Kailasanathar Temple, Thoravi, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple, Thoravi, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thoravi near Panayapuram in Vikravandi Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki. This Temple is situated close to Panayapuram Panangatteswarar Temple, a Devara Padal Petra Sthalam.

History

The Temple is believed to be around 1300 years old built by Pallavas and was later extensively renovated by Cholas. This Village was part of Panaiyur Nadu under Rajendra Chola Valanaadu during Chola period. The village was gifted to Shaivite ascetics (Thuravi) by Chola Kings. Hence, the village called as Thuraviyur in ancient times. Now, got corrupted to Thoravi. Local villagers still remember the visit of Kanchi Maha Periyava to this temple while he went to Pagandai for learning Vedas from Villupuram. This temple is currently reconstructed by Enandhinatha Nayanar Trust, Puducherry.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance on the southern side. The temple is under construction. The older temple was completely lost except the idols. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam are open to sky as the construction is not yet completed.

Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki. The original idol was lost, and a new idol is kept under balalaya in the temple premises. It is said that the new idol is sourced from Kanyakumari. Nandi, Murugan with his peacock vehicle and Mother idol are kept in a thatched roof near the entrance of the temple.

Sculpture of Lord Vinayaga carved on a stone tablet can be seen on the left side at the entrance of the thatched shed. Another Sculpture of Lord Murugan carved on a stone tablet can be seen on the right side at the entrance of the thatched shed. Both these sculptures are dated to 7^th century CE. There is a Naga idol kept near to the Murugan sculpture. Locals consider this Idol as Ragu Ketu and worship it for relief from Ragu Ketu Dosha.

Prayers

Devotees pray here for relief from serious illness and relief from Ragu Ketu Dosha.

Contact

Kailasanathar Temple,

Thoravi, Vikravandi Taluk,

Villupuram District – 605 601

Mobile: +91 90252 65394

Saravanan, a Sivanadiyar is taking caring and overseeing the reconstruction of this temple. It is said that even he sold his properties for the reconstruction of this temple. I urge Shiva devotees to visit this temple and help them in their reconstruction activities.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Panayapuram, 2.5 Kms from Panayapuram Panangatteswarar Temple, 9 Kms from Thirukanur, 14 Kms from Villupuram, 15 Kms from Villupuram Junction Railway Station, 15 Kms from Villupuram Old Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Villupuram Bus Stand, 31 Kms from Puducherry, 34 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 138 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is situated on Villupuram – Thirukanur – Vazhudavur bus route. Buses are available from Villupuram and Puducherry to reach Thoravi. The temple is situated on the main road itself.

Location

Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Villupuram Town in Villupuram Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki / Brahandha Nayagi. This Temple is situated in the heart of Villupuram Town.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2020/11/kailasanathar-temple-villupuram-legends.html

History

Villupuram was called as Vijaya Nriputunga Jayanthangi Chathuvedhi Mangalam during Pallava era. This name clearly states that Villupuram was named after the Pallava King Nriputunga Varman (869 A.D. – 880 A.D.). Villupuram was called as Jananatha Chathuvedhi Mangalam during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I. During the later Cholas period, Villupuram was called as Vizhuparayapuram named after its local chieftain Vizhupparaiyan. Villupuram was called as Vizhuppuram (Janakapuri) in 1265 A.D during the reign of Jadavarman Sundara Pandyan as evidenced by the inscription in Villupuram Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple.

Kailasanathar Temple was in existence even before the rule of Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. The temple received extensive patronage from Kulothunga Chola I, Kadava Emperor Kopperunjinga, Rajanarayana Sambuvarayar,  Jadavarman Sundara Pandya, Viruppanna Udaiyar, Saluva Narasingaraya Udaiyar, Narasinga Nayakar, Krishnadevaraya, Achuthadeva Maharayar, Sadasiva Devaraya, and Sriranga Devar II. The Temple faced destruction during heavy floods in 15^th Century AD and the subsequently renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2020/11/kailasanathar-temple-villupuram-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 am to 11.00 am and 05.00 pm to 08.30 pm.

