Spatikam (Quartz) Lingams in Tamil Nadu Shiva Temples

Clear Quartz Rough Crystals

Spatika (Quartz) Lingam

Sphatika-linga @ Ramanathaswamy Temple installed by Vibhishan. Abhishek & deeparadhana performed to this lingam daily at 5 am.

The word, ‘Lingam’ in Sanskrit means, ‘symbol’ or 'mark.' and  the Shiva Lingam means symbol of Lord Shiva. According to Hinduism Shiva Linga or Lingam represents the phallus, the emblem of the generative power in nature.  In some shrines the Shiva lingas are "self-manifested" (svayambu) or "that which is created by its own accord."  Most of the Shiva Lingas are usually sculpted from granite  stone. Shiva Lingas may also be made of metal, precious gems, crystal, wood, earth or transitory materials such as ice.

Spatika Lingam

Spatika linga is also considered as a symbol of Lord Siva. Spatika linga puja is performed in many Shiva temples.  Spatikam (quartz) has no colour of its own, yet it takes on the colour of the substances which come in contact with it. It represents the Nirguna Brahman or the attribute less Supreme Self or formless and attribute less Shiva.

In Hindu Shiva temples, Saiva Agamas allow to worship Lord Shiva in the form of Spatika Lingam. Spatika Lingam is representing the icon of Lord Nataraja. The Spatika Lingams are protected in the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva. Hindu priests offer Milk, Water, or Vhibuti consecrations to the Spatika Lingam. They also chant Shiva Panchakshari Mantra is offered 108 times. It is believed that Spatika Lingam removes all curses and negative karma and will enhance ones confidence and power.

Spatikam (Quartz)

Spatikam (Quartz) also spelled as Spadikam is the  mineral in the Earth's continental crust, after feldspar.  Spatikam is made up of a continuous framework of SiO4 silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall formula Silicon dioxide (SiO2). In short it comprise one part silicon and two parts oxygen. Quartz belongs to the trigonal crystal system. The crystal habit ideal crystal shape is a six-sided prism (geometry) prism terminating with six-sided pyramids at each end.

Spatikam is the semi-precious gemstone. There are many different varieties of spatikam. High quality quartz crystals are single-crystal silica with optical or electronic properties that make them suitable for hardstone carvings. The Hindu temples in South India use this semi-precious mineral for making Shiva Lingams. Spatikam beads are made from translucent rose quartz are cut and polished as beads. Each bead is about ten millimeters in diameter. It is good conductor of heat. Hence people wear  spatikam jewelry (mala) to keep their body cool. Some other people claim that these beads have healing properties.

Chidambaram

Thillai Natarajah Temple, Chidambaram is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the town of Chidambaram, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India. Chidambaram temple is considered as one of the most ancient and most celebrated of Shiva temples  in India. Saivites attach great religious as well as historic and cultural significance with this temple. In this temple Lord Shiva is an embodiment of the infinite SKY. Chidambaram temple  is associated with Lord Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall (Ponnambalam) and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha).  Lord Shiva is also worshipped in this temple as "formless form" and this fact is being understood as Chidambara Rahasyam. This temple is known for its Akasa Lingam, an embodiment of Shiva as the formless Space. The word "Koyil" or temple in the Tamil Saivite tradition refers to none other than the Chidambaram Nataraja temple.

The Hindu monk Adi Sankara is said to have presented a Spatika Lingam which is still under worship in this temple.  This Spatika Lingam, instituted at Chitsabha, is being represented as Lord Chandramauleeswara (A form of Lord Shiva). Also in the Chitsabha are images of Ratnasabhapati (Nataraja of Ruby), Swarnakarshana Bhairavar, Mukhalingam etc.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the south side of river Vaigai  in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Parvati who is known as Meenakshi and her consort, Shiva named here as Sundareswarar(beautiful deity). The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai.

The centuries old Spatika Lingam held in this temple has developed cracks and hence a new six inch tall Spatika Lingam with the right specification has been brought from Himalayas.  It is learned that this Lingam is worth over Rs.7.5 lakh. The new Spatika Lingam is being the companion (Udaiyavar) to Lord Sundareswarar. The brass container used to preserve the  Lingam was replaced with golden container. The new silver consecration base (abhisheka peedam) weighing about 12 kg. was also made for the formal ‘Prathishtam. The new Spatika Lingam was first consecrated on March 16, 2012.

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.  The Temple is also one of the 12 Jyothirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a ''Jyotirlingam'' meaning  "pillar of light". The temple is located in Rameshwaram, an island town in South India, considered a holy pilgrimage site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

Ramanathaswamy temple was built during the 12th century and widely expanded during the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom period in the late 16th century.  Ramanathaswamy temple is known for its longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.
In the first inner corridor, devotees offer worship to the venerated white Spatika Lingam.  The Sri Chakra (Sethu Peetam) and the Spatika Lingam were instituted by the Hindu monk Adi Sankara. Spatika lingam darshan is offered to the pilgrims during early morning hours i.e, morning between 5 and 6 am. It is a great experience.

Ekambaranathar Temple

Ekambaranathar Temple or Ekambareswarar Temple is a Saivite Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Kanchipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Ekambaranathar Temple is the largest temple and is located in the northern part of the temple town in Kanchipuram. The temple ''gopuram'' (gateway tower) is 59m tall, which is one the tallest ''gopurams'' in India.

It is one of the five major Shiva temples or ''Pancha Bootha Sthalams'' (each representing a natural element) representing the element - '''Earth'''. The other four temples in this category are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Chidambaram temple (Sky), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti temple (wind).  It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all of the four most revered Nayanars (Saivite Saints) have sung the glories of this temple.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is the Hindu Shiva temple located in the town of Thiruvenkadu near Sirkazhi. The prime deity is Lord Swetharanyeswarar (lord of white forest) or Lord Shiva and His consort is goddess Brahma Vidya ambal. There is a separate Sannidhi for Bhudhan (mercury (planet). The temple is quite larger premises and all four important Saivite saints have sung hymns in praise of this lord. This temple has one rare Spatika Lingam. Special worship services are offered to Natarajar and the associated Spatika Lingam, as in Chidambaram.

Sankara Narayanan temple, Sankarankovil

Sankara Narayanan temple is located in the town Sankarankovil, Tirunelveli District and 56 km away from Thirunelveli City. It was built by Ukira Pandiyan AC 900. It houses the deity by the name Sankara Narayanan, which is half - Lord Shiva and the other half - Lord Vishnu. "Adi Thabasu" is main festival at this temple. In older times, the city was called as Sankaranayinar kovil. Even now it is called as Sankaran Kovil. The deities of this temple are Sri Sankareswarar, Sri Gomathi Amman and Sri Sankara Narayanar.

Lord Shiva has agreed to perform consecration to Lord Vishnu. Therefore consecration is performed to the Sphatika Lingam present inside the sanctum sanctorum. One view is that the Sphatika Lingam was instituted by Adi Sankara and yet another view states that the Sphatika Lingam was established by Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamy of Shringeri Mutt.

Reference

1. Concise classified dictionary of Hinduism By Kodayanallur Vanamamalai Soundara Rajan, New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company, ISBN 81-7022-857-3.p.51
2. Editors of Time Out (2010), Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction, London: Time Out Guides Ltd., ISBN 978184670164-1., p. 194
3. Knott, Kim (2000), Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-285837-2 9 10 8., section 10
4. National Geographic (2008), Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations, United States: National Geographic Society, ISBN 978-1-4262-0336-7., p. 155
5. Rameswaram
6. Swetharanyeswarar Temple Thiruvenkadu 
7. Temple gets new ‘sphadiga lingam' 
8. The Tamils 1800 years ago, Madras and Bangalore by V., Kanakasabhai (1904): Higgingbotham & Co.p.13
9. "Thillai Nataraja Kovil". Tamilnadu.com. 11 February 2013.
10. காஞ்சிபுரம்
11. சங்கரன் கோயில், சங்கர நாராயணர் 3 
12. மதுரை மீனாட்சி அம்மனுக்கு விரைவில் தங்க தொட்டில் 

Published in Wikipedia 'Spatika Lingam' by Iramuthusamy on 16 April 2012‎  

Lord Venkateshwara : Benign Presence and Benevolent Grace

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple: Vimanam and Gopuram (Wikimedia)

Tirumala Temple as seen from Srivari Padalu on Narayanagiri hill (Wikipedia)

Malayappa swami along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi during the annual Vasanthotsavam ceremony (Wikimedia)

Harati to Lord Venkateswara

Lord Venketeshwara is also known as the Lord of seven hills (Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.)   The seven hills are believed to represent the seven hoods of Lord Adisesha. The holy abode Lord Venketeshwara is at Venkatadri or Venkatachala, the seventh peak.

No one could find an equal place like Venkatadri and no god is so benevolent and graceful than Lord Venketeshwara. Tirumala Tirupati is considered as one among the 108 Divya Desams (Praised Al wars – Vaishanava Saints). There are about 202 hymns sung by nine Alwars i.e, Perialwar (7 hymns), Andal (16 hymns), Thiruppaan Alwar  (2 hymns), Kulasekaralwar (11 hymns), Thirumazhisaialwar – (14 Hymns), Poigaialwar (10 hymns), Boothathalwar ( 9 hymns), Peialwar ( 19 hymns), Nammalwar ( 52 hymns), Thirumangaialwar 62 hymns), Grand Total 202 hymns.

1.    The Holy Hymns of Alwars, Asthta-Dasa Puranam, the Hindu epics and Shastras praise the benign presence and benevolent grace of the Lord Venketeshwara. Every Hindu considers that a pilgrimage to Tirumala and Tirupati is a unique soul-stirring experience. The importance of the pilgrimage to Tirumala and Tirupati is explained in Rig Veda and Puranas.

2.    On your way to the main temple complex (about one kilometer away), you will find the most ancient (2500 million years old) and rare  structured and decorated stones called ‘Sila Thorana’ and such kind of rare kind of stone formations will not be found anywhere in the world.  It is believed that the icon of the Lord found in the Sanctum Sanctorum also belongs to this age.

3.    Therefore on the icon of the Lord always maintains a standard temperature of around 110 degree Fahrenheit. Is it not a surprise? There is always a cold climate prevails around this 3500 feet tall hill temple. On Thursdays before the ablution or abhishekam the temple priests (while removing the robes) find that the icon exhibits warm temperature. As soon as the priests complete ablution or abhishekam (during early morning 4.30 am), the rare stone icon show water particles like human sweating. The temple priests gently wipe the water particles from the icon using a fine silk cloth.

4.    You can prostrate yourself and worship the prime deity Lord Venketeshwara, awesome eight feet tall icon, at the Sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The ‘Anandha Nilaya Diva Vimanam,’ dome like tower above the Sanctum sanctorum, is guild ed with glittering gold sheets.

5.    You can witness Namam (thick white mark worn by Vaishanavites on their forehead) on the forehead of the Lord. The temple priests used draw this thick double patched white religious mark on Lords forehead using Pachai karpooram or refined camphor. You will also find a thick red line drawn using Kasthuri.

6.    You can also see the Lord adorning golden headgear embedded with precious emerald stones. During the occasions of Brahmothsavam festival, the Lord will be adorned with the thirty crore rupees worth diamond headgear or crown.

7.    You will find two bright golden ear ornaments called ‘Makhara Kundhala.’ The right hand of the Lord bears golden Chakra (weapon) embedded with gems and left hand holds golden Sankha or Conch.

8.    His ear’s are bedecked with shinning golden. The fist of his right raised hand is implanted with a gem-set chakra and the corresponding left fist is with the Sankha.

9.    You can see the rare ‘Salagrahma’ linked with gold and appearing like a huge garland. This ornament weighs about twelve kilograms and this can be adorned to the Lord with the help of three priests. Another ornament adorned by the Lord is known as ‘Surya Kadari’ and this one weighs about five hundred kilograms. What you see covering the Lord’s feet is known as ‘Pada Kavacham’ which is weighing about three hundred and seventy five kilograms.

10.    The unique ‘blue stone’ is a very rare piece and you will not get any similar piece in any part of the world. Do you know the value of this piece alone? It is about one hundred crore rupees only. 

   
11.    The prime deity in other Vaishnavite shrines normally poses with His weapons like holy wheel (sudharshana Chakra), Conch (panchajanyam), mace (Gomodhakee – gathai), bow (Sarngam), sword (Nandhakam). However at Tirumala the Lord poses with Chakra and Sankha. The Lord is described as the Lord without weapons or Nirayudhapani.

12.    The tamarind tree is considered as the holy tree (Sthala vriksham) of this shrine.

13.    You may be surprised to note that the priests use ‘vilva’ (Aegle marmeolus) leaves are submitted to the Lord during archana on Fridays as well as during Dhanur month (December 15 – January 15).

14.    On the occasion of Mahashivratri (Great Night devoted to Lord Shiva), a kind of festival called Shetra Palika’ is celebrated at this temple.  On this auspicious day the Urchava Moorthy (idol used to take out in a palanquin for procession) is adorned with a jewel resembling like vibuthi streaks (basmam used to apply on the foreheads of Saivites).

15.    Do you know the age of the beautiful paintings as well as murals? It is about three hundred years old. The paintings/murals at the Tirupathi are over 300 years old.

Inscriptions

16.    The total stone inscriptions found inside the temple complex amounts to 1180 numbers. The inscriptions spans over a period of 1079 years (from 830 AD to 1909 AD). Most of them are in Tamil (1130 numbers) and only 50 of them are in Telugu or Kannada. They are categorized according to their periods. Some 236 numbers are related to the rulers of Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas. Another 169 numbers are related with the Chalukya rulers. Some 229 numbers are related with the Telugu emperor Krishna Devaraya and some other inscriptions in relation with prominent rulers of Vijayanagara Kingdom include Achutha Rayar (251 numbers) and Sadasiva Rayar (147 numbers). The remaining 139 numbers belongs to the Kondai Veedu Kings.

17.    The stone inscriptions and the copper plates found in this temple reveals that early rulers of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have offered prayers to the Lord and to mention a few like rulers of Pallava Kingdom of Concheepuram during 9th Century, rulers of Chola Kingdom of Thanjavoor during 10th Century, rulers of Pandya Kingdom of Madurai of the same period and the rulers of Vijayanagar (Andhra Pradesh) during 14th – 15th Century. The precious jewels offered as endowments by these ancient rulers are still preserved in this shrine.

18.    It is estimated that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is in possession of about 20 tones of gold and rarest diamond jewelry. Most of these precious jewelry items can be conveniently categorized as ancient and belonged to 12th century or before. Another interesting estimation is that the value of jewelry properties may be around rupees one lakh crore and the figure is almost equal to half of the budget of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

19.    A replica of the prime deity Lord Venketeshwara in a miniature size was installed in the year 966 AD. All ablutions are performed for this icon and decorated with the jewelry. The inscriptions inform us about the offer made by the Pallava Queen Kadavan Perum Devi, the wife of the Pallava ruler Sakthi Vidangan. The offerings include jewelery and other items. Also there are inscriptions and other evidences to inform about the endowments created by the Chola emperor First Kulothungan.

20.    You can also find the idols of the great emperor Krishnadevaraya with his two wives at the main temple complex.

21.    Also there are evidences about the endowments established permanently to the Lord by the well known Raghoji Bhonsle, the Maratha General.  He has also donated precious jewels like large sized emerald stone to the Lord. Other rulers who have endowed jewels include the Mysore rulers and the rulers of gadwall.

22.    It is surprising to note that the rulers of the East India Company like Sir Thomas Monroe and Col. Geo Stratten also paid homage to the Lord. There was special offering called Monroe Thaligai
23.    In the recent past the Karnataka Tourism Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy offered the most precious ‘diamond studded crown’ to the Lord. The headgear bears diamonds worth of rupees forty two crores.

24.    You will be surprised to hear that there was huge donation made by an anonymous donor and the amount was estimated as 1100 crore rupees. The donor simply made arrangements to drop fifty gold bricks (valued about 240 million US Dollars) in the hundi.

25.    The Lord’s inner robes are prepared by the tribal community known as Chenchu. They also prepare the inner garments for the Goddess Alamelu Manga. They observe extreme devotion and keep themselves away from liquor and meat.

26.    Do you know that the outer robe (Mel Saththu Vasthiram) offered to adorn the Lord is costing Rupees Twenty Thousand only. The devotees are offering this robe to the Lord. TTD accepts only fifteen pieces every day. If you want to offer one such piece to the Lord, you have to wait for TEN years for your turn from the date of remittance of your money. The State Government of Andhra Pradesh offers two such pieces every year.

27.    The silk costume (saree like robe) has definite length and breadth and the length is about 21 arm lengths (one arm length is equal to one and half feet) or 31 ½ feet and this costume weighs about six kg. The robe will be adorned to the Lord only Fridays. Such a kind of robe cannot be manufactured or purchased in the market. If you are desirous of offering one such robe to the Lord, you have to pay rupees twelve thousand five hundred only at the TTD office and you have to keep waiting for about THREE years for you to get your turn.

28.    The Temple Priests will do ablution or abhishekam to the Lord everyday during early morning between 04.30 and 05.30 a.m. It is strongly believed that the Lord opens His THIRD eye during ablution or abhishekam. The ablution or abhishekam water is passed to the Pushkarani (Temple Tank). Hence a dip in the Pushkarani is also considered as holy.

29.    The cost of the ablution or abhishekam costs Rupees ONE LAKH only. If you want to perform ablution or abhishekam to the Lord you have wait for THREE years for your turn. TTD gets the most important items required for ablution from different countries:

a.    Saffron – Received from Spain
b.  Kasthuri (An important perfume substance with fragrance is obtained from the Musk Deer) – Received from Nepal
c.   Punugu (Another perfume substance obtained from a kind of specific cats) – Received from China.
d.   Some Other Perfumes – Received from Paris (France)

30.    The temple staff keep themselves engaged in the preparation of perfume paste for Friday Abhishekam on Thursday night. The specific place meant for this preparation is named as Parimala room.

31.    Many more perfumeries are also obtained from China and to mention a few – akil wood, Camphor (Chinese variety), clove (lavangam), niryasam, saffron, thamalam, sandal wood, thakkolam.
32.    Do you know where from the roses are imported for the Lord? Yes. The fresh and rare rose flowers are packed and airlifted from Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands. Do you know the cost of each rose flower? It is rupees eighty only.

33.    Legend says that Lord Kuberan (Lord of Wealth and North Direction) has remitted huge wealth to Lord Venketeshwara to celebrate His marriage with His consort Goddess Padmavathi (Alarmelmangai). Due to this reason devotee comes to Tirupati and donate money, jewels and other offerings. The Lord can settle Lord Kuberan’s debts using the donations offered by devotees.

34.    Sri Andal is one of the twelve Vaishanavite Saints (Alwars) and she is the only Saintess. She is also known as Kothai Nachiyar. Sri Andal belonged to the period of 8th century. She lived at Srivilliputhur, another important Diva Desam located at the South of Tamil Nadu. Andal means (Girl who ruled the Lord Vishnu). She used to offer flower garland to the Lord after wearing herself (Choodi kodutha Chudarkkodi). Even today the flower garland adorned by Sri Andal is being brought to Tirumala and adorned once again to the Lord.

35.    The madapalli (kitchen attached to the temple) is huge and equipped with gadgets to produce  ‘Neivedyam’ (offerings to God) like appam, athirasam,  badam kesari, cashew nut kesari, curd rice,  dosa, jilebi, laddu, milagu vadai, murukku, payasam, poli, rava kesari, tamarind rice, other variety rices, vadai and others in a mass scale. However the temple priests offer curd rice in a fresh mud pot or vessel as neivedyam. All other menu items prepared as offerings to the Lord will not cross the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. If any devotee obtains either mud pot or the curd rice offered as neivedyam from the priests, he is definitely considered as the one blessed with grace of the Lord.

Reference

1.    TTD depends on donors for daily floral needs http://expressbuzz.com/topic/ttd-depends-on-donors-for-daily-floral-needs/149721.html
2.    Valuation of Tirumala jewels to be over by June http://expressbuzz.com/topic/valuation-of-tirumala-jewels-to-be-over-by-june/176438.html
3.    Tirupati’s Lord Venkateswara weighed down by crowns http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tirupatis-Lord-Venkateswara-weighed-down-by-crowns/articleshow/4809811.cms
4.    Astonishing Wonders and Miracles of Thirupathi http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/14060713/959990929/name/ASTONISHING+WONDERS+OF+THIRUPATHI.txt
5.    Offerings pour in for gold plating of Tirumala temple http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Tirupati-Balajis-jewels-to-get-52K-crore-cover/articleshow/6483019.cms

Lord Venkateshwara : Benign Presence and Benevolent Grace by Muthusamy R published in Relijournal on December 30, 2010

Youtube

Balaji Abhishekam Lord Srinivasa - Tirumala Tirupati - Venkateswara abhisheka ttd venkatesa

Tirupati Venkateswara swamy 60 years old rare video footage. Original shoot in tirumala

150 crore year history of Lord Venkateshwara - Tv9 

 

Emerald (Maragatha) Lingams and Idols in Tamil Nadu Temples

Shiva Lingam Sapta Vitanka Shrine: Source: The Hindu October 26, 2009

Emeral Natarajar, Uthirakosamangai (near Ramanathapuram) - Wikimapis

Emerald Lingam @ Siddhar Bogar Samadhi, Palani Murugan Temple (Source: Artist Shilpi.Blogspot)

Emerald Lingam @ Thiru Engoimalai Maragathachaleswarar Temple (Source: Temple Dinamalar)

Between fourth and twelfth centuries the huge temple complexes were raised by Chola, Pandiya, Pallava and Vijayanagara kings in South India. The remnants of stone architecture could be dotted all over India.  Each Hindu temple is normally dedicated to the principal deity and there will be sub-ordinate deities associated with the principal deity. The principal Hindu deities mostly represented Hindu temples include Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu, goddess Parvathi (consort of Lord Siva), Lord Vinayaka or Ganesha and Lord Subramanya. Lord Siva is usually represented as Siva Lingam. Siva Lingam is known as an icon of strength and fertility power. Another well known format of Siva is Lord Nataraja (the Lord of Dance). Lord Vishnu icons pose in three different forms – standing, sitting and lying. Most distinct form is Lord Ranganatha reclining on serpent bed. The icon serves as a tangible link between the worshiper and God. The image is often considered a manifestation of God, since God is immanent.

The Indian granite is regarded as the best variety. In exceptional occasions the South Indian sculptors chose emerald as the sculpting material.  Emerald is known as the gemstone from ancient times. The emerald stone traditionally deemed as the antidote of poison, is also associated with Garuda. Emerald is the naturally occurring mineral - silicate of beryllium and aluminum. It is obtained from as the hexagonal and pyramidal crystals. The natural and flawless emerald is regarded as the rare variety. The chromium content of the mineral beryl influences the natural color. The color and brightness determine the quality. Some varieties are in pale green in color or bluish green and some other varieties range from grass green to dark green colors.  The toughness of the stone according to Moh’s scale (hardness) is measured between 7.5 and 8.0 and since it brittle easily, extra care is required while sculpting. Of course you will also get synthetic emerald like stones.

The Religious Agamas (Saiva and Vaishnava), Shilpa Shastras and Hindu iconography speak volumes about this subject. The symbols and forms of Hindu icons show large variations from one period to the other; one region to the other and one sect of followers to the other. The Hindu iconography comprises the elements of Hindu temple architecture and ornamentation. It also provides ‘iconometric measurements’ and guidelines for sculpting the icons Hindu gods and goddesses. The well known Shilpa shastra text is called ‘Shipa Ratnakara.’

Most of the icons are seen mounted on some specific vehicles (vahanam). The hands (four or eight – some times more) bear weapons, flower, book, holy water pot, fire, snake, drum, rosary, conch, wheel etc., The Hindu iconography includes many guidelines and rules for sculpting various forms of Hindu icons.

TEMPLES WITH EMERALD ICONS

Sapta (Seven) Vitanka Sthalams

Seven Saiva temples dedicated to Lord Thiyagaraja or Somaskanda (a form of Lord Siva) are located in the vicinity of the temple town Tiruvaroor in Tamil Nadu (Ancient Chola country –Southern banks of the holy river Cauveri). The Chola emperor Musukuntha Chakravarthy said to have obtained seven icons of Lord Thiyagaraja from Lord Indira. The emperor enshrined these seven icons at these seven shrines.All these seven Saiva shrines are referred as  ‘Sapta Vitanka Sthalams (Shrines). The tern ‘vitanka’ suggests that the Maragatha (emerald) Siva Lingam icons are self formed (swayambu) and not chiseled or sculpted. The seven Lord Thiyagaraja shrines are located at:

1. Lord Thiyaraja temple, Thiruvaroor. Here Thiyagaraja (Gomethaga Lingam enshrined) is called as Veedi Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Ajapaa Natanam.’ 
2. Lord Dharbaranyeswarar temple – Thirunallaru, Pondichery Sate (near Nagapattinam). Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Naga Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Unmatta Natanam.’ 
3. Lord Kayarohaneswarar temple – Thirunagaikaronam (Nagapattinam) temple.  Here Thiyagaraja (Maragatha Lingam) is called as Sundara Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Paraavaara Taranga Natanam.’ 
4. Lord Kannayira Natheswarar temple – Tirukkaaraayil, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Aadi Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Kukkuta Natanam.’ 
5. Lord Sundareswarar temple  - Tirukkuvalai, Thiruvaroor district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Avani Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Bhringa Natanam.’ 
6. Lord Vaimurnathar  temple - Tiruvaimur (near Tirunellikka) Tiruvaroor district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Neela Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Kamala Natanam.’ 
7. Lord Maraikkaadanaar temple, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Bhuvani Vitankar.  The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Hamsapaada Natanam.’

The ‘Gomethaga Lingam’ of Lord Thiyaraja temple, Thiruvaroor and the ‘Maragatha Lingam’ of Lord Kayarohaneswarar temple – Thirunagaikaronam (Nagapattinam) temple were stolen during early 1990s. The police case regarding the theft of these two priceless Siva Lingams remains undetected.

The Tamil Nadu CID police of  Economic Offences Wing (EOW) - Idol Wing has recovered the Maragatha Lingam icon - weighing 990 grams - belonging to  Lord Maruntheeswarar temple Thiruthuraipoondi, Thiruvaroor district, Tamil Nadu from the two member gang. The idol was stolen by the team of five gang members from the temple on February 22, 2009 during night time. The police acted up on tip-off and hatched plan to catch the criminals. On October 26, 2009, Monday,  the police team encircled the gang at Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus or CMBT, Koyambedu, Chennai. The antique value of the stolen Maragatha Lingam idol is estimated about Rs. 50 crore. Few days later the stolen Maragatha Lingam was handed over to the temple authorities (HR & CE). The CID police have emphasized the need for tight security to protect the priceless maragatha lingam icons in seven Saptha Vitanka sthalams and 27 upa-vitanka sthalams in Tamil Nadu.

Uthirakosamangai
 

Lord Mangalanaathar temple at Uthirakosamangai (near Ramanathapuram) in Tamil Nadu is another ancient Saivite shrine glorified in Thiruvasagam by Saint Manickavasagar. The temple houses the most precious and rare emerald (maragatha) Natarajar icon. The six feet (1.83 meter) tall and huge sized Lord Nataraja statue has separate shrine at Lord Mangalanathar temple. Normally bronze icon of Lord Nataraja will be enshrined in Saivite temples. You can not find such a huge emerald Nataraja any where in the world. The idol will be covered in sandal paste all through the year. On the eve of Aardhra or Tiruvathirai star (Lord Siva’s birth star) the temple celebrates Arudhra darshanam festival. The sandal paste will be removed on this day. Thousands of people come here to witness the event. Thereafter the icon will be protected with sandal paste.

Tiruvidaichuram Temple
 

Lord Idaichuranathar temple, Tiruvidaichuram, Sembakkam (Vada Thiruvanaika) (Pancha pootha sthalam) is an ancient Saivite shrine located in the Chingleput, to Tirupporur bus route. The shrine represents water (one of five elements). Similarly Thiruvanaikka temple (near Tiruchirapalli) represents water element. It is one of the 32 Thevaram shrines located in Thondai Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. The self formed principal deity is the Maragatha Lingam.

Thiru-engoi-malai Temple
 

Lord Thiruvenginadhar Temple at Thiru-engoi-malai is another ancient Saivite hill-shrine located in the Tiruchirapalli – Musiri bus route. It is 40 km away from Tiruchirapalli. The self formed (Swayambu) Principal deity Lord Maragatheswarar(Malaikozhnthar) is an emerald (Maragatha) Lingam. It was reported that the Maragatha Lingam was stolen from the temple.

Panchetti (Panjetty) Temple
 

Sri Aanandavalli sametha Lord Agastheeswarar temple Panchetti (Panjetty),Chennai, Tamil Nadu is another Saivite temple located in the Chennai – Calcutta National Highways and the shrine is 30 km away from Chennai. Sri Anandhavalli, the consort of Lord Siva, has separate shine in this temple. It is a south facing shrine. The icon of this goddess is made up of emerald (maragatha) stone. 

Palani Temple (Hill Shrine)
 

Sri Dandayuthapani Swamy temple at Palani is the saivite shrine devoted to Lord Subramanya. The icon of Lord Dandayuthapani Swamy is sculpted out of the material formed after composing nine deadly poisons - Navapashanam” ( a combination of  Gauri Pasanam,  Jathilingam, Kandagam, Mridharsingh, Pooram, Rasam, Silasat, Veeram and Vellai Pasanam). The idol was conceptualized by Saint Bhogar (one of the 18 Siddhars of Tamil tradition) . You may find the shrine of Bhogar at the southern part of the Palani hill shrine. The Maragatha Lingam found at this shrine was believed to be worshiped by Saint Bhogar.

Siruvapuri or Chinnambedu Temple
 

Sri Unnamalai Amman Sametha Lord Agasteeswarar temple, Siruva puri, Chennai is Saivite shrine devoted Lord Subramanya and is located in the Chennai – Calcutta National Highways and the shrine is 37 km away from Chennai. The icon of Lord Agasteeswarar is the self formed one. The peacock (the vehicle of Lord Subramanya) is carved from emerald (maragatha) stone.

Reference

1. Arulmigu Dhandayudhapani Temple, Palani
2. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu Tourism
   Sapta Vitanka. Templenet
3. Siruvapuri Murugan Temple
4. Stolen ‘Maragathalingam’ idol recovered from gang The Hindu October 26, 2009
5. Thiru Engoimalai Maragathachaleswarar Temple
6. Tiruvidaichuram -Idaichuranathar Temple
7. Thiruvarur. WhatisIndia
8. Uthirakosamangai Sivankoil, Wikipedia