Navagraha Kshetram !! Thiru Irumpoolai/Alangudi Thiru Apathsahayeswarar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thiru Irumpoolai/Alangudi/Navagraha Keshtram/Pancharanya Kshetram/Guru Peedam/Parivara Kshetram is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in  Thiruvanur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.  This is one prominent temples of Lord Dakshinamurthi famously known as Gurusthalam.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of self-manifested Linga.

Presiding deity – Thiru Apath Sahayeswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Yelavarkuzhali Ammai

 

Mangalasasanam – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Sundarar

 

Sthalavruksham – Punnai

 

Theertham –There are 15 holy theerthas surrounded by this temple.  Some of them are Cauvery Theertham, Kollidam river, Vennaru, Amrutha Pushkarani, Chakkra Theertham,

Sannidhis-  Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Lord Dakshinamurthi, Lord Surya, Sundarar, Sapthalingas, Lord Kasi Viswanathar & Visalakshi, Nalvar, Somaskandhar, Sage Agastya, Varadarajaperumal with Ubayanachiyars,

Festivals –Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Markazhi Utsavam, Panguni Uthiram, Masi Makam, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Thiru Karthikai, Guru Peyarchi, Chitharai, Pournami, Thai Poosam,

Worshipped by – Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Suka, Sage Agastya, Sundarar, Emperor Muchukunda,

 

Thiru Sunaramurthi Nayanar received Panchakshara Manthra as Guru Upadesham from Lord Dakshinamurthi.

 

Significance:

Alangudi  is one of the nine Parivara Kshetram of Lord Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimaruthur widely known as Gurusthalam/ Lord Dakshinamurthi, others are Lord Ganesha at Thiruvalamchuzhi, Lord Subramanya at Swamimalai, Lord Nandikeshwara at Thiruvavaduthurai,  Navagrahas at Suryanarkovil, Lord Chandeswara at Thiruvaipadi, Lord Nataraja at Chidambaram, Lord Bhairava at Sheerkazhi and  Lord Somaskandhar at Thiruvanur. 

 

Alangudi/Thiru Irumpoolai/Punnaivanam  is one of the Pancharanya Kshetram was eulogized by the deities and the others are Thirukkarukavur/Mullaivanam, Avanivanallur/Pathiri Vanam, Aranthaiperumpazhi/Haridwaramangalam and Thirukkolamputhur/Vilvavanam.

The legend has that Emperor Muchukundha’ Minister Amuthokar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.  Emperor demanded for the pieties he had obtained through the virtuous deeds should be transferred to him.  Consequently, Emperor beheaded his Minister Amuthokar, instantaneously a mystifying echo pronounce the name of his minister on this sacred land.  The Emperor was baffled at this incident, regretted for the offense committed. He underwent severe austerities and worshipped Lord Apathsahayeswarar and eventually got rid of the sin.

This temple remains open from morning 6.30 AM to 1.00PM in the morning and 4.00 PM to 8.30PM in the evenings.

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Navagraha Kshetram !! Thirunallar Thiru Dharbaranyeswarar Temple !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

Thirunallar/Navagra Kshetram /Saptha Vidanga Kshetram/Darbaranyam/Nakavidangapuram/Nalechuram/  is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam located in between Arasilaru & Vanchanadhi in Karaikkal, Puducherry District, Tamil Nadu.  This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva built by the Kings of Chola Dynasty; it occupies huge acres of land famous for its stunning architectural and murals, also known as Navagra Kshetram famous for the worship of Lord Shaneeswara (Saturn).  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.

Presiding deity – Thiru Dharbaranyeswarar/Nallar with his consort Goddess Sri Pranambikai/Pokamarnthapoonmulaiyal

Vimanam - Gajabrushta Vimanam

Mangalasasanam – Thirunavukkarasar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Sundarar

There was a time the Kingdom of Pandya was under the evil influence of Jainism.  The King Koonpandya who was a firm follower of Jainism, thus the entire Kingdom was under the clutches of Jain principles of Philosophies.  Once, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar was invited to Madurai to be present at the debate with the Jains, in order to prove the superiority of Shaiva Sidhhantha.   In this huge dispute the Jains were made an effort to prove their superiority by hurling the palm leaves contains the principles and philosophies of Jainism to the blaze, instantly those were burnt into ashes.  Sambandhar tossed the scripts praising the glories of ‘Pokamarnthapoonmulaiyal’ (Presiding deity of Thirunallar) into the blaze, surprisingly the palm leaves remained untouched.   Thus, Sambandhar proved the grandeur of Shaiva Siddhantha and reinstated the faith of Lord Shiva in Madurai.

