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Tamil Nadu Temples

Sooriyanar Kovil

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Navagraha Temples, Shiva Temples

Sooriyanar Kovil is the first of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu, about 1 km from Tirumangalakkudi.  The presiding deity is Suriyanar, the Sun and his consorts Usha Devi and Pradyusha Devi. Sooriyanar Kovil Temple also has separate shrines for the other eight planetary deities.

Sooriyanar Kovil is one of the few historic temples in honor to Sun god and is also the only temple in Tamil Nadu which has shrines for all the planetary deities.

What is the history of Sooriyanar Kovil?

According to history  Kulothunga Chola I built Sooriyanar Kovil Temple in 1100 AD. It features a huge tower with three tiers and five domes at the top. The sanctum and the ardhamandapam consist of stone. This is the only Navagraha temple where all the nine grahas are in separate Sanctums.

Once upon a time a great sage called Kaalava rishi was living in Himalayas region. He realized he will get a deadly disease of leprosy in the future and he worried about it. His fellow sages advised him to worship all the navagrahas (nine gods for each planet).

Kaalava rishi also did a very dedicated penance towards the navagrahas and they appeared as he wished. He told his concerns about leprosy and he prayed that the navagrahas should help him to get out of the deadly disease. The navagrahas granted the boon the rishi won’t get the disease.

Later the God of creator, Brahma came to know this and called upon all the nine devas (navagrahas). He told them, the human beings have to face all the happy and sad incidents in their life and nobody can change it. As navagrahas awarded the kaalava rishi navagrahas will get the disease on behalf of him and they should do a twelve weeks penance at south part of India.

Based on this curse all the navagrahas arrived to south India and did a penance to get rid of Brahma’s curse. Then, as god of Sun (Sooriyan) was heading this penance he was at the center in this temple and the other eight planet gods were surrounded by him at this temple.

What is the significance of the Sooriyanar Kovil?

Here’s the significance of the Sooriyanar Kovil:

  • Those who suffer the ill effects of Kalathara Dosham, Vivaha Paribandha Dosham, Puthra Dosham, Puthra Paribandha Dosham, Vidhya Paribandha Dosham, Udyoga Padhibandha Dosham, Surya dasai, Surya bukthi would benefit from worshipping at this temple. Also, Father, Athma, physical strength, right eye, governmental largesse are the beneficial aspects of this planet.
  • Devotees also believe that if one bathes in the nine ghats in this place continuously for 12 Sundays, they will be has a peaceful and prosperous life.
  • There are shrines of Kasi Vishwanath, Visalakshi and Brihaspati(Guru) within the sanctum while shrines for the other celestial bodies are outside. The Kol Theertha Vinayakar shrine is very important. Malefic effects due to Dasa bukthi and gochara will be nullified by worshipping here.
  • The peculiarity of this temple is that the eight other planets here, faces towards the Surya god. The Vahanam (vehicle) of Lord Suryanar is horse, which is called by the name “Saptha”, which refers to number “seven” in Sanskrit. Several horses draw the chariot of Lord Suryanar.
  • Sree Surya Puranam is the first Puranam when the world came into existence, the first sound that reverberated was ‘Ohm’. Surya was born from this ‘Omkhara naadham’. Sree Markandeya Puranam has explained this factor. Suryan was the son of Sage Kashyapa and was the grandson of Sage Maarisi. Surya married Soorvarsala, the daughter of Vishwakarma. Vaivasvatha Manu and Yamadharmaraja were his sons and Yamuna, his daughter.

What are the timings of Sooriyanar Kovil Temple?

Here are the timings of Sooriyanar Kovil Temple:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6:00 AM 12:30 PM
Evening Darshan 4:00 PM 8:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at the Sooriyanar Kovil?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Sooriyanar Kovil are:

  • Ratha Saptami: Ratha Saptami is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Hindu Sun God. As per the tradition in Hinduism, Lord Surya rides a chariot driven by seven horses – devotees worship this form during Rathasaptami puja and festival. 
  • Vijaya Dashami: It is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin (usually in September or October). Vijayadashami is the victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana and also triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. In the southern part of India Vijaya Dashami is includes the worship of Chamundeshwari or Durga. 
  • Brahmotsavam festival: The Brahmothsavam is performed in the month of Asweeja (according to the hindu calendar) when the Sun is in the Kanya Rashi. The festival commences with ceremony- the Dhwajarohanam or the hoisting of the flag. Further, in the center of the outer court of the temple stands a huge stone-pillar called the flag-stand (Dhwajasthamba). 

What are the Poojas and Rituals of Sooriyanar Kovil?

