Temples near Karaikal

It is with great reverence the Emperors have constructed the Temples which speak volumes about their dedication. They did not impede the imagination of the sculptors as long as they remained within the frame work of Agama shastra and Silpa shastra. It is also said that the sculptors had agreed to begin a project work with the king except going for the repetition of marvellous work done at Thiruvalanchuzhi- {Single stone Window}, Thiruveezhimizhalai{Pillairless Hall}, Thirupperundurai(Avudayar Koil)- {Kodungai} and Thirunanipalli(Punjai- Vimanam). Temples built by Kochengat Chola were constructed on raised platform (Maada Koil). Our Journey along the East coast of Tamilnadu will come across many Temples which are more than 1000 years old. Karaikal and its suburbs drew our attention when we covered some Historic Temples in that region.

It takes nearly 8 hours to reach Karaikal if we start from Chennai. Since we break the journey en route, it should take couple of hours more. For instance we stopped at Thiruppadiripuliyur (Cudalore) after crossing Pondicherry. The Temple is well maintained and the locals show interest in upkeeping it. The sthala vruksham(Holy Tree) is Padhiri , hence the name. Lord Paataleeswarar has been sung in Thevaram Hymns by Thirugnana Sambandar(for whom there is a separate shrine facing the main Temple) and Appar. When Mahendra Pallava who ruled in 6A.D. was influenced by Jain saints , Appar who returned to Saivism was tied with a rock and thrown into the sea. A miracle happened at that time when Appar sang "Panchakshara Padhigam". The stone started floating and the waves safely carried Appar to the coast. On seeing this , the King repented for his mistake and apologised. Appar in sitting posture occupies a shrine inside the inner prakaram , facing the sanctum.

Thirukkadavur was the next destination during the trip. After crossing Chidambaram and Sirkazhi, one has to take the road leading to Nagapattinam. The sign board at Akkur "Mukkoottu" will guide us to Thirukadavur. This is the place where Lord Shiva destroyed Yama and saved His devotee, Markandeya. Many aged couples who throng here on their 61st / 71st /81 st birthday conduct Homam at various places inside the Temple. Amruthakadeswarar,Abhirami and Kalasamharamurthi are important deities of the West facing Temple.

We joined the coast line at Tharangambadi and proceeded towards Karaikal. We halted at Thiruvettakkudi, where the Lord Thirumeni azhagar (Sundareswarar) appeared as a Hunter in front of Arjuna and fought with him. The Temple presents a new look after the renovation. It is sung in Sambandar Thevaram. Idols of Shiva & Parvathi as Hunters and Arjuna are seen in the shrine.

On the outskirts of Karaikal Town is Thiruth Thelicherry , now known as Koil karai Pathu. It is also sung by Sambandar. Naattukottai Nagarathar have renovated the west facing Temple .The Lord is called Parvatheeswarar and Ambal as Swayamvara Thapaswini. Sun's rays fall on the main deity in the Tamil month of Panguni.

Naganatha Swami Temple at Nagore is regarded as an important shrine in the Puranas. According to the Legend, the Great Serpent, Adhisesha worships Shiva on Maha Shivarathri at Nageswara swami Temple Kumbakonam, Nageswara Swami Temple at Thiru Nageswaram, Seshapureeswarar Temple at Thiruppaamburam and finally at Naganatha Swami Temple, Nagore. A five Tier Raja Gopuram adorns the entrance and a majestic Nandi is seen in the front Mandapam. Beautiful images of Gaja Samharamurthi, Bhikshadana, Ekapadha Murthi,Ganga Visarjana Murthi and Sarabeswara are seen in the front side of the Gopuram. People visiting Thirunallaru should not miss visiting this sacred Temple.

Yazhmoori natha swami Temple at Dharumapuram is situated 2 km ahead of Thirunallaru. Sambandar sang "Yaazhmoori Padhigam" which could not be reproduced by Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpanar in his "Yaazh", a string instrument. Such a great Temple is under renovation.

