Temples in and around Trichy
Areas covered:
- In and around Trichy
- The island of Srirangam & Thiruvaanaikaval
- Trichy – Woraiyur – Kumara Vayalur
- Trichy – Tanjore
- Trichy – Lalgudi – Anbil
- Lalgudi – Pullambadi – Palur
- North Bank Kallanai Road (NH 45)
- Trichy – Perambalur (Chennai)
- Trichy – Manachanallur – Thuraiyur
- Perambalur – Thuraiyur
- Around Thuraiyur
- Trichy – Musiri (Salem)
- Trichy – Kulithalai (Karur)
- In and Around Kulithalai & Musiri
- Musiri – Namakkal
Towards the end of the page, ‘Places of interests’ like Hotels, Lodges etc., are given
All the temples in this directory have been marked here:
Last Updated: 25th Mar 2023
Trichy Town
Rockfort Temple
Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Location: Near the Chattram bus stand (also called Main Guard Gate); visible from around 10 kms all around.
Temple: The Rockfort temple, known as Dakshina kailasam, is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery with a height of 273 feet and 417 steps to climb. The name of the place came from Thirisiran, a King who ruled this place. At the foot of the Rockfort is the beautiful temple tank (Theppakkulam) with a pavilion which is used during the float festival of the temples. From the hilltop, the view of the town with cauvery and Kollidam rivers, the road and rail bridges across the rivers and the temple towers of Srirangam and Thiruvanaikaval, is breathtaking. During the 23rd, 24th and 25th of Panguni tamil month, the sun rays fall on the God in the evening.
Theertham: Cauveri, Shiva gangai and Brahma theertham.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam.
The temple complex is a conglomeration of three temples.
Sri Manikka Vinayagar temple – This temple is at the foot of the hill
Sri Thayumanavar Temple – This temple is at half way to the hill top.
Legend:
* The top of the Kailasam was disturbed by Vayu (air) and thrown in three places and this is considered one among them and that is why this is called Dakshina kailasam. The other two places are Kalahasthi and Tirikonamalai (Srilanka).
* Lord Shiva took care of a pregnant girl called Rathnavathi during the delivery time in the form of the girl’s mother and so He is known as Thayumanavar.
* Agasthya, Arjuna, Hanuman, Rathnavathi, Rama, Saptha Kanniar, Saptha Rishi and Sarama muni had worshipped Shiva of this place.
* Sarama muni worshipped Shiva with chevandi flowers brought from Naga lokha and hence the Lord is called as Chevandhi nadhar also. He is also called Mathruboodheswarar.
Temple: Before entering the Shiva temple, there is a big hall with 100 pillars, full of beautiful paintings and carvings. We can see a chain hanging in the roof made of single stone. The roof of the hall is also fully painted. One of the 64 Shiva moorthams known as Gangala moortham is seen here. Below the Siva temple are two Pallava cave temples that have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries. Navukkuarasar and Sambandhar had sung hymns on Shiva of this place. The vimanam is covered with gold. The Goddess is known as Mattuvar Kuzhali or Sugandha Kundalambikai and has a separate shrine.
Sri Ucchi Pilliayar (Vinayagar) Temple – At the hilltop
Legend: Veebishana was taking the idol of Lord Ranganadhar to Srilanka to install there. He was not to keep the idol down; if so, he would not be able to lift it up again. On his way he gave the idol to Lord Ganesha to hold it for some time to finish his evening rituals. Ganesha agreed but after a while he placed the idol down and went to the hill top. When Veebishana returned he saw the idol down and was not able to lift it up. He returned back to his place empty handed and in turn, Ranganadhar agreed to face South towards the direction of Srilanka.
Shiva temples for 5 elements of nature
There are Shiva temples for 5 elements of nature (Land, Water, Fire, Air, and Space) inside Trichy and they are:
1) Sri Naganadhaswamy temple
Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Naganadhaswamy with Anandhavalli ambikai in different sanctums.
Legend: Some sages, due to ego, thought they can live on their own without the blessings of God. To awaken them Shiva fought with them and they diverted snakes against Shiva. In turn, Shiva wore the snakes as ornaments and hence the name Naganadhar. Saramamuni worshipped Shiva of this place with sevandhi flowers and hence the name Sevandhi nadhar.
Temple: The temple is below the ground level. Shiva is facing East and Goddess is facing South. Navagraha shrine is different here as we can see only Sun God with wives and the rest singly.The other deities we can see are Ganesha, Subramanya swamy, Dandayudhapani, Somaskandhar and Bairavar.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam.
Theertham: Shiva theertham.
Links: Location Weblink Photos
2) Sri Boologanathar Temple at East Boulevard road
This temple belongs to the Land element. The temple has 5 sthalavrukshams – vilvam tree, Athi tree, Magizham tree, Vanni tree and Kurundhai tree. It is a vasthu temple and vasthu poojas are conducted 6 times in a year during the Vasthu days. The temple is special to solve any Land / Vasthu related problems and pray for land related boons.
3) Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple at West Boulevard road
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4) Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Big bazaar street
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5) Sri Velikanda Nathar at Palakarai
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Nandhi Koil
Located in Nandhi Koil Street near Theppakulam/ Rockfort. There is a huge Nandhi in the middle of the street that belongs to the Rockfort Thayumanavar temple. Once upon a time the whole place was belonging to the temple. Now houses have come up in between and Nandhi is separated from the main temple.
Sri Nandrudayan temple at East Boulevard road
The Nandrudayan temple in Devadhanam in the East Boulevard Road boasts Aadhi Vinayaga as granite idol depicting Lord Ganesa with his original divine face without the usual elephantine head and the trunk. The four- feet tall Aadhi Vinayakar is installed in a separate shrine close to the sanctum sanctorum in the Nandrudayan Vinayakar Temple and the divine grace of the brilliantly sculptured granite idol is indeed captivating.
Sri Ugra Kaliamman Temple at Thillaingar (Thennur)
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Sri Ayyappan temple
Location: Near Trichy junction/ court.
Significance: This Ayyappan temple is very cleanly maintained with full of green plants and good pathway all around. Also there are many stone slabs erected with inscribed quotes on mother by great persons. Another special thing is that there are many small stones collected from holy rivers and holy places all over the world placed on many small platforms along with the respective names of the rivers and places. Everyday pooja is being conducted to these stones as well. It is said that having dharshan of this collection of holy stones in one place will definitely remove hurdles in one’s life and make them prosper. Apart from the main deity Ayyappan, the other deities in the premises are Kannimoola Ganapathy, Sakthi – Vinayahar, Bagavathi amman and Navagraha. There is a letter box to God and the letters to the divine will be presented before Ayyappan on uthra star day of every month with prayers.
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Sri Sundara Anjaneyar temple at Kallukuzhi
Location: Near Trichy Junction
Importance: This is a very popular temple and Anjaneyar is carved out on a small stone which was to the road side initially. When they wanted to lay railway line, the stone was interrupting so they decided to place it in another place nearby. After the railway line was laid and started functioning there were lots of train accidents in the same place from where they removed Anjaneya. So they decided to divert the railway line to side and restored Anjaneya to His original place and constructed this temple.
Sri Kasi Viswanathar Pancha linga Temple at Keela Chinthamani
The presiding deity is Sri Kasi Viswanathar with Ambal Sri Visalakshi and the temple is called Panchalinga temple since it is having five Shivalingas and a separate shrine for the holy Ganga. The five lingas are Sri Visalakshi Ambal sametha Sri Kasi Viswanathar, Sri Thaiyalnayaki Ambal sametha Sri Vaidyanathar, Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal sametha Sri Ekambareswarar, Sri Meenakshi Amman sametha Sri Sundareswarar and Sri Akilandeswari Ambal sametha Sri Jambukeswarar. The temple is located just on the bank of Cauvery such that the river water dashes against the temple wall.
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The island of Srirangam & Thiruvaanaikaval
Sri Akilandeswari sametha Sri Jalakandeswarar temple at Thiruvanaikaval
Location: 3 kms from Trichy towards Srirangam in between Kollidam and Cauvery rivers; connected by town buses every 2-3 minutes.
Significance:
* One of sacred 275 temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
* One of the Pancha bootha sthalams representing Water
* One of the most revered temples to Shiva
* Sakthi peetam
* A magnificent temple occupying a whopping 18 acre area.
Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Jambukeswarar facing West and Amman Akilandeswari facing East.
Legend:
* Two sivakanams Pushpathanthan and Maliavaan were born under the influence of a curse as an elephant and a spider. There had been a forest of Jambu (naaval) trees near the Chandratheertha tank (filled with the water of the Cauvery) here and Shiva is said to have appeared under one of the trees as a Swayambu lingam. The elephant worshipped this linga daily with flowers and water brought in its trunk (hence the name Thiru Aanaikka). The spider spun a web around the linga in order to shield it from the tree wastes and keep it clean. The next day, elephant saw the web and since it was from the saliva of the spider, it removed the web to protect the sanctity of the linga. This practice of the spider spinning a web and the elephant removing it continued for several days. One day, the spider found out that it was the elephant that was removing its web, went inside the trunk of the elephant and bit it. The elephant hit its trunk on the floor and in the process both died. Since Pushpathanthan, born as elephant, did the Shiva worship got his curse cleared and returned back as Sivakanam but the Spider’s wish of building a temple around the linga was not fulfilled and it was born as King Kochengan. So when he built the temple, he built it in such a way that elephants can not enter the temple. The ground level goes down and down at every praharam so that an elephant with all its weight can not enter the temple. Kochenkan built 70 Maadakkovils and all the temples will be at an elevated height or at a depth.
* Worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Ramar, Thigbalahar, Sage Sambu, Parasaran etc.,
* It is said that Ranganadhar stayed at Srirangam only to worship Jambugeswarar of this temple. Accordingly, Ranganadhar come and stay here one day in an year and return with special alankaram.
Temple:
* This is first of the 70 Maadakkovils built by Kochenkan Cholan
* There are five stages of huge prahara walls and seven gopurams in an area of 18 acres. It is said that while constructing the temple walls, Shiva came as a Siddhar and gave away holy ash as the wages for the workers which turned into gold proportionate to their wages. This particular 4th prahara wall is called ‘Thiruneetru Madhil’ and it is a whopping 8000 feet long (2436 x 1493 feet), 35 feet high and 6 feet thick. The east facing Rajagopuram is 13 tiered and the west facing rajagopuram is 7 tiered.
* There are two praharams for Amman shrine
* There are 9 theerthams in the temple and there is a window grill with 9 holes in front of the main deity Shiva. We have to worship the Lord only through these 9 holes which is considered equivalent to a dip in all the 9 theerthams.
* One of the five elements of nature, “water” is represented by an undying natural spring down the Shiva lingam in the sanctum, seen even today and hence the name Jalakandeeswarar.
* Sambandhar, Navukkaarasar and Sundarar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Arunagirinadhar sang Thiruppugazh on Subramanya of this place.
* Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so even now Archakas worship Shiva wearing saree during the noon pooja.
* Cow worship and annabhishehams are taking place daily
* The earring of goddess is known as Thadangam. Sankaracharya controlled her anger and contained it in the earrings as Chakras. One is Shiva Chakra and the other is Srichakra.
* There are many sub temples in various praharams within the temple
Theertham: There are totally 9 Theerthams – Cauvery, Brahma, Indra, Chandra, Rama, Agni, Agsthya, kollidam and Surya.
Sthala Vruksham: Jambu (white naaval) tree.
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Sri Panchamukha nathar Temple
A very special temple but very little known to people. Located very close to the Thiruvanaikkaval temple.
There are 3 lingams in the same temple complex.
Pancha mukha Shiva lingam with five human faces like Nepal Sri Pasupathinathar, rarest of rare in South India, especially Tamilnadu. This Shiva came in the dream of Sri Maha Periyava and as per his directions, the lingam was brought out and installed here.
Gubera lingam worshipped by Guberan, When Guberan himself lost all his wealth, he was directed here to worship Lord Shiva to get back all his wealth.
The third lingam has 64 stripes representing 64 forms of art. The aavudaiyar has 8 stripes so that each aavudaiyar strip corresponds to 8 strips of linga.
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DD001 – Sri Ranganadhar Temple at Srirangam
Location: Around 5 kms from Trichy main guard gate bus stand; connected by town buses every 2-3 minutes
Main Deity: Ranganadha Perumal in lying posture with Sriranga Nachiar.
Utsavar: Namperumal.
Theertham: Chandra Pushkarani, Cauvery and Kollidam.
Sthala Vruksham: Punnai
Vimanam: Pranavaakriti
Significances:
* One of 108 Divya Desams and the first of them
* The place is considered as Booloha Vaikuntam
* Most revered shrine of Lord Vishnu in South India; in the vaishnav parlance, the term “Koyil” signifies this temple only
* Possibly, the largest temple complex in India
– 156 acres in extent
– enclosed by seven huge concentric prahara walls
– the outer most wall has a perimeter of over 3 kms
– the total length of all the seven walls is around 9 kms
– has 21 gopurams, the largest gopuram in the first wall on the southern side is 13 tiered, measuring 73 m and was completed as recently as 1987.
– 48 sanctums to various Gods.
* All the Azhwars except the Madhurakavi Azhwar had sung on this Ranganadhar.
* Andal nachiar had sung on Ranganadhar only
* Festivals take place all through the year.
* The physical body of Ramanuja who lived for nearly 120 years is still being preserved in a sitting posture in a shrine dedicated to him
Legend:
This has the same legend history as the Uchi Pillaiyar temple of the Rockfort as below:
Vibhishana was taking the Ranganadhar idol to Srilanka and when he got down on the Cauvery banks to perform his mid-day prayers, he gave it to the small boy Ganesha with the instruction not to keep it down (if so, it could not be taken back). But Ganesha, very promptly, kept the idol down. When Vibhishana came back and tried to take it back, he could not. He chased Ganesha who ran to the top of the hill (Uchipiilaiyar temple at Rockfort). Vibhishana was sad but the Lord appeared before him and consoled him saying that He had already made a decision to stay at this place and will be lying facing Lanka and bless him. It is said that even today, Vibhishana worships the Lord at midnight.
Temple:
The town and the temple are set on a 250-hectare island between Cauvery and Kollidam rivers connected to the mainland by a bridge. This 13th century temple is very well preserved with excellent carvings. Ranganadhar idol is 15 feet long in a reclining posture on Adhisesha. The roof of the sanctum is covered with gold plating. Ramanujar stayed here and spread the Vaishnav philosophy. He also completely overhauled the administrative system and saw to it that great care was exercised in the administration of temple affairs. There’s also a small museum containing sculptures. Srirangam is listed as one of the Nava Graha Sthalas, temples representing the planets. The kshetram is known as Swayam vyaktha kshetram (appeared on its own).
