Tamil poet Ottakkoothar of Chola era attained his Jeeva Samadhi-Veerabhathirar Temple

                                                 Veerabhathirar Temple Kumbakonam

Near the Amman temple, one could see the ruined Veerabhathirar temple which is believed to be built even before the Airavateshvara temple. The Raja gopuram of this temple is constructed with mortar and bricks. It is also believed that the great Tamil poet Ottakkoothar of Chola era attained his Jeeva Samadhi at this Veerabhathirar temple.

Ganesha made of Sea Foam-Swetha Vinayagar Thiruvalanchuzhi

                                                      Thiruvalanchuzhi Kumbakonam

Thiruvalanchuzhi,(Another temple near Swamimalai) as the name indicates (thiru-sacred, valanchuzhi-right handed curve), is a holy place where the river Kaveri takes a gentle curve hugging the divine sthala to her bosom. Adding glory to the place is the age old temple dedicated to the leader of ganas, revered in this sthala as Swetha Vinayagar or the Pure White one.

Mein deity: Lord shiva and ambal. Shiva is called as Sri Kabardeeshwarar (Kadaimudi nathar) and Ambal is called as Sri Prahan nayaki (Periyanaki Ambal). But this temple is famous for the sri vellai vinayagar.
Sri Vellai Pillaiyar (Swetha Vinayakar or Nuraippillaiyaar) Temple is situated at Thiruvalanchuzhi, a village located just 6 kms near Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu, India.

When Durvasa Muni came to visit Indra, he brought with him a garland obtained from Lakshmi. Seeing Indra riding on his Airavatha, he offered the garland as a fitting gift to the king of devas. Indra, who was in one of his proud moods, carelessly took the garland and placed it on airavatha’s head. The elephant in its playful mood dragged it down and stamped on the holy garland. Anger burst through Durvasa who cursed Indra “Oh foolish proud King, You have just shown disrespect to Lakshmi herself. May all your prosperity melt away. May your strength disappear and may you rot in disrespect.”. Cursing thus he left the place, the devas all shivering in fear.

Seeing no other go they rush to MahaVishnu and seek his help. “Divine Protector,” they pleaded, “please show us a way out”. The ever benevolent Vishnu cast his eyes on them and said “Oh Devas, you have but one way left. Churn the Milk Ocean to obtain amrutha. Intake of this divine nectar will free you from all the curse and restore you back to power”. The devas prostrated before him and left. The churning would require a huge churn support and a humongously long rope. Vasuki, the king of snakes offered himself as the rope and the devas decided to use the meru mountain as the churn. All preparations done they still couldnt begin, their strength all gone with the curse. Having been weakened by the curse, they alone couldnt churn the ocean.

After prolonged consideration, Indra sent a missive to his step brothers, the asuras, asking them to join in this effort, promising a portion of the nectar. With the assent of the asuras, the churning was to begin.

According to the legend, when the Devas and asuras were churning the ocean, they forgot to worship Ganesha. They realized their error when the poison came out, and Indra immediately made an image of Ganesha out of the sea foam which had collected as a result of the churning of the ocean. Ganesha was pleased, and the Devas were able to obtain nectar. This is the Ganesha present in the temple. Swetha Vinayakar, a Ganesha made of Sea Foam.

Indra continued to worship the cream idol and took it with him when he went on a pilgrimage to absolve his sins. When he reached the banks of the kaveri, he placed the idol down to take a bath and perform the ritual poojas. Returning back, he saw that the idol had firmly attached itself to the ground and refused to budge. Understanding the divine will of the lord he prostrated in front of the idol. “Who am I to take you around when your desire is to stay here. All I ask is one boon. May I be allowed to perform pooja to you everyday?”, he asked. Vinayagar gave his approval, and happy with this Indra returns back to Amaravathi leaving the cream white idol to be worshipped by generations of devotees in what is now Thiruvalanchuzhi.

The cream idol, adored as Vella Pillayar, Swetha vinayagar or Nurai Pillayar, in the sanctum is pure white and is protected very fiercely by silver and gold frames. No abhisheka or pushpa are offered to the deity, lest the cream is washed away. Every decoration and splendour is for the surrounding frames alone. The only offering is Pacha-Karpooram (a fine edible form of camphor), which is finely crushed and sprinkled over the image on a basis. This alone is the main offering by the devotees to the temple.

