Trichy, Tanjore temples Visit - April 2014

19th Apr'14
On this fine Saturday early morning, myself along with my parents started via train, got down at Trichy station, from there we took a city bus and reached Samayapuram Maariamman temple.

Trichy - Samayapuram Mariamman temple (Temple 82)
Address: Arulmighu Mariamman temple,
Samayapuram, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu - 621112

Samayapuram - Mariamman temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Samayapurathaal or Mariamman is made of Sand & Clay like many of the traditional mariamman deities. Hence abhishegam (sacred washing) will not be performed for the deity.

Samayapuram Mariamman temple - Front View

The Goddess has got enormous power for curing illness. We have offered our prayers, got blessings from Mariamman and then took a bus to reach out to Tanjore. 

After reaching Tanjore, we have checked in to Hotel Annamalai, and visited Brahadeeswara temple in the evening.

Tanjore - Brihadeeswara temple (Temple 83)
Address: Brihadeeswarar temple, Membalam Road, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu -613007

Tanjore - Brahadeeswara temple 

Brahadeeswara temple also known as 'Thanjai Periya Kovil' or 'Big temple' showcases pure Dravidan architecture. 

At Tanjore Brahadeeswara temple

At Tanjore Brahadeeswara temple 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam called Peruvudaiya or Rajarajeshwaramudaiya. The massive Lingam is housed in a huge 2-storey sanctum. The inner wall of the sanctum has sculptures of 108 dance poses called Karmas performed by Lord Shiva himself. A huge statue of Nandhi, measuring 6 m length and 3.7 m in height faces the inner sanctum. It is one of the largest statues of Nandhi in India.

Was really wondered by the stupendous architecture & had wonderful time at the temple.

20th Apr'14
On this day, early morning booked a car to visit various temples at Tanjore and the first temple we have got to visit was Thirutthen kudi thittai - Guru Stalam

Tanjore - Thirutthen kudi thittai - Guru Stalam (Temple 84; Paadal Petra stalam 6)
Address: Vasisteswarar temple, Thittai,
Tamil Nadu - 613003

Thirutten kudi Thittai - Guru Stalam

Thitti Guru Stalam is known as Vashishteswarar temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Vashishteswarar, named so as the deity was worshiped by Sage Vasishtar and his divine consort Ulaganayagi.

This temple is a Guru Parihara stalam, where separate shrine is available for Raja Guru. We had good dharshan & blessings at the temple and then visited Thirukarugavur - Mullaivananathar temple.

Thirukarugavur - Mullaivananathar temple (Temple 85; Paadal petra stalam 7)
Address: Garbarakshambigai Amman temple, Thirukarugavur, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu - 610001

At Mullaivananathar temple 

Thirukarukarugavur Mullaivananathar temple is listed as one of the 275 Paadal petra stalams. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Mullaivananathar, who is a Self manifested (Swoyambhu) Lingam. 

At Thirukarugavur  - Garbarakshambigai amman temple 

Ambal Garbarakshambigai amman or Karu kaatha nayagi is available in a separate shrine. It is said that the couples who are not blessed with a child for many years will be blessed by ambal if they perform the parikar of smearing ghee on the steps. They have to consume the ghee that was offered to ambal for 48 days. Got blessings from the deities & then started to Patteeswaram Durga temple.

Patteeswaram - Thenupuriswarar temple (Temple 86; Paadal petra stalam 8)
Address: Patteeswaram Shiva temple, Patteeswaram, Tamil Nadu - 612703

Patteeswaram Durga temple

Patteeswaram Thenupuriswarar is a magnificent temple with 5 majestic Gopurams & 3 Prakarams. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thirugnana Sambandar and is classified as one of the Paadal petra stalam.

At Patteeswaram Thenupuriswarar temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Thenupuriswarar and Goddess Durga. Durga here is seated on her vehicle Lion & with her foot on Mahisasura. After worshiping the deities here, visited Darasuram Airavateswara temple.

Darasuram - Airavatesvara temple (Temple 87)
Address: Airavatesvara temple, Gurunathan Pillai Colony, Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu - 612702

Darasuram - Airavateswara temple 

Darasuram Airavateswara temple is a World Heritage monument protested by UNESCO. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Airavateswara, as he was worshiped by Airavata, the white Elephant of the King of GODs.

The sculptures at the temple was too wonderful. An awesome treat to eyes.

Wonderful day at the temples of Tanjore !

