Holy
Pilgrimage – Temples in Tamilnadu
State
Tiruttalinathar Temple
This Siva temple is located in a small town, Thiruputhur near Karaikkudi. This temple is regarded as the 6th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya kingdom of Tamilnadu. The temples Rameswaram and Tiruvadanai are the other Shivastalams nearby.
Mythology
According to the legend, the prominent snakes Vasuki and Kaarkotakan worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the separate shrine for Tirunageswarar in the outer 3rd prakaram(outer courtyard). The concept of Pranavam is said to have realized that Shiva & Pranavam were one and the same here, & is said to have manifested itself as the Konrai Maram. The legend has it that, Goddess Mahalaskhmi once wished to have a darshan of Lord Shiva's dance. Lord Shiva conceded to her request and told her that she can have a vision of his dance at this sthalam. Accordingly Shiva is said to have revealed a vision of his Cosmic Dance known as Gowri Thandavam to Goddess Mahalakshmi here. Agasthyar, Valmiki, Jayanthan the son of Devendran are said to have worshipped here. This temple has got the royal patranage from the early Chola, Pandiya and Chera kings, and by the later period Pallavas, Sethupathy Raja, Maruthu Pandiyar etc.Temple structure
Although Thiruputhur is a small town, the shiva temple here is big and as we go inside the temple, it is really huge and causes fascination to the visitor. This 15-acre (61,000 m2) temple has a main vimanam with several stucco images on the east side and has 3 prakarams(outer courtyard). The outer 3rd prakaram(outer courtyard) is a wide courtyard on all the 4 sides. In the 2nd middle prakaram(outer courtyard) there are shrines for Lord Subramanya along with His 2 consorts Valli and Deivaanai . The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Tiruttalinathar, Sreetalinathar and the Ambal his consort mother Parvathy is called as Sivakami, Soundarya Nayaki. The shrine for Tiruttalinathar is situated at an elevated portion and is facing east. The shrine for Sivagami is situated parallel to the north of the main sanctum sanctorum and is also facing east. The mandapam in front of the sanctum sanctorum has pillars with beautiful sculptured images of Rishabavaaganar, Narthana Ganapathy, Venugpolan, Narasimhar etc. Interesting metal images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are also seen here. Stone images of Nataraja and Sivakami are seen in this temple. The Yoga Bhairavar shrine (facing West) is of significance here. Interesting metal images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are also seen here. The Navagrahams are in a seated posture. Entering the 3rd inner prakaram(outer courtyard) from the east side, one can see the small shrines for Sun God Sooriyan, Mahalakshmi, Mahaganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Varunalingam, Visalakshmi Amman, Agasthiyalingam, Sandeswarar and Durgai on the 4 pathways of the prakaram(outer courtyard). The sthala vriksham is Konrai tree and the Theertham is called as Garuda TheerthamPoems on this temple
Sambandar and Appar composed the thevara Pathigam here.Festivals
The Jayantan Festival is celebrated on the 1st Friday in the Tamil month of Chittirai . In addition to this Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navaratri, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam and Vaikasi Visaakam are celebrated here .Location
This temple is located in between Madurai and Karaikudi and can be reached by road from both the places. It is located about 65 km from Madurai, 20 km from Karaikudi and about 35 km from SivagangaiSri Vruddhapureeswarar (Pazhampathinathar) temple
The Thiruppunavayil Shiva temple is located on the seashore near Pudukkotai in Tamil nadu. This temple is regarded as the 7th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.
Mythology
Legend has it that the 4 Vedas, Bhrama, Lakshmi and Mahavishnu along with Indra, Surya, Chandra, Yama, Airavatam, Vasishta and Agasthyar worshipped Shiva here. All of the 14 shrines in the Pandya Kingdom sung by the Nayanmars are said to manifest themselves here. There are 14 Shivalingams in this temple.Surya puja (Puja to Sun God) is performed on Vaikasi Visakam star day (May-June) as the rays of Sun falls on the presiding deity.
