Ernakulam, Kottayam & Cochin Temples Visit - Apr'17

23rd Apr'17:

After receiving blessings from Guru Mathaji (Ajayapranaji), we have reached Ernakulam & got to stay at Nichoos Inn. On this day early morning, started via car to visit various temples around, and the first temple we have got to visit was Sree Poornathrayesa temple.

Tripunithura - Sree Poornathrayeesa temple (Temple 196)
Address: Sree Poornathrayeesa temple, Kottakkakam Road, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala 682301

Sree Poornathrayesa Krishna temple

Sree Poornathrayesa temple is considered among the greatest temples in Kerala and was first among the 8 Royal temples of Erst while Kochi Kingdom.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Santhana Gopala Murthy / Poornathrayesan, who is the protector guardian of the town Tripunithura. We had a great dharshan & blessings of Lord Krishna & then visited Chottanikara Bhagavathy temple.

Chottanikara - Bhagavathy temple (Temple 197)
Address: Sri Bhagavathy Amman temple, Chottanikara, Ernakulam, Kerala 682312

Chottanikara - Bhagavathy temple

Chottanikara Bhagavathy temple is one of the most popular temple in Kerala. The presiding deity of the temple is Sree Mahamaya Bhagavathi, the goddess of Power.

Chottanikara Devi here is worshiped in 3 different forms - As Maha Saraswathi in the morning (draped in White), As Maha Lakshmi in Noon (draped in Crimson) & As Sree Durga in the evening (draped in Blue). There is a separate queue for ladies, glimpsed the great dharshan of Bhagavathi, offered our pranams & then visited Keezhakavu Saastha temple.

Keezhakavu - Saastha temple (Temple 198)
Address: Keezhakavu - Saastha temple, Chottanikara, Ernakulam, Kerala 682312

Keezhakavu Saastha temple is a small temple available inside the premises of Chottanikara Bhagavathy temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappan. Poojas are performed well at the temple during the time of our visit. Worshiped Lord Ayyappan & then visited Vaikom Mahadev temple.

Vaikom (Kottayam) - Mahadev temple (Temple 199)
Address: Mahadevar temple P.O, Vaikom, Kerala 686141

Vaikom - Mahadev temple

At Vaikom - Mahadev temple

Vaikom Mahadev temple is one of the most revered Shiva temple in South India. The temple along with Ettumanoor Siva temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadev temple is considered a powerful trisome.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Mahadev represented by Lingam and the Shiv Lingam here is believed to be from 'Treta Yuga'. Offered our humble prayers to Lord Shiva, got to see Uchi Kaala pooja & then visited Ernakulathappan temple.

Ernakulam - Ernakulathappan temple (Temple 200)
Address: Ernakulam Shiva temple, Durbar Hall Rd, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682011

Ernakulam - Ernakulathappan temple

At Ernakulam - Ernakulathappan temple

Ernakulathappan temple is one of the major temples of Kerala, located in the heart of Ernakulam. The temple is also listed as one of the 7 Royal temples of Kochi Maharajas.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in Gourisankara form, represented by Lingam - a self anifested Lingam. Other deities of the temple are Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ayyappa & Nagaraja. Worshiped all the deities here and then visited Ravipuram - Shri Krishna temple.

Ravipuram - Shri Krishna temple (Temple 201)
Address: Sri Krishnaswami temple, Ravipuram Rd, Ravipuram, Perumanoor, Ernakulam, Kerala 682016

Ravipuram - Shri Krishna temple

Ravipuram - Shri Krishna temple has been built on the lines of famous Guruvayoorappan temple. The temple architecture was too good. Offered our prayers to Lord Krishna & then visited Vazhiambalam - Amman temple.

Vazhiambalam - Amman temple (Temple 202)
Address: Vazhiambalam Amman temple, Ernakulam, Kerala 682016

Vazhiambalam - Amman temple

Vazhiambalam - Amman temple was a small Amman temple located at 1km distance from Ravipuram Krishna temple. Worshiped the presiding deity - Amman & then visited Ernakulam - Sri Saradha Mutt.

Ernakulam - Sri Sarada Mutt (Temple 203)
Address: Sri Sarada Mutt, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Ravipuram, Perumanoor, Kochi, Kerala 682016

Ernakulam - Sri Sarada Mutt

At Ernakulam - Sri Sarada Mutt

Most Blessed evening at Sri Saradha Mutt, Ernakulam. Offered our Humble Pranams to Holy Trios & attended Arati at 6.P.M. Got blessings from Avayaprana Mathaji & few other Mathajis.
Mathaji offered a delicious dinner, helped us to book cab to Ernakulam station, spoke to us very well & showered her unconditional Love & Blessings !!

Most Blissful day at the temples of Ernakulam, Kottayam & Cochin !!