Poojas and rituals of Sooriyanar Kovil are:

  • To offer worship at Sooriyanar Temple, one has to reach the Rajagopuram (Main Entrance) and more towards North where Pushkarani of temple is present.
  • One can take bath in the tank or sprinkle holy water in the head as purification. Next after the bath one has to offer prayers at the RajaGopuram before entering the temple. After entering the temple, one has to turn towards Southeren side where Koltheertha Vinayagar is there.
  • One also has to do the Sankalpam and Archana as Hindus find Vinayagar as turnover of all obstacles. After worshipping Vinayagar, one has to climb steps to reach ‘Narthana Mandapam’ at Northern Side. And then more towards ‘Sabanayakar Mandapam’ where one can offer prayers to ‘Urchava Moorthi’.
  • After Sabanayakar Mandapam one can reach ‘Main Mandapam’ and offer prayers to SriKasivisvanathar and Smt. Visalakshi. Also, next to Main Mandapam, there is Maha Mandapam where Sannathi to Sun-God, there is Guru Bhavan(lord Jupitee) stands there.
  • People do the Archana for Guru and offer prayers to lord Sun. One has to move South wards to come out of Sanctum to reach the lord Saturn (Sani). Lord Kuja, lord Mars are present separately then more northwards to offer prayers to lord Moon and Kethu.
  • Next movement would be towards west where lord Sukra and Raghu are present. Finally one has to offer prayers to Sandikeswarar. After finishing prayers at Sandikeswarar, one has to come clockwise to reach the vinayakar to give final prayers.

How to Reach Sooriyanar Kovil?

Here’s how to reach Sooriyanar Kovil:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Trichy airport, 58km from Thanjavur. 
  • Rail: The nearest railway station is the Aduthurai Railway Station. 
  • Road: Suryanar Koil is about 21 km from Swamimalai and 15 km from Kumbakonam. It is about 20 km from Mayiladuthurai on the Kumbakonam – Aduthurai – Mayiladuthurai Road.

Where to stay near near Sooriyanar Kovil temple?

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

  • Sivamurugan Hotels Contact: 60 Feet Main Road | Near New Bus Stand,, Kumbakonam 612001
  • Mantra Veppathur Resort Contact: 536/537A,No.1, Bagavathapuram Main Road Extension, | Srii Sailapathipuram Village, Veppathur,, Kumbakonam 612103
  • Hotel Le Garden Contact: Thiruvidaimaruthur Road, Kumbakonam 612001
  • DSR Madhanam Inn Contact: 75/3 Asoor By Pass Nh 45c | near Karuppur By Pass,Kumbakonam 612002
  • Hotel Riverside Resort & Spa Contact: 32 College Road, Kumbakonam 612001
  • Quality Inn VIHA Contact: #2, New Railway Road | Kumbakonam, Tanjore Dist,Kumbakonam 612001

Where to eat near Sooriyanar Kovil temple?

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

  • Thanmayi Restaurant Contact: New Railway Road, Kumbakonam, India
  • Raya’s Restaurant Contact: 18,19 Head Post Office Rd, Kumbakonam 612001
  • Habibi RestaurantContact: 29/921 Sarangapani East Street, Kumbakonam
  • Dosa Plaza Kumbakonam Contact: 332 Nageshwaran North Street Kurinchi Metro Bazzar

What are some temples near Sooriyanar Kovil Temple?

Some of the temples near Sooriyanar kovil temple are:

Brihadeeswara Temple: The Brihadeeswara Temple or the Peruvudaiyar Kovil is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Moreover, Raja Raja Chola I had this temple constructed in 1010 AD. Also, the presiding deity is Shiva in the form of a Lingam,  Peruvudaiya, Rasjarajeshwaramudvya.

Neelamega Perumal Temple: Thiru Thanjaimaamani temple or Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple is situated in Vennathankarai village of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and also one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. Further, the Lord in this temple appears in sitting  posture as Veera SingaPerumal and Narashimar.  Sri Yoga Narasimha is also in the front Mandap. 

Sarangapani Temple: This is  an important divya desam of Vishnu and is also known as Tiru Kudanthai. This is also one of the  Pancha Ranga Khestras. Moreover, Sarangapani temple is the biggest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam and  it belongs to 13th century. The temple sanctum also has design like a chariot with wheels which horses and elephants pull.

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Garbarakshambigai Temple – Timings, Sloka and History

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 6 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Garbarakshambigai Temple is an ancient temple in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. Goddess Garbharakshambika is a form of shakti who cures infertility in women and also blesses pregnant women with a safe delivery. ‘Garbha’ means Pregnancy, ‘Raksha’ means ‘To protect’ and ‘Ambigai’ is a name of Parvati.

