VANDHAVASI TEMPLES

1. MADAM

2. MARUDHAADU

3. VALLAM

4. KALYAANAPURAM

5 , 6. PERIYA CHETPET

7. SEEYAMANGALAM

8. THENNOOR

9. ERUMBHUR

10. NEDUNKUNDRAM

11. DHESOOR

12. PAADHOOR

13. MAZHUVANKAARANAI

It is located at a distance of 32 kms from Vandavaasi. The near by paces are Maettuppalayam, Kaavaedu and Garudapuram. The linga is inside a damaged building. Only the Shiva linga is found here. No other deitied are found near the temple.

14. CHINNA CHETPET

15. KOYILKUPPAM

It is located at a distance of 12 kms from Vandavasi. Only the Aavudaiyaar is found under the Banyan tree near a pond. 

16 , 17 , 18. ILLANGAADU

Illangaadu is located at a distance of 7 kms from Vandavaasi. In Illangaadu 2 lingas are placed in the same temple when we travel from Illangaadu to Natteri. There are other 2 lingas which are placed in the same temple when we travel from Illangaadu to Sorapuththoor. The 2 lingas are kept under the same roof and only one Nandhi is found outside the small temple. On the way to Sorapuththoor we find one linga and Nandhi belonging to Illangaadua and the other linga and Nandhi belongs to Sorapuththoor. The linga related to Sorapuththoor was obtained in a farm belonging to Saravanan. Since the villagers could not construct a temple in that village they handed over the linga to the priest of that area. He placed the linga in his temple and constructed a small temple with all deities relating to Shiva in his native village Illangaadu.

17. KEEZHPUTHTHOOR

18. MAEL PAADHI

19. AANAI BHOGI

20. PERUMBAAKKAM

21. KOTTUKUPPAM

22.MAELATHAANGAL

23. AARASOOR

24. THELLOOR

25. SERPAAKKAM

26. ERUMAIVETTI

27. SAALAVEDU

28. THETHURAI

29. VEERAMBAKKAM

30. PURISAI

31. THANIYAL

32. THEYYAR

33. THELLAR

34. VENKUNDRAM

35. THIRUMPOONDI

36. AGARAKORAKOTTAI

37. PAIYUR

It is located a a distance of 12 kms from Vandavaasi on Uthiramerur Road. The name of Shiva is Kaasiviswanaadhar and that of amman is Annapoorani. Only Shiva and Nandhi are seen under a thatched roof.

38. VAZHUR

39. THANDARAI

40. THENNANGUR

41. VADASIRUVALLOOR

42. VENKUNDRAM

43. MUMUNI

44. KULAMANDAI

45. PALLA ECHCHOOR

46. PAPPA NALLOOR

47. SIVANAM

48. KAARANI

49. NELLERI

50. AARIYATHTHOOR

It is located at a distance of 11 kms from Vandavaasi. 

51. SOGATHTHOOR

52. EAMBALAM

53. NALLERI

54. SORAPUTHTHOOR

55. VANDAVAASI

56. VAZHUR

57. PAZHAMPATTAI

58. NEDUNGUNAM

59. MAZHAIYUR

60. KEEZHVELLIYUR

61.  VADA VANAKKAMBAADI

62. MANITHAANGAL

63. NALLOOR

64. THEN VANAKKAMBAADI

65. KEEZH NAMMANDI

66. AACHAMANGALAM

67. C.M. PUDHUR

68. SITHARUGAAVUR

69. NARASAMANDALAM

70. SALUKKAI

71. IRUMBAEDU

72. OAZHAPPAAKKAM

It is located at a distance of 10 kms from Vandavaasi. Only the Linga and Chandieswarar are found. The places near Ozhappaakkam are Kosapattu and Managanalloor.

73. KOSAPATTU

It is located at a distance of 6 kms from Vandavaasi. The nearby villages are Ozhappaakkam and Thazhuthaazhai. The temple is small. It is mostly closed and the keys are with the temple priest who does not visit the temple often.

74. THAZHUTHAAZHAI

It is located at a distance of 8 kms from Vandavaasi. The near by places are Ozhappakkam and Kosapattu. The temple is small and the deities found here are Dhakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Nandhi, Dhurgai, Chandikeswarar and many more.

75. KAARAM

It is located at a distance of10 kms from Vandavaasi and 6 kms from Aariyaththoor. The temple is very much damaged and only the Shiva is found. The remains of the temple show us that this should have been a very big temple in earlier days. No pooja is being performed here. 

