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
   
   

Thiruvallore and Thiruneer malai. Chennai.

1. Thiruvallore:
   
   
   this is One of 108 Divaya desams temples. The place is about 45 kms from Chennai. The place can be reached by rail route from Chennai to Arakonam. Busses are available from all places.
   
   
   Main deity: Sri Veeraraghava perumal in sleeping postureand his consort Kanakavalli thayar in different sanctum.
   
   
   Importaance: When Sali hothra muni was penancing here, Vishnu in the form of old man visited him and had lunch with him and after lunch he asked the muni to show the place for him to take a nap. Muni showed him the parnasala (kutil).
   
   Here he rested in his original form, in sleeping posture and hence the name Thiruvallore which was originally known as Thiru a vull.
   
   
   Maindeity: Veeragava perumal has rested his hand on the head of Salihothra muni, and his left hand depecting Gyana mudra to preach Brahma.
   
   
   There other deities like Vinayaka, Gopalan, Desikar, Andal, Lakshmi narashimar, Sudarshanar, Ananthan & Azhwar.
   
   
   This place is known as Punyavarthi kshetram. Everyone who worships here their good deeds multily and bad ones are waved. One who takes a dip in hruththapanasini pushkaram is relieved of all ailments. The perumal here is also known as Vaidya Veeraragava perumal.
   
   
   
2. Sri perumbudhoore: Vishnu temple.
   
   
   the place is 31kms south west of Chennai.
   
   
   Main deity is Sri Adikesava perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar in standing posture and Goddess Ethiraja valli thayar. Teertham is Anantha saras.
   
   
   Importance: The place is known as Aranyaranam, Boodhapuri. To get rid of Siva’s curse Boodha ganas penenced here and were blesaed by Vishnu. In turn, they built the temple for Vishnu and hence the place is known as Boodhapuri.
   
   
   There is an idol of Ramanujar here which was embraced by him. Other deities like Rama, Andal, Udayavar, Desikan, and Alavandhar are there. This is birth place of Ramanujar.
   
   
   
   
3. Thiruneer malai:
   
   
   This is One of 108 Divya desam. the place is 25 kms from chennai.
   
   
   Main deity: Vishnu in 4 different forms together is one Divya desam
   
   
   Importance: On the top of hill three different types of deities, they are Ranganadhar, Narashimar and Tiruvikramar.
   
   
   Purana says after worshipping three deities on top hill, Valmiki muni came down and prayed thinking of Rama. For him Ranganadhar whom he saw appeared like Rama; Lakshimi like Janaki; Adiseshan like Lakshamana; Sanku and chakra as Baradha Satrugana; Viswakarma as Sugreeva, and Garuda as Hanuman.
   
   Then the Lord disappeared. Valmiki prayed and God appeared as Neervannan. Azwar and Andal sanctum are there.
   
   
   Teertham is Ksheera, Karunya, Siddha and Swarna pushkarani together as big pond known as Manikarnika. Rama here known as Kalyana raman.
   
   
   The up hill is known as Thoyadri malai, about 200 steps to climb. First we have darshan of Ranganadha swamy and Ranganayaki thayar. As we go around we see come to Thiruvikrama perumal in standing posture known as ulagalandha perumal, and third deity Santha Narashima in sitting posture. This place is considered as mukthi sthalam.

[Vishnu temples][DivyaDesam]

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]

Thiru Velliankudi and sengnoor temple. Kumbakonam.

1. Thiru Velliankudi:Vishnu temple.
   
   
   This is one of 108 divya desam.The temple is about 20kms from Kumbakonam. Town buses are available.
   
   
   Main Deity: Kolavalvil Raman and Maragadha valli thayar. The main deity is in sleeping posture. Utsavar: Srungara sundarar.
   
   
   Teertham:chakra, Brahma, Indra and Parasara teertham Sthala vruksham is Kadali.
   
   
   Importance: Garuda with sanku and chakra. Sukra, Brahma, Indra and Parasara muni were blessed by vishnu of this place.
   
   
   
   
2. Senganoor:Vishnu temple.
   
   
   Distance: 13kms from Adhurai and 18 kms from Kumbakonam.
   
