Temples - Navagraha - Paruhaarams

TEMPLES OF  ANCIENT  AND  SPECIAL  PARIHAARAMS

ARULMIGU NALLINAKKA SEWARAR TEMPLE , EZHICHUR Moolavar : Nallinakka Eswarar   Urchavar :   Amman / Thayar : Deiva Nayaki   Thala Virutcham : Palm tree, Vilwa, Eranjil   Theertham : Thamarai Pushkarini, Shivan Kuttai   Agamam / Pooja :   Old year : 1000-2000 years old   Historical Name :   City : Eluchur   District : Chennai   State : Tamil Nadu

Monthly Pradoshams and Shivrathri in February-March are observed in the temple.     The 2.5 feet tall presiding deity in His Shivalinga form appears majestically mounted on a broad Avudayar-peeta.

The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and from 4.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Sri Nallinakka Eswarar Temple, Nama Shivaya Trust, 5/9, 2nd street, Ramakrishna Street, Chitlapakkam, Chennai-600 064. Phone: +91-044-2223 3857; 94443 49009; 94425 55187; 93806 34880   The temple in the Ezhuchur village is on a spacious land measuring about 2 acres amid an environment of pleasant greenery.  The place is noted for its people skilled in arts.  Every idol stands as a definition of beauty.  It is a place filled with the blessing of enlightened Mahatmas and donations of kings.  Lords Nardana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthi Mahavishnu and Brahmma and Mother Vishnu Durga adore the Goshta.  The prakara is all divine with shrines of Lords Vinayaka, Kala Bhairava, Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Chandikeswara and Sun.  The Adishtanam of the 54th pontiff of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam His Holiness Sri Vysachala Maha Devendra Saraswathi Swamigal is in the temple.  Lord Mahavishnu with Mothers is behind the temple with Sri Anjaneya and Sri Garuda Bhagwan.

People pray to Lord Naalinakka Easwarar for lasting affinity between husband and wife with a loving atmosphere with all members in the family and with relatives and friends.  (The word Nallinakkam in Tamil means mutual co-operation with one another.  Lord of the temple – Nallinkka Easwarar – is the spring of this noble character flowing through the minds of devotees).   Devotees, especially singers,  pray for sweet voice.  They offer abishek to Lord with milk and honey to gain the boon.  Men and women facing adverse effects of Mars pray to Lord Muruga in the temple.     Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother with milk and honey and offer vastras. Mother Deiva Nayaki graces the devotees from a separate shrine right of the Maha Mandap facing south in Her standing posture.  The idol of Mother is so realistic in every aspect, the toes, nails, the folding in the sari, Her face full of compassion to all etc.  She is the destination for those facing delays in their marriage proposals.  They place the yellow thread at Her feet, light three ghee lamps and perform archanas.  After this prayer, they tie the yellow thread in the female palm tree – one of the sacred trees of the temple.  The wedding of the devotee will take place within 90 days, it is believed.  Those seeking child boon should light one ghee lamp in the other sacred tree Erenjil and 21 ghee lamps in Mother’s shrine and perform archanas. Lord Muruga in the temple (the whole idol is made of a single stone) with His consorts Valli and Deivanai with the covering frame (Thiruvasi) around Him blesses the devotees sitting on his divine peacock vahan with one leg folded and one touching the ground.  He is assuring His devotees with boons and safety by two hands holding various weapons in other 10 hands.

King Veera Narasimha born to Narasa-Tippaji couple - of Vijayanagara dynasty donated some villages including Ezhuchur to the 54th Pontiff of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam His Holiness Sri Vysachala Maha Devendra Saraswathi in the year 1429, according to a copper plate document found years back.  It is also believed that His Holiness stayed in this temple and attained salvation.  The Jeeva Samadhi of the Acharya is behind the shrine of Lord Nallinakka Easwarar as a proof of this fact.  Sri Maha Periaval – His Holiness Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt came to know of these facts.  He also came to know that the temple was in a bad shape then.  He deputed a few of his disciples to study the condition of the temple and prepare plans for renovation.   Periaval told the disciples about the connections the Mutt had with the temple and asked them to prepare an estimate for the renovation adding that it was the duty of the mutt to undertake this project even at a huge cost.  The loyal disciples visited the temple and collected all information and prepared the estimate.  It was His ardent desire that the temple should come up majestically, but His dreams could not be achieved in his life time due to unknown reasons.  This was once a temple with a tall Rajagopuram.  Ezhuchur then had about 400 Brahmin families.  Large number of people from other places were thronging the temple for worship, according to history.