Temple structure
The temple covers an area of about 3 acres (12,000 m2) and much of the structure dates back to the Panayd period. Massive walls surrounding the temple and the picturesque Rajagopuram beautify this shrine. The Nandi and the Shivalingam are huge here, and so is the vimanam crowning the sanctum. There are two entrances to the temple corresponding to the Shiva and the Ambal shrines. The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Pazhampati Nathar and the Ambal his consort mother Parvathy is called as Karunai Nayaki. The niches around the sanctum sanctorum are enshrined with Ganapati, Dakshinamurty and in place of Lingodbhavar, Mahavishnu is placed. Lord Hanuman is too found in this temple. The Nataraja Sabha here is referred to as the Sivagnana Sabha.Relief from Mars aspects: Mars is one of the 9 planets. He himself was the subject of a curse of a sage. He worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple for relief from the curse. It should be noted that Mars is a powerful planet whose adverse aspects in the life of men would produce evil results. As Mars himself got the relief in this temple, it is known for its importance for a relief from Mars effects
Poems on this temple
Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the thevara Pathigam on the lord in this temple.Festival s
The annual Bhrammotsavam is conducted in the tamil month of Vaikasi.Location
This temple can be reached by travelling from Arantangi to Meemisal (38 km) and from there to Tiruppunavayil (12 km).Transportation to Pudukkottai
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List of highways passing pudukkottai
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Highway No.
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Name of the state highway
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Length
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NH-210
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Trichy -
Pudukkottai - Tirumayam - Karaikkudi - Devakottai - Devipattinam -
Ramanathapuram
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160 km
|
|
NH-226
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Thanjavur
- Gandharvakottai - Pudukkottai - Thirumayam - Kilasevalpatti - Tirupattur -
Madagupatti - Sivaganga - Manamadurai
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144 km
|
|
SH-26
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Trichy -
Pudukottai - Aranthangi - Mimisal Road
|
119.9 km
|
|
SH-27
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Perambalur
- Manamadurai Road (converted to NH-226)
|
228.1 km
|
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SH-71
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Musiri -
Kulithalai - Manapparai - Pudukottai - Alangudi - Peravoorani -
Sethubavachatram Road
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156.4 km
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Railways
This district has 84 Kilometers of Broad gauge railway lines with 12 Railway stations connecting Pudukkottai to Major centres in the state like Chennai, Trichy, Karaikudi, Rameswaram and Tirunelveli. Pudukkottai District is well served by the Trichy Railway Junction which has been connected by long distance express trains. Pudukkottai district also have part of karaikudi-mayiladuthurai line which is under gauge conversion.There is a demand for direct train from Coimbatore to Rameswaram via Pudukottai.
Port and Airport
The nearest seaport for this district is Tuticorin, which is situated 350 km from this district. The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, which is about 50 km and Madurai Airport, which is about 95 km from Pudukkottai.Transportation
Railway - Trains passing Pudukkottai station
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Train no.
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Train name
|
Arrival
|
Departure
|
Operates
|
Towards
|
|
16714
|
Rameswaram-Chennai
Egmore (Sethu) Express
|
0:29
|
0:30
|
Daily
|
Trichy
|
|
14259
|
Rameswaram-Varanasi
Weekly Express
|
2:56
|
2:57
|
Thursday
|
Trichy
|
|
16701
|
Chennai
Egmore-Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express
|
6:24
|
6:25
|
Daily
|
Karaikkudi
|
|
76830
|
Karaikkudi-Trichy
DEMU
|
7:25
|
7:27
|
Daily
|
Trichy
|
|
56829
|
Tiruchchirappalli-Rameswaram
Passenger
|
7:28
|
7:30
|
Daily
|
Karaikkudi
|
|
76805
|
Manargudi-Tiruchchirappalli-Manamadurai
DEMU
|
11:00
|
11:01
|
Daily
|
Karaikkudi
|
|
18495
|
Rameswaram-Bhubaneshwar
Weekly Express
|
12:19
|
12:20
|
Sunday
|
Trichy
|
|
76808
|
Manamadurai-Tiruchchirappalli-Manargudi
DEMU
|
15:45
|
15:46
|
Daily
|
Trichy
|
|
18496
|
Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram
Weekly Express
|
18:14
|
18:15
|
Saturday
|
Karaikkudi
|
|
56830
|
Rameswaram-Tiruchchirappalli
Passenger
|
19:18
|
19:20
|
Daily
|
Trichy
|
|
14260
|
Varanasi-Rameswaram
Express
|
19:23
|
19:25
|
Tuesday
|
Karaikkudi
|
|
76831
|
Tiruchchirapalli-Karaikkudi
Passenger
|
19:28
|
19:30
