Category: Travel

  • Lord Vishnu Took River Cauvery His Mother Thiruindhalur

    Indhu means the moon.

    As Lord Visnu received Chandra (Moon) from his curse, this place is known as Indhaloor.

    Lord Narayana gave dharsan as Vennchudar perumal in the standing posture to the Moon god in Thalaisangaadu.

    But here at this place he is in Veera Sayanam posture.There he was full of light being as Vyomajyothi piran.

    But here he is full of fragrance (Parimalam) and hence he is called as Parimala Rangan.

    He has 4 hands here. River Cauvery is under his feet here.

    As he promised river Cauvery to increase here status, he made her as his bed at Srirangam, took her as his mother at Thirucherai and here at Thiru Indhaloor, he has taken river Cauvery above his head.

    Vishnu
    Vishnu

    Thus gave her the status of river Ganges who is on the head of Lord Shiva.
    As the perumal of this place, converted the position of river Cauvery and Lord Chandra into a pious state, Thirumangaialwar calls him as a Brahmin.

    The vedas were created to instruct rules for human beings to lead a happy life.

    The Surya and Chandra revolve around the world to give prisperity (like wheels ie Chakra).

    Hence the vimaana of this place is called as Veda Chakra Vimaanam. Sri Rangam is known as Aadhi Arangam (first) while Thirukudanthai is Madhiya Arangam (Middle) and Thiru Indhaloor is known as Andiya Arangam (Last).
    Recovery of Vedas
    From the puranas we learn that Brahma, Chandra, Yama, Ambareesha and Viswamitra were offering their daily workship here. Brahma was tutored to do his creation by Lord Ranganatha. But the two demons Madhu and Kaitaba, stole away the Vedas and disappeared into the sea. Brahma complained to the Lord who took Mastyavathar- fishform and retrived the Vedas.

    In order to restore the original fragrance to them, the Vedas did penance to the Lord and the place was converted into “Sugantharanyam”. The Lord took his abode there and He came to be known as Parimala Ranganathar.

    The Goddess came to be known as Parimala Ranganayaki.
    The river cauvery, in order to get supremacy over river Ganga, offered penance to Lord Ranganatha here and was granted a boon.

    Just like Srirangam and Kumbakonam, this place also became famous.

    The Ganga is said to flow into the Cauvery during the Tula festival to rid herself of her pollution which she takes over from the people who take their bath in the river.

    Hence the Cauvery here a bath in equals a bath in the Ganga.
    Another interesting episode is connected with the life of Chandra the Moon.

    He was suffering from consumption because of the sabams given by Dwajapathy and Dhatchan and was losing his form slowly

    He was asked to take his bath here in the cauvery and offer worship to Lord Ranganatha.

    He was eventually cured of his disease and the place came to be known as Indupuri and the Theertham Indu pushkarani.

    In the Tamil month of Aiypasi on all the 30 days, the deity is taken to the banks of the river.

    On the first day of the month and Amavasai, Lord Ranganatha comes on Garuda Vahana.
    There are three prakarams in the temple. The little image of Kannan familiarly known as Santhanagopalakrishnan promises children for the issuless.

    The plates that adorn the walls of the sannidhi have intricate workmanship on them.
    Viswaksena, Yoga Narasimhar and Chandra have Moolavigrahams. In the shrine dedicated to Sri Rama one can see the stone as well as bronze images of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and small idols of Bharatha and Satrugna.

    Thirumangai Azhwar has sung in praise of the Lord here.

    Thiruindhalur,Mayiladuthurai
    Thiruindhalur,Mayiladuthurai

    Following in his footsteps Sri T.Narasimhachariar composed the “Indalur Erratai Mani Malai”.
    History
    The temple dedicated to Lord Parimala Ranganatha at Tiruindalur, Mayiladuturai.

    This temple is one of the Pancha Rangams, the others being Srirangapattinam, Srirangam, Adirangam (Koiladi) and Kumbakonam.

