Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameswaram tamil nadu

Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameshwaram is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to this temple washes away one's sins and brings salvation (moksha). Located on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameshwaram, Ramanathaswamy Mandir can be reached via Pamban Bridge across the sea. Being situated in Rameswaram, the shrine is popularly known as Rameshwaram Temple. Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathpuram district of Tamil Nadu. The town is particularly famous for its religious shrine of Ramanathaswamy. The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is located at Madurai, which lies at a distance of 163 kms. One can easily reach Rameshwaram by taking regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis from all the major cities of Tamil Nadu including Madurai, Chennai and Trichy.

The construction of this temple began in the 12th century; nonetheless it was completed much later, during the reign of various rulers. Rameshwaram Temple is famous for embracing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (lingam of light) of Lord Shiva. The temple is also accredited for being the southern most 'jyotirlinga' of India. It is believed that at this place Lord Rama offered his gratitude to Lord Shiva.
The Lingam of Ramanathaswamy is the presiding deity of Rameswaram Temple. The religious significance of this shrine has made it, one of the most visited temples of India. Rameshwaram (South) is one of the four major pilgrimage sites of Hindus, the other being Puri (East), Dwarka (West) and Badrinath (north). The main shrine adores the idols of Viswanatha Naicker and Krishnama Naicker.
In the inner section of the Ramalingeshwara, Ramalingam and Vishvalingam are placed side by side. Preserving the words of Lord Rama, Vishvalingam is worshipped before Ramalingam. Maha Shivarathri, Thirukalyanam, Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai are the major festivals that are celebrated with gusto and fervor.

Ramanathaswamy Temple is closely linked with the great epic Ramayana. As per the legend, it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, on his victorious return from Sri Lanka. As the legend goes, Sages (Rishis) counseled Lord Rama (along with Sita and Lakshmana) to install and worship the 'Shivalingam' at this place, to compensate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin). Lord Rama approved the idea and fixed a favorable time for the installation of Shivalingam.

He sent Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) to bring a 'lingam' from Mount Kailash. Lord Hanuman could not return in time and it was getting late. Apprehending the situation, Sita herself made a 'linga' of sand and Lord Rama installed the same. When Hanuman came back with the 'linga', the formal procedures of installation were over. Lord Rama consoled the disappointed Hanuman and installed his lingam (Visvalingam) next to Ramalinga. He enhanced the sanctity of lingam by ordaining that the rites would be made first to the Visvalingam.

The Temple
The temple had humble beginnings with an ancient shrine housed in a thatched hut until the 12th century. The first ever masonry structure was built by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka.The Setupathy (architects and stone masons) rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple. Although manly Dravidian in style some of the temple vimaanams resemble the Vimaanams of the Pallava period. The temple has also received royal patronage from several kingdoms such as Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai.Much of the additions were carried out between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th century.Stretched over a vast area of 15 acres, Rameswaram Temple is the typical specimen of Dravidian style of architecture. The skyscraping gopurams (spires) truly dominate the skyline of Rameshwaram. The shrine is acknowledged for having the largest temple hallway in India. This pillared corridor extends to 4000 feet in length, embracing more than 4000 pillars. Erected on a raised plinth, granite pillars are intricately carved with beautiful images. A hard fact about this corridor reveals that the rock doesn't belong to the island and it was imported from somewhere across the sea.

The main entrance of the temple tower has many storeys and stands tall. Its structure carvings, statutes and the peaks make people dumb founded. The grandeur of the Lord is really felt here. The human weakness for being narrow-minded is automatically removed and they feel their horizons broadened. On the tall stone pillars of temple, beautiful carvings can be seen. Elephants with their trunks raised are seen. The four sides of the temple are enclosed by strong stone walls. They are 650 ft. and 12ft. wide and tall respectively. This wonderful temple built on the sand island, is a work of great art and very impressive. Near to a gold plated pillar, a river is carved on a monolithic stone of 13 feet high and a foot wide. This indeed is a typical example of beautiful sculpting. 

Near the main temple of Rameshwar, there is a separate temple for Parvati known as Parvatavardhini temple. Besides this, there are temples of Santana Ganapati, Veerabhadra Hanuman, navagrahas, etc., At a distance of about nearly 2 kilometers from the main temple, there is Gandhamaadhan mountain. In spite of being a sandy area, it is very green with a variety of flora. This is the Nandanavan of Rameshwar.

Encompassing nine levels, the eastern Rajgopuram (spire) soars to the height of 126 feet. However, the western 'gopuram' is not as high as the eastern 'gopuram', still it is equally captivating. The temple comprises numerous 'mandaps' having small shrines, dedicated to other deities. The colossal image of Nandi (Lord Shiva's Bull) captures the attention, due to its sheer size. It measures 12 feet in its length and 9 feet in its height. High fortifications encircle the temple, making a rectangle along with big pyramidal 'gopura' doorways on every side. Ramanathswamy Temple has twenty two wells in its complex. Being the main attraction of this temple, the wells are also recognized with their distinct properties. All of these wells have water of different taste, temperature, salinity and have curative properties as well. It is said that these wells were made by Lord Rama himself, when he fired arrows in the sand.

