Sri Kanakambika Sametha Sri Madyanatheshwara Swamy Temple, Thirupalapandal, Thirukovilur, Villupuram District

Sri Gurubhyo Namah! Sri Maha Ganapathaye Namah!!

Sri Sadashiva Samarambham Sri Sankaracharya Madyamaam Asmat Acharya Paryantam vande Guru Paramparaam!!

I submit this humble attempt unto the lotus feet of his holiness Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswami of Sri Sarada Peetam , Sringeri

 

 
This temple is located enroute to Sankarapuram from Thirukovilur in a village named by ThiruPalapandal.

Presiding Deity: Sri Madyanadeshwarar(Sanskrit)/ Sri Mattheeswarar(Tamil)
Presiding Goddess: Sri Kanakambika( Sanskrit)/ Sri Ponnammai( Tamil)
Stala Vruksham: Vanni Tree

This temple is currently in a state of neglect, full of foliage, infested with bats, the outer wall ruined by neglect over a period of time.

This Temple's history is not known to many as this temple was not having any worship services for the past 5 decades. However with few of the locals taking initiatives, the temple was opened and poojas were happening for 1 time a day for the past few months. 

When i visited this temple in the evening, fortunately the priest was there and performed aarthi to the Lord.  Lord Madyanadeshwara is small linga. I could sense the vibrations in the sanctum, which was infested with bats and bat remains.



 After having darshan of Lord, the priest took me around the temple's inner praharam. There are  shrines of Lord Shanmuga, and on the kosta, Lord Ganesh, Lord Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Lingothbhava, Lord Brahma, Sri Durga.

 

The goddess Sri Kanakambi is a small idol clad in saree. When the priest performed the aarthi i could see the smile on the face of Devi.  I felt like sitting there for a while but could not do so as the place was infested with bats.

Here infront of her shrine there is a Nandi Placed.

 

 



 

 

The Navagraha shrine is infront of Sri Kanakambika's Shrine.

 

 

The temple is said to have 9 tunnels connecting various places of importance of yester years. The priest showed me one such tunnel in the artha mandapam of the Lords Shrine.

 

 

 

The Temple complex has separate enclosures for Cooking( Madapalli), Place to Tie Elephants and  Sabha Hall for Nataraja. Now all this place are in a state of dispair,which needs repairs very badly.  The Dwaja Stamba has to be repaired.

 

 

Above Madapalli, Below Elepahant Mandap

 

 

 

The temple priest Sri Bharanidharan travels from 10 Kms to perform the pooja.  He informed that they are looking for donors who can participate in renovation of this temple.

 

Images The Nataraja Sabha and Dwaja Stamba are given below.

 

 

 

 

There are lot of inscriptions on the walls of the temple. I presume the ASI Chennai Chapter would have already dechipered the same. From the size of the temple and the location it is located, this would have played a strategically important role in the early diplomacy.

 

 

 

The priest informed me that there are two other temples of the same period, which are also in ruins. Due to the time constraints i could not visit those temples.

 

I wonder how people could just leave the places to ruin which were once a prominent place of worship. What happened to the families of priests who were looking after these temples.

 

 

Please write to me incase if you feel like helping this temple. My email id is nrbarve@gmail.com

 

 

 

Sri Poonkoval Nachiar Sametha Sri Trivikrama Swamy Temple, Thirukovilur, Villupuram District

Sri Gurubhyo Namah! Sri Maha  Ganapathaye Namah!!

Sri Sadashiva Samarambham Sri Sankaracharya Madyamaam Asmat  Acharya Paryantam vande  Guru Paramparaam!!

I submit this humble attempt unto the lotus feet of his holiness Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswami of Sri Sarada Peetam , Sringeri

I felt it would be apt to start writing about my visits to Vishnu Temples with this temple as this is the place where the early Alwars, Poigai Alwar, Peyalwar , and Boodat Alwar Started to sing in praise of Lord Vishnu. This place is attributed to be the birth place of Divya Prabandams.

