128. OTHIVAKKAM

OTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 11kms from Guduvanjery

Shiva: Otheeswarar, Vaidhyanadhar

Amman: Thaiyalnayaki

Sthala Viruksham: Peepul tree, Banyan tree and Palm tree united together.

Speciality:

According to the record the name of Shiva has been mentioned as Virupaksheeeswarar. 

The inscriptions have recorded that this temple is more than 1700 years old. 

The Mulavar Otheeswarar faces east amd Amman Thaiyalnayaki faces south.

The special Sannidhis in this temple are Stone Natarajar and Sivakami and Veerabadharar.

The Pancha Koshtas of Shiva, Chandikeswarar, Vinayaka and Muruga are the other Sannidhis.

It is believed that sidhdhars worship this temple daily in the form of white serpents.

The rays of the sun fall on Shiva daily.

This temple was worshipped by Indhiran and Rahu.

During Paal Abhishekam the Mulavar Shiva turns blue.

This is a Rahu Kedhu Dhosha Parihara Sthala.

This temple is situated in a quiet and calm place.

There are 2 other Shiva temples in this area. 

One Linga is in a Garden (separate property). 

The other is beside a Vinayaka temple close to Otheeswarar temple. 

This Linga was taken from shrubs and placed under a roof.

127. KANNIVAKKAM

CHANDRAMOULEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 8 kms Guduvanjery

Shiva: Chandramouleeswarar

Amman: Sowndharyanayaki

The place where the temple is situated were mere lands with thorny plants. Later a few years back this place was selected for construction of apartments. The Linga was found submerged in the sand when the place was cleaned up. Initially the linga waas placed under a thatched roof. Later a small temple has been built and named as Chandramouleeswarar and Amman Sowndharyanayaki. 

The History of this temple is unknown. 

Now there are Sannidhis for Dwara Ganapathy, Muruga with Consorts, 3 Koshta Murthies in Shiva Koshtas, 3 Devis in Amman Koshtas.

126. ARUNGAL

AMIRTHALINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 6 kms from Guduvanjery

Shiva: Amirthalingaeswarar

Amman: Amirthavalli not found

Speciality:

The Linga of this temple dates before 9th Century.

This temple should have been a big temple in those days.

There is a temple pond in front of this temple.

Only the Linga and a Baanam was identified in a bush. The earlier temple must have been destroyed completely as the there are no remains left behind.

The Aavudaiyar of the Linga is square in shape.

The Baanam is placed beside the Linga.

There is an old Vinayaka temple near the pond. 

The Navagrahas has been built as later addition.

Amirthalingaeswarar and the Baanam are placed under a roof.

It is always open and can be seen at any time.

125. PERUMATTUNALLUR

AADHI MAHALINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 7kms from Guduvanjery

Shiva: Aadhi Mahalingaeswarar

Amman: Mahaeswari

Sthala Viruksham: Neem

Speciality:

This Linga was found in a bush. The people around placed the Linga around a roof. Now a small temple has been built for the Linga. 

According to the records the name of the Linga has been identified as Perumattrueaswarar but now renamed as Aadhi Mahalingaeswarar and the name of the Amman is specified as Maheswari.

There are Sannidhis for Vinayaka and 2 Nandhis are found here. One Nandhi is Shiva Nandhi and the other should have been the Nandhi of Amman. Since the Amman is not found this Nandhi is placed behind the Shiva nandhi in the temple.

There is a pond beside the temple.

The Sthala Viruksha is different in this temple. 2 neem trees have arosen from one big root. These 2 trees have different type of leaves. So they are considered as one male tree and one female tree.

124. KUMIZHI

VEDHAGIREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 10kms from Guduvanchery

Shiva: Vedhagireeswarar

Amman: Thiripurasundhari

There was a temple for Vedhagireeswarar in the ancient days amidst mountains. Later the temple was damaged completely and a new temple has been built for Lord Shiva. 

It is a little interior to a place called Kumizhi. It is surrounded by small hills on 3 sides. 

Vedhagireeswarar faces east and Amman Thiripursundhari faces south. 

Now Sannidhis for Naalvars, Vinayaka, Murugar, Suriyan, Hanuman, Bhairavar and Many other Sannidhis have been newly built in the temple. 

The Powrnami Pooja celebration is very special.

People go on Girivalam around the temple on full moon days.

There is a pond which is special one. The mountain around is full of medicinal plants. In the rainy season the water from the mountains flow downwards to the pond. Since the water flows over the medicinal plants and reaches the pond this water has high medicinal value. Very rare plant species are found here. If people who visit this temple stay here for a few hours they inhale medicinal air which purifies the body.

123. UNAMANJERY

VIRUTHAGIREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 6kms from Vandalur

Shiva: VIruthagireeswarar

Amman: Viruthambigai

Sthala Viruksham: Vilva tree

Theertham: present in earlier days now not found.

Speciality:

Built by Pallavas.

The Pallavas built the temple with 3 Praharas.

The temple was very big and the temple festivals were celebrated in a grand manner.

Due to invasions the temple had been destructed. The main shrine is the same and now this temple is very small.

This is a stone temple.

In early days only few inhabitants were there in the village.

There was a temple tank near the temple but now the population is high and no tank or water body is found nearby.

