The Vedagiriswarar Temple, a revered Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands majestically in Tirukalukundram, also known as Thirukazhukundram, Tamil Nadu, India. This sacred abode rests atop a lofty hill, earning it the moniker “Kazhugu Koil” or the “Eagle Temple.”
Vedagiriswarar Temple Complex:
The temple complex is a harmonious blend of two distinct structures, one nestled at the foothill and the other gracing the crest of the hill. The hill’s summit is adorned with the divine presence of Lord Shiva, known as Vedagiriswarar, while the temple at the base pays homage to his consort, Parvati, who is revered as Thiripurasundari Amman.
Evolution Of Thirukazhukundram:
The name “Thirukazhukundram” derives from Tamil words, where “thiru” signifies reverence, “kazhugu” represents vulture or eagle, and “kundram” denotes a mount. In ancient times, it was known as “Thirukazhugukundram,” a name that eventually evolved into “Thirukazhukundram.” This town also bears the title “Pakshi-theertham,” which translates to “Bird Holy Lake” because of a pair of birds (most likely Egyptian vultures) that are believed to have visited the site for centuries.
Architecture of Vedagiriswarar Temple:
The Vedagiriswarar Temple has a special style of building that’s called Dravidian. It’s very impressive and attracts both people who come to pray and people who are used to climbing mountains.
The temple at the bottom of the hill has four very tall gateways, which remind us of how beautiful the Annamalaiyar Temple is. There are also many old writings on the walls inside the temple that tell us about its history and importance in our culture.
Lakshadeepam Festival:
- This remarkable event occurs once every six years and is a grand celebration featuring an extraordinary lighting ceremony.
- The festival serves as the culmination of the 56-day Murajapam festival held at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
During Lakshadeepam, thousands of oil lamps illuminate the temple surroundings, casting a spellbinding and enchanting spectacle. - Devotees from distant places make pilgrimages to the temple to witness this awe-inspiring event and seek divine blessings.
Vedagiriswarar Temple Timings:
The Vedagiriswarar Temple welcomes visitors during the following hours:
- Morning: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM to 7:15 PM
How to reach Vedagiriswarar temple:
- The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu Railway Station, which is approximately 12 kilometers away from the temple and then travel to Tirukazhukundram by bus.
- The nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport, which is 53.3 Kilometers away and then we can easily access the temple by taking a taxi or other available transportation options.
- The temple can be reached by using the local transportation- Bus, car etc.
The Bannari Amman Temple, nestled near Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district, stands as a venerable shrine dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. This sacred place of worship venerates Goddess Mariamman as the deity of rain, often regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi.
History of Bannari Amman Temple:
The villagers of this area typically take their goats and cows to the nearby forest for grazing. Every morning, they drive the cows to graze, and in the evening, they return them to the stalls. The cows are milked twice a day, in the morning and evening, and the milk is given to the owner of each cow.The cowherd discovered that when a cow went to milk from a bar, it didn’t have a place to milk and couldn’t feed her calf.
The following day, he continued to follow the cow. Every day, He witnessed the cow pouring milk spontaneously at a specific location under a banyan tree surrounded by ganja grass. On seeing this event, the next day he told the details to the local villagers and the elders of the village and called them all and continued to follow the cow and showed the cow milking at a certain place (cow).
Everyone was mesmerized seeing this kind of event.While all the people were cleaning the place, they saw a mound surrounded by Kanang grass and near it Swayambulinga Thiruvuru under a banyan tree. Then they started praying the Thiruvuru as Bannari Amman.
Bannari Amman Temple Festivals:
Throughout the year, the temple hosts a multitude of festivals, with one of the most prominent being the Panguni Kundam festival, celebrated in March-April. This vibrant celebration draws lakhs of devotees from various directions. Notably, female devotees partake in the Thiruvilakku pooja on the last Friday of every Tamil month.
Bannari Amman Temple Timings:
Bannari Amman Temple is open from 06:00 AM to 12 :00 AM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM.
How to reach Bannari Amman Temple :
- Traveling by Air: For those considering air travel, the closest airport to Bannari Amman Temple is Coimbatore International Airport, situated at a distance of approximately 66.5 km.
- Traveling by Rail: If you prefer train travel, the closest railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station, situated approximately 45.8 km from Bannari Amman Temple.
- Traveling by Road: Bannari boasts excellent road connectivity to various major cities, ensuring convenient access to the temple through direct bus services.