Worshipped by – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Indra, Ashtadikpalakas, Sage Agastya, Sage Pulastya, Arjuna, Emperor Nala,

Theertham – Nala Theertham, Brahma Theertham, Saraswathi Theertham

Sthalavruksham – Dharba,

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Lord Thyagaraja/Saptha Vidangar (Unmathha Nadanam) & Neelothpalambal, Lord Shaneeswara,  Pancha Bootha Lingas,  Goddess Gajalakshmi, Lord Chandikeshwara, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga, 63 Nayanmars, Linga worshipped by Emperor Nala, Saptha Vidanga Lingam, Sapthamathas, Marakatha Lingam, Lord Adishesha, Nalanarayana Perumal, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, Lord Bhairava, Goshtamurtham – Lord Dakshinamurthi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Brahma, Goddess Sri Durga,

Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Vaikasi Visakam, Masi Makam, Arudra Darisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Markazhi Utsavam, Thiru Karthikai,  Navaratri, Karthikai Deepam,

 

The legend has that Emperor Nala had to undergo relentless hardships due to the adverse effects of Lord Shaneeswara, eventually he lost his Kingdom, glories and family.  He arrived on this sacred land; had holy dip in the pond created by him and worshipped Lord Dharbaranyeswara.  Finally King Nala regained his lost glories with the blessings of Lord.

Another legend has that the Emperor Muchukunda underwent austerities and worshipped Lord Shiva.  Lord was pleased at the devotion of Emperor and instructed to collect an exceptional idol of Lord Shiva & Goddess Sri Parvati along with Lord Subramanya which was worshipped by Lord Vishnu, later it was given to Lord Indra.   Emperor Muchukunda approached Lord Indra and earnestly prayed for the idol.    Lord Indra was not willing to give away the idol of Lord Somaskandha received from Lord Vishnu.  He instructed the Emperor to construct six sacred shrines; it was dutifully followed by him.  Later, the original idol of Lord Somaskandha was provided to him.   The temples built by Emperor Muchukunda were collectively known as Saptha Vidanga Kshetram.  They are Thirunallar, Thiruvaimur, Thirumaraikkadu, Thirukkolili, Thirukkaravasal, Thirunagai Karonam and Thiruvarur.  Thiruvarur was the place where the original image of Lord Somaskanda worshipped by Lord Vishnu was installed.

This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM in the morning and 4.00PM to 9.00PM in the evenings.

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Navagraha Kshetram !! Thirnageswaram Thiru Naganathaswamy Temple !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

Thirunageswaram/ Sembakavana Kshetram/Navagraha Kshetram  is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located on the river banks of Cauvery in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.  This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva built by the Kings of Chola Dynasty, famous for stunning architectural and craftsmanship.

Presiding deity – Sri Sembakaranyeswarar /Naganathar with his consort Goddess Sri Pirai Anivalnuthal Ammai, Girikuchambikai

Mangalasasanam – Thirunavukkarasar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Sundarar

Saint Arunagirinathar sung praising the glories of Lord Subramanya in this temple.

Sthalavruksham – Sembakam

Theertham – Surya Theertham

Surya Theertham, Gouthama Theertham, Indra Theertham, Kanva Theertham, Brigu Theertham, Parasara Theertham, Vashishta Theertham,

The sthalapurnas describes that there were 12 ponds beautifully encircled this temple in olden days.  Presently, only one pond  Surya Theertham is evident at sight.  Holy dip in this pond provides abundance of devoutness.  King Chandravarman regained his original form after a holy dip in this pond.

Worshipped by –Goddess Sri Parvati along with Goddesses Sri Mahalakshmi & Saraswathi, Lord Indra, Pancha Padavas, Sage Bringi, Sage Gauthama, King Nala, Pandavas, Serpent God, Rahu. Sage Parasara, King Bhageeratha, Lord Kamadeva,

 

Deiva Pulavar Thiru Sekkizhar attained eternal wisdom from Lord Sembakaranyeswarar on this sacred temple and composed glorious scripture ‘Periya Puranam’ comprises the life of 63 Nayanmars.  Sekkizhar was a zealous devotee of Lord Sembakaranyeswarar, he built a temple for Lord Sembakaranyeswarar in his birth place Kundrathur.

