Vedapureeshwarar Temple at Thiruvedikudi

This Shiva temple is located at Thiruvedikudi near Thiruvaiyaru. This is one of the 276 shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. This temple was revered by Appar and Sambandhar. This is fourth of Sapta Sthanams. 

Mulavar: Vedapureeshwarar, Vazhai-madu-nadar, in Tamil - vazhai means banana plant. Madu is tank, 

Devi: Mangaiyar-arasi

Kshetra Vruksha: Bilva

Sacred teertha: Ved teertha

Present and Puranik name: Thiruvedikudi

District: Tanjavur, Tamilnadu

The shiva ling in this temple is a swayambhu linga. Lord Shiva manifested from the roots of a banana tank (madu) and hence he is known as Vazhai-madu-nadar. This temple was built by chola kings about 1500 years ago. The temple is east facing and rajagopuram is 3 tier. There are 2 parikramas. The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of semi-circular tank (agazhi in Tamil). The sanctum sanctorum gopuram is completely made of granite stone and the lord is seated below it. On the four sides of the vimanam, we have four Nandis representing the four vedas. There is an idol of Manonmani Ambika who is idol is found with Lord Shiva on the northern side. The idol of ardhanarishwarar is on the wall behind sanctum sanctorium and has a special feature. 

The unique feature of the temple is that there are 276 shiva linga representing 276 padal pethra sthalam. By visiting this place one gets the benefit of visiting all 276 shiva temples.

The unique feature of ardhanarishwarar is that Lord Shiva generally has Parvati on the left. But in this place he is on the right of Lord Shiva. This is to indicate the greatness of women in particular Goddess Parvati. That is why she is known as Mangaiyar-arasi (queen of women). As Lord Brahma and four vedas worshiped Lord Shiva at this place, this place is known as Thiruvedikudi and Lord is known as Vedapureeshwarar. Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Dakshinamurti.

Idols and shrines:

In the prakaram we have the idols of Shevi (ear), Saytha (bent), Vinayaka (ShreviSaythaVinayak). Lord Vinayaka’s head is lighly bent as if he is hearing the four vedas. So he is known as Vedavinayaka. And he is in a separate shrine. In the corridor we have 108 Shiva Lingas, Lord Subramanya, Lord Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishwarar, Durga, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja and Sapta Sthana Lingams. In a stone inscription Lord Shiva is addressed as Thiruvedikudimahadevar and Parakeshari-chaturved-mangalam-mahadevar. The renovation work of this temple was done by the Pallava kings. As there were lot of number of brahmins who had learnt all four vedas, the place was also known as chaturved-mangalam. The shiva linga was on the bank of a tank containing a special kind of fish known as Vazhai. Hence lord was also called Vazhai-madu-nadar. As devi is depicted as the queen of all women (mangala ambika) and as she bestows boons and sushasini status to those who worship her, she is addressed as Mangalambika. There is an idol of Lakshmi Narayana; the idol of Lord Anjaneya is found worshiping him and he has a crown.

Kshetra Puran:

The pranav mantra Om is considered as the peak of all vedas. Hence it is believed that vedas follow pranav mantra everywhere. As the pranav mantra worshiped Lord Shiva at this place, the vedas also followed him. It is believed that Lord Shiva gathered (collected) the priest (vedhiyars) for Nandi’s marriage from this place. The Sun’s rays fall on the Shiva Linga on the 13th, 14th and 15th day of Tamil month Panguni (March-April). Hence it is believed that Sun worships Lord Shiva on these days.  

A demon had stolen vedas from Lord Brahma and hid them in the deep sea. Lord Vishnu recovered the vedas by killing the asura. As the vedas were handled by the asuras, they became tainted (they acquired dosha). In order to make them purify the vedas worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. So Lord Shiva is known as Vedapureeshwarar. 

A Chola king who was worried by the delay in the marriage of his daughter came to this place and worshiped Mangaiyar-arasi seeking a boon for his daughter’s wedding. As his boon got fulfilled in a very short time as a token of gratitude to the devi, he changed the name of his daughter to Mangaiyar-arasi. 

Those who worshiped here: Lord Surya, Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, four vedas, Sage Vyasa and shaiva saint Appar and Sundarar.

Festivals: 

1. Chitrai (April-May), Sapta Sthanams festival and Brahmotsav, 
2. Avani (August-Sept) Ganesh chaturthi, 
3. Purattasi (Sept-Oct) Navaratri, 
4. Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Annabhishek and Skanda shashthi festival, 
5. Kathigai (Nov-Dec), Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam, 
6. Thai (Jan-Feb) Makar Sankranti, 
7. Masi (Feb-Mar) Shivaratri. 
8. Besides this the daily rituals, weekly pujas and fortnightly pradosha pujas are conducted. Arudra darshan

Shri Odhavaneshwarar Temple at Thiruchotruthurai

This is the third shiva temple of the sapta sthanam. It is situated on the southern bank of river kaveri. This is one of the 276 padal pethtra sthalams revered by three Shaiva saints Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar. The temple is situated at Thiruchotruthurai in Thiruvaiyyaru taluka of Tanjavur district.

