tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185173926358806692024-03-10T08:16:29.660+05:30Aalayam Kanden (Temples I saw)Aalayam Kanden is a journey through unique and lesser known temples in India seen through my eyesPadmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-37045523016098388522023-07-23T18:40:00.002+05:302023-07-23T20:08:37.396+05:30Nepal Yathra - Part III - Temples of Pokhara <p style="text-align: justify;">Our next stop was Pokhara . It was our base station before we set out to Jomsom and from there to Muktinath. Pokhara is the capital of the Gandaki Province and the second busiest city after Kathmandu. It is also known as the Trekker's Paradise as it serves as the base and recharge unit for all those who visit Nepal for mountain tourism and trekking. The word Pokhara comes from the Nepali word Pokhari which means lake and true to its name, the city is located next to the Phewa Lake. Pokhara has a rich history and heritage and has featured as an important part of the Indo - China and subsequently Indo - Tibet trade routes.</p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikaaoudBkMVROEWVebtm7K2ezPv0Se4fcDXzwk7HrkZ46j_c2IROpy56thdHSzqBV5Nv4qVGmI-Lv6mrfElKAn-wrkLyQBg-NjNPiH5D_l7-K0Ecldw2UwiKjGKNgAsmup_3KdOjKe9WU0nv_R2QjJ9mH88JJQ_Aro1-ybON2UZ3J8kP6DPwE3w1jSokY" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="272" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikaaoudBkMVROEWVebtm7K2ezPv0Se4fcDXzwk7HrkZ46j_c2IROpy56thdHSzqBV5Nv4qVGmI-Lv6mrfElKAn-wrkLyQBg-NjNPiH5D_l7-K0Ecldw2UwiKjGKNgAsmup_3KdOjKe9WU0nv_R2QjJ9mH88JJQ_Aro1-ybON2UZ3J8kP6DPwE3w1jSokY=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the fish tail (Pic: Google)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Machchapuchre:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pokhara has several temples and we had an opportunity to visit a few of them, but before speaking about them, one has to mention Machchapuchre, part of the Annapurna range of mountains whose highest peak has never been climbed by mountaineers. Although much lower in height when compared to Mt. Everest, the Nepal Government has not given approval to anyone to set foot on the Machchapuchre (literally meaning Fish Tail, the name coming from the triangular shaped mountain with a twisted twin summit which gives the impression of a fish's tail)as it is considered holy by the Gurungs of Nepal. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAM5C9qoVl9mo7eo01GCnDbYffZUhu1JrLTbDUArA5Zbxmuk6s34MUCaDFBkZ4ah2jqutuJ4lfs3xca6rpOK_9RfMM7TpBflhkTblOtEdguZy7cNa_xlugKn3YsIAAqxlMTq1AsNGXN_uHj8g5lmeUV6aeMaXLONC_OuqiAXJuqjKTj_RDr9EOnKpAqo/s1202/347241149_1938317036518953_9065456938076702933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1202" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAM5C9qoVl9mo7eo01GCnDbYffZUhu1JrLTbDUArA5Zbxmuk6s34MUCaDFBkZ4ah2jqutuJ4lfs3xca6rpOK_9RfMM7TpBflhkTblOtEdguZy7cNa_xlugKn3YsIAAqxlMTq1AsNGXN_uHj8g5lmeUV6aeMaXLONC_OuqiAXJuqjKTj_RDr9EOnKpAqo/w400-h180/347241149_1938317036518953_9065456938076702933_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Machchapuchre from the rooftop of our hotel <br />PC: Balaji Davey</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Jimmy Roberts, considered as the Father of Mountain Tourism in Nepal, seems to have come very close to have summitting it in 1957, but when weather and situations forced his group to return without reaching the summit, he understood and respected the wish of the Gurungs and requested the Nepal Government to keep it off-limits for the trekkers. Till date, Machchapuchre is considered among the holy peaks prohibited for those attempting to summit it, like Mt. Kailash.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Phewa Lake and the Tal Barahi Temple:</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Phewa Lake is a freshwater lake on the shores of which stands Pokhara city and it is the second largest lake in Nepal. Since the lake is only 28 kilometres from the Annapurna range, it is common to see the reflection of Machchapuchre and the other peaks of the Annapurna range in the waters of Phewa. Therefore, thousands throng the lake set in pristine surroundings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOFSJylWXlYGbxAp3ENK8SqRJc5Cg3df1yE4GlSRuN-4i3JWMvjoVezT50Rz4uJsPyPwFHUA5MfpupLzu4120fwUkbPCoF4EGgxLK1BqBT9xHHOcUAqwqojGlESFoq-beTny6Jbzr3Y2hVYVe7rtSw2RJXIxgFHYOaDvl00s7oxEwiTK7HMbCAAxew2ec" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1111" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOFSJylWXlYGbxAp3ENK8SqRJc5Cg3df1yE4GlSRuN-4i3JWMvjoVezT50Rz4uJsPyPwFHUA5MfpupLzu4120fwUkbPCoF4EGgxLK1BqBT9xHHOcUAqwqojGlESFoq-beTny6Jbzr3Y2hVYVe7rtSw2RJXIxgFHYOaDvl00s7oxEwiTK7HMbCAAxew2ec=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Phewa Lake not just serves as a tourist spot, and a popular shopping area (the lakeside is surrounded by shops that sell various items required by trekkers for the climb. It also sells clothing and other items for tourists, but the prices are steeper when compared to other areas) but also as a popular pilgrim location. At the centre of the lake, in an island is the Tal Barahi Temple, which is the most important temple in Pokhara. This temple can only be visited by boat, and there are several boats that ply through the day to the temple.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7yK7E3KG8iyR9ZQvF3Tfcj_6veXnALVSy0E35RyP3o9wl77LNwS-VmbxHyZkSAsL8WA_d9Lki_RzpSyr7zMm8M_uUuPjla2KxdKYSd-wW5vfy0coAOGIdoM6iIABuLNqkwIJmLz2_UzVyvNkee23BuACCQNgNC_x9MVbpnFnbCWGpXtp2Prv8MXfAClA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7yK7E3KG8iyR9ZQvF3Tfcj_6veXnALVSy0E35RyP3o9wl77LNwS-VmbxHyZkSAsL8WA_d9Lki_RzpSyr7zMm8M_uUuPjla2KxdKYSd-wW5vfy0coAOGIdoM6iIABuLNqkwIJmLz2_UzVyvNkee23BuACCQNgNC_x9MVbpnFnbCWGpXtp2Prv8MXfAClA=w400-h185" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats getting ready to ply to the Tal Barahi Temple (Pic: Suresh Joshi)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tal Barahi is considered to be a manifestation of Ajima, the Female Goddess of Protection in the form of a boar. Ajimas are worshipped by the Newars, both Hindu and Buddhist as a representation of their matriachal ancestors (Aji refers to grandmother and Ma to mother). They are said to protect the people, particularly the children from ill-health, disease and death. Cities had eight Ajima temples protecting all directions, known as the Ashtamatrikas.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr1fnVDuAvYggFemGw3-d-v2F2D05mw3uGqPZBbmxl89wCstdUYt5sP4Hse4ZBOqIx4qYeFP08x989QPMjMBtyqgp8nMbObfDH5YitSoUY2gRl6wRPo-SyFo99lDS-M4aSZHnuV70nvy2ZM34bmS_cX3gbvggXgBX6JO8T6xHOBKCTDr2mwWNtLMs0f0o" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1111" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr1fnVDuAvYggFemGw3-d-v2F2D05mw3uGqPZBbmxl89wCstdUYt5sP4Hse4ZBOqIx4qYeFP08x989QPMjMBtyqgp8nMbObfDH5YitSoUY2gRl6wRPo-SyFo99lDS-M4aSZHnuV70nvy2ZM34bmS_cX3gbvggXgBX6JO8T6xHOBKCTDr2mwWNtLMs0f0o=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Annapurna range mid-way to the Tal Barahi Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Legend of Tal Barahi</b></div></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to an inscription in the temple that describes the legend of Tal Barahi, a Jogi (ascetic) came to Phewa City (which existed where the lake now stands) and asked for food and shelter for the night. No one bothered but for an old lady who gave him rice and vegetables. The next morning as the Jogi left the house and moved towards the mountains, water came in to cover the entire area and everything and everyone drowned except for the old lady. Grateful that Goddess Bhagavati had saved her, the old lady started worshipping her in her house now surrounded by water as Goddess with a boar face - Barahi. After her death in 1467, the deity continued to be worshipped until King Kulamandan Shah, the first Shah ruler of Kaski built a two storeyed temple in Pagoda style in 1868. He initially installed the Goddess as a reed bush from the mountains. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHGU1c-4Z6x1DSeR3obnt4biyQrqVwlCIYhAmVTdPXT3_EZ9aOlb3JzM9_bbAvMIs5B8gO3CxDejASqDcmsxr6AVgSx9x3P3KhzZI9Ay8MA9TNT54GhpP7h2iF9We_KbxTHmpOV1rNBGyVrDh67V7gqrbvyC-xyisLMN8_4liJiHlIXC50ucD5cojToQM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHGU1c-4Z6x1DSeR3obnt4biyQrqVwlCIYhAmVTdPXT3_EZ9aOlb3JzM9_bbAvMIs5B8gO3CxDejASqDcmsxr6AVgSx9x3P3KhzZI9Ay8MA9TNT54GhpP7h2iF9We_KbxTHmpOV1rNBGyVrDh67V7gqrbvyC-xyisLMN8_4liJiHlIXC50ucD5cojToQM=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original Structure of the Tal Barahi Temple Source: Google</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The temple was damaged badly in the 2015 earthquake, after which King Mahendra renovated the temple in 2017. The original deity has been replaced and there is a small single storey construction with a silver deity and a few other idols near it. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqcwbP6CKOCIuTS1fxC9nWErI7-Z6A_ridQT3iNGE7iPzEn-hk5qluxgLB9us9y9KZB5b2ls-WqOOPK40mx4zVs8e1LWjxnlmZHa5avMybCld71ZuZQUXCLmYq5NGMIgRzT1fRthpCJ9I5L6RxdGIV_VOB5w87Ykbve6V8C9eeBonbYhmlFqYxWNNN0XM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="352" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqcwbP6CKOCIuTS1fxC9nWErI7-Z6A_ridQT3iNGE7iPzEn-hk5qluxgLB9us9y9KZB5b2ls-WqOOPK40mx4zVs8e1LWjxnlmZHa5avMybCld71ZuZQUXCLmYq5NGMIgRzT1fRthpCJ9I5L6RxdGIV_VOB5w87Ykbve6V8C9eeBonbYhmlFqYxWNNN0XM=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current Tal Barahi Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every evening, on the banks of the Phewa lake, the Tal Barahi Aarti is performed between 6 and 6.30 pm depending on the weather. Although it lacks the grandeur of the Ganga Aarti, it was heartening to see large crowds of pilgrims join to sing and dance as the aarti was being performed.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NeDwI0RKG4A" width="320" youtube-src-id="NeDwI0RKG4A"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Bindhyabasini Temple</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Bindhyabasini temple is the oldest temple in Pokhara. Goddess Bindhyabasini is said to be the replacement for Lord Krishna, when he was born as the eighth child of Vasudeva and Devaki. The child disappeared in the air when King Kamsa tried to kill it and said to have reappeared in the Bindhyachal Mountain. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">King Siddhi Narayan Shah had a dream of installing a temple for Durga for the unification of Nepal. So he ordered his men to bring a deity from Bindhyachal mountains. When his troop of men returned with the deity, they placed it in the current location at night to rest and in the morning the idol could not be moved. So the king agreed to build a temple where the Goddess had decided to stay.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Bindhyabasini temple is very picturesque and is located atop a hill approximately 3000 feet above sea level. There are steps to climb up to the temple (a lift of recent origin is also available) from the old bazaar side.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggmBwPkpLQsvtAhGnAcwILQp2_y90UHcsOoxhyeCXYhI6DkP4WvWykX7YOwLK4Yki5BjiN7Q1aSh6SAKMKMkWFZAOagwFHwJulrsBJbn9KjljKynkwJQbQISjeP8RZY1vO-YOV2bsdcs9qzzDqwkhLE9siBC0JPiVAFzHkfnr5iRx0w4b_sRnMJvhuHjs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="352" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggmBwPkpLQsvtAhGnAcwILQp2_y90UHcsOoxhyeCXYhI6DkP4WvWykX7YOwLK4Yki5BjiN7Q1aSh6SAKMKMkWFZAOagwFHwJulrsBJbn9KjljKynkwJQbQISjeP8RZY1vO-YOV2bsdcs9qzzDqwkhLE9siBC0JPiVAFzHkfnr5iRx0w4b_sRnMJvhuHjs=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devotees queuing up to worship Goddess Bindhyabasini</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Goddess Bindhyabasini (seen as a form of Durga ) is seen in a seperate sanctum as a Shalagrama idol. The entrance to the shrine is covered with gold plating and guarded by two lions on either side. The shrine is built in Shikara style which is said to be older than the Pagoda style in which most of the temples in Nepal can be found. There are multiple shrines at the temple for Shiva, Ganesha, Saraswathi, Hanuman, Lakshmi Narayana, Radha Krishna and Sita Rama which are of a much later origin.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfK4eZAheW8332Hw3PBvSaTwa8rPi0PVuXruHIVB9rgBM6aijcVmHP9Gwzxi0uz22zK1MiEXf6N3dDbE6Eh_73yuUCj7pNC9IarFXaPF6SBegwXfPZH20EmPdqMBRUCFipwPwkKLMrv0QUFoDvBO97s5-zorqs2c9PzApHBABQa3hIxhmi4-7wmI9o5_E" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="352" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfK4eZAheW8332Hw3PBvSaTwa8rPi0PVuXruHIVB9rgBM6aijcVmHP9Gwzxi0uz22zK1MiEXf6N3dDbE6Eh_73yuUCj7pNC9IarFXaPF6SBegwXfPZH20EmPdqMBRUCFipwPwkKLMrv0QUFoDvBO97s5-zorqs2c9PzApHBABQa3hIxhmi4-7wmI9o5_E=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord Shiva shrine at the Bindhyabasini Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The view from the Bindhyabasini temple of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges of the Himalayas as well as the Pokhara city is breathtaking.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Gupteswar Mahadev Cave Temple</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQHDxnoIlXbnKyhcXEWv-Zrv6p2vETnspwCwLAEGDl_dcGpUYB2H1qzI7Xwmzm4ZWxe1Fp9BAMQ9JqhcppNJDogyTvgGk8g4Ux8Lxy7lqRfzz42XvqGKg6dkIsct5Q_ibmfya0bM3Jw_ibfHIWFbYhsOGlyWs4xc2alk1jwP7yf1wRYPrpM4tfJw6Uqo/s4096/IMG20230519143754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="4096" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQHDxnoIlXbnKyhcXEWv-Zrv6p2vETnspwCwLAEGDl_dcGpUYB2H1qzI7Xwmzm4ZWxe1Fp9BAMQ9JqhcppNJDogyTvgGk8g4Ux8Lxy7lqRfzz42XvqGKg6dkIsct5Q_ibmfya0bM3Jw_ibfHIWFbYhsOGlyWs4xc2alk1jwP7yf1wRYPrpM4tfJw6Uqo/w400-h225/IMG20230519143754.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elaborate entrance that has been constructed to the Gupteswar Mahadev Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The Gupteswar Mahadev Cave is the longest cave in the Himalayas that was discovered in the year 1950. The entrance to this cave with an elaborate staircase, water fountain and other pilgrim requirements has however been built in the early 1990s. Known locally as Patalae Chhango or the Harpan River Cave, the cave extends to about 2950 feet. According to Herbert Daniel Gebauer, who has documented the results of the first German speleological expedition to this cave, it is located in the terrace sediments between the Central Himalayas and the Mahabharat Lekh, popularly known as the Lesser Himalayas. The terrace is made up of two different sediments of calcite deposits of Pleistocene age, commonly referred to as the Ice Age.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLzDLOnIzi8_8IRbppEw5hDUeryBzH7IP8X55fuA_Zd1xYFoRi4o9htqtxvTuaTGMVoWYe0kokNuhCXK3z9QfqIAL5AHISdJGqInaJcNyiKr63fVWtCAPcCm6k3YHO0pKOL0IJLnjj4bo9I36iXKJfMnGYhHK3oLDCYB4oMmZ1_m86874NYfLIZVTpYE/s4096/IMG20230519145610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLzDLOnIzi8_8IRbppEw5hDUeryBzH7IP8X55fuA_Zd1xYFoRi4o9htqtxvTuaTGMVoWYe0kokNuhCXK3z9QfqIAL5AHISdJGqInaJcNyiKr63fVWtCAPcCm6k3YHO0pKOL0IJLnjj4bo9I36iXKJfMnGYhHK3oLDCYB4oMmZ1_m86874NYfLIZVTpYE/w225-h400/IMG20230519145610.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calcite Deposits as seen inside the cave</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The cave itself is in two levels, the first level branches again into two - an "ancient Goshala" as claimed by those supervising it, and another narrow path which leads to a massive stone "Shiva Lingam". Photography is strictly prohibited around this area. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlaU7maV0RIAbNm5Kxn8zMZXCPt9BIwtt3L0fPizhJ3-37Ki42V9sJWm7dFGLQSuUY9jnFO-mv-599AGyb13TjXWxaxjKTOlRGXvm9hRUBJRFOHLFgZPJZD3nZymkaO3uMqoSxI4PLPU4hLaQ8ujEMcB7-ymy5vwTocroKtnlWr5I2qvoElTc60ePUoE/s4096/IMG20230519144045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlaU7maV0RIAbNm5Kxn8zMZXCPt9BIwtt3L0fPizhJ3-37Ki42V9sJWm7dFGLQSuUY9jnFO-mv-599AGyb13TjXWxaxjKTOlRGXvm9hRUBJRFOHLFgZPJZD3nZymkaO3uMqoSxI4PLPU4hLaQ8ujEMcB7-ymy5vwTocroKtnlWr5I2qvoElTc60ePUoE/w225-h400/IMG20230519144045.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going down to the first level of the cave . </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy1O3Whgsvm1ogp3JBNrOLO1d6R42E7HbOh9qvRLcBRlSLdyH9hoNfU8OJAWak5-Rd4pHSXZyhH5X8Gt7YDSPnozLhMzwhSm0Xi9XFKbuMea-2ZnUCjHDMPTtf2pt9mO4EEA5d5u7ACaKD-d_CDTnKkxwWy1YCVAFSuV93t-uWelVtV21W3zrgSrfOi0/s4096/IMG20230519144140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy1O3Whgsvm1ogp3JBNrOLO1d6R42E7HbOh9qvRLcBRlSLdyH9hoNfU8OJAWak5-Rd4pHSXZyhH5X8Gt7YDSPnozLhMzwhSm0Xi9XFKbuMea-2ZnUCjHDMPTtf2pt9mO4EEA5d5u7ACaKD-d_CDTnKkxwWy1YCVAFSuV93t-uWelVtV21W3zrgSrfOi0/w225-h400/IMG20230519144140.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base of level one - can see the Shiva Shrine </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When the pilgrims further go down to a lower level through an iron ladder, it leads to an opening through which the Davis Falls nearby is visible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgaQydrt9grqAKivrHVaTfG-lf0EI3GPXxpFvRQO2N1GRLXeW0x2IgBTBH5n-TFA22kBPAIz_qh03L3YpjOs-1vWdTkzYZK4oJxFi-jwXnwr0bIFaaqDFlObS76iIK4petAcga3T827ydPV1R26owLiurkO9vzVf9TIcCcZRfV-uDGR_DMVJcvigHOgE/s4096/IMG20230519145408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgaQydrt9grqAKivrHVaTfG-lf0EI3GPXxpFvRQO2N1GRLXeW0x2IgBTBH5n-TFA22kBPAIz_qh03L3YpjOs-1vWdTkzYZK4oJxFi-jwXnwr0bIFaaqDFlObS76iIK4petAcga3T827ydPV1R26owLiurkO9vzVf9TIcCcZRfV-uDGR_DMVJcvigHOgE/w225-h400/IMG20230519145408.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base of the second level from where Davis Falls is visible</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The breathtaking beauty of the waterfall and the sunlight penetrating through the opening make it worthwhile to take the effort of climbing down. There is adequate lighting within the cave but as an extra step of caution, it is requested that people carry their own torchlights in case there is a sudden power failure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKVMTEoaKwqPDpdIdgN1CwrYcqjhF0wtL3PUGQVlvcSKmIKz-h2PoS0aKoiNAK9k1PCauhfQfCbEKUiUN67A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>Yet another worthwhile visit in Pokhara was to the International Mountain Museum about which I will write in my other blog - <a href="https://thresholdsofhistory.blogspot.com/">Thresholds of History</a> From Pokhara our journey moved up the mountains. The mountain airline network is very comprehensive in Nepal. However, weather controls everthing. So all travel companies make backup arrangements to ferry their passengers by road if the flights are cancelled due to inclement weather. This would mean driving along the Gandaki river for over eight hours or more to reach Jomsom. Gone are the days when people would get down into the river to pick up Shalagramas. Today, most of the Shalagramas have been harvested by vendors, who sell them (or their closely made replicas) at a whole range of prices, starting from 200 Nepali rupees to about 20000 Nepali depending on their size.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoHz1vga0YE-_VqFccyURQW6Xc1WSXX7DEoypFbhMhxsnj_wAzbeF9MSB_zKCluDzNIucjCHKyshbcYkcr3tF0e403-qVm_rWCB8w7cw1Tm8eUklrkPxI4eBTkbW_TuA-0Xu-MCs2It1Qvo8iwF0UAb_Y1njAdmuKRNbG5b3wfHTAH4emcoSbLgv4rQ4/s4096/IMG20230517084742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="4096" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoHz1vga0YE-_VqFccyURQW6Xc1WSXX7DEoypFbhMhxsnj_wAzbeF9MSB_zKCluDzNIucjCHKyshbcYkcr3tF0e403-qVm_rWCB8w7cw1Tm8eUklrkPxI4eBTkbW_TuA-0Xu-MCs2It1Qvo8iwF0UAb_Y1njAdmuKRNbG5b3wfHTAH4emcoSbLgv4rQ4/w400-h225/IMG20230517084742.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boarding our flight to Jomsom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Shalagrama cannot be carried on hand baggage in the mountain aircrafts so if you happen to be around here, and have shopped for Shalagramas make sure that you check in your luggage! Luckily for us, the flights were plying, so we got to the Pokhara airport, and took the 14 seater Summit Air flight to Jomsom. It was a goosebumps moment to see the Himalayas from the aircraft for the first time. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwQW73iaXV0--s1b9bo3zh92PAhp3EC_jlh4c5EqTQlVZEI4iDwFpsIt2rTaHuJif-jJ7OxmMPZt6glVxzfcBLoosHwOuUIF912_4rvVqvRBSwUtdX5-RSzQ8Q7g4M-k3Op3UnK2KTw_MorXpQD4exP-kXGbsW3ouCf9zI3MAVDi-vcqV78-VSApPNrU/s4096/IMG20230517090718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwQW73iaXV0--s1b9bo3zh92PAhp3EC_jlh4c5EqTQlVZEI4iDwFpsIt2rTaHuJif-jJ7OxmMPZt6glVxzfcBLoosHwOuUIF912_4rvVqvRBSwUtdX5-RSzQ8Q7g4M-k3Op3UnK2KTw_MorXpQD4exP-kXGbsW3ouCf9zI3MAVDi-vcqV78-VSApPNrU/w225-h400/IMG20230517090718.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the snow clad Himalayas </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The outside temperate when we got down at Jomsom was 11 degrees forcing us to pull out our warm clothing. Little did I realize that was nothing when compared to what awaited us in Muktinath. About Muktinath Yatra, await Part IV! The first two parts of the series can be found here - <a href="https://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2023/06/nepal-yathra-part-1-pashupatinath.html">Part 1</a> - Pashupathinath Temple, Kathmandu & <a href="https://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2023/06/nepal-yathra-part-2-manakamana-devi.html">Part 2 </a> - Manakamana Devi Temple </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Note: This is a series of articles on the temples of Nepal which I had the opportunity to visit with Balaji Davey and Mantra Yatra. This is not a paid partnership. </i></p></div></span></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-12538528618951826442023-06-29T23:45:00.001+05:302023-06-29T23:45:27.123+05:30Nepal Yathra Part 2 - Manakamana Devi <p> In the <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2023/06/nepal-yathra-part-1-pashupatinath.html">first part </a>of the Nepal Yathra series, we had covered the visit to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. On Day 2, we started to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Although there are flights available from Kathmandu and Pokhara, we took the road with a view to visit Manakamana Devi temple on the way.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkgFBKWQF_YUEFvxK3kEf2mMR6BDyyvNI_wkAG21HevJyb8KwJWCfR9G-P7xN_6E5CNLFE9iWXp5fb3_xGOr-GRHX0NPmTOPstUfUU6EPgyzS_frJJ8qvXbm9a70JcYiybV5voYGf2G-NNXt4DUvstZ9b65-P_3EqTxg9WP7uGNr7wP7V_7AbA__iztk/s4096/IMG20230516080630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="4096" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkgFBKWQF_YUEFvxK3kEf2mMR6BDyyvNI_wkAG21HevJyb8KwJWCfR9G-P7xN_6E5CNLFE9iWXp5fb3_xGOr-GRHX0NPmTOPstUfUU6EPgyzS_frJJ8qvXbm9a70JcYiybV5voYGf2G-NNXt4DUvstZ9b65-P_3EqTxg9WP7uGNr7wP7V_7AbA__iztk/w400-h225/IMG20230516080630.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bumpy ride from Kathmandu to Manakamana Devi Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is less than a hundred kilometres, it takes over five hours by road as there are road improvement works currently going on. However, our driver Manish steered the vehicle as smoothly as he could over the bumpy terrain, and our fellow travellers kept us in splits through their creative icebreaker session that we hardly noticed the longer than usual time it took us to reach the Manakamana Devi temple.</span></div><p>The temple is located at an altitude of 4300 ft (1300 metres) above sea level atop the Kafakdada hill in the Gorkha district of Nepal and can be reached via cable car from the Kurintar base station. The cable cars cross three hills to reach Kafakdada. Each cable car can house a maximum of 6 adults comfortably. Offering of animals is very common in Manakamana and therefore, there are open cages too that intersperse passenger cars, where these animals can be tied to and then received once the passengers reach the hill. Two rivers, Trishuli and Marsyangdi flow on either side of the Kafakdada Hill, and it is a pleasant sight to watch river Trishuli in flow as one goes up the cable car. None of the rivers in Nepal are clean and crystal clear. They are all muddy and murky, evidence to the massive construction work as well going on around and the dumping of different kinds of waste in the Himalayas by the trekkers about which we will see in a later article in this series.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dycTXg4-hwnznDrUkyBKK8ugkbbOsZ8GWyOTsYvOtdV1jnmJnsGwyUJ6VoTpAja3Vrs00LUC3uwyDDRhE872g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> Going downhill in the cable car over the Trishuli river<br /><p><span style="text-align: justify;">The name Manakamana is self-explanatory. Mana refers to the heart and Kamana to desire. The Goddess is believed to fulfill genuine desires of her devotees, and hence they throng her temple in large numbers - particularly, newly wed couples and those seeking the boon of child birth, apart from tourists. There are several interesting studies that connect Nepal with Kerala. These studies speak about the Newaris of the Nepal becoming the Nairs of Kerala. Interestingly, the Goddess Parvati's incarnations are referred to in Nepal as Bhagawati, similar to the same name in Kerala. How Manakamana Bhagawati took her abode atop the Kafakdada hill is an interesting legend.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to The History of Ancient and Medieval Nepal by D.B. Shreshtha & C.B. Singh, Purnendra Shah was the second Gorkha King who ruled for over 35 years. After his demise, his elder son Chatrapati Shah succeeded him. But not for long. Chatrapati Shah passed away without a heir within seven months of becoming the monarch and hence his younger brother Ram Shah became the ruler in 1606 CE. Ram Shah was a fair and conscientious monarch, who brought about many reforms in his State, such as uniform weights and measures, penal code, grazing lands in each village for cows, and standard rates of interest for borrowing. The Gorkha Palace was constructed by him in 1610 CE where his statue has been installed at the Chautari in the Gorkha Darbar where he would provide justice.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2hK_Jx8F4hKLrirWM55Bo1mEvsJSsrDW8GJ-ftHwSs6sTtIn8tgH1adWOGhj0Wf4EqHxx-1dYM7C7XmgdJQfD9GeFKDvFl0sdHJIuXc9Q0Try-dA6IvYp8cj27_oRZ1mdD5D8aZtlb5hDdXFBVpA1poPIoBw2aHxxc5PTo5ubkf8qwG13f6MXzmutFY/s3096/20170222_103039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2583" data-original-width="3096" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2hK_Jx8F4hKLrirWM55Bo1mEvsJSsrDW8GJ-ftHwSs6sTtIn8tgH1adWOGhj0Wf4EqHxx-1dYM7C7XmgdJQfD9GeFKDvFl0sdHJIuXc9Q0Try-dA6IvYp8cj27_oRZ1mdD5D8aZtlb5hDdXFBVpA1poPIoBw2aHxxc5PTo5ubkf8qwG13f6MXzmutFY/w400-h334/20170222_103039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of King Ram Shah at the Gorkha Durbar (Photo: Google)</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">According to an article by Dr Shapalya Amatya in the Ancient Nepal Journal, King Ram Shah's wife Champawati, possessed divine powers. These were recognised by a saint Siddha Lakhan Thapa (not to be confused with the first Martyr of Nepal of the same name, who is a descendant of the original Lakhan Thapa). One day, King Ram Shah had a vision of his wife as a Goddess and Siddha Lakhan Thapa as a lion, her vahana. When he spoke about this to Queen Champawati the next day, he was immediately overcome with a mysterious ailment to which he succumbed shortly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0wYVuO-tOVa8UjVXinO0OwpqZQwX9Q_FiW8g19qeStaMMvkjOOtumLRX7mJZ1jtdBq3UiL8tTwt_7xsQy4ul5rb877ilsv_Iddd2LI4adNTWix97Cii-hJv1BI5uHFqyb3KqA2b5dkXcB1wpPfO8lrnOQwzjf7-AK5fXJtOl2oMWm5zSjlQjitn5iC8c" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="352" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0wYVuO-tOVa8UjVXinO0OwpqZQwX9Q_FiW8g19qeStaMMvkjOOtumLRX7mJZ1jtdBq3UiL8tTwt_7xsQy4ul5rb877ilsv_Iddd2LI4adNTWix97Cii-hJv1BI5uHFqyb3KqA2b5dkXcB1wpPfO8lrnOQwzjf7-AK5fXJtOl2oMWm5zSjlQjitn5iC8c=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shops selling Pooja Articles on the way to Manakamana Devi temple</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The queen, as per the custom those days, got ready to perform Sati along with her husband. Unable to bear this, Lakhan Thapa was struck with grief and lamented loudly. The queen promised to him that she would return soon. During the reign of King Prithvipati Shah, a farmer named Dhan Deo Gurung was ploughing his field, when he hit upon a stone. When he unearthed it, he saw blood and milk flowing from it. The news reached Lakhan Thapa. When he arrived at the spot, the flowing of blood and milk stopped and he started worshipping the goddess at the spot where she had reappeared. Even today, it is the descendants of Lakhan Thapa who perform tantric worship to Goddess Manakamana Devi.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggbpM1HMcZfQHW-cqUtWhZ5ZKSUyXbaxtdHV4L9v8p781zwXZSo_la5vvRkOyMWRUivVCW28CUoaM_FkwVcX8LLRTmNeTZmuA271Irwn3Wr5Q5OvSodcGl2tSUZMei18p-9zWMbnCNNcGUSI8Tjw1hjfysVcQudAnK405TpyTAHaVvDFLu9Qcwo4-0HZQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1111" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggbpM1HMcZfQHW-cqUtWhZ5ZKSUyXbaxtdHV4L9v8p781zwXZSo_la5vvRkOyMWRUivVCW28CUoaM_FkwVcX8LLRTmNeTZmuA271Irwn3Wr5Q5OvSodcGl2tSUZMei18p-9zWMbnCNNcGUSI8Tjw1hjfysVcQudAnK405TpyTAHaVvDFLu9Qcwo4-0HZQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look of the structure of Manakamana Devi Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The sanctum sanctorum contains five non-iconic rocks that symbolise Manakamana Devi, Bhairava, Ganesha, Kumari and Chamunda. The deities are placed under a triangular pediment supported by silver covered pillars. The priest performs worship under closed doors with offerings of eggs, oranges, rice, Kumkum and strips of cloth. Animal sacrifices happen every day except for Ekadashi and Amavasya.</div><p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx0YRmfFf4vh_PiiGPmgPK_QGqi_syCCjIC6R6-UmooPFBUF3ezlKqln8qElq_tInbZS4P2vTKkecORoc1DzM0RqTTBWpc7PCfb79wUDk-7KLDxRJ1kLmcTEt-OWkjXYR8agGF0fTo7ZpUYpEbbsByi9y11yKc53ekac5LS851E8udM_GTx_V2pUlJ_9s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="352" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx0YRmfFf4vh_PiiGPmgPK_QGqi_syCCjIC6R6-UmooPFBUF3ezlKqln8qElq_tInbZS4P2vTKkecORoc1DzM0RqTTBWpc7PCfb79wUDk-7KLDxRJ1kLmcTEt-OWkjXYR8agGF0fTo7ZpUYpEbbsByi9y11yKc53ekac5LS851E8udM_GTx_V2pUlJ_9s=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Manakamana Devi Temple</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The building has a two tiered roof with golden mirrors and a central pinnacle with the sanctum facing the South. There are huge crowds that throng the temple each day, particularly after the cable car was introduced. A large courtyard is seen outside the temple, where hundreds of pigeons are seen. When we visited Manakamana Devi temple, the serpentine queue was very long and it was impossible for us to have waited in it to worship the Devi, given that we had to get to Pokhara before it became dark. So after reluctantly attempting to get a glimpse of the deity, which we could, we satisfied ourselves with worshipping the Bali Peeta outside and obtained Kumkum from those coming out of the temple. '</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The picturesque cable car ride over the Trishuli river and the beautiful and divine ambience of the temple are indeed visit worthy. An official photographer is around to click pictures as people board the cable cars which do not actually stop! One has to get in and alight while the cars are in motion. After coming back to the base station, the prints are available for sale. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPfW1wo-8gdp8-YyGd8B587V0sJA0cOP33y4Xa4mSw7atsJbJcZ92yTL5gqY0Cd-XUNyyp2xJVflPNDzBUqd0sV339kaSA6VWNtC8KJKCV7L_epwpaSIwYr23NUp45tZ7FgpZm5ea_BmtcQnYSrgXVVcruzpoAVkAJBQfYfIdRxSZ9d5oUOd6m70F0IGk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="888" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPfW1wo-8gdp8-YyGd8B587V0sJA0cOP33y4Xa4mSw7atsJbJcZ92yTL5gqY0Cd-XUNyyp2xJVflPNDzBUqd0sV339kaSA6VWNtC8KJKCV7L_epwpaSIwYr23NUp45tZ7FgpZm5ea_BmtcQnYSrgXVVcruzpoAVkAJBQfYfIdRxSZ9d5oUOd6m70F0IGk=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cable car memories </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0Manakamana, Nepal27.8943323 84.5693859-0.41590153617884695 49.4131359 56.20456613617884 119.7256359tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-68941547422372175192023-06-11T22:34:00.001+05:302023-06-29T18:50:40.749+05:30Nepal Yathra - Part 1 - Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu<div style="text-align: justify;">Visiting Nepal temples had been on the cards for me for a long time now, even before the massive earthquake of 2015 that damaged many temples across the Kathmandu valley. Similarly, I have known Balaji Davey of Mantra Yatra, ever since he was recommended by a mutual friend for a proposed Bhutan trip, but I never got around to actually going on a trip with them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So when I saw an announcement for Nepal Muktinath Yatra from Mantra, I had to get on it. It was my first ever time on a group tour and we were very happy with the manner and pace in which the entire trip was rolled out. I look forward to sharing the details of the temples visited through this series, which is not a paid promotion, but genuine feedback after a happy tour.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kathmandu: </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our first stop was in the capital city of Kathmandu, that roughly translates to wooden house. True to its name, the ancient temples of the Kathmandu Valley are mostly made up of wood. The city serves as the gateway to the Himalayas and the first point of entry for ambitious trekkers with dreams of conquering the Everest. The city of Kathmandu is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Pashupatinath Temple Complex, Boudhnath stupa and the Durbar Square. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Pashupatinath Temple</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGT6aF6uXeKorZpOLm0wMTOUzasuM4uLcxeDTnOvG_n7vwk58iH4iyA9D50CIwzvtennviKzq8t2jtMhN0BuOQHDcXWbibyiwIGleubk0kVzsIcY0GJ0t7dJKW5-uFv5uRcIxKMWdSqc7Mj7difM7m8zKYW2J30Y_4MB4qnGnMnUiZkOZsM87JllsE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1010" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGT6aF6uXeKorZpOLm0wMTOUzasuM4uLcxeDTnOvG_n7vwk58iH4iyA9D50CIwzvtennviKzq8t2jtMhN0BuOQHDcXWbibyiwIGleubk0kVzsIcY0GJ0t7dJKW5-uFv5uRcIxKMWdSqc7Mj7difM7m8zKYW2J30Y_4MB4qnGnMnUiZkOZsM87JllsE=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pashupatinath Temple Complex</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b>Our first stop for the trip was an the Pashupatinath Temple. With one main pagoda and over 518 shrines, this is one of the largest temple complexes in the world, spread out over 246 hectares. The main shrine, built in the typical pagoda style is for Lord Pashupatinath. It has a two storied roof that is covered with copper and plated with gold. It has four entrances with silver-covered doors. The roof has a golden spire that extends from the top. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTqji1AHq744hfqZXRkFyQ1FfFFrK73DwEsaqX5hNMRSEYWoUlslVH0_ojkcoX1Hrfr9bO73PRFqc03csr5ysA1AorBazOU_V26j8l7o1jzxLMcSBc7WVSFtBoavP6CO3RH79j_5Rv8v5iygIqGznWaVU4bAzoS3oTYVQ2wsYr4m-5mCbss8DFgIuB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTqji1AHq744hfqZXRkFyQ1FfFFrK73DwEsaqX5hNMRSEYWoUlslVH0_ojkcoX1Hrfr9bO73PRFqc03csr5ysA1AorBazOU_V26j8l7o1jzxLMcSBc7WVSFtBoavP6CO3RH79j_5Rv8v5iygIqGznWaVU4bAzoS3oTYVQ2wsYr4m-5mCbss8DFgIuB=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Golden Spire on top of the Pashupatinath Temple</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The legend of Pashupatinath finds several versions, the most common being Lord Shiva and Parvati coming down to earth in the form of deer and grazing on the banks of the Bagmati river. Enchanted by the serene beauty around them, they lost sight of time and lingered there. The Gods, worried by the Lord's absence, came down to Earth and went looking for them. When they eventually found them and requested them to return to Mt Kailash, Lord Shiva was reluctant. Not knowing what to do, a Gana caught him by his antler, in a attempt to take him back forcibly. The antler broke in the tussle and came to be worshipped as the first ever version of Pashupatinath. The antler stayed in the forest for centuries, until the divine cow Kamadhenu found it and started showering its milk upon it. The locals then discovered the divine site and the first temple structure came up in the 5th century CE. Since the word Pashu also refers to animals, the Lord came to be known as Pashupatinath. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While this is the most widely believed version, my thoughts when I visited the temple were that it could possibly also refer to Shiva worshipped as Pashupati by the Pashupatha cult of Shaivism. Here, Pasu refers to the world and Pathi, the creator. Nath refers to the Lord and also a mediaval form of shaivism in India and Nepal which combines Buddhism, Shaivism and Yogic culture of which Lord Shiva is considered as the principal guru. In Pasupatha shaivam, Lord Shiva is worshipped as the destroyer of birth, and the devotees smear ash from cremated bodies on themselves to denote this. Even today, the Bagmati river is the biggest site for cremations in Kathmandu. It is believed that people who are cremated here are not born again in any form other than human, and when bodies burn, there is no malodor but one can only sense the aroma of spices. Locals even say that people come here in the last days of their lives with the expectation of being in the presence of the Lord and being cremated here. They stay at the Panch Deval complex for old people by the river, waiting for their time to come.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha2633Loe_vZD1kVPpyTHbCMFwrQyyuvLNZOiJ45l3U4ERyazbUxyvp6WwSbXtahD8lYWGPoueDSAT1u9dg_ZkSBCVN4Pw4HR7Y8KRaQ3hdPmaftNgdvn3exSF7cplX2GOhKa9bmcCn2-cxYUuBUZu-9UKC1buDpMCll_fywyOwKq4McskJBVRxbac" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha2633Loe_vZD1kVPpyTHbCMFwrQyyuvLNZOiJ45l3U4ERyazbUxyvp6WwSbXtahD8lYWGPoueDSAT1u9dg_ZkSBCVN4Pw4HR7Y8KRaQ3hdPmaftNgdvn3exSF7cplX2GOhKa9bmcCn2-cxYUuBUZu-9UKC1buDpMCll_fywyOwKq4McskJBVRxbac=w400-h266" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aerial view of the temple complex (Photo Courtesy: Balaji Davey)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The main deity Lord Pashupatinath is a four-faced Mukhalingam installed in 1360 CE. Gopalraj Vamshavali mentions that the first form of the temple was built by King Supushpadeva of the Lichchavi dynasty. Kings Manadeva and Amshuvarma (605-621) are mentioned in numerous inscriptions of the temple that show the significant contributions made by them to the temple. King Amshuvarma even took the title "blessed by the feet of Lord Pashupatinath" before his name which shows that by the 7th century, Lord Pashupatinath had come to be worshipped as the Lord of the nation. In 1349 CE, during the invasion of the Kathmandu valley by Shamshudin Iliyas Shah, the founder of the Sultanate of Bengal, the temple was heavily damaged and the main Shivalingam was mutilated. Gold and silver that belonged to the temple were plundered. A few years after this attack, the temple was reconstructed by Jaisingh Ramvardhan, the Mahamatya of the then King Arjun Malla. Subsequently, the version of the temple that exists now was developed in the year 1754 by King Bhupalendra Malla. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4qSYx3gL889tW_Xh8RkgdPRdO67Au2sIZtLr4tFfy2ZyxuLf4NbD54CDOx_7nE7QsPgUQ0enNra4kbwdCNp0Ab9S9tS_GoYuOyz1XtIPmH4eV9eKJLBIhbfKjliGFwt7oBG598MBwtIBXJzlaENCINWFJkj_smP6_KFTbMXqi_nl5LMul2TsMWuP0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4qSYx3gL889tW_Xh8RkgdPRdO67Au2sIZtLr4tFfy2ZyxuLf4NbD54CDOx_7nE7QsPgUQ0enNra4kbwdCNp0Ab9S9tS_GoYuOyz1XtIPmH4eV9eKJLBIhbfKjliGFwt7oBG598MBwtIBXJzlaENCINWFJkj_smP6_KFTbMXqi_nl5LMul2TsMWuP0=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Front View of the temple complex (Photo Courtesy: Balaji Davey)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>The priests in this temple are from South India. While it is commonly believed that Adi Shankaracharya had contributed to converting this temple from Vamacharya worship to Sathvik worship and because of this the priests continue to be from South India, there seems to be no conclusive evidence to this claim, although it is believed he visited the temple in the 9th century and there is still a shrine in the temple for him and his followers. According to Historian M. Chidanandamurthy, who has done extensive research of the linkages between Karnataka and the Pashupatinath temple, it was King Yaksha Malla, who decided to invite Bhatta Brahmanas of the Sringeri Mutt to the temple in the 15th century. There are four priests from Sringeri Mutt who perform the daily rituals at the main shrine, with a Chief priest who oversees their work.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjly5eunTL7CEwTcUFg3LZQAZyzjqAwchgDq2Fz6ZUn8N8o3xp5ykSR-lqi-OcYcYzwjc8gx-1HIFDmU0oQGWyKe7ADnj65KaCK24HUbgfzwQDN93Qyq1Mv1frn4A6tKpQL7adHjO3Q_5IWl5uzvW8zNy1XLw7K1-Jyo41uFjSYoiOP3kkNNh0lIE_C" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="395" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjly5eunTL7CEwTcUFg3LZQAZyzjqAwchgDq2Fz6ZUn8N8o3xp5ykSR-lqi-OcYcYzwjc8gx-1HIFDmU0oQGWyKe7ADnj65KaCK24HUbgfzwQDN93Qyq1Mv1frn4A6tKpQL7adHjO3Q_5IWl5uzvW8zNy1XLw7K1-Jyo41uFjSYoiOP3kkNNh0lIE_C=w400-h387" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance to the temple (Photo Courtesy: Balaji Davey)</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photography is strictly prohibited within the temple. One can witness policemen in blue uniform swoop down upon anyone who attempts to take a picture of the shrine or its deities and confiscate the phone. There is a huge gold-plated Nandi on a pedastal in front of the main sanctum. He is flanked by images of erstwhile kings of Nepal, seated on high platforms, so that they are able to view the main deity at all times. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcm9A9WJvjCWCvST5yuAzURLcBvebcYc3bAd7HYWgxeVa7m6E8Lob6zqurSCrgrBdJalTseI3ytD7kHgxUZw-9H3KwP0VQrzP-vH2fO9WLJIDraD62KCsx0zA_ksoXiOpZteGNLiDCugGVziCTlLuFV0R61x_YAgc5DtdeICLZhcO4lJ3aAG4XOQRC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcm9A9WJvjCWCvST5yuAzURLcBvebcYc3bAd7HYWgxeVa7m6E8Lob6zqurSCrgrBdJalTseI3ytD7kHgxUZw-9H3KwP0VQrzP-vH2fO9WLJIDraD62KCsx0zA_ksoXiOpZteGNLiDCugGVziCTlLuFV0R61x_YAgc5DtdeICLZhcO4lJ3aAG4XOQRC=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A glimpse of the sanctum and the huge Nandi from outside.<br />Watch out for Balaji with the Mantra Orange cap leading the way </i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The temple is open from 4 am to 9 pm, with a couple of hours break in the afternoon. Mondays and Saturdays are extremely crowded and the wait time to have a glimpse of the Lord can be long and winding. There are special darshan tickets too which cost approximately Rs.2000 for four people. This allows a shorter queue and some more time in front of the deity. Along with sandal prasad, rudraksha malas are also given to those entering through the special queue. In other shrines giving 100 Indian rupees would entitle one to receive a Rudraksha mala as prasad. The temple also has a huge corridor with hundreds of Shiva lingams of various sizes that the devotees can visit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The most important festival at the temple is Shivaratri, where thousands of devotees from across the world gather here, considering in the Skanda Purana, the Lord himself mentions this temple among the 64 Mahakshetras to be worshipped at least once in a lifetime. Every evening, the Pashupatinath Aarti happens at 6 pm on the banks of the Bagmati river. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While in the temple, beware of monkeys that jump all around you, trying to grab eatables or dangling bags. Also if you are visiting on a Monday or Saturday, do take care of your precious belongings or better still avoid carrying them with you. Jai Pashupatinath!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div><br /></div>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com1Kathmandu 44600, Nepal27.7172453 85.3239605-0.59298853617884717 50.1677105 56.02747913617884 120.4802105tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-34954051882412824882022-04-23T23:49:00.019+05:302022-04-24T19:48:22.229+05:30Murugeeswarar Temple, Thaiyur<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadn1h1cvJFPm-L90O9TsSXpIjB7t6Jw1XJZqXxCZ48EDI27_7egXF37B55eDELjfzpxaVxFNky8HAlrUF97RrbHVZRyIOT0LshVmgnqQplIh5VRKYKTfTB4quIlkzqtGg4wFSGrjSISb2sIl4aJMfYrKbvS6oFZYaY_GdE6LfKUPSnwBcS-UHEdcZ/s800/IMG20220417080829__01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadn1h1cvJFPm-L90O9TsSXpIjB7t6Jw1XJZqXxCZ48EDI27_7egXF37B55eDELjfzpxaVxFNky8HAlrUF97RrbHVZRyIOT0LshVmgnqQplIh5VRKYKTfTB4quIlkzqtGg4wFSGrjSISb2sIl4aJMfYrKbvS6oFZYaY_GdE6LfKUPSnwBcS-UHEdcZ/w248-h400/IMG20220417080829__01.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The entrance to the Murugeeswarar Temple, Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">I had been invited to visit the Murugeeswarar temple at Thaiyur by Kaushik, a long-time volunteer of the Aalayam Kanden Trust, about three years ago. However, due to personal and COVID-19 situations, the visit did not happen. During this time, some of my blogger colleagues had the opportunity to visit and write about this temple.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Generally, Aalayam Kanden focuses on temples that are not popularly featured. So when Mr Uma Magesh, who takes excellent care of the temple, invited me again last week, I decided to visit, and make it a part of the monthly Aalayam Kanden Trust activity of distributing oil, ghee and vastrams at ancient and lesser known temples.While there, several things struck me about the temple, that I wanted to share my thoughts through this blog post.</p><p><b>Legend:</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKftJXUUryqYzQXObd5pt7HBnh8vcAWtBsFEKVC4uUoDJBzbhthobLuDI40SlNl1EHUde9Ebb3QqExRW4gB56e0ywg812cHATqyJaRFy1lCaFYoEfZAkgLN8I90cwTxHDrpz89WcZ5L7Pr2TdpwEh6xJCvHOkHneYl6P-Gsz0E0sfSNZ0S1Zc9ncyX/s800/IMG20220417093458.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="554" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKftJXUUryqYzQXObd5pt7HBnh8vcAWtBsFEKVC4uUoDJBzbhthobLuDI40SlNl1EHUde9Ebb3QqExRW4gB56e0ywg812cHATqyJaRFy1lCaFYoEfZAkgLN8I90cwTxHDrpz89WcZ5L7Pr2TdpwEh6xJCvHOkHneYl6P-Gsz0E0sfSNZ0S1Zc9ncyX/w278-h400/IMG20220417093458.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord Muruga mounted on a peacock with bow and arrow in hand</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The sthalapuranam states that Lord Muruga had worshipped Lord Shiva here before proceeding to Thiruporur to fight Tharakasura. There is an old idol of Muruga placed in the Mahamandapa of the temple, believed to be made of sandstone. The legend says sandstone in Tamil was referred to as Thaijagam which gave the village its name. A pillar at the entrance of the temple has the icon of Lord Muruga on a peacock, bow in hand, setting out to fight.</p><p><b>Literary and inscriptional references:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The 15th century literary work "Uththandan Kovai" gives a great deal of background about Thaiyur. This work comprising of around 450 songs on Uthandan, a local chieftain, belonging to the Kalappalan clan (Mudaliars from Aamur Kottam to which Thaiyur belonged) describes the village as it existed then. This work whose author is yet to be confirmed, has been collected in portions, in manuscript form, by various sources such as the Oriental Manuscript library, the U.V. Swaminatha Iyer library, the Institute of Asian Studies and the descendants of Uththandan. These have been compiled to the extent possible by the Institute of Asian Studies and a bilingual publication titled "Poetic Verses in the Interior Landscape" has been brought out . The book brings forth various facets of Thaiyur which are worth mentioning, before we look in detail at the Murugeeswarar temple.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The word Thai (தை ) could be used to denote beautiful, joining or full of saplings. The Jatavarman Sundarapandiyan inscription at the Maragathavalli Ambal Shrine of the Murugeeswarar temple, describes the deity as Azhagiya Chokkanaar which probably indicates that Thaiyur meant beautiful village. Prior to the period of Rajaraja I, Thaiyur had been called "Thalasayanapuramaana Thaiyur". Thalasayana refers to the reclining Vishnu of Senganmal. Senganmal was a part of Thaiyur until the 15th century before it was seperated out as Irandaayiramvelipatru, and Thaiyur was labelled Ayiramvelipatru. We come to know this from the Senganmal temple mandapa inscriptions. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBuyKddRmzZ4fZdcdXI53FlYjobNcKEkYM0wjaRBBuyP29EjtU1Z4KiAivQZ4pkqvgqSBcvlhizdeIH134PMR45ZuDFe49T8BRANjhXGM5_pPYGblBi4pLzS7B53wiwVOSl6BMD7k6GKTuioFjO1D5zqvjErQunI7VI68jePn3sCHIv4bT5xAqLoD/s800/IMG20220417093157.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBuyKddRmzZ4fZdcdXI53FlYjobNcKEkYM0wjaRBBuyP29EjtU1Z4KiAivQZ4pkqvgqSBcvlhizdeIH134PMR45ZuDFe49T8BRANjhXGM5_pPYGblBi4pLzS7B53wiwVOSl6BMD7k6GKTuioFjO1D5zqvjErQunI7VI68jePn3sCHIv4bT5xAqLoD/w400-h180/IMG20220417093157.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inscriptions at the base of the Murugeeswarar temple Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Six inscriptions found in the Nithyakalyana Perumal temple of Thiruvidanthai mention grants given by people of Thaiyur. While three of them that belong to a period prior to Rajaraja I, refer to the word Thalasayanapuram, from the time of Rajaraja I it came to be called Jayamkonda Chola Mandalathu Aamoor Kottathu Aamoor Nattu Rajakesarinallur. During the Vijayanagara Period, Aamoor Nadu came to be referred as Kumuzhi Nadu. Kumuzhi referring to a place surrounded by water bodies extending from ponds and lakes to the ocean. It is during the time of Veerapratapa Achutharaya (1536 CE) do we find the mention of the word Thirumurugeeswara Nayanar which is the current name that the deity is referred to. This inscription spreaks about grants given by a person from Thiruvidanthai to the temple to repair it and carry out worship.</p><p><b>Period of the temple:</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2O3ApfCdBEcFKPoJ1lHK2Q0MO8FFa5iGKxJBZCsbpyn5y9x-lUsA_JwotvtuyaNwKIUL0uyXfUXEAqE6ggeFmUMgEdLENvZ42-BxtmoNpgzh7fCevOae_32sBfD8sb4sNR9I25D1Tg9mbuiWVw3g2IA_dknZ4WivU_0ToQwlnURUhq_fK0-Aliov/s800/IMG20220417081621.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="424" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2O3ApfCdBEcFKPoJ1lHK2Q0MO8FFa5iGKxJBZCsbpyn5y9x-lUsA_JwotvtuyaNwKIUL0uyXfUXEAqE6ggeFmUMgEdLENvZ42-BxtmoNpgzh7fCevOae_32sBfD8sb4sNR9I25D1Tg9mbuiWVw3g2IA_dknZ4WivU_0ToQwlnURUhq_fK0-Aliov/w213-h400/IMG20220417081621.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Chandikeswara at the Murugeeswarar temple, Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">From some of the deities such as Ganesha and Chandikeswara present in the temple, we can derive the original period to be between the 9th and the 10th century CE. Majority of the current construction dates between 13th and 15th Century CE with the external superstructure a classic representation of the Nayaka period.</p><p><b>Antiquity:</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoBtpufZpY5QBmj3uZNk9MBHi0o33R-GLB0RNfdEE0z9A3i72MeliAifMRnfn2MVw5UkY0QE-42MziOfBmvgUMlE7x4-YImK2P1kX0954jFoYSrtb-K_zTLPuWafVqE3_1E7nIiQVB_p8tSknCZbVnYlDcdLU7fwpNXMCUnxKO-p3cETaJOZoFMT9/s800/IMG20220417082107.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoBtpufZpY5QBmj3uZNk9MBHi0o33R-GLB0RNfdEE0z9A3i72MeliAifMRnfn2MVw5UkY0QE-42MziOfBmvgUMlE7x4-YImK2P1kX0954jFoYSrtb-K_zTLPuWafVqE3_1E7nIiQVB_p8tSknCZbVnYlDcdLU7fwpNXMCUnxKO-p3cETaJOZoFMT9/w249-h400/IMG20220417082107.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ganesha with the inscription "Sri Urumetru" at the Murugeeswara Temple, Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The oldest deities at the temple are the Ganesha found in the Mukha Mandapa and the Chandikeswara in his destined position. The Ganesha is found without the usual pot belly with a single line inscription at the base which reads "Sri Urumetru". Dr Ramachandran, Senior Epigraphist, has interpreted this word as denoting heavy thunder. He states that this could probably refer to the Pallava title "Pagapidugu" and might belong to the later Pallava (Aparajitha or Kampavarma) period. However, he urges further research into this.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxIDaizG_GN3zRPWNbIMwJIHg8CROeofkJIhJpA8o1hH3ULzkuDwiZ_J_dMNNT0BXJmqOE8EhALZaKueGNO7-Wt7a6gXPVzpKgyow8xVdY98kY2A21zX4hjChPVVDMTeFdZvIWZbUcprRqwfQmEKFyetwrqSMUC5UUNwl8x5wUx8rJLXj36DKlfs0/s800/IMG20220417082745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="361" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxIDaizG_GN3zRPWNbIMwJIHg8CROeofkJIhJpA8o1hH3ULzkuDwiZ_J_dMNNT0BXJmqOE8EhALZaKueGNO7-Wt7a6gXPVzpKgyow8xVdY98kY2A21zX4hjChPVVDMTeFdZvIWZbUcprRqwfQmEKFyetwrqSMUC5UUNwl8x5wUx8rJLXj36DKlfs0/w180-h400/IMG20220417082745.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord Muruga believed to have been made of sandstone</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">There is no mention about the Muruga found in the Mukha Mandapa in any inscription so far read. His consorts are of a later period, and there are other deities like Chandikeswara, Mahavishnu, Kasi Viswanatha and a goddess, probably moved here from another temple, that was lost to time, placed in a tableau around him. Research says that there was a Vishnu temple in the village that had become dilapidated, and fearing invaders, the deities had been buried. Chances are that some of them were subsequently excavated and placed here. It also explains why there are three Murugas around the same place.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbu7KmRI0MKnuWo1B4BXTUc0Y1eoV1FqAbtFiV-HY4p6w45b3jgpbYKWjjHvOcRKqQeKwHz66FxX9DWTy5vQcBa0zS2r0cEwmmN2s9Qa1-615J20tpTQ30GB_7BWuB5ijFbT8GB-uePSTZHbXAAxqATpuktcf3fNHaPY2dvtqQiV8HPjbgDetYu96/s800/IMG20220417082730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbu7KmRI0MKnuWo1B4BXTUc0Y1eoV1FqAbtFiV-HY4p6w45b3jgpbYKWjjHvOcRKqQeKwHz66FxX9DWTy5vQcBa0zS2r0cEwmmN2s9Qa1-615J20tpTQ30GB_7BWuB5ijFbT8GB-uePSTZHbXAAxqATpuktcf3fNHaPY2dvtqQiV8HPjbgDetYu96/w240-h400/IMG20220417082730.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The pavilion around Lord Muruga at the Murugeeswarar temple, Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Deities:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lord Shiva is found in a beautiful sanctum with typical Nayaka period miniatures on either side of the door jamb, including a donor (mentioned in the inscription) who is lighting a Nanda Vilakku. The Artha Mandapa has the Ganga and Yamuna depiction, which would usually be found while entering the temple. The bronze Bhoga Shakthi of this temple has been moved out for safe keeping, and a stone replica has been placed at a later date within the sanctum. Apart from the two inscriptions already mentioned, a stand-alone stone inscription from 1565 CE of Thirumalai Deva Maharaya period refers to the deity as Thirumurugeeswaramudaiya Thambiraanaar. So it is evident that from the Vijayanagara period, the current name has been in vogue.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DFzLAxFfCM9wLqYsq0g4ZQowF4hrRDqFLgXph-1_iU5dZypXZ71pFl7X1veYTOHbVuQM2d_wjoSZKNiM--FBbAwzL-NSDVAsOfllGQrKflVcpjO2RPSPQSUBWE-5i8wsLYDJc9uwPpN5u591cc4xSfFlDEjl2uP5Z47icd9e9SAJSNJFNI0LNxSM/s800/IMG20220417082315__01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="437" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DFzLAxFfCM9wLqYsq0g4ZQowF4hrRDqFLgXph-1_iU5dZypXZ71pFl7X1veYTOHbVuQM2d_wjoSZKNiM--FBbAwzL-NSDVAsOfllGQrKflVcpjO2RPSPQSUBWE-5i8wsLYDJc9uwPpN5u591cc4xSfFlDEjl2uP5Z47icd9e9SAJSNJFNI0LNxSM/w219-h400/IMG20220417082315__01.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord Murugeeswarar of Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Goddess Maragathavalli Ambal is found in a seperate shrine, holding Pasa and Ankusha. The shrine seems to have been constructed/renovated during the Pandya period. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGymoPceFXV0zesNsr7lwYvyR48VtB4yRr_oKks_GoIfGZg68U_ggdPq2UvwHiZs0EZRAevGFHbg3GrpWz0jjmphfLLg5wMRabX4W2HfLQnrWfS1V7m0wP86ZyiqWhWZqZR2DEB1oC356mQdVXVcnUo2jDwSUwBWMs0jbYNmVqrmXFQe17rVJmCjR/s800/IMG_20220417_083002_001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGymoPceFXV0zesNsr7lwYvyR48VtB4yRr_oKks_GoIfGZg68U_ggdPq2UvwHiZs0EZRAevGFHbg3GrpWz0jjmphfLLg5wMRabX4W2HfLQnrWfS1V7m0wP86ZyiqWhWZqZR2DEB1oC356mQdVXVcnUo2jDwSUwBWMs0jbYNmVqrmXFQe17rVJmCjR/w178-h400/IMG_20220417_083002_001.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Maragathavalli Ambal of Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The Koshta deities are all beautiful and the depiction of various mythological stories, such as Kirata-Arjuna, Kannappa Nayanar and Vyagrapatha and Bheema have been shown in the exterior walls in sequences. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiON751txwOdWpW_7P-0WkXiorlc62aQ7O8o8II_DPNWuuw9Z94B4YMAPArxyua9tuMZwRxlCcis2b3k3dcmot7tnUdeNHb_qDK-FjXD-IE89PMWRcRY0edFHJzRnr9u4TnYjcuxmaIUmwueCM1IZD2Kz1TT9fEjw0EwLVanmjRofnqhbE93HS1dhP9/s800/IMG20220417090913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="800" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiON751txwOdWpW_7P-0WkXiorlc62aQ7O8o8II_DPNWuuw9Z94B4YMAPArxyua9tuMZwRxlCcis2b3k3dcmot7tnUdeNHb_qDK-FjXD-IE89PMWRcRY0edFHJzRnr9u4TnYjcuxmaIUmwueCM1IZD2Kz1TT9fEjw0EwLVanmjRofnqhbE93HS1dhP9/w400-h319/IMG20220417090913.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vyagrapadha and Bheema episode at the Murugeeswara temple Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Whatever is shown on the walls in the Southern side, goes up into the Naasikoodu (Alcoves) in the Northern side, showing that by worshipping God, a devotee can get spiritual elevation. The vimana of the temple is a three tiered structure, more like a Gopura. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr52dbkDtdgKcLEK7Vq6A2CH7a0BZVKEgauwnkmOwBWRIMcGjDTkpxucJN2ggHSptWRRqVXKupMv_PbC1KBcL4GYgJJ1Eh7MUYC2-FS_0ARE7D4ZNIqegeM9DEzwi5nEd71lQbdH_3sYvEAJTiP0BFKfTzkjw7iLhexZxbrrOS-RVQR3JzEKM6ChhW/s800/IMG20220417091512.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr52dbkDtdgKcLEK7Vq6A2CH7a0BZVKEgauwnkmOwBWRIMcGjDTkpxucJN2ggHSptWRRqVXKupMv_PbC1KBcL4GYgJJ1Eh7MUYC2-FS_0ARE7D4ZNIqegeM9DEzwi5nEd71lQbdH_3sYvEAJTiP0BFKfTzkjw7iLhexZxbrrOS-RVQR3JzEKM6ChhW/w400-h180/IMG20220417091512.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The vimana with the beautiful Naasi Koodus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The Kumbapancharas have playful monkeys jostling about with each other. There is another Ganesha shrine and a Subramania shrine in the circumambulatory path.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsD_p2Nbe4p1eaSgVLvjiWkZzloLLLAyRgremo8L3XsN6XKclopAkZD5SfNf8pmrOUygk4vi9y4tuLXPUGUQCZF4yiBowQ-ZZLrAwvMJI0Rv8Yfl88_Ip19xj5K3H3CEvUu2FGmjNH3R65ZPmTPsYhi5ZPSXbDNpA5EKEmTM-S32u9lfM8FjGmzczH/s800/IMG20220417081123.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsD_p2Nbe4p1eaSgVLvjiWkZzloLLLAyRgremo8L3XsN6XKclopAkZD5SfNf8pmrOUygk4vi9y4tuLXPUGUQCZF4yiBowQ-ZZLrAwvMJI0Rv8Yfl88_Ip19xj5K3H3CEvUu2FGmjNH3R65ZPmTPsYhi5ZPSXbDNpA5EKEmTM-S32u9lfM8FjGmzczH/w400-h180/IMG20220417081123.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kumbapancharas showing playful monkeys at the Murugeeswara Temple Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Social initiatives:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The temple has a beautiful Nandavanam and Mr Uma Magesh has been taking special efforts to grow several herbal plants and trees within its campus. Mango tree is the sthalavriksham of the temple. He is nobly supported by a good team of volunteers from the nearby apartments who come every week, to clean the temple, clear the nandavanam and water the plants, wash vessels and clothes. The temple even has a washing machine for this purpose. It was a pleasant sight to see these highly placed men and women contribute their weekend towards the upkeep of their neighbourhood temple. If only many more people come forward to spend a couple of hours at the temples in their neighbourhood, every temple would look as clean and green as this one.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3EyUCqgk9xeMey9LKrSFleDDEwWKgZO8EAujX6DxPYUpxbTQHndojgQz3wl6IacYBQPFZjbKXBeNmeNGpr4wqknW_i5GPdwmHChfLDBID0SrNCqJmM54RG1RplU19E4dfsj89EdCNDmei9KjpgCK90GzAUGPMy86fnPfQQ7a79XV2dLG1NsS4H1t/s800/IMG20220417081510.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3EyUCqgk9xeMey9LKrSFleDDEwWKgZO8EAujX6DxPYUpxbTQHndojgQz3wl6IacYBQPFZjbKXBeNmeNGpr4wqknW_i5GPdwmHChfLDBID0SrNCqJmM54RG1RplU19E4dfsj89EdCNDmei9KjpgCK90GzAUGPMy86fnPfQQ7a79XV2dLG1NsS4H1t/w400-h180/IMG20220417081510.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Nandavanam at the Murugeeswara Temple Thaiyur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">While all this is appreciable, the whitewashing of the exterior walls is an eyesore. The nuances of the sculptures as well as the inscriptions are hidden within. If the temple gets help from volunteers to clear this without damage, it would restore the original look and identity.</p><p><b>Other temples in the vicinity:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Two other Shiva temples - the Mareeswarar temple and the Jalagandeeswar temple are found close to the Murugeeswarar temple. Two Ganesha temples, one built by Uthandan, next to where his palace was, and another of a later period are also found.</p><p><b>How to reach here:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thaiyur is situated about 12 kilometres from Mamallapuram and 3 kilometres from Kelambakkam on the Old Mahabalipuram Road in Chennai. Once a very fertile agricultural village, surrounded by Thaigai hill (today's Pudhupakkam), tanks, ponds, lake and the sea, today is part of the IT corridor. The GPS coordinates of the temple are: <b>12.7780677,80.1913894</b></p><p><b>Temple Timings:</b></p><p>The temple is open between 7.30 am and 9.30 am in the morning and 6 pm to 8 pm in the evening</p><p><b>Contact details:</b></p><p>Mr Uma Magesh - 9940126814</p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-86073308927695574602021-12-16T21:36:00.000+05:302021-12-16T21:36:02.054+05:30Aavarani Pudhuchery Nateswarar<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMD11Qhf6ZtLU0_E4dZPSixCYMydgw5OogN81HYB3RE8mQaIvuatES351HYHtU-0XFauS-UsUorUfjAFWG69gsoLN4c4F0WoEBJw53v0yhfF4feH3gQF3I49zPfOYpvFstFPIc2p2OL4p2twtB5LtL9uEdEjpUHKhp9-KczUGJR8xlio_rxl05OsVc=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMD11Qhf6ZtLU0_E4dZPSixCYMydgw5OogN81HYB3RE8mQaIvuatES351HYHtU-0XFauS-UsUorUfjAFWG69gsoLN4c4F0WoEBJw53v0yhfF4feH3gQF3I49zPfOYpvFstFPIc2p2OL4p2twtB5LtL9uEdEjpUHKhp9-KczUGJR8xlio_rxl05OsVc=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shri Nateswara Swamy Temple, Aavarani Pudhuchery</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Some temples are unique and the joy one gets while visiting them is immense. The purpose of Aalayam Kanden is to identify these lesser known gems and to highlight them so that those in search of such temples can visit and experience them easily.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A couple of years ago, I had written an article on the Aavarani Ananthanarayana Perumal temple in Nagapattinam district, where the gigantic 21 feet Perumal is bedecked with beautiful jewels rendered through the hymns of Thirumangai Azhwar. The link to the article is <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2018/06/">here.</a> Just on the outskirts of Aavarani is a hamlet called Pudhuchery (not to be confused with Pondicherry). It is here that the unique Swayambu Nateswara Swamy temple is found.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So what is so unique about this temple? To know it, we need to go into its legend.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Sage Vashista and Devathachan</u></b></p><p><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7HhrmlMxB_xg2fT8fakRDH-aacWmHUgzItG7zQfWkn_VM4r_BMOTIqIYn_rISB2_B66tu0suXbKF4SOibC0Wj4Qa4uMQEQKp7WI8Tj5X8KiSw2So14nAlOiNeMyibc9GQmhH5YYOcQl5OIn9Xoox70A6HboZlmbmf5xQ8IjKE_3JzQaPA8Dy99d6Z=s4246" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4246" data-original-width="3058" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7HhrmlMxB_xg2fT8fakRDH-aacWmHUgzItG7zQfWkn_VM4r_BMOTIqIYn_rISB2_B66tu0suXbKF4SOibC0Wj4Qa4uMQEQKp7WI8Tj5X8KiSw2So14nAlOiNeMyibc9GQmhH5YYOcQl5OIn9Xoox70A6HboZlmbmf5xQ8IjKE_3JzQaPA8Dy99d6Z=w288-h400" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord Ganesha at the Aavarani Pudhuchery Temple</td></tr></tbody></table></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the banks of River Pasumpuli, lived a young boy called Devathachan. Right from childhood, he was very fond of Lord Shiva and would bathe in the river, and collect water while singing hymns in praise of the Lord. He also made a Shivalingam out of sand and started performing abhishekam with milk every day. Over time,this sand lingam tightened up and formed like an anthill. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">One night, the river was in spate. As the water levels rose, Sage Vashista who was on a pilgrimage and had set up his temporary shelter near the river, was worried that the rising water would soon dissolve the lingam so passionately worshipped by young Devathachan and therefore somehow wanted to save it. So he embraced it, attempting to shield it with his body. In the meantime, Devathachan was restless in his house. He was worried about his lingam and if he would be able to save the Lord from being dissolved in the rain. He begged his widowed mother, to allow him to go and check. However, the mother was worried about sending her young son out alone in the dark, particularly when it was raining heavily and the river was in spate. She pleaded with him to hold on till dawn. The boy wept bitterly, unable to disobey his mother and at the same time worried about the status of his loving Lord.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the crack of dawn, the rains stopped and the river started flowing as if nothing had happened. The boy ran towards the river and found Sage Vashista in an embrace with the linga. The little boy ran towards the rishi and fell at his feet in gratitude for having saved his Lord. The Rishi opened his eyes to look at what he was holding.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To both their surprise and astonishment, the baanam (top portion of the lingam) now looked like the Shiva Kayilai and Sakthi Kayilai as it appears to those who perform the inner parikrama of Mount Kailash. It was as if Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had appeared as the divine couple from the waters of the river to answer the prayers of their young devotee. The Sage was over joyed with the grace of the Lord and so were the villagers who had then all gathered by the river. They built a small shrine at where the Lord had chosen to stay and it came to be called "Puthira chery", the place where God had appeared for the young boy (Puthiran).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkPGVHtYw0Hd5wstyPmJGgYiZaX6P8-S7rF8qyZ4ycTxu230_s3qE2lUDdYs6uK5JmNzgVqi74FUhD3ZjN9qU9AmFCnhqmUt4EE-lt_jIEDhjimsHV844ILnC0V1vpW4uEZ-yvEvoCBJ3JQNhJcEGxT5xnAKmYoBZIJ8uP4dnb6ODCHdseh_1iFdkb=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3006" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkPGVHtYw0Hd5wstyPmJGgYiZaX6P8-S7rF8qyZ4ycTxu230_s3qE2lUDdYs6uK5JmNzgVqi74FUhD3ZjN9qU9AmFCnhqmUt4EE-lt_jIEDhjimsHV844ILnC0V1vpW4uEZ-yvEvoCBJ3JQNhJcEGxT5xnAKmYoBZIJ8uP4dnb6ODCHdseh_1iFdkb=w390-h400" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shivakayilai Shakthikayilai Swayambu lingam at Aavarani Pudhuchery</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Over time, the name has morphed into Pudhuchery and since found on the outskirts of Aavarani, it has come to be known as Aavarani Pudhuchery. The Pasumpuli river that surrounded the lingam built by Devathachan to change it into the Shivakayilai and Shakthikayilai has shrunk into a tank known as the "Puthrakaameshti Theertham". Those seeking noble children bathe in this tank (which currently needs renovation and repairs) and worship Nateswara Swamy on Thiruvathirai day. Worshipping the deity continuously for 64 days is recommended for those having problems with conceiving naturally. The temple is commonly known as Shivakayilai Shakthikayilai. No one really knows why and how the deity came to be called Nateswarar.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlW77eSuxupA5EeeOlieQSuxrN2rZ--DYdE2euFzg3aW1f5gMyXfmsoq3TEEyQbXXrigU80uA12vu7kprGgt3NJdh7H9CZ5f0o3Ob8qkpdHMfzuGbId8tJWr3ze5x4c0xp4tbqiUH7SEpi04Jizj5_uul-fYMgAXdSFQ4CH16_qpFFzgyCwfww4LLB=s5344" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5344" data-original-width="3006" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlW77eSuxupA5EeeOlieQSuxrN2rZ--DYdE2euFzg3aW1f5gMyXfmsoq3TEEyQbXXrigU80uA12vu7kprGgt3NJdh7H9CZ5f0o3Ob8qkpdHMfzuGbId8tJWr3ze5x4c0xp4tbqiUH7SEpi04Jizj5_uul-fYMgAXdSFQ4CH16_qpFFzgyCwfww4LLB=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess Akilandeswari at Aavarani Pudhuchery</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Goddess Akilandeswari is a later addition to the temple. A seperate shrine seems to have been built for her in the 14th century. Unique Chola bronzes belonging to this temple are in safe custody. The sthala puranam says the deities were worshipped by Kali and A Kali bronze has been unearthed a few years ago, while making some civil alterations in the temple. Several people throng here to worship her for Rahu Dasa Pariharam on New Moon days (Amavasai) when she is taken out on procession around the temple in a small chapparam. There is a seperate shrine for Shanaichara, facing East.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiiPEEobHkz80yVCf-lGrjSXTr15jO_IMt1dC3RDFMfPyytA25WUsRlGjiWq-fM7ZATC3S4se956A3c40CttuHbZlbiKPJAXZqE894oZRU2WdA7qzW1SfElYZUXe1JbUmaLORp_J38COKX3MAmUlPGAX8TCRiRDkCDkUiMboSZz2IhmdcIFaX3ff9-=s3875" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3415" data-original-width="3875" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiiPEEobHkz80yVCf-lGrjSXTr15jO_IMt1dC3RDFMfPyytA25WUsRlGjiWq-fM7ZATC3S4se956A3c40CttuHbZlbiKPJAXZqE894oZRU2WdA7qzW1SfElYZUXe1JbUmaLORp_J38COKX3MAmUlPGAX8TCRiRDkCDkUiMboSZz2IhmdcIFaX3ff9-=w400-h353" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess Kali at the Aavarani Pudhuchery Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to reach here</b>: The temple is close to Sikkal on the Nagapattinam - Thiruvarur Route. GPS coordinates (10.73420144,79.77142729)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Temple Timings</b>: 8 - 11.30, 5 - 8 pm</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contact:</b> S Kalidasa Gurukkal - 97865 82492</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-69241896050321015482021-12-11T22:43:00.002+05:302021-12-11T22:43:59.615+05:30Adi Annamalai - where Tiruvempavai was born!<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi18OufF2sCtF083m7n53ES7uq050S5O3mHDT4dYzsIuqmWnBvpsZ2EgwgpM3WwrdynJTVZDQlhpk8LS4OK4RPqUhV3b1yR0vcJXJ9AOvX-2exo1Tjz7gm0EbFErwXw5MBkYoRdj47RPMANwqQm__Grp91mr_SUSlF8LiHYg4N3QWyt5TMnaHRcj-p_=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi18OufF2sCtF083m7n53ES7uq050S5O3mHDT4dYzsIuqmWnBvpsZ2EgwgpM3WwrdynJTVZDQlhpk8LS4OK4RPqUhV3b1yR0vcJXJ9AOvX-2exo1Tjz7gm0EbFErwXw5MBkYoRdj47RPMANwqQm__Grp91mr_SUSlF8LiHYg4N3QWyt5TMnaHRcj-p_=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Adi Annamalai Temple in Tiruvannamalai</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Come Margazhi - Tamil Households, temples and sabhas come alive to the hymns of Thirupaavai and Thiruvempavai, songs that sing the glory of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively. While the former was rendered by Andal, the latter is to the credit of Saint Manickavasagar, one among the quartet of Shaiva saints who sang hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thirupaavai and Thiruvempaavai have a couple of similarities - the singer along with female friends is observing the "Paavai Nonbu", a ritual followed by unmarried girls during the month of Margazhi in order to obtain virtuous husbands. Manickavasagar is believed to have taken the "Nayaki Bhavam" to render the Thiruvempaavai.