Garbarakshambigai Temple
Temple Timings 5:30 am to 12:30 pm, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location Tanjore, Tamil Nadu
Poojas Pregnancy Ghee, Delivery Castor Oil
Deity Garbarakshambika

What are the timings of Garbarakshambigai Temple?

Here are the timings of Garbarakshambigai Temple:

Ritual Timings
Morning Darshan 5:30 am to 12:30 pm
Evening Darshan 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Abhishekam 8:00 am to 8:30 am

What is the history of Garbarakshambigai Temple?

According to the history of Garbarakshambigai temple, sages Gowthama and Gargeya did penance in a garden of mullai flowers. Sage Nithuvar was living here with his wife Vedhika. Then, one day when Sage Nithuvar was away, sage Urdhvapada visited the garden. But Vedhika was asleep and didn’t show hospitality.

She was having pains due to pregnancy but Urdhvapada unaware of her difficulties got angry. He thought that she didn’t bother to wake up and hence, cursed her. The curse caused a lot of pain and she thought she would lose the child.

So, she prayed to Goddess Parvathi to help her. Goddess Parvati took the avatar of Garbarakshambigai and appeared before Vedhika. She protected the child in herwomb by holding it in a “kalasam ” – divine pot.  When Vedhika cried as she was not able to feed the baby with her milk, a sacred cow came in front of the temple and made a lake of sacred milk.

Vedhika prayed to Goddess Garbarakshambigai to remain in the temple forever and bless all women with their difficulties.

The temple is spread over a wide expanse with huge towering Gopurams and a beautiful water tank in front of it. The main sanctum of this temple has the Shiva lingam and Goddess Garbharakshambika is situated to the left of the Shiva temple. It is believed that the Nandi at this temple is in Swayambhu vigraham (Self manifested).

What is the significance of Garbarakshambigai Temple?

The significance of Garbarakshambigai temple is that the Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is  Swayambu, made up of ant hill mud. Therefore no water abhishekam is done for this idol. But, the Lingam is only pasted with Punugu. Devotees also believe that people with incurable diseases can offer “Punugu Chattam.”

Moreover, goddess Garbarakshambigai is the goddess of mercy to bless women with gift of childbirth and safe pregnancy. Hence, she is the supreme personality of Motherhood. Her beautiful idol is about 7 feet tall and has beautiful kanjeevaram sarees and exquisite jewellery.

What are the festivals celebrated at Garbarakshambigai Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Garbaratchambigai temple are:

  • Vaikasi Brahmotsavams: Vaikasi Brahmotsavam commenced in a grand manner at this temple. Amid Vedic chants and recitals of verses from scriptures, the priests perform the rituals in the temple. There are processions and large number of people participate in them.
  • Navratri: Navarathri is celebrated for 10 days in the month Purattasi. Every year the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are the times when devotees worship the divine power during Navratri. The most important Navratri in a year is the Sharadiya Navratra.
  • Margazhi utsavam: Margazhi festival is celebrated at all temples in Tamil Nadu and India. Mainly the celebrations of this festival take place in all Vishnu temples and Shiva temples. Another importance of margazhi is that devotees read Tamil Holy Scriptures “Thiruppavai” and “Thiruvempavai” during this month.
  • Panguni Uthiram: Panguni Uthiram is a day of importance to Hindus especially those who belong to Tamil nadu. It falls on the day the moon transits in the asterism of Uttara-phalguni. The day connotes the wedding of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, Lord Muruga and Devasena and other celestial couples. According to Ramayana, it is also on this day that Sita married Rama. 
  • Thirukkarthigai: Tamil Nadu celebrates Karthigai Deepam as the traditional festival. This festival of lights involves lighting lights almost anywhere to put an end to darkness. People believe that the light  will make people close with Lord Shiva on Karthigai Deepam. Lord Shiva will shed all his blessings during this special time of the year.

What are the Poojas and Rituals of Garbarakshambigai?

The poojas and rituals of Garbaratchambigai temple are:

  • Women who come here to pray for pregnancy and childbirth just offer flowers and do archana for goddess. 
  • Virgins who fail to find suitable grooms for a long time should come to this Garbarakshambigai temple in person. They should wash the steps with a little ghee draw ‘Kolam’ and perform Archana to the Goddess.
  • The childless couples offer ghee at the feet of the Goddess Garbarakshambigai. They should consume a little of the ghee as prasad at night daily for about 48 days and the woman will conceive. 
  • The women who are expecting deliveries should offer castor oil at the feet of Sri Garbarakshambigai. During labor pains, one should apply this oil on their abdomen and devotees believe that it removes all complications of deliveries.
  • Kattalai Archanai takes place on the particular date of the stars and the temple sends prasadams on monthly basis. Pregnant women consume it during their pregnancy period. 
  • Women light up eleven lamps and pray for the safe delivery. On performing the Garbarakshambigai Homa, childless couples attain parenthood and pregnant women undergo safe delivery.

