Kolavilli Raman Temple, Thiruvelliangudi

Thiruvelliangudi near Kumbakonam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is very important for the vaishnavites and visiting Thiruvelliangudi Divya Desam is equivalent to visiting all the 108 Divya Desams. The Moolavar, Kolavilli Raman is present in a reclined posture and facing east. His Consort is Maragathavalli Thayar. The holy waters here are Sukra theertham, Brahma theertham, Parasurama theertham and Indra Theertham. This temple is believed to be four Eras (Yugas) old. In the Krita Yuga this place was known as Brahma Puthiram, Prasuram in the Treta Yuga, Chandra Nagara in the Dwapara Yuga and Bhargava Puram in the Kali Yuga. This temple is one of the Vaishnavite Navagraha Parihara sthalams around Kumbakonam. This is the Parahira sthalam for Sukran or Venus. Bhargava is another name of Sukran and hence the name Bhargavapuram. Click here to read more

Kolavilli Raman Temple, Thiruvelliangudi

Thiruvelliangudi near Kumbakonam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is very important for the vaishnavites and visiting Thiruvelliangudi Divya Desam is equivalent to visiting all the 108 Divya Desams. The Moolavar, Kolavilli Raman is present in a reclined posture and facing east. His Consort is Maragathavalli Thayar. The holy waters here are Sukra theertham, Brahma theertham, Parasurama theertham and Indra Theertham. This temple is believed to be four Eras (Yugas) old. In the Krita Yuga this place was known as Brahma Puthiram, Prasuram in the Treta Yuga, Chandra Nagara in the Dwapara Yuga and Bhargava Puram in the Kali Yuga. This temple is one of the Vaishnavite Navagraha Parihara sthalams around Kumbakonam. This is the Parahira sthalam for Sukran or Venus. Bhargava is another name of Sukran and hence the name Bhargavapuram. Click here to read more

Adhi Vaidhyanatha Swamy Temple

Vaitheeswaran Koil is my family’s “kula deivam”. A few months back my uncle told me about Adhi Vaidhyanatha Swamy Temple near Vaitheeswaran Koil and mentioned that we should first pray at that temple before we offer prayers at Vaitheeswaran Koil. I visited this temple at Mannipallam village, in August 2010 and it was partially built. The main deity is Vaithyanatha Swamy and His consort here is Thayyalnayaki. Mannipallam village is about 6 Kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil. This village is about 2 to 3 kms from Thirupungur. Enquiries with the locals to know more about the temple drew a blank. I had an opportunity to visit this temple again in early October 2010. I enquired at Vaitheeswaran Koil and one of the priests told me that there were in fact five Vaithyanatha Swamy temples around Vaitheeswaran Koil and that they had featured in the latest edition of Sakthi Vikatan. Someone overheard my conversation with the priest and directed me to the temple office and meet Mr. Ramani, who is an electrician there. Mr. Ramani hails from Mannimangalam and what he told me was very painful. He said that the village people could not rebuild the temple due to lack of funds and the temple was in ruins for a long time. Click here to read more...

Valvil Ramar Kovil, Thiru Pullaboothangudi

The Village of Thiru Pullaboothankudi is the birth place of Thirumangai Azhwar. Valvil Ramar Kovil at Thiru Pullaboothangudi is one of the 108 Divya desams and one of the Vaishnava Navagraha Parihara kshetrams around Kumbakonam. The Moolavar is Valvilraman and the Utsavar is Raman at this temple. The thayar or the Lord’s consort at this temple is Hemambujavalli. The holy water is Jatayu theertham. The vimanam is Shobana Vimanam. He is facing East and present in Kidantha kolam or a lying posture. Click here to read more

Gajendra Varadhar Kovil, Kapisthalam

Gajendra Varadhar Temple at Kapisthalam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This ancient temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old. Lord Vishnu is present in Bujanga Sayana posture here. The holy water or theertham at this temple are Gajendra Pushkarni and Kapila theertham. There are separate shrines for Yoga Narasimhar, Sudharshana, Azhwars and Garudan. The moolavar, Gajendra Varadar is in bujanga sayana under the Kadhanakkruthi Vimanam. His Consort at this temple is Ramamani Thayar. She is also known as Shenbagavalli or Pottramarayal. She has a separate shrine to the right of the Lord’s shrine. Kapisthalam is one of the Pancha Krishna Kshethrams. The other four are, Thirukkannamangai, Thirukannapuram, Thirukovilur and Thirukannangudi. Click here to read more..