Mulavar: Odhavaneshwarar, Chotruthurai-nadar, Tholayachelvandar, Sri Oppilllachelvar, 

Devi: Annapurni, Tholayalachelvi, Oppilaambika

Kshetra Vruksha: Bilva, Rishyagandha (Panner flower tree in Tamil)

Sacred Teertha: Kaveri, Kudamurutti, Surya Teertha, 

Puranik Name: Thiruchotruthurai, Gautamashram

The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. The temple is facing the east. There is no rajagopuram. In its place there is a sculpture of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva seated on rishabh (nandi). There are two prakarams or parikramas. At the second entrance there is three tiered gopuram. The temple is about 2000 years old built by chola kings. 

Shrines and Idols:

In the main hall (artha mandap) we have Lord Muruga’s shrine. The idol is very huge with six heads and twelve hands, known as Shanmukha. The shrine of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva face east. Goddess Parvati’s shrine is on the right side of Lord Shiva and she is in a wedding posture. Stone sculpture of sage worshiping Lord Shiva. Another stone sculpture depicts war between two groups. There is an idol of Kaal Samhar murti. In the mahamandap, Nandi faces the sanctum sanctorium. There is an idol of Lord Ganesha and Kashi Shiva Linga. There is an idol of a devote couple who got a akshay patra from Lord Shiva. In the inner corridor, we have shrine of Mahaganapati, AdhikarNandi, Lingodbhavar, Navagraha, Surya, Bhairava, Sapta Matrikas, Panch Bhuta Linga and Sapta Sthana Linga and AyyarAppar. The koshta murtis, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dakshnimurti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga, and Chandikeshwar exist in their respective places. To the right side of sanctum, we have the shrine of Subramanya facing the east, Mahasiddha, idol of a gana worshiping Lord, balipeetha, Nandi and Dhwajasthambha. Devi Annapurni in her wedding attire is in a separate shrine. There is also Nandi facing her shrine at the entrance. We have Subramanya, Ganesha and Mahalshmi idols also. 

Those who worshiped here:

Ramalinga Vallarar, Ganesha, Surya, Indra, Sage Gautam obtained salvation at this place. Hence the place is known as Gautamashram. 

Kshetra Purana:

Lord Indra got rid of his curse which he had incurrred due to Sage Gautama. 

After Lord Shriram went to forest, King Dasharatha came to worship Lord Shiva at this place. 

It is believed that once upon a time rice instead of unhusked rice was grown at this place due to the grace of the Lord Shiva and Devi Annapurni. 

It is believed that once upon a time the lake nearby had rice instead of water due to the grace of Lord Shiva, so that no one in the region died of starvation without food. So Lord Shva is known as chotruthurai-nadar (who gave not only food but also salvation to the souls).

Once there was a very severe famine, a staunch devotee known as Arulalan, along with other men, women and children was starving. The priest too had stopped coming to the temple. Arulalan who was sitting in the dark corner of the temple, cried to the lord and dashed his head against the steps of the entrance to the temple requesting the lord to save them. Suddenly there was rain and the whole area was flooded. A bowl (patra) came floating in the flood water. At that time Arulalan heard a celestial voice stating that patra was a akshaypatra which will help him to feed the people. He did as per the command of the celestial voice and got rid of the starvation and the famine in the region. Hence Lord Shiva is known as chotruthurai-nadar and devi as Annapurni.

As Goddess Parvati provided abundant food (rice) she is known as Annapurni. This is one of the seven places where Lord Shiva fed his devotees.  

Festivals: 

1. Chitrai (April-May), Sapta Sthanams festival and Brahmotsav, 
2. Avani (August-Sept) Ganesh chaturthi, 
3. Purattasi (sept-oct) Navaratri, 
4. Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Annabhishek and Skanda shashthi festival, 
5. Kathigai (Nov-Dec), Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam, 
6. Thai (Jan-Feb) Makar Sankranti, 
7. Masi (Feb-Mar) Shivaratri. 
8. Besides this the daily rituals, weekly pujas and fortnightly pradosh pujas are conducted. Arudra darshan 

Apathsahayar temple at THIRUPAZHANAM

This is a Shiva temple located at THIRUPAZHANAM on Thiruvairuyar – Kumbhakonam route. This is the 2nd sapta sthana temple and is also one of the 276 padalpetra sthalam revered by neyenmars. This temple is very close to Thingalur Navagraha (Chandra temple). The temple is about 1500 years old. This is the place where Lord Shiva collected fruits for the marriage of Shri Nandi deva. Hence this place got the name THIRUPAZHANAM (Pazham in Tamil means fruit). 

Mulavar: Shri Apathsahayar, Shri Amrutlingeshwarar, Shri Pazhanapiran, Shri Pirayana-pureeshwarar, Shri Parmeshwarar

Ambaal (Devi): Shri Periya-nayaki, Shri Shiva-sundari, Sundar-nayaki, Kalyani, Bogashakti-amman (ambaal/Ambika)

Sacred Tirtha: Kaveri river, Devi Kupam, Amrut tirtha, Kuber tirtha, Muni kupam, Mangal tirtha (now it is destroyed), Panchakshar tirtha

Khetra vruksha: Bilva, Kadali (Banana), Punnag

Pouranik Names: Kadali vanam, Kaushika aashram, Pirayanapuri, Palani pathi

The mulavar (Shiva linga) is swayambhoo. The temple is facing east and has 2 corridors (prakarams). The raja-gopuram is 5 tiered. There is no flag staff in this temple. We find Nandi and Bali peetha in front of Shiva linga. Vimanam (tower) above sanctum sanctorum is made of granite. This entire place is surrounded by fertile green field. 

