275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirupennagadam Sri Sudarkozhutheeshwarar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Thirupennagadam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located located on the river banks of Vennar in Kadaloor District, Tamil Nadu.

Presiding deity – Sri Sudarkozhutheeswarar/Pralayakaleswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Amodhambal/ Pralayakaleswarar

Mangalasasanam – Appar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar

Thirunavukkkarasar worshipped Lord Sudarkozhtheeswarar in this sacred land.  He solemnly prayed to Lord, regretting the life he had spent in the beliefs of Jainism and exposed his desire not to live with the impure body.  He sorrowfully prayed to Lord and revealed his yearning to live with the symbols of Lord Shiva on his body.  He authoritatively sang praising the glories Lord.   Soon, Appar could visualize the divine symbols on his shoulders and remained  in a total bliss.

Sthalavruksham – Sembakam

Worshipped by – Maidens of Indra Loka, Gajendra, Kamdhenu, Lord Indra

The King of Choza dynasty arrived on this sacred land to worship Lord Sudarkozhuntheeswarar .  Unfortunately the river was overflowing with torrential downpour; the King was deeply distressed at the thought of leaving this place without worshipping Lord.  He earnestly prayed to Lord, the most compassionate Lord Sudarkozhuntheeswarar raised his seat from the ground level, thus the Choza King had the dharshan of Lord from the river bank itself.

Theertham – Kayilai Theertham, Parvati Theertham, Indra Theertham, Mukkulam, Velaru.

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddess Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Sapthamathas, Lord Nataraja with his consort Goddess Sivakami.

The legend has that Lord Indra instructed maidens of Indra Loka   to come down to Earth to collect flowers for his Shiva Pooja.  They came down to Earth and admired the tranquility of this place.    They resided here, underwent severe austerities and immersed in the worship of Lord Shiva.  Lord Indra was surprised to find the delay in return of maidens of Indra Loka,  so  he assigned this duty to Kamadhenu.  The same was repeated by Kamadhenu.  So Lord Indra sent his celestial Vehicle Gajendra, needless to say that Gajendra also found this place fascinating and absorbed in the worship of Lord Shiva.  Finally, Lord Indra arrived on this land and got attracted to the serenity of this place and followed others in  worshipping Lord Sudarkozhutheeswarar.

Another legend has that the whole Universe was submerged in deluge, surprisingly this sacred land remained unaffected.  All the deities approached Lord Shiva to save the living beings on Earth, agreed to accommodate them on this land.  Lord Shiva instructed Nandikeshwara to protect this land from any  further destruction.  Instantly, Lord Nandikeshwara changed his seating position opposite to Lord and protected this land from deluge.  Thus, the presiding has got his name ‘Pralayakaleswarar’ in this temple.

This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 11.30AM in the morning and 4.00PM to 8.00PM in the evenings.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Ashadi Ekadashi / Hari Shayani Ekadashi / Deva Shayani Ekadashi/ Padma Ekadashi on 30th July, 2012 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Please follow the link below to read the glories of Ashadi Ekadashi:

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2011/07/hari-sayana-ekadashideva-sayanipadma.html

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

108 Divya Desams !! Thiru Vattaru Sri Adi Kesava Perumal Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Thiru Vattaru / Dakshina Vaikundham/Parasurama Kshetram is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu.  This temple is famous for its stunning and architectural work.  It is older than the temple of Lord Padmanabha Swamy located in Trivandrum.  This beautiful temple is surrounded by three rivers Kothai, Tamraparni and Pahrli respectively.  The temple inscription reveals that King Kulothunga Chola I have made abundance of contributions to this temple.

Presiding deity – Moolavar Adi Kesava Perumal/Madhavan with his consort Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar/Padmini Thayar

Theertham – Vattar Theertham, Rama Theertham

Vimanam – Ashtanga Vimanam/Ashtakara Vimanam

Mangalasasanam – Nammalvar

Prathyaksham to – Lord Parasurama, Lord Chandra,

Lord Parasurama underwent severe austerities and worshipped Lord Adikesava in this temple.