|
Daily
|
Karaikkudi
|
|
16702
|
Rameswaram-Chennai
Egmore (Boat Mail) Express
|
21:14
|
21:15
|
Daily
|
Trichy
|
|
16713
|
Chennai
Egmore-Rameswaram (Sethu) Express
|
23:44
|
23:45
|
Daily
|
Karaikkudi
|
Nellaiappar Temple, Thirunelveli
Nellaiappar Temple (Tamil: நெல்லைஅப்பர் திருக்கோவில்) is one of the famous Shiva Temples situated at the heart of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
Origin
The temple of Swami Nellaiappar and Sri Kanthimathi Ambal is situated in the heart of the city. The river Tambravarani referred to by poets as "Porunai" flows round the town. In the distant past the town was a bamboo forest; hence it was known in those days as "venuvanam". One of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu steeped in tradition and history and also known for its musical pillars and other brilliant sculptural splendours, this is one of the largest temples in South India. Siva is said to have been worshipped by Agastya in a bamboo grove and by Rama after having killed Mareecha some nine miles away at Manoor. There is also a shrine to Vishnu near the sanctum, signifying the belief that Nellai Govindan (Vishnu) visited Tirunelveli to officiate the divine marriage of Shiva and Kantimathi. A little to south of Swami Nellaiappar Gopuram stands the Gopuram of Sri Kanthimathi Ambal temple.History
According to the puranas, both the Gopurams were built by Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan and the other important parts of the temple were constructed by Nindraseer Nedumaran who regined in the 7th century A.D. The mani mandapam with its famous musical pillar was built by Nindaraseer Nedumaran in the 7th century A.D. Originally the Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples were two independent structures with spaces in between. It was in 1647 A.D. that Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan, a great devtee of Siva linked the two temples by building the "Chain mandapam". To the western portion of the chain mandapam is the flower garden that was set up in 1756 A.D. by Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar. In the centre of the Flower Garden is a square vasantha mandapm with 100 pillars. The Nandi mandapam is said to have been built by Sivanthiappa Nayak in 1654 A.D. The flag stand near the Nandi was set up in 1155 A.D.There are number of stone inscriptions in the temple. The most important of them are those Veerapandiyan who regined about 950 A.D. and those of Rajendran I and Kulothunga chola I. The inscriptions of Maravarma Sundara Pandiyan refer to the Lord as "Woodayar" and "Wodeyanayanar" and the Godess as "Nachiar". From the inscriptions of Kulasekkara Pandiyan we learn that he defeated the Chera, Chola and Hoysala kings and bult the outer walls of the temple with the war booty.[2]
Temple Architecture
Thaamira Ambalam
Thirunelveli also is one of the five places where Lord Shiva is said to have displayed his dance and all these places have stages/ ambalams. While Tirunelveli has the Thaamirai (Copper) Ambalam, the others are the Rathina Ambalam at Thiruvaalangadu (rathinam – ruby / red), the Chitra Ambalam at Courtallam (chitra – painting), the Velli Ambalam at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple (velli – silver) and the Pon (Gold) Ambalam at Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.The Copper Hall of Dance is a brilliant work of art, and is housed within the inner precincts of the temple. On the occasion of Arudra Darisanam (occurring in the Tamil month of Margazhi - Dec 15 - Jan 15), the images of Nataraja and Sivakami are housed here, and elaborate worship protocols are observed during the enactment of the Cosmic Dance of Shiva. A shrine to Sandana Sabhapati (adorned with sandal paste) is located right behind the Thaamira Sabha and to a visitor walking towards the Thaamira Sabha, the combination of these, i.e. the vision of Sandana Sabhapati seen through the Thaamira Sabha presents a brilliant spectacle. There is yet another shrine to Nataraja here, the Periya Sabhapati shrine. Religious services are carried out here on special occasions, and this festival idol is never moved from this shrine.
Festivals
Navaratri, Tirukkalyanam in Aippasi, (Oct 15 - Nov 15) and Arudra Darisanam are some of the important festivals here. Arudra Darisanam attracts huge crowds here. The temple chariot is a massive one, second supposedly only to Tiruvarur. The Bhrammotsavam here lasts for an extended period of time during the Tamil month of Aani (June 15 - July 15). Also, a Golden Temple car (First Inaugural run of Nellaiappar Temple Golden Car is November 2, 2009) will run during important festivals like Thirukalyanam, Kaarthigai, Aaruthra Festival etc. During Thaipoosam festival in thai, Lord Shiva and Parvathy are taken to the banks of Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli junction called "Thaipoosa mandapam". Special rituals are undertaken there and the Lord return to the temple at night.