Aduthurai Perumal Kovil

Vaiyam Kaththa Perumal Temple at Thirukoodalur is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The name Thirukoodalur or Koodalur is not well known now.  If you want to ask for directions, ask for Aduthurai Perumal Koil.  This Aduthurai is not to be confused with the Aduthurai near Thiruvidaimarudhur.  There are a group of Vaishnava temples around Kumbakonam which are considered navagraha Parihara sthalams.  This did come as a surprise to me because the Vaishnavites do not believe in navagraha worship.  This is the Kethu parihara sthalam. There is a prominent board in this temple that authenticates this.  The Moolavar (Main Deity) is known as Vaiyam Kaththa Peruamal and the Utsavar (Deity taken out in procession during festivals) is Jagatrakshakan.  His consort here is Padmasanavalli.  The sacred tree (Sthala Vruksham) is the Jackfruit tree.  The Palamaran (Jack fruit tree) at this temple is very unique. Click here to read more….

Thiruvaneswarar Temple for Pooratadhi Nakshathiram

Thiruvaneswarar temple at Ranganathapuram near Thirukattupalli is the temple to be visited by people born under Pooratadhi, Purva Bhadrapada or Poorva Bhadra Nakshathiram (Birth Star) at least once in a year for leading a trouble free and happy life.  This temple was built by Kochengat Cholan and is believed to be at least 1800 years old.

The temple is built on top of the idol of an elephant, hence Lord Shiva is also known as Gaja Aaraohana Eswarar or one who rides an elephant.  In this temple, elephant is Lord Shiva’s vehicle.  The other names of the presiding deity at this temple are Gajaranyeswarar, Aneswarar, Karivananathar & Anaikaraperumanar.  Click here to read more.....

Temples for Janma Rasi or Lunar Zodiac Signs

I had earlier listed the temples pertaining to each of the 27 Birth Stars or Janma Nakshathiram.  Now, I am listing out the temples pertaining to the 12 rasis or the 12 Lunar Zodiac signs of the Moon.  It is said that you should visit the temple corresponding to your Janma Rasi or Moon Sign.  There are the temples where you can do dosha nivarthi pujas or appeasement pujas.  I have already written about a four of these temples viz  Thiruvisanallur, Karkadeswarar Temple at Thirundudevankudi, Vanchinathaswamy Temple at SriVanchiyam &  Vaitheeswaran Koil.  I will write about the rest as well, over a period of time. I am not mentioning the corresponding English name, lest the readers confuse it with the Sun Signs. Click here for the full list

Uthiram Star Temple at Edaiyathumangalam

Mangalambigai Sametha Mangalyeswarar Koil at Edaiyathumangalam is the temple that people born under Uthiram star have to visit regularly.  This is the third temple that I am writing about in this series of “Birth Star Temples or Nakshathiram Temples”. This place is called Edaiyathumangalam as it was once situated between two rivers; Aaru means, river and Edai means, in between. Mangalyeswarar (as Lord Shiva is known at this temple) is present with His Consort is Mangalambigai.  Mangalyeswarar is facing East while Mangalambigai is facing South.  This is quite a small temple and has shrines for Vinayakar, Mangalya Maharishi, Dakshinamurthy, Bitchandar, Ardhanareeswarar, Chandikeswarar, Durgai, Nandi and Navagrahas.  Lord Muruga is also present with His Consorts, Valli and Deivayanai. 