The significance of this worship place was that Sage Gauthama reunited with his wife Ahalaya after worshipping Lord Shiva on this sacred land, Pancha Pandava recaptured their lost kingdom and King Nala regained his glories.  Lord Indra was relieved from the curse of Sage Gauthama,

This is one of the famous temples of Rahu known as Rahu Kshetram, one of the nine planets.  Worship of Lord Rahu and sacred bath to the idol with milk eradicates sins, delays in marriages, provides virtuous offsprings, blissful married life and all other ill-effects.

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, 63 Nayanmars, Lord Nataraja & Goddess Sivakami, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Nalvar, Rahu with his consorts Sri Nagavalli & Nagakanni, Deivapulavar Shekkizhar, Palanavayar (brother of Shekkizhar), Azhakambikai (mother of Shekkizhar), Sri Girikuchambikai with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi & Goddess Sri Saraswathi, Goddess Sri Saraswathy,

Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Thiru Karthikai, Panguni Uthiram, Masi Makam, Arudra Darisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Pournami, Navaratri, Sekkizhar Thiruvizha, Brahmostavam, Skandha Shashti, Markazhi Utsavam,

 



The legend has that Sage Bringi was a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva.  He worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a bee and completely ignored the presence of Goddess Sri Parvati.  Goddess Sri Parvati was totally annoyed by this approach of Sage Bringi and decided to teach him a lesson.  She claimed half of Lord’s body and remained as Ardhanareeswara.  Sage Bringi adamantly encircled Lord in his bee form and worshipped Lord at his heart’s content.  It multiplied the rage of Goddess Sri Parvati and in a mounted anger she ripped out Sage Bringi’s muscles and gulped down his blood.  Sage Bringi vehemently continued to worship Lord Shiva with the skeleton remained in his body.    It triggered immense fury in Lord and cursed Goddess Sri Parvati as she was the cause for the painful state of Sage Bringi.    Due to this curse Goddess Sri Parvati was separated momentarily from the Lord, She came down to Earth along with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi & Goddess Sri Saraswathi  who were came down to console her.  Goddess Sri Parvati carried out severe penance worshipping Lord Shiva, later this divine couple was reunited at Madurai.  Hence, Goddess Sri Parvati can be seen with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi & Goddess Sri Saraswathi in this temple.

Worship of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Sri Parvati during the most promising hours of morning, afternoon and evening in Thirukudanthai Kizhkottam, Thirunageswaram and Thirupampuram provides commendable rewards.

This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.30PM to 8.30PM in the evenings.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Navagraha Kshetram !! Thiruvengadu Thiru Swethanarayana Temple !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

Thiruvengadu/ Adhi Chidabaram/Swetharanyam/Navagraha Kshetram is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located 23kms away from Mayiladuthurai on Shirkazhi –Poompuhar Road, Tamil Nadu. In this temple worship of Lord is carried out to the five faced idol of Lord Shiva and each of them faces on different directions represents Easanam - Sky, Thathpursham - East, Aghoram - South, Vamdevam - North and Sadyojatham - west respectively.

Presiding deity – Swethanarayaneshwarar with his consort Goddess Sri Brahmavidyambal

Worshipped by – Lord Indra, Lord Chandra, Lord Surya, Lord Budha

Theertham – Agni Theertham, Surya Theertham, Chandra Theertham

Sthalavruksham – Vilvam, Kondrai,Vadaval

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandhikeshwara, Aghoramurthy, Navagraha, Ashtalakshmi, Lord Budha (Bestower of Wealth and Wisdom), Lord Nataraja,

Festivals – Float festival in the month Masi, Arudra Darisanam, Maha Shivaratri

There were several myths associated to this temple. Lord Shiva had performed his favorite cosmic dance forms such as Ananda Thandavam, Sandhya Thadavam, Samhara Thandavam, Tripuranta Thandavam, Urdhava Thandavam, Bujanga Thandavam and Lalita Thandavam on this sacred land. Swetaketu, one of the zealous devotees of Lord Shiva was saved from the clutches of Lord Yama. Swetaketu had a curse on him that he would die at the age of eight. Lord Shiva protected him from the hands Lord Yama. The three holy ponds situated here were originated from the drops fell down from his eyes while Lord was performing cosmic dance.

