Holy
Pilgrimage – Temples in Tamilnadu
State
Thirumarugal Temple, Tamilnadu
Thirumarugal is a small town, located 13 km East of Nannilam, Near Nagapatnam, Tamil Nadu in India.The town houses the famous and ancient Hindu Temple of Rathnagiriswarar dedicated to Shiva. Nannilam is located 30 km west of Karaikal and 30 km east of Kumbakonam.
Name origin
Thirumarugal derived its name from a plantain named Marugal found inside the northern-side of the Rathnagiriswarar temple since time immemorial. The specialty of the plantain, is that it will not grow anywhere else if its branch is cut and planted. The place is also called ‘Kadalivana Kshethram’ in Sanskrit.Temple history
This is one of the Mada kovils built by Kochsengat Cholan.The Lord Shiva in this temple is known as Rathnagiriswarar (Sanskrit) and Maanikkavannar (Tamil). The Lordess parvathi is called as "VANDUVAR KUZHALI" in Tamil and "Aamodhalanayagi"(Sanskrit). It was here that Lord Brahma and Sage Parashara did penance, the former to regain his powers and the latter to rid himself of sins. The Lingam here, which is a Swayambhu, was unearthed by King Kusakethu, the Lord's ardent devotee, and bears the scar caused by the king's spade while he was digging the earth. The history of this temple also states that lord Rathinagireeshwarar had showered Rathina mazha to eradicate the famine in that place. Apart from the two saints and Sekkizhar, saint Arunagirinathar mentions this as one of the places where Muruga's father, Lord Siva, blesses His devotees. Saint Ramalingar has also sung about this place.Saivaite speciality of the place.
Thirumarugal has been sanctified by both Appar and Gnanasambandar through 10 and 11 songs respectively. Sekkizhar, in his Periapuranam, speaks about the greatness of this place.The Lordess Mahalakshmi here in this Temple resided in this place where "Varalakshmi Nonbu" had started. History stated that Lordess Mahalakshmi had prayed to Lord Vishnu taking Varalakshmi nonbu and reunited with him. hence the Theertham (temple pond)at this place is called Lakshmi Theertham.
Legend has it that once a merchant who had seven daughters promised his nephew that he would give his eldest daughter in marriage to him. However, the merchant was greedy and later married her to someone else. He promised his nephew that he would give him his second daughter in marriage. As time went by, one by one he got his first 6 daughters married to other men of wealth. The last daughter was unhappy about her father breaking his word. One day she eloped with that young man planning to get married in another town. On their way, they stopped for the night at Thirumarugal, and that night a snake bit him and he died. The girl was in distress as she had left her parents and the man she was planning to marry was dead and she was stuck in an unfamiliar place. She was crying and lamenting and praying to Siva. Thirugnanasambandar happened to pass by on his way to the temple in the morning and heard her cries. He was moved by her plight. He went to the temple and sang the song "Sadayay ennumaal Sarani ennumal" pleading to God, explaining the girl's plight. God was moved by the song and resurrected the young man and Thiruganasambandar had them married in front of Siva.
Many More Historical Evens In Great THIRUMARUGAL: The Utsavam "CHETTIPEN CHETTIPILLAI KALYANAM(marriage)" that will be held every year after the full moon day in the first month of the Tamil year chithirai (April /May).