People who worship here are relieved from diseases.

The Pancha Koshta Murthies are found here.

Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas and Bhairavar are also found here.

In the tamil month of Thai the sun's rays fall on Viruthagireeswarar in the mornings.

122. SOMANGALAM

SOMANADHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Somanadheeswarar

Amman: Kaamakshi

Sthala Viruksham: Sarakondrai

Theertham: Sandeswaara Theertham and Soma Theertham

Speciality:

Somangalam belonged to Maganur Nadu which was a sub division of Senkattukottam.

Built during the Period of Kulothunga Chola in 1073AD.

This is a parihara sthala for Chandhra Dhosha.

The name of the place is named after Shiva.

There is a Shiva linga below the Sthala Viruksham called Virukshalingam.

Murugar is in Dharmasastha form with Guindy and Aksharamala.

Chandran has worshipped this lord Shiva and therefore Shiva is named as Somanadheeswarar  (Soman meanng Chandhran).

This is a Vaipusthalam.

Appar has referred about this Sthalam in his hymns.

Some broken idols are seen.

This is a Chandhran Sthalam among the Chennai Navagraha Sthalas.

Shiva faces west.

In earlier days Brahmins lived here in Large numbers. The Chola Kings gave the power of  maintaining the temple to the Brahmins. Therefore this place had obtained the name Chadhurvedhimangalam.

The Natarajar of this temple is Chadhura Thandava Murthy.

The Sthala Viruksham Sarakondrai is found in the northern side of the Sanktum.

There is a Linga named Viruksha Linga under the tree.

The image of the tree is carved on stone above the Linga.

The Pancha Koshta Murthies are very beautiful in this temple.

Vinayaka, Valli Devasena Subramaniya, Chandikeswarar, Nagar sannidhs are found in the temple.

The Nandhi of this temple does not face Lord Shiva. The Nandhi faces the opposite direction with its back facing Somanadheeswarar. There is a special Sannidhi for Chandran here.

The Chola King built 108 Shiva temples with Gajapriishta Vimana. This temple is one among those.

The Sandeswara theertham waas creaated by Chandikeswarar and Soma theertham was created by moon.

There are 5 inscriptions.

In the walls of the temple there are many sculptures and inscriptions. The Vimana carvings of Dhakshinamurthy and Mahishasuramarthini are in Chola style.

The inscriptions during the period of Rajadhiraja Chola II in 1174 AD was about the gift of cows. The name of Shiva mentioned in the inscriptions is Someswara Mudaiyar.  Another inscription is during the period of Kulothunga Chola III in 1192AD. This mentions about the repair of the temple tanks by Kaman Kandhavanavan for 2 years. The third inscription was also during the period of Cholas.

History:

Chandran was attacked by a serious disease due to the curse of Dhakshan. He lost alll his powers and forgot 16 art forms. He went to many temples to get relieved from the disease. He came to this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva here. He created Soma Theertham (by his name) which is now called Vinai Theertha Kulam and bathed in the pond and worshipped Shiva and got relieved from the disease completely. This pond is a little away from the temple.

A Chola King wished to build 108 Shiva temples. He was building this temple. An enemy king approached the Chola King for war without previous information. At that the renovation of the temple was going on and the soldiers were engaged in this work. He was not prepared for the war and he did not wish to stop his temple work. So, the King explained the situation to the Lord. The Lord ordered Nandhikeswarar to chase the enemy king and his army and no damage should be caused to the temple and the place by that king. Therefore the Nandhi turned east to the opposite direction and chased the King and his army by blowing his forceful breath as directed by Lord Shiva. Shiva ordered the Nandhi to face east always to avoid any further attacks by enemies. So, people who fear enemies pray to this Nandhi. This temple is one of the 9 temples in Thondaimandalam where Nandhi does not face Lord Shiva.

A Sage named Somanadhar attained Jeeva Samadhi at the Nandhi's feet of this temple. He guarded Chandran from external disturbances when Chandran was performing penance.

There is a small Vinayaka temple opposite to the temple. This Vinayaka helped Nandhi in chasing away the enemy king.

121. DINDIVANAM

THINTHRINEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 120kms from Chennai

Shiva: Thinthrineeswarar

Amman: 

Sthala Viruksham: Taarind tree

Speciality:

Old name of Dindivanam was Kidangil which was named after the local chief Kidangil Koman whose glory was sung by the Sanga Pulavars of Tamilnadu.

Dindivanam was also called as Thandagavanam, Dindeeswaram and Thinthrinivanam in ancient days. In the inscriptions the name of the place is mentioned as Thiruthindeeswaram.

The Rajagopuram of this temple is 7 tiered.

There are 2 Praharas in this temple.

The Vimanam of he temple was designed by Sage Vyasa.

This is a Vaipustalam sung by Appar in his hymns.

There is a big lake even now called as the Kidangil Eri.

Thinthrineeswarar is a Suyambhu Linga facing east.

Thinthrineeswarar was initially installed by Dindi under a Tamarind tree.

All the Parivara and Prahara deities are present in this temple.

The temple is maintained well.

Two Asuras brothers named Dindi and Mundi worshipped Lord Shiva. The became the Dwarapalakas of Lord Shiva after they attained Mukthi. Thinthrineeswarar was worshipped by Dindi and the place Dindivanam is named after him.