    The idol which was hitherto believed to be made of brick and mortar for over many centuries was found to be made of a single beautiful green stone of granite measuring 12 feet by 5.5 feet with intricate workmanship in minute detail on the jewels, the kireetam, peethambaram.

    One sees even the nails in the hands and feet sharp and in lovely shape.

    The Seshasayanam, the five-headed serpant, has been fixed separately, over the head of the deity and it has also been made of stone. Brahma is seen near the wall in a line with the nabhi-naval and at the feet is seen Santhanagopalakrishnan.

    The images of Sridevi and Bhoodevi are on either side of the idol on the floor.

    http://kumbakonamlive.blogspot.in/2010/10/thiruindalur-sri-parimala-renganatha_26.html

    Related:

    Five Forms of Vishnu.

    Five forms

    In Sri Vaishnavism, another school, Vishnu assumes five forms:

    1. In the Para Form, Para is the highest form of Vishnu found only in Sri Vaikunta also called Moksha, along with his consort Lakshmi, (and Bhuma Devi and Nila devi, avatars of Lakshmi) and surrounded by liberated souls like AnantaGaruda, and a host of Muktas (liberated souls).
    2. In the Vyuha form, Vishnu assumes four forms, which exercise different cosmic functions and controls activities of living beings.
    3. In the Vibhava form, Vishnu assumes various manifestations, called Vibhavas, more popularly known as Avataras from time to time, to protect the virtuous, punish evil-doers and re-establish righteousness.
    4. In the Antaryami; “Dwelling within” or “Suksma Vasudeva” form, Vishnu exists within the souls of all living beings and in every substance.[43]
    5. In the Arcavatara or Image manifestation, Vishnu is visible and therefore easily approachable by devotees since Para, Vyuha, Vibhava and Antaryami forms can only be imagined or meditated upon because they are beyond our reach. Such images can be
      1. revealed by Vishnu, for example, a self-manifested (Swayambhu) icon (murti), e.g. The Mahavishnu Temple at Tirunelli, The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple etc.; or
      2. installed by devas or celestial beings such as such as Guruvayur Temple installed by Vayu; or
      3. installed by humans, and consecrated according to Vaishnava Agama shastras or scriptures such as Lord Jagannath of Jagannath Temple (Puri) at Puri.[44]

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu

    How to reach Myiladuthurai.

    http://www.holidayiq.com/How-To-Reach/From-Mayiladuthurai-To-Bangalore-1128-293

     

    Avatars of Vishnu.
    Avatars of Vishnu.

     

  • Where Seven Preceptors, 7Gurus,Brahma Vishnu Are Present

    This is the only Temple where The Trinity of Hinduism ,Brahma Vishnu and Siva are worshiped in the same premises, each with a separate Temple in the precincts.

    Here you have all the Seven Gurus, Jupiter.Sarasvati is seen with Brahma.

    Saturn, Sani will never spare any one, including the Trinity.

    Even Lord Siva was caught,he was made to be beg and Lord Vishnu had to hide in the stem of  a Lotus!

    The exceptions are Anajaneya and Ganapathi.

    In this temple, Lord Sani is found before Ganapathi and Anjaneya(Hanuman).

    Legend has it that those who worship Sani will be relieved of their sufferings.

    Uthamar Kovil (also known as Thirukkarambanoor) is a Hindu temple in Tiruchirapalli city in Tamil NaduIndia. It is known for the Purushothaman Perumal Temple. It has shrines for the trinity of Hinduism, BrahmaVishnu and Shiva in the same complex, making it a unique temple where shrines for all three gods and their consorts in the same place. There are very few temples where Brahma, the first of the trinity, is worshipped in iconic form, which makes this temple an important place of worship. The temple also contains a shrine for Guru,Saraswati and Navagraha. The worship during Thursdays called “Guruwaar Pooja” is very prominent in the temple.