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Saint Manickavasagar</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Born in Thiruvadhavur in the 9th Century, as Vadhavooraar, Manickavasagar was minister to King Arimarthana Pandian (Varagunavarman II). The king entrusted him with a large amount of money to buy horses for the army. When the Minister set out on his task, he was met with by Lord Shiva in Thiruperunthurai (Avudaryarkoil) and upon receiving enlightenment, spent all the money on renovating the temple. When the king asked Vadhavoraar to present the horses, he did not know what to do and sought the help of Lord Shiva who played a divine drama (Thiruvilaiyaadal) and converted all the foxes around Madurai into horses and sent them to the King's stables. At dawn, the foxes turned into their original selves and ran away.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcmWXUpAxpc1VkyGE3P3Y1Ri1kGgLeqUjvWiIOkMQ4muFGFjGT0P1YLTZHpmr1fhGXJOgorJv9i81r8CHLw00EWTy2MbVIZ-JEjPgl9c35AZD0QsBrBSgCOk-iVjxjZwMRE8n8ba7ud0mWAuaRIdBg9D52rTO-KOXekz6FiUzqdOR0f08Jz3bwaaEv=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="998" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcmWXUpAxpc1VkyGE3P3Y1Ri1kGgLeqUjvWiIOkMQ4muFGFjGT0P1YLTZHpmr1fhGXJOgorJv9i81r8CHLw00EWTy2MbVIZ-JEjPgl9c35AZD0QsBrBSgCOk-iVjxjZwMRE8n8ba7ud0mWAuaRIdBg9D52rTO-KOXekz6FiUzqdOR0f08Jz3bwaaEv=w370-h400" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photo Courtesy: Adbh266 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">On hearing this, the king imprisoned Vaadhavooraar. In jail, he rendered several hymns that would melt even the heartless, in praise of the Lord. Finally, the Lord made the King realise the truth. Freed from prison, Vadhavoorar who had received the title Manickavasagar from the Lord himself, for each of his verses was like a precious gem,set out on a pilgrimage, visiting several shrines, before coming to Adi Annamalai in Tiruvannamalai.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Adi Annamalai is known by other names such as Aadhi Annamalai (as sung by Arunagirinathar in his Thirupugazh - <i><b>Aadhi Arunachalam</b></i> Amarndha Perumaane and <i><b>Ani</b></i> Annamalai, a jewel decorating the foothills of Annamalai. The deity here is believed to have been installed by Lord Brahma. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Lord Brahma and Adi Annamalai</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLS6Trvek9f72V6hXOhenpdzgTE-Z3bTD--ZNQFkbk9UVrLqkuonJJwTvPzlbLfzG03bCvUR2M-cWdBP4TrKCozBvezyL_r6JGsqpnZeRJfuf1jNQWLpEiXfDtltK1d6ilTBp8ES85UdaKYz3o-COrZ2Pg7jjRIN7NiLAsGnYgkbOA8KVMkHshCSNc=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLS6Trvek9f72V6hXOhenpdzgTE-Z3bTD--ZNQFkbk9UVrLqkuonJJwTvPzlbLfzG03bCvUR2M-cWdBP4TrKCozBvezyL_r6JGsqpnZeRJfuf1jNQWLpEiXfDtltK1d6ilTBp8ES85UdaKYz3o-COrZ2Pg7jjRIN7NiLAsGnYgkbOA8KVMkHshCSNc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brahma and Thilothama</td></tr></tbody></table></b>When Brahma created Thilothama, a celestial being, with the finest particles of heaven, earth and the underworld (another version says Brahma asked Vishwakarma to create her) he was smitten by her beauty. Faces evolved in all directions of his head just to see her, as she circumambulated him after being created. Overcome by lust, Brahma asked Thilothama to be his. However, she was shocked, as by virtue of creating her, he was her father. She started running away in fear. With Maya shrouding his intellect, Brahma took the form of a male deer and started following her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When she could run no longer, Tilothama took the form a female pigeon and started flying towards Thiruvannamalai, where the Lord had risen in the form of a pillar of light when Brahma and Vishnu were unable to find his feet and tresses. Brahma also took the form of a male pigeon and tried to catch up with her. On Tilothama entering the holy land of Thiruvannamalai, that provides mukthi to those who merely think of it, Lord Shiva took the form of a hunter, and shot down the male pigeon . Brahma was brought out of Maya as soon as his body touched the holy ground. He realised with shame, the foolishness and impropriety of his behaviour and was very repentent. He sought the forgiveness of Thilothama. In order to atone his sins, he installed a Shivalingam on the foothills of Annamalai, to the West of the main shrine, at the spot where he had been relieved of Maya. He created a Brahma theertham next to it and a tank known even today as Ayyankulam (Ayan is another name of Brahma).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8lV8GO4jZzj7BFCNKI83qkc8Bpz5Yr_NM1g-KyQ53LQa-jXCX7AueNI4Ycsg33YDfmIanS82Rt-Get1bBajrTk8ffOkOJAlzpTQ--IVSi6cDU6LmzNjlyU-Y7ghYsxPW5fpH4vK3PLxVnz45N1JXodbc64UYyZqXfcwBHdHAECeNoTAjvDCaIuFUp=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8lV8GO4jZzj7BFCNKI83qkc8Bpz5Yr_NM1g-KyQ53LQa-jXCX7AueNI4Ycsg33YDfmIanS82Rt-Get1bBajrTk8ffOkOJAlzpTQ--IVSi6cDU6LmzNjlyU-Y7ghYsxPW5fpH4vK3PLxVnz45N1JXodbc64UYyZqXfcwBHdHAECeNoTAjvDCaIuFUp=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brahma Theertham, now known as Manickavasagar Theertham</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">It was on the banks of the Ayyankulam that Ramana Maharishi reached on arriving at Thiruvannamalai. He bathed in its holy waters and when he stepped out, he knew his calling. It was the time to renounce all that he had. He threw away the food he had carried from home, and discarded his clothes, but for a piece of dhoti to be worn as a loin-cloth. On seeing this, a barber asked if he wanted his head to e tonsured . He gave up his hair and was ready for his sadhana. A shrine for Arunagirinathar is also found on the banks of this tank.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSzQ6lQfWEZMGVj9CLIKVFXUAKHbeKSu218TbyMsUy1JZO-C2XF9ygizbnbz99kj0MilGCl4c8JTEoml4xLJmTF5u1qd953uoCYMl1bh4XZ_fZmHq9yx80fts0SR2OMqjzYHClCws2Ad3yRZaCaIL5tKP-U_BdmBR666Rvwo3Rg_FGVH60c_YElEmv=s521" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="521" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSzQ6lQfWEZMGVj9CLIKVFXUAKHbeKSu218TbyMsUy1JZO-C2XF9ygizbnbz99kj0MilGCl4c8JTEoml4xLJmTF5u1qd953uoCYMl1bh4XZ_fZmHq9yx80fts0SR2OMqjzYHClCws2Ad3yRZaCaIL5tKP-U_BdmBR666Rvwo3Rg_FGVH60c_YElEmv=w400-h351" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ayyankulam Tank</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">On arriving at Adi Annamalai, Manickavasagar set himself up a few metres from the temple, bathed in the Brahma Theertham which came to be known as the Manickavasagar Theertham and worshipped the Kuzhumani Vinayakar and the Lord every day. The 8th Century Thirupaavai has thirty hymns of Andal calling out her friends to wake up, bathe, observe the paavai nombu and serve/worship the Lord.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzaQ72P6uhRFgzYH11X3Z-xSgTb6r2yiWTn5CgTu834Dz35mjF424MG4FH7aFpQo2igJSDzlSWu75fRBHuuW-Ifs0FoiUE6WLcfIbNkJ809ihaUWBGgJH62FldyuT1P7g8k7wjqKU1B0SpeMOO4vKH2XKN01340KsE3KUGcPbdsJUZs_Hfurm4fPZU=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzaQ72P6uhRFgzYH11X3Z-xSgTb6r2yiWTn5CgTu834Dz35mjF424MG4FH7aFpQo2igJSDzlSWu75fRBHuuW-Ifs0FoiUE6WLcfIbNkJ809ihaUWBGgJH62FldyuT1P7g8k7wjqKU1B0SpeMOO4vKH2XKN01340KsE3KUGcPbdsJUZs_Hfurm4fPZU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuzhumani Vinayakar worshipped by Saint Manickavasagar</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Manickavasagar, sang twenty songs grouped together as the Thiruvempaavai, in the month of Margazhi urging the young girls to bathe in the Brahma Theertham and serve the Lord of Adi Annamalai. This along with the ten songs of Thirupalliezhuchi make up the Thiruvempaavai. All verses end with the word "Empaavaai", giving it its name. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Manickavasagar. The Manickavasagar Matam (Mutt) stands at the place where this happened. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVwzd7iTBs4_yfXJi9wWeMBgp526B84mF2y21Os3uf2W6_LR9FzSam6hmOJe7E44NHQJtJ-MWf0mHRSXIp23s5eJFIw23J85TwMsgJCzCEQcBij2gBsCgx8sOGPp2VOQ5C_Ag_nTua3ZSJBzmpAgBrp17KB9QzD9xNmFQWuWXit1RqRz0lJzFO_0qE=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVwzd7iTBs4_yfXJi9wWeMBgp526B84mF2y21Os3uf2W6_LR9FzSam6hmOJe7E44NHQJtJ-MWf0mHRSXIp23s5eJFIw23J85TwMsgJCzCEQcBij2gBsCgx8sOGPp2VOQ5C_Ag_nTua3ZSJBzmpAgBrp17KB9QzD9xNmFQWuWXit1RqRz0lJzFO_0qE=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manickavasagar Mutt (Photo Courtesy: arunachala-live.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align: justify;">This Margazhi, let us attempt to read and enjoy the essence of Thirupaavai and Thiruvempaavai.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-23278188757752809482021-04-04T19:44:00.005+05:302021-04-05T10:55:26.771+05:30Aditya Mahadevar Temple, Anaikattaputhur<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tQw4jN-YL0fYR8GlkeAq1hGRRhHjeanyS_dWLWRuMnAeKYVbARX46dN7k4Oiyrm68VpJ6BrRl-YCxG2AsWeDsfFI57PCO2XkX8MqzZQyJgBo3EMs0dPafFzJrxqVk9fp6pdHEk5ojIw/s800/20141228_171604.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tQw4jN-YL0fYR8GlkeAq1hGRRhHjeanyS_dWLWRuMnAeKYVbARX46dN7k4Oiyrm68VpJ6BrRl-YCxG2AsWeDsfFI57PCO2XkX8MqzZQyJgBo3EMs0dPafFzJrxqVk9fp6pdHEk5ojIw/w400-h300/20141228_171604.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aditya Mahadevar Temple, Anaikattaputhur</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Anaikattaputhur is a non-descript village in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Referred to as Anai Akkarai Puthur in inscriptions, the village is found along the banks of the Cooum river. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sthalapuranam:</b> Today the temple has very little antiquarian remains. However, the Sthalapuranam states that the Lingam was installed by Sage Bhrigu, and worshipped by Sage Sukracharya and Goddess Lakshmi.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Historical Evidences</b> : The Shiva temple now known as Ekambareswarar temple is significant from the epigraphical evidences around it. The sole inscription that has been documented in this temple is from the ninth regnal year of Parthivendrathi Varman, (ARE 288/1895)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Who was Parthivendra Varman as mentioned in inscriptions?</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There is still lack of consensus among historians about Parthivendra Varman's identity. He has been mentioned as Parthivendrathi Varman and Parthivendra Panmar too in inscriptions. Scholars like Shri. Neelakanta Sastry are of the opinion that it was the title taken by Aditya Karikala, the son of Parantaka II (Sundara Chola) and older brother of Rajaraja I on his being appointed as Crown prince and Co-regent because of the words "Virapandyan Thalai Konda" that appear in the inscriptions of Parthivendra Varman, as Aditya Karikala had been the one who took the head of Virapandya in the battle at Sevur (estimated to have been in 963 CE).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, there are others who disagree with this view point and are of the opinion that Parthivendra Varman could have been a feudatory of the Cholas, managing affairs at Jayamkondacholamandalam (Thondaimandalam during Chola rule) and might have added the title to his name, after having assisting Aditya Karikala while he took the head of Vira Pandya. The historians further refer to the Thiruvalangadu Copper plates and the Udayarkudi inscription which mention Aditya Karikala as Karikala Chola and not Parthivendra Varman. While Aditya Karikala was indeed the co-regent with his father, it was only for a period of six years before he was killed and therefore they conclude that inscriptions which state "Virapandyan Thalai Konda Ko Parakesari" which could be inscriptions during Aditya Karikala's period and if the inscription mentions "Virapandyan Thalai Konda Parthivendra Panmarku" it could mean Parthivendra the feudatory, whose inscriptions are available even after the death of Aditya Karikala (estimated as 969 CE) .A third hypothesis is that Parthivendra Varman could have been Rajaraja. This at the moment is an evolving theory put forth by a historian.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the Cooum circuit, there are three temples which are believed to have been constructed by Aditya Karikala - Mappedu, Pichivakkam and Anaikattaputhur. Out of them, historians seem to agree that the Anaikattaputhur temple is among the temples directly built by Aditya Karikala - the others being the Adityeswara Temple at Keeraikalur in Tiruvarur District and Ponsei Natrunaiyappar Temple. (Source: Varalaatril Anaikattaputhur Thirukovilgal, Dr.Ma. Chandramoorthy, Prof.Dr. T. Kalyani, Prof. Dr.K.A.Kavitha)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtybxL660WyGZ4oqFsT__zqKUIDdfo5fomXje67cCd94nrpOr5Xmx2cIvUW3TGYX_-6lnTYMwvgyvADFWh2Rlws7VAmG-oScXtI0tSbdPYcf-VJYUStzbbSzORCkOReXwbGaU4UwEkqUc/s265/20141228_171958.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="197" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtybxL660WyGZ4oqFsT__zqKUIDdfo5fomXje67cCd94nrpOr5Xmx2cIvUW3TGYX_-6lnTYMwvgyvADFWh2Rlws7VAmG-oScXtI0tSbdPYcf-VJYUStzbbSzORCkOReXwbGaU4UwEkqUc/w298-h400/20141228_171958.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aditya Mahadevar at Anaikattaputhur</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The deity here is referred to Aditya Mahadevar in an inscription from the 9th regnal year of Parthivendra Varman refers to lands given to the priest, Kalineeki Bhattan as Archana Bhogam for conducting prayers at the temple by Serubosan Ezhuvan and his brothers. Since this inscription mentions 9th ruling year, historians conclude that the temple must have been built by Aditya Karikala and grants to the same may have been provided during the time of his friend and feudatory Parthivendra Varman.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qpG1eA6PqJZUBrpVCywGO0jugcgCpFCRJn3Naoga6tBsAcgy1oRQokOmeduPYAMqvZSRewOE-Iv-I-yZCulC-2LDZCSWDI59X8OaCJenp7VOrtExXS4DGuM4mEXtdf6980dWTpTNY1o/s2048/IMG_0881.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qpG1eA6PqJZUBrpVCywGO0jugcgCpFCRJn3Naoga6tBsAcgy1oRQokOmeduPYAMqvZSRewOE-Iv-I-yZCulC-2LDZCSWDI59X8OaCJenp7VOrtExXS4DGuM4mEXtdf6980dWTpTNY1o/w400-h324/IMG_0881.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nayaka Period Doorway - Doors and compound wall missing</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The temple built originally during the Chola period, has been rebuilt with brick during the Nayaka period and we see that this too has become dilapidated and is being renovated at this point in time. The deity has been renamed as Ekambareshwara and a Goddess Kamakshi shrine added during the Nayaka period renovation. The sole inscription that has been documented in 1895 has been lost to time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As you enter the very impressive massively high brick archway, you see the Chola period Nandi in a mandapa outside the temple. There are a couple of stones with images of snakes inscribed below which is said to be the samadhi of a saint named Nandi Siddhar. Nothing further is known about him.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBm8mCeGp7Ns5vCrD2PLjbz0Mw4mV9vHoYcdJR_XL0mh1umsD6-xwvDHAXzMgHiVnyVWrFpfiNUluYJnXFs6dCexiOYS-tu-WMUjpuLrPnEKV_ucPEi9K_fHRAJ_zEVqqLlDeODUmkr_g/s800/20141228_171614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBm8mCeGp7Ns5vCrD2PLjbz0Mw4mV9vHoYcdJR_XL0mh1umsD6-xwvDHAXzMgHiVnyVWrFpfiNUluYJnXFs6dCexiOYS-tu-WMUjpuLrPnEKV_ucPEi9K_fHRAJ_zEVqqLlDeODUmkr_g/w400-h300/20141228_171614.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nandi Siddhar Samadhi</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">On entering the temple, the shrine of Goddess Kamakshi comes first. This is a later period addition to the temple,during the Nayaka renovation. The wall next to the Goddess shrine had fallen earlier and has now been repaired. During the Tamil months of Purattasi and Panguni, the sun's rays are seen falling on the Goddess as if to worship her.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9TC3AkWOdlix_LVOirVYW6m1yGyQ7w9Nj9beOlBmqHm1fKqHnFu2584qu2aJpRslEEt0v5AiITBYdbmZBaX3U85U2BAwYbgZektM66My_eLrVkBkckU5vf4OZCw7gTl1tJsiCG1ksdo/s800/20141228_172256.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9TC3AkWOdlix_LVOirVYW6m1yGyQ7w9Nj9beOlBmqHm1fKqHnFu2584qu2aJpRslEEt0v5AiITBYdbmZBaX3U85U2BAwYbgZektM66My_eLrVkBkckU5vf4OZCw7gTl1tJsiCG1ksdo/w300-h400/20141228_172256.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess Kamakshi at Anaikattaputhur</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Lord Aditya Mahadevar is found in the sanctum sanctorum. Not a very large deity, but one with his own charm. The niches have the remains of the old Koshta devathas including a Narthana Ganapathy (unable to make out ), Dhakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga soon to be replaced. I have made a request to store the old deities (new machine-cut miniatures are ready for installation) in the temple itself and not to throw them away.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie95kvAp61xLsfMpIZKHZnplYcNfm8KRjPFeiqBiYjBBBxZn4VlEkTuVqQmABjxrbrNJjYU9Q2_OhCGJBJR7-Id6qmN9PyCoPQtFEdrIH9YIP5Tuw9eTu8Xhvjud8HGZ-9EiOrrDRlo9E/s800/20141228_172016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie95kvAp61xLsfMpIZKHZnplYcNfm8KRjPFeiqBiYjBBBxZn4VlEkTuVqQmABjxrbrNJjYU9Q2_OhCGJBJR7-Id6qmN9PyCoPQtFEdrIH9YIP5Tuw9eTu8Xhvjud8HGZ-9EiOrrDRlo9E/w300-h400/20141228_172016.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nardhana Ganapathi ??</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The sanctum also houses the beautiful bronze icons of Nataraja with Shivakamasundari, Ganesha and other deities. Other stone idols of Chandra, Surya, Bhairavar and an idol is titled Veerabahu are found in the circumambulatory path within the temple. Subrahmanya, with Valli and Devasena is found in a seperate shrine.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IRiwM8leNBHDJi7fTZpcss6y-zVnrq_CjS4MXDe7kEhuGOFXcJJx_d6Cf1MciqsRMHLnJ40sAI3gs5P6rFj3ALK0K1183WeSHp4B0ljkRfgqVGiWQRe7RI61iLu8VQF80EeTDTgf0i0/s2048/IMG_0857.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IRiwM8leNBHDJi7fTZpcss6y-zVnrq_CjS4MXDe7kEhuGOFXcJJx_d6Cf1MciqsRMHLnJ40sAI3gs5P6rFj3ALK0K1183WeSHp4B0ljkRfgqVGiWQRe7RI61iLu8VQF80EeTDTgf0i0/w400-h266/IMG_0857.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is this? - Photo: Nisha Kesavan</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The ceiling has a snake with the Sun and Moon on either side (Eclipse Iconography?), and a Fish swallowing an Elephant. (Not sure what this depicts)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the circumambulatory path around the main shrine, an old Ganesha and a shrine for Lord Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi are found. They probably had individual temples in the village and have moved here over time, when their original habitats were lost.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAEkn-QIo29gvJd19kyp6yelLXiF3RXEiqb1SVoIW6hyH_a35Gf8kH-jQmXeTjq0M4qIP2qR8tO4nJ1HFJOhQwk7cpjG8Lk_VVpGSTRrdL0Sbk8hQeh1SQYLGlW1VW1iNY_FpNaX6Xp8/s800/20141228_172756.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="742" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAEkn-QIo29gvJd19kyp6yelLXiF3RXEiqb1SVoIW6hyH_a35Gf8kH-jQmXeTjq0M4qIP2qR8tO4nJ1HFJOhQwk7cpjG8Lk_VVpGSTRrdL0Sbk8hQeh1SQYLGlW1VW1iNY_FpNaX6Xp8/w371-h400/20141228_172756.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalyana Perumal with consorts at Anaikattaputhur</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">About 200 metres from the temple is the samadhi of Saint Kumbakonam Gurupadha Swamigal who lived over 300 years ago. The samadhi attracts several serious seekers who visit here to meditate and have felt the divine presence of the saint. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJmaV_zMmg5Knvms0YX_v5G_HUJsWht56rPYP2Vw1B3C_p8KJzHWqoHm2kz9QivyxoVkFo-Z47xzUFXB_SxZVJmo6ixGx4bupd5gcWPj0TU0SDJdhJ-liclWkJcK5QPRIeKAC4VJ1Noc/s2048/IMG_0887.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJmaV_zMmg5Knvms0YX_v5G_HUJsWht56rPYP2Vw1B3C_p8KJzHWqoHm2kz9QivyxoVkFo-Z47xzUFXB_SxZVJmo6ixGx4bupd5gcWPj0TU0SDJdhJ-liclWkJcK5QPRIeKAC4VJ1Noc/w400-h266/IMG_0887.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samadhi of Kumbakonam Gurupadha Swamigal</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ongoing renovation work at the temple:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have used pictures from my earlier trip in 2014 during the cultural mapping of Cooum temples, as the shrines are currently under Balalayam for renovation. The civil work inside the temple has been completed, However, the hereditary trustee is desirous of building a compound wall to safeguard the temple as well as construct a gopuram at the entrance, the cost of both along with Kumbabhishekam is estimated at around Rs. 20 lakhs. The renovation work has been on for over ten years now, and has stopped currently due to paucity of funds.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA8SF0-6urbd6b2mVYXxcB-rDAmgsmNnl-pWhJ5bDnmEr7R6ChTAtCRXbd084T2BHLrLHO_wEdW2x8L-9OsQwKr9dzBEhEHzmZkLF9Xu9mNkevXwzomgzlanqFYvqvaaORXjI7gKkJSk/s2048/IMG_0861.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA8SF0-6urbd6b2mVYXxcB-rDAmgsmNnl-pWhJ5bDnmEr7R6ChTAtCRXbd084T2BHLrLHO_wEdW2x8L-9OsQwKr9dzBEhEHzmZkLF9Xu9mNkevXwzomgzlanqFYvqvaaORXjI7gKkJSk/w400-h266/IMG_0861.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renovation work underway at Anaikattaputhur</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Those interested in supporting the work may contact the hereditary trustee, Mr Annamalai Mudaliar or contribute directly to the </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Adhithya Mahadevar Charitable Trust, </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Account Number: 356402010031698 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Bank and Branch: Union Bank, 13, Bazaar Street, Thakkolam - 631151 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>IFSC code: UBIN0535648</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to reach here:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">While going from Chennai, take a right after Saveetha Engineering College and continue on Arakonam Road upto Perambakkam. Take a right again on the Cooum bridge towards Perambakkam. Anaikattaputhur is about 4 kms from Perambakkam.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>GPS Coordinates</b> : 13.04741, 79.78562</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contact Details:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mr Annamalai Mudaliar - 94447 29626, 97502 60484</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Temple Timings:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since the temple is currently under Balalayam, the priest comes only once a day for conducting poojas. The main temple is otherwise closed until the work is completed. Please contact the trustee before visiting.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cHjRNhUzY64mmbUZirCoZhMUEHjKAuvEbO8mYTmQ1JV7bCJjNthZq0FQh0BePR-JeTrPARdlcxiS_1pmBC_Pn1R3bxHyz7Mm8kUFrAttTAXEkkKQ8fo56llr4aWjSr8aiV__bIsabDY/s2048/IMG_0870.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cHjRNhUzY64mmbUZirCoZhMUEHjKAuvEbO8mYTmQ1JV7bCJjNthZq0FQh0BePR-JeTrPARdlcxiS_1pmBC_Pn1R3bxHyz7Mm8kUFrAttTAXEkkKQ8fo56llr4aWjSr8aiV__bIsabDY/w400-h266/IMG_0870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renovation under way at Anaikattaputhur</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-78809979897617057442021-03-30T23:28:00.003+05:302021-04-05T15:40:13.577+05:30Sammohana Gopalan, Mohanur<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1HtNvCORNNwhNSjhXIOYFyogSCrYP4aYEbLicxRmwtXlELSAkuBosWES3c6Bx-v0C3dOIzxxg1iVBS-X-umgAb2LD5nyiKnxswSeVRislmsbgJv9tFni-uS4ptSDz_Fv68ZOaHY8-Yo/s2048/IMG_20210207_112908.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1HtNvCORNNwhNSjhXIOYFyogSCrYP4aYEbLicxRmwtXlELSAkuBosWES3c6Bx-v0C3dOIzxxg1iVBS-X-umgAb2LD5nyiKnxswSeVRislmsbgJv9tFni-uS4ptSDz_Fv68ZOaHY8-Yo/w386-h640/IMG_20210207_112908.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Sammohana Gopalan Shrine at Mohanur</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> It was an article by Shri A M Rajagopalan, in Kumudam Jothidam that I read way back in 2007-08 that introduced me to Sammohana Gopalan. The article carried a picture of Krishna as Ardhanari with Radha occupying the left half of his body. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The article further mentioned that worshipping Sammohana Gopalan and reciting the Sloka dedicated to him would bring about harmony in discordant couples. I pulled out the page and saved it more out of fancy for the form of Sammohana Gopala. Soon, a colleague spoke to me about a problem her niece was facing with her husband. The girl was newly married and had moved abroad. The husband however seemed disinterested in her. In a new land, with no friends or relatives to confide in or seek advice, the girl went into deep depression and finally my colleague could make her share what was bothering her. The girl had lost her father and was the older of two daughters. Realising her mother had gone through a lot of difficulty to get her married, and fearing the future of her younger sister, the girl somehow wanted to make her marriage work, but did not know how. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When my colleague asked me for advice, I was immediately reminded of Sammohana Gopala and so gave her a copy of the picture and sloka asking her to send it to her niece. The girl started chanting as many times as she could in a day and was worshipping the photograph of Sammohana Gopalan with sincerity. Very soon, her faith brought about changes in the boy and in a little over a year's time, they were travelling to India with their new born to offer thanks at the temple in Mohanur.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This was the first of four occasions over the years that followed. In each of the cases, praying to Sammohana Gopala with devotion gave the desired results. With every instance, my desire to visit Sammohana Gopala grew. Last month, I had an opportunity to go to Dharapuram and so planned to go to Mohanur as well. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVgsEYyfqJjQayPu3Lj0Qs8kAztiVXmwnqYY-8YEaiAed1hKYU3qSHkJVU3lGcE7A4XF8kmk13YZH2EvT3cKaOfCzSo2NGK2ngOxcQMc8x7L-D26QYeKz5JEYcjbdxAIU1YV0FyOSXrY/s2048/IMG_20210207_115206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVgsEYyfqJjQayPu3Lj0Qs8kAztiVXmwnqYY-8YEaiAed1hKYU3qSHkJVU3lGcE7A4XF8kmk13YZH2EvT3cKaOfCzSo2NGK2ngOxcQMc8x7L-D26QYeKz5JEYcjbdxAIU1YV0FyOSXrY/w400-h400/IMG_20210207_115206.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krishna with Bama and Rukmini at the Sammohana Gopalan Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The Sammohana Gopalan shrine is found within the Kalyana Prasanna Venkatramana Perumal temple in Mohanur. This temple is very famous for its Sathyanarayana Puja on Thiruvonam Star when people from all over India congregate at the temple and collect "Mattai Thengais" (Unskinned Coconuts) for prayers of education, marriage, going abroad etc. These coconuts are placed in the pooja room and worshipped until the prayers are answered. They are then brought back to the temple, skinned and offered to the Lord.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Lord though now known as Kalyana Prasanna Venkatramana Swamy was originally known as Mohana Srinivasan. Similarly, Lord Shiva in this Kshetram is known as Achaladeepeswarar. According to the old sthalapuranam, he is referred to as Kumareeswarar. Kumari refers to Mohini. The Lord is called Mohana Srinivasan because of his nature to attract devotees with his divine beauty. He is seen to be one with Lakshmi as he only carries the Srivatsam on his chest instead of the form of Lakshmi. Because of him, the town came to be called Mohanur. Sammohana Gopala, a Rahasya manifestation of Lord Krishna on Rasapoornima day was installed here in a seperate shrine in the form of a portrait.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With more and more people benefitting out of the worship of this very unique form, an idol was consecrated in the year 2013.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The form of Sammohana Gopalan:</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJeOmUFBksuh-3rSbgbu76h4n9jSx49VQoxx32sn-f1EETCjXLZasqxm8TZO8VVZ9ZdwfTpie7T-iL4_3wqcheVNwQVni9MG0HoYDnI7ktoVmARpv_WVIFGdZW2rVwu3zpHDhtZlGUGw/s2048/IMG_20210207_114550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1716" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJeOmUFBksuh-3rSbgbu76h4n9jSx49VQoxx32sn-f1EETCjXLZasqxm8TZO8VVZ9ZdwfTpie7T-iL4_3wqcheVNwQVni9MG0HoYDnI7ktoVmARpv_WVIFGdZW2rVwu3zpHDhtZlGUGw/w335-h400/IMG_20210207_114550.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The form of Sammohana Gopalan</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The deity has a peacock feather on his crown on the right side, and a Kondai (hair bun) with a long plait on the left. The ears sport different earrings. There are four arms on each side. The rear arms hold Shanku (Conch) and Chakra (Discus). The Chakra destroys pain, suffering, negativity and evil. The Shanku denotes victory over evil, not losing your cool during troubled times and joy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The two arms in the middle hold an Ankusham (an elephant goad) and a lotus flower respectively. The Ankusham is used by the Mahout to control an elephant when he loses his senses. Similarly, the Lord controls the ego and failure of intelligence between the couple to restore harmony in their lives. The Lotus is made up of the flower which denotes the wife and the stem which denotes the husband. The core of the flower represents Dhampadya Dharma which attaches the flower to the stem . The petals are dependents or family members who surround the couple. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Lower arms hold a sugarcane bow and a Pushpabana (an arrow made of flowers) these are the tools of Kama (the God of Love) and Sammohana Gopala holds them to rekindle romance in the life of the couple. The fourth set of hands hold the flute from which he is said to play the Mohana Ragam, to unite the couple and make them focus on true love instead of materialistic needs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Praying to Sri Sammohana Gopalan:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Couples seeking to overcome marital problems must follow the below mentioned protocol:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Place the Sammohana Gopalan image facing East. Light a lamp with ghee and offer a glass of milk, Kalkandu (Rock Candy) and white scented flowers. Chant the Sammohana Gopalan Dhayana Slokam given below 12 times and circumambulate the image and the lamp 12 times. Consume the milk and rock candy as prasadam. Do this for 16 weeks.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Those seeking childbirth, come to the temple after performing Kula Deivam worship on Thursdays for sixteen weeks and offer Mullaipoo to Sammohana Gopalan. They are given butter offered to Samohana Gopala as prasadam to be consumed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For those who are unable to visit every week, the priest takes care of the offerings on their behalf after the first week, while they continue their prayers from their residences. They come back to the temple on the 16th week and then again after their prayers are answered.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Apart from Sammohana Gopalan, the temple has several other shrines such as Kalyana Prasanna Venkatramana Swamy, Goddess Padmavathi, Dhanvatri with a wooden Navagraha Panel under which the devotees receive a Churnam to relieve them of ailments, Lakshmi Hayagriva with Medha Saraswathi facing him, Lakshmi Varahar, Lakshmi Narasimhar and Hanuman.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnkyCNiTrgLDrJxcb6dIi7MY4dYHRM95kHoldb4s3QMPBfzj1XXbz1BnA12uCX-qjmcHs_UpaVfQn2VFQl7IwnbxSvw7XBG6rx88UdDEk9B4jEbXSsP27zT_RilfHguZYxaPMBTyAAKA/s2048/IMG_20210207_114208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnkyCNiTrgLDrJxcb6dIi7MY4dYHRM95kHoldb4s3QMPBfzj1XXbz1BnA12uCX-qjmcHs_UpaVfQn2VFQl7IwnbxSvw7XBG6rx88UdDEk9B4jEbXSsP27zT_RilfHguZYxaPMBTyAAKA/w400-h400/IMG_20210207_114208.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhanvatri at Sammohana Gopalan Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sri Sammohana Gopala Dhyana Slokam:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Krishnam Kamalapatraksham Divya Abharana Bhooshitam</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Thribhangi Lalithaakaram Athi Sundara Mohanam</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Bhagam Dakshinam Purusham Anyam Stree Roopinyam Thatha</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Shankam Chakram Chaankusham cha Pushpa Baanam cha Pankajam</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ikshu Chapam Venu Vadhyam Cha Dhaarayantham Bhujaashtake</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Swetha Gandhaanu Lipthaangam Pushpa Vastra Sragujvalam</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Sarva Kaamartha Sidhyartham Mohanam Sri Krishnam Aasraye </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For those who wish to recite this poem in Tamil, poet Diwakara Tanujaha has penned a simple Tamil pasuram which has the essence of the Dhyana Slokam.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>கன்னலின் சிலையும் கவின்மலர்க் கணையும் </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>கஞ்சமுங் களிறு கட்டுமங் குசமும் </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>மின்னுசக் கரமும் மிளிறுவெண் சங்கும் </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>மெருகுசெவ் வதரம் மருவுமங் குழலின் </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>இன்னிசைக் கூட்டி எண்கரத் தானாய் </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>இடப்புறம் மங்கை வலப்புறமா ணாய் </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>சென்னியில் கொண்டை பீலியுங் காண </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>சிரித்தவ தனசம் மோகனக் காரன் </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>மென்வெளிர் சாந்தம் மேனிபூ வாடை'</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>முத்திறம் வளைந்த மூர்த்தியாய் வந்து </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>மன்னுவார் காதல் மணத்திறம் காக்க </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>மோகனூர் நின்றான் மோகியார் உண்டோ? </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our sincere thanks to him. For more such pasurams on lesser known Vishnu shrines, do check out our book " Paadal Perum Paranthaman Aalayangal" in Tamil on <a href="https://knightshopper.com/product/paadal-perum-paranthaaman-aalayangal/">https://knightshopper.com/product/paadal-perum-paranthaaman-aalayangal/</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to reach</b>: Mohanur is a village on the banks of the river Cauvery in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is located in the Mohanur Agraharam. Mohanur is about 19 kms from Namakkal</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Temple Timings: </b>7 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contact details:</b> Sridhar Bhattacharyar - 94429 57143 </p><p><br /></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0Mohanur, Tamil Nadu 637015, India11.0598753 78.1421905-17.250358536178844 42.9859405 39.370109136178847 113.2984405tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-8758888261160519042021-03-27T23:16:00.001+05:302022-01-02T11:28:39.914+05:30Dharapuram Dasa Anjaneya Darisanam Part 4 - Miracles Happen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua3pZdQmgbkoHPekqmgxpoI2tUgYkMFajb8Wn3NakYGK5Zw3AYCg5Qa5pFdusMc9twiRqwBEgkZiw_0Sz_PzcvIhu7brd_tQ2A3a3ZN4E98uk1eUXNwmS4t3bJQpKf1E_zj9_sgfxDac/s2048/IMG_20210314_093617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua3pZdQmgbkoHPekqmgxpoI2tUgYkMFajb8Wn3NakYGK5Zw3AYCg5Qa5pFdusMc9twiRqwBEgkZiw_0Sz_PzcvIhu7brd_tQ2A3a3ZN4E98uk1eUXNwmS4t3bJQpKf1E_zj9_sgfxDac/w400-h300/IMG_20210314_093617.jpg" title="The Check Dam on River Amaravathi close to Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amaravathi river near Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I had mentioned in <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part_12.html">Part 3</a> about how we were unable to see the Vyasaraja Hanumans in Veeraraghavapuram and Bheemaraya Agraharams as the temples were closed. Two other Hanumans are in the middle of cultivated fields and hence could not be witnessed, as there was no access. After I returned to Chennai, the Hanumans were still in my mind.