Egmore, Purasaiwakkam temples visit - Sep'16

20th Sep'16
On this fine Tuesday evening, myself along with mom started to Egmore Via Train, we have got down at Egmore station, took an auto and reached Egmore - Arthanareeswarar temple

Egmore - Arthanareeswarar temple (Temple 78)
Address: Arthanareeswarar temple, Gangu Reddy Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600084

At Egmore - Arthanareeswarar temple 

Egmore Arthanareeswarar is a small ancient temple of about 1300 years old, unknown to most of them. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Arthanareeswarar & Goddess Tiripura Sundari.

On the right to the presiding deity, there is a shrine of Lakshmi Narasimma perumal, Sri Garuda Bhagawan Shrine is available opposite to Perumal. Also a separate shrine is available for Lord Anchaneya. We have offered our prayers to all the deities and walked to Swami Narayanan Mandir.

Egmore - Swami Narayan Mandir (Temple 79)
Address: BAPS Swami Narayan Mandir, 14, Aravamuthu Garden Street, Behind Hotel Dasprakash, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008

At Swami Narayan  Mandir

Bhagwan Swaminarayan established the Swaminarayan faith and renewed the ideals of Hinduism. He established a spiritual way of life and conduct to be followed. 'Satsang' is the word used by Bhagwan Swami Narayan's followers to describe the process of associating with God and the Guru to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

BAPS - Swami Narayan Mandir

BAPS Swami Narayan mandir at Egmore is such a religious place. We had a great dharshan of Swami Narayan, attended Bhajans. It really gave an awesome divine feel. Then, we took an auto and visited Gangadheeswarar temple at Purasaiwakkam

Purasaiwakkam - Gangadheeswarar temple (Temple 80; Pancha Bhootha stalam of Chennai 1)
Address: Gangadeeswarar temple, Gangadeeswar Koil St, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600084

Gangadheeswarar temple

Similar to Pancha Bhootha stalams in India, there are Pancha Bhootha stalams inside Chennai city too. One of such Pancha Bhootha stalam is Gangadheeswarar represents water.

At Gangadheeswarar  temple 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva as Gangadheeswarar & devi Pankajambal. At the back side of the temple, there is a Shiva Lingam, to whom every devotees can do Abhishegam. We have offered our prayers, did Abhishegam & then visited Srinivasa Perumal temple at Purasaiwakkam.

Purasaiwakkam - Srinivasa perumal temple (Temple 81)
Address: Srinivasa Perumal temple, 122/123, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600084

Purasaiwakkam - Srinivasa Perumal temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Srinivasa Perumal, we had a wonderful dharshan, theertham, Jatari & blessings.

Wonderful evening at the temples.

Trivandrum Temples Visit - Oct'16

15th Oct'16:
A memorable trip to the Capital City & the largest city of Kerala - Trivandrum. Myself along with my parents booked a cab from Hotel Aristo, where we stayed to visit the important temples at the City. First temple we got to visit was Pazhavangadi Ganapathy temple

Trivandrum - Pazhavangadi Ganapathy temple (Temple 71)
Address: Pazhavangadi Ganapathy temple, East Fort, Padma Nagar, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023

Pazhavangadi Ganapthy Temple 

The presiding deity of the temple is Maha Ganapathy. The uniqueness of Ganesha Idol is Ganesha is in a seated posture with right leg folded. Glimpsed the wonderful dharshan of Lord Ganesha.

At Pazhavangadi Ganapathy temple, Trivandrum 

As similar to all the temples at Kerala, dress code is strictly followed. Both men & women are supposed to wear traditional attire. Sub deities of the temple are Dharmasaastha, Goddess Durga & Nagaraja. Offered our prayers to all the deities and then visited Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple.

Trivandrum - Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple (Temple 72; Dhivyadesam 6)
Address: Padmanabhaswamy temple, West Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023

Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple

Wonderful temple built of Kerala's architectural style. It is listed as one of the 108 Dhivyadesams - Holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu.

The presiding deity of the temple is Padmanabhaswamy, located on a stone slab and of 18ft long, can be viewed by three different doors.We stood in queue for around 30 minutes and got to view the dharshan at 8 A.M.

Dress code is strictly followed in the temple and Security check is very strict. Mobiles & cameras are not allowed inside the temple. Other two important shrines are Thekkedom Ugra Narasimma & Thiruvambadi Krishna. After worshiping all the deities, visited Sreekanteswaram Mahadev temple.

