Mantras - Part IV

Some guidelines for reciting the Mantras.

Mantra word is explained as - manatat trayate iti mantrah i.e. that which protects when dwelt upon.

There are number of benefits that one derives by chanting mantra, such as 1) Making the mind strong, (2) Protection of those who think of us, (3) Protecting sacred/secret language, (4) Distancing one self away from the borders of mind i.e. not getting affected by unsteady nature of mind.

Mantra is one of the ways of realizing the Supreme Lord. It is stated that once our mind becomes pure, there is no need for reciting the mantras. Hence, it is essential to recite them till one reaches the stage of purity. It is also stated that once you reach such a state, you start realizing that you, almighty, and all things around you are one and the same. Stories of characters such as Meera, Pralhad, Purandardas are the examples of this. They achieved a vision where they could see God everywhere.

Adi Shankaracharya has given a simple method of japa. He says, "japo jalpaha", that is whatever we speak should become a japa. There are 51 alphabets in Sanskrit language and it is stated that the Supreme Goddess (Devi) resides in all of them. Hence, he says that let whatever you speak become a japa. It means that whatever we speak must be soft, heart-rendering and soothing, like a japa. By doing this we can overcome aggressiveness, anger and unwanted loose talks. We should also do our Archana (worship of God) in the same manner i.e. all our day to day actions should be in the spirit of devotion to god. By doing this, we can reach the abode of the Lord.

Diwali - Significance of Lamp

Author: Shri Nandan Kaluskar

Namaskar

On this special and auspicious day of Diwali, let us contemplate a little on the topic of light. Most of us have grown up in homes where lighting of the oil and/ or ghee lamp in the place of pooja/ worship was a daily practice and we tend to continue the practice to our best ability, trying to pass that tradition, culture to our next generation.

Among the many reasons and benefits of lighting the lamp, here are a couple of them which I personally found very interesting –

1. The oil/ghee lamp is a monochromatic source of light and is considered to boost the positive energies. It also wards off any negativities (including thoughts) and hence purifies the home
   
   I have very pleasant memories since my early childhood of my visits to my Guru’s (Shri Raghupathi Sir’s) home when he used to have two beautiful and sharp oil lamps lit in front of the Gods in the room. The calm and divinity couldn’t be missed even by the most agnostic person. I am sure many of my friends have experienced this as well.
   
   I remember an incident when a visitor (spiritual seeker to be precise) at Sir’s home kept looking at the oil lamp in the room and suddenly asked if Ashtami had begun. I asked him later why he had asked the question randomly and he told me that he could see eight concentric rings around the flame and hence guessed that it was Ashtami! There’s a deeper science about the kind of oil, type of lamps, the direction of the flame and its merits which has been covered in detail in the past articles by Sir.
   
   
2. Another explanation for the Nandadeep (24x7 lamps) from Shri Anna is as follows – the energies (aura) of the Siddhas, Gods and/ or higher celestial bodies cannot be directly seen or felt by most of us. Hence the Nandadeep is lit to symbolize the energies and remind us to understand/ realize them as energies than just the form.
   
   This is one of the reason why places like Shirdi, Akkalkot, Wadi, Gangapur, almost all temples have a Nandadeep.

These Nitya darshans of the external light (lamp) stimulate the inner flame (atma-jyot). By performing practices prescribed by your Guru, the darkness (of ignorance, Maya) can be eliminated and one finds the light within him/herself. Once the inner lamp is lit (by grace of the Guru of course), the seeker finds his/her own path, gets answers to all questions and is able to enjoy the eternal bliss. Faith and grace of the Guru form the oil which burn the ego & ignorance creating a pleasant light called Atma-tej.

In Osho Rajneesh’s words “jab dil ka diya jala ho, to thaali me diya jale ya na jale koi matlab nahie banta” (when the inner lamp is lit, the external lamps do not matter).

With this note, we wish you a very happy Diwali. May you experience the brilliance of the universe from the light within!

Mantras - Part III

MantraYoga

This is a feeble attempt to translate the lecture of His Holiness Shankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt, about MantraYoga. We ask for forgiveness for any errors or omissions committed.

VedAdhyayan (study/practice of Vedas), can be considered as to be MantraYoga.