There are 36 Theerthams in Rameshwaram of which 22 are in the temple. The waters possess medicinal properties and bathing in these is considered to be of great significance. The Agni theertham refers to the ocean (the first well) while the Koti theertham is located within the temple itself.

Ramanathaswamy Temple also has its name in history books as it has the largest hallway anywhere in India. The construction of Ramanathaswamy Temple which began in the 12th century was contributed to by many rulers. During its construction period, many dynasties came and fell and each of them put their input into the temple. However one thing that did not change was its Dravidian style of architecture. Ramanathaswamy Temple is an epitome of Dravidian architecture. The list of unique features in its construction seems to be endless. The temple is spread over an area of 15 acres, has lofty gopurams, massive walls and a collossal Nandi. The stuccoed image of Nandi is about 6 metres tall and 7 metres in length.

There is this huge pillared corridor that is of approximately 1220 meters in length. Throughout the length of the hall, there are 4,000 brilliantly carved pillars, the alignment of which will leave you totally amazed. The carved granite pillars are mounted on a raised platform. What is unique about this corridor is that the rock is not indigenous to the island and it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamilnadu across the sea.The 54 meter tall Gopuram has become the symbol of divinity in the heart of many pilgrims; such is the beauty and presence of it. This Gopuram has nine levels. The Western Rajagopuram, though impressive, is not as tall as the Eastern one.

It is said that the ancient shrine was placed in a thatched hut until the 12th century. Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka built the first ever masonry structure here. The Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple. Some of the temple vimaanams are similar to the Vimaanams of the Pallava period. Much more was added to the temple between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th century. The Gandhamadhana Parvatam (hill) offers a panoramic view of the temple. Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai kingdoms provided royal patronage to this famous Hindu temple.

Special to Devotees of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu
The Shivastalam is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India. It represents the southernmost of the 12 jyotirlingas of India and has been a time honored pilgirmage center held on par with Benares. The island-temple town is located off of the Sethu coast of Tamilnadu (south eastern). This shrine is regarded as the 8th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.This temple is associated closely with the Ramayana and Rama’s victorious return from Sri Lanka. Rama worshipped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by Sita, while returning to Ayodhya. Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Viswanathar from Benares. Anticipating delay in Hanuman’s return from Benares, Rama is said to have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth by Sita. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam. There is yet another Shivalingam here – Viswanathar, said to have been brought by Hanuman from Banares. This Shivalingam is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Prayers are offered to Viswanathar before they are offered to Ramanathaswamy.Rama also worshipped Tilakeswarar at Devipatnam nearby enroute to Sri Lanka.There is also a shrine to Sethu Madhava and Lakshmi in Rameswaram. Sethu Madhava is also referred to as Sweta Madhava, the term Sweta referring to the white stone with which the image is made. The Gandamadana parvatam is a hill on the island which bears a small shrine containing imprints of Rama’s feet held in worship.

Places to visit near by Agnitheertham - The Agniteertham is located at a few meters from the Ramnathswamy temple. It is believed to be located at the same spot where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva.

Gandamadana Parvatham - This sacred shrine holds a wheel with the footprint of Lord Rama. The shrine stands on the highest point on the island, around 2 kms from Rameshwaram.

Ramjharoka Temple - The footprints of Lord Rama is placed on a Chakra at the Ramjharoka Temple. The chakra has been placed at the highest point of Rameshwaram. This point is at a distance of 5 kms from Rameshwaram town. Since it is the highest point of Rameshwaram, therefore it provides a fantastic view of the blue ocean waters below.

Rameshwaram has many small temples, apart from the main temples, dedicated to Lord Rama, Lakshaman, Sita and Hanuman. Each temple big and small of Rameshwaram does have a history of its own. Other than the temples, there is also a tomb of Saint Ibrahim Syed Aulia at Erwadi, about 24 kms away from Rameshwaram.

Dhanushkodi - Dhanushkodi is located at the eastern end of the island. It is named after Lord Ram's bow and is at a distance of 8 km from Rameshwaram. The boulders in the sea between Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi are known as Adam's bridge. It is believed that Lord Rama used them to reach across Sri Lanka. Danushkodi is about 18 miles West of Talaimannar in Jaffna, Ceylon. Before 1964 storm there was a train service up to Danushkodi called Boat Mail from Chennai Egmore, the train linked a steamer to Ceylon. During the 1964 storm a huge wave of about 20 ft came crashing on the town from Palk Bay/Strait east of the town and destroyed the whole town, a train, the Pamban Rail Bridge etc all happened at the dead of the night. Danushkodi has the only land border between India and Ceylon which is one of the smallest in the world just 50 yards in length on a sand dune in Palk Strait. The Government of Madras declared the town as Ghost town and unfit for living after the storm, now a small group of fisher folk resides there. Buses (Rs 5, hourly) from the local bus stand on East Car St stop about 4km before the beach so you have to walk the rest of the way. Otherwise, an autorickshaw (45 minutes one way) costs Rs 250 return, including one hour waiting time.

