SHIVA TEMPLES

THIRUPULIVANAM - draft

VYAKRAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 22kms from Kaancheepuram.

Mostly the places with the name ‘Puli’ is related to Vyakrapaadhar Maharishi, commonly known as Pulikkaal Munivar.

STORY OF VYAKRAPAADHA:

Vyakrapadha was the son of Sage Madhyandhanar. He was very devoted to Lord Shiva. He wished to visit many Shiva temples. Since he needed flowers to perform Shiva Pooja he found it very difficult to pluck the flowers from plants and trees. So he requested Lord Shiva to offer him hands, legs and eyes like that of a tiger. Shiva blessed him with this boon and he acquired the hands, eyes and feet of a tiger. Therefore, he was called as Pulikkaal Munivar in Tamil and Vyakrapaadhar (vyakram- tiger; padham means feet) in Sanskrit.

STORY OF THE TEMPLE:

Vyakrapaadha Maharishi has worshipped this Shiva in the form of a Tiger. One day a trader performed Pooja and worshipped Shiva of this temple as all the products which he had brought for trade has sold with great profit. When the tiger came to perform Pooja to the Lord it found that already Pooja has been done. So it started attacking the linga with its paws in anger. After sometime the tiger realised its mistake and hugged the linga with its paws and shed tears on the linga. Shiva appeared before the tiger and blessed the tiger and said that the place would be named after the tiger. The tiger attained Saabha Vimochana. Since the tiger came around the place the place was called Pulivalam and later transformed to Thirupulivanam. The name of the Shiva in tamil is Pulieaswarar. We can find the Vyakrapaadha linga in the temple campus. After the tiger was killed it transformed into Sage Vyakrapaadha and it worshipped the Lord and attained the boon of becoming a Linga and staying in the temple itself.

When Kulothunga Chola was travelling towards Kanchipuram his chariot refused to move beyond a place. He tried to pull his elephant chariot towards Kanchipuram but he could not advance and therefore the place is now known as Aanaipallam. The king saw a Sage in the form of a Tiger. Thinking that it was a tiger he launched his bow and the arrow fled and hurt the tiger’s leg. The place where this incident happened is called Karuvaeppampoondi. The tiger started running to save itself and a second arrow hurt the mouth of the tiger. This place is now known as Pulivoy. Finally, the third arrow hit the tiger’s stomach. This place was called Puthari, now known as Puthali. At this stage Shiva appeared and the Chola realised the truth and regretted for his deed.

The temple is big. The Dwarabalakas are very majestic to look at. Their eyes are fierce; they place one leg on their Gadhayudha and there is a head of a man below the other foot. The moolavar Shiva is a Swayambhu linga. The Avudayar is fixed on a lotus peetam. The marks of the tiger’s nails are seen on the linga. There is a ‘Kudumi’ on top of the linga. The Vimana is in the Gajaprashta form as we say Thoongaanai Maadam in tamil. The Vinayaka on the Eka peetam is also majestic. Here muruga is in the Arumuga form with Valli and Deivanai.

The Dhakshinamurthy is very special in this temple. The Dhakshinamurthy is in the Yoga form, one leg on the lion and the other on Muyalagan. There is a crown on the head and many jewels carved on the statue. We can also find the banyan tree and the Sanagaadhi Rishis also. This dhakshinamurthy is referred to as Simha Yoga dhakshinamurthy or Arthanaari Dhakshinamurthy. The 2 pillars in the Maha mandapam resembles 2 lions. These sculptures were specialized by the Pallavas. We can find and underground passage from the temple to the temple pond. Earlier people say that this passage extended upto Kanchipuram. The name of the Ambaal is Amirdhagujambaal and also known as Abhithagujambaal. Their temple theertham is Vyakrapadha Theertham. The sixteen pillared Mandapam is a special feature carved with many figures such as Tiger worshipping Linga, cow peforming Paal abhishekha on linga, Kannappar, Mahishasuramardhini, Gangaalanaadhar, hanuman, indhira and so on. This 16 pillars denote the 16 type of wealth.

Rajendra Chola 1, Udayaar Raajadhi Raaja Devar, Kulothunga Chola 1, Kalinga raja, Aparajitha Vikrama Varman, Kopara Kaesari, Panranthagan 1, Raja naarayana Sambhuvarayan, Koperumsinga Pallavan, Jadaavarman Sudharapandiyan, Vijayanagara King Virupaaksharavudaiyar, Raashtra Koodas and many other kings have contributed to the temple in different ways.

