Sri. Sishta Guru Natheswarar temple, Thiru Thurayoor, Cuddlore Dt

Sri. Sishta Guru Natheswarar temple: Thiru Thurayoor, Cuddlore Dt.



The place is about 8kms from Bunnrutti, and it is about 32 kms from Cuddalore. This is one of the Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalam. This is also considered as Guru Sthalam.







We see Dwajsthambam in front of he main sanctum.



Sthala Vruksham is Kondrai, and Teertham is Soorya Pushkarani.



Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Sishta Guru Nadeswarar / Pasupatheeswarar and his consort here known as Poongkodhai / Sivaloka Nayaki.







Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Nardhana Vinayakar in separate sanctum, Dakshina Moorthy as Koshta Deivam, where we see Lord Siva who blesses Sundarar as a sculpture, Subramanyar, Bairavar, Soorya Lingam, Rama Lingam, Beema Lingam, Soorya Bagawan, Adi Kesava Bakthavatchalar, Gaja Lakshmi, and Ashtabuja Kali.



Sthala Purana Says when Saint Sundarar reached this place the River Penna was flowing, so he sang Hymn on Lord Siva from the other bank of the River. At that time old couple who came there took him in their boat to cross the River. Sundarar searched for Lord Siva who disappeared from his vision. Old man told Sundarar, the person whom he was searching for is above him. Old man disappeared from there. Sundarar when he saw up, he saw Lord Siva with his consort on Rishba Vahan. Sundarar pleaded to Lord Siva to give Upadesam (teach) about Penance. Lord Siva was pleased and here in this temple as a Guru, he gave Upadesam (teach) to Sundarar about the penance. Hence he is known as Sishta Guru Nadhar / Thava Neri Aaludayar.








There is a, shrine for Thaduthu Aatkonda Eswarar as old man granting darshan for Saint Sundarar, opposite to temple. Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugzh on Lord Subramanyar.






[thavaneri Aaludayar][Rishba Vahan][Soorya Pushkarani][River Penna]

Thiru Vetkalam, Sri Pasupatheeswarar temple. Chidambaram taluk.

Thiru Vetkalam:  Sri Pasupatheeswarar temple.

The temple is about 3kms east of Chidambaram. Now the place is known as Annamalai Nagar.

This is one of the Devara Sthalam of Nadu Nadu Temples.

The main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of three tiers facing east.

  

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Pasupatheeswarar and his consort known as

Sri Sargunambaal / Nalla Nayaki. There is a mark on Siva Lingam.

Teertham of this temple is Krupa Kataaksha Teertham.

Sthala Vruksham of the Temple is Bamboo.



We see pillars with sculpture related to Sthala puranam of this temple in front of Goddess sanctum.

Arjuna is hiding his weapons.

 

As we go around the prakaram we see Siddhi Vinayakar, Murugan, Lakshmi, Meenakshi, Chokka Nadhar, Nalvar, Navagraham, Natarajar, Sooryan and Chandran.

Nardhana Vinayakar and Anugraha Dakshina Moorthy are seen as koshta Deivam. Here Muyalagan near Dakshina Moorthy is facing towards left side which is different from usual posture.

Lord Indra.

Sthala purana says Arjuna wanted to acquire Pasupathasthram to win the battle against Kauravas. Arjuna got all Asthras (weapons) from his father Indra. Krishna told Arjuna, Pasupathasthram can be acquired from Lord Siva only with permission from Indra...  

Arjuna penancing is seen with his one leg, to be blessed by Lord Siva with Pasupathasthram.

Arjuna penanced in this place which was full of Bamboo. Duruyodhana sent Mookasura in the form of pig to spoil the penance of Arjuna. Lord Siva wanted to test Arjuna so He disguised himself as hunter.

Lord Siva with Parvathy appeared as hunter and killed the pig. Four Vedas followed Him as Dogs. Arjuna also aimed at the pig. Before granting Pasupathastharam, Lord Siva wanted to test the ability of Arjuna.

Lord Siva as a hunter is seen fighting with Arjuna.

The hunter (Lord Siva) and Arjuna claimed themselves for the death of pig. From discussion it went to fight and Arjuna's bow broke. Arjuna in anger hit hunter (Lord Siva). The blow was felt by all the living being on earth. Parvathy got angry by Arjuna's act. Lord Siva told Parvathy her anger is not good and it would affect the whole universe. He asked her to cool down move to side.