Other shrines and idols at this place

In the outer corridor, we have the shrine of Ganesha and Subramanya. On the right hand side of the mandap, we find the mounts (vahan) that are used for festivals. After worshiping Lord Ganesha, when we move towards the left we have the shrines of sapta-matrika idols, Ganesha, Venu-gopala, Shiva lingas, Nataraja sabha, Bhairavar and Navagraha shrine. 

Two days before and two days after the new moon day and on the new moon day, the rays of the Moon in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-April) and Puratasi (Sept-Oct) fall on Shiva linga. 

In the koshtam, we have the koshta moorthis, Vinayaka, Lord Dakshinamoorthy and Durga. In the shrine of Lord Dakshinamoorthy, we come across the idols of sapta-rishis, Kamadhenu pouring milk over the Shiva linga (known as Pashupatishwarar) and a devotee Appu-adigal. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Parvati facing the east. In the shrine of Subramanya, in the outer corridor, Lord Subramanya has six faces. Goddess Parvati’s shrine is to the right of Lord Shiva i.e. in her bridal form. At the first tier of gopuram we have, in the east Shiva Parvati, in the west Annamalaya, in the south Lord Dakshinamoorthy and the north Lord Bramha. The linga worshipped by Lord Maha Vishnu, the idols of Aadi-Vinayaka, Arumuga (Murugun) with his consort Valli and Deivanai, Veerabhadra, Nrutya Vinayaka, Kaashi Vishwanath, Gajalakshmi and Chandikeshwar are found in the temple. 

Outside temple premises, we have the holy jackfruit tree, the kadali (banana) tree and a holy tirtha. There is a place near this jackfruit tree where people feel that sage Agastya has worshipped. 

Kshetra puran:

As per puran, in the sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Goddess Parvati cannot be seen though She is present there. 

Goddess Lakshmi worshipped Lord Shiva and got a number of boons and She went back to Her place. Hence Lord Shiva is known as Shri Pirayana Pureeshwarar and the place is known as Pirayana Puri. 

According to the kshetra puran, a bramhin boy named Susarithan was on a pilgrimage in search of peace as he had lost his parents. When he was staying at THIRUPAZHANAM village for the night, Lord Yama appeared in his dream who informed him that he will die in 5 days. The boy sought the refuge of Lord Shiva who saved him. Hence Lord Shiva is known as Apathsahayar. 

Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi came to this place and installed a Shiva Linga. They got rid of their curse by worshipping the Shiva Linga at this place. Therefore, there is a separate shrine for Lord Venu-gopala whose kshetra vruksha is jackfruit tree. 

Sage Kaushika had kept his share of nector at this place, safely. Asuras who came to know about the nector, came to steal the same. Lord Shiva created, Lord Aiyanar and Goddess Kali to save the nector. Sage Kaushika made Shiva linga out of the nector and worshipped Lord Shiva. Hence the Lord is known as Amruteshwar, the place is known as Kaushik-aashram and Amrutpuree. 

Others who worshipped at this place 

Lord Maha Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Kubera, Budha, Aaiyan (Bramha), Chandra, Sage Kaushika, Sapta-rishi, Ashta-dikpals, a devotee known as Dharamsharma. 

Festivals: 

1. Pradosha pooja is held regularly besides the daily worship
2. The sapta sthana festival is held in the month of Cittirai (Mar-April) on Vishakha nakshatra
3. In the Tamil month of Aani (Jun-Jul), thirumanjam of Lord Vishnu.
4. In the Tamil month of Aadi (Jul-Aug), festival known as Aadi-pooram (purva falguni nakshatra)
5. In the Tamil month of Avani (Aug-Sept), Ganesh Chaturthi
6. In Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Navaratri
7. In Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Anna abhishek and Skandhashasti
8. In the month of Kartigai (Nov-Dec), Karthigai deep festival 
9. In Margazi (Dec-Jan), Aardra darshan
10. In Masi (Feb-Mar), Shiva ratri
11. In Panguni (Mar-April), Panguni utthiram (Uttara falguni nakshtra)

Aiyar-appar temple at Thiruvaiyaru

This Shiva temple is the first in sapta-sthana temples. The temple is located at Thiruvaiyaru and Tanjavur district of TamilNadu on the banks of the river Kaveri. The temple is also known as Pancha-nadishwarar temple as this place is surrounded by 5 rivers namely – Arisilaru, Venna-aru, Vetta-aru, Kudumurrutti-aru and river Kaveri. In Tamil, “ai” means five (i.e. Pancha). “Aru” means river that is “nadi”. So Pancha-nadishwarar means Lord of 5 rivers. This temple is about 2000 years old. 