This temple was also worshipped by Sage Killi and Killali.

The places where Mundi worshipped Lord Shiva are Mundiyambakkam and Thirumundeeswaram (now called Gramam). These 2 places are named after Mundi.

Inscription:

The oldest inscription on the walls of the temple was engraved during the period of Rajakesari Varman Sundhara Cholan Parantakan II. It records the gift of Lamps by many people in his country. Another inscription during the period of Rajaraja Chola I mentions about the gift of Land to 2 musicians - One a Veena Player and other a Vocalist who perform their music consort before Lord Shiva of this temple.During the days of Rajaraja Chola I the temple had the Central Shrine and the Artha Mandapam. The Parivara Deities Ganesha, Dhakshinamurthy facing south, Vishnu facing west and Brahma and Durga facing north were the only deities of the period of the 10th Century. All the other deities are later additions. The inscriptions engraved on the south wall of the Mandapam in front of the Main Shrine is of the period of Rajendhra Chola I. It records the gift of 12 cows to the Thinthrineeswarar temple of Kidangil in Oymanadu. Now Kidangil is a suburb of Dindivanam. Having recieved the 12 cows the members of the Assembly who were in charge had to supply the requirements of the temple as long as the Sun and Moon lasts. This was the order of Rajendhra Chola I.

120. KARANDHAI

VASISHTAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Thanjavur

Shiva: Vasishtaeswarar, Karunaswamy

Amman: Periyanayaki, Thiripurasundhari

Sthala Viruksham: Vanni tree

Theertham: Vasishta Theertham

Speciality:

There is a big water tank to the east of the temple. The water to this tank flows from Vadavaru. The passage of the flow of the water can be seen distinctly.

This is a stone temple.

This temple is said to have constructed before the Chola Period.

The main Shrine and the Vimana must have been constructed by the Mutharaiyars.

The figures in the niches are Sammandar, Bhiksadanar, Rishipathinis, Nataraja, Gangalamurthy, Dhakshnamurthy, Lingothbava with Brahma and Vishnu, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma, Durga, Ganesha, Kalyana Sundharar, Venadhara Dhakshinamurthy, Kalasamhara Murthy, Agasthyar, Appar.

During the days of Parantaka Chola I the original 5 Koshta deities were only found. The other deities which have been referred here have been inserted and the niches improved made by the cuttings into the old outer inscribed walls of the Garpagriha and the Arthamandapam. This should have been taken place during the Uthama Chola Period when these additional sculptures of are Sembiyan Madhevi style.

There are also Sannidhis for Veerabhadrar, Vasishtar and Arundhadhi,

The other Sannidhis such as Vinayaka, Murugan, Gajalakshmi are also found here.

In the outer Prahara there are Elai Pillayar sannidhis in the 4 corners.

There is a Dhandapani Sannidhi opposite to the west entrance.

This is a Devara Vaipusthalam referred by Thirugnanasammandhar in his poems.

This place was known as Karunthittai Kudi (Karu Vasishta Kudi) as this temple was worshipped by Vasishtar. 

Inscriptions mark this temple as early to the 7th Century.

There are 3 inscriptions assigned to Uthama Chola. One of them is the gift of Lamps made by Madhurantakan Kadarathithan, his son, who was a officer engaged in the temple affairs. He managed the temple even in the early reign of Rajaraja Chola I. Another inscription is about the installation of Dwarapalas on the eastern wall near the entrance to the Arthamandapam of the Central Shrine by Vellati Arunili Malay Piratti of Palampattinam in Pattinadu. 

In the inscriptions the name of Shiva has been mentioned as Karuvitta Kudi Mahadevar.

Garpagraha is in a square shape. There is a central Koshta on each of the 3 sides of the wall of the Grapagriha with projecting Panjara. 

The Sigaram is circular.

Some of the sculpture in the niches are later insertions.

King Karikal Chola was affected by Leprosy. He went to many temples and finally he was suggested to come to Karandhai. He bathed in the Vasishta Theertham which is opposite to the temple. He worshipped the Lord. He repeated this process for many days. One day Lord appeared in his dream and blessed him. The next morning the disease from his body. Since he was cured by the grace of the Lord he called the Lord as Karunaiswamy which is now called karunasamy. He built a stone temple for the deity and the inscriptions are present near the main shrine.

119. THANJAVUR

KASI VISWANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: Situated in the southern banks of Vennaru in the Thiruvaiyaru road near the Government water tank.

Shiva: Kasi Viswanadhar

Amman: Kasi Visalakshi

Speciality:

The temple face west

The Kasi Viswanadhar faces west.

The Vimanam is very simple.

The Amman Kasi Visalakshi faces North.

This is a private temple.

History:

During the Marati Rule in the 18th Century a person called Vekatrayar livd in Thanjavur. He went to Kasi and had the Dharshan of Viswanadhar. When he came back he built a temple in his own land for Viswanadhar and worshipped him. This temple is maintained by his family. 

118. THANJAVUR

SOKKANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: Situated on the banks of Vennaru in a place called Raachathiram.

Shiva: Sokkanadhar

Amman: Meenakshi

Speciality:

This Shiva Linga faces east.