Thirupulivanam is referred to as ‘Vyakrapuravanam’ in Kaanchi Puranam. Thirupulivanam is a Vaipusthalam. Thirunaavukarasar has referred about this temple in his book Kshetra Kovai. Sivagnana Vallalar has written 64 songs in his Vallalar Sasthiram about this temple. Pattinathu Pillayar have written about this temple in his book Thiru Eakambamudaiyar Thiruandhaadhi.

There are Shiva temples in Karuvaeppampoondi, Pulivoy and Puthali also.

THIRUNINDRAVUR

1. KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 18kms from Tiruvallur and 4kms from Aavadi.

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

Amman: Parvadhambigai

Speciality:

This temple was built by the Cholas.

The outer Mandapa was the place where Pusalar used to reside. By worshipping This Shiva Pusalar wanted to build a temple identical to Kailasanadhar in his heart.
Amman worshipped Lord Shiva in a standing form in front of the Lord. The Amman Sannidhi was in front of Lord Shiva in early days. It was believed that if anyone was affected by any Dhosha worship this Amman and get relieved from their curses. The Sthala Viruksham of this temple is Vilva. Many inscriptions were found in the walls of the temple. There was a special Kali Sannidhi in this temple.
Later this temple was completely destroyed and a new temple was built by the people. This temple is at the Eesanya direction of Thirunindravur. There was a Pusalar statue but now it is not found. The Linga of this temple is more than 5000 years old. A poet known as Sankara Linga Naadar has sound 10hymns on this Shiva.
The Koshta deities such as Nartana Vinayaka, Dhakshinamurhy, Vishnu, Brahma, Chandikeswarar and Durga have been newly constructed. Vinayaka, Valli Deivanai Subramanya, Bhairavar and Saurian have also been installed in their respective positions. There are 2 Nandhis one behind another in front of Shiva. There is a nagar Medai with many serpent idols along with Rahu and Kethu. The temple is maintained well. There is a temple and behind the temple.

5 Lingas which were the Mulavars of 5 Shiva temples of Thirunindravur have been found in the temple pond of the Kailasanadhar temple. These Lingas have been placed in the temple.

2. AGASTHYA STHANU LINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Agasthya Sthanu Lingaeswarar

This temple is situated inside the Shiva Shakthi temple of Thirunindravur. This Linga was found in a broken temple and the temple was constructed with a lot of devotion by Karthigeya Swamigal. His son Aanandha Kumar is a great Amman devotee who maintains this temple well.
This Shiva was also called as Karkodagaeswarar as Karkodaga has worshipped this Shiva.
When Ravana came to this place he could not get any object to install a Linga. So he took off his leg bone and installed it as a Linga and worshipped the Linga here. He got the boon of removing any part of bone or flesh from his body and it would get replaced after he worships Lord Shiva in the same place without any hindrance.
The was no Aavudaiyar for the Linga. The Linga is more than 1ft tall and massive in size. The Karthigeya Swamigal made an Aavudaiyar for the Linga and the Linga is named as Agasthya Sthanu Lingaeswarar.

3. HIRUDHAYALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 36kms from Egmore Railway station

Shiva: Hirudayaleeswarar

Amman: Maragadhambaal

Pusalar is one of the sixty three Nayanmars. He lived in Thirunindravur (also called Thinnanur). He was very poor. Since he always spread the holy ash (Vibhuthi) on his body he was referred as Pusalar by the villagers. Though he was very poor he wished to build a temple for lord Shiva. He told his wish to everyone in the village and to whom ever he met on his way. At that time the villages around were suffering from drought. Nobody intended to help him and even the people who had money considered him to be a fool. Even though his efforts were futile he built a temple for Lord Shiva in his heart. The temple which he built in his heart even though they were allusions he built it as though a real temple was built and it took that much time for him to realise that the temple was built. According to him he felt that he had really built a temple and wanted to perform the Kumbabishekam. He kept telling about this to everyone and people laughed and criticized him. At the temple Raja Simha Pallava whose capital was Kanchipuram built a wonderful stone temple which is incomparable in its beauty with exquisite sculptures. This is the Kanchipuram Kailasanadhar temple. He wanted to perform Kumbabishekam for this temple. He consulted many Vedic scholars for a suitable date for Kumbabishekam. The date which the scholars suggested was the same day selected by Pusalar for the Kumbabishekam for his dream temple. The day before the Kumbabishekam the king had a dream. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him to postpone the date because a devotee called Pusalar has built a temple in Thirunindravur which was under his province and has selected this date for Kumbabishekam. Since Lord Shiva had to attend there this postponement was required. Raja Simha Pallava woke up suddenly from his sleep. He could not think that it was really a dream. He wanted to see Pusalar and his temple. When he came to Thrunindravur he did not find any symptom of a temple being built. He inquired the villagers about the temple and Pusalar. The villagers said that Pusalar was mad of Shiva and he was telling everyone that he wanted to build a temple and he was always found under trees. The King learnt that Pusalar did not know anything other than Shiva. The villagers said that they would bring him to meet the king. The King realised that Lord Shiva has done some miracle and so he told them that he would himself meet the person. He found Pusalar under a Iluppai tree uttering Shiva Mantra. He told him that he came to see the temple which was referred by Lord Shiva. Pusalar was surprised. He told the whole incident how he built the temple within his heart as he had no money even to buy a brick. The King was astonished at his Bakthi. He realised that Lord Shiva wanted to reside in his dream temple rather than his exquisite temple. He fell on the feet of Pusalar and asked him if he could see his dream temple in his heart with true devotion. He could see a wonderful temple amidst the holy ash which was spread on the chest of Pusalar. He was very glad that Lord Shiva gave him the Dharshan in this temple within the heart of Pusalar to him first. he built the temple for Pusalar in the same pattern as he had built within his heart. He and all his men realised that any deed of Bakthi supported with wealth is less important than devotion to the Lord. This incident took place in the 7th Century.

The Vimanam of the temple is in the Gajaprashta style.

When the temple is viewed from the top the Vimanam is seen in the shape of a heart.

There is an idol for Pusalar in the temple.

Devotees with heart problem worship this temple and are relived from their ailment.

This has been proved in my mother's case also. She did not take medicines for her heart problem but she visited this temple. A small child gave her a Prasad. After she consumed that which was offered to her right in front of Hirudayaleeswarar she did not feel her problem thereafter. This happened 8 years ago. For these 8 years no ailment in the heart was felt.

Amman faces south.

Even after invasions the temple has been preserved as a treasure.

4. LAKSHMIPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

This temple was worshipped by Lakshmi. Therefore this Shiva is called as Lakshmipureeswarar or Mahalakshmeeswarar.

Details:

Perumal Left Lakshmi. Therefore She worshipped this Shiva. She performed penance in a standing posture in front of Shiva for a Long period to attain Vishnu. Since Lakshmi stood in Thava Kola this place came to be known as Thiru Nindra Voor. Shiva called back Vishnu and advised him to rejoin with Lakshmi. As per Shiva's advice Vishnu rejoined with Lakshmi. The Theertham of this temple was created by Lakshmi. It is therefore called Lakshmi Theertham. There were no Navagrahas. The Linga has a tall Baana with round Aavudaiyar. The footprints of Lakshmi was seen in front of Shiva in the temple. This temple was near the Baktha Vathsalar Temple. This temple was completely destroyed and the Linga was found near the Perumal temple for a Long period.

Later This Linga has been installed in a Kanniyamman temple a few meters away from the Perumal temple.

No other deities of the old temple are present.

This temple is found on the road opposite to Ellaiyamman temple.

VEPPAMPATTU

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 4kms from Thirunindravur

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

This Linga was neglected and found with a Nandhi in a corner of the road about 12 years back. No one attended the Linga. After some months the Nandhi was stolen. Later the people who resided in the place close to the Linga worshipped the Linga and performed Pooja and Alankara on auspicious days. But the people of the area did not attend or worship the Linga. Later the family which worshipped this linga sold their house and went to a different place. This Linga was neglected and thrown in the corner of the road. Most of the people in Veppampattu were unaware of the linga even at that time. A good hearted temple Gurukkal named Narasimhan found this Linga and placed it in his Poongavanathamman temple. Since he did not know the name of Shiva he named it as Rajagubaraeswarar. He felt that worshipping this Linga would yield all types of wealth and therefore he named the linga as Raja Gubera Eeswarar. He added Amman Abhirami and a Nandhi. The Poongavanathamman temple in which these deities are placed is maintained very well by the Gurukkal. He performs poojas and beautiful Alankaras for all the deities in the temple and all functions are conducted very well.