Tourism
Near Tirunelveli, are the nine Vaishnavite temples dedicated to Vishnu (the Alwar Nava Tiruppatis), the Krishnapuram Venkatachalapati temple with its brilliant sculptural work, Tiruchendur with its grand and imposing temple dedicated to Subramanya, and Kutralam a popular tourist resort with its charming waterfalls and abundant natural beauty. The region between Tirunelveli and Kutralam abounds in natural splendour. Mention must be made of Tenkasi, Papanasam and Ambasamudram. Further, Kanyakumari the Southernmost tip of India is only a couple of hours away from Tirunelveli.Thirukutralam, Courtallam
Kutralam is a popular tourist resort in Southern Tamilnadu known for its waterfalls, amidst picturesque surroundings - and is a source of inspiration of many a literary work. Thousands visit this town when the waterfalls are in season. Kutralam represents one of the 5 Pancha Sabhas of Nataraja - Chitra Sabhai. The five dance halls of Shiva are Chidambaram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam. Kutralam is also known as Trikootaachalam.
Mythology
The sage Agastyar, at Shiva's request, proceeded southward to stabilize the balance of the earth, and relieve the instability caused by the multitude of entities at Shiva's and Parvati's wedding in the Himalayas, to wait for a glimpse of the divine couple. There he is said to have created the Shivalingam here by shrinking an image of Vishnu, hence the name Kutralam.Temple structure
The temple has a conch shaped temple(prakaram(closed precincts of a temple)) plan and is referred to as Sangakkovil. In the shrine, Shiva showed himself as Bhrama and Vishnu. The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Kuttralanathar and the Ambal his consort mother Parvathy is called as Kuzhalvoi Mozhiammai. The Tirikootamandapam here is the site of festivities here.Parvati's shrine is also of significance here and is regarded as one of the 64 Shakti Peethams. The Chitra Sabhai or the hall of pictures is located in a picturesque locale away from the main temple. Architecturally the Chitrasabha resembles that of the other Nataraja Sabhas elsewhere in Tamilnadu, and its interior is decked with hundreds of murals, depicting images from the Indian epics. Natarajar is brought here during festivals from the Kurumpalaveesar temple. The sthala vriksham is Kurum Palaa and the Theertham is Chitranadhi.Poems on this temple
Tirikootaraasappakavirayar's well known work Kutrala Kuravanji glorifies this shrine. Kurumpalaveesar, sung in Tevaram was done by Sambandar.Festivals
Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in the Chitrasabha, and the Taandava Deepa Aradhanai carried out then is of significance here. In the annual festival Shiva appears as Bhrama, Vishnu, Rudra, Eswara, Sadasiva and Subramanya. Other festivals celebrated here are Vasanta Utsavam in Chittirai, Pavitrotsavam in Kartikai, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Chittirai Vishu and Aippasi Vishu. The ivory chariot used in processions is of great beauty.Location
This temple is located roughly 5 km from Tenkasi. Tenkasi is connected with other parts of Tamilnadu both by road and Train. Tenkasi can easily be reached by bus from Madurai and Tirunelveli. Bus services from Tenkasi to Courtalam are available.Papanasam (near Tirunelveli)
Papanasam is a famous picnic spot in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. It falls under the Ambasamudram Taluk. It is situated 60 km from Tirunelveli. The site is popular with tourists attractions like Thamirabarani River, Agasthiyar falls, Siva Temple.
Neighbouring towns
Vikramasingapuram and Ambasamudram are the nearby towns.Papanasar Temple
The Papanasar temple the famous shrine in Papanasam which lies in the bank of Thambaraparani river where the main deity is Lord Shiva in the name of Papanasar (Destroyer of Sins). The name of the Goddess is Lord Loganayaki who is also known as Ulagambigai.This Papanasar temple is first among the NavaKailayams where the Navagraha known for this temple is Surya (The Sun). Papanasar is mainly known for his healing powers where he seems to be the medicine for any diseases in the world. He has the power to cure any diseases for his disciples who really have the love and affection on him.
The temple is famous for its Chittirai Peruvila where the Urchavam used to happen for 13 days. This is in memory of Saint Agasthiyar where he got the Kalyana Dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvathy in RishabaVahana along with his wife Ulobamuthirai.
The body of Lord Papanasar is wholly and naturally made of Rudraksha who is also known as Rudrakshanathar. The old name of Papanasar is VairajaLingam.
