God whispers

God whispers - Divine quote from Shri Satya Sai Baba

Sleep is pleasant because you forget the worries of the day. So also the sleep of death is very pleasant when it comes.

But don’t wish for death in order to fly away from your hard lessons in this school of life. Whatever test I put you through in your life, you must pass bravely.

When you conquer here, death comes as a reward. It is the end of suffering. If someone dies, his kith and kin feel sorry that he had to go and they lament, "Oh how sad," but they have the wrong idea. Death has rewarded him with freedom from all suffering, he is much better off than they are, he no longer has to endure pain and discomfort.

So, when your time comes to reach ME, and you are old and you are going to die, smile and reply to your kith and kin, "Is that all? Fine, I will be free from all travails and responsibilities because I will be with HIM, enjoying HIS company forever."

HURT NEVER HELP EVER

Shri Masilamaneshwarar at Thiruvaduthurai

This temple is also known as Shri Gomuktishwarar Temple. It is one of the Saptasthana shiva temples of Kanjanur. It is situated on Mayiladuthurai-Kuttralam-Kumbhakonam route at a distance of 20 kms from Mayiladuthurai. It is very close to Thiruvalankadu. This is also one of the Padal Pethra Sthalam on the southern bank of river Kaveri. The temple is revered by Sambandhar, Appar and Sundarar in their hymns.

Siddha Thirumular and shaiva saint Thirumaligainayanar in this place. The old shiva math Thiruvaduthurai Adinam is situated in this place. 

Mulavar: Shri Gomuktishwarar, Shri Masilamaneshwarar

Devi: Shri Oppilamuliammai, Shri Atulyakujambal, Shri Abhaygujambal

Kshetra Vruksha: Peeple tree (in Tamil Padar Arasu)

Puranik name: Nandinagar, Navakotisiddhapuram, Arasavanam, Bodhivanam, Gokazhi-Gomukhi-Puram

About the temple:

This is an east facing temple with a three parikramas and a five tiered Rajagopuram. The vimanam (tower) above the sanctum sanctorum is Dwidal (two storied). The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga facing the east. Nandi is very huge. The present temple structure is about 2000 years old and was constructed by the chola kings. The stone inscriptions give an account of the work done by the various kings. Shri Ambika Devi is housed in a west facing shrine. The second, third and fourth parikrama are separated by huge walls. In the third parikrama, there is a separate shrine for saint Thirumular. The kshetra vruksha is very old and is said to be representing the Deva. In the temple complex we have the samadhi of Thirumular. 

Sthala Vinayaka is also known as Thunai (means guide or escort) Shri Vanda Ganapati (i.e. Ganapati who came as a guide or an escort for his mother Shri Parvati Devi).

In the prakara, there is an idol which depicts a cow discharging the milk on a shiva linga from its udder. The idol is known as Shri Gorupa Ambika. There is no Navagraha shrine in this temple. There is an idol of Shri Shanishwarar. There are three idols of Shri Surya at one place. To the right of Shri Shiva’s shrine we come across the shrine of Shri Tyagaraja and mother Shri Kamalambika. The processional deity is known as Shri Anaithuirundha Nayakar (Lord embracing the mother). But in idol Shri Shiva’s hands does not touch Shri Parvati Devi. The small Nandi is known as Shri Adhikar Nandi as abhishek is done for this Nandi. It is believed that Shri Shiva taught ashtamahasiddhi to Navakoti Siddhas including the siddha Bhogar at this place. 

Other shrines and deities:

Shri Vinayaka, Shri Muruga, Shri Nataraja, Shri Dandapani, Sage Agastya, Shri Lingodbhavar, Shri Brahma, Shri Vishnu, Shri Durga Devi, Panchalingam, Chozhalingam, Shri Bhairav, Shri Shanishwarar, Shri Surya, Shri Chandra, Shri Saraswati Devi, Shri Haradatta Shivacharyar, Shaiva saint Shri Maraidnyanasambandhar, Shri Umapati Shivam, Shri Meykandar, Shri Arul nidhi Shivam, Sixty three Nayanmars, Nalavar, Shri Adi Gomuktishwarar is in a corridor. These idols are found in the corridors and the koshtam. At the entrance of Shri Shiva’s shrine, we have Shri Vinayaka and Shri Muruga. It is stated that they escorted Shri Parvati Devi to this shrine when she was in a form of a cow. 

Kshetra Purana:

Kshetra puran: Once in Kailash, Shri Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi were playing a game of dice. Shri Shiva lost the game and Shri Parvati Devi laughed at him. He got angry and cursed her to become a cow and roam in the Bhooloka. Shri Parvati Devi became upset and felt sorry for leaving her husband. She asked for forgiveness and for atonement so she can reunite with her husband. He stated that at one place she will regain her normal form and he will join her. She came to Bhooloka and reached the southern bank of river Caveri. At Thiruvaduthurai, she found a Shiva-linga and started worshiping by performing abhishek with milk. Shri Shiva who was pleased by her devotion restored her to her original form and embraced her. This place where Shri Shiva gave mukti to the cow is known as Shri Gomuktishwaram and Shri Shiva is known as Shri Gomukteshwarar. The greatness of this place is stated in the Kshetra puran by citing a number of instances. 

Once Shri Parvati Devi asked Shri Shiva "everyone worships you for getting a boon; is there anyone who worships you without expecting anything". Shri Shiva showed a Shiva-linga below a Bilva tree. A monkey on the tree was plucking leaves one by one from the tree and dropped it on the Shiva-linga playfully. The day happened to be a Shiva-ratri. The Lord who was pleased by the monkey’s act and transformed him into a Chakravarti, granting him the boon to rule all the three worlds. 

The king requested that he would like to have a monkey face and would like to live with the thought of Shri Shiva. The Lord granted him his wish and the king was named as Muchugandha. Once Muchugandha went to assist Shri Indra along with his eight brothers to defeat the demon king Valasura. Shri Indra, pleased by his help, requested him to ask for anything as a token of his gratitude. During this period, Shri Indra was indulging in various enjoyments and had neglected the worship of Thyagesa idol given to him by Lord Shiva. So Shri Shiva advised Muchugandha to ask for that idol from Shri Indra. Shri Indra, who was not ready to part with it, prepared six identical idols and kept them together. Shri Shiva cautioned Muchugandha the same night about Shri Indra’s intention and instructed him how to identify the real idol. When Indra showed the seven Vidanga idols, Muchugandha identified the real idol and Indra gave all the seven idols to the king. The real Tyagesha was installed at Thiruvarur. Later, the king established them at six other locations. Later, one night, Shri Shiva appeared in the dream of Muchugandha and bade him to proceed to Thiruvaduthurai and rule the kingdom from there. The king ruled from Thiruvaduthurai and became a famous and great ruler.