Moolavar: Aiyarappar, Pancha-nadishwarar

Devi: Dharma-samwardhini

Tirtha: Surya pushkarini

Old name: Thiruvaiyaru

This place is as holy as Varanasi for taking holy dip. This is one of the 6 most sacred places (Shiva sthalas) on the bank of river Kaveri. The other 5 places are – Thiruvenkadu, Thiruchakkau (Chaya vanam), Mayil-adu-thurai, Thiruvidai-maruthur and Thiruvanchiam. The place is considered as Dakshin Kailash. The Shiva linga is swayambhoo. 

The Dhyan mandap in the temple is built with lime and palm jaggery known as Kuruppai in Tamil. We can still come across the four pits in which above material was stored and gold, silver coins were kept as wages for the workers when the temple was being built. The temple has about 5 corridors (prakarams) and the raja-gopuram is seven tiered. The temple spans about 14-15 acres land. We come across the shrine of Somaskandha and Japesa (Kuki) mandap in the 2nd corridor. The idol of Lord Dakshinamurti in this temple is known as Shiva-yoga-dakshina-murti. He has special significance as he is only guru, worshipped by Lord Vishnu (known as Perumal in Tamil) in TamilNadu. So, Lord Dakshinamurti is also known as Hari-ooru -Shiva-yoga-Dakshina-murti. At the feet of Lord Dakshinamurti, we find a tortoise instead of the usual demon – Muyalagan (symbol of ignorance). 

It is believed that when Dharma is followed by women, the benefits are double than those done by men. To indicate this fact, the Godmother here is known as Dharma Samwardhini. There is no shrine for Maha Vishnu at this place (in this area) as mother Dharma Samwardhini is praised as Lord Maha Vishnu. There is a general belief in south that ashtami tithi of new moon are not auspicious. In order to indicate that all days are auspicious and same, wedding festival of Ambika is performed on the night of Ashtami in this temple. This place is also considered as shakti peetha of Ambika. 

One cannot do pradakshina around sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva has his hair spread on the floor of (at the back of) sanctum sanctorum. As one cannot tread over this, the pradakshina is prohibited. 

The sacred tirtha Surya Pushkarini has also a special significance. It is because, this is considered as a Surya sthala where Surya has worshipped Lord Shiva. He is facing the West. 

There is a separate shrine for Kala-samhara-murti known as Aalkondar. Outside this shrine, we have a homa-kunda (sacred fire pit) installed by Adi-Shankaracharya. 

There are spots in the temple which produce echos of primordial (nada-bramha) sound notes. In the 3rd prakara, if one stands in the southwest corner facing North and calls Aiyarappar loudly, the sound reverberates. The west facing temple has beautiful sculptures of deities of Ardha-narishwarar and Lord Dakshinamurti besides other koshta murtis. We also come across the shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramania, Lord Nandikeshwar and saint Tyagaraja. 

Kshetra puran: Shaiva saint Tirunavukarasar when on a pilgrimage to mount Kailash, encountered lot of difficulties on the way. Lord Shiva made him to take a dip in a pond by submerging himself. When Tirunavukarasar emerged from the tank, he found himself at Thiruvaiyarur and Lord gave him darshana of Mount Kailash at this place (Thiruvaiyarur).

A devotee named as Sucharitan was saved by Lord Shiva from untimely death like sage Markendeya by appearing as a column of light at this place. He killed Yama in the process. So Lord Shiva is known as Aalkondeshwarar. People burn benzoin (Kungiliyam in Tamil) outside the shrine under the belief that they can get rid of the fear of Yama. It is believed that the sage Agastya got his dwarf structure at this place. 

Ambika is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva with 2 measures of grains. 

According to kshetra puran the chariot of the King who ruled this place got stuck while passing through this place. While excavating the land around the wheels of chariot, the workers found Shiva Linga. When they continued excavating further, they came across idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Dharma samwardhini and Lord Nandi-deva. They also came across a sage who was sitting in deep meditation. When the saint came out of meditation, he ordered the king to build the temple and utilize the wealth under Nandi-dev’s hoof. 

According to another kshetra puran, a priest was unable to be present for performing pooja at a particular time as he was away on a pilgrimage. It was reported to the king, who came personally to check the fact. He was surprised to find the priest performing the pooja. The priest returned to the temple next day and everyone including king were astonished. They realized that, Lord himself had come to perform the pooja as the priest for Himself. 

Near this Shiva temple is one room house of saint Tyagaraja where he composed some great works of Karnatik music. On the bank of the river his samadhi was built. A number of people converge on a particular day (samadhi) at this place and perform the music festival of the Karnatik music composed by the great saint. Nearby this samadhi, there are the samadhis of saint Shiva Prakash swamigal and Naga-ratna-amma. She was responsible for locating and renovating the samadhi of saint Tyagaraja. 

