Koyalpara, Joyarambati & Sihore temples Visit - Dec'16

31st Dec'16:

On this fine day, early morning, Madhanji came and picked us, and the first temple we have got to visit was Koyalpara Ashram

Koyalpara - Koyalpara Ashram (Temple 245)
Address: Sri Sarada Maa & Guru Maharaj temple, Koyalpara, Joyarambati, West Bengal - 722141

Koyalpara Ashram

Koyalpara Ashram is deeply associated with Holy Mother Sri Saradha Maa's life. Mother traveled between Joyarambati and Kolkata mainly by bullock cart. During the three days that the journey lasted, she halted at several places on the way. Between 1909 and 1919 she invariably stopped at Koalpara, which she called as her 'parlour'.

Mother is known to have installed and worshiped her own picture in a few places, Koalpara is one such place where she installed her picture along with that of Sri Ramakrishna in Nov'1911. She took both the pictures in her hands, touched them with her head for a while, kept them on the altar and offered flowers. We have offered our humble pranams to Guru Maharaj & Saradha maa and then visited Jagadamba Ashram. 


Koyalpara - Jagadamba Ashram (Temple 246)
Address: Jagadamba Ashram, Koyalpara, West Bengal - 722141

Jagadamba Ashram

Jagadamba Ashram is a small solitary house, a 10 min walk from Koyalpara Ashram. Mother stayed here on a few occasions with her niece Radhu. Kedar (Swami Kesavananda) was a disciple of mother and the founder of Koyalpara Ashram. His mother's name was Jagadamba, who too was a devotee of Mother. Since this house belonged to Jagadamba, it came to be known as Jagadamba Ashram. Offered our prayers to Holy Mother &  then visited Shiva temple near the Cremation of Saradha Maa's parents. 

Sihore - Shiva temple & Cremation of Saradha Maa's parents (Temple 247) 
Address: Sihore Shiva temple & Cremation of Saradha Maa's parents, West Bengal - 722141

Sihore - Shiva temple

Cremation of Saradha Maa's parents

A small Shiva temple was available near by the lake where Holy mother used to take bath daily. We have worshiped Lord Shiva & then offered our pranams to Cremation of Saradha Maa's parents (Ramachandra Mukhopadhyay and Shyama Sundari Devi) available nearby and then visited Sri Saradha Mutt at Sihore.

Sihore - Sri Saradha Mutt (Temple 248) 
Address: Sri Saradha Mutt, Sihore, West Bengal - 722141

Sri Saradha Mutt at Sihore is another famous place to visit. Offered our humble pranams to Holy Trios here and then visited Shri Shanthinath Shiva temple at Sihore. 

Sihore - Sri Shanthinath Shiva temple (Temple 249)
Address: Sri Shanthinath Shiva temple, Sihore, West Bengal - 722141

Sri Shanthinath Shiva temple, Sihore

Shri Shanthinath Shiva temple at Sihore has got an important significance that Holy mother Sri saradha maa met Guru Maharaj for the first time at the age of 5. We have worshiped the deity and the visited Simhavahini temple.

Joyarombati - Simhavahini temple (Temple 250)
Address: Simhavahini temple, Joyarambati, West Bengal - 722141

Simhavahini temple 1

Simhavahini temple 2

Simhavahini temple is dedicated to Durga Devi, the deity of Joyarambati. Among the three small images in the temple, the one in the middle represents Simhavahini Devi (Durga), to her right is Chandi and to her left is Mahamaya, both are companions of Simhavahini Devi. To the far left is Manasa Devi, the Serpent Goddess. There are several incidents in Mother's life that vouch for the living presence of the Devi.

The soil from the temple is believed to have medicinal properties. We have offered our prayers to Simhavahini Devi & took soil, then we got to visit Sri Sri Matri mandir at Joyarambati.

Joyarombati - Sri Sri Matri Mandir (Temple 251)
Address: Sri Sri Matri Mandir, Bankura, Joyarambati, West Bengal - 722161

At Sri Sri Matri mandir

                             

Sri Sri Matri Mandir

Sri Sri Matri mandir stands on the holy place where mother was born. Here stood her original house, where she lived till she was nine years old. Her marriage to Sri Ramakrishna took place here. Mother's temple was consecrated by Swami Saradhananda on 19th Apr'1923. She was first worshiped in a picture. Later, the present, beautiful marble image of Mother was installed in 1954, during her birth centenary. The sacred relics of Mother are enshrined in the altar as her image. 

It was a most memorable visit for us to this place, to receive blessings from Holy Mother. Offered our pranams to Holy Mother. Had Lunch prasad & then visited Puratan Bari.

Joyarombati - Puratan Bari - Holy Mother's Old house (Temple 252)
Address: Puratan Bari, Holy Mother's Old house, Near Sri Sri Matri Mandir, Bankura, Joyarambati, West Bengal - 722161

Puratan Bari

When we enter the main gate of Matri mandir, the huts to our left form Puratan Bari. Holy Mother lived in the first hut to our left for almost 52 years, until 1915. She blessed many people here with mantra diksha, Brahmacharya and Sannyasa. After viewing Puratan Bari, got to visit Nutan Bari.