  

Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur & Tanjore temples visit - Jan'17 (Part 2)

29th Jan'17:

On this fine Sunday morning, myself along with my parents & Abi sister started from Panneer uncle's house at Myladuthurai to visit various temples and the first temple we got to visit was Thirupugalur - Agnipureeswarar temple.

Thirupugalur - Agnipureeswarar temple (Temple 187, Paadal Petra Stalam 27)
Address: Sri Agneeswaraswami temple, Thirupugalur, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu - 609 704

Thirupugalur - Agnipureeswarar temple

Thirupugalur - Agnipureeswarar is revered in Thevaram by Thirugnana Sambandar and is listed as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Stalam. The temple has got a 5- tiered Rajagopuram. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of  Agnipureeswarar & Goddess Karundharkuzhali. Lord Shiva here is a swoyambhumurthy (Self manifested) represented as Lingam. There are 3 different shrines for Lord Shiva which tells the Past, Present & Future if we meditate there. We had a wonderful dharshan & blessings at the temple and then visited Thirukannapuram - Sowriraja perumal temple

Thirukannapuram - Sowrirajaperumal temple (Temple 188, Dhivyadesam 11)
Address: Sri Sowriraja perumal temple, Thirukannapuram, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu - 609 704

At Sowrirajaperumal temple

At Thirukannapuram - Sowrirajaperumal temple

Thirukannapuram - Sowriraja perumal temple is well known as Neelamegha Perumal temple, is glorified in Dhivyaprabhanda and is listed as one of the 108 Dhivyadesam. The temple has got 7-tiered Rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Neelamegha Perumal & Goddess Kannapura Nayaki. Most positive vibrations are observed in the sanctum. Worshiped the deities & then visited Sri Vanchinatha swamy temple.

Srivanjiyam - Sri Vanchinathaswamy temple (Temple 189)
Address: Sri Vanchinathaswamy temple, Nannilam-Tiruvarur-Srivanchiyam Temple Road, Srivanchiyam, Tamil Nadu - 610107

Sri Vanchinathar temple

At Srivanchinathar temple

Sri Vanchinatha swamy temple has got 110 feet tall 5-tier Rajagopuram facing east. It was one of the Mukti Kshetra. One of the unique feature of the temple is there is a separate shrine for Hindu God of death & justice i.e Lord Yama. The tradition of the temple is, the devotees should visit the shrine of Lord Yama before entering the temple.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Vanchinadeswarar & Goddess Mangalanayagi. Glimpsed the wonderful dharshan of all the deities of the temple and then visited Saraparameswarar temple.

Thirucherai - Sri saraparameswarar temple (Temple 190, Paadal Petra Stalam 28)
Address: Sri Saraparameswarar temple, Tirucherai Post, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu - 612605

Saraparameswarar temple

At Thirucherai - Saraparameswarar temple

Thirucherai - Saraparameswarar temple is one classified as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Stalams.
It is also called as 'Kadan Nivarthi Stalam' (The temple for debt relief).

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Saraparameswarar / Sennariappar and Goddess Sri Gnanavalli. Margandeya Rishi once installed Shiva lingam at this temple & prayed. Offered our humble pranams to the deities & then visited Saranatha Perumal temple.

Thirucherai - Saranatha Perumal temple (Temple 191, Dhivya desam 12)
Address: Sri Saranatha Perumal temple, North St, Thirucherai, Tamil Nadu - 612605

Thirucherai  - Sarantha perumal temple

At Thirucherai Saranatha Perumal temple

Thirucherai Saranatha Perumal temple is glorified in Dhivyaprabhanda & is listed as one of the 108 Dhivyadesam.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord vishnu in the name of Saranatha Perumal & Goddess Lakshmi as Saranayaki. The temple is represented in five divine elements of Perumal, Nachiyar, Vimana, Theertha & Land. Hence called Thiurcherai. Offered our prayers, had lunch Prasadh at the temple and then visited Nallur - Kalyana Sundareswarar temple.

Nallur - Kalyana Sundareswarar temple (Temple 192, Paadal Petra Stalam 29)
Address: Sri Kalyana Sundareswarar temple, Tirunallur, Valangaiman Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu - 614208

At Nallur - Kalyana Sundareswarar temple

Kalyana Sundareswarar temple - Nallur

Nallur - Kalyana Sundareswarar is revered in the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Stalam. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Kalyana Sundareswarar represented by Lingam & Goddess Girisundari. The Lingam in the temple is believed to change colors five times during a day. Had a great dharshan & Blessings at the temple & then visited Thiruvalanchuzhi -Swetha Vinayagar temple.

Thiruvalanchuzhi - Swetha Vinayagar temple (Temple 193, Paadal Petra Stalam 30)
Address: Swetha Vinayagar temple, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Tamil Nadu - 612302

Swetha Vinayagar temple

At Thiruvalanchuzhi - Swetha Vinayagar temple 

Thiruvalanchuzhi - Valanchuzhinathar is revered in the hymns of Thevaram and is listed as one of the 275 Paadal petra stalam. The temple is also well known as Swetha Vinayagar / Vellai Vinayagar temple.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Valanchuzhinathar & Goddess Periyanayaki. The temple was so huge, had a wonderful dharshan of all the deities & then visited Thiruvalanchuzhi - Sai Baba temple.

