Temples of Brindavan, Mathura.

1. Brindavan:
   
   
   There are many temples in Brindavan. We were able to visit only few important temples. Here main deity is Radha Krishna in all temples. Some places Lord Krishna is known by different name other than Krishna.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Purana Kaliya Ghat:This is the place where Lord Krishna took control of Kaliyan (poisonous snake) which was troubling living being around.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   There is a small sanctum we see here for kaliya and Krishna.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   There is the tree known as Kadamba Vrukshamin this place. They say Krishna jumped on the head of Kaliya from this tree.
   
   
   
   
   We see a small pond with Kaliya idol with Lord Krishna on its head.









3. Bankay Bihari Mandir:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   








4. Imlithala:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The place is popularly known as “Siddha peet ImliThala”
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity here is Sree Radha and Krishna.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   There is a Tamarind tree here in this place. We see a board which says the tree is 5500 years old. Lord Krishna sat under the tree alone and used to think of Radha, and used to repeat her name as japa. Hence the place is popularly known as “Siddha peet ImliThala”








5. Seva kunj:
   
   
   
   This is the place where Lord Krishna used to play with Gopika’s in the evenings. They believe Lord Krishna comes here in the evening daily. They do not allow anyone in the evening.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Here we see Krishna Chitanya mission Ashram and a mandir for Lord Krishna and Radha.









6. Radha Ramana Mandir:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Deity in this temple is Swayambu Radha Ramanar.








7. Vamsivatam
   
   
   
   On full moon-day Lord Krishna played his flute and enjoyed with Gopika’s. This is one of the places of Krishna Rasaleela.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This is the main entrance of the place.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We see a big tree and a small sanctum in which Radha Krishna is seen.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Near the tree we see a small sanctum in which, padam is seen with gurus sitting around.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We see a small sanctum for Vyasar. Sukar is seen worshiping him.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   There is a small sanctum seen for Atri muni.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We seeGopeshwar,in separate to another corner.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Padha darshan of Sree Lalitha, Sree Visaka, Sree Chitra, Sree Indurekha, Sree Champakalatha, Sree Rangadevi, SreeThunga Vidya, and Sree Sudevi is seen in front, opposite to main deity under the tree as we go around.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   There is a separate sanctum forLord Hanuman.








8. Sri Rangaji Mandir
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sri Rangaji temple of south Indian tradition was built by Sri Govardhan Rangachariyar of Kancheepuram, in the year 1845-1851.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity is Rangamannar and Andal. We see Garudazwar also, to a side in the main sanctum.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   There is separate sanctum for Venkatachalapathy and Azwars.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we enter in we see 16 pillar mandapam.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We see a pushkarani near the mandapam.

Thiru kannagkudi Temple, Nagapattinam.

Thiru kannagkudi Temple: Nagapattinam.



The place Thiru Kannagkudi is about 14 km from Thiruvaroore. The place is also known as Krishnaranyam. This temple is One of 108 Divya Desam Temples. The temple is one of Pancha Krishna Kshetram. Other four Kshetram are Thiru kannamangai, Thiru Kannapurm, Thiru koviloore, and Kapi sthalam.








The temple has a Raja Gopuram of five tiers. There Maha Mandapam Artha Mandapam and Main sanctum.









Main Deity is Sri Lokanadha Perumal in standing posture with his consort Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar. Urchavar in this temple known as Damodhara Narayanan with his left hand rested to his hip. There is a separate sanctum for Thayar known as Lokanayaki Thayar and urchava thayar known as Aravindha valli



Teertham is Sravana Pushkarani. There are about eight well inside the temple premises.
Sthala Vruksham is Magizha Maram.




Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Garudan, Ramar, Sri Manavala Ma Munigal, Udayavar, Azwar, Hanuman, Thirumangai Azwar and Madhura kavi Azwar.



Importnce in the temple is Garudazwar is seen with his hands folded, water does not spring in the well and there is a tamarind tree, which is known as Urangapuli. Sthala vruksham Mgizha maram is always green.



Stahla Puranam: Vasishta Muni made an idol of Krishna in butter and used to worship daily. Lord was pleased with his Bakthi, and Lord disguised as a small boy and took the idol in his hand and started running. Vasishta chased the small boy. Many other sages were meditating under the Magizha maram, by their intellectual power, were able to identify small boy as Lord Krishna, they tied Him with their Bakthi. Lord Krishna revealed himself to sages for their worship. Hence the place is known as Kannagkudi.