Thirunallaaru is busy on all days but the crowd surge more on saturdays and "Sani Peyarchi" period. "Dharbhai", a form of grass is the Holy Tree found in the prakaram. The Lord is therefore known as Dharbharanyeswarar who is sung in Thevaram by all the three Nayanars.

Karaikal is the birth place of Karaikal Ammaiyar whose life and works are described in Peria Puranam. There is a Temple for Karaikal Ammaiyar in the middle of the Town. Since she obtained the Holy mango fruits from the Lord to be offered to her husband, people offer mangoes in the Tamil month of Ani when Bhikshadanar from the Temple is taken out for procession (Photo courtesy: Dinamalar)

Three in one makes Unparallel

Visiting Kashi and Rameswaram continues to be top in the agenda of every devout Hindu. It is considered as an act to open the Gateway to God. But our tradition which is bound by Sastras and Puranas shows enormous amount of compassion towards those who can ill afford to spend time and money to offer worship at these places. They are not only lenient but show the alternate path to reach the goal. While doing so, the direction shown always reminds people not to forget Kashi. For example, six places in the elstwhile Thanjavur Dt of Tamilnadu are indicated on par with Kashi. They are Mayuram (Mayiladuthurai), Thiruvidaimarudur, Thiruvaiyaru, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam, and Srivanchiyam.

Interestingly, we find many Kashi Vishwanatha Temples in Mayuram. Cauvery river that flows across the town is regarded as Ganges as a dip here is regarded equal to the bath taken at Kashi. The important deities of Kala Bhairava and Tundi Ganapathi are also installed in separate shrines on the southern bank of Cauvery.Utsava idols of Medha Dhakshinamurthi and Ganga Devi are taken to Cauvery during the Tamil month of Aipasi (Oct-Nov) and a dip in the river on that day is as Holy as the one we have at Kashi.

The Panchanatheeswara (Aiyarappar) Temple in Mayuram belongs to the Chola period.It is on Mayuram- Thiruvarur road and one can walk down about a KM from the Big temple of Mayuranatha.In the absence of Rajagopuram, the entrance is beautified by installing fine images of Shiva and Parvathi flanked by Ganapathi,Subramanya, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Dhakshinamurthi. Tall statues of Dwarapalakas are also seen on both sides of the entrance. Like in Thiruvaiyaru, the deities of The Lord and The Goddess are taken in a palanquin to seven Temples located in and around Mayuram. This "Saptha Sthana Utsavam" was restarted few years ago by the efforts taken by the Adheenam and the devotees.

The west facing Temple has beautifully carved deities in Deva koshtam. They include Ardhanareeswara and Dhakshinamurthi. A small tank is seen in the front and The Goddess' (Dharmasamvardhani) shrine is facing south. Lot of inscriptions are seen on the outer wall of the Sanctum. Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam who maintain the Temple have renovated it and performed Kumbabishekam few years back.

MahaGanapathi of this Temple remains in our memory for a long time after the visit. Mayuram has thus become the place where we get the opportunity of remembering both Kashi and Thiruvaiyaru together. Hence it is no wonder why the Tamil proverb claims the place an unparallel one ( "Aayiramaanaalum Mayuram aagaathu". )

Divine Route -- Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur

Kumbakonam region of Chola Kingdom offers cluster of awesome Temples , each one carrying evidence in the form of inscriptions to tell the History of the past glory. Probably for every 2-3 km, there is a village that has an ancient Shiva Temple.

If one takes the Thiruvarur route from Kumbakonam, the journey has to be broken at Saakkottai, about 3 Km from Kumbakonam. Sivapuram Temple where Lord Vishnu had worshipped Shiva(Siva Gurunatha) in the form of white pig , is hardly 2 Km from here. Sambandar and Appar have sung Hymns in praise of the Lord of this place. Bhairava Sannadhi of this temple is very popular among the devotees who offer worship on Ashtami days.

The road leading to Mannargudi from Saakootai will immediately take us to Kalayanallur within a distance of 2 Km. The utsava idol of Sri Amruthakalasanatha Swami will be taken to Mahamaham Tank once in 12 years.The Hymns of this Temple can be found in Sundarar Thevaram. Marudanallur is hardly 2 km away from here where we find Shiva Temple sung by Sambandar. This place was called Karukkudi during that time. Karukkudinatha Swami is Swayambu and the Archaka places a copper cover while performing Abhishekam. The Temple is being renovated and Kumbabishekam will be conducted on Sunday, 10th July,2011.

