Ramanisblog

Tag: Maha Shivaratri

  • Unique Roof Stone Drips Water on Shiva Linga 24 Minutes Thittai

    There are some astounding features in Indian temples.

    The construction of a temple is very complex and it hs to follow well laid norms in the Agama Sastra.

    Thittai Vasisteswarara Temple roof.jpg Thittai Vasisteswarara Temple roof.

    In addition to this , many temples have special features.

    Vasishteswarar ,Thenthittai.jpg Vasishteswarar ,Thenthittai

    Rays of the Sun falling on the Idol at fixed time of the year.

    Idols shadow touching the wall.

    Idols changing colors at fixed time every day.

    Temples being aligned in the same longitude.

    Idol looking like one figure from the front and another from the back.

    Idols growing.

    Idol which feels like Human at our touch.

    Shadow of the roof of the temple falling in its base(Thanjavur)

    The list is endless.

    Please read my posts on what is listed above and for more.

    Now there is a Temple in Thittai near Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India, where a special stone called Surya/Chandra Kanthakal( Sun, Moon Stones) is fixed in the Vimana,roof of the temple over the Garbha Gruha.

    This stone absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and drips water on the Shiva Linga once in 24 Minutes.( Half Muhurtha)

    Vasishteswarar temple is situated in the village “Thittai” near Thanjavur.

    As the village is situated south of the Cauvery river, it is also called “Thenkudi Thittai”.

    The presiding deity is Swayambootheswarar and the Goddess, Ulaganayaki. As the main deity is a Swayambu Lingam he got the name “Swayambootheswarar”.

    The main deity is also called as Vasishteswarar as he was worshipped here by Saint Vasishtar.

    The unique feature of this temple is that a drop of water falls on the Shiva linga every 24 minutes from the ceiling.

    This is because of a very special stone called Chandrakanth kept on the roof.

    This stone absorbs moisture from the surrounding air and converts into a drop of water.

    This temple attracts huge crowds because of the above stone as well the presence of the temple for Raja Dakshinamoorthy.

    “Thittai”, the name of the village means “Thittu” in Tamil, (i-e) a Mound.

    When the whole world was surrounded by water because of “Pralayam”, Brahma & Vishnu worshipped the Lord Maheshara for protection. After wandering much for a safe place, they found this only mound, which did not drown in the Pralaya waters, where there was a Shiva Lingam.

    They performed Pooja to the Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared before them and delegated their duties of Creation and Protection.

    It is believed that this is the only place, which was not destroyed even during Pralayam( Dissolution of the Universe)

    Unlike many other temples, here the complete temple is built using the stone. Not only for the main deities, but also all other Sannidhi’s are constructed using stones, right from floors, pillars, walls and roof.

     

    *Two stones “Suryagaanthakkal” and “Chandragaanthakkal” which are placed at strategic points above the Vimana are the reasons for the droplets of water which falls on the deity.

    These 2 stones absorb moisture from the atmosphere, convert into 1 water droplet, performing a natural Abhishegam to the deity, every 24 minutes (1 Naazhigai), be it the day or night.

    A small piece of yellow cloth (Dhothi) which covers the Lingam is always wet because of this. If one can wait patiently, they can view this amazing act.

    The temple tank situated opposite the temple is called “Chakra Theertham” which is believed that it was created by the Chakra from the hands of Mahavishnu.

     

    The Goddess is called Ulaganayagi. It is said that a Vaisya girl got back her dead husband after worshipping Ulaganayagi.

    How to reach.

    Airport. Tiruchi.

    Railhead.Tiruchi, Thanjavur,Kumbakonam, Thiruvarur.

    Bus Station.From Tiruchi, Kumbakonam,mauram, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur

    The temple is located six km from the main road on the way to Melattur from Thanjavur

    Citations.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasishteswarar_Temple,_Thittai

    http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/special-arrangements-at-thittai/article1885476.ece

    http://www.hindutemplethittaiguru.com/

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  • Where Shiva Sacrificed Moon Chandra Mouleeswara Chandanbadi

    There is dearth of information about Shiva as Chandramouleswara.