Note:
There are 108 important heritage places to see within Srirangam itself. See the attached PDF file.
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 NammAzhvaar Moksham
Sri Kaattu Azhagiya Singar temple at Srirangam
Location: Near Srirangam railway station
Main Deity: Lakshmi Narashima Swamy in santha swaroopam
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Shri Dasavatharam Temple at Srirangam
Located on the banks of Coloroon, half a kilometer North West of Lord Ranganatha temple is the ancient, over 1000 years old Dasavatharam Sannidhi in Srirangam. It was started by the last of the Azhvaars, Thirumangai Azhwar, but left incomplete, untill Sri ParamahamsedyAdi Adivan Satakopa Yatindra Mahadesikan, the founder of Sri Ahobila Mutt, took control and finished the construction. It also houses the Thirumaligai where Thirumangai Azhwar lived while he built the huge prakarra walls of Srirangam temple. Thirumangai Azhvaar’s residence still exists at 26 North Chitra Street.
The legend goes that Lord Ranganathar was pleased with Thirumangai’s efforts in constructing the huge walls and is said to have granted his wish of displaying the 10 Avataarams all at one place. Accordingly, the Lord displayed all his 10 prominent Avatars including the Kalki Avataar.
The Vishnu Avatars are the incarnations of planets as Matsya-Kethu, Koorma- Saturn (Sani), Varaha- Rahu, Narasimha- Mars (Sevvai), Vamana-Jupiter (Guru), Parasurama- Venus (Sukra), Rama- Sun (Surya), Krishna- Moon (Chandra), Kalki- Budhan (Mercury). Performing a relevant Avataram Archanai / pooja here is said to liberate one from the respective dosham.
Dasavatharam Sannidhi is administered by the ahobila Mutt.
Contact : Lakshmi Narasimha(Kannan) Bhattar @ 0431 2435905, who has been performing service at this temple for over 2 decades, will also open this temple at short notice for outstation devotees.
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Holy places of Azhwars in Srirangam
Sri Rangam is a unique place where a lot of Vaishnaivite seers and Gurus lived. There are ancient house of Sri Thirumangai Azhwar, Sri Koorathazhwan, Sri Mudaliyandan and others, Ancient Sri Vedanta Desikan Thirumaligai (Thooppul Kula Vallal) is located in North Uthara Street
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Sri Manavala Mamunigal Thiruvarasu
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Sri Raghavendhra Mutt at Srirangam
Near Azhagiya Singar temple, this is located in a beautiful environment and is one of the main sacred places of Sri Raghavendhra along with the mutts at Kumbakonam and Tanjore. Though Sri Raghvendhra’s moola brindhavan is at Manthralayam and is seemingly connected with Karnataka, he was born in Bhuvanagiri near Chidambaram and spent most part of his life in Tamilnadu and here he spent many years.
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Sri Sripadaraja Mutt
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Sri Jagannatha Mutt
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Sri Anna Kamatchiamman Temple
The temple was identified and quoted highly by his holiness Maha Periyava of Kanchi mutt. The presiding deity is Anna kamatchi amman, considered by many as a replica of Akilandeshwari amman.
Sri Kadaipillai Ayyanar Temple at Melur
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Amma Mandapam
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Butterfly Park
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Woraiyur
Woraiyur is within Trichy located centrally between Main guard gate bus stand and the main bus stand, about 2 kms from both. It is well connected by Town buses and there are buses every 3-4 minutes. Woraiyur was the ancient capital of the early Cholas and the ancient city is believed to have been destroyed by a sand storm. Pugazh Chola Nayanar and Gochenkan Cholan were born here, as was Tiruppaanaazhwar.
Sri Vekkaliamman Temple
Main Deity: Vekkaliamman
Significance: A very popular and powerful amman temple
Legend: Once a Queen wanted flowers from the garden of Thayumanavar temple and the King arranged for it. Shiva got angry just saw towards the direction of Woraiyur. The whole village got covered with mud (sand storm) due to the anger of Shiva. Vekkaliamman, the protector Goddess of that place was worried and prayed to Shiva to calm down. She protected the people from further anger of Shiva and thereafter stayed there taking care of the people who come to Her. There is no roof for the sanctum sanctorum. Many times they attempted to roof it but they could not succeed.
DD002 – Thirukkozhi Sri Kamalavalli Nachiyar Temple – Divya Desam
Location: Thirukkozhi/ Nachiar Koil; the place here (within Woraiyur) is called Nachiar Koil based on this temple
Significances:
* One of 108 Divya desams; 2nd Divya desam after Srirangam
* Kamalavalli Thayar in bridal form;
* Birth place of Thiruppanazhwar, the author of Amalanadipiran (the celebrated paasuram describing the glory of the image of Ranganadhar, at Srirangam).
Main Deity: The presiding deity here is Kamalavalli Nachiar in sitting posture with her consort Azagiya Manavala perumal standing behind her facing north
Legends:
1) King Nanda cholan found a female child floating on a lotus flower. He took the child, named her Kamalavalli – the one that came out of lotus, and took care of her. Lord Ranganadhar, wanting to marry the princess, appeared in the dream of the King and asked his daughter to be married to Him. The King was delighted on Lord Ranganadhar going to become his son-in-law and arranged for the marriage. Kamalavalli Thayar, dressed as the bride, vanished as she entered the sanctum of Lord Ranganadhar. To commemorate the marriage, the King built this temple at Woraiyur facing North towards Srirangam.
2) A valiant rooster, believed to have warded off an elephant with it’s beak, here at Woraiyur; the name Thirukkozhi (Mookkeeswaram) stems from this legend.
Temple: The temple was in existence even before 7th century. There is no Utsava vigraha in this temple and the Utsava vigraha of Srirangam Ranganadha temple is being brought here during the Kalyana Utsavam. Upon entering the temple, one encounters a large mandapam with pillars ornamented with exquisite sculptures. Thiruppanazwar is present here in a separate sanctum. The inner walls of the shrine of Nammazhvar has brilliant wall paintings of more than 200 years old, repainted 60 years back, depicting the Matsa and Narashimha avatars, Acharyas, Alwars, Vaishnavite mythology, the law of justice and dharma as enunciated by ambarisha etc
Theertham: Kalyana theertham and Surya theertham.
Sri Panchavarneswarar (Thiru Mukkichuram) Thevara Temple
Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Main Deity: Pancha Varneswarar and Kanthimathi ammai
Legends:
* Shiva is said to have manifested himself in five different shades of color to Utanga Munivar (Ratna Lingam in the morning, Spatika Lingam at noon, Gold Lingam in the afternoon, Diamond Lingam at night and Chitra Lingam later at midnight) and so He is known as Pancha Varneswarar.
* Brahma also had the same dharshan of Shiva.
* Woraiyur is also known as Kozhimanagaram as legend holds that a fowl blessed with divine powers defeated an elephant in a duel. Once, the Chola King Veera vathithan went on his horse in search of a good place for constructing a Shiva temple. All of a sudden the elephant started behaving weird and every one was frightened. King was unable to control and he cried loud for help from Shiva. At this time a cock flew down, hit the elephant and took control of it. Soon after this the cock disappeared near a vilva tree. King was surprised and asked his men to dig and see near the tree. They found a Shiva linga and the king constructed this temple in the same place. The linga is known as Panchalingeswarar.
* A Chola king by name Soora Vathitha saw the five daughters of Nagarajan worshipping a Shivalingam each, on the banks of the Nagatheertham. He married the youngest of these princesses and requested his father in law for the Shivalingam that was held in worship by Nagarajan. Nagarajan handed over a half of the Shivalingam to his daughter, who in turn handed it along with the five Shivalingams worshipped by the siblings; all of these merged into one under a Vilva tree, under which, this temple originated.
* Garuda, the wife and son of Sage Kasipari namely Kathru and Karkotakan worshipped here.
* Kochenkan Cholan the builder of 78 Maadakkovils is said to have born here.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam
Theertham: Shiva theertham or Panchavarna Theertham
Sung by: Sambandhar
The Temple: The Shivalingam here is very small in size. The temple is replete with sculptural work depicting legends associated with the temple. For instance there are wondrous pieces of sculpture on some of the temple pillars that appear as four women from one angle and as a horse from another angle. The temple has the significance that the kings of all the three regions – Chera, Chola and Pandya – worshipped here.
Sri Kungumavalli ambal sametha Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple
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Trichy – Woraiyur – Kumara Vayalur
Uyyakondan Thirumalai (Thiru karkudi) Thevara Temple
Location: 3 kms from Trichy
Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns beautifully located on a hillock
Main Deity: Ujjeevana nadhar with Anjanakshi ammai and Balambikai
Legend: Markandeya had the life of only 16 years and so he worshipped Shiva at various places. When he came here, he was completing his 16th year and so Yama came to end his life. Goddess requested Shiva to bless Markandeya as ‘Chiranjeevi’ and Shiva did so. It’s a belief that one who worships Shiva here, will not have the fear of death. Naradhar, Sage Upamanyu, Karan, the army chief of Ravana had worshipped here
Temple: The temple, resembling a small fort, was built by Nandhivarma Pallavan 1200 years ago on a 50 feet high hillock with about 100 steps to climb. There are three entrances – two facing South and the other facing East. The main deity is facing West and there are two shrines for the Goddesses here. It is said that when we sit and pray here on our problems for half hour/ 45 minutes, we will get a clear solution and are bound to come back to the place.
Navakkuarasar, Sambandhar and Sundarar sang Thevara hymns on Shiva of this place; Arunagiri nadhar sang Thiruppugazh.
In the 18th century, this was the fort and place of residence for British, French and Mysore army.
Sthala vruksham: Vilvam
Theertham: Kudamuruti and Gyanavavi
Sri Kulumayee Amman Temple
A very popular amman temple nearby Uyyakondan Thirumalai temple in a cool and beautiful atmosphere.
Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Perungudi
Location: In the Trichy-Kumara Vayalur route, 2 km from Somarasampettai
Temple:
An early Chola heritage temple with lots of inscriptions. This is connected with Kumara Vayalur Murugan temple and is a monument of Sundara Chola and Adithya II periods. Balasubramaniar is present with single face and four hands along with Devayani in standing posture. All the moorthies have been discovered from various places inside the temple.
Sri Murugan temple at Kumara Vayalur
Location: 5 kms from Uyyakondan malai; 8 kms from Trichy.
Main Deity: Adhinadhar as Swayambu lingam with Adhinayaki amman.
Significance: Murugar blessed Arunagirinadhar at Thiruvannamalai and asked him to come to Vayalur. Arunagirinadhar came here and acquired Gyana. With the blessings of Subramanya, Thirupugazh was started by Arunagiri nadhar in this place and the first line “muthai thiru” was hinted by Subramanaya swamy which was to be continued by Arunagirinadhar. He sang 18 Thiruppugazh verses on this Murugan. Subramanya swamy is worshipping his parents in this place. Vinayaka of this place, known as poia vinayakar blessed Arunagirinadhar.
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Trichy – Tanjore
Sri Erumbeeswarar temple at Thiruverumbur
Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; a protected monument under the control of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI)
Location: 11 kms from Trichy and is known as Brahma puram, Kumara puram and Lakshimi puram.
Main Deity: Erumbeeswrar/ Madhuvaneswarar with Soundranayaki/ Narun kuzhal nayagi amman.
Legend: Brahma, Indra and all devas took the form of ant (Erumbu in Tamil) to hide from demons and worshipped Shiva in this place. Hence He is known as Erumbeeswarar and the name of the place is Thiru Erumbur.
Temple: This early chola temple is on a small hillock of 120 feet high with 115 steps to reach the top. The Shiva lingam is slanting to one side as though He is giving ear to the worship of bakthas. The surface of the linga is coarse so as it is easy for the ants to move around. The linga is covered with mud and there is no abhishekam here. We can see the marks of ants creeping on the lingam. Soundarya nayaki amman is in a separate sanctum outside the main one. Navukkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. The other deities are Sankara Narayanar, Dakshinamoorthy and Balavinayakar. Surya is seen with his wife here. The sculptures, a dilapidated mandapam, well maintained gardens by BHEL, temple tank and the temple car are all some of the interesting items to the visitor.
Sthalavruksham: Vilvam.
Theertham: Brahma theertham and Paduma theertham.
Links: Location
Sri Aanantha valli Sametha Sri Madhyaneswarar Temple at Koothaipar
Temple built by Kulothunga Chola I
Links: Location
Sri Kailasamundaiyar Temple at Cholamadevi
This dilapidated temple is located amidst lush green paddy fields and sylvan surrounding on the northern banks of the Uyyakondan channel at Cholamadevi near Thiruverumbur, 12 km from Trichy. This shiva temple was built by Rajaraja I the Great in 11th century and is a treasure house of historic information.
Sri Nithya Sundareswara swami Temple at Thirunedungalam
Location: In the Trichy-Tanjore route, 5 kms north of Thuvakkudi junction near Thiruverumbur.
Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Main Deity: Nedungalanadhar/ Nithya Sunderaswarar as Swayambu lingam with Mangala nayaki/ Oppila nayaki.
Legend: Paraskathi meditated in this place and Shiva came in the form of a thief. Parvathi was frightened and hid herself in a garden of Thazhai plants at a place called Olimadhi cholai. Later Shiva took Parvathi to Kailash.
Sage Agasthiar worshipped here
Temple: There are two vimanams for the main deity here. This temple is of great antiquity and is included in the kshertavenba of the tamil saint, the Ayyadigal kadavarkon, who should be ascribed to the days before Appar and Sambandar. A rare Yoga Dakshinamoorthy is present here. Sun rays fall on the God throughout the tamil month of Adi. Varahi is worshipped especially by the devotees of coimbatore region with specific vows. Sambandhar, Sundarar and Navukkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugar.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam
Theertham: Agasthya theertham, Sundara theertham.
Trichy – Lalgudi – Anbil
NCN058 – Sri Ambravaneswara Temple at Thirumandhurai – Thevara temple
Location: 5 kms from Lalgudi
Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Main Deity: Ambravaneswarar/ Mrugandeeswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Azhagammai/ Balambikai facing South
Legend: Surya, Chandra, Indhra and Mrugandu muni worshipped Shiva of this place.
Temple: Other deities present are Brahma, Vishnu, and Durgai as Koshta Gods; Subramanya Swamy with family and Dandaudhapani in separate small sanctums. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugar here. Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva in this place.