Journey towards Thiruvarur from Saakkottai for about 3 Km will take us to Arisikkarai Puthur, now known as Azhagaputhur. Sri Swarnapureeswara Swami Temple is surrounded by paddy fields and the atmosphere is very calm and breathtaking. Pugazh Thunai Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, belonged to this place. He did not leave the Temple even when people of the entire village deserted the place due to severe draught. He was blessed by the Lord who gave him one measure of coins every day to save him from the draught. Sung by all the three Acharyas in Thevaram, the Temple has a Subramanya sannadhi in which the Lord carries conch and Chakra in His hands.

Just before reaching Nachiar Koil, we come across Sidheeswara swami Temple at Thiru Narayur (Not to be confused with Thirunaarayoor, near Kaattumannargudi). The main deity is worshipped by Gorakka Siddhar and other siddhars, Hence the Lord is named Siddheeswarar. Thevaram Hymns of Sambandar and Sundarar call this place as Narayur Siddheeswaram. Deva Koshtams such as Bhikshadanar, Nataraja,Agasthya, Ganapathi and Gorakkar worshipping Shiva draw our attention. The Goddesss is on the right of Swami Sannadhi, both facing west.

Sara Parameswara Temple at Thirucherai, about 3 km from here is our next destination. Runa Vimochana Lingam in the Prakaram is worshipped by many to get rid of debts. People come to offer prayers in large numbers on Mondays. The Devakoshtams are wonderful at this place also.

Another 10 minute drive will take us to Naaloor Mayanam, sung by Sambandar. The Temple is about 1 km away from the main road. The priest comes to offer pujas once in a day. The Temple is in fairly good condition but the visitors are not many. A pious family of this village takes care of the visitors and arranges for worship at the shrine. Dakshinamoorthi in the Deva koshtam is a must see for the devotees who seek the Adhi Guru's blessings. One should not miss to see brilliantly carved Chandikeswara in the Prakaram. It is said that a snake encircles the Moola Lingam (as mentioned by Sambandar,"Paaloorum Malaip paambum") occasionally. There is also a sculpture on the wall of the sanctum, showing a king (said to be Aditya Chola)worshipping a Shiva Lingam.

Koneswara swami at Kodavasal is worshipped by Garuda and the Temple is close to the main road, separated by the holy pond.

Of the 70 "Maadak koil" (Elevated structures), built by Ko Chenkat Chola Nayanar, Kudavasal Perunkoil belongs to this group. The shrine built on elevated platform has a huge Vimanam over the sanctum with eye-catching stone idols describing various legends. Ardha- Nareeswara in sitting posture , Dhakshnamoorthi and Bhikshadana Murthi are to be watched by standing close to the vimanam.

Thalayalangadu is another 10 mts drive from Kudavasal. Appar has sung Thiruth Thandagam on Lord Nardhanapureeswara of this Temple. Though the Main Vimanam is renovated, the other parts are getting facelift. The Archaka lives close to the Temple.

By proceeding another 3 Km towards Thiruvarur, we reach PeruVelur, where we find another "Madak Koil" built by Ko Chenkat Chozha Nayanar. Piriya nathar sannadhi is a tall structure and Ambal is known as Abhinna Nayaki. The Lord is sung by Sambandar. Sivacharya's house is nearby and he facilitates us to have dharshan.

The same Sivacharyar who also conducts puja at Thiruk Karaveeram, 2 km from here, takes us over there.There is an alankara mandapam in front of the Temple. One fails to understand why the HR&CE is keeping a blind eye on it. What is left now is a few pillars surrounded by bushes. Dancing sculptures are there made in bricks!! The authorities should wake up now to save the Mandapam. Karaveera Natha swami Temple, Moola Lingam and Ambal are all big in size. Prathyaksha Minnamai, as the Goddess is called, is on the right of Swami Sannadhi. Swami and Ambal Vimanams, standing side by side are a pleasure to watch.

