श्री शिव मंदिरातल्या मुख्य मुर्त्या

मागच्या अंकात आपण मंदिरामध्ये दर्शन कसं घ्यायचं ह्याच्यावर विचार केला. आता ह्या अंकामध्ये आपण शिव मंदिरामध्ये मुख्य मुर्त्या कोणत्या असतात ते जाणून घेऊया.

मुलवर आणि देवी:

मंदिरातील सर्वात मुख्य देवतेला मुलवर असं म्हणतात. अर्थात शिव मंदिरामध्ये मुलवर म्हणजे शिवलिंग असतं आणि त्या बरोबर श्री पार्वती देवींची मूर्ती असते. साधारणतः ह्या शिव लिंगाला त्या त्या स्थळपुराणानुसार नाव प्राप्त होतं. उदाहरणार्थ श्री वैथिश्वरन कोविल जे मंगळ ग्रहाचं स्थान म्हणून प्रसिद्ध आहे तेथल्या स्थळ पुराणानुसार श्री मुरुगन आणि राक्षस सुरपद्मन ह्यांच्यात झालेल्या युद्धात जे देव जखमी झाले त्यांची शुश्रूषा भगवान शिव आणि श्री पार्वती देवी ह्या दोघांनी वैद्याची भूमिका निभावून केली. श्री शंकरांनी वैद्याची भूमिका निभावली तर श्री पार्वतीदेवींनी रुग्णांना तेल लावण्याचं काम केलं. म्हणून येथील शिव लिंगाला श्री वैद्यनाथ (श्री वैदिश्वरन किंवा श्री वैथिश्वरन) असं नाव आहे तर श्री पार्वती देवींचं श्री तैलनायकी असं नाव आहे. 

कुठल्याही मंदिरात भगवान शिवांची मूर्ती कधी नसते. भगवान शिवांची पूजा ही नेहमी शिवलिंगाची पूजा करूनच केली जाते. भगवान शिवांच्या इतर रूपांच्या मुर्त्या असतात आणि त्यांची पूजा केली जाते. ह्या मुर्त्यांची माहिती आपण पुढल्या अंकात वाचू. 

श्री गणेश आणि श्री मुरुगन:

पुराणांनुसार भगवान शिव, श्री पार्वती देवी आणि त्यांचे दोन पुत्र श्री गणपती आणि श्री मुरुगन असा शिव परिवार आहे. त्यामुळे प्रत्येक शिव मंदिरांमध्ये ह्या सर्वांच्या मुर्त्या असतातच. शिव मंदिरामध्ये ठिकठिकाणी आपल्याला श्री गणपती आणि श्री मुरुगन ह्यांच्या वेगवेगळ्या रूपाच्या मुर्त्या बघायला मिळतात. पण मुख्यत्वेकरून मंदिराच्या प्रवेशद्वारावर आपल्याला ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या बघायला मिळतात.

साधारणतः श्री गणपतीच्या विविध मुर्त्या असतात त्यांची नावे अशी 

श्री सेल्व गणपती:

श्री गणपतींची ही मूर्ती त्यांच्या दोन पत्नी रिद्धी आणि सिद्धी ह्यांच्याबरोबर असते म्हणून त्या मूर्तीला सेल्व गणपती असं नाव आहे. 

श्री कर्पग गणपती: 

तामिळमध्ये कल्पतरूला कर्पग असं नाव आहे. भक्तांनी केलेल्या इच्छांची जो पूर्ती करतो त्याला कर्पग गणपती म्हणतात. आपल्या भक्तांना हा गणपती सर्व प्रकारचे ऐश्वर्य देतो.   

श्री वरद गणपती:

वर देणारा गणपती म्हणून ह्या गणपतीला श्री वरद गणपती असं म्हणतात.  

श्री नर्दन  गणपती:

नृत्य (नर्दन) करणारा गणपती म्हणून ह्या मूर्तीला श्री नर्दन गणपती असं नाव आहे. 

श्री बाल गणपती: 

गणपतीच्या बाल स्वरूपातली ही मूर्ती आहे म्हणून ह्याला श्री बाल गणपती म्हणतात. 

श्री कन्यामुल गणपती:

तामिळ मध्ये कोपऱ्याला मूल असं म्हणतात आणि नैऋत्य दिशेला कन्या म्हणतात. म्हणजेच नैऋत्य दिशेच्या कोपऱ्यात ज्याची मूर्ती असते म्हणून त्याला कन्यामूल गणपती म्हणतात. 

साधारणतः श्री मुरुगन ह्यांच्या पण विविध मुर्त्या असतात त्यांची नावे अशी 

श्री मुरुगन: 

ज्यांचं मुख एवढं सुंदर आहे कि त्या मुखाकडे बघितल्यावर राग द्वेष सगळे विरघळून जातात म्हणून त्यांना मुरुगन म्हणतात.

श्री कार्तिकेय:

बाल स्वरूपामध्ये असताना श्री मुरुगन ह्यांना सहा कृत्तिका कन्यांनी वाढवलं म्हणून त्यांना श्री कार्तिकेय असं नाव प्राप्त झालं.

श्री षण्मुख: 

श्री कार्तिकेयांना सहा कृत्तिका कन्यकांनी वाढवले त्यामुळे त्यांना सहा मुखं होती. देवी पार्वतीने हि सगळी मुखं एकत्र केली. सहा मुखं असल्यामुळे त्यांना षण्मुख असं नाव प्राप्त झालं. ह्या रूपामध्ये त्यांच्याबरोबर त्यांच्या दोन पत्न्या श्री वल्ली आणि श्री दैवनै पण असतात. ह्या रूपामध्ये ते मोरावर आरूढ असतात, त्यांच्या झेंड्यावर कोंबडा असतो आणि पायाजवळ नाग असतो आणि सुरपद्म असुराला मारत आहेत असं रूप असतं.

श्री मुरुगन ह्यांना श्री दंडपाणी असं पण नाव आहे. दंडपाणी म्हणजे ज्यांनी हातामध्ये दंड धारण केला आहे.

श्री बालसुब्रमण्यम:

श्री मुरुगन ह्यांचे बाल स्वरूप

श्री बाल मुरुगन: 

श्री मुरुगन ह्यांचे बाल स्वरूप

श्री कुमारस्वामी: 

कुमार वयात असताना श्री मुरुगन ह्यांनी आपल्या पित्याला म्हणजेच भगवान शिवांना प्रणव मंत्राचा उपदेश केला म्हणून त्यांना कुमारस्वामी असं म्हणतात.

श्री वेलन् किंवा श्री वेलमुरूगन 

म्हणजे हातात भाला घेतलेले (भाल्याला वेल असं पण म्हणतात)

श्री सिंगारवेलन्: 

श्री मुरुगन ह्यांची भाला म्हणजेच वेल धारण केलेली सुंदर मूर्ती

श्री सुब्रमण्यम:

ह्या मूर्तीमध्ये श्री मुरुगन ह्यांच्या बरोबर त्यांच्या दोन पत्नी श्री वल्ली आणि श्री दैवनै असतात 

श्री स्कंदर: 

ह्या मूर्तीमध्येपण श्री मुरुगन ह्यांच्या बरोबर त्यांच्या पत्नी श्री वल्ली आणि श्री दैवनै असतात

 

Shri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple at Swami Malai

This temple is popularly known as Swamimalai Swaminath Temple. This temple was built by Pandya king but the additions to the temple were later done by Cholas and Pandyas. This temple is one of the six famous temples of Shri Muruga (Karthikeya). And is also one of the Panchakroshi sthala of Kumbhakonam and one of the Saptasthana temples around Kumbhakonam as well. It is built on an artificial hill and is located very near to Kumbhakonam on the bank of river Kaveri. The temple is believed to be about 2000 years old. To reach the main shrine of Shri Muruga, one has to climb 60 steps which are supposed to represent the 60 years in a tamil calendar. The temple has three parikramas and Shri Muruga’s shrine has 3 entrances. The main entrance to the temple is to the south where we come across a five tier rajagopuram. The main temple of Shri Muruga is known as Mel Kovil. Mel (above / top).  The temple at the bottom is known as Shri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Kovil. The outer prakaram is at the ground level. The second one is in the middle staircase and the innermost shrine is of Shri Muruga and is known as Swaminath Swami. There is a golden chariot which is taken in a procession. Devotees, by paying Rs 1001, can take deity in procession in golden chariot. Shaiva saint Shri Arunagirinadar has sung a hymn about the Lord in this place.