Click here to read more…

Nakshathiram Temples or Birth Star Temples

Birth stars are as important as the celestial planets in Astrology.  Like it is important to visit the temples dedicated to the Navagrahas or celestial planets, it is also important to visit temples dedicated to ones Birth star or Janma Nakshatram.  I have already written about two (Lakshmipureeswarar Koil at Thiruninriyur for Anusham and Karkadeswarar Koil at Thirundudevankudi for Ayilyam or Ashlesha) of the 27 temples that are dedicated to each of the Nakshatras. It is said that visiting the temple corresponding to your Birth star at least once a year removes obstacles and ensures happy life. Click here for the full list

Gnayiru Gramam, Suryan Sthalam

Pushparatheswarar Temple at Gnayiru Gramam is one of the Navagraha temples around Chennai dedicated to Suryan.  The village itself gets its name from Suryan or Sun God, Gnayiru in Tamil means Sun.

Thee are a few interesting legends behind this temple.  A Chola King was returning after successfully waging a war on a kingdom in Andhra Pradesh.  He camped at Cholavaram.  He was a staunch Shiva devotee and went in search of lotus to perform his daily pooja.  During his search he saw a pond full of lotuses.  One of the flowers was taller, bigger and more beautiful than the rest.  The King wanted this flower for the pooja and tried to reach the flower.  As the King neared the flower it moved away and was elusive.  After several futile attempts, the King was very angry and threw his sword at the flower.  Click here to read more

Naganatheshwara Temple, Bangalore

Sri Pancha Lingaeshwara Temple or Naganatheshwara Temple at Begur, which is about 25 Kms from MG Road. This small hamlet is off Bomanahalli on Hosur Road.  This temple is believed to be 1300 years old and has been built by Sri Kulutunga Raja the First of Chola Dynasty, and Sri Rajasimhanandi of Talakad Ganga Dynasty.

Nageshwara Swamy is the Presiding Deity of this temple and His consort is Parvati.  Nageshwara Lingam is the most important and the oldest amongst the five lingams in this temple.  A unique feature of this temple is that there is an idol of Suryan facing the Nageshwara Lingam ie facing west.  There are idols of Vinayakar, Chamundeswari, Kala Bhairavar, Vishnu, Chandran and Kasi Vishwanathar.  There are carvings of Ashta Dhika Palakas. Click to read more

Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Temple

In my earlier post on Uthamar Koil or Bitchandar Koil and Thiru Kandiyur, I had narrated the story of Brahma’s fifth head being plucked off by Shiva and the travails of Shiva due this act and finally His absolution.  This temple at Thirupattur is connected with that same story.  Brahma went on Pilgrimage of Shiva temples after He lost His fifth head and also being stripped of the responsibility of creation.  In the course of His pilgrimage, Lord Brahma also visited this temple and installed 12 lingams around Bramhapureeshwarar and worshipped Shiva here for a very long time. Click here to read more...

Temple Maps

I have created the folowing maps

Chennai Temples

Navagraha Temples of Chennai

Chingleput Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tiruvallur Temples

Around Villupuram

Around Chidambaram

Around Sirkali

Around Mayiladuthurai

Around Kumbakonam

Navagraha Temples around Kumbakonam

Around Tiruvarur

Around Mannargudi

Around Tanjavur

Trichy Temples

Coimbatore, Erode, Karur etc

Around Madurai

Below Madurai

Nava Tirupathi

Nava Kailasam

Ahobilam

Jyotirlingam Temples

Consolidated map

Click here to access the maps.