How to reach Garbarakshambigai Temple?

Here’s how to reach Garbarakshambigai temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Trichy.
  • Rail: The nearest railway station is the Papanasam railway station. 
  • Road: Thirukarukavur is present on Thanjavur-Kumbakonam main road. Several buses ply between Papanasam and Saliyamangalam at 30 minutes interval.Papanasam is 25 kms from Thanjavur and then to Thirukarukavur 6 kms from Papanasam.

Where to stay near temple?

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

  • Hotel Simran Heritage Contact: Station Road, Moudhapara, Near Fafadih Chowk
  • Hotel Pace Contact: 217, Pace City I, Sector 10A, Near Hero Honda Chowk
  • Manyaa Hotels Contact: Khasra No. 500, Khandsa Chowk, Opposite Sector 10 A, Before Sector 37 Industrial Area
  • Motel Melfort Contact: Raj Nagar, Near Delhi Jaipur Highway, Raj Nagar Mod
  • Gautam Retreat Contact: M-200, South City I, Behind Unitech House

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Garbarakshambigai temple are:

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple: Thanjavur Brihadeeswara temple is one of the most ancient temple, situated in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. The complex that houses the main sanctum is popular as the ‘Periya Kovil’. Thanjavur had the distinction of specifically being a religious city with the temple in the centre.
  • Gangaikonda Cholapuram: The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for having the biggest Shivalingam, with a 4 meter Lingam in South India. The majestic entrance of the sanctum has beautiful image of Goddess Saraswathi. 
  • Darasuram Temple: Raja Raja Chola built this temple for Lord Siva, and it is either famous as Drasuram temple or Airavateswara Temple. The main mandapam of this temple is in the form of a chariot with horses. The steps are stones, which give different musical sounds when people tap them. 
  • Tirumanancheri Temple: This temple is quite famous among the devotees from the Hindu community who wish to find suitable life partners for marriage or in order to overcome. All times are auspicious since Lord Shiva and Parvathy are in a bliss here always. The shrine of Thirumananjeri is has close relation with legends that tell the story of Shiva’s marriage to Parvati.

Thirunageswaram

September 30, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Navagraha Temples, Shiva Temples

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam in Tamil Nadu is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples and is dedicated to Rahu. The Presiding Deity is Lord Naganathaswamy. Shrine is adjacent to Naganathaswamy’s shrine and GiriGujambika with Lakshmi and Saraswathy by her side has a separate temple.

What is the history of Thirunageswaram?

According to the history of Thirunageswaram, the serpents Aadi Seshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Also, Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Gowtama muni, Paraasarar and Bhageerata also associate with legends that relate this temple. Rahu prayed to Shiva and hence this place got the name Thirunageswaram.

Here Rahu Bhagavan has manifested with both his consorts.

King Sambumali who had incurred the wrath of sage Kaalangiri, attained moksha after bathing in the temple tank and praying to the Lord and Ambal of this temple. Then the devas and asuras churned the Paarkadal to obtain amirtham that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever.

When the amirtham emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the amirtham only to the devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed amirtham. Realising this, one of the asuras with the help of the asura guru Sukrachariyar, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran who noticed this, complained to Lord Narayana.

In anger, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. But because the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The body of a snake got attached to the head to become Rahu Bhagavan. Rahu prayed to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) and got the position of a Sayagraham. Rahu takes his revenge on Suryan and Chandran, whenever he gets a chance by devouring them. People commonly call this as eclipse.

What is the significance of Thirunageswaram Temple?

Here’s the significance of Thirunageswaram Temple:

  • A unique feature of Naganatha Swamy temple is that Rahu Bhagavan has human face. Usually in other places, Rahu Bhagavan has a serpent face. Here Rahu Bhagavan is present with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni. This was originally a forest of Senbaka trees. A Shivalingam was found under one of these trees here and hence He came to be known as Shenbagarane Eswara.
  • On entering the Eastern gate way, one can find the Vinayaga temple, Balipeedam, Nandeeswarar Mandapam and Dhwaja Sthambam (Flag post). Also, On the southern side there is the temple tank. Further, On entering the main gopuram, the Deity of Rahu Bhagavan is in the south West corner of the praharam
  • Rahu is the source of plenty. Kalathra dosham, puthira dosham, communicable diseases, mental disorders, leprosy, fall in grace are caused by Rahu dosham. Praying to Rahu at this sthala helps to rid a person from these factors and also saves the person from all poisonous life forms. Trips to holy places, Gnanamarkam are his beneficial aspects.
  • Also, Lord Pambureswarar in the lingam form blesses in the sanctum sanctorum. The ‘utsavar’ form of Adhisesha is in the worshipping posture in the sanctum sanctorum. There is also a most encompassing the sannadhi, with three sides of the moat covered by the mandapam