Deity Manickavannar, Rathnagiriswarar Goddess Vanduvar kuzhali, Aamothalanayagi Sthala Maram Banana Sthala Teertham Manicka theertham, Lakshmi Theertham Sung by Thirugnanasambandhar,Appar,Arunagirinathar,Ramalinga Adigalaar
சடையா யெனுமால் சரண்நீ யெனுமால் விடையா யெனுமால் வெருவா விழுமால் மடையார் குவளை மலரும் மருகல் உடையாய் தகுமோ இவள்உள் மெலிவே
The reason for name THIRUMARUGAL
In Tamil language marugal is another representation of banana tree. Banana tree never destroyed naturally,which can regenerate by the corm(child) of that tree.Thirukkandiyur Siva Temple,
Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar Temple in Thirukkandiyur or Tirukkandiyur, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamilnadu, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Tirugnana Sambandar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Legend
It is one of the Virasthana kshetras where Lord Brahma's head was chopped by Lord Siva. It is the fifth of the seven sapthastanas of Aiyarappar temple at Tiruvaiyaru. It is noted for the sculptures in Chola style. The temple is revered by the hymns of 7th century Tamil saint poets, Appar and CampantarLocation
The temple is located 21 km away from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam- Tiruvaiyaru- Tanjore road. The temple is 2 km away from Tiruvaiyaru. The best mode is taking town buses from Kumbakonam or Tanjore.Saptha Stanam
The sapthasthanam festival is conducted at Tiruvaiyaru during April every year. Hundreds of people witness the convergence of seven glass palanquins carrying principal deities of respective temples from seven places at Tiruvaiyaru. The palanquins are paraded near the car stand, the crowd witnessed the Poochorithal(flower festival) in which a doll offers flowers to the principal deities in the palanquins. After the Poochorithal, the palanquins left for their respective places The seven temples are|
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Kulithalai Temple,
Kulithalai is a town in Karur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It lies along National Highway 67.
It is 33 km north west of Tiruchirapalli
Important places in and around
1. Kadambar Kovil - This is a popular, ancient Shiva temple with a large premises in the heart of the town. Built on the banks of river Cauvery, the tall Gopuram and the stone walls render aesthetic beauty to the town. The Thai Poosam festival held in the Tamil month of Thai is famous for the congregation of Gods from the surrounding 7 villages marking a historical myth.2. Mariamman Kovil - Thiru Therr Vizha held at this temple yearly is a highlight of the town's celebrations. People from the surrounding areas bathe early in the morning in Cauvery and carry the holy water to the temple for Abhishekam. This fortnightly ritual culminates on the festive day when people perform their prayers and offerings through Theertha Kudam, Alagu (Piercing), Agni Chatti (Pot with Fire) and Pookuli Midhithal (Walking on fire).
3. Aiyar Malai - Also called Aivar Malai, this hill is located at about 10 km South of Kulithalai. On top of this hill resides Rathinagireeshwarar (Shiva). This hill has over 1000 steps. This path is a tough climb as it is almost 60 to 70 degrees inclined to the base. Full Moon days and Somavaram (Mondays) during the Tamil Month of Karthigai are considered very special to visit the God here.
4. Thiru Eengoinathar Malai - This small hill situated around 3 km to the north of Kulithalai is abode to Lord Shiva. To reach this place one needs to cross river Cauvery via the bridge connecting Kulithalai and Musiri. This bridge is rumoured to be the 2nd longest bridge in India.
5. Karpatthur Shivan Temple - This temple around 7 km to the west of Kulithalai is abode to Lord Shiva. Along with the above said temples, one has to visit this temple also in a single day to be bestowed lord Shiva's blessings.
There is a famous saying "Kalai Kadambar, Mathiyana Sokkar, Andhi Thiru Eengoinadhar" - meaning "if one visits the said 3 holy places of Shiva in that order on the same day, he/she will be bestowed with blessings for an entire life".
6. NEELAMEGA PERUMAL TEMPLE is one of the oldest perumal temples in and around this place. This is expected to be built during the period of Pallava, as later it would have been renovated by cholas and pandiyas. Though this temple has lost its original set up this is now recently renovated and functioning very well. Recently Thiru Pavithrosthavam was performed. The car, which is the biggest one of the area is recently renovated and is regularly running during festiv occasstion. Vaiganallur Perumal Temple and Manathattai Perumal temple are other famous temples.
Edaganathar temple, (nearMadurai)
This Shivastalam lies on the banks of the river Vaigai in thiruvedagam, close to Madurai and is closely associated with Tirugnanasambandar. This temple is regarded as the 4th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya kingdom of Tamil Nadu.
