Sri Uthara Guruvayoorappan Temple,Nanganallur

Sri Uthara Guruvayoorappan Temple,Nanganallur

The temple in Kerala style is having Sri Guruvayoorappan very similar to the Kerala Guruvayoor divinity. In Nanganallur Bhagavathi amman is present in a part shrine and she is a gorge to the eyes. Goddess Bhagavathi is “Deepa Swaroopam” and represents the Trinity of Goddess – Mahalakshmi , Saraswathi and Durga. There are also shrines for Sri Dharmasastha,Sri Prasana Vinayaka and the Naavagrahas. There is also a separate shrine for Lord Venkateswara .There is a huge Peplum Tree as The Sthalavriksham and an Idol of Sankarshana is installed underneath the Peplum Tree in the separate enclosure.

Pancha Bootha Sthalams:

Pancha Bootha Sthalams:

There are Pancha boodha sthalam the same in Chennai at the heart of the city which is considered very powerful and they are:

v  Kalahasthi temple at Pavalakarai Street, Mannadi, representing Air.

v  Arunachaleswara temple in Thiruvottiyur, representing fire.

v  Gangadareswarer Temple in Purasawalkam, representing water.

v  Chidambaranatha Temple in Choolai, representing Sky.

v  Ekambareswarer Temple in Mint representing Earth.

St.Thomas Mount

St.Thomas Mount(Punitha Thomaiyar Malai) is a small hillock in Chennai and located near the Guindy .This mount is associated with St.Thomas , the disciple of Christ , who believed to have been martyred here.The mount is commonly called as ParangiMalai basically means “ Mountain of foreigners”.In 1547, a mine unearthed a stone cross with old Sassainid Pallavi inscriptions on it. The cross, reputed to have been made by the Thomas himself, became known as the ‘Bleeding Cross’ as it has mark resembling blood stains which resurface even after being scrubbed off. It is also invented to “bleed” afresh periodically. Indian Christians trace the origin of their church to the follower of St.Thomas who lived here in Chennai  till his martyrdom nearly 2000years ago.Over a period of time of Anglo Indians predominated in this part o fthe city of Chennai.Later the shrine was dedicated to Mother Mary at the spot where St.Thomas died in 72AD.tha flight of 160 steps leads to the shrine.

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Sri Kandaswamy temple / Kandakottam

This temple is located in East Chennai, Rasappa Chetty Street. The main divinity here is Thirupporur Kandaswamy and the Urchava god is Muthukumara swamy. Inside the temple, the “Saravana Poihai” temple tank is present and unexpectedly the water is at the same level as when the temple was built many hundred years ago, in spite of being located in the city’s densest commercial place.This temple holds a history, When Mari chettiar and Kandappa Achari were going to Thirupporur Murugan Temple by walk, they rested at a place and a dream came to both of them simultaneously that there is a Murugan idol below the earth there. The idol was unearthed, brought here and a temple was built during 1670s.

Nandhavanam as Nandambakkam:

The temple of Lord Rama or Konthandaramar is one of the oldest temples in Chennai. According to sthapathies, Lord Rama on his way to Sri Lanka, offered homage to sage Bhringi, who was doing sacrament on the hill named after him (Bhringimalai), He asked Rama to stay with him. A Garden was laid near the hill where Lord Rama spent his time which came to be known as Nandhavanam and later Nandhambakkam. The descentanats of Vijayanagar rulers constructed the temple for Rama,Sit and Lakshmana around 750 yrs ago, in the place where Rama stayed. The unique idols that the sage worshipped were installed in this temple. Shrines for Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala, Goddess Alarmelmangai Thayar, Nandavana Kannan, Ananda Anjaneyar, Azhwars and Acharyas were later installed and the temple became a big intricate. The special features of this temple are that it faces south and Sita is found sitting on Rama's lap. The temple is also called `Then Thirupathi of Thondai Mandalam'. An eternal lamp burns in the Vasantha mandapam with 288 ghee lamps around it. And from my childhood I often visit this temple since it is just a km from my residence.

Sripuram Golden temple

Whenever people heed the name “Golden temple”, the first choice would always be the Amritsar Sikh temple .But now days we also refer Sripuram Golden temple. I have been to this temple and would like to share some unique features of it. The temple is built in 100 acres wide area with one ton of gold worth 600 crore with goddess Mahalakshmi sannidhanam and Sri Narayani Peedam. Before we reach the temple we need to walk a long way and the path is been star- shaped with marble floor. Not everyone is allowed near the Karuvarai but the dharshans are charged Rs.100 here. Apart from that most of the people prefer Swarna Pushpa archana seva, as the name itself says the archana with 108 gold flowers and out of which one flower will be given to the devotee after the pooja. And we can gradually notice the crowd are covered from all over the world.

