Myoksha Travels

Powered by The Temple Girl

Tamil Nadu Temples

Vaitheeswaran Kovil

, 2 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: ,

Vaitheeswaran Kovil is a holy place near Mayiladuthurai in Nagapattinam District. It is famous for the Shiva temple in honor of Vaidyanatheeswarar, the healer of all diseases and his consort Thaiyalnayaki. Jatayu, Rig Veda, Muruga and Surya worshipped the Lord here. This temple consist of several Mandapam and Gopuram 

What is the history of Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

According to history of Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Chevvai is son of shiva. Once Shiva was in deep meditation, perspiration from his third eye fell on earth. From that sweat a child was born and later on known asangaragan (chevvai). Chevvai Bhagavan is worshipped in the town of Vaitheeswarankoil or Pullirukkuvelur.

Angarakan (Mars) was one of the Navagraha in 9 planets. One day, he suffered a lot from Skin diseases (Leprosy). He prayed Lord Vaidyanatha Swamy in Vaitheeswaran Koil. Lord Shiva blessed him and cured his diseases. So he stayed in this temple and caleed as “Vaitheewaran” and cure all the diseases by whom praying him.

Thirunavukkarasar was suffering from severe stomach pain. At time, his sister told him to pray Lord Vaidyanatha Swamy. Then he prayed and got cured by Lord Shiva. He also became a great devotee of Lord Shiva and sung many songs for Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple. The five towers – Gopurams of the temple are on a straight line. The Maragatha Linga (Emerald Linga) is very famous. There are two flag posts-Kodimaram before the presiding deity made of silver and gold. Navagrahas the nine planets are generally in the front side of the sanctum facing different directions in Shiva temples.

What is the significance of the Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Here’s the significance of Vaitheeswaran Kovil:

  • There is a widespread believe that when one visits here, it would remove obstacles of the delayed marriage(Chevvai dosham). In chevvai temple the Prasadam (Food) offered by the name of tiruchendur urundai and it is considered to be a panacea capable of many elements it is made of ashes taken out from the homa kundam in front of Subramaniya strain.
  • The Lord Vaidyanatha and Thaiyal Nayagi are the family God (Kula Dheivam) for Kshatriya Community (Vanniyakula Kshatriyas) of South India. This temple is also Navagraha Sthalas of Lord Angarakan. Moreover, it is a famous tourist spot in Nagapattinam District.
  • Lord Bhairava protects the temple in the east, by Lord Veerabadra in the west, Lord Vinayaka in the south and Ma Kali in the north. Also, with its five tier Rajagopuram, the temple is facing west. The temple belongs to Darumapuram Aadheenam of Tiru Kayilaya Parambara – descendants of Kailash dynasty.

What are the timings of Vaitheeswaran Kovil Temple?

Here are the timings of Vaitheeswaran Kovil Temple:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6.00 AM 11.00 AM
Evening Darshan 4.00 PM 8.30 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at the Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

  • Skanda shashti: Kanda Sashti occurs in the Tamil Month Aippasi. Skanda Shasti celebrates the victory of Lord Skanda over demon Surapadma. In many places the festival commences six days before the Sashti day and concludes on the day of the Sashti. During these days, devotees recite inspiring hymns, read stories of Subramanya, and enact the exploits of the Lord on stage.
  • Aadipooram: Aadi Pooram, also called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’ is a prime festival of Tamilians. This festival is for Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The day also holds immense significance in Goddess Shakti temples scattered all over the country. In the event, priests offer glass bangles to Goddess Andal and then distribute them among all devotees.
  • Karthigai: Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lights, celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai. Accordin gto beliefs, Lord Muruga, the divine light of Lord Shiva, took his form during this month. On this day, all his six forms were united by Parvathi(his mother) and this way, he had six faces.
  • Panguni Uthiram: The Panguni Uthiram festival falls in the month ‘Panguni’ (March-April). This is also teh wedding day of Gods and Goddesses such as Parvati and Shiva, Devasena and Murugan, Andal and Ranganath and Sita and Rama. Devotees of Lord Muruga pierce their bodies with needles and spikes as a sign of their devotion to the Lord.