First, we must remember that by the movements of our Nadis, there is a disturbance caused in our brain, which gives rise to various thoughts/feelings like anger, love, sorrow, pain etc. In short, for getting a certain type of feeling the movements of Nadis are responsible. These feelings are reflected in our facial changes. 

Hence, if we are able to control the disturbances, it is very easy to control the feelings (desires etc.). The art of getting control over Nadis is of 2 types - 1. RajaYoga, which is mainly based on Pranayam and 2. MantraYoga, that is reciting certain Mantras.

When we recite a mantra, the PranaVayu comes out of the gaps in our teeth, tongue, lips, upper jaw and lower jaw. By the movement of these parts, the sound of alphabets is created. This in turn causes ripples (disturbance) in our Nadis connected to these parts in our face. These disturbances in our Nadis create changes in our mind causing various feelings.

In order to control these feelings, the VedaMantras were created by Rishis and Munis, so that the unwanted thoughts/feelings can be removed. 

So the VedMantras are meant for the benefit of one and all, so that a person can get control over desires and hence, can ultimately attain Moksha.

Diwali relevance and muhurtas for 2019

Article by Shri Nandan Kaluskar 

Diwali 2019 – location wise muhurtas, relevance of days and suggested practices

Typically most important question we have for Diwali is - what is the muhurta for doing certain pujas e.g. Laxmi Pujan. Extending on this idea of providing muhurta details, a thought triggered that the details, about what and when to do on each day of Diwali, relevance of festivities and some more insights, could be useful to all and hence compiled this information (mostly from Drikpanchang – https://www/drikpanchang.com). I credit this to the blessings of my Guru. I hope those who desire will find these useful.

Please note that the exact date for Diwali days vary based on the geography. Please do use the details to find out the exact event (Diwali day) for your time zone on a particular calendar day.

Thursday October 24th, 2019 - Vasu Baras, Govatsa Dwadashi

Muhurta:

West Coast US & Canada: 6:19pm to 8:56pm PST

Central time US & Canada: 6:44pm to 9:19pm CST

East coast US & Canada: 6:03pm to 8:42pm EST

London: 5:49pm to 8:36pm GMT

Note that Vasu Baras and Dhanatrayodashi are on the same day (25^th) in India & Dubai hence muhurtas for the same mentioned accordingly

Relevance:

Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated one day before Dhanteras. On Govatsa Dwadashi day cows and calves are worshipped. The wheat products are given to cows and calves after worship. People who observe Govatsa Dwadashi abstain from eating any wheat and milk products during the day. Govatsa Dwadashi is also observed as Nandini Vrat. Nandini is divine cow in Hinduism.

In Maharashtra, Govatsa Dwadashi is known as Vasu Baras and it is considered first day of Deepavali.

Suggestion(s):

• If possible visit any nearby cow-shed and perform a pooja of the cow preferably along with her calf. Usually its good to offer yellow colored daal (uncooked) or yellow food to seek blessings of the Guru (planet) especially for those undergoing adverse dashas as per horoscope. Many temples in and around the world (including US, UK, Canada) do keep cows.
• If you cannot easily find a cow to worship, offer the pooja and prasad to your Guru. If you do not know who your Guru is, offer the same to Ganapati. Ganapati routes the offering to your Guru and also brings you in contact with the Guru tatva in physical form.
• Chanting Shri Guru Gita, Ganapati Atharvashirsha and/ or Vishnu sahastranaam if possible

Friday October 25th, 2019 – Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanteras, Yama Deepam

Muhurta:

West Coast US & Canada: 7:19pm to 8:55pm PST

Central time US & Canada: 7:48pm to 9:19pm CST

East Coast US & Canada: 7:00pm to 8:41pm EST

London: 6:31pm to 8:08pm GMT

Dubai – Dhanatrayodashi from 6:54pm to 8:16pm, Yamadeepam from 5:44pm to 7:00 pm and Vasu Baras from 5:44pm to 8:16pm

India  - Vasu Baras - 6:09pm to 8:39pm IST AND Dhanatrayodashi – 7:23pm to 8:39pm IST

Relevance:

Dhantrayodashi which is also known as Dhanteras is the first day of five days long Diwali festivities. On the day of Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Kubera who is the God of wealth, is worshipped on the auspicious day of Trayodashi. However, Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya after two days of Dhantrayodashi is considered more significant.

Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi should be done during Pradosh Kaal which starts after sunset and approximately lasts for 2 hours and 24 minutes.