Lord Siva lifted Arjuna with his leg and threw him Krupa Kataksham. Once Lord Siva’s Leg touched Arjuna, he was blessed.

Lord Siva and Parvathy appeared in front of him. Lord Siva gave Pasupathasthram to Arjuna.

Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkuarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva. Arunagirinadhar Sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.

Teerthana Giri, Kozhundeeswarar Temple, Cuddlore.

Teerthana Giri:    Arulmigu Siva Kozhundeeswarar.

This temple is one of the Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalams. The temple is about 18 kms from Cuddlore on the bank of River Pennai.

Main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers.

Dwajasthambam is seen in front of the temple.

Pushkarani here in the temple is known as Jambuva Thadagam. A sage was cursed to become a Bear which bathed in this tank and got blessed. Hence the name for pushkarani is Jambuva Thadagam.

Sthala Vruksham is Kondrai Tree. Lord was given food under the tree. We see a Siva Lingam under the tree.

As we go around the prakaram we see Nardhana Vinayakar and other sculptures to either side.

Four Boodha Ganas are seen worshipping Vinayakar.

Sculptures related to Sthala puranam.  

 

Lord Dakshina Moorthy is seen sitting on a peetam with his legs folded. Four of his disciples are seen sitting near him. Muyalagan is missing.  Lingothbavar is seen at the back of Lord Siva sanctum, Goddess Durgai is seen to the other side of the wall.

Main Deity in the temple is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Sivakozhundu Eswarar and his consort known as Oppila Nayaki Amman in seperate sanctum. She is also known as Karuthadang kanni and Neeladhambikai. Sun rays fall on Lord Siva on 20,21 and 22 of Panguni Month.(march- April)

Lord Nataraja is seen in separate sanctum with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. This is something rare form. Here Lord Vishnu is seen with his counch and Lord Brahma with Mridhangam. Lord Siva is performing Ananda Thandavam to which Lord Vishnu is singing with is counch and Lord Brahma is playing Mridhangam. Darshan of Lord here is considered beneficial for who aspire for excellance in Music and Dance.

Here crop known as Thinai was cultivated in those days and it was used as Nevaidham for Lord Siva. Hence the place was known as Thiru Thinai. Now the crop is not grown and the practice is discontinued.

Lord Chandikeswara is seen with his consort in this temple.

Sthala Purana says a farmer couple who lived in this village had the habit of taking food only after feeding a Siva Devotee. One day farmer couple did not find any Devotee since Lord Siva tested their faith. At last they went to their field to feed workers who were also missing there. They waited for their return. An old man came there and they requested him to have food. Old man replied he will not accept food as free. He wanted do some work and accept food as wage. Couple asked him to plough the field and accept food. In the meantime they went home to fetch food for old man. When they returned they saw the crop was grown and ready for harvest.

They served the food for the old man under the Kondrai tree and asked him how he was able to do so fast. Old man after eating disappeared. Lord appeared and and told them he came here in disguise as old man. They worshipped and asked him to stay back in the place to bless them. Lord Siva stayed back as Swayambu Lingam in this place as Sivakozhundeeswarar.

 The plough which was used is seen in the temple now also.

Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

Thiruvidaivai temple, Tanjavoore.

1. Thiruvedaivai:
   
   
   The temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The temple is about 2000 years old.
   
   
   
   The place“Thiruvidaivasal is about 42 kms from Tanjavore to Thiruvavore”. One has to take a diversion from Koradachery, and travel 3 kms to reach the temple. The place is nearer to Needamangalam.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we enter we see Nandi in a small mandapam, facing the main deity Lord Siva.
   Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Punyakodiappar and his consort known as Abirami Ammai.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sthala vruksham is Kasturi Arali and teertham is Sri Teertham.
   
   
   
   Other deities seen in the temple as we go around is Vinayakar in small sanctum, Nardhana Vinayakar, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai, Valli Devasena with Subramanyar, Gaja Lakshmi, Bala Sastha, Bairavar, Chandikeswarar, Navagraha, Soorya & Chandran.
   
   
   
   
   
   Here in this temple, “Dakshina Moorthy“ is seen on Simahasana mandapam. Thiru Gyanasambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.