Miracle of a Cobra doing Archana for Siva Lingam with Vilvam leaves-Thepperumanallur Shiva Temple

                                        Thepperumanallur Shiva Temple Kumbakonam

Thepperumalnallur Sivan Temple is situated near Thirunageswaram railway station near to Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam-Mayavaram route. This temple is more than 500 years old. Here Vedhanthanayagi [Sakthi] with Viswanathaswamy [Siva] are the main Deities.

Speciality of the Temple

• There is a siva linga in whose Avudiyar a maragada is fixed inside on which sunlight falls everyday. The Power of this linga is said to be the combination of all the 12 jothirlingas in India and therefore unique.
• The Dakshinamurthy Idol is unique and is considered more powerful and boon bestowing than Alangudi or anywherelse.
• A huge serpent visits the temple almost every day wounds round the Bhairavar statue inside the temple and also on the Linga and two shedded skins of the cobras have been collected and kept safely.
• The Ambal is called Vedantanayaki and swami as Viswanathar. There is a rudraksha kavacha on the sivalinga.
• This is the only temple where archana to siva is done with rudraksha – archana with eka mukha to 12 mukha rudrakshas provides boons and purusharthas as the devotees require.
• There is vigneswara, Shanmuga, navagraha sannathis and also a temple tank on the eastern side.
• The power of the temple is such that Rahu/Kethu doshas are removed, childless couples bestowed with divine child and there are many more plus to benefit the devotee

Miracle in the Temple

Large numbers of devotees also have witnessed a miracle of a Cobra doing Archana for Siva Lingam with Vilvam leaves. In this Temple, it has been customary to do archana with Rudhraksha only. On 15th January 2010 morning, just before Solar Eclipse, at about 10:30 AM Sivachariar, priest of the Temple, noticed a Cobra lying on top of the Siva Linga. The snake slowly descended from there and went towards the Vilvam tree which is the Sthala Viruksham- Holy tree of the temple. It climbed the tree and picked a Vilvam leaf and came back and entered the Sannadhi. It hissed at any devotee trying to get near it. It climbed onto the Siva Linga and opened it hood and dropped the Vilvam Leaf. This miracle was witnessed by all devotees who were presnt there. Then the Cobra went again and again to do the same repeated two or three times. As the news spread all over the village, hundreds of villagers rushed to the Temple to have the Dharshan of this event of Cobra with Siva. The Priest explained "It is doing the archana during the Solar Eclipse time to wash off its sins". 

 

This incident has also been published in local dailies. It worth visiting the temple which has such an enormous religious power.

Biggest & Tallest Temple for Lord Sri Vittal and Rukmini Devi in the entire World-Sri Vittal Rukmani Mandir Govindapuram

                            Sri Vittal Rukmani Mandir Govindapuram Kumbakonam

Govindapuram has embarked upon the holy project of constructing a first ever Maharashtrian style temple in typical Hemandapanthi for Sri Rukmini sametha Sri Vittal at Govindapuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Once completed, this upcoming Temple will be the Biggest & Tallest Temple for Lord Sri Vittal and Rukmini Devi in the entire World.

The Gopuram (main tower) of the Temple is 132 ft tall. The sight of the huge Gopuram is a divine treat to watch. A huge Kalash (Kalasam) crowns the Maha Gopuram. The Kalash itself is 18 ft high. Mahamandapam, where Swamy’s Palli Arai (Sayana Mandapam) is constructed - is an unique structure, as it has an Artistic Dome, which is visible from inside too. The Dome is of South Indian architectural design. Vasantha Mandapam is a piller less huge hall, where Namasankeerthanam, Bhajans, Upanyasams and various uthsavams like Radha Kalyanam etc., will be held. can accommodate more than 2000 Bakthas at a time . The ceiling of the vasantha Mandapm is decorated with fiber class Printing. The Mahadhwar (main entrance) of the Temple is of Maharashtrian style and is a 80 ft tall structural beauty, with a width of 62 ft.Large size of decorative depictions of 16 various Leelas (divine actions) of Lord Sri Krishna, sculptured in high quality wood are fixed inside the premises .The ground floor of the Temple has a Library and Meditation Halls.The Temple has a Pond ( Chandrabaga ).