The Linga has a round Aavudaiyar.

In ancient days the Linga faced the western direction. Now the Linga faces the eastern direction.

Details:

In ancient days this temple was a bigstone temple. There were 2 Sthala Virukshas for this deity - Neem and Vilva.

This temple was built by the Cholas. During the Hoysala period the temple was changed into a brick temple.

This temple was surrounded by 4 Lakes. 3 Ponds served as Theertham for the temple. They were Indhira Theertham, Mahadeva Theertham and Agasthya Theertham. Out of these
Indhira Theertham was created by Indhira which was to the north of the temple and Agasthya Theertha by Sage Agasthya was to the east of the temple. The Mahadeva Theertham was inside the temple campus.

Once Indhiran was cursed by a Sage to lose his eye sight and his manliness. As Indhira wanted to attain the wife of the Sage. Indhira realised his mistake as he grew blind and weak he wanted remedy and therefore he worshipped many Shiva temples to get back his eyesight and get cured from his ailment. Finally he reached this temple. He stayed in this place, created a pond here. This pond is Indhira Theertham. He bathed in this pond and worshipped Shiva here. He performed pooja regularly. He got back his eyesight and got cured of his disease.

When Agasthya was on his way to the Southern Region as ordered by Lord Shiva in order to balance the weight during Shiva Parvthis wedding in the Kailash. On his way he visited many Shiva temples. He created a Theertham called Agasthya Theertham and worshipped Shiva here. He obtained the strength to reach the southern region and balance the weight from Kailasanadhar here. Agasthya wanted to have the Dharshan of Shiva Parvathi wedding here. Shiva granted this Dharshan as Mannadheeswarar and Pachaiyamman in this place. This is the temple now called Poongavanathamman temple where we find the Mannadheeswarar and Pachaiyamman seated together and granting dharshan to his devotees. Since the Amman was amidst Punga forest the Amman was called as Pungavanathamman which is now called as Poongavanathamman temple. It is so amazing to find this Kailasanadhar has been installed in this Poongavanathamman temple now. Agasthya wanted Shiva to grant strength and power to all the devotees who visit this temple.

All the 5 elements (Pancha Bhoothas) were treated as slaves by Indhira. To get relieved from Indhira they were adviced to worship here. They came together and worshipped Shiva. Shiva appeared before them and fulfilled their wish. They attained the feet of Shiva and was freed from Indhira.

Shiva burnt Manmadhan from the rays which was emitted from his third eye. This created enormous heat in the Devaloka. The Devas could not bear the heat and they went in search of water so that they could sit inside water and get the heat reduced from their bodies. All the Devas together reached this place and bathed in the 4 Lakes around this temple and got their heat reduced. They worshiped Kailasanadhar here and went back to their Deva Loka after dropping the heat together inside the Lakes. Therefore this place came to be known as Veppam Pattu meaning the Heat Been Dropped (Veppam - heat).

Karkoda, Anandhan and Vasuki worshipped here. They Lost their Naga Loga and therefore Anandhan worshipped 108 Shiva temples along the river Coovam. Some of the snakes accompanied him to certain temples. We can find Kalahastheeswarar temple of Perumalpattu, Kalahastheeswarar temple of Sevvaipettai and Anandheeswarar of Pakkam very close to this temple. After getting the Nagaloka back Karkodaga, Anandhan and Vasuki came to this temple and worshipped Shiva here. They thanked Shiva for his mercy as they got back their Nagaloga by His grace. They also obtained the boon from Lord Shiva here to get the opportunity of visiting many Shiva temples and to obtain the strength to conquer any Asura or anyone who disturb them in their travel.

Vaali bathed 24 times in the ponds daily as Long as he stayed here and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Sage Vyasa had a dip in the Mahadeva Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Saneeswarar and Yama have also worshipped Kailasanadhar here.

Vaayu worshipped Kailasanadhar to get relieved of his Dhosha and asked Lord Shiva to relieve his devotees who worship here from all types of joint and muscle pain.