Mulavar: Shri Swaminath Swami along with  his consorts Shri Valli and Shri Deivayani. 
Kshetra vruksha: Gooseberry Tree (amla)
Sacred teertha: Vajra Teertha, Saravana Teertha, Brahma Teertha, Netra Teertha, River Kaveri known as Kumar Attuthurai (river bank). 
Puranik Name: Thiruveragam

Kshetra Purana:

Shri Bhumadevi came to this place as atonement for a curse given by Shri Parvati Devi. She did penance at this place and got rid of curse. After that she did not go away from this place but stayed here as Gooseberry tree. 

Shri Brahma came to meet Shri Muruga with high ego as he had a feeling that he had a knowledge of everything in the universe. Shri Muruga questioned him about the meaning of Pranava mantra. As Shri Brahma could not explain the meaning, Shri  Muruga struck his danda on Brahma’s head. He kicked him after making him fall at his feet and imprisoned him. He himself took over task of creation. Shri Vishnu was worried about the fate of Shri Brahma. He sought the help of Shri Shiva for the release of Shri Brahma. Shri Muruga obeyed the command of his father and released Shri Brahma. Shri Shiva took Shri Muruga on his lap in appreciation. He requested his son to explain the meaning of Pranava mantra which even Shri Brahma did not know. Shri Karthikeya told his father as this mantra should not be explained to anyone openly (as it is a secret.). He explained this mantra in the ears of his father. Hence he became the guru for his father. Hence he got the name Swaminath Swami. And the place is known as Swami Malai. As Shri Karthikeya was guru for those who worshiped him namely Shri Brahma, Shri Bhumadevi and Shri Indra, the place is known as GuruMalai and GuruGiri.

 

About shrines and idols in this temples

The sixty steps are believed to be that of the devatas associated with this temple. It is believed that they worshiped Shri Muruga as a steps to his shrine. Hence they are worshiped on Tamil new year days with flowers and fruits. This worship is known as Thiru padi (step) puja. There are several shrines in main Subramanya temple. At the second entrance there is an idol depicting Shri Muruga as if explaining about Omkar to Shri Shiva. 

At the entrance there is an idol of Shri Netra Vinayaka who is believed to cure the diseases connected with eye. Idols of Karthaveeryarjuna, Idumbal, and the army of Shri Subramanya. As we move towards the sanctum sanctorum we come across the idol of Sabhapati (Shri Subramanya with Shri Valli), Senapati (Shri Subramanya with Shri Deivanai), Shri Subramanya with Shri Valli and Shri Deivanai, Shri Nataraja and saint Shri Arunagiri Nadar. There are shrines of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi, Shri Saraswati Devi, Shri Veerabhadra, Shri Surya, Shri Chandra, Shri Dandayudhapani. 

The idol of Shri Muruga known as Dandayudhapani, a six feet tall with Shakti vel (sphear) and a danda in his hand. He is mounted on Elephant instead of peacock. The base of idol is known as Shiva peetham. This sphear (Shakti vel) given by his mother Shri Parvati Devi is supposed to have all three shaktis namely - Icchashakti, Kriyashakti and Dnyanashakti. The netra teertha was created by him with his sphear. 

Special features:

When abhishek of Shri Muruga is done with sacred ash, he appears like gyani with complete knowledge.

When abhishek is done with sandalwood paste, he is Balasubramanyam.

When we look at the Shri Swaminath Swami, the peetham looks like base of Shiva Linga known as Avudayar. And Shri Muruga appears as the cylindrical portion of Shiva Linga known as Bana.

Festivals:

Thai (Jan-Feb) - Thai Thaipusam festival for 10 days, Pongal

Masi (Feb-Mar) - Mahashivaratri

Chitrai (Apr-May) - 10 days brahmotsav

Vaikashi (May - June) - Divine marriage utsav on Vishakha nakshtra

Aadi (Jul-Aug): Aadi Pooram

Avani (August-Sept) - Ganesh chaturthi

Purattasi (Sept-Oct) - Annabhishek, Navaratri, arrow festival.

Aippasi (Oct-Nov) - Annabhishek and 10 days Skanda shashthi festival 

Karthigai (Nov-Dec) - 10 days Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam.

Margazhi (Dec-Jan) Thiruvathira, 10 days Thiruvaduthurai, Arudra Darshan

Panguni (Mar-April) Uttara nakshatra festiva 

Besides these special pujas on Tamil and English new year known as Thirupadi, puja on all Krittika nakshatra days, first day of every new month, full moon days, new moon days, every shashthi and on vishakha nakshatra.

Prayers: People pray here for child boon, prosperity, longevity of life, education, and for eradication of sins.

Address: Shri Swaminathar Swami temple, Swami Malai, 612302, Near Kumbhakonam Tamil Ndu

Telephone: 91-4352454421

Timing: 5 am to 1 pm, 4 pm to 8 pm

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs

श्री शिव मंदिरामधे दर्शन घेण्याची पद्धत

मागच्या अंकात आपण श्री शिव मंदिरातील मुख्य विभागांची माहिती जाणून घेतली. आता आपण शिव मंदिरांमध्ये दर्शन घेण्याची काही विशिष्ट क्रमबद्ध पद्धत आहे ती जाणून घेऊया. नेहमीच्या व्यवहारात सुद्धा आपल्याला एखादी गोष्ट साधायची असेल तर परिणामकारक क्रमच कामाला येतो. आणि हा नियम देवकृपा मिळविण्यासाठी पण लागू पडतो. म्हणूनच शास्त्रांनी देवांची पूर्ण कृपा मिळविण्यासाठी एक विशिष्ट दर्शन पद्धत आपल्याला दिली आहे. 

मंदिरात आपल्याबरोबर बाकीचेच अनेक दर्शनार्थी पण असतात ह्याची जाणीव ठेवून दर्शन घेतेवेळी किंवा प्रदक्षिणा घालताना अत्यंत हळुवार बोलावं आणि चालावं जेणेकरून कोणाला व्यत्यय येणार नाही. परमाचार्य श्री चंद्रशेखरेंद्र सरस्वती ह्यांसारख्या थोर आचार्यांच्या उपन्यासांमध्येपण अशा सूचनांचा उल्लेख आढळतो.

आता आपण दर्शन पद्धत जाणून घेऊया.

1. सर्वप्रथम मंदिरात दर्शन घेण्यास जाण्याआधी स्नान करून स्वच्छ कपडे परिधान करावेत. पुरुषांनी शक्यतो पंचकच्च म्हणजेच धोतर आणि अंगवस्त्र परिधान करणं उत्तम. स्त्रियांनी शक्यतो साडी परिधान करणं उत्तम. देवांना आणि आपल्या संस्कृतीला आदर देणे हा ह्यामागचा उद्देश आहे. 

2. आपल्या कपाळावर विभूती किंवा कुंकू किंवा गंध परिधान करावं. धर्मशास्त्रानुसार सर्वकाळी, आणि मुख्यतः देवाचं दर्शन घेताना, कपाळ मोकळं ठेऊ नये असं म्हणतात. ह्याशिवाय आपल्या गुरूंनी दिलेल्या उपदेशानुसार किंवा आपल्या कुळपरंपरेनुसार रुद्राक्ष किंवा स्फटिकाची माळ परिधान करावी.  

3. आपल्या क्षमतेनुसार देवांना अर्पण करण्यासाठी नारळ, विड्याची पाने, सुपाऱ्या, फळं, फुलं, फुलांचे हार घ्यावेत. 

4. मंदिरात प्रवेश करण्यापूर्वी गोपुराचं (किंवा राजगोपुर) दर्शन घ्यावं. आणि मग परिक्रमेकडे जावं. 

5. पहिल्या परिक्रमेमध्ये ध्वजस्तंभ असतो. तिथे नमस्कार करावा. 

6. त्यानंतर बलिपीठाला नमस्कार करून तिथे आपण आणलेल्या गोष्टींपैकी काही अर्पण करावं. 

7. मंदिरामध्ये प्रवेश करण्यापूर्वीपासून ते बाहेर पडेपर्यंत आपण अति हळुवार आवाजामध्ये बोलणं आवश्यक आहे जेणेकरून मंदिरातील इतर दर्शनार्थी भक्तांना कुठल्याही प्रकारचा व्यत्यय येणार नाही. 

8. त्यानंतर आपण मुख्य मंदिरामध्ये प्रवेश करतो जिथे अंतः परिक्रमा असते. मंदिरात प्रवेश करण्याच्या वेळी आपले दोन्ही हात डोक्याच्या वरती उभे करावेत. मंदिरात प्रवेश केल्यावर विविध देवांचं दर्शन पुढे दिलेल्या पद्धतीने करावं. 