Getting there and around 
By Air : The nearest airport is at Madurai, at a distance of 154 km.
By Rail : Rameshwaram is well connected by trains from all the major cities of India.
By Road : State transport buses are available from the railway station to the various places in and around Rameshwaram. For local transportation taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and tongas are available. Also city bus service is available in the island.
He sent Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) to bring a 'lingam' from Mount Kailash. Lord Hanuman could not return in time and it was getting late. Apprehending the situation, Sita herself made a 'linga' of sand and Lord Rama installed the same. When Hanuman came back with the 'linga', the formal procedures of installation were over. Lord Rama consoled the disappointed Hanuman and installed his lingam (Visvalingam) next to Ramalinga. He enhanced the sanctity of lingam by ordaining that the rites would be made first to the Visvalingam.

Andal Temple Srivilliputhur tamilnadu

Aandal temple in Sriviliputtur is yet another famous and ancient temple and is also one among the 108 divyadesams of Vishnu. The imposing tower of this temple is very attractive and the main tower of the temple is on the official emblem of Government of Tamil Nadu.

The Aadi(Tamil month)Pooram festival is famous here and is for 12 days. The festival is on now and thousands of devotees converge here for the same . Pooram is the birth star of Aandal and the chariot festival on the 9th day attracts lot of devotees to this temple. Aandal is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Bhoodevi.
There are two temples here . One for Lord Vishnu, known here as Vatapatrasayi and he is in a reclining position here. Vata patra means the leaf of banyan tree and this is found at the head of the deity here. This is the sacred place where the great devotee of Vishnu, Aandal used to worship the Lord . The sanctum has beautiful paintings of Gods and Goddesses.
Aandal temple is next to the Vatapatrasayi temple. In between the temples is Nandavanam, a small shrine where Aandal was found and adopted by Perialwar ( devotee of Vishnu). Aandal temple has beautiful mandapams with exquisite carvings and here She gives darshan to her devotees along with Rengamannar (Vishnu) and Garuda. .There is a well inside the temple where Aandal used to see her reflection everyday after wearing the garland meant for the Lord. She succeeded in winning the affection of the Lord . As per Lord's wish her father took her to Sri Rangam , Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple where she merged with the Lord.
Andal is the only woman Alwar (saint) of Vaishnavism and She has composed two beautiful literary gems in Tamil, Tirupavai and Nachiyar Tirumozhi which is sung even today by devotees during the Tamil month of Maarghazhi.
Her father Perialvar also has a separate sannidhi in Vatapatra Sayi temple and there are also separate shrines for Chakrathazhvar and Nammalwar.
Srivilliputhur is famous for palgova, a milk sweet and people make it a point to buy this when they visit this place.
If one makes a prayer to the divine Mother- Thayar- it is believed the prayer is heard and granted. Thousands of people make special prayers to Andal for education, success in business, marriage and child. The devotees usually offer tulsi garlands, butter, clothes and lamps. Nowadays people share feeding expenses of the temple to poor.
Many families whole heartedly pray for the marriage for their daughters and get good grooms after these prayers. If the eleven poems starting from ‘Varanam Aayiram’ are sung by the girls, who are in waiting for marriage for want of grooms, will get married very soon. The poems were written by Andal. It is called “Nachiyar Tirumozhi’.
During festivals abhishekams gather importance. The Abisheka thailam, which contains the essence 61 herbs, is believed to have medicinal qualities. People apply this oil on their body for various diseases as medicine.
Andal is believed to have used the well as mirror to watch her reflection. That is the reason why the well is named as ‘mirror well’- ‘Kannadi Kinaru’. Kannadi theeertham is famous.
Once Andal had a desire to offer 100 pots of butter and Akara vadisal to Kallazhagar, The Lord of Azhzgar Koil in madurai. She could not do it in her lifetime. But Sri Ramanujar did it on her behalf. When Ramanujar visited the temple later, Andal voice was heard calling him “My dear elder Brother”- ‘Anna’.Ramaunajar has become ‘Koil annan’ from that day.
"The garlands with the parrots made of leaves and flowers" are prepared daily by florists with fresh flowers and leaves and offered to Thayar.
Speciality of Andal garland and Tirupathi Balaji:
Tirupathi Brahmotsavam is important festival all over South India and attracts millions of devotees.
It is quite interesting to know that a Garland worn by Andal is sent all along to Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh one day before the Brahmotsavam starts. The mala is used for garlanding Lord Balaji.
In the same manner every year, Tirupathi Balaji’s garland is sent to Srivilliputtur for marriage festival of Andal Thayar.Not only Balaji of Tirupathi, Kallazhagar of Madurai is also presented with a garland worn by Andal on Chithirai Festival day.