There was a 16 pillared Mandapa with many beautiful carvings and inscriptions.

There was an underground passage in the temple.

The Amman Kamakshi was found in a sitting posture.

The Abhisheka Theertham of Shiva cures joint and all types of muscle pain.

In ancient days people with joint pain and back pain came to this temple worshipped Lord Shiva here and consumed the Abhisheka theertham and got cured of their pain.

There were a lot of Shiva temples around the Kailasanadhar temple.

The Ashta Dhik Balagas worshipped Kailasandhar here and each one of them installed a Linga in different places around this temple.

The Navagrahas worshiped Shiva here and installed 9 different Lingas one each at different places around the temple. They are

Suriyan - Puliyur Arunachalaeswarar (inside Agastheeswarar temple)
Chandran - Puliyur Kailasanadhar (inside Agastheeswarar temple)
Sevvai - Sevvaipettai Vaitheeswarar (now Lost) and Kalahastheeswarar
Bhudhan - Kilambakkam Swetharanyaeswarar (inside Agastheeswarar)
Guru - Thirunindravur Kailasanadhar
Sukran - Thanneerkulam Dhanamaeswarar
Sani - Melakondaiyur Thirumalainadhaeswarar
Rahu - Vadhattur Neelakandaeswarar (Agastheeswarar)
Kethu - Aayalur Neelakandaeswarar

There are 5 Agasthya Kshetras in different places near the temple. All the 5 Agasthya Lingas were worshipped on the same day by Sage Agasthya with Lotus flowers. So worshipping these 5 Lingas on the same day would give good eyesight to the devotees. The 5 Agasthya Kshetras are

Ayathur Agastheeswarar
Kilambakkam Agastheeswarar
Vadhattur Agastheeswarar (Neelakandaeswarar)
Melakondaiyur Agastheeswarar (now Aatkondeeswarar)
Puliyur Agastheeswarar (now Anandheeswarar)

The Lingas worshipped by others are also found Around this temple.

Lakshmi - Lakshmipureeswarar Thirunindravur
Vishnu - Bhaktha Vachalaeswarar Thirunindravur (now lost)
Ravana - Ravanaeswarar (now Agasthya Sthanu Lingaeswarar)
Amman - Mahalingaeswarar Sirukalathur
Nandhi - Siva Nandheeswarar Sivanvoyal (now Sivanandeeswarar)
Kodi Rudhras - Koteeswarar Koyambakkam
Murugar - Thirumalainadheeswarar Melakondaiyur
Rama - Ramanadhaeswarar Ramanadhapuram Pakkam
Rishyasringar and Sikandi - Thiruvur Rishyasringaeswarar/Sikandeeswarar (now Singandeeswarar)
Vyakrapadhar - Puliyur Vyakrapureeswarar, Melakondaiyur Thirumalainadheeswarar and Thottikalai Chidambaraeswarar
Pathanjali - Pakkam Anandheeswarar, Thottikalai Chidambaraeswarar
Brahma - Ayathur Agastheeswarar
Kalanemi - Thanneerkulam Dhanamaeswarar

Most of the temples could not be located now. Due to many invasions most of the temples have been destroyed and the people shifted the Linga to different places to protect them from being destroyed. The Lingas were taken to nearby places and were hidden inside ponds, Lakes, under the ground and even under trees. Therefore Some of the Lingas are obtained from different places now and then but it is difficult to find their identities as we do not know from which places they have been shifted. 5 Lingas have been obtained recently from the pond of the Kailasanadhar temple of Thirunindravur but the history behind them is unknown. All the Devas and the specified Gods have worshipped Veppampattu Kailasanadhar at some period of time.

AS OF 03-02-2008

AS OF 6-10-2010

AS OF 11-03-2019

KAYAR

AADALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Aadaleeswarar or Vedhapureeswarar

Amman: Vedhanayaki

Speciality:

Built about 1100 years ago.

This is a stone temple.

The inscriptions about Aadhithya Chola is found in this temple.

The Aavudaiyar of the main deity Shiva is in a square form.

There is a temple pond beside the temple.

KARASANGAL

MALLEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 11kms from Tambaram

Shiva: Malleeswarar

Amman: Maragadhambigai

Speciality:

This temple is famous for Shivarathiri celebrations. 10008 Lamps are lit in the temple and pooja is performed throughout the Shivarathiri night.