1. श्री गणपतींना १ किंवा ३ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात 

2. जर शक्य असेल तर शिव लिंगाला ५ किंवा ७ किंवा ९ किंवा १५ किंवा २१ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात. 

3. श्री विष्णूंना ४ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात 

4. सर्व देवींना ४ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात 

5. श्री सोमस्कंदर, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ती आणि श्री सुब्रमण्यम ह्यांना ३ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात 

6. श्री मारुतींना ११ किंवा १६ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात 

7. जिथे प्रदक्षिणा घालणं शक्य नसेल तिथे स्वतःभोवती ३ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात

इथे एक विशष सूचना अशी आहे कि प्रदक्षिणा घालताना आपण अति हळुवार चालणं आवश्यक आहे. जणू काही आपण आपल्या डोक्यावर दुधाची कळशी घेऊन चालताना दूध सांडणार नाही ह्याची काळजी कशी घेऊ त्याच काळजीने प्रदक्षिणा घालताना पण चालावं. 

9. त्यांनतर आरती* घेतल्यावर, आपण समजा अर्चना किंवा अभिषेकासाठी विनंती केली असेल तर त्याचा प्रसाद पुरोहितांकडून स्वीकारावा. पुरोहित किंवा आपण स्वतः पूजा, अर्चना किंवा अभिषेक करत असू तर आपलं पूर्ण लक्ष हे मूर्तीवर आहे ह्याची काळजी घ्यावी.  

10. शिव लिंगाचं दर्शन घेण्याआधी श्री नंदीदेवांचं दर्शन घेणे आवश्यक आहे. 

11. जर मंदिरात श्री चंडिकेश्वरर ह्यांची मूर्ती असेल तर मंदिरातून बाहेर जाण्याआधी त्यांचं दर्शन घेऊन त्यांच्यासमोर जाऊन टाळी वाजवावी (किंवा टाळी सारखे दोन्ही हात झटकावेत). श्री चंडिकेश्वरर हे शिव मंदिराचे खजिनदार आहेत त्यामुळे असं करून आपण त्यांना सांगतो कि आम्ही ह्या मंदिरातून प्रसादाशिवाय काहीही घेऊन जात नाही. 

12. मंदिरातील सर्व देवांचं दर्शन घेऊन झालं की मंदिराच्या आवारात थोडा काळ (कमीत कमी १ ते २ मिनिटे) बसून आपल्या स्मरणात असणारा एखादा श्लोक किंवा स्तोत्र हे मनातल्या मनात म्हणावं.  

13. सर्वात शेवटी मंदिराच्या बाहेर जाताना ध्वजस्तंभाला नमस्कार करून मग बाहेर पडावं. जर मंदिराची दिशा पूर्व-पश्चिम अशी असेल तर उत्तरेकडे मुख करून नमस्कार करावा, आणि जर मंदिराची दिशा उत्तर-दक्षिण असेल तर पूर्वेकडे मुख करून नमस्कार करावा. स्त्रियांनी आपले हात, गुढगे आणि डोकं जमिनीला टेकवून नमस्कार करावा. पुरुषांनी साष्टांग नमस्कार घालायचा असतो. 

*ह्या मंदिरांमध्ये पूजा झाली कि पुरोहित आरती, म्हणजे निरंजन किंवा पंचारती, भक्तांसाठी उचलून धरतात जेणेकरून भक्त त्याला नमस्कार करू शकतात. 

अस्वीकरण आणि शिष्टाचार (Disclaimer and courtesy): ह्या लेखांमधली माहिती संकलित करताना विविध आचार्यांचे उपन्यास, दक्षिण भारतातील काही नियतकालिके, तसेच इंटरनेट वरील विविध ब्लॉग्स आणि वेबसाईट्स ह्यांचा आधार घेतला आहे. आपल्याला ह्या लेखांमध्ये काही त्रुटी आढळल्यास आम्हाला जरूर कळवा.

Shri Sundareshwar Temple at Koranattukarupur

This temple is one of the PanchaKrosha sthalam associated with Kumbhakonam. It is on the bank of river Kaveri. This is about 4 kms from Kumbhakonam on KumbhaKonam-Chennai route. This Shiva temple is popularly known as PettiAmman Kovil. The temple was built and renovated by Chola kings. It is more than 1500 years old. Shaiva saint Shri Sundarar has made reference in one of his hymns sung by him on Shri Shiva. Hence this temple is revered as Thevavaippu. 

Mulavar: Shri Sundareshwarar
Devi: Shri Abhirami
Puranik Name: Patala Vanam
Kshetra Vruksha: Pathari tree (Yellow Trumpet temple flowers)
Sacred Teertha: Brahma Teertha

This is an east facing temple with five tiered Rajagopuram, and has two prakarams. The Shiva Linga is a swayambhu linga. Devi is housed in a shrine facing south. Idol of Devi has four hands. In the upper right hand she holds a garland of beads, upper left hand she holds a lotus flower, the lower hands bear Abhaya and Varada mudra. On the eastern side of the main temple, we come across a big box in which the Kali Amman known as Shri PettiKaliAmman is kept. She is named as Shri Sundara Kali amman. She has eight hands. The four right hands bear Trishul, a sickle (arrival in Tamil), a small drum (udukku in Tamil) and a parrot. On the fourth left hand she has paash (noose), shield, a bell, and a skull. She has fiery eyes, two protruding teeth (like fangs) and reddish face. She is worshiped by applying civet (punugu in Tamil) and a sacred ash.

In this temple, the articles like flowers, kumkum (vermillion), lemon etc which the devotees submit to the deity are not given back. After the naivedya like a sweet rice (pongal in Tamil) is shown to the deity, the box containing idol is opened. The deity is taken in procession only once during the uttarayana. 

Other shrines:

We come across the shrines of Shri Dakshinamurti, Shri Sapta Matrikas, Shri Muruga, Shri Lakshmi Devi, Shri Durga Devi, Shri Bhairav, and Shri Navagrahas in the temple complex. 

Kshetra Puran:

Once the villagers had gathered on the banks of river Kaveri. At that time, they saw a wooden cascade floating in the river. They recovered the box, and opened it. They found a wooden bust of Shri Kali (Devi). A divine voice informed them that it was the idol of Shri MahaKali worshipped by King Vikramaditya. They were also advised by the divine voice how to worship that idol. They followed the directions by keeping the idol in a thatched house. One night the house was destroyed in the fire, however villagers could save the cascade from the fire. They sought the advise of his holiness Shri Shankaracharya of Kanchi Peetha. He directed them to a place in a nearby Shiva Temple where there was already a place meant for this idol. He advised them to name her as Shri Sundar Mahakali. They were directed to worship her by keeping it in the cascade itself and he also stated that they should continue there earlier method of worship. This place was earlier known as Thiru Patalavanam (this was a forest of Padiri trees). Later on the place came to be known as Koranattukarupur.

It is believed that this idol was originally with King Vikramaditya. 

Shri Brahma worshiped Shri Shiva daily by installing a Shiva Linga in the dense forest of Padiri trees. He received dnyana upadesha from Shri Shiva at this place. 

Shri Indra worshiped Shri Shiva along with his mount Airavat on the full moon day of Chitrai. He got rid of the curse by worshiping Shri Shiva. 

Sages Agastya, Kanva, and Vakilya worshiped Shri  Shiva and Shri Mahakali at this place. 

At this place daily pujas are performed four times in a day. 

Festivals:

Chitrai (April-May) - Brahmotsav

Adi (July-August) - Puram festival

Avani (August - September) - Ganesh chaturthi

Purattasi (Sept-Oct) - Navratri

Aippasi (Oct - Nov) - Skanda shashthi festival

Karthigai (Nov-Dec) - Karthigai Deepam

Besides this, special pujas are performed on the full moon day, new moon day, ashtami, and navami.

Contact: Shri Sundareshwarar Temple, Koranattukarppur, Kumbhakonam Taluka, 612501. Telephone: 91-4352443460

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs

श्री शिव मंदिरातील मुख्य विभाग

शिव मंदिरांबद्दल माहितीस्वरूप मराठी भाषेतील लेखमालेतील मागच्या अंकामध्ये आपण मंदिरांचं दर्शन घेण्याचं महत्व काय ह्यावर विचार केला. आता ह्या अंकामध्ये आपण श्री शिव मंदिरातील मुख्य विभागांबद्दल माहिती करून घेऊया. 