Phenomenon prospects of the divinities:

                                      People always believe in creed for their super natural powers and in that case there are lots of temples holding a lot of amazing happening by their spiritual lord, I am going to share something which I witnessed as such.,

* In the median of Kancheepuram and Arakonam , thakolam , a small village clutch a Jalanathesvarar Temple , hold a proud lingam structured lord which changes into two different colors according to the weather conditions. During the spring season the lingam appears to be in white and in summer it emerges in red colors.  And the lingam holds a blemish which happened during a downpour in that village.

*We can see goddess Amman posturing alone in most of the temples but there is a temple in thiruchy where goddess is seeing with sithanathaswami, and this posture is preset no where all over the world.

Unknown but Famous temples in Kulithalai, Karur

Kulithalai is a small city or a municipality in Karur District. It has an average elevation of 86 m (282 ft).But which has many temples in and around it. The population of this village is not high .I got this information’s about these temples from my mother , felt interesting and that made me to share through this blog.

1. Kadambar Kovil - This is a popular, ancient Shiva temple with large premises in the heart of the town. Built on the banks of river Cauvery, the tall Gopuram and the stone walls render artistic beauty to the town. The Thai Poosam festival held in the Tamil month of Thai is famous for the congregation of Gods from the surrounding 7 villages marking a historical myth.

2. Mariamman Kovil - Thiru Therr Vizha held at this temple yearly is a highlight of the town's celebrations. People from the surrounding areas bath early in the morning in Cauvery and carry the holy water to the temple for Abhishekam. This fortnightly ceremony ends on the festive day when people perform their prayers and offerings through Theertha Kudam, Alagu (Piercing), Agni Chatti (Pot with Fire) and Pookuli Midhithal (Walking on fire).

3. Aiyar Malai - Also called Aivar Malai, this hill is located at about 10 km South of Kulithalai. On top of this hill resides Rathinagireeshwarar (Shiva). This hill has over 1000 steps. This path is a tough climb as it is almost 60 to 70 degrees inclined to the base. Full Moon days and Somavaram (Mondays) during the Tamil Month of Karthigai are considered very special to visit the God here.

4. Thiru Eengoinathar Malai - This small hill situated around 3 km to the north of Kulithalai is abode to Lord Shiva. To reach this place one needs to cross river Cauvery via the bridge connecting Kulithalai and Musiri. This bridge is rumoured to be the 2nd longest bridge in India.

There is a famous saying "Kalai Kadambar, Mathiyana Sokkar, Andhi Thiru Eengoinadhar" - meaning "if one visits the 3 holy places of Shiva in that order on the same day, he/she will be bestowed with blessings for an entire life".

Similar designed temples in Tamil nadu

This beautiful Sundara varadharajar temple located Uthiramearur , vandavasi  has 9 perumals. 3 perumals are in the praharams around the main shrine; 3 perumals are in 3 tiers - Ninra (standing), Irundha (sitting) and Kidantha (lying) postures and 3 perumals within the vimanam while going up the 3 tiers. There is a way to go around the vimanam. 5 perumals of this temple had given dharshans to the Pancha pandavas individually. Besant nagar Ashtalakshmi temple had been constructed based on this architecture only. A veera anjaneya shrine is front of the temple is also a beautiful one. There are now 5 courtyards. After the long period of Chola patronage, and the political confusion following their decline, the Varadaraja Perumaal temple, came under the patronage of the devout Vijayanagar rulers, who added the towering Eastern Gopuram, and the beautiful Kalyana Mandapam, the Oonjal mandapam etc. Vijayanagar rulers embellished this shrine in the 16th century with minute carvings, pillared verandahs for circumambulation, a shrine for Andal, large hall for Navaratri, Unjal Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam, (575 sq meters in 2 meter high plinth with 96 monolithic pillars, geometric designs, yalis, rampant horsemen, european soldiers). The east gopuram is 9 tiered rising to a height of 180 feet while the western gopuram is 160 feet high. The temple occupies an area of 20 acres. Stone chains adorn the hundred pillared halls.  Chennai Ashtalakshmi temple is situated in Besant Nagar, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.  That stretch of beach is known as the Elliot's beach.  The temple was constructed on the express wishes of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal. 