Sthala Vruksham: Mango tree
Theertham: Gayatri river
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Angarai
1) Sri Marudanda Nadheswarar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
2) Sri Anantha Krishna Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Apradeeswarar temple at Nagar
Location: Near Lalgudi; 5 kms west of Poovalur.
Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Apradeeswarar with Athula Sundariamman/ Oppila maniammai in different sanctums.
Temple: The temple is known as Pancha linga kshetram. The temple architect is Thillai Nayakan. Rajaraja Chola constructed the temple as per inscriptions. The other deities are Vadakailasa nadhar, Then kailasa nadhar, Bairavar, Suryan, Durgai, Chandikeeswarar, Nardhana Vinayakar, Dakshina moorthy, Thirumal & Brahma.
Significantly, Navagrha Surya is present with His consort and all other Navagrahas are facing Him.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam without thorns
Theertham: Panguni river
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Sri Samavedeeswarar temple at Thiru mangalam
Location: Thirumangalam is 2 kms north of Lalgudi and can be reached by turning left at the 15th km from Trichy en route Ariyalur. From the main road, the village is 4 kms.
Main Deity: Samavedeeswarar and Sri Lokhanayaki amman
Significance:
More than 2000 years old.
The place is considered in equal sacredness to Kasi and Gaya.
Legend:
* Parasuramar, one of the ten avatars of Mahavishnu, worshipped Shiva in this place to get rid of his Mathruhathi dosha, the dosha he got because of killing his mother. The place is also known as Parasurama Kshetram.
* Goddess Lakshmi (Thirumagal) worshipped Shiva here and so this place got the name Thirumangalam
* Chandikeswarar worshiped Shiva here to get rid of Pithruhathi dosha and attained moksha.
* Ravikuruva rishi was a little sad since there was no river near by and Shiva made a river to flow here which is called as Gaya palguni.
Temple:
Dakashina moorthy is here with abhaya mudra. Subramanya swamy is known as Kalyana Subramanyar. As a unique thing, we can see Valli on peacock with Subramanya and Devayanai standing beside her. Arumuga peruman is seen with six faces and four hands as a Chatru samhara moorthy. This is the birth as well as the mukthi place of Anaya nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. One Linga moortham that gave mukthi to nayanar is said to be growing. We see Anaya nayanar in separate sanctum. Anaya nayanar was good at flute and once when he was reciting flute and meditating, Shiva was very pleased with the music and gave mukthi to him at the same place. Durga here is Vishnu Durgai on Simha vahana.
This ancient temple dates back to the period of King Rajaraja Chola.
Contact: Sri B.Gnanaskanda Gurukkal @ 97100 64571 / 98654 22027
Theertham: Parasurama theertham.
Sthala Vruksham: Jack fruit tree.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Lalgudi
1) Sri Saptharisheeswarar Temple at (Thiruthavathurai)
Thiruthavathuri, now called Lalgudi, is situated on the banks of river Coleroon (also known as north cauvery), about 20 kms form Trichy.
Significance: The seven rishis – Atri, Brihu, Pulsithar, Vasishtar, Gauthamar, Angeerasar and Marichi – prayed to the presiding deity Saptharisheeswarar to ward off the bad period they were passing through due to the curse by Lord Murugar.
Main deity: Saptharisheeswarar as Swayambu lingam facing West with Perunthirattiar
Legend:
* Lord Vishnu got his Chakrayudha after worshipped Shiva here
* Worshipped by Vishnu, Lakshmi, Murugar, Bairavi and Sage Parasar
* Malava king got his leprosy disease cured here
Temple: Parantaka kings have done a lot of work on this temple. As per Sekkizhar’s Periya puranam, Sambandhar had sung Thevaram on this Shiva but the Thevara verses have not been found so far
Theertham: Sivagangai, Chakra theertham
Sthala Vruksham: Peeple
Links: Location Photos Weblink
2) Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple
Links: Location Weblink
Manakkal
1) Sri Sapthamathar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
2) Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple and Veda Padashala
Links: Location Weblink
3) Sri Manakkal Nambi Temple
Manakkal Nambi, originally known as Rama Misrar, is a 10th Century Guru who was born here. His Guru, was Uyyakondar and after the demise of Uyyakondar’s wife, he was taking care of his Guru and his two young daughters. One day, when the girls had to cross a sludge after taking bath in a river, Rama Mirsar laid down in such a way that they can cross over by walking on his back. Since then he is called Manakkal Nambi (Manal mean sand and Kal means leg in Tamil).
Nathamuni was Uyyakondar’s Guru who lived in Kattumannarkoil near Chidambaram and was instrumental in bringing back the once lost Nalayira Divya Prabhandham to the world with the guidance from the Sri Veera Narayana Perumal of Kattumannarkoil.
Uyyakondar gave the task of finding out the grandson of his Guru Nathamuni to Manakkal Nambi who then traced Alavandar to be leading an elite life. He convinced Alavandar to the spiritual path who then became a Guru in the name Yamunachrya to lead a spititual life at Srirangam.
So, the Guru Sishya lineage goes like this: Nathamuni -> Uyyakondar -> Manakkal Nambi -> Yamunacharyar.
Though the presiding deity of the temple is Sri Varadharaja Perumal along with His consorts Sri Devi and Boo Devi, this is known more as a Manakkal Nambi Temple. There are moorthies of Vishwaksenar, Ramanujar and Lakshmi Narayanar. There is a separate shrine for Manakkal Nambi. Also there are moorthies of Natarajar, Sivakami, etc from the nearby Kailasanathar Temple, being kept here for safety.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
4) Sri Sivakamasundari sametha Sri Kailasanathar Temple
Links: Location
Sri Mangalyeswarar temple at Edayathu mangalam
Contact: 0431- 254 4070, 98439 51363.
Links: Location
Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Nannimangalam / Sennivaikkal
The main deity is a beautiful Maragatha lingam.
Since this is a village temple, call and go.
Contact: Sri Ganesa Gurukkal @ 97861 89093 / Trustee @ 94865 97484 /
Office @ 0431 2541329
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
NCN057 – Sri Sathyavageeswarar temple at Anbil Alanthurai – Thevara temple
Location: 8 kms from Lalgudi, on the northern banks of Coleroon (Kollidam); Anbil is just name of the place but temple is known as Alandhurai.
Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Main Deity: Sathyavageeswarar and Soundranayaki amman in different sanctums.
Legend: Vinayakar of this place is known as Sevisaiytha Vinayakar. The temple is on the northern bank of Kollidam and when Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva from the southern bank, He was giving his ear to the music. Brahma and Sage Vageesar worshipped Shiva of this place.
Temple: Other deities in the temple are Bitchandar, Saptha kanniar, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Bairavar, Subramanyar with Valli and Devayana. Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place.
Sthala Vruksham: Banyan tree.
Theertham: Chandra theertham.
Anbil
1) DD005 – Sri Thiru Vadivazhagiya Nambi Temple (Divya desam)
Location: 8 kms from Lalgudi; while going from Trichy, you have to cross Kallanai (Lower anaicut) to reach Thiru Anbil.
Significance: One of 108 Divya Desams
Main Deity: Thiru Vadivazhagiya Nambi in lying posture with Thayar Azagiyavalli Nachiar in separate sanctums
Legend: Manduka muni was meditating under the water, did not realise the presence of Durvasa muni and was cursed to take the form of a toad. When Manduka muni realised his mistake and asked Durvasa for relief, he was advised to come to this place and worship.
Brahma and Valmiki worshipped Lord Vishnu here.
Temple: The temple complex covers an area of about one acre and has a Rajagopuram, built by the Chola kings. There are inscriptions that the Chola chief used to worship at this temple by placing his sword in front at the sanctum prior to his venturing out in battles. Here Perumal is in lying posture and the two Ubayanachimargal are holding his feet in such a way that we cannot have the dharshan of his holy feet.
Theertham: Mandooka pushkarani and Kollidam.
Links: Location Weblink Photos
2) Sri Achiramavalli Amman Temple
Links: Location Weblink
3) Sri Ashta Buja Durgai at Anbil
This temple for Astabuja Durgai known as Mariamman is in Anbil.
A highly popular temple.
Links: Location
DD006 – Sri Appakkudathaan temple at Thirupper Nagar / Koviladi (Divya desam)
Location:
10 km from Lalgudi and 23 km from Thiruvaiyaru. Beautifully located on the bank of river cauvery (it is touching the temple). With river Kollidam on one side and cauvery on the other side, it will be a pleasure drive to the temple. Kallanai is also close by. It would be best to take a dip at cauvery and visit the temple.
Significance:
One of the 108 Divya desams
Main deity:
Sri Appakkudattaan/ Appala Ranganathar with Thaayaar Indhra Devi and Kamala Devi
Theertham: Indhra Theertham, Kollidam
Paasuram: Periyazhvar, Tirumangai Azhwar, Tirumazhisai Azhwar, Nammazhvar
Vimaanam: Indhra Vimanam
Legends:
A Pandya King, Uparisaravasar (Upamanyu Muni), while hunting a rogue elephant killed a Brahmin performing tapas, by mistake. Repenting for his act, he renounced his throne and wandered around, finally reaching this place. One day, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and asked him to worship Lord Vishnu at this place to get rid of his Brahmaharthi dhosham. There upon, the king built a temple for Lord Vishnu and each day after worship, offered food together with appam and payasam to the Brahmins who came to his house. One day Vishnu appeared in the form of an aged guest and pleaded with the King to feed him. His supply of cooked rice exhausted for the day, the distraught King sought a way out and fed the elderly guest with the appams. At that time, Markandeya rishi was directed by Shiva to this place to seek refuge in Lord Vishnu for longevity of life. Markandeya came here and saw the old Brahmin lying on the couch holding an appa kudam in one hand. Markandeya bowed to him 100 times and Lord Vishnu regaining His original form, lifted his hand from the appa kudam and blessed Markandeya with longevity. He also blessed the King and absolved of his curse.
The temple:
This is one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams along with Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Srirangam, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai along the course of river Cauvery. This temple is on a hillock by name Indragiri. With 2 prakarams, it covers an area of about 2.5 acres and has a Rajagopuram of great workmanship. In the West facing sanctum, we see Vishnu in a reclining posture, blessing Upamanya Muni, holding a pot containing appams and hence the name Appakkudattaan. Appam is prepared as a daily offering to the deity here. There is a separate shrine for Kamalavalli Thaayar in an east facing sanctum. There are also shrines for Ganesha, Nammazhwar, Ramanujar, Lakshmi Narayanar and Venugopalan. Inscriptions from the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara periods are seen here. It is believed that Nammazhwar recited the last of his paasurams here before departing the mortal world. Six worship services are offered each day. Tirumazhisai Alwar refers to seven shrines featuring Vishnu in a reclining position – Tirukkudandai, Tiruvegkaa, Tiruvallur, Tiruvarangam, Tiruppernagar, Anbil and Tirupparkadal – in a paasuram.
Lord Ranganathar is huge with a smiling face and we can have a dharshan from a close quarter. The urchavars are equally mesmerizing and will talk to you!
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Sri Aadhi Lakshmi Sametha Sri Aadhi moola Perumal Temple at Natham (Nandam)
Location: 12 kms from Lalgudi via Pinnavasal, Alangudi Mahajanam. It can also be reached via Pullampadi, Uvanar, RR-Venkatachalapuram (7 kms).
Main Deity: Aadhi moola Perumal in lying posture and Aadhi lakshmi Thayar in different sanctums.
Temple:
We see the depiction of Gajendra Moksham here – The elephant, Gajendra, caught by a crocodile and Lord Vishnu is relieving the elephant from the clutches of the crocodile.
The sanctum sanctorum was constructed by Rajaraja I (993 AD) and Klothunga Chola III also contributed in 1216 AD with the construction of praharam etc. The other deities we see here are Sridevi, Boodevi, Rama, Lakshmana, Seetha, Hanuman and Nandagopar idols.
Theertham: Nandhi river, Gajendra Theertham and Sakkara Theertham
Contact: Mr Sridhar Bhattar @ 98424 96764
Links: Location
Sri Rajakesari Vinnagara Emperuman Vishnu Temple at Kottamangalam
This temple is about a 1.5 km Kattur, which is 3 kms from Lalgudi.
In this village, a ruined Shiva temple called Brahmesvara Udaiya Nayanar, an Ayyanar temple, a Pidari temple and a ruined Vishnu temple are also there.
Thinniyam
Location: 12 kms from Pullampadi.
1) Sri Periya nayaki Sametha Sri Sundareswarar temple
Subramanaya swamy, Valli and Devayanai are on individual peacock which can be seen only in this place.
Links: Location
2) Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple
Links: Location Weblink
3) Sri Santhanagopala Swamy Perumal Temple
Links: Location
Lalgudi – Pullambadi – Palur
Sri Thirumoola nadhar Shiva temple at Poovalur
Location: 20 kms from Trichy; 3 kms north of Lalgudi in the Trichy-Ariyalur road
Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Thirumoola nadhar/ Gnanapureeswarar with Kumkuma sundari
Legend:
* Rathi devi got back Manmadhan by worshipping Shiva here. Manmadhan threw flower arrow on Lord Shiva in this place. So the place is called Poovalur. It is also known as Manmadha puram.
* Sapdha rishis worshipped Shiva here and got the knowledge and so Shiva is also called Gnanapureeswarar.
* A rishi wanted to perform rituals for his ancestors in Gaya. Before going to Gaya, worshipped Lord Shiva here and He made Ganges to flow here by throwing His silambu. So this place is considered in equal sacredness to Gaya.
* Brahma, Indran, Manamathan, Agnidevan and Chandrasudan worshipped this God
Temple: The main temple measures 130 feet width and 170 feet length facing east and there are four prakara. There is a sub-shrine for Vinayakar. This temple was sung by Saint Arunagirinathar. Subramanyar is seen with 12 hands sitting on his peacock.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam.
Theertham: Panguni river
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple at Peruvalanallur
Links: Location Weblink
Pullambadi
1) Sri Chidambareswarar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
2) Sri Pachaiamman Temple
Links: Location Weblink
3) Sri Oonthai Amman Temple
Links: Location Weblink
North Bank Kallanai Road (NH 45)
NCN059 – Sri Nithya Kalyani ambal sametha Sri Thirumoolanadhar at Thirupalaithurai/ Thiruppatrurai (Panayapuram)
Location:
Located at 12 kms North East of Trichy en route Lalgudi between the rivers of Kollidam and Cauvery. The approach to the temple from the main road is a difficult single lane road for about 3-4 kms (may not be safe to go alone or just as a couple in late evenings). Kallanai is nearby and so can be clubbed as a pilgrimage cum pleasure trip!