SOME TEMPLES AROUND REDHILLS - 1

REDHILLS TO REDHILLS

REDHILLS ANNAMALAIYAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Annamalaiyar

Amman:

REDHILLS SUNDHARAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Sundharaeswarar

Amman:

ANGAADU INDHRAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Indhraeswarar

Amman:

BHUDHUR VIRUPAKSHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Virupaksheeswarar

Amman:

ARUMANDHAI ANUMANDHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Anamandheeswarar

Amman:

PERUNGAVUR SUNDHARAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Sundhareswarar

Amman:

PERUNGAVUR JALAKANDAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Jalakandaeswarar

Amman:

SIRUNGAVUR MANGALAESWARAR (MAHALINGAESWARAR) TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

SIRUNGAVUR NEELAKANDAESWARAR (PASUPATHEESWARAR) TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

SINGILIMEDU PUSHPARADHAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

GNAYIRU PUSHPARADHAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

GNAYIRU HIRANYAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

GNAYIRU JAMBUGESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

NERKUNDRAM KALAHASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

METTU SOORAPEDU SUNDHARAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

KIRUDHALAPURAM SHIVA TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

SOTHUPERUMBEDU VARAMURTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

CHOLAVARAM AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

CHOLAVARAM CHOZHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

SEMPULIVANAM VYAKRAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

PADIYANALLUR THIRUNEETREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva:

Amman:

SOME TEMPLES AROUND REDHILLS - 2

REDHILLS TO MANALI

REDHILLS ANNAMALAIYAR TEMPLE

REDHILLS SUNDHARAESWARAR TEMPLE

VADAKARAI GANGADHEESWARAR TEMPLE

AZHINCHIVAKKAM SUNDHARESWARAR TEMPLE

AZHINCHIVAKKAM VISWANADHAR TEMPLE

PALLIKUPPAM PALLIKONDEESWARAR TEMPLE

VILANKADUPAKKAM LAVAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

THEEYAMBAKKAM KUCHAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

KOSAPPUR KUCHAPUREESWARAR (KOTTEESWARAR) TEMPLE

KADAPPAKKAM SHIVA TEMPLE

VELLAKULAM EKAMBARAESWARAR TEMPLE

SEMBIYAMANALI SHIVA TEMPLE

VICHUR KACHALEESWARAR TEMPLE

VICHUR VISWANADHAR TEMPLE

VICHUR SHIVA TEMPLE

VICHUR SHIVA TEMPLE

PERIYAMULLAIVOYAL SHIVA TEMPLE

PERIYAMULLAIVOYAL SHIVA TEMPLE

MANALI NEW TOWN PUTREESWARAR TEMPLE

MANALI NEW TOWN VISWANADHAR TEMPLE

ELANDHANUR CHINTAMANEESWARAR TEMPLE

AMULLAIVOYAL AMULLAIEESWARAR TEMPLE

HARIKRISHNAPURAM THIRUVUDAINADHAR TEMPLE

195. MANAM THAVIZHNDHA PUTHUR

SOKKANANDHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 10kms from Panrutti and 22kms from Villupuram

Shiva: Sokkanadhar

Amman: Meenakshi

Speciality:

The temple is situated in about 1 acre area of Land.

The temple had 9 storeyed Gopura.

In early days the Kala Bhairavar, Sooriyan and Chandran were constructed in a form that they faced one another. But now they are in a straight line.

This temple was worshipped by Agasthya.

We can find the idols of Sundharar and an Old Man (Shiva) in this temple.

To get a happy wedded life Soma Pooja is performed in this temple. Soma Pooja means performing Thirukalyanam for Shiva and Amman. Participating in this Pooja gives happiness, health and wealth. These details are said by the priest of this temple.

There is a special Aavudaiyar Sannidhi in this temple.

The name of this place was earlier known as Puthur. Since Shiva stopped the marriage of Sundharar here the place came to be known as Manam Thavirtha Puthur. Later it was called as Manaputhur and now Manam Thavizhndha Puthur.

History:

The original name of Sundharar was Nambi Aarooran. He was born in Thirunavalur. The king Narasinga Munaiyarayar named him Sundharar as he looked very beautiful in his early days. After getting the permission of his parents, Sadayanar and Isaignaniyar, the King arranged a wedding of Sundharar when Sundharar was 16 years old. The name of the Girl was Kamala Gnana Poongothai, the daughter of Sadangu Kavi who was a Sivachariyar in Puthur. On the day of the wedding Sundharar came in a Chariot surrounded by horses, elephants, huge number of people in a wedding attire. The wedding was arranged in such a grand manner like a wedding of a prince. Just before the time of marriage an old man came running and stopped the wedding. He was holding a parchment in his hands with stated that Sundharar and his ancestors were the slaves of the old man and marrying without his permission was a crime. The old man said that one of the ancestor of Sundharar wrote this parchment and legally gave it to him. Sundharar was not able to accept this and threw the Parchment into the fire. The oldman grew angry. Both of them started quarreling with one another. The old man told everyone that he could not obtain justice here therefore he asked everyone to come to a place called Thiruvennainallur and argue there in front of the great men of that village. He added that he would prove his statement. Sundharar agreed to this deal. The old man said that the Vinayaka of this temple was the witness. The Vinayaka turned south facing the direction of Thiruvennainallur. Everyone went to Thiruvennainallur. The justice went in the favour of the old man. Everyone returned to Puthur. The girl asked about her plight to the old man. The oldman smiled. The papers which were burnt in the fire joined together to form a Linga named Satcheeswarar and the old man transformed into Lord Shiva and everyone had this Dharshan and he gave Mukthi to Gnana Poongodhai. She transformed into 2 forms namely Kamalini and Anindhai in Kailash. Then they were born as Sangili Nachiyar and Paravai Nachiyar and married Sundharar in the grace of Lord Shiva.

194. THIRUCHITRAMBALAM

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 8kms from Pondichery

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

History:

A Shiva devotee who resided in this place used to visit Chidambaram Big temple for every Pradhosa. He became old. Due to his illness he could not visit there. He Prayed to Lord Shiva and Shiva appeared in front of him in the form of a Linga here. Therefore this place is known as Thiruchitrambalam meaning Chidambaram. The Devotee named Shiva as Aadhipureeswarar. Later the Pandyas contributed a Lot to the temple. They renovated the temple and named Shiva as Kailasanadhar. The Pandyas used this village for storing goods. This temple got dilapidated and now the temple has been built newly and manintained well

193. VAANUR

THAZHUVAKOZHUNDHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 14kms from Pondichery

Shiva: Thazhuvakkozhundheeswarar

Amman: Amman

History:

Once upon a time there was a quareel between Brahma and Vishnu that who was the greatest among them. Since they could not come to a conclusion Brahma took up the task of going in search of the head of Shiva and Mahavishnu in search of Shiva's feet. Shiva raised his head crossing the sky and his feet into the underground world. Mahavishnu admitted his defeat saying that he could not find the feet of Lord Shiva. A flower which fell from Shiva's head told Brahma where His head was and Brahma tried to reach the head of Lord Shiva smelling the fragrance left over by the flower (Thazhampoo). Vaanur is the place where finally Brahma reached. He could not go beyond that height and he lied that he saw Shiva's head. Due to this incident Thazhampoo is not used for Shiva Pooja and since Brahma lied he lost his powers. This place was earlier known as Vaanam Oor.

192. MUDHANAI

MUDHUKUNDREEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 14kms from Virudhachalam and 11kms from Neyveli

Shiva: Mudhukundreeswarar

Amman: Periyanayaki

Speciality:

Old name of the place is Mudhalnei.

This temple has only 1 entrance.

The Vinayaka of this temple is seated on his rat Vahana.

The Dhakshinamurthy is under the stone Banyan tree.

Shiva faces east and is 2.5ft tall.

Amman faces south.

The Arumugar Sannidhi of this temple is very special. He holds Vel, Arrow, Sword, Flagstaff, bow, lotus in his hands. He holds the bow and arrow as if he is going to launch it.

There are 2 temple ponds.

History:

One leader of Kadava family called Kachirayar lived here. He visited the Virudhachalam temple everyday. He became old. He was not able to travel to Virudhachalam daily. He prayed to Shiva to grant Dharshan in Mudhunai itself. Without having the Dharshan of Shiva he would not eat. Therefore Lord Shiva granted Dharshan along with mother Periyanayaki in Mudhunai. The devotee requested the Lord to stay here and grant Dharshan to all the devotees who visit this place. Shiva agreed. He constructed a temple in the same spot where he got the Dharshan of Lord. He built it in such a way that any person who visits the temple can also have the Dharshan of the Virudhachalam Pazhamalainadhar Gopuram by standing in different locations in the Mahamandapam.

191. ALAGRAMAM

YAMADHANDEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 17kms from DIndivanam

Shiva: Yamadhandeeswarar

Amman: Thiripurasundhari

Theertham: Yama Theertham

Speciality:

Chithraguptan Sannidhi is present in the Prahara.

Shiva is Kaala Anugraha Murthy in this temple.

People with Kaala Sarpa Dhosha offer Pariharam in this temple.

There are no Navagrahas.

Mahavishnu is present with Shridevi and Bhudhevi

Jeeva Samadhi of some saint is present here.

It is believed that Ganga Devi is present in this temple tank.

Yama Bathed here and got his curse cleansed.