The best time for Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras is during Pradosh Kaal when Sthir Lagna prevails. Sthir means fixed i.e. not moveable. If Dhanteras Puja is done during Sthir Lagna, Lakshmiji will stay in your home; hence this time is the best for Dhanteras Pujan. Vrishabha Lagna is considered as Sthir and mostly overlaps with Pradosh Kaal during Diwali festivity.

We provide exact window for Dhanteras Puja. Our Muhurat times contain Pradosh Kaal and Sthir Lagna while Trayodashi is prevailing. We provide Muhurat based on location, hence you should select your city first before noting down Shubh Dhanteras Puja timings.

Dhanteras Puja is also known as Dhantrayodashi. The day of Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda. Yamadeep is another ritual on the same Trayodashi Tithi when the lamp for the God of death is lit outside home to ward off any untimely death of any family members.

Suggestion(s):

• Starting with Ganapati pooja, one should worship the wealth (and more importantly the giver of the wealth ie Lakshmi).  
• Chanting Purusha sookta, Sri-sookta. 
• Since it is also worship of Yama, one can chant/ hear Sri Rudra

Saturday October 26th, 2019 – Narak Chaturdashi, Tamil Deepavali

Muhurta (Abhyanga Snana):

West Coast US & Canada: 5:32am to 7:26am PST

Central time US & Canada: 5:47am to 7:40am CST

East Coast US & Canada: 6:16am to 7:19am EST

India: Yama Deepam in India between 6:09pm to 7:23pm IST

Note that Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmipoojan are on the same day (27th) in India, UK and Dubai

Relevance:

Five days Diwali festivity starts on Dhantrayodashi and lasts on Bhaiya Dooj (Bhau beej) day. Abhyang Snan has been suggested on three days i.e. on Chaturdashi, Amavasya and Pratipada days during Diwali.

Abhyang Snan on Chaturdashi day, which is popularly known as Narak Chaturdashi, is the most significant one. It is believed that people, who do Abhyang Snan on this day, can avoid going to Narak. Til (i.e. sesame) oil should be used for Ubtan during Abhyang Snan.

Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi might be one day before or on same day of Lakshmi Puja day on English Calendar. When Chaturdashi Tithi prevails before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi prevails after sunset then Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day. Abhyang Snan is always done during moonrise but before sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing.

Our Muhurta window for Abhyang Snan is between moonrise and sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi prevails. We provide Abhyang Snan Muhurta exactly as it has been prescribed in religious Hindu texts. We consider all exceptions and list the best date and time for Abhyang Snan.

Narak Chaturdashi day is also known as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas.

Often Narak Chaturdashi is considered same as Kali Chaudas. However both are two different festivals observed on the same Tithi and depending on the start and end timing of Chaturdashi Tithi might fall on two different consecutive days.

Suggestion(s):

After Abhyangasnana, do perform the regular pooja along with Purusha sookta, Sri-sookta, Vishnusahastranaam

Sunday October 27th, 2019 – Lakshmi Poojan, Kali Pooja, Sharda Pooja, Chopda Pooja

Muhurta:

East Coast US & Canada: 6:52pm to 8:40pm EST

Central time US and Canada: 7:40pm to 9:17pm CST

West Coast US & Canada: 7:11pm to 8:38pm PST

London: Narak Chaturdashi Abhyanga snana – 5:20am to 6:45am GMT and Lakshmi Poojan 5:23pm to 7:00 pm GMT

Dubai: Narak Chaturdashi Abhyanga snana– 5:18am to 6:23am and Lakshmi Poojan 6:46pm to 8:15 pm India: Narak Chaturdashi Abhyanga snana – 5:33am to 6:36am IST AND Lakshmi Poojan 7:15pm to 8:38pm IST

Relevance:

On the day of Diwali, people should get up early in the morning and pay tribute to their ancestors and worship family gods. Being Amavasya day, people also perform Shradh for their ancestors. Traditionally, most Puja are performed after keeping a day long fast. Hence, the devotees of Goddess Lakshmi observe a day long fast on the day of Lakshmi Puja. The fast is broken after Lakshmi Puja in the evening.

