.

The hamlet is a beautiful pristine one without the corruption of the city in addition to the Mahimapura Garuda Ranganatha Swamy temple . A visit to the temple and spending some time in the village will be strengthening the body and mind.

Karanataka temples Sivaganga (Sivagange) Gangadhareswara temple

Near to Bengaluru about 60 km on the National Highway There is a hill temple of Lord Siva, The Gangadhareswara. The hill is a tall one. This temple is a cave temple in the hill with tall Gopura (temple tower) at the entrance to the temple. Entering through the gopura we will reach the hall and at the end of the hall the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhs Gudi)of the Lord Gangadhareswara is there. The deity of Lord Gangadhareswara is in the form of a Linga. Behind the sanctum there is a hole in the rock and lucky people can touch the water in the hole if they lie down and put the hand inside. It is the belief that those who can touch the water are blessed by the Lord Gangadhareswara. On the way there are other shrines in the hills and few Nandi statues. There are also few water springs on the way some with very little water and some with water up to waist deep. It is a wonder that at the height in the dry rocks water springs and water bodies are present. From the highest point of the hills one can have the view of the towns around for a long distance. It is not only a religious place. It is a good picnic spot also. On Sundays it will be over crowded. Elderly persons may find it difficult to climb to the top. There are small steps or notches made on the rock to climb and on both sides of the steps/notches railings are provided for holding. For them there is a temple at the bottom of the same deity of Lord Gangadhareswara. The place is having large number of monkeys. They do not harm normally but check the persons, sometimes even the pocket fir eatables. They may take or snatch cameras or mobiles and throw away which cannot be retrieved. People should take the items in closed bags. On top food will not be available as people plan the trip in such a way that they return to a nearby town by afternoon. It is a place worth visiting.