The procession deity is known as Shri Anaithuerundanayakar (the Lord who embraced his wife) but we don’t find the idol embracing Mother Shri Parvati Devi. 

Shaiva sage Sambandar stayed at this place with his father. He helped his father to conduct a yagna with the grace of Shri Shiva when they had no wealth (at Sirkazhi). The Balipeeth (seat) where the Lord bestowed wealth on him exists in the temples with the ganas around the peeth (seat). 

One of the Nayanmars, Thirumaligaithevar was worshiping the Lord at this temple for a long time. Due to some misunderstanding, the king sent his army to arrest him. On Shri Ambika Devi’s request, Shri Shiva sent an army of Nandis from the temple and drove away the king’s army. Then all these Nandis merged to form one huge Nandi. You can find the Nandi idol in this temple today. It is considered to be very auspicious to pray to this Nandi. During pradosh kaal, abhishek is conducted on this huge Nandi idol. 

One of the Shiva yogis, Sundarnadar came from Kailash to meet Sage Agastya in the South. He found a cowherd named Mulan lying dead on the ground. The cows were standing in a circle around him and were shedding tears. With his yogic powers, the Shiva yogi entered in the body of the cowherd and drove the cows back to his house. He came back to this place and did penance. Later, the Shiva yogi came to be known as Thirumoolar. He wrote three thousand divine hymns and merged with the Lord in his shrine. The shrine for Lord Tyagesha with mother Shri Kamalambika is on the right side of the Lord’s shrine. It is believed that Shri Shiva taught Ashta-Mahasiddhis to Navakoti siddhas including Bogar. There are separate shrines for Tirumalagaidewar and Namahshivayamurtiswamigal.

Special features:

Shri Shiva performed his Mahatandav at this place. It is known as Sundar Natanam. 

Kshetra vruksha (peeple tree) is very old. It is revered as representing the Devas. It is believed that Shri Shiva emerged from under this tree and blessed Devas. 

Shri Vinayaka escorted his mother to this place. 

Shri Parvati Devi is depicted as Shri GorupaAmbika. 

It is believed that the Navakotisiddhas including Bhogar performed the penance at this place. They were taught the ashtamahasiddhis by Shri Shiva. It is a unique temple where the chera king Cheraman Perumal and Chola king KochengetCholan and Pandya king Vikram Pandyan have worshiped Lord at this place.

Shri Yama worshiped Shri Shiva at this place. Shri Shiva blessed him and gave him the honor of taking the place of his mount rishabh at this place. 

Prayer:

Women pray here for well being and longevity of their husbands. 

Estranged couples pray here for their union.

People pray for a child boon. 

People pray for removal of wedding obstacles

Festivals:

Purattasi (September-October): Brahmostav

Aipassi (October-November): Annabhishek

Margazhi (December-January): Thiruvathirai 

Maasi (February-March): Mahashivaratri

Thai (January-February): Rathasaptami festival for five days

Besides this, regular pradosha puja and daily worship is done.

Temple timing: 7 to 12 and 4 to 8

Addres: Shri Gomuktihswarar Temple, Thiruvaduthurai Post, Kuttralam Taluka, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu 609803

Telephone Number: 91-4364232021, 4364232055

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs

ज्योतिर्लिंग - प्रस्तावना

ज्योतिर्लिंग म्हणजेच लिंगस्वरूपी भगवान शंकर! ज्योतिर्लिंग म्हणजेच शंकराचे चैतन्यस्वरूप महाशक्तिमय रूप! शिवपुराणात उल्लेखलेल्या प्रमाणे आर्द्रा नक्षत्राच्या रात्री भगवान शंकर ज्योतिर्लिंगाच्या रूपात प्रकट झाले. असे म्हणतात की जेव्हा एखादा मनुष्य अध्यात्माची सर्वोच्च पातळी गाठतो तेव्हा तो लिंगासारखा म्हणजे एका पृथ्वीला भेदून जाणाऱ्या व उत्तुंग उंची गाठणाऱ्या अग्निस्तंभासारखा भासतो. ज्योतिर्लिंगाविषयी संपूर्ण माहिती शिवपुराणात सापडते. 

पुराणांमध्ये असे म्हटले आहे की एकदा ब्रह्मदेव आणि विष्णू यांच्यामध्ये सर्वश्रेष्ठ निर्मिती कोणी केली आहे याबद्दल प्रचंड वाद चाललेला होता. निर्णयासाठी ते शंकराकडे गेले. त्यावेळी शंकर अंत नसलेल्या अतिप्रचंड तिन्ही लोकांना भेदून जाणाऱ्या अग्नि स्तंभाच्या स्वरूपात होते. ब्रह्मा आणि विष्णू अग्नी स्तंभाचे टोक शोधण्यास विरुद्ध दिशेला गेले. ब्रह्मदेवाने त्याला ज्योतीचे वरचे टोक सापडले असे सांगितले. ते खोटेच होते. विष्णूने मात्र मान्य केले की त्याला अग्निस्तंभाचे दुसरे टोक सापडले नाही. त्याच क्षणी शंकर ज्योतिर्लिंगाच्या रूपात प्रकट झाले व ब्रह्मदेवाला शाप दिला की त्याला कोणत्याही समारंभात कोणत्याही प्रकारचे स्थान नसेल तर विष्णूला मात्र आशिर्वाद दिला की त्याचे पूजन जगाच्या अंतापर्यंत अखंड केले जाईल. 

ज्योतिर्लिंगाची सर्व स्थाने म्हणजे शंकर ज्योतिस्वरूपात जिथे प्रगट झाले त्या जागा. एकूण चौसष्ठ ज्योतिर्लिंग आहेत असा समज आहे. पण त्यातील बारा ज्योतिर्लिंगे ही अतिपवित्र, शुभ व मंगलदायक आहेत. द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रांमधे खालील बारा ज्योतिर्लिंगांचा उल्लेख आहे. 