Joyarombati - Nutan Bari - Holy Mother's Old house (Temple 253)
Address: Nutan Bari, Holy Mother's Old house, Near Sri Sri Matri Mandir, Bankura, Joyarambati, West Bengal - 722161

Nutan Bari

Before the main gate to Joyarambati centre, there is a small door on the right leading to a group of small houses. This is Mother's New house. As we enter the door, the first room to our left is where Mother lived between May 1915 and February 1920. Here too she blessed many people with mantra diksha, brahmacharya and Sannyasa. 

It was the most wonderful & memorable year end trip to West Bengal !!

Koyambedu temples Visit - 16th Sep'16

16th Sep'16:

On this fine Friday evening, myself along with my mom visited Kurungaleeswarar temple at Koyambedu

Koyambedu - Kurungaleeswarar temple (Temple 243)
Address: Arulmigu Kurungaleeswarar temple, S Mada street, Srinivasa Nagar, Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600107

Kurungaleeswarar temple

Kurungaleeswarar temple is an ancient temple at Koyambedu where the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Kurungaleeswarar and Goddess Sri Dharmasamvardhini (also called as Aram Valartha Naayagi). 

The temple connects to Ramayana period, when Sita Devi was sent to forest by Sri Rama. Sita was under the care of Sage Sri Valmiki during the period and also gave birth to her 2 sons Lava and Kusa. When Sri Rama sent the Aswamedha horse around the country, Lava and Kusa brought the horse to their custody. Without knowing that it was his sons who captured the horse, Sri Rama sent Lakshmana who fought a battle with them. As Lava and Kusa fought against their own uncle, they acquired a Dhosham called Gothra Dhosham. To be relieved of it, it is said that they installed and worshiped Lord Shiva in this place.
The presiding deity is too small as it was installed by two small kids. We had great dharshan & blessings at the temple and then visited Vaikundavasa Perumal temple.

Koyambedu - Vaikundavasa Perumal temple (Temple 244)
Address: Vaikundavasa Perumal temple, S Mada street, Srinivasa Nagar, Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600107

Vaikundavasa Perumal temple

Vaikundavasa Perumal temple is located adjacent to Kurungaleeswarar temple and both forming twin temples at Koyambedu. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Vaikundavasa perumal & Goddess Kanakavalli thaayar. 

It is said that Lava and Kusa, sons of Sri Rama stayed with Sage Valmiki in his Ashram here, along with their mother Sita Devi. It is said that Sri Vaikundavasa perumal here was worshiped by Sage Valmiki, Lava and Kusa. We had wonderful dharshan at the temple & offered our humble pranams to all the deities.

Blessed  Friday at the temples of Koyambedu !!

Another Blissful day at Kanchipuram - 1st Apr'17

1st Apr'17:

On this fine Saturday, early morning around 6.A.M, myself along with my mom & Vijaya Chitti started to Kanchipuram via car. On the way, we got to visit Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal temple at Sriperumbudhur.

Sriperumbudhur - Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal temple (Temple 233)
Address: Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal temple, SH 57, Ramanujar Nagar, Sriperumbudhur, Tamil Nadu - 602105

Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal temple

Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal temple is also called as Ramanujar temple located at Sriperumbudhur, Kanchipuram. The temple is believed to be the birth place of Ramanuja, the exponent of Vishishtadvaita philosophy. The gold plated shrine in front of the hall of Ramanuja is built by the Maharaja of Mysore.

At Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal temple - Sriperumbudhur

Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal temple - Sri Prumbudhur

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in standing position along with his consorts Shridevi & Bhoodevi. There is a mandap in front of the temple where Ramanuja was born. The temple doesnt have a swarga vasal since is believed that praying to Swami Ramanuja is the way to Vaikundam. We had great dharshan & blessings at the temple & then visited Shri Kamakshi Amman temple, Kanchi kamakoti peetam & then to Adhi Kamakshi Amman temple.

Kanchipuram - Sri Adhi Kamakshi Amman temple (Temple 234)
Address: Sri Adhi Kamakshi temple, Kanchipuram - 635 501

Adhi Kamakshi Amman temple 

Adhi Kamakshi Amman temple is the original Kamakshi Devi temple and is now called as Adhi Peeteswari or Adhi Peeta Parameswari temple. 

At Adhi Kamakshi temple. Kanchipuram

At Adhi Kamakshi Amman temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Adhi Kamakshi installed by Adi Sankara. Other deities available in the temple are Madaleeswarar lingam, Saptha Kannikas, Nagar, Mahisasuramardhini etc., Offered our prayers here and then visited Anchaneya temple.

Kanchipuram - Sri Anchaneya temple (Temple 235)
Address: Sri Anchaneya temple, Kanchipuram - 635 501
Anchaneya temple was located opposite to Adhi Kamakshi Amman temple, Got blessings from Lord Anchaneya & then visited Brahmapureeswarar temple.