Thiru Kandiyur

Thirukandiyur is one of the rare places where you can find the Holy Trinity in the same premises.  There is also a story connecting Thirukandiyur and Bitchandar Koil.  Thirukandiyur is near Thiruvaiyar in Tanjore district.  This is one of the Astha Veeratta Sthalams of Shiva.  Vishnu is known by the name, Harasaaba Vimochanar, which literally means one who absolved Shiva or Haran of His Sins.  Vishnu’s consort here is Kamalavalli thayar.  Devotees throng the temple seeking atonement for their sins.  Shiva here is known by the name, Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar or one who plucked off Brahma’s head. His consort is Mangala Nayaki.There was also a separate temple for Brahma here.  Click here to read more....

Bitchandar Koil or Uthamar Koil

It is very rare to find temples where the Holy Trinity – Brahma Vishnu and Shiva are Worshipped in the same temple premises.    The fact is that there are not many temples dedicated to Brahma. But it is also to be noted that there is no temple without a niche of Brahma. Thirukandiyur near Tanjore and Bitchandar Koil near Trichy are two such holy places where the Holy Trinity is present. 

 

Shiva is known as Bitchandar at Bitchandar Koil or Purushottamar Koil. Shiva’s consort here is Soundarya Nayaki or Vadivudai Nayaki. Vishnu is known as Purushottamar and His consort is Poornavalli Thayar. There are also separate shrines for Brahma and Saraswati.  Click to read more....

Sri Lakshmipureeswarar Temple - Thiruninriyur

Lakshmipureeswarar temple is at Thiruninriyur.  Thiruninriyur is about 6.5 Kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil on the way to Mayiladuthurai or Mayavaram. This is a Padal Petra Sthalam.  This is an East facing temple.  The main deity is Lakshmipureeswarar and his Consort is Ulaganayaki.  The lingam here is one of the 64 Swayambhu lingams. Lakshmi and Vishnu have worshipped Lord Shiva here.  Lakshmi was granted the boon of winning Vishnu’s heart, hence the name Lakshmipureeswaraar.   A Chola King used to pass through Thiruninriyur every night after worshipping at Sirkali.  As he was passing through this village, the lamps carried by his entourage used to go off. Click here to read more...

Thiruvidaimarudhur Mahalingaswamy Temple

Mahalingaswamy temple at Thiruvidaimarudhur near Kumbakonam is a huge temple with three praharams (circumambulatory paths).  They are ashvamedha praharam, kodumudi praharam and pranava praharam.  Ashvamedha praharam is the outermost praharam and circumambulation of this Praharam equals the benefit of performing an Ashvamedha Yagnam.  Benefits include; relief from illness caused due to seivinai (evil spirits). Kodumudi Praharam is the middle one, and circumambulation of this Praharam is equivalent to circumambulation of Mount Kailash which is the primary abode of Lord Shiva.  The innermost praharam is the Pranava Praharam or Omkara Praharam. Circumambulation of this Praharam will result in Moksham (liberation from all sufferings and pain).

Mahalingeswarar here is the main deity of the Parivara sthalams.  Parivara Sthalams are a group of temples which together form a much larger temple.  Click here to read more

Thirucherai - Temple for debt relief

Gnanavalli sametha Sara Parameswarar koil at Thirucherai is known as the temple for debt relief. Lord Shiva here is known by different names like Udayar, Senneriyappar and Sara Parameswarar.

Markandeya is believed to have installed a Lingam here and worshipped the same. His prayer for prosperity of the people of this region was answered. The Rinavimochaneswarar Lingam is in the outer praharam (Circumambulatory corridor). The general belief is that worshipping Lord Shiva here helps improve the financial status and be debt-free. Click here to read more...

Patteeswaram - Durga Temple

Patteeswaram, near Kumbakonam is famous for its Durga temple. This temple is fairly big and well maintained one.  There are five majestic gopurams.  The temple seems to have been built and rebuilt several times with additions made to the original temple at various times.  The evidence of this is in the temple’s acrchitecture which has the styles of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Nayaks. The presiding deity at this temple is Dhenupureeswarar and his consort is Gyanambigai. Patteeswaram is one of the Parivara Sthalam.  Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimarudhur has the Parivara devatas in various temples flung as far away as Sirkali and Thiruvalanchuzhi.  The group of temples that form a large temple with Thiruvidaimarudhur Mahalingaswamy as the main deity is called Parivara Sthalams.  Click here to read more...

