Ramanisblog

Tag: Shiva temples

  • Thirukkadavur Abhirami Shiva Contact Details.

    Thirukkadavur Abhirami Shiva Contact Details.

    Thirukkadavur, the place from Lakshmi can not be moved from or will not leave is dedicated to Amirthakadeswarar, Shiva, who has Amirtha, nectar.
    Those who worship Him would gain the liberation of the Soul.

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    As usual, the abstract meaning got lost and people throng this place for longevity.
    Though it is granted, the real benefit is removal of Human ignorance that he is limited and mortal.
    Here Shiva as Ishwara helps one transcend the fear of death and guides one in the path of Knowledge and Liberation.
    People have their Shastiapthapoorthy/sathabhishekam ( completion of 60/ 80 years).
    This is done throughout the year.
    Interesting to note is that the Lord’s consort Devi called as Abhirami wields equal if not more power than Ishwara who stripped Yama, the God of Death of his power to take away Lives.
    This to save Shiva’s Devotee Markandeya.
    Markandeya became immortal and  is among the Immortals of Hinduism.
    Please read my post on the Immortals of Hinduism.
    Devi Abhirami rushed to the rescue of her devotee Abhirama Bhattar by displaying Her Earrings in the sky because,In the Divine Ecstasy of watching Abhirami mentally, he declared a New Moon Day( amavasya) as Full Moon Day , Pournami!
    Abhirami Bhattar had no male child.
    His great great grandson through his daughter is working in the Temple.
    This information is to show that the incidence relating to Abhirami and  Abhirami Bhattar is not a story.
    The Deity is my personal Deity and   I visit her when I want to see Her.
    No prayers , just to look at Her.
    As a a spin off , I would find my problems or issues sorted out before I return home.
    There is the old Smasana, the Burning Ghat where Shiva is present and one must not miss it.
    The Temple is open between 6 am and 1230 om and between 4 and 8 pm.
    For good Darshan you may contact    Sri.Mahesh Kurukkal +91 75503 87058 or  Sri.Arun, Temple Staff +91 97513 20392.They are not money minded .

    How to reach. From Myladuthurai , Thirukkadavur is about 40 minutes by Car.From Kumbakonam 55 kms.

    Airport.Tiruchirappalli.

    Nearest Railway station.Myladuthurai.

    Stay : Hotel Aiswaryam ,

    hotelaishwariyam.com -
    Hotel Aiswaryam.Thirukkadavur

    Thirukkadavur.Clean, Good Budget hotel.No frills. Hotwater good airy rooms.Friendly service.Walkable distance to Temple.

    You may take food at Hotel Abhirami.Food is quite tasty, mainly South Indian Cuisine,Poori,Chappathi,Parotta available.

    2018-07-01

  • Ruby Shiva Embraces Vishnu accompanies Shiva Nagappattinam

    I have noticed a few things as I traveled south from Tiruchi through the coastal belt of the bay of Bengal on Tamil Nadu.
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    1.The perceived difference between Shiva and Vishnu is replaced it one of amity and Vishnu and Shiva mix together!

    2.The sages of the north seem to have a preference to go deep down to south to worship Deities.

    3. The Goddesses, specifically the spouses of Vishn and Shiva gain more prominence than Vishnu and Shiva, as in Thiruvellarai and in Thirukkadavur.

    These have historical significance and i shall be writing on this.

    Near the tip of the eastern coast of India is Nagappatinam.

    It is also called as Thirukkaaronam.

    It means that instead of the individual soul merging with the Universal Soul, the Universal soul descends and merges with the Individual Soul.

    The Kaayarohanar Temple of Shiva demonstrates this.

    Lord Shiva embraced His devotee here.

     

    Sage Pundarika as advised by Sage Kanwa performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking salvation.  Granting His darshan, Lord embraced the sage and granted salvation.  As a rule, the soul merges with the Lord attaining salvation.  But in this case Lord embraced with the body (Kayam in Tamil) with that of Sage (Aaroganam). Hence Lord is named Kaya (body) Aarogana (embracing) Easwarar-Lord – Kayaroganeswarar.