The oldest Vinayaka of Tamil Nadu is present here dating before the 2nd Century.

The Vattezhuthu inscriptions of the 5th century is found here.

One Laguleesa image holding the club and another holding a weapon is also present here.

The Vimanam is Chadhurasa Vimanam.

Amman Thiripurasundhari appears different on different days. The change in posture or colour or face expressions can be viewed everyday. People who visit often can note these changes.

Inscriptions are seen on the base of the Ganapathy idol. These inscriptions presided Pillayarpatti inscriptions which proves that this is the oldest Vinayaka of Tamilnadu. This Vinayaka wears Anklets.

The Breathing of the Nandhi is heard on Pradhosam days.

A strange sound of someone breathing out from the water is heard in the sanctum. These details are given by the priest of the temple.

190. SOME TEMPLES AROUND SRIPERUMBUDHUR

1. MEVALUR KUPPAM VALLEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 12kms from Shriperumbhudhur

Shiva: Valleeswarar

Amman: Amman

The temple is small and maintained well.

The Mahavishnu of the Perumal temple is kept inside this temple.


2. VALARPURAM BHEEMAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Mevalurkuppam

Shiva: Bheemaeswarar

Amman: Balambigai

This temple was worshipped by Bheema of the Pancha Pandavas during their Vana Vasa.


3. VALARPURAM AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Mevalurkuppam

Shiva: Agastheeswarar

Amman: No Amman

Worshipped by Agasthya on his visit to the Southern region.

This temple is located on the right side of the main road - Mevalurkuppam to Perambakkam road.


4. MANNUR UMA MAHAESWARAR (AGASTHEESWARAR) TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Valarpuram

Shiva: Uma Maheswarar

Amman: Parvathi

The name of the Shiva was earlier known as Agastheeswarar.

Worshipped by Agasthya.

About 15 years back people of the village found a Shiva linga submerged under the ground and the Baana popping out. They deicded to build a temple for the Shiva and initially when the Linga was brought out from the ground they named as Mahadevar. Since they did not know the original name as Agastheeswarar when the temple was constructed completely they named the Shiva as Uma Maheswarar.

Now the temple has been built with all the Pancha Koshta deities and all other Sannidhis in a normal Shiva temple.


5. NEMILI KAPALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Mannur

Shiva: Kapaleeswarar

Amman: Karpagambal

About 15 years back a Shiva temple was dilapidated and the villagers placed all the deities under a thatched roof. After certain years a small temple was built.

All Parahara and Parivara deities are present here.


6. NEMILI SUNDHARAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Mannur

Shiva: Sundhareswarar

This Linga is found outside the Kapaleeswarar temple

This temple should have been dilapidated very long ago as this Linga was found in the corner of the village. When the Kapaleeswarar deities were placed under a thatcher roof this Linga was also brought under the same roof. The name of the Shiva is unknown to the villagers.


7. THODUKADU BHEEMAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 4kms from Shriperumbhudhur and 10kms from Mannur

Shiva: Bheemaeswarar

Amman: Nagaimugavalli.

When the 5 Pandavas were on their exile along with their mother Kunthi they stayed in a forest like area near Bhutapuri. Bhutapuri was the ancient name for Shriperumbhudhur. The place where they stayed was Thodukadu which was earlier known as Thodarkaadu meaning continuous forest like area. All the 5 Pandavas and Kunthi installed Lingas for their worship. The place where they created a pond for bathing is called Aayakolathur (village close to Thodukadu). Thodukadu Bheemeswarar was worshipped by Bheema. The Lingas worshipped by the others are found:

• Dharmeswarar - Ayakolathur - Dharma
• Arjuneswarar (now called Kanaga Kaleeswarar) - Thodukadu - Arjuna
• Nakuleswarar - Ayakolathur - Nakula
• Shadhevaeswarar - Ayakolathur - Sahadeva
• Kudheeswarar (now called Kalaradhareeswarar) - Kizhoy - Kunthi

8. THODUKADU ALANKARAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 4kms from Shriperumbhudhur and 10kms from Mannur

Shiva: Alankaraeswarar

The Linga is found outside the Bheemeswarar temple infront of the Vinayaka Sannidhi.

The Baana of the Linga is 7ft Tall.


9. THODUKADU KANAGA KALEESWARAR (KANAGAESWARAR) TEMPLE

Distance: 4kms from Shriperumbhudhur and 10kms from Mannur

Shiva: Kanaga Kaleeswarar

Amman: Kanagambigai

The name of the Shiva was earlier known as Kanageswarar or Arjuneswarar.

Worshipped by Arjuna of the Pancha Pandavas.