What are the Poojas and Rituals of Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

The poojas and rituals of Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

  • At the midnight Pooja the priests worship Lord Selva Muthukumaraswamy with special prayers. This is famous as ‘Punugu Kappu Dharshan’
  • Chevvai related dosha are rectified by performing pariharam(remedies) poojas to this deity. It is traditional to perform navagraha pooja to get rid of financial crisis, property dealing, productivity of agriculture and milk. It also solvess any problem between brothers and sisters. Chevvai also heels cut wounds.
  • The devotees as soon as entering the temple, they first go to Sithamirtha tank (Sithamirtha tank consist of 18 wells) filled with holy water and mix with medicines in form of leaves. The water has curative properties for various skin elements.
  • The person’s diseases even that could not get cured by mani, mandra, aushatha, after coming to this temple they got cured at this place. Therefore, here Shiva is Vaithiyanathan (doctor).
  • Devotees also undertake tonsuring.  Ear boring ceremony also takes place in the temple.  They also light Maa Vilakku made of rice flour and ghee, offer mangal sutras and god symbols as a prayer commitment.  They also place salt, pepper and mustard and eye symbols made of silver in the Ambica shrine. 

How to reach Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Here’s how to reach Vaitheeswaran Kovil:

  • Air: No direct connectivity to flight between Nagapattinam and Chennai is available.
  • Road: It is between Sirkazhi and Mayiladurai in the route of Chidambaram-Mayiladuthurai. This temple is 15 KM from Mayiladurai or 24 KM from Chidambaram.
  • Rail: The Nearest station is Mayiladuthurai. Direct train between Nagapattinam and Chennai is available.

Where to stay in Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Some of the places where one can stay in Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

  • Hotek Sadhabishegam Contact: Vaitheeswarankovil,Tamil Nadu 609117.
  • Hotel Sri Akshardham Contact: SH 64,Vaitheeswarankovil, Tamil Nadu 609117
  • Chola Inn Contact: 105, Pidari South Street,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi,Tamil Nadu 609111
  • Ayarpadi Hotel Contact: Old NH,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi,Tamil Nadu 609110
  • Hotel Aryabhavan Contact: Old NH,Thiruvalluvar Nagar,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi,Tamil Nadu 609111

Where to eat in Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Some of the places where one can eat in Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

  • Samboorna Restaurtant Contact: Old NH,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu 609110
  • Garden Restaurant Contact: Thenpathi,Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu 609110

 What are some temples near Vaitheeswaran Kovil temple?

Some of the temples near Vaiteheswaran Kovil Temple are:

  • Nellukadai Mariamman Koil: Nellukadai Mariamman Temple is at Nagapattinam. Interestingly, Mariamman appeared in the dream of a rice trader and asked him to build a shrine for him. He then constructed a beautiful temple in Nagapattinam and started offering prayers.
  • Sri Mullaivananathar temple: The fame of this temple rests largely upon the Goddess Shri Garbharakshambika (an avatar of Goddess Parvati) who offers protection to, the human embryo. And it is no wonder that this temple draws worshippers from all sects. Also, Lord Shiva in this Sthalam is famous as Mullaivananathar and the Ambika as Karparakshambigai. Another presiding deity is Lord Mullaivana Nathar. 
  • Sikkal Singaravelan Temple: Sikkal Singara Velan Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga and a contender for the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with the popular Arupadaiveedu (six abodes of Lord Muruga). Devotees also belive that Lord Murugan had got his Vel (weapon) from his divine mother at Sikkal, to kill the asura.

[wl_faceted_search]

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Guide – Timings, Dress Code, and History

, Leave a Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: ,

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas (the five Shiva temples). The main deity is in the form of Spatika Lingam – the sky element. Also, the 9 gateways of the temple signify the 9 orifices in the human body.

What is the history of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple?

The history of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple starts with the legend of Lord Shiva strolling into the Thillai Vanam. Vanam means forest and Thillai trees are a species of mangrove trees. In the Thillai forests lived sages who believed that God can be controlled using mantras and rituals.

 Lord Shiva walked in the forest with great beauty, assuming the form of Bhikshatana, a simple mendicant seeking alms. Vishnu followed him as Mohini.

The sages and their wives were enchanted by the beauty of Shiva. On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the rishis got angry and invoked scores of nagas by performing magical rituals. However, Lord Shiva lifted the serpents and donned them as ornaments on His locks, neck and waist. Further enraged, the sages invoked a fierce tiger. But Shiva used its skins and dons as a shawl around His waist.

The rishis then gathered all their spiritual strength and invoked a powerful demon Muyalakan – a symbol of complete arrogance and ignorance. Lord Shiva wore a gentle smile, stepped on the demon’s back, immobilized him and performed the Ánanda Tandava (the dance of eternal bliss). It then disclosed his true form. Hence, the sages surrendered.