१. सोमनाथ, सौराष्ट्र, गुजरात
२. मल्लिकार्जुन, श्री शैलम्, आंध्र प्रदेश
३. महाकालेश्वर, उज्जैन, मध्य प्रदेश
४. ओंकारेश्वर, मध्य प्रदेश
५. केदारनाथ, हिमालय
६. भीमाशंकर, महाराष्ट्र
७. काशी विश्वनाथ, वाराणसी, उत्तर प्रदेश
८. त्र्यंबकेश्वर, नाशिक, महाराष्ट्र
९. वैजनाथ (वैद्यनाथ), परळी, महाराष्ट्र 
१०. नागेश्वर, द्वारका, गुजरात
११. रामेश्वर, तामिळनाडू
१२. घृष्णेश्वर, औरंगाबाद, महाराष्ट्र 

बारा ज्योतिर्लिंगाविषयी थोडक्यात माहिती देण्याचा प्रयत्न आम्ही येणाऱ्या सप्तांहांमध्ये करणार आहोत. ज्योतिर्लिंगाच्या दर्शनाला जाणाऱ्यांना दिलेली माहिती उपयुक्त ठरावी ही अपेक्षा. 

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 Vandarkuzhali samedh Shri Vataaranyeshwarar Temple

This Shiva temple is one of the saptasthana shiva temples of Kanjanur. It is located at Thiruvalangadu (in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu). It is at a distance of about 21 kms from Kumbhakonam on Kumbhakonam-Mayiladuthurai highway. This is a medium sized temple built by the Cholas. The present structure is about 1500 years old. The prakar mandap around the sanctum sanctorum was constructed by Maratha kings. 

Mulavar: Shri Vataranyeshwarar, Shri Putrakameshwarar

Devi: Shri Vandarkuzhali

Sacred Teertha: Putrakameshthi Teertham

Kshetra Vruksha: Banyan Tree

This is a west facing temple without any Rajagopuram at the entrance. There is a stucco idol of Shri Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi at the top of the entrance. The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. As soon as we enter the temple we come across Dhwajastambha, Balipeeth and Nandi. 

The sacred teertha (the temple tank) is on the right side of the entrance. At the second level (prakara) we come across a five tiered Rajagopuram. Shri Ambika Devi is housed in a separate shrine facing the south to the right of Shri Shiva’s shrine. In the mukha mandap we come across the shrine of twin idols of Shri Vinayaka. There is also an idol of Shri Subramanya with Shri Valli and Shri Deivanai. Of the twin Vinayaka, one is a very old one and new one was installed by Sage Bharata and it is known as Shri Putrasantana Vinayaka. 

The koshta murtis are: Shri Durga Devi, Shri Ardhanarishwarar, Shri Rishabhantikar, Shri Brahma, Shri Lingodbhavar (Annamalayar), Shri Dakshinamurti, Shri Ganesha and Shri Vishnu. There is a separate Shrine for Shri Bhairav. Special prayers are offered to him on Amavasya and Ashtami. There is a shrine of Shri Saraswati Devi which is as famous as the shrine of Shri Saraswati Devi at Kothanoor.

There is a separate shrine of Shri Shanmukha on  his peacock mount along with his consorts Shri Valli and Shri Deivanai. There is a separate shrine for Shri Jwarahareshwarar.

There are two idols of Shri Ambika Devi in this temple, of which one is in a damaged condition. When they tried to remove this after installing the new one, they could not remove it. A divine voice directed them to leave the idol alone and perform daily puja along with the new one. 

In the parikrama, we have Shri Nataraja, Shri Gajalaskshmi Devi, Shri Saraswati Devi, Shiva Linga. The koshta murtis are Shri Dakshinamurti, Shri Brahma, Shri Chandikeshwarar. We come across the idols of Shri Shanishwarar, Shri Surya, Shri Nagaraja, 63 Nayanmars, Shri Somaskanda, Shri Kashi Vishwanath along with Shri Vishalakshi, Shri Kaveri and Shri Putrakameshwarar.

Kshetra Puran:

The great advaitik scholar Shri Appaya Dikshitar spent his last days at this place. He believed to have performed lot of miracles. It is stated that he transformed his colic pain into a towel so that he could meditate without disturbance. In order to test his maturity and devotion, once he consumed juice of the poisonous Dhatura seed and was in delirium. In this condition he had dictated fifty stanzas known as Unmattar (drunken or semi-conscious state) panchasti.

According to Puran, Sage Bharata who was childless, desired to have Shri Parvati Devi as his daughter. When he prayed to Shri Shiva at Kutralum, he was directed to pray at this place and performed Putra kameshthi yadnya. Shri Parvati Devi came out of the pyre as a small child. She was brought up by Sage Bharata and his wife Subhadra. 

Those who worshiped at this temple:

Sage Bharata and his wife Subhadra got divine darshan of Shri Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi and also got Shri Parvati Devi as their daughter.

Sage Kashyap and his wife Aditi worshiped at this place and got devas as their children.

Shri Indra got Jayant as his son by worshiping at this place

Prayers:

In the month of Panguni on new moon day, people perform Putrakameshti yadnya in the shrine of Shri Putrakameshwarar after taking bath in the sacred teertha. They offer cow ghee lamp in the shrine of Shri Ambal Devi. 

People perform kumkumarchana at Shri Ambika Devi’s shrine on new moon, full moon and panchami for fulfillment of desires.

Parents pray at Shri Sarawasti Devi’s shrine on Punarvasu nakshatra, Panchami and Wednesdays for the education of their children. It is believed she is as generous as in Kothanoor.

People pray at Shri Jwarahareshwarar shrine for getting relief from fever and ailments. 

Festivals:

Chitrai (April-May): Brahmotsav, Chitrai Pournima

Vaikasi (May-June): Vaikasi Vishakham, Kalyan Mahotsav

Aani (June-July): Thirumanjanam

Aadi (July-August): Adipuram

Avani (August-September): Vinayak (Ganesh) Chaturthi

Purattasi (September-October): Navaratri

Aippasi (October-November): Annabhishek, Skanda Shashthi

Karthigai (November-December): Thirukarthigai, Karthigai Deepam

Margazhi (December-January): Thiruvadirai

Thai (January-February): Makar Sankranti, Pongal

Maasi (February-March): Mahashivaratri

Panguni (March-April): Panguni Uttaram. This is an important festival in this temple.