Suggestion(s):

• Best day to perform Lakshmi pooja. Starting with the regular abhishek accompanied with Purusha sookta, one should perform archana with flowers, Kumkum or rice accompanied with chanting of Srisookta, Khadgamala stotra and/ or SriLalitasahastranaam.
• Any number of Gayatri chanting on this day is most desirable

Monday October 28^th, 2019 – Bali pratipada, Govardhan pooja, Annakut

Muhurta:

West Coast US & Canada: 7:28am to 9:37am PST AND/OR 4:05pm to 5:43pm PST

Central time US & Canada: 7:41am to 9:53am CST AND/OR 4:28pm to 6:40pm CST

East Coast US & Canada: 7:22am to 9:29am EST AND/OR 3:51pm to 5:58pm EST

London: 6:46am to 8:45am GMT AND/OR 2:42pm to 4:42pm GMT

Dubai: 7:38am to 8:40am AND/ OR 3:26pm to 5:42pm

India: 3:49pm to 6:07pm IST (no morning muhurta in India)

Relevance:

Bali Puja is also known as Bali Pratipada and performed on the first day of Kartik Pratipada which falls on the next day of Diwali Puja. Bali Puja coincides with Govardhan Puja. While Govardhan Puja is dedicated to Govardhan hills and Lord Krishna, Bali Puja is performed to seek blessings of Demon king Bali.

Due to boon bestowed by Lord Vishnu, Demon king Bali is worshipped in India during Diwali. According to legends associated with Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu, Demon Bali was pushed to Patala (i.e. Nadir) by Lord Vishnu. However due to generosity of the king Bali, Lord Vishnu allowed him three days to visit Bhulok (i.e. the earth). It is believed that king Bali resides on the earth for three days and blesses his devotees during these days.

As per religious texts, the image of king Bali should be drawn at the center of home along with his wife Vindhyavali. The image should be adorned with five different colors. The five colored image should be worshipped during Bali Puja.

In South India, king Bali is worshipped during Onam and the concept of Onam is same as that of Bali Puja in North India.

Suggestion(s):

SriVishnuSaharastranaam and SriRudra chanting after lighting the lamps

Tuesday October 29^th, 2019 – Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya

Muhurta:

1:55pm to 4:04pm PST

2:16pm to 4:28pm CST

1:43pm to 3:50pm EST

12:43pm to 2:41pm GMT

1:31pm to 3:49pm IST

Relevance:

Yama Dwitiya is observed on Dwitiya Tithi during Kartik month. Most of the times, Yama Dwitiya falls two days after Diwali Puja. Yamraj, the lord of death, is worshipped on Yama Dwitiya along with Chitragupta and Yama-Doots, the subordinates of Lord Yamraj.

The Aparahna is the most suitable time for Yama Dwitiya Puja. Yamuna Snan is suggested in the morning before Yamraj Puja during Aparahna. Arghya should be given to Lord Yama after Puja.

Apart from Yama Puja, the day is more popularly known as Bhai Dooj. As per Yama Dwitiya legends, Goddess Yamuna fed her brother Yamraj on Kartik Dwitiya at her own home. Since then this day is known as Yama Dwitiya. It is believed that sisters who feed their brothers on this auspicious day would be forever Saubhagyavati (सौभाग्यवती) and eating at sisters home bestows long life to brothers. Hence, on Bhai Dooj, sisters cook sumptuous food for their brothers and feed them with their own hands.

Suggestion(s):

• Some kind of Daan (donation, giving away) preferably towards hospitals and/ or institutions connected to providing services to humanity (preferably health)
• Do not forget to shower your love on your brothers and sisters

Mantras - Part II

It is essential to understand about how the mantras were derived and by whom.

A frequently asked question is, why it is essential to take Mantra-Upadesha from a Guru only?

Below is the answer to this question based on one of the lectures given by PoojyaShri Omkarananda Swami.

Vedas were derived (heard/listened) from space, in the form of sound waves, by rishis and munis who did immense penance.

Hence when reciting Veda, it is sound that is of utmost importance.

The puranas were written basically by adopting the meanings and facts from Vedas. In Vedas and Puranas, the subject matter is the same.