    I came to know of Chandramouleeswara, when I was ver young, during the visit of Sringeri Jagadguru His Holiness Abhinava Vidya Theertha Swamigal, Sri Sringeri Sarada Mutt, to my Home at Srivilliputhur.

    The name was quite different and many did not know much about it.

    Shiva as Chandramouleeswara.

    Shiva without Moon on the Forehead.jpg Shiva without Moon on the Forehead.

    Our Puranas have it that Lord Shiva sacrificed Moon, Chandra from His Head on His journey to Amarnath.

    And the Moon awaited His return.

    This place is Chandanpadi, Jammmu & Kashmir, on the way to Amarnath.

    “the next place after Pahalgam is Chandanbadi. It is 16 kms from Pahalgam. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva did a very unique thing here. Also known as Chandramauli, Lord Shiva sacrificed the moon from his head here. The moon then waited for Lord Shiva to return here. This is how the name of this place became Chandanbadi’.

    Scroll down for Sivasarana Chandra Mouli Stotra.

    Chandanbadi, Pahalgam.jpg Chandanbadi, Pahalgam.

    How To reach Chandanbadi.

    Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). It is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge.Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. The trip takes about four-five hours on a semi-road that has the Lidder river meandering on the one side, and lofty, snow-capped mountains on the other. Some people prefer to do a day hike to Chandanwari.At Chandanwari, the Sheeshnag river is captivating with its sheer force and clear waters. You can get an opportunity to do sledge riding and get up to some heights, upto the fifth point which is also a route that yatris take to reach the Amarnath Cave. “Snow fights” is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Many prefer to sip a cup of tea of snack at the near by dhabas.Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.”Betaab Valley” is the place where they shot the famous scenes from movie Betaab.

    Chandanwari is also known for its natural attractions. It has some of the best picnic spots and is reachable by road. Mini buses operate from Pahalgam to Chandanwari. The weather can be very unpredictable at the place so do carry some warm clothes and rain coats as well.

    • Special Features : The Pony ride and the Palanquin rides are a must do however, if you do like trekking then a walk to the caves is a must do. The place is also famous for its picnic spots and its natural beauty.
    • Connectivity : The place is connected by road however, to go up to the caves you need to either walk or take a pony ride or a Palanquin ride.
    • Dressing restrictions : Carry something for rain and cold weather as the weather can be very unpredictable at the place.
    • Nuisance : The place is calm and free of irritants
    • Best time to visit : During the summers from the mid April to mid June is good time to visit the place.
    • Entry fee : No entry fee is charged
    • Suggestions : Do be well prepared for the weather changes.

    There is a Temple near Unkal circle and Unkal Lake on Old NH4 between Hubli and Dharwad.

    Chandramouleshwar is a 900-year-old temple from the Badami Chalukyan era. It was built on the lines of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakaltemples, is a Monument of National Importance, and is designated as a Protected Monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites (Act (1958)) by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

    • Unlike other Shiva temples in the North Karnataka region, the Chandramouleshwar Temple has four doors in as many directions, altogether accounting for twelve doors in the temple besides two Shivalingams and two Naandi statutes at the entrance. One of the two lingams is the ‘Chaturmukha Lingam’, a four-faced Shiva lingam, which is the speciality of the temple.

    Chaturlingam

    Four faced Shiiva Linga, Hubli Dharwad.jpg Four Faced Lingam at Unkal, Hubli Dharwar. “Chaturmukhalingam” by Chetuln – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chaturmukhalingam.JPG#/media/File:Chaturmukhalingam.JPG
    • The temple has sculpted walls and pillars of black granite stones. Images of dancing Lord Ganesha and jaalandhra at are a visual delight.

    Citation.

    http://www.jktourism.org/chandanwari.html

  • Hanuman Worships Shiva Monkeys Visit Kunthalanathar

    Hanuman is an Amsa of Lord Shiva.

    He is considered as the son of Shiva. according to some legends while some declare it is Shiva Himself who descended in the Form of Hanuman to assist Lord Rama.

    To my knowledge Hanuman is the only Deity who is quite popular in Hinduism though He is not mentioned in the Vedas.

    There are numerous Temples of Hanuman.

    I had published a List of 100 Hanuman Temples in India.