There is a small tank near the temple with the southern banks of Vennaru which serves as the tank of the temple.

The temple looks like a Kootu Mandapam with a small Vimanam.

This temple was built by the Nayakkars.

117. THANJAVUR

KALAHASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: situated at the banks of Vennaru near the Thanjavur Government water tank.

Shiva: Kalahastheeswarar

Amman: No Amman

Speciality:

The Shiva Linga faces east. 

The Vimanam is made of bricks.

This temple is damaged.

Half of the building is submerged in the mud.

We find the Nandhi in front of Shiva on the open ground.

116. MANIMANGALAM SHIVA TEMPLES

Distance: 10kms from Tambaram

Shiva temples: Dharmeswarar , Kailasanadhar

About the place: 

Manimangalam was names as Rathnagrahara in sanskrit. During the reign of Raja Kesarivarman this place was called Logamahadevi Chadhurvedhimangalam. During the reign of Rajadhiraja Chola, Rajendhra Chola I and Veera Rajendhra Chola I this place was called Raja Choolamani Chandhurvedhimangalam. In thee reign of some other kings Manimangalam was called Pandiyanai Irumadivenkanda Chola Chandurvedhimangalam. The village was included in Jayamkonda Chola Mandalam. Down to the time of Veera Rajendhra CHola I it was belonged to Maganur Naadu which was a subdivision of Senkattukottam. Later the Chola inscriptions assign it to Kundrathur Nadu which was renamed as Kulothunga Chola Valanadu after Kulothunga Chola I.

The battle between Narasimha Varma Pallava and the Chalukya King Pulikesi II occurred here in the 7th Century. From the inscriptions we come to know that the name of the village was Grama Sigamani Chadurvethimangalam of Kundrathur region of Puliyur Kottam of Jayam Konda Chola Mandalam. The Lands and the temples were donated by Kings to the scholars and Vedic Gurus for performing Vedic rituals for the wellness of their empire and people. Such villages were called Chadurvedhimangalam. Chadurvedhi means Scholar.

There are many Vinayaka temples in this village. All the Vinayaka of this village are with elephant Vahana. The usual mouse Vahana is not present in this village.

DHARMESWARAR TEMPLE:

The Dharmeswarar temple is a stone temple built with wonderful Architecture. The Mulavar Dharmeswarar faces east. The name of the Ambaal is Vedhambigai. The name of Shiva during the middle Chola period was Dhameeswaramudaiya Nayanar. The Ambaal Shrine is beside the Nandhi Mandapam. The Nandhi in the Nandhi Mandapam is made of stone. It releases the sound of bronze when one strikes on it. Many bronze stautes are found here. Many inscriptions are found on the walls. There is an inscription of King Rajaraja Chola III about the gift of oil for burning lamps. There was a wonderful Nataraja Statue. Some thieves stone the Panjaloga Statue of Nataraja. When the tried to run away from the Village with the statue the villagers chased them. They threw the statue into a pond and fled away. When the villagers tried to take out the statue from the pond some parts of the statue got damaged.

The temple is built in the Gaja Prashta Style. Many idols are found in the corner of the temple. All the Koshta deities are present. There is another Shiva Linga near the wall of the temple. The holy pond is called Shiva Pushkarani. The Sthala Viruksham is a Peepul tree. This temple was worshipped by Dharma the eldest of the Pancha Pandavas. The temple worshipped by his brother Bheema is in a village called Mudichur about 4kms from Manimangalam.

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

The Kailasanadhar temple was built by a Telugu Chola King Vijaya Balaya in the year 950AD. Renovations had been done by Raja Raja Chola in 985AD, Rajendra Chola in 1014AD and Kulothunga Chola in 1070AD. Siruthonda Nayanar has worshipped this temple and offered annadhanam in this temple. His hometown was Thiruchengattankudi of Nagai district. His real name was Paranjothi. He was the chieftain of the Cholas. He was a great devotee of Shiva. The Shrine of the Kailasanadhar is built out of stone. The main deity Shiva faces east. The shale viruksha is Peepul tree. The details about this temple are referred in the copper plates in Kooram.

115. THENNERI

KANTHALINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 22kms from Kanchipuram

Shiva: Kandhaleeswarar or Uthama Choleeswarar

Amman: -

Speciality:

The temple is a marvel of Chola Architecture. The temple was built by Sembiyanmadevi the wife of Kandaradhitha Cholan. She built the temple in the memory of her son Uthama Cholan and named the Shiva Uthama Choleeswarar.

All the Koshta deities are found here.

The Dwarapalakas ore of Giant size.

There is no Ambaal in this temple.

Many inscriptions are found in the temple which tell us about contributions made by the Chola Kings.

114. THENNERI

AABATHSAHAYAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 22kms from Kanchipuram

Shiva: Aabathsahayaeswarar or Anandheeswarar

Amman: Aanandhavalli

Sthala Viruksham: Vilvam

Speciality:

The name of the Shiva was earlier known as Anandheeswarar.

This temple was built by Kulothunga Chola the first in 1090AD. 

We find inscriptions on the walls.

Normally the Ambaal of Shiva temples holds Paasam on one hand and Angus on the other. But in this temple Ambaal holds Paasam on both hands.