Our last leg of the tour was Sri Swarnapureeswara Swami Temple, Aandaan Koil. We have to come back towards Kumbakonam upto Kudavasal and take the road leading to Valangaimaan and drive for about 15 km. Appar in his Hymns has called this place as Kaduvaaik karaip Puthur. It is renovated and maintained well.

We are of the firm belief that our visit should not be allowed to be confined in admiring Historic places and writing blogs or just to gain spirituality for self. While admiring the past and gaining spirituality, we should also take stock of the present situation of the Temple, its maintenance and the livelihood of Sivacharyars who dedicate their entire lives by staying in the remote villages. In this connection, our Sabha has honoured Sivacharyars of Nine rural Temples in 2010 with a Sambavana of Rs 2000 to each of them. We continue to serve them and it is indeed a sevice to God Himself. Honouring the third batch will take place on Monday, 11th July,2011 at Thiru Narayur (Nachiar Koil) at 9.30 A.M. when Sivacharyars from Karukkudi, Thalayalangadu, Peruvelur and Aandan Koil will assemble here and participate in the event.

Pazhuvur and Govandhaputhur

"Pazhuvettarayars" were ruling Pazhuvur region under the control of Chola Empire. It is on Tiruchi- Ariyalur highway and has three Shiva temples of that period. For easy identification, Pazhuvur is divided into three parts namely, "Keezha pazhuvur" (on the east) , "Mela Pazhuvur" (on the west) and Keezhayur.All the three temples are said to have been worshipped by Sage Jamadagni and his illustrious son, Parasurama. Keezha pazhuvur Alanduraiyappar temple is sung by Thirugnana Sambandar in his Thevaram Hymns. It is mentioned in the Hymn that the temple rituals were conducted by Keralites who settled down there. The legend says that Parasurama himself brought them from Kerala to conduct Pooja at this temple. Some scholars are of the view that Pazhuvettarayars might have brought them as they belonged to the land of Parasurama. This shrine was rebuilt in granite during the reign of Paranthaka Chola-I . It contains inscriptions of the Emperor describing his victory over Pandyas at Vellore. Another inscription of Parakesarivarman says that the temple was reconstructed by Pazhuvettarayan Maravan Kandan This east facing temple has 14 feet square type sanctum. over which the round shaped dome is seen. Devakoshtas include Ganapathi and Dakshinamurthi on the south and Lingodhbava on west , Brahma and Durga on North Prakara. The Mukha mandapa has Kala samhara, Ardhanari, Kalyana sundara, Gangalamurthi,and Bhairava .

Melapazhuvur is about 1.5 km from Keeazhayur and located close to the Main road. Both Melapazhuvur and Keezhayur were collectively called as "Perum Pazhuvur" during Chola Period. Sundareswara Temple at melapazhuvur belongs to the period of Parakesari varman. The Lord of this temple was called "Pagaividai Eechwara grahaththu Mahadevar" in one of the inscriptions. The inscriptions of Raja Raja and Kuloththunga refer the Lord as " Thiruththotramudaya Mahadevar" Probably this name has been translated later into Sanskrit as Sundareswarar. According to the legend, Jamadagni Rishi, father of Parasurama worshipped here and we still find the sage's statue in the Prakara, facing west. There are inscriptions which say that one Pazhuvettarayan kandan maravan had renovated this temple. Another important inscription says that the temple which was built by using bricks had to rebuilt as it was facing ruin. It was rebuilt by Ilangesan during the period of kulothunga Chola and renamed it as Kulothunga Choleeswaram. High statues of dwara palas welcome us at the Raja gopuram entrance . Nandi Mandapam has a beautifully carved Nandi and the Prakara has equally well carved Subramanya, Chandikeswara and Gajalakshmi. The temple needs urgent renovation in order to prevent further damage due to negligence.