     

    King of serpents prayed to Lord and got a girl child.  It had three breasts in birth itself.  The king was sad to see this abnormality.  Lord Shiva assured the king that one breast will disappear when a king of Surya dynasty visited his place.  When king Shalisuhan came there, one breast of the girl disappeared.  Happy Naga king gave his daughter to Shalisuhan in marriage.  As Naga king worshipped here, the place came to be known as Nagai Karonam. Now it is Nagapattinam.’

    Vishnu meets and travels with Shiva.

    ‘

    During festival procession, Lord goes round the Mada Veedhis (Streets) and return to the temple.  But Lord beginning his procession from this temple, goes to seven places – Poigainallur, Poravacherry, Sikkal, Palur, Vadagudi, Thethi and Nagoor.  Maharaja Salija worshipped Lord Shiva and performed puja in these seven places.  The present system is to remember this history.

    Nagappatinam is one of the Saptha Vidanga sthalas.

    Please read my article on Satha Vidanga Sthalas.

    As a Saptha Vidanga Sthala one finds a Ruby Shiva Linga in addition to a self formed Shiva Linga.

     

    Against the practice of Lord coming in the Vrushab vahan on Pradosham days, Lord Vishnu too accompanies Lord Shiva in the guise of Mohini.  When the milk ocean was churned, Nectar came out and was served by Lord Vishnu to Devas.  Devas failed to pray to Lord Shiva who swallowed the Halahala poison to save the world.  Realizing their folly, they begged the pardon of the Lord.  Showing His mercy to them, Lord Shiva danced on Nandhi.  This dance took place at the Pradosham time.  Lord Vishnu’s Mohini Avtar took place a little before this time.  This Vishnu darshan is available to the devotees on Pradosham day only.

     

    Emperor Dasaratha came to know that Planet Saturn would be splitting the Rohini star causing severe famine in his country.  He planned to fight Saturn to prevent him from doing so.  Sun God advised Dasaratha to drop his plan but to beg Saturn to change his transit route in public interest.  Saturn also admired the earlier plan of the emperor to meet him in war for the sake of his subjects without any selfish motive personally. The planet yielded to the emperor’s wish.  Remembering this event, all the planets (Navagrahas) in the temple are facing west-the Lord.

    Other special features.

    The eyes of Mother Ambica is blue in colour as sea showing Her mercy as vast and deep as sea.  Hence, named Neelayadakshi-blue eyed.  She is also Karundhadanganni.  She has Her own shrine with a flag post-Kodi Maram. Ambica graces as a virgin.  Aadi Pooram is very grandly celebrated in the temple.  Her shrine is designed as a Rath.  On the festival day, Mother comes in procession in a Rath made purely in crockeryware.

     

    As Ambica is a virgin, Lord sent Nandhi Deva to be Her guard.  But Nandhi expressed his wish to be with Lord for ever seeing Him.  Lord said that he can have His darshan though with Ambica. Nandhi in the temple is seen with its neck turned towards Lord with one eye on Ambica and other on the Lord. Hence, the Nandhi is known as Twin View Nandhi (Irattai Parvai in Tamil). Those having vision problems pray to this Nandhi.

     

    Generally, temples are closed if a death occurs in a nearby place.  In this place, the garlands and the clothes – vastras used for the Lord is placed on corpse.  A fisherman, Adhipathar attained salvation with the grace of Lord Shiva in this place.  Remembering this event, as a mark of respect to the community, this practice is followed in this temple. The body is placed before the temple without closing the doors.  The garland and the vastras used for the Lord are placed on the body.

    Moolavar. Kaayaroganrswar.
    CONSORT. Neelayadakshi.
    Ganesha Subrahmanya Thiagaraja present.
    Nagappatinam is around 2 hours drive from Myiladuthurai. .
    Buses available from all district head quarters.
    AIRPORT. Thiruchirapalli, Pudhucherry.
    Among many other places to visit in Tamil Nadu,Nagapattinam is the one that must not be skipped.Nagapattinam is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Nagapattinam.Instead of Nagapattinam you can a get flight to Civil Airport on regular basis.