Festivals

10 days Chithirai Brahmotsavam, 10 days Vasantotsavam during Vaikasi, Aani Thirumanjanam, Avani Vinayagar Chathurthi, 10 days Navaratri during Purattasi, Aippasi Annabishekam, Karthigai Deepam and Margazhi Arudhra Dharshan are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

Unmarried light ghee Deepams for 11 weeks and offer lemon garland to Durga for marriage alliances. Unmarried also light ghee deepams for 4 weeks to Guru Dakshinamoorthy to remove obstacles in marriage.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Villupuram Junction Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Villupuram Old Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Villupuram New Bus Stand, 42 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 148 Kms from Chennai Airport. This Temple is situated in the heart of Villupuram Town.

Location

Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram – The Temple

Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. However, the Rajagopuram is facing towards west. There is another entrance on the eastern side leading to Nandavanam. Few broken idols and ancient ruins can be seen in Nandavanam. There is a four pillared Mandapam immediately after the eastern entrance. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandi housed in Mandapam can be seen facing the sanctum immediately after the four pillared Mandapam.

Sanctum Sanctorum

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and 40 pillared Mukha Mandapam. Palli Arai, Pradosha Mandapam and Store Room are situated in Mukha Mandapam on the right side. All are located adjacent to each other and are facing towards south. Dvarapalas can be seen guarding the entrance of Maha Mandapam. There is another entrance to Maha Mandapam on the southern side with an Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing towards east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Koshta Idols:

Ganesha, Guru Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar Shrine:

Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. His Shrine is facing towards south.

Arumugar Shrine:

There is a north facing shrine for Arumugar on the left side of Mukha Mandapam. His Shrine consists of Ardha Mandapam and Sanctum. He is housed in the sanctum along with his consorts Valli & Deivanai. It is unique to see Lord Arumugar facing the Palli Arai. This feature is nowhere to be seen. Carvings of peacock and other animals can be seen on the outer wall of the shrine.

Nataraja Sabha:

Nataraja Sabha is situated in Maha Mandapam. Nataraja Sabha is facing towards south and houses idols of Nataraja along with his consort Shivagami. This shrine is approached through the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This entrance is guarded by Dwarapalakas. Sculptures of Vinayaga and Murgan can be seen on the walls near the Dwarapalakas.

Saneeswarar Idol:

Saneeswarar Idol can be found in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This Idol is facing towards east and situated close to the entrance.

Bhairavar Shrine:

There is a west facing shrine for Bhairavar in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam.

Vinayagar Shrine:

Vinayagar Shrine can be found in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This shrine is facing towards east. Moonjuru, his vehicle and Balipeedam can be seen facing the sanctum.

Somaskanda Shrine:

Somaskanda Shrine can be found in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This shrine is facing towards east and situated next to Vinayagar Shrine.

Mother Shrine:

Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki / Brahandha Nayagi. She is housed in a separate west facing shrine. She is in standing posture. She is four armed holding lotus flowers in upper hands and lower hands showing Varada and Abhaya Mudra. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. Her Shrine consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Dwarapalakis can be seen guarding the Maha Mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam, housed in a small Mandapam, can be seen facing her shrine. Idols of two elephants can be seen on either side of the entrance of her shrine.

Navagraha Shrine:

Navagraha Shrine is located in between Mother shrine and Sanctum.

Bala Vinayagar Shrine:

There is an east facing shrine of Bala Vinayagar on the extreme right side immediately after the Rajagopuram.

Bala Murugan Shrine:

There is an east facing shrine of Bala Murugan on the extreme left side immediately after the Rajagopuram.

Anjaneyar Shrine:

There is a west facing shrine for Anjaneyar on the extreme left side of Nandi immediately after the eastern entrance.

Madapalli:

Madapalli is situated next to the Anjaneyar Shrine.

Yaga Salai:

Yaga Salai is situated on the extreme right side of Nandi immediately after the eastern entrance.

Sthala Vriksham:

Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam tree.