The temple's architecture is unique, with the deities installed in four levels.  The shrine of Mahaalakshmi & Mahaavishnu (the principal deities) is in level two.  Here one can see the imposing, bigger than life vigrahams facing the eastern horizon overlooking the sea. Walking up the stairs to the third tier, the path leads to the shrine of Santaana Lakshmi (bestower of offspring) facing south.  Next we get the darshan of Vijayalakshmi (bestower of success in all ventures, vijaya - success), on the western side on the 3rd tier.  Vidyaalakshmi (associated with learning & wisdom) sits facing the northern side & the shrine of Gajalaskhmi (bestower of all round prosperity) is located facing the eastern side on the 3rd tier.  A flight of few steps above leads one to the 4th tier, where the Dhanalakshmi (Goddess of wealth) shrine is located facing eastward.  Her's is the only shrine on the 4th level. Exiting the main shrine - the principal deities, at the ground level on the southern flank of the gopuram is the shrine for Aadhi Lakshmi.  One the western flank is the shrine for Dhaanya Lakshmi (Goddess of food grains).  Dhairiya Lakshmi's (the Goddess of courage & strength) shrine is situated on the northern flank. There is a huge hundi for Venkataachalapathi within the complex.  There is a sannadhi for the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, to the left of which is the Madapalli (the kitchen for preparing naivedhiyam for the Gods).  There are shrines for Tumbikai Aazhwar (Ganesha), Guruvaayurappan, Chakrathaazhwar & Narasimhar (on either side of the same idol), Aanjaneyar & Dhanvantri. 

I been to both and loved the architecture works.

Jewellery of Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, jewellery is worn as a practice and everyone is seen wearing some ornament or the other. The ancient jewellery making ritual of this region speaks of a high degree of brilliance and workmanships. Gold is considered propitious and good for health. It is made into ornaments for every part of the body except the feet, where it is worn only by gods and kings. The traditional bridal jewellery, set with stones and known as thalaisaamaan, is worn on the head and hair by devadaasis/temple dancers who were considered marital to the god and as such came to be called temple jewellery.But they are worn by everyone now a days.

The ornaments shaped like the sun and moon are set with rubies sprinkle with emeralds and uncut diamond and are worn on the departure of the hair along the forehead. Behind the hair decoration is worn the raakkodi or naagar, a stone-encrusted piece shaped like a five-headed snake with a swan in the centre. Below this, set in stones (rubies and diamonds), is the hairpiece or jadanaagam that follows the shape of the plaited hair in a tangled design.

Older women in rural areas wear heavy gold ornamented ear jewelry called paambadam made of six earrings. Ear studs can be kadukkan (single-stone), kammal (lotus-shaped with rubies or diamonds), jimikki (bell-shaped ear-drops), lolaakku ( ear-drops of any design) or maattal which is made of gold or pearls and is hooked to the earring and then attached to the hair above the ear.

Ornaments for the nose include the single stoned mookkupottu or the besari and muthu studded with eight diamonds or the swan shaped hamsa besari, all of which are worn balanced from the central part of the nose.

Mangalsutra is the main neck ornament that is worn on an auspicious thread or on a gold chain. The pendant on the Mangalsutra indicates the community of the wearer. It could be shaped like a tulsi (holy basil plant), the shape of Vishnu or it could be heavily stone-studded as worn by Chettinad women. The other varieties of neckwear include necklaces and chains made of rubies and emeralds. Vanki, an upper arm ornament, is usually intertwined in shape with a stone-inlaid piece set in gold. Oddiyaanam is a gold or silver belt worn tightly around the waist with stone-encrusted centres. Anklets of various types like the ganja golusu (heavy variety with bells that tinkle), thandai (stiff anklets with bells that tinkle) and kaal kaappu (worn mainly by children and believed to protect their ankles) are worn on each leg above the feet. Huge, heavy and intricately carved ornaments by tribes in Tamil Nadu like the Todas, Badagas, Kotas of the Nilgiri district are made mainly in silver. Toda jewel pieces are made of bent wires and shells. 

When spoke with Mr.Gopal , Employee in G.R.Thanga mallgai says” These antic pieces are put up for sale now a days because they are always quite huge and they give a traditional look , People prefer these pieces in huge “

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

The prominent Nagaraja temple "Mannarasala" is located in a forest dell, like most snake temples. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 descriptions of snakes along the paths and among the trees. The temple here is unique in that the holy finances are presiding over by a priestess. It is the largest Snake Temple in Kerala. The wood is dotted with the granite idols of serpents. There are two main idols 'Nagaraja' or the serpent king and his companion, Sarpayakshini. The priestess lives in the 'Illam' on the north side of the temple. 'Uruli Kamazhthal' or the placing of a bell metal vessel upside down in front of the divinity is the most popular offering believed to restore fertility to childless couples. A special turmeric paste which is available at the temple is credited with healing powers. The temple is located about three kilometers to the north-east of the bus station at Haripad, in Alapuzha District of Kerala. It is approximately 115 km from Cochin International Airport and 125 km from Thiruvandhanapuram International Airport. And I been to this temple last year , had an extraordinary feel and The "Nagadhoshas" are relieved in this temple with some omams. To view the temple click this link 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IKzw0DWz7c