Presiding Deity-  Sri Trivikrama Swami / Sri Ulagalanda Perumal
Presiding Goddess - Sri Poonkoval Nachiar
Urchavar - Sri Dehaleesa Perumal
Stala Vriksham- Pinnai
Teertha - Dakshina Pinakini/ Then Pennai River, Chakra Theertham

 

The Temple’s main entrance is facing east, the East Side is having two Gopurams(Towers). The main gopuram is third tallest after the towers of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam and Sri Andal Temple, Srivilliputhur. The temple has been built and renovated by Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire , Nayaks of Madurai, the local Diwans and Local Cheiftains over a period of time.

The Legend has is that Sri Mahavishnu incarnated as Lord Vamana to chastise King Mahabali.  As per Srimad Bhagavata, Sri Vamana visited King Mahabali who was giving grants to various people as part the sacrificial fire worship. Sri Sukracharya being aware of the person who has come to receive the grant advised King Mahabali not to offer anything to the Dwarf Lord Sri Vamana, However King Mahabali did not heed to his Guru’s advise and offered Three Feet of Land to Lord Vamana. Lord Vamana expanded and measured the earth and the space with his two feet and asked King Mahabali as where is the third feet.  Having seen the lord’s vishwaroopa darshan and getting rid of his ignorance, King Mahabali offered his head to keep the foot.  Sri Trivikrama kept his foot on kings head and sent him to the nether world.   King Mahabali’s son Prince Namasu, become ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.

Sage Mrikandu Maharishi who was doing penance on the banks of Dakshina Pinakini River wished to have the darshan of Trivikrama incarnation of Mahavishnu, prayed to lord.  Sri Mahavishnu to fulfill the devotee’s wish appeared in the form of Trivikrama with his consort.  This is the significance of this place Thirukovilur.

Another Legend has it that, the three early alwars of  Sri Vaishanva Sampradaya, has started the glorification of Lord Mahavishnu.  I was told that “ once upon a time, during day it has started to gather cloud and rain like as the world has come to end, Poigai alwar took refuge under a small shelter to protect himself from the harshness of the rain.  While he was standing there came another devotee named Peialwar, and the third was Boothatalwar. As there was heavy rain darkness prevailed everywhere, these three could barely see each other. As they were speaking about the glories of Lord Vishnu, they sensed that there is fourth person amidst themselves and listening to their conversation. They immediately sensed that it was none other than Sri Mahavishnu they started glorifying him with each one of them composing 100 songs” .Thus the literature later called Divya Prabandha came into existence.

The Legends:

1.       The Lord Trivikrama stands here with his right feet lifted measuring the space. Lord Brahma is offering Teertha on the Lotus feet of Lord Mahavishnu.

2.       Sri Durga Devi from her original abode of Sri Vindhya Mountains came here to be with her brother Sri Mahavishnu . This temple has  Shrine for Sri Durga Devi which is not common in Sri  Vishnu Temples.

3.       Lord Trivikrama is holding his conch Panchajanya in his right hand and his Chakra, Sudarsana in his left hand which is unusual as normally the Sudarsana is held in his right hand.

4.       Lord Trivikram is made of Dharu Tree.

5.       Inside the sanctum one can see Lord Trivikrama, Sri Lakshmi, Sri Brahma, Sri Mrikandu Maharishi along with his consort, The three early alwars Poigai Alwar, Pei Alwar, Boothath Alwar, King Mahabali, Prince Namasu Son of Mahabali is seen performing pooja at the feet of Lord Trivikrama.

 

The temple has shrines for Lord Rama, Sri Sudarshana, Sri Poonkoval Nachiar, Sri Vamana, Sri Durga Devi, Sri Varaha, Sri Krishna

This temple is one of the 5 Krishnaaranya Kshetras featuring in the 108 Divyadesams. The Krishna idol in the separate sanctum is said to be made of Saligrama Sila.

The temple has few mantaps called  Uri Adi Mantaps which are being encroached by some people who doesn’t value the value of the same.