Adhisesha, the serpent who serves as a bed for the Lord, hears about the Ananda Tandava and yearns to see and enjoy it. The Lord blesses him, beckoning him to assume the saintly form of ‘Patanjali’. He then sends him to the Thillai forest, informing him that he will display the dance in due course.

When was Chidambaram Nataraja Temple constructed?

This temple is significant to the shaivites and is famous for its grand architecture. Also, the Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan as the chief architect of the temple complex. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava or Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.

Perumtaccan of the respected clan of Vishwakarmas constructed and maintained the early structure of Chidambaram temple. The Chola king, Parantaka I laid the golden roof of the Chitambalam. In those flourishing times, kings Rajaraja Chola I and Kulothunga Chola I made significant donations to the temple.

he temple sculptures depicting the Thillai trees date back to the 2nd century CE. The word “Koyil” or temple in the Tamil Shaivite tradition refers to none other than the Thillai Natarajar Temple.

What is the significance of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple?

The significance of Chidambaram Temple is that it is one of the Panchabootha Sthalas and worships the Lord as sky or Aagayam. It is here that the hymns of three great Shaivite Saints were discovered. It is located at the Lotus heart of the Universe”: Virat hridaya padma sthalam.

Moreover, Lord Shiva is in three forms in Chidambaram, as visible idol form, formless as Akasha or space and form and formless as a Spatika Linga..

The spot where the Lord displayed the Ananada Tandava, the Ponnambalam/ Porsabai (Pon meaning gold, Ambalam/Sabai meaning stage) houses the Lord Shiva in his dancing form. The Lord is also hence famous as the Sabhanayakar, meaning the Lord of the Stage.

The Garbhagriha is a stage of the temple and houses the Lord in three forms. The “form” refers to the anthromorphological form as an appearance of Lord Nataraja, called the Sakala thirumeni; the “semi-form” – the semi-anthropo-morphological form as the Crystal linga of Chandramouleswarar;
the “formless” – as the Space in Chidambara Rahasyam, an empty space within the Garbhagriha, the Nishkala thirumeni.

What are the timings of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple?

Here are timings of Chidambaram Nataraja temple:

Day Timing
Monday 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan6 AM12 PM
Evening Darshan5 PM10 PM
Pal Nivedhayam6:30 AM
Maha Arati7 AM
kalashandhi Pooja7:45 AM9:45 AM
Irandam Kalaam10 AM 11 AM
Uchhikalam11:30 AM12 PM
Saayarakhshai5 PM 6 PM
Irandam Kalaam7 PM8 PM
Ardhajanam9 PM 10 PM

Which festivals are celebrated here?

Some festivals celebrated at Chidambaram nataraja temple are:

The 10 day Margazhi festival in December-January is one of the most important festivals that begin on the day prior to Tiruvadhirai star day with flag hoisting. The importance of the festival is that it is for Saivite Saint Manickavasagar.

The Vidayathi festival is both for the Lord and the saint.

The 10 day Aani Tirumanjanam festival begins with flag hoisting. It takes place 10 days earlier of Uthira star day. Also, from day one to the eighth day of the festival, procession of deities like Somaskanda, Shivananda Nayaki, Vinayaka, Subramania and Chandeswararm (panchamurthis) takes place in silver and gold vahans.

How to reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple?

Here’s how to reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Trichy that is 195km away and Chennai that is 235 km away.
  • Rail: Local trains connect Chidambaram  to Trichy and other major cities of Tamil Nadu.
  • Road:  There are requent buses from Andhra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu to Chidambaram. Locally auto rickshaw is the best mode of transport.

Where to stay nearby?

Some places where one can stay near Chidambaram Nataraja Temple are:

  • Hotel Akhshaya at Gandhi Nagar, Chidambaram has comfortable accommodations for tourists visiting Chidambaram. It is 1.8km away from the Chidambaram railway station. Also, it has a wide range of comfort delicacies.
  • Hotel Lakshmi Vilas Heritage at T Neduncheri, Chidambaram is has a big complex. The hotel gives the tourists a chance to enjoy living in pollution free atmosphere. It is only 12 km away from the Chidambaram railway station.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Chidambaram nataraja Temple:

  • The Thillai Kali Amman Temple is famous for its presiding deity who is Goddess Parvathi in the form of Mahakali. Moreover, the idol is truly lively and magnificent to look at.
  • The Tiruvetkalam temple is adjacent to the Anamalai university complex. It is also a great place to visit for its peaceful and resplendent structure.