Miracle Based: Presiding deity 2.5 feet tall Lord Nallinakka Easwarar appears majestically mounted on a broad Avudayar – Peeta. . 2. ARULMIGU THANDEESWARAR TEMPLE ,KOZHUMAM  NEAR UDUMALAIPET PALANI

Moolavar : Thandeswarar, Chozheeswarar   Urchavar : Thandeswarar   Amman / Thayar : Periyanayaki   Thala Virutcham : Vilwa   Theertham : Aamaravathy   Agamam / Pooja : Kamikamam   Old year : 500-1000 years old   Historical Name : Sankararamanallur   City : Kozhumam   District : Coimbatore   State : Tamil Nadu

-   Thiruvadhirai Arudra Darshan in Margazhi (December-January), Aani Uthiram (June-July), Mahasivarathri in Vaikasi (May-June), Full Moon days and Pradosha (13th day from New moon or full moon day) are devotionally celebrated in the temple.     Lord Nataraja – Thandeswarar appears here too with one leg upward as in Chidambaram temple. The idol is 5.5 feet tall. Hence, the shrine is known as Then Chidambaram – Chidambaram of the South. Worsipping Thandeswarar ensures skill in arts. Dakshinamurthy in this temple has only two disciples against the four according the tradition. But four disciples are found doing penance in the sanctum sanctorum wall.

The temple is opened from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Sri Thandeswarar Temple, Kozhumam, Coimbatore.   It was earlier known as Kumanan Nagar as King Kumanan was ruling this place.  Later, a Kuzhu of merchants –Kuzhu-group -  were here doing trade, the place came to be known as Kuzhumur and in the days that followed with many changes in pronunciation, the name settled with Kozhumam.

Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in marriage efforts, relief from Sani (Saturn) effects and for proficiency in arts, offering the Lord abishek and new clothes.     Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras. Thandeswarar: The king wanted to have Nataraja – Cosmic Dancer - as the procession deity.  The sculptor failed twice in making the idol.  The angry king ordered capital punishment to the sculptor if he failed in making the idol perfect in the third attempt.  The broken sculptor begged the Lord to end his life Himself instead of by the executors of the king.  The Lord, in all sympathy, offered the sculptor his darshan and set himself beautifully as an idol.  This was named Thandeswarar – dancer – and also the temple. Then Chidambaram – Chidambaram of South: Lord Nataraja – Thandeswarar appears here too with one leg upward as in Chidambaram temple.  The idol is 5.5 feet tall.  Hence, the shrine is known as Then Chidambaram – Chidambaram of the South.  Worsipping Thandeswarar ensures skill in arts.  Dakshinamurthy in this temple has only two disciples against the four according the tradition.  But four disciples are found doing penance in the sanctum sanctorum wall.

The Story of the place goes, that a king Veerachozheeswara was suffering from the adverse effect of planet Sun.  The region lost its luster and fertility.  Scared king approached his Guru for a solution.  As advised by him, he built this Shiva temple curing the jungle area dense with Vilwa trees.

3. ARULMIGU NEELAKANDESWARAR  TEMPLE ,ONDIPUTHUR , COIMBATOR

Moolavar : Neelakandeswarar   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : Swayamvara Parvathi Devi, Meenakshi Amman   Thala Virutcham : -   Theertham : -   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 3000 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Irugur, Ondiputhur   District : Coimbatore   State : Tamil Nadu

Aipasi Soora Samhara festival is an important event in the temple. Thai Poosam in January-February; Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Panguni Uthiram in April-May, Karthigai Jyoti in November-December and Arudra Darshan in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.     Lord Muruga is facing west. The rays of Sun fall on Lord Neelakandeswara during the evenings in the months of Chithirai (April-May), Purattasi (September-October) and Aipasi (October-November). Lord shines these days.

The temple is open during normal hours. Sri Neelakandeswarar, Soundaryeswarar Temple, Irugur, Ondiputhur, Coimbatore.   The copper plates of the period of Uthama Cholan and those in Markandeya Pandithar Mutt speak volume of the reputation of Irugur.

