For Normal Delivery-Akhilandeshwari Temple Karuvalarcheri

                                          Akhilandeshwari Temple Karuvalarcheri Kumbakonam

This temple is devoted to Mother Akhilandeshwari in Karuvalarcheri. From conception to birth, this Goddess is the giver and protector of life. For those who want to have children and those who are worried about the birthing process, this is an important temple, just like the famous Garbharakshambika temple.

 Maha Guru Agasthiar and his consort Mother Lopamudra Devi (Lobha Matha) offer worship here on Maha Shivratri and Navratri days. Karuvalarcheri is home to one of the most important temples of the Agasthiar Siddha Lineage – the Agasthiar Guru Padhuka Shakti Temple of Mother Sri Akilandeswari and Lord Agastheesvara Shiva. Adjacent to this temple is the temple of Lord Sri Lakshmi Narayana, making Karuvalarcheri a wonderful Siva-Vishnu sacred spot.

Mother Sri Akilandeswari here is known as Karu Valarkkum Nayagi – the Goddess who blesses the foetus with growth. In other words, the Universal Mother in this temple gives the blessing of development to the foetus. Thus this temple complements the famous temple of Garbha Rakshambika which is some miles from here. Mother GarbhaRakshambika is Karu Kaakkum Nayaki – the Goddess who protects the foetus. The Universal Mother in that temple gives the blessing of protection to the foetus. Thus pregnant women get the blessing of growth at one sacred spot and the blessing of protection at the other.

Meditate on these two specific blessings that these two sacred spots give to expectant mothers. Just thinking about this, one should bow down in gratitude to the Universal Mother’s compassion for us and Her meticulous attention to our varied needs.

Things To Buy:

1) Ghee

2) Beetlenut and leaves(vetrilai paaku)

3) Turmeric

4) Kumkum

5) 7 turmeric pods

6) Agarbatti

7) Camphor

8 )Flowers.

Procedure :

It is suyambhu i.e formed by its own.and it is in the form of puttu, so is very powerful.Those who want children go to this temple and clean the steps with ghee and put a kolam and she helps them to form the baby.There is no abhishekam for amman only oil bath.Also this amman only face will be shown to the devotees.We can have the darshan of the full amman only on Sivarathri and Navarathri 9 days.All archana is done only to the moola sri chakra maha meru and sri chakram.

Steps To Follow in Karuvalarcheri Temple:

Devotee needs to bring 7 Vangala Manjal(Bengali Manjal) and a lemon for the padi pooja. The pooja procedures will be explained in details by the temple authorities.

Famous Hindu festival of Mahamaham-Adhi Kumbeswarar Temple Kumbakonam

                                              Adhi Kumbeswarar Temple Kumbakonam

The Kumbheswara temple in Kumbakonam is considered to be the 26th in the series of Thevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. This temple is situated at the center of the town which is 38 km north east of the neighbouring big town Thanjavur and 35 km. west of Mayiladuturai.

During the great deluge, it is believed that Shiva caused the Amritakalasam  to stall here. This shrine is said to  have been established built and consecrated by Bhrama. Amirthakalasam - The pot holding the divine nectar. The Saivaite Saint Tirugnana Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar  praised this kshetra as Kudamookku and among the Alwars Periyalwar, Sri Andal  and  Tirumalisai Alwar called this as Kudanthai while Boodhathazhwar, called this  as Kudamukku.

As Arunagirinathar points  out this kshetra as Kumbakonam, we can safely conclude that kudamukku turned into kumbakonam during the intervening period of the Azhwars and  Arunagirinathar.

The Temple

Kumbeswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the center of the Tamilnadu town Kumbakonam, India. The famous Hindu festival of Mahamaham is associated with this temple.

The huge temple with built over an area of 30187 sq ft is reported to be more than 1300 years old. This temple covering an area of about 4 acres in the heart of the temple town of Kumbakonam.

The Raja Gopuram at the east rises to the lofty height of 128' with nine  terraces, a symbol of grandeur and splendour of the deities as also the  majesty, immensity and all pervasiveness of the universal consciousness. In the northern and western sides there are  small Gopurams and the Mottai Gopuram at the South. Four prakarams line this temple and are lined with local shops, that it is hard to visualize the spread of the temple by looking at its entrance.