Kumari Amman Temple Kanyakumari

, Leave a Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With:

Kumari Amman temple is 3000 years old and is for Devi Kanyakumari. She is the virgin goddess who stands strong protecting her devotees. She is “Devi” or “Bhagavathy” that refers to “Durga” or “Parvati”. Devotees also worship Devi as Bhadrakali.  The temple is on the seashore of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

According to popular beliefs, the Goddess removes the rigidity of our mind. Devotees actually feel the emotions in their mind when they pray to the goddess in devotion and contemplation.

What is the history of Kumari Amman Temple?

According to history, worship of Devi goes back to Vedic times and monotheism to Advaita times. Devi Kanyakumari finds mention in Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Sangam work Manimekalai. Devi Kanyakumari has a mysterious story that once Banusura, the demon king got power over Devas and gave cruel punishment to them.

The Devas performed a Yagna seaking to punish and remove the evils.  So Devi Parasakthi came to Kumari in the form of a virgin girl and began her penance. Meanwhile Lord Shiva fell in love with her and made arrangements for the marriage in the midnight on a particular day.

Now the Narada realised that their marriage would destroy the chances of castrating Banusura because only a virgin could kill him. When Lord Shiva was on his way to Kanyakumari, Sage Narada assumed the form of a cock and crowed falsely heralding the break of dawn. Thinking that the auspicious time for the marriage was past, Lord Shiva returned disappointed. The Goddess too decided to remain virgin after that. Then, when Banusura attempted to win the Goddess by force, she killed him with her Chakragudha, and relieved the sufferings of Devas. Then she resumed her penance and remained virgin.

What is the significance of Kumari Amman Temple?

Significance of Kumari Amman Temple is that it is one of the 51 Shaktipeethams – or divine abode of Goddess Shakti. One of the hundred and eight “Durga Alayas”, this Temple is for  Goddess Durga. Swami Vivekananda visited this Temple in December 1892, as told by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

The nose ring of Devi Kanyakumari is designed with rubies. They are so bright that it could be seen even from the far at night.

It is said that some ships sailing in the sea, mistook the brightness of the rubies as the light from the Lighthouse and got wrecked, hitting against the rocks nearby. Due to this reason, the eastern side gate of the Kumari Amman Temple is kept closed.

The eastern door of the Temple is opened on new moon days in the months of Edavam, Karkkidakam (Capricorn and Cancer), during Navaratri and in the month of Vrischikam.

Walking around the outer corridor and crossing the Navaratri Mandapam, the pathway leads to the second corridor encircling the shrine. At the entrance here, is the Kala Bhairava Shrine and the well “Patal Ganga Teerth” which provides water for the Devi’s Abhisegham. After this is the Dhwajastambha (flag mast).

What are the Timings of Kumari Amman Temple?

Here are the timings of Kumari Amman Temple: 

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m
Evening Darshan 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Which festivals are celebrated at Kumari Amman Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kumari Amman Temple are:

  • The Chaitry Purnima Festival occurs on the Full moon day in May.
  • The Navarathri festival occurs in the month of September–October. On the 10th day of the Navarathri, the Vijaya Dasami, devotees celebrate the destruction of Banasura.
  • The Vaisakha festival which is a 10 day festival in the Tamil Month of Vaikasi (May–June). Devotees take the image of the Devi around the town in procession, both in the morning and evening.
  • The Kalabham festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi (Karkkidakam) that is in July – August. The priest covers the idold with Sandal paste on the last Friday of the Tamil month (Aadi).

How to reach Kumari Amman Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kumar Amman Temple:

  • Road: visitors can reach the temple by taking taxis and auto-rickshaws . City buses also are regularly accessible. The temple is 1km away from Kanyakumari bus stop.
  • Rail: the temple is 1km away from the rail station.
  • Air: the temple also connects well to Chennai, Madurai, and Thiruvanathapuram.

Where to stay near Kumari Amman Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Kumari Amman Temple are:

  • Hotel Sangam is at Beach road, provides guests with a peaceful retreat that feels like a home away from home.
  • Singaar International Hotel at Main road, Kanyakumari is famous for it’s multi cuisine restaurant and well suited rooms.
  • Hotel Shivas Residency located 1 km away from the Kanyakumari Rail station is a good place to relax and enjoy the locale around.

What are some temples near Kumari Amman Temple?