People pray to Mother Durga in the temple for relief from the adverse aspects of the serpent planets Rahu and Ketu and for removal of obstacles in wedding proposals. Women concerned about the health problems of their husbands threatening their Mangalya longevity pray in the shrine.  Those facing delays in wedding pray to Mother Swayamvara Parvathi.     For longevity of those aged 60 perform Ayush Homa for still longer life. Lords Neelakandeswarar, Gnana Dandapani and Mother Swayamvara Parvathi are facing west.  Lords Soundareswarar and Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai and Mother Meenakshi are facing east.  The temple was renovated by the three Tamil kings Chera, Chola and Pandyas.  According to history, this place was divided as Ponnur and Mannur during the Sangam age and became Irugur later after the name of Irula chieftain Iruvan. It was Iruvur earlier and changed as Irugur later. Lord Neelakandeswarar was found 3000 years ago as a swayambulinga.  There is a small pit like symptom (Kuzhi)on the head, a small scratch on the right forehead and a tuft at the back of the head.  Mother Swayamvara Parvathi is at the left of the Lord while Lord Gnana Dandapani is on the right.  Lord Brahmma appears in a sitting form. Lord Soundareswarar as a honey coloured Linga blesses the devotees.  Mother Meenakshi Amman with four hands blesses in a standing form.  Markandeswar Linga is in this temple only and nowhere in this Kongu region temples.  The nectar pot – Amirtha Kalasa – is on the peeta.  The 4 Nandhis in the temple are in different forms.

According to history, Karikal Chozha renovated 360 big Shiva temples and 36 small temples in the Kongu region for relief from the Brahmmahati dosha he incurred.  Irugur Soundareswarar temple is believed to be the 28th in the list.

4.  MALAYALA BAGAVATHI DEVI DURGA AMMAN, NAVAKARAI, COIMBATORE

Moolavar : Malayala Devi Durga Bhagavathi Amman   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : -   Thala Virutcham : Vruchika tree   Theertham : -   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 500 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Navakkarai   District : Coimbatore   State : Tamil Nadu

-   A special Yaga is conducted on each Saturday in the temple for planet Sani Bhagwan-Saturn. The participants in the Yaga are relieved of adverse planetary effects and are blessed with all health and prosperity, say devotees experiencing the benefits.     During His Padayatra from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, Sri Sankara Baghavatpada installed a Vruchika tree in Tirupathur and remembering the event, a Vruchika tree is planted in this place also. It is said that worshipping the tree would amount to worshipping Lord Shiva Himself.

The temple is open from 5.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Sri Malayala Devi Durga Baghavati Amman temple,Navakkarai,Coimbatore.   There are separate shrines for Lord Maha Ganapathi, Aiyappan, Kavalrayan, Kayilainathar and Puttru Lakshminarayanan.

There is a Kanni Sarpa (a snake) shrine in the temple in the Kanni direction (the northeast) with Jupiter, Kethu and Lord Shiva.  Those worshipping here will succeed in their right endeavours.  Those having adverse Mars aspect shall have relief if they worship Bhagavathi Amman.     The sandal applied on the idol of Bhagavthi Amman is offered as Prasad to the devotees on Chitra Poornima day (Full moon day in April-May). As it contains many herbal properties, consuming the sandal would cure the devotee of any disease, according to belief.  : Sri Sankara Bhagvat Pada planted a Vruchika tree in Tirupathur on his way from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari.  A similar tree is planted in this temple also.  Worshipping this tree amounts to worshipping Lord Shiva Himself, according to beliefs.  Sri Ramanandamurthi Swamigal, who built this temple, is staying in the temple blessing the devotees.

The story of churning the milk ocean to take the nectar (Amirtha) is well known among the people of this country.  The contest was between the demons and the Devas.  The Devas performed a Yaga in Kerala praying to Malayala Devi Durga Bhagavathi to get the nectar for them.  Mother Devi appeared and commanded Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva to protect the Devas and the humans. While they were about to start on the mission, Nandhi told Lord Shiva that it was not blessed with the darshan of Mother Durga as He and Lord Vishnu had.  Lord Lakshminarayana assured the Nandhi of its chance.  Excited Nandhi took a colossal form showing its horns on the earth.  Lord Lakshminarayana asked the Nandhi to see the earth closely. Nandhi enjoyed the darshan of Mother Bhagavathi. Planet Saturn too had this darshan along with Nandhi placing His leg stylishly on the crow vehicle and proclaimed that “those enjoying this darshan and going around me rightwise lighting a ghee lamp would be freed from the adverse effects that may cause during my 7.5 year Gochara period and also from the adverse aspects of Mars and all planetary problems.”

