Devipatnam, Darbhasayanam Temple, Ramanadhapuram District.

1. Devipattinam:
   
   
   This place is about 15 kms from Ramanadhapuram. It is to the sea shore, and here the sea is without noisy wave’s looks like a lake.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Here Lord Rama has installed 9 stones, which is known as Navabashanam and they represent Navagraha’s. There is a Siva temple,and the main deity is known as Thilakeswarar and Soundranayaki.
   
   
   
   The purana says Rama did thila tharpanam for his parents. The sea waves were disturbing Lord Rama in worshipping Navagraha, so he prayed to Jaganadhar to help him and he was blessed. That’s the reason the sea looks like a big lake over here.
   
   
   
   
2. Thirupullani / Dharbasayanam: Jaganadha perumal.
   This place is 6 kms from Sethu karai.
   
   
   Main Deity : Kalyana Jaganadhar in standing posture and Lord Sri Rama in relaxing posture, Goddess is Kalayana valli and Padamasini thayar.
   
   
   
   Importance: Vebeeshana surrendered himself to Lord Rama in this place.
   Here Lakshmana is in the form of Adiseshan on whom Lord Rama is relaxing in different sanctum.
   
   
   
   Purana says Pullar worshipped Lord by Astakshara mantra under the Aswatha vruksham and he was blessed, hence the place is known as Pullaranyam.
   
   
   
   We find Chakkra teertham in front of the temple. The teertham is also known as Hamsa teertham, because Lord gave upadesham to Brahma in the form of Hamsa pakshi [bird}

[Navagraha][Ashtakshara Manthram][Navabashanam][Aswatha Vruksham]

Urayoor, Uthamar Koil, and Thiruvellarai temple. Trichy.

This time our tour was to Thirchirappalli for four days from january 9- 2008. The place is one of the important junctions well connected to Airways, Railways and Roadways. We stayed at Mayavaram Lodge, 87, Vanappattarai Street, Teppakulam Post, and Thiruchirappalli-620002. Phone number: 0431-2704089, 0431-2722400.


The accommodation was reasonable and service rendered was good. It was homely. They have car for rents also. The car driver Kuzandhaivelu was very coperative and helpful.


Our tour was mainly to visit Old important temples of Siva, Vishnu, and few temples on the way. We were unable complete all temples of our choice, due to temple timings.

My next few posts will be about our places which we covered in and around Trichy.

1. Urayoore:
   
   
   
   One of 108 Vishnu temple known as Divya deasam. The place is about 2 kms from Trichy central bus stop.
   
   
   Main Deity is Azagiya Manavala perumal in standing posture and his consort Kamala valli Thayar. Teertham is Kalyana teertham and Surya teertham.
   Importance: Komala Valli thayar is seen in bridal form over here. This is birth place of Thiruppanazwar, and he is seen separate sanctum here.
   
   
   
   Purana: King Nanda cholan found a female child fluting on lotus flower. He took the child named her Kamala valli and took care of her. Vishnu wanted to marry the princes. He appeared as a prince, in the dream of the King and asked his daughter to be married to him. Kamala Valli thayar and Manavala Perumal got married in this place
   
   
   
   
2. Uthammar Koil:
   
   
   This is one of 108 Vishnu temples known as Divya Desam..
   The place is about 6kms from Trichy.
   
   
   Main Deity: Puroshotama perumal in lying posture and Poornavalli Thayar in separate sanctum.Teertham is Kadamba teertham.
   
   Importance: other dieties in temple are Lakshmi Narayana perumal, Varadaraja perumal, Rama and Nammazwar. We have a separate sanctum for Brahma and as well as Saraswathi. While we go around the temple we see at the back of perumal Swayambu linga known as pichandar sannadhi in different sanctum. Vadivudai nakayi amman is seen in different sanctum. We see lakshmi , nayanar, Dasaradha linga, Chandikeswarar.
   
   
   Purana says Lord Siva to get rid of brahmahathi dosha due to the removal of brahma’s
   head. Lord Siva took the form as pichandar, and was roaming around with a bowl in his hand. At this time Poornavalli thayar gave biksha to him in his bowl and he was relieved from the dosha.
   