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When there is a very strong and genuine desire, the Universe finds a way to grant it to you. Every year, through Aalayam Kanden Trust, the Sthalapuranam of a temple is written in Tamil and English and multiple copies (500-1000) are printed for free distribution at that temple. This year, it had to be Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple. The Dasa Hanumans had become very close to my heart and I wanted to go back - to see if there was a chance to see the other Hanumans.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Soon the books were ready, and I got in touch with the Chairman of the temple to see if he could help me to visit the closed temple in Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam. He was kind enough to give me the number of the trustee. Mohan, the young man who had helped me during the first visit, got all excited, for he too had not visited these temples, despite staying locally. So he got on the job of following up to see if the temple can be opened. But the answer was negative - reasons given were fair enough - the stability of the shrine and the snakes crawling about in and around the temple. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, the day dawned and I set off to Dharapuram to deliver the books. Mohan had asked me to come first to Bheemaraya Agraharam as the small shrine behind the Arasamarathadi Hanuman which had another Vyasaraja Hanuman closed early. He even went over to hold the priest while we arrived. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsIg8BFxYXZ_eO6gkz0Y5HsZbzbK2PGpHItvvJmNcxT3WtDJfTFcU1GraoylrytxvqOaC8OU8s5hHxRchG2iJkdLaNEanXixgzoL2TM1Ql3NvwxYNulEfV9uT_weEiW2ymBLd-xSrcuw/s2048/Beemaraya+Agrahara+Hanuman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsIg8BFxYXZ_eO6gkz0Y5HsZbzbK2PGpHItvvJmNcxT3WtDJfTFcU1GraoylrytxvqOaC8OU8s5hHxRchG2iJkdLaNEanXixgzoL2TM1Ql3NvwxYNulEfV9uT_weEiW2ymBLd-xSrcuw/w300-h400/Beemaraya+Agrahara+Hanuman.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The Hanuman here is much smaller than those we have seen before, but with the same characteristics as identified with Vyasaraja Hanumans. As I stood praying before him, thanking him for the darshan, and asking the most significant question on my mind - will we get to see the Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam Hanuman, Mohan was already on the job. He had gone to meet the Chief priest of the temple in the room next door. The other priest seemed to read my mind - " I have been here for over ten years now. I have not seen the Veeraraghavapuram temple open", he said. My husband had already started convincing me to move on - "It is the same Hanuman everywhere, whether you worship him here or there" he said, stopping short when I glared at him.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The wait seemed endless, not knowing where Mohan was. I decided to go into the Chief Priest's room to find out what was going on, as the husband was getting impatient now. The moment I stepped in, what I saw made me catch my breath. Mohan was not there. But, there was a Brindavana inside the room, and a picture of my Guru Sri Raghavendra Swamy right next to it. It was as though the delay had been deliberate to invite me into the room. Why havent you asked me to help, he seemed to be asking me. As I stood frozen in my tracks, the man in the room welcomed me in a soft voice. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SmgIXlSiAmdjVw98kDIH7kii_nuIczhxh0dGZvD7fECfN7UX3SVEl7zXx-C4MVnnhZTF5alAG4GtSGja0AMfsX3vQmAUFtAanYU3RG-lLAqzW5KCGcIHsRBcR5uSNAtHSN8gJyydZsA/s2793/Gurubakthi+Nidhi+Theerthar+Brindavanam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2793" data-original-width="1126" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SmgIXlSiAmdjVw98kDIH7kii_nuIczhxh0dGZvD7fECfN7UX3SVEl7zXx-C4MVnnhZTF5alAG4GtSGja0AMfsX3vQmAUFtAanYU3RG-lLAqzW5KCGcIHsRBcR5uSNAtHSN8gJyydZsA/w161-h400/Gurubakthi+Nidhi+Theerthar+Brindavanam.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guru Bhakti Nidhi Theertha Brindavana</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Coming to my senses, I introduced myself. When I mentioned that I had come back specifically to visit the two Hanumans and while I was glad to have seen the Bheemaraya Agrahara Hanuman, I would be delighted if I could also visit the Veeraraghavapuram Agrahara, he smiled understandingly. "I used to be the priest at that temple. That agraharam is the oldest in Dharapuram but was completely destroyed by floods in the Amaravathi river. People who lived there moved to safer locations. Since there were no houses nearby, the temple became uncared for and has lost its stability. Over the last forty-five years, several efforts have been taken to repair it, but nothing has been possible" he said. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was looking at the picture of Guru Raghavendra Swamy as he spoke, beseeching him to somehow help. " I have asked Mohan to go to the trustee's house in the same road, and ask if the temple can be opened for you. He should be back soon", he said. " I am a Government employee, and perform the poojas to the Hanumans, and this Brindavana in my free time as a volunteer, which is why the temple closes early" he said. Is this Raghavendra Swamy's Mrithika Brindavana? I asked. " No, this is the Brindavana of Shri Guru Bhakthi Nidhi Theertha. He was a Sanyasi who had great respect and devotion for Guru Raghavendra Swamy. When the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple was closed due to Cholera in the city, he was the one who opened it and started prayers not fearing a threat to his own life" he said. I prayed silently to the Mahaan and just at that moment, my phone rang. It was Mohan. "Akka, the trustee has agreed. I am coming with the keys" he said in an excited voice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I could not believe my ears. As I got up to thank the priest for having arranged for the temple to be opened, I asked him his name. " <b>I am Raghavendra</b>", he said with a smile - everyone knows me as <b>"Guru". </b>Tears started flowing involuntarily, as I prostrated before the Brindavana. He had come, my Guru had come to guide me - through the priest and through the untiring efforts of Mohan.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Soon, we were getting into our vehicles to go over to the Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam. A senior gentleman who has been the most recent priest at the temple was accompanying us with the keys. The other priest at Bheemaraya Agraharam too wanted to join, as he had never been there. While getting into the car, I asked the senior gentleman his name "<b>Vijayendra" </b>he said. It was a true goosebumps moment, for not only was Guru Raghavendra facilitating things, he was sending a representative in the name of his Parama Guru to accompany us. <b>Can there be any boundaries to a Guru's grace when surrender happens?</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmXi6drnTeJln0dUd53ykLGo-kuA2wgLz_5GUDNIWjPl6JqHooCq7p-gB4LI2yFRc3NCv7YWinL31uDHkcrMdC6pqHiGad47B7fHwhMZZUrZe0-J4ED3RWHqziImsNng_CeVMIf47JaQ/s2048/IMG_20210314_092413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmXi6drnTeJln0dUd53ykLGo-kuA2wgLz_5GUDNIWjPl6JqHooCq7p-gB4LI2yFRc3NCv7YWinL31uDHkcrMdC6pqHiGad47B7fHwhMZZUrZe0-J4ED3RWHqziImsNng_CeVMIf47JaQ/w300-h400/IMG_20210314_092413.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discarded Snake Skin on the way to the temple</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">We got down at the dead end of the lane next to the Corporation park and started walking along the field bunds to the temple. Snake skin, as long as eight to ten feet, lay here and there, making us place our steps with caution. I was not even looking in the direction of the husband, as I was pretty sure he would glare at me for putting myself and others at risk. Nothing mattered at that point more than opening the temple and worshipping the Hanuman.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2I0s08GBHGcgBl5esYdJx8dMjphFaRAHy6CHQ8ZR4DbbDQ5Um5SIaKjUhJY_pt6nUwz5Uk_VNtG9_B-khwMz47Gb1BGE-UTfuTrhnq1y3nVOw-e6wdkFqC05H9XxTLS2trpT5CyLyh0/s2048/Veeraraghava+Agraharam+Hanuman+Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2I0s08GBHGcgBl5esYdJx8dMjphFaRAHy6CHQ8ZR4DbbDQ5Um5SIaKjUhJY_pt6nUwz5Uk_VNtG9_B-khwMz47Gb1BGE-UTfuTrhnq1y3nVOw-e6wdkFqC05H9XxTLS2trpT5CyLyh0/s320/Veeraraghava+Agraharam+Hanuman+Temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam Temple completely swallowed by vegetation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As we drew close, we could see the beauty of the Check dam built over the Amaravathi river on one side, and a small temple, completely swallowed by vegetation on the other. The wall on one side had fallen and the roots of the tree had penetrated the ceiling making it unstable and unsafe for people to enter. The priest stood shaking the iron door multiple times, just to make sure the creepy crawlies moved away. He then opened the door. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbJVLU14xRc2FIeH6OQo5UW3J7UCOsPJspVnXtiTCISjtjIPjJ57l-uBhqXUaGJtFXB_omZxod16PVj7VT72XBi6i9U2PfAOH9qOKUSf01S8Z7_4i9kKPIoM1ARw54xhWQJlbh63GUnU/s2048/IMG_20210314_093114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbJVLU14xRc2FIeH6OQo5UW3J7UCOsPJspVnXtiTCISjtjIPjJ57l-uBhqXUaGJtFXB_omZxod16PVj7VT72XBi6i9U2PfAOH9qOKUSf01S8Z7_4i9kKPIoM1ARw54xhWQJlbh63GUnU/w400-h300/IMG_20210314_093114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the temple at Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Inside the dark sanctum, was a frail looking Hanuman. His limbs had been eroded so much that they looked like bones and yet there was no mistaking the energy reverberating within. Several people still come and worship or cook offering outside the closed doors, says the lady whose fields are adjacent to the temple. They have been appealing to the local administration to create access to the temple, so that there is some movement of people which could result in its renovation.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyliDT7E478I5Yt2ImN7UMjuwjMkHGQlr365c1IkU03xswsaix_byuwE34HMhKqZGh27JZCtDXw_WOo3r0e2wx3SZNytELRUnBazl4N2uf82hbJ_Q9pUu1uORQ5BoOL0vfc0Bsv5gKDA/s2048/IMG_20210314_092856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyliDT7E478I5Yt2ImN7UMjuwjMkHGQlr365c1IkU03xswsaix_byuwE34HMhKqZGh27JZCtDXw_WOo3r0e2wx3SZNytELRUnBazl4N2uf82hbJ_Q9pUu1uORQ5BoOL0vfc0Bsv5gKDA/w300-h400/IMG_20210314_092856.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veeraraghavapuram Agraharam Hanuman</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div>The idol looks bone dry, and there are no signs of any materials of worship. There used to be four Hanumans in this temple, says the priest. We go around the small temple, admiring the fish motifs on the walls and looking for inscriptions if any.</div><div><br /></div><div>I stand for a long time before the Hanuman, thanking him for his grace, for allowing us to see him, and praying that we soon meet in a better environment. If He so decides, a way will surely be found!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4elkkop92il2ztOGETOvO1XBVd0R70qvDODvawxIIrM9vWHiq44eE5SqCmqjCtz-wuv-DcvfZsT-EwHOIYgWldaKz0bzFbxQuHrOisSai4Rvq2BJ2hGGQDGI8fuxWJOA_TLI5OdvnnUk/s2048/IMG_20210314_092456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4elkkop92il2ztOGETOvO1XBVd0R70qvDODvawxIIrM9vWHiq44eE5SqCmqjCtz-wuv-DcvfZsT-EwHOIYgWldaKz0bzFbxQuHrOisSai4Rvq2BJ2hGGQDGI8fuxWJOA_TLI5OdvnnUk/w300-h400/IMG_20210314_092456.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>There are still two Vyasaraja Hanumans hidden away in the middle of cultivated fields. " The fields are being harvested Akka, we should soon be able to see them. I will send pictures" smiles Mohan as he heads back to drop the priests and we get into our car to proceed on our journey home.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS97GLyf4txr-Z6rXL7UMiDtyvgLRscLVZAjZeMDBSzSg-s1_nboTk3P3YSi2yxPvxiqt85PM4vb3_FkvPbihgY7OOUXWThx7KThmOLe6OrRJ8s74RMLvGUzsESwdt59kwQAeaRQK7bY/s2048/IMG_20210314_094610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS97GLyf4txr-Z6rXL7UMiDtyvgLRscLVZAjZeMDBSzSg-s1_nboTk3P3YSi2yxPvxiqt85PM4vb3_FkvPbihgY7OOUXWThx7KThmOLe6OrRJ8s74RMLvGUzsESwdt59kwQAeaRQK7bY/w300-h400/IMG_20210314_094610.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roots penetrating everywhere</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>If he so wills, so be it! Miracles do happen! All we need is to hold on firmly to our Guru!</div><div><br /></div><div>To read the other parts of this four part series, click here:</div><div><a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part.html">Part 1</a></div><div><div><a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part_11.html">Part 2</a></div><div><a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part_12.htmlanjaneya-darisanam-part_12.html">Part 3</a><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com3Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu 638661, India10.7273076 77.6709867-17.582926236178846 42.5147367 39.037541436178842 112.8272367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-91570319035225314072021-02-12T22:08:00.000+05:302021-02-12T22:08:02.687+05:30Dharapuram Dasa Anjaneya Darisanam - Part 3<p>This is the third in the series of articles on the ten Vyasaraja Hanumans of Dharapuram. Please click <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part.html" target="_blank">here</a> to access Part 1 and <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part_11.html" target="_blank">here</a> for Part 2.</p><p>After visting the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple, which is the central temple for all the ten Hanumans, and then proceeding towards the Uttara Veeraraghava Swamy temple, where we worshipped Veera Hanuman and Kottai Vaasal Hanuman, we were in a dilemma as to which direction to proceed next. To the North was Virajimangalam, now known as Veerachimangalam and to the South was Dalavoypattinam. The remaining five Hanumans were around the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple.</p><p>We decided to proceed to Dalavoypattinam which is about ten kilometres from Dharapuram. </p><p><b>4. Dalavoypattinam Hanuman</b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj90GwIh4Mu2nn5wAdauP2k-z6ljcHXpIX0Qwp4-E6DAlphQ8J69COw5yIMLnY5Lgzs3lOCbTsxSL4LTX42CJHSW0ZQs5jvNE65sc9YQH9wIB-extMSV3UY87AJAMdCh-UkS-ASGNZxU/s800/IMG_20210206_111707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="478" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj90GwIh4Mu2nn5wAdauP2k-z6ljcHXpIX0Qwp4-E6DAlphQ8J69COw5yIMLnY5Lgzs3lOCbTsxSL4LTX42CJHSW0ZQs5jvNE65sc9YQH9wIB-extMSV3UY87AJAMdCh-UkS-ASGNZxU/w239-h400/IMG_20210206_111707.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Varadaraja Perumal, Dalavoypattinam</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Varadaraja Perumal temple here houses a Vyasaraja Hanuman. Inscription found in this temple from the third year of Pandya King Sri Vallabha describe the deity as Jayamkonda Chola Vinnagar Emberumanaar. Another fragmentary inscription which only names the king asThribhuvanachakravarti Ko... calls him Naraiyanur Nattu Devanayakaperumal.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3pG5rVIiAESzSXGIQxSpHatavfXrfpr6knrIyUEIV2Sb38cvknP2-uJRspCiHcn5FjtB-qtuj4oLgrRyo30x9pcPommtF64x4d-iaOox-4ChgcCQ1BXeQnv2gTEm4uSuETNHCHjjWwo/s800/IMG_20210206_112251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="445" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3pG5rVIiAESzSXGIQxSpHatavfXrfpr6knrIyUEIV2Sb38cvknP2-uJRspCiHcn5FjtB-qtuj4oLgrRyo30x9pcPommtF64x4d-iaOox-4ChgcCQ1BXeQnv2gTEm4uSuETNHCHjjWwo/w223-h400/IMG_20210206_112251.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dalavoypattinam Hanuman</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Currently this temple has only two shrines - that of Varadaraja Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi and of the Hanuman installed by Vyasaraja. The Hanuman is smaller than the ones we have seen so far. He is seen with the typical raised right arm in Abhaya Hasta and the left arm holding the Sowgandhika flower. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to reach here: </b>The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is found near the Government Hospital in Dalavoypattinam. The GPS coordinates of all ten Hanuman shrines can be found at the bottom of this article.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Temple Timings</b>: The temple is only open between 8 - 9.30 am in the mornings and 5-7 pm in the evenings. On Saturdays, the Bhattars are available until 10.30 - 11 am depending on the crowd.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contact: </b>Rangaraja Bhattar - 99764 62736</p><p><b>5</b>. <b>Veeraraghavapura Agrahara Hanuman</b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HPshJPclhClH3B9zr5vbLRYMoHSXjF2n53nXhUkfANDsyvn6ukHM2L5EMEPqxipDqKMW8HGV5xrKtwTXawY6_4rTGwDYvo8lg9MKXsw6-DP45BlNJMN7EXunOqv-1-99PmlkgrDWAHU/s800/IMG_20210206_115724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HPshJPclhClH3B9zr5vbLRYMoHSXjF2n53nXhUkfANDsyvn6ukHM2L5EMEPqxipDqKMW8HGV5xrKtwTXawY6_4rTGwDYvo8lg9MKXsw6-DP45BlNJMN7EXunOqv-1-99PmlkgrDWAHU/w200-h400/IMG_20210206_115724.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Veeraghavapura Agrahara Hanuman</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>As it was our first visit and with no one to guide us about the right order to visit, we went about randomly which we realised was a mistake. Some shrines closed early, while others could not be approached because of their location.</p><p>It would have helped us better if we had started with the sites that closed early and then gone to the larger temples which remained open longer. Therefore, another visit is warranted to complete the ones that could not be visited this time. </p><p>Now coming back to where we left off, we came back to the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple area, to visit the remaining Hanumans before proceeding towards Viranjimangalam (now called Veerachimangalam) which is to the North.</p><p>All the ten Hanumans have originally been installed in the open. Some have been subsequently covered with a shrine, while most still remain in the open.</p><p>Our next stop was across the road from the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple. There is a park some distance away and the lane right next to the park leads to a Hanuman temple after a drive of about a kilometre and a half. Although this Hanuman has a shrine, apparently the shrine had closed the priests had left for the day. The approach is also through the fields for about half a kilometre by foot. While we stopped at the beginning of the bund on which one has to walk to reach the temple, we found Mr Mohan and his family coming back after checking out the temple. They not only told us about the current situation, but also offered to help us visit the other shrines that were left out. Thanks to Mr Mohan's kindness we were able to quickly visit the remaining sites and worship at the ones that were open.</p><p><b>6 & 7. Arasamarathadi Hanuman and Bheemaraya Agrahara Hanuman </b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb579-YB-0h29xzsNyIDlQre3e579Tm-osl6mKd00TnQQL5lz_6wGACO_qycW7aOcXlFNEVRgVvpL9A-Zrde8mIXEHZHXhUyD1JZ1rEKI2BiMo0oYGWnhb6Y3RJG-S9UENdWHthIqQOo/s800/IMG_20210206_120728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb579-YB-0h29xzsNyIDlQre3e579Tm-osl6mKd00TnQQL5lz_6wGACO_qycW7aOcXlFNEVRgVvpL9A-Zrde8mIXEHZHXhUyD1JZ1rEKI2BiMo0oYGWnhb6Y3RJG-S9UENdWHthIqQOo/w400-h200/IMG_20210206_120728.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arasamarathadi Hanuman with the Bheemaraya Hanuman shrine behind it</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: justify;">From the Veeraraghavapura Agrahara Hanuman temple, we moved towards the old Bheemaraya Agraharam. This road has not been mentioned on Google Maps and therefore but for Mr Mohan's help we would not have been able to find it. There are two Hanumans here - One under a peepal tree close to the Amaravathi river, giving it the name Arasamarathadi Hanuman and the other in a shrine behind it. Unfortunately when we reached, the shrine had already closed and therefore we were only able to worship the beautiful Arasamara Hanuman.</p><p><b>8 & 9. Theppakula Hanuman and Amaravathi Hanuman</b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xkj66pOGftpMdeKzYPmTSXSzW8xwF5wSwL5YLaRTNt6ftZooAqhEVSTvBovSkeA5eHBwfECyTOipNXERhjGZXb4MzDR30I7NKoPqirSXJPw6SfpZT5d2JlWlVazQNorCcOi4BofzfNk/s800/IMG_20210206_120758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xkj66pOGftpMdeKzYPmTSXSzW8xwF5wSwL5YLaRTNt6ftZooAqhEVSTvBovSkeA5eHBwfECyTOipNXERhjGZXb4MzDR30I7NKoPqirSXJPw6SfpZT5d2JlWlVazQNorCcOi4BofzfNk/w400-h200/IMG_20210206_120758.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Amaravathi River</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Two Hanumans are found in the open about a kilometre away from here, right in the middle of the fields. One can reach them only by walking along the Amaravathi river and currently since the crops are fully grown, there was no path available to walk through. Only after harvesting can these temples be approached.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>10. Veerachimangalam Hanuman</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our last stop was at Veerachimangalam. Again we would not have been able to identify this location, but for Mr Mohan who drove back all the way with us, just to show us the temple, eventhough he had already covered it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nuOgs4UUXYjQwoLO9tFkWOpqonb-EEcirRbJcozEySEc_9iXZ4sz094GVMIK1BmxtbvEBPBwgCFvmXC_kGgaHlMINhc1RdRh1SmyXBsKJjdkXrJzThr5sKY8HSUUpmBVM1vfVzWKYQQ/s800/IMG_20210206_124203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nuOgs4UUXYjQwoLO9tFkWOpqonb-EEcirRbJcozEySEc_9iXZ4sz094GVMIK1BmxtbvEBPBwgCFvmXC_kGgaHlMINhc1RdRh1SmyXBsKJjdkXrJzThr5sKY8HSUUpmBVM1vfVzWKYQQ/w200-h400/IMG_20210206_124203.jpg" width="200" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Veerachimangalam Hanuman</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The Veerachimangalam Hanuman shrine is found next to the Shiva temple. This temple is currently closed for renovation and a new shrine is being built outside. The Hanuman shrine has been left untouched but is not in anyway controlled, maintained or patronised by the Siva temple. The Octogenarian priest is helpless. Since he does not receive any devotees at the temple nor any funds for its daily upkeep and maintenance, he keeps the temple closed unless someone specifically asks for it to be opened for worship. Even after opening the shrine, he had to search a bit to find a piece of camphor to perform the harathi. Since this was our last stop, we too had given away all the oil and ghee we had carried for distribution. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A humble request to the devotees who plan to visit this temple. Please carry pooja materials and contribute whatever you can to the priest. Even at this advanced age, he is taking care of the temple and doing whatever he can to keep it going.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to reach here:</b> Veerachimangalam is about 6 kms from Dharapuram. The locations of all ten sites have been marked <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1O1GsNNK1G-LSVXsN8OG4eAJussvBxbpD&usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Temple Timings:</b> There are no specific timings. The priest and his wife stay close by and the temple can be opened on request.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contact:</b> Shri Namperumal Bhattar - 90474 89370</p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com3DHALAVOIPATTINAM - 638 672 Taluk, Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu 638672, India10.675486 77.4813487-17.634747836178846 42.3250987 38.985719836178845 112.6375987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-83147571190105806632021-02-11T22:31:00.002+05:302021-02-13T17:19:55.510+05:30Dharapuram Dasa Anjaneya Darisanam - Part 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdm2BJQ8FBulbjUd5zMbj95SPlV7hZTyORmBCeiLyzGy0QYJ_MTJCKlnkBORVGnBYn_8yGXK_8AJ7eeanory6OVjOqWi7N2gzyPOQPs9OZcKHCECJ3IRs_6_fgs0a0sz2ycTW8UtAyIo/s800/IMG_20210206_091502.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="554" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdm2BJQ8FBulbjUd5zMbj95SPlV7hZTyORmBCeiLyzGy0QYJ_MTJCKlnkBORVGnBYn_8yGXK_8AJ7eeanory6OVjOqWi7N2gzyPOQPs9OZcKHCECJ3IRs_6_fgs0a0sz2ycTW8UtAyIo/w278-h400/IMG_20210206_091502.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Dharapuram</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">This is the second in the series of articles on the ten Hanumans installed by Saint Vyasaraja Theertha, (the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Empire during the time of King Krishnadevaraya, believed to be the reincarnation of Prahalada and the previous avatara of Guru Sri Raghavendraswamy) in and around Dharapuram in Tiruppur District of Tamil Nadu.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Saint Vyasaraja installed 732 such Hanumans during his travels across India. He would draw the image of Hanuman on a piece of stone using his Angarakatti which would then become a sculpture. Angaram is used by Madhwas to mark their forehead before eating food. It is prepared by burning dry banana peel and adding turmeric and ash from the pooja into it. This is then kept on the forehead prior to consuming prasada. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Out of the ten Hanumans, the first, Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy was covered in an earlier article which can be found <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The ten Hanumans in Dharapuram are spread in clusters. One key suggestion while visiting them is to make sure you cover the ones that are open for shorter durations first, before visiting the larger temples that stay open for longer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">From the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple, we proceeded to the Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal temple in the fort area. There are two Vyasaraja Hanumans here - Veera Anjaneyar and Kottaivasal Anjaneyar.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgflu7S08SO0PuPBKR9WK98e96cB9RH7A5CQQSkdV_LVGrwdKq7d9RJqCNfYrRAthFHDzmiXxlGBvSiixl9MbwdGLxWz6_2QvuzFodQIBteUoTzOHCjtFQHySUibuBXROBaihbNJWqB4/s800/IMG_20210206_085947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgflu7S08SO0PuPBKR9WK98e96cB9RH7A5CQQSkdV_LVGrwdKq7d9RJqCNfYrRAthFHDzmiXxlGBvSiixl9MbwdGLxWz6_2QvuzFodQIBteUoTzOHCjtFQHySUibuBXROBaihbNJWqB4/w200-h400/IMG_20210206_085947.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On the way to the Veera Anjaneya Swamy Shrine</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">In India, there are multiple locations that associate themselves with legends such as Ramayana and Mahabharatha. In the Mahabharatha, the Pandava princes were required to stay incognito for a year and they chose to do so in the Virata Kingdom. Places that are referred to as Viratapuri or Viratapuram are found in Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOsR4lAYrz-heB5QekC1WzWwT4daI8NnaVGlWPjywTTR_bnfniImLDQOvaBpsjh2Gtzja9H4roNV7AdPGbunpE5oywFBQUe5-7K7FtdEfGJOs7eU_AYPgWg65PIbFadUcWlyUAKrLTMg/s800/IMG_20210206_090557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOsR4lAYrz-heB5QekC1WzWwT4daI8NnaVGlWPjywTTR_bnfniImLDQOvaBpsjh2Gtzja9H4roNV7AdPGbunpE5oywFBQUe5-7K7FtdEfGJOs7eU_AYPgWg65PIbFadUcWlyUAKrLTMg/w400-h200/IMG_20210206_090557.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lion pillared mandapa at the Uttara Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, Dharapuram</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Dharapuram in the ancient times was also known as Viratapuram. It is commonly believed that this was the place where the Pandavas stayed incognito for a year under the protection of the Virata King whose children Uttara Kumara and Uttara were named after the Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal. The Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal temple is found within the Dharapuram fort and it was here that the Kings who ruled over this region coronated themselves. The Lord is also known as Uttaravu Raghava Perumal, for it is with his permission that the Kings would ascend the throne. Moreover, Dharapuram is found on a straight line to Mantralayam, where the Brindavana of Guru Sri Raghavendraswamy is found, making it even more significant.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbOFxWtLpPcrud8Cio0REUFwvpHzH7SQhmNl1srl9OXk57Go86qn5xk8TVLFClqdkYYoiq0BDvhvcCtxAy0melOwBVC5JKALPbWcXwgFqQcaEAxzR1hYfnOU60VlcX9U48CIwGvKFAD8/s800/IMG_20210206_091308.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="800" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbOFxWtLpPcrud8Cio0REUFwvpHzH7SQhmNl1srl9OXk57Go86qn5xk8TVLFClqdkYYoiq0BDvhvcCtxAy0melOwBVC5JKALPbWcXwgFqQcaEAxzR1hYfnOU60VlcX9U48CIwGvKFAD8/w400-h130/IMG_20210206_091308.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inscription mentioning Rajarajapuram in the Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal Temple</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">There are several inscriptions in this temple, that speak about Dharapuram and the kings who ruled over it. Dharapuram was earlier called Naraiyanur Nattu Brahmadeyam Rajadhiraja Chaturvedimangalam, Naraiyanur Nattu Rajarajapuram and Kongu Vanchiyaana Viladapuram. The Lord was called Uttaraghava Perumal and inscriptions also speak about Goddess Perumkarunai Selvi. These inscriptions have been documented by the ASI in the Annual reports on Indian Epigraphy - 1910, 1920 and 1961-62 as well as Tiruppur Mavatta Kalvettugal published by the TN State Archaeology department. They speak about the grants provided by the Kongu Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers as well as generals to the Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal Temple.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Lord Veeraraghava Perumal is seen alone in the sanctum without his consorts. Instead of holding the Conch and Discus in his hands,they are found on his chest which is a unique feature about this deity.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg5eYE7RJLwROOMUvadQRH-xbQuwUTt5w-gr4jGL3X2DQ6mJ-_c9XQkjoujeTvZskWiwBoPSwG7JYfIKGIsDlIzDTyUuOzzvWUSAAaDLlgXetcsZOqygDm7ZZu6TwswjPqlM9p0yhWAg/s800/IMG_20210206_091102.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg5eYE7RJLwROOMUvadQRH-xbQuwUTt5w-gr4jGL3X2DQ6mJ-_c9XQkjoujeTvZskWiwBoPSwG7JYfIKGIsDlIzDTyUuOzzvWUSAAaDLlgXetcsZOqygDm7ZZu6TwswjPqlM9p0yhWAg/w268-h400/IMG_20210206_091102.jpg" width="268" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal, Dharapuram</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Several wars that happened around this place have damaged the temple and one can see stones with inscriptions from a Siva temple been used while rebuilding the temple. Chadran, who works in the Revenue Department, shares that for best part of his childhood, the temple remained dilapidated and uncared for. He recalls a secret passage close to the sanctum sanctorum which used to be dark and as children they would attempt to explore if it lead out of the fort area. This secret passage has been documented by the archaeology experts as well and subsequently closed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Veera Anjaneya Swamy</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3X7kA0DuLVbVqfFV3wf5CPLXCZYCnz-w8_Xps9JOB7_7zJjy0f6m0B__PyRjbdluj86Xv2My8of_qrtOgj41_87MDX5GoaotnyqHet3xgQUmF5rLesfO5zLr7ClE6fC957u3dOpw5ts/s800/IMG_20210206_085658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3X7kA0DuLVbVqfFV3wf5CPLXCZYCnz-w8_Xps9JOB7_7zJjy0f6m0B__PyRjbdluj86Xv2My8of_qrtOgj41_87MDX5GoaotnyqHet3xgQUmF5rLesfO5zLr7ClE6fC957u3dOpw5ts/w233-h400/IMG_20210206_085658.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Veera Anjaneya Swamy, Dharapuram</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Veera Anjaneya Swamy installed by Vyasaraja is found in a seperate shrine outside the main temple complex. The Lord is found with a child-like face, facing the South. Instead of a bloomed Sowgandhika flower as normally depicted in Vyasaraja Hanumans, he is seen holding an entire bunch of them. The tail above has a single bell tied to it and the Vaishnavaite symbols - Conch, Discus and Naamam are also found on the idol.The Veera Anjaneya Swamy was found in the open until 2004 when a shrine was constructed for him.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Kottai Vaasal Anjaneyar</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The third among the ten Anjaneyars is found about 100 metres from the Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal Temple right next to a sixteen pillar Vasantha Mandapa from the Vijayanagara Period. It is indeed painful to see this beautiful mandapa being eaten away by vegetation due to lack of upkeep and maintenance.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnalf0lT42pNuAn5yN_PiJVZBNRb9eN9WQyTqaCd2lr2mq30BzIoBWLs0IHhmbkdraNcy7POPeqZJubJYaTPiB607lDzDx0FG91yvQDWncPAwhsPI1MV5t884ljW3cEEWBRJ9ucVAPm0/s800/IMG_20210206_092141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnalf0lT42pNuAn5yN_PiJVZBNRb9eN9WQyTqaCd2lr2mq30BzIoBWLs0IHhmbkdraNcy7POPeqZJubJYaTPiB607lDzDx0FG91yvQDWncPAwhsPI1MV5t884ljW3cEEWBRJ9ucVAPm0/w288-h400/IMG_20210206_092141.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dilapidated Vasantha Mandapa from the Vijayanagara Period</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The Kottai Vaasal Anjaneyar is perhaps the most beautiful among the ones I had witnessed in Dharapuram. With a baby face, he faces the North while his feet are pointed in the direction of the Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal. He is seen bare headed, with one arm raised above in Abhaya Hastha and the other holding the Sowgandhika flower. His long earlobes are found wearing Kundalams and the jewellery on his chest has the Yaali which is the Mudrika of SriVyasaraja.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyJVsv6CGZ5ZclUhXUjRnibfBi_OuUW_dtPyJSNzLzn8eS2tj5YL7WOO9KqwWpJiuCJyWHX4diRIb0llaqnHuoATu4sPqz2dDCKpFYUFv90TQeq6S-xrnZ50zXHE1MLyCxbWsd-sRVr8/s800/IMG_20210206_092450.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyJVsv6CGZ5ZclUhXUjRnibfBi_OuUW_dtPyJSNzLzn8eS2tj5YL7WOO9KqwWpJiuCJyWHX4diRIb0llaqnHuoATu4sPqz2dDCKpFYUFv90TQeq6S-xrnZ50zXHE1MLyCxbWsd-sRVr8/w200-h400/IMG_20210206_092450.jpg" width="200" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The beautiful Kottai Vaasal Anjaneyar</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">He is supposed to have been the guardian deity of the fort while it existed. Today, he is seen in a small shrine encroached by houses on all directions. The same priest who performs pooja to the Veera Anjaneya Swamy also takes care of this shrine. He is available in this temple after the Veera Anjaneya Swamy temple closes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to reach here</b>: <span style="text-align: justify;">The GPS coordinates for all ten Hanumans is provided in this map </span><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1O1GsNNK1G-LSVXsN8OG4eAJussvBxbpD&usphttps://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1O1GsNNK1G-LSVXsN8OG4eAJussvBxbpD&usp=sharing=sharing" style="text-align: justify;">here</a><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Temple Timings: </b>The Veera Anjaneya Swamy temple is open between 8 am and 11 am in the mornings and the Kottai Vaasal Anjaneyar opens after that from 11 am to 12 pm. However, the deity can be worshipped through the gate at any time of the day.