Some temples near Kumari Amman Temple are:

  • You should definitely visit the Olakaruvi Falls once you have visited the temple. It has magnificent beauty and its surroundings are splendid to look at.
  • The Lord Subhramanya Temple is 34 km away from Kanyakumari and is for Lord Murugan who is the God of warfare and victory.
  • The Thanumaayan Temple is another temple famous for its architectural splendour. It is a 17th century Hindu shrine in the Suchindrum town of Kanyakumari. It is also famous as the Suchindrum Temple and Sthanumalayan Temple.

[wl_faceted_search]

Thiruvenkadu

, 5 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: ,

Thiruvenkadu (Adhi Chidambaram) is in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the nine Navagraha temples in South India. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva, famous  as Venkaatunadar and Sri Swetaranyeswarar. His consort(Ambal) is Bhrama Vidya Nayaki. Nataraja’s dance here also popular as Hasti Natanam. 

What is the history of Thiruvenkadu?

There is a legend that associates with the history of Thiruvenkadu. A demon Maruthuvan, received boons from Brahma and then tortured devas. The Devas went to Shiva for freedom from the demon. The Lord advised the Devas to go to Thiruvengadu and live there in disguise.

Shiva also sent his vehicle Nandhi and defeated the demon. The demon injured Nandhi with his trident.

Lord Shiva converted his anger into the Agoramurthy form. On seeing the Lord, the demon surrendered at his feet and begged his pardon. He also prayed that those worshiping Agoramurthy would not have enemies at all.

Achuthagapanar bathed in the three tanks, worshiped Thiruvengadar and hence, the lord blessed him with a child. This child came to be known as Meikandar and became the chief of Santhana Kuravars.

Vedarasi, a brahmin had placed his bundle of food in the hollow of a tree. A snake residing in the hollow spewed poison on the food.

Unaware of this, Vedarasi gave this food to a vedic priest, who died of the poison. This brahmin was absolved of his Brahmahathi Dhosham by worshipping Lord Siva of Thiruvengadu.

The legend continues:

When Thirugnanasambandar reached the borders of Thiruvengadu, the whole place looked like Sivaloka and the sands Sivalingas.He hesitated to place his legs on this holy land and cried Oh! Mother. On hearing his voice, Goddess Periyanayaki appeared there and took the child on her laps. Moreover, the idol of Periyanayaki with Thirugnanasambandar is majestically present in the temple.

Thiruvengadar, the son of Sivanesan and Gnanambigai, with the blessings of a Siva Muni received Siva Ditchai and a Siva Linga and hence became famous as Pattinathu Adigal.Indra having killed Virudhasuran, worshiped Lord Thiruvengadar and was absolved of his sins.

Also, Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indra. However, Indra in his vanity threw it on his white elephant Iravadam which stamped the mala under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indra. Afterwards, Indra realizing his folly formed a tank -Thadagam in Thiruvengadu and worshipped a Siva Linga. Lord Siva blessed him and he reached Indraloka again.

Suwedakedu on realizing that he was to die in his eighth year reached Thiruvengadu and performed Siva pooja. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly. Yama on seeing Thiruvengadar, ran away in fear.

What is the significance of the Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Here’s the significance of Thiruvenkadu Temple:

  • Lord Shiva possesses three eyes – Chandra, Surya and Agni. Since the eyes bless the tanks, the Theertham(tanks) are also famous as Soma Theertham ,Surya Theertham and Agni Theeertham. Bathing in these tanks and worshipping the Lord here for one “mandalam” (45 days) is also relieves couples from problems in relation with childbirth.
  • One of the three deities is Aghoramurthy or Aghora Veerabhadramurthy the most fierce among the five representations of Lord Shiva. There are also several shrines of significance including those to Ma Durga and Ma Kali. The saints Appar,Sundarar,Sambandhar and Manikavasagar have sung in praise of this temple.
  • Further, those who visit Thiruvengadu will find relief from puthira dosham, poor studies, mental instability, nervous disorders. Knowledge, music, astrology, maths, sculpting, medicine, language skills are the beneficial aspects of Budan.