Bannari Amman Temple Official Website:
The official website of bannari amman temple is https://bannarimariamman.hrce.tn.gov.in/.
Narthamalai, a small town located 25 km from Trichy on the Trichy – Pudukottai highway in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. The town is renowned for the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple, an ancient temple constructed in the 9th century. This hidden gem is home to ancient rock-cut temples, lush landscapes, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Temples within Narthamalai cave complex – Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple:
- Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest stone temples in South India which showcases the Dravida style of architecture and rock-cut architecture.
- On the way here there is a headless lion. Also there is a Kudaivara temple cut for Lord Shiva at a depth of about 15 feet. Inside this sunai there is a beautiful lingam carved in a cave in the temple of Jirahareshwarar
- In the central hall of Narthamalai, there are six impressive and meticulously carved depictions of Lord Vishnu. A life-sized portrait of Lord Vishnu within the hall is bound to astonish visitors with the extraordinary skill, painstaking effort, and the considerable time invested in its creation.
- The Sattanathar Temple, the Thayumanaswamy Temple, and the Adinathar Temple are the other temples within the Narthamalai complex.
Architecture of Narthamalai Cave Temples:
- Rock-cut temples : These temples are carved out of natural rock formations, which allows for a harmonious blend of architecture with the surrounding environment.
- Intricate Carvings: The carvings depicted various deities, mythological stories, and celestial beings is a testament to the artistic prowess of the craftsmen of that era.
- Pillared Halls: The Pillared halls with beautiful carved columns were used for various religious ceremonies and gatherings.
- Frescoes: Some of the temples also have remnants of ancient frescoes on their walls and ceilings.
- inner sanctums: Inside the temples, visitors can explore the inner sanctums, which were once the focal points of religious activities. These sanctums often house the main deity of the temple and are considered sacred spaces.
- Gopurams (Entrance Towers):While the rock-cut temples do not have towering gopurams like traditional South Indian temples, they do feature modest entrance towers that are adorned with decorative elements, including sculptures and ornamental designs.
Natural Beauty of Narthamalai:
Narthamalai, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, is an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers. Hiking up the hills gives you beautiful views of the nearby countryside and a sense of peace and quiet, which is very different from the busy cities nearby.
How to reach Narthamalai:
Narthamalai is accessible from various nearby towns and cities. The closest major city is Trichy, which has an airport and railway station. From Trichy, it’s approximately a two-hour drive to Narthamalai. Buses and taxis are readily available for the journey.
Kudumiyanmalai is a village located at a distance of 20 kilometres from Pudukkottai on the Pudukkottai-Kodumbalur road. The cave temples at Kudumiyanmalai are a highlighting feature of the place.
Kudumiyanmalai is also famous for The Shikanathar Temple on a hillock dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Agricultural College owned and administered by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Kudumiyanmalai Rock Cut Cave Temple:
The cave temple excavated on the eastern side of the hillock is believed to have been excavated in the early seventh century.
- This monolith cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Shikanatheeswarar and Goddess Parvathi as Akhilandeswari.
- The Maha Mandapam (great gathering hall) of the temple has aesthetically carved pillars and ornate sculptures belonging to the Nayaka period.
- Another noted feature of the temple is the rock cut stretch with carved figures of 63 Nayanmars with figures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Nandi in the middle.
- On the inner wall of the temple is the figure of Lord Valampuri Ganesha (with the trunk twirling towards right).
- There are around 120 inscriptions found in the cave temple that helps in tracing the history of the temple and town. However, the most significant is the inscription donating grammatical notes of Carnatic music that is engraved to the right of the temple (on the south of the temple mandapam).
- To the right of this inscription, there is a five feet high carved image of Lord Idampuri Ganesha (with the trunk twirling toward).
- The temple complex has subsidiary shrines of Akhilandeshwari and Soundara-Nayaki Amman shrine.
Temple Timings and Festivals:
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Maha Shivarathri is the main festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Masi (February-March). Other festivals observed include the Thirukalyanam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November) and Thiru Karthigai in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December).
How to reach Kudumiyanmalai
Pudukkottai and Trichy are the nearest towns where one can avail accommodation facilities. The nearest railway station is at Pudukottai (20 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Tiruchirapalli (around 49 kilometres away).