राजगोपुर, गोपुर आणि विमान:

शिव मंदिरातील सर्वात पहिला विभाग म्हणजे अर्थातच प्रवेशद्वार. काही मंदिरांना चार प्रवेशद्वारं असतात तर काहींना दोन तर काहींना एक. पण ह्या सगळ्यांमध्ये जे मुख्य प्रवेशद्वार असतं त्याच्यावर असलेल्या शिखराला राजगोपुर असं म्हणतात. राजगोपुर हे साधारणतः तीन, पांच, सात किंवा अगदी तेरा स्तरांचे पण असतात. मुख्य प्रवेशद्वार सोडून बाकीच्या प्रवेशद्वारांवर असलेल्या शिखरांना गोपुर असं म्हणतात. ही गोपुरं पण तीन किंवा पांच स्तरांची असतात. राजगोपुर आणि गोपुर ह्यांच्या प्रत्येक स्तरावर विविध देवांच्या मुर्त्या असतात. प्रत्येक गोपुराच्या वरती अजून एक शिखर असतं आणि त्यावर एक किंवा तीन किंवा पांच किंवा सात कळस असतात. सहसा शिव मंदिरांच्या प्रवेशद्वारावर द्वारपालक किंवा श्री गणेश आणि श्री मुरुगन ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या असतात.

गाभाऱ्याच्या वरती जे शिखर असतं त्याला विमान म्हणतात.

ध्वजस्तंभ:

प्रवेशद्वारातून आत मध्ये गेलं कि दुसरा विभाग म्हणजे ध्वजस्तंभ. दक्षिण भारतातल्या मंदिरांमध्ये प्रत्यक्ष देवांच्या मूर्त्यांना नमस्कार करण्याचा अधिकार कोणाला नसतो. नमस्कार करण्यासाठी ध्वजस्तंभ असतो. जर मंदिराची दिशा पूर्व-पश्चिम अशी असेल तर ध्वजस्तंभाला उत्तरेकडे मुख करून नमस्कार करावा, आणि जर मंदिराची दिशा उत्तर-दक्षिण असेल तर पूर्वेकडे मुख करून नमस्कार करावा. स्त्रियांनी आपले हात, गुढगे आणि डोकं जमिनीला टेकवून नमस्कार करावा. पुरुषांनी साष्टांग नमस्कार घालायचा असतो.  काही मंदिरांमध्ये नमस्कार करण्याच्या जागा चिन्हांकित केलेल्या (आखलेल्या) दिसतात ज्यामुळे नमस्कार करण्याची जागा शोधणं सोपं होतं. 

ध्वजस्तंभाचं अजून एक महत्व म्हणजे कुठल्याही उत्सवाची सुरुवात ध्वजारोहण करून होते आणि उत्सवाच्या शेवटी ध्वजाचे अवरोहण केले जाते. 

सहसा ध्वजस्तंभाच्या खाली श्री गणेशांची मुर्ती दिसते. ह्या मूर्तीला श्री ध्वजस्तंभ गणेश असं म्हणतात.

बलीपीठ:

ध्वजस्तंभाच्या बाजूला सहसा बलीपीठ असतं. बलीपीठ म्हणजे जिथे बळी देतात ती जागा. पण इथे बळीचा अर्थ आहे आपल्या काम आणि क्रोधाचा बळी. म्हणजे मंदिरामध्ये मुख्य देवांचं दर्शन घेण्याआधी आपले चित्त शुद्ध करून मग दर्शन घ्यावं असा अर्थ आहे. म्हणून दर्शन घेण्याआधी बलीपीठाला नमस्कार करून त्याला काही अर्पण करावं. बलीपिठाला मीठ (कामाचं प्रतीक) आणि काळी मिरी (क्रोधाचं प्रतीक) हे अर्पण करण्याची प्रथा आहे.

परिक्रमा किंवा प्रकारं:

प्रदक्षिणा घालण्याच्या मार्गाला परिक्रमा किंवा प्रकार असं पण म्हणतात. प्रदक्षिणा घालताना आपल्याला कोष्ठ मूर्तींचं दर्शन होतं. शिवलिंगाच्या गाभाऱ्याच्या भिंतीवर बाहेरील बाजूवर ज्या मुर्त्या असतात त्यांना कोष्ठ मूर्ती म्हणतात. गाभाऱ्याच्या दक्षिणेला सहसा दक्षिणे कडे मुख असणारी श्री दक्षिणामूर्तींची मूर्ती असते. पाठच्या बाजूला श्री ब्रम्हा, श्री विष्णू आणि श्री लिंगोद्भवर ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या किंवा छोटी देवळं असतात. उजव्या बाजूच्या भिंतीवर श्री चंडिकेश्वर व श्री दुर्गा देवी ह्यांची छोटी देवळं असतात. ह्याशिवाय श्री अर्धनारीश्वर, श्री नर्तन गणपती ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या असतात.

अर्थमंडप, महामंडप आणि नंदीमंडप:

राजगोपुर आणि मंदिराची प्रथम परिक्रमा ह्यांच्यामधला जो भाग असतो त्याला अर्थमंडप असं म्हणतात. प्रथम परिक्रमा आणि गाभारा ह्यांमधला जो भाग असतो त्याला महामंडप म्हणतात. कधी कधी महामंडप आणि गाभारा ह्यांमध्ये नंदीचा स्वतंत्र मंडप असला तर त्याला नंदीमंडप असं म्हणतात.

गाभारा:

गाभारा म्हणजेच कोष्ठ. गाभाऱ्यामध्ये मंदिराच्या मुख्य देवतेची मूर्ती असते. म्हणजेच शिव मंदिरामधल्या गाभाऱ्यात शिव लिंग असतं. गाभारा म्हणजेच मंदिराचं मुख्य स्थान. इंग्लिश मध्ये ह्याला सॅन्क्टम सँक्टोरं (Sanctum Sanctorum) म्हणतात. म्हणून त्याचं पावित्र्य राखण्यासाठी तिथे पुजाऱ्यांशिवाय बाकीच्यांना प्रवेश निषिद्ध असतो.

कोष्ठ मूर्ती:

गाभाऱ्याच्या बाहेरील भिंतीवर किंवा भिंतींच्या बाजूला ज्या मुर्त्या किंवा छोटी देवळे असतात त्यांना कोष्ठ मूर्ती म्हणतात. आणि ह्या सर्व देवतांना परिवार देवतां म्हणतात. म्हणजे भगवान शिव आणि श्री पार्वती देवी ह्यांचा परिवार. 

उत्सव मूर्ती:

सहसा मंदिरातील उत्सवांमध्ये मंदिराभोवतीच्या चार रस्त्यांवरून रथयात्रा आयोजित होतात. ह्या रथयात्रांमध्ये ज्या मुर्त्या रथामध्ये किंवा पालखीमध्ये ठेवल्या जातात त्यांना उत्सव मूर्ती म्हणतात. ह्या उत्सव मूर्ती पंचधातूच्या असतात. मुख्य मूर्तीच्या तुलनेमध्ये ह्या मुर्त्या छोट्या असतात. 

मंदिरांच्या गाभाऱ्यामध्ये पण छोट्या उत्सव मुर्त्या असतात. सहसा वारंवार होणाऱ्या अभिषेकासाठी उत्सव मुर्त्या वापरतात. मुख्य मूर्त्यांवर सहसा पुजा, अर्चना आणि अलंकार केले जातात. 

शयनगृह:

काही मंदिरांमध्ये शयनगृह असतं जिथे देव शयन करतात असा समज असतो.

अस्वीकरण आणि शिष्टाचार (Disclaimer and courtesy): ह्या लेखांमधली माहिती संकलित करताना विविध आचार्यांचे उपन्यास, दक्षिण भारतातील काही नियतकालिके, तसेच इंटरनेट वरील विविध ब्लॉग्स आणि वेबसाईट्स ह्यांचा आधार घेतला आहे. आपल्याला ह्या लेखांमध्ये काही त्रुटी आढळल्यास आम्हाला जरूर कळवा.

 

Shri Nageshwara Swamy Temple at Thirunageshwaram

This is one of the Panchakrosha Sthalam located at Thirunageshwaram near Kumbhakonam on the Kumbhakonam-Karaikkal route. This is one of the Padal Pethra Sthalam revered by the Shaiva Saints - Shri Appar, Shri Sundarar and Shri Sambandhar. It is on the southern bank of river Kaveri. It is also one of the Navagraha sthala for the planet Shri Rahu. 

Mulavar: Shri Nageshwarar, Shri Naganathaswamy, Shri ShenbagaAranyeshwarar

Devi: Shri Girigujambika, Shri Piraiyanivaal Nuthal Ammai

Sacred Teertha: SuryaTeertha

Kshetra Vruksha: Shenbaga Tree (in marathi Sonchafa)

Puranik Name: Shenbagavanam, GirikannikaiVana

This temple is about 1600 years old. And it was constructed by Cholas. This temple was later renovated by Nayakar.