    Kunthalnathar temple.Image,jpg
    Sri Kunthalanathar Temple, Thirukkurukukka, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu – North of Kaveri

    There is a rare Temple of Hanuman  near Mayiladuthurai,where Hanuman worships Shiva,a Sannidhi is in Shiva’s temple and a Homa is performed for Him daily.

    Two monkeys visit the temple in Chithirai month (April) and worship Lord Shiva with Vilwa leaves.

    Thirukkurankukka/ Thirukkurankaval is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Myladuthurai, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.  This is one of the 5 prominent temples of Lord Shiva ending its name with ‘Ka’ and they are: Thiruvanaikka, Thirukkodikka, Thirunellikka, Thirkolakka and Thirukkurankukka.

     

    Presiding deity –  Lord Thirukunthalanathar/Kunthaleswarar /Kundalakarneswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Kunthalambikai

    Mangalasasanam – Thirunavukkarasar

    Theertham – Hanumath Theertham

    Sthalavruksham – Mango tree

    Worshipped by – Lord Anjaneya

    Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli  & Deivayanai, Lord Surya, Lord Bhairava, Idols of Anjaneya, Anjaneya, Goshtamurtham – Lord Dakshinamurthi, Goddess Sri Durga,

    Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Masi Makam, Amavasya, Chithirai Utsavam, Arudra Darisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Thirukarthikai, Markazhi Utsavam

    Legend.

     

    After Lord Rama vanquished Ravana in the battle of Ramayana, he returned to Ayodhya to be crowned King. Ravana, although a personification of evil, had acquired his immense powers through years of penance and devotion to Lord Shiva Hence while Lord Rama vanquished the evil that Ravana represented, he had at the same time also vanquished a devout Bhakt of Lord Shiva. To atone for killing a devotee of Lord Shiva, regardless of the justification, Lord Rama was advised to pay obesiance to Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram in South Tamil Nadu, within 2 days of the victory. His devotee Lord Hanuman was assigned the task of finding a linga suitable for the atonement-rituals. He was to be accompanied by Jatayu in his search.

    Lord Hanuman and Jatayu searched high and low before finding one in Northern India, near present day Kashi. However they found it difficult to get their hands onto the lingam as it was guarded by Lord Kala Bhairava, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. A battle ensued between Lord Hanuman and Lord Kala Bhairavar with the former finally prevailing.

    Back in Rameshwaram, time was running out. With no sign of Lord Hanuman or Jatayu, Lord Rama advised his consort Lord Sita to prepare a lingam out of the sea sand nearby. She did so, and this was used for the atonement rituals.

    As the rituals were coming to a close, Lord Hanuman was sighted with the lingam in hand.

    However on noticing that the rituals were completed without his presence, he was extremely disappointed. He tried prevailing on Lord Rama to use the lingam procured by him, for the rituals, instead of the one constructed by Lord Sita. In a bid to appease him Lord Rama suggested that if that were to be done, Lord Hanuman would have to move aside the lingam constructed by Lord Sita and place the lingam brought by him, in its place.

    As hard as Lord Hanuman tried, he could not move the lingam. Finally he tried to wrap his tail around it and yank it off the ground. The force he applied was so great that the lingam did get uprooted, but landed a few miles away from Rameshwaram in a place called Hanuman Pallam (pit created by Lord Hanuman). In the process, his tail got separated from his body.

    Lord Hanuman realized his folly. It was pre-ordained that the lingam prepared by Lord Sita was to be used for the rituals and sought forgiveness from Lord Rama and Sita to regrow his tail. Besides flowers, he also offered his ear rings – kundalam and secured the pardon of the Lord. As the Lord was worshiped with Kundalams, He is also praised asKundalakeswarar.

    Lord Rama suggested to Lord Hanuman that he seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva instead and suggested that Lord Hanuman visit Thirukurungaval and worship Lord Shiva there to get back his tail. Hence the place has acquired its name, Tirukurunkaval (Place where Lord Shiva was worshiped by a monkey-faced God) The testimony to this story is that it is one of the few Lord Shiva temples in the world, with a shrine to Lord Hanuman facing Lord Shiva.