There is a temple tank nearby.

History:

Once upon a time Elavetti, a village in Karnataka, was full of drought and misery. The Villagers started leaving the place and did not know what to do for their living. A pious saint told the villagers about this temple and asked them to go to Thenneri and perform to Vibhuti Abhishekam to Lord Aabathsahayaeswarar and take back that Vibhuti and spray it through out the Elavetti village. The villagers combinely came here and performed the pooja as they were instructed. They took back the Abhishekavibhuthi to their village and sprayed it throughout the village. The misery of the village disappeared and it became fertile thereafter.

A King who was ruling Kanchipuram was in great crisis when his region was attacked by an enemy ruler. He approached the Shiva of this temple for rescue and the lord blessed him and gave him support. Therefore Lord Shiva got the name Aabhathsahayaeswarar (the lord who helps during hard times).  

113. ERODE

MAHIMALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Shiva: Mahimaleeswarar

Amman: Mangalambigai

Sthala Viruksham: Vilva tree

About the Place Click Here

Specialty:

The Vimanam is 35ft.

The Shade of the Vimanam does not fall on the ground. 

There are 63 Nayanmars sannidhis and 16 Shivalingas installed behind the temple.

People who have problems in marriage alliances and childless couples come to this temple to get relieved from their problems.

This is one of the Ancient temples of Kongu Region.

The names referred in Literature are Marathai and Mayilai. 

The Shiva Linga faces west.

The important festival of this temple is the Car festival which is performed in Sadhayam star in the month of Chithirai. It is performed in the praise of Thirunavikkarasar followed by the wedding of Mahimaleeswarar and Mangalambigai.

Petty kings called Irukku Velir ruled this place between the Pallava and the Chola regimes. One King among these called Mahimali who ruled in the 10th Century is said to have built this temple.

Sundharar came to this place with his wives Paravaiyar and Sangiliyar and worshipped Lord Shiva here. These are seen in the sculptures in the temple.

History:

The Ravana dynasty are devotees of Shiva. The 3 brothers Maali, Sumali and Mahimali were the Later successors of Ravana dynasty. When Mahimali returned from Himalayas he reached this place at dusk.He wanted to perform the Evening Sandhyavandhana on the Cauvery banks. The Cauvery banks were running through dense Vilva trees. Mahimali installed a Shiva Linga in this fertile place and worshipped the Lord. Therefore the Lord was called Mahimaleeswarar

112. ERODE

AARUDHRA KAPALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 70kms from Salem and 102 kms from Coimbatore

Shiva: Aarudhra Kapaleeswarar or Thondeeswarar or Chozheeswarar or Chedeeswarar

Amman: Varanaiyamman

Sthala Viruksham: Vanni

About the Place Click Here

Speciality:

The Historical name of the Portion in Erode where Aarudhra Kapaleeswarar temple is situated is Thiruthondeeswaram.

The other names of Shiva are Thondeeswarar, Chozheeswarar and Chedeeswarar.

The other names of Shiva referred in Tamil Literature are Thondeeswaramudhaiya Mahadevar, Thondeeswaramudaiya Thambiranar, Thondeeswaramudaiya Pidarar and Thondargal Nayanar. These names are referred in the inscriptions in the temple.

The first Archanai in tamil started here.

The Gopuram is an example of Architectural beauty.

The Sun's rays fall on Shiva in the Month of Maasi.

Surya is seen with his consorts.

There are Sannidhis of Pollapillayar and 63 Nayanmars in sitting Position here.

The Kanni Vinayaka is to the Southwest and Sthala Viruksham is to the west of the temple.

Sage Dhuruvasa installed the Lord Shiva as Pallikondeeswarar here.

Kongu Cholas had the name Karikala in the 11th and 12th centuries. One such Karikala had built this temple in that period. He built 36 Shiva temples with the help of a person called Samaya Mudhali on the banks of the river Cauvery.

Aarudhra Kapaleeswarar is an Ashtothra Linga. This is a rare feature.

Aarudhra means the Angry dance and Kabalam means skull. The place Erode was referred as Aarudhra Kabalapuri.

History:

This temple was built by king Lakshmi Kandhan. He performed Yaaga.  The milk pots which were brought for the Yaaga fell upside down on the ground. They found to floor unbalanced. The King asked his men to dig the ground. Blood started oozing out as the crowbars hit the ground. There was a Shiva Linga and he immediately built a temple for Lord Shiva here.

A poor weaver named Thandavan worshipped this temple before daily work. One day when he set to his work, Lord Shiva went to his house. His wife was alone in the house. The Lord told her that he was suffering for severe cold and he required a cloth to cover him. The lady said that her husband was away and that she had only one piece of cloth. She said that she would send him a piece of cloth through her husband when he comes back. She asked him his address. He said that he would be outside the Aarudhra Kapaleeswarar temple. Thandavan returned from his duty. His wife told him about the incident. He rushed to his boss for a cloth and promised to pay the cost of the cloth in installments. The boss gave the cloth and he went to the temple and gave it to the man (Lord) outside the temple. In the Morning when the priest opened the door he saw a new cloth on Lord Shiva. The Parivattam was absent. He informed all around and this news spread like fire. All the people of the village gathered. Even Thandavan's boss came to the temple. He found that it was the cloth he gave to Thandavan. Thandavan narrated what happened. But none believed him. They tied him to a pillar to beat him. Suddenly they heard an echo saying that it was the game of the Lord to prove that in spite of being poor he did not hesitate to help a poor devotee and his devotion to the Lord was thereby known to people. Everybody felt ashamed. 