History:
Several centuries ago, the land area around Srivilliputhur was under the rule of Queen Malli. This Queen had two sons called Villi and Kandan. One day, while they were hunting in a forest, a tiger killed Kandan. Unaware of this fact, Villi searched for his brother, got tired and feel asleep. In his dream, God narrated to him what happened to his brother. Realising the fact, on divine orders Villi founded a beautiful city by setting right the forest. For this reason only, the city is named after him as Villiputhur. Further, because of the divine birth of Sri Andal in this city, it got the honorific of Srivilliputhur.
During the reign of Thirumalai Naikar (1623 – 1659) and Rani Mangammal (1889 – 1706), this city became very popular. Thirumalai Naikar had done a lot of renovation consecration to the temples of this city. From 1751 to 1756 A.D., Srivilliputhur came under the rule of Nerkattucheval Jamindar Pulithevar. Then it fell into the hands of Mohammed Yousoof Khan. Until 1850, Sri Andal temple was under the care of the king of Trivancore. The Britishers ruled the country till India attained freedom.
Formerly, Srivilliputhur was a part of Madurai district. Later on, it was annexed with Tirunelveli District in 1838 and in 1910 with Ramnad district respectively. When Ramnad District was divided into three districts, Srivilliputhur, significantly called the city of temples, came under Virudhunagar district. In this renowned city, there are many heritage temples.
The reputed temples of Sri Andal and Sri Vadapathra Sayanar are located in the heart of the city. The big tower of this temple stands as the official emblem of Tamil Nadu Government.
Towards west to this city lies the Western Mountainous range. And it contains dense forests and provides sanctuary to wild animals.
Srivilliputhur falls en route to the National Highways (N.H.208) extending from Thirumangalam to Kollam. The cities Rajapalayam and Sivakasi are 11 kilometres and 20 kilometres distance away from Srivilliputhur.
The important nearby cities:
Madurai – 75 Km, Chennai – 515 Km, Virudhunagar - 45 km.
How to reach: Srivilliputhur is about 75 Kms from Madurai on NH 208.Madurai is well connected with air, rail and road. Many buses ply from all parts of Tamil Nadu to the town of Srivilliputhur.
Accommodation: Budget hotels are available in Srivilliputtur and Rajapalayam town which is just 14kms. from here but I would suggest staying in Madurai is a better option as all types of accommodation, luxury , deluxe and budget hotels are available there.
Temples nearby :Temple of Ninra Narayana Perumal at Tiruthangal (on Virudhunagar- Sivakasi route)which is just 20 Kms. away.Kasi Viswanathar Koil -Sivakasi, 25 kms.Kuttraleeshwarar temple- 75 Kms. on NH 208

Srivilliputtur Andal Temple Contact Details:
Arulmigu Nachiar TempleSrivilliputtur- 626125Tamil NaduIndiaTel: 04563-260254

Sri Kallazhagar Temple madurai

Perumal Presiding deity      :Paramaswami

Mother :     Sridevei BhudeviProcession deity :    Sundararaja Perumal, RishabadrinatharProcession Mother:     KalyanasundaravalliVinayakar:      Valampuri VinayakarHoly tree:     Jyothi tree, Sandalwood treeHoly spring :    NoopuragangaiVimanam-Tower :    SomaskandarPlace :    AlagarkoilDistrict :     Madurai
Festivals:

People worship the Alagumalayan for fertile yield in their cultivations, business development, starting new business etc. People also pray to the Lord here for seasonal rains. Majority of the devotees pray for family welfare and children.

Prayer commitments:The main commitment is offering the hair. They also offer money equal to their weight in coins and corns. Thulabaram (offering things equal to one’s weight) is other commitment. Devotees offer new clothes, Bilwa garlands, flowers, incense sticks etc. are also offered to the Lord. The Nivedhana prasad offered to the God is distributed to the visiting devotees.

The security deity of the place, Karupannaswami is all powerful. He is most respected as Pathinettampadiyan. He takes care of the welfare of his devotees.

Fort: The farmers use to build a small Fort in their lands before the harvest, store the grains and offer to Lord Alagar.

Dosa: As Panchamirtham in Palni and Laddu in Tirupathi, in the Kallazhagar temple, Dosa is very famous. The grains donated to the temple are ground and dosas made and offered to the visitors here.

Noopura Ganga or Silambaru: This is a perennial river flowing from the feet of Rakkayee Amman from a cave in the temple.

The presiding deity is believed to have been installed by divine powers and not by humans. The Lord is worshipped by Saptharishis (seven Rishis), seven divine angels, Brahmma and Vishvaksenar. This Divyadesam is praised by the Alwars in their hyms. The Andal in the temple is in a sitting position here against the usual standing appearance in other temples. Lord Perumal is in a standing position holding Conch, Sudharsana Wheel. Club. Bow and the Sword, the five weapons known as Panchayutha.. The lamp in the temple is kept burning for ever.