  • Regain Lost Status Position Thiruppanjeeli Shiva

    I have found,during my research into the so-called legends/stories(?) In Hinduism ,that the persons/events narrated in totally different contexts check out to be facts.

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    For example the 196 places visited by Lord Rama checks out when one hears the local legends and temple histories.

    One such is the Temple at Thiripaingeli, about 20 km from Thiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India.

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    Shiva In Thiruvannamalai.

    Thirukkadavur , Tamil Nadu where Lord Shiva stripped Yama , the God of Death, of post to save His( Shiva) Devotee Markandeya who was destined to die at the age of 16, from Death, is also the Abode of Goddess Abhirami.
    Now that the God of Death is stripped off his power to take away Lives as determined by Fate, how can people die?
    The answer lies in Thirupaingeli, where Lord Shiva restored God of Death, Yama’s post so that the affairs of the world could continue.
    In Hinduism, though it is stressed that even God can not change Fate,which is dtermined by one’s actions, there areinstances where God seems to interfere to shower His Blessings on His Devotee.
    Again if one were to check the Puranas, one shall find a justification for this interfetence.
    Seeming contradictions are lost in the larger scheme of things in the Universe.
    In this case to create an Immortal to spread Dharma.
    This temple is about 25 km from Srirangam, 23 km from Thiruchirapalli and is Just 6 km from Thiruvellarai ,where there is Temple built by Lord Rama’s ancestor Sibi Chakravarthi.
    These two temples lie in the same route.
    Buses bound for Thanjavur pass through Thiruvellarai.
    One has to have either provate transport or engage an auto from Thiruvellarai.
    This might cost Rs 150 to 200 to go to Thiruppaingeli and back to Thiruvellarai.
    Buses are available at frequent intervals from Thiruchirapalli to Thanjavur or from Srirangam.
    As this is the place where Yama regained his position, one may worship Shiva here to regain their lost their position,job and status.
    ‘Gneli, means Plantain tree.
    It is a special plantain tree called Kalvaazhai, barren plantain.
    There are a couple of huge plantain trees in a separate enclosure in the temple.
    Legend has it and people who have followed it, assert that if a boy or unmarried girl performs parihara in the form of tying Thasli or Mangal Sutra to the tree their marriage plans shall fructify.
    They have to do this and worship Shiva as Sotruvana Natha(one who is amidst a forest of Food).
    This parihara is being performed everyday between 8 am and 12 noon.
    There is also the interesting idol of Somaskandha along with Yama and Shiva in the Sanctum
    This is quite rare.
    Devi is called Thirupaingeli Amman.
    The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli.
    Railway station Tiruchirapalli and Srirangam.
    ‘ There is Rathina Sabha in this temple also like Chidambaram. One time, Viyakirapatha munivar and Pathanjali Munivar went to Kailasam to see Shiva’s dance, that time shiva told, go to Chidambaram, there I will give my Nataraja Darshan. As per shiva’s words, they went to Chidambaram, Shiva gave his darshan to them on the day of thaipoosam. By hearing this incident, Vasista Munivar asked Shiva, “When I will see this Darshan in Chidambaram?” Shiva told him, “I will give Nataraja Dharshan to you in Gneelivanamagiya Thirupangneeli”. As per that, Shiva gave Nataraja Dharshan to Vasista Munivar in Rathina Sabha of this temple. …
    Vayu Bhaghvan and Adiseshan had a dispute to find out who is superior, to prove the superiority adiseshan encircled the Kailasam, Vayu tried to remove this encircle by creating santamarutham (Twister). Because of the santamarutham, 8 kodumudigal (parts) fell from kailasam into 8 different places which are Thirugonamalai, Thirukalahasti, Thiruchiramalai, Thiruenkoimalai, Rajathagiri, Neerthagiri, Ratnagiri, and Suwethagiri. In this Suwethagiri is called as Thirupangeeli. Because this place came from Kailasam, it is called as Thenkailasam in Tamil.
    To give boon to Markendaya to live forever, Shiva killed Yamadharman in Thirukadaiyur. Since yama died, people started living without death, world became over populated, there was no poojas in temple, all caste people forgot their duties, Bhoomadevi (Bhoodevi) codn’t bear the weight, entire world started suffering. But, Poojas were happening in only Thirupangeeli temple and no issues here. So Mahavishnu, Bramha, Bhoomadevi, and Shiva disciples all came to this temple and worshipped & requested Shiva to give Birth to yama. As per their prayer, Shiva gave rebirth to yama through pilathuvaram on the day of Thaipoosam. Shiva gave power to yama again, so he also called Adikaravallavar. (In Tamil, athikaram means power.)