 4. ARULMIGU SUBRAMANYASWAMI KOIL, SENNIMALAI ERODE

Moolavar : Subramaniaswami – Dhandayuthapani   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : Amirthavalli, Sundaravalli   Thala Virutcham : Tamarind tree   Theertham : Mamangam   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 500-1000 years old   Historical Name : Pushpagiri, Karai Giri, Maguda Giri   City : Chennimalai   District : Erode   State : Tamil Nadu

15 day Thaipoosam festival (January-February) draws a crowd in lakhs while the 7 day Panguni Uthiram in March-April and 6 day Skanda Sashti in October-November draw crowds in thousands. Monthly Kruthika days and days related to Muruga worship, Tamil and English New Year days, Deepavali are days of festivals in the temple.     This is the sacred place where Sri Skanda Sashti Kavacham was staged. A bullock cart created the marvel of ascending this hill temple. Water for Tirumanjanam is taken to the temple on bullocks from the foot of the hills. Even when monsoon fails and water sources dry up due to scorching summer, water flows in plenty from a spring on the southern side of the temple with Lord Vinayaka gracing the place. Such a marvel takes place once in 12 years. The spring water is praised as Mamanga theertham.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Sri Subramaniaswami Temple, Chennimalai, Erode district.

5. ARULMIGU  DAKSHINAMUTHY TEMPLE, GOVINDAVADI, KANCHIPURAM                            Moolavar : Dakshinamurthy   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : -   Thala Virutcham : Banyan tree   Theertham : -   Agamam / Pooja : Kamikam   Old year : 500-1000 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Govindavadi   District : Kanchipuram   State : Tamil Nadu

Guru Puja in Chithirai (April-May), Jupiter transit days and Mahasivarathri Sangabishekam in Masi (February-March) are devotionally celebrated in the temple.     The Nagadevatha appears with her two legs bent. Vinayaka is seen a special seat called Avudayar.

The Temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Sri Dakshinamurthy Temple, Govindavadi- 631 502, Kancheepuram dist.   There are shrines for Lord Kailasanathar, Mother Akhilandeswari and Lord Chandana Kunkuma Govinda.  Lord Perumal graces from a separate shrine facing west.  Mothers Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Aanjaneya, Garudazhwar are with Lord.  As Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here with His hymns, the place was originally called Govinda Padi and changed as Govinda Vadi later.

People facing adverse effects of Jupiter aspects pray in the temple.   Devotees light lamps in coconut shells. Women perform Sumangali Puja to Mother for happy wedding. Lord Dakshinamurthy generally has His place on the wall around the main Shiva shrine.  But, this is the temple that has Lord Dakshinamurthy as presiding deity facing south.  Behind is another sanctum separately for Lord Kailasanathar.  Both sanctums are under a single vimana having Lord Shiva and Lord Dakshinamurthy.  Lord Dakshinamurthy is the principal deity of the temple to whom Aipasi Annabishek (abishek with rice) in October-November is performed as to Lord Shiva.  The other difference is that Lord Dakshinamurthy graces with an eye on the forehead and crescent moon as Lord Shiva Himself. Lord Dakshinamurthy is seated on a peeta held by Koorma (tortoise), eight elephants, five serpents, a lion and deities of the eight directions.  As He granted darshan to Lord Vishnu privately, the banyan tree is not here but a structure (mandap) representing Mount Kailash.   Muyalagan the symbol of ignorance usually under the feet of Lord facing right, is facing left in this temple. Vibuti Kavadi usually attributed to Lord Shiva worship, is carried for Lord Dakshinamurthy in this temple.  The sacred ash is used for abishek and given as Prasad to devotees.  Devotees dissolve it in water and consume as medicine. The symbol in the forehead of Lord Vishnu is called Namam.  This is done with a sand called Tiruman.  Here Kumkum and Sandal is used for this dressing-Alankara to show Vishnu was a Shiva devotee.  Baghwan Adhi Sankara has a shrine in the temple remembering his visit.  Serpent deities, Rahu and Ketu – also serpent planets – are in a single shrine in the prakara.  Those facing adverse serpent planet effects perform milk abishek here for relief.

While on a war to protect His devotee, Lord Vishnu’s discuss slipped down and fell on Maharshi Thatheesi and lost its sharpness.  Lord was discussing with Devas how to get back the discuss with its full power.  He came to the conclusion that the weapon could be repaired and got back with the blessings of Lord Shiva.  For Shiva worship, initiation is necessary by a learned Guru. Lord Vishnu came here with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi, had a bath in a holy spring here and began penance.  Lord Shiva appeared before Vishnu, taught Shiva Mantras and initiated for the pujas.  Lord Shiva also told his disciple to worship Him with 1000 flowers in the place nearby called Tirumalpur in His Linga form and assured that the discuss would come back to Him fully powered at an appropriate time.  Lord Vishnu, after the Shiva worship, got back His discus. As Lord Shiva appeared before Vishnu as Guru, He is worshipped here as Lord Dakshinamurthy.

