Navagraha Stalams & Kumbakonam Temples Visit - July'12 (Part 1)

27th July'12:

Wonderful Holy Trip organized by Thirumurthy uncle of Echanari Vinayakar temple. Myself & mom registered for the trip. I have reached Kumbakonam earlier as I have started from Chennai previous night. An aunty & uncle who came for the trip accompanied me to Uppliappan temple.

Kumbakonam - Oppiliappan temple (Temple 107; Dhivyadesam 8)
Address: Oppiliappan temple, Thirunageswaram, TamilNadu 612204

Uppiliappan temple 

Uppiliappan temple is glorified in Dhivyaprabhanda & listed as one of the 108 Dhivyadesam. The temple is also known as Thiruvinnagar of Venkatachalapathy temple. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Uppiliappan & the deity is believed to have appeared for Sage Markandeya & Gods Bhoomadevi, Brahma &Shiva. We had great dharshan & blessings at the temple and then visited Maha Prathyingara devi temple.

Kumbakonam - Maha Prathyingara Devi temple (Temple 108)
Address: Maha Prathyingara Devi temple, Kumbakonam, TamilNadu 612204

Maha Prathyingara devi temple is located at Ayyavadi village. Mahaprathyingara Devi appeared with the combination of Lioness & Human body. Devi Prathyingara is a blend of Vishnu, Durga, Kali & Narasimha.

On every New moon day, Nikumbala Yaagam will be performed at the temple for various purposes like to destroy enemies, Child boon etc., After offering our sincere prayers to Devi, visited Thirunageswaram Ragu Stalam.

Thirunageswaram - Raghu Stalam (Temple 109; Paadal Petra Stalam 14)
Address: Sri Naganathaswamy temple, Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu - 612204

Thirunageswaram - Raghu Stalam

Thirunageswaram Ragu Stalam is revered in Thevaram and is listed as one of the 275 Paadal Petra stalams. The temple is associated with Nine planet elements especially Raghu.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva worshiped as Naganathar represented by Lingam and his consort Parvathi is represented as Piraisoodi Amman. On the day of our visit, they have lit 25,000 lamps and did Vazhipaadu for 63 Naayanmars.

At Thirunageswaram Raghu temple 

Most Blessed evening with awesome divine feel at the temple. 

28th July'12:
On this day early morning, we have started the trip and the first temple we have got to visit was Kailasanathar temple at Thingalur.

Thingalur - Kailasanathar temple (Temple 110)
Address: Kailasanathar temple, Thingaloor, Tamil Nadu - 612204

At Thingalur - Kailasanathar temple 

Kailasanathar temple is one of the Navagraha temple dedicated to Planet Moon. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Kailasanathar. There is a separate sanctum for moon. We have offered our prayers here and then visited Suriyanaar temple. 

Thanjavur - Suriyanar temple (Temple 111)
Address: Suriyanar temple, Thirumangalakudi P.O, Thanjavur Dist., Thiruvidaimaruthur, Tamil Nadu - 612102

Suriyanar temple 

Suriyanaar temple is one of the Navagraha temple dedicated to Hindu God Sun. Also this is the only temple in Tamil Nadu which has got shrines for all the planetary deities.

The presiding deity of the temple is Sun along with his consorts Usha Devi & Pratyuksha Devi. We have prayed to all the deities at the temple and then visited Thirumanancheri Kalyanasundareswarar temple.

Thirumananchery - Kalyana Sundareswarar temple (Temple 112; Paadal Petra Stalam 15)
Address: Kalyana Sundareswarar temple, Vanathirajapuram, Thiruvelvikudi, Tamil Nadu - 609801

Thirumananchery Kalyana Sundareswarar temple is also called as Thirumananchery Udhvaganathar temple. This temple was glorified by Thevaram and listed as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Stalams. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Udhvaganathar along with his consort Gokhila. We have offered poojas, prayers at the temple and then visited Sri Rukmini Vittal Samasthan.