Avani Gandarva Eechwara Gruham in Keezhayur is known for Chola masterpieces and is under the control of ASI. One must be lucky to see the gates open as our attempts go in vain on many occasions. There are two west facing shrines inside the compound. They are called as "Agastheeswaram" and "Choleeswaram" Both these temples belong to the period of Adhitha Chola I ( 884 A.D) and are considered as outstanding examples for the construction of vimanam.

Govandhaputhur is located around 25 km from Ariyalur and the temple of Gangajadeswarar presents a new look due to the extensive renovation work undertaken by Thayumanavar Manram, Thiruchirappalli. The once dilapidated temple has been put back to its original glory by the untiring efforts of the Manram and other philanthropists. A similar effort has to be taken for the temple at Vikramangalam which is 4 km away from this place. As the presiding deity is worshipped by Kamadhenu, the place is named as Go vandhaputhur.

River Kollidam flows nearby and one can reach Vijayamangai , sung in Thevaram by crossing the river. Appar has praised Govandhaputhur in his verses on Vijayamangai. Statues which are said to be those of Rajaraja Chola ,his queen and Karikaal Chola are seen in the Prakaram. Durga Devi with prayoga Chakram on Her right hand and the smile on Nataraja's face are not to be missed by the visitors. A damaged statue of Jyeshta Devi is found inside the compound of the nearby school. It is not known why the renovation committee has left the Mandap on the right of Ambal sannadhi untouched . The locals expressed the desire to renovate it as it would involve a low budget. Our Sabha has accepted in principle to renovate it after obtaining the necessary formalities.

Chandikeswara Sannadhis

Madhyarjunam, also known as Thiruvidaimarudur occupies an unique place in the map of Shiva Temples. The Purana says that it is centrally located as the Main sanctum and the Linga murthi is not named as seen in other places. he is simply called Mahalingamurthi, considering the importance of the place. It is also viewed as the Shiva Sannadhi of a temple for which the sub shrines(Parivara sannadhis) are surrounded though distantly. Ganapathi Sannadhi is at Thiruvalanchuzhi on Kumbakonam- Thanjavur route and Subramanya sannadhi is at Swamimalai, about 5 Km from Kumbakonam.

Thiruvalanchuzhi Temple is of Chola Period and is very big in size. The Vinayaka Sannadhi is unique as the window in front of Vinayaka is made of single stone and gives a look as if it is made of wood. In those days, the sculptors refused to reproduce certain masterpieces before entering into new contracts , Thiruvalanchuzhi Window is one among them. Ganapathi inside the sannadhi is worshipped by Indra and Vishnu. The utsava murthi has two consorts namely Siddhi and Buddhi. Kapardheeswara Sannadhi behind this shrine is a splendour in stone.

One has to cross the rivers Cauvery and Arasalaru before reaching Swamimalai, the abode of Subramanya. His Sannadhi is located at an elevated place with sixty steps representing Tamil years. Since this place falls under the six abodes of Subramanya, people visit in large numbers to offer their prayers.

Chandikeswara sannadhi for Mahalingamurthi is at Thirucheignalur, which is around 15 km from Kumbakonam on the way to Thirupanandal on Chennai High way. The temple is situated two km away from the High way. This is the birth place of Chandikeswara. His boyhood name was Vichara sarma. When he was seven years old , upanayanam was conducted for him and everyone was surprised to see the pace at which he learnt the Vedas. As it was his turn to take the cows to green pastures, he obliged to do it willingly as he had passion to do it. He worshipped Lord Shiva by making a Lingam out of the sands of the river manniyaaru. The river attained this name after Subramanya who once visited the place and performed Sivapuja. Hence the place got the name, "Seignalur" as the word "Sei" in Tamil means "Kumara" or son. On seeing his son milking the cows and performing abhishekam to sivalingam under an ""Aathi" tree, Vicharasarma's father became angry and kicked the milkpot with his leg. Vicharasarma instantly realised that whoever does "Sivaparatha" should be punished. The stick he had in his hand became an axe and he cut his father's leg with that. The Lord appeared in front of the child and blessed him by offering the garland taken from His head and was crowned as Chandikeswara.
The Temple at Thirucheignalur is in good shape as the renovation was carried out few years back. Sathyagireeswara shrine is on an elevated place. He is praised in Thevaram Humns by Thirugnanasambandar wherein Chandikeswara's story is mentioned. Sekkizhar in his Periapuranam gives a detailed account of the place and the devotion of Vicharasarma . This place was also one among the five venues where the new Kings of Chola dynasty were crowned. There is a separate sannadhi for Subramanya in the Prakara in which the Lord is seen riding on a peacock.The priest comes here once in a day from a nearby village to offer Puja.