    Citation and reference.
    <a href="http://www.gneelivaneshwarartemple.tnhrce.in/history

  • Kumbakonam Panchakrosha Shiva Temples

    I have written on Two Panchakrosha Temples of Lord Shiva, Varanasi and around Tirunelveli ,Tamil Nadu,India

    There are two more such group of temples,each group consisting of Five Shiva temples, which are located in about 6.5 Km or five miles (Panchakrosha) and are endowed with the Immanent presence of Lord Shiva in both animate and inanimate beings.

    Visiting them on the same day brings in the blessings of the ancestors (Pitrus0 and Prosperity.

    Mahalinga swamy Tiruvidaimaruthur
    Mahalingam, Thiruvidaimaruthur

     

    They are.

    Ujjain and

    around Kumbakonam ,Tamil Nadu.

    The Panchakrosha Temples around Kumakonam are,

    Swamimalai,

    Thirunageswaram.

    Karuppur,

    Darasuram and

    Thiruvidaimaruthur.

     

    1.Swamymalai.

    Thiruverakam, popularly known as “Swamimalai” is located at a distance eight kilometers from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district on the northern banks of the river Cauvery. It is one of the six famous abodes (Arupadaiveedu) dedicated to Lord Muruga (also spelt Murugan). Lord Muruga preached Pranava mantra “ OM ” to Lord shiva and that why he is called “Swaminathan”.

    The temple is built on an artificial hill and is reached by a flight of steps. It is believed that the sixty steps of the temple ascending to the sanctum sanctorum represent the sixty months of the ancient Tamil calendar. Lord Shiva enshrined at the foot of the hillock is known as “sundaresar” and the Devi is known as “Meenakshi”.

    Temple Timings.

    5 to 12 Noon and 4 to 10 pm

    2.Thirunageswaram.

    Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu and is associated toLord Rahu (Raaghu Bhagvan).

    It is 7 km east of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Nannilam Road, in Thanjavur District, Tamilnadu.

    The main presiding deity of Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple is Lord Naganathaswamy (Lord Shiva)

    Consort Giri Gujambika (Goddess Parvathi) who is enshrined with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati by Her side.

    Rahu Bhagavan is seen with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni.

    Here Lord Shiva was worshipped by Rahu (Raghu) and got relived of a curse.

    A unique feature of Naganatha Swamy temple is that Lord Rahu is seen with human face. While in other places, Lord Raaghu is worshipped with a serpent face.

    Milk turns blue when Abhisheka is performed.

    3.Karuppur.

    Koranattu Karuppur Shiva temple and Petti Kali amman

    Location: 3 kms from Kumbakonam in the Chennai highway
    Main deity:     Sundareswarar with Abhirami ammai

    Significances:
    A big box, containing a beautiful half portion (hip to head) wooden image of the Goddess Kali, now being called Petti kali amman, with eight hands which was floating on the river Cauvery, drifted ashore here. She is kept in the temple and being worshipped. The box is opened only once in a year with all rituals.

    4.Darasuram.