About this temple: This is an east-facing temple with five tiered Rajagopuram. There are six other gopurams in the temple complex. It has three parikramas. There are sixteen stone inscriptions inside the temple. Mainly there are exclusive shrines - one for Shri Shiva, two for Shri Parvati Devi and one for Shri Rahu Deva. The Sun’s rays fall into the temple only in the month of Chitrai, hence it is known as Suryakotam. In the third parikrama, on the northern side there is a flower garden. On the eastern entrance, we come across Balipeeth, Nandi, Dhwajastambha, shrine of Shri Ganesha, the idol and yantra in this temple of Shri  Ganesha was installed by the saint Shri Sadashiv Brahmendra. There are paintings on the walls of eastern side. There is a 100 pillared hall containing exotic sculptures. The hall is designed in such a way that we get the feeling that it is placed on a chariot. In second parikrama, we come across the Rahu shrine on the Northeast corner. The path leading to the main shrine has sculptured pillars. All the halls have pillars with beautiful sculptures of Yaali and horses. On the pathway to the ninth shrine there are paintings on the wall depicting Vedanayakas, King Sambhumali and Devi doing penance.

About the shrines:

Main shrine: The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga, Sanctum Sanctorum consists of artha mandap, antarala and sanctum. There are Dwarpals at the entrance of the Sanctum. 

Koshta Murti: The kostha murtis are Shri Narthan Ganapati, Shri Nataraja, Sage Agastya, Shri Dakshinamurti, Shri Lingodbhavar, Shri Brahma, Shri Vishnu, and Shri Durga Devi. The shrine of Shri Chandikeshwarar is in its usual position. Behind the sanctums, we find the idols of Shri Lingodbhavar with Shri Mahavishnu and Shri Brahma worshiping him. 

Devi Shrine: There are two separate shrines of Shri  Parvati Devi. One shrine houses idol of Shri Piraiyanivaal Nuthal Ammai ("Pirai" means crescent moon, "Anival" means wearing, "Nuthal" means forehead, Ammai means Ambika i.e. Mother). It is adjacent to the sanctum on the left hand side. On the full moon day of the Tamil month of Karthigai, rays of the moon fall on the idol of Ambika. There is a shrine of Shri Muruga in between the shrines of Shri Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi (known as KundramamulaiAmman). This arrangement of the shrines is similar to the Somaskanda murti. The other shrine of Devi is of Girigujambika, it is on the northern side opposite to the temple tank. This shrine faces the east. Devi in this shrine is in yogic posture. As the idol is made of special clay, no abhishek is done on the idol. Once in a while only civet (Punugu in Tamil) is applied. In this shrine we have the idols of Shri Lakshmi Devi and Shri Saraswati Devi on either side of Shri Parvati Devi. Shri Saraswati Devi is with Veena in her hand and Shri Lakshmi Devi has a lotus flower on her hand. In this Devi’s shrine we come across the idols of Shri Ganesha, Shri Balamuruga, Shri Navashakti, Shri Sanganidhi, Shri Tatpurushashakti, Shri Padmanidhi, Shri Ganga Devi, Shri Vaishanavi Devi along with Sanakadi rishis, Shri Kriyashakti, Shri Dyanambika, Shri Bhairav, Shri Balashasta (In Tamil Ayyanar) and Shri Durga Devi. In a small shrine inside this shrine we have an idol of Shri Vinayaka and Shri YogaRahu. There are lots of paintings in this shrine.

Rahu’s shrine: It is in the northeast corner of the second parikrama, and we find that the Rahu’s idol has a human face instead of a serpent (hood) face. He is with his consorts Simhi and Chitralekha. Special pujas are performed on Sundays between 4.30 pm and 6 pm (Rahu kaal) with Milk. This milk turns blue during a abhishek. This place is a parihara sthala for Rahu. 

Shrines of Shri Nrutya Ganapati, Shri ShenbagaVinayaka, Shri Nandi, Shri Adi Vinayaka, Shri Muruga along with his consorts, Shri Nataraja, Shri Somaskanda, The shaiva saints Shri Nalwar, Shri Sapta Matrika, Shri Mahalakshmi Devi, Shri Saraswati Devi, Shri Navagrahas, Shri Chandra, Shri Surya and Shri MahaBhairav are found in the main hall of parikrama.

There are shiva lingas worshiped by sages Agastya, Parashar, Gautama, Vyaghrapada, Patanjali, Markandeya, along with the idols of sixty three Nayanmars. There is a shrine for Shri Ganesha near the sacred teertha, known as Shri Mazhuporutha (The lord who forgives mistakes) Vinayaka. In the Navagraha, all the planets are facing Shri Surya. 

Sacred Teerthas: There were 12 sacred teerthas, of which three are rivers namely Nattaru, Arisilaru, and KirtiManaru which were believed to be created by Shri Shiva with his trident. There is a teertha known as Surya Teertha which is present in the temple. Excepting this teertha all other teerthas are extinct.

Salient features:

• Rahu Kaal puja
• Somaskanda arrangement
• Lingodhbhavar with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma
• 100 pillared hall which is perceived to be placed on a chariot
• Presence of Goddess Parvati, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati in one shrine
• Worshiping Lord Shiva at Nageshwara temple at Kumbhakonam in the morning, at noon in Thirunageshwram and in the evening Thiruppampuram is auspicious
• Saint Arunagirinathar has sung a hymn on Lord Muruga at this place. 
• It's believed that no one can bless like Rahu or no one creates obstacles like Ketu.
• In this temple Shri Parvati Devi is depicted as a child in the morning, a young girl at noon and in the evening as a fully grown woman with the knowledge of sixteen arts. 

Sthala Puran:

All the eight Mahaserpents - Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkokata, Sankalpan, Kulikal, Padman and Mahapadman along with AdiShesha worshiped Shri Shiva in this place. Hence, Shri Shiva is addressed as Naganathar and the place is known as ThiruNageshwaram. 

Rahu came to this place along with his wives and worshiped Shri Shiva. Shri Shiva was pleased by his worship and gave him the boon that at this place he will be worshiped for the parihara of sarpa dosha. He made him stay with his wives in human form and grace the people.  Rahu graces at this place along with his wives with abhaya and varada mudra to ward off the fear of devotees. 

Since Shri Indra misbehaved with Sage Gautama’s wife, he was cursed by the sage. As an atonement and to get rid of the curse, he did penance at this place. He worshiped Shri Girigujambika Devi and got rid of the curse. 

Nagaraja Thakkan was once cursed by Sage Sushil as he had beaten his son. In order to get rid of the curse, he prayed to Shri Shiva at four places in the four quarters of one night as per the advice of the Sage Kashyap. The four places are Kumbhakonam Keezhkottam (Bilva forest), Thiru Nageshwaram (Hibuscus forest), Thirupampuram (Shami forest) and at Nagapattinam. At this place he was absolved of the curse.

After Samudra Manthan, Rahu prayed to Shri Shiva at this place along with his wives and got the human head and snake body.

Shri Parvati Devi did penance here along with Shri Lakshmi Devi and Shri Saraswati Devi. Sage Bhrungi was punished by Shri Parvati Devi as the Sage was a great devotee of Shri Shiva and he ignored Shri Parvati Devi. Due to this Shri Parvati Devi was asked to do the penance at this place as an atonement. She was told that Shri Lakshmi Devi and Shri Saraswati Devi will accompany her. She came here along with Shri Lakshmi Devi and Shri Saraswati Devi and did penance, Shri Shiva gave her darshan and took her back to Mount Kailash. She is worshiped as Shri Girigujambika Devi. Her idol is in a separate shrine. 

King Sambhumali: Sage Kaalangiri was once angered to such an extent by the act of King Sambhumali and he cursed him. As an atonement King Sambhumali was asked to worship Shri Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi, at this place, after taking bath in the sacred teertha. By doing this worship he attained salvation.

Sage Gautama worshiped Shri Shiva at this place and was reunited with his wife Ahilya Devi. 

Emperor Nala: He worshiped Lord Shiva at this place and got his wealth back. 

King Chandravarma: He was  cursed to be a dog. He worshiped Shri Shiva at this place and got human form again

Shri Vinayaka got the status of the head of Ganas by worshiping Shri Shiva at this place. 

Sage Bhringi got darshan of all the Devis. 

Shri Shiva told Shri Uma Devi that this is best kshetra on earth. 

Pandavas got their kingdom again by worshiping Shri Shiva at this place. 

Prayers:

This is a parihara sthala for Rahu Ketu sarpadosha, kalathra dosha, pitru dosha, kalasarpadosha. 