Worshipped by – Sage Vashishta,

King Marthanda Varma worshipped Lord Adikesava before undertaking the famous battle of Kolachal.

Significance – Sri Krishna Chaithanya Mahaprabhu visited this temple in 1510 AD.

Sannidhis – Acharyas & Alwars, Lord Krishna, Bhoothanath, Lord Balaji

Festivals – Aippasi  brahmostavam, Chithirai, Vaikundha Ekadashi, Avani Tiruvonam, Thai Utsavam

The legend has that the two demons Kesa and Kesi created an obstacles to the Yagna conducted by Lord Brahma.  Lord Brahma prayed to Lord Vishnu to put an end to the atrocities of these demons.  Lord Vishnu killed the demons and protected the Yagna, in this manner reinstated peace amongst the deities.  Kesi’s wife invoked Goddess Ganga and Tamraparni and returned with vengeance to cause flood on this sacred land.  Goddess Boodevi blocked the force of water current and stood as a mount against them at the instruction of Lord.  River Ganga and Tamraparni realized their mistakes and split into two in such a way that gives out a symbolic form of garland to Lord Adi Kesava.

In this temple Lord Adi Kesava Perumal can be seen in reclining posture with Goddess Sridevi and Boodevi.  The huge idol of Lord was made of 16008 Salagrams along with the mixture of Kadu Sarkkarai Yogam, it has the height of 22 feet, the entire body of the idol is covered with Gold and precious gems.   Lord Adi Kesava Perumal can be seen with Panchayudha, Garudalvar, Lord Surya and the demons Madhu and Kaitaba in the sanctum.

This temple remains open from 5.00AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 5.00PM to 8.00PM in the evenings.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Tirunelveli Sri Nellaiappar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Thirunelveli/Pancha Sabha Kshetram/Venu Vanam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located on the river banks of Tamraparani at the heart of Tirunelveli, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.  This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva built by the Pandya Kings date back to 17^th century.  This temple occupies 14 acres of acres massive land with majestic Rajapouram, stunning Maha Mandapams, Tamra Sabha (celestial cosmic dance hall) with exquisite paintings and murals.

Presiding deity – Sri Nellaiappar/Venuvananathar/Veimathanathar/Nelvelinathar/Salivatheswar/Venuvaneswarar/Venuvana Mahalingeswarar/Tamra Sabhapathy/ Swayambhu Moorthy with his consort Goddess Sri Kanthimathi Ammai/Vadivudaiammai

Mangalasasanam – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar.  Saint Arunagirinathar sung praising the glories of Lord Subramanya in this temple.

Theertham – Potramarai Theertham, Karumari Theertham, Sindhupoonthurai Theertham, Tamrabharani

Sthalavruksham – Moongil ( Bamboo)

Worshipped by – Sage Agastya

Sannidhis –Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Lord Vishnu as Nellai Govindan, Santhana Sabapathi, Lord Nataraja,

There are three wide circumambulatory paths located in this temple.  In the First Praharam there are sannidhis of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga, Lord Chandikeswara, Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini, Lord Bhairava and  Lord Govinda.

In the Second Praharam there are astonishing pillars which produces Sapthaswaras (Sa,Ri,Ga,Ma,Pa,Da,Ni) and Tamra Sabha of Lord Shiva positioned here.  In addition to this, there are idols of 63 Nayanmars, Goddess Ashtalakshmi, Lord Shaneeswara and Sahasra Linga.

In the Third Praharam there is a sannidhis of Lord Subramanya with Goddess Sri Valli & Deivayanai.  

Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Iyypasi Kalyanostavam, Brahmostavam, Karthikai, Thaipoosam, Ani Car Festival,

There are several interesting myths associated with this temple.  There was a righteous Brahmin Veda Sarma; he was a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva.  He was meticulously followed the rituals of a Brahmin prescribed in the Veda and sacred scriptures.  He made his livings by Vedic chants in this means he receive alms from the villagers.  It was his daily practice to offer Lord with whatever received as alms.  As any other day, he received harvested rice but not yet processed as alms and kept it for parched. He went to have a holy dip in the pond.  Suddenly, the sky turned cloudy and started raining heavily with thunder storms.   Veda Sarma was hysterical at this sight, thought of his alms were roughly washed off with the down pour.  He dashed to the place where he had kept the grains to dry, he earnestly prayed Lord to save the grains.  He was surprised to see the heavy down pour washed off the rest of the places, leaving behind the place where grains kept for drying.    His grains were remained untouched and dried out on the bright sunlight when the remaining land was flooded with water.  Veda Sarma hurried to the palace of King Rama Pandya and informed the miraculous incident.  King and his men scurried to the spot to witness the spectacular event.  Thus the presiding deity of this temple has got the name Nelvelinathar.

Another legend has that there was Brahmin used to bring Milk to the Palace on daily basis.  One day while he was on his way to Palace stumbled upon a stone and dispensed the whole milk on the stone.  This incident repeated continuously for few days.  The poor Brahmin was worried of these bizarre happenings and informed the King.  King and his men arrived on the spot and started the excavation process.  While the work was in progress, the spear strongly hit on the stone and blood oozed out.  The people gathered were shocked to witness the incident, instantaneously there heard a divine voice and a Linga appeared with abrasion on it.    In this temple the presiding deity – self manifested Linga can been seen with a cut mark on it.

This temple remains open from 5.30AM 12.00 PM in the morning and 4.30PM to 8.30PM in the evenings.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

108 Divya Desams !! Thiruvanparisaram Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Thiruvanparisaram/ Thirupathi Saram is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu.

Presiding deity – Moolavar Thirukuralappan/Thiru Vazh Marpan with his consort Goddess Sri Kamalavalli Nachiyar

Theertham – Lakshmi Theertham

Vimanam – Indrakalyana Vimanam

Mangalasasanam – Nammalvar,

Sthalavruksham – Neem Tree, Arasu Maram

Prathyaksham to – Kari & Udaya Nangai (Parents of Nammalvar), Garudalwar, Saptharishi,

Saptharishis – Sage Pulaha, Sage Pulastya, Sage Marichi, Sage Atri, Sage Angira, Sage Vashishta and Kratu worshipped Lord in this sacred land and attained dharshan of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu as well. 

Sannidhis – Alwars & Acharyas, Lord Rama, Lakshman and Goddess Sita with Lord Anjaneya, Kulazhekara Alwar, Sage Agastya, Vishwaksena,Lord Shiva, Nammalvar, Vibhishana, Saptharishis,

Significance – Nammalvar’s parents Udayanangai and Kari worshipped Lord Vishnu and attained a virtuous son Nammalvar.

The legend has that Goddess Lakshmi was frightened after seeing Lord Vishnu’s ferocious form as half man- half lion.  She ran off from the spot and arrived on this sacred land and underwent severe austerities praying to Lord Vishnu to reveal his composed appearance.    Later, the callousness of Lord Narasimha was calmed down by his ardent devotee Prahladha.  Thus, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi regained her unparalleled position on the chest of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, the deity of this temple has got his name ‘Thiruvazhmarpan’.

Another legend has that King Kulazhekara Alwar was lost his royal horse on a triumphant journey back to his Kingdom.  King and his men were on painstaking search arrived on this sacred land and found the horse was grazing peacefully.  They also found a temple of Lord Vishnu in a rundown state. Kulazhekara Alwar took initiative to renovate the temple in its present condition. 

This temple remains open from 6.30 AM to 11.30 AM in the morning and 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM in the evenings.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thiru Kutralam Sri Kutralanathar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Thiru Kutralam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.  This is one of the Pancha Sabha Kshetram of Lord Shiva known as Chithra Sabha temple.  The marvelous Chithra Sabha positioned here is prominent for its stunning wall painting and carvings with a close resemblance to Chidambaram, one of the Pancha Sabha Keshtram.    This temple situated in a serene atmosphere with the shape of a Conch and it occupies 3.5 acres of land at the foot hills of Trikoodamalai.