Festivals & worships at this place: 

1. Daily six pujas

2. New moon festival – On every new moon the utsav murti of Aiyarappar is taken to the bank of river Kaveri for worship

3. Nandi’s marriage known as Thirukalyanam in the Tamil month of Panguni is performed at Tirumazappadi

4. In the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May) Bramhotsav is held

5. In the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May) sapta sthana utsav is held 

6. In the Tamil month of Aavani (Sept-Oct) on mula nakshatra float festival is held

7. In the Tamil month of Aadi (Aug-Sept) Appar festival is held

8. Mahashivaratri festival is held in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar)

Shiva temple at Thirumazhapadi

This is the place where Nandi’s marriage took place. This Shiva temple is located very close to Thiruvaiaru at Thirumazhapadi in Ariyalur district of TamilNadu. It is about 45 Kms from Trichi. It is one of the 276 Shiva temples revered by the Shaiva saints Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. This temple is on the Northern bank of river Kaveri.

This temple was build by Chola and Pandya kings and the temple must be 2000 years old.

Mulavar: Vaidyanadar Swami, Mazhuvadi-eshwar, Vayirathoon (Vajra-sthamba) Eshwar.

Devi: Sundar-ambika, Balambika

Kshetra vruksha: Palm tree (Panai in Tamil)

Sacred tirtha: Kollidam river, Laxmi tirtha, Shivaganga tirtha

Puranik name: Mazhawadi

The Shiva linga in this temple is swayambhoo. The temple is spread over 10 acres and has a lot of coconut and palm trees. It is surrounded by Sugarcane and Paddy fields. The Rajagopuram is facing the east and it is 7 tiered (about 108 feet tall). There is 2nd gopuram which is 5 tiered and about 80 feet tall.

Kolidam river flows towards the North but changes its course towards the South at this place.

About the idols and other shrines:

Idols of Somaskandha (in a single stone), Lord Dakshinamoorthy in vrushaba vahan, Ardhanarishwarar, Gajasamhar Moorthy, Purusha mruga rishi and Mahalaxmi worshiping the Lord are in separate part of the temple. Shiva did a tandav known as Mazhuva tandav (Mazhu is the name of type of battle axe in Tamil) for sage Markandeya. On the gopuams the puranik stories of Lord Shiva are depicted. In artha mandap (entrance hall), Lord Shiva’s idol is found with a battle axe in the right hand, a spear and a row in the other hand to contain Yama from taking away the life of Sage Markendeya. There are 2 shrines of Goddess Parvati namely Sundarambika and Balambika. In a separate shrine, Parvati, Subramanya and Lord Dakshinamoorthy are housed made from a single stone. In the shrine of Lord Bramha there are 4 Nandis, representing 4 vedas. There are 2 Lord Dakshinamoorthy shrines and a shrine of Kartikeya. There is a separate shrine of Nandi. The Navagrahas are bundled in a small square between Nandi and Shiva Linga outside the sanctum sanctorum. People light lamp and worship the Navagrahas in this pit as there’s no separate shrine for Navgraha. There are five Nandis in front of sanctum sanctorum. A 100 pillars mandap known as Somaskanda mandap houses the shrine of Nataraja.

Kshetra puran:

Sage Shilada performed severe penance to invoke Lord Shiva at Thiruvaiaru for a child boon. Lord advised him to perform putra kameshti yagnya. While tilling the land, the sage came across a box containing a child with three eyes, four shouders and a crescent moon. Shocked by this sight, sage closed the box hurriedly. On opening the box again, he found a beautiful normal child whom he named as JAPESAR (Nandi deva). Two celestial angles told the sage that the boy will live only for 16 years. At the age of 14, Japesar came to know about his fate. He did severe penance to please Lord Shiva.

Appreciating his penance, Lord gave him longevity. Later on he got him married to Suyas-ambika at this place. Japesar continued his penance on Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva made him the chief of Shiva ganas and made him the main guard of Kailash. He named him Nandi deva.

Sage Purusha Mruga Rishi, established Shiva shrine at this place. Lord Bramha was unable to uproot it as he felt jealous. So the deity is known as Vajra stambha moorthy.

Those who worshiped at this place: 

Nandi dev, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Indra, Sage Markandeya, Sage known as Purusha Maharshi

Festivals:

1. In the Tamil month of Masi, Ratha festival is held.

2. Tamil month of masi, Mahashivatri is celebrated

3. Anna-abhishek in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov)

4. Deepam festival in the month of Kartikai.

5. Sapta sthanam festival in the month of Chitrai (April-May)

Temples of Sapta Sthanam and Sapta Sthanam festivals

There are eight places, around Thiru-Vaiyaru along the banks of river Kauveri, which are related to the marriage of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s mount). Lord Shiva arranged the marriage of Nandideva with Swayambikai. It is believed that the marriage took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) on the day of Punarvasu nakshatra. For this marriage, Lord Shiva arranged the fruits from Thirupazhanam, food from Thiruchotruthurai, vedic brahmins from  Thiruvedhikudi, ornaments from Thirukkandiyur, flowers and garlands from Thirupanturuthi and ghee for the homa (yadnya) from Thiruneithaanam.

The upcoming eight articles will be about the eight temples which are connected to the sapta sthanam and marriage.

Saptha Sthanam festival: 

To commemorate this event, a festival is conducted every year at Thiruvaiyaru during the Tamil month of Chithirai (Chitra which happens between mid-April to mid-May) on Vishakha nakshatra.