For Accurate Knowledge-Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple Thirucherai

                              Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple Thirucherai Kumbakonam

Thirucherai is situated near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Thirucherai is known variedly as Udayaar Koil, Sen-neriyappar Koil and Arul migu Gnanavalli-samedha-Sara Parmeswarar Koil, to mention a few. The Tamil word Udayaar means, 'one who owns, possesses, or one who is the Master’. The Lord is called Udayaar in the sense that He is the Master of the entire universe and His Consort is known as Udayaal. As He is the one who enables the minds of men to follow the path of rectitude, He is known as sen-neri-appan. The Lord who is the path himself.

Lord Saranathan as Vishnu is named here, stands regally in the main sanctum at Tirucherai surrounded by Pancha Lakshmis- Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, Neela Devi, Maha Lakshmi and Saranayagi Thaayar.

The Vaishnavites of Thirucherai use the attribute 'Sara’ (quintessence, core, soul, etc.) to denote the Perumal enshrined here. The kshetra is known as Sara-kshetra. The Moorthi is known as Sara-nathan, His Consort as Sara-nayaki, the temple tower as sara-vimanam and the temple tank as sara-pushkarani. It is therefore that the Saivites have also chosen to call their Lord as Sara-Parameswarar. The Lord who is the core of all beings. The temple is popularly known as Arul migu Gnanavalli-samedha-Sara Parmeswarar Koil.

Temple

This temple has two prakarams. The temple is 116 meters in length and 72 meters width with 22 meters high Raja Gopuram. There are shrines for Yoga Narasimhar and Raja Gopalaswamy with his consorts Rukmani and satyabama. It is also believed that Anjaneya blesses the devotees from the west end of Pushkarini and Ganesh from northeastern side.

Naayak King of Thanjavur, who was attached to Vishnu temples, sent construction materials to Mannargudi for the construction of the Rajagopalaswamy temple. A minister of the king decided to bring a few bricks on every trip to Thiru Cherai for the renovation of this temple.

Suspecting this, the king decided on a sudden inspection. A worried minister prayed to Rajagopalaswamy and to the surprise of the Nayak King, the Mannargudi Lord is said to have appeared before the king at Thirucherai, at the time of the inspection. A delighted king immediately allocated funds towards the construction and renovation of the Thirucherai temple.

In the inner samnctum, River Kaveri has been personified as a mother holding a child on her lap.! The importance given to forces of nature – i.e. the sun, moon, planets, stars, and every aspect of the universe like , rivers, trees, etc in our religion is indeed remarkable. Every temple honours the stala vruksham- a tree, a mount--- e.g. Garudan or Nandi ( i.e. an animal); and at Tirucherai we can see the river Kaveri in her maternal status as a life- giver.

Legend

Markandeya and Kaveri Amman meditated upon Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that brahma made a clay plot to rescue and preserve the Vedas during pralaya, but none of the pots made by Brahma whenever he tried. There upon he was directed by Lord Vishnu to proceed to Thirucherai (Saara Kshetram) and make a pot out of the clay on the banks of kaveri, and thus the Vedas were protected in a pot made out of tough mud at this place.

Once Ganga, Cauvery and other big rivers were playing at the foot of the Vindhya Hills. A Gandharva, who was passing by, waited for a minute and saluted them. Peculiar to know who he looked at, they approached the Gandharva who answered that his salute was addressed at the senior most among them.

While the rest of them gave way, Ganga and Cauvery got into an argument as to who was senior among the two and went to Brahmma for the decision. Brahma pronounced that the water he used for the special pooja of Lord Vishnu flowed down as the Ganges and hence she was the most sacred.

Depressed by this, Cauvery was eager to get herself a similar stature. Brahmma asked her to undertake penance at ThiruCherai and invoke Vishnu’s blessings as he was the only one who could provide her with a solution.

Cauvery requested the Lord to stay at Thirucherai in the same form and he accepted her wish. Also, she wanted to achieve the status of the "sacred water". After more than 1000 years of thapus, Lord appeared before Goddess Kaveri and blessed her with following:
1. She will be equal to ganga in southern part of vindya.
2. He will stay at this Kshethram for ever and bless all those who visit this place.