Temple timings: Morning 7 to 12, evening 5 to 8

Address: Shri Vataranyeshwarar temple, South Street, Thiruvalankadu, Kumbhakonam-Mayiladuthurai road, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu 609810

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs

श्री थिरुनागनाथस्वामी मंदिर - केतू ग्रहाचे मंदिर

हे मंदिर केतू ग्रहाशी निगडित असल्याने ह्या स्थळाला केतूस्थळ म्हणतात. ह्या मंदिरातील मुख्य दैवत भगवान शिव आहेत. 

मुलवर (मुख्य दैवत): श्री नागनादर (भगवान शिव)

उत्सव मूर्ती: श्री सोमस्कंदर

देवी: श्री सौन्दर्यनायकी

क्षेत्र वृक्ष: बांबू 

गावाचे नाव: कीळ्पेरुम्पळ्ळम्

जिल्हा: नागपट्टीनं, तामिळनाडू 

समुद्रमंथन चालू असताना जेव्हा वासुकी नागाने विष ओकलं, तेव्हा सर्व देव देवतांचं रक्षण करण्यासाठी भगवान शिवांनी ते विष प्यायलं. भगवान शिवांनी विष प्यायलं ह्या गोष्टीचं वासुकीला खूप वाईट वाटलं आणि त्याला खूप दुःख झालं. ह्या दुःखाचं निवारण करण्यासाठी त्याने ह्या ठिकाणी तपश्चर्या केली. त्याच्या तपश्चर्येवर प्रसन्न होऊन भगवान शिवांनी त्याला दर्शन देऊन आशीर्वाद दिला. वासुकीने भगवान शिवांना विनंती केली कि त्यांनी इथे वास्तव्य करावं. त्याच्या विनंतीला मान देऊन भगवान शिव इथे श्री नागनादर (नागाचे नाथ) ह्या नावाने राहिले.

केतू मंदिराचा इतिहास: 

पुराणांनुसार ह्या स्थळाला खूप महत्व आहे. समुद्र मंथन प्रक्रियेमध्ये वासुकी नाग जेव्हा बेशुद्धावस्थेत गेला तेव्हा असुरांनी त्याच्या शरीराचे तुकडे करून ह्या प्रदेशातील बांबूच्या वनात टाकले. भगवान शंकरांच्या कृपेने वासुकी नाग परत जिवंत झाला. त्याने ह्या स्थळी तपश्चर्या केली आणि भगवान शंकरांना इथे येऊन राहण्याची आणि जे कोणी त्यांची उपासना करतील त्यांच्यावर कृपादृष्टी ठेवण्याची विनंती केली. 

केतू पुराण: समुद्र मंथनामध्ये जीव गमावलेले राहू आणि केतु जेव्हा परत जिवंत झाले तेव्हा त्यांना कोणीच आपलंसं करायला तयार नव्हतं. केतुला एका ब्राह्मणाने आश्रय दिला आणि त्याला वाढवलं. केतुने आपल्या मानलेल्या पित्याकडून ज्ञान ग्रहण केलं. त्याने ह्या स्थळी तपश्चर्या केली आणि ग्रह होण्याचं वरदान मिळवलं. केतुच्या पत्नीचं नाव आहे चित्रलेखा. आणि त्यांच्या पुत्राचं नाव अवमृत. केतुचं ह्या शिवाय अजून एका ठिकाणी मंदिर आहे.

ह्या स्थळातील तीर्थे: इथे नागतीर्थ नावाचं तीर्थ आहे. असा समज आहे कि हे तीर्थ वासुकी नागाने निर्माण केलं. ह्या तीर्थाच्या पश्चिम दिशेला एकमेकात मिसळलेले पिंपळ आणि कडुलिंब वृक्ष आहेत. ह्या ठिकाणी नागपूजा केली जाते.

साधारण माहिती:

ह्या मंदिरातील विनायकाला अनुग्रह विनायक ह्या नावाने पुजलं जातं. केतू देवाचं वेगळं देऊळ आहे. येथील केतूच्या मूर्तीला मानवी शरीर आणि सर्पाचं शिर आहे. भक्तांना आशीर्वाद देऊन त्यांना तो ज्ञान प्रदान करतो. म्हणूनच केतूला अनुग्रहकेतू आणि ज्ञानकारक ह्या नावांनी पुजलं जातं. केतू हे मंदिराचं मुख्य दैवत असल्याने इथे नवग्रहांचं वेगळं मंदिर नाही.

मंदिराचे वैशिष्ठ्य:

१) राहू काळ आणि यमगंड काळ ह्या काळांत इथे केतूदेवाच्या विशेष पूजा केल्या जातात. 

२) राहू आणि केतूच्या भ्रमण काळात विशेष होम हवन केलं जातं

३) जरी इथे नवग्रहांचं वेगळं मंदिर नसलं तरी इथे भगवान सूर्याच्या दोन मूर्ती आणि भगवान शनीची एक मूर्ती इथे दिसते. 

मंदिरात साजरे केले जाणारे सण:

मासी (फेब्रुवारी-मार्च): शिवरात्रि

ऎप्पासी (ऑक्टोबर-नोव्हेंबर): अन्नाभिषेक

पंगूनी (मार्च-एप्रिल):वासुकी उत्सव

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 Thirukotishwarar Temple at Thirukodikkaval

This Shiva temple is situated at Thirukodikkaval on the Kumbhakonam - Kanjanur - Kathiramangalam route at a distance of 19 kms from Kumbhakonam. This is the second saptasthana Shiva temple associated with Kanjanur. This temple is one of the 276 Padal Pethra sthalam on the northern bank of river Kaveri. The present structure of the temple is about 1500 years old. There are stone inscriptions in this temple relating to the various renovation work undertaken by the Chola and Pallava kings. 

Mulavar: Shri Kotishwarar, Shri Vedharavaneshwarar

Devi: Shri Tripurasundari, Shri Vadivambika

Sacred Teertha: Shringotbhava Teertha, river Kaveri and Mukkoditeertha

Kshetra Vruksha: A variety of cane (Pirambu in Tamil)

This temple was revered by Shaiva saints Shri Sambandhar and Shri Thirunaavkarassar. 