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contact: </b>Suresh Bhattar - 80988 71563</span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">The third part of this series on the other Vyasaraja Hanumans in Dharapuram can be accessed <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part_12.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com4Kottaimedu, Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu 638656, India10.7408665 77.532863900000009-17.569367336178846 42.376613900000009 39.051100336178848 112.68911390000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-27508266625124597532021-02-11T00:09:00.043+05:302021-02-17T18:57:45.537+05:30Dharapuram Dasa Anjaneya Darisanam - Part 1<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOAwWq438Ye2BXBApF5Adxra6BzKq0-C32TecdaDOCSwQtgKeso6SP6uDI2dv8IXf2wJvtq7NcCn6rC9VkYUE7BBS9ZztAu5PV0zCK1zHk9vOdGoNf2lGraGnWpUUsNEL4I_Z_iB9bTQ//" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="212" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOAwWq438Ye2BXBApF5Adxra6BzKq0-C32TecdaDOCSwQtgKeso6SP6uDI2dv8IXf2wJvtq7NcCn6rC9VkYUE7BBS9ZztAu5PV0zCK1zHk9vOdGoNf2lGraGnWpUUsNEL4I_Z_iB9bTQ/w283-h400/image.png" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <i>Vyasaraja Theertha Source: Annie Gracy, CC BY-SA 4.0 </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Vyasaraja Theertha was the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. He was called Vyasaraya initially and after he took over the kingdom from King Krishnadevaraya during the time when he was affected by Kuha Yoga, he came to be called Vyasaraja Theertha. He is believed to be the reincarnation of Prahalada and the previous avatara of Guru Sri Raghavendra Swamy.<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As the Rajaguru and as a Dvaita philosopher, he travelled across the country extensively. During these travels, he is said to have created and installed 732 Hanumans in different places. Most of these hanumans are concentrated in South India, where the Vijayanagara rule was in place. With Penukonda having the highest number of Hanumans, the others are spread around in clusters.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It has been my long time desire to visit the Vyasaraja Hanumans and document them. The Hanumans vary in size and form, but most have the common features of a raised right arm, with the left hand holding the rare Sowgandhika flower, the feet are turned sideways, the tail is raised above the head with one or more bells swinging from it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Kongu region was under the Vijayanagara rule in the early 16th century when Dharapuram which had earlier been called Paranthakapuram and Rajarajapuram during the rule of the Cholas, was the capital. Vyasaraja Theertha had travelled to and stayed in this region during which time he has installed multiple Hanuman around here.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Out of these ten have come to be identified by scholars and the first time I saw the map was in Shri. Amman Sathiyanathan's Raghavendra Mahimai.After planning for years, finally got to visit Dharapuram last week. Prior to my trip, I tried to get help to identify the actual locations of the Hanumans depicted roughly on the map. However, I was not very successful. So I decided to leave to Guru Raghavendra Swamy to guide us and what a trip it was!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Sri Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy Temple</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you are planning to do this trip, then the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy temple would be the central point from where the other Hanumans connect. It is also the largest and most popular among the ten Hanuman temples. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP57Z7MKfZLcEvTcHxS_PngOhoIR5ugHJDv4i5mq7HibXgJKuc5eEYJ0VJBKtJkkRGsVsnW2wKgeWfJsG2jVLmlLKvGEFaMGob7pX8pLnLysVRdRh2tpLd5d_D3wvQBHQf1MR7U9k12bM/s800/IMG_20210206_072425.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP57Z7MKfZLcEvTcHxS_PngOhoIR5ugHJDv4i5mq7HibXgJKuc5eEYJ0VJBKtJkkRGsVsnW2wKgeWfJsG2jVLmlLKvGEFaMGob7pX8pLnLysVRdRh2tpLd5d_D3wvQBHQf1MR7U9k12bM/w400-h200/IMG_20210206_072425.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy Temple, Dharapuram</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier, most part of today's Dharapuram was enclosed within a fort. There was dense vegetation around the fort and this idol was found in the open here and therefore came to be known as Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy. It is only in 1810 that the British Collector of Coimbatore District, Deelan, who had been suffering from a disorder called "Rajapilavai" (a huge Carbuncle) worshipped Sri Kadu Hanumanatharaya Swamy and was cured of the same. As a token of gratitude, he built a shrine for the deity. When an attempt was made to cover the ceiling, the Lord appeared in the dream of his devotee, asking for the ceiling to be kept open. To this day, the ceiling has an opening above the deity who is 7.25 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making the sun rays and rain fall on the deity.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvOUq5CbHqBrqWxtxWZHqh1BrCMcvGe77UNyxBSm2NxhJptYkFDjGVuw8iOM6EeoMZ1ZcDXSkNTLqe3ZcApP9alKc9-CtIehs-AExqOuTJ4KtD7nJE66Osmx9FI180xzaqui0XiFRIqw/s800/IMG_20210206_074225.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvOUq5CbHqBrqWxtxWZHqh1BrCMcvGe77UNyxBSm2NxhJptYkFDjGVuw8iOM6EeoMZ1ZcDXSkNTLqe3ZcApP9alKc9-CtIehs-AExqOuTJ4KtD7nJE66Osmx9FI180xzaqui0XiFRIqw/w200-h400/IMG_20210206_074225.jpg" width="200" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy with the opening in the ceiling</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The idol falls into the standard description of a Vyasaraja Hanuman, with minor differences. The raised right hand has the thumb folded into it in the form of a Abhaya Hastha. The tail has three bells instead of one. The Sowgandhika flower is held in the left hand and the feet turned sideways.The face of the Hanuman is shaped to resemble Hayagriva. He carries a sword as well as a dagger. His waist band holds the Yali face which is the mudrika of Sri Vyasaraja Theertha.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_HYYtya06PjH2Dyq5qcStw2mRqB57533y8ATFqgV-t2cG9c48UQKhU3hCTpzQs3exwu0keCqixWBO8w-1l0-ULRRRhJA0bcWcIZyCZTXI4hk9Lqa0tTzx4scJpvq7tAH4qnObIPhLGo/s800/IMG_20210206_073744.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="470" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_HYYtya06PjH2Dyq5qcStw2mRqB57533y8ATFqgV-t2cG9c48UQKhU3hCTpzQs3exwu0keCqixWBO8w-1l0-ULRRRhJA0bcWcIZyCZTXI4hk9Lqa0tTzx4scJpvq7tAH4qnObIPhLGo/w235-h400/IMG_20210206_073744.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Utsava Idols made by Sri Vijayendra Theertha</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The Utsava Idols of Rama, Sita and Hanuman (no Lakshmana) are those made by hand by Sri Vijayendra Theertha, the successor of Vyasaraja Theertha and the Paramaguru of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Sri Vijayendra was a exponent of all 64 crafts and was skilled in making panchaloka idols. He is the only person to have been the witness to two avatars of Prahalada - namely Sri Vyasaraja and Sri Raghavendra.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_LVmEknJvc23KkW8tRhyphenhyphendAgevwXfuZShgGVT011BwQbZM4sPMsFenBqH-eOPoaVAlajBCf0hLJgUuFSIy6dXa4pK0qhounvNmEkLPpHQU-eTOzKt2ZgcgOS-d8K_xHadREzOKacyUGo/s800/IMG_20210206_074038.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="551" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_LVmEknJvc23KkW8tRhyphenhyphendAgevwXfuZShgGVT011BwQbZM4sPMsFenBqH-eOPoaVAlajBCf0hLJgUuFSIy6dXa4pK0qhounvNmEkLPpHQU-eTOzKt2ZgcgOS-d8K_xHadREzOKacyUGo/w275-h400/IMG_20210206_074038.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wooden pillars in the Artha Mandapa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The Artha Mandapa has eight exquisite wooden pillars depicting the Dasavathara. There are cradles hanging in this mandapa bearing testimony to answered prayers of childbirth. To the right of the main sanctum, are two shrines, one that of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha and the other, the Mrithika Brindhavana of Sri Jaya Theertha, also called as Teekacharya for writing commentaries of the works of Sri Madhva. Jaya Theertha was a disciple of Sri Akshobya Theertha, who was a direct disciple and successor of Sri Madhvacharya. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly, this temple has the Ishta Devathas of the three avataras of Prahalada - Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, the ishta devata of Prahalada who was found in the confluence of Bhavani and Kaveri rivers, Venugopala Krishna, the Ishta Devata of Sri Vyasaraja Theertha and Sri Rama, the Ishta Devata of Guru Raghavendra Swamy. In addition, there are idols of Sri Prahalada in the Mrithika Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra and Sri Madhva in the Mrithika Brindavana of Jaya Theertha.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N8IHQPRwnM-wNi9b9lQOZiAesrHG1jf-NawYGWfB9UAVwq-oMECLx3cOHRwG8t8FGqjySDUfqBHX1GdMsysC-aCpcFwXCDZQy1dUGXFRc3ETRAYK1LNs45EjnN5GU_HpjW7LcH3sfow/s800/IMG_20210206_073942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N8IHQPRwnM-wNi9b9lQOZiAesrHG1jf-NawYGWfB9UAVwq-oMECLx3cOHRwG8t8FGqjySDUfqBHX1GdMsysC-aCpcFwXCDZQy1dUGXFRc3ETRAYK1LNs45EjnN5GU_HpjW7LcH3sfow/w300-h400/IMG_20210206_073942.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Jaya Theertharu Brindavana</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">There are four Brindavanas of Jaya Theertha with the original one at Malkheda and three Mrithika Brindavanas in this region in Salem, Palladam, Dharapuram and Kovaipudur in Coimbatore. A box in front of the Jaya Theertha Brindavana contains 136 Shalagramas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Mrithika Brindavana of Guru Raghavendra Swamy installed by Dwadasi Kattalai Subbarayar has 113 Shalagramas and faces the Rama Shrine which only has Rama with Seetha, and Lakshmana and Hanuman missing.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkS2X0rkBUh7R-KEUBEFiB_r_7MCbZWODaNaP08diPxrs9mTH6UTWQGasBrddry6sP5ieVqDH6lspLC4ZmeUJ1OA4IOUWabk40X4DybDh7MASB8K4S2hKvYOh0nxUW7-kUJq9hcvUNGo/s800/IMG_20210206_074648_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="501" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkS2X0rkBUh7R-KEUBEFiB_r_7MCbZWODaNaP08diPxrs9mTH6UTWQGasBrddry6sP5ieVqDH6lspLC4ZmeUJ1OA4IOUWabk40X4DybDh7MASB8K4S2hKvYOh0nxUW7-kUJq9hcvUNGo/w250-h400/IMG_20210206_074648_01.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Raghavendra Mrithika Brindavana</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Shalagramas are an important aspect of worship for the Madhwas. Shri Guruprasad, the Chairman of the Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy Temple has joined us by now and explains the heirarchy of worship in the temple which are based on the guidelines offered by Madhvacharya's Tantra Sara Sankraha subsequently simplified by Sri Jaya Theertha for worship of Salagramas. The first prayers are offered to the Shalagramas, followed by worship for Sri Narasimha, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Sri Hanuman, Sri Jaya Theertha and Sri Raghavendra Theertha in that order. He says the rules of worship are strictly followed with poojas happening only once a day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQdJlwdFgi6bjny4_M5uS1hDD1UzTgkbe5lom47r4rJY5YafmGlBeCK5-vd7eASiXoUFtHPqeAe3PnP6FUGpc5690b3aC8_r_F7ASNGLHPyvDUEWBSN1nZ8ClK5WjOY-YnTCRYZ-XtE8/s800/IMG_20210206_081716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQdJlwdFgi6bjny4_M5uS1hDD1UzTgkbe5lom47r4rJY5YafmGlBeCK5-vd7eASiXoUFtHPqeAe3PnP6FUGpc5690b3aC8_r_F7ASNGLHPyvDUEWBSN1nZ8ClK5WjOY-YnTCRYZ-XtE8/w256-h400/IMG_20210206_081716.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Venugopalaswamy with Hanuman</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The Venugopala Swamy idol found in this temple is unique and has Hanuman at its feet. Now when did Hanuman who was part of Rama Avatara come together with Krishna? Sri Guruprasad narrates an interesting tale from the Mahabharata. Hanuman was invited to support Krishna and Arjuna. However, since he only reported to one Master - Sri Rama, he agreed to be on the flag of Arjuna's chariot. After the war was over, Krishna asked Arjuna to alight from his chariot. Once he did, Krishna too got off from the chariot. Hanuman who had been on the flag flew away and the entire chariot went up in flames. It was Hanuman who had actually held the power of all the weapons and arrows that had been directed at Arjuna's chariot.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Important point to note regarding offerings to Sri Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Shri Guruprasad mentioned a key point with regard to offerings at this temple. The Madhwa philosophies and guidelines are strictly followed here with regard to poojas, worship and offerings. Therefore, Thulasi garlands which are a normal offering in Hanuman temples are not accepted here. Thulasi is seen as a form of Goddess Mahalakshmi and hence considered to be adorned only to Lord Vishnu. The Hanuman can only have it placed on his head as a symbol of respect for Goddess Lakshmi and cannot adorn himself of it. Similarly, other offerings like Vadaimaalai, Betel leaf or Lemon garlands are also not accepted here.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Brahmotsavam of the temple is celebrated on Vyasa Poornima day and on Narasimha Jayanthi, the Utsavar idols of Lord Rama are taken out in procession. Strict restrictions are currently in place to keep the devotees and archakas safe after the pandemic.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Acknowledgements:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. Sri Amman Sathiyanathan, Author, Sri Raghavendra Mahimai, Part 6 for the map to visit the ten Vyasaraja Hanumans in Dharapuram</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. Shri Guruprasad, Chairman, Sri Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy Temple, for his time and patience in sharing valuable information and also accompanying us the Uttara Veeraraghava Swamy Temple.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. Sri Mohan of Dharapuram, who came forward to help us with locating the Hanumans along Amaravathi river and in the fields.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">From here, we will move to the other locations in search of the remaining nine Hanumans in the upcoming posts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to reach here:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Kadu Hanumantharaya Swamy is centrally located and can be easily identified. The GPS coordinates for all ten Hanumans is provided in this map <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1O1GsNNK1G-LSVXsN8OG4eAJussvBxbpD&usphttps://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1O1GsNNK1G-LSVXsN8OG4eAJussvBxbpD&usp=sharing=sharing">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Temple Timings post Corona: </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Morning: 8.30 am to 12 pm</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Evening: 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contact: </b>04258 220749</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The second part of this series of articles featuring the two Vyasaraja Hanumans in and around the Uttara Veeraraghava Perumal temple in Dharapuram can be accessed <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part_11.html" target="_blank">here</a> and the third part comprising of the rest of the Hanumans in Dharapuram can be accessed <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2021/02/dharapuram-dasa-anjaneya-darisanam-part_12.html" target="_blank">here</a></p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com6Dharapuram Main Rd, Hunumandapuram, Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu 638656, India10.7398816 77.5303497-17.570352236178845 42.3740997 39.050115436178842 112.6865997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-43124600862464537302021-02-03T21:14:00.001+05:302021-02-03T21:19:35.533+05:30Sri Manicka Swamigal aka Satti Samiyar Gnana Peetam, Enathimangalam<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFDLKpiLteSbS7ZIlsFOhXQpHSaUfikWY1DWTP9FBnErVaC5-MNuQZgG_IU2jZXSKaPc4oFiq0kPolViLwCYFHtff2LyxgGbDl06bTbbKOKtu2L3NSyqb_1P1OEti5TezS8VviZagTe8/s2508/IMG_20210201_093505.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFDLKpiLteSbS7ZIlsFOhXQpHSaUfikWY1DWTP9FBnErVaC5-MNuQZgG_IU2jZXSKaPc4oFiq0kPolViLwCYFHtff2LyxgGbDl06bTbbKOKtu2L3NSyqb_1P1OEti5TezS8VviZagTe8/w400-h200/IMG_20210201_093505.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Manicka Swamigal aka Satti Samiyar Gnana Peetam, Enathimangalam</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">My father-in-law had three framed photographs in his otherwise clutter-free pristine room. A picture of his father and two saints whom he had had an opportunity to meet and interact with in his younger days - Gnanananda Swami, whose tapovanam is found near Tirukoilur and Manicka Swamigal, commonly known as Satti Samiyar, whose samadhi is found in Enathimangalam, in Villupuram district.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">During the early years of my marriage, my father-in-law would narrate numerous incidents about Satti Samiyar from his childhood. Manicka Swamigal had been in Sitthilingamadam at that time, where my father-in-law was undergoing education in his maternal uncle's house. No one really knew where he came from. Some say he walked all the way from Vellore. As young boys, my father-in-law and his cousins would bathe and play on the banks of the Then Pennai river flowing close by. Often, they would find Manicka Swamigal, either throwing sand upon himself in a state of ecstasy on simply sitting by the river, gazing into the horizon.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRfYrXH6jq1kMhfPJWLLri3m5jupeGfSYrkaFLxQnQrYPdxRiI0VB3RVAuONwbw-txctqmJuLVD7jHvCpecPIKsCELUfGj1jTq3IHEIoCxKoWakYjZLSMnxtQgUuFpJFnSW_5m_syjpw/s2048/IMG_20210201_093555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1206" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRfYrXH6jq1kMhfPJWLLri3m5jupeGfSYrkaFLxQnQrYPdxRiI0VB3RVAuONwbw-txctqmJuLVD7jHvCpecPIKsCELUfGj1jTq3IHEIoCxKoWakYjZLSMnxtQgUuFpJFnSW_5m_syjpw/w235-h400/IMG_20210201_093555.jpg" width="235" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shrine with lingam and photograph close to the entrance</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">As the boys approached, he would call them near and speak to them. Despite their age, he would call them Anna (Big Brother). Sometimes, they would find him floating on water. One day, my father-in-law found his body floating on the water while his head was watching it from a distance. Frightened, he ran home crying, only to be consoled by his grandmother, that the swami was demonstrating his siddhis.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Manicka Swamigal would not take any money if offered. He would take food in an earthen pot he always carried, which gave him the name of Satti (Pot) Samiyar. Sometimes he would eat, else he would just scatter the food around for birds and animals. He would only accept food from those he wanted to and not touch food offered by the others.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My mother-in-law for her part would proudly say that as a young mother, when she saw him visit our village, Sirumadurai, to which my father-in-law had moved to after he began working, she offered him some Omapodi,(Bhujiya) which was all she had at home, which he relished, making her very happy. In return he gave her a handful of sand from the street which she accepted as prasadam. She firmly believes that it was instrumental for them to build our house within the next couple of years.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSWYejdeGbzXm1x73B0_3xPq6pWgHxSpAZsppF-O_JhnQ2q-OHI_BTAn0fubL3OWD7x2eHGyCPJN-P9IJzsMyL-eHNH28sPNkHyD3SU_RKavc00SpBJ580CqxbKzhCxkhFrWXRbhK_Mo/s2048/IMG_20210201_094006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSWYejdeGbzXm1x73B0_3xPq6pWgHxSpAZsppF-O_JhnQ2q-OHI_BTAn0fubL3OWD7x2eHGyCPJN-P9IJzsMyL-eHNH28sPNkHyD3SU_RKavc00SpBJ580CqxbKzhCxkhFrWXRbhK_Mo/w269-h400/IMG_20210201_094006.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sri Manicka Swamigal aka Satti Samiyar, Enathimangalam</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">After hearing these incidents, I was very eager to visit his samadhi but it took me 29 years to do so. His Gnana Peetam is situated off the main Villupuram - Madapattu Road, in Enathimangalam where the Samiyar moved to from Siddhilingamadam. The villagers credit all their growth and prosperity to the saint who spent his days around the Murugan and Draupathi amman temples, lying in the open, eating when he felt like and accepting clothes only if he needed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">They say he would break the pot in which he would accept food often, and that the potter in the village would give him a new one immediately. Similarly, if he was given clothes, sometimes he would wear them, and in other occasions, he would either tear the garment into shreds or give it to someone else nearby. Those who assisted him saw remarkable changes happen in their lives, but then, he would not take help from any random person unless he wanted to.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuydupM8mpcj6Eqs8syLuiXkm65OPcdxZFg97Oz6fox0Cyg2PQnrCi5hyphenhyphen0m11PRzz0DvWr3ctQqCKkquilz0cv43ynSNy8V4zUVx3eLde0hKhfwYav27kMCByWICwng4kBCBwb-3DMiCQ/s2508/IMG_20210201_093833.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2508" data-original-width="1254" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuydupM8mpcj6Eqs8syLuiXkm65OPcdxZFg97Oz6fox0Cyg2PQnrCi5hyphenhyphen0m11PRzz0DvWr3ctQqCKkquilz0cv43ynSNy8V4zUVx3eLde0hKhfwYav27kMCByWICwng4kBCBwb-3DMiCQ/w200-h400/IMG_20210201_093833.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Samadhi of Sri Manicka Swamigal aka Satti Samiyar, Enathimangalam</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">He attained samadhi on the 5th of September 1970. His Guru Pooja is celebrated on the Swathi Star in the Tamil month of Aavani each year when thousands throng his Gnana Peetam and annadhanam is provided to everyone.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Gnana Peetam has a Murugan temple behind which stands the samadhi of Sri Manicka Swamigal. A lingam has been installed over his samadhi. There is another shrine where another lingam and his photograph are placed, which is close to the entrance. The Murugan shrine is larger and has a new idol of Muruga, while the torso of the older one has been installed outside. Not sure if it was vandalised at some point.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhwOC9LQZp4epniyhb9kiCrn4OGC-6E4m1BARfX-s75QSAh1bxtZMXmdefgqYGd_K6CRPi9Q8EZHHOS8P0KZUx2iZ90FC30oN4ErmuiydbMsUyvKwhhC_pCre22JiYDQmB9GMrG2jrQE/s2048/IMG_20210201_094122.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1574" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhwOC9LQZp4epniyhb9kiCrn4OGC-6E4m1BARfX-s75QSAh1bxtZMXmdefgqYGd_K6CRPi9Q8EZHHOS8P0KZUx2iZ90FC30oN4ErmuiydbMsUyvKwhhC_pCre22JiYDQmB9GMrG2jrQE/w308-h400/IMG_20210201_094122.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Abandoned torso of Murugan</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">It is interesting to note that the Kumbabhishekam of the Samadhi shrine was performed by Appa Paithiyam Swamigal, another renowned Siddhar. Do read about his life and times on Aalayam Kanden blog <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2011/11/appa-paithiyam-swamy-samadhi-salem.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The energy and vibration that one experiences in the samadhi shrine is immense, showing the divine presence of the saint there. The temple is opened in the morning for worship by the priest. But one can see the samadhi through the grills at any time of the day. You would be in the company of a couple of serious seekers who sit in meditation in different parts of the campus.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTw4fa4qMTxbRCFAPdOEb7vwIqiEBEGLyXQRbK0GrAXfYrf-Xj_jukP33jzRPUzK-Qm2qOnwRSsC5Qd_L2m9vGlG8Yzeet1N_jipME7AEq3x2xC3CUcdrXv06Jqk_rD6cwgIFyngJoPw/s2048/IMG_20210201_093720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1767" data-original-width="2048" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTw4fa4qMTxbRCFAPdOEb7vwIqiEBEGLyXQRbK0GrAXfYrf-Xj_jukP33jzRPUzK-Qm2qOnwRSsC5Qd_L2m9vGlG8Yzeet1N_jipME7AEq3x2xC3CUcdrXv06Jqk_rD6cwgIFyngJoPw/w400-h345/IMG_20210201_093720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inauguration of Samadhi Shrine of Shri Manicka Swamigal aka Satti Samiyar by Appa Paithiyam Swamigal</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">How to get here:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Enathimangalam is 15 kms from Villupuram, and 33 kms from Tirukoilur. The nearest town is Tiruvennainallur, the place where Lord Shiva claimed Sundaramurthy Nayanar as his slave and was instrumental in the latter singing hymns is his favour, starting with Piththa Pirai Soodi. To read more about this temple and the divine incident on Aalayam Kanden, click <a href="http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com/2012/01/gods-own-footwear.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Temple Timings:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The temple is opened in the morning around 8 am for worship. However, the samadhi can be viewed through the day behind closed grills.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Contact details:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">95007 18233, 97515 52867</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you are passing by this part of the world, do stop by for a couple of minutes, to experience serenity and tranquility.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFBYWxIpXPjjmAsv7kQrHJahsXunhHkOCooQqxoDRzEaeC-t-AqCbPUXNUUDUyQQLy8w0bkEN-hfa6BzPLCb-tQi61Br_j3Fjwu2LXUWj0sKTAO9qW4J-BP1sQ8ABK-NTZd-HZAWEP1w/s2048/IMG_20210201_093909.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFBYWxIpXPjjmAsv7kQrHJahsXunhHkOCooQqxoDRzEaeC-t-AqCbPUXNUUDUyQQLy8w0bkEN-hfa6BzPLCb-tQi61Br_j3Fjwu2LXUWj0sKTAO9qW4J-BP1sQ8ABK-NTZd-HZAWEP1w/w241-h400/IMG_20210201_093909.jpg" width="241" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The rustic ambience that welcomes you</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Acknowledgement:</b> Many thanks to Shri. Kaushik Ramachandran, for helping me reconfirm many of the incidents I had heard, with documented evidence about the life and times of Sri. Manicka Swamigal aka Satti Samiyar of Enathimangalam.</p>Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com6Enathimangalam, Tamil Nadu 607108, India11.8588501 79.4879649-16.451383736178848 44.331714899999994 40.169083936178843 114.6442149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-14042797971296502882020-02-08T23:39:00.000+05:302020-02-09T09:26:14.013+05:30A Temple with a Dargah within - Sri Angala Parameswari Temple, Chintadripet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angala Parameswari Temple, Chintadripet</td></tr>
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Chinna Thari Pettah, known commonly as Chintadripettah was a planned township, created by President George Morton Pitt, out of Sunku Venkatachalam (Sunku Rama)'s garden in 1734. Weavers, spinners, painters, washers and dyers along with priests, attenders, cleaners and scavengers were moved from Madurai and Udayarpalayam to produce indigo, long cloth and gingham for the British market. </div>
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Sunku Rama had been the Chief Merchant of the East India Company, growing in favour with the British officials, so much so that he even had a house allotted within Fort St George, which he used as a cloth godown. He was in good rapport with Governor Collett, who established the first weavers' colony in Madras with Telugu weavers at Kaladipet (Collettpet). Because of this relationship, Collett allotted to Sunku Rama about 87 acres of land in the basin formed by the last loop of the Cooum river before it entered the sea. </div>
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The garden was enriched by the clean waters of the Cooum, and had several fifteen years old trees which President Pitt felt would be ideal for producing good quality cloth. Although Sunku Rama had received the garden as a grant from Governor Collett, the latter had not got it vetted by the Council and since Sunku Rama had not paid anything for it, President Pitt called the title bad, and took over the garden despite severe protests from Sunku Rama.</div>
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Some historical accounts suggest the existence of the Adikesava shrine and Angalamma, the village deity within the Sunku Rama gardens, at the time of acquisition by the British, probably existing since the Vijayanagara period. Dubash Vennala Audiyappa Narayana Chetty who had been made responsible along with Chinnathambi Mudaliar to recruit the weavers and get them settled, expanded this shrine into a temple, and built the Adipureeswara Temple next to it. Both temples share a tank. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mural in the Adikesava Perumal Temple. Check out the Namam!</td></tr>
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The Angala Parameswari Temple is found in Venkata Gramani Street. The priest says that his family have been priests to the Goddess for the last six generations. The goddess Angala Parameswari, is seen seated on a lion. With her upper hands holding paasam and ankusam (lasso and spear), and the lower hands show Abhaya and Varada hasthas. She sits with one leg folded and the other leg hanging down from the pedastal placed upon the lion.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angala Parameswari on a lion - the main deity (Photo Courtesy: Dr R K Rudhran)</td></tr>
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The most interesting feature in this temple is the Dargah of a Muslim saint who lived here. There seems to be no documented evidence on who he was and where he came from.The priest narrated what had been told to him over the years. In the middle of the 18th century, the saint came to Angalamman temple and chose to stay there. He began to cure people of their diseases. Both Hindus and Muslims came to him for getting treated and gave him food and fruits in return. When he knew his end was drawing near, he expressed his desire to be buried within the temple complex.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angala Parameswari Amman Utsavar - (Photo Courtesy Dr R K Rudhran)</td></tr>
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Since then, the Dargah has been worshipped and maintained by the Poojaris of the temple. Every Thursday, Sweet Bhoondhi (broken down laddu) and incense are offered to him by the temple priest. Several Muslims and Hindus come to the temple to worship on Thursdays.The anniversary of the saint is celebrated in a grand manner during the last Thursday in the Tamil month of Aadi, when his Dargah is covered with flower shawls and several people come to pray and be cured of their ailments.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dargah within the Angala Parameswari Temple, Chintadripet</td></tr>
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Mayana Kollai is the main festival in any Angalamman temple. Conducted on the Shivaratri (New Moon Day in the Tamil month of Maasi), the image of Goddess Angalamman is created on the crematorium floor, with ash from burnt bodies and Putru mannu (soil from an anthill), and stuffed with live chicken, intestines of goats, grains and vegetables. The deity is taken out in a procession from the temple to the crematorium, followed by devotees dressed like Angalamman to show gratitude for prayers being answered. At the end of the procession, the poojari, in a stupor, falls upon the Angalamman image made on the ground, thereby exposing the stuffing. He comes up biting either a live chicken or the intestine of a goat. This signals the beginning of Mayana Kollai. People who have had their prayers answered, start throwing up grains, fruits, biscuits etc towards the other people in the crowd who collect these in towels or upper garments. People gather the Putru Mannu in a cloth and tie it up above their front door or sprinkle it in their fields for a better harvest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A priest during Mayana Kollai (Photo Courtesy: The New Indian Express)</td></tr>
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In this temple, Mayana Kollai used to be conducted at the Krishnampet Burial Ground. However, due to traffic and other political challenges, they are now performing the Mayanakollai within the temple itself. This year's Mayanakollai will be performed on February 20th, 2020. </div>
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"This temple symbolises the harmony with which people of all religions have been living in Chintadripet", says the priest. Just what is needed in our country today!<br />
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Updated on 9.2.2020 - Sharing an article from Vikatan titled "Enga Kula Saami" where famous psychiatriast of Chennai, Dr R K Rudhran, speaks about the temple and its glory. He says, "In my young days, I have seen the temple being spread over four streets whereas now all that remains is the small shrine. Other than a small house for the Poosari, no other buildings were found on this road. My father was a Tamil Scholar from Narasingapuram (where Ritchie Street stands now) and this is our family deity. Even people who have migrated to other countries from Chintadripet come here to pray during Sivarathri and Mayana Kollai. The priests and the devotees worship both the deity and the Dargah with the same amount of devotion. Taking the blessings of your family deity before starting anything new, is like taking the blessings of all your ancestors. When I was in medical school, I had to also earn to support my studies and the family. So I drew advertisement banners in the evenings and during day, I attended college. When I first purchased a stethoscope, I placed it before her, praying that she should guide me and my patients in getting relief. Today I am a successful doctor because of her grace".<br />
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The Vikatan article in Tamil:<br />
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<b>How to get here: </b><br />
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The Angala Parameswari Temple is found on Venkata Gramani Street. off Arunachalam Road, in Chintadripet. </div>
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<b>Temple Timings:</b><br />
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The temple is open from 7 am to 10 pm in the morning and from 5 pm to 8 pm in the evening.</div>