One day Thirumangai Azwar stopped here on his way to Thiruvarangam. He was going there to do some renovation work for the temple. He was carring a Golden idol of Buddha Vigraham with him. He wanted to sleep for some time and he kept the idol hidden to earth under tamarind tree. He requested the tree to keep awake when he is sleeping. Next day when he woke up he saw the tree awake and he blessed the tree as Uranga puliye. From that day onwards the leaf of the plant does not sleep.



Owner of the place came there to plough the place under the tamarind tree. Azwar said he cannot do so, and he claimed ownership. There was argument between the two and villagers started intruding. The original owner had the documents which he submitted before the villagers. Azwar asked one day time for him to get the documents.



After the case was over Azwar felt thirst and asked for water to a women who was drawing water from well. The lady thought the person tried to claim the land of their villager and he seems to be a trouble maker and she refused to give him water. Azwar got angry and he cursed, as water will not spring in the well hereafter. From that day water level in the well is deep.



Azwar was feeling hungry and he was praying to Lord of the temple under the Magizha Maram. Lord in disguise brought food for Azwar who was almost lost himself due to hunger. He ate the food and turned around to look for the person who has given meal for him. He did not find anyone around, Azwar thanked Lord for his meal and he blessed the Magizha Maram as Kaya Maram (to be always fresh).



Mangla sasanam by Thirumangai Azwar

Bakthavatsala Perumal, Thiru kannamangai, Thiruvarore.

Thirukanna Mangai: Bakthavatsala perumal and Abisheka valli thayar.






The place Thirukanna Mangai is about 7 kms from Thiruvarore on River Vettaru. The place is known as Krishnaranyam.






The temple main Raja gopuram is of five tiers and two prakaram. This is one of 108 Divaya Desam temples. Thiru Mangai Azwar praised perumal of this place and sung about Him.








As we enter through main entrance to one side, we see sanctum for Manavala ma munigal and opposite side sanctum for Azhwar.











There is a Dwajasthambam and Garuda sannidhi seen.





We have to climb few steps to enter into Artha mandapam which leads to main sanctum of Bakthavatsala perumal.







Main deity is Bakthavatsala Perumal in standing posture, seen with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar facing east.






As we proceed to go around the temple this is side view of the main sanctum









As we go around the prakaram we see separate sanctum for Abisheka Valli thayar to south west corner.







To north west direction there is a separate sanctum for Andal.








Paramapadha vasal(entrance) of the temple is seen to north side.







We see Desikar sannidhi as we proceed with going around the prakaram







There is a separate sanctum seen for Kodhanda Ramar. Hayagreevaris seen near the north entrance of temple.








Pushkarani is seen in front of the temple known as Darshna pushkarani.
sthala Vruksham is Magizha maram.


Importance Romesa muni and Vrunan worshiped perumal and were blessed. The water from Darshna pushkarani was used by perumal, for the purpose of abishekam to thayar, to take her as his consort ( pattamahisi ) Hence thayar here known as Abisheka Valli Thayar.



Brahama advised Chandra to take bath in the pushkarani and surrender him to perumal, to be relieved out Guru Bagawan curse on him. He was blessed by perumal and got back his glory.


This is the birth place of Thiru kannamangai Andan, who is follower of Nadha munigal.
He spent his life worshiping perumal of this place and attained moksha.

Vaduvoore Ramar Temple.

1. Vaduvoore:
   
   
   
   The place is considered as Dkshina Ayodhya. This is Abimana sthalam of Lord Vishnu. The place Vaduvoore is about 24 kms from Tanjavore to Mannarkudi when we travel.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The main Raja Gopuram is of five storeys.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we enter inside we see Dwajsthambam and beautiful sculpture on the sanctum wall.
   There are beautiful paintings to the wall depicting story of Ramanaya.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is Kodhand Ramar with Seetha, Lakshmana and Hanuman is seen inside the main sanctum. Ramar is seen with saligrama garland and Mahalakshmi pendant is seen to his chest. Urchavar here is known as Ramar.
   
   
   
   Sthala Vruksham known as Magizha maram and Teertham is Sarayu teertham seen outside the temple.
   
   
   
   Sthala Puranam says Sri Rama was about to return to Ayodha after his war with Ravana, and completion of his vanavasam. Maharishis who were in the forest requested Rama to stay back. Sri Rama said he will meet them next day. Sri Rama made a replica of him and placed it near the entrance where he was staying. Next day when Maharish’s came there were surprised to see the replica of Sri Rama which looked too natural, and they wanted the replica of Sri Rama which was natural for them to worship. Sri Rama gave the replica for them and left for Ayodhya.
   
