Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Veppathur, Thanjavur

Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Veppathur, Thanjavur

Veetrirundha Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Veppathur Village in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is built on top of an older brick temple some of whose remains have survived. The remains constitute one of the two surviving Hindu temples of the pre-Pallava period, the other being the Subrahmanya temple at Saluvankuppam, and one of the oldest ones in Tamil Nadu. Veppathur is situated between River Cauvery and Pazhavaru River.

Legends

It is said that Lord Rama, on his travel in the jungle to locate the whereabouts of Sita took rest in this place with Neela Devi and Bhooma Devi offering solace with a palm fan.  Thus, in this ancient temple, Veetrirundha Perumal offers darshan with the two consorts, Neela Devi and Bhooma Devi on either side.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2021/06/veetrirundha-perumal-temple-veppathur-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2021/06/veetrirundha-perumal-temple-veppathur-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Veppathur, 1.5 Kms from Thiruvisanallur, 4 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 6 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 6 Kms from Thiruvidaimarudur Railway Station, 10 Kms from Kumbakonam, 10 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 10 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 49 Kms from Thanjavur and 103 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kallanai to Poompuhar Route.

Location | Photos

Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Veppathur – The Temple

Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Veppathur – The Temple

The temple is built on top of an older brick temple some of whose remains have survived. The remains constitute one of the two surviving Hindu temples of the pre Pallava period, the other being the Subrahmanya Temple at Saluvankuppam, and one of the oldest ones in Tamil Nadu. The Temple was under renovation.

The Sanctum houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in a commanding sitting posture. He is flanked by his consorts, Neela Devi and Booma Devi on either side. It is said that the upper tiers must have housed the idols of Lord Vishnu in reclining and standing postures but the whereabouts of these idols are unknown at present.

The vimana over the sanctum was rebuilt and is about 90 feet high. It is constructed with brick bound by clay mortar. The vimana is of five tiers, in dravidian style with a pyramid shape. The mandapam in the first floor carries frescoes traceable to the Pallava period around 850 AD. The frescoes of the Chola period were painted over the Pallava murals during the rule of Rajaraja Chola 1.

The temple was renovated in 1520 CE during the rule of Krishnadevaraya and fresh murals were drawn over the Chola frescoes. It is extraordinary that this is the only temple in south India that has murals of three dynasties – the Pallava, the Chola and the Vijayanagara. The Murals and frescos are mostly dilapidated. ASI unearthed stone carvings and rare articles which are said to have been in use more than 5000 years back.

Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Veppathur – History

Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Veppathur – History

The temple is built on top of an older brick temple some of whose remains have survived. The older brick temple is dated to 550 AD. The remains constitute one of the two surviving Hindu temples of the pre Pallava period, the other being the Subrahmanya temple at Saluvankuppam, and one of the oldest ones in Tamil Nadu. The temple built on top of an older brick temple was constructed by Pallava King Nandivarman III in 850 AD.

He settled Brahmins in Veppathur and named the area as Avani Narana Chaturvedi Mangalam after one of his titles. The temple was called as Avani Narana Vinnagar. It was during the rule of Nandivarman III that the Pallava murals were painted (on the inner walls of the sanctum). The presiding deity at that time was a stucco figure. The Temple was extensively renovated by the Chola King Rajaraja Chola I. 

It was during the time of Rajaraja Chola I, the presiding deity of Veetrirundha Perumal, and his two consorts, Nilamangai and Thirumangai, all made of granite, were consecrated in the sanctum. The frescoes of the Chola period were painted over the Pallava murals during the rule of Rajaraja Chola I. The Temple was later renovated by Krishnadevaraya in 1520 AD and fresh murals were drawn over the Chola frescoes.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has permitted the REACH Foundation to restore and conserve the temple. The stone images of the deities were brought down from the dilapidated sanctum and installed about 90 years ago in a shrine at the base of the mound. The worship of these deities continues to this day.

Markandeya Temple, T. Manalmedu, Mayiladuthurai

Markandeya Temple, T. Manalmedu, Mayiladuthurai

Markandeya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in T. Manalmedu Village near Thirukadaiyur in Tharangambadi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Mrigandeswarar and Mother is called as Maruthuvathy Ambal. The Temple is situated very close to Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar Temple.

Legends

As per legend, Mrikandu Rishi and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. Mrikandu Rishi performed penance on Lord Shiva for realizing his wish. Lord Shiva appeared before him and he was given the choice of either a righteous son, but with a short life on earth or a child of low intelligence but with a long life. Mrikandu rishi chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, destined to die at the age of 16.

The place where Mrikandu Maharishi performed penance to Lord Shiva can be found in the temple premises. Sage Markandeya grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in his aniconic form of Shivalingam in Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar Temple. The messengers of Yama, the god of death was unable to take away his life because of his great devotion and continual worship of Shiva.

Lord Yama then came in person to take away Markandeya's life and sprung his noose around the young sage's neck. By accident or fate the noose mistakenly landed around the Shivalingam, and out of it, Shiva emerged in all his fury attacking Yama for his act of aggression. After defeating Yama in battle to the point of death, Lord Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the devout youth would live forever. For this act, Shiva was thereafter also known as Kalantaka (Kala Samhara Moorthy)

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east with a three tier Rajagopuram. Dwajastambam, Balipeedam and Nandhi can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Mrigandeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma and Vishnu Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location.