Significance:
One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Main Deity:
Thirumoolanadhar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Nithya kalyani ammai facing South
Legend:
Nithya kalyani ammai, Markendeyar, and Surya worshipped Siva in this place. Once Markendeya did not have milk to worship God and was worried. At that time Shiva blessed him and milk started pouring which is the reason for the name Palaithurai. Sun God also worshipped Shiva here.
Temple:
Nithya Kalyani Ammai is seen with four hands – Abaya, Varatha, Thamarai and Neelorpavam. Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva of this place.
Other shrines are Vinayahar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Bairavar, Venugopalan, Veena Dakshinamoorthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Durga, Nalvar, Kailasanadhar
The ancient koshta moorthies in red stone are the highlights in terms of architecture
Usually we see only Lord Mahavishnu or Sri Lingothbavar (very rarely Artha nareeswarar) at the back of the sanctum in East/West koshtam (I don’t remember having seen any other God at this position) but here as a rarity we can see Sri Sankara Narayanar in the koshtam.
Also, we can see Lord Dakshinamoorthy as Veena Dakshinamoorthy.
Sthalavruksham: Vilvam.
Theertham: Kollidam.
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple Uttamarseeli
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Karaimel Azhagar Ayyanar Temple at Thogur
Links: Location Weblink
Kallanai (Grand Anaicut)
The oldest dam of Tamilnadu built by the early Chola King, Karikalan
A beautiful place for a picnic
Links: Location
Trichy – Perambalur (Chennai)
Bitchandar koil / Uthamar Koil
1) DD003 – Bitchandar koil / Uthamar Koil (Divya desam)
Location: About 7 kms fom Trichy, 2-3 kms from Srirangam, at Tollgate on the Chennai route.
Moorthies and Goddesses:
Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi facing South;
Lord Vinshnu as Purushothama perumal in sayana posture and Goddess Pooranavalli Thayar facing east;
Lord Shiva as Bitchandar facing west and Goddess Sondharya Parvathi/ Vadivudai Nayaki facing south.
Sthalavruksham: Kadhamba tree
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Azhwar
Highlights:
* One of the 108 divyadesams and honoured next only to Srirangam in the Divyadesam list
* A temple of Shiva-Vaishnav unison
* The only temple where all the 3 moorthies – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and their consorts are present in 6 separate shrines.
* Shiva appeared as Bitchadanar, a very significant one, out of his 63 moorthams.
* Lord Brahma normally seen only as koshta moorthy in the outer prahara walls of the sanctum sanctorum is having a separate shrine here.
* Goddess Saraswathi, seen in a separate temple only in Koothanur, is present here in a separate shrine with vimanam.
* All the seven gurus – Brahma Guru, Vishnu Guru, Siva Guru, Sakthi Guru, Subramanaya Guru, Deva Guru, Asura Guru – are present here. This is the only temple where Lord Brahma himself is present as Lord Guru facing South in a separate shrine with the vimanam and Urchava moorthy. In other temples, only Lord Dakshinamoorthy will be present as Lord Guru. So this is a very significant Temple for Guru Worship.
Legends:
* Lord Shiva got the Brahmaharthi dhosham because of plucking Lord Brahma’s head and he was begging for food with Brahma’s skull as the vessel but whatever was put in the vessel, it got vanished immediately. At the behest of Perumal, Poornavalli thayar (Goddess Lakshmi) filled the vessel here to end Shiva’s hunger. That’s why Shiva is called Bitchandar (Bitchai – begging for food). As explained in Sivapuranam, Shiva took the form of Bitchandar only to teach the lesson to the rishis and their wives at Tharukavanam (Thirupparaithurai) near here.
Worship benefits:
* Since Lord Brahma got His privilege as the creator of all lives here, by worshipping Him, one is sure to get all his wants.
* Since Goddess Lakshmi as Pooranavalli Thayar ended Shiva’s hunger here, by worshipping Her, one will be free from hunger and poverty and will be blessed with all ishwaryas.
* By worshipping Goddess Saraswathi present in a separate sannidhi, one will be blessed with knowledge and education.
* By worshipping Bitchadanar who ended the egos of the rishis, one will be free from their ego and bad wills.
Links: Location Raju’s Temple Visits travelogue
2) Sri Pandurangan temple
Main Deity: Radha, Rukmani and Pandurangar
Temple: This is a small temple and as in any Pandurangan temple, here also everyone is allowed to embrace the Pandurangan and pray. Prasadam given here is known as Pada doolhi or bukka which is like black mud. This is a private temple of 75 years old. The idol that is installed in the temple was taken from the well. This was identified by God to a devotee Parangkusa das in dream and was instructed to build this temple.
Links: Location
3) Sri Varadhraja Perumal Temple
Links: Location
4) Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Vadivambigai ambal sametha Sri Varanapureeswarar Temple at Panamangalm (Palur)
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Vadivambigai Udanurai Siva Uthreaswarar Temple at Pallivadai
Links: Location Weblink
Samayapuram (Kannanoor)
Location: 15 kms from Trichy main guard gate bus stand in the Trichy-Chennai NH 45.
1) Sri Mariamman temple
Significance: One of the sakthi peetams and a highly popular temple
Main deity: Mariamman
Legend: There was an amman idol called Vainavi at the Srirangam Ranganadhar temple which was very fearsome and so they were shifting the idol to some other place. On the way, they kept the idol on the ground for rest but could not take it back. So the villagers named Her as Kannanur Mariamman and Vijaya Ranga Chocka nadha Naicker constructed this temple.
Temple: The temple is one of the most popular temples for Mariamman, a manifestation of the primeval energy Shakti as the Mother Goddess. The main mariamman idol is of medicinal herbs and so no abishekam is being done for it. There is a separate shrine for the Urchava (processional) idol to which the abhishekams are being done. On top of the entrance to the sanctum we can see Gajalakshmi idol and at the sanctum, the amman is present under an umbrella of five headed snake with eight hands, right foot stamping 3 demons and left foot bent slightly in a seated posture. At the back of the main sanctum we see the padam (foot print) of amman. Karuppanna Swamy, a local deity is also having a separate shrine. The temple is open all through the day from 5 AM to 9 PM.
Theertham: Mari theertham
Sthala vruksham: Neem tree
2) Sri Ujjain Kali amman temple at Makalikudi
Location: 1 km south-east of Samayapuram main Mariamman temple.
Legend: Vikramadhitya, king of Ujjain, used to take and do daily worship of the Kali idol of this temple wherever he goes. The small brass deity here is unique with 8 hands. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is having the name of Sri Anandha Sowbhagya Sundari in standing posture having Pasam, Angusam, Soolam and Kabalam in four hands.
Temple: The temple is facing north and has shrines for Madurai Veeran, Vedhalam, Sastha, Kamkshi amman, Srinivasa Perumal, Karuppanna Swamy. Icha Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi and Kriya Sakthi are present as koshta Gods.Sthala Vruksham: Makizham
Theertham: Sakthi theertham is having many herbal powers and believed to cure mental diseases.
3) Sri Aadhi Marriamman temple at Inam Samayapuram
Location: Around 1.5 kms North East of Samayapuram main Mariamman temple
Main Deity: Marriamman.
Temple: The temple is a small one with two different sanctums of Aadhi marriamman in one compound. The icon in one temple is of Athhi maram (fig tree). They don’t do abishekam for this deity. The other one is stone deity to whom they do abishekam. This temple should be visited before you visit the main Samapuram Marriamman of Kannanoor.
Legend: Previously the deity was in Ranganadhar temple of Srirangam and it was removed from there and kept here.
Thirupattur
Location: Around 30 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Chennai route; turn left (towards west) at Siruganur in the highway and go further for about 4 kms
1) Sri Brahmapureeswarar / Brahmma temple
Main deity: Swayambu linga as Brahmapureeswarar
Goddess: Brahma Sampath Gowri
Other main deity: Lord Brahma
Sthala Vriksham: Mahizha tree
Theertham: Brahma Theertham and Bahula Theertham
Sung by: Appar, Sundarar and Sekkizhar
Highlights:
* It is generally believed that one’s fate can not be changed by any means but it can happen here since the ill fate of Brahma, the creator himself, was changed to good by Shiva. A turning point in one’s life can be expected by visiting this place.
* There is an exclusive shrine for Brahma in the inner praharam. The idol is magnificent 6 feet high and 6.5 feet circumference and is seen in full turmeric (manjal) kappu always. Worshipping him is an amazing dharshan.
* From the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, there are 7 stages of steps indicating 7 days of a week.
* The jeeva samadhi of Sage Pathanjali is in the inner praharam just opposite the Brahma’s shrine.
* A beautiful temple with intricate sculptural works.
* The Kailasanathar shrine constructed by the Pallavas on the lines of the Kailasanathar temple, Kancheepuram is a monument to be preserved for its heritage value. The big stone bull and the sudai sculptures here are worth visiting.
* Here are shrines for twelve Lingas of Saivism. One shrine is dedicated to Mandooganathar with the Linga having a hole in memory of the frog that has worshipped him.
* The temple tank is the oldest rain water harvesting tank and the ingenuity in the construction is laudable.
Legend:
After loosing his fifth head and all his powers including the privilege of creating lives, Brahma worshipped Shiva at various places. Here he worshipped with 12 lingams around and got the dharshan of Shiva under the Magizha tree. He got liberated from his punishment and also got back the privilege of creation.
Contact: R.Baskara Gurukkal 0431-2650439/ 94438 17385
Links: Location Raju’s Temple Visits travelogue
2) Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple at Palaiyur
This Kasi Viswanathar temple with a sacred tank constructed by Cholas is around 1 km NorthWest of Brahmma temple. The Jeeva samadhi of Pulipani Siddhar is located within the temple.
Links: Location Weblink Photos
3) Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Links: Location
4) Sri Poorna Sri Pushkala Sametha Sri Sastha temple
This huge and exclusive temple for Sastha is located on the way to the Brahmmapureeswarar temple. It is rare to see such an exclusive big temple for Sastha with Rajagopuram, Ardha mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Sastha is seen with a palm leaves on hand and so it is believed that students are blessed with good education by worshipping Sastha here. Not to be missed.
Masathanar was an illustrious poet who brought the great epic Thirukayilaya Ula and staged it in this place known then as Thirupidavur – Thirupattur., according to epigraphic findings. The 18 pillar mandap where the epic was staged still exists in the temple as evidence of this history.
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Sri Shiva Temple at Edumalai
There are 3 Nandhis together in the same Nandhi mandapam
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Karuppanna Swamy Temple at Palaiyur
Links: Location Weblink
Ootathur
Location: 3.2 kms deviation on the right side while going from Trichy at Padalur between Trichy and Perambalur on the Chennai – Trichy highway .
1) Sri Suddha Rathneswarar temple
Location: About 3 kms deviation from the Chennai – Trichy highway at Padalur between Trichy and Perambalur
Significance: One of the Thevara Vaippu sthalams of Shiva which believes to cure all kidney related issues.
Main Deity: Sundravaneyswarar/ Suddha Rathneswarar as Swayambu lingam with Akhilandeswari Ambal.
Legend:
Nandhi river flowing in this region started from the mouth of Nandhi in this temple.
Once Shiva here adjudged Ganges as the supreme among them and so ordered his vahana Nandhi to face her side instead of facing Him.
The Temple:
This is an early Chola temple of 7th century rebuilt by Rajaraja Chola and occupies an area of 5 acres. The gopuram and a few mandapams had been constructed by Nayaks. We can see a huge Nandhi facing East when we enter the temple. On the roof we can see the Gods of 27 stars and 12 rasis. It is said that this place is good for worship of stars. Nataraja and Sivakami ammai stone idols are made of single stones. The Brahma Theertham well lies in between the main deity and Nandhi devar, which is very sacred.
The wooden temple car has exquisite sculptures.
Natarajar:
There are five types of stones which are used to make icons of Gods and Goddesses, namely, Aalinga Nadhanam, Panchanadhanam, Singanadhanam, Yaanainadhanam and Yaazhinadhanam. Out of these, Panchanadhanam stones have the ability to absorb sun rays. The root of a plant called Andhaka Narimanam will pierce through and break one in a million stones. Such stones are called Panchanadhana Stones.
The Natarajar at Oothathur is made out of Panchanadhana Stone and He is believed to cure all kidney related problems. People garland this Natarajar with a garland made of 45 small bundles of Vettiver and perform abhishekam with the water of Brahma Theertham. On consuming this water for 45 days after dipping the vetti ver one on each day, people are relieved completely of their ailments.
Note:
• In so many of my temple visits, I don’t remember any temple where every single shrine / koshta moothies are light up properly. This is the first temple where it was done sincerely. The Gurukkal went on putting oil in every single shrine and my wife had the fortune of following him up for lighting up the lamps. Only after finishing all these, the Gurukkal went to the main shrines.
• What you need is a garland of vetti ver made of 45 small bundles and a water can to take the Brahmma theertha water. Both can be got from the Gurukkal himself.
• Please be cautioned about the people at the house adjacent to the temple who are pulling every devotee to sell the vetti ver, water can and other pooja materials. The kumkum (got from them) is thrown into dustbin since it is adulterated and Camphor is not being used within the temple and so it’s also a waste.
• Flowers are not available there and so buy flowers and garlands from Padalur itself.
* Daily abhishegam for Sri Natarajar is being done between 10 and 11 AM
Contact: Sri Nataraja Gurukkal @ 97880 62416
Theertham: Brahma Theertham
Links: Location Weblink Photos
2) Sri Kothanda Ramar Temple
Don’t miss this ancient temple which is just behind the Shiva temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Sornambigai Sametha Sri Choleswarar Temple
This dilapidated Chola temple is undergoing renovation
Links: Location
4) Sri Selliamman Temple
5) Sri Periya Annan & Chinna annan Temple
Note: Murugar temple nearby is also worth visiting.
Sri Kamakshi Ambal Sametha Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Padalur
Links: Location
Sri Chockalingeswarar Temple at Thiruvalakurichi
Near Padalur
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Sri Anjeneyar Temple in Perumal Palayam
This is located in between Padalur and Irur on the Chennai-Trichy Highway. This is a Rock Temple which is more than 2 km height.
Links: Location
Sri Sundareswarar Temple at Irur
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Sri Swethapureeswarar Temple at Puthukurichi
Links: Location
Sri Viswanathar Temple at Karai
5 kms south of Siruvachur
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Chettikulam
It is 6 kms from the Alathurgate in the NH45 Road and there are two temples here.
1) Sri Dhandayudhapani Temple on a hill:
This is a highly popular Murugan temple on a hill. This is equivalent to the Palani Murugan temple for the people of more than 100 villages around.