What are the timings of Thirunageswaram Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Thirunageswaram Temple:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6 AM 9 AM
Evening Darshan 1 PM 5 PM
Ushakkala Pooja 6 AM
Kalasandhi Pooja 9 AM
Uchikkala Pooja 1 PM
Sayaratchai Pooja 5 PM
Irandam Kala Pooja 7 PM
Arthajama Pooja 9 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at the Thirunageswaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thirunageswaram Temple are:

Chithirai Brahmmotsavam: Chithirai Brahmotsavam is the celestial celebration of Devi Meenakshi’s divine marriage with Lord Sundareshwara. Also, Therottam or Car Festival occurs on the 11th day of the festival. Moreover, Kumkumarchana is the offering of personal puja in your name in which there is chanting of different names of Devi Meenakshi along with the offering of Kumkum – vermillion. Women also offer Kumkumarchana for receiving special blessings for fulfilling their wishes.

Thai Poosa star float festival: Float festival occurs on the Full Moon Day of the Tamil month of Thai (come in between mid Jan- mid Feb) every year. On the festive night, devotees decorate the images of goddess Meenakshi as well asLord Sundareswara with ornaments and take them out in a colourful procession to the huge Mariamman Teppakulam. Also, the unique character of the Thai Pusam is the astonishing parade of people bearing kavadis. 

Adipooram: The day of Aadi Pooram is also the day of Goddess Shakti as devotees believe that the Goddess herself comes to Earth in this auspicious day, to bless her devotees. In the temples, priests adorn Goddess Andal wiith silk saree, glittering jewelleries and garlands. There is also an elaborate feast to the Goddess in which every household in the community contributes. 

Masi Magam:  The festival falls in the Tamil Month of Masi (February – March). In this festival various traditional customs take place like bringing the deities from the neighboring temples around Karaikal. Also, many devotees come to take holy dip in the sea to cleanse all the sins. The most significant deity is Sowriraja Perumal of Thirukannapuram. 

What are the poojas and Rituals of Thirunageswaram ?

The poojas are rituals of Thirunageswaram are:

  • Sundays are very auspicious and devotees perform milk abhishekam for Rahu. A noteworthy feature is that the milk turns blue. A dip in Soola Theertha cures one of diseases and gives prosperity.
  • Five kala poojas take place everyday. Special Abhisekas also take place between 4.30 to 6 PM (Raaghu Kala) on all Sundays.
  • Astrologers suggest that doing Milk abhishekam (especially on Sundays) here for Rahu during Rahu kalam (period of 1 and 1/2 hours occurring every day ) neutralizes the malefic effects of Rahu like marriage obstacles, lack of progeny, troubled marital life, Kalasarpa Dhosham, Kalasthra Dhosha , Sarpa Dhosha. During this milk abhishekam, the milk turns blue. Devotees also make the offering of blue cloth and ulutham paruppu (urad dal) here. Mantharai flower is special to him.

How to reach Thirunageswaram Temple?

Here’s how to reach Thirunageswaram Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport to Naganathaswamy Temple is Tiruchirapalli International Airport.
  • Train: Thanjavur railway junction has three rail heads leading to Tiruchirapalli, Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur. 
  • Road: Buses Available from Kumbakonam (8kms), 10mins of travel form Kumbakonam, buses also available from Tanjore and major towns such as Trichy, Madurai.

Where to stay in Thirunageswaram?

Some of the places wehre one can stay in Thirunageswaram are:

  • Hotel Kanakabhishegam Contact: No. 6, Sannathi Street, Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
  • Mookambigai Residency Hotel Contact: Thirukadaiyur Main Road, Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
  • Hotel Chella Residency Contact: Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311

Where to eat in Thirunageswaram?

Some of the places where one can eat in Thirunageswaram are:

  • Krishna Bhavan Veg Hotel Contact: Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
  • Majnu Restaurant Contact: Thirunagari – Mangaimadam Rd, Mangaimadam, Tamil Nadu 609106
  • Annapoorani Contact: Tiruvengadu – Poompuhar Rd, Manigramam, Tamil Nadu 609107

What are some temples near Thirunageswaram temple?