    It is the staunch belief of the people that village deity Chelliamman would take care of the welfare of their cattle and protect them from diseases. Those seeking child boon pray to Mother Kundala Nayaki offering bangles.

    Location: This temple is located near Tirukaruppariyalur, another Paadal Petra Sthalam. Proceed from Vaitheeswaran Koil towards Tiruppanandal and reach a place called Elanthoppu. From Elanthoppu, take the branch road to Tirukkurukukka and travel about 3 Kms to reach the temple.

    Airport. Tiruchirapalli.

    Railway Station.Vaitheeswaran Koil?Mayiladuthurai.

    Buses ae avilable from Mayiladuthurai and Vaitheswaran Koil.

    Contact Information.

    Arulmighu Kunthalanathar Temple
    Tirukkurakkaval
    Elanthoppu Post
    Mayiladuthurai Taluk
    Nagapattinam District
    PIN 609201
    Phone: 04364 – 258 785( check the Phone Number)

    Citation.

    http://www.divinebrahmanda.com/2015/04/sri-kunthalanathar-temple.html

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  • Vettukorumakan ,Son Of Hunter Kiratha Shiva

    After Lord Shiva granted the Pasupatha Astra to Arjuna, Lor Shiva and Parvathy had a son.

    He is worshiped as Vettukorumakan in Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu.

    Vettukorumakan, means son of Hunter.

    Vettukkorumakan, Son of Shiva.image.jpg
    Vettukkorumakan, Son of Shiva.

    Shiva in His amsa Rudra is called Kiratha, Hunter.

    Rudra (/ˈrʊdrə/; Sanskrit: रुद्र) is a Rigvedic deity, associated with wind or storm, and the hunt. The name has been translated as “the roarer”. In the Rigveda, Rudra has been praised as the “mightiest of the mighty”.The Shri Rudram hymn from the Yajurveda is dedicated to Rudra, and is important in the Saivism sect.

    ōm–namō–bhagavatë–rudrā-yā | ōm–namastë–rudra-man-yava–uto-ta–isha-vë-namah(a) || namastë–astu-dhan-vanë–bāhu-byām–(m)uta-të-namah(a) ||

    | Om Salutations to the God who is Rudra.

    Salutations to your Ire, Rudra and also salutations to your arrow.

    Salutations to your bow and also to your both arms. yā-tạ-ishu(ḥ)–siva-tamā–sivam-babū–vatë-dhanu(hu), |

    sivā-sarav-yāyā–ta-vata-yā–no–rudra-mrudayā ||

    Bless us with happiness our Lord, With that arrow of thine, which is holy, With that bow of thine, which is begetter of good, With that quiver of thine, which is sweet. Sri Rudra Anuvaka 1

    The episode is detailed in Bharavi’s Kiratharjuniya.

    Description of Kiratha.

    Body black in color, two shoulders holding bows and arrows, hair falling on the forehead, posing comfortably, with two piercing eyes, blossomed nice face, with feathers and fragrant flowers in his head, wearing the skin of tiger, Terrific, I meditate that Hunter (kirAta), the thief (hara).

    Shiva is describes as Black only in this Form.

    Vettukorumakan Legend

     

    Vettakkorumakan is the son of Siva and Parvati. When Shiva appeared before Arjuna in the form of a hunter in his Kirata Avatar to grant him His personal weapon, Pasupata, Devi Parvati was also with him dressed as a huntress. After giving Arjuna the Pasupata the divine couple wandered in the forest in the same form for some time. During this period they had a son born of extraordinary effulgence and that is Vettakkorumakan or son born during hunting, to put it roughly. The boy was very mischievous. During his hunting he killed many asuras. But making free use of his bow and arrows he also gave endless trouble to the Devas and Rishis. Unable to bear his mischief they first approached Brahma who expressed his helplessness as the boy was the son of Shiva. Then they besought the help of Shiva Himself who however dismissed them by saying that he being a boy would be naturally naughty and he would be all right when he grew up. As a last resort they approached Mahavishnu who took the form of an old hunter and went to the boy. Vishnu displayed before the boy a golden churika,(dagger-cum-sword) which was so beautiful that it attracted the boy who begged him to make a present of it. Vishnu agreed provided he would behave in a responsible manner by giving up his bow and started protecting the people instead of harming them. The boy accepted the condition and with the churika took leave of his parents from Kailasa and went to the land of Parasurama, Kerala. He crossed several mountains and forests and rivers and reached North Kerala where he first entered the Balussery Fort. Hence the importance of the Balussery temple dedicated to Vettakkorumakan though the Lord later visited other places where He was revered and worshipped.”