The mantras are of 2 types - those which are obtained from Vedas (Veda Mantra) and those that are obtained from Puranas (Puranic Mantra). Some of the Veda Mantras (vakyas) are Tat-tvam-asi, Aham Bramhasmi, Ayam Atma Brahma, Pradnyanam Brahma, Shivoham etc. and then there are Veda Suktas such as Purusha Sukta, Sri Sukta, Rudra Namakam, Rudra Chamakam etc. Some of the Puranic (Puranic) mantras are - Om Namo Narayana, Om Namah Shivaya, Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram etc

Since the Vedas were obtained from god directly (as sound waves), the Veda Mantras are very powerful and are of highest energy level. Their real meaning and importance can be realized only by those who have done strict penance and have recited them countless times. Hence only those realized people can pass on these mantras to other deserving people, through upadesha, so that the mantra recital will carry full energy, strength and grace. Therefore it is essential to learn Veda Mantras from highly elevated persons, whom we call 'Guru'.

When we read puranas, we find that even the gods - Ram and Krishna obtained their knowledge from a Guru, which signifies the importance of learning from a Guru.

The Puranic mantras have been obtained from Smruti as they were written from Smruti (memory). So, to some extent we can recite them without getting it from a Guru. But in order to derive maximum strength, grace and energy, even from Puranic Mantra, it is essential to obtain it from a Guru as well. This is because, each and every mantra is always associated with some invisible Rishi, Muni or Devata. 

Mantras - Part I

This article on Mantra upasana is based on the lecture given by Shri Vidyapeeth Jadgadguru His Holiness Shri Shri Ramkrishnananda Saraswati during a satsang.

The following questions were posed during the satsang.

Question 1: What is meant by Mantra? Is it necessary to have upadesh for reciting them? Can one and all recite them?

Answer given by Sage:

Mantras help us to calm our mind (thoughts), which is always in a turmoil with various thoughts (problems).

Mantras are based on sound waves spread across the space (sky). The rishis who were able to grasp them, passed them on to the others. Hence we have to remember that they were not written by anyone. The Maharishis grasped them by Shruti (listening or hearing) and gave it to the others by Smruti (memory). As they were given with a pure mind (mana), they are known as Mantra.

It is very important to note that mantras have to be recited with exact pronunciation and tone, as the sound is more important than the words. If there is a mistake in recitation, the results may be opposite to what they are meant for. Hence, to recite them properly, in the correct tone and pronunciation, it is essential to have a Guru. A Guru always evaluates a person before giving a Mantra-upadesh. Upadesh has to be obtained in a proper manner from the Guru, only then it becomes beneficial for the Guru as well as the Shishya (disciple).

That is why, rules are laid down as to who should be given an upadesh and how it should be given. There is no other ulterior motive behind framing the rules.

Reciting Mantras in a temple under a Bilva tree or Tulsi plant is considered to be the best place for reciting mantras.

Question 2: What is the difference between ordinary (puranic) mantras and Beej-Mantras? Is it correct to use these mantras to achieve certain benefits?

Answer given by Sage: 

Beej-aksharas are seeds of Mantras. When a mantra is recited by uniting with a beej-akshara, they generate/create/activate waves or ripples in our mind. For example, the beej-mantra 'Om' indicates body and 'Kreem' indicates the mind.

Om activates Mooladhara chakra and cleans our body. It makes us (our mind) suitable (amenable) for the spiritual path. Hence it is necessary to recite mantras by uniting with Beej-Mantra.

Mantra Upasana can be used for obtaining both - good and bad results. By reciting mantras with good intentions, pure thoughts and with proper and correct pronunciation, we can achieve good and beneficial results.

For example, it is stated that by doing Santan-GopalKrishna-Homam, one can obtain an off spring for family or it is also seen that it is possible to have rain by doing relevant Homam.

But most important is that the rules laid down for chanting mantras and performing Homam should be adhered strictly.

Shri Unnathapureshwarar temple

Today we are posting information about Shri Unnathapureshwarar temple at Melattur.

This Shiva temple is located at Melattur in Papanasam taluka, Tanjavur district on Tanjavur-Kumbhakonam route. The temple is considered as a Shiva-Shakti peetha and is famous for Shiva- Shakti pooja. Goddess Aadi Parashakti along with Aadi-mula-dwarapalaki Makuteshwari offered worship at this temple on the Navami (9th day) of Navaratri.

Mulavar (Main deity): Unnathapureshwarar
Consort (Devi): Shivagami, Shiva-Priyambika
City: Melattur, Papanasam taluka, Tanjavur district
Pouranik Name: Unnathapuri, Unnathapuram, Nritta-vinod-valanadu

This temple is more than 1200 years old.

