Arakanda Nallore, Athulya Nadeswarar Temple, Vizhupuram.

Arakanda Nallore: Athulya Nadeswarar Temple.



This place Arakanda Nallore is about 2 kms from Thiru koiloore and 35 kms from Vizhupuram. This is one of the Nadu Nadu Devara sthalam. Previously the place was known as Arayani Nallore. The temple is on a hillock near the confluence of Gowthami River and River Penna.












The temple Raja gopuram is of seven tiers.




Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and teertham is River Penna.








Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Athulya Nadhar / Oppila Maneeswarar facing west under Rudraksha mandapam. His consort known as Soundra Kanakambikai / Azhagiya Ponnamai in standing posture is seen in different sanctum. Goddess is holding Alli Flower in her left hand and Lotus flower in her right hand. The temple is considered to be Gyana Yoga Sakthi Peetam.



Nandi is seen facing slightly towards right side with his ears turned towards the main sanctum, as if, he is ready to hear, what Lord Siva says. Here he is known as Sevimadukkum Nandi Devar.
Adikara Nandi is seen slightly moved towards Left side. When Sambandhar came to this place the doors of temple, were shut by the followers of other religion and worship was totally stopped. Sambandhar sang Hymns about Lord Siva here, and the doors opened immediately and then onwards rituals were started again. Both Nandi and Adikara Nandi seen slightly moved to either sides with their face turned towards left and right side respectively, for Sambandhar to have a clear darshan of Lord Sri Athulya Nadhar.



Other deities seen in the temple are Swayambu Valampuri Vinayakar, Mutthu Kumarar seen with six hands, Vishnu seen with Pryoga Chakkram in his hand with Lakshmi Devi, Kati hastha Durgai, Jeshta Devi, Asithanga Bairavar, Chandeekeswarar, Saptha madhar, Saneeswarar and Navagraham. Saneeswarar in the navagraham sanctum is seen with his right leg placed on his vahanam crow. Biravar is seen without his vahan dog.







Sambandar sanctum







There is a sanctum for Ramana Maharishi in the temple.



Eesanar, Durvasar and Viswamitra Rishi wanted to learn thoroughly about Eswara sakthi. So they approached Hygragreevar who is supposed to be god for Gyanam. Lord Hyagreevar joined with them and approached Lord Murugan for Upadesam. When they went to Lord Murugan he took them to His mother Goddess Parvathy.



Mother Goddess blessed them and asked them to visit Krishnaranyam on Earth where confluence of Penna and Gowthami River happens. To the north bank of this place there is a Hillock with power of Gyana Sakthi. Goddess asked them to meditate in this place about Lord Sivato get good result. Lord Siva was impressed with their penance and appeared before them. Lord gave Upadesam about Veda Agama Nadham. Lord Siva’s Upadesam to them about the Nadham was so clear and precise; they addressed him as Sri Athi Tulya Nadha Eswarar, which over a period changed into Sri Athula Nadeswarar.








There is a sanctum for Annamalayarhere. Sambandharafter worshippingLord Siva here wanted to visit Thiruvanna malai and worship Annamalayaar. But it did not happen so, he thought of Annamalayaar and installed a Siva Lingam and worshipped Him. This sanctum is seen in-between Sri Athulya Nadhar Sanctum and Goddess Soundra Kanakambikai.











As we go around the temple, we see Foot prints of Sambandhar placed on a peetam in a place from where he worshipped Annamaliyaar and sang Hymns on Him.




Sthala Purana says Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Siva in this pace to get rid of his dosha for destroying Mahabali. Goddess Lakshmi also came in search of Lord Vishnu to this place. Lord Siva appeared before them here.



Once a muni, by name Neelakantar visited Siva kshetrams, to get rid of his curse. On his way to Thiru Annamlai he took bath in River Penna and sat on the hillock. From place he was able to see Thiru Annamalai, so he decided to worship Lord Siva from this place. He started meditating in this place. Lord Siva was pleased with his worship, and appeared before him with his consort Parvathy, and blessed him to get rid of his curse. Neelakanta Muni prayed Lord Siva, to stay back in the place and bless mankind. Lord Siva is in Swyambu Lingam form known as Araiani Nadahar in this place.







Here we see five caves where Pancha Pandava stayed for sometime during their Agnayatha vasam Period




(Swayambu Lingam)[Gyana sakthi][Eeswara Sakthi][ValampuriVinayakar][AdikaraNandi][Ramana Maharishi]

Thiru Narayur, Thiru Sounderyeswarar temple. Kattumannar koil taluk, Cuddlore District.

Thiru Narayur:  Thiru Sounderyeswarar temple.

This temple is one of the Devara Sthalam in Nadu Nadu temples. The temple is about 6 kms to NE from Kattumannar koil.

The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers.

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Soundaryesar and his consort known as Thirupura Sundari Amman.

Sthala Vruksham is Punnai.

Teertham of the temple is known as Karunya Teertham.

As we go around we see a separate sanctum for Polla Pillayaar. It is a Swayambu Moorthy.

Murugan, Thirumoola Nadhar, Navagraham, Natarajar, Bairavar, Nalvar, Sekizhar sanctums are there. 

We see painting of Polla Pillayaar when we go around the prakaram

Durvasa muni was performing penance here to get darshan of Lord Siva. His penance was disturbed by a Gandhrava. Durvasa Muni cursed him to become a Crane (Naarai) for his act and refused to forgive him. Gandarva prayed to Lord Siva, to suggest way to get relief. Lord Siva asked

to perform abishekam to Him, daily with Ganga water to get out of the curse.

Being a bird it took Ganga water from Varnasi and performed abishekam to Lord Siva here. It got salvation and hence the place is known as Narayur 

Sthala Purana:

Nambi Andar Nambi as a young boy used to watch his father performing pooja to Pollaa Pillayaar and finally offering nivedana (neyvedyam). Once it happened so, the boy had to perform the pooja in absence of his father. When he offered nivedhanam, Pillyaar did not eat. He was worried why Pillayaar is not eating the offering. He started weeping and punishing himself by dashing his head.

Pillayaar was touched with the sincere Bakthi of the child and consumed the offering.

When everyone was talking about this King Rajaraja Cholan came to know about the miracle and he refused to believe. King came with nivedhana and asked Nambi to offer it to Pillayaar. Now the pillayaar was keeping silent. Nambi was worried and sang the Iratai Mani Malai hymns which moved Pillayaar and he consumed the offering in presence of the gathering.

It was Nambi Andar Nambi who gathered Thevaram sung by Moovar which was damaged by pests. Idol of Nambi and King Rajaraja cholan is seen in the temple.

There is a Small sanctum for Nambi Andar Nambi who is seen holding kalasam in his hand.

Thiru Navukkuarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

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.

Thiruvavaduthurai temple. Thiru Mailaduthurai.

1. Thiruvavaduthurai:
   
   
   
   This is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.
   
   
   
   The place is about 16 kms SW of Mailaduthurai, on the banks of River Cauvery. The main Raja gopuram is of five storey and three prakarams inside.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Gomuktheeswarar and his consort known as OPilA Ammai. Sthala vruksham is Palm tree. Teertham is Gomukhi teertham.
   
   
   
   Purana says Uma Devi worshipped Lord Siva in this place in the form of a cow. She was blessed by Lord Siva and she turned into her original form, and took her in him.
   
   
   
   Importance: Devas and Muni’s requested Lord Siva, to bless them by performing his Siva  Thandavam, in which they were interested. Lord Siva fulfilled their wish, here under the Sthala Vruksham.  Muni’s and Brahma got their Upadesam of Siva Gyanam in this place.
   Chittars were granted Athama Siddhi.
   
   
   
   According to Sthala Puranam Thiru Moolar composed 3000 hymns known as Thiru Mandiram in this place.
   
   
   
   Thiru Gyana sambandhar, Sundarar, and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.
   
   
   The temple is under Thiru Kailaya Thiruvavaduthurai Adeenam. The building of Adeenam is adjacent to the temple.
   
   

[Adeenam][Thiru Moolar][hymns]Thiru mandiram]

Velvikudi temple. Kuthalam, Seergazhi.

1. Thiru Velvikudi:
   
   
   This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalams.
   
   
   
   The place is about 2 kms to Kutthalam. The main raja gopuram is of three storeys with two prakarams.
   
   
   
   Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Manavaleeswarar and his consort Parimala sugandha Nayaki ammai.
   
   
   
   Pushkarani is Mangala teertham.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Purana says Parvathy made lingam out of mud and worshipped him for sixteen weeks and got married to Lord Siva in this place.
   Marriage of a prince was stopped, due to the death of brides parents. The prince penanced and worshipped Lord Siva of this place. Lord Siva was pleased with his prayers and he asked his booth ganjas to bring the girl who was fixed previously as a bride and got them married.
   
   
   
   Importance: Sundra moorthy nayanar was cured from leprosy by having a dip in Agni teetham, which is pushkarani of this temple and worshipped Lord Siva. There is no Dwajastham in this temple. One can be relived of all navagraha dosha in this place because Lord Siva and Parvathy's marriage took place here. All preliminary yagam for the marriage was performed here by Brahma in this place.
   
   
   
   The sthala purana says by visiting and praying to Lord Siva here all the hurdles for the delay in marriage gets cleared. On every full moon day yagam is performed in the temple for devotees who come for prayers with marriage ceremony.
   
   
   
   Sambandhar and Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

Thirupunavoil, Pudhukottai district.

1. Thirupunavoil:
   
   
   This is one of 275 Siva Devara temples.
   
   
   
   The place is 25 kms from Avudayar koil.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is huge Swayambu linga known as Pazampadhi nadhar and his consol Katchani mulammai. The Lingam is next to Bragadeeswar temple lingam in its size.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sthala vruksham is Punnai and teertham is Lakshmi teertham. There is a big Nandi in the front of Dwajasthambam. The temple has huge ground and as we go around we see Pancha Vinayakarunder separate roof, Chaturmukha lingam kapila muni with his sons under different roof.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Dakshina murthy is different here, by keeping his both legs down. There is a separate sanctum and gopuram. We see Ganapathy in a small sanctum as we go around the temple. We see Vishnu and Anjaneyar as koshta deivam at the back of Siva temple. Opposite to Lord Subramanya with Valli and Devany.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we procced we see chathurdasa lingam under a roof and Navagraha in different. Goddess in separate sanctum is seen. To the corner of the temple premises we see kali.
   
   
   
   
   Sundharar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Subramanyar of this temple. Thirumal, Brahma, Parvathy, Indra, Surya, Chandran, Yama, Vayu, Agasthiyar have worshiped Siva of this place.
   
   

[sambandhar]Chaturmukha Lingam][Thirupugazh][Chaturdasa Lingam]