    Vishnu emerged as a Kadambha tree at this place, giving the name “Kathambanur”, which later became “Karambanur”. The name Karambanur is mentioned by Thirumangai Azhwar in Nalayira Divya Prabandam, in which he refers the presiding deity as “Karambanur Uthaman”. The temple is commonly called “Uthamar Kovil” after the name of the presiding deity. The temple is also called Bhikshandar Kovil as the Hindu god Shiva is present in the form of Bhishadanar (a mendicant) and believed to have attained cure by worshiping Vishnu at this place.[1]

    As per Hindu legend, once Vishnu wanted to test the devotion of Brahma. He raised as a Kadhamba tree in the place and Brahma, knowing this, started his worship practise with Thirumanjanam (ablution). The water from the ablution filled a tank nearby, which came to be known as “Kathamba Theertham”. Vishnu was satisfied with the devotion of Brahma and gave a boon to Brahma to have a shrine in this place. Shiva wanted to get rid off the sin holding the cut head of Brahma and went on a sacred trip. While coming to this place, Vishnu requested his consort Lakshmi to give alms to Shiva. Shiva’s grail was filled by the alms and Lakshmi came to be known as “Poornavalli” (the one who filled the grail).[1]

    Purushothamar, Uthamar Koil.
    Purushothamar, Uthamar Koil.

    The temples has images and separate shrines for Purushottamar, Bikshadanar, Brahma and their consorts. This is one of the few Temple in the world, where the Hindu Trinity are worshipped with their consorts in six separate shrines within the same temple complex. The Sapthaguruor seven forms of Guru at this temple are identified with the other images. The seven forms are Sadasiva Guru representing Bikshatanar, Brahma representing Brahma Guru, Soundarya Parvathy representing Sakthi Guru, Brahaspathy representing Deva Guru, Varadarajaperumal representing Vishnu Guru, Subramanyar representing Gnana Guru and Sukrachariar representing Asura Guru.

    The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The priests of the Bikshadanar shrine belong to the Shaivacommunity, while the priests of Purushothamar are from Vaishnava community. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:30 p.m. The Saiva and Vaishnava sects have their own rituals. The ritual of Bikshadanar comprises four steps: abhisheka(sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Bikshadanar and Soundarya Parvathi Amman. The worship is held amidst religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred texts) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram(Friday), fortnightly rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigaipournami (full moon day) and sathurthi for Bikshadanar. The major festival of the temple, the Brahmotsavam, is celebrated during the Tamil month of Kartigai (November – December) when festival images of both Purushotamand and Bikshadanar are carried together in the streets surrounding the temple. The Temple is administered by the HRCE Department of the Government of Tamilnadu]. Kadambha Thiruvizha is a festival when the festival deity of Ranganthar is brought to the Kadambha tank of the temple for Theerthavari.[1]

    Uthamar Koil Special Information.
    Uthamar Koil Special Information.
    Special Features, Uthamar Koil.
    Special Features, Uthamar Koil.
    Moolavar : Purushothaman
    Urchavar :
    Amman / Thayar : Thayar Poornavalli Ambal-Soundarya Parvathi
    Thala Virutcham : Plantain tree (Kathali variety)
    Theertham : Kadhamba Theertham
    Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasam
    Old year : 1000-2000 years old
    Historical Name : Kadhambavanam
    City : Uthamar Koil
    District : Tiruchchirappalli
    State : Tamil Nadu
    The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
    Address:
    Sri Uthamar Kovil – Sri Pichandar Kovil – 621 216. Manachanallur Taluk, Trichy district.
    Phone:
    +91- 431 – 2591 466, 2591 040.

    How to Reach Uthamar Koil,from Srirangam.

    Your Road Map Starts at Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
    It Ends at uthamar koil, trichy,Tamil Nadu, India

    Want to know the distances for your google road map? You can see the Distance from Srirangam to uthamar koil trichy!