Trivandrum - Sreekandeswaram Mahadev temple (Temple 73)
Address: Sreekandeswaram Mahadev temple, Temple Road, Nalumukku, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023

Sreekandeswararm Mahadev temple 

Sreekandeswaram Mahadev temple was an ancient Shiva temple more than 700 years old. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva who is Self manifested (Swoyambhu Lingam). It is believed that Goddess Parvathi's presence is also in the temple but there is no separate shrine for her.

Sub deities available in the temple are Maha Ganapathy, Lord Murugan, Lord Anchaneya, Sree Krishna, Swami Ayyappan & Nagaraja. Offered our prayers to all the deities & then visited Aatukaal Bhagavathy temple.

Trivandrum - Aattukaal Bhagavathy temple (Temple 74)
Address: Aattukaal Bhagavathy temple, Manacaud P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009

Aattukaal Bhagavathy temple

Aattukaal Bhagavathy temple is one of the ancient temples of South India which is also known as 'Sabarimala for women' which attracts lot of women devotees.

The presiding deity Aattukaal amman is the supreme preserver & destroyer. Aattukaal pongala is one of the reputed festival celebrated every year at this temple where 15 lakhs of women devotees used to participate. Had wonderful dharshan & got the blessings of Aattukaal amma.

Trivandrum - Kunjaravala amman temple (Temple 75)
Address: Kunjaravala Amman temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009

On the way, got to visit Kunjaravala amman, offered our prayers to the presiding deity Durga and then visited Thriuvallam Sree Parasurama Kshetram.

Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Kshetram (Temple 76)
Address: Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama temple, Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695027

Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Kshetram

A temple dedicated to Lord Parasurama, who is the mythological creator of Kerala. The temple was built during 12th 0r 13th century. 

At Parasurama Kshetram

The temple has got 3 separate shrines for the Trimurthis of Hindu religion - Lord Shiva, Lord Mahavishnu & Lord Brahma. Offered our prayers and then visited Karikkakom Sri Chamundi devi temple.

Karikkakom - Sree Chamundi devi temple (Temple 77)
Address: Karikkakom Sri Chamundi temple, Karikkakam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695007

Karikkakom Sree Chamundi devi temple

Karikkakom Sree Chamundi devi temple was the final temple visited for the day. The temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundi worshiped in 3 forms - Maha Chamundi, Bala Chamundi and Raktha Chamundi.

Sri Chamundi devi temple

Other deities available in the temple are Ganapathy, Saastha, Bhuvaneswari, Ayiravalli. We got to see 12 PM dharshan and got great blessings from Chamundi.

Wonderful day at the temples of Trivandrum !

Mahashivratri Celebration with the consecration of Adi Yogi - Feb'17

24th Feb'17

One of the most memorable Mahashivrathri, I ever had before. One of my friend, Shanmugapriya is a member of ISHA foundation & she invited me many times for the event to be held at Vellingiri Foot hills, Coimbatore

Vellingiri Hills

On this fine day, I have reached near Muthuthottam via Ola cab. From there, Priya & her friends accompanied me to the venue.

At ISHA foundation

Priya has got Isha resident pass for our entire group as it was the most expected Historical event and was more crowded. Beautiful evening started with Sadhguru's speech about Yoga & the Primeminister Narendra Modi Inaugurated the event & unveiled the Statue of 112 ft Adi Yogi

112 ft Adi Yogi

Volunteers arranged the event in very grand manner. Served dinner for everyone. Cultural events started - Isha Songs, Speeches etc., Sadhguru asked everyone to chant the mantra 'Sambo' around 12 A.M. Around 3 A.M, we have visited Dhyanalinga temple

Coimbatore - Dhyanalinga temple (Temple 70)
Address: Dhyanalinga temple, Isha Yoga Center, Velliangiri Foothills, Isha Vihar Post, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 114

Dhyanalinga temple was more crowded during the time of our visit. We chanted the following mantra, initiated by Sadhguru 112 times..

Yoga Yoga Yogeshwaraya,
Bhoodha Bhoodha Bhoodeshwaraya,
Kaala Kaala Kaaleshwaraya,
Shiva Shiva Sarveshwaraya,
Sambo Sambo Mahadevaya!!

Mahashivrathiri event ended by Sadhguru's speech at 6.A.M., was awake for the whole night and a most blessed Mahashivrathiri !!

First time Visit to Kanchipuram - Dec'13

Kanchipuram - One of the seven holiest cities of India & Garuda Purana enumerates Seven cities as Provides of Moksha namely Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Avantika, Dwaraka & Kanchipuram. For a long time, it was my desire to visit the temples at Kanchipuram.