Kumbakonam - Sri Rukmini Vittal Samasthan (Temple 113)
Address: Sri Rukmini Vittal Samasthan, Mutt Rd, Govindapuram, Tamil Nadu - 612101

Sri Rukmini Vittal Samasthan

Sri Rukmini Vittal Samasthan was a beautiful temple built of North Indian style. It was founded by Ramashri Vittal das JayaKrishnan Deekshithar. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Radhe Krishna, who looks so beautiful. Also there is a KO sala present inside the temple. Feeding the cows is considered as Religious merit, hence we fed the same.

KO sala at Rukmini Vittal Samasthan

After receiving blessings from Lord Krishna, visited Kanjanoor - Sukran stalam

Kanjanoor - Agneeswarar temple (Temple 114; Paadal Petra Stalam 16)
Address: Agneeswarar temple, Kanjanoor, Tamil Nadu - 609804

Kanjanoor - Sukran Stalam

Kanjanoor - Agneeswarar temple is one of the Navagraha Stalam dedicated to Sukhran. The temple is glorified in Thevaram & listed as one of the 275 Paadal petra stalam. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Agneeswarar represented as Lingam and his divine consort Parvathi as Karpagambal Amman. Offered our prayers & poojas at the temple.

Had wonderful time at the temples of Kumbakonam & Tanjore.

Thirumalpur & Thirukkachur temples visit - April'16

2nd Apr'16:

On this fine Saturday early morning, myself along with my mom started to Thirumalpur via train. From Thirumalpur railway station, we took an auto and reached Thirumalpur Manikandeswarar temple

Thirumalpur - Manikandeswarar temple (Temple 102; Paadal petra stalam 12)
Address: Manikandeswarar temple, Tirumalpur Post Taluk, District PIN 631503, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu

Thirumalpur - Manikandeswarar temple 

Thirumalpur Manikandeswarar temple is revered in the hymns of Thevaram and is listed as one of the 275 Paadal petra stalams.

Lord Vishnu used to Perform poojas to Lord Shiva dedicating 1000 Lotus flowers. One day he could find 999 Lotus flowers only, hence he plucked one of his beautiful eyes and dedicated as flower. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion, fulfilled his wished and named the place as Thirumalpur.

At Thirumalpur Manikandeswarar temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Manikandeswarar & Anjanatchi amman. During the time of our visit, temple renovation was going on. After offering our prayers here, visited Govindavadi - Dakshinamurthy temple.

Govindavadi - Dakshinamurthy temple (Temple 103)

Address: Sri Dakshinamurthy temple, Govindavadi - 6315012, Kancheepuram dist., Tamil Nadu

Govindavadi - Dakshinamurthy temple

 Govindavadi - Dakshinamurthy temple is a Guru stalam where the presiding deity is Dakshinamurthy, an aspect of Lord Shiva for the planet jupiter or Brahaspathi. The planet Jupiter shifts from one Zodiac sign to next, once in a year and will have great influence on the fate of the people. 

It is also one of the Navagraha stalam for Guru. We have worshiped Dakshinamurthy. Took a train, got down at Singaperumal station and  visited Singaperumal temple.

Singaperumal - Paadalathri Narasimmar temple (Temple 104)
Address: Sri Patalathri Narasimhaswamy temple, Singaperumal Koil, Kancheepuram - 603202, Tamil Nadu

At Singaperumal temple 

Singaperumal temple is 1500 years old Pallava temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Ugra Narasimma, holding Paanchajanya and Sudharsana chakra, showing Abhaya Hastha in one of his hands. Sri Narasimha swamy has 3 eyes and the third eye is shown by the priest while performing Arathi.

At Singaperumal temple

Had great divine feel at the temple, offered our prayers here and then visited Thirukachur - Kachabeswarar temple.

Thirukachur - Sri Thiyagaraja swamy temple (Temple 105; Paadal petra stalam 13)
Address: Sri Kachabeswarar temple, Thirukkachur, TamilNadu - 603204

Thirukachur - Sri Thiyagaraja swamy temple 

Thirukachur - Sri Thiyagaraja swamy temple is revered in Thevaram and is listed as one of the 275 Paadal petra stalams.

At Shri Thiyagarajar temple - Thirukachur

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Kachabeswarar represented by Lingam and his consort Parvati named as Antanatchi. After worshiping Lord Shiva here, visited Thirukachur - Maruntheeswarar temple.