    We also have map directions for your street map to help you reach you location exactly and in less time. Refer the Directions from Srirangam to uthamar koil trichy!

    Looking to hire a car? Get Estimated Thiruchirapalli Car Rental from Srirangam to uthamar koil trichy. We tell you the estimated Car Rental with the car type; for the road distance between Srirangam and uthamar koil!

    If you plan to take on Srirangam to uthamar koil distance on your own, you would want to know how much you will be spending on fuel. Check our Fuel Price Calculator, to estimate your trip cost. We have updated Petrol, Diesel, AutoGas and CNG prices across all major cities in India!

    From Tiruchi.

    It is about 20 minutes from Bus.

    Catch buses to Perambalur from Chathiram Bus stand and get down at Samayapuram Till gate.

    The Temple is about 10 minutes Walk from there.

    References: http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=169

      http://www.distancesfrom.com/map-from-Srirangam-to-uthamar-koil-trichy/MapHistory/101796.aspx

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uthamar_Kovil

  • Brahma’s Temple Forms The Base Of A Triangle,Tirupattur

    Tirppttur as is often called, is Thiruppidavur.

     

    Details are provided below.

     

    This is the only Temple for Brahma.

     

    There are two legends for the  non-existence of Temples for Brahma.

     

    Brahma Lied. When there was an altercation between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma s to who was greater , there appeared a Linga of Lord Siva accompanied by a Divine Voice commanding them to find the feet and the head of Lord Siva and whosoever finds them first will be declared as the greater among the two.

     

    Brahma assumed the shape of A Swan and started flying high to find the Head while Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha(Wild Boar) and head towards the feet.

    Both of them could not find it and while they were returning they met .

     

    Vishnu informed Brahma that he will declare that He did find the Head of Lord Siva .

     

    Brahma and Vishnu prostrated before Lord Siva( as a Lingam).

     

    Vishnu declared that He could not find the Feet of Lord Siva, regretted His Arrogance and moving away from humility.

     

    Brahma confirmed that He did see the Head of Lord Siva and The screw pine flower,தாழம்பூ  was a witness.

     

    Lord Siva cursed that Brahma would not have a Temple on Earth and the Flower should not be used for His Worship.

     

    Even to-day the use of this Flower for Siva Pooja is forbidden.

     

    Another legend has it that Brahma became arrogant because He had Five Heads and assumed that He was equal to Lord Siva and Lord Siva removed Brahma’s Fifth Head.

    And cursed Brahma that He would never have a Temple on Earth.

     

    Tirupattur is a Place where Lord Siva Blessed Brahma who repented for his act.

     

    The Philosophical explanation is that as Lord Brahma is the progenitor, who creates the human beings and as Birth id the cause od all Misery in Life. worship of Brahma is avoided.

     

    One may note the fact that, in Christianity ‘The Wages of Sin is Death’ while in Hinduism ‘The wages of Sin is Birth’ as birth is the cause of everything including death.

     

    Three Temples are located in Tirupattur.

     

    Lord Brahma(Brahmapureswarar (Swambu Lingam ‘ self created)and Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri.

     

    Lord Vishnu(Purushottaman and Poornavalli)

     

    Lord Siva(Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi)

     

    The temples forma triangle.

     

    Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva Templates  top two pints and he Brahma temple forms the Base, indicating that, much as would like to avoid it, Birth is the only starting point for  Self Realization and one can reach Higher levels of Spirituality through the Grace of Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva , through Sustenance ad apparent Destruction

    Tirupattur is located 30 kms from Trichy in TamilNadu, on the Trichy Chennai National Highway 45.

    It is 10 Kms from Samayapuram towards Chennai.

    Landmark : After you cross Siruganur towards Chennai, there is a left detour from the main highway, towards Tirupattur.

    There is a signboard on the highway, which shows the way to Tirupattur.

    The temple is 4 Kms away from the detour on the highway.