   
   
   
   Later days Vaishnava devotees made sculpture of Seetha, Lakshmana and Sri Hanuman.
   During the time of foreign invasion, as a safety measure these sculptures were kept in another place at Thalai gnayeru
   
   
   
   When Saraboji maharaja was ruling Tanjavore, one day in his dream Sri Rama asked him to construct a temple for those deities kept at Thalai Gnayeru. Saratoga Maharaja went to, Thalai Gnayeru and took the deities from there, and as he was returning to Tanjavore. He had to stay back at vaduvoore at night. Here some of the devotees requested him to construct the temple in this place and install Sri Rama in the temple. Maharaja obliged them and constructed a temple in this place.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The chariot of Urchvar used on important ceremonial days. In Maha mandapam,
   we see Lord Krishna with Rukmani and Sathyabama in a separate sanctum. They say previously these idols were inside the main sanctum prior to Sri Rama being installed.
   
   
   
   As we go round the prakaram we come cross Hayagreevar, Vishvaksenar, Andal and Azwar.
   

Mannarkudi Rajagopala swamy temple.

1. Mannarkudi: Rajgopala Swamy temple.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple is about 27 kms from Thiruvavore, on the banks of River Pamani.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The main Raja Gopuram is of eleven storeys, with seven prakaram. The place is known as Dakshina Dwaraka, Sanbakaranyam and Vasudeva puri.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we enter through the main entrance we see another gopuram with mandapam in front leading us in to second prakaram of the temple.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We enter through the main gopuram, and pass through a big corridor which leads us to Garuda kambam. The Garuda kambam is huge and it is of single stone with Garuda on top of it. Punga tree is sthala vruksham of the temple.
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity is Swayambu Moorthy known as Vasudevar in standing posture with sanku and Chakkram in his hands. We see Sridevi and Bhoodevi to either side. The Vimanam on main sanctum is Swayambu Vimanam.
   
   
   
   Urchavar here known as Sri Rajagopalan, is seen in front of a cow, along with Rukmani and Sathyabama. There is a separate sanctum for Sengkamala Thayar here.
   There is a Krishna teertha pushkarani with a (Nerazhi mandapam) mandapam, in it.
   
   
   
   As we go around the inner prakaram we see, Venugopalan, Lakshmi Narayanan, Anantha Padmanaban, Sreenivasan, Ramar, Hanuman, Thirumangai Azwar, Chakkrthazwar, Manavala ma munigal, Nammazwar, and Kuratthazwar in different sanctums.
   
   Lord Brahma and Agni worshipped Lord here and were blessed.

Sirupulioor.

1. Sirupulioor:
   
   
   This is one of 108 Divya Desa perumal temples. The place is about 16 kms distance from Mailaduthurai to Thiruvavoore. We take a diversion towards North east from Kollumangkudi and travel for about 2 kms to reach the temple.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple is under renovation.
   The temple has a Raja gopuram of five storey and two prakarams. As we enter we see Dwajasthambam and enter into mahamandapam , artha mandapam and reach the main sanctum.
   
   
   Main deity here, known as Arulma kadalamudhan, in reclined posture. The sayanam is known as “Bbala sayanam”. We see Brahma on lotus from Lords naval, Kanva Maharishi to a side and Pulikal Munivar to other side. Here Urchavar, is known as Krupa samudra perumal.
   
   
   
   Thayar sannidhi is seen in the prakaram and she is known as Thirumagal Nachiyar. Dayanayaki is urchava mortham of thayar.
   
   
   
   Thiru Anantha pushkarani and manasa pushkarani are Teertham related to temple. Vilvam is Sthala Vruksham in this temple.
   
   
   
   Manavala ma muni sannidhi is seen outside the temple and Anantha azhwar sanndhi seen on the bank of pushkarani.
   
   
   
   Story says Garuda and Ananthan had enemity. Ananthan escaped from Garuda, and finally reached this place. He started penancing here, near the pushakarani. Perumal was happy with his penance and gave protection for him from Garuda. Here perumal relaxed on Ananthan . When Garuda reached this place in search of Ananthan he was not able to do anything. Pushkarani were Ananthan penanced is known as Anantha Pushkarani.
   
   
   Vagyapadha Muni penanced towards Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram to attain Moksha. Lord Nataraja asked him to pray and penance in this place. Muni did as he was guided and attained Moksha and hence the place was known as Sirupulioor.
   
   Soorya, Ananthan, Durvasa muni and Manavala muni worshipped lord and were blessed.
   There is a belief, if anyone with family enemity, worship Lord here they are relieved of all problems and are blessed by Lord.