    Vettakkorumakan Temples in Kerala

    Balussery Vettakkorumakan Temple

    Nilamboor Kovilakom Vettakkorumakan Kavu

    Thiruvananthapuram Kottaykkakam Vettakkorumakan Temple

    Kayamkulam Krishnapuram Vettakkorumakan Temple

    Padinjareppattu Mana Vettakkorumakan Temple

    (Padinjareppattu Mana Vettakkorumakan Temple)

    Eruvattikkavu Vettakkorumakan Temple

    Alappadamba Vettakkorumakan Temple

    Neeleswaram Vettakkorumakan Temple

    Kottakkal Vettakkorumakan Temple

    Kozha Kottakkal Vettakkorumakan Kavu

    Kozha Vettakkorumakan Kavu is located near to Kuravilangadu bus stand in M.C Road.

    Olassa Vettakkorumakan Kavu

    Olassa Vettakkorumakan Kavu is located near Kottayam.

    Temple website.

    http://www.balusserykottavettakkorumakantemple.com/

    Citation for Temple List.

    http://www.vaikhari.org/Vettakkorumakan.html

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

  • Shiva Temple With a Secret Powerhouse Thiruvayamkudi

    The Chidambaram Temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja, has a an enclosure , which contains nothing to indicate Akasa Roopa of Shiva,

    It is considered a Secret which many have tried tom unravel.

    Thiruvayamkudi Temple.image.jpg
    Thiruvayamkudi Temple,Kerala. Image Credit.http://www.vaikhari.org/Shivakottayam.html

    The Nataraja temple, Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu,India is a representation of the Microcosm and Macrocosm and the temple architecture is designed to resemble Human activities including the number of Breaths taken in a day and the number of Nerve endings in Human Body.

    Detailed post follows.

    There is a Temple near Kottayam in Kerala, India.

    Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mahadeva, there is a secret room which is believed to be a powerhouse, is kept locked most of the times, while a lamp is lit.

    A serpent is reported to be guarding it.

    The temple houses a Rahasya Ara (secret cabin) where the divine power is located. This is considered a reservoir for the power of the idol. The cabin is well protected with granite stones. A lamp is lighted every day in front of it, before the other main lamps are lighted. A serpent is believed to be sitting in front of this to safeguard the place.

    There is also a water well, with a perennial spring of cool water. This believed to have a connection with the Ganges, originating from the divine head of Lord Shiva. Although the well is in the uppermost part of the village, its water has never gone below a certain level, even when most of the wells in the village have dried up.

    How to reach.

    Ayamkudy is only slightly off from the road linking Kottayam and Ernakulam. Public buses are the best way to access Ayamkudy. There are few dozen buses plying between Kottayam and Vaikom, many of which have stops in Ayamkudy. Alternatively, one can hire a taxi/auto rickshaw from the nearby town of Kaduthuruthy, which is well connected to other cities and towns in the state.

    Kottayam and Ernakulam are the nearest major railroad stations; Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK) is the nearest airport. The major place near Ayamkudy is Jeriyappan Kavala.

    Legend.

    The history of the temple or its origin could be dated back as early as 1000 AD. The main idol is a Shivalingam, supposed to have appeared on its own in the homagni (sacred fire) in a Brahmin’s house at Ayamkudy. This Brahmin, Namboothiri, was an ardent devotee of Vaikathappan, a temple 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) away. According to legend, he was unable to get to the temple for worship due to his old age, so the deity of that temple (Vaikathappan) appeared in his Upasana Homagni. The temple was constructed later and it stands presently as the top center of the village. There seem to have been seven Ooranma families (owners) of the temple; however, only five still have living members. The present Ooranma Families include Pattamana Illam, Ettikkada Mana, Irishi Illam, Marangatta Mana and Neithasseri Mana.

    Festival is Mahasivaratri.

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

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