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-29885189447516477272020-01-27T23:28:00.001+05:302020-01-27T23:28:54.936+05:30Muthuservamadam Varadaraja Perumal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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I first heard about Muthuservamadam about 18 months ago, when Kaushik Ramachandran, a long term patron and volunteer of Aalayam Kanden Trust mentioned it to me. He sent me pictures of a dilapidated brick temple, with the Varadaraja Swamy and his consorts covered in lime plaster and asked me if I could visit and help create awareness and support for the temple.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dilapidated state of the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam 18 months ago</td></tr>
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He further mentioned that the youth from the village were very eager in getting the temple up and running and this really warmed my heart. However, my tight schedule did not allow me to visit the temple immediately. This year round, when I went home for Pongal, I was determined to visit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Varadaraja Perumal, Muthuservamadam covered in lime plaster earlier</td></tr>
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Muthuservamadam is about a kilometre away from NH 36, flanked by Gangaikondacholapuram and Meensurutti. Despite being so close to the tourist map, it is a pity that this temple has had poor patronage and has fallen into ruins. One look at the arch that welcomes us gives an idea of how magnificent this temple would have looked during its "achche din".</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The huge arch at the entrace of the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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The temple had been closed for worship for as long as forty years. The mahamandapa and the temple campus had turned into a convenient den for the men in and around the village to drink and make merry. A team of committed youth from the village, with the guidance of a few village elders decided three years ago that they were going to turn the temple around, and bring it back to worship. A lot has been achieved during this time. Whatever repairs and renovations have been carried out, have been done, without further damaging the stucco or icons wherever they are. While this might not look visibly pretty, the intention of the villagers to retain as much of the antiquity as they can, must be appreciated.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmZkBqID0ooRpBTwRmvCwrTfdkelqeZ-OGxcVxWLt_oyeI9uHfVJ62YCb020IkM9jiRDyLybIH7dJb58hAno9GLlCeulFcsUVpjyxp20w1c1kfqmIsr1Lsxmmfqlz13X80Jz313MThoY/s1600/IMG_20200117_123156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmZkBqID0ooRpBTwRmvCwrTfdkelqeZ-OGxcVxWLt_oyeI9uHfVJ62YCb020IkM9jiRDyLybIH7dJb58hAno9GLlCeulFcsUVpjyxp20w1c1kfqmIsr1Lsxmmfqlz13X80Jz313MThoY/s400/IMG_20200117_123156.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repairs in progress currently at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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The temple has over 80 acres of land, all being cultivated by individuals who do not give anything in return to the temple. However, the youth had been able to garner the support of the villagers in collecting funds to first clear the temple and its shrines of garbage and spruce up the pillars and the main vimana (now looks like a gopuram in Brahadeswara temple style). The deities - Garuda and Hanuman have been removed from their broken down shrines and placed in the sanctum along with Varadaraja Swamy and his consorts.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vimanam being redone without removing the stucco idols therein</td></tr>
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The main deity Varadaraja Swamy, belonging to the 12th century CE had originally been covered with lime plaster and painted. So were his consorts and dwarapalakas. However, now the lime plaster which was already peeling off, has been scrapped out completely. The idols are dry and pale, due to lack of attention. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varadaraja Perumal, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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There is a very beautiful Hanuman of probably the 14th or 15th CE with one leg folded behind him, and the other leg bent forward. A small Garudalwar probably of the same period as the main deity is also found. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanuman at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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The Mahamandapa is in the unique Vavval Nethi mandapa style (shaped like a bat's forehead) - a unique form popularized by the chola architects. Very few temples have this form of architecture, which was specialised only by a few. During the renovation, the pillared portions of either sides of the Vavval Nethi Mandapam have been straightened out as there are no artisans currently available to recreate it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vavval Nethi Mandapam in Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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A gate has also been installed to ensure the safety of the deities. Going around the campus, one cannot but admire the magnificence of the laterite brick wall around it. Each laterite brick measures and weighs atleast twice as that of a regular brick.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Matapalli at the temple</td></tr>
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The villagers are determined to complete the kumbabhishegam of the temple this summer. All they need is to complete the flooring and repair the walls around, the cost of which has been estimated at around Rs.7,50,000. The villagers are sure if there were inscriptions in the temple, as many of them had only visited the temple for the first time, about three years ago. If they had been there, they are probably lost to time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sprawling campus of the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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They appeal to the benevolent public to support them with any historical or epigraphic evidence about the temple, that will help them in creating awareness and raising funds for the temple. Any uzhavarapani kuzhus that are willing and open to do uzhavaram in Perumal temples may please help in clearing the vegetation at the temple. I find it extremely disappointing that uzhavarapani, the noble act of clearing vegetation and sprucing up the temples is most often restricted to Shiva temples. With all due respect, I would urge these noble people to kindly go beyond these self-imposed restrictions and extend their services to deserving Perumal temples as well - after all, "Hariyum Sivanum Onru", isn't it?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The village volunteer team at Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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The youth of the village are eager and enthusiastic and with a little bit of support - in material, money, manpower and mentorship, they will be able to keep the temple up and running!! If you are one of those people who are desirous of empowering them to do this, please do get in touch with Mr Manikandan whose coordinates are given below.</div>
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Any help you can offer to this beautiful temple, is worth its weight in gold!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGhEruvwNjC9mWd_w4pgmsH36DUWTra1IUae-vk6sEx1pAmFiSrQ187xlFmyYUYyAgZtm7LtuiOsK7xe7tGLQvLn0y9yRE4ndscnME4XA0wl4_AM8_8NRzh8xO8AoDoTTuhFl1kIQL-s/s1600/IMG_20200117_125341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGhEruvwNjC9mWd_w4pgmsH36DUWTra1IUae-vk6sEx1pAmFiSrQ187xlFmyYUYyAgZtm7LtuiOsK7xe7tGLQvLn0y9yRE4ndscnME4XA0wl4_AM8_8NRzh8xO8AoDoTTuhFl1kIQL-s/s400/IMG_20200117_125341.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doorway at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Muthuservamadam</td></tr>
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<b> <span style="text-align: justify;">How to reach here:</span></b><br />
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Muthuservamadam is 3 kms from Gangaikondacholapuram and 5 kms from Meensurutty and Jayamkondam respectively.</div>
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<b>GPS Coordinates of the temple</b>: 11.222853, 79.462087</div>
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<b>Temple timings</b>: At the moment since the temple is under Balalayam, it can be visited at any time during the day, after giving prior intimation.</div>
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<b>Contact details</b>: Manikandan - +91 78710 02298</div>
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-3103146366623487092019-11-21T22:56:00.000+05:302019-11-21T22:56:44.907+05:30Chinna Mandali - The place where Nataraja Pathu was born<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the team of volunteers at Chinna Mandali</td></tr>
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Usually, articles in the Aalayam Kanden blogs describe an ancient/unique temple. But for the first time, here is an article on an entire village - Chinna Mandali! In fact, not just one, but two! So, you can well imagine the significance of this village.<br />
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Chinna Mandali is situated on the banks of the river Koovam. This predominantly agricultural village has been known as Sezhumanavai, Sirumanavai, Sirumanavur and Sirimavur during different times. The village has six temples in close vicinity to each another - Niranjeeswarar, Adhi Kesava Perumal, Ishta Siddhi Vinayakar, Aruramman, Selliamman, and Periyapalayathamman. The Nallathur Amman temple is found on the border between Chinna Mandali and the next village. Although the village and its temples enjoy very little external patronage, it is indeed a delight to find these temples extremely clean, well maintained and efficiently managed, the credit for which goes to the enthusiastic villagers.</div>
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<b><u>Niranjeeswarar Temple: </u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Niranjeeswarar Temple, Chinna Mandali</td></tr>
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This seems to be the oldest based on the antiquities still found in the temple. This temple had been in a dilapidated condition for a very long time and was renovated in the year 2000 CE. The main deity, Niranjeeswara is huge and is found with two mild impressions on the top portion. They say the moorthy is Swayambu. Goddess Maragathavalli is found in a seperate shrine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord Niranjeeswara (originally Kachaleeswara) of Chinna Mandali</td></tr>
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There are shrines for Ganesha, Dakshinamoorthy, Durgai, Chandikeswarar and Murugan, apart from Hanuman and the Naalvar found in alcoves. Mr Selvaraj Mudaliar, who had been instrumental in the renovation of this temple, was an ardent devotee of Ramalinga Adigalar, and hence, he too, features in an alcove. A Nataraja of recent times is found in a shrine covered by a rolling shutter, only to be opened on Arudhra Darishanam day. The temple has a huge temple tank, extending close to 3 acres, in need to repair and maintenance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The huge temple tank that is in need for restoration and maintenance</td></tr>
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On first look, the temple looks non-descript. However, some stones have been preserved from the older version of the temple and these have a story to tell. A Kotravai with a deer vahana, referred to as "Paai Kalai Paavai" in Sangam literature, is found on one of the stones. This Kotravai belonging to the 6th Century CE as estimated by the experts, is seen wearing a crown of flames and has weapons such as dagger, trident, spear and bow in crudely carved six arms, She is also seen holding a parrot in one of her arms. Her right forearm is placed on the hip and she is found in Samabhanga form. At her feet, is a soldier on the verse of performing Navakandam - a practice of cutting one's body in nine places, and offering the flesh to the Goddess and then finally cutting his head himself, so that his King is able to win in the war.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6th Century Kotravai in the Niranjeeswarar temple Chinna Mandali</td></tr>
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There is another stone plastered to the ground. This stone has sun and moon symbols on the outer side, depicting a grant made to the temple. The other side is too close to the wall and hence cannot be read. A Hero stone depicting a man with folded arms and his wife is seen next to this stone. An "Aazhikkal" with the Chanku - Chakra - Namam symbols depicting a grant made to a Vishnu temple is also seen. There are three stones that have been fused to form a stone bench. These stones have inscriptions in them as well. It is difficult to inteprete whether these stones originally belonged to the temple or were brought from other locations in the village. The villagers say that since this was a Telugu speaking area in the past, a number of Telugu inscriptions were found at the base of the temple, which have all been plastered in while raising the pathway at the time of renovation!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hero stone in Chinna Mandali Niranjeeswarar temple</td></tr>
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<b><u>Inscriptions in the Niranjeeswarar Temple:</u></b></div>
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Three inscriptions have been published in the Annual Report on Epigraphy 1944. </div>
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1. 170/1944 - This inscription found on the North and West walls of the erstwhile central shrine of the temple mentions the 5th Day of the Tamil month of Adi, in Virodhi year, refers to the diety as <b><u>Sirumanavur Kachalaai Eswara</u></b> and records a gift of land by Panchi Tiruvanada Nayaka, the amaram officer of Tupakula Krishnappa Nayaka. From this, we come to know that the deity had been earlier referred to as Kachaleeswara and is now called Niranjeeswara. </div>
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2. 171/1944 - This inscription from Saka year 1690 (1768 CE), Tamil Year Sarvadhari, 21st Day of the month of Chithirai, Friday, Throyadasi Thithi, Hastham star had been found on the east wall of the Vinayakar Mandapa in the old temple. Now there is no such mandapa and hence this inscription has become part of the slabs forming the stone bench. It states that the image of Ishta Siddhi Vinayaka was set up by Kandappan, son of Nagappa Mudali, who was the Muddirai Karta of Raghavanayan Muttu Veera Bhadra Nayaka of Tondaimandalam.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ishta Siddhi Vinayaka of Chinna Mandali</td></tr>
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This Ishta Siddhi Vinayaka is now found in a seperate temple. The Ishta Siddhi Vinayakar Temple also has a number of Telugu inscriptions in fragments, covered by a heavy coat of oil paint, making it impossible to decipher.</div>
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3. 172/1944 - A seperate slab inscription that had been set up on the east side of the temple, this refers again to the same Kandappa Mudali, son of Nagappa Mudali, who had set up a well for this temple. The villagers recall this large well quite vividly and they say it had been closed a few decades ago, as it had dried up. This inscription is also part of the stone bench now.</div>
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The Kachaleeswara temple, came to be known as the Niranjeeswara temple over the years, also had a beautiful bronze Nataraja. However, this seems to be have been stolen/removed from the temple, while it had remained dilapidated and unpatronised for several years. No one has any records or information when this actually happened, but when the temple was being renovated, they have made another Nataraja in its place.It is this Nataraja that motivated Sirumanavur Munisawmy Mudaliar to sing the Nataraja Paththu in praise of him. The Nataraja Paththu is a very popular hymn, set to a catchy tune that is recited by a large number of devotees of Lord Shiva, especially during Arudhra Darisanam.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sirumanavur Munisawmy Mudaliar, the author of Nataraja Paththu<br />(Photo Courtesy: Mr D Moorthi, Chinna Mandali)</td></tr>
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The phrase Eesane, Sivakami Nesane, Enaiyalum Thillai Natarajane is repeated at the end of each hymn making it easy to memorize. While some say the hymn had been inspired by the Nataraja of Thiruvalangadu, not far from here, others think it was the Nataraja at Nallur that had inspired Munisamy Mudaliar. The villagers are categoric in their opinion that Munisawmy Mudaliar had spent several years in his native village, especially in the shrines of Niranjeeswara and Aruramma, and therefore, the Nataraja Paththu had indeed been born here. During Arudhra Darisanam, hundreds of devotees throng the Niranjeeswara Temple to sing the Nataraja Paththu and worship Lord Nataraja. Munisawmy Mudaliar had also sung the Aruramman Thothiram in praise of the powerful Aruramma in this village.</div>
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Listen to the Nataraja Patthu by clicking on the play button<br />
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To know in detail about the super talented polymath Sirumanavur Munisawmy Mudaliar, please clink the<a href="https://thresholdsofhistory.blogspot.com/2019/11/sirumanavur-munisawmy-mudaliar.html"> link</a> to access the article I wrote in my other blog, Thresholds of History.</div>
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<b><u>Aruramma Temple </u></b></div>
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Among the three female deities of Chinna Mandali, Aruramma is the most patronized. The bust of Aruramma is found in stone in the sanctum with a larger idol of the goddess made of lime mortar (sudhai) for the devotees to worship from a distance, . The Aruramma Jathra is a very famous and popular festival in Chinna Mandali. Celebrated during the months of May - June (during the fourteen hottest days of the year known as Kaththiri) the festival aims to please the Goddess so that the heat comes down, there is no outbreak of epidemic and the rains begin for the next agricultural season.<br />
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Watch the Aruramma Jathra by clicking the play button above</div>
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Courtesy: You Tube and Captain TV</div>
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The first eight days (starting and ending with Sundays) of the Jathra are dedicated to Goddess Aruramma. On the first day, the whole village comes together to offer Pongal to the deity and the tying of "Kaapu" - a sacred thread denotes the commencement of the festival period. During these days, a Karagam decorated as Aruramma is carried out through the village. This deity is placed under a neem tree and is worshipped for the entire duration of the festival. On the eighth day, a unique ritual is carried out at 6 pm in the evening. Men and women roll coconuts on the ground around the temple. Every time they roll the coconut, they fall on the ground to prostrate. They then get up, collect their coconut, roll it again and continue the process until they have gone round the temple.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aruramman Chinna Mandali</td></tr>
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Women complete their offerings in neem sarees while men smear turmeric paste on their torsos, wear garlands across their chest, and sport big bindis on their foreheads and cheeks. They line up for yet another unique ritual called " Pakka Vaar Kuthuthal" (piercing their sides with a needle). A priest pierces the skin under the ribs on the sides, with a needle and thread and this is said to relieve people from physical and mental ailments. There are cultural programmes, and singing through the night and the next morning, the makeshift amman is carried in a procession through the village and left at the end of the village.</div>
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<b><u>Selliamman Temple</u></b><br />
Selliamman temples are often Sapthamathrika shrines found near water bodies. However, in Chinna Mandali, Selliamman is found as a single deity and the Nallathuramman temple at the end of the village, is where we find sapthamatrikas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess Selliamman</td></tr>
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A day after the Aruramma Jathra ends, the Selliamman Jathra commences. The deity from Nallathuramman temple is brought to the Selliamman temple and is placed within the sanctum. The Selliamman is then brought outside under the Neem tree and the Kalyana Utsavam is performed. The whole of that night, puffed rice is sprinkled on the deity. On the Wednesday, in the afternoon, Selliamman is taken on a procession to the "Padayal Seer" ritual. During this ritual, the villagers offer various produce from their fields to the Goddess. Plates of fruits, vegetables, different types of variety rice are all offered by the devotees as Seer. That night, Selliamman is placed in the Aruramma temple, where cultural programmes are conducted. The next morning, Selliamman returns to her temples and Nallathuramman goes back.<br />
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The village also has a Adhikesava Perumal Temple next to the Ishta Siddhi Vinayakar Temple as well as a Periyapalayathamman temple, to cater to the needs of those families for whom Bhavaniamman of Periyapalayam is the family deity. Despite being away from the tourist map, with very little patronage from outside, the villagers take utmost care in ensuring the temples are clean, well-maintained and all festivals are carried out in a proper manner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adhikesava Perumal in Chinna Mandali with Thayar and Andal as Dwarapalikas</td></tr>
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The temples are in need of both financial and non-financial support. The financial support would go a long way in maintaining the temples in the village, while the villagers are also looking for volunteers who can help them in gathering more information about the village.<br />
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To send your donations, please use the bank information below:<br />
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Account Name: A/M Maragathavalli Sametha Shri Niranjeeswarar Trust<br />
Bank: Indian Overseas Bank<br />
Branch: Perambakkam<br />
IFSC Code: IOBA0003438<br />
Account Number 343801000006728<br />
Pan No AAGTA4842C<br />
Email niranjeeswarartrust@gmail.com<br />
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If you wish to contribute in kind, please get in touch with Mr Moorthi in the number mentioned below. Om Namah Shivaya!<br />
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<b>How to get here</b>: While proceeding from Chennai, turn right after Saveetha University at Empee Distilleries. On the Arakkonam - Perambakkam - Thakkolam highway , proceed through Irulanjeri and Sahayathottam - Don Bosco college of Agriculture to reach Chinna Mandali.<br />
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<b>Timing</b>: The priest at the Niranjeeswarar temple is available only between 4.30 to 6 pm. At other times, the deities may still be worshipped through support from the villagers.<br />
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<b>Contact Person:</b> Mr D Moorthi 99659 36221, 70947 91520, 93610 52748<br />
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-15942446947341395672019-10-03T22:57:00.000+05:302019-10-03T22:57:07.063+05:30The Twin Devis of Srirangapatna <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The River Cauvery</td></tr>
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The island of Srirangapatna lies about 18 kilometres from Mahisuru (Mysore), the land of Mahishasura, the demon who had been killed by Goddess Chamundeswari after a battle that lasted nine nights that are celebrated as Navarathri around the world. The tenth day is commemorated as Vijaya Dasami, symbolising the victory of good over evil.<br />
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According to mythology, Lord Vishnu manifested at Srirangapatna as Sri Ranganatha to fulfill the prayers of River Cauvery and revealed himself to Sage Gauthama who consecrated him with Cauvery sitting by his feet. This shrine came to be known as Adiranga. Further down the course of the river, Ranganathaswamy has been consecrated at Shivanasamudra popularly known as Madhya Ranga and Srirangam known as Antyaranga. While the Ranganathaswamy temple (Seringapatam as known during the British times) is the largest and most popular in Srirangapatna, the temples of Nimishamba and Kshanambika draw a huge number of devotees.<br />
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Nimishamba Devi:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Nimishamba Temple, Srirangapatna</td></tr>
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Srirangapatna had been divided into Pette (the industrial area) and Kotte (fort area). Pette area is now known as Ganjam and the Nimishamba Devi temple is found on the banks of the river Cauvery.<br />
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King Muktharaja of the Soma Vamsha Aryakshatriya ruler was well respected and loved by his subjects as he was fair, pious and people-centric. He was an ardent devotee of Devi Parvathi. An asura named Janusumandala was envious of Muktharaja and took upon himself to disturb him and his people in every possible way. The harassed citizens appealed to King Muktharaja to save them from Janusumandala.<br />
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The King tried all possible ways to get rid of Janusumandala, but was not successful. This made the asura increase the frequency of his attacks which caused havoc to people and property. The frustrated king appealed to Goddess Parvathi to help him put an end to the demon. He performed a yagna to seek the intervention of the Devi. Goddess Parvathy appeared before Janusumandala in a minute. She closed her eyes and opened them and the Asura was reduced to ashes. King Muktharaja was relieved and the people rejoiced. Because the Goddess appeared to the rescue of her ardent devotee in a minute, she came to be known as Nimishamba Devi.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The temple of Nimishamba Devi</td></tr>
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The Goddess installed a linga on the banks of the river Kaveri and worshipped him to overcome the dosha of killing Janusumandala. This deity came to be known as Mouthikeswara.<br />
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The temple of Nimishamba Devi has been fully modernised. It is usually very crowded and on weekends it can take over an hour to worship her. She is found in a seated posture, with a powerful Sri Chakra Yantra installed before her. Temples following the Sri Vidhya school of tantric worship have the Sri Chakra Yantram which is a mystic representation of the Devi through nine interlocked triangles with a central Bindu. Chanting the relevant mantras before the Srichakra is said to help devotees achieve their rightful prayers in a minute.<br />
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Goddess Nimishamba is found underneath a Dharma Chakra which serves as her umbrella. Her upper hands hold the Trishul and Damaru and the lower hands are seen in Abhaya and Varada Hasta. Mouthikeswara and Lord Lakshmi Narayana are found in adjacent shrines. Devotees firmly believe their prayers get answered quite immediately on worshipping Goddess Nimishamba and throng the temple in large numbers especially during Nimishamba Jayanthi which is celebrated on Vaikashi Shuddha Dasami each year and during Navaratri and Full moon days. The version of the temple as it exists now is said to have been renovated by Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar in the early 18th Century and then subsequently modernised.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_pBp810slseDNveJ48sUjU_mwqznW0V3_l73AHO-ChhwjlvMvvKUPaqnRTohGJbAij6PqtuFNV_3Y_Q3MQ_9VbSEzFV_Pl8audcm66j4AQHElVMD7FH0aBTuUW6uB2hFvozOZyAf14g/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_pBp810slseDNveJ48sUjU_mwqznW0V3_l73AHO-ChhwjlvMvvKUPaqnRTohGJbAij6PqtuFNV_3Y_Q3MQ_9VbSEzFV_Pl8audcm66j4AQHElVMD7FH0aBTuUW6uB2hFvozOZyAf14g/s400/IMG_4758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rustic beauty of Nimishamba Temple</td></tr>
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Devotees offer lemons to the deity which are placed on the Sri Chakra and then returned to the devotee. Consuming the lemon or letting it into running water as advised by the priest based on the type of prayer, is said to be very beneficial. The temple is open continuously from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm at night and on special days it opens as early as 4.30 am.<br />
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Kshanambika Devi<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsGKVbrp7-0FpwZG6ruSGtIPPFrUYP6FHKahOT2Zxy3wWEd7QgyVr3XoF3Qqb1qcdKbKpJN5RUv4jQZuHEL2tdGfUryCvlm_3x7YKPlu2sK7ojqlfMTEd2jD02JkGetd2RyLiKxc19qE/s1600/IMG_20171008_090734762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsGKVbrp7-0FpwZG6ruSGtIPPFrUYP6FHKahOT2Zxy3wWEd7QgyVr3XoF3Qqb1qcdKbKpJN5RUv4jQZuHEL2tdGfUryCvlm_3x7YKPlu2sK7ojqlfMTEd2jD02JkGetd2RyLiKxc19qE/s400/IMG_20171008_090734762.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The temple of Kshanambika Devi</td></tr>
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The Kshanambika Shrine, found within the Jothi Maheswara temple is relatively smaller and lesser known when compared to the Nimishamba temple. It is found inside the fort area quite close to the main entrance.<br />
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The Goddess is known as Kshanambika as she grants the desires of the devotees instantly (within seconds). Kshanambika Devi is found in a sanctum sanctorum, with a Sri Chakra Yantra installed in front of her and is also called Srichakra Vedanayaki Ammanavaru. Apart from the mystic design of the Sri Yantram the stone also has mantras inscribed on it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlJab5viPy1N_y77me4Zf6p56NY_mvQEDOfFs17hhIM2V34vQZ8TPkwhx-caW8BtJRt55Xf9PvFglelb8SShDysVrTGrQLKwpKTOejdRDIk9R5TeDMzHnIXAN5d7kG5DvZKs2pahSCbM/s1600/IMG-20171008-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlJab5viPy1N_y77me4Zf6p56NY_mvQEDOfFs17hhIM2V34vQZ8TPkwhx-caW8BtJRt55Xf9PvFglelb8SShDysVrTGrQLKwpKTOejdRDIk9R5TeDMzHnIXAN5d7kG5DvZKs2pahSCbM/s400/IMG-20171008-WA0003.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Chakra Vedanayaki Kshanambika Devi </td></tr>
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According to the priest at the temple, devotees who are desirous of having their wishes fulfilled, circumambulate around the temple while focussing on their prayers and wishes and if the desires are genuine, then they are granted quite instantly. He says in case of delayed marriage proposals, several devotees have found a positive response or connection even before leaving the temple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA30nmpmCX5sLdEzhZccGtLZLN6f8a-0s85ury5vjHWO-Uf60EKPpjK6U2sHOZcV3mP9Dfh3beuTzThQ8Ed5skWGhKPJ6XM7tYimIzUnFADa0OuMCF_JaczI1jDj0o10QJlC4zC7X83I/s1600/IMG_20171008_092357092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA30nmpmCX5sLdEzhZccGtLZLN6f8a-0s85ury5vjHWO-Uf60EKPpjK6U2sHOZcV3mP9Dfh3beuTzThQ8Ed5skWGhKPJ6XM7tYimIzUnFADa0OuMCF_JaczI1jDj0o10QJlC4zC7X83I/s400/IMG_20171008_092357092.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Srichakram with inscription</td></tr>
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The temple also has a seperate shrine for Lord Jothi Maheswara as well as for Sangameswara swamy and Jagajyoti Basaveswara, the founder of the Veera Shaiva Lingayat tradition. His vachanas have been inscribed on the walls of the temple, that has been originally built in Hoysala style.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdCtLh1t8EZvzWAgByDo09J3Z3-EV50irvJh6m36twVHAnjyQ7zLZ6WoNvhk3hKlFj1_cYr7fMizJLLM2Tx8NmOrZMvwgqdWWKRpl083pP5iSUmTlL3ZwfL8JRwjMQP6MhsKH4lju9IM/s1600/IMG_20171008_090926308_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdCtLh1t8EZvzWAgByDo09J3Z3-EV50irvJh6m36twVHAnjyQ7zLZ6WoNvhk3hKlFj1_cYr7fMizJLLM2Tx8NmOrZMvwgqdWWKRpl083pP5iSUmTlL3ZwfL8JRwjMQP6MhsKH4lju9IM/s400/IMG_20171008_090926308_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basaveswara Shrine</td></tr>
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A lot of people having realised the significance of the Kshanambika temple have started visiting here and the patronage is slowly picking up. The temple is still in need of resources and contributions are welcome. It is open between 8.30 to 11.30 am and 5.30 to 8 pm.<br />
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So, how quickly do you want your prayers answered?</div>
Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0Srirangapatna, Karnataka, India12.4237094 76.68286039999998112.3926944 76.642519899999982 12.4547244 76.723200899999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-37140336218574796112019-01-20T15:46:00.000+05:302019-01-20T15:47:56.042+05:30Arutperumjothi - A journey through the life of Ramalinga Vallalar!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Arutprakasa Ramalinga Vallalar</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Thai Poosam - the day when Poosam star falls on a full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai, is not only celebrated by the followers of Lord Muruga </span></span>across the world, but it is also a day when several thousand people gather in the small town of Vadalur, near Chidambaram, to watch the Jothi Darisanam - the stripping of the seven veils to display the Arulperum Jothi - the Supreme Light of Compassion. This practice was started by Saint Ramalinga Vallalar in 1872 and continues to this day, attracting several thousand people from across the globe.</div>
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Saint Ramalinga Swamigal, also known as Arulprakasa Vallalar, lit this eternal lamp, to symbolise a religion beyond religions, a path where everyone who practised Jeeva Karunyam (compassion towards all living beings) was welcome into. This path he called the "Samarasa Sudha Sanmarga Sathya Sangam" and the Sathya Gnana Sabai where this event happens, is the demonstration of all that he practised and preached. The Jothi Darisanam on every Poosam day, culminating in the ultimate Darisanam when all seven veils are removed to show the vision of the Supreme Light is something every devotee and believer of Ramalinga Swamigal looks forward to.</div>
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<b><u>Birth and early Life</u></b></div>
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Saint Ramalinga Swamigal was born as Chidambara Ramalingam, on 5 October 1823, the fifth child of Ramayya Pillai and his sixth wife Chinnammai, in Marudhur near Chidambaram. The house where he was born has been converted into a memorial. One has to climb down a few steps to reach the house though, as the level of the road has gone up considerably over time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house where Ramalinga Vallalar was born</td></tr>
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<b><u>First experience with Light</u></b></div>
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When he was five months old, Ramalingam was taken to the Chidambaram temple by his parents, and when the light of the Harathi was brought near him, the boy clapped his hands and laughed, a sign to show that he was indeed a realised soul even at that tender age. At the age of two, Ramalingam lost his father, and his mother took him to stay with his oldest brother Sabapathy in a house in Veerasamy Street, in Sevel Wells area of Madras.(Chennai). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house where Ramalinga Vallalar lived in Veerasamy Street, Seven Wells, Chennai</td></tr>