At the  eastern end of the first circumambulatory path of the Mulavar shrine in the Southern  side there abide the sixty three saivaite saints. In the northern part there  are Bhairava, Kalabhirava, Jvarahareswara, Chasta, Sivalingam, Govinda  Dikshitar and his consort Nagammal and ChandraSurya. In the South there are the  Big Four of Saivism, 63 Nanmars, Sapta Kannikas. In the west there are  Vinayaka, Bhikshatana, Subramanya Kartikeya Shrines and continuing there are Tejo  Linga, Akshaya Linga, Kotilinga, as also Annapurani, Gajalakshmi, Mahalakshmi,  Saraswati. At the center of the northern circumambulatory path there is Navaneetha  Vinayaka and to the west is the chamber of rest and respite of the Lord and Sri  Ambal and to the east abides Sri Kirathamurti holding the bow and arrow facing  south in the standing posture. He is the principal Deity of this temple.

The  centre of attraction at the inner circumambulatory path is the shrine of the  Mulavar at the Sanctum sanctorum. The Mulavar Sri Parameswara in the self -  originated linga form abides in all splendour and grace facing east. At the  entrance of the Arthamandapa the sentinels - Dhwarapalakas - Chandi and Mundi  stand in vigil on either side. At the Mandapa - Swami Mandapa - western to this  and in its southern side there is Aarukula Ganapati. At the centre of the  mandapa there abides the Nandi followed by the sacrificial altar and behind  this is Nandi made of brass, all facing Sanctum sanctorum. Passing through the  southern gate of Mahamandapa we have the statue of Soma Skanda facing east.

Western  to the Sabhamandapa in the souththere is SabhaVinayaka and at the entrance  towards Mahamandapa there are sentinels on either side and continuing we have  NandiDeva and Kasiviswanatha. Northern to this mandapa Lord Nataraja abides in  all glory and grandeur persecuting the cosmic dances.

At the  Navaratri Mandapa situated inside the second circumambulatory path -  Mahamandapa - Nandi abides facing the Mulavar and behind it there is the  sacrificial alter. Southwest to Nandi there abides Vallabha Vinayaka and at the  northwest there is Shanmukha with six faces and twelve hands. Northern to Nandi  abides Navagraha shrine.

Southeast  to second circumambulatory path is situated the temple kitchen and at the Northeast  the Yagasala. Southern to the Yagasala there abides Lakshmi Narayana Perumal and eastern to this there is the flag mast of the temple.

At the  outer circumambulatory path in the southwest, Kumbha Muni Siddha abides in meditation,  upon the Gopura in bas - relief. Vinayaka of this shrine is called Adi  Vinayaka, in the northwestern end there is Adhi Linga shrine facing east. To the  east of this circumambulatory path at the gateway of Kailasagopura are Mutra  Vinayaka to the left and Balan Dandayuthapani to the right. Northwest to the  Rajagopuram there is Mangalakupa a well and adjacent to it is the elephant shed  and the Tirukkalyanamandapam. Southern to the Rajagopuram is the flower garden  west wards to the flower - bower abides the Vannimara Vinayaka shrie facing  east.

The Navaratri mandapam bears a carvings of the 12 zodiac signs and the 27 asterisms. This temple also houses two nadaswarams made of stone. Many images in this temple deserve mention, especially those of Kiratamurthy and Subramanyar. The Kalyana Mandapam hall in the temple, is the seat of the Tirukkalyana Utsavam. 

Kumbeswarar is represented as a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth - said to have been made by Shiva in the guise of a hunter - Kiratamurthy. Shiva is also known as Amudha Kumbhesar and Amudheesar. The Kumbariya Vinayakar shrine is situated near the tank, while Aadi Vinayakar is worshipped in the temple. Moorka Nayanaar is one of the 63 Nayanars associated with this temple.

The Saptastanams of Kumbeswarar are Kalayanallur, Valanjuzhi, Darasuram, Swamimalai, Kottiayur, Melaikkaveri and Kumbakonam.

Festivals

Six worship services are offered each day here. The annual festival in the month of Masi (February 15 to march 15) is well attended. The Mahamaham tank is the center of great festivity once every 12 years - when Jupiter is positioned in the zodiac sign of Leo, and the sun is positioned in Aquarius and the moon is in the asterism of Magam - when Kumbeswarar is taken in procession there. Thousands of pilgrims converge for a dip in the Mahamagam tank during that time. Several other minor      festivals are celebrated each month here.

During Vaikasi the Thirukkalyana Utsava of Sri Mangalambhigai with Sri  Adi Kumbheswara is celebrated. Moreover festivals of different months  are celebrated on a grand scale, namely Ani Tirumanjanam, Dakshinayana,  Adi Perukku, Adi pooram, Avani Mulam, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navaratri,  Kandashasthi, Kadaimukham, Kartigai Somavaram, Kartigai Deepam, Tiru  Adirai, Mahaditi padam, Sankranti, Sivaratri, and Amudhu Padayal.