Mother is called as Maruthuvathy Ambal. She is housed in separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam to the left side of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Sage Markandeya in Maha Mandapam. Utsava Idol of Markandeya can be found in his shrine. It is a general practice to tie Parivattam (turban) to all the devotees in Markandeya Shrine. Sabha Mandapam can be found in the prakaram.

There are shrines for Bala Anjaneya, Vinayaga, Shanmuga Subramaniya, Gajalakshmi, Navagrahas, Bhairavar, Suryan and Chandran in the temple premises. The place where Mrikandu Maharishi performed penance to Lord Shiva and the actual Lingam is located under Arasu (Peepal) and Vembu (Neem) tree along with Vinayaga and Rahu Idol. There is also a shrine for Rettai Pillayar behind these trees. It is believed that if one circumambulate 18 times and worship Vinayaga, his wishes will be fulfilled.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 08.30 AM to 01.30 PM and 05.00 PM to 08.30 PM.

Prayers

Those who visit Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar Temple should also visit this Temple for a prosperous life and for the welfare of their family. Those who perform Thirukalyanam here, their unmarried sons and daughters will get married soon. Special Pooja called Panchakshara Homam is performed here for the welfare of the family. Those who perform Shanku Abishekam to the deities would get a disease-free life.  Ganga water from Kasi is arranged here performing Abishekams (Ganga Pooja). Hence, those who want to perform Shastiapthapoorthi, Bheemaradha Shanthi and Sadabishekam need not bring the holy water from the Ganga River. Lalitha Sahasranama Homa is performed here for promoting  Ashta Ishwaryam in devotees family and his profession.

Contact

Markandeya Temple,

T. Manalmedu, Tharangambadi Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai District – 609 311

Phone: +91 4364 287 461 / 287 325

Mobile: +91 84892 38904

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Thirukadaiyur Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar Temple, 5 Kms from Thiruvidaikazhi, 9 Kms from Tharangambadi, 21 Kms from Karaikal, 22 Kms from Karaikal Railway Station, 38 Kms from Mayiladuthurai and 149 Kms from Trichy Airport. This temple is on the way to Thiruvidaikazhi from Thirukadaiyur.

Location | Photos

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam, Kallakurichi

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam, Kallakurichi

Ardhanareeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rishivandiyam in Sankarapuram Taluk of Kallakurichi District in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Ardhanareeswarar and Mother is called as Mukthambika. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2021/06/ardhanareeswarar-temple-rishivandiyam-legends.html

History

The temple is believed to be built by Pandyan King Sundara Pandya in 1282 A.D. The temple was extensively renovated by succeeding Vijayanagara Kings and Nayak Kings.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://lesser-known-temples-in-tamil-nadu.blogspot.com/2021/06/ardhanareeswarar-temple-rishivandiyam-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 4:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

Festivals

10 days Aani Brahmotsavam, Third Monday of Karthigai, Shivarathri and Monthly Pradoshams are celebrated here.

Prayers

This temple is considered as marriage Parihara Sthalam. One must visit this temple for 3 to 5 Amavasyas, perform archana and offer Abhisheka once for successful marriage. Those with speech impairment, can offer honey abhishekam to Lord Shiva. They have to consume the honey for relief.

Contact

Ardhanareeswarar Temple,

Rishivandiyam, Sankarapuram Taluk,

Kallakurichi District – 606 205

Phone: +91 4151 289 243 / 243 289

Mobile: +91 98653 69493 / 93633 99063 / 90943 68541

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Rishivandiyam Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiyagadurgam, 22 Kms from Kallakurichi, 34 Kms from Ulundurpet, 34 Kms from Ulundurpet Railway Station and 151 Kms from Trichy Airport. Rishivandiyam is situated on Kallakurichi to Thiruvannamalai route via Thiyagadurgam. Rishivandiyam is well connected to Thirukovilur, Kallakurichi and Ulundurpet.

Location | Photos

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam – The Temple

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. There is a sixteen pillared Mandapam in front of the Rajagopuram. Stucco images of Shiva family can be seen at the top of the Mandapam. There is a four pillared Mandapam housing the Nandi in the road leading to this Temple. Balipeedam, Dwajastambam and Nandi can be seen immediately after the Rajagopuram facing the sanctum. 

Vasantha Mandapam can be seen on the left side immediately after Rajagopuram. This Mandapam has five musical pillars which produces rhythmic sounds. Vahana Mandapam can be seen on the right side immediately after the Rajagopuram. There are two Yazhi pillars in this Mandapam. Yazhi carved in one of the pillar has a stone ball in its mouth. The stone ball can be rotated inside its mouth but cannot be taken out.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala,  Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Ardhanareeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The Lingam is unique at it houses both Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathy.

The image of Mother Parvathy cannot be seen normally. The image of Parvathi with parrot in her hand is seen only when abhishekam is performed to Lingam with honey and milk. The Vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar can be seen in his usual location.