Thirupampuram - Seshapureeswarar Temple

Tirupampuram is one of the Devara Stalams.  The ancient name for this place is Seshapuri.  Lord Shiva is known as Pambupureeswarar or Seshapureeswarar orPamburanathar.  It is believed that by visiting Thirupampuram one gets the worship benefits of visiting Thirunageswaram, Keezhaperumpallam and Kalahasthi.  This is a parihara sthalam for Rahu and Kethu.  All naga doshams are alleviated if one worships Lord Shiva here.  Rahu and Kethu are present here as a single physical entity. The consort of Lord Shiva in this east facing temple is Vandaar Poonguzhaliammai. Click here to read more...

Thirukollikadu - Pongu Saneeswaran Temple

Agneeswarar temple at Thirukkollikadu or Kallikadu is more commonly known as Pongu Sani Temple.  The Presiding deity of this temple Agneeswarar is also known as Thirukollikadar or Theevanna Nathar. The Lingam here is one of the 64 Swayambhu (self-manifested) Lingams. True to the name, the Lingam here is slightly reddish in colour. His consort here is Mirudupaadanayagi or Menthiruvadiamman or Panjinmelladiaal.Read More....

Thirukarugavur – Garbarakshambigai Temple

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made Mothers." -- Jewish proverb

Thirukarugavur is on the banks of Vettaru, a tributary of Cauvery.  This is a padal petra sthalam.  Lord Shiva is known as Mullaivananathar and His consort is Garbarakshambigai or Karukathanayaki.  This place was a jasmine forest, jasmine in tamil is mullai and hence the name Mullaivananathar.  The Goddess here protects the foetus during pregnancy and hence the name Garbarakshambigai or Karukathanayaki.  The Goddess not only protects the foetus but also blesses the childless with progeny.  Pregnant women come here to pray to be free from pregnancy related problems and for easy delivery.  The Shiva lingam is a Swayambhu or self manifested lingam.  When you visit the temple make a request to the priest to show the deeparardhanai and you can see the marks of the jasmine creeper on the lingam.  Vinayakar and Nandhi are also Swayambhu in this temple. Click Here to Read More...

Thirupungur - Sivalokanathar Temple

Thirupungur is a small village about 2 kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil.  This place was once surrounded by Punga trees and hence the name Thirupungur.

The Shiva lingam is one of the 64 Swayambhu (Self manifested) lingams and is supposed to have come from an anthill.  The Nandi here is also a Swayambhu.  The presiding deity at this temple is Shivalokanathar and His consort is Soundaryanayaki.  Vinayakar is supposed to have dug a tank here for nandanar on Lord Shiva’s orders and is known as Kulam Vettiya Vinayakar.  Click Here to Read More....

Thiruvalanchuzhi - Vellai Pillayar Temple

Thiruvalanchuzhi is just a kilometer away from Swamimalai. This temple is famous for the Vellai Pillayar. This Vinayakar is also known as Norai Pillayar as He is made out of froth from the Ocean. This temple is noted for its immense size and architectural brilliance.  Click Here to Read More...

Thirukadaiyur - Abhirami Temple

Thirukadaiyur is a very famous temple in Nagapattinam district.  The presiding Deity is Amrthalingeswarar His consort is Abirami.  This temple is associated with the stories of Markandeya and Abhirami Battar. This holy place is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva rescued and saved Markendeya, from the Yama (the God of death).  Click here to Read More....

Thirunageswaram - Rahu Temple

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Rahu. Sri Naganathaswamy. Temple is located at Tirunageswaram, which is 7 km east of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Peralam Road. The Presiding Deity is Lord Naganathaswamy.  Click here to Read More....