Temple Timings
The temple is open from 7am to 12 noon in the mornings and from 4 pm to 7 pm in the evenings.

Removes the effect of black magic & problems due to enemies-Sri Durgaamman temple Patteeswaram

                                              Sri Durgaamman temple Patteeswaram

Patteeswaram, near Kumbakonam is famous for its Durga temple. This temple is fairly big and well-maintained one.  There are five majestic gopurams (towers).  The temple seems to have been built and rebuilt several times with additions made to the original temple at various times.  The evidence of this is in the temple’s architecture which has the styles of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Nayaks. The presiding deity at this temple is Dhenupureeswarar and his consort is Gyanambigai. Patteeswaram is one of the Parivara Sthalam.  

Legend has it that Rama had installed a Shivalingam here to get rid of his sin or dosham.  Rama was afflicted by three Doshams or sins for killing Ravana.  He could get rid of these sins by installing a Shivalingam and do penance.  Though, Rama was an incarnation of Vishnu, He had taken the birth as an ordinary human being to show people the way and be a role model.  He was an Avatara Purushan or one who sets an example. He had to undergo all the trials and tribulations that a normal human being undergoes and demonstrate the virtues of righteousness while surmounting the problems.  Like any other mortal, He had to face the consequences of His actions and had to perform the necessary pariharam (remedial poojas) to attain papa vimochanam (absolution of the sin).  The first of his three sins was Brahmahatti dosham, because he had killed Ravana who was a Brahmin.  He was absolved of the sin by installing a Shiva Lingam at Rameswaram.  His second sin was Verrahatti dosham, because Ravana was also a great warrior.  Rama installed another Shiva Lingam at Vedaranyam to be absolved of this sin.  His third sin was Chaya Hatti dosham because Ravana was a great exponent of fine arts and an ardent devotee of Shiva.  He was absolved of this sin when he installed yet another Shiva Lingam at Patteeswaram.  These three Lingams are known as Ramalingam.   Rama created a well here to perform ablutions or abhishegam to the Shiva Lingam that he had installed here.  The well thus created by him is said to have brought the holy waters of Dhanushkodi here. Near this well is a niche of Anjaneyar.

Kamadhenu’s daughter Patti, worshipped Lord Shiva here.  She used to perform abhishegam or ablution to the Shiva Lingam with her milk, hence the name Patteeswaram.

As in Thirupungur, the Nandi has shifted to a side here.  The reason attributed goes thus.  On a hot summer day, Thirugnanasambandar, a child poet, was on his way to Patteeswaram to worship the Lord.  Since Sambandar was a small child and the intense heat could make him weak, Dhenupureeswarar had a canopy of pearls erected along the way to make it cool and comfortable for his young devotee.  Dhenupureeswarar could not wait for Sambandar to come to His Sanctum to see him.  He asked Nandi to move aside so that He could see His devotee as he entered the temple. There is an annual festival in the tamil month of Ani to commemorate this incident.  This special festival is called 'Muthupandal’.  A palanquin of pearls is lifted in a procession that starts at noon from Sakthimutram and concludes at Patteswaram.

There is a tank in front of the temple.  The Pillayar installed near the tank is known as Agnya Ganapathy.

Though the temple here is a Shiva temple, the temple is known for the Durga here.  Durga is considered to be the combined force of all the Gods to destroy the evil forces. Durga in Sanskrit means a fortified or well protected place. Durga protects the mankind from the evil forces.  She removes the negative thoughts such as selfishness, envy, hatred anger and ego. The shrine for Durga is near the Northern entrance of the temple.  Cholas are believed to have originally installed this deity in their fort.  The idol was removed and installed here at this temple after the fall of the Chola dynasty.  Along with the idol of Durga, the idols of Swarnaganapthy, Shanmuga and Bhairavar were also shifted to this temple from the fort.  These four deities were guarding the four entrances of the fort. The Cholas were ardent devotees of Durga and always worshipped Durga before going to war or when they were faced with making an important decision.

The Durga here is a Shanta Swarupi (calm or peaceful looking). She is seated on her vehicle Lion and is seen with here foot on Mahishasura.  The Goddess appears in Tribanga (three curved) posture. Durga here is ashtabhuja or with eight hands.  She is seen holding conch, discuss, bow, arrow, sword, shield and a parrot in Her hands.