What are the timings of Thiruvenkadu Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Thiruvenkadu Temple:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6 AM 12 PM
Evening Darshan 5.30 PM 9.30 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at the Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

  • Indira Festival: The Indra Jatra festival honours the recently deceased and pays homage to Indra and Dagini for the coming harvests. 
  • Gokulashtami: Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in the month of July or August.  All over India this day also includes devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with a great devotion. This day is the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 
  • Purattasi Viratham: Purattasi is an important Tamil month like Aadi, while Aadi month is for Amman Puratasi is for Perumal. Further, Lord Vishnu devotees consider Purattasi as the ideal month for thanking Lord Vishnu for preserving the Universe at the end of Kali Yuga. Hence, the devotees gather in large number at Lord Vishnu temples and offer special prayers.
  • Skanda Shashti: Skanda Sashti is a six-day South Indian festival to Skanda, the Lord of Religious Striving, also known as Murugan or Karttikeya. It begins on the day after the new moon in the month of Karttika (October/November) with chariot processions and pujas invoking his protection and grace. 
  • Pongal: Pongal is a harvest festival, celebrated by the people belonging to Hindu faith. On this occasion, people thank the Sun God for abundant agricultural crops. The festival is most popular in the state of Tamil Nadu. Pongal celebrations take place from January 13 to 16 every year.

How to reach Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Here’s how to reach Thiruvenkadu Temple:

  • Air: The Trichy International airport is the nearest airport, 8 km away from Tanjavur. Bangalore and Chennai airports are also nearby. 
  • Road: Buses are available from Sirkali and Mayiladuthurai. 
  • Rail:  Trichy Junction is nearby, 58 km from Thanjavur. Regular trains are also available from Trichy to Chennai and Madurai.

Where to stay near Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

  • PAMS Contact: 30/B Town Extension Road, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu 609001
  • Hotel Sadhabishegam Contact: 6/18A, Sannathi Street, Thirukadaiyur, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 609311
  • Seahorse Hotel Contact:  Opp Police Reserved Camp, Public Office Rd, Kadambadi, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 611001
  • Hotel VPN Residency Contact: Main Road, Maha Kulam Stop, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
  • Grand Neyatt Hotel Contact: Manara North Street, Nagore, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 611002
  • Nagore Residency Contact: Kalmatu St, Nagore, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 611002

Where to eat near Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the places where one can eat near Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

  • Murga Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
  • Thiru Valluar Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu
  • Alfa Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu
  • Hotel Seagate Family Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu

What are some temples near Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the temples near Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

Sri Suvedharanyeswarar Swami Temple: Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Thiruvengadu near Sirkazhi. The main deity is Shiva – Swetharanyeswarar (lord of white forest) while the goddess is Brahma Vidya ambal. There is a separate Sannidhi for Bhudhan (mercury).

Sri Mullaivananathar temple: This is an ancient Siva temple about 20 kms East of Thanjavur dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathar as well as Sri Karparakshambigai. Moreover, it is a huge temple that spreads over a wide expanse with imposing Gopurams and a tank in front of it. Devotees also believe that childless people who worship here with devotion and faith get the blessing of pregnancy and pregnant women of safe deliveries. Unmarried women also pray here for their marriages. 

[wl_faceted_search]

Brihadishvara Temple – Timings, Significance, and History

, Leave a Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With:

Brihadishvara Temple, Thanjavur is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the banks of the river Cauvery(Kaveri) and has a rich historical heritage. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful architectural places in the sub-continent.

Brihadishvara Temple is also called Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyār Kōvil.

Brihadishvara Temple is also a testimony to the achievements and the progress that the Chola dynasty had achieved during that time. The temple has a Tamil architecture and it reflects the power of the King Raja Raja Chola I who had built it during the 1010 A.D.

Intro
King Raja Raja Chola I built the temple during the 1010 A.D.

Brihadishvara Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Shiva
Location Thanjavur, Chennai.
Darshan Timings 6:00 AM–12:30 PM
4:00 PM–8:30 PM
Entry Fees Special darshan tickets for Rs 5/- on Sundays for a quicker visit.
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darshanam, Kumbabhishekam.

The major reason for the construction of the temple refers to the fact that it can be used for royal celebrations and to exhibit the king’s vision. The minute details and the intricacy that has gone into forming this temple speak volumes about the Dravidian style.

And interestingly, the auspicious shrine has been built following the rules of axial and symmetrical geometry. The engineering part is so accurate that all the components of this holy place are aligned axially.

Brihadishvara Temple Timings

Here’re the timings of Brihadishvara Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning6 AM12:30 PM
Evening4 PM9 PM

There are special darshan tickets for Rs 5 each that can be purchased during Sundays for a quicker visit. The temple becomes extremely crowded during Sundays.