Links: Location Weblink Photos
2) Sri Ekambareswarar / Guberan Temple:
This was built during the Karikal Cholan period. The temple is famous for its Gubera sculpture showing the Lord of Wealth on His Fish vehicle. There are 13 guberars here, 12 each for each zodiac sign and one common. It is the only such temple in the country. When viewed from an upper place, it is said that the idols combined together looks like OHM letter shape. People throng the temple to worship Gubera for wealth.
The rays of Sun fall on Lord Ekambareswara on 19, 20 and 21 of Panguni month –March-April. This is an ancient Shiva Temple and the lingam is a jyothi lingam. The main tower-Rajagopuram is 100 feet. The abhisheha water is very special as it is said to free people from the bad habits and addictions.
There is also a sculpture which looks like a bull from one angle and an elephant from the other in one of the pillars in the entrance. In the inner corridor, there are 10 pillars producing different musical sounds if tapped.
Note: Both the temples are located in such a way that both Murugan and Shiva (Father and Son) are facing each other.
Contact: Sri R.Ramani / R.Rajesh Sivam @ 97868 83233 / 99768 42058
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Sri Madurakali amman temple at Siruvachur
A highly popular and powerful amman temple which is the ancestor temple (kula deivam) for many people including Sri Kanchi Maha Periyavaa.
The temple opens only on Mondays, Fridays and special days.
Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple at Ayalur
2 kms east of Siruvachu
Links: Location
Trichy – Mannachanallur – Thuraiyur
Shanthi Ashram and Sri Lalitha Thirupurasundari Temple at Nochiyam
The Shanthi ashram established in 2010 by a 80+ years old Smt Rajalakshmi Vittal Ammal houses a Goshala, a Veda Patasala, Nandavanam and a temple of Sri Lalitha Thirupurasundari. It is located between Kollidam river and Ayyan Vaykkal on the northern bank of the kollidam river in Madhavaperumal kovil Village (Nochiam) at around 5 kms from Srirangam.
The temple of Sri Lalitha Thirupurasundari with Sri Chakra Yanthra and Sri Sudarsana Chakra along with Mahameru anointed under Her holy feet has also shrines of Sri Ganapathy, Sri Subdramanyar, Sri Dakshinamoorthy, Sri Maha Periyava, Sri Adhi Shankara Bhavath Bhathaal and Sri Veda Vyasar.
There is a dhyana mandapam at the basement of the temple.
Nithya Go-Pooja, Ganpathi Homam and Maha Periyava Padhuka Pooja are taking place. There are rooms to stay as well.
Contact: 94433 70605/ 96009 33390/ 87547 77592/ 94425 45943
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Sri Bhoominathar Temple at Mannachanalur
Mannachanallur is about 6 kms from Trichy Toll Gate en route Thuraiyur.
Bhoominathar ( God of Earth) Shiva Temple in Mannachanalur, where Lord Shiva himself is present as God of Vasthu. There is a legend behind the main deity who got control of Vasthu Bagvan here. On Vasthu days there are few sampradhayams by which we can be solved of all vasthu dhosha problems.
Links: Location
Sri Sundara Raja Perumal Koil in Azhagiya Manavalam
Azhagiya Manavalam village is a little diversion from Mannachanallur to the left for about 3 kms.
The Lord is seen in a standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
The legend dates back to the 14th Century AD to the time when Mohammed Bin Tughlag invaded the Srirangam temple and the threat to the idols of Lord Ranganatha loomed large. While the battle was going on, Azhagiya Manavalan and His consorts resided here at the Sundara Raja Perumal temple in this village. A smart lady of this village used her guile and protected the idol of the utsav deity of Lord Ranganatha and also helped the forces outwit the Madurai Sultanate. It was in 1371 AD that Azhagiya Manavalan and His consort went back to Srirangam temple.
A small but very significant temple with rich legend is located in a serene and isolated village. It is understandable that the invaders had not located the temple and the Perumal here. Perumal is huge and very beautiful as the name ‘Sundararajan’ suggests. It also has shrines for Sri Vishwaksenar and Sri Yoga Narasimar. Since the temple is usually deserted, pls call the bhattar before you go. Bhattar house is located at about 500 meters from the temple.
Contact: 99657 39011
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2 Photos
Gopurapatti
Gopurapatti village is located 20kms North West of Trichy near Mannachanallur between two rivers Peruvalavan and Kamba (these have gone into extinction and are currently seen in the form of a small canal). This can also be reached from Thiruvasai in the Trichy – Musiri route and this is located west of Thiruvasi.
1) Sri Aadhi Nayaka Perumal Temple
In the 14th Century, Srirangam was ravaged by the Islamic invasion. During this period, lasting close to 50 years some of the residents fled the place but many others stayed on to fight the invaders. Over 10,000 Vaishnavites gave up their lives fighting to protect Srirangam from these invaders. In memory of them, every year, during the No Moon day in the Tamil Calendar month of Aadi, Tharpanam takes place on the banks of the Peruvalavan River in Gopurapatti.
The Moolavar is seen in a Bala Sayana Posture with a Measuring Instrument.
Timing: 9 AM to 12 PM, 5 to 7 PM
Contact: 97866 00629 (Bhattar)/ 94431 83939
Links: Location Weblink Photos
2) Sri Amaleesvarar Temple
The early Chola temple here was in ruins but has been scientifically renovated and restored to its barest original form. Lord of the temple is called Thiru Amaleesvaram Udaiya Mahadevar in the inscriptions.
Links: Location
Sri Shiva Temple at Pachil Metrali, Azhagiyya Manavalam
An ASI maintained temple
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Neelakandeswarar temple at Thiruppainjeeli – Thevara Temple
Location: About 20 kms north-west of Trichy; 8kms from Mannacha nallore on the northern bank of Kollidam.
Significance:
* One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns;
* the temple is also called ‘South kailash’
* a rare temple for Yama (King of death)
Main Deity: Neellivaneswarar/ Neelakandeswarar/ Jeelivana nadhar/ Viswanathar as Swayambu lingam and Visalakshi/ Neellnedunkannammal ammai.
Legend:
* Shiva appeared in the form of a brahmin and gave food to Navakkuarasar.
* Sage Vasishtar had dharshan of Shiva in dancing posture and so this is also called ‘Mel Chidambaram’.
* As instructed by Sage Vasishtar, Rama worshipped Shiva here before going to Lanka
Temple:
* Temple is situated in a sprawling 12 acre area and is one of the Saptha sthana temples of Thiruvanaikkaval
* There is no exclusive Navagraha shrine since the steps leading to the main shrine is considered to be the Navagrahas. In front of the Nandhi and Dwajasthambam, the Navagrahas are prayed by lighting lamps in the nine stone cavern holes made on the floor.
* There is a separate Yama temple outside the main temple within the compound. People who worship here will live without the fear of death.
* There are two amman shrines, the main one is facing east and has a roofing with some special bricks available only in this region.
* Inside we see Shiva and Parvathi with Murugar in between them as Somaskandha moortham in a cave shrine. The Shiva rock shrine is said to be created by Mahendra Varma Pallava, otherwise called Gunabaram, during 640 AD. Yama is seen under the feet of Shiva, who gave rebirth to Yama. Surya and Chandra are on top to either side with chamaram.
* The shrine of Lord Vishnu named Senthamarikanan is present inside the temple.
* Chinnandavar and Periyandavar, the rural guardian deities are also located in the temple premises. The sculpture of Sudha Mahamunivar lies in the outer precinct of the temple.
* Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. The Sorudaieswarar shrine is associated with the divine poet Appar.
* There is also a good fresh water spring, 2 kms north of the temple on the way to Sri Pundarikatsha Perumal temple at Thiruvellarai. At 2 kms from the water spring, a plantain tree is being decorated and worshipped.
Theertam: Appar theertham.
Sthala Vruksham: Neeli, a variety of plantain which is not grown in any other part
Thiruvellarai
Location: About 20 km north of Trichy, en route Thuraiyur (not Woraiyur which is inside the Trichy city).
DD004 – Sri Pundarikaasha Perumal temple (Divya desam)
Main Deity: Perumal Pundarikaashan, east facing standing posture
Goddess: Shenbagavalli, also called as “Periya Piraattiyaar Lakshmi Devi”. Seperate sannadhi for Thaayar. Utsavar thaayar is named as “Pangajavalli”.
Prathyaksham: For, “Periya Thiruvadi” Garudan, Sibi chakravarthy, Bhoodevi (Bhoomi Piratti), Maarkandeya Maharishi, Lord Brahma, Rudhran (Lord Shiva).
Highlights:
* One of 108 Divya desams
* Situated in a sprawling 14 acre site and resembles an old fort; surrounded on all sides by 36-feet-high massive compound walls; there are 5 praharams for the temple; the front Rajagopuram is unfinished and would have been one of the biggest had it been finished.
* The temple is considered the oldest of the Vaishnavaite temples of South, older than Srirangam. Whereas Srirangam was built during Rama’s period, Thiruvellarai temple was built by Sibhi, 4 generations older forefather of Rama. Hence the name Aadhi Vellarai. According to the Puranas, 64 `Chathuryugas’ (the present Kaliyuga being one among them) have passed since the Lord was enshrined here.
* This temple is situated at 100 feet high in a small hillock made of white granite slabs, this place is called “Thiru Vellarai”.
* Only a handful of temples have been dedicated to Lord Varaha and this one is called Swedha Varaha Kshethram
* Here Thayar gets the first rights over Perumal. Only in two other Divya Desams this happens – Nachiyar temple in Thiru Naraiyur, Andal in Srivilliputhur.
* Inscriptions and the architecture at this temple point to periods of Pallava, Hoysala and Vijayanagara kings.
* Legend has it that all the Vaishnavas who perform daily poojas in various temples in south India are originally from Thiruvellarai.
* Another belief is that no Vaishnavite can get Moksham without visiting Thiruvellarai. Visiting this temple is an eligibility criterion for Moksham.
* There are as many as 7 theerthams within the temple complex and one of them is the Swasthik kulam or Maamiyaar – Maattu Penn (Mother in law – Daughter in law) theertham or Chakra theertham, maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The Swastik shape of the tank makes it possible that people bathing at one ghat cannot view any other ghat.
* Acharyars:Ramanuja spent few months here after the unfortunate incident of attempting to kill him by poison at Srirangam; this is the birth place of Uyyakkondan (a disciple of Saint Naradhar) whose given name was Pundareekhakshar and Engalazhwan whose given name was Vishnuchittar, a contemporary of Ramanuja and an expert in Sri Bashyam.
* There are two cave temples in the rocks for Markandeya Maharishi and Bhoodevi Thayar, one of them belongs to the period of `Pallava Malla’ Nandivarman II and another belongs to the period of Rajaraja I.
Note: It’s a temple, must be visited in lifetime for its sheer majesty, architectural marvel and the heritage, apart from its divinity of course.
There is Aadhi Jambukeswarar temple, a rock cut temple, is 500 meters from the Vishnu Temple.
Links: Location Raju’s Temple Visits travelogue Weblink
Sri Aadhi Jambhunathar Temple
Aadhi Jambhunathar Temple where Jambhukeswarar blessed the Jambhu Rishi who was not able to walk to Tiruvanaikoil for a Darshan. A Pallava period cave temple in a beautiful location recently renovated is very near the Thiruvellarai Divya Desam. Both Shiva and Perumal are carved side by side on the right with Shiva linga shrine in the middle with Jambhu Rishi and Bhairavar on the left. Navagraha Darshan also can be had inside the cave shrine. Shrines for Akhilandeswari, Vinayaka and Subramanya are outside the cave.
Links: Location
Shiva Temple and Siddhar Peetam at Pagalavadi
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Thuraiyur
1) Sri Sambath Gowri Amman sametha Nandhikeswarar Temple
This temple lies in the heart of the Thuraiyur town, 48 kms from Trichy. The Lord is sung by Appar, Arunagirinathar and other saints. This temple is developed and added with shrines during the 8th – 14th centuries. It is said that Ayyanar, Pidari, Nagakanni, Indran, Thirumal, Venuvanamunivar, Parasaran have prayed the Lord Shiva here. The temple tank is called ‘Nandhi Theertham’. It is told that the Sundara Cholan, named the Linga here as ‘Nandhikeswarar’. There are many life size exquisitely carved stone sculptures in the temple. There is a Nagakanni Amman statue enshrined in this templ and during ragukalam (10.30 am to 12.00 Noon) of all Fridays, special poojas are being conducted for this Goddess, to expiate the sin of Raghu – Kethu, delay in marriages etc. There is a beautiful centre mandapam in a dilapidated condition in the big irrigation tank nearby.
Links: Location
2) Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple
This temple is near the Nandhikeswarar temple
Links: Location
Perambalur – Thuraiyur
Aranaarai
1) Sri Sokkanathar Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Neeli Amman Temple
Links: Location
Shiva Temple at Chokkanathapuram
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Thiruppeyar
1) Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Perumal and Sri Murugan Temple on a Hillock
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Kurumbalur
1) Sri Pancha Nadheeswara Temple
This was built by the ancient Chera kings.
Links: Location
2) Sri Lakshmi Narayanar temple
Built by the Chera kings
Links: Location
3) Sri Aappur Nallendhira Swami Temple
Once Kurumbalur was called as Aappur because of this GOD, Aappur Nallendhira Swami.
Links: Location
Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple at Melapuliyur
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Sri Panchanatheswarar Temple at Ladapuram
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Ammapalayam
1) Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Murugan Temple on a hillock (Vannimalai)
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Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Kalarampatti
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Sri Margasahayar Temple at Chathiramanai
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Sri Viswanathar Temple at Bommanapadi
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Sri Meenkahsi amman sametha SriEkambareswarar Temple at Siruvayalur
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NakkaSeelam
1) Sri Dhaarugapureeswarar Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Perumal Temple
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Sri Panchanatheswarar Temple at Elanthalaipatti
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Sri Visalakshi sametha Viswanathar Temple at T.Kalathur
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Sri Viswanathar Temple at Nagalapuram
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Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Perumal temple at Perumal malai
Main Deity: Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Perumal with Sridevi and Boodevi Thayar.
Place: The temple is at the top of Perumalmalai hills, 3 kms from Thuraiyur. This place is known as ‘Then Thirupathi’ of Trichy due to the many similarities to Thirupathi. There are seven hillocks to cross; Alarmelmangai Thayar is having a separate shrine; Govindharaja perumal in lying posture is having a temple at the foot hill; and there is a village known as Nagalapuram 5 kms away. The hill is 960 feet high with 1532 steps to climb. There is also a motorable road of about 5 kms till the top. It will take about 15 minutes in vehicle and about an hour in walking through steps.