   
   Main Deity: Sreenivasa perumal in standing posture and a Siva temple also, which we missed.

[Vishnu temple][Divya Desam]

Thiru vellakulam,Thiru semponsai, Talachangkadu, Thiru Indaloor, Thiru Kandiyoor and Thanjaiyali Nagar Temple. Kumbakonam.

1. Thiruvellakulam: Vishnu temple.
   
   
   This is One of 108 Divya desam. the place is about 7kms from Seergazhi.
   
   
   Main Deity: Sreenivasan and Alarmelmangai. (standing posture) Teertham is Thiruvellakulam.
   
   
   
   Importance: One of 11 tirupathi of Thirunangoore. The place is known as then tirupathi. Swetharaja, son of Thenthuraman of Surya vamsa was blessed by lord Sreenivasa for a long life like Markendya. Initally his life span was only 9yrs. He visited the temple had a dip in swetha pushkaram started doing mruthyanjaya japam under vilva tree, and got blessed. Thirumangi Azhwar got married to Kumudha valli in this place.
   
   
   
2. Thiru semponsei koil: Thirnangoore Temple.
   
   
   This is One of 108 important temples. The place is 5kms from Thirunangoore.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity: Perarulalan and Allimamalar nachiar. Utsavar known as chemponarangar.Teertham: Hema pushakarani and Kanaka teertham.
   
   
   
   Importance: Rama stayed at Druda nethra muni’s place & donated a golden cow to brahamin to get rid of his sin. The brahamin built this temple by the money he got out of cow. Hence the name. Siva to get rid of his brahamathi dosham performed Ekadasa rudhra, at this place. Vishnu with Bhooneela & devas gave darshan. Rudra requested him to stay at this place and bless devotees. 11 Garuda seva utsavam of Thirunangoore is famous.
   
   
   
3. Thalachangkadu: Vishnu temple
   
   
   This is one of 108 divya desam.The place is about 4kms from Akkoore.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity: Nanmadhiya perumal and Thalaichanga nachiar in standing posture.
   Utsavar: Venchudar piraan and chenkamala valli thayar.
   Teertham: Amritha pushkarani and Markendeya teertham.
   
   
   
   
4. Thiru Indhaloore: Vishnu temple.
   
   
   The temple is 1/108 divya desams. The place is at Municipal limits of Mayavaram.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity: Parimala ranganadhan or Sugandhavana nadhan and Parimala ranganayaki or Pundareekavalli. The deity is in sleeping posture with four hands.
   
   
   Importance: cauveri sangamam into sea. Kaveri is near the head side and Ganges the leg side of main deity.
   
   
   
   
5. Thirukandiyoor: Vishnu temple.
   
   
   This is one of 108 Divya desam. The place is about 8kms from Tanjoore.
   
   
   Main Deity: Harasapavimochana perumal, Standing posture. Utsavar Kamalanadhan and Kamalavalli thayar.
   
   
   Teertham: Kapalamoksha pushkarani, Padma teertham, Kapala teertham and Kudamuruti river
   
   
   Importance: Kapala of Brahama which was hanging in the hands of Siva left him only after worshiping Vishnu at this place. Separate Brahma, Vishnu & Siva temples are near by.
   
   
6. Tanjaiyalinagar: Vishnu temple.
   
   
   This is one of 108 Divya desam.
   
   
   the place is about 4kms from Tanjore. Three temples together are considered as one Divya desam.
   
   
   Markendya has seen the perumal of all the three places. Rama teertham is common for all the three temples. There is only one pujari for all three temples. Utsavar called as Sriman Narayanan.
   
   
   Main Deity: Neelamegha Perumal and Senkamalavalli thayar, sitting posture.
   Place: Manikundram.
   
   
   Main Deity: Manikundra perumal and Ambujavalli thayar, sitting posture.
   Place: Tanjayali nagar.
   
   
   Main Deity: Narasihma and Tanjay nayaki.
   
   
   Importance: Tanjaga elephant was killed by Narashima and to full fill the wish of Tangajan he his there in the same for devotees to worship. Hence the name for the town also as Tanjai.
   
   

[Vishnu temples][Divya Desam]