ARULMIGU CHITRAGUPTHAR TEMPLE, KANCHIPURAM TOWN

THE ONLY CHITRAGUPTHAR TEMPLE – FOR KETHU PARIHAARAM. NEW ACCOUNT POOJAHS, FOR PURVA PAAVA DOSHA  PARIHAARAMS

Moolavar : Chitraguptar   Urchavar :   Amman / Thayar :   Thala Virutcham :   Theertham :   Agamam / Pooja :   Old year : 500-1000 years old   Historical Name :   City : Kanchipuram   District : Kanchipuram   State : Tamil Nadu

ARULMIGU KASIVISWANATHAR TEMPLE  PAZHANGANATHAM MADURAI

Moolavar : Kasi Viswanathar   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : Visalakshi   Thala Virutcham : -   Theertham : -   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 1000-2000 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Pazhanganatham   District : Madurai   State : Tamil Nadu

Maha sivarathiri     Sun god prays to Kasi Viswanatha in the shrine known for his liberal grace on people assuring all salvation. The rays of sun fall on the lord here during the period from April 5 to may 5 between 6.35 and 7.15 a.m. and again from September 5 to October 5 from 6.40 to 7.15 a.m.

The temple is opened from 5.30 to 8.30 a.m. and 6.00 to 8.30 p.m. Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Pazhanganatham, Madurai Dist.   Sun god prays to Kasi Viswanatha in the shrine known for his liberal grace on people assuring all salvation.   The rays of sun fall on the lord here during the period from April 5 to may 5 between 6.35 and 7.15 a.m. and again from September 5 to October 5 from 6.40 to 7.15 a.m.

Lord Shiva is in the form of air in Kalahasthi, so in the Pazhanganatham temple as the flame of the lamp in goddess sanctorum is ever shaking.  Also Patanjali is the ruler for Rahu and Ketu.  Those afflicted by the disadvantageous aspects of Rahu and Ketu are advised to worship Patanjali.  Couple separated from each other gets united if they worship him with jasmine garlands.     Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord and Mother. Goddess Visalakshi: Goddess Visalakshi is in a standing position on the stage (avudayar) of the linga and is known as Muppeda Nayaki.  Those worshipping Kasi Viswanatha and Visalakshi are bound to enjoy a happy marital life. Madurai Kalahasti: Lord Shiva is in the form of air in Kalahasthi, so in the Pazhanganatham temple as the flame of the lamp in goddess sanctorum is ever shaking.  Also Patanjali is the ruler for Rahu and Ketu.  Those afflicted by the disadvantageous aspects of Rahu and Ketu are advised to worship Patanjali.  Couple separated from each other gets united if they worship him with jasmine garlands. Speciality: Devotees also offer things to Patanjali equal to their weight, called Thulabaram.  Those aspiring to perform yoga and meditation may sit under the Vilwa tree here facing north and they are sure to have enlightenment. They develop memory power, progress in education and aspire for wisdom.  Yoga classes are conducted here each Sunday. Shiva Dakshinamurthy: Lord Shiva here is facing south as Dakshinamurthy with Japamala in the right hand, palm leaf in the left hand, Ganga in the head, the snake in the upper right hand and fire in the upper left hand while the seven Rishis (Saptha Rishis) standing before him.  He is clad in tiger skin. Kanaka Durga: Though we find either Vishnu Durga or Shiva Durga in temples, it is Kanakadurga in this temple. People perform Poojas to Kanakadurga with yellow flowers during the Rahukala time on Tuesdays and Fridays (3.00 to 4.30 p.m) on Tuesdays and 10.30 to 12.00 a.m. on Fridays) for relief from debt burdens.  They are blessed with wealth, believe he devotees.

Lord Vishnu gave sister Meenakshi to lord Sundareswara in marriage and lord Brahmma conducted the wedding ceremony. Among those who had the luck of witnessing the function were Maharshis Patanjali and Vyakrapada.  They were following the practice of taking their food only after viewing the dance of lord Shiva in Chidamabaram – Ponnambalam.  As they were in Madurai then for the wedding, lord Shiva created the Ponnambalam and performed his dance.  The Rishis enjoyed the dance and had their breakfast then. Then Patanjali sat under a tree in yoga.  Pandya king Sadaya Vikrama Pandian constructed a temple in the spot with the ardent love of worshipping Kasi Viswanatha.  As it could not be possible to visit Kasi each day for the worship, he constructed the temple here. He attained salvation happily.  The lord is in lying pose in the temple.  According to traditions, Shiva Lingas in tall and big size are known as standing, the middle size as sitting and the small ones are known as lying. ARULMIGU NARASINGA PERUMAL TEMPLE , MANNADIMANGALAM