The kshetra vruksha is known as Vedhara in Sanskrit meaning a type of Bamboo. 

In Tamil, the word Ka means a beautiful garden. It is believed that all those sthalas whose names end with Ka are supposed to be surrounded by beautiful gardens long ago. Other such places of Shri Shiva are Thiruvainikka, Thirunallikka, Thirukurukka and Thirukolakka

About the temple:

This is a east facing temple with a five tier Rajagopuram, Balipeeth, Dhawajasthambha and Nandi in the usual positions. The mandap in which they are located has a three tier Rajagopuram. The main deity is a Swayambhu linga mounted on a square platform.

Koshta murthis are Shri Nardana Vinayaka, Shri Nataraja with Shri Shivakami Devi, Shri Dakshinamurty, Shri Lingodbhavar, Shri Brahma, Shri Ashtabhuja Durga, Shri Bhikshadanar, Sage Agastya, Shri Ardhanarishwarar and Shri Chandikeshwarar. The sanctum is in the form of a semicircular moat.

In the inner parikrama, we come across the shrine of Shri Karaiyetrum Vinayaka, Shri Shanmukha, Shri Nataraja, Shri Gajalakshmi, Shri Jyesthadevi, Shri Kalabhairav, Shri Surya, Shri Chandra, Shaiva saints Naalavar, Shri Bala Shanishwarar, Sage Durvasa, Shri Vishwanath, Shri Vishalakshi Devi, Shri Ekambareshwarar, Shri Kamakshi Devi, Shaiva saint Sundar with his wives.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, and artha mandap (built by Maratha kings).

There is no Navagraha shrine in this temple. In the corridors, we come across a shiva linga of the four Vedas, three shiva lingas worshiped by three crore devatas, Shri Shani and Shri Yama facing each other, Shri Chitragupta and Sage Durvasa facing each other. In a single stone carving, we come across Shri JyesthaDevi (Shri Shani’s wife) along with their son Manthi and their daughter Mantha. Shri Brahma is in a small shrine in the corridor. 

On the western side of parikrama, we come across idols of Nagalinga, Shri Kashi Vishwanath and Shri Vishalakshi. In the next shrine, we have Shri Shanmukha seated on a peacock with his consorts Shri Valli and Shri Deivanai. He holds a bow, arrow and weapons in his 12 hands. We come across the idol of Shri Gajalakshmi with her legs hanging down. 

Salient features:

There is no Navagraha shrine in this temple. It is believed that anyone who worships Shri Shiva in this temple is relieved of the Shukradosha to a very large extent. 

3 crores of devatas responsible for various mantras were relieved of their curse by worshiping Shri Shiva at this place. 

According to the 12th chapter in Shiva Purana, Shri Yama has no authority to punish anyone in this place, hence there is no burial ground here. The dead are taken, for burial and last rites, to the other bank of the river. 

It is stated in Purana that Shri Shiva graced and blessed a staunch vaishnav devotee.

Shri Vinayaka is addressed here as Shri Karaiyetrum Vinayaka (one who guides and saves) as he removes the hardships and difficulties.

The practice of offering material to God equal to one spoon weight known as Tulabaram was started at this temple by the Chola queen Shri Chembian Mahadevi.

Shri Shanishwar is addressed in this temple as Shri Balashanishwarar. He has Garud as his mount and holds a Shiva Linga on his head. 

Saint Arunagirinadar has sung hymns in praise of Shri Muruga in this temple. 

Shakti Upasak Shri Bhaskaracharya had composed Saubhagya Bhaskaram, a book in Shri Tripurasundari Devi's shrine. This book explains the meaning and significance of Shri Lalitasahasranaam. It is believed that this book was approved by Shri Tripurasundari Devi herself.

River Kaveri at this place is a Uttaravahini i.e. she flows from south to north.

It is considered auspicious to take bath in the river at this place on a Sunday during the Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec) and worship Shri Shiva.

Since Shri Yama and Shri Chitragupta can be worshiped together at this place, it is believed that one can be relieved from the fear of death at this place.

Kshetra Purana:

According to Purana, three crores mantra devatas had misused the mantras. Hence Sage Durvasa cursed them. In order to get rid of the curse, they came to this place. By worshiping Shri Shiva at this place they got rid of the curse. Hence Shri Shiva is known as Shri Kotishwarar and the place got the name Thirukotikka. This incidence is mentioned in detail in Shiva Purana (known also as Adi Shaiva Rudra Koti Samhita). In the Sayugya Kand, briefly in 33 chapters, it is stated that this was explained in detail at Naimisharanya to Sanakadi munis and Suta munis.

A staunch shaiva devotee named Shri Haradatta Shivacharya of Kanjanur used to visit the nearby Shiva temples. He used to return to Kanjanur to perform ArdhaJama puja. One day he had darshan of Shri Shiva at Thirukotikka temple and he was stranded due to thunderstorm and he could not reach Kanjanur for performing the ArdhaJama puja. At that time an old man appeared from nowhere in the rain and guided him to Kanjanur so that he can perform puja in time. As a token of appreciation Shri Haradatta gave the prasad to the old man. The next day, to his surprise, when he went to temple in Thrukotikka, he found the remains of the prasad he had given in front of Shri Shiva, Shri Nandi, Shri Devi, Shri Vinayaka and Shri Subramanya shrines. This indicated that the Lord himself came to guide and get the puja performed. 

Some vaishnav seers (known as Alvars) went to Tirupati for the worship of Shri Venkatesha. There, a celestial voice of Shri Venkatesha directed them to Shri Tripurasundari Devi at Thirukotikka. It also told them that they will have his darshan at Thirukotikka. When they reached bank of the river Kaveri at Thirukotikka, the river was in spate. They were stranded on the back. At that time Sage Agastya appeared on the bank and he directed them to worship Shri Vinayaka for help in crossing the river. When they started worship of Shri Vinayaka, the flood waters made way for them to cross the river and reach the temple. When they reached the shrine of Shri Tripurasundari Devi, she gave them darshan as Shri Venkatesha.