Marriage obstacles are removed

People pray here for child boon and education.

Festivals:

Masi (Feb-Mar) - Mahashivaratri, Mahamagham festival

Vaikashi (Mar - June) - On Pushya Nakshatra, festival for the shaiva saint - Sekkizhar.

Avani (August-Sept) - Ganesh chaturthi

Karthigai (Nov-Dec) - 10 day brahmostava,  Karthigai deepam

Margazhi (Dec-Jan) - Thiruvarudurai in Margazhi

Panguni (Mar-April) - Panguni uttaram in Panguni.

Special worship is done during Rahu transition

Daily pujas and pradosha pujas are performed.

Those who worshiped: Pandavas, Sage Vashishtha, AdiShehsha, Daksha, Karkotaga, Sage Shaunaka and Shri Rahu, Shri Nandi, Shri Chandra, Shri Surya, King Nala, Sage Gautama, Sage Parashara, Sage Bhagiratha, Shri Ganesha, Shri Indra, Sage Bhringi.

Temple timing: 6 to 12, 4 to 8.30

Address: Shri Nageshwar Swamy Temple, ThiruNageshwaram, Kumbhakonam Taluka, TamilNadu 612 204

Phone: 91-4352463354, 9443489839

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs

मंदिरांचं दर्शन घेण्याचं महत्व

मागच्या अंकात आपण शैव संप्रदायाबद्दल माहिती वाचली. ह्या संप्रदायाच्या अनुयायांनी शिव भक्तीचा प्रसार करण्यासाठी ठिकठिकाणी शिव मंदिरे बांधली. आता ह्या अंकात आपण ह्या मंदिरांचं दर्शन का घ्यावं ह्याची माहिती वाचू या.

दक्षिण भारतातील मंदिरांना भेट देणे हा आपल्या सगळ्यांचाच कुतूहलाचा विषय असतो. इथली मंदिरे भव्य असतात, त्यांमध्ये आकर्षक कोरीव काम केलेले असते आणि ह्या मंदिरांचा इतिहास पण रंजक आहे.

ह्या मंदिरांना भेट देण्याच्या आधी त्या मंदिरांमध्ये सहसा असणाऱ्या मुर्त्या आणि त्या मंदिरांतील विभागांबद्दल आपल्याला माहिती असल्यास आपली त्या मंदिरांची भेट अधिक चित्तरंजक, संस्मरणीय आणि म्हणूनच अधिक फलदायक होऊ शकते. ह्या हेतूने आम्ही इथे हि माहिती काही भागांत विभागून देणार आहोत.  

 

ह्या पहिल्या भागात ह्या मंदिरांचं दर्शन का घ्यावं ह्याची काही महत्वपूर्ण कारणे आहेत त्यांचा आपण विचार करूया. पुढील भागांमध्ये मंदिरातल्या साधारणत: असलेल्या मुर्त्या आणि विभागांची माहिती, मंदिरात गेल्यावर दर्शन कसं घ्यावं, तामिळ महिने आणि मंदिरात साजरे होणारे मुख्य सण ह्यांची माहिती देण्याचा प्रयत्न करणार आहोत.

मंदिरांचं दर्शन का घ्यावं?

वरती म्हणल्या प्रमाणे ह्या पुरातन मंदिरांची भव्यता आणि त्यातील आकर्षित करणारी कोरीव कामे हे ह्या मंदिरांना भेट देण्याचं एक कारण झालं. त्या कारणासाठी अवश्य ह्या मंदिरांचं दर्शन घ्यावंच. पण त्याही पलीकडे जाऊन ही मंदिरे, आणि त्यांच्या जोडीला त्यांची पुराणे, ज्यांना स्थळ पुराणे म्हणतात, हे एकत्र वैयक्तिक आणि सामाजिक स्तरावर भक्तीमार्गाला पुष्टी देण्याचं काम करतात हे आपण ध्यानात ठेवलं तर आपण वेगळ्या दृष्टिकोनातून म्हणजेच फक्त पर्यटन नव्हे तर आपली आणि आपल्या कुटुंबातील आप्तेष्टांची आध्यात्मिक प्रगती कशी होईल ह्या दृष्टिकोनातून पण ह्या मंदिरांचं दर्शन घेऊ शकतो. 

आध्यात्मिक प्रगतीसाठी सर्वात महत्वाचं काय तर धर्मपालन. धर्म हा शब्द संस्कृत भाषेतील धृ ह्या धातूपासून आला आहे. ज्याचा अर्थ धरून ठेवणे किंवा उचलून धरणे असा होतो. म्हणजे ऋषी, मुनी, आपले पूर्वज ह्यांनी आध्यात्मिक प्रगती करून घेऊन मनुष्य जन्माचं परम ध्येय साधण्यासाठी जी आपल्याला शिकवण दिली त्या शिकवणीला धरून ठेवून त्याचं अनुसरण करणे आणि त्या शिकवणीला उचलून धरणे जेणेकरून आपल्या आप्तेष्टांना पण त्याचा लाभ होईल म्हणजेच धर्म.   

थोर ऋषीमुनींच्या मते प्रत्येक युगामध्ये मनुष्यांची मानसिक आणि शारीरिक क्षमता भिन्न असते. सत्ययुगात ही क्षमता अधिक होती, त्रेतायुगात, द्वापारयुगात ती घटत गेली आणि कलियुगात हि क्षमता कमीत कमी असेल असा पुराणांमध्ये उल्लेख आहे. आणि म्हणूनच धर्म, म्हणजेच मानवी जीवनातील मुख्य ध्येय साधण्यासाठी करावयाची कर्मे, ही पण ह्या क्षमतेप्रमाणे भिन्न आहेत. युग धर्म हे शीर्षक असलेल्या इंग्लिश भाषेतल्या लेखामध्ये आम्ही प्रत्येक युगातल्या धर्माबद्दल माहिती दिली आहे. त्यानुसार कलियुगामध्ये भक्तिमार्ग हा मुख्य धर्म मानला जातो. आपण सध्या कलियुगात आहोत. त्यामुळे साहजिकच आपण भक्तिमार्गाचं अनुसरण केलं तर आपल्याकडून धर्म पाळला जाईल आणि धर्मामध्ये सांगितलेलं आपल्या जीवनाचं ध्येय आपल्याला सहज साध्य करता येईल. किंबहुना असं म्हणायला हरकत नाही की त्या परमदयाळू परमेश्वराने ही घटणारी क्षमता जाणून आपल्यासाठी आपल्या क्षमतेनुसार धर्मपालन करण्याचा सुकर आणि सुलभ मार्ग उपलब्ध करून ठेवला आहे. 

थोर ऋषीमुनींच्यामते तीर्थयात्रा हा भक्तिमार्ग अनुसरण्यातला किंवा भक्तिमार्गामध्ये शिरण्याचा एक श्रेष्ठ मार्ग आहे. सर्व थोर ऋषी, संत, आचार्य एवढंच काय तर अगदी देव आणि देवांच्या अवतारांनी पण तीर्थयात्रा केल्या आहेत. म्हणजेच विविध पवित्र स्थळांना, ज्यांना तीर्थक्षेत्र म्हणतात, त्यांना भेट देऊन तेथे आराधना केली आहे. रामायण, महाभारत, पुराणे, संतकथा ह्या सर्वांमध्ये आपल्याला तीर्थयात्रांचा आणि मंदिरांचा उल्लेख आढळतो. 