    By Air

    Air India, (http://indian-airlines.nic.in), Air India Express (www.airindiaexpress.in) and have regular flights connecting Chennai and Trichy.

    By Rail

    Trichy is well connected by rail. Being centrally located, almost all trains to the southern region of the state pass through Trichy. You can access Southern Railway’s official website, www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in for more details.

    By Bus

    There are a number of Government Transport Corporation Buses, and also a host of private luxury bus operators from Chennai to Trichy.

    The distance is 320 Kms, and the travel time is approx 6 hours.

    The entire stretch is a Tolled 4 Lane National Highway No.45.

    The Temple finds mention in the hyms of the revered Saivite Saint Sundarar.

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

    The presiding deity is Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri.

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

    Abhishekam to Lord Brahma – Timings

    On all days except Thursday 08:00 am
    On Thursday 06:00 am

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

    The Temple Complex also has the Jeeva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the founder of Yoga.

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

    Acknowledgement.http://www.brahmatemple.org/brahma_howtoreach.htm

     

    Photos.

    Brahma Temple Tirupattur.
    Brahma Temple Tirupattur.
    Purushottamar Temple,Tirupattur.
    Purushottamar Temple,Tirupattur.

     

    Purushottamar temple, One who can rewrite Fate,Tirupattur
    Purushottamar temple, One who can rewrite Fate,Tirupattur

     

    Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tirupattur.
    Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tirupattur.
  • Where Siva’s Cosmic Dance Was Performed

    There are five places where Lord Siva , legend  has it, performed the Thandava, The Cosmic Dance.

     

    Universe  is Motion, in the ultimate analysis.

     

    The developments in the field of Astrophysics and Astronomy will vouch for it.

     

    The Motion is what sustains the Universe.

     

    Please some images in this post under Images and Astrophysics to see Universe in Motion.

     

    The Trinity of Hinduism represents the three states of Energy.

     

    Brahma, Potential Energy,He produces as it were the Universe-Srushti,Creation, Unleashing.

     

    Vishnu, Kinetic Energy, He sustains,Sthithi,Stability,Sustenance.

     

    And Rudra, The Potentio-Kinetic Energy, He apparently destroys to recreate later-Samhaaram, Thirodhaanam and Anugraham,Apparent destruction, Concealment, and Grace.

     

    Lord Siva is said to have performed Five types of The Cosmic Dance at,

     

    Ponnambalam, Golden Assembly-Chidambaram.

     

    Velliyambalam, Silver Assembly, Madurai,

     

    Tamira Sabaai, Copper Assembly. Nelliappar Temple, Thirunelveli,

     

    Chitra Sabahai,Thirukkutralam, Assembli of Arts and at

     

    Ratna Sabahai,Thiruvavaduthurai,Assembly of Gems.-Thiruvalangadu.

    The place is about 16 kms SW of Mailaduthurai, on the banks of River Cauvery.The main Raja gopuram is of five storey and three prakarams inside.

     

    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Gomuktheeswarar and his consort known as OPilA Ammai. Sthala vruksham is Palm tree. Teertham isGomukhi teertham.

    Thruvalankadu Temple
    Thruvalankadu Temple

    Purana says Uma Devi worshipped Lord Siva in this place in the form of a cow. She was blessed by Lord Siva and she turned into her original form, and took her in him.

    Importance: Devas and Muni’s requested Lord Siva, to bless them by performing his Siva Thandavam, in which they were interested. Lord Siva fulfilled their wish here under the Sthala Vruksham. Muni’s and Brahma got their Upadesam of Siva Gyanam in this place. 
    Chittars were granted Athama Siddhi.

    According to Sthala Puranam, Thiru Moolar composed 3000 hymns known as“Thiru Mandiram” in this place.

    Thiru Gyana sambandhar, Sundarar, and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

    The temple is under Thiru Kailaya Thiruvavaduthurai Adeenam. The building of Adeenam is adjacent to the temple.