111. THANDANTHOTTAM

AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 25kms from Nannilam and 15kms rom Kumbakonam

Shiva: Agastheeswarar

Amman: Abirami

Theertham: Agasthya Theertham

Sthala Viruksham: -

Speciality:

This temple was worshipped by Agasthya.

History:

When the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi took place in Mount Kailash all the Devas, Sages and devotees came to see the wedding. So the weight of the earth got disrupted. The weight of the northern part of the world was too high. So lord Shiva sent sage Agasthya to the south to bance the weight. Agasthya got disappointed as he could not see the wedding. Shiva promised Agasthya to appear before him in the marriage form whenever and wherever he wished. As Agasthya was travelling towards the south he established many Shiva lingas on his was. One such Shiva linga has been established on the Northern banks of Arasalaru (river Arasal) in the village Thandanthottam. Shiva appeared before him in the form Kalyana Sundarar and Kathyaini. So, people who have obstacles in their marriage will be reilieved from them if they visit this temple. Agastheeswarar and Abhirami can also be called as Kalyana Sundarar and Kathyaini. This temple very close to the Nadanapureeswarar temple. 

110. THANDANTHOTTAM

NADANAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 

Shiva: Nadanapureeswarar

Amman: Sivgamasundhari

Thertham: Surya Theertham

Sthala Viruksham: Vanni

Speciality:

The village was earlier called as Thandavar Thottam (Lord who danced amidst fields) which is now been called as Thandanthottam.

This is a Devara Vaipusthalam.

The Dhakshinamurthy of this temple is known as Rasi Mandala Guru as he is sitting on 12 Raasi (zodiac) mandala peedam. So, the people affected by Guru Dhosham of all the 12 Raasi visit this temple and offer an yellow coloured cloth and Chickpea Garland (kondai kadalai malai).

We find Jyeshta Devi Sannidhi in the place of Durga Sannidhi.

The Shiva linga is 6ft tall facing the east direction. 

There are Brass Parchments (Seppedugal) belonging to the Pallavas in the temple.

This temple was full of glory in the Pallava and Chola Period.

The Pallava King Nandhivarman II of the 8th Century have contributed to this temple.

Sage Agasthya has worshipped this temple.

Nadanapureeswarar was praised by Sundaramurthy nayanar as he has referred about this temple in his poetry.

It is believed that the obstacles in marriage wil vanish if one visits the Nadanapureeswarar temple.

History:

The devottees of Lord Shiva, Sage Agasthya and the other sages wished to watch the dance of Shiva which he performed in Chidambaram. Lord Shiva Accepted the wish and started dancing in this village which was full of greenery. When he was dancing the beads from the Salangai (anklet worn during dance) scattered on the field below. Lord Vinayaka collected the beads one by one and tied it again onto his father's leg. There is a Vinayaka temple (half a kilometer from Shiva temple) known as Mani Kattiya Vinayaka.

109. MUGAIYUR

JALAKANDESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 20kms from Kalpakkam

Shiva: Jalakandeswarar

Amman: -

This temple is situated in a thottam near the Kanagapureeswarar temple.

Speciality:

The Shiva Linga and the Nandhi is present.

108. MUGAIYUR

KANAGAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 6 kms from Koovathur and 14 kms from Kalpakkam

Shiva: Kanagpureeswarar - earlier name Karnaleeswarar

Amman: Swarnambigai

History:

Stories say that many sidhdhars have worshipped this lord Shiva. There is a temple Tank. The temple was washed away due to natural calamities. After the 2004 Tsunami many Shiva lingas were found shredding the shore along the ECR. This temple was built by Cholas and contributed by Pallavas before 1400 years. The Shiva Linga and the Nandhi is very big in size.


Photos

107. DHAAMAL

VARAHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 15kms from Kanchipuram

Shiva: Varaheeswarar

Amman: Gowriamman

Speciality:

The name referred to this temple by the Vijayanagara Emperors was Thirupandreeswara Mudaiyar.

King Kulothunga II, Raja Raja II have built this long existing temple in the 12th Century. 

The Vijayanagara emperor renovated the main shrine of Shiva. 

This place Dhamal served as a fort to Kanchipuram. 

Any invader who reached Kanchipuram from north and west had to cross this place. 

In 1532, the Vijayanagara King Achudharayar has written a document in tamil Vattezhuthu and has insripted this on the wall that if anyone utilises the property (movable and immovable) contributed to this temple for his own for any purpose will attain the sin of killing his parents, guru and a pregnant cow.

A devotee gave his own village as a gift to this temple. The income which is obtained from his property, lands from the village could be utilised for pooja, rituals, function and maintenance of the temple.

During the invasions of Muslim sultans and nawabs this village had to fight devastations. The idols, jewellery and the property belonging to the temple has been taken away and the village itself destroyed. There is an underground subway from this temple to the Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar temple. Some of the Jewellery and Panchaloga idols were saved from the invaders by sending them through this secret passage to Kanchipuram.

There is an image of Sangu and Chakra (conch and discus) on the linga.

Varaheeswarar is also called as Sookshuma Lingam. It solves all the problems of his devotees without their knowledge without fail. 

 The Rajagopuram is 7 tiered.

We find the Ashta Bhairavar Shilpas on the pillars.

There is a pond nearby.

There is a Sarabeswarar in the form of a Linga along with Amman.

All the Prahara deities are seen as in other temples.

Not only the Ashta Bhairavars there are also many more rare figures of deities carved meticulously in the pillars of the temple.

History: 

Hiranyakshan was an Asura. His mother got conceived in an inauspicious moment. He wanted to rule the universe, the upper and the lower world. He attacked the Devaloga and chased the King Indra from there. Next he carried the Bhoologa and hid it below the Padhalaloga. The devas ran to Vaikuntam to seek the help of Mahavishnu regarding this. Since, Bhumadhevi (earth) was considered to be the consort of Mahavishnu he readily started to solve the problem. As the Asura hid the earth below the Padhalaloga Mahavishnu took the Avatar of a pig. He dug the soil deep and got into the Padhalaloga. He started to kill all the Asuras who came on his way. He tore everyone with his Sharp teeth. He found the earth under a river. He caught the earth with his teeth and pulled it out. He killed Hiranyakshan with his horn. His hands touched the dead Asura and he attained Mocha. Varahapeumal brought back the earth and made it revolve in its original place. Since he turned into a fierce animal he could not control his anger everyone were afraid of him. They approached Lord Shiva to help them. Lord Shiva came in the form of a hunter and came in front of the Perumal. He found that the horn with which he hilled the Asura was full of the Asura blood. Therefore the quality of the Asura was sticking onto the horn. he immediately hugged the pig and plucked to horn from his nose. He tied to horn to his garland and immediately the anger of the perumal disappeared. Realising the mistake the Varahaperumal worshipped Shiva here. This is the reason why the Changu and the Chakra are seen on the linga.

106. SEMMANGUDI

NAGANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 3kms from Seerkazhi and 24kms from Chidambaram

Shiva: Naganadhar

Amman: Karpuravalli or Thiripurasundhari

Speciality:

Since the Linga was worshipped by Kedhu Shiva was also called Kedheeswarar. The place was called as Kedhupuram.

This temple was referred by Appar in his Devaram. Therefore this temple is a Vaipusthalam.

All the other deities which are normally present in a Shiva temple is present here.

The cows milk Abhisek for Lord Shiva and Archana with Red lilies and Tamarind Rice Prasad is specially done on Auspicious days. People offer this to Naganadhar here to get relieved from Naga Dhosha.

The Kedhu here is named as Aadhi Kedhu. There is a special separate Shrine for Aadhi Kedhu.

Yama Kandam is normally referred to as an inauspicious time. But here during Yama Kanda a special pooja is performed here for this deity. 

Aadhi Kedhu is dressed up with Multi-coloured dress and Archanas are done with Water based flowers and the Prasad is Horsegram powdered rice (Kollupodi Sadham).

People with any problem (not only Nagadhosha) perform this Yama Kanda pooja and get relieved from all hurdles which hinder their life and live with health wealth and prosperity.

Worshipping both Seerkazhi Naganadhar temple and Sembangudi Naganadhar temple relieves one from any Dhoshas and gives them a peaceful life.

History:

During the Churning of the Ksheera River when the Amudham was released there arose a dispute between the Devas and the Asuras. Vishnu transformed himself into a beautiful women as Mohini to Shatter the concentration of the Asuras. While all the Asuras were attracted towards Mohini one among them Sobanu somehow understood the Situation. He came to Devas side in disguise. He was the son of Viprachith and Hirananyan's sister Simhi. The Suryan and the Chandran noticed this and they signalled to Mahavishnu. Mahavishnu hit the Asura such as the body split into two. The head fell at Seerkazhi which was called as Sirapuram meaning land of Head and the tail at Sembankudi (Sempambinankudi). In Seerkazhi the head is in the form of a lion headed demon and the body of a snake and was called Raahu. In Sembangudi it appeared with the head of a snake and red coloured demon body. The body could not be killed as the Asura had consumed the nectar in the form of Deva and therefore spliced in the form of Serpents.


Worshipping both Seerkazhi Naganadhar temple and Sembangudi Naganadhar temple relieves one from any Dhoshas and gives them a peaceful life.

105. SEERKAZHI

NAGANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 21kms from Chidambaram

Shiva: Naganadhar

Amman: Punnagavalli

Theertham: Kazhumala Aaru

Sthala Viruksham: Neem tree

Speciality:

Seerkazhi is also known as Brhmapuram, Venupram, Poondharai, Kochaivayam, Thonipuram and Shreekalipuram. Shreekaali was later transformed to Seerkazhi.

Seerkazhi Nageswaramudaiyar temple is a Rahu Sthalam.

The Raja Gopuram of this temple is 3 tired.

The Mulavar Nagaeswaramudaiyar faces east.

The important feature of this temple is that Lord Saneeswarar is seen with his wife Neeladevi in the Shrine of Rahu. We cannot find this feature in any other temple.