200. KOLATHUR

SOMANADHESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 3 kms from Mambakkam

Shiva: Somanadheswarar

Amman: Amudhambigai

To reach this place you should reach Mambakkam junction which is 20kms from Tambaram on Vandalur - Kelambakkam road

Speciality:

This temple was worshipped by Chandran (moon). There are inscriptions about this in the temple.

We can find the Nandhikeswarar with a smiling face.

Many stone inscriptions were found near the well of the temple. This ancient temple was in a very bad state and renovations have been made and constructed recently.

History:

Chandran prayed to Lord Somanadhar of this temple to get relieved from his sin.

When Shiva swallowed the poison which arose from the celestial sea during the Churn of the Sea Parvathi stopped the poison from entering into the throat by holding Shiva's neck tightly. The poison stayed in the throat of Shiva and the portion which entered inside was converted to nectar (amudham) by Parvathy. Therefore the Ambaal acquired the name Amudhambigai.

199. ARANVOYAL

THIRUTHALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 12kms from Thiruvallur

Shiva: Thiruthaleeswarar

Amman: Maragadhambigai

Speciality:

Situated in the southern banks of Coovam.

More than 1200 years old.

Built by Nandhi Varma Pallava II.

The temple faces south.

There is no Rajagopuram.

Thiruthaleeswarar faces eastern direction and Maragadhambigai faces south.

The Vimanam is in the Gajaprishta Style.

The inscriptions on the temple walls Shed light on ancient tamil culture.

Apart from the normal deities there are sannidhis for Somaskandhar, Manikkavasagar and Sage Patanjali.

This temple has great reputation for dissolving Naaga Dhoshas.

There are Kailasanadhar, Chandrasekarar and Kasi Viswanadhar Lingas which has been brought from nearby places such as Koppoor.

There is an image of Vishnu in the nearby fields.

History:

Lord Shiva danced with Kaali in Thiruvaalangaadu. While he was dancing the tail of the serpent which he was wearing as an Aabaran (jewel) fell in this place. Therefore this place was called Ara vaal and later changed to Aranvoyal. This temple has been mentioned in Thirupaasoor Sthala Puranam.

198. PERIYAPALAYAM

AIMUKTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 25kms from Redhills, 40kms from Chennai and 3kms from Thiruvallur.

Shiva: Aimuktheeswarar

Amman: Annapurani, Annapoornambigai

Speciality:

The Shiva Linga Aimuktheeswarar faces west towards the Arani river.

This Linga was installed by Sage Valmiki.

Lord Indhra worshipped here and got relieved from his curse.

The Pancha Bhoothas worshipped here and attained Mukthi. Therefore Shiva was called Aimuktheeswarar. (Ai meaning five).

Amman Annapurani faces west.

There is a Linga near the Amman.

This temple was built by the Pallavas.

The Pancha Bhoothas are said to worship everyday.

There are Sannidhis for Veerabhadrar, Varasidhdhi Vinayaka, Hanuman, Valmiki and Shri Devi Bhudhevi with Vekadesa Shrinivasa Perumal here.

History:

Sage Valmiki stayed here and performed penance. Shiva appeared before him and blessed him. He wanted Shiva to stay here for people's worship. Lord Shiva agreed. Sage Valmiki installed the Suuyambhu Linga which he worshipped in this place. This place was called Valmiki Ashramam.

The Pancha Bhoothas (Land, Fire, Air, Water and Sky) went to worship Shiva to the Kailash. Nandhikeswarar stopped them and told them that it was not an auspicious time for their worship. They disrespected Nandhi thinking that they were more powerful and entered to worship Shiva. Lord Shiva was in penance. They did not realise that they were disturbing the Lord. Lord Shiva opened his eyes. He said that they had come together in an inauspicious time and Nandhi was outside to fix the time and since they had not respected the words of Nandhi they were cursed to be born as Monkeys in the world. Since they did not attend their own jobs the world was full of darkness and they had to accept the curse as they have committed this mistake. They realised their mistake and sought for relief shortly. After Shiva calmed down he said that Brahmaranya River flowed as Uthiravahini in Bhuloga and Sage Valmiki has installed a Linga there. If all the 5 monkeys could reach there together and worship the Linga they would attain Shapa Vimochana (relief from curse). The 5 monkeys travelled to many places in the earth and identified this place. They worshipped here as instructed by Lord Shiva and got relieved from the curse. The sculpture of this story is inside the temple. In the Baana of AImuktheeswarar the impression of 5 monkeys could be seen.