Alagar Koil is 20 Kms from Madurai and 60 from Dindigul. Temple managed lodging (Devasthanam Chatram) is available at charges ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 350. Those coming with family can stay in lodges available in Madurai, .charges ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 800.

Adequate bus facilities are available from Madurai to Alagarkoil. Those needing more information may contact The Executive Officer or the Commissioner, Kallazhagar Koil, Thirumalirunjolai, Alagarkoil-625 301, Madurai district. Telephone 0452 – 2470228 and 2470229.

10 day Chithirai festival during April-May, 13 day Adi festival during July-August, Thalai Aruvi festival in Iypasi – October-November, 5 day Panguni Uthiram during March-April are important festivals in the temple. Other festivals are Vaikunda Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanthi,Deepavali, Pongal and Tamil and English New Year days in the year. There will be some festival each month. The crowd would be huge during week ends.

The temple is praised in the hymns of Periazhwar, Andal, Peyazhwar, Thirumangaiazhwar, Budhathazhwar and Nammalwar.

History:

Emadharmaraja, the God of Death had a curse. To relieve himself from the curse. he performed penance in Vrushabagiri Hills near Alagarmalai. The Lord, in recognition of his penance appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Ema sought the Grace of Lord that he (Ema) should perform pujas to him atleast one time a day which was granted. Based on this story, it is believed that the Night Puja in the temple is performed by Ema himself. The Vimanam of the temple was constructed by the divine builder Viswakarma. There are records of historical evidence that the Buddhists, Jains and Muslims also worshipped in this temple. The pujas in the temple are performed without Saivite, Vaaishnavite discriminations.

Thiyagarajar Temple Tiruvarur

The most ancient temple patronized by almost all the kings reigning the south is the Thyagarajaswami shrine of Tiruvarur. The Thiyagaraja temple at Thiruvarur is one of the ancient heritage sites of India and is a representation of the religio-socio-cultural history of the Tamil region for a period spanning over a millennium and a half. Little is known about this shrine to much of India. The vast temple complex today is truly a standing monument to centuries of history and tradition.

This temple is associated with the legend of Sundarar to whom the God served as a messenger of love and arranged his marriage with Paravai and Sangili Nachiars. Thyagaraja like Nataraja dances he performs the Ajapa dance here. Hence, He is known as 'Ajaba Natesar’. However, the presiding deity is Lord Vanmikanatha.

The temple complex is spread over 20 acres with the eastern gopuram dominating. In front of the western gopuram is the Kamalalaya Tank covering an area of 25 acres with an Island temple in the centre. Vanmikanatha shrine is the earliest edifice, Akileswari a coming next and Thyagaraja the last. Many mandapams crowd the temple. The biggest one is the Devasiriya Mandapam. The Akileswara shrine contains beautiful sculptures of Ardhanareeswara, Durga, Karkalamurthi and Agastya in its niches. Paintings of Vijayanagar period adorn the ceiling of Devasiriya mandapam.

Outside the temple is a beautiful sculptural representation of Manuneedhi Chola who ran his chariot on his own son to mete out justice to the cow whose calf was killed by his son, caught under the chariot. The temple car here is a beautiful structure and the biggest on which model is the Valluvar Kottam in Chennai built. The car festival is famous and attracts large crowd. The original car was burnt in 1922 in an accident and is now replaced in all its original grandeur. As in srirangam, here the goddess piriyavidai Amman is called 'Padi Thandal’ (one who never goes out of the portals) and is never taken out in procession. The Nandhi in this temple, unlike the other Nandhis in sitting pose, is seen standing before Thyagaraja. The deity is on Ratna Simhasana (throne made of precious stones). In the southwest corner of the inner prakara Nilotpalambigai is seen blessing her child Muruga sitting on a maid’s shoulder. Goddess Kamalambigai is in yogasana pose during penance in another sanctum. Navagrahas are not as usual in a circle around the sun but standing in a row.

Tiruvarur is the birthplace of musical trinity Thyagaiah, Shyama Sastri and Muthusamy Dikshithar. Rare musical instruments Panchamuga vadyam with five heads representing the five heads of Siva and a nadaswaram called Barinayanam could also be seen in this temple. The temple of Thiyagaraja became all the more famous by the visit to a galaxy of Gods and Angels from heaven, like Brahma, Dasharatha, Rama, Arjuna, Dharmaputra, Kings Nala and Harichandra, and Maharishis like Vashishtha and Vishwamitra. A Big temple was constructed at Thiruvarur by Viswakarma. Then the King installed a Siva Lingam in a portion of the temple and worshipped it for many years. The peculiar feature about this Lingam is that its shadow can be seen only in the eastern direction and it is also said that this shadow will not be visible to a man who is going to die within a period of six months. Every year the Panguni Uttara peruvizha ends with Thepporchavam, which is celebrated in Kamalalaya Kulam in front of the temple. At the time of Theppa viza hundreds of people will get into the theppam with god then the theppam will go continuously round the Kamalalaya kulam for 3 days.