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<u><b>Chennai Life and seeing Lord Muruga in a mirror</b></u></div>
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As a young boy, Ramalingam was hardly interested in studies. Instead, he would spend hours in the Kanda Kottam Murugan temple or the Siva temple in Tiruvottriyur. Sabapathy, wanting to discipline his brother, asked his wife Pappathi Ammal not to give him any food. However, the kind lady made sure she fed him, without her husband's knowledge. She also gave him a room on the first floor of the house where he could study without disturbance. </div>
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Young Ramalingam asked for a mirror and a lamp and would spend all his time, in meditating on the light reflecting in the mirror. It was in the mirror that he received the first vision of Lord Muruga. One night, when he came back late from the temple, he slept on the verandah without any food as he did not want to wake anyone. Goddess Vadivudai amman of Tiruvottriyur appeared before him in the form of his sister-in-law, and fed him. The first five Thirumurais of the Tiruvarutpa were sung while at this house. The Tamil Nadu Government has converted this house into a memorial.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room where Ramalinga Vallalar received a vision of Lord Muruga</td></tr>
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Ramalingam had to once substitute for his brother and delivered a discourse on the Periya Puranam. The audience and his brother were stunned at the depth of his knowledge and wisdom in delivering the same in a simple, understandable manner. Ramalingam stayed in this house from 1825-1858. It was here that he was forced to marry his sister's daughter, Dhanammal, even though he had no desire for a material life.</div>
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<b><u>Lighting lamps with water</u></b></div>
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In 1858, he wanted to move away from Chennai, and travel to Chidambaram. He met a person called Venkata Reddiar, who invited him to stay in his house in Karunguzhi. He stayed here for a total period of nine year from 1858 - 1867. It was here that his poems were slowly turning from singing about deities to singing about the one Supreme Light that was religionless, formless, and all encompassing. He was compassionate about all living beings, and felt sad even when he saw dried crops. Which is why the songs he composed came to be known as Thiru Arutpa.</div>
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One night, when he was writing, the lamps dimmed due to lack of oil. Ramalinga Vallalar filled the lamps with water, and they continued to burn through the night, enabling him to complete his writing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room in which Ramalinga Vallalar light lamps with water in Karunguzhi</td></tr>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Apart from this, he has also created a drinking water source in this village for both lifestock and people and till date, this water source remains perennial, feeding thousands of lives.</span></span></div>
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It was here that he started the Samarasa Vedha Sanmarga Sangam in 1865. In 1872 it was renamed as Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga Sathya Sangam - a society for pure truth in universal selfhood. </div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><b><u>Establishment of Sathya Dharma Salai</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Ramalinga Vallalar, as he came to be called, did not want any living being to suffer from hunger. He advised humans to refrain from taking non-vegetarian food, which involved killing of other living beings, and instead encouraged them to feed vegetarian food to those who were hungry and needy. On 23rd of May, 1867, he started the Sathya Dharma Salai, a facility to feed people throughout the day, in Vadalur. The stove that was lit by him in 1867, continues to burn till date, feeding hundreds of people on a daily basis.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anaiya Aduppu - the stove lit by Ramalinga Vallalar continuing to feed people to this day</td></tr>
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<b><u>Construction of Sathya Gnana Sabhai</u></b></div>
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Sathya Gnana Sabhai or the Hall of Wisdom was constructed by Ramalinga Vallalar in 1871. It was inaugurated in January 1872. This octagonal shaped building has the Sathya Gnana Deepam, the Supreme Light, as lit by Vallalar, which is covered by seven veils that represent the various factors that prevent a human from realising the light within him. The whole building is bound by chains made of 21,600 links to depict the number of inhalations a human takes during the day. It is astonishing to see the chains do not have any joints in them, which shows they were put together by Ramalinga Vallalar using his yogic powers.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My colleague Mr Ganapathi holding up the chains for us to see<br />
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On Poosam day every month, the veils are lifted to show the light within. A total of seven veils are said to cover one's soul - namely, the very dark first veil of Maya Shakthi, the bright blue second veil of Kriya Sakthi, the all Green third veil of Parasakthi, the flamboyant red fourth veil of Iccha Sakthi, the golden yellow fifth veil of Gnana Sakthi, the milky white sixth veil of Aadhi Sakthi and the mixed colour seventh veil of Chit Sakthi. When these veils are shed one by one, the soul is able to experience the supreme Light within. </div>
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On Thai poosam day, all the veils are lifted, whereas on all other poosams, only the first six veils are lifted. The veil lifting happens three times starting from 7 pm in the evening and several thousands of people gather in the open air outside the main shrine, to witness this.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witnessing Jothi Darisanam at the Sathya Gnana Sabai Vadalur</td></tr>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><b><u>Siddhi Valagam and Disappearance</u></b></span></span></div>
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Ramalinga Vallalar moved from Karunguzhi to Mettukuppam, a village about 6 kms from Vadalur to a one room tenement which is now called the Siddhi Valagam. Here he lit the Sathya Gnana Deepam, and meditated upon it for four years. He then placed it outside his room, and asked all his devotees to consider it to be the most Supreme light, and meditate upon it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sathya Gnana Deepam at Siddhi Valagam</td></tr>
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He also launched the Sanmarga Flag which is yellow on top and white at the bottom on the 7th day of Aipasi (October 22, 1873), the practice of which is continued every year, at 8 am .</div>
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On January 30, 1874, Ramalinga Vallalar, entered his room and before locking it, told his followers not to open it and even if they did, they would not find anything. Hearing about Saint Ramalingam not coming out of his locked room for days, the British authorities forced open the doors in the month of May 1874, only to find that he had disappeared with his mortal body. This has been documented in the South Arcot District Gazette, by the British.</div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Saint Ramalingam wrote close to 6000 poems which have been compiled into the Thiruvarutpa with ten volumes. He practised and preached vegetarianism, feeding the poor and needy, a religion beyond religions where the true supreme power was light.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><b><u>Acknowledgements</u></b>: I would like to thank my colleague, Mr S Ganapathy, for facilitating a visit to the important sites associated with the life of Sri Ramalinga Vallalar. </span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Since most of the events happen in the evening, the quality of pictures is poor and I apologise for the same.</span></span></div>
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-66239852389400331442019-01-12T23:29:00.000+05:302019-01-14T17:19:17.418+05:30Varkala Janardhanaswamy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps leading to the Varkala Janardhanaswamy Temple</td></tr>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Varkala is a beautiful town on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It comprises of unique Cenozoic Sedimentary formation cliffs in the otherwise flat coast of Kerala, and is a notified geological monument. The cliffs overlooking the spotlessly clean beach attract thousands of tourists across the world each year. </span></span>Equally significant is the number of pilgrims who visit the unique and ancient Janardhanaswamy temple here.<br />
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Janardhana refers to one who destroys birth and provides salvation or mukthi. There are very few temples in India, where Lord Vishnu is called Janardhana and these places are significant for mukthi and pitru pariharam ie. for performing rites for ancestors, and praying for salvation. Varkala Kshetram is also known as Dakshina Kasi.</div>
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<u style="text-align: left;">Legends of the temple:</u></div>
<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The temple of Janardhanaswamy has a number of legends associated with it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><u>Brahma's Yagna</u></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Once Lord Brahma came to earth, to perform a yagna. He chose a calm and serene location by the sea, which is the current day Varkala. He got so engrossed in the Yagna that he forgot the duty of creation. The worried Devas requested Lord Vishnu to intervene. Vishnu came to the Yagna site as a very old Brahmin. The brahmins who were assisting Brahma in the yagna, received the old man and offered him food. He started eating all the food that had been prepared effortlessly.</span><br />
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Suspecting the old man was no ordinary person, the brahmins alerted Brahma. When Brahma saw him, he knew it was Vishnu. At that moment, he was taking water in his hand and with the word aabhojanam was about to do aachamanam (the process of cleansing oneself after food, by shaping the palm like the ear of a cow, and drinking water from it thrice). Brahma stopped him mid-way , saying if he consumed the water, the whole world would be drowned in a deluge.</div>
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Lord Vishnu asked him to finish the yagna and resume his role of creation and Brahma obliged after seeking a vision of his Vishwaroopa. He requested Vishnu to stay in the place forever as Janardhana and give mukthi to those who worshipped him. The Devas built a temple here for Janardhana with his right arm in the process of performing aachamanam and the place came to be known as Janardhanapuram.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another glimpse inside the Janardhanaswamy Temple, Varkala</td></tr>
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<u>Narada and the Navaprajapathis</u><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">One day, Narada walked towards the earth signing songs in praise of Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu followed him unobtrusively. Lord Brahma crossed their path, accompanied by the Navaprajapathis. On seeing Vishnu, he bowed towards him. The Navaprajapathis who could only see Narada, thought Brahma was saluting his own son, and made fun of him. Lord Brahma told them what had actually happened. </span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The Navaprajapathis ashamed of their impertinence, asked Narada for the right place to do penance to be rid of this sin. Narada threw his valkalam (upper garment made of deer skin) and it landed in the spot where Sri Vishnu resided as Janarthana. The place came to be known as Valkala, now morphed to Varkala. </span></span>The Navaprajapathis requested Vishnu to create a theertham there by bathing in which people would be rid of all their sins.Vishnu released the Sudharshana Chakra to create a theertham to the North of where Janardhana resided. This theertham is called the Chakra theertham and is about 240 feet wide. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful maiden in the Janardhanaswamy temple, Varkala</td></tr>
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<u>Balarama and Janardhana</u><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">The legend further states that Balarama, a manifestation of Adi Sesha, worshipped Janardhana here. Over time, the temple of Janardhana became dilapidated and was swallowed by the sea. The idol sank to the depths of the sea and remained there for centuries.</span><br />
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<u>Janardhana Recovered from the sea</u><br />
<span style="text-align: justify; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">A Pandya king was once haunted by spirits. Any intervention by his physicians and priests did not give him relief. So he set off on a pilgrimage. When he came to Varkala, he was very tired and decided to spend the night there. In his dream, he saw a dilapidated temple on the seashore. He also heard a voice that instructed him to go there the next morning, where he would </span></span><span style="text-align: justify;">find the idol of Janardhana in the place where a </span><span style="text-align: justify; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">huge amount of flowers would be floating on the water. </span></span><span style="text-align: justify;">Further, the voice instructed him to repair the damaged left hand of the idol with gold and install him on the cliff nearby. </span><span style="text-align: left;">The King did as suggested and worshipped Lord Janardhana. On doing this, the King was cured of the spirits that haunted him and went back happily.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Janardhana Swamy at Varkala (Photo Courtesy: Our Heritage Vaishnavam)</td></tr>
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<u>Temple Inscriptions</u><br />
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<li>The temple as we see it now was built in the 13th century. According to a Tamil inscription in Vattezhuthu, found on the South base of the central shrine of Sri Janardhana Swamy, King Vira Padmanaba Marthanda Varma Thiruvadi (1240-1252 CE), of the Venad Dynasty, converted the temple of the Bhattaraka of Varkalai Udhayamarthandapuram to stone from Adhistanam to Uthiram, He further had the Sri Vimana covered with copper sheets, renewed the Mukha Mandapa and consecreated the temple on Karkataka Rasi, Wednesday, 21st day of the Rishabha Month, in the Kollam Year 425 (1252CE), (2/1084,T.A.S Vol 4, Pg 151)</li>
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<li>Another inscription found on the North base of the mandapa in front of the Janardhanaswamy shrine, containing a Sanskrit verse, written in Grantha characters. This inscription has been intepreted in depth by Prof. Kielhorn in Epigraphia Indica Volume 4. It says King Goda Marthanda, had the god Hari, bathed by Brahmins around mid-day on Thursday 11th May, in the Kollam Year 655 (1480 CE). The inscription mentions Varkala as Vayka. (Prof Kielhorn is of the impression that it could also be referring to Vaikkom).</li>
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<li>An inscription in the East Prakara, belonging to Raja Ravi Kulasekara Perumal, of Attingal Swarupam, who performed Hiranyagarbha and Tulabhara in Tiruvananthapuram, speaks about repairs executed to the temple in Kollam year 700 (1525 CE).</li>
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<li>There is a bell found in the southern side of the temple installed in the year 1757 CE. A Dutch ship that was passing by Varkala, who suddenly stop and not move despite the wind being in favour of the ship. All attempts made by the crew to move the ship proved futile. At that time, the captain Michael Everard was advised to pray to Janardhanaswamy and he did with all sincerity. Soon the ship started to move. In gratitude, he came back to Varkala to install this bell, in which his name is inscribed.</li>
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<li>An inscription on the East and North base of the Dwajasthamba, belonging to King Rama Varma (Kollam Year 1071- 1896 CE) mentions that the flagmast was set up by the King on Thursday, the 4th day of the Makara month, when Sun was in Mrigasirsha.</li>
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<u>The temple as it exists today</u></div>
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The Janardhanaswamy temple is situated on top of the cliff in Varkala. One has to climb around 70 steps to reach the temple. There are two entrances to the relatively small temple built as per Dravidian architecture. It overlooks the Papanasam beach, named so because the curse of the Navaprajapathis was removed here.</div>
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Words fail one while attempting to describe the beauty of Janardhana Swamy. The sanctum has been placed in such a way that one cannot see the face of the Lord standing straight, unless they get close to the sanctum. On entering, one has to bend down to glance at his divya mangala swaroopam. With the conch and discus in his top hands, and a mace on his left hand, he is seen as if performing achamanam. They say the palm of the right hand is always wet, and the arm has been moving up over time.</div>
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It is believed that the world will be submerged in a deluge, when the hand reaches up to Janardhanaswamy's mouth and he completes the aachamanam. They match up the folded arm, with an attachment on the left side, and decorate Lord Janardhanaswamy as Venugopalaswamy, Narasimha or Mohini. Apart from the main deity, there are shrines for Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Naga Devatha. There is also an Ayyappan temple nearby. </div>
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Vedi Vazhipadu - worshipping with firecrackers is a common practice here, and there are people available, to facilitate this worship for a price. A large number of people come here to perform the annual rites of their ancestors, as it is believed that if the rites are performed here, they would attain mukthi. There is a huge peepal tree, with hundreds of cradles hanging from it. These have been tied by devotees who are desirous of begetting a child.</div>
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The Arattu festival that happens in the Malayalam month of Meenam is a ten day extravaganza where thousands of people from across the world participate. The festival starts with Kodiyettu on Karthigai day (flag hoisting) and ends with Arattu on Uthiram day, when there is a grand procession and cultural performances through the ten days.</div>
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Dress Code: Men have to take off their shirts while entering the temple. Traditional wear is recommended for women.</div>
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How to get here: Varkala is about 45 kilometres from Trivandrum on the Trivandrum - Kollam road. It is about three kilometres from the Varkala railway station and the nearest airport is Trivandrum.</div>
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Temple Timings: 5.30 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm</div>
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Contact details : 0470 2607575</div>
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Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Mr Suresh Uthaman, Varkala for his assistance with pictures for this article. </div>
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-34650696652980766472019-01-05T22:34:00.001+05:302019-01-06T08:22:29.976+05:30Palatrangarai Veera Anjaneya Swamy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hanuman, Anjaneyar, Anjana Maindhan, Vayuputra, Bajrang Bali, Mukhya Prana Devaru, and Siriya Thiruvadi - Many names, one diety! The embodiment of devotion, loyalty, valour, strength and super power!<br />
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For many years, I had heard about this temple where Hanuman sleeps between two rocks in the middle of Palar river. However, attempts made to visit did not fructify easily. Maybe He wanted to test my patience and intent. Finally, made it a few months ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvMG7oAkMXa9SRfv1atzL5YdIU03UF6QuhEixA46EUx0Sg-kj8u_tjG78sKtJtfeVgiQBB3rmpCn8YMGVZaghUvCPxt1zT4rLlPhNIp8NkkpJ3QhIXDKy7S4w0jwJ06IW_PD4HLJeD-s/s1600/IMG_20180810_114812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvMG7oAkMXa9SRfv1atzL5YdIU03UF6QuhEixA46EUx0Sg-kj8u_tjG78sKtJtfeVgiQBB3rmpCn8YMGVZaghUvCPxt1zT4rLlPhNIp8NkkpJ3QhIXDKy7S4w0jwJ06IW_PD4HLJeD-s/s400/IMG_20180810_114812.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picturesque settings of the Palatrangarai Anjaneya Swamy Temple</td></tr>
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The temple is located in extremely picturesque settings on the banks of the Palar river on the foothills of the Govinda and Thadakachi Hills in Pollachi district of Tamil Nadu. There is an arch on the main road that leads to the Aliyar Dam, guiding visitors to the temple. The sound of flowing water on either side of the access calms one's senses and prepares them for worship. One can see joyous children and families squealing with laughter and jumping about in the crystal clear waters that lap around their ankles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEd9dVSi-kFHps3XNKDo0IFRklGCiEM-SUzgSzdB5gRwgM6LMNz76qPiVdpr4WU-COJbhtxy-QSYR3kxR0aH1Z8890gZhVbadQI628c5H_lGovPEFLhRM1XsBQcu60aES7iyuv5S4cew/s1600/2018-08-10-12-36-52-545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="958" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEd9dVSi-kFHps3XNKDo0IFRklGCiEM-SUzgSzdB5gRwgM6LMNz76qPiVdpr4WU-COJbhtxy-QSYR3kxR0aH1Z8890gZhVbadQI628c5H_lGovPEFLhRM1XsBQcu60aES7iyuv5S4cew/s400/2018-08-10-12-36-52-545.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rustic settings with a mild drizzle around the temple</td></tr>
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<u>Legend</u><br />
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The legend of this temple mentions that while Hanuman was carrying the Sanjeevi Parvatha to the war site in Sri Lanka, he stopped by here to rest. When he saw water between two rocks, he bent down to look at it, in order to refresh himself. His reflection stayed as an impression on the rock below. Water continued to flow over the rock over several hundred years and when it finally started to recede, the impression was discovered. There is also another version of the legend which mentions that this was one of the 729 Hanumans created by Saint Vyasaraja, the Raja Guru of the Vijayanagara Empire and the previous avatara of Sri Raghavendraswamy. Saint Vyasaraja, had the ability to draw the form of Hanuman on a rock using his Angarakatti, which would then turn into a 2D carving. </div>
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A temple has been built over the Swayambu Hanuman about 500 - 600 years ago. Today it is a modern temple, maintained very well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizhv2Fu_z9DLLygEf8rzBcA_QQbyL-FwEsRW8RBYd2c5bacy0dXLm5ujQWlXZbs37pc7avzRexuTyBkc4QEbgBaCe-LnDn7Ui4XjDqXJU1kPSKGuQHobVT20Gw_AjrxB7nf9vwUdc-h4/s1600/IMG_20180810_115239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizhv2Fu_z9DLLygEf8rzBcA_QQbyL-FwEsRW8RBYd2c5bacy0dXLm5ujQWlXZbs37pc7avzRexuTyBkc4QEbgBaCe-LnDn7Ui4XjDqXJU1kPSKGuQHobVT20Gw_AjrxB7nf9vwUdc-h4/s400/IMG_20180810_115239.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Hanumans in the Sanctum Sanctorum</td></tr>
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Since the image of the Swayambu Hanuman is on the floor of the sanctum and hence not visible clearly to the devotees, another Hanuman has been installed over him. The stone for making this standing Veera Hanuman has been brought from Marunthuvazh Malai, on the Southern most tip of the Western Ghats in Kanyakumari district. Marunthuvazh Malai is believed to be a portion of the Sanjeevi Parvatha, that broke off while Hanuman carried it to revive Lakshmana during the war with Ravana's forces. Even today Marunthuvazh Malai, has a huge number of unique herbal plants and creepers with medicinal capacities, capable of curing several ailments. The stone brought from Marunthuvazh Malai also has the ingrained healing capacities and therefore, it is not only blessed to have been carried by Sri Hanuman himself, but is also generating relief to those who seek him to be relieved of their illnesses.<br />
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The standing Veera Hanuman is seen with Abhaya hastha. the other arm on his hip, and holding a mace. His tail is found in a loop over his head. His face faces the direction of Lanka, says the priest.<br />
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Normally, Hanuman would be seen as a sub-deity in a Vaishnavaite shrine. But here, since the whole temple was built over his manifested form, he is the main deity. Water from the Palar still seeps around the swayambu Anjaneya swamy within the sanctum. Having two Hanumans, one over another in the sanctum, enhances the divinity of the sanctified space and people say that prayers of marriage, child birth and most importantly, good health, debt relief and fear of enemies are definitely answered. Devotees offer three garlands to Anjaneya while praying to him - namely, Tulasi, Betel Leaf and Vada. Once their prayers are answered, they offer special abhishekams, beaten rice with jaggery (Vella Aval) and smear the deity with butter (Vennai Kappu).<br />
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Apart from the main deity, there are seperate shrines for Yoga Narasimha, Chakrathazhwar and Vinayaka with two faces. Usually one would find Rama in Hanuman's temple. However, here only his feet have been installed.<br />
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Hanumad Jayanthi, Aadi and Thai Amavasya and Saturdays are special days at the temple. Yet another significant feature here is the annadhanam. Meals are served every day from 12.30 pm and one has to experience the lovely hospitality and tasty food. We were invited to partake of the food, as though we were guests to the house. The food was simple, extremely tasty and served with such love and devotion.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramar Padham</td></tr>
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So if you happen to me around Anaimalai, Top Slip or Pollachi, do swing by to this surreal little temple that is guaranteed to bring solace to the soul !<br />
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<u>How to get here:</u><br />
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Palattrangarai is situated on the road to Aliyar Dam, not very far from the Masaniamman Temple. It is also on the way to Samathur Palace and Top Slip. Regular bus services are available from Pollachi upto the arch and one has to walk about a kilometre from the arch to reach the temple. Cars and two wheelers can ply close to the temple.<br />
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<u>Temple Timings:</u> 7 am to 6 pm<br />
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<u>Contact </u>: Archakar 98657 86001<br />
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-88124386360050786642018-11-12T23:25:00.000+05:302018-11-12T23:25:16.107+05:30Kathithamalai Kumaran<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathithamalai Vetri Velayudha Swamy Temple</td></tr>
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Kathithamalai, which is now referred to as Kaithamalai, is near Uthukuli in Tirupur District. The Vetri Velayudhaswamy temple, set amidst rustic and ethereal surroundings, attracts a huge crowd of devotees every year.<br />
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Mythology:<br />
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Once Sage Agasthya was visiting all Muruga temples in the Kongu region. He was accompanied by Sage Narada and the Devas. When they came to this place, Sage Agasthya was extremely thirsty. There was no water to be found anywhere nearby. So, he prayed to Lord Muruga who appeared before him, and hit the ground with his spear (Vel). Immediately, water came gushing out from the pit formed when Muruga's spear hit the ground. Since it was an ootru (spring) which came forth from a Kuzhi (pit), the place came to be known as Utrukuzhi which slowly morphed into Uthukuli. </div>
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Sage Agasthya was very grateful to Lord Muruga for having appeared before him to quench his thirst. So he installed him in the same place in the form of a swayambu. This swayambu which looks like a small mound or lingam is in the sanctum sanctorum right next to the idol of Lord Muruga.</div>
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Temple:</div>
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The temple is found on a small hillock. There are steps to climb and vehicles also ply right upto the entrance of the temple. There is a beautiful five-tier Rajagopuram at the entrance and the temple is spotlessly clean and freshly painted. As we enter, we are welcomed by screeching peacocks which move from one mandapa to the other, unmindful of the crowd beneath.</div>
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In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Muruga is unusually found alone, without Valli and Devayanai, who are found together in a seperate shrine behind the temple. The legend again explains that both of them were desirous of marrying Lord Muruga and came here to worship him and since this was a pre-marriage shrine, they are found together behind the temple, but away from Lord Muruga. Therefore in this temple, Lord Muruga is found as an embodiment of Gnana, without Valli and Devayanai who are the Ichcha Sakthi and Kriya Sakthi.</div>
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Because of this, on every Tuesday, special abhishekams are performed to Lord Muruga at 5 am. Then from 6 am to 7 am, a special prayer comprising of 300 verses called Shatru Samhara Thrisathi is performed. Those desirous of obtaining success in their career, marriage, or education, or those who want to get rid of enemies, evil forces or competition, come here to perform the Thrisathi and find success in their lives. It is because of this that he is called Vetri Velayudha Swamy. The sthalavriksham of this temple is Vilvam.</div>
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Near the Valli Devayanai shrine, there is a frontier deity called Sukkumalaiyaan who is worshipped by devotees, by tying cradles on the Paalai tree (Blackboard Tree, also known as Saptparni), under which he sits.</div>
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Beneath the temple on the South, there is a samadhi of a saint Mayuranatha Siddhar which is popularly known as Subbarayar Kovil. There is a huge anthill inside this temple and it is believed that the anthill has developed over the samadhi of the siddhar. Till some time ago, the samadhi was open to public for worship. Currently there are three snakes that live within the anthill. They appear before the devotees periodically, but do not harm anyone.</div>
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Few months ago, someone set the anthill on fire accidently while lighting camphor, post which, the anthill is cordoned off. Devotees are also prohibited from pouring milk and eggs on the anthill. There is a seperate enclosure for making offerings, and for sacrificing hens.</div>
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Those suffering from Rahu, Kethu Dosham, come to the Subbarayar temple and worship him by offering milk and eggs to the snakes in the anthill. </div>
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While it is believed Arunagirinathar visited Kathithamalai and sang about Vetri Velayudhaswamy, no direct Thirupugazhs are attributable to this temple, at the moment. </div>
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While all festivals associated with Murugan are celebrated here with a lot of splendour, the most famous is the Thai Poosam. On the fourth day after Thai Poosam, devotees pull the decorated temple car around the hill. This is probably the only temple where the wooden car is pulled around a hill.</div>
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This temple features amongst the six Kongunattu Arupadai Veedu for Lord Muruga. It is considered to be a very powerful place for worship and hundreds of devotees throng here every day.</div>
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How to get here: Kaithamalai is 15 kilometers from Tirupur city on the Tirupur - Erode Road.</div>
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Temple Timings: 5.30 - 2 pm, 4-8 pm</div>
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Contact Details : 04294-262052</div>
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com2Kaithamalai Road, Tamil Nadu, India11.1756499 77.447370611.1600724 77.4272006 11.191227399999999 77.467540599999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-27212906895327764572018-08-26T22:39:00.000+05:302018-08-26T22:48:54.621+05:30Our lady of Glory Pulicat - the first Parish of Tamil Nadu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new church of Our Lady of Glory in Pulicat</td></tr>
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Last year, during Madras week, I had been on a heritage trip to Pulicat, organised by Aarde Foundation, led by architect Mr Xavier Benedict. Xavier and his team have done magnificent work in documenting the history and heritage of the city, where the Arabs, Portuguese and Dutch landed much before the British did and in a way, was the forerunner to the founding of the city of Madras.<br />
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As usual, this post, which should have been written months ago, got buried in my professional commitments along with 30,000 other images waiting to see the light of day.<br />
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The waters of Pazhaverkadu were deep enough for the ships of the Arabs, Portuguese and the Dutch to land and trade diamonds, pearls, textiles, herbs and spices. The world famous Palayacatta Lungies originated from Pulicat. The prawns and crabs, caught in the waters of Pulicat, till date are said to be among the tastiest.<br />
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One day, when a fisherman cast his net, all that he caught was a log of wood . Angered, he threw it right back into the waters, and went home disappointed. The next day, the same log was caught in his net. This time, the frustrated fisherman, threw the log into the shore, and cast his net again. He ended up catching a huge amount of fish, and went home happily.<br />
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A woodcutter, who saw the piece of wood on the shore, started cutting it for firewood. The moment his axe hit the log, blood splashed from it, and he lost his eye-sight. He was wandering about on the beach, weeping, unable to find his way home. His wife, finding that her husband did not return home that evening, went looking for him, and found him, weeping on the beach. On hearing what happened, she found the log. She prayed to it fervently, seeking apology for the unknowing act of her husband. She then collected the blood from the axe, and smeared it on the woodcutter's eyes. This restored his eyesight.<br />