Thirundudevankudi - Karkadeswarar Temple

Karkadeswarar temple at Thirundudevankudi is a vast temple surrounded by a moat.  It is in the midst of paddy fields.  There are only paddy fields as far as you can see. The Sivalingam here was worshipped here by a Crab. The image of a golden crab as well as the hole created by it can be seen on the Shivalingam during the ablution rituals.  Thirundudevankudi could well be corruption of Thiru nandu devakankudi; Nandu meaning crab.  Read More....

Thiruvisanallur - Sivayoginathar Temple

Yoganandeswarar Temple at Thiruvisanallur is a very ancient temple.  The presiding deity of this temple, Yoganandeswarar is also known as Sivayoginathar.  Eight Shiva yogis after severe penance on Lord Shiva, merged with the Lingam and hence the name Sivayoginathar.  This place was a vilva forest at one time and hence He is also called Vilvaranyeswarar. Read more..

SriVanchiyam - Vanchinathaswamy Temple

Srivanchiyam is 25 kms from Kumbakonam, 1 km from Achuthamangalam on the Kumbakonam Nagapattinam route. This is 16kms from Tiruvarur on Tiruvarur Nannilam route. The presiding deity is Vanchinathan and His consort is Mangalambika. The Sivalingam is a Swayambhu and faces both West and East; hence puja is performed here in both the directions. Yama - the God of Death, has a separate shrine in this temple and given preference in daily worship.This is also parihara sthalam for Rahu & Kethu.  Shashtiabthipurthi & Sadhabhishekam are celebrated at Srivanchiyam Temple.  Click here to read more....

Thittai Guru Temple - Architectural Marvel

Ulaganayaki sametha Vasishteswaraswamy temple in Thittai is about 10kms from Tanjore on the Tanjore Melathur Road.  The Lingam here is Swayambhu (Swayam - self & bhu - to be; Swayambhu means self manifest). This temple is MUST SEE even for those who are not religiously inclined.Devotees are allowed right upto the entrance of the garbagraham. A drop of water falls on the lingam every 24 minutes ie 1 Nazhigai. If you are patient enough, you can actually witness this amazing phenomenon.  Click here to read more....

Thilatharpanapuri or Adhi Vinayakar Temple

Swarnavalli sametha Mukthiswarar temple is located at Thilatharpanapuri 2.6kms from Koothanur. Koothanoor is near Poonthottam which is on Mayavaram – Tiruvarur Road.  Here you can see a Vinayakar with a Human face.

There are 7 sthalams for performing these rituals viz. Kasi, Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Thiruvenkadu, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam & Thilatharpanapuri.

This place is considered equivalent to Kasi or Rameswaram. Performing tarpana here on Amavasya day is considered special. This is a Mukthikshetram. Like Srivanchiyam, it is believed that the sinned will not be able to visit this temple and a planned visit to this temple is not possible.  Click here to read more....

Saraswathy Temple at Koothanur

The temple for Saraswathy is located at Koothanur near Poonthottam which is on Mayavaram - Tiruvarur Road. The vinayakar in this temple is a swayambhu. There are separate sannadhis for Valampuri Vinayaka, Baladandayuthapani, Nagar, Brahmma, Brahmmapureeswar & Swan. On Saraswathy Pooja day of Navaratri, pilgrims throng this temple to have the rare opportunity of offering worship to the goddess's feet with their own hands. On Vijayadasami, hundreds of people flock the shrine for the Aksharabhyasam/ Vidyarambham of their children. Click here to read more...

Lalithambigai Temple - Thirumeyachur

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Meghanatha.  The consort of Lord Meghanatha is Goddess Lalitambigai. This is supposed to be an Ilam Kovil (temple within temple).  Since there are two temples side by side, a unique feature of this temple is that you can see Shiva (present as Lingothbhavar) Vishnu and Brahma simultaneously from the North West corner of the outer prahara.There is something interesting that happened as recently as 1999.  A devout woman from Bangalore had recurring dreams of Ambal asking her for gold anklet (Golusu).  She had the anklet made and visited the temple.  Click here to Read More....