Some temples near Thirunageswaram temple are:

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil also popular as Brihadeeswara Temple and Raja Rajeswara Temple which was achieved by Rajaraja Chola I (985 -1012 AD) in Tamil architecture. Also, his big Hindu temple is for Lord Siva. The main deity of Brihadeeswara Temple is lord Shiva (Lord Brihadeeswara), and has three eyes.

Thirunallar Temple: Sri Darbaraneswarar Temple is the abode of Lord Shani(Lord Saturn). The Temple is also most famous to Lord Shaneeswarar (Saneeswaran in Tamil), one of the 9 Navagrahas(Nine Planets). Various poojas are also offered to Lord Saneeswara(Shani) Bhagawan every day. Moreover, the other deities of the shrine are Swarna Vinayaka, Lord Subramaneswara Swamy and Thyagarajar.

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Jambukeswarar Temple Thiruvanaikaval

May 4, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 3 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Pancha Bhoota Stalam, Shiva Temples

The Jambukeswarar temple in Tiruchirapalli of Tamil Nadu is one of the  Pancha Bhoota Stalas (the five Shiva temples). The presiding deity is the Appu Lingam – the water element. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all the Nayanars (Saivite Saints) have sung glories of the deity.

Another famous temple in the Pancha Bhoota Stalas is the Arunachalam Temple located in Tiruvannamalai.

What is the history of Jambukeswarar Temple?

The history of Jambukeswarar temple is that it was built by Kocengannan (Kochenga Chola), one of the Early Cholas, around 1,800 years ago. It is in the Srirangam Island, which has the famous Ranganathaswamy temple. Hundreds of devotees gather here every year to watch the Lord and get his blessings.

What is the legend of Jambukeswarar temple?

Devotees believe that once, Devi Parvati made fun of Lord Shiva’s penance for the improvement and welfare of the world. So, Shiva asked her to go to the earth from Kailash (Shiva’s abode) to perform her penance.

Parvati in the form of Akilandeswari as per Shiva‘s wish found Jambu forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. Hence, she made a lingam out of water of river Cauvery under the Venn Naaval tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. Threfore, the lingam is known as Appu Lingam (Water Lingam). Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. Further, Akilandeswari took Upadesa (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing west.

Also, Malyavan and Pushpadanta were two Shiva Ganas or disciples. They always were on conflict over something or other and once Malyavan cursed Pushpadanta to become an elephant on Earth. The latter cursed the other to become a spider. The elephant and the spider came to Jambukeswaram and continued their Siva worship.

The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted ablution to the lingam under the Jambu tree every day. Shiva, in the form of Jambukeswara, moved by the deep devotion of the two, relieved them from the curse. As an elephant worshipped Shiva here, this place was famous as Thiru Aanai Kaa (thiru means holy, aanai is elephant, kaa (kaadu) means forest). Then, later the name ‘Thiruaanaikaa’ becomes ‘Thiruvanaikaval’ and ‘Thiruvanaikoil’.

For committing the sin killing the elephant, the spider was born as the King Kochengot Chola meaning red-eyed king and built 70 temples and this temple is the one among them.

What is the significance of Jambukeswarar Temple?

The significance of Jambukeswarar temple is that the main deity is Jambukeswara, representing the element water. Also, Jambukeswara is depicted sitting under a jambu tree. It grows over a small stream that engulfs the deity during the rainy season. The sanctum of Jambukeswarar is always abundant in water.

The massive outer wall covering the fifth precinct is famous as the Vibudi Prakara. It stretches over a mile, and is two feet thick and over 25 feet high. Legend maintains that Shiva built the wall with the laborers. The fourth precinct contains a hall with 796 pillars.

The temple is also the abode of goddess Akilandeswari, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati.

Moreover, the sannathy of the goddess Akilandeshwari and the sannathy of Prasanna Vinayaka are in the shape of the pranava manthra “Om”.

Also, the temples idols are opposite to each other. Such temples are Upadesa Sthalams. As the Devi was a student and Jambukeswara a Guru (teacher), hence Thiru Kalyanam (marriage) does not take place in this temple for Shiva and Parvathi, unlike the other Shiva temples.

What are the timings of Jambukeswarar temple?

The timings of poojas and rituals at Jambukeswarar temple are:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6AM 12 PM
Evening Darshan 5 PM 9 PM
Ushakkala Pooja 6:30 AM 7:30AM
Kaalashandhi Pooja 8 AM 8:45 AM
Uchikkala Pooja 11 AM 12 PM
Saayaraksha Pooja 5 PM 5:45 AM
Ardhajama Pooja 9 PM

 

What are the festivals celebrated at Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March-April and Aadi Pooram in July-August are the famous festivals of the temple.
  • Also, Purattasi is the Navarathiri festival taking place elaborately over 10 days.
  • Thai – Thai Poosam, Thai theppam (Float) festival. Special poojas take place during Fridays of Thai month.
  • Another name for Vaikasi is Vasantha Urchavam. It is another important 10-day festival.