She has three eyes and jewels adorn her ears.  An unusual aspect of this Durga is that her vehicle – the lion – is seen facing the left side instead of the right side, which is usually the case.  Goddess Durga here is considered to be very divine and powerful who showers Her blessings on Her devotees.  People afflicted with Rahu and Kethu Doshas worship at this temple during Rahu Kalam; for, it is believed that during the Rahu Kalam, Rahu worships the Goddess everyday.  Worshipping Her on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays, New Moon days and Full Moon days and Ashtami and Navami (8th and 9th day from the new moon or full moon day) is considered special.  People throng this temple to seek the blessings of Durga in finding suitable match for their daughters.  Locals vouch that the prayers are always answered.

Worship of Durga is considered very important in Kaliyuga.  The worship of Goddess Durga removes the effect of all types of black magic, unfavourable effect of negative planets, Bad luck, health problems, problems due to enemies etc. Offerings of Sarees and garland of lemon are made to the Goddess.  Offering red floral garland alleviates Chevvai Dosham (the adverse effect of Mars). The Bhairavar here blesses his devotees with protection from enemies, good health, and cure from any venomous bite.  Lord Patteeswarar blesses His devotees with peace of mind and career advancement.

Sun worships the Lord with his rays falling on the Lord from 21st to 27th of chiththirai-Sree Lalithambigai Temple Thirumeeyachur

                                      Sree Lalithambigai Temple Thirumeeyachur 

This temple is located in Thiruvarur District Nannilam circle, one and half kilometres west of Peralam village.The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Meghanatha. Rajendra Chola and Sembian Maadevi are said to have renovated this ancient temple. The consort of Lord Meghanatha is Goddess Lalitambika. Her shrine on the right has got a 5-tiered Rajagopuram. The imposing five feet idol of Sri Lalitambika is installed over Sri Chakra in the sanctum sanctorum. The deity is seated resting her folded right leg on the seat. Her left leg is in Sukhasana posture. She is said to be in Manonmani Swaroopa and hence is also known as Santanayaki. This is supposed to be an Ilam Kovil (temple within temple).  Since there are two temples side by side, a unique feature of this temple is that you can see Shiva (present as Lingothbhavar) Vishnu and Brahma simultaneously.

History

Karththuru, vinathai are the two wives of kashyapa maharishi. They had a fight in between them about the black spot on the tail of uchchaisiravas – indra’s horse. Repenting they came to thirumiyachur and worshiped the Lord. The Lord blessed then and gave them an egg each, asked to preserve for an year to get splendid sons. They got garudan, arunan respectively. When arunan took the form of mohini (charming girl) sun despoilt her. When arunan pleaded to the Lord, He cursed sun to get darkened. As per His advise, sun worshiped the Lord at thirumiyachur for seven months.

Surya Bhagavan is believed to have workshipped Lord Siva as Gajaaruda seated on an elephant among thick clouds. Hence the Gajruda Vimana still as his darkness did not change, he cried in grief, ”he migura”.

Hayagrivar conveyed to sage agasthiyar lalita sahasranamam.

The Goddess got angry at the sun for shouting in Their abode. The God pacified her saying sun was looking for relief. (This Pacifying scene is depicted by the sculpture ) One of the key attraction of this temple is this sculpture where Lord Shiva is holding parvati’s cheeks. Its said that Lord is pacifying the mother of universe. In one angle the sculpture goddess appears to be in anger on the other angle she looks romantic. By His Grace sun was cured. The pacified Goddess does austerities getting the name shantanayaki.

As told by him agasthiyar came to this temple and worshiped the God in the “Amla phaladi krana puja” as done by the sun and saluted “sri lalitambika”. yama dharma raja worshiped the Lord here. Sage Agastya is believed to have sung Lalita Navaratnamala in praise of the Goddess. He has also composed a hymn named Rahasyanamasahasram. Saivite saints Tirugnana Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar have sung in praise.

Specialites

• Sun worships the Lord with his rays falling on the Lord from 21st to 27th of chiththirai.
• Auspicious place to chant lalita sahasranamam
• Gajaprishta vimanam
• Glorious durga
• Beautiful artworks – service by choza kings