Overview
Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar Temple is located at the base of Arunachala Hills (2668 feet tall) in Tiruvannamalai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is of immense importance to the Hindu sect of Saivism. The temple is one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalangal of Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Agni Lingam, symbolizing fire – one of the five primordial elements. His consort Parvati is worshipped as Unnamalai Amman.
The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
History of Arunachaleswarar Temple
Let’s have a look at the history of the temple under the various ruling dynasties –
- The temple was initially built by the Chola kings back in the 9th century CE.
- The inscriptions in the temple reflect that further expansions were made during the reign of Vijayanagara kings.
- Subsequently, the temple came under Hindu and Muslim stewardship at different periods of time.
- The town of Tiruvannamalai came under the control of the French in 1757 before it was occupied by the British in the year 1760.
- The town was later captured by Tipu Sultan in 1790 CE.
- During the first half of the 19th century, the town along with the temple came under British rule.
- From 1951, the temple has been maintained by the Hindu Religions and Endowment Board.
Legend
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once argued amongst themselves about who was supreme, ignoring their duties. On seeing this, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of fire and told them that whoever it is that finds the top or bottom of the fire is the greatest. While Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar (Varaha) and delved into the earth to find the bottom of flame, Lord Brahma took the form of a swan (Annam) and flew up towards the skies. Both their efforts were in vain and when finally they gave up their ego, Lord Shiva appeared before them. The day on which Lord Shiva appeared as a pillar of fire is celebrated as Thirukarthigai/Karthigai Deepam.
Reference to Literature
Lord Shiva at this temple is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the ‘Tevaram’ written by the Tamil poets Nayanars. The temple is revered as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The famous work of Manikkavasagar, ‘Tiruvemparai’ was composed here.
The Arunachaleswarar Temple Structure and Shrines
The temple is one of the largest in India covering around 10 hectares of land. One of the main attractions of the temple is its four Gopurams. The tallest Gopuram is at the Eastern side with 11 stories and a height of 217 feet.
The most prominent features of the temple its numerous halls (the thousand-pillared hall being the most notable one) and its numerous shrines.
Arunachaleswarar Temple Timings
The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Arunachaleswarar Temple Pooja Timings
| Name of the Pooja | Timing |
|---|---|
| Ushakala | 5:30 AM |
| Kalasandhi | 8:00 AM |
| Uchikalam | 11:30 AM |
| Saayaratchai | 5:30 PM |
| Irandam Kalam | 7:30 PM |
| Artha Jama Pooja | 9:00 PM |
Arunachaleswarar Temple Festivals
Major festivals observed in the temple are:
- Chitirai Utsavam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Chitirai (April-May)
- Ani Brahmotsavam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Ani (June-July)
- Adi Pooram Brahmotsavan – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Adi (July-August)
- Kanda Shashti Utsavam – 6 days festival during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November)
- Karthigai Deepam Brahmotsavam – 17 days festival during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December)
- Uthrayana Punyakala Brahmotsavam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February)
- Panguni Uthiram Thirukalyana Utsavam – 6 days festival during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April)
Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is observed during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December). To mark the festival, a huge fire lamp (Mahadeepam) is lit up on the Arunachala hills, which is visible for several kilometres around the area. Thousands of devotees throng Tiruvannamalai during Karthigai Deepam.
Girivalam
Girivalam or circumambulation path around the Arunachala hill covers a distance of 14 kilometres. The term ‘Arunam’, in Tamil language, means sun and denotes the red colour of fire. ‘Asalam’ means mountain or hill. Thus ‘Arunachalam’ is the holy hill which is red in colour denoting fire (the form in which Lord Shiva graces this place).
Pilgrims are engaged in Girivalam throughout the year. Every full moon day, pilgrims from various parts of the State worship Arunachaleswarar by circumambulating the hill barefoot. By doing this, it is believed that one’s desires are fulfilled. There are eight lingams devotees offer their worship to, in the 14 kilometres circumference of the hill. These lingams are associated with the 15 moon signs and are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam.
How to reach Tiruvannalamai Arunachaleswarar Temple
Buses to Tiruvannalamai are available from all major towns in Tamil Nadu. Tiruvannamalai Bus Station and Railway Station is at walkable distance from the temple (2 kilometres away). Chennai is the nearest airport at a distance of around 185 kilometres
Epilogue
One of the largest temple complexes in the country, the Annamalaiyar Temple leaves its devotees mesmerized with its beauty and elegance. The air of spirituality around the hill and the intricately embellished halls and shrines, not only satisfies one’s religious pursuits but also offers an experience of peace and tranquility.
Overview of Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja Temple
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple or Thillai Nataraja Temple, one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja – the Lord of Dance. The temple is administered by learned Brahmins called Dikshitars who live in Chidambaram.
Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is one of the Pancha Sabhai (representing the five primordial elements symbolizing earth) marking the place where Lord Shiva performed the Cosmic Dance in the form of Lord Nataraja. Of the Pancha Sabhai, Chidambaram denotes the Skies or Aakasha.
Chidambaram is a temple town located 5 kilometres north of the Kollidam River and 15 kilometres west from the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Image Attribution : Richard Mortel
Etymology behind Chidambaram Town
The town of Chidambaram was originally known as Thillai. The word Thillai is derived from the mangrove of Thillai trees that grow in the region.
The place was renamed Chidambaram after it became the capital of Cholas in the 10th century. The Cholas built the current temple dedicating it to their family deity, Lord Nataraja.
The word Chidambaram is derived from the Tamil word ‘Chitrambalam’. ‘Chitthu’ means ‘consciousness’ or ‘wisdom’ and ‘ampalam’ means ‘atmosphere’. The term literally means ‘atmosphere of wisdom’ and relates to the atmosphere of art.
Chidambaram temple history
The earliest textual evidence trace the ancient existence of Lord Shiva temple at Chidambaram.
- Texts belonging to the Sangam tradition (pre 5th century) suggest the existence of a temple at this site. Although the texts do not show the town being named as Chidambaram.
- The 6th and early 7th century texts by Appar and Sambandar mention the ‘dancing God of Chidambaram’ as Lord Shiva.
- The Skanda Purana dated in the period between 7th and 10th century includes the Suta Samhita that mentions the Chidambaram Dance.
- Inscriptions and texts found during the rule of Aditya Chola I in the early 10th century and the rule of Chola king Parantaka provides a historical evidence of Shiva temple at Chidambaram.
- It is believed that Raja Raj Chola I traced the hymns of the 63 Nyanmars inside the chambers of the second precinct in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.
- The structures, mandapas, pillar carvings, gopurams, water pool, shrines and sculptures were built during the reign of late Chola and early Pandya kings in the 12th and 13th century.
- The various legends associated with the temple are contained in the 12th century text – Chidambara Mahatmya.
Legend
According to the text contained in Chidambara Mahatmya, Lord Shiva (in the form of a beggar) is said to have visited sages in a pine forest accompanied by Mohini (an avatar of Lord Vishnu). Mohini provokes lustful temptations among the sages while Lord Shiva performs the ‘dance of bliss’ or Thandava. Thus the triggered sages realize how outward their austerities were and that God cannot be controlled by rituals or magic. The sages by name Patanjali and Vyaghrapada wanted to see Lord Shiva’s ‘dance of bliss’, for which they meditated on Lord Shiva. Impressed by their penance, Lord Shiva appeared before them in Chidambaram and performed the dance.
Chidambaram temple architecture
- The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture and covers 40-acres of area. The temple is embedded within 4 concentric courtyards.
- The temple is believed to have been constructed in such a way so as to resemble the human body.
- The temple has 5 Sabhas or halls:
- The Chit Sabha – the sanctum sanctorum housing idol of Lord Nataraja and his consort Goddess Shivagamasundari.
- The Kanaka Sabha – in front of Chit Sabha
- The Natya Sabha – to the south of temple’s flag mast
- The Raja Sabha – 1000 pillared hall
- The Deva Sabha – housing the Pancha Moorthis
- The core part of the vast temple complex is the gathering halls called Chit Sabha and Kanak Sabha.
- The temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja Shiva consists of mandapams, pillared halls, nine Gopurams, several water pools and various shrines.
- Each of the Gopurams has been designed colourfully narrating stories from Hindu traditions.
- Apart from the main shrine of Lord Nataraja, the temple includes other shrines of Goddess Devi, Lord Vishnu, Subramanyar, Ganesha, Nandi, and Lord Surya.
- The main form of Lord Shiva in the temple is as Nataraja. Two other forms of Lord Shiva represented in the temple are Lingam form and as an empty space.
Chidambara Rahasyam
Chidamabara Rahasyam has been an ever mysterious Hindu belief. Rahasyam in Tamil means ‘secret’. Chidambara Rahasyam is the formess representation of Lord Shiva as the divine self that is present everywhere and in everything.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Nataraja and an empty curtained space which is opened for special poojas. Many myths and interpretations about the Rahasyam have been stated over time.
Temple Timings of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
The temple is open in the morning from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and in the evening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Pooja Timings in Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
| Pooja | Timings |
|---|---|
| Paal Nivedyam | 6:30 AM |
| Maha arathi | 7:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 7:45 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Irandam Kalam | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Uchikalam | 11:30 AM to 12:00 NOON |
| Saayaratchai | 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Irandam Kalam | 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Artha Jama Pooja | 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Festivals
The major festivals observed in the temple are –
- Marghazhi Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Thiruvadhirai (December-January)
- Chaturdasi or fourteenth day after new moon in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March)
- Chitirai Thiruvonam in the Tamil month of Chitirai (April-May)
- Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July)
- Chaturdasi in the Tamil month of Aavani (August-September)
- Chaturdasi in the Tamil month of Puratasi (October-November)
How to Reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
Frequent buses to Chidambaram are available from all major cities in Tamil Nadu. It’s a four hour drive from Chennai to Chidambaram. Chidambaram has its own railway station (at walkable distance) which is connected to other cities. The other railways stations close to Chidambaram are at Mayiladuthurai (41 kilometres away) and at Villupuram (65 kilometres away).
The nearest airport is at Trichy (195 kilometres away) and Chennai (235 kilometres away).
Overview
Papanasam is a village located in Tirunelveli district, around 60 kilometres from Tirunelveli town.
Papanasanathar Temple in Papanasam is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Papanasanathar and his consort Parvati as Ulagambigai. The temple has been constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture.
The temple lies on the banks of the Thamirabarani River and is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
Image Attribution : MariSelvam
Legend behind the Temple
There are many legends stating the significance of the Papanasanathar Temple. The most strongly believed mythological story being that of Sage Agasthiyar who had prayed to get a glimpse of the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Lord Shiva, pleased by his devotion, appeared with his consort Parvati at Papasanathar, which he made his abode. The falls nearby was named Papanasam or Agasthiyar Falls.
The temple is believed to have been built during the Pandya rule with further additions made by the Nayak and Vijayanagar rulers.
Papanasanathar Temple Architecture
The temple has a seven-tiered Gopuram or gateway tower. The temple complex is surrounded by a granite wall. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the shrine of Lord Shiva as Papanasanathar in the form of a Lingam. The shrine of Goddess Ulagambigai is found towards the west. Other shrines found in the temple are that of Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Dakshinamurthy, Goddess Durga Navagrahas and Lord Nataraja.
Papanasanathar Temple Timings
The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The temple remains open for the whole day during the festival days.
Pooja Timings in Papanasanathar Temple
| Pooja | Timing |
|---|---|
| Thiruvananthal | 6:30 AM |
| Sirualasanthi | 7:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi | 8:30 AM |
| Uchikalam | 11:30 AM |
| Saayaratchai | 6:00 PM |
| Artha Jama Pooja | 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
Papanasanathar Temple Festivals
The prominent temple festivals observed in the temple are the Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May) and Thaipoosam during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February).
How to reach Papanasanathar Temple
By road, Papanasam is well connected to Tirunelveli (60 kilometres), Ambasamudram (16 kilometres), Tenkasi (34 kilometres) and Madurai (215 kilometres). Tirunelveli is the nearest rail head (around 50 kilometres) and nearest airport is at Madurai (around 210 kilometres).
Overview
Karpaga Vinayagar or Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar Temple is located at Pillaiyarpatti in Sivagangai District. The temple is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to Karpaga Vinayagar(Lord Ganesha).
The temple is maintained by the Chettiyar or Nagarathar community through an NGO Trust.
Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple – Etymology
Lord Ganesha presides in the temple with two arms and a twirling trunk in Valampuri posture, and so the name Valampuri Vinayagar.According to Hindu mythology, Karpaga Tree (Kalpavriksha) is a wish fulfilling divine tree. Lord Ganesha is believed to fulfill the wishes of his devotees and hence he is also referred to as Karpaga Vinayagar.
Architecture of Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Pillaiyarpatti Temple is a cave formation built in the era of early Pandyas. The stone inscriptions found in the temple indicate the temple to date between the years 1091 and 1238 B.C.
The images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva were carved out of a stone by a sculptor by name Ekkatur Koon Peruparanam. Other than the images of Lord Shiva and Ganesha, the temple houses shrines of other Gods as well.
The sanctum sanctorum (Vinayagar Sannidhi) apparently has no path for Parikrama or circumambulation. The presiding deity of Karpaga Vinayagar is 6 feet tall with the trunk curling towards the right (Valampuri Vinayagar). Other deities found in the temple are that of Goddess Karthiyayini, Nagalingam and Lord Pasupatheeswarar.
Temple Timings in Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8.30 PM.
Karpaga Vinayagar Pooja Timings
| Name of the Pooja | Pooja Timing |
|---|---|
| Thiruvanandal Abhishekam | 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM |
| Kalasandhi | 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Uchikalam | 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Saayaratchai | 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Artha Jama Pooja | 7:45 PM to 8:30 PM |
Festivals of Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Vinayagar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (August-September) is the major festival observed in the temple.The festival is held for 10 days and the temple attracts many devotees during this time.
How to reach Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Pillaiyarpatti is located at a distance of around 73 kilometres from Madurai and 16 kilometres from Karaikudi. The nearest railway station is at Karaikudi at a distance of around 18 kilometres. The nearest airport is at Madurai (about 94 kilometres away) and Trichy (about 89 kilometres away).
Epilogue
Pillaiyarpatti Vinayagar Temple is one of the oldest cave temples in Tamil Nadu. The Agamic texts (collection of scriptures-Vedic and Non Vedic) found in the temple not only helps to date the temple but also depicts the vivid culture of Tamil Nadu passed down through centuries.
The monuments at Mahabalipuram are monolith beautiful sculptures depicting our rich history and culture. The monuments and temples at Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple complex were collectively classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
The Mahabalipuram stone sculptures carved in stone have been inspired by the Pallava style of art. Each of the monuments at Mahabalipuram is dedicated to a deity or character from Hindu mythology and thereby represents Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism.
The monuments include – Rathas (chariot shaped temples), Mandapas (cave temples), Rock Reliefs, Structural Temples and Excavations.
The monuments at Mahabalipuram have lots in store for art lovers and history buffs. Mahabalipuram falls in Kanchipuram District and is well connected to all major cities through road. The nearest airport is at Chennai (around 60 kilometres away).
Kuttralam Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple
Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple or the Hall of Painting is located at a walkable distance from the main falls of Coutrallam in Tenkasi District. The place is a treasure trove of beautiful mural art and hence the name Chitra Sabhai. It is one of the five locations where Lord Shiva is said to have performed his Cosmic Dance.
Pancha Sabhai
Pancha Sabhai refers to the temples of Lord Shiva located in Tamil Nadu. It marks the place where Lord Shiva performed the Cosmic Dance in the form Lord Nataraja. The five temples are found at Thiruvalangadu (Rathina Sabhai), Chidambaram (Por Sabhai), Madurai (Velli Sabhai), Tirunelveli (Thamira Sabhai) and Coutrallam (Chitra Sabhai). Each of the temple names is associated with a particular dance form or Thandavam of Lord Shiva.
Legend behind the temple
According to the legend, once there had been imbalance on Earth due to the multitude of crowd present to witness the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in the Himalayas. At the Lord’s request, Sage Agastyar went southward to balance the instability. The sage came down to Coutrallam but was dejected that he was not able to witness the divine wedding. Lord Shiva, on understanding the sage’s desire, is said to have presented himself before the sage along with Goddess Parvathi. The Lord then performed the Thirupura Thandavam.
The Temple Structure
Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple is a rectangular structure with a wooden entrance and pyramid style of roofing.
The hall within the Sabha is classified broadly into two compartments in the form of two rings. The two rings are adorned with artistic mural paintings on the wall.
The paintings in the Sabha are of various sizes and represent some very beautiful stories. Some of the paintings found in the hall symbolize the history of Coutrallam, the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture (Anantha Sayanam), scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and many other depictions of mural arts.
How to reach Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple
Chitra Sabhai Sivan Temple is located at a distance of around 7 kilometres from Tenkasi and around 65 kilometres from Tirunelveli. Tenkasi Railway Junction at a distance of around 7 kilometres connects the temple to all major cities in the State. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 161 kilometres from the temple.