     

    The Five places where Lord Siva danced.
    The Five places where Lord Siva danced.

     

    Thiruvalangadu, Temple details.
    Thiruvalangadu, Temple details.

     

    http://ancientindiantemple.blogspot.in/2010/05/thiruvavaduthurai-temple.html

     

    Rare Posture  where Lord Siva has Parvati on His lap
    Rare Posture where Lord Siva has Parvati on His lap

    How to reach Thiruvavaduthurai.

    Day 1 (270 Km) Day’s Directions: Chennai –> Thiruvavaduthurai

    http://www.distancesfrom.com/directions-from-Thiruvavaduthurai-to-Chennai/DirectionHistory/126461.aspx?IsHistory=1&GMapHistoryID=126461

    Useful information on The Five Sabhas at  http://www.distancesfrom.com/directions-from-Thiruvavaduthurai-to-Chennai/DirectionHistory/126461.aspx?IsHistory=1&GMapHistoryID=126461

  • Suriyanar Koil Where Deities Lay Down Their Arms

    Hinduism has elaborated on the planets and their system os Astronomy is at least 5000 years old.

     

    According to them , there are only Nine Planets.

     

    Two planets called Rahu and Ketu are called ‘Chaya Grahas-Shadow Planets’ amidst the Navagrahas.(Nine Planets)

     

    Each Planet is ascribed with qualities,designated with Dresses, food that should be offered to them.

    Is Pluto a planet? Does it qualify? For an object to be a planet, it needs to meet these three requirements defined by the IAU:

    • It needs to be in orbit around the Sun – Yes, so maybe Pluto is a planet.
    • It needs to have enough gravity to pull itself into a spherical shape – Pluto…check
    • It needs to have “cleared the neighborhood” of its orbit – Uh oh. Here’s the rule breaker. According to this, Pluto is not a planet.

    Now onto the subject on hand.

     

    The Planets have Arms assigned to them.

     

    They always appear with their Arms in all the Temples.

     

    But not in Suriyanar Koil , located near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

     

    Here all of them have laid down their Arms and are in the posture of Abhaya Hastham,Boon Granting, Refuge Granting Mode.

     

    This is so for they have come to worship Lord Surya, The first among them all and who is regarded as the Perceivable manifestation of Reality.

     

    He is called ‘Prathyaksha Brahman'( The Perceivable Reality).

     

    So in front of him these Planets  are present with out their Arms and each of them have a separate  Enclave in this Temple.

     

    Another interesting Feature is that Lord Surya, has, in front of him  ‘Brihaspati’ (Jupiter) as one needs the Blessings and the Graceful eyes of The Guru (Teacher) for Prosperity.

    Suriyan,Suriyanar Kol .
    Suriyan with Chaya and Swachalamba.

     

    Location Map of  Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu
    Location Map of Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu

    “History:

    Lord Siva, pleased with their devotion absolved them of their sins and decried that there will be nine sannadhis for the navagrahas in the Suryanar temple (this is the only temple where all the navagrahas are present with separate sannadhis) and those who pray here will get relief from their problems.

    Those who suffer the ill effects of Kalathara Dosham, Vivaha Paribandha Dosham, Puthra Dosham, Puthra Paribandha Dosham, Vidhya Paribandha Dosham, Udyoga Padhibandha Dosham, Surya dasai, Surya bukthi would benefit from worshipping at this temple. Father, Athma, physical strength, right eye, governmental largesse are the beneficial aspects of this planet.

    If one bathes in the nine ghats in this place continuously for 12 Sundays, they will be saved from sufferings and blessed with a happy and peaceful life.