Moolavar : Narasinga Perumal   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : Sridevi, Bhoodevi   Thala Virutcham : Three trees – Mukkani Vruksham   Theertham : Vaigai River   Agamam / Pooja : Pancharatra   Old year : 500 years old   Historical Name : Thozhi Ammal Puram   City : Mannadimangalam   District : Madurai   State : Tamil Nadu

-   Vaikunda Ekadasi and Margazhi Danur Month puja in December-January and Karthikai Deepam in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple     Lord Narasimha graces the devotees in a standing posture with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Though named Lord Narasimha, He is not Narasimha in face but a smiling Vishnu. A single sculpture depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the penance sculpture of an elephant and lion together speak volumes of temple reputations of Tamilnadu. Indeed, the devotee or an art lover needs number eyes to enjoy these sculptures.

The temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays only. During other days, visitors should contact priest Srinivasa Raghavan on Phone +91-04543-253 254; 253 757 in advance to avoid disappointment. Sri Narasinga Perumal Temple, Mannadimangalam-625 207, Via Cholavandan, Madurai district. Jack, plantain and Mango are the three sacred trees of the temple.  As in Srivilliputhur, Sri Andal in the temple blesses the devotees with Tulsi Mada in the front and water tub (Theertha Thotti in Tamil) behind.  Lords Vinayaka and Santhana Gopalakrishnan, Saint Nammazhwar, Nagar and Mother Durga shrines are in the prakara.

People pray here for removal of obstacles in wedding matters, child boon and for relief from Mars planet adverse aspects (Sevvai dosha) in Tamil.     Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Lord, offer silk vastras and ornaments. Sri Anjaneya and Garuda Bhagwan wished to have the darshan of Lord’s Narasimha Avatara.  Lord granted the wish to Sri Anjaneya in Sholingapuram and to Garuda Bhagwan in Ahobilam.  They are the Dwarapalakas in the temple.  There is no flag post (Kodimaram) or Vimana in the temple. Every incarnation of Lord Vishnu has a link with the planets.  Devotees may worship the respective Avatar of Lord for relief from the adverse aspects of a particular planet.  Lord Narasimmha worship is the solution of problems from Mars planet.  Worshipping Lord Narasimha brings solution to the devotees caused by delays in wedding proposals.  Weddings will go through happily.

Demon Hiranya performed severe penance and secured a boon that he could not be killed by men, Devas, demons, birds and animals with many conditions about time etc.  He immediately promulgated an order that He alone should be worshipped as supreme God and brought every one and everything under his control.  But his own son disagreed with his father, violated the rule and worshipped only Lord Narayana.  Hiranya used all forces to correct his son but in vain.  The final confrontation took place at the dusk time, neither day nor night.  He demanded his son to show him his Narayana.  Lord appeared from a pillar with a human body and Lion face, kept him on His lap, used the nails as weapon, tore Hiranya and killed him.  He is the presiding deity of this temple.

ARULMIGU SANEESWARAR TEMPLE, SHOLAVANDAN

Moolavar : Saneeswara Bhagwan   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : -   Thala Virutcham : Mavalinga tree   Theertham : -   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 500 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Solavandan   District : Madurai   State : Tamil Nadu

Saturn transit days are devotionally observed in the temple. General crowd is huge on Saturdays.     Sri Saneeswara Bhagwan in the temple is a swayambumurthi.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Sri Saneeswara Bhagwan Temple, Solavandan – 625 214, Madurai district.   This is one of the special temples dedicated to Sri Saneeswara Bhagwan.

This serves as the remedial centre for Scorpio born people. Praying to Swaymbu Saneeswara Bhagwan graces the devotee with child boon.  Those who had lost their properties and those who had left the family due to the seven and years, Ashtama (the planet travelling in the 8th place) of Saturn rulings in their horoscopes pray here for recovery of the losses and reunion with family.   Devotees light lamps with ghee, dhil oil and offer dhil rice as nivedhana and do poor feeding. These will relieve the devotees from the adverse aspects of Saturn. As Saneeswara Bhagwan appeared under the Mavalinga tree, this became the sacred tree of the temple.  This also happens to be the remedial centre for Scorpio born people.  Sani Baghwan graces devotees with child boon.  Regular worship ensures the devotee of recovery of losses incurred during the various period of Saturn rule in their life and happy reunion with family after separation.