Mythology
The legend has that Sambandar's patikam on a palm leaf (Edu) is said to have gone against the current of Vaigai and settled here, as opposed to the leaf floated by the once dominant Jains here, hence the name Tiruvedakam. 'Vaaduvenra Vinaayakar' here is said to have stopped the movement of the palm leaf in the guise of a fish, in response to Sambandar's patikam. Shiva here is believed to have been worshipped by Garuda, Adiseshan and Vishnu.Temple structure
The present structure with spacious corridors and imposing gopurams occupies an area of about 5 acres (20,000 m2). Images related to Sambandars episode are seen carved on the stone steps leading to the Vaikai river. The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Edakanatheswarar and the Ambal his consort mother Parvathy is called as Elavaarkuzhali, Sugandha Kundalambika. The sthala vriksham is Vilvam(Aegle marmelos) and the Theertham is called Bhrama Theertham. Inscriptions from the period of Jatavarman Kulasekhara Pandyan (12th cent AD), and Krishna Deva Raya are seen in this temple, speaking of their endowments to this shrine.Poems on this temple
Sambandar composed the thevara Pathigam here. The Tiruppukazh has also mentioned this shrine.Festivals
Sambandar's miracle here is celebrated in the form of the 'Edu Ethireriya Utsavam' in the tamil month of Vaikasi. Other festivals include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Aippasi Pournami, Skanda Sashti, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Tai Poosam, Maasi Magam, Panguni Uththiram and Vaikasi Visakam.Location
This temple is located on the Madurai - cholavandan bus route. Nearest railway station is cholavandan. Town bus services from Madurai Periyar bus stand are available to Tiruvedagam. Buses to cholavandan go via Tiruvedagam and the temple is very near the Tiruvedagam bus stopPiranmalai Temple,
Piranmalai (Tamil: பிரான்மலை) refers to a hilly village cum temple located in Tiruppathur Taluk in Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu State, India. Kodunkundreeswar and Bhairavar temples are located in this village.
Piranmalai is a fortified hill at an elevation of over 2,000 feet. This is a last outcrop of the Eastern Ghats, with a Bhairavar temple and five peedas in the rocks of the hill called the Pandava Therthams, is also sacred to the Muslims with a dargah of Waliullah Sheikh Abdullah Shaheb on its peak. At the foot hill, there are traces of a moat and Fort Marudhu, which was pulled down in early 19th century.
One of the seven Vallals, Paari ruled this area. The barren hill is believed to have been covered with dense jungle in the days of Maruthupandiar's rule from late 17th century to 1801. It was part of a large jungle that extended from the Eastern Ghats to the Palk Straits.
This is a vast hill temple reached by a flight of steps in the Pandya Kingdom. The Marudu brothers of Sivagangai associated with Kalayar Kovil have made several contributions to this temple.
The hilly village includes five areas (Piranmalai Main, Mathagupatti, Pudupatti, Pappapatti, Adiyarkulam).
Mythology
Piranmalai is said to have been ruled by Paari Vallal. Piraanmalai is said to be a block of Mount Meru, which got blown off during a fierce tussle between the serpent king Aadiseshan and the wind God Vaayu(as in Tiruchengode). Since this hill is in the form of a Sivalingam, it is also called Prachandragiri and Katoragiri. Bhrama, Saraswati, Subramanya and Nandi are believed to have worshipped Shiva here. Shiva is believed to have revealed a vision of his marriage with Parvati to Agasthya Muni here. Lord Shiva in this hill temple is known as Mangaibaagar(also called MangaiNayagar) and Goddess Parvati is known as Thenammal. In this hill, there is a natural stone carving that depicts the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati . It shows Lord Mangaibaagar is holding hands with Goddesss Thenammal .Temple structure
This vast temple covering an area of about 30 acres (120,000 m2), with three prakarams(outer courtyard) has 5 beautiful vimanams and an attractive Rajagopuram. There is a Mandapam called as Devasaba mandapam. There are 3 shrines in this temple representing the states of Bhūmi(Earth), Antariksham(Space/Sky) and Swargam(heaven). The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Kodunkunranathar, Ugragireeswarar and the Ambal his consort mother Parvati is called as Kuyilamritanayaki. There are separate sanctums for Nallamangaipaagaswamy (kalyana kolam) and Viswanathar here. The sthala vriksham is Urangaappuli and the Theertham is Madhu Pushkarini, there are also 57 Theerthams in this temple.Poems on this temple
Sambandar composed the Thevara Pathigam here.Festivals
The grand Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai. The Ugra Bhairavar Shrine here witnesses a special festival in the month of Thai. Other festivals here include Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Vinayaka Chaturthi and Navaratri.Location
The bus service to Ponnamaravathi from Madurai Anna bus stand goes via this village Piranmalai. This temple is located 20 km from TiruppathurThiruchuzhial Temple, (near Manamadurai)
This temple near Manamadurai in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, India is the birthplace of Ramana Maharishi. This shrine is regarded as the 12th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamil Nad
The Temple: The Ramanathapuram rulers have traditionally maintained this temple, which spans an area of about 45000 square feet. There are several shrines and theerthams within this temple complex and around it. Of the Ashtalingams, Velliambalanathar & Somasekharar were worshipped by the Pandya Kings & the Dinakareswara Lingam was worshipped by the Sun, according to the legends associated with this temple.The Kauvaikkadal tank within the temple, with a central mandapam is a beautiful one. The Shiva and Ambal shrines both face the East. Mention must be made of the Pralaya Vitankar and the Palani Andavar shrines in this temple.