    Sree Surya Puranam When the world came into existence, the first sound that reverberated was ‘Ohm’. Surya was born from this ‘Omkara naadham’. Sree Markandeya Puranam has explained this factor. Suryan was the son of Sage Kashyap and was the grandson of Sage Maarisi. Surya married Soorvarsala, the daughter of Viswakarma. Vaivasvatha Manu and Yamadharmarajan were his sons and Yamuna, his daughter. It should be mentioned here that the chariot of Surya has only one wheel. It is drawn by seven horses in seven colors. Lord Surya, who is the chief of the grahams, appears with a lotus in his divine hands. Surya Bhagawan blesses his devotees with good health, fame and efficient management.

    The presiding deities are Puranavaradheeswarar and his consort Mangalanayaki. Surya is the Lord of Simma Rasi and occupies the central place amongst the navagrahas. The adidevatha is Agni, prathyutha Devatha – Rudran. His color is red and his vahana is a chariot drawn by seven horses. The grain associated with his is wheat; the flower – lotus, yerukku; fabric – red clothes; gem – ruby; food – wheat, rava, chakkara pongal.Suryanaar Koyil was built by the Chola kings….

    Timing

    According to Atharvana Veda, one who worships Surya Bhagawan will be relieved from diseases pertaining to the eyes and heart. This temple is open from 6 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on all days.

    Festivals

    Requirements for worshipping the Lord Flower – Senthamarai (Red Lotus)
    Samith (sacrificial fuel ) – Erukku ( madar plant )
    Dhaniyam (grain) – Wheat
    Vasthram – Lotus red
    Neivedhyam – Sakkarai pongal

    Ratha Saptami in the Tamil month of Thai, and the first Sundays in the months of Aavani (Leo) and Kartikai(Scorpio) and Vijaya Dasami are celebrated in this temple.

    Mantra for Sun – Aum hrim hrim suriyaye namah Aum
    Temple Timings – 6 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4 P.M. to 8 P.M.

     

    http://kumbakonam-temples.blogspot.in/2009/05/suriyanar-koil-navagraha-temple.html

    http://www.universetoday.com/13573/why-pluto-is-no-longer-a-planet/

    Rahu at Suriyanar Koil.
    Rahu at Suriyanar Koil.

     

    Sani, Saturn at Suriyanar Koil.
    Sani, Saturn at Suriyanar Koil.

    ‘Each of the graha has associations with various characters, such as colors, metals, etc. The following table gives the most important associations:(wiki)

    Character Surya Dev (sun) Chandra (Moon) Mangala (Mars) Budha (Mercury)
    Consort Suvarna & Chaaya Rohini Shaktidevi Ila
    Color Yellow White Red Green
    Gender Associated Male Male Male Neutral
    Element Fire Water Fire Earth
    God Agni Varuna Subramanya Vishnu
    Pratyadi Devataa Rudra Gowri Murugan Vishnu
    Metal Copper Silver Brass Zinc
    Gemstone Ruby Pearl/Moonstone Red Coral Emerald
    Body Part Bone Blood Marrow Skin
    Taste Pungent Salt Acid Mixed
    Food Wheat Rice Pigeon pea Mung bean
    Season Summer Winter Summer Autumn
    Direction East North West South North
    Day Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
    Character Guru (Jupiter) Shukra (Venus) Shani (Saturn) Rahu (north node) Ketu (south node)
    Consort Tara Sukirthi & Urjaswathi Neeladevi Simhi Chitralekha
    Color Gold White/Yellow Black/Blue Smoky Smoky
    Gender Associated Male Female Neutral Female Neutral
    Element Ether Water Air Air Earth
    God Indra Indrani Brahma Nirriti Ganesha
    Pratyadi Devataa Brahma Indra Yama Durga Chitragupta
    Metal Gold Silver Iron Lead Mercury
    Gemstone Yellow Sapphire Diamond Blue Sapphire Hessonite Cat’s Eye
    Body Part Brain Semen Muscles Head Skin
    Taste Sweet Sour Astringent
    Food Chickpea kidney beans Sesame Urad (bean) Horse gram
    Season Winter Spring All Seasons
    Direction North East South East West South West
    Day Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday -Tuesday