Poojas and Rituals at  Brihadishvara Temple

  • The deity is worshiped four times a day. Following are the timings of the poojas:-
PoojasTimings
Kala Sandhi or Morning Pooja 8:30 A.M.
Utchi Kalam or the mid-noon Pooja 12 P.M.
Sayaratchai or evening Pooja 5:30 P.M.
Artha Jamam or night Pooja 8:30 P.M.
  • Each of the pooja or rituals consists of three steps namely, ‘Alangaram’(decoration), ‘Neivethanam’ (food offering) and ‘Deepa Aradanai’ (waving of lamps).
  • There are many weekly, monthly and fortnightly poojas that are observed in this temple.
  • The pooja timings are subjected to alter during festivals.

What is the significance of the Brihadishvara Temple?

The significance of the temple:-

  • Brihadishvara Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’.
  • An approximate of 130,000 tons of granite was used in the formation of this temple.
  • The holy shrine has a temple tower (vimana) which is built at a height of 216 feet. Being the tallest in the world, it symbolizes Mount Peru. ‘Gopuras’ or the two gateways are located at the eastern entrance of the temple.
  • The temple’s entrance has a large statue of Nandi (sacred bull) that measures about 16 feet in length and 13 feet in height. The statue has been carved out of a single stone.
  • ‘Kumbam’ is the topmost component of the holy shrine and weighs about 60 tons. It has been also carved out from single granite stone.
  • A huge idol of Lord Shiva with three eyes is present inside the temple along with the 108 dance forms or ‘karmas‘.
  • The exterior part on the other end is decorated with sculptures. There are 250 lingams in the entire temple compound.
  • This famous sanctuary is made up of a pillared hall and an assembly hall which is known as mandapas and many sub-shrines.
    • The inner part of the mandapas is highly significant and is divided into various categories with the help of sculptures and pilasters.
  • Being one of the rarest temples in India, the idols of ‘Ashta-Dikpaalakas’ or guardians of directions can be found here. The six feet effigies of Agni, Varuna, Indra, Yama, Isana, Kubera and Nirriti are placed in a separate temple.
  • Being a masterpiece in itself, the shadow of the tower over the gateway of the shrine never falls on the ground, more significantly in the premises of the temple.
  • The altar situated at the entrance of this holy shrine has two idols of Lord Ganesha. When a person taps on any one of the idols, a sound occurs that travels towards the other idol slanting through the stone at one end and the metal to another.
significance 1
The entrance of this holy shrine has two idols of Lord Ganesha.
  • There are many pillars of the temple that produce such musical sounds.
  • In order to mark the 1000th year anniversary of the Brihadishvara Temple, the state government of Tamil Nadu organized Bharathanatyam Yajna, a classical dance show under Padma Subramanian, a noted dancer.
significance 2
Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, an Indian Classical Bharata Natayam Dancer.

What are the of the legends of Brihadishvara Temple?

The legends of Brihadishvara Temple are:-

  • A popular legend about this temple refers to the Cholas who received help from a yogi named Karuvayur. This yogi had the idea of building a powerful energy center in a temple.
    • However, owing to some disagreements over certain aspects of the temple, the Cholas abandoned the yogi and faced with a predicament of the big linga of Shiva not fitting into the Peetha.
    • It is then that the Cholas asked the yogi for help. Karuvayur spat in his spittoon and asked them to keep it inside the Peetha so that the linga fits.
    • Although it fitted Peetha yet it became cursed forever which sent the dynasty to ruins.

What is the history of the Brihadishvara Temple?

The history of the temple states that:-

  • BrihadishvaraTemple or ‘Big Temple’ is located at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It was designed by Sama Varma.
  • The deity was initially named as ‘Rajarajeshwar’. It was the Marathas who gave it the name Brihadeeshwara or the Great Ishwara.
  • This holy shrine had been constructed to add charm to the throne of the Chola dynasty by the Tamil emperor Arulmozhivarman or Raja Raja Chola I in fulfillment to a command made to him in a dream.
  • It is on the 275th day of his 25th regal year did the King handed over a gold-plated Kalasam to mark the final sanctification of crowning the vimana.
  • A large number of artists, musicians, and merchants visited this holy shrine. Additionally, it also served as a major platform for the dancers who practiced Bharatha Natyam dance form.
  • The temple displays the emperor’s vision of power and his relationship to the universal order. The King was linked to its deity Shiva and the normal rituals of the deities were echoed by the king.
  • The sheer brilliance of this place of worship points to the perfection that the Cholas had with regard to the sculpture, painting and bronze casting of the idols.