Thirukachur - Sri Maruntheeswarar temple (Temple 106)
Address: Sri Maruntheeswarar temple, Thirukkachur, TamilNadu - 603204

Thirukachur - Sri Maruntheeswarar temple 

Thirukachur Maruntheeswarar temple is counted as the twin temple along with Kachabeswarar temple at Thirukachur. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Maruntheeswarar represented by Lingam and Goddess Parvati depicted as Balambigai. We had good dharshan & blessings at the temple.

Most Blessed Saturday at the temples of Thirumalpur & Thirukachur !

Visit to Sydney Murugan temple, Australia - Feb'16

During my business trip to Australia, I was so fond of visiting temples at Sydney. On a fine Saturday evening, one of my relative Dr.Mahesh uncle, his wife & daughter accompanied me to Sydney Murugan temple.

27th Feb'16:
Sydney Murugan temple (Temple 101)
Address: Sydney Murugan temple, 217 Great Western Hwy, Mays Hill NSW 2145, Australia

At Sydney Murugan temple 

Lord Murugan temple is situated in the state of New South Wales resides at Mays Hill. The temple was built by a Hindu society - the Saiva mandram during 1985. The saiva mandram worked hard for nearly 10 years to build the temple. It was a traditionally built beautiful temple.

At Sydney Murugan temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Muruga. Actually, the main shrine has got 3 chambers, the middle one for the main deity - Sydney Murugan and the either sides for Lord Shiva & Ambal.

At Sydney Murugan temple

Other deities of the temple are Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Meenakshi, Goddess Durga, Navagrahas, Lord Vairavar & Lord Sandigeswarar. 

At Sydney Murugan temple

We have offered our prayers, had great dharshan & blessings at the temple. A canteen is available in the temple which serves good food. Brought some food for dinner.

Blissful evening at Sydney Murugan temple !!

Madurai, Rameswaram temples visit - Nov'12 (Part 2)

After visiting the temples at Madurai, we have reached Rameswaram via Train and took rest at the hotel we have booked already.

15th Nov'12:
On this fine day, early morning got to see sunrise at Rameswaram Beach, took bathe in following 22 Holy theerthams 
1.  Cakra Theertham of Ramanathaswamy temple
2. Siva theertham
3. Sanka theertham
4. Yamuna theertham
5. Ganga theertham
6. Gaya theertham
7. Koti theertham
8. satyamtrata theertam
9. Sarva theertham
10. Candra theertham
11. Surya theertham
12. Brahmahathi Vimosana theertham
13. Madhava theertham
14. Nala theertham
15. Nila theertham
16. Gavaya theertham
17. Gavaksa theertham
18. Gandhamadana theertham
19. Savitri theertham
20. Saraswathi theertham
21. Dharma theertham &
22. Gayathri theertham and then visited Ramanatha swamy temple

Rameswaram - Ramanathaswamy temple (Temple 96; Paadal petra stalam 11; Jyotirlinga 1)
Address: Ramanathaswamy temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Ramanathaswamy temple 

Ramanatha swamy temple is glorified by the saivaite sanits - Appar, Sundarar & Thirugnana sambandar & listed as one of the 274 Paadal petra stalams. It is also one of the 12 Jyotir linga temples.

The presiding deity of the temple is Ramanathaswamy in the form of Lingam. There are two lingams inside the sanctum - One built by Sita, from sand and the other one brought by Hanuman from Kailash called Vishwalingam. We had most blissful time at the temple, worshiped Lord Shiva and then visited Ramar paadham temple.

Rameswaram - Ramar paadham temple (Temple 97)
Address: Ramarokha temple, GP Road, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

At Ramar Paadam temple

Ramar temple is a temple for Ram's feet. The foot of Lord Rama is engraved in a stone chakra in this place. From this place, one can see the full view of Rameswaram. 

At Ramar Paadam temple

After worshiping the foot prints of Lord Rama, visited Kothandaramaswamy temple.

Rameswaram - Kothandaramar temple (Temple 98)
Address: Kothandaramar temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Kothandaramaswamy temple

Kothandaramaswamy temple is the only historic structure survived after the 1964 cyclone that washed away Dhanushkodi. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Rama along with Goddess Sita.
Lord Rama has got bow in his hand and is named as Kothandaramar. We had a great dharshan at this temple and then visited 'Kanden Seethaiyai' Anchaneyar temple.