Presiding deity – Sri Kutralanathar/Kurumbaleeswarar/Trikoodasalapathy/Trikoodasaleswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Kuzhalvaimozhiammai/Goddess Parasakthi ( one of the 64 Sakthi Peetam)

Mangalasasanam – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar

Worshipped by – Sage Agastya

Theertham – Vadavaruvi, Thenaruve/Shivamadhugangai

Festivals – Brahmostavam, Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Vasanthostavam, Karthikai Utsavam, Skandha Shashti, Chithirai & Aippasi Utsavam, Navaratri

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Surya, Lord Subramanya, Lord Vishnu, sculptures of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Sapthakanyakas, Panchaboothalingam, Lord Shaneeswara,

The legend has that the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati took place in Mount Kailash.  There were all the deities, Rishis and Sages were present to witness this grand occasion.  Therefore, this particular part of the earth started to tilt to one side due to the heaviness of the multitude of entities.  In order to bring equability on Earth, Lord Shiva instructed Sage Agastya to proceed to Pothigaimalai in southwards, also promised to reveal the wedding procession of this divine couple at the place of worship. 

Sage Agastya arrived on this sacred land and had a dip on the holy pond.  He visited the temple situated here, but it was a Vaishnavaite temple prohibited the entry of Sage Agastya as he was not a Vaishnavaite.   Sage Agastya was totally distressed and set off to the temple of Lord Subramanya situated within the proximity.   Lord Subramanya instructed Sage Agastya to dress up like a Vaishnavaite and go back to the Vaishnava temple situated.  He also promised that there he could envision the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.  Sage Agastya arrived in this temple as per the instruction of Lord Subramanya and scurried to the Sanctum Sanctorum, there he could see Lord Vishnu with his consorts Goddess Sri Devi and Boodevi.  He approached the deities with intense yearning, closed his eyes and visualized Lord Shiva’s wedding with Goddess Parvati at Mount Kailash.  He touched the cranium of the Idols with his palm; surprisingly the idol of Lord Vishnu turned into a Linga with the mark of his fingers on it and Goddess Sri Devi and Boodevi into Goddess Kuzhalvaimozhiammai and Goddess Parasakthi respectively.

This temple remains open from 6.30AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.30PM to 7.30 PM in the evenings.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thiruchuzhial Thirumeninathar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Thiruchuzhiyal is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Virudunagar District, Tamil Nadu.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.  This is one of the oldest temples famous for its exquisite murals and stunning architectural works.

Presiding deity – Thirumeninathar/Chuzhikesar/Pralayavidangar/Thanunathar/Thirumanakolanathar/Kalyana Sundarar/Bhuvaneswarar/Boominatha Swamy with his consort Goddess Sri Swarnamalai/Thunaimalaiyammai/Sahayavalli/Muthumalaiyudaiammai/ Manikkamalai

Mangalasasanam – Sundarar

Sthalavruksham –  Punnai

Theertham – Kavaikadal Theertham

Worshipped by – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Boodevi, Lord Indra, Lord Surya, Sage Gauthama, Sage Kanuva, Ahalya, Cheraman Peruman,

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Navagrahas, Lord Surya with his consorts Goddess Usha & Pratyusha, 63 Nayanmars, Sapthamathas, Somaskandhar, Lord Kasi Vishwantha & Vishalakshy, Lord Balaji, Sculptures of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Goddess Durga, Lord Brahma on the sanctum wall, Lord Nataraja with Goddess Sivakami along with Sage Pathanjali and Sage Vyagrapadha, Pralayavidhangar,

The legend has that this sacred was troubled with the flood water in all three Yugas.   In Dwapara Yuga also the same scenario repeated, the King who was ruling this city was a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva.  He earnestly prayed to Lord to save this land from the deluge.  Lord Shiva was pleased at the devotion of the King; he plunged the Earth with his Trident and created an opening.  Therefore, all the flood water drained through this hole and the land was protected.  Thus, this sacred land has got its name ‘Thiru Chuzhial’.