   
   Siva preached Gyana upadesa. The place is known as Saptha guru sthalam. Dakshina moorthy as Siva guru,Varadaraja perumal as Vishnu guru, Brahma has brahma guru, Soundarya parvathi as Sakthi guru, Dandayudha pani as gyana guru, Guru of navagraha as Deva guru, Sukra of navagraha as Asura guru.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Thiruvellari:
   
   
   
   The temple is one of 108 Divaya desam. The place is about 17 kms from trichy to north.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity is Pundarekaksha perumal and his consort known as Pankayach selvi thayar, Shenbagavalli in different sanctum. Teertham is Manikarnika, Kusa, Pushkala. Sthala Vruksham is Elandhy maram.
   
   
   Importance: There are two entrances to the temple known as Uttharayana and Dakshinana. There is one more door inside known as Nazhikettan door.
   
   
   
   PuranaThe story for the door is when perumal came late in the night thayar questioned him for the delay. Priority is for Goddess here. Lakshmi, Bhomadevi, Surya, Chandra, and Adiseshan worshipped god in human form. There is a pond belonging to the temple in swastik shape known as mamiar kulam. The construction is in such a way that person taking bath in a side cannot see the person who is to the other side
   
   

Karamadai temple, Coimbatore

We visited Palghat for Kumbabishekam of sreenivasa perumal temple at Noorani village on 22 of April 2007. We availed the opportunity to visit temples of coimbatore and near by places.


Our tour started from 23 april and it was 5 day trip. Summer was horrible, so we had to skip some places according to our plan. We were 5 in number and we hired a taxi to go around.


We covered almost 300 kms on an average daily.Our taxi fare was Rs per head without our stay and food. We spent only a day in hotel. Our thanks to my friends sister for hospitality shown to us. We did enjoy our stay at their place.

1. Karamadai:
   
   
   
   Vishnu temple of 16 th century. Main deity: Ranganadhar and his consort known as Ranganayaki thayar. Teertham is Brahma teertham.
   
   
   Importance: A cow is to pour milk on a snake pit.One day a person saw this and he try to clear the bush wdith the sword he had and he saw blood flowing out. He saw a siva linga there and he informed this to village people. They removed it cleaned it and applied sandal powder and found that Linga had Sanku and chakra marks on it, which we can see even today. Another important thing is here they bless with silver Rama banam instead of chadari, ie.padugai.
   
   

Teruvidanthy, Thiur Kdalmallai and Thirupukzhi temple. Kancheepuram.

Kanchi Temples


We happen to read a book written by sri. J.c.Murali about old temples of south india.We were inspired and planned to visit as many temples as possible.Our thanks to him for diverting our attention towards the age old temples.


Every temple as its own importance and many a places it is in Swayambu linga form. 276 Siva temples are known as Devara sthalam were Navakkuarsar, Manikkavachakar, Appar & Sundarar (who are known as saiva kuravas) ardent devotees of Siva sang hymns on siva.


There are 108 vishnu temples which are important known as Divya desams. Our first such tour was to Kanchi, south india and places around. We planned to visit important Vishnu temples also which are nearby. The temples dates back to 8 and 9th century. It was a 6 day tour from 21st feb 2006.


Kanchi: During pallava times it was their capital. The place is well known for temples and silk sarees. We started our tour from chennai . We were able to cover 90% only, due to temple timinges. Bus facility is available to all the places except few.

Some places are too small villages were nothing is available for tourists. We made our trip by taxi so that we can cover many places. We were 5 in number and our cost worked out to Rs2500 per head including room and food.

1. Thiruvidanthy:
   
   One of 108 important Vishnu temples.
   
   The place is located at, chennai to Mahabalipuram via (Kovalam). 40kms distance fronm chennai.
   
   
   Main deity: Lakshmi varaha perumal standing posture.Utsavar: Nithya kalyana perumal and Komavalli thayar. Teertham: Kalyana teertham and Varaha teertham.
   
   
   Importance: Vara perumal married 360 daughers of Klava maharishi and he is known as Nithya Kalyana perumal. All 360 were united into one and named as Lakshmi and he has her on his lap, so the name as thiru vidanthay.
   