    Location:  Darasuram near Kumbakonam,Tamil Nadu
    Built in: 12th Century
    Built By:  Raja Chola the second
    Completed By : Pandya Rulers
    Dedicated to: Lord Shiva,Airavateshwara
    Entry:Free
    Photography: Allowed.
    Temple Timing: 6:00 Am to 10 Pm
    Best time to Visit: all time
    Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam
    Nearest Air Port: Trichy.

    5.Thiruvidaimaruthur.

    Thiruvidamaruthur , A Saivite Kshetra, is located  8Km  from Kumbakonam and about forty minutes drive from Myladuthurai.

    The Temple is dedicated to Lord Mahalingam,Siva in Linga Form.

    It is one of the Panchakrosha Sthalas. The Ammbal Shrine is one of the Sakthi Bheetas. Chakkara Maha Meru is installed here.

    Temple Timings.

    6 to 12 Noon and

    4 to 9 PM.

    I have written in detail about Thiruvidaimaruthur.

    I shall be writing in detail about each of these temples.

    • There are variations to this list of Panchakrosha Sthalams.

    Citation and reference.

    https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/around-kumbakonam-2/

    Related.

    https://ramanisblog.in/2014/10/28/invisible-rama-kills-visible-vaali-enacted-in-sculpture/

    https://ramanisblog.in/2012/09/01/thiruvidaimaruthur-mahalingam-and-brahmahathi/

     

     

     

  • Shadow On Shiva Linga No Direct Light Chaya Somalingeswara

    The architecture of the Hindus , especially the Temples, is awe inspiring

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    THE Thanjavur Temple built in a region where there is no mountain nearby was built with stones;the top of the Temple tower has 80 tons of monolithic round stone; how people transported these huge stones and other materials over long distances when the swiftest mode of transport was,we presume were only bullock carts and horse driven carriages; it was built with calculations of Trigonometry so that the shadow of the Temple falls only on its base.
    Or The Sun temple at Konark.
    Or the world,s longest Corridor in Rameswaram Temple.
    Or varius temples where the temples’ sanctum is so constructed that the rays of the Sun falls on the Deity at a particular time at a particular season.
    At lease , in the last case you have an open area for the Light to fall on the Deity in the Sanctum.
    But there is a temple where the shadow of pillars fall on Shiva Linga throughout the day and the Sanctum is closed on three sides while one through which one views the Deity is small where there is very little provision for Light to break in as the Sanctum is inside a Hall called Artha Mandapa.


    This the Chaya Soma Lingeswara Temple in Telengana, India.
    ‘ Chaya Someswara Swamy temple, also known by the name Thrikutalayam, is a Hindu temple located in Panagal, Nalgonda district, Telangana, India

    .It is a popular site during Sivarathri….

    The temple was built in 11th – 12th centuries during by a Chola King of Ikshvaku Dynasty.

    The formation of relentless shadow of a pillar falls over the main deity of Shivalingam throughout the day.

    The local people thinks that the “chaya” is the shadow of one of the pillars constructed in front of it. They often stand beside the pillars to see their shadow inside the chamber. But it is not possible as the “chaya” is not the shadow of any pillar. They can only see a blurred shadow instead. If you want to see your shadow, you need to stand at the entrance (door sill) of the chamber.

    The eleventh century architect might be aware of light diffraction and he constructed the temple in such a way that the light enters the inner chamber diffracting through two narrow passages on either side of the pillars in front of the chamber. The diffracted light enters the chamber making shadow of edges of entrance crisscrossing one with another leaving a gap between them. It may be noted here that Italian scientist Francesco Maria Grimaldi coined the word “diffraction” and was the first to record accurate observations of the phenomenon in 1660.

    How to reach.

    At a distance of 1.4 km from Panagal Bus Station, 4 km from Nalgonda Bus Station and 104 km from Hyderabad, Chaya Someswara Temple is a wonderful temple located at Panagal in Nalgonda district of Telangana. This is an interesting pilgrimage and historical site to visit from Nalgonda & Hyderabad.

    Image credit. https://satyasairamkrishna9.wordpress.com/category/articles/
    Citation and reference.