Another legend has that Goddess Boodevi worshipped Lord Shiva on this sacred land.  Thus, the presiding deity has got his name ‘Boominathar’.

This temple remains open from 5.00AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.00PM to 8.00PM in the evenings.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

108 Divya Deasams !! Thirukkurungudi Sri Nindra Nambi Perumal Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Thirukkurungudi / Vamana Kshetram is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located in Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu.  This temple also enshrines Kidantha Nambi, Irundha Nambi and Melai Nambi.  This is one of the oldest temples of Lord Vishnu famous for its wide circumambulatory Paths, Stunning murals and Architectural works.  This temple occupies massive 18 acres of land and the huge outer wall was constructed by Thirumangai Alwar.  The Kings of Pandya and Emperors of Vijayanagar also have made abundance of contributions to this temple. 

Presiding deity – Moolavar Azhagiya Nambi/Sundara Paripuranam/ Kurungudi Nambi, with his consort Goddess Thiru Kurungudi Nachiyar

Mangalasasanam – Periyalwar, Thirumazhisai Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Nammalvar,

Significance – Thirumangai alwar attained Salvation at the feet of Lord Nambi.

Prathyaksham to – Lord Shiva, Gajendra

Festivals – Panguni Brahmostavam, Vaikundha Ekadashi, Chithirai Vasanthostavam, Vaikasi Jyeshtabishekam, Navaratri, Oonjal Festival, Float Festival, Pavithrostavam

Theertham – Thiruparkadal, Sindhu Nadhi, Nambi Aru, Panchaturai Theertham,

Vimanam – Panchakethaka Vimanam

Sthalavruksham – Palm Tree

Sannidhis- Lord Nindra Nambi/Paripooranan, Lord Mahendranathar, Lord Bhairava, Iruntha Nambi/Vaikundha Natharn, Kidantha Nambi, Manavala Mamunigal, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Lakshmi Varahan, Lord Srinivasa with Andal, Dasavathar of Lord Vishnu, Periya Piratti, Boodevi, Udayavar,

The legend has that Goddess Boodevi was abducted by the demon Hiranyaksha and hid her deep under the ocean.  All the deities and sages prayed to Lord Vishnu to retrieve Mother Earth from the clutches of the demon.  Lord Vishnu transformed into a wild board and plunged into deep under the ocean.  Lord Varaha had fierce battle with Hiranyaksha and saved Mother Earth.  After this glorious incident Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Boodevi arrived on this sacred land.  He passionately looked upon Goddess and shrunk his terrifying size into normal.  Thus, this place has got in its name ‘Thirukkurungudi’.

Another legend has that there lived a zealous devotee of Lord Nambi.  He passionately sings and worships Lord Nambi.   As he was an outcaste so was not allowed to enter into the temple premises.  On a Kaisika Ekadashi day while he was on his way to worship Lord Nambi, a fierce hungry demon approached him with a demand to eat him right away.  The outcast man pleaded the demon to wait for his return after worshipping Lord Nambi.  After a long argument, the demon agreed to leave him.  He arrived at the temple entrance and realized the flag post (Dwajasthambam) was blocking his view of Lord.  He authoritatively sung the glorious verses of Nammalvar’s composition.  Lord Nambi was pleased at the devotion and instructed flag post to move aside, so that his devotee can have the dharshan of Lord.  Lord blessed him with the title ‘Nampaduvan’.  On his way back, he met the demon as he was promised earlier.  But the demon had fallen at his feet with mounted regret.  With Nampaduvan’s merits attained by observing Kaisika Ekadashi the demon attained Salvation.

This temple remains open from 6.30AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.30PM to 8.00PM in the evening.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!