Kshetra Puran: 

According to purans, the place is connected to Matsyavatar of Lord Vishnu. Once the four vedas were stolen by a demon named Somaka. He disappeared into deep sea along with the vedas. Lord Vishnu in the form of a fish recovered the vedas by killing the demon. During this process, he had drunk the blood of the demon. He became uncontrollable due to intoxication. When Lord Brahma and other Devas requested Lord Shiva, he came along with Parvati in the form of a fisherman and fisher-woman. They came in a boat and Lord Shiva caught the fish (Lord Vishnu) and squeezed it so that it vomited the blood. After vomiting the blood, the fish was transformed into Lord Vishnu.

Once Lord Vishnu along with Garuda entered Kailash – the abode of Lord Shiva. Even when he was obstructed by Nandi, Lord Vishnu overrode him and entered. Lord Shiva cursed Lord Vishnu to be born as a human being and Garuda as an ordinary bird. He also told them that they would regain their original form only after Rama-avatar. In the meanwhile they were advised to do penance and worship the Shiva Linga at Unnathapuram for atonement.

A Chola king named Kalmashpada got a progeny by performing penance at this place on the advice of sage Agastya. 

It is believed that taking bath in the teertha at this place is equal to taking bath in 7 holy oceans. 

It is believed that Mother Aadi- Parashkti and Aadi-Mula-dwarapalakis circumambulate these nine temples during Navratri and worship Lord Shiva.

Courtesy: Inputs are from TamilNadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Shri Matsyapureeswarar Kovil

Today we are posting information about Shri Matsyapureeswarar Kovil located at Pandarvaadi near Papanasham in Tanjavur district on Tanjavur-
Kumbhakonam route.

This is a Shiva temple. The place is also known as Kovil-Devarayan-Pettai. Shaiva saint Sambandar has sung hymns on Lord Shiva at this temple. Hence this is a Thevara-Vaippu sthalam.

Mulavar (Main Deity): Shri Matsyapureeswarar
Consort (Devi): Sri Sugandha-Kundala Ambika
Kshetra Vruksha: Vanni tree (Shami tree)
Puranik name of the place: Thiru Chelur Seloor, Rajakeshari Chaturvedi Mangalam

The temple is more than 1500 years old. It is one of the temples where Goddess Parvati along with Vajreshwari devi, one of her aadi-mula-dwarapalaki, did Navaratri worship on the Ashtami (8 th day).

Features: There is a shrine of Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai. The idol of Lord Muruga has three faces on the front side and the three faces on the back side. He holds a conch and a chakra in his hands.

On the back side of the temple there is an idol of MahaVishnu. On right hand side of the entrance of temple we have the shrine of Ambika in standing posture. There are no koshta murtis in the shrine. A maha-meru is in front of the Ambika. On the left side of the entrance we have idol of Ganapati and Nagaraj. There is a separate shrine for Ashtabhuja Durga at the backside facing the north.

On the pillars at the entrance to the main temple we have sculptures of Kamadhenu worshiping Lord Shiva on the left. On the right-hand side, we have a sculpture of Lord Vishnu worshiping Lord Shiva as a fish. There are separate shrines of Vinayaka and Navagrahas. In the sanctum-sanctorum we have the idol of matsya (fish) worshiping Lord Shiva. We have the koshtamurtis Bala Vinayaka, Lord Dakshinamurti, Maha Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Durga. But there is no Lingothbhavar murti. In the outer parikrama, a siddarpeetham (Shri Babaji), saptamatrikas, nalvar, Narsimha. Kashi-Vishwanath and Vishalakshi, Nritya-Vinayaka, Gaja Lakshmi, Chandishwarar, Saraswati, Maruti, Yogabhairava, Kalabhairava, Shanishwar and Surya.

Kshetra Puran: 

This temple is associated with Matsyavatar, when Maha-Vishnu incarnated as matsya (fish) to bring back the four vedas stolen by the asura Hayagriva. 

As the legend goes, when Lord Brahma was taking rest, the four vedas were stolen by asuras who hid them in the sea. Lord Brahma and other Devas requested Lord Vishnu to help them which he readily agreed. A king named Satyavrata while he was offering arghya, he saw a small fish in the water in his hands. The fish requested the king to protect him. The king carried it to the palace, placing it in a small vessel. When he reached the palace, he found the fish was growing rapidly. So, he put it in a tank but still it was growing fast. When he was about to leave it in the sea, the fish told the king that in seven days, there will be great deluge (pralaya). In order to escape from the pralaya, that fish, advised king that a big boat will come to fetch him and his subjects. 