Darshan for Sage Durvasa: Once Sage Durvasa reached Thirukotikka after having the darshan of Shri Nataraja at Dakshin Chidambaram known as Thirukkalar. And he desired to have darshan of Shri Nataraja on the day of Arudra Darshan at Thirukotikka. He entered the shrine of Shri Shiva to have darshan of Thirukotishwarar. As he was in a hurry to have darshan, accidentally he went past the shrine of Shri Ambika. Observing this, Shri Tripurasundari felt that Sage Durvasa may start to have the feeling, like Sage Bhringi, that Shri Shiva and Shri Shakti are different. She went and stood in front of Sage Durvasa, hence we find the shrine of Shri Tripurasundari Devi in between the idols of Sage Durvasa and the shrine of Shri Shiva.

Festivals and Pujas:

Avani (Aug-Sept): Ganesh chaturthi

Purattasi (Sept-Oct): Navaratri

Aipassi (Oct-Nov): Skanda shashthi and Annabhishek

Thai (Jan-Feb): Makar Sankranti

Karthigai (Nov-Dec): Thirukarthigai deepam.

Margazhi (Dec-Jan): Thiruvathirai

Maasi (Feb-March): Mahashivarati

Besides this, daily puja is performed in the shrines and Pradosha puja is performed regularly on pradosha days. 

Temple timing: 7 to 12 in the morning, 4.30 to 8.30 evening

Address: Shri Kotishwarar Temple, Thirukotikkaval post, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluka, Tamil Nadu 609802 

Phone number: 91-04352450595

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs

श्री थिरुनागेश्वरम - राहू ग्रहाचे मंदिर

श्रेष्ठ ६३ शिवभक्त जे नायन्मार म्हणून प्रसिद्ध आहेत, त्यांनी पुजलेल्या २७६ शिव मंदिरांपैकी हे एक मंदिर आहे. हे मंदिर अंदाजे २००० वर्षांपूर्वी बांधलेलं आहे. तामिळनाडू मधल्या कुंभकोणम ह्या शहरापासून ८ किलोमीटर वर असलेल्या थिरुनागेश्वरम गावात हे मंदिर आहे. 

मुलवर: श्री थिरुनागेश्वर, श्री थिरूनागनाथ स्वामी, श्री शेनबाग अरण्येश्वर

देवी: श्री गिरीगुजांबिका, श्री पीराई अनिवळ नूथळ अंबिका (डोक्यावर चंद्रकोर धारण केलेली)

पवित्र तीर्थ: सूर्यतीर्थ

स्थळ वृक्ष: चंपा (शेनबाग) 

येथील शिवलिंग हे स्वयंभू लिंग आहे. राहू परिहार स्थळ (म्हणजेच राहू ग्रह दोषांचा परिहार करण्याचे स्थळ) म्हणून प्रसिद्ध आहे. येथील वनामध्ये भरपूर चंपा वृक्षे होती म्हणूनच ह्याला चंपारण्य किंवा शेनबाग अरण्य असे नाव पडले.

मंदिराबद्दल माहिती: 

पुराणांनुसार ह्या ठिकाणी भगवान विनायकांनी भगवान शिवांची उपासना केली आणि ह्या उपासनेचं फळ म्हणून त्यांना गणपती म्हणजेच सर्व गणांचा अधिपती असं नाव पडलं. 

अजून एका आख्यायिकेनुसार अष्टमहासर्प (अनंत, वासुकी, कर्कोटक, संकल्प, कुलिक, पद्मन, महापद्मन आणि तक्षक) आणि आदिशेष (पांच फणे असलेला सर्प) ह्यांनी इथे भगवान शिवांची उपासना केली. रामायणामधल्या आख्यायिकेनुसार ह्या स्थानी श्री गौतमीला (श्री गौतम ऋषींची पत्नी), तिच्या शापातून मुक्ती मिळाली आणि ती परत श्री गौतम ऋषींना मिळाली.

श्री पार्वती देवीने ऋषी भृंगींना शाप दिला. पण त्यामुळे तिच्या कडून पाप घडलं. ह्या पापाचं क्षालन करण्यासाठी भगवान शिवांनी तिला तपश्चर्या करण्यास सांगितले. श्री पार्वती देवीने हे स्थान आपल्या तपश्चर्येसाठी निवडलं. भगवान शिवांच्या अनुज्ञेनुसार श्री लक्ष्मी देवी आणि श्री सरस्वती देवी ह्या पण श्री पार्वती देवींसह तपश्चर्या करण्यासाठी येथे आल्या. श्री पार्वती देवींच्या तपश्चर्येवर प्रसन्न होऊन भगवान शिव परत तिला कैलासस्थानी घेऊन गेले. ह्या ठिकाणी श्री पार्वती देवीचे श्री गिरीगुजांबाळ (अंबाळ म्हणजे माता) असे नाव आहे. श्री गिरिगुजांबिकेची मूर्ती स्वयंभू आहे. ह्या मूर्तीवर अभिषेक करत नाहीत.

पंचफणे असलेले श्री आदिशेष ह्यांनी पाताळ लोकांतून इथे येऊन भगवान शिवांची उपासना केली. श्री राहू देवाने पण इथे भगवान शिवांची उपासना केली आहे. इथली श्री राहूंची मूर्ती मनुष्यरूपामध्ये आहे आणि त्यांच्या दोन्ही बाजूंना त्याच्या दोन पत्नी आहेत - श्री नागवळ्ळी आणि श्री नागवन्नी. 

स्थळ पुराणांनुसार - श्री नंदी, श्री चंद्र, श्री सूर्य, श्री नळ राजा, श्री गौतम ऋषी आणि श्री पराशर ऋषी ह्यांनी इथे भगवान शिवांची उपासना केली आहे. नळराजाने इथे केलेल्या त्याच्या तपश्चर्येवर प्रसन्न होऊन भगवान शिवांनी त्याचे गेलेले वैभव त्याला परत दिले असा समज आहे. तसेच पांडवांनीपण आपले गेलेले वैभव भगवान शिवांची इथे उपासना करून परत मिळवले असा समज आहे. श्री नंदीदेवाला इथे श्री नंदिकेश्वर असा मान मिळाला. श्री इंद्र देवाने इथे श्री गिरिगुजांबिकेची उपासना करून आपल्या पापांचे क्षालन केले. ऋषी भृंगींना इथे श्री पार्वती देवी, श्री लक्ष्मी देवी आणि श्री सरस्वती देवी  ह्यांचे एकत्र दर्शन झाले. 