Thiruvapadi can be reached from Thirucheignalur by taking the High way again and proceeding towards Thirupanandal. This is the place where Chandikeswara performed abhisheka with Cow's milk under the "Aathi" tree. Hence the Lord is known as "Paal Ugantha Nathar" . The Temple presents a new look, thanks to the renovation committee members. "aathi" tree is seen in the Prakara, Unusually, the vimanam above Chandikeswara shrine is a huge one. It shows the importance attached to him by the Chola Emperors.Thirunavukkarasu Nayanar has sung Thevaram Hymns on the Lord in which he has indicated the Sivapuja done by the young Vicharasarma.

Both Thirucheignalur and Thiruvapadi deserve better attention as we find only one kala puja in both places. Milk is rarely offered for abhishekam and there are no sponors either within the village or from outside.Our efforts to offer cows to the Temple was not welcomed as no one was prepared to look after them. The only option left is to purchase Cow's milk from the villagers and offer the same to the temple. The primary concern is the absence of a person who can take lead role and organise things properly without any break. People should think loud instead of just visiting the temples. We must instil confidence in the mind of sponsors and assure that their initiative will never go as a waste and utilised in the way they wanted.

Vaidyanatha Temples

Pandavas of Mahabharat are said to have worshipped the temples near Mayiladuthurai to get rid of their serious illness. These temples are known as "Vaidyanatha Kshetrams" where the presiding Deity is called Vaidyanatha and His consort is known as Balambikai. Those who start from Mayiladuthurai can take the road leading to Pandur via Maapadugai and Ponnur. Anniyur is the other name for Ponnur village in Thevaram Hymns. Lord Abhathsahayeswara of Anniyur Temple is also called Vigucharanyeswara and Agneeswara as He is worshipped by Agni under a Lemon Tree. Since Manmatha, Rathi's husband was burnt by Shiva with His Third eye at Thirukkurukkai, south of this place, Rathi came to Anniyur and worshipped Him. Hence the Lord is also called Ratheeswara as He blessed Rathi. He is also known as Abhathsahaya as He blessed Harichandra. Sun God had created a Pond (Bhaskara/Surya Theertham) and worshipped Sri Shiva here. Sun's rays reach the sanctum in the month of Panguni (26-30) every year to support the Legend. Pandavas too visited this place to offer their worship , hence the Name, Pandaveswara. The Temple presents a new look now following renovation and consecration work carried out recently.

Sri Vaidyanatha Swami Temple at Pandur is about 3 Km from Ponnur. Surya Pushkarani , a beautiful Pond is in front of the Temple. The Sanctum faces East and Goddess Balambika faces South. A small shrine for Shakthi Durga , facing East is on the Prakara. Bilwa Tree is the sthala Vruksham here. Brahmothsavam is said to have been conducted on the eve of Panguni Uththiram. As Lord Vishnu in His incarnation as Krishna advised Pandavas to worship Lord Vaidyanatha here to overcome the incurable disease , He is known s Pandava Sahaya Perumal whose separate shrine is nearby. Chandrangatha, Pandu, Chandikai, and Nala have also got rid of their illness after worshipping at Pandur.This temple is being renovated now and the consecration is expected to take place in another couple of months. Those desirous of making contribution to this noble cause may contact the renovation committee (Sri Radhakrishnan on 09444533738 and Sri Ramanathan on 09282233044) to get more details.