Thenampakkamam - Brahmapureeswarar temple (Temple 236)
Address: Sri Brahmapureeswarar temple, Thenambakkam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 631 601

Brahmapureeswarar temple

Brahmapureeswarar temple is closely related to Kanchi Maha Periyavaa - Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Brahmapureeswarar. 

There is a separate shrine for Ganapathy worshiped by Maha Periyavaa named now as Chandrasekara Ganapathy.

Lord Ganesha at Brahmapureeswarar temple

We have also got a chance to visit the room where Maha Periyavaa stayed, did meditation at the tranquil place & then visited Orikkai Maha Periyavaa Mani mandapam, had lunch at the mandapam, visited Kanchi Kudil, Kailasanathar temple, Kachabeswarar temple, Kumarakottam Murugan temple & then to Pandava thoothar Perumal temple.

Kanchipuram - Pandava thoothar Perumal temple (Temple 237, Dhivyadesam 13)
Address: Pandava thoothar Perumal temple, Pandavaperumal Koil St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 631 502

Pandava Thoothar Perumal temple

At Pandava Thoothar Perumal temple

Pandava thoothar Perumal temple or Thirupadagam is glorified in Dhivaprabhanda and is listed as one of the 108 Dhivyadesam. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Pandava thoothar Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Rukmini. It is a rarest of the rare form in this temple that 25 feet tall Lord Krishna graces from the sanctum in a sitting form.

Glimpsed the wonderful dharshan of Lord Krishna, received his blessings and then visited Ekambareswarar temple & then to Ona Kantheeswarar temple.

Kanchipuram - Ona Kantheeswarar temple (Temple 238, Paadal Petra Stalam 31)
Address: Sri Ona Kantheswarar temple, Ona Kandhan Dhali, Panchupettai, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 631 502

Ona Kantheswarar temple 

At Ona Kantheswarar temple

Ona Kantheeswarar temple is revered in Thevaram and is listed as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Stalam. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Ona Kantheeswarar. Mother Kamakshi in Kanchipuram is omnipresent, hence there is no Ambika shrine in this temple. Offered our humble prayers to Lord Shiva and then visited Sri Pachai Vanna Perumal temple.

Kanchipuram - Sri Pachai Vanna Perumal temple (Temple 239) 
Address: Sri Pachai Vanna Perumal temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 631 502

Pachai Vanna Perumal temple

Sri Pachai Vanna Perumal temple is located just opposite to Pavala Vanna perumal temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Pachai Vanna perumal, graces in the temple shining emerald green in a standing form. Worshiped Lord Vishnu and then visited Pavala Vanna Perumal temple.

Kanchipuram - Sri Pavala Vanna Perumal temple (Temple 240, Dhivyadesam 14) 
Address: Sri Pavala Vanna Perumal temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 631 502

At Pavala Vanna Perumal temple

Pavala Vanna Perumal temple is glorified in the Dhivyaprabhanda and is classified as one of the 108 Dhivyadesam. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the form of Pavala Vanna Perumal in standing posture and his consort Lakshmi as Pavazhavalli. Worshiped the deities of the temple and then visited Ulagalantha Perumal temple.

Kanchipuram - Ulagalanda Perumal temple (Temple 241, Dhivyadesam 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Address: Sri Ulagalanda Perumal temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 631 502

Ulagalanda Perumal temple 

Ulagalantha Perumal temple is revered in Dhivyaprabhanda & in houses 4 Dhivyadesams - Tiruooragam, Tirukkaragam, Tirukkarvanam & Tiruneeragam in a single temple.

Tiruooragam: The central shrine of the temple is referred as Peragam, while the smaller shrine where the image of the snake god Adisesha is housed is called Tiruooragam. As per the tradition, Mahabali at the foot of Vamana could not view the Viswaroopam and requested to have a smaller form. Vishnu obliged and appeared as a snake in a smaller shrine.

Tirukkaragam: The presiding deity of the shrine is Karunakara Perumal facing north and seated on Adisesha and his consort Padmamani Nachiar. 

Tirukkarvanam: The presiding deity of the temple is Kalvar and faces north with his consort Kamalavalli thayar. 

Tiruneerakam: The temple has no presiding deity, but just a festive image probably brought from other shrine. Offered our humble pranams to all forms of Lord Vishnu and then visited Vaikunda Perumal temple.

Kanchipuram - Vaikunda Perumal temple (Temple 242, Dhivyadesam 19) 
Address: Sri Vaikunda Perumal temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 631 502

Vaikunda Perumal temple or Tiruparameswarar Vinnagaram is also glorified in Dhivyaprabhanda and is listed as one of the 108 Dhivyadesam. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the name of Vaikunda Perumal & his consort Lakshmi as Vaikundavalli. The temple architecture was extremely beautiful. Offered our heartfelt pranams to Lord Vishnu !!

Most Blessed day at the temples of Kanchipuram!!