Tourist attractions
Located between elevations ranging from 1000 to 1500 Metres, the Manjolai area is set deep within the Western Ghats within the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli District. Located on top of the Manimuthar Dam & the Manimuthar Water Falls, the Manjolai area comprises Tea Plantations, Small settlements around the tea plantations; Upper Kodaiyar Dam and a windy view point called Kuthiravetti
The Tea Plantations and the whole of Manjolai Estates are tea operated by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd on Forest Lands leased by the Government of Tamil Nadu. There are 3 Tea Estates within the Manjolai area - Manjolai Estate, Manimutharu Estate & Oothu Estate. The Estates are located on elevations ranging between 2300 Feet to 4200 Feet. The estates, road & the settlements in the Manjolai area are managed by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd. Images of Manjolai Hills can be viewed
Papanasam River (2 kilometers from
Vikramasingapuram)
Agasthiar Falls
Vaana Theertham Falls
Papanasam (Upper) Kaarayaar Dam
Servalar Dam
Manimutthaar Dam
ThaiCines - Movie Theatre (Thaai means
'Mother') (The largest movie hall of the whole district, capable of 1830
viewers)
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Thirunana Temple
This Siva Temple at Bhavani near Erode, in Kongu Naadu, is a shrine at the confluence of Bhavani, Cauveri and Amrutavahini rivers(Mukkoodal). The temple is located on the northern bank where the rivers meet. The name Tirunanaa that is "Themai nannaa oor”, literally means, no evil will befall in this city. Hence it is believed that no evil will befall those who visit this Temple. The five hill temples of this area such as Sankagiri, Tiruchengode, Padmagiri, Mangalagiri and Vedagiri were surrounding this Temple.
Mythology
Legend goes that the remnants of the celestial nectar which came out of the milky ocean was buried here by Sage Parasarar and the same turned into a Sivalingam. Kuberan, Rama, Arjuna, Viswamitrar and Parasarar are said to have worshipped the god over here.Temple structure
The temple is constructed on a 4-acre (16,000 m2) land. The main tower with 5 tiers is located on the north side of the temple. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva is known as Sangameswarar and the Ambal his consortot mother parvathy is known as Pannaar Mozhiyaal or Vedanayaghi. The shrine of this female deity is facing east. A shrine to Subramanyar is situated between the shrines of Siva and Ambal. Thus the temple is said to be in somaskanda type. Even though this temple is a Saivite temple for Lord Shiva as Sangameswar, there is a separate shrine inside this temple for Lord vishnu as Adhi Kesava Perumal with his consort Soundaravalli Thaayar.The stala vriksham is ilandai(Zizyphus mauritiana)Tree. The theertham is Mukkoodal (rivers Bhavani, Cauveri and Amrutavahini rivers) theertham.
Poems on this temple
The Nayanmars Thevaram pathigam is composed by Sambandar. He had composed 10 poems in this temple in the praise of the lord which comes under 2nd Thirumurai. Saint Arunagirinathar who visited Thirunanaa, has composed many songs (Thirupugazh) on Lord SubramanyaFestivals
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of chiththirai,and the most femiliour festival is Audi 18 of Tamil month. There is a beautiful ivory palanquin gifted by a European collector in the 19th century, which is being used during the temple festivals.Location
This temple is located in the urban area of Bhavani, which is just near the Agglomeration of Erode, 56 km from Salem and 15 km from Erode railway station. Bus facilities to Bhavani are available from Erode frequently and also from Coimbatore, Tirupur, and SalemTransportation to Erode Junction railway station
Erode Junction Railway Station (Station Code: ED) is the main railway station in the City of Erode, in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, located at 3 km from Erode Central Bus Terminus. There is an ISO certified diesel locomotive shed and an electric locomotive shed attached with Erode Junction. It is one of the important and busiest railway stations in Southern Railway. Erode Junction also had the distinction of being the third cleanest railway junction in India after Bhopal and Secunderabad stations.
Lines from Erode Junction
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Line No.
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Towards
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Passing through Station
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Type / Track
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|
1
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Sankari
Durg
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Broad,
Electrified - Double Track
|
|
|
2
|
Tirupur
|
Broad,
Electrified - Double Track
|
|
|
3
|
Karur
|
Broad,
Single Track
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Trains starting from Erode Junction
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Train No.