Utsava Idol (Somaskanda), Bhairava, Surya, Nataraja with his consort Shivagami, Vinayagar and Palliayarai (Sleeping Chamber) can be seen in Maha Mandapam. Mother is called as Mukthambika. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Ardha Mandapam. Nandi can be seen in front her shrine facing the sanctum. A life size idol of Lord Vishnu can be seen in the Ardha Mandapam of her shrine.

There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Agastheeswarar with his consort, Vishwanathar with his consort Visalakshi, Annamalaiyar with his consort Unnamulai Ammai, 63 Nayanmars, Nagas, Navagrahas and stucco image of Ardhanareeswarar in the temple premises. Theerthams associated with this temple are Agastya Theertham, Indra Theertham, Sankara Theertham, Gnana Botha Pushkarini and Agni Theertham. Sthala Vrikshams are Punnai Tree and Mahila Tree.

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam – Legends

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam – Legends

Ardhanareeswarar:

As per legend, Indra used to perform Pooja to Lord Shiva daily at this Temple. However, he would leave with offering his prayers at Mother Parvathy Shrine. Mother Parvathy got offended  by the act of Indra and complained to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva offered his left side to Mother Parvathi. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Ardhanareeswarar. As usual, Indra performed his abhishekam to Lord Shiva next day and observed Mother Parvathi on the left side of the Lingam. Indra realized his mistake and begged pardon from Mother Parvathi. Mother Parvathi forgave his mistake. People can notice Mother Parvathy on the left side of the Lingam till today when honey abhishekam is performed to Lingam.

Sage Agastya got darshan of Lord Shiva marriage here:

As per legend, devas, celestial beings, sages and gods gathered at Mount Kailasha to attend the divine marriage of Lord Shiva. The northern land got tilted towards north due to the huge gathering. Lord Shiva requested Sage Agastya to travel south to balance the south. Lord Shiva also assured Sage Agastya that Agastya would get the darshan of his divine marriage whenever he wished. This Temple is considered as one such place where Sage Agastya got the darshan of divine marriage.

Cut marks in the Lingam:

It is believed that Veera Vanniyars clan dug the place for agriculture during Vijayanagara period. During their digging, the shovel hit certain object. They stopped digging and carefully excavated the place. At the end, they found a Swayambhu Lingam. They named the Lingam as Arthanareeswarar. The cut mark by shovel can be still seen in the Lingam.

Mother Parvathy fed Kuga Namshivayar with food here:

Kuga Namshivayar, disciple of Guru Namshivayar, was on pilgrimage to Chidambaram via Rishivandiyam. He was so hungry while he was on this place. He went to Muthambigai and sung Thayiruka Pillai Soru poem. Muthambigai appeared before him and asked him to sing both Lord Shiva and her as she was gracing the devotees here as part of Arthanareeswarar. As requested, he sung Minnumpadivantha Soru Kondu Va poem. After hearing the soul stirring poem, the mother fed him with food in a golden vessel.

Navaratri Vrata:

As per legend, Sukanya Devi is said to have observed Navaratri Vrata and puja along with her husband Sayavana Maharishi at this place.

Rishivandiyam:

It is said that five thousand Rishis performed penance on Lord Shiva in the form of bees. Hence, the place came to be called as Rishivandiyam.

Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here and got blessed with wisdom

Rishi Vanda Vanam:

The place was called as Rishi Vanda Vanam in ancient times and got corrupted to Rishivandiyam.

Nalvar worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is also believed that Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manickavasagar visited and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Dwapara Yuga:

It is believed that the temple came into existence during Dwapara Yuga.

Konar Temple, Thirumalpur, Ranipet

Konar Temple, Thirumalpur, Ranipet

Konar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thirumalpur, an important temple town near Kanchipuram in Nemili Taluk in Ranipet District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is under the control of Archaeological survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/06/konar-temple-thirumalpur-history.html

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Mukha Mandapam, Antrala and Sanctum. The Idol of Vishnu, Sridevi and Bhoodevi, once housed in the sanctum, are in damaged condition can be seen in the Mukha Mandapam. There is a niche with pilasters and makara torana in the outer wall of Antrala. Gajalakshmi can be seen on the southern niche and Durga can be seen on the northern niche in the torana. There are no idols in the niche. 

Bhooda ganas frieze can be seen over the top portion of the temple. This temple has miniatures reliefs of Ramayana and Krishna Leela. There is one unique relief showing Krishna dancing with 2 pots balancing on both hands. This dance is called Kudakkoothu. Silapathikaram mentions that Krishna danced in this posture to liberate Aniruddha in the city of Banasura. Remains of pillars can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thirumalpur, 1 Km from Thirumalpur Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Govindavadi, 4 Kms from Thirumalpur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Pallur, 9 Kms from Nemili, 18 Kms from Arakkonam, 19 Kms from Kanchipuram, 41 Kms from Ranipet, 71 Kms from Chennai Airport and 80 Kms from Chennai. The temple is situated on Thirumalpur to Panappakkam route. Thirumalpur is situated on Kanchipuram to Arakkonam Road.

Location | Photos