How to reach Jambukeswarar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Jambukeswarar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Trichy at a distance of 15km.
  • Rail: The Trichy junction is 8km away.
  • Road: Thiruvanaikaval is about 320 km on Chennai & Kanyakumari national highway. The temple is 8 km away from central bus stand and 3 km from Chathiram bus stand at Trichy.

Where to stay near Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some places to stay near Jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Sri Maruti Pilgrims House offers accommodation in Tiruchchirappalli. The temple is 2.1 km away. It has a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Mayas Kem Pride at 75-I, Salai Road , Thillai Nagar is a famous hotel.
  • Also, Hotel Mayas at Hotel Mayas 46, Karur Bye Pass Road, Chatram Bus Stand features good accommodations.

What are some temples near Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some of the temples nearby Jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Arulmigu saptharisheeswara Temple has won a unique place among the temples of Tamil Nadu. The seven rishis, atri, brihu, pulsithar, vasistar, gauthamar, angeerasar and marichi, prayed here to the presiding deity, saptharisheeswarar, to ward off the bad period they were passing through. Also, the parantaka kings extended the temple.
  • Arulmigu Vekkalaimman Temple– It is dedicated to Lord Mother Vekkali Amman. She is holding a trident, Udukkai, the rope-pasam and Akshaya Patra (a vessel from which food would be constantly flowing to feed all beings) in Her four hands.

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Thingaloor

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Navagraha Temples, Shiva Temples

Kailasanathar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples and is at Thingaloor, Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.The presiding deity is Soma (moon). However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Kailasanathar” or Shiva. The main deities here are Kailasanathar (Lord Shiva) and Periyanayagi (Goddess Parvati).

Further, it is here that Chandran prayed to Lord Siva and got his blessings. Chandran is the Lord of Kadaga Rasi and he faces the South-East direction. Also, Thingaloor Temple has Dravidian architectural style, with a five tiered gopuram over the shrine which has carvings. The sanctum enshrines main deity, the glorious Lingam of Kailasanathan.

What is the history of Thingaloor?

According to history, Rajasimma Pallavan constructed Thingaloor around 7th century. This is built similar to the Dravidian architecture. “Appothiyadigal” one of the Nayanmar out of 63 Nayanmars is from this town Thingalur. Due to the affection towards the Lord Shiva he kept his sons name as “Mootha Thirunavukarasu” and Ilaya Thirunavukarasu.”

He was doing lot of charity work for Shiva devotees in the name of Thirunavukarasu. One day by hearing that Thirunavukarasar has arrived to Thingalur, Appothiyadigal went to meet him. Latest he has asked to Thirunavukarasar to visit his home and have food. Appothiyadigal send his son to cut and bring banana leaves to serve the food for Thirunavukarasar.

There was a snake in the backyard of his home and that bite his son. If he tells that his son is dead, Thirunavukarasar won’t eat the food at his home so he wanted to hide that sad news. When Thirunavukarasar came to know the news he carried the body of Appothiyadigal’s son and worshipped to the god. The son also came back alive is the story of this temple.

Another legend

According to another legend the Devas and asuras were churning the Paarkadal using Mandhira Malai and the snake Vasuki. The asuras held the head portion of the snake and the Devas, the tail portion. When Lord Vishnu was distributing the Amrutham amongst the Devas, at the behest of Shukracharya, one of the asuras in the guise of a deva consumed the nectar.

Suryan and Chandran noticed this and complained to Lord Vishnu.  An angry Vishnu used his chakrayudham (discus) to cut the Asura into two and threw them away. The head joined with a snake’s body to become Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion kept growing because the Asura had consumed Amrutham.  This later joined with the head of a snake and became Kethu Bhagavan.

Now, Rahu and Ketu did not forgive Suryan and Chandran.  Rahu went after Chandran and started consuming him.  It is here that Chandran prayed to Lord Shiva and got his blessings.

Shiva blessed Chandran with the power to grow back to full size in 15 days after being consumed by Rahu.  That is why we have the waxing and waning moon.  Shiva also blessed Chandran by adorning Chandran on his forehead so that anyone who prays Shiva will have to pray Chandran.

What is the significance of the Thingaloor Temple?