Legend: The temple was constructed by one of the grand sons of Karikala chola. The king, as per the advice of his Guru, meditated here to attain moksha and got the dharshan of Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal in marriage posture. The King was also blessed to be with the Perumal and Thayar as the kshetra balan (the man of the place). He is now known as Karuppanna Swamy or Veerappa Swamy and is having a separate shrine between the shrines of Perumal and Alarmelmangai Thayar.
Temple: The prime deity here is Alarmelmangai Thayar and there are separate shrines for Alarmelmangai Thayar and Padmavathi Thayar. This temple is present as a symbol of Shaiva Vaishanav unison – while Thulasi is being given as prasadam in the Perumal shrine, Viboothi (holy ash) is being as prasadam in the Karuppannar shrine. In the Shobana mandapam, there are wonder musical pillars and beautiful sculptures of the ten avatars of Mahavishnu and others on the pillars. For those who could not climb the hill, the foot print of the Perumal is installed at the base of the hill in a mandapam along with Garudan in a standing posture. It is said that having a dharshan of this Perumal’s footprint is equivalent to having a dharshan of the Perumal at the hill top. Also, Govindaraja Perumal temple is situated at the base of the hill. Hundreds of devotees take part in the Girivalam around this hillock on full-moon days.
Contact: 94439 57839 / 94866 37054 / 97912 25033 / 04327 244806
Sri Kasi Visalakshi Sametha Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple at Keerambur
Links: Location
Around Thuraiyur
Sri Boomi devi Neela Devi Sametha Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Pachapperumalpatti (Nathamedu)
Location:
The temple is located near the beautiful and popular picnic spot Puliancholai in the bus routes of Thuraiyur to Puliancholai; Thuraiyur to Namakkal via Pachaperumalpatti; Thuraiyur to Mettupalayam via Pachaperumalpatti
Significance:
One of the popular temples for the “Dosha Nivarthi Stalam”
Main deity: SRI SUNDARARAJA PERUMAL
Other Deities / Shrines:
Sri Vijaya Ganapathi (Thumbikkai Azhwar), Sri Maha Sudharsanar (Chakrathazhwar), Sri Abhayahastha Anjaneyar, Sri Sathya Narayanar, Siriya Thiruvadi, Periya Thiruvadi, Sri Ramanujar, Sri Nammazhwar, Sri Thirumangai Azhwar, Sri Viveshsenar, Sri Kulasekara Azhwar
Important Poojas:
- Sri Sathyanarayana Pooja @ 6:30 PM on every Full moon days (Poornima):
- Abhishegam for Sri Abayahastha Anjaneyar @ 6:30 PM on every Moola Nakshatra days
- Abhishegam for Sri Sudharsanar @ 6:30 PM on every Chithra Nakshatra days which is regarded as the best protection from all evils, dosha nivarana,troubles from enemies, black magic, vasheekaran, evil eye, fear and persecution by evil spirits and health problems. Grants the protection of Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra.
Contact: Sri R.Vijaya Sarathy @ 94420 84316, 04327-233530, 89034 01310
Weblink: Location
Sri Boomi devi Neela Devi Sametha Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple at Maradi
A nice village temple in a serene location taken care well by a sincere bhattar.
Contact: Sri Narayana Bhattar @ 04327 252667 / 94426 67509
Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple at Thandalaiputhur
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Saptha Risheeswrar Temple at Thiruthalaiyur
A parihara sthalam for getting good job
Links: Location Weblink
Trichy – Musiri (Salem)
Sri Matrari Varadeeswarar temple at Thiruvasi – Thevara temple
Location: This is located at 12 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Salem route via Ayyanpalayam on the northern bank of river Kollidam (Coleroon). The ancient name of the place is Thiruppachil Ashram.
Significance: One of 275 Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; Offering Sweet Pongal to God on Monday (or Thursday) and getting the holy water sprinkled is considered equivalent to visiting Kasi
Main Deity: Matrarivaradeeswarar/ Samivaneswarar/ Brahmapureswarar as Swayambu lingam with Balambikaiamman/ Balasundari
Legend:
* The daughter of Kollimazhavan, a ruler, had the Muyalagan disease and Sambandhar cured it
* Once a business man and a Shiva devotee called Kamalan was childless. One day when he was going home from the temple he heard a child crying and found a baby in a lotus flower. He named her Amalai and brought her up. When the child was ready for marriage, he wanted her to be married to his brother-in-law. Amalai was a great devotee of Shiva and so wanted to marry Shiva. Shiva came to their house as Kamalan’s brother-in-law and married Amalai. After the marriage they both left the house saying that they are going to the temple. After they left, original brother-in-law returned home, only then they realised something had happened. They went to temple in search of Amalai and knowing this, Amalai threw her anklet back and it turned to be a river and started flowing. Amalai was Parvathi devi herself and Shiva and Parvathi devi gave dharshan to all the people on the rishba vahana.
* Sundarar got a bag of gold from Lord Shiva in this place.
* Worshipped by Brahma, Lakshmi Umadevi and Sage Agasthiar
Temple: The temple dates back to about 1500 years. Here we can see a snake under the feet of Lord Nataraja instead of Muyalagan. We see Sundarar with golden talam in his hand. Sambandhar and Sundarar sang hymns on Shiva of this place.
Sthala Vruksham: Vanni
Theertham: Amalai river, Panguni river.
Sri Matsyapurisvarar temple at Thudaiyur
Near Thiruvasi, on the northern bank of Kollidam and on the south side of the main road, there is an ancient early Chola temple of the period of Aditya I called Thiru Kadambatturai Udaiya Mahadevar (now named Matsyapurisvarar temple) at Thudaiyar.
Sri Visha mangalaeswarar temple at Thudaiyur
Location: 10 kms from Trichy.
Main Deity: Visha mangalaeswarar with Veera mangalaeswri/ Mangalanayaki amman.
Temple: This Thevara Vaipu Sthalam is a small temple and has lots of special significances.
There is a big snake pit before we enter the temple and the place is also known as Visham Theenda Pathi, meaning poison has no effect here.
We see all the Gods with their wives – Surya with his wife, Lakshmi Narayanar, Kalyana Sundareswarar, Subramanya with Valli Devasena, Brahma and Saraswathi.
Durga is Vishnu Durgai on lotus peetam with agni in hand. Thadangam of Durgai is different here.
Digichandana Dakshina moorhy idol is really good and He is with veena known as Digichandana in his hand. Surya and Chandra are seen on top of Dakshinamoothy to either side with chamaram.
Kalyana Sundareswarar’s left hand is around his wife affectionately holding her close to him and thumb of his feet is above the feet of ambal.
About half a km from here we see Vadha muni stone for which oil abishekam is done on Saturday, Tuesday, full-moon day and half-moon day. The oil is distributed as prasadam to devotees. They say applying the oil will subside any type of pain.
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Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple at Gunaseelam
Location: 16 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Salem route, the place is famous for this temple
Main Deity: Prasanna venkatesa perumal housing Thayar in his chest
Significance: A Prarthana sthalam. Main deity is Swayambu moorthy. The place is called Then Thirupathi and it is said that this Perumal is elder to Srinivasa Perumal of Thirupathi. One who cannot go to Thirupathi can offer their prayers in this temple.
Legend: Gunaseela Maharishi was in penance at his ashram to get the dharshan of Perumal and He appeared to him as swayambu moorthy and hence He is known as Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal.
Temple: There is no separate shrine for Thayar since Perumal is housing the Thayar in His chest. Perumal is in a standing posture wearing a garland of Lakshmi dollar bearing the 1000 names of the Lord (sahasranama) and also a Salagrama garland. The Lord here loves abhisheham and so daily abhishehams take place.
Worship benefits:
Mentally ill people stay here to become normal. During the Uchi Kala Pooja (11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Artha Jama Pooja (8:30 PM) the holy water is sprinkled on the devotees which is said to be expiating all kinds of evils effects and mind diseases like depression. This is a Prarthana sthalam and people wanting to get good marriage and childhood come here and get their wishes sanctioned.
Theertham: Papavinasa theertham.
Sri Raveeswarar Temple at Amoor
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Sri Parimalasunthariyammai Sametha Sri Pannakanaathar Temple at Evur
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Sri Sivagama Sundari Ambal sametha Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple at Thinnakonam
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Sri Ega Pushpa Priyanathar Shiva Temple at Thiruthiyamalai
Location: 10 kms from Thiruvellarai in the Musiri taluk between Thandalai puthur or T.Puthur and Moovanur; Trichy-Musiri buses that go via Thandalai puthur go through
this place. Trichy – Mannachanallur – Thiruthiyamalai – Thandalai puthur – Musiri is the route. Please note that there is another straight route to Musiri from Trichy.
Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Eha Pushpa Priyanadhan with Thayinum Nallal in different sanctums.
Significance: One of the most powerful and most sacred temples, yet hidden and unpopular; 5000 years old temple
Legend:
The temple has a highly sacred and rare legend history behind it:
On a Maha Sivarathiri day, Naradhar revealed a secret to all the rishis at the deva loha. He said there is a flower called “Argyadeva Valli” that appears only once on a particular day at a particular time and worshipping Shiva with this flower will get immediate salvation to crores of lives. It is equivalent to worshipping with all the flowers in the whole world. All the rishis selected Brihu maharishi as the fittest person to carry out this task. Brihu maharishi got just one clue from Naradhar
that this flower will bloom on earth.
After penancing at various places, Brihu maharishi came to Thirukkalambur Sri Vaidhyanatha Swamy temple near Singampunari. A plantain thread from the sacred plantain tree of this temple showed way to Brihu maharishi through Piranmalai, Kolakkudi, Kanjathu malai, Thirumalai, Kunrakudi, Nedungudi and finally disappeared at Thiruthiyamalai. At that time, to his surprise, Agasthiar was undergoing ‘one crore Girivalam’ around the hill along with his wife Lobamatha. Brihu maharishi got some
details of the flower through some secret phrases from Sage Agasthiar and from it, Brihu maharishi realized that only people who got the dharshan of 10 lakh Vilva trees will get the chance to see the flower.
So he went to Kailayam and penanced for several thousand years to prepare himself for the dharshan. After that he came back to Thiruthiyamalai and to his surprise, he met Agasthiar again there and received some more secrets from him. At that time, he saw a huge tree in the middle of the hill with more than 1008 ‘thookkanakuruvi koodu’. Though he had done girivalam so many times before, he never saw that tree before. Thookkanankurvi koodu is considered as a good Vasthu symbol and due to the
1008 of them here, this place is considered as a highly powerful Vasthu power Sthalam. From the language of so many birds, he understood that the flower is going to bloom on the next Maha Sivarathri day and so waited in penance at the foot hill.
On that eventful Maha Sivarthri day, the Argyadevavalli flower finally bloomed and all the thousands of birds flew in abundant happiness chanting ‘Om Namachivaya’ to the Celestial world. Brihu maharishi was slightly upset that he could not see the flower but the birds have already seen it. Agasthiar appeared again with his wife and took Brihu maharishi for the first time to the hilltop (all the time, he was at the foot hill only) and disappeared there. Brihu maharishi finally got the glimpse of
the flower as a reflection in the ‘Kodi Pushpa Aadhi Mahamaha Theertham (Sunai)’ and then raised his head and got the direct dharshan of the flower.
Worship benefits:
* ‘Thiruthuthal’ means ‘correcting the wrongs’ in Tamil and this temple blesses the salvation stage for everyone after correcting all their sins
* The Goddess is having a beautiful name of Thayinum Nallal meaning ‘more caring than mother’ and so protects people from all bad habits and sins
* The temple worship benefits womanhood, especially. Those wanting a good marriage and those who suffer after marriage come here with a basket of raw rice flour and
draw kolams around the Girivala route and on the rocks, worship the God and Goddess to get all their problems solved.
* Those affected with bad habits like smoking, drinking etc can pray here, perform Girivalam and offer Sambar rice as annadhan to poor people. Regular worship here
gets one out of all the bad habits
Temple: The temple dates back to some 5000 years back. It is on a small hillock and looks like a fort. The place is a small village and hardly there is a visitor. The
temple is maintained well. The Girivala route is about a km long and the worship procedure being to go through the Girivalam first and then worship God and Goddess.
Theertham: Kodi Pushpa Aadhi Mahamaha Theertham Sunai (Water spring)
Sri Agneeswarar Temple at Senthamangudi
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Sri Murugan Temple at Ayyampalayam
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Sri Sivakaamasunthari Sametha Sri Thirukameeswarar Temple at Vellur
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Trichy – Kulitalai (Karur)
Sri Aralakesari Sametha Sri Rathnagreeswarar Temple at Mutharasanallur
Location: 7 kms from Trichy to Karur.
Main Deities:
* Rathnagreeswarar and Aralakesari amman in different sanctums.
* Engoinadhar and Maragadha valli amman in different sanctums.
* Kadamba vaneswarar and Bala Kujalambikai in separate sanctums.
Legend: A king by name Mutuarasu used to worship Kadamba vaneswarar of Kulithalai in the morning, Rathanagreeswarar of Ayyarmalai in the noon and Thiru Engoinadhar of Thiru Engoi malai in the evening everyday. When he became old he could not continue his worship as before and so was sad and prayed to Shiva. Shiva came in his dream and asked the King to take the three idols that are lying in the ground near the vanni maram and build a temple there. In the morning, the King found the idols of Shiva and Goddess also and later built this temple. The place is named after him as Muthrasanallur.
Temple: There are three sanctums for Shiva and three sanctums for Goddess. Those who could not go to Kulitalai and worship all the three temples can visit this single temple to get the same benefit. Other shrines are Murugan with Valli and Devayanai, Dakshina moorthy, Ganapathy, Chandeeswarar, Navagraha, Bairava, Sani and Surya.
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Sri Viswanathar temple at Pazhur
Pazhur is located in the Trichy-Karur route about 800 meters before Allur. This temple for Viswanathar-Visalakshmi is famous for Navagraha worship and devotees throng the temple. The Navagrahas are present on a platform inscribed with the 12 rasis along with their respective consorts, vahanas and yandhras. The navagraha mandapam was installed in 1932 as per the instructions of Kanchi Maha Periyavar Sri Chandrasekarendhra Swamigal.
Allur
1) Sri Kalyana Venkatesa Perumal Temple
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2) Sri Panchanadeeshwarar Temple
The deity is called Thiru Vadagudi Paramesvarar (or) Mahadevar.
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3) Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple
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Sri Chandrasekara Swamy Temple at Thiruchendurai
Location: 12 kms from Trichy to Karur.
Main Deity: Swayambu Linga known as Chandrashekara swamy and Maanendiya valli.