When the big boat came, the king and his subjects boarded as directed by the fish. The king was told that the Lord Vishnu has taken the form of fish to save him. Due to the heavy wind, the boat was about to capsize. The big fish came from nowhere and it saved the boat by supporting it from the bottom and steered it to a safe place. At that very instance the fish vanished into the sea to save the vedas. After restoring the vedas to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu could not get back to his normal form due to his killing the asura Hayagriva. He installed a Shiva linga at this place and worshiped Lord Shiva. By grace of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu got his normal form. Hence Lord Shiva is known as Matsyapureeswarar at this place.

Festivals in the temple:
1. Worshiped on Ashwini nakshatra in Tamil month of Avani (July-August).
2. Pradosha pooja
3. Panchamurti utsav
4. MahaShivaRatri festival in Tamil month of Masi (February-March).
5. ShivaRatri festival in Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June).
6. AnnaAbhishek in Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November).
7. ArudraDarshan (known as Thiruvathirai) in Tamil month of Marghazi

Courtesy: Inputs are from TamilNadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Shri Alanthurai Nathar Temple

Today we are posting information about Shri Alanthurai Nathar Temple at Thirupullamangai.

This Shiva temple is one of the 275 Shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. It is also a Saptamangai Sthalam where Goddess Parvati, along with Chamundi, and one of the Sapta Matrika, performed navaratri utsav on the “Saptami (seventh day)” of Navaratri. The temple is about 2000 years old. It is located at Thirupullamangai near Papanasam in Tanjavur district on Tanjavur-Kumbakonam route.

Mulavar (Main deity): Pasupathishwarar, Pasupathi nathar, Bramhapurishwarar, Alanthurai nathar
Consort (Devi): Soundaryanayaki Devi, Alliyankothai
Kshetra Vruksha: Banyan tree (in Marathi “Vad”)
Sacred Tirtha: Kaveri, Kudamurutti
Puranik Name: Thirupullamangai
Present Name: Pashupathi kovil
District: Tanjavur, TamilNadu

The temple is on the bank of river Kudamurutti (a tributary of river Kaveri). As the temple is located on the river bank with a Banyan tree, the place is also known as Alanthurai. At present, the temple is in a depleted condition, but renovation has been done by the Maratha kings and Chola kings.

This is a Madakovil built during the Chola empire. Lord Shiva is in the form of swayambhoo linga.
Goddess Parvati worshiped Lord Shiva at this place as a Chakravak bird (Ruddyshell Duck) along with Chamundi - one of the saptamatrika.  They had the darshan of the divine serpent on Lord Shiva’s neck. Hence it is known as Shiva-Nag-Bhushan darshan.

Kshetra Puran: 
According to the puran, Goddess Parvati worshiped Lord Shiva as a Chakravak bird. Hence the place got the name Pullamangai. It is believed that ashtanagas (eight divine serpents) worshiped Lord Shiva with more than 10 crores nagalinga (Kailashpathi) flowers on a Shiva Ratri. Hence this place is considered to be Nagashakti shrine. In a sculpture in the temple, we come across the celestial cow Kamadhenu worshiping Lord Shiva.

Lord Brahma got rid of his curse by worshiping Lord Shiva at this place.

Salient features: 
Durga idol in this temple has special feature and is known as Mahishasur-mardini. She is standing under an umbrella with her leg on head of Mahishasur. She has conch, chakra, sword, bow, mace, trident, ankush and khatvanga as her weapons. On her either sides, a deer and lion are depicted in standing position. A sculpture depicts two soldiers offering their heads as an offering to her. One of her hands has abhaya mudra.

There is a shrine of Chandikeshwarar. In the Navagraha shrine we have Nandi at the center. There are idols of four Shaiva saints. We can
observe kites (eagles) above the temple tower. There are a lot of stone carvings, depicting the relief and the renovation work done by the Chola, Vijayanagara and Maratha kings.

The name of the Tanjavur maratha king Pratapsingh and Chola king Parantaka Chola find mention in the relief works.