Mythology
The Dinakareswara Lingam was worshipped by the Sun, according to the legends associated with this temple. Parvati is said to have meditated upon Shiva, seeking his hand in marriage; this event is commemorated in the Amman Tapas Utsavam in the month of Aadi for 10 days each year. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is believed to have visited this temple with the Chera King Cheramaan Perumal.Poems on this temple
Sundarar composed the Thevaram Pathigam here.Festivals
The grand Bhrammotsavam takes place in the Tamil month of Panguni. Of the festivals celebrated here mention must be made of the Palani Andavar festival in Thai and The Amman Tapas festival is celebrated in the month of Aadi.Temple structure
The Temple spans an area of about 45,000 square feet (4,200 m2). There are several shrines and theerthams within this temple complex and around it. The Shiva and Ambal shrines both face the East. The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Tirumeni Nathar, Bhoominathar and the Ambal his consort mother Parvathy is called as Tunaimaalainayaki. The Kauvaikkadal tank within the temple, with a central mandapam is a beautiful one. Mention must be made of the Pralaya Vitankar and the Palani Andavar shrines in this temple. The sthala vriksham is Punnai and the Theertham is Kauvaikkadal theerthamThe Ramanathapuram rulers have traditionally maintained this temple.
Location
This temple is located 90 km from Madurai. The nearest town Aruppukottai is about 15 km away from this temple.Temples Address
Arulmighu Tirumeninathar Temple
Tiruchuzhi
Tiruchuzhi Post
Tiruchuzhi Taluk
Virudunagar District
PIN 626129
Kalayar Kovil, Tamilnadu
Kalaiyar Kovil is a place which is situated in Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, India which was ruled by the Maruthu Pandiyar. There is a very large Shiva temple. Kalaiyar Kovil is owned by the family of the Rajah of Sivaganga. It is run by their devasthanam, and a trust of the zamindar family of Devakottai.
Location
The temple Kalaiyar Kovil is in Sivaganga District. It is 16 km (10 mi) east of Sivaganga, 35 km (22 mi) west of Devakottai on the Devakottai - Manamadurai Road and 66 km (41 mi) south-east of Madurai by Thondi Road.Name cause of the temple
Kalaiyar Kovil derived its name from the Kaleeswarar temple of the place. Kalaiyar is a corruption of the word Kaleeswaran. During the Sangam period, this place was known as Kaanapair as is seen from the 21st verse in the purananooru sung by Iyur moolakizhar, a poet of the Sangam period. In the 9th Century A.D. Saint Sundara moorthy nayanar described the presiding deity in his devotional songs as Kaalai. Since then the deity was known as Kalaiyar, with the Tamil sufix yar added to it denoting respect. The temple came to be known as Kalaiyar Kovil and this was later adapted to the place also.Temple structure
A lofty Rajagopuram (150 feet) and an imposing Teppakkulam tank (with a mandapam) named Aanai madu adorn this shrine. Airavatam the elephant of Indra is said to have created this tank. There are three shrines in this temple associated with the three functions of creation, preservation and completion. The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Kaaleeswarar, Someswarar, Sundareswarar and the Ambal his consort mother Parvathy is called as Swarnambikai, Soundara Nayagi, Meenakshi. Additional to that there are 3 separate shrines for both the male and female deities of famous Shiva temples in a mandapam outside the shrine.