Temples for three forms of Shakthi near Poonthottam

Temples for the three forms of Shakthi – Durga as Lalithambigai at Thirumeyachur, Lakshmi as Swarnavalli at Thilatharpanapuri & Saraswathy at Koothanur are all located near Poonthottam.

I have written separately about each of these three temples.

Thingalur - Chandran Temple

Thingalur is the sthalam for Chandran.  Thingal in Tamil means Chandran and hence the name Thingalur. The presiding deity is Kailasanathar and his consort is Periyanayakiamman.  It is here that Chandran prayed to Lord Siva and got his blessings. Shiva blessed Chandran with the power to grow back to full size in 15 days after being consumed by Rahu.  That is why we have the waxing and waning moon.  Shiva also blessed Chandran by adorning Chandran on his forehead so that anyone who prays Shiva will have to pray Chandran.  Click here to read more....

Kanjanur - Sukran Temple

Kanjanur is the sthalam for Sukran.  At this Shiva temple Agneeswarar is the presiding deity and his consort is Karpagambal.  Agni is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the name Agneeswarar.  There are quite a few Shivalingams in the praharam, including one supposedly installed by Kamsa.

When Lord Vishnu asked Bali for 3 steps of land in Vamana Avataram, Sukracharya tried to dissuade Bali from granting the boon.  He took the form of a bee and blocked the mouth of the Kamandalam (a type of Jar, usually carried by rishis) from which Bali would pour water to signify the grant of the boon.  Click here to read more....

Suryanar Koil - Sun Temple

The Sivasuryanarayana temple at Suryanar Koil is one of the navagraha temples and is dedicated to Suryan.  This standalone temple for Suryan has shrines for each of the other planets as well.  

Brahma had cursed all the nine planets to be affected by leprosy.  The Navagrahas apologised and requested to know how they could overcome this curse.  Brahma advised them to go the Thirumangalakudi and worship Prananatheswarar, at Vellerukkakadu, who alone could help them.  Click here to read More....

Alangudi - Guru Temple

Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, the sthalam of Guru Bhagavan is at Alangudi.  Though this temple is famous as Guru sthalam the presiding deity here is Abathsahayeswarar and His consort is Elavarkuzhali Ammai or Umayammai.  The Shiva Lingam here is a Swayambhu. Dakshinamurthy in the prahara of Shiva’s shrine is worshipped as Guru Bhagvan here.

Alangudi is one of the Parivara Sthalams.  There is a group of temples around Kumbakonam whose deities form a big temple. This group of temples is called the Parivara Sthalam.

This big temple would have;

Click here to read more....

Thirunallar - Saneeswaran Temple

Dharbharanyeswaraswamy or Dharbaranyeswarar temple at Thirunallar is dedicated to Saneeswaran or Saturn. Lord Surya was married to Usha or Light. Usha Devi was unable to bear the heat radiated from Surya and left her shadow or Chaya with Suryan while she herself stayed away. Saneeswaran is the son of Chaya Devi and Suryan. The very sight of Saneeswaran is dreaded and believed to be destructive.  Suryan’s chariot is believed to have been destroyed when Saneeswaran as a baby first opened his eyes and looked at Suryan.  Saneeswaran after intense penance on Lord Shiva attained the status of a celestial planet. Click here to read more...

Keezhaperumpallam - Kethu Temple

Naganathar temple at Keezhaperumpallam which is 8 kms from Thiruvenkadu is the kethu sthalam. Keezhaperumpallam is also known as Vanagari. Here Naganathar is the main deity and His consort is Soundarya Devi.  