King Chitravarman was a devotee of Sage Valmiki. He ruled a country called Kamarupa. He was a devotional King.Once there was no rain in the country and his country lost fertility. The people of the country were suffering from drought. He worshiped this temple daily. Amman came in the form of Mohini and supplied food to the people of his Land. The Land became fertile and people were relieved from drought and Hunger. This King built the temple as a sign of gratitude. This story sculpture can be seen at the entrance. There Amman was therefore known as Annapooranambigai.

197. SIVAPURAM

RAJARAJA ESWARA MUDAIYA MAHADEVAR TEMPLE

Distance: 22kms from Thiruvallur, 10kms from Thakkolam and 22kms from Arakkonam.

Shiva: Rajarajaeswaramudaiyamahadevar

Amman: Kaamakshi

Speciality:

It is a stone temple of Chola period.

Built by Rajaraja Chola in 10th Century.

The name of the place was then called Oragadam.

There is another name called Theerthabaleeswarar for Shiva.

There is Nandhi and Palipeetam but no Gopuram or Kodimaram.

This temple predates the Thanjavur Brahadheeswarar temple.

The bronze idol of this temple such as Abhimaana Meru Vidangan, Uma Deviyar and Aadavallan are missing.

There are many inscriptions in the temple.

Some inscriptions tell us about the kinds of patronage received as donations to the temple.

The Channel leading to a lake has been made tax free and given to the temple.

Inscriptions of Rajendhra Chola has recorded the donations of Gold ornaments to the temple.

Another inscriptions record about the rituals conducted in the temple.

There was a special ritual called Aadhithya Vaara Perumbali which was conducted on Sundays.

A Large number of people attended this function in the Chola period.

196. MULLANDIRAM SHIVA TEMPLES

Distance: 17kms from Arcot and 17kms from Arani

Shiva: Thanthondreeswarar, Parasurameswarar, Renukeswarar, Mareeswarar and Vaayulingeswarar

Mullandirum is a Pancha Bhootha Sthala. All the 5 Natural elements have worshipped here. 4 Temples are in Mullandiram and 1 worshipped by Vaayu is in K K Thoppu - 1km from here.

Thanthondreeswarar - Sky (Aahaya)
Mareeswarar - Water (Jala)
Renukeswarar - Land (Bhumi)
Parasurameswarar - Fire (Agni)

Thanthondreeswarar is a Suyambhu Murthy therefore the Shiva is also known as Suyambhunadhar. This temple was worshipped by Parasuramar during his penance. First Parasuramar could not find a Shiva temple here so he created a Linga for his worship. To Perform Abhishekam for the Linga he selected a place to create a pond. He started digging the pond with his axe. He found a Linga submerged in the soil. He brought the Linga out and placed the Linga near the Linga he created. He worshipped both the Shiva Lingas. His mother Renuka also accompanied him here. She too installed a Linga in another part of the Village. This Linga is now placed in Thanthondreeswarar temple.
Later this place was cursed. There was no rain in the village. People worshipped Suyambhunadhar for rain. After a few days a Sage arrived to the Village. He informed the people of the village that there is a curse to the village and to get relieved from this curse the people have to find a Linga which is kept submerged in the pond. This Linga was worshipped by Varuna. Only after the Linga is brought out of the pond and arranged for worship the Village will be blessed with rain. The people of the Village brought out the Linga from the pond and named it as Mareeswarar (Maari - rain) and built a small temple for the deity. Later due to invasions the temples had been damaged and the Parasurameswarar, Renukeswarar and Mareeswarar are placed inside the Thanthondreeswarar temple. Since Parasuramar used his axe and created the pond the name of the Theertham is Parasu Theertham and the Place is called Mullandiram (Mulla - Axe).

PARASURAMESWARAR

THANTHONDREESWARAR TEMPLE

RENUKESWARAR AND MAREESWARAR

When Arunagirinadhar visited this place he had the Dharshan of all Lingas and the Shiva temple of Kekiya Thoppu. He installed a Linga and it was called by his name as Arunagireeswarar. This Linga is now placed in the Vinayaka temple of this village.