Rameswaram - Kanden Seethaiyai Anchaneyar temple (Temple 99)
Address: Kanden Seethaiyai Anchaneyar temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Kanden Seethaiyai Anchaneyar temple 

It was a small Anchaneya temple. At this place, Lord Hanuman said to Lord Rama that he found Goddess Sita at Srilanka and spoke to her and uttered the word 'Kanden Seethaiyai'. Hence it's named as 'Kanden Seethaiyai' Anchaneya temple. A old grandma is taking care of the temple now, offering poojas & Prasadham daily. After worshiping Lord Anchaneya here, visited Panchamuga Anchaneya temple.

Rameswaram - Panchamuga Anchaneyar temple (Temple 100)
Address: Panchamukhi Hanuman temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Panchamuga Anchaneyar temple

Panchamuga Anchaneya temple is situated at 2km distance from Ramanathaswamy temple. At this place, Lord revealed his 5 faces, hence the idol of Hanuman is depicted with five faces which are of Lord Hanuman in the middle along with faces of Lord Narasimha, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Garuda and Lord Hayagriva on the sides. Had a great dharshan & blessings at the temple.

Enjoyed the Holy trip to Madurai & Rameswaram. 

Madurai, Rameswaram temples visit - Nov'12 (Part 1)

13th Nov'12:
On this auspicious day of Diwali, after celebrating Diwali at home early morning, myself along with my parents started to Madurai via Route bus. We have booked a room there, refreshed up & visited Madurai Meenakshi amman temple around 4pm.

Madurai - Meenakshi amman temple (Temple 92; Paadal petra stalam 10)
Address: Madurai Meenakshi amman temple, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001

Madurai - Meenakshi amman temple

Madurai Meenakshi amman temple is the historic famous temple and the most visited tourist attraction in the city. The temple houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers) ranging from 40 -50m height, 2 gold sculptured vimanas & around 33,000 sculptures inside the temple. The temple is nominated for one of the 'New 7 wonders of the world'.

At Meenakshi amman temple 

The presiding deity of the temple is Sundareswarar meaning 'the beautiful God' & Goddess Meenakshi 'fish -eyed Goddess'. We had a great dharshan & had blissful evening at the wonderful temple.

14th Nov'12:
On this day early morning, we have started to Kallazhagar temple.

Madurai - Kallazhagar temple (Temple 93; Dhivyadesam 7)
Address: Kallazhagar temple, Alagar Kovil, Melur Taluk, Madurai District - 625301

Kallazhagar temple

Kallazhagar temple is glorified in Dhivya Prabhanda and is listed as one of the 108 Dhivyadesam. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Perumal in the name of kallazhagar because he steals the heart of all the devotees by his beauty & devotion. We had a great dharshan of Perumal & blessings and then visited Thirupparamkundram Murugan temple.

Madurai - Thirupparamkundram Subramanya swamy temple (Temple 94; Arupadai Veetu Murugan 1)
Address: Thiruparankundram Murugan temple,
Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu, 625005

Thirupparamkundram Murugan temple 

Thirupparamkundram Murugan temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga. This is the place where Lord Murga slayed the demon Supradman and married Deivayani. 

At Thirupparamkundram Murugan temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Muruga looks so beautiful. Other deities available in the temple are Lord Vinayaka, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva & Lord Durga. Offered our prayers to all the deities and then visited Pazhamudhir Cholai Murugan temple.

Madurai - Pazhamudir Cholai Murugan temple (Temple 95; Arupadai Veetu Murugan 2)
Address: Pazhamudir Cholai Murugan temple, Alagar Hills R.F., Tamil Nadu, 624401

Pazhamudircholai Murugan temple

Pazhamudircholai Murugan temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga located top a hill covered with dense forest. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Muruga blesses his devotees with his consorts Valli & Deivayani.

Lord Muruga at Pazhamudircholai

In Pazhamudircholai, Lord Murugan is worshiped as Gnana Sakthi, his wives Valli as Icha Sakthi & Deivayani as Kriya Sakthi. Had great blessings at the temple.

Blessed day at the temples of Madurai..