Architecture of Thiyagaraja Temple
Thiruvarur is very famous for the shrine of Thiyagaraja. The temple is gigantic in structure. From a distance of miles the gopurams are visible. There are four gopurams on four sides. The tower on the west is particularly noteworthy for the fine sculpture in brick and mortar. The colossal structure of the temple could be well imagined from its length of 846 feet with breadth of 666 feet. There are several tanks attached as an adjunct to the temple wherein devout pilgrims take their bath before entering into the precincts of the temple. On the western side of the temple there is a famous tank known as Kamalalayam where Goddess Kamala (Lakshmi) took her birth. It is considered to be biggest tank in the whole of South India, having an island temple in the middle dedicated to the Goddess. She was born with the nectar during the course of churning of the Milky Ocean by the Devas and the Asuras. Varuna, the God of Water brought up Kamala, and after devoted penance she was married to Vishnu at Thiruvarur. Hence the name kamalalayam. Besides the tank, a peculiar musical instrument called Panchamukha Vadya and Sivalingam made of sapphire and called Marakatalingam are worth seeing. The musical instrument has got five faces and is ornamented with the snake, the swastika and the lotus on three. The fourth face is plain without decorations. The central face shows the face of a deer. It is said that Nandi played on this when Siva danced. The circumference of the instrument is fifty-six inches. Thiruvarur is one of the seven sacred places of Lord Thiyagaraja. The others are Tirumaraikkadu (Vedaranyam), Tirunagai (Nagapattinam), Tirukkolili, Tirukkaaraivaasal, Tiruvanmiyoor and Tirunallar. In this temple where Thiyagaraja’s idol is worshipped, the Navagrahas are placed in a line looking at the shrine. It is peculiar feature.

Temple History
Lord Vishnu was holding Lord Thiagesa in his chest and was worshipping him. He then passed Thiagesa to Indira. Indira approached Emperor Mushukunda to destroy the demon named Valan. The emperor killed the demon and restored Indira to his position. Indira gave many gifts to the emperor and asked him what else he wanted. Muhukunda asked for Thiagesar, which Indira was hesitant to part with as it was gifted to him by Lord Vishnu. He said that he cannot give it without the consent of Lord Vishnu. Mushukunda went to the Ocean of Milk, met Lord Vishnu and obtained his consent. Yet, as Indira was not willing to part with Thiagesa, he called Viswakarma the divine sculptor and asked him to make six such Thiagesa and gave Mushukunda one by one. Mushukunda returned them as his conscience did not accept them as true and original. Indira finally gave the real Thiagesa to the Emperor which he accepted along with the other six also.

Emperor Mushukunda called the divine sculptor Viswakarma and asked him to choose the right place to install Original Thiagesar on Earth. Vishwakarma placed Tiruvarur on one side and other places together on the side of a scale and found Tiruvarur heavier than the total of all other places and informed Mushukumda. Thus Lord Thiagesa was installed in Tiruvarur by emperor Mushukunda.' The other six idols of Thiagesa were installed in Nagapattinam, Tirunallaru, Tirukaravasal, Tirukuvalai, Tiruvaimur and Vedaranyam. All these places where Thiagesa is installed are known as Sapthvidasthalas.

Greatness Of Temple
Mahalaksmi born to Varuna the God of Rain, destroyed the demons Madhu and Kaidaba and performed penance to have Shiva as her Lord. As She wished, the place is called Tiruvarur (Thiru – Mahalakshmi) and Kamalalayam.

Many Chola Kings had their coronation in Tiruvarur and this is the place where the history of Manuneedhi Chola took place. Tiruvarur is one of the five capitals of the chola kings. The Chola king Abayakulasekaran who got the Thevaram and Thiruvasagam and other hymns known as Panniruthirumuraigal in copper plates ruled this place. Also Mushukunda Chakravarthi, Chola King Sankarasevakan ruled this place and appealed to Thiagesa that He rule this place.

Those born in Tiruvarur are assured of salvation.Tiruvarur is the body of the Virat Purusha, a form of Vishnu.Mahalakshmi performed penance here. Of the five substances making this world (Panchabhudas), Tiruvarur belongs to Prithvi the Earth. Of the 64 Shakti Peetas, Tiruvarur is the base. Paravai Nachiar, wife of Sundaramurthy Nayanar and author of the 7th Tirumurai of Thevaram hyms was born here. Sage Manickavasagar gained enlightenment here. Tiruvarur is the place where Sundarar sung the Thiruthondathogai, the basic scripture for the elaborate epic of Periapuranam authored by Arulmozhi Thevar, known as Sekkizhar the Minister of Chola King.