Thiruvalanchuzhi - Sai Baba temple (Temple 194)
Address: Shiridi Sai Baba temple, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Tamil Nadu - 612302

At Thiruvalanchuzhi Sai Baba temple

Thiruvalanchuzhi - Sai Baba temple was a wonderful temple built for the spiritual master Shiridi Sai Baba. Offered our humble pranams to Baba & the last temple visited for the day was Swamimalai Murugan temple.

Swamimalai Murugan temple (Temple 195,  Arupadai Murugan temple 3)

Address: Swami Malai Murugan temple, Swami malai, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu - 612302

Swamimalai Murugan temple

At Swamimalai Murugan temple

Swamimalai Murugan temple is one of the Arupadai Murugan temple i.e one of the Holy six abodes of  Lord Muruga.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Muruga in the name of Swaminathaswamy, located at the top of 60 ft hillock, the other deities of the temple are Goddess Meenakshi & Lord Shiva located downhill. There are 60 steps at the temple and each one is named after the 60 Tamil years. Glimpsed the wonderful dharshan of Lord Muruga.

Had wonderful day at the temples of Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur & Tanjore. 

Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur & Tanjore temples visit - Jan'17 (Part 1)

28th Jan'17:

On this fine Saturday morning, myself along with my parents reached Myladuthurai, stayed at my paternal uncle's (Panneer Selvam) house. From there, Sridhar uncle accompanied us to Kathiramangalam - Vanadurga Amman temple in Panneer uncle's car.

Kathiramangalam - Vana Durga Amman temple (Temple 182)
Address: Sri Vana Durga Parameswari temple, Kathiramangalam Tiruvidaimaruthur Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu - 612104

At Kathiramangalam - Vana Durga Amman temple

Kathiramangalam - Vanadurga Parameswari Amman temple is one of the Nava Durga temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Vana Durga, manifestation of Goddess Durga. The main Idol of the temple is of 6 feet Height. There is a belief that she visits Kasi during the nights & comes back everyday. 

We have offered for Pooja & archanai. Had great dharshan and blessings from Vanadurga & reached home.

Aakoor - Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple (Temple 183; Paadal Petra Stalam 26)
Address: Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple, Akkur, Nagapattinam Dist., Tamil Nadu - 609301

On the same evening, myself along with my parents & Abi sis planned to visit few other temples via car and the first temple we got to visit was Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple

Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple

At Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple

Sri Thanthondreeswarar is revered in Thevaram and is listed as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Stalams. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Thanthondreeswarar / Thanthondriappar and Goddess Vaal Nedunkanni. We had good dharshan at the temple, worshiped the deities & then visited Sri Rajagopalaswami temple.

Ananthamangalam - Sri Rajagopalaswami temple (Temple 184)
Address: Sri Rajagopalaswami temple, Ananthamangalam, Nagapattinam Dist., Tamil Nadu - 609301

Sri Rajagopalaswamy temple - Ananthamangalam

Sri Rajagopalaswamy temple

Sri Rajagopalaswami temple is well known as Ananthamangalam Anchaneya temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Vasudevaperumal & Rajagopalaswamy. There is a separate shrine for Lord Anchaneya in the name of Trinetra Dasabuja Veera Anchaneyar. Opposite to this temple, there is a separate temple for Trinetra chaturbuja veera Anchaneyar. Offered our humble pranams to all the deities & then visited Markandeyar temple.

Thirumanalmedu - Markandeyar temple (Temple 185)
Address: Sri Markandeyar temple, Thirumanalmedu, Nagapattinam Dist., Tamil Nadu - 609301

Thirumanalmedu Markandeyar temple is a pure saivatic temple where Markandeyar has got his own shrine. The divinities here are Lord Sri Mirukandeswara & Goddess Maruthavathi & the presiding deity -  Sri Markandeyar. Worshiped all the deities and then visited Thiruvidaikazhi Murugan temple.

Thiruvidaikazhi - Murugan temple (Temple 186)
Address: Thiruvidaikazhi Murugan temple, Thiruvidaikazhi, Tamil Nadu - 609310

Thiruvidaikazhi Murugan temple is situated at 6km distance from Thirukadaiyur. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Muruga facing east, there is a belief that Lord Murugan walked under Thirukkura tree. 

A Shivalingam is situated at the back of the presiding deity and a Spatika lingam in front. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Devayanai, Stala Puranam states that engagement between Lord Muruga and Deivayanai happened at this place. Glimpsed the wonderful dharshan of Lord Muruga & other deities !!

Most Blessed day at the temples of Nagapattinam!