 

Lakshmi Narayana Swami Temple , Alur, Thirukovilur

Temple Left to face the Nature's Test & Abandoned by the locals

Sri Andhakaara Nivarani Sametha Sri Oushadheeshwara Swamy Temple, Thirucachur, Singaperumal Kovil, Chennai

Sri Gurubhyo Namah!! Sri Maha Ganapataye Namah !!!
SadaShiva Samarambaam, SankaraCharya Madyamam, Asmat Acharya Paryantam, Vande Guru Paramparaam!!
I pray unto the Lotus Feet of Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Maha Swamigal, Sri Dakshinamnaya Srigeri Saradha Peetam.


Presiding Deity : Sri Oushadheeswara Swamy( Sanskrit)  - Sri Marundeeswarar( Tamil)
Presiding Goddess: Sri Andhakaara Nivarani( Sanskrit) - Sri Irul Neekki Thayar( Tamil)
Theertham: Oushadha Theertham
Stala Vruksham: Jack Fruit ( Palaa Maram)


This Temple Located near Singaperumal Temple , around 3 Kms off the GST Road on the West Side, in a village called ThiruCachur. This Village has two ancient Shiva Temples.

1. Sri Oushadheeswarar Temple on a small hillock and
2. Sri Kachabeswarar Temple ( Thiagaraja Swamy Temple) in the Village

 

Sri Oushadheeswara Temple is located in a samll hillock. The main entrance of the temple is facing South, the entrance doesn't have a Raja Gopuram.

Once entered the temple you come across a mandapam which has beautiful sculptures on its Pillars.

Towards the Left of this Madapam there is a small Shrine for Sri Gnana Ganapathi Facing East.

The Main Shrine is reachable from the main south entrance and the Lord is Facing West. The Sanctum reverbarates with the vibrations emanating from the Lord.

One Can have Darshan of Sri Durga, Sri Brahma, Sri Vishnu, Sri Dakshina Moorthy, Sri Ganapathi, Sri Chandikeshwara on the kosta while doing pradakshina..

The shrine of Devi Sri Andhakaara Nivarani is next and is located to the Right of the Mandapam. As the priest performed the aarthi i was able to have darshan, and could feel the powers which could dispel any darkness.

The temple has a well designed Well which is used as theertham . The Oushada theertham.  The Well has a side entrance and has few steps to climb down and get water for abhishekam.

Then you have the Navagraha Shrine on the south east Corner of the Temple.

The Legends: ( As told to me by the priest)

1. Once Indra was suffering from some form of ailment, Aswini Devas the celestial doctors having no clue about the ailment of Indra, did penance to acquire the requesite knowledge for administering the medicine. Lord Shiva guided them to this place called Oushada Giri and advised to find the herbs from there. Having reached this place and unable to find the correct herb they prayed towards Devi Parvathi.  Devi Parvathi pleased by the prayers of Aswini Devas dispelled their ignorance and guided them to get the correct medicine. Thus Devi is Called by the name of Andhakaara Nivarani.

2. Here the belief is that the Soil/ Mud is itself medicine. By having strong belief and smearing the same one can get rid of chronic ailments.

3. The Chandikeswara is having four faces which is unique to this temple.

4. By doing Girivalam,( Circumambulation of The Hillock) on Pournami Day or Fridays one is blessed with Gods Grace.



The temple is well maintained and as any other temple with support from the devotees is getting renovated.

Sri Tripurasundari Sametha Sri Marundeeswara Swami Temple, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai

Presiding Deity: Sri Marundeeswara Swamy
Presiding Goddess: Sri Tripurasundari
Stala Vruksham: Vanni Tree
Theertham:  Originally this temple had 5 Theertham out of which one in ceased to Exist. Two are in the form of Tank/Pond, other two are in the form of well..


This temple is located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. This Temple is just located on the start of the East Coast Road ( ECR ) in Thiruvanmiyur.

The main entrance is located in the East side which is adorned by a 7 tiered Rajagopuram, as you cross this  entrance there another 5 tiered Gopuram. Between this two Gopuram is a Mandapam which has few beautiful paintings. Towards left there is a Theertham, and towards right there is a stage for cultural activities. As you cross the second Gopuram, you could get the darshan of Lord Vigneswara and Lord Muruga. They both are facing East.