The Utsava murtis of principal deities from these temples are brought in seven glass palanquins (palkhi) to Thiruvaiyaru. First, the palanquins containing the Utsava murtis, Nandi and his wife start from Thiruvaiyaru and go to the 2nd temple. At the border of the 2nd temple they are received by deities (Utsava murtis) from the 2nd temple. After performing the pooja at this place, all the Utsava Moorthy including from 2nd temple go to 3rd temple. Again they are received at the border of the village by Utsava murtis from 3rd village. In this manner all the Utsava murtis from all the seven temples assemble at the seventh temple and then they come back to the main temple at Thiruvaiyaru. They are paraded there and a ritual known as Poochorithal (showering of flowers) is conducted. In this festival a doll offers the flowers to the principal deities in their palanquins. After this the palanquins leave for their respective temples. 

Vilwaranyeshwarar temple at Thirukkollampudur

This is the last temple in the Panchaaranya yatra. We have to visit temple at night at 8 pm to complete the Panchaaranya yatra in a day. This is one of the 275 Shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. The temple is also about 1800 years old. 

Moolavar (Main Deity): Vilwaranyeshwarar

Devi (Name of Consort): Soundarya-ambika

Kshetra Vruksha (Sacred tree): Bilva

Special Deity: Lord Natraja

Sacred Teertha: Agni and Ganga teertha

Time of darshan: evening 8 pm

This East facing temple has the Rajagopuram (main tower) of 75 feet in height with 5 tiers. Other Shrines found inside the main temple are that of 

1. Ganesh
2. Valampuri (right sided trunk) Vinayaka
3. Lord Muruga
4. Aadivishwanath
5. Gajamuktishwar
6. Gajalakshmi
7. Panchalinga

It is stated that Lord Brahma and Arjuna have worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. Lord Brahma worshiped here in order to get rid of Brahma hatya dosha. 

Legend associated with the place:

When on a pilgrimage Triguna Sambandar (one of the Nayanmars) along with other devotees (followers) had reached the opposite bank of the river Vettaru where the temple is situated. The boatman had left the boat on the shore without paddles as the river was in swet. Sambandhar wanted to have darshan of Lord, on the other bank under any circumstances on the same day. He boarded the boat along with the followers and sang devotional hymns on Lord Shiva which acted as the paddle and helped him reach the temple on the other bank. He had the darshan of Lord on the same day and stayed back for the night in the temple. 

Festivals: 

1. On the day next to the new moon day in Aippasi (Oct-Nov) the boat festival is celebrated.
2. Chaitra Purnima is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai
3. In the Tamil month of Karthigai, Pradosh is celebrated
4. Special pujas are held on Monday in the Tamil month of Karthigai.
5. Skanda shasti is celebrated in a big way
6. Thaipusam (Pushya nakshatra in Tamil month of Tai) (Jan-Feb) and Navratri are the other major festivals.

All these 5 temples of Pancharanya can be visited in a day by residing at Swamimalai. Before starting the yatra, it is stated that one should visit the Shwetvinayaka temple which is very close to Swamimalai.

Apathsahayeshwarar temple at Alangudi

This place is more famous as a Navagraha sthala for Lord Jupiter. This temple also belongs to the 275 Shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. This is located at Alangudi in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. The Shiva Linga is again a swayambhu linga. 

Moolavar (Main Deity): Apathsahayeshwarar, Kashi Aranyeshwarar

Amman (Goddess): Elavarkuzhali

Sthala Vruksha: Silk cotton tree

Special Deity: Dakshinamurti

Time of darshan: Evening

The temple is about 2000 years old and this is the 4th in the Panchaaranya sthalam. People worship here in the evening when they perform the yatra of 5 aaranya sthala in a day. In this temple Lord Shiva is perceived as the Universal Guru Dakshinamurti. According to the sthala purana, at this place Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurti explained in detail Vedas to the four Sanakadee munis. This temple is personified as a place where we come across the order or worship as stated in Shastras i.e. Mata- Pita- Guru.

Mata (Parvati), Pita (Lord Shiva), Guru (Dakshinamurti)

Structure of the temple reminds us of the above rules stated in the shastras. 

Other Shrines: 

Lord Vinayaka (revered as the one who saved the boat of a sage from drowning)

Lord Muruga and Goddess Lakshmi

The sapta lingas represented here are – Suryesha, Someshwar, Gurushwarar, Somanadar, Sabathnishatar, Vishanadar, Bramheshwarar.

Kashivishwanath, Vishalakshi, Sage Agastya and Nandi

It is stated that sage Vishawamitra, Muchukunda and Veerabhadra worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. In Skanda purana we come across the reference of Parvati doing penance at this place to have Lord Shiva as Her husband. According to the Kshetra purana after Samudra manthan Lord Shiva drank the poison (Alam) that was obtained at this place. Hence the place got the name Alangudi. Lord Shiva is known as Apathsahayar as he saved the world from deadly poison. Another legend states that, Lord Shiva came to the rescue of Sundarar (one of the Nayanmars) in a boat and Lord Vinayaka protected the boat from capsizing. 