Here’s the significance of Thingaloor Temple:

  • Thingalur Kailasanathar temple is important for first rice feeding of the infant child known as Anna Prasanam. Kailasanathar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples  in honour ofMoon god.
  • Before feeding the child with rice (Annaprasana) the priest shows the child moon and a cow, thus bringing the blessings of Jaladevadha (water God) and Oushadhi Devadha (God of medicines).  Devotees also believe that Jaladevadha would protect the child from cold, fever etc.
  • Mental retardation, skin and nerve problems, jaundice, and fluid accumulation are the diseases that occur because of Chandra dosham. By praying to Lord Chandran, one an overcome the above afflictions. He provides his devotees with wealth, mother’s/wife’s happiness, Govt’s help, ownership of vehicle, marriage, offspring’s, prosperity, and foreign travel.
  • The special offerings to moon god are Oleander flowers, cloths of white color, and raw rice with jiggery and paddy.

What are the timins ofThingaloor Temple?

Here are the timings of Thingaloor Temple:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 7:00 AM 1:00 PM
Evening Darshan 4:00 PM 8:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Thingaloor Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thingaloor temple are:

  • Pournami Festival: A full moon in the Tamil month of Chitra (month of April and May), and an exalted Sun in the sign Aries mark the day of Chitra Poornima. This auspicious day is also for Lord Indra, the God of Devas. Chithra pournami is famous for Meenakshi amman and Kallazhagar also. 
  • Mahashivarathri Festival: The festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees also believe that the one who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri attains moksha. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Kali Ma, Parvati and Durga.
  • Margazhi Tiruvadhirai Festival: Tiruvathirai, or Thiruvathirai festival, in Tamil culture is observed on the day when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava. The festival is also a commemoration of Shiva’s Nakshatra (Birthday Star) Ardra.
  • Panguni Uthiram Festival: It falls on the day the moon transits in the asterism of Uttara-phalguni or Uthiram in the twelfth month of the Tamil solar calendar i.e. Panguni (March-April). Devotees of Lord Muruga  even pierce their bodies with needles and spikes as a sign of their devotion to the Lord.

What are the Poojas and Rituals at Thingaloor temple?

Puja at this temple is recommended for those in whose horoscope the position of Moon is weak. Chandra graha also controls the five senses of human life. Moon is the ruler of the mind and all the senses that it controls. Oblations to the Moon God at this temple helps keep all these factors on a balanced note.

How to Reach the Thingaloor Temple?

Here’s how to reach the Thingaloor Temple:

  • Air: The nearest domestic airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport, 90 km east of Kumbakonam. T
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Ariyalur railway station which is 29 Km from the temple.  
  • Road: Thingaloor Temple is about 36 km from Kumbakonam, on the way to Tiruvaiyaru. 

Where to stay near Thingaloor temple?

Some of the places to stay near the temple are:

  • Sri Hari Residency Contact: 99, West Raja Street, Near Sri Kumara Kottam Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
  • M.M.Hotels Contact: No. 65/65, Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
  • Hotel Ramco Residency Contact: SH58, Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
  • Sree Sakthi Residency Contact: 71, Nellukara St, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

Where to eat near Thingaloor Temple?

Tamilian’s staple diet is rice and most of their food consists of grains, lentils and vegetables. ‘Sadhams’ (rice dishes) with different flavours are their specialty. Spices give a distinctive taste to dishes. Tamil Nadu Food is very different from the food of other regions like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. There are many restaurants near the temple that offers delicious food.

  • Cascade Restaurant Salem Contact: Junction Main Road 5/315 Devi Chit Funds Complex
  • Tandooriwala Salem Contact: Junction Main Road
  • Sri Saravana Bhavan Contact: Omalur Main Road State Bank Colony
  • Selvi Mess Contact: Arthanari Nagar Opp New Bus Stand

What are some temples near Thingaloor Temple?

Some of the temples near Thingaloor Temple are:

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Thanjavur Brihadeeswara temple is one of the most ancient temple, in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. Also, a long prakaram surrounds the great temple (500 feet/250 feet), and the walls surrounding the prakaram again go back to Raja Raja Cholan’s period. The walls house long pillared corridors, which abound in murals, Shiva Lingams and Nandis.

Naganathaswamy Temple: Thirunageshwaram Sri Naganathaswamy Temple is another temple, 6 kms away from Kumbakonam on the southern banks of Cauvery in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Also, the presiding deity of Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple is Lord Naganathaswamy (Lord Shiva) and his consort Giri Gujambika (Goddess Parvathi) who is enshrined with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati by her side.

Apatsahayesvarar Temple: Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi is one of the Navagraha (nine planets) temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the village of Alangudi in the Valangaiman taluka of Tiruvarur district. Further, the uniqueness of this place is that it has Dakshinabhimukh Avatsak of Lord Shiva.

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