Although Pancha Vaidyanatha Kshetrams include Vaidheeswaran Koil, some people are of the opinion that there are five Temples excluding Vaidheeswaran Koil and in this process they include Panayur, 2Km away from Pandur. The Temple is in the midst of paddy fields. As the original temple was under irrepairable condition, the villagers have raised a make-shift temple in the same place by restoring the deities inside. Though the villagers want to raise a permanant structure to house the Deities, paucity of funds prevent them from doing so. Tall trees of Palm are there in front of the temple with a beautiful pond on the other side.

Another 4 Km drive from Panayur will take us to Aiva nallur. This place might have been called as "Aivar Nallur" as Aivar (Pancha Pandavas) have visited this place. The situation at Aivanallur is similar to what we have seen at Panayur. The old temple is no longer there and all Deities are housed inside a thatched shed. Some damaged idols are also seen on the banks of the pond nearby. A huge "Magizha" vruksham adorns the bank of the pond. The villagers express their willingness to build the Temple provided some philanthropists join them to take up the job.

Varagadai Vaidyanatha Temple is a huge one and it is located some 5 km from Aivanallur.One has to cross Korkai (Kurukkai Veerattanam) on the way to reach Varagadai. As the priest of varagadai temple lives at Kurukkai, it is better to check his availability at his house before proceeding to Varagadai. The Historic Temple at Varagadai carry inscriptions and structures belonging to pallavas and Cholas. Renovation work has started and compound wall on one side remains to be erected. However the renovation committee is optimistic of completing the work at the earliest to perform the consecration. The idols of Subramanya carved in a single stone and that of Dhakshi-namurthi are a treat to the eyes. Dhakshinamurthi in the Deva goshtam has a Bhaktha with folded hands instead of the usual Chanakadhi Rishis. The Nandi Mandapam has Lion Pillairs reminding us of the Pallava Dynasty.

The only West facing shrine in the group of Vaidyanathams other than the one at Vaidheeswaran Koil is at Radha Nallur. It can be reached from Varagadai (~7 Km) by crossing Manalmedu.This temple had suffered extensive damage and it is being renovated. Work on Ambal Vimanam is almost over and other vimanams and sannadhis are yet to be renovated. This pathetic situation would have been avoided had the shrine been renovated and consecrated once in 12 years as prescribed by Shivagamas. This temple is also visited by pilgrims to get cured from serious illness.

Yet another Vaidyanatha Temple is at Mannipallam, 2 km from Thirupungur on Vaidheeswaran koil- Manalmedu road. The Deity, 7 1/2 feet high is called Aadhi Vaidyanatha and the temple is being renovated.Further details can be had from 0 9444526253.

The visit to Vaidyanatha kshetrams can be completed by reaching Vaidheeswaran Koil which is a famous pilgrim centre. It is on Chidambaram- Mayiladuthurai road and also connected by train. Sidhdhamirtha Theertham inside the Temple is believed to cure incurable diseases.Since Ankaraga has worshipped Vaidyanatha Swami here, people visit this temple to seek remedy for Ankaraga Dosham.Lord Subramanya is called "Selva Muthukumara Swami" here and people in large numbers worship Him on Kruthigai days.

Sri Vaidyanatha Swami is The KulaDevatha of hundreds of families in India and abroad. We appeal to them to visit all the Vaidyanatha kshetrams as well and take part in their renovation work and daily maintenance. If there are takers to this appeal, the Vaidyanatha Kshetrams in thatched sheds can be rebuilt and restored to their old glory. It is indeed nobler than pouring money to rich places.We do not know how many of us will take the call in the right spirit.

Tail end Areas of Cauvery

Pilgrimage in Chola Kingdom has always been a wonderful experience. Though a large area of this region does not contain mountains, it is amazing to see large number of temples made of granite structures and sculptures.That shows the dedication of the Emperors who ruled the region. During the recent visit to Mayiladuthurai and its suburbs, I was joined by my friend,Shri Ganesh who was equally interested in visiting the ancient temples. In my opinion, it is not going to help either the temples which remain isolated in small villages or the priests who conduct daily pujas for a negligible income.if people just visit them , admire the historic structure, idols and inscriptions and go back to their places to write travelogues. That is why we have been repeatedly appealing for field work by volunteers. Although few groups are engaged in cleaning the temples on monthly basis, it is not at all enough if we consider the number of neglected temples. It is with this purpose we undertake visits with prayer on our lips. It also helps to identify the places where renovation is required and other conditions prevailing over there. Only one "Kaala" Puja is being conducted in many village temples where four "Kaala pujas" were held. That too is erratic in few places. We need to address all these issues jointly on our return from the pilgrimage.