ह्या मंदिरांशी निगडित स्थळ पुराणे ही ह्या मंदिरांच्या दर्शनामध्ये फार महत्वाची भूमिका वठवतात. स्थळ पुराणे म्हणजे त्या मंदिराच्या स्थळामध्ये घडलेल्या विशेष घटनांची नोंद असलेले दस्तऐवज. थोर संत, भक्त ज्यांना त्या स्थळी काही विशिष्ट आध्यात्मिक अनुभव आले किंवा त्यांनी काही श्रेष्ठ भक्तांचे तसे अनुभव प्रत्यक्षात पाहिले किंवा त्यांच्याही पूर्वजांनी त्यांना सांगीतलेले अनुभव हे त्यांनी आपल्या पुढे येणाऱ्या पिढ्यांच्या आध्यात्मिक प्रगतीबद्दल वाटणाऱ्या आत्मीयतेमधून लिहून ठेवले. त्यांनाच स्थळ पुराणे म्हणतात. ह्या पुराणांमधे श्रेष्ठ भक्तांच्या आणि देवांच्या त्या त्या स्थळाशी/मंदिरांशी निगडित कथा आहेत. ह्या कथा धर्मपालनाची आणि त्यामुळे घडलेल्या आत्मोन्नतीची उदाहरणे आपल्यासमोर ठेवतात. उदाहरणार्थ “अमुक मंदिरामध्ये इंद्र देवाने तपश्चर्या करून त्यांना प्राप्त झालेल्या शापापासून मुक्ती करून घेतली” किंवा “अमुक ठिकाणी एका भक्ताची त्याची भक्ती बघून भगवान शिवांनी त्या भक्ताला दर्शन दिलं” अशा कथा वाचून आपल्यामध्ये निश्चितच त्या स्थळाला भेट देण्याची इच्छा प्रबळ होते आणि त्या मंदिरांच्या दर्शनातून, त्यांच्याशी निगडित असलेल्या कथा वाचून धर्मबोध पण होतो. परमाचार्य श्री चंद्रशेखरेंद्र सरस्वती ह्यांच्या उपन्यासांमध्येपण ते ह्या मंदिरांच्या स्थळ पुराणांना धर्माचं महत्व समजविण्याच्या क्षमतेमध्ये महर्षी व्यासांनी लिहिलेल्या १८ महापुराणांबरोबर समतुल्य मानतात. ह्या स्थळ पुराणांतल्या कथा वाचून आपण जर ह्या स्थळांना भेट दिली तर आपली त्या स्थळाची भेट अधिक स्मरणीय होऊन त्या स्मरणांवर आपण चिंतन मनन केलं तर निश्चितच आपली चित्तशुद्धता होऊन आपल्यातील भक्तीभावाची वृद्धी होते आणि हेच ह्या मंदिरांचं दर्शन घेण्याचं मुख्य फळ आहे.

आम्ही जेव्हां प्रत्येक मंदिराची माहिती देऊ त्यामध्ये तेथील स्थळ पुराणांची माहिती देण्याचा पण प्रयत्न करणार आहोत. किंबहुना आम्ही आधीच प्रकाशित केलेल्या इंग्लिश भाषेतील लेखांमध्ये आपण ती माहिती वाचू शकता. 

पुढील अंकांमध्ये आम्ही शिव मंदिरातील मुख्य विभाग, शिव मंदिरांमध्ये दर्शन कसं घ्यायचं, मंदिरातल्या मुख्य मुर्त्या आणि इतर मुर्त्या ह्यांची माहिती, तसेच शिव मंदिरांचे प्रसिद्ध समूह ह्यांची माहिती देणार आहोत. ही माहिती वाचून आपण मंदिरांचं दर्शन घ्याल तर आपल्याला ह्या मंदिरांचं अधिक आत्मीयतेने दर्शन घेता येईल असा आमचा विश्वास आहे आणि प्रार्थना पण आहे.

अस्वीकरण आणि शिष्टाचार (Disclaimer and courtesy): ह्या लेखांमधली माहिती संकलित करताना विविध आचार्यांचे उपन्यास, दक्षिण भारतातील काही नियतकालिके, तसेच इंटरनेट वरील विविध ब्लॉग्स आणि वेबसाईट्स ह्यांचा आधार घेतला आहे. आपल्याला ह्या लेखांमध्ये काही त्रुटी आढळल्यास आम्हाला जरूर कळवा.  

Shri Mahalingeshwarar Temple at Thiruvidaimaruthur

This Shiva temple is one of the Panchakrosha sthalams and is located at Thiruvidaimaruthur near Kumbhakonam. This temple is on the southern bank of river Kaveri. This temple was revered by nayanmars namely Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar. The present temple is more than 2000 years old. 

This temple is one of the six temples along the banks of river Kaveri which are considered equal to Kashi. The temple is considered to be ShaktiPeetha and Pancha Linga Sthala. It is also one of the Sapta Sthana Temples of Thiruneelakudi. Valuable contributions have been made by the Pandya kings, Chola Kings and Tanjavur Nayaks in maintenance and renovation of the temple. The temple is at the center of seven Shiva temples which are situated at cardinal points. The vigraha (murtis) at this temple are known as Sapta Vigrahas (murtis). This place is also known as Idaimaruthur as it is situated between two Shiva temples which have the Marut tree (Arjun tree) as the Kshetra Vruksha. 

Mulavar: Shri Mahalingam, Shri Mahalingeshwarar, Shri Marutvanar, Shri Marutavaneshwarar

Devi: Shri Parumuraial, Shri Brihadsundarargujambika, Shri Naanmoolainayaki

Sacred Teertha: KarunyaAmrut, River Kaveri

Kshetra Vruksha: Marut Tree (Arjun Tree)

Puranik Name: Mathirarjunam, Shenbagaranya, Shaktipuram, Tapovanam, Muktipuram

About the temple:

The Shiva linga is a Swayambhu Linga. There are four Rajagopurams, one in each direction. The main Rajagopuram is five tier. And the western Rajagopuram is seven tier. It has three parikramas, each enclosed by huge walls. In the second parikrama we come across many sculptures. The temple complex covers an area of about 22 acres and is rectangular in shape. The temple has a very large sacred teertha (tank). There are a large number of shrines in this temple complex. We mention some of them below.

Shri Shiva Shrine: This shiva linga is facing the east. As Shri Shiva himself worshiped Linga, it is known as MahaLingam. It is on a huge pedestal with two Nandis in front. One of the Nandis is made of copper. As usual we have Balipeeth and Dhwajastambha in their usual positions. In this temple, puja is performed first to Shri Shiva then to Shri Vinayaka as it is believed that Shri Vinayaka worshiped Shri Shiva in this place. 

Shrine of Shri Devi: She is facing the east. And the shrine is on the right hand side of Shri Shiva on the southern side. As she is to the right of Shri Shiva it is considered to be a wedding posture. We find a painting on the ceiling of Artha Mandap depicting the marriage of Meenakshi Sundareshwarar. We come across a number of paintings on the walls of Devis’s shrine. Besides this, we have an idol of Saiva saint Sambandhar in this shrine. 

It is a practice to go out of the temple after worshiping the Ambika.

Shri Mukambika Shrine: It is situated inside the Devi’s shrine. There are only two places in India where Shri Mukambika Devi is housed in a separate shrine. 

Shri Ananda Vinayaka Shrine: In the inner prakara, to the south of Shri Shiva’s shrine we come across the shrine of Shri Vinayaka known as Shri Ananda Vinayaka. 

Shiva Lingas in this temple: In the parikrama we come across 27 lingas dedicated to 27 Nakshatras. According to Purana these 27 nakshatras installed these lingams and worshiped Shri Shiva. This is a nakshatra parihar sthala.

This temple is referred as a pancha linga sthala as it has four lingas at four cardinal points with the Mahalingeshwarar at the center. On the east street we have Kashi Vishwanathar temple. In the west we have Rishipurishwarar temple. In the south AtamanaEshwarar temple. And in the north Chokkanadar Temple. Besides these we come across Akash Linga, Kashyapa Linga, Romesh Linga, Chola Linga, Chera Linga, Sahasra Linga, Panchabuta Lingas in the parikrama. We come across a brass statue of a woman made of a brass holding a lamp. This statue is about 120 cm in height and was donated to the temple by the Maratha king Pratap Singh Bhosale in the eighteenth century.

There is a small shrine for Shri Balakrishna. He gave darshan to Sage Kashyap in this form in this place. 

There is a shrine for Shri Vinayaka at the entrance known as PadiThurai Vinayaka. 

Besides this we have shrines for Shri Muruga, Shri Aghor Veerbhadra,  Shri Airawateshwarar, Shri Atmalingeshwarar are in the Parikrama. 

On the eastern and western entrances, we come across the idols of Pattinathar and Bhadragiriyar. In the temple complex we come across a Shaiva Siddhanta library which contains manuscripts in Palm leaves. There are about 32 sacred teerthas associated with the temple of which 5 are in the temple and 27 outside the temple. 

Special features:

According to traditional rules, at cardinal points in the space we have shrines of Shri Vinayak at Thiruvalanchuri, shrine of Shri Muruga at Swami Malai, shrine of Shri Chandikeshwarar at Shayalayur, shrine of Shri Suryanar Kovil, shrine of Shri Nataraja at Chidambaram, shrine of Shri Bhairava at Sirgahzi (Sirkazhi), shrine of Nandi at Thiruvidaimarudur and the shrine of Mahalingeshwarar at the center in this place. This represents the structure of a Shiva temple according to the traditional rules. 