Only the Linga was found on a Open Land and now a temple has been cosnstructed beatifully.

It is referred to as Thirugnanasamandhar Thabovanam and we can find an idol of Thirugnanasamandhar her.


10. AYAKOLATHUR DHARMESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Shriperumbhudhur and 2kms from Thodukadu

Shiva: Dharmeswarar

Worshipped by Dharma of the Pancha Pandavas.

The temple is small.

Found near the pond.


11. AYAKOLATHUR NAKULESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Shriperumbhudhur and 2kms from Thodukadu

Shiva: Nakuleswarar

Worshipped by Nakula of the Pancha Pandavas.

Only the Linga is found near the pond opposite to the Dharmeswarar temple under a tree.

12. AYAKOLATHUR SAHADEVAESWARAR TEMPLE


Distance: 2kms from Shriperumbhudhur and 2kms from Thodukadu

Shiva: Sahadeveswarar

Worshipped by Sahadeva of the Pancha Pandavas.

Only the Linga is found near the pond near the Nakuleswarar under a tree.

13. KIZHOY KALARADHIREESWARAR (KUNDHEESWARAR) TEMPLE


Distance: 4kms from Shriperumbhudhur and 4kms from Thodukadu

Shiva: Kalaradhareeswarar

Worshipped by Kundhi, Mother of the Pancha Pandavas.

The older name of Shiva was Kundheeswarar and now known as Kalaradhareeswarar.

The Linga was found under a tree in this village and since the history is not known by the villagers the villagers have installed the Linga near a Vinayaka temple about half km from its original place. We can find only a mobile phone tower in the place where the Linga was originally found.

14. ULUNDHAI MANIKANDESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 10kms from Sriperumbhudhur

Shiva: Manikandeswarar

Amman: Madha Mangalambigai

The older name of Shiva was Kailasanadhar.

The older name of the Village was Ulundhur.

About 20 years back this Shiva was found inside a dilapidated temple. Later a temple was built for the Linga with all Parivara deities, Krishna, Vaishnavi and Hanuman.

The temple is small and maintained well.


15. MUDHUGUR SUNDHARESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 13kms from Sriperumbhudhur and 13kms from Sunguvar Chathiram.

Shiva: Sundharaeswarar

Amman: Meenakshi

This temple was unknown as a Linga was not visible until a few years back. When the Linga was found a temple has been built.


16. MUDHGUR MUKTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 13kms from Sriperumbhudhur and 13kms from Sunguvar Chathiram.

Shiva: Muktheeswarar

Amman: No Amman

The older name of Shiva was Sokkanadhar.

Only Shiva, Vinayaka and Muruga were found and placed under a small roof.

Later a special Durga Sannidhi was constructed.

The temple is very small.


17. KOTTAIYUR PAADHALA KALEESWARAR (KOTTEESWARAR) TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Mudhugur and 11kms from Sunguvarchathiram.

Shiva: Paadhala Kaleeswarar

Amman: Sowbakya Kaamakshi

The older name of Shiva was Kotteeswarar.

The temple is maintained well.

Other than Shiva all the deities are new.

All the Parivara and Prahara deities are found here.

The name of the village was derived from Shiva's which was earlier known as Koattaiyur now called as Kottaiyur.

18. POOVANUR PUSHPA VANA NADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 11kms from Sunguvarchathiram and 3kms from Kottaiyur.

Shiva: Pushpa Vana Nadhar

Amman: Pushpambigai

The Linga, Amman and Nandhi were found in a farm and now a small thatched roof has been built for the deities.

19. ELAMBAKKAM MIRUTHYUNJAYAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 10kms from Sunguvarchathiram and 1km from Poovanur.

Shiva: Miruthyunjayaeswarar

Amman: Baalambigai

The temple is small.

All the Prahara deities are found in this temple.

20. KOMANTHANGAL VISWANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 9kms from Sunguvarchathiram and 3kms from Elambakkam

Shiva: Viswanadhar

Amman: No Amman

This temple is found near a pond in this village.

The older the name of the place was Kamanthangal which means a place where Manmadhan resided.

This Linga was worshipped by Manmadhan.

21. KANNANTHANGAL MARAGADHA LINGESWARAR (KAMESWARAR) TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Komanthangal and 11kms from Sunguvarchathiram.

Shiva: Maragadhalingaeswarar

Amman: No Amman

This Shiva was earlier known as Kameswarar.

Only the Linga and Nandhi are found.

The Linga was found among the fields and the owner of the fields have now built a small temple for the Linga.

This Linga was worshipped by Manmadhan.