   
   
2. Thiru kadal mallai:
   
   This is One of 108 Divya desams, 60kms from Chennai or 15kms from Thiru vidanthai.
   
   
   Main deity: Sthala sayana perumal sleeping posure, bujanga sayanam with his right hand on his chest as upadesa mudra.
   
   
   
3. Mahabalipuram:
   
   
   
   
   
   It is sea shore 50 kms from chenni. We have a temple, five charriots made of stones with rich carvings, stone elephant, etc. Holiday resorts are there.
   
   
   
4. Thirupukuzhi:
   
   This is One of 108 Divya desam, 10 kms from kancheepuram. The temple is ½ km inside from the main road.
   
   
   Main deity is Vijaya ragava perumal in sitting posture and Maragadavalli thayar in different sanctum. Teertham is Jatayu teertham.
   
   
   Importance: Women who want to concieve come here. They fry some green gram wash it and tie that to their stomach and sleep in the temple premises that night & next day if it sproutes their wish is fulfilled.
   
   
   Yadava prakasar guru of Ramanujar preached vedanta here. Rama when he was in search of Sita, he performed last rituals of jatayu here. Pond was made by Rama known as Jatayu teertham. Jatayu attained moksha here.
   
   

[Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]

Nadhan Koil, Anjaneyar and Sarangapani temple. Kumbakonam.

1. Nadhan Koil: Vishnu temple
   
   
   This is one of 108 Divya Desam. The place is about 2kms from pazhiarai, or 14kms from Kumbakonam.
   
   
   
   Main Deity: Jaganadhar and his consort Senbagavalli Thayar,in sitting posture.
   Teertham: Nandi teertham.
   
   
   Importance: Sthala Vinayakaris Siddhi vinakayar. Nandi worshipped Siva in this place. Jaganadha perumal with Sword, Bow, Chakram, Sanku and Dandam in his hand. On friday's special abishekam is performed. Wishes are fulfilled in this temple.
   
   
   
2. Jaya Vijaya anjeneyar:
   
   We have a single banian tree which has multiplied into many number or trees by roots spreading all over.
   
   
   
   
   
   There is a Rama temple and Anjeyana sculpture. The place is calm and pleasant.
   
   
   
3. Sarangapani temple:
   
   
   This is One of 108 Divya desam. The temple is located near Portamari kulam.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity: Sarangapani in sleeping posture, and Komalavalli thayar.
   Teertham: Hema pushkarani.
   
   
   Importance: There are 2 main doors known as utharayana and dakshinayana doors. uthsava vigraha has bow in his hand hence the name Sarangapani. The main gopuram is third highest one of vishnu temple 150 feet. The temple has vasantha mandapam and 100 pillar mandapam.
   
   
   Other deities like Sreenivasar, Krishna, Andal Gopalan, and Garuda are there. Lakshmi got married to perumal in the name of Komala valli daughter of Hema muni.
   
   

[Vishnu temple][Anjaneyar temple][Divya Desam]

Uppliappan, Thiru Naryayoor, Tirucherai, Adhanoor, Thirupullam Boodhankudi and Kavi sthalam. Kumbakonam..

Following is list of temples belonging to 8-10th century in Kumbakonam area. the place u can call as a temple town. Our option of temples were important Siva temples numbering 276 and 108 Divya Desam.



We visited these temples during christmas holidays of 2006. Spent 1 full week covering these temples with base at Kumbakonam. Preferred mode of transport for visiting these temples is to hire a taxi with a local driver.


Importantly remember all temples are closed during 12:00 - 16:00hrs. The approx cost for a group of 5 people hiring a taxi is Rs.3000 which included taxi and food.

We stayed at my brother's place which saved the boarding expense. Boarding expense in Kumbakonam is moderate.I have separated the Siva Devara sthalam and Vainava Divya Desam on 2 different heading. One can still find our complete tour visits in my blog heading as "Ancient temples".


The temples are very old. They were visited by Azwars who sung hymns praising Lord (Renowned devotees, who composed hymns in praise of lord)and experienced the nearness of the respective lord. we were able to cover a part of the list of temples which we planned. I only hope we will be able to see rest of places also.