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They returned home happily, carrying the log with them. They shared the incident with everyone in the fishing village. The villagers installed the holy log in a hut and started worshipping it. The next year, a Portuguese ship returning from Malacca reached Pulicat and on hearing from the villagers about the holy log, confirmed that it was the wooden idol of Mother Mary which they had lost in the cyclone on the shores of Pulicat when they started to Malacca.<br />
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It was the year 1515 CE and they helped the villagers install the wooden idol of Mother Mary in a small shrine, and called her Our Lady of Joy, due to the joy of rediscovering her after losing her in the storm.<br />
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Several miracles followed in the years to come. The Lady of Joy helped several people in distress. So her name and fame grew, and the shrine attracted more and more people to it. Because of this, the Dutch who came after the Portuguese, expanded the shrine and called Mother Mary, Our Lady of Glory, a name that refers to the church till date.<br />
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Although over time, even the British added architectural additions to the church, the original altar from the Portuguese time remains to date. The church is filled with paintings that depict the history of events and photographs of how the structure has changed over the years.<br />
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Sadly, all that remains of the old Portuguese structure is the altar and the house of the priest, that was built at the time the church was, by the Portuguese and redo by the Dutch subsequently. The original church has been pulled down in 2008, to give way to a new and larger building. The original church had been built like a cross with a central arch and praying hall and chambers on either side, It was of typically Gothic architecture style. Aarde Foundation has tried to recreate a model of the church that had been in existence and displays the image of a 3D regenerated model in its small museum.<br />
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The church also contains a copy of the decree by the Archbishop of Madras - Mylapore declaring it as the first Parish in Tamil Nadu.<br />
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Apart from this church, which still attracts several thousand people from across the world to it because of its glory and miracles, there is another church in Pulicat, the St.Antony's church in the North Eastern side of Kottaikuppam, which still retains its original Dutch architecture and a relic of St.Antony.<br />
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Although most of rich heritage of Pulicat has been lost to deliberate destruction and passage of time, it is important that we understand, appreciate and recognise the structures that are still left, before they too undergo transformation and change beyond recognition.<br />
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How to get here: Pulicat is about 60 kilometres north of Chennai. GPS coordinates (13.422564, 80.315257)<br />
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Contact Details : <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">044 2797 6460</span></div>
Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-35792827991468879782018-08-06T22:52:00.000+05:302018-08-06T22:54:02.448+05:30Chennaiyin Rameswaram!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UvVvmYs2Utvoa0z2YMZCTrNrraIMYXH-pOESlNrGljzfpsqKhYOu8JD3ZON7KpZTJjm3OuGZa94RlGZN_I_oWzdu7b12BRWB86zSPZa_hIRg2Xj3G55Z4I8MyPTos7Fb2EsO-mZzsYE/s1600/24-IMG_20180708_103649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UvVvmYs2Utvoa0z2YMZCTrNrraIMYXH-pOESlNrGljzfpsqKhYOu8JD3ZON7KpZTJjm3OuGZa94RlGZN_I_oWzdu7b12BRWB86zSPZa_hIRg2Xj3G55Z4I8MyPTos7Fb2EsO-mZzsYE/s400/24-IMG_20180708_103649.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple in Kuvattur</td></tr>
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Kuvattur - A name ringing in Tamil news channels a few months ago, is home to the quaint Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple. Set within the village on East Coast Road, the temple has eight wells representing the eight holy rivers of India. In the past, devotees bathed in these eight wells, similar to Rameswaram, and worshipped the gigantic Adhi Kesava Perumal to be rid of ancestral curses (Pitru Dosha).</div>
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<b>Legend :</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucI1a_z-TupufOI8QjoJ3bO2Ore0_UV2X69YgbkRw_Ro-u2RhZF7BCZ2XcaAIMC4QJp0VNVcMe6vUMuab8fCIt_dVrJ66YCPYcOh1XQ_7BowHRVXNMWjANx-T8QdPSKxUo7ZRbmA2SgU/s1600/07-IMG_20180708_094425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucI1a_z-TupufOI8QjoJ3bO2Ore0_UV2X69YgbkRw_Ro-u2RhZF7BCZ2XcaAIMC4QJp0VNVcMe6vUMuab8fCIt_dVrJ66YCPYcOh1XQ_7BowHRVXNMWjANx-T8QdPSKxUo7ZRbmA2SgU/s400/07-IMG_20180708_094425.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the wells representing a holy river inside the temple</td></tr>
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The eight holy rivers : Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Sarayu, Godavari, Narmada, Thungabadra, Kaveri were upset that they were becoming more and more unclean due to washing the sins of those who bathe in them. They approached Lord Brahma and asked for a remedy. He in turn asked them to go to Bhoolokha and meet Sage Vedagosha, who would give them a solution.<br />
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The rivers thanked Lord Brahma and came down to Bhoolokha in search of Sage Vedagosha. They found him in a forest worshipping Lord Adhi Kesava Perumal. They bowed before him and explained their predicament.<br />
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Sage Vedagosha listened to them. He asked them to stay there and pray to Lord Adhikesava Perumal in whatever way they wished, with steadfastedness and devotion, whereby they would be rid of their burden. The women started performing different tasks for the worship of Lord Adhikesava Perumal. Ganga gave water for abhishekam, Yamuna helped grow flowers for worship, Sarayu grew fruits and vegetables for offering, Saraswathi, cleaned all the vessels and helped the Sage with the requirements for pooja, the Narmada and Godavari cleaned the ashram and decorated it with vines and creepers and made pretty patterns on the floor. Tungabadra and Kaveri sang beautiful hymns in praise of the Lord with devotion.<br />
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This went on for many months. The women were steadfast in their devotion. Their interest and passion did not come down as days passed by. They continued their worship with singleminded devotion. Pleased with their worship, the Lord Adhi Kesava Perumal appeared before them on a Panguni Uthiram day at sunset.<br />
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The eight women bowed before him, and sought a solution to their problem. The Lord promised to rid them of all the sins they had accumulated from sunrise to sunset every day, and by the time the sun rose again, they would be relieved of all the sins and be crystal clear again. The women thanked the Lord and the Veda Gosha Maharishi. As a token of gratitude, they promised to stay in the same location, in the form of eight wells, till the Sun and Moon rose. They also promised to grant anyone who bathed in all eight wells and worshipped Lord Adi Kesava, the benefits of bathing in these eight rivers.<br />
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The eight rivers then manifested in eight wells around the sanctum and Sage Narada and Budhan (Planet Mercury) who were witness to this incident worshipped Lord Adhi Kesava Perumal and built a Mayura Mani Mandapa around his sanctum. The place came to be called Kuvattur as Koopam or Koovam means well.<br />
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From then on, devotees started worshipping here to get the benefits of bathing in the eight holy rivers and being rid of all sins in their present and previous births. Similarly, since Budha had himself worshipped the Lord here, those with Budha Dosha in their horoscopes also worship here to be relieved of their dosha.<br />
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<b>Lord Hanuman's Dosha: </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKrD1iE-m5prfddv3KP34njofSlmMvF1xp-UyHZuy1vhElWm1LhDPCA0rQkxxSCSZsD9qEz7ZMjeayyuhqg9cLwjM1IWddtLJwIGOptF16Wq5jqgdszVN-UPhyphenhyphen3TUAoYe0aDSmmbZZ7Q/s1600/26-IMG_20180708_103722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKrD1iE-m5prfddv3KP34njofSlmMvF1xp-UyHZuy1vhElWm1LhDPCA0rQkxxSCSZsD9qEz7ZMjeayyuhqg9cLwjM1IWddtLJwIGOptF16Wq5jqgdszVN-UPhyphenhyphen3TUAoYe0aDSmmbZZ7Q/s400/26-IMG_20180708_103722.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanuman at Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple Kuvattur</td></tr>
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After the Ramayana War, Rama wanted to perform Shiva linga Puja to be rid of the Brahma Hathi Dosha that he had acquired by killing Ravana. He asked Hanuman to bring him a Shivalingam from Kashi. However, Hanuman was delayed and Sita, created a lingam out of sand for Rama to worship. When Hanuman returned, he saw that the lingam had already been installed and the prayers were complete. He was upset that Sita had not waited for him to arrive. Seeing his crestfallen face, Rama asked him to install the Lingam he had brought and worshipped that as well.</div>
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Hanuman was ashamed of his action. He also realised that he had cursed Sita who was equivalent to his mother. He wanted to be rid of the sin of cursing his mother. So he visited several temples but was not relieved of the pain and suffering in his heart. Finally he reached the Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple in Kuvattur. When he reached the temple and bathed in the eight wells and worshipped Lord Adhi Kesava Perumal, the Lord appeared before him and relieved him from the dosha of having cursed his mother. Hanuman, sought a boon, that anyone who had not taken care of their mother, or not performed service to them while alive, or thier rites after their death, can be relieved of the Matru Shapam by worshipping Lord Adhi Kesava Perumal here.</div>
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Similarly, when Yudhistra came to know that his mother had not revealed the fact that Karna was their brother, he uttered that no woman will be able to hold any secret to themselves. This angered other women who cursed Yudhistra for unnecessarily affecting their lives. Yudhistra came to Kuvattur to worship Adhi Kesava Perumal and be rid of the Sumangali Shapam he had acquired.</div>
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<b>The temple:</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adhi Kesava Perumal</td></tr>
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Although there are no inscriptions in this temple, the inscription recorded at the Angalamman temple near the Adhi Kesava Perumal temple, is from the time of Sadashivayyadeva Maharaya, son of Saluva Manga Udaiyar Devamaharaya of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. </div>
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The deities at the temple are also presumably of the Vijayanagara period. Hanuman is found in a seperate shrine across the road with the Sarayu theertham behind his shrine. The Deepasthambam of the temple was originally between the two temples, but with the development of roads into the village, the deepasthambam has been brought into the Adhikesava perumal temple. The seven wells are around the temple. Gopu Bhattar, the archakar at the temple says that the wells are full during the rainy season, but during the summer months, only one of them has water which is used for abhishekam and aradhanam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8ppJYivm7mNlXBMAF-L0mXZixZB1oBuyahnbG6Brw2HOMYDbP51vLy-rFjz-tUzUXClKvk5x3E3EDS_HGfWVNdLwC1TQL5gqYhXDrY2_peQQjbnK9vwviyycHstRuGNGIshxPfjEZKM/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8ppJYivm7mNlXBMAF-L0mXZixZB1oBuyahnbG6Brw2HOMYDbP51vLy-rFjz-tUzUXClKvk5x3E3EDS_HGfWVNdLwC1TQL5gqYhXDrY2_peQQjbnK9vwviyycHstRuGNGIshxPfjEZKM/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Sudharshana, albeit being small, is a delight to watch. With a smile around the corner of his lips and sixteen arms holding multiple weapons, he is so endearing. The Narasimha behind him, is no less in beauty. Seated on the Naga, with Chakras in all four arms, he is ever waiting for the devotee to grant his genuine wishes.</div>
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Lord Adhikesava Perumal looks gigantic and majestic. His dwarapalakas, and Garuda are equally beautiful. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mmlDlVXTDOul4-QwNwEuC0656uAh109t7LgMj8mYecc_fRzHUR-Qx4LM7vYT6IcSjZtFsWWsVxoI6bKQlQVMI8TnG2PLf5Dq5nz18Ch87YOe3vfUnvC7_mbhX6aiPGfaNgdK7T4sLkU/s1600/09-IMG_20180708_094523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mmlDlVXTDOul4-QwNwEuC0656uAh109t7LgMj8mYecc_fRzHUR-Qx4LM7vYT6IcSjZtFsWWsVxoI6bKQlQVMI8TnG2PLf5Dq5nz18Ch87YOe3vfUnvC7_mbhX6aiPGfaNgdK7T4sLkU/s400/09-IMG_20180708_094523.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Goddess Maragathavalli and Andal are founded in separate shrines.If you happen to cross the ECR, do stop by to worship the majestic Adhi Kesava Perumal and witness the eight holy rivers in the form of wells.<br />
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<b>How to get here</b>: Koovathur is about 80 kms from Chennai and 14 kms from Kalpakkam on the East Coast Road (GPS coordinates: 12.443852, 80.106224)<br />
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<b>Temple Timings</b>: The temple is open through the day for the benefit of devotees. The bhattar lives right next to the temple and facilitates with pooja until 7 pm.<br />
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<b>Contact Details</b>: Gopu Bhattar 9790846554</div>
Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-80497830392614949952018-07-01T23:56:00.000+05:302018-07-01T23:56:51.131+05:30Dakshina Bhadrachalam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakshina Bhadrachalam Sri Kothandarama Temple, West Mambalam</td></tr>
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Vankayala Kuppaiah Chetty was restless. His health was failing and he could not comprehend why. Especially that night, he felt as if he was swinging between life and death. It was as if a load was placed over his chest, making it extremely difficult to breathe. "Rama, why am I going through such an ordeal?" he asked his favourite deity. </div>
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For years, he had spent hours in the divine company of Lord Pattabhirama, whom he felt was the guiding source of his life. The Lord was in a small, dilapidating shrine. But his glory, grace and presence were in no way small. </div>
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Adi Narayana Dasa, a descendant of Kancherla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhadrachalam Ramadasu, had installed Lord Rama in a small shrine in Mambalam village in the 19th century. The deity was similar to that of Bhadrachalam. Lord Rama in a pattabhisheka kolam, with Sita Devi on his lap, Lakshmana holding an umbrella to the divine couple, and Hanuman holding Rama's foot. He stayed nearby and worshipped Lord Rama with devotion. Every year, he celebrated Rama Navami, with great pomp and glory. Over the years, the small temple popularly called Dakshina Bhadrachalam, became dilapidated, desperately needing repairs and renovation. However, the grace of the Lord, continued to draw ardent devotees such as Vankayala Kuppaiah Chetty.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kothandaramar Temple, West Mambalam</td></tr>
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By now, Kuppaiah Chetty was sweating profusely. He called out to his wife, Andalamma to bring him some water. However, the liquid did not go beyond his throat. It was as if his body was on fire. His wife gently fanned him, as he slipped into semi-consciousness. It was then, that the room was filled with a bright, dazzling light. Kuppaiah Chetty felt he was being transported from his body to stand up straight and peer into the divine light. Lord Rama, his divine companion,stood before him as Kothandarama. His compassionate gaze enveloped Kuppaiah Chetty who burst into tears. He was able to see that he was being slow poisoned by his relatives, who were desirous of usurping the vast properties of the childless couple. The divine gaze seemed to penetrate into the body of Kuppaiah Chetty and remove all the toxins that the poison had created. Just as the light entered the room, it reduced into a spot and disappeared. Kuppaiah Chetty was now breathing normally, and slipped into deep sleep.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A painting depicting how Lord Pattibhirama and Kothandarama are found in the sanctum</td></tr>
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Next morning, when he woke, he was feeling fit as a fiddle. It was as if all his ailments over the past few months had disappeared into dewdrops in the sun. He recalled how the Lord had revealed what happened and cured him of his ailment. He ran to the temple to offer thanks to Lord Pattabhirama. As he entered the temple, he saw Denuvagupta Venkatrangayya Haridasar, the manager of the temple sitting with a worried expression. But Kuppaiah Chetty was more eager to seethe Lord and thank him for his mercy. After worshipping him, he came out of the shrine. Now, he was able to see Haridasar better. The worry in his face, drew him towards him. Haridasar started sharing his worry - he had Rs.5000 in hand - Rs.1000 from sale of old things at the temple, and Rs.4000 from donations. But that was hardly enough to renovate the beautiful, yet languishing temple. </div>
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Kuppaiah Chetty knew why the Lord had given him a rebirth. His mission was to renovate the beautiful temple built by Adi Narayana Dasa as Dakshina Bhadrachalam. The mission began on that day in 1926 and within a year, the temple was renovated beautifully. He added another Moolavar, Sri Kothandaramar, as he had appeared before him, as well as Lord Ranganatha, who has installed by the side of the sanctum. After that, the temple came to be known as Kothandaramar temple.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A house in the Mambalam Agraharam</td></tr>
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Today, the temple stands in pristine condition in what was originally the agraharam of Mambalam village, remainders of which can still be found around the temple. The house in which Adi Narayana Dasa lived and performed Rama Navami, Harikatha and Bhajans, still stands close to the temple, and the urchava murthis worshipped by him are being worshipped till date.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanumad Theertham</td></tr>
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The temple tank known as Hanumad Theertham was installed in January 1909 by Tummala Penta Narayana Chetty and his wife Kamakshamma. An inscription to that effect is found on the banks of the tank, with a beautiful Sanskrit verse written in Telugu which mentions the creation of a water body as the holiest among dhaanams (grants). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inscription at the Hanumad Theertham</td></tr>
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The main deity Pattabhirama as well as the Kothandarama installed by Vankayala Kuppaiah Chetty, are flanked on either side by Sri Ranganatha and Sri Yoga Narasimha. So in one row, one gets to worship the Lord in Kidanthan, Ninran and Irundhan postures.</div>
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The goddess Ranganayaki Thaayar and Andal are found in seperate shrines. Across the courtyard, facing Sri Rama is Sanjeevi Parvatha Anjaneya Swamy. A very unique Hanuman with the Sanjeevi Parvatha in his right hand, and his left hand showing Abhaya Hastha, he stands facing North (Kubera Moolai). Devotees throng his shrine to worship him and have their genuine prayers answered.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanjeevi Parvatha Hanuman (Photo Courtesy: Sri Kothandaramar Temple)</td></tr>
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The vasantha mandapam has also been renovated where the Vasanthotsavam happens every year. An inscription describing the temple as Dakshina Bhadrachalam is found in the Vasantha Mandapam.</div>
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The Mahamandapam pillars have images of both Vankayala Kuppaiah Chetty and his wife Andalamma. Peepal tree is the Sthala Vriksham of the temple and the poojas are carried out as per the Vaikhanasa Agama. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shri Vankayala Kuppaiah Chetty </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwG0SopOcT4miXtyhRsaQ8PQyiHs-ir-0uRwRy_LgqLu6HjJ2ShZkrNGKEdH_8c4Nna3qcXMQgWZu8DM1kDqlE7ITvh8YasRrbIBsjpjBzsgW6c0rCImD31n-1ILWlGt2gH0u03tu5TI/s1600/10-IMG_4276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1247" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwG0SopOcT4miXtyhRsaQ8PQyiHs-ir-0uRwRy_LgqLu6HjJ2ShZkrNGKEdH_8c4Nna3qcXMQgWZu8DM1kDqlE7ITvh8YasRrbIBsjpjBzsgW6c0rCImD31n-1ILWlGt2gH0u03tu5TI/s320/10-IMG_4276.JPG" width="246" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Andalamma</span><br /></div>
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Every month, is a festival month at this temple. Brahmotsavam is celebrated with great glory for ten days in the tamil month of Chithirai, followed by the Vasanthotsavam in Vaikasi, Jyeshtabhishekam and Garuda Sevai in Aani, Gajendra Moksham in Aadi - this is a must watch, when the entire Gajendra Moksham episode is recreated for the benefit of the devotees, Aadi pooram and Andal Kalyanam are also conducted in this month, Krishna Jayanthi in Aavani, Pavithrotsavam in Purattasi, Ten days Manavala Mamunigal Saatrumarai in Aipasi, Karthigai deepam in Karthigai, Vaikunta Ekadesi and Hanumad Jayanthi in Margazhi, Theppothsavam and Laksha Dheepam in Thai, Masi Magam Garuda Sevai, and Sri Rama Navami and Panguni Uthiram Thirukalyanam in Panguni are the main festivals apart from numerous other events.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhHwDWcrmHyAsmTH5xatnenRXeUTGBywd4o16AFFot2ju4X1qn9YI_vkYDmT5U2GYXdW9k_pYlKraj9CL8ubpyicweyWsUI8xm15qcOJYzI9susBUtE8CP2yudjF7XHE-_K2wt4M-U5w/s1600/22-IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhHwDWcrmHyAsmTH5xatnenRXeUTGBywd4o16AFFot2ju4X1qn9YI_vkYDmT5U2GYXdW9k_pYlKraj9CL8ubpyicweyWsUI8xm15qcOJYzI9susBUtE8CP2yudjF7XHE-_K2wt4M-U5w/s400/22-IMG_2748.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>How to reach here:</b> The temple is very close to the Madley Road Subway and the Mambalam Bus stand as well as railway station.</div>
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<b>Temple timings:</b> 7-10.30 am in the morning, 5-8.30 pm in the evening.</div>
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918517392635880669.post-75774073287753415292018-06-04T00:06:00.000+05:302018-06-04T17:50:54.443+05:30Thiruvananthapuram of Tamil Nadu!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Aavarani Anantha Narayana Temple</td></tr>
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Thousands throng the temple of Lord Ananthapadmanabha Swamy, at Thiruvananthapuram, despite strict security and dress regulations to worship the 18 feet Lord, reclining on a five headed Anantha (Adhisesha) witnessed through three entrances, whereby his Thirumukam (face), Thiruvudal (Body) and Thirupadam (feet) are visible.</div>
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Come to lesser known Aavarani, in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, where Lord Vishnu is seen as Anantha Narayana, also known as Aabharanadhari, his gigantic 21 feet form reclining on a seven- headed Anantha. This Lord, even larger than Ananthapadmanabhaswamy can also only be viewed through three entrances through which his Thirumukham, Nabhi (navel with Brahma rising from it) and Thirupaadham are visible. The only difference here, is that this temple is relatively unknown and one can spend minutes or even hours before the Lord, without any disruption.</div>
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<b>Legend </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX0O-gbEk3zR7d-pLFq2kvdYdcUb4hqesSi6ZIJ08kCRqU16QyX_6QOyY4NDwOegkNca_QeCu6Kotlcl05C4x_9oXmXGO-QUAXU2s5pMqLeexsaLhgh9cDN3zYz5haIpLvLIWjztPcCk/s1600/10-IMG_4043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX0O-gbEk3zR7d-pLFq2kvdYdcUb4hqesSi6ZIJ08kCRqU16QyX_6QOyY4NDwOegkNca_QeCu6Kotlcl05C4x_9oXmXGO-QUAXU2s5pMqLeexsaLhgh9cDN3zYz5haIpLvLIWjztPcCk/s400/10-IMG_4043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lord Aabharanadhari reclining on the seven hooded Adisesha</td></tr>
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The village Aavarani, was originally named Aabharanadhari after the Lord. It is an extension of Thirukkannangudi, one of the 108 Divya Desams. It is believed that Lord Rama on his return to Ayodhya from Sri Lanka, passed through here and on the request of Brigu Maharishi and Veda Vyasa rested here in the form of Mahavishnu. </div>
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The legend of this temple is associated with the life and times of Thirumangai Alwar. According to the Sthala Puranam, the Alwar, desirous of raising resources for the Srirangam temple, came to Nagapattinam to steal the Golden idol of Buddha at the Vihara . He collected some banana stems from a place called Vazhakarai, stole the Golden idol, hid it among the banana stems during the day, and travelled over night towards Srirangam. The place where he hid the statue during day has come to be known as Porulvaithacheri (now called Poravacheri near Sikkal). He then visited Aavarani and worshipped the gigantic Ananthanarayana Perumal. Seeing the huge Lord, he adorned his body with Tulsi garlands which are said to have turned into different jewels. He then called him "Aabharanadhari Narayana". Because of this, the place came to be known as Aabharanadhari. </div>
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From here, he went to the Thirukannangudi Damodhara Narayana Perumal temple and worshipped the Ninraan and Irundhaan (Veetrirundha Perumal) forms of the Lord. In his mangalasasanam of the Thirukkanangudi temple, the stanza beginning with "Vangama munneer", according to Vaishnavaite scholars, describes the Ananthanarayana Perumal of Aavarani who is reclined on the Anantha ("sangamaarangai thadamalarundhi samameniyen") and hence it is inferred that this sthalam must have been part of the Thirukkannangudi Divya desam originally. Government records also mention Aavarani village as Thirukkannangudi Agaram which reemphasises the fact that Aavarani was a Brahmadeyam (tax free land provided to Brahmin scholars) of Thirukkanangudi.</div>
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<b>The Lord</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca5912by49mNTFeMwVDnFgL9CO9qhP90A8_nIzmW5RZBTJslFJV4j1-MSBtN_LKXBJiNpfiU0Cnq9s8c8x1zBUJDuVqhC5D0ZPivEOIeT1LDVJ7aSGprR_hDVsI54dFgYKWuPOVYc3mo/s1600/New+Doc+2018-06-03_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca5912by49mNTFeMwVDnFgL9CO9qhP90A8_nIzmW5RZBTJslFJV4j1-MSBtN_LKXBJiNpfiU0Cnq9s8c8x1zBUJDuVqhC5D0ZPivEOIeT1LDVJ7aSGprR_hDVsI54dFgYKWuPOVYc3mo/s400/New+Doc+2018-06-03_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord Ananthanarayana at Aavarani</td></tr>
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The gigantic form of Lord Ananthanarayana Perumal completely fills the sanctum. Reclining on seven hooded Adisesha, with a Marakkal (measuring utensil) as headrest, his head is placed in the Southern direction and feet towards North. He has a right hand supporting his head, and a left hand extended upto his knee. He wears a number of ornaments on his body true to the name of Aabharanadhari. On his head, he wears a crown, kundalams in his ears, katakas on his arms, a beautiful Nalankilar Haram on his broad chest, sacred thread, and anklets on his feet. Brahma raising from his navel, and Sridevi and Bhudevi found by his side, are also wearing ornaments. Apart from them, Sage Bhrigu and Veda Vyasa are found at the head and foot of the Lord respectively as he gave vision to them at this site. </div>
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<b>Other Deities</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6-145R3u5lCSuv7w6wdwAAkRZZ8vRWPGU-6xIRr0IovYs2XY3MSoe1X5ctN9C70IIc_rc4Ab0lubF62A1cTkR5UCNFRiKm0rHFoNQfu3KWZQoLuQtl7cmn-DWDAVKTRFkPJtvEUqBsc/s1600/05-IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1262" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6-145R3u5lCSuv7w6wdwAAkRZZ8vRWPGU-6xIRr0IovYs2XY3MSoe1X5ctN9C70IIc_rc4Ab0lubF62A1cTkR5UCNFRiKm0rHFoNQfu3KWZQoLuQtl7cmn-DWDAVKTRFkPJtvEUqBsc/s400/05-IMG_4038.JPG" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess Alankaravalli</td></tr>
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On entering the temple, one can see the Pakshiraja Garudalwar facing the Lord. He is seen with snakes as ornaments on his body. He is flanked by a beautiful Hanuman, known as Padma Hanuman. Goddess Alankaravalli is found in a separate shrine . The temple well is very special as the water is said to be extremely sweet. The temple tank is called Ananthapushkarani and bathing here and chanting Achutha, Anantha, Govindha thrice, rids one of all problems and turns them towards liberation.</div>
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<b>Inscriptions:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_H5PzgfVS6aww64u1hOWGE43Af5FcU3iUtrxMYuQBycZi9qQDabsVdcKbo-Id_ti8OFI7QI9GuFQGsjnefMNqCKbjYnR97ozopBdCFpUK4luV_9WlzFg4Oybyt7WQZb5AhDESEwu3uQU/s1600/08-IMG_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_H5PzgfVS6aww64u1hOWGE43Af5FcU3iUtrxMYuQBycZi9qQDabsVdcKbo-Id_ti8OFI7QI9GuFQGsjnefMNqCKbjYnR97ozopBdCFpUK4luV_9WlzFg4Oybyt7WQZb5AhDESEwu3uQU/s400/08-IMG_4041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful well at the Aavarani Temple</td></tr>
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A total of eleven inscriptions have been read at this temple. Out of which nine are from the Chola period, one from the Pandya period and another from the Vijayanagara Period. The oldest among them is from the time of Raja Raja Chola II from 1150 AD. This inscription calls Aavarani as Aabharanadari Chaturvedimangalam. The inscription also mentions a Siva temple known as Thiruvirameswaram which probably existed in Aavarani.</div>
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There are six inscriptions belonging to the period of Kulothunga Chola III, and one of Jatavarman Kulasekhara Pandyan. A 1474 AD inscription of Thippayya Devamaharaya refers to the village as Aabharanadhari yaana Uttaranandapuram and the Lord as Pallikonda Perumal.</div>
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The rest of the inscriptions talk about temples nearby. One of the inscriptions refer to Simmavishnu Chaturvedimangalam and a deity called Parvatheeswara mudaiyar and about grants given to the temple. This inscription also mentions the villagers of Ranajaya Chaturvedi mangalam giving grants to Parvatheeswara mudaiyar. This probably was another temple near Aavarani. Another inscription mentions Chitralekha Perumpalli which probably was a Buddha Vihara nearby. There have been exchange of land between the Parvatheeswara mudaiyar temple and the Chitralekha Perumpalli.</div>
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<b>Other significance:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRdtMB9Bcm8mvwrEXXX9UWuTQXL9sJekpVObJThGFOnXf-iHR4VEfLi4Kaec3vF7ITfO9Krc1ZZ8ltQLvTHotG-2UWOH1TdI3niqBZ56Cs6tTofsqLLMiD-tk1sw516LzuiXoBf0Ikhk/s1600/03-IMG_4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRdtMB9Bcm8mvwrEXXX9UWuTQXL9sJekpVObJThGFOnXf-iHR4VEfLi4Kaec3vF7ITfO9Krc1ZZ8ltQLvTHotG-2UWOH1TdI3niqBZ56Cs6tTofsqLLMiD-tk1sw516LzuiXoBf0Ikhk/s400/03-IMG_4036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Padma Anjaneya at the Aavarani Temple</td></tr>
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This temple is one of the Pancha Narayana Kshetrams referred to in the Garuda Puranam as Pancha Badra. The others being the Damodara Narayana Perumal in Thirukannangudi, Yadava Narayana Perumal in Keevalur, Deva Narayana Perumal in Devur and Varada Narayana Perumal in North Alandhur.</div>
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<b>How to reach here:</b><br />
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This temple is found on the Nagapattinam - Thiruvarur route, about four kilometres from the famous Sikkal Murugan temple. GPS Coordinates : (10.74561792, 79.77533913)<br />
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<b>Contact: </b>S Kumar Bhattar - 97885 17247<br />
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<b>Temple Timings:</b> 9-11 am, 5-7 pm<br />
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Updated on 04 June 2018:<br />
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Inspired by the Lord Anantha Narayana, Poet Diwakara Tanujaha (Mr Sudharshanam) has composed a beautiful verse on him which he has also rendered as an audio file for our listening pleasure:<br />
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ஆவரணி ஆபரணம்<br />
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(எண்சீர் விருத்தம் – விளம் காய் மும்முறை இரட்டித்தது)<br />
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இடதுகை நீளவல(து) எழுதலை வாங்கக்கைக்<br />
...கடகமும் குண்டலமும் கால்களில் தண்டையுமாய்ப்<br />
படியணைந் தாவரணி படுத்துளான் பார்க்கிலனே!<br />
...பணிலமா ரம்பொலிதோள் பொன்முகம் ஒருவாசல்<br />
படைமல ரன்முகிழ்கொப் பூழ்நலங் கிளராரம்<br />
...பாதுகம் இருவாசல் முப்படக் கிடக்குமணி<br />
நெடுவடி மூவேழாய் நீண்டநல் ஆபரணம்<br />
...நிறைமலர் நகையாக்கி நெகிழ்ந்தவன் காணாமோ?<br />
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(கடகம் – கையில் கட்டும் கங்கணம்; படி – தானியங்களை அளக்கும் மரக்கால்; பணிலம் – சங்கு; ஆரம் – சக்கரம்; படைமலரன் – படைக்கும், மலரில் இருக்கும் பிரமன்; கொப்பூழ் – தொப்புள்; நலங்கிளர் ஆரம் – பெருமான் அணிந்திருக்கும் நலங்கிளர் எனப்படும் ஆரம்; பாதுகம் – கால்கள்; நிறைமலர் – நிறைந்த மலர், இங்கு துளசி இதழ்)<br />
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பொருள்:<br />
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இடது கையை நீட்டி வைத்து, வலது கையை, உயர்த்திய தலைக்கு முட்டுக் கொடுத்து, கையில் கங்கணமும், காதில் குண்டலமும், கால்களில் தண்டையும் அணிந்துகொண்டு, தானியங்கள் அளக்கும் படியைத் தலைக்கு அணை கொடுத்து, ஆவரணி என்னும் ஊரில் படுத்துக் கொண்டிருப்பவனை நான் இன்னும் பார்க்கவில்லையே!<br />
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சங்கும் சக்கரமும் தாங்கிய பொலிகின்ற தோளும், பொன்போல் ஒளிர்கின்ற திருமுகமும் ஒரு வாசல் வழியே, நாம் காணுமாறும், நலங்கிளர் என்னும் ஆரத்தைத் தாங்கும் மார்பையும், படைக்கும் தொழிலைச் செய்கின்ற பிரமன் முளைத்த நாபியையும் நமக்கு இன்னொரு வாசலில் காட்டியபடியும், மூன்றால் வாசலில் தனது பாதங்களைக் காட்டியும், முப்பகுதியாகக் கிடக்கும் மணி அவன்;<br />
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நிறைவு பெற்ற மலரான துளசியை, தனக்கு இட்டவரின் பக்தியில் நெகிழ்ந்தவனாய், நீண்ட உருவமாய், இருபத்தொரு அடி நீளத்தில், ஆபரணமாகவே விளங்குகின்ற அவனை நாம் காண வேண்டாமா?<br />
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(திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் இட்ட துளசி மாலை, அவனுக்கு மணிகளாக மாறி அலங்க்கரித்ததால், அவனை ஆபரணதாரி என்றே அழைக்கிறார்கள். மேல் விவரங்களுக்கு வலைப்பூவைப் படிக்கவும்.)<br />
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/aalayam-kanden/aavarani-aabharanadhari">Audio Link to the verse</a><br />
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Padmapriya TShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424226163748454537noreply@blogger.com0