22. MARIMANGALAM (MAHADHEVIMANGALAM) MAHADEVAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Kannanthangal.

Shiva: Mahadevar

Amman: No Amman

The name of the place is Mahadevimangalam and in short people call it as Marimangalam. In ancient days the place was known as Mahadevar Mangalam.

Only the :Linga and Nandhi are found.

23. GUNAKARAMBAKKAM GUNAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Mahadevimangalam

Shiva: Gunapureeswarar

Amman: Sarva Mangala Thiripurasundhari

The deities which were found were Shiva, Amman, Vishnu, Vinayaka and Lakshmi. All these deities were found half submerged in the soil. Now the villagers have taken steps to build a temple and they have installed a new Nandhi in front of Lord Shiva.

The Vinayaka and Lakshmi deities have been damaged.

The Vishnu is 4ft tall.

189. VILLIYAMBAKKAM

THOKKEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 17kms from Chengulpet

Shiva: Thokkeeswarar

Amman: Swarnambigai

Speciality:

The Shiva Linga faces east.

There is a temple pond nearby.

This temple was said to have built before 1000 years but later due to invasions and calamities the temple was devastated and only the Linga and Nandhi was left over. Years went by but no one took notice of the temple. The place was full of trees and twines. About 20 years back people took steps to remove the Linga and Nandhi here and placed them in a small room. The name was discovered to be Thokkeeswarar.

A contractor named Manavalan took steps 5 years ago to build a temple for the Lord as some instinct made him do this.  Now a temple has been built and is in a very good shape. As we enter the temple we first see the Vijaya Ganapathy Sannidhi. In the Koshta of this Ganapathy we find Saraswathi with in a standing posture carrying a Veena. The Pancha Koshta Sannidhis, Valli Devanai Subramanya, Suryan, Chandran and Navagrahas are found in this temple. 

There is only 1 inscription in this temple of 1440AD. The inscription states that the Senadhipathi of Krishnadevaraya has referred Thokkeeswarar as Thirukoteeswara Mudaiyar. He donated this Village to the temple. Later Shiva was named Sokkanadhar, then Thokkanadhar and now Thokkeeswarar. The Mulavar is made of a stone of a very rare type.

188. DHARASURAM

AIRAVADHAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Airavadhaeswarar

Amman: Deivanayaki

Speciality:

This temple was built by Rajaraja Chola II. In his days the place was called as Rajarajaeswaram. 

The famous poet Ottakoothar who was the court poet of the King Rajaraja II has referred about this temple in his poem Thakka Yaaga Bharani.

There is an idol which denotes Brahma, Vshnu, Shiva and Parashakthi together. This Shilpa has 3 heads and a womenly structure on the left part of the idol. 

The Nandhi and Palipeetam of the temple have been carved in the Chola Style.

There is a Rajagambeera Mahamandapam in the temple. The pillars walls and the roofs are full of sculptures. We can find Vinayaka in many dancing posture here. There are deities like Adhikara Nandhi, Annapoorani in this Mandapam. 

When we go inside to worship the main shrine Lord Shiva we can find Karthigeyan and Bhogashakthi Amman just outside the main shrine.

The temple has been constructed in the form of a Chariot. The Chariot wheels and the horses are also made of stone. 

There is a special Sarabaeswarar Sannidhi in this temple. Similar to this Sarabaeswarar there are 2 Sarabha Murthys in the temples of Thiribhuvanam and Thukkachi also.

Some of the Idols have been taken and placed in Thanjavur Museum. 

Deivanayaki Amman Sannidhi is found to the North of the temple. 

Ultimately the temple is full of Rare sculptures.

History:

Sage Dhurvasa cursed Airavadham the white elephant of Indhiran. It lost its white colour. This Airavadham came to this temple worshipped Lord Shiva and regained its original colour. We can see the idol of Indhiran sitting on the Airavadham in the temple. 

An Asura named Dharasura performed penance towards Lord Shiva and obtained many boons. He grew proud and insulted the Devas. He utilised the boons in an evil way. Finally Lord Shiva killed the Asura in this place and therefore this place came to be known as Dharasuram. 

Once Yaman was attacked by Leprosy due to the curse of Sages. He worshipped Shiva in many places. Finally he came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva. He bathed in the temple pond and when he came out of the pond he was relieved from Leprosy. So the temple pond of this temple is considered very holy as the Dharasura Vadham and the Yama Saaba Vimochanam took place here. This pond is near the temple. 

In ancient days the temple had 7 Praharas. Due to invasions the temple has lost some praharas and now there is only 1 Prahara. 

187. KONDAPURAM

PANCHALINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Panchalingaeswarar (5 lingas)

Amman: Kamakshi, Kamakshi

Speciality:

The temple faces north.