1. Uppiliappan Koil:
   
   
   This is one of 108 important Divya desam Maha vishnu temple also known as Oppiliappan Koil 7 kms from Kumbakonam
   
   
   Main deity: Oppiliappan, his Consort Bhuma devi.
   
   
   As per purana, Bhuma devi-Daughter of Markandeya rishi, marries Mahavishnu and cooks food for him without salt.Hence upillada perumal. Prasadam is Curd rice.
   
   
   Importance: Salted food is prohibited in the temple premises.
   
   
   
2. Thirunarayoor: Vishnu temple.
   
   
   This is one of 108 Divya Desam: 5kms from kumbakonam.
   
   
   Main deity: Thiru Nariyur Nambi in standing posture. Consort Vanjulavalli
   in bride posture. Teertham: Mani mutha teertham.
   
   
   Importance: Personal appearance of God for Meydavi muni and Brahama. Another important thing to be seen in this temple is Garuda is made of stone. Festival Garuda seva is world famous here.
   
   
   
   Starting of garuda seva only 4 persons lift it and gradullay number of persons double to every door finally the number lands to 64 in number. The reason why the no. of people carrying the diety increases is at every stage the wieght of the stone Garuda increases (unknown reason). Same way the number of persons decrease on return of the diety to moola sthanam. Ambal in Hamsa vahana.
   
   
   
   
3. Thirucherai Temple:
   
   
   This is One of the 108 divya desam.
   
   
   Theertham: Sara theertham, Vimanam: Saravimanam.
   
   
   
   Main deity saranadha perumal in standing posture and his consort saranayaki Thayar Perumal is giving darshan with five of his consorts, "Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Neeladevi, Mahalakshmi Saranayagi".This place is known as "Panchasarashetram".
   
   
   
4. Adhanoor: Vishnu temple
   
   
   This is one of 108 divya desam. The place is about 3kms from Swami malai.
   
   
   Main deity: Andalakumayan and Ranganayaki. Lord in the form of Bujayanga sayanam ie. in sleeping posture. One can see the measure under his head as a pillow and in left hand he has palm leaf and pin. Teertham: Surya pushkarani.
   
   
   Importance: Thiru mangaiAzawar and Kamadenu near the feet of the lord which is unusual.
   
   
   
5. Thirupullam Boodhamkudi: Vishnu Temple.
   
   
   this is one of 108 divya desam. The place is about 5kms from Swamy malai.
   
   
   Main Deity: Valvil Raman and Portamaraial or Hemambujavalli.Bujanga sayanam. (sleeping posture) Teertham: Jhatau teertham and Kruthra teertham.
   
   
   Importance: Vishnu’s posture here in the temple is like taking rest after granting the eternal bliss to Jhatau..This happens when sita was in Lanka so u find Bhooma devi with him,so that he can perform the religious rituals for Jhatau. Utsava vighara is Rama with four hands.
   
   
   
6. Kavisthalam: Vishnu Temple.
   
   
   This is one of 108 divya desam and also known as pancha Krishna kshetram.The place is about 3kms from papanasam.
   
   
   Main Deity: Gajanderan Varadhan and his consort known as Ramamani valli thayar. Teertham is Gajandra pushkarani and Kapila teertham.
   
   
   Importance: When gajandra was caught by the crocodile while drinking water in the pond he took the name of lord Vishnu to rescue him, he surrendered himself with full dedication and vishnu was pleased and rescued Gajendra.
   
   
   
7. Thirukoodaloor:
   
   
   This is One of 108 Divya Desam The temple is located at, Tanjore to Ganapathy Agraharam.
   
   
   Main Deity: Jagadhrakshan and Thayar Padmasini,standing posture.
   
   
   Teertham: cauveri and Chakra teertham.
   
   
   Importance: The place where Nandaga muni and devas performed puja was washed away by floods. Rani Mangammal dreamt about the renovation of temple and she renovated it. Another important thing to observe is there is shanku formation in the sthalavruksham.

[Sakthi Peetam][Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]