7th Dec'13: 
On a fine Saturday early morning, myself along with Praveen started to Kanchipuram. First temple, we got to visit was Varadharaja temple.

Kanchipuram - Varadharaja perumal temple (Temple 63; Divyadesam 3)

Address: Varadharaja Perumal temple, Nethaji Nagar, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631 501

Varadharaja Perumal at Kanchipuram

Varadharaja Perumal temple - one of the celebrated Vaishnave Divyadesams, and have been visited by 12 poet saints (Alwars).

Varadharaja perumal temple - Front View

The presiding deity of the temple is Varadharaja perumal in standing posture. Had a great dharshan of Perumal. Then, prayed to perundevi thaayar, available in separate shrine. 

Another important significance of the temple is the Golden Lizard. If we touch the Lizard, all the dhoshams related to Lizard will get disappeared.
Stood in queue, and touched the Lizard. After a great dharshan & worship, visited Ekambareswarar temple.

Kanchipuram - Ekambareswarar temple (Temple 64; Paadal petra stalam 5; Dhivyadesam 4; Pancha Bootha Stalam 1)
Address: Ekambareswarar temple, S mada street, Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631 502

Ekambareswarar temple at Kanchipuram

Ekambareswarar temple is one of the Pancha Bootha stalams representing Earth, it is also listed as one of the 275 Paadal petra stalams.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Ekambareswarar. The temple also houses Nilathingal thundam perumal temple, which is a Divyadesam. Offered my prayers to Lord Shiva & Perumal.

Another important significance of the temple is a mango tree of 3500 years old.

Ancient Mango Tree of 3500 years Old

This tree has 4 branches, representing 4 vedas (Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda & Atharva Veda). Interesting part associated with the tree is fruits from 4 different branches gives different taste. After worshiping here, we had lunch at Saravana Bhavan and visited Kamakshi amman temple around 3 pm.

Kanchipuram - Kamakshiamman temple (Temple 65; Dhivyadesam 5)
Address: Kamakshiamman temple, New No. 6, Old No. 144/A, Kamakshi Amman Sannithi Street, Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631 502

Kamakshi amman temple at Kanchipuram

Kamakshi amman temple is an ancient temple associated with Adhi Sankaracharya. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Kamakshi amman, is seated in majestic padmasana, an Yogic posture signifying peace & prosperity. Had a wonderful dharshan of Kamakshi amman.

At Kamakshi amman temple

The temple also houses Tirukalavanur divyadesam, Lord Vishnu shrine glorified by Alwars. After offering my pranams, visited Kachhaeswarar temple.

Kanchipuram - Kachhabeswarar temple (Temple 66)

Address: Kachabeswarar temple, Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram District, Pillaiyarpalayam, Tamil Nadu 631 501

Kachhabeswarar temple at Kanchipuram

Kachabeswarar temple is an important temple at Kanchipuram which is located at 1km distance from Ekambareswarar temple. 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the name of Kachabeswarar and Goddess Soundarambikai. Worshiped the deities & then visited Kumarakottam Murugan temple.

Kanchipuram - Kumarakottam Murugan temple (Temple 67)
Address: Kumarakottam Murugan temple, SH58, Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631 502

Kumarakottam - Murugan temple

Kumarakottam Murugan temple is one of the 21 major temples at Kanchipuram and is an important pilgrimage center. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Muruga.

At Kumarakottam Murugan temple 

The place where Lord Muruga imprisoned Brahma for ignoring the OM - Pranava mantra. 
After worshiping Lord Muruga, visited Chitragupta Swamy temple.

Kanchipuram - Chitragupta swamy temple (Temple 68)
Address: Chitragupta swamy temple, Hospital Road, Nellukkara Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631 502

Chitragupta swamy temple is one of the rare temples of Hindu deity - Chitragupta, considered to be the assistant of Yama, the Hindu God of death.

After offering my prayers here, visited Kailasanatha temple.

Kanchipuram - Kailasanatha temple (Temple 69)
Address: Kailasanathar temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631 501

Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram

Kailasanatha temple is one of the ancient rock-cut temple in Kanchipuram dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Temple which has got wonderful sculptures, if we come around the presiding deity - Lord Shiva via cave, it's similar to visiting Kailash.

Kailasanathar temple - Kancheepuram

Most blessed day at the temples of Kanchipuram.