येथील इतर देवस्थाने: 

इथल्या भगवान शिव आणि श्री पार्वती देवीच्या मुर्त्या पूर्वाभिमुख आहेत. गाभाऱ्याभोवतीच्या पहिल्या परिक्रमेमध्ये श्री विनायक, श्री मुरुगन आणि श्री चंद्रशेखर ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या आहेत. पूर्वी इथे १२ पवित्र तीर्थे होती असा समज आहे. त्यांची नावे - सूर्य, हिमालय, ब्रह्म, चंद्र, अग्नी, दुर्गा, पराशर, इंद्र, भृगु, कण्व आणि वसिष्ठ. पण त्यातील फक्त सूर्यतीर्थ आता उरले आहे. मुख्य परिक्रमेमध्ये श्री नृत्य गणपती, श्री शेनबाग विनायक, श्री नंदी, श्री आदिविनायक, श्री मुरुगन आणि त्याच्या पत्नी (श्री वळ्ळी आणि श्री दैवनै), श्री नटराज, श्री सोमस्कंद, श्री सप्त मातृका, श्री महालक्ष्मी देवी आणि श्री सरस्वती देवी ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या आहेत. 

कोष्टम् मध्ये, म्हणजेच गाभाऱ्याच्या बाहेरच्या भिंतीमध्ये, श्री नर्तन गणपती, श्री नटराज, श्री अगस्त्य, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ती, श्री लिंगोद्भवर, श्री ब्रह्मा, श्री विष्णू, श्री दुर्गा देवी आणि श्री चंडिकेश्वर ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या आहेत. 

श्री पार्वती देवीची इथे दोन देवस्थाने आहेत - १) योगमुद्रेमधील श्री गिरीगुजांबिकेची मातीची मूर्ती. मूर्ती मातीची असल्याने त्यावर अभिषेक करत नाहीत. तिच्या बाजूला श्री लक्ष्मी देवी  आणि श्री सरस्वती देवी ह्यांच्या मुर्त्या आहेत. श्री सरस्वती देवीच्या हातात वीणा आहे तर श्री लक्ष्मी देवीच्या हातात पुष्प आहे. २) दुसरे देवस्थान श्री पीराई अनिवळ नूथळ अंबिका हिचे आहे. 

मंदिराची वैशिष्ठ्ये: 

१) प्रत्येक वर्षी कार्तीगई (नोव्हेंबर-डिसेंबर) ह्या तामिळ महिन्याच्या पौर्णिमेला श्री पीराई अनिवळ नूथळ अंबिकेच्या मूर्तीवर चंद्राची किरणे पडतात. २) प्रत्येक दिवशी राहू काळामध्ये¹ राहूदेवाच्या मूर्तीवर दुधाचा अभिषेक केला जातो. अभिषेक करताना राहुदेवाच्या मूर्तीवरून वाहताना दुधाचा रंग निळा होतो पण जमिनीवर पोचल्यावर परत पांढरा होतो. ३) श्री गिरिगुजांबिका देवीच्या देवस्थानामध्ये श्री राहूदेवाची एक अद्वितीय मूर्ती आहे जी श्री योगराहू या नावाने प्रसिद्ध आहे. 

ह्या क्षेत्राला सर्पदोष, कळत्रदोष, पितृदोष आणि कालसर्पदोष ह्या दोषांचे परिहार क्षेत्र म्हणून मानलं जातं. 

अजून एका आख्यायिकेनुसार पाताळ लोकातील सर्पांचा राजा नागराज ह्याने इथे (कुंभकोणमच्या आसपास) भगवान शिवांची उपासना करण्यासाठी चार वने निवडली आणि प्रत्येक वनात त्याने भगवान शिवांची मंदिरे बांधली. ती चार वने अशी - १) बिल्ववन, २) जास्वन्द वन, ३) वन्नी वन, ४) नागपट्टणम. 

मंदिरात साजरे होणारे सण:

कार्थिगई (नोव्हेंबर-डिसेंबर): १० दिवसांचा ब्रह्मोत्सव साजरा केला जातो. नवव्या दिवशी रथयात्रा तर दहाव्या दिवशी सूर्य तीर्थ सण साजरा केला जातो. 

मरगळी (डिसेंबर-जानेवारी): भगवान शिवांचा आर्द्रा सण साजरा केला जातो. 

थाई (जानेवारी-फेब्रुवारी): महिन्याच्या पहिल्या दिवशी (१४ किंवा १५ जानेवारी) श्री गिरिगुजांबिका देवी सण साजरा केला जातो. 

मासी (फेब्रुवारी - मार्च): महाशिवरात्री 

चित्राई (एप्रिल-मे): भगवान मुरूगांचा चैत्र पौर्णिमा सण 

वैकासि (मे -जून): भगवान सोमस्कंदांचा सण

ऎप्पासी (ऑक्टोबर-नोव्हेंबर):  स्कंदषष्टी आणि सुरसंहार सण (भगवान स्कंदांनी सुरपद्मन ह्या राक्षसाचा केलेला संहार).  

^१राहू काळ (सोमवारी सकाळी ७.३० ते ९, मंगळवारी दुपारी ३ ते ४.३०, बुधवारी दुपारी १२ ते १.३०, गुरुवारी दुपारी १.३० ते ३, शुक्रवारी सकाळी १०.३० ते १२, शनिवारी सकाळी ९ ते १०.३०)

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 Agneeshwarar Temple at Kanjanur

This Shiva temple is at about 19 kms from Kumbhakonam on Mayiladuthurai-Kumbhakonam route. This is the main Saptasthana Shiva temple around Kanjanur. 

This is also one of the 276 Padal Pethra sthalam on the northern bank of Kaveri. This is the Navagraha parihar sthala for the planet Shukra. This is an east facing temple with a five tiered rajagopuram at the entrance. It has three parikramas. Shaiva saint Appar has revered this temple in his hymns. This is the birthplace for one of the Nayanmar Manakkaanchara Nayanar. He worshiped Shri Shiva at this place and attained salvation. This is also the birthplace of a staunch Shaiva devotee Shri Haradatta Shivacharyar. At this place the wedding of Kalikkama Nayanar took place. 