Then you enter the Somaskanda Mandam and the God is called as Sri Thyagaraja Swami.  After worshipping the Sri Thyagaraja Swami we enter the main shrine where Lord Marundeeswara swami is Located. Lord is facing West. The Shrine is well maintained. The inner praharam has shrines of Sri Ganapathy along with the  4 Saivate saints ( Appar, Sundarar, Manickkavasagar and Thirugnanasambandar), Gajalakshmi, Sri Subramanyar, Urchava Murthies, Sri Natarajar, 108 Shiva Lingams, Kedarishwarar, Ramanatheswarar, Sundareswarar, Arunachaleswarar, The Sixty three saivate saints. The Kosta has Sri Durga, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy, Vinayagar.

After having darshan of Sri Marundeeswara Swami,  one can enter the shrine of Goddess Sri Tripurasundari. Goddess is facing south. As i entered the shrine i could feel the mothers grace in full.

Legends:

1. Sage Vasishtha's celestial cow after being cursed , did penance here to get rid of the curse.
2. Sage Valmiki, the narrator of Srimad Ramayana, did penance here, and the town is named after him, Thiru (Sri) +Vanmi(Valmik) + Oor( Place) = Thiruvanmiyur
3. Lord Shiva Shared the Secret Knowledge of the herbal medicine to Sage Agasthya hence the Name Marundeeswara.

Temple Timings:

From morning 6:00 AM to 12 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

 

Sri Karpagambal Sametha Sri Kapaaleeshwara Swamy Temple, Mylapore, Chennai

Presiding Deity: Sri Kapaaleshwara Swamy
Presiding Goddesses: Sri Karpagambal
Stala Vriksham: Punnai Maram

This temple is located in heart of Chennai , the Mylapore.  The goddess Devi Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva in the Form of a Peahen.  Hence the place got its name Mayil(Peahen)- Puram ( Place) = Mayilapuram which later became to be known as Mylapore.

This temple complex is of prinstine beauty, the complex consist of a Temple Tank, The Temple , The Festival Mandapam.

The Temple has its main entrance on the east which has tower facade/ Gopuram. The Gopuram boasts various idols which are very beautiful. As you enter the temple from the east main entrance one can have the darshan of Lord Sri Ganesha in the form of Nardhana Vinayagar. Lord Ganesha is here in dancing form.

As you start from  Ganesha Shrine towards the main shrine, one can have darshan of Lord Annamalaiyar and Sri Unnamalai Amman. As you further walk towards the sanctum one can visit the Temple of Sri Singaravelavan,  Lord Murugan in his Six Faced Form with his consorts Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai.  Infront of Lord Singaravelavan Temple, one can find a shrine dedicated to Sri Arunagirinathar.

As you pass the Sri Nandi the Temple management has made a queue which will take you to the Shirne of Shri Karpagambal, The Presiding Goddess. The devi's name translates to the one who continuously grants boons to the devotees. There are lot of songs and strotras sung in praise of Devi Sri Karpagambal.

After having darshan of Sri Karpagambal the queue takes you to the Shiva shrine ,  Lord Kapaleeshwara. You can see Sri Durga , Sri Brahma , Lingothbavar, Dakshina moorthy, Selva vinayagar in the most a of the sanctum. The praharam of Lord Kapaleeshwara also houses Palliyarai, 63 nayanmars , bairavar, veerabhadra and few other gods. 

The Legends:

1. Sri parvathi performing penance in the form of a peahen .

2. Thiru Gnanasambandar bring back a girl to life from the ash pot . 

3. Birth place of Sri Vayilar Nayanar, who is one of the 63 nayanmars.

The temple is well connected by Road,rail, and Chennai has an international airport.

This is one of the Seven Shiva Temples of Mylapore

The temple timings :

5 am to 12 pm 

4:30 pm to 9:00 pm