Festivals:

On the day when Jupiter transits from one rashi to another, special pujas are performed here. On Chaitra Purnima and in Tamil Month of Thai (Jan-Feb) special worships are held. In the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), every Thursday special pujas are held. 

Panguni Uthiram – In the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-April) on Uttara Nakshatra the ratha yatra of Dakshinamurti is held. 

Teertha – The Kshetra is surrounded by 3 rivers – Kaveri, Kollidam and Vennaru. 15 teerthas are located around this temple. Amrut Pushkarini is very close to the temple. Chakra teertha is in front of the temple. This is supposed to have been created by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan. 

Pataleshwarar Temple at Haridwara Mangalam

This Shiva temple is situated at Haridwara Mangalam in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is about 1800 years old. This is one of the 275 temples revered by Nayanmars. The Shiva linga is Swayanbhu linga. 

Moolavar (Main deity): Pataleshwarar, Patalvardar

Amman (Consort): Alankarvalli, Alankarnayaki

Sthala Vruksha (Sacred tree): Shami (Vanni in Tamil)

Sacred Teertha: Brahma teertha

Other Shrines at this place:

Lord Vinayaka, Lord Nataraja with sages Patanjali and Vyaghrapada, Kashi Vishwanaath, Bhairav, Lingodbhavar, Shanishwar, Surya, Chandra, Dakshinamurti. 

People worship the divine Mother Alankarvalli for marriage and begetting a child. This is the 3rd sthalam in the Panchaaranya sthalams. Those who wish to visit all 5 temples in a day, offer prayer (worship) at 12 noon at this place. It is the belief of the devotee that visiting all the 5 temples gives the same benefits as that of worshipping the Lord at Haridwar in North. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva at this place are relieved from their debts. There is no separate shrine for Goddess Durga here. The most significant feature about the temple is there are seven idols of Vinayaka.

Legends associated with this place: 

Brahma and Vishnu entered into an argument about who is great among them. They approached Lord Shiva for a solution. Lord Shiva manifested as a huge vertical column of fire and asked Brahma and Vishnu to find the top and bottom of this column. Brahma tried to reach the top in the form of a swan whereas Lord Vishnu tried to reach the bottom as a boar (Varaha). Lord Vishnu accepted His defeat that he could not find the bottom, whereas Brahma lied to Lord Shiva stating that he had been to the top and he presented Ketaki flower as a witness. Lord Shiva got angry and cursed that both Brahma and Ketaki flower will not be worshiped anymore on the earth whereas Lord Vishnu will be worshiped in all the places on the earth. It is stated that this is the place where Lord Vishnu appeared as a Varaha after losing one of his horns to worship Lord Shiva. It is stated that the hole (pit) through which he appeared at this place is found in this temple and it is kept covered by a stone. 

Festivals:

• In the Tamil month Vaikasi (May-June) on the Vishakha nakshatra a grand festival is held. 
• In the Tamil month Margazhi (Dec- Jan), Thiruvadurai festival is held.

Sakshinadar Temple at Avalivanallur

This temple is the 2nd to be visited in the Pancha-aaranya sthala. This temple is also revered by Nayanmars. This is located at Avalivanallur in the Papanasam taluka of Tamil Nadu. 

Moolavar (Main Deity): Shiva - Shri Sakshinadar (witness)

Amman (Name of Consort): Parvati - Soundaryanayaki

Special Deity: Lord Muruga

Sthala Vruksha: Yellow trumpet flower tree (Pathiri tree)

Time of darshan: In the morning

Legend: 

The temple priest Vishnusharma once went on a Kashi yatra, leaving behind his young wife Sushila. When he was on yatra, his wife fell ill and her sister (who was look-alike) came to help her. On returning from Yatra, Vishnusharma saw 2 women in his house. One was ugly and the other was beautiful resembling his wife who was actually her sister. He felt that the beautiful lady was his wife. He was not ready to accept his real wife Sushila who had become ugly due to illness. Sushila prayed to Lord Shiva who came to her rescue with Parvati. They appeared in front of Vishnusharma and convinced him about his real wife. Since Lord Shiva appeared as a witness, he is known as Sakshinadar.

Behind the linga in sanctum sanctorum there is a panel depicting Lord Shiva and Parvati seated on Rishabh. This is the manner in which they appeared in front of Vishnusharma to prove the identity of his wife. 

Varaha (murti), Sage Agastya, Sage Kanva, the planets Surya and Chandra, and Lord Muruga worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. 

Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva at this place, in his Varaha avatar, when he had lost his horn. The idols of Agastya, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhavar, Bramha are found in this temple. In the Navagraha shrine, all the planets are facing planet God Surya.

Festival:

Navaratri, Skanda shasti and new moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) are celebrated here. The sacred teertha is known as Chandra Pushkarni.

Garbha Rakshambika Temple at Thirukarukavur

We had given the details of Pancha-aaranya sthalams in our earlier blog. This is the 1st of the Pancha-aaranya sthala. This temple is to be visited in the wee hours of the morning. This place is situated in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. This temple is one of the 275 Shiva temples revered by Neyanmars. This temple is about 2000 years old.