About the temple: 
The temple faces east. The temple has only one Prakara (parikrama). Though there are Bali Peetha and Nandi, we do not find the flagstaff associated with the temple. There is a separate Ganesha shrine. A three feet deep canal is surrounding the temple. We find the Koshta murtis on the outer wall of sanctum sanctorum.

The shrine of Devi Soundaryanayaki is separate. Shrines of Ganesha, Subramanya with his
consorts Valli and Deivaini are found in the parikrama. Idols of Bhairava, four Shaiva saints, Surya, Chandikeshwar are found in the temple. At mahamandap entrance we have the idol of Ganesha. There are lot of panels which depict purans of Lord Shiva and Shiva ganas which are holding various musical instruments. Besides this there are panels depicting scenes from Ramayana and other Vaishnava purans, though this is a Shiva temple. The panels also depict Krishna-leelas.

Festivals in the temple:
1. MahaShivaRatri festival in Tamil month of Masi (February-March).
2. ShivaRatri festival in Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June).
3. AnnaAbhishek in Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November).
4. ArudraDarshan (known as Thiruvathirai) in Tamil month of Marghazi

Courtesy: Inputs are from TamilNadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Shri ChandraMoulishwarar Temple

Today we are posting information about Shri ChandraMoulishwarar temple at ThazaMangai.

This Shiva temple is located at ThazaMangai on Tanjavur-Kumbhakonam route near Papanasam.
The temple is on the banks of river Kudamurutti, which is a tributary of river Kaveri. The temple is more than 1500 years old. This is one of the Sapta-Mangai Sthala where Goddess Parvati, along with Indrani (Mahendri), one of the Sapta-Matrikas, performed Sharad NavaRatri.

Moolavar (Main deity):  ChandraMoulishwarar.
Consort (Devi ): RajaRajeshwari
Kshetra Vruskha: Screw pine flower tree (Ketaki), Thazai in Tamil.
Scared Theertha: Kaveri river.
Old name: ThazaMangai
Taluka: Papanasam 
District: Tanjavur (TamilNadu)

This is a very small temple which has only one parikrama . It has Nandi and Balipeeth. But there is no flagstaff. This is a very rare temple of RajaRajeshwari as there are very few RajaRajeshwari temples in the south india.

The original temple was ravaged by flood water of Kaveri, the present temple was renovated by Chola Kings and Maratha generals.

Once upon a time this place was full of screw pine flower trees, hence the same ThazaMangai or Thazavanam.

Goddess Parvati and Indrani worshiped Lord Shiva on the 6th day of NavaRatri and had darshan of crescent moon on Lord Shiva's head.
This is known as PiraiChandra (crescent moon) darshan. In Tamil, Thaz means to bow down with respect. As Indrani bowed to Lord Shiva, this place is known as ThazaMangai.

Legends (Kshetra Puran):

As Chandra was more attached to Rohini (daughter of Daksha) than other daughters of Daksha, he was cursed by Daksha. Along with Rohini, Chandra came to Thazavanam, which was infested with lots of snakes (due to fragrance of screw pine flower). He did penance here along with Rohini. Due to Rohini's penance, Chandra got relief by grace of Lord Shiva. As a token gesture, Lord Shiva took the third phase of the waxing moon (3rd day of shukla-paksha) and wore it on his head.

As lord Shiva wears the crescent moon, he is known as ChandraMoulishwarar.

Chandra, Rohini, sage Agatsthya and King Rajaraj Chozan worshiped Lord Shiva at this place.
When the King had a problem in installing the Nandi at Tanjavur big temple he was advised by the Siddha Karuvu to worship Lord Shiva at this place using sandal paste. He worshiped as per the directions of siddha on Satabhisheka nakshatra and was able to install the Nandi. This place is considered as Parihar-Sthal for eye related problems.

According to Siddhas, worshiping Lord Shiva, at this place on Satabhishek narshatra in the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May), by applying sandal paste, gives contentment and happiness for three generations.

A staunch devoted couple NadaSharma and AnaVidya got the divine darshan of AdiParaShakti as a kumarika.

Festival in the temple:
1. MahaShivaRatri festival in Tamil month of Masi (February-March).
2. ShivaRatri festival in Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June).
3. AnnaAbhishek in Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November).
4. ArudraDarshan (known as Thiruvathirai) in Tamil month of Marghazi
5. SaptaSthana festival in the Tamil month of Panguni.


Courtesy : Inputs are from TamilNadu-favtourism.blogspot.com