For financial stability and good luck-Yoganandeswarar Temple Thiruvisanallur

                                Yoganandeswarar Temple Thiruvisanallur Kumbakonam

Yoganandeswarar Temple at Thiruvisanallur is a very ancient temple.  The presiding deity of this temple, Yoganandeswarar is also known as Sivayoginathar. Eight Shiva yogis after severe penance on Lord Shiva, merged with the Lingam and hence the name Sivayoginathar.   This place was a vilva forest at one time and hence He is also called Vilvaranyeswarar. He is also known as Puradhaneswarar.  His consort here is known as Soundaryanayaki or Shantha Nayaki.  The sthala vriksham is Arasa maram and the Theertham Jatayu Theertham.Chatur Kala Bhairavar is famous here. The four Bhairavars with Saneeswara Bhagawan and Sivalingam on their sides denote different periods of life and praying here will solve our problems for our entire lifespan.The four Bhairavars, (Chatur Kala Bhairavars) each representing the four phases or four Ashramas in the lifespan of a human being are as follows:Gnana Bhairavar :The Brahmacharya phase of the human life is dominated by his quest for knowledge. Gnana Bhairavar bestows good education and good employment on his devotees.Swarna akarshana Bhairavar:In the Grahasta phase, Swarna akarshana Bhairavar blesses his devotees with excellent growth in career and material gains.Unmattha Bhairavar:In the Vanaprastha phase, His devotees are blessed with good health, financial stability and good luck.

Yoga Bhairavar:

In the Sanyasa stage of life, a man is supposed to be totally devoted to God. By praying to Yoga Bhairavar and the Kailash Lingam beside the Yoga Bhairavar, man attains salvation. The objective of existence is to try to merge the jivatma with the paramatma. This is known as moksham or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The four ashrams prepare a person to undertake the process in a controlled but directed manner.
Devotees who worship Chatur Kala Bhairavar during the 8th day of the waxing period (ashtami of Sukla paksham or valarpirai) gain in prosperity and advancement in business and career. Devotees worship during the 8th day of the waning period (ashtami of Krishna paksham or theipirai) to get cured of their diseases, peaceful family life, protection from evil spirits and envy.

Lighting oil lamps with black pepper on eight consecutive Sundays during Rahu kalam 4.30PM to 6.00 PM at Bhairavar’s sannidhi results in getting back lost property and wealth. Kala Bhairava Gayatri Mantra Om Kaalakaalaaya vidhmahey Kaalaatheethaaya dheemahi Thanno Kaala Bhairava Prachodhayaath.Once a man who was a habitual sinner was about to be taken away by Yama.  This man had only indulged in evil deeds and had not not anything good to anybody all his life.  This man came running into the temple to escape from Yama and was shouting and pleading to Lord Shiva to save him.  Nandi trained his ears towards the entrance of the temple to hear the cry of the man and informed Lord Shiva about the same.  Though, this man was a habitual sinner, Lord Shiva blessed him with papa vimochanam (absolution of sin) and Mukthi because he had come to Shiva with total devotion.  It is to be noted that you can see the idol of Nandi with its head turning to a side. It is believed that those who pray to Him here during the Pradosham (Twilight period in the evening on the 13th day of every Lunar fortnight) will be absolved of all their past sins.

There is also a sannadhi for Lakshmi and Narayanan which is a rare.  Vishnu and Lakshmi are supposed to have got the blessing of Shiva here for their marriage.  Worshiping Lakshmi Narayanan on shravan nakshatra, ekadasi and Saturdays is considered special.  Devotees who light 6 oil lamps and offer Tulasi garland to this deity for six consecutive weeks are blessed with progeny, peaceful family life, removal of obstacles in marriage and general prosperity.

There is a Sun Dial in the periphery wall of this temple opposite to Ambal’s Sannidhi, which is a symbol of the scientific advancement during the Chola period.  This is the temple for Rishabha Rasi.  People born under Rishabha rasi are recommended to visit and pray at this temple regularly.

Sridhara Ayyavals ashram is in this village.  There are few miracles about his life. Devas and Pithrus are believed to have partaken in a meal when he conducted Shraddham for his father, although the local Brahmins refused to attend.

Once on a New Moon day, he brought Ganges to the well in his house for purification.  He is also credited with restoring life to a young man, out of compassion for his parents.

Sridhara Ayyaval is reported to have vanished after entering the Sanctum Sanctorum of Madhyarjuna Siva temple at Thiruvidaimaruthur. From Thiruvidaimarudhur this is at a distance of about 6 kms across the Cauvery.  Thiruvisanallur is on the Suryanar - Thirumangalakudi - Swamimalai Road.

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 ).