Thiruvarur also has the reputation of having the largest number of Thevaram hyms – 34 Pathigams - sung by all the three great saivite saints Gnansambadar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar. (Sambandar 5 pathigams with 55 songs; Thirunavukkarasar 21 with 208 and Sundarar 8 with 87 songs and Manickavasagar’s Thiruvasagam 3). Following the plan of this temple only, the Pragadeeswarar temple was built by Rajaraja Chola, it is said.

Navagrahas – (9 planets): Though the transits and aspects of planets have their own impact on individuals, they are graceful to the devotees under the control of the Lord. Lighting ghee lamps to planets help reducing any adverse effects. Evils disappear leaving way to benefits. King Nala and Planet Saturn worshipped the Lord here.

Lalithambiga: Goddess Lalithambika set out to destroy demon Pandasura, holding rope (Pasam) in one hand, Rudraksha in the other and Lotus in the third representing her performing the five activitity (Panchakrutya), wisdom, and her status as the consort of the Lord. Rudraksha represents her penance on the Lord. The change of legs during the Mahathandavam (the great dance) of Lord Shiva represents the Pranayama principle of inhaling and exhaling the breath to bring out the Kundalini shakthi. This is represented in her sitting form.

Thiagesa Peruman: Thiagesaperuman is seen sitting on a throne of precious stone under a pearl roof. A new moon and Ganga adore His head on both sides. He is wearing the best clothes. Kondiammai, his consort is on the left with Lord Muruga sitting between them. This form is known as Somaskandamurtham. A cosmetic paste called Krishnagandham prepared with 18 herbals and sandal is also used in his dressing and His Tilak is made of saffron and ghee. A chain of lamps hang by the side of the throne representing the nine planets. There is a Shivalinga made of Emerald by his side. Abishek is performed thrice a day. This abishek Prasad is considered an effective medicine to cure prolonged diseases.

Temple's Speciality
Generally Pradosha puja (on the 13th day from new moon or full moon day) is performed during the twilight time – 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. in all Shiva temples. In Tiruvarur Thiagesa temple this puja is performed only after the usual evening pujas. It is believed that all the Devas (communities belonging to the upper world) would be worshipping Lord Shiva in all Shiva temples during this time. The form of Thiagaraja is one to emphasize that one can attain bliss even while being a family man with wife enjoying marital pleasures in a righteous way. The body of Thiagesa is united with an energy called Kondi which is not separable from the Lord. Excepting the face, all parts of the idol are hidden with flowers. The darshan of the feet of Lord would be available to devotees only twice in a year, the left feet on the Aadhirai day in Margazhi (December-January) worshipped by sage Patanjali and the right on Panguni Uthiram (March-April) worshipped by Vyakrapada the tiger legged sage. Thiagaraja would come out only during the car festival day.

Festival
Every festival in the temple has a significance. In Margazhi (December-January) Thirvadhirai, Thiagesa’s feet is offered for Darshan to Patanjali. Panguni (March-April) Uthiram begins in Masi (February-March) Aslesha star day with flag hoisting and goes for 10days with car festival. The greatest festival of the temple. 10 day Aadi Pooram (July-August); Masi Magam representing the episode of the Lord’s Boodhaganas (security guards of Lord Shiva) carrying paddy to Sundarar’s house, is a celebration of great festivity. Monthly Pradosham is very devotionally followed in the temple. Deepavali, Pongal, Tamil and English New Year days are very splendidly celebrated.

Timings:
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Nataraja temple Chidambaram tamilnadu

Chidambaram is combination of "chitt", which means conscience and "ambara" another name for "akash" (or "ether") Like Tiruvannamalai represents fire, Chidambara is ether. Sense of perception associated to this element is the power of hearing.

The Temple town of Chidambaram lies 234 km south of Chennai and 58 km south of Pondicherry on Eastern Coast highway. Chidambaram has been a main pilgrimage center for all the devotees of Lord Shiva since about the ninth century, at that timeChidambaram was known as Thillai, as per broken History records, a Kashmiri’s king who was suffering with a terminal disease bathed in the temple tank 1500 years ago and was cured. In appreciation to the deity, He is said to have enlarged the temple.Chidambaram is known for its Phallie-Shaped ungams of light, which are set in bases of the vulvic goddess; they are primary iconic symbol of Shiva

The history of Chidambaram mentions the overwhelming transformation from a local to a regional sacred place and soon after it became famous throughout the India.Chidambaram is identified as a cult of Shiva as the ‘King of dancers (Nataraja). The origin of cult seems to have been the worship of a stone at a pond which subsequently became the temple tank. The stone was later identified as a Shiva lingam and was worshipped as Mulasthana (‘the place of origin’). There was also the cult of a goddess whose shrine was called Perambalam (‘Great Hall’). In addition, there was aChidambalam (‘Little Hall’), associated with the cult similar to that of Murugan, a god served by priests who dance in the state of trance. The whole sacred complex was called Puliyur (‘Tiger Town’) in Tamil.