Significance: This is one of the Vaippu sthalams.
Temple: Shiva linga looks like jack fruit. Ambikai has deer in her hand. Usually Nataraja in all temples will be attached to Thiruvasi at the back but in this place Nataraja standing on single leg without support is special.
Sthala Vruksham: Jack fruit tree.
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Sri Vada Theerthanathar Temple at Andanallur
Location: 13 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Karur route between Allur (Jeeyapuram) and Thiruchchendurai.
Main Deity: Vadateertheswarar as Swayambu lingam with Balasundari Ambikai.
Temple: This small ancient Chola temple is a Thevara Vaippu sthalam. Andanallur is called Andavanallur in inscriptions.The temple is also called Thiru Alandurai Mahadevar temple.
Kodiyalam
Location: Between Jeeyapuram and Mukkombu (Elamanur); 1 km east from Mukkombu
1) Sri Komalambikai ambal sametha Sri Rudhrakoteeswarar temple
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2) Sri Santhana Gopala Krishnan Temple
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3) Sri Bhagavathy Amman Temple
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Sri Tharuka vaneswarar at Thirupparaithurai – Thevara temple
Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Location: 15 kms from Trichy.
Main Deity: Paraithurai nadhar/ Tharuka vaneswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Pasumpon myilammai, Hemavarnambal facing South.
Legend: This place was called Tharukavanam and once the rishis here were very egoistic and feeling that their knowledge and spiritual powers were just sufficient to uplift the people. They felt God is not at all needed since one’s karma only is responsible for the pain and pleasure of that person. The rishis’ wives were also equally egoistic, thinking that they were the most beautiful of all the worlds including the devaloha ladies and the consorts of the 3 moorthies. Wanting to teach a lesson, Shiva took the form of a beautiful full nude beggar with all his sheen as Bitchadanar accompanied by Vishnu as Mohini.
To teach the lesson first for the ladies, they both went to the Agraharam begging. On seeing such a divinely personality with a magnetic voice for the first time, the ladies forgot themselves, forgot what they were doing and came to streets to see him. On seeing the beauty of the Mohini (Vishnu), they felt ashamed and embarrassed with their egoistic thinking about their beauty. Followed by the wives of the rishis, both Bitchadanar and Mohini went to Tharukavanam where the rishis were doing a yagna.
On getting furious over their wives getting attracted towards this nude beggar, the rishis did different things like creating an elephant, Tiger etc., through yagnas, sending mantras and vedas to fight Bitchadanar but nothing could stand in front of Him. Shiva finally revealed his true identity and did a furious dance in front of them. On realizing their mistakes, the rishis at once surrendered to Bitchadanar. The rishis learnt by hard way that learning all the mantras and vedas are only to promote the human lives and to do good to the society.
Temple: The temple is situated in the place where parai trees are large in number, hence the place is known as Paraithurai. Indhra, Kubera and Saptharishis worshipped Shiva here. Other deities present in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Dakshina moorthy and Navagraha. Sambandhar and Navakarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Meditating under the Parai tree here is considered very special.
Sthala Vruksham: Punnai tree.
Theertham: Cauveri.
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Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam at Thirupparaithurai
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Sri Sundareswarar Temple at Nangavaram
Nangavaram is 18 kms from Trichy and about 3 kms south of Perugamani in the Trichy-Kulitalai route. It has an ancient Sundareswarar temple and a Pidari temple. It is said that the daughter of a Chola king of Woraiyur was born with the face of a jackal and by her devotion to the Lord of this place she got the normal human features. Hence this place is called Mangai-varam (or) Nangai-varam, which became as Nangavaram. The village is called Arinjigai Sathur Vedhimangalam. A stone panel with 24 Jain Theerthangaras is also seen here.
Sri Balambigai Ambal sametha Sri Maadhyarjuneswarar temple at Pettavaithalai
Location: 23 kms from Trichy to Karur.
Significances: All types of ladies specific problems like mensus, uterus, menopause related are said to be cured by worshipping Lord Shiva at this place.
Main Deity: Sri Madhyarjuneswarar with Sri Balambigai Ambal.
Temple: The temple at Pettavaithalai is about 1km inside from the Trichy-Kulitalai main road. The temple was built by 3rd Kulothunga Chola. In a pillar we can see Potralam poovai chittar. The Jeeva samadhi of Potralam poovai chittar is present here. Worshipping Lord Shiva in this place is recommended to get rid of Brahmahatti dosha. Other deities like Sri Bitchadanar, Sri Saraswathi, Sri Dandayudhapani, Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Surya, Sri Chandra and Navagrahas are present.
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Sri Devanaayaki Sametha Sri Maththiyaarjuneswarar Temple at Rajendram
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In and Around Kulitalai and Musiri
Kulitalai and Musiri are on the opposite banks of Cauvery, whereas Kulitalai is in the Trichy-Karur route running along the southern bank of the Cauveri, Musiri is in the Trichy-Salem route running along the northern bank of the Cauveri. Both are at about 40 kms from Trichy and connected by a bridge across the river. The cauvery here is called “Aganda (wide) Cauvery” and has a width of more than 1 KM.
Photos are available here
Morning Kadambar – Noon Chokkar – Evening Thiruvengi nadhar
There are three important sacred shiva temples in this region glorified by the Thevara hymns and Agathiar used to worship all the three in a single day. Agasthiar was not satisfied even after worshipping so many temples in south and finally got satisfaction after worshipping these three temples. He worshipped Kadamba nadhar at Kadambar koil in the morning, Rathnagresswarar temple at Ayyarmalai (Thiruvatpokki) in the noon, and the Thiruvengi nadhar at Thiru-engoi-malai in the evening. It is considered that worshipping all of them in a single day will get us salvation.
Sri Kadamba vaneswarar Temple at Kulithalai
Location: Kulithalai town
Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; north facing temple like Kasi, considered equivalent to Kasi and is called Dakshina Kasi; considered equivalent to Madurai and is called Vada Madurai
Main Deity: Kadambavaneswarar/ Sundaresar/ Soundareswarar with Mutrila mulaiamai/ Bala Gujambigai
Legend:
The legend has been described in the Kanda Puranam
* Brahma got fatigue over his job of creating lives and prayed to Shiva for salvation. Per Shiva’s guidance, Brahma penanced here for 1000 Deva years and got finally the dharshan of Lord Shiva in his Rishaba vahana
* Once there was a fight between Goddess Durga and demon Dhoomralosan. When the demon got stronger in the fight, the Saptha Kannigas joined Durga devi and made the demon run away. The demon ran and hid at the place of Sage Kathyayanar. The Saptha Kannigas mistook that the demon was hiding in the form of Sage and so killed the sage cruelly. Due to this, they got the Brahma harthi dhosham and got it relieved off only after worshipping Shiva here. At the sanctum sanctorum, behind the moolavar, the Saptha Kannigas are present in a sculpture.
* Per the request of Devasarma, Shiva gave the dharshan of his wedding with Goddess Meenakshi and so this place is called Vada Madurai. So He is called Sundaresar.
* Demon Somugan once took away the four Vedas and hid it in the Bhadala logam. So Lord Vishnu worshipped Shiva here and with His blessings went under the ground in the Machavathar and brought back the Vedas. So this place is called Vedhapuri
* When Shiva was preaching Pranava mantra to Paravthi devi, Murugar, without any Guru, learnt it by overhearing. So he became a Moogar and to get rid of the curse, He worshipped Shiva in many places and finally came here and got the curse cleared. Uma devi kissed murugar on his forehead and made him sit by the side of Shiva. So this place is called Kandhapuram
Temple:
The temple has 2 praharams and the amman shrine is facing east. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Subramanyar, Natarajar, Somaskandar, Navagrahas, Jeshtadevi, Nalvar, 63 nayanmars, Sekkizhar, Viswanathar and Gajalakshmi. Vishnu shrine is present in the Agni corner at the banks of the Brahma Theertham. Arunagirinadhar sang Thiruppugazh on this Shiva.
Theertham: Brahma Theertham
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Thaipoosa Festival:
This is a highly popular festival for this region conducted on a grand scale during the Poosa star day of tamil month Thai. The urchava idols of the following seven surrounding temples come here for the cauvery river bath and give dharshan to the devotees. The celebrations take place for the whole night with discourses, musical and dance performances at various places – a typical village temple festival, to be witnessed by everyone once in lifetime, especially the younger generations of the city.
1) Sri Madhyarsneswarar from Rajendram
2) Sri Madhyarsneswarar from Pettavaithalai
3) Sri Rathnagreeswarar from Ayyarmalai
4) Sri Simmapureeswarar from Karuppathur
5) Sri Maragathachaleswarar from Thiru-engoi-malai
6) Sri Chandramouleeswarar from Musiri and
7) Sri Thirukkameeswarar from Vellur
Sri Rathnagreeswarar Temple at Ayyarmalai
Location: 8 kms from Kulithalai and 40 kms from Manapparai in the Kulitalai-Manapparai road.
Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; the first in the list of South of Cauvery temples; water for abishekam is being carried everyday from the Cauvery river 9 kilometers away and through the 1017 steps of the hill
Main deity: Rathnagreeswarar/ Rajalingam/ Valpokki with Karumbar Kuzhali.
Theertham: Cauvery
Sthala Vruksham: Neem
Legend:
* Ayyarmalai is one of the peaks of Meru Mount and the Linga is a Jyothir Linga
* Worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Indhran, Vayu, Adhiseshan, Surya, Agni, Durgai, Saptha Kannigas and Sages Agathiar and Romasar
* Both Vayu and Aadhi seshan got into the sin of defecting the Mount Meru and in order to get rid of their sins, they worshipped Shiva here
* Indhran once behaved improperly with the wife of Sage Gouthamar and so was cursed. After visiting so many temples, finally he got his curse cleared by worshipping Shiva here
* Once the Navarathna crown of King Aryarajan could not be found and he prayed to Shiva. He came here and tried to fill a big bowl called Kopparai meant for storing the abisheka water. But it did not become full even after pouring the Cauvery water endlessly. The angry King took the sword and threw it on the Linga which began to bleed. The king reconciling from the fury fell at the feet of the Lord, who in turn pardoned him and also got back his lost crown. The scar is still visible on the Linga and that’s why the deity is called Vatpokki.
* A devotee, Vaira Perumal of Kancheepuram vowed to offer his head to Rathnagreeswarar if he gets a child. He kept his promise sooner the wish was achieved. The head came to the peak of the mount while the feet stayed down. Honey and Coconut milk is used for the abishek for this head. The garlands used for the presiding deity is then offered to this head.
* Sundharamoorthy Nayanar received gold from Shiva
* Once a crow spilled the milk bowl of a devotee and the crow got burnt. From then on, no crow flies on the hill above this particular height. There is a mandapam called crow mandapam to indicate this.
Temple: The temple is on a steep hill of 1178 feet height and has 1017 steps with a circumference of 4 kms in 110 acres area. There are many resting mandapams for every 100 feet. The swayambu Linga is in the midst of 8 rocks and this is the 9th rock. All these are revered as Navarathnas. During the month of Chithirai, April-May, the sun rays fall on the Shivalinga through the nine holes in front of the sanctum sanctorum. The special thing about this temple is that the water for abishekam is being carried everyday from the Cauvery river 9 kilometers away and through these 1017 steps. There is a beautiful temple tank at the base of the hill. The temple is praised in the hymns of Thirunavukkarasar and Arunagiriar Thirupugazh. The snakes here have no poison. The Lord offers dharshan on the 1st day of Karthikai, wearing a priceless crown. Devotees in large number undertake Girivalam during the Full moon days. Trichy Rockfort and Srirangam temple tower which are 40 kms away are visible from here
Note: During the summer, while coming down, due to excessive heat you may have to literally run down from one mandapam to the other mandapam. It is advisable to go prepared with a pair of socks to escape the heat from the floor.
Contact: V.Sathish Sivam (Priest) 9894789135 (or) 95-4323-223257; ayyarmalai3a@yahoo.co.in
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Sri Thiruvengi nadhar Temple at Thiru-engoi-malai
Location: 40 Km from Trichy and and 5 kms from Musiri towards Thottiam.
Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Maragathaleswarar/ Malaikozhnthar with Goddess Maragathambigai / Maragathavalli
Place: The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai /Thenkailayam /Sivasakthimalai /Malaikovil / Erattimalai.
Legend:
* The name of the place is said to be derived from Thiru-i-ongaimalai (‘i’ meaning bee in Tamil) and to have been so called because the sage Agasthiar, finding the gates of the temple closed one evening, took the form of a bee and entered the temple to perform his worship.
* When Sundarar went to see the Lord, He hid himself in tamarind and when Sambandhar asked for gold, He gave the tamarind from the tree which became gold.
* Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so the hill is also called Sivasakthi malai.
Temple: The temple is on a hillock on the bank of the river Cauvery and 500 steps lead to the temple. The river ‘Surpanathi’, also called Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai, passes by the side of the hillock. The original Swayambu lingam of the temple called Maragatha lingam is said to be transparent and also to throw a green shadow when camphor is burned. Sadly, such a precious and sacred lingam was stolen a few years back and is one of the many temple thefts that are still happening as a day to day news. The God is connected with the deities of Kadambar kovil and Ayyarmalai. At the base of the temple lies Siddhar Bogar temple. Poet Nakkeerar has sung 70 songs named ‘Engoi-Elupathu’.
Note: Very nearby in the foothills of Thirueengoimalai is the “Chayapeedam” of Shri Lalithamba (One of the 51 shakthi peedams). The whole temple is being maintained by yogini ladies (Brahmacharinis).
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Sri Periyanayahi Ambal sametha Sri Sivapureeswarar temple at Shivayam
Location: 1.5 km from Ayyarmalai
Main deity: Sivapureeswarar with Periyanayahi
Significance: Natarajar here is very beautiful
Temple: There are two gopurams, the first one is a 5 stage gopuram and the next one is a 3 stage one. The temple walls are big and the wooden door to the first entrance, called Ramayana door, is huge with the sculptures of Ramayana and other legends. There are 100 pillars and 16 pillars mandapams.
Sri Mariamman temple at Kulitalai
This is a very popular temple and the car festival during the summer is highly popular for the entire surrounding region.
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Sri Neelamegha Perumal Temple at Kulitalai
Very ancient temple
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Sri Simhapureeswarar Temple at Karupathur
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Sri Mahalakshmi Temple at Mahadhanapuram
This is a vast temple where annual festival of coconut breaking on head(!!) takes place.