It was raining cats and dogs when we entered Sri Lakshmipureeswara Swami Temple at Thiruninriyur, on the way to Vaitheeswaran Koil. The deity is worshipped by Mahalakshmi, Parasurama and sage Agasthya and sung in Thevaram Hymns by all the three Acharyas. The priest lives near the main entrance of the temple. We took him inside the shrine to enable us to worship the deities. The temple is being maintained by Dharmapuram Adheenam. The last Kumbabishekam was conducted some 50 years ago and the temple needs urgent renovation as the roof was badly leaking in both swami and ambal sannadhis. It was pathetic to see the archaka standing in ankle dep water in ardhamandapam to perform the pujas. The outer prakaram was no way better !! Plants were seen all around and rooted in temple tower too. The situation was similar when we visited the other temple managed by the same Adheenam at Thalaignayiru. Kumbabishekam for this temple was conducted by the then Head some 50 years before.

It is always fascinating to visit the tail end areas of Cauvery Delta. It is rich with historic temples on both banks of the river until it joins the sea at Poompuhar ,the capital of Karikal Chola.
We proceeded to Marudur and visited Sri Rajarajeswara Swami temple accompanied by Sri Swaminathan of Kumbakonam, a native of this place. It is a well maintained temple, suroounded by beautiful plants,herbs and trees. The atmosphere is so divine that everyone could wish to stay for a long time. My friend takes lot of effort to complete the renovation work and conduct the Mahakumbabishekam at the earliest. Our Sabha also made its contribution for this noble cause.

Melapathi is a place close to Marudur which is on the way to Poompuhar. It has two beautiful temples of ancient origin. The first one is Navaneetheswarar(Vennai nathar) temple which has arjuna (Marudha) vriksham(tree) in the prakara. The tree is quite old and stands as a testimony to the ancient nature of the temple. 13 chapters of Brahmanda Puranam describes the legend pertaining to this temple. The Shiva Linga Bhanam is white in colour as Brahma established it in the form of butter. The deity is also worshipped by one Susarma, who became a cat on eating the butter kept by Kanva Maharshi for Shivapuja. One can se the marks made by the cat on the Bhanam even now. It is equally amazing to see the age-old sthalavruksha (Arjuna tree) which is hollow,yet bearing branches and leaves. The temple priest is knowledgeable and dedicated. He stays close to the temple.

On the east of Navaneetheswara temple is Jwarahareswara temple of Chola Period. It is also maintained very well and the Goddess is around 7 feet tall and full of grace. The shrine looked great even though the light was poor at the time of sunset.

Thiruvilayattam is a place located on Sembanar koil- Nallaadai route. It is a Maada Koil, built by Kochchengat Chozha Nayanar. The Mahalingam is "swayambu", hence called "Thaan thonreeswarar". Ambal is known as "Mullaivana Nayaki". The temple has been renovated in 2003 and looks good. Unfortunately, the pujas are not carried out regularly as no archaka wishes to perform it for the poor income. The locals have made some temporary arrangements and are looking for a permanent solution.

We went to Perambur which is primarily a Subramanya shrine. It also houses a Shiva shrine (sung by Appar as "Vaippu sthalam") . Dhakshinamurthi is in the form of Guha Dhakshinamurthi. A peacock is seen at His feet instead of the usual "Muyalagan".

Our next leg of the tour was Kaliyakudi where Goddess Kali worshipped Shiva after destroying the demon,Ambaran. A sculpture showing Kali worshiping Shiva is seen on the wall.
We wound up the tour by visiting Pazhayar, Pavattakudi and Thalaiyur,the birth place of Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar.

At the end of the tour, we thought of honouring Sivacharyas of this region sometime in March/April next year which alone can make the pilgrimage purposeful and cherishable.