Moolavar (Main deity): Shiva – Sri Mullaivananadar

Amman (Name of Consort): Parvati –
Sri Garbha Rakshaambika, Sri Karukathanayaki

Sthala vruksha: Malati Creepers (Mullai in Tamil)

Other important deity: Karpaga Vinayaka

Time for Darshan: Ushakal (very early morning)

Both God Vinayaka and Lord Shiva are swayambhu murtis. In early days this place was abundant with Malati (Jasmine) creepers. Even today we come across the marks made by the creeper on the Shivalinga. 

Legend:

A muni named Niruthava was staying at this place along with his wife Vediki. When she was pregnant Sage Urdhapada came to their hermitage. As the lady was in an advanced stage of pregnancy, she could not notice the arrival of sage. The sage got angry and cursed that the fetus should be still-born. Niruthava and his wife sought the grace of Mullaivananadar and Goddess Parvati. They prayed and begged Lord Shiva and Parvati to save their child. Ambika rescued the fetus and placed it inside a pot and guarded it. After the child was born, She created a tank with the help of Holi Cow Kamadhenu to provide milk for the child. As requested by Vediki, Ambika promised to protect the pregnancy and grant a child to all those who prayed at this place.

At this place the prayers are offered by those suffering from skin disease as there is a medicinal plant (known as Punugu) available at this place. Abhishek of Lord Shiva is done with the help of this plant. The Lord is the swayambhu Linga in the form of an ant-hill. Hence no Abhishek is done on the Shivalinga. A nandi at this temple is also swayambhu. The Godmother graces the devotees with Her hand on the hip.

Other Shrines in this temple – 

1. Somskandha

2. Navagraha shrine – Here all the planets are facing the Sun which is a unique feature.

Main Pooja – Pradosh Puja is performed on Sunday in the Tamil month of Karthik. Special Abhishek is also performed for the Shivalinga with 1008 conch shells. 

Pancha Aaranya Sthalangal

There are 5 Shiva temples on the southern bank of river Kaveri which are collectively known as Pancha Aaranya (forest) Sthalangal. It was believed that if one visits all these temples in a single day (at the time mentioned below) that it was equivalent to having a darshan at Haridwar. Now it has become easy to visit these places in a day. We will try to give an account of these temples in our blogs in upcoming weeks. In this blog we are listing these temples with their information such location, name of deity, name of sacred tree etc.

Name of Place	Location	Name of temple	Name of forest (Vanam)	Sthala-vruksha (tree/ plant)	Name of Lord Shiva	Name of his consort	Special Deity	Time of worship
THIRU-KKARU-GAVUR	Papa-nasam Taluka, Dist Tanjore, TN	Shri Mullai Vana Nathar	Jasmine	Jasmine	Mullai Vana Nathar	Kurakattanayaki	Karpaga Vinayagar	6am
AVALIVANALLUR	Papanasam Taluka, Dist Tanjore, TN	Shri Sakshi Nathar Temple	Trumpet flower tree	Trumpet flower	Sakshi Nathar	Soundaryanayaki	Murugan	8am
HARI-DWARA-MANGALAM	HARI-DWARA-MANGALAM	Shri Paathala Eshwarar	Shami tree	Shami tree	Patal-eshwar	Alankaravalli	Patal-eshwar	Noon
ALANGUDI	Alangudi	Shri Apath Sahaya Eshwar temple	Silk Cotton tree	Silk Cotton tree	Apath Sahaya Eshwar	Valli-elavar Kuzali	Dakshina-moorthy	5.30pm
THIRUKKOLLAMPUDUR	Nannilam, Taluka- Tanjore, TN	Shri Bilva-van-esh-warar temple	Bilva tree forest	Bilva tree forest	Bilva-vaneshwar	Soundraambika	Natraj	8.30pm

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): नागनादर (भगवान शिव)

उत्सव मूर्ती: सोमस्कंदर

देवी: 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 तिला खूप दुःख झालं. ह्या दुःखाचं निवारण करण्यासाठी तिने ह्या ठिकाणी तपश्चर्या केली. तिच्या तपश्चर्येवर प्रसन्न होऊन भगवान शिवांनी तिला दर्शन देऊन आशीर्वाद दिला. वासुकीने भगवान शिवांना विनंती केली कि त्यांनी नागाच्या रूपातच इथे वास्तव्य करावं. तिच्या विनंतीला मान देऊन भगवान शिव इथे नागनादर (नागाचे नाथ) ह्या नावाने राहिले.

केतू मंदिराचा इतिहास: 

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

येथील क्षेत्रवृक्ष बांबू आहे. 

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:

१) शिवरात्रि (फेब्रुवारी-मार्च, तामिळ मध्ये मासी)

२) अन्नाभिषेक (ऑक्टोबर-नोव्हेंबर, तामिळ मध्ये ऎपसी)

३) वासुकी उत्सव (मार्च-एप्रिल, तामिळ मध्ये पंगूनी)  

आभार: खाली दिलेल्या वेब साईट्स वरून काही माहिती ह्या पोस्ट मध्ये समाविष्ट केली आहे

1. https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/ 2. https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/

3. http://www.indiatemples.in/