Chidambaram is also known as Kovil i.e “the temple”,  As per ancient Hindu scripturesChidambaram lies between the river Velar (Sventanadhi according to puranas) on the north, the Bay of Bengal on the east, the Coleroon on the south and Veeranam tank on the west. Temples of Chidambaram are among the oldest in India and some of them epitomize magnificent Dravidian architecture, though the majority now forms part of later structures.

Chidambaram was originally a forest of Thillai shrub that’s why it was called Thillai. It is one of the five Shaivite Mukti sthalams. The other four are Kalahasti, Kanchipuram,Tiruvannamalai and Tiruvanaikaval. The unique freedom of Chidambaram is that a person of any race or religion can visit the shrine and pray.

Nataraja Temple:

Among Tamil Nadu's countless temples; Nataraja temple at Chidambaram stands a unique place as the home of Nataraja, the dancer form of Lord Shiva. This is now one of the most worshipped images of any Hindu deity, popular throughout India and all over the world. The story of the dance competition that took place in the Golden Hall (or ChitSabha) at Chidambaram emphasizes the iconography of Nataraja and the architectural formation of the temple itself. Image and temple of Nataraja was built under the Cholakingdom in the 9th-12th centuries, though the story of the dance competition is much older. Nataraja Temple is the interrelationship of legend, history, art, and architecture. It is one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place

Nataraja temple is one of the most important and ancient in southern India and devotees from all parts of country visit the temple all the year round. The idol ofNataraja (Shiva in his dancing aspects) is separated from the holy of Holies by a veil which is removed only on specified occasions of worship. Behind the veil is revealed mere space, out of which the heavenly Nataraja is said to have emerged.

The Nataraja temple is situated at the heart of the town, covering an area of 40 acres. It has a gold plated roof, towering over the presiding deity, Aksha Lingam- the lingam of space. The Lord is worshipped in different temples as representing the five elements- earth, water, fire, wind and ether. Chidambaram is unique in that, there is no lingammade of stone in the sanctum in this temple, for here Shiva was seen in his formless form. The invisible linga of Shiva and a complex of temples grew up in the ancient times around the hallowed spot. One of the key features of this temple is magnificent bejeweled Nataraja image. Details of Natya sastra are carved on one of the four tallgopurams, each rising to 40.8 meters. 108 Bharatnatyam dance poses also can be seen on each tower. Each figure is nine inches high and stands in its own niche. Nothing like it exists anywhere else in the world. Another fascinating aspect about the temple is theChidambara rahasyam, the secret of Chidambaram. The union of the Lord and his consort forms a chakra, which is invisible. To symbolize this chakra, a garland of bilvaleaves is hung in the sanctum sanctorum. The Sivakamianmman temple, the Sivagangatank, the thousand pillar hall are the other important features of the temple.

The temples are constructed on an alluvial plain between two rivers. There is no trace of building stone within forty miles, so that all building material had to be transported great distances. The temple enclosure contains shrines to Ganesa which has the largest image of the elephant god in India.

Between 1595 and 1685 the hall of thousand pillars (actually 984) was added. The eastern gateway of the temple commemorates the incident of the raja’s vision, and is dedicated to Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja and Nateswara).

The Chit sabha of the temple is located within it in the position of the heart in a human body, the man lying with his head to the south. The hall serves the position of the sanctum in other temples. The temple is longer from north to south, unlike the generality of temples which measure longer from east to west.

Kali Temple:  This temple is situated on the northern end of the town. It was built byKopperunjijgan, who ruled between 1229 A.D. and 1278 A.D.

Reaching Chidambaram:

By Road: Chidambaram is 234 km from Chennai and can be reached in 5-6 hours by frequent busses following Eastern coast highway via Pondicherry.
Chennai Trichy Express (Train no. 16853)
Starts from Chennai @ 08:20, reaches Chidambaram by 12:54
Chennai Rameswaram Express (Train no. 16701)
Starts from Chennai @ 22:05, reaches Chidambaram by 01:32
Chennai Nagore Express (Train no. 16175)
Starts from Chennai @ 23:45, reaches Chidambaram by 03:39
Trichy – 174 km
Chennai – 234 km
Bengaluru – 347 km

By Train: Chidambaram is 244 km from Chennai on track. It can be reached in 4-5 hours.

Heading out:

Pichavaram, the second largest mangrove forest in the world which lies just 14 km away from Chidambaram and can be a life changing experience for travelers.

Kumbakonam is 78 km from Chidambaram and can be reached in 1-2 hours by state transport busses. One may continue their journey further down south either to Trichy or to Madurai visiting grand temple of Thanjavur as well.

Nearest Airports:
Trichy – 174 km
Chennai – 234 km
Bengaluru – 347 km