 

 

Another legend has that there was a demon harassed the life of Rishis and innocent people lived in this land. Everyone prayed to Lord Shiva to put an end to the atrocities of the demon. Lord Shiva appointed Lord Nandikeshwara to fight against the demon. As desired the demon was defeated by Nandi and thrown into the sea. Once again, the demon underwent severe penance and pleased Lord Shiva; he regained all the powers and obtained a Trident from Lord Shiva. Soon he began making the life of the people miserable into worse. Same as before, Lord Shiva had chosen Nandi to fight against the demon. Nandi could not oppose the gigantic demon too long because the demon had the trident of Lord. At last, Nandi was wounded badly on his back and returned to Lord. Lord Shiva in a mounted fury opened his third eye and burned the demon into ashes. In this temple Lord Nandikeshwara can be seen with scars on his back.

Worship of Lord Swethanarayaneshwara in this temple provides wisdom and knowledge, virtuous offspring and cures mental and physical illnesses.

This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.00PM to 9.00PM in the evenings.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Abhimana Kshetram !! Sri Srinivasamangapuram Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sri srinivasamangapuram/Srinivasapuram Sri Kalyanavenkateswara Swamy temple is one of the Abhimana Kshetram of Lord Vishnu located 12km west of Tirupati, Andhra Pradhesh.

 

 

Presiding deity – Sri Srinivasaswamy with his consorts Goddess Sri Sridevi & Boodevi Nachiyars

 

 

Sannidhis – Alwars & Acharyas, Sri venugopalaswmy with Rukmini Sathyabhama, Sri Rama & Sita along with Lakshman and Anjaneya

 

Festivals – Brahmostavam, Sakshathkara Vaibhavam, Vasanthostavam

 

 

Vaikasi Varshika Vasanthostavam to the presiding deities along with Lord Rama & Sita, along with Lakshman & Anjaneya, Sri Venugopalaswamy with Rukimini & Sathyabhama is celebrated in a grand manner according to Vaikhasana Agama  followed by Vedic chants &  Vikshvasena Puja, Punyahavachanam, Arkhyam, Parkhyam, Achamaneeyam, Doopam, Deepam, Upacharam -Chathram, Chamaram, Karpooraharathi and sacred bath to deities with Go Ksheeram, Dhadhi, Madhu, Nalikera Paneeyam, Haridra Jalam, Sandanam and ends with Sahasradhara Kainkaryam.

 

 

The legend has that Lord Sri Srinivasa after his marriage to Goddess Sri Padmavathy resided here for a while before leaving to Tirumala.

 

 

This temple remains open from 6.30 AM to 1.00PM in the morning and 4.30 PM to 9.00PM in the evenings.

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirukadikkulam Thiru Karpakanatheswarar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thirukadikkulam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Thiruthuraipoondi, Thiruvanur District, Tamil Nadu.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.

 

Presiding diety – Thiru Karpakanathar with his consort Goddess Sri Mangalanayaki/Soundaranayaki

 

Mangalasasanam – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar

 

Theertham – Vinayaka Theertham

 

Sthalavruksham – Jackfruit tree

Worshipped by – Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama

 

 

Lord Ganesha circumambulated Lord Shiva and Goddess Sri Parvathi to establish the perpetual truth that parents constitute the Universe and attained the divine Mango fruit of elixir /eternal wisdom as blessings. 

 

 

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Nalvar, Lord Shaneeswara, Lord Bhairava, Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Goshtamurtham – Lord Dakshinamurthi, Lingodhbavar, Lord Ganesha,

 

 

Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Panguni Uthiram, Masi Makam, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Thiruvathirai Arudra Darisanam, Thirukarthikai, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thaipoosam, Navaratri,

 

 

The legend has that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Ganesha and Lord Karpakanatheswarar before initiating the Sethu Bandhanam, construction of a massive bridge across the ocean at Rameshwaram.

 

 

This is one of the prominent Pitrusthalam/Mukthisthalam famous for performing homage to ancestors.  The Sthalapuranam of this temple affirms that one Brahmin brought his deceased father’s remnants and surprisingly it turned into Kondrai flower the moment he landed on this sacred place. 

 

 

This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the morning and 4.00PM to 8.00PM in the evenings.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!