Brihadishvara Temple Food Timings

  • After the mid-noon ritual, devotees are offered prasad.
  • Pilgrims can present their offerings to the deity during the pooja timings.

Festivals celebrated at Brihadishvara Temple:-

Festivals celebrated at the temple are:-

  • Arudra Darshanam– Arudra Darshanam is one of the biggest festivals that is observed in this temple. The holy shrine is a Chidambaram temple or a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival is meant to celebrate the cosmic dance of Shiva.
  • Maha Shivaratri– Maha Shivaratri is an annual festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm during the month of February-March.
  • Kumbabhishekam– Kumbabhishekam refers to a yearly festival when the dome and the gopuram are bathed with the sanctified divine waters. While Kumba denotes the Vimana or the Shikhara of the temple, Abhishekam is a ritual of bathing.
    • According to the Hindu calendar, in the month of Visaka, an annual celebration is celebrated in this holy shrine for nine days. During this auspicious occasion, pilgrims bath their deity with fragrance soaked water of Champaka flowers.
festivals
Maha Shivaratri and Arudra Darshanam are the festivals celebrated at the temple.

How to Reach the Brihadishvara Temple?

  • Air– The nearest airport is situated at Trichy(65KM).
  • Train– It is one of the easiest and convenient ways to reach Thanjavur. As the city has its own railway station, it is well connected with other major cities in India.
  • Road– Traveling to Thanjavur is also a good alternative. It is linked with all the towns of Tamil Nadu along with Ernakulum, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. Even Bangalore has proper connectivity with Thanjavur.

Where to stay near the Brihadishvara Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near the temple are:-

  • Thanjavur is one of the district headquarters of Tamil Nadu is located at 322 km away from Chennai.
    • There are various hotels in and around Thanjavur for tourists of all ages. So, if you are traveling on a modest budget, there are retiring rooms available at the Thanjavur railway station.
  • Apart from that, there are many luxurious hotels with all the modern amenities including private restaurants as well. Devotees can choose their preferences and accordingly can book their rooms in advance.

Where to eat near the Brihadishvara Temple?

  • Food lovers can prepare themselves for scrumptious lunch with the traditional South Indian food. From spicy curries to sambhar, rasam, and curd, there are a lot of options to choose from the dishes served there.
  • For people who love non-vegetarian food, there are many Chinese and Mughlai restaurants as well.
  • Tourists generally love gorging on the baked fishes and lassi before they leave Thanjavur. The food joints are moderately priced located at major tourist points.
food

What are some temples near the Brihadishvara Temple?

Some of the temples nearby are:

  • Thiruvayaru Temple– This holy shrine was built at the place where Thyagaraja, the famous saint resided. He is believed to attain Samadhi at this location. A music festival is organized every year in the month of January, to celebrate the life of this great saint composer. It is located at a distance of 13 km from the main city.
  • Darasuram Airavatesvar Temple– Darasuram is a small town, 8 km away from Kumbakonam is famous for the Airavatheswar Temple. The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola II. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Great Living Chola Temples’.
  • Kumbakonam– It takes around 42 km to reach this beautiful temple city of Kumbakonam. The city is famous for the Sarangapani temple which was built by the Nayak kings. The Ramaswamy temple depicts the paintings of Ramayana and is the only shrine where Lord Hanuman is playing a veena instead of reading the Ramayana.
  • Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple- This sacred destination is only 6.5 km from the Thanjavur town. It is located in Punnai Nallur village. The temple was built by the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur.
  • Thirukandiyur– Being located at a distance of 10 km, it has temples of Brahmasirekandeswarar and Harshavimochana Perumal.
  • Swamimalai– It is referred to as one of the six Abodes that are dedicated to Lord Subramanya.
  • Darasuram – The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Rajendra Chola.
Nearby Temples

Frequently Asked Questions about the Brihadishvara Temple-

How much time is required to explore the temple fully?

One hour is required to explore the temple fully.

What are the timings of the temple?

6:00 AM–12:30 PM, 4:00 PM–8:30 PM are the timings of the temple.

Is photography allowed inside the temple?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the temple.

When was Brihadishvara Temple built?

Brihadishvara Temple built in 1,009 c. 1010 .

Who constructed Brihadishvara Temple?

Raja Raja Chola constructed Brihadishvara Temple.

Why Brihadishvara Temple Temple is so famous?

Brihadishvara Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’.

If you have any questions about the Brihadishvara Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Contact Us