The shrine of Shri Mukambika is a special feature as there are only two separate shrines for Mukambika in India. In this shrine, she is seated in Padmaasan and is facing the north. This temple is to the south of Devi’s shrine. The sanctum is similar to those in the North India just like in Maharashtra. In the sanctum a Sri Chakra (Mahameru) has been installed. Shri Mukambika Sevi is also addressed as a PidariParameshwariAmman. The tower of the shrine resembles the Manikarnika teertha in Kashi. She is doing penance to get rid of the Brahmahatya dosha she incurred by killing an asur. 

It is believed that Shri Vinayaka in the Shri Ananda Vinayaka shrine worships Shri Shiva according to the rules of Panchayatan Puja with the help of puja materials supplied to him by the devaganas. It is believed that (according to Puran) he rules the world from here, hence he is known as Shri Ananda Vinayaka. 

There are lots of stone inscriptions which detail about the donations and repair works done by various kings and other details about the temple. 

There are Shri Vinayaka temples at the junction of four main streets through which the chariot procession takes place. 

Ashwamedha pradakshina: When we do pradakshina around the temple in the first parikrama it is known as Ashwamedha prarikrama. For this parikrama, we have to first worship Shri Muruga. People do 7, 12, 24 or 108 pradakshinas. Those who light lamp in the month of Karthigai and pradakshina done in the month of Thai also yield benefit of Ashwamedha yadnya. 

When we do pradakshina in the second parikrama it gives the benefit of doing Girivalam around Mount Kailash.

As this place lies between Shri Sailam (Shri Mallikarjuna) and Thirupadaimaruthur in Thirunelveli (known as Pudararjunam), this place got the name Thiruvidaimaruthur means Madyararjunam. Arjunam means Marutha tree. These are three places where kshtra vruksha is Marutha Tree i.e. Arjuna tree.

As Shri Mahavishnu worshiped Shri Shiva at this place, first puja is done for Shri Shiva and only then to Shri Vishnu.

Shri Shiva gave darshan to Sage Markandeya at this place as Ardhanarishwarar.

All the four Shaiva saints namely - Appar, Sundar, Samnbandhar and Manikvacharar have sung sacred hymns. 

There is a jiva samadhi of Shri Sridhara Ayyarval, a great sanskrit scholar. He merged with the shiva linga in the form of a jyoti in the seventeenth century. 

Kshetra Puran:

Pattinathar and Bhadragiriyar: Shaiva Saint Pattinathar is closely associated with this temple. His disciple Bhadragiriyar, who was a king, renounced his kingship and became a saint. He came to this place and stayed with his Guru Pattinathar. He always had a begging bowl and a dog with him. Once Shri Shiva came in the form of a beggar and asked for alms to saint Pattinathar. He was directed by him to Bhadragiriyar whom he addressed as a Sansari. Bhadragiriyar felt sad as his guru made him a sansari because of the begging bowl and dog with him. In anger he threw it on the dog which got killed. Shri Shiva manifested in front of him and gave him salvation and also for the dog. Hence this place is known as Naladiyar Kovil. 

Brahmahatya Dosha: A chola prince killed a brahmin and was infected with Brahmahatya dosha. He came to this temple and prayed to Shri Shiva for relief. As a spirit of dead brahmin was following him, Shri Shiva advised him to leave the temple by another door as the Brahmahatti was unable to enter the temple it was waiting at the door in which the prince entered the temple. It is believed that it is still waiting to enter the temple, hence people avoid going out of that temple from that entrance. There is a sculpture of Brahmahatti on the eastern entrance. 

Some people associate this kshetra puran with King Varaguna Pandian. It is stated that the king went hunting in the nearby forest. As the darkness was fast approaching he hurried back to the city on his horse at a very fast pace. He did not notice an aged Brahmin sleeping under a tree. The hooves of the horse accidentally crushed the Brahmin to death. The king came to know of the incident through his soldiers. When he enquired with the scholars they informed him that he had incurred the dosha of Brahmahatya. They advised him of remedial measures prescribed in the shastra but the king did not get any relief. He went to Shri Sundareshwarar temple in Madurai. While doing pradakshnia a celestial voice advised him that a Chola King will lead his country and the invader will be defeated. When the invading king flees from the battlefield he was asked to follow him so that he will reach Shri Mahalingeshwar temple where Shri Shiva himself worshiped the Shiva Linga. The Brahmahatya dosha will leave you when you pray there by entering through one entrance and by leaving through another. At the temple Shri Mahalingeshwarar advised him to leave the temple by western entrance as he had entered through eastern entrance. By following the directions he got rid of the Brahma hatya dosha. It is believed that the Brahmahatti is still waiting outside.

Pancha krosha sthala: After the pralay, the amrut kalash reached Kumbhakonam and settled there. Droplets of nectar are believed to have fallen at five places around Kumbhakonam namely at Thiruvidaimaruthur, Darasuram, Thiru nageshwaram, Swamimalai and Koranattukarupur. These kshetras are at a distance of five kroshas from each other, hence they are known as Panchakrosha sthala.

Jyotirmay Mahalinga: When the sages were doing penance, Sage Agastya came here along with his disciples and did penance towards Shri Uma Devi. She gave him darshan. The sages after paying due respect to her, requested her for the darshan of Shri Shiva also. She alongwith sages did penance towards Shri Shiva. In appreciation of their penance Shri Shiva gave darshan to them. After giving darshan to them, Shri Shiva scolded the sages for not worshiping the Shiva Linga first. Shri Uma Devi was astonished by the act of Shri Shiva and asked him about the reasons as Shri Brahma and Shri Indra and others are only supposed to worship her customarily.  Shri Shiva stated as sages forgot to worship him first they have to undergo atonement. From that day, the sages started worshiping him first and attained salvation. 

When the sages were doing penance along with Shri Parvati Devi, Shri Shiva manifested from the heart of Shri Parvati Devi in the form of a flame. As he graced the sages in the form of Jyoti he is addressed as Jyotirmay Mahalinga. 

About the visit of Adi Shankaracharya to this place: When Adi Shankaracharya came to this place he desired that the Shri Shiva should declare the truth about Advaita so that the doubts about this principle will be cleared once for all. In response to this prayer Shri Mahalimngeshwarar appeared from the Linga, stated the truth three times as Satyam Advaitam, Satya Advaitam, Satyam Advaitam. At the Shankara Math in this place on the Gopuram we come across the sculpture of Shri Mahalingeshwar with a raised hand and the sculpture of Adi Shankaracharya in front of him with folded hands. In the central courtyard of the Math a devi’s shrine was constructed and the sacred paduka of Adi Shankaracharya was installed.

Those who worshiped at this place: Shri Shanishwarar, Shri Chandra, Sages Kashyap, Pattinathar, Bhadragiriyar, Arunagirinathar, Karuvur Devar, King Varaguna Pandiya, Shri Uma Devi, Shri Vinayaka, Shri Muruga, Shri Vishnu, Shri Brahma, Shri Rudra, Shri Lakshmi Devi, Shri Saraswati Devi, Shri Kali, Sages Vashishtha, Agastya, Romesha, Kapilaa, Markandeya and Siddha (Sridhar Ayyarwal), fifty ninth Sage of Kanchi Math HH Sri Bodhendra Saraswathi, Sukirti and Veerasena. 

Festivals:

Thai (Jan-Feb) - Thai Thaipusam festival for 10 days, Pongal

Masi (Feb-Mar) - Mahashivaratri

Vaikashi (Mar - June) - Divine marriage festival

Aadi (Jul-Aug): Aadi Pooram

Avani (August-Sept) - Ganesh chaturthi, 

Purattasi (Sept-Oct) - Annabhishek, Navaratri, arrow festival. 

Aippasi (Oct-Nov) - Annabhishek and Skanda shashthi festival 

Karthigai (Nov-Dec) - Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam. Abhishek with 1008 conches during Karthigai Somwar, Diwali

Margazhi (Dec-Jan) Thiruvathira, Thiruvaduthurai, Arudra Darshan

Panguni (Mar-April) Uttara nakshatra festiva

Tamil and English new year

Daily Pujas:

Pujas are performed six times in a day. 

Weekly: Special worship on Somawar and Sukrawar

Fortnightly pujas: Pradosha Puja

Monthly puja: New Moon Full Moon, Chaturthi

Special pujas and Abhishekas are performed.

Prayers:

People pray here for removal of marriage obstacles, removal of sorrow, unhappiness and also for child boon and also for safe delivery. People pray here for relief for mental depression and psychic disorders. This is a parihara sthala for Brahmahatya dosha. And for the nakshatra Anusham (Anuradha in Marathi) (nakshtra before Jyeshtha nakshatra) 

Address: Sri Mahalingeshwarar Temple, Thiruvadaimaruthur 612 104

Phone: 91-4352460660/1946, 91-9790525781

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs