Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalinga Swamy Temple

Mahalingam, Thiruvidaimaruthur

Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingaswamy Temple view

Varagunapandian and Brahmahathi dosha: Stahala Purana of Thiruvidaimarudur

27 Shiva Lingas for the 27 siderial constellations: Remedial measures Nakshatra Dosha

Huge Nandhi (Bull Vehicle of Lord Shiva)

Mahalingaswamy temple, Thiruvidaimarudur is one among the three important Saivite shrines in India which adopt Maruda tree (Terminalia arjuna - Myrtales - Combretaceae family - commonly known as arjuna; Marudam tree in Tamil) as their holy tree (Sthala vriksha) and hence it is also known as Idai Marudur aka Madhyaarjuna in Thiruvidaimarudur, near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district. The other two Saivites shrines are Mallikarjuna (Thalai Marudur ) temple in Sri Sailam, Andhra Pradesh and in  Thiruppudaimarudur (Kadai Marudur aka Sputarjuna) in Ambasamudram, Thirunelvelli district. This temple is more spacious with three circumambulatory paths i.e, 1. Aswametha prakaram; 2. Kodumudi prakaram and 3. Pranava prakaram. Going around Aswametha prakaram will yield the benefit of performing aswametha yagam; going around Kodumudi prakaram is equivalent to Mount Kailash Parikrama; and circumambulation of Pranava prakaram will bring liberation soul from rebirth (moksha).

Mahalingam (huge self manifested (Swayambu) Shiva lingam) is presiding deity and the consort Brihatsundaragujambigai aka Nanmulainayaki at this ancient Saivite shrine. The Shiva linga is also considered as Jothirlinga and Sakthi shrine is also known as one of the Sakthi Bheetas. The Chakra Maha Meru is installed at this shrine. The temple with its imposing tower (gopuram) is one of the Panchakroha shrines.

The five Shivalingams: 1. Mahalingam at centre; 2. Viswanatha; 3. Rishipureeswara; 4. Athmanatha and 5. Chokkanatha at this shrine form Panchalinga khetra (Five Linga shrines). The shrine also has 27 Shiva Lingas for the 27 siderial constellations (star groups) and the devotees offer prayer pujas to the concerned Shiva Lingam as remedial measure against Nakshatra doshas. The temple is considered as holy as Varanasi or Kasi.

A group of 12 independent temples have adopted Lord Mahalingaswamy as their presiding deity and the following 12 temples form associate (parivara shrines) temples: 

1. Vinayakar, Thiruvalanchuzhi; 

2. Swaminathan, Swamimalai; 

3. Ambigai, Thirukadiyur; 

4. Dakshinamurthy, Alangudi; 

5. Navagraha shrines in Suriyanar koil; 

6. Saneeswarar, Thirunallaru; 

7. Durgai, Patteswaram; 

8. Chandikeswar, Sengalur; 

9. Bhairavar, Sirkazhi; 

10. Natarajar, Chidambaram; 

11. Soamskandar, Thiruvarur; and 

12. Nandhikeswarar, Thairuvavaduthurai. 

Priests used mud pots to fetch water from river Cauvery for ablution purposes.

In Hindu astrological traditions, Brahmahathi dosha is considered as severe curse. This kind of doshas occurs if any one kills a brahmin (Hathi- sin caused by a murder – Brahminicide). The shtala purana indicates that Varaguna Pandiya’s horse accidentally crushed a Brahmin and killed him. The sin followed wherever he went. The Brahmahathi was chasing the king. The king sought asylum to Lord Mahalingaswamy. He entered from the front entrance and offered prayers and got out from the rear entrance. The Brahmahathi is still waiting outside the entrance for the king. The king was relieved of his sin. People inflicted with mental disorders may go around the circumambulatory path and get redress.

The Lord is being worshipped here by Vedas, Airawatha (Elephant vehicle of Indra) and the seven great saints - Vashista, Agasthya, Pattinathar, Badragiriyar, Romarishi, Kapila and Markandiya rishi and the Tamil Siddhar Shivavakya. The Lord is also gracing the kings Varagunadeva, Sukeerthi, Veerasena, Chitrakeerthi, Uvanasuvan, Maandada, Vasuman and Anjatthuvasan. The Lord was also invoked by Appar and Sundarar with Thevaram hymns.

The ancient temple has 159 inscriptions. One specific inscription documents the presence of theatre (Natakasala) for enacting dramas. The theatre artists received patronage from kings and one veli  (approximately 3 acre) of cultible land was granted as gift to the artist for nurturing the art. The koothu (a form of folk drama) artists performed different styles of koothu including Arykoothu and Chakkaikoothu during festival time. The temple also served as the centre for fostering fine arts.

Arulmigu Mahalingaswamy Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur - 612 104, Thanjavur district is located 9 km north of Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai road. The shrine is well connected by public transport system.

Timing: 06.00 am to 12.00 pm and 04.00 pm to 09.00 pm.

Youtube

Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalinga Swami Temple by Subashini Tremmel 

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

Madukkarai Chellandiamman Temple, Mayanur

Prime Deity :    Chellandiamman
Thala Virutcham :    Arasu (Peepal) and Neem – Vembu
Theertham :    Cauvery river
Antiquity :    2000 years old
Town / Village :    Madukkarai (Mayanur)
District :    Karur
Taluk :    Krishnarayapuram
 State :    Tamil Nadu

Chellandiamman Temple located at Madukkarai  (Mayanur), Krishnarayapuram taluk, Karur district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Chellandiamman Thoranavayil

Cauvery river flows through Mayanur. There is a Thirumukkudal i.e, confluence of two rivers Cauvery and Amaravati near Mayanur. Here the river Cauvery is known as Aganda Cauvery (broad Cauvery) since the width of the river is around 1.5 km. Chellandiamman temple is located on the southern bank of the confluencing point. The temple is sorrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields and the Cauvery river flows on the northern side. The goddess ensures that  at this point in Cauvery the water flowing throughout the year. The temple draws water from Cauvery for ablution.

Prime Deity: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Chellandiamman) and in the sanctum sanctorum the prime deity is appear mounted on her lion. The goddess keep facing the holy river Cauvery as well as the Chola Nadu.

Guardian Deities: Separate shrines are allocated for the guarding deities (parivara devatas) like Lord Madurai Veeran Lord Kathavarayan and goddess Pechiyamman.  Out side the temple (east side) Chandana Karuppar riding a horse is protecting this temple. Lord Chandana Karuppar (Karuppannaswamy) found seated on the horse back and guards the temple from outside the temple premises . Lord Valampuri Vinayakar graces in the prakaram under a peepal tree (Arasa maram). From Karuppar shrine there are eighteen steps leading to the holy river. On the banks (near steps) Lord Shiva found seated under the banyan tree.

The Arya Rajan,  ruler of the kingdom of Madurai king was the staunch devotee of the goddess Madurai Meenakshi. He wanted to bring the holy water from river Cauvery for ablution of goddess Meenakshi. There is a legend about the construction of the road from Madurai to Madukkarai. The idols of Arya Rajan and his consort queen Chandanathammal are found at the left side of the sanctum of the prime deity.

Legend: The three rulers of Tamil Nadu - Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas - often waging war against each other to establish their rights over territorial boundaries. Since there were frequent wars their strength was getting weakened day by day, they wanted to come to an amicable agreement. They wanted to settle their disputes in the presence of a neutral personality. They even met a sage for arriving a solution. The sage was knowing that goddess Parvati was observing penance in a hill located north of Karur and directed them to approach the goddess. The kings with great effort met the goddess Parvati and sought her grace in solving the dispute. Goddess wanted to test their loyalty and directed them to go to Mayanur. The goddess also appeared before them at Mayanur in guise of a tribal girl. She listened to their territorial disputes and finally gave them a solution. Accordingly the land falling east to Mayanur went to Cholas (Chola Nadu); the land falling west to Mayanur was handed over to Cheras (Chera Nadu); and the land falling south went to Pandyas (Pandya Nadu). The boundaries were indicated clearly. The three kings accepted the justice rendered by the tribal girl. Soon they realized that the tribal girl rendering justice was only goddess Parvati. They prostrated before the goddess Parvati and prayed her to remain there as the guardian deity. The goddess also agreed to remain at Mayanur in the name of Chellandi Amman and was facing towards east (Chola Nadu). She also instructed Mother Cauvery would take care of their fortune.

It is also learned from the local people that after a long time after establishment of the above temple, The Chera, Chola and Pandya kings again prayed that they wanted the presence of goddess in their kingdom and wanted to construct Chellandiamman temple for her. The Goddess divided herself in to three pieces and the three kings obtained one piece each for the construction of temple. In Chellandiamman temple at Trichy, Urayur (Chola Nadu), only the leg (without body) was consecrated. In Chellathamman temple at Madurai, Simmakkal (Pandya Nadu) her head was consecrated and in Chellanamman temple at Noyyal (place of Noyyal confluence to Cauvery) near Karur (Chera Nadu) her torso is consecrated.

Evidence for Presence of Border Wall

The place was named as Madukkarai (Madhil = Wall + Karai = Border / Territories) since the territories of the kingdoms were earmarked with the construction of the walls. Wikipedia reports about Madukkarai wall as the historic border fortification as 'the stone and earthen fortification with a parallel parallel embankment in central Tamil Nadu. The wall was built during the Pre-Sangam period to demarcate the tri-junction of the Chera, Chola and Pandya.' According to local people the goddess Chellandiamman presided over the territorial dispute between the kings and rendered justice with construction of wall overnight by her supernatural act. It is also noted that the Karaipottanar river (tributary of the Cauveri river to the north) provides the border between Chera (Kongu) Nadu and Chola Nadu. An embankment running southwards across the Kulitalai taluk can be considered as the continuation of the boundary. The Chellandiamman temple at Mayanur is the culminating point of the wall. The wall is believed to be extending up to Madurai.

Wikimedia Common

 Wikimedia Common

 Wikimedia Common

It is also learned from the blog 'Madukkarai Sellandiamman(Mayanur)' http://karurtemple-selandiamman.blogspot.in/2011/08/recently-we-happened-to-discover-new.html that the author made an attempt to verify the Google area map for the presence of wall and noticed a straight line from Chellandiamman temple up to Kadavur hills. He was also convinced that, though the portions of the walls got destroyed, the mud bank remain intact and at some pockets the relics of six feet wide wall structure was also noticed.

Link with Ponnar Sankar Novel: The temple is linked with the 'Ponnar Sankar', the historical novel penned by Dr.Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi. The author stayed at Mayanur for long duration while writing the novel Ponnar Sankar.

Festival: Every year during August Adi-18 festival is celebrated in a grand manner by the surrounding villages and the people of Mayanur.

How to reach?:  Mayanur is located on "Karur-Trichy" main road (NH-37), 21 km from Karur city and 21 km from Kulithalai. Travel from Trichy 60 km; from Kulithalai 23 km; from Karur 19 km; Nearest Railway station: Mayanur.

Reference:

1. Chellandi Amman of Madhukaraihttp://villagegods.blogspot.in/2010/04/chellandi-amman-of-madhukarai.html
2. Madukkarai Sellandiamman(Mayanur) - Picasa https://plus.google.com/photos/115259053500114967265/albums/5641754246382778577?banner=pwa
3. Madukkarai Sellandiamman(Mayanur)http://karurtemple-selandiamman.blogspot.in/
4. Madukkarai Wall. Wikipedia.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madukkarai_Wall
5. Wikimapia: Madukkarai Sellandiyamman Temple at Mayanur http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=10.959962&lon=78.242719&z=16&m=b&search=madukkarai%20sellandiyamman

Mettu Mahadhanapuram Mahalakshmi Temple

Thousands gather at  Mahalakshmi Temple, Mettu Mahadhanapuram, Krishnarayapuram Taluk, Karur District, Tamil Nadu, India each year on the 18th day of the Tamil month Aadi to have coconuts smashed on their heads in a plea to the gods for health and success.

Principal Deity:    Arulmigu Mahalakshmi
Theertham:           Cauvery
Agamam:             Vaishnava
Age of the
Shrine:                 More than 1000 years old
Raised by:            Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara
Timing:                The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festival:               Adiperukku during July-August is the famous festival of the temple.
Place:                   Mettu Mahadhanapuram Village, Mahadanapuram-639 106
Taluk:                   Krishnarayapuram Taluk
District:                Karur
State:                    Tamil Nadu

Temple: Flicker Raju's Temple Visits

Arulmigu Mahalakshmi Temple, Mettu Mahadhanapuram, Krishnarayapuram Taluk, Karur District was built by Vijayanagara Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529) on the banks of river Cauvery. The presiding deity Arulmigu Mahalakshmi of this shrine is being worshiped as the family deity by Kannada speaking Kurumba community people, (shepherds by occupation) and certain sections (Mummudiyar Gotra) of the 24 Manai Telugu Chettiars. However the shrine is attracting all Hindus belonging to all communities.

 Temple: Flicker Raju's Temple Visits

 

Goddess Mahalakshmi is truly a goddess of wealth and protection In this temple there is a beautiful statue of Goddess Mahalakhmimi. She looks so beautiful and divine. We can really feel her caring eyes on us when we stand in front of her. The Sanctum sanctorum of Amman temple  is east facing and the temple has three prakaram or corridors and you will find many more shrines devoted parivara devtas. to Usually, a temple will have a Linga in the sanctum and Parivara Devatas in the temple around.

  Temple: Flicker Raju's Temple Visits

History

Once, a King by name Sivaperuman ruled over a small and happy kingdom called Perumizhalai region. Saivite Saint Kurumba Nayanar (one of the 63 Nayanars) was serving the King. Kurumba Nayanar has adopted Saivite Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar as his Guru and was commanding respect from the public for his devotion to Lord Shiva. The name Kurumba Nayanar has strong association to his shepherd community and was born on Chithirai star day in the Tamil month of Aadi (July August). He used to take sufficient food and other essentials packed in a woolen cloth and dispatch it from the border of the place.

The Kurumbas or shepherds were grazing sheep. The woolen fabric was made from the hairs of the sheep. Nayanar was simple in nature and was noted for austerity by all. He held Lord Shiva in his heart and led a life dedicated to the Lord. As he was ever chanting the hymns of Sundarar, the Tiruthonda Pathikam in particular – the 10 verses in praise of all the Nayanmars at the Tiruvarur Temple, Kurumbanayanar attained the great powers mentioned in our scriptures as Ashtamasiddhis. He was also ever chanting the Five Lettered Mantra called Panchakshara – Na Ma Si Va Ya.

When Kurumba Nayanar came to know that Lord Shiva decided to recall Sundaramurthy Nayanar, his Guru to Kailash, Kurumba Nayanar decided to reach Kailash before his Guru with the help of Yogas as he could not live on earth in the absence of the Guru. This episode is described in the great Tamil Epic Periapuranam.

Sri Aadi Mahalakshmi was the family deity of Kurumba Nayanar. Sri Mahalashmi came into being when the milk ocean was churned by the Devas and the Demons. Lord Vishnu was distributing the Nectar to the Devas and the poison (both came from the milk ocean) to the demons. As demon Andhakasura was slipping away from the place to avoid the poison, he saw Mahalakshmi and was tempted to get Her. When Mahalakshmi ran away from him, he chased her up to Mettur Mahadanapuram where the Kurumbas were grazing their cattle. Mother Mahalakshmi hid Herself in a hole. Incidentally, Ravana was performing penance there. On seeing Mahalakshmi, Ravana was afraid that She had come there to kill him and immediately left for Lanka. Andhakasura chose the Ravana’s place for hiding.

Mahalakshmi was consuming the milk of the sheep which the Kurumbas noticed with surprise. They dig a wet place and found Mahalakshmi as a Swayambu (self manifested) . She begged the people to protect Her from the Demon to test their devotion which people also understood. They covered the Goddess in the woolen cloth. But the demon fought with them and also caught Lakshmi. People prayed to Lord Shiva but He did not listen to their prayers and did not turn up. As the three-eyed Shiva did not turn up, the devotees chose the coconut also having three eyes as Shiva and began to break it on their heads. Pleased with their determined devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and protected Mahalakshmi.

Stone Shaped Coconuts

Sometime back The villagers of the temple wanted to construct the compound wall around the temple. The marked place was cleaned and upon digging they found 187 numbers of coconut shaped stones. This event surprised the devotees and the stone coconuts are preserved and displayed in the glass case for devotees to witness.

Story of Trichy - Karur Railway Line Laying

When the British were trying to draw a railway line between Trichy and Karur. The railway line was planned  across the temple by the Britishers. This was against the wishes of the villagers of Mahadhanapuram.  Incidentally the Britishers happened to see the coconut shaped stones obtained beneath the earth. The Britishers wanted to test the devotion of the villagers and they came out with a proposal. The course of the railway will be changed if the villagers agree for one condition. They should demonstrate that  if they could break these stones with their heads, they would change the course of the railway line. The villagers broke the stones and the same was broken into two halves. As a result the line was shifted towards northern side and now running 1.5f km away from the temple.

Prayer and Offerings

Devotees pray to Mother Mahalakshmi for removal of obstacles in marriage alliances and for child boon and achievements in education. The annual Aadi festival of Sri Mahalakshmiamman Temple at Mettu mahadanapuram is being celebrated on ‘Aadipperukku Day’ i.e, 18th day of the Aadi month and on the 19th day of Aadi month the a traditional annual ritual of chief priest breaking coconuts on heads of devotees as part of their fulfillment of vow will takes place. This will be the main part of the second day function of ‘Aadipperukku’. Thousands of people from many parts of Tamil nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andra Pradesh will participate in this annual ritual. . The devotees will gather in front of the temple and a priest will smash a coconut each on every registered devotee’s head. As the coconuts broke into pieces, some devotees may rub their heads and some others may collect the broken pieces of coconuts as a holy offering. Occasionally bleeding was noticed over the heads of few devotees and they just apply the holy ash as remedy.

India TV: Coconut Breaking on devotees head

It is strongly believed that Goddess of Earth Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth governs prosperity, happiness, beauty and love will bestows Her grace and love on her worshipers.

Goddess Mahalakshmi Gayatri

Om MahaDevyaicha Vidhmahe
Vishnu Patnyaicha Dheemahi
Thanno Lakshmi Prachotayaath

(This Mantra may be chanted during your prayers)

Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmeem HreemSaha Swaha

Lord Kubera Mantra

Om Hreem Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhana Akarshanaya Sarvaloka Vasigaraya Dhana Dhanya Adhipataya Dhana Dhanya Samrudhime Dehi Tapaya Swaha

Goddess Mahalakshmi Mantra

Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shreem Lakshmir Agach Agacha Mama Mandir Tishtha Tishtha Swaha

Youtube Video by India TV

Hadimba devi Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Hadimba devi temple is the ancient cave temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba Devi, a character in the epic Mahabharata. The temple is contructed over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshipped as an image of the deity. Temple is standing amidst cedar forest at the foot of Himalayas. This location is called as Dhoongri (Dhungiri) Van Vihar, a small village in Manali district. Therefore it is also called as Dhoongri (Dhungri) temple. This temple has appeared in the Indian (Tamil, Hindi) film 'ROJA.'

Prime deity: Goddess Hadimba Devi / Halima

Legend: The legend is associated with the legend of the Mahabharata. Hadimba devi was born in the demon (Rakshas) family and not much known about their parents.  Very brave and fearless Hadimba devi vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hadimb.

During Pandav's exile when they visited Manali, Bhima  (one of the five Pandava brothers in the Mahabharata) killed Hadimb, thus Hadimba devi married Bhima and they gave birth to a son Ghatotkacha.

When Bhima and his brothers returned from exile, Hadimba devi left Bhima. She stayed back and performed penance. It is believed that in this cave Hadimba devi did penance and attained the status of a goddess.

History: The temple was later built around this cave by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in her honour. Maharaja Bahadur Singh built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground in the year 1533. Do you know what is being worshiped inside this temple? It is a surprise - the imprint of the feet of the Goddess carved on a block of stone.

Architecture: The architecture of Hadimba devi temple is worth appreciating. The 24 m high four tiered pagoda type temple tower consists of three square roofs covered with timber tiles and a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the top. The temple does not contain any idol. But there is an  imprint of the feet of the goddess carved on a block of stone and the goddess is worshpped in this form. The temple also has intricately carved wooden doors. The temple base is made out of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework. It is elaborately decorated with miniature depictions of Goddess, attendants, animals and stylized foliation. On the beams above the doorway appear the Navagrahas, female dancers an isolated scene from the Krishna story. An enormous rock occupies the inside of the temple, only a 7.5 cm (3 inch) tall brass image representing goddess Hidimba devi. A rope hangs down in front of the rock,and according to a legend, in bygone days religious zealots would tie the hands of "sinners" by the rope and then swing them against the rock. About 70 metres away from the temple,there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hidimba devi's son, Ghatotkacha who was born after she married Bhima. 

Festivals: The temple is also known for the fair held every year in north Indian (Hindi) calendar month of Sravan in the memory of Raja Bahadur Singh, who built the temple. The fair is popularly known as Bahadur Singh Re Jatar among locals. There is another fair too which is held on 14th May every year in the celebration of birthday of Hadimba Devi. Women around and from Dhoongri forest come and celebrate this fair with music and dance.

How to Reach?

The Hadimba Temple is easily accessible to the visitors and the tourists in Himachal Pradesh by roadways. They can avail a bus service to reach the temple.