Years ago, a garden of flowers was established in Solavandan for pujas in Sri Anjaneya and Siddhi Vinayaka temple.  Plants of many varieties of flowers as Parijatham, Nagalingam and Mavalingam were grown here.  They had herbal characteristics also.  Residents in the Agraharam were maintaining this garden.  In course of time due to lack of care, the garden disappeared giving room to bushes sheltering poisonous creatures.  Threatened by this development, 40 years ago, people took up cleaning the place.  When a young man was clearing around the Mavalinga tree, he felt something underneath.  When he dug three feet further, he found an idol of Sani Bhagwan standing on His Crow vehicle.  People thronged the place. With the gracious blessings of the Pontiffs of Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam and Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, residents of the Agraharam (a street where Brahmins live) wanted to build a temple.  The temple was built in 1975 and the consecration was performed.  Regular pujas are performed to the deity both in morning and evenings.

Miracle Based: Sri Saneeswara Bhagwan in the temple is a swayambumurthi.

ARULMIGU VANAMUTTI PERUMAL , MAYILADUTHURAI

Moolavar : Vanamutti perumal   Urchavar : Yoga Narasimha   Amman / Thayar : Mahalakshmi   Thala Virutcham : -   Theertham : Pippala Maharshi Theertham   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 500-1000 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Mayiladuthurai   District : Nagapattinam   State : Tamil Nadu

Vaikunda Ekadsi in December-January is grandly celebrated in the temple.     Idol of Lord Perumal is made of Athi wood. Sri Anjaneya in the temple is called Sapthswara Anjaneya as seven musical tones can be heard while touching the idol.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Sri Van Mutti Perumal Temple, Kozhikuthi, Mayiladuthurai-609 001, Nagapattinam district   There are shrines for Garuda Bhagwan, Acharya Sri Ramanuja, Sri Vishwaksena blessing the devotees.  There is a statue of Sage Pippala Maharshi in the Moovalur Marga Sahayeswarar Temple nearby.

Those affected by adverse aspects of Sani Bhagwan pray in the temple.     Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Perumal offering Vastras. Worshipping Kozhikuthi Van Mutti Perumal, the devotee is blessed with the triple benefit of the darshan of Lord Srinivas in Tirupati, Lord Athi Varadaraja in Kancheepuram and Lord Yoga Narasimha in Sholingar.  The antiquity of the temple dates back over 800 years.  It is indeed a thrilling experience for the devotee to enjoy the darshan of Lord 15 feet tall in the Athi tree with its roots.  King Sarfoji of Thanjavur prayed to Lord to save him from Yuddha dosha (trouble of wars).  Perumal granted darshan to the king in this tree.  The king desired that every one should have this benefit and made the idol of this tree wood scaling 15 feet. Lord appears standing majestically with His discus, conch, Mother Mahalakshmi on His chest and Abhaya Hastha-hand promising boons to devotees.  As the posture is tall, He is named Van-Sky, Mutti-Hitting, Perumal – Van Mutti Perumal.  No abishek is performed on Perumal as the idol is of wood, only Thaila Kappu is done. Mother Mahalakshmi graces the devotees in idol form also besides from the chest of Perumal.  Sapthaswara Anjaneya expressing seven musical sounds from his body is holding the bell tied to his tail on his head.  Those facing Saturn planet aspect had benefitted from the worship of Anjaneya, according to carvings on stone in the temple.  A verse authored by Pippala Maharshi is chanted in the temple during puja time.  Perumal of the temple had lavishly offered boons and benefits to His devotees.

A king Nirmalan by name suffering from leprosy was living in this region.  While passing through a forest, he came across a sage playing on his veena very sweetly.  He fell at the feet of the sage and sought his blessings for relief from the disease.  Merciful Rishi taught a mantra to the king and advised him to chant the mantra daily. The king took the advice on his head and began the chanting.  A voice said, “This is the voice of Lord Vishnu.  You are affected by an intense dosha.  Start your pilgrimage through the banks of Cauvery.  Moovalur Lord Marga Sahayeswarar (Lord Shiva) will guide you.  Bathe in all the holy places on the way.  You stop and stay at a place where your body becomes golden in colour”.  The king stopped the journey at the place as directed by the voice and was happy to see him quite healthy free of the disease.  He prayed to Perumal with all gratitude.  A tall Athi tree appeared from where Perumal granted darshan to the king with His discus, conch and Mother Mahalakshmi on His chest.  As all the sins of the King were washed off here, the place came to be known as Koti Hathi meaning the place freeing the devotee from crores of doshas.  In the days that followed, the name changed as Kozhi Kuthi.  The king, surrendering at the feet of Lord began penance and became Pippala Maharshi.  The Maharshi began his penance on the banks of Cauvery.  Now there is a mandap in this place and the Cauvery flowing near by is called Pippala Theertha.