The Legend goes thus. The devas and the asuras churned the paarkadal (Celestial Ocean) to get the Holy Nectar (Amrutham). Lord Vishnu decided to distribute it only amongst the devas and not asuras as the amrutham would make the asuras stronger and their atrocities will increase. When Lord Vishnu was distributing the Amrutham amongst the devas, one of the asuras at the behest of Sukracharya, in the guise of a deva consumed the nectar. The Sun and the Moon noticed this and complained to Lord Vishnu.  Click Here to Read More....

Thiruvenkadu - Budhan Temple

Thiruvenkadu, one of the navagraha sthalams, is the Budhan sthalam dedicated to Planet Mercury. Thiruvenkadu's Sanskrit name is Swetaranya and both literally mean - sacred white forest. This is also called Adhi Chidambaram and the Chidambara Rahasya is also here. As seen in Chidambaram, Vishnu is near Nataraja. Thiruvenkadu is one of the six places considered to be equivalent to Kasi. The other five are Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam and Thilatharpanapuri.

Marutwasura, an asura, was troubling the Rishis and the people of Thiruvenkadu. The people prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva sent Nandi - his vahana, to fight the demon. Marutwasura was defeated by Nandi and thrown into the sea. Marutwasura through his penance obtained sula - from Lord Shiva. The demon then returned with greater intensity to attack the innocent people.Click here to read More....

Vaitheeswaran Koil - Angarakan Temple

Pullirukuvelur, one of the most important Saivite shrines is popularly known as Vaitheeswaran Koil. Vaidhyanathaswamy or Vaitheeswaran (God of Medicine) got his name as He had cured Angaraka of his Leprosy here.

Vaidyanathaswamy is the main deity here and His consort is Thayyalnayaki ambal. She stands with the medicinal oil to cure the diseases of the devotees. Lord Subramanya, a very important deity here, is known as Selva Muthukumaraswamy. It is to be noted that Chevvai is ruled by Lord Subramanya. It is here that Shakthi gave him the ‘vel’, (spear) with which he killed Surapadman. During Lord Subramanya’s fight with Tharakasuran – brother of Surapadman – there was a lot of casuality on both sides leaving many dead and injured.  Click Here to Read More....

Navagraha Temples - Introduction

As per Indian Astrology the planetary positions determine a person’s destiny. It is commonly understood that Navagraha means nine planets - Nava meaning nine and graha meaning planet. However, graha in Sanskrit may also mean influence.  Hence, according to some it is not nine planets but nine influences. Whatever is the case, they are the nine biggest influences on the destiny of a person. There are nine temples (one for each Graha) located within a radius of 60 kms of Kumbakonam in TamilNadu.  It is a belief that performing shanthi or parihara puja for the particular Graha(s) and its Lords will yield quick and timely results.

These temples are

·        Sivasuriyanarayana Temple (Suryan, Sun) at Suryanar Koil near Aduthurai

·        Kailasanathaswamy Temple (Chandran, Moon) at Thingalur near Thiruvaiyaru

·        Vaitheeswaran Temple (Chevvai, Mars) at Vaitheeswaran Koil or Pullirukkuvelur near Sirkali

·        Swetharanyeswarar Temple (Budhan, Mercury) at Thiruvengadu near Poompuhar

·        Abathsahayeswarar Temple (Guru, Jupiter) at Alangudi near Needamangalam

·        Agneeswarar Temple (Shukran, Venus) at Kanjanur near Aduthurai

·        Dharbaranyeswarar Temple (Saneeswaran, Satrun) at Thirunallar, Karaikal

·        Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu, North Lunar Node) at Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam

·        NaganatharTemple (Kethu, South Lunar Node) at Keezhaperumpallam near Poompuhar

While the first seven planets as in the list above have a day of the week assigned to them, Rahu and Kethu have no special days assigned to them.  Instead, one and a half hours each day of the week is assigned to each of them.  Thus we have one and a half hours of Rahukalam and one and a half hours of Yamagandam, everyday, which are assigned to Rahu & Kethu respectively. 

I have been visiting these temples regularly over the past few years.  I shall soon be writing about each one of them in subsequent posts.