Appu Linga - This is the first Linga which holds the Amsam of Vaamadheva. Near this Sannidhi are the Sannidhis of Natarajar and Kamakshi. This is a special Sannidhi for the Rasis Meenam, Kadagam and Viruchigam.

Vaayu Linga - This is the second Linga which holds the Amsam of Thathpurusham. This is a special sannidhi for Rasis such as Midhunam, Thulam and Kumbam.

Agni Linga - This is the third Linga which holds the Amsam of Agoram. This is a special Sannidhi for Rasis such as Mesham, Simham and Dhanusu.

Prithvi Linga - This is the fourth Linga which holds the Amsam of Sathyojadham. This is a special Sannidhi for Rasis such as Virushabham, Kanni and Magaram.

Aahaya Linga - This is the fifth and the Pradhana Moolavar of the temple. It holds the Amsam of Eesanam. People of All Rasis worship this Linga and get blessings from the Lord. 

These 5 Lingas were worshipped by the Pancha bhoothas.

Nakshatra Dheepa worship is very special in this temple.

The special feature of this temple is that only in this temple there Lingas for 12 Rasis as 3 Rasis per Linga. 

There are 2 Dhakshinamurthies and therefore this temple is also a Guru Sthalam.

There are 2 Ammans both are Named as Kaamakshi.

The temple was damaged to a great extent in the past. The Kanchi Mahaperiyavar visited here and told the villagers about the speciality of the temple and took steps for renovation of the temple. Now the temple has been built and maintained well. 

History:

Once Amman found that Dharma has decreased in the world and the world was full of unwanted thoughts and actions leading to Adharma. People suffered intensely. So, in order to go to Bhoologa, She started her mischief. She closed the eyes of Lord Shiva. The whole universe became dark. She , too, turned dark in colour. Lord Shiva sent her to the earth and perform penance in order regain her colour and get rid of her worries. 

Amman was born as a baby in Bhadhrigasramam. She was brought up by Sage kathyayana. She was named Kathyayani. When she grew up the Sage gave her certain things. He told her to go to Kaasi and then go to the south. He told her that when she reaches a certain place the things which he gave would show some changes there Shiva would bless her. She started her travel and reached kaasi. At Kaasi she blessed everyone in the form of Annapoorani. Later She came to the south. When she reached Mangaadu She performed penance on a Needle amidst Panchagni. She reached Kanchipuram and there she found the things she had brought change. The Tiger Skin transformed into a Soma Vrutham, pot into Pot dheepam, Rudhraksha into Vilvamaala, Umbrella into Nagaabaranam, Yogathandam into Trisoolam and Sand into Shiva Linga. Amman performed pooja here and obtained Shiva Dharshan but the reason for her earth's visit and sufferings had not come to an end. Lord Shiva told her to go to Thagadoor, now called Dharmapuri where Rama was waiting to worship them after Killing Ravana. On her way she found this place holy. She stayed here for some time. She felt that the reason for people sufferings and problems were due to the Pancha Bhoothas who were each acting in their own way. In order to control them She installed 5 Lingas with the blessings of Lord Shiva. She worshipped and requested lord Shiva to bless and control the 5 elements so that they would shower only good effects on the world. The Lord agreed and graces here as Panchalingaeswarar. 

186. VADAILUPPAI

MARUNDHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 16kms from Kanchipuram towards Arcot

Shiva: Marundheeswarar

Amman: Kaamakshi

Speciality:

Vadailuppai is also called as Madhooga Kshetram.

Saints such as Arunagirinadhar, Thapovanam Gnananandha Swamigal and Poondi Mahan has worshipped this temple.

The Pancha Koshta deities and all deities pertaining to Shiva temple are found here.

The Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar Sannidhi is newly added.

When this temple was highly damaged Kanchi Paramacharyar took steps for the renovation of the temple. Now the temple is maintained well.

There is a Kumaraswami Dheekshidar Brindavanam near the temple. Kumaraswami Dheekshidar was highly respected by Kanchi Paramacharya.

People come and worship here and get relieved from many diseases.

185. PULLAMBAADI

CHIDAMBARAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Chidambaraeswarar

Amman: Sivakami

Sthala Viruksham: Vanni, Vilva

Speciality:

This temple was built by Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1080AD. 

According to the inscriptions this place was referred as Kaanakiliyur Naattu Pullanpaadi and the temple name as Madhurantakaeaswaram. Madurantakan was the title given to King Rajendhra Chola I. His Grand Son Kulothunga Chola I built this temple in exquisite Chola style.

The Rajagopuram of this temple is 5 tired facing east. In the northern and southern directions there are 3 tired Gopurams also. 