Seat of kings
Kalaiyarkoil was the seat of the kings from very early days. King Vengai Marban ruled over this area during Sangam period. It was the stronghold of rulers of Sivangangai. It was also the seat of the freedom fighters like Muthu Vaduga Natha Thevar and Maruthu brothers.History
On 25 June 1772, the Company forces under Col. Joseph Smitt and Cap. Bonjour marched towards Kalayar Kovil. The second king of Sivaganga, Muthu Vaduga Natha Thevar (1750–1772) and Maruthu brothers defended it. Rajah Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar in anticipation of the English invasion made preparation for defence. But Rajah Muthu Vaduganathar with the many of his soldiers fell dead in the kalaiyarkoil battle. The invading English forces plundered Kalaiyarkoil and collected jewels worth 50,000 pagodas. Kalaiyarkoil temple belongs to Sivagangai Devasthanam.
The temple was kept locked and prayers stopped for some time. it was later re opened and substantial repairs and development were done by Devakottai Zamindar. In fact Shree AL.AR.RM.Arunachalam Chettiar, Zamindar of Devakottai took up sanyas from Koviloor and moved to the vedantha madam at kalayar kovil. He was known as Shreelashree Jamindar Arunachala Gnana Desiga Swamigal and his samadhi is in the rear of the madam. Shree Zamindar swamigal, Senior heir of Devakottai Zamindar Shri AL.AR.Ramasamy Chettiar, Shri AL.AR.RM.Arunachalam Chettiar the then Zamindar of Devakottai in succssion had started Devakottai Zamindar Kattalai Endowment after the demise of his father Devakottai Zamindar AL.AR Ramasamy Chettiar (now known as AL.AR.Trust) with a Registered agreement to Sivagangai Devasthanam to conduct special daily, monthly poojas to God Sorna Kaleeswarar and deity Sornavalli Amman.This is performed continuously by his son and his successor AL.AR.Kalairajah Chettiar, then Devakottai Zamindar, thereafter by his son and his legal heir AL.AR.K.Veerappan Chettiar, then Devakottai Zamindar and presently performed by his son and his legal heir in succession AL.AR.K.VR.ChinnaVeerappan Chettiar, Devakottai Zamindar
Festivals
Kaaleesar's festival is celebrated in the month of Thai where the car festival is observed during the Poosam. Someswarar's Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi. the float festival also happens then. Aadi Pooram is celebrated for Swarnavalli amman.Tiruvadanai Siva Temple,
This Shiva temple is a vast temple at Tiruvaadanai near Devakottai. This temple is regarded as the 8th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamil Nadu.
Mythology
Legend has it that Vaaruni, the son of Varuna who was cursed by a Sage to have an elephant's body and a goat's head, regained his normal form after worshipping Siva at this temple. Surya is said to have worshipped a blue diamond image of Siva here. Sage Brihu too worshiped the lord here.Temple structure
The presiding deity lord Shiva is also called Aadaanainathar or Aadi Ratneswarar. The Ambal, his consort mother, Parvathy is called as Ambal Anbayiammai, Snehavalli. The sthala vriksham is Vilvam(Aegle marmelos). The Theertham is called Surya TheerthamPoems on this temple
Sambandar composed the thevara Pathigam here.Festivals
The annual Brahmotsavam is held in the Tamil month of Vaikasi while the annual festival for Ambal is held in the tamil month of Aadi.Location
Tiruvaadanai can be reached from Karaikudi via Devakottai and is about 45 km from Karaikudi. It can also be reached from Sivagangai by travelling on the Sivgangai - Tondi road via Kalayarkovil and is about 50 km from Sivagangai. Bus facilities from Karaikudi and Sivagangai are available.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
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Good post
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