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Name
|
Type
|
Frequency
|
Destination
|
Via
|
|
16669/70
|
Yercaud
Express
|
Express
|
Daily
|
Chennai
Central
|
Salem
|
|
56100
|
Mettur
Dam Passenger
|
Passenger
|
Daily
|
Mettur
Dam
|
|
|
56843
|
Tiruchirapalli
Passenger
|
Passenger
|
Daily
|
Tiruchirapalli
|
Karur
|
|
56844
|
Tiruchirapalli
Passenger
|
Passenger
|
Daily
|
Tiruchirapalli
|
Karur
|
|
56840
|
Jolarpettai
Passenger
|
Passenger
|
Daily
|
Jolarpettai
|
Salem
|
|
56846
|
Jolarpettai
Passenger
|
Passenger
|
Daily
|
Jolarpettai
|
Salem
|
|
56825
|
Tirunelveli
Passenger
|
Passenger
|
Daily
|
Tirunelveli
|
Madurai
|
Trains that pass through Erode Junction
Erode Junction is one of the major railway stations located in the crossing of the trainsSangameswarar Temple
Sangameswarar alayam is a temple in Bhavani, in the Erode district, of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple was built at the confluence of Kaveri river, Bhavani river and ‘agaya gangai’, an invisible underground water source.
The temple was praised in old Tamil literatures Thirupugazh, Pillaithamizh by Thirugnanasambandar and Arunagiriyar, as Thirunana.
Sangameswarar alayam is a Tamil Nadu tourism spot and has a huge hall for social events, a beautiful river side garden, round boat ride, swim and bath area, and an elephant too.
The temple is known as Kooduthurai by locals.
History and myths
Kubera, son of Vaisira was gifted an aircraft to visit Shiva temples across the country in recognition of his devotion to Lord Shiva. While he was flying near the river Cauvery Kubera was surprised to see a deer, tiger, cow, elephant, snake and rat drinking water near an Ilandhai tree on the river bank without enmity, to answer his wonder Kubera heard a voice from the sky saying it was a place where vedas visited, inhabited by gandharvas and advised him to worship the shivalingam under the iilanadhi tree.The temples Ilandhai tree gives fruit on all season which was used for everyday puja even today. During the period of Chera Chola and Pandya’s there was a cave connection existed between Chidambaram and Sangameshwarar temple and puja’s are performed at same time in both temples. The cow behind the Vishnu statue remains the harmony between Saivism and Vaishnavism. It was said from generations that every inch under the temple has one shivalingam.
Inside the temple
Rock status of this temple represents the beauty of stone carving and the culture of the people. When water or milk poured on the two identical stone statues in font of ambal sannidhi- Hindu goddess, one smiles at you, while the other sheds tears at you. The temple got a precious Ambal statue, a Hindu goddess donated by a district collector during British period for saving his life. Of all the seven holy Shiva centers of the Kongu Region, Bhavani is known as Thirunana in script. The holy waters of Sangameswarar temple is known as Cauvery theertham, Surya theertham and Gayatri theertham.Venjamakoodal Temple
Located at Venjamankoodalur near Karur, this temple is classified as one of the Kongu Naattu temples. Karuvoor Aanilai is another Shivastalam located nearby. The sanctum of this temple bears depictions of the 7 Thevara temples in Kongu Naadu.
Mythology
Legend has it that a hunter king by name Venchan is said to have worshipped Shiva here and hence the name Venchamaakoodal. Shiva is said to have appeared in the guise of an old priest and blessed Sundarar with gold. The king of Devaas, Indiran, is said to have worshipped the Lingam here to get rid of his sins.Temple structure
This shiva temple is more than 1200 years old. This temple has a 5 tiered Rajagopuram. The presiding deity lord shiva is called as Vikriteswarar and the Ambal his consort is called as Vikritambika. Both the Shiva and the Ambal shrines face east. The main Lingam inside the sanctum sanctorum is 5 feet in height and the female deity's image is 2.5 feet in height. This shivasthalam has been patronised by the kings of Pandiya Naadu and many rock cut inscriptions of Pandiya Period have been found in this temple. There are shrines to the Panchalingams, Bhairavar, the 63 Nayanmars and others in this temple. The Theerthama is Vikrita Theertham.Poems on this temple
Sundarar composed the thevara Pathigam here. Arunagirinathar has also visited temple.Festivals
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi with processions on vahanams and the temple chariot.Location
To reach this temple, one has to travel south-west 16 km from Karur on the way to Aravankurichi and go in a branch road about 10 km. The temple is located on the east bank of river Kudaganaaru.Vanchi Muthur
Vanchi or Vanchi Muthur was the capital city of Chera dynasty, who ruled ruled Kongu Nadu and most of the present day Kerala in southern India. It is also referred to as Karuvur in the Sangam literature. The location of the historical city Vanchi is generally considered at Mahodayapuram (also called Thiruvanchikulam) near the ancient port city of Muziris in Kerala. However, Karur in Tamil Nadu is also pointed out as the location of the capital city of Cheras.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
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