Miracle Based: Lord Perumal idol of the temple is made of Athi tree. Scientific Based Seven musical sounds can be heard from Sri Anjaneya idol in the temple.

ARULMIGU SIVASUBRAMANIASWAMI TEMPLE, GS PALAYAM,NAMAKKAL

Moolavar : Siva Subramania Swami   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : Valli and Deivanai   Thala Virutcham : -   Theertham : -   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 500-1000 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Gurusami Palayam   District : Namakkal   State : Tamil Nadu

Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Aadi Kruthikai in July-August; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Masi Magam in February-March; Chitra Poornima in April-May and Tirukarthikai Deepam in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.     The temple has two presiding deities – Siva Subramania and Baladandayuthapani.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Sri Sivasubramania Swami Temple, Gurusami Palayam, Namakkal. There are shrines in the temple for Lords Ekambareswarar, Vallaba Ganapathi, Mother Durga and planet Sani Bhagwan.

The devotee would be relieved of the adverse aspect and dosha caused by planet Mars, if he/she worships Lord Siva Subramania for nine Fridays or nine Tuesdays lighting ghee lamps in the shrine.  Their wedding proposals would be successful soon.  They will also be cured of all stomach related health problems, believe the devotees.     Devotees prepare pongal-pudding in the temple for nivedhana to Lord and also undertake feeding-Annadhana. The devotee has the advantage of worshipping two presiding deities in the temple – Lords Balasubramania and Dandayuthapani.  Lord Muruga’s wedding festival is grandly celebrated during the Panguni Uthiram event.  Devotees prepare garlands and offer it to Lord seeking early wedding boon.  Offering Pongal nivedhana and undertaking Annadhana bless the devotee with abundant farm yields.

Veerabagu, the Chief of the Army of Lord Muruga worshipped his Lord in this place with an idol.  Pleased with his devotion, Lord granted darshan to him.  Succeeding generations of Veerabagu built a temple here for Lord Muruga and began the regular worship, goes the Sthala Purana.

RULMIGU CHITRAPUTHRA NAYANAR TEMPLE, KODANGIPATTY THENI

Moolavar : Chitra Puthrar.   Urchavar : -   Amman / Thayar : -   Thala Virutcham : -   Theertham : -   Agamam / Pooja : -   Old year : 500-1000 years old   Historical Name : -   City : Kodangipatti   District : Theni   State : Tamil Nadu

Chitra Poornima-full moon day- in April - May.     This is the only temple for Chitra Putra Nayanar after the one in Kancheepuram in Tamilnadu.

The temple is open from 7.00 to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m Sri Chitra Puthra Nayanar Temple, Kodangipatti – 625 547, Theni district.   -

Being the deity of serpent planet Kethu, people worship Chitra Gupta for relief from the adverse effects of this plant.  On the Chitra Poornima day, women take food without salt as a fasting for longevity.     Devotees perform special pujas offering vastras to the presiding deity. He was again born to the divine cow Kamadenu in the Chithirai month (April-May) on the Chithirai Star day and on the poornima day of the month.  As he was born from a picture-Chithiram in Tamil-and was born again on the Chithirai month on the Chithirai star day, He is named Chithra Puthran.  But he is popularly known as Chitra Gupta.  He was brought by Indira’s spouse Indirani.  Chitra Gupta, as a staunch Lord Shiva devotee, achieved the wisdom-look (Gnana Dhrusti) to monitor the deeds of beings.  Lord Shiva appointed him to keep an account of the characters and deeds of all beings and account them accurately. It is believed that if one takes an oil bath on the Chitr Poornima day, , Chitra Gupta would reduce the consequences of sins committed.  As he was born of the womb of a cow on Chitra Poornima day, we are restrained from using cow milk, cow curd and cow ghee that day.  There is a shrine for his spouse Prabhavati in the temple.  People clean the entrance of their houses and decorate it with rangolis and chant slokas in his praise on this day.  It is believed that he would visit our houses and bless with longevity. Chithiram also means wonder.  Guptam means secret.  As he has the power of even penetrating into the secrets of people – good and bad – and account them accurately, he is praised as Chitra Gupta, goes the other description about his  name.

According to Sastras, Lord Shiva is monitoring the deeds done by the beings on earth and accounting them.  Lord Shiva wanted to create a deity for doing this job.  He looked at Mother Shakti, who, understanding his plan, drew a picture.  Both Lord and Mother gave life to the picture and thus was born Chitra Gupta.

Miracle Based: This is the only temple for Chitra Putra Nayanar after the one in Kancheepuram in Tamilnadu.