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Sri Viswanathar Temple at Mahadhanapuram
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Sri Yoga Narasimhar Temple at Chinthalavadi
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Musiri – Namakkal
Musiri
1) Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple
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2) Sri Viswanathar Temple
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3) Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple
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4) Sri Azhagu Nachiamman Temple
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5) Sri Raghavendra Swamy and Sri Anjaneya temple
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Sri Kuranganathar temple in Srinivasanallur
Location: This temple is at about 50 kms from Trichy between Thottiyam and Musiri in the Trichy-Salem highway, on the banks of the river Cauvery.
Significance: This has been declared as a monument, being maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and is not a living temple.
Temple: It is a stunningly beautiful piece of early Chola architecture. Very intricately carved sculptures proclaim the rich artistic skills of the period. The vimana of the temple is unique with a two tier structure and a smaller central third tier with a square dome and a finial. Inscriptions of Parantaka Cholan dating 935 – 950 CE and further more are found on the walls of this temple.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Sri Mahaperiyava Vidhyabhyasam at Mahendhra mangalam
Kanchi Maha Periyavar stayed here for 5 years and learnt Vedhas. There is a manimandapam built for him
Links: Location
Sri Madura Kaliamman Temple at Thottiam
Place: Thottiyam is in Musiri-Namakkal route and the temple of Madura Kaliamman is just half a km from Vanapattarai ground. This village is called Gowtharasanallur.
Legend: About 500 years back King Esanakarayar ruled this area. Chinnan, a servant who worked in his stable, wants to go to Kali Festival at Madurai. He got permission from the King and went to Madurai with his “Parai”, a musical drum and stayed at his brother-in-law’s house. Next day he went to Kali temple and began to play “Parai” rhythmically. Goddess Kali, admired by the music of Chinnan, followed him back to Thottiyam and seated under the ‘Vanni’ tree. Later a temple was constructed by Pujankrayar at this place.
Temple: The temple is surrounded by lush green fields. There is a 3 tier tower, 27 pillar mandapam and a 5 pillar Arthamandapam. Many beautiful sculptures are carved inside the temple.
Sthala Vruksham: Vanni tree.
Note: Traces of a fort and an idol namely the Fort Karuppan are also in this village.
Sri Thirupursundari Samedha Sri Analadeswarar Temple at Thottiam
In the Esawari tank at this temple the Agni Kund/ Brahma Kund/ Yaha Kund of Lord Brahma from which Lord Shiva came for ‘Thiripurasamharam’ dance is present. Therefore, this Shiva is called ‘Analadeeswarar’. The tributary of Cauveri river flows in front of the Shiva temple.
Links: Location
Sri Mariamman Temple at Karthigaipatti
Links: Location Weblink
Arasalur
1) Sri Sukantha Kunthalambikai Sametha Sri Thayumanaswami Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Navaneetha Krishnan Temple
Links: Location Weblink
Varadharajapuram
1) Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Links: Location Weblink
2) Shri Pushpavalli Ambal Shri Pushpavaneswarar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Vedhanarayanar Temple at Thiru Narayanapuram
Location: Thottiam taluk; 1 km from Varadaraja puram; while going from Musiri to Salem, take the left side road at Thottiyam (right side road goes to Namakkal/ Salem) that goes to Kattuputhur, Thiru narayanapuram, Arasalur and Mohanur
Main Deity: Veda Narayanar in lying posture with Sridevi and Bhoodhevi Thayars
Significance: Swayambu Veda Narayana Perumal on Aadhi seshan with 10 heads.
Legend:
* Once Mahabala chakravarthy Vanarayar was travelling to Mysore via this place to fight and expand his kingdom. At night they had to halt here and the King had a dream that Vedanarayana perumal is under the mud and He has to be uncovered and installed in a temple. The King did the same and the pooja and then only proceeded further. No doubt, the King then won the fight without any effort.
* Another legend being that the Arayar family came here for worship. That day fire broke out and the temple with temporary structure got fire and Arayar with his family laid on the idol to save Him from fire and attained moksha.
* After Hiranya vadham, Perumal was in anger. Prahaladha worshipped Him and asked Him to be in santha swaroopam in this place forever.
* Once Brahma was in ego as a creator of lives and so Perumal wanted to teach him a lesson. He created an ugly person and sent him to Brahma. Looking at the person Brahma was confused as to who could have created such an ugly person. To clear his doubt he asked the Veda Narayana perumal and the Perumal replied him that since Brahma is the God of creation it could be none other than Brahma. Brahma’s ego was shattered and the ugly person disappeared. Brahma asked Veda Narayanar to preach him Veda and got it preached and so we can see the right palm of Perumal is kept open in a posture of preaching Brahma.
Temple: The place is also called Chathurvedimangalam and Vedapuri. In the Sanctum, Perumal is reclining on Aadhiseshan and the four vedas are used as pillows. Sridevi and Boodevi are by the side. This is a very ancient temple with additions constructed during the Nayakar period in the 15th century. This temple has two prakaram and two main shrines for Perumal and Thayar. There is also a separate shrine for Goddess Saraswathi. Anjeneya in the front pillar is special here as people keep him as a judge for their issues. Prahaladha as a small boy is also seen in the temple. The temple is a small one but well maintained. This temple is considered to be an important one as Lord Perumal is preaching Brahma.
Theertham: Cauvery
Sthala Vruksham: Vilva tree
Links: Location Photos Weblink(Tamil) Weblink(English)
Sri Sridevi and Sri Bhoodevi Thayars sametha Sri Venkatramana Swamy Temple at Thiru Kattuputhur
Location: 10 kms from Thiru Narayana puram near Thottiyam; while going from Musiri to Salem, take the left side road at Thottiyam to Kattuputhur
Main Deity: Venkatramana Swamy with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayars.
Significance: The temple is 300 years old; Venkatramana perumal revealed himself to Musukunda Chakravarthi
Links: Location
Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Kattuputhur
Links: Location
Trichy – Madurai
Viralimalai
A highly popular and ancient Murugar temple
Places of Interest
For a stay at Trichy temple trips, the best place is Yatri Nivas at Srirangam, the one built by the late CM JJ. It’s a typical (close to) resort type environment with a huge parking space, a nice restaurant, shopping place, ATM, rooms, dormitories, cottages and huge lawns in front of every building. It has a capacity to accommodate 1000+ people. Only Rs 500 for a non-AC double bed and Rs 750 for an AC double bed. Kids will love this place, for sure. A nice place for a night sit-out with family and friends but unfortunately not so well maintained nowadays. It may be better to go prepared with your own pillows and bedsheets.
Check here for booking details
Mayavaram Lodge at Vanappattarai Street near Chatram bus stamd / Theppakkulam is a 50+ years old lodge. Food without onion and garlic are served even today! A new annexe also has come.
Contact: 0431 – 2714040 / 2715050 / 2704089/ 2711400
Also, at a walkable distance at the junction of Vanappattarai street and North Andal street, Krishna Coffee serves very nice filter coffee
Raju's Temple Visits 
Fantasticd & fascinating work with very useful information.Can U please tell me how to reach Gokarna temple in Karnataka from bangalore?
Extensive research and commendable efforts on providing even the minute details about all the kshetras. May the lord emperuman Vishnu bless you and your family with all the happiness. Thanks.
Thank you Sir
I am going to srirangam with two elderly persons and you site was so useful and I hv written for them the temples they can see within the two days we are there. I wish we could see more temples.
I want to know the name & address of the temple in valadi, where goddess sri mahalakshmi sitting on the lap of narayayana with mace
Dear Raju Sir,
I came across your site while i was browsing for some old ancient temples. I am really fascinated with your work.
I visited Vellore recently with the details that you have posted here. I could see only few places. Planning to visit again and complete all the visits.
My next target is Trichy. i see so much of info about Trichy. You are doing a great work.
Need your help for planning to see the places in and around trichy. I am from Bangalore. Is 2 days enough to see all these places?
Dear sir, Your coverage for Tiruchy is amazing. I plan to go to Kamakhya and Mukthinath from Coimbatore and desire tocover Sirsi and Pune. Will u pl suggest nearby temples if any My email address is: narayan.sv@gmail.com Regards and Thanks S.V.Narayanan ASGM, SBI (Retd) Kovai
sir, kindly let me know whether any diety with right leg folded and left leg let down in somarasampettai, trichy
sir,
I want to find the exact location of suyambu koal yethi murugan temple at thuraiyur, if you are known about the location please mail it to sarviga.shick@gmail.com
Thank you sir,
there is a temple by name aatrazhagiya singar near cauvery bridge from chinthamani towards oyamari road
there is a temple for cauvery amman opposite to annadana samajam, near north andar street and i think this is the only temple for cauvery amman in tamilnadu
Very precise descriptions. Thank u.
I am new to trichy and was eager in exploring various temples around trichy. Found this awesome page and this one page gives me almost every temples which I would love to cover soon. Your deep research, vast knowledge in this ….is helping everyone alot. Keep up your good service…
Thank you Sir
sir this is very important,,do you know theepachi amman temple in trichy sir,if you know reply me, stm2012cfv@gmail.com pls sir
Raju sir,
Can you help me to know where is Dheerga Sumangali Amman temple in Tryichy district ?
No words i found other than Thank You.
Thank you Sir,…………..
Really impressed and on knowing the legend, getting excited to visit those places
I had not met you. But I am having great respect on you Raju Sir….
Thanks very much Madam
Sir great effort… am looking for vilvanathar temple in K Sathanur trichy. if you have any information please share
Thanks so much for the information. We hope to benefit from this information when we visit Trichy next.
Good information by Shri Raju on the temples in and around trichy. i am from perambalur and it is useful to me for visiting these temples. Good work. Keep it up. Naveenkumar L S
Adhi Lakshmi perumal Temple (adhi Moola Perumal temple) contact No. Sridhar Bhattar… 98424 96764
good Info Raj
Excellent Information about mostly every temples in and around trichy
very good information about temples
please sir can i get thottichi kondaiamman temple in trichy. Please contact to 7502755108 or 7305343108
Its such a helpful website.can u pls assist me with a good nageswari templs in trichy. Thank you.
May i know the exact location of the small temple of bhavanarayana maharishi in ramji nagar, trichy? Any contact details will be good. Kindly assist. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for the pains taken in giving fruitful information.
Thanjavur MANI Iyert.
sir where is kadali narashimhar koil in trichy .mentioned by Mr. A.R. Rajagopalan in last week kumudam magazine.he mentioned that this place is around 10kms in trichy.can u give me the details.
very useful.will definitely follow this way and cover max places..thank u
Sir
The Temple at West Bouliward Road one of Panchabhootha Sthalangal is Kasiviswanathar Temple.
The Raghavendra Mutt is not near Ashagiyasingar Temple as mentioned.The Mutt is in Raghavendrapuram few meters before South Big Rajagopuram of Ranganathar Temple.
Can I get the phone details of Thudaiyur Vishamangaleswarar temple?
Hi,
Great Work. Its a guide who want to visit these places. Keep going and wish you all the very best for all endeavours.
I have a query here. Is anyone aware of Gilivaneshwarar temple near mannachanallur. I didnt find much details about this temple in net. Can someone help with more details..
Very good job Sir. May God bless you and your family.
Thanks for the great efforts.This is a great collection.All are benefitted.May god give all blessings to you.
dear raju
it has been my desire and urge for information on saivaite and vaishnavaite temples in and around tiruchi. after going through your insight i was perplexed and astonished to see finer deatils. kudos to you. i am now planning to cover good part of the temples in the coming october. will u kindly share ur email and tel no. i am chillara ganesh, sr. manager, allahabad bank, chennai i can be reached on 9884467180 or mail id
ganeshchillara@gmail.com. my hearfull wishes to u for all the information
Author’s hard work, his dedication to hindu religion, patience to post such worthy stuff in net, his deep religious consciousness all together brings kudos to his golden efforts.
Thank you Mr.Senthurvelan.
I had been in Tiruchy from 1964 when I joined REC, Tiruchy. But for a 16 years gap I had been living here. But I find information here are unknown so far to me and I am thankful to the keen efforts taken by the author to visit and again greater efforts to bring them up for telling others. Great service indeed…
Thank you Sir.
In Trichy Town near Chatram Bus stand very near on eatern side there is one vanapathra kali amman koil few hundred years old. the Strret is known as vaanapattarai street. We also informed that the place was once the way to vaana pattarai(Gun factory) opposite is Clives House – Anglican Fort. Usually
Anciendu warriors uded to worship Durga/Amman/Kali during War periods there these tally with our custom.
The temple – very small has now known as vanapathrakaliamman koil or vadapathra kaliamman koil is under private management. The temple is highly powerful in solving all kinds of problems and now the Temple has dieties of Shirdi Sai Bagwan, Bairavar, Saneeswarar, Murugan,Ganesh
navagrahas and all . Most of the Idols are Uthsavamurthams in Panchaloga and the temple is full of Gods.
Even ,Devotees nearby area are unaware of this old temple on the banks of
Teppakulam,Trichy.
great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, thanks for the information
Excellent work sir.May God bless you and yourfamily
may i know in which temples 63 nayanmars stone statues are present in trichy or thanjavur please tell me Thank you
Thanks for the information. I was on the search for such type of data. Truly a great master piece. May god grant all your wishes and bless you.
excellent narration. good work.
Nice work. May God Bless U & family.
A great effort to benefit devotees.God bless you
Srinivasan
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SIR.
I want to know about a temple in Vayalur (may in or around Vayalur) which is known for changing naughty children to good children.
There is a small Narasimhar temple known as Odaithurai Narasimhar Temple on East Chintamani, in the Banks of Cauvery Before Starting of Bridge connecting Trichy & Srirangam. Also known as Aaththuashahiya Singar Koil. Lakshmi Narasimhar Swami Placed amongst 21 pillars depicting 21 sub parts of vedas and 4 walls depicting 4 Vedas. We have to round prathakshana minimum 12 times to get Blessings. Hanuman sannathi is here with abhaya varatha Posture. Uthsavar Hanuman has third eye. LakshmiNarasimhar is found in a Thoppu on Cauvery Banks and placed here as per Gods instruction In Dream of the Thoppu Owner. Similarly when there was disturbances in Bridge Construction , God came to Engineer Dream and consttruct a small temple ans after constructing this small temple, the Bridge was completed within no time.
Here Narasimhar,Lakshmi & Hanumans – all Gods are varapradees to the worshippers
samavedeeswarar temple contact no 9710064571 [ambi gurukkal]
Is this also called Parasurameswarar Koyil? because Krishnakumar has paired those names on photos he’s taken. I’m confused.
good job!!
do you have any idea about a karuppanna swamy temple in lalgudi
paru63@gmail.com
Very good information to help to plan our temple visits… selva ..
mselva52@ymail.com.
May God bless you 🙂