Inside the Rajagopuram we find the Nandhi and the Flag staff.

In the Mahamandapam we find the Utsavars in Large Numbers on the left side.

In the Vidhanam of the Mahamandapam there are carvings of the 12 Raasi and Shree Chakram such that people could stand under this and worship Chidambaraeswarar and Sivakami and the Rasi and Shree Chakram by standing in the same place. 

Apart from the PanchaKoshta deities there are Sannidhis for Surya, Chandra, Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, Jyeshta devi, Naalvar, Meiporulnayanar, Vinayaka, Valli Deivanai Subramaniyar, Gajalakshmi and Navagrahas.

The Guradian deity of the village is Kuluthal Amman. This sannidhi is inside this temple.

All the rituals regarding to both the temple are performed here.

The temple is big and maintained well.

184. ECHOOR

VISWANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 

Shiva: Viswanadhar

Speciality:

Devotees used to go to Kasi in early days. A devotee who had visited Kaasi built this temple in his village for people who could not go to Kasi so that they could get the benefits here by worshipping Kasi Viswanadhar. This temple was built before 1500 years. A few years back a boy of this village had a dream that something was  present in a bush. His parents ignored his dream. This incident appeared repeatedly in his dream and he insisted his parents to find the truth. They along with the villagers took steps to clear the bush and found something popping out. They dug the place and found a Shiva Linga there. They constructed a small tent and started worshipping Shiva named Kasi Viswanadhar here. Now a temple has been built with the Koshta deities and poojas are performed here. 

183. SIVAPURAM

RAJARAJAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 5kms from Perambakkam and 25kms from Thiruvallur

Shiva: Rajarajaeswarar

Speciality:

The construction was started by Rajaraja Chola I.

The temple construction was completed by the Son of Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendhra Chola I.

This place was named as Shri Rajarajaeswaram and now called as Sivapuram.

The water of the River Coovam was distributed to the villages near by by building a dam and Sivapuram was one of the villages benefited by this. The Village Coovam earlier called Madhurantaka Nallur and Shriperumbhudhur earlier called Parantaka Cheri were also benefited as canals were dug and the water was distributed through these canals. This detail is obtained from the inscriptions found in the Rajarajaeswarar temple.

From inscriptions we come to know that gift of Land was given to this temple during the period of Rajaraja Chola I for feeding Shiva devotees.

The gold and wealth which were donated to this temple were used for the benefit of the people of the village.

All types of people who served the Kingdom and the people were benefitted by the enormous donations given to the temple.

This temple is built of stone.

The walls of the temple are full of inscriptions.

The Pancha Koshta deities are found in the temple.

The Eka Thala Vimanam of the temple contains Boodha Ganasa and Elephants.

The deities have been carved exquisitely.

There are Garpagriha, Asthiranam, Arthamandapam and Mukamandapam in this temple.

The Dwarapalakas of the temple depict the wonderful sculptural art of the Cholas.

182. MADAVILAGAM

THIRUKAMAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Thirukamaeswarar

Amman: Kokilambaal

Speciality:

The name of the Vinayaka of this temple is Surya Vinayaka.

Lord Shiva has provided Dharshan to Sage Vyakrapadhar. His statue is found in this temple.

This is one of the temples where Sage Vyakrapadhar has worshipped Shiva using Vilva leaves.

This temple is more than 1000 years old.

No rituals were celebrated here for a number of years as the kalasam was stolen but later it had been found in a lake near the village. Even now functions are not celebrated. Only daily poojas are being conducted in a very simple manner.

Shri Devi Bhudevi Kariyamanikka Perumal Sannidhi is found in the temple and this temple is thereby a Shiva Vishnu temple.

181. TRICHY

NAGANADHAR TEMPLE

Shiva: Naganadhar

Amman: Aanandhavalli

Theertham: Sivagangai Theertham

Speciality:

This temple is located near the Chathiram Bus Stand of Trichy

There is a big Nandhi temple beside this temple.

Shiva faces east and Amman faces south.

This temple relieves the devotees from Nagadhoshas.

Amman holds Maala and Padhmam in her upper hands and shows Abhaya Varadha Mudhra in her lower hands.

Dhakshinamurthy is under the stone banyan tree. Rahu and Kedhu in the form of snakes are seen near the feet of Dhakshinamurthy.

The Utsavar Amman Mattuvarkuzhali of the big temple is brought here on the 6th day of the Chithirai Thiruvizha.

It is believed that she performs penance here. 

The Chariot celebrations are done in Masi Maham. 

The Thayumanavar of the big temple is brought here on Vijaya Dhasami day and it is believed that he drops a golden arrow here and returns back. All the Koshta deities are present in the temple.