People with Nagadhosha, Kala Sarpa Dhosha, Mangalya Dhosha and any Dhoshas related to Snakes perform pooja to Lord Shiva and Rahu of this temple with offerings and get relieved from their problems.

History:

During the Churning of the Ksheera River when the Amudham was released there arose a dispute between the Devas and the Asuras. Vishnu transformed himself into a beautiful women as Mohini to Shatter the concentration of the Asuras. While all the Asuras were attracted towards Mohini one among them Sobanu somehow understood the Situation. He came to Devas side in disguise. He was the son of Viprachith and Hirananyan's sister Simhi. The Suryan and the Chandran noticed this and they signalled to Mahavishnu. Mahavishnu hit the Asura such as the body split into two. The head fell at Seerkazhi which was called as Sirapuram meaning land of Head and the tail at Sembankudi (Sempambinankudi). In Seerkazhi the head is in the form of a lion headed demon and the body of a snake and was called Raahu. In Sembangudi it appeared with the head of a snake and red coloured demon body. The body could not be killed as the Asura had consumed the nectar in the form of Deva and therefore spliced in the form of Serpents.

Rahu performed penance for a long time by consuming only air as food. After many years Shiva appeared before him. Since Surya and Chandra secretly informed about him to Vishnu Rahu he was angry with them. He wanted to have control over the Sun and the Moon and therefore the whole world. Lord Shiva told him that he could not do so as he was the controller of the sun and the moon and the whole universe and if their positions were troubled it would cause immense damage to the whole universal system. But as Rahu wished he could control them for few hours by keeping them in his custody and that situation is now called as Eclipse. When the Sun is under his control it is called Solar eclipse and when moon is under his control it is called Lunar eclipse. Rahu again performed penance to Shiva and gained the place among the 7 planets that is a place in the Navagraha Mandala.

A garden was created by Lord Indhira and due to severe drought it became dry (lack of water). So Vinayaka took the form of a crow. Agasthya was performing penance with his Kamandalam beside him. The crow (Vinayaka) push the Kamandalam down such that the water flowed as Kazhumala Nadhi. Agasthya got angry and chased the crow. But later found that it was Vinayak who placed the game. We can still see the water flowing in the North of the temple which is the Theertham of the temple.

104. MEL PADAPPAI

THAZHUVAKKOZHUNDHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Keezh Padappai and 15kms from Tambaram

Shiva: Thazhuvakkozhundheeswarar

Amman: Kaamakshi

Sthala Viruksham: Mango tree

This Temple was renovated by Nandhi Varma Pallava in the 7th Century. This indicates that this temple has existed much before the 7th century. King Nandhi Varma renovated 108 Shiva temples and performed its consecration (Kumbabhishekam) on the same day. This temple is one among those.

The name of the Vinayaka in this temple is Vetri Vinayaka. he is found with elephant Vahana. Students worship this Vinayaka to attain success in their exams. 

The Guru pooja of Thirugnanasammandhar is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi.

The Sun's rays fall on the first 7 days during the month of September. 

People who have problems in marriage come to this temple and get relieved of their problems and get married soon.

Chandran the moon God married 27 daughters of Dhakshan. He was fond of Rohini and ignore the other 26 wives. They complained to their father about his partiality towards them. Dharshan cursed Chandran that he would grow dark and would lose his powers and beauty. Chandran wanted relief and he came to the earth to worship Lord Shiva. He worshipped Shiva in many temples and this temple is one among them. 

The Amman faces south and Shiva faces east. She looks with her ears slightly on the right as it to hear Shiva. Couples and perform Pooja to Amman for unity between them. In the Koshta of Kamakshi Vaishnavi, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi Sannidhis are found. Special poojas are performed to Amman on full moon days. 

There is an old Bakula tree in this temple. People tie Mangalsutra on the tree to get relieved from the problems regarding marriage.

Sundharar married Sangli Nachiyar under the Bakula in Thiruvotriyur in from of the Swami and Amman sannidhi. This is remembered by people and therefore tying Mangalsutra onto the tree is performed here. 

Padappai means a garden of flowers. 

This temple was praised by Sammandhar in his hymns. This is a Vaipusthalam.

The Veerabdharar in this temple is worshipped with betel leaf garlands and Chandana Kappu on every Shiva Rathiri. 

Special poojas are done to Bhairavar on Ashtami and New moon days.

The Sarabaeswarar of this temple is worshipped specially on the Rahu Kaalam on Sundays. 

Parvathi Devi closed the eyes of Lord Shiva in Mount Kailash in a playful mood. This stopped the entire activities of the earth and therefore Shiva got angry and cursed her to be born on earth. She grew upto to that age in which one could get married and performed penance in Mangadu to marry the lord. On her way to Kanchipuram she installed a Linga here and worshipped the Lord. There was heavy rain and she had to stay here for a certain period of time. Since she created the Linga out of sand she embraced the Linga that it should not be washed by floods. Therefore Shiva was called Thazhuvak Kuzhandha Eesar here (The Lord who calmed down by the embrace of the Goddess). The Lord calmed down and asked her to come to Kanchipuram and he promised to marry her there.

 Saint Aadhi Shankara has visited this temple and worshipped the Linga.