Mulavar: Shri Agneeshwarar

Devi: Shri Karpagambika

Sacred Teertha: Agni teertha, Brahma Teertha, Manikarnika Teertha, Chandra Teertha, Anjaneya Teertha, Parashar Teertha

Sthala Vruksha: Palash (Purasu in Tamil)

Historical name: Palash vanam, Parashar Puram, Brahma puri, Agnipuran, Kamsa puram, Mukti kshetra

Stone inscriptions in the temple indicate that the present structure is about 1500 years old. 

The present structure was originally built by the chola king and was later on renovated by Vijayanagar kings and the Chola kings. 

About the temple:

Rajagopuram faces the south towards river kaveri. We come across Shri Vinayaka under the Dhwajasthambha, Shri Nandi and Balipeeth all facing the sanctum. At the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a two tiered Gopuram.

About the idols and shrines in the temple:

The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. During abhishek with oil it absorbs the entire oil poured over it. The koshta murthis are Shri Nardana Vinayaka, Shri Brahma, Shri Dakshinamurthy, Shri Lingodbhavar, Shri Durga Devi and Shri Chandikeshwarar.

An idol of the Shri Haradatta Shivacharya is in seating position. There is no separate shrine for Shri Shukra as Shri Shiva is believed to have incarnated as Shri Shukra. Shri Ambika Devi is in a separate shrine to the right of sanctum. This shrine is facing the east. There is an idol of Shri Adi Karpambigai.

In the mukti mandap (known as Nataraja sabha) we come across Shri Nataraja and Shri Shivakami Devi. The tandav performed by Shri Shiva at this place is known as Mukti Tandav. In the corridor we come across the shrines and idols of Shri Karpaga Vinayaka. And Shri Subramanya seated on a peacock. Shri Vishwanath, Shri Mahalakshmi Devi, Shri Anjaneya, Navagrahas, Shri Chandra, Shri Shanishwar, Shri Brahma.

The legend associated with Shri Haradatta Shivacharya is found in the corridor as the sculptures. Shri Nandi in this place is addressed as Shri Pullunda Nandi (Nandi who ate grass). 

It is believed that uncle of Shrikrishna (Kamsa) worshiped Shri Shiva at this place. In this place a bilva tree has five leaves in its branches instead of the usual tree. 

Salient features:

The idol of Shri Nataraja and Shri Shivakami Devi are beautifully sculptured. 

Shri Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi granted darshan to Shri Brahma in their wedding posture at this place.

The stone idol of Shri Nandi is believed to have eaten grass from the hands of Shri  Haradatta Shivacharya. 

Kshetra Puran:

There are number of incidents mentioned about this place in puran

Shukra parihar sthala

This incident is associated with the Shri Vaman avatar of Shri Vishnu. When Shri Vamana had requested 3 steps of land from the asura King Mahabali, his guru Shri Shukracharya advised King Mahabali not to heed to the request. He had doubts about the intention of Shri Vamana. Shri Shukracharya took the form of a bee, blocked the hole of the Kamandalu when three drops of water were being poured during the daan. Shri Vishnu (Vamana) immediately picked up the sacred grass and pierced the hole of the Kamandalu. Due to this Shukracharya’s one eye was damaged but the daan was completed. Shri Vishnu placed his third step on the head of King Mahabali and destroyed him. Shri Shukracharya in anger cursed Shri Vishnu. Shri Vishnu prayed to Shri Shiva for relief from the curse. Shri Shiva not only relieved Shri Vishnu from the curse but also promised to help all those who came here with prayers to Shukra for favor. Hence there is no idol of Shukra at this place as Shri Shiva himself took the place of Shukra.

Shri Haradatta Shivacharya

He was born as Sudarshan in a Vaishnava family. But he became a staunch devotee of Shri Shiva. He used to pray daily at this temple. His fellow Vaishnavaites in Kanjanur did not approve of it. He did not obey even his father’s command to pray to Shri Vishnu. He was driven out of the house. He started staying at Shri Agneeshwarar temple and was praying at the temple. One day Shri Shiva appeared in front of him as Shri Dakshnimurthy. He initiated him into Shaivism and named him Shri Haradatta Shivacharya. The fellow Vaishanavaites decided to kill him and they asked him to stand on a hot iron tripod to prove his devotion to Shri Shiva. He accepted the challenge and stood on the hot iron tripod. He got the divine vision of Shri Agneeshwarar and Shri Parambika Devi who blessed him. He attained mukti on the pancham in the month of Thai. 

Shri Pullunda Nandi:

Once a bundle of grass fell from the hands of a brahmin on a cow calf. The calf died on the spot. The brahmin was castigated from the brahmin community. The brahmin went to Shri Haradatta Shivacharya reciting Shiva panchakshari. Shri Haradatta told him that he was relieved of the sin because of the reciting shiva panchakshari. But the brahmin community was not ready to accept it and they wanted a proof. Shri Haradatta directed the Brahmin boy to take bath in the river Kaveri and offer grass to the stone Nandi. He told the brahmins that if the stone Nandi ate the grass they have to accept that the Brahmin was relieved of the curse. Brahmin took bath in the Kaveri and offered the grass which the stone Nandi ate. 

It is believed that Shri Shiva had visited Shri Haradatta in the guise of a devotee and partook the food that was offered to him. 

Shri Chandra was relieved of a curse at this place. 

Shri Brahma got the divine darshan of Shri Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi in wedding attire.

On the advice of Sage Vyasa, Shri Agni worshiped Shri Shiva at this place and got rid of his ailments. Hence Shri Shiva is prayed here as Shri Agneeshwarar.  

Shri Shiva performed mukti tandav for Sage Parashar. Sage Parashar was relieved of his mental illness at this place.

Heeding to the advice of Sage Shukracharya, Kamsa worshiped Shri Shiva and got rid of his ailment. Hence the place is also known as Kamsapuram. 

Festivals:

Thai (jan-feb): Shri Haradatta Shivacharya festival

Maasi (feb-March): Maasimagham and Shivaratri

Aadi (July-Aug): Aadipuram

Purattasi (Sept-Oct): Navaratri

Margazhi (Dev-Jan): Thiruvathirai

Besides these pradosha puja and Shri Agneeshwarar festivals are held regularly.

Timings: Morning 7.30 to 12 and evening 4.30 to 8.30

Address: Sri Agneeshwarar Temple, Kanjanur Post, Thiruvidaimaruthur Taluka, TamilNadu 609804

Phone: 91-04352473737

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs